I disclaim everything that needs to be.
Bold means a change in location and/ or time or time period. Italics are thoughts or Sesshomaru's inner demon talking, or flashbacks
Chapter 13: Scene
Kagome's eyelashes fluttered against her cheeks as the morning sun hit her face. She groaned as Sesshomaru slid his arm around her hips, pulling her towards him and away from the sun shining through the window. She kissed his chest in thanks and drifted back to sleep.
Sesshomaru, on the other hand, was awake but content. More so, he was thinking. The Elders would be arriving today. Well, starting to arrive. Jaken had already come through with his morning announcements, naming the Wolf Demon tribe as the first expected to arrive. He wasn't especially looking forward to it. Dealing with Kouga was to be done sooner rather than later, and it was never desired. He only hoped Kouga would behave. Their last interaction was less than pleasant.
The new Hub of the Western Lands was his Winter Palace. Inuyasha and Kikyo requested their Manor be built near Kaede's Village as well, to be close to their friends. The move signified the acceptance of Inuyasha to the Tashio House. Now, in the Great Halls of both of his sons' estates, paintings of Toga, Inuyasha, and Sesshomaru were hung. Their father's was always in the center, since Sesshomaru would not be officially named Head of House until after the Mating. After which, a painting of his family would be hung on the wall opposite the paintings of the father and sons.
His mating was to be official in a few days. The blessings would be combined with a few drops of each of their blood, and, after Miroku muttered the sacred enchantment, they would drink it. Thinking of their wedding vows, he smiled softly and hugged Kagome a little closer. The vows of mating were similar to the traditional vows they chose.
That night, Kagome needed to bite him hard enough to draw blood. The scar left behind would serve as his mating mark and their official mating would be complete.
Sesshomaru shifted, feeling Kagome resting peacefully tucked under him. He didn't want to wake her, but he knew he had to get up and see to the Mating preparations. Sighing, he slid out of the bed, scribbling a note for his wife on the table next to their massive bed. She didn't stir, but moved to cuddle the pillow that once held his head. He kissed her forehead and dressed in a loose silk set, the black silk contrasting with his silver hair. Met with Jaken on the other side of their bedroom door, Sesshomaru walked to the Grand Hall to see if it would hold the ceremony. Knowing Kagome would want to participate in the selecting of decorations and other details, he held off on making finite decisions. Jaken flittered about, alerting Sesshomaru of all he missed while in the Modern Era.
Jahari, the leader of the Eastern Lands, was the first to hear of the mating and sent well wishes ahead of his arrival. The dragon demon had been friends with Sesshomaru for a long long time, and was thrilled to be meeting Kagome. Sesshomaru was actually surprised he wasn't the first to arrive, but Jaken assured him of the Eastern Land's arrival in the next coming days. Ayame's grandfather, Choro, and his clan were due to arrive that afternoon. He had to send for Inuyasha and the rest of Kagome's friends once everyone arrived for the day, to join them for dinner. Like their modern wedding, he wanted them around and involved as much as possible, if only to delight Kagome.
The Elder Sesshomaru was the most worried about was the Lord of the Southern Lands. Cali was a Bull demon, prideful and headstrong. He was the oldest, next to Choro and had known his father during his rule. Cali was waiting for an apt opportunity for a takeover of the Western Lands, determined that he could lead it to the glory of the "old days". Sesshomaru was unimpressed by his chest puffing and always stood his ground, but he was less than excited to bring Kagome into the situation. Cali's biggest complaint was Izayoi; he named her the catalyst in the decline of the Western Lands. Sesshomaru didn't necessarily disagree, but the circumstances surrounding his father's death were more than just Inuyasha's birth. Ryukotsusei was the main reason his father crossed into the next world, and it had taken a long time for Sesshomaru to grow into that reality. Once he had, he would accept no other answer from anyone. He was final.
Through his thoughts, Sesshomaru noticed time passing through the morning into the early afternoon. He wondered about Kagome, if she was awake yet. As if she knew he was longing for her presence, Sesshomaru turned toward the door and saw her opening it softly, peeking in to see if he was in this particular ballroom.
"Oh, good. I thought Jaken was tricking me, saying you were in here." She'd wrapped herself in one of his robes, it draped off her quite gracefully, the sash holding the oversized garment in place. He opened his arms to her and kissed the top of her head.
"Does this room look like a place you'd like to have a ceremony?" He asked, turning her to look at the dark blue toned walls and velvet curtains. Each curtain was tied in silver cord, with the crescent moon symbol on each end, carved from sapphires. It was opulent, incredible. Kagome took her time wandering the room, taking in all the details. The intricate dark wood carvings on the banisters, the fireplaces, the walls.
She ran her fingers along them, deciding, "It's perfect, Sessh."
Jaken burst into the room, panting, "Lord Sesshomaru! The Northern Lands have arrived!"
Sesshomaru nodded, taking Kagome's hand and leading her in the direction of their rooms, "We'll dress and meet them in the Throne Room. Jaken, send for Inuyasha and the rest of Kagome's friends," feeling her hand squeeze his, "so it begins."
Once in their bedroom, Kagome moved to her wardrobe. She felt compelled to dress in the intersection of her life. She picked a long flowing dress, with sleeves similar to that of a kimono. The soft pink satin moved as she did, floating at her ankles. Sesshomaru nodded in approval, adjusting his own clothing, only slightly more formal than the linens he was wearing before.
He nodded and opened the door, leading them into the Throne Room. Jaken was there already, fussing with the large cushy silver chairs Kagome assumed they'd be sitting in as they welcomed their guests.
Sesshomaru, hand in hand with Kagome, silently moved to his seat and placed Kagome on his left. They didn't sit, instead waiting for Jaken to rush to the door to bring in their visitors. Once he disappeared through the dark wood doors, Sesshomaru sighed and motioned for them to sit.
"All you will need to do is smile. Say hello, welcome, things of that nature when the Elders' speak to you. They will be appraising you, but they will want the answers to their questions to come from me. Your official welcoming will occur once everyone's arrived. That is your true introduction."
Kagome nodded, smoothing her dress over her legs and crossing her ankles. The politics of Court were strict and very easily overstepped. She understood the very fine line she walked as a Human, a Human Miko in the Courts of Youkai, trusting Sesshomaru to lead her through what exactly was expected of her.
Jaken came back quickly, hurrying into the room ahead of Choro in his humanoid form. Behind Choro was Ayame, and Kouga, representing the rest of the Northern Lands. Kouga's face lit up as he spotted Kagome. Sesshomaru stood as the group approached, Kouga and Ayame sinking to one knee as Choro tilted his head down.
"Lord Choro, welcome to my home." Sesshomaru greeted as he lifted his head.
"Lord Sesshomaru, I am honored to share this celebration with you. Your mating is something your Father would be proud to witness."
At that comment Sesshomaru reached his left hand back towards Kagome, signaling for her to stand. She took his hand and stepped forward. Choro stepped forward, the signal for Kouga and Ayame to stand and greet Sesshomaru and Kagome.
"May I present Lady Kagome of the West. My mate."
Kagome smiled gently and bowed, "Welcome to our home." her voice was soft, a glint of surprise flared in Kouga's eyes.
"It is my understanding, Lady Kagome, that you've met my granddaughter and her betrothed on your travels." Choro greeted her warmly, already well aware of Kouga's feelings towards her.
"Yes, I've met Ayame and Kouga on several occasions. Your granddaughter is a very gifted warrior. Kouga and I are longtime friends," She smiled at them, "I'm so happy you both are here."
Choro nodded, turning his attention to Sesshomaru, "you must be wondering why we've arrived so early…"
The formalities over, Choro and Sesshomaru moved into his study, and Ayame rushed to hug Kagome.
"Hi Kagome! I'm so happy for you!"
Returning the hug, she grinned, "thanks Ayame. I'm really really excited. I've brought you something from my home, you can wear it during the big party."
Ayame squealed at the thought of a gift from Kagome's Lands. Kouga always talked about the strange, wonderful things she brought to her friends. Kouga, for instance, had a strong pair of fingerless leather gloves, so he still had access to his claws while keeping warm.
As Ayame and Kagome gushed over each other and the mating ceremony, Kouga remained quiet. He slowly took in the room, the element Kagome was now in. He always pictured her as a Queen, a Lady of the Lands. But of the North. His Queen. His Lady of the Northern Lands. He'd even grown to accept the idea that she may mate Inuyasha, but Sesshomaru was a surprise. He thought their closeness revolved around Rin. Platonic, familial even. He hadn't noticed her relationship with Inuyasha fading into the exact type of relationship he thought she had with Sesshomaru. The confusion darkened his expression, this was not something he was prepared for.
"Kouga?" Kagome's voice was gentle, concerned, "are you alright?"
"Kagome," he wrapped his arms around her, "I'm happy you're safe. You don't have to do this, you know."
Ayame rolled her eyes as Kagome pulled away, sighing.
"Kouga, I know this is difficult…" She started.
"She doesn't want you, stupid ass wolf!" Inuyasha laughed as he threw open the Throne Room doors.
"She doesn't want you either, annoying puppy." Kouga bit back, turning his attention to Inuyasha. Kikyo, Miroku, and Sango were close behind, their focus on seeing Kagome. She was immediately wrapped in a hug from Sango, and they watched the scene unfold.
Inuyasha was teasing Kouga, knowing full well what would happen if Sesshomaru caught them fighting in the Palace.
"She's never going to be yours so you might as well GET OVER IT!" Inuyasha jumped out of the way of Kouga's swipe.
"Mangy muttface, you need to STAY OUT OF ME AND MY WOMAN'S BUSINESS!"
Inuyasha laughed and settled in front of Kagome, sensing Sesshomaru's presence nearby, "I'm not in you and Ayame's business."
Kouga's face was bright red, and getting redder. Ayame looked annoyed, taking her place next to Kagome and Sango.
Kagome sighed, she knew Sesshomaru was coming and this would not end well, "Kouga…"
"No, Kagome, let Sesshomaru handle this." Miroku said gently, "Kouga will need to submit to him for this to really end."
Sesshomaru heard yelling from the Throne Room and inwardly sighed. His conversation with Choro held the prediction that this would happen, Kouga was going to make a scene. That is why Choro wanted to be the first to arrive, to avoid a much bigger scene in front of the other Elders. The two were walking back, hoping to find the room still intact. Pushing the door open, Sesshomaru saw Kagome and her friends behind Inuyasha, and Kouga red in the face.
"Kagome. Is. MY. WOMAN. MINE." Kouga was shaking now, livid. He didn't notice the door opening, or Sesshomaru and Choro's presence.
"Oh? She's failed to mention that to me, Wolf." Sesshomaru's voice was even, stern. He stepped in front of Inuyasha, directly into Kouga's line of sight.
Kouga froze, but maintained eye contact with Sesshomaru. Kagome sighed again, this was going to be a debacle.
Sesshomaru was smirking, and his aura was full of power and smooth pride, "would you care to repeat your declaration?" His voice was low, threatening.
"Kagome is my…"
Before Kouga could spit out the last word he found himself up against the wall, a green tinted clawed hand around his throat.
"Your what?" Sesshomaru asked again, tightening his grip. He ignored Kagome's concerned squeak.
Kouga wriggled in Sesshomaru's hold, trying to breathe, "…my…..." he turned his head to the side, baring more of his neck to Sesshomaru.
Lowering him slowly, he asked again, loosening his grip on Kouga's throat, "your what….?"
"My friend, Lord Sesshomaru." Kouga gasped as he was released, Ayame rushing to his side.
"Good," Sesshomaru turned on his heel and moved toward the door, gently taking Kagome's hand on the way out, "Dinner will be served in the main Dining Room. Jaken will show you to your rooms."
He led Kagome into his study; much closer to the Throne Room than their bedroom, closing the door behind them. Turning to face her, he waited.
"I'm not mad, Sesshomaru," Kagome reached up to run her fingers along one of the stripes on his cheek, "Kouga wasn't going take no for an answer from me. I just wish he didn't make a scene."
Sesshomaru pulled Kagome into his arms, and kissed the top of her head. There was no real doubt that Kagome would shun his instinct to assert his claim over her. She wore his mark proudly, she loved him.
They pulled apart, Kagome pressing a kiss to his jawbone, "were you really that worried?"
"yes and no. I do not wish to upset you; I know the wolf is your friend."
"He is my friend but if he'd done that in front of any other Elders you'd have to kill him, right?"
Sesshomaru nodded, "better a scene now, than later."
"I'm glad you won't have to kill him. Kouga's a good guy, and Ayame will make him very happy. He just needed to get it through his head, and I think that knock to the head shook the idea of me out of his mind."
Kagome took a deep breath, feeling Sesshomaru relax a little bit, "Shall we dress for dinner?"
Sesshomaru leaned down and kissed Kagome, hard, "I should make you hungry first."
*that's it for this chapter! I'm sorry its been so long! I'm slowly but surely getting back together on these longer works though! Let me know what y'all think! –Inu'sgurl97 *