Okay, I'm back

Okay, I'm back! A little late, but back all the same, haha. Just so you know, there's only one new chapter. I was editing my earlier chapters and replaced one chapter all together so it sent out the notification for a new chapter. Soorrryy! Other than that I really don't have all too much to say so without further ado, I bring to you… Chapter 14!! D Enjoy!! Please R&R! Thankies.

Disclaimer: wow, this is getting pretty old right about now. Not mine…I'll deal with it eventually.

*

He clutched her shaking body close to him, her sweet scent tickling his sensitive nose and playing tricks with his worry-wracked mind. Her warm body felt good in his arms…it felt right, natural. Nuzzling her silken tresses he let himself begin to relax. He didn't want to believe that he'd almost lost her. The thought made his arms wind even more tightly around her. Her voice was faint when it reached his ears, soft and hoarse from crying.

"I'm so sorry Sugimi-kun…I-I don't know what I was thinking. I didn't mean for you to worry."

Her last words astonished him, how could he not worry when she was not with him? The idea was baffling. Slowly he pulled away from her, gazing softly into her swollen eyes.

"Do not apologize Kagome, I am just pleased knowing that you are safe."

His voice was a deep, smooth purr and his eyes dark pools of swirling, melted gold. The wonderful rumble of his voice made it almost impossible not to relax and soon Kagome's body unwound in his arms. Resting her forehead against his cool armor Kagome began to think of her next words to him and soon they were flowing quietly from her lips.

"I'm sorry if I caused you any trouble…I didn't mean for you to follow me, Sugimi-kun."

The chocolate smooth chuckle that met her ears at those words shocked her. Why was he laughing? Confusion marred her beautiful features as her cobalt eyes slid up to stare into his beatific face.

"I'm afraid, my dear Kagome, that my following you is undeniably inevitable."

A sharp gasp filled the air as a bright, rosy blush seeped across Kagome's cheeks and her eyes darted back down to the Dai-Youkai's armor. Another low chuckled filled the air as he took in her innocent reaction to his blunt words. Very soon though the humor was gone as Kagome began to push away from the kind Dai-Youkai's body. His strong arms did not budge more than a few inches and worry took over his face at her expression. Sadness enveloped her features but her eyes stayed glued to his armor, her hands wringing nervously in her lap.

"Sugimi-kun…I think it'd be best if I left. All I do is cause trouble and I don't ever want that to put you in danger. I don't know what I'd do if you got hurt protecting me."

Her eyes were swallowed in grief and raw with anxiety and fear. He could see this wasn't what she honestly wanted; she was just trying to be brave, trying to protect him. The thought made his eyes soften and a small, pleasant smile lit his face. Very gently he reached out to caress her tear-streaked cheek. He turned her heart-shaped face up to his but her eyes darted wildly away from his gaze. Sugimi's voice was even and strong and yet it remained warm and musical as he spoke next.

"Look at me Kagome…"

Her eyes slowly met his smoldering gaze, the fear still plain and evident in there endless blue depths. Once her eyes were locked with his, his other hand encompassed her face so that both of his large hands rested on one of her soft cheeks. Once again his lips parted to speak.

"You will never leave my home, it is where you belong and where you will stay. As far as my safety is concerned, you need not worry. I have faced far more danger in my lifetime than you could possibly imagine. Even so, for some odd reason…I believe I would be willing to face certain death as far as you are concerned."

He chuckled his throaty laugh once again as those words left his lips. How odd indeed that he, Dai-Youkai of the western lands, was developing these strange feelings for a simple human woman. A wry smile lit his face at the hilarity of it all. Clearing his head he glanced down at Kagome to appraise her reaction to his warm words.

Her cheeks were flushed a bright, rosy pink that made her absolutely glow. Her deep blue eyes were sparkling with a myriad of indiscernible emotions making them glitter like priceless gems. Her full, petal soft lips were parted slightly as she panted in a sort of nervous confusion and her long, raven tresses were tousled and windblown around her head like a dark crown. She was unimaginably beautiful. His breath caught in his throat when those crystalline eyes overtook his own.

"Sugimi-kun…that is the nicest thi…no one has ever said anythi…"

Stuttering and stumbling for words the only syllables that Kagome could form in her mouth to show her gratitude spilled free, simple though they were.

"Thank you, Sugimi-kun, thank you so much."

Another warm smile spread across his angelic alabaster face as he scooped her into his arms and arose fluidly from his spot on the hard earth. Looking down at her all he said was,

"No thanks are needed, Kagome. I simply spoke the truth."

Kagome giggled, her cherubic face glowing at his words. Gripping his broad shoulders a bit tighter a small squeal erupted from her mouth as they arose into the air, Sugimi's cloud forming beneath his feet. Soon the sweet night air was flowing through Kagome's hair, kissing her face and whispering promise-laced lullabies into her ears. Snuggling deeper into Sugimi's comfortable embrace the last thought that flitted through her mind was that this was right. She belonged in this beautiful demon's arms.

Once her breathing evened and became steady Sugimi chanced a quick glance down at the fragile cargo nestled in his arms. His glistening golden eyes took in her sleeping face, a mask of deep thought in place. With a deep sigh he shrugged her closer, only two thoughts dancing through his mind. One, his feelings for this woman were growing stronger and stronger each day, so much so that he didn't want to imagine his life without her in it. Two, what in the world was he getting himself, and her for that matter, into?

*

Landing silently on the balcony outside of Kagome's room Sugimi glided silently through the wispy cream curtains. Taking a deep breath Sugimi froze in mid step. Glancing up through narrowed sun kissed eyes he ground out a rather harsh welcome to his unexpected visitor or rather, Kagome's unexpected visitor.

"Why are you in her room, fox?"

Youko narrowed his angry frozen eyes as he saw the closeness they both shared along with Kagome's unconscious state.

"What happened?" He bit out rather coolly, his long platinum tail swishing agitatedly at his feet.

Sugimi bristled at the tone the fox was speaking to him with and answered curtly.

"She felt that she was endangering us by staying here so she decided to take matters into her own hands and left. I found her in a clearing, unconscious and barely breathing with a terrible fever. Luckily, she awoke before anything worse could develop. Soon after I assured her that she was neither a danger nor a burden and brought her back."

Youko gave a disgruntled grunt and narrowed his eyes further. His mind was working zealously as he recalled the unfamiliar male scent in the gardens, along with Kagome's tears and the all too familiar scent of Sugimi. He wasn't telling him everything. His voice was even less polite and quite a bit more callous when he spoke again.

"What of the unfamiliar scent in the gardens along with the scent of her tears? What are you not telling me, Sugimi?"

Sugimi's jaw worked in both impatience and irritation. Why the fox thought he had any right to demand answers from him was beyond his comprehension. Taking a deep, swift breath in Sugimi gave him his answer.

"A youkai I do not know brought her into the gardens. He had not harmed her in any way and she was asleep in his arms. Either way, he is not to be trusted if he is ever seen near here again. As for her being upset, she'd been crying because of you and your ridiculously stubborn advances you cocky half-wit. Now, you have your answers. Leave us."

His tone left no room for compromise and his steely eyes held no warmth or humor. His back was rigid and his broad shoulders were set back and proud, he was not to be questioned only obeyed. Youko ground his teeth together in anger at the demand from the Inu-no-Taisho and his chin raised slightly in defiance.

"What exactly do you plan on doing to her, Sugimi-sama? Surely I can trust that you wont harm or violate her in any way while she has no say in the matter."

The very implication had his golden eyes turning a dangerous hue of pink and his youki flaring. His voice was rugged and hoarse as his beast began to wriggle its way free of his amazing control. His elongate teeth jutted elegantly from behind his full lips and the jagged navy stripes on his cheeks pulsated and became bright and luminous. His long fingers wrapped possessively around Kagome's thigh, the sharp, lengthy claws dangerously close to puncturing her skin. His body was hunched over Kagome's form as he looked up through his moonlit bangs to flash his eyes of slowly bleeding crimson in Youko's direction and spat,

"Leave us now, Youko. I have no patience left within me to deal with you. Be gone before I do something I am not so sure I will regret."

Youko took an involuntary step back, the sight of the Inu-no-Taisho so close to rage sending a drowning wave of fear through him. Knowing he had crossed a line he never should have ever come close to Youko turned on his heel. Without another word or even a glance behind him he left.

Sugimi shook with a deep, burning rage. The fact that that brazen, cocky, overly arrogant fox would even imply that he would ever abuse Kagome sent another shock of fury throughout his body. His fists clenched tightly around Kagome's leg and in her hair, the anger refusing to dissipate. His inner beast was snarling at him to go after Youko and kill the arrogant bastard. A small groan met his ears then, it was quiet and soft and musical. It was Kagome.

"What's wrong Sugimi-kun?"

Her voice was thick with sleep, her grogginess making her words melt together. Breathing deep Sugimi closed his eyes and answered.

"Nothing is wrong Kagome, go back to sleep."

Kagome didn't notice the rough edge to his usually honey smooth baritone or the rosy tint to his normally clear eyes. She remained blissfully unaware of the danger she was inadvertently in. If he lost any more of his control in this precarious situation she could end up seriously injured, or much much worse. He shook with the effort it took to reign in his inner beast, its growling becoming less offensive in his mind. He glanced down at her, amazed when she only groaned again and snuggled more deeply into him. She barely answered him before the arms of sleep cradled her possessively again.

"Okay…"

Taking another chest full of brisk air he slowly began to calm down. Walking silently over to Kagome's lavender futon he placed her sleeping body gently beneath the thin summer sheets. He very gingerly began to pry her fingers free of his haori. When he was down to only two fingers a small mewl of disapproval met his ears.

"Don't go, Sugimi-kun…stay with me."

The request was innocent and sweet and yet his beast growled huskily in approval. Shaking his head he once again regained his firm control and began to turn to leave. Long fingers clasped tightly around the silver silk of his haori and a small whisper set his decision in stone.

"…please…"

Sighing deeply he gave a small "okay" so that her fingers would release him. Once they slipped from his haori he began to remove the spikes of armor from his broad shoulders and sculpted chest. Once the armor dropped to the floor with a small "thud" he then worked on his long ponytail. Gently tugging the strands free of their band he let his hair hang freely down his back until it swayed and danced at his knees. He then removed his haori. Alabaster skin glittered in the moonlight as the whispering silk slid from his beautiful chest. Bending down, he removed his black boots and quickly and quietly set them beside his armor. Soon after he gently nudged Kagome over. Without hesitation Kagome wiggled over on the futon, giving Sugimi space to lie down.

As soon as his head hit the soft pillow Kagome's arm was strewn across his smooth chest and her body nestled snuggly against his. Her other hand slowly became tangled in his endless sea of mercury hair. Her breath was warm as it fanned across his cool, snowy skin and a deep moan rumbled in his chest. Sugimi settled down for a long, sleepless night.

--

Kagome groaned as she tried to bat away the bothersome light dancing across her eyelids. Sighing when the light continued to taunt her Kagome realized she was awake and there was nothing she could do about it. Grumbling unhappily Kagome moved to stretch but was bound my something steely and warm across her chest. Scrunching her face in confusion Kagome slowly peeked under her eyelids in the direction of the warmth and almost squealed in embarrassment. There, next to her on his side with his arm slung possessively over her chest was Sugimi. His eyes were closed in a peaceful slumber, his chest raising and lowering slowly in deep sleep. Kagome's breathing was erratic and coming in short bursts as she felt a small panic attack begin to build up in her chest. What was he doing in her bed!

'Okay, breath Kagome. In…. Out…. In…Out…. Gooood.' She thought, trying to calm herself.

As Kagome calmed down she decided to really look at the slumbering lord. His face was tranquil and his eyelids fluttered softly as dreams danced behind them. His mouth was parted slightly as full, deep breaths entered his chest. His hair was strewn across his bare chest and shoulders like spilt milk and his large, fluffy tail was behind his resting head, cradling it like a child. A bright blush tickled her cheeks as she Kagome drank in the sight of his broad shoulders and smooth, hairless chest. Her gaze slowly lowered to his abs, which were perfect and defined and finally rested on his hips, which were both covered with one navy blue stripe. His hips were narrow and the bone stuck elegantly out, not so much so that it scared her but enough to make the pit of her stomach flip. Lastly, she noted that the line of his hips, the bone she was noticing, led down in a perfect "v" to silken clad areas that were most certainly new to her. Another blush, bright and warm, splashed her face when she realized where her gaze had landed and her eyes shot up to his face as she shook her head.

Her embarrassment only increased when she noticed that his sleepy golden eyes were gazing intently at her, laughter sparkling deep in their depths.

"Are you enjoying yourself, Kagome?" Sugimi said in a soft, sleep laced rumble.

Kagome's eyes grew wide in embarrassment and her cheeks hot with indignation. Her mouth floundered as she tried to think of something to say, something to make him feel embarrassed about his accusations. The only thing she could muster was silly and not worth uttering but flew from her lips before she could stop herself.

"I was…just-err, seeing if you were…ya know, hurt."

A deep, hearty laugh erupted from the Dai-Youkai's chest at her sad attempts to fool him. She was priceless! He watched her face grow even brighter red and her brow crease in anger, she was…mad at him? Throwing her hands in the air Kagome attempted to sit up.

"Uhhg, I can't believe you!"

He only laughed harder as she attempted to disentangle herself from his hold, which stayed firmly in place. Glaring up at him Kagome ground out

"Would you mind letting me get up? I want to take a bath…and get away from you, you jerk."

He raised his brows in mock hurt but only purred his short answer.

"I am afraid I would mind, I am rather comfortable at the moment."

Kagome huffed indignantly and gave up, deciding to just glare daggers at the lord's beautiful face. But, as she glanced up at him the warmth there caught her off guard. He was gazing at her with liquid honey eyes and his face was a mixture of serenity and placidity. He slowly parted his lips and spoke.

"There is just one thing I would like to do before I leave you to bathe, would you mind?"

Kagome cocked her head in question but shrugged her shoulders, what's the worst that could happen? She watched as the Inu-no-Taisho slowly pulled his arm back to lace his fingers gently in her hair. He marveled at the silken texture of her thick raven tresses. His sweltering eyes stared intently into her own making her breaths come in short puffs. Slowly Sugimi lowered his head to just a hairsbreadth away from her own. His lips ghosted across her quivering ones before he shook his head and pulled away. His face was contorted in anger and a deep displeasure in himself. He was taking advantage of her and it disgusted him.

"I am very sorry Kagome, that was uncalled for. I will go now."

Unable to breathe Kagome just watched him arise quickly from the futon. He placed his haori back on and began to adjust his armor when Kagome gasped. A deep, burning pain ripped through Kagome's gut. The sharp talons of pain rippled across her abdomen making her curl into a tight ball. Her eyes flew open as waves of agony rushed through her body, coursing through her bloodstream and tearing at her insides. Tears welled in her eyes and flowed over as the burning agony seized her. Sugimi's eyes were wide with fear as he rushed to her side only to go flying into the opposite wall, a bright emerald barrier crackling around her.

"What is going on?" Sugimi whispered under his breath.

He slowly got up and walked back to her side, though not close enough to be shocked again. He saw her through the flashing barrier curled into a ball and sobbing. He watched her face contort once again as another wave of white-hot pain engulfed her.

'Kami…w-what's happening to me?' Kagome thought, her mind hazy with agony.

Her thoughts were thrown to the wind as her skin began to crackle and burn. Looking down at her arms Kagome saw patches of gold begin to finger their way across her skin. Everywhere that the glistening liquid touched fizzled and burned. A sharp scream tore from Kagome's lips as the gold overtook all of her. It bled into her nose and seeped down her throat, scorching everything it touched. Her lungs began to burn as the acidic liquid began to fill them. Her heart ached as it pumped the crackling fluid throughout the inside of her body. She felt every cell in her body begin to smoke and burn, felt herself beginning to slip away into unconsciousness. Her eyes rolled back into her head, the stark white orbs beginning to be overcome by gold as her mouth hung open gasping for air that her lungs desperately needed.

Her body slowly lifted from the futon, the barrier following, and hovered limply in the air. Sugimi watched in terrified awe as Kagome began to glow. The glow was so bright that she seemed black, like the sun was directly behind her and only her outline was visible. Her entire body became luminous, sparkling like a gem in the afternoon sun. He watched as the outline of her body lengthened marginally; saw her fingers and ears lengthen. His eyes widened as her hair began to grow until it reached the back of her shaking knees. He could see nothing else for the bright golden glow became so oppressive that he had to shade his eyes with his hands. He heard another piercing scream tear free from her lips before the entire room was bathed in an explosion of sparkling golden light.

When he opened his eyes again his breath caught in his throat. Looking down at Kagome he realized what had just happened, he realized why this beautiful, ethereal creature was lying unconscious in Kagome's futon.

Kagome was no longer human.

*

O-K! I'm done! Hope you liked it!! Till next time, JA! –Sesshysgirl08-