Chapter 13

Lotus

Naraku was chuckling to himself over the scene that unfolded before him through a small mirror. Kanna, who was holding the intricate object, seemed unfazed by his laughter. He gave a couple of small coughs before analyzing the new development.

The mutt wanted to mate with Kagome, but he lost her trust by blocking her powers. It seemed his plan was already in action. A few more guiding pushes, and she would be under his control, and the western lord will be destroyed.

He leaned back, picking up the small sake cup, and took a deep sigh of contentment. He would soon be the ruler of all. He would have access to all the mikos, and their precious power. He would have Kagome to rule by his side. She might cause him trouble at first, but all nasty habits can easily be broken.

His flesh split into a menacing grin, and looked to his side where Emi sat. Her eyes were sunken and dull, so unlike the fire that was in her before. He had sucked up most of her remaining life force, and now she was nothing more than one of his puppets.

"Emi, more sake." He held out cup to her, and she shifted her gaze to him, before slowly moving to properly turn and pour him another drink. He watched her movements. Before, she would make flightly movements, as if always aware, waiting for his strike. Now, she was so boring. He growled, and pushed her backwards, watching the sake spill on the floor and seep into her kimono.

She made no effort to defend her honor or pride, she only moved to sit herself back up. He grabbed her by the throat, and while her lungs tried to take deep breaths, the rest of her did not move. Disgusted, he threw her to the ground where she remained. These mikos were no fun after a few years.

"Kanna, leave us." Kanna did not acknowledge that she had heard him, other than the fact that she began to walk away. "And send in Kagura." At least he had the wind mistress to satisfy his urges. Soon enough, Kagome would return, and not only give him the dog's head, but also her powers. The power that would surge through his veins would be more immense than even now.

He cracked his clawed fingers, and began removing his haori when he heard the sliding door open once more. Kagura slid into the room, a look of anger and hatred on her face, and a hint of fear. He smirked, perfect.

-K-

Kagome sat on the edge of the wrap around porch, bare foot, watching the summer rain after her training was postponed. She swung her feet softly, occasionally kicking a little harder to reach out and feel the warm drops land on her skin. She admired the beautiful lotus flowers that bloomed out of the rippling waters in the pond infront of her.

Kagome's mind was reeling, but she was relieved to have her powers back for the most part. They had talked a little more about the necklace after she had calmed down, and Sesshomaru had explained that he only intended on suppressing her powers in certain circumstances; very similar to the other day on the battlefield. She rubbed the tip of her finger along one end of the cresent moon that hung from the beads, thinking of how bright the moon on his forehead was that night while his beast was released. She blushed.

The things he had said, or, his beast had said. While she was afraid he would do something to harm her, apart of her was flattered by his words. She didn't know if she necessarily believed in soulmates, or having one true love, but he sure seemed positive she was his. She shook her head and leaned forward, pressing her hands against the soft wooden floorboards. She was so naive.

He had control over her. He had taken her free will. She lifted her hand to ignite a small blue flame. Her arm tingled and zipped with lightening. What if she had another episode like before? Would she be permanently banned from using her powers? Would she even be allowed the option to go back home instead?

She had barely had time to think of home. She frowned slightly. Her life was so carefree before, the life of an unofficial shrine maiden. She missed her beautiful meadow, she missed reading her grandfather's books. Then she had to go and ask to help. She groaned in frustration, her flame glowing brighter.

"Careful, miko." She jumped slightly, and extinguished her flame, turning to look at the tall demon to her side. He was watching the rain, but his body faced her. She turned away, to watch the rain as well. His presence made her heart race, though she tried to fight it.

She didn't know what to say to him.

Fabric rustled beside her and she felt his warmth radiate from him. She looked over at him. He now sat in a relaxed position, his arms on his legs. He almost seemed unreal, like a marbled statue, perfect and smooth. No blemish or flaw. His impossibly straight hair was like silk, and his long tail that hung tidily over his shoulder looked like a cloud engulfing him. His voice snapped her out of her observations.

"I..." She noticed his jaw tighten and relax. He looked right at her with those intense eyes. She didn't know why they affected her so much, even after all he had done. "This Sesshomaru apologizes." She was confused, and it must have shown on her face because he looked way and continued.

"It seems that I must be close to your side, or my beast begins to rise." He said it as a matter of fact, business as usual, but she could see the struggle in his eyes. He didn't want this, just like her. She remembered the promise she had made to his beast, and realized this was his way of making them bond. He was watching them. She said she would try, and it seemed like the less she tried, the more Sesshomaru suffered for it. She sighed.

Scooting over, she pressed her upper arm against his, and rested her head on his shoulder. She tried to ignore her foggy mind and racing pulse when his head tilted onto hers. She felt his body vibrate with a deep, seemingly content growl.

"Hey, Sesshomaru..."

"Yes, miko?"

"I'm still angry with you."

"Hn."

Even though the circumstances were not in her favor, for once, she felt more content than she had in a while. She closed her eyes, and savored the silence in her mind.

-S-

His mind would not quiet itself. They were arranged in such a way that pleased his beast, it was now quiet. It was becoming more aggressive, more protective. He found it hard to have her out of his sight, even with his trusted friend Hiroto; especially with his popular, male, friend Hiroto.

He had been watching the sparring between Kagome and Hiroto, and she was becoming very capable of defending herself on the field, but his beast had nearly killed Hiroto for pinning her the other day. He logically knew that it was a necessary part of training, but his protective instinct surged through his viens. He resisted the urge to growl with annoyance. Her small sigh brought him back to reality.

He looked down at her, and pressed his nose into her soft black hair, taking a deep breath, as if his body had a mind of it own. His eyes closed, and felt an inner calm. For now, she allowed him to silence his primal mind. She had told him she was still upset with him, which he had expected. He had not expected, however, that she would do these things to satisfy his beast.

He expected her to play no part in this twisted compromise, but she had been true to her word. She made a promise with the devil, and planned on keeping it. It was naive, maybe even foolish, but he admired that about her. He felt her body slowly go slack, and her breathing even out. The girl had fallen asleep.

Unconciously, he slid his tail from his shoulder and around hers, proping her up. He growled in a soothing tone, usually reserved for close pack mates. These actions of his felt unusual, but they happened so effortlessly around her. They would happen before his mind ever had a chance to keep up.

He felt her fingers run through his fur, and he tried to ignore his beast's lewd suggestions and the tingling in his spine. He turned to weave his arms behind her back and knees, lifting her to rest against his chest. He began walking her to her room, unaware of the eye that secretly watched them in the shadows.

AN: Sorry for the late update guys! The holiday season has been a stressful one and caused a bit of writer's block. Thank you so much to all those who have been leaving so many reviews! You guys really motivate the writing process! Hope you guys enjoyed! ^w^