Sesshoumaru sat across from Kagome, dismissing all the servants that
normally stood by them, waiting hand and foot.
"I will be back at the end of the month, for two days, to visit my family," Sesshoumaru said as Kagome kept on passing worried looks.
"Only two days?" Kagome asked, her thought on what transpired the night before. Sesshoumaru nodded.
"Jaken will be coming with me also. Akira and Rin with keep you company," Kagome nodded again. They went into silence again, eating, Kagome stealing worried glances at him. "Kagome!" Sesshoumaru said sitting back in his chair, amused by her worry over him.
"I'll be fine!" I've been in many wars before," Sesshoumaru placed a hand on hers, that rested on the table.
~~
Jaken and Sesshoumaru where standing in the courtyard. Kagome, Kanzaburo, Akira, and Rin stood with them.
"You will take care of your self, now? And don't you dare run in battle, thinking that you invincible. Take care of your self! You can't fight with a cold," Kagome has all most exploded, when Sesshoumaru went to hold her. She whispered every thought she had during the breakfast. Sesshoumaru chuckled slightly. He kissed her on the cheek. "Sesshoumaru?" Sesshoumaru looked at her blushing face. Standing on her tip toes, to whisper something in his ear. "I heard you last night," Sesshoumaru tensed, as his heart skipped a few beats. "And I think I'm falling for you too," Sesshoumaru stared at her, thousands of emotions playing across his face. Pulling her into a tight embrace, kissing her. Stepping back, he kissed Rin on the forehead, and on Kanzaburo. Saying a few words to Akira, Sesshoumaru came back to Kagome.
"I will be back, my love," he whispered to her, kissing her on the lips softly. He formed the cloud under his feet, as Jaken hopped onto the cloud. They took off toward the sky, their troops following. Kagome watched her go, holding her son in her arms, watching till they only became a small dust speck in the sky.
"Come, Kagome," Akira said. "Let's not stand out here all day," Kagome nodded.
"I feel like taking a bath. Rin, could you take care of Kanzaburo?" Rin smiled.
"Yep!" Kagome smiled, though sadness was in her smile. She didn't want to be left here. She knew how to fight. She learned when she traveled with InuYasha and the others. But she knew that Sesshoumaru would never have allowed it.
Kagome handed Kanzaburo to Rin, walking beside her and Akira as they walked into the castle. And by orders, Akira walked her all the way to the bathing chamber in their personal chambers, waiting for her in the hall way, humming to him self, while looking at a painting of the very castle that they where in.
~~
It was sundown when Sesshoumaru landed at the campsite; Kouga came running up to them. "Sesshoumaru!" Kouga said shaking his hand. "How are you?"
"I'm faring well," Sesshoumaru said. "As you can see, I brought my troops along with me," true to his word hundreds upon thousands marched into the campsite. Kouga looked at them and whistled.
"Damn," Kouga shook his head. "Come," he said. "Let's go into the meeting tent. We'll talk there," Sesshoumaru followed.
"Jaken. Wait out here," Jaken stood outside the door, glaring at the wolf demons that stared at him.
"What is that thing?" Ginta asked his brother. His brother shrugged.
"It looks like a toad," he said.
"I think it is one! I wonder if it's slimy," a third said. Ginta grinned.
"I dare ya to go touch it!" Ginta laughed as the third man shook his head vigorously.
"No way! Kami knows, where it's been!" the others laughed as Jaken bristled.
"Damn heathens," Jaken mumbled under his breath.
~~
"As you can see," Kouga said as he led Sesshoumaru to a center table that had a large map of all four lands covering it. He pointed to wooden figures of solders with two flags hanging from there out stretched arms. One with Kouga's clan simple, then the other with the troops flags. "That my men are scattered around protecting the boarders the best they could," Sesshoumaru nodded. He looked at wooden figures of the four castles. His own was standing proud. {Kagome,} he thought strayed but quickly turned back to Kouga.
A small boy walked up. "Thank you son," Kouga said, as his son handed him a box. Sesshoumaru looked down at the healthy boy of 10. He and Ayami had mated a few years before Naraku was completely finished off.
Opening the box, placing it on the table, Kouga got out the correct number of Sesshoumaru's troops. The same wooden figures, with flags coming down from there arms. One flag that belonged the troops, then the other flag that was the western lands flag. He placed them all at the same place along with one of Kouga's figures on the map. The figure stood on the map, at the very place where they stood, on the ground.
"I'll have Ginta, go over your solders and split them up, and join my troops at their stations," Sesshoumaru nodded, as he looked over the map.
"Seems to me that you have been thinking about this for a long time, Kouga" Kouga smiled softly, as he looked over the map.
"I have. All night in fact. With all the trouble of building up my clan again. So much has piled up on me," Sesshoumaru all most pitied the younger youkai. He remembered what it was like, trying to take on so much when his father died, leaving him the lands.
"I'll have some of my spies ready them selves," Sesshoumaru said, taking out the proper amount of spy figures from the box, placing them too, on the map, where they belonged. "I'll send them in that damned neko territory, and have them try to discover what he's up too," Kouga nodded.
"That's all for today. Let's just get some dinner, and rest. We'll worry about the rest in the morning," Kouga said. Sesshoumaru nodded. Kouga and Sesshoumaru walked outside. The solders where lighting torches that hung from the tents, and bonfires. The sky over head was an eerie blue, with stars covering it like tiny droplets of dew. As the wind blue the trees around them rustled in gentle music. Men who had flutes started to play and other instruments as well, while some sang. The men started to tell tales, share meals, and laugh together.
Sesshoumaru's men found their tents and made them self at home, with the wolf clan, joining their singing and music. The other difference between Sesshoumaru's men, and Kouga's was the fact that Sesshoumaru's army had neat uniforms, and weapons, and where all sorts of youkai. Neko, inu... Every thing. While as Kouga's where all wolf, all had strong weapons, yet not fancy like Sesshoumaru's, and no uniforms.
Sesshoumaru sighed as Jaken walked up to them.
"I don't like these wolfs...There not trained properly," Jaken scowled at Kouga, who just smirked at him, with knowing laughter held in his bright blue eyes. Sesshoumaru looked at Jaken.
"Who would you suggest, if not them, Jaken?" Sesshoumaru asked. Jaken frowned and wracked his brain for something better. But he couldn't come up with one. Sesshoumaru unmercifully kicked him to the ground, before walking off.
"Tough luck," Kouga clucked his tongue once at Jaken, before leaving him behind also, following Sesshoumaru.
~~
Kagome woke by her self in her and Sesshoumaru's large bed. The sun shone bright in her eyes, refusing to let her go back to sleep. Getting up, she walked up to Kanzaburo's crib, still slightly drowsy. Kanzaburo wasn't there! Instantly she was awake, searching frantically through the blankets for her missing child. She cried out desperately. "AKIRA!" she screamed, fear clasped at her heart, as sobs caught in her throat. "Akira!" she whispered as she buried her head in her hands, as shock ran through her body so much that she couldn't even shout any more.
Seconds later, Akira knocked down the door. His sword drawn. A single crack ran down its tip, to its middle, like he said there was. He hadn't gotten the chance to fix it yet, but if time called for it, it would still be useful in battle.
He sheathed it instantly once he saw Kagome was the only on in the room. He ran to her side. "Kagome! What is the matter?!" Kagome turned to him, and clung to him, sobbing on his shoulder. Akira did the best to comfort her, though he didn't know what was wrong.
"Kanzaburo!" she finally whispered. "He's missing!" Kagome clung to him. "Where is he?" she cried like he knew the answer. Akira jumped up, and ran to the crib. True to her word, Kanzaburo was missing.
"Kami," Akira whispered.
Rin ran into the room, tears coming down her own cheeks. "Mother!" Rin cried as she ran to Kagome. Rin had started calling Kagome mother out of the blue, but Kagome didn't complain. In fact she thought it sweet. "Akira," Rin said looking up at Akira. "About ten of the solders guarding the castle, have been slain. Unmercifully too! Arms and legs are everywhere! Also, about twenty of the servants have been killed too. The one's that where working the night shift," Akira nodded, as Kagome bowed her head. Sesshoumaru would have been ashamed of her. They had been attacked during the night, but the worse part was that the royal family, along with Akira, didn't even know until now! Sesshoumaru definitely would have been ashamed of her.
~~
"Lord Sesshoumaru!" Jaken ran right into the meeting tent, even though against orders. Kouga and Sesshoumaru stared at him. Though Sesshoumaru's stare was more like a glare. "Urgent letter from Lady Kagome, herself!" Sesshoumaru was instantly up from his chair.
"Give me the letter Jaken," Sesshoumaru held out his hand. Jaken handed him the note, Sesshoumaru and Kouga wrinkled their nose as they instantly smelled the strong sent of salt, from the letter.
Sesshoumaru,
I've woken up to find Kanzaburo missing. I'm at a standstill, and don't know what to do. I've also found out that about ten solders have been killed, along with twenty servants working the night shift. Their deaths weren't clean either. The whole castle smells of blood and death. Please send back a response, telling me what to do.
Kagome.
"Sesshoumaru?" Kouga asked walking up to him. "Is every thing all right?"
"No," Sesshoumaru scrunched up the letter angrily. "Damn neko has my son!" with that he walked from the tent. Though he was thankful that Kagome wrote the letter so it sounded like she didn't care what happened. It made the enemy, if the letter was found by them, think that what they did was in vain, and that they didn't care. All Kagome wanted was some orders, so she could take proper care of the castle next time. Kouga and Jaken ran after him. "Jaken say here. I'm going to Rin, Akira, and Kagome,"
"Sesshoumaru!" Kouga said. Sesshoumaru looked at him. "They are all welcomed here, and I promise that not one of them will even hear the cries of the war," Sesshoumaru nodded, thankful.
"I shall ponder it. I'll be back by tomorrow, at the very most,"
~~
It was noon by the time Sesshoumaru got to his main palace. Kagome immodestly ran from the castle steps, rushing forward to him, still in her silk nightgown. Sesshoumaru met her half way. "I'm so sorry, Sesshoumaru!" Kagome whispered sobs wracking her body. "I'm so sorry!" Sesshoumaru held her tightly.
"It's not your fault," Sesshoumaru whispered. His eyes caught to her some pink powder on her shoulder, barely visible, yet still there. Taking a closer look, he noticed the pink powder was in also on her neck, the front of her nightgown, and her hair. He dismissed it though.
Akira came up behind them. "Lord Sesshoumaru," he was still, Sesshoumaru knew he expected punishment from failing to protect Kagome and the baby. Sesshoumaru wasn't though. As they baby was in Kagome's room, and even she didn't sense the person. Sesshoumaru looked at Akira. Sesshoumaru squinted his eyes. There it was again. The pink substance was on Akira was well. {What the hell is going on?} Sesshoumaru thought.
Akira put his hand on his neck, where Sesshoumaru was staring, bringing it away, he frowned at the pink dust on his fingers, then his mind clicked. "Sleeping powder!" he said aloud. Kagome sniffed as she too noticed the pink powder on her neck, it shimmered in her hands. Shaking it from her hair. The shimmering pink substance fell to the ground, as an unfortunate bug stopped in it tracks, not moving. Kagome stared up at Sesshoumaru, her blue stormy eyes waiting for Sesshoumaru to give her orders on what to do.
Sesshoumaru couldn't blame her though. She was still young, and she was used to running around Japan collecting jewel shards, then now, being made into a mate and a mother, 'and' a lady on top of all things. The only two things that she really recognized what to do, was being a good mate to him, then he left for war, leaving her the only thing left. Which was to be a mother too, Kanzaburo. But now he was kidnapped, leaving her nothing. All eyes where on Sesshoumaru. All waiting for orders by this time, and Sesshoumaru was brought out of his pondering.
"Akira. Collect Rin. You three are coming with me. You there! Bag their things! Hurry!" he turned his attention to Kagome. "Are you okay? Are you hurt?" Sesshoumaru asked. Kagome shook her head no.
"I'm fine," she looked down at her self, blushing bright red, wrapping her arms around her, as she finally noticed her clothes. Akira and Rin came back, Akira walked up to her, taking off his fur cloak. "Here, My Lady," Akira said, keeping his gaze to the ground. Sesshoumaru helped Kagome with the heavy mans cloak, tying the clasp around her neck.
"Thank you, Akira," Kagome whispered, her throat suddenly going dry. She leaned into Sesshoumaru closing her eyes. Sesshoumaru placed a hand on her shoulder. "Kanzaburo," she whispered mournfully to Sesshoumaru, her hand clasped the cloak in front of her heart. "He's as good as dead no isn't he?" she asked. "That's why you came home, isn't it?" tears ran down her cheeks. Sesshoumaru didn't say anything though his eyes said it all. He wouldn't lie to her, but he wouldn't just come out and say it. {Maybe I do just not believe it my self,} Sesshoumaru though as Kagome laid her head on his shoulder. Sesshoumaru looked down at her crying form. {I can't take her with me. It will only worsen her moods with all the killings and war talk. I will take her back to the village. Akira knows how to make a small home for them in the matter of days. I'm sure Keade won't mind three more people for just a few days,}
"Kagome," Sesshoumaru said once they where on their way. He had informed Akira on his plans. "I'm returning you to the village, with InuYasha. I wish I could take you with me, but it will only make you even more upset," Kagome nodded numbly. For all she knew, her first born child, could be dead, or dying. Dying slowly, painfully, and by it's self. Then it's own body being torn apart my wild animals. She shivered as fresh tears came to her eyes. "Stop thinking those kind of thoughts," Sesshoumaru instantly knew what she was thinking, by the way she was acting. Kagome turned to him.
"I can't help it," she whispered. "I must look really pitiful right now,"
"No. Every mother has a right to grieve,"
"So does every father, but I don't see you upset," Sesshoumaru growled slightly at her words.
"Of course I'm upset! He is my first born child as well! I will grieve for him, when I can!" he snapped at her. Kagome bowed her head in shame. {Oh Kami! What the hell was I thinking when I said that?! Of course he's upset!} Kagome thought. Sesshoumaru let go of his anger, and held her even closer.
"Kagome," he said, as Kagome laid her head on his chest. He kissed the top of her forehead. "If Kanzaburo does not . . . make it," Sesshoumaru said stiffly. Kagome also stiffened. "I would like to try again," Kagome looked up at him. "For a child," he looked at her. "And many more after that," Kagome smiled softly, though sadness was still there in her eyes, making her smile look fake.
"Yes, Sesshoumaru," Kagome laid her head on his chest. "I would love that. I just hope that Kanzaburo does make it. It would seem different with out him," Kagome whispered. Tilting her head back, Sesshoumaru kissed her softly.
~~
Akira and Rin where on Ah-Un. "Do you think Kanzaburo is alive?" Rin asked. Akira shrugged.
"It will be an horrible shame if he doesn't," Akira said. {Why am I happy that it wasn't Rin? It's not like she could be my mate for Kami's sake! *Yes, but she'll be turning into an adult soon! In two years, when she's 15* For Kami's sake! Stop this!} Akira inwardly battled with himself. To make things worse, Rin scooted closer to him, laying her smaller hand on his. Akira looked at her hand.
"Why are you here?" {God, I have to get rid of this stupid crush of mine!} Rin thought. {This isn't even the right time to get into a messy romance! The baby I consider a little brother is missing, and could possibly die! Besides! He's probably got a mate, and children back where he's from!} Rin thought. Akira looked at her.
"Excuse me?"
"Why are you here as a body guard? Don't you have a mate back with Kouga's pack?" Rin asked, acting like she was casual, just trying to get a conversation out of him. Akira chuckled, though his heart skipped a beat, from two things. 1, was the fact that he was lonely for a mate, and wished he had children of his own, and 2, was that fact that a possible mate, just asked him that.
"No. I don't have a mate. And no children. I came a bodyguard, because Kouga 'gave' me, to Sesshoumaru to protect Kagome, you, and little Kanzaburo. Hay, you still have some sleeping powder in your cheek," Akira started to gently stroke her cheek, with his hand. {That's a lie. *you just wanted to touch her!* Kami, not this again!} Rin smiled softly up at him.
"Thank you," she said smiling softly at him. Akira blushed slightly.
"No problem," he gently took away his hand, letting it drop softly in his lap. He had gotten his fur robe back, after Kagome went to go change, before leaving. Rin shivered slightly. Akira used the advantage to the best. "Are you cold?" he asked. Rin smiled slightly at him, laughing softly.
"Just a little bit," she said truthfully. Akira grinning, opening up his cloak that was wrapped around him.
"Come sit on my lap. I'll share my cloak with you," Akira said. Rin blushed.
"Are you joking?" she asked trying to laugh it off, hoping to Kami that it was a joke. He laughed.
"No! Hurry lass! Before I freeze!" Rin's blush worsened. Akira rolled his eyes, laughing as Rin squeaked with shock, as Akira simply picked her up, and placed her on his lap, grinning inside, as Rin instantly melted against him, in his lap, as he wrapped the cloak around them both. Rin gingerly laid her head on Akira's chest, as blushing all the more, as Akira rested his chin, on her head, wrapping his own arms around her, pressing her closer to him.
~~
Sesshoumaru smirked slightly, though sadness still hung to his heart. It would take a long time till it went away, if ever. He had heard their conversation, as did Kagome. They both watched in half amusement at the pair.
"Isn't she a little young?" Kagome asked, her mind slightly off the other horrible thoughts. Sesshoumaru shrugged.
"She'll be a young adult soon. 15 is an ideal age to get married, or in our case, mated," Sesshoumaru said. "Though it is an interesting pair, as it was Kouga's pack of wolfs that killed her when she was eight," Kagome nodded, knowing that he had used his sword on her, bringing her back to life.
~~
Okay! Long chapter! Thank you so much for all the reviews! I love them all! Please keep them coming!
"I will be back at the end of the month, for two days, to visit my family," Sesshoumaru said as Kagome kept on passing worried looks.
"Only two days?" Kagome asked, her thought on what transpired the night before. Sesshoumaru nodded.
"Jaken will be coming with me also. Akira and Rin with keep you company," Kagome nodded again. They went into silence again, eating, Kagome stealing worried glances at him. "Kagome!" Sesshoumaru said sitting back in his chair, amused by her worry over him.
"I'll be fine!" I've been in many wars before," Sesshoumaru placed a hand on hers, that rested on the table.
~~
Jaken and Sesshoumaru where standing in the courtyard. Kagome, Kanzaburo, Akira, and Rin stood with them.
"You will take care of your self, now? And don't you dare run in battle, thinking that you invincible. Take care of your self! You can't fight with a cold," Kagome has all most exploded, when Sesshoumaru went to hold her. She whispered every thought she had during the breakfast. Sesshoumaru chuckled slightly. He kissed her on the cheek. "Sesshoumaru?" Sesshoumaru looked at her blushing face. Standing on her tip toes, to whisper something in his ear. "I heard you last night," Sesshoumaru tensed, as his heart skipped a few beats. "And I think I'm falling for you too," Sesshoumaru stared at her, thousands of emotions playing across his face. Pulling her into a tight embrace, kissing her. Stepping back, he kissed Rin on the forehead, and on Kanzaburo. Saying a few words to Akira, Sesshoumaru came back to Kagome.
"I will be back, my love," he whispered to her, kissing her on the lips softly. He formed the cloud under his feet, as Jaken hopped onto the cloud. They took off toward the sky, their troops following. Kagome watched her go, holding her son in her arms, watching till they only became a small dust speck in the sky.
"Come, Kagome," Akira said. "Let's not stand out here all day," Kagome nodded.
"I feel like taking a bath. Rin, could you take care of Kanzaburo?" Rin smiled.
"Yep!" Kagome smiled, though sadness was in her smile. She didn't want to be left here. She knew how to fight. She learned when she traveled with InuYasha and the others. But she knew that Sesshoumaru would never have allowed it.
Kagome handed Kanzaburo to Rin, walking beside her and Akira as they walked into the castle. And by orders, Akira walked her all the way to the bathing chamber in their personal chambers, waiting for her in the hall way, humming to him self, while looking at a painting of the very castle that they where in.
~~
It was sundown when Sesshoumaru landed at the campsite; Kouga came running up to them. "Sesshoumaru!" Kouga said shaking his hand. "How are you?"
"I'm faring well," Sesshoumaru said. "As you can see, I brought my troops along with me," true to his word hundreds upon thousands marched into the campsite. Kouga looked at them and whistled.
"Damn," Kouga shook his head. "Come," he said. "Let's go into the meeting tent. We'll talk there," Sesshoumaru followed.
"Jaken. Wait out here," Jaken stood outside the door, glaring at the wolf demons that stared at him.
"What is that thing?" Ginta asked his brother. His brother shrugged.
"It looks like a toad," he said.
"I think it is one! I wonder if it's slimy," a third said. Ginta grinned.
"I dare ya to go touch it!" Ginta laughed as the third man shook his head vigorously.
"No way! Kami knows, where it's been!" the others laughed as Jaken bristled.
"Damn heathens," Jaken mumbled under his breath.
~~
"As you can see," Kouga said as he led Sesshoumaru to a center table that had a large map of all four lands covering it. He pointed to wooden figures of solders with two flags hanging from there out stretched arms. One with Kouga's clan simple, then the other with the troops flags. "That my men are scattered around protecting the boarders the best they could," Sesshoumaru nodded. He looked at wooden figures of the four castles. His own was standing proud. {Kagome,} he thought strayed but quickly turned back to Kouga.
A small boy walked up. "Thank you son," Kouga said, as his son handed him a box. Sesshoumaru looked down at the healthy boy of 10. He and Ayami had mated a few years before Naraku was completely finished off.
Opening the box, placing it on the table, Kouga got out the correct number of Sesshoumaru's troops. The same wooden figures, with flags coming down from there arms. One flag that belonged the troops, then the other flag that was the western lands flag. He placed them all at the same place along with one of Kouga's figures on the map. The figure stood on the map, at the very place where they stood, on the ground.
"I'll have Ginta, go over your solders and split them up, and join my troops at their stations," Sesshoumaru nodded, as he looked over the map.
"Seems to me that you have been thinking about this for a long time, Kouga" Kouga smiled softly, as he looked over the map.
"I have. All night in fact. With all the trouble of building up my clan again. So much has piled up on me," Sesshoumaru all most pitied the younger youkai. He remembered what it was like, trying to take on so much when his father died, leaving him the lands.
"I'll have some of my spies ready them selves," Sesshoumaru said, taking out the proper amount of spy figures from the box, placing them too, on the map, where they belonged. "I'll send them in that damned neko territory, and have them try to discover what he's up too," Kouga nodded.
"That's all for today. Let's just get some dinner, and rest. We'll worry about the rest in the morning," Kouga said. Sesshoumaru nodded. Kouga and Sesshoumaru walked outside. The solders where lighting torches that hung from the tents, and bonfires. The sky over head was an eerie blue, with stars covering it like tiny droplets of dew. As the wind blue the trees around them rustled in gentle music. Men who had flutes started to play and other instruments as well, while some sang. The men started to tell tales, share meals, and laugh together.
Sesshoumaru's men found their tents and made them self at home, with the wolf clan, joining their singing and music. The other difference between Sesshoumaru's men, and Kouga's was the fact that Sesshoumaru's army had neat uniforms, and weapons, and where all sorts of youkai. Neko, inu... Every thing. While as Kouga's where all wolf, all had strong weapons, yet not fancy like Sesshoumaru's, and no uniforms.
Sesshoumaru sighed as Jaken walked up to them.
"I don't like these wolfs...There not trained properly," Jaken scowled at Kouga, who just smirked at him, with knowing laughter held in his bright blue eyes. Sesshoumaru looked at Jaken.
"Who would you suggest, if not them, Jaken?" Sesshoumaru asked. Jaken frowned and wracked his brain for something better. But he couldn't come up with one. Sesshoumaru unmercifully kicked him to the ground, before walking off.
"Tough luck," Kouga clucked his tongue once at Jaken, before leaving him behind also, following Sesshoumaru.
~~
Kagome woke by her self in her and Sesshoumaru's large bed. The sun shone bright in her eyes, refusing to let her go back to sleep. Getting up, she walked up to Kanzaburo's crib, still slightly drowsy. Kanzaburo wasn't there! Instantly she was awake, searching frantically through the blankets for her missing child. She cried out desperately. "AKIRA!" she screamed, fear clasped at her heart, as sobs caught in her throat. "Akira!" she whispered as she buried her head in her hands, as shock ran through her body so much that she couldn't even shout any more.
Seconds later, Akira knocked down the door. His sword drawn. A single crack ran down its tip, to its middle, like he said there was. He hadn't gotten the chance to fix it yet, but if time called for it, it would still be useful in battle.
He sheathed it instantly once he saw Kagome was the only on in the room. He ran to her side. "Kagome! What is the matter?!" Kagome turned to him, and clung to him, sobbing on his shoulder. Akira did the best to comfort her, though he didn't know what was wrong.
"Kanzaburo!" she finally whispered. "He's missing!" Kagome clung to him. "Where is he?" she cried like he knew the answer. Akira jumped up, and ran to the crib. True to her word, Kanzaburo was missing.
"Kami," Akira whispered.
Rin ran into the room, tears coming down her own cheeks. "Mother!" Rin cried as she ran to Kagome. Rin had started calling Kagome mother out of the blue, but Kagome didn't complain. In fact she thought it sweet. "Akira," Rin said looking up at Akira. "About ten of the solders guarding the castle, have been slain. Unmercifully too! Arms and legs are everywhere! Also, about twenty of the servants have been killed too. The one's that where working the night shift," Akira nodded, as Kagome bowed her head. Sesshoumaru would have been ashamed of her. They had been attacked during the night, but the worse part was that the royal family, along with Akira, didn't even know until now! Sesshoumaru definitely would have been ashamed of her.
~~
"Lord Sesshoumaru!" Jaken ran right into the meeting tent, even though against orders. Kouga and Sesshoumaru stared at him. Though Sesshoumaru's stare was more like a glare. "Urgent letter from Lady Kagome, herself!" Sesshoumaru was instantly up from his chair.
"Give me the letter Jaken," Sesshoumaru held out his hand. Jaken handed him the note, Sesshoumaru and Kouga wrinkled their nose as they instantly smelled the strong sent of salt, from the letter.
Sesshoumaru,
I've woken up to find Kanzaburo missing. I'm at a standstill, and don't know what to do. I've also found out that about ten solders have been killed, along with twenty servants working the night shift. Their deaths weren't clean either. The whole castle smells of blood and death. Please send back a response, telling me what to do.
Kagome.
"Sesshoumaru?" Kouga asked walking up to him. "Is every thing all right?"
"No," Sesshoumaru scrunched up the letter angrily. "Damn neko has my son!" with that he walked from the tent. Though he was thankful that Kagome wrote the letter so it sounded like she didn't care what happened. It made the enemy, if the letter was found by them, think that what they did was in vain, and that they didn't care. All Kagome wanted was some orders, so she could take proper care of the castle next time. Kouga and Jaken ran after him. "Jaken say here. I'm going to Rin, Akira, and Kagome,"
"Sesshoumaru!" Kouga said. Sesshoumaru looked at him. "They are all welcomed here, and I promise that not one of them will even hear the cries of the war," Sesshoumaru nodded, thankful.
"I shall ponder it. I'll be back by tomorrow, at the very most,"
~~
It was noon by the time Sesshoumaru got to his main palace. Kagome immodestly ran from the castle steps, rushing forward to him, still in her silk nightgown. Sesshoumaru met her half way. "I'm so sorry, Sesshoumaru!" Kagome whispered sobs wracking her body. "I'm so sorry!" Sesshoumaru held her tightly.
"It's not your fault," Sesshoumaru whispered. His eyes caught to her some pink powder on her shoulder, barely visible, yet still there. Taking a closer look, he noticed the pink powder was in also on her neck, the front of her nightgown, and her hair. He dismissed it though.
Akira came up behind them. "Lord Sesshoumaru," he was still, Sesshoumaru knew he expected punishment from failing to protect Kagome and the baby. Sesshoumaru wasn't though. As they baby was in Kagome's room, and even she didn't sense the person. Sesshoumaru looked at Akira. Sesshoumaru squinted his eyes. There it was again. The pink substance was on Akira was well. {What the hell is going on?} Sesshoumaru thought.
Akira put his hand on his neck, where Sesshoumaru was staring, bringing it away, he frowned at the pink dust on his fingers, then his mind clicked. "Sleeping powder!" he said aloud. Kagome sniffed as she too noticed the pink powder on her neck, it shimmered in her hands. Shaking it from her hair. The shimmering pink substance fell to the ground, as an unfortunate bug stopped in it tracks, not moving. Kagome stared up at Sesshoumaru, her blue stormy eyes waiting for Sesshoumaru to give her orders on what to do.
Sesshoumaru couldn't blame her though. She was still young, and she was used to running around Japan collecting jewel shards, then now, being made into a mate and a mother, 'and' a lady on top of all things. The only two things that she really recognized what to do, was being a good mate to him, then he left for war, leaving her the only thing left. Which was to be a mother too, Kanzaburo. But now he was kidnapped, leaving her nothing. All eyes where on Sesshoumaru. All waiting for orders by this time, and Sesshoumaru was brought out of his pondering.
"Akira. Collect Rin. You three are coming with me. You there! Bag their things! Hurry!" he turned his attention to Kagome. "Are you okay? Are you hurt?" Sesshoumaru asked. Kagome shook her head no.
"I'm fine," she looked down at her self, blushing bright red, wrapping her arms around her, as she finally noticed her clothes. Akira and Rin came back, Akira walked up to her, taking off his fur cloak. "Here, My Lady," Akira said, keeping his gaze to the ground. Sesshoumaru helped Kagome with the heavy mans cloak, tying the clasp around her neck.
"Thank you, Akira," Kagome whispered, her throat suddenly going dry. She leaned into Sesshoumaru closing her eyes. Sesshoumaru placed a hand on her shoulder. "Kanzaburo," she whispered mournfully to Sesshoumaru, her hand clasped the cloak in front of her heart. "He's as good as dead no isn't he?" she asked. "That's why you came home, isn't it?" tears ran down her cheeks. Sesshoumaru didn't say anything though his eyes said it all. He wouldn't lie to her, but he wouldn't just come out and say it. {Maybe I do just not believe it my self,} Sesshoumaru though as Kagome laid her head on his shoulder. Sesshoumaru looked down at her crying form. {I can't take her with me. It will only worsen her moods with all the killings and war talk. I will take her back to the village. Akira knows how to make a small home for them in the matter of days. I'm sure Keade won't mind three more people for just a few days,}
"Kagome," Sesshoumaru said once they where on their way. He had informed Akira on his plans. "I'm returning you to the village, with InuYasha. I wish I could take you with me, but it will only make you even more upset," Kagome nodded numbly. For all she knew, her first born child, could be dead, or dying. Dying slowly, painfully, and by it's self. Then it's own body being torn apart my wild animals. She shivered as fresh tears came to her eyes. "Stop thinking those kind of thoughts," Sesshoumaru instantly knew what she was thinking, by the way she was acting. Kagome turned to him.
"I can't help it," she whispered. "I must look really pitiful right now,"
"No. Every mother has a right to grieve,"
"So does every father, but I don't see you upset," Sesshoumaru growled slightly at her words.
"Of course I'm upset! He is my first born child as well! I will grieve for him, when I can!" he snapped at her. Kagome bowed her head in shame. {Oh Kami! What the hell was I thinking when I said that?! Of course he's upset!} Kagome thought. Sesshoumaru let go of his anger, and held her even closer.
"Kagome," he said, as Kagome laid her head on his chest. He kissed the top of her forehead. "If Kanzaburo does not . . . make it," Sesshoumaru said stiffly. Kagome also stiffened. "I would like to try again," Kagome looked up at him. "For a child," he looked at her. "And many more after that," Kagome smiled softly, though sadness was still there in her eyes, making her smile look fake.
"Yes, Sesshoumaru," Kagome laid her head on his chest. "I would love that. I just hope that Kanzaburo does make it. It would seem different with out him," Kagome whispered. Tilting her head back, Sesshoumaru kissed her softly.
~~
Akira and Rin where on Ah-Un. "Do you think Kanzaburo is alive?" Rin asked. Akira shrugged.
"It will be an horrible shame if he doesn't," Akira said. {Why am I happy that it wasn't Rin? It's not like she could be my mate for Kami's sake! *Yes, but she'll be turning into an adult soon! In two years, when she's 15* For Kami's sake! Stop this!} Akira inwardly battled with himself. To make things worse, Rin scooted closer to him, laying her smaller hand on his. Akira looked at her hand.
"Why are you here?" {God, I have to get rid of this stupid crush of mine!} Rin thought. {This isn't even the right time to get into a messy romance! The baby I consider a little brother is missing, and could possibly die! Besides! He's probably got a mate, and children back where he's from!} Rin thought. Akira looked at her.
"Excuse me?"
"Why are you here as a body guard? Don't you have a mate back with Kouga's pack?" Rin asked, acting like she was casual, just trying to get a conversation out of him. Akira chuckled, though his heart skipped a beat, from two things. 1, was the fact that he was lonely for a mate, and wished he had children of his own, and 2, was that fact that a possible mate, just asked him that.
"No. I don't have a mate. And no children. I came a bodyguard, because Kouga 'gave' me, to Sesshoumaru to protect Kagome, you, and little Kanzaburo. Hay, you still have some sleeping powder in your cheek," Akira started to gently stroke her cheek, with his hand. {That's a lie. *you just wanted to touch her!* Kami, not this again!} Rin smiled softly up at him.
"Thank you," she said smiling softly at him. Akira blushed slightly.
"No problem," he gently took away his hand, letting it drop softly in his lap. He had gotten his fur robe back, after Kagome went to go change, before leaving. Rin shivered slightly. Akira used the advantage to the best. "Are you cold?" he asked. Rin smiled slightly at him, laughing softly.
"Just a little bit," she said truthfully. Akira grinning, opening up his cloak that was wrapped around him.
"Come sit on my lap. I'll share my cloak with you," Akira said. Rin blushed.
"Are you joking?" she asked trying to laugh it off, hoping to Kami that it was a joke. He laughed.
"No! Hurry lass! Before I freeze!" Rin's blush worsened. Akira rolled his eyes, laughing as Rin squeaked with shock, as Akira simply picked her up, and placed her on his lap, grinning inside, as Rin instantly melted against him, in his lap, as he wrapped the cloak around them both. Rin gingerly laid her head on Akira's chest, as blushing all the more, as Akira rested his chin, on her head, wrapping his own arms around her, pressing her closer to him.
~~
Sesshoumaru smirked slightly, though sadness still hung to his heart. It would take a long time till it went away, if ever. He had heard their conversation, as did Kagome. They both watched in half amusement at the pair.
"Isn't she a little young?" Kagome asked, her mind slightly off the other horrible thoughts. Sesshoumaru shrugged.
"She'll be a young adult soon. 15 is an ideal age to get married, or in our case, mated," Sesshoumaru said. "Though it is an interesting pair, as it was Kouga's pack of wolfs that killed her when she was eight," Kagome nodded, knowing that he had used his sword on her, bringing her back to life.
~~
Okay! Long chapter! Thank you so much for all the reviews! I love them all! Please keep them coming!