Inuyasha was unfit to travel or fight, but that didn't stop him from pitching a fit when they told him he couldn't go. He was relieved to learn that Kouga had departed last night, so at least he wouldn't be tagging along. It did nothing, however, to help his anxiety when he learned that Sesshomaru was taking his place.
"Inuyasha isn't taking this well, is he?," Sango whispered to Kagome. She was right. Kagome had already tried everything to calm him down, but his outrage would not be appeased. He'd been shouting at everyone for the last half hour and she had to admit she would feel much better when they were out of earshot.
The group gathered to take their leave and said goodbye to all that they left behind. Shippo and Rin scurried along playing sporadic games of chase and picking lots of flowers. Sesshomaru's tall legs gave him the advantage of walking faster than everyone else. Kagome as well, kept a fairly quick pace. Sango left Kirara with Inuyasha for protection so her and Miroku kept pace just behind the two youkai. Jaken, who led Ah-Un by the reigns, was several paces behind. He was a little hesitant to mingle with the demon slayer and monk.
After walking for hours Sango grabbed Kagome, and softly requested a rest. Kagome mentally knocked herself for not thinking about her human counterparts. Her mind had been on Nuraku, and her body had an unending supply of energy. "I'm sorry Sango, your right."
"Sesshomaru we need to stop for a rest. The children are probably tired," Kagome pleaded. He looked to Rin and Shippo who were beginning to show some exhaustion.
"Let them ride on Ah-Un. We continue," was his nonchalant answer as he turned to continue walking down the path.
His answer was unacceptable for Kagome. She stopped in her tracks.
"Uh oh, here we go again," Sango said in a low voice to Miroku.
"For some reason it never gets boring though," the monk let it slip, before he got a chastising glare from the demon slayer. Their own comments were broken by the charge of electrical current in the air.
Sesshomaru stopped in his tracks. 'This insolent wench needs to learn how to take orders,' he thought as he turned to face the miko. He was met by a narrowed violet gaze, which warned him of who he was dealing with. Of course, hell would freeze over before he would be intimidated by a mere girl. "Wench, you are on thin ice. We move forward." Normally he would never explain his actions unless he deemed it in his best interest. In this case he felt compelled to enlighten the woman. "This area had been stalked by a vengeful demon as of late. I do not wish to put my ward in harms way. We will continue until such time as I deem it safe."
Kagome drew her energy back. 'Happy thoughts... happy thoughts,' she chanted to calm herself. Finally she opened her eyes and bowed at the male demon. "Well, why didn't you just say so," the miko youkai said in a huff. She turned and motioned for the group to pull out. "We'll rest soon, I promise," she assured everyone. Miroku helped Rin and Shippo up on to the back of the two headed dragon, and they continued on their way.
Lord Sesshomaru was ever alert to his surroundings. He constantly scanned for danger, but his mind kept drifting to the miko. Her blatant disregard for his authority was maddening, but in a strange way it excited him. Not just anyone would dare talk to him in such a manner. This girl needed to be taught a lesson. 'Maybe I should take her over my knee?' The image of the Miko bent over his knee while he administered a much needed spanking, soon became an erotic vision. He shook the thought from his head and tried to remain focused on his surroundings. It was so hard to keep alert with that scent of hers drifting into his mind.
Kagome skipped along lightly as she hummed a old tune taught to her by her late grandmother. It always calmed her when she was a small child. These days, she could use all the help she could get keeping calm. Short of a bottle of valium, she decided to hum.
At first the demon lord almost told her to stop that distracting sound, but he couldn't. Her soft voice and the hum of the song drifted into his ears, causing a feeling that he had long since forgotten. His mother used to hum to him while he drifted to sleep as a child. The sound of it was very soothing. He held his tongue and allowed the miko to please him with her tune.
At mid afternoon Sesshomaru came to an abrupt halt. "We will take our rest here," he stated as he turned to the group. "Jaken, see to Rin." "Miko, follow me."
Kagome started to refuse his demand, 'He's not going to order me around!' She instead opted to put it nicely, "Did you say 'please'?" Her voice dripped sugary sweetness and she threw him her very best smile.
Sesshomaru was astounded at this little woman. He never knew what she would do next. Control. That is what his entire life had revolved around. He has had to be in control of himself and everyone around him since he could remember. 'It will be interesting to see what it takes to bring her under my control.'
Kagome gave up when she received no answer. He just stood there glaring at her with his arms tucked under his kimono sleeves. She stomped off in the direction he indicated. A little sizzle could be heard in the air.
They arrived at a clear hill that went down and met a small stream. There were rocks along the edges of the stream bed. The hill was covered in green grass and on the far side it sloped down to meet the edge of the forest. It was breathtaking. She looked back to Sesshomaru who stood gauging her reaction. There was a hint of approval in his eyes.
Kagome felt embarrassed that she had shown her temper earlier, "I'm sorry. I didn't realize..."
Sesshomaru could tell easily how much this pleased the miko. This place had been a favorite of his on every trip to the North. He stumbled upon it accidentally many years ago. It was not a large clearing, but the slope of the land and the little stream made it beautiful.
The miko was truly pleased. Her eyes sparkled and her hair flowed around her in the breeze. Even this place could not compare to the beauty standing in front of him. He was compelled to kiss her... so he did.
Kagome's emotions went through a few swift changes at that moment. There was a brief moment of anger at Sesshomaru's bold move on her lips, but it melted away when it was replaced by the pleasure it began to give. He deepened the kiss when he felt her resistance fade. Kagome gasped as his tongue caressed her lip asking for entrance. She parted her lips and he delved inside to spar a battle with her wet tongue.
'Her lips.... so soft. She tastes so sweet. I must have this woman,' Sesshomaru's mind swirled with the sensations wrought from the kiss. He moved his hand to cup her face. He moved his thumb, feeling the tender flesh.
Kagome's mind fogged as this beautiful male massaged her lips with his own. The tenderness of his touch sent a burning heat through her. She was lost in the feel of it, until that little warning voice told her to stop. 'Damn that voice,' Kagome silently cursed her trusty inner alarm, but knew that it was best. She pulled away slowly. She met some resistance at first, but he eventually released her. She looked into his amber orbs and was pleased to see that he was as effected by their embrace as she herself was. It took only seconds for him to gain his usual mask of control.
Sesshomaru did not want to part from her tender kiss. For the first time in his life he felt stirrings of feelings and emotions which had long lay dormant inside. Sex had always been a way to ease a primal urge, but never had he felt like this before. It simply perplexed him. This lovely creature in his arms was simply fascinating.
The couple stepped back to clear their heads. Kagome blushed under his intense gaze. 'What is he thinking,' her mind screamed to know. 'This is Sesshomaru, Kagome. You know... cold hearted and all that.... but that kiss... was not... cold.' Her mind reeled. She was so confused. Then she thought of Inuyasha. He would hate her if he knew she enjoyed that kiss. 'Why does things have to be so complicated.' She was jarred from her thoughts as Sesshomaru spoke.
"I wish to further test your strengths... and control," the demon lord smirked at the last. He wondered if she understood it's double meaning, as he turned to walk further from the tree line. He stopped by the stream and gazed into the crystal waters. There were at least a dozen fish swimming near him.
"Come miko." Kagome walked up next to him "Now, pull forth your power, but only a fraction. Focus." He watched her power rising and backing down at his words. She was learning quickly. "Touch the water," he instructed.
Kagome wasn't sure this was a good idea. Electricity and water didn't exactly mix, but she didn't think he would place her in danger so easily. She focused her strength, attempting to harness a fraction of the surge she felt through her body. When her finger touched the water, she expected it to shock her, but it didn't. It felt cool at first, but it warmed as a blue light spread over the water's surface all around her. She jerked her hand back at the sight of it.
Sesshomaru watched as the fish rose to the surface. "Ah, lunch for the others," his voice held a hint of amusement. The kneeling in front of him turned, looked up at him and smiled. 'Such a lovely creature,' he mused.