Chapter 25

The moon light rays shone through the near window on Sesshomaru as he leaned against the far end of his room. Drawing heavy breathes with his head cocked downwards. Kagome had been watching him for what felt like at least an hour now. Wondering how he was able to fall asleep so soon after what had transpired earlier. The butterflies would not leave her stomach, followed by the flushed look on her face. And with the light hitting him just right, he appeared to be ever more gravitating.

The threatening demeanor of Inukimi had long left her heart, only to be replaced by another haunting experience that she was unsure as to what to make of it. It rang through her mind like a song and she could still feel his nails digging into her hip.

Earlier in the evening they had shared a tender moment together. Kagome, finally becoming brave enough to confront her brewing feelings for the Lord and make a move. At which to her delight, he accepted. She felt as he wiped her tears away, pressing his mouth firmly back against hers. Returning the passion that she had delivered first. They moved with one another, his fangs lightly brushing along her bottom lip. Curiously, she ran the tip of her tongue along one and was greeted with Sesshomaru matching her movement. Shuddering within his arms. Shifting, she lifted her arms further around his neck to press her breast into his chest.

He felt them brush against him, her arms pulling him downwards for better access. Though to her slight surprise, he caressed the back of her head in an attempt to gently lay here down onto her back as he towered over.

She grew nervous instead. Never sharing such an intense moment with a man, and certainly not intending for it to wind up this way. Though she hadn't let it stop her from going with the flow of things. Letting her body call the shots. It was reacting strangely as the new sensations arose.

She moaned into his mouth as he deepened the kiss. Slipping his tongue into her mouth as they danced together. Using one arm to shift his weight while the other moved down slowly until he reached her hip. Though hearing the lovely sound she made, he dug his claws into her side rather roughly. Causing her to cry out with the sound of pain and pleasure.

Sesshomaru clenched his eyes shut hard, his mind growing rather dark. The beast was joyous with primal instinct of wanting to take this girl here and now. And they both continued a silent mental battle, fighting for control.

He pulled away from her, only to bury his face into the side of her neck, inhaling her scent sharply. Pressing his lips to her delicate skin as she felt his hot breath cascade it. He figured it would only calm him down, though it did the opposite. At the feel of her quick pulse beating onto his lips. The breast screamed out inside in a frenzy.

For once the Lord was unsure what to do, being that he had never once thought of Kagome in this way. Nor was there any past relations with any woman, demon or human. These feelings were entirely new, and even though he knew he should stop, he was having difficulty in doing so. The beast wanted this girl. Sensing that she held desire in her voice. The soft cry it wished to shriek out in pain at his assaults.

"Kagome..," He grunted in a warning, his voice turning into a demonic and ominous tone.

Before she could react, he could not hold back any further. Roughly kissing behind her ear and gripping her side harder.

She cried out underneath him, this strange feeling turning in her lower stomach. Kagome unknowingly rolled her hips against him at the touch, her body aching for things she didn't even comprehend. It was driving his beast mad.

Sesshomaru trailed hard kisses down her throat, feeling her heartbeat quicken. Picking up on her want with his senses. His eyes began to change. The heat boiling into his golden eyes. The beast was winning and he could not deny that in this moment, he truly wanted her. But not like this. Not in the painful, violent way his beast demanded. It was a battle for dominance.

You shall not take her like this.

His body would not listen to this command. Going further and further down before reaching her collarbone, eyeing the garment covering it. He growled loudly in anger, pulling back to glare at the clothing she wore that was in his way.

Kagome's face was beat red by this point. Her mind fuzzy and obeying whatever her body wanted, bucking her hips slightly as her thighs ached. Tightening around his sides. She painted under him.

Though her mind clouded, she looked over at him at the feeling of him pulling away from her a little. Her brows knitting in confusion.

"..S-Sesshomaru?," She lustfully called out to him.

His eyes immediately found hers at the sound of her voice, tears twitching. The vision completely red, nose wrinkled in a snarl. She took in a sharp breath. Eyes widening at the sight of the transformed man on top of her. If she knew anything, it was to not anger him. Understanding full well that his animal instincts were kicking in.

He growled at her, making his way down to her shirt and grabbing the edge with his teeth. Roughly pulling it aside to leave her collarbone exposed. It was the spot the beast chose that she would be marked. If he didn't accidentally kill her in the process.

Shifting back once more, he looked her over. Enjoying the look of pure fear on his preys face. Ignoring Sesshomaru's conscious and gut wrenching feeling to stop. It made no sense to his primal side. Only want. Only to take. Though through red eyes, the true him could make out her large brown eyes staring up at him. He admired them, the mortal and fragile ones daring to share a look with this monster. A man who had just gotten through saying he could not protect her.

Mentally he screamed at himself to stop, pushing every urge aside to try and stop this demonic assault. One that he knew Kagome did not deserve. But it was to no avail.

In an instant he swooped in, fangs going in far enough to smell her blood. It was what she had said that stopped him.

"It's okay…," She whispered.

His beast stopped. Fangs in enough to make her bleed a tad, though not yet pumping the venom in to mark her. It was stunned, giving Sesshomaru enough leverage to take over a little. Typically as she, being prey, it would've expected to hear crying. Begging to stop. A blood gurgling shriek of pain. Kagome had none. But two soft words.

He pulled them out, slowly shifting his gaze into her eyes. Face a mere breath away. His mouth agape as the fangs remained barred, he unmoving. Seeing as she trembled in fear with tears in the corners of her eyes. Her bottom lip was quivering. And in all, she smiled at him. Bringing a shaking and hesitate hand up to brush the hair out of his face. His eyes widened.

"I'm.. So scared.. B-But that won't d-drive me away from you Sesshomaru. You-You won't hurt me.," She whispered.

His eyes slowly began to change the shade from red to white, greeting her with golden pores once more. Nuzzling his face into her hand, he closed his eyes. Taking a deep breath to try and calm himself down. Things had certainly gone too far. She just wasn't aware of the damage that could have been done to her just now. Had she not snapped him back into composure.

"You have no idea what I am capable of Kagome.," He breathed out.

From there she recalled as he lifted her up and carried her all the way back into his room in silence. His eyes no longer meeting hers. Gently, he had laid her down onto his futon and tucked her in before making his way over to the other side of the room.

It was quiet and Kagome pondered if she had done something wrong. In a way she knew better, that it was Sesshomaru's way of turning down anything further. She was kinda grateful. Knowing she wasn't ready. But at the same time it was nice to know he cared enough not to just force her. They would be mated for life. Not like she minded the idea considering she always had the fantasy in her heart of staying with one man forever. And she would bear the marks she had grown to adore. It was a sweet thought that played into her mind in the night as she lie awake.

From across, Sesshomaru had long pretended to be asleep. Knowing that she would fall for it in order to have a moment of clarity. He could sense that she had remained awake for quite some time now, studying him. Though he dared not move or quicken his breathing.

His mind was lost in confusion. The feel of want that his body expressed previously, compared to the howling rage his beast would have harmed her with. It was conflicting. And it long being over, he was still having trouble concentrating. A problem he rarely had.

This was an issue stemming far past simple bodily pleasures. He was genuinely angry with himself for sharing any sort of intimacy with a human. A retaliation against his father that had long plagued his heart, not like he ever dreamed of bedding a mortal woman to begin with. But merely a situation he never saw coming. Not in a million years.

She…Was different. An irritation playing on his mind vs thinking how extraordinary she was becoming. Was this how it started for his father?, who laid his life down for Izayoi? For centuries, Sesshomaru hated his father for turning his back on war and battle. One he never got to experience with Toga. The greatest dog demon to have ever lived. Perishing, for love.

The thought still provoked resentment. A feeling that would never leave. Yet aside from all of that, how would be approach Kagome now? He touched her so tenderly and let her in. A small side of him did not regret it necessarily. But surely he understood during, the way she looked at him. The feel of her. The tone in her voice. How ever so infatuated. Sesshomaru knew, that this girl was falling in love with him. And he did not know how to stop it. It was wrong.

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Sesshomaru had awoken with a start in the early morning hours. The feelings of last night still creeping into his body, torturing him ever so. He glanced over at Kagome who lay sound asleep. The bags held heavy under her eyes from the exhaustion.

He sighed softly, lifting himself off the ground from the uncomfortable position. He longed to sleep on the futon but would dare not share a bed with her. Not unless he had to at this point. It would take time to get over what had happened between the two. And hopefully she would understand that it was for the best. The idea of being mated to a human was preposterous. No matter how unique they may be.

He quietly exited the room, sliding the doors behind him. And began making his way over to the highest tower in the castle to get the best view of their whereabouts. It was about time they depart, being as if she seemed well enough. And his ward must be worried sick by now. The new enemy approached. And Sesshomaru was already at a stand still whether to stay behind and protect the people with Rin. Or to venture off and find this Illusionist himself, leaving them defenseless. Most of all, leaving Kagome unprotected. For he had no desire to allow her to travel with him anymore than needed.

Stalking further into the hallways, passing servants bowed and chimed good morning to their Lord. Which he paid no mind. In a way he wondered where Inukimi had been. Since he had completely forgotten her transgressions against his guest. It had come back to mind, and she'd hear of it surely.

The meadow flowers swayed delicately at the gentle breeze the sky air provided. Intoxicating his senses. It was something his father always enjoyed, which he beckoned was the reasoning behind why his mother still chose to keep them around. Nothing much here ever did serve a purpose to Sesshomaru anyways. Thinking that it was all unnecessary to live so lavishly.

Approaching the end of it, he pushed open two large doors leading up a stone staircase. That wrapped around a large piece of the tower. He quickly concluded it needed cleaning, having never being used other than himself. Sesshomaru quickly made his way up through the stone well.

Upon reaching it, he rested on the edge of the balcony. Watching the wind and clouds whip past him more hastily than before now that he was higher up.

Though he scowled at the sight below them.

How have I not paid attention to our direction. We are far off coarse than needed to be.

Under the castle laid waste to mountain tops, covered in blankets of what appeared to be snow. They had made their way into the Northern plains, which would prove to be a difficult challenge for the human priestess to make. Seeing not much of civilization in sight near it all. Mainly demons would hang around such a dangerous spot. Humans were typically unable to live in such conditions.

But they had no choice. In his mind they had wasted far enough time lounging about. It was time they go. Not like the castle could change direction anyways unless his mother demanded it. And she had only done so once, for him. It would not happen again.

He grew annoyed at the thought of the journey he'd have to make with the priestess. Her whiny nature and inability to listen would surely cause them more issues than necessary. It was for Rin why he ever dealt with that woman on this trip into chaos. Their troubles were not over yet.

Feeling a presence he looked over his shoulder. A tiny servant made it's way up the stairwell to greet him. Bowing immediately at eyes notice.

"My Lord. M'Lady request that you meet with her right away in the audience chamber."

"Tell her I shall shortly. Be gone.," He said coldly.

They bowed. Exiting the tower and leaving him alone once more.

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Inukimi paced around the room aligned with a dining table and chairs. The stain glass windows decorating every inch of the walls around. She was anxious a tad. Feeling as though her son would be leaving soon. And hoping the lecherous girl would take her warning and leave his side. If she had any logic that is.

It was not often Sesshomaru paid a visit unless he needed something. A child that was born into the world seeming cold and hateful. Only smiling in his youth when it came down to gore. She caught wind long ago of his half brother taking his right arm. And ever since his demeanor had changed rather monotoned. It was unlike him. Compared to his father, who would smile at the simplest gesture of a butterfly.

She stopped in her tracks, feeling his presence on the other side of the doors before they slide open. Sesshomaru not bothering to bow or greet in formality. He took a few steps inside before sliding the doors back in place, his eyes piercing into his mothers. She swallowed.

"My sweet son, won't you join your mother for a moment before departing? You know how long you take to return.," She mused.

"No.," He answered simply.

Her eyebrow twitched in annoyance at how rude and straight to the point he was. Tapping her nails along the table.

"Is that all? We are to be leaving soon. I am to awaken Kagome," He asked.

"Kagome. What an unusual name. May I ask why you even bother to call it by a name?"

He said nothing. Only growing annoyed by her argument once again at his company.

She reached into her sleeve and pulled out the small, golden statue of Toga. Placing it on the table in front of him. Sesshomaru still continued to stare on, not phased.

"I found her with this. Snooping through your things. Might I say what a rude creature.," She cooed.

"What is your point?," He snapped.

She was taken aback by his words. What was her point? Surely this would have angered him, knowing she was fooling around with an item he considered precious to him. Sesshomaru being a man of view valuables.

"Do you not care?," She snapped

"I am not one to care for such trinkets like you mother. Do with it as you please. I must prepare," He said, turning on his heels to exit the room. He did not see a point to even chastising her over the issue with his guest. She proved well enough just how low she would stoop. It just went to show how bothered she was over a human.

Inukimi could not believe who her son has turned into. Before she could imagine that he would've torn into a human's throat just for the fun of it. But now he was truly going to let this slide. For.. The girl. Something that she rarely ever saw in her son, the girl held value to him. Far greater than an issue like this. It was settled. There was nothing further she could attempt to separate her son from the same path that his father had walked. A science she would never relate to.

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Kagome stirred from her slumber. The morning rays shining into the room. She could comprehend the sound of footsteps, probably servants, hurrying up and down the halls to prepare for the day.

She grunted, stretching her arms above her head before trying to move. As she went to sit up, she whined a bit. Having a tender feeling around her waist. Before she would look, she scanned the room. Seeing no sign of Sesshomaru.

Fully sitting up, she yanked her shirt aside to look at the damage. Finding fingerprint bruises along her hip. Everything came back to her, the feeling of his body pressed down onto her as he held her firmly in place. She blushed, being tired from how late it had transpired. Though immediately her hand went up to her collar bone. Met by the same tenderness from his fangs. Quickly she tugged her clothes back in place to hide it. Less his mother see.

"She did say she'd kill me. Oh boy," She said allowed.

"I wonder what he must be thinking today.. If he avoided me before then he sure will even more now."

She sighed. Throwing the covers off of her and bending to stand up. It felt late though the time she was unsure. Wanting nothing more than to remain asleep. Her body felt sore and her thighs hurt a tad along with the rest of the new spots Sesshomaru left behind.

Ignoring it, she walked over to his dresser and found a brush before going to sit in front of the large wall mirror to try and make herself seem decent. Combing the knots out. It would be a servants job surely, though she would not ask of such a thing.

Looking over herself in the mirror, she couldn't help but feel oddly happy. Proud of herself having let out the bottled up emotions and tension she had let brew for a while now. Glad that Sesshomaru had accepted, yet also denied her invitation. Would he have gone further with her if not for the interruption? It didn't matter now. Knowing him, it would never happen again. Something she was also content with in a solemn sorta way.

I'm such a weirdo. I don't even care enough to worry about it for now.

Something inside ached to have Sango by her side. A friend and fellow woman to talk to about these sorts of things. Kagome really had no one to rely on when it came to matters of the heart and body. There were no other female friends. Except for in the future, where she was not permitted as of recently. But she would try not to think about that too much. Not wanting to start dwelling on current problems anymore than the ones that were already piling up.

The doors roughly slide open as he pulled them apart. Staring down at her. She yelped, frozen as the brush fell out of her hands as she childishly scrambled to get it. He, watching the nervous wreck of a woman with the look of judgement on his face.

"Are you well today?," He asked.

She stopped her movements, brushing her clothing down to make herself seem presentable.

"Uh yea! I'm great!," She said shyly, a nervous grin plastered on her face.

"Then we are departing shortly. I will have a more suitable outfit prepared for you, being as we are about to descend into cold territory."

She grinned even more awkwardly, scratching the back of her head. "Sounds great!"

He only scowled at her. Hoping this new awkward behavior would cease soon. Surely he'd come to anger her easily one way or another in no time.

Huffing, he turned and left. Closing the doors behind him to go do as he said.

She took a deep breath, letting out the frustration that she'd now deal with for a while before she was sure how to behave around him. Typically it was he who was the one with short sentences.

"Get a hold of yourself!," She said aloud.

He could hear her speak out loud on the other side of the wall. Finding it a little amusing that he would have such an effect on her. Short and sweet to the point, just like he preferred things to be. Being said, she did not have to act so strange around him. It was annoying.

Stalking down the hallways, Sesshomaru approached the chamber he had earlier to assist new clothing for his counterpart. It would he freezing weather, understanding that she would have a difficult time trying to keep a steady pace. The red floral patch on the clothing he wore would better help her stand out from the white coloring of things. And if they ran into any intruders, they'd know she belonged to him.

He watched the servants make way in sewing up a quick match to his own. A pattern they knew well to make by now. Just simply making it a little smaller. Followed by small, plain black boots to protect her feet. Along with all of this, he ensured they packed her spare kimono, thigh high white socks and traditional sandals to change into once they exited the harsh climate. There was nothing for her to complain about now. He made sure of it.

"Once you are done with this, go dress her," He said to them.

They all nodded. Never stopping their work.

Sesshomaru was anxious to leave already. It had been quite a long while since he had spent so much time at his home. With his troublesome mother. He was growing tired of it and was ready to be back on the battlefield. Hoping at that, that she would listen to him this time. And not cause any further problems. Though he was finally healed, he didn't intend on ending up in the same horrid state prior. It was not something to be proud of. Unable to protect a simple human girl, how shameful.

If anything the Lord would just dump her here while he went off to battle this demon on his own. Kagome was useless anyways in her state. She had no abilities. No powers. Any bows would serve no good. Heck, she couldn't even hunt for her own food. Rin was more independent than she. All, if not worrying that his mother would surely kill her while he was gone. And come up with an excuse as to what happened to her. It wasn't something he could risk.

ooooo

Kagome brushed herself off as she finished making herself look presentable. Her hair was neatly straight now and clothes flattened. Hopefully whatever he wanted her to wear would look a little nice. She imagined war gear or a suit of armor to keep her extra protected against demons and the climate. Like keeping an egg from cracking. But she was always getting into trouble. Of all the crap she caused, this time she was confident not to stir up anything more. It was a fine time she tried to work on getting her powers back. In this time she spent with Sesshomaru, her heart was more confused rather than in such a negative place. So she couldn't exactly say she was happy. Not yet anyways. But, not hateful anymore either.

"I just needa stop thinking of the bad. And letting things get to me. There's nothing to fear with Sesshomaru here!," She sang, standing proud.

A small knock was heard at the edge of the door and she sprang over to answer it. Sliding it open just a peek, three tiny servants were there holding large white folded up clothing. A pair of small black boots were in the others hands, and a makeshift backpack was in the last ones.

"We have come to dress you as our Lord demanded.," They chimed together.

She jumped back from the door, not wanting to endure the same situation as last time.

"No! I can do it myself!," She snapped pointing at them.

Though they paid her no mind, walking in with the stuff and sliding the door back behind them. Setting the clothes down, they walked over to Kagome. Already reaching to take her clothes off. As they pulled on her kimono she struggled.

"Can I at least take this off myself!?," She snapped.

They all looked at each other, then nodded to her. Allowing her to do a part herself. She pouted at them as she began to strip it off of her, watching as they got ready to apply the other outfit.

When she was finally done, they approached, flicking it out so that she could tell what was what. The long sleeved top to match the ankle length skirt, worn over thick, thigh high socks. A sash to wrap around her waist, the same pattern as Sesshomaru with the purple and gold. She almost wondered how he was even able to fight in such heavy apparel. Thinking how loose/baggy it also seemed.

As she took in the details of the clothing, Kagome was oblivious to the looks they were quietly exchanging between each other. All having noticed the claw bruises on her hips and the small fang punctures on her collarbone. Able to tell that it was all fresh.

In quick time they had assisted her in putting it all on without trouble. Folding the creases down and brushing her hair to make her appear proper. Kagome slipped on the tight, leather boot wear, slipping her toe in place between the one indention. They stepped aside for her to examine her new attire in the mirror. Which she did.

Kagome smiled brightly at how it all fit on her, resembling Sesshomaru greatly. Enjoying the red flower print on the top right next to her shoulder. Yet she had no idea what type of climate they were about to enter together.

"Within this makeshift bag, we have obtained another article of clothing to change into when you descend the mountain. Along with the sandals from earlier.," One said, stepping out for a minute to return with a sack like bag. Handing it to Kagome.

She nodded gratefully, throwing it over her shoulders. Taking in a deep breath, she let it out. Examining the room one last time before their departure. Who knows if she'd ever see anything so personal as to Sesshomaru ever again. Along with a warm bed and food. Their journey could be long, though no matter how short it was, it always proved to be rather exhausting.

"Thank you for everything., " She spoke to the servants, bowing to them.

They cringed back, nervously nodding. It was not like they chose to serve a human girl anyways. Her gratitude was wasted.

Motioning for her to follow, they began to exit the room. Sliding the doors back behind her. She walked with a pep in her step, ready to face whatever challenges would be thrown their way. With this newfound attitude she was having, her confidence boosted in thinking just maybe, her powers could return. If only she kept a positive head on her shoulders.

They passed the servant quarters, lining the hallway down into the main chamber leading to the front stairwell of the castle.

Kagome felt just a tad nervous, hoping she would not have to face Sesshomaru's mother again. Wondering if she would pick up on her sons scent now on her. Dog demons could usually do strange things like that, making it hard to hide stuff.

Reaching the two giant doors, the servants ran a ways from her over to it. Bending down to their knees and propping it own for her. The light of the sun outside blinded her a little as she raised her hand above to match it, taking small steps out. As her eyes adjusted, she saw the guards on the outside standing posed. Not bothering to turn her way. Inukimi stood proud to the side of the stairs, while across from her, Sesshomaru. He was waiting patiently this whole time, quite eager to get a move on.

Kagome locked eyes with him, swallowing hard with a smile before taking a few steps out. His eyes looked her up and down, mentally commending the clothing she wore that the servants did an excellent job of making. But before she got to him, his mother stepped in front. Halting her in place.

Kagome stopped immediately, careful not to show disrespect less she be struck down by this hateful creature. Gripping the rope on her bag.

Inukimi smiled brightly, extending her arm out and brushing Kagome's hair behind her ear. She shuddered at the touch of this woman.

"I believe you are well now? Good good dear. I surely hope we never have to encounter each other again," She said, still smiling at the young girl. Kagome was able to make out a glint of threats behind those eyes. The way she said things almost made it sound sweet.

Though Kagome took a step back, bowing down to the empress. Taking Inukimi by surprise. Showing such formalities.

"Thank you for everything you've done. I hope I haven't caused too much trouble," She said, bending back up to meet her in the eyes. A fierceness showing inside of them.

She moved past the empress and made her way over to Sesshomaru. Who greeted her with a prideful and approving look, watching over the girl at his mother. Who still remained still in her place.

"You did well.," He said to her as they made their way down.

Kagome's face light up at his praise. "You think so?"

"Hn," He replied.

The cold air was already hitting their bodies softly, the breeze whispering. Clouds moving rather fast with the gloomy atmosphere. Kagome braced herself seeing the mountains stretch out far without a single trace of neighboring villages.

It must be one of those places that's always this season.

"So how far away are we from the village?," She asked.

"Quite far. The castle had drifted off into the northern hemisphere. It shall take a bit of time to reach it. So be careful, I have many enemies in this territory that threaten our land."

She listened to each word. Knowing full well that she would not allow herself to be so naive again. Not after the torture that they both endured.

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