Koinonayami

Chapter Five: The Shackles Broken and the Scars Emerge

Hello my readers I'm glad you all seemed to like chapter four, you should know I had a heck of a time trying to write it. Well I hope this chapter will make up for it because I am starting this on 1/20/05, lets just see how long it takes to be written. Also for those of your who read chapter four and it was missing the part with Engetsu and Kumo well read the end of chapter 4 now because it is fixed.

Answers to questions in Reviews:

First of all was the question of, 'will Kagome have the life of a demon if she and Sesshomaru get together', and I am afraid I can not answer that question because of how this story is going to end. You will see what I mean later.

Second 'was poor Engetsu sexually molested by Kumo." The answer to that is it depends how I feel when I write about it later.

Third was a question about Sesshomarus bowing into the dojo and a mention on the price of training. It is true that training like that in Japan is not expense at all, but you also have to think that Kagome was raising two boys. Also Engetsu has had previous training which she had to pay for. I never mentioned that, but he has. As for the bowing, well that is simply a tradition among different styles of martial arts that shows respect to the place where you train.

Birds chirped calmly in the distance as the sun slowly began its rise above the eastern mountains. All seemed calm until a loud thud echoed throughout the Western castle, rousing guards from their well earned rest. They headed down the mazes of hallways as silently as possible, following the sounds to the dojo. The soldiers knew none of their own where inside so with a tightening grasp on his spear the lead guard flung open the shoji screen to reveal the most peculiar of sights.

Sesshomaru had been training Kagome for the last week, every day well before dawn and she was still willing to learn. It was odd really, the onna seemed almost desperate to learn, and not a single bit of fear had laced through her scent except for once.

At around the second day when they had started a free for all battle, Sesshomaru had let his eyes become tinged with red, but as soon as he did Kagomes scent became clearly fearful. 'So she does still remember that night,' Sesshomaru had thought when he caught the sharp tangy smell. After that he made sure to keep his demon instincts under control and his eyes the clear gold they were meant to be.

Though at the moment Kagome was sprawled out on the dojo floor after just being thrown for what seemed like the twentieth time. "Come at me again," Sesshomaru barked out as tightened his grasp on the wooden sword he was using.

Kagome practically growled as she jumped up and came at him again, her ki flaring out behind her in a raging fire of emotions.

This strange sight of teaching and utter insanity or least in their eyes, from their lord and this new mortal was the sight that greeted the guards upon entering the dojo. It was a shock in itself to see Lord Sesshomaru in the dojo, seeing as he only trained out in the wilderness, but to see him attempting to teach a human miko how to fight with scythe was just mind numbing.

Sesshomaru felt more then saw his guards in the doorway but decided to ignore them for the time being. Not to mention Kagome looked quite peeved at the moment. He barely dodged the first strike thanks to his lapses in thought, but Sesshomaru completely dodged the second swipe and managed to strike the weapon out of her hand. Not but second after the scythe fell to the floor Sesshomaru smelt fresh blood, worried that he had hit Kagome, he looked her over for wounds. Of course after a quick examination Sesshomaru realized the blood was actually coming from a small cut on his palm. Kagome had hit him.

The cut was small and Kagome barely got the chance to see it before it closed completely, but the pride she got from it made her very aura swell. She smiled softly at Sesshomaru before remarking," Gomen nesai for the cut, but that was what you wanted correct?"

Sesshomaru nearly smiled himself as he saw his 'student' was finally ready for their journey east to Narakus old castle. "Yes, you did well; you should be good enough in close combat defense for now. Though when we return we will continue your training," Sesshomaru remarked sternly before turning on the ball of his foot and heading to the doorway of the dojo.

As soon as the guards saw their master heading towards them, they all bowed in respect before making themselves scarce.

Sesshomaru nearly smirked as he bowed out of the dojo and headed for the main gates. "Come Kagome, we leave now," Sesshomaru commanded before completely disappearing down the corridor.

Kagome ran after him but could not quite keep up so she slowed down to a swift walk as she mumbled under her breath. "Jerk, arrogant bastard, why does he have to be so commanding all the time, I know of the urgency in our journey," Kagome practically growled.

When she finally made it out to the front of the manor, two strong looking mares carrying one pack apiece were all ready for travel. Sesshomaru in all of his regal beauty stood beside the larger of the black horses as he waited for her.

"Were is Ah-Un?" Kagome asked curiously as she got closer to what she supposed was her own horse. As she stood near the large beast Kagome realized that both had red eyes and a slight demonic aura.

"They are with Rin, and yes these horses do have demon blood," Sesshomaru answered both her spoken ad unspoken question.

"O," was Kagomes intelligent answer as she moved to mount the horse. As soon as she moved to do so the horse began to buck and fidget, leaving Kagome to fall to the ground.

Sesshomaru nearly rolled his eyes as he patted the horse gently on its neck to calm it down. The horse almost instantly calmed and Kagome could have sworn she saw a smug look of satisfaction cross its eyes before she got off the ground. "Here," Sesshomaru remarked coldly as he came up behind her and lifted Kagome by her waist and onto the horse. "He can sense your Miko, so I sugest you keep your powers down while riding," Sesshomaru commanded more then asked before he mounted his own mare.

"Well then why did you give me a demonic horse?" Kagome spat angrily as she glared over at her companion.

"Because these horses are much faster then ordinary ones and I know you will not use your miko powers to purify a creature of nature." Sesshomaru answered with and icy glare that clearly said 'you try my patience wench.'

Though Kagome didn't seem to notice at all as she began to gently talk into the ear of her horse as she tried to sooth it into trusting her. The horse seemed to be calming greatly and it was soon trotting along next to Sesshomarus horse and following her commands. "What are their names," Kagome asked curiously.

This time Sesshomaru really did roll his eyes before answering with, "I do not bother to name the animals, only Ah-Un has a name."

Kagome took on a thoughtful appearance before she frowned and concluded," That's sad, how about I name them?"

"If you insist," responded Sesshomaru flatly.

Kagome smiled brightly before she began listing off the various names that would fit the horses. It was soon decided that Sesshomarus horse would be named Hokori (Pride) and her own would be called Kage (Shadow). With the new names decided Kagome and Sesshomaru headed out through the main gates and towards the evil aura that marked Narakus old castle.

BACK WITH ENGETSU

It had been five days, five long days of this torture Kumo called training and Engetsu was quite sure he did not even have the energy to move his toes. Kumo had finally let him be for a time and at the moment Engetsu was laying on his stomach in a bed somewhere in the castle. It was actually a very comfortable bed and Engetsu was greatly tempted to just fall asleep, but he did not trust Kumo and willed himself you keep one eye open.

He was now shirtless and his back bore and ugly scare that looked as if it would never heal. Starting from very low on his hips to his right shoulder was a large crescent moon scar. Three or four ribs were surely broken and bruises covered Engetsus chest and hips. His hands where also now burned beyond repair and they hurt like hell. Sometime during his training, Kumo had pushed Engetsus hands above his head and they got burned by the dark ki in his collars.

Engetsu almost wondered if it was worth it, but as soon as he thought of his brother lying dead in the cells below, he knew it was well worth the pain. Faintly he wondered if the only permanent damage was in his hands, by the feel of things, the answer was no. This made him think of a saying he had heard long ago it went something like, 'do not fear pain for when you feel you know you are alive.'

"I hope he is ok," Engetsu mumbled out loud as he thought back on his brother. His eyes slowly began to droop as his mind relived the past. A little voice in the back of his mind told him not to fall asleep but he ignored and slowly fell into the shadows.

Kumo watched Engetsu with an amused smirk as he walked into the room from the cover of the doorway. "It took you longer then I thought to give in to your exhaustion my little pet," he remarked with a soft chuckled before moving to sit on the bed beside Engetsu.

Kumo ran his clawed hand softly through the others ivory tresses as he thought back on the last few days. He had thoroughly enjoyed the company of his new found pet and he would be damned if anyone took him. "Not even your powerful father can save you now," Kumo growled out before his growl turned into a long sadistic chuckle.

"Now to deal with your brother," Kumo whispered before he rose from the bed and headed down into the cold and damp dungeon below. "O Mangetsu, my bright little moon," Kumo called in a sing song tone as he walked along the rows of cells. A sadistic smirk graced his pale features when he heard a whimper coming from one of the cells ahead.

Mangetsu huddled to the very back corner of cell as he heard Kumos sadistic call and sudden layer of light blue light covered his body in a protective barrier. "Stay away from me," Mangetsu growled for the first time in his life as he watched Kumo enter through the door.

"Come now little one, I am merely keeping a promise to your dear older brother. I am going to set you free," Kumo called in the same sing-song tone as before.

Mangetsus face light up at the mention of his brother and he stood up and cautiously approached his jailor. "Engetsu is, is he alright?" he gulped.

"For Now, but it is time you return to your parents with this message," Kumo commanded as he handed Mangetsu a folded parchment. Then he moved to the side of the cell and let a large fanged grin pass across his face before barking out," Now RUN!"

Mangetsu wasn't really sure how to react to this, but soon his instincts took over and he sprinted out of the dungeon and then out into the wilderness. His legs carried him as far west as his demon powers could before he fell into heap of limbs near and old tree, his chest heaving from the long run.

SESSHOMARU AND KAGOME

Seven hours, it had been seven long hours sense Sesshomaru and Kagome had left the western castle. Even though Kagome had never had any real violent tendencies in the past, she was quite ready to slaughter Kage. She had never rode a horse in her life and seven straight hours on one was pure murder on her now seriously sore thighs. It was true that she could always just ask Sesshomaru to stop, but she would be damned if she asked HIM for help.

Finally around nightfall, Sesshomaru led both of the horsed into the forest and stopped near a large tree. They then dismounted and tied the horses to a nearby tree. "We have traveled far today, ne? " Kagome asked before she took out some dried meat from her pack and began to nibble at it.

Sesshomaru gave a curt nod before moving over to the tree and sitting down by the rough bark. "We have some things to discuss, Kagome," Sesshomaru spoke softly, purposefully using her proper name.

Kagome gulped softly before she moved to gracelessly plop down beside him, she was extremely nervous but she knew this had to be done. The two of them needed to talk about the future, about their sons, and themselves.

Sesshomaru decided to use actions instead of words as he pulled back his gi and revealed the circular miko mark Kagome had given him 12 years ago. Kagome gasped and had to nearly force herself to stop from touching the purplish scar. "Did, Did I?" she started to question.

Sesshomaru nodded before he remarked," This scar is the same as the bite mark you wear, it will not let me even remotely approach a female except for yourself. This is why we need to speak. You are to leave Engetsu with me, to become heir to the western throne."

Kagome wasn't sure what to do or say, but in her instant of shock come a surge of pure and utter rage. 'HOW DARE HE,' her mind seemed to scream before she slapped him, a flash of miko energy following the movement of her hand. "NO, Engetsu is MY son, how could you think to take him away from me. I raised him, by myself, for twelve years, Sesshomaru. I will not sit by and ideally twiddle my thumbs while you turn my eldest son into some cold murdering bastard like yourself. After this I will take them home and never return again," Kagome growled out, her rant causing her to huff and wheeze out of yelling.

Sesshomarus normally cold eyes widened in surprise as his head was snapped back from the force of the miko enhanced slap. 'Damn that actually hurt, how dare the wench defy me,' his inner youkai howled. With a reddening of Sesshomarus golden orbs he lashed out and pushed her to the ground with a clawed hand wrapped around Kagomes throat. "I will not be defied by MY own mate," Sesshomaru snapped out madly as his claws began to grow green in acidic poison.

Kagome whimpered in pure freight as flashes of those same red eyes and feeling of those same claws ripping into her flesh flashed across her mind's eye. For once in her life Kagome could not bring her miko powers out to help save her life. For once her entire been was shocked with horror. "Please don't," Kagome whimpered again as tears streamed down her face.

As soon as Sesshomaru smelt the horrible saltiness of Kagomes tears, his entire mind went black. In the deep recesses of his heart and mind where a large white dog paced around in large shackles a sudden crack resounded in the darkness and the monster broke free for the first time in many years. On the outside Sesshomaru still looked the same but his mind was now running on pure instinct, the instinct to stop his mate's pain.

Letting out a whimper of his own Sesshomaru licked away Kagomes tears before leaning down to nuzzle against her neck in a placating gesture. He could not speak because his mind was running on instinct, but his body language spoke volumes and it was saying," We're sorry, we will not hurt you again." Slowly and carefully Sesshomaru moved his hand away from her throat and used the once deadly weapon to soothingly run his clawed fingers through her ebony tresses.

After a moment Kagome calmed down and dried her tears with a few sniffles and choked sobs. "Sess, Sesshomaru," she started but was quickly shushed by a soft almost purr-like growl.

Under the shine of a full moon and covered by the blanket of twinkling stars, two long lost mates fell into their first comfortable rest in over twelve years.

The soft morning calls of birds rose into the sky as the sun began its daily rise upward past the horizon. A groan echoed throughout a small clearing in the forest as heavy eyelids tried to break the bonds of ever so wonderful sleep. Bright blue orbs opened to the world then quickly closed to the blinding light. "Urg. go away," Kagome grumbled as she swatted at the open air as if that could drive away the sun. Of course as soon as Kagome lowered her hand back to her side she realized that her had wasnt resting on herself, but someone else. "Wha?" Kagome started as she swiftly reopened her eyes and searched for the person who had greatly invaded her personal space. Though the peaceful vision of Sesshomarus slumbering face resting on her lower abdomen, was not quite what she was expecting. Hold on 'peaceful', 'resting', 'abdomen', 'SESSHOMARU.'

3...2...1...FIRE IN THE HOLE!

"WAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Sesshomaru was quickly woken up by a shrill scream from below him and a rather pounding headache that normally meant either hangover or he had lost control. When he opened his eyes to spot a rather terrified Kagome resting 'beneath' him, well lets just say Sesshomaru had never stood up so fast in his entire demon life.

He tried, lord he tried, to remember what had happened the night before, but nothing came to mind. So Sesshomaru decided to check on the one creature that would know what was going on. Deep inside his soul, hidden in his minds eye, was a feral beast known as Sesshomarus Youki. A large white dog with bright red eyes that pierced through the darkness of his very soul. Now this image that Sesshomaru had created years ago as a way to keep control of his more dangerous instincts was normally seen as a large muzzled white dog with four shackles on each leg binding it to his soul. Though today something seemed wrong and as Sesshomaru checked on his inner self he noticed the absence of the bindings and a few broken chain links littering the black floor of his mind. Actually his normal feral youki seemed to be purring in contentment and wagging its tail in a rather playful manner. 'What the hell did it do? Did she do?' Sesshomaru thought with a raised brow as he turned to the skittish miko on his right.

Kagome noticed Sesshomaru opening his mouth in preparation to say something until she watched his head snap to the side and his nostrils flair slightly as if trying to take in a scent. Then she felt ot a familiar pull that she just could not name.

Sesshomaru quickly turned back to Kagome and answered her silent almost pleading glance with a simple," I smell Kumo and ...Mangetsu."