Chain of Love by Chie

Chapter 22 - Ceremony

Chie: Happy Holidays! I hope you will enjoy this chapter which, I believe, has been long awaited! ;3

This chapter is dedicated to the dear SilverontheRose, who sent me a PM some months back. I probably wouldn’t have realised a certain minor detail causing a flaw in my logic, had she not pointed it out by her clever question. So, thank you, SilverontheRose, for giving me the opportunity of saving my face. ;3

Chapter twenty-two – Ceremony

”Wake up,” the servant’s commanding voice penetrated through her hazy dream world. Kagome groaned and turned to her side, grabbing a hold and snuggling against Sesshoumaru’s arm in the process. The young heir was waking up as well and turned to glance at the priestess curled up against his side.

“Young lady,” Izumi insisted, starting to shake the groggy human awake.

Kagome groaned again.

“My lord,” the servant pleaded, “we do not have any time to waste. The ruling lord of the North will arrive at any moment possible, and the Lady demands your presence in the formal reception. After all, it is because of you two that they have travelled so far.”

Sesshoumaru nodded.

“Do not worry, Izumi. We will be there.”

Izumi huffed, but submitted to her lord. She bowed herself out of the room and went to bark orders at Haruka and others to be prepared to make Kagome presentable as quickly as possible.

Sesshoumaru turned to the woman sleeping next to him and then proceeded to wake her up. After he had got the miko’s groggy attention, he explained the situation and after that it was all a haze and a blur when in haste one dazed miko was turned into a proper princess. Sooner than she knew, Kagome found herself in the main hall, sitting on the dais next to Kimiko. On her orders, they had sat on both sides of the Lady. Kagome sat still in seiza and tried not to nervously fiddle with the sleeve of her kimono. She was trying her best to stay calm. Being on the dais, looking down to a room full of demons was something she still found unnerving. And now, she was going to participate on the formal reception of the representative of other ruling house. Even though Izumi had endlessly drilled her in etiquette, this was the first time Kagome would be facing an actual situation.

“Just keep your calm.”

To Kagome’s surprise, this quiet piece of advice did not come from Sesshoumaru, but Kimiko.

“You are not even officially a member of the house of the West yet. You will only need to greet them. Just follow my lead.”

Kagome nodded mutely.

And then the servants slid the doors open, and an old wolf demon wrapped in a white pelt walked in, on a slow pace, being walked by two younger demons. Kagome, however, could not concentrate on the aged and wrinkled face of the Northern Lord. She was staring at the red-haired female and the tall young man wearing armour and a brown fur pelt on his hips.

And on that exact moment, the wolf demon’s pale blue eyes met her shocked and widened sapphire ones.

It took him a while to recognise her. He had never seen her dressed up so formally, and this was the last place he had expected to see her in. But there was no doubt about it.

Fighting to keep her rising panic under the control, Kagome watched as the three walked closer and closer, until they were standing right before the dais. With Ayame’s help, the old wolf bowed down, followed by Kouga and Ayame.

“The Northern Lord greets the Lady of the West,” the old demon croaked.

“The House of the West welcomes the Lord of the North and his companions,” Kimiko replied, and bowed in return. Sesshoumaru and Kagome both also bowed deep.

“This Kimiko hopes you will enjoy your stay.”

“We are grateful for Your warm welcome.”

“Please, sit. The travel must have been vexing,” Kimiko said, switching to more casual tone now that the formality was over.

“Thank you. It does trouble these old bones of mine to travel this distance. But do not be foolish enough to treat me as a complete senile, Kimiko.”

The Lady smirked.

“If I may speak up,” Kouga said, lowering his head to show his respect towards the Western Lady, “I would want to ask if the Western heir’s intended would want to show me the gardens, I have heard they are quite beautiful.

Ayame’s green eyes glared Kouga suspiciously. Kagome sat still, paled and unable to make a sound. Kimiko stared at the young wolf one eye brow raised.

“That is acceptable,” Sesshoumaru said evenly, his bored eyes studying the wolf. He knew Kagome considered the ookami to be her friend.

“Izumi,” Kimiko said meaningfully.

The senior attendant nodded and walked up to the dais. She helped down her mistress, and then followed after her as Kouga escorted the miko out of the room.

“Now that was unexpected,” Kimiko said smoothly.

“They know each other, my lady,” Ayame explained. A small, worried frown marred the red head’s beautiful features. She did not like the idea at all, to leave Kouga alone with the human he had claimed his woman. Even though he had told Ayame that he had dropped his claim. But after a long time, Ayame had finally begun to hope that she could get her happy ending after all. That’s why she still felt insecure every time Kouga’s eyes settled on someone else.

-cCc-

They walked in silence. Kouga did not even seem to see the garden around him. He either just stared blankly ahead or then stole glances at Kagome. They stopped at a small arched bridge set over a decorative pond. Gazing into the water, the wolf demon finally spoke.

“I know I already dropped my claim, and I knew you and Sesshoumaru had received his mother’s consent for your mating… Still, seeing you sit there was a shock to me, Kagome. To see you, of all people, in the hall of the West, of all places… The last time I saw you, neither of you were going to proceed with the mating.”

“I know,” Kagome sighed softly. “It doesn’t seem to make any sense, huh? But things… happened. We became friends, Sesshoumaru and I. And we decided to mate each other, since without the ceremony there is no hope to be rid of this chain. It was more of a his idea, but I’ve given my consent.”

“Are you sure you want to do this, Kagome? To become Sesshoumaru’s mate?”

“It’s too late to go back now, Kouga,” Kagome said wistfully.

“You do understand that the bond will be for life, right? There will be no way out if you start to regret it later.”

“I know. Sesshoumaru explained it all to me. He said that a mental bond would be better than a physical one… That if I were to fall in love with someone else, he wouldn’t stop me.”

“But what about Inuyasha? I always thought you loved him.”

Kagome felt a sharp stab of pain in her chest and blinked away the tears welling in her eyes.

Catching the salty scent of her tears in the air, Kouga pulled Kagome in his arms and ran his hand down her back in a soothing manner.

The comforting embrace broke Kagome’s defence. She could not hold back the tears anymore. She clung to her friend as the sobs racked her body. After a while she began to calm down, relaxing against Kouga’s warmth.

“I did love him,” she spoke quietly, her pain evident in her voice. “Or at the least I believed I did. But it hurt me, Kouga. I think he likes me, you know. But he does not really understand. Too often when he is looking at me, he is not looking at me at all. And I understand that. It must have been so hard, trying to get over the death of your most beloved person, only to have her been brought back to life. Only to meet her reincarnation. In such a situation, he can’t possibly get over her.”

Kouga listened quietly to Kagome’s words, his hand still soothingly stroking the woman’s back.

“I might not love Sesshoumaru, but I trust him, Kouga. I know he’s all high and mighty and cold, but I’ve seen past the surface. And I can’t keep hurting myself anymore. I could keep loving Inuyasha but it would never lead anywhere. I’ve been waiting, and I can’t anymore. I’m letting Inuyasha go. It’s time to live for myself now.”

“Alright,” the wolf demon gently commented, letting go of Kagome. “As long as you are sure of what you are doing.”

“I am. At least I think so,” Kagome replied. She took Kouga’s arm and the two friends resumed their walking, followed by Izumi like a shadow.

“Tell me about the mating ceremony,” the woman asked.

“It bears a lot of resemblance to the Shinto wedding ceremony, or so I have heard,” Kouga replied. “I have never personally attended either. Mating ceremonies and the human wedding ceremonies alike are only open to the closest friends and the immediate families of the couple. Of course, since you are about to marry an heir of a ruling house, all the other ruling lords or ladies and their mates must witness the ceremony. It is also important politically that the other rulers are present, because that way they are as good as announcing that they’re accepting and supporting the union.”

Kagome nodded.

“So far it really does sound a lot like the traditional Shinto ceremony. Though I doubt the ceremony will be held in a shrine, with a miko conducting the ceremony?”

Kouga smirked and shook his head.

“We demons do acknowledge the existence of kami, but we don’t really have clergy. The conductor of the ceremony has a crucial role, because it is he who will bind the couple’s souls together. Usually the conductor is a respected elder.”

“Well it seems that the Fortune Teller certainly fits the role,” Kagome murmured, remembering the brief meeting with the curious ancient dragon demon whom Kimiko had consulted to set the mating date.

“The Fortune Teller? Really?” Kouga asked amazed.

“You’ve heard of her?” Kagome questioned, surprised.

“Everyone knows of her,” Kouga said. “She might well be among the oldest demons alive. Her powers, too, are legendary.”

“I didn’t think she was such an important figure. I just thought she was kind of creepy.”

Kouga laughed heartily and then gradually calmed down.

“Well, to continue, there’s the san-san-kudo in the mating ceremony.”

“Exchanging the sake?” Kagome asked, remembering that it was also something that was done in the Shinto wedding ceremony.

“Yes, you and Sesshoumaru will drink the sake ceremonially, taking turns. It is during the san-san-kudo­ when you will be united. The parents of the couple will also exchange a ceremonial cup of sake to symbolise the joining of the two families.”

“My family will not be here, though,” Kagome sighed, a sudden and acute longing filling her at the thought of her home in the future. She would be getting married soon, and her mother wouldn’t be there to see it. For some reason, the thought filled Kagome with sadness.

“Then I suppose the Lady will have made arrangements to have some respectful people to represent your family during the ceremony,” Kouga assured.

“I suppose,” Kagome dryly agreed. “My honoured Lady Mother sure seems to always take every detail into account in her plans and plots.”

“It will be fine,” Kouga assured, with his usual confident grin. “I wish I could be there to support you, but I’ll just congratulate you afterwards at the reception.”

-cCc-

The Eastern Lord and his mate arrived the following day. Kenichirou’s parents were nothing like their son, in Kagome’s opinion. The pair of snow leopards were all elegant and royal, and in Kagome’s opinion resembled Kimiko more than they did Kenichirou. Still, rulers of the East appeared a bit high and mighty, in a way that did not bear similarity to the imperious way Kimiko carried herself with. Kenichirou’s parents also lacked the dry humour and the temperament of the Lady of the West. In Kagome’s opinion, they were not unkind as much as they were indifferent. She did feel hopeful, though, after she witnessed the royal pair interact with the Western Lady and her son. It seemed that Kenichirou’s parents were similar in the way that they only cared to show their true feelings and warmth to a few selected people.

Few days later, the Lord of the Southern lands and his mate appeared at the castle’s gates. This pair of rulers was unlike any demons Kagome had ever known; they seemed kind, warm and friendly.

The mood in the Western court was jubilant. Everyone was looking forward to the mating ceremony. It had also been quite a while since the last time all the ruling houses had gathered together, so there was a set of formalities that had to be suffered through, but after that was the time for casual socializing among all the rulers. While the ruling Lords and Lady might not have been the greatest of friends or any of the sort, they had all known each other for a long time. Besides, they were all equals in status, which was something they hardly ever encountered in their daily lives. The days were filled with long elaborate dinners, and walks in the gardens. On Izumi’s and Kimiko’s insistence, Kagome often participated, both so she could learn the people of other ruling houses better, but also to polish her etiquette in a real situation. She even prepared tea in a ceremony to the old Lord of the North, and the white wolf had seemed to be satisfied with the tea.

The Fortune Teller arrived the day before the mating ceremony, and was treated far more royally than any of the actual rulers. She became the honorary guest on the dinner that night. Kagome could barely eat a bite, despite Sesshoumaru’s insistence. She was too nervous when she thought what would happen the following day. For weeks and weeks, she had trained, and it all had been in preparation for the single moment that would come to pass tomorrow. Still, now that the moment was about to happen… An anxious voice at the back of her mind questioned if she truly was ready, if this really was what she wanted.

“Kagome, eat,” Sesshoumaru insisted softly, a slight frown on his face.

Kagome saw the slightest hint of worry in his steely amber eyes and sighed in submission.

She would go through this. She had given her word.

-cCc-

On the big day, Izumi roused Kagome up and guided her away from Sesshoumaru’s room, to an adjoining one. There, she was served breakfast, before Haruka the dresser and his sister Hotaru set about their task of preparing her for the ceremony that would begin at noon.

Hotaru began, with the usual pulling and twisting and fighting to get Kagome’s hair to set as it was supposed to. The hair ornaments she added were this time fit for the occasion, to show off the wealth of the house of the West. One of the hair needles she used even had a blue jewel at its stem, shaped like a crescent moon. After Kagome’s hair had been properly fixed in the traditional style, Haruka started to dress her up. On came the layers and under kimono, until finally Haruka draped an intricate formal kimono of indigo blue, which was the symbolic colour of the West. The obi was exquisite and of royal purple, and the knot which Haruka tied it on was more complex and sophisticated than any he had done on Kagome before. Then, finally, for the first time in her life, Kagome was dressed up in uchikake, a highly formal kimono that was worn like a coat, on top of all other layers, and left untied so that the actual kimono and obi would show underneath. Since it was a wedding – or a mating – the uchikake Haruka pulled over her was white, and it was heavily brocaded in silvery thread to show elaborate patterns woven over the silken surface.

“It is time, my lady,” Izumi said quietly. She escorted Kagome out of the room. As she walked along the narrow corridors, Kagome mused how odd and uncomfortable the uchikake felt, it trailed after her steps, along the dark hardwood floor.

And then, reaching a certain shoji screen, Izumi knelt down and opened the door for Kagome.

“Thank you,” Kagome told her attendant.

“I wish you well, young lady,” Izumi replied sincerely.

Kagome smiled and stepped in. The servant slid the shoji door back shut.

Kagome saw that Sesshoumaru was already there. He was dressed in a more formal, crested haori and hakama, which also showed the indigo blue colour of the West. Sesshoumaru’s eyes widened as they took in the sight of Kagome. In that moment, she appeared to him more lady-like than ever before. He could tell that Haruka and Hotaru had certainly done their best. Sesshoumaru’s eyes could not stray from the lovely creature that was soon to become his mate.

Kimiko was also there, standing next to her son. The matchmaker and the Fortune Teller were also in the room, waiting.

The old and scaled dragon demon turned her red eyes to Kagome.

“Finally,” she croaked in her raspy voice. “I have been waiting for you, miko. There is something I need to discuss with you before the ceremony.”

“What is it?” Kagome asked, confused.

“Your soul, child. It feels incomplete. Can you tell me why that is?”

Kagome swallowed, and watched the demons in the room nervously.

“Do… Do you know of Kikyo, the Shikon miko?”

The Fortune Teller nodded sagely.

“Ah, is that the connection then?”

Kagome nodded anxiously.

“She died, over 50 years ago. And I… I am her reincarnation. The kuromiko who wanted to resurrect Kikyo, intended to transfer my soul into the clay body she had built for Kikyo. Only… Something went wrong.” Kagome swallowed again, her pleading eyes seeking out Sesshoumaru’s.

“My soul was already leaving my body, I could feel it.”

“Your soul is old and powerful,” the Fortune Teller said hoarsely. “It split in two to protect itself. Most of it returned to you, but a portion remains in Kikyo’s command, am I right my child?”

Kagome nodded.

The Fortune Teller frowned slightly.

“However, there must still be a connection between these two pieces of your soul even now. Kikyo died and her soul moved on. It is yours now, miko. Even if it animates her resurrected body, it is still your soul.”

“What do we do?”Aiko asked gravely. “In the ceremony when the souls are joined, we could accidentally bind Kikyo to Sesshoumaru as well.”

“The solution is actually quite simple in itself,” the Fortune Teller assured, “seeing as the soul already split into two parts.”

The matchmaker and the Fortune Teller shared a long, steady glance.

“You mean to cut off that piece of her soul and separate it forever.” the matchmaker finally concluded.

“Uhm… How would that affect me exactly?” Kagome asked. “To have a piece of my soul cut off entirely?”

“You will feel weaker. But it is not as bad as it seems, as your soul will be joined with Sesshoumaru’s in any case.”

“Have mine.” the inudaiyoukai spoke flatly, his bored eyes fixing on the Fortune Teller. “When you bind my soul to Kagome’s, take a bigger portion of my soul in to compensate for the loss of hers.”

Kimiko stared at her son, her eyes narrowed ever so slightly. The implications of Sesshoumaru’s offer did not elude her. She would not have believed it if anyone told her, but seeing Sesshoumaru going into such lengths to protect the human woman spoke a clear language to the Lady of the West.

“That will do,” the Fortune teller rasped to Sesshoumaru, before she turned her attention to Kagome. “Come here, child.”

Kagome obediently walked over, even though she felt really uncertain about the whole thing.

The Fortune Teller placed two fingers on the miko’s temples, her black, jagged claws resting against the human’s pale skin.

And then, Kagome’s eyes rolled back as a jolt shot through her body. Electric currents raced in her veins, her muscles began to ache, her brain felt oddly dull and numb and a strong wave of nausea turned her stomach upside down. She felt all the strength leaving her body and her feet gave in under her weight, but Sesshoumaru easily caught her. Kagome gagged, sweat beginning to form on her brow. She drew in shallow, laboured breaths.

Her weak fingers clung to the silk of Sesshoumaru’s haori as she fought against the nausea.

“She is burning up,” Sesshoumaru barked urgently.

“Yes, she feels feverish and nauseated,” the Fortune Teller calmly explained. “We will wait until she can steady herself, and then proceed with the ceremony. It is important to have your souls joined as soon as possible, she will perish with her soul impaired like this.”

“Are you telling me she could die?” Sesshoumaru growled in a low tone. The look in his cold eyes was accusing and furious.

“If I had thought such a scenario to be realistic, I would not have proceeded with this course of action, young heir of the West. Yes, with her soul impaired, this child will eventually die. But she is strong. She will easily survive until we can finish the ceremony.”

“It’s… okay…” Kagome managed to pant shakily. “I’m already getting used to it…”

“Do you think you can do the ceremony?” Aiko asked gently.

Kagome closed her eyes and nodded.

“Let’s just get it over and done with… As soon as possible.”

-cCc-

When their small party walked into the room, the honorary guest who were to witness the ceremony were already there. Even in her weakened state, Kagome was much surprised to see lord Hirota there as well, together with a kind-looking inudaiyoukai lady who could be none other than his mate. When Kagome’s confused eyes met Hirota’s, the demon noble bowed down.

“For the purposes of the ceremony, I and my mate would feel honoured to take the role of young lady’s parents.”

Kagome felt quite overwhelmed, as she leaned lightly against the matchmaker, as her feet still did not fully support her weight.

“That honour would be mine,” she replied gracefully, bowing her head. Then, she was settled by the matchmaker on the cushion in front of the room. Aiko made sure that Kagome’s kimono and uchikake would sit well. Then she smiled, bowed her head, and stepped aside.

Kagome faced the room. Sesshoumaru sat next to her, and kept anxiously glancing at the woman. She was still much too pale to his liking.

Kagome tried her best not to fidget. Her palms felt sweaty, though she was not sure if that was a symptom of her nervousness or the loss of a piece of her soul. Her head was feeling very fuzzy, and she needed all mental command and restrain to concentrate on the ceremony that was about to begin.

At first, lord Hirota, as Kagome’s ‘father’, presented her to the people present. Next, Sesshoumaru spoke, stating that he was the heir of the West, and his wish and intention was to take this woman as his mate.

Then, the Fortune Teller proceeded with the formality of asking each ruling Lord or Lady if they found this woman worthy, and if they would give their blessing to the mating. When each of the rulers had given their answer in turn, Kagome bowed, like Izumi had instructed her earlier, and told in the formal tones how honoured she was that she had been deemed worthy of the match.

Then, the Fortune Teller dutifully listed their important duties to each other as mates.

They were quite what Kagome had been expecting. Sesshoumaru was to protect and to provide for her, and to treat her well. She was to honour and support her lord, and to bear him an heir.

Then, Aiko the matchmaker stepped forth. She placed a tray in front of the couple. It was time for the san-san-kudo. Before she began, she handed the sake dish to the Fortune Teller. The ancient dragon demon blessed the dish, and then seemed to mutter some sort of a spell, before she gave it back to the matchmaker. Aiko handed the dish to Kagome, and the miko accepted it with a bow of her head. The matchmaker then poured the sake, and Kagome raised the dish onto her lips. When her lips connected with the clay dish, she felt herself growing even weaker. Nonetheless, she poured the alcohol down her throat, even though she did not much care for the taste. Then, with another bow of her head, she gave the dish back to the matchmaker, who immediately passed it on to Sesshoumaru. When Sesshoumaru had drunk the ceremonial sake, Aiko put the dish aside. She picked up a slightly larger dish, gave it again to the Fortune Teller who blessed the dish, and then continued to serve the couple sake again, this time starting with Sesshoumaru and finishing with Kagome. This time, when Kagome lifted the dish onto her lips, she felt as if the life was pouring back into her. At the same time, she understood that it was the dish rather than the sake, which served as the medium with which their souls would be bound together.

Aiko picked up the third and final dish, which was again larger than the previous one. She gave it first to the Fortune Teller once again. Then, the matchmaker served Kagome the ceremonial sake and then handed the same dish to Sesshoumaru. When Sesshoumaru had downed the last of the sake, Aiko carefully stacked all the three dishes on the tray, before she bowed politely to the pair, and then once again stepped aside, taking the tray with her.

The Fortune Teller stepped forth, placing a hand lightly on Sesshoumaru’s and Kagome’s heads. With the san-san-kudo, their souls had begun to mix, but to form a tight bond, this ritual had to be performed. She blessed the couple, and then drew forth the magic surrounding them in the atmosphere. She easily found the tentative union of the two so different souls. Determinedly, the Fortune Teller bound those two souls together. The bond had been formed, and could not be undone.

Kagome and Sesshoumaru could, for the span of a split second, feel a perfect unity. Then, the feeling passed.

Kagome had already started to feel better. She no longer felt the nausea at the pit of her stomach, and the haziness which had been clouding her head was gone as well.

She glanced at Sesshoumaru, and smiled when she caught his eyes. To her surprise, he actually returned that smile.

Then, for the final part of the ceremony, Kimiko exchanging a cup of sake with lord Hirota and his mate, to symbolise the union of the two families. For a moment, Kagome felt a keen wave of homesickness, and she wished from the bottom of her heart that her mother could be here, to witness this important event in her life. Even if it was in all effects a marriage of convenience, it still was her wedding day, and she was sad that her own family was not there to share the experience with her.

-cCc-

The ceremony was over, but the celebration was only about to begin. In the hall of the West, where Kimiko usually held her court, tables had been set and servants were bustling all around to bring in food and drinks. Izumi, who had once again returned to her lady’s side, had told Kagome previously that the reception would last until the hour when Sesshoumaru and Kagome were to withdraw, to spend the night together and to perform the final duty with which their mating bond would be sealed. But even if the happy couple was gone, the feast and the celebrations would be likely to carry on throughout the whole night.

Kagome sat by Sesshoumaru’s side and every now and then nibbled on something. Even if she felt hungry, she couldn’t indulge herself, as there seemed to be an endless stream of people coming up to them to offer their congratulations. Most of them she had not even met before, but there were a few familiar faces as well.

The demon guard Daiki, who had been teaching her archery for the past weeks, bowed deep and offered his congratulations. Lord Hirota came to congratulate them too, together with his kind mate and their daughter, with whom Kagome had been sparring.

Kouga and Ayame came also, to relay their warm and heartfelt congratulations. Kagome smile affectionately at the wolf, and he bowed down gallantly. Kagome also noted to her own amusement, that Ayame seemed to regard her in much affable manner now, when she was safely mated off to someone other than Kouga.

“Congratulations to the happy couple!”

Kagome turned to see who it was and to her surprise, found the grinning prince of the East.

“Here,” Kenichirou said, holding out a slender and perfectly balanced katana. “This is my wedding gift to you, Kagome-chan.”

Kagome felt moved, both by the gesture of her sword instructor telling her she was ready, and by the change in address that did not go unnoticed by the miko.

“Thank you, Kenichirou-kun,” the woman whispered gratefully. She accepted the sword and then, to the snow leopard demon’s great surprise, warmly embraced the eastern prince.

“I do not encourage you to use it on Sesshoumaru, though, no matter how aggravating he can be.”

Kagome laughed softly.

“Do not worry, I will use it wisely,” she promised. Kagome handed the gift to Izumi, who quickly called a servant and told him that the gift was to be taken to the young lord’s room.

And so it went on, for hours and hours. The people were cheering and in good moods, the feast thoroughly enjoyed, and a lot of toast pronounced for the good fortune of the newly-weds. Kagome was growing a bit weary of the crowd and the commotion, and her cheeks were starting to ache from holding the small smile on her lips for hours. Sesshoumaru appeared as unaffected as always, he had mostly sat still by her side, acknowledging compliments and congratulations with a nod of his head, and only occasionally exchanging a few words with the celebrating court of the West and their guests.

And then, a servant who had been honoured with the task of standing in the garden to keep a watch of the sun dial set in there, came in to note Izumi that the hour was growing near.

Izumi nudged the young lord and lady, who stood up, bowed to the celebrating crowd, and excused themselves.

-cCc-

Once they were out of the hall, they were taken into separate rooms. Kagome was undressed and then bathed. After her bath, she was dressed in a simple white yukata. Her hair was brushed and braided. The matchmaker briefly came in. She offered the miko her warm congratulations, and then performed a quick spell to bless the young bride. Finally, she handed a potion to the human woman.

“Is this another fertility enhancer?” the lady calmly asked, her brow arched.

“No, my lady,” Aiko said, smiling gently. “It is a potion the Fortune Teller prepared. It will bind your holy powers temporarily.”

Kagome paled slightly.

“Why?”

“To ensure that your powers will not react against the young lord or his seed. As your mating will not be finalised until after the night spent together, it might come to pass that your holy powers might not recognise the young lord to be your mate.”

Kagome nodded slowly, blushing slightly.

“I see.”

“You will not have to worry. Your powers should return to you some time tomorrow. And after this night, the mating will be finalised and realised, and your powers ought to recognise the young lord’s youki, and to know that he is your mate, and thus would no longer try to reject him.”

“I understand,” Kagome muttered and then, closed her eyes as she quickly downed the potion.

She did not feel any different, and told that to the matchmaker as well. The kitsune smiled at her, and then excused herself.

It was time.

Izumi escorted Kagome out of the room, and over to Sesshoumaru’s room. She opened the shoji screen for her lady, and then pulled it shut after she had stepped in. Then, Izumi sat there in guard, right by the door.

-cCc-

Kagome sat on the futon in Sesshoumaru’s bedroom. She fiddled with her sleeve, feeling rather nervous. She had known for so long that eventually, she would have to sleep with Sesshoumaru if they were to be mated, but for the longest of time she had avoided and pushed aside all the thoughts on that matter. She had learnt to trust Sesshoumaru, she even liked him, but her feelings for him did not run nearly deep enough for her to see the demon lord as anything but a friend. Sure, she had always been aware of the fact that he was physically very, very attractive, but Kagome was not the type who would only fall for looks. And she really would have wanted to have her first time with someone she loved. Now, that was not an option, however. She feared that this night would feel awkward to her, and hoped it wouldn’t ruin the relationship which she currently had with the heir of the West, after the amount of time it had taken to befriend the stoic daiyoukai.

Sesshoumaru entered the room. For a moment, he stopped on the doorway. Like usual, his and Kagome’s futons had been laid side by side. But he knew as well as she did that this night would not be like usual for them. Because of their forced proximity brought on by the matchmaker’s infuriating chain, they had been quite close to each other physically at all times, but never had they crossed the line which they were about to cross tonight. It was all made more complex by the fact that he was ready and willing to cross that line – even eager, for quite frankly it had been occupying his thoughts for a while now. But putting his own feelings aside, he knew that though she had given her consent, she still had her reservations in her heart. He had absolutely no wish to force her, but there was no other way to rid them from the pest which was the chain.

He lifted his amber eyes to regard the woman who sat still on her futon. He clearly sensed her nervousness, but even so, he was attracted to her. He quietly inhaled her sweet fragrance and the beat of his heart quickened slightly. He walked over and sat on his futon. He gazed at Kagome, who slowly lifted her sapphire eyes to meet his stare. Wordlessly, he held out his hand to her. Kagome hesitated, but did reach out and tentatively curled her fingers around his hand. He tightened his grasp and pulled the woman into his lap. She immediately stiffened, and flinched when he set his hand on her shoulders.

Kagome’s blue eyes widened in surprise when his hands began to knowingly knead the stiff muscles of her shoulder and neck. Her eyes soon fell shut in appreciation. His touch was both gentle and firm as he kneaded away her tension with precise, knowing moves.  Gradually, she relaxed and became accustomed to feel his touch. When Kagome started to lightly, unconsciously, lean against him, he knew her to be ready.

Slowly, he turned the woman around in his lap so that they were facing each other. She averted her gaze and he could smell her nervousness rising again. But he did not allow her time to start to feel nervous or uncomfortable. He leaned in, softly caressing her cheek in a soothing motion. With the tips of his fingers, he gently traced the line of her jaw, before the caress slid down the side of her neck. He allowed his claws to lightly brush against her skin to leave behind a tingling sensation. Finally, his hand stopped at the neckline of her yukata. With one hand, he slowly pulled away the thin belt keeping the piece of clothing in place. Then, gently, he peeled the yukata off Kagome’s shoulders.

She was looking at him now, her cheeks tinted red by a shy blush, and her brilliant sapphire eyes were wide and innocent. His throat grew dry. To him, she was absolutely beautiful.

He proceeded slowly, not wanting to scare her. He let his hands wander, his touch light and gentle. He marvelled at the soft curves of her body – he had only ever been with other inuyoukai, and the dog demon females always seemed to be of a slender build. Her skin gradually grew warmer under his caresses.

She could feel his dark, demonic aura dancing in the air around them. It enveloped her, it embraced her. It made her skin tingle even more than his touches did. He was unexpectedly gentle with her, and she appreciated that from the bottom of her heart. Each touch and each caress spoke of how he cared for her and respected her.

His eyes admired the shapes his clawed fingers lightly traced. The swell of her breast… his soft caress earned a light gasp from the woman. That sound escaping her lips, as well as the feel of her skin made him want to purr. His hands found and adored the slimness of her waist, before moving downwards following the curve of her hips.  He was overwhelming her senses, awaking sensations that were so unlike anything she had ever experienced before. Her heart was starting to pound in her ears and her breathing hitched.

She was taken by a surprise at how good it all felt – great, even – despite the fact that he had only been touching and caressing her body. She had never been touched like that before, so she had not at all been prepared for the sensations that were now overwhelming her. Though at the back at her mind a thought was still nagging her that it felt a bit weird that it was Sesshoumaru who was touching her body, the experience so far had been much, much less awkward than what she had feared it to be. She was touched by how sweet Sesshoumaru was and how he sense her hesitation and respect it, proceeding slowly to draw out her gradual reactions and responses. She felt grateful for him being so considerate and sweet.

Sesshoumaru moved one hand to the nape of her neck, and then slowly, teasingly, slid his fingers down her spine. The caress made her shiver, and as his hand at her back cupped her behind, she instinctively leaned into the touch.

Sesshoumaru purred in satisfaction and pulled the priestess closer to him. He was delighted to find out she did not resist at all. His other hand slid down from the curve of her hips to brush against her thighs, circling to the tender skin on her inner thigh. She closed her eyes and a quiet moan slipped from her lips.

Sensing that she was almost ready, Sesshoumaru slid his own yukata off. The rustling made Kagome open her eyes, and she shyly glanced at his exposed body, but she didn’t get to have a good look before he gently laid her down on the futon, his hand resting on her hips.

He brushed his thumb over her cheek as he leaned in. She wound her arms around his neck, tangling her fingers in his long silver hair. His hold of her hips tightened as he pushed forward. Instinctively she responded, meeting his movement by arching her back.

In that single instant, both in body and soul, they became one.