DIsclaimeR: I don't own IY

Beta Read by KEdakumi on 04/12/11, MissKatt 11/6/11

Still Primero

21

A second chance

The Kagome-tachi slept under the peaceful midnight sky. The small human child was tucked under the human-with-beast's arm. Both manes of ebony hair mixed to the point where it was impossible to tell whose hair was whose.

It became obvious that Kagome, even under the inhuman beast's possession, remained human. She needed sleep and food as often as a normal human. That was a fact, unless Kagome was doing it more like a habit than a real need, but it seemed improbable.

Koga was sitting over a piece of broken rock with his arms crossed. The position didn't appear to be comfortable, but the wolf demon refused to move from his little castle. His eyes were alert and his breathing was controlled and calmed.

"Can you see it?" asked Jaken from the opposite corner. The servant was sitting Sesshomaru-style, with his leg raised and his arm over it, and had his round eyes closed.

"Yeah," replied Koga after a moment, "I wonder if it is just a beast."

"Hmm, I understand your words wolf," assented Jaken softly, "I have traveled with my Lord for decades, but even I have to say that I am at a lost. The beast seems like a living and rational entity. Look how it envelops the child in that protective cocoon and how it suddenly separates from Kagome's body."

"I've been here, toad. I know…do you think it could hurt Kagome?" asked Koga uncertainly. True, he had a beast, but it was minor, silent. They never talked like some said they could. It was just an integrated sixth sense.

"It never hurt my Lord," said Jaken in the only way he thought he could answer the wolf's question accurately.

"Sesshomaru was never human," Koga said after a minute. Then he felt silent while he pondered the various things that had happened. After much debate and watching the flickering flames of the fire, he ventured to ask what really had him anxious, "Is it true? Is Kagome Sesshomaru's mate?"

"So it appears," answered Jaken with a shrug of his shoulders, "It was rather unpredicted. The miko was traveling with our group and all of a sudden Milord had marked her as his mate. I don't know his reasons for doing so…hell…I can't even imagine them: she's a human."

Koga nodded his head. He was aware of what Jaken spoke off for Sesshomaru had always been so…him and this was definitely something unlike him. However, he also knew something else, "But Kagome is no ordinary human."

Jaken nodded his head in reply considering it a valid point. "She came suddenly, asking Lord Sesshomaru a favor in behalf of her hanyou companion…then, this."

Koga pondered the events for a few moments before sighing, "Jaken…are dog mates for life as well?"

Jaken turned wide yellow eyes to the wolf demon and after searching something in Koga's eyes nodded his head apologetically, "Why?"

Koga shook his head miserably and re-arranged his position over the rocks, "I had claimed Kagome as my mate, although merely verbally."

Jaken turned to the wolf fully and bowed before him, his head touching the ground, "I ask for your pardon in name of Milord. I am sure he was unaware of your prior claim. Please, forgive this lowly one for not knowing about—"

"Jaken," interrupted Koga impatiently, "there is not much to be done now, but I will be sure to take this matter before Sesshomaru in the near future. I only hope to do it as simply and peaceful as possible."

Jaken sighed and nodded his head. Deep down, he knew there would be nothing peaceful, but it would be useless to even mention it. After all, they were demons and more so, Demon Lords. Simple servants involved as little as they could in these affairs and he was no different.

…o0o…

Kohaku and Miroku continued their wander in silence. The monk was unusually silent, but apparently that had been the right thing. Miroku had learned that Kohaku was a very independent child and often preferred silence. It was the best option because, in all honesty, he knew not what to talk about. He was always uncertain because he didn't want to hurt him with a mindless comment or something. Sometimes being him was so difficult.

Oh, how much he missed his Sango and Kagome and Shippo…even Inuyasha.

"Hoshi-sama," Kohaku said starting him, "Are you tired?"

"No, I am fine," replied Miroku with a smile, "And you may call me Miroku."

Kohaku smiled but shook his head, "You deserve the respect Housi-sama. After all, my sister is fond of you."

Miroku couldn't deny it: he blushed at the mention of Sango, "Has she talked about me?" asked the monk curiously. He followed as Kohaku walked up an unsteady hill.

Kohaku shook his head again, "No, but I know her. She never cared about any man, but I see it in her eyes…you are not merely a man in her eyes." The young slayer smiled as memories from a seemingly distant past flooded him, "Father always said it was up to me to continue on the legacy, but I think he may have been mistaken. I am dead…and Sango remains."

Miroku felt many conflicting emotions. The demon slayers were a troublesome and confusing village, but so were the siblings. He wanted to tell Kohaku he was alive, but he knew it was a sore wound in the young boy's heart and the deceiving shard was often unpredictable. He didn't want to lie so he opted for the most positive option he could find, "We can only hope everything turns out for the best."

Kohaku nodded and this time his smile reached his eyes, "I want to live on for a while longer…I would like to be sure my sister finds her happiness before I depart to the other world."

Miroku chuckled, trying his best to keep the first cheerful conversation they have had as long as possible, "I am willing to help you out," the monk joked with a perverse tone.

Kohaku chuckled as well, "I guess I should be thankful for your help…or maybe not."

Miroku laughed as well, but deep down he was hurting. He had done more than he should with Sango and she had left. He had undoubtedly hurt her with his own sadness and had caused her to leave him. She had given herself to him and he had accepted her with every ounce of love he possessed. He loved her like no other. He loved her strength and her flaws. She was everything he ever wanted in a woman, but apparently he hadn't known how to take care for that which was given to him.

It had been his fault. He was so ignorant in these matters…

..and he missed her so much.

…o0o…

The Lord of the West was so tired. It has been ages since he had felt so weak. The last time was under the harsh tutelage and training of his father. The great General had been absurdly demanding of him and things often ended up in a big mess. He couldn't blame the Inu no Taisho for it was him who made him just who he was today. He was proud of who he was.

It had been half a day since he cared about the well-being of the half-demon who followed him a few steps back. Right now he didn't care about revenge, anger, honor, or duty anymore. He just cared about warmth and a futon. He needed to rest soon for he didn't think he could drag his life for much longer.

"Oi…Sesshomaru," Inuyasha's ragged voice called carefully, "Maybe we should stop." The hanyou's white puppy ears were flattened against his silver mane and his golden eyes followed his sibling's forced and ungraceful movements with guilt; never before he had seen Sesshomaru so wasted.

"No." Sesshomaru replied finally. He continued to walk forward, each minute going deeper into the forest. He had a goal and he was pushing himself to his limits, but he had to get there before it was too late.

"Why are you so stubborn? You are almost dead, you moron! Just...what happened to you?" Inuyasha was breathing heavily, too angry and worried at the same time.

He had never expected to see such emotion and hatred in Sesshomaru's glare. The stoic demon managed to intimidate him in this weakened state and that was simply unbelievable. His ears flattened again and only then Sesshomaru turned away from him and resumed his walk.

It had been his fault, he knew and he couldn't get the guilt away from him. He had let his emotions get the best of him. He had allowed the depth of his love for Kikyo run his body and his soul. That had been his mistake, by allowing that, he had given his being in a silver plate.

Kikyo.

He had given himself to her. He had accepted her. Hell, he even made his best friend go to Sesshomaru and beg for a chance to be happy. He had tried for fifteen days to get used to the idea that his brother wouldn't help him out or that Kagome would fail. Each night he would let the tears of frustration slip down, hidden from everyone.

Imagine his surprise when he heard his sibling howling to the winds that he had claimed a mate. Yeah, he couldn't believe it either, but he was smart enough to not question it.

He claimed Kikyo that night.

He had never been as happy. He had lost all hope to get to mate Kikyo before she turned back to her lifeless body, but for his fortune, the timing had been perfect. He managed to tie Kikyo to him before the spell -which granted her life- dispersed. He was finally mated to the woman he had loved and desired for five decades. He couldn't contain his glee and joy. He had what he had always wanted.

That was until the madness began. It began as a simple and annoying bee buzzing into his ears. It was uncomfortable, but bearable. After time continued on, Kikyo was still missing the harmless buzzing intensified in a whirlwind. It grated on his nerves, but he could live with it. He moved around the forest wildly following his heart and his beast's whispers. He knew something was very wrong and he knew he had to find Kikyo before it was too late.

To his awful luck, he didn't find her in time. Something bigger than himself, stronger and fiercer took over. It was something similar to his demonic blood awakening when he was in danger and was without Tetsusaiga, but at the same time it was not. He didn't feel the beating inside of his head or his vision blackening as he usually did. It was more refined and conscious…even if he couldn't control it either.

Little by little he lost a part of himself to his beast. The wider the distance between him and Kikyo less control he had. Before he knew it, he had been caged inside himself. He could do nothing much but simply be participant of the events which took place around him without being able to do much. He wished he could say it was all his beasts' fault, but it wasn't. It was also him.

He could recognize the area, Edo and the Tree of Ages. He was aware. Unlike before he was connected, but he lost what was Inuyasha. He wanted to destroy, he wanted to hurt, and he wanted everything around him to suffer.

He had followed a false trail and it had led him to Kagome. Yes, he knew and he recognized who she was in a distant part of his mind. He knew she had once been part of his pack and she was a friend. Yet, he didn't care. He had been so frustrated to find she was not his mate that he had been lost again and had raised his claws threateningly. He had been tired of following faint trails of her and of crying alone at night in his loneliness.

He had raised his hand and he had used it as weapon against her. What he hadn't expected was resistance or injuries. Yes, he had wound her, but she had wounded him back and he had been forced to retreat. Now, in his saner state of mind, he wondered if he had really seen Kagome back then. Maybe it was some sort of another reincarnation or something…she was so different from his old friend.

Inuyasha shook his head and a familiar scent teased his nose. He could smell Koga –the wolf demon of the Eastern Tribe. It was small and hidden and he was sure it had been a few hours old, maybe morning. "Oi, Sesshomaru, I can smell the mangy wolf from the East."

Sesshomaru continued on not even making a sign that he had heard. Perhaps it was simply unnecessary. The siblings were dog demons and they knew the capacities they each held.

This was wrong. Inuyasha couldn't help but become even more concerned about his older brother. Sesshomaru was by now wobbling. It was crystal clear the older Daiyoukai wasn't in the best shape. Why was he so insistent in going where he wanted to go? Sesshomaru was anything but impatient.

It was then, as these thoughts that beetled his brain, when Sesshomaru's legs gave in to the tiredness and the prim Daiyoukai fell to one of his knees.

Inuyasha moved forward, but when he was at arm's length Sesshomaru growled offended. Inuyasha growled back, trying to kick some sense in his older sibling but to no avail; Sesshomaru merely growled back louder.

When Inuyasha realized Sesshomaru's pride was not anywhere near going to be rational he called his demonic aura forward and shot it against the Daiyoukai. He had expected Sesshomaru to back down –he was aware Sesshomaru's blood was purer and he was stronger- but he was wounded and weaker than him at the moment.

The action held the opposite effect. In a strange and unheard of show of stubbornness the Daiyoukai expelled his own youki back at him. Both youki battled each other, none stepping or drawing back an inch. It seemed both youki were at equal strength and they both seemed hard-headed, determined to win against the other.

The scene was simply wrong, more so when Inuyasha's eyes started to bleed red and Sesshomaru's, in his weak conditions, remained a healthy golden color. It stung at Inuyasha and the hanyou started to cower down; the fear of once again losing control to his beast circling him like a hungry hawk. It was a hard decision; it was either to leave his brother unattended because of his pride and stubbornness, or continue on and try to get his brother to submit for a short period until he was healed.

Hell, why wasn't Sesshomaru healed by now? He hadn't inflicted such serious wounds on him? He was supposed to be the weaker one!

Sesshomaru was even worse than what Inuyasha first suspected and so, with a sad glow on his eyes, the hanyou pushed his aura with all his might towards Sesshomaru. Instantly the Daiyoukai groaned in pain and his still golden eyes closed against the assault.

"Submit!" roared Inuyasha with a pleading note at the end.

Sesshomaru emitted a half-growl-groan in uttermost defiance and Inuyasha decided to take things on his hands. If he needed to use strength, he was going to.

He didn't get his chance though for a sudden shove pushed him away and into the bushes a few meters away. The swirls of youki instantly dispersed and a new scent permeated the vicinity. Inuyasha jumped to his feet and cursed loudly with red tinted eyes. He was at the border of being devoured once again by his beast. However, shock made him snap out of it.

He never expected to meet a similar red eyes gazing back at him hatefully.

Right in front of him stood Kagome, former member of his pack, baring her diminutive-human fangs at him. He would have laughed, if there was anything funny about the scene, but her threatening human-weak growls were still good enough to make him stop dead on his tracks. Perhaps it was not the sound, but just how strange and unfamiliar the sight of her was.

He, as a half inu youkai, was left uncertain as to what to do. He didn't know if he should try to fight for dominance or simply let her be. Heck, when did a human miko displayed herself like an inu-youkai?

Both Inuyasha and Kagome stayed root to their positions assessing each other carefully until Inuyasha flattened his ears in submission. The action seemed to please Kagome and she grumbled softly before turning away to Sesshomaru.

Inuyasha couldn't believe his eyes. The way Sesshomaru directed his gaze at Kagome was simply wrong. Never had he seen his brother act in such a way. He expected to see Sesshomaru throwing Kagome a hateful look, but instead the Daiyoukai appeared to look at her with something similar to relief. Sesshomaru never pushed Kagome away when she knelt in front of him; he instead lowered his head and grumbled something too slow for him to read.

This was all so unexpected. He was very confused.

To make thing even worst he saw Kagome sit on Sesshomaru's lap and his eyes almost dropped from their sockets. He almost got a heart attack when he saw Kagome's tongue graze Sesshomaru's skin and start to lick his wounds clean. This was something only a demon would do.

Sesshomaru's tense shoulders relaxed and he slumped against a tree and pressed his head atop Kagome's black hair.

Their closeness…

…and the calm Sesshomaru irradiated was like…

…as if….

…he were looking at himself and Kikyo…

…but, it couldn't be possible…

But actions and instinct didn't lie.

Kagome was mate to Sesshomaru; the same Sesshomaru who shared his blood and who was Lord of the West.

The very same being he had hated for as long as he could remember.

Yet, he couldn't deny that when he saw his sibling being this kind and affectionate, he felt he could start to forgive him, if only a little bit. For him, Kagome, and for himself.

He could try his best.

He will try his best.

Is the least he could do for them, especially for her.

xxoOoxx

To be continued

xxoOoxx