Disclaimer: see previous chapters.
This is a bit of a long one and there will be another, shorter one, posted shortly because this little tidbit in the storyline was a bit big for one chapter.
Belonging
Chapter 8
Sessho-maru had read the correspondence several times and still saw no way out of the summons. Whedon, ruling lord of the southern region was requesting his presence. But his message was vague and didn't specify his reason.
…to discuss our past and future alliance……
"I don't like the sound of that. We have no valuable shared borders and he's not at war with anyone. What could he mean?"
Then another thought occurred to Sessho-maru as he accepted the fact that he would indeed have to make the journey to get answers to his questions. Kurama. I will have to take him with me.
Sessho-maru frowned as he paced the floor in front of his desk. I don't want to put him at risk but I don't have much of a choice. If I remove the charm, he'll escape the first chance he gets. I won't lose him. But then….what should I do? He let a frustrated growl loose as he threw the scroll into the fire.
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Sessho-maru tracked Kurama down easily enough and just as he was about to step out onto the balcony, he stopped, gazing at the unaware kitsune. He was lying stretched out on his back on the short wall of the balcony, book held up and apparently deep in thought. His hair and tail spilled down the wall and onto the stone floor like two waterfalls of white water. After a few stolen moments, Sessho-maru stepped out onto the balcony.
"We will be leaving in two day's time so be prepared."
Kurama started slightly and looked up from his book at the sudden sound of Sessho-maru's voice. He'd been so engrossed he hadn't noticed him approach. I'm getting too comfortable around him.
"Prepared how? If I do not know where we are going or what we are doing, I have no way of preparing."
"Spoken like a true thief." Sessho-maru saw the golden eyes narrow as the kitsune sat up and he smiled, having gotten his desired result. "We will be traveling to the southern region to meet with the ruling demon lord there. Anything else?"
Kurama just shook his head no. Sessho-maru could instantly tell something was wrong. Kurama paled three shades and seemed to withdraw into himself where a moment ago he looked ready for a fight. He doesn't want to go to the southern region. But why? Did he try and steal from Whedon too?
Kurama was thankful that Sessho-maru didn't linger any longer. Once the inu was gone, he jumped from his perch and began to pace, his long silvery tail swishing in agitation. What am I going to do? They had a bounty out for a silver youkai thief. I doubt it's been long enough for that fat slob to forget about his precious gems. But if I don't tell Sessho-maru, it could put him in a dangerous situation. And what if we're separated? Kurama reached up and absently played with the pendant, wondering if the beautiful object would be his death after all.
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Sessho-maru noticed how unusually quiet and cooperative Kurama had been the past two days and he was worried. He was positive it had something to do with the southern region's ruling youkai. As they sat atop Aun, making their way to their destination high above the clouds, Sessho-maru considered confronting Kurama but the kitsune spoke up first.
"I have to tell you something."
"Does it have something to do with the fact that you don't want to go anywhere near the southern region?"
"Y-yes. I stole a vast amount of gems from Whedon. There's probably still a bounty on my head."
"You specifically, or just a general description that resembles you? How careless were you?"
Kurama felt the heat rise to his cheeks immediately and he clenched his fists, fighting the urge to hit the youkai in front of him.
"A silver haired thief. Possibly neko or kitsune."
"I see. Well then, you'll just have to follow my lead."
"What do you have planned?"
"Don't worry. I'll give you an airtight alibi."
Kurama didn't like the sound of Sessho-maru's offer, but he really had no other choice.
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The pair landed shortly afterwards with no further discussion between them. Kurama followed behind Sessho-maru as they made their way into the fortress and were announced to the ruling Lord. Sessho-maru entered the great hall and stopped at the appropriate distance, bowing in greeting. Kurama followed his example and made sure to keep his eyes lowered, despite his curiosity.
"Greetings, Lord Whedon."
"Welcome, Lord Sessho-maru. I am pleased to see you accepted my invitation."
"How could I stay away after such a cryptic offer?"
Lord Whedon laughs a deep, hearty laugh as he motions for something off to the side. "Indeed. Curiosity isn't merely dangerous for nekos, eh?"
Sessho-maru's eyes narrowed as he placed his hand on the hilt of his sword. He didn't have enough experience with Lord Whedon to know if he was truly joking or not. From what his father had told him, he was inclined to believe he was joking, but it never hurt to be prepared.
"Relax, Lord Sessho-maru. It was merely said in jest. You are among allies here." The youkai lord turned back to the direction he had gestured and from the side screens emerged a woman. She was tall and lean and dressed head to toe in shimmering silks that made the faintest swishing noise as she walked. She took the offered hand from Lord Whedon and bowed, then turned to face the guests.
She was attractive, having her father's jet black hair and eyes and dark honey colored skin. Thankfully, the rest of her aristocratic looks came from her mother. She carried herself with the grace of the well bred and everything about her declared submissive beauty.
"This is my daughter Lena. Lena this is Lord Sessho-maru, ruler of the Western Lands."
"Greetings, Lord Sessho-maru."
She bowed in greeting and Sessho-maru did the same, glad to see that Kurama was following his example. He could tell that the kitsune was still on edge but apparently he had his own troubles to worry about. His father never mentioned that Lord Whedon had a daughter. Now the message he received was becoming dangerously clear.
"Greetings, Lady Lena. I am embarrassed to admit that I did not know Lord Whedon had a daughter."
Lena smiled and her cheeks held the barest hint of rosy hue. "Do not fault yourself, my Lord. My father has had me hidden away for years, like some precious treasure."
"And I'm sure after seeing her you can appreciate my protectiveness."
"Absolutely, my Lord. Such beauty should be guarded at all costs."
"Speaking of beauty, who is your striking silver companion?"
Sessho-maru heard the dangerous hint of suspicion in Lord Whedon's voice. He let a smile grace his normally serious façade and he let his hand stroke Kurama's silvery hair as he gazed at him with open admiration.
"This is my treasure, Lord Whedon."
He saw a few guards leaning and whispering out of the corner of his eye and he knew that they suspected Kurama was their silvery phantom thief. He ignored the hushed tones and continued.
"Once I found him I haven't been able to go anywhere without him." A thumb over Kurama's cheekbone elicited a warmth on the kitsune's cheeks and Sessho-maru felt a kindred warmness in his chest.
"If I may inquire, when did you find this treasure of yours?"
Sessho-maru turned to face Lord Whedon, aware of the tension in the room, but choosing to act as if nothing were wrong.
"I'd say about two years ago. It was a fortuitous encounter on my part. I was merely looking for some traitor who dared to steal from me, and here I came across my treasure in the process."
"A silver kitsune. Very rare. Tell me, does this treasure of yours have a clan?"
"Tell Lord Whedon about your clan, Treasure."
Sessho-maru tipped Kurama's face up so he and Lord Whedon's eyes could meet. Kurama glared at Sessho-maru then at the youkai on the raised platform.
"They're dead."
Kurama's voice was acidic and Sessho-maru managed to hide his surprise. Is he playing the part, or is his family truly dead? But he said he had a clan.
"What happened to them?"
"My Lord killed them when they refused to turn me over."
A smirk broke out on Whedon's face as he sat back, seemingly satisfied at Kurama's answer. For his part, Kurama noted the dark look in Lady Lena's eyes before dropping his head back down.
"After two years he still has spirit. I can see why you value him so much, Lord Sessho-maru."
"Indeed."
"Well, enough of this formality. You must be tired and wanting to refresh yourselves. I'll have you escorted to your quarters. Will you be requiring an additional room for your companion?"
"No. He will stay with me, thank you."
"As you wish. I look forward to seeing you at dinner this evening. I will send someone to escort you. Is 6 o'clock agreeable with you?"
"That sounds fine. Until then, my Lord, my Lady."
Sessho-maru and Kurama bowed and followed their escort to their quarters. Once the door was closed, Kurama whirled on Sessho-maru ready to yell for the indignities heaped upon him only to have Sessho-maru's hand firmly planted across his mouth, his golden eyes warning of severe punishment should he try and fight him.
They stayed that way for several seconds before Sessho-maru started talking and backing away from Kurama, taking his hand with him.
"You will prepare the bath then join me in the bed. I am tense from our journey and need some relief."
Wide golden eyes stared at him in shock, and then he saw Sessho-maru's eyes dart to the door and back again, and he understood. They were being spied on and needed to play their parts. Kurama nodded and turned towards the bathroom, his stomach in knots. How far will he carry this charade? Will he force me to…..? No, he said he would never do that. But then again, what lengths is he willing to go to save his own life? If Whedon finds out he lied…..
As Kurama stared at the running water, lost in his thoughts, Sessho-maru came up behind him, arm around his waist, lips caressing his ear. Kurama shivered within the strong arm even as he leaned into the warm body.
"They will not hear us over the running water. You need not fear for your virtue, Treasure. Simply play along and our cover will remain intact. Do you understand?"
Kurama nodded.
"Good. And I hope you like your new name."
Kurama felt his cheeks burn with shame at Sessho-maru's breathy words but he didn't rise to the bait. If he was going to get out of Whedon's territory in one piece, he had to play along with Sessho-maru's story.
Once the bath was prepared, Kurama came out into the bedroom and eyed Sessho-maru warily as he stood in front of the window.
"Come here."
The voice was cold and commanding and Kurama found himself obeying it instantly.
"On your knees."
A second's hesitation, but Kurama complied. Sessho-maru began stroking his hair and the tone in his voice changed. It became sultry and heated and Kurama felt his cheeks getting warm again just listening to him.
"I do so love you on your knees, Treasure. I don't think I've seen a more beautiful sight. Now undress me."
Kurama nodded and began to slowly undress Sessho-maru, starting at the top. The only sound within the room was the sliding of cloth as it fell from Sessho-maru's body. Kurama found himself torn between being thankful that Sessho-maru dressed in so many layers, and frustrated by the same layers that kept him from gazing upon the body underneath.
"Speaking of beauty, what did you think of Lady Lena?"
"I…I thought she was exquisite…..my Lord."
"Do you think her more beautiful than me?"
Kurama met Sessho-maru's eyes and he saw the challenge in them immediately. Is he doing this for the guards outside, or is this just him playing with my mind? Kurama chose to ignore the challenge and answered the question in a quiet, almost monotone voice.
"I cannot judge such a thing."
"Why not?"
"Because you are two entirely different creatures. One should not compare the beauty of a male to that of a female and vice versa. Each holds beauty in its own unique way and should not----"
Sessho-maru grabbed a handful of Kurama's hair and pulled his head back, eliciting a small yelp from the surprised kitsune.
"Do not mock me, kitsune. Your mouth is becoming more brazen by the day and if you are not careful, I will make it so that you can never speak again. Do you understand?"
"Y-yes, my Lord."
Sessho-maru pushed Kurama away, sending him backwards and hitting his head against a dresser. As the thud sounded in the room, Sessho-maru immediately regretted his actions. He hadn't meant to be so rough, but something about Kurama's answer had bothered him. What did I expect? Sessho-maru strode into the bathroom, discarding his last pieces of clothing. He looked back at Kurama in the doorway, his mask of superiority still in place.
"Come. You still have other duties to perform that don't require that troublesome tongue of yours."
Kurama slowly got up and made his way into the bathroom. He found Sessho-maru already in the steaming water and he took his place next to the bath on his knees and reached for the washing towel.
Sessho-maru placed a warm wet hand on his and shook his head no. He took the cloth and started to wash himself. Kurama knelt there, head down, his mind swirling with all manner of thought of Sessho-maru and what kind of twisted game he was playing. One moment he was talking to him almost as an equal, inviting Kurama to share his own opinions, and the next he was treating him like a slave and seemed to be enjoying it no less. I know he's putting on a show for Whedon's spies, but I'm beginning to wonder just how much of it is really a show and how much is him acting on his true desires.
Kurama wasn't sure how long Sessho-maru was in the bath, but the sound of displaced water as the inu stood up and exited the bath brought him out of his thoughts. Suddenly, he felt warm hands on the side of his head as Sessho-maru bent down and kissed the back of his head where he had banged it against the dresser. Even after Sessho-maru let go and walked into the bedroom, Kurama stayed kneeling there, clutching handfuls of his pants, eyes wide in shock and confusion.
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Sessho-maru hadn't bothered asking Kurama to dress him; he could see the kitsune was lost in his thoughts, still kneeling in the bathroom, fists clutching fabric as if for dear life. Once he was dressed though, he couldn't resist the temptation to take advantage of the situation they found themselves in.
"Come here, Treasure."
Sessho-maru was seated in a chair by the window, book in hand. Kurama did as he was commanded and Sessho-maru could see the wariness in his eyes. He doesn't trust me. Why does that bother me?
Kurama followed the fluid gesture of Sessho-maru and knelt on the floor, positioning himself just to the left of Sessho-maru.
"Relax for awhile. You had a long journey as well."
The voice was soft, almost caring and before Kurama could make a comment about letting him relax somewhere other than the floor, a gentle clawed hand began to stroke his hair. Without realizing what he was doing, Kurama leaned into the attention and sat down on the floor, abandoning his kneeling position for one that was more comfortable.
Sessho-maru let the corner of his lips turn up just slightly as Kurama responded to his touch. And that was how the pair remained until the knock at their door. It stirred Kurama from his half sleep and he blushed as he came back to his senses to find that he was leaning into Sessho-maru, his head lying on the inu's leg.
Kurama quickly stood up and answered the door, turning his back on Sessho-maru's satisfied and smug grin. He opened the door to see the guards that Sessho-maru knew were posted and someone who looked to be a page of Whedon's court.
"I am here to escort Lord Sessho-maru to dinner."
Kurama bristled at the small youkai. I don't like him. My instincts tell me not to trust him. Sessho-maru suddenly appeared at his side and Kurama stood back, letting his 'master' take the lead.
"I am sorry, Lord Sessho-maru, but Lord Whedon has requested your presence only. There will be dinner this evening."
"I made it perfectly clear to your lord earlier that I do not go anywhere without my Treasure."
The page bowed low in respect. "I am truly sorry, Lord Sessho-maru. Perhaps you could take it up with Lord Whedon when you arrive at dinner?"
Sessho-maru looked to his right to see the worry in Kurama's eyes and he had to admit, he was worried for the kitsune's safety as well. Not only did he notice the look of disgust on Lady Lena's face, but what if dinner was located further away than the charm allowed? Whedon's fortress was enormous and it was possible. Especially if Kurama was forcibly removed.
"Will he be allowed to leave our chambers?"
"Y-yes, Lord Sessho-maru. He may explore all manner of public areas found within the fortress walls."
"Very well." Sessho-maru turned to Kurama, his eyes flickering down to the crescent moon resting against Kurama's pale skin before meeting the golden orbs that were fixed on him. "I expect you to be here when I return."
Kurama just nodded, but Sessho-maru reached out and caressed his cheek, reveling in the rosy tint that instantly appeared.
To be continued…..
Amine – You're so sweet! Thank you for the encouraging words. I'm glad you're enjoying the story as much as I've been enjoying creating it.
Skittles the Sugar Fairy – I've decided that you are the definitive Sugar Fairy. There may be imitations out there (Splenda the Sugar Fairy?) but they don't compare to you! (this is what happens when I take sugar) I'm glad you like my take on Sesshy. He's my favorite character. I like the pretty ones with attitude. They give the best holier-than-thou looks!
Red Kitsune Flames – Hi you! Looking forward to the next installment of Words Once Spoken. Glad you liked the little insight into Kurama's mind. I have a great appreciation of the small things in life.
stuck-in-a-tree – Thanks for the encouraging words and it's great to know you've got a craving for the story. So you're already preparing for the heartbreak, huh? Well, we'll have to see. I have other things planned for these two for the moment.