!*WARNING* Severe OOC for some major and minor characters! But for a reason!
I made necessary changes to a few chapter to clear up misunderstandings. Please reread to better understand this story.
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This Sesshoumaru Burns…
By Duchess of Darkness
Summary:
Dark clouds have suddenly spread over the Western Lands, leaving the current living demon lord tacked for time and patience. To add to his already momentous list of problems, someone was out for his ruin; but who and why? Finding out who was one problem, but after a certain mishap, there was an even bigger problem on his hands; or… on Kagome’s hands at least.
When Kagome found Sesshoumaru, he was sick with a scalding fever and had a very unhealthy fascination with her rear. Not only that, strange demons appear out of nowhere for the demon lord’s life and have made fervent attempts to kidnap her. How in the world did she end up babysitting the demon lord with an illness that makes him so…friendly?
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Prologue:
Since the demise of Naraku, Lord Sesshoumaru had fought to sustain peace among his lands. The unmated Inu demon males of his pack have suddenly become consumed with primal urges that pushed them all into a sexual frenzy. They stormed across the western lands, invading neighboring packs and villages to snatch and claim the first female they saw regardless of age, race, or species; leaving many locals angry and hostile.
The demon lord could only bear with the mating crisis until a solution to end the madness among the Inu males is found. At his desk, the demon lord reads, writes and signs countless scrolls to address to neighboring and allying territories attempting to settle the growing number of disputes that constantly plagued his lands. Needless to say, the demon lord has his work cut out for him.
Chapter 1: Jabora
Morning was arriving to greet a large immaculate fortress that sat on top of a small mountain. At the base was an equally lavish village bustling with locals carrying on as usual like any normal day. The air was crisp and fresh, filled with the fragrances of the flowers that littered the large surrounding fields. Tall, green, luscious grass sparkled with morning dew, twinkling like diamonds. No one could ever say that the Western Fortress was anything less than beautiful. In fact, it was the most beautiful and luxurious fortress in all of Feudal Japan. An emperor’s palace couldn’t even begin to measure up to its magnificence.
Jabora inhaled the morning’s beauty into his lungs as he stood on his balcony looking across the vast fields. The early morning fragrance brought a feeling of tranquility over him. It was a bit chilly out this morning; a sure sign that fall will be arriving soon.
Chilled, Jabora pulled his flamboyant robe higher over his shoulders to ward off the chilly northern winds.
Regardless of the unusually cold weather, Jabora had plans. And he wasn’t going to let some frigid wind keep him from fulfilling them; especially when those plans involved a confession of undying love to one he held so dear. If he remembered correctly, it was around this time of morning when he would find his love meditating within his favorite gardens seeking solace from his ever busy schedule.
Jabora turned from the sun and left his balcony. His pointed ears that were adorned heavily with jewelry jingled like chimes with each step he took toward his wardrobe. He hummed softly to himself as he browsed through his large collection of flashy finely woven silk kimonos. Finally he picked a teal colored kimono decorated with white lilies and pink cherry blossom and carefully laid the coordinated kimono on his bed so he can disrobe and put it on. Unlike all the other members of the demon western court who needed hand servants to dress them, Jabora needed none. He preferred to dress himself because he doesn’t trust any other to dress him properly.
In his opinion a lot of demons here lack a sense of style and depend too much on equally tasteless servants to dress them. If it was up to Jabora, he would have assembled a competent group of fashion savvy associates to establish a fashion association to monitor everyone’s state of dress.
He sniffed haughtily after he dressed and moved to sit before his large vanity to apply a little make up. Not that he really needed it. He was well above standards of gorgeous. But there was no harm in adding more to one’s beauty.
He lined the bottom of his eyes with black to emphasize his large silver bedroom eyes that were framed by devastatingly long black lashes. His top lids needed no black lining. The people of his pack were born with it naturally. As a final touch, he placed a few sparkling stones around the bottom of his right eye, a stone of each color within his kimono.
Jabora gave his claws a quick once over, pleased that they needed no sharpening and the genuine diamonds were still affixed upon each claw. He went through a very painful procedure to have them implanted and wouldn’t be happy to lose a single gem; downright livid. The last thing the he wanted was to have a wardrobe malfunction and spend all morning fixing it wasting time. Time was of the essence. He already had the whole event planed out in his head.
From behind a tree, Jabora watched his love meditate upon a large rock. He swooned from the sight of his wide strong shoulders and pale muscled back. Looking lower, he felt the lusty rumble within his chest at the sight of his lover’s tight rear. It should be a sin to possess a rear so tight and shapely.
“What is it that you want Jabora?” asked the stationary male in his deep voice, breaking the needy Jabora out of his trance.
Jabora reached up with his closed fan in hand to tap his chin idly while smirking deviously. “I want many things,” He started coyly, “though there is one thing I desire more than my need to breathe. The question is…are you going to give it to me?”
His lover cocked his head curiously, his long silver mane blowing carelessly in the wind. “That depends on what it is you wish from me.”
Jabora shuddered as his lover’s deep voice dropped to a husky octave. Was it possible that his love pined for him the same as he? The thought brought fierce sense of longing within him as he approached the seated male so that his arms could encircle his neck. His neck long and thick roped with sinewy muscle.
Jabora spoke breathlessly against his ear, “You my love, I want you.”
A chuckle echoed across the garden. Filling the air with its deep melodious tune.“As I you, for so many years. Since I’ve first met you, I’ve burned with a need to have you in my arms. How convenient it is to be what you desire most. I am yours for the taking.” His lovers face lifted to meet Jabora’s gaze.
Jabora stared into his lover’s golden eyes completely mesmerized and entranced. His heart stilled in his chest as his eyes caressed the perfectly shaped features of his lover’s face. Slowly, he lowered his lips to his lover’s expecting ones.
-
He was only seconds away from reaching that climatic peak when a small voice broke through Jabora’s daydream.
“Jabora is very pretty.” Rin said shyly while peeking around the door at the distracted demon, completely unaware that she interrupted his romantic daydream.
Jabora shook his head to clear it and looked over to the girl standing within his doorway. Yes, he was disgusted with all humans but he just couldn’t bring himself to hate this one. She was just too cute not to adore. And he was a lover off all things cute. Her thick brown hair draped over her shoulders in a ruffled mass. And her eyes were brown, large and round, and were framed with wild lashes. And in between was a cute, pert nose that twitched when she was nervous. Yes, that child was the epitome of cute.
Except…
He frowned at the plain orange kimono she was wearing, and her unruly bed hair. With a loud haughty ‘tsk’ he extended his hand to beckon the child to his side. “Come here darling, Jabora’s going to make you pretty too. I told that disgusting toad to dress you in the clothes I gave you.”
Rin started to rush to Jabora, but stopped to look over her shoulder as if nervous. “Lord Sesshoumaru didn’t like the clothes you gave Rin. He said they were too inappropriate for Rin.” She whispered as she fidgeted with her fingers.
Jabora waved a dismissive hand. “Don’t worry darling, while you’re with me you can look as pretty as you want. Now come.” He beckoned with the snap of his fingers.
He knew Sesshoumaru disapproved of some of his tastes; then again he’ll disapprove of anything that he picked for the girl to wear. So what her kimonos had a few colors too many…why not advertise your boldness and individuality with high quality and fantastically colored fabrics? Surely, there was absolutely no reason to let this girl go around looking like a plain commoner’s child.
Rin nodded excitedly and ran into the demon’s open arms, where she was hoisted up and kissed on her cheek.
“Now, tell your darling Jabora, what’s your favorite color today?” he asked cheerily while mentally picking out a hairstyle that suited her for the day.
Rin twitched her nose as she thought looking too damn cute for her own good. “Rin saw a rainbow yesterday. Rin wants to look like a pretty rainbow.” She beamed loudly as she bounced excitedly within the demon’s arms.
Jabora gasped then smiled brightly then tapped her nose, “And a gorgeous rainbow you shall be darling. Now let’s start with that mess of hair on your head. Kami only knows what it’ll take to get those tangles out.” The haughty demon griped as he placed the giggling girl at his vanity.
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Sesshoumaru walked indifferently through his gardens with no particular thought in mind. Topless, he surveyed his gardens, noting the things that he would have the personal gardeners tend to later. Even in his busy schedule, the demon lord always had time to make sure his fortress was nothing less than perfect. He did have a reputation to uphold after all, he thought sardonically to himself. Reputation. He sneered. Every year that passes he found himself resenting that word more and more.
Finally, after the small stroll, he took his usual pose on top of a smooth boulder with a flat surface, surrounded by flowers he was willing to tolerate at the moment.
This was the only time in his chaotic schedule that he could find peace from the mating season crisis that continuously plagued his lands. The average lord would have territorial battles, peace treaty conferences with neighboring lands, or balls and banquets; but not Lord Sesshoumaru. No, instead he had to assume the role as referee, matchmaker, marital judge, marriage counselor, and mentor to the confused cunt-hunting whelps roaming about his lands. Then at the same time, find what is causing the Moon Inu demon males of his pack to act so barbarically. And find a solution.
So much was involved in ruling the western lands each day he remains demon lord. Later today, Sesshoumaru was sure it will prove to be just as hectic as any other day. But even so, right now, at this very moment, he would simply be a demon looking for some peace of mind.
Sesshoumaru was taking his first breath when a familiar aura irritated him. Not stirring from his pose, he simply remained silent hoping that the nuisance would leave. But the likelihood of that happening was practically nil. Almost as if it was his cousin’s life’s mission was to annoy him.
“Ignoring me will not make me go away my dear cousin, though it was very cute of you to try.”
Sesshoumaru inhaled deeply, and then exhaled slowly.
“Cousin.”
Inhale, exhale…
“My dearest cousin.”
Inhales, exhale…
The bane of his existence sighed woefully. “Nobody loves me.”
Sesshoumaru tensed, barely catching himself from attacking the other inu. He counted backwards from 100. “State your business Aimaru.”
Aimaru shrugged. “I’m bored.”
“Not sure how your inadequacy is of any concern of this Sesshoumaru.”
“Simply because I am you adorable little cousin and everyone lives to insure my happiness.”
Sesshoumaru inhaled then exhaled. 82, 81… A shift in the air around him signaled movement. He opened his eyes slightly to find his cousin standing there grinning at him. He glared at the offensive being, while secretly wondering if his mother would notice his head missing.
“Spar with me.”
“Leave.”
“Spar with me.” Aimaru insisted with a grin. He barely jumped out of the way of his cousin’s whip slicing through the air. “Well that’s just rude cousin. If you had actually tried you could’ve hurt me.”
The sad thing was he did try.
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Rin watched as Jabora move about her in a flurry of bright colored silks, placing colorful pins and combs in her hair. She looked at herself then smiling brightly at the all the colors and sparkling stones then yawned widely.
Jabora looked Rin through the mirror as he added the final hair ornament.
“My goodness little one. Why are you so tired? Didn’t you get enough sleep?” Her eyelids drooped, heavy with a need for sleep.
“Rin really wanted to see Jabora, so she got up extra early to see him.” Rin yawned again into her hands.
Jabora scowled. “But you see Jabora every day. Why was your need to see me so urgent this day? Did you have a nightmare again?”
Rin shook her head no.
“Sesshoumaru?”
She shook her head no again, while slumping over onto the vanity. She picked up a pouf and giggled while haphazardly smacking it against her face. “Poofy…poooofy!”
“Then why did you get up so early?” Jabora urged while prying his pouf from her little fingers.
“Because Maru wanted me to see… you.”
“Why?” he asked, though he had an idea.
“He said….” Rin started but silently dozed off on the vanity.
Jabora gently shook her to urge her to finish. “Rin? Rin, Jabora needs you to finish talking sweetie.” When it was apparent that the girl wasn’t going to wake anytime soon, he gently gathered her in his arms and took her over to his bed to tuck her in. After pulling the red coverlet over his charge, he glared dangerously out the window to nothing in particular.
Aimaru, you bastard.
-
Sesshoumaru was moments away from disemboweling a certain pest when his felt the presence of another annoyance approach his space. Clearly, everyone was determined to forfeit their lives today.
With a growl the demon lord looked up to his smirking relative. “You will leave, and take your twisted minded sibling with you.” his voice emotionless, but harsh.
Aimaru watched as red bleed into Sesshoumaru’s eyes. “Come off it cousin, he’s your blood too, and he adores you.” he spoke with forced cheerfulness in his voice.
Sesshoumaru growled darkly then pinned Aimaru with a cold bored glare, “You know as well as I that his adoration is warped. If not for the fact that he is blood, I wouldn’t have been so tolerant.”
Aimaru shrugged, and then looked over his shoulder to watch as his little brother sauntered up the small hill towards himself and Sesshoumaru.
He welcomed his little brother’s angry eyes with a mischievous smirk. “You’re looking particularly lovely this morning little brother. May I ask what occasion would call for such extravagance?” Aimaru said cheerily, then looked pointedly to Sesshoumaru glowering on his boulder. The demon lord narrowed his eyes in warning.“Perhaps the better question would be for whom you spiffed yourself up for, hmm?”
Jabora, red as a tomato, glared up at his brother who towered over him by at least a foot. “Aren’t there handmaidens around the fortress you haven’t molested yet?” he asked frigidly.
Aimaru frowned as he thought about that for a minute. Were there still delectable females around who’d gone untouched by himself? If so he would have to remedy that immediately.
Jabora rolled his eyes at Aimaru’s thoughtful look. “Disgusting.” He sniffed haughtily while sending sideway glances to Sesshoumaru’s handsome figure.
“One could relate that sentiment to you as well little brother.” Aimaru countered calmly then moved out of range of his brother’s claws. He wasn’t necessarily bothered by his brother’s sexual preferences because he himself was never one to discriminate when it came to carnal pleasures. Although, Aimaru favored the soft, plush thighs of a female much more.
“One could relate pig, man whore, and lecherous conniving cretin to you!” Jabora hissed at Aimaru, who only chuckled.
Weary of the inane bickering, the demon lord finally rose from his seat on the boulder and left the feuding pair to argue amongst themselves. It was obvious he was going to be denied his morning meditation this day. He could have it should he have beheaded the two low-lives, but in order to preserve peace within the fortress he didn’t. He had enough problems as it were.
Aimaru watched Sesshoumaru leave, while Jabora continued to rant on. Confident the demon lord was out of ear shot, he turned a pair of serious silver eyes to his little brother. “You do know you efforts will be wasted. Such a pairing wouldn’t even be recognized among our society. So why bother brother?”
Taken aback, Jabora’s voice died in his throat. He looked around to find that he was alone with his brother. “I don’t know what you are talking about.” Jabora whispered, looking over in time to catch Sesshoumaru entering the fortress. He was peeved that his chance to confess was ruined. It was a good thing that the day was only starting.
“You know very well what I speak of. I’ve warned you far too many times, this infatuation with Sesshoumaru is unhealthy. He is your cousin of all things! I could only hope you don’t try anything foolish because of it.” he said somberly to the distracted demon who shrugged a nonchalant shoulder. Annoyed, Aimaru pulled Jabora’s heavily adorned earlobe so that he faced him. “Every day I’ve watched you secretly pine and lust for a man that will NEVER see you in the same light you see him. Why must you continue to set yourself up for a devastating heartbreak?”
“You speak of it as if you have firsthand knowledge if his distaste for my affection.” Jabora hissed accusingly.
Aimaru brow rose at the insinuation. It wasn’t as if he was far off the mark in regards to that now was he?
“Everyday I’m at his side doing a much more competent job than that…that toad. I even took his pet human under my wing. And not ONCE has he openly shown his displeasure for my presence.” Tears fell from Jabora’s eyes as he glared at his brother. “In fact, I’ll have you know that he has become quite dependent on me. My duties are even that that which his mate should be doing. But no, it is me who has filled that place in his life and I have yet to hear him object to it.”
Jabora was convinced Aimaru was simply out to ruin his relationship with Sesshoumaru. What would someone like him know? Love wasn’t a concept someone like Aimaru understood. So it wasn’t surprising to Jabora that he wouldn’t be able to sympathize with him on this. He made it sound like a wasted effort; all of it. From the endless hours at the demon lord’s side, the work he put in to take care of Rin, to the backbreaking effort of assisting him in his lordly duties.
Aimaru shook his head at his emotional brother. It was obvious the demon refuses to listen to reason as long as it contradicts his wishes; a shame really. It’s amazing how no one ever listens to him when he tries to warn them, but then resents you when the moment of truth is revealed and their hearts lay in pieces on the ground. Only thing he has to look forward to after all is said and done is to perform the ‘I told ya so’ chant.
“I may not know much about this thing called love brother. But I do know you are on your way to ruin.”
“Oh whatever! Clearly that’s ignorance on your part.” Jabora dismissed with the wave of his hand then turned to leave.
He reached the bottom of the hill when a thought occurred to him then stormed back up the grassy mound toward his brother who watched him with a lifted brow. “And don’t you ever let me catch you using Rin to distract me from what I want. Sesshoumaru is mine to have, and have him I will; no matter what you or any others have to say about the matter. I have stayed out of your affairs. I only ask that you stay out of mine.” he finished on a low whisper, and then turned to leave.
Aimaru watched Jabora leave. He cocked his head inquisitively as he watched his brother’s retreating form with a thoughtful look. “Hn.”
-
Sesshoumaru entered his private bathing chamber then stripped out of his hakamas eager for a hot soak in the healing spring. At least that was what he had planned for the morning until something suddenly disturbed the calmness of the chamber. The demon lord was anything but happy about the disturbance. This was his last effort for peace and he’ll be damned to let it be taken from. He lifted his nose to the air to sample it. To his chagrin, the scent of Aimaru’s little brother filled his nostrils. What bothered the demon lord even more was that Jabora’s scent was laced with…desire?!
He dare think to approach this one with such nonsense?! Sesshoumaru growled low in his throat in warning, successfully stopping the other demon in his tracks.
Jabora was moments from entering the waters until he was stopped by deep rumbling in the demon lord’s chest. He stood back from the pool ledge confused. Was he warning him to stay away?
He lifted concerned eyes to Sesshoumaru’s form facing away from him.
He couldn’t possibly think to reject him before he’d made his feelings clear. There was so much he wanted to say to convince him why they were meant for each other.
“Get out.” Sesshoumaru’s voice was calm but promised death should it be taken lightly.
No, that wasn’t what he was supposed to say. This all was going terribly wrong, not at all like he pictured it earlier this morning.“Sesshoumaru, darling, please…” Jabora pleaded clutching his kimono to his body. He watched as Sesshoumaru turned to face him with the coldest eyes he’d ever seen on any being. Where did this sudden hostility come from?
“I will not repeat myself.”
He didn’t need to. Jabora heard the demon lord perfectly. Why else did his heart hurt so much? “Please, you can’t even begin to understand how much love I’ve harbor for you. I would do anything to make you happy, anything. Just give me a chance…” Jabora’s voice trailed off. This had to be some bad dream. He refused to accept this as reality. For the sake of his sanity he just couldn’t.
“This sick fascination you have of This Sesshoumaru will cease immediately.” He turned away from Jabora clearly dismissing him. He wanted to hear nothing more of the smaller demon’s drivel about love. It was enough to sicken the demon lord.
“Sick?! It’s not sick. It’s real. I love you with everything I have.” Jabora whispered menacingly as he glared at the demon lord’s back. “I should be the only one by your side Sesshoumaru. I guarantee you that you will never find a more competent or loyal companion to stand at your side. Not if I have an…” Jabora barely finished his threat when he was suddenly pinned harshly to the marble wall behind him. The wall gave slightly to the sudden impact of his slender body.
Sesshoumaru stood before him in all his angry naked glory. Water dripped from his rigid form as he held the smaller demon by his throat in tightening claws. Fangs bared, Sesshoumaru lowered his head towards Jabora’s neck demanding his submission.
Jabora relented and tearfully turned his face away from the angry demon lord granting him the flesh of his neck. “You dare threaten This Sesshoumaru? For your impudence, you should be disemboweled, or melting within my claws, but for the sake of our blood ties I allow you to live. Should you continue to test this Sesshoumaru, blood be dammed, you’re soul will be sent to the afterlife.” With his last dry words he swiftly tossed Jabora into the large bathing pool and left him alone in the bathing chambers.
-
Jabora emerged from the pool slowly, to stare miserably at the doors Sesshoumaru had just passed. Despair, confusion, and anger shook his soaked body. Surely this all was some sort of misunderstanding. He couldn’t possibly think to end it like this could he? Jabora removed his kimono and washed away his makeup and reclined against the edge of the pool to sulk.
The heartbroken demon chuckled darkly, “So you were right after all big brother. I feel broken beyond repair.” He turned to lower his head to his arms and sobbed mournfully on the edge of the spring. Yet again it seems love will elude him this year.
-
Outside the bathing chambers, red eyes flashed dangerously while watching the demon lord leave the bathing chambers in a very sour mood. The observer’s black lips spread into a malicious grin, his tongue skittering across the pointed edges of his endless row of fangs. He was pleased with how this little relationship between these two has turned out, very pleased indeed. It was only a matter on how he will use this to his advantage.