Chapter 14

Sesshomaru couldn't look away. He tried out of respect for her, but constantly failed. Not that he wanted to look away anyway. Kagome was gorgeous, and more importantly, alive. For so long, for thirteen years he had thought her dead, had grieved the loss of what could have been.

He knew then, when Yuki had spoken of her death, that he had behaved in a way that could never be forgiven. He had harmed Kagome physically, mentally, and emotionally. He had pushed her until she broke and took enjoyment in watching her heart shatter.

He had been angry that she started to seek intimacy from the wolf. Then he had realized that he had driven her right into another male's arms. He had thought he would never have the chance to make up for his behavior. He had thought she was gone to him.

Now he knew different. She sat across the fire, Sango and Miroku on one side of her, several soldiers on another. They all laughed and talked, their conversation bouncing around to whatever they felt like discussing. The three of them had easily fit in with his soldiers as if they had been there all along. No one cared that they were human, they cared about the strength of the person, and Kagome's little display of power had been enough to gain the army's respect.

Taking a deep breath, Sesshomaru closed his eyes. She smelled heavenly. He could breathe in her scent all day if she would let him. However much he wanted her, that wasn't going to happen. Opening his eyes, they narrowed in determination. She didn't want him anywhere near her.

He didn't blame her in the slightest. With the way he had treated her, he deserved any backlash she gave him. However, he was selfish and greedy when it came to her. He knew she deserved better than him, but he just couldn't give her up. He would do anything to make up for the past. He wanted to apologize, to earn her forgiveness. He didn't care if it took years, he wasn't going to let her go. He didn't deserve her, but he needed her.

Now that he knew she didn't age, he had time to plan. First, he needs to get her to accept his apology in whatever form he gave, no matter how many tries it took. Then he would win her heart like he should have done in the first place. He would spend the rest of his life making up for his mistakes. He would give all of his power to make her happy.

Hand over his chin, he rested forward, his elbow leaning on his knee. He couldn't stop watching her, studying her. She was laughing with the soldiers, with her brother and sister in law. He had never made her laugh. She had only smiled for him in that first moment when she realized they were soul bonded, but then he had ruined that. Not once had he given her a reason to be happy after their initial meeting, and he swore to change that. He would cherish every smile and laugh she offered for him. He didn't want her to go a day without offering at least one.

Slowly, Miroku's smile faded, his gaze turning towards Sesshomaru as if he had known Sesshomaru was staring at Kagome. Miroku had made sure to be a buffer these last three days, ensuring that Sesshomaru hadn't been able to speak to Kagome about anything other than the war they were fighting. Sesshomaru understood the protective gesture, but that didn't mean Sesshomaru didn't want to throw Miroku into the nearest ocean.

Miroku stared him down for all of three seconds before he stood. He spoke to the girls, causing them to look at Sesshomaru, and then he walked over to the demon lord. Sesshomaru didn't even blink, just watched as Miroku sat on the carved log in front of Sesshomaru. They said nothing for a moment, looking each other down before Miroku finally spoke.

"You know what Kagome is. She mentioned keeping her secret because it kept her safe." Miroku leaned forward, eyes narrowed. "We have never really met. Every story I've heard of you though… you have been vile and cruel. However, what I have seen these past three days suggest something different."

"I have matured." Sesshomaru didn't know what Miroku wanted, but maybe he could use Miroku to get in close with Kagome.

"Maybe." The monk looked him over, before glancing at Kagome. She kept looking their way anxiously before turning her attention back to the group around her. Miroku spun his head towards Sesshomaru again. "She is the shikon miko. Many want her for her power. When we first discovered what she was, the power she had, we were hunted for years. Our parents were killed because of it, slaughtered in front of us to get Kagome to agree to join them. It's been long enough that we barely remember our parents or even how they were killed. The details are fuzzy." Miroku looked down at his hands, clasping them together. "Even so, the legends of the Shikon Miko still travel heavily through many. She is still sought after. I will be there to keep her safe tomorrow morning for the meeting, but I am asking that you do the same. Do not let her use her power."

Sesshomaru was silent as he processed what he learned. Kagome and Miroku were so good at hiding their identities, they came off as human. Sesshomaru had wondered why, but now that he knew the story, he understood. It was to keep Kagome safe. "When she arrived, she used her power. My soldiers felt it."

"I did damage control after the meeting. They believe her to be an ordinary miko. Nothing more. Your entire army thinks we are lying about having the Shikon Miko and that Kagome is lying about who she is just to draw out the enemy. That's the best alternative." Miroku shrugged, leaning back. "I expect you to ensure no harm comes to her. That means she can't use her power either.

"I will protect her with my life. In all ways." Sesshomaru meant it too. He would choose to die if that meant saving Kagome. He knew it with every beat of his heart.

Brows furrowing, Miroku shook his head in bewilderment. "I don't understand you. What I see now is different from all the stories I've heard." With a heavy sigh, Miroku stood, staring down at Sesshomaru once more. "It changes nothing. I will not let you near my sister again. After this war, we will leave, and I'll make sure our paths never cross again."

"What if she forgives me?" Sesshomaru stood himself, fangs bared in threat. He wouldn't hurt Miroku for Kagome's sake, but he didn't appreciate the interference either. "If she would forgive me, would you stand in her way?"

At that, Miroku laughed, his head back, hand on his belly. When he stopped, his cheeks were red, his hand coming up to wipe away tears. He looked back at Sesshomaru, shaking his head. "She hates you. Every part of her despises you. So much so, she took a knife and carved your existence from her skin. She will never forgive you. However, you're welcome to try. It will be amusing watching your failure, at least." Miroku spun on his heel, chuckling as he walked away once more. Miroku thought he won, but all he did was push Sesshomaru to try that much harder. He would earn Kagome's forgiveness and then her love. Then he would shove it in Miroku's face.

Nakoa shifted beneath Sesshomaru, butting her muzzle up against Alastar's. The two horses kept pushing closer together, wanting to be near one another. Sesshomaru couldn't help but to notice the growing bond between the two, but he didn't understand it. Nakoa was demonic, Alastar wasn't. It shouldn't be possible for any bond to form between the two.

Glancing up, Sesshomaru looked at Kagome, seeing her staring out at the horizon. They were in formation, Sesshomaru, Kagome, Miroku, and Sango sitting on their horses, Sesshomaru's army behind them. The sun had just risen into the sky, painting hues of reds and oranges over it. Soon the enemy would meet them at the battlefront. The scouts had already confirmed the leader was with them, dragging Yuki behind.

"Kagome, may I ask a question about your horse?" Sesshomaru looked back down towards Alastar, cocking his head to the side as the animal seemed to glare at him. It was as if Alastar had a deeper understanding, something a mortal horse wouldn't be able to comprehend.

"What are you asking?" Kagome didn't say anything at first. It surprised Sesshomaru that she had agreed to say even that much.

"He seems abnormal for a mortal horse." Eyes flicking up to Kagome once more, he saw her relax, her features softening. Had she thought he was going to be cruel to Alastar as well? He had a lot to make up for.

"I guess you could say he is." She shrugged, patting the animal's thick mane. "I shared my reiki with him. It elongated his life span, and over the years he seems to have gained the ability of deeper thought. It's the same for Yumi and Calthal. I don't know if it's my reiki, or just exposure from being alive for so long."

"For Calthal, it's natural." Miroku patted the huge horse's neck, and Calthal lifted his great head. It was as if the horse was smirking, agreeing with Miroku. Calthal was the arrogant one, that was easy to see. Yumi snorted, rolling her eyes, then went back to grazing.

Before Sesshomaru could say anything about what he had just learned, they all stiffened as a brush of aura ran over them, feeling out the four of them in curiosity. Sesshomaru glanced at Kagome, wondering if the enemy would realize what she was from her aura, but relaxed when he saw her calm demeanor.

For several minutes, they remained quiet, spines straight as they watched the enemy army approaching. They stopped with several yards between them, Sesshomaru getting his first glance at the enemy leader for the first time in thirty years. It had taken far too long for this moment.

"I am Bagarn." The male yelled, standing nearly ten feet tall. He was an oni, small for his size.

"Bagarn. Finally, you appear before me." Sesshomaru smirked evilly, a dark chuckle leaving his throat. "Now that I see you, I understand why you hid like a coward for all of these years. A dwarfling oni. Rejected by their own kind. Is that why you created an army. You have no home, so you decided to steal mine?"

Bagarn's eyes narrowed into slits, his body shaking in his fury. With a roar, he grabbed Yuki by the neck, throwing her across the clearing between them. She landed hard, rolling and skidding to a stop in front of Nakoa's feet. Bagarn smirked, yellow fangs sticking out over his bottom lip. "Your lover tells me you have an offer, mutt of the West. I want the Shikon Miko."

"Lover?" Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow, then sighed dramatically. "It seems Yuki lies to more than just her lord. She is not a lover, though she has wanted to be for some time. She is no longer even a part of my army."

Nakoa lifted a leg, kicking the down snow demon out of the way. Yuki yelled out in anger but couldn't move due to her hands and feet being tied together. Nakoa ignored the woman's muffled screams, thankful for the gag in her mouth. Sesshomaru couldn't help but to agree with the demonic horse. Sliding off of Nakoa's back, Sesshomaru stepped out in front of the others. "Unfortunately for you, The Shikon Miko does not exist."

"That woman!" Bagarn screeched, pointing a finger towards Kagome. "She is a miko, I have heard the tales from the woman you claim to have not bedded."

"She lied to you, Bagarn, because I asked her to." Sesshomaru grinned ferally, lifting up a glowing hand. His poison dripped down his fingers, falling to the ground where it killed and melted the grass. "I wanted you out of hiding so I can end this war once and for all. I have plans, many of them. None of them can begin until you are handled. You were played like the fool you are."

"Lies!" Bagarn screamed, eyes zoning in on Kagome. He charged for her, crossing the clearing at a speed that rivaled that of a cheetah. Before Kagome or Miroku could react, Sesshomaru was there, feet planted on the oni's back as his hands tore the head from the demon. With a roar, Sesshomaru threw the head back towards the enemy army. His call was obeyed, his army surging forwards, going around Kagome, Miroku, and Sango to destroy the enemy that had dared threaten the West. Within an hour, the enemy was destroyed.

Sesshomaru stood in the battlefield, panting as he made sure there were no enemy survivors left. The war was easily won, and it infuriated Sesshomaru that they wasted so much time searching for Bagarn. This war could have been over a long time ago.

Looking around, Sesshomaru felt his blood run ice cold. There was no sign of Kagome. He couldn't smell her with the scent of blood so heavy in the air. He didn't hear her voice. It wasn't until he spotted Nakoa a few meter's off, standing at the edge of the river that he realized what had happened. With Bagarn dead, Kagome knew Sesshomaru would win the war. There had been no need for her to stay. Three sets of hooves led into the river. No sets emerged on the other side.

Kagome had used the battle as a distraction. She left while Sesshomaru was fighting and kept Alastar in the water to hide their scent and tracks. Sesshomaru had no way to follow Kagome. She was lost to him once again. Snarling, Sesshomaru looked up to the sky. He had one chance left. If anyone would know where Kagome went, it would be Touga. It was time for Sesshomaru to go home.

...

Sesshomaru fully understands what his actions caused. Despite Kagome's cold shoulder and cruelty, he still loves her. He knows she is acting the way she is because of his own actions. He is determined to win her back, to turn things around, but he also understands that there is a chance he will never have her. To him, the risk is worth it. These past few chapters were about Sesshomaru maturing and learning to grow up. Now the next chapters will be focusing on Sesshomaru and Kagome working through their past and the hurt that divides them. Its another long road for them. Fifteen years of abuse, thirty-five years of separation, and now, over the span of a year, Sesshomaru will have to work his ass off to win Kagome back. I won't say if it works or not.

For the challenge, I am going to stay with the pattern I created. Twenty-five reviews from different people by Wednesday. As soon as ya'll hit the twenty-five reviews, you will be getting the next chapter. Here's the teaser. Sesshomaru goes home and talks to his father. Kagome reluctantly agrees to allow Sesshomaru to travel with her, but why does she? There is even a surprise from Nakoa.

I hope you all enjoyed the chapter, and i will see you on the next update. Thanks to Didithereaper for editing as always.