The Only One

AN: Hey, I'm back. My tests aren't yet over but I found some time to put up some new chapters (writing this story relieves some of the stress I get from studying). Well I hope I keep you guys up on your toes all the time, haha. Now read on...
_______________________________________________________________

Chapter 6: Peaceful Night’s Sleep

Sesshomaru rolled up the scroll he was currently reading. He has been working for most of the night to keep his thoughts on other things besides Kagome. Massaging his temples, he stood up and decided to retire for the night. It would take all of his self-control to behave nicely.

The palace was quiet and dark under the midnight moon. He nodded to a few of his guards roaming around the castle grounds. Still, his mind was distracted and he felt a fleeting feeling of self-disgust. He was always in control of his thoughts and he liked it that way. Now, it seemed he lost much of his control since the night he started having those dreams. It made him feel a bit weak.

‘Tomorrow I shall pay Onagure a visit.’ He smirked. Sesshomaru knew Onagure was no ordinary healer; her power extended way beyond that. The meager barrier she erected to keep her powers intact did not fool the taiyoukai. He never confronted her about it though, and never gave it much thought, until now. He had a feeling Onagure knew something. Her scent, when he brought Kagome home, did not contain surprise or shock in it not like the other servants. Instead, Onagure seemed amused. It was very suspicious indeed.

Upon reaching the massive wooden doors to his chamber, Sesshomaru pushed it open just enough for him to slip through. He quietly approached the bed. Before slipping under the covers with Kagome, he removed his armor and most of his clothing, except for his hakama.

He looked at her concentrating on her shoulder but Kagome slept peacefully on her side facing him, effectively concealing that part of her from his view. Her body was curled up into a ball under the dark, silk covers. He noticed the white night dress on her instead of the skimpy outfit she usually wore. Sesshomaru liked the dress better, it was see-through and he could make out her green undergarments. It was still appropriate enough to be worn by a lady but arousing at the same time. His female servants had good taste. The inutaiyoukai was mentally drooling now as his eyes looked her up and down. This female, Kagome, was very enticing. It seemed he could not get enough of her, even though all he did was stare. Her body made his inu blood boil to unimaginable heights of lust and desire. Subconsciously, he licked his lips, lightly grazing it against his perfect fangs.

Sesshomaru, while tracing gently over Kagome’s cheek with his claw, thought back to why she was here. He fought his brain for answers. Soon he came up with a reasonable explanation. He wanted to protect her. His inu wanted to be there for her in case she dreams about Naraku again. He couldn’t just abandon her in another room all by herself while being assaulted by Naraku in her sacred dreams. Again, he let out a sigh and his eyes seemed to emit a sense of pity for the girl. To Sesshomaru, dreams were a sort of temporary escape from the real world, one’s true sanctuary. He should know. He used to run away from the cruel youkai of his youth through his dreams. In sleep, he was in the most peaceful of places with his mother and father; one big happy family. But as the golden rays of dawn and the brisk cool morning breeze invaded his room, those happy memories would fade away beyond his reach. Ironic isn’t it, how every morning was supposed to be a new beginning but only ending in the same note as the day before. Everyday of his brief youth, Sesshomaru was dealt with the same set of cards over and over again, nothing but cruelty, discrimination, war, bloodshed, even shame and embarrassment. But at least, every night when he goes to sleep he gathers up enough energy and spirit to face yet another day. That option was not even available for Kagome. She was haunted by that vile hanyou, Naraku, both in reality and in her sleep. Sesshomaru could relate to her and felt obligated to help her through it. That’s why Kagome was tucked safely in the taiyoukai’s arms that night.
_______________________________________________________________

Onagure speaks:

Dreams are also a way to communicate; a means of delivering messages, prophecies and omens. In sleep, we are most vulnerable, therefore most accepting of something because we can’t put up much resistance. Where exactly do dreams come from? Ah, a simple complicated answer. Everyone’s destinies are all written in Fate’s sacred book. To help these destinies come alive, the person must be guided towards the right path through the wisdom of their dreams, a sort of a nudge towards their fated direction. It may lead to good or evil, but only the gods decide which one. There are times when they would play their tricks on earthly beings in their sleep, sending them false messages. That’s what distinguishes the gods. The rest are totally helpless, not knowing what these unfeeling leaders may have planned for them around every corner. I am no different. I use demons and ningen as a sort of entertainment. But I am not heartless and will deliver happy endings every now and then with more or less tragedies in between. That’s the way this world revolves anyway.
_______________________________________________________________

Kagome slept peacefully that night. It was a highly appreciated break from her usual dreams. Nights before today were spent squirming and crying in her sleep. Horrific nightmares of Naraku and evil demons drove her to the point of being too afraid to even close her eyes for a second but she never told her friends and she was thankful none of them found out about it. She knew Sango, Miroku, Shippo & Kirara would understand but Inuyasha is a whole different story. Surely he would think her weak and pathetic. That’s something she doesn’t want him to think of her. Secretly, she was terrified; terrified of losing Inuyasha’s friendship just like she lost his love. It was a loss from the start anyway; there was nothing she could do when Kikyo came into the picture.

But tonight, her dreams were the way they should be. Beyond closed caramel eyes was a whole new world; a world of peaceful light, beautiful flowers, clear water and fresh air. An indistinct figure stood a few meters away from her sitting form. Kagome shivered at the cool water bathing her feet as she struggled to make out the man’s features. Silver blue hair fanned out behind a tall, muscular frame, sun-kissed eyes stared intently at her as if peering into her very soul. She was mesmerized by those hypnotizing orbs. Slowly she extended a beckoning clawed hand towards the figure. The man just stood there looking at her. Finally after a few seconds he reached forward exposing the twin magenta stripes gracing his slender wrist. Their fingertips brushed against each other and both let out a gasp of awe and a feeling of unexplained euphoria. Suddenly a loud, sharp shriek cut violently through the air pulling both Sesshomaru and Kagome from the land of dreams…
_______________________________________________________________

From sesshomaruforever56:

I love your guys' reviews. Here are some answers to some of them, if not all.

Slightly_Sinful,
Sorry about the cliffs. Hangs like these are one of my favorite elements in a story. It makes sure you guys come back for more. Thank you for a great review!

Metis,
I intend on giving Kagome claws and fangs, but you might have to wait a while. I was thinking of maybe inserting a few tragedies or two but it will lead up to a demon/miko Kagome.

Sankontesou,
Sesshomaru is supposed to be somewhat evil in the Inuyasha series. What better way to portray that than to have him kidnap Kagome for slightly mysterious reasons (well besides killing someone)? But, who can't help loving him, hmmm?

Wailing Wall,
Yes Sesshomaru does seem too considerate. I did have some trouble describing the "real" him in the beginning. I had to keep re-editing the story so he would still have his mysterious, impenetrable exterior. But then again, it's my first Sess/Kag story so I guess it's natural to come across problems like this.

Princess of the western lands,
I hope you found that some of your questions have been answered. As for the last one, about Kagome's dream being a vison or omen of some kind, I'm just really going along with the story and have yet to decide how to approach that part to a satisfactory level. You'll see though *wink*. Thanks for your review. Your questions helped me create the story so it makes sense. Arigato!!

Little Jack 2,
Interesting question. They would be just sleeping together for awhile. I'm planning on gradually building a relationship between the two so when the lemon does come, everybody would understand why those two chose each other. I don't just want to throw them onto a bed and have people asking questions about why I went that way. I hope you understand. Thanks for review!! XD

Phoenix Wolf,
You're right. Naraku's the perfect rapist, he's hot and evil. It makes sense to use him as well cause it creates the best sense of fear from Kagome, seeing as Naraku's her sworn enemy. Imagine Kouga or Bankotsu raping her; not really scary now is it. Besides, some people idolize Kouga and Bankotsu. They wouldn't wanna read a fic that shows their fav char in a bad light. At least Naraku fans know and accept he's evil. LoL. Thank you for taking the time to review!!

Momi,
I appreciate your enthusiasm and motivation (I love you for that haha). It makes me feel confident and great that someone likes the first story I wrote. Thank you for reviewing. I hope you get my email.

Till next time...