Chapter 3 – Midnight Run

Kagome began walking back toward her home, as others would call it. From where she stood you could easily make out the estate. It was such a large building made of dark wood. The towers were the easiest to see from where she stood now. The rose over the treetops and with her youkai vision she could make out the guards walking around the walkways. The deep greens and browns were quite beautiful during the night.

As she walked along the path she watched as moonlight flowers began to open around her. It was as if they were opening just to greet her as she passed and a smile tugged at her smiles. Such beauty from one innocent flower, it really was something made of true beauty. They seemed to glow with the moonlight itself when they finally opened, while their cousins closed for the night.

Mist formed along the path way as night began to fall. It was going to be a cold night for ningens alike. For her though she wouldn't even notice for the weather was still quite nice for her taste. The weather was still between summer and fall thus the nights were becoming colder. Not that Kagome minded no she found the nighttime to be very nice until winter hit.

She never had liked snow. It was beautiful yes but it was also deadly and cold. It held beauty when just lying upon the paths in the forest but deadly when along mountainsides. Just the slightest of sounds could cause it to fall and destroy many homes and animals.

She walked watching as darkness fell around her feet. Looking up she could see the countless stars high in the sky. Tonight was a good night for the clouds had departed and the sky was free. The endless sea of stars shone like tiny fireflies high above scattered as if someone had just thrown them without judging where they'd land.

The moon glowed down upon the earth giving off its heavenly glow. Under the trees it was shadowed but you could see where it shone down upon the ground. Such a pretty thing it created when seen. Ningens didn't get this luxury because they needed sleep often and sleep over took them before this beautiful time was cast upon the lands.

Kagome raised her hand and lowered the hood from her eyes. Looking up at the sky she could tell tonight would be a perfect night to run in the forest. With the sky so clear she'd be able to see without problems. Even with her vision it was hard to see when clouds were spread across the ocean of stars covering the moon above.

Her icy blue eyes searched for any signs of life. Though ningens slept during the night not all slept that neither long nor did the go to sleep this early. Her ears twitched slightly trying to pick up sounds of anything that might see her face.

The shadowy figure floated just above Kagome. His smile warmed hearts of ice within seconds if seen. His gaze was upon the nighttime creature below his form. He could see her face now with the hood taken from it. Her face glowed like the moon above with her pale face. Her hair held an extra shine as she searched for creature that might get her into trouble.

Finding it safe she continued on her journey toward the estates. She could see the gates in front and wondered if they'd recognize her when she had a different outfit then she left in. Kagome knew her mother would ask where she got it and probably say she stole it once her sister put in her piece. She already had a story though since she always carried money and her mother knew this fact she'd just say she got it from a shop inside town and had the armor made by the taijiya just in cast she ever needed to help protect the estates. Though she'd never help her mother, no if they were ever attacked Kagome would probably sneak out or help the people attacking the place. The less the place was still in tact the less of a memory she would hold of it.

Her feet began to pick up speed as she neared the place she was supposed to call home. Stopping though just outside inside the edge of the forest to put her hood back over her face. Once done she walked up to the gates and rapped three times against the wood.

A guard came running knowing the youngest daughter came home around this time of night. He also knew what she would be wearing or that her face would be covered. He never understood since it was only the head guard allowed to see her just in case she ever came home in a different outfit then she left in. Though she'd only done it once the lower guards weren't allowed to see her face. Silver strips could also be showed so a person could see the leader if not believed to be the youngest.

As the guard neared he caught sight of a black figure at first. He brought his lantern higher so he could see better and noticed a white boa on the figures shoulder. Black armor with spikes over the figures chest looked to be for a female. He watched and saw the figure lift what he thought her hand to show silver strips along her wrist.

Looking up he saw a smile and that her face was hidden from his view. His own smile shone in the night as he noticed the perfect scent of the youngest daughter coming from the person before him. His smile brightened as he ran to open the gates for the youngest daughter. He had no doubt it was the youngest daughter for her smile was to bright and scent to sweet to be anyone else's.

"Arigatou," came the musical voice he'd heard so many times from her soft looking lips. The guard bowed low and watched as the youngest daughter though he had yet to learn her name jogged toward the main house.

Kagome past by many guards who all eyed her and when back to their business. Most of the guards were youkai so they would smile or nod at her presence. Thoughs who were ningen would ask youkai guards if it truly was the youngest daughter for her name wasn't know by many of them.

"Ahh Kagome," came a voice behind her. Kagome turned and met the familiar face of the highest guard. He was a handsome dragon youkai with fine black hair and glowing red eyes.

"Good evening Rune," Kagome said bowing toward him. She smiled afterward and saw his smile widen a bit. It was no secret that Rune had asked her mother for her hand many times but her mother wouldn't give her to him. Something about him not being good enough for any of her daughters even if she wasn't her favorite and that her mother wanted to give her away.

Rune nodded, bowed and said, "I hope you had a nice stay in the village today. Oh and your outfit suits you though it is a shame we cannot see your face."

"Arigatou Rune but you know how my mother feels about that?" Kagome said her smile fading from her face. Only Rune, Miroku, Shippo, and Shippo's father were males that knew what she looked like. Though her mother only knew of Rune and hopefully would never find out about the others she would become angered if she took her hood off for even her most trusted guards.

"Hai and to hide something like you is like putting a cruse upon the earth," Rune said frowning.

Kagome nodded and looked back toward the main house. "I must be going Rune or mother won't let me have a run in the forest later," she said looking back toward him. She saw him bow and nod before walking away. Shaking her head she once again began running toward the main house not wanting to be late and get her mother to angry.

The large building came closer into view as Kagome passed the guards at the head of the stairs. She easily bond up the stairs and reached the front door, which was strange itself. She still wondered where her father found such a design. Where most doors of this age slid open he had ones made that push. It was designed so only youkai and very, very strong ningen could open them. She could push it open but if there ever was a raid by ningens' they wouldn't be able to get past the thick doors.

Kagome's hand fell open the doors wooden surface but before she opened the door her head shot up. Her eyes narrowed as she searched the sky but found nothing. She could have sworn she saw something move above her but she shook it from her mind.

Her ears could pick up the chatter from the guards who were being lazy as usual. Among that she could hear the distance sounds of the night off in the distance toward the forest. Glancing back one last time she pushed open the door and quickly entered before closing it behind her.

Instantly Kagome's hand shot up and pulled the hood over her head. She wouldn't use the magic because her mother would pick up on it with her senses or she'd be asked why the outfit didn't have one and if she'd worn on until she got there.

Walking forward toward the staircase Kagome heard something move behind her. She could smell her from a mile away and waited to see what her dear sister wanted. Standing there she could sense her mother walking toward the main entrance hall where she now stood. Well at least she knew they were waiting for their mother to arrive probably so they could yell at her for some damn reason.

"Kagome…" came her mother's voice from the top of the stairs. What had she done to have this welcome? She couldn't find any reason for why they would welcome her like this. Unless someone was sent to follow her and found she had friends.

"Mother… have I done something wrong?" Kagome asked slowly thinking over the question she wanted to ask her mother. She waited and looked behind her to see her sister who looked distant for some reason. What had she done or did Kikyo do something to upset mother?

"No, Kagome you have done nothing wrong," Yukena said moving done the stairs. She came just in front of her daughter before looking down her nose at her still growing daughter. Kagome held curves like no other and she filled out in all the right places though Yukena could tell she would still develop for quite some time. Her breast would surely get bigger and she would become more beautiful.

Kikyo looked forward at her little sister. Even she didn't like what her mother was going to do and her gaze drifted downward. A signal tear escaped her eye at the thought of what her mother was going to do just because she'd followed Kagome to the kitsunes cave. Yukena had seen them give Kagome the outfit and decided it was time to get rid of her daughter and hand her over to someone else.

"Why are you crying my sister?" Kagome said walking over to Kikyo and resting a hand upon her shoulder. Something was wrong, something was not right here… but what? Her sister was always strong and she'd never seen her cry in anything.

"I've found someone who is worthy to have you Kagome," Yukena said turning so her back was to them. She had seen Kagome give money to the lesser and in return they'd given her the outfit she was now wearing. Except the boa because Yukena had seen her mate give it to Kagome when young and had wondered where Kagome hid it.

The shadowy figure of Kagome's father narrowed his eyes upon his mate. Who did she think was worthy of his daughter? This was not apart of the plan and he'd have to get Kagome out more quickly depending on the time he still had.

"He will be coming for you tomorrow," Yukena continued. A gleam formed inside her eyes when she turned back to her daughter. She narrowed her eyes at the look Kagome was giving her. No longer was her daughter's expression soft but hard, and she looked angered beyond what Yukena had ever seen.

"Who is so worthy that you would merely give me to this man and what reason do you have Yukena?" Kagome spat out her name like it was acid in her mouth. At this point she no longer considered this onna her mother and she wasn't going to just do as she said. Tonight during her run Kagome wouldn't look back and this time she'd leave without a word through her balcony.

"Don't you dare say my name… I am your mother and you will show me respect," Yukena growled. She could tell her inner demon was beginning to take control for red was seeping into her eyes quickly.

"Tell me," Kagome hissed and felt Kikyo tense underneath her hand. She knew darn well she was pissing off her mother but she couldn't care. Her eyes were nearly blood red but she held her beast under control since she had more youki then her mother. If her beast was set free the estate would no longer be standing and her mother would be ripped to shreds until nothing was left.

"Naraku," Yukena said in a low growl.

The shadow like shadow like figure became angered by the mere name. His mate dare give his precious daughter to that scum? Naraku was his worst enemy who had lusted after Kagome ever since she was born. Between giving her to Naraku or Rune he would have chosen Rune over that bastard hanyou any day. His mate was giving his full-blooded daughter to a hanyou, which would disgrace their line. He wasn't letting this happen Kagome was going tonight.

Kagome growled her blood beast slamming at her control. Her mother was a fool if she thought Kagome would be the one to ruin the line. Even if Naraku ever got a hold of her she'd never give herself to him. She'd stay a virgin forever then give herself or body to a hanyou. Even the thought made her sick.

"You disgrace the family line and I will not disgrace father by following your wishes. A hanyou mother you lower yourself so much that you'd risk having hanyou's in the family line. You disgust me. I might not hate humans but I will never mate one or a hanyou," Kagome snarled through clenched fangs. Her claws were longer as were her fangs and she was ready to strike should the time need.

Yukena snarled as well using a tongue only known to inuyoukai. It gave more expression to what she had to say and she was glad to use it. :You will do as I say… you are my daughter and will do as… I… say:

:No… I refuse to ever do as you say… anymore: GGgggrrrrr:

Kikyo sat watching and listening as they growled back and forth. Kagome had a point… father never wanted hanyou children in the family and they should respect his final wishes. She stood and stood beside Kagome. :Mother… it was father's final wishes to keep the line pure… Kagome is right you disgrace your mate by doing this:

:You are against me as well… Kikyo how could you: GGgggrrrrr:

:I can because it was fathers wish and I respect that:

Kagome growled once again before walking past her mother and up the stairs. : I will not mate a hanyou nor a ningen… you would do well to remember that: GGgggrrrrr:

Yukena let out a howl and went to find something to rip apart before she ripped them apart. She couldn't believe her daughter's were both against her on this and her blood was beating quickly.

"Where are you going Kagome?" Kikyo asked when she walked into Kagome's room.

Kagome turned to her sister. "No longer will I be hidden. I'm leaving to where I don't know but I feel as if I should go west. Something inside of me is telling me to go west," she said leaning down and pulling out a box from under her bed.

"What is that?" Kikyo asked. She could feel great power coming from the box and wondered why she never noticed it before.

"Tokiron," Kagome said pulling the blade from the box. It was long and well kept. The hilt was dark blue and the end was pointed so well it could cut right through flesh if she were to use it.

"Please be careful Kagome. Do not fall asleep in the forest who knows what wonders there at night," Kikyo said leaving the room but not before looking back at her sister only to see her nod once.

Kagome jumped from the balcony and ran straight for the wall. Without warning she jumped over it and dashed into the forest. Her feet kept speed and she started to slow once she neared her favorite spot.

She knew she should get away but something was pulling her to this place. Once she entered she felt something tingle at the back of her mind but ignored the feeling. Walking toward the middle she began to middle her armor was the first to come off and Kagome laid it beside her spot along with her sword.

Leaning back into the grass she looked up toward the sky and felt tears begin to fall from her eyes. How could her mother do such a thing to her? How could she ever think that Kagome would ever go for a hanyou and disgrace her father's line? Well she wouldn't and that was final.

She'd promised Kikyo she'd be careful but as she sat there she felt sleep begin to tug at her senses. Slowly her eyes closed even when she wiled herself to stay awake. Her head tilted to one side and tears fell from her eyes until sleep took over even her major senses meant to keep alert at all times.

"Come Rin," came a deep voice just ahead of the little ningen girl holding the reins to the great dragon youkai. The small girl with black hair quickly got onto the dragons back and waited for the small toad youkai to get aboard as well.

"Hai Lord Sesshoumaru. Come Master Jaken," the little girl called down to the gami youkai.

The gami named Jaken looked up at the little girl named Rin and snorted. "This Jaken will not do as a onna commands," he said but quickly found himself at the end of a black boot.

The tall inuyoukai held no emotion but a twinkle entered his eye when he heard the girl Rin laugh. His cold eyes searched the forest around them. This night was just to perfect for his liking. On nights like these something usually went wrong somewhere.

The tall male held pale skin and long silver hair. His features were that of beauty with his magenta strips and blue crescent moon showing his high rank in society. His clothes also showed he was of high class. Mainly white was his kimono but held red on the sleeves and one shoulder. Armor covered his chest though he needed it not.

Sesshoumaru tugged at the reins of the giant dragon and began to wonder why Rin warmed his cold heart. Every since child hood he'd known of bad times thus locked himself away from the world. Rin though had somehow found a way to find a way into his heart. It was like she had found a crack and wiggled inside without him even noticing.

Ever since the day he saved her after the attack she had from wolves she'd become something of importance to him. He'd brought her from death and still wondered why he did. Yes she was a good thing in his life but his life would be so much longer then hers thus he'd be alone again.

Jaken the gami had been with him for longer then he could recall. Sure he'd saved the things life thus he held a life dept as well but it was by accident. He'd been passing by and a youkai had blocked his way so like everything else he told it to move. When it didn't he killed it not even noticing the large family of gami he'd saved.

Ah Un the dragon youkai was the only childhood friend he could remember. Dragons themselves were strange creatures but the two-headed dragon had been following him since he was very young. He'd found him one day nearly killed and saved it from the youkai who would have been its killer. Then it had followed him home much to his father's amusment and his mother's irritation.

Looking forward once the smallest of his group had laid down for the night he pulled at Ah Un's reins and waited for the dragon to begin following him. This is what he found himself doing mostly now. Sure he could go home to his stone castle but he found it nicer to walk inside his lands to enjoy the nature and beauty of it all.

He knew that he was lonely and for the longest time he had been. No female was worthy of him not even for the quick ruts he used them for. His companions were the only things he came to being not as lonely as he used to have been. Over the years it was like he was hollow.

No female was good enough. Either they coated themselves in tons of perfume or cover their faces with white powder. They never wanted just him but his money or the title that came with being his mate. No he wouldn't give them that but during his heat cycle or when he got frustrated a pretty youkai female would do nicely for a rut. He would never stay though once done he would leave the room because he knew if he stayed with them to hold them during the night they'd think something of it. None of them were worth his time since just being in the same room as him aroused most.

He could pick up the sound of howling wolves and the creatures of the night within the forest. Looking around he could even see the tall estate off in the distance and flowers that grew along the path he decided to take. The sky was also clear and the moon shone through the trees.

Yes this night was just to perfect and he was sure something, somewhere was wrong. War was always upon them but this night seemed to good to be true. Most of the time if it was then it wasn't what it seemed. The weather was just to perfect and the night seemed slower then usual.

A breeze flowed by him and he took another sniff when he caught a scent. He turned his head toward the direction that it was coming from. It smell of inu and he could smell the scent of tears along with it. This scent though was unlike anything he'd ever had the chance to smell. It was… was so… perfect.

From what he could get it was sweet but not cloying; strong but not too forceful; complex but not overwhelming. From what he could get off that breeze he didn't have better words to describe it. All he knew was he had to find what could smell like this and had to find out who it was. Something deep inside him told him his lonely days were over.

He turned to Ah Un and sniffed again noticing the wind had picked up giving him more of the scent. This scent he would never tire of smelling he knew that and he could tell it was female. He had to find this female and until then he would leave Ah Un in charge.

"Ah Un watch the others until I return," Sesshoumaru said. He saw the dragons turn to each other and nod; surely they'd smelled it too.

The dragons turned back to him; one nodded and he could have sworn he saw the other wink at him. Such strange creatures dragons were like he'd said and Ah Un would be the weirdest.

Shaking his head Sesshoumaru dashed off toward the scent. He knew it wasn't to far off and he would reach it within a few minutes. He didn't know what was coming over him but as soon as he caught the scent his blood beast wanted to find it and make it belong to it. His blood beast had never found a female it wanted as a mate and neither had he but right as the scent came by him his beast knew it must have this female.

He ran through the trees at top speed and slowed when he came toward a barrier. Walking closer he sniffed and found the scent he wanted to find coming from within. He walked toward the barrier until he was just outside and could see a black figure with pale skin lying among the moonflowers.

Once he stood beside the barrier he took a step away when the barrier fell. Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes but stepped forward and noticed the barrier once again rise when he stepped into the clearing but stayed just at the edge of the tree line.

His eyes widened when he saw the female he'd been searching for. He could see her aura as well and noticed that it was strong and held the sense of a warrior but it also held the gentleness and compassion that came with kindness. She was like a tenshi lying among the flowers with her sword and black armor lying beside her. Her pale but what seemed like moon beam kissed face with its silver markings and the pale, but creamy cross with blue flames on her forehead. Her clothing was just as black as her hair, which held a gleam and seemed soft like water. Sesshoumaru could easily make out the silver wisps within from the moonlight shining down upon them.

He nodded his head when his beast screamed to have the female. Sesshoumaru would have this female but first he would bring his companions to the clearing and allow her to sleep. She seemed to have been through a lot since he could smell tears and sense sadness from her. Why would someone ever do anything to such a beautiful and perfect creature? He didn't know but he did know he'd never do anything to her, never would he dream of such a thing.

KibaSin:

As I said, I'm starting to move everything! Now, I do have all the chapters to this story, just I have to go to bed, so I can't put this all into different documents right now! My mom doesn't want me up any later then 10:45 so I have to go. Well, I'll copy the rest of this tomorrow, and hopefully have the rest of it for you then. Oh, and I might have like the first 15 chapters of Jealous Youkai since its not working either.

(Hint: I have to put this on a floppy disc, and then take it to a friends', cause I no longer have internet)

Kiba