It was a cold autumn afternoon, the grey and cloudy skies promising dismal weather for some time to come. A brisk wind was blowing through the forest, ruffling leaves, and the hair of a small group.
Sesshomaru walked steadily along a path through the wooded land, his superior senses extended out for any signs of the dastardly hanyou, Naraku. A half step behind him walked the Miko, Kagome, in a companionable silence thought she was apt to make conversation with him throughout the day. A few feet behind them walked Ah-Uh, with the two giggling children happily seated on the two headed dragons back. Jaken was sitting on the edge of the dragon, his back turned away from the noisy kids chatter. Bringing up the tail end of the unusual group was Miroku, walking hand in hand with a blushing Sango. Even though he had woven their fingers together hours ago, she couldn't help the heat that flooded her cheeks at every squeeze of his tender hand around hers.
They had been walking calmly for quite a few hours, after departing from the little village late that morning. They didn't have any specific course, just a general consensus to keep an eye out for Naraku and the jewel shards.
Kagome took a deep breath, loving the fresh, clean air around her, even if it did have a chill bit to it. However, no amount of fresh air would help her soon to be sore muscles. Sighing, she turned to look at Sesshomaru, unsure how he would take her request.
The Taiyouaki kept look straight ahead, but his curiousity was piqued as the woman's scent became insecure and nervous. "Um, Sesshomaru?" She asked softly.
He inclined his head to her, Amber eyes flicking to look into her azure orbs. She gulped lightly before continuing. "Are we stopping for the night anytime soon?"
Golden eyes looked back into the sky for a brief second, noticing how the light was fading, before he looked back at the cautious Miko. Her timidity was confusing to him, but he nodded slightly.
"Hn. The next suitable clearing shall provide a base camp." Her shoulders sagged in relief and she smiled her thousand watt smile, a grin he was beginning to associate only with the peculiar Miko.
"Thank you!" Still a bit confused by her unwarrented gratitude, Sesshomaru only continued to walk forward, eyes scanning the trees for a decent place the rest for the night. Unconsciously, his sensitive ears picked up on the monk and Taijiya's quiet conversation.
"Sesshomaru-sama is much more reasonable than Inuyasha ever was," Miroku remarked quietly.
"Yeah, he'd have us walk all through the night if he could," Sango replied, a touch of displeasure in her voice at the memory.
"He would fight with Kagome-sama about it all night, too." Miroku observed, feeling relived that despite their shared parentage, Inuyasha and Sesshomaru seemed as different as night and day.
The eavesdropping Taiyouaki had to hide a smirk at their whispered conversation. Of course he was a better leader than the whelp, he scoffed. Although, the more time he spent with the group, the lower his option of the half breed became, which surprisingly was still possible. Really thought, to fight about resting? Didn't the imbecile know that to fight off any threat the body, especially a humans, must be well rested? It was only common sense, but it seemed even something that simplistic escaped the hanyou.
"Sesshomaru?" Drug out of his thoughts by the miko's quietly insistent voice, the taiyoukai turned his amber orbs on her. "Does that spot over there seem like a good campsite?" She was pointing to a clearing that seemed a fair way from the path, one that even Sesshomaru had looked over, lost in thought as he was.
"Hn. We shall reside there for the night," he said before leading the small group into the woods. The miko's smile is accomplishment, and accompanying burst of happiness did not go unnoticed by him. However, he thought it a testament to how awfully the hanyou had treated her, that she became so delighted by his simple courtesies.
Kagome sighed happily as she dropped her large black backpack on the ground, rolling her tense shoulders around. She supposed the pack could have been carried by Ah-Un, but she felt bad to burden the creature. Besides, she could carry her own weight. She was glad at how easily Sesshomaru had agreed to let them stop for the night. She'd been expecting a fight, and had prepared several reasons on why they needed rest for the night, but she hadn't needed to use any of them. The rest of her companions gathered in a loose circle around the small clearing, all leaving a space for a fire in the center. Shippo hopped off of Ah-Un and was happily gathering firewood as he chatted with Rin. The two were nearly inseparable now. Surprisingly, Kagome felt Sesshomaru level her with his steady gaze, an inquisitive gleam in his golden orbs.
"Miko, when was the last time you trained?" Of course the Taiyouaki knew the answer to this question, but he wished for the Miko to think about her training and be proactive about it.
"Oh, since before we staid with Kaede." Words went unspoken between them, that it had been since before Inuyasha's assault of her person. "Would you practice with me now, Please?"
The taiyoukai nodded gracefully, and the two slipped away, thought their absence did not escape the monk or Taijiya.
The sun was beginning to set behind its cover of clouds, and the light filtering down through the trees was becoming darker. Sesshomaru led the way through the trees, until they weren't within shouting distance of the little camp. Kagome looked expectantly at him when he ceased walking.
"Are we practicing the same things? I'll search for your aura?" The Taiyouaki nodded, but a wicked gleam was in his eyes, unbeknownst to the woman.
"Yes, but this time you'll be moving. In battle, you often will not get the chance to mediate, so you must be able to have a constant awareness of your surroundings." Kagome nodded, seeing the sense in his words, until a massive blushed strained her cheeks.
Sesshomaru looked at her curiously until she spoke. "So, uh, essentially you'll be... chasing me?"
The taiyoukai smirked darkly, starting to stalk around the Miko in a slow circle. "Would you like me to...Kagome?" Her azure eyes widened as the blush on her cheeks darkened from his low voice. She let out a shaky breath, attempting to compose herself before Sesshomaru stood before her.
"J-just train me," she stuttered. Sesshomaru had to stifle a smirk at the double meaning in her words, one that her innocent mind had no idea of. He nodded, and stalked into the woods behind her.
"Start to move, Miko. Do not let me catch you." Kagome shuddered lightly at his dark tone, but she didn't know if it was from fear or anticipation. Taking a deep breath, she let her senses start to expand out, before stepping into the trees at a quick pace.
It was a lot harder than she had expected. The auras of the trees and animals around her kept flickering, blinking in and out of existence as her concentration wavered. She'd focus on the ground ahead of her, avoiding a treacherous tree root, and bam! Away went the images of the life around her. The Miko wanted to scream in frustration.
A flicker of blue flames appeared to her senses. Sesshomarus signature aura. Her breath came a little bit quicker as she started to walk faster, away from where she could sense him.
Sesshomaru smirked darkly as he stalked through the dimly lit forests, his sense expanded out. He could feel Kagome's aura, a warm light energy, with threads of pink from her Reiki interwoven. She was on the move, but not nearly fast enough to avoid him. In fact, it seemed like she wasn't even running. He thought it rather foolish, but she was most likely having trouble concentrating. He had wanted her to be aware of the difficulties in using such skills, so that she did not become complacent. Contrary to popular opinion, he did know that arrogance could be deadly. It was a key reason that someone had not defeated this Sesshomaru in battle yet, because he was aware of his limitations, few though they may be.
The taiyoukais smirk widened as he came closer to the Miko, her breath was loud in his ears, the soft panting traveling easily through the quiet woods. He could just barely see her, her back against a tree as her eyes flitted wildly around. She looked to be having a hard time concentrating, as she hadn't noticed his presence yet. He had no doubt that she would someday reach his level; the taiyouaki was aware of the aura of every creature in the vicinity.
But at the moment, he was only concerned with the miko's. He stalked up behind her, reaching out one pale, long fingered hand before she jumped with shock.
"Sesshomaru!" Kagome whispered as she sensed his electric blue aura right behind her, making her whirl around with fright. She only saw smug golden eyes before the taiyoukai had his arms around her, pinning her to his armored chest. He was smirking down at her imperiously, one hand woven into her long hair while the other one was wound securely around her waist.
"I seem to have caught you rather easily, Miko," he said deeply, a dark gleam in his eyes.
Kagome shivered she looked into those golden orbs, they seemed to be boiling with heat. She shivered, her own hands pressed up against his chill armor. The spikes were a bit concerning, but she tilted her head back a bit to avoid them. Unfortunately, she had no where else to look other than into his steamy eyes.
"Ye-yeah well you're better at this than I am," she stuttered. Her hands unconsciously curled around the metal edge of Sesshomarus armor, fingertips grazing his silk kimono. Surprisingly, the demon before her laughed. It was low and deep, not loud at all, but Kagome could feel the chuckle resonate through her bones. His eyes seemed only to grow hotter as the laugh died out.
"This Sesshomaru is undoubtably a more accomplished Hunter than you, little Miko."
Kagome felt heat flood her cheeks as she retorted in indignation,"You were hunting me?!"
The mirth was gone from the taiyoukais face in an instant as he smirked rather wolfishly at her, leaning closer to the woman's red face. "Would you like me to...?"
Kagome felt her breath leave her in a woosh, especially as she felt his muscled arm press her ever closer to his armored chest. She wanted to look away, look anywhere but at his smoldering eyes, but she seemed to be caught in their mesmerizing gaze.
"I, Ah, I..." Kagome's words trailed away as her mouth went dry. The smirk slowly slid away from Sesshomarus lips as he surveyed her. The woman in his arms was hot to the touch, burning just like her pink aura. Her black hair was widely strewn about them, a midnight cloud. She was flushed, cheeks red as her breath came in the slightest of pants, pants that left her plump lips red and shining.
He hadn't expected to feel this attracted to the Miko. This feeling of lust, it seemed to have snuck up on him. He didn't know when he'd started wanting too, but lately all he could think of was leaning down and kissing the woman senseless. From the look she was giving him, he'd doubt that she would have many objections.
However, had she really moved on, stopping loving his ass of a half brother? Sesshomaru couldn't be sure, and he was not one to take unnecessary risks. With these rather depressing thoughts in mind, the Taiyouaki gently let go of the Miko, taking a step away from her tempting body.
"S-Sesshomaru?" She asked breathless, a hint of confusion in her tone. Keeping his expression carefully composed, the Taiyouaki turned towards the woman, motioning back to the camp they had left behind.
"Shall we return?" A little bit shocked, the woman only nodded her head and started to walk behind the impressive man. She didn't really know what to think. Kagome had been sure that they were having a moment, that something was happening between them, and he just broke it off. Did she do something wrong? Of course she did, there's no reason why the great Sesshomaru would ever pay her any attention. Foolish woman, he'd say.
Kagome sniffed lightly, rubbing her eyes as they filled lightly with tears. She'd been so sure that something would have happened. They'd grown closer, and had moments before. But she had been foolish to think they mattered to the great Taiyouaki. Who would ever want her? Not Inuyasha, that was for sure. And even if Sesshomaru had accepted her into his pack, it didn't mean that he wanted her, that he desired her. She could hope, and see things, see feelings that weren't really there all she wanted, but it always ended the same way. No one would ever want her, and that was for damn sure.
The woman was about to wipe away the solitary tear that had slipped its way down her cheek when she ran smack into something hard.
"Agh," She groaned lightly, a hand lifted to her forehead. Opening her eyes, she stared curiously forward. Ha she been so lost in thought she walked into a tree?
Her azure eyes only made contact with an armored chest. It had been Sesshomarus back that she'd rammed into, so of course he had looked to see why. Hastily, she raised a hand to wipe at her wet eyes.
"Miko, why do you cry?" She sniffed, turning a little bit away from the inquisitive man.
"It-it's nothing." She sure as hell wasn't saying that she was crying because of the ache of loneliness in her chest that never seemed to go away.
Steel fingers caught under her chin, but they were shockingly gentle as the Taiyouaki turned her face up, his unoccupied hand coming up to brush away the tears that had slid down her pink cheeks. She saw that his brows were furrowed, looking genuinely confused.
"Tell me what has upset you," he commanded softly. Sniffing lightly, Kagome flicked her azure eyes away from the Taiyouaki, who's caring attitude was only cutting her deeper with confusion.
"It'a none of your buisness Sesshomaru," she said roughly.
His eyes narrowed the slightest bit, but the long fingers that gently grasped her chin did not tighten at all. "A pack member must comply with what their alpha asks of them," he ground out, a bit annoyed at her dodging his question. If nothing was wrong, the woman wouldn't be crying!
Kagome wrenched her chin out of his grasp, her arms crossing angrily over her chest. "And what exactly does that mean, hm? To be a pack member. Sango explained to me the differences between members, and I can't help but wonder, what the hell am I to you, Sesshomaru?"
Back in the glassy glade that the group had made a camp in, a fire was burning nicely. Shippo had gathered up a little pile of wood before running around to play tag with Rin. Sango and Miroku were seated before the fire, and the Taijiya had grabbed a pot and water from Kagome's bag, setting them over the flames to start warming. She was sitting close to the monk, their thighs just barely touching. A blush spread across her tanned cheeks as Miroku shifted, his leg sliding along next to hers.
"Sango, my dear," He said in a flirty tone. Fiercely attempting to conceal her blush, she looked over at him.
"Yes?" He smiled at her happily, his hands folded in his lap innocently, at the moment that is.
"Have I told you how lovely you look today?" Sango's eyes slid away from him, lowered in embarrassment.
"Stupid..." She muttered under her breath, hiding the smile that threatened to overtake her lips.
"It's no-," Miroku began to banter with her, but was cut off as Ah-Un growled lowly, hackles obviously raised. Sangos hand immediately to Hiraikotsu, hoisting the weapon a few inches from the ground as she searched the surrounding area with her eyes. Miroku quickly located the children, who had ran over to the dragon, crouching by the fearsome heads. He picked up his staff, expression serious as everyone waited for the threat to show itself.
A small man warily walked out from the surrounding shrubbery, he was favoring Miroku and Sango, with the two headed dragon hiding the children from view. He was average looking, black hair with muddy brown eyes; not a large build covered in earthy colored monks robes, fairly similar to Miroku's purple garb. He had his hands raised up in a surrendering fashion.
"Stranger," Miroku said politely in greeting, though neither he nor Sango dropped their weapons.
"Fellow monk. I have been separated from my group, and seek shelter for the night, if you would be so kind as to let me stay here," He had an easy voice, politely bowing his head to the man, but it didn't escape Sangos notice that the man didn't even toss a glance her way. It was rather rude, as this was her campsite too.
"By all means," Miroku said with a smile, laying his staff down next to him. Sango also let Hiraikotsu drop to the ground, but she shot a warning look in Ah-Uns direction. Translation: keep the children out of sigh for now.
"Thank you, your kindness is much appreciated." The man sat down cross legged by the fire, opposite of the two cautious adults. The purple robed monk nodded graciously before speaking.
"Of course. My name is Miroku, and my lovely companion is Sango, the Taijiya." The mans eyes sparked at her title, and surprisingly he bowed his head respectfully at the stranger.
"Ah, forgive me for being so rude as too not introduce myself. I am Toshi Ukitake, a lowly servant of Tadanobo-sama. I am pleased to hear that you are a fellow Youaki slayer, Sango-San." One of her eyebrows raising in surprise, Sango exchanged a look with Miroku.
"Fellow youkai slayer?" She asked curiously. The man smiled, but it seemed off, cruel somehow. His muddy brown eyes grew rather dark with passion as he spoke.
"Of course. The great Tadanobo-sama, a monk of unimaginable skill and generosity, has allowed me to join his ranks of men, all who are concerned with wiping filthy youaki from the face of this earth. This is also your profession, as a Taijiya, is it not?" Sango's chocolate eyes darkened in concern as she viewed the man before her. Miroku also seemed to become more withdrawn, his eyes flashing to his staff hesitantly.
"No, I'm afraid not. Taijiya are more concerned with balance than anything else. I eliminate low level youkai who are tormenting villages, but nothing more than that. I only target those who are little more than beasts." The monks face darkened considerably, and he folded his arms tensely.
"You would let Youaki wonder this earth, free to inflict harm on any they wish?" Sango frowned at the man, her hand clenching upon Hiraikotsu's smooth surface. She was about to speak again when a little voice yelled out indignantly.
"Hey! Not all Youkai are bad Mister!" Shippo ran out in front of the fire, his tail bristled angrily as he glared at the stranger. The monk seemed taken aback, and rose to his feet, prompting Miroku and Sango to hastily do the same.
"It seems I have misjudged you people," the monk said with a sour glance in their direction, his gaze quickly returning to the young kitsune. "That you would travel with such filth is an insult to your profession, and your very existence as ningen." Sango smoothly hoisted Hiraikotsu, hearing the challenge in the mans scornful worlds.
"No!" She yelled at him, barely keeping her anger in check. "It shows that we know how to be kind! Unlike you!" The man scowled at her, removing a small knife that glinted in the firelight from the folds of his plain kimono. He gave them all a dirty glare, baring his teeth.
"It seems that Tadanobo-sama's cause is in need of a champion tonight," he sneered, brandishing the knife. The adults were all held in a stare down, each waiting breathlessly for the other to make a move. One little flick of the mans eyes were all the warning given before he fling himself at Shippo.
The kitsune screamed as he scrambled backwards, desperately attempting to avoid the knife aimed straight for his heart.
/hey guys I'm sorry this took so long to put out, holidays and school are crazy. Plus, I've moved and the Internet is down so my editing is suffering, I'm sorry _
Also, some of you may have noticed, I have a new story up! It's called Grey Lines of Combat, and it's an Itachi X Sakura fic, from Naruto. That one has about 4 chapters up, so please CHECK IT OUT
Thank you for reading, and please review!