The last few days had been sunny and unseasonably warm. Whether this signaled another short winter or a false spring remained to be seen. But for now the residents of Tatsumi enjoyed the reprieve regardless. The thick blankets of snow covering the castle grounds had grown patchy and frayed, leaving great swathes of bare earth exposed. Through this lacey patchwork, Kagome ventured alone.
Circling around the pool which was now only here and there frosted over with ice, she sat down on the stone bench in the overgrown garden. She’d found that she enjoyed the solitude of this forgotten place. It made a good spot for meditation, which Kagome had resumed practicing regularly, out of necessity more than anything.
Shaking back and pinning up her long sleeves, she adjusted the bands of prayer beads that roped her wrists like manacles. In truth, this was close enough to what they were. Tight was good—but not too tight. Making a few tweaks here and there, she clasped her hands before her and prayed. Reiki swelled within her, a gentle billowing pulse. She felt it flicker only at the edges, which was about what she expected.
Focusing carefully, she directed that ragged, flickering edge, letting the glowing prayer beads wick away the unruly excess of her stymied power. In this way, the beads were strengthened by her to restrain her in turn. When Kagome opened her eyes, the glossy wooden beads shone like dark pearls once again. Centered by them, she breathed a little steadier than before.
With this system of stabilizing restraints in place, Kagome figured she could eke out a few more years at least—provided she kept her cool.
And in the meantime, at the very least, she wouldn’t frighten any unsuspecting person out of their wits with unexpected bouts of spiritual radiance. Feeling that this was reason enough to keep at it, Kagome started to pull her sleeves back down again.
That was when the dark reflecting pool began strangely to glisten. A moment later, Hirokin stepped forward out of it, as though walking through an open door.
Kagome sighed. Just the sight of him wearied her.
“Kagome-sama,” he greeted her. His blue eyes scanned over her, glinting. “You seem changed since I saw you last.”
“Resigned?” she guessed flatly.
Hirokin’s lips curved. His gaze flicked to the beads just visible beneath the skewed hem of her sleeve.
“Subdued,” he put forth instead.
Kagome jerked her sleeves fully down. “You’ve been gone for a while. I’d started to think you’d forgotten all about me.”
“Forgive me, my lady, but I’ve been detained.”
“Your other master keeping you busy?” Kagome’s mouth curled at one corner. “They say a man can’t serve more than one, you know.”
“Fortunately, I am not a man.” Hirokin’s eyes glittered, bemused. “But master and mistress?—surely even a mortal can manage that much.”
Kagome rolled her eyes, annoyed with the cryptic banter, which would never cease unless she nipped it in the bud herself. “So what’s kept you, then? How is my dear old brother-in-law these days?”
“In good spirits,” Hirokin replied with a sliver of smile. “Or have you not noticed how short these last few winters have been? This one is the shortest yet, for soon he will act on his intentions.”
Kagome frowned. “Intentions?”
“Yes,” Hirokin said, his smile widening to show the serrated edges of his eyeteeth. “As his pack sister, I suppose you should know. Quite soon now I think, he will take a mate for himself.”
Inuyasha © Rumiko Takahashi
Interesting to see the story finally coming full circle in this way—Kagome wearing subjugation beads herself. In a way, her efforts to tame Sesshoumaru were also an experiment in exploring and subduing her own darker impulses. She was often expressing regret or hesitation in her duties to dominate him, and now she seems to have fully tethered herself. I assume at this point she would be incapable of checking him even if he needed it?
Sesshoumaru is taking a mate, huh? I hope Kagome doesn’t give him the satisfaction of a jealous rage. It would be a little hypocritical at this point! I assume this will go back to the debt she owes that enclave of demons?? 👀 can’t wait to see what happens next!
Reading this back it occurs to me to wonder whether Sesshoumaru has been waiting for Kagome to weaken to make his move. That would make sense timing wise, but seems unlikely. Idk I’m on the edge of my seat!!!😤
Yep, the debt is about to come back into play 😉
“Interesting to see the story finally coming full circle in this way—Kagome wearing subjugation beads herself. In a way, her efforts to tame Sesshoumaru were also an experiment in exploring and subduing her own darker impulses.” – love how you put this! 🙂
Glad you’re stoked to see how things go from here, Alex!! Thanks for sharing <3
I’m loving these daily updates, it’s been a treat. ☺️ Thank you!
Yay so glad you’ve been enjoying them! Thanks <3
Yuuup, that sly dog was waiting for Kagome’s power to taper off to make a move. I’m hoping, for the sake of drama, she still has a shitton of power saved up or something to beat the snot out of him.
I love the reappearance of Hirokin, you know his sneaky ass was away fuckin some shit up. I hope Kou is doing well I miss him lol
“I love the reappearance of Hirokin, you know his sneaky ass was away fuckin some shit up.” – hahaha for sure XD Glad you’re enjoying his arrival on the scene, mim!
” I hope Kou is doing well I miss him lol” – maybe we’ll be seeing him again 😉
Thanks for sharing!! <3
We’re ramping up to something crazy here guys, I can taste it!! Also, I can totally see why you named this fic “Control”. That theme has shown up in each and every part of this story. As Alex said, everything is coming around full circle. And my fave Hirokin is back with his shady antics as usual. That master and mistress comment was 👄🤏 *chef’s kiss*. Can’t wait to see how Kagome takes the news of Sesshomaru mating!!!
The amount of updates recently has been INSANE. You’re awesome Char!
“We’re ramping up to something crazy here guys, I can taste it!! ” – hahaha you know me 😉
Yep, we’re coming full circle at last 🙂 Glad you enjoyed that ‘master and mistress’ line, Lee!! Thanks so much for sharing <3
You’re definitely spoiling us with daily updates, love you ❤️❤️
I missed Hirokin. 😈
So, a mate huh? Wouldn’t he taking about her? Time to repay the debt for the little demons?
“You’re definitely spoiling us with daily updates, love you ❤️❤️” – thanks, Elle! Right back at ya 💕
“Time to repay the debt for the little demons?” – 😉 just might be!
Thanks for sharing, friend! <3
Kagome should be like ‘…… OK cool. As the sister-in-law I should get an invite then when he’s ready to introduce his mate to the world so not sure what the pre-announcement is for from you.’ 🥶🤣
Hahaha 🤣 she really should!
Thanks for sharing, Blackberry! 💕