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Chapter 18: Light Drizzle
The sun was at noon high looking down upon the rolling hills below connected to the giant marble and granite like walls and buildings of the Western Castle. The people below scurrying about from one place to the next. Golden eyes strayed to the fields and trees in the far distance where a soft yearning had begun to bloom. A gentle wind swept through brushing the trees and grass and taking a few loose blades with it. A few leaves started to turn indicating that fall would be coming soon. Sesshomaru finally stood on his property after his absence from his home from surveillance and strengthening his lands. The energy was rather boisterous recently within his city and the urge to leave once again grew inside of him. Once before, he loathed the idea of carrying such a burden on his shoulders that was the Western Lands. Travel had fed his soul and the quest for power gave him motive to leave it all behind. When Naraku came along it gave him purpose to stay away from his home. However, he did not believe the weaklings among him would be so foolish as to think that they could go about taking without repercussions. Or conducting unsanctioned actions without retribution.
During his journey, he had come to learn that demons…shogun…samurai…and the like among him had grown weaker if possible and boldly took which was not there's. And they did so without thought that there would be ramifications for their actions. Blood soaked the earth from those that had sought to betray him or had taken without cause. It gave him a new purpose as these lands was his birthright and duty. Sesshomaru needed to take back what was his as it spoke to his demonic instincts to hunt and put his world back on its correct axis as it should have always been. However, his instincts were not satisfied. While out in the countryside, he found nothing of these estranged monks that was spoken about as if they had vanished into thin air. There were also none of the shadow spirits as well near his lands since the attack on Inuyasha's village.
Yet, rumor had passed among the people and as predicted they paid it little attention. Then to rile his beast, he had received notice of an urgent meeting to be had at a neutral spot in the city of Matsue with the other viscounts and rulers. He really did not want to attend that meeting finding it a waste of his time and energy. And he didn't understand why they were pushing the matter. The demonic court had been given his answer already rather bluntly. What was bringing forth the cardinal lords and kings were going to do. Change his mind? His claws clutched digging into the palms of his hands feeling the bloodlust return and bubble inside of him.
Sesshomaru turned to face his palace now expecting much to have been done in his absence. His eyes trailed the lines of his castle and the gentle sway of the trees under the sunlight shining down upon him. It was a rather unorthodox command of his to split his position but one he knew would work in his favor as the woman who claimed to not know of honor seemed to have quite a treasure trove of it. A deadly smirk came to his lips at how the agreement with the Queen had worked out better than he had expected. He knew he could not be in two places at once. He could not fix his house and his lands at the same time. However, both needed the time and patience he rarely had to bring order about especially with this adversary still on the loose. Also, there would be those that would scramble to hide their tracks of treason which couldn't go unnoticed and unpunished.
His feet walked along the outside perimeter of his large courtyard. People passed and bowed to him not even bothering to attempt to speak to him. It was hard to determine if it was from pre-established fear or from whatever changes the foreign queen made. His golden eyes took in the many demons going in and out of his public office with various expressions of happiness and serious ones. Yet they all walked away from a scroll with his crest on it being an action or a ruling had taken place about their qualms. He strolled forward seeing his eldest and most loyal Advisor Itoku waiting patiently by the gate of his court for his arrival with an oddly happy disposition. The elderly demon's long white hair seemed to have grown longer and his skin shined under the light of the day. Sesshomaru was somewhat shocked to see a rambling Jaken nowhere in sight groveling like he'd normally would do upon his return.
"Lord Sesshomaru." Advisor Itoku bowed to the young Lord while brushing his long white beard.
Sesshomaru nodded in greeting still looking around the busy courtyard at the various kinds of species of demons going about oddly satisfied. "How has my home faired?" He asked noting a bat shogun carrying on a conversation with a human warrior speaking about trade routes. His eyebrows were raised high seeing the comradery they seemed to have as they spoke swiftly to each other and even shared a few laughs before he turned away to give the old advisor his full attention.
"Come see for yourself, pup." The old advisor stated turning away and walking up the steps to the courtroom.
Sesshomaru glared at the old demon but said nothing. Instead, he followed behind him as they walked inside of the massive building. He stepped into the hall and many scents of various types of beings wafted in the room, yet a delicate incense was burning upon entry to combat and sterilize the putrid odors that mingled. Many demons and even a few humans were lined up waiting for their troubles to be presented in the holding rooms. Soldiers were stationed by the doors and upon every entry way watching over every proceeding occasionally passing word along. He walked forward taking in the scene around him with mixed judgments. A young human woman with a child resting in her basket placed onto her back stated her case to a scribe as if she was perfectly safe among her kind. Fear did not fill her nor did it cause her concern in her plea as the demons around her waited patiently for their turn. He walked to see others doing the same and oddly enough no one whispered or said anything derogatory about the other. A few that recognized him bowed upon his entrance.
Sesshomaru walked further towards the front where he saw more scribes in their long white robes sat writing on wooden tables upon higher ledges. His scribes were working diligently taking accounts of the people and placing them in separate piles labeled into categories. He stopped to watch curiously as women both demonesses and humans he didn't recognize that dressed in simple blue kimonos collect the papers and took them away to be placed upon bigger tables correlating with the stack behind the scribes. On the tables were small statues of Inu Dogs and the crescent moon which he hadn't seen before. His flag was hanging from the ceiling rather dominant in the large space. His feet followed one young demoness as she walked briskly to an advisor and spoke quickly about certain papers she had collected. An advisor was stationed at each table going over the account and answering the questions, clearly taking care of silly little disputes while it seemed certain papers got passed on.
A human male of the Shinto religion was sitting in the distant corner in blue robes in front of a line of merchants, farmers, and vassals both human and demon, counting and performing accounting transactions. Next to the priest was one of his dog cousins sharing their penchant of delicate features and white hair with gold eyes. Sesshomaru's distant cousin another dog demon of the Akane Clan sat rather comfortably to his side sharing in on his knowledge and double checking to avoid fraudulence. Sesshomaru watched the human monk dip his hand in a bag of grain presented to him as if weighing it with his hands. Grain fell through his fingers like water back into the stash. It was this action that Sesshomaru then had surmised that both individuals were checking for quality. His hands dug through the bag lifting grain from the bottom and mixed them thoroughly checking while his cousin sniffed carefully for any discrepancies.
"As you can see Lord Sesshomaru, much has changed." Itoku stated nodding at the efficiency as people came in and quickly went out.
Sesshomaru looked in the far distance to see Ororo sitting where he would be seated high above the people passing judgement onto a civilian waiting patiently below her. She dressed in a strange garment that seemed to be a combination of her dresses and the stylings of a kimono. The garment was a red silk with gold embroidery that cut at her shoulders leaving her arms bare. It hugged her body and flared at the knees revealing white layers underneath it. Her head held a gold headdress of some kind with red and gold beads that mixed in with her long snow-white hair. The light filtering in from the windows danced against her brown skin giving it a rich shimmer as if she was dusted by gold herself. Her blues eyes stood out brightly as she spoke animatedly about a topic with the civilian clearly working out a deal that would benefit both his lands and the individual. His eyes lingered on her as she sent the demon away and took a paper from a pile on her side while a servant called out another name. Her eyes glanced upwards scanning the room until they connected with his. Her chin lifted in the air as she raised an eyebrow in his direction. He watched the corner of her lips rise in a daring smirk saying many things but muttering nothing. Even from at his distance, she smelt of fresh rain and honey carried on a gentle breeze. Her blue eyes were intense as she looked upon him. She twisted her head to the side before her attention was then devoted to the human man standing before her.
"Itoku, follow me." Sesshomaru slowly walked away leaving the large courtroom with Itoku walking calmly behind him. More of his house colors were everywhere. He didn't stop until he walked further into his residence looking at the many servants that bowed a bit more jovially than he remembered them being. Upon his walk he took note of the various artifacts upon the walls and on counters from storage. More Inu paintings were up…vases, pottery, sculptures, and odd golden statues of strange beings were seen every so often. Paintings of kin, his father, ancestors, and even a painting that was of his mother was up…everywhere.
Itoku looked back to the young Lords stoic expression, yet his eyes were taking in his surroundings. "The Empress loves art and the servants wanted to please her. So, they brought out every piece they could find in storage and hung them up. She also commissioned a few pieces to be made as well." He explained as they walked by more women and men going about their activities and greeting him with fearful bows yet happy smiles. More soldiers were placed in the front of entrances to various halls and others walked along the corridors bowing to him as he went forward. They went outside to see that the General was speaking to some of his men as they read a few reports. Sesshomaru took note of the men's auras as they all felt stronger. His feet took him down the steps and passed the gates that divided the royal public courts and the administrative and military buildings.
Upon seeing him everyone bowed and stood up. The General dismissed the men before walking over to his Lord. "My Lord. Welcome home." He greeted sternly.
"General Kenji." Sesshomaru had gotten more of the General's reports and had met with him a few times during his time away while getting his lands in order. He had seen a great change in the General since his debacle in which enraged him. The General had taken on more responsibility by placing his men in various cities and villages giving them rounds to do to ensure that everything stayed running smoothly when their Lord left to return to the castle. Trade routes have been reported safe as there were no reports of bandit activity of both human and demon kind. Sesshomaru had found the General himself had even gone to visit key villages and routes to see over all his charges. He sent back detailed reports that were short and to the point of what was being done and what needed his attention. His General had sent reports that shadow demons had arose near the demon Kanazawa village which were on the perimeter of his lands but not quite his property.
Sesshomaru looked around watching as his men were changing shifts while others were returning to the barracks or going off into their homes in the village. The General walked with them explaining the order of the house and his military's movements which fell on deaf ears as he watched a great amount of his boy soldiers in the yard practicing their movements cohesively. They moved as one, sweating with concentrated faces. An old rather large humanoid bear demon with a long black ponytail walked around watching and correcting stances. He could see a few of his commanders walking among the large group as well silently adjusting hands and feet as they practiced the same kata repetitively.
Itoku pointed to the big burly demon covered in brown fur that looked rather odd and robust. "That is their combat sensei Master Batkhuyag from the Ujashi Mountain Bear Clan. The men mentioned an interest in learning different fighting techniques. So, the Empress had managed to secure a few teachers from her travels that was willing to train them for a short spell."
Sesshomaru's eyes went to a few scribes sitting on the side making notes and sharing information with a few commanders on the side. They provided feedback and the scribe wrote everything that was being said while also asking clarifying questions and pointing about with his ink quill. Itoku looked to the duties being performed and smiled brightly. "Ah! The Empress has taken great measures to ensure everything is in order and accounted for. Everything, including training is documented and cosigned by an advisor including pay, housing, estate income, trade transactions, and other nuances. That way everything and everyone is accounted for and if there is a crack or a betrayer in our system, we know immediately where to start looking."
"Hm." Sesshomaru muttered watching intensely taking in everything. His instincts oddly felt calm unlike the last few months when he was on edge. His nose picked up no signs of deceit or treachery lurking in his halls. His men moved about showing respect as he made his way back inside.
They walked around the first floor seeing to various things before he went in search of Rin alone towards his residence. He followed the little onna's scent to the gardens as the fresh blossom mingled with other feminine aromas. The closer he got, the louder he could hear his servant Jaken ranting. Two guards stood on watch bowing to him in greeting in front of the private garden's entrance. He followed the cobblestone pathway into Rin's favorite flower patch to see the now healthy child play with two hanyou pups with red hair and brown eyes that rolled on a little blue blanket spread out among the various flowers. Jaken sat wrapped with green vines around his arms keeping him still next to the pups. He was covered with florae ranting about his mistreatment. Another small female demon pup with blue hair and yellow eyes ran over tapping Rin's shoulder surprising her with a flower crown. A red headed demoness sat having tea while speaking to another demoness that he recognized from the court with laughter in their eyes under the shade of an elderly bonsai. One demoness of the two was dressed in upper servant kimonos meant to show that they were caretakers for their lady in waiting. Treats and drinks were spread out for the children as there were bite marks and crumbs everywhere.
Jaken looked at him first much to his aggravation. "Lord Sesshomaru!" He squawked for the entire house to hear. His relief of seeing his Lord was evident in his tone.
Sesshomaru came closer until the small party noticed him and quickly, both demonesses stood and bowed respectfully. Rin saw this and immediately ran over and hugged his legs. "Lord Sesshomaru! You're home!" She greeted with jubilee. Sesshomaru nodded and patted her on the head feeling her now cool skin and seeing healthy bright brown eyes free of the dark circles that marked them. She backed away and it was then that he realized what she had on. A white cotton dress much like what Ororo would wear draped over her little body. It hung loosely onto her and gave Rin a sprite like quality about her especially with the flower crown over her brown tresses. Her feet were bare running in the grass over to the happy pups wiggling on the blue blanket.
"I have friends!" Rin yelled excitedly pointing to the little twin pups and the tiny demoness that now clung to her mother's legs frightfully. The demoness with blue hair wearing many layers of silk and ornaments in her hair bowed gracefully. He recognized her from one of his many meetings and balls that he had attended to in the past but her name escaped him.
Sesshomaru didn't know what to make of the situation, but Rin seemed happy and well among their company. He looked at the other demoness and recognized her as the same female that Ororo came with upon their first meeting at his palace when she came to seek his help. She showed no fear but moved closer to her pups, standing in front of them. His eyes cut into hers as he flexed his aura dangerously. He looked to Rin and nodded his approval. "I see she has hired you to watch over Rin." He addressed directly. "What is your name?"
The demoness with bright red hair like fire bowed to him gently. "My name is Hiromi, Lord Sesshomaru-sama." She addressed formally. "The Empress did not trust anyone alone with Rin so she has entrusted me with Rin's care whenever she is preoccupied."
Sesshomaru looked to the demoness with the ornaments, and she bowed to Lord Sesshomaru. She was another from his house although unfamilair. "Lady Kasama."
Said demoness with long black hair and the markings of the Inu along her face nodded in greeting. "My mate is helping your solders with perfecting their scent marks."
Sesshomaru watched Rin rush over to her new young friend to get her from hiding behind her mother's kimono. The mix of Bear and Inu only caused her features to look delicate and small like a furry pup. She had bushy white hair and was small as she hid behind her mother. Slowly the little demoness came out and held Rin's hand tightly. Sesshomaru looked to the two women and the children. "Enjoy your time, Rin." He simply stated before his eyes went to a restrained Jaken.
Jaken wiggled against his restraints hoping his Lord would aid him in his quest for freedom. His eyes bugged out of his head as Sesshomaru swiftly turned around and began walking away. "Lord Sesshomaru! Please! Help!" The children rushed back to their game and the ladies went back to their tree. The soldiers standing about bowed in greeting but kept their eyes vigilent on the women and children in the garden.
Sesshomaru made his way to his study now satisfied that truly everything looked to be in order. Upon entering, he had found everything to be as he left it but his desk was neatly organized. He sat down and looked over the notes taken clearly by his scribes as well as a few other papers with Ororo's handwriting upon it. A stack of her judgements sat on the edge of his desk for him to go over and reports were categorized with a condensed note on top of the contents to his right. Soon servants came with refreshments and Itoku returned to go over a few things as well. A report of every activity to be thought of was written and had an appointed head. He read and responded himself to immediate matters until the daylight had burned and the candles on his wall had begun to light. The moon was high covered by clouds providing very little light. Sweet thick honey reached his nose and seemed to penetrate the walls. His ears picked up on the door to his study opening slowly with a creak before being shut closed. The sound of rustling could be heard until he could hear Ororo sit down in the cushion across from his desk. He continued to write until her soft hands laid on top of his own and pulled the pen and ink pot away from him. Quickly his eyes arose questioning her sanity.
Ororo smirked. "Hello to you too." She greeted. "And this is of course still my study and everything inside is mine until we formally end our agreement."
Sesshomaru sat straighter in his chair at her words, looking upon her relaxed form. Gone was the beaded headdress from earlier leaving her white tresses bare and free to hang down her back. The red silk upon her body made her eyes stand out and he was able to see the embroidery upon the fabric done by foreign hands that seemed to have great expertise. Her eyes danced with mischief and humor watching for his reaction. However, she would be greatly disappointed.
"Consider it fulfilled." He responded watching her smile grow and laughter fill her eyes.
"I'm not in agreement so thus it has not ended." She stated moving things out of the way on his desk making sure his eyes caught every movement of her hands languidly touching all of his things as if they were her own still. "We after all still have a few agenda items to discuss."
Sesshomaru sat back a little awaiting her to go on. Ororo caught the hint and started by standing and going over to his shelf. Her hands glided the row eyelevel to hers and pulled out a large map. Ororo walked back to his desk and unrolled it in front of his eyes. He looked upon it to see the additional village of Kanazawa marked onto the map. Her notes were there written around it and he saw the visual she was presenting to him.
"I've done a bit of research while you were away and when you sent me the name of the last village on your lands to be attacked by the shadows, I knew it was not coincidence." Her fingers outlined the shape being created. "Notice the attacks are spread out but seems to be forming a circle." She pointed out. "I have learned sense that these are strategic attacks. As you can see the points in between according to your men who have reported back to me remain free of attacks." Her fingers pointed out the little black dots on the map of villages and major establishments. "I have taught your men how to kill these shadow demons and they are working with your newly appointed head priest to ensure their safety from possession as well as against these so called...religious monks. All of your men carry a seal upon them as well as my own blessing." She stated firmly as he looked upon the map taking in everything. "I have deduced that all of these villages have something in common. I do believe we need to go to this village…Kanazawa to find out answers. "
Sesshomaru agreed looking upon the map raking it over. The circle was crossing into other Lord's lands and it made sense as to why the others were in a blood lust and pointing fingers at each other. He looked at how it seemed to create a half circle around the center where his brother and the miko's village sat. Did he think this was coincidence?
No.
Despite his own inhibitions, he managed to salvage some pride in the pair upon the defeat of Naraku. Anyone to cross the anomalous couple would be meeting a guaranteed defeat. No one since the destruction of the jewel was brave enough to attack them except for petty humans and weak-minded demons. A shadow loomed over him and he looked up to see Ororo take the map away and roll it back up. "But of course, this can be looked at further later. I do believe we have somewhere to be tomorrow, and I want to be fresh for the battle to be won." She stated haughtily referring to the demon council convening. She strolled over to the shelf and placed the map back where it was. His claws stretched at her audacity.
Sesshomaru watched her leave with nonchalance strolling out of the room as if she really had more important things to do than speak with him. He sat on his cushion refusing to give into the curiosity that nudged his instincts into reaction. Her scent filled the room as if baiting for him to follow her but he remained focus choosing to finish what he was working on before she interrupted him. Time passed by as he concentrated on the task at hand. The moon had dragged higher into the sky growing tired of the hide-and-seek game it was forced to play with the clouds surrounding it. His pen scratched the surface of the paper communicating his thoughts in a written statement until an odd sound reached his sensitive ears. His hand stilled clutching the utensil tightly in his clawed grasp.
She wouldn't dare? He wondered concentrating now on the unmistakable sound in which his hearing had picked up.
His head tilted in question for a moment with a blank expression now staring into the meaningless letter below his hands. His eyes darkened among the light and the shadows of his study alighting with the glow of the torches along the wall. His body arose from his spot warningly and stretching with desire. He sniffed separating the scents until he followed Ororo's trail and his eyes glazed with a pink hue to its corners. His muscles tightened hearing the simple heartbeat that thrummed so calmly unaware of the danger she had just provoked.
"Are you so foolish?" He questioned out loud before walking out of his office. He followed her scent to his quarters baffled and intrigued having now given her his full attention. In the silence of the morning day after he had left, his body was plagued by an affliction. An affliction she had ignited like a flame inside of his body heating him up and testing the boundary that pushed between a being ruled by ethics and the other ruled by nature. Sesshomaru wrapped his aura around him for stealth. The air was cool inside and blew along his skin as if teasing him of his lack of control, making the thin hairs on his arm raise. Ororo's constant notes of communication sent to him during his journey made sure that her presence stayed among the thoughts in his mind and became tangled in the bloodlust he desired. How she stated bluntly to him in a simple one sentenced letter that she would counter the other Lord if they stepped out of line, excited him and appealed greatly to his nature. And then when she did things like this…
Torches were ignited along the wall lighting the path to his quarters. He walked down the hallway noting two golden dog like statues standing in front of the den where his immediate pack would rest. Their bodies seemed to be watching over the hall which he found he liked better than the cats he had noticed earlier. Rin's fluttering heart could be heard inside the den along with her tiny snores at the end of the hallway. His head turned to the left hearing the sound he had followed as well as the trail of the Empress scent leading him to his own room. He slid open the shoji door and went inside quietly. He managed to take off his boots in the process as well as slip out of his shirt with deadly intent. Her soft hums filled his room in whimsical tones enticing him to take a gander deep inside the cleaning chamber. Stealthily he walked inside the room feeling the moist air blow over his skin gently welcoming him back into his personal domain.
Well…what was his personal domain.
His feet felt the warm stone underneath his feet as he followed the path along the wall down to his hot onsen. The movement of water dripping from the water pale and rushing through the natural bath welcomed him. The steam was thick and warm filling the room up to the high cave like ceiling. Her scent was all over the room clearly having been using his amenities often. His feet took him closer to the onsen surrounded by organic rock and moss that had grown from the natural persuasion of nature. Through the mist he saw a vision that he thought could only be created by his imagination, yet his senses told him very much it was real. Ororo's hair was piled on top of her head in bountiful layers of white clouds leaving her neck bare. Her toasted almond colored skin had a shine to it from the heated moisture of a rinse. Her spine was visible as was the side curve of her body now completely bare to his gaze. His eyes caught the slight stray drop of water gliding down her back making its way back into the water resting around her hips. He came closer to see her many jars laid out clearly having found a home along the rim of the onsen where she stood giving him her back to gaze at. His eyes took in the flare of her hips all the way up to the slender column of her neck again appreciatively. Her hands rubbed along her smooth arms enjoying her bath time clearly unaware of the predicament she had just placed herself in.
Ororo smiled fondly enjoying the heated waters. "Does my nakedness frighten you?" She taunted with a smirk. "It must be quite formidable for one with such high considerations for decency." She rubbed her oil into her arms and stilled with a smile at seeing the ripples in the water. Her eyes lit up yet she stayed true to her task of washing the day away. She absolutely loved the water in Japan. Never had she seen the earth naturally heat the water and serve it on the surface like so with such bountiful minerals unlike her waters which gave minerals but was rather cool and needed heating. Her house servants would always have to heat the water using the sun or another means before pouring it into her pool in which it would have to be used immediately or it would get cold unless hot coals would be added.
"You think you can take such liberties?" His voice reverberated off the walls and crawled up her spine. "You were given your own bath."
"But this one is so much better." Ororo refused to turn around. Her heartbeat steady with great practice at dealing with men. It was her nature after all…having come from a culture where nudity was only unwarranted if the audience wasn't welcomed to the sight. Also, it was a simple reflection of oneself as well as relief from the harsh elements outside. No one really thought twice about it or looked upon you with shame for revealing the body. Ororo felt a little liberated now at being in such a position before his eyes. Now, she could test his resolve. Test whatever that was there. The unknown that excited her. And test her own charms. Many thought masculinity was power but clearly they knew nothing of the power of the divine feminine. But above all, she wanted to get back to that place where they left off.
Did he really think he could leave her for weeks and she would forget that night in her quarters? That she would forget the way his claws touched her so wanting in ways she hadn't felt since she left Egypt. Then he had so strategically and confidently given his own kingdom over to her hands without so much as batting an eyelash yet he had returned to obviously take it back. How his sensibilities spoke of hiding away her body whereas his instincts revealed his true inner desires. Deep in the night when all was quiet her mind would run wild with humorous questions about the demon. Mainly questions on what made him tick as he was the most controlled being with such high morals that she had ever met even for his kind. He was rigid and powerful like metal forged in the hottest fires of volcanic ash. He was steadfast and so certain. So very different from everything she had ever known. If the sky and the sun had given birth to her then truly the core of the earth and the moon conjured this demon.
"This is still my domain, until our agreement is done." She refuted cupping her hands full of water. "Don't worry…Sesshomaru. A Roman king also wrote about how greatly moved he was at seeing an Egyptian queen for the first time." She flaunted pouring the water over the side of her neck. It was prevalent in Egyptian culture that the pharaoh was indeed the child of God and thus was seen in that likeness by the people. He truly did not know the privilege he had as many would slay him for the honor.
Ororo froze suddenly in the water. Her hands rested in the with her back bent gracefully. Her eyes closed feeling the unmistakable power behind her. His aura expanded and pushed against her suggestively. Her blue topaz eyes opened to stare into the reflection of the water and she could perfectly see Sesshomaru's amber orbs stare into her own through the watery mirror. She daringly raked him from his head to the apex of his hips curious as to what did this pale creature kissed by the moon would do next. The heat of his body was felt exhibiting only a fragment of what his skin might feel against hers. She stood tall but did not move to face him just yet. She wanted to see how far he would go and would he be so weak as to deny his actions. She wondered if he would be so cowardly or so in denial. And if so, she would shrug him off. All the respect she had built for him would easily be broken. His breath was on her neck like a ghost seeking to possess her. He blew heat onto her skin and she felt it cool at the end like chewing on a mint leaf. She stared into his eyes as he spoke nearly growling in her ear. "You know nothing of agreements with demons let alone instinctive Inu ones."
She held herself strong and smiled a wicked grin feeling his words brush on her heated damp skin savagely. His honey eyes stayed connected with hers through the reflection in the water not daring to so much look down at her naked back. Ororo was curious now as to this behavior desiring to see where the road of refinement and decorum ended. She refused to give into his power play and decided to confront him head on. Boldly she turned around revealing her front to him calling his bluff. Ororo took note of the flicker of dilation in his irises. She released her aura rather abruptly like a twister blowing around her body to fall onto him. It pushed back his aura and fanned it away around the room off of her. The water moved violently at the disruption and chopped at the stone perimeter. She moved closer to him so he could hear her. "And you know nothing of the true raw power of an Egyptian God. My lineage have built empires with their bodies as equally as they have lay ruin to others." She whispered warningly before reaching for his hand. "Now come. I've been waiting most patiently to meet with you since you returned. We need to finish our bargain." She stated with a smirk moving through the water towards the stony edge. She pulled feeling the bones and muscles within his hand flex in her own.
Sesshomaru moved forward truly entranced by the vision before him. He took in her beautiful mounds glistening from the waters and the shimmers of whatever oils she was using earlier. He looked to her face as she smirked making no move to hide herself. Her hand was warm against his hand pulling him through the water with little strength. His delicate sense of smell picked up on all the ingredients inside the substance of the jars she had set out finding it of the natural soil and the smell soothed him somewhat. He listened to her smell them herself before she moved and ushered him to stand before her. He did as was told curiously to see what else she would do. "I remember in the cave you said that you would remove your armor in my presence the day you received from my priestesses the act of massage." She reminded him turning him around with a gentle push of her hands so his bare back was to her face.
She sat down on the step inside the onsen and placed him there in between her legs which raised his curiosity as well as irked him. The scent of her sex was masked under water. Both of their lower bodies submerged and hidden under the water's care. He came closer and turned showing no fear. She smelt divine and the idea of turning to take a taste warred with his flesh. But he would not do it. He was honorable and wanted to see where her mind sat amongst whatever this was plaguing the air between them. He was a demon of war and it was heavily taught to never turn ones back and be so intimate with a stranger let alone a foreign ruler and commander. Yet he was. Testing fate. Testing her. A space he knew she too was testing and prodding. He looked behind him towards the edge where the jars were with a tilt of his head. Sesshomaru's eyes took in her every move as Ororo poured oil that smelt of lavender into her palm.
Ororo focused on her intent and energy having been taught that ambiances was very contagious. She released herself of any negative vibrations and prayed for the hand of healing and release. Her hands covered over his skin not touching yet but simply moving around his energy that covered him trying to find the spot that needed attention first. Her chest pressed against his back allowing him to truly feel what he was missing out on. She noted his skin felt hot and smooth underneath her body. Her breasts pushed against him yet he remained stoic and still. She smiled before moving to his ears. "You are without armor…and everything else today in my presence." Sesshomaru's eyes widened at her memory of a time long past. He felt her warm hands touch firmly on his back and moved with applied force in a stroking motion at the base of his spine. He heard her whisper some words before she moved in soothing circles.
Ororo lifted his long strands and finger combed them with some of the oil before layering it all over the left side of his shoulder. The end tendrils danced on top of the surface of the water floating about his waistline. She looked at the creaminess of his pastel back. She marveled for a moment now appreciating what was hiding underneath the silk and armor he wore daily. She noticed the hard lines of muscle and power that moved underneath his taut skin. Her hands could feel the dips and swell of tissue speaking of a very rigorous regimen. She looked upon his back and took note of a few very thin lines of old battle scars that were almost imaginary to the eye. Her nimble fingers found muscle that was tense and immediately set to work on stretching it and releasing the tension built there. She pressed feeling the pent-up energy trapped under his skin. His lungs took in oxygen and flexed his shoulder blades in such a subtle motion that she wondered if his control even conquered his own body from natural responses. He began to relax as the time went on. His arms had come up to rest along the edges of the onsen as she massaged his back. A few silver strands fell in the way and rubbed in the oil making them flicker among the torches along the wall. Her hands embodied the soothing spirit of the rain upon his skin working out the stress that knotted for years down into the marrow of his bones. Feeling his strength was very empowering to her and she found herself licking her lips and enjoying her activity a little bit more than she should. Ororo truly appreciated the enigma creation underneath her hands. Desire flooded inside of her and wishful thinking took root from the seed of her own curiosity. Her hands moved along the flow of the blood and the alignment of the ridges of his tendons and spine. She pressed and worked out all the knots she felt; taking her time and appreciating the gift of trust he had consciously given to her.
"Did you enjoy my offer?" His voice broke the silence of the room as he stood still underneath her touch.
Ororo smiled moving her hands downward towards his hips. "I never had someone willingly give over their kingdom before unless it was for a marriage call. Clever demon you are." She stated moving her fingers in repetitive motion. "To give me something tangible that I can have but can be taken away easily was indeed genius, I will give you that. Then to also use our agreement for your personal gain more so than mine..." Her hands roamed upwards rubbing his skin and moving to his shoulder blades. "You knew where my loyalties lay and played to it well."
Sesshomaru's eyes stared at her through the reflection of the water noting her smooth exotically painted skin that ran down from her neck to her navel. She was truly curvy unlike any woman or demoness he had met. This activity felt like a grooming session of his Inu kin and so it made the situation light yet meaningful in ways he didn't think he could express to her. At the beginning fire burned deep inside of him to ravish her and put her in positions that would rebel against her regality. Feeling her body so intimately close to his sent contradictory messages running from his nerve endings to his mind. And now he had calmed enjoying their closeness and the air of relaxation. Her hands were casting a spell onto him. Her hands felt good roaming his body and pushing muscle he hadn't known existed. What she had done to his hands before now paled in comparison to what he was receiving now to his back and shoulders. Her eyes were soft and she seemed truly enthralled in her own performance. She looked into their reflection catching his gaze and holding it with a smirk spreading onto her face. "To think I almost thought you feminine at first." She jested shaking her head. Suddenly his head turned and growl erupted from his mouth. Her eyes were bright with laughter contrasting greatly to his serious expression.
"Calm down!" She laughed continuing her motions. "I would never call you feminine when clearly you are the very superior example of a Japanese male showcasing great masculine qualities that any Japanese woman would be more than happy to have." She complimented with words laced intricately with sarcasm. She laughed at the sounds of his growl knowing that she was pushing buttons that needed not be pressed. The noise did something to her as she felt the vibration through the palm of her hands and her thighs that straddled his sides. It dangerously moved through her to places that did not need additional stimulation. Her thighs tightened around his torso in response thankful of the steamy water lapping at their waists and hiding their desires. The relief he felt after a few more minutes had his eyes growing heavy. The heat, her motions, the scents, and her aura relaxed him. He felt truly calm as if his bones had become soft and the stress melted into the heated waters around them. Ororo's fingers moved in the trenches of his collarbone soothingly releasing the tension there. "Calm down great Inu King." Slowly she coaxed looking and catching his side glance.
"I dare say you would indeed give the men in my country great reason to pause." She muttered now thinking of her life at home. If things had not gone how they were…she would most likely marry or have taken a lover to begin producing an heir to the throne as she was the oldest. She would be the one to marry one of the great sons chosen by the hand of Ra to share her power if she chose to or at least share her bed. Her fingers slowed thinking of the rather paradox feelings this caused inside of her. Being in the presence of men so vastly different from what she had known that brought so many different skills and elements made her question her own future…her own attraction to things familiar and foreign.
What she thought she liked was turned up on its head a bit. And would she have been given time to explore it more with the chaos erupting and chasing her lands. She continued the journey of exploring his skin on autopilot now in deep thought of the return home. For surely without a doubt the evil corrupting this land would end by her hand. But then what later? Who would be there afterwards? Should she die, she was prepared. Her temple was already created ready to receive her and allow her to dwell comfortably in the afterlife. But should she live? Who would be there afterwards? The idea of lying with weak men disgusted her even more now than ever before.
Sesshomaru could barely focus with her attentions to his person. He could feel her every movement as well as every patch of skin that had been ailed with knots and tension. He rolled his shoulders feeling the sensation of freedom from this ailment that he hadn't realized sickened him before. When she spoke, he had to focus a bit on her words since her accent did hold some weight. But more so it was the way her thighs brushed against the sides of his torso that reminded him of their vulnerability to each other in this moment. Her hands had slowed after some time and now seemed to be exploring the lines along his back. His mind settled on her statement listening as she continued. Her fingers slacked suddenly, and he looked over his shoulder to see her eyes darken and stare into nothing. He turned slowly fully around to face her catching her attention. Her legs tightened around his hips pulling him closer as her own libido simmered in her core.
Ororo felt her humor and her rather daring sensibilities leave her like the air she exhaled from her lungs. Having been caught off guard after her thoughts ran astray, she looked up at the Inu demon as he approached her. For once in her long life she was confronted by a force that was extremely foreign to her and dare she say formidable. Her hands roamed his shoulders with desire in her eyes uncaring of his thoughts of her. Her culture thrived on the feelings of the flesh and enjoyed all pleasures without holding back. What was the point of living if happiness eluded you? Her hands came up and rested in his silky strands playfully feeling the oiled wet silk run through her fingers. Ororo felt his aura rise in a challenge and she grew excited at the danger. How this situation had enraptured her into its web to make her the fool. What did she feel for this demon that rested rather promiscuously between her legs with his mushroomed tip brushing dangerously against her thigh. On some level, she had grown to care deeply for Sesshomaru and wanted him to be successful as he truly was committed to the cause as she was. He was devoted to his station and to his ward despite first glances. He had been honest despite it being brutal and deadly in delivery. He deserved better than this tease. His nature captivated her imagination and she desired to do the same for him. But not here…not like this. If he was successful and truly showed the magnitude of his power, she would show him heaven. She would take him to the brink of death and he would reach eternal life only through her. And this would be her reward to him as much as it would be a blessing to her. To feel for the first and last time what real power felt like.
Sesshomaru's hands came to rest on her hips roaming with his knuckles up her sides. He moved upwards feeling the softness of her glossy brown skin that amazed him as she felt truly as supple as she looked. His claws raked her upwards until they caught the side-swell of her breast. He watched her inhale as he dared closer never touching…refusing to go forward. Sesshomaru smelt her scent rise with the steam of the onsen as it became heavy and intoxicating. The water from the onsen had droplets sliding down her neck and over her chest. His eyes looked to her hair not liking it piled on her head out of his grasp. His hands came and he quickly snapped the ribbon that she used to keep her hair up. He watched as it all slowly fell down around her with the ends sinking into the steaming waters at her waist. The small black ribbon fell into the water and began to drift solemnly at being ripped so suddenly. His clawed hand combed back a cluster of her tresses from falling in her face never breaking eye contact with her intense gaze. Her hair held moisture but felt soft like the cotton she wrapped her body in…flaunting her exotic appeal every day in his face reminding him much of his once obsession with Tetsaiga being waved around like a stick when he knew he had the skill to release it. Their energy clashed around the room creating electric currents and hot energy conducting through the moisture in the air. Their hair slowly began to rise from the current passing along static from one to the other. Their bodies came closer pushing her breasts to his chest. Sesshomaru's head bent down and with permission he took from her full lips having had enough of the tension that plagued him for weeks.
She moaned into the kiss pulling him closer with the spread of her fingers on his back and moving to grasp along his pectorals and abs. He rippled underneath her fingertips scorching her fingers with the heat radiating from his body. His lips were just as demanding as she remembered…sensual and yet overpowering. His autumn scent filled her nose and ignited her passion. Ororo's head titled to the side allowing him to indulge in whatever he desired. Her bosom was pushed against his chest making her body hypersensitive to his touch. Their aura's clashed pushing the water back and forth hazardously over the edge onto the stone floor. Their energy bounced along the walls clashing frenetically for the prize of dominance.
Sesshomaru's hands gripped her tightly to him roaming freely now without restraint. His hands cupped her breasts making her eyes open and mist over with a pearly iridescence. An audible gasp came from her mouth ripping from his lips to catch her breath. Honey and a sort of spice lingered on his taste buds from his investigation of her lips. Her fingers went up again to bury in his scalp and hair, pulling him closer if possible. Sesshomaru smirked to see the normally controlled yet free spirited Empress quivered in his arms from the pleasure he was giving her. His lips had found hers again and immediately they dueled with more vigor. His ears picked up her rapid heartbeat which now sounded like the beat of a doe fleeing in a chase. His lips pulled away from her to trail down her neck and nibble on her collarbone.
Ororo kissed Sesshomaru's lips and then moved to kiss his throat tenderly. The feel of him against her thigh standing strong made her core pulse for him. This was a king of strong heirs who would create great Gods and Goddesses, she knew. Her hands came up to cup his face catching his attention. She pulled away with a smack of her lips releasing from his. Her fingers ran up to his face and began stroking the bold markings that rest there that shouted who he was to the world. He pulled away from the kiss closing his eyes tightly at her touch. The sensitive marks shot down the base of his spine. His arms reached around her to grip the edge of the stone ledge. Ororo breathed heavily trying her best to calm herself before things went farther than it needed to be. The electricity that once filled the misty room calmed along with the force of Sesshomaru's demonic aura. The waters around them no longer crashed against the warm rock of the ledge but instead pushed tiredly against it.
Ororo wanted him. Her body really craved him now seeming to have acquired the taste for this exotic delicacy that was savory as well as poisonous. But, he deserved better than a simple play in the water. Her self-respect and lineage was far too grand to have their first time play out like this. How the great mother queens before her would cringe to see her lackluster performance. Queen MerNeith...Nefertiti...would haunt her dreams for the scandal. She was a Goddess. And he was a King. A King that she may never see again rather from death or by circumstances. She wanted to give him an impression to last a lifetime if given the chance. She was an open sexual being. And rutting in just a few stolen hours of the night was far beneath her station as the great child of Ra. And how disappointing would that reflect upon her greatness.
"We are worthy of more than this." Ororo moved her arms to rest on his shoulders and her head against his forehead. Her body wanted him so badly. Sampling did nothing but stroke the fire inside increasing her demand for more. Her chest rose roughly calming her powers. She traced the rough edges of the stripes now along the sides of his chiseled cheeks. "I wish to give you more…than this. For we both are deserving."
Sesshomaru could feel desire take control and he held her away protectively from him. She touched his markings which were super sensitive and reflected his status, his power, and his lineage. All demons especially of royal lineage from the original ruling demon families had markings that declared everything about them to the world. Every demon's markings were different and had varied meanings about ones place in the world among demons even down to the coloring in which they were shaded. To have them caressed so softly sent sensations down his spine. He looked into her wild stormy white and blue eyes feeling his own ego swell to have provoked the tempest.
Ororo shifted forward and kissed his lips again this time softly with the urgent burn to consume him. Both pulled back staying in place neither moving from their position. They simply stood taking the moment for what it was; neither pushing for anything more between them nor pulling back with regret. A silent understanding passed between them like the salty steam from the onsen that drifted around amid their naked bodies. Nothing was heard among the rather loud sound of water flowing throughout the room. Sesshomaru stepped away from her putting more distance between them. The water rippled from his movements. His eyes lingered upon her now reddened hue of her flesh and the deep depths of her ocean eyes. Her hair wild and curly around her. Pride and ego came forward again at seeing the other caught up in such a way.
Ororo watched as he looked back at her unabashedly now seemingly no longer affected by the exposure of her body. But, she knew that this moment was a fluke. For when he rose in the morning and was greeted with the rising sun, his culture's morals and rules of propriety would also stand to remind him of his sensibilities. She sighed inwardly at this knowing her fun would have to be put off for another moment…one in which they wouldn't be pressed for time or the absurdity. The waters seemed to cool as their flesh simmered. The scent of their desires still perfumed the air but a notable treatise was in place as they gathered themselves. Yet the daring spirit of a mighty twister filled her spirit and causally she turned around removing herself from his sight. The playfulness before hadn't left just yet. She slid off the seating in the onsen and moved to stand before the ledge. Her head tilted over her shoulder while her hands combed through her thick and wet strands of hair. Her sultry eyes turned to look at him with mirth. "Well, are you going to look away Lord Sesshomaru?" She taunted. "Is it not appropriate to stare?"
Sesshomaru tilted his head for a moment regarding her. "In my culture, it is common to observe the natural beauty of natural things." Ororo turned to him quickly with a bashful expression for once. The compliment he threw her way so nonchalantly left floating amongst the steam of the room. And then, Sesshomaru sneered and moved to sit on the seat opposite of her body on the far side of the room. He leaned against the warm rock not breaking eye contact. "You are also within this Sesshomaru's chambers. I can do as I please."
A pout came to her lips at the ruined moment. Her chin lifted at his arrogance. How quickly he settled back into his roll over his house. Ororo's eyes misted over with a smirk on her face. Thick heavy white fog from the elements in the air formed around the entire room. Sesshomaru could not see anything but his ears picked up on the sound of water sloshing. The sound of wet feet slapping against the stone floors was heard moving further and further away from him. Her light chuckle reverberated around the bathing chamber. It felt like minutes with him simply sitting in his onsen before the fog had begun to drift away and settle. His eyes trailed upwards above at the entrance into the bathing chamber to see Ororo stand before him wrapped in the outer layer of a green silk kimono that clung loosely onto her body. He noticed she had used it as a robe clearly paying no mind to the small fortune it cost to have that made to only be used as a drying cloth. Her hair was pulled over her shoulder dripping into the fabric wetting it. Her eyes were aglow, and her megawatt smile was genuine.
"Well, you can have your little plot of land back." She stated crossing her arms over her ample chest that now remained covered from his gaze. The fabric folded over but left a gap open to his eyes where her long mocha legs peeked through. She turned around flicking her hair behind her. "Enjoy the fruits of my labor and rest easy. We have kings to destroy tomorrow." With that she turned around and closed shut the door behind her.
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