The Missing Link

By:

Summary: Kagome is an archaeologist who's teams digging around Japan. In her search, she comes across the only known existing demon, frozen and preserved in the mountains. Once he's thawed up, it is up to her to attend to him, teach him the ways of the new world, and comfort his aching heart.

'Blah'-Sesshomaru's strange language

'Blah'-thoughts

'Blah'-Sesshomaru's beast

Chapter 34

Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha. That is all…thank you

xxx

The unrelenting pressures in his skull was going to kill him, Inutaisho was certain of it. Inhaling deeply, he calmed himself. At a time like this, he needed to be gentle and calming, not vicious and biting like instincts called for him to be. Rubbing the back of his neck tiredly, he turned to his left. "Your beloved's aura is already forcing down my youki, my boy. I don't need yours on top of it," he chuckled lightly to show Sesshomaru that it was mostly a joke.

Obviously, the daiyoukai didn't find it amusing in the least. "This is too soon for her. The council has no choice but to reschedule," Sesshomaru replied confidently, as though there truly were no other option, which to him, there wasn't. As expected, she had been giving off a nervous vibe since she'd awakened that afternoon. That was to be expected. Now, though, the apprehensiveness in her aura was almost overwhelming. "When she has had time to truly prepare, she will return."

"You know as well as I that the council does not reschedule for no good reason, Sesshomaru. Even death is not so serious a cause in their eyes," He spoke more properly, without contractions and modern language, as he had always done when speaking to Sesshomaru, in a way similar to how colloquialisms snuck into his speech when he was around Inuyasha. "This meeting will go forth, regardless of young Kagome's discomfort."

"You speak as though her discomfort is trifling. Should she only ask, this Sesshomaru will take her away. The council will accept that."

The left side of his mouth quirked up, and he found himself sighing. "Perhaps passing down my love of humans to you boys was not my finest hour."

"You think me absorbed?"

"Definitely."

Sesshomaru reached across the vanity to grab a red ribbon. "You would not be wrong in your assumption." Easily, he tied his hair into a low tail, not hair out of place.

"I know." Sighing gently, he leaned against the vanity. "She'll do fine, Sesshomaru. The pressure will make her show more of herself, and that will surely intrigue the council. They will adore her."

"As they should."

"Then why are you so worried? If you know how interesting and captivating she is, what have you to worry about? Surely, she will please them."

Sesshomaru stood, irritated. "Worried, this Sesshomaru is not."

Inutaisho stood as well, following him toward the shoji. "Understandable. You are not worried. But you are concerned about her nonetheless."

"She is to be my mate," he replied in a tone that suggested that it were obvious for him to be concerned. "Her well being and health are my first concern. Above all else, it is this Sesshomaru's obligation to make certain she is comfortable."

"It isn't that serious, though. Kagome is a strong woman. Do you doubt that?"

"...no."

"Then let the woman be." Gently, he patted his head, raising his eyes when an aura flared outside the door. "Enter, Inuyasha," he called.

Inuyasha entered, Setsuna and Shippo just behind. Stretching his arms above his head, he yawned, "Oi, are you two done getting beautiful? You're takin' as long as the women."

Inutaisho laughed in amusement, tossing an arm around his younger son's shoulders. "It takes a while to look this hot, Inuyasha. Jealousy isn't very flattering."

"Keh. Whatever."

Setsuna rolled his eyes at the rowdiness of the two males, facing his father. "Father, have you visited Mother? I tried a while ago, but they quickly sent me away."

Shippo scoffed. "Come on, now. His aura is raging and suffocating. He obviously hasn't seen her since this afternoo-" He paused when there was a soft knock at the shoji. At Inutaisho's nod, he called, "Come in."

Inuyasha shook his head. "Heck no! There's too many people in this room as i-" His breath caught in his throat as he saw the shoji slide back. "K-K-Kikyo..." Awestruck, he simply gazed at her.

Hands tightly clenched in the loose maternity kimono she wore, Kikyo inched into the room. "Is it too much, Inuyasha?"

"...You were born in the wrong era. Mine suits you so much better." Happily, and blushing profusely, he took her hands in his and looked her over, from head to toe and back. "You look amazing, babe."

Giggling, she flushed, "Stop it. You're just saying that."

Shippo shook his head. "You're beautiful, Kikyo-chan. And I'm not just saying that. Besides, Inuyasha's a horrible liar. You'd know if he wasn't telling the truth."

"Oi1 What d'you know?"

Sesshomaru cleared his throat to capture their attention. "Kikyo-san, is Kagome free as well?"

"When I passed her room, I still heard a lot of commotion. A servant came scurrying out, though, and she told me that Kaede-san was almost done with Kagome-chan's hair," Kikyo answered with a smile and allowed Inuyasha to lead her to a chair. "Thanks, love. The pup is getting a little anxious, I think. I'm starting to feel a little nauseas."

Inuyasha frowned worriedly, placing a hand on her stomach and growling lowly. "I'll take care of it," he muttered, then continued to growl to her stomach.

Smiling over at the pair, Inutaisho sighed warmly, contently. "Oh, Sesshomaru, that'll be you again one day. You'll treat Kagome-chan just as protectively as Inuyasha is treating Kikyo-chan...as you treated Shin-mi."

"...He did stuff like that with Shin-m- I mean, with Mother?" Setsuna inquired in a forced indifferent tone. He wouldn't dare show how inquisitive he truly was about it.

"All the time," Inutaisho raved, remembering fondly. "His face was practically glued to her stomach the entire time you were within her. He refused to give the woman space to breathe, but she reveled in his spoiling her."

Setsuna smiled, laughing at his own memories. "She did seem to like being pampered, now that I think of it."

"And she absolutely adored having all of your father's attention on her. She was a stingy little miko. I suppose that's where you got it from."

"...hn," he rolled his eyes, flushing at his grandfather's truthful words.

Sesshomaru, who had simply been watching the exchange between grandfather and grandson, stood abruptly. "The council has arrived. You all should go meet them. I will come down with Kagome once she has finished."

"Uh, sure," Shippo rubbed the back of his neck and smiled a bit. "I mean, it won't kill me to give you two some alone time. Right, Setsuna?"

"Actually, I want to see her." He narrowed his eyes when his 'brother' shoved him. "What was that for?"

"Don't be an idiot, Setsuna. Come on!" He dragged him toward the door. "Gosh, how they're ever going to get anything done with you around, I'll never know."

"Keh, he's right, ya' know!" Inuyasha joined in with a laugh as he followed behind them, hand in hand with Kikyo. "At this rate, they really won't have a pup for a long time."

"Good. They don't need one." Setsuna snapped, snatching his arm from Shippo, who grinned and pushed him forward. "Stop it."

Inutaisho shook his head as their loud voices echoed down the hall, but he couldn't help being amused. "You've got to love this dysfunctional family we have, ne, son?" He patted him on the back then exited the room.

Sesshomaru stepped out into the hallway and began toward Kagome's room, and, without pausing to ask permission to enter, he slid open the shoji. "Kagome."

"Sesshomaru!" She covered her pulled her kimono closed, covering her once exposed body. "Why didn't you knock or ask if I was dressed?"

"I've seen all of you before, miko," He replied lowly, closing the shoji behind him. A number of laughs and giggles followed his statement, and Kagome reddened. Approaching her, he took in her face, which had been covered in a thin layer of white, glittery powder, a light blush on her cheeks, and magenta stripes, mimicking his, on her eye lids. "Beautiful." He reached to touch her cheek, but she grabbed his hand.

"Hey, it took hours for this to happen. You can't just come in here and rui-" Her eyes widened when he took her lips in his. Jerking her head back, she hissed, "My lipstain!"

"This Sesshomaru will do as he sees fit," he told her, licking his lips. "You look remarkable."

Forgetting her earlier annoyance, she smiled sheepishly at before looking toward the mirror. "You think so? I'm a little worried that I'm not really cut out for this. I mean, I got a glimpse of Kikyo-san earlier, and she looks like she stepped right out of the feudal era. She has such an ethereal beauty, and I..." Her eyes lowered. "She looks more like your mate than I do."

Sesshomaru gazed at her for a moment, then faced the women who had stopped picking at her in favor of watching the exchange. "You will excuse us," he said lowly, his eyes sweeping toward the door. Immediately, they left.

Kaede, however, paused at the 'doorway'. "Please, speak some sense into her thick skull. I've been trying to make her realize her worth and beauty for the past several hours." Bowing her head, she left, gently closing the shoji behind her.

"...Who are you," he began, sitting on a small zabuton (pillow) on the floor, "to decide what this Sesshomaru's mate looks like?"

Scowling, she turned away from him. "Don't start with that. That isn't what I meant, and you know it."

"That is precisely what you meant."

"It isn't! It's just that...she's so beautiful. Her eyes are so narrow and calculating. Her face can be so indifferent. Her nose is really defined, and her lips are to die for. And her hair, so straight. I just, I can't compete with that."

Sesshomaru glared at her in annoyance. "When did this Sesshomaru say that that was what he wanted?"

Kagome grimaced, closing her eyes tightly. "Whatever, Sesshomaru. I don't want to talk about it. Let's just get this over with."

"That is not an answer."

"You want an answer? Here's one: A woman like Kikyo has the strength to run a nation if her mate is absent. A woman like her, trained in battle, could defend herself. And she..." She held back her tears, not wanting to ruin her make up, "she could give you better looking, more intelligent and sophisticated pups."

Sesshomaru arched a brow. "Better than Setsuna?"

Kagome scoffed. "Setsuna is beautiful, like Shi..."

"Yes. Like Shin-mi was. And Shin-mi looked closer to you than Kikyo-san. She could, and did, defend herself and Setsuna against many an assailant, battling 15 at a time once, though she was not trained in battle until she met me. Before Setsuna's birth, this Sesshomaru was teaching her the laws of youkai society, and the duties of a lord and his mate."

A tear fell down her cheek. "So," her voice broke, "what are you trying to say?"

Sesshomaru rose swiftly to his feet, taking her in his arms. "I am saying that what you do not know, I will take it upon myself to teach you. You will be a ruler, a warrior, and a mother of dozens of beautiful, intellectually unmatched pups with time. I would have no other if I could not have you, Kagome."

"I just don't want them to take you away from me," she whimpered, pressing her forehead against his chest. "I couldn't bear it."

"I would not let them. I have told you this. Why do you continue to worry?"

"I don't know." She laughed humorlessly, drawing back from him and checking the mirror to be sure she hadn't ruined her make up. "It's something we humans do sometimes. We like to think the worst and depress ourselves for no reason."

Sesshomaru rubbed her shoulder lovingly, trying to ease her pain. "It insults this Sesshomaru for you to have so little faith in him."

"I'm sorry. I trust you, really, I do."

"I know." Moving away from her, he grabbed her obi, which was canary yellow and royal blue like his, from a nearby bag and returned to her side. "Perhaps what you admire about Kikyo-san is that she, in your eyes, looks like a youkai. That is what you mean by 'ethereal', no?" He wrapped his arms around her.

"...yeah."

"Had I intended to mate a youkai, I would not have chosen the intriguing human in my arms." With ease, he wrapped her obi, round and around and around, before finally tying the thick fabric behind her. "Whose beauty is so astounding that it has captured the heart of a lord who has seen many a beautiful youkai."

Beaming at their reflections in the mirror, she joked, "Surely, milord, you've simply caught sight of your own image in the mirror." She sighed when he shook his head at her. "I'm joking. Thank you, Sesshou." As he gazed at her intensely, she grew nervous. "A-ahem, um, we've kept the council waiting long enough. Let's go."

"Hn."

xxx

Setsuna resisted the urge to flare his aura and find out where his parents were. The council was currently grilling his grandfather, and he found that, surprisingly, it was beginning to annoy him. Who did they think they were to question his family and their methods. Obviously, they were no normal, nor conventional, family. What was the point in inquiring upon their motives. 'Sessh- Father, come quickly.'

"It is unlike Sesshomaru-san to be late," Shuji announced, a sly smile creeping along his lips.

"Well, it is rather hard to be late for something there is no appointed time for. Besides, my son is on his way."

Kagome squeezed Sesshomaru's hand tightly in hers as they walked toward the conference room. "I-I thought we'd have to walk in as a family. Now they're going to look directly at us, at me."

Stroking the back of her hand with his thumb, he informed her, "The council would have had their eyes on you regardless."

"...thanks."

"You will do fine. Do not worry," he assured her with a small smile. At the door, he paused and released her hand, then pushed on through the doors.

Kagome strained to hold her aura down as she felt the burning eyes of the council. Quietly, she followed behind Sesshomaru, bowing when he bowed and sitting when he gestured for her to do so. 'Okay so far, Kagome.'

Sesshomaru stared ahead at the council. "This Sesshomaru presents to you, the council, his mate-to-be, Higurashi Kagome. She is willing to pledge her undying loyalty to her lord and mate." Stepping aside, he gestured for her to rise.

Cautiously, she rose to her feet the way Setsuna had taught her. She cut her eyes to Sesshomaru, wondering what to do next, but he had his eyes focused on the council. Nervously, she leaned forward, bowing.

"Higurashi Kagome, hm?" Elder Kou nodded thoughtfully, giving her a once over. "You did not lie."

With great difficulty, she masked her curiosity. 'Lie? What would he have had to lie about?'

"Kagome." She flinched at Elder Shuji's obvious show of disrespect. "How old are you?"

"I am 25 years old, Shuji-sama."

"You are 25, and Kikyo-san, here, is 27. Trying to get 'married' before 30, hm? Is that it?"

She stilled, then quickly objected, "Of course not, Elder Shuji. I am marr- mating Sesshomaru-sama out of...fondness, for lack of better word. I am in no hurry to be committed."

"And you, Kikyo-san, what do you have to say? Is time rushing faster than you can bear? Is it your pregnancy?"

Kikyo rose, her hand on her stomach. "I love Inuyasha-sama."

Elder Daichi laughed, obviously amused. "Ah, you humans and your love. How controlling that invisible force is for you."

Elder Yori narrowed his eyes, waving his hand at the older man. "Let them have it. There is nothing wrong with it...Though i do not recall Kagome-san speaking of such an emotion."

Kagome flushed. "I...I will not lie, Yori-sama. I cannot say what I do not feel. As of now, I have yet to 'fall in love' with Sesshomaru-sama. That is to say that-"

"You do not love him," Elder Kou frowned thinly, "and yet you have already pledged to remain at his side for eternity. It is rare for humans to take such a large step without love. What is the difference between love and loyalty?"

"The difference? I suppose there isn't much of one. Love cannot exist without loyalty, nor loyalty without a certain degree of love. Still, though, love is...a feeling, ne, Kikyo-san?"

Kikyo quickly obliged. "Yes, a...a stirring in your body."

"In your soul too." Kagome placed a hand on her lower abdomen as the fluttering of butterflies struck up in her stomach. "A-and Sesshomaru-sama gives me that...stir of feelings, that rush of emotion..."

Elder Daichi cocked a brow, interested, and yet confused. "So, if you feel love, how do you not feel love?"

Kagome grimaced. She was contradicting herself, but she didn't know how to explain how she felt about Sesshomaru. "I do not know enough of Sesshomaru-sama to love him. In many ways, he is still an enigma to me. until I know all of him, I won't be satisfied."

"There is no way possible you can know everything. He is centuries old."

"I understand, but I will learn all possible." She hoped they would accept that. She hadn't expected to have to break down the inner workings of their relationship and explain it to a group of youkai who didn't even know what love felt like...especially when she hardly understood the concept of it herself. "And I hope to give myself to him in a way similar."

Elder Shuji rolled his eyes irritably, huffing, "Ridiculous. You cannot even explain your own feelings.

Elder Kou cut his eyes at his fellow elder. "Emotions are not the easiest thing in the world to explain, Shuji-san. Although, we must move on. Kagome-san, Kikyo-san, tell us of your battle experience."

Kikyo cleared her thoat. "Well, Kou-sama, there are limited opportunities in this era, as you know. I have studied archery for thirteen years now. I have a proficient level of skill with a katana, and I've studied judo for about six years."

Kagome swallowed thickly as all eyes turned to her. "I have a black belt, 6-dan, in Karate, and I have limited skill in archery." She felt horrible, like she was filling out college applications again and wouldn't measure up to expectations.

Elder Kou nodded thoughtfully. "You both will need more training, but that will come in time. We are at a relatively peaceful period among the youkai society."

Elder Shuji glanced between the women, then spoke. "I am curious now, seeing that Kikyo-san is pregnant. Have either of you been pregnant before? And were you virgins before you met Sesshomaru-san and Inuyasha-san."

'Why so many difficult questions?' "Well, I have never been pregnant, and I was also not a virgin. Sesshomaru-sama knows of this, though."

"You were married before, no?"

'How could he have...' "Yes, sir."

"Hnk," he chuckled slightly. "And you, Kikyo-san?"

"I have not been pregnant before, and I was a virgin before I met Inuyasha-sama at age seventeen."

Elder Kou cocked a brow. "Oh, you two have been together for this long?"

"No, sir. We separated for several years, and reunited two and a half years ago."

Kagome nervously shifted her eyes to Sesshomaru, but still he was looking at the counsel. 'Have I done something wrong? And does he notice that Elder Shuji is being so mean to me? And he's trying to make me look horrible compared to Kikyo-san.'

Elder Yori, who had been sitting back, simply watching, cleared his voice, causing all attention to himself. "Setsuna-san, rise." Once Setsuna had stood, he noted aloud, "You resemble him, Kagome-san. And you resemble Shin-mi, Sesshomaru-san's initial potential mate. How does that make you feel?"

"The past is the past. We have discussed it, and Sesshomaru-sama has assured me that he does not see me as a replacement for her. I am my own woman, and I caught his interest during his period of amnesia, when he didn't even remember her."

"And you don't think that he subconsciously recalled her and was drawn to you due to such."

"Even if that is so, I am certain that, by now, he has noticed the differences between us. If he has not, I will continue to remind him during the course of out mating."

Elder Yori smiled brightly. "Confidence! I love that in a human! And if your pups look and behave half as well as young Setsuna, I look forward to their births."

Kagome beamed gratefully. "Yes. If our pups are half as great as my Setsuna, I will be a blessed woman."

"Well, with human blood, they can only dream to be half of that which Setsuna is. Hanyou are more like one-fourth of a full-blooded youkai, not nearly as strong or attractive."

She tensed immediately at his prejudice statements, her hands fisting within her long sleeves. "With all due respect, Shuji-sama, have you not seen Inuyasha-aniki-san? If that is what my children will be like, I have nothing to fear."

"Yes, because Inuyasha is a good model for a pup," he quipped sarcastically. "Weak and uncouth." He didn't let the furious flare of auras in the room deter him. "I feel sorry for your pups if that is the bar you are setting for them. To be like Inuyasha or even Setsuna."

"There is nothing wrong with my son or brother!" She bit back before she could stop herself.

Sesshomaru silenced her with a glance. "Hold your tongue, miko," he snapped, his first time looking at her since they had entered the room. She stepped away from him and, at the commanding look in his eyes, she sat. "Elder Shuji, I will not allow my son or brother to be slandered. You will watch what you say."

Elder Kou sighed. "Everyone, calm down."

Elder Shuji surged on, despite the words of his fellow elder. "I can say whatever I want, Pup. And I mean what I say. Your pups will be miserable, sniveling little creatures.

"Should you continue to belittle this Sesshomaru's family, you will surely regret it."

Setsuna rose. "Especially after they have their first pup and he astounds you all. They are trying now. You're going to look like a fool when he is born."

Kagome raised her once lowered eyes, smiling at what she knew was her son's efforts to ease her hurt and anger. 'His blessing.'

Shippo sighed, standing and placing his hands on his brother's shoulders. "Watch what you're saying, Setsuna."

Shuji nodded. "Yes! Watch your mouth, pup!"

Elder Yori sighed. "Shuji-san, be silent."

Shuji gaped at him, stuttering, "Y-you can't-"

"I can. We will all exit and reconvene in fifteen minutes when we have calmed. Let us take our leave, gentlemen. We have much to discuss." Standing, he left the room, the other elders after him.

Sesshomaru extended a hand to help Kagome up, but, ignoring his offer, she stood and stormed from the room. 'Sensitive human women.' After Shin-mi's death, he'd never though he'd have to deal with that again. Out in the hall, he caught her arm. "Kagome."

She glared at him. "Don't just shut me up like that! That was so embarrassing, so disrespectful!"

"As was your tone with the council."

"You used the same tone!"

"I am not human."

She stared at him in surprise, hissing, "Well, I am so sorry I am human." She turned to walk away, but he tightened his hold on her arm. "What?"

"I am protecting you. The council hardly accepts tones such as those from youkai. They will not hesitate to slay a human over it."

"He's right, Kagome-chan. Why do you think I would be so calm with him insulting my Inuyasha?" Kikyo inquired, hugging Inuyasha's arm to her chest.

"Yeah, thanks for that, Kagome," Inuyasha grinned. "Sis, I mean."

Her shoulders sagging, Kagome sighed. "No prob. But what am I supposed to do? I can't just let them disrespect my family."

Sesshomaru grabbing the edge of her ear gently. "You do not listen, miko. You are to have faith in me. I will protect you and our family."

"...I'm sorry. I'll let you handle it." She leaned upward on the tips of her toes and licked his adam's apple. "That's what I do, right?"

"Hn, it is a little more like this," he placed a hand on her forehead, nudging her to tilt her head back and lowered his own.

Setsuna grimaced with disgust, turning away and shielding his eyes. "I don't need to see that. Please."

Shippo laughed, wrapping an arm around Setsuna's shoulders. "Come on. You just gave them your blessing. You aren't going to go back on it, now are you?"

"..." Setsuna sighed, muttering, "Soiling my mother."

Kagome withdrew from her lover in favor or attacking her son with an unrelenting assailment of tickling. She giggled as he squirmed away from her, laughing as he did.

"C-cut it out," he breathed, trying to hold her at bay without using too much space. When he felt he couldn't hold it in any longer, he seized her arms, breathing heavily. "Okay. Okay. That's enough."

Kagome gazed up into his face. "Setsuna, you are absolutely perfect. Don't let that idiot convince you otherwise." She embraced him.

Setsuna couldn't help but return the hug, but as he did, he blushed and muttered, "Why do you humans have to be so sentimental and emotional? I didn't let it get to me, Mother."

"Of course you didn't."

I loooooooove the Setsuna/Kagome combo for some reason. I just really love them as a mother/son duo. He's all cute, and like 'I don't want to love you as much as I do', and she's like 'I'm gonna make you and your dad show your fluffy sides!' But, anyway, I digress. This is what I've got. I planned to take in more detail about what Kagome looked like, but I couldn't do it as much as I wanted. Hope you enjoyed. Hopefully it won't be really long before the second part of this chapter comes out. Thanks for reading, and look forward to the next update, please! God bless!