Here's another chapter, the one you've all been waiting for! I hope you love this one as much as u loved the others!
(disclaimer: dont own inuyasha...fluffy is chained outside right now, he'll be coming in soon.)
Kari stretched awake, feeling a warm body pressed against hers. She smiled, knowing that it was Reshki. 'My mate.' she thought, turning to see him still sleeping. She pressed a soft kiss on his lips, smiling even wider when he stirred. Before she could react, he rolled so he was on top, looking down at her. "Good morning, Kari." Reshki returned her smile, then yawned.
Kari reached up and pulled him down to her, kissing him. He pulled back before she could deepen it. "Unless you plan on staying in this bed with me all day, I suggest we stop now." Reshki chuckled, then rolled over, sitting up. Kari grumbled to herself, but got up as well.
A couple of minutes later, both walked out of Kari's room, dressed and happy. They went to the study, expecting to see Sesshomaru already up and at work. However, when they both saw an empty room, they glanced at each other. "Maybe he is still asleep." Reshki suggested. Though that was highly unlikely, they both walked to his room, finding his bed empty.
"Hmm." Kari stated, then inhaled the air. Both stood still for a moment, allowing their senses to help them find their Lord. Reshki found Sesshomaru's scent before Kari and began walking in the general direction his Lord was in.
'Why is he in the guest wing?' Reshki thought, opening and closing different doors, trying to find Lord Sesshomaru. He was about to open another door when Kari stopped him.
"That is Kagome's room." Kari stated. "Let me look, just in case." Reshki shrugged, then moved out of the way. He didn't think his Lord would be in there. Kari cracked the door opened and her jaw dropped in surprise.
Kagome was in her room alright, snuggled up against her Lord, who was still sleeping and holding the human. "Reshki, you're not going to believe this." Kari whispered under her breath, careful not to wake her Lord.
"Huh?" Reshki stated, moving behind her and looking in the room. His jaw dropped as well. They both looked on with surprise.
"Do you intend to stare all day or are you going to shut that door?" Sesshomaru asked, his eyes still closed and his body not moving away from the warm bundle in his arms.
Both Guardians jumped when he spoke. "Uh...sorry, Lord Sesshomaru..."Kari muttered before shoving Reshki back and closing the door.
"I don't believe it." Reshki muttered under his breath, a smile creeping on his face.
Kari playfully swatted his stomach. "Come on, let's leave Lord Sesshomaru alone and get some work done."
Sesshomaru knew his Guardians would come and look for him, especially since he wasn't up or in his room. He heard them checking the other rooms in this hall, then pause outside of Kagome's door. He had heard everything they had said and had forced himself not to smile when they had discovered him in this position.
Sesshomaru had been awake since the sun had risen, but chose to stay with Kagome until she woke up. He heard her breathing change and her heart beat increase, indicating she would wake up in a second. He cracked one eye open, to look down at her.
Kagome rolled over, beginning to wake up. She didn't open her eyes, last night events coming slowly to her mind. 'It was all a dream.' She told herself. That is, until she felt an arm draped across her stomach. And then she noticed that she was laying against something hard and warm. She opened her eyes, looking beside her to see Sesshomaru laying on his side, one eye looking down at her.
'It definitely wasn't a dream.' she thought, blushing and smiling all at the same time. "Good morning." Kagome whispered. She didn't know why she whispered.
"Yes, it is." Sesshomaru replied, opening his other eye to look at her. Kagome then noticed the sun had been up for awhile.
"Oops. I guess we slept in." Kagome muttered, glancing away from him.
"You slept in. I have been awake for awhile." Sesshomaru corrected her, seeing her frown up at him.
"You just laid here with me?" she asked, confused and amazed.
"Yes." was his simply reply. He leaned over her to claim her lips in a quick, sweet kiss. "But now that you are awake, I suppose I must get up." Kagome watched Sesshomaru sit up, then look back at her.
"I'm getting up." Kagome grumbled, smiling at him. She sat up as well and stretched. "I guess I'll go get a bath."
"As much as I would love to join you, I have some pressing business. Would you mind playing with Rin today?" Sesshomaru sighed, seeing her eyes wide in surprise.
'I can't believe he just said that.' Kagome thought, then realized he had asked her a question. "No, I'll play with Rin today."
"Thank you." Sesshomaru whispered, kissing her on the forehead. He stood then and walked out of the room, leaving a stunned Kagome.
'He's acting strangely. Not how he used to.' Kagome stared at the door a moment more, before getting up and making her way to the hot springs.
After washing herself up, she found Rin in her room, drawing pictures. "Hello, Rin." Kagome stated, smiling down at the little girl with the lop sided pony tail.
"Kagome!" Rin smiled, jumped up and ran to her. She grabbed Kagome's hand and pulled her over to her pictures. "Look! Look what Rin drawed!"
Kagome smiled and looked at the picture. "Rin?" Kagome's eyes got slightly wide. She was staring at a picture of what had to be Sesshomaru, standing beside a figure she assumed was her.
"Do you like Rin's picture?" Rin asked, looking hopefully up at Kagome. "It's a picture of you and Lord Sesshomaru!"
"Uh, it's a very nice picture Rin, but why draw me with Sesshomaru, why not you and Sesshomaru?" Kagome questioned the child, handing her the drawing back.
"Rin loves Sesshomaru like a father. Rin thinks Kagome would make a good mother!" Rin smiled up at the young woman.
"Well, thank you Rin." Kagome chuckled. If Sesshomaru was as sweet as he was this morning, then maybe she had missed something about him.
Sesshomaru walked to his study, instantly smelling the two Guardians. He walked in to see them both talking and looking over the letter that had come yesterday. They both looked up when he walked in. Reshki slyly smiled at his Lord.
"Good morning, Lord Sesshomaru." Kari smiled sweetly. Sesshomaru looked from one to the other and got an amused look in his eyes.
"I see you two have decided to be together." Sesshomaru stated, taking a seat behind his desk. Both of them looked at one another, then their Lord.
"How...did you...when?" Kari's words jumbled together.
"Come now, Kari. You surely didn't think I wouldn't smell you two on each other." Sesshomaru scolded, his face showing nothing.
"You are one to talk." Reshki chuckled. Sesshomaru chose not to comment.
"On to serious matters, have either one of you heard from Roku?" Sesshomaru stated, beginning business.
"My brother has yet to send word." Reshki scowled. 'What is taking him so long?' Reshki thought. He had been gone for almost two weeks now.
"And no one has a clue where the bodies went and who the killer might be. Lord Kouga has made a thorough search of those in his Palace. If any one of them did it, he would've found them by now." Kari stated, scowling as well.
"Any more attacks?" Sesshomaru asked, pulling the letter to him.
"No, none that we know of." Kari stated, then looked to Reshki.
"I don't understand it. Why kill a Lady when her son will be taking over soon anyways? And then, why dispose of the Guardians bodies, but not Lady Akina's? It doesn't make sense." Reshki stated, shaking his head.
"Was there any trace of the Guardians? Any blood?" Sesshomaru asked, knowing they had both seen the body and the scene where it all had happened.
"No, no blood. If I didn't know any better, it's almost like they were simply dragged off while sleeping. Either that, or Lady Akina was killed before them." Kari stated, crossing her arms.
"Could Kouga have committed the murder?" Sesshomaru pondered, then shook his head.
"Kouga and Akina were too close. And even if he would've done it, his Guardian's would've known about it and stopped him. They would come clean." Reshki stated.
"When will the other Lords arrive?" Kari asked, frowning.
"Tomorrow." Sesshomaru replied, then continued. "That reminds me, Kari, I want you to take Rin to visit that family in the village. She will stay there for the week. I already have to worry about Kagome, I don't want Rin getting hurt."
"Hai, Lord Sesshomaru." Kari nodded. "It seems we can't really do anything until the other Lords and Ladies arrive."
"Reshki, I want you to find your brother." Sesshomaru stated, standing.
Both Guardians protested. "That will leave you alone. I don't think so. Reshki can wait until I return before he leaves." Kari stated. Reshki instantly agreed.
"That will take him longer to find Roku. He should go now." Sesshomaru snapped. Neither Gaurdian backed down.
"We are not leaving you alone." Reshki folded his arms across his chest, preparing to argue until he was blue in the face.
"Fine." Sesshomaru agreed. Kari and Reshki shared a glance. 'He gave up way to easy.' Kari thought, looking at her Lord suspiciously.
"But when you both return, I am assigning one of you to protect Kagome while the other Lords are here. She is human and I don't want her harmed by any jealous females." Sesshomaru stated, daring one of them to argue with him.
"Hai." Kari and Reshki agreed.
"I will go fetch Rin and take her there immediately. Then Reshki can get started." Kari stated, bowing to her Lord before walking out of the door.
Inuyasha continued through the forest with the rest of the gang. Shippo had stopped crying and reverted to being alone most of the time. Though every day he seemed a little happier. Sango knew that he still missed Kagome, but Sango thought that maybe Shippo realized he would see her soon. Even if he told himself that and it was a lie, at least he wasn't always crying.
Inuyasha had returned when Sango had finally decided to forgive the irritable Hanyou. And as soon as he had returned, all of them had set off, determined to find Kagome.
Inuyasha picked a direction, West. He wasn't sure why he wanted to go this direction, but something said 'west' and for once, Inuyasha listened to that little voice in the back of his mind. So the gang had started to travel west, asking villagers along the way about a strangely dressed Miko.
Rin and Kagome were in the garden, Rin telling Kagome about all of the flowers and occasionally showing her a bug or two. Kagome kneeled to look at one of Rin's favorite flowers, though Kagome was beginning to suspect the child loved all flowers.
"Kagome." Kari stated from behind her. Kagome stood and turned, smiling at the hawk demoness.
"Lady Kari!" Rin yelled happily, latching on to the Youkai that had just landed. Kagome and Kari shared a smile.
"Well, hello Rin. How have you been?" Kari stated, placing a clawed hand on the childs head much like Sesshomaru did.
"Rin has been great! Kagome has been playing with Rin!" Rin replied, looking up at Kari.
"Well Rin, it is time for you to go visit your friends, so say good bye to Lady Kagome." Kari smiled. Rin nodded her head, then ran over to Kagome.
"Will you be here when Rin comes back?" Rin asked, clasping her small hands behind her back.
"Of coarse Rin." Kagome reassured the child.
"Then Rin will see you soon!" Rin cheered. Kari walked over to the small child and picked her up.
"I will return shortly. If you have nothing better to do, Reshki and Lord Sesshomaru are in the Study, go say 'hi'." Kari smiled then winked before jumping into the air. Kagome looked confused, but shrugged it off and went inside.
After arguing with herself, Kagome decided the would go say 'hi', as Kari had put it. She wasn't sure how Sesshomaru would act around Reshki, especially after what happened. 'Oh well, I guess I'll find out.' Kagome thought, walking down the hall the study was in. The door was already open, but Kagome paused by the door way.
Sesshomaru was standing near the window, looking outside while Reshki was in mid sentence. "Lord Sesshomaru." Reshki stated, seeing Kagome standing in the door way. Reshki inhaled her scent and smiled. He could smell spring rain and jasmine, that was her normal scent, but there was something else to it. Almost a honey smell, the scent she gave off when she was in heat.
Sesshomaru turned to see Kagome standing in the doorway. "Where is Rin going?" she asked, looking from one to the other, hoping she wasn't barging in on something important. Sesshomaru turned to look outside without answering.
"The Lords will be arriving tomorrow. Rin will be gone so she won't get hurt." Reshki replied, holding back the chuckle forcing to take over him.
Kagome frowned. "What about me? I'm human too." She asked, looking to Reshki. Obviously Sesshomaru wasn't going to answer her.
"I have a feeling the Lords won't be bothering you." Reshki smiled secretively. He knew his Lord would protect her and he knew his Lord liked Kagome. That was why Sesshomaru didn't want her gone. He wanted to personally protect her.
"You do not have to worry about your safety." Sesshomaru added, turning around fully to face both of them. Kagome wasn't sure if she should be happy she was staying or not.
"Lord Sesshomaru wouldn't let anything happen to...his guest." Reshki chuckled. Sesshomaru looked at him and Reshki quieted, though he still smiled. Kagome looked completely clueless.
"Anyways, I think we should go to the Dojo to practice some more." Reshki stated, standing.
"I will accompany you." Sesshomaru stated, shocking Reshki and Kagome. Sesshomaru ignored the shocked faces and indicated that Reshki could lead the way. Reshki walked out of the room, Kagome and Sesshomaru in tow.
Kagome was even more surprised when Sesshomaru walked beside her, close beside her. They walked down to the dojo. Reshki walked over to the weapon rack, removing three swords. Handing one to Sesshomaru then Kagome.
Then they preceded to train Kagome. Reshki and Sesshomaru would demonstrate moves and Kagome would try them against either Reshki or Sesshomaru. Kagome was slightly proud of herself at how quickly she was learning. Reshki and Sesshomaru were equally amazed at how fast she picked up on things. She would be a formidable opponent if she had the speed of a demon to match.
It was late in the evening when Kari returned. She found all three of them in the Dojo. She was amazed to see her Lord teaching this human how to fight. Kari watched Lord Sesshomaru as he watched Kagome mock fighting with Reshki. Kari smiled when Sesshomaru looked in her direction.
"I see you are back." was all he stated, resting his sword point on the ground.
"Yes. Rin is with the family." Kari bowed slightly, walking to stand beside him and watch her love and Kagome go through a fighting routine.
Kagome obviously didn't notice Kari's presence as she continued to fight Reshki. "Lord Sesshomaru, may I ask a question?" Kari asked lowly, not wanting to disturb Kagome's concentration.
"You may ask but I may not answer." Sesshomaru replied, keeping his gaze on Kagome, watching her move against Reshki's attacks.
Kari sighed, knowing that was going to be his reply. "What is this human to you, my Lord?" Kari asked anyways, not expecting an answer. "Never have I seen you take such interest in any other female before, demon or otherwise."
Sesshomaru's gaze left Kagome and looked to the Gaurdian standing beside him, who was watching Reshki. Sesshomaru sighed, then answered, "I am not sure." Kari met his gaze.
"If another Lord wishes to mate with her..." Kari began, she didn't even get to finish.
"That is her choice." Sesshomaru replied, visibly tensing. Kari smiled a small smile. Kari had to admit Kagome was not bad looking for a human. And Kari knew she was a powerful Miko as well, and Kagome was a promising fighter. A Lord just might see that and decide he wished to mate with her. It was not that uncommon for a demon to take a human for a mate. The demon would enjoy the human's company until the human died. For a demon to take a human as a life mate, now that was much more rare. Kari would hate to see Kagome used like that. To only be a demon's play thing for as long as she would live, then be tossed aside when she was too old to be of use.
"My Lord, if you honestly like her, do not let her go. If you think you have experienced pain, try losing something you've longed for. It hurts more than any physical wound." Kari whispered, her gaze going to Reshki. She had lost him once, and that had hurt more than anything. But now he was hers, and she was his. She couldn't be happier.
Sesshomaru looked down at his Gaurdian. He decided he would not comment on what he felt for Kagome. Hell, even Sesshomaru wasn't sure what he felt for this human. After a moment, the sound of clanging metal ceased. Sesshomaru looked to see Kagome panting, her sword tip resting on the ground.
Reshki smiled at Kagome when her sword hit the ground. Her arms were killing her. She had actually kept up with him. He knew he had probably pushed her farther then he should've, but he had heard Kari and Sesshomaru talking and decided Kagome didn't need to hear what they were saying.
"Reshki, enough." Sesshomaru stated. Reshki looked to his Lord and bowed slightly. Sesshomaru tossed Reshki his sword. Reshki caught it, then took Kagome's from her.
Kagome winced when she lifted her sword to Reshki. Her arms were killing her. Swinging that sword around and hitting Reshki's with her own had taken its toll on her arms. She could barely move them. Once the swords were put up, Reshki and Kagome walked over to join Sesshomaru and Kari.
"Reshki, you may leave to find your brother now." Sesshomaru stated, knowing the training session had barely drained the Neko Youkai. Reshki nodded, then walked over to Kari. They both left Sesshomaru and Kagome standing in the Dojo.
Kagome watched Reshki place a chaste kiss on Kari's lips before taking off in the night. Kari turned to face Kagome and Sesshomaru. "Are you two coming?" Kari asked, crossing her arms. Kagome walked over to Kari on weak legs. Kagome prayed they wouldn't give out on her. 'Kami's, I'm going to be sore tomorrow.' Kagome thought, concentrating on walking without falling.
Sesshomaru knew Kagome was sore. She had been pushed far today. Once they were in the Palace, Sesshomaru dismissed Kari. Kari glanced at him, then Kagome, but left without another word.
Kagome was vaguely aware when Sesshomaru had dismissed Kari. She was abruptly brought back to reality when Sesshomaru lifted her into his arms, carrying her bridal style. Kagome looked up at him in surprise before relaxing into his arms. Sesshomaru didn't look down at her when he felt her gaze on him, he simply continued to walk with her.
Kagome was almost asleep when he opened her door to her room. Feeling the warm bed beneath her woke her up. Kagome tried to sit up but a strong hand prevented her from doing so. "Relax." Sesshomaru stated, barely above a whisper.
She was going to ask Sesshomaru what he was doing when he sat at the edge of the bed towards her feet. She was surprised when he raised one leg to his lap and began to massage her foot. She watched him, too shocked to say anything. Kagome leaned back, feeling him work his way up to her calves.
After messaging up to mid thigh, he turned his attention to her other shapely leg. By now Kagome was thoroughly relaxed and comfortable, enjoying the fact that Sesshomaru was with her. After finishing with her legs, Sesshomaru rolled her over gently, kneading her back and shoulders.
"Sessho..." Kagome muttered, feeling him work out the knots in her shoulders and upper back. Sesshomaru heard her mutter his name into her pillow and he couldn't help but smile. He had to stay focused on his task or he would be tempted to go a little farther then kissing. Sesshomaru had to admit, Kagome's body was definitely nice. And if he had anything to say about it, he'd be the only one to see her unclothed.
mwa ha ha! that was awesome! I hope you all loved that chappie! I know i did...I could just picture sessho giving me a massage drools Well, now that i have this posted, perhaps i'll let him inside and he can do just that!
And of course, I'm going to thank my reviewers...you didn't think I forgot about you all, did u?
ShikonMiko (thanks...i cant wait for the lemon either...god sesshy's hot!) Sesshys Hime (you think I'm really that good? WOW, thanks! ) Xio the Dog Demoness (here's my next chapter, and 10 will be coming soon!) AnimeChibiGrl (I had to stop cuz I didn't want to include so much, not to mention this looked like a good stopping spot, tee hee) Kaora (Oh, dont worry about Inuyasha or Kikyou grins evilly) CresantMoon99 (i'm sorry they keep gettin interrupted, but it adds to the bond between them if i keep them...away...from eachother for the time being ) Cutie pie 99 Miko in Love (yes, words dont do him any justice...) Kitsuneminkchan (wow, i didnt think my story was emotional at all...whispers to tell you the truth, i didn't think it was good at all) GreenDragonSpirit (hahahaha, true, i'm all about the fluffiness too) Glass Thorn (thanks, i'm trying to write a good story) Blue Fire (thanks!) RED DAY ( i love it when sesshy gets all jelous and stuff!) Sesshomarussecretmate (hey, are u trying to take MY man? ) spacemarine (im sooo sorry! cries, then whipes tears away is this better?) ennovymoon (the lemon will come...just aint saying when ) Piper (Inuyasha will get his...as well as his dead miko pet, Mwa ha ha) Silver mystic (ta da, here's more!) PeachesDani katelyn (glad i could get you to laugh, i laughed when i typed it...but its tru!) tessie fan fic (dont worry bout shippo...itll be alright, i promise!) Orchideae (you'll see) Blood bunny (me sorry, but i gotta keep it interesting, tee hee) MoonFox1 Cymarel (lol, wow...and yes,
kissy kissy, i WISH it was me he was messaging instead of her...damn kagome gettin all the attentionlol)