Hey hey hey! Another chapter of DDC is on the way! Have fun and enjoy.
-Stelmaria
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Chapter 10: Reunion
Kagome's mind was whirling in shock. She kept feeling the urge to giggle madly. Sesshoumaru's hand encircled her own, warmly reminding her of their amazing kiss. 'I can't believe it. I've never been kissed that way before! Does he feel as strongly for me as I do for him?' She glanced down at their hands again, a thousand questions flooding her thoughts. His skin felt so soft, warm and light within her own. The tips of his claws gently brushed against her palm, tickling slightly. 'He could crush my hand in one swift move, yet he's so gentle. I wonder why he never lets it show.' She resisted the instinct to laugh, joyously peering up into his handsome face.
As usual, a stoic mask confronted her, betraying nothing of her love's emotions. But she could tell by the way the sun sparkled off his eyes that Sesshoumaru was filled with the same heady rush of electric jubilation that she herself felt. Gripping his hand firmly and grinning like an idiot, she entered a world full of fluffy clouds, warm emotions and golden eyes...
A sudden sharp tug rudely awakened her from her daydream. An acute pain from behind sent her immediately sprawling. Kagome landed on her behind with a couple of swift tumbles and shrill yip of surprise. It took a few moments for Sesshoumaru to realize Kagome's warm hand was no longer within his claws. He blinked in disappointment, clearing his mind of the haze contact with her fragrant skin had caused. He stopped to regard her, mind muddled in confusion. At last realization sunk in, the corners of his lips curving in a smile.
Kagome saw this and narrowed her eyes. She tried to stand, only to discover her tail was inconveniently caught on a briar patch, dragging her down to the dirt once more. Growling in mounting frustration, she tugged on the fluffy appendage in a vain attempt to pull it free. Sesshoumaru stood in observation, highly amused. However, he launched into action at Kagome's growl, which was the extremely punctuated version of a death threat. Sure, he hadn't trained her yet, but that didn't mean a pissed Kagome could do some serious damage to his person.
"Calm yourself." He instructed, going to where her tail was entangled in the nearby bush. Her anger kept the fluffy white mass twitching, tempting the distracted Sesshoumaru to pounce. Instead, he carefully unwound the tail and freed the enraged demoness. He stood carefully and quickly moved back a few paces to give her space. Clearing his voice and speaking soothingly, he began his first lesson.
"It is best to keep your tail up off the ground. Every demon has their style, but I prefer to wrap mine over my shoulder." He relaxed his position and showed Kagome how he held his tail, around his waste and over his shoulder. Kagome studied his tail with intense concentration for a few moments, then stood up with a snarl. Carefully she imitated his stance, wrapping her tail around her shoulder so that it hung down, but not enough to snag. Holding her head high, she continued on, leaving Sesshoumaru to follow her trail. "You could have told me that sooner." She muttered, trying to hide her humiliation. He growled in annoyance, quickly catching up with the indignant demoness, who was brushing dirt off her bottom.
"There are many things you have yet to learn, Kagome." Her warned her, putting a buffer on her hot temper. "So it's best you show some respect, after all I AM your Lord!" He added with a snarl at the end. Kagome jerked her head to meet his glinting eyes, a challenge burning in their depths. Gingerly, she lowered her gaze in submission. Testing the taiyoukai's patience would not be a good idea. Although she was certain he'd never actually hurt her, an irritated Sesshoumaru usually meant someone was about to die.
"It's hard," She admitted softly, bowing her head so that her hair hid her face. "Everything is so different now. I feel a little overwhelmed."
"I know." Came his warm reply. "But that will pass in time. I will teach you how to survive."
Kagome felt his hand enclose hers once more, lending her the warmth and strength to move on. She smiled brightly back at him, glad they were close again. She was beginning to learn the ways of his actions. He had not been angry with her, she had merely challenged his position. Now that she was forgiven it was time to move on. They were fast approaching her village and the nervousness and anticipation were eating away at her sanity. Squeezing his palm gently, she continued on anxious to see her friends.
Before she knew it they had arrived. Kagome rested, perched delicately on the edge of a cliff as only a demon can manage, observing the village below her. It looked so peaceful, the villagers moving about at a snail's pace, calmly completing their daily chores. Suddenly she seemed so out of place, a wild animal among tamed beasts. Unbidden, worries came rolling through her mind dampening her high spirits. 'What if they don't like me? Will they even know who I am? What if they're afraid of me? Will Shippo still love me?' Tears welled up in her eyes at the image of Shippo, staring at her in horror and disgust. Imperceptibly her body began to quiver, the terrors sinking like a lead weight to the bottom of her stomach.
"What's the matter?" Sesshoumaru questioned sharply. "Are you afraid?" There was a trace of scorn in his voice that hinted at the inferiority of humans.
"No." She replied slowly, not sure exactly how to explain so he would understand. "My friends, what will they think of me?" She held her hands in front of her face, inspecting the sharp claws and stripes along the wrists, a sad frown on her beautiful lips. Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed in understanding.
"They are your companions, as you are theirs. You also saved their lives. I believe they will accept you. If not," he continued in a light offhand voice, "I will kill them." Kagome glared at him in consternation for a few moments before a tiny grin appeared.
"All right then," she said, feeling strangely comforted, "let's go."
Jumping over the ledge, Kagome flew down the sheer face of the rock cliff with graceful flowing motions, like water tumbling down a stream. Sesshoumaru hesitated a moment to admire her gossamer hair, waving behind her in a bright banner of silk. Then he too followed, nearing the borders of the village. 'I seem to follow her everywhere. Shouldn't I be in the lead? She always manages to get ahead.' He shook his head in mild annoyance. 'Not that I'm in any hurry to get to the village. Humans truly are foul creatures.' On queue, the rotten stench that inevitably accompanies humans rose to meet their delicate noses.
"Oh Kami!" Kagome cried as she brought her hands up to cover her nose. "I forgot how bad they smell!" Sesshoumaru merely wrinkled his nose and steeled his will.
"Yes, well you're just going to have to put up with it while we're here." He scowled fiercely. "I DESPISE humans." With that he began to walk resolutely foreword. Kagome quickly joined him, guiding him through the streets.
They were quite a sight. Two demons walking proudly side by side. Tails billowing, long white hair flowing, adorned in fine robes and expensive silks. The stripes on their faces and the distinctive shape of their ears were unmistakable. As they passed, villagers stopped to stare. Some women ran in their houses and boarded up the windows, others whispered harshly as they passed by. Everyone drew back in silent fear. Previous experiences had taught them the hard truth, demons meant trouble. Kagome swallowed nervously and moved a little closer to Sesshoumaru. Doubt began to plague her thoughts again as they neared Kaede's hut. As they turned a corner Kagome hesitated. There, just ahead, was her old home. Whenever they hadn't been questing for jewel shards, Kaede's house had been their resting place. She didn't know when she had started thinking of this house as home, or Kaede as "grandmother." What she did know was that everything within the hut was dear to her heart.
Sounds drifted to them from the little house and Kagome clutched Sesshoumaru's hand in fear, instantly recognizing the voices of Sango and Miroku. Tears collected behind her eyes fighting to escape.
"Hurry up, Houshi! I can sense two very powerful demons approaching the village!"
"Demons, in this area?" Came the incredulous reply, "None have dared to enter here in years!"
"Maybe they're getting bold, now that Inuyasha is dead."
"In any case, we had better take care of them before they hurt any of the villagers."
"Right!"
Kagome stiffened as the two forms emerged from Kaede's hut, quickly advancing upon her and Sesshoumaru. Miroku's voice rang out, familiar yet menacing at the same time.
"Halt, foul demons! I command you to leave this place."
'They are trying to kill us?' Kagome risked a small peak at Sesshoumaru. His face had become completely expressionless, in fact, she mused, he looked distinctly bored. She supposed she would have to sort this mess out herself. They were HER friends after all. Heaving a sigh, she released his hand and took a step towards Miroku. However, before she could utter a single word, something huge came barreling at her from above.
Kagome was frozen by a split second of indecision before instinct took over. Leaping swiftly into the air, she arched her body high above the ground. Deftly avoiding the spinning object, she brought down her claws, knocking the weapon from the air. Landing lightly on the balls of her feet, robes billowing gracefully around her, Kagome straightened slowly with cold eyes. Behind her, Sango's boomerang fell into four neat pieces. Sango pulled up short in her headlong charge, stopping to inspect her powerful new opponents. She squinted at the two demons, finding something disturbingly familiar about them.
"Lord Sesshoumaru?" Came the amazed voice of Miroku behind her. An uncomfortable silence drifted across the four combatants, freezing them in place. Quietly Sesshoumaru drifted to Kagome's side, resting beside her in a guarded stance. At last, Sango spoke.
"If you're looking for Inuyasha, you won't find him here." Her voice quivered dangerously at the end, Miroku moved to put a comforting hand on her shoulder. Continuing when Sango couldn't.
"Inuyasha is dead. The Tetsusaiga is lost. Go back t-"
"That is enough!" Kagome thundered. Miroku shut up and glanced curiously at Sesshoumaru's companion.
"Who are you?" 'There is something about her. I feel almost as if we've already met, but that's impossible. The feeling of her aura is so familiar...'
"Kagome!" The shrill cry of a child echoed down the streets. Before anyone could move, a brown blur streaked out of Kaede's hut and leaped into the surprised arms of the elegant demoness. Sango started and Miroku made a move to stop him, but paused when Shippo started to shout.
"Kagome, Kagome! I've missed you so much. You were gone for such a long time. Do you have any chocolate?" She smiled fondly into the green eyes of her adopted son.
"No Shippo, I'm sorry, I don't have any chocolate for you this time."
"Kagome?" Quickly she looked up, registering the stunned faces of Sango and Miroku.
"Hey guys, it's good to see you too!" She glanced over her shoulder and gave them a wicked grin.
"Oh Sango, sorry about your boomerang." Miroku's jaw hit the floor. Sango's eyes widened, after a lengthy amount of time she managed a feeble reply.
"I-It's fine, I'll just f-fix it later."
"Ah, Kagome! How good to see you again. Who is that young man you're traveling with?"
They all turned to see Lady Kaede hobbling out of her hut. The years had been kind to Kikyo's younger sister, but she was starting to show her old age. Kaede couldn't move around as fast as she used to, nor draw a bow with as much ease. Nevertheless, she had taught Kagome almost everything she knew about being a Miko, spiritual purity, Herb's and healing. Kagome gave Kaede her warmest smile.
"Kaede, I'm glad to be back." She turned to Sesshoumaru with a little smirk. "This young man is Sesshoumaru, the one who saved Sango and Miroku. He is Inuyasha's older half-brother." Kaede's eyes widened imperceptibly and a smile tugged at her lips.
"Lord Sesshoumaru, I've heard quite a bit about you over the years. I am grateful you found the pity in your heart to save my friends. You are always welcome in my home."
"As long as you don't kill anyone." Miroku murmured under his breath. Both Kagome and Sesshoumaru glanced at Miroku, but chose to ignore his jibe. The cold taiyouki gave Kaede a silent nod of thanks, maintaining his position beside Kagome. He was rather enjoying intimidating her friends. His enjoyment was short-lived, however, as Miroku approached Kagome.
Shippo, sensing impending trouble, wisely jumped from Kagome's arms. She regarded the innocently smiling monk suspiciously, noticing the peculiar glint in his eye.
"Kagome," he began warmly, "you certainly have changed." The lecherous monk was drawn to her ethereal beauty like a moth to the flame.
"The shade of your eyes is most intriguing." He sidled closer to her stealthily, utilizing years of experience to go UN-noticed. Gazing deep into her eyes, he completely captured her attention.
"And your fluffy white tail is positively delightful!" Kagome smiled, temporarily dazzled by his praise.
"Miroku, stop that!" She mumbled, blushing. He grinned, his plan was in motion, everything was perfect.
"Ah, but there is a bit of leaf snagged on your fur, let me get that out for you!"
"Why thank you, Miro-" Kagome's eyes bugged as she felt Miroku's lecherous hands roam the expanse of her generous butt, stopping for a moment to give her a firm squeeze.
"HENTAI!" She screamed, leaping away with crimson eyes. Kagome twirled around, slapping him on the face, leaving four red lines across his cheek. Another clawed hand grabbed him from behind, hauling him roughly around to meet a pair of dangerously dilated pupils surrounded by molten gold.
"Damn Monk, stay the hell away from her!" Came a venomous growl, holding all the promise of a slow and painful death. Next thing Miroku knew, he was on the ground 50 feet away, sprawled at Sango's feet. If looks could kill, he would have been a smudge of dirt on the roadside.
"Just WHAT do you think you're doing, Miroku? You said you wouldn't touch other women now that we're ENGAGED!" Sango reached behind her for her boomerang to silence his babbling apologies, but met with empty air. Before Miroku could breathe a sigh of relief, however, she cracked him over the head with the scabbard of her sword. Miroku saw stars for a few moments, then promptly passed out. Kagome stared at her two friends in absolute disbelief.
"You're getting married?"
Sango grinned, happiness overshadowing anger in her sparkling eyes. She glanced affectionately at the unconscious monk.
"Yeah, I guess it took the possibility of being torn apart forever that made us realize how much we loved each other."
Kagome squealed and ran to hug Sango. The two girls embraced, Kagome swinging the exterminator around in joyous abandon, bruising a few ribs in the process. They instantly set about making wedding plans, a giggle escaping every so often. After one particularly shrill squeal from the girls, Sesshoumaru approached Kaede. Rubbing his temples in a futile attempt lessen the oncoming headache, he heaved a frustrated sigh.
"I will be on the rooftop."
Kaede looked up from nursing Miroku's bruised head to regard the demon lord. 'I'm surprised he's even speaking to me, from what I've heard. I wonder why he's here at all, Kagome said once she gave him Tetusaiga their deal would be through.' She glanced at Kagome, then back at Sesshoumaru, her curiosity getting the better of her.
"Do you have some further commitment with Kagome?"
Sesshoumaru blinked in surprise. 'Is my interest that obvious? What's the old hag trying to imply? No, she's not that observant... Just curious.' He shook his head, realizing he was reading too deep into an innocent question.
"Yes." He stated cryptically, then jumped to the relative safety of the roof.
Kagome glanced up at Sesshoumaru feeling a stab of guilt. 'He must be miserable here, I know how much he hates humans. There's no reason he has to stay I have my friends to protect me now. Besides, what could possibly happen t-'
An arrow came whistling by, thumping down at Kagome's feet. It glowed with an un-natural pink fire. Her eyes glinted dangerously as she recognized the aura of her assailant. Quickly she picked out the archer standing on the ridge of a nearby cliff. Kagome felt her rage bubble hotly to the surface. There was only one who would dare to confront her.
"Kikyo, come foreword so I may avenge the death of Inuyasha."
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Now, I KNOW I promised fluffy white dogs and retribution, but I couldn't fit it all in this chapter! It's coming up very soon, I swear. Plus, Fluffy gets a subduing spell just like Inuyasha! I want you guys to decide.... "Rollover" "Heel" "Stay" It's up to all of you to review and tell me! ttfn, Stelmaria
To everyone who reviewed, I really appreciate it. I love you all!
kaimaru
Kawaii-Inu-Inutaishou
Ruby27
Saria4
twilightsuzuka8890
Starlighter S-14
Shii
Reillu
vegeta's heart
BlueEyedDemon
-Stelmaria
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Chapter 10: Reunion
Kagome's mind was whirling in shock. She kept feeling the urge to giggle madly. Sesshoumaru's hand encircled her own, warmly reminding her of their amazing kiss. 'I can't believe it. I've never been kissed that way before! Does he feel as strongly for me as I do for him?' She glanced down at their hands again, a thousand questions flooding her thoughts. His skin felt so soft, warm and light within her own. The tips of his claws gently brushed against her palm, tickling slightly. 'He could crush my hand in one swift move, yet he's so gentle. I wonder why he never lets it show.' She resisted the instinct to laugh, joyously peering up into his handsome face.
As usual, a stoic mask confronted her, betraying nothing of her love's emotions. But she could tell by the way the sun sparkled off his eyes that Sesshoumaru was filled with the same heady rush of electric jubilation that she herself felt. Gripping his hand firmly and grinning like an idiot, she entered a world full of fluffy clouds, warm emotions and golden eyes...
A sudden sharp tug rudely awakened her from her daydream. An acute pain from behind sent her immediately sprawling. Kagome landed on her behind with a couple of swift tumbles and shrill yip of surprise. It took a few moments for Sesshoumaru to realize Kagome's warm hand was no longer within his claws. He blinked in disappointment, clearing his mind of the haze contact with her fragrant skin had caused. He stopped to regard her, mind muddled in confusion. At last realization sunk in, the corners of his lips curving in a smile.
Kagome saw this and narrowed her eyes. She tried to stand, only to discover her tail was inconveniently caught on a briar patch, dragging her down to the dirt once more. Growling in mounting frustration, she tugged on the fluffy appendage in a vain attempt to pull it free. Sesshoumaru stood in observation, highly amused. However, he launched into action at Kagome's growl, which was the extremely punctuated version of a death threat. Sure, he hadn't trained her yet, but that didn't mean a pissed Kagome could do some serious damage to his person.
"Calm yourself." He instructed, going to where her tail was entangled in the nearby bush. Her anger kept the fluffy white mass twitching, tempting the distracted Sesshoumaru to pounce. Instead, he carefully unwound the tail and freed the enraged demoness. He stood carefully and quickly moved back a few paces to give her space. Clearing his voice and speaking soothingly, he began his first lesson.
"It is best to keep your tail up off the ground. Every demon has their style, but I prefer to wrap mine over my shoulder." He relaxed his position and showed Kagome how he held his tail, around his waste and over his shoulder. Kagome studied his tail with intense concentration for a few moments, then stood up with a snarl. Carefully she imitated his stance, wrapping her tail around her shoulder so that it hung down, but not enough to snag. Holding her head high, she continued on, leaving Sesshoumaru to follow her trail. "You could have told me that sooner." She muttered, trying to hide her humiliation. He growled in annoyance, quickly catching up with the indignant demoness, who was brushing dirt off her bottom.
"There are many things you have yet to learn, Kagome." Her warned her, putting a buffer on her hot temper. "So it's best you show some respect, after all I AM your Lord!" He added with a snarl at the end. Kagome jerked her head to meet his glinting eyes, a challenge burning in their depths. Gingerly, she lowered her gaze in submission. Testing the taiyoukai's patience would not be a good idea. Although she was certain he'd never actually hurt her, an irritated Sesshoumaru usually meant someone was about to die.
"It's hard," She admitted softly, bowing her head so that her hair hid her face. "Everything is so different now. I feel a little overwhelmed."
"I know." Came his warm reply. "But that will pass in time. I will teach you how to survive."
Kagome felt his hand enclose hers once more, lending her the warmth and strength to move on. She smiled brightly back at him, glad they were close again. She was beginning to learn the ways of his actions. He had not been angry with her, she had merely challenged his position. Now that she was forgiven it was time to move on. They were fast approaching her village and the nervousness and anticipation were eating away at her sanity. Squeezing his palm gently, she continued on anxious to see her friends.
Before she knew it they had arrived. Kagome rested, perched delicately on the edge of a cliff as only a demon can manage, observing the village below her. It looked so peaceful, the villagers moving about at a snail's pace, calmly completing their daily chores. Suddenly she seemed so out of place, a wild animal among tamed beasts. Unbidden, worries came rolling through her mind dampening her high spirits. 'What if they don't like me? Will they even know who I am? What if they're afraid of me? Will Shippo still love me?' Tears welled up in her eyes at the image of Shippo, staring at her in horror and disgust. Imperceptibly her body began to quiver, the terrors sinking like a lead weight to the bottom of her stomach.
"What's the matter?" Sesshoumaru questioned sharply. "Are you afraid?" There was a trace of scorn in his voice that hinted at the inferiority of humans.
"No." She replied slowly, not sure exactly how to explain so he would understand. "My friends, what will they think of me?" She held her hands in front of her face, inspecting the sharp claws and stripes along the wrists, a sad frown on her beautiful lips. Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed in understanding.
"They are your companions, as you are theirs. You also saved their lives. I believe they will accept you. If not," he continued in a light offhand voice, "I will kill them." Kagome glared at him in consternation for a few moments before a tiny grin appeared.
"All right then," she said, feeling strangely comforted, "let's go."
Jumping over the ledge, Kagome flew down the sheer face of the rock cliff with graceful flowing motions, like water tumbling down a stream. Sesshoumaru hesitated a moment to admire her gossamer hair, waving behind her in a bright banner of silk. Then he too followed, nearing the borders of the village. 'I seem to follow her everywhere. Shouldn't I be in the lead? She always manages to get ahead.' He shook his head in mild annoyance. 'Not that I'm in any hurry to get to the village. Humans truly are foul creatures.' On queue, the rotten stench that inevitably accompanies humans rose to meet their delicate noses.
"Oh Kami!" Kagome cried as she brought her hands up to cover her nose. "I forgot how bad they smell!" Sesshoumaru merely wrinkled his nose and steeled his will.
"Yes, well you're just going to have to put up with it while we're here." He scowled fiercely. "I DESPISE humans." With that he began to walk resolutely foreword. Kagome quickly joined him, guiding him through the streets.
They were quite a sight. Two demons walking proudly side by side. Tails billowing, long white hair flowing, adorned in fine robes and expensive silks. The stripes on their faces and the distinctive shape of their ears were unmistakable. As they passed, villagers stopped to stare. Some women ran in their houses and boarded up the windows, others whispered harshly as they passed by. Everyone drew back in silent fear. Previous experiences had taught them the hard truth, demons meant trouble. Kagome swallowed nervously and moved a little closer to Sesshoumaru. Doubt began to plague her thoughts again as they neared Kaede's hut. As they turned a corner Kagome hesitated. There, just ahead, was her old home. Whenever they hadn't been questing for jewel shards, Kaede's house had been their resting place. She didn't know when she had started thinking of this house as home, or Kaede as "grandmother." What she did know was that everything within the hut was dear to her heart.
Sounds drifted to them from the little house and Kagome clutched Sesshoumaru's hand in fear, instantly recognizing the voices of Sango and Miroku. Tears collected behind her eyes fighting to escape.
"Hurry up, Houshi! I can sense two very powerful demons approaching the village!"
"Demons, in this area?" Came the incredulous reply, "None have dared to enter here in years!"
"Maybe they're getting bold, now that Inuyasha is dead."
"In any case, we had better take care of them before they hurt any of the villagers."
"Right!"
Kagome stiffened as the two forms emerged from Kaede's hut, quickly advancing upon her and Sesshoumaru. Miroku's voice rang out, familiar yet menacing at the same time.
"Halt, foul demons! I command you to leave this place."
'They are trying to kill us?' Kagome risked a small peak at Sesshoumaru. His face had become completely expressionless, in fact, she mused, he looked distinctly bored. She supposed she would have to sort this mess out herself. They were HER friends after all. Heaving a sigh, she released his hand and took a step towards Miroku. However, before she could utter a single word, something huge came barreling at her from above.
Kagome was frozen by a split second of indecision before instinct took over. Leaping swiftly into the air, she arched her body high above the ground. Deftly avoiding the spinning object, she brought down her claws, knocking the weapon from the air. Landing lightly on the balls of her feet, robes billowing gracefully around her, Kagome straightened slowly with cold eyes. Behind her, Sango's boomerang fell into four neat pieces. Sango pulled up short in her headlong charge, stopping to inspect her powerful new opponents. She squinted at the two demons, finding something disturbingly familiar about them.
"Lord Sesshoumaru?" Came the amazed voice of Miroku behind her. An uncomfortable silence drifted across the four combatants, freezing them in place. Quietly Sesshoumaru drifted to Kagome's side, resting beside her in a guarded stance. At last, Sango spoke.
"If you're looking for Inuyasha, you won't find him here." Her voice quivered dangerously at the end, Miroku moved to put a comforting hand on her shoulder. Continuing when Sango couldn't.
"Inuyasha is dead. The Tetsusaiga is lost. Go back t-"
"That is enough!" Kagome thundered. Miroku shut up and glanced curiously at Sesshoumaru's companion.
"Who are you?" 'There is something about her. I feel almost as if we've already met, but that's impossible. The feeling of her aura is so familiar...'
"Kagome!" The shrill cry of a child echoed down the streets. Before anyone could move, a brown blur streaked out of Kaede's hut and leaped into the surprised arms of the elegant demoness. Sango started and Miroku made a move to stop him, but paused when Shippo started to shout.
"Kagome, Kagome! I've missed you so much. You were gone for such a long time. Do you have any chocolate?" She smiled fondly into the green eyes of her adopted son.
"No Shippo, I'm sorry, I don't have any chocolate for you this time."
"Kagome?" Quickly she looked up, registering the stunned faces of Sango and Miroku.
"Hey guys, it's good to see you too!" She glanced over her shoulder and gave them a wicked grin.
"Oh Sango, sorry about your boomerang." Miroku's jaw hit the floor. Sango's eyes widened, after a lengthy amount of time she managed a feeble reply.
"I-It's fine, I'll just f-fix it later."
"Ah, Kagome! How good to see you again. Who is that young man you're traveling with?"
They all turned to see Lady Kaede hobbling out of her hut. The years had been kind to Kikyo's younger sister, but she was starting to show her old age. Kaede couldn't move around as fast as she used to, nor draw a bow with as much ease. Nevertheless, she had taught Kagome almost everything she knew about being a Miko, spiritual purity, Herb's and healing. Kagome gave Kaede her warmest smile.
"Kaede, I'm glad to be back." She turned to Sesshoumaru with a little smirk. "This young man is Sesshoumaru, the one who saved Sango and Miroku. He is Inuyasha's older half-brother." Kaede's eyes widened imperceptibly and a smile tugged at her lips.
"Lord Sesshoumaru, I've heard quite a bit about you over the years. I am grateful you found the pity in your heart to save my friends. You are always welcome in my home."
"As long as you don't kill anyone." Miroku murmured under his breath. Both Kagome and Sesshoumaru glanced at Miroku, but chose to ignore his jibe. The cold taiyouki gave Kaede a silent nod of thanks, maintaining his position beside Kagome. He was rather enjoying intimidating her friends. His enjoyment was short-lived, however, as Miroku approached Kagome.
Shippo, sensing impending trouble, wisely jumped from Kagome's arms. She regarded the innocently smiling monk suspiciously, noticing the peculiar glint in his eye.
"Kagome," he began warmly, "you certainly have changed." The lecherous monk was drawn to her ethereal beauty like a moth to the flame.
"The shade of your eyes is most intriguing." He sidled closer to her stealthily, utilizing years of experience to go UN-noticed. Gazing deep into her eyes, he completely captured her attention.
"And your fluffy white tail is positively delightful!" Kagome smiled, temporarily dazzled by his praise.
"Miroku, stop that!" She mumbled, blushing. He grinned, his plan was in motion, everything was perfect.
"Ah, but there is a bit of leaf snagged on your fur, let me get that out for you!"
"Why thank you, Miro-" Kagome's eyes bugged as she felt Miroku's lecherous hands roam the expanse of her generous butt, stopping for a moment to give her a firm squeeze.
"HENTAI!" She screamed, leaping away with crimson eyes. Kagome twirled around, slapping him on the face, leaving four red lines across his cheek. Another clawed hand grabbed him from behind, hauling him roughly around to meet a pair of dangerously dilated pupils surrounded by molten gold.
"Damn Monk, stay the hell away from her!" Came a venomous growl, holding all the promise of a slow and painful death. Next thing Miroku knew, he was on the ground 50 feet away, sprawled at Sango's feet. If looks could kill, he would have been a smudge of dirt on the roadside.
"Just WHAT do you think you're doing, Miroku? You said you wouldn't touch other women now that we're ENGAGED!" Sango reached behind her for her boomerang to silence his babbling apologies, but met with empty air. Before Miroku could breathe a sigh of relief, however, she cracked him over the head with the scabbard of her sword. Miroku saw stars for a few moments, then promptly passed out. Kagome stared at her two friends in absolute disbelief.
"You're getting married?"
Sango grinned, happiness overshadowing anger in her sparkling eyes. She glanced affectionately at the unconscious monk.
"Yeah, I guess it took the possibility of being torn apart forever that made us realize how much we loved each other."
Kagome squealed and ran to hug Sango. The two girls embraced, Kagome swinging the exterminator around in joyous abandon, bruising a few ribs in the process. They instantly set about making wedding plans, a giggle escaping every so often. After one particularly shrill squeal from the girls, Sesshoumaru approached Kaede. Rubbing his temples in a futile attempt lessen the oncoming headache, he heaved a frustrated sigh.
"I will be on the rooftop."
Kaede looked up from nursing Miroku's bruised head to regard the demon lord. 'I'm surprised he's even speaking to me, from what I've heard. I wonder why he's here at all, Kagome said once she gave him Tetusaiga their deal would be through.' She glanced at Kagome, then back at Sesshoumaru, her curiosity getting the better of her.
"Do you have some further commitment with Kagome?"
Sesshoumaru blinked in surprise. 'Is my interest that obvious? What's the old hag trying to imply? No, she's not that observant... Just curious.' He shook his head, realizing he was reading too deep into an innocent question.
"Yes." He stated cryptically, then jumped to the relative safety of the roof.
Kagome glanced up at Sesshoumaru feeling a stab of guilt. 'He must be miserable here, I know how much he hates humans. There's no reason he has to stay I have my friends to protect me now. Besides, what could possibly happen t-'
An arrow came whistling by, thumping down at Kagome's feet. It glowed with an un-natural pink fire. Her eyes glinted dangerously as she recognized the aura of her assailant. Quickly she picked out the archer standing on the ridge of a nearby cliff. Kagome felt her rage bubble hotly to the surface. There was only one who would dare to confront her.
"Kikyo, come foreword so I may avenge the death of Inuyasha."
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Now, I KNOW I promised fluffy white dogs and retribution, but I couldn't fit it all in this chapter! It's coming up very soon, I swear. Plus, Fluffy gets a subduing spell just like Inuyasha! I want you guys to decide.... "Rollover" "Heel" "Stay" It's up to all of you to review and tell me! ttfn, Stelmaria
To everyone who reviewed, I really appreciate it. I love you all!
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