AN:
Also I have been told that there are some issues with grammar, words and comma's… I want to state again that I have found that this site has problems… I have found when compared to the works on my pc to those posted… words and even entire sections can be changed, omitted or rearranged… I found the problem when I decided to not read from my pc, but to read from the site… that is when I found the issues…
FYI: please note that I have nothing against Kanna and Kagura… though I don't feel Kagura is best suited for Sesshomaru… never have never will.
Chapter 21
Sesshomaru spent the rest of the day with Kagome and the pups, intrigued at watching the changes take place and also it allowed him more bonding time with the pups, while Kagome rested. He had watched as the pups would go to the miko, whether she was sleeping or not and all of their bodies would glow, in what he now knew as the soul transfer and with each small transfer, he notice her pain level seemed to decrease, though he had also noticed that the pain increased at points and she would unconsciously call the pups to her to start the transfer to all at once.
They had talked about what he observed and watched as she wrote everything in her 'book'. He was impressed with her book and her neat writing skills, he had also noted that she drew the parasite that had harmed his pups. He was confused on some of the writing, as the characters where different than what he was accustomed to, when he brought it up, she had stated that languages in all forms change to some degree, to which he agreed, as he had noticed the changes since was a pup to what it is now, so it made sense.
He wouldn't admit that he had been and is still concerned for her well being. He also wouldn't admit that he was developing feelings for the girl. There was just something about her that drew him in, called to him in some basic way.
She was so different than the rest of her kind, human or miko and watching her, learning about her was fascinating and with her changes, the pups changes, along with his own inner beast informing him that she was theirs, it confused him. His beast had stated plainly, that she was their mate. He tried to argue the point, but his beast had stated, that she was the mother of their pups. He wasn't sure what he was feeling, emotions were never easy for him.
He knew that he cared for Rin as his own, but that had taken time. He had at first only been curious. He had revived her using Tenseiga, she had been the first ningen to not fear him, or rather the second, as Kagome didn't seem to fear him upon meeting him in his father's tomb. Rin had even gone out of her way to attempt to assist him. So he had allowed her to follow him, much to Jaken's displeasure and his own amusement. He never coddled the girl. He made sure that she could take care of herself, but over time he grew attached and found that he enjoyed having her around. Her smiles, constant talking and her love of flowers.
Having Rin around made him realize, that with her life being so short, that he wanted to have pups of his own and that would require him to obtain a mate. He had taken his time finding one. Mating Akemi was the only logical thing he could do. He needed a foothold in the North and they were lacking in heirs. His proposal was welcomed, even though he had not expected such a large litter. He had been proud of his bitch, that is, until she had allowed the undead miko to gain the upper hand and kill her and her attendants as well allow harm to his pups, killing five and damaging the rest.
If it wasn't Kagome and whatever it was that made her special, he would have lost all of his pups. For such a small ningen onna, she was anything but weak. She had proven that she cared for all of their well beings. He was still amused at the remembrance of her throwing one of his guards into the wall across the hall and the barriers that she had placed to ensure the pups safety. He knew that she had a carrying heart, but to care for a known enemy and to sleep beside him, still baffled him. He hated being confused, but this one little onna has done so much to confuse him.
It would be interesting to see how all of this plays out.
He was still unsure as to how he felt about his father's soul being apart of his pups now. Kagome had asked him how he felt and he told her he didn't know. He was confused and he told her as such. According to what she had explained, was that he was trying to make amends for the life he had lived and how he had treated his son.
He admitted to himself long ago, that he wasn't good with emotions. He was taught by both of his parents that emotions were useless things and were best gotten rid of or suppressed. He would have to argue differently on that topic now, as he watched the miko with all her emotions. They made her a stronger individual. She had defended the weak and helpless. His father's words kept replaying over in his mind. 'Do you have something to protect'. He could now say yes. He was learning to put his hatred aside and look at a person for their worth.
Rin had cracked his shell, but it was Kagome that was shattering everything that he had once believed. He knew he would protect Rin and his pups with his life, but now he could add Kagome to that list, as she has proven herself worthy of him. She truly was an alpha bitch.
He had witnessed her carrying for her pack, providing for them, tending to their wounds, protecting them, defending them. She lead them, regardless of what his half-brother said. She behaved more like an inu bitch than she realized, though she did wear her emotions for the world to see.
Thinking of bitch's, he had sent word to his mother and Daiki to inform them that he was going to spend the remainder of the day with his pups, that he would speak to them in the morning. He was not looking forward to having to explain the changes with the pups or what was happening with the miko, though he knew that neither would care about the miko, to them she was just a means to an end.
Looking at Kagome and seeing that she was asleep, he rose from the futon with the intentions to change. He had done this every night since she was here. He stood leaving the protective barrier and gong to his wardrobe, he removed his clothing from the day.
Kagome felt when Sesshomaru left her and pups, opening her eyes to make sure all was well after the incredible day that she had with him and the pups. No one would ever believe that Sesshomaru, Lord of the West had such a tender side. He had been very caring and attentive to her and to the pups. He had been so gentle with touching her, when he was taking in the changes to her body. Just the thought made her blush.
She gasped as she sat up and saw as he removed the clothing that he had been wearing that day. He must have heard the sound, as he turned to fully face her, giving her an unobstructed view of his body, that had always been hidden under his clothing or even more so his armor and pelt. She was left speechless, with what he saw of him. Her body reacting without her notice as her legs closed tightly, and the whimper was locked within her throat.
Now though he stood before her in nothing but his skin, unashamed. She couldn't take her eyes off of his lithe muscular form, the stripes that she had seen on his wrists, also adorned his hips and ankles, but her eyes were drawn to his chiseled chest and stomach. His body far out surpassed InuYasha's. InuYasha may have been built, but Sesshomaru looked like Kami in flesh. Her eyes again fell to the area between his hips, drawn by the deep colored stripes against his pale skin, the small patch of what could only be soft white fur, where on a human was coarse curls. He's huge. Ran through her mind.
"Do you like what you see Kagome?" He asked in a teasing tone. He watched as her face turned a brilliant red, that went to her hair line and down her neck, even her ears were a bright red, her right hand shot to cover her mouth, in an attempt to stifle a squeak and her head nodding a vigorous yes, before she caught herself staring at him. She shut her eyes and lowered her head.
Sesshomaru smirked. He wasn't intending to allow her to see him nude, but seeing her flush and her response to the sight of him was too much to pass up. He teased her. He knew he had this effect of females and unfortunately some males, but to see one so innocent have this kind of reaction to him was priceless, though her being ningen and a miko it should have disgusted him, but he found if anything it was arousing.
Then he smelled it. She was highly aroused by just the sight of him. He knew that she got aroused feeding the pups, but now he wondered if part of that was him. If that was the case, he didn't mind.
She may have been with him for a short time, but it felt like she had always been here. The more she was with the pups, the more they imprinted on her and now the even smelled of her being their mother. Very little of his mate remained and that was actually fading. Whatever was happening to them could only be because it was the will of the Kami. Who was he to fight the will of the Kami.
Walking slowly back into the barrier, he knelt beside Kagome, inhaling her soft scent and the scent of her arousal. He got close enough to her to nuzzle her cheek. He hadn't done that before and her scent rose, he almost groaned as he fought to keep his erection in check, when he felt her stiffen.
"Sesshomaru!" Was her panicked cry of his name. Pulling back he saw her face pale.
"What is it, Kagome?"
"Jewel Shard, coming this way fast. It's badly tainted." Talk about a major mood killer.
Kagome didn't even see him leave her side, before he returned fully dressed and armed. How does he do that.
"Can you tell me anything about the Shard holder?"
"It's Kohaku, I think. I have only ever felt this strong of a taint coming from the Shard in his back."
"Then he will be disposed of."
"No! Please. I think I can help him. Capture him if you can. I know I can't fight right now." She said looking down at her lap, feeling useless, due to her shoulder. "If he is moving this fast, Kagura must be him him. I know you don't need the help, but InuYasha and the other's can help you distract them long enough to capture the boy."
"Kagome he is a danger. He is a puppet."
"I know, but he is also Sango's younger brother. I promised her I would try and it is the least I can do. If I can purify the Shard, I might be able to save his life. He is innocent. Naraku is just using him, to hurt others. I need to try."
Sesshomaru knew it was useless to argue with her. She was the most stubborn female he had ever encountered. "I will try. I can not promise."
"That is all I ask. I will remain here with the pups under the barrier." She promised and he knew that she would keep her word, unlike most ningen she was honorable.
"I will also post guards within the room. If the undead managed to gain entry they may. I will take no chances."
"I understand. Go, they are almost here."
"Hn" He replied, he had felt them a few moments prior. He quickly nuzzled her cheek and licked her neck, before he was gone and Kyo and Shin came within the room on full alert, knowing there lord trusted them to protect the miko and his pups in his place.
She could hear in the distance as other guards ran to their their posts, she could even here InuYasha's bellow. Well that should help with some of his frustrations. No sooner than she thought that, she could hear the distant battle start.
A disturbance at the balcony doors caught her attention, turning as quickly as her injured body allowed, she watched as Kohaku and Kanna with several large bees walked into the room. Kanna had her mirror directed towards her guards.
"Don't look at the mirror!" Kagome cried out, standing quickly, the pups behind her whined. She could feel their fear. "Leave, before she uses that mirror!" Trying to get Kanna's attention on her and not her guards.
"Miko..." Kyo started, but was cut off by the miko.
"Go! She will rip your soul out with it!" Kagome said not taking her eyes off either of the two in front of her.
"What do you?" Kagome growled out, as she waited for the guards to leave. She needed to keep Kanna and Kohaku focused on her. Her heart raced with both fear and anxiety.
Kanna titled her head in a curious fashion, though her face was void of any emotion or thoughts she may have. Kohaku stood before her wearing his slayer uniform with his chain-scyth held in his hands, his eyes dull and lifeless.
"You are to come with us, our Master wishes to see you." Kanna stated, her voice like the rest of her was void of any emotion or inflection. She like Kohaku was only a puppet to their master, but where Kagura had and showed emotion. Kanna was incapable of such. The poor child had no soul when she was created, by Naraku.
"I don't think so. I am not going anywhere with you." Kagome stated, firmly planting her feet. She knew Kanna's mirror couldn't hold her soul before, which she wondered if she tried, if she could actually break the mirror with the amount of soul she now carried or should she try one of the attacks that she had been practicing with Shippo.
"Kohaku kill the pups and bring the Miko." Kanna ordered. The boy had remained silent, but Kagome could see something that Kanna could not. Just by being in the same room as her, his Shard was getting lighter. The taint was slowly leaving the boys Shard.
Kagome watched though as he raised his arm to swing his weapon against the barrier, but before it could make contact Kagome shot a blast of power through her barrier into the boy. She watched saddened as he flew back slamming into the wall behind him knocking him unconscious. She really did hate hurting anyone that didn't deserve it. She was just glad that he was still breathing. She would never be able to face Sango again if she accidentally killed her brother.
"Leave Kanna, before I kill you." Kagome ground out as she quickly placed another barrier over Kohaku, preventing the void child or bees from taking him.
"If you do not come with me. I will be forced to take the soul of the pups, that you are protecting." Kanna stated flatly.
"Don't make me kill you Kanna. You wouldn't be able to handle this." Kagome pleaded with the child, she really didn't want to kill her, but she would if she attempted to harm the pups.
"I have no choice." Kanna told the miko. Kagome knew she was right, but it didn't make this any easier for her.
"I don't want to kill you Kanna. I know it is not your will."
"I have no will. I live to serve, Naraku."
"I'm sorry, Kanna. I really am, but I can't allow you to harm the pups." Kagome said, she really had nothing against the child, if anything she felt bad that she was a slave to Naraku's whims, but that didn't mean that she wouldn't protect the pups, they came first. After everything that she has gone through she would not allow any harm to come to them, now that they were getting better.
She held her uninjured arm out towards the void child and fired everything that she had into the mirror, that Kanna held before her, knowing that if Kanna had the chance she would fire what was sent back at her. The force of the hit pushed Kanna up against a wall, the force of the impact, that left a child size dent in the wall, but Kagome didn't dare stop her attack, if she did the pups would be dead.
Kanna didn't make a sound as her mirror absorbed what the miko sent at her. She hadn't realized that the miko had gotten so much stronger, she couldn't fire back as Kagome never stopped, her mirror was filling up much to quickly, she knew she couldn't take the miko's soul as it was far to large for her to hold.
Kagome didn't stop until she heard the cracks in the mirror, sweat beaded down the sides of her face and neck, she was panting heavily. When she dropped to her knees, her good arm holding her up so that she could catch her breath, Kohaku still lay unconscious within a barrier of his own and Kanna was nothing but a pile of dust, with only the frame of her mirror remaining, the reflective surface was nothing, but glittering dust. The souls that were once captured within the mirror, were now free. Kagome didn't see when the bees left to report back to Naraku.
The last thing Kagome remembered was the feel of the pups falling on her fallen form, beside the futon, as darkness took her.
~SP~
Sesshomaru, InuYasha, Sango, Miroku and many of Sesshomaru's guards went to meet Kagura, but were surprised that she had brought with her not only horde of lower class youkai, but her dead puppets and all not familiar bees.
Sesshomaru had quickly briefed the others that Kagome believed that the slayer boy was here as well, but none of them saw the boy.
"Kagura! What the hell are you doing here?!" InuYasha bellowed, brandishing his sword. She ignored him in favor at looking at the Western Lord.
"You know Sesshomaru, I would have gladly given you pups. You had but to ask." Kagura stated in her nasally tone.
"You are not worthy, Wind Witch. You are nothing, but an incarnation of a construct. You have refused to help free yourself of him."
"Well I didn't come here to chat. I have a job to do." Kagura stated, opening her fan. "Attack, Dance of the dead." She said waving her fan, getting the her dead puppets to attack the group on the ground.
Those on the ground didn't waste time, the dove into the fray. Sango had jumped onto Kirara's back throwing her Hiraikotsu into the dead and lower youkai. The sounds of InuYasha yelling Wind Scar was heard throughout the courtyard, Miroku and Sesshomaru were the quietest in their attacks.
Miroku was at a disadvantage with not being able to use the Wind Tunnel, but he had ample sutra's and his staff and he used them to great effect.
Kagura of course stayed out of most of the fight, though once her puppets had all been cut down by the group, she brandished her fan again. "Dance of Blades!" She yelled, as she sent volley after volley of wind blades and gust of wind at her opponents. She needed to buy enough time for Kanna and Kohaku to obtain the girl and possibly kill the pups.
The group on the ground easily defeated her dead and lower youkai, now they were dodging Kagura's wind attacks. Sesshomaru was getting bored with the games. He saw Shin out of the corner of his eye running towards him as he too dodged the blades of wind, though he was being pushed back by the strong gusts of wind.
"My Lord! The Miko!" Shin yelled over the roar of the wind, as he couldn't get closer to his lord.
Sesshomaru's eyes widened slightly. They dare go after my pups again. "Dragon Strike." He stated in a calm tone, which belied his concern for his pups and the girl. He would end this.
"Go! I got this!" Sesshomaru heard InuYasha bellow over the winds. Sesshomaru was surprised that his brother didn't try to charge into his home to go to the girl, but then again only he was able to get past the barrier.
Disengaging his attack, Sesshomaru quickly left the battle. He had pups and a miko to protect. It was as he was entering his home he heard Kagura's scream in rage, while launching her most powerful attacks 'Dance of Dragons!' at those left behind and his brother's responding attacks of the 'Backlash Wave'. He didn't stop to see the outcome. His family needed him.
AN:
I couldn't fit everything that I had planned in this chapter… so it will be carried into the next… sorry about that...
Well now Kanna is gone and Kohaku is a prisoner and Naraku is blind… and Kagura as usual ran or flew away… what a coward…
I don't know if Sesshomaru can use Dragon Strike with Bakusaiga, but I am going with it since it is such an awesome attack… and yes he may be a bit ooc but he has pups to think about...
Please note: I hold no ill will towards Kanna or Kagura… though I don't feel Kagura is not best suited for Sesshomaru, if anything she would fit InuYasha better… though that won't be happening in this story…. Sorry...
