I'm back, hopefully with no further interruptions this time. However… sadly, in about six months, I will have to move again. Sigh, so frustrating. This move should hopefully be permanent, because I'm looking for a house. The only reason I'm moving again so soon is because I'm expecting, and there are no children aloud in the building I live in now. Stupid, I know.
Sorry to everyone that this took so long to post, but I moved, then waited for the internet to get connected… only to discover I had a virus. The store I get my computer looked at was about a week behind with stuff to do, so it took nine days to get that back. Then my network card shorted out on me, and I just got a new one.
So I'll shut up and let you get into it.
Disclaimer: Don't own squat…
Obsession of Sin
Contemplations of the Future
"Absolutely not."
"Why? I've rested long enough! It's been three days now and we can't afford to lose anymore time than we already have."
The eldest of the two mikos stared down at the younger woman in the bed, her brows drawn together as she muttered sourly, "I've gone through this with your traveling companions before, Kagome, and my response remains the same. You will not leave this village until I deem you fit to go. Should you depart before you are fully recovered and engage in a battle… you may not have the strength to lend the aid of your spiritual powers."
Kagome sighed heavily, her hands flopping next to her on the futon mattress. "I assure you I'm perfectly capable of conjuring up some holy powers if need be."
"Is that so?" the graying woman replied, her voice heavily laced with doubt. She crossed her arms firmly, stepping back and commanding in an unyielding tone, "Then rise and show me."
Kagome blinked, not having expected such a response. However, considering this was her chance to show the woman she was fit and able and ready to go… she was not about to decline. Tossing the covers from her legs, she turned her body to the side, placing her toes on the cool wood floor of the hut. With a heave she pushed herself to her feet, smiling in triumph as she rose. Her grin did not last long, however. Muscles quivering from days of neglect, the young priestess shouted indignantly as her knees gave out and she fell back onto the mattress with a flop.
The older woman chuckled smugly, mumbling, "And how is it, Kagome, that you expect to fight when you cannot even stand?"
The young priestess frowned, deciding not to answer but to simply draw the coverlet back up to her hips.
"We need to help you regain your physical strength, Kagome, before we can begin tuning your spiritual power."
Sighing dejectedly, the young miko muttered sourly under her breath and flopped back onto her pillow. She watched silently as the elder priestess left the hut, telling her to get some rest as she went.
Kagome frowned. She had been resting for days, and was getting fidgety. She needed to move, to get up and out… she needed to do something. The raven haired girl crossed her arms, growling quietly as she wiggled anxiously under her covers.
Outside the birds were singing and the sound of children's laughter filled the air. The smell of freshly baked bread carried through the window on a delightfully cool breeze, making her stomach bark sharply. There were so many wonderful things to appreciate outside, it seemed, and here she was, stuck inside on a musty old futon with a jug of water and nothing to do but stare at the ceiling. Kagome grumbled as she watched a stray cobweb sway from the dirty rafters overhead. "What good is resting to build my strength if I end up dieing of boredom?"
"Ever the impatient one, I see."
Kagome sat upright at the sound of the voice, hissing when her body stiffened at the sudden movement. Her pain was forgotten when she noticed Sesshomaru standing in the doorway. She smiled at him, and he moved closer.
Adjusting the blanket around her hips as the demon Lord lowered himself to the floor next to her, Kagome greeted him cheerfully, "Good morning. Come to save me from my solitary torture?"
The silver haired demon grinned lopsidedly, and presented a plate full of freshly picked and cut fruits. "I thought you might be hungry."
Gasping at the sight of food, the young miko practically lunged at him, snatching the plate from his large, clawed hand and shouting, "You have no idea!" She was about to stuff the first piece of fruit into her mouth when she realized what she had just done. Blushing furiously, she stammered, "Oh… I'm… sorry. It's just that… all I've been given these past few days is tea and this gross soup that's supposed to make me feel better."
He tilted his head in understanding, asking, "Are you feeling well, then?"
She nodded, answering honestly, "I still feel a little lightheaded, but I'm not in pain anymore."
He remained quiet for a moment, examining her carefully. He could sense that she was being truthful, and the she was no longer experiencing any discomfort. She appeared much more healthy now than she had only days ago. He shuddered at the memory of her ghostly pallor and the blue tint that stained her lips. It was a disturbing memory indeed, one he never hoped to relive. He would see to it that she was protected at all times.
A small yawn drew his attention back to the present, and he smiled as the young miko tried to hide her obvious fatigue. Her eyes were glazed, lids hanging heavily over cerulean depths. "You should eat," he told her as he rose, "and then you should rest. Perhaps tomorrow you will be well enough to rise."
Though she hated the thought of laying around in bed for another ten or so hours, Kagome nodded her sleepy head, suddenly feeling rather drained. "Thank you!" she called out to him as he passed through the door, leaving her alone to finish on the fruit he had brought to her.
Licking her lips, she brought the first piece to her mouth and took a small, savoring bite. A pleased hum left her throat as flavor exploded on her tongue. Sweet and succulent, each slice was devoured with great appreciation, and her index finger swiped any of the remaining juices from the surface of the plate. She sighed and set the dish down next to the mattress, happy to have something in her stomach other than tea and disgusting soup.
Deciding it best to follow his advice, Kagome snuggled down into the blankets, closing her eyes and yawning loudly. She had not felt this good in a long, long time. She had a full stomach and a warm bed. Sesshomaru… he had brought her food. He cared for her.
Kagome bit her lip nervously. Though she was almost certain of the fact that he held some sort of feelings for her, she didn't want to get her hopes up. She had been hurt too many times that way.
She laughed quietly. Why was it that, years later, she still spent so much time dwelling on Inuyasha and his rejection of her? She did not love him as she used to, so why did it bother her so? Perhaps it didn't have anything to do with Inuyasha specifically, but merely the fact that losing her first love had instilled a type of fear in her; a fear of having the same terrible feeling consume her again. She did not want to relive those awful times.
With Sesshomaru… he seemed so much surer, so much more mature than Inuyasha had been. She doubted he would play the fence like that. The mere idea of Sesshomaru doing something of the sort was ridiculous. He had far too much honor to act so childishly. If he wanted something, he would pursue it, if not, he would make it clear.
So she settled on simply leaving it to him. If he wanted to be with her, he would show her that in time. So, for now, she would wait.
Miroku grinned impishly as he watched Sesshomaru exit the hut. He had never witnessed this sort of thing from the taiyoukai, and surmised the same would be true to anyone else who knew the vicious demon Lord.
He had brought Kagome fruit. It was not something that had been requested of him; though the monk knew asking him to do anything would be pointless, since he did not take orders. He had simply, out of the goodness of his heart, brought her fruit.
Miroku silently wondered if he had done anything other than bring her fruit. Surely it had been too short a period of time for the demon Lord to do anything too interesting, but perhaps he had simply...
"Monk!"
Startled by the slayer's sharp bark, the young priest turned curious, all-too-innocent eyes to his traveling companion. "Yes, Sango, my dear?"
"Just what are you thinking?"
Smile widening, he inquired sweetly, "Whatever do you mean?"
Sango raised a dubious brow, clarifying, "You have that lecherous look on your face. Whatever's in your head can't be pure."
The violet swathed man simply turned his head to gaze up at the clouds as they passed over head, a wistful sigh leaving his lips.
Sango growled, turning her own attention elsewhere. She watched Shippou as he played with some of the village children, the small group kicking what appeared to be an empty urn across the dirt roads of the marketplace. The pot would skitter across the ground, Kirara prancing playfully after it.
Seeing this brought her thoughts to that of life after Naraku; thoughts of having a family of her own someday. She wanted children, two at least… with Miroku. She hoped that by the time this battle for the Shikon ended that he would be ready to dedicate himself to a single person. His wandering hands would have to retire to a single body.
She wondered then about Inuyasha. What would he do when this was over? He most certainly was not going to Hell with Kikyo. Yet it was obvious that his chances with Kagome were now gone. Her heart belonged to someone else…
She looked at said demon, regarding the outline of his regal form from where he stood outside the village. Rin was playing with Shippou and the other children while Jaken stood by and watched her. Ah-Un was grazing not far from where the taiyoukai stood motionlessly, staring into the sky as thought he too were contemplating the future.
Sesshomaru let a long, deep breath slide between his lips, blinking languidly as he gazed into the fathomless expanse of the sky above. The day was warm, and had melted the thin blanket of snow that had covered the grass upon his arrival. Ah-Un grazed on the short, browning shrubbery not ten feet from him. The bearing beast snorted loudly.
The miko was healing nicely. He surmised that she would be able to move for short periods of time come the morrow. He admired her strength and determination, but couldn't help but shake his head at how utterly stubborn the girl was.
He had overheard her argument with the elder miko, and respected that she had such a strong sense of duty. However, the woman was right. In order to properly fulfill her duties, she needed to be able to walk and defend herself.
There were other matters to think on, as well. Such as her training once they were back on the road. He wanted desperately to see what the girl's full potential was, and would take it upon himself to ensure that she uncovered all of the untapped power that lay dormant within her. He would need to find at least an hour a night to train her properly, and they would have to find a safe, secluded area to do so. It would be impossible to have her try and meditate while in the presence of a certain loud-mouthed hanyou. Erecting a barrier was of no consequence. Such a thing was effortlessly achieved for one such as himself.
He wondered offhandedly how long it would take for the girl to learn to properly grasp her powers using mind channeling. Once that step was unlocked, the rest of her training would be fairly simple. He would have to teach her how to focus her energy into desired parts of her body, of course, but that would not take as long. Once she fully grasped the concept of controlling her power with her psyche, everything else would fall into place nicely.
Another issue that he had been perusing was that of how he would pursue the girl now. He doubted using youkai courting rituals would have any effect on her. She was only human, and would not understand the meaning behind the actions.
So what did human women like? Perhaps he would ask the monk. The man seemed to be rather knowledgeable, albeit unnecessarily perverted at times. It seemed to be his only option. It certainly was not something he could ask his half-brother.
He smirked at the thought. He could only imagine the look that would overcome Inuyasha's face if he were to inquire how to attract the girl's attention and ultimately gain her love.
The boy would have a fit. He would draw the Tetsusaiga without second thought and swing it blindly at him whilst cussing and shouting things such as, "You lay a finger on Kagome and I'll rip off your other arm!"
At times he wondered how it was possible that they had the same father. Perhaps, had Inuyasha known the man, he would not be as foolish or brazen as he was now.
But he was digressing. That was in the past. He needed to look to the future, his future… which would hopefully involve the bright, beautiful young miko that rested just at the outskirts of the settlement.
He supposed tomorrow would be as good a day as any to start. Turning, he made his way back toward the village, intent on speaking with the monk briefly before he went to hunt for the evening.
The man obviously noticed Sesshomaru's approach, for he stiffened visibly as he drew near. Stopping feet from priest and the slayer, the demon commanded, "Monk, come. There are matters that I wish to discuss with you."
Looking quizzically at Sango before rising, Miroku made his way toward the stoic taiyoukai. He could not sense any ill will toward him, nor would he expect the Western Lord to be so dishonorable as to do anything while they were pack, it was simply that Miroku had always feared Sesshomaru. Not because the man was a tyrant, but because his power was like nothing he'd ever experienced, and it was to be respected at all times.
"How may I be of service to you, Sesshomaru-sama?"
Beginning a slow, languid walk toward the forest, said taiyoukai replied, "I have inquiries in regards to the miko."
"I will answer any questions you may have to the best of my abilities," Miroku answered honestly.
Nodding in approval at the man's obedience, Sesshomaru began, "This Sesshomaru has no knowledge of human rituals or practices, and he is uncertain how to approach the topic."
Miroku smiled widely, instantly knowing what the demon was getting at. The priest knew that he was far too proud to outright ask for his advice on how to court a human woman. "I see. So you've finally decided to go after the lovely Kagome, hm?" he laughed softly, but the sound died when he noted that there was no amount of humor in Sesshomaru's disposition.
Clearing his throat, he went on, "That is, um, in order to win Kagome's affections, all you have to do is be her provider."
Sesshomaru raised a brow at that. That was it? All human women cared for was wealth? He was someone put off by it. "My status will see to it that anything she desires will be provided."
Shaking his head, Miroku clarified, "That's not quite what I meant. Kagome would not be impressed by such things. What I meant when I said 'provider' was that you have to be there for her in other ways. Be the one to provide her with the feeling of safety, the feeling of being wanted, the feeling of being desired, and the feeling of being respected. From what I have witnessed, Kagome has already developed feelings for you, so all you need to do now is make it clear, to her and everyone else, that you are interested in her and that you are not ashamed of it. Despite your status and your breed, you would do anything for her because you love her."
Sesshomaru nodded. So, in order to win the miko's heart, all he had to do was express his true emotions for her outright? Well, never having been one for public displays of emotion, the taiyoukai decided he would try his best to prove to her that his feelings were pure.
"Oh," Miroku piped up suddenly, "another piece of information you might find useful is that women… well… human women… love pretty things. Kagome is especially drawn to natural beauty. Ladies love a romantic."
Cocking a brow, the demon nodded, soaking up the monk's words with careful deliberation. Deciding that he had received all the information he needed, the silver Lord turned, dismissing the monk, "That is all I require of you."
Miroku watched with a puzzled expression as the taiyoukai leapt deftly into the air and landed somewhere in the forest, his speed quickly taking him out of range of sight.
A silly grin took over his features. Never had he expected to have something of that sort asked of him by Sesshomaru. However, it seemed the demon was truly entertaining the idea of pursuing Kagome. He certainly hoped so. It was high time the girl got the adoration and respect she deserved from a man.
He wondered casually how Inuyasha was going to react to all of this.
Yay, next one's up! I'm really going to try to have the next chapter up within the next four or five days, just because I kept all of you waiting last time, what with the moving and the connection date and the viruses and the network card. Blah, blah, blah… I'm just waiting for this bloody monitor to explode in my face. Honestly, nothing can ever be simple with this damn computer.
Please review…
P.S. For those of you who are Nar/Kag fans I have a wonderful story that you have to read. It's found on , under male/female pairings… Nar/Kag, of course. It's on about page two, and it's called Cabrit Sans Cors. Make sure you review!! And for those of you who don't usually read Naraku and Kagome based fan fiction, please be a bit open-minded and read this. Even if you don't like the pairing, the story in itself is perfectly written. I was at a loss for words. Brilliant… I'm not sure if it's complete or not, but if it isn't I might ask if I could write a continuation to it.