Chapter 11

Spring was in full swing. A carnival of scents blew in the air. Meadow after meadow, they passed on their journey to find the remaining shards and defeat Naraku.

Kagome walked along with her pack on a dusty, worn path. She was happy. She had been traveling as part of Sesshomaru's pack for a week. The pack agreed to continue Kagome's commitment to find the last five shards then take out the evil hanyou. So it became a new task for the tachi.

Traveling with Sesshomaru was wonderful. There was no constant yelling. No begging for breaks to rest and eat. No long hours of searching with no destination in mind. It was peaceful. Kagome found she was even enjoying herself. They hardly came across demons seeking to take her shards. They must fear the daiyoukai of their pack and think it is not worth the trouble. This was definitely ok with her.

Kagome spent her time playing with Rin, enjoying the beautiful scenery of Japan, and even conversing with Jaken and Lord Sesshomaru. He didn't speak much but she was beginning to think he was not the icey Lord that his reputation said he was. Granted, she did most of the talking but she could tell he was listening so she told him about all kinds of things, mostly the future. Not only did he understand but he seemed to like to learn things he didn't know about. He would ask questions when he didn't understand and even offered his own statements of interest here and there.

They were traveling towards the northwest where they heard a rumor of a demon, mad with power and terrorizing a village. It was about midday, not a cloud in the clear blue sky and they had just stopped for a short rest and small lunch. Kagome distributed some dried meats and trail mix. She also set some water to boil for tea. It was becoming a norm to present her box of tea to Sesshomaru for their noon and evening meals. He chose the one he wanted and she would make it for him.

He seemed to be favoring a raspberry jasmine lately and so she figured he would choose that one. She guessed right when he chose the same bag this time, not even looking at the others when she presented the box. When his tea was ready she brought the steaming cup over to her alpha and gave it to him. She then sat near him and asked him something she was curious about.

"Sesshomaru-Sama, do you enjoy puzzles?" she asked curiously. He only looked at her and she could tell he wanted more information. Reaching into her pouch and summoning a rubix cube she handed it to the Lord. He took and examined it. "That's called a rubix cube, it's a puzzle, the idea is to get each side to have all the same color. It turns up and down and side to side," she explained. He moved a section slowly. Then his hands were almost invisible with speed as he turned and rotated the cube, a moment later he gave it back to her. It was finished! He just completed it in a few seconds! That had to be a new record. "Wow that was fast," she stated, slightly embarrassed that it took her a day to complete. "Hn," was his reply. She thought she saw a slight smirk cross his lips but figured it was a trick of her eye.

Putting the cube back she picked a puzzle she couldn't even do and handed it to him. "Try this," Kagome said. "This is called a perplexus, it's a harder puzzle. The goal is to get the silver ball to the middle." Kagome knew this one would be harder. It was the most difficult of the entire collection. She hadn't even done it all the way.

She watched as he turned it this way and that. A few minutes went by and she thought she had him. He smirked when he got the silver ball in the section signaling the game complete. His smirk grew when he saw she was glaring. "Well aren't we smart!" She snapped, taking the toy back a bit harshly. He chuckled at her attitude. He actually chuckled. "Did you just laugh?!" She asked bewildered. "Come little miko," He replied almost coyly.

They began walking again. It was a lovely day. Rin was running around picking flowers from various fields and meadows as they passed. When she had a handful of assorted florets she came running over. "Rin picked these for you mama-" she sang happily but froze mid-sentence when she realized what she said. "Rin is sorry, Rin didn't mean to say mama out loud," the little girl looked down dejectedly. Kneeling down in front of the little girl, Kagome smiled. "Rin look at me sweetie, do you think of me as your mother?" she asked. "Rin loves you like a mama and Kagome-Sama is a very good mommy to Rin," the little girl said hopefully. "Well if you would like me to be your mother I would gladly accept, as long as it's ok with Sesshomaru-Sama," Kagome said happily. Both girls looked to the demon lord and waited for his answer. "You are the alpha female to the pack. It is only natural for you to be a mother to any pups of our group," was his reply. Both Kagome and Rin squealed and hugged each other. "Rin always wanted a mama, Rin doesn't remember her real mama. Now Rin has one!" Rin chirped happily. "I've dreamed of having children one day and I'm glad to have you as a daughter." Kagome said, kissing her sweet angel's forehead.

Releasing each other, Kagome noticed a sad smile on Rin's face as she looked at Sesshomaru. The new mother knew right away that her daughter also wanted a father. Leaning down to whisper in the child's ear, knowing full well the demon lord could hear she said, "Go ask him Rin, he loves you, I'm sure he'll say yes," she reassured.

Rin timidly walked over to her father-like figure and grabbed hold of his pant leg. "Milord, since Rin has a mama now, Rin wants to know if you will be Rin's papa," she asked hopefully. Kagome caught his eyes when the child with such a sweet smile asked for him to be her father. They softened and almost looked like there was love there.

"That would be acceptable," replied the stoic Lord. Rin held her arms up to him, signaling she wanted him to pick her up. He obliged and took her in his arms, she hugged him tightly. "Rin loves you papa," the little girl spoke. Kagome's eyes filled with tears at the scene. Sesshomaru patted her on the head and sat her on her feet. "Come." he said, his voice a little softer than normal.

They walked for a few hours when suddenly Sesshomaru stopped. "My brother approaches," he said. "Oh no, this isn't going to be pretty," Kagome said, concerned for her daughter's and the pack's safety. Inuyasha had a temper. She left without telling him and she knew there was going to be hell to pay.

"My Lord, is there somewhere Rin can go? This is going to get ugly," Kagome asked, picking up the small child. Sesshomaru turned to look at her companion. "Neko, take Rin and follow Ah-Un and Jaken to my shiro," Ashi meowed and jumped from Kagome's shoulder to transform. "Mama?" Rin asked, confused. "It's ok sweetie, there's a um, a bad man coming and we just don't want you to get hurt." Kagome reassured her as she set Rin on the cat. "Ok, will you come?" Rin asked. Sesshomaru answered before she could. "Your mother will be brought back to you soon," he said. Kagome smiled hugely. He recognized her as Rin's mother. It meant a lot to her. Kissing Rin on the forehead, she told her they'd be right behind them in a bit and waved goodbye as they took off.

Rin wasn't the only one who questioned leaving. Jaken had wanted to stay behind with his lord. Something about him being a loyal vassal that should be able to stay by his side instead of looking after a human child. A knock on the head from Sesshomaru's fist shut him up and they quickly departed without another word.

"He will be here shortly," Sesshomaru said, breaking the silence. Kagome was nervous, the kind of nervous that radiates into the space surrounding someone and could be cut with a knife. Sighing, she steeled her nerves and tried to put on her best poker face. She had every right to be here, Inuyasha didn't own her. She was still fulfilling her duty. "It is only the dead one and my half brother," he spoke again. "The others must be back at Edo or something," Kagome stated randomly. A few moments later, Kagome saw a red streak in the trees and then Inuyasha was before them.

They all shared a clearing that wasn't small but not very big either. There was about twenty feet between them. It was awkwardly quiet, not even the forest noise broke the tense silence. Then the yelling began.

"What the fuck are you doing here, bastard, and why are you with Kagome?" Inuyasha yelled, letting Kikyo down off his back. They both looked at her with disgust then back at Sesshomaru. "Hello little brother, to what do we owe this visit?" Sesshomaru asked calmly. Kagome was not fooled, she saw the anger in his eyes. "What the fuck do you mean we?" he asked angrily then turned to look at Kagome. "What the hell are you doing with this bastard. And why the fuck did you leave without asking me?!"

Kagome's eye twitched in anger. "I DO NOT answer to you! I left you and your group!" she yelled. "The hell you did!" He spat. "You're my shard detector! You belong to me, and you ain't going anywhere! I'm bringing you back with me whether you like it or not!" he screamed, taking a step towards her. "No! Who do you think you are? You don't own me! No one does!" she yelled back. "You WILL come back with me bitch or I'll destroy your precious well and you'll never see your family again!" he threatened.

Kagome couldn't believe what he just said. Bowing her head in anguish, bangs covering her eyes in shadow, she was about to tell him his threat was mute when a massive aura flared next to her. The miko looked over at Sesshomaru in shock to see his eyes flashing red and his markings getting jagged.

"You dare threaten my female alpha?" Sesshomaru asked with a deadly ice in his voice. He had his hand poised for attack, his fingers were bent in a menacing way that made the poison dripping from his claws look horrifying. He was a picture of sheer terror.

"Feh, she ain't nothing to you! Come on Kagome I ain't tellin' ya again!" Inuyasha yelled, turning and expecting to be followed. Kagome was furious, she would not let him treat her like this. "SIT BOY!" She yelled, but was shocked to see nothing happen. "Ha! Bitch! You can't sit me anymore, Kikyo broke that damn necklace. Now get over here before I drag you all the way back!" The horrible hanyou threatened.

At that moment Sesshomaru had enough and summoned his poison whip to slash at the idiot in front of them. Inuyasha quickly dodged and pulled out his sword. They began jumping and swinging at each other, their movements so quick the human eye had no hope of seeing the deadly brawl. However, Kagome could see with her increased eyesight. Inuyasha threw his sword around wildly, anger ruling his judgment and what little skill he had. Sesshomaru fought him with ease, slashing and cutting his skin with only his claws.

Sesshomaru now had Inuyasha by the neck with his poison whip, skin sizzling and frying beneath. "You will NEVER touch her!" Sesshomaru growled at him. Kagome stood back a few feet out of the way. She wanted so badly to give Inuyasha a piece of her mind but Sesshomaru seemed to be doing that quite well at the moment.

"Fuck you bastard!" Inuyasha yelled, spitting in Sesshomaru's face. The ignorant hanyou was slung to the ground, but popped back up quickly and waved his tenseiga to let the wind scar unleash at her pack leader. 'No!' Kagome thought, and with inhumane speed summoned her weapon and sent an arrow flying at the sword. Before the powerful demonic wind could be summoned the sword was transformed back to a rusty paper weight when her arrow connected with the blade.

In the next moment everything happened so fast Kagome could do nothing to help. She had not noticed Kikyo knock two arrows at once and shoot them at her. Before she could do anything to stop them, Sesshomaru grabbed her around the waist and spun them so his back became the target.

Kagome looked up from his chest to see two arrow heads poking through his right shoulder. "Sesshomaru why..?" Kagome asked in shock but was forced behind Sesshomaru when he turned back around with Futari no Ken drawn. "Insolent wretch!" Sesshomaru snarled, sending a large wave of purple youki directly at the clay miko.

Inuyasha grabbed Kikyo and jumped high into the air away from the blast. As they were leaving in a sphere of white, Kagome was shocked to see a large path mimicking the destruction of a fallen meteor. The strike left nothing behind except purple streaks of power.

Seconds later, they landed in a quaint, small clearing next to a creek. Sesshomaru set her on her feet but did not let her go. Looking at his shoulder that was soaked in blood, Kagome looked up into his eyes. "Sesshomaru, you're hurt," she said softly, "here sit down let me help you." While Sesshomaru sat crossed legged in the grass, Kagome pulled out a large medical box from her bag. She layed out a cloth then started to pile things she would need to clean and bandage his injuries atop it.

She noticed Sesshomaru had broken the heads off the arrows and pulled them out before fling them away. Blood started to pour from the wounds. "I need to clean and bandage those before they get infected," Kagome said, reaching for his shoulder. She was stopped when he grabbed her wrist, it didn't hurt but she wanted to help him and he was getting in the way. "Sesshomaru let go! I need to help you!" Kagome chastised. "Miko, This One does not need your help," Sesshomaru replied detachedly, not letting her go. "Well, too bad! It's my fault you were hurt and I won't have you in more pain than necessary now move!" Kagome yelled, tears filling her eyes while she jerked her hand free. She knew he let her because his strength was much more than hers. He didn't interfere anymore as she gently pulled his haori away and blushed at his chiseled chest and abs. Shaking away those thoughts she looked at the bloody red puncture wounds. A tear formed and slipped down her cheek as she grabbed a cloth and some water and gently dabbed at the blood. While she worked she felt something touch her cheek. Sesshomaru stopped her tear in its tracks with his finger. "I'm sorry, I should've been more careful," she said. "You did not fire the arrows," he said simply in reply then leaned back to allow her to finish.

Kagome just tied the last knot securing his bandages in place when the sun dipped past the horizon. The field of the small clearing was lit up by dozens of fireflies. Sesshomaru stood while she packed away the last of her things. Kagome jumped when something soft caressed her cheek. Looking up she saw Sesshomaru's fluffy working its way to her. She giggled at being tickled and noticed it was stained with blood. "Sesshomaru-Sama, your fluffy is covered in blood, I'll just clean him in the creek," Kagome said simply, taking the white fluff over to the water. "Miko, it is not a fluffy," Sesshomaru said with irritation in his voice. Kagome just giggled, totally ignoring him while she ran her fingers through the fluffy as it tried to get out of the water. "Almost done, hold on!" She yelled as it splashed her with water. She vaguely heard a growl from behind her. Taking the wet section of the fluffy from the water she shielded herself the best she could when it shook itself dry. She smiled when it wrapped itself around her then squeezed.

"Come," Sesshomaru ordered, as she got to her feet and walked over to him. "This Sesshomaru's castle is a few hours from here, we will fly," the Demon Lord said, holding out his hand. She took it, completely trusting him. She always wanted to know what it would be like to fly.

Kagome watched as a cloud formed at their feet and they started to ascend into the air. She gripped his chest and buried her face into his haori in fear. The fluff curled around her tighter making her feel a little better. Sesshomaru wouldn't drop her, she realized dumbly. With his arm securely around her waist she looked to see how far up they were and gasped. It was so beautiful, the moon was out and shining brightly onto the gorgeous lands below. "Your lands are beautiful my lord," Kagome commented, taking in as much of the view as she could. "You're lucky," she said. "Why?" he asked. "You can fly. I've always wanted to fly," Kagome said, getting braver and leaning out a bit. She felt the arm around her tighten and smiled.

Kagome hummed the theme to Titanic, the part when the couple stood at the stern of the ship. Flying on the cloud, time flew by literally and she couldn't have been happier. She was getting a little tired and let her head rest on his chest. "We will arrive shortly," Sesshomaru said, picking up that she was tired. Sometime later she realized her eyes had shut and opened them to see the most beautiful yamajiro style castle. It was the largest she had ever seen. It was white and black and was built into the side of a mountain. "It's beautiful, is that your home?" Kagome asked. "Hn," replied the lord, "Welcome to my shiro."

They landed in a huge, monstrous garden behind the castle. A small courtyard was in front of them with a set of sliding doors that led inside. "This is the west wing," Sesshomaru explained, "family and pack occupy this wing." When they separated, Fluffy stayed with Sesshomaru as he walked to the door and slid it open. Inside was a hall with many single doors and one very large set at the end. Sesshomaru gestured to a door in front of them, "This is Rin's room, she is inside and is not yet asleep," Kagome walked forward and slid open the door.

"Mama!" squealed the small girl who ran from her bed and into her mothers arms. "Hello Rin," Kagome said, hugging her back and kissing the top of her head. Sesshomaru stood at the entrance and Rin ran to attach herself to his leg. "Rin missed you!" the child yelled. Sesshomaru placed his hand on her head and she smiled. "Rin, you have seen your mother, now it is time to sleep," The lord said. "Come on honey, I'll tuck you in," Kagome said. Rin ran back to Kagome who was leaning down next to her bed. Kagome scooped up the little girl and laid her down then tucked the blanket around her. Kagome reached into her pouch and handed the little girl her stuffed dog. Rin giggled and hugged it to her close. Kagome also took out the enchanted rose and set it on the table beside her futon. "There, now it has a home and you can always see it," the miko said. "Mama, can you sing Rin a bedtime song?" asked the sweet little girl. "Of course," Kagome said, tucking a stray lock of hair behind the child's ear. Thinking to herself, she came up with a good song and started to sing.

*Song*

Oh, this is the night, it's a beautiful night

And we call it bella notte

Look at the skies, they have stars in their eyes

On this lovely bella notte

Side by side with your loved one

You'll find enchantment here

The night will weave its magic spell

When the one you love is near

Oh, this is the night and the heavens are right

On this lovely bella notte

*End song*

Kagome kissed the sleeping girl's forehead softly and whispered, "I love you." Rising, she got to her feet and walked back into the candle lit hall. Sesshomaru shut the door then led her down the hall to a room next to the large doors. "This will be your room," he said, opening the door. Inside was a stunning bedroom. It was colored in light blues, cream, and wood. From the left, she saw beautiful designs of Inu demons and the moon on a light blue wall that framed the room. Next to a door was an alluring fireplace. Flames were crackling inside. In front of the fire was a rug made up of different furs, all gray and white ones. Along the back of the furs were piles of pillows shaped in a crescent. The floor was deep brown bamboo wood.

Along the back of the wall was a large king size futon with small wooden tables on either side. The bed was covered in more white and gray furs knitted together and more piles of pillows. Kagome wanted to throw herself onto the comfy looking futon. To the left of the bed was a door that she thought was probably the bathroom. There was another door to the right of the bed that led to a gorgeous balcony. On the far right wall was a double door entry that stood open and partially covered with a simple changing screen. 'That must be the closet,' Kagome thought. On the wall to her right was a large vanity for her to prepare herself.

The room was exquisite, more than she could ever dream of and it was hers. "Oh Sesshomaru, it's wonderful!" Kagome said happily. "It is to your liking then?" He asked. "Oh yes I love it!" Kagome said honestly. "If you need any changes made, inform your maid, I will assign one to you tomorrow," Sesshomaru said. Pointing to the door on the left wall he said, "this door connects to this one's room should you need anything. You may prepare for bed."

The Lord of the west left her room, leaving Kagome to explore a little then get cleaned up. She unpacked a few things from her pouch and gathered her bathing supplies. Checking the door she thought to be a bathroom, she found the most amazing hot spring she had ever seen. It was a natural spring, the room was built around it. It sat in the center of the room to the left was a changing screen in front of a door. To the right were shelves filled with towels, bathing kimonos, soaps, and oils. Next to that, was a basin of water and a small room hiding behind a screen to relieve yourself. Kagome wandered over to the selection of oils and chose a few to borrow. Stripping down and then walking to the spring, Kagome stopped to admire it. The entire floor in front of the spring was stone, polished down to a smooth finish. Large rocks surrounded the back half of the water and were carved to replicate Inu demons. There were vines crawling along the stone and plants placed everywhere. The air was filled with steam that escaped from vents in the ceiling. The word perfect didn't do justice to her new bathroom.

Kagome smiled hugely and half ran into the water. Walking toward the back, she noted the middle was too tall and she needed to swim. She chose to dive under to wet down her body and hair and reamerge at the other end of the spring. Sitting on a natural bench of rock with her body still half in the water, she sighed happily. Taking her shampoo in hand and pouring a small amount onto her palm, she started to lather her hair. Once her hair was clean, she dunked under water to rinse.

After Kagome finished bathing, she allowed herself some time to just soak and relax in the steamy water. All her tight muscles began to relax. Kagome reached for her foot and began to rub out the knots. After both feet felt much better, she soaked a few more minutes then got out. Once she was dry, she rubbed a few oils into her skin for a moisturizer and then put on her sleeping yukata. Golden leaves stitched themselves into one side near her stomach.

Kagome walked into her room to find Sesshomaru sitting with his back to her by the fire. Once she was in his line of view, he pulled his comb out of his sleeve that she gifted to him and held it out to her. Kagome now realized why he was waiting in here and took the comb. Kneeling behind him she took a section of hair and started to pull the comb through his hair. This was another routine they developed while traveling. Every night before bed, Kagome would comb his hair. Realizing she hadn't thanked Sesshomaru before, she did now. "Thank you for saving me earlier today my lord," the miko said. "Hn," he replied.

They sat in a comfortable silence until Kagome finished the last part of his hair. She went to stand, since she was finished, but was stopped when something grabbed her wrist. "This Sesshomaru would like to comb your hair," Sesshomaru said, gesturing for her to sit in front of him. Kagome was surprised but allowed him to have his way, she hadn't brushed out her hair yet anyway. Sitting down, she made sure all of her hair was behind her then let him start. He was surprisingly gentle and Kagome found she enjoyed this pampering very much. She was almost a pile of goo when he finished, her eyelids were getting heavy. Yawning, she turned and was going to thank Sesshomaru for combing her hair when she realized he had leaned in closely.

Sesshomaru's nose ran along the length of her jaw and then his cheek rubbed hers. "This Sesshomaru would also like to thank you for saving this one's life," Sesshomaru said, then stood and left through the door connecting to his room.

Kagome sat for a few minutes, her face was scarlet red. 'I think that was just the way dog demons say thank you but it felt so intimate!' the miko thought. Standing, she went to her bed and crawled under her furs. She fell asleep wondering what the thank you really meant, her blush never leaving.

~End Chapter 11~

Ooo, sparks are flying! I just wanna take this moment to thank everyone for the likes, follows and reviews. I've actually been geeking out about it! Love you guys! 3

Hanyou-Half demon

Tachi-Pack, group

Daiyoukai-Great demon

Neko- Cat demon

Shiro-Fortress, castle

Haori-A waist or thigh length T shaped traditional wrapped shirt.

Yamajiro-Mountain castle

Yukata-Japanese garment, one layer

Ja ne, Peach