Silver Moon: Chapter 26: No, It's Not Normal

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha, nor do I make any profit from this.

Claimer: Sheba and Sasha are mine!

…

Sesshomaru gently looked over his bride through the darkness of their chamber in an attempt to burn his newest memories into his mind. From his place propped up on his side with an arm still stroking the bare back of his maiden he enjoyed being completely enveloped by her. Surrounded by her scent that was still warm and spiced even as she slept. Her skin that felt softer than flower pedals to his hands. The sounds of her smooth heartbeat soothed his ears. Yes, this was his bride, and soon to be his bitch. A smirk touched his lips as he thought of what a good one she would be. The memories of how she had looked just hours ago. Her fierce emerald eyes had been playful as she sampled his skin and teased his senses. They had become doe-like and innocently seductive when she had used those same lips to devour him with vigor that match only his own hunger for her earlier.

A growl filled his chest as his body recalled the attention. The soft licks, bold open mouthed kisses along his shaft, and even the way she would occasionally abandon her feast to nuzzle his lower abdomen while running her hands and nails along his sides. Yes, his bitch would always surprise him. When she always pushed past where he had estimated her abilities. He slid back down to the bedding fully to bring her back to her place in his side. He would never forget the playful look she had given him when she had nipped at him for moving too much for her taste while she was moving those sinful lips over his head. Nor would he ever forget the images of her then laving the wounded flesh with her tongue. She was heat, play, and devotion in their bed, and he was certainly eager to return to it each night for the rest of his long life. He felt like he was but a pup again, and that this was all anew to him. Each touch she gave woke his body and his beast to wake and move in unison. The mix had him wrapped around her little finger, and hadn't even given up her greatest prize yet. Though that, oh that sweet prize would require time to earn, so that they both could enjoy it properly. For now though he would let her rest, and lavish her with the time he had. Once his nose was settled in her hair he found peace, for now.

Morning lights had not yet arrived when the couple lazily slipped into the warm waters of their bath. Sheba smiled softly as Sesshomaru gently washed her, and in turn she had to bite back tears as she dressed him. It had been such a long time since she had seen him in armor, and now she was checking each strap. Each strap had to be perfect. It was ridiculous really. After all this was Sesshomaru, the great and terrible Lord of the West. Why should she be so worried? She sniffed as she laid his mokomoko over his shoulder, and allowed her forehead to rest on the fur as she attempted to collect herself.

Sesshomaru admired her for trying, but he did his best to smile for his bride. Taking a finger under her chin he forced her to look up at him. "Sheba, remember that everything that this Sesshomaru does is for you and our kingdom."

She nodded, and her tears fell silently down her cheeks. She brushed her lips over his, and then placed her hand over the protective charm that hung around his neck to rest on his collar bone. "Everywhere you go you take my heart with you."

Their words were solemn, but only because dawn was approaching. Both took each other's words to heart, and moved to make their way to the palace gates. Sheba was stationed at his side before the palace. She did not flinch when she heard her friends' soft murmurs behind her. Instead, she focused on them rather than listen to the announcing attendant. Refused to hear that her groom, her lover, her captor was leaving. However, she could not ignore when he turned to face her, and gracefully took a knee. She did her best to memorize the feel of his large callused hand as he took one of her own. She imprinted the feel of his yuki around her as she used her power to connect them. 'Never forget how much this one loves you.' The sound of his voice in her very mind she tried to learn by heart, and the feel of his lips as they brushed over her knuckles. She closed her eyes and nodded, and put on a strong facade. Knowing what was expected. However, she pointed her body to face the gates, but refused to let her eyes follow his back as he retreated. She was only pulled out of her stupor when another even rougher hand gripped her own. Turning abruptly she found another set of golden eyes focused on her. Then, she turned to look at the other side as Kagome stepped forward to take her other hand.

"It's gonna be ok", Inuyasha's gruff voice woke her from her nightmare like state.

"He's right", Kagome smiled at her threading their fingers.

Sheba nodded, and was able to stay strong as the gates closed, and her groom disappeared from sight with Keiji at his side.

…

When they were allowed to retire they found themselves in Sheba's personal chambers.

Inuyasha did his best to sit still. His mind was reeling though. He had never believed that a relationship between Sheba and Sesshomaru could be real. Perhaps a spell or some form of dark magic had brought them together, but now… now he knew. In his life he had never seen a lord do what Sesshomaru had just done. To others it may have seemed just a romantic gesture, but by kneeling before Sheba at his departure he positioned her as the ruler of the West in his stead. It was something that his mother had mentioned during his childhood, but it was something from faire tales. It was the ultimate form of trust and respect, and from Sesshomaru of all people… then, there was the absolute sorrow the ebbed from Sheba. She was literally grieving. He was not prepared for this. For heaven's sake they weren't even mated yet!

Sheba had disappeared into her bedroom to change out of the formal kimono. Inuyasha did his best to ignore the scent of salt coming from the room.

Kagome watched her best friend wipe more silent tears from her eyes. "It's ok Sheba. This is Sesshomaru we are talking about!" Kagome tried to reassure her as Sango, who was almost back to normal, helped her tie a simple knot for an obi of the silver kimono.

Sheba shook her head lightly, "I know. I know… but I just have this terrible feeling that something isn't right."

"That is probably just the first separation. Since the courtship is not finished, and it is clearly founded with a strong bond there is likely an equal strong discomfort as long as you are apart. That may not even change after the mating bond is complete." Sango tried to reassure her.

"So, this is normal?" Sheba asked as they went back into the main room.

"No, it is not normal", Inuyasha grumbled.

Sheba cast him a confused glance. So, the hanyou stomped up to her.

"Whatever caused it you now have a ridiculously powerful mating bond, and you are not even mated yet. That is not normal. You need to explain exactly how this happened. How is it that one of the coldest demons to roam the world is now dropping to his knees for you?" Inuyasha scoffed.

Sheba twitched, and for a moment she was distracted from the dark feeling settling in her stomach. "Inuyasha", she seethed, "Are you trying to stay I am not good enough for you brother?"

"Half-brother", Inuyasha corrected as he turned to her, and then blanched at her expression. His hands rising up to protest, "No, wait. I mean that not what I meant to say…Gahhhh".

Inuyasha gave up and ran from the assorted objects that began swirling around the newly minted Lady of the West, and then they began launching at him.

"Well, at least she isn't sad anymore", Koto smiled at the other maid and Miroku cheerfully as the madness ensued.

"Yes, and it appears that Sheba's powers have developed quite nicely during her time here", Miroku added.

"I'll say", Sango and Kagome nodded as they too sat down to enjoy the show.

"His lordship has made it a regular activity for her ladyship to meditate to hone her skills." Mai supplied.

A loud crash of Inuyasha falling to the floor in front of them interrupted any further discussion.

…

Sesshomaru and Keiji were silent as they both rode their dragons toward the Eastern border. Upon reaching it they were met by a local leader. The man was of a strong build, but he had clearly had lost out on sleep. The human man invited them into his home.

"Could you explain just what has been happening here?" Keiji asked as they moved past the pleasantries.

"It might be best to start with my lords telling this one what they know", the human headman suggested.

The home was modest for a headman, and even more when it was noticeable that the village's main homes look on par with the one that they were in. Sesshomaru was impressed, it took an admirable leader to not rise above their people.

"We have received word from the wolf youkai tribe in these lands that they have been attacked by minions of Naraku, and that those who were attacked have all died from the poison used against them." Keiji supplied as he accepted the offered tea.

"That is all?" the headman seemed surprised as he gawked from one lord to the other.

"Some fifty or more youkai have fallen! Is that not enough?" Keiji appeared angry with his offhanded statement.

"No, no! I mean that is all you know… So, you have heard nothing of the temple or the maidens?"

"No, explain", Sesshomaru interjected. Keiji was always good with humans, but the long wars with the breed had bruised some of his resolve.

"The human maidens in this area have been going missing, and the temple to the Goddess of the Moon has been tore to ruins and ransacked. There is something dark and powerful behind this", the headman shuddered. "My grandmother had warned that should the temple fall then the daughter will rise… this is not good my lord. In fact, this means that a daughter of the moon must walk among us now, and she will soon find that we have failed to protect her home… If she doesn't know already."

Sesshomaru felt his chest tighten, and the charm around his neck warmed. Taking a deep breath in through his nose and holding it until he felt his chest loosen he contemplated the man's words. Setting his eyes on the human he asked, "Explain this daughter of the moon."

…

Hey Everyone!

I know this one had a little lime to start with, but we are back to business! Don't worry more is already coming up soon. Please, remember to read and review.

Thanks,

Suki