Here is another chapter. Please read and review!
Slender hands held the steel rails of the sea vessel that transported her tightly. She sighed tiredly as she looked out on the rolling waves of the ocean that took her further away from home, even the mountains once majestic, looked small and insignificant as the ship sailed into deep waters.
The thought of leaving her birthplace behind was bitter sweet, as some of the most unforgettable and worst years of her life were spent in Osaka. All those memories were inconsequential now as her new home and life rushed to greet her.
The small army that her brother had entrusted to her had left two days prior; they would make the journey inland travelling on foot and on horseback. And if their coordination were accurate, by the time the ship's journey would've ended, then the soldiers should've already be in the west and waiting at the pier for their arrival.
The warm summer's breeze felt cooler now that she sailed the high seas, she closed her eyes and inhaled the ocean deeply, holding onto the crisp air for as long as she could. She felt as free as the wild breeze that ticked her face and blew her hair askew.
The feeling however was a fantasy, because she had never been free to do as she'd wanted. She'd been a slave to her brother and the empire her entire life, only doing as they commanded, hence the journey to a new territory to be married to someone that she did not know.
In all likely-wood she would be a slave to her new husband as well. She knew nothing of him, and him of her. And she'd grown increasingly concerned after the prime minister who was like a second father, mentioned to her that the demon lord had said that he had a mate, and she wondered about it even now. What would her life be like tomorrow?
"How are you feeling princess?" Jade asked as she came closer. Princess Maemi gasped and placed her hand over her heart in fright. So lost she had been in her thoughts that she had not heard her cousin's approach. "I hope all is well, the captain has assured me that we should be arriving in the west by mid-day." Maemi turned slowly and watched as her cousin took the final few steps and came to stand beside her.
"You look troubled, whatever it is you should forget about them and make the most of what is to come," the older woman advised.
She shook her head in agreement. "I suppose you are right and worrying will not help, but my only wish is that mother was not accompanying us."
Jade glanced at the princess and really looked at her this time, and saw how worried she actually was by the sad downcast eyes and tightly pursed lips. She laid a gentle hand on her arm. "I can only imagine how you must feel but she won't be in charge of you there…You will be the new queen."
Maemi looked down on the hand on her arm and then at her cousin's face and sighed. "Maybe you are right but I fear she will only cause trouble for me, she is overbearing and some of her ways are strange. I really don't want because of her our lives get more complicated than it is."
Jade moved to stand directly in front of the princess and took her hands into her own which to her surprise were cold. "I wouldn't let that bother me too much if I were you, don't let her steal your joy," she paused and gave her cousin a sympathetic look before continuing. "Your brother has sent me to find you; he and the others are waiting for you to join them for the mid-morning tea."
The princess closed her eyes briefly, she was tired mentally and her muscles sore from all the packing and standing she had done to make preparations for the trip. She hadn't time for a long rest then because of the suddenness of her betrothal and upcoming marriage.
All she needed right now was a few hours sleep and she would be alright, hopefully when she awoke the journey would have ended. She didn't want to be in the company of her family nor the shogun and his.
She yawned in an unladylike fashion, mouth agape and she did not even bother to shield it with her hand. Jade chuckled at the comical image, but also because she could tell that the princess's fighting spirit had returned.
"Tell my brother that I am seasick and won't be able to join him." Both women laughed a bit before taking the winding metal stairs to the middle deck. As they parted Jade veered to the right along the passage to the dining hall, while Maemi turned left and went straight to her room.
Lord Shun welcomed the human soldiers as they arrived in the west, they were in his care until the emperor, his sister and their entourage could join them. The barracks was cleaned and outfitted with general staff to see to their daily needs. Only fifty of them would accompany the royal team to the capital city when it was time.
Almost to the extreme left of the compound which carried all the way to the back was a large furnished house equipped with servants to see to the needs of the guests. There they will remain until tomorrow afternoon before leaving for the wedding ceremony.
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The area around the temple and auditorium in the capital city was transformed into a visual masterpiece by street cleaners, artisan and women folk for the princess's arrival. There were hot air balloons the color of rainbows, flowers of every type and shade imaginable were set up in the temple, multicolored silk cloth of red, white and gold hung in the high ceiling of the building giving it a grand impression.
Shippo stood stock-still and observed while anger and rage build up inside him. He knew why all of this was happening, times were changing and provisions had to be made to embrace the coming change. But how could he be anything but angry when his mother would suffer to make it happen?
He hissed through clenched teeth as another female passed him by with a basket of sweet smelling wild flowers. He turned on the woman suddenly which startled her, the basket slipped from her hand and the flowers scattered messily on the ground. A heavy boot heel came down hard squashing them to bits. The woman spun on her heels with her hands in the air and ran.
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The situation at home was explosive enough without him being there. To diffuse the fire he had chosen to stay away; sleeping at the fortress with the hope of making sense of everything, and thus giving his family some time and space to sort through their emotions.
His heart told him that this was not how things were suppose to be, but instincts commanded his actions and pride. He had always trusted his instincts. So what the hell bothered him so much if this was what he truly wanted ?
He was filled with anger and sadness and the usual adrenaline-charged eagerness to jump in and do battle for his mate. Emotions were getting in the way of his commitment to marry the princess. So to put those changeable thoughts on hold he had to clear his head, and the only way to do that was to keep busy.
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After four days the children were feeling a bit better although they'd refused to leave her side, they still slept in her bed and on the floor. She'd just made lunch and they all sat down to eat when Shippo entered. She offered him a plate but he declined and opted to talk instead.
"Mother do you know what is happening in the city?"
The statement made her uneasy, and she dismissed it immediately. "I am sure whatever it is it will be for the princess's benefit, and I refuse to let it bother me."
She looked away from Shippo and turned her attentions back to the younger children at the table who gazed at her sadly. "It's alright I am doing much better and you shouldn't worry," she said trying to assuage the returning distress from them.
"Mother please don't go and leave us with father and his new wife," Aiko said almost in tears. "I don't think I can deal with it. I know why you want us to stay but I am not strong enough to do it if you won't be here."
The crying plea echoed like a desperate howl in her heart and she got up quickly and went to her child, hugged her close from behind and kissed her cheek. Aiko eyes brimmed with tears that spilled down her face within moments. Her mother lovingly brushed them away.
As the child cried and the sobs shook her body, Kagome held her tighter and whispered soothingly in her air. "Honey I will never be far, but at this point I am unsure where I will go, as soon as I am settled I will send Shippo for you…Okay."
"Hmmm," her daughter replied through the tears and sniffled. The other children looked away, desperately trying to hide their own erupting emotions.
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Sesshomaru stood like a statue on a hill furthest away from the barracks on a silent vigil. He'd spotted the ship some ten miles out and waited; now it was anchoring near the shore. He saw as the soldiers put themselves into position, waiting for the aristocrats to disembark.
His representative and close ally lord Shun stepped forward as the emperor stepped off the ship followed by the prime minister and the shogun. Walking at the backs of them were women and children, numbering twenty in total, it would be fair to assume that they were family members and servants, and also that the princess was among them.
Greetings were exchanged, the line of soldiers parted so that the royal party could board the carriages that would take them the short journey to their destination.
When there was nothing more to see Sesshomaru turned away from the scene and flew back to the fortress. As he landed on the upper balcony he realized to his dismay that this was it, his life with Kagome was officially over now that the princess had set foot on his shores, and there was no turning back.
He had put himself and family through a grinder that churned and thrashed their hearts into unrecognizable bits. The sharpness of the pain it caused had stung him innumerable times since he'd left them. He hadn't slept a wink since that time and now the burden he carried was finally taking a toll on him.
He headed for the nearest bedroom but hesitated at the door; he stopped and looked as he remembered that it was the same room and space that he and Kagome had made love in when he'd mated her.
The need to be close to her again drove him inside, although he knew that none of her scents and charm would remain. It was a long time ago that it had happened.
He had to see her again. But would she want to see him? Guilt and regret had kept him away from his family. The sight of their tear stained face and the deep hurt into their gazes was one that he did not wish to witness again. Regardless, he had to see her one last time before she left and took his heart.
Fatigue forced his body into sleep as soon as he rested his head on the pillow. Her beautiful face and happy smile was the last thing he thought of before he slept.
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It was early morning but the full moon still shone in the sky. Kagome eased up quietly from the sleep ridden torsos of her children and walked quietly to the door, she wasn't aware, but Taizo and Akiyoshi watched.
At the door she stopped and looked back one last time before she left. She couldn't say goodbye to them, not now, because if she did she wouldn't have the courage to let go and leave. She knew that physically they would be well taken care of, but mentally she worried for them, especially for the youngest, Aiko.
She sighed with the tears and shook her head as she did so, trying to will away the seething pain that stabbed at her heart and conscience; knowing that she could stay and take care of them. But how could she live in a house that used to be her home with a man that she loved and then turn around and share him with another woman?
The answer to that was simple. No, she could not; she couldn't do it thirty years ago and nothing had changed since then. Her love for him was selfless, but that was one thing she could not do for him.
Bitter tears flowed as a crystal water fall from her eyes as she fled and left her children behind. She stumbled and fell to the floor as pain and fear gripped her heart, she couldn't get up. Sobs of misery shook her being and she clenched her teeth hard to hold it in, to stop the screams of dread from bursting forth. Lost and weary she tried to stand but her knees failed her, then strangely two hands held onto her shoulders and pulled her to her feet, one on the right and the other on the left. She hadn't heard them as she'd fled, but her sons were right beside her in her time of grief.
She turned into them and cried, holding on as tightly as she could as her heart shattered and the pain grounded the pieces to dust. They held on and cried helplessly together, because they too would be losing something precious, the only real mother they'd have.
She was kind and loving, she tamed the wild instincts inside them and had turned it into compassion, she cared for them, loved them, dressed their wounds even when there was no need, because they would heal, and she'd saved both of their lives.
"Don't cry anymore mother," Taizo said as he tried to bring his emotions down. "You should go before the others wake up."
She nodded and kissed their faces one final time, and observed with sadness how much they had grown, but were still children that needed her, yet she could not stay.
"We will be together again," Akiyoshi said and placed a ruby necklace around her neck that he and Taizo had made for her.
"Thank you," she said as more tears filled her eyes.
She tried to avert the wallowing despair and could not, all the strength had left her and now she was a wimpering mess. It was time, she needed to go before Sesshomaru returned and all the mental strenth that she'd garnered these last four days left her and she faltered even more.
She let them go but before she left she made one request. "Take care of each other, and comfort Aiko because she will need it most when she realizes that I am gone, and your father please don't hate him, he only did what he thought was best for us."
She didn't wait for them to respond, she just ran away blinded by more tears and left them behind.
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Her image was there before him as he slept; long, black luxuriant hair that was soft and silky to the touch, olive skin that was flawless, and wide blue expressive eyes set in a heart shaped face. She was the most perfect thing that he'd ever known and now he was losing her.
He struggled to breathe as he and his conscience battled, it held him down choking off the air from his starving lungs.
"Kagome," her name discharged from his throat with fury. "Wait for me."
Kagome took her horse and the bag that she had packed a day before; she would not take any of the magnificent jewelry or the fine clothes that her mate provided her with. It was never about the wealth, she would have given him her heart even if he had been dirt poor as long as she loved him.
Urgency build up inside Sesshomaru as he flew fast to get home to his mate, something was not right, their connection was still active but somehow he felt as tiny strings began to unravel and he did not like the feeling. It felt as though he was losing pieces of himself, like his consciousness slipped and took with it the most vital parts of his existence.
He pushed himself harder and faster as the ominous sensation assaulted him. He was almost out of breath when he made it home. His eyes widened when sensed little of her presence. He sighed uneasily, he had overslept and now she was gone. With his head hanging low he entered his home.
As he entered the house, there in front of him stood his sons Akiyoshi and Taizo. "Mother has left us father," Akiyoshi informed him, "and I fear she will never return."
He stiffened and clenched his jaw as the world around him seemed to fade into nothingness, and only the terrible drumming of his heart met his ears on hearing the grave news. He had no answer or words of comfort for his sons and so numbly he went back through the door. He stood still for a moment and sniffed the air just as Tora came into view.
"She took the horse and headed south," he said, "I believe you could still catch her if you hurry."
Reluctantly he glanced at the rising sun, in another three hours he would be married and thirty years of building a life with his mate would be washed away by an evil current. He sighed softly and walked away leaving his friend behind. The only other individual who had any idea what turmoil he faced.
Shippo followed his mother at a safe distance not wanting her to detect his presence. Whatever reasons she had for not telling him of her sudden departure was hers, and he would respect that decision though he would keep watch to ensure her safety.
The horse strained under the pressure as Kagome rode him ragged trying to get away as fast and as far as she could from her mate. She knew that he would come after her when he realizes that she had left him. Today was his wedding day and she hoped it would keep him busy enough. And by the time he had time to look for her she would have been long gone.
Sesshomaru made a quick sprint into the forest as soon as he picked up her scent along with the horse. It was feint but it would be enough to track and find her. She had left hours before he'd gotten home. She must have left in the cover of darkness he deduced for her essence to be this weak.
He'd used up large amount of his energies earlier flying exhaustingly to reach home, and now he was feeling the burn of those depleted force. But still nothing would stop him, she meant everything to him, and even if she should slap him and spit in his face when he found her he would take it. He deserved her anger and hatred. Kagome, his soul cried out her name.
Shippo felt the might of Sesshomaru's aura coming his way at full speed, it bore down on him crushingly. Quickly he detoured into the opposite direction. He did not want to be seen. The demon's lord's emotions were raw and wild, he was chasing down his woman and his instincts had taken over. This was one battle that he would observe from afar.
It was slight at first but Kagome felt her mate. Fear gripped her and she rode harder, but even with the panicky feelings gnawing at her gut she could tell that he was gaining on her. The mark on her neck pulsed wildly and then started to burn; it felt as though someone had lit a match and had grazed it against her flesh.
"Aaah," she cried out, when pain seized her neck so much so that she could hardly move it.
Involuntarily one hand moved to the area of discomfort and she held on unbalanced to the harness. The horse's body quivered from his head to the tip of his tail multiple times in quick succession, he neighed loudly several times and bucked wildly before coming to a complete halt. The action had her almost careening head first into the earth. To thwart the fall she lay low on his back and hugged him tight around the neck while he calmed. Then just as suddenly as the horse was spooked she felt Sesshomaru's youki rose and fill the forest. She cried out in fear and her hands trembled. Now she knew why her horse became so terrified.
The animal terror began anew just as he began to calm down, and if she couldn't control him soon he would throw her off his back. The horse's wild behavior was directly linked to the oppressing sensation in the atmosphere. She had to calm him down somehow, he was her only means of escape and she could not lose him now. She grabbed onto the reins with both hands again and drew him in to steady him; the pain in her neck all but forgotten in the process.
Sesshomaru's eyes were the color of blood and of his heart as he continued to give chase; he could feel the fear burning inside her and likewise her defiant nature stood strong at the same time. His blood boiled just thinking about catching her, his loins tightened with need as the hunt for prey intensified. He would have her. She was his.
Ceased by fear and the need to escape she willed the horse back under her control, but he was tired. She had pushed him too hard and too fast and now he couldn't go the distance. She had to make a decision. Slowly she dismounted and patted the horse on the face and continued on foot.
She ran until she was breathless, her muscles burned and quaked with the strain of her endurance. She couldn't continue like this for much longer. Resting by a tree she panted harshly while sweat dribbled down her face, burned her eyes and entered her mouth.
A shrill howl echoed in the daylight, she gasped and instantly was back on her feet running like she was being chased by death itself. Another howl more mournful that the first rang piercingly in the forest and through her ears. She clamped her hand over them trying to drown out the horrifying sound.
Who or what could make a sound like that? She asked herself, only this time she felt the ground shake as heavy footsteps drew nearer and nearer. She froze as she looked up and saw through the tree tops a giant white dog coming towards her.
As it approached it stopped and shook itself shedding the demonic skin, and in its place was her mate. Their eyes met; deadly crimson on stormy blues. It was enough and she began to run again, blinded by tears and desperation she ran away from him and her heart. One look was all that it took and her hard fought resolve cracked.
He wouldn't chase her now, he didn't have to. He knew that he had caught her. Her legs were weak and wobbly and she could barely move them, she dragged them clumsily along the ground instead. When she realized that she couldn't escape she stopped and turned around, watching as he came closer.
"Stop!" Kagome pleaded. But he kept moving closer to her, and the question in his eyes demanded an answer. They were still red.
"Let me go...Please!" She implored him.
"As you wish," he said, but still he came closer and closer until he stood right before her.
He touched her face with both hands and brushed her hair behind her ears. He cupped her face in his palms, and she closed her eyes. All the strength she had to resist him drained away. It was frightening that someone could have so much power over her.
She didn't run when he grazed her cheek with his fangs and licked the salty tears and sweat from her skin. Instead her eyes drifted closed and her knees weakened even further. His tongue roamed down the side of her nose to her mouth. Her lips parted on their own while she waited and waited for the sweetness to come that would only carry them to doom. Knowing the truth of their fate did little to help her, it only fuel the fire to a blaze, and nullified the last bit of power she had to resist him.
The fox arrived a short time later and observed the two caught up in each other, and walked some distance away giving them some measure of privacy. It was obvious, Sesshomaru had chased Kagome down in despair, he wanted to let go, but not even the strong will of his body could suppress his heart. Should he stop them, it was a thought, and quickly he dismissed it. They needed to say their goodbyes, running away was not the answer.
Sesshomaru's heat enveloped her in a cocoon of masculine scents, tantalizing her with a promise she knew all too well. His mouth hovered above her parted lips briefly before he drove right in, sweeping the crevices of her mouth like a broom. She felt every inch of desire rolling off him and into her.
The wait was maddening as he devoured her mouth and caressed her clothed body with the barest of touches. Her body pleaded with her while her mind told her to resist him. She drew in a deep breath and considered while his hands molded her flesh, and the delightful sensations left her feeling breathless. She loved Sesshomaru and had yearned for him while he was away. Did she really want to spurn his attentions when this could be the last time that they were together? She didn't have time to think on it any longer as her womanly parts clenched with need, she moved, closing the spare inch of space between them.
Slowly and with care he untied the sash that held her pants up and it dropped to her feet. His large manhood strained through his hakamas, and with ease he set it free. He lifted her up and she wrapped her legs around his waist as he carried her to the closest tree. With her back against it he looked deep into her eyes. He saw love and sorrow as well as the turbulent emotions she wrestled with, her pride and the love that she still harbored for him. He closed his eyes as he lifted her higher and placed his manhood at her entrance. And when he opened them again she still stared at him.
He couldn't bear to look at her as guilt and the denial he'd tried to drive from his heart; that he could live without her consumed him. He gently placed his other hand under her chin and turned her face away. "Don't look at me like that Kagome, I don't deserve it," he said lowly, his voice laced with sorrow.
She gasped and kept her head steadily away from his as he'd commanded her to do, and quickly he impaled her with himself. She cried out long as he stretched and fill her over and over. He was slow and tender, deliberate with his strokes of passion, and all that she could do was to close her eyes tight as their bodies rocked and swayed, out in the open, in desperation.
Kagome fought anger, the incomprehensible tears and the love she felt. She felt weak and vulnerable and she hated it.
Her fingers trembled as she circled them around his neck and brought his face to hers and kissed him, nibbling on his lips just the way he liked it before she suckled his tongue into her mouth. He didn't object for long before he returned it by slanting his lips over hers. Pulling her higher and drawing her closer as he continued to move deep inside her womb.
His low groans mingled with her sighs, intoxicated together in this erotic duel. His strokes increased with urgency as passion drove them on, one giving and the other receiving. Kagome tunneled her hand through his hair. Sesshomaru filled her endlessly again and again, burying his tumultuous emotions inside her.
And when she climaxed and screamed out his name loudly, and when his was moments away he nuzzled her neck, sniffing along its expanse before jamming his fangs deep down. He held her still and firm as she wailed and thrashed from the pain. His eyes felt gritty but no tears came, though his soul cried out in grief.
Shippo circled back when he heard the terrible screams of his mother's pain and found them still locked in a lovers embrace. He averted his eyes and waited.
When the deed was done Sesshomaru's knot loosened and they separated. He sat with her in his arms weakened, while she was drunk with his poison and would soon fall asleep.