Musical Recommendation: In For the Kill by La Roux
Lost in Limbo
Chapter Three – In the Garden
Sesshoumaru sat in the warm hot spring that was connected to his bedroom. The night air was crisp and cool, as he leaned on the edge letting his head rest on his arms, his thoughts drifted to her. When he saw how peaceful she looked as he laid her down in the bed room just a few doors down from his own. However in that peacefulness she seemed to be tormented by something. Sesshoumaru remembered what she had said earlier that night.
"... I was, unbeknownst, a pawn in his game..."
He knew she was referring to that half breed brother of his but what type of game was his pathetic brother playing with her, Sesshoumaru knew his brother was an idiot but had Inuyasha really betrayed this woman who cared so much for him...could he really be that damn thick ...to betray a woman with such power? Forsaking her love?
"No, that would be insanity, she wasn't at all afraid of me or afraid that I would kill her, why would she fear Inuyasha when the time came for revenge?" Sesshoumaru watched the stars as he thought out loud to himself. His body gleamed in the moon light while the beads and streams of water glistened as they ran down his body only heightening his masculinity. Long silk white hair sank into the water floating about him. Sesshoumaru allowed his body to float on the surface...closing his eyes allowing relaxation to take over as he soaked away the small bruises Kagome had left upon him.
That woman is powerful she managed to inflict damage and the fight wasn't even that long. It was amazing how beautiful she looks in that kimono, showing so much to engage the eye but leaving just enough covered to leave the on-looker wondering what delicious surprise is underneath.
Sesshoumaru stood and wrapped a towel around his waist, walking over to his bed he sat down, hanging his head allowing his right arm to cradle his chin.
Why am I letting a human invade my mind she's only a regular worthless ningen, but she's only the most gorgeous athletic human I've ever seen.
"Why bother, it'll only end with suffering on my part" Sesshoumaru laid back on his bed and tried to fall asleep, it would be dawn in a couple of hours.
A few rooms down the hall Kagome was sleeping, her wound was bandaged and she wore a sheer white yukata, although she had not yet awoken she could sense her surroundings very well.
Where am I? In a well kept room on a feather stuffed bed but how did I get here? All I remember is the fight with Sesshoumaru and then he knocked me out...did he bring me to his home? If he did it's no matter to me…but why...does he have a thing for me? Or is he planning something for me? He did say he wanted to get closer when he held me in his arms...It felt so real...I felt wanted...desired... Wait a minute did I just say that...am I falling for Sesshoumaru. No I am weak, I haven't eaten in days and I'm mentally unstable and I...I was delirious yes that's it I was in a state of delirium.
Kagome opened her eyes and the sight of the room awed her. The room had white and tan tapestries, the curtains flowed like ghosts in the night air and there was an assortment of golden pillar candles and lanterns lit giving the room a heavenly glow, her bed was a queen size futon with a veil surrounding it, while stunning gold and white furnishings adorned the room.
"Whoa" Kagome whispered to herself as she rose from her bed, she winched in pain, the wound on her back was bandaged and cleaned but now she could feel the pain. She looked over her body for any signs of other injures that is when she saw her clothing...a long silk white yukata that was sheer and revealing.
"I wonder if he saw me naked. He better not have or I'll have to rip out his eyes." She thought out loud slightly hoping in the back of her mind that he did. She was too tired to worry about anything at the moment so she lay back down and fell softly to sleep.
In the morning Kagome heard a knock on her door. When she stood to open it a short old kitsune woman stood smiling at her, she had tan skin, bright brown eyes and red hair with plenty of white streaks. In her arms were various selections of clothing.
"Good morning, How did you sleep madam?" she walked in and laid out the outfits which were beautiful kimonos of all patterns and designs.
"Peacefully, the best rest I've had in a while" Kagome smiled back at the elder kitsune who had finished the lay out of clothing.
"Good, Lord Sesshoumaru is awaiting you in the gardens today, but first you most bathe, the hot spring is down the hall and to you left I have prepared everything for you to bathe with and you can just go right in and relax afterwards you most eat something and you can have anything you want so may I ask what you would like to have this morning for breakfast, my lady?."
"Um, I guess some rice, miso soup, some natto1, nori2, tamagoyaki3, and grilled fish with fruit would be just great right now." Kagome looked and felt a bit ashamed by her fierce hunger but she hadn't eaten in two whole days.
"Well I'm glad you have an appetite, so don't be ashamed young one, oh where are my manners I'm Kiyati, and if you need anything just call my name and I'll be here in a second." Kiyati walked out closing the door behind her. Kagome walked over to the clothing lying on her bed. There where four items, the first was a top and a long skirt that was blue with silver dragons and silver sakura flowers at the edges. The second was a long pink and golden kimono with elegant patterns of symbols for beauty. The third was a flowing silk green dress similar to her battle kimono but less revealing and the sleeves were long enough the touch the ground. The fourth and final item was a white and purple short kimono with thigh high leggings to match. Each outfit had matching shoes and jewelry lay beside them.
"So beautiful, but since I'm a lover of green this one will be the outfit of the day." Kagome picked up the green dress and walked out of her room to the hot spring down the hall.
After she bathed in the hot spring...Sesshoumaru's hot spring unknowingly...she ate and then dressed. A few maids including Kiyati came in and did her hair in an elegant manner. Some bangs hung down in her face while the rest was in a bun with flowers and an ivory comb. Kagome looked like a princess and she felt like one too. Afterwards she ate a bit more fruit and called to Kiyati.
"Now that you are ready let us not keep Lord Sesshoumaru waiting any longer. He has been anxious to see you all morning" Kiyati told Kagome as the maids giggled and smiled at her.
"Shush your mouths get back to work!" Kiyati scolded the giggling girls who no longer snickered they walked calming in a single file line out of the dressing room.
Why am I even here I should have demanded my clothing and weapons then left but I remain… why do I want to be here?
"Kiyati-san...do you know what Sesshoumaru-dono wants to speak to me about?" Kagome asked as she looked at Kiyati through the mirror she stood in front of looking over her image.
"No one ever knows what is on Lord Sesshoumaru's mind until he tells you, so my lady I am afraid I do not but everyone has their own suspicions" Kiyati had her back to Kagome as she folded the remaining clothing.
"Thank you, Kiyati-san, can we go see Sesshoumaru now" Kagome stood watching Kiyati as she turned towards the door.
"Follow me my lady"
As they came to the end of a long hallway, a tall door made of red and gold stained glass opened to a beautiful garden. Statues and fountains of all shapes and styles stood among acres of flowers, plants, trees, ponds and lakes and the greenest grass she had ever seen. Within the middle of all the serene quietness of the garden that seemed so much like Eden, stood Sesshoumaru dressed in a dark green taori and his hair in one single braid. Kagome stared at him with desire in her heart but she resisted her own passion as she pushed away her thoughts.
"Hello Kagome, I hope everything was to your liking?" Sesshoumaru had a faint smile which served to entice Kagome even further.
"Everything was perfect, thank you Sesshoumaru-dono" Kagome said calmly without expression as she stood firm, she was enjoying her stay so far so her answer was truthful.
"I see you're wearing the dress I favor most" Sesshoumaru looked over her, the dress hugged her curves the way he hoped it would and the maids did a wonderful job with her hair, he would reward them with a bottle of his finest sake.
"Well I didn't know it was your favorite, I chose it because it's my color" Kagome gave him an arched eyebrow and a sly stare as her thoughts traveled at lightning speed.
What is he up to anyways, even though he could have killed me, instead he delivers me to a warm bed, delicious food and wonderful services, am I wrong to doubt him? No! I have to be cautious, he is not one to be trusted.
Sesshoumaru could feel her distrust of him steaming from her nerves. Kagome was ready for anything so regardless of his approach she would be on her guard.
"The reason I wished to see you is due to a question" Sesshoumaru turned and began walking towards one of the many ponds in his garden.
"I do as well" Kagome began to follow behind him glancing at him from time to time remaining alert of his movements and vigilant to her surrounding.
"Why Jisatsu?" He had to know why such a beautiful and gifted woman would want to end her life.
"Because...I wanted…peace." She looked into the pond at her reflection and at the water spiders as they sprinted back and forth on the pond's surface. Then to the other reflection in the water, Sesshoumaru, who had a sad expression printed on his face but sadness for whom.
He must think I'm the biggest coward on the face of the planet. Well I didn't come here for sympathy!
Kagome thought as she gazed back into the water now watching the koi fish that swam beneath.
"Who inspired you to seek this peace?" Sesshoumaru knelt down plucking a water lily from the pond cupping it in his hands looking at the bright pink and white petals and how the water droplets made it look like precious glass.
"You know him better than I, he is your brother" Sesshoumaru quickly averted his eyes when he heard her response. He held a shocked appearance before returning to his placid calm facade.
"Inuyasha, is the one who persuaded you to suicide?" Sesshoumaru kept his blank façade only because he had shown too much emotion the night before.
"Inuyasha" Kagome whispered as she spoke his name and glared into the distance.
"Such a waste of life himself, how could you let Inuyasha influence you?" Sesshoumaru looked at Kagome in turn she gazed at him with tormented eyes on the verge of breaking tears and at the cusp of rage. When she spoke her voice was barely higher than a whisper.
"I loved him for years I stood by his side and followed him everywhere through everything and then he betrays me. He was ready to take my life in order to fulfill Kikyo's. If Inuyasha had killed me or if you hadn't caught me from my flight off the cliff, either way I wanted to die but I can not allow Kikyo to have my soul. She already has Inuyasha I want to make sure she wouldn't get anything else I hold dear." Kagome could tell Sesshoumaru was inching closer to her but she did not move she'd rather show strength than weakness.
In one soft motion Sesshoumaru tied the water lily into the bun of her hair the droplets clinging to the petals dazzled in the sunlight and sparkled as diamonds do. Sesshoumaru then placed his hands on Kagome's shoulders and firmly squeeze unknowingly trying to pour reassurance into her. For a second time in his life Sesshoumaru had found an innocent soul he desired to protect. Kagome was silent through all this and as he began to speak Kagome's defenses began to crumble, Sesshoumaru's baritone washed over her, Kagome finally understood all of those prince and princess fairytales. The princess wasn't weak but rather she could depend on the strength of the man who loved her.
"I know you are strong enough to defend yourself Kagome, to even stand and fight me, I hope you understand that if you ever need anyone or you feel as if you have no one I am here Kagome I will always be here." Sesshoumaru stared into the eyes of a confused young woman who couldn't believe what she was hearing.
Is this the same man-slaughtering Sesshoumaru I know? Princess or not he has to be tricking me. This just cant be real…can it?
"Stop it Sesshoumaru-dono, your plan wont work this time" Kagome said calmly as she turned her back on him.
"I have no plan Kagome-san" Sesshoumaru noticed her inner battle as her walk betrayed her, Kagome's footsteps were hesitant as if she wanted to return to him but pushed onward away from his grasp. Kagome turned and gave him a cold stare right in the eyes but as before the torment showed deep within those blue pools that spoke of longing and the need for comfort.
"I don't believe you Sesshoumaru-dono" Kagome's cold eyes returned quickly leaving behind her feminine desires.
"I am no liar Kagome-san. I have no reason to lie." Sesshoumaru became agitated by her causing him to growl slightly.
"Well let me think Sesshoumaru-dono...You tried to kill me, your brother, my friends, take the Tetsaiga and the list goes on and on, maybe that's why" Kagome stood proudly as she voiced her opinion of Sesshoumaru, suddenly he took a single step towards her.
"I extend to you my deepest apology. I wish to make amends for those past transgressions caused by my own greed and lust for power, since then I have changed my ways with help." He extended a hand to her as if wanting her to come to him.
"WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU!" Kagome had enough something strange was going on either this was an imposter or Sesshoumaru had lost all recollection of who he was.
"What's wrong with me? You are the one who is shouting" Sesshoumaru began to tease her, seeing her flustered caused the cutest expression to come across her honey skin and he thought it was made her even more attractive.
"Don't get clever with me, what's with this act I mean why are you being so kind, are you even the real Sesshoumaru?" Kagome lowered her voice but continued with her assault of questions.
"I have changed" he looked down into his reflection and then at Kagome's.
"What changed you?" Kagome was calm but still upset by the youkai lord's new behavior.
"Sesshoumaru-dono look what I got for you" as if on queue a small voice caught their attention and Kagome knew it as the voice of a child but she did not suspect it would belong to a human child.
"Aw, Rin-chan thank you" the girl was dressed in a light blue kimono and she wore no shoes, in her small hands she held about fifteen pink and yellow chrysanthemums. Sesshoumaru takes them from her and hands two of them to Kagome.
Has the cold hearted youkai lord really changed because of this little girl? Is that why I feel so different around him? The desire I have to hold him, to wrap my fingers in his hair and kiss him so deeply. What are these feelings I'm having?
"Kagome-san...excuse me...Kagome-san?" Sesshoumaru snaps his fingers in front of a dazed Kagome who was staring at him blankly.
"Yes…Yes" She blinks quickly and adjusts her tone so that she would not betray herself and she did not want to upset this adorable child in front of her.
"I'd like you to meet Rin-chan, my adopted daughter" Sesshoumaru pushes her from behind his leg where she hid.
"Hello Rin-chan, I am Kagome-san, it is a pleasure to meet you" Kagome smiles as she knelt down to get face-to-face with the little princess who began to grin brightly at Kagome.
"I remember you! She is so pretty Sesshoumaru-dono, just like you said. Hello Kagome-san, Sesshoumaru-dono promised me a Haha-ue4" Rin's gaze swifts from Sesshoumaru back to Kagome with hope and excitement in her eyes.
"Um...Rin-chan can you go pick some more flowers for Kagome-san's room?" Sesshoumaru pushes her off with a pat on the back and turns to face Kagome as Rin giggles and runs off into the garden.
"A Haha-ue? Sesshoumaru-dono?" Kagome gives Sesshoumaru a sly smirk as she rubs the flowers on her cheek feeling the softness of the petals and being thankful it was finally spring time.
"I promised Rin-chan a mother, she didn't mean anything by it" Sesshoumaru clears his throat and hoping to hide his true intentions.
"But apparently you think I'm pretty" Kagome walks closer to him, standing only inches from his chest, she seems to be more open to him after meeting Rin.
"Well of course, you are a very attractive woman, who would think differently?" Sesshoumaru speaks calmly regardless of his plot to steal a kiss at any moment.
"Oh I see" Kagome lowers her head and plucks at the flower petals. Sesshoumaru watches her and can tell that was not the answer she expected, so he began a battle in his mind.
Sesshoumaru! What are you doing? Has the great Inu Lord lost his nerve?
I can'tWhy not
I'm unsureListen to yourself ...Lord Sesshoumaru... Lord of the Western Lands... UNSURE of a HUMAN WOMAN!
I know I knowTell Her
But she's so perfectThen tell her
What if she still hates me?You can smell her right
YesAnd
She wants me tooThen all the more reason to tell her
I don't knowYou might get some and we both know how much you need that
Hey don't think that way about herAh you know you want her so tell her for the love of KAMI Tell Her Sesshoumaru
I…TELL HER DAMNNIT!
Alright Fuck!
"Kagome-san" Sesshoumaru looks upward into the sky and takes a deep breathe before turning to face the beautiful woman.
"Yes Sesshoumaru-dono?" Kagome unknowingly whispered his name as she stared into his eyes, by hearing his name spoken so softly causes him to become full of passion and lust, When Kagome stood before defenseless to this visual assault she began to feel her thighs moisten.
"How would you like to have dinner with me tonight?" Sesshoumaru has to strangle his royal façade as he caught the wet scent of Kagome, if he inhaled to much he may be unable to avoid taken her in the garden and what a sight that would be for poor Rin-chan.
"I would enjoy that very much" Kagome cooled her searing heat and began to walk towards the small child amongst the flowers as Sesshoumaru held his breathe.
Sesshoumaru moved towards the palace shaking the relentless arousal from his mind.
1 Natto - Fermented soybeans. It is typically eaten for breakfast.
2 Nori - Dried seaweed. It is mainly used for rolled sushi.
3 Tamagoyaki – fried eggs, omelet
4 Ue: literally means "above", and denotes a high level of respect. While its use is no longer very common, it is still seen in constructions like chichi-ue and haha-ue, reverent terms for "father" and "mother" respectively. (i.e. Okaasan, okaasama, haha, haha-ue = Mother. Depending on the suffix used, the level of politeness will also vary.)