A Sister's Gift

Chapter 12 - The Journey Begins

“Sayonara Kagome! Take good care of her Sesshomaru!” Sango called, as she watched her sister ride away.

Kagome waved back to Sango and Kohaku, with a tear in her eye. It had been hard leaving Kaede-babba earlier that morning, but with Sango it was doubly so. She was leaving the only person that she could really talk to, behind, to head out on a journey that could change her life forever.

Kagome turned back to the road ahead. She wiggled a little in the saddle, trying to get comfortable on the horse. She was not used to riding, but Sango insisted she and Sesshomaru accept the horses, to make the trip easier. Kagome looked over to Sesshomaru, who was busy trying to rein in his huge fidgety steed. It seemed the horse wasn’t too happy about having a demon on his back. Kagome snickered, as Sesshomaru’s look became one of frustration.

A little further down the road, Kagome noticed that Sesshomaru’s white gilding had begun to get accustomed to its youkai rider. No doubt the horse had been exposed to youkai on a daily basis, as they had belonged to Sango. Kagome watched her companion sitting atop his mount. His snow-white hair flowed down his back to hang down the horses sides, bouncing softly with each step. He was actually an accomplished rider. His regal bearing came out, as he held his head high, while carefully monitoring the surroundings for potential danger. Tokijin hung at his side, slipped through the red sash at his waist. His black kimono and Hakama’s stood out boldly against the white of his hair. Kagome’s stomach did a little flip. His appearance was breathtaking.

Kagome wiggled once more in the saddle. Sitting sidesaddle was just not working out. She couldn’t see why Kaede insisted on this ridiculous position. Her miko outfit was more than adequate to ride like the men.

They had been riding in silence for several hours, when Kagome finally spoke up. “Sesshomaru, I really need to stop. This horse is killing me!”

Sesshomaru glared at her briefly. ‘Only three hours on the road and already she wants to take a break’, he thought. ‘This is going to be a really long trip.’

Kagome caught that look. Oh she saw him turn his head so that she wouldn’t notice, but she caught it. “Well I can’t help it! This saddle is eating into my behind!”

Sesshomaru had to stay himself before he fell off the horse. He swung his head around to stare at her in disbelief. “Calm down miko. Such language from a little lady.” He snickered and said, “Up ahead there is a clearing beside the road. We shall stop there.”

Kagome blushed. “Arigato, and gomen.”

Sesshomaru grunted roughly, but still had a smirk across his face as he led the horses to the side of the road. He walked over to Kagome and held up his arms.

Kagome was suddenly torn between staying uncomfortably seated on the wretched horse, or sliding into Sesshomaru’s strong, waiting arms. As much as that thought appealed to her, the close proximity was more than a little un-nerving. In recent times past she had discovered that direct contact with Sesshomaru caused her body to do the strangest thing. This tight tickling sensation in her abdomen would drive her mad, and as soon as he looked at her it would send the deepest crimson blush over her entire body. After being caught in that position several times, Kagome had taken great care not to make body contact with the demon lord.

“Miko. Why do you hesitate?” Sesshomaru asked with a little aggravation.

Kagome was now in more trouble, because she had to think up something fast. “Oh, I’m sorry Sesshomaru. I... uh... my legs are asleep.” ‘Nope that didn’t help,’ she thought as he only cocked his head to the side with a look of frustrated confusion. “Fine!” She barked as she held her breath and slid into his arms.

Sesshomaru caught her. One huge clawed hand on either side of her tiny waist, holding her effortlessly dangling above the ground. It felt as if bolts of fire were shooting up both of her sides, down her legs and straight to her core. ‘Kami, how embarrassing!’ Kagome cringed, and felt the pink flush covering her face.

Sesshomaru forgot, for a moment, about putting Kagome down. When she flushed, he felt the heat radiating off of her flesh. Her skin burned his hands through the fabric of her soft clothing. The scent of her feminine arousal surrounded him, like a soft willowy cloud, filling his nose, and bringing about the most delightful rush of blood through his loins. ‘Damn this wench.’

Kagome gasped as she was suddenly lowered with unceremonious quickness to the ground. Sesshomaru immediately released her, stepped back, and spun around to ‘tend to’ his horse. He busied himself fidgeting with the saddle and such, until his so obvious arousal left him.

‘Well, I wonder what that was all about,” Kagome thought as she turned and walked away. Her legs were already sore from riding. Maybe she should have spent some time riding a little everyday, before taking this trip. Who would have thought that saddle was really a torture devise? She giggled at herself, and stretched her back until it cracked.

Sesshomaru glanced toward Kagome at the sound of her bones popping. Her back was to him, allowing him an opportunity to study her. She was such a lovely woman. Her wavy raven hair flowed in ripples down her back. Her creamy skin had a gentle radiance to it. The red and white miko garment was sashed tightly at her tiny waist. He smiled as he glanced to her katana fastened to her side. ‘A warrior among women.’

Kagome jumped as Sesshomaru’s voice startled her, and turned to see him standing beside her black mare. She smiled broadly and headed back to the horses.

Sesshomaru called her name, and was spellbound when she threw him that beautiful smile. The patches of sunlight shining through the tree’s canopy hit her face and hair illuminating her features. His heart skipped a beat. Immediately he kicked himself for it. Why does he allow himself to be affected by the mere sight of her! ‘Damn the wench.’

Kagome stood looking at the horse. She had made up her mind, and to hell with being a lady. There was no way she was riding sidesaddle the remainder of this trip. She pulled her right leg into the stirrup as Sesshomaru steadied her with a curious look on his face. She grabbed the saddle horn with her right arm, and slung her self over the saddle, catching her left foot securely in the stirrup. ‘Ha, now there!’ Kagome huffed silently.

Sesshomaru smirked as he realized what the miko had planned. ‘So she refuses to ride like a lady, hmm?’ He found this quite amusing. He made his way back to his own steed and swiftly pulled himself into the saddle. A little nudge to the withers sent both horses on their way.