Note: Whoa. I am so sorry guys. I don't know what happened, I just got really busy suddenly. And I still am busy! But your reviews have been such a motivation-I decided to finish this chapter all in a night. (,: I love you guys, just want you to know that. Haha.
Summary:Forced into a marriage to bind the races, Princess Kikyo Higurashi and Prince Inuyasha Takahashi are to conceive a half-demon pup. But once they realize that Kikyo is unable to carry a child, their only choice is to find a surrogate. When Kagome is asked to be the surrogate, will this secret drive the two sisters' relationship into chaos? Will Inuyasha find out the truth?
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha.
Surrogate
Chapter 3-Submission
Dark blues bore into Kaori's intimidating browns as the mother and daughter pair sat in complete silence. A wave of tension and disarray washed over the room as Kagome continued to stare at her mother, trying to piece together her proposal.
No, not proposal. The need and frustration laced in Kaori's last statement was far from a proposal.
It was a demand.
"A surrogate? As in taking Kikyo's place for the Southeastern crown? I can't mother, I'm too young and-"
"No, dear," the empress interrupted, "a surrogate mother." The young girl's eyes opened wide as a result of her mother's last statement.
"A surrogate mother? What do you mean? How is that going to work?"
"Simple. You bed Inuyasha and have his child. Six months later, we take the child and successfully create the Southeastern empire. It's genius, Kagome. And the fact that you are kin would guarantee that the child would be of royal blood. Not only that, but the child would look extremely similar to Kikyo and Inuyasha," Kaori stated, smiling at her brilliant idea. Kagome, on the other hand, looked at her mother as if she had just asked her to sign her soul to the devil.
"I'm sorry, Mother. But that is beyond my doing. I am a miko, remember? I have morals and I have already pledged to abstinence. I advise you to maybe ask another older woman to perform this," Kagome rejected politely, trying to hold in her nerve of her mother to ask her own daughter to play such a dirty role! Having sex with a married man would be almost as sinful as being a prostitute.
"Kagome. Please, you're our only hope. Can't you sympathize your own sister, Kagome? I can't believe I raised such a selfish and ignorant child," Kaori wailed, shedding stubborn tears. Kagome stared at her mother, was she really being selfish?
"Mother, I'm sorry, I just-"
"No! You don't need to explain. Mother understands. It's just that I never imagined my daughter to turn out like this. Oh, what a disappointment. You were our only hope, Kagome! You know that we can't ask Kaede! She's too frail to bare children. There were no other girls that could take this position. When I say that you are our only hope, Kagome, I mean it . We might have to wait another generation to build the Southeastern empire. Another generation of lost hope and failure.
"And, don't you take in consideration that this is your sister that we're talking about? No, I'm not asking you to bed another man for a stranger. I'm asking for your sister. The woman who raised you when I was away. The woman who fed you and entertained you. Your blood sister, Kagome. And I ask you for this simple task, and here you think that I'm here to sell your soul to the devil.
"And might I add that your answer was outrageous. You don't think mother took the consideration that you would be losing your virginity? As a miko, I too understand your position. But, what is more important of a miko? To lose one's virtue or to help the ones in need? Mother never raised you to be selfish or foolish. You're a brilliant girl, Kagome. Mother is sorry that she scolded," Kaori said sweetly, gently wiping Kagome's tears on her cheek. And right there, she knew she had her. There was no way Kagome would disagree to her plan now. Kaori knew her daughters well, and she happened to know that Kagome was the softest and easiest to manipulate of the three. Her exterior may seem confident and strong, but it was all an act.
"Mother," Kagome sniffled, breaking the long silence between mother and daughter, "I'll think about it tonight and tell you tomorrow morning." The raven-haired beauty patted her mother's hand and gave her a quick embrace before heading out of the door. Kaori's eyes were fixed at her daughter's leaving figure until the door shut.
Everything was working well, because she had her exactly where she wanted her to be.
"Are you feeling any better? Does your chest still hurt?" Inuyasha asked, holding onto his wife. The woman was so fragile, Inuyasha was scared that he would break her if he applied anymore pressure on her than he was doing now.
It had been a long day and all the half demon wanted to do was to lay down and fall into a deep slumber. His wife, however, had other plans. Her distant eyes and pale complexion was hinting to Inuyasha that he would get no sleep tonight.
"I'm fine. We need to talk, Inuyasha," Kikyo whispered, holding onto her husband. Oddly, she was getting use to the feeling of Inuyasha next to her. She was actually extremely fond of it. It offered a sense of security and hope.
Hope that maybe he was the man that she had been looking for all along.
"Sure, what you wanna talk about?" the hanyou replied, his voice velvety and gentle. A voice much like a voice that Kikyo knew all too well. Was she falling for Inuyasha because he had reminded her of her past love? No, there was a vast difference between the two demons. Naraku was secretive, yet loving and gentle. Inuyasha was harsh, blunt, and confusing. Albeit, it was times like these that Kikyo loved the best. When his voice was low and attentive, offering the princess his undivided attention.
"The proposal my mother gave today. We sorted it all out, and I think it's best I tell you. Since, you are one of the main players," Kikyo giggled at her childishness. Inuyasha could replay her laughter a million times if possible, it was beautiful and reserved. Much like its owner.
"I'm all ears," Inuyasha murmured, dropping his head on top of Kikyo's to rest. The action surprised the wife, but warmed her heart. If it took one tragedy to bond the pair so easily, Kikyo would have done it earlier.
"We contacted a close kin to see if she was interested in being the surrogate mother. She hasn't replied yet, but mother and I have already thought of how we're going to approach this. If the girl says yes, we have scheduled the whole project for tomorrow night. I've already spoken to Kaede to mix up a drug that will potentially blind you and rid of your smelling abilities," Kikyo stopped when she heard her husband chuckle, "what? Is there a flaw? What's so funny?" the princess stared irritatingly at her husband.
"Blinding? Ridding of my smelling abilities? Come on, Kikyo. Why don't you trust me? You think I'm going to fuck this girl and then cheat on you with her, don't you? I'm better than that," Inuyasha declared, turning away from his wife.
Does the woman really think I'm that bad of a husband? I haven't slept with any woman after we got married!
"No, Inuyasha. Listen to me. It's in favor of the other girl. She wants her identity to remain at the knowledge of the Higurashi women. I know, it's a bit odd, but I need this. You need this. We all need this," Kikyo pleaded as she grasped on to her husband's shoulder to make him face her.
"Who is this girl?" Inuyasha finally asked the question that Kikyo feared. Nonetheless, she had already devised the answer.
"She's the daughter of the Western Japan emperor. However, her mother, a Chinese princess and my mother's second cousin, was abandoned and she was left in the streets of Southern Japan with her baby. My mother found her and her mother and save the daughter-mother pair. They lived with us for a while before they moved to the eastern mountains. Her name is Sakura," Kikyo expertly lied, hoping her husband would fall for it.
"Keh, so she's half Chinese and Japanese? How's the mother Kaori's second cousin?" Inuyasha asked, buying the false story.
"Oh, well I'm not very sure about it. I just know that my uncle married a Chinese princess and I would gather that Mei is my uncle's wife's cousin. Something like that. You know, it's quite confusing. But, point is, she's definitely family and royal blood," Kikyo smiled, hoping that Inuyasha was done with his questions.
"That is confusing. I still don't get it. But, I'll just go for it. I mean, Chinese princesses are known to be quite beautiful," Inuyasha joked, making his wife instantly jealous.
"You're a pig," Kikyo crossed her arms and looked away from her husband. Inuyasha chuckled and wrapped his arms around her.
"But my wife is the most beautiful," the dog demon whispered seductively, nipping on Kikyo's soft neck. The statement made the woman's face instantly turn red as her body reacted to Inuyasha's nipping.
"Inuyasha," Kikyo breathed, trying to control herself. The half demon reluctantly looked up and was surprised when his wife laid a chaste kiss on his lips. He couldn't help but kiss her again.
And again.
And again.
And then he realized something.
He was definitely falling for her.
Kagome woke up, annoyed and exhausted. She hadn't a wink of sleep last night and it was all because of "the proposal/demand." It was a nonstop train of thoughts. She would think she made the right choice and then she would have a second thought. It wasn't until her increasingly tired body gave up on her until she fell into deep slumber and to be woken up by the person she feared to see-her mother.
"Good morning, dear. I hope I didn't wake you up too early!" Kaori chirped like nothing had happened last night. Kagome smiled and nodded, still trying to recuperate from her grogginess.
"Morning, mother," she finally croaked in her hoarse, morning voice.
"Now, you and I know why I'm here. And I need the answer, is it a yes or a no? I gave you all night to think about this, dear. I want a good answer," Kaori said strictly.
"Yeah, I thought about it all last night. And I mean, I guess. For the people, the empire, you, and Kikyo, I have no reason not to say yes."
"Excellent! Oh, you don't know how proud you make me, Kagome! I am such a proud mother for having such a strong and selfless daughter! You don't know how much I owe you! You truly don't. I just want you to know that I truly love you and when you're old enough, it'll be an honor for you to become the Southern empress," Kaori beamed.
"Yeah, thanks. I don't want to think so far ahead though," Kagome whispered. Kaori nodded and told her daughter the logistics of the plan before heading out to fetch her some breakfast.
"Remember, if Inuyasha happens to ask you your name, it's Sakura. Your mother's name is Mei. Just remember that, in case he asks you. And I told you your story too, so just remember all this if he happens to ask you questions. Got it?"
"I don't understand though, why are we lying to him? Why can't I just not answer to his questions?"
"Because, dear, it makes everything all the more real. Now, I'm going to get a servant girl to get your breakfast. Stay rested today, it'll be a long night. And I'm heading off to Kaede's to check on the drug. If you need me, I'll be there for as of now. I must get everything ready for tonight. I just need you to rest up," Kaori said before heading out to run her errands.
Kagome let out a long sigh. She wanted to cry, but her eyes were puffy and dry from all the tears she shed from last night. Besides, she was stronger than that. She had no reason to shed anymore tears.
Deciding that she should go out for a walk before she would worry herself to death, Kagome quickly put on a simple yukata, fixed up her messy tresses, and washed her face before heading out.
The raven-haired girl looked out at the beautiful day and realized that there was more important things in life than just sitting there and worrying about tonight. The girl skipped towards the royal garden to tend to her plants that she had neglected for a month. Besides, Kagome thought that maybe fixing up her garden would relieve her of all those badgering worries.
As Kagome enjoyed the wondrous view of Japan's most renowned garden, she was unaware of a dog demon and his wife walking across the garden. Kikyo's arms were linking with Inuyasha's as the couple took their carefree morning stroll around the garden. At the sound of Kikyo's laughter, Kagome's head shot up from the flowers and faced towards Kikyo and her brother-in-law's direction. From her view, she saw Kikyo smiling as her husband talked. She had never seen her sister this happy after Naraku left her.
Whoever this guy was, she couldn't thank him enough. She spotted the hanyou who was dressed in a royal red and gold kimonowhich complemented his long silver locks and adorable triangular ears. Even at this view, Kagome could distinctly see that this man was a god. His towering height, beautiful hair, and fair skin was to die for. No wonder her sister got over her past lover fast.
Kagome smiled to herself as she watched her sister flirted with her husband.
They were perfect together.
So perfect that it made Kagome cry, making her feel as if she was the bad guy in the relationship for sleeping with her sister's husband.
It's not like he'll know it's me anyways. There'll be no way I will get in their relationship.
And with that, the miko wiped her tears and headed back to her room.
Inuyasha didn't want to admit it, but he was nervous. Something in his body was telling him that something exciting was going to happen. But it scared him. Would sleeping with this unknown woman alter the stance of Kikyo and his relationship? Things for the past day had been going unbelievably well. The more he talked to her and got to know her, the more he fell for her. The thought of her being infertile or not having an empire was actually starting to have no effect to him.
He just wanted a wife that cared for him. And who cares if she's infertile? Doesn't that mean endless sex without getting worried about having a child? This alternative idea sounded more and more appealing as he thought about it.
"Good evening, Inuyasha and Kikyo. I have brought the drug you have asked for," Kaede greeted, unwrapping a blue cloth to reveal two little glass bottles. Kaori walked over and grabbed the drugs from Kaede's hands.
"Why is there two?" Kikyo asked, holding onto Inuyasha.
"Well, one is for the maiden inside. To rid of all Inuyasha's smell in the morning so no one will suspect her. And the other, is for Inuyasha," Kaede said lightly as she took the smaller bottle from Kaori's hand and held onto it.
"Alright, so we going to do this or no?" Inuyasha asked impatiently with his hands across his chest. He just had to get over with tonight to return to his life again and continue loving his wife.
"Yes, Inuyasha, come with me. Kikyo, you can go ahead and go back to your room if you wish. I don't think you'll be much help sitting around here," Kaede ordered bluntly. Kikyo, unaffected by Kaede's bluntness, walked over to Inuyasha and kissed him goodbye before leaving.
"I'll see you in the morning. Don't worry yourself too much, alright?" Inuyasha whispered as he let go of Kikyo's hand. Kaori smiled lovingly at the couple before Kikyo exited back to her room.
Inuyasha hesitantly walked over to Kaede who was dangerously holding the glass bottle. Kaede handed Inuyasha the bottle and ordered him to drink it. Obediently, the hanyou chugged the bitter tasting vial and began feeling its effects. His vision blurred and slowly, his hearing and sense of smell was transitioning back into its basic skills. He felt like a weak human trapped within a half-demon's body. In less than five minutes, Inuyasha was surrounded in the world of pitch black darkness.
"This way, Inuyasha," he heard Kaori speak softly. Perhaps it was her regular voice, nonetheless, Inuyasha felt like he was struck by the full moon. His senses were too weak for his liking and his vision was completely gone. Inuyasha caught hold of Kaori's petite, cold fingers and she led him into the room. Inuyasha heard her whisper something to someone and in a flash, she whispered goodbye and the doors closed behind him.
I've got some interesting comments that I'd like to reply to, but first off, I really want to thank you guys for reading my little story. I've put a lot of thought into every chapter and scene. So I really appreciate feedback. Here we go-
HopelessRomantic183:
Your comment really caught my eye (maybe because it was a little lengthy-but I LOVE lengthy, so don't fret!). I really liked how you presented me with a bunch of questions that this chapter probably answered. Haha. Ironic, right? Anyways, just hang on there, hon! You've got questions, but I've got answers. My advice is just keep on reading, because I've really-let me empathize- really thought the whole thing out. This whole story is really based on deceit and secrets kept in between every character. Yes, sooner or later Inuyasha will find out about the truth. But, that's going to have to wait until WAY later. But, anyways, thanks for reading. Please continue your reviews and I hope you enjoy reading this story as much as I enjoy writing it. :)
Whelp, toodaloo~
I hope you guys liked this chapter. Sorry I didn't include the lemon. I really was going to. But I'm not in the mood in writing a good lemon. Because, if I seriously added one in this chapter, it'd b P. And you guys deserve better. SO. Lemon will be on next chapter. (;
Oh, P.S. I think this title is funny. Because I recently started reading Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James and for the ones that have read the book-yeah, you know what I mean. That's where I got my chapter title from. Just some FYI on my personal life. I haven't read the book far enough to see if I like it. But it's alright so far.
Anyways-please review! They're the only things that keep me going! And they put a big smile on my face :D
Love you guys~