The Portal

Chapter 40 – Adventure’s End

A/N: Before you begin reading Chapter 40 of The Portal, I would like to say a few things. First, there will be an epilogue posted after this chapter, so please look for the update in a day or two. You may find it interesting to see where our characters go from here. Next I just have to say that I am simply overwhelmed at the wonderful response from all the readers. You all have superceded any of my expectations. Readers like you make it worth the effort (and worth my husband whining that I don’t pay him enough attention! HaHa). Your response has prompted me to begin a new story called As Death Gives Life, which will be posted very soon. In it you will find your favorite character, Anubis, so be sure to keep an eye out for it!
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Sesshomaru waited patiently for his mate to return from her time period. He sat pondering on the events that had brought him to this point in his young life. He had been very fortunate to find a lifemate at such an early age, as some demons spend half a millennia alone before procuring a decent female suited to their unique person. He and Kagome would have many happy centuries ahead of them.

His mind drifted to his home and the state of his affairs. No doubt Jaken had taken care of most of the trivial matters, and since there had not been any major issues since his reign he was sure everything was in order. His absence, while lengthy, was not abnormal, as he was periodically pulled away for various reasons.

The taiyoukai’s thoughts drifted to his ward, Rin. The child always seemed to feel his absence more than any other, except maybe Jaken, who would be an absolute blubbering mess when he arrived. Rin was just one more reason that he was comfortable with his choice in mates. Kagome would be an excellent mother to the human girl, and later their own pups.

A scent passed his delicate nose and he fought the urge to curl his lip in a snarl. He had been enjoying the piece of his surroundings, but leave it to Inuyasha to rain on his festival. Sesshomaru opened his eyes and looked up at his dim witted half brother, which was currently standing in front of him with a strange look on his face. What could the mongrel want now?

“Speak your peace, Inuyasha,” Sesshomaru ordered with a sharp tone.

Inuyasha shifted his feet, and settled into a demanding stance before saying what was on his mind, “You better treat her right, Sesshomaru. If I find out different, I’ll hunt you down and you’ll pay with your life.” After he said his piece, Inuyasha leapt away, returning to the village from whence he came.

The relationship between his half brother and his mate was certainly a perplexing one. A riddle that was doomed to never be explained. It was rather obvious that Inuyasha held strong feelings for Kagome, but to what extent was a mystery. In all the years of traveling together they had never mated, so it led him to believe that it was less than love. If it were love then it obviously was not the sort of love born from physical attraction, for which he was ultimately grateful.

Inuyasha never really made much sense to him at any rate, so Sesshomaru tossed aside the perplexing meandering for a more soothing path. The image of his mate played in his minds eye. She had proven to be much more than what her weak outer shell portrayed. When he first met her he had dismissed her as a simple new fancy of his little brother, but slowly she showed him her true worth. Her actions that day in his father’s tomb proved that she was no ordinary human, and after crossing her path several times, his attitude concerning her had changed considerably. Nothing had prepared him for what he had discovered back on Karnak. Her meager show of power here on Earth was only a tiny drip from the hidden fountain she carried inside.

The release of Kagome’s true power would serve to make things much easier here on Earth. There were, of course, always going to be demons who held hatred for human kind, and even though few would dare to speak out against the chosen mate of Lord Sesshomaru, it would make the acceptance of her human origins much less troublesome. Her power radiated from her body, and only the most dim witted of demons would risk testing it.

Then there was his own benefit from joining with the powerful miko. The other lords would shiver in their boots when he introduced her as his mate. They would be foolish indeed to rise up against him with a miko of her awesome power at his disposal. Even the rebels across the lands would look elsewhere for easier victories. Kagome would certainly be an asset to him in many, many ways.

Thoughts of certain, specific ways that his lovely little miko could better his life, served to stir his manhood. He wondered if the effect that she had on his body would ever lessen with time. In a way he hoped so. It would definitely be a trying time ahead if he were doomed to become aroused with every thought of her. Meetings and social events could become much trickier in the future.

A blue light radiated from the wells opening, and the scent of his mate permeated the air around him. Sesshomaru gracefully rose to his feet and joined her at the edge of the old well. He was pleasantly surprised by her happy assault on his person, when she jumped from the top edge directly into his arms, procuring a passionate kiss from her lover.

Sesshomaru grunted in annoyance when he detected the approach of her companions. He broke the kiss, and set her down on her own two feet before turning in the direction of the village. Soon enough the fox kit hurled himself into her arms. The other’s emerged from the forest and the taiyoukai prepared himself for the awkward display of human emotions that were bound to occur before their departure.

Kagome hugged Shippo close, and asked, “Shippo, would you like to come to live with me?”

Much to Kagome’s surprise, Shippo looked down as if he did not want to hurt her feelings, when he replied, “Um... Please don’t be mad at me, Kagome, but I think I’ll stay here with Inuyasha. Ayame has been teaching me some really neat moves, and I need to learn how to fight so that I can protect my friends, like you guys.”

Kagome smiled sadly at her little friend, “I understand, Shippo. I’m not mad. Maybe you can come for a visit soon, and play with Rin?”

Shippo perked up at the mention of Sesshomaru’s young ward. He had always wanted to play with her. “That sounds great Kagome! I’m going to miss you though.”

“I’m gonna miss you too,” Kagome said. She raised her head and looked at each of her valued friends. “I’m going to miss all of you.” She tried not to cry. She had told herself over and over that she was going to be strong and not cry, but no pep talk was going to stop the tears that surfaced when she looked at her cherished friends. “Please say that you all will come to visit me.”

Sango stepped forward and gave Kagome a warm hug, “Of course we will, Kagome... that is, if Lord Sesshomaru does not object.”

Damn. All eyes turned to him after the slayers sly remark. As much as his stomach churned at the thought of receiving this ragtag group in his ancestral home, he was obligated to do so as Kagome’s mate. It looked as if there was no route of escape. He took a deep breath before signing his fate, “Hn.”

“Well, that’s a ‘YES’!” Kagome proclaimed cheerfully. She proceeded to hug her friends and bid them sayonara and soon she and Sesshomaru were on their way to the Western Lands and her new home.

They had traveled for the remainder of the day, and made camp for the evening. The following morning Kagome was pleasantly awakened by a soft rumble in her ear as her mate nuzzled his face into her hair. She giggled in response and the two of them were soon packed and ready to be on their way, with her happy pet trailing along beside her.

After several hours of travel, Kagome was dragging her feet a little, and Sesshomaru was about to suggest that she ride with him so that they could arrive upon The House of the Moon at a reasonable hour. The words froze in his mouth, however, when he detected the approach of a demon. Kagome had obviously detected it as well, for she suddenly stopped and dropped her bag to the ground.

“Jewel shards,” was all she could get out, before the object of interest broke through the tree line in a spiral of blinding wind and dust.

“KAGOME!!! Mutt face told me you were dead!!! I’m gonna kill that bastard for his lies!” Kouga proclaimed as he snatched her up into his arms.

Kagome made a vane attempt to inhale in the wolf demon’s steel embrace. She wanted to warn him, but she couldn’t even breath, much less talk. Tala was not sure exactly how to react to this new demon. He did not sense fear in his mistress, but he could easily detect her agitation. Her mate’s reaction was one born purely of fury, and Tala resigned himself to allow the taiyoukai to handle the ookami.

“Wolf. You will release my mate or die,” Sesshomaru hissed from just behind the ookami.

The word ‘mate’ produced the desired effect in the mind of the wolf prince, and he sat Kagome down in confusion. When he caught scent of the mark on her neck, he felt his anger soar to new heights. He had not felt this furious since Kagura had slain his kin. Kouga turned to face the bastard that dared lay his filthy hands on his woman. Needless to say, he was not expecting Lord Sesshomaru, Inuyasha’s half brother. He had been so caught up when he sniffed Kagome’s alluring scent that he had missed that of the taiyoukai in his excitement. Now that he was unpleasantly brought to his attention, Kouga’s hair began to stand stiffly on end.

“Lord Sesshomaru, you have taken something from me. Kagome was to be mine! She was MY woman!” Kouga growled.

Kagome knew it was now or never. She screamed at Kouga, “Kouga, for the last DAMN time... I was not, and am not, nor will I ever be, YOUR woman! I care for you as a friend, but that is all! I LOVE Sesshomaru! He is my mate, and that’s FINAL!” Ok, so she may have over done it a little, but there was no way Kouga would survive a battle with Sesshomaru. The stupid wolf would get himself killed and she would not survive knowing that she was the reason for his death.

Sesshomaru was so very close to lopping the wolf’s head from his shoulders for his insolence, but the furious words of his mate also held a desperation that spoke of her care for this ookami’s well being. That alone stayed his hand, and he stood in limbo, waiting for the wolf to react. The red seeped away from the ookami’s eyes, and the fight seemed to ebb away. The wolf stepped back, and bowed low.

“Very well. If that is your choice, Kagome, but know this... If this dog doesn’t treat you right, I’ll kill him, and you will take your place by my side.” Kouga announced rather matter-of-factly.

Sesshomaru growled and narrowed his eyes, “Do not presume that this Sesshomaru is so easily slain, wolf.”

Kagome quickly tried to steer the conversation in a different direction. “Kouga, I have a favor to ask of you.”

Both Kouga and Sesshomaru looked at Kagome in peaked curiosity.

“You see, the Shikon no Tama is complete, except for the jewel shards in your legs. I am entrusting you to keep them safe. This way, it will not be so easy for an enemy to gain the full power of the Shikon. The incomplete jewel also means that the magic of the well will continue to allow me to pass through time to visit my family,” Kagome explained. She had been thinking about this for some time now, and she knew this was the safest decision. Kouga could be trusted to help ensure the safety of the jewel.

Kouga smiled brightly and puffed his chest out a bit, “You can count on me, Kagome. So I guess this means that Naraku really is dead?”

Sesshomaru interjected, and said, “The filth was slain by my mate on a foreign world where we were stranded until recently.”

Kouga nodded in acceptance. He wanted to find out more, but being near the demon who took his only chance at happiness was making him sick to his stomach. He decided he would go beat the rest of the information out of Inuyasha. Besides, he owed mutt face for telling him that Kagome was dead.

“Later Kagome!” Kouga shouted as he suddenly took off in a cloud of dust.

“Bye!... Kouga,” Kagome said to the fast disappearing whirlwind. She looked up to Sesshomaru who still seemed to be on edge. She knew she had some explaining to do, so as they continued their journey home, she told him all about the first time that she met Kouga, and how it came that the wolf considered her his woman.

After an hour of walking, Sesshomaru knelt down to give her a ride. He was beginning to get impatient in their journey. He could tell there were lesser youkai hovering just out of sight, drawn by the allure of the jewel hanging around his little mates neck, and that made him uneasy. Though her power, as well as his own, was sufficient to keep them at bay, he did not wish to dally, therefore risking attack.

Kagome gasped in awe as they arrived at the gates leading up to the House of the Moon. It was a beautiful ancient structure carved into the mountainside. She had never seen anything like it in all of Japan. It was truly extraordinary, just as the Lord who ruled over it.

Sesshomaru placed her on her feet just before they arrived at the front gates. Tala finally trotted up beside them, and wove his way around Kagome’s legs, happy to once more have access to his mistress. Sesshomaru could feel the guards eyes boring down on Kagome and her pet, as he passed them by. A growl of warning rose from his chest, just in case they harbored any derogatory thoughts concerning his female. As soon as he got her settled in he would call his people to order for the announcement that he had taken her as his mate.

Kagome stared around in wonder at the huge grounds surrounding the front side to the fortress. It was covered in lovely gardens and beautiful statues. The area before the main doors to the palace was covered in well worn cobblestone, and the doors themselves were thick wood with lovely intricate carvings.

The huge doors creaked open and Kagome smiled as Rin made her appearance, running at full speed. She was shouting her glee at being reunited with her Sesshomaru-sama, as she firmly latched onto his silk clad leg. Jaken was close behind her wobbling as quickly as his little green legs would allow. He fell to his knees in unabashed hero worship at the feet of his lord.

The little reunion was all smiles and happiness, until Jaken took notice of Kagome standing just behind Sesshomaru. The toad leapt to his feet pointing his staff at the female. “Inuyasha’s wench!”

Kagome watched the display with a smirk on her face. Not only had Tala’s swift transformation stunned Jaken, but the toad’s outrage died swiftly in his throat as Sesshomaru snatched him up by the neck. She felt pride and love for her demon mate as he proceeded to set the toad straight.

Through clenched teeth, Sesshomaru announced, “Jaken, you are highly mistaken. This is NOT Inuyasha’s, wench. She is MINE! This is Kagome, the woman I have chosen to be my mate. Bow to your new mistress, the Lady of the Western Lands.” He then dropped the toad harshly to the stone floor below, and watched as he paid homage to Kagome. By the look on his mate’s face it appeared that she derived some sadistic form of pleasure from the toads humiliation.

Rin was in awe of her master’s announcement. She grabbed Kagome’s hand and said, “Are you going to be staying with us Kagome?”

Kagome knelt down and smiled at Rin. She said, “Yes Rin.”

The child threw her arms around her neck and hugged her tightly. Kagome returned the child’s affectionate embrace, and then they rose to follow Sesshomaru into the palace.

Many hours later, Kagome was finally settled in. The day had been very taxing on her, and she was looking forward to a good night’s rest. Tala lay curled at the foot of the bed. She could barely hear his slumbering breaths. She lay down on her new bed, marveling at the comfort. Her stiff muscles began to relax, and her mind began to drift. She thought over the recent changes in her life, and a smile crept across her face. Never in a million years would she have expected to become the mate of Inuyasha’s brother. Their first meetings were none too delightful, and she had always thought Sesshomaru to be a beautiful and heartless murderer. Life had shown her differently, and for that she was very grateful.

Sesshomaru was more than she could have ever hoped for in a lover. As a companion, he was witty and highly intelligent. Conversation would never be boring. He was strong, and proud. Someone that she could depend on. With him she would always feel cherished and safe.

The object of her drowsy thoughts soon slipped between the silken sheets and promptly pulled her to his side. His warmth was a welcome comfort, and Kagome sluggishly moved her tiny hand over his smooth muscular torso. She smiled at the deep rumble emanating from his chest, and happily burrowed closer into him. His strong arms encircled her, and he placed a tender kiss upon her forehead.

To think, she owed all this happiness to the strange magical workings of The Portal.

FIN ~

A/N: Don’t forget to check out the epilogue, which will give you a look into the future lives of our characters! Doomo Arigato to all of you who rated and reviewed The Portal. Peace be with you always!

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