Chapter 23
Warm afternoon sunlight from a nearby window shone bright on Kagome's bare back as she got dressed. Stretching her sore muscles happily, she looked over to an already fully dressed Sesshomaru. "I must go and attend to a few important matters, go to Rin, bring her to my study in an hour. I wish to see her." Sesshomaru instructed, then kissed Kagome's forehead. "I will miss being in your arms all day." Kagome said sadly, as she folded her arms around Sesshomaru in a goodbye hug.
Some time later found Sesshomaru in his study organizing scrolls that collected in his absence. "Taiyo!" The Lord bellowed. Moments later the fox general was kneeled before him. "Sit. We have much to discuss." Sesshomaru command. The daiyoukai began explaining everything the sun goddess disclosed to him, once he finished the fox yelled out abruptly. "This cannot be!" The fox said angrily. "As so I thought." Sesshomaru spoke. "I am sorry to say I have not a clue who it could be milord." The confused general confessed. "Neither have I.'' Replied the Lord. "I will be holding a meeting for the staff to officially meet Kagome as their new Lady. I trust only you to oversee the assemblage. Take note of anyone at all acting out or affronted." Taiyo bowed and replied immediately, "Yes milord! I will gather my most trusted spy's to keep an extra eye out around the shiro as well!" "Hn, I will find this traitor and there will be severe consequences!" Sesshomaru said sternly, almost to himself.
"Taiyo," Sesshomaru added more calmly now. "You will aid this one in training my mate. She will need to develop her skills further. I will train her also, but I would like her to have two perspectives." Sesshomaru told his friend before waving his hand at him. "Go! Tell Jaken to make preparations for a meeting of all of my head staff for one hour from now. Meet my mate and I back here when the meeting is complete." Ordered the lord. "Right away, Sesshomaru Sama." Replied Taiyo. "Send your sister to me at once." Sesshomaru directed at the back of his general as he left the room. "Of course." Responded the general.
Sesshomaru read through a few scrolls while he waited for the arrival of his mate's personal maid. The young dai could smell the fox rushing down the hall towards him then heard a knock at his door. "Enter." Commanded Sesshomaru. Ami the fox demon opened his study door while kneeling at the doorway. "Come, sit. I must discuss a few things with you regarding my mate." Sesshomaru said sternly. The fox maid walked to her lord then folded herself down onto a pillow in front of him. Sesshomaru waited until her eyes were on him before he started.
I was recently informed that when my mate becomes pupped that she will turn weak. Our pup will siphon her energy and power in order to grow. In this time she will need protection. I want you to be her shadow. She does nothing that will have her exert too much energy. You will speak with the healer and learn of proper care for a mother to be. You will also make sure she has frequent visits to said healer." Sesshomaru directed. "You have training in combat, correct?" "Yes milord." The fox answered right away. "Good." Sesshomaru stated. From now on you will not leave my mates side unless I am with her until told otherwise. Do I make myself clear?" Sesshomaru questioned sternly. "Certainly, milord. I will guard milady with my life." Promised the demoness. "Very well, you will also be in charge of finding a guard for Rin, your brother will aid you in this." Added Sesshomaru. The fox nodded her head and waited to be dismissed to carry out her tasks. "That is all. I will be holding a staff meeting soon, prepare my mate and bring her and my daughter to me when you are finished." Sesshomaru said, then looked back to his scrolls.
*With Kagome*
The young Lady of the West excitedly ran to the garden in search of her daughter. She missed her and wanted to hold her in her arms again. Arriving in the courtyard bursting with colorful flowers Kagome searched out her little girl. Not having to look long, for the child in question screamed her name and began running toward her. Kagome ran to her as well, scooping up the giggling girl and holding her tight.
"Mama! Rin missed you so much!" Yelled the child. "I missed you too sweetheart." Kagome replied lovingly. Setting down the squirming young one Kagome took her hand and swung their arms back and forth as she listened to her daughter's awesome tails. "-and we threw our food at Jaken for being mean. He made a loud noise and jumped all around mama! Ami Sama said 'it served him right!'" Giggled the little one. Kagome laughed along with her animated tails, realizing she was happy about being back in the real world. Hearing a meow at her feet she bent and scooped up Ashi and cuddled him to her as well. "I missed you too, Ashi." Kagome said happily.
"Lady Kagome?" A soft voice behind her asked. The young miko turned to find Ami bowing, waiting for approval to speak. Sesshomaru warned her that now that she was officially the Lady of the West everyone had to bow to her except Sesshomaru and she bowed to no one except Sesshomaru in official settings. She would have to accept this was the way things were going to be now. She was at a higher station. She would learn to tolerate it. "You may rise Ami, what can I do for you?" Kagome asked kindly. "Milady, milord has requested I get you ready for a staff meeting then take you and the young one to him in his study." Ami stated. Kagome remembered Sesshomaru saying this was on the agenda for today, so she smiled and told Ami to lead the way, towing her giddy daughter behind her.
The two women, the neko and small child bustled about in Kagome's chambers that she now shared with her mate. Ami prepared Kagome in a kimono fit for the Lady of the West. Kagome felt quite elegant as she looked at herself in the mirror she brought from home. Her hair was done up in a beautiful updo being held together by the hair pins gifted to her by the sun goddess. Her kimono was many layers each fading into a darker color of blue, the lighter side starting on the inside. The last one that was added on top was a blue so deep in color it was almost black. Once the last piece of fabric was placed on her shoulders small golden leafs began stitching themselves into the upper part of her kimono then cascading down to her feet all while growing larger in size until the bottom most leaves were the diameter of Rins hands. Kagome did a small twirl then bid herself ready to greet her lord. She felt beautiful. Leaving Ashi to snooze on her bed she took Rin's hand and led her to her fathers study to have a short visit before the meetings.
*With Sesshomaru*
Sesshomaru could feel the happiness, and excitement of his mate as she came down the halls toward him. Sharing their emotions now was going to take some getting used to. He would have to teach Kagome how to put up blocks when they felt the need for privacy. A knock at his door announced the arrival of his mate and daughter. "Come in." Lord Sesshomaru said. Rising from his desk he was met with his daughter running directly at him. Catching his daughter, he nuzzled her neck then asked her how she fared in his absence.
"Rin missed you and mama but she was a very good girl and listened to Ami! We played in the gardens a lot!" The young girl said animatedly as she told him of a few adventures they went on with Ashi. "Very good Rin. Now go with Ami to meet your new nanny. They will be with you at all times, so do as they say." Sesshomaru told his daughter then gently placed her on her feet. "Yes papa." Rin said then hugged her mother goodbye then ran off with Ami giggling all the way.
"Why does she need a new nanny?" Kagome asked curiously. "She will be getting a nanny that can guard her properly." Sesshomaru informed her. "You will have Ami by your side at all times. She is well trained to protect you. You will also have two guards to escort you when leaving the family wing unless I am with you. Do not argue with me on this matter."
*With Kagome*
Kagome looked shocked and slightly angry as she demanded answers. "What? Why would I need all of this added protection? I can take care of myself!" Kagome half yelled. "Because I decided you need more security." Sesshomaru said blankly. "I don't need it." Kagome said, stamping her foot. "I told you I can take care of myself. You haven't seen my full power and I'm tired of being taken lightly!" Kagome bellowed. "You are acting like a child. You will do as I say." Sesshomaru said, becoming angry as well. "No." Kagome said finally. "What?" Sesshomaru demanded very angry now. "I said no. I don't need a tail and I don't want to be followed around all the time." Kagome said while crossing her arms.
Sesshomaru rushed her in seconds, wrapping his hand around her throat and pushing her into the wall. "You will do as I say." The daiyoukai said lowly almost in a growl, while the edges of his eyes began turning red. "No." Kagome spoke again, never taking her eyes from his. "I will not be ordered around." Sesshomaru growled loudly and increased his pressure on her throat. "You. Will. Submit." Sesshomaru growled, eyes fully red now. His other hand grabbed her thigh and wrenched her leg up his. Kagome huffed trying to hold her anger and not give in. "N-no." Kagome stammered again. Sesshomaru bent his head and moved his hand from her throat to bite down hard onto her mating mark. "Ahh," Kagome yelped in a mixture of pain and pleasure, and tried to grind into his thigh. "Submit!" Sesshomaru growled and then bit her again while holding her still. Kagome moaned and bent her head to the side. She needed him now.
As soon as she exposed her neck to him he released her and backed away. "You WILL do as I say, now we will go to the staff meeting." The lord said, still angry, leaving the room. Kagome wanted to scream, but followed after him in a huff.
The newly mated couple arrived at the throne room where they were announced. "Our Lord and Lady of the West." A servant declared, as the two walked in. Sesshomaru helped Kagome to sit on her pillow then Sesshomaru seated himself. "This one has called this meeting to properly introduce you all to my mate. Each head of every station will introduce themselves and answer any questions your lady may have. As of today you all will report to your lady or her maid with any problems. We will start with kitchen staff." Lord Sesshomaru spoke nonchalantly.
Each head person sat in front of them waiting. "Eh hem, yes. My name is Kento milady. I run the kitchens. I would be happy to show you around anytime. I don't do much well but food, I can do." Said the kind old male demon who looked to be some sort of bear. "It is wonderful to meet you, is there anything your staff needs that I can help you with?" Kagome asked while taking notes with the notepad she brought along. "No milady not as of now," smiled the old bear and bowed low. "Very well who is next?" Kagome asked, looking at the head person next to the kind old demon.
"H-Hello milady, I am the head groundskeeper. I am called Hanako." Stuttered the nervous bird demoness. "It's lovely to meet you Hanako, I would like to speak with you further at a later time about planting some rarer flowers that I have in my possession for my daughter. Is there anything I can help your staff with?" Kagome asked. "N-no milady." Blushed the shy gardener. Kagome smiled, then looked to the next head person.
"May I know your name and station? The miko questioned. This person glared at Kagome but spoke nicely enough. "My name is Hibiki, I am the head housekeeper, as well as take charge of the chambermaids." The dog demon spoke dryly. Kagome took note of what he said as well as wrote down that this demon may be harder to connect with. She wanted to be sure to make friends with every head person but he may make that difficult. "Is there anything I can do to help your staff or station?" Kagome asked politely. "No." Replied the dog demon sharply. Kagome heard Sesshomaru growl in warning next to her. "No, milady." Corrected the demon.
"Very well, next?" Kagome said, smiling kindly at the smiling demoness next in line. "It is a pleasure to meet you milady, my name is Genji, I am a hawk demoness and the head healer of the western shiro." Spoke Genji proudly. "It is wonderful to meet you. I would love to discuss many things with you at a later time regarding medicinal care for both humans and demons." The young Lady said. "I would be very happy to do so milady." Replied the demoness while bending into a low bow. "Does your station need anything?" Kagome asked. "Hai, we could use more medical supplies and more nursemaids milady." Genji replied. "Of course, I will do everything in my power to help." Reassured Kagome, happy that someone asked for her help. Bowing a final time the demoness smiled and Kagome looked to the next demon.
"May I know your name and station?" Kagome asked respectfully. "Hai, My name is Kyo, I am head of masonry. We could use more supplies to rebuild some of the stables, milady." The boar demon reported with a smile and listing them off slowly. "Kagome smiled widely and thanked the kind demon, writing down the supplies he would need.
Kagome then went on to meet the tailor and stable keeper and rest of the staff. Breathing with a sigh of relief after what felt like forever Kagome thanked everyone for their cooperation and promised those that need supplies she would give them updates as soon as possible. Looking at Sesshomaru she asked him silently what to do next. "You are all dismissed." Sesshomaru spoke, then they watched as everyone slowly left.
Standing from his cushion, Sesshomaru said, "come," and walked out of the room. Kagome followed him back to his study where Taiyo waited for them. "Hello Taiyo, how are you?" Kagome asked sweetly. "I am well milady." The general said. "Kagome, you will go change with Ami then go with Taiyo and begin your training." Sesshomaru ordered. "I want a full report on her status when you are finished." The demon lord added to Taiyo as he sat down and began to read his scrolls again. "Yes Lord Sesshomaru." Taiyo said at the same time as Kagome said "But I do not-," she began but was cut off. "Now Kagome!" Sesshomaru commanded with his eyes rimming red. Kagome stalked out of the room without another word, meeting Ami in the hallway and completely ignoring her as she headed to her room.
In her room behind her screen Kagome began ripping layers of her kimono off and throwing them to the floor. Ami did her best to catch what she could and help her lady. When Kagome noticed she was being rude she stopped and covered her face with her hands in embarrassment and agitation. "I apologize for my behavior Ami." Kagome said softly from behind her hands. "It is alright Kagome." Ami soothed. The two already discussed that when in private they were on a first name basis. "It's not, I'm acting like a child, I'm just so angry." Kagome admitted. "I just can't get him to listen to me!" "I believe you Kagome, you are a very strong woman, you'll show him soon enough and he will stop taking your powers for granted." Reassured Ami. Kagome smiled at her friend and continued to undress.
The two women quickly finished getting Kagome ready so as to avoid more yelling. The now ready miko met Taiyo in the hall and the two, followed by Ami, went out to the training grounds. Upon arrival, Taiyo questioned Kagome on what she knew, if any at all on combat, and defense. "As I told my mate Taiyo, I do not need any training. I am well versed in both. I just, well I've been holding back for some reason I have not been able to decipher yet myself. Regardless, I do not need any training and I can prove it if you'd like?" Kagome said kindly. "I would appreciate that milady. Let's start with those targets over near those trees. Could you hit one of those?" Asked the general politely.
Kagome looked into the trees; there seemed to be about a dozen targets, each at different distances and heights. The most difficult one looked to be almost a quarter of a mile away high up into the tree. Kagome smirked and began forming twelve energy balls, each one staking on themselves, then rotating in a large circle. The mikos hair began lifting in a wind of her own power as she finished making the last ball of reiki. Flicking her wrist forward, each ball of raw power hurled into the forest and struck each tree so hard that they were all uprooted and crashed to the ground. Gaping holes smoked where the targets previously sat. Along with many other trees in the war path.
Taiyo whistled long while shaking his head as he looked at the damage Kagome's attack created. Looking at the young woman she was breathing a little heavily and had a big smile on her face. "Well," Taiyo said practically speechless. Kagome and Ami just laughed at his shocked expression.
"What is going on here?" Sesshomaru demanded, appearing out of nowhere. Ami and Taiyo both bowed at the arrival of Sesshomaru. "I was showing Taiyo that I DO NOT need training." Kagome said sternly with narrowed eyes. "Leave us." Sesshomaru ordered. Both fox demons were gone in seconds. "That was rude Sesshomaru." Kagome said, folding her arms over her chest. "This was your doing?" Sesshomaru questioned, ignoring her chastisement. "Yes, I told you before that I don't need any training. If you listened to me for more than a minute I would have told you Goddess Ametarasu trained me." Kagome informed him. "Hn." Show me what you know of sword work." Sesshomaru commanded.
The couple spent the next few hours going over different combat skills Kagome knew as well as hand to hand combat. Kagome explained her powers would only work if she was protecting innocents or loved ones. The two sat near the remains of a tree as they caught their breaths. "I apologize." Sesshomaru said after a few moments of silence aside from heavy breathing. "What?" Kagome asked in shock. "I should have listened to you. I only wanted you to be safe. I cannot lose you." Sesshomaru said while looking at the darkening sky. Kagome gasped then recovered quickly. Crawling over to her mate she straddled his lap and pulled softly on a piece of his hair to get his attention.
"Sess, I really appreciate what you tried to do. But I'm not so breakable anymore." Kagome said with a smile. "The sun goddess informed this one you will lose your powers to feed our pup when you become pregnant." Said the lord looking back into the sky. Kagome sat quietly for a moment while she thought for a moment. "I won't fight you on having a tail or Ami with me at all times. But I don't want to train on something I already know. Unless you want to train me in the bedroom." Kagome said coyly while grinding herself into her mate. "You are a fiery minx my love." Sesshomaru replied. Grabbing fists full of Kagome's hair and pulling her to him for a passionate kiss.
What seemed like eternity and only seconds later at the same time Sesshomaru pulled Kagome away from him and said. "Come, our daughter is running up and down the halls terrorizing Jaken as to our whereabouts." Kagome giggled and allowed Sesshomaru to help her up. Kgome leaned down and dug her fingers deep into the ground. Closing her eyes she focused and then many loud creaks sang out around the broken forest. Slowly each tree began to regrow from the whole of its past life. Kagome stayed like this for a few minutes until each fallen tree was replaced. Smiling, Kaome pulled her hand from the dirt and wiped them clean on her training outfit. Turning she took Sesshomaru's hand and the two walked inside to find their rowdy daughter and retire to the evening meal.
~End Chapter 23~
Names, meaning, pronunciation
Kento- Meaning cute for sadness (Ken-toe)
Hanako- Meaning flower child (Ha-Na-Koe)
Hibiki- Meaning echo, loud (Hee-bee-key)
Genji- Meaning heal, two beginnings (Jen-Gee)
Kyo- Meaning village (Kee-Yo)
Ja ne, Peach
