Title: Love Is A Funny Thing
By: Youkai No Rin
Disclaimer: I wish so don't ask.
Chapter 13: The Calm Before The Storm
The castle was swooning with so many people in less than a day. Servants ran this way and that way so much that it was very hard to find even one servant not doing something. Lords and Ladies, Dukes, princes and princess arrived in the dozens all demanding to know what was going on. Every member from the high Youkai courts arrived hours before and the castle seemed to be in an even more uproar. Kagome swore it was getting to be a mad house.
So much for a happy ending. Kagome thought as she roamed the hallways miracously surviving the rampaging bulls that were servants. Even though it was against Sesshomaru's orders she had left their chamber in pursuit of some other company besides the four walls and the ceiling. Anyone, even Jaken, would do at the moment; Kagome was that desperate.
I should go talk to Inuyasha. Kagome figured since something nagged at her from the inside. She felt a little guilty about leaving him all alone like that. Closing her eyes Kagome focused on the pacific aura of Inuyashas. Smiling to herself Kagome re-opened her eyes and set off in the direction of her hanyou friend.
Suddenly a servant appeared in front of Kagome and bowed. "Lady Kagome, Lord Sesshomaru requests your presence in the study immediately."
Kagome nodded and followed the servant through the traffic in the hallways. Focusing Kagome sensed her mate's aura and two other powerful auras. Somewhat uneasy Kagome took a few deep breaths as they approached the double doors. Thanking the servant Kagome waited for her to leave before pushing open the heavy doors. Lightly the Shikon Jewel glowed beneath her skin, sending warm tingles throughout her body.
Sesshomaru walked gracefully into the study where his fellow Lords sat waiting patiently. The Lord of the Southern Lands Viago greeted Sesshomaru with a warm handshake. While the Lord of the Eastern Lands Kisu reached a hand only to quickly grab Sesshomaru into a tight hug.
"Good day Kisu, Viago. I trust your journey here was a safe one?" Sesshomaru asked taking a seat.
"If it wasn't old friend would I be here?" Kisu inquired a slight smirk placed upon his striped face. His flowing black hair with orange streaks through it settled gracefully around his being. His sharp red eyes narrowed in a playful manner.
"Sesshomaru, Kisu must we be so cheerful? We have a dire emergency on our hands." Another Youkai spoke up. This one had flaming red hair with intelligent green eyes his face more of a gentle one.
"And you think Sesshomaru does not know this Viago?" Kisu questioned a bit rigid.
"Well sorry Kisu if I am worried about my lands being taken over by some corrupted hanyou. If I can recall Lord Riku thought the same." Viago replied haughtily.
"Lord Riku was a fool for thinking he could create an alliance with Naraku. He dropped his defenses and joined even after our say in the matter. His fate was decided when he first let that hanyou touch foot on his lands." Sesshomaru interrupted, before the Southern and Eastern Lords broke out into a fight.
"Why are you so calm?" Viago snapped "You're his declared next target."
"Do you dare doubt Sesshomaru, Viago? We both have known him since childhood. And never in our growing up has there ever been a reason to doubt any of his plans." Kisu exclaimed.
"I do not doubt Sesshomaru, I never have. I have but only feel worry." Viago replied.
"And why's that Viago?" Sesshomaru asked casually.
"Because out of the three of us you have always been the one to jump into things head first, with out thinking of the consequences." Viago explained.
Kisu stood somewhat angered at his friend, "And has his plans or headfirst jumps ever failed? No they haven't! Besides Viago Sesshomaru must have some idea of a plan correct?"
Sesshomaru nodded at the tiger Youkai. "Yes Kisu I do. My new mate will help us out considerably in this battle. For you see she if after his head as well."
Before the tiger or fox Youkai could reply the double doors swung open and in stepped a gorgeous woman. Dressed in a flowing kimono made from the finest silk and fabric, she stood proudly and stunning. Her long cascading black hair shimmered in the sun's lights coming from through the window. Her depthless sapphire eyes glittered with wisdom, innocence, and youth as they scanned the occupants in the room. Kagome looked like a fallen angel from heaven just like her mate.
"This gentlemen is Lady Kagome, my new mate and now the Lady of the Western Lands." Sesshomaru introduced as Kagome walked towards him.
He took her hand into his and slipped a protective arm around her waist. Kisu bowed red eyes shining with curiosity and confusion. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you Milady. I am the Lord of the Eastern Lands Kisu"
Kagome smiled warmly at Kisu; "It's nice to meet you also Lord Kisu."
As Kisu backed up another Youkai approached, and bowing upon one knee he spoke, "I am Lord Viago, Ruler of the Southern Lands. It's nice to see you Milady."
"The same too you Lord Viago." Kagome replied.
Sesshomaru nodded at his two old friends. Though neither had spoken of why the new Lady was human he could clearly see it in their eyes. Turning to Kagome he said "You shall meet their mates, high generals of their armies lands, and the high members of the court at dinner tonight. For now we will discuss the matter at hand."
Kagome took the seat beside Sesshomaru and Kisu sat in front of her, Viago sitting in front of Sesshomaru. "And these matters I assume are of Naraku?"
"Yes Milady it is. Sesshomaru here was telling us that you are after the hanyou as well?" Kisu asked intrigued.
"Please just call me Kagome. And yes I am after Naraku as well going on four years now. Before I meet Sesshomaru I traveled with his half brother, a demon exterminator, a monk, a kitsune, and a demon cat."
Viago suddenly sat up straight after studying and listening to Kagome carefully as she spoke, "Wait are you the powerful miko human and Youkai alike speak of? The reincarnation of another miko and the one whom shattered the Shikon Jewel?"
Kagome looked away for a brief moment, "Yes I am and for my actions I've taken on the responsibility of collecting all of the missing shard fragments and to destroy Naraku."
Viago nodded but his eyes remained at slits, "Why would you a mere human miko, not only be set out to kill Naraku, but also be the mate of the most powerful Youkai in existence?"
Before Kagome could respond a loud growl came from beside her. Turning she sent a smile at Sesshomaru and gently gripped his hand tighter. Though he stopped growling his eyes continued to stay tinted red and narrowed at Viago.
"You will refrain from calling my mate 'a mere human' while in my lands do you understand me?"
Viago nodded and bowed his head, "Yes I do and I hope we will discuss more of this matter in private?"
"We shall." Sesshomaru said shortly so that both Lords understood.
Sensing his mates growing confusion he lightly squeezed her hand in reassurance. Relaxing beneath his touch Kagome spoke, only this time with more authority and confidence.
"I understand your confusion and I'm sure you have many questions. But let me tell you this. I am a human yes, but also a powerful miko. Do not forget it. Besides we have more important things to attend to like Naraku, rather then my blood."
Silence filled the room after Kagomes little speech. Sesshomaru was fighting a large smirk from forming on his face, as he studied the other two lord's reactions. Kisu had a smile spread across his face while Viago sat stunned, mouth gaping in amazement.
"Well I'll be damned. Sesshomaru has finally found a woman that is just like him! A fine catch my friend!" Kisu cried.
Kagomes serious face finally broke and she smiled at Kisu, "I assure you Kisu that Sesshomaru and I are complete opposites of each other."
It was good his mate was so at ease with the other lords; at least Kisu. Kisu had always been the open one, while Viago was the one who you could call paranoid. Viago was a great Lord but he rarely did anything risky unless asking Sesshomaru or Kisu for advice and help. When Riku was still alive they were like the four musketeers but now they were down to three. The smirk grew on Sesshomarus face, as thoughts of what the other lords would want to discuss in their 'private' meeting later on would be about. Of course the main topic would be Kagome but probably more in depth plan to defeat Naraku.
Sesshomaru knew that the two Lords had no idea why Sesshomaru had taken a human miko as a mate, but then again those two were never the ones to read ancient scrolls. They had no idea what Sesshomaru was planning.
Viago sighed, "Yes I must agree with Kisu. I don't know what it is but there is something powerful growing inside Kagome."
Kagome cocked her head, "Something growing?"
"Yes but it my just be nothing. I could be sensing your growing miko powers." Viago replied shrugging it off.
Fools. Sesshomaru called his old friends. Obviously the power growing in her was the junk of the Shikon Jewel buried inside of her, or it could be something else. But it couldn't could it?
No, I would have sensed it by now. Sesshomaru decided.
Kagome turned to her mate, "If you do not mind Sesshomaru I would like to be going."
She bowed to the other two lords and turned to leave when a hand grabbed her arm. Leaning in towards her ear he whispered so low that no one but they could hear, "I told you to stay in our chambers... You will receive your punishment later tonight."
Kagome shivered at the huskiness in his voice; it sent shivers up and down throughout her entire body. It was amazing how such simple words could make the need for him so great in a matter of moments.
Straightening back up Sesshomaru smirked, "Have a good day Kagome. I shall see you at dinner."
Kagome nodded and numbly walked away and out of the room, shutting the door quietly behind her. Once Kagome had gotten beyond hearing distance Sesshomaru turned only to be bombarded by a dozen questions.
"Why is she here?"
"Why did you take a human?"
"Will you allow her to birth pups?"
"What is her grand use to this battle?"
"Do you think she can defeat that hanyou?"
"Silence!"
Sesshomarus order shut both of the other Lords straight up. Both wide-eyed open awaited Sesshomarus reason to their questions.
"Kagome is my new mate and the new Lady of the Western Lands and I expect she to be treated as such. I do not regret taking a human as my mate neither will I disown or kill any pups that are born from her. Kagome is a powerful miko and has the intelligence and strength to defeat that hanyou bastard Naraku."
Viago nodded noting the very clear menacing tone Sesshomaru used. Kisu smiled at his old friend "Never doubted you Sesshomaru! But I have one point and question to make. How do you think the high court will take this? I'm sure you know the laws now. Your father almost lost his lands and could have been executed if it wasn't for you. Because of you they spared his life. Because he already had a full blooded Youkai heir."
Sesshomaru remained calm, but inside his blood was boiling at the mention of his father and even the slightest reference to that woman whom had taken his own mothers place. "I do not care what the high court thinks or does. Tonight at dinner I shall announce to the court officials that Kagome is the new Lady. And I shall meet with them in private like we are now and discuss with them what I am about to tell you both."
"And that is what Sesshomaru?" Viago inquired.
"Kagome is a miko. Have you both forgotten that detail?" Sesshomaru asked raising an elegant eyebrow.
Viago stared at Sesshomaru confused but Kisu's eyes went from narrowed slits to large saucers in seconds.
"You sly dog!"
Sesshomaru smirked at the old nickname, "Yes Kisu, because Kagome is such a powerful miko, the most powerful one alive might I add our future pups would have miko blood in them."
"And the blood of a very powerful miko will mold into the blood of what it is combining with." Kisu continued remembering an old ritual he once read as a child.
"Making the offspring a full-blooded of what its father is. In my case a full blooded Inu Youkai." Sesshomaru finished leaning back into his chair a smirk plastered on his handsome face.
"I'll be dammed." Viago whispered. He hadn't heard of that ritual ever being done. It was too risky because if the Youkai wasn't strong enough the miko could purify her mate before the mating finished. "Sesshomaru are you sure you wish to risk it?"
"Viago I have already mated Kagome. If your worry is that I'd die by purification you are terribly wrong for I am still here." Sesshomaru warned.
"Of course Sesshomaru, I never meant any harm. Never would I ever doubt your strength." Viago apologized.
Sesshomaru nodded to his friend understanding where his worry came from. He too had been a bit scared when Kagome and him had first mated. But he was strong and could take anything she threw at him. Besides another detail in the ritual was that the miko had to be willing to mate. If she was then during the mating her powers could be kept under control and she would not harm her intended mate. So now he had a full-blooded heir guaranteed, a wonderful mate and a growing terrain. All he needed to do was kill a bloodthirsty hanyou who wished for his lands, help his mate complete the Shikon Jewel, and take care of the high court.
"Does she know?" Kisu asked.
Sesshomaru shook his head no, "And I wish for her not to know until our first pup is born."
"This ritual doesn't make her into an immortal or Youkai does it Sesshomaru?" Viago asked.
His words brought Sesshomarus happy world crumbling. Viago was right the ritual did not make Kagome immortal or a Youkai. So there was another thing to add onto his list of 'to dos' find a way to make Kagome immortal. Couldn't be to hard could it?
"No the ritual doesn't Viago, but I am not worried about that at the moment." Sesshomaru stated standing up.
The other two lords nodded and stood also. The sun was steadily setting in the west counting down the hours to dinner. Then Sesshomaru would announce his new mate. From there after he had no idea what was going to happen. Just thinking about it made him shiver. He did not enjoy not being in control.
Kisu and Viago said their goodbyes and left to check on their mates. Their absence left Sesshomaru alone and to his thoughts. Exiting the study he walked out into the busy hallway. Servants scattered at his feet until one approached him slowly.
"Milord you are wanted in the library. The high Generals wish to speak with you about plans of attack."
Sesshomaru nodded and continued on his way now in a different direction the before. So he would not being seeing Kagome until dinner after all.
Kagome sighed again for what had to be the millionth time in the last two hours. Dinner was rapidly approaching and to say the least she was not looking forward to it at all. Turning onto her side Kagome stared out at the darkening sky from her large bed. The curtains swayed gracefully in the evening wind, making Kagome become hypnotized by their movements. She had not been able to find anyone to talk to after she left Sesshomaru in the study earlier. Everyone seemed to be so busy and she wasn't. It made Kagome feel odd. Never before in her life had she felt so lazy and bored. She always had something to do before, never was Kagome ever bored. This new feeling felt odd and strange to her and she didn't like it.
"Is my mate feeling all right this evening?" A voice right behind her ear whispered.
Kagome spun around into the strong arms of Sesshomaru. Golden eyes held a spark of mischief in them as they gazed down into Kagome sapphire ones. "I'm-I'm fine Sesshomaru."
"Good, because I hope you are still up to receiving your punishment after dinner tonight."
Kagome shivered again warmth spreading through her body as he spoke slowly and husky. "Of course I am my love."
"Excellent." Sesshomaru said softly as he leaned down to claim Kagomes soft lips in a tender kiss.
Kagome pushed up against Sesshomarus lips with her own trying to deepen the kiss, but he pulled away. Kagome whimpered making Sesshomaru smirked.
"Do not worry Kagome you will receive much more tonight." Sesshomaru said leaning back and bringing Kagome with him. "For now let us go eat and introduce you to some important people."
Kagome nodded running her hands down her kimono, succeeding in getting some of the wrinkles out.
"Okay let's go!" She exclaimed giving her mate a warm smile.
Together they walked out of their bedroom, down the hall and stopped in front of the double doors of the dining hall. Voices drifted through the doors and too their ears. Kagome stopped Sesshomaru before he opened the doors.
"Sesshomaru will these people like me?" A hint of worry and nervousness laced her words.
Sesshomaru reached out and took his mate into his arms. Leaning into her ears he whispered, his voice soothing her fears, "To be honest Kagome I do not know. But I want you to promise me something. Whatever they say that harms you or I, do not believe them all right?"
Kagome nodded into his strong chest, "Okay. Let's get this over with then."
Sliding one arm around Kagomes slim waist he reached out with the other to push open the door. Together they stepped into a room filled with dozens of people; all seemed to be Youkai's mostly all though Kagome could spot a few humans in the crowd. She quickly found Kisu and Viago both standing by the side of two beautiful dressed Youkai. One, a fox Youkai had long golden hair twisted into a braid down her back. Her small green eyes sparkled in the light. Viago had one arm slide protectively around her waist in the same fashion Sesshomaru had his around hers. Kisu stood next to a petite tiger Youkai. She had dark orange hair pulled back into an elegant bun and through it Kagome spotted black highlights. Just like Kisu her eyes were red and held a sense of mischief in them. Just by looks Kagome knew that these two were nice people. She just hoped that they were nice to humans as well as Youkai. Kisu turned and smiled as he spotted Sesshomaru and Kagome. Raising his hand he called out,
"Ah! Lord Sesshomaru you've finally arrived!"
Suddenly it seemed all eyes turned to lock onto Kagome and Sesshomaru's figures as silence fell over the crowd. Kagome tensed beneath all the gazes, and sensing his mate's distress Sesshomaru tightened his hold on her. Slowly the crowd parted and an old looking Inu youkai stepped forth. His face held a smile but it quickly disappeared as his eyes fell upon Kagome.
"Lord Sesshomaru what is the meaning of this human on your arm?"
TO BE CONTINUED!
Rin: Sorry for Rin not being in this chapter guys...she'll play an important role soon enough.
Yasha: And we are also sorry about the long absence of updates...now that holiday is here we can update sooner! Hurry!
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