I disclaim everything that needs to be.
Bold means a change in location and/ or time or time period. Italics are thoughts or Sesshomaru's (or anyone's) inner demon talking, or flashbacks
Note: Chapters 1-12 are now updated! So go check that out since it flows waaaaay better now. I'll still be doing some minor edits, to make things flow better visually, but the big changes are done!
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Chapter 23: The New Guy
Jahari and Choro were trying not to laugh. Akitoki's faint at the sight of Kagome was not what they expected. They'd heard his mumblings on their way to Sesshomaru's rooms, Akitoki was prepared for her to be bloodied, in distress. But she looked beautiful, radiant. She was glowing with happiness.
Akitoki slowly lifted himself up to a sitting position. Choro had lifted him onto one of the couches, setting his tea on the table in front of him. As Akitoki opened his eyes, he blinked hard, trying to focus his vision. When it finally cleared, he saw Kagome sitting next to Sesshomaru on the couch opposite him. He looked her over, studying her; the clothes she was wearing, the faded scratches on her body, the darkening scar mark on her collarbone he couldn't quite make out. From first glance, she looked alright.
"Hi Akitoki! Are you alright? There's some tea here for you." Kagome smiled at him, the smile he loved.
"Uh, Lady Kagome! I'm so happy to see you're okay!" he cleared his throat, "you…are okay, right?"
"Oh, yea," Kagome laughed, "I'd heard you thought I was in danger. I'm just fine. I live here now."
"You do? Where's…I mean….what about Inuyasha?"
Kagome looked at Sesshomaru, watching him nod, "Well Inuyasha's in the palace somewhere. I'm sure you'll see him later. But he's my friend, Akitoki, you know that. He lives nearby, with his mate at the Western Sovereign."
"He's leaving you here?!" Akitoki's voice cracked with shock.
"I live here," Kagome chuckled, "I have duties here."
"So you are the Resident Miko? You're just working?" Akitoki tried to take a deep breath. That was good at least. She was protected here, if she was working.
"I'm the Resident Miko for the Western Lands as well as Sesshomaru's Mate. I'm the Lady of the West." Kagome's face was serene, she was absolutely serious.
His eyes got wide, and his mouth dropped, "uh…I….Kagome, wow."
"Lady," Sesshomaru corrected, "Lady Kagome."
"You're right," Akitoki looked at Sesshomaru with fear, "Of course Lord Sesshomaru. Lady Kagome, Akira told me you sent for me because you were in danger….if I couldn't see you I was to go to Lord Cali and…"
"And what?" Sesshomaru asked sharply, "beg for his warriors to storm the West and save her?"
Akitoki cast his gaze down, "yes."
Sesshomaru growled, as Kagome put a comforting hand on his leg.
"Akitoki, I'm fine, really," Kagome assured, "Lord Cali was trying to mislead you, for his own gain."
"We've also sent for your wife, who you conveniently left at home." Sesshomaru leaned back, resting his back on the couch behind him.
"I thought it wouldn't be safe for her, we have a daughter, Mai. I didn't want to risk orphaning her."
"God," Kagome gasped, "what did that guard tell you?"
"He only told me where you were. Everyone knows that the West doesn't take survivors often. I feared the worst."
Kagome sighed, "My mate is known to be merciless. But, he's Inuyasha's brother, of course I'd be safe here."
He shook his head, "I've heard how Inuyasha speaks about his brother. I was worried, and I'm very happy that you're okay."
"Well now that that's settled," Kagome stood, reaching back for Sesshomaru's hand, "We'll show you to where you'll be staying while you're here. It'll be nice for your wife and daughter to get a little time away, and we have more than enough room for guests."
Akitoki scrambled to get up, "oh, okay! Okay, Lady Kagome."
Sesshoamru looked back at Choro and Jahari, "Stay here if you wish, we will return shortly."
They nodded, amused. Jahari spoke up, "Of course Lord Sesshomaru."
Akitoki followed Kagome and Sesshomaru out of their rooms toward Inuyasha's wing of the Western Palace. They passed Inuyasha and Kikyo's rooms, and several guest suites until they reached a large ornate door.
"Here we are," Kagome said, "This one should have more than enough room for you and your family. The gardens outside your doors are the gardens especially for the children, pups, and so on of the court, so you may see mine there as well."
Akitoki choked on his saliva a bit as Sesshomaru hid a smirk, "your children?"
"You remember Shippo, and Rin is a Western Princess." Kagome laughed as she opened the doors, "I'm pregnant now, too. It'll be a long time before there'll be another kid of mine running around, though."
"Shorter than you'd think. A year is not long." Sesshomaru said cooly, "As per my mate's request, you will be provided everything you could need. If there is more, let one of Inuyasha's attendants know, they will be at your disposal."
"You all are welcome to stay as long as you'd like, but we….would like your presence at some things next week, if that's okay with you? To stay at least a week or two?" Kagome leaned against the doorframe.
Sesshomaru watched as Akitoki studied Kagome's body as she leaned against the door. His scent changed, tilting into arousal as he dragged his eyes along the silhouette of the silk dress she wore. Sesshomaru gave Kagome a quick look, watching her nose twitch as she noticed the scent change.
She rolled her eyes, standing straight and moving towards Sesshomaru.
Akitoki blinked himself back into the conversation, "Of course, of course Lady Kagome. Whatever you need."
Kagome smiled quickly before taking steps back into the hallway, "great, make yourself comfortable. Your wife and daughter will be here soon."
She spun around quickly, taking quick steps back down the hallway with Sesshomaru behind her. Akitoki sighed, he couldn't see her with Sesshomaru standing directly behind her. The click of the door was the only sound in the hallway besides the padding of Kagome's feet.
"I don't know how you can walk soundlessly like that." she laughed, stopping at the doors to Inuyasha's rooms.
"Practice, I suppose," Sesshomaru answered, watching her knock on the doors. He heard Inuyasha groan and roll off of what was probably a couch and trudge to the door.
"Oh look what the dog dragged home," Inuyasha yawned, "Haven't seen you two in a bit, what's up?"
"Akitoki's here, staying down there," she pointed the hall, "I'm telling you before you smell it."
"For the Council thing? Who sent for him?!" Inuyasha posed these questions to Sesshoamaru.
"Cali. He is under your charge. His wife and child are en route as well."
Inuyasha sighed and shrugged, "Whatever, long as he keeps those eyeballs in his skull."
"He ogles more than the other one?" Sesshomaru was curious now.
"Okay, we're going. Let me know if you need anything, Yash." Kagome quickly spun around and walked off leaving Inuyasha and Sesshomaru in the doorway.
"Something happened?" Sesshomaru asked.
"Eh," Inuyasha shrugged, "nothing I saw. Ask the twerp, he would know more. She's not saying any more about either of 'em. He does look at her a lot more openly than the one in her era."
"So it seems," Sesshomaru sighed, "This one hopes he will avert his eyes."
"Better catch up to her though," Inuyasha chuckled as he closed the door behind him, "don't wanna sex strike on your hands. Kikyo's pregnancy hormones got her flipping over everything."
Sesshomaru followed Kagome's footsteps back down the long hallway and out of Inuyasha's wing. She had made it almost to their rooms, speeding up to catch up with her.
"I just don't want to dwell on the Hojo thing anymore." Kagome sighed, feeling him behind her.
"Understood, mate. This one will cease discussions around you." Sesshomaru nodded.
"Not just around me, Sessh. I mean in general. I don't want any more conversations, period. I'm done with all of it."
Sesshomaru sighed, stopping in front of their rooms, "Kagome, that cannot be promised. He's in the Palace, is he not? He works at your family's shrine, in your era, does he not? He is present in our lives, so he will be discussed. I will refrain from including you in these, as I know you don't want to be involved."
Kagome looked at him, annoyed, before opening the doors to their rooms and walking inside.
Immediately, her smile returned as she greeted Jahari and Choro, "Thank you for waiting, I hope too much of your time wasn't wasted."
"Oh sweet Lady Kagome, it was no trouble," Jahari smiled, "We enjoyed our tea in the meantime."
"Right," Kagome nodded, "Well, I'll be in the back. In the garden, actually. Enjoy your meeting."
"Thank you Lady Kagome," Choro smiled softly at her, "we won't disturb you."
"Please," she laughed on her way past them, "You all don't bother me."
Sesshomaru was standing right inside the bedroom door, watching the interaction. His eyes followed Kagome's body as she went through the sliding doors and closed them behind her. He could hear her opening up the doors to their private garden, her bare feet squishing in the grass.
"Seems as though the Hojo boy has decided to come to us." Jahari laughed as Sesshomaru sat across from them.
"I recall saying I would wait until we come upon him," Sesshomaru said icily, "and it seems we have."
"Oh Sesshomaru," Jahari teased, "you're upset he's here?"
"Irritated at what I may have learned." Sesshomaru answered, bringing his tea to his lips.
"And what's that?" Choro asked, "he spoke quite highly of her. We spoke to him on the walk over."
"That's right," Jahari agreed, "Akria was trying to lead him towards the South, from the main gates, but we intercepted him at the mention of the sweet Lady's name."
"Akira was having some trouble with that," Choro finished, "it seems Cali calls her Lady Muma,to his staff, so Akira didn't know her true name."
"Cali sent a letter with Akira, and that's what convinced the Hojo boy to come," Jahari answered Sesshomaru's unasked question, taking a folded piece of paper from his sleeve and handing it to his irritated friend. Sesshomaru unfolded the letter and read it quickly:
Sir Hojo-
There's an urgent matter that requires your attention. I hope you remember your friend Kagome. She's unfortunately been left alone once again by the careless Inuyasha, and she's in dire need of aid. She's trapped at the Western Palace, held there by the Great and Terrible Sesshomaru. Inuyasha is nowhere to be found, and all of her friends have been indisposed. Apparently she spoke of you, to the guards, as one who may be coming for her. I implore you to go there, ask to see Sesshomaru. Ask him and only him for your sweet friend's release. I worry for her life, if you do not. The West does not take prisoners often, and when they do- they do not linger.
If he doesn't allow you to see her, at the very least, come straight to Akira. Akira will bring you to me. Together, with my armies, we will storm the Western Lands for your friend and bring the wicked Sesshomaru to justice.
Hurry, her life is in your hands-
Lord Cali of the Southern Lands
Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes at the words on the page.
"Vile, truly." Choro noted, sipping his tea.
"How lucky we are that members of The Council have obtained this….bit of information." Sesshomaru growled.
"Yes, Sesshomaru. And we'll take care of it. Toru will be livid at the level of dishonor his son has drowned the Southern Lands in. Aldeberan has a lot of work ahead of him." Choro assured.
"He will be indebted to you, as well. For your mercy on Cali after he was stripped of his title." Jahari mused, "I'm surprised you didn't have a go at him after Toru was finished."
"There's no need," Sesshomaru paused, "if she wished it, I would."
"Ah, but that is very unlike her, isn't it." Choro smiled softly, "not at all in her nature."
Jarhari nodded, "she wouldn't. Lady Kagome is a kind spirit."
"She is kinder than Cali will ever deserve," Sesshomaru stood, "Thank you both, for the vital information."
Choro and Jahari stood, making their way to the door. They knew Sesshomaru was headed to the gardens to see the person they were speaking about.
"We shall see you both late, perhaps the evening meal." Choro smiled, holding the door open for Jahari and following him out of the room, letting the door click closed behind them.
Sesshomaru nodded once before sliding the other set of doors open, seeing Kagome sitting in the grass beyond their bedroom. She had her journal, and books around her. Even from the back, she looked focused. He almost didn't want to bother her.
He turned quickly, taking his journal and a pile of documents from his bedside table before deciding to join her. They could talk later.
He noticed her lunch on the tray next to her, with bites taken from it.
"I'm pleased to see you eating." Sesshomaru said quietly, moving to sit next to her.
"My lunch was interrupted, so," Kagome popped another carrot into her mouth, "gotta eat sometime."
"Yes," Sesshomaru, "I apologize for interrupting your plans for the day. I'd hoped we could avoid welcoming him until the evening meal, but he…insisted."
Kagome nodded, "He really really wanted to make sure I was safe."
"Cali sent a letter describing you in tortuous conditions. He was shaking with fear, thinking you'd come out to see him bloodied and beaten." Sesshomaru growled, "as if any harm would come to you here, by my hands.."
"Or at all, really," Kagome agreed, "Well the letter worked and Akitoki's here. But he's here for me, not Cali. It should all be fine, right?"
Sesshomaru was silent for a moment, "it should. Once he's heard how Cali truly feels about you, he will align with the truth of the situation."
"Then there's nothing to worry about," she took a bite of her sandwich.
"Hn," Sesshomaru turned his attention to his work, the transcript of the conversation between Kouga and Hayako on top. He scanned it again before glancing at Kagome, deciding whether or not to speak.
"How was your audience with Hayako?"
"Hmm?" Kagome looked up, surprised, "It was fine? Is that a hypothetical question?"
"No," Sesshomaru blinked at her, "I wish to know. We haven't discussed it."
"It was fine," her voice was confused, "I really thought we talked about this. He pretty much told me exactly what he said at the Trial. Cali was going to force himself on me, claim I seduced him and steal your lands. I think the Akitoki thing was a Plan B."
"Plan…b…" Sesshomaru mused, "perhaps. He admires you."
"Hayako does?" Kagome looked at him, "I noticed that."
"Have you?" Sesshomaru lifted the transcript, "you hadn't mentioned it."
"I didn't think I needed to," she sighed, "what did you find out?"
"He's being advised."
"By whom?" Kagome finally turned to see what was in his hands, "what's that?"
He said nothing, offering it to her. He watched as she read it carefully.
"Kouga's warning him, isn't that a good thing?" She tilted her head, "there's nothing to worry about."
"Obviously," Sesshomaru commented, "but this one will always bring messages to your attention, especially if you are the subject."
Kagome leaned up, pressing a kiss to his cheek before returning to her books. The two fell into a soothing silence as they worked side by side. They could hear Rin and Shippo playing in the gardens, under the watchful eye of Aia and InuKimi.
Sesshomaru was thinking more than working after a certain point. The fleeting moments of jealousy were puzzling him. She was his partner in every sense, meaning, and culture. He adhered to the human traditions, demon, and Dai. So where was it coming from? A fear of losing her, but she matched his immense devotion. Any fear of losing her would be completely unheard of. Maybe it was the Council's presence. Their ability to pass judgment on her unsettled him, and he felt a higher need to protect her with all of Cali's antics.
Deep down, he knew a life with either Hojo, past or present, would be safer for Kagome. She would be amongst humans, who respected her and would protect her. The world of demons and Dai are treacherous for a human, especially a woman and a miko. But she was his. He could, and would protect her from anything. Everything, if necessary.
The sun was lower now, he noticed. Their thoughts and work had taken them into the early evening. The maids and cooks were bustling around in the hallways and gardens, setting up tables for a supper in the gardens. The main courts would be in the dining room, but Aia asked for the Heads of Court to eat privately to welcome Aldeberan to the mess of a situation they were about to enter. Roarah never ate with the Court, choosing to take her meals in her rooms.
"We're eating in the plaza today?" Kagome asked softly.
"Toru and Aia were adamant about having our meal in private. So we may explain the details to Alderberan as we eat."
"Hmmm," she mused, "So I guess I'll change into something a little warmer for dinner?"
He looked her up and down, noticing the goosebumps on her arms, "Yes."
Kagome stood, smiling, "I know you're not really in the mood to hear your mother's jokes about me being 'properly cared for', I'll put some pants on."
Sesshomaru nodded, gathering their journals and books, before joining her back in their bedroom. Their lunch trays had long since been collected, so all he had to worry about retrieving were the books and pens and loose papers from his work documents. Kagome was already dressed when he noticed her, and she'd kept her word. She was wearing a pair of loose linen pants, and a t-shirt. He watched her adjust a cardigan around her shoulders and loop her hair into a messy bun.
"This'll be warm enough, right?" she asked with a smile, "I'm gonna wear those slipper boots too."
"You'll be fine in your normal shoes, it's still late summer."
"That's true," she paused, "fall will be here soon, though."
Sesshomaru organized their things on their bedside tables, got his own shoes on, and held his hand out to her.
"Shall we check on dinner?"
Kagome smiled and took his hand, blushing when he raised it to his lips and kissed the back of her hand before leading her out of their rooms toward the Plaza. The table had been set, and some people were already sitting down. Toru, Hayako and Alderberan were talking to each other quietly, next to Aia and InuKimi. Inuyasha and Kikyo were in their spots too.
As Kagome sat down, she noticed that there were three chairs left. Jahari and Choro were a given, but who were they bringing with them?
She looked at Sesshomaru, "I thought you said Roarah didn't take her meals with us?"
"She doesn't," Sesshomaru replied quietly, "I just hope it's not."
"Hello everyone," Choro greeted, "Lord Jahari has invited Lord Sesshomaru's newest guest to join us. This is Akitoki Hojo. He was sent here by the former Lord Cali."
*that's all folks! That's it for this chapter! Next chapter is how fun this dinner's gonna be with Hojo. I really appreciate y'all taking the time to read my stories! Writing these is such a fun creative break, haha Let me know what y'all think! –Inu'sgurl97 *