InuYasha Fan Fiction / Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ The return of Anubis ❯ Meeting the dragons ( Chapter 7 )

A/N: I do not own Inuyasha, I do not own YuGiOh, I do not own Fairy Tail and I definitely do not own Tales of the Abyss.

~X~

The miko and her two companions, the Inu Brothers, were now having a tour of Atem's palace. There were so many rooms. She was definitely going to get lost in this large, stone compound.

And what she loved the most was that every corridor held life.

Those pillars, the walls and the floors were painted in bright, vivid colors all around and whoever did this handy work did a damn great job. Hieroglyphics would again grace the walls as the four of them walked along the winding halls of the Palace, eventually coming to the west wing where the guests will be staying as Aria mentioned.

They were free to wander about as they so pleased, as long as they do not venture into the tomb below the palace and the far eastern wing where Atem's room would be.

Aria had led the group up to the highest floor, which would be the fourth floor, now walking down that long, decoratively painted hall. They'd pass many large doors, Kagome assuming one of them would be it but it seems that was not the case. She was about to ask Aria where their room was but they'd eventually come to stop at the very end of the hall. This door was a bit larger than the one's they passed earlier and upon that door held the symbol of that same eye she saw before, carved into gold plating and embedded into the wooden door.

A golden ring would be the door handle and Aria grasped onto it, pulling that door out towards them and both Kagome's and Inuyasha's eyes lit up the moment they looked inside their room.

It was like a fancy, yet expensive, hotel suite.

They stepped down those two steps that led into their room, Kagome's eyes lighting up as she looked around their suite.

Just before them in the middle of the vast room would be one large bed. Or was it just an extremely large cushion? It had to be since four large decorative pillows would be on top of the crimson colored softness. It was about three feet high in the shape of a square… She couldn't wait to face plant in it!

There were various plants placed in tall vases all around the room as well, that same vivid painting of bright colors found around the walls with even more hieroglyphics. The floor was polished stone, equally spaced with cement between each block. And just at the other end of the suite would be two sets of large, crimson colored curtains that were closed together but Aria would head right for them after setting down Kagome's large knapsack upon that large cushion within the middle of the room.

Aria's hands would rise to grab the first set of curtains on the left, both the miko and the hanyou watching the dragoness as she opened them up and revealed outside. Kagome would walk over towards the dragoness as she stepped aside, letting Kagome head out into the open balcony. From here she could make out the entire western side of the vast and large city some several meters ahead as well as the now descending sun in the distance as it touched the horizon. It was absolutely beautiful.

She'd then glance over the stone railing and she gasped at how high up they were. She'd see the floor below her and the next and the next… Those three floors having the same balcony layout. She had to wonder if the inside was the same as well! And on the ground floor, she would find a lush, forested area with many plants and trees all around. Was this a garden?

Inuyasha would emerge out into the balcony as well from the other side of it, taking in the scenery before him.

“Oi, Kagome-chan! Come and see which room you want.”

Kagome would give one last look outside before heading back in, following Aria right around the corner with Inuyasha following the two. Sesshoumaru didn't seem like the type to go on `tour' so he'd just head out into the balcony and claim one of the cushions and remained silent as he relaxed for the remainder of the day.

Now, the north side of the suite held an area that was spacious but not as the one previous.

The path towards this area held a tall open arch and there were two doors within the small area, evenly spaced out from each other.

“Pick whichever room you choose. They are both the same.”

Now, before they did pick out which room they'd want, she would motion for them to follow to the door that was north of those rooms. Door was pushed inwards to reveal the baths. Small steps would step down into the grey tiled room that held its own `pool' inside. It was small, like a Jacuzzi type pool embedded into the ground. It was big enough for perhaps four people. There was a towel rack off onto one corner and a fountain sink on the other, followed by a small table that held various sized bottles in which she'd assume it would be soaps of some sort.

Now the three of them would leave this side of the suite and be off to the north side and again, this area was still quite spacious but to Kagome's surprise, there was a miniature kitchen! She'd recognize the open space beneath the counters which would likely be where to start the fire and on top of said counter would be where to place a pot for heating it up. And right across from that kitchen would hold a small two feet tall table with cushioned seats all around, likely for those that wished to eat in this area.

“Make yourselves at home.”

Now concluding that tour!

And with that done, Kagome immediately returned to the main room that held the very large lounge couch, falling face first into the softness. It was truly soft as she suspected! She felt her entire body sink a bit within the cushions but it felt quite good as she immediately began to relax. Poor girl was tired. Aria looked over Kagome and tilted her head curiously at the miko when she began to get comfortable upon that couch.

“Will you be joining us for dinner, Kagome-san?”

Oh right… Dinner. She forgot! But she was so tired now after hitting that couch and Aria could hear the groan of frustration leave the miko even as she struggled to roll out onto her back. When she had managed this, her eyes would turn to the side to find Aria once more that was waiting for her reply.

“Is it okay if I skip out on dinner tonight?” It's not like she wasn't hungry, she just wanted some time to rest, is all.

“Of course. Shall I bring you back some food then?”

Kagome nodded her head. “That would be great, thanks.”

“You're welcome. Shall I bring some food back for you as well, Inuyasha? Sesshoumaru?”

“Hell no. I'm coming with. You do not realize how hungry I am.”

Oh right. Inuyasha did mention he was hungry earlier and by now, he was likely starving. So! He would be definitely joining Aria and the rest of the other Egyptians for dinner. As for Sesshoumaru, he simply declined with a shake of his head, even as he still continued to sit outside within that balcony.

Well, that was that.

“Oh by the way, just down the hall will be some servants willing to assist you should you need anything, Kagome.”

The miko would nod her head again. “Thanks. I should be fine, though.”

Aria smiled to the miko who lay upon the large cushion and gave one last look to Sesshoumaru who sat out at the balcony in silence before turning towards the hanyou who looked ready to fill that stomach of his. Aria grinned and immediately hooked her arm with Inuyasha's own and began dragging him off to the door, “Inuyasha! Come, come, we have much to discuss…”

Inuyasha saw that look upon Aria's face and knew she was up to no good. Oh dear. Maybe it was a bad idea to go after all. The dragoness would now exit with that hanyou in tow, closing the door to the suite behind her and left the miko and DaiYoukai to themselves. Inuyasha knew nothing was happening between the two so he wouldn't have worry about anything… Sesshoumaru despised humans.

However! Mikos were viewed to be far higher than just human, in Sesshoumaru's opinion.

Silence now befell that suite and Kagome rolled over to lie upon her side to face the balcony. From here she could catch just a glimpse of the sun as it was already half-way gone with the night sky coming to replace it soon. Then her gaze dropped to the back of Sesshoumaru's head and he had yet to move from his spot. Wow, to think he could stay that was for so long! He had already discarded his armor and his weapons as she'd see them be placed in the corner from inside the room she was currently in, wondering when the hell he did that.

Well, no matter.

Again she'd roll upon her back and took one deep breath, taking in the sweet smelling aroma within the room. Did Aria light up an incense burner, perhaps? It did smell nice. It gave off that Arabian night's atmosphere, too. Kagome truly felt like she was living in one fantasy dream world right now, experiencing Egypt in its prime.

Kagome began to doze off yet she was still somewhat awake. She wasn't going to sleep, not just yet. If she did, she would be awake through the entire night!

And so that miko began to day dream as she laid there upon the enlarged cushion. She remembered all those good events that led her to where she was now. She managed to get her bow that can with hold her power and some arrows that were imbued with special wood from where she had no doubt it was from Mount Hakurei. That and she learned a new technique on top of all that too. A smile crept up upon her face as she enjoyed her progress.

And as those minutes went by, Kagome felt herself grow hot. Night had befallen them but it was still hot. Albeit, much cooler than earlier in the day but it was still warm. What she needed was some water.

Head turned to the side and glanced out at the balcony and to her surprise, Sesshoumaru was no longer there. She blinked slowly, raising up her head a tad and looked around the room for that DaiYoukai but he was nowhere to be found.

Where did he go?

And she was far too lazy to even get up at the moment. She was so comfortable and so cozy… The miko groaned again in frustration.

“Fluffy-chaaaan…”

She knew he was near. He had to be. He wouldn't leave her here by herself, right?

“Can you get me some water, please? There's a pitcher on the dining table.”

What was he, her slave?!

Luckily enough, Sesshoumaru was in that area, having ventured into a room Aria had not shown them all yet. It was a small reading room that had two large book shelves with many books stacked upon said shelves, all dusty and old from the looks of it. A stone table was set in the middle of those two large crimson colored seats; a dimly lit candle placed in the middle provided just enough light for that small room. The candle seemed to only activate when a presence was near. There wasn't any book that piqued his interest but this room was another one of his slightly favorite spots. Hearing the miko's groan of frustration and those words that called out to him was heard and was about to refuse her call but found out that he couldn't.

It's not like he was avoiding her or anything, it's just that he found himself growing far too attached to the miko to a point where he may lose the reigns he had on his inner beast. Nostrils flared and he'd move silently out from that room, turning his head to glance upon the dining table that had that pitcher filled with ice cold water as evident from the amount of perspiration seen upon the large ceramic cup.

Kagome waited silently for the DaiYoukai to appear, slowly moving to sit upright upon the middle of that lounge couch and look out for the male. He would make his appearance and those eyes found him approaching her with a cup of water she had asked for. He didn't look too happy, though. Then again, when did he not? Kagome took the small cup from the DaiYoukai and nodded her thanks, Sesshoumaru watching her intently as she downed that water as if her life depended on it.

A pleased sigh left Kagome's lips and felt much better! Well, for the moment. She'd hand back that empty cup to Sesshoumaru and he stared at her, hard, with narrowing eyes. Kagome saw this look and almost flinched underneath his gaze but soon she'd pout at him.

“What…? Fluffy-chan, please. This isn't Japan! It's Egypt.”

“That means nothing.”

Kagome sighed and had to refrain from rolling her eyes at the DaiYoukai. What was so bad in just heeding to her words just a little? The girl just plopped back onto the cushions with a huff, staring hard up at the ceiling.

“I don't know why I even like you…”

Now that was a first. Did she let those words slip out on purpose? Because Sesshoumaru definitely heard them, loud and clear. And this had him eyeing the woman questioningly. She liked him? That was a good thing, was it not? Then why did she express such words with much disdain?

Kagome tilted her head down to look upon Sesshoumaru who still stood there at the edge of the enlarged cushion to give her one of his infamous icy stares but she would narrow her eyes at him with body shifting just slightly over the cushion.

“Oh? May I help you, Sesshoumaru-sama?”

Sesshoumaru blinked. He blinked once and then again.

Was she… mocking him?

Sesshoumaru said nothing; however, he did give her that look as if he dared for her to challenge him. She wasn't backing down though, glaring right back at the DaiYoukai.

What was his problem?!

Could he not set his pride aside for just a moment within his life? It wouldn't kill him, either.

Sesshoumaru's lips pulled back in a snarl when he beared his fangs at the miko, Kagome's brows rising when she saw this. Now that was something she hadn't seen in a while. Those fangs were sharp; glinting in the dim fire's light within that suite as it was now night fall upon Egypt. Those very teeth she had come to enjoy feeling upon her body, nipping at her flesh.

Wait, no! That wasn't what she meant to think!

Sesshoumaru smelled it though, the slight sudden change in her scent. It was miniscule but it was there. Her arousal. Kagome's glare died down the moment she saw that same hunger flash within his amber hues and began to back down from the DaiYoukai because she knew once he kept going, he would not stop. But that was too late because this youkai was already approaching Kagome while she lay back upon that couch.

Oh god, no! It wasn't supposed to turn out like this!

But she couldn't help it. The way he stalked her excited her greatly, her arousal growing as the seconds went and Sesshoumaru looked determined to have her screaming out her pleasure before the day was out. Kagome felt that dip in the cushions when Sesshoumaru climbed on top of the couch with her, the girl freezing at the spot and just couldn't pry her eyes from the predatory gaze of the great Inu youkai. She had to stop him! She wanted to, she needed to but her body just went against all her actions as reason was thrown right out the window.

He was now hovering over the girl with both his hands placed on either side of her head, growling down at her and she looked to be so scared. What if they did something they were both going to regret?! Well, Sesshoumaru might not but she would!

Her eyes widened when he lowered himself onto her body and immediately his lips went to her exposed neck. Again, those lips! But he wasn't kissing her neck this time though as she'd feel his teeth catch flesh between those sharp canines and leave behind reddened marks across her skin. Oh god! Never had she felt this before. Her eyes fluttered closed and her head would tilt to the side to expose more of her neck to him. Again he would gladly take invitation and let his teeth mark across every bit of her flesh with a low growl heard once more. It rumbled throughout his chest and she felt it when he lay upon her.

He was so warm… She could tell, even if there were layers of fabric between them.

But this had Kagome groaning out in frustration, only wishing to feel more of his warmth. But could she do it? She was so frightened to even touch him! Would he allow it?

He'd trail down her neck and would come into contact of her haori and growled lowly when more access of her flesh was blocked off. Kagome saw this and saw his hands moved with those claws flexed and he looked ready to shred up her clothing. Eyes widened and immediately went to grasp his wrist and this had him staring up at her face in slight annoyance with a narrowed gaze.

She gulped.

“You cannot… rip my clothes. Just… let me remove them, okay?”

He growled at her once more but it would die down and she hoped he got the message.

The hold on his wrist removed and now she'd move her hands to her front. Slowly that string was pulled and once open she'd grasp hold of her collar and once again, she'd pull apart that fabric, the girl's cheeks flushing quite heavily as she began to strip beneath the eager DaiYoukai. Off went her obi, too, untying the knot from her waist and that loosened up her hakama as well as the kosode that was tucked inside.

And she'd reveal that she wore no undergarments beneath all that layer of fabric and for some reason, this excited him. Did she somehow know that something like this would happen between the two of them? Kagome couldn't dare to look at him now when she exposed her bare chest fully to him and he would gladly continue his ministrations upon her body, picking up where he left off.

Kagome gasped when his teeth found her collarbones and when his hands already moved from its place upon either side of her head to grasp her breasts. Both mounds would be kneaded and squeezed in his hands, feeling those long, slender fingers grip at her flesh and massage them with such care… Kagome arched her back up off of the cushion and gave a low, quiet moan. Her eyes shut tight, the girl now panting heavily for much needed breath.

Were they going to keep this up? Kagome was not so sure. But what she did know was that she missed this greatly and only wished to feel more of his mouth, his lips, his teeth and his touch. When did she ever become so greedy?

After leaving marks across her collarbones, Sesshoumaru traveled lower and began to trail those nips just between her breasts, leaving various marks across her flesh even more.

“Mmn… Sesshoumaru…”

Kagome couldn't stop her legs from moving as they'd raise and wrap around him, this act causing the DaiYoukai to growl out again and immediately capture one of her breasts within his mouth. Kagome elicited a gasping moan when a nipple found his mouth, again feeling the same waves of pleasure rush throughout her body but this one was felt full force. He began to pull and tug at that nipple with his mouth as he sucked rather greedily, Kagome's moans never ceasing but remained quiet all the while.

He'd then switch to her other breast and gave that the same treatment as the right one from previous, squeezing that mound and let his tongue drag over the nipple repeatedly. To think she'd get so excited over a little breast play… But she had to admit, it felt so good.

Sesshoumaru gave one last lick to that breast and began to travel even lower down Kagome's body as she gasped, not knowing where this man was headed to. But it soon became evident as he grabbed a hold of the end of her hakama and began to pull it down her shapely legs. Kagome felt her heartbeat race quick as she knew what he was heading for. She'd allow him to remove her clothing, becoming compliant and remained silent when that material was now gone from her legs.

There the miko lay beneath him, completely naked. His eyes roamed her form and took note she had aged well in the last three years he had not seen her. Curves in the right places, moderate bust and not too skinny, either. She was perfect. A beautiful specimen he could not wait to get his hands on and claim her.

Wait, didn't she say she wished to continue this until after their trip? But here they were again for the second time.

Those amber hues drew up her form to gaze up at her face, already finding those ocean blues looking straight at him. Her face was still heavily flushed but those eyes spoke of something else. Fear and worry yet he could see the lust behind all that as well. Was the miko unsure of herself?

Kagome knew they can't keep doing this. She had to stop but how?! It was proving to be rather difficult to do each time she looked up at that male. A small part of her was willing to do anything he'd ask for but trailing down that path would only lead her to destruction.

“…Is this what you want?”

Again, that same question heard from the DaiYoukai and each time she heard it, she found herself having quite the hard time to even answer it. Her heart was so torn. She wanted so many things but that would only make her selfish. She wanted so much more but could he even give it? Sesshoumaru would search her face for any answers but soon he smelled the scent of tears and they'd arrive as they'd stream down her face.

“I don't know…”

Her voice so quiet as arms hugged herself, again, unable to truly find her answer for the youkai above her. Her crying had stopped when Sesshoumaru leaned in again and this time his lips found hers in a tender kiss. Her eyes closed when their lips melded and almost immediately that kiss began to grow into something hotter. Hotter than ever before, even. Arms would unfold from beneath him and she'd wrap those arms around his neck as they kissed feverishly, Kagome pulling his body close to her naked one. And soon his arms would wrap around hers as well as that kiss grew to a new state they had yet not reached once before. Kagome even dared to slip in her tongue into his mouth and this had Sesshoumaru growling out in between kisses, his own tongue joining hers from within.

Again her legs would wrap around his waist, almost as if she was keeping him in place so that he would not leave but Sesshoumaru was not going anywhere. That kiss deepened further as heads would tilt this way and that, Kagome moaning out into his mouth as she felt the lust slowly creep out from within and soon envelop her form. Their tongues would twirl about from inside, delving in and out of their mouths and Kagome moaned out again into his mouth, the act exciting her greatly. And that's when Kagome knew what she wanted. She wanted him, everything he had to offer. But would Sesshoumaru give what she wanted most?

For a split second, she had just lost control of herself. She was about to tell him to forget whatever she had said some weeks ago and just fuck her.

But that kiss would finally end when Sesshoumaru pulled away rather abruptly, Kagome gasping for much needed breath with blue eyes blinking open and gazing up to his face when he seemed to glare daggers at the door.

Was someone there?!

“…Seems we have company coming.”

Company?! Oh god, whoever it was, they could not see them like this! Especially with her naked! Immediately Kagome began to panic and began to shove Sesshoumaru from atop her.

Well, she tried to but he was just too damn strong and stayed put.

“Move, Fluffy-chan! Or else we'll get caught.”

“So what if we do?”

…What?!

Did he just say that?! He can't say that now, all of a sudden! But he did eventually peel away from her, sliding off of that cushion and the miko gazed at him in shock. What the hell! This male was surprising her constantly. But enough of that now, she had to put on some clothes. She couldn't put back on her miko clothes, not after what they just did. So she'd quickly grab up all the material of clothing she had stripped from her body as well as her huge knapsack that was already on that cushion and rushed towards one of the vacant rooms she'd be sleeping in tonight.

Kagome quickly placed on some undergarments and slipped into a short sleeved yukata, now tying it together with her obi, fastening that around her waist and bow tied the back. She had practice in doing this for quite some time now so she'd barely need help for another to do so. The braid she done in her hair was quickly undone and had let some of her dark locks pour around her neck and shoulders, likely trying to hide what Sesshoumaru had just done to her flesh. She didn't need anyone seeing that.

She'd step out of that room and door was closed behind her, now stepping out into that main area again and already, Sesshoumaru was gone. Where the hell did he disappear off to again?

And right on time, a faint knock was heard upon the door.

“Kagome-samaaaaa, are you there? We brought you back some food!”

That was Aria's voice no doubt. And then she heard some giggles and stifled in laughter. The hell was going on? And the moment food was mentioned, Kagome felt her stomach rumble. She was so damn hungry now.

“Yes, yes. Coming!”

Woo boy. She had to wonder what the hell Aria and Inuyasha were up to and hoped she wasn't their target. Kagome walked up that small flight of stairs and pulled the door open, those eyes finding the face of that red dragon from earlier today.

“Yo!”

He'd quickly greet the miko with a wave of the hand and stepped through that door to let himself in that suite.

Kagome was so confused now. “…Eh?”

“Wow this room is so big… What the hell, Atem held out on us!” Asche's displeased voice heard and before Kagome could even speak, then came the green haired dragon popping into her room as well and winked towards Kagome but he'd then join Asche in ogling the entirety of the suite.

“Wow, you was not kidding, Asche…”

What the hell was happening!?

“Aha, sorry, Kagome.”

Now her eyes turned back to the doorway and found Aria who gave the miko an apologetic look. And there Inuyasha would be behind her, followed by the white haired dragoness from earlier.

What in the world…

“Kagome! You missed out on dinner! They had so much food and there was music and pretty ladies dancing and stuff. It was fun.”

Inuyasha would step inside after he spoke and Kagome just shook her head. She was just not ready for all this. It was like her a crash party, or something.

“I bet you're hungry now, eh, Kagome? I brought back some food, just like you asked.” Aria rising up the covered plate to the girl and she would gladly take it as she leaned against the door. It was pushed open so that both Aria and the white haired girl could come inside as well, Kisara bowing her head to greet the miko silently.

Oh boy, this was going to be one long night.

~X~

That suite Kagome resided in became quite busy that night, having now housed seven occupants. The miko, the two Inu brothers and the four dragons that served under Atem.

Kagome had sat at a table to eat her food in which she devoured almost immediately, finding it to be quite delicious. She got to experience Egypt's food! Pita bread, spicy shrimp on a bed of steamed rice, freshly cut vegetables with some seasoning she had to use in her next ramen cookout and some chicken soup that she found to be quite delicious.

And while she ate, she would watch as Inuyasha seemed to get quite a long with the male dragons, even though they teased him because he had dog-like ears atop his head. That's when he showed off his Tessaiga to the two of them and they all gazed in amazement at how such a dinky little sword turned into that.

Kagome would also learn more about the dragons that came to `hang out' in that suite of theirs. Each of them introduced themselves—Asche the red dragon, Freed the green dragon and Kisara the white dragon. Asche and Freed were not Egyptians but actually from Grecians from Greece! They never revealed how or why they got here, almost as if they tried to avoid that subject, so what they told her was that they `moved' from Greece and decided to stay in Egypt.

And it was no wonder Asche and Inuyasha clicked because those two had similar matching tempers. They'd argue over the most silliest of things. It was like Kouga vs. Inuyasha all over again. Freed on the other hand remained calm and collected but he would take every chance he could get in riling up the hanyou's nerves along with Asche. Kagome knew Freed was an honest dragon just from his looks alone.

As for Kisara… She was born in Egypt but she was a special case. She didn't have dark skin like all the other Egyptians and this was because she held the `spirit' of the Blue Eyes White Dragon within her which was revealed that she was actually human and not a youkai. However, the power of the dragon spirit gave her youkai like physical qualities, i.e. sharp fangs, pointy tipped ears, slitted pupils and a lengthy life span. Kisara was mostly quiet and kept to herself but she seemed to talk only when something of interest sparks in her.

Now with a bit of their past revealed and the like, the real reason those dragons were here was because Kagome was from the future. They had to see her.

They were so curious to know more about the girl who lived about five hundred years into the future. They would ask her many questions about how life was like without Anubis to rule the earth. She tried to explain to them all to the best of her ability, even mentioning the advance form of technology that developed throughout the years but they looked to be so confused.

That's when Inuyasha pointed his nose up in the air victoriously.

“I've been to the future.”

That claim made by the hanyou earned him questionable stares from both the red and green dragons and as far as they could tell, they just couldn't believe it.

Asche then turned to Kagome who was sipping her water peacefully to herself and she gazed back, blinking slowly in question.

“Is this true?”

Kagome nodded her head to answer the red dragon and Inuyasha grinned right back at Asche.

“See, told ya. I've met her family too. They're all nice to me.”

Kagome just rolled her eyes. “Yeah, yeah.”

“Damn, seems Inuyasha has us beat, Freed.” The words of the red dragon given to his green dragon companion.

“Hey, all he is… is a mutt.”

Inuyasha growled at Freed's words and a cheeky grin was sent over towards the hanyou. That green headed dragon would hop back into the large lounge couch onto his back and Kagome immediately stiffened when he did this. Oh god. She was just on that spot with Sesshoumaru not too long ago, having the hottest make-out session with him she might add, and she honestly hoped Freed wouldn't smell her scent that mingled within the fabric. Those arms of his folded behind his head and stared up at the ceiling.

“Oi, Aria. You should ask Atem if we can have a stylish room like this. Just look at how big it is!”

Asche nodded wholeheartedly with Freed, agreeing completely with his words. “Yeah, you should. Who knew there was this much space left over from the war?”

Kagome blinked slowly. Had she not heard of this war mentioned before?

“The war?”

The four dragons now looked over to Kagome upon hearing her ask about the war, the room falling deathly silent but they had entirely forgotten that she was not from Egypt. Aria's gaze would drop down onto the floor and Kisara would reach out and grasp her shoulder in a gentle touch, having known that whenever it came to the war many years ago, it was a very touchy subject for the black dragoness.

“Those were dark times, Kagome. Many would not want to remember those days, let alone talk about them… Many lives were lost.”

Then Aria shook her head after Asche spoke. “She has a right to hear. She is living under our roof now for just the month, so… Why not?”

Kagome immediately put her hands up defensively upon hearing Aria's words and the slight saddened tone she took. “No, no. It's okay! You don't have to tell me. I don't want to have you remember some unpleasant memories.” It was the last thing she wanted, anyway.

Aria smiled softly at the miko, “It is okay, Kagome. The war was well over four hundred or so years ago so you may as well know.” She'd pause run a free hand through her hair briefly as a soft sigh escaped her lips.

“Did you hear from Sesshoumaru the reason why I left?”

Kagome nodded her head. “Well, not from Sesshoumaru but from one of his servants… I think his name was Kiba.”

Aria blinked. “Oh! I remember him. The long faced droopy eared dog? He's still working underneath Sesshoumaru even after his father passed? Wow.”

Kagome nodded her head once more. “Yep, that's the one.”

“Well, then I suppose you already know about my father, Ryuuga. He gave me one last choice to either live in the Inu no Taisho household with Sesshoumaru or come with him back to Egypt. My father was the only family I had left, so… I went back to Egypt with him and aided my father in fighting alongside him the Great Youkai War.”

“This war was a battle for territory expansion, between Egypt and the Grecian empire, but then it seemed to drift off to more of a personal grudge against several DaiYoukai's. I never was in the frontlines but I did see all the hatred and anger spread amongst my people and it changed them in the most sickening of ways. My father was a dragon who served beneath Atem's father, Akhnamkanon, the previous Pharaoh, and he was the leader in command of Akhnamkanon's army. He was always in the frontlines, putting himself in danger yet fought vigilantly for his people…”

Kagome frowned the moment Aria's voice seemed to quiet down some after uttering out those last few bit of words. She already knew what became of her father just from the tone she took.

“His death was enough to show both sides what they were truly fighting for and that's when the war had stopped after one hundred years of pure bloodshed.”

That's when Freed rose up from his position from laying upon that enlarged cushion, now looking to Aria with a concerned look.

“Then I suppose you should know the truth about us, Kagome.”

The miko looking over to Freed when he spoke with Asche nodding his head.

“During that war, we were forced to fight for the Grecians, Egypt's enemy at the time. Freed and I were orphans with no family so we had no control over the king's orders to have children fight for them. It was do or die, I suppose.”

A sympathetic look was given to Asche after he spoke; regarding the two male dragons before her as they told of their tale and Freed saw this, shaking his head at the miko.

“Don't worry. That is in the past. This is our family now.”

Freed opening up his arms to gesture towards all of this within Egypt, she'd likely assume.

“Yeah, Atem's father took us in when the war ended and trained all four of us together. So not only do we owe our lives to Atem, we also owe it to his father as well.”

Wow… Such a story. A very harsh story that brought all four of them together. And to think they were all dragons!

“You all are strong, stronger than I had ever imagined. I am actually jealous.”

When Kagome gave those words to the four of them, the guys would blush and Aria waved her hand in the air, dismissing those two.

“Please. These two, strong? They can't even hold their fair share of liquor.”

Kisara laughed at this and that's when Kagome had a wide smile upon her face. “Is that so? You know, I've been told I can hold my own when it comes to drinks.”

It was then Inuyasha stared hard at Kagome, narrowing his eyes. “You don't drink, Kagome.”

Kagome heard Inuyasha's voice by then and glared right back at the hanyou along with a pout. “Yes I do! Ask Sesshoumaru.”

Actually, where the hell was he?

She was looking around for him and could not find him at all; Inuyasha couldn't find or smell him either. That incense burner was blocking all other scents and even though it smelled nice, it was annoying.

“Kagome, may I ask you something?”

Kisara's voice suddenly heard and it startled almost everyone there because she wasn't one who would normally speak. Ocean blues would turn to find sky blues and nodded her head, wondering what question she had on her mind.

“Since you are from the future, why is it that you chose to live in the past?”

The million dollar question.

Kagome suddenly felt her heart take a plunge and felt absolutely sick. Kagome knew the answer to that question but couldn't find herself to give an answer. The main reason why she was here in the past was because she had fallen for Inuyasha and devoted her life to him. She thought they would be inseparable, together forever like one of those happy endings in fairy tales but how wrong she was right now. She knew Kisara was just asking because she was merely curious but the amount of pain and hurt she was feeling right now? It was suffocating.

And what was worse? Inuyasha was acting like he didn't hear a thing. She knew damn well he heard Kisara's question but he chose to ignore it and there she'd feel that same, sharp prodding feel in her chest, poking at her heart. Throat clamed up and suddenly her mouth felt dry, unable to even speak.

Just when Kagome was about to lie to the white dragon, Asche had somehow knocked over a ceramic cup and it immediately shattered into pieces once it came into contact with the hard stone floor. That sound rang out so loud within that suite; it was enough to bring Kagome out of that state. Kagome's eyes widened and suddenly found it easier to breathe again, taking in one deep breath through flared nostrils.

“Uhh, oops?”

Freed shook his head, “You are so clumsy, Asche. Better clean it up!”

And he was about to but Aria moved to stand before he could, “No, no. Let me get it. And while I do that, I think it's time for all of us to leave. It's getting late and Kagome will need her rest for tomorrow.”

Kisara also agreed and nodded her head, now moving to stand and make her exit while the two male dragons would playfully punch each other in the arms after berating each other in a joking tone. Kagome had placed a hand over her heart and let her eyes close briefly, trying to calm herself. She'd open her eyes to find that spot where the cup had fell be cleaned, eyes rising to find Aria and saw the concerned look she gave her. A re-assured look was given to the dragoness, showing that she was okay.

“By the way, Kagome… Tomorrow morning we'll be heading to the temple of Edfu. So be up bright and early and we'll take you there.”

Her head then gave a bow. “And goodnight Kagome. See you in the morning.”

With that said, Aria had cleaned up the mess Asche made and the pieces of that cup would be thrown away in an empty jar found upon the counter within the kitchen. Aria took it with her and had to make a mental note to get that ceramic cup replaced for Kagome… Now the woman was off to make her exit out from that suite.

“Hey, you okay?”

The soft words of that familiar dragon would be heard then, Kagome looking up from her seat to find Asche looking back at her with a slight show of concern, too. …So he dropped that cup on purpose?! She would have to thank him some time because that was a topic she wasn't so sure she could even speak about.

Kagome nodded her head up at the red dragon and gave a soft smile. This smile was enough to have Asche blushing just lightly, finding Kagome look absolutely cute when she smiled at him.

“Yes, I'm fine… Thank you, Asche.”

He would nod his head and give her one last look before making his leave from the suite after Freed, closing the door shut behind them. So not only Aria noticed but Asche as well. She was so lucky to have known them, honestly.

Kagome clutched at the collar of her kimono and looked about ready to cry once she was alone within that main lounge room but she kept those tears in, almost thankful that Inuyasha had long disappeared from her view. She did not care where ever he was but she wasn't going to stick around and find out. So, she'd leave behind her empty plate and utensils upon the counter within that small kitchen and now close up those curtains behind the balcony and once everything was straightened up, she would make way right for her room.

She was far too tired to even take a bath so after closing that door shut behind her; she'd slip beneath those cool covers of the bed and fall right to sleep in minutes.

A long night indeed.

~X~

The next morning came and Kagome was up early as instructed.

She wasn't feeling too good, not after what happened last night, either. The bath didn't seem to help her clear her thoughts so perhaps going to this temple would ease her mind?

She'd place on a fresh set of new clothes, discarding the kosode today because it was clearly too hot to be wearing that in Egypt, so, she went sleeveless. She grabbed up her bow and quiver, fastening the strap around her and was ready to head off. When she'd exit her room, she'd pace forwards and make her way to the main area and to her surprise, there Sesshoumaru would be, gazing out at the balcony.

The curtains had already been pulled aside, assuming Sesshoumaru had done so that morning, the sun already making its way up into that sky.

Slowly the male's head turned and viewed Kagome with his unreadable stare and for some reason, Kagome found it hard to even decipher what he was thinking. Maybe she was still distraught because of the night prior? It was still fresh on her mind, too, and wished to forget it. Again, she showed weakness, the girl looking like she was ready to cry but she would not, especially not in front of Sesshoumaru who had already seen her break down in this state a few times before.

And she certainly did not wish to have him pity her.

Actually, was that even possible for him?

The strap on her quiver was gripped onto tightly and could not hold his gaze for long, glancing off to the side. And right on time, a faint knock would be heard upon the door that led out of the suite, Kagome's head rising and walked over to open the door and let whoever outside come in.

The door was opened and she had expected for it to be Aria but instead, Asche had returned and offered the miko a bow of his head.

“Oh, Asche? Where is Aria?”

Asche moved to stand upright and nodded his head. “She had to leave early for the Temple of Edfu due to Atem's command. Seems there has been a disturbance of some kind on the way and I've been ordered to take you to the temple in Aria's place.”

Kagome blinked slowly and looked to be slightly worried upon hearing the news. “A disturbance? Will she be okay?”

Asche nodded his head once more. “She will be fine I'm sure. It's just a group of bandits, nothing major.”

Kagome had hoped so. A soft sigh left the female and took a glance behind her to see that Sesshoumaru had already took up that same spot within the balcony, now watching over the vast scenery before him. Asche had peered over the girl and took a look inside as well, his emerald hues now finding the back of that DaiYoukai's head.

“Is that Inuyasha's brother?”

Kagome turned back around and nodded her head at Asche's question.

“Yes. Half-brother that is.”

Asche could send the powerful youki coming from him… Hell, it resembled Atem's own, even. Were their other powerful youkai besides Atem outside of Egypt?! Asche never thought it was possible.

“Sesshoumaru, I'll be back later, okay?”

Calling out to the DaiYoukai that sat within the balcony. Nothing was said in reply but she knew he heard her. So with that said, the miko would step out into the hallway with Asche, closing the door behind her.

Asche would now lead her out of the west wing of the palace and soon they'd arrive outside, eyes catching a better look of the palace and noticed it looked quite different than what she had expected it to be, now that she thought about it.

And on that thought…

“For some reason, the palace and the city look like a fortress… Why is that, Asche?”

“Because it was a fortress during the war. The expansion to the palace was made in case they needed to house more injured people but there was no need for that anymore. So the extra space was used along with the palace.”

“Ah, I see…”

Well, that explains it.

They'd come to stop before the palace gates which looked to be so tall… It was massive! Why the need for such a tall gate? Oh wait. It was for the dragons, was it not? Just at the top of the gates, there would be a guard post placed at each side upon walls, the miko managing to catch said guard inside their post and looked down at the two of them in which Asche would nod his head silently to the both of them.

That's when the doors began to open and revealed a long straight path that led back to that enlarged platform where they landed earlier. Tall, stone statues were placed out evenly between each other on both sides of that path, all looked to be human shaped but had animal shaped heads. One resembled a snake, one resembled a bird and one looked to be a jackal. There were guards at the ready that stood along the path with spears in their hands, some of them on horses and for some reason; they looked to be quite cautious.

Asche would then instruct for Kagome to step up onto that platform that was just beside the palace doors, her head turning to view it as she saw some stairs just beside the doors that led up to it. Wait, why did she need to head up onto that platform? That's when Asche would crouch down and that same red aura swirl around him and the miko began to back up, already knowing what was going to happen next. She was going to ride on his back?!

She would watch as Asche would take his dragon form and was completely awestruck at seeing it so up close. His scales were such a beautiful shade of red and it seemed to sparkle just a bit when the rising sun would shine down upon him. She had honestly forgot what she was supposed to be doing but then she remembered what! Quickly she'd climb up those stone stairs that were built into the palace walls, now coming on top and here she could see that there was enough space for her to actually sit down upon his back. She was supposed to jump onto his back?! Oh god. What if she tripped and fell? One of the palace guards threw down some rope upon opposite side from where she was from their post, the guard climbing down that rope and landed upon Ache's back. He'd grip tight onto that rope and leaned out towards Kagome with an open hand, the girl watching and assumed he was there to assist her in getting on.

She would reach out and grasp the guard's hands and gathering some courage, she leapt off of that small stone platform and landed onto Asche's back with help of the guard and she nodded her thanks to him in which he would bow his head in return. Now that guard would take his leave as he'd climb up the rope and head back into his post, Kagome now feeling quite exhilarated for some reason. She was pretty much about to ride on the back of a fucking dinosaur! A very large dinosaur. She moved to sit down and swing her legs over either side of him, getting comfortable and that's when Asche began to move. She gasped out in surprise at the sudden movement but kept herself steady when he paced forwards.

She'd watch the passing guards and servants there along that path, all of them bowing their heads the moment they passed them and this had Kagome blushing just lightly. Were they bowing their heads at her? Or mainly at Asche? Or perhaps the both of them? Once they gained some distance, Kagome's head turned to glance behind her and see those palace gates close tightly shut behind them. Asche's heavy footfalls after every step he took were heard, definitely loud enough to make it known to others who would be coming their way.

They'd take the path left when they arrived at the large landing platform from previous, the path taking a dip and that's when she would note the sudden change in the area. Another gate here which was likely to keep the villagers out, those guards at the gate bowing their heads and pulled the rope to open up those tall doors and Asche stepped through, continuing along that path. Now this was where the structures in the area changed entirely. They were almost as fancy as the palace, just not as big. There were a lot of people around, too, and they all looked to be quite busy. Was it a market? Kagome's eyes tried to catch a look at each of the stands they passed by, watching as those villagers would make way for Asche and not stand in his path.

Some of them would even wave up to her, women and children mostly, and she would wave back which earned her the biggest of smiles from Atem's people. She'd notice some children would follow right behind them, laughing along the way and she could hear their words every now and then. Most of them finding it awesome to see a dragon up close and a shrine maiden like herself riding atop one. Really, how cool was that?

It didn't take them long to reach the most southern gate, doors opening again now she was looking at a vast, open desert with nothing but sand all around, some trees here and there in the distance. Likely an oasis, she'd assume. She'd give one last look at the crowd of people at the gate, waving her hand to them all before the gates closed tightly shut behind them.

Well! That was quite the exhilarating experience.

When they were outside, Asche would begin to pick up the pace and that had Kagome placing her hands onto his back for support at the sudden movements. Then Kagome would hear a sound coming from Asche, something she did not recognize and head tilted in question.

“Are you alright, Asche?”

“Y-yes…! I am fine.”

Kagome blinked slowly. Was he really?

Asche was just having the time of his life because he had a very cute miko upon his back and the moment her warm hands touched those scales upon him, he felt like he was going to melt into a puddle of goo. Her touch was so nice and comforting… To think just a small amount of contact would get him like this. Then he'd feel her hands upon his back again and she began to slide up along his body, coming closer to his neck. Ohgodwhatisshedoing! He was half a second away from purring and never had he done that before.

Kagome was only trying to get a better look at the area even though there was nothing around. And thankfully it was early in the morning, too, because it wasn't as hot like during the day time.

“Hey, Asche… How far is this temple?”

“About an hour or so away. I can make it even less should I keep up my pace.”

Hopefully they wouldn't run into bandits or anything.

Kagome was thrilled to find out what they'll be doing at the temple today. Perhaps know more about the Egyptian gods? Egypt's past? So many things she wished to know!

And while those two made their way to the temple, in the distance there would be a cloaked figure standing atop one of the many sand dunes with their sights on the pair, grinning rather wickedly underneath their hood.

As the sun rose and brought about the new day, the plan to stop Anubis' revival would begin and one can only hope they can stop the god of death.

~X~