That night, after Sango and Miroku returned from their mission, Kagome took it upon herself to prepare dinner. Cooking helped to distract her mind from the lingering unease caused by her encounter with Kaito. As she chopped vegetables and stirred pots on the stove, her thoughts kept drifting back to the enigmatic demon and the unsettling familiarity he had exhibited towards her.
Later, after dinner, Kagome tucked Rin and Shippo into bed, relishing in the warmth of their family paintings and the peacefulness of their slumber. With the children finally asleep, she made her way to her room, only to find Sango waiting outside with a smile.
"There's a hot spring nearby," Sango offered, her eyes bright with anticipation. "Would you like to join me?"
Kagome's initial hesitation melted away at the thought of relaxing in the soothing waters. Without a second thought, she agreed, and within minutes, the two women found themselves submerged in the warm embrace of the hot spring.
As they soaked in the tranquil atmosphere, Sango couldn't help but broach the topic of Kagome's relationship with Sesshomaru. Lathering her hair with shampoo, she voiced her observations from the day of Kagura's healing.
"How are things with Lord Sesshomaru and you?" Sango inquired gently. "He seemed deeply distressed after he caught you following Kagura's healing. I thought he was going to explode with rage."
Kagome leaned back against the edge of the hot spring, her expression thoughtful as she considered Sango's question. "Well, it's complicated," she began, her voice carrying a hint of uncertainty. "But Sesshomaru did explain some things to me about dog demon courting rituals."
Sango's curiosity was piqued, and she turned her attention fully to Kagome, her eyes reflecting genuine interest.
Kagome continued, "Apparently, dog demons can be quite possessive and protective over their mates, as well as those they consider part of their pack, family, or friends." She paused, searching for the right words to convey the complexity of their relationship. "Sesshomaru has been... showing signs of that possessiveness and protectiveness towards me, especially since he has explained such things to me."
Sango listened intently, nodding in understanding as Kagome spoke. She had seen glimpses of Sesshomaru's protective nature herself, particularly when it came to Kagome's safety.
"It's a lot to take in," Kagome admitted with a small sigh. "But I trust Sesshomaru, and I know that he cares deeply for me and for Rin and Shippo." She glanced at Sango, her gaze earnest. "And I believe that he'll always do whatever he can to keep us safe, even when I am reckless myself."
"I think I know what you mean," Sango said, her voice muffled slightly as she scrubbed her hair with shampoo. "Inuyasha has been rather... possessive, for lack of a better word, when Miroku and I go on walks together."
Kagome chuckled softly, the sound echoing in the steam-filled air of the hot spring. "You might not be mates, but he's still a dog demon," she remarked, her tone light with amusement. "You'll have to learn to get used to it," Kagome teased
Sango nodded in agreement, a wry smile playing on her lips. "Yes, exactly. Sometimes it's like he forgets that I can take care of myself."
Kagome's laughter bubbled up again, a warm and comforting sound. "It's just their nature, I suppose. They're wired to protect and defend what they consider theirs."
As they continued to bathe in the soothing warmth of the hot spring, their conversation flowed easily, the shared understanding between them deepening their bond as friends. They moved on to talk about other subjects such as their possible next move against Naraku, then Kagome told her about how she saw Ayame when she was heading up the mountain.
By the next morning, Kagome's fever had broken, leaving her feeling considerably better. The cool breeze that swept across the field was refreshing as she sat down to meditate, her mind calm and centered. In the distance, she could hear the laughter of the children as they played in the field, their joyous voices lifting her spirits even higher.
As she focused on her breathing, Kagome felt a sense of peace wash over her. The worries and troubles of the previous days seemed to melt away, replaced by a deep sense of serenity. The warmth of the sun on her skin and the gentle rustle of the grasses around her added to the tranquil atmosphere.
As Rin and Shippo played gleefully in the field, Kagome soaked in the tranquil atmosphere, reveling in their laughter and the sight of Kirara bounding alongside them. It was a moment of pure joy and innocence, one that she cherished deeply.
The sudden appearance of Kouga, the Lord of the East, shattered Kagome's peaceful reverie. His arrival, marked by a whirlwind of dust and the pull of two jewel shards, caught her off guard. As the dust settled, Kouga emerged with a smirk, his dark eyes alight with mischief.
"Kagome!" he greeted, his voice laced with flirtation as he flashed his fangs. "My woman!"
Surprised by his sudden appearance, Kagome's eyes widened. "Kouga?" she responded, a mix of curiosity and wariness in her tone. "What brings you here?" she asked, puzzled by his unexpected visit.
"I missed seeing my woman," Kouga replied with a wink, his gaze playful.
Kagome chuckled nervously, trying to maintain her composure. "Well, it's always nice to see you."
"When will you leave that fleabag and become my woman?" Kouga draped an arm over her shoulders, his tone hopeful. "We both know that Inu-idiot can't protect you like I can."
Kagome's expression hardened as she warned him, "Kouga..."
Undeterred, Kouga continued, "That muttface has nothing on me. Join me, and we can leave the dog behind."
"I belong with Sesshomaru now," she rushed out, her words laced with a mixture of certainty and apprehension, her gaze locked onto Kouga's face, searching for understanding amidst the turmoil in her heart.
Kouga's reaction was subtle, a mere blink, but his eyes betrayed a flicker of confusion mingled with a hint of hurt. His mind raced, trying to process the sudden declaration, his heart clenching with the realization that the woman he cared for had found solace in another's arms.
Before the tension between them could escalate further, the peaceful ambiance was shattered by the arrival of Miroku and Sango, emerging from the shiro with welcoming smiles that eased the palpable tension in the air.
"Kouga, it's good to see you again," Sango greeted warmly, her voice carrying genuine warmth as she waved at the wolf demon, her eyes glancing briefly at Kagome, sensing the delicate dynamics at play.
"Hey," Kouga responded casually, his attention momentarily diverted as he caught the scent on the breeze. "Where's the mutt-face? His scent's gone stale."
"He went to visit Totosai regarding Tetsusaiga," Miroku explained, his tone casual yet tinged with curiosity. "Do you have any news, Kouga?"
The atmosphere shifted as they settled into a circle on the ground, Kagome having prepared food for them, her movements fluid yet tinged with a sense of unease, her mind still reeling from the confession she had just made.
"Actually, I do," Kouga began, his voice grave, his gaze sweeping over each of them as he recounted the events that had transpired in his absence, his words painting a picture of danger and intrigue.
"A few weeks back, the shards in my leg started acting up," Kouga explained, his expression serious as he delved into the heart of the matter. "I headed towards the Wolf Demon Tribe's graveyard to retrieve the Goraishi."
"The Goraishi?" Sango inquired, her curiosity piqued as she leaned forward, her eyes reflecting a genuine interest in the lore surrounding the powerful artifact.
Kouga nodded, his right hand glowing with a golden light as he revealed the intricate weapon, its design ancient yet potent, a tangible symbol of his heritage and strength.
"On my way here, I encountered a wolf cub in possession of a jewel shard under Byakuya's command," Kouga continued, his voice tinged with frustration at the memory of the encounter. "He had abducted another cub and was using him as leverage."
"Byakuya?" Miroku mused, his hand stroking his chin thoughtfully as he considered the implications of this new threat.
"Another of Naraku's incarnations," Kouga confirmed, his tone tinged with disdain as he spoke the name of their mutual enemy. "Thankfully, he posed little threat compared to Kagura and the others."
"And Ginta and Hakkaku?" Kagome interjected, her concern evident as she sought reassurance amidst the chaos that surrounded them.
"I sent them back to the tribe with the cubs while I pursue Moryomaru," Kouga concluded, his gaze firm.
"After considering everything, you should join us," Miroku finally concluded, his voice gentle yet persuasive.
Kouga exhaled heavily, his gaze lingering on Kagome for a moment before he reluctantly acquiesced. "Fine," he agreed, his tone begrudging as he looked away, his pride momentarily overshadowed by the weight of their collective mission.
Two days had slipped by since the departure of Sesshomaru and Inuyasha, leaving behind a lingering sense of unease and anticipation. Kagome, though physically recovered from her recent bout of fatigue and illness, found herself grappling with a persistent worry that gnawed at her insides. Her thoughts were consumed by both brothers, but it was Sesshomaru who occupied the forefront of her mind, his absence weighing heavily on her heart. With each passing hour of their separation, the ache in her chest intensified, prompting her to wonder if this was but a fraction of the anguish Sesshomaru had endured during her own absence.
Observing the subtle shifts in behavior among their companions, Kagome couldn't help but notice Rin's restlessness and Shippo's in Sesshomaru's absence. She had never noticed before how the young fox kit had taken to the dog demon. They sought solace in her, seeking refuge and reassurance during the long, anxious nights.
Then, on the morning of the third day, a flicker of hope pierced through the cloud of worry that had settled over Kagome. The stirring of her reiki in response to the faint flicker of his youki sent a surge of relief coursing through her veins. With each passing moment, the pain in her chest eased, replaced by a sense of anticipation and longing.
Abandoning the mundane task of tending to laundry, Kagome raced towards the clearing where she felt his approaching presence. The urgency of her footsteps matched the pounding of her heart as she broke through the treeline, her breath coming in ragged gasps as she searched for him.
And there he was, standing before her, a vision of strength and grace that stole her breath away. Before she could utter a word, Sesshomaru closed the distance between them in an instant, enfolding her in his arms with a tenderness that belied his stoic exterior. In that moment, Kagome felt whole again, her worries melting away in his embrace.
"Sesshomaru…" she whispered, her voice barely audible above the rustle of the leaves.
"You are well?" he murmured, his golden eyes searching her face with a depth of concern that took her breath away.
Kagome nodded, her heart swelling with affection. "Yes, now that you've returned to me."
His chest rumbled with a sound akin to a purr. "This one apologizes for the prolonged absence," he murmured, his voice tinged with regret.
"There's no need," Kagome assured him, her gaze softening with understanding. "I know you wouldn't have stayed away without reason."
Sesshomaru nudged his nose against hers, rubbing it for a few seconds before he bent his head further to the side and licked the side of her neck. She let out a gasp, her hands gripping his hair, a moan threatening to spill past her lips. Only her Kagome to snap her eyes open.
The tranquility of the clearing was shattered by the sudden intrusion of voices, growing louder with each passing second. Kagome's heart skipped a beat as she recognized Kouga's unmistakable tone, his words laced with possessiveness and anger.
"Sesshomaru…?" Kagome began, her voice trailing off as she watched his demeanor shift, his eyes flashing red with a dangerous intensity.
But before she could comprehend what was happening, Sesshomaru stepped forward, positioning himself between Kagome and the approaching voices, his posture radiating power and authority.
"Kouga!" Sango called out, her voice cutting through the air. "Get back here!"
"What the hell are you doing with my woman?!" Kouga's accusatory voice pierced through the tense atmosphere, his finger pointed at Sesshomaru with narrowed eyes filled with possessiveness.
"Hey, wolf-boy!" Inuyasha's interruption broke through the tension as he emerged from the tree line. "I wouldn't recommend pissing off Sesshomaru like that."
"Shut the hell up, mutt!" Kouga snapped back, his agitation palpable.
Inuyasha shrugged indifferently. "Well, I tried. It's your funeral."
"The Miko doesn't belong to you," Sesshomaru sneered, his voice dripping with disdain.
"Like hell!" Kouga retorted defiantly. "I love Kagome! I have always loved her!"
Kouga's loud declaration and sudden lunge towards Kagome seemed to ignite something within Sesshomaru. Kagome watched in wide-eyed surprise as his eyes turned a menacing shade of red, his claws extending with poisonous intent, his transformation into his true form underway.
"Sesshomaru—" Kagome began, reaching out instinctively, but her movement was halted as she felt strong arms wrap around her. She turned to see Inuyasha, who had swiftly picked her up and moved her away from the impending danger.
"Inuyasha?" Kagome's voice trembled with confusion and fear.
"Kouga's provoked Sesshomaru, and now his beast has taken over," Inuyasha explained tersely as he set Kagome down beside him and Sango. "Don't intervene."
With a sinking feeling in her heart, Kagome watched helplessly as the confrontation between the two powerful beings unfolded before her, her mind racing with concern for both Sesshomaru and Kouga, and the safety of everyone involved.
"Inuyasha, you need to do something!" Sango exclaimed, turning to him with urgency etched into her features.
Inuyasha shoved his arms into the sleeves of his kimono, his expression serious and his eyes narrowed with determination. "No one can intervene. Kouga has provoked Sesshomaru more than once. Sesshomaru is within his right to kill Kouga."
Sango's frown deepened, her brows furrowing in frustration. "There must be something we can do."
The half-demon shook his head, his tone solemn. "Kagome is his mate. Kouga tried to take her from Sesshomaru. As dog demons, we don't share or take lightly to others vying for our chosen ones. You wouldn't understand."
Kagome listened to their exchange, her heart heavy with the weight of the situation. She knew that the dynamics between demons were complex and deeply ingrained, but she couldn't stand idly by while violence erupted before her eyes. As she watched the standoff unfold, she couldn't help but feel a sense of helplessness wash over her, knowing that the fate of those she cared about hung in the balance.
Inuyasha cackled, "Stupid wolf boy!"
"Mate?" Kouga stammered, his voice betraying a hint of uncertainty as he processed the revelation he had overheard. "Kagome is your mate!? No way in hell is she the mate of a stinky dog!"
"Look, Kouga, I was planning on telling you the next time I saw y—" Kagome began, her voice gentle as she tried to explain, but she was interrupted by the chaos unfolding before her.
With a sense of urgency gripping her heart, Kagome watched in horror as Sesshomaru, in his true form, lunged for the wolf demon, his deadly claws poised for a fatal strike. It was only the jewel shards embedded in Kouga's legs that saved him from certain death. Kagome knew she had to intervene before the situation escalated further.
Ignoring the danger and the potential consequences, Kagome rushed forward, her determination driving her actions. With a swift movement, she erected a barrier around Kouga, pouring her reiki into it to fortify its strength.
"Sesshomaru!" she called out, narrowly avoiding his deadly paw as she darted between his massive legs. With a sense of urgency, she approached Kouga, who was frantically banging against the barrier she had created.
Straightening her back and summoning all her courage, Kagome stared up at the imposing figure of Sesshomaru, her eyes filled with a mixture of defiance and desperation. Stomping her foot to emphasize her command, she glared at him with unwavering resolve.
"Stop it!" Kagome's voice rang out, laced with the power of her reiki as she flared it in warning. It wasn't enough to purify him, but it served as a clear signal of her determination to protect Kouga from harm, even if it meant defying Sesshomaru himself.
The large dog demon finally sat down, the ground trembling beneath the weight of his massive frame. Kagome approached him cautiously, her heart pounding with a mix of fear and determination. With hesitant steps, she reached out her hands, closing the distance between them.
The large silver hound lowered his head, allowing Kagome to draw closer. As she reached out to him, he blew hot air onto her face, his breath warm against her skin. With a surge of courage, Kagome lunged forward and wrapped her arms around his snout in a tight embrace.
"Who's a good dog!?" Kagome exclaimed, her voice filled with affection as she buried her face in his soft fur. The dog demon responded by laying down, his tail swishing gently as a gust of wind picked up around them. Kagome continued to shower him with praise, her words a mixture of love and gratitude.
"Uh… Kagome…?" Inuyasha's voice cut through the moment, accompanied by the puzzled expressions of Sango and Miroku who stood nearby. "What the hell are you doing…?"
"I'm petting my dog," Kagome replied matter-of-factly, not missing a beat. "What the hell are you doing?"
In a golden flash that enveloped the daiyoukai, Sesshomaru emerged, his eyes twitching with irritation. "Koi, I am not a pet," he stated firmly, his voice carrying a hint of exasperation.
"You are a cute one though," Kagome remarked, her smile softening as her arms slipped over Sesshomaru's shoulders. The daiyoukai immediately bent down, his gesture gentle as he rubbed his nose against hers, silently reassuring her of his protection.
"You will not kill Kouga," she stated firmly, her gaze narrowing with determination after pulling away. Then, she turned to Kouga, the barrier falling away as she addressed him. "Kouga, I may be Sesshomaru's mate, but I choose to be with him. I hope you under–"
Before Kagome could finish her sentence, Kouga's shoulders slumped in resignation, a fleeting expression of disappointment crossing his features before he quickly masked it with a bright grin. "It's fine," he interjected, his voice filled with forced cheerfulness. "Just know that if you ever get tired of roughing it with these dogs, then you are always welcome to join my pack and become my woman."
Kagome couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt at Kouga's offer, recognizing the genuine affection behind his words. She valued their friendship and didn't want to hurt him, but she also couldn't deny the deep connection she felt towards Sesshomaru, the daiyoukai who had captured her heart in ways she couldn't fully explain.
Sesshomaru, sensing Kouga's thinly veiled attempt to assert his dominance, emitted a low growl of warning, his golden eyes narrowing in response. The tension between the two rivals crackled in the air, each refusing to back down in the face of the other's challenge.
However, Kouga appeared unfazed by Sesshomaru's warning, his smirk widening as he met the daiyoukai's gaze with unyielding defiance. His bravado was evident as he dared to provoke Sesshomaru further, his words laced with playful mockery.
The exchange between Kouga and Sesshomaru served as a reminder to Kagome of the complex dynamics at play, the delicate balance between friendship, rivalry, and unspoken desires. Caught in the midst of it all, she couldn't help but wonder how their relationships would evolve in the days to come.
"Let's have some lunch and we can talk about our next move," Kagome smiled.
As the group made their way back to the Shiro, Sesshomaru and Kagome lingered behind for a couple of minutes. The tension from the earlier confrontation still lingered in the air, and Sesshomaru's beast wasn't fully calm yet. Kagome knew she had to soothe him until he regained full control.
Standing beside him, Kagome gently placed a hand on Sesshomaru's arm, offering silent support as she focused her reiki to help calm his turbulent youki. She felt the subtle shift in his energy as his beast gradually settled, the tension in his posture easing slightly.
Once Sesshomaru felt more composed, they resumed their walk hand in hand, joining the others who were already gathered at the Shiro. Rin and Shippo immediately swarmed around Sesshomaru, vying for his attention, which allowed Kagome and Sango to slip away to prepare lunch.
As they ate, Kagome found herself sitting in Sesshomaru's lap, his arms wrapping around her protectively as they enjoyed their meal together. She listened intently as Sesshomaru and Inuyasha explained what they had been upto the last couple of days. Inuyasha would journey to the East to train under the Great Holy Demon Spirit, while Sesshomaru planned to travel to the West to seek guidance from his mother and master a new sword technique.
Kagome couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and admiration for Sesshomaru's dedication to honing his skills.
