Finally, I managed to write this chapter. Took me long enough to get here! So I won't waste time. Presenting, Chapter 25:

"Ohara," Sesshomaru called, "Come."

It was dark out when the ever-expanding traveling party had just completed setting their camp for the night and gathering food for their dinner. Everyone watched as the girl rose from where she had been sitting and pondering what the old priestess had told her the day before.

Lady Kaede had told her what she had known of dragons and Sesshomaru. She has said the dragons were often the guardians of lakes and rivers. There were temples dedicated to these guardians and the guardians in turn, often protected the people villagers who tended the temple. Those who sought it frequently found great power.

Although she was unable to say much on the daiyokai, she had been able to tell her the circumstances of Inuyasha and Sesshomaru's birth. The great dog demon, Inu no Taisho, left Sesshomaru's mother for Inuyasha's human mother. In the end, such a decision had lead to the great demon's death.

No wonder Sesshomaru was mad at her. Her leaping to a human's aid must have seemed as similar a betrayal. If only she'd known!

"Female," Sesshomaru's voice brought her from her ponderings, "Your human servant has informed this Sesshomaru of your desire to speak."

"Oh, yeah," Well then, she better make this a good apology. After all, she had given him reason to call her loyalty into question. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled herself up to press her lips to the demon marking on his cheek, ignoring the pain that spread through her injured arm. "I'm sorry."

Surprise flashed across his features before they returned to their usual stoic state. He looked out into the distance, "hn. Your apology is unnecessary."

"But-"

Sesshomaru pushed her from him. Ohara was about to protest when he took her right wrist and placed it on his armored chest. He then began pulling the bandages from her injured arm. "You are loyal to this Sesshomaru even after feeling the sting of my sword."

"It was just a misunderstanding. I should have not been so weak as to be captured in the first place."

"Hn," Sesshomaru brought her wrist up to examine her wound, "It would be foolish to expect more from one who has yet to experience their first year of demonic energy. You already have excelled beyond expectations." Ohara gasped as his tongue slid up the laceration, "Now, do not move if you want to this Sesshomaru to neutralize the Tokijin's influence."

A compliment from the great Lord Sesshomaru? Ohara swelled with pride. All the sweet nothings in the world could not amount to that. Who would want abundant meaningless praise over one sincere comment?

When he was done, Sesshomaru rewrapped Ohara arm. Then, without warning, he pulled her up to him, crushing her mouth with his. She easily surrendered to his kiss. Sharp fangs scraped across her lips as he spoke,

"My armor."

Ohara quickly found the tassel and pulled it. His armor fell to the ground as he drove her back to a tree. This was familiar. A low growl vibrated from his chest, yet, this time, Ohara did not attempt to pull away. This time, she knew better. It wasn't like she could stop him anyway. If there was one thing she knew about Sesshomaru, it was he would take what he wanted.

"Sesshomaru…" She breathed. His growl deepened. Ohara inhaled sharply as his hand trailed over her chest and down her side, grabbing her hip and pulling them closer to his own. He nipped a trail of kisses up her neck to her ear, whispering in it,

"This Sesshomaru can smell your fear," there was a hint of amusement in his voice. Ohara could swear she felt his lips pull into a smirk, "and arousal."

Her hands tightened around his kimono. "My lord-"

His kiss silenced her.

Something was burning inside her, and it was wanting out. It was an awful lot like her true form, but at the same time, different. Instincts…

Ohara felt her yoki flare. A growl escaped from her. She suddenly had the strength to push Sesshomaru off of her, though she did not brake their contact. His eyes opened and widened at her unexpected bold move. After a moment, they narrowed and he forced her back to the tree, pinning her arms against her chest with his heavy body. He snarled louder.

"Are you challenging this Sesshomaru's authority?"

Ohara bared her teeth, hardly believing her aggressive behavior. Had she lost her mind? Why couldn't she stop herself? Such brazen moves where so unlike her…

A sharp pain pierced the skin around her collarbone. Sesshomaru's golden eyes bored into hers, "play with fire, female, and sooner or later, your going to get burnt."

Ohara added a hiss to her growl, but was unable to move from his dominating touch.

…...

They made their way back to were the others were resting. Ohara had her arms wrapped around her lord's. He lead her over to their usual spot, where she settled on his lap and curled up in his pelt.

Sesshomaru had been correct in his assumption that his female would become more challenging with time. Already, her confidence had grown exponentially. He had managed to subdue her with relative ease, but he had the feeling by the time he was ready to truly claim her, the feisty female would prove to be more trying.

Then again, were was the triumph in claiming a demoness who would simply lye down and submit to him? Such a females were weak, and not worthy of his attentions. Yet, while intensely dedicated to him, Ohara was not going to be that easy. He was going to need all his skill to have his way with her.

And it would make his conquest all the more satisfying.

See? Took me long enough. I hate it when Sesshomaru and Ohara aren't getting along, L. Yet, such is necessary, at least in my opinion. But that's not what this note is for. This note is to (as always) beg you for reviews. I love them, what can I say? And feedback is really helpful! Thanks!