Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to the story or characters of InuYasha, they belong to Rumiko Takahashi. I make no profit from writing this fanfiction.
A/N: Things are about to get tricky.
Service vs. Servitude
The next morning started early for the miko and her protector, and Kagome proceeded to get right down to business. She went out and examined the worst of the sick, dividing the ones she considered the most contagious to the least. She instructed the townsfolk how to keep things as clean as possible while she mixed herbs for cough relief and pain reducers. She administered as much of the potions as she could, aiding them along with her power.
Sesshomaru was impressed with her organization and leadership. Though he didn't understand all of the things she was instructing them to do he could see the practical uses for them and he wondered where she had learned such things. Perhaps they were every-day practices from her future time. He was beginning to see there were depths to this woman he'd been previously unaware of.
Kagome chatted with the people she worked alongside, a good number of them were understandably women, but also some men engaged her in conversation. After awhile she noticed a pattern to their questions; most centered around her personal life, specifically her marital status.
'Are you attached to anyone? No beau back home? Not even the Western Lord?'
At that last one she laughed at its sheer absurdity. By the end of the day she was wearied and lost in thought. As she and her guardian retired for the night he broke into her musings with questions.
"What troubles you, Priestess? Are the herbs not doing their work?"
She looked up, finally noticing they were back in her room. She bit her lip and realized she must have been doing that a lot recently when the tender and abused flesh protested. "Ouch," she winced, "No, the medication seems to be working and I have hope they will kick this."
When she wandered off in her mind again he narrowed his eyes. "What is the issue?" he demanded.
She blinked at him again. "Did you notice the questions I got today?"
He had to admit, at least to himself, that he'd tuned out most of their human drivel. He was spared from having to say that because she ignored his silence anyway.
"They kept asking if I had a man. I wouldn't even mention it if it were one or two, but the insistence and frequency of the questions was a bit unnerving."
Sesshomaru's attention was piqued at that. He deliberated for a moment. "Do you suspect something?" he asked in a low tone. He deplored subterfuge.
"I don't know. I just have a feeling something else is going on here." He nodded and was gone again. "Well, goodnight to you too," she pouted.
~0~
The next few days went the same, the people were healing but Kagome's unease grew. The town started giving Sesshomaru tasks to do. Sometimes he would assist but other times he wouldn't. They had both noticed that most of the things they asked of him would take him from Kagome's side for an extended period of time. This was a further concern to them.
A week and a half had passed and Kagome was relieved that the outbreak was over and those affected were able to be up and about. It meant that they would be leaving soon, it wouldn't be too soon for Kagome. It was their last day in this town, as they'd planned to leave in the morning. Suddenly alarm bells were rung all over town, quickly followed by startled and frightened voices. There was a cave collapse nearby and Sesshomaru was asked to help search for survivors, at the same time a man who'd been running in the chaos hurt his leg and Kagome was asked to attend to it.
Kagome had bandages in her hand and was on the way to where she was told the man was when she was grabbed by two burly townsmen. "What are you doing? I have to go help someone!" she protested their rough treatment. "Where are we going?" her inquiries were met with silence.
She didn't want to hurt them and they didn't seem to want to harm her, but she didn't make it easy on them as they dragged/carried her across town. They approached a large and beautiful building she'd seen but hadn't been in. "What do you want?" she tried again.
As answer they hauled her inside and tossed her unceremoniously onto the floor. "You are a guest of our lords," one of them said with a bow.
She was confused and unnerved. She sat there a moment longer as they lit the lamps. She could see she was in a finely appointed room with one seat at the far end. She didn't have to wait long before an old man, followed by a middle aged man, entered and the elder of the two sat on the seat.
"Welcome, venerated Shikon Priestess," the old man wheezed out. "I am Ento, the leader of this province, and this is my son Ichtio, you are to be his bride."
Her eyes bulged out of her head. "Who the what now?!" she squeaked.
"You are unattached and desirably powerful. We wish to align you with our province. There is no one who claims you so we do." He stated it all as if it should've been plain to anyone.
"Uh, no." Kagome shook her head. "No one 'claims' me, but then I'm not one to be claimed," she said hotly.
"Ichtio will provide for you and in return you will help our people and furnish him with children."
She glared at him, she hated being ignored and treated like a piece of meat. "What part of no do you not understand?"
"You cannot refuse, by your own admission ours is your only offer."
She had to shut down her modern sensibilities. Kagome knew this was the culture of the time, and in their eyes she was a commodity found along the side of the road to be claimed, she of course saw it differently. She got to her feet in defiance. "I am honored at the offer but I must refuse."
Ento waved her off. "Argument is pointless, you have no say."
Her ire grew. Legally he was correct but being from the modern time she felt how wrong all this was deep in her bones. She knew that if it came down to it she would fight her way out of this, though she didn't want to hurt them. "I am the Shikon Miko. I belong to my duties and to the people I serve, all people. I cannot, and will not, accept your offer," she said through grit teeth, still trying to maintain her composure.
Tho older man shook his head. "It is decided. The marriage ceremony will take place on the morrow."
A vein throbbed in her temple and she clenched her fists at her sides. "I won't go through with this! I can't allow it!" she shouted.
"Nor can I." Sesshomaru stepped into the room, a limp guard in his claws. He tossed the unconscious man to the side of the room as if he weighed no more than a dirty rag.
The elder gentlemen looked nonplussed but Ichtio started to visibly perspire. "The Lady Kagome, while currently under your care, Lord Sesshomaru, is not even from your territory. We respect your power in these parts, and your lordship, but you have no say in this matter."
Sesshomaru looked at Kagome for a minute and she wondered what he was going to do. Why would he stand up for her in the first place?
"This Sesshomaru claims her as such. While in the Western Lands the Miko Kagome, Guardian of the Shikon no Tama is under my dominion."
That got a reaction from the old man, his eyebrows shot up his wrinkled forehead. "You realize what you are claiming?"
"Yes," Sesshomaru clipped in his smooth baritone.
The old man sighed. "I don't suppose you could entertain a marriage proposal on the lady's behalf?"
"No."
Ento nodded sadly. "You and yours are free to go." He waved them away with a sigh.
Sesshomaru gave a slight tip of his head, took hold of the stunned miko's elbow, and guided her out of the building.
They were barely out the door when she looked at him. "What just happened?"
He kept them walking, not looking at her. "You were there."
She rolled her eyes. "Yes I was, but I'm not sure I understood it." He was silent for several more minutes and it was really ticking her off.
Finally they reached where they'd been staying and he let go of her arm. "Gather your things, we are leaving."
She glared at him and she would have made him answer but she didn't want to stay in this town any longer than necessary. She hastily gathered her things and descended the short steps back to his side. There were many of the townsfolk now gathering around the hut and Kagome could see Sesshomaru tense, his hand going to the hilt of Bakusaiga. She brushed her hand on his arm to stop him as she took the last step into the crowd.
"Are you leaving, Priestess?" There was sadness on most of the faces.
"Yes, it's time. I thank you for your hospitality but I must be going."
There were murmurs of 'don't go' and 'please stay' from many. "Was not Lord Ichtio's proposal worthy?" They looked like dejected lost puppies.
Despite the way they had presented it to her she couldn't fault the people for their subterfuge. It was on orders from their leader and was not done with malice. They truly wanted her there with them. "I cannot accept. I must be on my way. There are others who need my help."
They bowed as she passed and a few of them kissed her hands. In spite of what had happened Kagome's heart broke a little for these genuinely sweet people.
~0~
As they walked Kagome couldn't get what Sesshomaru had done out of her head, so when they were out of sight from the town she rounded on him to stop them from walking any further. "Alright, tell me."
He glared down at her impertinent order. He was still on edge from what had happened in the town and she was walking a thin line on his last nerve.
"Be mad at me all you want, see if I care, but you will tell me!" She jabbed a finger in his direction.
He moved quick as a flash until he had a hand on her throat. "You would do well to remember to whom you are addressing, young one," he said as he tightened his grip to emphasize his point.
She didn't move or flinch, simply glared up at him. She slowly raised her hand and placed it calmly on his warm wrist.
He wondered what she could possibly be thinking, she would never physically be able to move him. Nothing seemed to happen for a moment until he felt a burning sensation in his hand. "Cease that immediately," he growled. When she didn't comply he tightened his hand further.
Finally she spoke, though her voice was quiet and raspy due to the palm on her windpipe. "You will kill me whether or not I continue, so I might as well defend myself." She wasn't surprised at his strength but she was having to pump out a large amount of reki energy to have any effect on him. At this rate she wasn't sure he would let go before she passed out.
Sesshomaru was sweating, she was burning through his flesh and was about to hit bone. She was going to take his hand off. He gave a vicious snarl and pushed her away. He cradled his hand as she coughed and gasped, rubbing her abused neck. He shot her a glare as he straightened. She took a little longer to recover and had to sit.
"Under the claim you are within my dominion, This Sesshomaru has final say on your life. No one who fears me will hinder you, but you must take direction from This Sesshomaru."
She looked up at him surprised, not just at what he'd said but that he'd even told her anything at all. "You claim me to your household?" She was a little rusty as to what all that meant but she got the basics. This was no little thing he'd done. He was responsible for her until she died, or he killed her (which he had the right to do). She swallowed painfully as she watched him turn from her. The question was, to what extent would he impose his authority?
"Come," his voice as implacable as usual.
She got up and followed woodenly, more out of being consumed by her thoughts than obedience.
They walked in tense silence for several minutes. Kagome could smell something metallic but it took her a moment to realize what it was and where it was coming from. She then noticed that Sesshomaru's hand, the one that had been around her neck, had blood dripping a trail behind them off the tips of his long fingers. She moved closer and lifted his hand in both of hers.
He jerked it out of her grasp and glared at her. She gave him a contrite look and held out her hands to him. "Please, my lord," she said softly. An expression she couldn't determine flashed on his face but he reluctantly extended his hand back to her.
She focused on his arm so she wouldn't have to look into his eyes again. She pulled back his sleeve and examined the damage she'd caused. Her heart sank at the sight of the deep wound. The stripes on his his wrist that wrapped onto his hand were mostly burned off. In the gash she could see muscle, tendon and bone. She'd no idea she'd gone so deep and done so much damage. He'd healed a little already but with as bad as it was she was sure he was still in pain, though he'd never show it. She sighed and closed her eyes, her hands covering the wound.
Her power flowed into his hand but instead of the searing pain he'd felt before it was a warmth that now rushed through him. He was impressed that she could do this much damage and with the same power heal the same flesh she'd marred. His head tilted back as that warmth started to flow further into him. Something of her reached into his core, enticing and exciting him. It was a fascinating feeling and he wasn't sure he liked it. As it progressed it spread throughout him, stirring things that should never have been touched. He desperately needed her to stop soon, he was feeling uncomfortably wonderful. His respiration rate increased and just when he thought he'd have to pull her off him she stopped and stepped away, she too was breathing hard.
He raised his hand in front of his face to inspect it, it was whole and not a blemish could be found. Even the stripes were where they belonged. He flexed his fingers and turned his wrist this way and that.
Kagome was reeling, she'd always felt a certain rush when she'd used her powers but this had felt different. It had felt as if their souls had been connected, though that had to be ridiculous. As he lowered his hand back to his side she caught his eyes. She gasped, there was a heat there she'd never seen in him, or anyone else, before. She tingled from the rush of their connection and his gaze. She swallowed thickly as they continued to stare at one another. Maybe he'd felt this too.
Suddenly there was a loud buzz from a nearby cicada, effectively breaking the mood. Sesshomaru turned with a sweep and Kagome followed, letting out a shaky breath.
The rest of the trip back to the citadel was silent and when they arrived he didn't even look at her as they separated to their rooms. His ignoring her made her feel dejected, which in itself was confusing to her. Even though it had been a long day she found it hard to fall asleep. Her body felt too tight and warm for her skin.
~0~
The next day every time she searched out the lord he eluded her. When she did see him he was a wisp of white hair exiting out a far door. She became more and more uneasy, her week was up and she needed to leave. Things had changed and she wasn't sure where she stood anymore. Would he let her leave?
Finally she couldn't stand the stress anymore and requested an audience with Lord Sesshomaru. She had doubted that he would even see her but surprisingly she received a message that he would. Kagome decided to wear the beautiful kimono he'd gifted her to ease his anger (if that was why he was avoiding her), though she had to have Kimiko help her get all of the layers right.
She made her way slowly to Sesshomaru's office, partly out of trepidation and anxiety, and partly because it was harder to move in her current state of dress. The guard let her in immediately and she swallowed as the door was opened.
She looked to his desk first but he wasn't sitting there, instead Jaken stood in front of it looking smug. She glanced around the room and noticed the lord standing staring out the open doors to his courtyard.
"Sit down, Miko." Jaken hissed at her, causing her to start.
She frowned but followed his instruction. Once she got onto the cushion (not an easy task) she glanced at Sesshomaru again. He was still facing away from her.
"Lord Sesshomaru is a busy demon. Speak, girl," Jaken squeaked at her, startling her again.
Her heart sank further. "Lord Sesshomaru, I'm indebted for your hospitality. My agreed upon week has long since ended. I..." she hesitated. How do you say you've got to get out of here without sounding ungrateful? "I would like to be on my way now. Today in fact."
Jaken looked excited at the prospect but there was no visible reaction from Sesshomaru.
She bit her lip, at least he wasn't protesting. "Well," she offered, "is there anything I can do for you before I leave?" It was the least she could do.
"Do you forget your place, Priestess?" Sesshomaru said lowly.
She froze at his tone. "No, my lord." She chewed her lip again. Did he intend to force his claim and keep her here? To what end? He obviously couldn't stand her now so why would he want to keep her around?
There was silence for several more agonizing minutes before Kagome broke. She couldn't take the uncertainty anymore. "Do you intend to keep me here? What for?" she asked about being detained. "You were fine, I was fine. We haven't seen each other in ten years, I can't see what you'd need me for now."
That got his attention and he finally turned to look at her as Jaken squawked about her impudence. "You will cease this, Miko." His eyes narrowed in a look that would intimidate most creatures into hiding.
Kagome would've gotten to her feet in challenge if could stand readily, as it was she glared back at him from where she was.
"You are ignorant in your beliefs. You will be silent and listen for once."
Her head was about to explode in anger but she bit her tongue. She wasn't unaware of what a dangerous position she was in. Jaken folded his arms and gave her a self-satisfied look, she gave him a death-glare before refocusing her ire on the demon lord.
"This Sesshomaru did not lay claim to you to keep you imprisoned." He was gratified to see her eyes widen at that. "This Sesshomaru is aware of your dislike of being... constrained." He noticed he had her full attention now and she seemed to agree. "You must be made aware of even now how out of place you are in this time. You view things in a way that would cause great anger to those here if you voiced them. A woman of your standing, no matter the dress, does not travel unaccompanied if she is not bound to someone. To do so you are viewed as a whore or a criminal."
Her mouth snapped shut. Was he telling the truth? Were most people looking at her like that? Sesshomaru wasn't one to lie. She wondered how right he was.
"This Sesshomaru is sure no one has made open comments out of respect for your high standing." He clasped his hands behind his back. "What happened at that town was inevitable. This Sesshomaru finds himself shocked it has not happened before now."
Her heart sank even lower, if that were possible. He must be right. Though she'd lived here for over a decade there were again many things she didn't know about the class system. She groaned at the memory of almost being forced into marriage. What other things had she been narrowly been avoiding all these years?
Sesshomaru was amused watching the emotions flutter across her face. Finally he could see the realization settle on her and he felt smug at being able to set her straight.
Kagome looked up at him sheepishly. She bowed low with her face towards the floor, her hands neatly in front of her. "I'm sorry, Lord Sesshomaru, I've acted dishonorably. I must thank you for what you did – what you're doing for me. You saved me from a difficult situation and I can't imagine what would've happened if you hadn't been there. Thank you."
Jaken's jaw dropped and he made a few sputtering noises. He looked up at his lord in time to see a small smile twitch at his lips. Jaken started to tremble, Sesshomaru smiling always meant bad things were to follow.
"Rise, Miko." She sat up and looked at his golden eyes. "As was stated This Sesshomaru does not desire nor need your servitude. You will be free to come and go as before." He motioned to Jaken and the imp sprang forward carrying something wrapped in cloth. "This is a symbol of the West, of This Sesshomaru's reign, carry it with you at all times."
She opened the cloth revealing a brass disk, about the size of her palm, stamped into the metal was a cherry blossom surrounded by a crescent moon.
"In addition all of your clothes are being altered to have the symbol added, a ready visual to others as you travel."
She was humbled by his foresight though she was a bit unsure about how she felt wearing Sesshomaru on her at all times. For some reason that thought made her cheeks heat. She bowed again. "Thank you. I don't know how I could repay your kindness."
His brow rose but returned before she looked up again. She struggled with her kimono to stand, once up she gave her new benefactor another small bow. She then left with his permission, her head still swimming.
She returned to her room and found maids hard at work sewing patches and packing her bag. She watched them in silence until Kimiko came to ask her a question.
"Do you wish to take everything or leave some things here?"
Kagome looked around. "Won't you need the room cleaned out?"
The maid smiled. "No, m' lady, this is now your quarters for whenever you are in residence."
Kagome's eyes widened, this was a day of surprises. "Oh, well, I couldn't possibly carry it all anyway. And some things like this," she motioned to what she was wearing, "aren't practical for the road."
Kimiko nodded and she helped the miko change into daily wear. When everything was done Kagome forgot herself and thanked the servants, much to their surprise, then got directions to the village by the caves.
Before she left the citadel she stopped at the healer's hut to say goodbye. The old doctor greeted her and his shaggy eyebrows rose when he noticed the emblem on her shoulder. Though he had many questions he sagely refrained from asking, she looked a bit bewildered and he didn't want to upset her further.
She hugged the old demon and proceeded to leave the grounds. She still couldn't believe how huge this place was, it had to have been the largest single residence in all of Feudal Japan.
Kagome had a lot to think about and the trip seemed short as she approached the village. When she was within sight she saw some children playing. One of the boys noticed her and cried out in recognition, he was the same child she'd first saved from the marauding invisible demon.
The kids alerted the adults and soon she was mobbed by excited villagers. She was quickly ushered to the center of town to the elders hut. The older man stood to greet her, a warm smile on his face. "Miko, Kagome, it is so good to see you well and unharmed." They bowed to each other and sat.
"I'm so sorry I worried you all, that's why I returned to show you I'm okay." She looked around at all the friendly face and smiled. "I assure you that I'm well healed and am rested for my journey back home."
Several of the men looked at each other but the elder spoke. "So, you are returning to InuYasha's Forest?"
She nodded, slightly confused as to why they would ask, that was her home after all. "Yes, it's been too long, my hut must be a mess by now," she laughed lightly.
"What of the white demon who was with you?" the elder asked gently.
Oh, she got it now. She smoothed out her clothes self-consciously. "Lord Sesshomaru is at his home, he doesn't travel with me usually. He has been very generous to me, lately." She added that last word at a mumble.
"You wear his crest now? Has he claimed you, child?"
She blushed full red. "I'm under his protection, a ward of sorts or maybe a retainer is a better term."
The old man hummed at that. "You are most fortunate to find patronage of one of such apparent power."
All she could do was nod and look at her hands in embarrassment. After that the conversation mercifully turned to other things.
Kagome spent the day looking over the repairs to the buildings and checking the wounds of those who had them. They bid her stay the night and she relented – leaving early the next morning. The people were loathe to let her go but she bowed out gracefully and was on her way.
~0~
It was several days travel before the forest she knew, and which held so many memories for her, came into view.
She stopped first in the village to let the people know she was back in the area. Ever since Kaede passed away two years ago she'd spent ever increasing time away from this place. The memories were still sharp when she was here. Besides, InuYasha was here and he was not one she cared to see frequently.
The people greeted her warmly. Some were curious about her new clothes but this far out from his territory they didn't' recognize Sesshomaru's crest, of which she was thankful. She was also thankful that InuYasha was away at the moment.
Towards evening she made her way to the far side of the forest where her own hut stood. Her place was small but it met her needs. It rested far enough from the village she was awarded privacy, further up a hill and on the other side of the forest so she was rarely bothered by people dropping by. I was just the way she liked it.
On her way she paused in the clearing which housed the old well. She looked into its depths and rested a hand on the worn wood. Though it had long since stopped being a portal to the future it was still a link to her family in her mind. She sent up a silent prayer for her mother, brother, and her grandfather. She wondered, as she often did, how they were doing. If her mother was getting by without her helping around the shrine. If Sota had gotten into a good university. If her grandfather was still alive.
She took a deep breath and went up the hill, breaking through the trees.
The hut came into view and she visibly relaxed, it was as she left it. She went in and set her pack down and her basket next to it. She placed her bow on the wall mount and put the quiver just inside the door. It was getting late and she didn't feel like putting things away right then.
She kicked off her sandals at the door with a sigh and sank onto her bedroll. She was exhausted so quickly succumbed to a dreamless asleep.
A/N: You know, I really did have a plan for this story when I started, but the story had other ideas. After the third time that I couldn't deny, or rewrite out, I gave in and let this story tell itself. We will see how it does.
I know some of you will be confused as to why Kagome is home again and not with Sesshomaru. There is a method to my madness, so please stay tuned.