As A Courtesan
Naraku
Courtesan
MiserablySweet
Naraku
Previously…
"You will not speak to this Sesshoumaru in such a manner, you willsurely not speak of her in such a demeaning manner." Sesshoumaru grounded
out with a harsh growl. Sesshoumaru turned around to face Kagome in time to
catch her before falling unconsciously to the ground.
Kagome'
s mind blacked out from the shock of the information she just heard. Her
mind was spinning madly out of place as the demoness' words played over
and over again in her head.
'you're betrothed… a whore…
you're a whore…'
Present...
"She will be fine
Sesshoumaru. Now, come with me I need to have a word with you" Inu Taishou
motioned for his son to follow him to his study. The Lord casually slumped
into his fur pelted chair and massaged his temples. "Sesshoumaru, who is
that girl?"
"She is a courtesan" Sesshoumaru stared into his father's
eyes searching for his reply.
"Hm... Sesshoumaru, you are to wed the
Eastern Lord's daughter within this month. Not only did you physically
injured the daughter, you brought home your personal whore?!" Inu Taishou
shot up from his chair and smacked his hands on top of the
table.
"SHE is no WHORE" Sesshoumaru barked out at his father,
crimson seeping into his eyes.
"Pup, you'll do well if you control
your anger in front of me." Sesshoumaru bowed slightly in acknowledgement
and respect.
"Father, this Sesshoumaru offers you our apologies. This
girl, she is no whore. We were her one and only... customer," Inu
Taishou sighed deeply and gracefully walked to the study's window.
"Sesshoumaru, what is it about this girl that you would bring her to our
palace? Is she not like the rest that you've bedded?"
Sesshoumaru
stared off in the distance outside his father's window, 'Why do we feel
protective of her? She is of human blood and we are of a pure and noble
race since the Earth was born.' Images of Kagome's smile flashed through
his mind, the way she smiled to him made his heart race several beats
faster. He sighed, "Father, this Sesshoumaru knows not of the answer for
that question. My apologies, we have matters to attend to." Sesshoumaru
walked out of his father's study leaving the Lord wanting more answers.
'Her beauty must've trapped you in a spell my son,' the Lord chuckled
softly 'she is fairer than many demonness I've met or seen.'
she resided in.
"The nerve of that bastard of a dog! I can't believe
he would hit me. When we're mated I'll control him like the dog he is," the
angered n threw her arms up in frustration. A soft knock was sounded and
she was brought out of her tantrum. "Sorry for the intrusion sister, but
you've called for me?" A male with dark, ebony hair and sun kissed skin
opened the door cautiously.
"Yes Naraku. I need you to do something
for me," Kagai rubbed her chin thoughtfully. Her brother was always
obedient when it comes to her giving the orders. 'Might as well get that
whore away from the picture.'
"Yes sister, for you anything" Naraku
bowed respectfully and Kagai crackled. "My brother, you were always my
favorite. There is this human girl that Sesshoumaru brought in the castle.
I want her gone." Naraku cocked his head to the side, "Gone? As in
death?"
"No brother dear, Gone as in any means necessary," a sadist
smirk adorned her face.
"Why must we rid of her? We only want to take
the Western Lands from the Inu Youkai," Naraku questioned innocently. Kagai
smacked her brother sharply.
"Simple, brother dear,she is in
my way of what I want," Kagai furrowed her eyebrows at her brother, "you
best not question me any more little brother. Or I will disown you."
head. She opened her eyes when she felt a pair of soft hands touch her
shoulder softly.
"Hmm..." she covered her eyes in pain as the bright
sunlight burned her eyes.
"Kagome! You're awake, thank kami. I was so
scared," the girl beside Kagome's futon embraced her tightly. Kagome
removed her hand from her eyes and squinted to adjust to the sun's rays.
She looked down on the shoulders of who was embracing her. 'Dark brown hair
with a mid waist ponytail?'
"Sango-chan?" Kagome wondered if she
called out the right name. Her head was in a haze and there was nothing to
she do to clear it.
"Yes Kagome. How are you feeling? Are you
hungry?" Sango pampered Kagome, fluffed her pillow and brushed her hair
smoothly. " You have been asleep for a day and a half already, don't you
remember? We're at the Western Prince's palace. I was led in first while
the Lord spoke to you, then they came in with you in the Prince's arms
unconscious," tears formed in Sango's eyes as she rambled on. "Oh Kagome, I
was so scared you weren't going to wake up!"
"Sango-chan, I'm fine
now though I have a small head pain," Kagome smiled softly at her friend "I
am fine, please don't worry."
Sango nodded, "The Prince assigned me
as your personal servant and attendant so you wouldn't feel alone. I think
he cares about you Kagome." Kagome put on a fake smile, "Yes, I think he
does as well Sango-chan" she lied to her. 'Sorry Sango-chan, I would never
lie to you, or to anyone. But I...,' Kagome choked out a sob and wrapped
her arms around her shoulders. "Kagome? are you alright?" Sango looked on
with worried eyes.
"Yes, I am tired of this room Sango-chan. Is there
a place we can relax, it is such a lovely day" Kagome looked out the room's
window. Though the room was flourished with expensive furniture, exotic
cloths Kagome couldn't help but feel she was trapped in a
dungeon.
"There is the gardens. I think I know where it is, come I'll
help you dress," Kagome nodded and allowed Sango to guide her through the
built in hotsprings. "You know Kagome, I never thought hotsprings can be
inside a room, just look at this!" Sango's voice echoed off the marble
carved walls. A small smile appeared on her lips, "Yes, it is rather
magnificent."
Sesshoumaru wishes to speak to you" Sesshoumaru bid Jyunchi to follow into
his private chambers.
"What'sa matter Fluffy? Cat got your tongue?"
Jyunchi joked around. Sesshoumaru glared as his long time companion and
close friend. "How did this Sesshoumaru react when the human female was
near?" Jyunchi raised one of his eyebrows, "What do you mean
Sessh?"
"Has this Sesshoumaru appear to be out of place when Kagome
is near," Sesshoumaru rephrased. He wanted to know the answer to his
father's question as well, 'Why do we have the urge to protect
her?'
Jyunchi placed his hands on his hips, "Well when we went to the
Red Lantern, Kouga wanted to bed Kagome, she dropped the flask as you and
Kouga pulled on her wrists, she got hurt, the porcelain cut her somewhere
on her neck, you said something along the lines of 'she serves me and only
me' and 'you dare hurt this Sesshoumaru's female'. Or something along those
lines. Why do you ask Sesshoumaru?"
Sesshoumaru sank into his chair
and sighed, "What have we done Jyunchi? We have claimed Kagome as our mate
and we are to wed the Eastern Lord's daughter within this month" he sighed
and rubbed circles around his aching temples. Jyunchi smiled and walked
around the desk. He placed his hand on Sesshoumaru's shoulder and squeezed
reassuringly, "my friend, you have no claim on Kagai. You only have to wed
her because the Eastern Lord requested so for the treaty between East and
West to be in affect. Your future is shaped on what you decide Sesshoumaru.
No one, not your father or me could change what you really believe
in."
Sesshoumaru let out one of his rare smiles and looked up to his
friend, "Thank you Jyun."
"Don't mention it Sesshy. The rooms you set
up for Kagome and her friend is ready, you can tell them any time to sleep
there. Well, I gotta go...erm, talkto someone. I'll see you later in
the dojo," Jyunchi walked out of Sesshoumaru's study with excitement
rolling off his scent.
"Jyunchi," Sesshoumaru shook his head in
astonishment, knowing fully well his friend will be doing much more than
talking with a female in this palace.
"Kagome, what have you done to
this Sesshoumaru to yearn for you so?" he whispered out his chamber's
windows.
I know for sure this time!" Sango pushed open the massive wooden door.
Kagome gasped in surprise from the beauty of the garden. "Sango-chan, the
garden is beautiful" Kagome giggled as she took a step on the cobblestone
leading the the lush green grass and blooms of various flowers. "Kagome,
I'm going to get some food from the kitchen, you must be starving. I'll be
back soon," Sango left for the search of the palace Kitchen. Kagome walked
through the field and inhaled deeply.
Kagome giggled and spung around
in circles with arms stretched out embracing the sun's rays and the
fragrance of the garden. Kagome sighed as she stopped and steadied herself
from her actions. She walked to where she thought there was a pond, and
satisfied that there is in fact a pond, Kagome sat down on the edge, lifted
her kimono to her knees and let it rest on her thighs, she dipped her toes
into the pond and found the temperature to her liking and submerged her
feet. Kagome leaned back and relaxed on the grass and stared into the blue
sky.
"It's beautiful. Papa, Souta where are you. I miss you both
dearly," Kagome withdrew her feet and fully laid on the grass. "It's
wonderful Sesshoumaru would let Sango-chan and I stay in his palace. But,"
Kagome trailed off to yesterday's events. "He is to be married to the East.
He-" Kagome shifted position from her back, now on her stomach. She buried
her face on the soft flesh of her inner elbow and sobbed softly. After
several minutes, Kagome calmed and stared into the pond, "After all, I am
but of a lowely courtesan and she is of royal blood. I am nothing compared
to her" Kagome smiled bitterly "perhaps it was foolish of me to even let
the thought of Sesshoumaru-sama caring for me enter my thoughts."
'I
might as well give up hoping for it,' Kagome sighed once more and emerged
herself with thoughts of what could've been. A figure entered the gardens
and noticed a female with hair as dark and blue as the moonlit night. 'She
must be Kagome,' the male narrowed his eyes and walked towards Kagome.
'By any means necessary' his sister's voice echoed in his
head.
'Yes, I shall obey you my beloved sister,' Naraku shifted his
arm behind him and pulled out his dagger and held it in place, waiting for
the right moment to strike. Kagome heard a rustle of clothing behind her
and snapped out of her daydream. She noticed a dark reflection in the
waters behind her, Kagome snapped her head around and met the eyes of the
being.
Naraku stilled as the dark hair beauty stared right into his
soul. Naraku swiftly sheathed the dagger and gave her a friendly smile.
Kagome stood up and walked several paces away from him. 'His hair and
eyes... they are wild and untamed,' Kagome backed up in fear. Though his
dark hair and sun kissed skin gave him an exotic appeal his eyes seem to be
in shock and confusion.
Naraku narrowed his eyes at the fearful
beauty in front of him, 'She's afraid of me. She is just like the rest' he
thought dejectedly and bowed and turned to leave. Kagome looked on in
disbelief as she read his emotions from his eyes, rejection, abuse and
neglect. 'He's upset that I was fearful in his presence...'
"Wait!
Please, wait" Kagome scampered after Naraku and grasped his wrist
preventing him to take another step. Naraku froze and slowly faced the
black hair beauty. "Why should I? You are like every single one of them,
scared for their lives, neglecting, judgmental. You are no different," he
snarled at her. Kagome noticed his cheek was redden and a light
discoloration was visible. Tears began to form in her eyes once more, 'He's
been hurt...'
"No, I'm not. Please, let me prove to you that I am
different from the rest who have hurt you. Please," Kagome inched closer to
Naraku and cupped his cheek with her hand. Naraku closed his eyes and
leaned into her touch. 'She is the only female, no, only being who has
touched me this way in centuries, who exactly is she?'
"You are not
afraid of me?" he whispered. Kagome withdrew her hand and grasp his hands
in her own, "At first I was. Your hair and your eyes gave me quite a shock"
she giggled, "But now, I know better." Kagome released his hands and
blushed, "Would you like to join me?"
Naraku raised an eyebrow, "Join
you with what?" Kagome blushed again, "I have not eaten yet, would you like
to join me and my friend Sango for a small meal out here in the garden?" As
if right on cue, Sango walked through the palace doors carrying a huge
basket full of food.
"Sango-chan!" Kagome smiled and help unload some
of the food from the overloading basket. "Sango-chan, This is..." she
trailed off embarassed that she forgot to ask his name.
Naraku smiled
softly, "I am called by my sister, Naraku. Pleasure to meet two fair
beauties on this beautiful day." The girls giggled softly as they began to
lay out the food for a small meal. They sat down enjoyed a silent meal
together with all admiring the beautiful scenery before
them.
"Kagome, you ate so little, are you feeling ill again?" Sango
reached over and touched her cheeks slightly.
"No Sango-chan, I'm
feeling fine. I ate my portion and am content. Don't worry," Kagome smiled
lovingly at her new friend. Naraku looked at the display before him. 'She
took a few mere bites of her vegetables and rice, she eats so little for
her size,' Naraku reached over and grabbed an apple from the basket. He
took Kagome's hand and placed the apple in hers.
"You don't eat
enough for your size and age. You will become ill if you don't eat the
right amount," Naraku nodded to the apple in her hands.
"Thank you
for your kind offer Naraku-sama and Sango-chan. But I assure you, I am
content," Kagome handed the apple back to Naraku. Naraku growled in
frustration.
"Why do you eat so little?!" he grounded out. Kagome and
Sango stared at him with shocking expressions.
"Because my family is
poor. I work daily to feed my family," Kagome smiled
bitterly.
Sesshoumaru thought he heard Kagome's voice, he sniffed the
air to defect Kagome's friend's scent and a male youkai. Sesshoumaru
narrowed his eyes displeased with the though of Kagome in another male
youkai's presence. He walked out to the balcony to to catch what Kagome
said next.
"My family used to be of a wealthy and honorable decent.
However, sometime later my father laced with greed began gambling and lost
all of our fortune a decade ago. My mother died of shock and of a broken
heart, and my father, brother and I were forced out of our homes and into
the streets," Kagome sighed as she reminisced about her past "when our
family was wealthy, my father hired tutors and educated me in many
subjects. But when we were forced into the streets, my father and I had to
work daily to feed my little brother and ourselves. Then a few days ago my
father borrowed 2000 Yan from Yuko-sama, the owner of the Red Lantern. He
promised me he would return the money immediately however, he lost the
money due to gambling once more."
Kagome took a deep breath and
continued, "Yuko-sama needed a virgin to serve her guests that night, I
offered myself to Sesshoumaru-sama to lessen the debt we were already in."
Kagome lowered her gaze to her hands and fidgeted, "They named me into a
Courtesan, though our agreement was only to be that one night I serve the
Western Prince. And now..."
Sesshoumaru closed his eyes, he has took
her most sacred treasure and he felt guilty. Sesshoumaru looked
on...
Kagome looked up into the sky searching for an answer, "Now, my
father and brother is captured by Cat demons and I am stuck in this
palace."
Tears streamed down her porcelain face and Naraku clenched
his hands into a tight fist. 'Cat demons, Is she part of the Higurashi
family?'
"Kagome, what is your father's name?" Naraku questioned
quickly. Kagome looked confused at first, "Ken Higurashi, why do you
ask?"
Naraku felt his blood grow cold, 'Higurashi...' By the orders
of his father, He must kill all members of the Higurashi
family.
.
.
.