Faulty Fairytails by perphila

Kagome and The Sesshomaru

A/N – This will be the last story for the Spectrum Challenge, color violet. Even though the challenge will be over, this story as a total will not. I have a few other tales to tell after this but I hope the chapters for the challenge feel complete as whole and can be enjoyed alone and anything extra is a bonus. The violets in this story are dog violets and they mean true in love. They have no scent though. Easier for sensitive noses.

Again, I own nothing.

Kagome's feet gently landed at the bottom of the well back in the feudal era. Looking up at the blue sky above her, Kagome adjusted the now fully laden pack on her back and began to climb.

The nonsensical tune she had been humming when she threw her leg over the well's edge was cut off with a startled squeak when she found herself snatched up and half way up to the clouds.

“Wha..what's going on?!”

“Naraku.”

Kagome thoughtlessly clung to Sesshomaru's waist not concerned with personal boundaries for the moment. Seeing the ground hundreds of feet below you tended to do that. She took a few deep breaths and tried to gather her wits.

“What happened exactly? Are the others ok? Where are they? Why are you here?”

Sesshomaru glanced down at the miko who was bobbing her head around as if she could see her companions at any second.

“Calm yourself.”

“I am calm.”

“Hn.”

Kagome tried not to glare, “I just want some answers.”

“Hours after you returned to your time Naraku sent a puppet disclosing his position.”

Kagome was dubious.

“A trap?”

“Most likely.”

“Inuyasha charged ahead anyway.”

“You know the boy well.”

She sighed.

“Where is everyone now?”

“Rin, Jaken, the kit and Ah-Un are in the village with the elderly miko.”

Kagome nodded. That made sense. She smiled thinking about the fuss Shippo must have made about staying behind.

“Inuyasha, the monk, slayer and firecat went on ahead.”

“Why didn't Inuyasha come and get me first?”

“This Sesshomaru decided you should retrieve the supplies before embarking.”

“But....that was two days ago! How will we ever catch up with them?”

She looked up at him to find him staring at her with an almost amused expression. At least that was what she thought it was. With his minimal facial movements it was sometimes hard to tell.

“Even at this decreased speed there is no doubt this Sesshomaru shall overtake them in less than a day.”

Kagome gave a little whistle.

“What if we took that little orb thing of yours. That seems really fast.”

“Indeed it is. Your human body however was not meant to be disassembled into pure energy then reassembled as living flesh. It would be, messy.”

Kagome wrinkled her nose at the mental image and resigned herself to the long, wind filled ride ahead.

An hour passed by in silence. Kagome was fine with that. It wasn't long before she had realized how close she was to Sesshomaru and she did her best to unobtrusively disengage herself from him while staying near enough to grab hold if necessary. Thankfully Sesshomaru said nothing more and only looked ahead making slight adjustments in direction when needed.

As lovely as the scenery below was she was worried about her friends. She prayed they weren't already in the midst of some kind of battle. It was times like this she wished cell phones worked in the past.

A group of travelers on a small trail were pointing up at them and she dimly heard one of them scream. Now she knew why Sesshomaru always found routes away from civilization. She waved but it only made things worse as they dove for the trees. She shook her head.

“Miko.”

“Kagome. Remember?”

Sesshomaru said nothing for several more minutes. She was sure she had offended him yet again. The balancing act between subservient human and burgeoning friendship was a tough one. More so for him she suspected than herself.

“When this Sesshomaru was but a pup there was much time spent in waiting for father's return from his patrols of the lands.”

Kagome looked up and him with curiosity. Was Sesshomaru about to share something about himself? The idea was shocking.

“Mother had traveled extensively in her youth before she met father and learned a great many things. Some of which were the native tales of those foreign lands. She would relate these to this Sesshomaru to pass the time while we waited for father's return.”

Kagome blinked. So, fairy tales were not new to Sesshomaru. It was no wonder he was interested in listening to her.

“Many years ago, far in the continent there was a merchant family. They were prosperous and had a fine estate and many children.”

“Are you about to tell me a story?”

Sesshomaru looked down on her, a slight frown obvious this time.

“Unless, it offends you.”

Kagome waved her hands franticly in front of her.

“No! No, not at all. I..I'm honored.”

Kagome lowered her hands and flushed.

“Shall this Sesshomaru adhere to your tradition of naming the characters after those of acquaintance?”

Kagome, still in a slight state of shock nodded.

“As you wish.”

Sesshomaru paused, seemingly gathering his thoughts.

“The couple was named Miroku and Sango.”

I can't believe he is saying their real names!

“They had three sons and three daughters.”

Kagome smirked. Miroku would have loved that.

“The son's names were Inuyasha, Shippo and Kohaku. The daughter's were Kagura, Kanna and Kagome.”

Sesshomaru watched her eyes as he named the daughter's and Kagome looked away.

“The daughters were all lovely. The older two however were by far the more beautiful of the three. They had many males who desired them for brides as they were from a wealthy family. Despite their good looks their personalities were opposite. The two were spoiled and demanding. So, it was Kagome who although not especially pretty had the most suitors. She had beauty from within. Her kindness, generosity and thoughtfulness was always present. She answered all her sisters outrageous behavior with smiles and love until guilt took hold of their hearts. Kagome used her family's wealth to help the sick and injured in her village. She always had a kind word and smile for each person she met and became known simply as Beauty.”

Kagome was stunned. Was this the story of Beauty and the Beast? Was it really that old? Maybe just a different version?

“Miroku fell ill as old men do and passed on. The sons who although were hard workers did not have the intellect to take over their father's business and it was soon in ruins. In desperation Sango took charge of the families affairs and decided to sell the estate and move to the country were they would become farmers and live simply. The sons were fine with this and did everything they could to help their mother. Kagura and Kanna however wanted nothing to do with the plan. They went to their previous suitors they had so recently spurned, in hopes of marrying above their station and find wealth of their own through marriage. Now that they were poor none of the young men wanted to have them because of their attitude. Kagome was in the opposite position. Every available male in the village came to her and begged for her hand. They wished to take care of her despite her poverty to repay her for all she had done for them. Kagome declined all offers saying her mother needed her now more than ever and could not part with her. So, with that the family moved.”

The wind had taken a slight chill and Kagome, wrapped up in the tale unconsciously moved closer to Sesshomaru.

“Kagome adapted to the change easily. Her sisters did not. They became bitter and reclusive. They no longer cared for themselves and made Kagome do everything for them. Kagome, of course, did so without question. The brothers took to the fields and each night Kagome took care of them as well with warm food and clean bedding. The harvest came and Sango took some of the excess to a neighboring village to sell. Before she left she asked her daughters if there was anything they would like for her to bring back for them. Kagura demanded a boned fan, Kanna a new mirror and Kagome asked for a clutch of violets.”

“There's no way Sango can earn enough to get the things Kagura and Kanna want and still provide for the family. How can they be so selfish?”

Sesshomaru only shrugged.

“Sango in fact was not able to get the things her elder daughter's requested and was quite sad. She hoped that with the last present, the violets, she would be more successful. On her way back home she searched for them but could not find any and became lost. As night time began to fall she stumbled out of the forest to discover a hidden castle. She had never heard of one being so near to the two villages before. She knew she would have to ask for shelter.”

Seshomaru noted Kagome was holding herself to combat the chill and had slid slightly closer to him once again.

“The castle was dark and silent. Sango tried not to run away in fear as invisible servants ushered her inside and set her down before a marvelous feast. Disembodied hands served her and covered her shoulders with a warm blanket. After the meal the same ghostly appendages brought her to a fine room in which to rest for the evening. Saying a grateful but nervous thank you she went to sleep. In the morning Sango was again brought a nice breakfast and as thanks she left her kind hosts some of the coin she had received from her harvest. She said thank you once again and then left to return for home. As she left she went through a garden she hadn't noticed in the dark of the night before and came across a patch of violets. Sango was most happy to see them and thinking that such a generous host surely wouldn't mind if she took a few to bring home to Kagome. No sooner had she had some in her hand a deafening roar was heard. Sango crouched in fear as a large and ferocious looking dog demon leapt from the roof of the castle to land with a ground shaking thud in front of her teeth bared. “Who dares to steal my precious violets!,” he snarled.”

Kagome looked up at him beaming. Ferocious beast indeed. Sesshomaru was pleased.

“Sango was on her knees begging for her life. She claimed she did not realize she was stealing and only wished to bring some flowers home to her daughter whom she loved dearly. The dog demon said he would not kill and eat her if when she returned home she sent to him the first thing to greet her upon her homecoming. Sango did not wish to do this. She felt certain the first to greet her would be her darling Kagome who was always watching out for her. Nevertheless, she agreed convincing herself that she might come across a stray cat first. The demon let her go with the violets.”

“Poor Sango. What a difficult decision.”

“Kagome was indeed the first to greet her mother and it was with a sad heart Sango related to her daughter of the deal she had made with the dog demon. Kagome agreed to go without a thought and left immediately carrying the violets her mother had given her.”

“How did Kagome know how to find the castle?”

Sesshomaru saw Kagome smirking up at him and he knew instantly she was teasing him by pretending to be Rin. The miko was actually playing with him, perfect. He smirked back.

“Perhaps she was led there by a small, green, annoying vassal.”

Kagome covered her mouth with her fist and giggled. She was leaning against him without noticing.

“Kagome was greeted by the same helpful specters and after a warm meal she was placed before a roaring fire to wait. The demon entered the room and Kagome froze in fear at the sight of him.”

“Did he have white fur with red stripes on his muzzle?”

“I believe that he did. He also possessed a blue crescent moon upon his forehead.”

“Aww, that's not scary.”

Sesshomaru had to hide his smirk.

“She may have feared his sharp fangs and dagger like claws.”

Kagome nodded with a wrinkle between her eyes.

“Or maybe just the noxious drool, ” she said seriously.

“Hn.”

Score one, Kagome.

“The dog demon introduced himself as Sesshomaru and told her she was now mistress of the castle. Anything she desired would be fulfilled. He spoke to her softly to not frighten her any more than she already was. After a little while Kagome began to relax and dared to look upon Sesshomaru but was once again afraid. Sesshomaru saw this and excused himself for the evening and told her she was to meet with him every night by the fire after dinner.”

“That doesn't sound so bad. I bet she misses her family though.”

Kagome looked down at her feet sadly and his mokomoko slipped over her shoulders.

“Days slipped into weeks, weeks into months this way. As the time passed Kagome got braver and began to feel quite as ease with Sesshomaru. Their conversations were fun and interesting. His tone was soothing and comforting. She began to look past the beastly facade to the male underneath.”

Sesshomaru spoke to her directly and Kagome's heart began flutter lightly.

“One day they took a walk in the garden and Sesshomaru asked Kagome to become his mate.”

Kagome gripped the mokomoko.

“Kagome, although fond of Sesshomaru told him she only viewed him as a friend and could not mate him. Sesshomaru sighed sadly and bid her goodnight.”

Kagome knew how this story went. Why was she feeling so confused?

“Several weeks later Kagome asked him if there was anything she could do to make him happy. She wanted to repay him for all the kindness and generosity he had shown her. His answered to make him most happy was to consent to be his mate. Her answer however was the same as before and Sesshomaru left her again forlorn.”

“Oh, Sesshomaru.”

His hand took hers in his own.

“One day while sitting in the garden among the blue violets Kagome recalled how it was with these flowers she came to be with Sesshomaru. Then sad face of her mother as they parted. Sesshomaru sensing Kagome's sadness found her and asked her what was wrong. She said she missed her family and hoped they were all well. Sesshomaru took her to a small well that sat in the garden and told her to see her family all she needed to do was look into it. She did as he said and there she saw her mother lying sick in bed. Kagome begged Sesshomaru to let her visit her mother so she could nurse her. Sesshomaru consented as long as she promised to return on a certain day. She agreed and he told her that the well not only allowed her to see her family but was connected to the one by her home. When it was time to return all she needed to do was leap inside and she would find herself with him again. Kagome hugged him and jumped into the well and to her mother.”

Kagome squeezed his hand softly, “Sounds familiar.”

“Sango who had taken to her bed in anguish over the loss of her daughter cried seeing her return. She had been sure Kagome had been eaten. The whole family was happy to see her even Kagura and Kanna, that is until Kagome told her tale of the rich castle and they saw her fine clothes. They did not think it was fair for Kagome to have such nice things while they had nothing. During her stay they treated her with the utmost kindness and love all the while planning on convincing her to stay longer than the appointed day. It was their hope when she did return the demon would be so angered at her breaking her promise he would tear her to shreds.”

“I see why you chose Kagura and Kanna for this.”

“Kagome was very happy with her sisters attentions and when they begged and pleaded for her to stay a while longer she agreed thinking a few days would not matter.”

Kagome shook her head.

“Sango was now fully recovered and Kagome felt a tug at her heart as if something was wrong. Hurrying to the well she looked into it and saw Sesshomaru lying still on the ground surrounded by withered violets. With a cry she jumped in and hurried to his side.”

Kagome felt tears welling in her eyes.

“Kagome called to Sesshomaru and begged forgiveness for breaking her promise. He asked her one last time to become his mate and she agreed. They lived the rest of their days in happiness and love.”

Kagome sniffed and tried to hide the fact she just wiped her nose with her sleeve.

They traveled in comfortable silence while each contemplated private thoughts. Kagome was feeling very comfortable wrapped in mokomoko, leaning against Sesshomaru who had still not released her hand from his. She smiled realizing how casually their positions had come about and the fact it didn't seem to bother Sesshomaru at all. Her heart began to race again thinking of the Sesshomaru in the story asking Kagome to become his mate. She wondered why her Sesshomaru seemed so insistent on being the prince and her the princess so often. Was he trying to tell her something?

“We are almost there.”

She nodded absently.

“Sesshomaru?”

“Hn?”

“Did Sesshomaru transform?”

“Transform?”

“In the story. Did he stay in his dog form or was he able to become human like after Kagome agreed to mate him?”

“Form is irrelevant. He was a demon regardless. It was that Kagome needed to understand, accept and be willing to love.”

Kagome looked up at Sesshomaru. His eyes were burning into hers with unsaid questions.

“What about Sesshomaru? Is he willing to do the same? Kagome is a human regardless. Can Sesshomaru understand, accept and be willing to love her as well?”

“If he could not he would not have asked her to become his mate.”

“Oh,” she said dejectedly.

Sesshomaru turned her hand palm up and dropped something into it. Kagome blinked and held up what he given her to her face for inspection.

“Do you remember this Sesshomaru sending Jaken away recently to perform a task?”

She looked at the item which was a beautiful hair comb with a jeweled crescent at it's center.

“How could I forget? He made a pretty big stink about it.”

Sesshomaru looked at her slightly confused with her comment. Jaken always stank. What did that have to do with his mission? Choosing to finally ignore it he continued.

“This was what I sent him for. It was my mother's and is the symbol for the mate of the lord of the western lands. I give this to you.”

Kagome's heart stopped at the implications.

“Are you serious?”

Sesshomaru turned her to him fully and smirked down at her.

“Agree my miko and no longer will you need to dream of a lord with new clothes. You can see them whenever you wish.”

Kagome gasped then laughed as she placed the comb in her hair as her answer.