InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ A Demon Should Act Like A Demon ❯ Presenting The High Demoness of the Western Lands ( Chapter 16 )

Disclaimer: Inuyasha and friends were created and lovingly brought to life by Rumiko Takahashi.

A/N: Warning! This chapter contains a bit of violence. Moderately revised: 04/04/03.

A/N 2: I've also included excerpts from the song "Irrisistible." It's a beautiful song performed by The Corrs and they co-wrote it with Mutt Lange.

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A Demon Should Act Like A Demon

By Ericedwyn

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Chapter Sixteen: Presenting The High Demoness of the Western Lands

~* At Sesshoumaru's Fortress *~

The young woman watched the golden sun rise above the mountain tops, trying vainly to forget about the strange cry that pulled her from her deep slumber the night before and left her trembling for nearly half an hour. It was a sound she could not begin to comprehend yet pulled on her heartstrings from the weight of its anguish. Every time she closed her eyes to go back to sleep, the awful cry would replay in her mind like a broken record; and each time, the agony seemed to multiple in intensity. 'Who made that awful sound? What did it mean?'

Kagome closed her eyes and caught her breath as she is suddenly pulled into a one-arm embrace. She shivered as she felt a warm breath close to her ear and heard a deep, husky greeting. "Ohayou, Kagome."

"Ohayou, Sesshoumaru…" She whispered in response.

The Taiyoukai closed his eyes as he inhaled the distinct lavender scent that lingered in her hair before laying his chin on top of her head. "Daijoubou desu ka?"

Kagome hesitated before responding. "Daijoubou, Sesshoumaru."

Sesshoumaru's eyebrows knitted in concern but didn't push the Miko further; hoping that Kagome will tell him eventually, although he himself was unwilling to talk about what is bothering him. He loosened his hold as she turned in his arm. He began to lean in to steal a kiss, but Kagome laid her forehead against his chest. He settled by placing a chaste kiss on top of her head instead. His hand followed the length of her spine and diverted to knead her back muscles in circles. She took a half step forward to wrap her arms around his narrow waist and to bury her face against his chest.

He took a deep breath, placed another kiss on top of her head, before breaking the uncomfortable silence. "The High Youkai Society is having its annual gathering. It usually lasts for 2 moon cycles. I do not usually attend such functions, but I believe it is best to present you to the Society. One because I have made you my heiress and two because they need to know what you smell and look like." He waited for Kagome to speak and when she did not, he continued. "Tsumi has gone ahead to open the family manor and to prepare for our arrival. I believe a week is enough to introduce you. Jaken will stay behind to watch the children."

Kagome nodded against his chest and softly inquired, "when do we leave?"

"This afternoon. Pack light, Kagome, for it is a long flight. Everything we will need Tsumi will provide."

"Hai, Sesshoumaru," Kagome looked up to smile at the Taiyoukai.

He responded with a small smile of his own as he combed her ruffled bangs back in place. "Kagome… You will tell me if something is bothering you, right?" Sesshoumaru asked hesitantly as he searched her eyes for hidden answers.

Kagome nodded in response, tilted her face as she stood on tiptoes to press her lips softly against his. She heard a soft growl beneath his breath as he deepened the kiss. Kagome pulled away after a short while, smiled, and wordlessly left the Taiyoukai to look for the children.

He watched her walk away until she slipped back inside the fortress before turning his gaze to the distant mountains. He had seen the sadness in her eyes which his golden eyes now mirror, and hoped that she will tell him why she has erected a barrier between them.

~*~*~*~

~* At The Neutral Zone inside Sesshoumaru's Family Manor *~

Kagome fingered the silk brocade of the deep purple uchikake, simply decorated with two fiery gold phoenixes in the back that draped over her dark-blue furisode, in awe. "This must have cost a fortune, Tsumi-san."

Tsumi smiled as she slipped the last of the kanzashi on Kagome's hair to hold the traditional bunkin-takashimada in place. "Nothing but the best for you, Kagome-sama. I much prefer this simple design on you than the elaborate designs that the other Ladies wear these days. The busy designs quite overwhelm the wearer's features, and some plainly hurt the eyes. Well, what do you think?"

Kagome turned to face the full-length mirror behind her and gasp at the beautiful stranger reflecting from it. "I look like a princess, Tsumi-san."

"Well, you are in a way, Kagome-sama." Tsumi chuckled. "Now remember what I told you earlier. Do not show or project any fear. That is considered a weakness."

Kagome groaned. "Don't remind me! The idea of being in a room full of youkai is already making me quake in my knees."

"But the difference, Kagome, is that you are now a Youkai, and a very powerful one. You have no need to be afraid. Besides, Sesshoumaru-sama will be close by. He will not let anything happen to you."

"It still doesn't change how I feel. I'm still scared." Kagome said plainly.

"Do not show it." Tsumi-san patted her shoulder before handing her a folded fan. "Sesshoumaru-sama is waiting for you in the front hall and I cannot wait to see his reaction." The Hanyou grinned as she slid the door open for Kagome. When Kagome crossed the threshold of her bedchamber, Tsumi followed closely behind.

Tsumi bit her lower lip to keep from grinning when they entered the front hall. Kagome, a little self-conscious, had kept her eyes lowered to the ground, and failed to see Sesshoumaru's jaw drop momentarily in surprise when they first entered. She watched in amusement as her master struggled to snap his mouth close and wipe the incredulous look off his face. 'How priceless…' The old woman chuckled inside before walking slowly away from the couple to give them some privacy.

Kagome looked up from the fan she held in her fidgety hands, yet avoided the Taiyoukai's eyes as she took in Sesshoumaru's attire. The Demon Lord stood a few feet away, dressed in the traditional kuro-montsuki of black silk, although he wore an inner kimono collar made of white silk. The tops of two white paws, peeking from his black silk haori, which she surmised was Sesshoumaru's family crest, stood starkly against the dark fabric on the left and right of his chest. A white silk cord seemed to dazzle around Sesshoumaru's haori, as well as the 5 white paws crests, three inches in height that decorated it. Sesshoumaru's long hair glowed brightly against the dark contrast of his costume, and she ached to run her fingers through the silver tresses.

She blushed a deep scarlet when she finally met Sesshoumaru's intense gaze, but she couldn't look away from his smoldering golden eyes. Her skin flamed as his gaze grew hungrier.

Irresistible - natural physical

Sesshoumaru took a few steps to bridge the gap between them and lightly trailed his long, elegant fingers from her exposed neck down to the spot between her breasts, as if to convince himself that the vision of loveliness really stood there in front of him. He felt Kagome's sharp intake of breath and flared his fingers to cup her right breast through the silken fabric. He felt the heat from her skin even through the many layers of her attire.

It's indefinable - magical, illogical

"You look like a Goddess sent down from the heavens, Kagome. Have you come to take this Youkai to his death for having seen your beauty?" Sesshoumaru whispered huskily as he dipped his head low to press his lips just below her ear.

So-make-you-mineable

"For I will gladly succumb…" He leaned closer still before crushing his lips against hers. Kagome gasped and he slipped his warm tongue to caress hers before running its tip over the rows of her teeth. He plunged in, escaped, and again plundered her mouth all the while teasing the peak of soft flesh he had taken prisoner in his hand. Kagome felt like she was being branded by the heat emanating from lips and his hand.

You're mine

"You will be the envy of the gathering." The Taiyoukai whispered against her lips. Sesshoumaru placed open-mouthed kisses against her cheek, jaw, and neck. He gently scored her neck with the tips of his fangs, just to tease her skin without breaking it. 'And you are mine, Kagome. Mine.'

Kagome shivered, not because of fear, but from the way she felt possessed by the youkai that held and caressed her.

~*~*~*~

~* At The Neutral Zone inside the Four Points Palace *~

Half an hour later found Kagome following Sesshoumaru, a couple of steps behind, down a narrow hallway that was to lead them to the Lords Gathering Room. As soon as she entered through the wide door that the servant slid open for them, she felt the stares of all the occupants of the room. She kept Tsumi's warning in mind as Sesshoumaru gestured to a spot slightly behind him on the tatami mat, before he lowered himself in a sitting position on the West side of the room.

She kneeled on the spot Sesshoumaru indicated and when he introduced her to the other Lords and their heirs, Kagome bowed low. She kept her eyes on the tatami mat while the Lords of each corner discussed various subjects including their borders, but the Miko wasn't truly listening. After a while of boring a hole on the mat with her stare, she briefly looked at each occupant of the room, glancing away only when she met two pairs of dark eyes from the North side of the room. She shivered as she felt like she was being undressed by one set of eyes. She shifted slightly so that Sesshoumaru's frame could block her from their gaze.

~*~*~*~

After the meeting, the occupants stood to move to the main gathering hall where a Noh performance was to be held. The collective smell of other youkai and their blatant stares made Kagome feel a little queasy; and the fact that she is now in a room full of youkai, albeit mostly beautiful youkai that belonged on the covers of celebrity and fashion magazines, made her even more uncomfortable… making it harder for her to keep herself focused on not showing her inner feelings. She did her best to ignore them. While most of the occupants were seated in the middle, each of the Lord had a private alcove to Kagome's relief. 'At least I will have some space and privacy.'

"The Demon Lord of the East has expressed that if he was a millennium younger and did not have a mate, he would have offered for you." Sesshoumaru murmured with a slight amusement dancing in his eyes that only she could see.

Kagome chuckled, feeling a little relaxed as she thought of the White Tiger Youkai Lord she had spoken to briefly. He had reminded her a little of Toutousai in appearance, except for the visible black stripes on his face and neck, and was quite friendly towards her. She felt sure that although he was friendly, he was probably quite a force to deal with if faced as an enemy.

They heard a knock and Sesshoumaru's eyes grew colder before standing to slide the door open but made no move to allow the newcomers to enter. "Akuma."

"Sesshoumaru." The young Lord laughed boldly. "The way you're acting, I'd think you are keeping Kagome-sama away from us?"

Sesshoumaru felt eyes directed towards his alcove from the center of the main gathering hall and swallowed the retort he wanted to deliver. He took a step to the left to allow the Demon Lord and his brother to enter. He kept his mask of indifference although inside he was seething. He had prepared for this meeting with his closest rival, the only one who could possibly be his equal in battle. He hasn't forgotten when Akuma tried to wrest the Western Lands from him only weeks after his father died. It had taken him two moon cycles to heal from the mortal wounds the Demon Lord of the North dealt him. However, this was the neutral zone, and he would not act start a war.

Kagome glanced up at Sesshoumaru before raising herself to her feet as the two men approached her and bowed.

The Demon Lord of the North took her hand in his and brought her hand to his nose to inhale her scent. 'Ah, what an alluring scent…but coupled with another…' He gave Sesshoumaru a side glance before turning Kagome's hand to place a kiss on her wrist. "It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Kagome-sama," he murmured with a smile that did not quite reach his dark eyes. The Demon Lord held her hand a little longer than necessary before letting her hand go.

Kagome looked at the handsome man before her. Akuma's hair was as dark as Sesshoumaru's was fair, and as short as Sesshoumaru's was long. His eyes were blacker than night and smoky under long dark lashes. He was the same built as Sesshoumaru, but slightly shorter by an inch or two. While Sesshoumaru was graceful in the way he carried himself, Akuma moved with determination. There was something about him that she could not yet name, but it was something she didn't particularly like. "It is a pleasure, Akuma-sama," she said softly.

Akuma turned to the young man beside him and placed his hand on his shoulder. "This is my younger brother, Jashin." Kagome smiled briefly at the younger man with long black silky hair. Jashin's face was as handsome as his brother's, but while Akuma looked like an angel, Jashin's looked quite the opposite. Kagome inwardly groaned as she met his dark, raking eyes. She unconsciously wrapped her arms over her chest in defense. "Nice to meet you, Jashin-sama," she murmured monotonously.

Jashin grinned knavishly when Kagome tried to "cover" herself. "No, My Lady, it is my pleasure completely. It isn't everyday that a beautiful woman such as yourself grace these gray halls." The occupants of the room heard some wild whispering from outside the alcove. Jashin glanced over Kagome's shoulder to the crowd, in particularly… a group of youkai lionesses who were still whispering, and winked. Kagome heard some giggles behind her.

Akuma shook his head and smiled apologetically at Kagome. "Forgive my brother, Kagome-sama," he said as he took her hand in his again. "I hope Sesshoumaru will allow you to mingle while you are here, Kagome-sama. I would love to get to know you better." He cocked his head to one side to look at Sesshoumaru for any reaction before placing another kiss on her wrist. He then led his brother to the door. "May I have a word with you in private, Sesshoumaru?"

"No, but if you will make it brief, I will humor you." Sesshoumaru said flatly, although his eyes glowed a darker golden.

Akuma grinned as he gestured for Sesshoumaru to leave before him, and the Northern Lord followed.

Kagome turned without looking at the crowd who continued to whisper about her… about her strangely sweet scent, the attention she is getting from the Demon Lords, and about why they've never heard of her before. She kneeled on the ground and gingerly picked up her cup of tea and concentrated on its light fragrance before taking a small sip. She waited only a short while before the performance began and the whispers dwindled.

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As soon as Akuma entered a nearby room, he slid the door closed. "I know that there is no friendship between us, Sesshoumaru, but I am most fascinated by your new heiress"

"So is everyone else."

"Hai. It's very curious no one has met her before." Akuma raised a dark eyebrow.

"Is it your wish for me to list her parentage, Akuma, or is there something else you wanted to speak to me about?" Sesshoumaru asked dismissively.

"Always to the point." Akuma smiled. "Actually, I am here to request to make Kagome my mate. It wasn't something I planned, but after seeing her, the idea quite grew on me."

"Kagome and I have not discussed her mating status." Sesshoumaru replied emotionlessly, keeping his eyes on the other Taiyoukai.

Akuma watched the Taiyoukai of the West in silence before venturing to speak again. "She has quite a sweet scent, Sesshoumaru," he said quietly, watching for any reaction from the other occupant of the room. He smiled and tried a different approach. "I am sure her blood is just as sweet or even sweeter. Have you… tasted her?" Akuma leaned by the side of the door and crossed his arms. A slow grin alighted his face.

Sesshoumaru didn't take the bait, nor gave any indication of his inner feelings or his situation with Kagome. He did, however, allow a thought of himself clamping his hand on Akuma's throat and throttling the other violently to drift through his mind for a few moments. "If there is nothing else, Akuma, I prefer to go back to my alcove."

"You will let me know your decision regarding my request…?"

"Hai." Sesshoumaru marched to the door and left the room. 'Eventually… Perhaps when you are rotting in your burial mound.'

~*~*~*~

A few minutes after the performance began, a young servant appeared at Sesshoumaru's alcove with a note. Kagome unfolded the note and read its contents.

~*~*~* The Note *~*~*~

Kagome,

Meet me in the gardens.

Sesshoumaru

~*~*~* The Note *~*~*~

"Ano… where is the gardens?" Kagome asked the servant as she rolled to her feet.

"Follow me, My Lady." The servant said before leading her out the room. They walked down the corridor and the servant gestured for her to continue to her right. "The gardens are immediately through those doors, My Lady."

"Arigatou." Kagome said with a smile before making her way down a small passageway. She tried to pick up Sesshoumaru's scent but failed. 'Maybe he is masking himself again. I can't sense anyone in there.' She opened the door and slipped in, and after sliding it closed, she felt a hand clamp over her mouth while she was dragged to the other side of the gardens to be pinned to the wall.

Her eyes grew wide as she recognized her attacker. She struggled against his strong hold and tried to scream, but only a muffled sound escaped. Kagome's heart began to pound and she began to panic.

"Your fear smells so delicious, Kagome-sama, and coupled with your already enticing scent, I find myself already aroused." He followed his words by grinding his hips against her lower abdomen to let her know just how much. He laughed at her as she squirmed. He gripped her wrists and shoved them behind to lock them between her and the wall. Her attacker's dark eyes twinkled at the panic in her eyes. "Hai, I love the look in your eyes, Kagome-sama. It will please me to see it when I take you." He moved his hand from her mouth and quickly crushed her lips with his, and quickly slipped his hands inside her uchikake.

Hot tears streamed down Kagome's face. She whimpered as her attacker sliced at the sides of her obi with his claws, freeing her furisode open to his roaming hands. She cried harder as she felt his hands on her breasts, kneading them roughly, and then one hand began to make its way down her body. 'No… Oh, Kami-sama, please no…'

'NO!' She thought as she twisted her face sharply and screamed, and as she did so a blinding blue light discharged from her body. Her attacker was forced off of her and slammed to the ground 10 feet away, crushing a marble bench as he went down.

~*~*~*~

Sesshoumaru returned to the alcove to find Kagome gone. He followed her scent down the corridor and sensed her fear. He heard footsteps behind him as he ran. He found himself in the hallway towards the gardens and broke down the door. His heart lurched in his chest when he found Jashin against her. He began to make his way towards them when Kagome screamed and saw the blue light that surrounded the Miko. He heard many gasps and exclamations from the small youkai crowd behind him when the light pushed Jashin off of Kagome in a concussive force.

"Kagome!" He screamed as he rushed to envelop her in a crushing hug. His anger boiled when he saw her bruised lips and open kimono. He wrapped his tail securely around them both as he covered her with his body.

"Sesshoumaru," she cried as she wrapped her arms around him, not caring about the weakness she is showing. "Please…" Kagome whispered between sobs. "Please… take me away from this place."

"Not yet, Kagome. I must see him punished for his crime." Sesshoumaru snarled as he glared at her dazed attacker a few feet away on the ground.

"What will happen?" Kagome looked up from against his Kimono.

"For his crime… Dismemberment." Kagome looked up at Sesshoumaru in surprised after he spoke and gasped. She gripped his kimono in horror.

Akuma walked to where his younger brother laid sprawled on the ground, dazedly shaking his head to clear it. The elder yanked the younger man to sitting position by his long hair. "You dishonored me, Brother." He whispered harshly so only he could hear. "You dare molest the woman I intend to make my mate."

Jashin gripped his brother's hand to yank it off and their eyes met. Jashin nearly trembled at the anger he saw in his brother's shining red eyes, and knew that his luck had run out.

Akuma motioned to two of his men and they grabbed hold of his brother. The Demon Lord of the North took on a stoic mask as he walked to Sesshoumaru and Kagome. "I apologize for my dishonorable brother, Kagome-sama. Jashin will be severely punished for this act."

"See that he is, Akuma, or I will wipe this world of you and all your kin." Sesshoumaru snarled, his eyes scarlet and shining with hatred and anger.

Akuma, having never seen Sesshoumaru show any emotion, was taken slightly aback. "I hope that this sordid event will not mar my earlier request, Sesshoumaru." He didn't wait for a response as he spun on his heels to where his brother was being pinned by his guards. He unsheathed his dagger and knelt by his brother's prone position on one knee.

Jashin struggled against his captors as he looked up at his older brother with startled eyes. "No, Akuma… Don't do this."

The Taiyoukai of the Northern Lands let the dagger of his blade hover over his brother's hakama and said disquietingly dangerous, "I hope you will learn your lesson..." Akuma made a clean cut of the material, before he made a clean cut with the dagger. His ears pricked and he flinched from the strangled yell of pain so close to his ears. "While this grows back in ten years…" He threw his brother's bloody member to the bushes.

He smiled darkly, his eyes darkening red, and leaned closer to harshly whisper in his brother's ear as his brother begin to lose consciousness. "If I fail to make Kagome my mate, you shall pay dearly with your life for this transgression, Little Brother."

Akuma stood, turned, and bowed low before Kagome and Sesshoumaru before making his way through the crowd that has assembled in the gardens.

Sesshoumaru loosened his hold just enough for Kagome to fold her furisode and uchikake close before taking to flight…

~* At The Neutral Zone inside Sesshoumaru's Family Manor *~

Kagome's clutch on Sesshoumaru's kimono slackened as she felt herself grow suddenly weaker. "Sesshoumaru…" She whispered against the silk.

"I have you." Sesshoumaru murmured as his arm and tail tightened around them in mid-flight.

"Please wake me when we get there…"

"Hai." Sesshoumaru whispered against her hair. His countenance remained hardened at the lingering scent of her attacker on her hair and skin. 'Both of them will pay one day, Kagome. I'll make sure of that.'

When he descended, he carried her inside to the front hall where Tsumi was waiting for them.

"What is wrong?" She asked with a frown. Her nose twitched at the scent that accompanied them. "Who?"

Sesshoumaru ignored her question as he softly nudged Kagome awake. "We are home, Kagome." He set her down on her feet but kept a hold of her with his arm and tail to support her.

"Arigatou, Sesshoumaru." The young Miko said exhaustedly. "May I please have a bath? I smell him all over." She whispered.

Sesshoumaru glanced up at Tsumi in silent request, who nodded before leaving.

"I am sorry, Kagome. I should not have left you alone." He said mournfully as he brushed her hair.

"It's not your fault. I would not have left the alcove had I known the note wasn't from you." Kagome bowed her head, tears flowing down her cheeks. She hastily wiped them away.

Sesshoumaru wondered about that, although he thought she would know his script by now. Didn't she read his addition to the story? She must not have realized he wrote it…

"Kagome-san, your bath is ready." Tsumi announced as she re-entered the front hall.

Kagome glanced up, smiled, and thanked her. Sesshoumaru allowed the young woman to lean on him as they walked to her bedchamber.

"I'm sorry I'm so tired. I think I used up all my strength when I used my Miko powers." Kagome smiled ruefully.

"I am glad you did…" Sesshoumaru didn't even want to think about what could have happened…

They entered Kagome's bedchamber in companionable silence, and then crossed the threshold leading to the steamy bathing room. Kagome turned to tell him that she'll be able to bathe by herself, but Sesshoumaru was already removing his clothes. Kagome turned away and blushed. "Sesshoumaru, I can…"

"I am not leaving you alone at your weakened state." He interrupted. He walked towards the Miko and gently slipped the furisode and the uchikake off her shoulders and arms. Kagome lowered her eyes as she lowered herself into the steaming scented water of the furo. A few seconds later, Sesshoumaru joined her with a small cloth for each of them.

He dipped his cloth into the water, squeezed most of the water from it, and ran the cloth gently over her face. Kagome smiled tenderly at his gentleness and met his gaze as her hand covered his. "Arigatou, Sesshoumaru."

Sesshoumaru helped her bathe in silence and was gratified when Jashin's scent soon faded. Outside, he tried not to show how angry he was for what happened and how angry he was with himself for not being there to keep it from happening. He tried to project calmness, instinctually knowing what Kagome needed… a pillar of strength, something she could hold on to. Although the calmness he was projecting was very far from what he was feeling.

After their baths, Sesshoumaru led a sleepy Kagome to her bed and was about to tuck her in when she reached up suddenly to curl her hand over his wrist. "I don't want to be alone…"

Sesshoumaru nodded and slipped in beside her. Slowly he gathered her to him, and she laid her head on his chest. He stroked her hair until her breathing turned shallow and even before closing his eyes.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Glossary: (For new Japanese terms only. Please see the previous chapters for other terms used in this chapter).

Akuma - The name I gave to the Dog Demon of the North. His name means "Devil."

Bunkin-takashimada - Traditional upswept Japanese hair style.

Furisode - Long-sleeved kimono worn by unmarried women.

Jashin - The name I gave to the heir and younger brother of Akuma. His name means "Wicked Heart."

Kanzashi - beautiful gold combs and hair accessories.

Kuro-monstsuki - The ceremonial kimono for men meaning "black-with the family crest."

Uchikake - Full length outer robe worn by noble ladies on formal occasions in the past. In modern times, it is part of the traditional bridal costume.

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Next chapter summary teaser: "I don't care who you are or what you are, Inukkoro. Kagome is MY woman!"

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Responses to reviews: Arigatou gozaimasu, minna-san. I really appreciate you taking the time to review my work! _^,,^_

Responses to reviews for chapter 15 (chapter 16 in ff.net):

MM.org reviews:

Sesshoumaru Lover1: Sorry for the unintentional cliffhanger. LOL. Thanks for letting me know about your next chapter. I think I will start reading it off of MM.org, although I initially reviewed off of ff.net.

Duo no Tsuin: I like her cat woman duds myself! I thought she should have something cool to wear when she battles. Sesshoumaru is the epitome of elegance! ::sighs:: I want Sesshoumaru! Yes, I do not want her to read how he feels about her. I want them to talk about their feelings! And it will be soon. The kids ended up in Kagome's room probably from the emotional time in the library. This is not the first time they've slept with her. Kagome ran away from him because of the whole rabbit scene. She's much too big hearted to see something like that and she felt really terrible about it. She also felt insecure and is probably questioning a lot about her feelings and trying to figure out Sesshoumaru. Thanks for catching the error, I've updated it. Glad you have started your outlines. Again, I can't wait for your Inuyasha fic!

Miss Marilyn69: Thank you, thank you for your support, Miss Marilyn!

Magor: Arigatou for your review! Sess is hot! Woohoo! Thank you for recommending my story to your friends! Thank you about the song! It's one of my favorites.

Thundercat: I'll try to write in the tail again, LOL.

Lea: Thank you for the compliment, and I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I think I might want Sess in my dreams the same way, LOL. In any case, I think I want the guy I like to grow his hair really long now.

Kangel: Arigatou for your review!

Shadypony: Thank you again for reviewing, Shady! I'm so honored you love my story!

FF.net reviews (included responses to missed reviews. Sorry about that) GOSH, 225 reviews!:

Airen: Thank you for your review. I'm glad you liked both versions of Chapter 13.

CTCandInuyasha60516(): Thanks for your best wishes when I was sick. I really appreciated it. The arms will eventually become funny, although not at the time it first happens. I hope your arms feel better though! I hope your golden retrievers were gentle! Thank you for your support also!

JoJo: Arigatou!

Arella: Thanks for your review!

Aira^o^(): Sorry I missed your review. Much thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed their discussion about Kagome's attire.

Nankinmai: Thank you for your review regarding the wish. I've also revised the "Insecurities" chapter to account for why no one saw the slip of paper that fell.

Shichan: Thank you for loving and reading my story!

Me(): "Matte" means "wait." Oops! I have to revise that chapter. I meant to put the Japanese word for "Now." Thank you for catching that! I'm glad this serves as a little distraction.

Reality: ::giggles:: Poor Inuyasha…

Claudia67g: Thank you. Chapter 16 (or 17 in ff.net) took awhile because of the research and violent situation.

Ying-lin Hu: Thank you again for your support!

Kishi: I wanted for Kagome to hear it from Sess, so I didn't want her to read Sess' addition to the story.

Lady Yami: Thank you again! Hope you enjoyed this chapter.

Golden Skies: Yes, it was a way for him to tell her how he feels, but Kagome didn't get a chance to read it.

Soudesuka-Shurikens: You are the second person to tell me that about GW. I quite agree… so my GW fics will be written with an AU warning until I get a chance to watch all the episodes, I guess. Thank you for your best wishes and continued support.

Blue Moon Star: Thank you, Blue Moon Star. I hope you are enjoying the story so far!

Chenjen: Arigatou! Hope you liked this chapter.

Lilcherryblossom: Arigatou for your review. I don't see anything wrong with a little addition to Kag/Sess pairings LOL.

Oswari!!!(): Kawaii name! Thanks. Irresistible is one of my favorite songs by The Corrs.

SOS(): Many thanks!

Mala(): ::grins:: I hope this chapter is okay with you! Sess doesn't really get to do much in it, but Akuma will be back in a later chapter.

Silver Dragonfly: I revised the chapter a little to account for why no one noticed the paper. I don't want Kagome to read it yet. BTW, thanks for your review!

Animegurl(): Arigatou for your review.

Demonic Little Sister: I think Inuyasha has a big heart and he really does do the right thing.

The Good the Bad and the Freak: Arigatou! Sess is tormented right now because of the barrier Kagome erected. He, as a guy who is really straightforward, can't comprehend why this is happening. Kagome will transform to her true form later in the story, near the end. She couldn't before because she was still changing.

Zero Moon: Arigatou for reviewing. I'm really glad you are enjoying my story, with all its joy and angst too.

Eden: Yup, the addition that Kagome did not see is what Sesshoumaru himself added. I want Kagome to hear it from Sess.

Keito-chan: Jealous, yes! Angry, yes! Sesshoumaru showed some emotion in this chapter.

Diane Fallahan: Thank you for your review. I hope you enjoyed chapter 16.

Ms. Pan Son: I've edited the last chapter a little to account more for why no one noticed the falling paper. Thanks your review!

Unknown Critic(): I don't think so. Thank you for your review!

Responses to reviews for the old chapter 16 (chapter 17 in ff.net):

MM.org reviews (WOW, almost 100):

Duo no Tsuin: What's L5R-A CCG? Thanks, I was afraid that some people may not have liked the punishment or thought it was too extreme. You have creative license, they don't have to wear black! ::grins:: Will try to bring back the tail, it will be in a later chapter though. Thank you for your support!

Val: Thank you for letting me know who recommended my story. I truly appreciated it. Meamiko is the wonderful author of the equally wonderful story, "Voices At Midnight." I'm so glad you are enjoying my story. Arigatou for your compliments! Just so you know, you've made my entire week!! :)

Miss_Marilyn69: Arigatou! I will truly miss this story when it is done, but I'm thinking of a sequel!

KANGEL: Arigatou! Sorry for the delay.

UPDATE: Again, sorry for the delay. I got swept up into building a website.

Arsenal: I hope you got my e-mail on why I have two versions. Thank you for your e-mail and your question. I hope I was able to answer it.

Witch Child: Arigatou! I hope you enjoy this next chapter!

Vampirebunny: Thank you for your review! I'm glad you like how I am portraying Sess and how he is handling the situation. Take care!

Kilala36: Much thanks for your review! No need to be jealous, but I appreciate your support!

Lea: Sorry for the delay of this chapter. I admit that I kind of slowed down. I've had much to think about and have been distracted by many things. I'm also working not only on a Gundam Wing piece, but also on the other Inuyasha fan fic that I want to start posting before this story reaches three-fourths complete. You are correct, the blue light is from her Miko powers. I'm glad you are enjoying your dreams! I can't believe you called me a Hero. I'm just writing because I enjoy it. ::grins about your friend.:: Some of those Bishounen are just too hot!

FF.net reviews (WOW, almost 270):

Airo^o^(): Thank you for your review and for your best wishes about my health. I really appreciate it! Take care!!

Me..(): Not really, Sesshoumaru was just being civil. He is in the neutral zone, full of powerful youkai, and it would not be to his and Kagome's best interests if he acted out on what he really wanted to do. But you will see Akuma again in a later chapter. To answer your question "why didn't Akuma and his bro smell Sess on Kago?" - I didn't elaborate on whether they did or not. One because they are in a room full of Youkai and they each have their own scent…so it might be very difficult to smell one individual youkai in a room full of them. I also did not elaborate on whether the two brothers smelled Kagome, although I subtlety wrote in that Akuma did when he asked Sesshoumaru about whether he had tasted Kagome's blood. I tried to convey that Akuma has figured out that there is something between Kagome and Sesshoumaru, which makes him want to possess her even more. It's a rivalry thing.

Eden: Akuma and Jashin may be related in that they are dog demons, but not directly related. Akuma and Sess are rivals for a long time. Indeed, if he does mate with Kagome, if Sesshoumaru dies, Akuma will acquire the Western Lands too, but I won't let it happen!! The youkai probably thought Kagome was very weak, but she showed them later that she's not that weak with her Miko powers. I think if I were a fly on the wall, they would be wondering about why a Youkai would have Miko powers. This would make Kagome more mysterious, especially since no one knew about her before she was presented.

Julia gulia: Thank you! I got a Walken "wowie wow wow!" Woohoo!

Arella: Arigatou! Every time a reviewer writes that he/she loves my story, I get overcome! WOW!

Diane Fallahan: Thank you for your continued support! I hope you enjoy this chapter.

Mala(): Thank you about the summaries. I try to write eye-catching ones, although I don't always succeed. Well, Jashin should have behaved…

Taiyoukai-kai: Thanks for your review. I understand. I wanted to try to be as accurate about the traditional ceremonial dress, and wanted to use all those Japanese terms. I don't overindulge like that, but I felt I would do it injustice (since I also spent a long time researching this) if I did not use the proper terms. Sesshoumaru is a hard one for me because I'm writing him based on what I think he is. I'll try to keep him IC as much as I can. He is in love… and sometimes, people do things like become emotional, but will keep your suggestion in mind as I write the rest of my story. And no, I do not hate you. I really appreciate your candidness, because you bring out points that I can work on. Arigatou gozaimasu.

Riinuka: Yes, Kouga is in this chapter!! I'm trying to write in as many characters as I can. I'm still working on Myouga and maybe Toutousai.

Arsenal(): Thank you for your reviews (chapter 10 and 17). Yes, Kouga came for Kagome! LOL

Animegirl55: Arigatou for your reviews! Hope you liked this chapter.

Kishi: Thank you! I don't want the story to end too, and I think that is why I slowed down a bit and allowed myself to get distracted. I'm halfway through! I want to work on other Inuyasha fics and start them before this story ends as well. I am looking into writing a sequel though.

Silverquick: I'll work on the whole dismemberment/castration thing. Thanks for bring it up! I reviewed your work and I apologize for my grammar, I was really tired. I should have read it before sending my review rather than reading it after I sent it. LOL.

Ying-lin Hu: Thank you again. Yes, I didn't want her to see that. I am thinking about writing a sequel! Your story is interesting and creative with a lot of twists and plots. :)

Lady Love(): LOL. Arigatou!

Chenjen: ::GRINS:: Thanks. Akuma and Jashin have been bashed! Bad doggies! LOL

Cutiepie99: Thank you for reviewing!

The Good the Bad and the Freak: Kouga is one of my faves and wanted to spice things up with his appearance! You are welcome. Thank you about the names. I really looked hard for them.

MarsMoonStar: Arigatou!!!

Geminia: Thank you for your review and advice. I'm going through all the chapters right now for my web site and let's just say, I had a lot to clean up.

Snarfburgalar(): Thank you for reviewing. It hasn't been easy writing him with one arm, when it is so automatic for me to write in two arms. I had to be especially careful. I know that there is a great debate on that fluffy thing of Sess, but I chose to use it as a tail to give him a second "arm."

Cutiepie99: Many thanks!

CTCandInuyasha60516(): I really enjoy your reviews! Sesshoumaru and puppy kissies! Sounds like a fan fiction to me, LOL! You are so funny, inu65! Sesshoumaru, behave!!

Nightkid(): Arigatou for your review and for luving my fic. ! I didn't know Kagome has been casted in that situation a lot… Anyways, I'm glad you liked the chapter, and thank you about the names.

VioletEyesSilverShadow: What a neat name! Thank you for the review!

Inukamisashi(): Arigatou! This is will indeed be a Sesshoumaru/Kagome romance.

Kagome-chan: In answer to your two questions. Please stay tuned. You won't have to wait so long. The chapters that will answer your questions are fast approaching.

Candicane(): Thank you! Inukkoro means "dog-turd," and only one youkai uses that. Can you guess? Hope you liked this chapter.

Oswari!!!(): Arigatou! Enjoy!

Janni-chan: Thank you for loving my fic. Sess is so much more than just a hot Bishounen!

Animeazngal: Much thanks!

Unknown Critic(): Thank you for your review!

Chibi Tenshi: LOL! Thank you for your review!!! Poor Sesshoumaru… can he punish me too? ::giggles:: Arigatou for reading my profile. It's not easy, but I'm trying to follow my dreams, despite not having a lot of time due to school and work. I didn't want Sesshoumaru to rip up the other guy because he and Kagome are in the neutral zone and I hope I conveyed that they need to act accordingly in High Youkai Society. I introduced the Society because it will also play a role in my next Sesshoumaru/Kagome fan fic. Thank you again!!

Kabby(): Arigatou! I didn't write it in that way, but you have a point. I think they get a long better than Inu and Sess, unless one is mad at the other. In answer to your question, you will just have to stay tuned. It's not a long wait… it's going to be in 2-3 chapters.

Claudia67g: Thank you for supporting my story!! I truly appreciate your input!

Nankinmai: Hiya! Arigatou! Hope you had a wonderful break! I need one of those…