The two were exhausted. Natsu had lost a lot of blood in the battle but it being her demon night it was less detrimental. Her body shook in tremors, the blood still burning away through her veins. But even as it burned her painfully the wounds were beginning to close. Her eyes were still red when they were a few miles from the castle, though dawn was about to break. Sesshomaru noticed the beast in the skies before she did. "Lord Sesshomaru!" A familiar voice called from above. It was Jaken riding upon A-un; he landed beside the pair, immediately groveling. "Please forgive me my lord! I could not stay behind when I knew you would be in battle! Rin is safe at the castle but I had to be by your side!" "It's good to see you Jaken," Sesshomaru interrupted. "I know! You may punish me! I'm so sorry I disobeyed your orders I"- Jaken looked up in shock. "Wait, what did you say?" Jaken gazed up at him with teary eyes of happiness.
"Whoa!" Jaken exclaimed when he noticed Natsu, "what demon is this? You couldn't be our Natsuko could you?" He asked, homing in on her red eyes. Natsu smiled softly, "I am." Jaken's eyes widened further when dawn finally broke and her features returned to normal. She swayed on her feet, exhaustion truly overtaking her. Sesshomaru moved in closer, wrapping his arm supportively around her waist. They all mounted A-un and started the journey back. Natsu quickly fell asleep leaning back against Sesshomaru. Sesshomaru spent the return journey resting and healing from his own numerous wounds.
Jaken kept up a stream of chatter, contemplating what was behind the snake demon clan attack. Later he voiced aloud his realizations that half demons had powers and turned human one night a month where as it seemed quarter demons had no powers but turned demonic one night a month. He was fascinated, not having expected Natsu to have been capable of really battling at his lord's side.
The reunion at the castle was joyful and Hisao insisted on preparing a great meal to celebrate. He felt comfortable with his great lord's two friendly female companions.
Natsu smiled softly, worn out from the grand welcome they had received upon arrival. Everyone else was in bed already. It was a warm evening; Natsu carried her bag, walking quietly to the bathing pool behind the castle. She glanced back, her 6th sense telling her she was being followed, though she saw no one. Smiling coyly she pulled her sash loose, undressing slowly. Once naked she retrieved her bar of soap, wading into the pool, sighing happily as the water surrounded her body. When her voyeur did not soon come forward she called out, "I know you're watching me." She spun around when she heard the voice from above her. Sesshomaru leapt down from his perch on a wall, alighting gracefully at the edge of the water. "I know you know." He stated, giving her a grin she had never witnessed before. Natsu nearly swooned. She stood then, unabashed. "Won't you join me, Lord Sesshomaru?" She said, giving him a smoldering look.
Natsu leaned back against a rock, watching appreciatively as Sesshomaru stripped. She didn't look away from his eyes as he waded in, coming to rest beside her. Natsu dunked her head under, soaking her long black hair completely. Sesshomaru pulled her nearly into his lap where he began washing her hair. "You humans have caused me so much trouble." He murmured, rinsing her hair then resting his head over her shoulder. She turned to him, "that may be so but you would be bored without us. Besides, I was already escaping when you came." Sesshomaru scoffed, "I doubt you would have gotten very far on your own." Natsu didn't bother arguing, instead, she waded behind him where she washed his hair, taking time with the soft strands.
Taking a cloth, Sesshomaru began washing the rest of Natsu's body; she leaned back against his slick chest. Natsu moaned when Sesshomaru finally leaned down to kiss her, already feeling on fire. As the night air cooled, Sesshomaru led Natsu to the building, entering though a nearby door. It apparently led to his room. There was no time to have a look around as Sesshomaru pushed her back onto the bed, covering her with his body.
He hadn't spoken of her abduction; there were no comments of "I'm glad you're safe," or anything of the like. Now though, as he made love to her, he seemed to be telling her with his body, his kisses and gentle touches.
Sesshomaru stayed at the castle for almost two weeks, almost needing to mentally recover from everything that had happened. He unabashedly insisted Natsu sleep in his room every night, making love to her frequently.
Jaken was not sure what to think of the situation but there was no denying his lord favored this young shihanyou. Rin was skipping around the castle in glee; earlier that day she had rounded a corner to catch Sesshomaru stealing a kiss from Natsu.
The party left the castle again, Sesshomaru needing to assist a small demon village near one of his borders. They had made good time but still stopped for the night. It was a chilly one and to Sesshomaru's surprise he soon had three beings snuggling next to him. He looked up at the sky with a sigh. Never, never would he have allowed this, he really shouldn't now. Natsu gazed lovingly up at him on one side and Rin was tucked under his other arm, and even Jaken was lying on his fur, he didn't really mind.
When Natsu and Rin were bathing in a hot springs the little girl took her opportunity for an interrogation. "Natsu," she began, looking over with a grin, "do you love Lord Sesshomaru?" Natsu cast a surprised look at the girl. "I love all of you Rin." She answered tactfully. The girl frowned at her, "that's not what I meant, I mean love, love." Natsu sighed, seeing she was not going to be able to get out of this one. "I'll only tell you, if you can keep a secret." The girl nodded earnestly. Natsu took a deep breath before she continued. "I do love him Rin, but," Natsu held up a finger stopping Rin's excited gestures. "But," Natsu continued, "It's complicated. I don't think we could have a serious relationship, we're too different." Rin spoke up then, her arms crossed determinedly. "That's silly, I saw you two kissing! That seems very serious." Natsu face-palmed wondering when the girl had seen that. "Besides," Rin continued, "As long as two people want to be together, nothing else should matter, does Lord Sesshomaru make you happy?" Natsu nodded silently, wondering how it ended up she was getting relationship advice from a 10 year old. "I know you make Lord Sesshomaru happy too." Rin declared. "You think so?" Natsu asked. Rin nodded enthusiastically, "Lord Sesshomaru has a big personal space bubble," she explained stretching her arms out wide to demonstrate. "Since he lets you stay he must like you." Natsu held back a laugh at the explanation. "Besides," Rin continued, a sly look coming to her eye. "Lord Jaken said he's served Lord Sesshomaru for a very long time and has seen many lady demons turned away. He said Lord Sesshomaru was always too busy battling and gaining strength to have time for a woman." Natsu gave a laugh at this, imagining an array of demoness' vying for his hand.
Natsu and Rin were bored, A-un was sleeping and Jaken was complaining again about having to babysit 'the humans.' Their lord had left them miles away from the demon town, keeping Jaken with them so that the girls would not have trouble with any of the local populace that might pass by.
Natsu prepared a breakfast but didn't eat any herself, still feeling tired and slightly unsettled. Jaken happily ate her share of the meal. By lunch she was feeling better and even practiced swordsmanship with Rin. The next day Natsu didn't eat anything, ignoring a lecture from Rin about keeping up her strength.
Natsu's moon night was mere days away when Sesshomaru finally finished his objective in the demon town. He was glad to be done, though he had checked in on them frequently, he was uncomfortable with their nearness to the village. Natsu was napping while Rin appeared to be cooking some sort of creature over a fire. Jaken noticed his return first, greeting him loudly. Rin gave the imp a glare, yelling "Shhh! You'll wake Natsu up!" The two began squabbling until a growl from the woman shushed them both. "I'm already awake now, so both of you be quiet!"
Natsu rose, greeting Sesshomaru, pleased to find out they would be on their way again soon. They had seen many curious demons at a distance and she couldn't help but feel unsettled at their presence. Natsu shared Rin's rabbit, realizing she was famished. Before she could finish it though, her stomach was churning. She barely made it away from the others before heaving her meal back up. Jaken voiced his disgust while Rin worried she hadn't cooked the rabbit properly. Sesshomaru watched on, wrinkling his nose at the sour smell. Natsu washed up in the river, apologizing and admitting that maybe she really was sick and it wasn't just the demons making her uneasy.
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~
Sesshomaru informed them they would be making camp early. They had travelled two days from the village and Natsu's health didn't seem to be improving. Sesshomaru noticed she was hardly eating and was sleeping more and more. He interrupted Natsu's fire making, informing her that Rin could handle it. Despite her protests he all but dragged her away, intent on having a chat. When he released her, Natsu sunk to the ground beside a tree, eyeing him warily. Sesshomaru knelt in front of her, fixing her with a hard stare. "You haven't been eating, yet tonight is your moon night, you need your strength." "I have been eating." Natsu protested. "What you've been eating is not sufficient." Sesshomaru countered. "Look, I've not been well, give me a break. We mortals can get sick sometimes." Sesshomaru raised his brow. "You're hardly a mortal." Natsu gave a frustrated growl. Natsu didn't want to have an argument, she wanted something else.
Natsu leaned up, kissing Sesshomaru suddenly. Closing his eyes he moved closer to her. When she began running her hands over his body he seized her wrists. "Are you thinking to distract me?" Natsu looked up, eyes wide, a smile on her lips. "Yes?"
Sesshomaru sighed in exasperation though a thrill ran through him. They had not made love since leaving the castle and he had really enjoyed that time with her. Wrists still in his grasp he pushed her back against the tree, capturing her mouth once again. The two were naked and breathless when the sun began to sink. She was curled tightly in his arms, reassured she would be alright because he was there.
Natsu had almost drifted off to sleep when she felt Sesshomaru's hand on her shoulder, turning her towards him. "What's wrong?" She murmured. Sesshomaru only studied her with narrowed eyes. She gasped when he ran a claw along her neck, cutting in just enough to draw blood. Bringing the finger to his mouth he tasted it, sitting up abruptly. Natsu's eyes widened when she realized. It was dark and this was her moon night but she felt no different, there were no symptoms. "There is no scent to your blood," Sesshomaru murmured, "I cannot sense the blood aura."
Natsu felt a thrill of alarm, what would have caused this change? "Has this ever happened before?" Sesshomaru asked. "No, since it started the first time it has never failed to happen." Natsu shivered at a breeze, pulling her clothes back on. Sesshomaru did the same, eyeing her warily. If Natsu didn't know any better she would say he almost looked worried. "I don't know what you think, but I'd be happy if I didn't have to change anymore." Sesshomaru was silent.
Though Natsu later fell asleep Sesshomaru remained awake, watching her throughout the night. His thoughts tortured him, he needed to know why. Why would it stop suddenly like this, was it a good sign, was it a bad one? Would she lose a part of herself forever? Or worse, become completely mortal?
That morning they returned to camp, Natsu significantly less bothered by the situation than Sesshomaru was. Rin was cooking fish over a small fire. Natsu greeted her and Jaken cheerfully, joining them for breakfast. Natsu barely got a few bites in when she ran to a tree, stomach heaving again. Sesshomaru stood by her side, frowning deeply. 'Could this have something to do with her not changing last night?' Natsu walked back, steering clear of the fish smell, an apologetic smile on her face.
Sesshomaru stayed close by, his concern growing. Three more days had passed and Natsu had not been able to hold down a single meal. She slept most of the time, only able to sip water. Even she was concerned now, this didn't seem like a regular sickness. Sesshomaru considered returning to Bokusenou but believed the tree demon had nothing more to offer. He scowled; perhaps he had unbalanced something in the nature of the shihanyou. He didn't want to believe that it was simply the fate of a shihanyou to suffer as she did.
By the next day, Natsu barely had the strength to stand. Sesshomaru had thrown many kinds of food at her, demanding she eat. Nothing stayed down and finally she curled in on herself, begging him to leave her alone. Rin and Jaken watched worriedly as their lord became increasingly distressed and angry.
Sesshomaru needed to find help; he feared Natsu would die if left to continue in this state. It was a long shot but perhaps a human healer of some sort could help. It was Rin who had the answer. "Lord Sesshomaru, perhaps you could take her to see Lady Kaede. She is a priestess who is very skilled in the art of healing." Natsu agreed, remembering the kind old priestess she had met before.
Sesshomaru took Natsu in his arms, prepared to make a speedy flight to the village. He commanded Jaken to follow behind with A-Un and Rin, though it would take them longer to arrive. Natsu winced as he took to the skies. Once her body had adjusted to the speed at which she was traveling she looked up at the demon lord, reaching out to brush his cheek. "I'm sorry I'm causing you so much trouble." She murmured. Warm golden eyes looked down at her, "Focus on getting well, and then you wouldn't be any trouble."
Sesshomaru landed on the outskirts of the village, not wishing to alarm the local populace and be hindered by a pathetic human attack. Unsurprisingly Inuyasha intercepted him on the road. "What brings you here Sesshomaru?" The hanyou asked, glaring before he noticed the woman in his brother's arms. "Oy, is that Rin's cousin?" Sesshomaru asked exasperatedly, "What foolish things are you saying?" He stopped, remembering that Natsu had indeed told them she was Rin's cousin.
Sesshomaru didn't slow his step, "What did you do to her?" Inuyasha accused. "I am seeking the priestess known as Kaede, unless you can tell me where she is you are of no use to me." Sesshomaru said coldly. "Inuyasha, Sesshomaru is trying to help me," Natsu reassured, lifting her head weakly. Inuyasha scoffed, but led them to Kaede's house.
Kagome came out of a nearby house when they neared, immediately showing concern for the other woman. Inuyasha called into Kaede's house, "Hey you old bat, there's a demon here looking for you!" Natsu became self-conscious and insisted that Sesshomaru let her stand on her own. He acquiesced but kept a hand at her back when she swayed and nearly fell over. She clutched one arm around her belly while the other had a tight grip on his kimono.
Kaede came out of her hut grumbling at Inuyasha, "I know Sesshomaru is here, I could probably sense his aura before you could smell him you whelp." She stopped when she beheld Sesshomaru there with Natsu. "Priestess, this woman needs your help." He said. His eyes narrowed, noticing a curious crowd gathering. Shippo peeked from behind a building while Miroku stood near Sango who was holding an infant.
Sesshomaru tensed as Kagome approached them, taking hold of Natsu's hand. She smiled up at the demon lord, "don't worry, we'll take care of her." Natsu gave Sesshomaru a reassuring glance before allowing Kagome to lead her into the house. Sesshomaru stood where he was, fists clenched, wanting to follow but unsure. It was only when Kaede called out, "Inuyasha, go take that brother of yours elsewhere, I don't need anyone hovering," that he walked away to the outskirts of the village. Inuyasha followed; no doubt to try to interrogate him about this woman.
Natsu collapsed to the floor as soon she was inside, she felt so weak, but hated to appear that way in front of Sesshomaru. Kagome was chattering beside her while Kaede lit a few candles in the room. Both of the women were dressed in priestess garb, Kagome was in training under Kaede. Natsu hugged her knees to her chest, feeling apprehensive.
"Tell me child, what ails ye?" Natsu explained how it started a couple weeks ago, becoming worse until she was not capable of eating. She fell silent, becoming unsure. "There is more that you are not telling us, please don't be afraid, I know that you must be the child of a demon." Natsu gasped, looking up sharply. "How could you know that?" "I sensed it in you the first time I met you, and I sense it now." "I don't understand," Natsu spoke, "Sesshomaru said I smelled completely human except on the night of-," she stopped herself there. "Demons may have keen noses, but I have a sense that they do not. I was born with holy powers. Now, if you want my help you are going to have to tell me everything." "You'll still help me, though I have a demons blood?" Kaede chuckled at this, "Child, I care for all life, I believe everyone has a chance for health and happiness."
Kagome gave her a reassuring smile and Natsu told them her story. How her great grandfather had been a dragon, how she had been fatally injured years ago and how her demon blood aura had awakened to haunt her every month. Kagome was fascinated while Kaede listened with quiet attention. Natsu lowered her face as the next part came out. "Almost a year ago, I encountered Lord Sesshomaru and through various circumstances he found a way to subdue the blood aura, so that I might not suffer so." She looked up sadly, "he now believes I'm dying and that it's his fault." Kaede was silent for a long while. Kagome was awed by the story, showing her surprise that the demon lord had been involved in Natsu's life all this time. She giggled when Natsu admitted that she wasn't really Rin's cousin. But Kagome could tell that Rin was loved dearly.
Kaede began asking Natsu general health questions, and then asked her to lay back and relax so she could try to seek out the girl's aura. "My spiritual powers will not harm you since you are not a full blooded demon." She reassured her. Natsu tried to relax as Kaede gently ran her hands over her head first, then slowly over her heart. The priestess jerked her hands back when they came to rest over her belly. Natsu grew alarmed at the frown on the old woman's face. Kaede asked Kagome to fetch some mild food while rummaging around in her collection of herbs. "What's wrong?" Natsu asked, feeling her heart in her throat. Kaede smiled softly, "Nothing my dear, I was just being cautious. I don't want anyone getting hurt." Kagome returned with some warm chicken soup, the smell was tantalizing. "I want you to eat this along with the herbs." Kaede instructed. "What are they for?" Natsu asked, but obeyed when the woman only insisted she try them.
~.~.~.~.~.~.~
A muscle ticked in Sesshomaru's jaw. "Silence little brother." He commanded for the last time. Inuyasha had not ceased in demanding to know if Sesshomaru had harmed the woman. "All I'm saying is, you don't have the best record when it comes to huma-," He was cut off when Sesshomaru attacked him. Inuyasha leapt out of reach, drawing tetsusaiga. "I have no patience for you today." Sesshomaru growled, drawing his own sword. Inuyasha charged his brother, almost laughing, "As if you normally have patience?" the two swords clashed loudly.
~.~.~.~.~.~.~
Natsu felt warmth flood her body as she slowly ate the soup. To her amazement she did not feel ill after. Kagome clapped her hands happily, "this is wonderful Kaede, what did you use?" Kaede ignored Kagome's question and with a gleam in her eye she asked Natsu. "Tell me, what is the nature of your relationship with Lord Sesshomaru?" A light blush colored Natsu's cheeks, "Well, it's complicated." The gleam was still in the old woman's eyes, "Come now, it can't be too complicated." Natsu frowned at the sudden mysterious air of the priestess. "Those herbs I gave you," Kaede started, a smile appearing on her lips, "are taken by women to help ease morning sickness."
Kagome clapped her hands over her mouth, stifling a squeal. "I gave you an extra strong dose as you're morning sickness is understandably worse than that of a woman carrying a human child." Kaede continued. Natsu stared at the woman, dumbstruck. "A-are you saying, that I'm pregnant?" Natsu choked out, arms wrapping around her belly. "Yes, you most definitely are," Kaede chuckled. Kagome recovered herself, "is it Sesshomaru's?" Kagome whispered disbelievingly. When Natsu nodded Kagome couldn't hold in her next squeal. "That means you and I are like sisters now!" Natsu stood shakily, leaning against a wall for support.
Kaede saw distress come over the girl and demanded she sit down again. "Are you unhappy?" Kagome asked in concern. Natsu shook her head, emotions too strong to speak correctly. "It's – It's not that, I never thought I would have children, and now…" Natsu smiled softly, "I'm not dying, I'm going to be a mother," she wrapped her arms lovingly around her belly. Soon the three of them were laughing joyfully.
"You say it was Sesshomaru's aura that held your own destructive blood aura in check, correct?" Kaede asked. Natsu nodded. "I believe it is because of his demon child residing in your belly that you did not turn." "I guess that makes sense," Natsu agreed. She felt another flutter of nervousness, thinking of her demon lover. "Oh kami, what is Sesshomaru going to think?!" She moaned. "It can't be that bad." Kagome offered. Natsu averted her eyes, red coloring her cheeks again. "I once promised him I would be his secret…" Kagome held back a laugh, realizing Natsu was serious. "I told him I would never expect anything of him or cause him trouble." Kaede sighed in exasperation, muttering about irresponsible kids these days.
It was Kagome who spoke next. "Well," She smiled putting her hand on Natsu's shoulder. "You're not much of a secret now are you, besides, if he really thought you were trouble I'm sure he would have dropped you like a hot rock." Natsu laughed at this. "Besides," Kagome continued, holding up a finger for emphasis. "Dog demons are fiercely protective and loyal, take Inuyasha, he comes off as a jerk but really, he's amazing and has always been there for me."
"The only way to find out what he thinks is to tell him." Kagome stated. Natsu agreed. "Well then, you should go get him Kagome," Kaede put in, "I'm sure he and Inuyasha have already come to blows." As Kagome left, Natsu focused on not hyperventilating. She desperately wanted Sesshomaru to stay in her life, and now she also wanted him to care about this child they had unintentionally created. Kaede prattled on about the brothers' family history, trying to distract the nervous shihanyou.
Natsu's mind drifted to Rin, reminding herself that Sesshomaru had already taken on a sort of parental role with the human girl. The thought helped calm her greatly.
~.~.~.~.~.~.~
Kagome could hear swords clashing as she approached. The two were still going at it until she called out, "Sesshomaru!" The daiyoukai ceased fighting, turning to the young priestess. Inuyasha also stopped. "Sesshomaru," Kagome called from across the field with a grin on her face. "Natsuko isn't dying; she's going to have a baby!" Sesshomaru froze; a stunned look on his face. Kagome couldn't help but notice it was the same look of shock as when she had first pulled tenseiga from its resting place so long ago. Kagome continued walking closer to the demon. Inuyasha's ear twitched, "Weird, wasn't she travelling with you? Who would have come close enough to-." He stopped at a glare from Kagome.
"Sesshomaru," Kagome prompted the silent demon. "You're going to be a father." she said this slowly. Inuyasha fell over in shock. Sesshomaru's mind was racing but finally he again found the means to speak. "Are you positive priestess?" Kagome nodded, meeting his eyes. "Kaede found out, and when she gave Natsu some medicine to help with her morning sickness she was able to hold down a meal. She's going to be alright." Sesshomaru frowned, "Morning sickness? She has not been sick only in the morning." Kagome laughed, "I know, I know, it's just what it's called." Sesshomaru was silent again.
Behind them Inuyasha rose to his feet, eyeballing his brother. "Damn Sesshomaru, I can't believe you managed to knock someone up!" Kagome's jaw dropped and Sesshomaru swung a fist at the hanyou. Another fight almost broke out before Kagome insisted, "Sesshomaru, she's waiting for you! Don't keep a girl waiting!" With a glare, Sesshomaru shoved his brother aside, striding back to the village.
Authors note: I would really, really, love feedback. =3
