Sometime after the tea incident, Shippō returns to the apartment. Sesshōmaru does not take notice, too perplexed by the event to worry about greeting the kit.
In all his travels, he has never come across a demon-miko power bonding. He assumed it would be impossible, given that reiki and yōki are naturally opposed to one another. It has always been this way.
They have been sitting in the same spot since Sōten cleaned up the broken tea set. While the Thunder demoness is informing her mate of what transpired, Sesshōmaru ponders the ramifications of their bond.
Though no one knows the cause of the first demon war, the tale of Midoriko is passed along to each generation. For mortals, it is a tale of hope. For demon-kind, it is a warning. Nullification and, ultimately, purification are things to be feared. Demons are taught from a young age to avoid those in possession of such skills.
Sesshōmaru has never considered any miko a threat before. Until he met Kagome, a direct descendant of Midoriko, he had no reason to fear their abilities. He never expected this. Sesshomaru's new concern is not her power but the unknown.
Kagome's hand squeezes his arm. "Hey, are you okay?"
He nods.
"Do you think it can hurt us?" she asks.
"That is a possibility," he answers. "I had reservations about how mating would affect each of us but I did not expect this."
He smells a blend of surprise, delight, and displeasure from her. The latter reminds him of the sour spike in her scent while they were on board the transport.
"You object?" Sesshōmaru surmises.
Kagome shakes her head. "It's not that, exactly. It's just...well, sometimes the way you talk about things and the way you act...I feel like a possession instead of a person."
Sesshōmaru blinks.
Territorial behavior is instinctual to his kind. He has never considered that the conduct would be received negatively.
"I know you care about me," she continues, "but when you act like that, sometimes it's hard for me to accept. Kōga used to pull stunts like that to get a rise out of Inuyasha. It made me feel like a bargaining chip more than a friend."
Kagome pauses, hugging herself. When she speaks again, her voice is soft. "I like being with you. You make me feel like I am enough— just as I am, but it's hard to forget about those moments, you know? It's like a scar that hasn't quite healed."
"I understand," he tells her. "I was unaware you felt this way. I only wished to demonstrate how important you are to me. Body language is an intrinsic part of demon culture. We show more with action than words," Sesshōmaru explains.
"Maybe we could compromise," she suggests. "I don't mind the touches and kisses when we are alone but it is a little awkward in front of my family."
"I will refrain in their presence," he promises.
"Thank you, Sesshōmaru."
He leans in, pressing his forehead to hers. She closes her eyes and leans into the contact.
A throat clears behind them.
Reluctantly, Sesshōmaru straightens up. The kit and his mate sit across from them, both smirking.
"How is everyone doing?" Kagome asks Shippō.
"Good. They like the apartment," he states proudly.
"If it's anything like this one, I can see why," she replies kindly.
Shippō beams.
"So," Sōten drawls, getting them back on topic. "What are we going to do about the humans?"
She carefully avoids looking his way but Sesshōmaru knows the question is directed at him.
He feels Kagome stiffen. His intended is concerned he will break his oath not to kill the men. Given what she has shared with him, Sesshōmaru can understand why. His brother and the wolf prince gave her no reason to trust men. He will prove to her that he is different.
"I underestimated them once before. I will not make the same mistake again. What do we know so far?" he inquires.
"They have been working out at the gym for years, climbing the ranks for competition level. They're aggressive and driven. I never saw a problem with their attitude because they never caused an issue before," she informs them.
While Sōten speaks, Sesshōmaru takes Kagome's hand. He brushes his thumb over her knuckles soothingly, until the acid odor lacing her scent lessens.
"Do you have any inclination as to why they acted out of turn now?" Sesshōmaru questions.
"Other than being bested by you?" Sōten prompts.
He nods.
"No," she admits, "but the prize for the next match is a large purse. They could just be trying to take out the competition."
"How large is the prize?" Kagome asks.
"Five million yen," Sōten reveals.
"That's motive," Shippō remarks.
"Indeed," Sesshōmaru agrees. "What concerns me is the fact they went after Kagome."
"Probably because she's an easy target," Sōten responds, before quickly adding, "No offense."
"No, I get it," she huffs annoyed. The acid stench returns to her scent.
Sesshōmaru squeezes her hand. "Do you have their addresses?"
"They are on file at the gym," Sōten tells him. "We can check it out tomorrow and come up with a plan of attack."
"Whoa! You can't just go attacking people," Kagome warns. "Someone is going to notice."
Sōten does not appear bothered by her opinion. "Muggings happen all the time. It's a large city. There are more than a few unsavory alleyways that should be avoided."
"No," Kagome says firmly. "We're going to do this the right way. We have to find a way to link them to the fire so we can prove their involvement to the police."
Sōten glares at her then looks at Sesshōmaru. "You agree?"
"I made a promise not to kill them," he responds evenly.
The Thunder demoness comprehends his subtle subtext. She nods and sits back. "Alright, so no maiming, mauling, or disembowelment. That leaves us with intimidation and manipulation," Sōten declares.
"This is going to be fun," Shippō says, rubbing his hands together mischievously.
Sesshōmaru smirks.
Kagome groans. "That's not what I—."
"Too late to take it back now," Sōten interrupts with a grin.
"We need to eliminate the threat," Sesshōmaru reminds her. "We will sustain from using force unless necessary but I cannot promise we will not defend ourselves if provoked."
"I don't want you all putting yourselves at risk," Kagome insists.
"They drew first blood. They deserve what's coming," Sōten persists.
"This isn't the Feudal Era! You can't just go around fighting everyone you have a problem with. You have to learn exercise control," Kagome chides.
"Well, you have to learn how to accept help," Sōten shoots back.
"What?"
"You aren't alone here. You have Sesshōmaru, Shippō, and I to help you. Why won't you let us? Don't you trust us?"
"No, I...I didn't mean it that way," Kagome stammers.
"Demons follow a pack mentality. Packs defend each other. We house our members, feed them, nurture them, and protect them. You can't unlearn inherent instincts like that. You're fighting a losing battle," Sōten informs her.
Kagome glances at him in a silent question.
"Defending our pack is not merely an expectation. It is part of our lives. We may disagree with each other, even duel at times, but our loyalty foremost lies with the pack. We side with them before others," he explains.
"Mates most of all," Sōten adds.
Shippō nods in agreement. "It's a great dishonor to forsake your pack, but abandoning your mate is unforgivable."
Sesshōmaru knows where Kagome's mind strays. He can see it in her eyes. "My father may have chosen another to share his bed but he never left my mother unprotected," he clarifies. "She was given an impenetrable fortress and the most experienced guards to serve at her side while my father tended to Izayoi."
He can see his answer does not placate her, at least not entirely. Sesshōmaru continues, "My father's allegiances were torn between the two sides of his family. I do not straddle the same divide. You are my one and only. My fealty is to you."
Kagome's cheeks reddened as she nods in understanding. "But you won't kill them, right?"
"Not unless you change your mind," he answers.
Her lips purse. "I want to go with you."
"No."
"Sesshōmaru—."
"I will not allow you to—."
"You don't get to order me around. If you're serious about this relationship, then you know I'm not just going to sit on the sidelines and watch you go off to fight," she insists.
Shippō and Sōten remain silent throughout the exchange. Neither the kit nor his mate appear prepared to choose sides for this particular conversation.
He weighs his options. Sesshōmaru does not appreciate the idea of Kagome accompanying him. It is not because he thinks her weak but because Sesshōmaru knows he will be unable to focus on restraining himself if she is put in danger. His instincts will overwhelm him and he fears breaking his promise to her.
Sesshōmaru is also concerned that if he forbids her from coming along, Kagome will believe that he has no faith in her. He will not disappoint her the way others in her past have. He will be better.
"Fine," he relents begrudgingly, "once we know where they are, you may accompany us."
Her hand squeezes his. "If you want me to trust you and accept your protection, you have to be willing to do the same," Kagome tells him. "If we're going to be together, then that makes you my mate. Don't I have the right to defend you?"
"She has a point," Shippō remarks.
Sōten elbows him.
Sesshōmaru glares and the kit cringes.
He scratches the back of his neck sheepishly. "I mean, Sesshōmaru is strong enough that he doesn't need much protection. Though it's nice of you to offer, Kagome."
"I won't let my friends or my...," she pauses, staring at him, "Intended?" Sesshōmaru nods. "Or my intended to fight for me. If we are going to confront these creeps, we do it together."
"Together," Sōten agrees.
"Together," Shippō echoes.
Clasping her hand a little tighter, Sesshōmaru vows, "Together."
The guest bedroom is smaller than the chamber he was given at the shrine but Sesshōmaru does not complain. The space is adequate for privacy and sleep. The fact that Kagome will be staying here with him only improves his opinion of the space.
They lay in bed, facing each other. The day has been long and full of turmoil. Sesshōmaru is grateful for a quiet break. However, the peace is brief. There is still much to be done.
"We will keep a close watch on your family until the culprits have been dealt with," Sesshōmaru informs her. "Shippō will escort Sōta to and from school, Sōten will stay with your mother and grandfather, and I will be at your side."
"I'm sure I can manage the metro ride to school," she protests.
"I would prefer to accompany you," Sesshōmaru insists.
"Once you and your brother are safe at school, Shippō and I will reconvene at the gym. Between him and me, we should be able to track down those men. After we know where they are, we can develop a plan of attack," he explains.
"What do you plan on doing?" Kagome asks.
"Interrogation. Intimidation."
"You think you can scare them off for good?" she questions.
"That is my goal. If I can convince them to leave the city— and your family —alone, there will be no need for further violence," Sesshōmaru answers.
"What about the police? We have a justice system for a reason," Kagome reminds him.
"Human justice is not impartial. I have seen guilty men walk free while their victims are crying out in suffering. No, we will handle this on our own," he decides.
Kagome frowns. "How is your way any better?"
"I will permit them a chance to leave. Should they choose not to take it, they will be dealt with. It is a fair offer and far more generous than what they deserve," Sesshōmaru responds.
He does not understand her reservations. These men targeted her, hurt her family and still she chooses to show leniency. He is unaware of any other ever acting so merciful.
"Sesshōmaru," Kagome says, cupping his cheek with her hand, "I know you feel the need to protect me and defend my family but there are laws for a reason. Our society can't function without them. It would be chaos."
"And how did those laws help you?" he challenged. "They did not prevent these men from discovering where you live and burning it to the ground. That kind of violence— it cannot be overlooked."
"No, but it can be made an example of," Kagome replies. "If they are caught and tried, they will be sent to prison. My family will be safe and others won't attempt to do what they did. There is a lasting impact."
"Perhaps, but there is also the chance that the next threat will act in the same rash manner. Not everyone in this world is as pure as you," he says, leaning over to kiss the crown of her head.
Kagome tilts her face up to kiss him in return. "Just promise me you'll think about it."
"I will consider your point of view," Sesshōmaru tells her.
"Thank you," she says, stifling a yawn.
"Rest now. I will watch over you while you sleep."
She snuggles close, resting her forehead against his chest. "Night, Sesshōmaru."
"Goodnight, Kagome."
The following day, while Kagome attends school, Sesshōmaru accompanies Shippō to the gym. Leaving his intended in the company of her friends makes him slightly uneasy but he knows those men will not attack her with numerous witnesses. She is safe.
For now.
He needs to assess whether they will continue to be a threat or if they were merely foolish enough to cross him once. Sesshōmaru hopes it is the latter— for their sakes and the sake of Kagome. He does not wish to upset her but he will do whatever is necessary to ensure she is protected.
"Sōten keeps the files in here," Shippō says as he leads Sesshōmaru into the office.
The kitsune walks around his mate's desk and opens the bottom drawer. Dozens of files hang inside, each with several sheets of parchment. Shippō tabs through until, one by one, he finds each of the men's information.
They lay the folders along the desk. Sesshōmaru withdraws the information sheets and scans the handwritten notes that decorate them.
The first, Eiichi, lives in a rough neighborhood. It is near the park Sesshōmaru visited with Sōta. The second's— a man named Daisuke — residence is down the street from the gym. The third, Gaku, lives across the city, close to the shrine.
This detail causes Sesshōmaru to growl. He loathes the idea of any of these miscreants being anywhere near his intended's home.
Shippō's tail twitches behind him. "Darn. I thought they'd be closer together. How are we going to confront them now?"
"One at a time," Sesshōmaru decides. "We will work our way across the city, starting with this one." He points to the man who resides a block away.
Shippō nods. "Alright, let's go."
Before leaving, they conduct a cursory check of the gym. The other patrons who are working out wave or duck their heads in acknowledgment. Shippō salutes them while Sesshōmaru merely meets their gaze. He is not friendly with any of these humans and he has no plans to be— not after what happened last night.
They exit through the front and veer to the left. The sidewalks are empty at this point in the day. The majority of the city is either at work or school. Sesshōmaru believes he will either find Daisuke hiding out in his apartment. If not, he will discern where the man has gone based on his putrid scent. Either way, he is on the hunt.
Shippō is uncharacteristically quiet. Sesshōmaru considers asking about his lack of commentary until he notes the tension in the kit's form.
"She is fine," he reassures the fox demon. "Thanks to you and your mate, Kagome and her family are safe."
"I know," Shippō replies petulantly. "It's just...she always took care of me, you know? Even when I gave her no reason to. I tricked her and Inuyasha but that didn't stop Kagome from coming after me when the Thunder Brothers attacked. After my Papa died, she...she was the closest thing I had to family."
"She is still your family. Pack does not require a blood bond or a mating union," Sesshōmaru tells him.
The kit nods. "Getting Kagome back was great but then to almost lose her all over again— it scares me," he admits.
"I was also affected," Sesshōmaru shares. "That does not make us weak. Our devotion shows how deeply connected we are to our pack members. It is a testament to our willingness to keep them protected."
"I'm glad she has you," Shippō tells him. "Inuyasha tried but he never quite got over Kikyo and that bothered Kagome. She cried a lot over it. I hated seeing her so upset. She deserves someone who is willing to fight for her."
"I am," Sesshōmaru confirms, pleased by the kit's approval.
Just as Sōten sought for Kagome's blessing, Sesshōmaru wants the kitsune's favor. The fox is important to Kagome. Having his approval strengthens the foundation of their relationship.
"This is the place," Shippō announces, pointing to a dingy high-rise.
It is not as large as the one he and Sōten own. Based on the smell, however, Sesshōmaru believes more occupants live here. The muddled stench makes it difficult for him to discern which apartment belongs to the fighter but Shippō has no problem with recalling the number.
The kit goes up to the third floor and knocks on the door to the right of the stairwell. Sesshōmaru waits beside him, trying to listen for movement within the apartment.
There is a frantic heartbeat, the grinding of teeth, and shuffled footsteps. The man inside is nervously pacing his home. Sesshōmaru does not bother to knock. He turns the knob so hard that the lock breaks, giving him and Shippō entry.
The man's eyes go wide in terror. "Y-You!"
"Me," Sesshōmaru replies.
"You can't be in here. You're trespassing! Get out before I call the police!"
"Go ahead. When they arrive, I will inform them of your nightly activities— the ones that sent an innocent family to the hospital," Sesshōmaru growls.
Daisuke's gaze flickers to Shippō then back to Sesshōmaru. "I-I didn't know, okay? Gaku said we were just going to scare the girl. He never said anything about torching the place."
"So why did he?" the kitsune asks, stepping forward.
"When we got there, Eiichi and I noticed it was a shrine. We said there was no w-way we were going to vandalize a sacred place but Gaku didn't care. He s-said it was a front f-for demons. I didn't believe him but then..." he trails off, staring at Sesshōmaru.
"Then what?" he snarls, grabbing Daisuke by his shirt.
"We saw you go into the fire. You didn't burn," the man answers. His tone is a mixture of awe and fear.
Sesshōmaru releases him. "Where are your accomplices now?"
"I don't know. Gaku wanted to follow the family, said they would lead us to more demons and that we had to eradicate them. He was going on and on about finding their nest and destroying them all, even if it meant he had to burn the city to the ground."
Shippō glances up at Sesshōmaru. The two share the same thought. Sesshōmaru nods to the kit who goes outside to call his mate.
Sesshōmaru grabs the man once more. "What happened next?"
"We went to the hospital but once Eiichi and I saw the police, we scrammed. I wasn't going to go down for Gaku. I just wanted..." his voice breaks as he begins to cry, "I just wanted the purse, man. You gotta believe me. I didn't mean to hurt anyone."
Disgusted, Sesshōmaru tosses him aside. Daisuke is worthless. He is merely a pawn like one of Naraku's insects. There is no threat here.
"I suggest you leave the city," he tells the whimpering man. "I will give you one chance. After that, if I ever see you again, I will enact my own form of justice. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes," the man replies, nodding hastily. "Yeah, of course, man. Anything you say."
He gets up from the floor, scrambling around his apartment to gather his belongings.
Sesshōmaru leaves him, knowing Daisuke will never bother the Higurashi family again. His intended is safe.
For now.
As he rounds the corner, Sesshōmaru finds Shippō on a portable phone. It is a small black communication device. Sōten has one too so they can remain in contact. Sesshōmaru finds this particular human advancement effective.
"What did she say?" he asks.
"They haven't seen Gaku and she can't scent him near the apartment. He must be hiding out while he strategizes his next move," Shippō explains.
"I thought Kohaku was the last of the demon slayers," Sesshōmaru comments.
"I don't think Gaku is a slayer," he says. "Sōten and I have run into his type before. They call themselves demon hunters. They are fanatics left over from the days of the monk, Unagi. You remember him? He tried to convince Rin to leave you?"
Sesshomaru growls. He remembers that day well.
"His followers believe in purging the world of all demon-kind. He not only passed down the secrets of his sacred sutras; he passed on his prejudice as well," Shippo explains.
"So they are aware of our existence in the modern era," Sesshomaru states.
Shippō nods.
"You did not suspect your fighter to be one?" Sesshōmaru inquires.
"No," the kit confesses. "For the most part, they only use paper talismans or petrified kappa feet— nothing that can actually harm us. Still, we try to avoid running into them if we can. They tend to make things uncomfortable."
"How so?" he questions.
"In Osaka, they covered our house in sutras and began boycotting our business, claiming we were demons. People didn't believe them but our attendance dropped. No one wanted the aggravation. We couldn't afford to stay there so we moved here," Shippō explains.
"Have you ever come across a violent group before?" Sesshōmaru asks.
"Not since the raids," the fox tells him.
"I don't trust this man. He lives near the shrine and he knows the truth about us. We need to regroup with Sōten and Kagome, to ensure they are both safe," he advises.
"What about the other guy? Eiichi?"
Sesshōmaru's eyes darken. "I will pay him a visit."'
"Okay, I'll go back to the apartment and check on Kagome's family," Shippō offers. "I need to check our illusion barrier around the complex anyway. It is our first tier of defense."
"What is the second?"
"Sōten's lightning."
"Good. Make sure she is prepared to use it," Sesshōmaru tells him. "I sense a storm brewing on the horizon."