Chapter 27
Kagome had sat within the wolve den in solemn, listening to the ruckus they made inside the surrounding dens. Hugging her knees as she eyed the skeletons scattered about and taking notice of some appearing to be human. A talk she'd gladly have with Koga whenever the time would be right. That's if Sesshomaru would not kill him first, knowing the anger that man must have currently, it made her shudder.
He's going to be so aggravated with me..
She sighed aloud. And could not help but still feel hurt from her friends words, the harsh tone he held to her over something that quite frankly was not his business. Who she chose to lay with, if ever, was of no concern to anyone. Especially a counter male demon that not that long ago wanted to make a pass at her while married in such. It made Kagome uncomfortable, being forced to be placed back in the 'other woman's situation. One that Koga had done for a long time now, not understanding how to take a hint.
She sighed, going to draw her knees in further. But the sound of gurgled cries echoed inside the hidden sanctuary, startling her. The rocks being moved aside as they grew nearer, soldiers making their way into safety. Kagome stood immediately, though hesitant to seek the situation out. So she walked right behind the hanging fur hides and took a small peek, eavesdropping on what was about.
Through the fur she could make out Ginta being helped in, surrounded by near wolf demons whose faces held concern and fear. Few bent close to sniff he and his wounds out as they lay him down onto the ground. The blood seeping out his mouth followed by burns all over his entire body. Wounds that she very well recognized.
Gintas moans sounded horrible, the saviors trying to assist his pain. Licking and rubbing dirt on the seared flesh, though it was to no avail. It was the scent in the air that told them all the truth, and the damage done to a demon from a priest at this caliber was not to be saved.
Koga burst in, roughly shoving the group members aside to rush by his longtime companions side.
"Outta my way! Ginta! Ginta…," He dramatically yelled, bending down to meet the weak young man. His eyes looked his body up and down and then he knew that nothing could be done. These were his last moments.
Kagome's hand rose to clasp her mouth less anyone hear her faint gasp, the tears forming behind the lashes. For she had known Ginta for so long and wished to comfort him, but she figured this would not be appropriate. And the men deserved their time together, no matter how much it ached her heart to see this.
Gintas eyes opened partly, the vision fuzzy as he smiled up. Making out their leaders clear voice and solid blue eyes.
"..Hey Koga… sorry I failed you..," He struggled to make out, raising his hand up as Koga grasped it in his. His grip tight.
"Nonsense! You served the clan well and should be honored! I shouldn't have sent y'all out there like that… dammit!," He shouted, grinding his teeth in anger.
"We'll… win this.. I've gotta go though.. Hykkakus waiting..," He whispered, giving one last smile before heaving forward. Drawing in a last hard breath. His head leaning downward.
The wolves around whimpered in unison at the loss of their dear companion. His death feeling in vain at their uselessness, and now the knowledge that clearly anyone else on the scouting team had also been lost.
Koga knelt still for a moment, taking in the situation at hand. His two lifelong friends had fallen at the hands of mere humans and the hatred he felt had boiled inside immensely. Never had the clan felt so weak and helpless before. But it was time. Time their leader rose to the challenge and fought gravely in honor of their deaths.
He stood slowly letting Gintas hand go. His head held downcast for a brief second before sharply snapping it up, the eyes fierce with flames. Kagome had never seen this look on Koga before and it was somewhat terrifying she thought, backing away to resume her position on the other side of the room not to be caught.
"Everyone listen up. Things have gotten bad, real serious obviously. It was one thing that these low lives managed to kill a couple of us. But to take out an entire flock of 15 demons of the wolf tribe isn't a laughing matter. I've known these men for a very long time, and even a human can't stand a chance. But these… freaks are changing the game. I'm talking strategy. And it's not just us affected let's not forget. The serpents of the lake and the flying lion tribe have also been targeted. We'll discuss action more later when Ayame arrives. So for now mull this all over, i want everyone to feel as hard as I am right now. Dismissed!," He snapped, each nodding their heads in the same immensity their male leader held. These were scary times for demons it appeared and the wolf tribe had not faced an enemy to this extreme in quite some time.
Kagome could hear them moving around to clear the area, when suddenly the hides were swept aside as she stared Koga down with wide eyes. Unsure what to expect after the loss and his anger with her earlier.
But his eyes, however fierce held sadness deep within them now. His heart sinking into that same dark place she had felt those months ago, knowing all too well his position.
She swallowed, unwanting to offend but also hopeful to offer compassion.
"Koga.. I'm so sorry," She whispered. Her hands holding each other as she took a step nearer.
He had not looked her in the eyes yet, everything still taking time to adjust. Yet now in worry about her safety. Because Kagome would always be something extremely special in his heart, and to imagine her dying caused his chest to pinch.
So he took a deep breath to calm down, not wanting to alert her anymore than he had already done earlier. There was no time to mourn. The time of battle was close.
"Ginta and Hyakkaku really liked you ya know.. They always asked when we'd see you again. I'd always say soon but we never got the chance.," He said, coming to lean against a wooden center table staring at the ground.
"Who attacked them?," She asked. Though aware it was mankind, she wanted details. This situation growing all too familiar.
"Three priest came to a nearby village not that long ago. I know you don't want us eating humans but Ayames tribe wouldn't agree to such. So they hunted there.. They came into some issues when a guy managed to take out two of our hunters, out there lookin for food. The rest ran came with their tails between their legs. Saying the priest didn't hold any ordinary power. So I sent another group out to watch them closely. The last time they went, Ginta saw what seemed to be newcomers. Overheard them talking about some kinda Holy man that they heard devoted themselves to and his preachings. How they were grateful over the power he'd given them. They were told to stand by and observe. Though.. I guess they were caught…," He explained. His expression growing deeper in guilt.
Kagome walked over closer to him, the words rolling over in her head. This must've been the same men she and Sesshomaru had dealt with prior. It could not be a coincidence. Though with this newfound information, it could only mean that there were more out there other than the compound she was taken to. And if it were only three humans, the power they possessed should be exponential. So to have more joining the flock would certainly be bad news for everyone.
She gasped loudly, the pain throbbing inside her skull suddenly as the scar on her chest hurt. The forgotten memory etching itself into her mind. It all came back in blurs though coherent. Visions of Lanna and her dead body. The men who tried to rape her. Jaken imprisoned and the involvement he spoke of. And Sesshomaru slaughtering everyone in the hazy last sighting of it all as she lay bleeding out. It hurt, all of it at once. Her cheek stinging recalling the hit the old man gave her. Her back, stinging from the lashes and the unsightly scars they left behind.
"Kagome!," Koga shouted as he ran to her, she crumbling down to her knees. He held her by the shoulders trying to study what was wrong as he watched her pained expression slowly drop. Her face etched with worry.
"You have to stop," She said finally. Still holding the sides of her head.
"Huh? Look if it's about the hunting thing that's not too important right-," He began but she interrupted.
"No you have to stop going around them! They're dangerous! They'll hurt you just like they did us!," She snapped, grasping the front of his clothes.
"What? You've met them?, and they hurt you!?," He yelled scowling in anger.
She pulled her shirt to the side slightly to reveal the large circular scar left behind from their encounter. The darkened skin showing, clashing in with her pale tone. It was ugly she knew and would have to live with it the rest of her life due to these people. The very thought chilled her, and she'd be forever grateful for Sesshomaru saving her. Though he suffered painfully the same as she.
"Yes… they managed to kidnap me away from Sesshomaru. They did horrible things, claiming I deserved it because I sinned. A sin of loving a demon. And rammed this bar of light generated from their leaders power, right through my chest here. I don't know how I survived but since they managed to pin down someone like Sesshomaru, I know they aren't weak humans we are dealing with.," She said weakly. The memories still paining her.
Koga processed what she had said and it only fueled his anger even more than it currently was. He could only picture these vile humans daring to harm his Kagome and getting away with it.
"It makes me pretty mad that you think I'll just roll over after hearing this! They're gonna pay! They hurt you! Killed my friends! If these humans want some then they'll get some alright!," He snapped, yanking her up to stand with him.
"Koga no! I don't want you or anyone here to get killed!," She pleaded. But he held her hands in his, ignoring anything she had to say.
"I cannot make that promise Kagome. I can't let go of what they did to my comrades. If I die so be it. Cry for me after. Applaud for me now!," He said in fierceness.
"Koga..," She whispered. Staring into his powerful eyes.
He gave her a bright smile to help her feel secure in his decision to fight. It was clear enough that this wasn't just about them and their somewhat large tribe. It was affecting the entire demon and human populace. And right now being afraid would do no good.
"After all, we did manage to take out Naraku remember?! This is nothin!," He said.
But she could only nod at his courageous attitude. No matter how weak he'd ever been compared to the rest of them it wouldn't matter. Koga still fought just as hard as the rest of them. Now he had more to protect than his pride. There was an entire clan of wolves behind him ready to jump when he said so, and she could not feel prouder. But even still she also felt worried at that thought. To imagine all of them being wiped out so easily by these monsters was sickening.
It was nice to be reunited with a long friend in a warming way, without his creepy antics towards her. His positive approach to any obstacle was outstanding.
But their tender moment was to be cut short as the rocks were heard being moved to the side quickly by the demands of a female voice. A spike of aggression heard at the sound of it followed by the shuffling of the tribesman forcibly moved to the side. Loud shouts, harsh shoving. And the awful atmosphere headed straight for them.
Koga grabbed Kagome and flung her behind him to shield her from the force coming directly for her. In acknowledgement of the wrath he'd endure for her sake and Kagome's kind nature.
She could only blink for a second in worry by this move. Knowing she should not be here.
Ayame threw the hides aside as she made her away into his domain. Her face fuming with anger as she sniffed the air at the traces of human scent. Her husband standing there with a secure posture, and the outline of someone behind him in white clothing could obviously be seen. There was no hiding it. And the nerve that he would dare to do so only made him even more guilty.
Her fist balled to her sides as she glared daggers at him.
"It's her. I smell her. That disgusting human scent masked in dog demon pheromones. The SAME one we've been lookin for might I add and you dare hide her!," She snapped.
"Kagome got nothin to do with it Ayame! I married you so stop acting so jealous anyways!," He yelled back. But it only egged her rage on.
She stormed over to them in an attempt to aggressively pull Koga aside, but he fought back. Standing firmly there with his arm still holding Kagome against his back. She too squirmed to get away from the feuding couple, not wanting to face an a very hateful Ayame and give her any more ideas about them. But Kogas hold was too strong.
"Koga… let go..," She struggled, pressing her hands to push off of him. And between she and Ayames demanding shoving, his grip slackened. Allowing Kagome to run off a few steps.
Ayame stopped, bringing her leg around and swift kicked Koga flat across the room. He yelped out, crashing against the wooden table and landing in a pile of sharp bones below. The female wolf leader showing full dominance in this situation against an opposing female. Not only reeks of her husband's scent, but picking up on the smell of the infamous dog demon.
Kagome backed away in fear, her hands drew up to try and protect her face and body, as Ayame quickly made her way up to the young human. Enraged in a snarl as she grabbed one of Kagome's wrist, digging her nails into the flesh. Piercing it enough to draw a small spell of blood. She hissed out partly in pain, trying to pry the hand off with her other. It was no match against a demon.
Ayame held her there and stared her down growling angrily. While she held one wrist, she used her other hand to grab the corner of Kagome shirt following the red flower print. Making a point to grab there.
"See!? She even wears his signature! You dare bring her here as a guest and not a captive!? What a stupid man you are Koga!," She shouted over to him before turning her attention back to the frightened Kagome. Who looked at Koga longingly for help, but he could only watch on. The pack female was asserting her dominance rightfully so and put him in place. It was only the laws of the tribe.
"How do you k-know so much about this?," Kagome asked apprehensive.
Ayames eyes widened for a moment before going back to angered at the idiotic question.
"The hell do you mean how? Hello! The northern wolf clan has always been disrespected by the great dog demons domain! The father believed he could try and force us to stop hunting humans! Absurd! And with him gone, he leaves an arrogant prince who believes he can step foot in our territory whenever without shame!," She screamed.,"I know all about this Sesshomaru and his disrespectful mother! You make my mates eyes wander while you lay with a dog demon, that one of all!? I'd be a pleasure to kill you!"
So that's what Sesshomaru meant by enemies here.
Her grip on Kagome shirt went straight to her throat and tightened hard. Stopping the wind forcibly out from her lungs. She fought hard to pull her body away but there was no comparison to the female demons strength.
ooooo
Sesshomaru had stalked through the snow storm for over an hour now tracking the faint scent of Kagome. It proved more difficult than he assumed being as it was covered in a thick blanket of white in mere minutes. The loss of it trailing down the mountain side from their small cavern into the blurry wind. His nose was the sharpest around and even this was challenging.
It was infuriating. Until he saw the female wolf leader running along an unseen path, indicating their marked yet hidden ways of getting around in weather like this. The white wolves not far behind. Each thrust with remarkable speed, but nothing that could match his own.
He had quickly caught up with her, staying ways at a distance to monitor where she was heading off to. Hopefully back to the wolf den where he was sure to find Kagome. It was an agitating stalking strategy to yield from forcing it out of her as she stopped to sniff the snow, making sure she was going the right way. But the wolf demons were so uncivilized, they'd probably retaliate instead of accepting his threats. Patience would serve him better in the long run, not only in the sense of killing her, but slaughtering the allies as well.
So he waited intently. Until Ayame came to a stop at the end of a part of the mountain. He watched as she chose to stop there, standing still outside. The wolves ran in front of her and began scratching on the stone, letting the demons inside know that they were back. And the large pillars moved aside from the tribesmen inside, they hurrying along, and it being shut in place. The snow quickly falling over it to cover yet again.
Sesshomaru appeared before the secret entrance in an instant. Thinking whether or not it'd be safe to simply smash his way in, being as he wasn't sure if she'd be nearby and get injured. Or wait until it opened, missing his other chance. It was not something he thought very long on, recalling back to when he'd do the same at the underground compound and she was in the midst of being tortured. He'd not allow that to happen again.
So he threw one of his claws back above his head, and swung down hard. Rock debris flying inside from the powerful blow as the demons close by screamed at the surprise. Many gathering composure to meet the enemy. As the smoke from the impact cleared, he walked through the clouds. Stalking his way inside their domain with the claws dripping from green toxins. The demons shuddered knowing how weak they were compared to this monster. His eyes cutting through them before they move venture further. But the wolves cared not, throwing themselves at the attacker, trying to get a good flesh ripping bite in.
Sesshomaru threw them to the side with ease, barely a flick of his wrist. The green digging into the rib cages as bodies piled up, the same situation as those who perished outside. The toxic smell filled the air as it melted the bodies past the bone even into nothingness. It struck fear inside the humanoid wolf demons.
"Retreat!," A large one shouted as the others screamed, rampaging into the back of the large inside den. Though there would be no other escape route from the only exit, maybe offering the human girl unharmed would satisfy the demon and he'd leave without killing anyone else.
Sesshomaru grimaced from the musty stank the place put off. It had stunk of wet dog tremendously from their unhygienic selves and he could only wonder how it'd stick to Kagome once he got her out of there.
Finally he approached hanging hides and ripped through them, they flew across the stone flooring. And in the center of the room sat Kagome. Who Ayame let go and averted her attention to the direction of the commotion. She, still standing next to her. And Koga coming to his senses as well. The female pack leader glared angrily as his disregard for the damage in their den by his hands. And he would surely pay at all these years of dealing with this shit.
"Sesshomaru!," Kagome excitedly exclaimed as she went to stand.
Ayame looked down at her and caught her before she could go on any further. Digging her nails into Kagome hair and pulling her back in place. She screamed at the pain, hands flying up to pry her off.
"You want your toy back-," She went to mock but her eyes grew wide in fear as she turned back to him. He was no longer so far off, but immediately before her. Hand cocked back and in one harsh motion, Sesshomaru punched Ayame dead in the face. She flew back across the room and skid on her side against the wall, the air knocked out of her lungs. Coughing out small bits of blood from biting her own lips.
Kagome rubbed her scalp as she watched what he'd just done. Ayames body trembling at the stunned pain her body was just dealt with. Koga grew furious witnessing his wife be struck so hard by another man. And he growled out, launching himself directly at Sesshomaru. But he didn't move, nor was he phased.
"Gorashi!," He screamed as his claw hand came down on Sesshomaru.
But before he could even tell whether he hit or not, he spit out blood as well with a swift and powerful kick to the abdomen. Sending him flying back to the previous spot his wife had. He lay stunned for a moment at the power this monster possessed without even lifting a weapon, part of the all cracking behind his form, pieces and rock crumbs scattering around his shoulders.. The dog demon was not even remotely using any of his abilities other than normal hand to hand combat.
"You.. Bastard dog..," Koga coughed out as he spit blood at his direction.
Sesshomaru took a step forward with the cracking of his knuckles, ready to make this quick to get out of here and make them suffer for taking his company. He showed barely any emotion as he faced Koga, fingertips already soaked in wolf blood.
Before he could do anything of the sort however, fragile arms wrapped around his front. Her face buried into his chest. Kagome hugged him to prevent him from going further and finishing the pathetic fight.
"Please stop..," She begged into his shirt shaking.
He stared down at her annoyed.
"You wish for me to stop but they have made you tremble in fear. Step aside. "
"You're the one who's scaring me right now," She implored.
His agitated expression dropped to astonishment hearing her say that and in a way he was almost offended. Here he had came to save her, yet again, and she had the nerve to be afraid of him. Also with a sting of not wanting to ever scare her like that, this mere mortal who from the very get go caught his attention by her unwavering sass towards him.
"Fine. This is their one chance.," He snapped.
lowering his hand from its attacking stance and place it on the back of her head. Kagome stilled and looked up at him, their eyes locking in understanding as he went along with what she wanted.
Koga took advantage of the demons distraction and weakly stood. Stumbling over to his wife who lay on her side barely conscious. Ayame never took her eyes off of Sesshomaru, waiting for when he'd strike. Her head lay on Kogas lap as he protectively covered her form.
"It's a misunderstanding, Koga didn't kidnap me.. And he's a friend. Besides, there's something we need to discuss with them," She said to him.
Though the thought of her being friends with a low demon like that irked him. However not surprising since she befriended his repulsive half brother.
Kagome pulled away from the embrace and slowly walked over to the couple. An expression of fear and uncertainty masked on both of their faces as they tensed up. She smiled weakly, trying her best to defuse the situation.
"It's okay now. He's not gonna hurt you and we don't need to fight each other.," She said.
Ayame slowly sat up, struggling with her weight on her arms to come to lean against the wall. Koga trying to assist his wife best he could though she had not been welcoming. He looked up at Kagome, then at Sesshomaru. Careful with how he spoke.
"I remember you. You're the mutt Inuyasha's brother."
Kagome was waiting for the final blow to rain down upon him for that comment but shockingly he did nothing still remaining far off. Sensing he was growing impatient now that they were free to leave.
"Half.," He added.
"Tck. Whatever. Just get outta here already, you both get on my nerves and stink," Koga snapped, hinting his resentment for Inuyasha.
"Gladly.," He said flashing next to Kagome and tugging at her arm away from them. Edging her to leave. But she pulled her arm back, focusing her attention back to them.
"Wait Koga. I need you to tell Sesshomaru about the priest. It's important since we've encountered them as well.," She demanded.
Sesshomaru looked at her questionably, wondering if it was the same people he assumed they faced before, tucking both forearms into his sleeves and staring at the wolf awaiting answers.
Koga winced in pain as he slowly moved to stand, pushing past Kagome and going off to exit the room. Ayame watched as her husband left her alone with the violent demon, the only protection being Kagome stopping it for now. Her body hurt too much to move, to even try to run away. But she would not beg for her life if things went South from here.
Kagome looked her over, the cut inside her lip still bleeding slightly from the intense hit Sesshomaru gave. His demeanor uncaring or even close to remorseful. At least he was listening now though, not to kill her.
She bent down smiling, extending an arm out to Ayame to take it, offering aid to stand. If she could at least. But the female demon slapped it away, looking past her.
"Don't touch me. I am fine right here.," She snapped.
Koga had came back with several pack members who still shook in fear at the sight of Sesshomaru. Scurrying to make their way around the duo in order to treat their Lady who sat defeated. With a wooden bucket of water to clean her bloodied face and strips of cotton to dab. They began working on her.
He on the other hand made his way over to a wooden chair and sat back in it abruptly. Utterly exhausted from the small battle. Sesshomaru stood staring at him, waiting for the explanation Kagome insisted he hears.
"As I've already told Kagome, we've been keepin an eye on a group of priest not far off from the mountain. They arrived at a neighboring village not too long ago and we noticed they began to recruit or 'train' new members into this cult following who targets demons. We figured it was no big deal. Until shit got heated and they actually managed to hurt us. Now they've taken out an entire pack of mine, good men. Men I've had for a long time. This is serious.," Koga said leaning back to look at the ceiling.
"And why do you feel we need to care?," He asked Kagome.
She looked at him frustrated. "Because it's weird! And there's more of them, not only targeting demons but humans! This can become a problem. Our village can even get attacked!"
Sesshomaru thought for a moment whether it'd be wise to let the wolves in on the objective he held, along with other intelligence regarding the demon in charge. It was not a case of having back up, for the Lord did not need anything of the sort. Merely he wanted no one getting in the way in the near future. For vengeance would be his. Mulling it over, he assumed it was no matter. These wolves were dead meat regardless simply for their weak existence.
"Their leader is a demon. He goes by Daoro, and can possess humans along with copy their abilities, though they are unaware of that. I have faced him in battle, to which he managed to get away before destroying his lair and everyone inside.," He shared to the group. Each looking at each other questionly.
"Figures you'd get to the source and let em go, completely useless just like Inuyasha.," Koga snapped.
Sesshomaru scowled at the comparison as Kagome leaned into his chest nervously to get in the middle of the two.
"But more importantly. If this guys still alive and there's still people following, that means it's gonna get huge. Just a large group of humans causing problems for demons and people alike. We can't exactly have that.," He continued.
"What do you suppose we do Koga?," She asked.
"Ain't it obvious Kagome? If this keeps up, demons and humans are going to have an all out war for claim. We have information that it isn't just us who's faced issues, but other tribes as well. Who won't take this shit lightly."
"It's too dangerous for you guys to get involved like that! Just stay hidden here! Not to mention innocent humans can get hurt in the middle of this!," She exclaimed. But he could only shake his head at his own density.
"It's not really up to you anyways Kagome. We protect our own. If other tribes agree to this kinda talk, it's a war that's going to brew before it can even start. We're gonna try to kill these low lives before they can gather too big a grouping. In the long run helping out innocent humans too. So I suggest you make your way home and stay out of our way for now. Go where you'll be safe."
She turned to face Sesshomaru to try and plead for him to talk sense to the leader. For he was more blunt than any. But to her shock, he was smirking proudly. The joy of bloodshed mixed with revenge radiating clearly.
"Sesshomaru? You agree with me right?," She asked. But he ignored her question.
"Do not fret wolf. I shall try to leave at least one for you when I am done, that's if you can handle it," He said smugly.
Koga scoffed. "Yea sure. You'll probably be too scared to even join in dog! Now if that's all there is to it, please get the hell out. We have no further business with you."
"Hn," Was all he added as he grabbed Kagome's wrist and proceeded to pull her into the direction of the opening. More than wanting to leave. Her face was in an evident protest but he paid it no mind. He had given her what she wanted and would be satisfied even though it did not go her way. The other wolves in the room would not even try to stop them, witnessing the power he had. It seemed their brethren would fall in vain for they were unable to avenge them.
But as they got closer to the frame of the opening, Koga hollered at them to wait a second. Weakly jogging over to the pair.
Sesshomaru looked back at the leader as he pulled Kagome out from his grasp. Holding her in a deep embrace, burying his face into the crook of her neck. He scowled at this scene but did nothing, knowing it would only cause her discomfort to intervene.
Kagome blushed mildly as he pulled away, hands still holding her shoulders.
"Sorry Kagome. Had to get one last hug in before you were well, still you.," He said giving her a sad smile.
"What do you mean?," She asked confused.
He came up to hold her face in both hands, his thumbs smoothly gliding over her cheeks. She stared, wondering what was with his sudden mood change with the weird look. It was a sad glint in them, as if he were etching her into his mind for the last time.
But she was yanked away from him, Sesshomaru having enough of the display and grabbing her wrist again. Tugging her to the exit. She only looked at him briefly before being forced to face forward in order to catch up to the Lord's pace.
Koga stared at her back as her body disappeared into the snowy outside. The wind taking her. And the demon.
He sighed already trying to picture her plain, human face. Her smooth and untouched skin. This time she was only half marked and didn't even know it. It was too late and the claim was too deep, it being out of she and Sesshomaru's hands. For the next time, if he did see her again, he was sure of it. That she'd hold the crescent dog demon family signature on her forehead and strips burned into her cheeks. Never again having the sweet scent that he loved.
ooooooo
The storm had began to subside upon reaching the end of the mountain finally. Any remaining dog demons had long left to retreat back home to the den and the pair would be left alone. All wanting the Lord to exit their lands in fear and begin repairing the damage done to their home.
The snow had thinned out quite a bit and Kagome could walk freely this time. Still pondering what it was Koga had meant. He gave strange clues to the demon world this time around and she had questions. And was not given the chance to confront them before being forced to leave. Though whatever the future held, it seemed dark for everyone. Not just them. She would try her hardest to smile through it, and get stronger so that she could help defend those she loved.
The sun rose over the high hill coming up and it shone through red clouds over the horizon. A blanket covering the sky in nearly fall colors. Over it held the forest landscape, it's green splashing in with the scenery. She gawked at it all, small flakes still floating down.
"Wow. Sesshomaru look how beautiful!" She said happily, skipping ahead of him to the very top of the hill to get the best few. Tiny white puffs covered her hair and gave the matching clothing she wore an angelic look. Her smile bright and laugh gentle as she held her hand out to catch the rare snowflakes that had fallen from the end of the storm. It melted in her small hands.
He stared at her for a long time, unmoving, out of all the negativity they faced. He would let her enjoy this small space unbothered. The sunlight glowed, engulfing her body in a luxurious wave. With his demon eyes he could see much better than she could imagine. And as she turned away, clearly distracted in the moment filled with happiness, he smiled.
"Yes. Beautiful indeed.," He said to himself.
ooooo