The Hunter and the Prey
Chapter 7: Romance, Meetings, and Struggles
Author: Gryphnwng
Rating: …PG-13 in general…this chapter may push the boundaries of an R rating. Just be warned. Mostly for violence, and some romance, and swearing.
Disclaimer: I don't, and have never owned Inuyasha. Though I wouldn't mind doing so!!
Authors Note: Hi! I am back. That took awhile to get out. Guess my mini writers block wasn't so mini after all. I'm not so good at writing fighting I think, lol. Well, as long as you have waited, I think yall deserve a nice long chappie ^_^ Wouldn't you agree? I want to thank everyone who has reviewed, you are all awesome! Every time I get a new one, I get these warm fuzzy thoughts ^_^ Enough rambling by me, time for the chapter! P.S. Sorry for the last cliffie! *Ducks flying veggies*
Chapter 7: Romance, Meetings, and Struggles
Sesshoumaru leaned closer, his breath falling on Kagome's cheek. Her eyelids fell, veiling her gaze from his. Her leaned closer still, his breath caressing her lips until he pressed his own against hers in a kiss.
With a clatter, Kagome's sword fell to the salle's floor, her hands now occupied with bracing herself against his strong chest. The feel of his warm, soft lips against her own made her gasp, which he adroitly made use of. Swiping his tongue along her bottom lip, he was awarded entrance. The hand holding Tetsusaiga crept around her waist, while his other hand busied itself tangling in her long ebony hair. He growled softly, deep in his throat as he began to feel her begin to respond to his ministrations. This kiss had a different taste then the one previous. Before, he had taken, plundered her as if she were a treasure, without thought for Kagome. This time, she was giving. Sharing herself with him with the utmost trust of one who knows that this person would not, could not hurt them. Sesshoumaru knew that this was true now. After all his vows to never let anyone close to his heart, she had come, like a thief in the night, and had stolen it. And he was content to let it remain thus. Instead of being the captured, she had captured him.
Kagome leaned into his kiss, his warm strength all that kept her from falling as she deepened the kiss. Her knees were so weak; she doubted that she could stand on her own anymore. She felt, more then heard, his growl as he held her closer, tenderly to his chest. This was a far cry from their previous encounter, she felt. While strong, like this one, it had been cold as well. It had been impersonal, a mere expression of lust. Now, she could feel the warmth in the kiss, the warmth in his eyes before he had leaned in. It was as if his heart had finally melted.
The two of them stood in the salle, weapons forgotten, in their own little world, making small noises of pleasure. Sesshoumaru abandoned Kagome's lips for the pleasures to be found in her neck, her ears, and her jaws. The tiny nips and licks he bestowed on her left her gasping in pleasure, the tiny hurts his fangs left assuaged by gentle swipes of his tongue. Her hands began their own journey, traveling across the hard muscles of his chest, over his strong back, and through his long, silky hair. Passing her hands through it, she was startled to hear something akin to a purr emanate from Sesshoumaru. With great effort, cinnamon eyes opened, still heavy lidded with pleasure, and looked at him. His own amber gaze was locked away, a completely relaxed expression on his face, almost dreamy. She stroked his hair again. More purring. She giggled, not able to help it.
This was enough to snap him out of his trance. He mock glared down into her smiling face, not able to keep the corners of his lips from twitching into a slight smile of his own. His deep voice still had traces of the purr when he spoke.
"Do you think that is funny, Kagome? I'm sure I could find out what interesting noises you make when stroked…" He let his words trail off as he made the suggestion.
Kagome moaned softly as his mouth dipped in once more to claim her neck, where it met her shoulder, in a light nip. The hand on her back dropped the Tetsusaiga, and stroked her along her spine, the claws lightly dragging.
Who knows how long the two would have explored the other, in their newfound feelings, if the blaring of alarms, tripped off by intruders to the surrounding land, hadn't interrupted them.
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Sesshoumaru and Kagome burst into the garden areas where Miroku and Sango still were. The two humans were on their feet, weapons drawn, looking for the source of the noise, and any possible dangers. With a wave of his hand, and a mutter, Sesshoumaru deactivated the alarms, much to the relief of all present.
Sango rubbed at her ears, which were still ringing. "What was that noise?" Miroku walked swiftly over to Sesshoumaru, a grim expression on his face. "They're here, aren't they?"
Sesshoumaru nodded, his face impassive. "Yes. Inuyasha and the dead priestess have arrived in the outer limits of my lands. We have a few hours to prepare for them. It will be evening by then, so he may wait until the following dawn to make his move." Lifting his hand, he beckoned a servant, Marya, over to him. "Marya will take the two children into the castle, and keep them there out of the way. We do not need them underfoot."
Marya nodded, and looked around. Seeing no sight of the children, she turned to Sesshoumaru with a small bow. "Forgive me, Lord, but where are the children at now?"
Kagome couldn't help but give a small chuckle. "Just follow the sounds of the agonized screams of Jaken. That's where they will be." Marya, too, had a hard time keeping a small smile from her face. She bowed again, with a murmured "Of course, my Lady," and left to find Rin and Shippou.
Kagome wearily sat down on one of the gardens stone benches. She hadn't expected Inuyasha to arrive so soon. Or for Sesshoumaru…
Her train of thought was broken and Sango sat beside her, one arm going comfortably around her shoulders. "Are you alright, Kagome? You seem saddened."
Kagome sighed, offering up a tired smile to her long time friend. "Yes, I am all right. Just tired, really. I wish things hadn't turned out like this, though. Why does Kikiyo persist in making life hell for everyone around her? I miss how things were before she came back." Her eyes slid shut as she voiced her thoughts. "I miss a lot of things, my family most of all. I've not seen them in so long. And I've missed you, and Miroku. Heck, I even miss the old Inuyasha!"
Sango snorted with laughter. "You could have fooled me with the way you to used to act with one another." She glanced briefly to where Miroku was conversing with Sesshoumaru, finalizing plans of the defense.
"Oh? Rather like you and Miroku act now?" Kagome couldn't help the little dig at her friend's expense. It was worth it to see her blush.
"Humph. You're one to talk, Kagome. I've seen how Lord Sesshoumaru looks at you." Sango grinned as Kagome turned a bright cherry red. "I WAS right, wasn't I!"
Kagome spluttered briefly, then settled for the truth. "Hai. It's true. He's so different from when I first knew him. It's like he is a whole different person when I am with him." She paused briefly, glancing shyly to the side. "He kissed me, you know. Twice. Once when we met up after I ran. It was only lust then. Now, I could feel his whole heart in that kiss, I knew he wanted me, Kagome. Not just some girl for a lay, or a tool to use. Just me." She turned to look back at Sango. "It scares me, a little, to be wanted like that."
"Oh, Kagome, that's love. It's always scary, but it's the best thing that can happen to you as well. I'm happy for you!" She gave her a squeeze around her shoulders, smiling.
"Thank you, Sango. I hope things work out for you and Miroku, too!" Kagome gave her friend an impish smile, ducking from her hand as she tried to swat her.
"Kagome! We're just friends, nothing more!" Sango blushed lightly, again looking at Miroku.
"Right. Sure Sango." She turned a bit serious. "I've seen how he looks at you, as well, Sango. It's the same look Sesshoumaru gives me. He loves you."
"Do you really think so?"
"I'm sure of it." Kagome grinned, placing her hand on Sango's shoulder. "I'm happy for you too."
They both looked at the men, thinking their own thoughts about the ones they loved.
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"So much for arriving in secrecy, Inuyasha." Kikiyo snorted from her perch on his back.
"What do you mean? I've not seen anything." Turning his head to glance at her briefly, Inuyasha continued bounding along in his ground-eating run.
She sighed, tugging on his ear. "Baka. You tripped off magic powered wards that bound your brother's lands. When we passed through them, I felt their power spike. No doubt those at his castle now know we are arriving."
Inuyasha's ears twitched, trying to get away from her hand. Sliding to a halt, he set Kikiyo down and faced her, arms crossed over his chest. "Big deal. They knew we would come anyways. Those traitors stole my sword!"
Her normally cold, impassive face betrayed some of Kikiyo's annoyance as she sighed. "If you had given me a chance, Inuyasha, I could have circumnavigated the wards, and we could have gotten them with a surprise attack."
Golden eyes narrowed in slits, a slight red tinge permanently staining them. His upper lip curved up in a snarl, revealing a fang as he turned his back on the miko. "Feh. Like I care. I can take him, sword or not." Motioning with one clawed hand, he beckoned to his back. "Come on, let's go." Kikiyo mounted on his back again, deeply annoyed at the stubborn Hanyou. But keeping him unreasonable at prone to rages made it easier to control him, so she let it go. She gripped his fire rat coat tightly as he began to run again, towards his brother's stronghold.
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Kagome grumbled as in her dreams she felt someone shake her shoulder gently. Swatting with a hand, she felt it connect with something warm. Still muzzy with sleep, she mumbled into her pillow. "Five more minutes mum. Still sleepy…"
"It is almost dawn, Kagome. My half-breed brother will soon arrive."
'Since when did mom have such a deep voice? Oh!'
Kagome sat up in the bed, blinking in the pale gray light filtering through the bedroom windows. Sesshoumaru was a fuzzy outline beside her bed. A sardonic half smile graced his lips as he looked down at her. "Do you always react thus to those who awaken you?"
Rubbing at her eyes briefly, she struggled out of the sheets, throwing a cheeky smile over her shoulder. "Only when they wake me up this early. I forgive you this time, though."
"Ah. I see. I thanks you most humble for forgiving this low servant then." He turned to exit the room, giving Kagome privacy to change. He paused by the door, one elegant hand raised to the knob. "The others are awake, and await your arrival in the courtyard." He exited, closing the door softly behind him.
Kagome took care with her preparations this time. She dressed in her armor, checking over the fastenings and ties to make sure they were held fast. She bound her long ebon hair back into a tight braid, and coiled it around her head. Looking in the mirror, she saw someone quite different from the schoolgirl who had arrived to the Warring States Period several years ago. Capable, confident, and older. Fingering her bow, she turned away and left her room.
The light of the sun had barely breasted the mountains to the east when Kagome arrived to the outside courtyard where the others where gathered. Sango was dressed in her own armor, Hiraikotsu slung over her shoulders. Miroku held his staff tightly in his left hand, his expression grim as he stared out to the forest. Kirara was in her battle already, Sango's arm slung over her shoulder. Her tails would twitch every so often as she waited. Sesshoumaru surveyed the forest impassively, fingering the Tetsusaiga. Kagome joined his side, her strung bow in hand. "He's coming. I can sense him now."
"Yes. Remember what your purpose's are all of you. I will take care of Inuyasha. You, Miroku, and you, Sango, will help me distract him while Kagome takes care of the un-dead Miko." Piercing amber eyes glanced at each in turn, lingering on Kagome's. They all nodded in turn, and then faced away to the forest once more.
Kagome spoke up, her hand on Sesshoumaru's arm. "Don't kill him. If what Miroku told us is in fact true, he is being controlled, and he is not to be accounted for by his actions. Please remember that." She paused a moment, her eyes troubled. "He may have hurt me, and all of us, but he doesn't deserve to die for it. Only Kikiyo." Sesshoumaru looked down at the hand that was placed on his arm, then at the girl it belonged to. He nodded once.
Sounds coming from the forest brought their attention back to it as Inuyasha burst through the canopy with a flurry of downed leaves. Landing in a crouch, he waited long enough for Kikiyo to dismount before approaching his older sibling. "I want my sword, brother, and I mean to have it back now." He stressed the word brother, turning it into a derisive curse. Flexing his clawed fingers, he cracked them, the sound echoing in the unnatural silence. Unfazed by the threat, Sesshoumaru unsheathed the Tetsusaiga, throwing away the scabbard.
"You mean this sword, little brother? It is mine now, as you were not suitable to wield it. After all, what honorable man would choose a sword over the life of a friend?" His words mocked Inuyasha, though his face remained cool. Kikiyo stood back from Inuyasha, barely watching the proceedings, instead looking for Kagome. Kagome, too, paid little attention to the sparring males, instead looking for her own target. Both stood apart from the fighters, bows in hand, auras coiling about their forms. It was a display of both their physical and mystical powers. Physically, they looked more alike then ever, as Kagome had gotten older. Only in their eyes could you tell them apart. Kagome's were alive with her love of life, and her strong nature. Kikiyo's were cold, no warm emotions showed in them. Only hate and rage.
To one side of the pair, the battle between Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru raged, Miroku and Sango using their own abilities to keep Inuyasha unbalanced. Using a katana picked up in the village, Inuyasha placed attack after attack on his brother, only to have them swept aside by the Tetsusaiga and Sesshoumaru's superior strength. Sango used his blind rage against him, able to catch him with the Hiraikotsu since he was focused solely on his brother. Miroku was able to use his wind tunnel to good advantage as well, using short burst of wind to pull Inuyasha off course. Together they kept him from doing any real damage.
The serious battle was taking place between Kikiyo and her reincarnation, Kagome. The two Miko's were well matched in power and abilities. The corner of Kikiyo's mouth turned up slightly in a sneer as she raised her bow, the arrow glowing with her power. "Are you prepared to die, girl? You have lived far too long as it is."
Kagome set aside her bow with a small smile. She didn't need it. "It's funny you should say that, Kikiyo. You are the one who died over fifty years ago. Your time has passed. It is time for you to leave this world to those of us who still live. You are nothing but grave dirt and clay, and I will return you to it." Pulling her own Katana from the harness on her back, she raised it in front of her, its edges glowing in the soft blue of her own power.
"Do you think to stop me with a sword, girl? Pity, I thought you stronger than that." She released the arrow on the string, and had a second in the air moments after, each propelled by her power, glowing a dark menacing blue, unlike Kagome's clearer, softer colour. Kagome saw them approach, and, as her power flared, her sword deflected each. Before Kikiyo could get another shot off, she ran at her, sword raised to cut Kikiyo down. Raising the shaft of the bow, Kikiyo deflected Kagome's swing back up, and then swung the shaft around to hit her ribs. Kagome grunted as it connected and stepped back a pace, bringing her sword up again, letting her power infuse it again. Kikiyo mirrored her actions, her bow glowing with her sickly power. They both charged at the same time, battling with both their weapons and their power. Every few thrusts of sword or bow shaft were interrupted by bursts of power, either channeled through weapon or hand. Both sported bruises, cuts, and burns. Kagome raised her fist, wiping away a trickle of blood from her lip, before charging, her sword aimed for a vicious thrust to Kikiyo's chest. The other miko blocked, both of their weapons flaring once more, throwing both women away from each other. They stared at each other, Kikiyo's eyes betraying a new emotion; fear. Kagome was truly her match. Her control of Inuyasha was slipping, as she had to use all her power to contend with Kagome.
Inuyasha paused in his attack, shaking his head as if to clear it. The red, which had been staining his eyes, seemed to fade a bit, and he glanced around as if he didn't know what was going on. Sesshoumaru raised his hand, forestalling Sango who had been about to attack again. Inuyasha raised confused eyes to his brother. "Sesshoumaru? What's goin' on here?"
His brother raised an eyebrow, his voice cool. "You don't remember, little brother? You have been under the control of your dead wench. Her control must be slipping if you can actually think for yourself. Not that you usually do anyways." He allowed himself to smile at Inuyasha face, which was presently shocked into blessed silence. Working his jaw a few times he managed to stutter out a question.
"Where is she?"
"Who? The un-dead bitch, or Kagome? They both are currently laying waste to part of my forest." His slim clawed hand gestured to the clearing where both women were fighting.
Inuyasha whirled around with a yelp, desperately searching for Kagome. "What? Are you nuts, Sesshoumaru? Kikiyo'll kill her!"
"I beg to differ, brother. My Kagome is easily her match."
"Your Kagome?" Gold eyes narrowed, glaring at his older brother. "What do you mean by your? She'd never have anything to do with you!"
Elegant shoulders lifted in a shrug. "We'll see."
Kikiyo's eyes blazed in a rage as she felt her control of the hanyou slip completely. She let out an inarticulate scream of fury, dark blue energy swirling around her form in an incandescent whirlwind. Bow shaft in one hand, she lifted an arrow from her quiver in the other. Both soaked up the energy she produced, flaring with light of their own. Kagome watched her carefully with narrowed eyes, her attention fixated solely on her adversary. She stood her ground as Kikiyo charged, bringing her bow around in a vicious arc at her neck. Her left hand, which held the arrow, aimed for Kagome's heart. Kagome brought her sword up, knocking the bow away. It was too long, however, to bring down in time to stop the arrow. She only had time to twist aside as the arrow plunged in. A blossom of crimson bloomed across her side and Kagome hissed as she felt the warmth spread. A maniacal smile lit Kikiyo's face as Kagome stepped back a pace. She took another arrow from the quiver, prepared to finish what she had started, but she never got to finish the movement. Kagome, despite the spreading pain in her side, used Kikiyo's slight distraction to swing her sword one last time. It connected with the dead Miko's neck, cleaving through the dead flesh. Kagome collapsed as a patter of clay and dirt hit the forest floor. She raised her eyes to the sky as she gasped out, "Rest in peace, Kikiyo."
Cries of "Kagome!" rang through the forest as the other raced to her side. Sesshoumaru reached her side first, catching her as she fell over in a faint. The smell of blood was strong. He pulled his hand away from her side, covered in blood. He carefully lifted her in his arms, and raced to the castle. Her life was in jeopardy and she needed medical treatment or she would die. Miroku kept his arm around Sango as they walked to the castle, Kirara at their heels. Inuyasha walked behind them all, his brow deeply lined. He could only remember snatches of things after Kikiyo had joined their group, and this upset him greatly. What had happened to drive Kagome to leave them?
A/N: There. I hope the fight was good, as I said before, I'm not so good at that, lol. I think one more chapter left. Then there will be a sequel. ^_^ I'll take requests for the sequel; it's going to be much longer then this, and focus more on Inuyasha. For those who want to know, Josh is getting better! His transplant went great, and he's healing up good. I'm visiting him right now actually, lol. Last time I was up here I was writing the last chapter. I think he may be my muse, lol. This chapter is dedicated to him. Happy reading to all of you lovely people! Please R&R!
~*~Gryphnwng~*~