Total Eclipse of the Heart

Total Eclipse of the Heart

Disclaimer: I do not own anything in this fanfic except for certain characters such as Liana, Aya, Aki, etc. The characters of InuYasha are not mine; they are property of Rumiko Takahashi, Shogakukan, Yomiuri TV, Sunrise, and Viz. I make no profit from this fanfic.

A/N: Well dear readers, I know you guys have been waiting for this chapter for a long time, but a lot of stuff has been happening to be.

First, you should know that I am currently getting over Pneumonia. I’m well now and nearly fully recovered from this sickness so you really don’t have to worry about me! ^_^

Secondly, my grandmother passed away. As an important part of my life, I would like to dedicate this chapter to her. I’m going to miss her terribly, but life does go on and I know that she would want nothing more than to see me happy.

Thirdly, I HAVE A NEW BETA!! Thank you so much LC Rose for all your help with this! I’m so thankful to have you helping me with my fanfic! I owe you BIG time!

Please enjoy and be sure to review! I love comments b/c each of them makes me laugh and inspires me to continue on with my fanfics.


Chapter Eight: The Gathering of the Youkai Court

Kagome lay on the bed, her restraints removed the moment she had entered, as Yoko and Tsukiko, two ladies of Lady Kameyo whom would be Kagome’s ladies during her stay, moved in and out of her room, delivering her a formal kimono she would have to wear in front of the Youkai Court and bringing her in a small meal that consisted merely of fruits and vegetables.

When she was finished with her meal, Kagome called on Yoko – a kitsune youkai who looked to be about thirteen in human years – to take her to the bathing room. In the room, she found three new ladies – most were also kitsune youkai though she could definitely tell that there was one inu youkai as well – who helped her into the bath. She felt a little uncomfortable at first, to have three youkai bathing her, but that discomfort quickly passed as they began to wash her hair. Yoko was there, talking kindly to her and trying to ease the other youkai around her, telling them how their Lady Kameyo loved her at first sight. Kagome giggled at this and the tension slowly dissipated from the room.

As they began to wash her body, Kagome hissed as their hands ran across the bruises on her skin.

“Poor dear,” the inu youkai said as she smoothly ran her hand over the bruises. “I hope Hisao-sama is giving Sessho-“

“Maiko!” Yoko exclaimed, giving the inu youkai a glare that had Kagome stiffen a bit.

“What’s the matter?” Kagome asked, feeling a bit confused about the outburst.

“Nothing, Kagome-sama,” Yoko purred as she smiled at the young miko, but Kagome raised her eyebrow at her, clearly stating that she didn’t buy the obvious lie.

“Oh, Kagome-sama, how you must have suffered,” one of the other kitsune youkai called out as they too ran a hand over a bruise. “To think that Sesshomaru-sama allowed harm to someone like you! And under his protection…oh how horrible!”

“But I wasn’t raped,” Kagome stated as she shook off the memories of the assault. “I mean-sure I was assaulted, but if it hadn’t been for Sesshomaru, it could have been much worse!”

“It matters not if there even was penetration, Kagome-sama,” Yoko stated. “You see, in Youkai society, honor is something that is very sacred to us. Sesshomaru-sama was chosen to be your protector along your journey here, which is a very great honor given by the other Youkai Lords. For you to be assaulted means that Sesshomaru-sama has shamed the honor given to him by the Youkai Lords. For a Youkai Lord to be shamed by such, could force a Lord into exile, but luckily, Hisao-sama has ceased the news of your assault from reaching the other Youkai Lords. Sesshomaru-sama may have made a mistake in not protecting you as well as he should have, but he is a good ruler for the Western Lands.”

The other youkai ladies nodded their heads in agreement and Kagome nodded hers in understanding. She continued to listen to the youkai ladies “gossip” about Sesshomaru and his “cold” personality, wondering when he would consider taking a mate. When Kagome was finished with her bath, she was taken back to her room where Yoko and Tsukiko dressed her in her formal kimono – the colors matched similarly to Sesshomaru’s usually outfit of white, red, black, and yellow sash – and she was told to wait in her room until the Youkai Court summoned her.

Walking over to the window, and gazing into the golden colors of sunset that had slowly begun to form, Kagome lost herself to her thoughts of Inuyasha and her family. She missed them so much and wanted nothing more than to run back into their arms, never to leave them again. Thoughts of her family in Tokyo began to run through her mind and Kagome couldn’t help the tears that started to fall. She got so caught up with her emotions, that she never felt the male youkai enter her room, nor saw the emotions flutter across his face.

“This-,” his familiar voice began to state, catching Kagome’s attention who gasped and quickly wiped the tears away from her face and began to walk over to Sesshomaru.

“I’m sorry-“she paused with her rambling as he held up a clawed hand.

“No, miko,” Sesshomaru stated firmly and the hand fell to his side. “It is I who should apologize to you.” Kagome’s eyes widened at his statement but allowed him to continue, offering her bed as a place to sit for the two of them, but he refused with a shake of his head. He made a short sigh before continuing. “It was not this Sesshomaru’s intention for harm to come to you.”

“I know,” Kagome replied softly with a gentle smile. “Sesshomaru, whatever it is that your society believes I just want you to know that I do not blame you.” She sighed and placed a hand on his chest, surprising him though he never showed it. “What has happened is in the past; all I wish to do now is go have a talk with the Youkai Court and determine what they want from me. Then I wish to travel back to my village and become your brother’s mate.” She grinned. “And I’m still hoping you reconsider on joining us for the wedding.”

“Hn,” Sesshomaru simply replied with a narrowing of his eyes and Kagome laughed at his response. As her laughed died, she lowered her hand as Sesshomaru lifted an object into her view with his left hand. It was a leather-like collar. “This Sesshomaru was ordered to place this on you.”

Kagome looked a bit fearful for just a second, but nodded her head and turned around, thankful that her hair had been placed up in an elegant bun. She felt as the collar was placed around her neck, the coolness of it making her shiver slightly from it. It was almost a relief, and shocking at the same time, as she felt Sesshomaru’s warm hand touch to back of her neck, two fingers going under the strap and moving around her neck to check the tightness of his work.

When he was satisfied with the placement of the collar, his hands left her neck and Kagome felt an immediate pull from the collar, reaching up, she started gasping as the collar made it seem like someone was choking her.

“Calm yourself, miko,” Sesshomaru said as he watched her struggle against the binds. “The pull of the collar will pass in but a moment’s time.”

True to his word, as soon as the Kagome took in a deep breath the tightness of the collar was gone. Sighing once more, she turned back to Sesshomaru whose eyes had a tint of red in them and Kagome tilted her head at him.

“Are you alright?” she asked but watched as he suddenly turned, walking over to her door. “Sesshomaru?”

“Miko, would you be willing to do anything to live?” Sesshomaru paused and questioned, not even looking over his shoulder as he asked.

Kagome raised an eyebrow. “Huh?”

“This Sesshomaru does not repeat himself,” he stated, looking at her out of the corner of his eyes, the tint of red still there.

“I-I guess so,” Kagome replied and jumped slightly as there was a hard knock at her door. She watched Sesshomaru walk over and open the door, revealing a gorgeous male youkai-obviously older, thought not by much, than Sesshomaru- waiting outside the door. He had long brown hair, bright blue eyes and markings on his face that were similar to Sesshomaru. He also had pointed ears and a long tail that resembled Kouga’s behind his very muscular form.

“Greetings Sesshomaru-sama, Kagome-sama,” he said with a bow. His voice was deep and very smooth like velvet. Kagome had to stop herself from shivering. “My name is Seigi and I am here to escort Kagome-sama to meet with the Youkai Court.”

“I’ve been summoned?” Kagome questioned and Seigi nodded his head. “Alright then.” Sesshomaru quickly exited the room and waited outside the door with Seigi. Kagome slowly joined them and smiled when Seigi held out his arm to her, but a low growl stopped her from complying with the offer.

“You will walk with this Sesshomaru, miko,” the arrogant daiyoukai stated, his back still to her.

“I was told to escort her, Sesshomaru-sama,” Seigi began to argue.

“And you shall, ookami,” Sesshomaru glared back as he turned slightly to them. “But the miko shall walk with this Sesshomaru.”

Kagome smiled at Seigi and patted him on the shoulder. “It’s ok, Seigi,” she stated and walked over to Sesshomaru’s side as he began walking down the hall.

Kagome giggled as she heard the two of them growl and she shook her head. Men.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Sesshomaru paused outside of two grand screen doors; a depiction of a variety of youkai in their true forms surrounded in a circle was beautifully painted on the screen doors. There were many voices coming from inside the room; some were male and they sounded very angry. There were few female voices and they too seemed a bit angry though their anger was directed at the male voices.

“This is where we depart,” Sesshomaru stated as he turned to Kagome, who looked a bit fearful. It was his turn to raise an eyebrow at her. “Are you afraid, miko?”

“Uh…”Kagome could hardly get the words out at first, but then she made her back straight, and held her chin up high. “No.” Her tone was firm and strong; this was the Shikon Miko whom the youkai feared yet respected. No one dared defy her.

Sesshomaru smirked at her. “We shall see,” he simply stated and looked to Seigi who nodded his head. He suddenly turned from them and slid the door open, walking in and turning back only to close the door.

“We are to wait until your name is called, Kagome-sama,” Seigi stated as soon as the door shut.

Kagome nearly missed what Seigi had stated as she listened as the room got quiet the moment Sesshomaru entered the room. Hisao could be heard greeting him but it was a bit obvious that the other lords did not like Sesshomaru at the way they greeted him. Lady Kameyo was loud and very happy to see Sesshomaru and Kagome giggle when she heard him growl in response.

Seigi smiled at her laughed and stepped forward, placing a hand on her shoulder. “I will go and announce your arrival,” he stated as he walked over to the door. Sliding it open he bowed at the entrance. “My lords and ladies; the Shikon Miko is ready to make her appearance.”

The room was entirely silent; almost deadly silent.

“Lady Kagome, Shikon Miko, the Youkai Court has summoned you,” bellowed a deep and powerful voice.

Kagome took a deep breath, and swallowed hard before walking into the room.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Shippo was once again having a dream; a good dream. Kagome was returning back to him and in her hands were tons of pocky. She was giving him one of her warm smiles and he was sure he heard Inuyasha’s constant ranting behind him about how his okaa-san was late once again.

“Okaa-san!” he cried out to her but cried out as he suddenly saw Kagome fall to her knees, tears streaming down her face. “Okaa-san?”

There were demons surrounding her, and Shippo ran over to his okaa-san, but the more he ran, the farther Kagome seemed to be.

“Kagome!” he screamed for her, yet it seemed like his voice was no longer reaching her.

“Shippo!” This voice was somewhat familiar to him, but all he could see was Kagome being taken away from him with other youkai. The fear in her eyes tore his small form apart and he screamed for her again. “Shippo!”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“Shippo!” cried Rin as she tried to wake the nightmarish kitsune as he constantly called out the name of her sensei. He had accidentally fallen asleep for a nap after the nice inu-youkai had taken them to a bath. Rin thought it harmless to let him sleep while she waited for Sesshomaru, but the moment Shippo started to cry out, she could not stand it anymore.

“Shippo-chan, please wake up!” she cried out to him and began to shake his small form. “Shippo!”

Shippo suddenly cried out his okaa-san’s name again and sat straight up, eyes wide and looking frantically around the room in search of someone. When he came face to face with Rin, he seemed to calm down slightly.

“Rin?” he asked, looking a bit fearfully while trying to get reacquainted with his surroundings.

“It’s ok, Shippo-chan!” Rin immediately said to him reassuringly. “Kagome-sensei is here…she’s safe! We’re all going to be ok!”

“Where’s okaa-san?” he questioned, still looking around the room. “Where’s Sesshomaru-sama?”

“I don’t know,” Rin answered truthfully. “Jun-chan said that we were to wait here for Sesshomaru-sama, but he hasn’t come yet.” She smiled at him. “But he will! I know Sesshomaru-sama will come for us!”

Shippo smiled at her and nodded his head. “Yeah.”