CHAPTER 31: FACING CONSEQUENCES PART 2

"Kagome...I must. Please, My Love...You will make yourself sick with your crying. You are even making our children upset." Sesshomaru's voice was gentle, trying to comfort her and stay her aggressive sobbing. He understood why she was so upset. He didn't like it either. He didn't want to leave her, to leave his pups. But, he had no choice. He had to face Menomaru's men in battle, not that there was very many compared to his army. Sesshomaru alone had so many loyal soldiers, that it was ridiculous.

Taking a deep breath, Kagome settled her sobbing to quiet ones and soft sniffles. Inuyasha stood with Kikyo and their children beside them. Katsuro and Tomoe were at Sesshomaru's feet with Sumiye in his arms. Crouching, Sesshomaru pulled the twins into his embrace with their sister and purred to comfort them. They settled easily and when he stood, he passed Sumiye to Inuyasha and turned to Kagome once more.

Her watery smile had his heart breaking and he frowned slightly. Taking her hand, he led her outside, away from the others but still in their line of sight. "Kagome..." He whispered as her pressed his lips to her temple and wrapped his arms around her from behind, pulling her back flush against his front. Her hands squeezed his arms. She didn't want to let him go. She didn't want him to leave. Her eyes closed and she felt his arms tighten around her.

"Promise me...Promise me that you will come back...Please? We need you...I need you, Sesshomaru...I can't do this without you..." His heart seized at hearing her confession and he turned her towards him before his arms wrapped around her waist.

Leaning his forehead on hers, he spoke in hushed tones. "I give you my word, Kagome...I will come back to you and our pups." His kiss held promises and reassurance. Inuyasha looked on as he listened to his brother speak of his love for Kagome. He saw the look in Sesshomaru's eyes as he gazed down at her. The look of raw, unfiltered love. Inuyasha smiled before clearing his throat, making himself known.

Sesshomaru and Kagome looked towards him as he spoke. "It's time, Sesshomaru." Was all he said before walking past them to join their soldiers and getting them into formation. His hands cupped her face and he kissed her passionately. "I will be back." Was all he said as his face contorted in sadness and wretched himself from her grasp. He heard her sob and felt his heart thud against his ribs so painfully that he gripped his chest. Kai passed him his armor and he quickly put it on before placing his swords at his hips.

Kagome's whispered 'I love you' reached his ears and he spared one last longing glance at the woman he loved with all of his being standing a little distance away with their children. Giving the order, his men marched in step. He finally turned away from his family and joined his men, leaving his heart behind with them. Where he was going, there was no room for sentiment.

Two weeks. Two weeks without him. And it was hell for her. Kagome missed Sesshomaru fiercely to the point that she would silently cry herself to sleep at night with his white with red Sakura blossom kimono held tightly to her chest. It had his scent. He made sure to saturate it with his scent for her. It helped a little, but not much. She missed waking up and seeing him there, his arms wrapped around her, and feeling his safe embrace.

Sitting up, she put his haori on and tied the obi around her waist. It was huge on her, but she didn't care. Standing, she walked to the nursery. Her breasts were swollen and heavy with milk, so she would feed her children before she did anything else. Once in the nursery, she saw that the twins were already awake and playing quietly together so they didn't wake Sumiye. They were so smart and Kagome smiled at them when they heard her close the door.

"Mama!" They both said excitedly and Kagome had to shush them gently. They quieted instantly and ran to her as she sat down in her chair that was placed by a large window. Once in her lap, she pulled Sesshomaru's haori open to free her breasts. The twins latched immediately and suckled happily. Kagome held them to her as she leaned back deeper into the chair and closed her eyes, smiling as she did. Being with her children helped keep the loneliness at bay.

It was then that they heard Sumiye begin to stir. The twins started purring loud enough for her and she settled to quiet grunting. Kagome smiled tenderly at her boys. They knew Sumiye was hungry and told her -in the Inu form of communicating- that they would not be much longer.

The twins finished and as if on queue, Sumiye started to get agitated. Kagome let Katsuro and Tomoe continue playing and picked Sumiye up. Sitting back down, she placed her beautiful daughter at her breast. Sumiye suckled with need, but was happy and kicking her little legs which Kagome chuckled at. Yuki came in then and smiled at her lady brightly, Kagome returned with an equally bright smile.

"I can take the children out for the day, My Lady. If you wish, of course." Yuki said with a slight curtsy. "Yuki, must you continue to call me that? I've told you before...Just call me Kagome. It's more comfortable for me that way. You're my friend, not my servant." Kagome's genuine statement made Yuki smile again and she nodded. "Thank you, Kagome. That means a lot to me."

Yuki suggested that they go out. She wanted to distract Kagome and keep her busy. They visited shops and played with other children. Atreus was with them, keeping them safe. He had profound respect for Kagome, and loved her children like they were his own. He was currently holding Sumiye who was playing with his hair. He paid her no mind. As long as she was happy, he didn't care what she was doing to his hair. Kagome appreciated that about him. He was a dear friend to her. Someone she could trust her children with should anything happen to her.

THREE WEEKS LATER

"My Lord! We have driven them back across the field. It would seem that our enemy is trying to draw out this war. What I don't understand is that they are somehow succeeding with just that." Kai was irritated. He wanted to go home. He wanted to be with his son and Reo. He wasn't in love with her, but he did love her in his own way and was good to her. It was enough to keep her happy and she didn't question him. He was grateful.

"Hnnn...Yes, I have been wondering the same. We have the numbers and strength. Every time we go into battle with them, we defeat them, but we are still here, more than a month later. It is infuriating." Sesshomaru was angry. He wanted to be with his children and Kagome. He missed them terribly. He hadn't even had time to write Kagome. He wondered if she was worried about him. Of course she is worried for us, Sesshomaru. She is our mate. It would only be natural for her to worry.

I know. I just don't like thinking that she is. I do not want her to worry.

Then write to her, Master. Let her know that we are alive and well. That we will be with her soon. Now is the perfect time to do so.

Sesshomaru agreed. If he didn't write to her now, he didn't know when he would get a chance to. Mind made up, he grabbed his quill and paper before he sat on his cot next to a couple of lit candles. Kai excused himself so that Sesshomaru could write in peace.

Folding the letter, he sealed with his crest. "Toshiro!" His personal messenger appeared almost immediately. "Yes, My Lord?" He entered his lords tent with a deep bow. "Stand, Toshiro. Relax. I just need you to deliver this letter to Kagome." Handing it over to him, he inclined his head to Toshiro who bowed again. "Make sure you give that to her personally, Toshiro. And please, do not rest until she has it in hand." Toshiro could hear the longing in Sesshomaru's voice. He knew that he wanted this war to be over with. "Of course, My Lord. I will be swift." Bowing once more, he turned and left quickly on his horse. Sesshomaru heard as the horse sped away and was grateful for it. Toshiro was a man of his word and Sesshomaru appreciated that.

It only took Toshiro two days to reach the shiro. He and his horse exhausted, but both relieved to finally reach their first destination. His horse breathed harshly, trying to catch his breath and Toshiro got down. Holding the animals head, he placed his forehead on its face. "Thank you, my friend for getting me here so quickly." The horse nickered in return. "Take Renji to the stables. He needs food, water, and to be bathed. Afterwards, let him rest and gather his strength because I will need him at his best when we return to Lord Sesshomaru." Turning, he found Kagome quickly and handed her the letter.

"From Lord Sesshomaru, My Lady." Bowing deeply, he turned from her and left the room so she could read it.

My Dearest Love,

I apologize that I have not been able to write you sooner. The front line has kept me busy day and night for weeks now.

I want you to know that you and our children solely occupy my thoughts. When I close my eyes, I only see your face.

Seeing your smile lights up the darkness that surrounds me. I can feel your touch in my dreams. The realness of it.

The thought of being buried deep inside you makes my heart long to be home with you.

I give you my word, Kagome. I will end this ridiculous war and return to you. Hug our children for me and tell them I miss them.

All my love,

Sesshomaru

With tears streaming down her face and a huge smile, she ran to the nursery. Shoving the doors open, she made her way quickly to her children and pulled them into a tight hug. Yuki was holding Sumiye and looked concerned. "Kagome, what is it? Is everything okay?" The concern in Yuki's voice had Kagome turning to face her. "Yes, Yuki. Everything is fine. I received a letter from Sesshomaru and I got overwhelmed with happiness is all." Her watery smile made Yuki chuckle. "I'm glad to hear that, Kagome."

THREE MONTHS LATER

Sesshomaru looked like a wild animal ready to snap as he swung his sword Bakusaiga with a loud roar, releasing a huge amount of his youki and obliterating more of his enemy. Kai was fighting beside him, fire engulfing his form as he set numerous enemies on fire. "We finish this today, Sesshomaru! I have had enough of this!" Sesshomaru agreed with him. Enough was enough and it was time to end this. More than four months at war had them weary and ready to go home.

Sheathing his sword, Sesshomaru suddenly went still, eyes closed and he called upon his yokai. The air around them went still, as if it was sucked away and everything fell silent.

Fear

He could feel his enemies become fear ridden and he growled. It was loud and dangerous, deep and raspy. Kai smiled, and he looked absolutely feral. The cracking of youki could be seen and heard by all. Sesshomaru reached out and grabbed it, transforming into his enormous dog form. Letting out a roar, his men cheered and began to fight with renewed enthusiasm.

Sesshomaru charged, killing all the enemies in his path. Kai had transformed into his Phoenix form, charging the enemy as well. He swooped down and flapped his powerful wings, letting his fire burn those that opposed him and his lord.

They were winning. Sesshomaru's soldiers tore through enemy line swiftly. Sesshomaru led his men to a small camp and they surrounded it. Transforming back to his humanoid form, Sesshomaru stood outside the tent. "You have lost this war. You can either come out on your own and proudly, or I can burn you alive as cowards. It's your choice."

When he heard shuffling, he knew that they would going to come out. Four men stepped out with their heads held high. "Bind them. They will be taken to my dungeons and executed with Menomaru."

And just like that, the war had finally come to an end.

AUTHOR'S NOTE

I didn't feel like drawing out the chapter with mundane fighting. I'm sorry if you feel it's rush, but my stories won't have chapters of drawn out fighting and war. Not my style.