Breaking His Stance by the-moons-shadow

Chapter 1

Title: Breaking His Stance

By: the-moons-shadow

Rating: PG or G

Disclaimer: I don't own anything other than what I make up. The story line is mine so yeah.

Note:Okay so a new fic. I don't know Kagome's mothers name so I am going to call her Kana. Also I'm not really sure what Sesshomaru's fathers name is so he will be referred to as Lord Taisho. If I am wrong correct me, I want to be as accurate as possible. Also the kimonos that Kagome is wearing(most of the time) are ones that look like a kimono but actually have two slits that go up the sides to her mid thighs. She of course wears shorts under them but she will also wear the original kimono that you can wear a obi with. Now that I have blabbered enough here is the summary for the story(not good but it will do.)

Summary: Kagome, a lowly farmer's daughter. Sesshomaru, a lord of the western lands. Told that she must marry a prince who wishes not a bride. Can Kagome see through his defenses or will Sesshomaru prove that no one...can break his stance.

Italics represents thoughts

" " represents speaking

Kagome: 19

Sesshomaru(in human years): 21

- x -

Chapter 1

Reading the letter over and over again she still couldn't believe that this one piece of parchment paper was deciding her fate. Deciding what was worse, plowing the fields all day or having to marry a man(or she should say demon.), who didn't know or even care that she existed. Kagome didn't even have to think about it to know she chose the latter as worse. Fury was building in the normally very calm and peaceful girl. She was furious as to why SHE of all people was chosen to marry some demon who did nothing but give humans the cold shoulder or worse. Shivering, Kagome didn't even want to think about it.

Finally setting the letter down she glared hotly at her mother who had chosen today(the day she was supposed to be leaving) as the day to just casually give her the letter as if it no big deal. Sometimes Kagome wondered if she cared(though she knew she did and that the only reason she gave her the letter today was because she knew how stubborn Kagome could get.)

"I just don't understand! Why am I to marry this guy?! Why not some princess of who knows where!"

Kagome's mom stopped stirring her stew for lunch and gave a glare at her daughter with a 'not appropriate' gaze. Kagome got the hidden message and backed off...somewhat.

"But mother! Why me? Why not someone more fit for the position?" Kagome asked more politely but still seething with anger.

Kana sighed with worry and a bit of irritation.

"All I can say is this: you were chosen by Lord Taisho to wed his eldest son, Sesshomaru, because you are of proper age. And he wanted someone not of royal blood because he's smart enough to know that woman love money and normally the less a woman has the more grateful they are for the money they earn. I'm not saying all royals are like that and that all women want is money. But oh well it's hard to explain. But do not ask me why he chose you out of all the other young women who were just as fitted for the offer. Please Kagome, if for nothing else than our honor, please just marry this man."

"Demon." Kagome corrected with a raised index finger.

Kana sighed and turned back to her stew.

"Demon." Kana said as she stirred her stew. Kagome felt her fury dissipate. She knew she shouldn't take it out on her mother but it was so frustrating. Standing she folded the letter up and set it neatly on the table.

"I am going to pack mother."

Not waiting for a response she walked up the stairs to her room, so as to prepare for the journey ahead.

I assume it's going to be at least a three day walk to the castle. I suppose I should pack some bandages just in case. And my bow and arrows...well no I'll just carry those.

Sitting so she rested on her knees, Kagome folded her two slitted kimonos into her suitcase. She also put in her other clothing and some bandages, as well as her necklace that her father had given her. She heard the pounding of small feet hitting the wooden floors down the hall and then stopping in front of her door. Hearing a knock, Kagome turned her head, slightly smiling to herself, knowing full well who exactly was at her door.

"Come in Souta."

A boy of only 12 hurriedly entered and then barely closed the door before he was by Kagome's side crying in her kimono sleeve, staining it's fabric with tears.

"You can't leave! You can't!"

Kagome felt like crying but she bit them back, trying to be strong for at least Souta's sake.

"I must leave Souta. But I promise I shall write to you as much as they will allow. And you can tell me how much trouble you've gotten into."

Kagome smiled slightly as she heard her brother stop crying. Wrapping her other arm around him she hugged him close, showing him it was alright to cry. Souta's tear streaked face looked up at his sisters smiling one.

"When will they come?"

Kagome sighed, and turned her gaze to the window, observing the sunny day.

"Today. So I must hurry and finish. Do you wish to help?"

Kagome looked back down at her brother. Souta smiled a big tooth smile as he broke from his sister's embrace.

"Do I ever!"

Kagome laughed and felt much better now that Souta was back to being himself.

If Souta can be strong than so can I.

Hours passed and Kagome(with the help of Souta) was done packing for the journey(even though a few minutes was needed to pack, Kagome decided she would spend quality time with her little brother.) She rose from her position and stretched her aching muscles. As she watched Souta run around her she heard their mother calling.

"Souta, Kagome time for lunch!"

They raced each other down the steps(Kagome carrying her suitcase with her.) When they got downstairs Souta cheered happily as he was the winner. Kagome rolled her eyes and set the suitcase beside her as she sat down on the mat. Kagome turned her head to see Grandpa carrying on as usual. Kagome sighed as she rolled her eyes. Kagome waited for lunch to be dished out to them(Kana would not allow Kagome to help with any chores for the day because she was supposed to save energy for the journey ahead.)

"Mother do you know when they will arrive today?"

Kana smiled sadly at her daughter.

"I assume they will be here after your done with lunch. So eat quickly."

Kagome sighed inwardly.

I thought as much.

Lunch went by quicker than Kagome would have liked. Just when the dishes were done being washed and dried a knock was heard on their door. Kagome felt apprehensive about the whole thing.

Opening the door, Kana plastered on a fake smile.

"Hello. You must be the escorts?"

They nodded and entered, looking around.

Probably for me thought Kagome bitterly.

Once they had spotted her they bowed quickly to her. Catching Kagome off gaurd.

"We are here to escort you to the western castle. If you would follow us."

Kagome watched as one of the two grabbed her suitcase and took it outside. Kagome sighed and got up, looking at her mother. With her final goodbyes in place, Kagome walked up to the waiting escorts. She noticed horses were with them.

"On request by Lord Taisho you were to be given this horse as your riding partner from now on. Name her as you wish, milady."

Kagome looked at the horse she had been given. It had black skin that glistened in the summer sun. It had a strong build but was still lean. It's mane was long and black and had a wavy look to it. It's tail was the same. Kagome was positive this horse was much better suited for the rough terrain than the escorts horses were.(A/N: The horse is a Friesian horse(my favorite!), I just suck at describing it. If you haven't heard of it you should check it out.) Though Kagome was never really allowed to ride a horse she still had a love for them. As well as any animal in general(except spiders and bugs, she hated those.) She thought it considerate that the Lord would give her such a gift.

This might not be so bad after all if the Lord is as nice as people say he is. I will have to express my thanks to him.

Walking slowly up to the horse, Kagome stroked the horse's muzzle. It neighed and bobbed it's head up and down, enjoying the attention. Kagome smiled but quickly hid it when the escorts rode up to her.

"Come milady we have a lot of riding to do."

Kagome thanked God that she was wearing her more versatile two slitted kimono with black shorts underneath of course. She mounted her horse and began thinking of names for it, considering the escorts were talking to her mother about something before they left.

I believe I shall call her...Dentaria.

Satisfied with the name she looked back at her mother and felt sadness well up inside her. The escorts finished talking and they began their walk into the forest. Looking back at her family one more time she waved goodbye before returning her head to look what was before her.

- x -

2 days later

Kagome was afraid that when she got of Dentaria that her legs would be bowed out, so as they matched Dentaria's stomach shape. After picturing the humorous picture, Kagome turned her head to look at the forest that surrounded them. She felt very nervous about the forest so she would periodically finger her arrows tops, ready for anything.Seeing nothing but trees, Kagome turned back to look at the escort in front of her.

"Um excuse me sir?"

He looked over his shoulder at Kagome, showing he was listening.

"When will we get their?"

Turning his head so it looked back to what was before him, he spoke.

"We will be arriving shortly milady. Because of the horses we have saved a day of walking."

Kagome sighed at what he called her.

"You can just call me Kagome. Milady is to proper."

The escort smiled but Kagome did not know.

"I am sorry but I must call you this. You are to be the lady of a kingdom. I must treat you as such. And besides, Lord Taisho would have my head if I was to refer to you as anything but milady."

Kagome shook her head.

"I suppose I can manage. No sense making you lose your head over a name. What is your name by the way?"

He laughed a little.

"My name is Kinju. General of Lord Taisho's army. Lord Taisho being of course Lieutenant General. Lord Sesshomaru is known as the Second Lieutenant."

Kagome sighed.

"Way to many terms to memorize." Kagome mumbled to herself though both escorts heard her. Kinju smiled again as he thought to himself.

This woman may do Lord Sesshomaru some good. God knows he needs it.

Kagome began to open up to the two escorts and she felt a lot less lonely than before. Kagome heard a noise that shouldn't be heard in a normal forest. A snarl. They all whipped their heads to the source of the noise to see two blood red eyes staring them down. The escorts horses neighed and whined wanting to run from the threat. But surprisingly Dentaria didn't even flinch, in fact Kagome noticed the horse lift it's head higher as if to show the demon it wasn't afraid.

I wonder why Dentaria's not scared, hmm. Well I have more important matters to attend too. Like the 30 foot wolf demon looming over us.

Kagome whipped out her bow and arrow taking aim at it's monstrous head. Kinju pulled out a long sword.

"No milady let us handle this. You stay back."

Kagome heard the finalization in his voice. She knew she couldn't pursued him other wise. Lowering her bow but still keeping it drawn, Kagome backed up Dentaria, analyzing the situation with a critical eye.

They need to find a more open area to battle in. They won't have a chance in this compact forest.

Kinju must have been thinking along the same lines for he and the other escort motioned for Kagome to follow them and quickly. The demon growled and Kagome watched as saliva dripped from his gaping mouth. The three of them kicked their horses into high gear and bolted as fast as they could through the forest, the wolf demon following close behind.

Finally reaching a clearing the two escorts stopped their horses, Kagome stopping hers not too far away from them. Kinju and the other escort dismounted and waited for the demon to approach. Free from their masters the two horses bolted in any direction as long as it was far from the demon. Kagome lifted her bow and took aim at the trees, also waiting for the demon.

I don't care what Kinju says I am going to help protect myself. He's not the only one who can be stubborn.

The sound of cracking trees drew Kagome out of her thoughts. The demon was upon them and there was no turning back now. Bursting from the tree line the demon howled and barked at them. The two escorts, being of demon blood, easily dodged the wolf's first lunge. Kagome watched as the two dodged and attacked the wolf. But their attacks were just as useless as the wolf's. The demon kept dodging their attacks almost as if knowing their moves before they made them. Kagome couldn't get a clear shot and this made her mad. Suddenly the defending wolf demon went on the offensive taking one escort off guard. He couldn't move quick enough and was bit in half. Kagome gasped and dropped her bow and arrow. The last escort, Kinju, glared at the demon.

Before the wolf demon knew what hit him a large white dog demon with one large jagged magenta stripe on each cheek bone and a blue crescent moon on his forehead, slashed at the wolf's side. The wolf howled in pain. The white dog demon growled and bit the wolf in the neck. Hearing a sickening snap, Kagome knew the wolf had perished. But Kagome was now not only freaked out from the sudden attack of the wolf demon but also of the sudden appearance of a large white demon dog. Kinju lowered his sword that was stained with blood and kneeled before the dog demon. Kagome was confused.

"Forgive me milord for not saving Hani from the demon. I have failed you. I deserve death."

Kagome suddenly figured out who this was and bowed her head in respect.

This must be Lord Taisho.

The dog demon transformed and where a large dog demon stood a tall man with long white hair, pulled into a hair band stood.

"You are right. I guess I should punish you...or should I? What do you think Kagome?"

Kagome saw the smile gracing Lord Taisho's lips as he looked at her. She was startled by the question.

"Uh..." Came her most brilliant reply.

Taisho laughed and looked down at Kinju.

"You are forgiven Kinju. But see to it that you defend your comrades better in the future."

Taisho's face grew serious once again. Kinju rose and thanked Taisho. Kagome looked down at Dentaria. She patted her on the neck. Silently thanking her for standing her ground. Taisho noticed this and smiled.

"I see you have taken a liking to the horse I gave you."

Kagome looked up to see Taisho looking at her. She nodded.

"But may I ask why she did not run away or get startled at the sight of the demon like the other horses?"

Taisho laughed.

"That is because she is a war horse. Trained not to run from battle but face it head on. Trained to never leave her master unless death took her or commanded too. Fear is erased from this horse so that way you have a sturdy mount."

Kagome looked down at Dentaria and smiled, giving her an extra pat on the neck. Dentaria neighed.

"I was surprised you did not flee from the battle yourself."

Kagome looked back at Taisho.

"My mother says that I have a good and bad trait that seems to get me in trouble but also out of trouble. And it is what keeps me from running from a fight."

He raised an eyebrow at her, signaling for her to continue. And so she did.

"Stubbornness."

Taisho smiled.

This woman is perfect for Sesshomaru. She is strong but seems humble. Kind but firm. I am now even more sure that I chose correctly.

"Come, I will lead you the rest of the way to the castle."

And with that Kagome followed Kinju and Taisho to the castle, seen just beyond the clearing.

- x -

Yay I'm done. 2 hours of non stop writing just so I could get it in today! Hope for your reviews! Sorry if there are any spelling mistakes or anything.

~the-moons-shadow