InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ A Demon Should Act Like A Demon ❯ Gomen ne... ( Chapter 18 )

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

Author's Note:

My program consists of highly condensed classes and I have a lot of individual and team assignments due each week. I also had difficulties writing for many reasons. One of which was due to a sad situation in which I had to inform another author that her work was plagiarized. Her response was very sad, and I feel really badly for her… because I know how much it takes to write and share my own work. It really breaks my heart to know this happens. I also somehow associated that bad experience with this chapter, made it hard for me to write it. A friend of mine told me about the PPP, Plagiarism Police Patrol, and I've become a supporter. The site url is in my profile.

I feel really sad for the person who plagiarized her work and I hope this person will do the right thing and take down the story. This person also submitted another story that I truly hope is really from this person. It showed real promise and I hope this person continues it. It is not always easy to write a story, but first and foremost, write for yourself. It may not be the best in the beginning… but the more your write, you do get better and it does get easier. Write from your heart, and no matter what the reviews say, be proud that you were able to do it. Not everyone is brave enough to share their work. Plus, it takes more guts to publish your work than to post someone else's.

If you would like to be notified when I update my fan fiction work, please go to my profile for the url to my notify list (in MM.org, just enter your e-mail address in the box). I started a new Sess/Kag AU fic called, "The City by the Bay." I am also contemplating answering two Sess/Kag challenges, possibly three, from A Single Spark. Thank you for understanding and I hope you all enjoy this chapter.

This chapter is dedicated to Duo no Tsuin and MiniMorr for being there for me through this bad experience AND to Kitten Kisses, Hinoke, and all the readers who recommended my fan fic. That is the best compliment you can give to an author. Thank you! _^,,^_

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A Demon Should Act Like A Demon

By Ericedwyn

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Chapter Eighteen: Gomen ne...

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~* Western Lands Territories *~

"Do you see it, Kagome?"

Kagome trained her eyes to the spot where her youki danced a tango with Sesshoumaru's. She could hear the crackling sound of energy crashing into each other. Her nose also picked up the scent of something that smelled explosive. "Hai, Sesshoumaru. I can see where I should aim my strike. Inuyasha and Toutousai spoke of this. I now understand how this can be tetsusaiga's ultimate attack." The young lady remarked in awe.

"That's it for now. You've done well." Sesshoumaru arched an eyebrow at Kagome who still held the tetsusaiga in her arms. "Are you contemplating on using the bakuryuuha on me?"

Kagome's lips curved into a smile at the Taiyoukai's amused tone and sheathed her sword. "Iie. I was just trying to imagine how to execute the attack." She half-ran towards Sesshoumaru and looped her arms around one of his. "I would never use that on you." She murmured as she laid her cheek against the silkiness of his sleeve.

"Hn." Sesshoumaru smirked as he lowered his head to place a chaste kiss on the top of her head.

"Are the hot springs you mentioned earlier nearby? I could use a wash, and your kimono is still stained with blood."

"Hai, only a half-hour's walk from here." Sesshoumaru murmured as he gazed down at Kagome while extracting his arm from her embrace. He snaked one arm around her waist, pulling her close to him while he looped his other arm around her shoulders.

Kagome cocked her head to one side in question, but closed her eyes in anticipation as the Taiyoukai leaned forward.

He lowered his head and captured her lips while his youki swirled around their feet, immediately taking them to flight.

Kagome pulled away a little after awhile and reached up a small, dainty hand to trace the purple stripes upon Sesshoumaru's cheek with her fingers as he straightened. Her eyes held a sparkle that Sesshoumaru felt endearing. Kagome smiled to herself as she wrapped her arms around his narrow waist. She leaned forward and gently rubbed the skin exposed by the kimono above his armor with her forehead.

Sesshoumaru grimaced as Kagome's face neared the dark stain on his kimono. "Kagome, my blood… Let me clean it first."

Kagome glanced up and smiled affectionately at the Taiyoukai. "I don't mind, Sesshou-" She paused only for a millisecond before adding the dear little suffix she has been longing to add since the tender exchange the night of Jashin's attack. "-chan. It's your blood," the young woman said softly, slightly blushing, before laying her cheek on his kimono front.

Sesshoumaru fell silent. Words failed him. He felt like he was flying emotionally… Did she know how the sound of that one tiny suffix could make him feel so… overwhelmingly fulfilled? He has never before questioned whether he needed to be accepted by anyone until she uttered those words about his life's blood. He let his gaze fall and tightened his arms around the woman who has come to mean so much to him. 'Kagome, you truly are amazing…'

~*~*~*~

"Your eyes are closed, right?" Sesshoumaru heard Kagome's muffled words from behind a huge rock formation that surrounded one side of the hot springs.

"Hai, Kagome." The Taiyoukai sighed exasperatedly as he drowned his haori into the nearly boiling water. "And my back is turned." Sesshoumaru felt the water ripple behind him, as she joined him. "Really, Kagome, I have seen you naked before, and believe me when I say that you have absolutely nothing to worry about." The Taiyoukai grinned as he proceeded to provoke her.

Kagome blushed and retaliated by splashing water at the Demon Lord's back.

"Attacking an opponent with his back turned, my dear…" Sesshoumaru turned towards her with a predatory grin planted on his lips. "…is a most dishonorable act."

Kagome's eyes grew wide as she saw the lethal grin and glint in his eyes. She moved quickly to the edge of the spring to scamper out, but alas, she was captured by two strong arms… "EEP!" She tensed at first, but gradually relaxed in his arms when his "punishment" came in the form of neck nuzzling and nibbling. She laid her own arms over his. "Times like these make me wish for more, Sesshou-chan." She admittedly softly… so softly that it was almost inaudible to even his demon ears.

Sesshoumaru felt his heart lurch in his chest. "Are you ready, Kagome?" The Taiyoukai asked in a deep, low voice slightly touched with hesitancy.

Kagome closed her eyes as she leaned back. She felt her cheeks grow hotter and flushed crimson upon feeling his warm, muscled chest against her back. "Are… Are you ready for me?"

"I have been ready for some time, Kagome. More importantly, however, is if you are ready for me." He dared not move as he waited for her to answer, nor breathe. He was also very aware of her naked form against him.

"I believe that I am almost ready. I am beginning to understand my feelings a lot more. I…" Kagome paused, her mind saying the words that failed to form on her lips '…love you.' Should she say it? Yet she resigned herself to being a coward…or was it really because she wanted to hear those words from his lips first. "I don't think you have to wait that much longer, Sesshou-chan."

Sesshoumaru let the breath he held escape slowly before pressing his lips against her temple. He leaned his head forward to rest his forehead on her right shoulder. "I will wait as long as you need me to, Kagome."

Kagome smiled, mischief dancing in her eyes. "Are you sure?" The young woman asked boldly, blushing as she did.

The Taiyoukai smiled to himself and raked his fangs over her shoulders. He heard her deep moan and continued to run them over the column of her alabaster neck. "I cannot help my body's reaction to yours, Little Temptress." Sesshoumaru nuzzled her neck then hair, breathing in her unique scent that was now mingled with something more primal in nature. "Nor can you. I can smell your need of me."

She blushed rosier still and bit her lower lip to keep another moan from escaping. Boldly, she turned in his arms and scissored her arms around his neck. Their bodies pressed so closely together that even mere air could not squeeze through. With her hands, she lowered his head so that she could press her lips against his.

He allowed her to beguile his lips and lead the dance of exploration… savoring the sweetness of her tongue and the warmth of her breath. One of his hands made its way first to palm one side of her face, and then his fingers gently glided through her hair to rest on the base of her skull… before taking control.

They remained in each other's arms… savoring the shared kiss without letting their passion overtake them. It was enough just to feel each other so close, subconsciously allowing their hearts and soul to get to know each other deeper. It was intimacy of the highest order. When their kiss ended, the intimacy remained… and a deeper understanding as well.

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A couple of hours later found the Nobles of the Western Lands once again on foot as the Taiyoukai described the history of some of the villages in his territories. Kagome heard him speak of Kaede's village and cried out in excitement.

"Onegai… May I visit my friends?" Kagome clasped her hands in front of her while looking at Sesshoumaru expectantly.

Sesshoumaru hesitated, a little frown playing on his lips. There is nothing he wanted more than to spend quality time with Kagome alone, but he yielded. "If that pleases you."

"Arigatou, Sesshou-chan." Kagome smiled brightly.

As they neared Kaede's village, she took in familiar sights--of the fields that were bearing fruits and vegetables during the Inuyasha-tachi's last stay in the village that now appeared to be nearly completely harvested, of the smoke and the aroma of spices that escaped the hole from the top of the huts that indicated that lunch is being readied, and of the red Torii that welcomed visitors to the shrine seemingly shining as the sun's rays played on its surface. She recalled a memory of the latter from her own time, of her 15th birthday, when the same thing had occurred. She felt a lump in her stomach remembering that day… the day it all began.

She was startled out of her reverie when something sailed into her arms.

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~* Kaede's Hut *~

Miroku stood up from his lotus position on the floor with a look of great intensity on his face. "I sense a great spiritual force nearby."

"I sense youkai energy, Miroku-chan." Sango said at the same time and watched as Kirara ran out of the hut.

Sango scrambled to a standing position, grabbed her hiraikotsu, and chased after her neko youkai.

Miroku grabbed his staff and glanced at Kaede before following after his fiancé. He slowed down a little when he heard the familiar cry of delight of an old friend and espied her snuggling Kirara in her arms. "Kagome-sama!"

The visitor heard her name called and she looked up to see Sango and Miroku approaching her in a run. She ran to meet them halfway and she and Kirara were engulfed into a tight group hug.

"Kagome-chan! You're back!" Sango sobbed in her friend's not-so-human ear. "You're back."

"It's good to see you, Kagome-sama. We've missed you." Kagome heard Miroku say softly to her other ear.

"I'm glad to be back, Sango-chan, Miroku, and dear Kirara-chan." Kagome couldn't help it and sobbed herself.

They held each other for a long time before Kagome turned her face to look back at Sesshoumaru who stayed a little away from them. She gave him a small smile and slowly left the comfort of her friends' arms. She wiped her tear brimmed eyes with the crook of her finger as she began to way away.

Sango and Miroku both glanced at the Taiyoukai and silently followed Kagome, who began to walk towards him.

"I don't believe you've all been properly introduced." Kagome smiled at the Taiyoukai, and felt it best to address him properly in public. "Sesshoumaru-sama…" She turned and gestured to her friends. "This is Sango-chan, Miroku, and this is Kirara-chan." She said the latter while stroking the neko youkai's head. She giggled slightly when she purred. "Sango-chan, Miroku, Kirara-chan… This is Sesshoumaru-sama."

Sesshoumaru inclined his head in greeting as Sango and Miroku gave him a tentative bow. He turned to Kagome, his face as emotionless as a rock. "I need to check on some things nearby. I will be back…" He paused for a few seconds searching Kagome's face. "in three hours by this tree."

"Arigatou, Sesshoumaru-sama." She bowed low, and when she straightened, she turned her back to her friends to give the Taiyoukai a tender smile that reached her dark-blue eyes.

He nodded briefly, turned, and took to flight in an instant… leaving his mate-to-be in the company of her friends.

"He has his arm back." Miroku thought out loud.

"Hai, I was able to regenerate it. My miko powers have grown over the past few weeks. If only my powers were this strong all those times we needed it." Kagome said sadly.

"Kagome-chan, they were when we needed them." Sango smiled as she reached out to touch the stripes on her friend's cheek, but she let hand drop quickly when Kagome hung her head.

"Let's go back to hut. Kaede-sama will be so happy to see you, Kagome-sama." Miroku said softly.

Kagome nodded, hugging Kirara closely to her.

A few minutes later, Miroku entered Kaede's hut. From outside, Kagome heard him speak in low yet excited tones asking Kaede to close her eyes. As if on cue, Kagome entered the hut and walked to stand before the woman who has been her nurturer, protector, teacher, and second mother in Sengoku Jidai. She clenched her teeth in an effort to still her voice and to keep the tears from falling down her cheeks.

Miroku was about to asked Kaede to open her eyes when the old woman spoke. "Kagome…?"

"H…Hai." Kagome answered brokenly and enveloped the older woman in a tight hug, clutching her kimono in her hands, and wept. Tried as she might she couldn't stop the tears and she cried loudly, just letting go.

Kaede held Kagome close, comforting the younger woman although her own tears rolled down her weathered cheeks. "Shh… Kagome. It is alright now."

Later they sat on the floor and Kagome finished her bowl of vegetable stew with relish.

"Would you like some more, Kagome?" Kaede asked with a smile, patting the younger woman's knee.

Kagome gave a small laugh and nodded. "Hai, Kaede-baachan. I've missed your stews very much."

Kaede patted the young woman's cheek before lading some stew into her bowl. She smiled and watched as Kagome ate. She took in the blue crescent moon, the crimson line over her eyelids, and the bright purple stripes on her cheeks. Yet it was their Kagome that sat there feasting on her stew…not the youkai they all feared would change her. She remained dear, loving, and sweet Kagome. All the worries ebbed away from her heart.

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"You're getting married in two weeks?!?" Kagome shrieked gleefully, grinned, and then hugged Sango. "Well, it's about time!" She turned towards Miroku and places her hands on her hips. "And you better treat her well. No cheating or I'll whack you with my sword."

Miroku gave a sheepish look as a drop of perspiration formed on his temple.

Kagome laughed and gave him a hug. "I am so happy for you both."

Miroku grinned and almost gave in to an urge to drop his hand from her lower back to a spot even lower, but one look from his fiancé curbed that thought.

"I'll be sure to bring everyone here for your wedding. Rin-chan and Shippou-chan will be so happy to see you all again." Kagome said excitedly.

"Speaking of Shippou, he seems to have made the right decision to stay with you, Kagome. He has always looked up to you as a mother." Kaede remarked with a smile.

"I'm glad he stayed with me. It was actually Sesshou-chan's idea to adopt him legally." Kagome smiled as she thought of her adopted son.

"So, it is Sesshou-chan now, is it?" Miroku asked with a small grin, although his countenance had a hint of anxiousness. He saw Sango frown out of the corner of his eye.

Kagome blushed and was quiet for a moment. "Sesshoumaru is so much more than he cares to show. When I gained consciousness and found out that not only was I alive but a youkai as well, I really had a rough time. Tsumi-san, the Hanyou I mentioned earlier and who has become a wonderful friend to me, was really worried about me. I think if it wasn't for Sesshoumaru, I don't think I would be here with you now. He really saved me from myself."

"Do you love him?" Sango inquired hesitantly.

Kagome nodded and smiled. "Hai, more than I ever loved anyone." She answered truthfully.

"More than Inuyasha?" Miroku asked incredulously.

"Hai. I was surprised myself, but I think I already saw something in him during the last year." Kagome drew imaginary circles on the floor with her fingers in thought. "I think I can be happy here in Sengoku Jidai with my dear friends, Sesshou-chan, and the children." The young woman murmured softly after a moment of silence.

"But?" Kaede prodded, a little concerned.

"I really miss my Okaasan, Souta, and Ojiisan. I know I'll see them in 500 years, but 500 years is a long time." She looked up and made a helpless gesture with her hand. "Being here so close to the well makes me wonder. All I have to do is jump inside and I'll be home." Kagome said a little quietly.

"If you leave, Kagome-chan, you won't be able to come back. The Shikon no Tama is gone."

"Hai, Sango-chan."

"And you told us before that there are no youkai in your time, or at least not in the open. How will you live?" Miroku asked, very much concerned.

"I learned that as a full demon, I can change my appearance a bit." Kagome demonstrated by making her markings disappear to Miroku and Kaede's surprise. "The hardest part is that I won't age like humans. It will probably be hard for me to watch my family grow older and die as I stay young."

"You must weigh your options, Kagome. You must choose wisely without any regret." Kaede said softly as she laid a hand on the younger woman's shoulder.

Kagome nodded in response. She drew herself up to her feet and crossed to the doorway. "I think I need to visit the Goshinboku for a little while. It's peaceful and comforting, and maybe I'll be able to find the answers I need there." She smiled before walking out. "I'll be right back."

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An hour later, Kagome walked with faltering steps towards the meeting place. Her farewell to her friends had been painful, and she could still hear Sango weeping in the hut. She wished she didn't have such sensitive youkai ears. When she reached the tree, she brushed her lips on the topmost letter she clutched before placing them on a branch. She stared at the letters for a few seconds as her heart questioned her decision. She began to move away when her mind told her to be strong. She only had a few more minutes before Sesshoumaru arrives, and she needed to be away from this spot or she wouldn't be able to do what she had to do.

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Sesshoumaru caught Kagome's scent as he walked upwind towards their meeting place. He inhaled it deeply and the memory of the feel of her soft neck against his lips invaded his thoughts. He felt like the heavens bestowed upon him a most sacred gift, and soon, she will be ready for him to be his mate. 'Hai, Father, you were right after all. I found my one true life-bond.'

The Taiyoukai stopped, suddenly feeling something amiss. He didn't sense Kagome anywhere but the strength of her scent indicated she was just there. He moved closer to the tree and something peach in color caught his golden eyes. He saw his name in neat kanji script and reached for the folded parchments.

He broke the seal of the first letter and unfolded it.

~* Kagome's letter to Sesshoumaru *~

To my dearest Sesshou-chan,

I thank Kami-sama for having met you… for saving me from myself. I never thought I could ever care so much for anyone else after Inuyasha or care more than I ever have for anyone. Aishiteru, Sesshou-chan, and gomen nasai for what I'm about to do.

I need to go home, Sesshou-chan. To my home in the future. Please understand. I can't live with myself not letting my family know that I'm okay and alive. When I saw the well, I felt my heart break. They are just on the other side.

I've included letters to Shippou-chan, Rin-chan, and Tsumi-san. Please ask them for forgiveness for me. I will always regret, for the rest of my life, what I'm going to do.

Gomen ne, Sesshoumaru…, gomen ne. I hope you can forgive me someday. Maybe even enough to see me 500 years from now.

With ren'ai suru forever,

Kagome

~* The end of the letter *~

Sesshoumaru's heart broke and crumbled into a million pieces as Kagome's tear-stained letter slipped from his fingers. He felt a wetness on his cheek and brought his hand to his face in dumbfounded confusion. Another tear escaped his now tear-brimmed eyes and it slid over his fingertips.

'No… you can't leave me.'

He moved quickly, like a white blur, seeking the well. He saw her there, propped over its lip, about to jump. "KAGOME!" He cried, the sound drenched with the excruciating pain he felt as he watched the scene unfold before him…of seeing the woman he loved, the only woman he would ever call his life bond, about to leave him.

Kagome looked up, tears in her eyes, and she mouthed words he didn't want to see… "Gomen ne…," before she was swallowed by the well.

"NO! KAGOME, NO!" The Taiyoukai screamed at the top of his lungs as he reached the mouth of the well. He reached out with an arm, but only grasped air. She was no longer there, but her scent…her sweet, wondrous scent lingered there, and he felt helpless knowing he won't be able to keep even that from leaving.

And the youkai, feared by all for his unemotional, cold-hearted, and nearly ruthless reign over his territories, broke down and cried…

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Glossary: Please see the previous chapters for other Japanese terms used in this chapter.

Ren'ai suru - Love (between man and woman)

Torii - Shrine gate

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No teaser this time. It's too hard for me to write the chapter as it is, but be prepared for a lot of angst…

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Responses to reviews:

I've received so many reviews since my last chapter update that I'm afraid I cannot provide a response for each and every one, or it would take me at least 4 hours! :) I would like to say "ARIGATOU GOZAIMASU" for all the reviews. Your reviews and advice helped me beat that Writer Block Youkai. Plus I've decided that I cannot write any chapters of the other fics I'm working on until I get this chapter out.

Your support is overwhelming as were your words of kindness and encouragement. You guys are amazing! ::sniffsniff:: I have to stop or I'm gonna cry. I even have squirrels loving my story! ;)

I will set a time to read your stories. Hopefully this coming week as some others from my team are doing the team assignment. I am so sorry I have been delayed.

Here are some answers to some questions I've read… hopefully I covered everything. If I miss a question or two, please post again, and I will answer… unless I can't because it will reveal too much of the rest of the story. I cannot answer anything about what's going to happen in the end of the story.

1. Yes, this is a Kagome and Sesshoumaru Romance. Sango and Miroku's love is also featured in this story. Shippou and Rin? No, they're too young and they want to be brother and sister! LOL

2. Inuyasha is not gone (well, he's dead, but not gone from the story). And the sequel will most likely revolve around him, although the other characters will also be featured.

3. You asked about when Sess and Kagome will mate. Who wants lemons? ::G:: Sorry but I can only post those in MM.org or Adult fan fiction. FF.net version won't have that kind of hanky panky. LOL. They will mate, and it won't be at the end of the story. So it's between now and the end.

4. Is Akuma coming back? Yes, he is coming back. Jashin is coming back with a friend too.

5. Kagome is Sesshoumaru's heir (or heiress). She will inherit the Western Lands should he go bai bai.

6. The ending has been set since the beginning, with a whole lot of twists and turns.

7. Holidays in Sengoku Jidai. I might look into that, maybe for my other fics, but I would have to research what kind of holidays they had in Japan back then.

LAST IMPORTANT NOTE

If you would like to be notified when I update my fan fiction work, please go to my profile for the url to my notify list (in MM.org, just enter your e-mail address in the box). Thank you!

~Ericedwyn