B-M rocks up at Jazzy's house and hears the music blasting. She goes inside and everyone yells out in greeting. She throws her bag down and starts dancing with Tiyaku. After a few minutes, she realises something.
B-M: (looking around) Hey, where's Rain and Jazzy?
Everybody rolls their eyes and points to the other room. B-M finds the two girls sitting on a couch bawling their eyes out.
B-M: Hey, what's wrong? Last time I spoke to you, you were partying.
The two girls open their mouths and start blubbering at once.
B-M: Ok, hang on. I can't understand a word you're saying. Not with all this noise and you babbling on like that. Wait a minute.
She walks into the other room and turns off music. Everyone protests when she tell them the party's over. With a sigh, she goes to her bag and gets out her keys.
B-M: (closing her eyes and wincing, she holds them out) Here, take them and go before I change my mind.
Everyone: (cheers) Yay, we're back in. Let's go.
B-M: (groans in agony, watching them then returns to the girls) Right. Now what's the problem? You start Jasmine.
Jazzy: Himari's gone. waah. I haven't seen him for days. waah. And nobody knows where he is. waaah.
Rain: So's Sesshoumaru. waaaaaaaaah. He goes off on a date then disappears. waaaaaaaaaaaah.
B-M: Well I'm sure there's a really good explanation.
Rain: (eyes narrow accusingly at B-M) You know where they are, I know you do! NOW TELL ME!!!
B-M: (looks at Rain calmly) Now Rain, we've been through this already. I don't know where they are. Now you really have to calm yourself. (sighs when Rain and Jazzy start bawling again) Look, I'm gonna order pizza. I'll be right back.
B-M goes to the other room and they listen carefully. They can hear her whispering. When she comes back Rain starts accusing her again. She endures this for thirty minutes, until the pizza finally arrives. When she opens the pizza box, two notes appear inside.
B-M: Ooh, I wonder what this is.
Jazzy grabs the note with Himari's handwriting and reads. Dear Jazzy, I apologise for leaving so suddenly. There was an emergency that had to be tended immediately. I'll make it up to you when I get back. Your love always, Himari.
Jazzy: (now crying with joy) Oh, he's still my love.
Rain reads her note. Rain my love, I apologise if I caused you any heartache. I had a stupid moment when I panicked because my feelings for you are so strong. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to tell you this before the emergency came up. We'll speak when I return. Your Sesshoumaru
B-M: See girls, I told you everything would be alright.
Rain: So when are they coming back? Where did they go? Why didn't they tell us? B-M! Come on, tell us! B-M.
B-M picks up a slice of pizza, smiles at Rain and proceeds to eat, totally ignoring her whining.
Chapter 16: Inuyasha's Explanation
The early morning sunlight streamed in through the window, flashing harshly across the face of the sleeping figure in the chair. Inuyasha shifted uncomfortably, turning away from the bright glare. His stiff and aching muscles soon pierced through his sleep-hazed mind and his eyes slowly fluttered open. He lifted his head from the back of the chair and groaned in agony as a sharp pain shot up his neck. He blinked rapidly, trying to dispel the blur that marred his vision. Looking around in confusion, he wondered why he was sleeping on a chair, and then he remembered his brother. His gaze shifted instantly to the bed, taking in the still form. Just as he was about to settle back, something caught his attention. He leaned forward, his keen eyes settling upon his brother once more. He took in the steady rise and fall of Sesshoumaru's chest and his highly improved colour. A sigh of relief escaped him as he realised that Shyra had finally decided to save him. The relief he felt almost overwhelmed him. For the first time in almost two days, a genuine smile crossed his face. He stood, stretching his tired muscles before taking one last look at his brother. Smiling again, he turned and left the room. He had to check on Kagome and thank her, even if she was still sleeping.
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Himari took Sango's hand and led her down the garden path. He was glad to have a moment alone with her before everybody came down for breakfast. He had yet to find out what occurred with Kagome the previous evening. As soon as they reached the bench at the far end of the garden, he stopped and sat her down.
Sango smiled, knowing exactly why he was so impatient this morning. At least she had some good news for him in regards to his friend. As for her friend, she was not quite sure.
"Did you speak with Kagome last night?" he asked as soon as he sat down.
"Yes, I did."
Himari looked at her thoughtfully. 'Something must have gone wrong' he decided, catching the note uncertainty in her voice.
"When I bumped into her, and I mean that literally, she was just returning from healing him."
He looked at Sango in surprise. "Well this is good news. So why then, do I sense your worry and doubt?"
Sango's mouth lifted in a wry smile. She was quickly becoming used this talent of his, to gauge her mood and quite correctly too. She looked at him with serious eyes as she replied.
"It seems that the bond took hold instantly and it is quite intense from what Kagome tells me."
"Is it unusual for a bond to form so quickly?"
"Well yes. Usually it takes two days. The person sleeps for that time to recover. Then when they waken, the bond starts to form and even then, it could take another day or two to strengthen. I have never seen this happen before."
Himari was quiet while he considered the significance of this. After several seconds, a smile came to his lips. "So, I am correct then."
His smile faltered as he noticed Sango's expression.
"I am afraid that Kagome does not agree with your assumptions."
"Why? What did she say?"
She sighed wearily then proceeded to relay her friend's feelings and thoughts on the matter. By the time she finished speaking, Himari's grin had broadened to a wide smile.
"Believe me Sango, I have known Sesshoumaru a very long time and I am quite certain that his feelings for Kagome go far beyond mere lust. Never, have I seen him react so strongly to a woman, not any woman even though many have pursued him."
Sango still held a look of doubt. "Kagome seems to think that is just lust and nothing more."
"Let me explain something to you Sango. Although Sesshoumaru may appear cold and unfeeling, he is not; well not by nature anyway. His life has led him to appear so. He has felt desire for women in the past. He is after all a very normal youkai. However, even in those circumstances, I have not seen him display the loss of control he has shown with Kagome. His feelings, where she is involved are quite intense. I have felt them flare on several occasions."
He spoke of his friend's reactions when he overheard the conversation he had with Kagome, whilst hiding in the bushes. She listened with keen interest, finding herself in agreement with his deductions. From all that he spoke, she too felt that there was more to the King's feelings than he let on. She had to smile at his devilish joy when speaking of his friend's jealousy.
"He has become so skilled at hiding his emotions that it gives me such pleasure to see someone finally breaking that control."
Sango giggled at his mischief. He was so much like Kagome sometimes that it made her laugh. All of a sudden, she noticed the change in his expression. He was frowning as he stared over her shoulder. With her own of frown of curiosity, Sango turned to see what caused his change of mood and cried out in joy as she saw Kirara standing behind them in her full demon form.
"Kirara! I am so glad to see you." She laughed as the large cat bounded forth, playfully nudging her in welcome.
"I was wondering where it had gone."
Sango turned in surprise to enquire at what he referred but he continued before she could.
"When you came through the portal, the cat was with you. However, it mysteriously disappeared the next day. We searched everywhere but there was no sign of it."
"He must have returned home to let them know what happened to us."
"You can speak with him?" Himari was surprised at this.
"Yes, my father brother and I communicate with him telepathically. It took a considerable amount of training to achieve but we can gather enough to understand what he is trying to say."
She turned back to Kirara and listened as he conveyed a message that caused her to gasp in shock. She felt Himari's arm encircle her waist and she turned to him, burying her face in his neck.
"Sango, what is the matter?" he asked, gravely concerned.
"Our village was attacked. Many were killed or badly injured." She felt too shocked to even cry; instead, she kept her face hidden as her body shook in reaction.
Himari held her, gently soothing her with the comforting strokes of his hand on her back. He waited until the shaking subsided before lifting her chin and bringing her eyes to his.
"Do not fear the worst Sango. Keep hope and wait until you know exactly what you have to mourn before giving in to sadness. It may not be as bad as you fear."
Sango threw her arms around his neck and held him tightly. His arms wrapped firmly around her waist, lending her the warmth and comfort that she sought.
He would be her strength for as long as she needed him to be. The feelings she elicited within him grew stronger daily, sometimes threatening to overwhelm him entirely. Sango was fast becoming his entire world and he would do anything to keep her from harm or sadness. While he held her, his mind was already sorting through what needed doing.
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Kagome sat in her room, looking miserably out the window with bloodshot, red-rimmed eyes. She had not moved from her sitting position all night, now having completely forgotten the numbing ache in her legs. So caught up as she was in her defeated thoughts, she failed to notice the approaching presence. She jumped at the sharp knock and frowned when she realised who it was. Completely ignoring it, she turned back to the window and continued to stare. The knock sounded again and received the same lack of reaction. Kagome heard the handle turning and yelled out instantly.
"Go away Inuyasha!"
Inuyasha hesitated, taken aback at her harsh tone. After a moment's hesitation he continued, pushing the door open and stepping into the room.
"I said GO AWAY!!"
Inuyasha stopped in shock as he looked at the wretched figure sitting on the bed. She looked as though she had not slept at all. Her hair was a mess and her face was very pale. The dark shadows beneath her eyes added to her strained appearance.
Inuyasha ignored her protests and continued towards the bed slowly, not taking his eyes from her. His heart ached at the sight of her obvious distress. He sat beside her on the bed, his gaze still locked on her intently.
Kagome had enough of his scrutiny. She turned her head away, pointedly ignoring him. Pity was the last thing she needed.
"Shyra, I wanted to apologise for the way I spoke to you yesterday."
"You have nothing to apologise for Ibaanyah. You were entirely correct in all that you said."
The lifeless monotone, in which she spoke, caused his concern to heighten. "Is it the bond that troubles you Kagome?"
"I don't want to talk about it!" She stood with angry movements and walked to the window.
Inuyasha watched her a moment before standing and following, stopping a short distance behind her. He swallowed, taking a deep breathe while searching for the words he needed.
"Kagome... you know I would never do anything to cause you pain. Yesterday, I let my emotions get the better of me... and that is because of my fears for my brother." He paused, swallowing to rid himself of the lump that rose in his throat.
Kagome sighed, turning to face him. She heard the emotion in his voice and as irritable as she felt, she did not want him suffering guilt on her account.
"Inuyasha, you don't have to explain yourself, ok? I understand. Really, I do." She tried to smile through her stiff lips. "I would have felt exactly the same in your shoes."
"I love these quaint little expressions you use in the future."
Kagome looked at him in surprise, noticing his amused smile. Shaking her head, she gave a little laugh and stepped forward to give him a warm hug.
"You are so unpredictable, you know that?"
Inuyasha rested his cheek against her head, smiling absently as he replied. "So I am told."
They stood for several moments in silence, just holding each other as they lost themselves in their thoughts. So much had happened since she arrived there and the previous day's trauma sat heavily on them both. Inuyasha pulled back and looked down at Kagome.
She looked back him then turned away when she saw the concern in his eyes. With a heavy sigh, she moved back to the bed as exhaustion overcame her. Lying down, she resumed her vacant stare out the window.
Inuyasha stood a moment, watching her. It was not like Shyra to be so lifeless. He wondered why she was not asleep. Usually after a healing, she would need extra rest to recover her strength. With a slight frown, he moved back to the bed and sat beside her. He noticed that her gaze never wavered from the window.
"Kagome, have you slept at all since yesterday?"
Her eyes shifted to his for a second then went back to the window. "No"
His eyes widened in surprise. "How is this possible? Normally you would not be able to keep your eyes open."
She made a sound of frustration as she sat up, her agitation showing clearly. "I don't know Inuyasha and I don't particularly want to talk about it!"
Inuyasha said nothing but continued to watch her worriedly. She sighed heavily, trying in vain to ignore his presence.
"Is this the result of the bond?" he asked again.
Her head snapped round and she glared at him angrily. "What part of I don't want to talk about it, don't you get?"
As soon as the words left her mouth, Kagome felt instant remorse. She brought her hands up to cover her face as a feeling of shame came over her. Inuyasha was not to blame for this and here she was, yelling at him in a mean and accusing manner. She raised her head and looked at him apologetically.
"Inuyasha, I am so sorry. I shouldn't have spoken to you like that."
Inuyasha grabbed her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "It is obvious to me that you are not yourself today. I will not pressure you to talk about it but I am worried about you Kagome. I have never seen you this way before."
"I will be fine Inuyasha. Please do not worry yourself over me."
He grabbed her other hand and waited til she looked at him. "Kagome, I want to thank you for saving my brother."
She opened her mouth to protest, trying to pull free from his grip but he cut her off as he continued to speak, holding her fingers firmly.
"I know what you are going to say and it makes no difference to how I feel. Regardless of the fact that you only did your duty, if you had not healed him then he would now be dead."
Kagome looked at him in surprise. In the short time she was here, the impression she picked up was quite distinct in regards to Inuyasha and his brother. The consensus was that the brothers definitely did not get on; to the point that many actually thought that they hated each other. She had to wonder then why Inuyasha seemed so affected by his brother's injury.
Seeing her confusion, Inuyasha sought his mind for an explanation. He was not one who was good at explaining feelings but he felt that he owed Kagome that at least.
"I know that you are probably wondering why I am so concerned and I do not blame you. Sesshoumaru and I have never had a... close relationship." He gave a little laugh as his mind wondered back to their childhood years. "In fact, you could safely say that I have managed to annoy him since I was a child. I would follow him around everywhere and he would try his hardest to lose me. Of course, when he did, I would bawl and mother would rouse at him. So then he was stuck with me again."
Kagome laughed as she imagined two little white-haired boys, running about the castle. She could even picture Inuyasha's tearful little face. She looked back at him and saw the faraway look in his eye. She realised that he was now lost in his thoughts of the past. She doubted if he even registered her presence, even though he continued to speak.
"I know he thought I was annoying but the truth is, I really thought he was the greatest thing on earth. I wanted to be just like him." He paused a moment and smiled as the memories came flooding in. "I would even try to act like him and he would get so mad when he caught me. The best times we had were when we were all together. Our parents were so happy and they loved each other immensely. Their feelings even seemed to affect Sesshoumaru, to the point where he would actually behave like a real brother."
Kagome watched his face suddenly change. His smile disappeared and a faraway look of sadness replaced it.
"Everything changed after mother died. Father fell into a deep despair and lost his senses. Sesshoumaru was only thirteen years old at the time and he found himself dealing with all the attacks on our properties. It was almost one month before father recovered. Unfortunately, he was never the same again and Sesshoumaru payed the price."
Kagome wondered what he meant but he continued without explanation and she did not want to interrupt him. Talking seemed to be doing him some good.
"Shortly after, father came down with some strange disease that left his mind affected. All we could do was watch, as he grew progressively worse. Eventually, he could barely utter a coherent word. By the time Sesshoumaru was fifteen years old he had the full charge of the Western Lands on his shoulders, as well as an infant brother to raise. The strange thing was that he decided to care for me himself. He could easily have passed the responsibility over to the servants but he kept me with him. He is the one who brought me up."
He finally came from his trance and turned to her with a piercing gaze. "That is why I cannot stand the thought of losing him Kagome. He became my protector and carer, and even though we do not get along, I still love my brother very much."
Kagome covered his hand with hers. She smiled at him reassuringly, letting him know that she understood. "Thank you for telling me this Inuyasha. I know it must be difficult for you to speak of it."
His lips twisted into a wry smile. "Well, you know me Shyra, sensitive subjects have never been one of my stronger points."
She smiled back at him and nodded in agreement. Her mind began wondering to a certain man. She was now aware of another side of him and her mind busily created pictures of him nurturing an infant Inuyasha. She felt like groaning in frustration. Her feelings for him were disturbing enough without another reason to admire him more. She came quickly from her thoughts when Inuyasha spoke.
"Kagome, you really look as though you need some sleep."
She looked at him blankly, not replying. He laughed and leaned forward, placing a brotherly kiss upon her forehead. He stood and indicated that she lie down. When she automatically complied, he covered her with the blanket. He straightened and looked down at her affectionately.
"Try to get some sleep Kagome. I will go and check on my brother again but I will come back later."
Kagome smiled and gave him a brief nod. After he left the room, she found her mind once again, plagued by the fatherly images of Sesshoumaru. This time, she released the agonised groan and covered her head with the blanket. 'No, I don't want to think of him like that.' However, no matter how much she repeated the words, she could not dispel the images that lingered there. After struggling with her mind for many long minutes, Kagome finally managed to turn her thoughts. Her body relaxed and she found, to her surprise, that her eyes were closing. She was almost asleep when Sango's desperate call rang loudly in her head, startling her into an upright position. She blinked rapidly, attempting to dispel the haze that formed over her eyes. Again, Sango's voice echoed in her head.
'Kagome, something has happened. Can you come to the rear garden?'
'Yes Sango, I will. Just give me a minute to dress."
She pushed back the blanket and swung her feet off the bed, sighing as she stood on weary legs. 'How ironic' she thought. 'Now that I feel like sleeping I can't.' She smiled wryly as she pulled the nightgown from her body and started to dress.
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Ten minutes later, Kagome passed through the doors at the rear of the castle. She stepped into the bright sunlight and turned in the direction of the rear garden when a voice called out, halting her progress. She turned to see Kikyou and Rin coming towards her. Rin wore her customary bright smile as she bounced her way towards her leader. Kikyou, in comparison, held her usual serious expression. When they were no more than a few feet from her, Rin paused and looked at Kagome's face thoughtfully.
"Where are you off to in such a hurry Shyra?" Kikyou continued walking until she stood beside Kagome.
"Horinaskia has called me. She has a rather urgent matter she wishes to discuss and she sounded quite upset, so I thought it best to make haste."
Kikyou frowned, wondering what could be wrong now. "Can we come along?"
"Yes but we need to hurry. I fear that something may be dreadfully wrong."
She continued to walk, with the girls keeping pace beside her. Rin fell into a thoughtful silence, which allowed Kikyou to voice her curiosity.
"Did you not sleep well last night Kagome?"
Kagome turned her head and looked at Kikyou a moment before turning away again. She sighed, her face a picture of weary resignation.
"No Kikyou, I didn't. I had a lot on my mind."
She quickened her pace, moving ahead of the girls and cutting off any opportunity for further questioning. Kikyou sent a surprised glance at Rin, who merely smiled back at her. As they approached the rear garden, they noticed Sango hugging Kohaku while Himari stood behind them, looking on with concern. A feeling of dread settled over the three warriors when they saw the young boy's tearful face.
"Sango... Kohaku... What's wrong?" Kagome asked when she stood beside them.
The pair turned to her with an expression of despair but neither seemed able to find their voice. Himari stepped closer to Kagome and explained. The feeling of dread inside her grew as the situation became clear. She looked back at her friends, her heart aching with sadness for them but her logical brain took charge and she started immediately to make plans to counter problem.
"Before we jump to any conclusions, we need to find out exactly how bad the situation is."
She turned to the large cat that stood behind the distressed siblings. Linking herself to his mind, she replayed his memories. A gasp escaped her at the carnage wreaked by the crazed demons. People ran about, desperately seeking escape from the cruel attacks sent upon them. A tall man, who looked remarkably like Kohaku approached the cat. He spoke to Kirara with his mind, asking him to go for help then turned to resume his battle with the beasts. The last thing Kagome saw was two demons closing in on him before the large cat took flight.
Himari stood beside Kagome, watching her in amazement. When she looked at the cat, her eyes suddenly paled from their beautiful silver grey to a blue so pale in colour that they appeared almost white. 'This must be a vision' he thought as he watched the expressions passing over her face. Once again, her incredible powers awed him, leaving him speechless. Her eyes suddenly changed back and she turned to the others.
"We need to move immediately. I will summon the others to the temple. As soon as we are armed, we move out."
Himari stepped forward and grabbed Kagome's arm, as she started walking away. She turned to him with an expression of enquiry.
"Do you require any help Kagome?"
She looked at him uncertainly before coming to decision. "I do not think that necessary General. The demons we will face are vicious but not great in number. With Lord Sesshoumaru unconscious, you will be needed here and so will all the available soldiers."
She turned before he could reply and walked briskly away.
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Nine Shiiyon Warriors walked down the tower steps, all wearing a mask of fierce determination. They came to an abrupt halt as they exited the temple and saw the line of soldiers awaiting them in the courtyard.
Kagome looked from one determined face to another, in surprise. Captain Tiyaku stepped forward and spoke for the group.
"Lady Kagome, we have all decided that we would like to accompany you and your warriors."
"Captain, this is really not necessary..."
"With all due respect My Lady, the General has already expressed your opinion to us. However, we would all still welcome the opportunity to escort you. You have no fears of removing us from our duties; we are all on our time off and hence, are free to go where we please."
"I don't know what to say." Kagome looked at them all, quite touched by their support.
Himari stepped forth. "Then just allow us to go with, My Lady."
"But General, I thought that you were needed here."
"In Lord Sesshoumaru's absence, Councilman Haninkari governs the lands and General Mikaishu has charge of his armies. My presence here is not required and it was the General himself, who suggested that I accompany you as a representative of the Western army."
"Well then, I can only thank you all." She nodded at the nine men that stood before her. She turned to the others, indicating that they should leave. The small group moved forward quietly, toward the portal that grew some distance before them.
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Down the length of the small street, the houses smouldered creating thick swirls of grey smoke that quickly filled the entire village. Screams rang out as humans started weakening under the force of the attacks, slowly giving in to a cruel death at the hands of monsters. An enraged cry drowned out the other noises causing the attacking youkai to pause and see what troubled their friend. Their combined screams of rage silenced the humans, who watched as the creatures suddenly left them and rushed off in the direction of the forest. The villagers stood in amazement, all silent as they listened to the sounds of swords clashing in the distance. Kintaro rushed forward from the back of an unburnt hut, where he was hiding some children he had just saved. He listened carefully for a moment before calling his men to follow as he charged forward to aid whoever had come to their rescue. The villagers stopped in shock as they came to the edge of the forest, seeing the small group of warriors fighting alongside the soldiers of the Western army. The strange alliance made short work of the rampaging youkai and turned to face the people behind them.
Kintaro gave a gasp of amazement when he recognised his son and daughter amongst the warriors. He rushed forward, his face showing his relief and delight to see them safe.
"Sango, Kohaku, I have been so worried about you."
He grabbed both his children in his arms for a crushing hug that clearly showed the extent of his relief. They laughed as they hugged him back, they too feeling relief at seeing their father unharmed.
"Father, where is Mother?" Kohaku's worried eyes looked at the surrounding faces anxiously.
"Do not fear son." Kintaro noticed his expression. "Your mother took a group of women and children to the village of Bodahai."
Kintaro finally looked behind his children at the people who stood patiently waiting. Sango took his hand and brought him forward to make the introductions. He was quite amazed by the time she finished explaining the situation that brought them all together. After answering all his questions as best they could, they decided to move everyone to the Western lands. Half of the group stayed at the village, opening the portal to allow the present villagers to pass safely into the West. Sango, Kohaku, Rin, and Kagome, along with the Western soldiers escorted Kintaro to Bodahai for the women and children, who had managed to escape. As they left the burning village behind, Kintaro turned sadly to look at the carnage.
"The village of Kuruvi stands no more."
Sango put her arm around her father as they walked toward the neighbouring village.
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Many hours later, they were back at the castle, seeing to the care of the homeless villagers. Kouga approached Kagome, pulling her aside for a quiet word.
"Shyra, I would like to return to the South where my pack is waiting. With all this going on, I will feel much better knowing that they are safe here with me."
"Of course Roohan, you must go and get them but please take someone with you."
"I will accompany him." Miroku stepped forward, slapping Kouga on the back.
Kagome nodded, satisfied. "Very well then, off you go."
Without another word, the pair turned and walked away, summoning a portal and quickly disappearing from sight. Kagome turned back to her previous task of healing the injured. She and Kikyou moved between the people lined up on the ground in the courtyard. The castle was once more a hive of activity as all tried to cater to this new influx of people. Arrangements for their housing, already in progress took priority over all. Rin moved back and forth, changing bandages and bringing water. Every occupant in the castle seemed to be involved in one way or another with the refugees.
When the chaos eventually settled and with all housed comfortably for the coming evening, the Shiiyonians finally relaxed. They sat on the terrace outside the great dining hall and sipped their drinks, too weary to do much else. Kagura looked at Kagome intently.
"Shyra, you look exhausted. Are you well?" In her eyes, their leader looked far more worn than their day's activities warranted.
Kagome shook her head to lift the haze that dropped on her mind. She did actually feel quite exhausted. Maybe she should try to get some sleep.
"I will be fine Harkinia. Nothing a good night of sleep cannot fix."
Sango stood up, looking at her friends. "Kohaku and I will be returning to our village with our father and some of the others, to bury the dead."
"Sango before you bury them, you should bring them here to see if there is a chance that they can be revived. The King's Tensaiga has the power to restore life. Remember though, the sword may not heal everyone but it is worth a try. If you keep the bodies in a cold room, they should be fine until the king wakens."
"Does that mean that you have healed him Shyra?" Kikyou looked at Kagome in surprise. Now she understood why their leader looked so tired but was rather curious as to why she was not still sleeping.
"Yes Madinjah, I healed him last night. He should be awake by tomorrow afternoon."
Sango looked at Kagome with hopeful eyes and nodded. "I will tell father. He will be grateful if even one returns to us. Thank you Shyra."
Kagome smiled at her then settled back in her chair as she watched her friend's departing figure. She sighed wearily as she lifted her glass to finish her drink.
"You really should get some sleep Kagome." Rin smiled at her in a sweet and gentle manner. "You really do look exhausted."
Kagome smiled back at her knowingly. She had the feeling that the girl knew of her reluctance to speak about the healing and tried to provide her with an excuse to leave promptly. She opened her mouth to agree and to take the opportunity handed to her when her body suddenly hummed with a strange energy. She gasped as a hot flush swept over her. Images of unfamiliar things flashed in her head followed by feelings that were not her own. 'No!' her mind yelled. 'It's too soon, he can't be waking yet.' Panic seized her as she realised that the images were Sesshoumaru's dream. This was a definite sign that he would soon be conscious.
"Shyra, what is the matter?" Kagura leaned forward and placed her hand on Kagome's shoulder.
Kagome opened her mouth to answer then closed it again when more strange sensations overwhelmed her. Instead, she shook her head as she breathed deeply in an attempt to control the onslaught. She finally smiled at the girls in reassurance.
"You know I usually sleep a long time after these healings and this time I could not. As I said before, it is nothing that a good sleep cannot cure. Well ladies, on that note I will take myself to bed."
She stood and walked briskly toward the west wing, trying to avoid conversation along the way. The sensations had taken an interesting turn and now overwhelmed her with desire. She groaned inwardly as she realised he was once again, dreaming of their heated encounter. She froze suddenly, feeling him on the verge of consciousness. In blind panic, she turned and headed back the way she came. She could not face this right now. She had to get away. She rushed back to the courtyard, spying the group standing before a portal. She hurried toward them, surprising them all with her words.
"I'm coming with you."
The Shiiyonians turned to her with a frown. Kikyou walked to her side, curiosity written plainly on her face.
"Shyra, we thought you went to bed. Why do you want to go? It makes no sense."
"There is no time for explanations now Kikyou. We must leave. Come." As she spoke, she moved toward the portal before they could question her further.
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Inuyasha sat in the chair next to Sesshoumaru's bed, a wide grin of amusement on his face. He had sat the last fifteen minutes as his brother lay on the bed dreaming. When the dreams first began, Sesshoumaru had called their mother's name. Several noises had come from him but not much more. Then the dream must have taken a severe twist. Inuyasha could smell his brother's arousal and his moans and groans clearly indicated in which direction the fantasy now lay. He almost laughed aloud when Sesshoumaru breathed out Kagome's name but managed to contain his humour. However, when the obvious evidence of his brother's state showed beneath the sheets, he could no longer contain his mirth and his laughter filled the room.
Sesshoumaru desperately kissed Kagome, wondering why he heard his brother laughing so closely nearby. Reluctantly, he lifted his head but saw nothing. However, the laughter rose in volumes causing a shift in his mind and slowly the fog lifted. His beautiful seductive dream suddenly turned into a nightmare as he saw his brother sitting at his bedside caught up in hyteria. He growled in irritation, which only seemed to increase the volume more.
"Inuyasha" he grated hoarsely through his clenched teeth. "What are you doing in my room?"
"I have been waiting for you to wake up." Inuyasha calmed and looked at his brother seriously. "Tell me, was that a pleasant dream you just had brother?"
Sesshoumaru growled as he sat up, trying to hide the remaining evidence of his arousal. His breath sucked into his body as a rush of sensation overwhelmed him. His body pulsed with awareness. 'Awareness of what?' he questioned himself frowningly. 'Kagome?' Why the hell did he have her racing through his mind?
"If you are wondering why you are filled with thoughts of Kagome, it is because she healed you."
He turned to look at his brother in confusion, wanting to question him on the matter but speech became impossible as another wave of emotion hit him, sending him back to the pillow. He lay there breathing erratically, trying to ignore his brother's amused glance. As soon as he could stand, he would beat Inuyasha senseless. Then he would find Kagome and question her thoroughly about what she had done to him. 'Do you not mean that you will make love to her thoroughly?' He groaned as he felt himself stiffen again, trying now to ignore his affected body and mind as well as his highly amused brother.
Back At The Office
Hi guys, I'm just going to take a minute out to apologise to you all for the lengthy delay in my updates. Unfortunately, I've had a situation that's looking like it has to go legal. On top of this, I recently lost a close friend. So, I hope that you all understand. I just haven't had the heart for writing and unfortunately, it will probably be that way for the next week or two. Hopefully after that, things will return to normal. I always aim to update every three to four days depending on the length of my chapters. Well anyway, to make it up to you, I gave you an extra long chapter this time. For that reason, I'll keep the replies short. Hope you enjoy this chapter.
Oh, by the way, a special thank you to rainthewolfdemon for the inspirational help with the inu scene. If it wasn't for rain, you would probably still be waiting, so thanks rain. From all of us.
Now for the reviews.
rain: See, you don't have to be mad at Sesshy any more.
MidnightMoonGoddess: Glad to see ya at the party girl. Pity it didn't last long though huh?
AngelMiko69: You evil woman. I think I actually feel pity for the hanyou. Poor inu. I think I'll have to organise some protection for my two hanyous. Hey, the party's moved to my place. (cringes) See you there.
Jasmine Fields: I've had a talk with Naraku and he promised to try and behave himself. Though he didn't look too happy about it, mind you. Well, tonight's the night I try to read your story. lol. Wish me luck and hopefully nothing else will come up to prevent it.
Sakura Tenvaiga: Girl I think I love you. You just made my review total skyrocket overnight. Thank you so much for your review of each chapter and all your kind words. I really appreciate it. And hopefully, I can get to read your stories soon. By the way girl, you're officially invited to my office but let me know when you're coming, won't you? The lecherous ones are about again. Hey good luck with the first chapter of the sequel.
chibi-hakari1: thank you so much for the lovely compliment. I'm glad that the story pleases you. I really enjoy writing it. It's like being on a big adventure. Well there's lots more to go. So stick around.
Aurora-Nyte: DJ, where are you? I miss you girl. Come on soon, I wanna chat. And yeh, it is a real challenge for poor kags. You know, how would you be if you were bonded to one of the sexiest demons alive? I mean really girl. lol. Yep and that party is now at my house.
Thank you to the following reviewers:
fallenangel
healin-compassion
cygnus
fluffy-chick15
Well thanks again for your reviews guys. It really makes it more of a pleasure to write. It's a big thrill for any writer to read the feedback from their stories. Thank you for making mine so wonderful. Love you all. See you next chapter.
Babs