A Sister's Gift

Chapter 25 – Settling In

Kagome was caught between a rock and a hard place, but true to her word, Kikyo remained by her side, lending some semblance of support. The elderly miko, Senshi, waited patiently for Kagome’s answer. Her eyes held no malice, but an ancient wisdom, that said that she already knew the answer.

“Um..., Kagome gulped, it is a mating mark.”

The daisaiin, persisted in gaining further knowledge. “Were you attacked, my child?”

Kagome shook her head, lowering her eyes. “No daisaiin-sama.”

The old daisaiin nodded, and looked to Kikyo. “My dear, please leave us for a short time. I wish to speak privately to Kagome.”

Kikyo gave Kagome an encouraging pat and made her way out of the Shrine.

Kagome was shaking in her shoes. ‘Could this mean the end of my trip? Will the daisaiin send me home, after I’ve traveled all this way?’

“Come child. Do not be afraid. I only wish to speak further of your marking.” Senshi said with a comforting pat. She waited for Kagome to join her once more on the grass mat. “Now Kagome, tell me of your mate.”

“Well... his name is Sesshomaru. He used to be Lord of the Western Lands, until his house fell in a battle. He is a beautiful and powerful taiyoukai. I love him, but he... he is my Protector.” Kagome spat the last part out, as it was pretty hard to say to the highest of mikos. She was surprise when the old priestess did not scold her, and only asked her to tell her more.

“He cares deeply for me, and has for some time. A dear friend and sister, a demon exterminator, gave him to me as a gift for this long journey, but he and I met prior to that. He makes me feel... special, and safe.” There. That was as good as she could do to explain herself to this woman. She hoped with all her heart that she would not cast her out, just for loving Sesshomaru.

Senshi sat back, and gave herself a moment to absorb the information. She gave a deep sigh. Never in all her many years had she ever heard of a mating bond between a miko and a taiyoukai. She had to admit that she was somewhat astounded. Evil and Good, and never the twain should meet, but here they have. The opposites that attract, have spawned this unlikely pair. She was simply intrigued.

“Kagome dear, I wish to meet this mate of yours. Would you attend the evening meal with me? Your friend Kikyo, and her Protector, will of course attend with you.” Senshi asked.

Kagome was still nervous of her position, and surprised at the invitation. “Yes, of course, daisaiin-sama. Domo Arigato. May I ask you, my lady, am I going to be sent home, because I am mated to a youkai?”

Daisaiin-sama Senshi could see the worry on the young woman’s heart. She was tempted to tell her yes. If only to save her from the harsh words of others. Kagome’s aura was so pure of heart, that she felt the need to protect her, but her power was so strong that it could not be ignored. She was a fine candidate for the task ahead, and should be considered. “No Kagome, I think not. You will stay, but I must warn you. The mark will be cause for other’s to target you. Be strong, and do not allow them to break your spirit my child.”

Kagome let out the huge breath that she had been holding. “Arigato, my lady. Arigato!”

“Go now, girl. Rest up, and I will send Ani for you all one hour before sunset.” Senshi said as she patted the young woman’s hand.

“Arigato and Sayonara daisaiin-sama.” Kagome said as she bowed before taking her leave behind Ani who seemed to appear just as she needed her.

When Kagome stepped out into the sunlight Sesshomaru stood waiting, tall and magnificent, searching her face for answers. Kagome smiled warmly and nodded. He understood. All is well.

Kikyo and Inuyasha joined them and they all followed Ani, who led them through the crowd and then down a narrow path to the right. It opened into a garden full of sakura trees and huge broad leaf plants. The stone pathway curved through the maze of trees and shrubs until they stood in front of a group of large huts. Ani walked them to the farthermost hut to the left. Inside the hut was sectioned off into four separate rooms.

Ani turned to Kagome and Kikyo. “This is your room. Your Protector’s will stay with you. I am truly sorry that we do not have larger rooms, but with the number of miko’s arriving, we have had to make due.”

Kagome bowed in thanks. “This is fine, Ani. Arigato.”

Ani explained where the bathhouses were and the rules for the youkai. She told them that she would return for them one hour before sunset, and took her leave.

“Where are we going one hour before sunset, Kagome?” Kikyo questioned.

Kagome sat down with a huge sigh of relief. She was exhausted. “Daisaiin Senshi wishes for us all to dine with her. She wants to meet Sesshomaru.”

“What?” Kikyo said in surprise.

“I know. I thought it strange as well.” Kagome replied.

Sesshomaru huffed, and took a seat next to Kagome. “This Sesshomaru has no wish to entertain this Senshi miko.”

Inuyasha was quick to add a second to that statement. “Yeah, me either. It’s bad enough to be stuck in this place, but now we have to be the freak show at their dinner party? Count me out!”

Kikyo was quick to educate Inuyasha on the effects of refusing the invitation by the daisaiin. He finally closed his mouth and took a seat with the others. He really hated this whole stupid thing. He would much rather camp in the forest than be crammed up in this little room, especially with his high and mighty half-brother. ‘Stupid miko’s, and their stupid honor.’

Kikyo and Kagome gathered their things for a bath, making sure to send Inuyasha and Sesshomaru off for a bath as well, but only after they returned with the remainder of their belongings from the horses.

“Oh that felt splendid, don’t you agree Kagome?” Kikyo said as they stepped back into their hut.

“Definitely. Traveling on horseback will certainly make you appreciate a nice hot bath.” Kagome agreed.

“Well, well, what do we have here?” asked an unknown miko leaning in the doorway of the room at the opposite end of the hut.

Kagome smiled and greeted the young woman, but she turned her nose up and flicked her hand as if to dismiss the kindness.

“So... miko’s traveling with youkai. How disgraceful. I see they share a room with you, as well. Very convenient, don’t you agree, Suki?” The miko sneered, and another girl, much shorter than the first, joined her, also with a haughty look of superiority. “Oh yes, I agree, Sadae. Very convenient.”

Kikyo had heard quite enough from these two. “Just what are you implying?”

The one called Sadae, smiled knowingly. “Only that a true miko would be ashamed to be seen in the company of youkai, much less sharing a room with them. Perhaps your slaves are beholden to you in more ways than one.”

The squat little Suki, burst out in racking giggles, which grated Kagome’s nerves. She couldn’t believe these girls were being so rude. “A real miko wouldn’t be standing there accusing other’s of crimes they know nothing about!” Kagome said in a low dangerous voice.

The female bickering came to an abrupt end when a deep growl permeated the air. Kagome swung around to find Sesshomaru standing behind her with a dangerous look on his face. She turned back to the two hateful girls.

Sadae shot her a cruel look and said, “Control your slave, girl, or I’ll be forced to purify him to dust.”

That pissed Kagome off. She stomped over to the spiteful wench. “Listen here you little snot. You stay away from me and my companions or I will be forced to introduce you to the dirt under my feet!” With that she turned and headed back to their room.

Sesshomaru grunted. He certainly was right. She is one little fireball. He didn’t know what this Sadae could do, but he knew exactly what his Kagome could do, and he seriously doubted the girl would stand a chance in combat against his mate.

Once they all settled in their room, Kikyo let it be known through clenched teeth how highly perturbed she was with the company they were forced to keep. “How dare that little brat. She couldn’t purify a turnip!”

“I agree Kikyo. I do hope that not all of our fellow miko’s have the same temperament.” Kagome sighed despondently. Sesshomaru sat down and pulled her into his lap, nuzzling her mark, which brought about the nicest feeling of warmth throughout her tense body. She began to relax immediately.

Kikyo settled into Inuyasha’s lap and lay her head on his chest. He wasn’t the best at soothing, but just being near him made her feel a little better.

Soon the tired females drifted off for a much needed nap before the big dinner party.