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'- Mental communication

Chapter 35

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

"What do you mean she's going with him?" Setsuna stumbled to his feet as he heard the announcement. Franticly, he looked to his father, who didn't say a word. Facing the council again, he argued, "Pardon me for objecting, but K-Kagome doesn't know how to...I-I mean, she can't protect herself if something terrible happens."

Elder Daichi nodded stiffly, sweeping his hand toward Shuji. "Shuji-san will be at her side the entire. He will protect her."

'She needsprotection from him!'' He thought in irritation. "And I am sure he will do a good job, but perhaps if I accompanied th-"

"You, young Setsuna, will be with me. I would like to test your swordplay skills," Kou interjected, folding his hands into his sleeves. "I will be testing you as well, Shippo-san. Inutaisho-san and Sesshomaru-san will be with Elder Yori, and Inuyasha-san and his prospective mate will join Elder Daichi."

Setsuna swallowed as he realized there was nothing he could say that would convince them not to let Kagome go with Shuji alone. They all seemed so determined. Bowing his head, he conceded. 'God, keep her safe.'

Kagome fisted her hands in her lap, her head hanging as everyone rose around her. Sesshomaru hadn't prepared her for this. Separating from him? What was she supposed to do? How would she know what to say? How would she- Her head snapped up as she felt a hand on her back. "Setsuna?'

"Don't worry. If anything happens, flare your aura as far as you can. Father and I will be at your side in an instant." Smiling, he kissed her cheek and waved goodbye, following Shippo and Elder Kou out the east exit.

"Mm." The smile that he'd placed on her face fled quickly as the room emptied, leaving only her and Shuji. Her shoulders tensed as she heard his slow footsteps, each one closer than the next.

Shuji glared at the top of her head. 'If I could take a katana to your skull, sever it in half, and use it as a serving platter, I would! You are a useless creature, and this mighty clan has no use for you! I'll help them do what they are too afraid to.' "What are you worth?" He muttered.

Startled, she raised her head, "Excuse me, Shuji-sama?"

"I said, 'Shall I go first?'" He lied, turning from her.

"Of course. Show the way, milord." Rising as he started off briskly, she hurried behind him. As they continued down several winding corridors, she felt the air around her get colder and colder, until she could barely walk without shivering. She wondered if she could ask him where they were going. Sometimes, Setsuna or Inuyasha would talk without being spoken to, but they were youkai. She was almost sure she couldn't. She squeezed her eyes shut as a light at the end of the corridor blinded her, and in doing so, didn't notice Shuji stop until she had already fell into his back.

Quickly, he spun around, "Human!"

"Forgive me!" She pleaded, bowing as far as she could without falling over. "I beg your forgiveness!" 'Lay it on thick, Kagome! You've screwed up!'

"...watch your step," he sneered, lip curling. He began to walk again, the snow crunching beneath his feet.

'Outside? What's outside for us to do?' Shuddering, she sighed and trudged along. At least the kimono had several layers to it. Not that that helped any. Lifting her eyes to the sky, she frowned as she noticed clouds gathering, then the clouds were covered by foliage. 'The forest?' "Milord, if I may ask, where are we going?" She was starting to get worried and decided to ignore the rule about not talking unless spoken to.

"..." Shuji ignored her, leading her deeper into the forest. 'Tetsuo, are you here?'

'...'

'Tetsuo!'

'I'm here, Grandfather. I was concentrating on the barrier. When do I lift it?'

'When I flare my aura. It means I've left the girl, and the rest will be up to you.'

'Right! I won't let you down!'

'You had better not.' Shuji stopped again, nodding when Kagome stopped. "Would you like to train with me, miko?"

She cringed at his tone of voice as he said the word miko. It was obvious he meant the word in a derogatory form. Nodding hesitantly, she replied, "With what, Shuji-sama? I don't have a sword."

'I'm not blind, you fool!' "Hand to hand combat after a short chase. I will give you a head start. Start in that direction," His voice was low and menacing. As he noticed the fear in her eyes, he reigned in his maliciousness and gave her his most pleasant smile. "I wish you the best of luck, Kagome-san."

The sparred lightly, playfully on Kagome's part. On occasion, Shuji would get more aggressive than he'd intended to let on, then he'd lighten up again. His lip curled further each time the girl laughed and stood again. 'You'll be knocked down and forced to stay down soon!'

Kagome hesitated after standing from another blow. "Um, would you mind if I moved from this area a little more, milord?"

"Of course. Run if you will. After you."

Smiling at his, unbeknownst to her, faux grin, she nodded and took off in the direction she assumed to be north east. 'I guess the old fart isn't as mean as I thought.' She heard his steps begin behind her a while later and sped up. 'I'll show him what I can do! That I'm worthy of Sesshomaru! That I'll be a good addition to his house!'

Folding his arms behind his back, Shuji slowed his pace. Smirking, he turned and sprinted in the opposite direction. 'Now, Tetsuo!' He lifted his head, watching as the barrier blanketed the area. His keen sense of smell and sight weakened drastically. 'Yes. That's it, my boy. Now, do your work.'

"You aren't focusing, Setsuna-san. You're leaving yourself open, and I know you are better than this." Elder Kou frowned in disappointment as he met Setsuna blow for blow. "Where is your mind, hm? Is it on the woman? You're father's woman?" His eyes widened slightly as Setsuna dealt an especially harsh blow. "Ah, so it is that woman?"

"Kagome has nothing to do with this. I simply haven't trained in a while," he lied in return, blocking Kou's sword from taking off his head.

"Why do you speak so familiarly of her? She is your mother, as you see it, no?"

"…yes?"

"And yet, you argued about her going with Shuji alone when even your father didn't. And you call her by her first name like a close friend…or a lover," he was thrown back by the force of Setsuna's sudden, vicious attack. Transferring his weight, he flipped backwards, landing on his feet. "Mm, so intense in your denial. Should the council be worried?"

Setsuna scowled at him, clenching his sword in his hands. "Kagome is my mother, but until it is legal, I don't want to stress her with the title. I also find great dishonor in what you just said, inferring a different relationship between my mother and I. I would greatly appreciate an apology."

Kou smiled at him. "You will not get one. Although, I will congratulate you on finding a mother to whom you can be loyal. Your father has made a good decision, yes?"

"There's no better match than one picked by God, as Kagome was for him."

"Aw, you're so sentimental, Sekkun. You're going to make me cry," Shippo joked, wiping pretend tears from his eyes. He laughed at Setsuna's annoyed growl and hissed sharply in return. "Right back at ya, pup."

Kou shook his head at their antics. "Shippo-san, your turn. Take to hand a katana from the wall and come."

Bowing obediently, Shippo went to the wall, shoulders shaking as he continued to laugh.

Kagome stumbled into a tree as she slowed to a stop. Digging her nails into it, she held herself up. Her legs felt like gelatin from running so much. She had expected Shuji to catch her much sooner. Come to think of it, she couldn't even hear him anymore. 'Darn youkai and their stealth! He could be anywhe-' Her heart stilled as she heard a rustling in the trees. Eyes darting up, she smirked. 'Too old for the silent approach, hm?' Remembering her sessions with Sesshomaru, she got into the standard position and prepared herself for whatever was to co-

The tree she'd leaned against cracked under the sudden pressure that was on it. Eyes clenched, Kagome struggled to breath against the body that forced hers against the tree and the arm that was pressed into her neck. Tears running forth at the stinging pain in her back, she opened her eyes in surprise and tried to speak, nothing more coming out than incomprehensible squeaks.

"Is that what you human women sound like when you're rutting, I wonder?" a gravelly voice crooned into her ear.

"Sh-sh-sh-"

Laughing, he mimicked her. "Sh-sh-sh- Are you trying to call Shuji-sama? Here, I'll help you. Shuji-sama!" He cried in a high-pitched voice, laughing as he finished. "I don't think he's coming. I took care of him for the time being." He frowned as she tried to speak again and drawing away a bit, snarled, "Speak clearly!"

Choking, she hungrily drew in the air, not sure when he'd restrict her breathing again. When he snarled at her, she closed her eyes and shrank back. "I-I'm Sesshomaru-sama's mate. If you kill me, h-he's avenge me," she bit fearfully.

"You're Sesshomaru-sama's mate, hm? I doubt that. There's no mark, no scent, nothing." He was bluffing. She reeked of Seshomaru, which had shocked him. His grandfather hadn't told him who the girl belonged to. "Besides, I don't plan to kill you." He smiled at the relief in her eyes, watching it break as he added, "Yet…I'd like a chase first. It's in my nature. Once I have you in my grasp again, then I'll do with you what I wish."

She glared in hatred and disgust as he gave a wicked grin. "Sesshoma-!" She cried out as he drove his elbow into her throat.

"Ah-ah-ah. Don't do that. I mean, it won't help you in the least. He can't hear anything inside this barrier I've placed. It's just annoying how you humans always cry for anyone else to help you. You're such dependent creatures. So, for good measure," he pressed his lips to hers, holding her face and digging his claws into her cheeks to stop her struggling. When he withdrew, her lips were sealed together. "There. You look so much better like that, with your mouth shut," he spat the last word for emphasis. "Now, I'm going to let you go, and I want you to give me a good chase, ne? I'll give you ten seconds to get out of sight. Ten!" He stepped back.

Kagome nearly tripped over herself running away. 'What am I going to do? What do I do?' She forced herself to move even faster each time he called out a number.

"Six! Five!"

She started as she heard his footsteps. 'You said 10!' Trembling, she pushed herself further. Instinctually, her eyes closed as her feet got caught in the lengthy fabric of her kimono, and she pitched over. Quickly, though, she sat up. 'It's ripped!' Grabbing the tattered end, she ripped it free, casting it away and rising to her feet to run again. 'Sesshomaru! Setsuna! Please, come quick!' She flared her aura as best she could and kept running.

Tetsuo laughed to himself as he trailed her, walking slowly. She was a foolish woman. He'd told her there was a barrier. No aura could get in or out. No scents could be detected inside. A youkai's sense of hearing, sight, and smell were all affected. There was no help for her.

"Clever, clever, clever!" Yori laughed along with Inutaisho, clapping his hands together. "Your family has to be the most entertaining, Inutaisho-san. And yet, it is also the most intimidating. How is that?"

Inutaisho shrugged lightly, chuckling, "We are a family bred for rule."

"That you are. That you are." His laugh fading, he looked to Sesshomaru, who was staring out the window, seemingly distracted by whatever lay outside. "You are preoccupied, young lord. Sit. Speak your mind, pup."

"Oh, he's just worried about his woman," Inutaisho waved his hand gently.

"Is he? I did wonder why he didn't protest as Setsuna did."

Sesshomaru sighed noiselessly. "Regardless of this Sesshomaru's feeling, it is inappropriate and disrespectful for him to protest the council. What you rule is final, Yori-san. I will discipline Setsuna later."

Yori rolled his eyes. "Oh, Sesshomaru, you must lighten up, my boy. And believe me, you little miko is safe. Shuji is almost indestructible, the kuma."

"Yes," Inutaisho laughed. "Attribute it to his hard head."

Sesshomaru arched a brow as the two men he shared the room with laughed, nearly falling over themselves as they roared. "I do not doubt Shuji-san's ability. Kagome, however, is very…clumsy, for lack of better word. She is accident-prone. When she is not with This Sesshomaru, she-" His head snapped back to the window when he felt a sudden tug at his aura.

"What? What is it?" Inutaisho and Yori rose from their seats. They rushed to his side, looking out the window.

"Kagome. Her aura." Turning swiftly, he headed for the door.

"You're imagining that in your upset and worry. Neither of us felt a thing," Inutaisho assured him with a smile, grabbing his son by the shoulder. "Did you, Yori-san?"

"No. Not at all," Yori agreed.

Sesshomaru grimaced at their response. "This Sesshomaru knows his mate's aura. It was weak, nearly undetectable. She is in danger." Prying himself from his father, he entered the hall.

Yori started, hurrying after them. "Then Shuji is as well. We must alert the guards at once. No one will leave this perimeter." He went ahead of them to find Kou.

When they reached the lower level, Setsuna and Shippo were entering as well. Setsuna gazed at his father with slowly reddening eyes. "If you felt it too, it wasn't my imagination. The woman's gotten herself into some trouble."

Sesshomaru nodded in response. "I will go to her."

"Me too."

"No. You will remain here."

"I will not!"

"You will," Sesshomaru snapped at him, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Father."

Inutaisho wrapped his arm around his grandson's shoulder. "Don't worry. I'll keep him here."

Shippo sighed and placed a hand on Setsuna's shoulder, frowning when his brother flinched away from him. He flashed Sesshomaru a small smile. "I'll try to help."

"I want to go!" Setsuna hissed angrily.

Inutaisho turned his grandson, directing him toward the stairs. "Don't be stubborn, Setsuna. The longer your father stays here arguing with you, the longer Kagome is in danger." The pup stilled at this. "He'll bring her back in one piece. I know the boy I raised."

Shippo followed behind them. "Now, there's the matter of telling Elder Daichi without Kikyo hearing. We can't afford to have her freak out when she's pregnant."

"…Maybe, we shouldn't tell him. If he needs to be informed, Elder Yori will handle it," Inutaisho answered softly, then quieted. He had faith in his son, didn't he? His shoulders had no reason to be shaking the way they were. 'Every time he goes after a woman, he comes back hurt…or not at all.' If there was one thing he both admired and despised of his son, it was his blind loyalty.

"A barrier," Elder Kou observed in astonishment. It was strange that they hadn't felt it being raised. 'Well, there is no youki in this barrier. Or, the youki that is there has been disguised.' He stepped aside when Sesshomaru brushed past him and entered the barrier without hesitation. 'I miss those days, being a fearless, overly confident pup.'

"There are no scents beyond this barrier," Sesshomaru announced without looking back at the Elders, who in turn stepped inside.

Yori sniffed, shaking his head when he saw that what Sesshomaru had said was true. "Then, whoever lifted this is either the person who is attacking Shuji-san and Kagome-san or an accomplice. At least we know if we find one, we find the other."

Sesshomaru arched a brow at him, as if asking the man if he really believed that. Wordlessly, he flitted toward the east. Without his sense of smell and aura to rely on, he was left to follow his instincts. They were telling him that in this direction, he would find Kagome. For Shuji's sake, he hoped he did.

Yori was racing just behind him, Kou a little further behind. Yori cut his eyes to Kou, absently wondering if the older youkai we truly confident in Shuji. He himself wondered if Shuji would abandon the girl if something happened. He hadn't even attempted to hide his contempt for her. If he had played any role in this, even neglect, there would be dire consequences. As his thoughts drifted, his eyes lowered to the ground, watching the snow as he ran. Under the dark covering of the barrier, it seemed to be night, but even so, he saw the drops of blood that were on the ground. "There is blood," he informed Kou, who slowed to a jog, staring at the ground.

"…Perhaps it's something else. Once cannot be too sure in this dark, scentless barrier." He raised his head, planning to assure Sesshomaru, when he saw that the pup had run ahead of them and was in the midst of transforming into his truest form. "…So frantic over this human woman?"

"It's a good sign, ne?"

"Hm. I suppose. Come. There is the slightest of chances this could be Shuji's."

Kagome barely restrained from looking behind her as she heard the pounding footsteps of her assailant approaching faster than before. Her run had slowed to a jog, her lungs tight and her foot throbbing. She'd cut it after tripping on a root, the material of her boots ripping.

"I'm coming, Kah-go-meh…Approaching you…Close enough to breathe," he smirked as she shuddered when his breath hit her neck, "down your neck!" Aggressively, he shoved her back, sending her reeling forward.

She couldn't even scream as she hit the cold ground, the air knocked out of her lungs. Her head spinning, she tried to push herself up, barely succeeding in getting up on her elbows.

"Tsk. You humans and your lack of equilibrium. It must have been all of those layers that did you in. Let me help you with that." The slyest of smirks on his face, he squatted at her side.

Alarmed, Kagome felt around in the dark as his hand slid beneath her obi. The moment something was in her grasp, a fallen branch, she swung it as hard as she could. As he howled, keeling over, she scrambled to her feet and started to run again. 'Sesshomaru!'

"You wench!" She heard, before she was once against shoved into a tree. "I don't even f*ck humans! You're a disease ridden group! I was joking!" His scowl suddenly faded and was replaced with a vicious grin. "There's a first time for everything, though. Ne, Kagome-chan? I'll soil myself this once, just to show you you're not in control here." He gazed at her in disgust.

Planting her hands on his shoulder, she shoved at him. Legs trembling, she writhed against his at the feel of his lips on her neck. 'Get off me! Get off me now!' She shrieked as loud as she could, shoving harder as his hands touched her. 'Don't!' Instinctually, she lifted her knee, raising it and striking him in the groin.

"Augh!" He cupped himself, then, when he felt her try to escape, slammed his weight into hers and nailing her to the tree again. "You….you're going t-to regret that." His eyes were now an alarming shade of red, similar to Sesshomaru's when his beast was in con...His beast was in control, she realized. "Stop…moving!" He wrapped his hands around her neck, pressing his thumbs just below her chin. "I could crush your windpipe if I wanted! I could break every little bone! Don't f*ck with me, witch!"

Eyes wide, Kagome clawed at his wrists. 'Pl-please! Stop!' She drove her nails into his skin, dragging them along the surface. She tried desperately to pry free.

"Oh, you're sorry now, hm? Too little too late, miko," He hissed, pressing a little harder.

'No!' Panicking, she scratched harder. 'S-sessho…se…' Her vision was clouded with black spots. Her body fell limp against his, and her hands settled over his wrists.

"That's it. Sleep. Sesshomaru-sama's not coming for you."

She jolted. Sesshomaru. She was there as his prospective mate, someone the council expected to be able to take care of herself. 'This…is a test. They're trying to see if I can…if I can protect myself, or if I'll need Sesshomaru to save me…That's what he was talking about earlier… about humans calling other people.' Vigor renewed ever so slightly, but just enough, she clasped his wrists and concentrated on her energy.

Tetsuo stilled, his hands loosening slightly as her hands began to glow. "How dare you even…How dare you?" His hold tightened once again, but before he could snap her neck as intended, her energy burst, searing his skin and throwing him away from her.

Kagome struggled to catch her breath again, observing with a triumphant smirk as he writhed on the ground. Crawling toward him, she glared. "See how it feels?" The seal on her lips had broken when her reiki had broken loose, and she now spoke with a raspy, throaty tone.

"This ain't over," he hissed back, clutching his arms to his chest in pain.

She fell back as his body dissipated into a smoke like image. Closing her eyes, she covered her ears as he circled her head time and time again before disappearing when the ground began to shake. 'What was that? A-and is this an earthquake?' Holding her aching head, she forced her body to stand. 'What is…Oh my gosh.'

Sesshomaru had driven himself to run faster, his four legs working overtime, when he saw Kagome's reiki, a bright pink surge shooting into the air. 'I cannot let her out of my sight for a moment.' He bounded through the trees and broke free into a clearing…Kagome stood on the otherside. 'Kagome.' He growled loudly at the sight of her, her kimono torn and her body, mostly her neck, marked with scratches and…love bites? His growl intensified, then quieted when Kagome stepped back from him, glaring with weary eyes and holding up glowing hands.

Yori and Kou broke into the clearing, pausing when Kagome turned one of her hands in their general directions. "It's too dark for her to see," he whispered to Kou.

"G-go away! I-I'll purify you if I have to," she hissed, hoping intimidation would be enough to send the large dog and two smaller youkai away. "Test me if you will!"

Sesshomaru stepped toward her, paying no mind as she sent forth a small orb that didn't even sting. He moved directly in front of her and lowered himself to the ground, his large snout pointed toward her, sniffing.

Kagome started, stepping back before catching herself. 'Th-those markings.' "Sesshomaru?" She took his soft growl as a yes. "Sesshomaru! I passed the test!" Her voice caught in her throat, and she smiled, fighting back her tears. "I protected myself, so we can be together now, right?" She took a step toward him, only to fall forward, onto her knees.

"Kagome-san," Yori rushed to her side, wrapping his arm around her shoulders. When Sesshomaru returned to his humanoid form, he released her. "On behalf of the Council of Elders, I do apologize, Kagome-san." He bowed lowly.

"No need," she smiled weakly as Sesshomaru draped his haori around her shoulders. "The guy you employed was a little violent and a little too into his role, but I took care of him. I passed the test."

Kou frowned. How had she gotten that idea? "You misunderstand, Kagome-san. This was in no way connected to the Council. You were genuinely attacked here. Many youkai hunt in this area. I do not know why Shuji brought you here. Where is he?"

"I…I don't kn-" She shook her head as her voice failed her, clingling to Sesshomaru as he lifted her up into his arms.

"Find him," Sesshomaru said calmly. "I would like council with him."

Kou sighed. "Sesshomaru-san, Shuji had nothing to do with this."

"This Sesshomaru will meet with him." Holding Kagome closer to his chest, he started out of the forest. "They will not go free, Kagome. This Sesshomaru will find and punish those who have harmed you." Kagome simply snuggled deeper into his chest. 'If Shuji participated, he will know my wrath. Elder or no.'

Sooooo long! Gomennasai! Um, this is okay. The next will be a little better. I didn't realize this was already 4,000+ words. I wanted so much more to go into this chapter. Ah well. The next one it is! ^^ Keep reading, please.~