Chapter 8- Afterwards
Sesshomaru ran a hand through his hair, a deep frustration running through him. "I blew it," Sesshomaru cursed himself, turning his head towards the other side of the bed. Kagome lay there, and with a first glance she would have appeared to have been sleeping. On a closer observance, however, it would become apparent that she was slightly shaking or a light film of sweat would be covering her body. He reached over and lightly touched Kagome's back, caressing the bare skin. "Sessho...," Kagome moaned her voice no higher than a whisper.
"Ssshhhh," Sesshomaru muttered, "don't talk." Kagome ignored Sesshomaru and continued on, "Sessho...it's...so...hot..." Sesshomaru frowned; even to him the room had a chill to it. Sesshomaru got up from the bed and began to dress, but did not reach for his swords. "I'll be right back okay?" Sesshomaru said, kissing Kagome softly. Kagome looked up at him; her pain-filled eyes now had an accompanying look of fear. "Come...back...fast," Kagome said with a huff and allowed her eyes to slide shut.
Sesshomaru could feel a huge rift in his heart. He wanted to stay here with her, but he knew he couldn't help her and he also knew someone who could.
XxxxxxxxxxLuna's house xxxxxxxxxxxxxX
It did not take Sesshomaru long to reach Luna's house, and he knocked on the door nervously. Loen, Luna's son, opened it and smiled upon seeing Sesshomaru. "Hi!" Loen said, hugging Sesshomaru. Sesshomaru absent-mindedly patted the boy's head and Loen stepped back. Loen had long purple hair and was the spitting image of his father except for his emerald green eyes, which had came from Luna. "Sesshomaru's here!" Loen yelled running down the hall. Immediately Solaris and Luna came running down the hall.
"Is it true?" Solaris, Luna's mate, asked when they reached Sesshomaru, "you actually mated last night?" Sesshomaru winced unintentionally, and the small facial expression was caught by Luna. "What happened?" Luna asked, searching Sesshomaru's face. Solaris face was one of confusion, but after a stern look of seriousness from Luna his also took on a serious expression. Sesshomaru hung his head and said, "When I was about to make my mark on Kagome I lost control of myself. And when I came back too she was in a lot of pain..." "Your beast took over the mating?" Luna asked, her expression changing to one of worry, "and what? She's becoming a hanyou now right?"
Sesshomaru shook his head, and Luna hissed before running out the door. "It's not your fault Sesshomaru," Solaris said reassuringly, giving Sesshomaru a hesitant pat on the back. Sesshomaru only gave him a defeated look and said, "Oh, but it is Solaris. It's all my fault."
Xxxxxxxxxxxx Sesshomaru's house xxxxxxxxxxxxX
Sesshomaru returned home with an air of apprehension. "Lord Sesshomaru!" A servant yelled running up to him, "Lady Luna barged her way into here just a few moments ago; we weren't able to stop her!" Sesshomaru only nodded and walked into the house, not stopping until he reached the door to his room. He opened the door and found Luna on the inside, talking in a soothing tone to Kagome. The second thing Sesshomaru noticed was that the room had taken on a colder chill than when he had first left, and attributed it to the two windows being up in his room.
Luna turned towards him a cross look on her face, "You sure took your precious time getting here." "Don't...be...mad...at...him," Kagome muttered, in a weaker voice than before. Luna turned back towards Kagome and said, "I wouldn't dream of it." Kagome's breathing had become labored, and she seemed to be in more pain than before. "You have a beautiful mark Sesshomaru," Luna finally said, her voice holding less venom than before, "this is your true form isn't it?" Luna touched the mark on Kagome's neck lightly, and Sesshomaru nodded.
"Yes that's it," Sesshomaru said, looking at his mark. The mark portrayed his true form standing with his tongue lolling out of his mouth one of his forelegs standing behind the other, his coat blowing in the wind, and his tail curled up in the air. "I...want...to...see...it," Kagome huffed, trying to sit up. "No Kagome," Luna said, pushing the girl back down lightly, "you will in due time." Kagome was quiet for a moment before saying, "I'm...dying...aren't I?" "No!" Sesshomaru yelled, his composure finally cracking. He ran over to Kagome and lay down on the bed next to her.
"You're not dying," Sesshomaru muttered, laying his head on Kagome's shoulder, "you're not dying, you can't be." A tear slid down Sesshomaru's face onto Kagome's shoulder and he muttered again, "You can't be." "Don't...worry...about...it... Sessho...," Kagome said, her eyes sliding shut again. "If she makes it past tonight she'll be a youkai tomorrow Sesshomaru," Luna said in the same soothing tone he had heard her using with Kagome. "When she makes it past tonight," Sesshomaru growled, and jerking his head away from Luna, wiped the tear from his face.
Xxxxxxxxx Kagome's house xxxxxxxxX
Rin sighed as she turned the noodles around in her bowl. It was dinner time at Kagome's home and Sesshomaru nor Kagome had returned. "When did they say they would return Master Jaken?" Rin asked Jaken the first time since she'd been back from school with Souta. "How should I know!" Jaken yelled, and angrily stormed upstairs. "I'm worried about them too Rin," Kagome's mom said, looking up from her barely eaten food. Rin gave a bright smile, returning to her optimistic air. "I'm sure they just left to mate!" Rin said happily, taking a large portion of the ramen into her mouth, "if we're lucky, when Kagome comes back she might even be pregnant!"
Kagome's mom didn't share Rin's enthusiastic air at first but then with a tired smile said, "I suppose they would make really cute kids." I think they should name their son Balto!" Souta said eagerly. "That sounds like a dog's name!" Rin said, looking mortified at the idea, "they should name their son Carlos. Or if they have a daughter they should name her Clarissa!" "Those names are wayyyy too simple!" Kagome's granddad said shaking his head violently, "she should name them child number one and child number two, because obviously she's going to have twins!"
"Wait a second!" Kagome's mom said over all of them, "who says Sesshomaru is getting her pregnant!" "...darling," Kagome's granddad said shaking his head, "she's out there, alone, with her boyfriend who wants to mate with her." Kagome's mom was quiet again before saying, "They should name their son Ike and if it's a girl they should name her Shea." The people sitting at the table threw her smiles and continued the debate to what their future kid's names should be, laughing long into the night.
Xxxxxxxxx Sesshomaru's home xxxxxxxxX
Another scream ripped loose through the air and the servant's shuddered involuntarily at the sound of it. "What's going on in there Lloyd?" Ukoma, one of the chefs, asked him, "you seem to be the closest to Sesshomaru out of all of us." "I'm not sure," Lloyd lied, and left the kitchen with the large pig eagerly. He walked to Sesshomaru's door and knocked on it hesitantly. Sesshomaru opened the door with a glare that sent shivers down Lloyd's spine. "F-food, your sire," Lloyd muttered, averting his gaze to the floor. Sesshomaru's eyes lost their threatening gaze and a dull look entered his eyes. "Thank you Lloyd," Sesshomaru muttered, taking the large platter with the roasted pig. He shut the door after him and walked over to Luna and Kagome, sitting the pig down on the bed before he did.
"You can eat it if you want," Sesshomaru said, nodding his head towards the pig, "I'm not very hungry." Luna nodded but Kagome whispered, "You...need...to...eat." "How can I eat while you're hurting like this?" Sesshomaru whispered back, sitting down on the bed. Both of the youkai's could hear how sluggishly Kagome's heart beat, how much weaker she seemed to get with every minute that past. Kagome opened her mouth to say something, when her body suddenly convulsed and a fresh scream went through the air. "Kagome!" Sesshomaru yelled and he and Luna both forgot the roasted pig left on the bed.
Kagome didn't respond however and her body lay deadly still on the bed. "Kagome!" Sesshomaru yelled louder than before. He ran over to Kagome and shook her gently. "Kagome wake up," Sesshomaru said quietly, but Kagome still didn't budge. "Her heart," Luna muttered, her eyes casting down to the floor, "Sesshomaru, I don't hear it anymore." Sesshomaru ignored her and shook her gently again, "Please, wake up Kagome." "Sesshomaru I think she's gone...," Luna muttered lower than before and Sesshomaru started to shake slightly as he laid his head on Kagome, tears streaming down his face.
A long low whine went through the room and Luna muttered something before walking out. Sesshomaru whined again and said, "I'm sorry Kagome, I'm so sorry..." A long silence resonated through the room before a weak voice said, "About what?" Sesshomaru jumped and looked at Kagome's eyes to find her giving him a small smile. "Why are you crying?" Kagome muttered, wiping the tears from his face. "I thought I lost you," Sesshomaru muttered nuzzling his head against her hand, "your heart... had stopped beating." "I'm sorry if I scared you," Kagome muttered, giving him a slightly ashamed look. "That doesn't matter anymore," Sesshomaru said, laying his head back on her chest, "it only matters that you're okay now." Kagome smiled and said, "Help me sit up Sesshomaru."
Sesshomaru did as she requested and for the first time noticed how different Kagome looked. Two purple stripes along with a crescent moon resided on her face, and her ears had become pointy like his. Two stripes appeared on each forearm, and two stripes on both sides of her abdomen. "Sessho, I do wish you would...," Kagome started to sniff the air. Sesshomaru tilted his head at the action; before he saw Kagome's head whip around towards the once-forgotten roasted pig.
"Sesshomaru...," Kagome muttered, looking at the pig ravenously. Sesshomaru took a hunk of meat off the pig and placed it in her mouth. She chewed slowly before swallowing with a happy sigh. "Are you still hurting?" Sesshomaru asked as Kagome finished off the last of the pig. "No," Kagome said yawning, "Just really tired." "Sleep then," Sesshomaru muttered, pushing her back gently and climbing back into bed with her. Kagome nuzzled herself into his arms, and began a long contented purr till she fell asleep.
Xxxxxxxxx The next morning xxxxxxxxX
Kagome woke up feeling completely refreshed, and found Sesshomaru still asleep with a peaceful look on his face. She kissed his lips softly and was surprised when his eyes jerked open. Sesshomaru smiled and said, "That's a nice way to wake up." Kagome smiled back and said, "I'm glad you liked it." Kagome turned back to her other side, and felt Sesshomaru's arm snake around her waist. "We should hurry back to the others," Kagome muttered as Sesshomaru began to kiss her neck, "they've been waiting for us for two days now." Sesshomaru stopped but said, "Well first I'm going to ask one of the servants to fetch you one of the kimono's I had tailored for you before in the guest room. But... before that..."
Sesshomaru started to kiss her neck again and her lips when she rolled back over. "You make your mark this time," Sesshomaru muttered, when the kiss ended. Kagome gave Sesshomaru a quizzical look and said, "I don't know how to do that Sessho..." "I'll show you," Sesshomaru said, and kissed her hungrily.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxx Luna's house xxxxxxxxX
"Well, what happened Luna?" Solaris asked, communicating with her over their mating bond. "She didn't make it Solaris," Luna began, after refusing to tell him the story last night, "he was so devastated. I never dreamed of the day when I would see Sesshomaru actually cry." Solaris caressed her slowly, "You did everything you could Luna." "And yet it wasn't enough...," Luna responded, and a sudden knocking cut her off. "I'll get it," Solaris said out loud and got up from their bed. He walked to the front door, and was surprised to see Sesshomaru on the other side.
"Hey!" Solaris said with a shocked tone. "Hi there," Sesshomaru purred, "did Luna come back here?" "Y-yes," Solaris said, confused at Sesshomaru's apparent happiness, "listen I heard about what happened and..." He then noticed the mark on Sesshomaru's neck. It was a feminine version of his true form, striking a pose that was not to different from the one seen on Kagome's neck. "W-who did you mate with?" Solaris asked and was surprised to see Sesshomaru's ice cold glare return.
"Kagome," Sesshomaru growled, "who else?" Sesshomaru than stopped for a minute and said, "I didn't tell you that Kagome was alive did I?" Solaris shook his head and said, "Care to elaborate?" Sesshomaru explained what had happened after Luna left ending the story with when Kagome woke up. "Of course," Solaris purred, "the heart would be the last organ to get affected by a youkai's energy. But in order for the youkai's energy to take full effect the heart would have to be still momentarily. I understand now." Sesshomaru smiled at his understanding and Solaris said jokingly, "Did you two have sex this morning?"
"What makes you ask that?" Sesshomaru said, narrowing his eyes. "You just seem to be in a better mood than usual," Solaris said, smiling at him, "you did, didn't you? Man, you're going to have her pregnant in no time!" An embarrassed blush went across Sesshomaru's face, but it became expressionless none the less. "My good mood is starting to fail Solaris," Sesshomaru said, his voice returning to its usual tone. Solaris smiled and said, "Alright, I guess sex only goes so far with you. You're coming to the meeting this Saturday? The other plains leaders have decided to move it up earlier on request of the East plains leader."
"Yes, I'll be there," Sesshomaru said, walking away. "You bringing Kagome?" Solaris asked, and at this Sesshomaru stopped. "She's my mate isn't she?" Sesshomaru said a flare of pride appearing in his eyes.
Xxxxxxxxxx Sesshomaru's house xxxxxxxxX
Kagome put the kimono on that Sesshomaru had left for her and walked out of the room slowly, thinking. Sesshomaru had told her she was a youkai now, and that she had all the strengths and gifts he had. He had also told her that trying to utilize these powers without proper training could lead to her being seriously injured. "He said he wouldn't be long," Kagome thought, walking towards the garden. There she found Lloyd gardening again and walked over towards him eagerly. Lloyd seemed ready for her this time and stood up and bowed.
"I see you and Sesshomaru's mating went successfully," Lloyd said, observing her new appearance. Kagome smiled brightly and said, "I know! I just couldn't stop staring at myself, I look so different now!" Lloyd smiled and said slowly, "I was worried about you for a while. You sounded like you were in so much pain." Kagome shivered and muttered, "Yes, that was painful." Lloyd smiled sympathetically and said, "Well, it's all over and done with now. Is Sesshomaru going to teach you how to use a sword?" "I suppose," Kagome said, than tilting her head asked, "why?" "Well," Lloyd said, puffing out his chest a little, "I used to be a pretty decent swordsman when I was a teen."
"Why are you here?" Kagome asked, and Lloyd sighed. "Being a wandering swordsman wasn't very convenient to the woman I had just married and impregnated," Lloyd said jokingly, "and I had heard the West Plains Leader was looking for servants. So I took her here. Even when she had our child the comforts of this life style suited her and I don't want to leave her here for long stretches of time." "So," Kagome said, "you could leave anytime you wanted too?" Lloyd nodded and said, "But I'll stay here for a while, I like the man of the house and the new lady."
A blush ran across Kagome's face but she gave a pleased smile. "Kagome," A soothing voice said from behind her. Kagome turned to see Sesshomaru strolling across the garden. "Hi," Kagome purred and Sesshomaru gave a small nod to Lloyd who had bowed. He grabbed Kagome's hand and led her to the middle of the garden, which was an emerald green, grassy clearing. "I went and talked to them," Sesshomaru started off, using their bond for the first time, "They were worried, but they're fine now." Kagome nodded and said, "That's good. So are you ready to go now?"
Sesshomaru nodded and getting up said, "The plains leaders have moved the meeting up to this Saturday, and they'll expect me to bring my mate along..." "Of course I'll go silly!" Kagome said, poking him. Sesshomaru smiled and after giving a playful growl, pounced onto Kagome. Kagome laughed, and tried to push him off of her to no avail. Finally, Kagome, off of a deeply rooted instinct, tilted her head showing her mark to him. He kissed it tenderly and an electrical sense of euphoria went through her. She gave a gasp of surprise at the sudden feeling, than a moan of arousal when he did it again.
Sesshomaru gave Lloyd his signal to leave and he complied happily.
Xxxxxxxxx Kaede's village xxxxxxxxxxxxX
"So," Miroku said much to Sango's displeasure, "what's keeping Sesshomaru and Kagome again?" "They probably got caught up in something," Sango sighed, brushing Kirara, "I'm sure they'll be here sooner or later." They were sitting under a tree resided next to a pond where Shippo swam in the water. "They're taking forever!" Shippo whined, and, on cue, Sesshomaru landed with Kagome on his back. "Sorry we're so late," Kagome said, jumping from Sesshomaru's back. "Kagome's wearing a kimono?" Miroku said with amusement, "Whatever happened to your other clothes?"
"Her clothes?" Shippo said, shaking his head, "what happened to you, Kagome?" "Me and Sesshomaru mated while we were away," Kagome explained and almost immediately Miroku's face lit up. "Tsk tsk tsk Kagome," Miroku said, waggling his finger at her, "it appears we were kept waiting because somebody was doing something extremely dirty." "Like you're so innocent," Kagome growled, jumping at the feral sound that emanated from her throat. "H-hey I was only joking," Miroku said, retreating behind Sango.
Sesshomaru watched with an amused eye and said, "We still need to go get Rin and Jaken. We'll be right back." Shippo groaned and Miroku muttered to Sango, "They'll be going to go get something alright, each other." The comment did not fly by the sensitive ears of the youkais' and Kagome said in a teasingly seductive tone, "Its sounds like you're jealous of Sesshomaru Miroku. Could it be possible that you...?" Miroku didn't answer the implied question, as Kagome's seductive tone had left him in a sort of trance. "Don't even think about it," Sesshomaru growled, interpreting Miroku's silence.
Miroku shook his head and Sesshomaru and Kagome started to walk away. "Be right back!" Kagome said over her shoulder. Sesshomaru muttered when they had walked a little ways away, "Did you have to tease the human that way?" Kagome could sense his displeasure with her, and a spiral of guilt started to from in her chest. "I was just playing Sessho," Kagome said, offering a smile, "I didn't mean it." Sesshomaru glanced over at her and didn't say anything. Kagome heaved a sigh and stared down at the ground as she walked, her good mood permeated by gloom.
When they got to the well, Sesshomaru cast another glance at her before embracing Kagome and nipping her mark. "I know you were just playing," Sesshomaru said, looking into Kagome's eyes, "but you must realize this youkai is very possessive over his mate, and doesn't like to see her corralling around with other guys." Kagome nodded and kissed her mark on him. Sesshomaru purred loudly and said, "If we don't go now...," Kagome laughed and jumped into the well.
She jumped out of the well just as she's seen Sesshomaru do earlier and Sesshomaru jumped out a few seconds later. "You don't think mom will be mad do you?" Kagome asked, nervously running a hand through her hair. Sesshomaru shook his head and said, "I think she would've figured out what we've done by now." Kagome sighed and walked towards the house, knocking nervously when she came to the door. Footsteps sounded immediately and the door was opened by Kagome's mom. "Hi," Kagome said timidly and gave a yelp of surprise when her mom hugged her.
Kagome hugged her back, picking her mom up as she did. "Easy easy," Her mom said laughing, "You've gotten so strong. I can accredit that to him right?" Sesshomaru's smile was his answer and Kagome's mom observed her new appearance. "It suits you," Kagome's mom muttered, tracing the crescent moon on her forehead. Kagome purred at the compliment and Kagome's mom gave a small jump. "Come on in," Kagome's mom said, after Kagome had gave an amused laugh.
They both walked into the house and Kagome was instantly greeted by an overly excited Rin. "You finally came back!" Rin yelled, jumping onto Kagome, "and you mated! Are you having kids!" "What?" Kagome asked, blushing. "You know," Rin said, Kagome's blush escaping her notice, "I read after a mating a female had a really high chance of becoming with child! So are you?" "I-I don't know," Kagome muttered and Rin gave a snort of disapproval and said, "Well can I see you mark?"
Kagome tilted her head and showed her mark to Rin, causing the little girl to become giddy once more. Kagome put her down than, and Rin immediately ran over to Sesshomaru asking the same request of him. After the greetings and compliments had subsided Kagome went up to her room to change. She chose a simple white shirt with blue jeans and a white pair of tennis shoes. "Sigh," Kagome said, stretching, "it sure does feel better to wear these modern clothes." Her mind than wandered off to what Rin had said and the blush returned. "Well if I am pregnant," Kagome decided with firmness, "I'll have our child and that's that."
Kagome came back down the stairs to find everyone settling down to breakfast. "Where's Jaken, Rin?" Sesshomaru asked, biting into his bacon. "He left yesterday," Rin said, shrugging her shoulders, "he was in a real slump Lord Sesshomaru." Sesshomaru gave a small hnnnn, but Kagome could feel his worry. "He'll be fine I'm sure of it," Kagome said to him and he gave her a smile. Kagome had just sat down to eat when a nagging feeling started to gnaw away at her. She felt an imminent danger was going on, but there was nothing happening at the peaceful table so she quelled the feeling and started to eat.
"You fool!" A voice growled in her head, "Don't ignore my warning, an attack is ongoing!" "Attack?" Kagome thought jumping up, "Where? Tell me where!" "In the vicinity of your home," The voice said, leaving Kagome confused. "I am home aren't I?" Kagome thought, when a sudden flash of the garden at Sesshomaru's house ran through her mind. "Kagome's what's wrong?" Sesshomaru asked, as all the eyes in the table turned towards her. "I have to go," Kagome muttered and ran out the door, paying no attention to the bewildered calling of her name as she ran.
She jumped down the well and hurriedly jumped out the other side, running past her baffled friends. Kagome had never used her youkai speed before and if the situation hadn't been what it was, she would've paid more attention to how exhilarating it felt to be running so fast. Kagome ran faster as the nagging feeling slowly turned into a deep festering anxiety. The sounds of battle reached her ears and unfamiliar scents attacked her nose. Letting loose a feral roar, she jumped into the fray grabbing a youkai and throwing it into a tree where it fell limp. "Lady Kagome's here!" Someone yelled, and a resounding cheer rang throughout the clearing.
"Lady Kagome," Lloyd said coming to her side, slashing at a youkai as he did, "where's your mate? Did he not come with you?" "I didn't think to tell him," Kagome said, punching another youkai in the face hard, sending it flying just like the other did. "Pardon me for saying Lady Kagome," Lloyd said, wincing as a youkai caught him unaware. He slashed at the youkai, severing its head. "You'll make better progress if you use your claws instead of your fists," Lloyd finished.
Kagome opened her mouth to say something when a figure suddenly charged into her. They both went flying, bowling over several of the fighting demons as they did. Kagome righted herself, but not before the attacker slashed a gash into Kagome's arm.
"You must be Sesshomaru's new mate," The attacker seemed to almost purr, the words falling off his tongue so smoothly. He wore the same type of armor all of the other youkai's seemed to be wearing; except for his was more decorative. Two blue stripes zigzagged along his cheek and long black hair fell down his backside. His eyes were pure black except for a red cat-like pupil in the middle. "And I assume you're the one who had the indecency to attack my home while I was away," Kagome growled.
At this the man laughed. "No," The man said, unsheathing a sword, "I'm just following orders. Eliminate the West Plain Leaders. My master will be disappointed to know that I only succeeded in killing one of you though." "You shouldn't bluff," Kagome growled, her anger showing in the poison dripping from her claws. "Oh dear," The man said, shaking his head, "you might be more of a handful than I originally thought." Kagome roared and charged the man, who raised his sword in defense, not expecting the sudden attack. Kagome punched the sword instead and the man grunted as her strength slid him backwards.
She gave the sword a second punch a long crack appeared down the middle. "ENOUGH!" The man yelled and threw the sword away, punching Kagome full on in the face. She flew back into a tree, the impact causing her to crash through it. She could hear faint cries of concern, but Kagome forced herself to get back up. She ran from the forest cover and punched the man dead on in the chest. The armor he wore gave way and the punch landed solid on his chest. The man grunted but punched Kagome again, sending her flying back through another tree.
"I can't poison him with that blasted armor in the way," Kagome moaned, as a raindrop fell onto her forehead. She lay on the ground staring up as the drizzle slowly turned into a downpour. "Come on!" The man yelled, "is that really all you had! And after all that talk!" "What a bad time for rain," Kagome thought as she forced herself to get back up again. A sudden feeling of enlightenment came to her and she slowly crept back to a bush and saw the man patiently waiting for her. Kagome gave another roar and ran from the cover of the bushes, and the man tried to attack her again. She slid on the newly damp ground however and gave another fierce punch to the armor.
The armor gave a strange moan and shattered completely. The man now lay bare to her attack and before he had the chance to run, Kagome clawed him viciously. The man fell to his knees immediately and with a furious roar pulled a dagger out and slashed at her stomach. Kagome couldn't dodge the attack and took the blow full on, a searing pain exploding in her abdomen. "Lady Kagome!" Lloyd yelled, as the man brought his arm back for another attack. Kagome watched hopelessly as the dagger raced toward her chest. "BASTARD!" An angry voice roared, and a figure behind the man took hold of him and a crunching sound filled the air as his neck snapped.
"Kagome," Sesshomaru muttered, catching and steadying her. "I'm fine," Kagome moaned, "the others, what about the others?" The attackers, upon seeing their leader dead, fled the scene leaving the Plains Leaders and their servants behind. The wounded servants gathered around Kagome and Lloyd muttered, "We're all fine Lady Kagome. We had no casualties." "You're not going to be fine though if we don't take care of those wounds soon," Sesshomaru said, picking her up, "Lloyd where's your wife?" "Inside sir," Lloyd said bowing, "she should be in the servants' quarters."
Sesshomaru nodded and ran into the house. He ran down the main hallway and stopped at the end where the hallway split into left and right. Sesshomaru opened a door and found a woman and her child cowering in fear. "Oh its our Lord," The lady said with evident relief, than stopped upon seeing Kagome, "Our Lady is injured." "I need you to care for her," Sesshomaru said, still holding Kagome. "Lay her on the bed," The lady said, "I don't mind a little blood." Sesshomaru did as the lady said, and watched as the lady took some clothe and tied it tightly around the wound on her stomach, which was bleeding the heaviest.
The lady gave a small jump as she did this, but when she received a questioning look from Sesshomaru, she shrugged with a failed air of nonchalance. Kagome groaned as the pain became overwhelming and soon tears were streaming from her eyes. "I know," The lady cooed, stroking Kagome's hair, "I know." The lady looked towards Sesshomaru than and saw a protective look gleaming in his eye. "Maybe you should wait outside Lord Sesshomaru," The lady said timidly, "I don't want you to feel like you have to protect her from me." Sesshomaru looked down than and said, "Yeah, you're right." Sesshomaru kissed Kagome's mark and said, "Just send for me when you think she's feels better."
The lady nodded and Sesshomaru left reluctantly. He walked back up the hall and found the servants all in the garden. He walked in there and they turned to face him. They bowed and Lloyd came forward saying, "How's Lady Kagome?" "She'll be fine," Sesshomaru said, "What I need to know right now is what happened before we were attacked. What was going on?" "It was just like any other day Lord Sesshomaru," A servant began, "than I smelled strange scents upon the wind. I called the other servants and we went outside to try and locate it. Than we were attacked just like that. Lloyd ran back in and grabbed weapons for us."
"I'm terribly sorry for doing so without your permission sire," Lloyd said, bowing his head. "I'm quite glad you did," Sesshomaru said, and pointing at the swords on Lloyd's hips said, "keep those as a reward." Lloyd looked elated and bowed very low saying, "Thank you Lord Sesshomaru." "I want to go check on the other Plains Leaders," Sesshomaru announced with a sigh, "but I don't want to leave this place unguarded. Is there any three people who are uninjured enough to go check the other plains leaders?"
Lloyd volunteered immediately while two other youkai servants, Karina and Lenore volunteered more slowly. "Alright, Lloyd I want you to go to the South Plains Leader," Sesshomaru started off, "Karina I want you to visit the North Plains Leader. Since you, Lenore, are the least injured of the three, I want you to travel to the East Plains Leader." All of them nodded and Sesshomaru continued on, "If any of you would like to change the weapon you now carry, or request a mount to be used, ask it now." "I would much rather prefer a bow to go with this sword Lord Sesshomaru," Karina said, the first one to speak, "and a horse as well." Sesshomaru nodded but the other two servants remained silent. "Do neither of you want a mount?" Sesshomaru asked, "Lenore you have quite a ways to travel." "I fear the only animal of whom would be able to care me such a distance in a timely manner is A-un sir," Lenore said, but before he could continue Sesshomaru interrupted him.
"You may use him than," Sesshomaru said to the servant's surprise, "this is an emergency and I understand your request. You Lloyd?" "I would much rather prefer to travel on feet," Lloyd muttered, and Sesshomaru nodded. "Very well," Sesshomaru said, "you are dismissed immediately than Lloyd." Lloyd bowed and ran off. "You two," Sesshomaru pointed into the crowd of servants, "take Lenore and Karina to get their appropriate mounts and weapons." The two servants bowed and walked off with the other two servants behind them.
"I want double the amount of guards at each door and vulnerabilities in this house," Sesshomaru ordered, "and whoever is left over may do what they please." The crowd dispersed immediately and Sesshomaru sat down in the middle of the garden frustration lining his face. He failed to protect Kagome from danger, and now she was in unnecessary pain. He laid back on the grass and felt his eyes sliding shut. "I'll take a nap," Sesshomaru decided, "and reassess the situation later..."
Xxxxxxxxx A few hours later xxxxxxxX
"Lord Sesshomaru," A hesitant voice asked. Sesshomaru jerked fully awake to find Lloyd bowing respectfully. "I'm sorry for awaking you but I return with good news from the South Plains Leaders," Lloyd said, and Sesshomaru got up to stretch. "Give it to me than," Sesshomaru ordered, and Lloyd bowed again. "The South Plains leaders first and foremost wanted to congratulate you on your mating with Kagome and are terribly sorry she got injured," Lloyd started off, "They also reported that they were indeed attacked, and although they attained several injuries none of them were killed." Sesshomaru nodded and said, "Good to hear. Did you have to fight anyone on your way back?"
"No sir," Lloyd said, "all was peaceful." "Thank you Lloyd," Sesshomaru muttered, running his hand through his hair he now said, "could you go check on Kagome for me?" Lloyd bowed and said, "Of course my lord." He walked off and Sesshomaru sat back onto the ground. It was not too long before Karina showed up and repeated the North Plains Leaders sentiments for Kagome being injured. "They were attacked as well," Karina reported, "They were able to fend off their opponents however there was a casualty among their servants."
"So the East Plains Leaders are all that's left," Sesshomaru muttered, "you're dismissed Karina." Karina bowed but before leaving asked, "Must I return these weapons m'lord?" Sesshomaru looked up and said, "If you wish to keep them you will have to work harder to prove you need them." Karina smiled and said, "Yes m'lord." She left than and Sesshomaru stood this time waiting for Lenore to come back. Almost an hour later, Lenore limped through the door. "The East Plains Leaders have suffered heavy casualties," Lenore stated, blood dripping from his leg, "The Lady of the house has been grievously injured and is in a critical state. We were able to beat the intruders off but in the state of condition they're in they are highly vulnerable to another wave of attack."
Sesshomaru groaned and ran his hand through his hair once more. "I-I went to the South and North Plains leaders before coming here," Lenore admitted shamefully, "they've already sent help to the East Plains leaders." Sesshomaru sighed in relief and muttered, "Thank you, now I can sleep peacefully." The servant looked shocked for a moment before bowing gracefully and said, "Anything for my sire." Lloyd walked back in at that moment and said, "Your lordship, Lady Kagome wishes to see you." Sesshomaru eagerly ran from the garden to the room where he last seen Kagome.
He opened the door and found Kagome sitting up, the bed sheets replaced with clean ones. She was playing a game with Lloyd and his wife's child. "Baby," Sesshomaru purred and Kagome turned towards him. "Sesshomaru!" Kagome purred back, than switching over to their bond, "is everyone alright?" "None of the Plains Leaders were killed," Sesshomaru said, a sigh of relief coming from Kagome, "however the East Plains Leaders did not escape without heavy casualties. The Lady of their house, Roxie, could not avoid becoming badly injured. She's in a bad state." Kagome gave a low whine and immediately winced.
"Not too much movement m'lady," Lloyd's wife said. "I'm sorry Carlene," Kagome said, than in a teasing voice said, "these stitches throb worse than the original wound did." "You need them Lady Kagome," Carlene said in a stern tone. Kagome smiled and said, "I know Carlene." "I'm guessing I'll be sleeping alone tonight?" Sesshomaru asked Carlene and was rewarded with a small giggle. "M'lord can sleep here if you wish," Carlene said, "I can bunk with another servant." Sesshomaru nodded eagerly and Carlene motioned towards her son and was about to leave when she turned back around.
"No sex," Carlene said, her serious voice catching Sesshomaru off guard. A smart reply came to his mind but he only smiled and said, "I won't even dream of it." Carlene bowed then and walked from the room. "Liar," Kagome said and Sesshomaru laughed. "It doesn't hurt to dream," Sesshomaru said, crawling into bed next to her. "Who were those people Sesshomaru?" Kagome asked, her mood turning serious, "and why are they trying to harm the plains leaders?" "I don't know Kagome," Sesshomaru said, his eyes glazing over, "I don't know." Sesshomaru's hand traced over the stitch on her stomach and the one on her arm.
"I do know whoever has the audacity to touch you again will get worst than a broke neck," Sesshomaru growled, and carefully nuzzled into the crook of her neck. Kagome purred and said, "So I guess I'll be wearing a kimono again huh?" Sesshomaru chuckled and nodded and Kagome sighed. "Gosh darn it," Kagome muttered, and fell into a stressful sleep.
************ And that's it for Chappy Eight! :D Chapter Eight is supposed to continue to show Kagome's and Sesshomaru's bond while at the same time introducing the new bad guys. duh duh duh dah! Once again if you notice any errors than I'll gladly swoop in and fix them for you. The characters in this story will be a little OOC and if you don't like don't read or review please and thank you! ************
Kagome: ... Aren't you forgetting something?
Me: ...oh! I don't own Inuyasha. XD