The Watcher by Michi

Chapter 1

Sesshomaru’s first impression of the woman standing in his home’s foyer was that she smelled good, like fresh grass after a warm summers shower. His pawed feet padded towards her, wanting to investigate the strange human further. Being a mere fifty years old and still weak, he had yet to take on his more human appearance. So when he began sniffing around her body with his fuzzy wet nose, the woman couldn’t help but giggle at how cute the curious pup was.

Though he was slightly put out at the woman’s laughing, he decided that the investigation was worth it as he uncovered more delightful scents that clung to her. She smelled like the best of all seasons rolled into one. Along with the warm grass, there was the smell of fresh flowers, crisp pine, and decaying leaves. However, there was one scent that puzzled Sesshomaru, or rather something that was absent where it should have been. He turned to his father who was standing beside his mother and tilted his head in confusion. His father smiled proudly at the superior intellect his pup possessed at his age.

“Well done, my son.” He praised, “It is no mistake that that particular scent is missing from her person.”

Sesshomaru yipped, not understanding how a human could not possess it, the telling scent of death. His father laughed at his son, he was still young after all. He looked at the woman who smiled sadly, knowing well what it was they were discussing. Scent was, after all, the most trusted sense for dog demons. Sesshomaru yipped again in agitation at his father not giving him a prompt response. The Taisho raised an eyebrow at his son’s demanding tone before his mouth curled into a sadistic looking smirk.

“I don’t appreciate the attitude, Sesshomaru. For that, you’re just going to have to figure it out on your own.” He turned to his mate and gave her his arm before leading her out of the foyer and deeper into the citadel.

The puppy pawed at the ground in frustration before turning back to the blue eyed woman who was now kneeling beside him. Unsatisfied with his father’s response he barked at the woman to explain. Her eyes lit with amusement.

“Though I am not quite sure what you are saying, young one, my name is Kagome and I will be staying here for the foreseeable future. You are free to investigate your curiosity to your hearts extent.” Sesshomaru snorted at the fact this human thought she could keep him from investigating without her consent, though he was happy that he would have something new to play with.

‘She must be a present from father,’ He thought with finality. Kagome smiled wider when Sesshomaru pressed himself low to the floor, his back haunches sticking up in the air as if he were stalking her like prey. Though the amusement quickly vanished when he pounced, his teeth finding purchase on the arm she had raised to defend herself. Sesshomaru allowed his poison to collect in his mouth, burning the skin of her arm badly.

Kagome cried out in pain at the feeling of the poison on her skin. Hearing this, Sesshomaru released her arm which she then began to cradle close to her body. Sesshomaru was confused at the human, she should be grateful to him, her new alpha, for marking her so quickly. He once again pounced on her, this time knocking her to the ground. Taking advantage of her being at his height, he nipped her nose in reprimand. Her hands flew to her now starting nose and shot the now not so cute puppy a glare.

“What was that for?”

He barked at her, saying that he had marked her and she should be grateful he was so generous. Kagome merely shook her head in confusion and stood.

“Don’t suppose you know where the infirmary is?” She sighed as she began to walk in the direction she saw the Taisho and his mate vanish but was stopped when she felt a pull at the base of her kimono. Looking down she saw Sesshomaru had a mouthful of her clothes and was pulling her toward a different hallway leading out of the foyer. She allowed him to guide her until they reached a small door which he scratched at. When it opened, Kagome found herself facing a young dog demon with a bad case of bed head. His eyes widened in confusion as he looked between his young lord and the human woman at his side. Seeing the burn wound on her arm, he connected the dots and quickly pulled her inside.

“What did you do to get him so wound up? He usually doesn’t use his poison seeing how he has yet to master it.” The demon asked as he began gathering different balms and poultices.

“I honestly have no idea, I was just introducing myself and the next thing I know he’s biting me.” Sesshomaru had taken up residence on her lap and was watching the other demon through narrowed, suspicious eyes. The doctor turned to the young heir and directed a questioning gaze at him. Sesshomaru barked several time before ending with a low growl. “Well?” Kagome pried after seeing the shocked and slightly amused expression on the doctor’s face.

“It would seem that Sesshomaru was marking you as his pack and warning other off of what he now considers to be his.”

“Why would he mark me as pack? We only met a few moments ago.” Sesshomaru barked a few times and the doctor translated.

“He says that you were a gift from his father.” The doctor began to apply the cooling medical slaves and wrapping her arm in bandages while being carefully observed by Sesshomaru. Kagome sighed, giving up and allowed the young pup to direct her out of the infirmary when she was finished being bandaged.

Sesshomaru was happy his minion was being obedient, now all he had to work on was her understanding him. She would require considerable training.

In the weeks that followed, the Western citadel found great amusement in watching their young lord “train” the human woman. Every day she would be awoken by a small furry body pouncing on her in a simulation of a surprise attack, before she was led out to the woods to hunt for tribute to her alpha. They would spend the afternoons in the library while Sesshomaru took his lessons. This was one area he was happy to find that she did not require additional training, she knew history particularly well. When lessons were completed he would drag her down to the field where the soldiers trained and make her practice with the generals while he was instructed by his father.

She was told he thought they needed to constantly be together to create pack ties. Kagome just wanted a nap. So, like a good alpha, Sesshomaru would allow her to rest after bathing. They usually spent this leisure time in the gardens or by the lake. Sesshomaru would pretend to meditate while Kagome amused herself my stroking his soft puppy fur. This arrangement would more often than not, lead to Sesshomaru drifting off to Kagome’s quite humming.

When they took their meals, Sesshomaru would pile Kagome’s plate high with various meats, barking at her whenever she would attempt to leave without having finished. All through the meal, he would nip at her when she breached some form of etiquette.

At night, Sesshomaru would sleep with his mother and father as he was still too young to protect himself but the Western Lord and Lady soon found themselves waking only to discover their son sneaking out to return to Kagome’s side. They were concerned at first for his safety, but were reassured when Kagome proved she was capable of defending herself when she bested the West’s eight generals.

Of course Kagome had gone to the royal couple, begging them to restrain their son and that there was a huge misunderstanding. The Lady had actually looked surprised when Kagome showed them the scared mark their son had placed on her, but the Lord just threw his head back in laughter. His son was nothing if not responsible. So, thinking this would be a good way for his son to learn about pack dynamics, he allowed his son’s mark to remain. With his father’s approval, Sesshomaru became even more stringent in her training and took great pride when she began to resign herself to her situation. He would be the best alpha, so he would only accept the best subordinates.

In the years that followed, Kagome and Sesshomaru continued to spend a great deal of time together. They would go on patrols of the castle grounds, which Sesshomaru insisted were an important part of maintaining order, practice hunting in the forest, and even spend leisurely afternoons swimming in the lake. Kagome had quickly begun to understand the more primitive inu language and the meaning of Sesshomaru’s various barks and growls, though his more complicated sentences still had to be translated for her.

Sesshomaru greatly enjoyed his companions company, it was better than that kappa that was always following after him. Though he did find one thing strange about her, there were times when she would just disappear and he couldn’t find her anywhere. The first time it happened, he had thought that she was hiding from her training. Though, after tracking her scent to his father’s room, he found that it vanished. When he questioned his father about the matter of his missing pack mate, his father replied that he was too young and that he would understand when he grew up.

Sesshomaru was livid and began to lash out at everything in sight. By the time Kagome returned, a quarter of the citadel had felt his wrath. He kept particularly close to her after that, never allowing her out of sight. After a few weeks, he relaxed his watch only to discover the next day that Kagome had once again vanished. Chaos ensued and Sesshomaru was inconsolable until Kagome returned. This pattern continued until Sesshomaru accepted that there would be times that Kagome was just … gone. Every now and then when they would be doing something, Kagome would leave to see his father and not return for a few hours, a day at most.

Yet there was one time when Kagome did not return after a day. Sesshomaru sat by the window during his studies so that he could keep an eye on the front gate of the citadel just in case she came back. Later, he patrolled around the entrance and even refused dinner saying that he had to be sure the estate was in order. All that night, he sat vigil, waiting for Kagome to return to him like she always did. But when the sun began to peek through the windows of his room it became clear to him that Kagome wasn’t returning anytime soon. Sesshomaru was numb as the realization washed over him. He padded to her room and lay down on her bed surrounding himself with her scent and howled for her to return.

When a servant found him there hours later, still crying out for Kagome, she immediately went to notify the Lord and Lady. Sesshomaru refused to listen to any reason and didn’t allow anyone to step foot in her chambers, lashing out at any who attempted to. His father was forced to restrain and sedate him to prevent him from hurting more people and himself. The close bond between the Kagome and their son worried the Lord and Lady, but they brushed it off as puppy imprinting; Sesshmaru was only turning 75 after all.

Months passed before Kagome returned to the Western family. Sesshomaru had slipped into a depression, thinking that he would never see the girl again. So when he woke one morning he almost didn’t believe his nose when her scent brushed against his own from the room next door. His little paws were hesitant and his belly flat against the floor as he cautiously made his way to the connector screen before nosing the screen open. There, passed out on her futon, was his Kagome. Thoughts in a jumble, Sesshomaru did the only thing he could think of doing: he pounced.

When Kagome woke that morning, it was not to tiny paws and little licks on her face as she had become accustomed to, but small claw tipped hands and a striped face nuzzling her neck. She lay transfixed as she watched his amber eyes rise to meet her own cerulean blue ones. They were wet with unshed tears and a scowl had distorted his cute striped face, his hands trembling as he gripped her sleeping kimono.

“Don’t ever leave me again.”

Kagome’s eyes widened as he spoke his first words. His voice was rough, as if he was unsure how to articulate barks into words, but they were sincere. Kagome pulled him into a tight hug, his body the size of a five year old.

“I’m sorry.” Kagome whispered into his pointed hears and his body instantly relaxed in her arms, “But I cannot promise that.”

Sesshomaru ripped himself away from her and darted out of the room on all fours, despite being in a human body. He was hurt that she would leave him again and his mind was clouded with doubt. Did she not like him? Did she doubt his ability to protect her? Was he a bad alpha?

He burst into his father’s study and began to whine. He was frustrated he couldn’t say the words he wanted to say in his human form and he didn’t understand what was wrong with him that Kagome didn’t like him. The Taisho looked on in shock at his son’s appearance. It was unheard of for a pup to attain their humanoid form before their hundredth year, and yet his son had done so. Transforming and maintaining a human form requires a great deal of energy, the Taisho felt chills run down his spine at the potentially powerful his son could become. He set aside his astonishment of his son and turned to the problem at hand.  

“Calm down, Sesshomaru. Although it may feel strange and awkward to speak with a tongue at first, it will come instinctively if you just calm down.” Sesshomaru let out one last whine before quieting to little whimpers. “Now, tell me what happened.”

“Kagome’s home.”

“Excellent!” The Taisho boomed, wondering why his son was with him when he would usually stick close to Kagome; particularly giving the length of time she was gone recently. He suddenly froze, “She’s not hurt, is she? If those damn cats so much as put a scratch on her…”

“She’s fine.” Sesshomaru said quickly, not fully understanding what his father was talking about but knowing that his temper was not something he wanted to incite.

“Then what’s the problem?”

“… She didn’t trust this Sesshomaru as alpha. She doesn’t like me!” Sesshomaru said as he began to pout again.

“What made you think that?”

“She said that she was going to leave me again.”

“Well of course she is.” The Taisho said exasperated, “She has a duty to fulfill that prevents her from always being by your side.”

“A duty?”

“Yes, a duty.” The Taisho nodded confidently, “Just as one day, you will take on my duties as Western Lord and you will be required to see to the needs of our people, Kagome has a duty to her clan that she cannot ignore.”

“So she leaves me because she has to and not because she wants to?” Sesshomaru questioned as a smile began to spread across his face. His father smiled down at his son.

“Yes.” Just as soon as the words left his lips, Sesshomaru had scampered out of the room, no doubt in search of Kagome. “I’m going to have to teach him how to walk on two feet.”

“I just passed our son; it seems he has taken on a human appearance quite early.” The Lady of the West said as she entered her mates study. “He seemed quite happy about something.”

“Indeed, it seems Kagome has returned from the South.”

“The war has ended then?”

“She would not be here if that were not the case.” He said gruffly as he sat at his desk. “Those cats are always causing problems.”

“I believe she suffers greatly.” She said as she began to massage her mate’s tense shoulders. “Sesshomaru and his antics seem to ease her mind; he is very good for her.”

“And she for him.”

“Her clan is calling a summons… The last time this happened-”

“There is nothing we can do.” The Taisho brusquely cut her off. “No one can touch their clan and she is required to attend.”

“I know. I just wish…” A tear fell onto the Lord’s lap. He took his mate’s hand and gently kissed her knuckle.

“Me too, mate. Me too.”

*****

The staff and residents of the Western citadel were solemn as they prepared for their Lord and Kagome’s departure. Despite her humanity, she had wormed her way into the hearts of all those around her. Her smiles lit up the citadel and her laugher breathed new life into the walls. It didn’t hurt that she brought out the playful side in not just the young heir but the Lord and Lady as well. The staff was constantly being caught up in the antics of her and Sesshomaru’s many games but they loved every second of it.

Though it was strange that she seemed to disappear into thin air every now and then and Sesshomaru would become depressed when she was gone, they grew used to it; it was just another quirk of Kagome. However, there was one week every year when she would be summoned back to her clan. They always knew when it was because a human messenger wearing a brass necklace with an empty triangular hourglass symbol hanging off it would bring the summons. The Lord, who would dress in full regalia, was required to escort Kagome to her clan’s main house.

Though the staff did not know what happened at the meetings, their Lord would always go for a hunt to relieve his anger before returning to the citadel. It was by chance that one day a servant saw the same crest the messenger wore on Kagome. Only, rather than it being in the form of jewelry, the symbol was branded on the back of her neck.

When the week was up, the Lord would retrieve Kagome who would then spend the following week in her room allowing only Sesshomaru to enter. Sesshomaru merely thought that her time spent away was another of her duties she had to fulfill and did not think too deeply on it. No one knew what happened at these family gatherings, not even the Taisho. One thing was for certain though, she came back changed. 

The Western Lord and Kagome were silent as they made their way to Kagome’s clan’s main house where the meeting would be taking place. It did not take long for them to reach the mansion having traveled via orb. The path was overgrown with trees which seemed bent to prevent passage to travelers. However, when the trees thinned, they were met with an incredible sight; the mansion stood tall and proud against a high cliff. The wood was a rich red which faded into black and lush green vines twined themselves up the columns and across the second floor balcony’s banister. To the right of the house was a waterfall descending from the top of the cliff into a large pool surrounded by gardens. There was a fine mist drifting about in the air, leaving a sheen of haze slightly obscuring ones vision. Before the two could advance any further a guard materialized, brandishing his sword against the Lord and his charge.

“State your name and business.”

“I am the Inu no Taisho, Lord of the Western Lands.” The Taisho’s voice was strong and domineering. He was not surprised that the guard’s expression remained neutral, the people in this clan never showed emotion. He gestured to the young woman beside him. “I bring Kagome.” The air suddenly became thick with tension and the guards eyes narrowed.

“Show your mark.” He bit out. Obligingly, Kagome turned and lifted her hair, the burn scar of an empty triangular hourglass prominent on her lightly tanned skin. The guard then roughly grabbed Kagome’s arm, dragging her towards the mansion. The Taisho saw the girl wince and try to ease his grip on her followed by the guard’s grim amusement when tightened his hold. The Taisho was only able to take one step before he found no less than eight swords at his throat. Without turning around, the guard who had Kagome simply called over his shoulder, “You have fulfilled your duty dog lord. You are no longer welcome.”

The Taisho clenched his fists in anger before turning his back on Kagome and her clan. There was nothing he could do against them. They were simply too powerful. Even he, the great Inu no Taisho couldn’t move against those favored by the kami.

*****

It had only been three days. The staff of the Western citadel had more cautious than usual around the Taisho having seen the anger and frustration written on his face when he returned. The first thing he did was hunt. He brought back enough meat for several weeks. The next thing he did was sequester himself with his mate. The staff wouldn’t be surprised if there was another royal child on the way given how much the two were howling. The third thing he did was pace. There were tracks in the stone he had paced so much. He knew that something had changed when he dropped off Kagome. They were never that rough with her before. Sure they hated and berated her, but the sadistic pleasure and satisfaction the guard had found in her suffering was never present before.

It had only been three days. Sesshomaru was bored. Kagome was gone again, off doing her duty; not that he knew what that duty was, just that it was important. He was proud that his pack mate took her responsibility so seriously. Though, he wished that she wasn’t gone so much. He was sitting in a tree watching the clouds laze by when he smelled it. At first he brushed it off as being some weird pollen in the air, but when it didn’t leave he knew something was wrong. Kagome’s blood was in the air.

It had only been three days. Yet, there she lay in a crumpled ball at the gates of the citadel. Her cloths were dirty and her blood seeped through, a small puddle was beginning to form around her. Sesshomaru couldn’t move. He couldn’t breathe. He couldn’t think. Kagome was bleeding on the ground in front of him. Was she…was she dead?

A wet, pain filled gasp tore from her throat and she began to cough more blood. Sesshomaru let out a high pitched howl, informing his father of danger. Before Sesshomaru’s call could be finished, the Taisho stood livid over his pup; Kagome’s blood driving him instantly into a more feral state of mind. Finding his pup unharmed, he assessed the situation and noticed Kagome. Cursing, he lifted the girl and dashed to the infirmary.

The Taisho would not allow Sesshomaru in the infirmary; he refused to scar his pup any further more than he had already been. Though, that didn’t stop him from howling and clawing at the door trying to get in. The doctor began to cut away Kagome’s cloths so that he could access the wounds. The aggravation and pulling woke Kagome from her pain induced coma, her eyes hazed. The Taisho feared what would happen should Kagome lose consciousness again.

“What happened, Kagome! Speak to me.” He encouraged while distracting her from the doctor’s movements. Her sightless eyes found his and filled with tears.

“I’ve been banished.” She croaked out. The Taisho froze, never had he heard of one of her clansmen being banished. It simply wasn’t done and to one of her position no less.

“How? How could they banish you?” Her eyes were sad as they came into focus. His amber eyes comforted her; they looked so much like his son’s that it was as if it was Sesshomaru beside her.

“They found a more permanent solution to their problem.” A tear slid down the side of her face as she once again lost consciousness.

“My Lord.” The doctor said from beside him, voice laced with astonishment. Turning from the girls face, the Taisho saw what had captured the other demons attention. There, carved into Kagome’s back, was a magic circle. It was incredibly intricate; there were a series of inner squares crossing through the center and ancient runes carved around the perimeter of the circle. It was a spell of binding that would tie two souls together. A dark magic that should never be used, that should have been forgotten to time. But it was this which made her clan so powerful. They were, after all, immune to time. They were the Watchers.

“Kagome,” The Taisho breathed, “What have they done to you?”