The air was heavy with smoke and ash, the acrid scent of burning filling Kagome's lungs as fires danced all around them. The shrieking of the birds cut through the chaos, their shrill squawks echoing in the air alongside the panicked screams of the villagers. Fear hung thick in the atmosphere, mingling with the palpable sense of death and despair that surrounded them.
Despite the chaos, Kagome remained steadfast, her focus unwavering as she moved swiftly through the chaos, her heart pounding with adrenaline. The barrier she had erected around the village children and any others she had found along the way provided a small measure of protection, shielding them from the worst of the carnage.
From somewhere to the north of the village, she caught sight of Miroku's wind tunnel, the swirling vortex sucking in the birds with a powerful force. It was a small comfort amidst the chaos, a glimmer of hope in the darkness that surrounded them.
In the distance, she heard the telltale sound of Naraku's poisonous insects, their buzzing filling her ears with dread. With determination fueling her every movement, Kagome notched arrow after arrow, her reiki-infused shots disintegrating the insects on impact, each arrow a small victory against the encroaching darkness.
As she fought tirelessly to protect those she held dear, Kagome knew that the battle was far from over. But with each enemy vanquished and each life saved, she drew strength from the knowledge that even in the face of overwhelming odds, hope still remained. And with every arrow loosed into the fray, she vowed to never falter in her quest to bring light to the darkness that threatened to consume them all.
Exhaustion began to weigh on her from the large barrier that she had put up to protect the villagers, the demon birds repeatedly slamming into it and starting to eat away at her reiki.
Growling in frustration, Kagome shifted her focus, her arrows now aimed at the demon birds attempting to breach the barrier she had erected. With practiced precision, she made quick work of them, each arrow finding its mark with deadly accuracy. For a brief moment, she allowed herself a small smile of satisfaction, only to have it swiftly replaced by a gasp of disbelief as twice the amount of birds swarmed in to replace those she had just dispatched.
"Kagome!" Sango's urgent voice cut through the chaos, her words carrying a note of desperation. "We'll cover you, but you need to evacuate the villagers! It's not safe here!"
With a sense of grim determination, Kagome nodded in response. She knew that time was of the essence, and they needed to act swiftly to ensure the safety of everyone in the village.
As Sango, Jaken, and Miroku rallied to take care of the onslaught of demon birds, Kagome made a split-second decision. With a deep breath, she released the barrier she had created, the shimmering energy dissipating into thin air.
"Run into the woods, towards the cave!" Kagome's voice rang out, cutting through the chaos as she directed the villagers to safety. With a sense of urgency, she gestured for them to follow her lead, her heart pounding with a mix of fear and determination as she led the way towards the relative safety of the forest beyond.
Tired and exhausted, Kagome blinked her eyes open, her body aching with fatigue. The barrier around the entrance of the cave remained steadfast, still protecting the villagers huddled inside from the chaos raging outside. Inuyasha and Sesshomaru were locked in battle against the female demon, Princess Abi, their fierce clashes echoing through the cavernous space.
It had been hours since the attack had begun, and Kagome's weariness weighed heavily upon her. Despite her exhaustion, she remained vigilant, her senses alert for any signs of danger. Occasionally, a few of the demon birds would attempt to breach the barrier, but with her sacred arrows at the ready, she swiftly dispatched them before they could pose a threat.
A sense of urgency gnawed at her. Time was running out, and with each passing moment, her powers waned, drained by the relentless onslaught of the enemy. If they didn't defeat Princess Abi and her legion of demon birds soon, Kagome knew that they would fail in their mission to protect the villagers.
With a determined grit, Kagome steeled herself, drawing upon the last reserves of her strength, her muscles tense with exertion as she fought to maintain her composure amidst the chaos.
"Kagome!" Inuyasha's voice cut through the din, concern evident in his tone. "Are you alright?"
"Yes," she murmured, her voice faint as she blinked wearily, feeling the weight of exhaustion bearing down on her. "Is she dead?"
"The bitch ran away," Inuyasha growled in frustration, his fists clenched at his sides as he stomped his foot in anger.
Just then, the others broke through the clearing, their faces etched with a mix of relief and exhaustion. Kagome swayed on her feet, her vision swimming as she struggled to remain upright. Before she could collapse, however, Sesshomaru was by her side in an instant, his strong arms catching her before she could fall.
"Miko," Sesshomaru's voice was firm, his tone leaving no room for argument. "You have depleted your reiki. Drop the barrier and rest."
Kagome's eyelids felt heavy as she fought to stay conscious, but the pull of exhaustion was too strong to resist. With a sigh of resignation, she closed her eyes, allowing herself to lean into Sesshomaru's embrace, her body finally succumbing to the overwhelming fatigue that had consumed her. As darkness enveloped her, she surrendered to the blissful embrace of sleep, knowing that she was safe in the arms of her protector.
The pack had sought refuge in an abandoned hut, the only shelter left standing amidst the charred remains of the once-thriving village. With the villagers having fled to safety in a nearby settlement, gratitude echoing in their wake, Sesshomaru paid little heed to their departure. His focus was solely on his Miko, the one who lay resting atop his Mokomoko, her form peaceful amidst the chaos that surrounded them.
Throughout the night and into the early hours of the morning, Kagome had remained in a deep slumber, her exhaustion evident in the lines of tension that had eased from her features. Despite the urgent need for rest, she had made no sign of waking, her body seemingly unwilling to relinquish the comfort of sleep.
For Sesshomaru, the passage of time held little significance as he watched over her, his protective instincts heightened in the wake of the recent battles they had faced. With a sense of unwavering determination, he remained by her side, his gaze never straying from her form as he awaited the moment when she would finally awaken.
As Sesshomaru kept vigil over Kagome, a fierce sense of devotion swirled within him, overshadowing any other concerns. With each steady breath she took, he felt a profound sense of responsibility for her safety and well-being, a duty he held above all else.
Meanwhile, the rest of their group had taken it upon themselves to investigate the nearby village where the fleeing villagers had sought refuge. With promises to return by the following afternoon, they had set off, leaving Sesshomaru and Kagome alone in the quiet solitude of the abandoned hut.
As the hours passed and the sun arced across the sky, Sesshomaru remained steadfast by Kagome's side, his watchful gaze never wavering. Though his thoughts occasionally drifted to the others and their whereabouts, his primary focus remained on the sleeping form before him, his instincts urging him to protect her at all costs.
In the stillness of the hut, surrounded by the remnants of destruction and uncertainty, Sesshomaru found a sense of peace in the presence of his beloved Miko. And as he continued to watch over her, a silent vow echoed in the depths of his soul—to safeguard her from harm, no matter the obstacles they may face.
As nighttime descended, Kagome stirred from her slumber, her eyes gradually blinking open as she returned to consciousness.
"Sesshomaru…?" she murmured, her voice soft and groggy.
"I'm here, Miko," he replied, his presence a comforting anchor in the darkness.
A sleepy smile graced Kagome's lips as she turned to face him. "Where is everyone? What happened?" she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity and concern.
"They ventured to the nearby village to investigate," Sesshomaru explained, his gaze steady as he met her eyes. "They promised to return by the following afternoon."
As Kagome absorbed the information, a sense of relief washed over her. Despite the uncertainty of their situation, knowing that their companions were out seeking answers brought her a measure of reassurance.
"And you stayed here to watch over me?" she asked, her expression softening with gratitude.
Sesshomaru's stoic facade softened ever so slightly as he nodded in affirmation. "Your life is mine to protect," he replied simply, his commitment to her well-being unwavering.
With a sigh of contentment, Kagome nestled back against the comforting warmth of Sesshomaru's fur, a sense of peace enveloping her as she basked in the presence of her steadfast protector.
"You should eat," Sesshomaru stated as he rose from his spot, his movements fluid and graceful. "I will go hunt."
His clawed hand brushed gently against her cheek, a fleeting touch that lingered for a moment before he turned and left the confines of the hut. Kagome watched him go, a soft smile playing at the corners of her lips as she felt a surge of gratitude for his unwavering care and concern.
As Kagome rose to her feet, she felt the stiffness in her muscles protest the sudden movement. With a soft groan, she stretched, her arms reaching towards the ceiling as she sought to alleviate the tension that had settled in her body. Slowly, she began to walk around the cramped confines of the hut, her steps tentative at first as she adjusted to the sensation of weight on her legs once more.
Picking up more wood from the corner of the room, Kagome added it to the dying fire, the crackling flames casting dancing shadows across the walls. The warmth of the fire brought a sense of comfort, chasing away the chill that lingered in the air.
Deciding to make some tea to soothe her weary body and calm her mind, Kagome set about preparing the necessary ingredients. With practiced efficiency, she retrieved a kettle from her bag and filled it with water, setting it to boil over the flames of the fire.
As the water began to heat up, Kagome selected a variety of tea leaves from her stash, each one carefully chosen for its soothing properties. With a sense of anticipation, she filled two tea cups with the fragrant leaves, inhaling deeply as the aroma wafted through the air.
As Kagome waited for the water to reach a rolling boil, she allowed herself a moment of respite, her mind drifting back to the events of the day before.
Just as her thoughts threatened to overwhelm her, the sound of footsteps drew her attention, and she looked up to see Sesshomaru entering the hut, two skinned rabbits in hand. His presence brought a sense of calm and reassurance, and Kagome couldn't help but offer him a grateful smile as he placed the rabbits over the crackling flames of the fire.
With practiced ease, Kagome poured the steaming water into the waiting tea cups, the fragrant aroma filling the air with its comforting warmth. She handed one of the cups to Sesshomaru, their fingers brushing briefly as she made the exchange.
"Thank you," Kagome murmured, her voice soft with gratitude as she took a sip of the soothing brew. The warmth of the tea spread through her body, chasing away the lingering chill of the night. "For taking care of me."
"I take deep pleasure in taking care of your needs," Sesshomaru replied, his gaze intense as he peered at her through the flickering flames.
Kagome's cheeks flushed at his words, a warmth spreading through her chest at the sincerity in his eyes. She took another sip of the tea, the heat of it searing her throat, but she hardly noticed, her attention focused on the mesmerizing sight of Sesshomaru bathed in firelight.
"There is a hot spring nearby if you wish to bathe," he stated, his voice a steady reassurance amidst the crackling of the flames.
Her eyes lit up with delight. "Thank you. I was hoping that there was a river nearby, but a hot spring is even better! Thank you so much."
With a grateful smile, Kagome poured him more tea before turning her attention to the meal he had provided. The scent of the freshly cooked rabbit filled the air, and she eagerly dug in, savoring each bite as she reflected on the kindness and care Sesshomaru had shown her.
After finishing her meal and tidying up, Kagome gathered her clothes and prepared to head to the nearby hot springs. With a grateful smile, she followed Sesshomaru as he led the way, her heart fluttering with anticipation at the thought of soaking in the soothing waters.
As they reached the edge of the hot springs, Sesshomaru's offer to stand guard while Kagome bathed touched her deeply. She nodded in appreciation, her heart warmed by his gesture of protectiveness.
With a reassuring nod, Sesshomaru settled into a watchful stance, his golden eyes scanning the surrounding area for any signs of danger. Kagome watched him for a moment, feeling a sense of security wash over her knowing that he was keeping a vigilant watch over her.
Once his back was turned, Kagome dropped her belongings onto the ground, a few feet from the edge of the hot spring. She kept her gaze fixed on Sesshomaru as she slowly began to strip away her dress, followed by her undergarments. A sigh of relief escaped her lips as the constricting bra was removed, the fabric having dug painfully into her skin during her long sleep.
She couldn't help but notice the slight stiffening of Sesshomaru's posture at the sight, and a blush crept onto her cheeks. Quickly, she averted her gaze and focused on the hot spring, gingerly stepping into the soothing waters to avoid any embarrassing mishaps in front of him.
"Thank you, Sesshomaru," she murmured softly, her voice filled with gratitude as she sank deeper into the warm embrace of the hot spring.
"You're welcome, Miko," came his calm reply, his voice carrying a hint of warmth that made her heart flutter.
As Kagome settled into the water, she allowed herself to relax completely, feeling the tension melt away from her muscles with each passing moment. It was a rare moment of peace and tranquility, and she savored it with every fiber of her being.
However, her relaxation was interrupted when she realized she had forgotten to grab her shampoo from her bag. Normally, she would have gotten out herself, but a newfound boldness urged her to seek Sesshomaru's assistance.
"Uh, Sesshomaru?" she called out tentatively, her cheeks flushing slightly at the thought of asking for his help.
"Hn?" he responded, turning his attention towards her.
As Kagome leaned back against the edge of the pool, her voice trembled slightly with a mix of nervousness and anticipation as she made her request. "Um, I left my shampoo in my bag. Would you mind grabbing it for me?" she asked, her gaze meeting Sesshomaru's with a hint of uncertainty.
Sesshomaru's stoic expression softened almost imperceptibly as he acknowledged her request with a slight incline of his head. Retrieving the shampoo from her bag, he approached the hot spring and handed it to her wordlessly. Kagome couldn't help but feel a surge of triumph as she watched him, a small victory in breaking through his formidable exterior.
With a grateful smile, she took the shampoo from him, but her boldness wasn't yet satisfied. "Would you mind washing my hair?" she asked, her voice laced with a newfound confidence as she peered up at him through her dark lashes.
For a moment, Sesshomaru's expression remained unreadable, his golden eyes flickering with something indecipherable. "Do you know what you ask of me?" he questioned, his voice low and resonant.
Kagome's smile widened, undeterred by his warning tone. "Yes, I am asking you to wash my hair, but if you don't want to, that's okay," she replied, her gaze unwavering.
To her surprise, a smirk tugged at the corners of Sesshomaru's lips, a rare display of amusement. "Turn around, Miko," he commanded softly, his tone holding a hint of challenge.
Obeying his instruction, Kagome felt a rush of excitement mingled with nervousness as she turned away from him, her heart pounding in her chest. The anticipation of his touch sent a thrill through her veins as she waited, the hot spring bubbling softly around her.
With a gentle touch, Sesshomaru began to lather her hair with the shampoo, his hands moving with practiced ease. Kagome's breath caught in her throat at the intimate gesture, the sensation of his fingers massaging her scalp sending waves of pleasure coursing through her.
As he worked, she closed her eyes, allowing herself to fully immerse in the moment, the warmth of the water enveloping her senses. She felt a connection forming between them, a bond that transcended words and gestures.
When Sesshomaru finished rinsing her hair and began to comb through it with his claws, Kagome's heart skipped a beat. The sensation of his touch was electrifying, igniting a fire within her that she couldn't deny.
Opening her eyes, Kagome found herself lost in the depths of Sesshomaru's gaze, her cheeks burning with a mixture of embarrassment and desire. "Thank you, Sesshomaru," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper, but the sincerity behind her words resonated in the air between them. It was a moment suspended in time, charged with unspoken emotions.
His response was not immediate, but when it came, his words carried a weight that stirred something deep within her. "This one will always provide and care for you," Sesshomaru declared, his voice resonating with a quiet strength that sent a shiver down Kagome's spine. It was a promise that seemed to echo in the very core of her being, igniting a flicker of hope within her heart.
"Do you truly believe that?" Kagome's voice wavered slightly, her gaze searching for any hint of doubt or uncertainty.
In response, Sesshomaru's clawed hand gently grasped her chin, his touch sending a jolt of electricity through her veins. With a steady gaze, he brushed his thumb over her lips, his eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that made her breath catch in her throat. "This one vows to protect and provide until you draw your very last breath," he stated, his words sinking deep into her soul like an unbreakable bond.
The weight of his declaration hung heavy in the air, stirring a tumult of emotions within Kagome's chest. The urge to lean forward, to bridge the distance between them and immerse herself in the warmth of his embrace, was almost overwhelming. But before she could act on her impulses, a shift in Sesshomaru's demeanor caught her attention.
"Sesshomaru?" Kagome's voice was barely a whisper as she noticed the subtle change in his posture, the way his ears twitched with alertness.
Without hesitation, he made his decision. "I will bring you back to the hut, and I will go investigate," he announced, his gaze piercing as he turned to face her once more.
Instinctively, Kagome reached out, her hand finding his wrist as she traced the intricate markings on his skin, her touch lingering with a tenderness she hadn't realized she possessed. "Go," she urged softly, her voice filled with an unspoken trust. "I can return on my own."
For a moment, their gazes locked in a silent exchange, a silent understanding passing between them. Then, with a nod, Sesshomaru withdrew his hand from hers and swiftly departed, disappearing into the darkness with the grace of a predator on the hunt.
Left alone by the hot spring, Kagome took a moment to collect herself, her heart still racing with the intensity of their encounter. With determined resolve, she finished washing her body, the warmth of the water soothing her frayed nerves.
Once dressed, Kagome gathered her belongings and began the journey back to the hut, her mind swirling with thoughts of Sesshomaru and the unspoken bond that seemed to tether them together. All she could think was when and where had things changed between them? When had he started to look at her as more than just the priestess that accompanied his brother?