Love: Lost and Found
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InuYasha › Het - Male/Female › Sesshōmaru/Kagome
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
14
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20,063
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120
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Currently Reading:
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Category:
InuYasha › Het - Male/Female › Sesshōmaru/Kagome
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
14
Views:
20,063
Reviews:
120
Recommended:
1
Currently Reading:
1
Disclaimer:
I do not own InuYasha, nor make money from this story.
Time Draws Close
AN: Thank you for the reviews!! J I hope you all liked that last chapter, and are happily wondering what will happen next"¦ tehhee. Yes, I do enjoy being evil. I didn't like that last chapter too much though, nor the one before it "“ but theyre okay I guess, hehe. ^_^ sooo"¦ read on, loyal readers, and post a review if you enjoy this chapter"¦ :D
I'VE HIT OVER 50 REVIEWS, AND OVER 4000 HITS! :celebrates with little dance:
Sesshomaru- thank you ^_^
Ice- I am quite mean, aren't I? Hehe.
Galadhrim_star- I live for writing cliffies"¦ lol. I'll have to give yall a bad one soon, hehe.
Slouchyduck-your wish maaaay come true. We'll see ^_^ ( and isn't sesshy oh so sexy?)
Nicole "“ yes, a lemon may be coming within the next two chapters, so be on the lookout. ^_^ and thank you! That's very much what this fic was intended to be.
Rayne "“ isn't the sound aweeeesome? He he. Thank you!
Sakanna- thank you! Reading is joyful, is it not? Lol.
Kikiz, Charming Kijo, marta178, Dark rain- hehe thank you! ^_^
Rachi- Thanks! Nice to hear from you again, hehe.
---
Disclaimer: I don't own anything InuYasha related
---
Chapter Ten (wow have I really written that much?) : Time Draws Close
---
Sesshomaru couldn't take it anymore. His eyes widened and the mask fell. His eyebrows drew together slightly, and he licked his drying lips nervously. His stoic expression was falling, and he grabbed Kagome's hand that was upon him. He took it away from his chest, and brought it in front of his face. Staring at her slender fingers, he then pushed them in between his own fingers. He brought the back of her hand to his lips and pressed a kiss to it, shutting his eyes briefly, then letting them flutter open again, them staring into Kagome's deep brown eyes.
"Yes, Kagome. I love you. Maybe not from the moment I saw you, but I have loved you for some time now. I want you only to be happy. It is what you deserve. No, you deserve the world. For, without you in it, it would be nothing. There would be no laughter, no children, and no happiness. Neither dancing nor singing. You bring life to everything, Kagome, and I am blessed by every god in the heavens right now, just to be holding your hand and staring into your eyes. I love you, Kagome. You mean everything to me, without you I would still be cold and ruthless like I was in the past, before you came to this era. But the past means nothing to me now, and you mean everything"¦," he said ever so quietly, staring into her face.
Soft tears were welling at the edges of Kagome's eyes.
"Why do you cry?" Concern was written all over the demon's soft face.
"It "“ that "“ was beautiful. Th-thank you, Sesshomaru," she whispered and buried her head into his chest. Sesshomaru let his emotions flow out of him unchecked, he could not restrain them any longer in her presence. He bent his head down and laid his lips and nose on the top of her head, and wrapped his arms around her tightly as she snaked her arms around his neck. He again inhaled her beautiful scent with a sigh, and Kagome buried her nose into his chest. She felt his skin, and the muscles beneath it were hard and trained, but the skin was soft and pale. It sparked something in Kagome's head, that Sesshomaru was much like the hard muscles on the inside, but when provoked enough, he became like his skin, soft and timidly pale"¦
Kagome tightened her grip around him, squishing her body to his. Sesshomaru was weakened by her actions, by her head right next to his beating heart, her arms crossed around his neck, embracing him tightly. She was on her tiptoes, reaching up for him. He quickly lowered his head and kissed her cheek. She responded by letting go of him slightly so she could easily kiss him. Within seconds they were engrossed in a passionate kiss, Sesshomaru's hands on the sides of her head, deepening their kiss. They were kissing near ferociously, attacking each other's lips and tongue, sucking and nipping lightly.
Kagome let her hands move a bit, one stayed at the base of his neck, the other moved down to the slightly exposed skin of his chest. They were reveling in each other's taste and warmth of each other. Slowly Sesshomaru moved his hands down so he could pick her up and move her to the bed so she wouldn't have to strain upwards to him. When she did not protest his moving her, the demon lord quickly laid her down upon the enormous bed, covered in gold cotton-stuffed silk sheets. Never once breaking their heated kiss, Sesshomaru crawled onto the bed next to her.
She quickly hugged herself to him again, one hand behind his ear, the other stuck on his chest still. But Kagome would not let him go too far, maybe a bit of feeling, but nothing more. Though she was excited and beginning to become aroused, she wouldn't let things happen too fast too soon.
Sesshomaru gently placed on hand on her stomach, using insane self-control, as his inu instincts began to kick in, barking at him to make her his. But he would not be defeated by instincts that easily, and he mentally swatted the dogs away. He snaked his other arm under her shoulder, clutching her tightly to him. They broke away for a moment, breathing deeply, then resumed once their lungs were sufficiently filled again. After a moment or so, the hand Sesshomaru had placed on her stomach began to inch upwards.
Kagome let a small, teasing moan sound into his mouth. Sesshomaru quietly answered her with a groan and let a couple of his fingers graze across her left breast. Kagome moaned again in want and satisfaction, so he responded by letting the rest of his clawed fingers come to rest upon her breast, as did his palm. Mentally Kagome was telling herself that's the farthest she would let him go.
Sesshomaru was amazed at how wonderful her soft breast felt beneath his hand. He was delighted that she had at all allowed him to touch her in such a way. He began to squeeze gently through the soft material of the bed robe.
Kagome broke away again. She was afraid that this would lead to other things, things she didn't want happening just yet. Sesshomaru could smell her apprehension, and see it on her face.
"We should stop," he said for her. Relief came across her face and she nodded slightly. She let her eyes slide shut and she let her head slump on one of the silk pillows. Sesshomaru watched her with avid interest.
"I'm so tii-iiired," Kagome yawned widely. It brought a smile to Sesshomaru's lips.
"Stay in here, with me. Fall asleep with me," he whispered. Her eyelids lifted and she looked at him, unsure of what to make of it. "I promise to not do anything out of your limits. I-I just want you with me tonight." Kagome continued to look at him, analyzing his face. She concluded that he wouldn't do anything to her while she slept. And besides, she was exhausted, and it was late "“ she didn't feel much like getting up and walking all the way back to her bed.
"Okay," she murmured. The inuyoukai then began to peel back the blankets so they could slip underneath. They looked into each other eyes for a moment, then Kagome's eyes slid shut, heavy with sleep.
Within minutes of her slipping under the warm and super-cozy blankets she began to drift off, her body encircled gently by Sesshomaru's caring arms. Her breathing slowed, and the gentle rhythm of his heartbeat in front of her lulled her to sleep. Sesshomaru, who less than half an hour ago had been longing more than anything to go to sleep, found it very hard to now, now that Kagome was curled up in front of him, breathing softly, the warmth of her emanating from her"¦ sleep had escaped him once again.
The inuyoukai watched with rapt interest at Kagome's face and body as she slept. It also pleased him to see Kagome in his bed, under his sheets, even aroused him slightly, but he had incredible self control and would not do anything of that nature. Not tonight, at least.
Her smaller body moved up and down slowly, gently. The fingers of her left hand were entwined in the splay of silver hair around Sesshomaru's head, and her other hand was beneath the pillow she shared with Sesshomaru. One of Sesshomaru's arms had been sneaked in between the crook of Kagome's neck and her pillow, the other around her midriff, keeping her close to him.
His eyes became heavy-lidded again, but his mask would not return until morning. He had had his mask on for so long that his true self was surprising even to him. Letting his emotions flow so that they affected his actions was a concept he had not embraced since childhood. It scared him slightly, but it also liberated him. "˜Only Kagome will see me like this. No one else,' he silently decided as he studied the soft features of his love's face. He smiled again, enjoying the feeling of Kagome so close to him, and having her at complete peace. No nervousness, tension, fear, or whatever else, only peace.
His eyes became hooded with sleep, and finally he gave in. Lifting his head gently and placing it right in front of Kagome's he placed a tender kiss upon her forehead, then brought his head down, so that he touched his forehead gently against hers. With a final glance at the miko before him, he drifted off into a peaceful sleep.
---
InuYasha sighed from his tree branch. He could sense Kagome's peacefulness, though he didn't know why or how. Even Kikyo didn't have this strange effect on him. He only felt a lust for her, yet something was different about Kagome, and he had ruined any chance of a relationship with her now. Now Sesshomaru was quickly taking his place, and already claimed to love her. InuYasha's case was a hopeless one.
Looking up into the stars he spotted the "North Star" as Kagome called it. She had taught him many things, and now she loathed and hated him. But most of all, she feared him. And that is what InuYasha hated the most: the stench of fear that had seemed to leak off of her when she was near him. He huffed and crossed his arms, deciding to sleep on it and think of it no more.
---
Sango and Miroku were the first to rise the next morning. With a stretch and a yawn Sango had roused her husband, who had immediately greeted her with a look of satisfaction. Their night had been, well, let's just say that it had been enjoyable. The demon hunter smirked and placed a gentle kiss upon her lover's lips, smiling. Miroku laughed softly and pulled her into his arms, kissing the top of her tousle-haired head. She grinned and pulled slightly away, looked in his eyes a moment, then rolled over and got up and out of the bed. Since they had been dis-robed the previous night, Sango decided to tease him a bit, and began dressing slowly in front of him. He scoffed at her and sat up to watch.
Shippou was second to rise. Rising from the small bed he dressed himself and began roaming about the halls aimlessly. He happened upon a few servants, and they cast each other curious glances.
InuYasha, alone outside, and Koga, alone inside, woke third. Jaken fourth, Rin fifth. Rin quickly found Shippou, and the two immediately ran into the gardens for a game of hide and seek. All who were awake went busy about their own thing, from eating, playing, or working, it was a fairly normal routine. But something was soon to disrupt them.
A pink pulse rippled from the South, traveling with supernatural speed in all directions, but strongest to the West. A dull pink light filled everything for half a second, then passed, leaving a foreboding feeling over all it touched.
Sesshomaru and Kagome were suddenly sitting bolt upright upon his golden bed, Sesshomaru rolling out and leaping for Toujikin. Koga, Sango, and Miroku dropped their chopsticks that they had been using for breakfast and steeled themselves as if they were about to be hit, Shippou tripped over nothing, and Rin screamed. InuYasha stopped hunting and his hand flew to the hilt of Tetsusaiga. Jaken flew from his room and into the hallway, peering up and down it timidly.
Kagome was focusing her energies into her miko reserve, she felt that her reserve would be in need today.
"What do you think it was?" Kagome quietly asked. She was sweating slightly, still sitting rigid in the bed, staring blankly at the wall opposite of her. Sesshomaru shook his head gently, then let his façade slip into place.
"I don't know, Miko. But it was cold, and it was not right. It came from the South, from the hotter lands, so I do not understand why it is cold"¦," he mumbled the last bit. He had been in the process of dressing in his normal attire and armor, and was now finishing by tying the bow around his waist. "I suggest you look in the back of your closet. You will find suitable clothes and armor there. And be quick. Meet me in the dining room as soon as you are dressed," he ordered in his usual, unemotional voice. He flew quickly to the door. "Miko, something is happening. No doubt all of my lands felt the same thing "“ be on your guard. Please, be safe," he added quietly, giving her a rare loving look. She nodded gently and threw herself from the bed as he exited.
Dashing to her room, she flew into the large walk-in closet as she threw off her robe. Skidding to a halt at the back, she was greeted by various suits of armor designed for a woman, including Sango's demon slayer uniform. Little labels on the shelf above each suit gave a brief description and label or title to each piece of clothing. Kagome quickly read the symbols and picked a thin suit of armor that was designed to enhance her priestess powers. Hearing a clatter down the hallway, she quickly slipped into it, grabbing the katana it came with and sliding her feet into the shoes, and ran out into the hallway.
Rin and Shippou had apparently been running down the hall and had tripped upon each and rolled several times on the floor. Kagome quickly helped them up and belted the sword, then took a child in each arm, afraid to leave them alone and jogged down to the dining room. Everyone else was gathered there, including InuYasha.
Sesshomaru waved a hand at her for her to join them, quickly noting her choice of clothing: the pale green, lined with the palest pink, thick padded pants (like Kikyo's) and short sleeved shirt, which had black embroidered symbols all along the neck line, the side seams, and in a line down her back. The clothes seemed to emit a pinkish glow. She nodded and set the children down. The chairs of the dining table had disappeared. Sango was in her demon slayer uniform, and all the rest of them were obviously ready for a battle. InuYasha was also present, hand still on Tetsusaiga.
She walked briskly to the table and grabbed an apple out of the large fruit bowl; no time for a proper breakfast. She took a large bite, causing quite a crunching noise, and juice squirted out and onto Miroku's robes, who was standing next to her. Sesshomaru fought to hide a smile.
"We all felt something not even five minutes ago "“ do any of you have an idea as to what it is. Even if it's a theory or a hunch, let us hear it," Sesshomaru bluntly stated. Miroku spoke up first, and spat out the name that was on the tip of everyone's tongues, even the little ones, who were clutching to Kagome's legs:
"Naraku."
Sesshomaru nodded. "I agree. It distinctly held his scent and aura. He must be hiding in the South now, and he "“ to my perception "“ sent that as some sort of signal. Do any of you agree?"
InuYasha nodded. "I think we should leave today, and waste no time. The humans can be carried by the demons. It would take us only two days if we leave by the afternoon," he said with vigor, ready to end this.
"That would be suicide "“ going by ourselves!" Koga put his two cents in. Sesshomaru nodded.
"We need an army, as was mentioned earlier. Humans or demons, anything will help. Naraku could not have sent that powerful a pulse himself, there was definitely auras of other demons within that. Whether they were sacrificed or helped him send it, I could not tell, but there were many demons involved with what we just felt. I believe Naraku is warning us. He is telling us that he is ready. You all felt the power in that pulse, he is ready," Sesshomaru said quieter than normal, as if nervous, but he didn't show it otherwise.
After taking another bite out of her apple, Kagome spoke up.
"The feeling we all got for battle "“ that was caused by Miko powers, I could feel it. And the light"¦ right before I opened my eyes I saw pink: the color of miko powers. I think Kikyo is helping him. And the jewel, he has a great number of shards, I could sense the shards all over for a moment, when the pulse passed over us. He is very powerful at the moment. We need to act quickly, before he finds any more."
Everyone looked at her. Kagome really did have her uses. InuYasha stared at her blankly for a moment, then shook his head and looked away. She really did look like Kikyo, except that her hair was sheener and her skin more tan.
"Now, let's draw up plans," Miroku put in, "we need to brainstorm and think of who we can call upon.
---
Fifteen Days later:
Tents were amassed in Sesshomaru's courtyard, outside the gates, lining the walls on either side. Crops of tents were neatly arranged all throughout the plain that lay in front of Sesshomaru's home. A rather unexpected number had answered the calls. Demons and humans had made a truce for the time being in order to coexist peacefully until Naraku and his forces were destroyed. Sesshomaru had a set of bags under his golden eyes, as did everyone of the original group. Kilala was now present, helping in all of the travels and message-sending.
The very high-ranked demon and human generals were being housed inside with Sesshomaru. The inuyoukai had spent a fortune on buying out all of the crops from the surrounding villages to help feed all of his newly amassed army. They would head out in two days. Everything was drawing near.
---
Naraku watched Kikyo squirm in his grasp.
"L-let me go, bastard!" she gasped as he held her up by her neck.
"Only if you agree to help me," he hissed maliciously.
"Fi-fine," she choked. He grinned with ill intent and let her collapse to the ground. She coughed and spluttered everywhere and took a few moments until she couldn't stand up again. With a twisted smile Naraku walked out of his temple and ordered one hundred of his soldiers up to him. Within minutes a hundred demons of all different species were amassed in lines before him upon his steps. He smiled kindly at them.
"You all will serve me well," he said loudly out to them. They then realized what was about to happen"¦. Kikyo shut her eyes tightly and turned her head away. Naraku raised his right hand slowly straight up into the air, a blackish blue glow gathering around him. After several minutes he straightened his hands and fingers, then, without bending his elbow, he brought down quickly, as if squishing all the soldiers before him, which is what literally happened. All of their bones collapsed into themselves, and their bodies exploded. As their souls began to float upward, their blood ran down in a great waterfall down his steps. Naraku cast a demonic net over the souls and held them in place.
"Get to work, human," Naraku said simply and walked behind her to watch idly. His black wavy locks had been recently trimmed, and he had tied them back into a tail behind his head. He had been doing a lot of dirty work lately, and his hair would only get bloody and messy. The dead priestess had done the job for him. Against her will, of course. As always.
Tears streaming down her face, Kikyo began the prayer to create the same spell that she had fifteen days ago, to send out the warning message all across Japan. She had felt all of Japan jump to its feet, and she had felt terribly guilty. The same would happen again today, and she loathed the man, no "“ monster, who was forcing her to do this. She had thought seriously of letting him kill her several times, because she found no logical reason to live. Even though she wasn't truly alive"¦ she didn't know what to do. She was scared, and alone. The time was drawing close.
---
Kagome placed a tender kiss upon Sesshomaru's dried lips. He looked at her longingly.
"I am sorry I haven't had time to spend with you," he said sadly to her. They stood alone on a balcony, facing the majority of their amassed army. Kagome shook her head.
"It is not your fault. Both of us, no, all of us have our hands tied and strung above our heads with this war business. Don't worry about spending time with me at the moment. It's not as important."
He looked at her carefully, elegant brows drawn together slightly. "What do you mean by not important? I am in this war because of you, I believe. Because of the object of my love," he said and bent slowly to kiss her cheek. Fifteen days had passed, and only a few thoughts and feelings lingered for InuYasha, but her thoughts and feelings of Sesshomaru had increased over three-fold. But her mind still questioned love. It was a bit to soon to decide, and Sesshomaru understood that perfectly, but it didn't mean he couldn't show her love for her in the meantime. Kagome was definitely attracted to him though, and cared for him, most definitely.
She sighed. "Now I feel guilty," she said and smiled weakly.
His brows drew closer. "Do not! I would be in this war no matter what, I think. There is no getting around it. Though hopefully it will be over with soon enough. I hope it does not drag on for months. I am hoping it will be a one-shot and finish within days," Sesshomaru sighed lightly and looked out at the tents. It was promising, but he was still concerned. Continuing to look out at his lands, he grabbed Kagome and encircled her in his arms, placing his head upon her shoulder. She wrapped her arms around him and gave him a comforting squeeze.
He was never this concerned about anything, but this event called for it, and Kagome did her best to give him comfort. Both of them had a high chance of death. As did all of their friends and allies.
"No matter what, Kagome," he whispered away from her, "I will protect you. I will die for you."
"Then if you die, I die with you," she whispered back, holding him tighter, grabbing fingerfuls of his silk clothes just above his black armor plate. He turned his head into the shoulder of her miko garb and breathed in deeply. This day and the next may be the last days they would spend together"¦.
Their heads snapped up as a bright pink pulse came rippling over the trees far in the distance, then over the plain, over tents, over the wall, then into the courtyard and washing over them. Kagome shivered and fingered the katana at her side. Sesshomaru growled and gripped Toujikin tightly. The soldiers down below came out of their tents, weapons in hand, demons had their teeth and claws, whatever natural weapon they had, bared and ready. The time was very close.
---
AN: Okay, the just pure fluff plot was getting to me, then I wondered how I would end this fic if it was based purely on fluff, so I've put a secondary plot in there. I am reaallllly looking forward to writing the battle scene. They are fun to write, but I'm not sure if I'm good at them or not. Hopefully I am not disappointing any of you. Look out for LEMONs coming up soon. Maybe in the next chapter or one after! Weet! I love lemony chapters"¦
Hope you all liked this one! It was a plot-advancement chapter, really. I rather liked the tender moments they had at the beginning and end, you?
I'VE HIT OVER 50 REVIEWS, AND OVER 4000 HITS! :celebrates with little dance:
Sesshomaru- thank you ^_^
Ice- I am quite mean, aren't I? Hehe.
Galadhrim_star- I live for writing cliffies"¦ lol. I'll have to give yall a bad one soon, hehe.
Slouchyduck-your wish maaaay come true. We'll see ^_^ ( and isn't sesshy oh so sexy?)
Nicole "“ yes, a lemon may be coming within the next two chapters, so be on the lookout. ^_^ and thank you! That's very much what this fic was intended to be.
Rayne "“ isn't the sound aweeeesome? He he. Thank you!
Sakanna- thank you! Reading is joyful, is it not? Lol.
Kikiz, Charming Kijo, marta178, Dark rain- hehe thank you! ^_^
Rachi- Thanks! Nice to hear from you again, hehe.
---
Disclaimer: I don't own anything InuYasha related
---
Chapter Ten (wow have I really written that much?) : Time Draws Close
---
Sesshomaru couldn't take it anymore. His eyes widened and the mask fell. His eyebrows drew together slightly, and he licked his drying lips nervously. His stoic expression was falling, and he grabbed Kagome's hand that was upon him. He took it away from his chest, and brought it in front of his face. Staring at her slender fingers, he then pushed them in between his own fingers. He brought the back of her hand to his lips and pressed a kiss to it, shutting his eyes briefly, then letting them flutter open again, them staring into Kagome's deep brown eyes.
"Yes, Kagome. I love you. Maybe not from the moment I saw you, but I have loved you for some time now. I want you only to be happy. It is what you deserve. No, you deserve the world. For, without you in it, it would be nothing. There would be no laughter, no children, and no happiness. Neither dancing nor singing. You bring life to everything, Kagome, and I am blessed by every god in the heavens right now, just to be holding your hand and staring into your eyes. I love you, Kagome. You mean everything to me, without you I would still be cold and ruthless like I was in the past, before you came to this era. But the past means nothing to me now, and you mean everything"¦," he said ever so quietly, staring into her face.
Soft tears were welling at the edges of Kagome's eyes.
"Why do you cry?" Concern was written all over the demon's soft face.
"It "“ that "“ was beautiful. Th-thank you, Sesshomaru," she whispered and buried her head into his chest. Sesshomaru let his emotions flow out of him unchecked, he could not restrain them any longer in her presence. He bent his head down and laid his lips and nose on the top of her head, and wrapped his arms around her tightly as she snaked her arms around his neck. He again inhaled her beautiful scent with a sigh, and Kagome buried her nose into his chest. She felt his skin, and the muscles beneath it were hard and trained, but the skin was soft and pale. It sparked something in Kagome's head, that Sesshomaru was much like the hard muscles on the inside, but when provoked enough, he became like his skin, soft and timidly pale"¦
Kagome tightened her grip around him, squishing her body to his. Sesshomaru was weakened by her actions, by her head right next to his beating heart, her arms crossed around his neck, embracing him tightly. She was on her tiptoes, reaching up for him. He quickly lowered his head and kissed her cheek. She responded by letting go of him slightly so she could easily kiss him. Within seconds they were engrossed in a passionate kiss, Sesshomaru's hands on the sides of her head, deepening their kiss. They were kissing near ferociously, attacking each other's lips and tongue, sucking and nipping lightly.
Kagome let her hands move a bit, one stayed at the base of his neck, the other moved down to the slightly exposed skin of his chest. They were reveling in each other's taste and warmth of each other. Slowly Sesshomaru moved his hands down so he could pick her up and move her to the bed so she wouldn't have to strain upwards to him. When she did not protest his moving her, the demon lord quickly laid her down upon the enormous bed, covered in gold cotton-stuffed silk sheets. Never once breaking their heated kiss, Sesshomaru crawled onto the bed next to her.
She quickly hugged herself to him again, one hand behind his ear, the other stuck on his chest still. But Kagome would not let him go too far, maybe a bit of feeling, but nothing more. Though she was excited and beginning to become aroused, she wouldn't let things happen too fast too soon.
Sesshomaru gently placed on hand on her stomach, using insane self-control, as his inu instincts began to kick in, barking at him to make her his. But he would not be defeated by instincts that easily, and he mentally swatted the dogs away. He snaked his other arm under her shoulder, clutching her tightly to him. They broke away for a moment, breathing deeply, then resumed once their lungs were sufficiently filled again. After a moment or so, the hand Sesshomaru had placed on her stomach began to inch upwards.
Kagome let a small, teasing moan sound into his mouth. Sesshomaru quietly answered her with a groan and let a couple of his fingers graze across her left breast. Kagome moaned again in want and satisfaction, so he responded by letting the rest of his clawed fingers come to rest upon her breast, as did his palm. Mentally Kagome was telling herself that's the farthest she would let him go.
Sesshomaru was amazed at how wonderful her soft breast felt beneath his hand. He was delighted that she had at all allowed him to touch her in such a way. He began to squeeze gently through the soft material of the bed robe.
Kagome broke away again. She was afraid that this would lead to other things, things she didn't want happening just yet. Sesshomaru could smell her apprehension, and see it on her face.
"We should stop," he said for her. Relief came across her face and she nodded slightly. She let her eyes slide shut and she let her head slump on one of the silk pillows. Sesshomaru watched her with avid interest.
"I'm so tii-iiired," Kagome yawned widely. It brought a smile to Sesshomaru's lips.
"Stay in here, with me. Fall asleep with me," he whispered. Her eyelids lifted and she looked at him, unsure of what to make of it. "I promise to not do anything out of your limits. I-I just want you with me tonight." Kagome continued to look at him, analyzing his face. She concluded that he wouldn't do anything to her while she slept. And besides, she was exhausted, and it was late "“ she didn't feel much like getting up and walking all the way back to her bed.
"Okay," she murmured. The inuyoukai then began to peel back the blankets so they could slip underneath. They looked into each other eyes for a moment, then Kagome's eyes slid shut, heavy with sleep.
Within minutes of her slipping under the warm and super-cozy blankets she began to drift off, her body encircled gently by Sesshomaru's caring arms. Her breathing slowed, and the gentle rhythm of his heartbeat in front of her lulled her to sleep. Sesshomaru, who less than half an hour ago had been longing more than anything to go to sleep, found it very hard to now, now that Kagome was curled up in front of him, breathing softly, the warmth of her emanating from her"¦ sleep had escaped him once again.
The inuyoukai watched with rapt interest at Kagome's face and body as she slept. It also pleased him to see Kagome in his bed, under his sheets, even aroused him slightly, but he had incredible self control and would not do anything of that nature. Not tonight, at least.
Her smaller body moved up and down slowly, gently. The fingers of her left hand were entwined in the splay of silver hair around Sesshomaru's head, and her other hand was beneath the pillow she shared with Sesshomaru. One of Sesshomaru's arms had been sneaked in between the crook of Kagome's neck and her pillow, the other around her midriff, keeping her close to him.
His eyes became heavy-lidded again, but his mask would not return until morning. He had had his mask on for so long that his true self was surprising even to him. Letting his emotions flow so that they affected his actions was a concept he had not embraced since childhood. It scared him slightly, but it also liberated him. "˜Only Kagome will see me like this. No one else,' he silently decided as he studied the soft features of his love's face. He smiled again, enjoying the feeling of Kagome so close to him, and having her at complete peace. No nervousness, tension, fear, or whatever else, only peace.
His eyes became hooded with sleep, and finally he gave in. Lifting his head gently and placing it right in front of Kagome's he placed a tender kiss upon her forehead, then brought his head down, so that he touched his forehead gently against hers. With a final glance at the miko before him, he drifted off into a peaceful sleep.
---
InuYasha sighed from his tree branch. He could sense Kagome's peacefulness, though he didn't know why or how. Even Kikyo didn't have this strange effect on him. He only felt a lust for her, yet something was different about Kagome, and he had ruined any chance of a relationship with her now. Now Sesshomaru was quickly taking his place, and already claimed to love her. InuYasha's case was a hopeless one.
Looking up into the stars he spotted the "North Star" as Kagome called it. She had taught him many things, and now she loathed and hated him. But most of all, she feared him. And that is what InuYasha hated the most: the stench of fear that had seemed to leak off of her when she was near him. He huffed and crossed his arms, deciding to sleep on it and think of it no more.
---
Sango and Miroku were the first to rise the next morning. With a stretch and a yawn Sango had roused her husband, who had immediately greeted her with a look of satisfaction. Their night had been, well, let's just say that it had been enjoyable. The demon hunter smirked and placed a gentle kiss upon her lover's lips, smiling. Miroku laughed softly and pulled her into his arms, kissing the top of her tousle-haired head. She grinned and pulled slightly away, looked in his eyes a moment, then rolled over and got up and out of the bed. Since they had been dis-robed the previous night, Sango decided to tease him a bit, and began dressing slowly in front of him. He scoffed at her and sat up to watch.
Shippou was second to rise. Rising from the small bed he dressed himself and began roaming about the halls aimlessly. He happened upon a few servants, and they cast each other curious glances.
InuYasha, alone outside, and Koga, alone inside, woke third. Jaken fourth, Rin fifth. Rin quickly found Shippou, and the two immediately ran into the gardens for a game of hide and seek. All who were awake went busy about their own thing, from eating, playing, or working, it was a fairly normal routine. But something was soon to disrupt them.
A pink pulse rippled from the South, traveling with supernatural speed in all directions, but strongest to the West. A dull pink light filled everything for half a second, then passed, leaving a foreboding feeling over all it touched.
Sesshomaru and Kagome were suddenly sitting bolt upright upon his golden bed, Sesshomaru rolling out and leaping for Toujikin. Koga, Sango, and Miroku dropped their chopsticks that they had been using for breakfast and steeled themselves as if they were about to be hit, Shippou tripped over nothing, and Rin screamed. InuYasha stopped hunting and his hand flew to the hilt of Tetsusaiga. Jaken flew from his room and into the hallway, peering up and down it timidly.
Kagome was focusing her energies into her miko reserve, she felt that her reserve would be in need today.
"What do you think it was?" Kagome quietly asked. She was sweating slightly, still sitting rigid in the bed, staring blankly at the wall opposite of her. Sesshomaru shook his head gently, then let his façade slip into place.
"I don't know, Miko. But it was cold, and it was not right. It came from the South, from the hotter lands, so I do not understand why it is cold"¦," he mumbled the last bit. He had been in the process of dressing in his normal attire and armor, and was now finishing by tying the bow around his waist. "I suggest you look in the back of your closet. You will find suitable clothes and armor there. And be quick. Meet me in the dining room as soon as you are dressed," he ordered in his usual, unemotional voice. He flew quickly to the door. "Miko, something is happening. No doubt all of my lands felt the same thing "“ be on your guard. Please, be safe," he added quietly, giving her a rare loving look. She nodded gently and threw herself from the bed as he exited.
Dashing to her room, she flew into the large walk-in closet as she threw off her robe. Skidding to a halt at the back, she was greeted by various suits of armor designed for a woman, including Sango's demon slayer uniform. Little labels on the shelf above each suit gave a brief description and label or title to each piece of clothing. Kagome quickly read the symbols and picked a thin suit of armor that was designed to enhance her priestess powers. Hearing a clatter down the hallway, she quickly slipped into it, grabbing the katana it came with and sliding her feet into the shoes, and ran out into the hallway.
Rin and Shippou had apparently been running down the hall and had tripped upon each and rolled several times on the floor. Kagome quickly helped them up and belted the sword, then took a child in each arm, afraid to leave them alone and jogged down to the dining room. Everyone else was gathered there, including InuYasha.
Sesshomaru waved a hand at her for her to join them, quickly noting her choice of clothing: the pale green, lined with the palest pink, thick padded pants (like Kikyo's) and short sleeved shirt, which had black embroidered symbols all along the neck line, the side seams, and in a line down her back. The clothes seemed to emit a pinkish glow. She nodded and set the children down. The chairs of the dining table had disappeared. Sango was in her demon slayer uniform, and all the rest of them were obviously ready for a battle. InuYasha was also present, hand still on Tetsusaiga.
She walked briskly to the table and grabbed an apple out of the large fruit bowl; no time for a proper breakfast. She took a large bite, causing quite a crunching noise, and juice squirted out and onto Miroku's robes, who was standing next to her. Sesshomaru fought to hide a smile.
"We all felt something not even five minutes ago "“ do any of you have an idea as to what it is. Even if it's a theory or a hunch, let us hear it," Sesshomaru bluntly stated. Miroku spoke up first, and spat out the name that was on the tip of everyone's tongues, even the little ones, who were clutching to Kagome's legs:
"Naraku."
Sesshomaru nodded. "I agree. It distinctly held his scent and aura. He must be hiding in the South now, and he "“ to my perception "“ sent that as some sort of signal. Do any of you agree?"
InuYasha nodded. "I think we should leave today, and waste no time. The humans can be carried by the demons. It would take us only two days if we leave by the afternoon," he said with vigor, ready to end this.
"That would be suicide "“ going by ourselves!" Koga put his two cents in. Sesshomaru nodded.
"We need an army, as was mentioned earlier. Humans or demons, anything will help. Naraku could not have sent that powerful a pulse himself, there was definitely auras of other demons within that. Whether they were sacrificed or helped him send it, I could not tell, but there were many demons involved with what we just felt. I believe Naraku is warning us. He is telling us that he is ready. You all felt the power in that pulse, he is ready," Sesshomaru said quieter than normal, as if nervous, but he didn't show it otherwise.
After taking another bite out of her apple, Kagome spoke up.
"The feeling we all got for battle "“ that was caused by Miko powers, I could feel it. And the light"¦ right before I opened my eyes I saw pink: the color of miko powers. I think Kikyo is helping him. And the jewel, he has a great number of shards, I could sense the shards all over for a moment, when the pulse passed over us. He is very powerful at the moment. We need to act quickly, before he finds any more."
Everyone looked at her. Kagome really did have her uses. InuYasha stared at her blankly for a moment, then shook his head and looked away. She really did look like Kikyo, except that her hair was sheener and her skin more tan.
"Now, let's draw up plans," Miroku put in, "we need to brainstorm and think of who we can call upon.
---
Fifteen Days later:
Tents were amassed in Sesshomaru's courtyard, outside the gates, lining the walls on either side. Crops of tents were neatly arranged all throughout the plain that lay in front of Sesshomaru's home. A rather unexpected number had answered the calls. Demons and humans had made a truce for the time being in order to coexist peacefully until Naraku and his forces were destroyed. Sesshomaru had a set of bags under his golden eyes, as did everyone of the original group. Kilala was now present, helping in all of the travels and message-sending.
The very high-ranked demon and human generals were being housed inside with Sesshomaru. The inuyoukai had spent a fortune on buying out all of the crops from the surrounding villages to help feed all of his newly amassed army. They would head out in two days. Everything was drawing near.
---
Naraku watched Kikyo squirm in his grasp.
"L-let me go, bastard!" she gasped as he held her up by her neck.
"Only if you agree to help me," he hissed maliciously.
"Fi-fine," she choked. He grinned with ill intent and let her collapse to the ground. She coughed and spluttered everywhere and took a few moments until she couldn't stand up again. With a twisted smile Naraku walked out of his temple and ordered one hundred of his soldiers up to him. Within minutes a hundred demons of all different species were amassed in lines before him upon his steps. He smiled kindly at them.
"You all will serve me well," he said loudly out to them. They then realized what was about to happen"¦. Kikyo shut her eyes tightly and turned her head away. Naraku raised his right hand slowly straight up into the air, a blackish blue glow gathering around him. After several minutes he straightened his hands and fingers, then, without bending his elbow, he brought down quickly, as if squishing all the soldiers before him, which is what literally happened. All of their bones collapsed into themselves, and their bodies exploded. As their souls began to float upward, their blood ran down in a great waterfall down his steps. Naraku cast a demonic net over the souls and held them in place.
"Get to work, human," Naraku said simply and walked behind her to watch idly. His black wavy locks had been recently trimmed, and he had tied them back into a tail behind his head. He had been doing a lot of dirty work lately, and his hair would only get bloody and messy. The dead priestess had done the job for him. Against her will, of course. As always.
Tears streaming down her face, Kikyo began the prayer to create the same spell that she had fifteen days ago, to send out the warning message all across Japan. She had felt all of Japan jump to its feet, and she had felt terribly guilty. The same would happen again today, and she loathed the man, no "“ monster, who was forcing her to do this. She had thought seriously of letting him kill her several times, because she found no logical reason to live. Even though she wasn't truly alive"¦ she didn't know what to do. She was scared, and alone. The time was drawing close.
---
Kagome placed a tender kiss upon Sesshomaru's dried lips. He looked at her longingly.
"I am sorry I haven't had time to spend with you," he said sadly to her. They stood alone on a balcony, facing the majority of their amassed army. Kagome shook her head.
"It is not your fault. Both of us, no, all of us have our hands tied and strung above our heads with this war business. Don't worry about spending time with me at the moment. It's not as important."
He looked at her carefully, elegant brows drawn together slightly. "What do you mean by not important? I am in this war because of you, I believe. Because of the object of my love," he said and bent slowly to kiss her cheek. Fifteen days had passed, and only a few thoughts and feelings lingered for InuYasha, but her thoughts and feelings of Sesshomaru had increased over three-fold. But her mind still questioned love. It was a bit to soon to decide, and Sesshomaru understood that perfectly, but it didn't mean he couldn't show her love for her in the meantime. Kagome was definitely attracted to him though, and cared for him, most definitely.
She sighed. "Now I feel guilty," she said and smiled weakly.
His brows drew closer. "Do not! I would be in this war no matter what, I think. There is no getting around it. Though hopefully it will be over with soon enough. I hope it does not drag on for months. I am hoping it will be a one-shot and finish within days," Sesshomaru sighed lightly and looked out at the tents. It was promising, but he was still concerned. Continuing to look out at his lands, he grabbed Kagome and encircled her in his arms, placing his head upon her shoulder. She wrapped her arms around him and gave him a comforting squeeze.
He was never this concerned about anything, but this event called for it, and Kagome did her best to give him comfort. Both of them had a high chance of death. As did all of their friends and allies.
"No matter what, Kagome," he whispered away from her, "I will protect you. I will die for you."
"Then if you die, I die with you," she whispered back, holding him tighter, grabbing fingerfuls of his silk clothes just above his black armor plate. He turned his head into the shoulder of her miko garb and breathed in deeply. This day and the next may be the last days they would spend together"¦.
Their heads snapped up as a bright pink pulse came rippling over the trees far in the distance, then over the plain, over tents, over the wall, then into the courtyard and washing over them. Kagome shivered and fingered the katana at her side. Sesshomaru growled and gripped Toujikin tightly. The soldiers down below came out of their tents, weapons in hand, demons had their teeth and claws, whatever natural weapon they had, bared and ready. The time was very close.
---
AN: Okay, the just pure fluff plot was getting to me, then I wondered how I would end this fic if it was based purely on fluff, so I've put a secondary plot in there. I am reaallllly looking forward to writing the battle scene. They are fun to write, but I'm not sure if I'm good at them or not. Hopefully I am not disappointing any of you. Look out for LEMONs coming up soon. Maybe in the next chapter or one after! Weet! I love lemony chapters"¦
Hope you all liked this one! It was a plot-advancement chapter, really. I rather liked the tender moments they had at the beginning and end, you?