an unexpected love ch 3
another chpater! well this has been posted for a while but i'm lazy, so it's here now. i hope you enjoy.
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An Unexpected Love
Chapter Three : Transitions
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She could feel the sun’s warmth on her skin. Kagome stirred as the soft pelt caressed her face. Her eyes fluttered open. Clouds dotted the bluest sky she could remember. The woman sat up, finding herself in a field full of multicolored flowers with the forest around her. The forgotten furs fell to the grass as she heard Rin’s laughter in the distance. Kagome stood, panic suddenly gripping her chest. ‘What had happened? Where was everyone?’ Where was she?
Kagome legs carried her toward the girl’s voice. When she topped the hill, she was stunned into silence. A lavish stone-washed castle appeared in the hollow. Ivy covered several portions, giving the illusion of the structure growing from the earth itself. The valley was littered with more flowers and trees. It looked like a sea of color. Sesshoumaru’s home was beautiful, and very large.
Rin caught sight of the miko and rushed to greet her. “Nee-chan, Nee-chan, you are finally awake.” The little girl managed to tangle herself with Kagome’s legs causing her to laugh. The child seemed familiar with their surroundings so Kagome assumed her assumption was correct.
“Rin could you tell me where everyone is?” ‘What about my friends?’ She was worried but did not want to upset the child. ‘What about Inuyasha?’
The child cocked her head, a little confused but answered the question anyway. “Sesshoumaru-sama is inside.” She pointed to the castle.
“Thank you. Would you like to come inside with me? I need to speak with Sesshoumaru-sama.”
The girl threw her arms up. “Yeah!” She pulled the miko to the castle. The two entered through the open kitchen door. Kagome stalled when she walked into the large space. Three women returned her gaze. “Are you hungry Nee-chan?” Rin spoke, unaware of the tension between the older women. Her eyes were trained on the female in front of her. Her words jerked the women into reality, having realized who she was they immediately bowed. Rin stopped and looked confused, her gaze switched between the head cook and her Nee-chan.
Kagome laughed lightly, completely unsure of what to do, she was no royalty! “Uh, come on Rin, let’s just find Sesshoumaru-sama.” The woman gently guided her to the opposing door, quickly shutting it behind her. ‘That was unpleasant.’ “Thank god that’s over,” she sighed.
When she turned around, Sesshoumaru stood only a few feet away with Rin in his arms. It was an unexpected scene and she couldn’t hold her smile. “Sesshoumaru-sama.”
“Come, I will escort you to your room.” He sat the child down. “Rin, go prepare yourself for dinner and behave.”
“Yes, Sesshoumaru-sama!” She ran down the opposing hall, turning briefly and shouting that she would see Nee-chan later before disappearing.
Sesshoumaru had definitely seen a change in Rin’s behavior over the last several months. “Come.” He took her hand and escorted her down the hall in front of them.
She blushed heavily. “Sesshoumaru-sama, is this necessary?”
“You must learn the ways of the court. The first wife is referred to as the Lady of the House and is always on my arm. You have that authority and you must learn to wield it when you socialize with the other females in court. You are now part of the Inu-clan and must not bring disgrace upon the name.” The girl swallowed hard. There were so many rules. “From now on, you shall not leave your room without an escort.” Kagome began to argue but the prince steam-rolled her. “There are no exceptions to the rules. You are a target and I intend to protect you from anyone who wishes ill upon me.”
They stopped in front of an ornate sliding door. Large dog demons were depicted in silver and gold threads as they danced in the night sky. The entrance opened and three women appeared before her. They bowed and greeted her in unison, “Lady Kagome.”
“Uh,” she quickly looked to the demon on her right. “Sesshoumaru-sama please I really don’t need...”
He cut her short, “You need to be schooled in various fields Kagome. I’m afraid, you must bear with it. I will be back before dinner.” He turned and left her standing half-way in the door as he walked back the way they had came. She sighed, he avoided her questions again. She began wondering if they ever were going to talk.
“My Lady, come in.” Two women rushed to her side, one holding her hand and the other began a quick sizing. The door shut and Kagome turned to see the youngest of the three rising.
“Please wait.” She smiled, finally getting their attention. This was going to be a long day. “Can’t I have your names first?”
“Yes, milady, of course,” the woman with her hand spoke. “My name is Seika.” Kagome studied her briefly, afraid she might offend the female. Her skin was a soft white with a light ultramarine stripe that crossed each cheek. Her hair was the color of stone, restrained into three sections, with eyes that were liquid pools of honey as she met the other’s gaze. It was obvious that she was full-blooded.
Seika motioned for the other two to stand in front of the lady. “My name is Makoto.” The next one that spoke resembled Inuyasha so much, Kagome had to hold her breath. She had not really gotten a good look until then. White ears were set atop her head, standing apart from the long raven locks that flowed. Her eyes were sapphire jewels set against caramel skin. She smiled at her. It was weird to see a female inu-hanyou.
“My name is Yumi milady.” The girl’s voice was soft and Kagome pegged her to be around her own age. Her dark chocolate hair hid her hazel eyes well. She was petite and seemed out of place in the setting of demons.
Why had Sesshoumaru gotten her companions like them? A youkai, a hanyou and a human. It was a weird combination, Kagome had to admit. She began doubting that Sesshoumaru had even hated humans in the first place and wondered if his hatred stemmed from Inuyasha’s mother. “It is nice to meet you.”
The human and hanyou looked to Seika, she was a little hesitant too. They had not prepared themselves for someone who would be innocent and so nice. “Um, milady,” the demon stumbled for a moment, “are you ready for your bath? We have little time and we must get you ready.”
She nodded. Yumi rushed in front of them to open the opposing door as Makoto gently guided the woman into the adjoining room. “Can’t you call me Kagome?”
Seika followed and shut the entry off to the front foyer. “No milady that is much too informal. Makoto, hand me the measurements.” The hanyou turned her task over to Yumi. She briskly handed the notes over to her superior then returned to her prior duties. The duo worked quickly disrobing the young mistress as Seika looked over the numbers. Her build was perfect. Sesshoumaru had at least found a decent looking human although she could not tell what was so special about her anyway.
Kagome glanced around the elegant bath room. Several feet before her was a hot spring sunk into the earth. Ivy hung low over them, draping down the walls. The flowers were scattered about and their smell sweetened the air. The girl was blushing as they put her in the water. Then Kagome shrieked as they disrobed, pulling their hair back to join her.
“Please, milady, calm down,” Yumi spoke, surprising the woman. Makoto handed the soap as Yumi reached for her hair chemicals. Seika caught Kagome’s eye as she walked around them, opening the door across from the one they entered. Kagome’s eyes were locked on the scenery that befell her. It took her breath away; a meadow of flowers with a waterfall. She relaxed, content to ignore the two bathing her and lose herself in the view. Kagome had thought that landscapes like the one in front of her were only in fantasies and fairy tales, never did she believe that she would set her eyes on something so heavenly.
The door shut behind Kagome, bringing her back to reality. Seika had disappeared. “Um, Makoto, Yumi, do you have to bath me every time?” Her question was whispered in fear of her answer.
“It is part of our job milady,” Makoto replied. She sighed and gave a small nod. They rinsed her and Yumi rose, quickly grabbing a deep violet robe to wrap her mistress and then moving to shut the open gate as the hanyou finished drying the woman. They grabbed two plain robes and hastily covered their forms before the trio emerged into the private entrance hall. The wall to her right had been moved and now revealed another space.
The lady of the house was lead into the adjoining cabin. The group found Seika at a wardrobe full of expensive clothing. She turned, a deep dirty blue skirt and cream kimono in her arms. “Your clothes, milady.” The women rushed her to the backless seat in the middle of the room as Seika went to hang the garment on the screen. Kagome’s eyes were held briefly by the design, the same that adorned her entrance, before Makoto took hold of her and began the long process of grooming and preparation.
Makoto had worked her way half-way through the tangles when Seika had reached them. Yumi moved to light the various candles and lanterns around the room for better visibility. “Since we do not have much time, we shall simply braid the hair back here and here,” the youkai ordered as she gathered the areas and handed one off to a returning Yumi then Makoto. It took the two only a few moments before they had moved to the other side.
Seika relocated to the dresser in front of Kagome and opened the top right drawer, pulling out three compacts. She turned and approached the subject. “Close your eyes and relax, milady.” Kagome did as asked and could feel the woman work quickly. Yumi and Makoto had abandoned her hair long ago and when she could finally open her eyes, she was rushed behind the screen to change.
The trio worked their magic. A task that usually took twenty minutes, they accomplished in twelve. Kagome was fully dressed and out of breath. She was escorted out to take her seat as they put the finishing touches on. Seika placed two hair ornaments around the top braid on Kagome’s right and then tied a hanging charm from her waist.
When the lady was released, she was able to examine herself. The obi was a deeper shade than the kimono and stood out well against the billowing skirt. Kagome had not noticed the intricate details on the sash, skirt or sleeves. The silver thread sparkled under the lights and caught your attention if you were not used to it. “Ahh, this is so beautiful,” she exclaimed in excitement, her fingers tracing the thread. The youkai and hanyou covered their delicate ears at her pitched voice.
“Please milady, calm yourself,” Yumi expressed as she fanned the woman. The girl blushed and mumbled her apology.
Seika and Makoto walked to the door, the hanyou opening the screens as Yumi lead the lady to her superior. “Come, milady, Lord Sesshoumaru should arrive shortly.” Kagome followed the woman. Yumi and Makoto took their places beside the entrance doors, kneeled and waiting. Seika stopped Kagome several feet from the opening and then took her place beside the female.
The two on the floor had their heads bowed, as did Seika. Kagome was a little confused. “Seika...”
The demon locked eyes, “Yes, milady?”
The door opened immediately, Sesshoumaru refused to knock and caught the group by surprise. Everyone was silent. His bride-to-be was strikingly different in more appropriate attire. Whatever they might have been discussing was lost to him. He ignored the short-coming of formalities, chalking it up to Kagome’s ignorance.
“I trust everything went well.” His eyes ignored Seika as he spoke. He had caught her gaze and refused to free her.
“Yes, milord. We did as you requested.”
Seika bowed as Sesshoumaru took Kagome’s hand, her expression one of confusion. “Very good.” They exited the foyer and walked the opposite way they had come before.
He still adorned in his normal attire. “Sesshoumaru,” Kagome began.
“Are you pleased with the servants?”
She nodded. “Yes, they are nice but, I believe three is too many. Did you pick them?” He nodded in response. “Sesshoumaru... have you told Rin?”
“No.”
He offered no explanation and Kagome did not want to push. “What about Shippou, Sango and Miroku? When will I see them?”
“At dinner. Tomorrow you will have a long day, so you must rest and take it easy this evening.”
“What do you mean?”
“Seika and Makoto will be teaching you court rules and laws and then you will begin your training.”
“Training?” her voice squeaked. “But what for?”
“You must learn to control yourself around youkai.” She nodded, understanding what he was talking about. She had to control her purification. Kagome had never been around large groups of youkai that weren’t trying to kill her. It made her more nervous than anything else. The duo stopped in front of another beautifully designed door. Kagome’s eyes trained on the circular pattern that emanated from the center.
The doors opened, two male youkai were bent on the floor in a bowed greeting. Kagome glanced at them briefly as she was ushered in by Sesshoumaru. He sat her in a chair that was in front of a large marble desk, exquisite carvings adorned the posts and trim. She could hear the clack of the woven door closing as Sesshoumaru sat himself behind the table.
Memories of school bubbled to the surface along with mixed emotions. She did not know if she should laugh or cry at the irony she saw. She felt like she was in front of a sensei, except that this demon was her so-to-be husband and her life was over now. There would be no more schooling, Kagome would never see her family again.
Kagome studied the surface, noticing more engravings near the opposing side. The demon cleared his throat and they met eyes. He had studied the display of emotions that crossed her features, his curiosity had prompted him to speak. “Kagome, what is on your mind.” The question was a statement that demanded no lies.
“Will you answer my questions?” She had to keep her composure. The woman knew that she could gain more ground if she was strong. He silently nodded approval. “When will I be able to return home?”
“You must wait a week before you can return then you will have three days there.” She nodded. Kagome was surprised that she had gotten three days so easily. The girl was prepared to fight for two. He seemed much more reasonable than Inuyasha.
“Will you explain to me the ceremony and what has to be done?”
“The ceremony lasts three full days after a courtship. The courtship will take three weeks and you will be required to appear for a ritual every three days. Seika will be the one who will guide you through and teach you what you need to know.”
“Then will she teach me the laws as well?” Kagome was not looking forward to the next few weeks.
“Yes. Do not worry, Seika is very patient.” He mistook her insecurities.
“Sesshoumaru, why are you willing to marry a human?”
“Rin has become attached to you and I do not have the skills to properly train her.”
Kagome heard his words but refused to believe them. His answer did not make sense, there were plenty of human women that she was sure the lord could find besides her. Women that were already trained and ready to meet his demands. ‘Can I really do this? What was I thinking?’ A flash of Kikyou in Inuyasha’s arms filled her thoughts. Kagome was immediately reminded why she had accepted Sesshoumaru’s offer; Inuyasha had abandoned her, a long time ago. She sighed lightly. She could have still went home.
Sesshoumaru sat across from the woman as her mind raced. He was captivated by her constant change in facial expressions. He knew that she was still filled with doubt and could understand as her future was uncertain. The demon rose, instantly catching Kagome’s divided attention. Bewilderment was in her eyes as he took her hand, leading them back out into the hallway. She again heard the sound of the sliding door. “I want to show you something.”
The lord lead her deeper into the castle. She had no clue where she was or how to even get back. It was a maze that only confused her even more. Instead of trying to map her way, Kagome decided to lose herself in the art that flowed over the walls. Inu-demons appeared to be the dominate species over the other youkai depicted. There seemed to be a story and Kagome wondered if it was Sesshoumaru’s family history.
When they stopped, Sesshoumaru left her standing as he opened the door in front of the woman. What was revealed to her was amazing, a beautiful lush garden hidden within the recesses of the castle. It was like a jungle and was out of place. “This was Izayoi’s.” Sesshoumaru’s voice startled her a bit and she looked to him. His eyes were on fire although his face was still masking the emotions underneath. “This is my wedding gift to you.”
“W...Wedding gift?” her eyes moved from his to the view that stood before her. She could not find anymore words as her eyes filled with water. She did not know if it was from the thought that Sesshoumaru had kept this garden or had thought of giving it to her. How could he have any hatred toward Inuyasha or humans seemed beyond reason. This was a sign that maybe he had hope.
A chiming echoed through the small valley. “That is the dinner bell. Come, we must go.” He held his hand out to her and took the lead. Their silence lasted until they entered the dining hall. Rin had come running up behind them, her green kimono flapping against her legs with her laughing demeanor that lightened the atmosphere. She skidded around the duo as they stood, greeting the taijiya and houshi. Sango was radiant in the pale pink and cream kimono and complimented Miroku’s clean violet robes.
As Kagome began her inquiry to Shippou’s whereabouts, the fox demon hopped into her arms. “Kagome, I missed you!” The little demon had been clothed in the same hue as Rin. The hakama pants had been specialized for him so that his tail could be comfortable. His hair was still tied with a cream ribbon, standing out against his deep golden hair.
Sesshoumaru released her arm as the woman cuddled the youkai. Rin took the opportunity to jump at her otosan. The couple that witnessed the attacking of youkai and human children had to stifle their laughter. The demon lord did not look so threatening in his home.
The kappa demon came bursting in behind them, instantly aware that Rin and Shippou had gotten away from him in front of the master. Jaken, dressed in his formal attire, snapped to attention, waiting for the punishment. Yet Sesshoumaru marched on, calling everyone to take their seats as he escort Rin and Kagome, who carried her kit, to theirs.
The so-to-be couple sat side-by-side at the head of the elegant oak table. Rin took her seat on the left of the lord with Jaken then Miroku to her left. Shippou and Sango sat to Kagome’s right. It was an old sight at the lord’s dinner table. They ate leisurely with light conversations about the grounds and beautiful home. Neither Sango or Miroku had dared to attempt questions about the ‘marriage’, especially not in front of her husband.
The meal lasted for five courses. Luscious desserts littered the top as the last string in the succession of the parade; cakes and, from what the miko could tell, home-made ice cream. The woman and her child counterpart looked at the mouth-watering food, both diving in. Sesshoumaru was a little amazed at their excitement. Kagome’s laughter filled the hall joyously as she and Rin shared a little inside joke. The girl looked surprised before following her mentor’s actions. He had not heard a genuine laugh from the child in such a long time. For a moment, Sesshoumaru felt a light in his chest.
Catching himself daydreaming, Sesshoumaru snapped himself back. Sango’s voice brought him into their conversation. “Kagome you have cake on your face.” She pointed to her face and her laughter erupted with Rin’s. The demon looked to the woman, seeing what the taijiya had spoken of. He could not help but smirk at her expression. This woman had endured much pain and suffering, yet she always wore an expression of joy.
Sesshoumaru cleared his throat, gaining everyone’s attention. Kagome had removed the lost morsel from her face as a bright red blush adorned her complexion. “We shall move to the foreroom for the remainder of the night.” The lord stood, drawing Kagome up. Rin and Jaken stood and immediately fell into line. Shippou followed the little girl and the monk and slayer brought up the rear. They exchanged another look but keep their silence.
The room that the group was lead to possessed high ceilings with prolific ornate architecture. Everyone was in awe. It encased thousands of books and sculpture which dotted the space. Three large glass windows opened the eyes to the night sky, sloping landscape, and tree line. Sesshoumaru excused himself to the three, shutting the doors behind him.
Kagome rushed to the windows, eager to look into the depths of the forest. Sango and Miroku repeated their secret ‘look’ before the woman spoke. She hurried to her friend’s side, touching the girl’s shoulder. “Kagome,” her voice was low.
When they met eyes, the girl was trying her best to not cry. “What have I gotten myself into?” she whispered back.
Miroku approached them. “Come, let’s sit and try to relax. I do not believe Sesshoumaru will harm you or us.” He stood by several chairs in the corner. “He is an honorable man, and I am sure there are honorable intentions.” The women sat both nodding at his words.
“Please Kagome, cheer up. I’m sure everything will work out in the end.” Sango’s cheerful voice eased her spirit.
She nodded, taking a deep breath, trying to clear her mind. “You look great Sango,” her compliment caused the older woman to blush.
“Yes,” Miroku agreed “I have been telling her that all evening.” Kagome giggled. She was sure he had and she was sure those compliments were coupled with occasional groping.
“What did you two do today?” Kagome asked, trying to distract the two before their argument escalated.
“Well,” Miroku began, “we looked around our benevolent lord’s grounds.” He tone was light, but Kagome caught the underscoring truth. Had something happened?
The sound of children laughing could be heard in the hall. Suddenly the door burst open and Rin ran into the room, hoping up on Kagome’s lap. “Nee-chan!” The girl hugged her.
“Rin,” the woman laughed back. The group could hear Jaken yelling for his keep. They looked to the one in the miko’s lap. “Are you hiding from Jaken?” Her eyes gleamed with her answer.
Jaken rushed into the room, immediately bowing, “Lady Kagome.”
His formal title caused the group to swap looks. Kagome suddenly was very uncomfortable. “Jaken, please call me Kagome.” She felt unnerved after his formal address and her friend’s reactions. She felt bad that she had finally given up on Inuyasha yet Sango and Miroku had urged her to move on. They had shown no reservations nor given no argument against what had transpired between herself and the lord.
“Nee-chan, you are going to be Rin’s new mommy,” she giggled and gave her the flowers that she had been ‘hiding’. So Sesshoumaru had finally told Rin.
Kagome blushed, trying to change the subject. “Rin, do you know where Shippou is?”
“I’m sorry, Lady Kagome but Lord Sesshoumaru-sama has given me strict instructions. The kit is in his room as it is where Rin should be.” She nodded. Sesshoumaru had sent the children to bed.
“Jaken had to listen to a lecture,” the girl giggled again.
“He was talking to you too!” The kappa demon’s face would have been red if his skin was not so green. Sango and Miroku laughed, unable to keep their silence any longer.
“You two aren’t helping,” Kagome flushed as she set the girl down. She turned to the child. “How about I tuck you in?”
“But Rin doesn’t want to go to bed yet.”
She smiled. “Well, if you don’t go to bed now, how will you be rested for tomorrow?”
“Tomorrow? What’s Rin going to do tomorrow?” she enthusiastically asked.
“Well you will have to go to bed to see, won’t you?” Kagome knew that she would be hard-up for finding something that could entertain the nine year old girl. She mouthed that she would be back soon as they walked through the frame and disappeared around the corner, Jaken in tow.
Sango let her breath out. “Poor Kagome.” The girl had it hard for her no matter what it was.
“Yes, I agree. Rin is a hand-full. I do not see how Sesshoumaru has not lost his temper yet.” The monk sighed. Kagome seemed to not have good luck with men. He stood, walking to the closest shelf and pulling a book from its hold. “I wonder how Sesshoumaru has come across these.” He turned to face Sango as he flipped through the pages. He could not recognize the letters.
The door eased open and a human female appeared. She bowed, speaking so that they could hear her words, “I have come to escort you to your rooms.”
The monk laughed lightly, “That’s not necessary, we are waiting on Lady Kagome.”
“I’m sorry but I have instructions. It is past midnight and you must rise early tomorrow.” The girl kept her bent stature as she spoke with him.
Sango stood. “Very well.” She held his eyes before moving to the exit. Miroku slipped the novel into his robes, intent on reading the text he stumbled upon.
~ . o . O . o . ~
Kagome walked quietly back to her room with her guide, Seika. The day seemed to drag on forever and though she never had the courage to ask Sesshoumaru, her heart still wondered where Inuyasha had disappeared to. A deep sigh erupted from the woman. ‘Damn these twisting halls.’ Before she knew it, the duo was standing in front of her bedroom.
Yumi and Makoto disrobed and readied the woman for sleep. Seika burned special incense ordered by her lord. The two wished their lady a goodnight before disappearing to their quarters. Kagome was left to stare at the ceiling and wonder about her fate. In a short amount of time, the sweet and tranquilizing aroma of the burning spices brought a deep sleep over the female.
The doors opened and the figured, clad in red robes, crept slowly in. He could smell the odor that encompassed the room and knew that Kagome had been drugged. A sound from the other side of the shoji door caught his ears. The hanyou was quick to hide, unable to smell the approaching visitor. Inuyasha chose the screen divider opposite the room, in hopes that he would not be discovered.
The gate opened, revealing a half nude Sesshoumaru, obviously ready for bed. He instantly wondered if this was his plan all along and was ready to tear his throat out before he tortured and mutilated his body. He could hear his brother’s footsteps along the floor, Kagome’s light breathing as she slept. What was he going to do?
The hanyou caught the floor creaking under the demon’s weight, and slowly stood, peeking through the open slots lining the top. Inuyasha could not advert his eyes no matter what his mind was screaming at him. Sesshoumaru had placed himself between her legs. Kagome’s cries told him exactly what his brother was doing. His hands reached up to separate her night hiyoku. The white robe was pulled down enough to expose her breasts.
Clawed fingers teased the nipple closest to his hand while his mouth moved itself to bite the right. Her cried grew slightly and Sesshoumaru found himself liking his new game. Kagome responded so well under his touch and Inuyasha’s seething rage only fueled the youkai’s adrenaline to push ‘his’ human. Yet the prince had to admit that he was surprised Inuyasha had burst into Kagome’s room. Indeed the incense burned his nose, but he had not thought of his half-brother when his ordered the ritualistic burning.
The irony of it was enough to cause Sesshoumaru some pleasure. If Inuyasha knew that he was sealing Kagome’s soul, the hanyou would fly into a rage. The demon looked into her face, the innocent angelic features were in ecstasy as he felt her release and hearing her cries. The sealing ritual had been completed and he could rest assured that it would remain for the next thirty-two hours.
Her power had grow exponentially since the proposal. Sesshoumaru began two wonder if he had misjudged this woman. She may hold more power than he originally thought and could prove to be a useful ally in the future. However, she was breaking those seals too easily. He had to control her and teach her to control herself.
~ . o . O . o . ~
Wow, this chapter ended up being so much longer than I had planned or even thought. Don’t expect this to be the case every time. I have not planned on a conclusion or whatnot, I’m just writing chapter to chapter, doing just an ‘end chapter goal’ (instead of an end story goal *.*). Also, please keep in mind that I don’t have a beta reader (you interested?). If you see any errors, please let me know.
To get a good idea of the kimono that Kagome was wearing, see : http://harptone.m78.com/usagisakura.htm. Sango’s is very similar, however I don’t go into much detail about her garments.
Shoji - double-sided sliding doors, usually covered in rice paper.