Kagome: Thanks for making me brave and strong B-M.
B-M: Oh I wouldn't have you any other way Kagome. I can't abide by wimpy women. We're just not like that in real life, especially the women of today.
Inuyasha: What a load of shit!!! She's nothing but a crybaby!!!
B-M: Inuyasha, did I tell you that Kagome is writing the next chapter?
Inuyasha: What?!! Why?!! How pathetic, I knew you couldn't write for shit!
B-M gives him an evil glare then turns to Kagome with a wicked smile on her face.
B-M: Go for it Kagome. Do your best.
Kagome laughs a sinister laugh and sits at the computer and starts typing. When Inuyasha sees what she's typing he screams and runs from the room. B-M walks over, curious to see what Kagome wrote. Kagome laughs.
Kagome: I started the first scene with a mushy moment between him his brother and Kouga. They're all making up and hugging and stuff.
The two girls burst out laughing.
Chapter 9: New Allies, New Friends
The atmosphere in the tower room was very grave. Sesshoumaru looked down at his friend, lying cold and lifeless on the floor. Kagome moved past him and Tiyaku toward the two swords in the stone. She signalled for the king to approach. He walked with numb legs toward her, wondering at the madness of her thinking. She was acting as if Himari was merely sleeping and only needed to be wakened. Once he stood beside her, she laid her hand upon one of the two swords that now belonged to him.
"Pull it out." As annoyed as he was at her command, he was too worn to argue with her and merely lifted his hand to remove the sword. To his surprise, it lifted instantly from its resting place. He looked at the hilt, which like all the others was silver blue in colour. The only difference with this sword was the designs. The held crowns and shields on one side and his royal crest on the other, as well as strange scripts he could not decipher. This was the first time he noticed this and marvelled at the fact that she was right. They really did belong to him.
"What am I to do with this?"
"This is Tensaiga, the sword of healing. It holds the power to restore life."
Sesshoumaru was stunned by her words. Could this be at all possible? He looked at the sword in his hand in wonder.
"How do I achieve this?" He asked, looking at her questioningly.
She moved to stand beside him and adjusted his hand properly over the hilt. He looked at her as his body became aware of hers in their close proximity. He focused his attention on her words, chiding himself for his reaction, especially at a time like this. After a few moments, she stood back and demonstrated the use of the sword.
"You simply move the sword a circular motion over his body and say the words that are engraved on the hilt, 'Sialte ter iruwai, rinan inti liniarr ter uhn.' I will help you."
"What is the meaning of these words?"
Kagome looked at his drawn features, feeling sympathy for the proud and dignified Lord. He was trying hard to keep his features void of expression, but she saw the great sadness in the depths of his golden eyes. He was suffering the feelings of loss for dear friend.
"The words translate as such, 'Sword of Spirit, restore this life to us. Very simple, but effective."
He started moving the sword in the same motion she described and repeated the words as she spoke them. To his surprise, it started glowing and vibrating. He could feel the energy pulsing in his hand. A white light shot forth from the tip to cover Himari's entire body. After several moments, it faded. Sesshoumaru and Tiyaku had been holding their breath, waiting. They were stunned to see that Himari was indeed alive, both noting the steady rise and fall of his chest as well as the swiftly rising colour, returning to his pallid skin. The broken arrow that had previously protruded from his prone body now was absent. Sesshoumaru was overwhelmed with emotions as he watched his friends slowly return to the living world. He had never known such relief as he felt now. He placed the sword back in its slot and bent immediately to lift Himari's prone body from the ground. Straightening, he sent a look of gratitude toward the Shiiyon warrior before carrying his friend out the room.
Tiyaku stood in stunned silence, staring at Kagome in wonder. The more he saw of her, the more impressed he became. She was indeed a creature of great power, not to mention her awesome courage. He smiled as he remembered the way she handled their mighty Lord.
"My lady, I offer you our most sincerest gratitude for your deeds this day. General Himari is very dear to the hearts of many in this land. He has been Lord Sesshoumaru's friend since childhood, as he is mine. I cannot find the words to express the feelings I hold at this moment, and none that would serve to show you the depths of my gratitude."
Kagome smiled at the young soldier before her. She felt tired and slightly disheartened, despite what she considered a successful day. The creatures they had encountered plagued her memory and filled her heart with worry for the future of this world.
"It is not necessary for you to thank me. This is the reason I was sent here, after all."
"Nevertheless, I would like you to understand that your efforts are greatly appreciated My Lady."
"Please Captain, call me Kagome." She smiled at the young man, liking his warm friendly manner.
"Of course Kagome, if you would do me the honour of using my name. I am Tiyaku, at your service." He bowed to her, before straightening and offering his hand.
She placed hers within his grasp and was surprised when he bowed over it, pressing his lips on the back in a formal gesture. He straightened once more and with another quick bow, excused himself to attend to his duties. Now alone, Kagome stood in the silent room, taking a moment to filter her thoughts. She knew that the future would hold many challenges for all of them, and once more the importance of her work here weighed heavily in her mind. So much depended on her, could she do all that was needed to right this horrible wrong? Taking a deep breath, she tried to shake off the feelings of doubt that suddenly plagued her. Giving herself a shake, she headed out of the tower room. She would seek the peace of the rose garden in the back of the castle. She had discovered it the day before, when she had disappeared out the window.
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Kikyou stirred within the comfort of the warm blankets. Her eyelids fluttered open as awareness slowly filtered into her sleep-laden mind. She looked about her, wondering at her strange surroundings. Sitting up, she scanned the room, her face a picture of puzzlement. The last thing she remembered was walking through the forest towards Gavalia.
"Where am I?" She pushed the blankets back and climbed out of the large bed, noting that she still wore her travelling clothes minus the cloak, which hung on the back of a nearby chair. She walked to the door and opened it, peering out cautiously. The corridor was empty and looked rather familiar. As she stepped out of the room a wave of nostalgia hit her, stilling her motions completely. She leaned against the wall, as memories flooded her mind. Her spirit surged forth, filling her with a sense of purpose and understanding. A slow smile came to her lips as she looked around at the other doors. Her brother and sister spirits lay within, all rousing as she had to the knowledge of their existence. She waited patiently for them to join her. Together they would seek out their leader.
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Sesshoumaru took one last look at his friend's healthy colour and calmly resting features before making his way out of the room. He still could not believe that Himari was alive and it was only now that he realised the significance of the mighty Tensaiga. He had so many questions running through his mind as he searched the palace for the only one who could answer them. So many things had happened since she had arrived the previous day and he was anxious to have her make some sense of it all. He followed her scent out to the rose garden. It took him a while to locate her among the brightly coloured blooms. She sat on a bench, seeming lost to her thoughts. He took the opportunity to study her, standing slightly behind a particularly large bush that kept him concealed from her vision. Again he felt the familiar reactions that plagued him, wondering why it was always so with her. Why only one look would send his body into the turmoil of emotions that it usually did. He fought to steady his heartbeat and breathing as his eyes travelled over her features, noting once more her ethereal beauty. 'Definitely not of this world' his mind told him.
She stood suddenly and turned towards him. The movement startled him. He moved from behind the bush and walked slowly to her. Neither spoke, both caught in the other's gaze. He was standing in front of her before Kagome could find her voice.
"I am amazed at the roses in your gardens. They are the most resilient roses I have ever seen. The chill has already arrived and yet they continue to bloom."
As she spoke the inane words, Kagome wondered why she was resorting to such trivial conversation. It was not her usual way and she marvelled once more, at his ability to undermine her usual poise. The silence stretched between them. Her breath caught at his heated glance. He took another step forward and her heart rate increased, overwhelmingly. She groped in her mind for something to say, anything to dispel the intensity that was building between them.
"How is General Himari?"
"He is recovering quite well." Sesshoumaru was desperately trying to shake off the trance-like state that was overtaking him. The closer he was to her, the more lost he became to the sensations that raced through him. He searched through the haze for the words he wished to speak.
"I want to thank for saving his life."
Kagome looked at him, surprised. "But I did naught. You are the one that returned his life to him."
"If you had not instructed me Lady Kagome, I could not have done so." With that he stepped forward, closing that distance between them and took her hand in his. "I realise that the feelings between us have been less than amicable since you arrived, and I find myself hoping that you allow me the chance to remedy that."
Kagome was lost for words. She stared at her hand that lay in his. The sensations caused by his touch were frightening her. She had always been cool, calm and unaffected by men and here she was, a complete emotional wreck at his mere touch. 'Why does he have this affect on me?' She felt like snatching her hand from his and running as far from him as possible. Instead, she took a deep breath and raised her eyes to his, bracing herself against the onslaught of emotions that came.
Sesshoumaru watched her closely, wondering at her thoughts as he noted each passing expression displayed across her animated features. He opened his mouth to repeat his request, but was silenced by the sudden tightening in his chest as she raised her eyes to his. Silence enveloped them as they stared at each other, lost to everything but the feelings that flew between them. Very slowly, Sesshoumaru leaned forward until he was but a breath away from her. His mind protested at what he was about to do yet he paid no heed. His lips brushed hers, sending strange sensations through his body.
Kagome gasped at the myriad of sensations that coursed through her. She stared into his eyes, wanting to feel his warm touch again. Before she could stop herself she pressed her lips to his, surprising them both. Sesshoumaru hesitated for only a second before wrapping his arms around her to bring her against him. His mouth moved over hers in a slow gentle caress, savouring the soft fullness of her lips. They both lost themselves to their feelings, unaware of their surroundings. Suddenly Kagome pulled back, staring at him wide-eyed.
"The Guardians have wakened." She moved from his embrace, thanking the spirits for saving her from her stupidity. She avoided his eyes as she continued to speak. "I must go and greet them."
She did not wait for a reply and walked swiftly away from him, trying to put as much distance between them as possible. She had disappeared out of sight before Sesshoumaru could find the will to move his body. His heart still pounded heavily in his chest, which tightened with an indescribable emotion. He took a deep breath, willing away the sensations, trying to get his mind to work.
"What the hell happened just then?"
He shook his head in disbelief. He felt disgust at his lack of self-control, as well as baffled by his reactions to her. She was the most aggravating creature he had ever met, and the last person he would dream of involving himself with and yet... Sesshoumaru straightened and squared his shoulders. He was the King of Earth and by God, he would behave as such.
"This will not happen again," he vowed as he made his way toward the palace.
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Dehndir led the line of Shiiyon Warriors down the long corridor. He pondered on the recent string of events that surrounded the King and his Keep. It seemed that life had much in store for his Liege, though Dehndir was not surprised. He realised long ago that Lord Sesshoumaru was destined for greatness. He certainly hoped that the presence of these eight people and their leader would signify the end of the disasters that had befallen the lands. The little procession continued on in silence. As they approached the door it swung open, revealing a smiling Shiiyon warrior. Dehndir watched as she stepped forth, eyeing each person in turn. She nodded her head at him, before passing to stand in front of the wolf youkai. They both lifted their left hand and placed it on each other's shoulders, bowing their heads slightly.
"Brother spirit Roohan, welcome to the kingdom of Ierten."
"Hail great leader. My service is yours to command."
Kagome smiled at Kouga before dropping her hand and moving to stand before Miroku. Again they placed their hands on each other's shoulder, bowing to the other.
"Brother spirit Illiarkan, welcome to the kingdom of Ierten." Miroku smiled at her, responding
"Hail Shyra. My service is yours to command."
She continued down the line greeting each similarly, until she came to Sango. She smiled warmly, stepping forward to embrace her old friend.
"My sister spirit Horinaskia, welcome to the kingdom of Ierten."
"Shyra, my friend and leader. My service is yours to command."
Kagome stepped back, her gaze once more sweeping over the group. She was so glad to have them with her, feeling for the first time since she arrived a sense of belonging. Yes, these people were her family.
"There is much to discuss my friends, but I think that it all can wait till tomorrow. I know you all have information to depart and I too have much to tell you. For now though, the hour grows late and I'm sure that after many days of no food you are all famished. Let us make our way to the kitchen and see if we can find something to eat."
She turned to Dehndir with an enquiring look. The little toad bowed.
"Of course my lady. If you will follow me, I will show you the way."
He led the group down a succession of corridors until they finally arrived at the kitchen. The cooks looked up in surprise to see the strange bunch of people invading their busy room. They all turned to bestow quick bows upon the their new guardians before returning to their tasks. The head chef came forth at Dehndir's summons and received his instructions. He turned promptly to start the requested task. Dehndir then led the group out to the terrace where tables and chairs were set among the beautiful array of plants and flowers. Rin let out a gasp of sheer wonder as she walked to a hanging fern that held the most exquisite purple flowers from its tips. She had never seen a plant such as this and that amazed her. Plants and flowers were one of the many topics she studied for many years, yet she could not recall this particular variety. She could not take her eyes from it. Behind her, the others were settling into the chairs around a large white table. She heard a laugh and turned, facing her leader.
"I see that you have not changed Oluwara. You're still as obsessed with plants as you were before I left." Kagome could not help but tease the lively little spirit. Rin giggled at her.
"No, I am as I have always been." She moved to take a seat with the others. "What is your earthly name Shyra?"
"It's Kagome Rin. Roohan is known as Kouga. Illiarkan is Miroku, Harkinia is Kagura. Panasha is known as Kohaku, Ibaanyah is Inuyasha, Horinaskia is Sango and Madinjah is known here as Kikyou."
The conversation came to a halt as two servants arrived to place drinks on the table. As soon as they left, Rin started bouncing excitedly in her seat.
"I love this land. It reminds me of Shiiyon and placates my aching soul. I have spent many a day gazing out my window with saddened eyes at what lay around me. My heart yearned for the beauty and life that should have been, but was not. Now there is hope and my soul lightens beyond measure. I will work tirelessly to help restore Earth to its former glory."
There were nods all around as everyone agreed. They had all felt despair at the ruin that dominated the once beautiful planet. To all intents and purposes, this was now their home and they all wanted nothing more than to bring life back to its great mass. For now, they felt relief to sit amongst the glorious surroundings within the Western Lands. They would take this opportunity to relax and enjoy their brief respite before they all faced the battle that was to come.
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Sango and Kagome strolled quietly through the peaceful garden, behind the massive white castle. They had left the others at the stables, where they had all gone after their meal. All the Guardians had been delighted to look upon the beautiful beasts that reminded them so much of the ones from their beloved Shiiyon. The only difference between Earth's horses and their 'unequanah' was the horn that resided upon the forehead of the Shiiyon beasts. The two girls were discussing the legends about the mythical beasts called unicorns and their similarity to the unequanah. They laughed at the stories told of their magical powers and wondered how many others tales originated from creatures of Shiiyon. They both stopped as they saw a figure sitting on a bench, a short distance away.
Himari had been listening to the conversation of the approaching girls with a smile on his face. He remembered many of those precise stories, having heard them many times as a child. As they entered the open area of the garden, he stood and turned to face them, smiling as he made his way toward Kagome.
Sango watched the approaching officer with something akin to awe in her expression. She noticed that Kagome was similarly affected. The man was absolutely gorgeous. She had heard tales of the unparalleled looks of the Inu Youkai, but never had she imagined such breathtaking beauty. He stood noble and proud in the light silver blue tunic that set off his silver haired good looks. His light grey eyes were very captivating, lulling Sango into a daze.
Kagome gave herself a mental shake, annoyed at this silly reaction. She would have to control her reactions to these creatures, if she was to do her job properly. She looked at Himari in the eye, giving him a warm smile. She liked this youkai. She sensed that he was of high character and someone she could trust. He had an open and honest face, and there was something in his eyes that hinted at a great sense of humour. 'Yes,' she thought to herself. 'I have a feeling that he will indeed lighten gloom.'
"Lady Kagome, I have much to thank you for." Himari took Kagome's hand, bestowing a kiss upon it. He then turned to Sango, doing the same to her. "I do not believe I have had the pleasure of being introduced to this lovely young lady."
Sango was blushing profusely as Himari looked into her eyes, his smile lighting his face and making him appear more beautiful than before.
"General Himari, let me introduce you to Lady Sangome."
Sango finally managed to find her voice. She smiled at the man as she spoke.
"I am honoured to meet you General."
"The pleasure is all mine, and please you must both call me Himari." He moved to the side, gesturing to them to sit with him.
"Thank you, but I will decline." Sango rushed quickly through the words, feeling quite desperate to escape the man's compelling presence. "I really feel the need for rest, so if you will both excuse me, I will retire for the evening."
"Of course Sango, I hope you're feeling well." Kagome was feeling concerned as she noticed her friend's pale features.
"Yes I feel fine Kagome. Please do not worry for I suffer only from fatigue; nothing a good sleep will not fix." She smiled at her friend giving her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "Well, I will bid you both goodnight."
"May your dreams be pleasant Lady Sangome." Himari took Sango's hand once more, bestowing a courteous kiss upon it. Sango blushed and hid her face as she kissed Kagome's cheek, and wished her well til the morning. She then rushed from the garden, glad to have some distance between her and the disturbing Himari.
Kagome watched her friend's departure with a frown. 'That's strange,' she thought, wondering at the girl's sudden change. She had never known Horinaskia to be anything but calm. 'Oh well, maybe she is as tired as she says'.
"Would you care to join me Lady Kagome?" Himari's voice brought her out of her thoughts and she turned, giving him a smile of consent.
"How are you feeling General? I didn't think that you'd on your feet as yet." She sat facing him on the bench, her eyes taking in his healthy glow.
"I feel extremely well, and very lucky to be alive. For which I must again thank you My Lady."
"Oh please General, I did nothing. It was all your Lord's work"
"Ah, but with your guidance. Truth be known, that if not for you he would have lacked the knowledge to do as he did. I thank you Lady Kagome, from the depths of my heart." Himari picked up Kagome's hand and held it to his chest. "I swear to you this day, that I will forever be in your debt. You may always count on me as your friend and ally."
Kagome found his words touching. She smiled at him warmly, realising her instincts had been correct. He was someone she could count on.
"Thank you General. You have no idea how much your words mean to me. In a land that is so strange, I am separate from all that is dear to me, except the Guardians of course. It's nice to have someone from here that I can call friend."
"Please Lady Kagome, call me Himari."
"Only if you call me Kagome." She smiled at him, her face lighting with mischief.
Himari laughed at her, finding her sudden change of mood quite infectious. He liked her bold and challenging nature, and was absolutely enthralled at her expressive features, which seemed to display every thought that entered her head. To a youkai this was quite a revelation as they were overall a very stoic race. Even to those such as he, who smiled and laughed occasionally emotions were a thing to be contained. This woman was as refreshing and warm as a breath of spring air, blowing through the winter chill and bringing with it the intoxicating fragrance of the life that would soon come. Himari knew that her presence in the castle would finally lift the gloom that had settled there since the disasters had started to occur. He thought once more, of the surprising but rather amusing affect she had on Sesshoumaru. He almost laughed aloud as he thought of the fun to be had with the two in the future and for the first time in a very long time, he looked forward to what lay ahead. 'Maybe things are not so bleak after all' he mused as he smiled with genuine warmth at Kagome.
"You look as if you have a secret. What are you up to?" She leaned forward, eyes squinting at him in a teasingly accusing manner. Himari held a hand to his heart and wore the expression of exaggerated innocence, playing along with her little game.
"Oh but I swear to you Kagome, I know naught of which you speak."
"Hmm, we shall see" she declared as she leaning back and folding her arms, her eyebrow rising in an imperious manner.
"And if I find that you lie, you shall suffer the consequences..." Her face suddenly took on a comically thoughtful expression as she frowned, lifting her hand and tapping her cheek with her forefinger. "When I figure out what those consequences will be."
Himari frowned in mock seriousness. "Then I shall leave the decision of whether or not to worry til then."
They nodded at each other in formal agreement before bursting into laughter. Kagome could feel all the tension that had accumulated in her body over the last two days suddenly melting away. She was so glad of the powerful sword, for providing her with the opportunity to get to know this man.
Himari found yet another reason to admire the young woman beside him. He now knew she possessed a wonderful sense of humour as well as a playful nature. As he laughed with her, he thought he could detect a presence nearby but when his eyes scanned the area, he found nothing. The presence, he realised had disappeared. 'Not quick enough old friend' he thought as his eyes returned Kagome, but his senses stayed alert to any shift in the atmosphere. He knew he was still there, lingering in the shadows and listening. Himari only wondered why he chose to remain hidden instead of joining them. He focused on Kagome as she started speaking.
"Do you live here Himari? In the castle I mean."
"I am in residence here but I was born in Karleehl. It is a large city on the upper west coast."
"Oh wow, you live near the beach?"
Again Himari found himself laughing, this time at her strange speech. "What is this beach that you refer to Kagome?"
Kagome laughed with him, grabbing his arm in apology. "See Himari you've lightened my heart so much that I forget where I am."
Himari stood, offering his hand to Kagome. "Come, let us walk and you can explain to me about this beach of yours."
Kagome's hand was held over the top of his as he escorted her slowly around the garden. Himari had felt a stir in the air and was keen to get closer to its source. He was hoping that he could detect the emotion causing it. When they reached the spot closest to the source, he stopped and turned to Kagome, listening to her explanation.
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Sesshoumaru had spent the afternoon riding through the countryside with the one of his troops. The more distance he put between himself and that puzzling woman, the better for his state of mind. The tour of the countryside was just what he needed. The three hours of solid riding had definitely helped him to clear his thoughts and he returned to the palace in a better state of mind. They had ridden through the gates no more than five minutes before. He had had every intention of going to the stables and tending to his horse, as the rest of the soldiers would do. He still had the need to keep himself occupied, especially since the first thing that entered his mind upon arrival at the castle was the memory of soft lips pressing against his. He cursed inwardly as he continued to lead the group down the long pathway to the buildings at the back of the property. Suddenly, he lifted his hand and brought the troop to a halt as his gaze took in the bright silver-blue uniforms outside the stables. He had no desire, to see Kagome and decided to change his plans. He dismounted and handed the reins to one of the soldiers. They all bowed their heads to him before continuing on their way. Sesshoumaru decided to cut through the back garden to the rear entrance of his personal suite. He was deep in thought and did not notice the two people on the bench until he heard their laughter. He stopped dead in his tracks, feeling greatly surprised as he watched Kagome's face light up with mischief. His breath, caught as he took in the different expressions that played across her features and the sound of her laughter captivated him. He stepped closer trying to discover what they found so amusing. He quickly masked his presence, concealing himself behind a large bush as he noticed the slight change in Himari's expression and the way his eyes scanned the area is if in search of something. He relaxed as his friend turned to listen to girl beside him.
She asked Himari where he lived. He noted the familiarity between the pair, who addressed each other without proper title and wondered why it bothered him. The thought was ended by a sudden tightening in his chest as he watched Kagome grab Himari's arm in a very friendly manner. He felt angry all of a sudden and could not figure out why. He scoffed at himself as he thought of demanding that she release the officer and go to her room. He tried to ignore the unreasonable voice that told him to remove Kagome's hand from his friend's grip. He realised that this action would seem strange to the pair, as Himari merely held her hand in formal court fashion. No intimacy was involved, yet Sesshoumaru could not control the anger he felt at their slight contact. They were now standing directly in front of the bush where he hid. He could hear their conversation clearly.
"A beach is what you know here as the seashore." Kagome explained, smiling warmly at the man she considered her good friend.
"Ah, I see. And the beach is somewhere you enjoy visiting?" Himari returned her smile with equal warmth.
"Oh course, who doesn't? I mean honestly, there's nothing that's more fun than diving under the waves and body surfing." Her excitement was infectious and Himari found himself laughing as he questioned her further.
"How exactly is this body surfing done?"
"Oh I'm sorry Himari, I'm getting so carried away that I keep forgetting how different things are here." She explained the concept of body surfing, laughing at the strange expressions that passed over his face.
"Well I am sorry to tell you that you will not find much of this activity occurring in these parts. The people of our world do not share your love of the water."
"And what about you Himari?" Kagome's expression lighted with mischief once more. "Do you think that I'll be able to convince you to dive into the sea with me."
Himari's face held the most comical expression as he imagined himself in the cold, foaming and wild waters near his ancestral home. Kagome could not contain her amusement and burst into hysterical laughter.
"Oh Himari, surely it can't be that bad."
Her laughter only increased at his doubtful expression. Behind them, Sesshoumaru found himself struggling more with his control as the minutes passed. He could not understand why he was reacting as such. 'I cannot abide this woman' he told himself, 'So why do I find this intimacy between Himari and her disturbing?'
Kagome had calmed considerably and was now looking up at Himari with a gentle smile. She searched his face before giving in to an impulse and hurled herself into his arms. The shocked youkai stood for a moment, unmoving before finally returning the affectionate gesture. He was especially pleased when he felt the sudden flare of anger from behind the bush. He had no time to ponder on it though, as Kagome started speaking,
"I have never been more glad of the Shiiyon magic as I am today. For without it, I would not have you as a friend. And you are a friend Himari." She leaned back and looked earnestly into the youkai's eyes. He returned her smile with genuine warmth, drawing her once more back into the embrace.
"As you are to me Kagome," he replied in a solemn voice, for he too felt a bond with her. If he had had a sister, he imagined that this is how he would have felt for her. He squeezed her tightly as he felt the presence quickly withdrawing from behind the bushes but not before he detected the flaring emotions. Himari smiled once more to himself. 'You struggle to contain your emotions, my friend but for how long? How long can you deny these feeling you have? I look forward immensely to what tomorrow shall bring.' He offered his arm to the young woman to escort her inside. He was pleased that his initial assessment was correct. If anyone could stir his friend's blood and bring him out of his ice castle, it was the lovely creature beside him and Himari swore that he would do all in his power to help this process along.
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Sesshoumaru walked quickly toward large entryway at the back of his suite. He ignored Jakken's annoying voice, growling at the creature when he persisted. He needed to be alone and to work out what was happening to him. He could barely breath for pain that blazed in his chest. It felt as though a sharp knife had pierced him and now remained lodged, deep within causing the sensations to intensify by the second. He had all but run from the scene of the couple embracing. The image continued to play upon his mind, causing him to grab his chest as the pain flared more intensely. Once inside his room, he shut the door and leaned back against it, as if his legs would no longer hold him. He tried to steady his breathing, but he could do naught to stop the turmoil that raged inside him. He slowly slid down the length of the door, til he sat on the floor and dropped his head into his hands in a defeated gesture, giving in to the unexplained feeling of grief that overwhelmed him.
Back At The Office
Well I'll keep this short, seeing how long this chapter is.
Jasmine Fields: Girl have you been checkin' out my notes. How did you know the Guardians were waking? I'll have to keep an eye on you I think.
Dayona: You are a woman after my own heart. Here's to girl power. Stick around babe, I have more fics in mind and you won't find any wimpy Kagomes in any of them.
rainthewolfdemon: thanks so much. I'm glad you like the story and I'll be sure to pass the message on to the hanyou.
demonfox: thank you for your loyal reviews. I'll try and have the next chapter up soon.
Well people, hope you all like. Be sure and let me know. Til next time then.
Ciao, Babs