Dominion
Dominion
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Dominion
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha! I wish I did though...
Chapter Two; Surprises
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Dominion
By: Aqua
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Summary: He got whatever he wanted. That was one of the first lessons she'd learned early on in her married life. Possessiveness had come with the whole package and she'd even started to relish in that fact, but when it all came to blows, enough was enough..KS!
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Pompous…regal, those were the few brief thoughts that flitted through her mind as she gazed at the home that was now hers. She'd seen pictures of the intimidating manor but it was more awing in person. It even had a name, which wasn't all that surprising considering the way it stood, in all its haughty galore, against a backdrop of blue sky. Dominion. The title suited the imperious mansion perfectly and a shiver couldn't help but work its way up her spine in chilling precision. As Kagome sat in her convertible, various doubts overshadowed her repose, staining the image of joviality and ease she had managed to attain and keep for three days straight.
In reality she was scared boneless. What had she gotten her self into? She'd only known Sesshoumaru for only two months before they'd finally tied the knot. Did he really love her? Better yet- did she really love him? Shaking her head violently, she struggled to banish the unwanted confusion from her mind. Now was not a time for reluctance.
From this far off, she could see a limber tree branch cradling a nest of baby robins. The birds' sweet sonata intertwined with the leaves quiet sensuality, creating a silent groove that was pleasing to the ears. The wind picked up speed and began a battle to possess the buds off various blooms, only succeeding in losing its breath. Kagome's breath had already been stolen the moment her eyes had lain on the multiple numbers of layered roses.
There were other breeds of flowers as well. Lilies, daises, tulips, orchids, and plenty more she didn't care to identify. But momentarily, her attention was only reserved for the sweet smelling buds we know as roses. They were a passionate red color with a few splashes of white smudging the innermost center. If one looked closely enough, they could find and appreciate the intricate beauty that was so true and untouchable. Trees were plentiful as well and the air was young with an bounteous amount of oxygen. The house was constructed of sturdy white bricks and it was the epitome of deceptive innocence as vines slithered up the curved lattice. Taking a deep breath she finally rose and abandoned the safe enclosure of her car.
Welcome home, Kagome. It was a whisper upon the wind.
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"So he has himself a little wife now, hmm?"
"I even saw 'er m'self Miss."
Kagura sighed, eyes closing briefly with growing agitation. She would have been beautiful if not for the malevolent gleam that flickered like wildfire in the depths of her russet hued optics. Her generous lips were painted a ruby red to match the color of her eyes and the extraordinary face was wreathed with thick strands of ebony hair that curled tenuously at the base of her neck. She wore a white yukata, which was exquisite in its simpleness. Her feet were bare and currently tucked behind folds of clothe.
The office that they occupied was vast and was more daunting than comfortable. The walls were a light, burgundy color that suddenly broke off dramatically and darkened into a bittersweet hue. The carpet was a light mauve tinge that neutralized the surroundings and décor. They were three unblemished settees populating various corners of the room, unused as of late.
"How does she look?"
"Looks 'kinda fresh, if you ask me. Maybe 19 or 20. Mighty pretty though. Blue eyes, long black hair."
The man standing in front of her was far from pretty. He had a stout frame and a wide girth. His drab hair was greased back and his lips were thin. The hands were large and meaty, adorned with a good number of calluses. She didn't even want to imagine how they felt. His eyes were a bleached-out blue and the brown shirt and pants that concealed his obese configuration didn't help camouflage his beer-gut. The personality was just as ugly as the face.
"Where are you from again, Jeff?"
"Texas. United States. I'm on an extended vacation." It was partially truth, partially lie.
"I knew that," She replied with a dismissive wave. "Anyway, it's fortunate that you're here. I'm going to need your assistance to help put my little plan in motion."
"Care to explain?"
"When the time is right Jeff, patience is a virtue. You may leave now. I have a visit to make. It just wouldn't be right if I didn't pay my respects to the blushing bride."
"And what if I don't want to participate in your little gimmick?"
"You will, when the price is right."
That bought a sly smile to the corners of his wan lips.
"We'll see about it…" He murmured
"No Jeff, I'll see about it. Now leave."
And that was the end of that conversation.
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She'd been informed soon after her arrival that Sesshoumaru was on a business trip. Apparently, he'd returned a day earlier and decided to get a head start on his work, thus the absence. But she missed him. Terribly. His presence was decidingly crucial during the first few days in her new home. Tonight she'd sleep in their bed…alone. The house was infested with maids and people that were meant to make her adjustment easier; she wanted Sesshoumaru.
He was due home in two days which in her opinion- royally sucked.
Luckily, the house was as beautiful on the inside as it was on the outside. The furniture was classic and polished to gleam. There were six bedrooms, three bathrooms, two guest rooms, and one large-n-lofty entertainment room. Located in the backyard, was a small stable of four, pure Andalusian horses, all ivory in color. Originally the lovely creatures hadn't possessed symbols to distinguish their individuality but when she'd discovered them, she couldn't help but fall in love with each.
The mare with two different colored eyes was named Analogy. Mysterious had dark, brooding pools and the name that she possessed suited her well. Shade was the five-month old colt who shadowed every movement of his mother, Lysistrata. All were beautiful and she wondered why they were so isolated from the house and the rest of the humans.
Now she found herself back in the lofty stable, bored out of her mind. Since she'd arrived on a Sunday, most of the house staff was taking the weekend off and she'd been informed by a stiff butler that she'd get to meet 'the rest of the crew' on Monday morning. She stroked Shade lovingly- her favorite one of the four horses, and murmured sweet words of nothing in his fuzzy ear. The equines were far more interesting than the company of the inanimate objects she had to endure back in the house.
"Pretty, aren't they?"
The voice startled her. It was obviously male but it wasn't deep or smooth so she guessed that it originated from a little boy of about nine or ten years of age. When she finally turned to face him, she was rewarded by the sweetest smile she had ever had the pleasure of seeing.
"Scared you? Sorry," He definitely didn't sound apologetic. "My name's Shippou, what's yours?"
"Oh no, you didn't scare me, just startled me is all. It's nice to meet you, Shippou, my name's Kagome."
He nodded slowly, his mind speeding ahead and thinking up of new questions that were forgotten before they were asked. "Cool. Uh…do you live here?"
She hesitated slightly but deciding that the short little boy with floppy red hair and bright green eyes was harmless, she smiled.
"Yes, I live here now."
"How come I've never seen you around before?"
"Well, I guess it's because I just moved in today. Do you live here?" Curiosity killed the cat, aye, but satisfaction brought it back.
"Yeah, I'm sorta like the horse boy…sorta."
"Oh, you're one of the stable hands. I thought they were all taking a brief break from their work this weekend. At least that's what the butler told me."
"No. I'm the horse boy." He corrected her with practiced ease.
"So..um, what does a horse boy do?"
He tipped a finger tip to his chin. "Uhh…they kinda take care of the horses. They make sure that they're healthy and stuff. They also get to feed and ride them too! But not the little boy horse, 'cause he's just a little baby."
"How old are you?"
"I'm seven and three quarters. I'm turning eight in two months, one week, five days, thirteen hours and forty-seven minutes. But nobody's counting." He giggled engagingly.
A bout of laughter escaped from the confines of her mouth and she ruffled Shippou's mop of hair earning an annoyed "hey!" before responding.
"But you're so young. Do you do all this work by yourself?"
"Nope. There are other people too and I only work on the weekdays- I mean weekends!" He corrected himself hastily
"Well, it really was a pleasure meeting you Shippou. I'll uhh…see you around, okay?"
"Alright. Bye Kagome." He waved.
She was already halfway across the yard and with a smile to spare she waved back. "Bye."
AN- I wondered if I should stop, but I really want to get that part in with Kagura and Kagome finally meeting so…enjoy.
She was watching 'Who want's to be a millionaire?' when she heard the piercing knocking on the mahogany door.
"Who is it?"
"It's Edna, Miss. There's someone here to see you." The voice was distinctly southern.
"Alright, I'll be out in a minute."
There was no answer but she knew that the maid- Edna was waiting for her on the other side of the door. When she finally stepped out of her room, she received a cautious smile from the voluminous black woman. Visibly Edna.
"This way, ma'am."
"Please, call me Kagome." She didn't mind being addressed formally, but she seriously needed to make some friends around here. As she was ushered further from her room, she couldn't help but wonder intrusively who could be visiting her at such an hour.
Edna led her to one of the three parlors and waited until Kagome had entered the elegant room before disappearing down the hall. Sesshoumaru didn't flaunt his money but it was easily discernible that he had loads of it.
Closing the door behind her, Kagome eased herself into a leather chair and faced the figure across from her.
The woman was beautiful with her obsidian locks and ruby eyes. She was wearing an austere yukata that was alabaster in color. Lovely.
"I'm Kagura…you probably don't know me but I'm acquainted with Sesshoumaru- your husband." Kagura extended her hand. She wasn't one to waste time.
"Oh," For some indiscernible reason, Kagome felt a faint tinge of uncomfort. "I'm Kagome." She took Kagura's outstretched hand within her own and then let it go a moment later.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Kagome. I've been waiting for the chance now for so long."
It was obvious that this Kagura character was assessing her every fault, every weakness and that brought on a fresh wave of awkwardness.
"My husband's not here at the moment. He'll be back from a business trip in two days." The word 'my' and 'husband' were emphasized and the message was quite clear.
Kagura chuckled with unbridled delight, making her diamond choker catch in the light of a nearby lamp.
Kagome noticed the beautiful article and finding nothing else to say she blurted out,
"That's an exquisite necklace, where did you buy it?"
"Oh, this old thing?" Kagura fingered the pendant idly. "I didn't buy it; your husband gave it to me."
"…you and him are- friends?"
Kagura sneered. "We were much more than that once, you know. I received this after the third time we had…intercourse. I'm guessing it was payment for a job well done." She scoffed, tracing the pattern of the jeweled choker.
Kagome's blood had gone cold. There was a thin silence and the air in the room had positively gone frigid. Noticing this Kagura smiled, feigning innocence.
"Ooops, did I go and say that out loud? Silly me."
AN- Is this good enough for you guys? It better be.
3 Aqua
SPECIAL THANKS TO: Ember Knight- I'm glad you like it!
Ephiphany- Thank you.
adamslove- Well, hopefully you'll like this chappy too. Enjoy!
Mooncat59- I'll do the best that I can!
Kiersten- Thanks!
Atomic Toaster- lol, another crazy. Hope you like this chapter as well as the last!
PegasusRider- I hope I don't disappoint you…
Kagomoesiun- Thanks for the review! You're a doll.
3 Aqua