A Demon Should Act Like a Demon

By Ericedwyn

Disclaimer: Inuyasha and friends were created and lovingly brought to life by Rumiko Takahashi. Excerpts from "Fallen" is written and performed by Sarah McLachlan.

Author's Note: Akemashita Omedetou gozaimasu, Minna-san! (Happy New Year, Everyone! Culture note: My Japanese teacher said that Japanese people do not usually use this term after the 1st of January though. But I thought you might like to know.)

And I know this is late, but I wasn't satisfied with one of the sections. The chapter didn't feel right until now. I hope you enjoy it. Please let me know. :)

Thank you for reading and reviewing ADSALAD and all of my other stories. I truly appreciate it. I didn't have time to answer some of your questions this time around, but I will do so in the next chapter. Until then, live vibrantly!

Glossary:

Arigato - Thank you

Furo - Bath tub

Hai - Yes

Haori - Short jacket worn over a kimono

Hanyou - Half human/Half youkai

Iie - No

'Jiisan - Grandfather (shortened version of Ojiisan)

'Kaasan - Mother (shortened version of Okaasan)

Katana - Sword

Matte kudasai - Wait a moment

Miko - Priestess

Nani - What?

Taiyoukai - Demon Lord

Otoutosan - Little Brother (honorific)

Youkai - Demon

Yukata - Informal summer kimono

Chapter 23: Home Where I Belong

~* Senjoku Jidai, The WesternLands*~

Kagome shed her bloodstained uniform as soon as the near boiling water of the hot springs reached her collarbone. She washed each article of clothing until the skin of her fingers were raw, but it was soon apparent that although she managed to save most of her uniform, her white shirt was destined for the rag pile.

She sighed as she waddled across the water towards an outcrop of smooth rocks. She squeezed the water from her clothes and laid them out to dry. While doing so, she noticed the dark oval-shaped mark on the top of her chest.

With hesitant fingers, she touched the burntlike spot, and her senses reeled as hazy memories flooded her mind. It was a nasty sensory overload, and Kagome had to shut her eyes.

She remembered gaining consciousness to an eerie, unearthly voice crying out for her soul in her head, and her heart begun to tumult against her rib cage from the memory. An odd recollection of sharp tiny teeth clamping down on her skin came to her as well. Kagome shook her head in frightened confusion, but although she tried not to remember anymore, it was like her mind felt she was ready to be reminded of earlier events.

She recalled how she couldn't move her body when she fully gained consciousness hours ago. She could neither open her eyes nor cry out for help. She felt her body being tousled as she heard the sound of fighting nearby.

In her paralyzed state, everything had been so dark, except for the color red… red splotches against a dark canvas as she stared out through closed eyes. She also felt as if her life energy was being leeched from her from a spot on her chest. She had felt so helpless.

Then there had been pain when the teeth felt like they were being yanked from her skin. She remembered hearing herself cry out, in harmony with the cries of the awful voice. Then the eerie voice had died out, and she remembered how she slowly gained control of her body… as if her body had just awakened from a very deep slumber.

She shivered at the recollection so she shoved the unwelcome memories to the back of her mind. Her body felt very cold, even while girdled by very hot water.

"Kagome?"

The young woman heard the worry in Sesshoumaru's voice. Not trusting her own, she nodded to let him know she was alright. She was grateful that her back was towards him so he could not see her face.

Sesshoumaru did not force the issue but remained silent. He observed her for a few minutes before picking up his slightly damp haori from one of the rocks nearby. He slipped it on before taking up one of his katanas that rested on the side of the rock. He ascended to the sky and scanned the area around the hot springs before descending to land on one of the rocks directly in front of Kagome.

He crouched down on one bended knee when he saw the burnt-like mark, so starkly dark against her creamy skin. He had not seen that before, and he glanced at the white shirt on the rock. Although stained, the fabric was otherwise undamaged. Sesshoumaru frowned and reached out towards the mark out of curiosity.

Terrified that she would have to face the memories again so soon, Kagome intercepted his hand in both of hers and brought it against her left cheek. The young lady shook her head, and then closed her eyes as she rubbed her cheek against his palm. "You're so warm."

"And you are cold." He grew concerned at Kagome's temperature and evasiveness. "Are you ill?" Sesshoumaru asked, although he couldn't smell any illness on her. He set the katana on top of one of the rocks.

Kagome smiled waveringly at the Taiyoukai. "Iie."

Sesshoumaru said nothing, but ran the fingers of his free hand against her neck to check the puncture wounds she had received earlier. He cupped Kagome's cheek with his imprisoned hand before tilting her head to the other side. He slipped his hand from hers and checked the other side of her neck. All the wounds had sealed, except for the one near her jugular where blood continued to trickle slowly out.

The Youkai lord placed his hands on Kagome's shoulders as he leaned in. He ran his tongue slowly alongside her neck. The metallic taste of her blood permeated his mouth and he closed his eyes. He heard Kagome's near whispered moan and felt her pulse quicken. His sensitive nose picked up the subtle change in her scent, and the temptation to mark her then and there suddenly seized him. He immediately stopped what he was doing.

Sesshoumaru chastised himself for his weakness and slowly withdrew from their shared space. This was not the proper place or time. It took but a moment's pause before he had himself in check again.

Kagome lifted her passion darkened eyes towards the Taiyoukai. "Sesshoumaru?" She asked breathlessly.

Sesshoumaru reached for the katana nearby and placed it in one of her hands. "I need to take care of something."

Confusion replaced the ardor in Kagome's eyes. "Nani?"

Sesshoumaru cupped Kagome's chin and ran the padding of his thumb against her jaw. "I will be gone for no more than 10 minutes. Stay here."

"Okay…" Kagome watched him, still very confuse, as Sesshoumaru secured his armor and his tenseiga.

Sesshoumaru once again ascended to the sky, hovering several feet above the hot springs to scan the area. With one fleeting look at the woman below, he left.

Kagome scratched her head, still puzzled. She had thought he was going to kiss her. 'At least I'm not cold anymore…' She touched the side of her neck and glanced down at her fingertips, smeared with nearly dried blood.

Blood…

Kagome's eyes flooded with sudden tears. 'Souta, 'Jiisan, Mama…'

~*~

Heaven bend to take my hand

And lead me through the fire

Be the long awaited answer

To a long and painful flight

~*~

Kagome immersed her hands into the hot water. 'If only I didn't go home…' She gave herself to silent self-torment.

~*~

Truth be told I tried my best

But somewhere along the way

I got caught up in all there was to offer

But the cost was so much more than I could bear

~*~

'I missed them so much. The well was so close…' Hot tears escaped to roll down Kagome's face. 'I messed up because I left…'

~*~

Though I've tried I've fallen

I have sunk so low

I messed up

Better I should know

So don't come round here and

Tell me I told you so

~*~

The young Demoness closed her eyes and bowed her head. 'It was the wrong choice. I knew it the minute I came home.'

~*~

We all begin with good intent

When love is raw and young

We believe that we could change ourselves

The past can be undone

~*~

For days since her return to Modern Tokyo, she had waited anxiously for Sesshoumaru. Then Shippou told her of Sesshoumaru's disappearance. First, she lost Inuyasha… Following Tsumi's advice, she gave her heart once more… this time, completely, and upon hearing that Sesshoumaru was gone, it felt like the world had forsaken her.

Then he was there, his claws dripping with the blood of her loved ones… Kagome never thought anything else could be worse than learning that the man you love was gone. And Sesshoumaru's words had driven it all home… "You took my life when you left me, Bitch!"

~*~

But we carry on our back the burdens time always reveals

In the lonely light of morning

In the wound that would not heal

It's the bitter taste of losing everything

I've held so dear

~*~

'I never thought one small choice could have that much affect.' Kagome opened her eyes that were slightly blurred with tears. She cupped the steaming water in her hands, and watched as it drained through the sieve created by the spaces between her fingers. She wiped her face with warmed, wet hands.

Kagome never before thought how her decisions, small or large, could affect other people's lives. She knew that, by being back in Sengoku Jidai, she had been given a second chance to amend her mistakes. The enormity of that realization weighed heavily upon her. Following today's life lesson, she felt much older than her eighteen years. She will always carry the memories of this day like a stigma. She will use it as a reminder to live her life with self-responsibility. She prayed that she would be strong enough to do so.

~*~*~*~

Sesshoumaru traveled back to the hot springs with haste, carrying with him several packages under the crook of his arm. He really tried not to dwell on what had happened earlier. He was satisfied that Kagome was safe and back in his time. However, images of his future self had a nasty way of popping into his mind when he least expected them. From the brief and strained conversation he and Kagome had of earlier events, he hoped that the loss of control his future self experienced was due to the influence of the talisman.

He had never been in love before. He prided himself for being confident and unafraid. Faced with enemies, he wouldn't bat an eyelash before he wiped them out. Yet when it came to Kagome and his feelings for her, he was afraid. His feelings were so new to him that he found it difficult to control them. He was devastated when he came upon her about to jump down the well. He had never felt anguish so great since his mother's death. If it weren't for Rin and Shippou, he might have… Sesshoumaru shook his head to steer his thoughts to a safer place. 'It felt like my life ended when she left…'

Yet his mind continued to torture him with images of his future self. If the talisman wasn't in the picture, could Kagome's departure really affect him that much… enough to kill the one he loved? He struggled, unsure. 'Would I really lose myself like that?' He hoped not.

'Love is so strange…' Then he remembered something his father had said many times in the past. "Love can make you do strange things, Son." He looked down at the packages he carried, and stifled a laugh. "Indeed…"

The Taiyoukai slowed down when the hot springs came into view. He saw the top of Kagome's head as he approached and felt an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for his brother. He hoped that wherever Inuyasha was, that his deed would not be overlooked. 'I hope you will find happiness too, otoutosan.'

~*~*~*~

Kagome sensed Sesshoumaru's presence and looked up to watch the handsome lord descend to the foot of the hot springs. 'Yes, I will be strong… for him and the children.' She smiled, although a little watery, as she made her way towards him.

Sesshoumaru took one of the packages and laid the rest on one of the nearby rocks. He cut the string that held the paper package closed with a claw and took the folded towel nestled inside. He dropped the paper and string as he shook the towel open.

Kagome shook her head, grinning from ear to ear, as she climbed out of the water. "You left to get me this?"

"That, among others." Sesshoumaru smiled, the light in his golden eyes dancing. He wrapped the towel around her, closing his arms around her tightly.

"Matte kudasai…" Kagome giggled as she squirmed in his arms. When his arms slackened, she wiggled until her arms were free from the terry cloth prison. She began to unfasten the sash he wore over his armor. With a laughing smile, she removed it and the tenseiga and laid them both on top of one of the rocks.

Sesshoumaru watched Kagome with undisguised amusement, and did very little to keep the towel up as it slipped down several places while she worked his armor open. With a loud clang, the protective covering joined the rest against the rocks.

"Sorry about that. It slipped." Kagome smiled apologetically before wrapping her arms around him. "This is better."

"Much better." Sesshoumaru smiled, closing his eyes, as he savored the feel of her in his arms. He leaned down and planted a kiss on the top of her head.

They held each other thus for a long time. Somehow, it just made everything alright. When both were ready to leave the security of each other's arms, Sesshoumaru retrieved one of the packages and handed it to Kagome who had wrapped the towel around her more tightly.

"You didn't have to get me anything, Sesshou-chan." Kagome said while she opened the packaged. She gasped when she held out the dark blue yukata. It was simply designed with a light sprinkling of cherry blossoms on one side. "Arigato. It's so beautiful."

"I didn't want you to have to wait for your clothes to dry. I am sure you are anxious to go home?" Sesshoumaru asked, rather than stated.

"Hai. I want to go home… with you." Kagome flew back into his arms. "My Sesshoumaru…"

~*~*~*~

It was just after dusk when Kagome and Sesshoumaru reached the fortress. As soon as they alighted, Tsumi, Jaken and the children came outside to greet them. Kagome kneeled down immediately with open arms when Shippou and Rin ran towards them. She hugged them tightly. Oh, how she had missed them. She showered their cherubic cheeks with kisses.

Shippou squirmed, laughing. "Stop it, 'Kaasan! It's only been a few days!"

"Has it?" Kagome asked brokenly, looking up at Sesshoumaru with tears in her eyes. She realized then that he never told them she left. She smiled and mouthed "arigato," before responding back to the children. "Well, I missed you a whole lot."

"Rin is glad you're back!" The little girl reached up to wipe Kagome's tears away.

Kagome couldn't stop the flow of her tears even if she tried. "Me too." She hugged them again. 'I won't ever leave you again…'

Jaken snorted and looked away at such display of emotion. Tsumi rolled her eyes at him before walking towards the family. "Welcome home, Sesshoumaru-sama, Kagome-sama." The Hanyou bowed low. "Dinner is ready if you are ready to come in." She smiled.

"Arigato, Tsumi-san." Sesshoumaru laid his hand on Kagome's shoulder and squeezed it lightly. "Kagome."

Kagome nodded and reluctantly let go of the children. She stood up and gave Tsumi a hug. "Tsumi-san, it's so good to see you again."

Tsumi returned the young lady's hug. "I'm glad you are back home with us again, Kagome-sama."

"I'm glad to be back."

~*~*~*~

After tucking the children in their beds, Kagome headed back to her room for a much-needed bath. The hot springs had been wonderful, but she didn't feel clean enough. The lavender essences smelled heavenly and she felt immediately soothed by the herb.

When she was ready to climb out of the furo, Tsumi was waiting for her. Once ensconced in a warm towel, Tsumi finally remarked on the burnt-like mark on her chest.

"I don't really know much of what happened. I was unconscious most of the time and when I wasn't, I was paralyzed. I didn't see a thing. Sesshoumaru mentioned something about a talisman that was used on me. I think it left this mark."

Tsumi reached out, her hand hovering over Kagome's skin. "May I?"

Kagome frowned. "I don't know… The last time I touched it, I was assaulted by memories of what happened."

Tsumi smiled encouragingly. "I promise you won't."

Kagome nodded, but braced herself. She felt Tsumi's hand over the mark and felt only a warm sensation. She glanced up at the Hanyou.

"I felt my psychic signature. I had to find out what happened." Tsumi said slowly.

"You were there in the future with me, Tsumi-san. I could only hear some of the things that happened, but I think you helped me."

Tsumi closed her eyes and concentrated all her energy into her hand. Kagome peered down at Tsumi's hand. The warmth emanating from it continued and she was surprised at the golden hue that seemed to outline the Hanyou's hand. She had tried to heal herself at the hot springs while Sesshoumaru was gone, but while the throat wounds healed quickly, she couldn't heal the oval-shaped burn mark. She looked up at Tsumi with a new set of eyes.

Tsumi's eyes fluttered open. Kagome could see the weariness in her yellow-green eyes. "Tsumi-san…" She placed her hands on the older woman's shoulders.

"I'm alright, Kagome-sama. I haven't done something like this in a long time." The Hanyou smiled as she lifted her hand from Kagome's skin. She heard Kagome's surprised gasp. The burn mark was gone.

"How...?"

"It's a long story, Kagome-sama." Tsumi chuckled as she walked away towards the counter by the wall. She curled her fingers around a comb and gestured for Kagome to sit on the bench.

"You're a Miko, right, Tsumi-san?" Kagome asked as she settled herself on the bench, her back towards the Hanyou.

"No, not quite. I was trained in the use of Youkai magick when I was a young girl." Tsumi ran the comb through Kagome's long dark tresses. "I met a young Miko a long time ago when I was injured during a battle. I sought shelter in a cave, but I could not heal myself because it was my night to turn human. I woke up in the middle of the night to a warm fire and bandaged limbs." Tsumi smiled as she recollected that period of her life. "She treated my wounds and taught me other ways to heal myself, especially when I reverted to human form. I stayed to study with her for a year."

She paused a moment before disclosing more of her life story. "When you came into my life, Kagome-sama, I found your connection to the Jewel of the Four Souls extremely interesting. I felt it was a strange coincidence."

Kagome turned her head to look at the older woman. "What do you mean, Tsumi-san?"

Tsumi laid the comb down on the bench beside Kagome as she helped the young woman to her feet. She took the yukata she set aside and shook it lose. She held it out for Kagome.

Kagome removed the towel and slipped her arms through the sleeves of the blue-gray robe. She took the sash and tied it tightly around her waist. Her hands stilled on the bow at Tsumi's next words.

"The Miko who saved me was none other than Midoriko herself." Tsumi paused before bowing and then crossed the threshold to Kagome's bedroom. She lifted the small metal pot and poured the steaming tea into a small cup. She took the cup gingerly with both hands when she heard Kagome's light footsteps.

Kagome, still surprised, approached her. "Wow… The more I hear about Midoriko, the more I am awed."

"She was an amazing person." Tsumi smiled as she held out the cup of tea. Her young mistress appeared so young, so worn out. "This will help you relax, Kagome-sama."

Kagome accepted the cup of tea. "Arigato, Tsumi-san… for everything."

Tsumi placed her hand on Kagome's shoulder and gave it a comforting squeeze. "Whatever I can do for you, my Lady, you need only ask." She bowed low before her mistress and left the room.

Kagome peered down at the clear yellow-green liquid. The cup was hot, but she welcomed the warmth. She brought the cup to her lips and took a small sip. The tea was neither strong nor weak and it left a mild floral aftertaste in her mouth. She crossed the room and gazed out at the darkened sky. 'I'm home where I belong…'

~*~*~*~

Kagome glanced down at herself, and cried out. Blood was everywhere… on her skin, her clothes, and they dripped from her claws. Her eyes followed a large drop of it as it fell not to the ground but on a body. She started to scream in both panic and fear as her eyes fell upon the wrangled and torn bodies of her brother, grandfather, and mother at her feet.

"No! I didn't do it!" She said in a panic-stricken voice.

"But you did do it." An eerie voice echoed. She turned towards the voice, but it sounded like it was coming from everywhere. "You killed your family."

"No, I loved them. I didn't do it." Kagome screamed at the voice.

"Then why do you have their blood on your hands?" The voice laughed. "Face it. You killed them."

"No! Stop it! Stop it!"

Sesshoumaru awoke with a start when he felt Kagome thrashing against him. He heard her whimpers followed by a hollow scream. He grabbed hold of her shoulders and started to shake her awake. "Kagome! Wake up! You're having a dream."

Kagome's eyes blinked open in the dim room and the young woman struggled against Sesshoumaru. It took a few seconds for her to realize that it had been just a dream and that Sesshoumaru was with her. She stopped struggling and fell against Sesshoumaru's chest, sobbing.

Sesshoumaru wrapped his sinewy arms around Kagome as he whispered to her. "It's alright. It was only a dream."

"It felt so real. There was so much blood. I didn't kill them but I may as well have." Kagome said tearfully.

"What are you talking about?" Sesshoumaru asked, one hand combing through Kagome's curtain of dark tresses.

"If I had not come home, you..." Kagome shook her head against his chest. "He wouldn't have killed them. He blamed me for leaving him. He said I took his life when I left him."

Sesshoumaru hand on her hair stilled at her words. "I…" He began, but he didn't know what to say.

Kagome pushed herself away from his chest to look at him. The room was dark, still a few hours before dawn, but her demon eyes saw the pained expression on Sesshoumaru's face as clearly, as if it was daytime. "Would you have?"

Sesshoumaru gripped her shoulders tightly. "No, I wouldn't have." He spat the words forcefully, not only trying to make her believe, but himself.

"I'm so sorry." Her face was flushed and wet with tears. "I was so lost without you. All I wanted was to see you again." Kagome sobbed. "Then Shippou told me you disappeared while looking for a way to get to me. I was devastated." Kagome reached out with shaking hands to cradle her love's face.

Sesshoumaru clenched his jaw, unsure of the emotions that raged through him. "Do you love me?"

Kagome pulled away from him, quite surprised by his question. "Of course I do. More than I ever thought possible."

Sesshoumaru closed his eyes. He had been fighting his insecurities since Kagome left him. He had tried to believe in her and her love, but he wasn't sure. "Inuyasha bonded you to me when he made his wish. Maybe that is why you think you love me." Sesshoumaru said hoarsely.

"Iie! That's not true." Kagome exclaimed. "I started to see you differently after that day you saved me from that boar youkai (see ADSALAD chapter 11). I didn't understand what I felt then, but I've never felt that way before."

"Not even for my brother?" Sesshoumaru said hoarsely.

"Not even for Inuyasha. I loved him, Sesshoumaru, but it was a girl's love. It doesn't even come close to how I feel about you." Kagome explained; her heart on her sleeve.

"Tell me how you feel." Sesshoumaru commanded as he searched her dark blue eyes for answers.

She didn't hesitate. "I don't feel whole without you by my side. When you are near me, I know that everything will be alright." Kagome leaned in closer, and reached up with one hand. She trailed the back of her fingers down his cheek. "You make me feel so loved, so desirable; and when I am in your arms, I don't ever want to leave it."

Sesshoumaru hands lowered to her upper arms, but the Taiyoukai did not loosen his grip.

"I love you with all my heart, with all of me. I won't ever leave your side again."

"You promise?" Sesshoumaru asked so quietly, Kagome had to strain her ears to hear it.

"I prom…" Kagome's lips were suddenly caught in his, in a fiery, forceful exploration. Sesshoumaru kissed away his insecurities and his fear, and she accepted it, as she accepted him. A few seconds later, his kiss became gentler, as he finally believed and accepted her professed love.

Sesshoumaru released her from his grip, only to crush her against him in a tight embrace. "I am new to this, Kagome." He whispered against her fragrant hair. "I know not how to act, but I love you."

Kagome shifted to gaze up into his beautiful face. Her smile was radiant. "Oh, Sesshou-chan."

"Help me to understand it, Kagome, so that I can make you happy."

"You already make me happy." Kagome said emotionally as she curled her arms around his neck. "Aishiteru, Sesshou-chan," she whispered before her lips met his.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Next Chapter Teaser: Two people celebrate their love by uniting in marriage in Sengoku Jidai.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Fan Fiction Update Schedule: Please see my profile (FF.net and MM.org) to view any revisions to this update schedule.

IY: Kagome's Second (Bankotsu/Kagome): Prologue Part Four (tentative post date: 1/19/04)

IY: The Hunt for the Shikon no Tama (Sesshoumaru/Kagome): Prologue III (tentative post date: 1/21/04)

IY: The City by the Bay (Sesshoumaru/Kagome): Chapter 6 (tentative post date: 1/25/04)

IY: A Demon Should Act Like A Demon (Sesshoumaru/Kagome): Chapter 24 (tentative post date: 1/28/04)

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

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