Title: Stuck
Author: Im a Bunny
Rating: T
Before I begin: 1. It wasn't until after I finished I realized I may have made a mistake on the pelt that Sesshoumaru has. I don't care, it's staying.
2. This is AU... Kinda. I'm going off of what I've seen and read of the story and filling in the blalnks. I haven't even been able to see them kill Nuraku yet...
3. Tell me where I need to improve. Also tell me where you see this headed. I have a couple of endings and based on your comments I might change my mind how I'm going to end this. So do you want it sweet? Do you want it M? Do you see everyone killed at the end?
4. I just resumitted this because I noticed some of my ways to break up the writing where missing.
STUCK
It was warm for March. The surrounding area had been perfect for a walk. The sky was inviting with out any sign of rain. The ground had smelled sweet with newly budding flowers speckling the earth.
So why was it the one area Kagome had been traveling through was now facing a blizzard?
Kagome looked out the shelters entrance to face the whiteout conditions. She had returned from her world to find her friends had gone to another village. Trying to catch up to them a very nice farmer had informed Kagome he had seen her companions in a town on the other side of the mountains. A short journey, less than a day away. She had been told if she hurried she could make it a little after night fall.
No one had mentioned it still snowed on the mountain during March.
"I'm sorry Sesshoumaru, but it looks like your stuck with me now." Kagome said taking her attention away from the entrance to the cave.
"It doesn't matter to this one." The voice coming from the other side of the fire was detached and flat. He hadn't even looked in her direction since he woke up and found her hovering around him.
"I wish I hadn't lost my bag. Then maybe I could help you."
"This one doesn't need your help. The other deamon was only lucky to have struck a vital part with a poisoness stinger. I will heal." It was humiliating to have her tending to him as if he were some new born pup. He just wished she'd leave.
Sesshoumaru had been to proud out on the cliff to accept her help also . It was partly the reason why he was in the condition he was in.
Kagome on her way to the village had stumbled upon a fight. At first she only heard the noise and fearing it was bandits hid behind a rock. As a bolt of energy hit the face of the mountain above her, sending pebbles to rain on her head, Kagome cursed her misfortune to have stumbled on a fight between deamons.
Maybe I can just slip away, she thought, but when she looked out from her hiding place the fight had moved closer to where she was. The deamon closest to her seemed to be some giant insect, something similar to a beetle, only standing on two legs. What ever it was fighting was blocked from her view by its massive size. She could however see the cliff in front of it; the bug deamon seemed to be trying to push something off of it.
If she wanted to get out of there, she'd have to attack. She only hoped that what ever was in front of the beetle was a bit nicer.
Kagome drew one of her arrows and was poised to let it go when the fighting shifted and Sesshoumaru came into view. The shock of seeing him made her forget what she was doing and the arrow slipped from the bow.
Despite this the arrow was flying true to it's intended target. It would have struck but Sesshoumaru stepped in and batted it away. This is why the other deamon had been lucky enough to strike.
He had felt the silly girl that traveled with is half brother come into the area but had never thought she would be so pretentious as to think he needed her help. When the arrow was released he had turned his back on the lesser deamon so he could berate the young human never thinking the one he fought could do more than scratch him. As soon as he did the bug deamon took the opportunity to pierce Sesshoumaru through the back and out the heart with some kind of concealed stinger. From the moment it struck Sesshoumaru could feel his heart constricting while his muscles began to freeze. The poison it seemed was meant to paralyze it's pry. No doubt to eat it still alive.
With the bug deamon confident in it's victory it turned it's attention to Kagome.
She didn't have time to draw another arrow before it was bounding on top of her. Instead she covered her head and kneeled down feeling a pincher rip at her bag. The straps broke from her shoulders sending the contents flying.
Knowing he had subdued her the deamon readied for another paralyzing strike when Kagome heard the wind rush above her head. Looking up she saw Sesshoumaru still at the bottom near the cliff edge his sword drawn the Bug no where to be found.
Kagome looked Sesshoumaru over. How horrible he must feel. The stinger that had struck him had shoot out at least three inches, and here she was with nothing to tend to the wounds with…
She started eyeing his clothes. He had tons of layers he didn't need…
Sesshoumaru, worried by her silence, chanced a glance at her and saw her roam over his robes. Knowing her propensity to play nurse he guessed her thoughts.
"I'd think twice before ripping my cloths. Besides isn't it the woman in stories who tears a piece off hers?"
"I think you just told a joke." Kagome smiled but it was short lived as Sesshoumaru took up his former position to look at the cave wall.
Kagome sighed, "I would but I need all the protection I can from the cold." She half hoped he'd realize she was not dressed for such wintry weather and offer her something to keep warm. However all he could offer was a snarl.
"Yes you humans are very susceptible to weather."
Kagome wrapped her jacket tighter around her to ward off the chill. Since the weather was still cool she had at least thought to bring it with her, as well as wear pants.
"Grrr, you're heavier than you look Sesshoumaru." No snide remark escaped his lips though since he was unconscious.
"Aurrgg, I should have left you." A snow flake hit her hand and she sighed, she could never just leave him. Kagome looked minor compared to the taller yokai against her chest; her little frame hauling him by his arms, laying him down then dragging him back up.
After the final blow that sent the bug to ashes he had collapsed. The poison moved quickly to his system stiffening his limbs and stifling his breathing. Sesshoumaru's last thought before he blacked out was that he hoped he woke up soon before anyone saw him like this.
Now Kagome dragged his limp body to the hollowed out cave she had passed only around the corner. She would stay, she told her self, at least until he woke up.
Curling up on the hard stone floor Kagome was beginning to regret her decision.
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A sharp gust of cold air shot through the cave entrance sending Kagome rocketing up from her place by the fire. Her eyes shot frantically around for a second wondering why she couldn't see until she realized the fire had gone out. It was still dark and the cavern was filled with the labored breathing of Sesshoumaru to her right.
"At least someone is comfortable enough." She grumbled as she felt her way across the floor searching for some matches.
Maybe I could create a light? But that might wake him… It would serve him right. He's all warm. I can't believe he just left me to freeze.
A slimy limb touching the back of Kagome's hand brought her back from her thoughts.
"Ahh!" She tried to stifle her own scream with her hand.
"Please let it be moss, please let it be moss." Over and over she repeated her mantra as the hand not covering her mouth began to rise shakily. A soft pink glow that was her energy formed at the tips of her fingers illuminating the surrounding area just enough to see in front of her. Daring to look up from her seat on the ground four green kaleidoscope eyes, not unlike the color of moss, stared back at her. The sweet smell of rotting meat burning her nose.
Spider deamon, was all she could think before it charged her and sent her on her back. It's flat face inches from hers sniffing the air between them. She dared not scream again in fear she would startle it. Part of her wanted to call out to Sesshoumaru for help but he was useless. Then the spider did something unusual. It let Kagome go. She laid on the ground, one hand still over her mouth until she rolled over on her stomach. Right hand still radiating her energy she crawled a little closer behind it. The spider was getting too close to Sesshoumaru for her liking. She grabbed one of it's legs and yanked it so it stumbled back. It jumped into the air and hid among the dark shadows across the caves roof. Slowly Kagome stood, hoping to hear where it might be hiding. A soft click of it's disgusting, hairy, slimy legs told her it was above her head.
Looking up her hand raised she saw it just in time to see it lunge for her, silver fangs dripping with what she could only assume was venom. She closed her eyes and extended her hand further out its body making contact with hers. In an explosion of light the Spider deamon lost it's head.
Sniff
Kagome was ready to cry. In one day she had gotten lost, was unable to find her friends, attacked twice and was stuck with a man who despised her. She held back the tears. Looking around she saw Sesshoumaru was still fast asleep.
"Jerk never even woke up." All for the better she guessed as she began to purify the remains of the spider. She figured he did not need to know of the nights events.
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The Morning brought another onslaught of snow. Howling winds pierced Sesshoumaru's sensitive ears as golden eyes stared at the roof of the cave. If he turned his head slightly he saw that Kagome was sleeping sitting up, her head against her knee's. The hood of her yellow coat pulled down to cover her face.
A moment passed making him wonder if she had frozen to death during the night but a sharp breath let him know she was alright.
Sesshoumaru was impressed by her nobility. Not once had she asked for something to keep her warm. He knew that he was her foe and asking favors from your enemy was degrading. Still with all his insults and callus behavior she had still been concerned for his well being even going as far to try and not wake him. To bad the girl was still only human plus far to kind. He remembered her stifled screams as the spider deamon had attacked her.
Sesshoumaru was afraid something like this would happen again. The deamons in the mountains would sense his weakened aura and seek him out. As a bonus they would now find the girl and have a snack.
Since he could not protect her and had no intention of protecting her the girl would have to leave.
"Miko, you should go."
Kagome scoffed from under her hood at this statement. "It's freezing and still snowing. I know you think nothing of me…but I enjoy my life. I'm here until the storm ends."
"I only mention this because in my weakened state the deamons of this mountain will try and take advantage of my situation."
"Then I'm definitely not leaving. Not until you can move again."
God what a stubborn woman. "Why are you so intent on staying with this one?"
Kagome thought of the spider deamon from last night. She had no hatred or love for such beast, but the cowardice it had displayed in attacking an injured person sent Kagome's blood boiling. "Because you deserve better than to be attacked while you sleep."
"You're ningen. It's an embarrassment to have you here." Sesshoumaru spat the words out. If he could make her angry enough she might chance the cold to escape him.
"Do you really believe you can fight them?"
"Yes." She wished she felt as confident as she sounded. The spider hadn't even been strong, who knew what else called the mountain home.
"You're to weak. They will rip you in half."
"Better than freezing out there."
Short shallow breaths where coming from Sesshoumaru's direction. Peering from behind her hood Kagome saw Sesshoumaru was having trouble breathing. She thought back to how heavy he had been while moving him. All the weight from the armor must have been pushing against his chest.
Standing up Kagome went to kneel next to his side. Her finger ran across the hole then started looking for a release.
"Do not touch me. Filthy creature." Sesshoumaru growled as he watched the repulsive human handle him, not even asking permission. He knew she was strange but she lacked all common courtesy.
"I can smell the half breed. I don't want you to defile my person."
"Aurg. You stubborn, pig headed beast." Kagome's temper flared at his comment. He had ridiculed her scent even though she had showered only yesterday! Fuming she closed her eyes and counted to ten. She was stuck with him and as much as she wanted to leave she couldn't. It was up to her to be the bigger person in addition to putting their differences aside.
"Your prides going to get you killed." Kagome leaned back. How could she help someone who clearly did not want her help? Answer, force.
Sesshoumaru couldn't move. Only sling insults and like the saying goes, sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me. Still she had to show him she meant business. Deamons, especially this one, where big on dominance and the cast system. Kagome would have to show him he could not scare or control her, that she was above all that.
"Since my odor offends your delicate nose oh Great Lord of the West," Kagome said with malevolence, as she slowly stood. "Let me alleviate the cause."
The nerve of the woman testing his patience like that. Sesshoumaru made a mental note to burn the flesh from her bones for her insolence. Only the note was forgotten when he looked in her direction ready to threaten her life.
Kagome's back was to him and he saw a rosy glow blossom across her shoulders as a cold wind hit her naked back.
"The cold has made you insane."
Kagome didn't respond to his comments. She did not need to explain her self to him, besides he'd see soon enough what she was planning. With that in mind she undid the clasp to her pants and pulled the remaining cloths to the floor. Behind her she heard what she thought was the quick rustle of Sesshoumaru looking away.
Never looking back she took a deep breath and headed for the snow.
This is going to be cold.
The wind hit her skin like razor blades causing a red discoloration to arise across her body. The snow whipped around her face stinging her eyes. She wanted nothing more than to run back out of the cold.
What was I thinking! But it was to late to turn back now. If she went back he'd only tease her about being naked in the ice.
Kneeling in an embankment Kagome began chanting the ritual to purify her body. As a Shinto priestess she had been purified before, but always in an enclosed area with warm running water. For all she knew the ritual didn't even work in snow and her efforts where in vain. If nothing else she deliberated the cold would at least mask the sent Sesshoumaru claimed was on her.
Sesshoumaru had looked back over when he heard her moving. Instead of just her exposed shoulders this time he saw her entire back side heading for the door.
Could my words have driven her to kill her self? No she is stronger than that. Then why on earth would she want to be naked in the snow?
As he watched her swaying hips leave his question was soon answered when a pink light appeared from out side. Unable to see past the entrance due to his condition Sesshoumaru felt the warmth and purity coming from the light indicating a purifying spell.
When the light died down he heard the crunch of her steps in the snow. Quickly he closed his eyes so not to see her come in. This time she would be facing him and manners dictated he should not look upon her.
Frozen fingers startle Sesshoumaru into opening his eyes. Consuming his vision is the face of Kagome. Her breaths escaped her pale blue lips in puff s of smoke, her body unable to stop shaking. If Sesshoumaru hadn't known who she was he would have sworn she was a snow spirit looking for her lost love. With fingers trembling against his neck Kagome moved her hand across his shoulder looking for a way to unhook his armor.
This movement brought Sesshoumaru back to his wits as he growled, "What… I said never touch me." To undress a man in this manner was unseemly. She tainted her self by touching him. He tried to move his arm to sit up so he could strike her down but his body refused to obey the orders of his intentions. A caring cold hand stroked his brow as a firmer voice informed him.
"Lay back. I don't smell like him anymore." She pushed against his shoulder and he laid back against the make shift bed Kagome had erected for him when he had been knocked out. Discreetly Sesshoumaru breathed in her sent. She was right, he no longer caught the lingering smell of his brother but sadly her sent was gone too.
"I'll." He barked, fuming at his humiliating predicament.
"What? Kill me? Burn me with your poison? You can barely lift your head. Tending to the wound will make it heal faster. When your better, you can kill me all you want."
"Cover your self up." He ordered "Your behavior is disgraceful. My half brother does not know how to discipline his women."
Kagome bit back the anger seeping to her heart. Reminding her self she had undressed so she could purify her body in order to help him she laboriously reached for her jacket.
"Not with that disgusting thing."
Kagome winced and counted to ten one more time.
"I will permit you to use my fathers pelt." Sesshoumaru had taken up his vigilance of the caves ceiling once again not wanting to disgrace her more than she had her self.
All Kagome's anger washed away as she gently pulled the pelt from his shoulder wrapping it around her body. The warmth was wonderful against her skin. She let the fur brush against her cheek as she closed her eyes and nuzzled it wanting to extract every ounce of heat it had to offer. She could have worn a hundred jackets however never felt this warm. The smell of wood and something spicy hit her nose causing her to smile. She blushed when she looked up and saw Sesshoumaru with a quizzical look on his face. "You are far to gracious my Lord." She bowed out of respect for his kind gesture. Kagome knew it was no small thing for him to part with something in his possession, especially the pelt. She would have to make sure she repaid him one day.