My Number One
By: Kyuketsu Hime
AN: I'm so sorry for not updating…m…for like a year. I've been very very busy with school, and I really didn't know how to proceed with this story. So I forgot about it, until someone asked me to update.
When she woke, she groggily turned her head and snuggled closer into its warmth. She didn't want to leave sleep's comforting clutches.
She was in her fathers arms. He was telling her how proud he was of her. That he loved her, and loved her decision to share her special talent.
She looked up into his smiling warm brown eyes and smiled, snuggling closer in his arms. She had missed his warm embrace. His comforting words, his laughter as he teased her when she was younger. But he was here with her now. Everything was perfect.
His face changed into that pale gaunt face she had scene the night of his death. Bruises and cuts appeared on his face and arms, and his body turned cold in arms. Her eyes widened in terror. No. This wasn't happening. He wasn't dead. He wasn't! He collapsed on top of her, and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't budge his weight off of her. Squirming and twisting, all the time crying, she had tried to get out each move making it harder to breathe.
Suddenly the weight on her changed, and another man was helping her up. She looked quizzically at the hand he was offering and then took it looking up at the man.
She knew him. She knew that face didn't she? Her mind tried to grasp the name, but failed miserably. Just when she was about to thank him, his face turned into one of fury, and he slapped her with enough force to make her stumble back several steps.
She turned around surprised, touching her bruised cheek before looking into his intense, smoldering eyes. As he advanced, she stumbled back only to find herself up against a concrete wall. She was frozen, her feet wouldn't move.
He smiled cruelly and raised a fist.
'Naruku.'
She screamed…
And screamed herself awake. For a moment, she couldn't breathe, couldn't think, could only see that evil smile on his face.
She forced the scene from her mind, and instead looked around her.
'Why am I on the floor?' she thought wryly and she got up.
Her bed was a complete mess and tangle of sheets. Sighing she began to straighten it out.
'Wait…where am I? This isn't my room!'
She turned to run out of the room, not noticing the empty suitcase before the door. Her foot unfortunately caught on it and twisted slightly. Wincing, she put up a hand to stop her from crashing headlong into the wall, only to have it encounter something warm.
Someone was holding her up. Apparently she had luckily fallen through the open door. Retaining her balance, she was just about to turn around and thank her savior when his cold voice stopped her.
"If you are trying to beat yourself up, do so with a little more grace which I doubt is possible. Don't throw yourself at others. If you're desperate for that kind of attention, go to my brother."
She straightened and glared straight into his gold ones.
"Sesshoumaru, thank you," she gritted through her teeth, forcing a smile.
He just turned away in his high and mighty manner.
"Icebox," she muttered.
He turned back around narrowing his eyes at her.
She forced another smile.
"I said nice socks."
He raised one eyebrow before turning and walking down the stairs.
"It's time for dinner. Try not to trip on the stairs."
'That bastard!' she fumed silently to herself as she followed him to the dining room.
"Ah, Kagome. How are those books working out for you?"
She looked up at the head of the table and smiled warmly.
"They're wonderful thank you!"
She sat down in the seat Inutaisho had gestured to, sitting next to Sesshoumaru, and across from Inuyasha. She felt like the unluckiest person in the world at that moment. Having to wait out dinner with them! And in such close proximity!
"What happened to your cheek?"
She clasped a startled hand to check, wincing and paling as she felt throb with pain. Hatred, greed, and lust rolled through her before vanishing. She remembered her dream. The same emotions had flickered across his face before he hit her. She shivered.
"Kagome? Are you okay?"
"Yes, I'm fine. I was taking a nap and seemed to have fallen on the floor. My cheek must have impacting the floor pretty hard," she lied.
"But the floor's are carpeted," Inuyasha interjected.
"Or maybe it hit something on the way down."
Inutaisho looked at her worriedly, and perhaps a bit strangely but did not push the topic further.
Delicious smells wafted from the air right then as servants placed platters of food before them. Dinner commenced in a strained silence.
Taking a sip of water, Kagome helped herself to some mashed potatoes before asking, "Is it true that you own horses?"
Inutaisho nodded, apparently grateful to have the silence interrupted.
"Our family seems to have a weakness for such beautiful creatures. If you want, we can accompany you to visit them, perhaps after dinner?"
Excitement bubbled up through her. "Really?" She tried to keep from squealing.
He smiled. "We're due for our weekly family ride anyways. It would be nice to have someone along who actually talks for a change."
"Keh. She probably doesn't even know how to handle one."
Sesshoumaru said nothing, but glanced coolly at his father before returning his attention to his meal.
"I do too! I've had riding lessons before. I completely love animals, especially horses. I had to quit when I was younger however, my other responsibilities built up."
"Good, it's settled then."
She inhaled the fresh, pure air, and she walked behind the silver-haired family. From behind, she noticed it was hard to tell the difference between them, they had almost exactly the same long hair and the same lengths. Only their heights, clothes, and casual walk gave them away.
As they neared the stables and paddocks her breath caught. There were a few horses suddenly before her, grazing contentedly on the grass, each apparently not paying attention to the others. They were beautiful.
It was as if she had suddenly stepped into someone else's world. A character's in some story. Her breath caught.
"Remember to breathe."
She smiled nervously, and then caught Inutaisho's warm gaze. He was obviously pleased with her reaction.
"May I?"
He nodded.
"I want to see how you handle them. We'll wait here before calling our horses and saddling them."
"What? Why? Why can't we just ride now?" Inuyasha whined.
Inutaisho silenced him with a look.
Sesshoumaru was equally surprised. If these horses didn't take a liking to her, which he was sure they wouldn't, they would turn on her violently. Like when they put his brother's wench a coma. Not that he was worried. It would have been better for him if she left as quickly as possible.
But still. His father didn't just allow anyone have contact with them. Why was he spoiling her like this?
He kept silent and watched her.
She began to hum softly, a melody which her mother had taught her to sing. Staying an arm's length away from a stunning black stallion she began to hum louder, before singing softly.
The horse's ears pricked forward and he lifted his head, then shook it, snorting.
Kagome smiled. He was just so cute! Still she wasn't sure how he would react around strangers so she stood still.
Singing slightly louder, the wind carried her angelic voice over the field catching many of the horses' attentions. The one in front of her took a step further, whickering slightly, then pawed the ground.
She radiated with happiness and calmness, an aura that seemed to penetrate feelings and calm them. She wasn't sure how she did it, but she knew she could ever since she took care of her crying baby brother.
"Dad, she's too close. She's going to get her hand bitten off and trampled! You know the temper Lightning has! Did you forget that he put Kikyo in a coma?" Inuyasha whispered furiously.
His father only looked down at him.
"Listen."
Inuyasha cocked his ear and could see the girl's lips moving, as if she was talking. Talking to the horse? Her voice raised louder. No, she wasn't talking to the horse. She was singing.
His eyes half closed in happiness, feeling extremely content and relaxed. It was as if all his troubles washed away relieving a burden off his mind. Not wanting to lose that feeling, he said nothing more.
Kagome couldn't help herself. She reached out a hand as if to touch the horse's head, but hesitantly drew it back.
He bowed his proud head and shoved his head into her hand, closing in on the remaining distance himself.
Pure relief and joy washed through her as she petted his head and then looped her arms around his neck. It felt so good to be accepted by them. It felt good just to be around such exquisite animals again. She loved them.
Her voice never once stopped, yet was slightly muffled. As she finished the song, she pulled back slightly and remembered that Inutaisho and the others were watching her.
She turned to wave happily to them when something nudged her hard in her back. Slightly alarmed, she turned around only to face another horse. In fact, several were gathered around her all seeming to clamor for her attention. Some pawed the ground nervously, others neighed, and some just walked up to her and nipped at her pockets as if looking for sweets.
Laughing she turned around again and ran to Inutaisho and the others. They were all staring at her awestruck. They hadn't been expecting such a reaction. Neither had she.
"Thank you for successfully bringing most of the herd with you," Inutaisho said, amused.
Puzzled she turned around to see that he had been right. They followed her, apparently wanting more of her attention. They all laughed, save for Sesshoumaru, although he did look slightly amused.
I couldn't believe it. Inuyasha's rowdy horse actually submitted to her. Sesshoumaru was astounded with the way that the horses had so readily accepted her. But who wouldn't? Even he himself felt tempted to succumb to that angelic calming voice. Never before had he felt such joy. Not since… He caught himself shaking his head. He wouldn't succumb to her. He would never succumb to something that was a lie. Lies only promised more pain.
He caught Inuyasha looking at her with amazement and respect. He too, respected her for such courage that seemed to be nonexistent these days.
He almost glowered though, when his own silver stallion had nudged her in her back. Toujikin had only accepted him before. He didn't like the fact that she now held some of Toujikin's attention.
He almost gave an indignant glare to a passing bird as he realized what he feeling. He was jealous. Jealous that someone else had worked their way to his beloved horse's heart, for he didn't like the divided attention and loyalty.
He sighed softly as he stared at the open sky before nudging Toujikin into a canter, trying to shake off that creeping feeling.
He relaxed as the familiar feel of whipping air thinking. Jealous, huh? He shook his head amusedly. Since when did he feel such an emotion? The others caught up to him and he happened to glace over at Kagome. Her eyes were closed as if in bliss, her long black hair flowing out behind her as she rode a blood bay mare. It was a quick glance, so as not to be noticed by the others.
"Race you to the forest!" Inuyasha shouted at Kagome. She opened her eyes and answered back by nudging her horse into a gallop, laughing sincerely. Inuyasha smiled at her behind her back. Inutaisho caught it and looked amusedly at his own son. They all moved smoothly into a gallop as they raced to the woods looming ever nearer.
"Whew! That was fun!" Kagome said as they neared the paddocks again. She attempted to get down as the others had before her, but as she swung down, he legs gave out as soon as she had one foot on the ground, the other on the stirrup. She held on the pommel for support, but suddenly Inuyasha was by her side and holding her up. She smiled gratefully at him.
Inutaisho smiled again, "Looks like you're saddle sore."
She nodded.
"I haven't ridden for a couple years so I guess I'm just not used to riding at the moment."
"Here, I'll help you back to your room," Inuyasha offered.
As they limped off together Inutaisho looked at his stoic son.
"So what do you think?"
"Think about what?
"About Kagome of course. It seems Inuyasha has already taken a fancy for her. What about you? Can you accept her for the time being?"
Sesshoumaru ignored the question and looked off into the distance as they unsaddled the horses rubbed them down, and released them back into the paddock. Night had just fallen, and the tired horses promptly found a place to nestle down in and sleep.
"Why are you being so kind to her? Normally you keep people away from our horses."
Inutaisho stared at him, thinking.
"I don't know exactly. But it's as if she was my own daughter, and I care very much for her. She hasn't had a father figure for so long, I guess I couldn't help myself. I've always wanted a daughter. I knew she could take care of herself. You know she has miko abilities right?"
Sesshoumaru turned to look at his father, an expression that would have passed as anger for him passed across his face.
"Miko? You knew she was a miko and still you invited her here? To teach her? I admit she is probably one of the best students that you have ever had, but what about the risk? What if she finds out what we really are? I'm sorry if I don't want to be purified and killed just yet."
His father only glanced at him unconcerned.
"She has never had formal training, and her powers lay dormant, except when she projects her feelings. If you're worried, just make sure she doesn't find out. Miko or not, I've already accepted her as a part of the family and care for her. I'm going to give her Saeko."
Sesshoumaru stepped back stunned. "It would be nice if you had showed the same caring attention to your sons when we were younger. You're spoiling her. Saeko is too precious to be given to someone like her. I can't believe this. Apparently you're willing to be her father figure, but what if she doesn't want you to be? If this is the way you're going to be, fine I'll accept it. Just don't expect me to be doing errands for her or taking care of her."
He walked away fuming with the cold anger he directed at his father. Why was everyone accepting her so easily? She can't be trusted. That stupid wench. His eyes narrowed on the house in a glare. He might have schooled himself to show no emotion, but he had too many to deal in actuality. Especially today.
'Oh how I hate her.'
He forced her from his mind, she wasn't worth thinking about, nor worth his attention at all. If his father wanted to be the doting father that he had never been for him fine so be it.
As he passed by her room, the door open, it took all his willpower not to go in there and throw her out the window. He had to stop himself changing into a more powerful form and punch a hole into the wall. His face remained impassive, yet cold anger radiated off his form as he walked into his room and locked the door behind him. From there he picked up a random book and began to read.
Kagome stretched luxuriously as she headed back to her room. Everything was just perfect. She had learned to read music over the past month much to Inutaisho's surpsie, she was doing well with her archery practices although Sesshoumaru wasn't there to supervise them, and she was in love.
'In love huh?' she mused thoughtfully.
Just a week ago Inuyasha had asked her out, and she had agreed happily. Over the past month they had spent so much time together, and she had learned to understand the gruff yet sweet Inuyasha. He was so cute sometimes blushing when he had asked her out, shuffling his feet hesitantly holding a bouquet of roses out for her. They had spent almost every minute of the day together, working together, riding together…
She sighed. She really needed to think about something else for a change.
Walking up the stairs, she heard Inutaisho's voice call out to her.
She turned around just to see him walk into the room smiling.
"Have you seen Sesshoumaru?"
She frowned. Now that she thought about it, she hadn't seen him around lately at all, only at dinner. She shook her head.
He sighed looking somewhat deflated.
"Well, I was wondering if you would walk with me. I wanted to give something to you since you've been progressing so well."
Puzzled, she followed him out to the paddocks and stables.
He took her to a different paddock though, one she didn't even know existed. It was huge, and was half plain, and half forest. She could see nothing in sight but entered anyways still following Inutaisho. They continued to walk into the forest.
Her breath caught once again. The place was just more than charming, it was heaven. She felt as if she really was in heaven. A trickling waterfall cascaded over the side of the rocks into a deep, sparkling clear pool. The forest around it was shimmering, from the water's reflection. Beams of sunlight fell upon the surrounding area making it even more magical. She wondered what it would be like at nightfall.
"It's so…"
She couldn't find a strong enough word.
He smiled sadly and then whistled softly. A midnight black horse, with white socks and a white star barely visibly under the forelock, appeared and trotted closer to Inutaisho whickering softly.
"This is Saeko. Our most precious horse. She was my wife's horse's foal. I would like to give her to you."
Kagome stood there speechless.
"You…you can't do that. Why?"
Inutaisho turned toward her looked at her calmly.
"Because I believe that you two belong together. She has never before been ridden before, we liked to keep her free, but…" He shook his head. "I've always wanted a daughter. And you have my life, and Inuyasha's life no doubt so much happier. Ever since my wife died, things around here were never quite so lively, until you came. Please, accept her as a token of my gratitude."
Kagome didn't know what to say. In fact her mouth was so dry she couldn't say anything. Accept this horse? The most beautiful she had ever seen, there probably no match and comparison to her anywhere. Slowly she nodded her head.
He relaxed and beamed.
"She has never been around another stranger before so she's a bit shy, but I'm sure you two will become the best of friends. Take care of her." He turned to Saeko and gave her one last pat before walking in the direction of the house, leaving Saeko and Kagome there, both enchanted by the other.
She began to sing softly again, the newest song that she had just learned. Stepping forward she calmed the horse down by projecting the feeling of being safe and comforted. Saeko stopped fidgeting and walk closer to Kagome. She smiled and hugged her new horse, wrapping the aura around them both.
Inutaisho called Sesshoumaru from his room. In the hallway he told him quietly, "I've given Saeko to her." Then he walked away.
Sesshoumaru stood there, clenching his hand in anger.
'How dare he! Giving the most precious treasure to someone not worthy of it.'
He spun on one heel and took off to see Saeko himself. He wasn't about to let the one thing that loved him the most love another. Not again.
Kagome was still there, still wrapped in that aura, still hugging her horse. Hers. She would have never hoped to own any horse much less this one. "Such a beautiful angel," she whispered into Saeko's ear. The horse nickered in return, nudging Kagome's shoulder playfully.
"Get away from her."
Startled, Kagome let go and turned toward the voice that had interrupted them. Her eyes widened as she saw Sesshoumaru standing near her, his hands clenched, his eye's glaring at her coldly. Was he angry? Why?
"I said, get away from her girl."
"Why?"
"Because you do not deserve her. You're not part of this family. You never will be. She is free and will not belong to anyone. Especially to someone as lowly as you. I've tolerated your behavior as much as possible. I've seen you take my brother and father and twist them in your grasp you little witch. You've changed everything. But I'm not as weak."
She retreated back ever step he took towards her, fear washed over her.
"This is not acceptable at all. In fact, it would be better if you would just go home and never again associate yourself with us. If you don't I will make life hell for you."
Kagome stepped back further, her hands trembling as she tried to calm herself. What had she done wrong?
"What did I do? Why do you force me to leave?" Her voice trembled slightly.
He narrowed his golden eyes at her.
"Heed my warning girl. Leave. Now."
"But…"
Sesshoumaru growled, his eyes flashing with more annoyance and anger and strode toward Kagome. He grabbed her chin and forced her to look up at him.
"I cannot tolerate your presence any longer miko. I detest you. "
His grip was becoming tighter with each word, his nails digging into her skin.
"I don't…I don't understand."
He shoved her into the pond. Surprised, she gulped in some of the water before coming up to the surface sputtering and treading water.
"Leave. Don't associate yourself with us. What don't you understand you imbecile?"
Sesshoumaru left her floating in the pond taking Saeko with him. The horse gave one curious glance at Kagome before nuzzling her way under Sesshoumaru's arm. They left her there in shock.
AN: review please! i will try to update periodically And no flames