Miko of My Desire
By: Aurora Collins
Disclaimers: I do not own Inuyasha or any of the characters associated with it. I'm only borrowing the characters to amuse myself and hopefully others. ^_^
Ch. 2 Meeting the New Master
The road seemed long and foreboding as she was forced to walk on a path that was not shown to her. The foliage became thicker as vines and roots shot out from the ground. The sun was cast off by the trees but she could still feel the sweat trickle down her backside, perspiration apparent. A woman in front of Kagome tripped on the roots that burrowed out from the ground, and she fell without respite. The dust clouded around the woman and before she had the chance to get up she was being dragged across the earth. "Stop! Stop moving the line!" Kagome rasped out as she held fast onto the chain line to keep them from dragging the woman even further along. The line slowed to a halt and Kagome was by the woman's side, helping her up off the ground.
The woman croaked out, "I need water..." "Alright, I'll try to get you some. Just hang on," Kagome declared this as she saw some demons approaching them to see what the problem was. "What's the problem here wench!" Hikaru barked out. "She needs water," Kagome answered. Hikaru grunted, "We'll be at a river soon. She can drink there." Kagome looked up at him and a scowl planted itself onto her beautiful face "She needs water now you flea ridden brute! Not later! NOW!" "You dare tell me what to do you little wench," Hikaru growled under his breath. "Damn straight I do. I used to kill demons like you for breakfast," She sneered. Hikaru lost his temper at this moment and was about to strike down at Kagome but a masculine hand stopped him.
"Now let's play nice children," Rui said in an even tone. "But boss..." Hikaru tried to say but was interrupted. Rui nodded, "I know, but you also know better then to hurt our cargo. That is strictly my job. I'll deal with her tonight. Just give that other woman some water so we can be on our way." "Yes boss..." with that Hikaru left to do as he was ordered. Rui glided to Kagome and said, "You're lucky we're in such a hurry or I would punish you right now, but I'll let you stew in your own juices for awhile and we'll see how your temperament is later on." "Don't bet on it getting any better," Kagome snapped out. "Just keep it up woman because it'll only be worse for you," Rui stated this as he walked away to lead his team once more. The woman who laid her head on Kagome's lap was given water and she lapped it up like it would be the last thing she would ever be able to have. The poor woman was helped up to her feet after a few minutes and the boss yelled out his orders to move out. The line once again began to shift and move.
Once the line was moving and the woman seemed better Kagome asked, "Are you going to be alright now?" The woman said, "No. You should have let me be you foolish girl." "But why?" Kagome questioned. "So I could die. I lost everything when those demons raided my village. I lost my husband, my little boy, all gone." "I'm sorry," Kagome began to say. The woman snapped, "Don't say that! I don't want to hear it, especially from someone like you! I'm not a virgin and I know that tonight I will be taken like some whore with one of those filthy demons! I bet you're used to it though. You asked for it with that in cumbersome kimono you're wearing. I bet you wanted to be captured." Kagome snapped, "You don't know anything lady. I just helped you and this is how you act! I'm sorry that this happened to you but there are several other women here who suffered the same way. I would save my energy for the demons I know you will fight tonight if I were you." The woman looked at Kagome for a brief moment and nodded. After that nothing else was said and they continued to walk even deeper into the forbidden forest. Kagome knew that the woman was feeling the loss of a home and a family, but she didn't have to act like that to her. Kagome felt that the woman would no sooner end her life before she was taken to a demon's bed and there was nothing Kagome could do to help her out.
After awhile Kagome heard the roar of the river and felt the humidity in the air around her. When they cleared the bend Kagome saw the roaring river that clashed upon the rocks as it traveled downward. The spray reached her face as they neared the river's edge and it felt refreshing after such a long and tedious hike up the hills and down again. The women bent down to their knees and started to drink from the water that gave life. They gulped it down like how a herd of cattle would and that is how Kagome felt. When it was Kagome's turn to drink she refused the cold respite, even though her mouth was dry like sandpaper. She wouldn't allow herself any comfort because to do that would be bending to the demons rules.
Kagome knew she was very stubborn when she wanted to be and this was one of those times when she could be. Since she felt like she didn't put up much a fight the least she could do was to redeem her honor by being stubborn. It was the least she could do for herself. She felt eyes burrowing into her back and she glanced at the direction that it was coming from. Rui stared at her and motioned for her to drink from the river that was before her. In return she gave him the finger, turned around and followed the line as it moved. Kagome didn't see the expression on Rui's face but she hoped she made that arrogant demon mad.
After the rendezvous the boss ordered out, "Alright boys, lets gette'm across the river and watch your step! You lose one of these females and I'll have your hides!" The females were led across the river and it wasn't as deep as Kagome had thought but it was enough to push at her with some amount of force. The water tugged at her legs and beckoned for her to be swallowed in an undertow. She dug her heels into the gravel underneath the waves and trailed at a slow safe pace.
The last thing she would want is to lose her footing and drag other people under with her. Some of these women, she knew, couldn't swim and she didn't want to chance any of them drowning. The river was still cold from the snow that melted from the mountains and when she climbed from the riverbank she shivered and clanked her teeth together. Her clothes clung to her body and the slight breeze that attacked her formed goose bumps upon her flesh. Before she had time to rest they were moving once more and at this point Kagome's feet were screaming at her to stop and rest and she usually would if she were with Inuyasha. If he didn't let her stop she could always make him, but she couldn't in this situation.
Over the last rounded hill Kagome saw several carriages with horses attached to them. They stood there nickering and stomping their hooves into the ground, waiting impatiently to move. The prisoners were led to the wagons and they were being loaded up into them and at this moment Kagome could thank Kami for bestowing this gift to her in her time of need. But this gift was short lived when she heard Rui bellow out his orders to his men. "Hurry up! We're almost there so get them loaded up!" Rui yelled out as he scoured the crowd. His eyes came upon Kagome and he headed towards her once more.
"Oh great, he's coming this way," Kagome muttered out. Rui made it to Kagome and said, "You do know that demons have excellent hearing. I would have thought you would be glad to see me." "That's good to know, but I don't think I would ever want to see your ugly face again," She answered sarcastically. "I see your temperament still hasn't improved. You're a stubborn one, but sometimes in cases like these it would be a good idea to cease these antics. Well since you still have an attitude I suppose you can walk until we reach our camp later on tonight," He stated this as he unhooked her from the line and attached her to the back of the wagon.
"Are you serious! I've been walking for hours! What did you say about harming the cargo!" Kagome lashed out. "You're feet mean nothing. It's your body they want. Maybe you should of thought of your actions before you did them because if you did you wouldn't be in this situation in the first place," Rui claimed this and left Kagome there to rot for all he cared. Kagome stomped her foot down, "You bastard! I'll get even, I swear!" After her outrage the wagons began to move and she was being hauled behind like the milk cow she felt like. The pace was faster behind the wagon than it was on foot and she could honestly say that she regretted some of her actions, but she couldn't take it back now.
The day slowly shifted into twilight as the sun descended into the distant hills. The light waned and soon the stars began to glitter overhead in the velvet sky. The carriages began to slow down as they came to a clearing with campfires already lit by others who were obviously in the group. Kagome could see her breathe in the night sky as she was hauled the last few steps into the campground. The caravan finally stopped and Kagome collapsed to her knees, finally exhausted from the long trail that just never seemed to end for her. Her feet felt like they were on fire and blisters would be apparent if she ever got the chance to take her shoes off her swollen feet. The other women were unloaded from their seats and set into other areas where they could be safeguarded throughout the night and come the morrow they would be sold to the highest bidder. Kagome felt someone nudge her and she looked up to see that one dog demon, Hikaru.
She groaned, "Leave me alone." "Get up wench and get moving," He ordered out. "Bite me. I'm too tired," She muttered this out as she still sat on the ground. "I said get up wench or I'll…" Kagome interrupted him. "Or you'll what? Hit me? As if. Now go away," She said once more and she knew that she pulled a cord. However, why not make the demons miserable like she was. It made her feel better anyway. A voice rang out, "What seems to be the problem here now?" "This girl just back talked me," Hikaru tattled. "Doesn't surprise me one little bit. There is always a problem when it has to deal with this woman," Rui said.
Rui continued, "Let her be. I'll take care of this little thorn. She's a special case and she'll need special attention from me personally." Rui walked up to Kagome and forced her onto her feet and led her next to the biggest tent in the encampment. She figured that the big tent belonged to Rui since he was the boss. "Where are you taking me?" She asked as she tried to struggle out of his grasp, which tightened the more she fought him. "Does it really matter? Just keep quiet," He said as he increased his speed until he came to a lone post, hammered into the earth. Rui shoved her to the post and with her wrists bound; she was unable to catch herself as she fell. "Stand up wench," He ordered out. "I'm trying," She bit out as she grabbed onto the post as best she could. "You're either trying or you just won't. Which one is it? Now hurry your little ass and get up before I come over there and make you," Rui said with authority in his voice. Kagome struggled to try to stand up on her wobbly legs, but with effort she was able to reach her goal. It felt like her legs would buckle at any moment, so she gripped onto the splintered wood even harder to ensure that she stayed up.
"Good girl. Has your temper finally tampered down or do you think you need further punishment?" He asked in a serious tone. "I'm too tired," was Kagome's only response. "That's all I wanted to hear. Do me one little favor and I'll make sure your fed, bathed and taken care of for the night," Rui offered. Kagome looked at him, "What would this favor be?" She hoped this favor would be small and insignificant so that she could finally rest before she collapsed from exhaustion. "Call me master. Simple enough I think," He said as if it were nothing. "And if I don't comply?" She dared ask. Rui smiled, "You don't want to find out. I assure you." Kagome glared at him and spat out, "You're a rotten piece of crap you know that? Like I would ever call you master." Kagome felt like her energy was renewed by this profound statement that she made to her enemy. She would be damned if she would stoop so low as to call anyone master. It was an embarrassment. "So be it," Rui shook his head as he walked up to her and attached her chains to the post. He ripped her shirt from her shoulders and her bare skin reflected the moon that was now high in the night sky. She felt the cool breeze graze her backside and she took in a swift breath.
'This punishment my dear is designed to hurt, but it is not intended to mar that pretty skin of yours. A demon whip is designed for that specific use. I'll give you one last chance to redeem yourself and all it takes is one little word to come out of that little mouth of yours," Rui said as he unwound a coil that had hung from his hip. Kagome gulped down, her mouth suddenly gone dry. "Screw you," She rasped out. She knew her voice shook when she said it but she didn't want to call him master and admit defeat like that. What would Inuyasha say if she did give up like that? "You had your chance," Rui said as he snapped his torturing tool to the side. Kagome heard the crack and felt the sting lash onto her back. A yelp escaped her lips and she cringed as she felt her teeth dig into her gums. Another crack echoed through the campsite and the scream she portrayed reverberated through the valley. Kagome knew everyone could hear her and she could only imagine the other women cringing from the sound. She tried to not make another sound as the lash barreled down once more. Her body shook as another slash hit her skin. Soon she collapsed onto the post, her lungs aching from the screams she'd given so freely to the demons that kept her.
"Do you give up wench? Are you ready to call me master now?" Rui asked as he pulled the whip back once more. Kagome shook her head and gave the answer she wanted to give. Rui scowled at her silent response to him, "You really are stubborn." "You're right… I am," She panted out, "And the name's Kagome." She felt the lash on her again after her snide little comment but she expected it and accepted it. When Kagome thought she couldn't take it anymore the beating stopped and she felt like a truck had run her over with a brutal force. Rui came up to Kagome and pulled her head back by her hair, receiving a yelp from his captive. "Call me master or I'll have to give you over to my men. When they're done with you you'll be worthless and we'll be unable to sell that pretty ass of yours. That would only mean one thing and that would be death and I assure you it will be slow and painful. And if that doesn't suit your tastes then you could always become my personal bitch for the rest of your miserable life. So make up your mind now wench because I won't save you after that," He said this as he released her raven locks from his firm grip.
Kagome's eyes widened and she realized that she had to give in or it could mean a lot more to her then her pride. Her bangs covered her eyes as she muttered out the one word she now despised more then ever, "M-Master…" "I didn't hear you. Say it louder so I can hear you," Rui grunted out. "Master," Kagome said as she looked up at him. Rui grinned, "Now yell it so everyone here knows that you're nothing more then a slave." "MASTER!" Kagome cried out as her body shook from the exertion. "Good my little slave. You'll learn to please your master one day. Next time don't act like you're better and this won't happen. Just be happy with your lot in life wench. You'll be happier in the end," He smiled as he left her where she was. He walked over to some of his men and gave out some orders to take care of her, but she wasn't able to hear all that he said. Before the demons could go and get her, she passed out from the pain and after that her world turned dark.
Sunlight torched the inside of her eyelids and all she saw was red. Kagome opened her eyes and immediately regretted it as a headache loomed. She groaned as she sat up slowly and she realized that the manacles were off her wrists and she was in a cage like a songbird. Her uniform was replaced with a patched kimono that was standard in that era. When Kagome finally got the chance to look around she was amazed by what she saw around her. There was a small length of stairs that led to what seemed like a stage for what she assumed was for auctioning. There was a crowd of demons that gathered around getting ready and anxious for the auction to begin so that they could acquire their new slaves. Kagome could swear that the demons looked like noble blood compared to the ones that caught her and were getting ready to sell her like butchered meat. That's what she was, the lamb to be sacrificed.
Kagome heard an all too familiar voice lace the crowd, "Gentlemen please step forward so we may begin. We have several human women here that I think you will be interested in. They're beautiful and will make great additions to any household." She heard the talking of the crowd cease as they huddled around the stage to begin the bidding. Rui continued, "We'll start off with our best stock so you can spend your money in the best way possible." Rui made a signal for one of his men to bring a young female up to the stage. The young woman, almost a girl had short hair and her face had a unique look to it, but she wasn't really considered beautiful, but more like a commodity. "This young girl here is one of our youngest stocks so she is very trainable…" Kagome blocked out the rest that was said as she sat around anxiously, knowing that her turn was right around the corner.
Before she knew it, she was summoned to the stage where she would be put onto display for all to see. Kagome was yanked from the cage unceremoniously and forced up the stairs that stretched out before her. She was shoved and pulled up and the demons below stared at her with such wanting eyes. Her cheeks flushed as they scrutinized her from head to toe. "This one gentlemen is our number one prize of the evening. She is a very special female because not only is she a virgin but she also has unique colored eyes. The color of her eyes reminds you of fresh running water that churns back into the ocean. It's the most gorgeous color when you wish to gaze into them. Please gentlemen come up and take a look at this one of a kind woman. Mind you she is a little feisty and will take a little time to break in, but isn't she worth it?" Rui asked as he draped an arm over Kagome's shoulders.
Kagome tried to push him away from her but he held fast and glared down at her, "See gentlemen, she's already trying to fight me off, but that will be all the more fun if you wish to take her as your concubine." A couple demons came up on stage and Rui allowed them to examine her as they wished. One looked into her eyes and stared at her for a long time, and another checked inside her mouth and saw perfect pearly whites, but he almost got his finger bit off in the process. "Alright gentlemen please step down so we can get this started," Rui said as Hikaru began the betting. It went so fast that Kagome could hardly keep up. The last person to make a bet was a lone dog demon, with silver white hair, yellow eyes, and a face like that of an angel. His hair was cropped and it spiked around the nape of his neck and his forehead and his hairdo almost made him look rugged. "I bet on behalf of the lord of the Western Lands," the stranger said as his tall frame hovered over the crowd. Kagome felt like she knew who this man was talking about but then again there was no name for her to recall on. "Who might you be sir?" Rui questioned. "I am but a humble vassal of the Lord and this is a gift to be given to the Lord. I feel my Lord could use another woman in his vast harem and I think this gem will fit with what my Lord needs," He answered in earnest and dared the fox demon to argue with him.
Rui swallowed hard, knowing that not selling the woman to this vassal could make the Lord of the Western Lands very angry indeed and that was the last thing that Rui wanted. "She's yours," Rui finally said as the bidding ended. The vassal smirked and gained his profit in exchange for the gold that resided in his purse, which made Rui even wealthier. "Will you need some restraints for her?" Rui asked before the dog got off the stage with his newly acquired purchase. He shook his head, "I will not need something as mundane as that. I can handle one human girl." Without another word, the dog demon led her off the stage and onto the wagon that he came in with. She sat at the front of the seat with him as they began on another long journey.
The carriage was bumpy as the horses made the journey down the beaten pathway and Kagome jolted from left to right. She was uncomfortable from sitting down so long and the silence between her and this demon was getting to be almost unbearable. She wanted to know who he was and where he was taking her to. The dog demon almost reminded her of Inuyasha in a way with that look of annoyance on his face. Kagome noticed that his jaw ticked where his demon markings lay. "What are you staring at woman?" The demon asked. Kagome blushed "Sorry, you just remind me of someone I know." "You can forget whoever you knew in your old life because you're now starting a new one," He said curtly. Kagome narrowed her eyes at him because even his attitude reminded her of Inuyasha. She wondered if all dog demons had this temper issue.
"I didn't exactly hear what you were saying but why did you purchase me?" Kagome questioned. The demon smirked, "For the Lord to use as he pleases. The harem I think is the best place for you." Kagome's eyes widened when she heard what he said, "H-Harem! But that means... that means..." Kagome couldn't even finish because she knew exactly what it meant to be in a harem because she read romance novels before and knew enough about culture to know a thing or two about it. "You're right it's a place that women are kept so the lord can use their bodies to entertain himself with, but the Lord has such a small harem that I think he needs more women in it to choose from." "Correct me if I'm wrong but aren't harems in the eastern countries across the seas?" Kagome questioned. The demon nodded, "Yes but some traditions from other countries can be implemented if they are liked enough. Harems aren't too popular but it's catching on at a rapid rate.'' 'How many women are there in the Lords harem?" Kagome just had to know and she didn't know why she was so interested in the first place.
"I believe he has about a dozen, but then again he hardly has time for any of them so we let a lot of them go. The Lord you see is always gone on his missions but he comes home back to his empire from time to time to rest. I just wish he would use more of his women to ease tension that I know he is feeling," He began to explain. Kagome blurted, "Then why buy me!" The demon flinched when she screeched, "He needs some change and I've never seen a human girl with the looks you posses." "Thank you, but would this noble lord even be caught with a human? I mean most demons find human females to be not to their liking," Kagome kept asking more questions trying to figure out more about her situation.
He looked at her and said, "Give yourself more credit. You are by the far the most beautiful human woman that I have encountered in all my long years. You will be a good asset to the harem. I won't say anymore then that. All will be explained once you set foot into the harem where you will be processed and checked." "It sounds like I'm going into a meat grinder," Kagome said. "Once you set foot into the harem you won't be getting out and it sounds to me like you don't like your lot in life, but I guarantee that the women there are treated very well," He went on the say. Kagome crossed her arms over her chest and said, "Damned straight I don't like this. I'm not some slave for someone to use as they please and I'll put up a fight if I have to."
"So why don't you try to escape then?" He went on to proceed. "Because I know demons are faster and stronger so what would be the point?" "Then there is your answer woman," The dog demon said as he focused back onto the road. Kagome huffed out as he outplayed her in the game of questions and answers and after that there was nothing but silence. She still had so many questions but he just squashed any hope she might have had to gaining freedom from this Lord that was to be her liege and master for the rest of her life. Kagome just wondered how she would get out of this mess.
The early morning soon turned into the late afternoon as they finally entered the gates known as the Western Lands. The castle sitting on top of the lone hill was huge beyond anything she had seen or witnessed in the Feudal Era. The castle reminded her of one of Naga's fortresses in one of her history textbooks from school. They made their way through the town and up the road that led up to the palace. They passed over the bridge and into the courtyard where they halted the carriage and steed. Kagome was helped down and that is the last she saw of the vassal that bought her and took her to where she would stay. He didn't even say goodbye and she doubted that she would ever come to know his name. Kagome did have to be grateful that he was kind to her and allowed her to ask her questions as long as she did. One thought lingered in her mind though. She knew that all hope was lost for Inuyasha to find her because now she stayed in a gilded cage that would be impossible to escape from because she was now at the heart of a prime demon village.
It would take a miracle to get her out of this mess and she knew that the miracle wouldn't come anytime soon if it came at all. She was led through locked double doors and into a small room where she was sat on a cushion that sat on the marble floor. A male demon walked in with some scrolls and an ink bottle to write upon. He sat down across from her at the low table that occupied the floor. He gave her a long look and what looked like a smile plastered onto his face. "Here I will write all the information I need to put into our personal records. After this interview you will be sent to the harem to be prepared for your new master. Do you understand this wench?" The old demon droned out. Kagome nodded, feeling more and more uncomfortable as each minute inched by.
The old demon splayed out his supplies and got his brush ready to put the ink upon the paper. The interview took a little over an hour and he questioned about her name, education, what she did for a living and some hobbies that she enjoyed. Kagome of course left out a lot of information that stated that she was from the future and since she didn't have her school uniform there would be nothing important that she would have to disclose. Her past would be her own personal secret and if anyone thought that they could take it away from her, they were sadly mistaken. The demon finished his parchment and stood up while hovering above her. "You have the most unusual colored eyes for a human. The Lord will like that very much my young lady," The old demon stated.
Once the questioning was complete the old demon left without another word and the royal eunuchs escorted her even deeper into the royal palace. They went through a pair of large stone doors that reached the high ceiling, and once through Kagome saw all around her everything draped with yards of silk. There were cushions laid out on the floors and a large fountain in the middle of the room. Lounge chairs adorned the patio outside where there were sakura trees used for shade. The garden was exquisite with ponds that kept coy in them and beautiful lily pads. Butterflies and dragonflies flew outside as spring was nearing its peak. She barely had time to take more in when she was taken to another lone room.
It was big and it had chests engraved with jade; dozens of pillows were scattered on a futon that was to be her bed, and a vanity mirror to look into everyday. On the vanity were the supplies she would use such as perfumes, makeup and hair products. The eunuchs left her to gaze upon her new living quarters and they were so quiet on their departure that Kagome didn't even notice. "Good heavens. This is what I have to work with? They told me that they were going to bring in a new girl, but this is too much," A woman said in a soft voice.
Kagome turned around abruptly and saw a wonderful looking enchantress with dark locks of ebony draping down around her shoulders and down onto the floor. Her eyes were golden, her demon marks apparent; which were a rich orange color. Her earrings that she wore were so huge that Kagome thought that the stranger's ears should have drooped. Her clothing was also something as unappealing, with the vibrant kimono tight around her bodice. Kagome spoke, "I'm sorry I wasn't what you expected." Kagome's sarcastic tone struck a cord with the demon woman in front of her. "Such prudence as well. I'm your Ikbal so I suggest you show some respect. I've been here longer than anyone else so I suggest you take heed on what I have to teach you," She said as she walked around Kagome. "What is an Ikbal?" Kagome asked. The demoness huffed out and said, "An Ikbal is the head concubine or wife of the harem. She runs the harem under the eunuchs and makes sure that the women learn all their lessons and stay out of trouble. The Ikbal is also the Lord's favorite or the one who has the highest standing with him. It is only natural that I would be since I give him the most pleasure."
Kagome was silent as she was examined. "Well you look like you're in good shape and I heard you're a virgin so that makes it even better. Your face could use some makeup but we can get a servant to do all that," She continued as she made her complete circle. "So what may I call you?" Kagome asked. The woman smiled, "Call me Lady Itsuko. Now let's get you started so that very soon you'll be ready for the Lord." "Warn if I refuse...?" Kagome said as she gave Itsuko a stern look. "That's easy. You'll be executed," Itsuko said with a straight face. Kagome paled. "I knew you would see things our way and with you being a human I highly doubt you would have much luck getting out of here alive. So just enjoy yourself and allow me to teach you how to seduce men," Itsuko said as she led Kagome in front of the vanity.
Kagome sat down and looked at her dirty face that reflected back to her. "You'll need a bath for sure but we can do that in a little bit. You can borrow one of my kimonos and jewelry until you earn your own." Kagome sighed, "Lady Itsuko can you please tell me about the harem?" Itsuko grinned and said, "The Lord's harem is large enough to fit two hundred women, but he has less then twenty. I guess that means he can spend more time with us but he doesn't seem to be too interested in his women anymore. We still try to impress him though, even if he doesn't want it." "Are there any other humans in here?" Kagome questioned. "No. The last human here couldn't bear the thought of sleeping with a demon, even as one as handsome as our Lord. She killed herself." Itsuko said as she brushed out Kagome's hair. "B-But..." Kagome was interrupted.
"That's why you'll be guarded around the clock until you can be safely delivered to him."
"Wait just a minute... why would a demon even want a human in his bed."
"Variety I suppose. But the Lord never expressed liking human women."
"Then why buy me and make me do this?"
"It wasn't my decision and I don't get it either. I just have my job."
"And that's all that concerns you?"
"Yes. To please the Lord is my only goal in life."
"Sounds pretty pathetic to me."
"Watch your tongue human! It's an honor to serve him. If you'll excuse me human, I will get the servant to bathe you and you can start on your training for tomorrow night," with that Itsuko left Kagome all alone. Throughout the rest of the day Kagome was bathed in oils and other fine perfumes. What Kagome didn't know was that it was a tradition to make all women hairless in the nether regions and she had yet to even reach her full potential as a woman. It was said that women with hair there was considered dirty or in a religious aspect blasphemous. She thought it was ridiculous for anyone to think that something so natural would be scorned with such vengeance. If it was a sin then why would Kami bless the people with hair there in the first place? It just confused her even more to think about it. In fact Kagome never thought about shaving off her pubic hairs, but with tweezers from the women she was made as bare as the day she was born from the womb. Each hair that was plucked hurt and at least they didn't get her arms, legs or underarms because she shaved those on a regular basis whenever she showered. The serving women found that rather odd that she would be bare everywhere else, but Kagome knew that eventually that hair would be plucked too. After the tweezing she was sore and lotions were applied tenderly so that there would be no cause for infection. Kagome tried not to fight them and it was hard not to raise your rump off the table whenever they grabbed on to another piece of hair. It was no wonder that the eunuchs had to hold her down for the process to be completed.
After her ordeal she was allowed to rest throughout the rest of the night but with guards posted outside her hall. Since there was nothing more to do for the day she just stretched out onto her futon and once her head hit those feather down pillows she was out like a light. She was just too tired to keep thinking about what will happen because no matter what she did she would still be made to do things that she didn't want to do. As Kagome dreamed she had writhing nightmares all night that cast her in and out of a state of sleep. She dreamt about the Lord and what he might have looked like, but no matter how handsome a man might be; being raped was still horrendous.
Kagome was woken up by a servant girl. The covers were torn from her body and she shivered as she was forced out of bed. Kagome was made to wear an old fashioned kimono that consisted of so many layers that she felt constricted. Her hair was done up in a bun with gems tied into it, jewelry was put onto her ears and on her neck; and lastly make-up was applied to her face. Kagome felt so weighed down that she didn't even want to walk. Now she was ready to start her lessons as she was led out of her room. Kagome wasn't exactly enthusiastic about it because she was no where near ready to meet this guy who was the root to all her problems. She learned how to bow appropriately, more like groveling to her. She learned how to walk like a lady and about a hundred other useless things to her. There were a few things that she was taught that she never knew about.
In the middle of these lessons Kagome couldn't help but blush from the tip of her toes to the top of her head. She never knew that she could feel such embarrassment. In fact she was so appalled that she kept screwing up and that is when Lady Itsuko finally yelled at her, "What in the hell are you doing now wench!" Kagome flinched back as the yelling continued. "We're teaching you these lessons so that you can please your master. You need to make him feel good and pleased all the time. That is why you stroke it in that fashion. Males also like it when you use your tongue and mouth. It makes them come to ecstasy even faster. So pay attention and do as I show you!" Lady Itsuko finished as she handed Kagome back the 'cucumber,' which was her tool for this particular lesson. "B-but this is so wrong! I don't think I can do this. I'm just too embarrassed," Kagome claimed as she set the cucumber down. Itsuko just rubbed her temples and said, "Kami help me. He won't care how you feel but I suppose that once you lose your virginity you maybe more competent on what a real man wants." Kagome didn't know how much more she could take of this. If Kagome didn't find a way out soon she would be a mindless drone like the rest of them, not like any of the other women talked to her, except Lady Itsuko. Kagome wished that not even Lady Itsuko would talk to her. All that woman's moaning, bitching, and complaining was getting on her nerves.
The other women probably didn't want anything to do with her because she was a human and they were demons. Just as well, she didn't want to make friends at the moment anyway. As the day wore on and evening grew near Itsuko grew curiously giddy. As hard as Lady Itsuko was on Kagome she seemed awfully gallant to make her Lord happy. A eunuch presented himself to the Lady and he whispered in her ear. Lady Itsuko smiled and said, "It's time my dear. Now sit here while the servant prepares your face and I'll do your hair as an honor to your first night with the Lord," She jeered on. Kagome almost felt sick to her stomach and she knew this was the time she dreaded, but what could she do with nothing but demons around her. She didn't believe in suicide so that was out of the question. Kagome figured she would have to deal with it until Inuyasha came to save her. If he ever did come to save her. "Lady Itsuko... I-I..." Kagome couldn't look at herself in the mirror. "I know you're scared but you just have to buck up and think of something more pleasant. You'll be fine and you'll be given nice gifts for your great deed," Itsuko said as she finished putting pins in Kagome's hair.
"That's not what I mean Lady Itsuko. I just wanted to know what will happen if I get... well you know... pregnant?" Kagome asked with a dark blush spreading over her face. Itsuko laughed, "You silly girl. All the food we're given makes us barren for the duration we eat the food. The Lord isn't ready for a family yet, but when he is the potion will be taken from our meals. We accept it as it is." "So this is all fun for him?" Kagome questioned. Itsuko grinned, "It isn't just fun for him you know. I mean it has been a couple years since he asked for me though..." "How long ago was it since he called on any woman at all?" Kagome looked at Itsuko through the reflection of the mirror. Itsuko looked away this time, "About a year and a half ago was the last time he was with any woman here in the harem. He could be bored with all these women and has probably gone out of the castle to look for more women that suit his tastes. He'll call on his women one day to satisfy him once more."
"Anyway we're sending you to see if he's responsive," Itsuko clamored on. "Wait you mean he didn't ask for me! You're using me as bait!" Kagome hollered out. "I suppose you could say that. Listen if you don't catch his attention than we're all done for. We need to do something to keep the harem going so that we have somewhere to live and call home, at least until he decides to marry," Itsuko said as she hurried with Kagome's kimono. The servant girl excused herself at this point as Itsuko finished the details. "Until he marries?" Kagome was now confused. Itsuko continued, "Well yes. When he marries then she will be the Lady of the West and the harem will be no more. The new Lady wouldn't allow it I'm sure but we hope that one of us will be chosen because then we could at least all stay here. Enough about all that; you're ready now and the eunuchs will escort you to the Lord's bed chamber. Good luck human," Itsuko finished as she pushed Kagome to go with the guards. "B-But I'm not ready to go! Lady Itsuko please!" Kagome screamed out as she was forced down an unfamiliar hallway. Her screams fell on deaf ears as she was dragged down the hallway, her knees shaking the whole way. Fear engulfed her as she traveled further and further down to her demise. Soon she came through an arch and paper screens were slid out of the way.
Kagome was now in a dark room with just some oil lamps to light the corners of the room. She was forced onto her knees on the bamboo floor and her head bent low to the ground. Once the eunuchs were sure that she would stay bowed they departed and were standing guard outside the room. She still felt the pressure on her neck well after the guards left and she was forced to stay there and grovel on the floor. She didn't know what to do or even what to say. Kagome heard some rustling on the bed but she didn't dare raise her head to see who it was, not like she could see in the dark anyway. She heard footsteps and a masculine voice that held authority "Don't raise your head woman." Kagome obeyed as she noticed the room began to light up. "I could smell that you were a human, even before I got back to my lands, I knew there was a human here," She heard the bare feet come closer to her. "Now why would my servants buy a scroungy human like you? I don't even care for human females. I'll have them send you back to the place they bought you from," The voice drawled out.
Kagome let out a breath that she didn't even know she was holding. Her body was shaking because of the relief she felt that overwhelmed her body. She would be let go and allowed to go home she hoped. "I smell the fear on you dissipates. I suppose you were scared to share my bed with me. Maybe I'll force you to do what you don't want to do. I have to compensate for the money spent for you anyway. Let me see your face wench," The voice said, now even closer. Kagome lifted up her head slowly and searched the room for the voice that was talking to her. What she saw she couldn't believe.
"S-Sesshomaru?" Kagome said in a whisper. Sesshomaru glared at her, "You're my half brother's wench. Now this is rich." When Kagome thought her life couldn't get much worse, it just did.