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 36

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

Xxx

Kagome's breath hitched for a moment as she awakened, and the pain in her body shocked her senses. It took a moment for her memories to come rushing back, and once they had, she began to breathe again. Slowly, she opened her eyes just enough to see out of them and smiled gently as she saw that Sesshomaru was holding her hand tenderly in his right hand, while his left applied her bandage. Flinching a bit as he tightened the bandage, she whispered, "Thanks, Sesshou."

"How do you feel?"

"I'm feeling wonderful. You've taken good care of me, I can tell," she half-lied. She didn't doubt that he had done a good job of attending to her wounds, but she still felt horrible. "How long was I asleep?"

Sesshomaru cut the extra bandage off with his claws before looking her in the eyes. "Several hours," came his clipped answer.

The room was dark, except for a few candles around the room. She'd been astonished at how beautiful the building was, and how folk and authentic it was, untouched by technology or modernization of any kind. Now, she wanted to be home in Tokyo, with hospitals that could give her pain medication and police officers who could hunt her attacker down. "…Have you eaten? It's like dinner time, right? Almost?"

"They are eating as we speak. If you wish to eat, you will have nothing more than miso or clear soup."

"No. No. I'm fine. You go ahead," she forced a smile, the motion making the raw skin on her neck burn slightly. "No reason to miss a meal."

"I will remain at your side..." His voice trailed off in a way that let her know he was blaming himself.

Sighing, she closed her eyes tiredly. "You didn't have a choice earlier. You had to go with Elder Yori, and I had to go with Elder Shuji…Oh! Has he been found yet? Is he alright?"

Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes at her. "Why do you worry for him? He may have been your attacker."

"You can't really believe that. I'm sure he has bigger fish to fry, okay, Sesshou? I highly doubt he had anything to do with what happened. He was even kinda nice to me before we got separated."

"Hn."

Despite the aching in her palms, she managed to bend her fingers enough to stroke his hand. "I'm sorry about this, you know. You're leaving tomorrow. You should be making love to me right now, trying to make a pup, not sitting at my bedside while I heal because I didn't protect myself."

Frowning at her words, he corrected, "You protected yourself as best you could. Also, this Sesshomaru had no plans of leaving another pregnant mate in the custody of his father and brother."

"They would have protected me well enough. I think they've learned from their mistakes."

"You are naïve."

Smiling, she replied, "I see the good in people. Come on. Loosen up, babe."

Reluctantly, Sesshomaru calmed. "To see you in such a condition…"

"I know…A kiss would make us both feel better, though."

"Something so trivial?"

"Something so essential," she beamed, pursing her lips. "Let me have it."

Shaking his head at her ridiculousness, he lowered his own and kissed her forehead, then her nose, and finally her lips. "Foolish wo-" He paused as he heard an aura approaching the door. Flaring his aura in warning, he gripped Kagome's hand in his as the door opened.

The servant that entered bowed nervously, shaking. "U-um, Elder Shuji has been found, milord Sesshomaru. The Elders ask that you meet them in the Private Wing."

"…Retrieve Prince Setsuna Shotai."

"Setsuna?" Kagome yawned, tugging the illustrious sheets tighter around her. "What are you calling him for? He's probably *yawn* right? Leave him be."

"Setsuna will be more than happy to guard you with his life," he frowned when he noticed her drifting off. "Kagome?" She was asleep again. Had something happened to her head in the battle? Did she have a concussion? "Kagome?" He shook her gently.

Scowling, she swatted at him. "Lemme sleep."

Calming instantly at her response, he withdrew from her room and stood outside of her door to wait for Setsuna. It wasn't long before his son came speeding walking down the hall. "Setsuna."

"How is she? Is she alright?"

"She is as well as she could possibly be at this moment…though you must be sure to check on her often."

Setsuna hesitated a moment, then asked, "Check on her? I thought you wanted me to go with you to talk to Elder Shuji?"

"No."

"…But Grandfather or Inuyasha could watch her. I want to see the look in that bast-…in his eyes when we confront him."

"You are the only one capable of guarding her in my absence."

Setsuna stiffened slightly, but nodded as he understood his father's reasoning. The last time Sesshomaru had left a weak woman in the guard of his father and brother, things had not ended well. He knew better than to let history repeat itself. "Okay. I'll stay with mother." He slipped quietly into the room after watching his father leave the hall.

Xxx

"Hnk," Shuji nodded at the servant who'd brought him a roll of bandage and waved him away. He had already had the wound on the back of his had cleaned, so he handed the bandages to the female servant that had done it and beckoned for her to bandage him.

Yori paced, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Shuji, of all the times for you to get knocked out, you chose today? Sesshomaru is a very aggressive, protective Inuyoukai who already has a strong distaste for you, and his family does not trust you."

"Forgive me for planning this," he hissed.

"We know you did not plan this," Kou said lowly, but forcefully. "However, Sesshomaru will not simply accept this."

"Is it my fault the pup is so high strung over a human?"

Elder Daichi shook his head. "No. It is not. However, it will seem strange that you were so easily rendered unconscious when that human woman managed to defend herself and get rid of her attacker."

Shuji scowled, lying, "I was caught off guard. You were in that barrier! It blocked the senses, and he came up from behind."

Elder Yori sighed. "And you being so defensive will not make this any easier…Here comes Sesshomaru. Shuji, be on your best behavior, and remember, he has a reason to be so upset." They all settled into their respective seats before Sesshomaru entered. "Sesshomaru," Yori greeted, gesturing toward the zabuton in the center of the room.

Sesshomaru nodded and sat gracefully. Quietly, he surveyed the men, waiting for one to speak.

Elder Kou cleared his throat and began, "Shuji was struck from behind. The barrier had gone up the seconds before, so he stopped to see what had happened. The instant he stilled, he was struck and rendered unconscious before he had a chance to call out for your prospective mate…If you have any questions…"

"What were you struck with?"

"What was I…I don't know! It was from behind!" Shuji snapped offensively.

Elder Yori glared at his fellow elder for snapping, then answered, "We found a bloodied branch."

Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes. "Where?"

"Just south east of Shuji's unconscious body."

"Yet Kagome was several miles northwest. You mean to say then, that the assailer walked south east, then returned to go northwest and attack my mate?"

As the other elders turned to face him, Shuji flushed. "W-well, after I was struck, I managed to drag myself a short distance as he was running after her."

"…did the ground show that he had dragged himself?"

Elder Daichi opened his mouth to answer, then paused. "We were not the ones who found him. Several guards did. Kyouko," he faced the servant who was bandaging Shuji, "go find those guards."

Shuji gaped. "What for? Why is there being a trial? I am a victim."

"Shuji…"

"I am bleeding, and you send away the woman tending to my wound for such foolishness. Sesshomaru, I did not harm your mate, and she is alive. Be glad for that. You are dismissed. Kyouko return."

The young servant girl hesitated, looking between the two men that had commanded her.

Daichi nodded slowly after a moment. "Yes, sit. It is nothing to worry over. It has begun to snow, so Shuji's trail is probably long covered anyhow."

Sesshomaru rose to his feet. "I will go to see for myself."

"You dare disrespect me, pup?" Shuji hissed, standing in alarm. "I have given you my word, yet you question me?"

"Were your mate harmed, would you be calm, Shuji-san? Would you be acceptant of what story is told to you?"

"…Chiya is dead, so hypothetical questions such as those are irrelevant."

Yori grimaced at the older man's answer, then faced Sesshomaru. "Look, my boy, we are not trying to dismiss what happened to Kagome-san. This council will not rest until we have found her assailer. I guarantee you this. Also, we will provide her with protection and guard until her attacker has been found."

Sesshomaru frowned. He didn't really trust them to send protection. The men they sent could be predators or uncaringly slip up. "I will protect her, though this Sesshomaru is grateful for your offer."

"It was not an offer, Sesshomaru. It is the duty of this council because she was hurt on Shuji's watch. Now, if it would make you feel better, they will watch from afar. You will still protect her, but should something go wrong…our men will follow behind."

"…thank you," he bowed reluctantly.

"I grow tired," Shuji announced suddenly. "Let us end this dreadful meeting."

Kou glared at him. Really, he wasn't making his case any better. "Yes…Sesshomaru-san, you are dismissed. Give Higurashi-san our sincerest apologies."

Daichi raised a hand. "Also, you will still remain with us for a period. We have decided to lengthen it to two weeks. There is much we must talk about now that we have met the miko."

"Yes, Elder Daichi." With a final bow, Sesshomaru turned swiftly and left the room. 'Such lies… Kagome must not know.'

"…Shuji, must you always be so quick to def-"

"Goodnight, gentlemen," He rose quickly and left quietly. 'They allow him too much authority! My word should be final! Nothing he says should even matter in comparison to my wo-'

'Turn left up here, grandfather…Into this room…at the end of the hall.'

'Tetsuo?' He sped to the last room on the left and entered. Stepping into the dim room, he hissed, "Tetsuo." He stormed toward the mass of flesh that rested against a back wall, lifting his hand so that his sleeve covered his nose. "You reek of burnt flesh."

"That miko," he growled back, before flinching in pain. "Sh-she tried to…purify me. You didn't warn me of that…Grandfather. I thought she was…untrained."

Shuji inspected the marks on his grandson's arms, cursing. "She seared her handprints into your skin. These will mark you, Tetsuo. You will be found out instantly."

"I-it will…heal, right?" He breathed in pain and worry.

"It will not heal. This is permanent, and once you are found, I will be found out, you fool! How could you not have killed her? She is a weak, defenseless human woman."

"Yeah, well that weak, defenseless human woman did this," he raised his arms. "Sesshomaru-sama will murder me when he finds out." 'What a way to go…slain by your childhood idol.'

Shuji paced back and forth. "No. We may be down, but we are not out yet. If she is killed before a thorough investigation can be done, then we will not be found out. The question is, how will we go about it? There will be guards around her at all times, Yori's guards. And you know they have no loyalty at all to me…And it will have to be something undetectable. No blood spilled or poison found in her body afterward."

Tetsuo forced himself up into a sitting position, wincing. "I-I have an idea."

"Out with it."

"After she purified me…but before I left, I imparted some of…myself into her mind…the way I do when I want to-"

"Control dreams. Of course. You've redeemed yourself." A gruesome grin spread on his thin lips. "Concoct some of the most graphic, terrifying nightmares you can stand. I want her to be afraid to sleep. Make her stay awake every moment of every day until she collapses. Or, better yet, send her subliminal thoughts of suicide. One or the other."

"…And then we're done, right? I really don't want to do this anymore, grandfather."

Shuji snarled. "You will do this as long as I say, or you will face the consequences. Don't take me lightly, boy. Blood or no, I will kill you, slowly and violently. Understood?"

"…yes, grandfather."

xxx

"As of now, the Youkai Council of Elders allows the courting of Lord Sesshomaru and Higurashi Kagome and of Young Lord Inuyasha and Sukido Kikyo." Kou watched in amusement as the two women embraced. "When it comes to mateship, Young Lord Inuyasha, you have our blessing. As lord, Sesshomaru-san, we will need to study the course of your relationship a bit further. Return in a month's time at least, and we will consider it again. You are all free to go, save you, of course, Sesshomaru-san."

Kagome smiled gently at Sesshomaru as the others left. "I'll see you in two weeks, milord?"

Tilting his head forward, he replied, "Yes."

She could feel the eyes of the council on them, and, though she wanted to embrace him, she held back. Inutaisho had warned her that the council didn't like displays of affection. "I'll miss you," she muttered as lowly as she could. "Bye, Sesshou."

Sesshomaru nearly shook his head at her visible pout. She was so sensitive. Lifting his arms, he beckoned her forward and caught her when she instantly sprang into his arms. "Childish," he commented fondly, patting her back and kissing the top of her head. "Be safe. Do not leave Setsuna's sight, and if your wounds pain you, alert him immediately."

"Don't worry so much. I'm fine. I'm much better today." Seeing the doubt in his eyes, she smirked. "Just you watch." She strolled away from him, to the top of the stairs, and pointed toward Shippo, who was talking to Inutaisho at the bottom of the steps.

Gazing at her from where he stood with Inuyasha and Kikyo, Setsuna frowned. 'What is that woman doing?'

Putting her finger to her lips to silence him, she took a few steps back, then rushed down the stairs and jumped from the seventh.

Setsuna gaped at her, "Kagome!" He rushed toward the steps, skidding to a stop when she landed against Shippo's back.

Shippo stumbled forward at her weight, and laughed, "Warn me next time, won't ya?"

"Sure thing! Now, onward march!" She giggled, pointing forward. "Giddy-up, Ship!"

Sesshomaru, who had moved forward when Setsuna had, shook his head from where he stood on the eighth step. She was going to be the death of him with her carelessness and spontaneity.

Laughing, Shippo spun her around before jogging down the next set of steps. "Hold on tight, Kagome!"

Setsuna fumed, his face reddening. "Stop it, Shippo! That isn't safe! Let her down!" He glared when he heard Kagome give the order for Shippo to start jumping higher. "Cut it out, Kagome!" He raced after them.

Shuji sneered. "Must you always be attracted to the women who make utter spectacles of themselves? First, that Shin-mi who had the habit of prancing around like a sprite and singing. Now, this woman who jumps off of things."

"She is well, is she not? One would think you would be glad, were you truly worried for her…" Sesshomaru responded simply.

"Hmph."

Yori laughed, trying to lighten the mood. "She is simply adorable! I'll have to visit the both of you as often as possible. Between your wit and her spontaneity, there won't be a dull moment. In your house. Come. The jet awaits."

Xxx

Kanshasai wo omedetou! (or Happy thanksgiving…sort of. Plus, I guess it is sort of late for thanksgiving) Enjoy! Next chapter: we'll get to see what Tetsuo concocts to torture Kagome with and how she reacts! Thanks for reading.