Super Special Blabber:
Woooh, back with another chapter just for you guys. (smile) I hope you guys aren't getting too confused…I know the whole background of this story is confusing. (tell me about it) And sooooo sorry for forgetting people (sighs) I really need to pay closer attention when I'm typing names up. (somehow I forget someone, somehow.) Anyways here's the next chapter!
Disclaimer: Is it time for this thing again?
Flashbacks
"Talking"
'Thoughts'
Black Blood:
X
X
Kagome gave a small sigh carrying the small newly joined fox demon companion in her arms. He seemed a bit comfortable in her care as she fully noticed her other slacking companions. They looked tired--except for Sesshomaru of course, he looked as stoic as ever.
"Do you guys want to stop…I could try to make something to eat?" Kagome asked quietly.
"Feh, nothing you can make we can eat….you forget we're dead, wench!" Inuyasha growled. He was in a bad mood, very bad truth be told.
Kagome glared angrily before exclaiming, "Well excuse ME for actually thinking of helping you!"
A snicker was heard, their heads turned down to Shippo who was cradled in Kagome's arms.
"Why do you hang out with these losers, Kagome?"
Silence followed before Inuyasha's dark aura filled the area as he gave a glare that could freeze hell over.
"You….little BRAT!" A loud smacking sound followed…
"OW! Kagome, he hit me!"
"Inuyasha!" Kagome yelled scolding him.
"It's that kids fault for getting smart!"
"That's NOT an excuse!"
"Uh-huh."
"Na-uh."
Sesshomaru gaze came towards them, his eyes twitching in irritation by their pointless argument.
"Silence!" He barked.
Kagome froze, she noticed Sesshomaru glaring at her the most. She couldn't stand it.
'Why me? Inuyasha started it!' She thought pouting a bit.
"I suppose stopping for a bit is a good idea." Miroku agreed.
"Miroku…" Kagome smiled at him.
'Yes, it's perfect…then I can steal away Kagome from them, yes it's perfectly planned.' He thought giving on of his lecherous grins.
"The leech is actually right for once.." Bankotsu agreed.
Kagome smiled brightly and noticed Sesshomaru give what seemed an irritated look. But it only lasted a second before his face turned expressionless.
"Very well, I suggest you three eat before we head off again." Of course he was talking about Bankotsu, Miroku, and Inuyasha--they hadn't eaten just about years now.
Shippo gulped and clenched onto Kagome's gi mistaking Sesshomaru's order as of them feeding on him and Kagome. Giving a gentle smile, Kagome patted Shippo's head and went to sit by a nearby tree and set up camp. It wasn't dark yet but probably in the middle of the day, the sun was beginning to drop barely.
Kagome saw Inuyasha, Bankotsu, and Miroku exchange looks before walking away.
"You guys aren't going to kill someone…are you?" Kagome asked giving a solemn look.
She knew they fed on people's blood…live people, but she didn't want anyone else to die after all the bloodshed that had happened already.
"Eh, well lady Kagome we can't say we aren't--" Miroku started but was interrupted.
"We ain't killing anyone, got it? Hurting them is a different story though." Inuyasha added gruffly.
"But…" Kagome muttered.
"Of course we could always feed on your blood, Lady Kagome…I like that idea more than feeding on a random stranger, yes indeed." Miroku commented closing his eyes in thought.
A smacking sound was heard as Miroku yelped from the force on the punch on his tender shoulder. Bankotsu gave a sigh holding his fist from the blow and glared slightly.
"Stop that! Kagome already lost a lot of blood from that battle…!"
Shippo stiffened in Kagome's arms, she merely cooed him and tightened her hold on him. She knew he must be going through a lot now and he needed comfort.
"Be careful then…and no killing." Kagome remarked softly.
The three nodded and walked away slowly, leaving her by herself with Shippo and Sesshomaru?
"Sesshomaru?" Kagome called looking around.
He was nowhere to be spotted. Had he possibly left them when they were talking?
"If you're looking for that scary vampire guy, he left that way when you guys were talking.." Shippo pointed his finger to the right.
"Oh…"
Shippo noticed Kagome's down look as he jumped out of her hold and stood in front of her giving her a determined look. Kagome merely blinked confused, watching him clueless.
"I wouldn't worry about that scary looking guy! He could freeze hell over with that look and besides now you guys have me to protect and fight with you! I do after all have some magic tricks that will scare and fool any demon…" He bragged crossing his arms across his chest.
Kagome chuckled, "I'm sure you do Shippo…and you're right, he can take care of himself. I'm more worried about the other three, and the people they encounter."
Shippo placed a finger on his chin in thought before a light bulb shined above his head in idea.
"I got it! I'll go and follow them undercover!"
"Shippo, that's not the best--"
'Too late…he's already running off!' "SHIPPO!" Kagome called standing up.
Shippo turned his head silently still running off calling, "Leave this to me Kagome…after all you allowed me to travel with you so I'm returning the favor."
"He's gone…" Kagome whispered to herself.
Grabbing her bow and arrows, Kagome walked past the path looking around closely. If she was to be here she might as well try to find Sesshomaru. Her heart paced at the thought of being with him alone but she shook the feeling away. She had to make sure he didn't do anything stupid either.
"Idiot…" She mumbled.
X
X
Sesshomaru stood looking ahead, his gaze following the small waterfall ahead of him. The stream ran slowly but strongly as the water glistened beautifully.
"Am I just an illusion….an illusion of Midoriko to you?"
Sesshomaru raised a hand to his head which pounded hard from headaches. He didn't know why he was suffering from them but they must be from the memories that kept arising in his head. The memories he was sealed with--his memories of Midoriko.
"If I were to say yes, then would those pounding headaches go away?"
Somehow he seriously doubted it.
"Sesshomaru!" A voice called.
Turning around slowly he saw Kagome running towards him carefully, avoiding the rocks and slips that could occur if not careful. He watched her closely narrowing his eyes in thought. Her hair was blowing back beautifully, her eyes gleaming in the sun's rays, and the tight fit priestess outfit snug against her body. She looked nothing like Midoriko, it made him feel foolish to believe she was her when they first met.
'But their aura's are the same…' He thought.
"Ah, there you are Sesshomaru…I was looking for you, all the others left."
Stopping a few feet away from him, Kagome was surprised when Sesshomaru walked towards her closing the gap between them. Her eyes widened and she felt her voice get stuck in her throat.
"They left you alone?"
"Uh, yeah, they told me they would be right back though." Kagome avoided his gaze as her eyes drifted to the right of his stature. She looked at anything to avoid looking at him in the eye, those amber eyes she fell in love with--she couldn't stand it.
"Why won't you look this Sesshomaru in the eye?"
"Ah, um, what makes you say that? I am looking!" Then to prove her point she allowed her eyes to drift up but stopped her gaze at his neck. She couldn't do it, she couldn't look up higher
She could have sworn she saw Sesshomaru's lips move into a frown or it could have been a normal expression. She really couldn't tell since her gaze quickly drifted down to her feet before he could spot her glance.
Her breath then hitched in her throat when she felt his hand push her chin up to meet his gaze. He left his hand in place under her chin, she could practically feel his warm skin and she relished the feeling of his touch
His gaze was cold, but a spark of fire was lit within those orbs. Kagome thought of it as her imagination, there was no way he could feel anything but coldness right now. His stoic expression proved that.
"Happy?" She asked sarcastic. She was surprised how bitter her tone came out, then again she couldn't blame it. He acted so cold to her even after she admitted her feelings.
'Well it's not like I expect him to be super nice…but just a tad more gentler.' She thought pouting a bit.
Her thoughts were interrupted when she felt the smooth, silky skin of his thumb trace the skin of her lips. Her eyes widened, she glanced up to his gaze and noticed him looking down at them.
'Eh? Why is he staring…at my lips?' She thought blushing deeply.
"Perhaps.." Sesshomaru allowed a smirk to tuck on his lips.
'Gods…how does he manage to make a smirk look so, so amazing..' Kagome thought flushing at her thoughts.
"Hmph, you think you're so charming don't you? That girls will jump you in a second?"
Sesshomaru blinked obviously not expecting her comment, then again she was blunt. Spoke her mind often, especially when angered to that point.
"Depends," Sesshomaru replied coolly, "but then why aren't you 'jumping me' as you said? Do you not want to are just holding back, hn?"
'He's. mocking. Me. That. Asshole!' Kagome glared angrily, her cheeks flushing red from embarrassment, and anger.
In other words she was trying very hard to keep her anger in control. Though the way Sesshomaru's lips were still tucked in a smirk made it hard for her to do that. What nerve!
"In 'your' dreams," Kagome huffed, "there's no way I would do that to you of all people!"
The minute she said that Sesshomaru's expression vanished, he seemed to glare coldly at her. She could practically feel chills from his dangerous looking look.
"Do you deceive me?"
'Wha? What is the talking about…? Deceive him how?' Kagome thought giving a blank look.
"What are you talking about?" Kagome asked furrowing her eyebrows in confusion.
"Your absurd words that you said a while back…about that emotion called 'love'."
Kagome's cheeks flushed a pretty red, quietly stammering obscene words she tried to control her feelings. She wasn't expecting him to bring it up, and yet he still acted cold towards it. She glared suddenly, and clenched her hands in fists at her sides.
"And 'you' said you didn't care about love! When you know you 'loved' Midoriko! I can't believe she actually dealt with you before sealing you! "
A low growl was heard as Kagome closed her parted lips, her eyes widened at her exclamation. She couldn't believe she had just said that, it was so cruel of her. Especially when she knew Midoriko had betrayed Sesshomaru's trust.
"Ah, I d-didn't mean to say that…I'm sorry." Kagome apologized bowing her head somewhat.
She hissed in pain when she was slammed against the nearby tree, Sesshomaru's towering figure in front of her. Her eyes widened in fright when she saw his eyes flash almost red, she could feel the hairs standing on her body. A low gasp escaped her mouth when she felt Sesshomaru lower his mouth near her ear to whisper lowly.
"Don't you ever, ever say that again. Understand?" He spoke in a low, dangerous voice that made Kagome shiver.
She could practically feel his warmth breath on the shell of her ear. The feeling alone made her stomach queasy and her insides churned.
Sesshomaru allowed his right hand to rest on the tree's bark and also blocked Kagome's escape on that side. Not that she could or would try because at the moment it felt as if her feet were cemented on the ground. She couldn't find the strength to move, her body felt paralyzed at fright.
'I'm scared of him….how can I be scared of the one I love? How can that be true?' Kagome thought as sweat dripped down her forehead. Shaking her head and thoughts she gave a defiant glare and held her hands in front of her for defense.
"I said sorry! Sheesh, no need to get all grouchy on me!"
"Sorry is not enough."
Kagome blinked as her lips parted speaking, "You want to give me a punishment? What are you going to do? Make me starve for days? Make me carve an oath in blood? Make me carry you till I drop? Make me eat things till I explode?"
Sesshomaru quirked a brow after she said all that. Now really, that wasn't what he was thinking but they did have their quirks. What did they make her do as a child?
'She's a strange girl..' He thought.
His left hand reached up grasping her Shikon jewel that was hanging around her chest. His fingers caressed and touched the smooth surface of the jewel, his fingers coming closely to touching her breasts, he saw Kagome stiffen.
'Good…but I'm not done yet.' He thought allowing a smirk to appear on his lips.
"No, I have an other idea for this 'punishment' of yours."
Kagome gulped, her cheeks immediately burning red at his comment. He was too close, way too close, she could practically see the pupil of his eyes. Those wonderful, amber colored eyes of his glaring down into hers.
"Uh, uh…that's n-not necessary!"
Still having that same smirk on his lips, Sesshomaru grasped the jewel in his clenched fist and tugged it forward and towards him. Kagome felt herself tugged up towards him by the Shikon jewel around her neck, she felt her breaths come out slowly.
"I think it is…" And with that he gave a hard tug on the jewel with Kagome intact.
There was a muffled sound before Kagome felt her whole body stiffen and numb, completely paralyzed and shocked. Boy, was she shocked! The force of Sesshomaru's tug at the jewel around her neck had made Kagome's lips smack right onto his. Her eyes widened big, she then felt Sesshomaru's hand release the Shikon jewel around her neck and replace his hand behind her head. He was holding her head in place to keep her from escaping.
'He's….KISSING ME!' Kagome thought, her heart thumping fast in her chest.
Looking ahead at him she noticed his eyes closed shut and his lips covering hers. Slowly she allowed her eyes to drift close and responded to him. His lips were warm almost rough, and pressing hard against hers, but she didn't mind.
'This…must be a dream. One dream that sure feels real. Yep, a really real feeling dream…oh, gods.' Kagome thought.
Her hands went up to clench his gi as she raised her neck up to deepen the kiss.
Though, it really wasn't.
X
X
Sesshomaru kept his usual cold expression while walking ahead towards the camp site. Behind him was Kagome tagging behind, her cheeks still flushed from what happened a while ago. She seemed uneasy.
'It was only a kiss, Kagome…I'm sure he gives them out all the time...grr! How dare he act like it was nothing--it was my first kiss! Well not really but to me it was!' Kagome thought to herself.
When they finally arrived, Kagome searched around looking for the others, but found nothing.
"Where are they? Are they still out?" She spoke softly.
"Probably, fools…they shall be fine. We should rest."
Kagome tossed her head to look at him, her hair tossed to her side when she did this. It gave her a beautiful appeal.
"I'm worried about them…they should be back by now."
Sesshomaru leaned back against the tree behind him closing his eyes. "Then look for them if you please."
Kagome snorted giving an irritated look, "Fine I will!"
Turning her heels she walked away from him but not before giving a last comment.
"You're a cold hearted bastard!"
When she was gone Sesshomaru allowed himself to relax as his eyes drifted close in thought. He still was thinking of that 'punishment' he gave Kagome. If you can really call it that.
"I think it is…" And with that he gave a hard tug on the jewel with Kagome intact. "Mph!" Kagome muffled under his lips that came crashing down on hers. Her lips tasted sweet, and soft under his; he allowed his hand to release the jewel and push her head up to him to allow him further access to her mouth. She seemed to be hesitating for a second or so but soon she responded to the kiss and allowed her lips to press up against his. Sesshomaru made a low, deep growl that rumbled in his throat when she responded. Kissing her fully he opened his mouth and enveloped her lips in his repeatedly. He felt her hands clench at his gi pulling him closer as her neck raised up more to meet his lips. Wanting the little game to continue on he traced his fangs on her closed lips feeling her stiffen and gasp in surprise. Taking the opportunity he slipped his tongue in her mouth and explored the ridges and cavern of her mouth. Kagome moaned quietly while Sesshomaru felt something stir in him, then he felt Kagome's tongue met with his playing along. Gods, did it feel good. But no, he was just doing this to teach her a lesson, that lesson to make him seem the superior one. The kiss was just a way to insure that he was in control not her, him the vampire lord, not her the mortal priestess. His eyes opened as he pulled out of the kiss and stepped back fully aware. Kagome looked at him surprised dropping her hands at her side. He had once again allowed himself to get lost in a kiss just like he did with Midoriko for that first time. Giving a cold stare Sesshomaru murmured, "There…now you know who's in control." His voice however, came out low, deep, and slightly husky. Kagome's bangs came down to cover her eyes as a smile played on her lips. "Yea, I see how it is…" When she raised her head, Sesshomaru saw hurt flash in her eyes before she looked away.
Sesshomaru growled holding a hand at his head, it pounded heavily at his thoughts. He still couldn't control these horrendous headaches of his. He felt something still stirring inside him from the kiss he and Kagome had. He had never before had a feeling of such when he kissed someone, not that he usually did but it still irked him.
He placed his hand in front of him looking closely at his palm. His fangs stuck out from his side, he merely glared down with his cold expression still there but it looked almost irritated now, angry a bit.
'What does that mortal girl mean to me?'
X
X
"Shippo! Inuyasha! Miroku! Bankotsu! Where are you guys!" Kagome called out loud.
She got no response in the deep woods so she continued to walk in deeper. Clenching on her bow she looked around with caution, her footsteps heard softly in the dirt like ground.
'Where could they be?'
A soft clatter was heard, Kagome's eyes grew wide and in a minute she had her bow and arrow aimed and released the arrow. It flew in the west direction and another swish sound was heard. Kagome aimed another arrow and released it quickly as someone jumped up from the bushes. A chuckle was heard as Kagome quickly turned around.
"You!" She exclaimed angrily.
"Yes, wench it is me…still alone I see." Kagura cackled evilly.
Kagome glared aiming another arrow carefully, she kept a stance and the noticed another girl with her. It was a small looking child dressed all in white.
'Why does she have a small child with her?' She thought furrowing her eyebrows.
"You're going to pay for hurting people of that village!" 'Including killing Shippo's parents!' Kagome aimed another arrow carefully on target.
Kagura smirked, "We shall see…Dance of the blades!"
Kagome squealed and jumped down, the blue colored blade like attack barely missing her skin. Glaring Kagome released an another that skinned Kagura's skin. She merely gave a small smirk and held that fan in front of her face.
"Dance of the dragon!"
"KYA!" Kagome ducked down as the huge twister came past her and across the path. Panting heavily Kagome aimed another arrow releasing it; Kagura ducked as well and aimed another attack.
"AH!" Kagome groaned when one of the blades cut a gash on her arm of her kimono. Holding her left arm in pain, she squinted one of her eyes glaring at Kagura angrily.
"Pathetic mortal, I shall make your death quick.." Kagura leered aiming her fan out to attack once more.
"KAGOME!" A cry called.
Kagome turned around quickly, "Inuyasha! Bankotsu and Miroku!"
"Heh, I knew I smelled something fishy…it's this demon here." Inuyasha gave a smirk showing one of his pearly fangs.
"Are you alright lady Kagome?" Miroku asked approaching Kagome slowly along with Bankotsu.
"Yeah, I'm fine…where's Shippo?"
'Four on two…not good, but I just need that wench to attack Kanna once with one of those arrows and it'll be over…' Kagura growled and aimed her fan.
"Dance of the dragon!"
"LOOKOUT!" Inuyasha yelled ducking out of the way.
Kagome yelped when she was thrown onto the floor by Bankotsu as he held her in his arms, covering her body. She screamed and saw Miroku clench his fist ducking beside them as well.
"We have to watch out for that attack.." He muttered.
"Leave it to me…I can get her!" Kagome exclaimed.
"You bitch!" Inuyasha hollered and dashed to attack Kagura.
'Inuyasha, you fool!' Kagome thought sweat dropping.
Kagura and Kanna ducked to their sides when Inuyasha slashed down at them with his nails. His eyes widened confused and Kagura raised her fan and allowed it to smack him in his side. Inuyasha groaned and staggered back only to hear her chuckling.
"You pathetic half breed think you can take on me…a 'full' demon!"
Inuyasha growled loudly in anger clenching his fists.
"Inuyasha!" Kagome called pushing herself out of Bankotsu's hold running to Inuyasha.
"Dance of the blades!"
Inuyasha and Kagome ducked out of the way as the blades came flying past Bankotsu and Miroku. They looked ahead and stood a stance prepared to fight. Kagome glared aiming an arrow closely noticing Kagura standing still, giving her a perfect shot.
'Why isn't she moving..? She wants me to attack her.' Kagome thought.
Furrowing her eyebrows she noticed the little girl standing closely now by Kagura and holding that eerie looking mirror in front of her. Kagome could feel a dark aura coming from the girl now, and it made her hairs stand.
'That isn't an ordinary girl….I better take her out first.' Changing her arrow's pinpoint she aimed it closely at Kanna and released the arrow. The arrow zoomed through the air shinning with Kagome's priestess aura.
"Kanna.." Kagura warned.
Kanna merely nodded and raised her mirror closer while it shined brightly by a white light. Kagome gasped when her arrow was stopped a hair before it targeted the mirror and held it in place by a invisible force.
"No way!" Kagome exclaimed holding her bow.
Suddenly the arrow was sent back fast with twice the force and power. Kagome's eyes widened and her whole world went black and white. All she could muster was a small yell of surprise and awaiting the pain she was about to feel.
"Kagome!" Inuyasha called.
Squinting her eyes tight she felt her whole body numb. She was going to die, this was how she was going to die. Without, avenging her sister, without protecting the jewel…without…
'Sesshomaru! Save me!'
The sound of the arrow being stabbed in flesh was heard along with a masculine groan. Opening her eyes slowly, Kagome held a hand over her forehead from a bright light shinning in her eyes.
"Sessho…maru?" Kagome muttered trying to clear her blurry vision.
"Heh, not really." A deep voice answered back.
Kagome's eyesight cleared then, "Bankotsu!"
"Yea, that's my name alright…augh." He groaned holding a hand on his chest where the arrow had pierced his flesh. It was still there pierced in his skin and blood was dripping down his chest and even from his mouth.
"NO! NO!" Kagome screamed dropping her bow.
Kagura gave a triumph smile and closed her fan, "One down and three more to go." And without that said she summoned a huge feather and it took her and Kanna away into the sky. They vanished without a trace.
"Bankotsu! Please hang on!" Kagome yelled holding a supportive hand on his chest.
He fell to his knees then, and Kagome followed him down. Her eyebrows were furrowed down and her face looked in sheer terror, almost paled.
"Agh…" He groaned holding the arrow's end in his clenched fist.
"Inuyasha! Miroku! We have to do something!"
Inuyasha looked away, and Miroku looked sadly at her shaking his head.
"There's nothing we can do…look closely at the arrow." Miroku added.
Kagome looked at him confused and did what she was told. Gaping she saw the arrow had came right through in contact to his heart..
'It came in contact with his heart…no…' Kagome thought feeling tears prick at her eyes.
"N-no…this can't be! I-I can use my abilities to heal him."
"Kagome, that's stupid!" Inuyasha argued.
Shaking her head not believing one bit that she couldn't do anything. She had to help him someway, she couldn't let him die like this.
"Kagome…" Bankotsu murmured.
"Bankotsu!" Kagome looked down at him, her voice strained with emotions.
He allowed a smile weakly to play on his lips, "So you would cry if I was hurt, ne?"
"You idiot!" Kagome remarked trying to hold back the tears.
"I--need you to get this fucking arrow out."
"B-but…okay." Clenching the arrow's end in her grasp she gave a gentle tug and then yanked it out quickly. Bankotsu yelped in pain and fell back a bit before regaining his balance.
He smirked and grasped Kagome's chin in his fingers. Pulling her down towards him she felt her eyes widen and her heart pound in her chest.
"I remember this is how I had you when we first met." He muttered smiling lazily.
"Ah, right.." Kagome allowed a smile to appear while her eyes glistened with tears.
"Now don't cry…don't ever cry for anyone…doesn't suit the spitfire Kagome I met and cared for." Pushing her chin down towards him he kissed the side of her mouth, barely missing her lips.
That was all he got out before he collapsed on the ground, his eyes closing for the last time.
"BANKOTSU!"
Inuyasha growled and yanked at her arm trying to get her away from him. "Come stupid wench."
"NO--he can't b-be dead! NO!" Kagome screamed tugging her arm out of his grasp trying to get back to Bankotsu.
"Kagome.." Miroku muttered softly giving a sympathetic look.
"Dammit stop that! He's fucking dead!"
Kagome stopped struggling then allowing the words to sink in.
"You are a spitfire indeed. I do enjoy that in a woman." "Sheesh, I leave you guys alone for one moment and already you're attacking each other like animals." "Because you aren't."
She turned around then and hugged Inuyasha's chest to her body sobbing loudly. Tears she was trying to hold back rolled down her cheeks endlessly as she let out a loud cry of sadness. Inuyasha staggered a bit surprised at the gesture but then furrowed his eyebrow down giving a sympathetic look. He placed his hand behind her head frowning slightly.
"Kagome…" He muttered.
Kikyo's hair flapped behind her back while a little Kagome tagged behind her. Kagome looked up brightly, her short hair tossing back. Her eyes were filled with wonder and curiosity. "What is death you ask? Death, is the final passing of one…the passing towards the heavens, when one's duty is done and they can go in peace." Kikyo answered wisely. Death is black…fade away.
X
X
Super Special Blabber 2:
(Blows nose on tissue) Wah, I feel bad for Bankotsu, but assure this had to be done…his death I mean. Please don't be too angry and flame me just for killing him, a story has to have it's downfalls and twists now. (though I liked him) Well, I made it up with a semi-romantic moment--a kiss! (smile) Anyways please review and thank you to all those who reviewed and read last chapter. See ya next chapter!