TITLE: Cursed Twins

AUTHOR: InuYoukaiAki

DISCLAIMER: I do not own InuYasha and Co.

Author's Note: Here ya go! Thanks to those who read this humble fic of mine. And most especially, thank you to those who made time to review. Your reviews inspire me to write. Thank you all! Enjoy!

Chapter 20: Déjà vu

"Die, Insolent Ningen!"

Kagome closed her eyes and breathed deeply as she heard the angry youkai and saw her charge at her with a dagger. She felt the hum before the sword appeared in her hands. She took a defensive stance as Sango taught her in some of their training sessions. Her aura flared automatically as she awaited the attack. She was so engrossed in readying to defend herself that she did not notice the others around her.

It all happened in a span of few seconds. Everybody parted to make way for the raging youkai. The three lords moved away, eager to see what will happen among the parties involved. Sesshoumaru moved in a defensive position just behind Kagome so that he could move easily to defend her in case he needed to. Inuyasha, Kenji and Yoji had already taken a step to counter the on-coming attack when InuTaisho stopped them. They all watched with baited breath as the youkai approached Kagome.

There was a brief flash of light and a loud clang as the attack connected. Kagome's revealing kimono flew around her, revealing even more than what was intended. But this time, Kagome was already past caring. She was too focused on the youkai who dared ruin her pre-mating ritual.

With an unexpected move, Kagome pushed herself away from the youkai using both her sword and her feet. She landed a few feet from the demon. Her face reflected grim determination as she held the sword in both her hands; feet spread slightly apart, her knees and waist bent slightly. She slowly slid her right foot backwards, bending her left knee more. She stopped and pointed the sword towards the youkai who was watching her with narrowed eyes. Kagome did not understand how these things seemed so natural to her. All she knew was that she should keep calm to minimize, if not completely, eliminate her errors. She kept her face unreadable as she looked at the female youkai.

"Who are you?" she asked coldly.

This seemed to anger the youkai more. "Kimiko, Sesshoumaru's intended," the youkai said arrogantly, her head tilted upwards.

"Prove it," Kagome said imperiously.

Kimiko growled threateningly. "You dare insult me?" she asked dangerously, her fangs exposed. "I will rip your head from your shoulders. Sesshoumaru is mine!"

Kagome's straight face did not falter. "Bring it on," she said, her eyes sparking.

The enraged youkai need no further coaxing and immediately launched another attack. Kagome easily parried Kimiko's desperate attacks, her out-of-control temper clouding her mind. After a few moments, Kagome got bored with merely defending herself. With a yell, she kicked Kimiko's stomach and sent the female flying to the opposite side of the room. She approached the wheezing youkai and placed the tip of her sword against her opponent's flawless neck.

"My name is Kagome," she said clearly as she stared straight at the youkai's eyes. "I am Sesshoumaru's mate-to-be."

A growl was heard from Kimiko, the youkai's eyes were blazing in anger as she was humiliated. "Filthy ningen," she spat.

Kagome let the tip of her sword graze Kimiko's neck. It drew blood which sizzled as it came to contact with the sword induced with miko powers. "Do not test my patience, arrogant youkai," she said with her eyes narrowed dangerously. "I can destroy your pretty face with my miko powers. And believe me; even a youkai's healing powers would not be able to heal it back to normal."

"Enough," Sesshoumaru said coldly from behind Kagome. "You have caused enough trouble, Kimiko."

The female youkai's eyes narrowed briefly before it widened dramatically. Tears threatened to fall from her eyes. "But Sesshoumaru," she pleaded. "You promised—"

"I did no such thing," Sesshoumaru cut her off.

Kimiko looked defeated as she slumped her shoulders and bit her lip to stop the tears that threatened to fall. Kagome sighed and retracted her sword. She thrust it to her palm before kneeling down in front of the despairing female. She placed her hand comfortingly above the woman's and waited until she looked up at her. The fury was gone, replaced only by sadness and envy.

"I know how you feel," Kagome said, understanding evident in her eyes as she looked at the woman. "I've been through the same thing. Don't let this bring you down. You're such a beautiful youkai. Any male would be honored to have you as a mate."

"How can you act so nice after what I did?" Kimiko asked, guilt written all over her face. "I ruined your ritual and I could have killed you."

Kagome smiled softly. "You only did it because you were hurt," she said as she patted the youkai's hand comfortingly. "Besides, you could not have killed me. Sesshoumaru and the others would not have allowed that to happen." She looked up at Sesshoumaru who remained stoic. But Kagome saw the brief flash of surprise in his eyes. She smiled radiantly at him and stood up. Kagome reached her hand out to Kimiko who hesitantly took it.

Her eyes remained downcast as she stood beside Kagome. "I'm sorry for my behavior," she said timidly to the room at large.

"Enough action for now," InuTaisho said, beaming proudly at Kagome. "We must finish the ceremony."

Everybody murmured in agreement and Kagome allowed Sesshoumaru to escort her to the middle of the room. She looked up at him, as they stood slightly apart. Kimiko was escorted by the twins towards the crowd of people.

InuTaisho looked at the audience. "Here are two beings fated to be together," he said in a booming voice. "Here we witness their acceptance of each other. Let these two stay together in harmony."

The audience clapped their hands as Sesshoumaru and Kagome looked at the group. The group of youkai then went over to them and Kagome felt the females, with Kikyou and Sango leading, as they ushered her back to her chambers. She looked back and saw the males flanking Sesshoumaru. They were escorting him towards the other doors to the opposite side.

- - -

"Such a strong miko!" one of the males exclaimed, as they ushered him towards his chambers.

Sesshoumaru went with the flow and wondered if Kagome was all right. He mentally shrugged. Kikyou and Sango would not let anything happen to her. In any case, Kagome had proven that she was capable of defending herself. He listened as his male guests talked about what had happened in the ritual. The merging of ki and Kagome's display of prowess were the main topic. And he could not help but feel proud of her. She had held her own ground and even managed to befriend the youkai who tried to kill her. She was both strong and compassionate.

He allowed the others to change his clothes into a simple robe with nothing else underneath.

"You are one lucky dog, Sesshoumaru," Shitare said good-naturedly. "You have managed to find a very rare creature."

"I quite agree," Onoshi said as he patted Sesshoumaru's back.

"And to be able to perform the merging of ki," Kigami said, impressed.

He did not comment on the statements. He did not have to. And the other lords knew that Sesshoumaru was never someone who talks about the personal things.

Soon, Sesshoumaru found himself being ushered out again towards the largest indoor hot spring on his property. InuTaisho led the way. He saw the group of female youkai who were standing huddled in one side of the door, giggling madly. Even Kimiko who had been so furious earlier was giggling with the others. He watched as she stepped in front of him and bowed. "Your mate-to-be is ready for the purification ritual," she said with a naughty glint in her eyes.

Sesshoumaru did not know how to react to that. He inclined his head and stepped forward. He opened the door and went inside. Kagome stood rigidly with her back towards the door. She was wearing a robe and her long wavy hair was cascading behind her back.

He stepped forward. "Kagome," he called to her. He was mildly surprised that his voice was quite loud. He felt his throat go dry as she turned around rather slowly. Her cheeks were aflame with embarrassment as she stepped towards him. His eyes took in the hesitancy in her eyes, as she blushed even more as she glimpsed his chest. He smirked and reached out to remove the material that covered her.

He watched as her eyes widened. She stiffened even more but she held her ground. Sesshoumaru was quite amused when he noticed her swallow. Instead of removing the offending material right away, his hand found its way to Kagome's delicate neck. He made slow deliberate movements with his hand. He felt as she relaxed in his arms, her eyes fluttering close.

Then slowly, his other hand undid her robe. He watched as it formed a pool of silk around her feet. Sesshoumaru's eyes roamed her body. It was quite extraordinary. Her breasts were not very large but enough to draw any man or youkai's attention. She was slender, with a very narrow waist. Her legs were very long and shapely. And her creamy white skin was healthy. He watched as her hands tried to cover herself but he stopped her.

"Don't," he whispered hoarsely. He saw her surprise at the effect she had on him. And even he was surprised at this uncharacteristic loss of control. But he did not care anymore. All he was aware of was the woman in front of him. She was warm and her scent indicated her arousal. And she would soon be his, this beautiful selfless creature who had found her way into his cold heart.

He could not tear his eyes away from her. She was beautiful and pure. Kagome was not what he expected. She was unlike anyone he had met. Sesshoumaru could not help but feel warm inside as the thought of having such an extraordinary woman as mate and companion for life.

She smiled tremulously before her hands slowly extended towards him. Kagome stopped and looked up at him, as if asking for his permission. He nodded and she slid his robe off him. Her eyes widened as she saw all of him. As if hypnotized, her hands slowly traced the markings on his arms. The tip of her fingers leaving a trail of heat that he knew was not due to the hot springs. He caught her hand. At the rate things were going, he might end up mating her now rather than tomorrow.

He saw Kagome's eyes widened in alarm before a blush stained her cheeks. "I'm sorry," she said in embarrassment.

"Much as I want to take you now, the ritual dictates that we must not," he said bluntly and saw her eyes widened and the blush spread to her neck. "Come, we must bathe." He led her towards the spring.

- - -

Every thing became a blur as Kagome was ushered back to her chambers. She found herself surrounded by the female guests. Hitomi, Sango and Kikyou led the group as they prepared her. Some of the ladies stripped her off her kimono while the others began to remove the pins holding her hair. Kimiko was surprisingly excited as she brushed her hair until it shone.

"You must relax," Kimiko said. "The mating won't be until tomorrow night. You are just going to bathe each other."

"Hey, you were trying to kill her a while ago," Sango said suspiciously.

Kimiko continued brushing Kagome's hair. "Well, if you can't beat them, join them," she said cheerfully and continued as if she was Kagome's best friend.

Kagome could not absorb everything that they were saying. She knew they were trying to make her feel at ease but she was too caught up in her own world of panic that she couldn't understand them all.

Then she was ushered to the indoor hot springs led by Hitomi. She did not know what happened really. And here she was, standing naked with a naked Sesshoumaru in the hot spring. She just couldn't believe she touched him. What was she thinking? How could she have touched him like that? She was too caught up in her mind that Kagome did not notice Sesshoumaru approach her until she felt his touch on her shoulders.

Kagome whirled around and stepped back a little, her eyes round with panic. "What are you doing?" she gasped out.

"Bathing you," he said casually. "We need to purify each other before the actual mating tomorrow."

"How can this purify us?" she asked in a high-pitched tone. "I am certainly not thinking pure thoughts right now." Her hand flew to her mouth as she realized what she said in her panic.

Sesshoumaru smirked and advanced towards her. Kagome made a step back for every step Sesshoumaru took. "You do realize that you won't be able to run away from me," he said casually, almost playfully.

Kagome could not help but think that this situation had happened before. She stopped mid-step as she realized that they had been in the same situation, when she had ran away from Inuyasha in the forest. Her cheeks flared up as she remembered what happened then. "Uh, Sesshoumaru," she said as she swallowed audibly. "I don't think this is such a good idea."

"Hn," he said as he continued advancing towards her. "Do not worry, I will not ravish you." She saw his mouth quirk and knew that he was teasing her.

She immediately forgot her nervousness and smiled teasingly. "Maybe I want you to," she said. "Did that ever occur to you?"

His eyes narrowed and he growled low. "You would regret your teasing," he said as he went after her.

Kagome made an "eep" sound and giggled, trying to get away from Sesshoumaru. Unfortunately, or fortunately, her reflexes were infinitely superior to his and he was able to catch her. His arm wrapped around her slim waist. Kagome stiffened as she felt Sesshoumaru's warm skin against her own. She felt a rumble from his chest and knew that he was amused. Her heart melted. She really liked this playful Sesshoumaru. She had glimpsed this side of him a couple of times. He was so endearing and she knew she would love only him.

Without thinking, Kagome turned in his arms and pressed herself against him. She stood on her toes and kissed him. She felt his shock, as he was not able to respond immediately. Soon, he took the lead as he kissed her more passionately. Their hands roamed each other, exploring everything that they could. Kagome could not help the moan that escaped her as she felt his hands all over her. It felt so wonderful.

"We must stop here," Sesshoumaru said in a hoarse voice after a thorough kissing and nuzzling session. "We will continue this tomorrow."

Kagome nodded dumbly as she tried to regain her wits. She just forgot her name. Who was she again? Oh yeah, her name is Kagome and she's the lucky gal who will mate Sesshoumaru tomorrow. She sighed and nodded. He allowed Sesshoumaru assist her with her robe and she did the same for him.

- - -

Sesshoumaru calmed himself before opening the door. Everyone was awaiting them outside. He looked at Kagome and smirked. She was blushing and there was something in her guilty expression that spoke volumes of what they did inside. He looked around to the expectant crowd and he could see the knowing glances exchanged among them.

He watched curiously as Kimiko approached Kagome excitedly. "How did it go?" she whispered. The gesture was quite amusing since almost all in the group were youkai with superior hearing.

His amusement increased when Kagome's blush deepened and she muttered incoherently about nosy youkai. He looked around and saw the others grinning with amusement as the little miko tried unsuccessfully to hush the persistent youkai. Finally, Kagome told her to go to her chambers later in the evening which seemed to satisfy Kimiko. She promptly nodded and stood beside Kagome.

Eventually, Kagome's restlessness became more evident as she began to fidget with a loose thread on the sleeve of her robe. Sesshoumaru finally took pity on her and took her hand. He ignored the snickers around them and led her to her chambers. Kikyou, Sango, Kimiko and Hitomi loyally followed them. He nodded to the four females who ushered Kagome inside and locked the door behind them. Without another thought, he turned back to his own chambers to change.

- - -

Kagome allowed the four girls to groom her again. They forced her to wear another revealing kimono. It was dark violet with light pink cherry blossoms scattered near the hem. It was the same cut basically as the white one where her every move revealed ample amount of skin. She sighed as the women fussed over her. What surprised her more was how helpful and excited Kimiko was. She was the one who kept rambling excitedly.

Her hair was swept up with tendrils framing her face. White pearls were entwined in her hair.

It was quite frustrating how they questioned her on what happened in the springs. And it irked her that she could not control her blush whenever the thought of what they actually did entered her mind. The fact that her companions could not help but giggle every time she blushed did not help.

Kimiko was the worst. She was really blunt and asked a lot of embarrassing questions. Of course, she did not answer all the questions, just a few that were not too embarrassing.

Finally, they left her alone when they heard Sesshoumaru call out from behind the door. Kimiko excitedly went to open it. She executed a graceful bow and allowed Sesshoumaru to enter the chambers.

Kagome looked up to see that he, too, had changed. His new attire was black with intricate embroidery of silver vines. Sesshoumaru extended his hand towards her and she gently placed her smaller ones in his. They walked back towards the hall to join the guests for the banquet.

End chapter