AN: Hey here's the new chapter. Hope you all enjoy and please review.
CH: 4 What's Going On
"Kaede, we're back!" Kagome announced as she entered the old miko's hut. The others followed inside and they all got settled. Kagome went to her backpack that was in the corner of the room and started to pack her stuff for her trip home.
Kaede entered from a back room. "It is good to see you all back. I have news that concerns you Kagome."
"What is it?" Kagome questioned. Everyone waited to hear what Kaede had to say.
"There is a gathering been held thrown by the youkai lords where every village should choose their favorite or most beautiful female to represent them and join other females youkai and human. There all the unmated youkai lords are to choose mates." For some strange reason Kagome felt a little pang in her chest though she ignored it.
"What does this have to do with Kagome?" Inu Yasha asked.
"The village does not want to send any of their own females so they have volunteered Kagome." Kaede prepared herself for the obvious reaction.
"WHAT?!" Five voices yelled in unison.
"Let me get this straight." Kagome tried to figure what was going on. "I have to go to some youkai ball and be looked over by a bunch of male youkai who might want me as a mate."
"In essence yes." Kaede answered. She handed Kagome the scroll that said in great detail what was going to occur.
"I can't go..."
"Damn right you can't go. We have shards to hunt remember." Inu Yasha cut off Kagome.
"That's not what I meant. I'm too young to get married. Also, I wouldn't have anything to wear, not to mention being in a room with a bunch of youkai while carrying Shikon shards."
"The village must send someone Kagome. It is only for a week. For doing this I'm sure the village will give the proper clothing you would need." Kaede explained. She felt that Kagome should go. Ever since she had told Kaede she wanted to get over Inu Yasha she had thought of a way to help the girl. She thought this could help. She was positive being that Kagome was so powerful and beautiful for even a human that many lords would try to fight for her hand. She was sure that would do wonders for the girl's ego.
"Think of it this way Kagome-sama. There will probably be so many women that no one will bother you if you lay low and it would be like a vacation." Miroku's words did make Kagome think.
"I'll think about, but right now I want to go home. When is this thing?"
"It shall occur in two month so you have much time to think."
"Don't even consider it Kagome. We have to get the shards. That what you're here for remember, not to go to some fancy ball." Inu Yasha should have stopped there but went on. "Feh, it's not like any youkai lord is gonna choose you anyway."
Kagome fumed. 'How dare he?' "Osuwari!" With Inu Yasha smashed into the floor, Kagome grabbed her bag and bid her friends farewell. She headed of to the well hoping to get there before Inu Yasha had a chance to pry himself up.
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"Okaasan, I'm home!" Kagome walked through the front door.
"Welcome home Kagome." Her mother came to greet her from the kitchen. "Come bring in your bag and I'll help you unpack." Pulling out her books and dirty clothes. She also pulled out beautiful light pink kimono. "Where did you get this Kagome?"
"It was kind of a gift I guess." Kagome looked at the kimono she had been wearing when she had been returned to her friends. 'I should really return it to him.' Kagome paled when she saw what her mom pulled out next, it was the scroll Kaede had given her about the youkai ball.
Kagome's mother read the scroll and then looked at Kagome. "Umm...don't worry about it mom. I was chosen by the village, but I'm going to say no..."
"Why?" Kagome's mother stopped her babbling. "I think it's a nice idea. Were you not the one who said it would be wonderful to live in the feudal times? Girls there get married at very young ages." Kagome looked at her mother with wide eyes.
'She can't possibly be encouraging me to get married could she?' "Mom?"
"I just have the feeling that this would be really good for you Kagome." Her mother just gave her usual nice smile. "I just want you to promise that if you do find someone then you bring them here if possible so I can meet him." To that Kagome cheeks began to turn a bright red.
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"Sesshoumaru-sama. When are we going to get to see Kagome-chan?" Sesshoumaru sighed at hearing the small girl's question. She had been asking the same question atleast once every day since Kagome had left them.
"Rin, I have already told you repeatedly that we are not able to go see her at this time." Sesshoumaru was actually relieved when he saw a small green figure running towards them.
"A date has been set for the gathering..." Jaken continued to tell of when things would occur and who he knew would be there. "...Right now everyone believes Lord Sesshoumaru will choose Lady Saiya as his mate."
Sesshoumaru inwardly cringed at the thought. He remembered the last time he had met with Lady Saiya. She was the niece of the Northern Lord. She was indeed a beautiful wolf youkai, but as far as Sesshoumaru was concerned her looks were the only this she had. She seemed incapable of speaking about anything not related to herself and had no intelligent commentaries. She also had tried to hang on his arm and flirt with him throughout his entire visit to the Northern Lands a couple years ago.
"Sesshoumaru-sama, what's a mate?" Sesshoumaru did not hear the girls words for he was lost in thought of the horrors that he would be forced to face soon. Seeing that her father figure was not in the mood for more questions at the moment she turned her attention to the short youkai next to her. "Jaken-sama what's a mate?"
"Foolish human. A mate is the equivalent of what you humans call a husband or wife." Jaken told the child as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
Sesshoumaru came out of his thoughts and began to continue their trek. He did not know where exactly it was he had decided to travel this time, but he just felt the needed to leave the castle. He looked down when he felt a light tug on his pants. "Does this mean Rin will have a new mom?"
"Perhaps." Sesshoumaru answered although he knew that it would be impossible to find a youkai that would accept Rin as their child. 'Kagome would have accepted her.' The demon lord again sighed. 'I need to stop thinking about her. It's been almost a week already and still she haunts my thoughts and my dreams. What sort of disease is it that you have given me to make me feel so weak?'
"Rin wants Kagome-chan to be her new mommy." That comment almost caused Sesshoumaru to falter in his steps. Sesshoumaru knew that fate must be playing a very cruel trick on him. He decided to not comment on Rin's words but they replayed in his mind repeatedly.
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"Just remember Kagome, I want to meet him." Kagome's mother yelled as Kagome got ready to jump in the well.
'I can't believe she said that. She really thinks I'm going to get married.' Kagome sighed and jumped in. After feeling the ground beneath her feet she looked up at the welcome blue sky. She climbed out of the well and was greeted by a very happy Shippou.
"Kagome! I'm so happy you're back." Kagome hugged the little kitsune tight against her.
"Jeez Shippou, it always seems like you believe I'm never going to come back. Where's everyone else?"
"There back at Kaede's hut. You never said when you were coming back so I've been waiting at the well."
"Thanks Shippou." Kagome walked to Kaede's hut carrying Shippou.
"Hey everyone, I'm back." Kagome greeted everyone she saw sitting around the room.
"Welcome back Kagome-sama."
"Hey Kagome-chan."
"It's about time wench."
"So have decided whether or not you're going, child?" Kaede ask Kagome.
"My mom thinks I should go and I am a little curious, but I still think it'll be dangerous." Kagome answered sitting down on one of the mats in the room.
"It shouldn't be dangerous child. Blood shed has been forbidden. A person's reputation serves as their strength, not any physical showing. If they allowed blood shed as it was said they once did then many jealous fights would break out."
Kagome looked down and thought for a moment. "Then I guess I'll go." Kagome decided.
"That is a wise choice child for I have already told the villagers that you would and they have already begun to make you clothes befitting a hime." Kagome was surprised at Kaede's ability to read her so well.
"I already said you can't go. We have a job to do, Kagome." Inu Yasha complained.
"The ball isn't for over a month. We can hunt shards till then." Kagome answered.
"Good then we leave tomorrow." Inu Yasha walked out of the hut. Everyone stared at him wondering what had just happened.
Miroku excused himself and went after the disgruntled hanyou. He found Inu Yasha in a tree sitting on a branch. "What is your problem my friend?" Miroku asked.
"None of your business." Inu Yasha answered gruffly.
Miroku sighed. He had a pretty good idea of what was going on. "Let me guess. You like Kagome as a friend, but liked getting all of her attention because she liked you as more than a friend. Look Inu Yasha that's just selfish and we both know Kagome deserves better, so be a friend and support her." Miroku didn't wait for a response and just returned to the hut leaving Inu Yasha to think over what he had said.
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"Inu Yasha!" Kagome yelled as she saw the dragon youkai throw Inu Yasha into the side of a cliff. "There's a shard in its forehead!" Kagome had already tried to shoot the youkai with her arrows, but for being so big it was surprising agile and Inu Yasha's Tetsusaiga didn't seem to be doing much damage.
Inu Yasha attacked again but was again thrown. Miroku's kazaana was of no use since he would pull in the shard along with the youkai. Sango's hiraikotsu had already been broken and she was now nursing a hurt Kirara. "Kagome, watch out!" Inu Yasha yelled as he saw the youkai's tail whip in her direction.
Kagome cringed and held up her arms in a futile attempt to block herself. She had already wasted enough energy with her arrows that she wasn't able to put up a shield like she had learned how to. She closed her eyes, but the blow never came. Kagome opened her eyes to see one of the last people she would have expected. 'Sesshoumaru?'
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Sesshoumaru walked with Rin lost in thought as was normal for him lately. He had sent Jaken off to prepare his arrival for the ball. He had also told Jaken to alert the other lords that he would be bringing Rin and that if anything happened to her that many would suffer. He knew that no one would dare question him on his choice of company.
He turned his head when he heard the sounds that resembled those of a battle. Being that he had no one to leave Rin with he had to take her with him to check it out. He got there just in time to see the dragon youkai's tail coming towards Kagome and acted without thinking. He used his whip and slashed the youkai completely in two. In another second he was at Kagome's side. He saw her slowly lower her hands and open her eyes and watched the shock she initially had at seeing him there melt into gratitude.
"Arigatou, Sesshoumaru-sama." Kagome managed to say when her shock wore off. She looked over his shoulder to see Inu Yasha pick the shard out of what remained of the demon.
"Kagome-chan!" Kagome looked down to see Rin run over to her and wrap her arms around her leg.
"Rin-chan." Kagome returned the hug, still slightly confused as to what the youkai lord and his ward were doing there, but very grateful.
"Kagome are you all right." Everyone ran over to her.
"Hai, I'm fine." Kagome reassured. "Thanks to Sesshoumaru-sama," she added looking up at the youkai lord. His eyes were averted away from hers.
"What are you doing here Sesshoumaru?" Inu Yasha asked his tone demanding an answer.
"Obviously saving a member of your group." Sesshoumaru worded carefully. He had to be careful not to call her any of the insults that naturally popped into his mind when thinking of a human. He was not about to insult after getting to see her again. He also had to stop himself from calling her Inu Yasha's wench like he used for that was both insulting and it made him wonder what truly went on between the two.
"Arigatou Sesshoumaru-sama." Miroku and Sango thanked the youkai lord.
"I think we could all use some rest." Kagome offered and the group of shard hunters along with the two newcomers went to find a decent spot to take a break. Kagome decided to make some ramen for everyone since it was almost lunch time anyway. She passed out food for everyone. Sesshoumaru accepted it but looked at it warily. "It's good, trust me." Kagome said. He took a bite and was surprised at how good it really was.
"I can't believe you're feeding him my ramen." Inu Yasha complained.
"It's not yours, it's for everyone and it's the least I could do after he saved my life baka."
After the meal, Inu Yasha went off to brood not wanting to be around Sesshoumaru. Sango and Miroku were patching their wounds and Kirara's. Kagome was watching Rin and Shippou run around playing. And Sesshoumaru was watching Kagome, but acted as if he was watching the children.
"Why did you save me Sesshoumaru-sama?" Kagome asked. Her curiosity getting the best of her.
"Rin would have been saddened by your death." He took a few steps forward so that he was right at her side. For some reason that explanation did not seem like enough to either of them. "Prospects of your death were most unappealing to this Sesshoumaru as well," he admitted.
Kagome's head turned to look at the youkai lord as soon as his words registered in her mind. Her eyes searching his for any form of mockery and finding none. She was unexplainably happy about what he had said and gave him a radiant smile. Sesshoumaru's heart skipped a beat and turned his attention back to the children trying to keep his eyes from her scrutiny.
They stood in comfortable silence until Kagome felt another question nagging at her. "Sesshoumaru-sama, are you...are you going to that gathering in about a month?" Kagome didn't know why she wanted to know this. She told herself it would just be so she would have someone she knew around. Sesshoumaru gave a curt nod. "Will Rin be there?" Kagome asked. Sesshoumaru wondered why it sounded as if she hoped Rin would be there.
"Hai, Rin will accompany me. Why do you ask?"
"Kaede's village chose me as their representative even though I don't really live there. I just wanted to make sure I would recognize someone there." That answer got Sesshoumaru's attention.
'She'll be there?' Sesshoumaru felt so many emotions go through him at that time. He was relieved that her agreeing to going meant that she had his stupid half brother were nothing more than friends. It was also filled with what he identified as hope. He had not felt such an emotion since very early in his childhood. He had hope that if she were there that she would accept him as her mate. Was she really looking for a mate? "Why are you searching a youkai mate?" Sesshoumaru had to know because he did not want his image of her to shatter by finding out she truly was like all the other women out there.
Kagome decided to sit on the soft grass beneath her. "The people in Kaede's village do not wish to have to send any of their women, so I guess I'm doing it for them seeing as though they do provide me with a lot. Also, my mom said I should go..."
'So she really is doing it just for the prestige.' Sesshoumaru thought sadly, but then changed his mind when he heard her next words.
"...but the truth is I'm not really looking for a mate or whatever, but who knows who I'll meet. I could be surprised, but I know that I would never choose to be with someone if I didn't love them." Kagome admitted.
"You are very strange." Kagome looked at the youkai lord, her eyes urging him to explain. "Most of the women there are either there out of duty or out of greed to further their status. No one is there to find love."
"That's sad." Kagome commented. "So why will you be there, Sesshoumaru- sama?"
"It is my duty to be there and it is about time I took a mate." Sesshoumaru answered. He wanted to add things about how he wanted her to be his mate, but did not want to make a fool of himself. She had showed no signs of having any feelings for him stronger than friendship.
"I'm sure the women are lining up to be your mate." Kagome said and started to laugh. Sesshoumaru wondered if she was teasing him or insulting him. Kagome's laughter only grew harder at seeing the indignant look on the youkai lord's face. "I meant it really." Kagome said when she calmed down. "I mean you are the Lord of the Western Lands and pretty gorgeous what woman wouldn't want you." Kagome couldn't believe she had just said that. She turned her head to hide her burning cheeks and wonder where that had come from.
Sesshoumaru looked to see if she was serious, but saw that she was turned away from him. Just then Rin and Shippou ran up to them. "Sesshoumaru- sama! Rin and Shippou picked Sesshoumaru-sama and Kagome-chan flowers." The two children handed each of them a small handful of wild flowers. "Is Sesshoumaru-sama going to make Kagome-chan his mate so Rin can have Kagome- chan as her mommy?" Rin asked seeing as though she still remembered Sesshoumaru saying he would find a mate and he was speaking with Kagome at the time.
Even Sesshoumaru's great self control could not stop the blush he felt slowly creeping into his cheeks. Kagome on the other hand was just plain shocked at the girl's question. But then she remembered about the ball and everything and figured it was actually quite possible that he could ask her to be his mate. She shook the thought from her head.
'I must be delusional. First off this is Sesshoumaru we're talking about. Second, I'm human and a friend of Inu Yasha.' But Kagome couldn't help but remember the night he had stole her first kiss. 'But it's not like I love him. Do I?' The more Kagome wondered about it the more confused she became.
It was a few minutes before the Sesshoumaru and Kagome realized that the two children were still standing before them waiting for an answer. Kagome didn't know how she felt about Sesshoumaru at the moment, her emotions were so confused. She didn't want to say no and destroy Rin's hope. Also, she wondered what if she said no and later discovered that she wanted to. "Ummm...we'll see Rin-chan." Was all Kagome said, but she turned her head not wanting to see Sesshoumaru's reaction to her words for fear of the disgust that would be there at the mere suggestion.
Sesshoumaru on the other hand was amazed by her words. 'Does this mean she would actually consider being my mate?' Again he felt that strange emotion of hope grow inside him. The moment was shattered when Jaken came running into the clearing.
"I finally found you Sesshoumaru-sama. Everything is ready for your arrival." Jaken said not knowing what kind of moment he had just intruded on.
'Insolent little toad has the worst timing in the world.' "Jaken go back to the castle and take Rin with you I shall meet you in a bit." He added the last part more for Rin's sake so that she would not whine about having to be with Jaken. He would never explain himself to a servant.
Jaken and Rin walked off after Rin and Kagome had said goodbye and Kagome had promised to see her at the gathering in about a month. Kagome stood up next to Sesshoumaru and turned towards him. "Well, I suppose I'll be seeing you in about a month also Sesshoumaru-sama. And thank you again for what you did today."
Sesshoumaru looked down at her and their eyes locked. He found himself getting lost in the mist of her grayish-blue eyes. 'Can she really be as wonderful as she seems?' He brought his hand up to her cheek and was pleased when she didn't flinch. He did know what he was doing, but until he felt her soft pliant lips beneath his.
Kagome's mind froze when Sesshoumaru lips claimed hers. Unlike the kiss he had given her before this one was soft and undemanding. She felt a warmth spreading all the way down to her toes and closed her eyes giving into the kiss.
Sesshoumaru was shocked when he felt her begin to kiss him back. He finally pulled away and was pleased with the sight that met him. Kagome's eyes were still closed and her cheeks were a deep crimson. "Until we meet again." Sesshoumaru whispered in her ear and then was gone.
Kagome's eyes slowly opened to see she was now alone in the field or so she thought. She walked back to where the others were and sat next to Shippou and Sango. Her mind was still flying from the kiss she had just received and was soon to be filled with a million questions the recent events had caused. Perhaps if she had been more aware she would have felt the intense gaze that followed her. A pair of honey eyes had watched the entire scene.
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Wow that was a long chapter. Hope you all enjoy and please review. Hmm..wonder what's going to happen at the ball? Will Sesshie ask Kagome to be his mate or will someone else? I can't tell you. Actually, I really can't since I haven't written that far yet.
Inu Yasha: Can ask something?
Shichan: Sure
Inu Yasha: Why is it that in your fics I always get hurt or end up being a jerk
Shichan: That's not true in A.D.A.S. you were nice and you got Kikyou. And you got Kagura in L.S.P.
Inu Yasha: Okay, how come I never come out unharmed and get Kagome.
Shichan: Ummm...that's a good question. Hmmm...*looks like in deep thought* I don't know.
Inu Yasha @.@
Review Responses:
Me... : Thanks, I try to make my chapters pretty long
Aira^o^: I agree Rin is majorly adorable
Victoria Wolf: Ummm...I don't think I can update everyday the chapters would be like five paragraphs long and that wouldn't be very interesting
niasdreams : Yeah I like keeping people think about how the characters feel
Anne-Twilight: Don't worry about it, you're not obligated to review every chap., but I appreciate getting them ^_^
Thanks to everyone else that reviewed. I'll try and start the next chappie soon. ^_^
~*Shichan
CH: 4 What's Going On
"Kaede, we're back!" Kagome announced as she entered the old miko's hut. The others followed inside and they all got settled. Kagome went to her backpack that was in the corner of the room and started to pack her stuff for her trip home.
Kaede entered from a back room. "It is good to see you all back. I have news that concerns you Kagome."
"What is it?" Kagome questioned. Everyone waited to hear what Kaede had to say.
"There is a gathering been held thrown by the youkai lords where every village should choose their favorite or most beautiful female to represent them and join other females youkai and human. There all the unmated youkai lords are to choose mates." For some strange reason Kagome felt a little pang in her chest though she ignored it.
"What does this have to do with Kagome?" Inu Yasha asked.
"The village does not want to send any of their own females so they have volunteered Kagome." Kaede prepared herself for the obvious reaction.
"WHAT?!" Five voices yelled in unison.
"Let me get this straight." Kagome tried to figure what was going on. "I have to go to some youkai ball and be looked over by a bunch of male youkai who might want me as a mate."
"In essence yes." Kaede answered. She handed Kagome the scroll that said in great detail what was going to occur.
"I can't go..."
"Damn right you can't go. We have shards to hunt remember." Inu Yasha cut off Kagome.
"That's not what I meant. I'm too young to get married. Also, I wouldn't have anything to wear, not to mention being in a room with a bunch of youkai while carrying Shikon shards."
"The village must send someone Kagome. It is only for a week. For doing this I'm sure the village will give the proper clothing you would need." Kaede explained. She felt that Kagome should go. Ever since she had told Kaede she wanted to get over Inu Yasha she had thought of a way to help the girl. She thought this could help. She was positive being that Kagome was so powerful and beautiful for even a human that many lords would try to fight for her hand. She was sure that would do wonders for the girl's ego.
"Think of it this way Kagome-sama. There will probably be so many women that no one will bother you if you lay low and it would be like a vacation." Miroku's words did make Kagome think.
"I'll think about, but right now I want to go home. When is this thing?"
"It shall occur in two month so you have much time to think."
"Don't even consider it Kagome. We have to get the shards. That what you're here for remember, not to go to some fancy ball." Inu Yasha should have stopped there but went on. "Feh, it's not like any youkai lord is gonna choose you anyway."
Kagome fumed. 'How dare he?' "Osuwari!" With Inu Yasha smashed into the floor, Kagome grabbed her bag and bid her friends farewell. She headed of to the well hoping to get there before Inu Yasha had a chance to pry himself up.
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"Okaasan, I'm home!" Kagome walked through the front door.
"Welcome home Kagome." Her mother came to greet her from the kitchen. "Come bring in your bag and I'll help you unpack." Pulling out her books and dirty clothes. She also pulled out beautiful light pink kimono. "Where did you get this Kagome?"
"It was kind of a gift I guess." Kagome looked at the kimono she had been wearing when she had been returned to her friends. 'I should really return it to him.' Kagome paled when she saw what her mom pulled out next, it was the scroll Kaede had given her about the youkai ball.
Kagome's mother read the scroll and then looked at Kagome. "Umm...don't worry about it mom. I was chosen by the village, but I'm going to say no..."
"Why?" Kagome's mother stopped her babbling. "I think it's a nice idea. Were you not the one who said it would be wonderful to live in the feudal times? Girls there get married at very young ages." Kagome looked at her mother with wide eyes.
'She can't possibly be encouraging me to get married could she?' "Mom?"
"I just have the feeling that this would be really good for you Kagome." Her mother just gave her usual nice smile. "I just want you to promise that if you do find someone then you bring them here if possible so I can meet him." To that Kagome cheeks began to turn a bright red.
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"Sesshoumaru-sama. When are we going to get to see Kagome-chan?" Sesshoumaru sighed at hearing the small girl's question. She had been asking the same question atleast once every day since Kagome had left them.
"Rin, I have already told you repeatedly that we are not able to go see her at this time." Sesshoumaru was actually relieved when he saw a small green figure running towards them.
"A date has been set for the gathering..." Jaken continued to tell of when things would occur and who he knew would be there. "...Right now everyone believes Lord Sesshoumaru will choose Lady Saiya as his mate."
Sesshoumaru inwardly cringed at the thought. He remembered the last time he had met with Lady Saiya. She was the niece of the Northern Lord. She was indeed a beautiful wolf youkai, but as far as Sesshoumaru was concerned her looks were the only this she had. She seemed incapable of speaking about anything not related to herself and had no intelligent commentaries. She also had tried to hang on his arm and flirt with him throughout his entire visit to the Northern Lands a couple years ago.
"Sesshoumaru-sama, what's a mate?" Sesshoumaru did not hear the girls words for he was lost in thought of the horrors that he would be forced to face soon. Seeing that her father figure was not in the mood for more questions at the moment she turned her attention to the short youkai next to her. "Jaken-sama what's a mate?"
"Foolish human. A mate is the equivalent of what you humans call a husband or wife." Jaken told the child as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
Sesshoumaru came out of his thoughts and began to continue their trek. He did not know where exactly it was he had decided to travel this time, but he just felt the needed to leave the castle. He looked down when he felt a light tug on his pants. "Does this mean Rin will have a new mom?"
"Perhaps." Sesshoumaru answered although he knew that it would be impossible to find a youkai that would accept Rin as their child. 'Kagome would have accepted her.' The demon lord again sighed. 'I need to stop thinking about her. It's been almost a week already and still she haunts my thoughts and my dreams. What sort of disease is it that you have given me to make me feel so weak?'
"Rin wants Kagome-chan to be her new mommy." That comment almost caused Sesshoumaru to falter in his steps. Sesshoumaru knew that fate must be playing a very cruel trick on him. He decided to not comment on Rin's words but they replayed in his mind repeatedly.
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"Just remember Kagome, I want to meet him." Kagome's mother yelled as Kagome got ready to jump in the well.
'I can't believe she said that. She really thinks I'm going to get married.' Kagome sighed and jumped in. After feeling the ground beneath her feet she looked up at the welcome blue sky. She climbed out of the well and was greeted by a very happy Shippou.
"Kagome! I'm so happy you're back." Kagome hugged the little kitsune tight against her.
"Jeez Shippou, it always seems like you believe I'm never going to come back. Where's everyone else?"
"There back at Kaede's hut. You never said when you were coming back so I've been waiting at the well."
"Thanks Shippou." Kagome walked to Kaede's hut carrying Shippou.
"Hey everyone, I'm back." Kagome greeted everyone she saw sitting around the room.
"Welcome back Kagome-sama."
"Hey Kagome-chan."
"It's about time wench."
"So have decided whether or not you're going, child?" Kaede ask Kagome.
"My mom thinks I should go and I am a little curious, but I still think it'll be dangerous." Kagome answered sitting down on one of the mats in the room.
"It shouldn't be dangerous child. Blood shed has been forbidden. A person's reputation serves as their strength, not any physical showing. If they allowed blood shed as it was said they once did then many jealous fights would break out."
Kagome looked down and thought for a moment. "Then I guess I'll go." Kagome decided.
"That is a wise choice child for I have already told the villagers that you would and they have already begun to make you clothes befitting a hime." Kagome was surprised at Kaede's ability to read her so well.
"I already said you can't go. We have a job to do, Kagome." Inu Yasha complained.
"The ball isn't for over a month. We can hunt shards till then." Kagome answered.
"Good then we leave tomorrow." Inu Yasha walked out of the hut. Everyone stared at him wondering what had just happened.
Miroku excused himself and went after the disgruntled hanyou. He found Inu Yasha in a tree sitting on a branch. "What is your problem my friend?" Miroku asked.
"None of your business." Inu Yasha answered gruffly.
Miroku sighed. He had a pretty good idea of what was going on. "Let me guess. You like Kagome as a friend, but liked getting all of her attention because she liked you as more than a friend. Look Inu Yasha that's just selfish and we both know Kagome deserves better, so be a friend and support her." Miroku didn't wait for a response and just returned to the hut leaving Inu Yasha to think over what he had said.
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"Inu Yasha!" Kagome yelled as she saw the dragon youkai throw Inu Yasha into the side of a cliff. "There's a shard in its forehead!" Kagome had already tried to shoot the youkai with her arrows, but for being so big it was surprising agile and Inu Yasha's Tetsusaiga didn't seem to be doing much damage.
Inu Yasha attacked again but was again thrown. Miroku's kazaana was of no use since he would pull in the shard along with the youkai. Sango's hiraikotsu had already been broken and she was now nursing a hurt Kirara. "Kagome, watch out!" Inu Yasha yelled as he saw the youkai's tail whip in her direction.
Kagome cringed and held up her arms in a futile attempt to block herself. She had already wasted enough energy with her arrows that she wasn't able to put up a shield like she had learned how to. She closed her eyes, but the blow never came. Kagome opened her eyes to see one of the last people she would have expected. 'Sesshoumaru?'
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Sesshoumaru walked with Rin lost in thought as was normal for him lately. He had sent Jaken off to prepare his arrival for the ball. He had also told Jaken to alert the other lords that he would be bringing Rin and that if anything happened to her that many would suffer. He knew that no one would dare question him on his choice of company.
He turned his head when he heard the sounds that resembled those of a battle. Being that he had no one to leave Rin with he had to take her with him to check it out. He got there just in time to see the dragon youkai's tail coming towards Kagome and acted without thinking. He used his whip and slashed the youkai completely in two. In another second he was at Kagome's side. He saw her slowly lower her hands and open her eyes and watched the shock she initially had at seeing him there melt into gratitude.
"Arigatou, Sesshoumaru-sama." Kagome managed to say when her shock wore off. She looked over his shoulder to see Inu Yasha pick the shard out of what remained of the demon.
"Kagome-chan!" Kagome looked down to see Rin run over to her and wrap her arms around her leg.
"Rin-chan." Kagome returned the hug, still slightly confused as to what the youkai lord and his ward were doing there, but very grateful.
"Kagome are you all right." Everyone ran over to her.
"Hai, I'm fine." Kagome reassured. "Thanks to Sesshoumaru-sama," she added looking up at the youkai lord. His eyes were averted away from hers.
"What are you doing here Sesshoumaru?" Inu Yasha asked his tone demanding an answer.
"Obviously saving a member of your group." Sesshoumaru worded carefully. He had to be careful not to call her any of the insults that naturally popped into his mind when thinking of a human. He was not about to insult after getting to see her again. He also had to stop himself from calling her Inu Yasha's wench like he used for that was both insulting and it made him wonder what truly went on between the two.
"Arigatou Sesshoumaru-sama." Miroku and Sango thanked the youkai lord.
"I think we could all use some rest." Kagome offered and the group of shard hunters along with the two newcomers went to find a decent spot to take a break. Kagome decided to make some ramen for everyone since it was almost lunch time anyway. She passed out food for everyone. Sesshoumaru accepted it but looked at it warily. "It's good, trust me." Kagome said. He took a bite and was surprised at how good it really was.
"I can't believe you're feeding him my ramen." Inu Yasha complained.
"It's not yours, it's for everyone and it's the least I could do after he saved my life baka."
After the meal, Inu Yasha went off to brood not wanting to be around Sesshoumaru. Sango and Miroku were patching their wounds and Kirara's. Kagome was watching Rin and Shippou run around playing. And Sesshoumaru was watching Kagome, but acted as if he was watching the children.
"Why did you save me Sesshoumaru-sama?" Kagome asked. Her curiosity getting the best of her.
"Rin would have been saddened by your death." He took a few steps forward so that he was right at her side. For some reason that explanation did not seem like enough to either of them. "Prospects of your death were most unappealing to this Sesshoumaru as well," he admitted.
Kagome's head turned to look at the youkai lord as soon as his words registered in her mind. Her eyes searching his for any form of mockery and finding none. She was unexplainably happy about what he had said and gave him a radiant smile. Sesshoumaru's heart skipped a beat and turned his attention back to the children trying to keep his eyes from her scrutiny.
They stood in comfortable silence until Kagome felt another question nagging at her. "Sesshoumaru-sama, are you...are you going to that gathering in about a month?" Kagome didn't know why she wanted to know this. She told herself it would just be so she would have someone she knew around. Sesshoumaru gave a curt nod. "Will Rin be there?" Kagome asked. Sesshoumaru wondered why it sounded as if she hoped Rin would be there.
"Hai, Rin will accompany me. Why do you ask?"
"Kaede's village chose me as their representative even though I don't really live there. I just wanted to make sure I would recognize someone there." That answer got Sesshoumaru's attention.
'She'll be there?' Sesshoumaru felt so many emotions go through him at that time. He was relieved that her agreeing to going meant that she had his stupid half brother were nothing more than friends. It was also filled with what he identified as hope. He had not felt such an emotion since very early in his childhood. He had hope that if she were there that she would accept him as her mate. Was she really looking for a mate? "Why are you searching a youkai mate?" Sesshoumaru had to know because he did not want his image of her to shatter by finding out she truly was like all the other women out there.
Kagome decided to sit on the soft grass beneath her. "The people in Kaede's village do not wish to have to send any of their women, so I guess I'm doing it for them seeing as though they do provide me with a lot. Also, my mom said I should go..."
'So she really is doing it just for the prestige.' Sesshoumaru thought sadly, but then changed his mind when he heard her next words.
"...but the truth is I'm not really looking for a mate or whatever, but who knows who I'll meet. I could be surprised, but I know that I would never choose to be with someone if I didn't love them." Kagome admitted.
"You are very strange." Kagome looked at the youkai lord, her eyes urging him to explain. "Most of the women there are either there out of duty or out of greed to further their status. No one is there to find love."
"That's sad." Kagome commented. "So why will you be there, Sesshoumaru- sama?"
"It is my duty to be there and it is about time I took a mate." Sesshoumaru answered. He wanted to add things about how he wanted her to be his mate, but did not want to make a fool of himself. She had showed no signs of having any feelings for him stronger than friendship.
"I'm sure the women are lining up to be your mate." Kagome said and started to laugh. Sesshoumaru wondered if she was teasing him or insulting him. Kagome's laughter only grew harder at seeing the indignant look on the youkai lord's face. "I meant it really." Kagome said when she calmed down. "I mean you are the Lord of the Western Lands and pretty gorgeous what woman wouldn't want you." Kagome couldn't believe she had just said that. She turned her head to hide her burning cheeks and wonder where that had come from.
Sesshoumaru looked to see if she was serious, but saw that she was turned away from him. Just then Rin and Shippou ran up to them. "Sesshoumaru- sama! Rin and Shippou picked Sesshoumaru-sama and Kagome-chan flowers." The two children handed each of them a small handful of wild flowers. "Is Sesshoumaru-sama going to make Kagome-chan his mate so Rin can have Kagome- chan as her mommy?" Rin asked seeing as though she still remembered Sesshoumaru saying he would find a mate and he was speaking with Kagome at the time.
Even Sesshoumaru's great self control could not stop the blush he felt slowly creeping into his cheeks. Kagome on the other hand was just plain shocked at the girl's question. But then she remembered about the ball and everything and figured it was actually quite possible that he could ask her to be his mate. She shook the thought from her head.
'I must be delusional. First off this is Sesshoumaru we're talking about. Second, I'm human and a friend of Inu Yasha.' But Kagome couldn't help but remember the night he had stole her first kiss. 'But it's not like I love him. Do I?' The more Kagome wondered about it the more confused she became.
It was a few minutes before the Sesshoumaru and Kagome realized that the two children were still standing before them waiting for an answer. Kagome didn't know how she felt about Sesshoumaru at the moment, her emotions were so confused. She didn't want to say no and destroy Rin's hope. Also, she wondered what if she said no and later discovered that she wanted to. "Ummm...we'll see Rin-chan." Was all Kagome said, but she turned her head not wanting to see Sesshoumaru's reaction to her words for fear of the disgust that would be there at the mere suggestion.
Sesshoumaru on the other hand was amazed by her words. 'Does this mean she would actually consider being my mate?' Again he felt that strange emotion of hope grow inside him. The moment was shattered when Jaken came running into the clearing.
"I finally found you Sesshoumaru-sama. Everything is ready for your arrival." Jaken said not knowing what kind of moment he had just intruded on.
'Insolent little toad has the worst timing in the world.' "Jaken go back to the castle and take Rin with you I shall meet you in a bit." He added the last part more for Rin's sake so that she would not whine about having to be with Jaken. He would never explain himself to a servant.
Jaken and Rin walked off after Rin and Kagome had said goodbye and Kagome had promised to see her at the gathering in about a month. Kagome stood up next to Sesshoumaru and turned towards him. "Well, I suppose I'll be seeing you in about a month also Sesshoumaru-sama. And thank you again for what you did today."
Sesshoumaru looked down at her and their eyes locked. He found himself getting lost in the mist of her grayish-blue eyes. 'Can she really be as wonderful as she seems?' He brought his hand up to her cheek and was pleased when she didn't flinch. He did know what he was doing, but until he felt her soft pliant lips beneath his.
Kagome's mind froze when Sesshoumaru lips claimed hers. Unlike the kiss he had given her before this one was soft and undemanding. She felt a warmth spreading all the way down to her toes and closed her eyes giving into the kiss.
Sesshoumaru was shocked when he felt her begin to kiss him back. He finally pulled away and was pleased with the sight that met him. Kagome's eyes were still closed and her cheeks were a deep crimson. "Until we meet again." Sesshoumaru whispered in her ear and then was gone.
Kagome's eyes slowly opened to see she was now alone in the field or so she thought. She walked back to where the others were and sat next to Shippou and Sango. Her mind was still flying from the kiss she had just received and was soon to be filled with a million questions the recent events had caused. Perhaps if she had been more aware she would have felt the intense gaze that followed her. A pair of honey eyes had watched the entire scene.
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Wow that was a long chapter. Hope you all enjoy and please review. Hmm..wonder what's going to happen at the ball? Will Sesshie ask Kagome to be his mate or will someone else? I can't tell you. Actually, I really can't since I haven't written that far yet.
Inu Yasha: Can ask something?
Shichan: Sure
Inu Yasha: Why is it that in your fics I always get hurt or end up being a jerk
Shichan: That's not true in A.D.A.S. you were nice and you got Kikyou. And you got Kagura in L.S.P.
Inu Yasha: Okay, how come I never come out unharmed and get Kagome.
Shichan: Ummm...that's a good question. Hmmm...*looks like in deep thought* I don't know.
Inu Yasha @.@
Review Responses:
Me... : Thanks, I try to make my chapters pretty long
Aira^o^: I agree Rin is majorly adorable
Victoria Wolf: Ummm...I don't think I can update everyday the chapters would be like five paragraphs long and that wouldn't be very interesting
niasdreams : Yeah I like keeping people think about how the characters feel
Anne-Twilight: Don't worry about it, you're not obligated to review every chap., but I appreciate getting them ^_^
Thanks to everyone else that reviewed. I'll try and start the next chappie soon. ^_^
~*Shichan