Author's note:

Deepest, and most sincere apologies for the late update guys. Stress at work and a lack of creative ideas. But I'm back! Did you miss me? :3

Onwards!

xxPinkie

Chapter 14:

Sesshomaru:

"Will you still allow me to chase you?"

I smirked, and her head lazily turned towards me. I pressed my lips to her shoulder.

"The night is still young."

I heard her heart rate excelerate as I carassed her flushed skin with water. Her sighs of contentment allowing me to smile. Ah, this creature allowed me her innocence, and still wanted my touch on her flawless skin. I heard a sharp intake of breath, and looked down at her.

"Hn?"

Her hands came from the waters, her shoulders shaking slightly. I turned her towards me swiftly. Her eyes clouding over, and then they disappeared into the back of her head. She went limp in my arms, and I felt an overwhelming panic.

"Azumi? Azumi!"

I shook her gently.

"Wake up."

I shook her once more,

"This Sesshomaru demands you awaken! Azumi!"

I clutched her, and carried her from the waters. Her eyelids closed, and the almost inaudiable, shaky breathing rocking her chest and filling my ears. Silver strands of tears glittered from her eyes. I wiped them away gently. I dressed her in my top once more, then pulling on my hamaka, I cradled her in my arms and lap. I dropped my head to hers and inhaled her scent.

I did not this feeling of loneliness and worry. I wanted her to open those dazzling eyes and smile. To let me know what she needed. To make sure she was alright.

Mark her.

Don't start this.

Idiot. The connection will tell you what is wrong with her.

Ah..

I looked down at the shivering beauty in my arms. I sighed, though I was not anywhere near appauled at the thought of taking her as my mate; I wasn't sure if I was actually ready to settle down. I placed my lips to her forehead, and growled inwardly. I kissed her eyelid, then her cheek. Making my way slowly to her neck...

Azumi:

I felt his claws gently massaging me with the hot spring waters. I lolled my head back and relished in the touch. Hm, I could get used to this. Perhaps.. in this chase, I could persuade him to chase me. I smirked. I opened my eyes, and everything was black. I heard a dark laughter and panic swept over me. I tried to see, my hands coming from the waters, I could feel the shaking. I could not see. I had my hands in front of my face, but I could not view them. I gasped, and then everything went silent.

I felt hands searching my face for signs of my life. I knew that it was Sesshomaru. I could not speak. I wanted to tell him. Needed to tell him what was going on. But my voice would not reach. I felt the tears of my frustration slid down my face shamelessly. I could feel his warm hands washing away the tears on my cheeks. I could feel the smooth silk climbing over my body. He was dressing me? I felt his arms wrap around my waist, and a broad breathing chest come against my back.

I wanted to let him know. I wanted to tell him, that this happens. Let him know, that this is why my parents entombed me. To prepare me. To save me.

I felt his lips brush aginst my face. His journey seeming to travel to my neck. I felt my blood go cold, a rush of adrenaline, as I waited to see. I could feel his fangs brush against my throat...

If he marked me, my chase would end, and all would be well. I wouldn't have to worry about.. him.

Sesshomaru:

Her pulse quickened. Ah, so though she was upresponsive to my voice, my touch allowed me a reaction. I held my breath, my fang nicked her soft skin, I was preparing to plunge down and release my mark, when a dark laughter brought chills to her skin.

I paused, and turned towards the sound.

"Hm, I see you found my betrothed. Such a pretty little thing is she not?"

I looked up, my expression unchanging. This man was a slight resemblence to Azumi. Rose colored markings on his face, but his eyes, though icy blue as hers, were reflected with red irises. His sneer caused iritance to me.

"This Sesshomaru, demands to hear the name of this intruder."

His sneer widened.

"I am Riki. My messanger, Baru, "as if on que, the owl demon emerged from the trees," told me that he had found my lovely treasure."

"Had he informed you she was in my possession, before or after he tried to taint her?"

Riki's eyes flashed, and Baru whimpered.

" I was not aware that such things had taken place."

He raised his finger and pointed to Baru. A bright blue shot from his claw, much like my poison whip, and struck Baru in the face. The bird dropped to his knees, silent agony shuddering through his form. The skin opened and folded back, spurting a foul smelling liquid, before closing and leaving him cringing on the ground.

"Had you kept this secret intentionally, Baru? Had I not told you, to not touch her."

A quite sob came from the bird. Riki kicked at his form and spat.

"Stand."

Baru obeyed. A large, crecent scar in the center of his face.

Riki turned his attention back to me. Azumi shivered in my arms.

"I can smell you on her." His teeth gritted, and my smirk rising.

"She had chosen me, who would I be if I did not comply?"

He snarled, his stance dropping. I remained relaxed. I tucked a lock of stranded silver hair behind Azumi's ear. I kissed her lobe, and gently laid her on the ground. I wrapped my haori tightly around her and secured the obi in place. I set my moko moko around her, to keep her warm and turned to peer at Riki. He was relatively shorter than I was. His demonic aura not nearly as strong as mine. I was curious how he caused Azumi such fear just by being near.

Riki:

This foul demon had touched my precious Azumi. My little pet. Mine. I had claimed her the day she was born, and now, this man had taken her innocence, and had the audacity to touch my love, in front of me nonetheless. It made my skin crawl. I was a close relative to the ichigo inu. I was a rightful mate to them. HIs aura was staggering, and I was unable to tell what type of demon he was. I was a mixed breed. Partial kitsune, but with a strong bird bloodline. I scoffed at the man before me. Who did he think he was.

"My mate, if you please."

The one who refered to himself as, Sesshomaru? He stood before me, his bare chest showing strong and indignance.

"This one is not afraid of strangers. He applauds your bravery to speak so dumbly before someone like me."

I tilted my head.

"Do tell, what makes you so arrogant?"

"Are you not in the Western Lands."

I nodded, "Where are you going with this?"

He smiled, and my heart dropped. How could a smile be so terrifying?

He stood taller, and I heard mutiple snaps.

"This Sesshomaru, is the Lord of the Western Lands, you swine."

I watched as his form stretched and hunched, and soon, a large, demonic dog towered over me.