InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ A Little Faith ❯ Chapter 11 ( Chapter 11 )

Disclaimer: Inuyasha and its characters are created by Rumiko Takahashi, not me, but the new plots and the original characters (Akiyama, Katsuo, Natsumi, Shin, Isamu and Moriko) are mine. This fanfiction had been written for entertainment purposes only and without intention of infringing upon any copyright.

 

A/N: Thank you for reading and reviewing the previous chapter! We're now into the second half of the story and I hope that you are still enjoying it.

 

 

A Little Faith by elle6778 - Chapter 11

 

 

He was trailing a ningen.

 

However disinclined he was to admit it, Sesshoumaru knew that his current action bordered on the ridiculous. Scowling inwardly, he made certain that a reasonable distance was kept between them as he followed the miko from the medical centre. He did even know why he was doing this, only that he felt compelled to do so.

 

He had nothing to do for the rest of the day after all, he justified, now that Goshinki's fangs had been delivered to a more unscrupulous blacksmith. The family blacksmith, Totousai had refused to forge a blade from Goshinki's fangs, offering him some pitiful excuse about how dangerous such a sword would be. Sesshoumaru's lips curled into a soundless snarl. The old demon's concern was absurd. He, Sesshoumaru, possessed the strength to wield any demonic sword.

 

It had taken no time at all for him to track down Totousai's errant student, Kaijinbou. Banished by his own master, Kaijinbou wanted nothing more than to prove that he had the skills to match Totousai. He had only been too happy to accept the assignment to forge a sword from Goshinki's fangs.

 

Sesshoumaru allowed a smirk to cross his lips. Soon, he would possess the powerful demonic sword, he thought as he watched the miko skip energetically up the shrine steps. He waited until she had disappeared from view before he followed her stealthily. Once at the top, he caught sight of her again and instantly backed behind the shadows of a tree.

 

He could not avert his eyes from the sight which greeted him.

 

Right before him was the pup which had occupied his mind so often of late. The pup's mop of silver hair was bouncing around his head as he jumped up and down in excitement. Stood in front of the pup, the miko was laughing, shaking her head as she did so.

 

“Okaa-san! Some on,” the pup cajoled as he latched onto the miko's hands. “Only for a while.”

 

“It's almost dinner time, Sachimaru,” the miko pointed out patiently.

 

Sachimaru.

 

The pup's name was Sachimaru.

 

Still unaware of the taiyoukai's presence, the pup pouted. “But it has been two days,” he whined. “Please?”

 

Sesshoumaru frowned slightly. He would have to educate the pup. It was not seemly for a male of the Taishou line to be… whining. Sesshoumaru's eyes landed on the crescent moon on the pup's forehead, noting with his sharp eyes that it matched the one on his own forehead perfectly, apart from the fact that it was a lighter flesh color.

 

The miko was relenting, Sesshoumaru noted as he watched her nod indulgently at the pup.

 

Curious as to what the pup wanted, Sesshoumaru kept himself hidden as the miko dropped her bag and returned to stand in front of the pup. Sachimaru was now holding a bokken in his hand, his eyes shining with anticipation.

 

Then they began.

 

Sesshoumaru's eyes widened with surprise as the miko executed a series of familiar moves, which was copied enthusiastically by the pup. Those were the very lessons he had taught her past self five hundred years ago. If he had any doubts about her identity, what he was currently observing would have dispelled them. He fixed his gaze onto the smaller of the two forms. The pup seemed to be absorbing the lesson rather well, although the miko seemed to have missed a number of instructions. However, considering the level of her skill, she was doing admirably well. He wondered idly if the lessons had continued after they had mated.

 

Then Sesshoumaru froze when he realized that he had just viewed this miko as the same one as the past. No, he reminded himself. This one was a reincarnation and he should not be thinking of her as if she was the one he had mated in the past. It would not do to confuse the two of the females.

 

He did not know how long he stood there, watching them as they went through the training moves until an older woman peeked out of the house to announce that dinner was prepared. Assenting with obvious reluctance, the pup placed the bokken at the side of the house. Then both he and the miko disappeared into the house, leaving Sesshoumaru to stare at their retreating back.

 

There was an odd feeling in his chest which almost felt like longing.

 

The odd feelings continued to nudge at him, making him feel acutely discomfited. Then an image of the past flashed across his mind. Although once again, it appeared to him in fractured segments, there was enough information to form a clear picture in his mind.

 

 

…***…***…***…

 

 

Sesshoumaru could not help but wish for the miko's presence as he stared through the open shoji screen to the central courtyard beyond. The peaceful view before him did not help to dispel his thoughts of his mating with the miko. The entire event had…astonished him.

 

Even now, the thought of it brought forth a heated reaction from his person, one which he could not control. Sesshoumaru grimaced. It was imperative that he progressed with the betrayal immediately before the mating bond grew stronger. As it was, it was already difficult for him to accept the fact that he had to rut with another female.

 

He wondered how his father and mother had managed it. Instantly, his expression hardened. If they succeeded, then he was certainly capable of doing the same.

 

Mulling over the notion of rutting with another female, he walked away from the shoji into the middle of his study. Before long, he returned the shoji screen again.

 

He was pacing.

 

The moment he realized what he was doing, Sesshoumaru immediately halted his steps, irritated at his own actions. This feeling of restlessness was unusual for him, but he understood the reason behind it, however inane it was.

 

The reason behind it was that the miko was still asleep.

 

He directed his gaze outside again. It was past midday and she was still asleep. What irked him more was the pressing need to return to her chambers. Something within him urged him to seek the miko to ascertain if she was well. This unexpected side effect of their mating bond was certainly unacceptable. It was a weakness and he would not tolerate it.

 

He should really progress with breaking the mating bond, he told himself again. There was no reason for him to delay it. Again, his lips thinned at the notion of rutting with some nameless female. Unbidden, a shudder of revulsion coursed through him.

 

Perhaps it could wait for another day or so, he finally decided. Mind made up, he strode to the end of his study and then turned back. He growled low in his throat when he realized that he was pacing.

 

Again.

 

Irked at how his thoughts kept straying to the miko, Sesshoumaru forced himself to think of the affairs of his lands. Katsuo should be training the warriors right at this moment. Perhaps he should pay a visit to their training session. Before thoughts of the miko could return to his mind, he quickly stepped outside, making his way to the training ground near the servants' quarters. As he passed, the servants' voices reached him.

 

“I can't believe it finally happened,” one of them whispered. “It took them long enough to mate.”

 

“Shh… Not so loud.”

 

Sesshoumaru stilled, a frown forming between his brows. It appeared that the servants were once again discussing him and the miko.

 

The servant retorted, “What? I'm speaking nothing but the truth.”

 

“I know. It's good that we have a lady now, even though she's human.”

 

“Well, it doesn't matter that she's human, does it? She is kind to us,” another servant said.

 

Sesshoumaru's brow rose. He knew that the miko had built some form of relations with his servants, but he did not realize the extent of his servants' support of the miko. Vaguely, he wondered what they would say once the bond was broken.

 

Not that the opinions of his servants mattered to him.

 

One of them giggled. “Do you realize that she's actually brave enough to challenge the lord? I wonder what he thinks of it.”

 

“Well, the miko is still alive, and he mated her. So he obviously accepts her the way she is,” another one pointed out dryly.

 

The servant's words caused an odd feeling to wash over him. Brushing it away, Sesshoumaru decided that he had heard enough. The servants' gossips did not interest him and he would not lower himself by continuing to listen to them.

 

His restlessness grew the further he ventured away from the man palace. The urge to turn around and head for the miko's room was almost overwhelming, but he forced himself to continue towards the training grounds.

 

Unfortunately, the mating bond continued to call upon him, making it harder for him to continue on his path. .

 

Incensed at himself, he stilled.

 

Giving in to his urge, Sesshoumaru finally spun around and headed for the miko's sleeping chamber.

 

 

…***…***…***…

 

 

Kagome stretched as the first tendrils of wakefulness trickled through her. The first thing she noticed was how comfortable she was, surrounded by a reassuring feeling of warmth. Then there was a feeling of something snuffling against the side of her neck, making her giggle. She cracked one eye open just in time to see a flash of silver hair before her.

 

She immediately gasped and sat up, only to be stopped by a firm body hovering over her. Her eyes met a pair of unreadable golden orbs, and her lips parted in surprise. Sesshoumaru was leaning over her, his arms placed on either side of her body. Had he been nuzzling her just a while ago?

 

She instantly blushed as the memory of what happened last night flooded her mind. His body was now securely wrapped in his silken kimono, but she could still clearly remember what it looked like without the silk. Her face heated further as her eyes landed on his lips. Kami, the things those lips had done to her last night. The intensity of what she had experienced was not something she had expected at all, even with all their `practice sessions'.

 

She had been so involved in getting the mating over with, and then there was the reality of the event last night, that she had not thought about how things would be like afterwards. And now, facing Sesshoumaru…her mate, meeting his eyes was somewhat more difficult than she had anticipated.

 

“Sesshoumaru…” she began haltingly, unsure how exactly one should conduct a `morning-after' conversation. It was not as if she had one before, she thought dryly.

 

His eyes flickered for a moment, and then in an abrupt move, he pushed himself away from her and stood up next to the futon. He seemed so detached, so different from last night. However, something told her that it was simply a mask. She blinked in puzzlement as she wondered how she could have arrived at that conclusion.

 

“Uh…Is there anything you need from me?” She immediately bit back a groan. Lame, Kagome. Lame.

 

The silence continued for a while. And then when he spoke, his tone was haughty. “It is not seemly for you to remain in slumber until past noon.”

 

Her eyes widened in disbelief. “You came in here to tell me that?”

“Hn.”

 

Shooting to her feet, she planted her hands on her hip to glare at him belligerently. Before she could open her mouth to tell him exactly what she thought, she caught the direction of his gaze. A quick downwards glance reminded her that she was completely naked. Gasping, she immediately sank back down on the futon, yanking the sheets up to her chin.

 

“You hentai!” she hissed through clenched teeth, trying to ignore the burn of embarrassment on her cheeks.

 

An elegant eyebrow rose. “It is this Sesshoumaru's right to look upon his mate,” he informed her calmly.

 

She bit her lips. Yes, they were mates now. She gulped as reality sank in further. It meant that she and Sesshoumaru were effectively… married. Gah! She was only fifteen years old, she groaned inwardly. Her mother would disown her if she ever found out about this. Or maybe her mother would be so overjoyed at her return home that she would ignore the fact that her fifteen-year-old daughter had had underaged sex. With a demon, no less. Then the rest of Sesshoumaru's words sank in and she immediately bristled. Mate or not, he did not have the right to ogle her. After all, they had only mated to break the bond. It was not like this was the real thing.

 

Giving him a stubborn look, she snapped, “Yes, we're mated. But it doesn't mean that you can stare at me like that.”

 

The elegant brow rose higher. “Is that so, Miko? You did not disapprove last night,” he pointed out smoothly.

 

She quickly averted her gaze but she could not prevent herself from blushing. “Are you trying to embarrass me or what?” she retorted irritably.

 

Silence was her only answer. She peered out of the corner of her eyes at the taiyoukai, noting the thoughtful look he was wearing. Why was he being so quiet? Feeling rather unsettled, she began to fidget. If he did not want to talk, why don't he leave and let her get dressed?

 

“Miko. You do not have any cause for embarrassment.”

 

Her eyes snapped up to his. The way he had said it sounded almost like he was trying to reassure her. Rather bewildered, she asked warily, “Why are you really here, Sesshoumaru?”

 

His eyes flickered again. Kagome could have sworn that he looked perplexed for a moment there.

 

“The mating bond calls for your presence,” he finally said, his lips curling slightly in obvious distaste.

 

She blinked. “Oh.”

 

She did not expect the feeling of disappointment which washed over her at his words. What did she think? That he wanted to see her? He was probably there to tell her that it was time to break the bond. A sour taste rose to the back of her mouth at the thought. It was not as if she did not know what Sesshoumaru was planning to do to break the bond. Under her prodding, he had told her that cheating on her would work. But the idea of him having sex with another woman…demon was nothing short of repulsive.

 

But she knew that if she wanted to go home, he had to do it. And anyway, her reaction was probably the result of them being mated and nothing else. Once the bond was broken, she would stop feeling anything towards him.

 

Swallowing past the odd lump in her throat, she forced a smile to her lips. “So, I guess we can break the bond now, huh?” she asked.

 

He tensed visibly. His expression changed so swiftly that she had some trouble reading him, but she could have sworn that he looked angry for a moment. But why? Then her eyes landed on his tightly clenched fists. So, he was really angry, she realized, a little puzzled by his odd behavior.

 

“Hn.”

 

“Right. So… Umm…” She took in a deep breath and then sighed heavily. She did not remember feeling so awkward in her life, ever. “When are you planning to do it, Sesshoumaru?”

 

She watched as his lips tightened almost imperceptibly.

 

“Soon,” he replied in a clipped tone. “You will be informed.”

 

What was wrong with him? She would have thought that he would be overjoyed by the fact that the bond would soon be broken. But he seemed so angry about it. Maybe the completed bond was making him feel that way, just the way it was making her feel bad about him having sex with another female.

 

She sighed again. “Look, Sesshoumaru. I know you hate this feeling. Believe me, I feel it too. But when this is over, then everything will go back to normal, right?” When the bond was broken, she could leave, her mind added.

 

He gave her an odd look. Then, he turned around and walked out, leaving her staring at him.

 

 

…***…***…***…

 

 

The beeping sound of the coffee machine broke Kagome out of the memories of her dream. Blinking, the staff room came back into her focus. She immediately stifled a groan. There she was again, daydreaming about those dreams. The whole thing was getting out of hand and she really needed to stop it. The worst thing was, she just could not help it. The dreams were stuck in her head like it was her own memory and it kept telling her that she was missing something. But she could not quite put her finger on it.

 

Absently, Kagome's eyes followed Moriko's form as the demoness went to fetch a cup of coffee. The conversation they had yesterday about demons and half demons suddenly came to mind.

 

She wondered how many half demons were out there, considering that demons had integrated with humans for more than five centuries. So there are more of them out there, ones like Sachimaru who appeared to be human, but exhibit subtle demonic characteristics. She would not have noticed anything if she had not known for sure that demons existed.

 

As always, that elusive something about the dreams nudged at her again, pulling her away from thoughts of half-demons in this world. She kept having this feeling that she had forgotten to consider something. Something about her past self and her being the reincarnation.

 

She ground her teeth in irritation, having had enough of her life being hijacked by her own dreams. This time, she was determined that she would get to the bottom of it this time, even if it meant replaying the whole dream sequence in her mind.

 

Shaking her head to clear it, Kagome forced herself to concentrate. She had been having those dreams for so long that she was beginning to lose track of what had happened. Start from the beginning, Kagome, she told herself.

 

By now, she was convinced that the dreams were memories of what had actually existed five hundred years ago. As far as she could tell, there could be only two possible scenarios.

 

One, she was really the reincarnation of the Kagome five hundred years ago. But that did not make sense, considering how the dreams had started with her falling into the well and considering how her past self kept wanting to leave. After all, if she was a reincarnation, would she not recall her childhood in the Feudal Era? Why would she be thinking of the future at all? Why would she want to return to the future? Unless her dreams were somehow influenced by her current self's thoughts.

 

Secondly, she had actually fallen into the well and was somehow transported to the Feudal Era. This meant that she had gone through everything that she had been dreaming of. Which meant that she had mated Sesshoumaru. She frowned as she recalled the dreams. Strangely enough, it was the only thing that had explanation for everything that had happened. But why could she not remember anything? Why did it come back to her only in dreams? And not only her, but Sesshoumaru as well. What was going on?

 

Inhaling deeply, she let the idea wash over her.

 

She, Higurashi Kagome, had mated Sesshoumaru. Five hundred years ago. There was no past self. She was not a reincarnation.

 

She and Sesshoumaru had, once upon a time, been mates, the thought repeated in her head. And they had had sex, which meant that Sachimaru could really be her son. Not her past self's.

 

Everything seemed to click into place with that theory. Why had it not occurred to her before this?

 

Closing her eyes, she sighed wearily as understanding dawned. She had always thought that it was all just dreams until she met Sesshoumaru. After the meeting, her main concern was to keep away Sachimaru and herself away from Sesshoumaru. She had just accepted it when Sesshoumaru suggested that she was a reincarnation. He could not have known that she was from the future anyway, seeing that her past self had said nothing of that sort to him. It had not occurred to her to think upon the entire thing further until now.

 

But what if she was wrong about this? After all, it seemed pretty farfetched.

 

“Kagome?”

 

Moriko's voice jolted her out of her musings.

 

“You look lost in your thoughts,” the other girl mused.

 

Kagome forced out a laugh. “It's nothing. Just daydreaming.”

 

“Well, I need to go see Shiori about something. I'll be back later today,” Moriko said as she made her way to the door.

 

When her partner disappeared from sight, Kagome exhaled a breath of relief as she closed her eyes and leaned back against the couch in the rest area. Discussing her dreams with someone else was not something she would do anytime soon. Especially when the object of her dream was the owner of Taishou Holdings.

 

She looked up as the pager belonging to another paramedic went off. She hoped that this one was not another one from Taishou Securities. There were already three casualties from that company this week. Kagome wondered what was going on. She understood that the nature of their job must put them in a lot of danger. But still, this was too much. Remembering Sesshoumaru's arm, she instantly cringed. According to Shiori, the surgery went well.

 

Kagome watched as the two other occupants of the room rushed out, leaving her alone in there.

 

Her mind instantly returned to her uncertainty.

 

She needed proof that it had happened.

 

If the whole dream thing was real, then she must be a real miko. Which meant that she had powers, Kagome concluded, staring down at her hands. Glancing surreptitiously around her before allowing her gaze to return to her hands, she took a deep breath and concentrated. Her powers should rise if she was really a miko, right?

 

Her pulse sped up when she felt a familiar tingle.

 

Then it was gone.

 

Frowning, Kagome stared at her open palms uncomprehendingly. She could have sworn that she felt something, and it was as if something else was blocking it. What was going on?

 

If she could not get proof this way, then she would have to try another thing.

 

Curling her fingers and forming small fists, Kagome stood up and began to make her way out of the medical centre. She could not do it here, but she could always go somewhere else to check.

 

She had to find out for sure. And as far as she knew, a simple examination would tell her what she needed to know. But she would not do it in Tsukuyo Medical. She should simply visit one of the other hospitals, preferable as far away as possible from her home. It would still raise a few questions, but she had to do it.

 

Then she would know for sure.

 

 

…***…***…***

 

The beep of a car alarm being switched off echoed through the almost empty carpark in the basement of the Taishou Securities building.

 

He felt inclined to pay the miko another `visit', Sesshoumaru thought idly as he made his way to his car. Watching the miko and the pup yesterday had only worsened his need to discover what had happened to all of them.

 

When he reached out to the car door, a pricking feeling at the back of his neck warned him that he was not alone. Sesshoumaru glanced around, carefully masking his surprise when he took in the figure approaching him. What did the elemental want?

 

“Akiyama,” he said levelly.

 

“Sesshoumaru,” the elemental greeted with a nod.

 

“You seek my presence?”

 

“I've been informed that you require a method for the distribution of a certain antidote.”

 

Sesshoumaru kept his expression blank. The new antidote was not public knowledge, so how did Akiyama find out about it? Immediately, an image of a female forest demon came to mind. Sesshoumaru glowered inwardly. Perhaps it was time for him to give her a reminder on the value of discretion.

 

“That is none of your business,” he replied smoothly.

 

Akiyama raised a brow. “I see. So you do not require my assistance.”

 

Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed. “No.”

 

“Pity. It would have saved you a lot of effort.”

 

“You need not concern yourself, Akiyama. This affair will be settled within my company,” Sesshoumaru bit out. Was the Northern Lord under the impression that he, Sesshoumaru, did not have the resources to distribute the antidote?

 

“Very well.” Akiyama spun around and began to walk away. After a few steps, he turned to look over his shoulders. “If you find out later that you require such assistance, it would come with a price,” he remarked.

 

“Indeed.” Sesshoumaru's tone was flat.

 

Sesshoumaru waited until the elemental had used his demonic powers to dissolve into the air before he allowed his hands to clench into fists. He had not expected Akiyama's appearance, especially with regards to this particular issue. However, if was not difficult to tell that the sneaky Northern Lord had something up his sleeves. One such as him would not offer assistance for nothing in return.

 

Regardless of what it was, Sesshoumaru decided to let it go. Much as he disliked Akiyama, the elemental had not done anything to jeopardize their five-century long alliance which had been formed shortly before the miko in the past had appeared in his life.

 

The thought of the miko brought his attention back to the dream he had last night.

 

He recalled his past self's difficulty in departing from the miko's chambers after their mating. But it was nothing compared to the difficulty his past self had experienced in voicing his instructions to Jaken.

 

 

…***…***…***

 

 

“Jaken.”

 

The toad youkai jumped slightly before he rushed forward. “Yes, Lord Sesshoumaru?”

 

It had to be done however disinclined he felt to rut with another female, Sesshoumaru insisted to himself for what seemed like the hundredth time. He would not delay this any longer. And the miko obviously wanted the bond to be broken as well, considering her words earlier this very day. What he did not understand was his own annoyance at the notion that she wished for the bond to be broken. He should be pleased, but he felt nothing like that.

 

“You will procure a healthy female for the purpose of rutting.”

 

Jaken's eyes widened as his mouth opened and shut wordlessly, much to Sesshoumaru's irritation. Why was his retainer hesitating? Surely he would not dare question his lord with regards to the purpose of this assignment.

 

“Is there a problem, Jaken?” Sesshoumaru asked stonily.

 

“B-But…the Lady…She…”

 

Sesshoumaru hardened his eyes in warning. Jaken was overstepping his boundaries.

 

The toad youkai's jaw clicked shut with a snap before he gulped. Then shaking his head vigorously, Jaken responded, his voice trembling slightly, “No, Lord Sesshoumaru.”

 

“Hn.”

 

Just as Jaken was about to step out of the door, Sesshoumaru added, “Perhaps it would be beneficial if you procure two females.” Just in case the first one was not to his taste.

 

Jaken's eyes bulged further. A bewildered squawk escaped his lips before he could prevent it. Then, blinking rapidly, he nodded and left the study.

 

Satisfied that his retainer would obey his instructions, Sesshoumaru left the palace. An inner voice told him that a patrol at this time would yield nothing, but he simply ignored it. The need to remove himself from the temptation of the miko was almost as strong as the need for the repeat of their joining last night.

 

To his consternation, his inner voice proved to be correct. His mind was so preoccupied with thoughts of the miko that he finally abandoned his attempt to escape it and decided to return to his palace.

 

It had only taken half a day for Jaken to locate two demonesses who were willing to provide him with the services he required. Sesshoumaru was seated in his study, staring unseeingly at the parchment before him when his retainer informed him of their arrival.

 

“Show them to the guest room in the East Wing.” Away from the miko, he added silently. Although he had explained the situation fully to the miko, he felt strangely disturbed at the thought that she might overhear the noises. As it was, the act itself would stir her mating bond into a frenzy, without her having to hear it as well.

 

When Jaken left to do his bidding, Sesshoumaru stared down blankly at the scroll in front of him. The reluctance to proceed with the act of infidelity weighed heavily upon him, making it difficult for him to leave the study. Such act was dishonorable, and as necessary as it was to break the bond between him and the miko, he felt disgusted by it.

 

Lips tightening in determination, he decided that he would make it as brief as physically possible. Rising to his feet, Sesshoumaru forced himself to make his way to the East Wing. His steps were leaden, and he felt himself growing increasingly agitated at the thought of what laid ahead.

 

When he finally reached his destination, Jaken was standing in the hallway with two smiling inuyoukai demonesses behind him. Sesshoumaru barely glanced at the two of them before he gestured to the one on the right.

 

“You will prepare yourself,” he intoned flatly.

 

The demoness in question gave him a sultry smile before she bowed respectfully. “Yes. I am honored, my lord.”

 

Sesshoumaru bit back the urge to demand that she remove her gaze from his person. Her appearance was not displeasing. However, she simply did not interest him. Sesshoumaru's lips tightened, but he refrained from saying anything to the demoness. Instead, he simply swept into the nearest guest chamber. Peeling off his kimono, he left his hakama on while he settled down on the futon.

 

It was not long before the demoness entered, clad in nothing but a thin silken robe. Her painted face seemed to stand out harshly in the relative blandness of the room. She closed the shoji screen and waited until he inclined his head before she approached him.

 

He watched impassively as she disrobed. A feeling of discomfort washed over him at the sight of her nude form, followed by an uncomfortable sensation on his neck. His mating mark was obviously protesting against their pending interaction, he thought absently. It was encouraging to know that it was affected by what they were about to do, assuring him that this was indeed a possible way to break the mating bond.

 

His discomfort turned into a burning pain in his neck as she laid her hands on his chest. His eyes narrowed at her audacity. She dared to touch this Sesshoumaru without being instructed? His arms shot out and the demoness was thrown onto her back. Lying on the futon, she simply gave him another inviting smile, oblivious to his displeasure.

 

Sesshoumaru knew that he would not be enjoying this encounter. However, it was necessary and he would simply complete the act as efficiently as physically possible. There was no reason to draw it out.

 

Ignoring the growing pain on his neck, Sesshoumaru willed his body to respond.

 

To his horror, there was nothing. Not even the slightest twinge of reaction. It was as if his lower extremity had decided to ignore his command.

 

Sesshoumaru grimaced as his irritation mounted. This could not be possible. He would not allow it. How was it possible that he, Sesshoumaru, was unable to instruct his body to react to his instructions?

 

“My lord…” the female purred huskily, eyeing him with undisguised lust.

 

Sesshoumaru felt himself recoiling further. Somehow, he found the female…revolting. It puzzled him, as Jaken had selected the female based on what he used to desire for a rutting partner. He studied the female before him carefully, attempting to find out if there was something about her which caused this growing feeling of revulsion in him. Her green eyes were sultry, and her heart-shaped face framed with a gleaming mass of reddish-brown hair, which tumbled down her curvaceous form. As far as he could tell, she was not displeasing to the eye.

 

His lips tightened. Perhaps he should consider the other female.

 

“Leave,” he instructed quietly, but there was no mistaking the force behind his words.

 

The female's almond-shaped eyes widened. “My lord? Did I displease you?”

 

His ground his teeth in irritation. He did not wish to converse with this female, let alone justify his orders. “This Sesshoumaru will not repeat himself.” His tone was harsh.

 

Gasping in fear, the female scrambled off the futon and rushed out of the room. Not long after, Jaken appeared at the entrance to the guest chamber, his expression belying his apprehension.

 

“Summon the other female,” Sesshoumaru bit out.

 

Jaken blinked, but he stood rooted to the spot.

 

“Jaken.” His tone carried a wealth of warning.

 

With a squawk of alarm, his retainer slid the screen shut and rushed off. Sesshoumaru strode across the guest chamber to the screen on the opposite side. Sliding it open, he stared out across the courtyard at the other wing. He could see the silhouette of two figures through the shoji screen in the distance. The miko and Katsuo, he deduced. Clenching his fists, Sesshoumaru willed himself to remain where he was. The temptation to fly across the courtyard to the miko's room was almost overwhelming.

 

It was all because of the mating bond, he insisted to himself. Once it was destroyed, his peace would be reinstated and this odd longing for the miko would cease to exist. Strangely enough, the notion gave him no pleasure. How odd. However, he would not ponder upon such things. He needed to concentrate more on betraying this bond, he decided firmly as slid the screen shut and turned away from the courtyard.

 

Not long after, a series of soft taps sounded.

 

“Enter,” he called out impatiently.

 

The shoji screen slid open, revealing a tall demoness with pale blue eyes and shimmering white hair. Sesshoumaru allowed his eyes to travel down her form, noting the dips and curves which formed her body. Once again, this demoness was the type he favored for such tasks. Jaken had carried out his instructions well.

 

“Undress,” he instructed, wanting nothing more than to complete this arduous task.

 

“My pleasure…” the demoness drawled.

 

Stepping in and shutting the screen behind her, she untied her obi and in a few efficient moves, her dark blue kimono pooled at her feet. No doubt she had done this many times, Sesshoumaru thought vaguely as her pale body was bared to him. Without waiting for instructions, the demoness swayed towards him, running her hands from her hips up to her breast.

 

A wave of nausea rose within him, causing him to almost lose his composure. He clenched his fist together at his side in an attempt to still his roiling midsection. This was getting ridiculous, he thought furiously. Why should he be feeling such a way even before he carried out the actual act of betrayal?

 

His affliction worsened as the demoness stopped in front of him, filling his senses with her scent. Instead of being aroused, he felt himself recoiling further. Rutting was simply physically not possible in the state he was in. His…extremities... refused to respond to either this demoness or the one before her.

 

He knew then that it would not be possible for him to continue with it.

 

“Out,” he snapped.

 

The demoness's eyes widened in confusion.

 

He turned away from her, wanting nothing more than to see the last of the female. Then, hopefully, the odd feeling within him would disappear.

 

“How dare you?”

 

He stilled at the sound of the demoness's shrill voice, all traces of her prior sultriness gone. Hardly believing that the female was foolish enough to question him, Sesshoumaru spun around. In a blink of an eye, the demoness was sprawled backwards on the floor, staring up at him with a combination of anger and shock.

 

“Leave,” he intoned flatly.

 

Picking herself and her discarded up, the demoness glared at him before she spun around and left the chambers.

 

Sesshoumaru closed his eyes and released a heavy breath. It appeared that he had been defeated by his own mating instincts. Perhaps he only felt the effects so strongly because of his demonic senses. In which case, he could only think of one other option. The notion left him with a bitter taste in his mouth, and his entire being balked at it.

 

However, neither he nor the miko had any choice in the matter. Not if they wished for this bond to be broken.

 

 

…***…***…***…

 

 

Kagome paced the length of the room, knowing that Katsuo watched her movements closely. She was feeling edgy and twice now, she had felt her heart twist painfully as the mating mark on her neck burned. Slapping a hand on it, she rubbed it gently, trying to soothe the pain.

 

Sighing, she forced herself to take a few deep breaths. It was not as if she did not know what was going on. Sesshoumaru had explained everything to her after all. But still, she could not help the overwhelming urge to rush out to find him. At least Katsuo was there to make sure that she did not make a fool out of herself.

 

Not that she would really run out if she could help it. Even though the entire thought of Sesshoumaru having sex with another made her feel physically sick. After all, interrupting Sesshoumaru would mean delaying the release of their bond. And this was the only chance she had if she wanted to return home. No, she would stay right there and wait it out. Hopefully, it would not take Sesshoumaru long to `betray' her.

 

Katsuo had been giving her odd looks every since Sesshoumaru had ordered him to guard her. She understood why Sesshoumaru had done so, but since Katsuo had no idea of what was going on, she did not blame him for his confusion. After all, how many males cheated on their mate only one day after being mated?

 

A soft tap sounded against the shoji screen. At her call to enter, the screen slid open and Natsumi peered in. She and Katsuo exchanged a smile before she stepped into the room.

 

“Are you alright, Kagome?” she asked, her eyes filled with concern.

 

Kagome forced a smile to her lips. “Of course I am.” She knew what Natsumi must be thinking, but she could not explain it to her.

 

Frowning, Natsumi bit her lips. “It is not my place to talk about such things, Kagome. But what Lord Sesshoumaru is doing… It is just not right.”

 

“Don't worry yourself about it, Natsumi. Everything will be fine in the end,” Kagome said, hoping that Natsumi would not press her further. After all, she had promised Sesshoumaru that she would not tell anyone about this entire thing.

 

“But Kagome…” Suddenly, Natsumi stilled and glanced at the door.

 

“What?” Kagome prompted curiously.

 

Before Natsumi could answer, the shoji screen slid open. To Kagome's surprise, Sesshoumaru was standing there staring at her. She gulped as she looked into the flicker of heat in his eyes, knowing instantly that he was thinking of their previous night together.

 

She blinked in consternation. But what about his attempts at breaking the bond? Surely it was not already over that fast? After all, if last night was any indication, he certainly had some stamina. She instantly blushed at the recollection.

 

Sesshoumaru broke their gaze to turn to Katsuo and Natsumi. “Wait outside until you're summoned.”

 

Natsumi's and Katsuo's glance flitted from Sesshoumaru to her, and then back to Sesshoumaru before they nodded. Bowing, they left the room. Then Sesshoumaru made a sweeping motion around the room and Kagome found the two of them surrounded by a shimmering barrier. It was obvious that he did not want anyone to overhear their conversation.

 

“The mark is still here,” she whispered as she touched her neck.

 

“Regrettably.” His tone was dry.

 

“So it didn't work?” Kagome asked nervously. Surely it had to work. Have they somehow misread the scroll?

 

Sesshoumaru's expression became pinched. After a moment of silence, he said in quiet voice, “It is not possible for this Sesshoumaru to complete the…action.”

 

She blinked in confusion. “What do you mean?”

 

He simply stared at her wordlessly.

 

Her eyes widened in comprehension. Then, gesturing at his lower half, she whispered, “You can't…um…”

 

“Miko…” His tone warned her not to continue.

 

She clamped her mouth shut. The fact that he could not perform was obviously a sore point for him. Not only for him, she supposed. Any male would feel bad about it. Right?

 

She could not help but ask, “It's not permanent, right? You can still…umm…I mean, some other time…”

 

“Miko…” he warned again.

 

A forced laugh escaped her lips. This was just too surreal to be true. They were so close to breaking the bond, and now their entire plan was thrown upside down by the fact that Sesshoumaru could not `perform'. Did this mean that she would be forever bonded to Sesshoumaru? Did this mean that she would never be able to leave? Never to see her family or friends again?

 

Swallowing down her panic, she quickly said, “May it's just all the stress, you know. Or the mating bond is stronger than you thought.” Then she frowned in thought. “Maybe you just didn't try hard enough.”

 

“Miko! You will cease your words,” he snapped.

 

Holding her hands up in a gesture of peace, she quickly said, “Alright, alright… I won't say anything more.”

 

He gave her a cautioning look. “You will give your word that you will not to speak of this…event…to anyone.”

 

She gaped. This was so important that he needed to make her promise not to tell? Males, she thought irritably.

 

“Miko!”

 

“Alright! I promise I won't tell.” Then she sighed heavily, before insisting, “Maybe you should try again.”

 

“No.”

 

She frowned. “What do you mean? No? Do you have another way to break this bond?”

 

“Yes.”

 

She closed her eyes and exhaled a breath of relief. Planting her hands on her hips, she gave him an impatient look. “Well, what are you waiting for? Are you going to tell me or not?”

 

“You will know soon,” he said cryptically before he dissolved the barrier and called out for Katsuo.

 

Immediately, the shoji screen slid open and the grey-haired hanyou stepped in, wearing a questioning look on his face. Kagome frowned, wondering what Sesshoumaru had in mind. Whatever it was, it probably involved Katsuo.

 

“You summoned, Lord Sesshoumaru?” the hanyou asked.

 

Sesshoumaru stared at Katsuo wordlessly, his actions confusing her further. Just when she was about to prompt him, Sesshoumaru gave his general a terse instruction.

 

“You will rut with the miko.”

 

…***…***…***…

 

A/N: Hehe! That's it for now. (Ducks rotten fruits and runs) Hope you will leave me a review to let me know what you think of this.