Disclaimer: I don't own Inu Yasha and co. I don't own any of the songs that I put into the story, except on cd's. But I do own Shiori, Miyu-Guardian-mother to Shiori & Koshin Hakogami-snow youkai from modern Japan-father to Shiori, Kil Kai-another snow demon from feudal times & Aisu-female snow demon from feudal times, they are all mine.

AN: " " is speaking, ' ' is thought

And as always, thanks to those who read & enjoy my story. I had 187 hits on my last chapter, making a grand total of 19576 hits to my story! YAY! I'm glad you still like my story. And I love to here from all those that review. . :-) Hope I keep you all interested in this story. Enjoy!

Also, I'd like to announce my lemon with Sesshomaru & Shiori. It will be marked where the lemon begins. So if you don't want to read it. Then please skip it, but the lemon actually ends with this chapter. Sorry to those that are not interested in those. But to those that are I hope it's not too trashy or campy. Hope you enjoy this chapter.

Now on with the show.

Glossary:

youkai-demon

taiyoukai-demon lord

inu-youkai-dog demon

ningen-human

ookami-wolf demon

osuwari-sit

aisu-ice

houshi-monk

hentai-perv

Chapter 33: Duels Can Lead to So Much More

The group travelled for about an hour before finding the perfect place to camp for the night. It was a large, grassy clearing with plenty of room for everyone to stretch out. The trees surrounding the clearing were lush and thick, to act like a living wall. It gave a little protection to the clearing. The only way something large could get into the clearing was from above or by knocking down the surrounding trees. The second would cause a great deal of noise. They even lucked out and found a group of hotsprings not to far from the clearing, so no one had to wait. The hotsprings were also curtained off from prying eyes by tall trees and shrubs. The group went about getting camp set up. Shiori pulled her spelled duffel out of her pocket and unfolded it. She pulled out various items; Kagome's pack, rolled up sleeping bags, clothes and her IPod.

Kagome pulled out her kettle and a pot. She also had Ramen out, with the bowls. Sango and Miroku went to gather wood for the fire, with Miroku groping Sango's behind and getting slapped. Rin and Shippou gathered berries and roots, with Jaken supervising. The others, Inu Yasha, Sesshomaru, Aisu and Kil Kai went about gathering fish and prey for dinner. When everything was set up, dinner cooking away, everyone sat down and began to relax a little.

Shiori stood up and called to Rin. "Let's get started on some simple ways you can protect yourself, munchkin." She walked a little ways away from the group, and found a long, straight, thick piece of wood that was just as long as Rin was tall. She handed this to Rin, who looked at her, puzzled. Shiori also found another that was just a bit shorter than herself.

"What's this for?"

"This you can use to defend yourself with," Shiori answered, then added when she saw the unenthusiastic face of the little girl, "You will progress to something a bit more dangerous looking, but let's start with this first. This will help you keep enemies from getting too close to you while allowing you to cause damage to them in the process." Shiori began to twirl the stick effortlessly which Rin watched with mild fascination. But when Shiori began a simple kata with the improvised bo, she had Rin's full attention.

"Will I be able to do that?" Rin asked, excited.

"Yes, you will but don't be upset if you don't get it the first time. It does take a bit of practice."

"How much?" Rin asked, curious and eager.

"That depends on the student," Shiori answered, standing ready to show Rin how to use her weapon. "Now, to begin with some simple moves." She began to teach Rin, by the end of an hour, Rin was showing a hidden knack with the bo. "That will be enough for now. Why don't you eat and then get a bath. We have more ground to cover tomorrow."

"Alright, Shiori-sensi," Rin then bowed to her new teacher and ran back to the others, bo in hand. "Did you see me, Sesshomaru-sama?"

Shiori looked at the stoic lord and found he was watching her intently, before he turned his eyes to his young ward.

"Yes, I was watching, very good, Rin. You show promise," he managed to praise the young girl without changing his tone. Though this went unnoticed by Rin, she heard the praise.

"Thank you, Sesshomaru-sama. I'll work really hard and make you proud of me," Rin then hugged the taiyoukai's leg and ran to get a bowl of Ramen from Kagome.

Shiori met the golden gaze trained on her. Ice blue was held by gold for a few heartbeats, then gold was alone. "Kagome, I'm going to workout for a bit, don't wait up for me," she turned and began to walk into the surrounding forest, sheathed sword in hand.

Kagome watched her cousin with a little worry. She had noticed the interaction between Sesshomaru and Shiori. She feared her cousin was close to falling for the stoic lord. 'I hope this doesn't end badly for her, or else I'll purify him into next week,' Kagome thought, turning back to the children.

Sesshomaru waited a few minutes before calling for Jaken.

"Yes, milord?" the imp bowed.

"Stay here and watch over Rin," he ordered, not sparing the imp a glance. Not waiting for an answer, he began to follow Shiori's path into the forest. He couldn't explain why, but he felt he needed to follow her. He tried to figure it out, but the only thing he would accept was that they had a promised duel. That was it. The only reason, he needed to show this arrogant woman who was alpha; him. He came to another clearing, where he found her sitting, crossed leg, eyes closed, and sword naked laying across her lap. She seemed to be relaxed, but he could tell she was just waiting. He watched her take a deep breath and in one fluid motion, jump up.

She began a simple sword kata that flowed into another, and another. Each one becoming more complicated than the last. She seemed to be poetry in motion, deadly and graceful. Her eyes were also closed, blocking out any visual distractions. She moved as if the sword was an extension of her arm, not merely being held. She put power into each stroke and thrust of the sword along with long aquired grace.

Sesshomaru was slightly mesmerized by her movements. Then he surprised himself by pulling out Tokijin and stepping in to lock swords with Shiori. He noted that she was not at all surprised with his presence. 'She knew I was here,' he thought and then he thought of nothing else. Their duel had begun. They circled each other before meeting again. He thrust and she would block and dodge. She would swing and he would step aside. They danced around like this for a good hour before Shiori smiled and moved in a blur.

Before he could blink, she was right in front of him, nose to nose. Still smiling, she ducked and swept his feet. Which he flipped back, landing on his left arm and springing back to end up back on his feet, in a crouch. He now wore his trademark smirk, really beginning to enjoy himself. He lunged, wrapping his left arm around her knees, knocking her to her back.

She kicked with both legs up and out, throwing him over her prone form. She was able to turn over and get into a crouch, smiling. She watched as he reached his right side with his left hand to undo his armor. 'So, he wants to play fair,' she thought, watching as his form was revealed from behind his large breast plate. 'Hhhmmm, nice,' she admired, staring at the outline of his broad chest under his silk haori. The silk had been pressed tightly against his chest by the heavy armor he always seemed to wear. 'Yummy.'

He stopped just before laying the armor down on the ground, lifting his nose into the air just a little. He could tell she seemed to like what she saw. This pleased him, greatly. Because, besides being fun, this was also a show of dominance and interest in a potential lover.

The two joined again in battle, both knowing this was not a fight between enemies. This was something they both wanted, needed in a way. They were drawn to each other, but they had refused to acknowledge this until this moment, and they may even attempt to refuse it after this. For now, they will just accept and enjoy.

Sesshomaru issued a growl of challenge to the woman in front of him. He smirked when she answered, by engaging him in battle. Her smile did not go unnoticed by the taiyoukai. His youkai was thrilled by this female before them. This one is much more fun than the last female you were with his youkai growled in his head.

Shiori was enjoying herself, but felt that she wanted more and knew exactly what to do to get it. She feigned low and to the left, then came at his throat with her sword. She stopped just at his skin, not breaking it, using her left hand to hold his sword away from their bodies. She had him pinned to a tree. They were both breathing heavy, eyes locked.

Sesshomaru brought up his empty left hand, under her right arm, gripping her throat. They stayed that way for exactly one heartbeat. Then, Shiori leaned up and caught his chiseled lips with hers. Brushing her tongue across his mouth, she gained entrance and then they were fighting a different duel. One where there were no losers. Their swords were dropped, forgotten on the clearing floor.

LEMONWARNINGLEMONWARNINGLEMONWARNING

Still leaning against the tree, Sesshomaru wrapped his left arm around her waist and drove his right hand into her thick, midnight dark hair, holding her securely to his larger frame. He was happy for the support of the tree when he heard her purr of contentment. His knees were a little wobbly from the effect this woman in his arms was causing. He growled with pleasure when she grabbed a fistful of his silky, silver locks. They pulled away from the kiss to lock gazes, ice blue to warm gold. Their was a bit of surprise at the intensity, but there was unmasked arousal dominating everything.

Shiori was reeling from being aroused by this man. 'How is this possible?' she thought, 'How can I want this male so much?' She then thought, 'To hell with it.' With that, she brought his head back down and was kissing him again. She used her right hand to run it down his silk clad chest, enjoying the contours under the haori that were him. When her hand got to his waist, she moved it around to his hip and moved it just a bit more to grab as much of a hold of his firm rear. She swallowed his surprised groan with delight. 'He did have a nice ass after all,' she thought.

Sesshomaru was very surprised when he felt Shiori's hand grab his butt. 'Bold,' was the one word he could think of for the woman in his arms. He wanted to return the favor and moved his left hand down to cup her butt. He groaned again at the feel of the woman under his hands. He revelled in the sound of her moan. He took his right hand out of her hair and slowly ran if down the side of her neck. He continued his slow journey till he came to her breast. He gave it a light squeeze, noticing that it filled the palm of his large hand perfectly.

Shiori broke from the kiss so she could lean back, thrilling in the sensations. She exposed her neck to Sesshomaru and gasped when she felt his hot lips leaving open mouth kisses. She let him continue for a few moments longer, then she pushed out of his arms.

Sesshomaru was kissing her lovely neck one moment, then he was cold because she was no longer there. He was puzzled until he saw what she was doing. She was sheathing her sword and laying it by the tree. She turned to him and demanded in a voice hoarse with passion, "Off, now!"

When he didn't move, she stepped up to him and began to untie his haori. She kept eye contact, watching for any signs that he wanted her to stop. What she saw in his golden gaze was desire, but more importantly, desire for her. She felt herself flush, and look down to try and concentrate on the ties. She stopped when she felt his hands on hers. She looked up and was caught by his heated gaze. With their gazes locked, Sesshomaru gently moved her hands and untied his haori. He finished getting his upper body free of clothing and stared at her.

Shiori moved her eyes down his chest which were followed by her hands. She moved them slowly, enjoying the differences in textures. His skin was silk and warm, but the muscles under the skin were firm and large. She had to taste his skin and leaned in to run her tongue over his firm chest. She heard his sharp intake of air and it stopped when she found one of his taut nipples. She had him growling softly, wanting her to never stop. But stop she did. She then took the bottom of her shirt and quickly pulled it off. She reached around back to undo the hooks to her black bra, but was stopped. Sesshomaru was intrigued by her bra and how it looked on her. How sharp the contrasts in colors it presented; her white skin held by the dark, satin material. Held, but not really hidden.

He ran his fingers over the exposed breasts, hearing her sigh. "I want to see you," he said, in a hoarse whisper.

Shiori smiled and replied, "Only if you get undressed."

He began to get rid of the rest of his clothes. They were both nude and in each others arms again in no time. They came together with no more words, now letting go of their hunger for the other. They, somehow, managed to find a soft spot in the clearing and Shiori was stretched out. Sesshomaru was laying on top of her, with his hips settled between her thighs. They seemed to be in their own world of touch, taste and sensations. The walls of this world were made of long, silver hair and the ground underneath.

Sesshomaru leaned in, trailing kisses down her neck. He grazed just over her pulse with his fangs and felt her body stiffen. He stopped and waited. He continued when he felt Shiori's mouth on his shoulder.

Shiori ran her hands over his muscled back and felt that he was just perfect. Everything about him. And without clothes getting in the way, she grabbed his tight rear with both hands and pulled down. She also lifted her hips to meet him halfway, telling him with her body what she wanted.

Sesshomaru stiffened, trying to fight with his body, he did not want to rush this. He wanted to go slow, especially for the woman he was sharing this with. But, he soon found out, she had other ideas.

Shiori planted on foot flat on the ground, leg bent and wrapped the other around his slim waist. Then, without warning, she rolled them both till she was on top, straddling his waist and staring into surprised red rimmed, gold eyes. She growled down at him her frustration but nuzzled his neck to show that she did appreciate it. It just was not what she wanted.

He tried to lift his torso off the ground, but she held him down, pinning him by his arms. He growled at her, letting her know that he was dominate, not her. She answered by sucking on his neck and rubbing her bare chest against his. He tried to fight it, but he gave up and began to moan. Lifting her head up, Shiori smiled down at the taiyoukai at her mercy and began to trail open mouth kisses down his wonderfully, sculpted chest. A chest formed from centuries of training and battles. She enjoyed every dip and curve. When she looked up at his face, it was to find his head back and his eyes closed. She pulled one of his arms towards her, and placed it on her hip. She gave his hand a squeeze when she met his heated gaze, telling him to leave it there. She used her free hand to help him enter her and that was all it took. They were lost in each other. Shiori didn't try to keep him pinned. Sesshomaru sat up and held her while they made love. Shiori grazed his back with her claws, drawing thin lines of blood. Sesshomaru tightened his grip on her hips, drawing blood from the small puncture wounds. And, they went over the stars, together and felt like they could float forever.

When the sensations eased, they lifted their heads and their gazes met. They just stared for what felt like forever, relearning how to breathe. Sesshomaru leaned forward and kissed Shiori softly, a silent thank you. Shiori tightened her arms around his shoulders. They broke from the kiss and just held each other. Both wondering, what this could mean and what would it change between them.

AN:

The long awaited lemon b/w Sesshomaru and Shiori. I hope you enjoyed it. I'd like to thank the story Dragon's Prey by CiraArana on A Single Spark for being my inspiration for this lemon. I salute romance authors, writing a good lemon can be tough. lol. I knew how I wanted it, but trying to get just right on paper. I hope you enjoy this story. Take care.

I would like to thank my wonderful editor, ninjawarrior4life, my bro. glad you like it.

And thanks to everyone who has been reading this story from the beginning when I first started posting it. And to those who read and like it.

THX to all my readers.