Chapter 9: Dogs, Wolves and Cougars Part 2
Kaori turned in her sleep. Outside of dreamland, Kouga and his comrades were worried about her. It was noon and she still hadn't awakened. Kaori's eyes fluttered opened as she sat up. As soon as she saw the bright sunlight, she knew she had overslept. Well, at least she didn't have to go to school in this era.
"Kaori, you all right?" Ginta asked.
"Why?" Kaori asked.
"You slept really long. Longer than anyone I know," Ginta answered.
"Well, I sometimes sleep this long," Kaori informed him. "It's normal for me."
Kaori stretched and asked to have some privacy. Kouga got the message, seeing that he once was stuck to care for some females in another clan. They always asked for privacy and Kouga had finally understood when someone said that. Though, Ginta and Hakkaku just looked at each other questioning. Once they saw their leader start to leave, they followed.
"Kouga, are you just going to leave her alone, especially during this time?" Hakkaku asked.
"She wanted to be able to change into something else," Kouga said.
"Huh?" Ginta and Hakkaku asked.
"She a woman. Have you ever walked in on a girl bathing?" Kouga asked.
"No," both men answered.
"No wonder you don't know what she was talking about. And you guys wonder why you don't have mates," Kouga sighed.
Kaori came to the mouth of the cave to allow the guys back in.
"Hey, you guys are-" Kaori started. "No, it can't be."
"It's that mutt, Inuyasha," Kouga said, cracking his knuckles. "I've longed for a fight."
Kaori ran inside very quickly for a human and started packing up. How is it that he found her? Did he go to her time and found out she wasn't there? She zipped up her bag and ran out, not noticing she had left behind the notebook her father had given her. As she was exiting, she saw him. The tall and proud Sesshomaru, glaring right at her. Kaori sprinted to her left, but was stopped by Kouga.
"Let me go!" Kaori ordered.
"Lord Sesshomaru says he wants to talk to you," Ginta said.
"Well, I don't want to talk to him," Kaori yelled, trying to push her way through.
Sesshomaru just watched Kaori give up and hang her head.
"Why did you lie to me?" Sesshomaru asked.
"I didn't want you to find out," Kaori said. Kouga looked at his comrades. They understood, but from the emotion in Sesshomaru's eyes, he didn't.
"Find out what?" Sesshomaru asked.
"Look, this isn't the best subject to ask a female about," Kouga said, letting Kaori go.
"I do not take advice from wolves like you," Sesshomaru told Kouga, not once looking at him.
"Is that an insult?" Kouga asked. Ginta and Hakkaku ran to their leader to hold him back.
"Tell me why you would lie to me," Sesshomaru ordered Kaori.
"She's your superior. She should be ordering you around," Kouga yelled. Sesshomaru gave Kouga a glared, but that didn't silence the wolf, nor stop him from trying to lash out at Sesshomaru.
"It's ok, Kouga. I'll tell him," Kaori said and walked inside the cave.
'I thought she said she would tell me,' Sesshomaru thought, but followed her into the cave.
"That's my den! Get out!" Kouga yelled.
"Kouga, calm down. Sesshomaru's powerful. Don't attack him," Hakkaku told his leader.
"I could take him any day!" Kouga boasted.
"It would kill Kaori if you attacked him. Remember last night," Ginta reminded.
Kouga stopped struggling at that comment. Ginta did have a point. He fixed his armour and furs and strolled into the den casually. He saw that Kaori seemed to be avoiding Sesshomaru. She sat in the corner of the den while Sesshomaru stood near the mouth of the cave. Kouga seated himself next to Kaori and Kouga could have swore he heard Sesshomaru growl. Kouga wanted to take a risk at the moment, but Kaori ruined it.
"I'm going through a cycle," Kaori told Sesshomaru.
"A cycle?"Sesshomaru asked.
"Uh... It's..." Kaori stuttered.
"She's in heat," Ginta blurted out.
Kaori's eyes went wide and she buried her face into her hands. It was a very embarrassing moment. In Kaori's time, guys would actually not have to ask about this stuff. They would learn it in school.
"That doesn't explain why you lied," Sesshomaru said.
Kaori clenched her eyes and bit her lip, trying her best not to scream out. The smell of fresh blood hit Sesshomaru's nose along with everyone else's.
"You are injured," Sesshomaru said.
"Well, no," Kaori said.
"I knew you were in heat, but why are you bleeding?" Kouga asked.
"Uh..." Kaori stuttered. "You really don't know about humans?"
"I detest humans. Why should I know about humans?" Sesshomaru asked. "Just explain why you lied and we will leave."
"It's not as simple as that," Kaori said. "You see, with this princess thing and all, my scent makes all males go crazy. Like, I smell really attractive to them and makes them think they have strong feelings and make moves on me."
"I would be able to control myself," Sesshomaru told her.
"Well, it's not just that. During this, I also am affected," Kaori told him.
Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow along with Kouga, Ginta, and Hakkaku.
"Explain," Sesshomaru said.
"I lose control around any male," Kaori blurted out.
Sesshomaru kept his eyebrow raised as Kouga and his comrades lowered their jaws.
"I see," Sesshomaru said. Kaori hid her face into her hands. She couldn't believe she had just said that to four males. "But then why did you go running to another male?"
"Excuse me?" Kaori asked.
'He just didn't. He just didn't say what I think he said,' Kaori thought.
"Why did you go running to another male? It doesn't tie in with your explanation," Sesshomaru said.
"Ugh! You little-" Kaori said standing. "I can't believe you just said that!"
Sesshomaru just watched her raise. He saw her clenched fists were shaking with rage. Kouga was even up against the wall. Or just standing as far away as possible.
"I do not know of this insult I said," Sesshomaru said coolly.
"Bastard!" Kaori yelled. Ginta and Hakkaku winced, knowing who Sesshomaru was. He wasn't one to take kindly to name calling. Though, to everyone but Kaori's surprise, Sesshomaru stood and took it.
"I should kill you where you stand," Kaori yelled. It echoed down the cave.
"Why don't you?" Sesshomaru asked.
"Because your training me. That's the only reason," Kaori yelled.
Her mind actually believed that. It wasn't because she was in love with him. It was because he was training her. She mixed up love with admiration. Kaori fell to her knees onto her furs. She wasn't in love with him. This whole thing her mom was saying just confused her. It wasn't love. It wasn't love. Kaori closed her eyes and examined all the facts to why she thought she loved him. Maybe because she kissed him? No, it was just a reward. Maybe her saving his ass too many times to count? No, he was just a friend. What friend wouldn't do that for another friend? The locket? Her mom did say his opened when he had it. She did say it would open when she fell in love with him.
"I see," Sesshomaru said. "Explain why you are in the wolf den with three wolf demons. If you are telling the truth, you would be far away from any male as possible."
"Well, excuse me for making a mistake. I found this cave abandoned and used it for this cycle. I just found out yesterday," Kaori told him.
"Well, I believe it was stupid not to tell me the truth," Sesshomaru said.
"What was I supposed to say?" Kaori asked.
"Just tell me the truth. Did you truly believe that I would take you during this time?" Sesshomaru asked.
"What does that mean?" Kaori asked, glaring at Sesshomaru. Kouga could have swore that he heard a crack of thunder outside.
"I would not take any human for my mate, under no circumstances," Sesshomaru said.
"I'm not human," Kaori told him.
Sesshomaru gave her a glance from the corner of his eye and then looked outside. "I would still not take you."
Kaori tried her best to keep her emotions in check. 'Tell me again why I put up with him,' Kaori told herself. 'Tell me.'
"Hey, let's change the subject, huh?" Ginta suggested.
"I agree," Hakkaku said. They hated the arguing between Sesshomaru and Kaori. They didn't know how trained Kaori was with her powers, but they knew Sesshomaru killed without mercy. If Kaori wasn't trained enough, she could be killed instantly.
"Hey, when was the last time you ate?" Kouga asked.
"Uh, four days ago," Kaori whispered. A small rumble came from Kaori's stomach.
"Ginta, Hakkaku. Please go get something for us all to eat. We wouldn't want her to starve," Kouga said looking over at Kaori. Kaori seemed to not be looking at him or Sesshomaru. She preferred to watch the guys leave to hunt, then revert her attention to the ground.
"Hey, everything will be fine," Kouga told her, pulling her into his lap. Kaori gave a slight yelp, but snuggled into his warmth. Sesshomaru never held her like this.
This time both of them heard it. A low growl from Sesshomaru. Kaori looked over at him with worried eyes and saw he was looking away. Into the night.
"Night!" Kaori screamed and leaped from Kouga's hands. She picked her backpack up and sprinted out of there before Kouga or Sesshomaru noticed where she had gone. Sesshomaru did not follow her. He just stood and heard Kaori cursing herself. He heard the splash of water and a relieving sigh. Kouga had stood and came to the mouth of the cave.
Sesshomaru just cast Kouga a glance.
"She's bathing," Sesshomaru told Kouga.
Kouga stopped and turned to Sesshomaru.
"Uh, thanks," Kouga said. "Ever walked in on a girl bathing?"
Sesshomaru glanced at Kouga and turned to look back to the sky.
"It's a terrible sight. They splash around, throw rocks and anything else they can get their hands on at you, then never talk to you again," Kouga shared.
"I know," Sesshomaru said.
"Ah, so you are a male! I thought so," Kouga said gleefully.
Sesshomaru gave Kouga a sideways glare and turned to look at the sky again.
Splashing was suddenly heard and screaming. Sesshomaru walked out and turned to find Kaori covering herself with her towel, holding a rock in one hand, keeping the towel up with the other. Her back was to Sesshomaru and an oncoming Kouga.
"What's going on?" Kouga yelled.
Kaori shrieked and turned suddenly to face Kouga. She also saw Sesshomaru and backed up, almost falling into the spring again. Kouga was quicker and caught her arm the was holding the rock and pulled her to his chest. Kaori held her towel still, but dropped the rock. Sesshomaru had noticed Ginta and Hakkaku standing there, blushing. They held two dead deer over their shoulders, their kill. Sesshomaru glared at them and they hurried into the cave.
"Hey, you all right?" Kouga whispered.
"Now I am," Kaori said.
"Good. You frightened me when you screamed," Kouga told her. Kaori giggled and looked into his blue eyes.
"I think I should get dressed," Kaori suggested.
"Yeah," Kouga agreed, releasing Kaori. She stepped back to the water's edge and waited until the males left. Sesshomaru didn't, though.
"Are you all right?" Sesshomaru asked.
"Yeah, just fine," Kaori told him.
'Is that concern?' Kaori thought.
Sesshomaru left and Kaori went through her backpack. The clothes that her father had packed weren't exactly covering ones and it was in the middle of winter!
Most of her shirts showed her mid drift. She had pants, but most were very light. She had more skirts and shorts than pants. She had only one jacket, but she had left that inside. Kaori then shook her head when she realized her father packed her bikini. Kaori found a sweater or two and got one out along with one pair of pants.
She dressed quickly and joined the males inside. Kouga was yelling at his comrades for walking in on Kaori.
"Well at least we understand now why girls need privacy," Ginta said after the lecture.
"Yeah. And why Kouga's crazy about her," Hakkaku said, looking at Kaori's body as she passed them.
Kaori giggled and placed her dirty clothes to the side. Most of them had bloodstains on them and she would need to wash them at home to get the blood out. The stain remover was only at home and she hated that.
Kaori said down after putting her coat on and lit a fire. Kouga kept growling at his comrades who jumped every few minutes. Suddenly Kaori sneezed.
Kouga moved next to Kaori and rubbed her arms, warming her up.
"Thanks. Hey, you must be cold. So little clothing," Kaori said to Kouga.
"Nah, the cold is nothing to me," Kouga boasted.
Kaori didn't look convinced and leaned into Kouga.
"I have no clothing for you, so this will have to do," Kaori said, leaning her head into her chest. Kaori nearly yelped when Kouga picked her up and placed her into his lap, but she had gotten used to Kouga's sudden movements on her.
Kaori looked at Sesshomaru. She could have sworn that she caught his amber eyes glaring at her before turning away. Her thoughts were cut short when Kouga wrapped his arms around her waist.
"Kouga," Kaori whispered.
"Yes?" Kouga asked.
"You think you're over-doing it?" Kaori asked.
"Am I making you uncomfortable?" Kouga asked.
"No," Kaori answered and rested in his arms.
"Are you hungry?" Kouga asked.
"Not yet," Kaori whispered.
"Ok, tell me when you are," Kouga whispered.
Kaori gave a light nod and made herself comfortable in Kouga's arms.
Sesshomaru was watching the entire thing until Kaori had caught him looking at her. He then heard every word they said. How he despised Kouga. Kaori was his responsibility, not his. He was the one to take care of her, not him. Sesshomaru would have growled out of anger, but Ginta and Hakkaku were whispering now.
"Hey, didn't Kaori look good in the spring?" Ginta asked.
"Yeah. I don't think this feeling I'm having for her is because of the heat. She's really good looking," Hakkaku said, remembering what had happened.
"If only she hadn't burnt us," Ginta said, rubbing his shoulder.
"Don't know how she did it," Hakkaku admitted.
"Maybe something triggers it," Ginta suggested.
"Maybe," Hakkaku repeated.
Kouga smiled as he heard Kaori's breathing even out. She had falling asleep in his arms! He was happy he could comfort her. He brushed a stray hair out of her face and heard Sesshomaru growl.
"Hey, dog boy, why do you keep growling? That's all you do since we met," Kouga announced.
Sesshomaru turned completely to look at Kouga. The reason he growled wasn't because of Kouga. It was because of the conversation Ginta and Hakkaku were having. His amber eyes glared at Kouga.
"What? It is the truth," Kouga said.
"Hold your tongue. The reason I growl is no business of a wolf," Sesshomaru said.
"Do you care about her or something?" Kouga asked.
"I do not care. Do not accuse me of such stupidity," Sesshomaru said.
"So it's stupid to fall in love," Kouga said.
"The one you love always gets put in danger. They use them to get to you. What type of love is that?" Sesshomaru asked.
"Well, you do have that human child with you," Kouga said.
Sesshomaru's eyes glared at Kouga. 'How dare he talk about Rin,' Sesshomaru thought. 'She's dead. Why should I care?'
"End of conversation," Sesshomaru told Kouga, turning to look outside.
"This conversation doesn't end until I say it ends," Kouga told Sesshomaru.
"Kouga, if you don't keep it down, Kaori might awaken," Ginta warned.
Kouga glared at Sesshomaru, but was silent. He want Kaori to sleep peacefully, not a worry on her mind. Little did he know that he had awaken Kaori earlier.
She stirred in Kouga's lap and opened her eyes to two sea blue ones.
"Hey," Kouga said.
"I'm hungry now," Kaori said.
"Oh, well, ok," Kouga said. He didn't want to leave Kaori, but he was the only one who had skill to cut the meat. Sesshomaru was already kneeling over one of the deer and cut some meat off. He passed it to Kaori so she could cook it. She dug her head into Kouga's chest at the first sight of the deer's blood. She didn't want to think of blood or she would think about her cramps, resurfacing them. Sure enough, pain hit her stomach and she clenched her eyes, biting her lip.
"Idiot. She doesn't eat raw meat," Kouga said. He got a glare, but Sesshomaru said nothing. He placed it on a stick on put it near the fire. After it was well done, he passed it to Kaori again. She looked over at the meat and took little bites. She never had an appetite during this time. She only ate half of her helping. Kouga took the rest and finished it off. Kaori just laughed and fell asleep later that night. Sesshomaru was glaring at her throughout the night along with Kouga. Kouga glared at Sesshomaru, but every time he felt Kaori stir in his arms, he would place a light kiss on her forehead. Sesshomaru finally had enough of watching Kaori lay in another man's arms and walked outside for some alone time. He needed to think alone.
He walked down the mountain to the forest. While he walked through the forest, he thought.
Was he getting jealous? No. That Sesshomaru never got jealous. Especially over a woman that he barely knew. A light breeze blew threw the trees and Sesshomaru's hair blew around him. A scent hit Sesshomaru's nose suddenly.
"Naraku," Sesshomaru hissed.
"Nope," A feminine voice said.
"Wind Sorceress Kagura," Sesshomaru said.
Kagura walked out, fanning herself.
"Sesshomaru, dear. How have you've been?" Kagura asked.
Sesshomaru just watched Kagura come closer.
"Cat got your tongue?" Kagura asked.
"I do not want to speak to one like you," Sesshomaru said.
"Why not? Is our relationship over?" Kagura asked.
"We don't have a relationship, nor ever will," Sesshomaru hissed, turning to leave.
"That's not what your sweet girl inside thinks," Kagura said.
"Excuse me?" Sesshomaru said, looking at Kagura from the corner of his eye.
"It seems I gave her a visit with Naraku and we told her that you and I have something going on," Kagura shared, coming closer.
"Lies," Sesshomaru said.
"You and I know that, but she doesn't," Kagura said. "Better watch your back. She might be getting feelings for that wolf that holds her at the moment."
"I do not care," Sesshomaru said.
"Ah, the brave Sesshomaru just lied!" Kagura exclaimed, covering her mouth with her fan. "Say it ain't so."
"I do not care she is in the arms of another man. She contains no feelings of mine," Sesshomaru said.
"Yes, because Rin does," Kagura said.
Sesshomaru glared and looked ahead.
"Good bye, Kagura," Sesshomaru said walking away. Kagura chuckled loudly and flew off. Things were going according to plans.
Sesshomaru returned to the cave to find Kaori laying on the floor. Kouga was rubbing his arms and growling. Kaori's eyes were just fluttering open.
"Bitch!" Kouga yelled at her.
"Huh?" Kaori said sleepily.
"You used your powers on me," Kouga yelled.
"I don't understand," Kaori told him, rubbing her eyes. She then held the back of her head. "I have a killer headache."
"That's what you get from burning me. I threw you off once you burnt me," Kouga told her.
"I did not," Kaori told him.
"I have the burn marks to prove it!" Kouga exclaimed. "I thought you were just getting a fever, but them you burst into flames, burning me."
"Burst into flames?" Kaori asked.
"You were surrounded in flames. We were worried," Ginta explained. Hakkaku nodded his agreement.
Sesshomaru just watched the conversation. He was slightly worried when he found Kouga had thrown Kaori to the stone floor, but then remembered she couldn't die.
"Hey, it's ok. You just startled me," Kouga told her. "You can come back if you want to."
Kaori palms held fire and Kaori shook her head no, extinguishing the flames.
"I think it would be wise not to join you," Kaori told Kouga.
Kouga shrugged and leaned against the wall, closing his eyes.
Kaori rubbed her arms and before she knew what had happened, she was in someone's lap.
"Uh," Kaori said and looked up to the cold face of Sesshomaru.
"Sleep," Sesshomaru ordered.
"I think I'll be just fine in my furs," Kaori told Sesshomaru trying to leave his lap. She didn't want to burn Sesshomaru while she slept. One headache was bad enough.
She was pulled to Sesshomaru's chest forcefully. He didn't even blink an eye.
"Sleep," Sesshomaru ordered again.
Kaori stirred to get comfortable, but Sesshomaru had her pinned against his chest.
"How the hell am I supposed to sleep if I'm uncomfortable," Kaori snapped.
Sesshomaru released his tight hold on her and watched Kaori stir, but not leave his lap. She ended up leaning her head in his shoulder, legs over his. Her hands were resting on his chest, Sesshomaru not minding at all. Her held her waist and sat down instead of the kneeling position he was in. She slightly yelped, but caught the angered glare from Sesshomaru and closed her eyes to sleep.
She couldn't exactly fall asleep on cue and Sesshomaru knew that. Kaori finally thought about the training she would have to catch up on by the time this cycle was over and fell asleep. Once everyone heard her breathing even out, they all started chatting quietly about her.
"Why did she burn me?" Kouga asked to no one in particular.
"Maybe she doesn't like you," Hakkaku suggested.
Kouga glared at him before asking, "who doesn't like me?"
"I don't," Sesshomaru admitted.
"That was just because I was holding your girl in my arms. You got jealous, that's all," Kouga snapped.
Sesshomaru glared at him and held Kaori closer. Maybe that was why.
Suddenly, an odd sound came from something next to Kouga. He had accidentally hit the button on the radio that turned it on and while it was off, turn the volume up really high. Kaori stirred and opened her eyes. The loud music was the first thing she noticed. The second was that she was freezing. And outside. Sesshomaru had leaped to get her out of danger while dealing with the "demon." Kouga hit the radio a few times, but it didn't shut it off. Sesshomaru extended his claws, but before he attacked, Kaori had sped inside to save her only radio. She shut it off and turned the dial for volume down.
"Who turned that up and on?" Kaori asked, rubbing her eyes.
"What is that thing?" Kouga asked, rubbing his ears. He didn't even hear himself asked the question. He only knew he said something.
"It's a radio," Kaori told him.
"What? I saw your lips move, but I couldn't hear anything," Kouga yelled.
Kaori put a finger to her lips to tell him to be quiet and was suddenly pulled to Sesshomaru side.
"That's the third time you've deafen me," Sesshomaru told her.
Kaori laughed nervously and Sesshomaru just looked down at her. She felt his claws on her skin, but they weren't piercing her skin. Yet.
"Look, I'm sorry. This time it wasn't my fault. Someone turned it up and on," Kaori told him.
"I did not hear what you just said. What is it?" Sesshomaru asked. Kaori came up to his ear.
"It's a radio," Kaori said in his ear. He heard it clearly.
"What does it do?" Sesshomaru asked.
"It plays music," Kaori told him. This time it was louder. He pulled her away.
"Music?" Sesshomaru asked.
"The fast tunes at the party," Kaori explained.
Sesshomaru nodded slightly and looked over at the wolves. They seemed to still be having trouble with their ears and Sesshomaru took this a good time to talk to Kaori privately. Without overhearing ears.
"The locket your mother gave me, why does mine open and not yours?" Sesshomaru asked.
"Uh, well, it's my mother's powers. She put some sort of spell on it and it would open at a specific time in our lives," Kaori said.
"And what would that be?" Sesshomaru asked.
"Uh," Kaori said. 'Think fast. What do you know about him from the history books?' Kaori thought.
Sesshomaru looked down at her intensely. "I'm waiting," Sesshomaru said.
"When our father dies," Kaori said quickly. It was the only thing that came to mind.
"Understood," Sesshomaru said.
"What's understood?" Kouga yelled.
"Nothing," Kaori yelled.
"End of conversation," Sesshomaru whispered.
Kaori turned to leave, but Sesshomaru caught something glimmering beneath Kaori clothes. With sudden curiosity, he grabbed it, halting Kaori in her tracks. It was the locket she had gotten.
"You wear this," Sesshomaru announced.
"Yeah," Kaori said nervously. She was hoping he wouldn't find out she still had it.
"How?" Sesshomaru asked.
"Huh?" Kaori asked.
"It has an odd clasp. I do not know how to wear it," Sesshomaru told her.
Kaori chuckled before holding out her palm. Sesshomaru pulled out the locked and put it in her palm.
"Have you looked inside?" Kaori asked.
"I will wait until yours can open," Sesshomaru told her.
Kaori stood on tip- toes and wrapped her arms around Sesshomaru's neck to clasp it. She was stopped was one of his hands.
"This is how you put it on," Kaori explained.
He released her and she clasped it, trailing her hand down the chain. She stopped at the locket and looked up at Sesshomaru. His amber eyes looked down at her.
"So, Kaori, what is that loud device?" Kouga asked, ruining the moment. Kaori pulled her eyes from his and went to Kouga.
"A radio. Plays music and tunes," Kaori told him.
"Odd thing. We usually play tunes with instruments," Kouga told her, kicking it.
"Hey, that's my only one," Kaori exclaimed.
"Oh. Sorry," Kouga said.
"It's ok. Umm, if you don't mind, I am getting tired," Kaori said after yawning widely.
Sesshomaru sat down to relax and felt weight on his lap. He looked down to find two baby blue eyes looking up at him.
"Is this ok with you?" Kaori asked.
Sesshomaru gave her a slight nod and she closed her eyes, relaxing and falling asleep immediately.
"She's your mate?" Kouga asked.
"No," Sesshomaru said coolly.
"Intended?" Kouga asked.
Sesshomaru looked down at Kaori's eyes closed.
"Not yet," Sesshomaru said in a whisper.
"Ah, so she's a possibility," Kouga said cheerfully. "Wait until mutt finds out about this."
Kouga finally caught one of Sesshomaru's glares to him.
"If you should tell Inuyasha, I shall hunt you down personally and kill you and revive you until I get sick of that game," Sesshomaru threatened.
"Look, it was just a joke," Kouga said waving his hands in front of him.
"I do not take kindly to jokes," Sesshomaru told Kouga. Kaori stirred in Sesshomaru hands and Sesshomaru was silent.
"She's beautiful person. Never realized princesses were so pretty," Kouga mentioned. "It would work out for you, wouldn't it? A lord, a princess."
"I will not mate a human," Sesshomaru told Kouga. "I need a pure heir."
"True, but other lords are just doing fine without pure ones," Kouga explained.
"That's pathetic," Sesshomaru hissed.
"Maybe an heir from her would be more powerful than a full blood son," Kouga explained. "Those powers are pretty powerful."
Sesshomaru considered this. Kouga did have a point. She was more powerful than any other demon. Maybe her powers would allow him to have a full blood son. He shouldn't hope. She still went through human cycles.
"But it's a possibility that it would be a half-breed," Kouga said.
"This conversation is over. Kaori is stirring," Sesshomaru stated. Kouga looked over at his comrades. Their eyes were wide and their mouths were open wide. Kouga moved over next to them.
"What's your problem?" Kouga asked.
"You just had an actual conversation with Sesshomaru and weren't attempted to be killed afterwards," Hakkaku told Kouga.
"I don't understand," Kouga admitted.
"Never mind. Just if you are thinking of mating Kaori, it wouldn't be a good idea. Just look at them," Ginta stated, looking at Sesshomaru and Kaori. Kaori had awakened and was looking up at Sesshomaru.
"You should sleep," Sesshomaru told her.
"I'm not that tired," Kaori told him.
"Want to train tomorrow?" Sesshomaru asked.
"Are you asking for my permission? This is a first!" Kaori exclaimed.
"If you are not up to it, I understand," Sesshomaru told her.
"I'll try to train, but don't go too hard on me. My cramps are still acting up," Kaori said, placing a hand on her stomach. Sesshomaru looked down at her hand and placed one on top of it. Kaori gasped.
"Cramps," Sesshomaru repeated. "Like when you stay in a position too long?"
"Yeah, just no matter how much I move, it hurts," Kaori explained, repositioning herself. She couldn't get comfortable.
"Stop moving," Sesshomaru told her.
"I'm not exactly comfortable," Kaori told him, moving a little bit more.
"Stop moving," Sesshomaru repeated. He held Kaori's shoulder that stopped her. She looked up at Sesshomaru and his amber eyes reflected her own.
He moved her on his own, moving her legs to under her and resting her head underneath his chin. Her hands were positioned on his chest, but Kaori had to move. That wasn't comfortable either.
Sesshomaru eventually gave up and pushed her off. She didn't hit her head this time, but her ass hurt.
"I told you not to move," Sesshomaru told her, raising. Kaori caught a shine from Sesshomaru claws and held up her hands to protect herself. The brought a firewall around her. Sesshomaru was astonished, but he walked off, ignoring the gasp from Ginta, Hakkaku and Kaori.
"Yeah, they have a great relationship," Kouga said, moving over to Kaori. He touched her and her skin burned, burning Kouga's finger.
"Hey, control yourself. It's just me," Kouga said, bringing his finger back.
"I don't understand," Kaori said, running after Sesshomaru. Kouga stood astonished by Kaori's actions.
Kaori ran out, freezing cold. She held her arms and searched for Sesshomaru. She could hear his growling, but she couldn't pinpoint his location.
"Sesshomaru?" Kaori called out.
The growling stopped and a rustle in the trees was heard.
"What are you doing out here? You'll get sick," Sesshomaru said, coming from Kaori's left.
"I was worried. You just left suddenly, angry. I didn't know if you were angry at me or not," Kaori explained, shivering. She sneezed and felt something be placed around her shoulders.
"Stupid," Sesshomaru said, placing his hands on her shoulders over his shirt he had just placed on her.
"Aren't you going to get cold?" Kaori asked.
"Yes, but not sick like you will. Let's get back," Sesshomaru said, leading her to the cave. A growl was heard and Kaori was forced to stop by Sesshomaru's hands.
"Why did you growl?" Kaori asked.
"I didn't," Sesshomaru told her, looking around.
Kaori went on full alert after that comment. Something had just growled at her and Sesshomaru, and it didn't seem friendly.
Two red, glowing eyes were seen by Sesshomaru behind Kaori. He leaped away before explaining anything. All Kaori noticed was the sound of a sword being unsheathed and a slash. One whine was heard and Sesshomaru walked out of the bushes calmly.
"Stupid cougar," Sesshomaru said.
Kaori giggled before sneezing and Sesshomaru returned to Kaori's side.
"Let's get back before we have any more idiots join us," Sesshomaru told Kaori, putting his hands on her shoulders again. They got near the cave and another growl was heard, followed by many others.
Many red flashing eyes were seen surrounding them. Sesshomaru glared and looked around. He had no choice but to fight.
Before he could, though, a demon walked out of the shadows.
"Ah, Sesshomaru. Lovely night, huh? The smell of a fellow cougar is radiating off of your sword. Tell us you didn't kill our brother and we will allow you to pass," the demon said.
"He challenged me," Sesshomaru stated. Kaori felt the grip on her shoulders increase, but did not harm her.
"Ah, so you did kill him. I have no choice to avenge my comrade and kill you," the demon said and swept her hand. Kaori was pushed aside while Sesshomaru drew his Tokijin. Slashes were heard along with whines before Kaori saw blood staining the grass.
Kaori suddenly heard a growl next to her and she closed her eyes, screaming high pitched. Sesshomaru turned suddenly to see the cougar. He leaped and before he could stop himself, he saw Kaori put up the same firewall. It stopped the cougar making it reel backwards, but Sesshomaru went right through it. He landed on top of Kaori, her eyes clenched lightly closed as she held herself.
Sesshomaru was face to face with Kaori, lying on top of her. Kaori's eyes opened, expecting to see the red eyes of a pouncing cougar, but saw the worried amber eyes of Sesshomaru.
"Sesshomaru," Kaori whispered.
Sesshomaru wasn't expecting to be this close to Kaori and lifted himself off of Kaori.
"Next time, don't scream unless you need help. You did fine on your own," Sesshomaru said and heard the surviving cougars retreat while Kouga and his comrades hurried to Sesshomaru and Kaori. Sesshomaru walked over to his sword he had dropped and sat down, leaning against a tree.
Kouga was the first to show up and first went to see how Kaori was. Before he even came close, Kaori's firewall showed up and Kouga retreated away. He stayed near Sesshomaru, slightly worried about what Kaori would do to him if he got close. Ginta and Hakkaku showed up and approached Kaori just fine. They checked to see if she had any injures, but it seemed she didn't. Kaori kept looking at Sesshomaru while she told Ginta and Hakkaku she was just fine.
"What happened?" Kouga asked as they hurried to the cave.
"Cougars attacked," Kaori explained. "Aren't you the one who controls this territory? Why are they here?"
"They've been battling us for this territory. That's why we returned. They were planning on taking it by force. I didn't expect them to be here so soon," Kouga told them.
"Next time warn us," Sesshomaru growled. "Kaori was nearly attacked by one."
"Are you all right? We heard your scream and hurried out, but it seemed they had ran off," Ginta explained.
"You checked for injures yourself. I'm fine," Kaori explained, rubbing her arms underneath Sesshomaru's shirt. No one had mentioned it or pointed it out, but she did catch the wolf demons staring at her sometimes. Like now.
"She's not on display. Stop staring at her," Sesshomaru growled.
Kouga blinked a few times and looked away. He didn't like it that Kaori was wearing Sesshomaru's top. If he wanted to, he would give her a top. But he only had his furs and amour and that wouldn't keep her warm. Hell, it didn't keep him warm.
Kaori looked around at something to keep her attention, but it seemed Sesshomaru only would. He had leaped to save her. Wonder if she hadn't put up the wall and the cougar had attacked? Sesshomaru would be injured and only because of her. He had risked injured for her. He did care. Maybe he wouldn't admit it, but he did care.
She also had another problem. Why did her fire continuously effect on Kouga? It didn't work on Sesshomaru, Ginta or Hakkaku. She could understand why for Sesshomaru, but Ginta and Hakkaku? Maybe she liked them too? No, she like Kouga more then them. Maybe because Sesshomaru didn't like Kouga? But they weren't connected in any way. Or were they?
Kaori looked over at Sesshomaru who was walking out of the cave.
"Where are you going?" Kaori called out to Sesshomaru.
"Patrolling," Sesshomaru answered and disappeared into the night.
Kaori set a fire with one finger and warmed up next to it. Sesshomaru could be so mysterious sometimes. A smile fell across her face. At least she knew he cared for her now.
Outside, Sesshomaru was thinking the same thing. He had risked serious injury for her. He cared, it was obvious. Now both Kouga and Kaori knew. He sighed and looked to the sky. How was Rin and Jaken doing while he was gone? Jaken nor Rin could hunt, so they must be starving. But there was left-over deer for them and he had even gotten them a fresh deer before finding Kaori. The sun peaked from the horizon and Sesshomaru looked over at it.
Morning was beginning. The night was longer than others with all of the events that had happened. Sesshomaru looked down at the stream he had come across and wash Tokijin from the blood that remained on it.
"Sesshomaru?" Kaori asked, coming up from behind him. He turned and saw she was in a long, fur winter coat.
"What are you doing out?" Sesshomaru asked.
"You wanted to train?" Kaori asked.
"How are you supposed to train in that?" Sesshomaru asked looking at the coat.
"It has slits at the sides allowing me to move," Kaori explained.
"What type of fur?" Sesshomaru asked.
"Uh?" Kaori asked, looking at the jacket. "I don't know."
Sesshomaru took a bit of it and sniffed. "Bear," he said and sheathed Tokijin.
"Can we train? I'm starting to feel my fingers go numb," Kaori told Sesshomaru.
"I'll join you soon," Sesshomaru told her. "I'm going hunting."
Kaori nodded and ran back to the cave. He sniffed an approaching deer and caught it and a small rabbit for their journey back to the training rounds. As he headed back, he heard Kaori practising her defensive positions. He watched in silence at how smoothly she moved and how graceful her positions were. He usually took her down before she could make a move, but it seemed she had been training while she was away. How, he didn't understand.
"Can you stop watching me? You're distracting me," Kaori said suddenly and Sesshomaru walked out. How did she sense him?
"I will join you soon," Sesshomaru told her passing by her without a glance. Kaori made a funny joke and tripped him as he passed. He was too quick for that. He stepped over the foot without a quiver from his straight stance and continued to walk in.
Kaori sighed and continued her forms. She sensed him, but wasn't as quick as him. He overpowered her and twisted her hands behind her back, bending her over.
"Punishment for trying to trip this Sesshomaru," Sesshomaru said coolly.
"It was just a joke," Kaori told him, looking as much as possible behind her.
"I do not take kindly to jokes, but I will allow this to pass," Sesshomaru told her, releasing her hands. "Don't try it again."
"Yes," Kaori said, regaining her pose. She flew her coat behind her and positioned herself. She remembered the first day of their training. She wasn't ready in the position Sesshomaru had taught her and he had tripped her easily. She had cursed and swore at him, but he didn't care. She needed to learn the exact way he learnt. Trial and failure.
Sesshomaru didn't position himself the same way. It was only for beginners. He always started with a behind kick and she usually knocked forward by that, but not today. Today, she turned and her foot met his. He wasn't shocked. His suspicions were correct. He twisted her foot with his own, causing her to lose her balance. Sesshomaru just smirked and moved to next to her. She swore and flipped up. It was a first to see her do that because she usually just crawled her way up. Most of the time he would trip her that way, but he couldn't when she flipped.
"Shocking you?" Kaori asked, circling him. He followed and made a move by attempting to grab her by the throat. She always missed that one. She could always see the shine in his eye before he did it and moved backwards. Sesshomaru smirked and froze.
"You have been practising," Sesshomaru admitted.
"Yeah," Kaori said breathlessly.
"Now, for your powers," Sesshomaru said. During this, she always shocked him. The more they practised, the stronger her fire seemed to be. But it never seriously injured him. Though, the lightening attacks couldn't be said the same. He had gotten some shocks when he tripped her during their physical training.
"Do you have any targets?" Sesshomaru asked.
"We usually use the targets at the training grounds, and we don't have Jaken either," Kaori mumbled.
"Kouga," Sesshomaru said.
"I don't want to hurt him," Kaori said.
"Do you care about him?" Sesshomaru asked.
"As a friend," Kaori said.
"Then he would understand," Sesshomaru said.
"How about I use you?" Kaori asked.
Sesshomaru froze. "Why me?" Sesshomaru asked.
"I never seriously hurt you. I most likely won't now," Kaori explained.
Sesshomaru considered it and nodded. "But I will warn you. If I sustain any blood loss, you will pay by your own blood," Sesshomaru told her.
"I probably already paid for that for the last seven years. Now shut up and stay still," Kaori told him.
"Focus on your fire," Sesshomaru told her.
Kaori did just that. Her hair suddenly flied up and Kaori was surrounded by flames. Her eyes usually were closed so she could focus more and picture exactly where her target was.
"Now stop," Sesshomaru told her. Kaori opened her eyes and looked questioning at him.
"Huh?" Kaori asked.
"Flames surrounded you," Sesshomaru explained.
"Oh, like when I was in Kouga's lap," Kaori mumbled.
"Precisely," Sesshomaru said. "Do not focus on fire and aim a fire attack at me."
Kaori did precisely that. Just the flames did not injure him at all.
'Why do they not inflict pain?' Sesshomaru thought looking at the flames. 'Jaken always complains when she uses it on him.'
"Something the matter?" Kaori asked.
"They do not inflict pain," Sesshomaru told her.
"How is that possible?" Kaori asked. "Jaken always complains about it."
"Never mind. Use lightening," Sesshomaru told her.
Kaori thought about something really angry and gave a flick of her wrist at Sesshomaru in a rude matter. Before Sesshomaru could tell her not to, he was being shocked. Sparks shocked him. There was a light presence of pain, but no blood spill.
"Did that inflict pain?" Kaori asked.
"Water," Sesshomaru said. He could sense Kouga awakening from inside the cave.
Kaori sighed and made an imaginary circle with her finger. Water splashed Sesshomaru in the face. Kaori had to laugh. He was drenched and it was obvious. Kaori's giggles turned into laughter that brought sleepy wolf demons outside.
Sesshomaru glared at her and shook his head to dry off. His hair went back to it's silky presence, but Kaori was still laughing. She was kneeling on the ground, holding her stomach.
"It wasn't that funny," Sesshomaru told her.
"Yes, yes it was," Kaori told him, calming down. It was just too funny for her.
"That did not inflict pain," Sesshomaru said. Kaori stood up and put a hand on her hip.
"You wanted pain, huh?" Kaori asked and thrust her hand forward. Sparks surrounded water and hit Sesshomaru entirely. He experienced more pain than the sparks alone, but ignored it.
"Happy now?" Kaori asked.
"I wanted water only," Sesshomaru told her, "but it was satisfactory."
Kouga rubbed his eyes and sat back to watch. From the looks of Kaori's light and water attack, it looked pretty painful.
"Earth," Sesshomaru told her.
"Uh, you don't want that," Kaori told Sesshomaru.
"Why?" Sesshomaru asked.
"Well, we're near a cave. I might get some boulders lose and close the cave up, trapping all my belongings inside," Kaori explained.
"Maybe when we return," Sesshomaru said. "Rest. We'll be leaving soon."
"Leaving?" Kaori asked.
"Yes. Rin and Jaken have been left unsupervised," Sesshomaru Kaori walking into the cave. Kaori followed.
"I don't think Jaken will have as much control as you," Kaori explained.
"I will personally injure him if he does anything stupid," Sesshomaru told her. "Now get ready."
"Rest or get ready? Make up your mind," Kaori sighed. She packed up her clothes, putting the stained ones into another pocket. Then she found her notebook her father gave her at the other side of the cave. She glanced at the males and found them all outside, preoccupied. Kaori quietly got a pen out and started writing on the next page.
Date: January 2, 2005
This morning, before sunrise, I found out the man I love truly cares. He risked serious injury to push me out of the way from an attacking cougar. Though it isn't the sweetest thing a guy can do, it still proves he cares. It at least gives me more hope in him loving me.
The cycle is almost done and he has found my hide-out. He tells me he can control himself around me during this time, and from what I've seen during yesterday, I believe him. Kouga, though, told me he loved me for some reason. And I can't control my fire around him. It just goes on when he attempts to touch me. I don't understand it. I'll ask my mother next time I see her, which is most likely my birthday. It should be coming around here soon. Next time this cycle comes around, I'll stand it and stay with Sesshomaru. I trust him with my life, so I think I can trust him with this.
Kaori
As Kaori closed the notebook, Sesshomaru was sensed coming in. As calmly as she could, she placed the book in her bag in the special spot. She knew if she rushed around, he would know something's wrong. Kaori zipped up her backpack and turned around to see two amber eyes in front of her.
"What were you writing?" Sesshomaru asked.
"Huh?" Kaori asked.
"We heard you writing something in here," Sesshomaru told her. "What was it?"
"Oh, just something," Kaori said.
"I know that. Was it a letter? A story? A scroll?" Sesshomaru asked.
"Why are you getting nosey?" Kaori asked moving forward. Sesshomaru didn't move backwards. Kaori was nearly kissing him. Her eyes were wide and staring at his calm eyes.
"It's none of my business, I know. Just I was wondering if I could know what it is, my lady," Sesshomaru said.
"How many times have I told you not to call me that," Kaori whispered.
"Many," Sesshomaru whispered.
Sesshomaru and Kaori just looked at each other for a long time. Sesshomaru glanced down at her lips and was about to move in until-
"Hey, what's going on in here?" Kouga asked.
Sesshomaru leaped away so quickly he was gone by the time Kaori had blinked. Kaori closed her eyes and brought her head down. So close, so close.
Sesshomaru sat with his arms crossed and eyes closed. What had he almost done? Couldn't he control himself around a human who was in heat and cared about?
"We sent you in to ask her what she was writing. It just went silent after a while," Kouga said. He looked at both of them and scratched his head. "Did I interrupt anything?"
"No. You know I wouldn't do anything with a human," Sesshomaru said standing and walking outside with Kaori's bag.
'Yes, but you almost did,' Kaori thought with a smirk. She stood and followed him outside. Kouga held onto Kaori's hand as she reached the mouth of the cave.
"Kaori, I still care for you. No matter how much you burn me or hurt me, I'll always love you," Kouga told her. Kaori pulled her hand from his grasp and smiled at him.
"Thanks Kouga. It's really sweet of you," Kaori said. "I'm still going to wait out for him."
"I understand. But I'm still waiting for you. Come to me if he does anything to upset you," Kouga told her.
Kaori nodded and caught up with Sesshomaru and they both headed back to the training grounds, Rin and Jaken.