Hell Knows No Bounds

A.N.: So, I sit here before my laptop typing away as the dye in my hair does its own thing, a question bounces around in my head. What damage could I possibly to do to my story within this chapter? Hmm"¦.let's think this over. *rubs forehead* I am seeing great embarrassment and chaos in the near future. *evil grin* I dunno"¦I may change my mind. The possibilities are endless"¦

Disclaimer: *boards up the door as lawyers pound on it* Alright you leaches!!! I do NOT own Inuyasha or any of its characters.

**Last Chapter**

Kagome sighed in relief into Sesshomaru's shoulder; breathing in his scent and closing her eyes.

Now all there was to do was pack, say their goodbyes, and head back for a wedding.

**On with the story**

Chapter 9
A Courtship Begins and Pre-Wedding Bustle

Kagome hugged her family one last time, the tears already dried. Each person sniffling, or forcing a laugh in their own turn as goodbyes were whispered. Taka hugged Inuyasha tightly, trying to put on a brave face for the others. The hanyou returned the hug with equal force. Kagome's mother was the closest thing he had to a parent and now he had to let her go. A single tear fell across his bronzed skin; he smiled into the hair as he held the woman.

"Thank you." The whisper barely registered in Taka's ears.

"What for, Inuyasha?" Taka broke the hug slowly but kept her hands on his shoulders as his fell to his side. Her eyes searched his, worry and confusion danced in her while a bittersweet sadness painted his.

"My mother died when I was young. You've been the closest thing to a mother for me in the past sixty years." The sadness in his voice had deepened his tone, a sniffled escaped once in a while between words. Taka smiled at his words, tightening the grip on his shoulders. "Thank you for being a mom to me; even if it was only for a short time."

"You will always be a son to me, Inuyasha. Take care of yourself and be happy." Taka turned to face a smiling Kagome who was standing with Sesshomaru under the God tree. The tree's shade broke in a stray wind, sending sunlight down on the pair. A lock of hair flew across Kagome's face. Sesshomaru reached out and tucked it back into place behind her ear, earning a light blush and gentle "thank you" from the demoness. "All a mother really wants is true happiness for all her children." She hugged him one last time before ushering him over to the waiting pair.

Souta had already said his goodbyes and preferred to return to the house; his sister's departure was hard enough as it was. Kagome had promised to return to him one day, but the boy knew better than to get his hopes up.

The demons beneath the tree turned their attention from one another to Taka and Inuyasha's approaching forms. Kagome could smell Inuyasha's tears but decided it would be best to not discuss it; Sesshomaru's impassive look gave her the impression that he would do the same. The miko-demoness gave her mother another short hug before stepping back and sending a farewell glance at the house. "˜It's only goodbye for now.' She reminded herself; willing herself to believe it to be the truth. It was going to be a long 500 years. As the three turned to the well house, Taka ran up beside the Western Lord, a searching light in her eyes as she gaze up at him.

"May I speak to you for a moment, my Lord?" Sesshomaru's eyes widened in surprise; he had no idea that Kagome's mother had such manners on her part. She was a gracious person obviously but she was also wiser than she let on. The Taiyoukai nodded slowly and followed the woman a few yards away from Inuyasha and Kagome. Taka spoke low, careful of Kagome's new ears. "I understand that I no longer have any say over what my daughter does, and with that knowledge comes a great fear on my part. I beg of you, watch over my daughter. She is precious and deserves so much more than what has been given to her. I see the way she looks at you and even if she doesn't realize it yet, I know she cares for you on some level. No such insight has been given to me when it comes to you, however, and I want to know the truth right now. How do you really feel about my daughter?" Taka took a breath, her heart pounding the blood into her ears. The world seemed to freeze as the demon stared down at her, seemingly processing all of her words.

Sesshomaru felt stricken. Kagome held feelings for him as well and they were not strictly primal; that's good news. The only problem now was dealing with the mother of his intended and her insatiable questions. Easier said than done; the truth would be the only way to appease her and gain her acceptance.

"Your daughter is indeed precious, irreplaceable, even through reincarnation." Sesshomaru let a small smile grace his frozen features. "I have never met another like her; there is a spirit in her that escapes words. She thinks of others before taking into consideration her own position, and courage courses through her veins like the great rivers of the world. To let a woman like that simply go would haunt me until the Earth's dying day." The demon glanced quickly at Kagome, who stood taking in the environment around her, memorizing detail to take with her. "To answer your question completely"¦" His eyes returned to Taka's, the gold had taken new life and shined with fierce determination and conviction. "I love her"¦and have loved her to some time now. I was simply too stubborn to admit to it. To mate with a human would have brought destruction to my lands and I could not risk the lives of my soldiers and people just so I could be happy. My father made that mistake and it nearly cost me my birthright. Inuyasha, however, was not so fortunate." He closed his eyes and released a tired sigh. Sesshomaru had revealed more than he had cared to and now wished to finish this ridiculous conversation. "˜I'm getting soft"¦it's becoming quite annoying how these women can get under my skin.'

"I give you my permission to court Kagome, Lord Sesshomaru." Taka's charcoal eyes held tears in them. She smiled as she gently took his hand in hers, ignoring the stiffening of his spine. "I wish you luck; she's bullheaded and will be a challenge." Her smile widened considerably. "But then again, it wouldn't be worth the effort if she didn't put up a little bit of a fight. It's one of the qualities she bears that you find so appealing, I'm sure." Taka released the clawed hand and bowed low. "It was quite an honor to meet and speak with you. I promise that what was said here will stay between us." She winked at the last part, eyes twinkling mischievously. Sesshomaru bowed slightly as well before the two joined Kagome and Inuyasha once more.

As the three disappeared into the well, Taka closed the well house door and walked back to the house. A whisper flew from her lips and onto the blowing wind as she looked back at the small shrine. "See you soon, my daughter. Be safe until then." And with that she stepped into the house.

**500 years in the past**

Inuyasha grunted as he crawled out of the well, the bulging backpack barely kept stable by its straps. Taka had been most generous with her donation of Ramen and Pocky. He laughed to himself as steadied the bag and set off towards the village. He was sure that Kagome would eventually join them in the village. Right now the two, now emerging demons would need some time alone. Whistling softly to himself, Inuyasha adjusted the pack and continued his journey back.

Sesshomaru set Kagome down beside him and surveyed the area, noting his hanyou brother's absence. He chose to ignore the disappearance and spend his attention on the demoness who was smoothing out her kimono once more. They had changed before leaving and Kagome had decided to leave her clothes in her time, and the spell had worn off as they passed through the well. Kagome had felt that if she was going to live in this time she might as well adjust to the clothes. Department stores weren't exactly around every corner.

"I don't think you understand how unnerving that is." Her words were slightly grunted do to her hunched-over position as she continued to address her appearance. Kagome stood upright, finally appeased with her clothes and turned to face Sesshomaru. An elegant eyebrow lifted in amusement as her eyes met his.

"What have I done to "unnerve" you?" He smirked at the pink that appeared on her ivory skin.

"The way you stare at me." Her blush deepened slightly. Sesshomaru found her honesty attractive; such a trait is refreshing to find.

"If it bothers you so then I will try my best to refrain." The mischievous light had come to his eyes again. "Yet to do so would cause me great pain; for you see, to look upon you and see the spirit in your eyes has become a treasure I would surely die for." Kagome's face now rivaled Inuyasha garb; vainly she tried to calm herself out the embarrassed state she was drowning in. This couldn't be the Sesshomaru that she had known for the past three years.

"No"¦" Kagome mentally kicked herself for sounding so shaky. "It's alright. I'm just not used to it, that's all." She let out relieved breath as Sesshomaru nodded and turned his gaze elsewhere. "˜He's trying"¦he's really trying.' Kagome smiled to herself, the butterflies in her stomach already began to flutter. "I should probably go to the village. I'm supposed to help Sango with the wedding." She shyly eyed the Western Lord, searching for a response. The Inuyoukai seemed lost in his own thoughts. The demoness growled playfully in his direction, smiling brightly at him. The noise broke the chain of thought Sesshomaru had lost himself in; an amused look came to his eyes and he growled back in a low rumble.

"Race you!" And with that, Kagome vanished in a flash of crimson, sunlight streaking off her ebony hair. "˜Oh God! What am I doing?!' Sesshomaru was actually taken aback by her bold move. With a smirk, the Lord of the Western Lands set off like the wind. He was careful not to overtake Kagome, enjoying the game far too much to end it.

"˜Let her think she has a chance to win"¦' His eyes gleamed as Kagome's form came into view. Both ran as if the very wind had taken them unto itself. Each foot barely touched the ground, a breath or pant became a murmur in the life around them. Kagome cast a glance back, a wild look in her fire-like eyes as Sesshomaru drew near. Her smile widened despite her heart's maddened beat. The village had come into view and her pace quickened.

Sesshomaru smiled evilly as he brought himself to his full speed, leaning forward as his arms stretched behind him. His own heart leapt in his chest as he began to close the gap between them. He had almost lost himself when Kagome had looked back at him, that fire in her eyes. When Kaede's hut came to view, he could see Inuyasha and the others outside working on odds and ends of the wedding. With a broadening smile, Sesshomaru reached out and caught the demoness in his arms. Kagome let a yelp of surprise escape as strong arms encircled her.

"No fair!" Kagome roared as she twisted in Sesshomaru's grasp. Her eyes caught his only to find two windows to the sunset stare back at her. Any other protest was silenced as she gazed back. Sesshomaru pivoted his feet to slow himself, leaving small ditches of earth in his wake. Inuyasha and the others looked on in amazement at the scene that unfolded in front of their very eyes. The shocked look on their faces pushed Kagome over the edge; throwing back her head a deep laugh was sent into the heavens. She held onto Sesshomaru to keep from doubling over.

"What has got you all so interested? Or surprised I should say"¦" Sesshomaru called the others out of their daze as Kagome continued to laugh. The sound was musical to him, drawing a smile across his lips. Kagome managed to take control of herself and bring the laughter down to a small giggle here and there.

As Sango stepped into view, she remembered her duties and gently unbound herself from Sesshomaru's arms. Before going to the demon exterminator Kagome turned to Sesshomaru. Before he could react, Kagome quickly pulled the demon's to hers, pressing her lips to his in a deep kiss. His arms wrapped around her once more, tracing the small of her back as his lips moved against hers. Before Sesshomaru could deepen the kiss Kagome broke away, nipping at his lower lip as she did so. The Western Lord growled softly, annoyed and slightly disoriented by the sudden loss of her lips.

"I'll see you soon." With another playful growl, Kagome approached Sango. A bombardment of questions met her as the two walked off.

"Sesshomaru-sama!" The human ward of Sesshomaru's, Rin, quickly bounded into view being accompanied by Shippo. Panting from running, Rin quickly attached herself to Sesshomaru's leg, grinning broadly. "I missed you! This is Shippo, Kagome looks after him just you look after me!" The little girl giggled lightly as she let go of Sesshomaru only to pull on Shippo's tail and run, the kitsune hot on her trail.

Inuyasha and Miroku went back to finishing small carpentry projects needed for tomorrow's festivities. Neither one felt like confronting the Taiyoukai for information on what had just happened. Laughter erupted from Kaede's hut; Sesshomaru approached the doorway, careful to cloak his scent and keep out of sight. Concentrating, he was able to catch parts of the conversation as it unfolded.

"So you raced him back here? That doesn't explain the lip-lock, Kagome." The voice was fierce, yet human. "˜The demon exterminator"¦' Sesshomaru concluded as he continued to listen.

"I have to say agree. Quite a compromising position to be caught in"¦" This voice was soft, an almost dead quality. "˜The dead miko"¦' A twinge of disgust crept through him. Her laughter filled the hut as she continued to tease the demoness. "Come now, what's going on between you two?"

"We are"¦I mean"¦Sesshomaru is"¦ah"¦" Kagome bit her lip, digging for the words. "Sesshomaru is courting me." The hut had become silent as death. (A.N.: Kikyo"¦death"¦..get it?? *laughs at her own "˜really' bad joke* ahhh"¦screw it.) Sesshomaru noted the silence with interest. He almost jumped as Sango spoke up.

"Seriously?! You accepted him as a suitor?!" Sango's eyes widened to unnatural proportions. She looked to Kikyo, begging for some sort of insight.

"Is it really that bad?" Kagome frowned at her outburst. "I mean, I find him rather interesting."

"It's not that I don't approve, Kagome. That's not the case. I just wonder"¦well"¦" Sango blushed lightly, tugging on a lock of hair. Outside, Sesshomaru held his breath. These females are confusing creatures"¦ "What's it like when he kisses you like that?" Sango's breath rushed out of her as the question left her lips. Kagome blushed madly, trying not to stutter. Sesshomaru paled considerably; awaiting the verdict that could make or break his pride. He heard Kagome sigh and felt the stab of panic in his chest.

"It's like the world fades to black and I'm swept into this ocean of warmth and silk. His lips feel like satin and he smells of the forest after a heavy thunderstorm." Kagome's eyes held a distant look in them. The other women of the hut fell silent, gawking as she spoke. "He's gentle and fierce all at once; there's a passion that he frees in me that I've never known." Images began to overtake Kagome's mind; the god tree, outside her mother's house, and just now. "˜Oh gods"¦'

"If his kiss alone gets this out of you, just imagine what mating will be like." Both Sango and Kagome stood slack-jawed as Kikyo closed her eyes thoughtfully. "Wonder what a half-demon is like"¦" She froze as she remembered where she was, a furious blush rising to her cheeks. The other girls roared in laughter as Kikyo struggled to recover her dignity.

"I don't know what to expect." Kagome admitted slowly, but she added quietly to herself. "I am interested in finding out though"¦" She blushed again before sitting down with the other women to finish the details of Sango's wedding kimono.

Outside the hut, Sesshomaru's mind reeled. "˜Kagome"¦' His blood roared in his ears as her last statement reached him. "˜Oh gods"¦now how am I supposed to keep myself under control around her?' He smirked to himself as less than pure thoughts raced through his mind. "˜Very interesting courtships so far, indeed.' He stepped away from the hut and sat under a tree nearby, mediating in hope of bringing light to this new turn of events. Another sly smile lit his features.

"So then"¦" Sesshomaru leaned against the tree. "The chase is on."


TBC

A.N. Yo! Reviews are good!!! Help a sista out!!! Lol Hope you liked the chapter! See ya again soon! Cheers! "“ G.S.

Thank again to:

Gem "“ Thanks for review and your support. I'm even more pleased with my decision to let Kouga live!! Lol I could never kill off a character like him! ~_0

SexGoddess (SG21) "“ Thank you for your review. I was still a bit off from the accusation so your words meant a lot to me. I appreciate the support and will happily continue to write this story. Hope it's still meeting standards! :p