Once a Week

Sesshomaru had disappeared the moment the reached a safe spot to camp. Kagome couldn’t help but heave a rejected sigh.

After wounds were patched up and a small dinner eaten, kagome plodded off in the direction Inuyasha had pointed her in, hoping to stumble upon that hot spring. Stress was making her muscles tense, and her headache had only gotten worse. Every time she closed her eyes all she saw was a pair of golden orbs staring back at her. Confusing her.

After performing her bathing ritual, she sat down for a much needed soak. Her muscles seemed to positively hum with tension and even the smallest noises made the young woman jerk.

God I hope he doesn’t show up tonight. I can’t handle it.

Closing her eyes, he came to her imagination on his own. She could see him sitting there in the hot spring with her, feel the water move as he came to her. His body pressing against hers, sharing his warmth. Smooth tawny skin over tight, strong muscles. Kagome couldn’t resist the shudder that went thru her body.

Opening her eyes she was a little sad now to see herself alone. Stretching out her senses as best she could she could sense no one near her at all. Why did that fact make her chest feel sore, she didn’t want to see him. She didn’t. Not even a little…

Chewing on her lower lip, kagome made the futile attempt at steering her thoughts away from the demon lord. Her treacherous body and mind seemed to have other plans, plans that made her ache for him.

Letting out a heavy sigh, she ducked down in the water a bit more, eyes glancing around her quickly. She had to be sure she was totally alone.

Slowly, painfully slowly she let her hands drift over her body, leaning her head back and closing her eyes to allow herself to fall into fantasy. Moving her hands over her plump breast she saw in her minds eye that it was Sesshomaru, letting his claws just graze her skin enough to tickle her but never to hurt. He was always so subtly careful when he touched her.

Hands moved lower, over her stomach, down to her neatly trimmed womanhood. A moan quivered out of her pink lips as her thumb brushed her clit. She knew she could never pleasure herself with the intensity that Sesshomaru had, but it would help relax her.

Slowly stroking her pearl, she loved her left hand back to a breast, massaging gently. Her right hand moved shyly lower, surprising herself that even in the water, she was hot and wet with her own moisture and she had just begun. Continuing to rub herself with her palm, she let her digits toy with her swollen opening.

Letting her personal fantasy sweep her away, her hand took over out of habit while she squirmed and panted, working herself higher and higher. She came against her hand quite suddenly, moaning his name.

Laying back, she felt the warmth of release spread over her. Lazily she rubbed her flushed face, sighing a mixtures of content and misery. Even now, after just climaxing, his eyes returned to her mind. Golden swirling orbs, she still felt the implicit trust she never knew she had in him, burning in her chest in a feeling that was suspiciously similar to an emotion she was still scared to name. His aura had swarmed around her, practically blending with hers, it spoke to her aura, she felt its emotions. She felt him. So when she started up into his eyes, she felt his onslaught of protectiveness, the overwhelming passion. She also felt his confusion at all of this.

Well I suppose that makes two of us.

Kagome seriously doubted, however, that he was sitting somewhere trying to figure out his emotions just like her.

To all but the most observant, the great lord of the west was perfectly still. Not even a breeze dared to move any part of his being. Of course Sesshomaru still felt his eyelid twitch just barely. He still hadn’t perfected his control. A small sigh left his lips, it really was a miracle that he was staying still at all. His inner beast was beyond agitated and Sesshomaru was unsure as to why. Or at least he could not find a reason that didn’t appall him.

He blinked.

He stood.

Within mere seconds the tree he has been resting against was reduced to sizzling splinters.

It did not ease his tension.
Damn that woman. No bitch had ever roused his beast in such a manner. Overwhelming waves of protectiveness and concern battered him, despite his disgust at his own emotions. He refused to believe that he could hold any…affection for the female. Though she was a beauty, intelligent, sharp witted, and her strong body was just dying to be pupped…

Sesshomaru cleared his throat and shook his head a bit to clear out that particular thought line. He simply would not allow it.

Still his beast howled that the girl was somehow important to it though. There was simply no way around it. Yes the girl was important, vital even. She was the miko of the Shikon, and therefore was the only one of the group with the most honest claim to the jewel. She would be essential in defeating the evil hanyou, he knew it.

Yes.

There it was. She was an excellent healer, but as far as fighting goes, she was lacking. Severely. That must be it he reasoned. The girl was a key figure in his…well what did he consider his brothers rag tag group? He flipped past several terms with his rational mind, they certainly were not his soldiers or his army. His beast offered less then rational terms, such as family and pack. He sneered at himself, since when did his beast become such an emotional creature?

The girl. The girl. The girl. The girl. The girl. The girl.

If it would not have been a sign of insanity, Sesshomaru would have liked to yell at his own beast to shut up. It was true that he had decided to amuse himself with adding the miko to his long list of one-time lovers, but he most certainly did it out of boredom, not any sort of secret lust or emotion. He refused to think about it and there fore it made it untrue.

Turning back to his thought process, he continued pondering it. Inuyasha had done a poor job of making sure the girl was able to protect and defend herself. It appeared that the monk and slayer did what they could, but they were each specialized in their own methods. How much a monk could help a miko he had no idea. He did reason that the miko and her aura could not be much different then his demonic aura, he could use and control it. She should be able to do the same.

She had done a very impressive job with purification; it seemed to be her strong point. It tired her though, after an extended battle, which needed to change.

Yes, the girl needed to be able to protect herself, and then be able to be of use to an offensive.

She needed training.

Sesshomaru had a sick feeling he knew exactly who would be the one giving it to her.

They had all been on the very cusp of sleep when Sesshomaru decided to put in an appearance to their camp.

“Where the fuck have you been?” Inuyasha shouted from his perch in the tree, trying to cover his sleep with anger.

“You will cease your speech this moment.”

The coldness in the dog demons voice was enough to keep the hanyou quiet, but everyone knew it was only a moment before he would spout off again.

Miroku was the first to recover, sitting up from his sleeping spot near Sango.

“Is everything alright my lord?”

“I have come to a decision. Based on today’s battle I have decided that the miko requires intense training in fighting before we continue on.”

Inuyasha opened his mouth to begin his complaints and questioning but was promptly cut off.

“You have failed Inuyasha. I am hereby taking responsibility from you. You have allowed one of your most precious assets to be woefully untrained and if not for my swift intervening, she would not be with us in the world of the living.”

While the words sunk in, Sesshomaru pondered over his use of the word ‘precious’. That had certainly not been in his planned script.

Inuyasha’s jaw hung open, Miroku tried to think of something diplomatic to say, but Sango’s eyes flew right to the little miko. She was lying slightly behind Sesshomaru and his bulk was blocking her from everyone but the slayer. Kagome had her doe eyes trained up on Sesshomaru, a dark blush highlighting her cheeks. Warily, Sango moved her eyes towards the demon lord. In the background, she heard Inuyasha babbling and her beloved trying to calm him down. Sesshomaru paid no attention though, she could see he was perfectly confident in his reasons and intentions and was gazing at the miko. His eyes seemed to flash at her, making Kagome blush and turn her head away from the intense gaze.

Something was definitely up with them.

“I think it is a wonderful idea Sesshomaru. We should find a more suitable area to stay tomorrow and begin right away.” Sango stated her opinion firmly, and turned to glare at Inuyasha in a way that mimicked the lord still standing there. At seeing that everyone agreed with his brother, Inuyasha promptly leapt into the tree line muttering the entire time.

The next day the group found a suitable sight for a long-term stay and begun to set up. After instructing the slayer to take Kagome to the field and begin helping her stretch and warm up, Sesshomaru set off to find his worthless half brother.

“Inuyasha.” The name flowed from his lips coolly.

“What do you want, ya bastard?” Inuyasha simmered as he gazed at his brother.

Sesshomaru could not help the tiny smile that tugged at the corners of his lips, the whelp most likely did not understand or recognized that he had challenged the half-breeds role of Alpha within his own pack. It was a very serious challenge.

“You will refrain from interfering in the miko’s training. I do not need you aggravating her. It will only serve as a distraction.” He glanced around, appearing bored.

“You damn prick! You can’t just boss me around!” Inuyasha growled and flattened his ears to his skull. “Kagome doesn’t need your damn shit ‘teaching’, she has me to protect her.”

“Yes and you showed just how well you ‘protect’ her the other day.” He sneered at the male, it really was pathetic he could not care for the woman he had so obviously laid claim on but was too weak to actually claim.

Inuyasha faltered and looked away from his brother, feeling his guilt.

“I…” He could not finish. He had no excuse.

“Just as I suspected. As it is, the miko owes me a debt, and am laying my claim on that. You shall not interfere or you will forsake your own life. Despite your blatant mistreatment of the woman, I suspect she will be most unhappy for that to occur.”

Inuyasha could only stammer in shock as his brother turned crisply and walked away from him. It wasn’t until and hour or so later, when he spied on the training session and saw Kagome working with Sesshomaru with such enthusiasm did he realize that something very, very important had happened. Even worse, he had let it happen.


“Oh god…I am SO sore! We need to take a break, I am not as resilient as you Sesshomaru.”

“Hnn. Judging by my burns I am inclined to have less pity.” He all but smiled at her. Two months of training had brought them much closer then he could have ever predicted, despite his best efforts.

The little female scoffed, grinning at him, and jabbed his side playfully. He watched her quietly remove her garments, sighing with satisfaction every time she removed something. It made is his male pride swell to see her wearing the clothing he had provided for her, after a long ‘discussion’ as to where her normal attire was simply not appropriate for battle. He had won her over swiftly, the moment she saw for herself the difference.

She hopped about tugging off her shoes, till she was in her haori and nothing else.

“Close your eyes Sesshomaru.” She stuck out her pink little tongue as she scolded him.

“Hnn. I had thought we were past this.” A playful growl formed deep in his chest, he knew without looking that a bright blush had formed on her soft skin.

“A girl has to have some privacy and standards you lecher.” Her tone was sweet and he smiled instinctively.

Within moments he had shed his clothing, with far more grace the the miko and joined her in the steamy water she was currently fawning over.
Moaning as she let her head tip back so her hair would be wet, her breasts peeked out of the water, her nipples hardening in the cool air.

Sesshomaru had to mentally stop himself from pouncing on the girl right then. Since he had picked up the role of sensei, their intimate moments had ceased. What he had not anticipated was the sexual tension that had begun to manifest during her training.

She had been advancing so quickly under his care, he couldn’t help but be smug and self satisfied. The girl was quickly becoming a threat to be reckoned with in a fight. Perhaps he should have her stage a mock batter with Inuyasha. That would certainly be entertaining.

So lost in his thought, he had not heard kagome talking to him.

“Sesshomaru, earth to Sesshomaru.” Large blue eyes stared at him.

“Hmm?” He startled a bit, and then looked at her. She blinked her eyes and bit her lip, nervousness tinting her scent.

“I asked if you were ok.”

“Yes. I was merely considering your training.”

“Oh.” The disappointment was heavy in her tone.

“Is there something on your mind miko?” His tone was soft.

“Oh, I-I just have been thinking…” Kagome looked away from him, suddenly burning with embarrassment.

Pull it together girl! Kagome tried to rally herself, it had been two months and she kept losing the courage to broach the topic that seemed to have been pushed to the side.

She gazed at him, her emotions clear on her face. Fear, nervousness and confusion were among them, but Sesshomaru was also interested to see warmth in her, he had a gut feeling it was warmth towards him. He knew what she was thinking about.

“You are thinking about that day on the cliff.” Sesshomaru tried to keep his voice cool and calm. He had yet to rationalize those moments between them, and kept avoiding the memory.

She nodded quickly and blushed.

It was then he felt it. It was like a soft caress, but hesitant. She was reaching out with her aura and touching his. It sent a shiver thru him. Somewhere his mind registered that if she had learned to control her aura like this so quickly it was truly fantastic, but that was far in the background. Her tiny, gentle touch had sparked his beast awake and Sesshomaru felt a wave of emotions hit him. He swallowed hard, attempting to assert control over his own self. When he had succeeded, he saw her looking shyly at him. She must have been preparing for this moment since the day it had happened. There it was again in her eyes, that brilliant shine, that trust, that adoration that…love.

He could hear her heart pounding, and his own heart met its speed, a heated ache blossomed in his chest. Sesshomaru drew in an unsteady breath as he felt her aura continue to mesh with his in such a gentle way. His body ached, his fingers twitched, surely the girl had no idea what she was doing to him. The call she was sending, with her aura and scent was nearly making him lose control.

“Kagome…” it came out like a whimper, he shuddered and before he could re think it, dove towards her, claiming her mouth in a hot kiss.

She gasped when he kissed her, and gasped even more when she felt him unleash his aura. It wrapped around her, much like he did with his arms. She could feel him all around her, pressing on her, but instead of panic she felt an immense swell of warmth, safety and love pouring out of her thru her aura which wrapped around him.

Moaning against his mouth she kissed him back fiercely, opening her lips and granting him entrance. His hands roamed all over her, touching every inch of skin, making her burn with desire. The passion seemed to come alive so strongly inside her little body, kagome almost felt the urge to cry. Grinding her hips against his, she clung to him desperately, the urge to join was unbearable and all she could think about.

He trailed his kisses away from her mouth, down her neck, growling as he did. He could feel her emotions and she could feel his and together it was completely overwhelming. It was as if someone had broken a dam within him and it was all flowing loose. His beast rose up within him to join in as he lavished attention on the base of her neck, groaning as she bucked against him and moaned her approval.

If he didn’t stop himself now, there would be nothing stopping him from mating and fucking the girl right now. The desire to be with her was intense but he knew that such actions had to be carefully decided, and despite the signals she was giving him, she may not be open to such an idea.

Mating an unwilling miko had consequences.

The thought of being purified was enough to convince his beast to back down, at least for the moment. Sesshomaru wrenched himself away from the girl, who gave an unhappy mewl.

At first he thought to hide his lack of control but something told her it would be easier to simply allow her to see rather then try to explain.

Kagome was more then a bit shocked to see his appearance. Sesshomaru's eyes bled with crimson, his markings had begun to get jagged, and his fangs had gotten longer. He shook and his breathing was ragged.

“Sessh-Sesshomaru, are you ok?” Worry painted over her features and she reached out a hand, but he raised a clawed one to stop her, turning away and breathing deeply.

When he turned back he looked normal, except for the heavy breathing.

“I-Im sorry?” Kagome didn’t know how to respond, she had never seen him so out of control. The thought that she did that to him sent her an overload of emotional responses.

He nodded a bit and took a deep, cleansing breath before he spoke.

“We must…concentrate…on finding and killing Naraku. After…” He looked straight at her, trying to communicate that after the menace was out of the way, then things would be dealt with.

She nodded, understanding and looking more then a little sad. The feelings they had just shared were so intense; she knew she would never go a moment with out thinking about it. It would be difficult to keep it hidden. Even now she felt the longing and aching in her chest.

She swam over to him, placing a delicate hand on his chest before leaning in to give him a passionate kiss, one in which she tried to convey all she felt without actually having to say it. Something told her that if she tried to discuss their relationship with him he would be more likely to deny it and clam up.

His hands settled on her hips, desperately wanting to pull her onto his lap and impale her with his throbbing erection. But kagome ended the embrace, and left a chaste kiss on his forehead before moving away and stepping out of the water. She made no effort to hide her nude form and Sesshomaru happily let himself drink in all the details. It would be a long time before he would see it again.

It happened so fast, Kagome still wasn’t sure what prompted her insight which everyone agreed saved them all.

She had been feeling off the entire day, but did her normal morning ritual before meeting with Sesshomaru in the field to begin her exercises. Her stomach had done its normal flip flop, her heart had ached at seeing the daiyoukai waiting for her. She had squished down all her feelings and meditated with him, centering herself and calming.

Everything had been so normal.

Then without any warning, he was there.

Naraku was simply there. By the time the others got to Sesshomaru and her out in the field, an army of demons had begun exposing themselves from the forest. Kagome could feel the blood thirsty auras pressing around her, it made her want to panic. But then Sesshomaru's cool voice had floated to her, he had stepped near to her and she felt his aura soothing hers.

“Remain calm miko. Stay centered and in control.”

While they all were dumbfounded as to what was happening and kagome desperately wanted to know how the hanyou had managed to simply appear, she knew her chances of getting answers were slim.

She felt her body slide easily into a fighting stance along with her comrades. Naraku wasted no words and made a small motion that was the signal for the demons to attack. They came in small waves from every side. It was disturbingly easy to dispatch them, but the numbers were so great they just kept coming. Kagome realized with distress that the goal was to exhaust them before Naraku ever got involved with the fight.

There was something else though, something that disturbed her in the back of her mind. Sesshomaru had taught her to listen carefully to that feeling as it would often reveal key information about a situation. Taking his advice she popped out a temporary shield around her and closed her eyes to calm and center her soul. Yes, she thought to herself, what do I see.

Her eyes opened in seconds and scanned the entire area swiftly. There was Naraku to her left, seeming to enjoy the show. The power that radiated off him was immense, more then she had ever felt before.

She saw Kohaku, under Naraku’s control, he was simply baiting Sango though, he wasn’t really giving it his all.

Kagome twirled her two short swords, filing them with her holy energy and stabbing a near by demon as she sprinted towards the vague area Sesshomaru had taken up. Her eyes still scanned. Something was missing.

Kagome saw it then, and it both confused and scared her. Naraku was here by himself. No incarnations, nothing. Not even Kagura. Dark energy was rolling off the hanyou in waves, battering her with the evil taint. Was it possible? She could sense he had the nearly complete jewel, only missing the five shards she had retained. Somehow he had gotten Kouga’s shards. The thought made her sad, but she did not dwell on it.

When she was nearly to Sesshomaru she stretched out her aura and ‘touched’ him, and he turned to see her.

“Sesshomaru! Something is wrong, none of his incarnations are here!” She shouted as she got closer.

He scanned quickly, scenting the air.

“I can not sense them any where near by.”

“I think he might have, I dunno, absorbed them or something. Even with the amount of shards he has, he has never had this much power.” Even as she said the word, dread filled her. Sesshomaru's eyes widened a fraction, showing his shock as he considered her words.

“I believe you are correct Kagome. If what you say is true, then he most certainly intend this to be the final fight.” Sesshomaru's face became grim. The situation was not good at all; he had at least expected some sort of preparation before such a large battle. It seemed that Naraku had no intention of giving them an honorable fight.

Making his decisions quickly, he pulled kagome against him and leapt over the hordes he had been battling, flying over to Inuyasha.

“Inuyasha!”

“What is it, I’m a little busy here!” The half inu glanced over his shoulder, his eyes softening when he saw kagome was still unscathed.

“Gather the monk and the slayer, even the kit. You must fan out, and hold off these hordes. Naraku intends to let us battle till exhaustion and then wipe us out. Kagome and I will take him on.”

Kagome paled at his words and Inuyasha choked on his shock. “You aren’t doing that without me!” He barked, his horror clear on his face.

Sesshomaru weighed his options when it came to convincing Inuyasha and decided that using Kagome to placate the half-breed was the fastest route. Stepping closer so that only Inuyasha could hear him, he spoke in low, firm tones.

“If the girl stands any chance of purifying the evil hanyou she needs a strong protection. The slayer and monk can not do it on their own. She will be relying on you.”

Understanding and responsibility crept into Inuyasha's bright gold eyes and he gave a firm nod. “For Kagome.”

Sesshomaru merely nodded and turned back to the girl, gathering her close to him again so they could begin their travel to Naraku. Somewhere inside he knew that endearing the boy to the girl was wrong, and that it would hurt Inuyasha, but the boy really had no argument. If he had really wanted the miko he would have marked her long ago. Sesshomaru was completely within his rights.

Keeping one arm wrapped snugly around Kagome’s waist, he soared above the crowds, searching for the hanyou. Finally, he spotted him.

“I am going to land quite close to him Kagome, I want you to get behind me the moment we touch the ground so you have a chance to get your bearings.”

He felt her nod against him, her scent mingled with anticipation and nervousness.

“Do you best to remain calm and centered, ignore any comments he makes, anything he says is false and is an attempt to distract you.”

Again she nodded.

“I will be fighting him, I want you to stay back for awhile. Keep a sharp eye on him. Conceal your power as best you can. I hope he does not know of your training yet and we cause use it as a surprise. Busy yourself with any demons that come close. I know they are easy for you now, but pretend as if they were not.”

“You want me to purify the jewel while its in him don’t you?”

“It is my hope that you will be able to purify the hanyou. It will require every ounce of energy you have Kagome.”

Her face looked grave and she gave a firm, single nod.

“I can do it.”

Sesshomaru gave her the slightest squeeze and he felt her lean in a bit. It made his heart hurt with worry. He was also confident in her; the girl’s powers were vast. She was the only one that could do it.

Seconds later they touched the ground, perhaps ten feet away from Naraku. As told, Kagome slipped discreetly behind him as Naraku turned towards them.

As expected the evil half-breed made some perverted commentary about him carrying the miko. In certain ways the tiresome being was very predictable.

Making a show of turning to Kagome and telling her to remain there, he turned back Naraku.

“Let us end this shall we?”

“Oh I do look forward to ending you Sesshomaru.”

Within moments they had begun their battle. As he expected, Naraku had directed some demons to begin harassing the little miko. She had put up a small barrier around her, nothing impressive and was shooting holy arrows. She performed perfectly, letting fear roll out of her, shaking a bit as she knocked her arrows. Naraku watched her and let a devious smile out before turning his attention to Sesshomaru.

“It seems are little priestess is scared out of her wits, eh Sesshomaru. It won’t be long before she and the rest of your group is overcome.”

Sesshomaru had to hide his smile. The idiot hadn’t even bothered to notice that every one of Kagome’s arrows hit true and strong, completely purifying its target.

The battle went on, and Kagome was keeping a close watch on Naraku. She occasionally moved closer, so that she could feel the jewel better. Sesshomaru was doing a good job of slowly getting the hanyou to focus more and more on him. He hadn’t even so much as glanced in her direction in at least twenty minutes. She herself was getting bored. The demons he had brought, while massive in number, were fairly weak. She was able to keep her energy up much better then she had expected. Of course Naraku did not know that. She made a show of ‘getting tired’, she even collapsed a bit after a particularly large demon had come near. Keeping tight control over her aura, she knew there was no way that Naraku could have any idea what she was preparing to dish out to him.

It became quite obvious as she studied him that he was indeed whole. One blast would kill him for good. He had put everything on the line in the hopes of killing them all with his strength. From the looks of things, he was doing a good job of it too. Inuyasha, Miroku and Sango were growing weary. Sesshomaru was sporting some nice injuries. That was all real. Naraku just had to keep thinking that she too was exhausting her self till he became so cocky he exposed him self for a direct hit from her.

Kagome sat still within her little pink bubble. It was a bit difficult to conceal herself and start to build her power at the same time. She could feel it, just under the surface, she was worried she might start to glow or something with the way she felt the holy power hum within her. Letting it continue to build, she looked around, happily spotting a large awkward demon starting to lumber towards her. The disgusting being looked like a mutated dinosaur.

Naraku had turned his back to her completely, Sesshomaru was starting to wear down, and he starting giving his attacks to the lord his all. Kagome could not have prayed for a better opening.

Just as the beast got near and broke into a run, she dropped her shield and started to run away from it, straight towards Naraku.

“Yes her we have the end of the bothersome miko. Sesshomaru, would you like to watch?” Naraku’s voice lilted with happiness.

Sesshomaru let lose his anger in a feral snarl, letting his control slip slowly. He needed to distract Naraku and there was only one way to do that.

Leaping at the large hanyou, Sesshomaru let his beast take control. One swift slash with his claws left deep, gaping wounds on the hanyou. Eyes narrowed in anger, Naraku turned away from the girl and turned swiftly onto Sesshomaru. Inwardly, Sesshomaru was happy that from this angle there was no way she could see how close he was to Naraku. It might make her hesitate to purify him.

Kagome ran with everything she had in her, face marked with fierce determination. All the while, she could feel the immense power she held within her, ready to be let lose. She only hoped that she would have the control to only purify Naraku.

Navy eyes narrowed in concentration as she scrambled past Naraku's various appendages, focused solely on the calling of the tainted jewel. It was coming directly from his chest. Kagome was positively shaking with the power ready to come bursting out of her. Biting her lip till it bled she pressed closer, it was difficult when he was so engaged in the fight with Sesshomaru.

Finally she managed to within mere feet of him, and just then Naraku twirled to meet her. His face was pure rage, and he reached out, grabbing her by the neck and drawing her close to him so that he could sneer at her before snapping her neck. Kagome choked but managed a smile as he brought her within mere inches of him. Confusion was the last thing Naraku felt before Kagome let her aura loose, reaching up a hand to his chest, and releasing all her power in a blinding blast of light.