Sesshoumaru by jgem
The Marriage
Sesshoumaru
Chapter 1
A/N: While the story "Emma" is considered to be public domain in the US as the copyright has expired, this fanfiction writer wants you to know that she is borrowing from the talents of Jane Austen's and her story "Emma" upon which this fanfic is based on. I also do not own any of the rights to the "Inuyasha" characters. The standard disclaimer applies to this story and all chapters contained within.
Written for Priestess Skye's "Reinvinting the Classics". Part of the requirements for the challenge was to take a story where the copyright expired and rework it as a Sesshoumaru and Kagome story. You are not supposed to rewrite the story and just insert Kagome and Sesshoumaru where appopriate. I am following the plot, with a twist, but I did keep some of her original dialog here and there...again, not always verbatim but paraphrased to take into account the new character being used.
The twist for me was to make it set as canon as possible and to have Sesshoumaru in the role of Emma. It would have been so much easier if I had made Kagome take the part of Emma and Sesshoumaru as Mr. Knightley, but it wouldn't have been as fun. Because of this, Sesshoumaru will seem to be OOC though I strived to keep him more in line to what I know of him.
Sesshoumaru
Chapter 1
Sesshoumaru, Inu-daiyoukai, had lived several centuries in the world. Intelligent, powerful, and most pleasing to the eye, he seemed to unite all the advantages of a feudal lord and daiyoukai. He had worked tirelessly to successfully build a reputation that had earned him the respect, and fear, of both humans and youkai.
Unfortunately, over time, the respect given to him due to his position and reputation, coupled with the tendency to get his way, had caused Sesshoumaru to think rather highly of himself. For the most part, others were quick to allow Sesshoumaru his way and those that didn’t were either quickly dispatched or ignored. In short, his large self-esteem was not seen as a problem by himself or by those who wished to continue on with their lives.
*****
It was a sad day; or rather, it would have been to Sesshoumaru if he had thus been inclined toward those sorts of sentimental feelings. However, for those who did harbor such sentiments, the sadness was not one that would be damaging to one’s long term happiness.
Rin was married. The ceremony was finished, the happy couple gone to their own home, leaving Sesshoumaru in the company of Jaken, his retainer, to pass away the rest of the night thinking over today’s events. He was unable to depart from the area as Rin had secured a promise from him to not leave until tomorrow morning when she could properly see him off.
Sesshoumaru, having chosen a suitable spot away from the village, settled comfortably against a tree for the night. Jaken had disappeared, searching for wood to make a campfire, leaving Sesshoumaru alone to think of what the marriage of Rin meant to him.
Today’s event had secured Rin’s happiness. The young taijiya that had once traveled with him, Kohaku, had grown into a fine, young man of suitable fortune, age, and character for his former ward. The two had grown up and fallen in love. Kohaku was deserving of Rin and would provide all that Rin needed. Sesshoumaru congratulated himself on a match well made; a match that only he, an individual of remarkable foresight, could have made.
On the other hand, Rin had managed to become, far more than Sesshoumaru would ever like to admit, a very large part of his life. He had grown used to her cheerful presence during his hunt for Naraku. Even after the destruction of that foul hanyou and Rin’s subsequent decision to remain in his half-brother’s village, Sesshoumaru continued to provide for Rin’s needs. From time to time, Rin would even accompany him on smaller journeys, reminding him of their earlier times together. Now, with a husband to provide for her and a household of her own to run, Rin would no longer be able to follow her “Sesshoumaru-sama”. This created some uncomfortable feelings within the daiyoukai; feelings that he did not care to analyze, much less acknowledge.
Jaken returned with an armload of firewood and began setting up a small fire, all the while mumbling to himself about the disagreeable nature of marriages. Sesshoumaru, after listening to the ranting for a bit, began to muse about the peculiarity of the faithful little retainer. Jaken was a nervous, screechy sort of individual and while not an aggressive youkai, was certainly knowledgeable and at times, one could even say brave. The green retainer had proven himself quite useful during his years of service to Sesshoumaru -- enough so, that Sesshoumaru was willing to forgive Jaken’s faults, as numerous as they were.
Much like Rin, Jaken loved to talk. Even though it seemed that the two were constantly bickering, Rin and Jaken were actually quite attached to each other. Jaken, a creature not fond of change, had not been happy with leaving Rin in the village. He found the idea of her marriage to be even more disagreeable and could not comprehend why she would find marriage to the taijiya more acceptable than traveling with Sesshoumaru-sama and himself. After all, he, Jaken, had left his own kind to be with the daiyoukai.
“Poor, Rin! It seems such a pity that she is now wedded to that human and unable to travel with us!” Jaken mumbled to himself yet again. He plopped his small form down by the fire, crossed his arms in front of him, and stared moodily into the flames. The look on his face and the manner with which Jaken sat down reminded Sesshoumaru of those few times that Rin would actually pout to get her way; usually to follow Sesshoumaru somewhere he did not wish her to go.
That memory brought back that uncomfortable feeling within Sesshoumaru. Annoyed with himself for having these ‘feelings’ and noticing that his retainer looked ready to start up with his complaints again, Sesshoumaru decided it was time to take steps to keep the little youkai quite for the rest of the evening.
“Jaken,” he began, his voice betraying some of the irritation he felt.
The little youkai looked up at the sound of his name, frantically wondering how he had inadvertently angered his lord. The daiyoukai’s tone was not friendly. Jaken opened his beaky mouth to inquire what his lord needed (and apologize profusely, if necessary), when Sesshoumaru continued to speak, halting all speech from the little youkai.
“Rin wished a home of her own with the Taijiya," was all he said to his retainer, his tone making it clear that this was all that would be said.
Jaken, now thoroughly confused, continued to look at his lord. He did not understand why Rin would wish such a thing. She had never shown such an inclination before as she had always seemed content to sleep beneath the stars at night, or take shelter in a cave during more inclement weather. “Rin wished a home of her own? With the Taijiya?” Jaken repeated to himself, wishing that his lord were a more talkative creature so that his confusion would be cleared. Jaken began an internal debate over the worth of risking his lord’s anger versus satisfying his own curiosity.
Decision made, the little youkai looked at his lord. The enlightenment that Jaken was hoping for was delayed as he noticed that his lord had tensed slightly and appeared to be listening for sounds off in the distance rather than Jaken’s question. Jaken became still, his ears straining to hear whatever it was that Sesshoumaru had heard. He gave a sigh of disappointment at his inferior abilities and returned to wondering, yet again, why Rin would leave the protection of a superior, beautiful being such as Sesshoumaru-sama to be the companion of a human. Anyway, it was clear, by the inaction of the daiyoukai, that there was little threat to them from whatever had caught his lord’s attention.
Sesshoumaru relaxed against the tree. He had heard Jaken’s question and had briefly debated whether he was feeling charitable enough to reply or chuck a rock at him for still talking. However, he was saved the need to continue his debate as the noise he had heard were the footsteps of a human visitor -- the Miko to be exact.
Kagome, now a matured woman of one and twenty, had somehow managed to work her way into Sesshoumaru’s world; chiefly by becoming such a close companion to Rin that the two had declared themselves “sisters” and had become inseparable. She had returned to the feudal era three years ago, hoping to make a life with Inuyasha, Sesshoumaru’s hanyou half brother. She and the hanyou had yet to enter into the institute of matrimony; Sesshoumaru having been informed in conspiratal whispers by Rin that she was not sure why but according to Kagome nee-sama, the two had “issues” to work out. Sesshoumaru, strange as he found it, could sympathize with the Miko as he still believed that Inuyasha was one big walking “issue”.
Several minutes after first hearing her footsteps, the Miko made her appearance. She smiled warmly at the two and proceeded to sit by the campfire uninvited, but oddly tolerated by the two youkais. As she had spent more time in Rin’s company and thereby Sesshoumaru’s, she had learned that the quiet daiyoukai was quite capable of real conversation -- when in the mood. Not knowing if tonight was one of those moments, she said nothing at first, choosing simply to sit with them, staring into the fire, while listening to the sounds of the night around them.
Jaken was the first to break the companionable silence of the group by inquiring as to the Miko’s purpose for being out so late and wasn’t she feeling a bit chilled, as ‘weak humans were wont too’.
“Not at all, Jaken-san. Your fire keeps me warm enough. As for why I was out, it’s a beautiful moonlit night and I found myself wanting to enjoy it.”
“You did not find the forest path to be damp? You weak humans are so prone to colds at the slightest inclement weather.” Jaken stated in a rather grumpy and condescending tone.
Sesshoumaru noticed the Miko’s mouth had turned up in a small smile as she recognized Jaken’s inquiry for what it was. The small youkai worried over her as she held an important position in Rin’s life. As Jaken was extremely fond of Rin, he made sure that Rin always had those things around her that made her happy. A sick Miko would worry Rin, which would worry Jaken and a worried Jaken was quite annoying to Sesshoumaru.
“Look at my shoes, “ the Miko replied. “Not a bit damp at all. By the way, I’ve yet to wish the two of you congratulations.”
Congratulations? Thought Sesshoumaru confusedly, which, admittedly the Miko was rather good at doing to him. To his knowledge, Sesshoumaru had not currently done anything requiring such a compliment. No, he thought after quickly searching his memories, I haven’t fought any battles or killed anything recently. Perhaps she is referring…
“Ah!” lamented Jaken, breaking Sesshoumaru’s train of thought. “Poor, Rin!”
Her eyes widened at that. “Poor, Jaken you mean, for I cannot say ‘Poor, Rin’ ”. She is exactly where she wants to be with only one to please instead of two. Especially when one of those two is such a troublesome creature to please.” Her eyes sparkled with mirth as she spoke.
Sesshoumaru quirked a brow at her, knowing that that last comment was directed towards him. Troublesome creature, indeed, he mentally snorted. She must be referring to herself and when did the Miko become impertinent enough to talk to me that way. Perhaps it is time to remind her of her place. Sesshoumaru debated what method would best remind the Miko of her place; a pebble to the head, as he often did to Jaken, or should he let her off a little easier with just an acerbic comment.
Jaken, once again, interrupted Sesshoumaru’s thoughts with a loud squawk. “Are you implying that I’m troublesome!?” he cried out indignantly.
It was quite evident that the little youkai was prepared to continue on with his loud commentary. Sesshoumaru felt that it was time to send his retainer on an errand, as that would allow for some measure of peace to his evening. “Jaken,” he said, wondering if perhaps his retainer acted the way he did, simply to be reminded of his name.
Immediately, Jaken ceased talking and looked to his lord. “Yes, Sesshoumaru-sama?”
“The Miko was referring to herself,” Sesshoumaru stated. “This Sesshoumaru has never encountered anyone who seems to get into more trouble such as she can. The Miko can barely walk a few paces without falling over herself or attracting trouble.”
“Well, that makes sense,” Jaken spoke, more to himself than anyone else.
“Go get more wood,” Sesshoumaru commanded. The youkai lord did not really need a campfire, but gathering wood would keep the retainer busy, allowing Sesshoumaru a respite from Jaken’s complaints.
“Yes, Sesshoumaru-sama!” Jaken stood up quickly and bowed to his lord, before running off into the forest to gather more wood. Sesshoumaru could hear his retainer mumbling about weddings, Rin, and troublesome mikos as he left the camp.
The Miko, for her part, let Sesshoumaru’s comment go. She was in far too good of a mood to take offense, especially since it was true that she did have a knack for finding trouble. “Anyway,” Kagome began, “the wedding was delightful. Everybody was punctual and dressed in their finest. Inuyasha behaved very well, but most surprisingly of all, no one shed a tear. It was truly a happy occasion.” She sighed with contentment, a dream like look in her eyes.
“As this Sesshoumaru knew it would be,” the youkai lord replied, surprising himself that he was feeling so talkative when minutes ago he desired no conversation.
“Of course,” Kagome commented dryly. “For someone who didn’t seem very interested in the preparations, you certainly managed to make your preferences known.” She thought back on all the raised eyebrows, silent stare downs, and his trademark “hn” that made it very clear when he disapproved of something “I wouldn’t be surprised if you even planned the match yourself!” she ended with a slight laugh at the thought of the youkai playing matchmaker. Sesshoumaru only looked at her.
Another thing that Kagome had come to learn about Sesshoumaru was that he did show more than bored indifference or anger on his face. There were subtle differences in his expressions and looking at him now, she realized that he looked slightly smug. Her mouth gaped open in surprise. “You believe you did, don’t you?” she asked incredulously.
The daiyoukai made a move that Kagome would have labeled a “sniff of disdain”, before he shrugged his shoulders and looked away from her. He did not understand her shock at learning he planned the match. His curiosity overriding his desire to not care what she thought, he asked, “Why?”
Kagome, after figuring out that he wanted to know why she was so surprised, replied, “It’s just that, um…well…you’ve always seemed to let Rin-chan do as she pleases, so I figured picking Kohaku-kun was her thing. You never said or did anything that implied you were for or against them being together.”
“Hm.”
Kagome crossed her arms and looked Sesshoumaru squarely in the eyes. “So, tell me, great matchmaker, when did you conceive the notion of the two as a probable pair?”
“During the time the Taijiya traveled with this Sesshoumaru.”
Kagome was astounded. “But, they were just children at that time! Wait,” she paused. “We are talking about the time that Kohaku traveled with you during the hunt for the shikon shards and Naraku, right?” Sesshoumaru only looked at her. Kagome sighed in exasperation. “Do you want to know what I think?”
“Not really,” he replied.
Kagome made a face at him. “I believe that it’s just a lucky coincidence that you happened to think the two an excellent match and that it all worked out. And, while any match can be made to one person’s material advantage, Kohaku-kun and Rin-chan stood to gain nothing from their union save for love. You cannot plan that.”
“This Sesshoumaru does not believe in luck. However, good foresight, planning, and patience are responsible for this successful match.”
“Are you telling me that during the time the Kohaku-kun traveled with you, you decided he and Rin-chan would make an excellent match; that you made subtle gestures to push them together, knowing that doing so would result in them falling in love, which they did. This is what you are claiming as your success?”
“In essence.”
“And am I to believe that you, a youkai who spends little time in the company of humans, understands the workings of human emotions enough to comprehend what love is and how to match people up so that they fall in love?”
“Humans are simple enough to understand that it did not require much effort on the part of this Sesshoumaru to comprehend what is needed.”
Kagome snorted. “I still believe that it was a lucky guess and not through any skill or merit of yours. And, it’s lucky it did work out, for I’ve seen the effects of a poorly arranged ‘match’,” she shuddered, remembering her girlfriends from the future and their attempts to pair her with Hojo-kun. “While I will grant that you are quite skilled in combat, staring people down, and giving off a ‘don’t mess with me’ vibe, I believe you should not add matchmaker to your list. Those sort of things are best left to happen on their own.”
“That is simply because you humans lack the necessary skills and intelligence to do so.”
“Whatever,” Kagome cleverly replied.
The two became silent, thinking over what had been said. After a few minutes, Kagome stood. “It is late, so I will depart now. Besides, Inuyasha will come looking for me and I do not wish to have him causing trouble with you tonight. Good-night.” She turned to go, but only took a few steps before stopping to look back. “Stay out of the match-making business, Sesshoumaru-sama,” she told him teasingly and then continued back to the village.
Sesshoumaru watched the Miko go, hearing her tell Jaken goodnight as they passed each other on the forest path. Entering their camp, Jaken dropped his armload of wood by the fire, tossing a few more pieces into the flames before taking his place for the night.
“Poor Rin!” Sesshoumaru heard the retainer say before finally falling asleep, leaving the youkai lord alone with his thoughts of the conversation he just had with the miko.
A/N: Minor corrections made 12-2010