Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha, or any other character belonging to the series, the plot, and original characters are all mine.
Hello everyone, sorry for the late update. Here is chapter 7 of the key, I hope you like it!
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She smiled as she saw the sun rising, it was early morning and everyone was in the court yard getting ready to depart. Looking around she took in the faces of those who were to journey with her to Kaede's hut. Inuyasha was the first to grab her attention, his bright red clothing was hard to miss, she smiled shyly when she saw him lean in a give Kikyo a kiss good bye, "You do know its rude to spy on such an intimate moment miko" came Sesshoumaru's voice from behind her.
She spun around and looked him in the eye, "I wasn't spying, and didn't you know it's rude to sneak up on people like that?" she said poking him in the shoulder.
"Hn" was his response as he looked ahead at his father and Kisho talking, still the sight of the fox demon made his blood boil and gave him an overwhelming urge to take the miko in his arm just to show everyone who she would belong to. He quickly shook his head of those thoughts, they would not control his mind; he would not lose control over such a tiny human.
She rolled her eyes and turned to look at what Sesshoumaru was looking at only to light up and flash a brilliant smile to Kisho, one that did not go unnoticed by Sesshoumaru.
Kisho smiled back and made his way to Kagome, Sesshoumaru's glare was not unnoticed by him, time to put my plan into action, he thought to him self, as he leaned in and gave Kagome a hug and a small kiss to the forehead.
"How are you this morning Kagome? I trust you slept well and are ready for our long journey?" he asked the blushing miko.
"I am grate now that I know your coming too!" she responded.
"Of course I would come; I am your personal guard. So while we are on our journey I will also cater to your every whim to make sure you are comfortable." He replied back looking at Sesshoumaru to catch his reaction, he had to redirect his smile to Kagome…oh yeah he is pissed, I better not over do it or it will be my head.
Inutashio came to the center of the group and spoke, "I hope you all have a safe trip and return shortly, Sesshoumaru I am leaving you in charge of the group, find out what needs to be done to destroy Naraku as well as what Kagome must do." Sesshoumaru nodded to his father "Kisho and Haru make sure my sons do not destroy my lands while they are no longer under my watch." He glared at both sons so they understood as well. With that he tuned towards the castle to finally finish the gruesome stack of scrolls.
Inuyasha walked over to Kagome with something in his hand "Kikyo wanted me to give this to you; she said that the nights in the woods get cold and you will need it." He then handed the dark blue bundle to her.
Kagome smiled at him and opened the blue cloth to revel a thick blue cape, made out of the softest material she had ever felt, she put the long cape on and relished in the warmth it gave. She rubbed her arms a bit to get the feeling back in them, it was a very cool morning and a kimono wasn't great for traveling in the woods this time of year.
"We shall travel till we reach Endo then camp there" said Sesshoumaru, as he watched Haru walk behind the miko and lift her to his cloud. He formed his own traveling slow enough that the fox and hanyou could keep up but fast enough to keep his eye on Haru. Yes the miko was really getting under his skin, he was now jealous of his closes friend. Oh how the gods were cruel.
She was surprised when Haru came behind her and took to the sky and took off on a cloud, she looked down and instantly regretted doing so, kami how she hated heights. She looked to the left and saw Sesshoumaru he was flying effortlessly next to them, he turned to look at her and she looked away embarrassed she was caught staring at him. I do have to admit he is extremely attractive, well until he says something arrogant or looks at you like you have two heads she thought to herself. She then remembered the dream she had about Sesshoumaru and Naraku and wondered how it would feel to have his strong arms wrapped around her waist. She mentally slapped her self for thinking such things about the cold demon and decided to just take in the sights and think of what she was going to say to the miko Kaede.
It was late after noon and the day was beautiful, the changing leaves made the ground below look like at painting. She sighed when she heard her stomach growl. She silently prayed that no one heard but she was in the company of demons so she was sure even Kisho and Inuyasha heard. Sure enough about ten minutes later Sesshoumaru and Haru descended from the sky. Kisho and Inuyasha came into the clearing moments later.
"We will rest for a bit" Haru said "I will go get some fire wood" he then took off into the woods.
Sesshoumaru went off into the woods as well without a word. She looked in his direction, concern evident on her beautiful face.
"Keh, don't worry about him. He is always running off on his own; he will be back soon" said Inuyasha as he and Kisho sat next to her.
She laid her head against the maple tree she was sitting under. She took in the area thinking of what she could get for lunch. She remembered that rabbit and deer were in abundance this time of year and stood reaching for her bow and arrows.
"What are you doing Kagome?" asked Kisho.
"I am going to go hunting, my stomach keeps informing me that its almost dinner time" she smiled and stated to make her way into the woods only to be stopped by a strong hand on her arm, she spun around to see Sesshoumaru with her arm in one hand and a newly skinned deer in the other.
"You are in no need of a hunting excursion this evening miko" he said with amusement dancing in his golden eyes at her shocked expression. He then led her back to the warmth of the fire and handed the deer to Kisho to start cooking. He took the bow from her hand and watched as she sat down next to Inuyasha and removed her quiver of arrows. She huddled up in her warm cape and was taking in the warmth of the fire, but still was a bit cold. Kami she hated winter.
She shivered again only to feel two hands on her arms rubbing up and down quickly warming her. She looked over her shoulder to see Sesshoumaru seated behind her. Once he was certain the tiny human was a bit warmer he pulled away. Legs crossed and arms in his haori looking as if nothing had happened.
"Thank you Sesshoumaru" she said.
"Thanks are not necessary miko, you are of no use to us frozen" came his arrogant reply.
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After a nice long rest and the deer Sesshoumaru caught Kagome and the others put out the fire and made ready to depart. As Haru made his way to Kagome he was cut off by Sesshoumaru. Haru smiled to himself, he could tell his long time friend was developing feeling for the human miko named Kagome. He had carried her all this way just to watch him sweat a little. What were friends for right?
Sesshoumaru came behind her and lifted her into his arms. He knew very well that humans became sleepy after eating wild game and she would need to rest. She looked up at him with a curious gaze and he looked to the horizon as he took up to the sky on his cloud; Haru, Kisho and Inuyasha following closely behind.
As they made their way towards the village she could feel her eyes becoming heavy and soon was asleep in Sesshoumaru's arms. He looked down at her once he could tell her breathing had evened out signaling her sleeping state. He took this time to take in her beauty. Kami she was a sight to behold. Her long eyelashes fanned a crossed her slightly freckled checks and her cherry lips looked so warm and soft. He could feel her shiver against the cool evening air and wrapped his pelt around her earning a sigh and a small smile from her as she snuggled closer into his warmth. Yes he could admit it to himself and himself only he was falling for the miko. Almost like a force was pulling him to her and for some reason he did not mind. He looked out at the setting sun; they would arrive in Endo shortly. He could see a clearing just before the city started a small hut was nestled in the small clearing this was where the miko Kaede lived. He removed the pelt from the girl and gently shook her in his arms. She stirred and looked up at him with her still glazed over deep blue eyes. He could feel his heart skip a beat as she again snuggled closer to him to avoid the cool wind.
"We are here miko" he said in a quite and soft voice.
She looked at the city that was now in view and the miko hut in the clearing just before and could feel Sesshoumaru tighten his grip on her as he descended to the small clearing. The moment he landed the bamboo matt was tossed aside and an elderly woman adorning and eye patch came out bow and arrow ready for attack.
"What do ye demons want with an old miko?" she asked.
"I have come for your help" said Kagome taking a few steps towards Kaede.
The older miko looked at Kagome. She knew all to well who this girl was after all how many miko's came to you with demons in tow? And she could feel the magical essence of the Shikon hanging around her neck. She smiled at the small young woman "Kagome I have been waiting for you, come and get warm by the fire, then we shall talk" said Kaede.
She was shocked that the old miko knew who she was. She only nodded and followed the miko into her hut followed buy her four demon protectors. She made her way to the fire and soaked in the warmth of the small hut. Haru excused himself to scout the forest for any unwanted guest as the others sat around the hut.
Kagome went over her story again to the miko telling her about her journey and the now mirror sealed Naraku. Kaede soaked in the information before asking "so ye want to know how to bond yourself to a new protector ne?"
"Yes" she responded
"We would also like to know it there is any way to rid the world of the worthless hanyou as well miko-sama" voiced Sesshoumaru.
"I will tell you how to complete a bond child. As for your question Lord Sesshoumaru the only way Naraku will die is if Kagome dies by someone else's hands or by old age. Kagome and Naraku are bonded through the seal. When Kagome dies so shall Naraku. However if she attempts to take her own life then Naraku will be free to walk the earth again" Said Kaede.
"How do I bond myself to a new protector?" asked a very nervous Kagome.
"Your protector must be of demon blood and the bond is a blood bond" responded Kaede "Have you chosen a protector child?"
"No, not yet" whispered Kagome "Kaede?" she asked
"Yes child"
"Isn't a blood bond usually only done during mating?" she really didn't want to hear the answer because she already knew it and she also knew she was correct due to the way the tree demons tensed when Kaede voiced the bond being a blood bond.
"Aye child that it is, I assume your body is still pure?" she questioned
"Ye…yes" blushed Kagome this was really something she didn't want to be talking about with three men…err demon men in the same hut.
"You will have to give yourself mind, soul and body to your protector child. He shall share your strengths and you shall share his. The bond will allow you to feel each others feelings and know when the other is in trouble or hurt much like a mating bond. The bond will be created when the marking process would normally happen but instead of marking you with a mating mark at the junction of your neck the mark is placed on your shoulder. You will then take in his blood as well binding you to him and him to you." Kaede explained.
"Wait, so the only way to be bonded to my protector is to sleep with him?" she asked. She couldn't believe this.
"That is correct child" responded the miko.
"Oh… I see" said Kagome.
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TBC
A/N: who do you think her protector will be? Hum? : ) please review and let me know what you though.