Blood Stained

 

 

Blood Stained

Chapter 51: Complications

 

She could not move, she could not breath.

 

All she could feel were the throbbing pains surging through her stomach, as she tried to not let screams of suffering pass her lips.  She had always known labor would be painful, but she had always thought she would at least be in good health when the moment would arrive.  How wrong had she been?

 

How was she supposed to deliver a child when she barely had any energy to stand up on her own two feet?  And of course, a caesarian was completely out of the question meaning she had to push him out herself.  Technically, remaining calm was the thing to do in such a situation, but she simply couldn’t bring herself to be relaxed.

 

She could hear Sesshomaru and Kouga talking near her, probably discussing what to do, but their voices were very faint, at least to her ears, making it impossible for her to decipher what they were saying.  The only loud and clear sound she could hear was her own heart pulsing through within her chest. 

 

Kagome’s lips parted, as her breathing became shallower, hoping it would ease some of her pain away.  She felt stuck in her own world, as it became slightly blurry and she felt a feeling of drowsiness taking over.  It wasn’t until Sesshomaru put his hand on hers that she was brought back to reality. 

 

She snapped her head in his direction, appearing to be confused.  Sesshomaru observed as her grey orbs moved from one side to another rapidly and he sighed.  This wasn’t the conditions he had hoped for, this was certainly not the state of mind he had wanted for her either.  However, considering how weak she was, all they could do was pray for the best. 

 

He held her hand in his, knowing she needed someone’s presence, before glancing at Kouga.  Her bed was already wet and ruined, so he intended on moving her to his, where Kouga was installing a few blankets, bringing towels and fresh water.  They would both need to lift her up, so that she wouldn’t be moved too much.  Though, considering the way she was at the moment, he doubted she would even notice.

 

Sweat beads were rolling down her cheek, Sesshomaru found himself brushing her bangs away, even though it wasn’t going to relieve her of the heat wave she was experiencing.  She barely reacted to his touch, since her eyes were tightly shut while holding her stomach. 

 

Once again, he peered in the direction of Kouga, hoping the wolf would hurry up.  Moving her wouldn’t cease the pain, but at least he would feel as if he was doing something for her.  He felt her tiny fingers squeeze his, his heart became heavier.  At this moment, she was relaying on him and this was his chance not to fail.

 

Frankly, he had never been good when they had mated and when he had pupped her.  Now, he finally had his chance to redeem himself, prove he could do something right.  Such pressure was actually causing him to be a bit nervous, which was a new feeling for him.  Could he actually pull it off?

 

“It’s ready,” said Kouga, his fingers twitching, as he came beside Sesshomaru.

 

He had never really assisted in a birth before, at least not in the last couple hundred years and the fact that Kagome was the one in labor didn’t help his stress levels.  On top of that, he feared that something might happen considering how risqué her pregnancy had become.

 

Sesshomaru quickly nodded, before gesturing for him to come closer.  The easiest way would be for him to lift her off on his own, then have Kouga help him shift her to the next bed.  Slowly, Sesshomaru slid his arm under her legs and the other around her upper waist, trying to carefully grasp her. 

 

His movements attracted her attention, snapping her out of her pain induced world.  It was with confused eyes that she searched his face, hoping for an answer. 

 

“We are simply moving you,” he said, his voice as calm and serene as he could make it. 

 

Kagome’s bottom lip began to tremble but she nodded nonetheless.  Despite the fact that she could not understand why they required her to be moved, she tried to remain as unmovable as possible for both hers and Kiyoshi’s sake.  Any brusque movements might not be the best idea at the moment. 

 

She closed her eyes as she felt herself being lifted, resisting the urge to wrap her arms around Sesshomaru’s neck for safety, she knew he wouldn’t drop her.  It was then, once she was completely above the bed, that she felt someone else touch her. It took her a few seconds since her eyes were tightly shut, refusing to open, to remember that Kouga was present in the room as well.

 

Both youkais took their time, prior to gently putting her down on the dry bed, positioning her in a semi-sitting position.  She exhaled heavily once she felt herself touching the bed, which allowed her to fully open her eyes.  Sesshomaru was looking down at her, his green eyes showing concern that she had never seen from him before.  Anticipating he would be pulling away, Kagome raised one of her hands, reaching out for his face.  Her actions cause Sesshomaru to cease moving, strangely, he found himself holding his breath as he pondered on what exactly she was trying to do. 

 

Kagome herself was unaware of where her actions were leading, but after gazing in his eyes and seeing a new expression, she had been unable to stop herself.  It took a few seconds before her fingertips made contact with his skin but when they did, his nose was the first thing she touched. 

 

While being careful, she allowed her fingers to trail upon his features, enjoying the softness of his skin.  Meanwhile, Sesshomaru was a bit frozen in place.  She nearly looked in a trance and he wasn’t sure if he should pull away or remain in that position.  He couldn’t comprehend her desire to touch him.  Why would she want to do that?

 

A bit uncomfortable, Kouga shifted from one foot to the other, waiting for the moment to be over with.  If he had to pick, he much preferred Kagome having her hands on her stomach, while feeling a bit of pain, then touching Sesshomaru’s face. 

 

Once Kagome was done tracing the shape of his eyes gently, she retracted her fingers.  Yet, it was still hard to look away from the unfamiliar expression in his eyes.  It wasn’t until there was a knock on the door that she could tear herself away.

 

Kouga was the first to react, as he rushed towards the door.  Considering what was going on and that Ginta and Hakkaku were chasing after a seemingly invisible person, they had to be careful.  Kouga, opened the door only a bit, before glancing at who was standing on the other side.

 

“What’s your name?” he asked, almost baring his fangs.

 

“I’m Dr. Izumi,” he replied, his eyebrows knitted in confusion.

 

Kouga glanced at him up and down for a few seconds before opening the door a bit more, which permitted Izumi to walk in to the room.  He slid past Kouga, feeling just a tad bit nervous, since Kouga was acting so defensive.  When his eyes landed on Kagome, he hurried to the side of the bed. 

 

Now that Kagome was no longer focused on Sesshomaru, she was slowly once again taking consciousness of the pain pulsing through her body. 

 

Izumi put his bag down and came closer to Sesshomaru.  “Did it start as soon as you called me?”

 

Sesshomaru nodded, before moving away from Kagome, allowing Izumi to inspect her.  No, he didn’t usually partake into birthing during his regular job, but he had done it more than once.  Many youkais and hanyous had to rely on doctors like him to help during special situations and over the years, he had acquired lots experience.

 

Izumi grabbed unto the hem of Kagome’s maternity dress, about to proceed when he remembered that someone else other than Sesshomaru was in the room.  He raised his head, glancing in the direction of the youkai wolf. 

 

“Will he stay?”

 

It took both males a few seconds to understand the question being asked, once it hit Kouga, he blushed a bit.  Of course, Sesshomaru had a completely different reaction.  

 

“No,” he said, his tone sounding almost as scary as when he was in his powerful youkai form.  “He’ll wait outside.”

 

Kouga didn’t appreciate the way it sounded like an order, but he knew staying would be stepping on a few boundaries, so, he exited the room, but not without sending a small glare towards Sesshomaru.

 

Though, the no peeking rule didn’t only apply to Kouga, even Sesshomaru felt out of place, thus he decided to move aside and he sat on the edge of Kagome’s bed, his back facing both Kagome and Izumi.  Although he was doing such things, he still had an uneasy feeling developing within him when he thought about another man touching her.

 

Of course, the gesture had nothing sexual to it, it really was none of his concern, but he couldn’t help his own feelings.  His growing emotions when it came to her had nothing reassuring, but for now, he would push that aside.  The one thing he would focus on was her safety and the deliver of their child.  The rest would wait until the proper time.

 

As if to pull himself away from the situation, Sesshomaru closed his eyes and waited until Izumi spoke again.  He could hear Kagome’s whimpers of pain and it was making him twitch.  There was nothing he could do to help relieve her suffering and perhaps it was the most annoying part. 

 

Then finally, the silence was broken.  “She’s not close yet.”

 

Sesshomaru turned around, unintentionally staring at Izumi’s gloved hands.  “She’s not close?”

 

Dr. Izumi rubbed his forehead, feeling the pressure already getting to him.  He could see the look in Sesshomaru’s eyes, it was one of slight anger.  He would have to handle the whole situation very carefully.  However this was not the first time he would have to deal with a possessive mate. 

 

“She’s not dilated enough.  We have to wait.”

 

“Wait?”

 

Both men were a bit startled, since they hadn’t expected Kagome to talk. 

 

She had hoped that the doctor being there would mean this pain would be over soon, but apparently she had been wrong.  A frustrated sigh rolled off her lips as she threw her head back.  She clenched her fingers around the sheets, crisping them, as she felt more pain coming from her stomach.  She was truly doing her best to not scream, but it was getting harder by the second.

 

Kagome always believed that women screaming profanity and death threats were perhaps naturally a bit angrier, but now that she found herself in their situation, she wouldn’t mind yelling a few curses herself, Particularly towards Sesshomaru, for no particular reason. 

 

“Is there anything we can do to help in the mean time?” 

 

Izumi wasn’t sure how to answer.  He wasn’t fully familiar with the relationship between Sesshomaru and Kagome, but he could tell it was a bit awkward to say the least.  It left him to ponder if the one thing that could lessen the pain was something he should even suggest in the first place.

 

“Well,” he began, before rapidly glancing between the two.

 

“Is there?” repeated Sesshomaru.

 

His patience was wearing thin.  He had no time for guessing games.  It was after all, a fairly simple question.  Could he or could he not help her?

 

“If you released your youki, you could probably provide her with some relief.”

 

As soon as the words were spoken, both Kagome and Sesshomaru shifted into a rather uncomfortable position.  For different reasons.  Kagome didn’t want the beast to provide her with comfort.  Actually, it was not even a matter of it being the beast, she simply wanted to do this alone, she didn’t need someone to take the load off her.

Regular women, who weren’t mated to a hanyou  or  youkai went through it by themselves, so why couldn’t she?

 

For Sesshomaru the matter was painful because he might release his youki, yet still be himself.  He was not convinced that right now was the perfect moment to share that detail with Kagome.  Mostly it was because he himself didn’t want to merge with his beast.  He still didn’t want to be that monster in her eyes. 

 

“I’ll be fine,” offered Kagome with a small smile.  Though, she quickly was finding herself a bit concerned for Sesshomaru’s feelings. 

 

“I can do this.  By myself,” she added, attempting to explain. 

 

He had felt her eyes on him while she had spoken the last part, so he peered her way before offering her a quick glance. 

 

Izumi found himself feeling a bit uneasy between the two, but he rapidly nodded. “Then I guess we’ll wait.”

 

“How long can it take?”  inquired Sesshomaru, sitting on a chair near the bed. 

 

“Hours.  Minutes.  It all depends.”

 

He pressed his lips together, the stress was getting to him once again.  Sesshomaru wasn’t sure he could keep his sanity while waiting for so long.  On top of that, he could not fully forget who Kouga and his pack were currently looking for.  Now was really a bad time for such a thing to be happening. 

 

Why was everything coming down on them at the same time?

 

-B-

 

A very long hour had passed, yet Kagome was not ready to give birth yet.  Her body was still extremely weak and even though she was still experiencing pain, the tiredness had gotten the best out of her, she had given into her urge to sleep.  Once in a while Izumi would check up on her to make sure she was doing well, while Sesshomaru remained glued in his seat, taping his foot.

 

A while back, he had checked the hallway for the wolf, but he had been nowhere to be found.  Sesshomaru had only assumed that instead of standing in front of the door, Kouga had decided to make himself useful, he was helping his pack hunt down whatever scent had been caught earlier on.

 

There was a desire deep down inside of him that was developing, it was causing him to craving for the blood of the kidnappers.  He hated himself for having spared them, though it hadn’t been his intentions.  If only her life hadn’t been in such a critical state, then, he would have finished them off back then. 

 

Now, because he hadn’t been able to finish the job, he had to be concern and wait until someone else would take care of it.  Yet she was his mate, the mother of his son.  Shouldn’t he be the one avenging the wrong that had been done to both Kagome and Kiyoshi?  It simply didn’t sit right with him to let someone else do it.

 

Then again, it wouldn’t feel right to abandon her when she was so close to giving birth to their son. 

 

If only Kouga could let him know just what was going on.  Chasing a scent for two hours was an awful long time.  Hadn’t they really found anything at all yet?  He hadn’t known where Kagome had been back when she had been kidnapped and it hadn’t even taken him that long to find her! 

 

And once again, he began tapping his foot against the floor, just a bit louder. 

 

But then, as if his thoughts of desperation had been heard, the door nearly flung open.  Immediately, Sesshomaru glanced at the doorway, only to find Kouga standing there.  The wolf quickly gazed over at Kagome, before refocusing himself on Sesshomaru.

 

“Can I talk to you?” he asked, before gesturing towards the hall.

 

A little too fast for human speed, Sesshomaru headed for Kouga, once he reached him, he grabbed his arm, dragging him into the wall.  Kouga was a bit shocked by Sesshomaru’s anger, causing him to bare his fangs at him.  He could understand that the Daiyoukai was nervous, but it was no reason to be an asshole about it.  He was helping him after all.

 

“What is it?” asked Sesshomaru, pretending he hadn’t seen Kouga challenge him.

 

“We found two people.  Two youkais.”

 

Right away, Sesshomaru’s eyes narrowed.  He was well aware that they were looking for three people, but if those two were part of the group, then it would already be a start.  

 

“Male or female?”

 

“One of each.”

 

Sesshomaru didn’t know why, but he had a feeling the missing person was the leader, who had probably not minded given up his accomplices to save himself. 

 

“Any hints were the other one is?”

 

Kouga shrugged his shoulders.  “Ginta is on it, but I can’t promise anything.”  Kouga backed away slightly, creating a bit of distance between himself and Sesshomaru.  “What do you want to do with those two we have?”

 

The right thing to do would be to allow Kouga to take care of them, but every time he came close to speaking those words, his mind was haunted by memories, a feeling of guilt was surging through him.  Quickly Sesshomaru peered inside the room, where Kagome was still sleeping, it was then that he made up his mind.

 

He’d be the one to take care of them.

 

“I’ll do it,” he said before turning his back to Kouga.  “Where are they?”

 

Kouga would have wanted to protest, but he could understand very well the desire of revenge Sesshomaru was experiencing.  “I’ll lead you.”

 

Sesshomaru arched an eyebrow, since he didn’t remember inviting the wolf to come along.  Apparently, Kouga noticed his expression, since he smirked. 

 

“Someone has to make sure you come back.  What am I supposed to tell her if you get killed while she’s in labor?”

 

Not giving Sesshomaru the time to respond, Kouga started to speed down the stairs, giving Sesshomaru no other choice but to follow.  He didn’t like the idea of someone helping him, but for now he’d take it.  Soon enough, he’d release his youki, but just to be careful, he’d wait until he was further from Kagome and closer to the bastards.

 

The idea that one was still missing didn’t sit well with him, but Ginta was after him, Kagome wasn’t alone, or with a human, meaning she should be fine.  He didn’t intend on the execution to last very long anyway.  He should be back by her side before she woke up, well prior to the birth of his son.

 

He couldn’t miss that, he wouldn’t. 

 

Kouga was well ahead of him, as he guided him to the under level of the hotel.  He was convinced it wasn’t a place they were allowed to be, but with the money he was giving the hotel, he doubted they would even question him.  It wasn’t until they reached the stairs, in a darker corner of the place that Sesshomaru stopped. 

 

Now, he could unleash himself. 

 

He was only in his human form, he was already craving the blood of those who had harmed her, leading him to believe he and his beast might get a bit out of hand.  Perhaps it was a good thing idea that the wolf had tagged along.  Meanwhile, Kouga leaned against the wall, waiting for the transformation.  He had always heard Sesshomaru was powerful, but he had never actually seen him make use of his powers.

 

Kouga was expecting a bloodbath.

 

He would have loved to be the one to take care of them, but he could recognize that the right to do so belonged to Sesshomaru.  He would enjoy watching nonetheless. 

 

It took a few seconds, but finally, Sesshomaru was in control of his power, his appearance clearly altered.  He nodded for Kouga to keep going, which the Wolf gladly did.  Being able to use a faster speed, it only took them seconds, before they reached their captives.

 

Hakkaku smiled when he saw both youkais arrive, relieved that he wouldn’t have to look at these bastards breathing again.  For what they had done to Kagome, they deserved nothing short of death and he usually wasn’t one for that drastic solution.  Seeing as how both Kouga and Sesshomaru were there, he knew he was no longer needed.

 

“I’ll try to help Ginta,” he quickly said, before speeding away.

 

And then, it left all four of them in the room. 

 

Sesshomaru felt his eyes narrow as his blood boiled in his veins.  They had damaged her, tainted her, harmed her.  All because they wished to have a tainted jewel, because they sought power and destruction, only weaklings needed the jewel, only they required a power they couldn’t achieve themselves.

 

He found himself closing the distance between him and the bastards, faster than he had anticipated.  But thinking about her bloody body laying on the floor was all it required for his control to snap.  He wanted them dead, laying in pools of their own blood.  Part of him wanted nothing more than to make their deaths long and sufferable, but he knew, he might not have that much time in front of him.

 

Perhaps only he who was still running would pay the full price.  The two in front of him, would however still meet a fate of death.

 

He’d make them wish they had never laid hands on what was his.  Slowly, he trailed his clawed fingers along the neck of the female, before wrapping his digits around her throat.  He could see the panic in her eyes, only proving further that she was a coward.  She only allied when she thought she would prevail, but in defeat, she had no honor.

 

Disgusting.

 

And to think such beings had nearly taking her away from him. 

 

His thoughts were becoming less and less important as all he wished for was blood, revenge and death.  Slowly, he dug his fingers into her skin, allowing his poison to infiltrate her.  He watched, as her blood vessels became green, which showed from under the skin. She was squirming under him, trying to break free from his hold, but it was no use.

 

He maintained a hold of steel, as he dug deeper and deeper, until the skin began to melt.  The putrid scent of burning flesh filled his sensitive nose, rather than being offended by it, he was pleased.  Death would not come to her until the poison made its way all throughout her body and until then, he would make her suffer.

 

Her skin was melting off, causing the muscles and bones to slowly show.  Her neck was becoming weaker, nearly ready to snap, but it didn’t stop him.  He wanted more.

 

Kouga was watching from a distance, his head slightly tilted to the side.  Sesshomaru was glowing off rage, his eyes tainted with the desire for blood.  To be honest, even he feared the wrath of Sesshomaru now that he was carefully observing it.  Most youkais had lost their desire for revenge throughout the centuries, but Sesshomaru’s seemed to remain.

 

Then it happened.  The female’s neck gave up under the pressure, the weakness of the muscles and bones holding it into place, caused it to fall and roll onto floor. 

 

A scent of fear filled the room, as the youkai who had been sitting beside her could not tear his eyes away from the head, it shouldn’t have happened that way!

 

But it was too late.

 

Before the youkai could breath, he felt Sesshomaru pierce through his skin and chest, he could feel his hand inside of him, grabbing at most of his organs.  The blood still dripping from his claws was still melting whatever it touched within him, causing him to scream in pain, something Sesshomaru did not appreciate.

 

With his free hands, he grabbed his throat, tightly enough to not allow any sound to come through.  Bothersome. 

 

Slowly, he ripped out part by part of anything he could touch, allowing it to hang outside of the hole he had created.  He felt the youkai under him convulse with pain, as he finally grasped his heart and then pulled. 

 

But the one thing Sesshomaru didn’t expect as he held the still beating heart in his hands was that, it reminded him of Inuyasha.  As the youkai slid a bit off the chair, lifelessly, as his open eyes showed no soul, Sesshomaru could do nothing but drop the heart.  He had killed Inuyasha in a similar fashion, but for that death, he did feel regret.

 

No, at the time, it wasn’t really something that could have been avoided.  Inuyasha and him never had strong bonds, it had been easy for the hanyou to choose Kagome’s life over Sesshomaru’s.  When Inuyasha had come to challenge him, he was proposing a fight to the death.  Most likely one of them had to die at the end of the fight and one of them had. 

 

Nonetheless, he had killed him.

 

“Sesshomaru?”

 

It was a blood-splattered face that turned to face Kouga.  The wolf had noticed Sesshomaru was retracting into his own world, yet now was not the time.  Now that these two had been taking care of, they still had to find the last one.  With him on the loose and Kagome ready to give birth any time, they couldn’t waste precious minutes.

 

“We have to find the other one.”

 

Sesshomaru pulled his eyes away from Kouga to stare at his blood stained empty hand, before nodding.  If he didn’t hurry, he’d have another death on his conscience and that was the last thing he wanted. 

 

Now that Sesshomaru was in his youki form, at least for the next little while, it would be easier to track down the final member of the group, especially since he was more familiar with his scent.  He allowed himself to clear his mind, so he could take a deep breath, trying to catch a breeze of his scent.

 

Sesshomaru closed his eyes, as he focused, while Kouga patiently waited by his side.

 

He took another breath.

 

And another.

 

And there it was.  Hidden carefully, barely even noticeable in the still air that surrounded him.  He could not forget it, he would never forget it, it was engraved in his mind forever. 

 

“Outside,” was the only word he spoke, before using his youki speed to catch up.

 

Since he didn’t exactly look human at the moment and he was covered in blood, the faster he went, the less he would attract attention, not that it was important to him at the moment.  His only goal was to capture that bastard. 

 

Kouga was technically faster than Sesshomaru, but he had to remain behind since he didn’t know where they were heading.  As more time passed though, he replayed the previous deaths he was really beginning to wonder if Sesshomaru really needed him to be present.  He’d stayed nonetheless, but he had a feeling he would remain a spectator.

 

Sesshomaru had never used such speed before in his life.  He could feel his heart pressing against his chest, his time was running out.  It had almost been five minutes, and he wanted to destroy him before he had to transform again, since that would make him extremely vulnerable in front of his enemy.  He could not allow him to have a chance to strike.

 

Then, suddenly, the scent hit him more clearly.  His attention was directed to a small park-like area, near a water source.  Sesshomaru decided to do like he had done the previous time, he charged for the fool, with his eyes closed, following his instincts.  As all of his senses began to tickle, he went along with whatever he felt, leaving a confused Kouga behind. 

 

He could smell it, smell the bastard who had taken her away, who was still trying to take her away from him.  She was his and he wouldn’t let anyone harm her ever again.  He had failed her once and the mistake would not be repeated.  He charged in the direction of the scent with all he had, his eyes still closed, as he extended a hand in front of himself.

 

Then he felt it in his grasp.

 

His eyes snapped open and he saw him, his neck in his hand.  A smirk appeared on his lips as he watched the worm squirm.  It was only when he was this close that he realized why he had been easier than expected to find.  On his fingers, Sesshomaru could still faintly distinguish the scent of Kagome’s blood.

 

It was not a scent, which could be removed simply by washing one’s hands.  It remained imprinted in the skin. 

 

The thought of Kagome’s blood being spilled because of that bastard was enough to send him into an increasing raging fit. 

 

His control almost slipped, he nearly spilled his poison along the youkais skin, but he ceased the attack before he made that mistake.  This one would not die easily.  He would make him suffer just as much as she had suffered.  This was his revenge, this would satisfy his thirst for blood.

 

Sesshomaru had expected him to fear this moment, but instead, the monster began to laugh.

 

“You poor fool,” he said, his voice giving out sometimes because of how harshly Sesshomaru was squeezing his throat.

 

Sesshomaru’s eyes narrowed; he had the audacity to speak.  “I didn’t tell you, you were allowed to talk.”

 

But his words fell on deaf ears.  “You’d kill one of your own over that whore?”

 

Whore.

 

Sesshomaru’s whole body was trembling hard as he did his best to not finish the horrible being in front of him.  The only thing stopping Sesshomaru was that he knew the kidnapper wanted to be killed quickly and avoid pain.  He already knew he was a coward, hence why he had kidnapped a pregnant woman.

 

Whore.  The word echoed in his head once again.  He had called his mate a whore?

 

He slammed the worthless being’s body roughly against the nearest wall, causing its head to smack violently against the bricks. 

 

“She is no whore.”

 

Another chuckle escaped the leader, before he put one of his hands on Sesshomaru’s chest. 

 

“We could have done wonders with the jewel.  Why are you throwing it all away?”

 

Sesshomaru had disgusted him with his life choices, but he would still be a valuable asset to the new world he wanted.  The others were too weak, easy to capture, but the Daiyoukai was different, much smarter.  If only he could come to his senses, then everything would be right again.

 

“Join me.”

 

“You idiotic fool,” said Sesshomaru as he tightened his grip, but not too much so he didn’t kill him.

 

It appeared he could not be reasoned with, but he had no intention of being killed, not after all the efforts he had put into this.  If Sesshomaru had to go down for him to keep on living, then so be it.  Slowly, without decreasing his squirming so Sesshomaru wouldn’t be suspicious, he reached out for a knife he had in his pocket.

 

He wrapped his fingers around it and he paced himself, waiting for the perfect opportunity.  One hit, one good cut, was all it required, but he needed to be patient.  A second would be all that he required.

 

Unfortunately, Sesshomaru was too caught up in his infuriation to realize he was walking right into his trap.  His mind was running wild, as he attempted to figure out how to kill him and make sure he suffered as much as possible. 

 

Meanwhile, it was Kouga who was beginning to notice the changes.  Sesshomaru’s time was running out and quickly.  He was usually so sharp, on top of business, why hadn’t he made an attempt to pull away yet?  His feet were edgy, as he was pondering whether or not to get involved. 

 

All Sesshomaru could see was blood, the one about to be spilled.  It was only then that he slowly felt his grip on the bastard’s throat slip a bit, as it weakened.  At that moment, he glanced at his hand, only to notice his claws retracting.  Already?  Ten minutes had passed?

 

He was way too close to allow himself a chance to re-transform.

 

And then he saw it.  As his youki completely left him, a smirk appeared on the leader’s face.

 

Sesshomaru braced himself for an attack, waiting to be wounded.  Yet, it never came. 

 

He glanced around, only to notice the sharp blade of the knife, shining as the rays of the sun hit it.  But he also saw a hand grasping the handle of the knife.  Kouga’s hand.  The Wolf had a big smirk on his face, as he pulled the knife away from the leader’s grasp.

 

“Guess it’s a good thing I tagged along,” he said taunting him.

 

Sesshomaru would be grateful, once that problem would be taken care of.  He snatched the knife from Kouga’s grip and in one swift motion he made a long cut under his neck, causing his blood to start spilling, yet not killing him too quickly.

 

Caught by surprise, the leader dropped to his knees, before holding his throat in a futile attempt to prevent more blood from flowing out of the cut.  However, he could do nothing and soon enough, he fell, face first on the pavement, a bloodbath surrounding him. 

 

He could have left him there, walked away, but he couldn’t.  Sesshomaru had been proven too many times in the past that a dead person was not always dead.

 

Considering the kind of threat he was, he couldn’t take such a risk.  He took a few steps in his direction before raising his foot and then, in one harsh motion, he completely crushed his head, almost causing Kouga to wince, since he hadn’t been expecting it.

 

It was a side he hadn’t thought Sesshomaru would show. 

 

But now it was over.  Sesshomaru could feel the blood drying on his skin, but he didn’t care.  He had gotten his revenge and it was all that was important.  Now, he could return to Kagome’s side and perhaps not feel like such a failure.  He hadn’t been able to protect her, but he had made amends.

 

Quickly, he snapped his head up, peering at Kouga.  “All that you know, is that we finished them.”

 

Without allowing Kouga to ask more questions, he turned around and began heading back.  Kouga scoffed before softly shaking his head.  Was Sesshomaru trying to hide his blood thirst?  Frankly, he wasn’t shocked by the Daiyoukais actions, since he would have done the same thing.  But then again, violence was probably not a side of himself he wanted to show to Kagome.

 

As Kouga caught up to Sesshomaru he had a smirk on his face.  “You know what I noticed?”

 

Sesshomaru didn’t answer, but Kouga could tell he had his attention.  “Not once did your eyes turn red.”  A thick atmosphere settled in, before he continued.  “Interesting, huh?”

 

This time, it was Kouga’s turn to leave Sesshomaru behind as he used his youkai speed to reach Kagome’s side as fast as possible, causing Sesshomaru to be left alone with his words.

 

He had been so preoccupied by getting his revenge, he hadn’t even realized.  Now that he was reflecting upon it, his own possessive thoughts were coming back to him.  The beast was right, they were merging.  They were becoming one again.  Did that mean it would occur faster every time he released his youki?  If that was the case, then he couldn’t let it happen again.

 

His mind replayed all the events that had just taken place, as he finally reached the hotel.  It was then that he realized he should hurry a bit.  Kiyoshi might be the only son he would ever have and he refused to miss the birth of his own son.  He went up the stairs, two at a time, ignoring the glances people were giving him because of his appearance.

 

When he reached the room, his heart was pounding, he was almost out of breath.  The door was already open and he could only assume Kouga had forgotten to close it, allowing him to hear the whimpers coming from inside.  Not yet!  Was all he could think.  As he rushed in, he saw Kagome laying on the bed, moans of pain coming from her parted lips, as Kouga and Izumi stood near her.

 

Kouga was the first to notice Sesshomaru’s presence and he smirked.  “Almost missed it,” he teased.

 

“Now?” was the only intelligent word he could formulate. 

 

Izumi shook his head.  “Almost.  It shouldn’t be more than a minute before she’s ready to push.”

 

Upon hearing his words, Kagome experienced a violent reaction. 

 

“No.  Not a minute.  NOW!”

 

They had remained a bit surprise at the unexpected aggression, but quickly, Izumi recovered and positioned himself on the bed.  If she said now he’d go along with what she was feeling.

 

Sesshomaru glanced at Kouga.  “Why are you still here?”

 

“Well, I recall s-“

 

Before Kouga could finish his sentence, Sesshomaru clamped his hand on his mouth.  Had he not listened to what had previously been said?  What happened out there was not to be told or talked about.  Stupid wolf. 

 

“And you’ll be ready to push.”

 

Izumi’s voice brought him back as he re focused himself on Kagome.  Unsure of what to do, he simply went to the edge of the bed, so he’d be near her.  Kagome was crisping the sheets with her fingers, her eyes tightly shut, as a wave of pain hit her one after the other. 

 

“You should get behind her,” suggested Izumi.  Sesshomaru peered at him, confused by his words.  “Get behind her, sit her between your legs.  You’re her mate aren’t you?  It will help her.”

 

Sesshomaru was unsure of what to do.  He said it would help, but he wasn’t convinced that Kagome would be comfortable with it, he didn’t wish to overstep any boundaries.  Because of his uncertainty, he remained standing by the bed.

 

“If he said to do it, do it.”

 

Once again, Kagome startled Sesshomaru, as Kouga was laughing in the background.  The only other times he had seen Kagome that busy was back then when she was ordering Inuyasha, boy had he missed the puppy look those inuyoukai had every time their masters bossed them around.

 

Slowly and awkwardly, Sesshomaru moved to position himself behind Kagome.  At first he hadn’t though about it, but he was covered in blood stains, though must of them had dried.  He didn’t know how much he could do for her with his youki sealed, but currently, he didn’t feel like challenging her. 

 

Kagome pressed her head in his chest as she could vaguely hear Izumi telling her to push.  She had been able to get some rest through the pain earlier, but she still felt exhausted.  The best she could do was remaining awake, but closed her eyes, as she gave the first push.  Unconsciously, as she pushed, she grabbed onto Sesshomaru’s hand. 

 

As he felt her throw her head back a bit as she groaned in pain, he wrapped his free arm around her waist, bringing her a tad closer to himself.  Her breathing was shallow, as she attempted to push again.  He couldn’t hear, or see anything, except her.  He was glancing down at her face, her soft features crisped as she suffered through.

 

The rage that he couldn’t do anything was getting to him and out of instincts, he went for her neck.  He nuzzled his face in the crook of her neck, near the mating mark, while she kept pushing. It might had no effect, but he had to try. 

 

Kagome was not really conscious of his actions at first, at least not until she felt a warm feeling in her neck.  Without realizing, she tilted her head to the side, giving him better access.  She was still whimpering in pain with every push she gave, but her breathing rate had decreased a bit. 

 

Sesshomaru wrapped both of his arms around now, since she had freed his hand, holding her closer. 

 

“Just a few more pushes.”

 

Kagome was digging her fingers into his arms, feeling the sweet drip down the side of her face, as she tried to bring her son into the world.  She allowed Izumi’s words to echo through her mind, as exhaustion took over her body.  She could do it.  It was just a few more.  The pain didn’t lessen because of Sesshomaru’s actions, but she felt warmth fill her as it became not as unbearable.

 

He could feel her small body trembling in his hold, it made him remember how fragile she felt.  He had forgotten.  Her body felt so small and she reminded him of a porcelain doll. 

 

“That’s it Kagome, one more.”

 

The presence of the mate was supposed to not only help the mother, but the child as well, hence why Izumi had suggested it.  Even without his youki free, their son still could recognize his father’s presence, thus it would help at least a bit. 

 

Kagome felt tears rolling down her cheeks, as she executed the final push.  She felt Sesshomaru’s lips on her skin, his nose tickling her neck, as she ended it.  As soon as it was over, she felt herself collapse in his arms, her energy quickly leaving her. 

 

The one thing that brought her back was the first loud scream, coming from her son.  Kagome snapped her head up, opening her eyes, as she tried to catch her first glance of him.  Her vision was a bit blurry, but she could see Izumi holding him.  He cut the umbilical cord, before wrapping Kiyoshi in a blanket, examining his aura at the same time, before handing him to Kagome. 

 

As soon as she held her son for the first time, tears came pouring out of her eyes, making it even harder for her to see.  Sesshomaru’s view however was clear.  The first thing he noticed that surprised him were the markings on his son’s face.  He had a blue moon on his forehead, along with one vivid pink stripe on each cheek. 

 

He would have thought him to be fully youkai, if it hadn’t been for his human ears. 

 

Kagome’s tears stopped falling, allowing her to carefully look at her son.  His cries had ceased the moment he had been put in her arms, the only thing he had been doing was staring right at her.  The sweetest smile adorned Kagome’s face as she couldn’t tear herself away from Kiyoshi. 

 

The thought of figuring out what he was didn’t cross her mind.  Instead she was taken back by the fact that he was her son.  He was the little being that had been growing inside of her, all this time.  He was the one good thing that had come out of a horrible experience.  The one she had loved, cherished and done her best to protect.  She had almost lost him, but now there she was, graced with the chance of holding him in her arms.

 

After everything that happened, after the involuntarily pain that had been inflicted upon him, there he was.  Alive and beautiful.

 

Kagome brought him to her face, before pressing the gentlest kiss on the moon on his forehead, causing Kiyoshi’s amber eyes to open even wider. 

 

It was as she took a look back that she really saw his appearance.  He had Sesshomaru’s marking, his eyes, but he had her ebony locks, along with her…ears?

 

“He’s not a youkai?”

 

Sesshomaru had been pondering the same thing while he had been staring at his son.  His son.  The same one he probably wouldn’t have been so kind with if this had happened five hundred years ago.  But today, he felt his heart being constricted at the sight of Kiyoshi and the fear of not being good enough developed within him. 

 

“He doesn’t appear to be,” said Izumi as he sat on the bed, to be a bit closer. 

 

To be honest, he as well, had been fooled at first, especially since the child had such a strong aura, but there was no denying it.  However, there was a fairly easy to explain what he was.

 

“His markings show he is intended to be extremely powerful and that would usually be applied to a powerful youkai, however in this case, it is the opposite.  I believe he has holy powers.”

 

“Youkai markings, but holy powers?”

 

Izumi nodded.  “I don’t believe he would have anything resembling an actual attack as a youkai or hanyou would.”  He agreed with them, it was strange.  “I do not know if this is because of what happened during the pregnancy, or the result of a mating between a youkai and a miko.”

 

But it didn’t matter what he was, since he was their son nonetheless.  Kagome lifted her head slightly to look at Sesshomaru  “Do you want to hold him?”

 

He felt his heart cease beating, as he wondered if he could.  He didn’t trust himself, as if he was going to drop him.  Or perhaps it was the guilt filling his heart.  Still, he wrapped his arms over Kagome’s, causing them to both be holding him.  Sesshomaru moved one of his hands up a bit, before gently brushing his thumb against Kiyoshi’s stripe. 

 

Sesshomaru’s head was resting against Kagome’s, as they both held their son, he realized he had never been so fulfilled. 

 

This was the life he wanted, but couldn’t have. 

 

-B-