Next chappie! Woo-hoo! Slowly but surely our lovable pair makes their way toward their destination, and the final shard of the Shikon! Hoorah! I can't wait to post the final battle scene between our heroes and Naraku! Ah, but I must be patient. It's just so darn tricky.
Disclaimer: The usual…
One Step Closer to the End
Kagome had sensed the jewel's presence the day before, and though it was still a ways away, it was much closer than it had been at the beginning of her trek. With Mischief's help, the journey would be a much faster one. And with Sesshomaru along, well… things would definitely be interesting.
Though the composed western Lord said little, he kept her on her toes. When he was silent, Kagome always found herself wondering what might be going through his mind. When they spoke, at least she was ensured to have an intelligent conversation. Though Mischief was good company, she was only a horse, and Kagome needed someone civilized to converse with.
Within the first two hours of their traveling, the terrain began to grow more barren. Grass and plant life faded away into high peaked precipices, the air thinning out as they gained altitude. Blue sky melted away into an infinite grey canvas, they were soon surrounded by an endless dome of cloud. Small patches of dry, taupe hued grass stippled the slopes, barely clinging to existence in the harsh atmosphere of the cliffs.
On both sides of them ridged peaks jutted upward, leaving only a sliver of winding sky above them. The pair trod onward, through the snaking passage they had come upon. A cold wind blew through the arroyo, moaning and wailing like the ghosts of a nightmare.
Small reptiles and rodents peered at them from the safety of their fissures, beady eyes gleaming as they ventured a look into the outside world. Restlessly they awaited the passing of these intruders, anxious to resurface from the cracks in which they dwelled to feed on the bugs that scampered along the floor of the gorge.
The rock floor beneath Mischief's hooves sent a clattering echo around them as the midnight steed dashed madly up the mountain. The mare was obviously anxious to get out of the canyon as quickly as possible. It was narrow and treacherous, twisting and turning so that one was never certain what might lye around the corner.
After hours of travel, the walls of the gorge widened and slunk back down, melding with the earth as they emerged from the chasm. Inhaling a deep mouthful of cool, diluted air, Kagome slowed Mischief to a canter.
There, in a valley below the cliff they stood upon, a cluster of greenery blossomed. Seeing the small lot of buildings that were dappled amongst the trees, Kagome smiled. The monastery she had trained in, it looked so very different from her current point of view, so small and insignificant; odd… in a way. Less than two months ago, it had been her entire world.
The blotch of green against a canvas of dull grays and browns made for a bizarre picture, but a beautiful one none the less. Never, during her stay, had she wandered outside the area in which flora bloomed. Now, as she rode through the desolate peaks, she was glad. The western mountains were indeed beautiful from a distance, but after having explored their mysterious depths, one realized what a deceiving image it truly was. The mountains were cold and unforgiving, dangerous and uncertain… beautiful but deadly.
'Much like a certain Lord,' Kagome mused ironically.
Said Lord was currently gazing at the monastery, his cool, ocher orbs regarding the grouping of structures with no real emotion. It was obvious that he knew where they were and what significance those few, solitary buildings meant to Kagome. At the moment, however, he was in one of his serious moods and was not up for delaying more important matters. "Come," he beckoned, floating soundlessly away from the valley and up yet another slope.
Taking one last, fond look at the monastery, Kagome smiled again and maneuvered Mischief to the left, following silently behind Sesshomaru. Once they had found a steady path to travel on, the group picked up their pace. Though they did not travel as quickly as they had coming up, their pace was a steady one.
Foam rimmed Mischief's flanks and whither, yet the stubborn mare refused to slow her pace. Breath coming out in heavy pants, the charcoal colored steed pressed on, red dappling the edges of her nostrils.
For the remainder of the day they traveled, until Mischief was wheezing and shaky. Kagome felt terrible for the mare's condition, but she knew very well that Mischief ran because she wanted to, not because she was forced. Many times the cerulean eyed female had attempted to slow the animal's pace, but the obstinate horse refused to oblige.
Night came early, dropping the already chilly temperature to a frightening low. Sesshomaru, with his extraordinary senses, discovered a cave where they could rest for the night. It was small, and damp, but it was shelter none the less.
While Kagome and Mischief hunkered down in the temporary refuge, the western Lord slipped away to hunt. When he returned with a pair of rabbits, the miko had gotten a small fire going. It flickered pitifully amongst a pile of dead shrubbery she had managed to find, snapping quietly and casting the notched and contorted walls of the cave in a warm glow.
Opening the oats Ryou had given her, the priestess glanced over to where the midnight mare lye huffing. Placing the bag next to Mischief, who she noticed was eying Sesshomaru oddly; Kagome gave the nervous horse a pat on the rump. Fingers running slowly through the creature's long, charcoal locks, she sighed in content. Tossing a fleeting look in Sesshomaru's direction, the priestess removed a bur from her furry companion's mane.
Catching the longing look she had sent him, Sesshomaru inquired, "What is it?"
Shaking her head, she joined him next to the fire and burbled, "It's nothing."
Locking a curved finger under her chin, the demon Lord stated calmly, "Kagome, if you wish for me to open up to, perhaps you should be honest with me when I ask it of you. I can sense your lies, do not forget that."
Sighing, she admitted, "Well, there is something, but it's dumb. You'll think I'm a silly little girl."
Lifting a brow, the inu youkai questioned, "And how is it you know this? Have you told me?"
"No," she confessed.
"Do not presume that I will judge you, Kagome. I may not understand your motives from time to time, but that does not mean that this Sesshomaru is so petty as to label you," he explained seriously.
Chewing her lips nervously, she inhaled sharply and blurted, "IwaswonderingifmaybeIcouldrunmyfingersthroughyourhair?!"
Blinking slowly, the taiyoukai smirked and repeated, "Run your fingers through my hair?"
"Damn," the miko hissed, hoping he hadn't understood her.
Chuckling, Sesshomaru, summoned her forward. Shifting slightly, he maneuvered her to sit behind him. Casting her a quick glance over his shoulder, he nodded, assuring her, "You may do as you wish, Kagome."
Clapping her hands together jubilantly, the young miko settled her self behind the western Lord, perching on the rock he had been leaning against, her legs on either side of his frame. Fingertips sinking into his flowing mane of silver strands, she carefully combed through his locks, relishing in the silken texture of his hair. She inhaled slowly, finding that he smelt exquisite as well.
Sesshomaru felt his body crumble beneath her exploring and inquisitive touch. The gentle scrape of her tipped nails against his scalp made him shudder. Leaning back, he allowed his head to loll back into her hands as she ran her fingers through his hair. Why on earth had he never allowed anyone to do this before? It felt absolutely astounding.
Sucking in a breath when her fingertips skimmed his ear, Sesshomaru jerked slightly. Like any inu youkai, or any dog for that matter, his ears were extremely sensitive, and getting them stroked repeatedly made him purr in delight.
Though he was a demon of high standings, he was still a man, and a man could only take so much. Knowing he had to end this before things got out of hand, he swiftly reached up and gripped her wrist firmly but gently.
When she questioned him, he replied through grit teeth, "I apologize, Kagome, but I may not have been able to stop myself if you continued."
"What do you mean?" she inquired curiously.
Sighing, he explained, "An inu's ears are sensitive. By touching them, even accidentally, you've gotten me into a rather susceptible state." When he saw her give him a rather perplexed look, he resisted the urge to roll his eyes at her childish innocence and expounded, "I'm hard for you."
Eyes widening at his bluntness, Kagome cleared her throat and tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, clasped her hands together awkwardly. Scooting out from behind him, she settled for sitting next to him by the fire.
"Thank you," she whispered, a shy smile on her lips.
"For what, may I ask, am I receiving your gratitude?" he queried.
"Well," she began nervously, "thank you for stopping things before they got out of hand."
Turning to face her, he cupped her cheek and whispered, "Kagome, I shall do whatever I am able to prove my love for you. I do not want you to presume that I care only for your body. Though I cannot deny that I crave you, I will respect your wishes, and until you grant me consent I will not attempt to pressure you in any way."
Sighing internally, the blue eyed beauty gazed lovingly at Sesshomaru, unable to believe that such poetic words had come from the lips of such a hardened man. The sound of his voice alone was enough to make her weak at the knees, but when he used it to utter sweet, compassionate words; the inu youkai was simply irresistible. Wanting to thank him, but not knowing what to say, Kagome chose a different course of action.
Tongue darting out to moisten her lips, the jittery young woman leaned over and pressed the soft, pink petals of flesh against his cheek. It had been meant to stop there, but when she attempted to move away from him, she found herself trapped in the passionate swirl of his eyes. Within seconds, she was leaning in for yet another kiss, though this one was far less innocent.
Sesshomaru moaned softly as the woman he loved splashed her lips against his, surprised when he felt her blunt, ningen teeth nibbling his lower lip as she showered him with slow, sensual kisses.
One hand resting against the small of her back, the other snaked into her hair as he pulled her into his lap, purring as she stroked his hair. Pulling away slowly and reluctantly, he commanded, "Sleep, koi."
Sighing in defeat, the young miko cuddled into Sesshomaru's lap, attempting to bury her self in his warmth. When the familiar sensation of his pelt blanketed her back, she cooed in content.
Gazing down at her sleeping form, the taiyoukai tilted his lips in an almost imperceptible smile. A sense of blithe serenity swept over him as the tiny female huddled closer to him and clutched his haori tightly.
Though he had done something that many youkai nobles would look down upon, though he had followed in his father's footsteps, he felt better than he ever had before. He was truly happy, and for the first time since he could remember, he was at peace. Love truly was a mysterious thing. Who would have thought it possible, a cold-blooded, ningen-loathing youkai falling in love with a fragile, human priestess?
It was completely unorthodox, and he knew many would frown upon his decision, but for some reason, he felt exhilarated. To do as one wanted without being concerned of what others might think was liberating; and he promised himself then and there, that he would no longer live behind a mask. He was who he was, and damn it all he would do as he pleased. He was the Lord of the western lands, and no one controlled the decisions he made.
With that in mind, he kissed his soon to be mate atop the head, resting his chin on her crown as the last veins of sunlight leaked from the darkening sky.
Mmmmkay… Oh wow. HUGE 'Southpark' reference, right there! I love that stupid ass show. Bunch of idiots. You know what else is a freaking amazing show? 'Video on Trial'. That show is phenomenal. Anywho…
Review… 'hiss'