AN: Back in college, that sux, but I passed math...just barely. Okay I
just wanted to say that in this fic Sesshoumaru only has one arm. I know
that I put "arms" in the first chap., but I'm too lazy to change it so this
is just to clear that up. He might get his arm back in the future, I
haven't really thought about it yet. Well enjoy and please review.
CH: 3 Leaving
Sesshoumaru awoke at the break of dawn as he usually did. He went through his morning ritual of bathing and eating and then went to survey his kingdom. When he returned it was still morning since nothing interesting had occurred and he decided to check in on Rin. He was surprised to find that Kagome was not yet there. He opened the door to her room to find it empty and for the second time in his life he felt panic. He felt it first when Rin had become ill and now Kagome was missing.
Sesshoumaru sniffed the air and caught her scent and followed it to the library. He opened the door and there he found the sight of Kagome lying on the couch asleep. The book she had been reading was open on her stomach. He smirked at the sight a bit. He walked over to her sleeping figure and for a moment just stood and studied her.
'So this is the vixen that has stolen this Sesshoumaru's heart. She looks ethereal, but fragile. How could a weak human ever affect me so?' He took in her scent and the sound of her soft breathing. Her nose twitched slightly as a lock of midnight strands had fallen into her face. He brought his hand to her face and moved the strands behind her ear.
Kagome stirred and slowly opened her eyes. Kagome rubbed her eyes and gave a small yawn, but then noticed she had company. "Gomen, Sesshoumaru-sama, I must have fallen asleep." She looked out the window and noticed that it was already late morning. "Kami, I should have checked in on Rin already." Kagome got up and was about to go to the door when Sesshoumaru grabbed her arm.
Kagome turned and looked at the youkai lord. "Go bathe and eat. Rin can wait for a bit." With that Sesshoumaru walked pass her. Kagome looked at his retreating figure and wondered why he hadn't yelled at her or something.
'He's acting strange. Then again I never really knew much about him in the first place.' Kagome left the library after putting back her book and went to bathe. After she had eaten she went to look in on Rin. Rin seemed all better. Her fever was gone and the little red marks were fading.
"I think you can get out of bed today Rin." Rin smiled and cheered and tried to jump out of bed but almost fell because her legs were weak from being in bed for almost a week. Kagome caught the girl before she fell and helped her walk around till she could do it on her own. Soon Rin was running circles around Kagome.
"Kagome-chan can we go pick flowers now?"
"Sure Rin." The small girl grabbed Kagome's hand and led her out the door. They went out to the garden and Kagome played tag with Rin and they picked flowers.
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"We're entering the Western Lands." Inu Yasha informed the others. Inu Yasha figured that if Sesshoumaru was anything like their father then he patrolled in the morning and night, so being that it was already late morning they had a chance to travel quite a bit before they had to worry about being caught. 'Nothing better have had happened to Kagome or else that bastard is going to pay.' Inu Yasha had loss to many people and he wasn't about to lose one of his friends.
"I'm sure that Kagome-sama is fine Inu Yasha." Miroku said as if reading the hanyou's mind. Inu Yasha turned toward him and nodded. It was a small gesture, but Miroku knew the hanyou had like the comfort.
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Sesshoumaru walked into Rin's room and found it empty. Her scent was still everywhere, but that could have been because she had been in that bed for so long. He heard a light sound coming from outside and walked over to the balcony and saw Rin and Kagome picking flowers in the garden.
He walked outside and came upon the laughing humans. "Sesshoumaru-sama!" Rin yelled as soon as she saw the youkai lord. She ran over and hugged his leg. Sesshoumaru patted his young wards head. "Kagome-chan has been playing with Rin and Rin has been having so much fun. Kagome-chan is way more fun than Jaken-sama." Sesshoumaru half listened to what Rin was saying and was staring intently at Kagome.
Kagome felt very nervous under his intense gaze. She was thankful when Rin broke his concentration when she pulled on his pants leg. "Rin and Kagome- chan picked flowers for Sesshoumaru-sama." Rin offered the youkai lord a handful of various colored flowers. Sesshoumaru took them with out a second thought used to the young girl's strange obsession with giving him flowers. "Rin will go pick more." The small girl ran back to the field.
Sesshoumaru walked up to Kagome and just stood next to her as they both watched Rin run around and yelling when ever she found a flower she thought was especially beautiful. "Why does she insist on giving me flowers?" Sesshoumaru wondered if it was merely an eccentricity of his young ward or if it was something to do with humans. Being that Kagome was there he figured he might as well figure it out.
"I'm not really sure what it means here, but where I come from people give flowers to those they care a great deal about. It's like a token of their affection." Kagome answered. Just then Rin came running back and handed a bunch of flowers to Kagome. The girl was about to say something, but got distracted by a butterfly and went chasing after it. Kagome smiled at the energetic girl.
"It would seem she's quite fond of you." Sesshoumaru knew that Rin wished for Kagome to stay as did he, but he had a promise to keep. In the back of his mind he kept the wish that she would return when she could.
"She probably likes having another human around. How did she come to be with you, Sesshoumaru-sama?" Kagome was curious what had caused a youkai who was known for his cruelty and coldness to take care of a small human child.
Sesshoumaru wondered if he should answer the question. If he didn't it might detour her from talking more and her rather enjoyed hearing her voice. 'I'm going to have to open up to her if I want her to like her. But how much can I tell her without getting hurt if she does not return my feelings.'
'You'll be hurt either way. However, your chances of her accepting you are greater the more you open to her.' With that decided Sesshoumaru decided to be completely honest with Kagome. "After Inu Yasha attacked me with the Tetsusaiga, although I was saved by the Tenseiga I was injured and needed time to heal. I was lying in a clearing when Rin came. She tried to help me and brought me food and water when she had no reason to. She should have feared me, even in my weakened state I could have killed her, but she wouldn't leave me alone. After I was healed enough to leave I caught the scent of blood and found her dead having been attacked by wolves. She was a test for Tenseiga to see the extent of its power and it revived her. From then on she has followed me and I have found myself strangely attached to her as well."
Kagome had been watching Sesshoumaru throughout the entirety of his speech. Although his voice remained its same almost bored tone, she could see the emotions in his eyes. She could tell that he had been surprised that Rin had helped him and not ran away. She could also see the feeling that he held for the child as if she were his own. 'I think I had him figured all wrong.' Kagome smiled at the youkai lord. She was happy that he had shared something personal with her, but she felt as if she should share something in return.
"Why are you smiling?"
"I'm just happy that you shared that with me." Kagome answered simply.
Sesshoumaru was surprised by her answer. He had expected her to laugh at his show of weakness as others would have, but instead she was pleased. 'She's happy? I made her happy? She truly is a strange individual.'
"She reminds me of my little brother. He's really energetic too. Shippou also, it must be great to be so carefree." Kagome thought of her little brother and the little kitsune that was practically her child. But then she frowned, slightly saddened that she wasn't with them. "I miss them a lot." Kagome sighed.
Sesshoumaru noticed her sad expression and wished he could make her smile again, but the only way he could think of would make him saddened. However, he had given his word. "Rin is well again and no longer in need of aid. I will return you to your friends tomorrow morning."
"Arigatou Sesshoumaru-sama." Sesshoumaru nodded and then walked back inside. He knew that she was able to see what he was feeling by looking in his eyes. He had noticed how she stared into them so intently when he was speaking. He did not want her to see the sorrow that they held now.
'When she leaves this feeling will go with her.' He tried to repeat this in his mind over and over again so as to believe it, but a small part of him didn't. A small part at the back of his mind told him that this feeling would only get stronger when she was gone.
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Night had fallen and Kagome was lying on her bed. She couldn't seem to be able to fall asleep. 'Why can't I sleep? Am I excited to be able to return tomorrow?' A part of Kagome told her that wasn't it. The truth was she felt sad to be leaving. She loved Rin, the child was so full of life and she would miss her. 'Too bad I can't get everyone together. I miss Shippou, but if I'm with him I know I'll miss Rin.'
'I can always try and visit. Sesshoumaru said it would be alright. I wouldn't mind seeing him again also. He's a lot nicer than I first thought.' The memory of the kiss returned to Kagome's mind. 'But he's incredibly confusing and he never did tell me why he kissed me. I never did ask though. Maybe I should.'
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Sesshoumaru was patrolling his lands when he caught a familiar scent. 'That stupid hanyou, what is he doing here.' Sesshoumaru came upon the small group of travelers. "Why are trespassing on my lands you insolent hanyou?"
Inu Yasha pulled out the Tetsusaiga and charged at his brother. "Give us back Kagome." Inu Yasha yelled as he attempted to attack his brother, but his speed was not great enough.
"I said I shall return the human and I will. I had planned to do such in the morning, but you had to rush in head first. You will never be a great warrior if you never think." Sesshoumaru said in a lecturing tone.
Inu Yasha was about to attack again, but Miroku blocked his path. "If it is alright with you Sesshoumaru-sama, we will camp here for the night and await Kagome's return in the morning." Inu Yasha gave Miroku a look that would have made him cringe had he been paying attention. Sango came up to Inu Yasha and put a hand on his shoulder.
"Kagome will be fine. You wouldn't want to do anything to jeopardize her safety would you?"
"Yeah Kagome better get back safe or it's all your fault Inu Yasha." Shippou added in.
Inu Yasha sheathed the Tetsusaiga. "If she's not back by morning I will personally make sure you pay."
Sesshoumaru paid no attention to the idle threat. He knew that even with the Tetsusaiga, Inu Yasha was no match for him. So far it had been half hearted battles for although he wanted the Tetsusaiga greatly he still had flashes of memories form the past when ever he attacked Inu Yasha. Memories that made him the thought of hurting Inu Yasha difficult. Sesshoumaru merely nodded and left the group to continue his survey of his lands.
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Sesshoumaru finally returned to his chambers. He had no doubt that if he did not return Kagome in the morning that his half-brother would try and storm his castle. 'Stupid child, he never did think before he acted.'
Sesshoumaru was about to go to his bed, but instead found his legs leading him to the door between his and Kagome's room. He put his hand to the door and wondered if he should go through. He did not want her to be awake if he did because then he would need an excuse for being there. But then again after tomorrow he may never get the chance to see her again.
Sesshoumaru slowly opened the door a crack and peeked in to see Kagome was indeed asleep. He then opened the door further and walked in. He watched her sleeping form as he had that morning. He still couldn't believe how a human could seem so appealing to him. He sat next to her sleeping form and before he could stop himself he ran his claws through her raven hair. He found it truly was as soft it looked. He ran a single claw across her cheek sure to not wake her or mar her perfection. He bent forward to and nuzzled into her hair and take in her scent. He laid a soft kiss on her cheek and then left the room.
He lay down on his bed and thought of what he had just done. 'I must be a fool to torture myself so greatly.' He drifted into a light sleep that was filled with thought of the woman in the next room.
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Kagome awoke and bathed. She wasn't as happy as she thought she'd be to be going back. 'First thing I'm going to hug Shippou and then I'm going to the well to see my family. They must be worried and I don't even want to think about all the homework I have waiting for me.'
Kagome went in search of Hitode and again found her in the kitchen. "Ohayou, Hitode-chan. I came to say goodbye." They had a teary goodbye in which Hitode practically begged Kagome to stay. Hitode had never served someone so kind and Kagome was her first friend. They soon parted from a tight hug both had tear stained faces and Kagome went to find Rin. She had no doubt in her mind this goodbye would be even harder.
The little girl latched on to Kagome's leg and wouldn't let go. Kagome had to take the girl into her arms and carry her outside where she met Sesshoumaru. "I'm sorry, but I really do have to leave Rin." Rin had tears flowing down her cheeks.
"But Rin doesn't want Kagome-chan to leave." Sesshoumaru was slightly tense. He did not like to see his young ward crying and now he had to deal with her crying as well as Kagome.
"Rin stop crying." Kagome was going to yell at the youkai lord for being so harsh to the small girl, but when she looked at his she saw how uncomfortable all the tears were making him, though she doubted anyone else would have been able to tell. She was also surprised when she noticed that Rin had indeed stopped crying. She put the girl down and hugged her tight one last time.
"Be a good girl for Sesshoumaru-sama." Kagome laid a light kiss on Rin forehead and then went to stand next to Sesshoumaru. "I'm ready to go." Sesshoumaru nodded and held her by the waist and took to the skies. It was still fairly early morning, but Sesshoumaru knew that his brother was most likely already up and being held back by his friends so that he waits instead of charging.
Sesshoumaru found the group in the same clearing they were in the night before and indeed the houshi seemed to be trying to calm Inu Yasha. When he landed the hanyou stood with his hand on the hilt of the Tetsusaiga. "Let her go Sesshoumaru!"
Kagome stepped forward and was angered by Inu Yasha's rudeness. If anything Sesshoumaru would be more likely to hurt them if he was acting like a rash idiot. "Osuwari!" Inu Yasha came crashing to the ground. "He was returning me like he promised baka."
Sesshoumaru smirked when he saw Kagome's power over Inu Yasha. 'I didn't know she could do that.'
"Kagome I missed you." Shippou ran over to Kagome and leaped into her arms.
"I missed you too Shippou." Kagome then turned to the youkai lord that was still standing behind her. "Arigatou for everything Sesshoumaru-sama." Kagome knew that he had treated her much better than he could have. The youkai lord nodded and left the small group.
He decided to patrol his land like he usually did in the mornings. In truth he felt like finding something and killing it. He berated himself for not saying something to her. 'I should have said something, anything to make her want to come back.' He felt like a fool for just letting her go. She was the first one to ever make him feel this way and he just let her go. 'The next thing to cross my path will pay dearly.'
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"Hey guys would you mind if we went back to the well. I kind of want to go home for a bit. I've been away for a while." Kagome asked the group when they had started traveling again in the opposite direction of the Western Lands.
"Are you crazy?! We just got you back and haven't been hunting for shards for a week and now you want to go home." Inu Yasha of course gave his expected response, but in the end gave in and they went in the direction of the well.
Shippou refused to let go of Kagome and she had to carry him on her back. Inu Yasha said they were moving to slow so he put Kagome along with Shippou on his back as Sango and Miroku got on Kirara. Inu Yasha was calmed by the scent of Kagome being back with them. He had missed her though he wouldn't admit it. She was so full of life and happiness that the rest of the group needed.
They finally decided to set up camp well after the sun had already set and they were basically relying on Inu Yasha and Kirara's sense of smell to keep them on track. They settled down and Kagome found it difficult to sleep on the hard ground. 'I told myself I shouldn't have gotten too used to the soft bed at Sesshoumaru's place. I wonder how Rin is doing. Hopefully not annoying Sesshoumaru to death because he let me leave.' For some reason thinking about Sesshoumaru seemed to relax Kagome and she fell into a light sleep.
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Sesshoumaru let out a low growl as his headache got worse. He stared down at the papers before him. Most of them were the normal papers of events coming up, but one had caught his attention and caused his headache. Without his consent the other lords had decided to hold a grand affair in which all of the most beautiful females, humans and youkai alike, would be there and it demanded that all the unmated lords come and find a mate.
Sesshoumaru had just gotten rid of the headache Rin had caused with her incessant questions and pleas of seeing Kagome and now this had come. The lord of the Eastern Lands had even sent a painting of his younger sister to Sesshoumaru in the hopes that he would be interested.
'At this moment the only female I'm interested in is Kagome. I did not just think that.' Sesshoumaru sighed, now he knew he was losing his mind. Perhaps he would find a female that could take his mind off Kagome, though he doubted. Sesshoumaru had no doubt met all of these females at some time in his life and the ones he had not he knew the type. They were either self absorbed and only interested in the prestige and wealth of mating a lord or they were meek and seemed as if they would break in your hand and were only there to bring honor to their families.
The event did not seem that it would happen for about three months time because all the villages had to choose their most beautiful female to represent their land. All of the royal females were already assumed to be going. Sesshoumaru knew that if he didn't show up he would never hear the end of it from the other lords. He would have to go but whether he chose a mate or not was another story.
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AN: Sesshoumaru has to choose a mate at this event. Kagome's going home, does she even care about him. What's going to happen? Just need to wait for the next chapter. I know I'm evil. Anyways please review, I love getting reviews.
Review Responses:
Aira^o^: don't worry I'm not gonna get sick and even if I did that would just give me more time with my comp.
Inukamisashi: I doubt I'm the best, but thanks ^_^
Kai19: Thanks I try to keep my chapters atleast 6 pgs. long
Lashana Asuka: well I updated Loss also, but that one is a little hard to keep everyone in character
Kat: Wow...that's a lot of updates. I guess I'll have to write a lot more.
Piewolvesandsuch: Well Kagome hasn't said she likes him or anything, but who knows what'll happen
Victoria Wolf: I know I'm so evil, but I have to end the chapters somewhere
Thanks to all the others who reviewed. I love getting reviews ^_^
~*Shichan
CH: 3 Leaving
Sesshoumaru awoke at the break of dawn as he usually did. He went through his morning ritual of bathing and eating and then went to survey his kingdom. When he returned it was still morning since nothing interesting had occurred and he decided to check in on Rin. He was surprised to find that Kagome was not yet there. He opened the door to her room to find it empty and for the second time in his life he felt panic. He felt it first when Rin had become ill and now Kagome was missing.
Sesshoumaru sniffed the air and caught her scent and followed it to the library. He opened the door and there he found the sight of Kagome lying on the couch asleep. The book she had been reading was open on her stomach. He smirked at the sight a bit. He walked over to her sleeping figure and for a moment just stood and studied her.
'So this is the vixen that has stolen this Sesshoumaru's heart. She looks ethereal, but fragile. How could a weak human ever affect me so?' He took in her scent and the sound of her soft breathing. Her nose twitched slightly as a lock of midnight strands had fallen into her face. He brought his hand to her face and moved the strands behind her ear.
Kagome stirred and slowly opened her eyes. Kagome rubbed her eyes and gave a small yawn, but then noticed she had company. "Gomen, Sesshoumaru-sama, I must have fallen asleep." She looked out the window and noticed that it was already late morning. "Kami, I should have checked in on Rin already." Kagome got up and was about to go to the door when Sesshoumaru grabbed her arm.
Kagome turned and looked at the youkai lord. "Go bathe and eat. Rin can wait for a bit." With that Sesshoumaru walked pass her. Kagome looked at his retreating figure and wondered why he hadn't yelled at her or something.
'He's acting strange. Then again I never really knew much about him in the first place.' Kagome left the library after putting back her book and went to bathe. After she had eaten she went to look in on Rin. Rin seemed all better. Her fever was gone and the little red marks were fading.
"I think you can get out of bed today Rin." Rin smiled and cheered and tried to jump out of bed but almost fell because her legs were weak from being in bed for almost a week. Kagome caught the girl before she fell and helped her walk around till she could do it on her own. Soon Rin was running circles around Kagome.
"Kagome-chan can we go pick flowers now?"
"Sure Rin." The small girl grabbed Kagome's hand and led her out the door. They went out to the garden and Kagome played tag with Rin and they picked flowers.
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"We're entering the Western Lands." Inu Yasha informed the others. Inu Yasha figured that if Sesshoumaru was anything like their father then he patrolled in the morning and night, so being that it was already late morning they had a chance to travel quite a bit before they had to worry about being caught. 'Nothing better have had happened to Kagome or else that bastard is going to pay.' Inu Yasha had loss to many people and he wasn't about to lose one of his friends.
"I'm sure that Kagome-sama is fine Inu Yasha." Miroku said as if reading the hanyou's mind. Inu Yasha turned toward him and nodded. It was a small gesture, but Miroku knew the hanyou had like the comfort.
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Sesshoumaru walked into Rin's room and found it empty. Her scent was still everywhere, but that could have been because she had been in that bed for so long. He heard a light sound coming from outside and walked over to the balcony and saw Rin and Kagome picking flowers in the garden.
He walked outside and came upon the laughing humans. "Sesshoumaru-sama!" Rin yelled as soon as she saw the youkai lord. She ran over and hugged his leg. Sesshoumaru patted his young wards head. "Kagome-chan has been playing with Rin and Rin has been having so much fun. Kagome-chan is way more fun than Jaken-sama." Sesshoumaru half listened to what Rin was saying and was staring intently at Kagome.
Kagome felt very nervous under his intense gaze. She was thankful when Rin broke his concentration when she pulled on his pants leg. "Rin and Kagome- chan picked flowers for Sesshoumaru-sama." Rin offered the youkai lord a handful of various colored flowers. Sesshoumaru took them with out a second thought used to the young girl's strange obsession with giving him flowers. "Rin will go pick more." The small girl ran back to the field.
Sesshoumaru walked up to Kagome and just stood next to her as they both watched Rin run around and yelling when ever she found a flower she thought was especially beautiful. "Why does she insist on giving me flowers?" Sesshoumaru wondered if it was merely an eccentricity of his young ward or if it was something to do with humans. Being that Kagome was there he figured he might as well figure it out.
"I'm not really sure what it means here, but where I come from people give flowers to those they care a great deal about. It's like a token of their affection." Kagome answered. Just then Rin came running back and handed a bunch of flowers to Kagome. The girl was about to say something, but got distracted by a butterfly and went chasing after it. Kagome smiled at the energetic girl.
"It would seem she's quite fond of you." Sesshoumaru knew that Rin wished for Kagome to stay as did he, but he had a promise to keep. In the back of his mind he kept the wish that she would return when she could.
"She probably likes having another human around. How did she come to be with you, Sesshoumaru-sama?" Kagome was curious what had caused a youkai who was known for his cruelty and coldness to take care of a small human child.
Sesshoumaru wondered if he should answer the question. If he didn't it might detour her from talking more and her rather enjoyed hearing her voice. 'I'm going to have to open up to her if I want her to like her. But how much can I tell her without getting hurt if she does not return my feelings.'
'You'll be hurt either way. However, your chances of her accepting you are greater the more you open to her.' With that decided Sesshoumaru decided to be completely honest with Kagome. "After Inu Yasha attacked me with the Tetsusaiga, although I was saved by the Tenseiga I was injured and needed time to heal. I was lying in a clearing when Rin came. She tried to help me and brought me food and water when she had no reason to. She should have feared me, even in my weakened state I could have killed her, but she wouldn't leave me alone. After I was healed enough to leave I caught the scent of blood and found her dead having been attacked by wolves. She was a test for Tenseiga to see the extent of its power and it revived her. From then on she has followed me and I have found myself strangely attached to her as well."
Kagome had been watching Sesshoumaru throughout the entirety of his speech. Although his voice remained its same almost bored tone, she could see the emotions in his eyes. She could tell that he had been surprised that Rin had helped him and not ran away. She could also see the feeling that he held for the child as if she were his own. 'I think I had him figured all wrong.' Kagome smiled at the youkai lord. She was happy that he had shared something personal with her, but she felt as if she should share something in return.
"Why are you smiling?"
"I'm just happy that you shared that with me." Kagome answered simply.
Sesshoumaru was surprised by her answer. He had expected her to laugh at his show of weakness as others would have, but instead she was pleased. 'She's happy? I made her happy? She truly is a strange individual.'
"She reminds me of my little brother. He's really energetic too. Shippou also, it must be great to be so carefree." Kagome thought of her little brother and the little kitsune that was practically her child. But then she frowned, slightly saddened that she wasn't with them. "I miss them a lot." Kagome sighed.
Sesshoumaru noticed her sad expression and wished he could make her smile again, but the only way he could think of would make him saddened. However, he had given his word. "Rin is well again and no longer in need of aid. I will return you to your friends tomorrow morning."
"Arigatou Sesshoumaru-sama." Sesshoumaru nodded and then walked back inside. He knew that she was able to see what he was feeling by looking in his eyes. He had noticed how she stared into them so intently when he was speaking. He did not want her to see the sorrow that they held now.
'When she leaves this feeling will go with her.' He tried to repeat this in his mind over and over again so as to believe it, but a small part of him didn't. A small part at the back of his mind told him that this feeling would only get stronger when she was gone.
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Night had fallen and Kagome was lying on her bed. She couldn't seem to be able to fall asleep. 'Why can't I sleep? Am I excited to be able to return tomorrow?' A part of Kagome told her that wasn't it. The truth was she felt sad to be leaving. She loved Rin, the child was so full of life and she would miss her. 'Too bad I can't get everyone together. I miss Shippou, but if I'm with him I know I'll miss Rin.'
'I can always try and visit. Sesshoumaru said it would be alright. I wouldn't mind seeing him again also. He's a lot nicer than I first thought.' The memory of the kiss returned to Kagome's mind. 'But he's incredibly confusing and he never did tell me why he kissed me. I never did ask though. Maybe I should.'
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Sesshoumaru was patrolling his lands when he caught a familiar scent. 'That stupid hanyou, what is he doing here.' Sesshoumaru came upon the small group of travelers. "Why are trespassing on my lands you insolent hanyou?"
Inu Yasha pulled out the Tetsusaiga and charged at his brother. "Give us back Kagome." Inu Yasha yelled as he attempted to attack his brother, but his speed was not great enough.
"I said I shall return the human and I will. I had planned to do such in the morning, but you had to rush in head first. You will never be a great warrior if you never think." Sesshoumaru said in a lecturing tone.
Inu Yasha was about to attack again, but Miroku blocked his path. "If it is alright with you Sesshoumaru-sama, we will camp here for the night and await Kagome's return in the morning." Inu Yasha gave Miroku a look that would have made him cringe had he been paying attention. Sango came up to Inu Yasha and put a hand on his shoulder.
"Kagome will be fine. You wouldn't want to do anything to jeopardize her safety would you?"
"Yeah Kagome better get back safe or it's all your fault Inu Yasha." Shippou added in.
Inu Yasha sheathed the Tetsusaiga. "If she's not back by morning I will personally make sure you pay."
Sesshoumaru paid no attention to the idle threat. He knew that even with the Tetsusaiga, Inu Yasha was no match for him. So far it had been half hearted battles for although he wanted the Tetsusaiga greatly he still had flashes of memories form the past when ever he attacked Inu Yasha. Memories that made him the thought of hurting Inu Yasha difficult. Sesshoumaru merely nodded and left the group to continue his survey of his lands.
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Sesshoumaru finally returned to his chambers. He had no doubt that if he did not return Kagome in the morning that his half-brother would try and storm his castle. 'Stupid child, he never did think before he acted.'
Sesshoumaru was about to go to his bed, but instead found his legs leading him to the door between his and Kagome's room. He put his hand to the door and wondered if he should go through. He did not want her to be awake if he did because then he would need an excuse for being there. But then again after tomorrow he may never get the chance to see her again.
Sesshoumaru slowly opened the door a crack and peeked in to see Kagome was indeed asleep. He then opened the door further and walked in. He watched her sleeping form as he had that morning. He still couldn't believe how a human could seem so appealing to him. He sat next to her sleeping form and before he could stop himself he ran his claws through her raven hair. He found it truly was as soft it looked. He ran a single claw across her cheek sure to not wake her or mar her perfection. He bent forward to and nuzzled into her hair and take in her scent. He laid a soft kiss on her cheek and then left the room.
He lay down on his bed and thought of what he had just done. 'I must be a fool to torture myself so greatly.' He drifted into a light sleep that was filled with thought of the woman in the next room.
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Kagome awoke and bathed. She wasn't as happy as she thought she'd be to be going back. 'First thing I'm going to hug Shippou and then I'm going to the well to see my family. They must be worried and I don't even want to think about all the homework I have waiting for me.'
Kagome went in search of Hitode and again found her in the kitchen. "Ohayou, Hitode-chan. I came to say goodbye." They had a teary goodbye in which Hitode practically begged Kagome to stay. Hitode had never served someone so kind and Kagome was her first friend. They soon parted from a tight hug both had tear stained faces and Kagome went to find Rin. She had no doubt in her mind this goodbye would be even harder.
The little girl latched on to Kagome's leg and wouldn't let go. Kagome had to take the girl into her arms and carry her outside where she met Sesshoumaru. "I'm sorry, but I really do have to leave Rin." Rin had tears flowing down her cheeks.
"But Rin doesn't want Kagome-chan to leave." Sesshoumaru was slightly tense. He did not like to see his young ward crying and now he had to deal with her crying as well as Kagome.
"Rin stop crying." Kagome was going to yell at the youkai lord for being so harsh to the small girl, but when she looked at his she saw how uncomfortable all the tears were making him, though she doubted anyone else would have been able to tell. She was also surprised when she noticed that Rin had indeed stopped crying. She put the girl down and hugged her tight one last time.
"Be a good girl for Sesshoumaru-sama." Kagome laid a light kiss on Rin forehead and then went to stand next to Sesshoumaru. "I'm ready to go." Sesshoumaru nodded and held her by the waist and took to the skies. It was still fairly early morning, but Sesshoumaru knew that his brother was most likely already up and being held back by his friends so that he waits instead of charging.
Sesshoumaru found the group in the same clearing they were in the night before and indeed the houshi seemed to be trying to calm Inu Yasha. When he landed the hanyou stood with his hand on the hilt of the Tetsusaiga. "Let her go Sesshoumaru!"
Kagome stepped forward and was angered by Inu Yasha's rudeness. If anything Sesshoumaru would be more likely to hurt them if he was acting like a rash idiot. "Osuwari!" Inu Yasha came crashing to the ground. "He was returning me like he promised baka."
Sesshoumaru smirked when he saw Kagome's power over Inu Yasha. 'I didn't know she could do that.'
"Kagome I missed you." Shippou ran over to Kagome and leaped into her arms.
"I missed you too Shippou." Kagome then turned to the youkai lord that was still standing behind her. "Arigatou for everything Sesshoumaru-sama." Kagome knew that he had treated her much better than he could have. The youkai lord nodded and left the small group.
He decided to patrol his land like he usually did in the mornings. In truth he felt like finding something and killing it. He berated himself for not saying something to her. 'I should have said something, anything to make her want to come back.' He felt like a fool for just letting her go. She was the first one to ever make him feel this way and he just let her go. 'The next thing to cross my path will pay dearly.'
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"Hey guys would you mind if we went back to the well. I kind of want to go home for a bit. I've been away for a while." Kagome asked the group when they had started traveling again in the opposite direction of the Western Lands.
"Are you crazy?! We just got you back and haven't been hunting for shards for a week and now you want to go home." Inu Yasha of course gave his expected response, but in the end gave in and they went in the direction of the well.
Shippou refused to let go of Kagome and she had to carry him on her back. Inu Yasha said they were moving to slow so he put Kagome along with Shippou on his back as Sango and Miroku got on Kirara. Inu Yasha was calmed by the scent of Kagome being back with them. He had missed her though he wouldn't admit it. She was so full of life and happiness that the rest of the group needed.
They finally decided to set up camp well after the sun had already set and they were basically relying on Inu Yasha and Kirara's sense of smell to keep them on track. They settled down and Kagome found it difficult to sleep on the hard ground. 'I told myself I shouldn't have gotten too used to the soft bed at Sesshoumaru's place. I wonder how Rin is doing. Hopefully not annoying Sesshoumaru to death because he let me leave.' For some reason thinking about Sesshoumaru seemed to relax Kagome and she fell into a light sleep.
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Sesshoumaru let out a low growl as his headache got worse. He stared down at the papers before him. Most of them were the normal papers of events coming up, but one had caught his attention and caused his headache. Without his consent the other lords had decided to hold a grand affair in which all of the most beautiful females, humans and youkai alike, would be there and it demanded that all the unmated lords come and find a mate.
Sesshoumaru had just gotten rid of the headache Rin had caused with her incessant questions and pleas of seeing Kagome and now this had come. The lord of the Eastern Lands had even sent a painting of his younger sister to Sesshoumaru in the hopes that he would be interested.
'At this moment the only female I'm interested in is Kagome. I did not just think that.' Sesshoumaru sighed, now he knew he was losing his mind. Perhaps he would find a female that could take his mind off Kagome, though he doubted. Sesshoumaru had no doubt met all of these females at some time in his life and the ones he had not he knew the type. They were either self absorbed and only interested in the prestige and wealth of mating a lord or they were meek and seemed as if they would break in your hand and were only there to bring honor to their families.
The event did not seem that it would happen for about three months time because all the villages had to choose their most beautiful female to represent their land. All of the royal females were already assumed to be going. Sesshoumaru knew that if he didn't show up he would never hear the end of it from the other lords. He would have to go but whether he chose a mate or not was another story.
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AN: Sesshoumaru has to choose a mate at this event. Kagome's going home, does she even care about him. What's going to happen? Just need to wait for the next chapter. I know I'm evil. Anyways please review, I love getting reviews.
Review Responses:
Aira^o^: don't worry I'm not gonna get sick and even if I did that would just give me more time with my comp.
Inukamisashi: I doubt I'm the best, but thanks ^_^
Kai19: Thanks I try to keep my chapters atleast 6 pgs. long
Lashana Asuka: well I updated Loss also, but that one is a little hard to keep everyone in character
Kat: Wow...that's a lot of updates. I guess I'll have to write a lot more.
Piewolvesandsuch: Well Kagome hasn't said she likes him or anything, but who knows what'll happen
Victoria Wolf: I know I'm so evil, but I have to end the chapters somewhere
Thanks to all the others who reviewed. I love getting reviews ^_^
~*Shichan