An Unexpected Love: I Will Fight for You

 

Warning:  this chapter contains some extreme violence and possible rape (depends on how you look at it).

 

~ . o . O . o . ~

 

An Unexpected Love

Chapter Eight : I Will Fight for You

 

~ . o . O . o . ~

Amber eyes watched as Kagome fell under the youki spell.  Inuyasha could not deny the truth that his brother spoke.  He was spying on them, and reporting their actions to Kikyou.  But he kept their intimacy to himself, and that was what was killing him.  The fact that he now knew Kagome still cared for him, even after all the harsh words he spoke to her, hurt all the more.  'How could I betray her like that?'  He repeatedly asked himself, though he could not answer his own question.

Inuyasha knew that it was his fault for the way things had ended up.  He had been torn between Kikyou and Kagome.  But even with the knowledge that all his dead lover wanted was his death, he still could not pick between the two.  However, at the moment, the hanyou chose to blame the two lovers in front of him instead of himself.  With his eyes glazing over in a maddening way, Inuyasha disappeared into the thicket behind him in search for his undead companion.  He needed to erase the burning images of Kagome and Sesshoumaru from his mind.

 

~ . o . O . o . ~

The morning sun glowed through the cracks of the bamboo walls.  Kagome's eyes slowly opened to greet a smiling Sesshoumaru.  She sat up, quickly pulling the sheets around her.  This was the first time that she had awoken to find him still here.  Kagome could not find any words, however, she was grateful to have him break the silence.

 

"Do not be afraid.  I can assure you that I will not hurt you," he laughed lightly.  It was so rare that he really laughed.

 

She smiled back, finally finding her voice.  "No, I'm sorry.  I-It's just that I'm not use to you being here in the mornings, that's all."  She glanced around the room, looking for her kimono.  "Uh, I just always thought that you were busy with the--" she paused for a minute, not sure how to address the land that Sesshoumaru resided over.  "Um, the Empire, I guess."

 

He was in front of her in a second, close enough so that Kagome could feel his breath on her skin.  "We have to discuss the second part of the ritual, so today I am all yours."  His voice whispered in her ear and she shivered because of the hot air.  "Besides, I have hidden your clothes, and you shall not dress until I decide for you to."  He pulled the woman back into bed.  She couldn't hold her giggles any longer. 

 

The two stayed in bed until noon, when Seika came kicking them out for a late lunch.  She informed them that Rin and Shippou had been harassing everyone because of their disappearance.  Although Seika did not approve of the lord's choice in a wife, the youkai had to admit that she had seen a change in him.  This human Kagome was a sorceress if she could bring happiness to the palace, and to her lord.   The woman nodded as Sesshoumaru gave her several orders, then bowed and exited.  Both knew that Kagome had no clue about what had been ordered, and the female was left to wonder how this would play out in the end.  Seika found herself not wanting Lady Kagome to leave.  She seemed to bring the sun with her wherever she went.

 

Long, braided gray hair swayed behind the inu youkai as she walked.  She sighed as she mentally recalled her list.  He had specifically asked for the herbs and potions that were involved in the blood-binding ritual.  Seika's pace slowed and she sighed again.  Her eyes scanned the wall to her left; paintings of Sesshoumaru's ancestors littered the wall as far as the eye could see.  'He is really going through with it.'  The woman's gaze landed on a regal portrait of a noble inu youkai.  The female was clad in gold and deep reds, a sign of great power and wealth.  "Oh mother, why is our family's men cursed with the fascination of human women?"

 

~ . o . O . o . ~

 

Kagome finished dressing as she could hear Sesshoumaru's movements in the adjoining room.  She was curious to find out what it was that kept him so near her this morning.  His unusual behavior had brought troubled feelings to the surface and it was hard to shake them off.  Kagome's concern over Inuyasha had only deepened when she realized what danger he was in.  And yet, she still kept a blind eye to her own precarious situation and well-being.

She sighed deeply as she looked at her reflection.  Since she had adorned the silk kimonos and finer things Sesshoumaru provided, Kagome felt misplaced and lost.  She felt as if she was in limbo.  The woman wondered if that was how Sesshoumaru felt, or even Inuyasha.  She stood and opened the sliding door to greet the waiting demon.

 

His small smile made her heart skip a beat and Kagome knew then that she was falling in love with him, despite her efforts.  She latched onto his arm as they walked out into the gardens.  There was a silence between the two as they rounded the side of the castle and a moderate dojo appeared.  Kagome was a little puzzled when Seika's form emerged from within to greet them.

 

As they climbed the stairs, Kagome noted the various bowls and bottles that lined the edge of the porch, which circled the building.  Once inside, Seika closed the doors as Sesshoumaru seated her opposite the exit, then sat down in front of her.  There was a long pause before he spoke.

 

"From today on we will be training you to control your miko powers.  The first three days are needed for the spiritual and blood binding, and require that we fight and endure the other's power without rest.  This is a tricky and very risking process, so you must put forth your best efforts.  You can not hold yourself back, Kagome, because it could mean the death of us both.  We will fight until we reach a breaking point, one each day, and at that point we must exchange blood.  Even though our bodies are tired from exhaustion, our powers will be at their zenith.  When we digest the blood, we will be able to control our own powers as well as increase the maximum output.  It will raise our tolerance to the other's power and is necessary for our mating." 

Kagome nodded.  "I understand what you are saying," she replied but bit her lip in worry.  "But will I be able to last until you have deplete your energy?"

He nodded.  "Yes, you will.  The blood I have been feeding your body has increased your stamina and heightened your powers, but it is not enough.  It is true that I am much stronger, and that is why we must continue with this or you will not survive the mating.  I must stress that this process is dangerous and risky.  I know you will be able to hold out.  You are strong and that is why you will make it."  He leaned over to touch her cheek.  "I will fight for you no matter what is in front of me.  This will not be an easy three days but we can and will make it.  Do not give up, Kagome."

She could see the passion hidden within those golden eyes and his resolve was as clear as clean waters.  Kagome knew that Sesshoumaru was giving up things to that were precious to him and swallowing his pride.  She couldn't understand why he had chosen to take her as his mate, but at that moment, none of those reasons mattered.  If there was a hidden agenda, she could not see it clearly.  She had learned that over the past few months, his hatred for humans and hanyous seemed to be his defense and shell against the world. Yet now, it seemed to be a lie.

Sango had once said that youkai, such as Sesshoumaru, had status and image to worry about.  They could not be seen as weak or their lands, and all within, would be threatened by other lords, or even rouge groups of demons.  However, both women agreed that Rin had been his exception.  Although the circumstances of their acquaintance was still a mystery, Sesshoumaru was displaying his power by having the little human child under his protection.  Sango suggested that it was the same, in theory, with her.  Picking a human woman to mate with, and one that was a miko, would ensure his reign for many years, especially after the official ceremony was complete.

At the time, Kagome did not understand the taijiya's words, yet now they made sense.  His power would grow exponentially after their coupling.  Being able to endure a strong purifying force would surely mean that his power had grow substantially.  Kagome thought of Naraku's abilities in comparison and the realization hit her.  Naraku's demise seemed to be much closer now.  Had Sesshoumaru concocted this in order to defeat the menace?  It seemed plausible.  Sesshoumaru was not one who wished to declare to the world that he was not strong enough.  Yet his means of empowerment seemed extreme.

 

If he was willing to go through with this, then so was she.  "I won't give up either."  She smiled as she cocked her head.

 

Sesshoumaru nodded and then called for the waiting demon.  "Seika," his voice bellowed and the door opened enough for the woman to hear his command.  "Bring the first drink."  She nodded and turned to grab a tray before entering as Sesshoumaru turned to speak to Kagome.  "This will enhance your powers.  It is a boost that will help you in the long run.  You shall have one of these every six hours."  She nodded again in understanding as Seika handed the drink to her.

 

~ . o . O . o . ~

 

The couple sat in the rolling lush fields as the children played not far from them.  The female was weighed down with the worry for her friend.  Sango knew of the battle raging in the dojo that sat in the distance from them.  "But for three days?"  Her words drifted to the monk. 

 

"It seems to be a very delicate process, Sango.  I am sure Lord Sesshoumaru only wants things to go smoothly.  He is very cautious and I doubt that he will bring harm to Kagome-chan."  The monk's words were true.  "We must not interfere."

 

Shippou and Rin were collecting various flowers, scurrying around the area in an excited frenzy.  Sango watched the two run about, a small smile on her lips as it brought back old memories.  "Yes, I know but Kagome-chan is--is very close to me, Miroku.  I don't think I could stand to lose her."

 

He rested a hand on her shoulder, gently squeezing it to show her some comfort.  "Everything will be right in the end." 

 

Another long silence hung in the air between the two.  "And what of Inuyasha?"  They both knew that the hanyou was possessed, and almost unstoppable.

 

Miroku sighed.  "It is true that Inuyasha has become a problem, but he is our friend and we must support him as much as possible.  I understand that it is not what you wished to hear, but we can not abandon him."   

 

"Yes, you are right, Miroku, but I know that if Inuyasha wanted to break free, he would be able to."  Her voice fell lower.  "He should be able to." 

 

"Yes, I agree, but we are talking about Kikyou.  She is very powerful and I doubt we have seen someone of her magnitude."  He paused, thinking.  "Not even Hitomiko-san* could really compare, although she was very powerful." 

 

"Miroku, you forget about Kagome-chan.  You should not underestimate her." 

 

"I would agree, but Kagome-chan has not had the training that Kikyou has.  And we also know that Kikyou possesses a piece of Kagome's soul."  Sango nodded.  All that was true, but the facts still remained.  Kagome was the living one, and the taijiya felt that there was still much to discover about Kagome.  "Although it is puzzling," the monk mumbled. 

 

Sango swung her head around to meet his face.  "What do you mean?"

 

"If I remember correctly, Kagome had mentioned, once before, that the jewel had emerged from within her body.  If this is true, then there is definitely something we don't know, or could even begin to understand."  

 

"Do you think that Sesshoumaru knows that?"  Sango began to worry again.  There were too many questions.

 

"Well, that is hard to say.  However, the point remains that Inuyasha and Kikyou know, and I am sure Naraku has put two and two together."

 

A long silence hung over them as they watched Shippou entertain Rin with his Foxfire magic.  The children were able to be children, free from the constant traveling and the threat of harm.  Sango remembered the days of her youth when there was no Naraku and no Shikon, everything was peaceful and they were happy.  Kagome would have been in her own time, enjoying her freedom, Inuyasha and Kikyou would have been at rest, and Miroku would have kept to his travels.  Yet, now their paths were all intangled in a horrid fate.

 

"Miroku, do you think Inuyasha truly wishes to join Kikyou in Hell?" 

 

The question hung in the air for a long time, each one lost in their thoughts, and wondering if that was what he wished.  The duo knew that guilt weighted heavy on the hanyou.  He had loved Kikyou and wanted to protect her, and in the end, had failed in doing so.  Would Kagome's life end the same way?

 

~ . o . O . o . ~

 

Seika sat outside the dojo listening to the fighting as it continued.  She cast her eyes to the sky, noting the sun's low position in the distant horizon.  The day before, they had broke just after noon, a good sign that the miko would survive the first official ceremony.  But now, many hours had passed since the two's last indigestion of the blood toxin, which sat to her left, and it was worrying the female, as each break could be no more than twenty-seven hours apart.  The demon knew that no human could ever last longer than that, and that the next dose had to be coming soon so Kagome did not die. 

 

The conflicting power on the other side of the door suddenly peeked, bringing Seika's eyes back to the screen in front of her.  Thirty-two hours after the first drink, Sesshoumaru's fleeting form flew through the wall, and two feet from Seika's head, to land on shaky legs yards away from the entrance.  Before the demon could stand, Kagome came flying out, whizzing past the startled servant.  The Western Lord blocked the purifying arrow along with the spiritual ones that manifested.  Each appeared within milliseconds of the first as Seika witnessed the lord's power at full strength.  She was indeed impressed with his display and understood why so many youkai women yearned to mate with the powerful demon.

 

Her eyes remained glued as Sesshoumaru lunged forward and swung Toukijin.  The massive yellow energy that was released stunned Seika as it danced toward the human woman.  Fear gripped her heart as she knew that she was about to witness Kagome's death.  Instead, the miko only repelled the attack, nearly missing the demon.  Both dropped to the ground, coughing blood as their bodies were wracked with the pain of bonding and growing.  Seika covered her mouth.  The stench of their life force was gagging her and the power rolling off of the liquid was making her dizzy.  The breaking was indeed powerful.

 

Sesshoumaru's words echoed through her ears.  "Seika, I will tell you this, and if I hear anything spoken to another, then, just as you have betrayed your lady, will you have betrayed me, and your punishment shall be your head and the heads of your loved ones.  Kagome plays a very important role in defeating Naraku and holds a great hidden power.  I will not let her fall to anyone else."  In the end, the dedication in his voice won her.

 

The demon servant was struggling to stand under the large amount of pressure when Kagome's scream broke her from her huddled state.  Her eyes focused as she witnessed a a shaky Sesshoumaru rush to her side.  Seika stood, her own legs wobbly from her weight.  The two cups were in her hands as she, too, quickly made her way to her lord and lady.

 

Kagome's horrific cry had brought Makoto and Yumi, as well as Sango and Miroku, out into the night.  Seika directed the half-demon to have Yumi and the lady's companions stay in the castle.  They could not afford to have one of them break the barrier as only those with demonic blood could enter safely.

 

The young girl reluctantly agreed and herded the rest into the large library where they sat watching the moon lower in the black night.  The hours ticked and chimed by as the grandfather-type clock kept count.  Yumi finally excused herself to check on her lady's progress.

 

She quickly crossed the front foyer to open the door and was met with Ichiro's towering form decked out in his military armor.  "Ichiro, what are you doing?"

 

"I've been ordered to keep you away from the ceremony."

 

"What?  But why?  I am one of Lady Kagome's maidens."

 

"It is dangerous now and it is for everyone's safety."

 

She nodded.  "I understand."  Fear rose in her as she hung her head to hide the tears that sprung to life.

 

Ichiro stepped forward and embraced the woman.  "It will be fine Yumi.  Lord Sesshoumaru is strong and will make it through."

 

She looked up at him.  "Yes, I know Lord Sesshoumaru will be fine, but I am worried about Lady Kagome."  Ichiro stiffened at her words.  "Ichiro, are you okay?"

 

"Why are you so worried about that woman?  She is trouble."

 

"Ichiro, how can you say such a thing?  Lady Kagome coming here is a good thing.  We might not have to hide--"

 

"Lord Sesshoumaru can never find out what we have done."

 

"But we can get Lady Kagome to help us plead our case.  If the lord is marrying her, then he must accept humans, and then we wouldn't have to hide and sneak around anymore."

 

"No, we can't.  The lord is planning something.  I can see it in his eyes.  He will only use her and then discard her after."

 

"But what do you mean?  Lady Kagome is becoming the Lady of the Western Lands.  They are mating, Ichiro.  Every morning I see what the lord has done to her, the seals and bindings, so you can not deny it.  The two of them are in the fighting ritual right now.  What more proof can I give you or is it that you wish no one to know of our love?  Are you ashamed of me, Ichiro?  Is it because I am human?"

 

"That is ridiculous, Yumi.  You know how I feel.  But Lord Sesshoumaru spoke of--"

 

"Ichiro, Lord Sesshoumaru is in love and in denial."

 

The captain sighed at her words.  She might have been speaking the truth, but the lustrous shine that this human female held would disappear, and Ichiro was sure that the lord would discard her.  "I do not believe our lord would settle for one so inadequate.  That woman has him under a spell."

 

Before Yumi could speak, another scream pierced the sky and the barrier wavered.

 

~ . o . O . o . ~

The past two days had been torture on Inuyasha.  He had not spoken to Kikyou about the mating and when he had returned to the castle, the hanyou kept his distance, only watching from the tree-line.  He had to admit that the fighting had been intense and he was jealous of the bond that he could see growing between the two.  When the miko inquired about his knowledge in the slight changes of spiritual pressure, Inuyasha mumbled something about training and disappeared into the night. 

However, Kikyou knew something was going on.  Later that night, a strong spiritual power erupted from castle grounds, bringing her out of the cave.  This time, the dead woman knew exactly what had been transpiring, though not why Inuyasha had kept such information from her.  She turned, rushing to grab her bow and arrow from the entrance before heading to the palace.

 

Her teacher had been the best in the region, and as she trained under him with Tsubaki, she felt her spiritual energies grow as well as her body's capabilities.  And now, even in death, her body was strong.  Kikyou quietly and swiftly moved through the forest, barely making any more sound than a mouse.  Suddenly, she stopped and a red-clad figure moved from behind the tree. 

 

"Inuyasha, why did you not tell me?  Why did you lie?"  His eyes were locked onto hers as he remained silent.  "Do you wish them to be together?"  He flinched but his eyes did not waver.  "What do you have to say for yourself?"

 

He adverted his eyes to scan the forest before they fell on her again.  "I have nothing to say in my defense."

"I see, well then shall we go?"  She took several steps forward before stopping again.  "Inuyasha, what is the matter with you?"  The anger could be heard in her voice.  "Why have you let this happen?  What the hell were you thinking?"

"Why is it that you care, Kikyou?  Why have you been manipulating me as well?  You are no different from Naraku and in the end we will all go down.  I just--I just can't bring Kagome down with us."  He turned to look at the castle.  "At least, I know Sesshoumaru will take care of her and in time she will be happy."  Kagome's faint words drifted in his ears but he would erase them and burn in Hell with Kikyou forever.  After all, it was what he deserved.

"We do not have time for this nonsense!  Pull it together.  Naraku is sure to have sensed this as well and it is a prime opportunity for an attack.  We must intercept them."

Inuyasha was a little taken back by her words.  He had not expected such concern from her but nodded and followed.  There was a possibility that Naraku would use this small window to do damage and Inuyasha wanted to be there to greet him when he showed.

 

~ . o . O . o . ~

The moon lit the stone-washed walls of the storage house as it sat several feet from the main building.  Hushed whispers echoed in the night as two shadows moved around.  The culinary maid's white skirt fluttered in the dark, catching glimpses of the light from the overhead celestial body.  Her laugh was light as the man strategically planted each kiss, pulling the human deeper into the dark folds of the the shed, his bamboo coat falling to the ground.

"Now tell me, my little one, what do you have for me?"  His voice was husky and deep as he whispered in her ear.

 

She giggled as her hands moved over the dark kimono.  "Lord Sesshoumaru is getting married to a human."

 

He smirked in the dark cover.  His suspicions were correct, Sesshoumaru had thought that he could acquire more power through the miko.  He had to act quickly.  The ceremony had begun and there was little time left.

 

"But I have another piece of information that you might find interesting.  The Captain of the Guard is mingling with one of the lady's human servants."

 

"Is that so?  And why are you telling me this?  If the lord is marrying a human then such things should not matter."

 

"Yes, but it has been going on for two years and the lord just recently meet the lady.  Before then, he forbid any youkai and human relationships.  Such an act would call for their heads."

 

"Ahh, I see then."  He laughed.  "You have done well, Akina."  His words were soft as he engulfed the woman.  Her skin glowed purple as the miasma seeped into her body.  She struggled slightly before succumbing to the subjugation spell.  Naraku broke the kiss.  "Now take me inside the castle."  The woman nodded as her eyes hummed with domination.

 

~ . o . O . o . ~

 

This is the first time I have specifically thanked anyone for reviews~! (on AFF.NET) Kikyra, InuyashasGypsyGirl, lillady, Tussi, Tana-san, cocoke5 and akasha.  (MM.ORG) oldestmaiden & Persephone.  (INUYOUKAIFANFICTION.COM)  cocoke5, Lady Aurora of the west, & shelby11. ^^  It helps to hear encouragement from you guys (I hope I didn't miss anyone!).  I'm excited about the next chapter because I hope some of your questions will be answered, *poke-poke* akasha.  [>,<]  Also, thanks to you guys for almost 3,000+ hits.  ^^  I'm all excited.  It helps to hear what you think, so please review more!  I'm so bad!  This chapter gave me some problems and I completely missed my deadline.  Also, I'm in the process of moving, and though that is not an excuse for not writing, I have and will be busy until August.  Wish me luck!  Please forgive me and keep reading & reviewing.  Thanks goes to Marcia for help in beta reading.  Please go check out her stuff, her user/posting name is mlmonty.

 

This chapter came out long but don't expect it to always be that way, [>,<]  sorry! Also, I'm promoting my new mailing list, http://groups.google.com/group/yukihimefanfiction.  If you are interested in my work then please go check it out.  I'm gradually updating it with everything that is recent, and proofed.  AUL is hosted there as is some other non-Inuyasha stuff. 

Hitomiko - okay a little spoiler but not much, promise!  A character from from the recent Inuyasha manga [508], she's a priestess that the group has stumbled across - she's important in the Inuyasha manga 0and that's all I'm going to say.  If you want to know more, go check out AdInuyasha's page [http://adinuyasha.thebrokenconsole.com/TOC.html].  It's full of the original manga and you can go all the way back to chapter 456.  Pssst, if you are interested I could direct you to the rest.

Okay, and finally I have had several people comment about how I switch between Japanese and English or the Lord Sesshoumaru vs Sesshoumaru-sama.  Now I must say that none of these comments were mean or rude in any way, however, I feel the need to address this.  Please be aware that this is part of my style - though I have some reasons.  One reason I switch languages is due to the rhythm of the sentence and how well it flows.  Sometimes youkai fits better than demon.  To address the second, I believe that the various Inu-characters would address each other differently than from others.  For explain, Jaken ALWAYS addresses Sesshoumaru as Lord Sesshoumaru while Inuyasha and the gang often just leave off the lord part.  Anyway, just a little quick explanation, I hope I don't annoy anyone with this.

 

++  Okay so I'm not sure if Miroku and Sango know that the Shikon no Tama was in Kagome's body, I can't remember.  However, for the purpose of this story they know.  I'm not sure if it is common knowledge within the group.  Does anyone know?

+++ Last one, I swear. Do you guys read this section? Anyways, I'm wondering if cocoke5 reviewed on two sites? If you did, thanks so much! ^,^ I love you.