Chapter twenty-four – Bonds
The next morning things were not looking too good for the Inutachi. Miroku sighed to himself, as he eyed his travelling companions.
Inuyasha and Kagome weren't talking to each other; Inuyasha was moping around while Kagome was feeling down. In fact, Inuyasha had not spoken to anyone since the confrontation that had taken place the previous night, the moment when he had lost the control of his youkai blood and had been told by Sesshoumaru to back off. He often kept glancing at Kagome and Sesshoumaru distrustfully, and it was obvious to everyone by his body language that he had been really hurt by the news of their mating.
Kikyo stayed close to Inuyasha, and remained as unaffected as ever. Even though they had been travelling together for weeks, Kikyo barely ever interacted with Sango or Miroku. Maybe she sensed that the humans felt uncomfortable around her, maybe she simply didn't care for their company.
Sesshoumaru had also remained faithful to his stoic ways, and like Kikyo, seemed to be content left to his own devices. The only one he acknowledged and spoke to was Kagome, but he had not much bothered the priestess. Since her return and the confrontation with Inuyasha, Kagome had been uncharacteristically quiet and subdued. It was fairly obvious that she was upset because of Inuyasha's violent reaction.
Sango hadn't approached her friend either. Miroku wasn't sure if it was because she was still suspicious of Sesshoumaru, or because she was too shocked of the news of Kagome having mated the demon lord. Or maybe Sango, too, was being considerate of Kagome's feelings, as the priestess clearly wasn't in the mood for chatting or socialising.
Miroku was quite at a loss. He did not know what he should do. Their previously tight group had clearly been divided into two, and now he hesitantly hovered between the opposite ends, unwilling to take the side of either.
The end result was that Kagome and Inuyasha were having a serious breach. Perhaps it was bad enough for them to be no longer able to patch up their friendship. Kagome had obviously had enough of Inuyasha's behaviour, and was not going to let the hanyou hurt her again. Inuyasha had still not recovered from hearing the news of Kagome's and Sesshoumaru's mating, and seemed to be thinking that Kagome had stabbed him in the back by choosing his older brother. Kagome seemed to share this sentiment, for Miroku could see the guilt and sadness in the priestess' eyes.
Miroku couldn't quite shake off the gloomy notion haunting him, taunting that the Inutachi as he knew it might be over for good.
-cCc-
Sango did not really know what to think. She had been raised to be a demon slayer, and even if her travels with Inuyasha and Kagome had taught her that not all demons were pure evil, she still had some deep-rooted reservations. For one, she had always been dubious of Sesshoumaru. She could not understand his motives at all. Sango was a trained and experienced fighter, and to her it was crystal clear that Sesshoumaru would be able to beat all of her friends in a battle. If he truly wanted Tessaiga, the sword would be his by now. Furthermore, according to the rumours he was the heir of the Western lands, a true and noble demon lord. Why would an aristocrat like him be travelling the country, followed by a dragon steed, a lower-level kappa demon and a human girl? The inudaiyoukai truly was an enigma, and as such, Sango could not find it in herself to trust him – especially when his face was always indifferent and unreadable, his voice toneless and cold. She had been very concerned when Kagome had been chained to Sesshoumaru, but when time had passed, and the demon had done nothing to harm her friend, Sango had started to think that maybe she could try to trust him to keep Kagome safe.
But that did not mean that she wanted to see her best friend married to the demon! Frankly, Sango was beyond bewildered. She could still well recall how both Kagome and Sesshoumaru had vehemently asserted their declinations to the proposed mating. What had happened? Why would Kagome have suddenly consented to the union? What of her feelings for Inuyasha?
There were many things Sango wished she would know. There were many things regarding her dear friend that were confusing her. The Kagome who was now travelling with them was not the same Kagome of her recollection. She had changed, that much was evident. The miko's change of dress was merely the most obvious of all the changes. Her modern clothes were gone, instead she was wearing the traditional robes of a Shinto priestess. She was well-spoken now, much more so than what she had previously been. Her manner was carefully conducted, graceful and precise. All in all, she now exuded a distinct aristocratic aura that was alien to the Kagome she knew.
Her trained warrior eyes had also noticed the new katana strapped on the priestess' hips. Sango had never seen her friend handle a sword before.
Based on these observations, Sango concluded that there seemed to be a completely new side to Kagome, one she knew nothing about. The miko had sobered somewhat, and the look in her sapphire eyes seemed older than it had been before – she had obviously matured during the weeks she had been away. The taijiya had noticed some of that change already last night. Kagome had not responded to Inuyasha's inconsiderate and brash behaviour with her usual flare of temper, but with a kind of resignation mixed with exhaustion. The woman who had returned to them, was not the girl who had left the group few months ago. Sango sighed wistfully, and earnestly wished she would know what had happened to Kagome – whatever it was, it must have been quite remarkable to cause all the changes.
However, Sango's personal opinions and reservations received a shock that evening.
It was late, and the camp had quieted down to sleep. Inuyasha was out of sight, probably staying in guard. Sango was for some reason feeling restless, and could not sleep no matter how she tried. Miroku did not have any such problems; his heavy, even breaths rang in her eyes, serving as a painful reminder of the eluding sleep.
Suddenly, there was a rustle and Sango sat up.
She saw Sesshoumaru, his silver hair glowing in the faint moonlight. He was crouched over Kagome's sleeping form, and Sango's suspicions immediately rose. Then, to her utter surprise, the demon tenderly brushed away the bangs shadowing the priestess' face, and bent down to place a single kiss on the sleeping woman's brow. Sango didn't miss the look lingering in the eyes of the demon gazing at his mate – the bored coldness was gone, and the golden depths were burning with unexpected warmth and passion.
Sango hastily lied back down, feeling that she had just witnessed something private that had not been meant for anyone's eyes to see. She lied awake in the dark for a long while after that, her shocked mind mulling over the scene she had seen with all of its implications.
-cCc-
The first days after she had re-joined her friends were miserable. Inuyasha was obviously putting all blame on her, and acting as if she had betrayed him and his trust. She could not find it in herself to defend herself from his unvoiced accusations; after all, a part of her, too, echoed those sentiments. But not all of the sorrow she was feeling was because of Inuyasha's behaviour towards her. No, returning to him with Sesshoumaru, and telling him and her other friends the news, somehow made it all finally come true. It finally sank in that she was bound to Sesshoumaru by an unbreakable bond. Because of the recent joining of their souls, they still had to stick close together, which was mostly awkward and a little embarrassing, because there was the occasional need for a physical connection. It would be bad enough to randomly touch Sesshoumaru – nothing perverted, though, contrary to the suggestions her traitorous mind was still supplying her with – just innocent little brushes in passing, for the most part… But it was bad enough even without having an audience to stare at them in horror every time the connection would need to be confirmed with a physical touch. Kagome could clearly feel that even though Sesshoumaru was glad to have left the castle of the West behind, he did not approve of the Inutachi at all. Thankfully, he opted to keep his opinions to himself. Kagome felt really grateful for that.
Gradually though, things started look a little brighter for Kagome.
The first step was Sango's approach. Though she appeared hesitant, Sango sought her out after the dinner, on the fourth day since Kagome's arrival. She sat down by the priestess' side.
"Do you want to talk about it?" she asked gently.
"About what?" Kagome replied, slightly taken by aback by her friend's approach.
"About everything that lead to this decision. The last time I saw you, you were denying all intention of marrying Sesshoumaru. Yet, here you are, as his mate."
"It was his suggestion. He realised that the mating was the lesser of two evils. One of the conditions for breaking the chain's hold was the joining of our souls. And the only way Sesshoumaru knew for that was the mating ceremony. Besides, we had come to a mutual understanding by the time he proposed the mating to me. We are friends now, and I trust him."
Sango nodded, her eyes slightly widened. She could not believe that Sesshoumaru had been the one to suggest the mating. Still, after that private moment she had accidentally witnessed the other night, she wasn't so sure any more that she knew anything about the daiyoukai.
"He was surprisingly considerate, you know," Kagome continued her tale, her brow furrowing slightly. "He even asked for my mother's consent. Then, when the portal was finally working again, we came back here and met with Miroku. We left to the castle of the West, to announce our intention to Sesshoumaru's mother. The Western court got into quite an uproar over their precious heir mating a mortal, but I had Sesshoumaru's support, and his mother's consent. His mother insisted though, that I should receive certain education before I would be ready to mate the heir and enter the house of the West."
Sango wordlessly set her hand on the miko's shoulder and squeezed it lightly.
"It seems you have been through a lot since we parted our ways," the demon slayer said compassionately.
"It would have been much worse had I been alone," the priestess said softly. "But I was not." a small smile tugged the corner of her lips. She raised her gaze, locking her knowing sapphire eyes with the taijiya's brown ones.
"I know Sesshoumaru appears to be haughty, uncaring and cold," she said evenly. "But I trust him. Although I did not really want such a union with him, even if I had rather chosen love than a marriage of convenience… I do not regret my decision. Perhaps a time will come, when I do, but as of now, I am content."
Sango was about to reply, when suddenly she fell silent in shock. Kagome's eyes widened as they took in the sight of the priestess approaching them. Kagome awaited in apprehension. She had no clue as to why Kikyo was coming to her; they had not had any interaction since her return to Inutachi.
Soon, the miko was standing before them. Her blank brown eyes briefly regarded Sango and then flickered to Kagome.
"Leave us, demon slayer. I wish to speak to Kagome in private."
Sango nodded, glanced hurriedly at Kagome in concern, and then walked away.
Kagome swallowed and raised her confused blue eyes to meet Kikyo's soulless gaze.
"What is is, Kikyo?"
"I wanted to talk to you earlier," the undead miko confessed, "but I thought it best to wait until Inuyasha was out of sight."
Kagome nodded slowly.
"Go on."
"Why did you cut our soul?"
Kagome startled.
"I did not cut our soul," she started hesitantly. "It was the Fortune Teller who did it. She said it would be the easiest solution. In the mating ceremony my soul was bound with Sesshoumaru's. I did not wish that bond to have compelled you as well."
Kikyo inclined her head.
"For that, I am grateful. Yet, does the loss of this part of your soul not ail you?"
"I was very weak for a moment. But in the Binding, to compensate for the loss, Sesshoumaru gave me a slightly larger portion of his soul."
Kikyo's brown eyes widened slightly at the admission.
"That is most benevolent of him," she muttered, her tone of voice not able to conceal her surprise. "But while I am grateful that you entrusted me with a portion of our soul for my own keeping, do you not think it to be a waste?"
Kagome blinked.
"What do you mean?"
"For now, I wander these lands, for my task is still undone. As long as Naraku lives, I shall not rest. And yet, Kagome, I do not belong to the world of the living. Eventually, I shall go back to the hell that awaits me. The part of your soul that has been animating this clay body of mine would have returned to you in my death, but now that you have cut that piece off and given it to me, I am not sure if your soul can ever be whole again."
"A broken soul is a lighter burden than a broken heart." A wistful smile twisted Kagome's lips. "Thank you for your concern, Kikyo." It was a surprise to Kagome. She had not thought that the former miko of the Shikon had harboured too kind thoughts towards her.
"We both have the same goal and share the same soul," the priestess simply replied.
"We both loved the same man," Kagome said, an enigmatic look in her eyes. Then, she once again felt the familiar symptoms. Her breathing was steadily growing more laboured, and she felt the first sharp stab of pain in her chest.
"I might be selfish in this request… but please, I ask you to remain by Inuyasha's side. He has been hurt enough by my betrayal, I think your company will console him." Her glimmering blue eyes locked with Kikyo's dull brown ones. Then, Kagome straightened herself and touched Kikyo's shoulder lightly in passing. The undead priestess eyes followed her reincarnation as she walked over to where the silent demon lord was sitting, and took a seat by his side.
'I will heed your request, Kagome,' Kikyo thought to herself. 'Even if it was I who first betrayed him.'
-cCc-
Sesshoumaru was angry. He had not forgiven Inuyasha for his attempted attack on Kagome. He also loathed how the hanyou still could have such an effect on the miko, even though she had vowed to let go of the feelings she had harboured for the half-demon. The gentle priestess' guilt was evident to the demon lord, and that was just one more reason for him to resent his bastard brother. His dislike was equally great towards the whole current situation. He did not at all enjoy travelling with his half-brother and his companions.
Yet, as it was what Kagome wanted, he could but endure, like she had endured all the training and commotion in the castle of the West. He was feeling relieved, having escaped the Western castle, and all of its restrictions and the responsibilities it inflicted on him. He knew that eventually he'd have to return, but for now, he would be free for a while longer still.
He was glad though, that this time around, Kagome's usual travelling companions did not seem to neglect her, as they had done the last time Sesshoumaru had been forced to join his half-brother's quest. The monk had been supportive to his mate all along, something Sesshoumaru greatly appreciated. The demon slayer, too, had approached Kagome, and apparently had made peace with the priestess, with the way the two women had been cosily chatting earlier that night. Even the undead miko had not seemed to regard her incarnation with hostility. It was only Inuyasha who still refused to have anything to do with his former best friend.
Unfortunately, it was the hanyou's opinion that weighted most heavily on Kagome's mind.
Sesshoumaru sighed to himself, and raised his gaze. His eyes took in the glimmering sea of stars, speckled across the velvet sky. A light breeze rose to play with his long silver tresses, mirroring the gleam of the pale sickle of the moon. The campsite was silent and the fire had died, leaving them in the darkness of the night. Sesshoumaru sat in guard. The humans all appeared to be sleeping soundly. The hanyou was nowhere to be seen. Sesshoumaru had noticed how his bastard brother had started to put distance between himself and his companions. The inudaiyoukai could smell his hurt. Sesshoumaru thought that Kagome's choice had really upset the half-demon. He would have felt sorry for his own blood and kin, if he only was able to feel compassion towards the foolish brat. He had brought it upon himself, after all.
Sesshoumaru turned to look at the woman who was lying right next to him. She was peaceful in her sleep. The sad expression that had resided on her face for the past few days had eased out, the calmness of sleep having taken over her features. The top she was wearing had slipped slightly, so that the edge of the mating mark was peeking from under her clothes, dark against her light skin. His fingers twitched and automatically, unable to stop himself, he gently laid his hand on the mark, momentarily feeling the satisfactory sense of completion, as the binding of their souls was once more established. For that moment, he was overcome by the feelings that were restlessly swirling in his chest. With her, there was a sense of belonging – something he had never really felt in his life. Now, having experienced such intense feelings, he finally understood why his father had asked him that question all those years ago. Now, he had found something to protect. He wanted to protect his own happiness, and in particular the cause of his happiness.
He wanted to protect Kagome. His mate.
Sesshoumaru's sharp ears heard a slight rustle and he turned his head towards the sound. He saw that the taijiya had sat up. The woman's eyes were on him, and his amber gaze met with her hesitant brown eyes.
"I have not thought about you kindly in the past," the demon slayer spoke evenly. "Because I haven't been able to understand your motives. However, Kagome speaks highly of you. She trusts you, and holds you in high regard."
She paused for a while.
The demon lord said nothing.
"Please take care of her," the woman said, bowing her head lightly.
"Kagome is quite blessed, to have such good friends who wish her happiness," the demon lord spoke then. His eyes were no longer on the demon slayer, his gaze was taking in the form of his sleeping mate.
Sango saw the way the cold look of his eyes melted away when he looked at Kagome, and the woman understood that the demon lord whom she had always believed to be heartless, truly regarded the gentle miko with fondness and sincere affection.
With that, Sango felt reassured. She laid back down and closed her eyes, willing the sleep to come.
-cCc-
His hands travelled up her arms to her shoulders. Then, they gently slid down, brushing against her peaked nipples on their way to caress the flat of her stomach.
Kagome's cheeks burned and she let out a strangled groan.
Sango looked at her friend quizzically, with whom she was currently bathing in an onsen they had found near their camp, noting the priestess' flushed cheeks and how she had stopped rubbing on the soap mid-stroke.
"Kagome?" the worried taijiya asked. "Are you alright?"
"Never better," the priestess croaked, quickly going back to washing herself.
The demon slayer did not miss, however, that there was still a slightly wild look lingering in the miko's blue eyes.
Damn it all! Why were the flashbacks still plaguing her? Damn Sesshoumaru! And damn her over-active subconscious! Why – just why could not the momentary flashbacks of her wedding night leave her the hell alone?
There must be something wrong with me, Kagome concluded while rinsing off the soap. The memories of her night together with Sesshoumaru had been constantly looming at the back of her mind. That could not be normal… could it? Well, maybe it could, to Miroku, but to a normal person…?
After all, Sesshoumaru still acted as usual, and nothing in his behaviour towards her indicated in any way that anything at all had changed for him since that night.
So why…?
No matter how hard Kagome tried to rack her brain, she couldn't find the answer. Sighing to herself, she leaned back and soaked in the hot water of the spring.
"Kagome?" Sango asked tentatively.
"Hmmh?" the priestess acknowledged.
"Are you sure there's nothing wrong?" the taijiya asked, concerned.
"It's fine. I just feel a bit stressed, that's all."
Sango frowned but let it lie. Kagome might shrug it off, but Sango could see that her friend was certainly behaving oddly.
'Maybe I should try talking to Miroku about it?' Kagome pondered to herself. 'At least he has experience of having to deal with perverted thoughts…'
After idly soaking for awhile, she straightened herself and walked out of the hot spring. She dried up, dressed herself and brushed her wet hair. Soon after, Sango finished her bathing as well, and the two women returned to the camp site.
The same evening, an opportunity presented itself. Miroku said he was going to gather up some wood for the fire. Kagome quickly volunteered to go with him. She saw the surprised look on Sango's face, and the suspicious flicker in Sesshoumaru's eyes, but to her luck, neither of them asked any questions. She followed the monk out of the camp. However, as soon as they were deep enough in the forest, the man stopped and turned to look at her.
"Well, Kagome-sama?"
Kagome startled, feeling confused.
"Eh?"
"You wanted to talk to me, isn't that it?" the perceptive monk said, a gentle smile on his lips.
Kagome squirmed, feeling a bit guilty.
"Was I that obvious?" she said sheepishly.
"It does not matter. Something is troubling you, right?"
Kagome nodded, blushing lightly.
"Well… Yes. There is a little… problem to which I would want to find a solution."
"Go on."
"Uhh…" Kagome's blush darkened. "It's kind of that… Umm… Well… When I mated Sesshoumaru, we… uhh…"
"Something to do with your wedding night?" Miroku guessed sharply.
Kagome nodded, her cheeks flaming.
"I kind of… keep thinking about it. I can't forget it. These… thoughts… keep popping up even if I didn't want them to. And I don't know how to get rid of them."
Miroku's smile widened into a grin and his eyes were suddenly alight.
"Well, Kagome-sama, if you have an itch needing to be scratched, I'd be more than happy to offer you my help."
The ridiculous wiggling of his eyebrows soon told the sputtering wide-eyed priestess that he was only joking.
And soon enough, his grin faded as a frown took over his features.
"Seriously speaking, though, I do not think I am the person you should be discussing your feelings with, Kagome-sama. Private matters such as these should be kept between spouses."
Kagome shifted uncomfortably, and for a while she amused herself with Miroku's suggestion. What she got, was a mental image of trying to have a sex talk with Sesshoumaru.
Nope. Not going to happen.
Kagome shook her head vehemently.
"No. I cannot go to him," she whispered, biting her lip. How could she approach him and tell him about the thoughts invading her mind, when it was so plainly obvious that nothing at all had changed for him? It had taken a very long time, for them to build this close companionship. Would she really want to risk bringing it all to ruin? Just because her imagination had suddenly taken a perverse turn?
It was not worth it.
Miroku sighed softly, taking in the sight of the priestess. He truly loved her, she was very dear to him. It made him uneasy, to see her so troubled and so helpless.
He reached out and gently patted the woman's shoulder.
"Make yourself busy." he simply said. "Leave yourself no time to think. That's the only piece of advice I can give to you."
"Thank you, Miroku."
"Now, let's start gathering that firewood," he said cheerily.
The miko flashed him a smile and spun to work.
For a while, Miroku's lavender eyes followed the form of his friend. He couldn't help but think that it really would be better if she could talk to her mate about her troubles. He could tell that the bond of Sesshoumaru and Kagome was tight, but it appeared that their relationship still wasn't quite on the level that was typical for mates. Of course it was understandable, as their union had been for the sake of convenience. He shook his head.
He really hoped that Kagome would find her happiness some day. After all she had been through, she surely deserved it.
-cCc-
To Kagome's luck, she was soon enough too busy for inappropriate thoughts. The very next day, she sensed a shikon shard just as Kikyo told to the group that there was a shard ahead, and from then on, the hunt began. Inuyasha finally seemed as if a spark of life had returned to him, as he enthusiastically rushed forward into the direction Kagome had pointed out. Sesshoumaru scooped Kagome up into his arms, unceremoniously and without a warning, and the priestess squirmed slightly, feeling uncomfortable at being pressed against the breast plate of his armour. In a blink of an eye they had left their human companions behind as Sesshoumaru caught up with Inuyasha at ease, settling to run beside the hanyou.
The half demon said nothing, but he glared at them from the corner of his eye. Inuyasha was frustrated, and it made him angry to see Sesshoumaru cradling his Kagome in his arms like that, but even Inuyasha knew he could not outrun his full-blooded brother. The uncomfortable look in the miko's face made his irritation wane a little.
"Which way is the shard?" the hanyou grunted.
Kagome startled, this was the first time Inuyasha had talked to her since that night.
"Straight ahead," she said feebly. "And… up." there was a confused frown on her forehead.
"I can smell them," Sesshoumaru said evenly. "There is a flock of crow demons ahead."
"Crow demons?" Inuyasha could not stop the sneer rising to his lips. "Now that's a bunch I haven't seen for a while."
Kagome bit down onto her lip. She remembered the last time she had encountered crow demons. That had been the very day on which she had broken the shikon no tama.
Soon, they arrived on a cliff, and saw the great flock of crows, dark against the sky.
Inuyasha drew Tessaiga out of its sheath, and the blade immediately transformed.
"Alright," the hanyou said, grinning to himself. "Let's get rollin'."
"Do not." Sesshoumaru's cold voice cut in.
"What?"
"For once, do not rush head first into a battle and make a fool out of yourself, little brother."
Inuyasha growled and glared at Sesshoumaru. He was about to start arguing, when Miroku, Sango and Kikyo arrived, riding on Kirara.
"What do you think will happen if you rashly attack that flock?" Sesshoumaru continued evenly.
"They will scatter," Kagome breathed out, realisation dawning in her eyes.
Sesshoumaru nodded.
"There is only one shard, correct?"
Kagome nodded in affirmation.
"We should keep them together. Attack them on all sides, so that they will have nowhere to fly. And then," Sesshoumaru's eyes flicked to Inuyasha, "they can be all taken down with the Wind Scar."
"That is a good plan, Sesshoumaru-sama," Miroku congratulated.
"Keh! Fine! Miroku! Ride with Kirara. Sango, you can take them down with Hiraikotsu, right?"
"Of course." the demon slayer replied, brandishing her weapon.
"Do not let even one of those crows escape," Kikyo said emotionlessly. She had slid off the fire cat and was holding her bow in her hand.
"Kagome," Sesshoumaru said calmly, "go with the miko. Take the left side."
"Alright." Kagome hastened to stand next to Kikyo, holding her bow and quiver ready.
"Monk, attack them from above. You, demon slayer, from below. This Sesshoumaru will take care of the right side."
Sango and Miroku instantly obeyed.
"And you, little brother… Attack on cue."
"Keh! I don't need to be told that!"
"Indeed. Go!"
Kirara leaped to the air, carrying Miroku on her back. The monk pulled out ofuda, ready to throw them at the youkai birds. Sango took in a deep breath, and then poised herself ready. She yelled as she hurled her massive weapon into the air. Kagome and Kikyo drew their bows in unison, and released two brightly glimmering purification arrows, just as the green whip lashed out gracefully from Sesshoumaru's clawed fingers to disturb the left flank of the flock.
The birds were terrified and confused, being attacked from all the sides at the same time. Hopelessly, panic stricken, they flapped stupidly in the air, seeking shelter from each other, packing up tighter and tighter, concentrating on one spot.
"Inuyasha!" Sesshoumaru growled.
"Houshi-sama! Get out of the way!" wailed Sango desperately.
Miroku swiftly steered Kirara down. Her paws touched the grass just as the monk heard the hanyou's yell.
"Kaze no kizu!"
With rippling power, the attack was released, sending the untamed torrents of wind flying. They ripped the flock of crows apart, none were left to live as they all evaporated on the spot. In the midst of the chaos, Miroku spotted a faint glimmer and urged Kirara back in the air. Soon, he was back again, holding a single shard on his palm.
"We got it!"
Kagome was already reaching out to Miroku, when her hand faltered. Kikyo had stepped forward, and had pulled the shards of the jewel the Inutachi had gathered up so far. She stood aside, as the undead miko took the shard from the monk, purified it, and added it among the others.
Even if Kagome had stepped aside from that role herself, the moment she had told Inuyasha to ask Kikyo to help him if shards were all that mattered to him, she couldn't help but to feel a slight pang in her chest. For some reason she could not understand even herself, she reached out to Sesshoumaru, who was silently standing by her side, and curled her small fingers into the silk of his wide sleeve.
The inudaiyoukai's amber eyes had an enigmatic look in them, as their gaze flashed over the priestess, and for a moment Sesshoumaru had to fight down the overwhelming impulse of pulling his mate into his arms.
-cCc-
Chie: Thank you, my sweets, for the amazing support you all show for this story! Also, a HUGE thank you for the kind souls who nominated Chain for 4th Q 2010 on Dokuga Awards! I did not imagine even in my wildest dreams that Chain would be nominated in as many as 3 categories! THANK YOU!