How All Came to Be

DISCLAIMER: Through a common female ancestor who lived in the late Yayoi period of Japanese history I may be related to Rumiko Takahashi. Due to a theory known as “Genetic Regressionary Entitlement” this common ancestry gives me exactly no claim to Inuyasha or any of its characters.


Chapter 7:
Arrivals


“I had a dream, which was not all a dream.”
-From Darkness by Lord Byron


“Magic can often be found in strange places.” Kagome stared into the molten gold of her son’s eyes. “It is most prevalent in those we would not suspect.” Tsuki’s face was lit in awe. “Many times the wheel of fate will turn in your lives, as it did in the wolf Prince’s, as it did in the demon Lord’s, as it did in the miko‘s. But the dark times are not devoid of laughter.” Another thread of lightning laced the sky.

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Kagome carefully avoided Sesshomaru for the rest of the day. It wasn’t necessarily hard. She and Sango had gone down to the village to pick up arrows, fighting garb, and a beautiful set of black katana and wakizashi. After a visit with Kaede the two women had found the day edging toward evening.

The sight that greeted them upon their return to camp caused Kagome to burst into laughter. Peals of mirth shook her shoulders at the sight of the rumpled houshi with a small kitsune clinging diligently to his robes. It felt strange to laugh so soon after losing so much.

“Safe,” Shippo yelled, sticking his tongue out.

Rin huffed and stomped her foot in a perfect imitation of Kagome. “You can’t stay on safe forever.”

The kitsune flicked his tail. “Can to.”

“Can not.” Slender arms crossed.

A fang poked out. “Can to.”

Another foot stomp. “Can not!”

“When will Jaken return?” Miroku moaned piteously.

Sango chortled and reached forward to pick a few twigs from the unfortunate man’s hair. “He only left this morning,” she chided. “It’ll take him at least a day to get back, probably two.”

The monk groaned and fell backward into the grass. Kagome rolled her eyes, moving to the opposite side of the glade to begin her evening exercises.

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Sesshomaru watched the little miko go through her training, pondering on their earlier conversation. He had been subconsciously receiving her emotions but sorting them out absently, as he would have any other unneeded external stimuli. The action had been so engrained in him during his younger years it no longer required concentration.
Was it possible this connection had been the cause of his growing attachment to the miko?

‘Possible,’ he thought. The perky jiggle of her breasts when she punched threatened to distract him. ‘But not probable.’ Never a being that could abide lying, Sesshomaru turned his attention inward. Forgetting the hows and whys of the situation for the time being, he focused on the most important question; Did he? Did he care for the petite human miko?

Golden eyes slid closed and the muscles along his lower back relaxed a bit. The miko was pleasing to the eyes, true, and much like Rin he disliked it when she was afraid or upset. He enjoyed speaking with her, which hadn’t happened much as of late, and he realized with a jolt that he missed it. Her mannerisms he found charming and her determination admirable. Respect had always been there, at least since she had risen against him battle.

Sesshomaru drew himself from his brief introspection as he reached his conclusion. Yes, he’d grown fond of the miko. If he had been a being inclined to take such actions the demon Lord would have nodded to himself. She was now under his protection. It would seem he was stuck with her, for now. ‘It is not completely distasteful.’

He watched his young ward mimic the miko and felt his eyes softening. She barely came up to the elder woman’s ribs; her small face screwed up with a look of determination. Why hadn’t he taught her basic self-defense before? Ah yes, she hadn’t needed it, not when he was always around to keep her safe.

A week they had passed without an attack, with the exception of his half-brother and a low rogue he had killed earlier that morning. Seven trips of the sun and not a stir from Naraku. The lull in activity made the demon Lord leery. Everyone knew a calm came before a storm. That was why he had sent Jaken back to his home. His spy, Hiromi, would have no doubt returned from his mission by now.

Getting to his feet Sesshomaru made to leave the clearing. The group would take their evening meal soon and he had an urge to hunt. A small smile flitted across his face when he remembered his wards exuberance over his last hunt. Two steps from his former position under the tree, he stiffened. The reek of wolves flooded his nose.

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Kagome finished her exercises and brushed damp bangs from her forehead. Her gaze traveled up to the first star peeking through the bruise colored sky. Soft sounds of approval from Sango’s throat mixed with the taijiya’s words of instruction for the children, who were once again playing copycat from the sidelines. Tranquil was the description that floated through the miko’s mind. For the first time since coming back through the well, she felt at peace. It was at that moment a spark of wariness cut through her.

Inadvertently her gaze flew to the demon Lord on the opposite side of the clearing. His face was blank, his body unnaturally still, and he was staring into the woods. If Kagome hadn’t known better she would have said he was zoned out, but that was quite at odds with what he was feeling. For whatever reason Sesshomaru was feeling unusually alert.

“Sango,” Kagome called softly.

Curious eyes looked up from the children before following the miko’s gaze to the demon Lord. Taking in his posture, Sango knew something was wrong. She recognized the tense stature from times Inuyasha’s nose had alerted the group to danger. Marching toward the campfire to retrieve her hiraikotsu, slim fingers fisted in the bone boomerang's ties just as Sesshomaru let out a low growl.

Miroku rose to his feet next to the taijiya. “What is it?”

With little more than a passing breeze the daiyoukai maneuvered around Kagome and the two children so that he was between them and the tree line. “Wolves,” he drawled.

Rin shivered, dropping back toward the fire.

“Koga?” Sango asked her gaze flitting to the miko.

Slowly Kagome shook her head, her own hand resting on the hilt of her katana. “I don’t think so. I don’t sense any jewel shards.” She broke off when the underbrush parted revealing two familiar ookami carrying something between them. Sesshomaru made a move to draw his sword but Kagome quickly put a restraining hand on his forearm.

The two youkai that always ran with Koga, and looked perpetually exhausted appeared even more so now. “Ginta! Hakkaku!” Kagome rushed forward.

“Nee-san. We’re so glad we found you. Koga’s injured.” Ginta’s normally smooth level voice was a tad bit shaky, sweat beaded his brow.

Kagome gasped when she caught sight of the figure held between the wolf brothers. “Koga,” she dropped to her knees, biding the two to lay their leader down. “What happened?”

The wolf Prince was horribly pale and she had to lean her ear next to his nose to feel his breathing. Claw marks, encrusted with dried blood and dirt ran the length of his upper arm. Twin puncture wounds rode his clavicles. His legs were slashed open at the shins and his abdomen had a few gashes. The worst, however, was the thick protrusion of bone from his thigh. Kagome choked back bile, swallowing thickly.

“We’re not sure. All Koga said was that he smelled Inuyasha and then he took off.” Hakkaku stared down at his leader as if silently willing him to wake.

Ginta bowed his head. “We couldn’t keep up.”

Tears sprang to Kagome’s eyes at the thought of loosing someone else so soon. She bit her lip hard enough to draw blood. The horrible knowledge that it was Inuyasha that had injured her friend so, settled into her chest. ‘The only reason Koga goes near Inuyasha is to see me. This is my fault.’ Kagome grit her teeth.

“Sango,” the taijiya raised her head. “Get me some water.” The woman grabbed a pot and took off in the direction of the stream.

“Miroku, hand me my first aid kit.” The monk dug through the yellow monstrosity of a backpack, freeing the white box and handing it to the miko.

“Shippo, grab me a blanket.” A moment later the kitsune was back with a blue and green plaid throw.

Kagome’s eyes lifted to Ginta and Hakkaku. “I need you guys to lift Koga onto the blanket.” They nodded and carefully positioned the injured wolf on the piece of fabric. She brushed her hands lightly against her friend’s face, then set about untying his armor and removing his furs. When only the short cloth at his waist was left the miko allowed her gaze to roam his form. She sucked in a breath at the extent of his wounds.

“Oh,” the soft declaration escaped Sango unbidden when she returned with the water. The sight was grizzly and she knew from experience that not many youkai could survive the wounds Koga carried. Even if he did, with his leg injury there was the possibility he would be lame. Miroku ushered the gaping children back toward the fire and into their bedding.

Behind the group Sesshomaru stood watching the miko cleanse the Eastern Lord’s wounds with a somewhat disgruntled expression. It annoyed him to see the woman’s hands caressing the wolf’s bare chest. The stinging smell of some chemical mixed with the tears Kagome continued to shed silently. ‘Perhaps you are jealous.’ He scoffed at the internal voice, but felt his eye twitch when Kagome leaned over to apply gauze to the male’s back, causing her breasts to brush against Koga’s torso.

“We’re so glad we found you Nee-san,” Hakkaku had rolled onto his stomach, one eye watching the miko’s ministrations.

Ginta yawned, curling his tongue out over his canines. “Will he be okay?”

“I don‘t know,” Kagome replied solemnly, inspecting the many bandages wrapped around her friend. Finally all that was left to work on was his leg. There was no way she could set it herself. Her attention shifted to Ginta and Hakkaku. “Can you guys set Koga’s leg?”

The two wolves lowered their chins and shook their heads sadly. “We don’t know how,” Ginta whispered.

Kagome tried to recall the medical texts she had read. She tried to remember the first aide course she had taken, but none of those had prepared her for setting a bone, let alone such a pivotal one. Kagome blinked back the frustrated tears and turned to the only other adult demon in camp. “Sesshomaru?”

He looked down at her, feeling her fear, worry, and hope through the bond. On her knees, tears in her eyes, she made the perfect picture of a beseeching lady. A traitorous voice in the back on his mind drew his attention to how beautiful she looked just then. Reluctantly his gaze traveled back to the wolf, considering.

For several seconds the miko held her breath, the furrow in her brow deepening which each moment that passed. Kagome felt her hope bleed away. Finally her eyes closed in resignation. Sesshomaru was not a being that would do something simply to ‘help.’ There was nothing in it for him if Koga healed correctly. He wouldn’t help, she felt stupid for even hoping he would, but she refused to let her friend suffer. Steeling her resolve she locked her jaw in determination. She would do it herself.

Ordering Ginta and Hakkaku to hold Koga’s hips, Kagome took a deep breath and grasped the wolf Prince’s thigh just above his knee. Her heart fluttered in fear. It was just so complicated. If the bone wasn’t set just right, if she didn’t have the strength to force it back into position... Kagome sucked in another deep breath, feeling as if there was a weight pressing on her chest. Koga remained unconscious and for that she was glad. This would hurt, a lot.

Just as she tightened her grip and prepared to do something she had no experience with Sesshomaru knelt down beside her. “Move,” he ordered.

Eyes wide in surprise, Kagome scuttled away from Koga as quickly as she could. Sesshomaru was helping! Why was Sesshomaru helping? Her mind spun.

Sensing her confusion and disbelief the daiyoukai spoke. “The Eastern Lands will fall into turmoil if their Lord can no longer lead.”

Her stunned brain processed his words. “Lord?” Kagome wasn’t even aware she had spoke aloud.

“Yeah Nee-san. Koga’s Lord of the Eastern Lands.” Hakkaku spoke up, a proud lilt in his voice.

Ginta nodded, “we thought you knew.”

She blinked and shook her head absently. “No.”

Underneath the white material the muscles of Sesshomaru’s back bunched and shifted. He made a quick motion, shoulders jerking, and the sound of bone being snapped back into place met the miko’s ears. Her stomach to lurched and her eyes watered as her hand flew to cover her mouth. Sango’s lips were set in a sour grimace.

A smooth voice broke the women from their nausea. “He requires a splint.”

“Uh huh,” Kagome murmured weakly, digging through her medical kit and ignoring the flutters in the region of her abdomen. After a few more minutes she sat back on her heels and observed her handy work. Wiping the cool sweat from her brow, Kagome addressed the wolf brothers. “How about we carry him over toward the fire?”

They nodded, each taking a side of the blanket while Kagome supported Koga’s head with the top edge. With a grunt they laid him down away from the children, but close enough to benefit from the warmth of the flames. Kagome produced a few more blankets for the wolves and arranged one over Koga. ‘Oh Koga...’ Her fingers smoothed along his covered bicep with regret. When she was satisfied with her work she stepped back, taking in the blood staining her hands. Ginta yawned again.

“Sleep,” the miko urged. The two ookami nodded sluggishly and within moments both brothers were asleep. Taking in the worn wolves, Kagome felt her own spine slump. “Sango. Will you come with me? I need to wash.”

A nod from the demon exterminator had Kagome retrieving her soaps and a flashlight before both women headed off toward the stream.

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The patches of sky visible through the trees turned from soft peach to plum. Kagome and Sango followed the thin beam of artificial light down the path.

“Do you think he’ll be alright?” Trepidation laced the miko’s tone.

Sango shook her head ruefully. “I honestly can’t say. Koga is strong, but those wounds...” she trailed off.

Kagome bit her lip. The languid gurgling of the brook filled her ears. “What are we going to do?” It was a muttered question, but Sango heard it none-the-less.

Finally the gray rocks near the edge of the water appeared in the light. The taijiya sat down on one heavily and closed her eyes. After a deep breath she spoke. “You mean about Inuyasha?” A nod was her answer. She watched the younger woman kneel down and rinse her hands off in the cool water. “I don’t know Kagome, but we can’t let him keep attacking people like this.” Her brow wrinkled as she thought back to their early morning encounter. “Especially if he’s attacking whole villages.”

“I told you that girl was lying.” Kagome answered just a bit too quickly and sighed. “I agree though.” The vision of her mother and brother flashed across her mind. Shaking her head violently, she stood up and stripped. “He has three shards now.”

Sango hummed in acknowledgement, her mind focused not on their hanyou friend, but on the girl before her. “Will you be alright? If we have to fight him, I mean.”

A shiver that had nothing to do with the temperature of the water rolled over the miko. She plunged herself in quickly, up to her neck. “I don’t know. You’re right, we can’t let him keep doing this, but...”

“You’re scared,” the taijiya finished for her. Another bob of the miko’s shadowed head. “It’s alright, you know, to be scared. There is nothing more I want then to see Naraku destroyed and to save my brother, but I’m still afraid.” Her voice had grown soft, her gaze fixing on the ground. “I’m afraid Kohaku will die, or that someone else I care about will die.”

The words hung heavy between the females. So much tragedy had already befallen them, there was sure to be more before the end. Kagome quickly scrubbed her body off and stepped out of the water. Her teeth chattered from the cold. Yes, she was scared. Both of what her reaction would be upon coming face to face with Inuyasha again, and of the idea that her once friend might injure any of her other friends. Kagome came out of her thoughts when Sango began to speak again.

“I hate Naraku for what he’s done to my family.” The taijiya’s gazed up into her sister’s face. “But I have a luxury you don’t. You can’t hate Inuyasha, can you?”

The miko closed her eyes almost guiltily. “No. I thought a lot about it and I don’t know everything that happened. I’m angry and hurt, but if he didn’t put the shard in himself, if he was forced to change, then it isn’t really his fault is it?”

Sango didn’t have an answer. Her thoughts turned to her brother and the way he was forced to act. She didn’t blame him; she blamed herself for not being able to protect him. Looking at her sister‘s sullen posture it wasn‘t hard for the taijiya to think Kagome blamed herself as well. “It’s not your fault either. You‘ve told me many times that it wasn‘t my fault someone cruel and evil possessed my brother.”

Kagome winced, her own words thrown back at her. The relief of logic warred with the pain of regret. “This is different,” she argued.

“No, it’s not. Somehow Inuyasha reverted to his youkai state. How that happened is not your fault,” Sango stated adamantly. “It’s Inuyasha’s fault for leaving the group over a stupid fight.” She could see that the younger woman was crying again and reached over to hug her. “And it’s not your fault he went through the well.”

The miko’s shoulders hunched protectively. How much she wanted to believe it wasn’t her own ignorance to blame for her family’s death. Guilt crawled through her veins as Kagome shook against the slayer’s shoulder. It had to be her fault. Yet, was it so different from her friend’s situation? She never could have known what had happened would happen. Kagome had trusted Inuyasha implicitly, even after his previous transformations. Did that make her a fool?

“You know Kagome,” Sango stated carefully; “Sesshomaru will want to kill him.” The taijiya’s thoughts traveled back to what her father had taught her about youkai politics. Her lips thinned at the memory of him explaining that to attack a youkai Lord unprovoked was punishable by death. Even if that wasn’t the case, there was very little hope in her mind that they could bring their hanyou friend back to his senses. She grimaced; “we may have to let him.”

Another sob tore through the little miko’s body.

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Sesshomaru sat in what had become his usual place in camp, his thoughts disturbed. Koga was the Eastern Lord, and as such a daiyoukai. While he was still young, and far less powerful than himself and the other two Lord’s, he should not have been injured so easily.

While the women had been gone the sun had set and now the soft breaths of his ward and the trio of wolves were heavy in his ears. He cast a glance at the monk who seemed to be meditating, and then at the lump of kitsune pretending to sleep.

What disturbed him the most was the idea that his feral half-brother had removed the Eastern Lord’s jewel shards. Why was Inuyasha after the shards? Was he using them? Was it perhaps a random attack or had his half-brother gone after Koga on purpose? No doubt they would have to wait for the wolf to wake up in order to ask.

Shards. His thoughts turned to the woman who had a bottle of shards hanging around her neck at that very moment. ‘Kagome.’ He could feel her fear and sadness through their bond. How would she react if she discovered Inuyasha was after more jewel shards?

When she and the huntress re-entered the clearing the daiyoukai observed the miko’s facial features. Her brow was wrinkled, lips drawing into a scowl, and when her eyes immediately sought out the wolf he felt a jolt of annoyance. The whelp couldn’t even defend himself properly.

Feeling his displeasure, Kagome looked over at the demon Lord. Golden orbs bored into her and she shivered involuntarily. Why did he always look as if he was prepared to pounce? She sighed, her body and mind were weary. She really didn’t want to deal with Sesshomaru’s mood. In an effort to break the tension she announced, “Inuyasha took his jewel shards.”

“I feared as much,” the now alert monk stated.

Sango sat down on a pile of bedding, her wet hair curling over her shoulder. “What I don’t understand is how Inuyasha injured him so badly. It’s not like Koga has never run from a fight before.”

“Don’t let him hear you say that,” Kagome quipped, her throat still slightly raw. She dug around in one of the large bundles she’d brought back from her time and produced several packages of jerky and a box of granola bars. Holding them up she turned to Sango and Miroku. “Want some? We all kind of missed dinner.”

At her friends nods she passed the food around. It was at that moment the kitsune feigning sleep decided to make himself known. He moved across the camp, curling up against his surrogate mother’s stomach and purring softly. He of course, smelled the tears still clinging to her skin when she entered the clearing. Kagome wrapped an arm around him to stroke his tail and handed him a piece of jerky.

“Sesshomaru, would you like some jerky?” Internally Kagome giggled at the look on his face, but she could feel his curiosity. Without thinking she threw the bag at him, eliciting gasps from her human friends. A magenta striped hand caught it easily and with more refinement than she bet any person who had ever eaten jerky before, he retrieved a piece and took a bite. Taking in the saucer eyed looks from her companions, Kagome thought it best to divert their attention. “Do you think Inuyasha is using the shards?”

That sobered her friends up. Miroku rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “It is a strong possibility, though one I hope that I am mistaken about. I have no wish to battle our feral hanyou friend while he is in possession of three jewel shards.”

Murmurs of agreement came from the rest of the original shard hunters before each slipped into their own thoughts. Kagome’s attention drifted to the demon Lord, Sango’s words ringing through her mind. Could she stand back and watch Sesshomaru kill his own brother? On that solemn note the food was packed away and the three humans and one kitsune lay down to rest.

It was only a few hours later that Sesshomaru was jolted out of a light dose by the overwhelming smell and feel of fear. Across the fire Kagome thrashed surrounded in a light pink haze. Her back arched off the bedding, her face tight with distress. Beneath the glow of her powers, only just discernable, was the outline of the kitsune. The child clung to his mother’s side, tiny paws gripping the soft fabric of her nightshirt. Without a thought the demon Lord moved swiftly across camp and reached his hand through the holy power to snag the back of Shippo’s haori. Golden eyes widened. Neither he nor the kit had been burned.

A whimper drew his attention to the kitsune dangling from his hand. “Can you wake her up?”

Well, it hadn’t purified him before. He lowered the small bundle of orange fur and both demons crouched next to the miko. Slowly, Sesshomaru’s large clawed hand reached for the woman’s shoulder.

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It started out differently then her other nightmares. Instead of sitting at the desk in her bedroom at her once home, she was standing in the middle of a large field. The grass was thick like carpet; small swells of clover dotted the land. Above her the sun shone brightly. The sky broken by puffy white clouds that spoke of a perfect summer day.

A shout rang out to her right and she turned her head in time to see Sango’s hiraikotsu whip past her. The path of the bone boomerang was surreal in the cheery setting. When she once again looked forward the illusion of peace was broken. Hundreds of demons streamed toward her and a bow rested in her hands. Without another thought Kagome loaded an arrow and aimed into the oncoming horde. Her arrow streaked away from her in a flash of pink, glittering ash rained from the sky.

Across the distance she could just make out Sesshomaru battling against Naraku. A glance behind her and her eyes widened. Shippo was there. That was not unusual, but Jaken perched atop A-Un was. Where was Rin? Her attention was diverted by a cry from Miroku.

The houshi was down on his knees cradling the stump of his right hand; the ground below him was steadily turning red. Kagome’s stomach lurched. Firing another shot, she dashed toward the fallen monk, but Sango got there first. The taijiya tore her suit and wrapped the bit of cloth around Miroku’s arm. He was shaking now, his face white as he sunk to his side in the fetal position.

Once again Kagome was distracted. Another arrow tore through the offending youkai, but when she looked back to her friends a scream ripped from her throat. She watched, wide-eyed, as Kohaku’s blade pierced through Sango’s back. The point penetrated through to his sister’s chest and she toppled over on top of the monk. Dead.

Kagome froze in horror. The slayer turned puppet pulled his weapon from his sister’s corpse and flung it toward her. The metal still coated in Sango’s blood, winked evilly at her in the mid-day sun. Before it could hit Kagome was tugged backwards and up, hot breath on her neck. Glancing behind her, Kagome could just make out Kirara’s muzzle. In the air now, Shippo, Jaken, and A-Un were not longer visible. Instead her vision locked on Sesshomaru. He was bleeding, and he was losing.

“Take me down there Kirara.” A muffled roar was her answer and the neko descended. Upon touching the ground the mononoke ripped through the demons before her, clearing a path to the demon Lord’s side.

Kagome loaded another arrow, belatedly wondering where her katana was. In a moment where the demons cleared from her path Kagome let loose. Disappointment swelled within her when instead of striking Naraku, her arrow purified several low-level demons that got in its way.

Another roar, fainter, alerted Kagome that she and Kirara had been separated. The cry of the neko cut off mid-way through. Gritting her teeth against her sorrow the miko darted through the youkai desperately seeking the white haired inu. She never saw the tentacle coming.

Her vision went red, pain lanced through her and she stumbled. Her bow fell from her hand. As her life leaked from the hole in her side an infuriated howl erupted from in front of her. A burst of light went before her.

Kagome’s eyelids felt heavy and the ground creaked. Something large, white, and furry entered her vision. She had one last glimpse of Sesshomaru in his true form before he was overwhelmed by demons and her world went black.

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His hand had only just touched her shoulder when the woman jerked into a sitting position. Had he been someone else Sesshomaru would have startled. Frantic blue eyes searched the camp before coming to rest on him. Without a word spoken the little miko launched herself into his arms. Shippo made a choked sound of surprise.

Slowly Sesshomaru looked down at the crown of the dark head pressed into the hollow of his shoulder. She was crying and muttering into his chest. Soft slender arms wrapped around his torso and he had a moment of indecision. One half of him wanted to fling the miko from his person, the other half wanted to wrap his arms around her and stroke her hair. Sesshomaru settled for placing his hands on her shoulders and forcing her away from his body until he could see her face. She hiccupped and then raised her gaze to meet his own.

A blush stole across Kagome’s nose when she realized she had just ‘assaulted Sesshomaru’s person.’

He waited until she looked up to speak. “What has caused you such distress?”

Kagome blinked. His tone had been almost gentle, as if she were a small child in need of comfort. Though at the moment that was exactly how she felt, she had half expected him to lop her head off. Mouth hanging open, her brain finally processed his expectant look. “Oh,” she whispered and bit her lip. “I had a nightmare.”

“Obviously,” was his haughty response.

Her nose crinkled at his high-handed air. Feeling like a blubbering idiot, Kagome attempted to disentangle herself from inu. A single hand on her back forestalled her progress. In her peripheral vision she saw Shippo gawking at her and the sensations in her legs finally made themselves known. Looking down she registered her position in the demon Lord’s lap.

Sesshomaru watched, with some amusement, the little miko blush deep red. He shifted the muscles of his thighs a bit and resisted a smirk at her small intake of breath. What had she dreamed to cause such a reaction? He wanted to ask again, but instead finally allowed her to move away from him, her shoulders ducked in embarrassment.

The daiyoukai stood and moved back to his original position across the fire. With an impassive face he watched her snuggle back down into her bed. The kitsune moved next to her, circling around like a cat before lying against her side. Absently the miko stroked his tail. After some time her breathing evened out and she slipped back into unconsciousness.

Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes. Outbursts of that sort could not happen again. She could have accidentally purified any of the other youkai in camp. Ruefully he acknowledged the fact that she needed to control her emotions, and that the only being capable of training her in such would be him. An inaudible sigh escaped him but he found himself unable to muster a glare in her direction. ‘Vexing miko.’

Still, he wondered why her power had receded when he touched her.

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AN:

Thank you to my reviewers. You make me feel good while I’m busy flouncing around in the bog I’ve fallen into.