Chapter 2
As soon as his feet hit the pavement, he took off and ran. Ran away from /her/ and her intoxicating scent, but it clung to him like nettles in hair. It made his mouth water and his eyes turn red. He needed to find shelter. Somewhere far away from the woman. Kagome. His foot falls kept repeating her name, reminding him of what he so desperately needed. He wanted this endless night to be over with.
By the time the sun peeked over the horizon, Sesshomaru tucked himself away in an abandoned factory in the next town. He forced himself to sleep and when he did, he didn't wake for three days. It was bliss. No thoughts, no memories of Rin, no thoughts of blood, and no mates.
"So you've found her, haven't you, Sesshomaru? Why did you run? Are you really so pathetic that you cannot free yourself from me? You told me you were the strongest, and that you desired more. Have you given up already?" An oily voice laughed.
Sesshomaru's eyes shot open. He launched himself at his early morning visitor, but found himself bound tentacle-like roots. His eyes flashed red as he struggled to free himself, but to no avail. His body soon fell limp in defeat. He would remain bound. "I will never give up."
"Such words from the man who ran from his salvation. You really are a creature of the night, Sesshomaru. Admit defeat and I can make your pain go away."
"I refuse to become part of your harem of vampires too lost within their minds and blood to register pain or suffering. I would rather die."
The demon laughed, "then die you shall, but you might as well pass on your knowledge. I have a fledgling for you to teach. He's a special one. He's the younger brother of a vampire hunter. I thought it would be fun to watch them try to kill the other. Teach him well, Sesshomaru."
In short, it took a lot of time to teach the fledgeling. He had too much of a heart, or little survival instinct, and he refused to drink blood. So then one night, Sesshomaru captured a few humans and kept them for later. Then when his student, Kohaku, slept Sesshomaru forced blood down his throat. The boy starved himself so much he would've died had the older vampire not intervened, and he had no strength to fight off the blood filling his mouth. That turned out to only be the beginning. Apparently, the boy had been raised to slay the nocturnal immortals, so there was that bridge to cross, and it took awhile to help him master his powers.
In fact this took up about a year of Sesshomaru's time. Meanwhile he had no time to think of his pretty, little, Blood Siren. A year free of all but the most minor thoughts of Kagome. But now that the distraction was gone...the thoughts came back full force and with a vengeance. To his horror, Sesshomaru found that everyone else's blood could not compare to the taste he had of Kagome's. He didn't want to drink any other; he could barely force himself to drink. She was becoming a drug; one that was in limited supply. He'd have to go back and either figure out a way to free himself or turn her into a blood slave if the first option didn't work.
In the year of the mysterious vampire, Sesshomaru's absence, Kagome finished her last year of college. She now had a bachelor's degree in history, and a job waiting tables in a local restaurant. She wondered what happened to the strange man, but after a couple months she forgot about him. The mark on her neck faded after a couple months as well, but it was hard to convince her friends that it was nothing. Eventually, she caved and used the excuse of a passionate, one-night stand. It wasn't something she'd do, but she told her friends her judgement was clouded by his good looks, and honestly, Sesshomaru was gorgeous despite being a blood-sucking monster.
On night, Sesshomaru gathered the few belongings he had, mostly things from his victims, and Kohaku, and he led the way back to where Kagome was. Now the Hunt would truly begin.
Using the cover of night, Sesshomaru stealthily learned more about his prey, where she worked and where she spent most of her time. She appeared to work at a restaurant; he'd have to pay her a visit. Luckily for him, Kohaku still seemed fond of saving money, it must've been a leftover trait from being a human.
"Hello, I'm Kagome, and I'll be your server to-"
Sesshomaru gave a slow smile, "yes, I know who are. I haven't been here before, so what would you recommend?"
"How about a stake?" she asked with a withering glare. The healed bite mark throbbed lightly.
"Hn. A steak will do. I'll have the fillet mignon. Cooked rare." The pun wasn't lost on him, and he wondered if she found a vampire hunter to protect herself from him. It wouldn't surprise him.
Dinner was odd to say the least. He hadn't eaten in centuries, and the food today was much different than back then. The meal also left an odd taste in his mouth and he had to force himself to finish. How could he eat something when all his taste buds wanted was blood, especially that of his Blood Siren? Somehow he made it through.
"So when do you get off work?" he asked with a charming smile. He had seen Kagome's co workers give conspiratorial smiles to each other as he and Kagome interacted. Perhaps they thought he was flirting or interested in her?
"You don't need to know that. Keep your distance or I will get a restraining order," she hissed back.
"I will wait for you then. You should know that a restraining order would never work. I am not what you would call a person. The law does not affect me," he chuckled. To those around them it would appear as if he was teasing her instead of giving her a dark promise.
A few hours later, Sesshomaru found himself waiting against the wall for Kagome. For majority of the time he sat there as a large, white dog, which drew some curious looks from onlookers. It wasn't everyday one saw a stray in front of a nice restaurant.
The instant Kagome walked outside. He barked once and wagged his tail, playing the part of a loyal canine companion, who wouldn't leave his master. The few people on the sidewalk grinned and shook their heads. However, Kagome greeted the dog with an annoyed huff at his persistence. Unperturbed, Sesshomaru trotted along side the raven-haired woman. Being in her presence both calmed and excited him.
"Alright, why are you back and stalking me?" She demanded when he transformed back into a human.
"I need you. I cannot stay away," he admitted.
Kagome flushed at his words. While she had boyfriends in the past, none of them ever said words like that and none ever sounded so desperate. If she were honest with herself, she would say it made her feel desirable and as if some guy saw her as the sun and moon. Make no mistake, she didn't want someone to always be fixated on her, but a small dose of it every now and then wouldn't harm anyone. Hey, she couldn't help being a hopeless romantic, who wanted to be swept off her feet and fall head over heels in love and have her man fall just as hard for her.
She shook her head. No. He was dangerous and wanted to kill her. He was a vampire. If she allowed him to get too close to her, he'd drain her. She must keep her distance. She could ignore his drop-dead gorgeous looks right?
"And why is that?" She finally managed to ask.
He gave her a slow smile, "I'm afraid you've ruined me. I cannot bear to drink from any other. I would also like to...befriend you."
The warm feeling she had toward him extinguished quickly. He just wanted her blood. Of course, he was a vampire. "I'd appreciate it if you didn't take my blood. I'm not quite ready to die."
"Then save me. Only you can do it," he lowered himself to his knees while taking a hold of her hand, "save me from this cursed existence."
"W-what? How am I supposed to do that?" Kagome squeaked her eyes widening. She didn't expect him to beg her so dramatically.
He shrugged sadly. Naraku never mentioned what to do, just that something could be done. There was no chance of the demon telling him how to free himself. Why would the one who made the vampires want to help one escape? But Sesshomaru would try. He'd try his damnedest to get free and become human once more. If he wasn't such a coward he probably would've made himself fall on stake or let himself get caught.
When they arrived at her shrine, something happened which was an unexpected boon. When Kagome crossed the threshold, he was unable to, but then her mother decided to invite him in. Thus he was now allowed into their house and would be until they did the ritual to take away the invitation, something he felt they wouldn't know how to do. Now once he stepped inside, her mother stared at him curiously, and he wondered if she recognized him. She didn't or if she did, she said nothing.
"So Kagome, where'd you find..."
"Sesshomaru, ma'am. My name is Sesshomaru."
"Right. So where did you two meet?" Kagome's mother asked.
"At my job. We just started talking and he decided to follow me home," she laughed, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. In fact, her eyes glared daggers at the vampire.
"That's good, sweetie. Maybe you two will hit it off well," the mother joked leaving the two younger people alone.
She rounded in Sesshomaru, "what are you playing at?"
"I am simply pursuing you. Even if you can't save me, I will remain close to you and you will remain close to me," he replied easily, "so, miko, will you free me?"
She grimaced at him and spoke with hushed tones so as not to attract her mother's attention, "you can't just decide who will be close to you! I can't free you from anything. Don't depend on me for this when I don't even know how to do it!"
The vampire extended his aura and he could feel the sharp edges of her's. he used his abilities to caress the points until he sanded her aura down to a smooth shape. Her face looked calmer too; she looked happier in that moment. Maybe he should do this more often.
"I know what you're doing...and it's working. Oh my god, it feels like such a weight has been taken off my shoulders. I never realized I was this stressed," she replied dreamily. All this time spent worrying about finding a job just disappeared. The thoughts were still there, but the weight was greatly lessened.
"I will do this every time we meet, if you would permit me to. But of course, I will need more compensation than your company. After all, I do have needs," he said meaningfully.
Kagome gulped and shivered as apprehension trickled down her spine. This felt so wrong, but she spent her whole life playing on the sidewalk. She deserved an opportunity to break the rules. When she came out of her reverie, she found herself nodding at his request. "Fine. I will let you drink my blood as long as you can stop yourself from killing me and as long as you don't leave noticeable marks. I can't constantly hide the marks from your fangs."
He smiled devilishly and nodded deeply to her. Now he would have a supply of blood. Maybe he should make her a Blood Slave now. It would tie her to him both physically and mentally. Her life would be attached to his and she'd have to be around him or else she'd weaken and eventually die. He would also have an endless supply of her addicting blood; the only benefits she would reap would be immunity to every diseases and immortality with youthfulness still intact.
Yes. He'd do it tonight if possible. All he'd have to do is mix their blood a little. It was a fine science. Too much of his blood would turn her and too little would do nothing. Mentally smirking, he thought of the perfect way to execute his plan.
A few minutes later, Kagome escorted him to the top of the shrine steps; it was mostly to make sure he left. She made an internal reminder to make a barrier of holy sutras. However, he thoughts were interrupted by strong arms and a chest. Then a cool, pale hand ghosted over her cheek. Sesshomaru was surprisingly tender looking.
"Forgive me," he whispered.
The cold man was shockingly close and made Kagome's nerves tingle. For what? she thought. The answer soon became apparent when his lips crashed onto his, as her hands flew to his chest as if to push him away. Instead, they merely rested there, warming the cold skin. Surprising herself, she kissed him back.
Then Sesshomaru swiped his tongue along her bottom lip, asking for entrance. The miko barely allowed him entrance when his tongue already slipped through. He tightened his grip on her before nipping her and piercing his own tongue. The delicious blood flowed but he couldn't swallow any of it. When he felt there was enough blood, he pulled away and covered her mouth with his hand. His hold was iron-clad as he ignored her struggles.
"Swallow or you will suffocate," he said.
She struggled a little more before the need for oxygen overpowered her will. With a large gulp, she swallowed the fluids in her mouth, and Sesshomaru released her. With a weak groan, she would've fallen to her knees if he hasn't caught her. She pushed away from him and tried to straighten herself but wound up collapsing to the ground.
"W-what have you done to me? I can barely walk; my energy is nearly gone."
Sesshomaru merely looked at her. "I have ensured you will always be close to me. Now I will not be able to kill you if I drink a little too much," he said.
"There's something you're not telling me," Kagome panted.
"Intuitive. You will not be able to be separated from me. You must always come back or you will weaken and die. You will live for the same length I do, and you will never sicken or age," the vampire replied stoically.
Kagome seems to pale even more, "you had no right to do so without my agreement. You should've asked. How could you bind me to you, a stranger?"
Maybe he went about this the wrong way. Or maybe his animal-like behavior became too ingrained. Perhaps he needed to adjust to this modern society. But it was too late now. Now they could only move forward.
"I wanted to ensure you would live. I did not want the guilt I would feel if I killed you," he retorted coldly, "if you do not want that either kill me or kill yourself. That is the only way you will be released unless you wish to free me."
Neither option was that appealing. But she probably had to choose. "Tell me how to free you and I'll do it. Otherwise I guess I'll have to find a way to get rid of you; you are a vampire so you must have some type of enemy."
That night Kagome spent hours on the Internet. What was she doing? Research. It may have taken a lot of time, but she eventually found an interesting web page.
Vampires: the undead that drink the blood of humans. Filmmakers seem to love using them and the older movies were mostly correct. Vampires cannot enter hallowed ground, nor can they bear the touch of anything sacred; those with holy powers are able to repel or even kill vampires with a simple touch. They cannot enter a house without permission; this invitation is akin to a key and the only way to be rid of it, is to sprinkle holy water and burn sage along the edges of the thresholds the vampire entered through.
We believe they are soulless being, and some sources tell us they sold their souls to a demon in exchange for something. Do not pity them, for what mortal (as most once were) would do such a grievous act? What could be worth such damnation? Be wary of exchanging blood with them because once you ingest enough of it, you are no longer human. You are a slave to their bloodlust, never to see your friends or family again. If you do not become, as the vampires call it a "Blood Slave," you will become like them. A vampire.
Our sources also confirm it is possible to create a hybrid, but it is strenuous and requires a human female to be accepting of the seed. The pregnancy is fraught with dangers, the most prominent being extreme fatigue or a high chance of miscarriage. Our species were not meant to mix, and any hybrid should be culled before they become monsters.
There are groups of humans, who stand up to these creatures of the night, who battle red-eyed and frenzied monsters that wear a human guise. They are the vampire hunters. They arm themselves with many variations of the same weapon. It ranges from a simple wooden stake, to a small crossbow. Either works well and it is the hunter's preference. A simple piece of wood in the heart is all that is needed to rid the world of a damned being.
Kagome stared at the article in shock. A lot of this felt true; something inside her told her this was mostly correct. She felt this article was biased and preferred humans, especially since it seemed to condemn all vampires. Somehow, she couldn't bring herself to do that. Surely every single one of them wasn't entirely evil and only cared about blood. And how could one condemn a child for what its parents, or parent as the case may be, wa? sThen she noticed a footnote and surprisingly a means of contact.
Our sources also tell us there is a cure to vampirism, but it is extremely difficult to obtain and most fail upon finding it. When a vampire drinks the blood from a certain person, it registers in the vampires brain that the victim is their mate. They must stop from feeding, a feat most fail, and convince the person to help them. We know of only who accomplished this, and he was our main source of information. To break this contract, the mate must summon the demon the vampire made the deal with and barter or fight for the cursed being's soul. If the mate fails, they will either remain the same, if the demon is feeling merciful, or they will be killed where they stand.
If you have any other information or questions come to our guild house in the heart of every city. We'll know if you need us and if you are safe to let inside.
AN: Voila! Chapter 2! I hope everyone liked it, and I would appreciate it if you pointed out any errors, or questions or whatever. Well, tell me what you think, thanks!
