{Disclaimer: Check previous chapters. Why? 'Cuz I'm lazy today.}
NL: Hey, all, what's up? Not much here. I FINALLY (no pun intended) figured out how I'm gonna continue this fic!!!
Inuyasha: Ooh, aren't we so excited.
NL: Shut up, Inu. I know that you're mad that I didn't let you explain yourself.
Inuyasha: DAMN STRAIGHT!
NL: *holds ears* Okay, I got it. Anyway, I want to give you guys my sincerest apologies for not updating for at least four months. School sucks ass. I've been putting most of my energy into school work, leaving no inspiration time for my fics. This might follow my other fic, Destined Souls, Pt.II, Namida no Ame, but Finally's not gonna follow it entirely. *listens as radio starts playing Falls On Me* OOH! I LOVE THIS SONG! *starts rocking out to it (even though you can't really rock out to it)*
Kagome: *shakes head* That's NL for ya. Crazy as usual.
NL: Hey, crazy's good!
Kagome: Whatever. Anyway, here's the next chapter. Enjoy!
~Last time~
Sesshoumaru shook his head with sympathy. "If only you knew, young miko, that you're not the only one who's experienced pain of the heart." With this, he scooped Kagome up and carried her off to his castle.
Chapter Seven
Explanations and Apologies
Inuyasha jumped out of the spring, his hakamas soaking wet. Holding his hand out, he helped Midoriko out of the water. "Dammit, why didn't she just stay and listen to me?! Can't she stop being so pig-headed?"
"Well, do you realize that since she's seen you with Kikyou, and also that you left her for a resurrected corpse, she automatically assumes that you're cheating on her again?" Midoriko grabbed a towel and tried to dry her clothing off, her haori and hakama dripping. She gave up with the towel and wrung her shirt out.
Inuyasha's face faulted. "No, I... I didn't." He turned his face away from the miko. 'Dammit, why didn't I stay with Kagome instead of going with Kikyou.' Tears started to build up in his eyes. The guilt of what he'd done to the girl before all this had happened felt as if it'd absorbed his entire being. 'Kuso... I've gotta find her.' He crouched, ready to spring away by following her scent, when Midoriko stopped him, grabbing the sleeve of his haori.
"Don't bother. She's not here."
"What do you mean?"
"She's gone."
"That doesn't provide much information!!" Inuyasha cried. "What do you mean, she's gone? Do you know where she went?"
"He took her somewhere."
"Who?!"
"That handsome man that visited yesterday."
Inuyasha's eyes widened. He looked to the west and screamed, "Sesshoumaru!! Damn you!!" Once again, he started to sprint away when Midoriko grabbed onto his wrist. She glowed pinkish-purple and closed her eyes. As she did so, Inuyasha started to calm down. "Wha-...What are you doing? I feel... I feel... so free..."
"I'm clearing your mind so you can think straight." When she was finished, the pinkish-purple light disappeared and she opened her eyes. "Let's go back to camp and think things through, okay?"
"Feh, fine." Inuyasha crossed his arms in his haori and walked towards the rest of the group, Midoriko following.
"Inuyasha, what did you do, now?!" Sango said as she stood up and glared at the hanyou.
Before he could explain, Shippou attacked his head and started pulling at his ears. "Tell us, you half-breed!! Tell us, now, you stinking-- Oh, crap..." Shippou suddenly turned ghostly-white and looked at the dog demon's face. "I'm sorry, Inuyasha! I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to call you tha-" The young kitsune was cut off by Inuyasha grabbing his tail and flinging him toward Miroku. Surprisingly enough, though, when Shippou looked back into Inuyasha's face, there wasn't a trace of anger. In fact, it was a look of hurt.
"She didn't give me a chance to explain. I hope you guys will..." He looked at each person before replying. "I was washing my haori, believe it or not, when I smelled Midoriko coming up behind me. At first I didn't realize it was her until I turned and threw her into the river. I accidentally let go of my haori, thus the bare chest, and jumped into the river. Midoriko started to giggle at my mistake, and that's when Kagome walked up. She didn't let me explain, as you heard, no doubt, and took off..." With that, he turned and headed back for the river.
"Where are you going, Inuyasha?" Miroku asked as he watched Inuyasha's retreating form.
Inuyasha turned and smiled sadly. "I'm going to get my shirt. Do you want me to walk around half naked?" He turned back and walked toward the river. As he walked down it looking for that flash of red, the hairs on the back of his neck began to stand up. He sniffed a few times before looking towards the tops of the trees and calling out, "Who are you? Show yourself!" A giggle ran throughout the forest. "I know you're there, now come out!!"
"Poor, poor half-breed," a female voice said.
"Don't you dare call me that!!"
Another giggle traveled all through the woods before a dark shadow dropped out of a tree next to Inuyasha. "I shall call you whatever I want." She walked out into the light, and Inuyasha had to suppress a gasp. She had hair the same color as Kagome's, but her eyes were lime-green. She had a cross-shaped symbol on her forehead and two forest-green stripes below her eyes. Her outfit was one that was very scandalous for the time. Her shirt was a halter-type with broken sleeves on her arms, strings connecting each piece of cloth. She had two sets of hakama, the one beneath a darker shade of blue than the one on the top. The girl also had elvin ears with earrings that had three pearls ending in an ivory crescent moon. The final touch was a bright green headband holding her hair back except for a few stray, stubborn locks. "Half-breed."
"You... You're a taiyoukai?" Inuyasha said softly, his eyes trailing back up to the cross-like symbol.
"Close, but no. I am the daughter of the taiyoukai of the north. Does the name Yuuga sound familiar?"
"Yuuga? Didn't he have a daughter that was betrothed to one of the sons of InuTaisho?" Inuyasha heard about the taiyoukai and thought, 'Please, let her be destined for Fluffy...'
"Yes, and his name was Inuyasha."
Inuyasha's eyes widened when she said his name. "Are-Are you sure that his name was Inuyasha?"
"Hai. Do you know him?"
"Depends, who wants to know?"
"Tenshi."
"Nice to meet you, Angel." Inuyasha sniffed and noticed that her scent consisted of lilacs and fresh rain. 'How unique...' The smell was almost intoxicating.
"And you still haven't told me your name," Tenshi said, quirking an eyebrow and crossing her arms.
'Kuso... Think, Inu, think!' "Uh... It's... Royokan."
"Oh, you mean you're the forest guardian? A hanyou is a forest guardian?"
"No, I'm not that Royokan."
"Really? Who was your father?"
"I don't remember. My mother never told me about him." Inuyasha turned and walked down the riverbank as he spotted his haori. 'I forgot that I didn't have it on!' He picked it up, wrung it out as best as he could, and put it on. "Well, nice to meet you again, Tenshi." He started back to camp when the girl said something.
"So, you're searching for your woman?"
Inuyasha stopped immediately. 'How does she know... Wait a minute' Inuyasha turned and glared at the oujoyoukai. "She's NOT my woman!"
"Really, Inuyasha? Could have fooled me." The girl smirked, knowing she'd hit a soft spot as the hanyou's eyes widened.
"How...how did-"
"I'm not deaf, Inuyasha."
Inuyasha sighed and looked at the ground. "I'm sorry. It's just that I didn't want you to know it was me because then we'd have to start courting each other, and I'm courting someone else right now."
"Someone that you lost and need help finding, ne?" Tenshi said, smiling kindly.
"Hai." Inuyasha started to head for camp, with Tenshi following him. "Sesshoumaru took her. I don't know why, though."
"Can't you smell it?"
"Smell what?"
Tenshi rolled her eyes and sighed. 'For being a taiyoukai's son, he's pretty dense. Especially compared to Sesshoumaru.' Tenshi sniffed and said, "His scent is full of sugar and honey."
"And that means..."
"It means that either he has a lust for Kagome or he's in love, you baka."
Inuyasha's eyes opened wider before his expression turned angry. "Dammit, not another one!!"
"You must be talking about Kouga."
Inuyasha was once again stumped by this princess demon's knowledge. "Yes, how did-"
"I've my ways."
"Feh, whatever. But anyway, I'm just curious, does Sesshoumaru have a suitor?"
"No, not from my family. Actually," Tenshi looked up in thought, "I don't think he has any because Boksano, the Tree of Infinite Wisdom, never said that any youkai was betrothed to him."
"So... maybe that's because it wasn't a youkai that was destined to be with him," Inuyasha said sadly. Tears threatened to burn streaks in his cheeks. 'No, I will not cry... No matter how badly it hurts...' One defiant tear fell from his right eye. 'Oh, Kagome... Why have the fates conspired against us...?'
"I'm so sorry, Inuyasha..." Tenshi said quietly as she wrapped her arms around Inuyasha in a gentle embrace. I thought your mother might have told you... I didn't mean to be the bearer of bad news..."
Inuyasha sniffed, willing his tears to go back to their ducts. "It's alright. I would have found out sooner or later. Guess it's better that it's sooner."
"I will understand if you do not want me as a mate, but there's not much we can do about Sesshoumaru." She hugged him once more before saying, "Now, let's go join your friends."
*~*~*
Sesshoumaru sniffed as he carried Kagome bridal style through the forest. Suddenly, he stiffened as Kagome let a small moan escape her lips. "WheramI?" she mumbled groggily. She opened her eyes fully and met face to face with the taiyoukai of the West. "What are you doing?!" she said as she struggled to get free.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you. There is no one below us that would catch you this time." Sesshoumaru said calmly.
"I don't care! I'd rather have a broken leg than be held in your arms!"
"Oh, you don't like my arms?
Kagome glared at Sesshoumaru. "How would you like cold hands holding your legs?"
'My hands are cold?' Sesshoumaru thought, his confusion hidden from his expression. "Well, if you want something warmer..." His tail unwrapped from his shoulder and around Kagome. Once he had a secure hold on her, he lowered his arms.
"Whoa!" Kagome said as she was moved to his side by his tail. "Well, this is different." She looked at the taiyoukai and glared as she asked, "Where and why are you taking me?" Sesshoumaru side-glanced at her before taking to the skies. "You haven't answered my question, you chauvinist pig!"
Sesshoumaru turned his head and looked deeply into her eyes. "You want to know... Kagome?"
Kagome's eyes widened. "How... How do you know my name?"
Sesshoumaru's lips curled into a very small smile. "I've always known it, ever since that half-breed called it during one of our battles."
"That reminds me," Kagome said, "Why the hell did you start all of that? It was over a stupid sword, for Pete's sake."
Sesshoumaru's mood changed. "Obviously, human, you have no idea what you speak of."
Kagome rolled her eyes. "First you call me by my name and seem all happy-yippy-skippy, then you call me human and get all pissy. You've got worse mood swings than Yume." She grinned sheepishly when Sesshoumaru looked at her with raised eyebrows. "It's the truth! What, do you have IMS or something?"
Sesshoumaru's slightly amused look changed to puzzled. "What's IMS?"
'Oops, forgot it's the feudal era.' Kagome blushed. "It's 'Irritable Male Syndrome.' You know when women go through their time of the month? It's the same thing, only with guys."
Sesshoumaru raised his eyebrows again. "I see..." He turned his head forward and thought, 'Well, I cannot wait to see how nineteen-hundred-and-ninety-seven is for myself...' His thoughts were interrupted by a purr erupting out of his throat. 'What is she doing?' He took a quick side-glance and saw that she was stroking his tail. 'Oh, figures... I never knew how good that felt...' His purr grew in volume until Kagome turned her head.
'What's his problem?' she thought as she stared at his face, which had the look of pure bliss. A buzz had started, and she thought that there was a bug buzzing by her ear until it started to increase in intensity. She had noticed that she was fiddling with the fur of Sesshoumaru's tail. When she stopped, the purring stopped. 'What?' She started petting his tail again, and the purring commenced once again. 'Ooh, now I feel evil...' She continued this little process of start and stop until the purr turned to a growl.
"Either keep doing that, or stop completely."
"Oh, gomen, Sesshoumaru. I had no idea what I was doing!" Kagome said tauntingly.
"I really wouldn't do that..." Sesshoumaru advised. 'She doesn't realize what a defiant woman can do to a man like me.' He spotted his palace ahead and mentally wiped his brow. 'Finally, if she does something, we can be alone when it happens...'
"What, you mean...this?" Kagome giggled as she started to stroke his tail again, going as slow as possible.
"Yes, that..." Sesshoumaru had reached his bedroom window. 'Finally...' (no pun intended) He opened it and heard Kagome gasp. "What's wrong, dear miko?" he asked in the same mocking tone she'd used before.
Kagome's eyes had widened as she caught sight of the large, beautifully adorned with silk sheets and a soft fur of sorts on top, with a large fur serving as carpet. She hadn't noticed that they were now in the room until Sesshoumaru had set her on the bed. "What-...are you going to do with me?"
"Depends on how well you suit me."
'Liar.'
'Eh? What's that?' Sesshoumaru walked away from Kagome, who was looking at him pleadingly.
("Sesshoumaru? Where are you going?" Kagome called after him, standing to follow the taiyoukai.)
'You know what you are going to do with her and what you want to do with her. And I know that you despise your father for his affection for humans, but his fondness for mortals has been passed down. You feel the fates have plotted against you... You deny the feelings you have for this human miko-'
"Shut up! I will not hear of it!" Sesshoumaru shouted unaware that Kagome was standing by his side.
"Won't hear of what?! I never said anything!!" Kagome yelled back. She was drawn back by Sesshoumaru's frightened expression, which left as quickly as it came, when he turned his head to her. 'What... what's wrong with him? Did... did I say something wrong somehow?'
"Gomen, miko-sama. Sometimes I get carried away with my thoughts." Sesshoumaru regretted the conscience that haunted his every word, thought, and action.
'Carried away... I'll bet...' Kagome thought bitterly. She inwardly sighed as her thoughts changed from bitter and sadistic to pity and thoughtful. 'It must be hard, having to rule over such vast lands. I mean, sure, the leaders of Japan have problems since they rule the entire country, but they don't have youkai to deal with... And yet Sesshoumaru, at such a young age, even for demons, has to govern alone.' She suddenly felt a pang of guilt for the taiyoukai, and silently promised to follow him in all his times of trouble. 'Wait... Where did that come from?!'
Sesshoumaru caught the changes in Kagome's attitude through her scent and lent a worrisome eye. 'She looks at the floor as if deep in thought... What could she be wondering about?...' He turned and grasped Kagome's hand, startling her out of her musings. "Kagome?"
"Hai?"
Sesshoumaru smiled, a kind and genuine smile that was rarely seen, if at all. "Come with me..." As he led her from his chambers and down a well decorated hall, the thought came to mind, '...How long has it been since I've smiled like that... It seems centuries... Ever since... Mother died...'
~ "Mama! Mama!" cried a young boy no older than seven. His white kimono was stained with blood from slipping out of the tree and scraping his knee. Tears threatened to cascade down his cheeks, and, much to the child's displeasure, carried out their threat.
A woman with dark brown hair appeared beside him, her many layers of silk that made her kimono surrounding her like a pool. She cradled him in her arms and cooed soft soothing words to her boy. "It's okay, Sesshoumaru-chan. Mama's here... I'm here..."
{NL: Okay, for those of you who have seen The Passion of the Christ, this was the most touching moment for me... Or at least one of the most. Mary's flashback sent more of my already spent tears flowing like a waterfall. I cried through the entire movie. I couldn't fathom how hard it was for her to see her child, her son, her Savior, to suffer so. And if you haven't see Passion, it is a MUST SEE. I cannot emphasize that enough. Even if you're not Christian, it will touch something in your heart. Even my friend, who only started going to church this year with her boyfriend, was stunned by it, and she knew very little of Christ's story, let alone anyone else's. Anyway, back to the flashback...}
"Mama," Sesshoumaru sniffled, "Sesshoumaru hurt his knee... Will you make it feel better?" His mother nodded, set him down to stand on his feet, and kneeled in front of him. She lightly pressed her lips to the impaired knee. Then she picked up her child, the sound of his giggles music to her ears. "Thank you, Mama. Sesshoumaru is all better now..." He smiled as she ruffled his silvery-white hair.
"That's what I'm here for, my darling..."~
"Sesshoumaru?"
"Hai, Kagome?"
Kagome pointed with her free hand to something in front of them. "Who's that?" The moment the question escaped her lips, the figure turned and ran to the pair, the being happening to be a little girl about eight years old. 'A...human girl here? In the palace of the Great Demon Lord of the West?'
"Sesshoumaru-chan!" the child said as she latched to his leg like a magnet attracts metal. "Rin has missed you, my lord! Why were you away so long?" She looked at his hand, which was currently attached to another. "Who is this, Sesshoumaru-chan?" She let go of his hakama and walked over to stand in front of Kagome. "Hi! I am Rin! What's your name?"
Kagome kneeled down in front of the girl and smiled. Holding out her hand, she said, "My name's Kagome. It's nice to meet you, Rin."
Rin disregarded the hand and hugged Kagome, wrapping her tiny arms around the teenager's neck. "Likewise, milady!" Rin withdrew from Kagome and turned to Sesshoumaru. "Is she your woman, Sesshoumaru-chan? Are you going to make babies for Rin to play with?"
Kagome paled then quickly blushed at the thought. 'Me and Sesshoumaru? Not a chance!' She cleared her throat and looked away, but not before catching the slight look of surprise on Sesshoumaru's face.
'As nice of a thought as it is, it would never happen. We have enough hanyou to deal with as it is.' Sesshoumaru's shocked expression turned impassive as he answered, "Rin, that is not a proper question to ask. You will refrain from making such comments."
"Hai, milord! Rin is sorry for her rudeness."
"All is forgiven. You are, after all..." Sesshoumaru paused as he glanced at the flushing miko, "only human..."
Rin wasn't stupid, though naivete came natural at her age. She knew there was an attraction somewhere, and she was going to find it and bring it out. 'Rin wants to play with babies! Rin loves to take care of them!'
Sesshoumaru once again guided Kagome down the corridor until they came to a meadow that was within the castle walls. Kagome looked at the youkai and suddenly remembered something. "You never answered my question, Sesshoumaru..."
"What question?"
"What do you plan to do with me?"
'I cannot tell her the truth... She would most likely not believe me...'
'Until you tell her the truth, you'll never know...'
'Not you again...'
'Ah, but it is. This will sound ever so corny, but go with your heart, Sesshoumaru.'
'My heart does not know what to say... But my mind does. Be gone.' With that, the voice disappeared, but not before adding a small snicker.
"Sesshoumaru?"
"You shall see..."
"Dammit, Sesshoumaru, quit pussy footing around it!"
Sesshoumaru turned and within the blink of an eye had her hands above her head and was dangling her so that she was face to face with him, or more literally, nose to nose. "This Sesshoumaru will not be spoken to as such," he whispered dangerously. He set her down softly and walked into the meadow. He mentally sighed and thought, 'This woman... She intrigues me so, yet she is only human...' Taking a whiff of the air, he caught the scent of cherry blossoms and thunderstorms. 'What a unique scent... It's intoxicating....' He turned to find Kagome sitting in the tall grass and admiring the scenery. 'She's an angel... Sent from the heavens themselves... What a wonderful gift the gods have bestowed upon me...' His normally placid face turned thoughtful, and he did not attempt to hide it when Kagome looked his way before turning her head back, blushing.
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NL: So, whatchya think? I personally liked the chapter, and now you guys know what went on between Midoriko and Inuyasha.
HiraikotsuSlinger: I still think Inu-chan's a slut...
NL: Think what you will. As for the rest of you, I hope you enjoyed the chapter. So, with out further ado, here are the preview, recommendation, and review responses...
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PREVIEW: Chapter Eight, Caught Off Guard
Kagome is bathing in a spring within the palace, where a peeping tom is nearby. Can you guess who it is? Betchya can! Anyway, Inuyasha and the rest of the gang start to search for their lost friend, and suddenly, they're ambushed by a youkai with three jewels embedded in it. How will they defeat the demon without Kagome's arrows? Will they be able to pick up the tainted shards?
RECOMMENDATION: Kanashimi no Hate ni-End to Sorrow, by Tamysan
"It's two years after the defeat of Naraku-and Kagome's heartbreak of seeing Inuyasha choose Kikyou. However, Kagome is summoned back when a new danger threatens. Sess/Kag, FINAL CHAPTER is now up! Thanks for the Reviews!" That's the summary for you. There is a lemon in this story, but I think it's pretty kawaii. There's plenty of action, and she knows how to dish it out. This story will keep you on the edge of your seat from the suspense and send chills and thrills throughout your body. I fell in love with this story, and I hope you will, too. Ever heard of the fic Love Potion Number Nine? Yep, that was Tamysan!
REVIEW RESPONSES:
Sailor Mini Venus: Sorry it took me so long to post. I can't wait to see a Sess/Kag from you! And thanks so much for the praise.
ptbear: Thanks! Hope you enjoyed the chapter!
Chiisana Kitty: Spanx! And happy belated holidays... well, unless you count St. Patty's Day (which is my fave, sorta...), to you too!!
FaLLeNGoDdEsSoFtHeMoOn: Arigato, and much appreciated. Sorry about the wait...
HiraikotsuSlinger: True, true, but now you see that there's no motive between Midoriko and Inu-chan. Hope that cleared it up for you... I had no intention of Midoriko and Inuyasha hooking up. Thanks for the review!
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NL: Well, hope you guys enjoyed the chapter. Sorry about the wait once again, and arigato for the reviews... even though there are few of them... Ja matte ne, minna!
