An Unexpected Love: Paradise Lost

I wanted everyone to know that I now have a wonderful person beta reading for me.  The previous five chapters have been resubmitted with corrections and are damn near perfect.  I would recommend re-reading them, it won't take long; as some things have been either clarified a little better or slightly changed.  Please keep in mind that this story has no ending point as far as I am concerned.  Anything may happen because this is my fun~story.  ^^  Marcia [my beta; go read her stuff] has been kind enough to let me bounce ideas off of her and so I believe I may have several chapters sketched out.  Please forgive me everyone, I would have had this chapter up last night but I had to crash.

 

~ . o . O . o . ~

 

An Unexpected Love

Chapter Six : Paradise Lost

 

~ . o . O . o . ~

The morning sun lit the room, beckoning the inhabitants to awaken. Blue eyes slowly opened. Kagome vaguely recalled returning to her bed through the open window. The events of last night trickled through her memory. She had been set on fire after Sesshoumaru touched her. Kagome could not explain the feeling that he had called forth, but she had been unable to control herself, longing for more.  The ecstasy only dissipated when she could no longer hold back her release. Her cries were muffled by his mouth.  She remembered going limp in his arms after her release, and she could barely speak because her throat was so dry.

However, she felt much better now. Her eyes roamed over the sleeping demon beside her. She was careful not to wake him as she only moved her head and eyes for a better view. Kagome had to hold her breath. She was not met with the iron mask that Sesshoumaru adorned so gracefully. No, instead Kagome’s eyes were blessed with his breath-taking beauty. The angelic features that the demon possessed were even more prominent when he was sleeping. She had to admit that she found herself attracted to Inuyasha, and believed to love him, but something inside her lusted after the man’s brother.  She was drawn to Sesshoumaru and could not explain why.

   

The sounds of her family downstairs stirred the demon, and his amber eyes opened to meet Kagome's.  She blushed as she knew she was caught staring.  "I'm sorry, Sesshoumaru," she mumbled as she sat up.  What else was there to say?  It was awkward, and Kagome felt extremely uncomfortable.

 

His hand touched her cheek.  "I do not understand your apology."

 

"Never mind," she replied as she felt her blood still.  His touch was so gentle, so loving.

 

"We shall return at dusk."  She nodded, grateful that he was giving her so much time.  Part of her expected a reaction similar to Inuyasha's, yet Sesshoumaru was surprising her at every turn.  Inuyasha was always in such a hurry to get back.  Now it seemed to make sense.  Kikyou had always been waiting for them, hidden in the brush.  Kagome would ignore her presence but it bothered her as to how well-informed the dead priestess was.  And where she might have gotten such information.  "Do not fret.  I shall not keep you from your home or family.  You may return any time you wish, granted it is under my approval."

 

"I understand," she replied.  She was truly grateful.  Sesshoumaru seemed to have more respect for her than his brother, at least in some aspects.  It seemed ironic in Kagome's eyes.  She had always hoped, and wished, for Inuyasha to be the one in front of her now.  "Do you want breakfast?"

The demon nodded, "Yes, but I also want to see parts of this 'city' you speak of."  He had only observed from above, and within, the confines of the shrine's grounds since he could not let Kagome out of his immediate range.

She smiled and her eyes lit up as she pounced off the bed and to a dresser, opening drawers and pulling out clothing.  Things would be different.  "I'll go get ready and see what I can find for you to wear."  With the fabric bundled to her chest, Kagome rushed to the door, pausing to turn half-way out.  "Uh, I'll try to not come back with anything," she paused, unsure of how to say it, "well yeah."

The door closed behind her and Sesshoumaru began to wonder what exactly she meant.  Kagome returned shortly with some clothing that was more appropriate for this era.  She shoved the garments at him.  "Here, I know it's not what you are use to but you will only be required to wear them for a couple of hours."

Sesshoumaru nodded as he observed the clothing that was in his arms.  The door clicked again, and he found himself alone in the girl's room, unsure of what to do.  His eyes focused on the garments as he unfolded them, only three pieces.

Kagome chewed on her bottom lip as she tried to come up with something to entertain the youkai lord.  Where would she take him?  What would they do?  The echo of a door opening caught her attention as Sesshoumaru walked down the stairs.  The woman had to hold her breath.  The faded jeans she had dug up, hugged him like leather.  The black shirt contrasted his silver hair quite nicely.  He took her breath away.  Kagome was amazed that she didn't have to play the merry-go-round-question-and-answer game with Sesshoumaru.  He had silently accepted her advice.

Their eyes caught as he continued his descent.  Kagome never thought that her father's old clothes would have ever come in handy, but she would be the first to admit that she was wrong.  Very wrong, in fact.  Grabbing their shoes, the two left the shrine and began the climb down the stone stairs.  Sesshoumaru was captivated with the scenery before him.  The steel, glass, and concrete landscape was fascinating, yet he longed to smell the grass and forest, and feel the wind upon his skin.  As they reached the bottom, he glanced at Kagome, she seemed completely relaxed and at home.  In that instant, the reality of the situation hit him.  Her world was vastly different from the one that he knew, the one they shared.  All those times, she was speaking the truth and he had thought her crazy.  The demon lord never expected to come across such a find. 

 

Sudden worries flooded to the fore-front.  Would Kagome ever want to return and stay in a desolate place like this?  Leave the rolling hills and lush forests?  Leave her friends?  Leave him?  He deeply sighed as he began to understand Inuyasha's feelings and anxieties, even if it was only a little bit.  His brother may not have wanted Kagome to return to her rightful place, but he had made his decision a long time ago.  He chose the dead lover over the live one. 

 

Kagome had decided to take Sesshoumaru to the Yoyogi park and the Meiji Shrine.  She wanted to slowly introduce him to the new world instead of scaring him off.  The skyscrapers would wait for another visit.  They could ride the bullet train and he would get to see some of the cosplayers that hung out at the station every Sunday.  Harajuku Station was full of various people, and most of all, she wanted Sesshoumaru to know that her life was vastly different from theirs.  Peace existed here.  People were not constantly fighting to stay alive, but instead live.  The ride was quiet as she let him soak in the crowds and scenery.  When they arrived, she grabbed his hand and told him not to let go.  Sometimes the crowds could be overwhelming for people who were not use to them.  However, she never sensed any panic as he laced his hand with hers.  In fact, he seemed to be enjoying the change.  He could free himself from the restrains of his title and duties.

 

Before they knew it, three hours had flown by and Kagome was forced to usher the reluctant youkai home.  His mood was definitely lighter once they had departed from the Shinkansen.  It was hard to believe that this was the same Sesshoumaru from before.  Kagome was convinced that she had seen him smile at least twice today.  The walk back to the shrine was not a long one, and as soon as they were alone, the miko began her questioning.

 

"So what did you think?  I promise that next time we'll go see the skyscrapers in Shinjuku.  You would love it; buildings reaching to heavens."  Kagome's voice was so full of energy as she spoke hastily, her arms were raised in the sky as her laughter was hidden behind her words.

"Kagome, do you miss this paradise of yours?" 

She was stunned by his question, unsure of how to answer him.  Of course she would always miss this place.  It was her home after all, her birth place, her entire life.  "What do you mean?"  She lightly laughed, trying to shrug off his statement.  "This is hardly 'paradise' Sesshoumaru."

"It seems that you are always on the other side of the well, hunting down jewel shards and battling Naraku, as well as other dangerous youkai.  Do you not yearn to come home where you belong?  It seems very safe here."

"Yes of course, but I am responsible for what happened to the Shikon jewel.  I must make it whole again before I am able to stay here for good."  Her eyes glazed over as she spoke.  It was the real reason she was even in the Feudal era in the first place.  But now it seemed that she would never come home.  Not if she was marrying Sesshoumaru.  "We must all make sacrifices.  This is mine."

He nodded.  The girl had a great deal of honor and nobility in her.  It was a shame she was human.  Yet, Sesshoumaru understood that fact made her even more invaluable.  She was a diamond in the rough.  "As I said before, I will not keep you from your family.  You may visit them anytime you wish.  I am not a monster."

The stairs towered above them as she turned, smiling at his words.  At one point, when their paths had crossed, she would have believed him to be such.  But now that monster had turned into something else entirely different.  "Thank you Sesshoumaru.  It really does mean a lot to hear you say that." 

Sesshoumaru found his heart skip a beat.  It seemed that, for the first time, it was a genuine smile.  One that was meant for him.  'How many times had Inuyasha seen that same smile, only to turn his back on her shinning radiance?'  His anger toward the hanyou was not stemmed from their father, his human mother, or that he inherited the true sword of the Inu clan.  No, it was his lack of seeing every situation clearly.  When he met Kikyou, Sesshoumaru had advised against it.  For the obvious reasons, of course, she was a miko, and an extremely dangerous one from what he had heard.  There were even some old unfounded rumors of strange magic around her village's area.  Inuyasha had told him to butt out and mind his own business.

They ascended the staircase in silence, each in their own thoughts.  The grounds were quiet as the sun began it's slow descent in the sky.  Any afternoon visitors would have been long gone by now.  The two entered the house and was met with Kagome's family, finding their things were neatly packed and ready.  Kagome had gathered a few more undergarments as Sesshoumaru changed into his silk kimono. 

The rough jean fabric was quite different from the satin feel he was use to.  The lord decided he preferred his own clothing to the 'modern' garbs the humans chose and was glad that he was returning home.  Yet, the constant tugging at his conscious would not allow him to live in an ignorant world.  He now knew what Kagome's life had truly been like.  She had been happy and it seemed like the life that the humans led was peaceful enough.  She was constantly being torn away from everything she knew and her life put in danger.  All for Naraku.  That hanyou held too much power for Sesshoumaru to be comfortable.

He deeply sighed, as he started into the mirror before him.  His reflection was perfect, as was his clothing.  But his feelings had become muddled.  Before, it had been Inuyasha constantly putting her in danger, now it was him.  However, Sesshoumaru knew that he was more than capable of keeping Kagome safe, more so than Inuyasha.  The hanyou's brash behavior was constantly getting them into trouble, and with the impending battle with Naraku, things were sure to get a lot more dangerous.  He turned, his resolve set. 

~ . o . O . o . ~

Kikyou waited, her patience was boundless, as the sun began setting.  Several days had passed since the two had departed.  It had been much easier to squeeze the information from Inuyasha once he had come under her control.   If what he spoke of was true, then Kagome would emerge from the well with Sesshoumaru.  Naraku had said that the demon lord was seeking more power and would attempt to align himself with her reincarnation in order to gain control of the Shikon shards.  Kikyou had thought him wrong, until Inuyasha mentioned their engagement. 

'How would Naraku have come across such information?  Unless he had been keeping an eye on the group, or on Kagome.'  It worried Kikyou.  True, she did not really have a liking for the girl, but she was, after all, her reincarnation.  She held some value, even if it was only a part of her soul.  The question then was, what are they planning?  Naraku would have never brought the situation up if it did not benefit him in some fashion.  She couldn't find the connection but she couldn't ignore it either. 

The clay figure gazed into the sky.  The sun was quickly setting as the night began to creep across the Milky Way.  Suddenly, a bright blue light, coupled with an enormous amount of energy, appeared from within the well.  Kikyou kept herself hidden behind the brush, careful to choose the right moment to reveal herself.  Seconds passed before the raven haired girl emerged with the Lord of the West.  Indeed, Naraku had not been lying.  At least about this little detail.

She stepped forward, which immediately alerted the demon, who promptly put himself in front of Kagome.  "State your business wench," he snarled as he hand rested on his sword.

"I came to see if what I heard was the truth, and I see it is."  Kagome knew her words were meant as an insult, but she refused to let them hurt her.   She huffed and raised her head as if showing the other that it was pointless to try to insult her.  However Kikyou continued, "Moving from one brother to the next, what a pity.  Inuyasha rejected you and so you had to settle for second best."  Her laughed echoed in the small clearing. 

Sesshoumaru growled, but did not let the woman coax him into a battle.  It would leave Kagome unprotected, and though he did not sense anyone near, it did not mean that it was safe to assume such.  She was a priestess after all, and Kagome might be the only one to truly have a chance against her.  And Sesshoumaru wasn't about to find out.

"If you have come to gloat then it is wasted.  Your words have no effect on this Sesshoumaru, or Kagome.  I advise you to leave before you lose what is left of your soul."  His words were sharp and cut the woman where it hurt.

Tenseiga's powers were not a secret.  Kikyou  knew what the demon was capable of, and it was in her best interest to leave this one alone.  "Very well."  She laughed as she turned.  Mists filled the forest ground around her as she began disappearing.  "But I will be watching."

Kagome shuddered at her last words, unable to fully comprehend why Kikyou had suddenly taken such an interest in her life.  'Wasn't she happy with Inuyasha?' 

Sesshoumaru broke her thoughts as he touched the woman's shoulders.  "Do not let her words sway you.  I am here to protect you and I will not fail like my little brother has."

It seemed that his resolve was apparent in his words, and Kagome took some comfort in that.  Even if he didn't love her, he had honor, and his honor would not allow harm to come to her.  Kagome began to feel a little bit of hope.  Maybe she could come to love him, even if he was second best in her heart.  She saw everything she wanted Inuyasha to be in his brother.  Kagome knew that Kikyou's words were the truth.  The woman knew her too damn well.

"Come, let's return home.  Your friends are still waiting on us."  He took her hand as they lifted into the sky.  "I am sure that they will want to hear about your journey home." 

Kagome nodded at his words but she felt a hint of laughter in them as well.  Or rather the irony.  She couldn't tell if this was Sesshoumaru's sense of humor or not, but with her mind preoccupied, she let it go.  'Had Inuyasha ran to Kikyou when he found out what had happened?  Was he overjoyed that his 'burden' had been lifted from his shoulders?  That he wouldn't have to carry her around anymore because his brother had taken his trash?'  Kagome inwardly sighed as her eyes gazed at the passing scenery.  She felt a part of herself numb as the wind caressed her skin and sent her hair fluttering about. 

The castle came into their view and, by the time they landed, there was a small crowd awaiting them.  Rin was the first to attach herself to both Sesshoumaru and Kagome's legs, one in each arm.  "Welcome back.  Rin has missed you so much."  Her joyous laughter filled the area.

 

Jaken waddled up, shouting at the child.  "Rin, let Lord Sesshoumaru be.  He is tired from his journey."  The toad demon turned to his master, bowing deeply in respect.  "Lord Sesshoumaru, welcome home.  I trust your journey went well."

 

Kagome was still on his arm, as he refused to relinquish her to her waiting hand-maidens.  "Yes, it did.  Jaken, I wish for you to begin the preparations."  Sesshoumaru spoke then turned, moving past his retainer with his soon-to-be-mate, not waiting for his stumbling answer. 

 

Kagome was a little dumbfounded.  This behavior seemed unusual, even for Sesshoumaru.  When she realized that they were in the library, she decided to voice her concerns.  "Sesshoumaru-sama," she hesitantly whispered.  She couldn't tell if he was in a foul mood or not.  And she certainly did not want to upset him in any way.  A taiyoukai upset was not something, pleasant, by any means.  He sat her down in the lush green chair before taking the one across from the woman.  The doors had been shut behind them and Kagome realized that they were alone.  What exactly was going on?

 

"I must tell you that today is the official beginning of our mating ceremony.  Before we continue, there are some things that you must know, and must not leave this room.  You may not disclose anything spoken within this room, do you understand?" he demanded.  He could not go soft on her, for this could be her life that they were dealing with.  She nodded and waited for him to begin again.  "You may not tell anyone that you are from the future, or that you are a miko."

 

"But we can't hide that forever," she began before he could silence her. 

 

"I will decide when to tell everyone of your priestess-hood.  But we will not speak of your time again."  His sharp tone silenced any further questions.  "We will wed on the next full moon, before then there are certain requirements that we must met."

Kagome didn't like that sound of what he was saying.  "Requirements?  What do you mean by that?"

He sighed deeply, letting that one go.  "I must reveal something that I have kept hidden from you.  On that first night, in the spring, I marked you as mine by using a blood seal."  Kagome's eyes went wide.  Her hand went to her lips.  She could remember the taste of his blood now.  It was sweet and held a hint of something else, something she couldn't quite remember.  His words surged forward, not waiting for the realization to fully sink in.  "However, because of your strong spirit and purifying powers, I was forced to double it."

"I don't understand what you mean," she sputtered as he rose.  "Double it?  What does that mean?" His figure was looming over her as the demon took slow steps.  He came to a stop in front of her and she found she was holding her breath.  She knew that he was about to answer her question but the tapping at the door had conveniently interrupted their private conversation.

His voice echoed around them.  "Enter."  It was a simple command that held an enormous amount of power when it was spoken from the lord's lips.  Seika quickly ushered herself in, head bowed so her eyes would not met theirs.  Kagome felt offended by her lack of friendliness, unaware that this was the sign of respect that was befit the couple.  When Sesshoumaru had escorted her into the house, it was an act showing the youkai courts that he had chosen his mate.

"Everything is as you requested, My Lord."  Her words were short and eloquent.  Kagome doubted that she could ever become what Seika was. 

"Very good.  Then we shall retire until we have finished the final details."  He held his hand out for Kagome, who took it without hesitation.  She desperately wanted to know what the hell was going on, and now it finally seemed as if she was going to get some answers.  The two disappeared down the hallway to the bedrooms.  When they stopped, the golden trim that she had come to recognize as Sesshoumaru's private, and forbidden, quarters, stood in front of her.  Confusion immediately filled her and she could do nothing but blink as they entered the chambers. 

The click of the door sealed her fate and Kagome was forced to release her breath.  She gazed around.  It was nice.  She guessed it wasn't as bad as she had been led to believe.  It was extremely lavish, definitely fit for the Lord of the Western Lands.  But the question remained as to why she was here.  No one had ever entered the lord's chambers, at least that was what she had  been told. 

Kagome was then led into a much darker room on the left.  She was sat and told to wait until he was able to return.  She agreed and heard the doors shut, signaling his momentary retreat.  Time seemed to stand still as she sat there in the dark.  Her eyes slowly adjusting to the lack of light. 

 

The manly smell of Sesshoumaru was everywhere, and began to overwhelm her senses.  It was making Kagome a little dizzy.  She had noticed that she was on a mattress of some-sorts, and decided to lie down, in hopes that her eyes would steady themselves.  The silk cloth and furs felt good against her skin, and she nuzzled closer.  The smell of him was much more apparent, and before Kagome knew it, she was infatuated.

 

Kagome had not heard Sesshoumaru re-enter the room.  Yet, he was still surprised to find the woman already lying on his bed.  He smirked as he realized that that may not be the case five minutes from now.  Her black skirt had rose in her attempt to make herself more 'comfortable' and the deep red shirt she wore was slightly open, revealing her cleavage.  He could see her cuddling one of his favorite pelts.  It took everything Sesshoumaru had to remind himself of their already precarious predicament.  He could not fully take her without her consent.  And even then, that had a time and place.

 

He sighed, deeply, as he gently came to sit beside her.  It would strengthen their bond three-times-fold every time their blood mingled.  The more, the better.  It would make their mating much easier on Kagome, and he found himself not wanting her to experience any pain with their first complete coupling.  His hand brushed away the hair that had fallen in her eyes, then caressed the skin that was exposed on her shoulder and down her arm.  She stirred but her eyes did not open.  He let a low growl emerge from his throat.  She stirred again, so he spoke her name.  "Kagome."

 

"Huh?" she mumbled as she slowly opened her lashes.  She felt his hands on her and it made her prop herself up, leaning on the right arm.  "Sesshoumaru?"

"We need to finish our conversation from earlier."

"Oh, right."  She paused.  His youkai and sleep clouded her mind.  "What were we talking about?"

"The requirements that we have to fulfill before the next full moon, and the seal."

 

She shakily sat up, Sesshoumaru put his arm around her to steady the woman.  "Seal.  I forgot."  She moaned.  He could tell the youki was affecting her more than he thought. 

 

"Wake up, Kagome.  We must finish this so we can seal the first agreement."  She nodded.  He cut his finger and stuck it in her mouth, making sure she swallowed his life-force.  He knew it would clear her senses up enough for her to comprehend what had to transpire.

 

Her blue eyes erupted with the hints of gold that ran in his blood.  He fed her much more than before, almost tripling the dose.  Sesshoumaru felt himself twitch at her acceptance of his youki.  "Listen carefully," he began, "for I will not repeat myself again.  I must place a seal on you, at least every thirty-six hours.  The seal is necessary to ensure a successful coupling.  The requirements for this seal and, in the end, the ceremony, are that you must absorb my blood orally and vaginally.  Half-way through the waiting period, we must duel until we have depleted our energies, and then on the night of the full moon we can consummate and finalize our agreement."

 

Kagome's ears burned with what she had just heard.  Was she in the twilight zone?  He could not have just said that with a straight face, right?  "I'm sorry, come again?"

 

He growled, but Kagome ignored it as she waited patiently, meeting his stare.  "Have I not proved my words by my actions before?  Do you not remember?"

 

Kagome thought back to what he was saying.  The spring she clearly remembered.  How could she forget?  Hmm, the second.  Well, it had to be at her home, when they were in the Goshin Boku.  She blushed as she remembered how how he had made her feel.  "Yes, I remember.  Two times right?"

 

"No," he spoke.  "There have been four instances..." 

 

"Four.  Four?  When?  And, and where?  Why didn't you tell me earlier?"  With every question, panic seemed to fill her heart.  Sesshoumaru could smell it, he had to calm her down quickly. 

 

"Calm, my pet.  I did.  The seal must be placed on you every thirty-six hours.  You must take in my youki, or when we couple it will be very painful for you.  I must admit that I do not wish to see you experience such pain.  Some do not survive." 

 

She swallowed hard.  At least he cared enough to warn her of the eminent dangers.  At this point, Kagome could do nothing but accept whatever he was willing to give her.  "Very well.  In that case, I guess I have no choice."

 

"I must hear you say it."  He urged her on.  The animal inside him was hard to quell but it would not subside until it had gotten what it wanted.

 

She closed her eyes, shutting Sesshoumaru off to the golden-blue pupils she had suddenly possessed.  It was her fate, and she must accept it.  "Yes, I will become your mate."  Her heart lurched in her chest.  Her fate sealed, and her soul swaying under the youki, Kagome could not hang on anymore.

 

She could feel him coming closer and heard his whispered words.  "We must seal the first pact then."  The kiss was deep and she could again taste his sweet blood.  Her body felt alive, she was tingling from head to toe.  His hands unbuttoned her top, exposing her breasts and the black bra that barely covered them.  "It will not hurt you, and neither will I."  Sesshoumaru moved his mouth to her neck as his hands maneuvered under her skirt, reaching for her panties before he drug them off. 

 

Kagome whimpered at his actions but was helpless as she succumb to the pleasures of both his hands and the blood mixing with hers.  The world was spinning, and she had to keep her eyes shut from the lack of focus.  He stripped her down until she was nude, her skin hitting the cool night air.  He trailed kisses down her stomach as his fingers teased her core. 

 

Quietly, and quickly, he placed youki restraints on her so that she would not hurt herself in the process.  Sesshoumaru had to balance the youki with each sealing.  The first had sent her to the edge, and he could tell that she was barely hanging on.  With the second, she would topple.  He cut his finger and tongue, wanting to ensure some comfort in the form she took it. 

 

Kagome moaned when he inserted his finger before she started to pull against the invisible ropes.  He moved to head to where his tongue would momentarily sooth her.  The pleasure was overriding the pain, until the final wave of blood and power surged into her.  Sesshoumaru clamped his free hand over her mouth a split second before she screamed.  Though muffled, he knew that every youkai with in two miles had heard.  Luckily for him, the barrier he had erected was warding off any uninvited guests.

 

Her body went limp as Kagome passed out from the amount of youki.  With the ceremony complete, Sesshoumaru could feel the bond strengthen and a surge of power rippled through his soul.  "So this is what it is like to experience a mating."  His words were whispered and fell on silent ears as his golden eyes stared at the sleeping raven-haired goddess in his possession.

 

~ . o . O . o . ~

 

Shinkansen - bullet train

Thanks to everyone who reviewed!