Check One: YES - NO - MAYBE

Authors note: Please read the authors note at the end of the chapter.

Chapter 8: The Beginning

A grating sound in the back of his mind began to rouse his consciousness. One by one, his senses began to come back on-line. He kept his eyes shut, the grating continued in the back of his head, and began to move towards his ears. It was a familiar sound, one he had heard before, he just couldn't place it.

He tried to place where he was, but just couldn't quite remember. A voice called out,

“Go ahead and try me, you'll find, I'm tougher than I look!”

That voice, it awoke something in him. The events of the past week came flooding back in a rush of humiliation. But why is she here? I left her. I should be dead.

His eyes snapped open, and he sat up quickly, hitting his head on a tree branch. He rubbed his head, and tried to figure out what was going on. He realized that the grating sound wasn't in his mind, but was the roar of a beast.

“Seriously, I'm warning you, any closer, and your ass is dust!”

That grating roar sounded again. He realized he was in a low shelter made of the boughs of fir and ash trees. Pine boughs covered the floor, and a small camp fire was burning outside the entrance. He crawled, ducking his head to avoid further pain, and stood in the evening sunshine.

At the edge of the clearing stood an enormous earth demon. His arms and legs made of rocks and boulders, grass grew on his back, and he had a large crystal set in the middle of his head that served as the creatures eye.

Earth demons were hard to defeat. The fact that they were literally made of earth and stone made them difficult to injure. Their elemental nature made it nearly impossible to kill, unless you could separate them from the elements they were tied to. He reached for Tokijin, but remembered that he had left both of his swords with the toad back at the well. Sesshomaru's claws began to drip acid, as he prepared himself for the charge.

The creature roared again, and began to move across the clearing. The earth pounded with each footstep as he picked up speed.

“I warned you! I tried to tell you that you were MESSING WITH THE WRONG BITCH!”

He turned and saw her, she stood off to the side of the shelter, bathed in a glow of pink light. No mere girl, no lowly ningen, not a wench, or some pathetic mortal to pitied. She stood proud in the evening light, sunset framing her defiant stance. Her black hair danced with her aura, and she stood there unafraid. He had seen grown Youkai, soldiers in his own army, that had faltered and run rather than face a foe of this power. The shaft sung as it streaked towards it's target, he followed it's trail as it buried itself in the demon's chest.

The beast howled, it's grating death throes filled the glade as it slowly turned to dust. He looked back at the girl. Her shoulders slumped, and she leaned on her bow for support. She walked slowly to the dust pile, retrieved her arrow, and placed it back in her quiver. Sesshomaru looked around and saw that there were many piles of the gray dust scattered about them, and wondered just how many had come for his blood, and how she had been able to stand against them all.

“Oh, Sesshomaru!”

He turned his attention back to her. As she caught sight of the revived Inu, she collapsed where she stood. He rushed to her, a white blur against the trees, and caught her before she hit the ground. He sat, and cradled her in his lap.

“Miko, what are you doing here? Why have you slain these demons that would have devoured me?

He eyes opened, and she looked up at him, For the first time in a week, she finally felt like she was talking to the real him. His face, normally cold, and devoid of any emotion, was softer somehow. And those golden eyes did not hold their usual look of killing disdain. They were warm, and concerned.

“I found you, you had fallen asleep.” Her voice was small, and weak. Not like the warrior goddess he had seen moments ago. “I built the shelter around you, and have stood watch for three days. Many came to kill you, but I would not let them touch you.”

“You have not slept for three days? Why would you do this for this Sesshomaru, Miko”

“You still haven't told me why you came to talk to me in the first place.” She smiled, “And it's Kagome, Ka-go-me.”

Her head lolled to one side, as sleep took her. He marveled at the creature in his arm, so powerful one moment, and yet so weak the next.

He stood, and carried her to the shelter she had built for him. He gently laid her down, and began to douse the fire, and pack her belongings.


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Kagome awoke, Hmmmmmmmm what a yummy dream. I was flying, high and fast, and was being held tight by...”Sesshomaru!”

She sat up, the down blanket flying off of her. She looked around, she was in a large bed, in a large room. It was beautifully decorated with tapestries, and beautiful paintings. There were sculptures, and strange objects on some of the tables as well. On the far side of the room was an arched doorway, that was open to the outside. She gingerly stepped out of the bed and walked to see where it led.

She sucked her breath in, she was in a tower, at least twenty stories high..She forgot her fear as she watched the city below her. The people below scurried and bustled as they went about their daily routines. She began to wonder what city she could possibly be in, when one of the small people below, jumped into the air, unfurled a set of wings, and began to fly.

She stepped back into the room, suddenly realizing where she was. She turned back to the bed, and noticed for the first time, that she wasn't wearing her clothes. Instead she had on a white silk nightgown of the finest craftsmanship she had ever seen. She twirled to watch it move around her, and heard a chuckle from the other side of the room.

“Eep!” she jumped at the low sound.

“I assure you, you have nothing to fear from me. You are quite safe here. This entire tower is my quarters, and I guard my privacy quite carefully.”

She turned, he stood by the other door in the room. He looked like himself again, clothes arranged perfectly, armor bright and hard, mokomoko-sama draped over his shoulder, and swords tucked in his belt.

“Umm, could I have some real clothes, please? This is beautiful and all, but, I'm a little embarrassed.”

He grinned, and motioned to a large Shoji screen off to one side. “Your clothes are here.”

Did he just smile at me? Suddenly she felt quite strange, whereas before, her will for them to talk had carried her through. Now that he was here, and apparently in his right mind, her stomach felt all fluttery, and she couldn't think of anything to say.

She stepped from behind the screen. White shirt, green skirt, brown loafers, all had been washed and pressed, and mended where necessary. She looked as she always did, Kagome, schoolgirl. But he did not see her that way now. Frozen in his memory was the image of her defiance of the earth demon. She had defended him after he had been a fool in front of her, and then left because of his wounded pride. She had come to his aid when he needed it, when he had been weak. No one living or dead, demon or mortal could boast such a thing, save her.

He walked to a cabinet, and opened it. He removed his swords and armor, and placed them inside, and closed the door. She stared at him, not really knowing what to expect next. He saw the confusion in her eyes.

“In my culture, if a lord removes his weapons and armor, he is signifying that he trusts those in his company, and is...comfortable around them.” He moved to sit on a stool close to the fire and beckoned her to join him. “I realize that it is difficult for us to understand each other, so maybe it would be best if we explained the various customs our people employ as they come along.”

“That's a good idea.” she answered, not really knowing what else to say, and not wanting for the silence to grow. She moved towards him, and took a seat opposite on another stool.

He looked like a completely different person. He sat, hands folded in his lap, his expression still a bit stoic, but his lips weren't pressed so tight, and it seemed as if the muscles in his face were more relaxed.

“How long have I been here?”

“A night and a day. I brought you here after stopping to retrieve my weapons from the well.”

“Did InuYasha see you carrying me?!” she wondered how he would react to all this.

“He did. The whelp has been put in his place, although I expect he shall forget it soon enough.”

She stifled a giggle at the thought of Sesshomaru dominating his younger brother, as well as some of the vulgarities that had issued from the dog on the bottom.

“So.... what now?”

“I came to your time to show you my intentions to court you. I did not understand why you had simply ignored my previous advances.”

“But I didn't know!” she yelled standing up, tears welling at the corners of her eyes. “InuYasha didn't tell me about any of them! If I had known, I would have said something to begin with!”

“I understand that now.” He rose and took her hand, and helped her sit back down, not wanting to upset her further. “And believe me, the hanyou has been given a lesson in etiquette as well.” He smirked, remembering how InuYasha had yelped like a pup, as he had held him by the scruff of the neck.

“So... what now?” she asked again, sniffling. She wasn't sure if he still wanted her, or if the humiliation of the past week had been too much, and he still never wanted to see her again.

“As I watched the box with your brother, I began to realize how different we are. Human courtships can last for years, whereas most demons decide, and mate within a matter of minutes or hours.” He smiled as her eyes grew wide with the understanding of what he was saying. “I, of course will not require you to behave as my kind do.”

The realization of what he was trying to say started to sink in, she just wanted him to say it. “So, what is it you will require me to do?”

“Nothing.”

Not the answer she had been expecting, and the tears began to rise again.

“I will require nothing of you. Instead I... ask, your permission to begin courting you,...Kagome.”

That was it, the waterworks began in full force.

“Did you just call me Kagome?”

“That is your name, is it not?” he teased.

“The only time you have ever called me by my name is when you held me by the spring as 007.”

He winced at the mention of his former alter-ego.

“I liked that one.” she added. One of his eyebrows raised. “He was protective and kind, and very ... smooth.” she stood and began moving towards him. “And the way he shook that sake, ..... Mmmmmmm.”

“You are toying with me.” He wasn't sure whether to be amused or annoyed, but the look in her eye said the former. “And you are not allowed near that kind of sake again.”

She stood in front of him, their eyes level. She placed her hands on either side of his face, and pulled him in for soft, long kiss.

She finally pulled away, “In my culture, that means yes, you may court me.”


Later that day, they strolled through the palace gardens, arm in arm. They nodded and exchanged brief greetings to the other lords and ladies they passed. Many outright stared at the couple. As much in awe at the mixed pairing, as the fact that their eternally cranky lord was walking, and casually chatting with any female regardless of her species.

“Sesshomaru?”

“Hn”

“What else did you see while watching TV with Sota?”

“Many things.” he answered, wanting to discern her real question before giving away too much.

“Did you see any... women, women that you wish I would bee like, or...look like?”

He smiled playfully before responding. “I saw many women in the box...”

She interrupted, “Just so you know, if you say Pamela Anderson, consider yourself purified!”

He laughed. Those around them stopped, and gawked. They wondered just how powerful this miko must be to change their lord. But all who saw them hoped the spell would continue. They cared for him, as loyal subjects do. He had protected them from attack, and had improved the way of life for everyone, not just in the city itself, but in the whole of the lands surrounding. There had been many conversations in private about the coming of Rin, and the hope that he would one day open his heart to others.

“I assure you, other than the slow beach running ability, she has no power compared to yours. Also, her ...endowments, will probably cause much pain in her back as she ages.”

They continued their stroll. It had been lovely, walking together, talking, simply being in his company. She saw how his subjects respected him, how they honored him with their polite actions. Others would have thought it intoxicating to be in the presence of such a powerful figure. She saw him for who he was. He was a man, a man that had closed himself off from all around him to keep from himself from pain. A small child had begun the process of melting the his cold heart, Kagome decided that it was her job to set it on fire.

“So...what now?”

“You shall become my mate, and the Lady of the West. Our pups will grow strong, and one day rule these lands. The blood of the Inu no Taisho will hold these lands, forever.” His statement was strong, and said with the authority of one that deeply cared for this place and it's people.

“No, I meant, like, do you want to come home with me and meet my family?”

“It is not necessary among my people to meet ones parents before mating, however, since it is your custom, I will accompany you home, and meet your family. I will bring a live wild boar, the traditional mating gift, so your grandfather may kill it at your mother's feet, and then we will feast to our future.”

For a full thirty seconds, Kagome considered the idea. A killer wild pig, running all over the courtyard, tearing up everything in sight, while Sesshomaru yells at Grandpa to kill it. Hmmmm,

“I've got a better idea,” she looked up at him coyly, “Why don't you bring a couple of bottles of that demon sake instead. They're going to need it.”


>-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------->


Sango, Kirara, and Shippo had spent their days lingering around the well for over a week. Hoping that Kagome, or some news of her, would find it's way there. Miroku and InuYasha had been suspiciously absent since the Tai Youkai had come to retrieve his weapons four days earlier.

The cloud touched down, and Kagome jumped off waving and shouting to her friends. They all ran to hug her, relieved that she was alright. They all gasped when demon behind her wrapped his arm possessively around her waist.

“Sesshomaru,” she scolded, “You've nothing to fear from them, it's just my friends.”

“It is not for their benefit that I show my claim over you. Do not worry, I will not permanently harm him.”

“Him? Him who?

InuYasha leaped from the trees, his sword already unleashed, “It may be me, but one of us is going to die here today, you bastard!”

Sesshomaru stepped in front of the group, and said coolly, “Do not worry, it will be you. It appears that you have already forgotten your place, little brother.”

The friends stepped back as Sesshomaru's transformation took place. His full demon form unleashed, he let out a roar that shook the small clearing. Faster than anyone, Including InuYasha, could see he dashed down and caught the boy, ... by the scruff of the neck.

He held him there, in two fangs, like a bitch would with a naughty pup. Every time InuYasha would try to strike out, or curse at him, the giant dog would bite a little harder.

“Sesshomaru, I'm gonna kill...yelp!” “Oh that's it you fucking.. yelp!” “I hope you don't want your other arm cuz when I get down... yelp!”

It continued for a full ten minutes before the fight began to die in him. Kagome laid a hand on the white dogs paw

“Enough,” she said calmly, “Both of you.”

Sesshomaru drew his enormous power back, willing it back into his humanoid form. He stood with the half-breed still hanging out of his mouth.

“Eeww,” Kagome cringed. “Put that down, you don't know where it's been. And I know for a fact, he doesn't bathe much.”

He unceremoniously dropped the boy, and bent to speak to him.

“InuYasha, it is Kagome's wish that you continue to escort and protect her, on her quest to find the remaining jewel shards. However, you will remember who she has chosen, and more importantly, who has chosen her.”

Kagome looper her arm through Sesshomaru's, “Come on Mister-I-have-to-be-all-mean-and-scary-to get-people-to-do-what-I-want. Haven't you ever heard of people skills?”

They were heading for the well when a very out of breath Miroku ran up. He had two clay bottles in his hands, one said “SAKE” the other “OIL”.

“Sango! I have mastered the technique!”

Sango grabbed his hand and all but drug the still panting monk behind her and into the woods.

“Bye Kagome! Have fun!”

“What was all that about?” Kagome was sure she had missed something in her time away.

“Don't even ask” InuYasha replied, “Or he will try and show you, to see if he's doing it right or not.”

In the distance they heard a squeal of delight “Oh Miroku, Yes! Yes! Yes! You've got it. Oh, bounce for me baby!”

“Come on, runt. Let's go find some food. Kid like you doesn't need to be hearing things like that. Hell, I don't want to be hearing things like that!” They started walking towards the village to once again impose on Kaede's hospitality.

“Shall we?” she asked, not really sure if she was prepared for what was to come.

“Hn” he picked her up, and cradled her, she snuggled into his chest and kissed his neck.

“Any more of that, Miko, and I will be dragging you into the woods as well.”

“We talked about that earlier. There will be none of that till we are properly mated.” she reminded him.

“And as I explained,” he bent down and kissed her full and strong on the lips. “The mating ritual only takes a matter of minutes” he growled, sending shivers up her spine.

“Down boy.” she flicked the end of his nose with her finger.

He leaped up, over the edge of the well. Blue light enveloping them both.


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Epilogue: I

“Mom, I'm home!” Sota yelled bursting through the kitchen door. He didn't expect an answer, she was usually out this time of day anyway. He tossed his bag on the table, and opened the pantry door to scrounge for the snacks his mother kept in abundance.

“Mom! We're out of snacks!” Weird, there's always snacks in the house. She's probably out getting more now. He dove into the refrigerator seeking the precious nectar of life, but there were no Dr. Peppers to be found.

“Mom! We're out of DP.'s too! Why am I still yelling, do I think she can hear me at the store?

As he marched towards his room, knowing he could feel the caffeine withdrawals kicking in, he heard a noise from the living room. He poked his head around the corner, and his jaw hit the floor. There on the far wall was a Panasonic, 102”, wide screen, high definition, plasma TV!

He continued to gawk as he came through the door, a single tear slid down his cheek at the sheer beauty of it. The colors were so alive, the lines so crisp, the TV so...so... HUGE!

“Explain.”

Sota turned slowly, to face who he knew was sitting on the couch. The Killing Perfection was sitting beside, and partially under a mountain of Cheeto, Dorito, and Funyan bags and Dr. Pepper cans.

“S-S-S-Sesshomaru? What are you doing here?”

“Watching Bo-nan-za. Explain. Why does 'Pa' not simply raise his army, and destroy the vile cattle rustlers and the scourge they have brought to his lands?

The boy was still too dumbfounded to respond. “How-When-Where did this TV come from.”

The demon smirked, “It is amazing what the people of this world will do at the sight of real gold coins.”

“But, what did mom say about this?”

“It is not your mothers concern what I do with my wealth. There is plenty more, all tribute and plunder from past wars.”

“Yeah, I wouldn't mention the whole wars and plunder thing to her, she wouldn't understand. Where is mom,” his voice darkened a little, “where's Kagome?”

“She and your mother have gone to do a shopping.” Sota sighed in relief. “They stated the need for a great many pairs of shoes, and facial goo. They shall return this evening, when I will be taking everyone 'out' to eat.”

“So, I guess you were able to talk to Kagome, Huh?

“Yes”

“And you told her how you felt about her?”

“Yes”

Sota puffed his chest out in pride, he had been the one to coach this pitiful man into the suave stud he must have seemed to his sister. He plopped down on the couch and began rummaging through the packages, trying to find something still edible.

“Well, what did you say, what did you do? Were you smooth?”

The Inu's face darkened, he turned to look at the boy “Sota, the miko has informed me of a certain green covered notebook that bears certain images that you would like to keep secret. If you value this information, I suggest you never speak of the previous time I spent here. If you do, I will be forced to reveal it's hiding place to your mother.” The darkness passed.

Click

“Explain”

Sota gulped, pulling the “Oh Shit's” back from the brink of disaster once again.

“Uhhh, Oh, This is a show about a bunch of kids in high school. They all live out in California. Beverly Hills 9021...”

Sesshomaru had already lost interest.

Click

“Explain”


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Epilogue: II


Six Months Later:

Kagome ran through the halls of the tower. A dark figure close behind, pursued her with even measured steps. She ran into her room and slammed the door shut, throwing herself on the bed. The foot steps came closer, until they stopped right outside the door. The door flew open, her captor boldly entered.

“Princess, you will tell me where the plans are being hidden.”

Kagome giggled, and looked up in feigned horror.

“Never, I'll never tell you where the rebel base is!”

He drew close to the bed, dressed completely in black, including black cape and black wicker helmet.

“You will join me or die. Once I have the plans for the flying castle, your rebel alliance is finished.”

She giggled again, “Oh, Lord Vader, isn't there something I can do to save my friends?”

She giggled as he crawled on the bed and over to her.

“I'm sure I can think of something.”

A low growl built in his chest, and escaped his mouth, causing her giggle to turn into a growl of desire.

CLICK


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Authors note:

Well that's it Kats and Kittens. Hope it was fluffy enough in the end to justify all the torture. Now before I get flames about Sesshomaru being Out Of Character. Piss Off! I was not trying to portray some brutal dog demon society, I was trying to make it about the saving and redeeming quality of love to see through the facade to the person inside. I intentionally tried to concentrate a little more on him being a man, than a demon. Take it or leave it. Hope you liked it. Please, even if you reviewed a previous chapter, review again and let me know what you thought of the whole story.

I will also be posting a deleted scenes and quotes for those nerdy enough to like that kind of stuff. Just a couple things that didn't make the cut for whatever reason. If you like em, great, if not, go get drunk and grow a sense of humor.

Let me also say that I own no one, slavery has been abolished for quite some time now.

I want to thank Miss Kagura, Sugar0o, hikari hime, and AvivaChan for their great reviews and encouragement, as well as everyone that reviewed. I had 100% positive feedback, and you know that's just gonna go to my head.

This story is dedicated to MamaSama6, my beta, my sounding board, my mate, and the Alpha bitch of my house. Without her I never would have even started this insane mental dribble. I love you baby. Big wet, Sesshy faced kisses to ya.

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