An Unexpected Love: Down the Rabbit Hole

 

 

Seika - Inu-youkai - Sekia is gentle yet very stern. Put in charge by Sesshoumaru, she is too teach Kagome the youkai ways of Court and to ensure that she is kept on track in her duties and up to date with her knowledge of political and social occurrences. Her job is the hardest as she is always fighting against her keep. However, there are dark secrets that she has hidden. Seika is about a foot taller than Kagome with long gray hair and honey eyes. Her skin is pale and she had a single stripe on each cheek.

 

Makoto - Hanyou - Makoto holds several resembles to Inuyasha and thus Kagome forms a strong bond with the woman. She is second in command and takes Seika’s position when the youkai is not around. Makoto has not had an easy life because her mother was human. Her father was a general of Inutaisho’s and that is the reason she is taken care of by Sesshoumaru-sama. Born and raised in the castle, she has had little experiences with the outside world and little contact with humans in general. She is only three inches higher than Kagome and has pitch black hair with white ears. The woman’s sapphire eyes are set against her caramel skin. In many ways she resembles Kagome.

 

Yumi - Human - Yumi is of course the youngest of Kagome’s entourage. And although humans are rare around Sesshoumaru’s castle, she is a special case. The girl is Makoto’s relative and was taken in when the village she lived in was destroyed; she does not possess any demonic blood. The two form a quick and close bond, and Yumi becomes her closest confidant and trustee. But the woman is hiding her own dark secret that she fears will bring her death. Yumi is a year older than Kagome and has brown hair and hazel eyes. She is small and is often mistaken to be younger than she is.

 
~ . o . O . o . ~

 

An Unexpected Love

Chapter Four : Down the Rabbit Hole

 

~ . o . O . o . ~

 

Singing birds filled her ears. The sound of doors opening and closing were faint, and Kagome was slipping in and out of her dreams, as they were still tugging, pulling at her. Muffled words hung above her and the woman slowly opened her eyes, bright light poured into the room.

 

The words had become clearer, she could hear the voice, and it seemed to repeat non-stop. “Milady, are you okay?”

 

Kagome focused her vision, ‘Yumi?’ She sat up, with her assistance. “Yumi...”

 

“Milady, please, let’s get you into a bath. We must soak your wounds again.” The woman nodded and rose with difficultly, and with much help from her human companion. Yumi had been there and helped her so much in the past three days that Kagome did not know how she would ever be able to thank her properly.

 

Kagome was disorientated when she first woke but the past two days had rushed back to her; lessons with Seika and Makoto, the grueling training sessions with Sesshoumaru. That was what had put her in this condition. She had learned that Sesshoumaru was a slave-driver. Worse than his brother in some ways. Inuyasha had kept his distance too. Actually it seemed he was outright avoiding her, but she was handling it. She hid her pain deep in her heart, locking it away so that no one may see or know of it; not expressing her worries to anyone. Kagome had to look forward to another long and harsh day ahead of her.

 

Yumi stood rushing to get her bathrobe grabbing the woman’s attention. Kagome had been lost in her thoughts. “Yumi...” she began as the robe was wrapped around her wet form. “Where is Seika and Makoto?”

 

“Sesshoumaru-sama had requested to see you this morning. Seika and Makoto are under different orders, I believe,” her words were hushed.

 

She nodded. “I see.” From the tone of Yumi’s voice, this was unusual indeed. ‘What was going on?’ Kagome was rushed through her various morning preparations as Yumi quickly had her ready in twenty minutes, quickly dressing her in a pale pink kimono. She didn’t know how they managed it under the tight time restrictions.

 

When Yumi had completed her task, Kagome stood, briefly catching her reflection before being herded out into the foyer. The duo exited the room and moved to Sesshoumaru’s office. The walk was short and as they were approaching the destination, the lord’s commanding voice and Seika’s obedient replies could be heard. “If she is not prepared in time, it will be your head.”

 

Kagome covered her mouth. ‘Sesshoumaru was threatening Seika.’ She immediately felt horrible. It had been hard for her to even understand how the youkai class system worked much less remember over fifty officials, not counting their ancestors. Kagome had not realized how important Seika’s position was. She would have to work much harder for her sake.

 

The doors opened and Kagome was face to face with the her youkai sensei. The woman’s hard stare pinned Kagome in her spot. Sesshoumaru stood several feet behind her, his voice carried out into the hall when his eyes landed on his fiancé. “Kagome.” Her eyes moved to the speaker. “Come.”

 

She nodded and moved to enter, Seika and Yumi disappearing as the doors shut behind her. Sesshoumaru led her to the nearest chair, seating her then moving to his desk. “Today’s plans have changed.”

 

Kagome nodded. She had already assumed that. “Sesshoumaru-sama,” Kagome began, “why were you threatening Seika-sama?”

 

His gaze met hers. “It is her job and she is failing. I will not tolerate failures. There are no excuses.” They both knew what he meant. When Sesshoumaru had asked her questions about the royal court she had failed horribly.

  

Kagome became irritated. She could understand this part of the demonic nature, if only to an extent. Inuyasha had been extremely hard on himself. She sighed and stood quickly, catching the lord off-guard at her sudden movements. She was about to show him exactly what she was capable of. “I don’t think that it is fair to punish Seika for something that is my fault.” He had put her through hours of hard physical training... “What about if I fail? Are you going to kill me as well?”

 

He stood, moving toward the female. “You have a point.” Kagome held her breath. The look in his eyes told her she had triggered a reaction. His hands held her in place as he shifted his body to cover any escape, pressing her against the side of his desk. “Then I shall have to punish you in others ways.” She understood his meaning as she felt his hot breath on her neck. His teeth grazed her skin and she whimpered from surprise. “Do not let my harsh words to Seika affect you. She understands her place and only needed to be reminded.” He released his hold on her, quickly moving to the opposite side of his desk. “There has been a change in plans.” His words caught her attention. It did not sound like it was good news. “You will return to your village tomorrow and stay for the three days we agreed upon, However, I alone will be accompanying you.”

 

Kagome turned, her expression one of surprise and worry. “Sesshoumaru-sama...” How would she explain to him her predicament?

 

“You can not argue this with me.” He reached over to stroke her cheek. “I will follow you and there is no other option other than you not going.” She closed her eyes. “I did not think you would choose that.”

 

Kagome would have to explain to him. There was no way around it. His voice snapped her back. “Come, do not be upset.”

 

“That is not it,” she paused, unsure of how to word the truth. ‘I’m from the future..... No, it’s way to cliche. There’s a well that connects our times..... maybe I can pull that one off.’ Kagome took a deep breath. “You see there are...complications when it comes to me going home.”

 

“Complications?” He assumed she was speaking of Inuyasha’s presence in the village. “We can discuss them later. The journey is less than a day away, so we will travel light. Tomorrow we will leave at dawn.” He pushed forward. Time was running short and the demon feared that he would have to move the ceremony up. At this time, he could not afford to let her out of his sight.

 

“Very well,” she replied as she bowed, remembering Seika’s instructions on addressing one’s lord or another regent lord. He was stunned into silence as she elegantly bowed then removed herself from his study. Maybe he had been too hard on Seika.

 

~ . o . O . o . ~

 

Kagome had not intended on showing him the way she was able to return home, mostly out of fear that it would be used as a weapon against her. How was she going to get out of this? The woman sighed heavily. There was only one way out of the situation and as much as Kagome hated to admit it, the only answer was to pass seeing her mom, Grandpa, and Souta. The miko could only hope for another chance in the future.

 

Makoto, who had been waiting outside, had escorted her to the outside gardens, making her quarters a side stop. Kagome had requested fresh air and a quiet, solitary space so that she could be left alone with her thoughts. Makoto had argued that the lord would not be happy if she were completely alone and unguarded, so she instructed her to stay out of her sight. It had been stifling with someone around twenty-four-seven and Kagome began to wonder what everyone else was doing.

 

Her eyes soaked in the beautiful view. The wind caressed her skin as she pulled her study notes out of her sleeve. She would know all who attended the court’s functions by the end of the day.

 

Several hours passed before the woman was interrupted. Seika stood over her, wearing the same mask as her master. “Come, Lady Kagome, Lord Sesshoumaru requests your audience.” She nodded her comprehension and stood, following the elder.

 

“Again? What is it this time?” The woman was silent. Kagome had already began questioning why Seika kept her distance. She could see something change in the youkai when the lord was around but Kagome could never understand what ‘it’ was. When they reached the main entrance, Kagome could no longer hold her tongue. “Seika, you do not like me, do you?”

 

The demon turned and looked into her eyes. “It does not matter what I like milady. This is my duty and I shall preform it to my best.”

 

“I see.” Kagome replied. Unlike Sesshoumaru, it seemed that Seika’s distaste in humans only extended to her.

 

“If I may ask you something,” Seika’s voice disrupted her thoughts, “why are you marrying the lord?”

 

“I’m not sure why.” Her mind wondered back to all the times he had been there, times when it should have been Inuyasha. Yet, where the hanyou had failed, his brother picked up the slack. Kagome owed him her life. If this was how Sesshoumaru intended for her to pay him back then so be it. She could never forget Inuyasha’s betrayal.

 

The two entered the large foyer turning down the opposing hall. Kagome’s eyes finally settled before the lord’s sliding doors. During the short walk, she had decided to tell Sesshoumaru that she had changed her mind about returning home. ‘I’m sorry Mama.’

 

When the entrance opened, the room was revealed to be empty. Confusion crossed her features as Seika prodded her into the space. “Please wait here.” Kagome's words were cut off as Seika closed the way out.

 

The room was dimly lit and Kagome hesitantly moved to the open chair she had occupied several hours earlier. The morning events came rushing back to her and Kagome had the uneasy feeling of dread settle over her. Her eyes landed on his desk again and the woman reached out to touch the marble top. The surface was cool and smooth under her skin.

 

Sesshoumaru stood in the shadows behind her, intently watching the woman. Her outward demeanor was calm yet he could smell the turmoil that raged under the mask she displayed. After several more seconds, the youkai lord emerged, surprising Kagome when the warmth of his body had pressed against hers. Though she attempted to turn away, he held her tightly, lowering his head to meet her ear. “What is it that you are hiding?”

 

The lord understood that this woman had held many secrets from him. And although it did not bother him, Sesshoumaru did not intend to let them stay secret either. Her expression was full of shock and horror. “I can smell it on you,” his whispered words and hot breath caressed her skin and Kagome could feel herself slipping again.

 

Did Sesshoumaru possess the ability to hypnotize humans? Was he able to put them under a spell of complete obedience? “I wish to remain here.” Her words were short and she could not keep the hint of fear from her voice.

 

Her answer stunned him and she could read the shock momentarily. “Inuyasha will not bother us.”

 

Kagome feared his threat but pushed on. “No, it is not that.”

 

“Then explain.” His golden eyes pinned her and Kagome felt like she was made of stone. How could she? His grip hardened. “Kagome.” It was a clear order. Yet the woman could not bring herself to speak the truth. Her eyes filled with tears that began falling from her blinking orbs. “Very well then. Shhh.... Kagome,” he spoke softly as the youkai gently embraced the female. “Do not cry.” Sesshoumaru decided that there were other more effective ways to get information from her.

 

He lead her to the adjoining room, fitted out as a lounging area. A large padded platform decorated the center of the space, covered with pillows in various colors. He knew that Seika was still stationed outside yet it could not be helped. The demon knew not to intrude into this area. He placed the woman on the cushions turning to quickly light the incense.

 

When he faced her, she was silent, her eyes and face void of emotion; simply waiting for whatever came next. Her spoke her name. “Kagome.”

 

The woman did not move, her breathing was low and her heart rate dropped significantly in such a short time. Sesshoumaru moved to her side quickly. Two sticks would not have this much effect on her. She must have consumed another sedative. A low growl rumbled in his throat. Had Seika been behind this? Had the youkai found that she was a miko?

 

‘Damn.’ There was little time to sort through the current situation. He had to move forward. When he touched the woman she was limp, falling forward into his arms. He growled again; jealous women were getting on his nerves. Sesshoumaru laid Kagome on her back, moving her body so that her legs were up too. He brushed hair away from her eyes, leaning in to whisper his questions quickly, before she fell completely unconscious. “Kagome, tell me the truth about your home. How do you return?”

 

Her mouth open and her chest rose as she spoke, “You must travel though the well.”

 

“Well?” The youkai’s eyes widened in surprise. “Tell me what you mean? Why must you use a well to return home?”

 

“I am from the future.” Her statement shook the demon. It must be a joke. Yet he knew it to be the truth. No one was able to lie after inhaling the incense. ‘So Inuyasha had kept her hidden secret well until now. What a prize to let go of.’ He stared into her hazy sky blue eyes. She was special.

 

“Who else is able to travel to your time?”

 

“Only Inuyasha.”

 

Inuyasha. “How is he able to transcend with you?”

 

“I am not sure,” her flat voice replied.

 

‘Whatever link that was between Kagome and Inuyasha which allowed the hanyou access to such a power may still exist.’ Sesshoumaru stroked her cheek. ‘That could prove to be both a problem and a resource.’ Though Sesshoumaru was not sure, the demon began to wonder if the blood seal he placed on Kagome was enough to grant him such privileges. Even though the process had only just began, they would soon become one with each other. ‘Such chances are wasted on Inuyasha time and time again.’ Her breathing was low and he bent to listen closer. “Kagome,” he whispered, “sleep now.”

 

The demon rose and shut the sliding doors behind him, leaving the female alone. He would deal with Seika’s disobedience swiftly. Kagome had suddenly become much more valuable.

 

~ . o . O . o . ~

 

Inuyasha crept along the back wall. After the events of that night, Inuyasha realized that the situation seemed hopeless. There were little choices that he had left to him. It seemed that the only thing that may save Kagome was taking her back to her time. How had things gotten so out of hand? ‘Did he trick her? Threaten her?’

 

He huffed, holding back his temper when it rose. He had to concentrate. His memory was sketchy but Inuyasha was sure that Sesshoumaru had placed a seal on her. Although that bastard had altered the ritual by doubling it. He smelled Kagome near. Inuyasha smiled. It would be easier than he thought.

 

The door slide open, revealing the unconscious woman clad in sunset pinks. The hanyou quickly glanced around before entering, not seeing another soul. Inuyasha was at Kagome’s side, checking her vitals. Her still form captivated him. It had seemed that she had become even more beautiful, though he was not sure if that was even possible. He could smell faint traces of the incense on her. Suddenly, he was knocked to the ground, his vision blurred as golden eyes rose to see his attacker.

 

Sesshoumaru’s voice was low. “What are you doing back here? She is mine now. Do not lay your filthy hands on her again.”

 

Inuyasha shook his head, his vision still unfocused. ‘Back here?’ He growled. “Shut up. Kagome does not belong to anyone.”

 

“You saw me seal her did you not?” Astonishment covered his face as it reddened. He tried to rise, only to be forced down again. “Calm little brother,” he laughed. “I will not hurt her. Yet I was lead to believe that you had no feelings for her. Are you jealous that she is with me?”

 

“You haven’t told her the whole truth have you?! I will save her from you.”

 

“Save her from me? It is I who saved her,” he laughed again. “I saved her from you and she came willingly, little brother.” Sesshoumaru could not help himself as another laughed emerged. Inuyasha’s resolve seemed broken by his statement. “You enjoyed the other night then?” he asked as he rendered the hanyou unconscious.

 

It seemed too good. Now the youkai did not have to worry about Inuyasha interfering as he attempted to enter into Kagome’s world. Sesshoumaru had little care for the taste of revenge but when the opportunity to truly break his sibling arose, the demon could not pass it up. He called for Ichiro, his captain of the guard, to inform him of the intrusion.

 

The tall man entered alone into the private area, discreetly noting the unconscious woman and hanyou. He bowed and kneeled before Sesshoumaru. “You called, Milord.”

 

Sesshoumaru turned, facing the youkai. Ichiro, clad in red and silver armor, was the son of Ukito, another well trained general in his father’s militia. He possessed deep gray eyes and hair darker than his master. They were about the same age too. “It seems that Inuyasha was able to cross past your defenses.” The anger in his voice was apparent.

 

“My humblest apologies, Milord. How may I repent? Shall I take him....”

 

“No,” Sesshoumaru cut him off, “I shall deal with him myself. Make sure that you are more active in your duties.” He motioned for him to leave. “However, after I leave, do not let the taijiya, houshi or him,” he pointed to Inuyasha on the floor, “follow.”

 

“Understood.” The warrior left, mentally noting the trouble that seemed to fall on his lord. Something was wrong and yet his lord held his tongue.

 

~ . o . O . o . ~

 

Inuyasha woke to dim lighting. He could smell the numbing incense burning the air around him.  It caused him to sneeze. He suddenly realized that he was unable to move his legs and arms. His voice gone as well. Kagome’s motionless form caught his attention when he scanned the dark area.

 

He knew that they had to be in Sesshoumaru’s quarters. Furs were draped over almost everything. Battle axes, long and short swords, and his family crest adorned the walls. Inuyasha only had faint memories of what his father’s room must have looked like, and he guessed that these weapons were once Inutaisho’s.

 

He huffed and tried pulling on the restraints again. Nothing. He couldn’t even get any slack. A laugh caught his ears. “Please continue. I was enjoying watching you struggle.” Inuyasha glared at his brother, unable to speak the questions on his tongue. “I will make you regret that you ever came back. What did you hope to do Inuyasha? You have already broken her faith in you, unable to keep a simple promise.” Inuyasha jerked at him, his anger beginning to boil. “Are you surprised that I know so much? Your comrades were so willing to help me, giving me the information I needed.” He sighed as he turned his back on the hanyou. “But I guess I would feel the same way if I were you. After all, such a woman; able to travel through time.”

 

His whole body frozen when Sesshoumaru spoke those words. Travel through time. Surely Miroku nor Sango would have told him. And Inuyasha knew that Kagome would never tell her himself. ‘How had he found out?’

 

“Well, we shall see tomorrow if I can attain such a gift.” In a swift movement, Sesshoumaru closed the special tomb, leaving only Inuyasha's eyes still visible. He had discovered this standing torture chamber on one of his early trips outside of his father’s kingdom. The tale behind the device interested him. It seemed that it had finally come in handy. “Enjoy the show.”

 

Inuyasha violently shook his container, unable to free himself or wake the sleeping woman. ‘Kagome!’ He cried yet it was hopeless. Sesshoumaru would discover the well and if he was able to cross into her time, all hope would be lost.

 

The demon gently moved the female as he untied her obi, revealing the milky skin beneath. Inuyasha tried screaming again but his voice was still silent. He could only watch as his brother did whatever he wanted. Golden orbs witnessed the combination of his blood with hers. Kagome’s cries filled the room only to be cut off by his mouth.

 

The toxic smell intensified, causing Inuyasha to cough, trying to clear his lungs. His vision began blurring again as he tried to focus his eyes on the unconscious Kagome.  It was useless. Inuyasha suddenly realized how Sesshoumaru knew about Kagome and the well. He had won.

 

~ . o . O . o . ~

 

Kagome woke to the morning sun shining in her eyes. She lifted a hand to block the bright rays, noticing suddenly that she was not in her own bed. A deep voice caught her attention and her eyes meet Sesshoumaru’s. “You are finally awake.” Her surprised expression cause the demon to laugh to himself. He stroked her face again, calming her before she went crazy with worry. “I did not violate our contract.”

 

She sat up, trying to regain her composure, pulling the sheet up to her chin. “Sesshoumaru-sama, what happened?” She could feel the heat of him next to her and blushed hotly. Her thoughts and eyes were wondering over his chest and below the sheet.

 

He moved, towering over her and dropped his voice. “You feel asleep in my lounge and I brought you to bed with me.” The lord decided to keep his earlier interrogation a secret. “We shall leave at noon.”

 

“Leave?” Kagome repeated. Where were they going again?

 

“Yes, for your village. It will be the two of us.” Kagome could only stare blankly at him as he rose, wrapping a sheet around his waist. “I will send Yumi in.”

 

“Wait...” she blurted out, avoiding his eyes. “Sesshoumaru, must we go?”

 

He turned surprised at her question. “Do you not wish to see your family?”

 

Kagome sighed. Yes she did but how would she explain the situation? “Yes, but...”

 

“Then do not fret.” He moved to stroke her cheek. “Everything will be okay.”

 

The door slide open behind him, revealing Ichiro, kneeled and waiting orders. “Milord.”

 

“Send for Yumi,” he spoke with his back to the captain.

 

Kagome heard the door shut. “But...” she began before the door opened again. Yumi emerged from the entrance, clothing in her arms.

 

“Milady,” she bowed before approaching the bed. Sesshoumaru moved to cover the coffin as Ichiro appeared kneeling again. The two exited the space leaving the women inside. Yumi quickly dressed her mistress. “Are you okay, Milady?” she whispered.

 

Kagome looked at her with a quizzical expression. She nodded unable to speak. She could not even tell Sesshoumaru how she felt. How was she going to keep him from finding out the truth? The miko was lost.

 

Yumi pulled her to the door. “Please, come Milady. We must get you ready for the journey.”

 

~ . o . O . o . ~

 

The morning whizzed by for Kagome. She was in another world, lost in her thoughts and the worry about the upcoming events. She stood outside the great double doors, waiting for Sesshoumaru and without an answer to her problems. Kagome continually fidgeted with her sleeves; her fingers obsessively playing with the cloth. She had to say something.

 

The light blue and black kimono danced in the wind as her hair accessories sang. The woman looked like a goddess, Sesshoumaru realized as he exited from the hall. He could smell her fear and although he had to admit that it did taste delicious, it bothered him that this gentle creature possessed such an emotion.

 

For the first time, the demon lord wished to take the feeling away. He wished to find the words that would erase those dark threads she was entangled in. Kagome held her back to him as he approached. The youkai gently placed a hand on her back as he whispered in her ear, “Are you ready?”

 

Before she could reply, they were several feet off the ground with only a white cloud below their feet. Kagome’s first instincts were to cling to her partner and she received a light laugh from him in doing so. However, she ignored his response as her eyes were glued to the passing scenery. In the times she had taken to air traveling, there had always been an urgency. Yet, now the woman had time to enjoy the view. She seemed to forget how delicate the situation she was in as her eyes remained transfixed beneath her feet.

 

Suddenly, the thatched roofs of village homes wisked into her sight. Kagome held her breath. It came rushing back to her. Their destination. The well. The future. What would she do? Before Kagome could speak they were on the ground between the well and the outskirts of the village. She briefly wondered if Inuyasha would come for her.

 

Sesshoumaru pulled her along as they made their way to the well. Kagome could make no protests, her voice had abandoned her in her desperation. Her eyes were glazed and it was not until they had stopped that her vision cleared. The old well stood alone in the grassy field. It seemed like her world was crashing down. What would she do?

 

Sesshoumaru stopped and Kagome came to rest beside him. She stood there for what seemed like hours before approaching the portal. Her eyes studied the bark. Nothing had changed; ivy still clung to the edges, inviting her home again. The tall grass and clove patches. ‘Yes, nothing had changed.’ Yet Kagome could not keep herself from touching the wood. It was so close.  She did not know if she could make it through before he caught her, but there was still a slim chance.

 

Before she could lift her foot, Sesshoumaru was at her side. His hand gently caressed her lower back, while his palm touched the bark. ‘Does he sense it?’ The miko held her breath. She was too afraid to look him in the eyes. ‘What am I going to do?’ She shut her eyes quickly, trying to calm herself. It did her no good to start freaking out.

 

Sesshoumaru’s voice broke her out of her thoughts. “Are you not ready?” He leaned in. “Come,” he pulled her into his arms as he stepped up on the edge of the hole.

 

“What?” She was confused. Did he know? She peered down into the dark abyss. Would the gate allow him to pass?

 

“Kagome,” he called her name again, causing her blue eyes to stare into his. His face came rushing down, his lips capturing hers in an overwhelming kiss. They stepped over the edge, gently floating down. Blue light erupted from below their feet, leaving them in the dark.

 

Sesshoumaru broke the intimate touch and peered into the woman’s listless face.

 

~ . o . O . o . ~

 

Hey I know it took me long enough... >,< Sorry. I try to get these out quickly but it doesn’t always work - like my internet crashing for a week! And thus I was a little depressed (but I’m better now). I have noticed the typos and errors and plan on re-posting corrected chapters when I have time, hopefully quickly.  Thanks to Marcia!  ^^