A Future Changed

Woot! So this is my second story to post on AFF.net...and I must say, I'm proud of this one! It's a Sess/Kag fic...albeit a little unconventional...I thought I would take a different route when writing about these two again. I have two fanfictions posted on FF.net, called Soulmate and Youkai Masquerade, under the name CitrusSeverus. I also have one on AFF.net...called Owning Ayame, and it's an original. I love writing these stories, especially with some of the elements I have incorporated...they're slightly smutty, *or fully, teehee* and that's the way I like them!!! I hope you guys enjoy this, because I've been writing it for a while.

DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN ANY OF THESE CHARACTERS, OR INUYASHA. RUMIKO TAKAHASHI DOES...lucky! ANYWAYS, DON'T SUE ME, BECAUSE THEY AIN'T MINE *though I wish they were...sigh*!!!
ENJOY!

“Mom? Ji-Chan? Souta? I’m home…” Kagome shouted. Almost immediately, her mother came running into the hall.
“Kagome! Oh, Kagome, I’m so glad you’re home! Is everything alright?” Kagome’s mother turned to Sesshomaru with questioning eyes.
“Yes, Mrs. Higurashi. Everything checked out fine. She just had a minor concussion, and she was slightly dazed. But her brain was not affected in any way.”
“Oh, I’m so relieved.” A tear slid down the older woman’s pale cheek.
“Mom, where’s Souta and Ji-chan?”
“They’re at the clinic. Ji-chan needed a check up, and your brother is keeping an eye on him.”
“Oh.”
“I must run some errands…get some groceries for tonight’s dinner. You’re invited, Sesshomaru, if you’d like to come.”
“That would be nice, Mrs. Higurashi, but I have some business to attend to...and I'm afraid that I require Kagome's assistance.”
“Oh, what a shame. I was really looking forward to cooking for you two tonight. I suppose it can wait, however. Well, I’d best be off, then. Kagome, is there anything you need, honey?”
“No, Mom.”
“Alright then. I’ll be back in a few hours.”
“Bye.”
As Mrs. Higurashi walked out the door, Kagome turned to Sesshomaru.
“I know you explained some things to me already, Sesshomaru, but would you mind telling me a little bit more about…about how things are…?
“Are you certain you want to know?”
“…Hai.”
“Very well then, Kagome.”
He hesitated for a moment, and then began talking again.
“Starting around the time of the American Revolution, demons were beginning to come back into power after centuries of being suppressed by humans. We were becoming more prevalent, especially in places like Gion, where demon females tended to run their own geisha businesses. Soon, we overpopulated many areas, and tensions were running high and tight. The humans were becoming fed up with the so-called corruption of these ‘demonic infested’ areas, and so decided to wage war against us. Needless to say, countless lives were lost for both sides, and blood was shed. We were the victors, obviously. Over the years, we fought again and again with the humans, and each time, we won--with very few deaths. Finally, the humans gave in, and now, in your time, this time, most humans are pets…slaves to us. There are the exceptional few, such as yourself, who are allowed full access to all parts of the city, and are allowed outside without a master. You are a miko, and because of your special status and powers, are not permitted to be enslaved. I chose to marry you, because I thought you a suitable okaasan for my Rin, and I fell in love with you from the moment we met. I knew that you could bear my heir, and not suffer for it.”
“What about Inuyasha…Miroku…Sango…”
“Your friends, I take it.”
“Hai.”
“Inuyasha, as you know, is my half-brother, and untouchable by any law declaring that humans are to be enslaved. Though he is hanyou, he is still allowed full access to the city…the same laws you abide by, he does. And as for your other friends, I know not of their positions.”
“Oh…is there a way we can find out?”
“I’m certain there is, but for the time being, I believe it would be safer if you lie low, and learn the ways of the humans in this time. It is not safe for you to go out in public at the moment, you not knowing what to expect or how to act.”
“Could you take me out, then? Pretend I…” She stopped herself.
“Pretend what?” He asked, softly.
“Pretend…that I am your pet?”
“Everyone knows who you are.”
“They do?”
“Hai. You are a well known miko around Tokyo, Kagome. To act as my pet would be…unacceptable. Besides, even if you could, you do not know the requirements.”
“I don’t care…I’ll disguise myself…I’ll learn, Sesshomaru! I have to find my friends! Naraku said they were all alive now, but he didn’t say what they were doing, or if they were okay or not. I have to find out for myself.”
“Kagome, to act as my pet would mean that you have to submit yourself completely to me. And sometimes, that can mean…” He hesitated. Should he tell her of the things pets had to do for their masters? The horrors some had to suffer, just to survive?
“Sesshomaru? What can it mean?”
He shook himself out of his thoughts and took a deep breath.
“Kagome, sometimes, human slaves are not treated well by their masters. And in the past, I have been known to…mistreat my slaves. I have things expected of me. Of the way I treat them. Do you understand what I’m explaining to you?”
“You beat them?”
“The women, yes. And…I raped many of them when I was a youth.”
“Oh…Kami…” Tears welled in her eyes.
“Kagome, listen. Over the past two centuries, I have changed. Times have changed. I don’t do what I once was capable of, because I no longer support that kind of treatment. Especially since I’ve fallen in love with you.”
“How do I know you’re not lying to me?”
“I wouldn’t lie to my own fiancee, Kagome. You must trust me. I have put my trust in you. I would ask you to do the same.”
She nodded.
“Explain what I would have to do to me. Please…?”
“Well, when…a human is a pet to a demon, there are certain rules they have to follow. First, never speak unless you are asked. And when you do, if you are asked a question, you must always answer with ‘hai, Master’ or ‘no, Master.’ You cannot do it any other way, or you will be punished. Also, you must never look another demon in the eye. To do so is to assume that your place is above his or hers. You definitely cannot look me in the eye. To do so will also result in your being punished. And you will be expected to serve at dinners, or tea at lunch. Sometimes, a master will bed his slave. I will refrain from doing this to you, because you are my fiancee. However, if anyone should ask you if you have been bedded, you will let me reply for you. Last, you are not allowed to go anywhere without your master. I must be with you at all times, even if you have to excuse yourself to use the restroom. To leave you alone is to give you a chance to escape. And you will sleep beside me in my bed, should we have to travel from home.”
Kagome took a moment to let Sesshomaru’s words sink in, after he had finished talking. So much she had to do…and to submit to Sesshomaru…felt strange. She was frightened. What if it was all just a ruse to get her to be his...she didn’t want to consider all of the ‘what ifs’.
“I’m still not sure…” she hesitated. “I mean, if what you say is true, you could be lying to me at this very moment…”
“Kagome, I don’t know how else I can convince you that I am in love with you. I would never do anything to hurt you, or compromise your life. Please trust me.”
She stared into his eyes for a moment, and he could tell she was truly frightened.
“Train me. I’m going to do this, Sesshomaru. I have to find my friends. I have to.”
“Kagome…are you positive? Once you go out into public as my pet, you are subject to…”
“I don’t care what can happen, Sesshomaru. I hope…I pray…that you wouldn’t let anything happen to me.”
“Then…your training should begin immediately. I will leave a message for your mother, and you will accompany me to the castle.”
With that said, Sesshomaru wrote a quick note to Kagome’s mother, and escorted Kagome out to his car. Within minutes, they were on their way to the castle.
When they arrived, they were greeted at the door by Jaken, Sesshomaru’s servant, and Rin, who was so excited to see Sesshomaru, she nearly tackled him.
“Sesshomaru-sama! Rin is so happy to see you! And you brought Kagome-chan!”
“Have you been behaving, Rin?” Sesshomaru asked, a small smile forming at the corners of his mouth.
“Hai, Sesshomaru-sama! Rin has been very good!”
“You haven’t been torturing Jaken again, have you?”
“No, Sesshomaru-sama. Rin has been very nice to Jaken.”
He picked the small girl up, and bounced her in his arms a bit, causing her to giggle.
“Kagome, will you please go inside? I need to speak with Rin alone. Jaken will escort you to my quarters.”
Kagome nodded.
As soon as they were alone, Sesshomaru sat Rin down on the concrete steps that led to the castle, sitting himself down beside her.
“Rin, there is something we must discuss.”
“What is it, Sesshomaru-sama?” She asked patiently.
“I want you to go and live with your grandfather for a short time.”
“Why?!” Rin began to cry. “Does Sesshomaru-sama not love Rin anymore?”
“Ssshhh, Rin. It’s alright. I’m not sending you away because I don’t want you. There is some business I must attend to, and I just think it would be safer for you if you were…away for a little while. No one is abandoning you. I promise. Besides. You love your grandfather.”
“Hai, but…Rin wants to stay here with Sesshomaru-sama! And Grandfather won’t let Rin go play outside!”
“I’m sorry Rin. I know…but…I can’t risk your safety.” He said softly.
She pouted, tears pouring down her face.
“Rin,” Sesshomaru sighed. “It is because I love you like you are my own daughter that I do this.”
“But…”
“You are almost seven now. It is time to understand that you are going to be expected to act your age. Throwing temper tantrums is not going to get you what you want. And it is certainly not going to get you anywhere with your grandfather or your Uncle Inuyasha. They will not allow that kind of attitude.”
“Rin is mad at Sesshomaru-sama!”
Rin jumped up from the steps and ran into the castle, leaving Sesshomaru alone.
He felt terrible for having to send the sweet girl to live with his father, who ran a much stricter household than he used to, after Izayoi died. But it had to be done. He needed to focus on Kagome and her training.
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Kagome was led by Jaken to Sesshomaru’s private rooms, and told her to remain inside until Sesshomaru arrived.
After about ten minutes, however, Kagome was becoming a bit agitated and impatient. Finally, she decided that if Sesshomaru wanted her, he could undoubtedly find her. If she just walked out into the hall, what could he possibly get upset about?
As soon as she stepped out the door, a small girl ran into her. When she looked up, Kagome realized it was Rin.
“Hello, Rin. How are you?”
“Rin is mad!”
“Why is that?”
“Because Sesshomaru-sama is making Rin go live with mean Grandfather Inutaisho.”
“What’s wrong with your grandfather?”
“He’s not nice to Rin sometimes. He doesn’t let Rin go outside to play.”
“Well, that can’t be all bad, can it?”
“But…”
“Rin, sometimes people don’t get to do things they want to. I don’t get to go outside to play a lot either. And I know Sesshomaru doesn’t. He has to work a lot, doesn’t he?”
Rin nodded, tears still staining her tiny face.
“Don’t you think that he wishes he could sometimes go outside, too?”
“Maybe.” She sniffled.
“But he does it for you, Rin. He does all of this for you. His job…it’s for you…because he wants you to be happy. And I’ll bet he’s sacrificed a lot to give you all that he has. Believe me…I know, because my otou-san used to do the same thing. He would work a lot to give me and my okaasan money so that we could be happy. Maybe you could find something else to do other than to go outside. I’ll bet your grandfather has lots of toys for you, doesn’t he?”
“Hai…”
“Then play with those…but please, don’t be angry at Sesshomaru for sending you away. I’m sure he has a good reason. He’s doing it because he loves you.”
Rin nodded her head in agreement, and stopped crying.
“Rin understands now. Thank you, Kagome-chan!” Rin hugged Kagome’s legs, and ran off to go play in another part of the castle.
Out of the shadows, Sesshomaru stepped into Kagome’s view. He had followed her inside shortly after Jaken had led her to his room.
“Sesshomaru. I didn’t know you were there.”
“I heard what you said to Rin.” He stated quietly.
“Oh…I’m really sorry. I didn’t mean to…”
“No. I wanted to thank you. She was very upset.”
“Oh, Sesshomaru, it’s no problem. I was like her at that age…she adores you. Leaving you is hard for her, because you’re her father. Being separated from you for a long period of time is going to be difficult. I’ve been there. When my father was still alive, he would go on trips out of the country, and leave me and my mother…and Souta…behind. Souta and I acted up constantly. Don’t worry. She’ll grow out of it.”
Sesshomaru smiled.
“What?” Kagome asked. It was still odd for her to see him smiling.
“It amazes me, Kagome.”
“What does?”
“Your ability to connect to Rin. Now I am almost sure I made the right decision in asking for your hand in marriage. You’re wonderful.”
Kagome blushed profusely.
“Thank you…I guess. I’m sorry…I’m just not used to you acting this way.”
“Oh?”
“When I knew you…when I knew you in the Feudal Era, you were ruthless. You tried to kill Inuyasha many times, and me as well.”
“That explains your paranoia.” He chuckled. “The truth is, Kagome, I haven’t done anything like that in centuries. The last time I killed anyone…well, it’s been awhile.”
“Oh.”
Silence rang throughout the air for a moment, before Sesshomaru decided to speak.
“We should begin your training now, Kagome. If you wish to start soon, it could take some time before you get the hang of it.”
She nodded in agreement.
Sesshomaru led her to his room, where he instructed her to wait on the bed while he went into his closet.
When he returned, he held in his hands a metal collar with a leather and metal leash attached.
“Lesson number one, Kagome. All human pets will be fitted with a metal collar binding them from using violence and/or magic.”
“A collar?”
“Hai. It will bind your miko powers…and prevent you from attempting to harm me or others. Or yourself. You are also not able to remove it yourself. Your master must do it. It is laced with demonic powers that render you unable to do anything other than what your master asks of you. I am sorry to say it, but you will not be able to do much of anything unless I give you permission. Don’t worry, Kagome. The demonic power will not hurt you.”
“But…what if someone else asks me to do something?”
“Only your master can order you to do anything. Anyone else, and the collar will not work for them.”
“Do I have to put it on now?”
“I want you to get used to it. Once you are certain you understand how it works, and can tolerate wearing it for long periods of time, I will remove it until you emerge into the city.”
“Okay.”
Sesshomaru sat down next to her on the bed, and asked Kagome to pull her hair up. She quickly put it into a ponytail, and he fastened the metal collar on.
“How does it feel?”
“Cold.”
“I’m sorry. I wish I could make it so that you wouldn’t have to wear it. Unfortunately, that is not the case.”
She sighed.
“I’m going to test it out on you, Kagome. You must understand something about this collar. Whenever you are asked to do something, if you are not compliant, then it will send a shock into your body. The more you resist, the stronger the shock becomes. If you refuse…Kagome…the collar can be deadly. It would take a lot for your life to become in danger, but nonetheless, do not risk it.”
“Kill me?!”
“Just do what I ask, and nothing will happen. I will try not to put you in any situation that you could not handle, but be forewarned…I might not be able to prevent some things from happening. You must be prepared for anything that could occur.”
“Oh, Sesshomaru…I don’t know…if I can do this…”
“If you wish to stop, all you have to do is give me the word.”
“I want to find my friends…”
“Kagome, remember…once you get into this…you can’t turn back. You will enter this world as a slave…”
“I understand, Sesshomaru…but I have to find Sango and Miroku…and Shippo…”
“Then let us begin.”
She nodded.
“Kagome, I want you to walk to me.”
It took her a moment to rise from the bed. She walked to him with no problems.
“Good. Now…I want you to go sit back down…but when I ask you to come to me again, see what happens when you sit for a moment instead of walking to me.”
“Okay…”
She complied, sitting back down on the bed.
“Come to me, Kagome.”
She did as he asked, waiting for a moment before coming to him.
A small shock of electricity jolted through her body, and she bolted from the bed, running to Sesshomaru.
“Ouch!” She yelped.
“That is why you must listen to me. It can hurt much worse than that.”
“That really hurt…”
“I’m sorry. I won’t ask you to do that again.”
“I think I’ve gotten the hang of the collar. What’s lesson number two?”
“Not talking until you are asked to speak. Which will be rarely, when you are in public.”
“I can remember that.”
“You must. Any time you speak out, I will be forced to punish you.”
“If I can ask…how are…how would you punish me?”
“Whipping. Or beating.”
“Publicly?”
“At times, if it is warranted.”
“Okay…” She took a deep breath. She could not screw it up.
“Lesson three. You must serve your master food at mealtimes, and will not serve yourself until your master has ordered you to do so.”
“Got it.”
“We will be practicing this later. You’d better have it.” He intoned, seriously.
“Okay. What else is there?”
“Wherever I go, you will follow. For example, if you have to use the restroom, I must be waiting for you in front of the door. If I have to use the restroom, you will wait just outside the door for me as well. It’s simple enough to remember…though if you forget it, once again, you will be punished.”
‘What a surprise…’ Kagome thought.
“Those are the rules you must abide by for the moment. If you should need to know any more, I will tell you.”
“So…”
“We will be practicing at dinner, Kagome. I have a few guests coming over.”
“You…I thought…I was going to be practicing with…no one there!”
“Kagome, what better way to learn than by practicing in front of a live audience…who isn’t me? You’ll do fine, if you remember all that we have gone over.”
“I don’t even have a disguise for myself, Sesshomaru…or clothes…” Kagome paused.
Feeling overwhelmed, she sat down on the bed.
“That can be taken care of easily, Kagome.”
“I’m scared.”
“You can do this, if you are adamant enough about finding your friends. But remember, I told you, there is still time to turn back. You do not have to do this. I won’t think anything of it.”
She sat, unmoving and silent.
“Kagome…” He moved toward her and sat beside her on the bed.
“This is just…too much for me…I don’t understand what happened. I don’t understand why the jewel would do this. Naraku made his stupid wish, and now…” A tear slid down her cheek. “…now, I don’t have any of my friends, and the world as I knew it will probably never be the same. I can’t go back to school and finish off where I started, Hojo will never ask me out again, Eri, Ayumi and Yuka are probably slaves to some demons who hate humans. Who knows what happened to those three. And Inuyasha…Inuyasha won’t remember anything that happened before. Not to mention that I’ll never go through the well again.”
“I’m sorry, Kagome. If there was something I could do, I would. You know, this is not the only way we could find your friends…”
“But it’s the fastest, isn’t it.”
“In a sense, yes. You can get a chance to talk with the other slaves…who might know your friends. I could talk to their owners to get a good idea of where they might be as well.”
“Shippo is a demon, so I know I don’t have to worry about him being a slave. But Miroku and Sango...”
“You must not theorize about where they are, Kagome. It will only cause you more worry.”
Kagome nodded her head slowly.
“Now…we should try and find you something to wear that is appropriate for tonight.”
Sesshomaru looked deep in thought for a moment, and before Kagome could suggest anything, he sped out of the room and was back in an instant, holding something in his arms.
“Sesshomaru? What is that?”
“This,” He held up the garment. “is your outfit for tonight.”
Kagome’s eyes widened when she realized what the outfit actually looked like. It was a small dress made out of black leather. And there were holes, she realized, where her breasts and crotch were supposed to be covered by material.
“WHAT?!”
Sesshomaru had forgotten how modest Kagome was. At least, the Kagome HE knew.
“Kagome…this is standard dress for a new slave. You aren’t permitted to wear much else…you haven’t earned the right yet.”
“But…everyone…will see…”
“It is nothing they have not seen before, my Kagome. It is nothing I haven’t seen before. If you are even remotely concerned…”
“I care about what you think…but I don’t think I can wear this, Sesshomaru!”
“It is all I have.”
“I can wear underwear and stuff, right?”
Sesshomaru sighed. Kagome would throw a fit.
“No. New slaves are not permitted to wear anything that would hide their most private of parts from their Masters.”
Kagome’s eyes widened.
She would be totally exposed, and there was no way of hiding herself.
“Kagome, you do not have to do this. I don’t like repeating myself, but you really do not have to do this.”
“I want to find my friends.”
“You could ask around…”
“I don’t want to be at this for years, Sesshomaru. I want results NOW.”
“Kagome—”
“Sesshomaru, I’ll do this. I won’t complain, okay? I know there’s no way out when I get into it. I realize that, but I’m willing to take a chance. If I can save my friends…it’s worth it.”
Sesshomaru sighed. He didn’t want Kagome to go through with it. There were definitely other ways that she could find her friends…but…in a world that hated humans, her chances of finding them were slim to none, whether she was a miko or not.
"Then you should get a few hours’ sleep. I will go over a few more things just before dinner begins.”
“Sleep? Why? I don’t feel tired…”
“You will be, when you get done with this evening. I don’t need to have you slacking off instead of performing your duties. The first day is always tough on a new slave, whether you truly are one or not. I will be back in around three hours.”
“Okay…” Kagome sighed, feeling slightly unnerved. Sesshomaru was being wholly serious, and would not take no for an answer.
‘Am I really doing the right thing?’ She wondered before crawling into Sesshomaru’s bed.
“Sesshomaru’s bed…”
Kagome lay awake for at least a half-hour, before the silence caused her to slowly doze off.
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