Standing with his shoulders straight and his arm looped through Kagome's, InuYasha took a
deep breath. He had to steel himself slightly, bracing himself before finally opening the massive wooden doors that separated them from the rest of the palace. It felt safe tucked away in his little corner of this world, he'd made it feel like his home in the short time he'd been staying there. The painting of his mother sat on the mantle of his drawing room, the walls flickered with warm light as the halls were filled with his friends, his family. But beyond his wing he knew that the rest of the court was much less welcoming. As the new heir, he still had a lot to prove.
Internally, he'd prepared himself for this moment but as for his new mate.. he wasn't so sure. He could feel a twinge of anxiety lingering along the edges of her energy, but even so, when she turned towards him she gave a warm, reassuring smile, and he felt at ease.
She was beautiful.
Truly a vision, in the emerald green layered kimono that seemed to flatter her complexion in a way that made her seem almost too perfect, Yokai-like, draped in their fashions the way she was. Hair ornaments dangled out of the half up style that her hair was woven into, shimmering among the impossibly long locks that flowed like dark velvet ribbons down to her waist.
She looked every bit the part, and he knew that anyone who would deny her lineage would have to be a fool. There would be no question, she was godkin. Glowing with an almost internal fire, she stole his breath away in that moment.
InuYasha couldn't stop himself from giving her a passionate kiss, his lips lingering there, relishing in her taste and softness as she submitted eagerly to his mouth.
With his resolve firmly gathered, he finally pushed open the doors and pulled them both out into the hall, out of the safety of his quarters and into what may as well have been a lion's den.
There was no grand hush that fell upon the palace, nor did anyone yell out that the young lord had brought a human into the realm, his foolish fears were unfounded. The noble women they passed merely whispered behind ornate fans, staring openly as the people parted like waves around them. High born men and warriors alike nodded to him, fist over heart, acknowledging their new prince with a display of respect.
Beside him, Kagome seemed to be holding her breath, her chin held high and her eyes set straight forward. He could feel her anxiety pulsing and twisting in her belly as if it were his own, the benefit of being mated.
She wasn't used to this as he was, the blatant judgment that those of royal burden were expected to gracefully endure with a picturesque smile. But she gritted her teeth and schooled her face into a cool, pleasant mask. a light smile curved at her lips as she seemed to glide over the floor, his arm hooked through hers, leading her. Though it was uncomfortable for both of them, admittedly he was very proud to have her on his arm. She was shining, her skin almost glowing pearlescent in the sunlight that dappled across them both, pouring in from the sky lights that were set into the curved ceiling above. It was almost as if she were born into royalty, the way she looked like a perfect doll with her hair ornaments catching the rays of light.
Outside the palace finally, they were able to breathe a bit easier with fewer eyes on them. Kagome discreetly dappled away the nervous sweat that glittered over her brow, feeling a sense of relief as they made their way down the main road leading away from the looming castle and into the heart of the city that lay beneath.
Inu warriors were stationed along the road, spears glinting wickedly as they stared straight ahead, their dark armor reminding her of the color of blackened ash. Manicured trees rose from the earth,intentionally placed as they curved through the air with leaves that seemed alarmingly perfect to her mortal eyes.
But the sun felt good on her skin, the air was warm and clear, and with InuYasha beside her she was excited to see more of his homeland. And he seemed eager to show her. He pulled her along, happiness radiating from his warm golden eyes and she felt her heart swell with tenderness for her new mate. So many nights she had longed to be with him again and she could never have pictured this, but still, she was so grateful. Seeing him happy and smiling in the sun was a memory she never wanted to let go of, one that she would hold close to her heart and cling to whenever she could. She wanted to always remember him like this, no matter what. She found herself sneaking glances at him shyly through her lashes, desperately trying to commit every inch of his face to memory.
The buildings rose around them and suddenly they found themselves tossed into the flurry of a bustling market.
Kagome gripped onto InuYasha tightly, her fingers wound into the black silk of his sleeve, not wanting to get lost in the sea of bodies. But the other Yokai seemed to pay them no mind. There was no attention called to his status or anything of that nature; unnatural eyes passed over them listlessly as if they blended into the crowd.
A giddy feeling rose in her chest and she giggled with elation, taking in the sights and sounds of the thriving town center. Vendors called out, displaying everything anyone could ever want in the various booths and shops. Silk, herbal poultices, rouge, produce, hot food that had pleasant steam curling up into the air, and even weapons. Horses and mules pulled carts through the streets and the crowds parted around them like a school of fish.
She looked around in fascination, eyes sparkling as she took in all the sights and smells of the thriving street, noticing many different breeds of Yokai existing here. A kitsune vendor selling lace fans laughed with a spider yokai overtop a wooden display case filled with glittering jewelry, the two women looking at each other with an open good will that radiated around them. Young Inu pups dashed around peoples heels, playing and giggling as they chased each other. Everyone seemed to move in a perfect, seamless harmony.
It was beautiful. A shining beacon of peace for the west. At least, to her untrained eye.
"What do you think? Should we get something sweet?"
InuYasha pulled her against him suddenly, his breath so close to her ear that she had to remind herself that they were in a very public setting, otherwise she wouldn't have been able to stop herself from kissing him until she was absolutely breathless.
"Yes," she smiled warmly, beaming up at him as she pulled away to a safe distance, feeling her heart skip a beat in her chest as he grinned down at her crookedly. "Something sweet sounds perfect."
They maneuvered through the crowd, looking at different vendors before finally settling on a small stand selling sugared fruit. InuYasha paid the Yokai with a silver coin, and they walked a bit further to find somewhere to sit for a moment away from the pulsing crowd.
Down the cobbled street away from the market, the people thinned out and they found respite tucked away on a bench beside a storefront. The fresh fruit burst against the roof of her mouth washing her tongue with sweet nectar as they shared a serving. The bright red berries covered in sugar crystals glittered enticingly. She wasn't sure of the difference between what the humans ate and the Yokai food, but so far everything she'd had here had been extremely flavorful, even the breakfast this morning had been expertly prepared and she had been able to taste the natural integrity of the actual ingredients used.
But she definitely wasn't complaining. Especially after making the long journey to the island, where they'd basically had the same few things over and over again on the road. She felt like the luckiest girl in the world at that moment, laughing with her mate and eating sugared strawberries.
That word still felt so unreal to say, even to herself. It hadn't quite sunk in just yet. It was still so new to her. And though she may be naive at times, she was anything but dumb, and she knew with this fresh bonding of theirs would come many challenges too. How long they would be at court was a mystery to her, she didn't want to face the harsh realities that would soon present themselves. Though her happiness was overflowing in her chest she couldn't help the sinking feeling that filled her with dread.
"I missed you so much…" InuYasha broke her away from her inner workings with a warm kiss pressed chastely to her forehead, his arm snaking around her waist to pull her securely against him.
Looking up into those eyes that haunted her dreams it felt like the whole world melted away, and her mind instantly cleared of her stormy thoughts. They were two pools of gold shining with adoration, his skin was warm beneath her fingertips as she reached up to run her hand over the jagged purple markings that struck across his cheek like lightning, boldly announcing his newfound status to any that would look upon him. It was indisputable. No one could say that he had no claim to his house, not when he wore the markings of his father, Toga.
But when she looked at him then she didn't see that, didn't see him as any different than the Hanyou she'd met what seemed like a lifetime ago. His hand covered hers tenderly, his crooked smile making her heart skip a beat.
"We will never be apart again."
She sealed her promise with a kiss, tasting the sugar crystals from the fruit lingering on his full lips. It took everything in her to break away, breathless already.
"Careful," he smirked. "Keep that up and I'll have to whisk you away, back to our chambers."
His energy flickered playful against her own, the back of her neck tingling as desire pooled low in her belly.
"Don't tempt me." She said, giggling. "I still want to see more of your beautiful city."
She took his arm, her cheeks sore from smiling so much and he led her away to see more of what the West had to offer.
The air in the rounded, almost cavernous room felt thick with tension, the tendrils of her incensed energy swirling around her, bouncing off of the stone walls in a way that made the hair raise on the back of his neck. Her vibrant sapphire eyes gleamed with Indignance. They were lined sharply with dark kohl that made her seem so fierce, though she stood a good head shorter than him, even with her tall hair ornaments poking out decisively from her silver crown of hair.
Mamoru felt almost like a child being scolded, and he wanted to shrink away from the Inu priestess as she flung her words at him relentlessly, knives flying from her lips sharp as razors.
"You're a liar, and a snake."
She spat, cursing him. She took a step forward as he took a step back, wishing he could dissolve into thin air under her assault that seemed to hurt so much more than a blade ever could.
"A serpent that I let into my bed…" she whispered bitterly, backing him into a corner.
He stumbled over old tomes as his back pressed against the cold, rough stone.
"Your forked tongue will not convince me otherwise, Mamoru. You took everything from me."
She raised her hand as if to strike him, eyes glossy with tears that she refused to shed. She was too proud, he knew.
Before she could make contact, his hand darted out, capturing her delicate wrist and holding it there in the air, locking her in place.
Her eyes, like the bluest ocean, swirled like a tumultuous sea. He could feel her pain. Could almost taste it in the way her pulse hummed between them like electricity. The air seemed to charge with it, the dangerous crackling of lightning as a dark storm rolled in.
A heavy feeling settled there in the pit of his stomach, his fingers suddenly tightening where they encapsulated her thin wrist.
"I would have burned this place to the ground and left the rest of them in ashes for you, Karitei. I left my own clan… I turned my back on my future and kept the old ways, for you… Do not speak to me of what you have lost."
He stared deeply into her jewel-like eyes with an intensity that poured out of him, uncontrollable. A deep ache, finally woken after many years put to rest. His voice dripped with an acidity that he felt down to his very bones. And he knew that she felt it too.
He released his hold on her, suddenly realizing he'd been gripping her harder than he'd meant to.
Her hand fell away slowly, and she seemed to straighten her back, holding her chin up high.
"Lay another hand on me Mamoru, and I will slit your throat without a second thought." She said cooly, her expression falling.
Her pointed face was schooled into a mask of indifference, something that was normally so open and kind turned steely.
He nodded, hanging his head. He let his dark hair fall over his eyes, wishing he could just explain, knowing she probably wouldn't believe him.
"I just want you to understand."
He said after a long, tense moment of silence.
"I've paid my debts."
Mamoru finally looked up at her, his fists tightening at his sides.
The words sat like a heavy stone between them, sinking down to the pit of his stomach. It was the truth. Everything he'd done over the past century was for the betterment of everyone besides himself. He could live with that, could carry on with his duty faithfully, if only she could forgive him. The weight of what he had done… he needed to be released from it if he ever hoped to find any sort of peace within himself.
Her thin, perfectly arched brow rose curiously, but she said nothing, crossing her arms over her chest with a bird-like elegance.
"Talk… and I will listen."
She said at last. her voice was frigid as mountain air but it was better than her threatening to cut his throat. So it was a start.
She lowered herself gracefully down onto the pile of furs, her silk robes splaying around her, giving her the appearance of a fine doll, especially with her hair pinned up in such a way. She looked so regal to him, holding an elegant but austere kind of beauty that was unforgiving and sharp.
When he'd been here last, many moons ago, she'd seemed like such a simple and sweet girl. She was a healer, through and through to her heart of hearts. She'd worn her hair free and long, a silver river of satin that swirled through his darkest nights. But there was a fierceness there just beneath the surface, a thirst for knowledge and power that he loved. In their time apart they'd both grown in different ways, matured. And he could plainly see that she'd come into her own beautifully, blossoming in his absence despite the adversity he had caused.
Wearily, he stepped away from the corner he'd been quite literally backed into, never taking his eyes off of hers as he came to sit on the very edge of her furs, giving her space, much like a wild animal.
Even so, her scent was nearly overwhelming. He found himself calmed by the heavy incense smoke, the underlying essence of herbs making the hairs on the back of his neck raise. His throat felt thick as he fought to swallow, the memories coming flooding back, triggered by the familiar smells that stuck to her like perfume.
"After I left…"
"After you stole from me." She interrupted, blinking up at him prettily as he fought the urge to roll his eyes.
"Yes, well," he cleared his throat, continuing. "After I… stole, from you, I… I couldn't just go back home. I thought it was what I wanted but, It wasn't how I'd pictured it… I never expected to feel the way I did… the way I do… I didn't think it through at all. I was so young… But I thought I was doing what I had to, to restore my honor."
The sacred orb was an ancient object of power that had fallen from Tsukuyomi's grasp during his great battle with Amaratsu, plunging straight through the dense mountain rock that made up the jagged cliffs of the coast. It had been found by the first Inu's, the ancestors of the Lord that now ruled this land. They built a temple around it, straight into the rock into the open mouth of the sea, erecting pillars and statues of the moon god and worshiping the celestial object that had crashed into the earth from the heavens. It stayed there for many, many years. An eon of time spent and the high temple thrived with the Orb as its heart, pumping the land full of its ancient magic.
Until he'd taken it for himself.
He shook his head, fighting to clear it.
"But I was wrong."
Mamoru breathed deeply, holding her gaze, searching. He couldn't keep the raw emotion from flooding through his voice no matter how hard he tried.
She seemed to hold her breath, she was so perfectly still, as if urging him to continue through her silence.
"I took the orb back to the temple in the mountains… hoping that if I prayed hard enough Tsukyomi would hear me and grant me some sort of mercy for shaming his priestess…"
Memories of the way the celestial object had felt between his palms came flooding back. Warm, almost vibrating there as he held it. It glowed with a cold light, and he could feel the spiritual power rolling off of it in waves. It was almost painful to hold it for so long, it buzzed with an electricity that burned his fingertips. The orb was not meant to be handled by those who could feel the wrath of time, those who were not blessed by its master. But being the fool he was, he'd disregarded such trivial things.
"He heard me all right."
He chuckled morosely, feeling the sharp sting of his recollections.
He finally dragged his gaze back to Karitei, wanting more than anything just to reach out and feel the softness of her snowy skin, but knowing that he probably never would again.
The cold mask she'd crafted had fallen away at his words, her eyes going large and filled with apprehension as her brows knitted together.
"What did you do, Mamoru?"
She whispered, her fingers tightening and twisting into the thick hides that surrounded them anxiously.
He was almost afraid to answer.
His response seemed to stick in his throat.
It was not often that the Tatsu found himself in such predicaments. Mostly, he liked situations that he could lead, could control. Not many people intimidated him. Growing up in a den of dragons, you had to have tough skin, quite literally. Oftentimes people bored him. They were predictable, easy, he was always five steps ahead. But never once had he felt any of those things with Karitei.
She was as strong willed as a storm, she would blow in and fill the sky with a dangerous crackle of thunder, and there was nothing he could do except for bask in that. The smell of hot rain just a breaths away from hitting his skin, filling the air with the tingle of anticipation as one could only wait for the downpour to begin. He wanted in that storm, wanted to taste the lightning on her breath.
And he feared her, a little. Feared what she would think of him… feared that this would be the last time he was allowed the pleasure of looking upon her sweet face, so filled with concern for him at that moment.
"Tsukyomi made me an offer… and it was quite clear that I was not to refuse him." He swallowed heavily, "so I signed myself away, and became the well put together acolyte that you see before you now." He flourished his fingers, sarcasm dripping in his tone as he feigned a lightness that he did not feel.
He didn't mean to sound so bitter. But the reality of what had transpired inside of those cold, wet, stone walls, sprayed with sea water, had been much more terrifying to him at the time.
You grow up fed the stories of gods and monsters but you very rarely expect to see one, let alone have one answer you when you pray.
White hot adrenaline had pumped through his blood as he had laid his gaze upon the face of the immortal being he had so foolishly summoned. Hair as black and encompassing as the night swirling around him as if caught on an invisible wind, flowing down nearly to his ankles.
Skin so pale that he seemed almost ghostly, made even more stark and garish by the darkness of his eyes and hair that matched. His face was perfectly, oddly, symmetrical. Unnerving in the way that he almost did not look… right. Something was off, something that made the hairs on the back of his neck rise as he sat, frozen with fear, from his knees as he had been knelt in prayer. His heart felt like it could have burst from his chest at that moment, he wanted to turn and run as far from that cold temple in the mountains as he could get. He would have bolted straight into the choppy sea if it meant he would never have to see that face again.
The god looked at him curiously, studying him as a jaguar would a bird flitting around its perch. He cocked his head, a slow, eerie smile spreading across his face exposing his wickedly sharp fangs.
His blood had run ice cold, unable to look away.
He was locked in that stare. Sucked into Tsukyomi's eyes that swirled with the darkness of a thousand galaxies. In them he saw things that he could still not speak of, even to this day.
The rise and fall of generations; blood spilling from doorways, pouring out into cobbled streets, soaking into the earth. Bodies piled so high that the living could not take a step without stomping on their fallen brethren. Banners flying, splattered crimson. a fire that burned so hot the flames streaked white through the cold night, raging for days and days, leaving only ash and bone.
It was a nightmare. A memory that would haunt him no matter how many years had passed. The god had shown him what happened to those who would forsake him. And at that moment it seemed like Mamoru himself was going to be the next one to float down that dark river.
But that didn't happen.
He didn't meet his end that day. Instead, he met a new beginning entirely, one he had never considered before that instant.
Young, strong of will, and basking in the awe of being in the presence of an ancient and powerful god, he was caught easily in Tsukyomi's web.
Will you fight for me?
His voice was cold, slithering into his mind wordlessly, his lips never moving. But that was all it took, really. Just a sliver of that cold feeling like ice shot straight into his chest, he could feel him, poking around in his mind, thumbing through him like pages of a book. He would have done anything to make it end.
So Mamoru signed his life away with his heartbeat stuck in his throat. Deserting his clan, leaving behind his comforts and his home, leaving Karitei… it felt like he was shut away inside a box, screaming and banging on the walls so desperately hoping that someone would hear.
But there had been no other choice.
If he had left then, said no and went home empty handed back to the mountain, what would be left for him?
That was, if Tsukuyomi would have even let him leave. The god had a dangerous, flickering aura that surrounded him like blue flame, almost suffocating. And even he knew well enough that you should never refuse a Kami.
"I have been in his service since that day, a century if not more." The tatsu said finally, releasing a long breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding, waiting. Pleading without words, pouring everything he had left into his gaze and just hoping that she would understand now.
"Why would you ever do such a thing?"
She seemed to stiffen, her voice tepid and disbelieving, shattering the still air like glass.
Those words coming from her may as well have been a sword. They drove straight through him, stabbing into his chest. He could feel his heart breaking behind his ribs, his body involuntarily leaning away from her.
Eyes as round as dinner plates, she stared at him with such a deep and compelling look swirling there in those sapphire orbs he physically couldn't stand it any longer.
He swiftly got to his feet, turning away from her and moving towards the door, towards an escape from this feeling that flooded his chest, his throat tightening, making it hard to breathe.
"I thought I could make things right. Make this right."
His solemn words rang out over the rounded chamber, the priestess poised, unmoving from where she had arranged herself carefully among the pelts and spell books. Even in that moment, when he felt like a disappointment in her crystalline eyes, she was so beautiful to him. He was a being that was driven by lust and passion, but he had never come across another creature that had captivated him more than she did. And she had done so effortlessly, seemingly without even knowing it.
But she looked so deeply sad just then, her eyes filling with tears she refused to shed.
"You could have come back to me." She shook her head bitterly, the ornaments that decorated her elaborate hair tinkling delicately against each other.
His heart sank.
"You wouldn't have listened. Not then. I did what I had to do. For my honor, and for yours."
He reached for the door, but before he could blink she was on her feet, stopping him suddenly.
"Honor."
She cursed, drawing her full lips back over her fangs in distaste.
"Do you men think of nothing else?"
Their eyes locked and very suddenly he realized just how close they were.
His gaze trailed down her throat, noting the elegant curve of her neck. He wet his lips unconsciously, caught in her orbit.
"Speaking for myself…"
The pale, delicate skin barely concealed by her kimono mixed with the overwhelming cloud of her heady scent that perfumed the air was drawing him in, calling to mind all the times he'd slipped her out of such fabrics.
"There are quite a few other things that cross my mind, priestess."
He towered over her. He felt her heart race in her chest as clearly as if it were his own, hearing the pounding of it in his ears like a drum. Karitei visibly swallowed, but unabashedly held his eyes for a long drawn out moment. Full lips parted, it seemed like she wanted to say something, and then stopped herself, finally taking a step away with a deep breath.
"You are still very much the same as you once were, Mamoru." She smiled wearily, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. Her long eyelashes fluttered as she looked away, losing herself in her thoughts before carefully choosing her words.
"If you have come to me seeking forgiveness… then I suppose you may have it." She paused pointedly, staring straight through him with her impossibly blue eyes, faceted and sparkling like fine jewels.
"But we are bound by our duty…and you know just as well as I what that means."
A wave of mixed emotions overcame him all at once. Mostly he was relieved. A hundred years of regret and pain between them and perhaps they could finally begin to heal from it… if that were even possible. But there was a tinge of sadness behind her words too.
They were bound by their duty, she being a priestess of the moon, and he an acolyte called to serve their Kami. And as such they could never take a mate, never produce offspring or partake in the traditional dynamics of their heritage. Bidden to forever remain on the outside, they could only look within. He knew enough to read between the lines.
Bitterly, clenching his jaw, he nodded, purposefully looking away from her piercing eyes that knew too much. She could see through him all too easily.
"Thank you, Lady Karitei. I am indebted to you." He dropped into a smooth and formal bow, his lips pressed into a tight line.
He turned to go, but she stopped him once more, touching his arm gently.
His heart leapt into his throat, eyes locking back onto her instantly. She peered up at him, blinking sweetly as her hand fell away.
"I do have one question, before we part ways, if you don't mind…"
"Yes of course." He said instantly.
"The woman you traveled here with, what can you tell me about her?" Karitei's tone went serious all of the sudden, her gaze pensive and thoughtful.
Briefly he questioned if he should spare any details at all of Kagome and her heritage or power, but even though Karitei could be dangerous in her own way, he knew that she would never do anything to disobey her kami. It had been sometime since he'd heard from his master last, and that in itself was enough to give him pause. It was not entirely too strange for him to go this many days without receiving new orders, only only little more than a week had passed since Tsukuyomi had walked into his mind, but even so, Mamoru felt and odd tingle of dread in the back of his mind telling him that something was happening in the background.
But Karitei was a priestess of the moon, desperate to come back into his favor after her fall from grace, the last thing she would ever do is harm the girl after knowing who her sire was. And in times like these, when things were so uncertain, they could use all the allies they could get in this place.
"She is my charge." He squared his shoulders, "Tsukyomi has tasked me with her care, I've spent the past 18 years looking after her in the human realm. She is quite powerful, though she doesn't quite realize it yet." he chuckled, thinking of when she had nearly put a hole through the side of his apartment building with her spiritual power.
She took a step back, brows knitted together as she seemed to be quickly lost in her own thoughts.
"So it is as they say." She breathed, in awe.
"Yes." He nodded solemnly. "She is true godkin, there is no doubt of that. And now she's mated to your Lord's brother.. How convenient for us all." He said the last part dryly, feeling his face shift into a deep scowl.
Karitei seemed more shocked at his last admittance more than anything.
"InuYasha has taken her as a mate?" She asked pointedly, to be certain she was hearing him right.
"Yes." He nodded soberly. "I'm quite sure of it, anyway."
He hadn't been back to the former Hanyou's wing of the palace to confirm, but some of the things he'd unwillingly heard coming from their room last night seemed to allude to as much. He'd snuck out in the wee hours of the early morning after a fitful period of rest, and after he left Karitei's den he doubted that he would go back just yet. Kagome was probably already worried, but he knew that InuYasha would take issue with him being so close to his newly mated female, and the last thing he cared to entertain was the new Lord's attitude. So it was best to keep his distance, at least for a few days, until their instincts settled a bit. She was safe enough here for the time being, in the high walls of the palace. And if things were to go awry, he was still close enough to sense her energy nearby and come to her aid.
Karitei walked away, her long skirts swishing over the floor with a pleasing sound. The light pouring in through the window illuminated her side profile, and he saw her lashes fluttering in the sunlight as she pondered something very deeply.
"Thank you, Mamoru. This has been surprisingly pleasant, and I would like to call on you again soon, if that is acceptable to you…"
She said finally, after a pointed silence, her piercing gaze flickering over to him.
"Yes of course." He bowed, his blue-black hair spilling over his shoulders like a river.
"My lady."
The goodbye felt bitter as it passed his lips.
He took his leave, trying not to let his eyes linger on her for too long. He couldn't help but to watch forlornly as the heavy wooden door settled shut, sealing him away from the swirling incense smoke and the somber girl that he had known what felt like a lifetime ago now.
The silence sat heavily in the thick air of the darkened hallway, lit only by the lamps that flickered their flames over the curved stone walls. He stared at the dark wood for what felt like ages, studying the smooth grains that flowed together in perfect synchronicity as if his life depended on it.
How he longed to be on the other side, slipping the silk from her slim shoulders and breathing in the pheromones that cling to her skin like fine perfume. The memories came against his will, no matter how hard he fought to push them away. It was useless.
Begrudgingly, he slipped away, clinging back to the shadows once more as he sought the freshness of the outside air, hoping it would help to clear his head.
When they finally made their way back to the palace some hours later, the sun was sinking in the sky, casting brilliant colors across heavens. Kagome's heart felt so light, she could float straight up, as if she weighed nothing more than a feather. But her feet somehow managed to stay firmly on the ground, laughing with her Inu, her hand clasped firmly in his own. They walked through the maze of the castle, and she tried her best to memorize the sweeping expanse of halls and turns that seemed to never end.
But finally, they reached his quarters and he held open the huge heavy door so she could step inside. The torches lining the walls were lit, casting a warm light over the deep red pillars and rich wood. She breathed a small sigh of relief, glad that they were in a more private setting now.
His hand on the small of her back urged her forward, and he ushered her into the room they now shared, her stomach turning with excitement as his touch seemed to linger.
The first thing she noticed was the surplus of boxes that crowded the foyer. Fine black garment boxes were stacked on top of each other neatly, lined up on the low table and the floor around it.
"Um… are these all from Lady Bashira?" Kagome lifted the lid on one of the boxes, letting out an awestruck gasp as she pulled out one of the most detailed and beautiful kimono she had ever seen. It was made of a deep, navy blue silk. So dark it almost looked black, but when it hit the light it shined a rich azure. The sleeves were dotted with silver stars, falling down to a nature scene with charcoal trees and swirling clouds. On the back was a huge, shining crescent moon.
"I believe so." The Inu said, opening another box to reveal another stunning garment.
"How did she manage to finish everything so quickly? It hasn't even been half a day." Kagome looked around, still clutching the airy silk between her fingers as if it was spun of pure gold, amazed.
He shrugged, obviously pleased by how she gawked at her new things. "They do things differently on the mountain. I've heard she's quite skilled."
She shook her head, finally putting the kimono back into the box carefully, shutting the lid.
"I'm going to have to thank her soon."
She would save the rest of the boxes to go through and put away in the morning, but that was tomorrow's problem and all she wanted in that moment was to be kissed by the rugged Inu who'd been teasing her all day.
"You'll see her at Sesshomaru's wedding in two days in any case, you can thank her then." He said as she walked up to him, slipping her fingers deftly beneath the collar of his robe to touch his tanned skin with an ache building deep within her. He quickly forgot what he'd been saying, his hands slipping around her waist, fingers digging into the supple flesh of her hips greedily.
"Kagome…"
Her name fell from his plump lips and she drank it up like sweet wine, pressing her mouth to his sharp jawline hotly. Her hands wound into the fabric of his kimono, trying her damndest to urge it gently down to expose even more of his smooth skin to her eager hands as she worked her way up to his lips with her own.
"I've been wanting you all day," she whispered, kissing him desperately.
He growled low in his throat, fingers tightening where they gripped her hips, drifting lower to her rounded bottom that was clothed beneath entirely too many layers of silk for his liking. The sound reverberated deep into her bones and tingled along her spine pleasantly, goosebumps rising along her skin.
His fingers began deftly working at the ties of her obi, escaping her notice entirely as she was still occupied with his mouth, nibbling on his lips with a hunger that sparked within her as she let herself succumb to her own desires.
The obi was tossed away and she suddenly felt much lighter, her layers of robes much loose now that they were not cinched in place. She leaned against him more completely, bringing their bodies together as he moaned lowly into her mouth. She captured the noise with her lips, savoring the way he seemed to hold her so close that they could simply meld together.
He suddenly grabbed her, snatching her body up against his, digging his fingers into the plumpness of her hips and lifting her up. He never stopped kissing her. Somehow his own robe had come undone and his strong arms flexed as he carried her to their bed. Her hands took advantage of the lack of clothing, roaming greedily over the tanned expanse of his chest that seemed stacked with muscles beneath his surprisingly soft skin. He tasted like honey and his tongue against hers felt like wildfire. Every lick sent her deeper into desperation, tingles racing across her flesh, down to her core as her hips pressed closer to his where her legs were wrapped around his waist. He supported her there completely, holding her as their kisses turned lewd.
His patience ran out and he finally broke away from her hot mouth to toss her on the futon as gently as he could, stripping away the last bit of clothes that separated them and watching with an unabashed hunger as she did the same. The fine silk fell to the floor, tossed away like it was offensive.
Kagome didn't feel shy now, all she could feel was the urge for him to take her, to feel him inside of her. She welcomed his stare as he drank her in, every inch of exposed skin like plum wine. He devoured her. Over and over again throughout the night. She fell asleep late, snuggled as closely against his chest as she could manage. And when she woke up he made love to her again between lazy, loving kisses that he poured his devotion into. It was pure bliss. Completely encompassing and warm as the summer sun. She would give anything to keep him this close to her always. With his massive arms wrapped around her she felt so safe, so small and tucked away from the rest of the world there behind heavy chamber doors.
But they couldn't stay there forever, closed off in lovers' bliss as they were, no matter how much they wished they could.
Kagome laid on InuYasha's chest, lazily stroking patterns into his skin, soaking up the blissful quiet of the morning. Soft rays of sunlight dappled along the wooden floor, their naked skin pressed flush against each other with their breaths in perfect sync. The Inu had his muscled arms folded up behind his head with his eyes drifted shut, a peaceful smile curving along his full lips.
She was tucked perfectly against him with her ear pressed to the flat panes of his broad chest, so she could hear his heartbeat. The sound was comforting, a solid, consistent thump of the organ in his chest working efficiently to pump the blood through his body. If she listened hard enough she felt like she could almost hear it rushing through his veins, pulsing with life.
A swift knock at the door shattered the dreamy cocoon they'd been swathed in, her eyes instantly shooting open as InuYasha moved to sit up. She slide of of him, pulling the furs up to cover herself. His thick brows were drawn downwards into a scowl. Clearly irritated that their morning had been interrupted.
"My lord InuYasha."
It was the voice of the Kitsune coming through the other side of the door.
The Inu rose from the bed and Kagome couldn't help but to admire him with a satisfied smile as he went to pull his kimono over his tanned skin. There was a sense of comfortability between them now, and it almost made her giggle to think of the early days of their relationship when she could hardly even catch a glimpse of his manhood without blushing.
"Yes, I am coming." He all but growled, finally pulling on his hakama and tying his robe shut.
He slid open the dark shoji door, the two identical redheaded kitsune already bowing on the other side of the threshold. "What is it?"
"Your presence has been requested by Lord Sesshomaru." One said, rising to stand with her arms folded neatly in front of her. "And yours as well, my Lady." the other did the same.
InuYasha looked back and locked eyes with her for a moment, as if to reassure her. She had sat up, clutching the blankets for some modesty to hide her nakedness.
InuYasha turned back to the twin servants, nodding.
"Thank you."
"My Lord." They bowed again in perfect synchronicity, departing with light footsteps.
He shut the door and turned to her with a sigh, rubbing his forehead.
"We overslept." he groused, though the corners of his mouth were turned up as he smirked. His golden eyes glittered as they traveled over her form, outlined by the blankets that clung to her.
She couldn't help but smile herself, feeling the warmth of his gaze hit her like a ray of sunshine. Holding the fabric to her chest she rose from the futon quite ungracefully, giggling at herself as her foot snagged in the silk sheets. Of course he caught her before she fell, his thick arms wrapping around her and tucking her safely into his broad chest. Happily, she snuggled even closer to him, her own arms winding their way up around his neck, fingers sliding through his fine silver hair. Happily, she glowed up at him, and he couldn't resist leaning down to capture her rosebud mouth in a searing kiss.
He broke away before things could become too heated, which seemed to happen easily and quite often these days.
"You should probably get dressed." He pressed a kiss to her forehead before releasing her, admiring her body as he stepped back to grab his sword and tie it at his waist. His eyes never left her all the while she was choosing her kimono, and he even helped her to tie the obi as it was definitely not a one person job, at least for her anyway. She pulled her hair into a simple half up bun with one of the many combs that Bashira had sent over, choosing one that was silver and adorned with a crescent moon. It seemed fitting, given her station here.
After they were both decently dressed they quickly made their way into the belly of the castle, not even stopping to say farewell to the rest of their party, which did leave an odd feeling sitting with her. But InuYasha seemed quiet and focused, his shoulders squared and his jaw tense as he led her to Sesshomaru's study. They went up a set of stairs and made many twists and turns through the hallways of the palace, and it seemed like they walked forever.
They attracted a lot of stares as well, the other noble Yokai in the court taking notice of her on InuYasha's arm. But she kept her gaze straightforward, through her fingers twitched nervously where they hid behind her draping sleeve.
Finally, they stopped outside of a large set of shoji doors made of the same dark wood that seemed to flow throughout the castle. Inu didn't hesitate to raise his fist and knock on the door frame, announcing them both.
"Enter." Came the Daiyokai's cool voice.
As the door slid open Kagome was pleasantly surprised to see all of the windows thrown open, the room flooded with sunlight. It was like night and day compared to the last time she had been here, when the Inu guards had led her and her friends through the wall. The whole space had been filled with shadows and a powerful, oppressing energy. But now the air was light and she could smell the fresh breeze coming through the archways.
Sesshomaru stood behind the large desk, dominating the room as usual with his white robes and illustrious fur that hung over his shoulder. Instantly she could feel his sharp golden eyes on the both of them, but as she saw Hanako standing next to the DaiYokai she felt immediately more at ease. The snowy woman was a light presence in the room, her aura flickering like a warm candle flame, a smile instantly spreading across her face as they locked eyes.
Kagome bowed, as did the Inu beside her. She was still getting used to the formalities of this realm but it was slowly becoming more natural to her.
When they rose back up, Sesshomaru's hard gaze was fixated on her, cold and searching. He seemed to rake over her clothing with an air of indifference, taking note of the change but not speaking on it. Nervously, she found herself picking at her fingers where they were hidden in the kimono, the slight sting of the flesh ripping giving her a jolt to keep her firmly in the present.
"Brother." He said, finally turning his unnaturally golden eyes to the Inu beside her. His voice was as cool and smooth as river rock, even and completely lacking in any emotion.
InuYasha nodded back just as cooly, acknowledging him. The black of his kimono made his long silver hair pop even more with his tanned skin, the color combination shocking and making him seem even more otherworldly. He had a stoic expression on his face, as if he was preparing himself for the worst.
"Lady Kagome… I believe you have already made the acquaintance of my mate, Lady Hanako."
Hanako curtsied delicately beside him, the jewelry in her hair twinkling with the movement as she beamed like a ray of sunshine.
"Yes, Lord Sesshomaru." She barely had the chance to nod before he was continuing on as if she'd not spoken at all.
"Today will be spent preparing you for the ceremonies. My beloved has offered to aid you in this. Seeing as you are godkin, you will be our most honored guest at our binding."
Her heart seemed to twist and seize in her chest, jumping up into her throat as he kept on.
"And, as you are now mated to my brother, you will be formally presented before the court as a part of our clan, on the day of his ascension. It is of the most importance."
His cutting gaze flickered up to hers again, holding her eyes intently as if to nail in his words.
"You must be aware of your presence here… this court is not a game." He said sagely, finally releasing her from his powerful stare.
She could feel InuYasha stiffen, his jaw tightening, but he didn't say anything. He just looked straight ahead, dark brows drawn harshly over his eyes.
"Yes… I understand." She sighed, trying not to fidget uncomfortably.
"My lord."
His voice was a gust of icy wind blowing at 60 miles an hour, sending a shiver down her spine.
"I… I'm sorry?"
Sensing she had made a misstep, she unconsciously took a step back.
"Yes, I understand, my Lord."
Eyes boring into her, he made his point, and she quickly nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat.
"Yes my Lord, my apologies."
It took every ounce of power within her not to lace her words with sarcasm. Sesshomaru seemed to sense that, and for a brief instant she could've sworn that there was a smirk turning up at the corner of his mouth. But it was gone just as soon as it had appeared, and his expression was once again an emotionless mask.
"Do not forget. Titles matter here, my Lady." He looked down, running his fingers over the scrolls littered over his desk, seeming to get thrown into his own thoughts for a moment.
"Hanako." He turned to his counterpart, who smiled up at him as if he hung the moon and the stars.
"Yes my love?"
He took her hands into his own and Kagome could not help but watch silently, fascinated. It was a miracle to her that such a side of the DaiYokai even existed. If she wasn't seeing it unfold in front of her eyes right then she would've been hard pressed to believe that it existed at all.
He towered over the snowy Inu woman, but there was not a trace of fear in her expression. Her lavender eyes glittered with fresh, new love, her cheeks blushed a rosy pink as he stared down at her. There seemed to be something unsaid passing between them, something that needed no words.
Kagome saw his long clawed thumb trace gently over her pale skin where her hand was clasped in his own. It was so intimate, for a moment she thought perhaps she should avert her gaze.
"Send for me if you require anything, Jaken will accompany you both."
He pressed a chaste kiss to her forehead, and it took everything Kagome had to keep her jaw off the floor and remain composed. InuYasha threw her an incredulous look, seeming to feel the same as her as he fought off a smirk.
"Yes, my Lord."
It seemed even Hanako was not exempt from the palace rules. Stepping away from each other, the inu woman beckoned Kagome to follow as she made her way out into the hall with Jaken in tow, scrambling behind her on his little imp feet.
InuYasha gave her a soft kiss before she could go, giving her a small smile of reassurance, which she did her best to return.
"I'll see you soon."
Her hand slipped out of his as she turned away, walking with as much elegance as she could muster to follow Hanako.
He watched her go, trying not to look as forlorn as he felt on the inside.
Left alone with Sesshomaru, the room fell quiet. There was an odd tension between them that he could not quite decipher, the air was thick and the DaiYokai's yellow-gold eyes were focused solely on him.
"How have things been, brother?"
He watched him carefully. InuYasha didn't like how it felt to be the subject of Sesshomaru's harsh stare, like he was something to be observed, something to dissect. Though he felt that he was past most of the heavy things between them, he still could not shake that feeling and he doubted if he ever would.
"I've been enjoying myself." InuYasha shrugged with a crooked grin. He wasn't sure what kind of answer the DaiYokai was looking for, but it was the blatant truth. Being newly mated came with a rush of new hormones, endorphins, new thoughts even. It felt like his brain was slowly being rewired and with every day that passed he could feel the bond between him and Kagome strengthening.
If Sesshomaru knew how to smile he probably would have at that moment. His lips twitched as he nodded, "As I would expect."
He moved some papers around on the top of his desk, his clawed fingers hovering over the carefully scribed kanji with a thoughtful gaze.
"I know that it is difficult trying to curb such an.. appetite… but as the heirs to the realm we must put our own nature aside to fulfill our duties. These next two days are absolutely crucial to your standing, InuYasha. With the backing of the moon god your claim is indisputable… but you must take this seriously. Even one misstep could mean that all of our efforts were for naught."
His intense golden eyes flitted up to him again, holding his gaze as he nailed in the severity of his words.
The former Hanyou knew he was right, he could see the sense in what his brother was saying, though to him it felt like a heavy burden to carry.
"Yes, I understand."
There was a long beat of silence, gold clashing against gold as Sesshomaru held his gaze for a long drawn out moment. A heart beat passed, then two, affirming the daiyokai's words in his head as they sat in the stale air between them.
"There are other matters that require our attention, matters that would draw our eye away from our homeland…"
He broke away, looking over the scrolls scattered over his desk once more.
InuYasha let out a sigh under his breath, relieved to be out from under the intensity of his brother's stare.
Shuffling his documents, he moved them to the side revealing a large map beneath them. InuYasha had never seen such a well drawn map in his life. Details of the landscape jumped out at him, and it was so ornate that he felt like could see individual trees if he looked close enough.
Sesshomaru pointed to a small spot off the coast, his long claw stabbing the thick parchment. "This is our island, here…" he dragged his claw over, back to the mainland.
"And here is where Naraku has taken up residence.." looking closer, he could see what looked to be a large mountain poking up out of the forest, drawn out intricately on the parchment, details of the land carefully drawn in ink.
"He has hidden himself away here, and my spies tell me that he has completely sealed it off from the outside. He is gaining strength… attempting to further transform himself, I am certain. The time for action against him is now, though admittedly I am unsure how to proceed. Jewel shards still remain scattered across the realm…" Sesshomaru's face remained a cool mask, showing no emotion though InuYasha could tell that the DaiYoukai was deep in thought.
"The ceremonies prevent the both of us from leaving the realm until the events have passed, but I think it would be foolish to prolong such action, even for a day, especially now that the beast is vulnerable… What do you think, InuYasha?"
His brows furrowed darkly over his sharp golden eyes, and he took a long moment to mull over the problem at hand in his head before he spoke without thinking, as he often did.
"Well… The good thing is we do have a good amount of shards put away, there should only be a few left… the ones Koga has, Kagura… the seven…" His first tightened at his sides, blood surging with hot anger that still felt as fresh as the day he was pinned among the trees. He spat out the name, forcing himself to continue rigidly, logically and not driven by his own emotion, as a leader should. "Kohaku, Sango's brother has one too… and I'm sure Naraku has a few more minions lurking around…"
"Ah yes." Sesshomaru's demeanor shifted, "I'd forgotten the demon slayer's brother was possessed by that repugnant creature." His lips curled in distaste. "The situation becomes more complex as we speak."
It was as close to troubled as InuYasha had ever heard the DaiYokai, who normally seemed to radiate an impeachable level of power. With each passing interaction between them he seemed almost normal to him in this moment, with his guard lowered.
"True." The Inu sighed, brushing the wayward silver hair from his eyes. "But Koga should be fairly quick to give up his shards despite his hang ups, especially if we show up together. Hell," he clucked his tongue thoughtfully against the roof of his mouth, "He'd probably give up faced with a pack of the Inu guards."
"The worst thing you can do is underestimate your prey." Sesshomaru said sagely, his face portraying nothing but a lethal calm as his gaze darted back down to the map splayed over the desk.
"The wolf tribe's den is here."
Sesshomaru tapped his claw over a patch of thick forest on the mainland, and looking closely InuYasha recognized the area. "But I do not think the wolf demon will be as quick to give up the shards as you think, brother. He is much too prideful. Regardless, sending an armed envoy to rip the jewels from his legs doesn't seem logical either."
The demon sighed lightly through his nose, his gaze locked on the map in front of him.
InuYasha shifted with annoyance, crossing his arms as he clucked his tongue.
"What do you suppose we do then?" He huffed, looking to Sesshomaru for the answer.
But the DaiYokai was lost in thought, thinking deeply, not meeting his brothers searching eyes.
A minute passed, then two.
A long moment where InuYasha's words sat with a staleness in the air between them, seeming to float there.
Finally, he spoke, his tone laced with a tinge of perplexity that took InuYasha off guard.
"Truthfully…I do not know."
A/n: sorry for the insanely long wait, someone very close to me passed away but writing is one of the things that makes me feel better, even if it is my silly little inuyasha fanfic. Thanks for reading guys.