Chapter 22

I've managed to finish another chapter. Look at that! Miracles do happen. I'll try to update more frequently as I am able to, like once a month at least. I google searched some feudal castles, but I was not really impressed with them. I think I'm going to have to find a more modern castle to boast about, or just not over indulge in castle details in Chapter 23.

It still seems a little slow to me since I don't know how fast is too fast, but Chapter 23 should have more fruit in it than this chapter with what I'm thinking, so it could be as long, or longer than this chapter. I used to simply post a chapter if I could find a good stopping point after 1500 words, but it hasn't been going that way lately. We'll see how it goes from here.

Thanks for reading.

Previously…

Sango bashed Inuyasha a few times to stop his complaining about their human shortcomings. Miroku reminisced about a conversation that he and Kagome previously had.

Now…

Ah Un trekked slowly towards the West while their precious cargo slept. Sesshoumaru had left Kagome and the little ones with him for protection while he hunted. If one knew where to look in his eyes, you could see the contentment and exhilaration he felt within. He was finally beginning to fill whole, as if his quest for power was finally within his grasp.

In the past, he understood his desire to conquer and maintain absolute control, however, it always felt as if something was missing. The unfulfilled desire always lurked in the back of his mind, which is how he knew his journey had yet to be complete; the satisfaction was always missing. Gaining Bakusaiga and unlocking the Meido were definitely accomplishments, but he knew there was more to be sought. He just didn't know the specifics at the time.

Sesshoumaru sniffed the air and smelled a few rabbits. He didn't want to over indulge himself in his hunt, nor delay their trip too much longer considering the palace was close. He would make quick work of the hares, skin them in the process and have the meat acceptable to eat by the time his two-headed dragon made it to him. 'Acceptable', he thought.

Meanwhile, Shippo and Rin had awoken prior to Sesshoumaru's departure. You would think their presence had been forgotten with how little the two were playing with one another, but they were too engrossed in observing Sesshoumaru's behavior as if it were a new game called "What will Lord Sesshoumaru do next?" Rin always knew her Lord was as gentle as a butterfly, but Shippo never expected to see such gentle care from the killing perfection. His nose told him everything he needed to know: Sesshoumaru wanted Kagome, and by the smell of it, she may already be his. This was not his first time wondering what would happen to him if Kagome found a mate. He wanted Kagome to be happy, of course. She took care of him like a real mother. But, he also knew that most demons did not accept the offspring of another, even though he was too young to be left on his own again so soon, and technically, he was not her real son by birth.

"Rin, have you noticed what's going on with Lord Sesshoumaru and Kagome?" Shippo asked.

"Hai! Rin knows Lord Sesshoumaru likes Kagome-chan. Maybe he'll ask her to be Rin's mother. Wouldn't that be nice? Kagome is so nice to Rin, and Rin loves Kagome-chan and Shippo-kun. Wouldn't you want to play together all the time with Rin?"

"Well yeah, and I think Kagome likes Lord Sesshoumaru too. But I'm scared that he won't want me, Rin. Demons don't normally take in someone else's pup."

"Silly Shippo. Kagome-chan's your mother right? So my Lord would take care of everything. Rin just knows it. He'll always protect you like he does Rin, now come on. We can't fall behind" Rin said gleefully.

"Ok. Hey Rin, where's Jaken? Normally he's following Lord Sesshoumaru everywhere and squawking like crazy."

Rin laughed heartily. "Jaken is wherever my Lord told him to go. When I turned around, he was flying towards the palace."

Shippo laughed. He knew Jaken couldn't fly. Lord Sesshoumaru must've have kicked him ahead for peace and quiet. 'He probably deserved it,' Shippo thought.

They continued walking, distracted by each and everything on their paths until they caught up to Lord Sesshoumaru, who was waiting with food.

As they approached, Sesshoumaru noticed his sleeping beauty had still not awaken, though it had only been about half an hour. In the mean-time, the kids had eaten their portions and the rest was packed on Ah-un for the rest of the trip. He decided he would carry his intended until she had risen. Even though he wasn't away from her for long, he missed her scent and closeness already. As he picked up her, he took a long whiff from the nape of her neck. Her scent was mouth-watering and he immediately wanted to taste her as he did during the previous night's activities. But that would have to wait.

After about another hour or so walking, Kagome finally began to stir. The day was still young considering the amount of daylight left. 10am wasn't that late, but for her, being in the feudal era, it was very unusual. Maybe he was too enthusiastic in their activities? He didn't want to inhibit her this much. Or maybe it was just because it was her first time? He hated not knowing anything, but he could monitor it more in the future. He could hear her heart rate picking up speed and knew it was only a matter of time before she graced him with those deep, ocean blue eyes. He felt a spark of something unfamiliar settle in the pit of his stomach, 'anticipation', he mused. It was somewhat strange waiting for her eyes to open, as if he were unsure of himself or her; he did not know. But the sun's rays were shining down on her eyelids and they begin to tighten, as if to shut out the light.

Kagome didn't understand why at the time, but she was immensely comfortable. She slept as though she hadn't had a good night's rest in years. As a result, she maintained her resolved to continue sleeping in the comfort and safety of the space in which she resided. 'Where is that exactly?' a fleeting thought from someone drifting further into slumber.

At some point, however, she began to get annoyed. Souta kept coming in her room, flicking the lights on and off telling her to wake up for school or she would be late. She had finally had enough and reached out to grab his arm in a silent staring contest.

Sesshoumaru had sensed her discomfort and tried to reposition her slightly, wondering why he sensed her irritation. Perhaps she didn't like him carrying her? With her stubborn independent nature, he figured it was possible. But as he was finally settling her into place once more, she grabbed his left arm that was securing her to him, and stared him straight in the eyes.

At first, he had a fleeting thought that she was challenging him in some way, but he quickly realized that could not be the case, as there was nothing to challenge him for. So he stared back.

Lucidity came crashing down on Kagome hard as she slowly realized she'd been staring at Sesshoumaru for some time, with an irritated face no less, all while being carried in such a gentle manner. The irritation faded away, replaced with surprise at the distance she was to him and that he was carrying her. Her cheeks tinted red and she looked away as she told him she was ok to walk. He set her down gently, but she wouldn't look at him. She nodded her head to thank him and proceeded to Ah Un for her toothbrush and paste located in her pack.

"Kagome-chan, you're awake! Did you sleep well?" Rin asked.

"Mhmm," Kagome mumbled.

"She doesn't like talking in the morning before brushing her teeth. She thinks her breath stinks in the morning but she smells the same as always to me. Kagome, can we get Rin a toothbrush too?"

"Mhmm" she nodded. Rin was excited about her acceptance and started playing to her own tune again with Shippo.

Kagome spit out her toothpaste using her water canteen and wiped down her face all while trailing behind Sesshoumaru. She decided that she had slowed them down enough, with her late start, so she ate while walking. She felt like she made their morning awkward, shrinking away from him the way that she did. Her insecurities started rearing their ugly heads and she didn't know how to proceed. But, he sensed her hesitation and slowed to match her stride, forcing her to acknowledge him. And she looked at him, tinted cheeks and all, then began to apologize.

"Sorry for grabbing you like that earlier. I wasn't fully awake and in my dream, my brother had been playing with the lights telling me to wake up… but I felt as though I've never slept so peacefully before and wanted to sleep longer, so I grabbed him and told him to go away… but in reality I grabbed you… and thank you for carrying me while I slept. You didn't have to do that. I normally don't sleep so long. I don't what came over me… and now I'm rambling, so I'm going to stop talking now, but I just wanted you to know that."

"This one is aware of your sleeping habits" he said. "There is something else that plagues you." It was more of a statement than a question.

She quickly darted her eyes to the side as if to avoid the question. 'Why do I have to blush at every little thing? I just know I'm doing it. I can't casually hint "hey, I know what happened the other night, but I don't want you to think I'm easy"… 'What if he thinks I'm easy?' She glanced over at him and their eyes met. He would not allow her to continue trying to avoid him this way. An ache formed in his chest at the thought. With a quick glance to Ah Un that said "fly the children to the palace", and faster than she could track, he scooped her up in his arms and leapt some few hundred meters away.

Kagome sucked in a gasp of air in surprise. She found herself fastened between his armor and a tree, chin held in his gentle but deadly claws. She was captivated, but attempted to look away in her flustered state. But, he would have none of it. Feelings and emotions were the most foreign concept to Sesshoumaru, this he knew, but he wanted to know why it seemed as if she was unsatisfied and seemingly distant. She had no problem looking at him before they became physically close to one another, so he certainly couldn't understand the issue. 'Mate not satisfied?' the beast whined and questioned, but Sesshoumaru simplify furrowed his brows slightly. 'The soft mewls of pleasure she tried to refrain from vocalizing, suggest otherwise.' While Sesshoumaru had his inner discussion, essentially no time at all passed, and he stroked her cheek.

Golden ambiance stared intently down into deep, blue seas and his concern was voiced. "Do you regret laying with this one?" His shoulders stiffened as he asked the question and there was a tightness surrounding his eyes.

Kagome's eyes became more focused then, cheeks ripening by the second. She was shocked at the question, and even more embarrassed when she realized he needed an answer. His face bellowed his seriousness, and so she could not back down. Somehow, she instinctively realized that it's probably her fault that he's asking this, and she would have to fix it. Though her words were hesitant and spoken slowly, she was honest and spoke softly.

"I would never regret anything with you. I… liked it," she said, knowing full well that her face could not get any redder, or heated. Maybe it was just her imagination and the tense atmosphere, but she could feel the heat rise.

In the back of his mind, Sesshoumaru's beast was wagging its tail, pleased to hear her answer. Logical and analytical Sesshoumaru, however, still had questions. He positioned his hand to cup her cheek, then leaned in to kiss her there, close to her ear, and trailed a few more kisses to the corner of her mouth. The haze in her eyes returned, and the embarrassment and insecurity she had been feeling were just about out the window, until he continued his quest for answers.

"Your scent tells me you are confused and unsure, which attributes to insecurity. You seem distant."

'See, Kagome? You just had to get all weird. I knew it was my fault. Of course he'd notice… stupid, stupid, stupid. (Audible sigh)' She looked at him a moment longer and gathered her wits and courage. She would tell him her fears because communication was important. She didn't want a reminder of the past, nor did she want to make assumptions or allow him to. Piling insecurities in a place with no confidence could only spell disaster. 'Story of my life'.

She relaxed her hand on the claws that had been on her face, then moved to hold it as she began to walk in the direction they were originally headed. He allowed her to pull him along, understanding that this was probably her way of getting her thoughts in order, but at least she was close now.

She spoke softly to him, knowing he could hear her. "I didn't intend to be distant today. The truth is… it's hard. I've been trying to become someone I could be proud of, a person who is more assertive, confident, and in control. But having insecurities at this point is normal for me. But, I'm trying to accept them, you know? And keep it moving… But this person I'm drastically turning into, makes me feel like I'm moving too fast, like I don't know if it's me? Or if it's too much. You've observed me before, right? I used to just go with the flow, but that's no longer acceptable… I have to be more mature… Does any of this make sense?" As she continued to ramble, her words became more vocal. All of her emotions regarding her drastic changes revealed themselves, and she didn't know if she liked it. Or if he liked it.

"You know I am from the future, right?" she looked to him and he nodded.

"In my time, it could be considered…. Easy… to lay with a woman whom you have only recently begun to date, er court. And, I figured you might think poorly of me for doing 'that' so quickly."

He made sure to zero in on her eyes as he spoke: "You are not a harlot or concubine. You are loyal, nurturing and compassionate. This Sesshoumaru admires these traits in you. If you had asked this one to wait, he would have…. However, when we agreed to have you as mate, it was only a matter of time before this one seduced you. Did you think we would allow you to resist?" He allowed a small smirk to grace his features. Blushing furiously, Kagome slapped him on the arm for teasing her, spirits lifting by the second.

"Do you trust this Sesshoumaru?" She nodded. "This one is aware of your virtue and that he will be the only one to ever enter you."

Mouth open from shock and more embarassment, Kagome asked "H- h- How can you casually say things like that? It's embarrassing…"

"Truth is truth," he simplified, and there was no arguing with his statement.

She couldn't say anything to his statement, even if it were true. This was Sesshoumaru, and expecting him to mince words would be akin to Inuyasha being wholesome and respectful. It just wasn't gonna happen. "Thank you for noticing something was wrong and forcing me to speak about," Kagome said with a grateful smile. It felt a lot better to clear the air, than being caught up in her own thoughts with no answer. She'd had enough of that already. And so, they continued to walk in companionable silence for some odd length of time.

"How long until we are at the palace?" she asked, curiosity getting the better of her. She had noticed that the area they were walking through now was more green and lush, with clear streams of water and fresh fish. Walking with Sesshoumaru was nice, not to mention she still held onto his hand. If she could do an internet search for perfect landscapes, she was sure her current view would be one of the first images. With the way the sun was lowering closer to the horizon, the scenery was picture perfect.

Instead of answering her, he continued up the hill, knowing she would see it in the distance. She followed as expected, and he took a moment to glance over at her features as she took in the view. Her face showed her awe, excitement, and anxiousness to see more. It was even more beautiful than she thought. He caught himself in the midst of thinking that he wouldn't mind seeing her shine like that all the time. Sometimes, random thoughts like these would just pop into his mind, though he had an inkling as to why. 'Because mate smile is radiant'. 'Hn'. He would not lie to his beast, since lying was beneath him.

Kagome was too wrapped in her own devices as she began walking more briskly, with anticipation. In the distance, she could see the castle, or more like fortress, standing tall in the center of the horizon. It appeared to be about 6 nautical miles - thanks to her estimations of what she learned in physics class. 'Something from that evil sensei's class finally became useful in the real world', Kagome thought. She hated physics with a passion, but she actually paid attention when Mr. Takugawa indicated that where the horizon meets the land is about 12 nautical miles. Everything else flew in one ear and out the other. She unknowingly increased her pace, but Sesshoumaru kept up with no effort, inwardly amused at how excited she had become from seeing hints of what awaited her. Normally, he would fly right over everything, and stop just inside the castle gates, but he wanted to show what he had to offer.

In no time at all, they approached the torii. It's a red gate that is normally placed at the top of shrine steps. This one was about twice as large, and a somewhat paved road began to form out of smooth stones, in which no two stones were alike. It was obvious that someone took pride in the work and care put into the pavement. The torii stood as a notice to all "You are entering the stronghold of the Western Lands". There was no sign that physically indicated this, but after living there long enough, one understood what it meant. The homes on the outskirts were smaller, but not necessarily lacking. They were better than the huts back in Edo, and looked more like a cross between a hut and a cottage. The main road gave way to a few others where shops were located and more housing, but there would be time for viewing those later. Sakura trees began to line the road spaciously, providing the area with more beauty. As the pair continued to head for the center, demons of all kind bowed respectfully to their Lord. It was not often that he strolled through the pathways on his return. There were whispers, as expected, wondering who the human female could be, but none would voice them.

As spacey as Kagome had been, she noticed a figure walking towards them from the palace gates. He was still quite a distance away, about 50 – 70 feet, but his aura let her know he was most likely seeking Sesshoumaru. It was not threatening or anything, but seemed slightly familiar. She just couldn't put her finger on it. Out of nowhere, a black fur-ball came tumbling into her legs after chasing a silver fur-ball. The silver fur-ball managed to evade her unscathed, to the other side of the paved road, while the black fur-ball began to whine as it converted to human form, then tried to stand.

Kagome felt sorry for the canine demon who appeared to be about 5 in human years, especially with his wailing.

"I'm sorry little guy, are you ok?" Kagome asked, maternal instincts kicking in as she tried to make him sit more comfortably on the ground.

"It hurts. It hurts…." The black-haired boy cried out, tears spread across the back of his hand as he wiped at his eyes.

Sesshoumaru paused his stride, as he knew Kagome would want to take care of it herself. It was one of the traits he admired in her.

"Aki! This is why I told you to be careful in town and play where it's safer" a black haired woman called out as she reached the scene. The woman accessed Kagome as her instincts reared at her. 'Who is this human, and why does she smell of My Lord?' The black haired woman thought.

"Aki-chan. So that's your name? Well, if you'll be a big boy for me and hold still, I'll make you good as new again and you can play some more. What do you say?" Kagome said smiling softly, as she ghosted her finger tips over the sprain to ease the boy's tension.

"It'll stop hurting?" Aki said, hiccupping. Kagome nodded. "Ok, then I'll be a big boy!"

"Good. Now I'm going to place one hand over it like this and let my power soothe it for you ok? Don't be afraid. I won't hurt you." Kagome said confidently.

For whatever reason, Aki completely trusted Kagome; call it a child's delight, even though he knows not to accept things from strangers. His mother, however, did not trust her. Her hackles rose and so did every demons in the immediate vicinity. The threat of a powerful Miko began emanating from Kagome, and most knew they could not defeat her and immediately backed away. Sina, Aki's mother, did the opposite as a mother ready to protect her pup, and intended to launch herself at Kagome, but suddenly, Sesshoumaru's oppressive aura immediately filled the area and rendered her immobile. His aura was like a heavy, green fog that eclipsed the surroundings, and demanded absolute obedience. Later, everyone would wonder why the Miko could still move, when they could not. But for now, Sina looked at her Lord, as if pleading him to save Aki. But, everything was over in an instant.

Kagome picked Aki up under his armpits, and twirled him around.

"You were so good Aki. Now, remember what your mother said and play in safer areas, ok? You don't want her to worry right?" Kagome scolded lightly.

"Wow! It really doesn't hurt anymore… I'll try to be more careful next time." Aki turned to his mother, who was still unable to move, unbeknownst to him. He bowed politely and said "I'm sorry, okaa-san. I promise to be more careful." Several pounds of tension left Sina as she was finally able to hold her son, knowing he was safe and in her arms again. She looked at the Miko, still uncomfortable with her presence and especially her power, but it would be ungrateful to not thank the person who helped her son. She stood again and bowed respectfully to show her gratitude for the kindness shown to her son.

"May I have your name Miko?" Sina asked respectfully while bowing.

"Of course. You don't have to bow, but I am Kagome Higurashi and your son is adorable." Kagome said giving goo-goo eyes at Aki. His black, pointed ears stood atop his head as if he were a hanyou, but she could tell he was full demon. She really wanted to play with them, but thought better of it. He was not a toy… 'But maybe I could… no, no, no. I need to get rid of these ideas'.

"Thank you for healing Aki. I initially thought you meant to harm him and so I reacted in a shameful way… I know my Lord would never allow such a thing, and yet I...… I apologize for my rashness." Sina sincerely apologized.

"No, you weren't wrong, Sina. I know it's likely that no other Miko who would help a demon this way, so I understand your reaction. I just don't see races like most people. We are all trying to live the best we can, and that's how I strive to be. Hopefully, I'll see you again sometime, but I should get going. It was nice meeting you."

Kagome waved and turned to catch up with Sesshoumaru, who had started walking once again towards the palace. His strategic mind knew that some type of interaction would occur with his people if Kagome was around. Trouble, whether good or bad, always seemed to follow her. But, this turn of events was most fortunate. His people would gossip about the power of her aura and that she could heal demons, for days to come. Even his enemies would think twice before casually approaching her. It was time to complete the final touches – removing several females from the castle once and for all, without killing them; not killing them being the hardest part.