A/N: Ok so I won't be able to update as often, every 2-3 days, because
stupid school is starting again. I was on spring break! But it's over
now...I'll try to update once a week because my expectations on length per
chapter are not exactly low, seeing as how I try to get 4-5000 per. It's a
lot of work, hope you appreciate it! I also would like to apologize again
for last chapter. I decided to test my writing skills with gore and if you
don't like this I hope you chose not to read it.
********Summary of last chapter********
In this scene, I wanted to show a darker side to Kagome and her past. Basically what happened was Kagome was haunted by a memory of her past during a dream. It was when she was working for Naraku. She kills a man for killing a general in the army. You learn that deep inside Kagome's spirit lies a powerful spirit. This spirit can separate itself into two halves, good and evil. Naraku found this out and released the evil side. Then he threatened to reseal that side of the spirit if it didn't work for him. So it will until it decides to kill Naraku. The two sides of the personality of the spirit known as Kaekei (kai-eh-kay) hate each other. Or rather the evil side hates the pure; the pure isn't capable of hate. Kagome is only aware of the evil presence because of Naraku. She had known a soul was sealed inside her, but that was all. Hope that helps! Even if you read the chapter, you still might be confused.
~Unwanted Reunion~
Kagome sprang up from her fitful sleep. A thin film of sweat gleamed on her skin and a drop of moisture stretched down the side of her brow. She unconsciously wiped it away. Her body cringed at Naraku's final words.
~You did well, my Kagome~
She shuddered. She would never be his.
Kagome drew her knees up as she thought; unaware that she had the demon's lord attention from the corner of his eye.
--I'm lucky I could reseal the evil side of Kakei, really lucky. I had to injure her spirit from the inside. Since she gets off on pain, it wasn't exactly easy. I had plenty of internal injuries from that. I was also lucky that my scent can be completely locked away. And then if Tai (tie) hadn't helped me to escape Naraku's castle...--
Kagome sighed. She was suddenly nudged in the side and she let loose a squeak. Jumping from her blankets she turned quite a frantic look. She sighed once again and let her head droop.
--Those memories bother me more than I thought. I had no control over her. No matter what I did, I couldn't make her stop doing those torturous things. I will lose control like that. I was the guardian of the spirit and I let it loose because even I barely know anything about it. –
She looked at her horse where it stood. Her horse had a look crossed between shame for scaring her and amusement from scaring her so bad she screamed and jumped out of the nest of blankets.
Kagome looked up at her silent companion and though he was looking at the sky she could see the upturn of his lips. She scowled because he was laughing on the inside at her. Kagome found this as worse than just busting out laughing. But she also scowled because she was starting to get used to and understand his moods.
She sat back down and patted the horse's head. Turning towards her horse, she began conversing with it, knowing full well he could understand every word. She could sense the magic in him ever since he had drawn himself into her soul at their first meeting.
The wind picked up causing her to shiver. She greatly missed the comfort and shield that she received from her blankets. Her living chariot gently nudged her back to them and she obliged easily. She wasn't one to normally accept orders, as this was obviously a silent one, but it was colder than she at first had realized. "You know, I don't know what to call you..." Kagome trailed off in thought as she tapped her chin lightly with her finger showing concentration. "Do you have a name?"
Kagome's full attention was now on her black semi-wild, but fast friend.
******************Sesshoumaru's POV******************
The prince couldn't help the twitch of his lips as they hitched into a barely visible smile. The girl had sprung from her sleep gasping from fright. He had never seen the girl so scared before.
Sesshoumaru studied her from his peripheral view. The woman had a thin layer of sweat covering her body making her skin gleam and shin under the smiling moon. Her eyes were wide and her chest was heaving. Her lips were parted to allow the increases in breathing occur. Her face was gently paler and her shoulders were shaking just barely. She bit her bottom lip almost unconsciously. It seemed to be a habit of hers. Sesshoumaru felt bad for her lips, being mistreated so.
He practically laughed when she released an unsophisticated scream and jumped from her momentary bedding. Her horse had approached out of worry for her and he could see the obvious amusement in the animal's sharp inquisitive eyes.
Kagome's clothes, now slightly damp, caused her to shiver in the blowing breeze. Sesshoumaru could see her shaking only increase and watched as the horse protectively nudged her back into the solid warmth of the blankets.
Sesshoumaru had turned back to his star gazing now that the woman's soft cries wouldn't bother him. But one second later he found his head whipping back in the girl's directions as she broke the silence.
--She's asking the horse..if it has a name? Strange woman. I know that that isn't a normal horse; I can feel the disturbance of magic around his aura. Its aura is almost demon-like, similar to youki.—
Sesshoumaru's curiosity was even more aroused when the horse nodded in agreement that it indeed had a name. He looked at the woman quizzically, proceeding to listen in on their conversation, but still aware of the area around them in a mile radius.
******************Kagome and her horse******************
Kagome wasn't the least bit phased at the horse's nod to her question.
--Hmm...well I'm not very good at psychic connections. My powers are too random and flighty. Grrr they would be a big help right now. I could just form a simple link and ask him! But noooooo they have to be difficult.—
She was now aggravated with herself. It was true; her powers were flighty and fleeting. The pure miko energies seemed only to appear when her life was in danger.
Her horse turned to her, a question in its eyes. She was about to ask it another question, when she felt a tugging at her mind. Her instincts were silent, obviously accepting the invitation.
Kagome wasn't sure what or who it was trying to pry into her mind, but it felt familiar. Suddenly memories from a few days ago bombarded her. When in the barn, the horse had pulled himself into her consciousness, searching to see if her soul was worthy of him to serve. That energy was the same as it was now, only softer and coaxing. As if trying to convince her of its benevolence.
Kagome turned curious eyes to the animal lying beside her. Her eyes widened as her mind allowed permission to enter and one word was sent through the link. One whisper almost silent had her mind not echoed the word in a similar fashion several times.
The girl smiled. Jisuai (gee-sue-ai) was the horse's name. Kagome knew that the name meant protector in an ancient language, Eitei (ay-eh-tay). It was considered dead and even so very few knew it. It was considered the language of the gods and their children were the other ones to ever utter it.
How she knew it was a mystery. After the link was broken, she had wondered what it meant. Then like a whisper in the trees, protector trickled into her mind. Perhaps Kaekei, the soul sealed inside her, knew this secret language and had mentioned it. For as far as she knew, she had only ever felt the evil presence.
But this was when Naraku said that spell, she felt restraints break in her body as the evil flooded.
--But why would she help me? Maybe Jisuai told me as a drifting thought as the link was being broken.—
Kagome doubted her new friend had told her, but she had a higher doubt it was the evil soul deep inside her.
She shrugged her shoulders, realizing how tired she was. Kagome yawned and lied down snuggling her back closer to the warmth radiating from Jisuai. As a last thought before slipping into the deep, Kagome released a sigh along with it.
--I miss Kieina.—
******************Sesshoumaru's POV******************
Sesshoumaru turned his head fully when he felt a tingle at the end of his mind.
--A mental link?—
It was indeed a mental link that was being connected between the two. But he couldn't tell from which of the two it had started from. He could feel the tangle of powers between the two as their minds combined into one.
Sesshoumaru could see plainly that was no ordinary horse because the animal had created a link with the human girl beside his animalistic body. He knew the horse was the one because he had seen the way the woman's expression change throughout the exchange.
First, she was irritated obviously aggravated at something she was thinking about. She chewed her lip in concentration. Then she was caught off guard. Her eyes turned cautious, next somewhat afraid, followed by confusion. This almost complete array of emotions was finished off with excitement.
The girl's shoulders had been tense too, but they soon relaxed as she settled down once again for sleep. He watched as she snuggled into the magical being now to her back. A small smile of contentment crossed her lips.
Sesshoumaru couldn't help the twinge of jealousy that was sticking at the back of his mind. He shook his head then sending his silver locks flowing slightly in a swirl around him.
--I was jealous...of a horse...over a human. How disgustingly pathetic.—
But he still felt a small longing to feel the warmth of her skin. He'd had brief touches, mostly on accident where she'd run into him. Her pale skin was always silky soft and warmed his cool hands. She had just blushed slightly and backed away further, then continued on her way.
He once again shook these meaningless thoughts from his mind, shoving them back arrogantly to the far expanses of his brain.
On the edge of his attention, he could hear her soft breathing in rhythm with the deep lift and fall of her chest. Her lips were parted and the muscles in her face were relaxed. The light of the moon cast a pastel grey shadow on her face and cast shining highlights in her ebony tresses that heavily framed her face.
In that one single moment, where his molten gaze was riveted by the sleeping display of pure beauty below him, it was almost as if time had stopped. The wind swayed soothingly across his face, brushing his metallic colored bangs aside. For the first time, Sesshoumaru saw the woman in a new light. It was almost as if she wasn't human, but some phenomenal miracle the Kami-sama ever created.
Sesshoumaru lifted himself gracefully from his perch and landed solidly onto the soft awaiting earth. Bending on one knee, he looked cautiously closer at her face. Lowering his clawed hand, from its resting position on his bent knee, Sesshoumaru traced her jaw line with the pad of his thumb.
He was being extra careful not to scratch the woman and also not to wake her as well. His eyes had softened a barely conceivable amount as he caressed the soft, silky skin. The pale exterior warmed at his light touch and Sesshoumaru allowed himself a thin smirk to pass momentarily across his lips.
Sesshoumaru's instincts went berserk. They were only stinging at the back of his mind, but soon pushed to crowd and steal the demon's full frontal focus from the female.
He stood stiffly his head turned away from the clearing they had stopped to rest in for the nightly hours. Sesshoumaru moved to the edge of the clearing heading towards the running river. Casting one glance back at the slumbering couple, he stepped back into the silhouetted giants.
He passed expertly with ease through the meanderingly random trees. Pausing shortly at the edge of the wood on the brink of entering into the open ground where the river flowed rushing around its curves. The river made a sloshing sound as it whipped itself down the driven path that was very familiar to it.
Sesshoumaru, his face passive and his stoic mask in place, stepped from the sheltering comfort of the woodland area. Indeed, he recognized the scent. The disgusting scent of diluted blood of the creature made his stomach queasy.
The figure was in a crouched position as it was once drinking the crisp freshness to soothe his complaining throat. Sesshoumaru watched as the figure stood before him and turned, his suspicions quenched in full. He released a low growl almost akin to a sigh.
"Hello...brother." He greeted, the once shadowed figure now revealed from the darkness to face him, with a hint of irritation in his voice.
********************Before with Inuyasha******************
After dark, Inuyasha tread the familiar path into the woods. Every day, he left the village where his beloved lived to sleep in the forest. It had been just over two months since he began his pursuit of the head miko of the village, Kikyo. In the past months, the forest had come to be known after him because it almost exactly represented his character.
The forest was dangerous, full of shadowed mysteries, but when in need it gave comfort and shelter from the heat to the passerby. Just like Inuyasha, whose gruff, or rough, exterior represented the danger of the forest; the half demon's warm heart represented the safety the forest could provide. All one would have to do is search under the brush and one would find protection waiting.
Many of the older people of the village kept their distance from the half demon. They saw him as loud, arrogant, rash, and often rude. He was seen as rude mainly because he easily often disrespected their healer, Kaede. She was a wise woman who knew almost all there was to know about herbs and magic. Inuyasha would call her an old hag or other names of the sort.
But the young boys would fling themselves at him in a challenging manner to wrestle or chase. And the young girls would blush at the handsome silver man and offer to sing him songs. Other girls would ask him to tell them stories.
Even the young teenagers were more patient and understanding of his character. They could plainly see through his charade. To which Inuyasha would tease them for some matter or the other, but when it came down to it Inuyasha was another protector of the small, rural village now. He assisted Kikyo when demons or such would attack.
Every night the silver male would trek through the woods searching for his favorite sleeping spot, a giant and old tree known as the Goshinboku tree. The Goshinboku tree was extremely old, often challenging the great mother tree of all the western forests for superiority. To search for Inuyasha in the forest would immediately go to the Goshinboku, the god tree, as that was what its name proclaimed.
The moment Inuyasha left Kikyo at the edge of the forest; he'd smelled the intimidating scent of his elder brother. The heir to the western lands, Sesshoumaru, normally concealed his scent. But Inuyasha's half brother was no normal demon. He was considered almost unconquerable and he never did anything without a reason or method behind it.
Inuyasha's forest, as it came to be known, was wild in the clearest sense. His brother was obviously using his reputation to avoid confrontations. He did this be revealing his aura. Many demons tried to defeat the male, but always failed. His reputation was so great that if he purposely stated his position, all would avoid his path in an effort to save their lives. It was a warning.
But Inuyasha wasn't fooled. His brother never revealed his scent for such reasons. Sesshoumaru would never give up an opportunity to perfect his attacks and sharpen his skills. Hidden beneath the obvious was a reason more important to his brother or he wouldn't have so clearly given away his presence.
Inuyasha smirked and headed in the direction for a visit. He'd never give up a chance to annoy his half brother.
--I'll find out what you're hiding.—
In no way would he normally pursue his half brother, but his curiosity was ignited. And like a moth, he was attracted to the enticing, even if he knew he was to be consumed by the flames, he would still search to quench his piqued curiosity.
He dashed off in his brother's direction, only slowing once his was in smelling range. Then being careful to stay down wind, he stopped at a river near his brother's camp. He reached his clawed paws into the languid liquid and cupped the clear essence into his palms. The water slicked his parched throat.
Staying down wind would not defend him from his brother's senses for long, but he would take advantage of this time to enjoy the night. He was not disappointed. Seconds later he was graced with his senior's attendance. Inuyasha allowed the water to slip through his fingers to rejoin the pool. The surface rippled now from the unexpected interruption in the wetted body.
Inuyasha stood, drying his hands lightly against his hakama acting as if he were removing any lint or dirt that acquired on the fabric's surface. The half demon turned to look his senior full blooded brother face to face.
Sesshoumaru was the one to break the silence. "Hello...brother."
Inuyasha inwardly smirked at his brother's annoyance at his presence and he also noticed the pause in the statement. Inuyasha silently sniffed the air, directing his sense in the direction he just came from.
Sesshoumaru saw his brother's intention and realized that since he'd been away, he had no idea of the girl that he was traveling with.
Inuyasha frowned. He could detect no one, other than two horses.
--Had I been wrong? But then why does my brother have two horses? Surely he didn't personally travel to return me home. If he had a companion, they must have left.—
"When does father return?" Inuyasha asked instead of the many questions streamlining through his mind. "Two weeks to this day." He saw his half brother's weak attempt to find out about his venture from the castle. He was most likely wondering about the two horses as well. His brother always was transparent. "Is there a reason to your presence?" Sesshoumaru asked. "Yeah, what are you doing so close to the southern border?" "I plan to speak to the miko you are currently courting, dear brother."
Sesshoumaru normally would have never divulged information so easily, and his brother was obviously shocked. His reasoning was logical; he would be seeing his brother the very next day anyways. Sesshoumaru said nothing else, but turned on his heel to return to the clearing, leaving his brother with his mouth gaping open.
"Wait Sesshoumaru! Why are going to see Kikyo?" Inuyasha yelled as he charged after his brother.
He had to dodge many trees seeing as how he was barreling into the woods. He almost ran smack into at least three trees and almost hit his forehead on two low branches. But before he could shout an insult at his insufferable relation, Sesshoumaru, his back to Inuyasha, slapped a hand out clapping it against the younger boy's mouth.
Inuyasha was confused by his brother's actions. He stiffened as he sensed movement directly in front of him in the clearing. Thinking it to be an intruder he pushed passed his brother's extended arm. Inuyasha halted mid- step at the scene he was observing.
He smirked.
--So my brother does have a companion. Somehow she had masked her scent and aura. She did it well too.—
But Inuyasha was surprised. Not only was the companion a woman, but a human woman, who didn't look a day older than sixteen. And this female chose this moment to awake.
--Oh crap! This is my fault...--
Yes it was. His yell had awakened the sleeping Kagome for the second time this night.
******************Kagome******************
Even in her sleep, Kagome had sensed Sesshoumaru's aura leave.
Normally she had to track him by her miko powers, no easy feat. He always had his aura concealed, but soon she began to recognize his presence even then. Most likely because they were surrounded by nature and his aura would bounce off it like sound waves. What was weird was that he had left it open and able to be perceived by anyone who passes by who had any sort of sensing ability. Any demon could find them in seconds. Kagome supposed it was to threaten others to even try to attack. She knew enough about Sesshoumaru that he wasn't easily beaten, if ever. So still she felt safe, but it bothered her that he felt the need to unveil his aura, if this was his reasoning. Perhaps there were demons that could or would challenge him.
Sesshoumaru's actual leaving wasn't uncommon. Actually if happened almost every night. The first time she'd been afraid he was abandoning her in the forest. She'd actually chased after him, only to be embarrassed when she caught up to him.
~~~~~~~~Flashback~~~~~~~~
Kagome awoke when she sensed the absence of Sesshoumaru's aura. At first, she couldn't sense it, but as she grew more accustomed to the male she found herself noticing it anyway. Kagome was worried.
--Sesshoumaru's gone! Maybe he's abandoning me in this forest! No, no! He can't leave me alone, I'll never find my way out!—
Of course, once again Kagome's mind cracked under pressure and panicked. She was never one to be calm. She dashed off catching glimpses of his presence on the night air. She was about to leave the woodland she'd been surrounded in.
Her eyes had been wide with anticipation and her heart was filled with happiness at being able to leave the dense, natural labyrinth. But at the very last second possible, her toe was caught on an unforeseen tree root that sent her flying.
Kagome had expected to hit the ground with a rude assault, but it never came. In fact she hit a muscular chest and protective arms encircled her waist. But Kagome was too busy cursing the root to notice she was effectively on her feet.
--Stupid thing! I swear these roots just pop out of nowhere and grab my foot! I just flew like ten feet! No way is that possible!—
Of course it was more like three feet, but Kagome was exaggerating. She now stood with her left shoulder against, what she thought was yet another tree, and crossed her arms pouting. In her mind, she was still cursing trees and listing their usefulness.
It wasn't until she felt the tree she was leaning against shift, that she felt the muscular tone of the bark. Then it clicked and she turned her head. Her sapphire eyes met pale skin with rippling pectoral muscles below their surface.
Her gaze trailed upwards slowly, somewhat scared and already knowing who was holding her sort of. There he was in all his masculine glory. Her traveling companion stood, half clothed, half naked. This is when the girl freaked. She squeaked and leapt from his grasp. His arms had only been around her once, pulling her upright, and then dropped to hang easily by his side.
Kagome turned her innocent eyes into his golden hued ones that sparkled with suppressed amusement. The girl cast her gaze around, realizing why the prince had crept off. She now stood before a languid lake that spread out to give a quiet oasis in the smothering trees. The moon cast pallid highlights dancing across the gently rocking surface.
Kagome metaphorically kicked herself.
--He was going to bathe!—
She suddenly felt extremely stupid and you could tell by the redness burning into her cheeks. Sesshoumaru's voice was whispered delicately and lowly into her ears, almost whisked away by the wind. "I had no idea you were so eager to join me."
Kagome's mouth opened, but closed. He was joking, she could see it. Her eyes slipped down to wear his haori had dropped from his grasp when he effortlessly caught her in her clumsiness. The white color contrasted greatly to the dark green, almost inky color of the grass. She fidgeted not knowing what exactly to say. Her head snapped his words sinking in passed her embarrassment.
"I thought you were leaving me to fend for myself." She replied. "So you were worried I wouldn't return?" The male tilted his head to the side, in a questioning and almost child-like gesture. Kagome was surprised. He was definitely in a jubilant mood, maybe nighttime suit him. He seemed much more tolerable at night in her experience anyways.
"Jerk-" She then huffily left the clearing. She then by sheer wonder and luck managed to find her way back by using Jisuai's aura to lead her. She then plopped with grace into the nest she had created as a bed.
~~~~End Flashback~~~~
Once again the always graceful lord had caught her in an uneasy situation. It was almost as if he liked to catch her in awkward ways, and then tease her.
But this time she ignored it. The last time they had left in the middle of the night, he had woken her unpleasantly. He had grabbed her roughly by the elbow and pulled her up. But he had woken her. In the past few days, she had come to trust him and it increased a little, tiny fraction with each passing day.
Kagome turned over and fell back to sleep. Kagome also ignored the small tingling of her senses that announced another presence, but it wasn't strong enough for a full demon to be anything to worry about. Since it was probably at least a mile away and its aura held no evil taint in the least.
The miko slept easily. Her dreams filled with rain-filled skies, her favorite kind of weather, and fresh green fields. This was freedom, to be able to see miles of forests and fields just waiting to be explored. Nature was eager and awaiting someone to share their secrets with, one just had to listen. Even in her sleep, Kagome smiled. She had wanted this, her whole life. She had been seeking a place for her to belong one where she felt free and didn't have to fear. But for once she wasn't alone. Around her was a cloud of children running with her, holding her hand, looking at her with adoration in their sparkling, youthful eyes.
It wasn't until later, maybe 20 minutes that she was interrupted from her most pleasant dream she'd ever had. A yell erupted in the nearby grove that was filled with irritation and slight anger. Kagome stirred grabbing at the hints of the dream that still played in her mind. For once, she didn't want to wake. She wasn't haunted by images of her dark past where events occurred that she had no real control over. Or visions of her slave master.
Footsteps had stopped at the edge of the trees, the being was Sesshoumaru, but what caused her to stir awake was that another was following him.
--Probably the one who so rudely yelled in the middle of the freaking night!—
Okay, so Kagome's irritation level skyrocketed.
--Not only for once was I sleeping peacefully, but I was having a good dream! I haven't had one in years! I swear they're gonna get it.—
Kagome turned over and opened her angry blue eyes.
******************In the clearing*****************
Sesshoumaru could tell once Kagome opened her eyes she was angry. Her normal clear blue orbs were tainted with a coal grey tint. Not that he was worried of course. He'd learned how to deal with the angry woman before him several weeks ago. All he'd have to do was to usher her to a hot spring and leave her to herself for an hour. She'd always come back with a bounce to her step with her anger totally forgotten.
Of course his brother knew nothing, since he'd been away.
--His fault.—
Although Sesshoumaru had inwardly rejoiced his brother's absence, but truly Inuyasha should have been there.
Inuyasha cringed slightly. He wasn't a complete dunce, he could see she was angry and she had good reason. Once again his nature had gotten him into trouble. But more so was that if she traveled with his arrogant half brother then she wasn't some normal human. That he could be certain of. His brother ignored and kept away from humans as much as possible. He had no patience for stupidity and humans to him were pests that infected the western territories. Inuyasha was more like their father.
Inuyasha was about to apologize when the girl's attitude changed from anger to confusion. The anger in her eyes smoldered somewhat, quieting for the moment. He could see a sudden shining curiosity in her eyes, one that a child was wont to have. Though the grey still tinted her depths it was slowly dissipating and a pale blue coursed through like the sea foam on a deep blue ocean wave.
Kagome was mad yes. But at taking a second glance at the new comer, before her rant, she realized the similarities of the male to Sesshoumaru. Kagome tilted her head to the side, her long hair falling gently along with the movement, but staying trapped behind her shoulders.
The male was most likely the aura she felt earlier. The aura only felt farther away because the male before her was a half demon and therefore his aura wouldn't be as strong. A demon's aura would thrum and throb against her senses putting them on alert-mode. But this differed depending on the distance they were from her.
Kagome realized just now that his aura was just like her past master, Naraku. Since her master had been a hanyou as well, except there was one major difference that put them at either ends of the aura scale. This was the fact that Naraku's aura was inky black and seemed to stick or slither against her. This half demon with his silver hair had a white aura, one of purity. She knew he was trust-worthy, but there was a tint of arrogance to it. She inwardly groaned. Perhaps he was more like Sesshoumaru then just appearances.
"What's your name?" she asked calmly, which surprised both in the clearing.
"Inuyasha" He answered nervously.
--Well there's one difference, besides the hanyou thing. Sesshoumaru would never show his nervousness so outwardly.—
Inuyasha, she noticed, had silver hair, but it was slightly tangled and didn't have that almost unnatural shine that Sesshoumaru's locks held. Inuyasha obviously didn't care as much about grooming. Inuyasha's eyes were gold, but they were warmer and more of an amber hue. Unlike Sesshoumaru's eyes that held a hardened, almost cold, look and were a rich honey. Sesshoumaru was taller by at least a head, but Inuyasha was still four or five inches taller than Kagome. Inuyasha also had the cutest little furry triangles on top of his head. Kagome almost missed them since they were practically buried in the male's silver mane.
"Are you brothers?" she asked after a time of contemplation. "Half" Both males said in time together.
They both then looked at each other. Inuyasha showed his irritation outright, noticeably the more expressive of the two. Sesshoumaru merely showed a little twang of irritation that showed by the slight swirling of the color as a darker amber entered the honey orbs.
Kagome giggled her emotions all turning bubbly at this and her anger disappearing altogether. Apparently they didn't like each other a lot. Both silver clad heads turned sharply in her direction. Sesshoumaru walked to the tree he'd been sitting in earlier, but placed himself elegantly on the ground to rest against the rough bark.
--Yet another mood swing in the world of this woman.—
Inuyasha remained standing where he was, but relaxed when his brother went to sit down against the tree. But the tension remained and it was getting to him. He decided to break the silence.
"You never told me your name." his question directed to Kagome. Kagome was used to hearing this question. It was more common to know the names of servants and even some slaves. "K-Raiven" She corrected herself quickly.
--Almost forgot I don't use my real name. Lord Inutaisho proclaimed this to me at my first meeting him, so that in case anyone ever overheard there wouldn't be a direct connection. But Naraku probably knows since he sent Goshinki. He's probably scheming something at this very moment.—
Inuyasha was puzzled.
--It was almost as if she was going to use a different name. –
He shrugged it off as nothing. It was possible that she was just thinking and said what she was thinking out loud, before realizing his question. The tension had grown somewhat. Inuyasha say the other two look at each other briefly before realizing the other had looked and looked away.
Inuyasha noticed this with a smile and with ease ignored the questions in his mind.
--They must not realize it yet.—
He turned to leave and waving casually over his should he remarked, "Guess I'll see you tomorrow." His form was soon hidden by the shadows of the night.
Sesshoumaru's brow creased as a frown crossed his face. He didn't like the all-too-smug tone his brother had used.
--He's up to something...--
In his peripheral vision he saw the girl move to resituate herself in her blankets. The horse, who Inuyasha had not noticed, most likely ignored, had not moved since Sesshoumaru had left the clearing, beyond the fact that its head was alert to Inuyasha's presence. The horse had looked like it was about to protect the woman-child in front of him, should there be need. He now allowed the girl to snuggle against him, back to back.
"Night, Ji-sama." Kagome mumbled this before drifting off to sleep. The horse snorted before laying its head down ready for a slight doze.
--Ji-sama? She made it sound like the horse was a noble or something. That titled was given to those of your senior, or of a higher status that yourself. And this girl was giving this status to a horse?—
He breathed a silent sigh, which basically closed that subject with a 'whatever' attitude. Sesshoumaru wasn't looking forward to the following day. The only perk was getting rid of the burden that was the shikon no tama.
Sesshoumaru was not a weak demon and would not fall to its charms. But it was persistent in its calling, almost like pleading, that pulled and tempted his youki. Though to Sesshoumaru's confusion, it did not arouse his beast in the least. If anything his more animal-like side was quite the opposite. His beast seemed to be averse toward the magical object.
Actually, his beast was much more enkindled by the woman's energy. When she had released the light that had surrounded her, his beast had urged him to touch her. It wanted to reach out and be engulfed. And Sesshoumaru actually had, which was unlike him.
He wasn't one to act upon his urges and in fact he rarely had any of this nature. She-demons rutted just for status or just to do so. There were superficial, or well most were. Some were good natured, but he still ignored them as he did the others. They were all below him. He wanted a mate who could equal him in battle and in wits. None had ever been able to accomplish this, so he had pushed the subject aside. His father didn't understand this and pointed out his bachelor hood status often. It would be soon that he would accept the throne and he would need a lady.
--Feh- I need no help of a woman.—
With that the introverted prince cast his eyes off to watch the night give birth to the dawning day. The sunflower yellow rays warmed his pale skin. This bright color blended with a red that was closest to it, but farther up the sky was still a deep blue. The dazzling sun showed its peeking head up over the rolling hills as if to say 'good morning.'
He would give the woman-child another few hours before they head out to the village.
-To be continued-
******************Extra!******************
Hope you all like this so far. This wasn't highly eventful. I realized this after I'd written it. Sorry, I guess I get caught up in description or something.
A lot of you might want some fluff; PERHAPS I'll put some in the next chapter. I have refrained from doing that so far was because I don't see it fitting Sesshoumaru's character very well. Don't worry, this is a sess/kag, but it will develop naturally and I want to remain truthful to each of their personalities. So it can't happen overnight.
I'll also try to involve more of the Inu gang. I mentioned some of them, but they'll come into full focus sooner or later. I'll update in a week! Hopefully...
********Summary of last chapter********
In this scene, I wanted to show a darker side to Kagome and her past. Basically what happened was Kagome was haunted by a memory of her past during a dream. It was when she was working for Naraku. She kills a man for killing a general in the army. You learn that deep inside Kagome's spirit lies a powerful spirit. This spirit can separate itself into two halves, good and evil. Naraku found this out and released the evil side. Then he threatened to reseal that side of the spirit if it didn't work for him. So it will until it decides to kill Naraku. The two sides of the personality of the spirit known as Kaekei (kai-eh-kay) hate each other. Or rather the evil side hates the pure; the pure isn't capable of hate. Kagome is only aware of the evil presence because of Naraku. She had known a soul was sealed inside her, but that was all. Hope that helps! Even if you read the chapter, you still might be confused.
~Unwanted Reunion~
Kagome sprang up from her fitful sleep. A thin film of sweat gleamed on her skin and a drop of moisture stretched down the side of her brow. She unconsciously wiped it away. Her body cringed at Naraku's final words.
~You did well, my Kagome~
She shuddered. She would never be his.
Kagome drew her knees up as she thought; unaware that she had the demon's lord attention from the corner of his eye.
--I'm lucky I could reseal the evil side of Kakei, really lucky. I had to injure her spirit from the inside. Since she gets off on pain, it wasn't exactly easy. I had plenty of internal injuries from that. I was also lucky that my scent can be completely locked away. And then if Tai (tie) hadn't helped me to escape Naraku's castle...--
Kagome sighed. She was suddenly nudged in the side and she let loose a squeak. Jumping from her blankets she turned quite a frantic look. She sighed once again and let her head droop.
--Those memories bother me more than I thought. I had no control over her. No matter what I did, I couldn't make her stop doing those torturous things. I will lose control like that. I was the guardian of the spirit and I let it loose because even I barely know anything about it. –
She looked at her horse where it stood. Her horse had a look crossed between shame for scaring her and amusement from scaring her so bad she screamed and jumped out of the nest of blankets.
Kagome looked up at her silent companion and though he was looking at the sky she could see the upturn of his lips. She scowled because he was laughing on the inside at her. Kagome found this as worse than just busting out laughing. But she also scowled because she was starting to get used to and understand his moods.
She sat back down and patted the horse's head. Turning towards her horse, she began conversing with it, knowing full well he could understand every word. She could sense the magic in him ever since he had drawn himself into her soul at their first meeting.
The wind picked up causing her to shiver. She greatly missed the comfort and shield that she received from her blankets. Her living chariot gently nudged her back to them and she obliged easily. She wasn't one to normally accept orders, as this was obviously a silent one, but it was colder than she at first had realized. "You know, I don't know what to call you..." Kagome trailed off in thought as she tapped her chin lightly with her finger showing concentration. "Do you have a name?"
Kagome's full attention was now on her black semi-wild, but fast friend.
******************Sesshoumaru's POV******************
The prince couldn't help the twitch of his lips as they hitched into a barely visible smile. The girl had sprung from her sleep gasping from fright. He had never seen the girl so scared before.
Sesshoumaru studied her from his peripheral view. The woman had a thin layer of sweat covering her body making her skin gleam and shin under the smiling moon. Her eyes were wide and her chest was heaving. Her lips were parted to allow the increases in breathing occur. Her face was gently paler and her shoulders were shaking just barely. She bit her bottom lip almost unconsciously. It seemed to be a habit of hers. Sesshoumaru felt bad for her lips, being mistreated so.
He practically laughed when she released an unsophisticated scream and jumped from her momentary bedding. Her horse had approached out of worry for her and he could see the obvious amusement in the animal's sharp inquisitive eyes.
Kagome's clothes, now slightly damp, caused her to shiver in the blowing breeze. Sesshoumaru could see her shaking only increase and watched as the horse protectively nudged her back into the solid warmth of the blankets.
Sesshoumaru had turned back to his star gazing now that the woman's soft cries wouldn't bother him. But one second later he found his head whipping back in the girl's directions as she broke the silence.
--She's asking the horse..if it has a name? Strange woman. I know that that isn't a normal horse; I can feel the disturbance of magic around his aura. Its aura is almost demon-like, similar to youki.—
Sesshoumaru's curiosity was even more aroused when the horse nodded in agreement that it indeed had a name. He looked at the woman quizzically, proceeding to listen in on their conversation, but still aware of the area around them in a mile radius.
******************Kagome and her horse******************
Kagome wasn't the least bit phased at the horse's nod to her question.
--Hmm...well I'm not very good at psychic connections. My powers are too random and flighty. Grrr they would be a big help right now. I could just form a simple link and ask him! But noooooo they have to be difficult.—
She was now aggravated with herself. It was true; her powers were flighty and fleeting. The pure miko energies seemed only to appear when her life was in danger.
Her horse turned to her, a question in its eyes. She was about to ask it another question, when she felt a tugging at her mind. Her instincts were silent, obviously accepting the invitation.
Kagome wasn't sure what or who it was trying to pry into her mind, but it felt familiar. Suddenly memories from a few days ago bombarded her. When in the barn, the horse had pulled himself into her consciousness, searching to see if her soul was worthy of him to serve. That energy was the same as it was now, only softer and coaxing. As if trying to convince her of its benevolence.
Kagome turned curious eyes to the animal lying beside her. Her eyes widened as her mind allowed permission to enter and one word was sent through the link. One whisper almost silent had her mind not echoed the word in a similar fashion several times.
The girl smiled. Jisuai (gee-sue-ai) was the horse's name. Kagome knew that the name meant protector in an ancient language, Eitei (ay-eh-tay). It was considered dead and even so very few knew it. It was considered the language of the gods and their children were the other ones to ever utter it.
How she knew it was a mystery. After the link was broken, she had wondered what it meant. Then like a whisper in the trees, protector trickled into her mind. Perhaps Kaekei, the soul sealed inside her, knew this secret language and had mentioned it. For as far as she knew, she had only ever felt the evil presence.
But this was when Naraku said that spell, she felt restraints break in her body as the evil flooded.
--But why would she help me? Maybe Jisuai told me as a drifting thought as the link was being broken.—
Kagome doubted her new friend had told her, but she had a higher doubt it was the evil soul deep inside her.
She shrugged her shoulders, realizing how tired she was. Kagome yawned and lied down snuggling her back closer to the warmth radiating from Jisuai. As a last thought before slipping into the deep, Kagome released a sigh along with it.
--I miss Kieina.—
******************Sesshoumaru's POV******************
Sesshoumaru turned his head fully when he felt a tingle at the end of his mind.
--A mental link?—
It was indeed a mental link that was being connected between the two. But he couldn't tell from which of the two it had started from. He could feel the tangle of powers between the two as their minds combined into one.
Sesshoumaru could see plainly that was no ordinary horse because the animal had created a link with the human girl beside his animalistic body. He knew the horse was the one because he had seen the way the woman's expression change throughout the exchange.
First, she was irritated obviously aggravated at something she was thinking about. She chewed her lip in concentration. Then she was caught off guard. Her eyes turned cautious, next somewhat afraid, followed by confusion. This almost complete array of emotions was finished off with excitement.
The girl's shoulders had been tense too, but they soon relaxed as she settled down once again for sleep. He watched as she snuggled into the magical being now to her back. A small smile of contentment crossed her lips.
Sesshoumaru couldn't help the twinge of jealousy that was sticking at the back of his mind. He shook his head then sending his silver locks flowing slightly in a swirl around him.
--I was jealous...of a horse...over a human. How disgustingly pathetic.—
But he still felt a small longing to feel the warmth of her skin. He'd had brief touches, mostly on accident where she'd run into him. Her pale skin was always silky soft and warmed his cool hands. She had just blushed slightly and backed away further, then continued on her way.
He once again shook these meaningless thoughts from his mind, shoving them back arrogantly to the far expanses of his brain.
On the edge of his attention, he could hear her soft breathing in rhythm with the deep lift and fall of her chest. Her lips were parted and the muscles in her face were relaxed. The light of the moon cast a pastel grey shadow on her face and cast shining highlights in her ebony tresses that heavily framed her face.
In that one single moment, where his molten gaze was riveted by the sleeping display of pure beauty below him, it was almost as if time had stopped. The wind swayed soothingly across his face, brushing his metallic colored bangs aside. For the first time, Sesshoumaru saw the woman in a new light. It was almost as if she wasn't human, but some phenomenal miracle the Kami-sama ever created.
Sesshoumaru lifted himself gracefully from his perch and landed solidly onto the soft awaiting earth. Bending on one knee, he looked cautiously closer at her face. Lowering his clawed hand, from its resting position on his bent knee, Sesshoumaru traced her jaw line with the pad of his thumb.
He was being extra careful not to scratch the woman and also not to wake her as well. His eyes had softened a barely conceivable amount as he caressed the soft, silky skin. The pale exterior warmed at his light touch and Sesshoumaru allowed himself a thin smirk to pass momentarily across his lips.
Sesshoumaru's instincts went berserk. They were only stinging at the back of his mind, but soon pushed to crowd and steal the demon's full frontal focus from the female.
He stood stiffly his head turned away from the clearing they had stopped to rest in for the nightly hours. Sesshoumaru moved to the edge of the clearing heading towards the running river. Casting one glance back at the slumbering couple, he stepped back into the silhouetted giants.
He passed expertly with ease through the meanderingly random trees. Pausing shortly at the edge of the wood on the brink of entering into the open ground where the river flowed rushing around its curves. The river made a sloshing sound as it whipped itself down the driven path that was very familiar to it.
Sesshoumaru, his face passive and his stoic mask in place, stepped from the sheltering comfort of the woodland area. Indeed, he recognized the scent. The disgusting scent of diluted blood of the creature made his stomach queasy.
The figure was in a crouched position as it was once drinking the crisp freshness to soothe his complaining throat. Sesshoumaru watched as the figure stood before him and turned, his suspicions quenched in full. He released a low growl almost akin to a sigh.
"Hello...brother." He greeted, the once shadowed figure now revealed from the darkness to face him, with a hint of irritation in his voice.
********************Before with Inuyasha******************
After dark, Inuyasha tread the familiar path into the woods. Every day, he left the village where his beloved lived to sleep in the forest. It had been just over two months since he began his pursuit of the head miko of the village, Kikyo. In the past months, the forest had come to be known after him because it almost exactly represented his character.
The forest was dangerous, full of shadowed mysteries, but when in need it gave comfort and shelter from the heat to the passerby. Just like Inuyasha, whose gruff, or rough, exterior represented the danger of the forest; the half demon's warm heart represented the safety the forest could provide. All one would have to do is search under the brush and one would find protection waiting.
Many of the older people of the village kept their distance from the half demon. They saw him as loud, arrogant, rash, and often rude. He was seen as rude mainly because he easily often disrespected their healer, Kaede. She was a wise woman who knew almost all there was to know about herbs and magic. Inuyasha would call her an old hag or other names of the sort.
But the young boys would fling themselves at him in a challenging manner to wrestle or chase. And the young girls would blush at the handsome silver man and offer to sing him songs. Other girls would ask him to tell them stories.
Even the young teenagers were more patient and understanding of his character. They could plainly see through his charade. To which Inuyasha would tease them for some matter or the other, but when it came down to it Inuyasha was another protector of the small, rural village now. He assisted Kikyo when demons or such would attack.
Every night the silver male would trek through the woods searching for his favorite sleeping spot, a giant and old tree known as the Goshinboku tree. The Goshinboku tree was extremely old, often challenging the great mother tree of all the western forests for superiority. To search for Inuyasha in the forest would immediately go to the Goshinboku, the god tree, as that was what its name proclaimed.
The moment Inuyasha left Kikyo at the edge of the forest; he'd smelled the intimidating scent of his elder brother. The heir to the western lands, Sesshoumaru, normally concealed his scent. But Inuyasha's half brother was no normal demon. He was considered almost unconquerable and he never did anything without a reason or method behind it.
Inuyasha's forest, as it came to be known, was wild in the clearest sense. His brother was obviously using his reputation to avoid confrontations. He did this be revealing his aura. Many demons tried to defeat the male, but always failed. His reputation was so great that if he purposely stated his position, all would avoid his path in an effort to save their lives. It was a warning.
But Inuyasha wasn't fooled. His brother never revealed his scent for such reasons. Sesshoumaru would never give up an opportunity to perfect his attacks and sharpen his skills. Hidden beneath the obvious was a reason more important to his brother or he wouldn't have so clearly given away his presence.
Inuyasha smirked and headed in the direction for a visit. He'd never give up a chance to annoy his half brother.
--I'll find out what you're hiding.—
In no way would he normally pursue his half brother, but his curiosity was ignited. And like a moth, he was attracted to the enticing, even if he knew he was to be consumed by the flames, he would still search to quench his piqued curiosity.
He dashed off in his brother's direction, only slowing once his was in smelling range. Then being careful to stay down wind, he stopped at a river near his brother's camp. He reached his clawed paws into the languid liquid and cupped the clear essence into his palms. The water slicked his parched throat.
Staying down wind would not defend him from his brother's senses for long, but he would take advantage of this time to enjoy the night. He was not disappointed. Seconds later he was graced with his senior's attendance. Inuyasha allowed the water to slip through his fingers to rejoin the pool. The surface rippled now from the unexpected interruption in the wetted body.
Inuyasha stood, drying his hands lightly against his hakama acting as if he were removing any lint or dirt that acquired on the fabric's surface. The half demon turned to look his senior full blooded brother face to face.
Sesshoumaru was the one to break the silence. "Hello...brother."
Inuyasha inwardly smirked at his brother's annoyance at his presence and he also noticed the pause in the statement. Inuyasha silently sniffed the air, directing his sense in the direction he just came from.
Sesshoumaru saw his brother's intention and realized that since he'd been away, he had no idea of the girl that he was traveling with.
Inuyasha frowned. He could detect no one, other than two horses.
--Had I been wrong? But then why does my brother have two horses? Surely he didn't personally travel to return me home. If he had a companion, they must have left.—
"When does father return?" Inuyasha asked instead of the many questions streamlining through his mind. "Two weeks to this day." He saw his half brother's weak attempt to find out about his venture from the castle. He was most likely wondering about the two horses as well. His brother always was transparent. "Is there a reason to your presence?" Sesshoumaru asked. "Yeah, what are you doing so close to the southern border?" "I plan to speak to the miko you are currently courting, dear brother."
Sesshoumaru normally would have never divulged information so easily, and his brother was obviously shocked. His reasoning was logical; he would be seeing his brother the very next day anyways. Sesshoumaru said nothing else, but turned on his heel to return to the clearing, leaving his brother with his mouth gaping open.
"Wait Sesshoumaru! Why are going to see Kikyo?" Inuyasha yelled as he charged after his brother.
He had to dodge many trees seeing as how he was barreling into the woods. He almost ran smack into at least three trees and almost hit his forehead on two low branches. But before he could shout an insult at his insufferable relation, Sesshoumaru, his back to Inuyasha, slapped a hand out clapping it against the younger boy's mouth.
Inuyasha was confused by his brother's actions. He stiffened as he sensed movement directly in front of him in the clearing. Thinking it to be an intruder he pushed passed his brother's extended arm. Inuyasha halted mid- step at the scene he was observing.
He smirked.
--So my brother does have a companion. Somehow she had masked her scent and aura. She did it well too.—
But Inuyasha was surprised. Not only was the companion a woman, but a human woman, who didn't look a day older than sixteen. And this female chose this moment to awake.
--Oh crap! This is my fault...--
Yes it was. His yell had awakened the sleeping Kagome for the second time this night.
******************Kagome******************
Even in her sleep, Kagome had sensed Sesshoumaru's aura leave.
Normally she had to track him by her miko powers, no easy feat. He always had his aura concealed, but soon she began to recognize his presence even then. Most likely because they were surrounded by nature and his aura would bounce off it like sound waves. What was weird was that he had left it open and able to be perceived by anyone who passes by who had any sort of sensing ability. Any demon could find them in seconds. Kagome supposed it was to threaten others to even try to attack. She knew enough about Sesshoumaru that he wasn't easily beaten, if ever. So still she felt safe, but it bothered her that he felt the need to unveil his aura, if this was his reasoning. Perhaps there were demons that could or would challenge him.
Sesshoumaru's actual leaving wasn't uncommon. Actually if happened almost every night. The first time she'd been afraid he was abandoning her in the forest. She'd actually chased after him, only to be embarrassed when she caught up to him.
~~~~~~~~Flashback~~~~~~~~
Kagome awoke when she sensed the absence of Sesshoumaru's aura. At first, she couldn't sense it, but as she grew more accustomed to the male she found herself noticing it anyway. Kagome was worried.
--Sesshoumaru's gone! Maybe he's abandoning me in this forest! No, no! He can't leave me alone, I'll never find my way out!—
Of course, once again Kagome's mind cracked under pressure and panicked. She was never one to be calm. She dashed off catching glimpses of his presence on the night air. She was about to leave the woodland she'd been surrounded in.
Her eyes had been wide with anticipation and her heart was filled with happiness at being able to leave the dense, natural labyrinth. But at the very last second possible, her toe was caught on an unforeseen tree root that sent her flying.
Kagome had expected to hit the ground with a rude assault, but it never came. In fact she hit a muscular chest and protective arms encircled her waist. But Kagome was too busy cursing the root to notice she was effectively on her feet.
--Stupid thing! I swear these roots just pop out of nowhere and grab my foot! I just flew like ten feet! No way is that possible!—
Of course it was more like three feet, but Kagome was exaggerating. She now stood with her left shoulder against, what she thought was yet another tree, and crossed her arms pouting. In her mind, she was still cursing trees and listing their usefulness.
It wasn't until she felt the tree she was leaning against shift, that she felt the muscular tone of the bark. Then it clicked and she turned her head. Her sapphire eyes met pale skin with rippling pectoral muscles below their surface.
Her gaze trailed upwards slowly, somewhat scared and already knowing who was holding her sort of. There he was in all his masculine glory. Her traveling companion stood, half clothed, half naked. This is when the girl freaked. She squeaked and leapt from his grasp. His arms had only been around her once, pulling her upright, and then dropped to hang easily by his side.
Kagome turned her innocent eyes into his golden hued ones that sparkled with suppressed amusement. The girl cast her gaze around, realizing why the prince had crept off. She now stood before a languid lake that spread out to give a quiet oasis in the smothering trees. The moon cast pallid highlights dancing across the gently rocking surface.
Kagome metaphorically kicked herself.
--He was going to bathe!—
She suddenly felt extremely stupid and you could tell by the redness burning into her cheeks. Sesshoumaru's voice was whispered delicately and lowly into her ears, almost whisked away by the wind. "I had no idea you were so eager to join me."
Kagome's mouth opened, but closed. He was joking, she could see it. Her eyes slipped down to wear his haori had dropped from his grasp when he effortlessly caught her in her clumsiness. The white color contrasted greatly to the dark green, almost inky color of the grass. She fidgeted not knowing what exactly to say. Her head snapped his words sinking in passed her embarrassment.
"I thought you were leaving me to fend for myself." She replied. "So you were worried I wouldn't return?" The male tilted his head to the side, in a questioning and almost child-like gesture. Kagome was surprised. He was definitely in a jubilant mood, maybe nighttime suit him. He seemed much more tolerable at night in her experience anyways.
"Jerk-" She then huffily left the clearing. She then by sheer wonder and luck managed to find her way back by using Jisuai's aura to lead her. She then plopped with grace into the nest she had created as a bed.
~~~~End Flashback~~~~
Once again the always graceful lord had caught her in an uneasy situation. It was almost as if he liked to catch her in awkward ways, and then tease her.
But this time she ignored it. The last time they had left in the middle of the night, he had woken her unpleasantly. He had grabbed her roughly by the elbow and pulled her up. But he had woken her. In the past few days, she had come to trust him and it increased a little, tiny fraction with each passing day.
Kagome turned over and fell back to sleep. Kagome also ignored the small tingling of her senses that announced another presence, but it wasn't strong enough for a full demon to be anything to worry about. Since it was probably at least a mile away and its aura held no evil taint in the least.
The miko slept easily. Her dreams filled with rain-filled skies, her favorite kind of weather, and fresh green fields. This was freedom, to be able to see miles of forests and fields just waiting to be explored. Nature was eager and awaiting someone to share their secrets with, one just had to listen. Even in her sleep, Kagome smiled. She had wanted this, her whole life. She had been seeking a place for her to belong one where she felt free and didn't have to fear. But for once she wasn't alone. Around her was a cloud of children running with her, holding her hand, looking at her with adoration in their sparkling, youthful eyes.
It wasn't until later, maybe 20 minutes that she was interrupted from her most pleasant dream she'd ever had. A yell erupted in the nearby grove that was filled with irritation and slight anger. Kagome stirred grabbing at the hints of the dream that still played in her mind. For once, she didn't want to wake. She wasn't haunted by images of her dark past where events occurred that she had no real control over. Or visions of her slave master.
Footsteps had stopped at the edge of the trees, the being was Sesshoumaru, but what caused her to stir awake was that another was following him.
--Probably the one who so rudely yelled in the middle of the freaking night!—
Okay, so Kagome's irritation level skyrocketed.
--Not only for once was I sleeping peacefully, but I was having a good dream! I haven't had one in years! I swear they're gonna get it.—
Kagome turned over and opened her angry blue eyes.
******************In the clearing*****************
Sesshoumaru could tell once Kagome opened her eyes she was angry. Her normal clear blue orbs were tainted with a coal grey tint. Not that he was worried of course. He'd learned how to deal with the angry woman before him several weeks ago. All he'd have to do was to usher her to a hot spring and leave her to herself for an hour. She'd always come back with a bounce to her step with her anger totally forgotten.
Of course his brother knew nothing, since he'd been away.
--His fault.—
Although Sesshoumaru had inwardly rejoiced his brother's absence, but truly Inuyasha should have been there.
Inuyasha cringed slightly. He wasn't a complete dunce, he could see she was angry and she had good reason. Once again his nature had gotten him into trouble. But more so was that if she traveled with his arrogant half brother then she wasn't some normal human. That he could be certain of. His brother ignored and kept away from humans as much as possible. He had no patience for stupidity and humans to him were pests that infected the western territories. Inuyasha was more like their father.
Inuyasha was about to apologize when the girl's attitude changed from anger to confusion. The anger in her eyes smoldered somewhat, quieting for the moment. He could see a sudden shining curiosity in her eyes, one that a child was wont to have. Though the grey still tinted her depths it was slowly dissipating and a pale blue coursed through like the sea foam on a deep blue ocean wave.
Kagome was mad yes. But at taking a second glance at the new comer, before her rant, she realized the similarities of the male to Sesshoumaru. Kagome tilted her head to the side, her long hair falling gently along with the movement, but staying trapped behind her shoulders.
The male was most likely the aura she felt earlier. The aura only felt farther away because the male before her was a half demon and therefore his aura wouldn't be as strong. A demon's aura would thrum and throb against her senses putting them on alert-mode. But this differed depending on the distance they were from her.
Kagome realized just now that his aura was just like her past master, Naraku. Since her master had been a hanyou as well, except there was one major difference that put them at either ends of the aura scale. This was the fact that Naraku's aura was inky black and seemed to stick or slither against her. This half demon with his silver hair had a white aura, one of purity. She knew he was trust-worthy, but there was a tint of arrogance to it. She inwardly groaned. Perhaps he was more like Sesshoumaru then just appearances.
"What's your name?" she asked calmly, which surprised both in the clearing.
"Inuyasha" He answered nervously.
--Well there's one difference, besides the hanyou thing. Sesshoumaru would never show his nervousness so outwardly.—
Inuyasha, she noticed, had silver hair, but it was slightly tangled and didn't have that almost unnatural shine that Sesshoumaru's locks held. Inuyasha obviously didn't care as much about grooming. Inuyasha's eyes were gold, but they were warmer and more of an amber hue. Unlike Sesshoumaru's eyes that held a hardened, almost cold, look and were a rich honey. Sesshoumaru was taller by at least a head, but Inuyasha was still four or five inches taller than Kagome. Inuyasha also had the cutest little furry triangles on top of his head. Kagome almost missed them since they were practically buried in the male's silver mane.
"Are you brothers?" she asked after a time of contemplation. "Half" Both males said in time together.
They both then looked at each other. Inuyasha showed his irritation outright, noticeably the more expressive of the two. Sesshoumaru merely showed a little twang of irritation that showed by the slight swirling of the color as a darker amber entered the honey orbs.
Kagome giggled her emotions all turning bubbly at this and her anger disappearing altogether. Apparently they didn't like each other a lot. Both silver clad heads turned sharply in her direction. Sesshoumaru walked to the tree he'd been sitting in earlier, but placed himself elegantly on the ground to rest against the rough bark.
--Yet another mood swing in the world of this woman.—
Inuyasha remained standing where he was, but relaxed when his brother went to sit down against the tree. But the tension remained and it was getting to him. He decided to break the silence.
"You never told me your name." his question directed to Kagome. Kagome was used to hearing this question. It was more common to know the names of servants and even some slaves. "K-Raiven" She corrected herself quickly.
--Almost forgot I don't use my real name. Lord Inutaisho proclaimed this to me at my first meeting him, so that in case anyone ever overheard there wouldn't be a direct connection. But Naraku probably knows since he sent Goshinki. He's probably scheming something at this very moment.—
Inuyasha was puzzled.
--It was almost as if she was going to use a different name. –
He shrugged it off as nothing. It was possible that she was just thinking and said what she was thinking out loud, before realizing his question. The tension had grown somewhat. Inuyasha say the other two look at each other briefly before realizing the other had looked and looked away.
Inuyasha noticed this with a smile and with ease ignored the questions in his mind.
--They must not realize it yet.—
He turned to leave and waving casually over his should he remarked, "Guess I'll see you tomorrow." His form was soon hidden by the shadows of the night.
Sesshoumaru's brow creased as a frown crossed his face. He didn't like the all-too-smug tone his brother had used.
--He's up to something...--
In his peripheral vision he saw the girl move to resituate herself in her blankets. The horse, who Inuyasha had not noticed, most likely ignored, had not moved since Sesshoumaru had left the clearing, beyond the fact that its head was alert to Inuyasha's presence. The horse had looked like it was about to protect the woman-child in front of him, should there be need. He now allowed the girl to snuggle against him, back to back.
"Night, Ji-sama." Kagome mumbled this before drifting off to sleep. The horse snorted before laying its head down ready for a slight doze.
--Ji-sama? She made it sound like the horse was a noble or something. That titled was given to those of your senior, or of a higher status that yourself. And this girl was giving this status to a horse?—
He breathed a silent sigh, which basically closed that subject with a 'whatever' attitude. Sesshoumaru wasn't looking forward to the following day. The only perk was getting rid of the burden that was the shikon no tama.
Sesshoumaru was not a weak demon and would not fall to its charms. But it was persistent in its calling, almost like pleading, that pulled and tempted his youki. Though to Sesshoumaru's confusion, it did not arouse his beast in the least. If anything his more animal-like side was quite the opposite. His beast seemed to be averse toward the magical object.
Actually, his beast was much more enkindled by the woman's energy. When she had released the light that had surrounded her, his beast had urged him to touch her. It wanted to reach out and be engulfed. And Sesshoumaru actually had, which was unlike him.
He wasn't one to act upon his urges and in fact he rarely had any of this nature. She-demons rutted just for status or just to do so. There were superficial, or well most were. Some were good natured, but he still ignored them as he did the others. They were all below him. He wanted a mate who could equal him in battle and in wits. None had ever been able to accomplish this, so he had pushed the subject aside. His father didn't understand this and pointed out his bachelor hood status often. It would be soon that he would accept the throne and he would need a lady.
--Feh- I need no help of a woman.—
With that the introverted prince cast his eyes off to watch the night give birth to the dawning day. The sunflower yellow rays warmed his pale skin. This bright color blended with a red that was closest to it, but farther up the sky was still a deep blue. The dazzling sun showed its peeking head up over the rolling hills as if to say 'good morning.'
He would give the woman-child another few hours before they head out to the village.
-To be continued-
******************Extra!******************
Hope you all like this so far. This wasn't highly eventful. I realized this after I'd written it. Sorry, I guess I get caught up in description or something.
A lot of you might want some fluff; PERHAPS I'll put some in the next chapter. I have refrained from doing that so far was because I don't see it fitting Sesshoumaru's character very well. Don't worry, this is a sess/kag, but it will develop naturally and I want to remain truthful to each of their personalities. So it can't happen overnight.
I'll also try to involve more of the Inu gang. I mentioned some of them, but they'll come into full focus sooner or later. I'll update in a week! Hopefully...