InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Angel ❯ Let The Drama Begin ( Chapter 57 )

Chapter Fifty-Seven:

Let The Drama Begin

Sesshomaru sat up in bed, releasing a satisfied breath of air. His body felt relaxed, his muscles no longer uncomfortably tight with tension. He felt better than he had in weeks. He looked over at the woman beside him. She wasn't asleep; however her eyes were heavily lidded as though she had just awakened. A soft smile of a woman thoroughly satisfied graced her lips. She lay stretched out on her side, her naked body uncovered by the furs.

Reaching out he stroked the soft curve of her hip gently, letting his claws lightly graze her skin in a soothing motion. Tenderness filled his heart. She was becoming more and more important to him each and every day.

It was strange.

He could feel the bond between them growing, the connection. It was as though their hearts and souls were becoming one, they were beginning to depend on each other.

In her state of terror she had reached out for him, had sought comfort in him, and every night after working long hours in close quarters with his father he sought comfort in her, at times even speaking to her about the events of his day. He had not shared such intimate things with anyone before. He had not even realized he had never done so until now.

With her, he had volunteered that information without a second thought. It had come naturally.

He leaned down and kissed her swollen lips, unable to resist the temptation. Her lips were as soft as feathers.

"Are you well now?" he asked as he pulled back.

She nodded with a smile as she sat up as well.

"Much better, thank you," she said.

"Tell me of your vision," he said softly.

Kagome took a breath, closing her eyes briefly.

"It was…terrible. There was this….creature. It had the face of one of the members of the Evil Six, but it wasn't him, we killed him,"

Sesshomaru's eyes widened slightly.

"Are you saying that one of the members I slew has been revived?" he asked.

Kagome shook her head.

"No, it wasn't him, it just looked like him. That thing was no youkai. It was wearing his face but you need only look into it's eyes to know it's nothing you've ever seen before. Its eyes…."

She trailed off, her eyes clouding over with fear. Sesshomaru reached out and brought her close, engulfing her in a strong embrace.

"I can't even describe its eyes…I've never seen anything like it. Soulless eyes filled with evil, malice, and something else that froze me in sheer terror. It was in a village sucking the souls from the villagers that lived there,"

Sesshomaru's mind instantly made the connection. If that creature was sucking souls from villagers then that would mean that that was the creature he and Miroku were searching for.

Reaching out, he placed his finger over her lips.

"Say no more," he said, "Whatever manner of beast this thing is, it will not harm you, not while I still breathe,"

Kagome smiled softly, a small flush coming to her cheeks and neck. Looking into those deep amber eyes she knew that his words were true.

"Come," he said helping her from the bed.

Kagome stood, making a face at the stickiness between her legs. Familiar with her need for cleanliness, he guided her to the bathing room.

They bathed at a moderate pace, enjoying the heat of the water, letting the heat relax their well used muscles. Kagome closed her eyes as Sesshomaru bathed her body before washing her hair with the handmade shampoo. His fingers were extremely gentle and soothing. He was always that way when handling her. Well, their lovemaking could get rough at times, but she liked it that way, even preferred it that way. Other than that small exception, he was careful with her.

It was very sweet.

Removing his fingers from her hair, he turned and reached for the wooden pail. Pushing the pail under water, he filled it up with water and dumped it over her head, rinsing her hair.

"Sesshomaru,"

"Hm,"

"I wanted to make sure that you are okay with the tournament and decorations for the May Day celebration,"

"Whatever you have planned is fine," he murmured filling the bucket again and pouring it over her head.

"Alright," she said, "Has the Crescent Arena been repaired?"

During the tournament there had been some damage to the Crescent Arena; a few holes here, crumbling stone there. Nothing too serious, however, she wanted it to be fixed for the May Day tournament and games.

"Yes, it is fully repaired and reinforced," Sesshomaru confirmed.

"Great, then all that needs to be done is to decorate it, and-"

A knock at the bedroom door cut her off. Sesshomaru placed the bucket back on the side of the tub and emerged from the water, dripping wet and gloriously naked. He turned back and helped her out of the water, his movements unhurried despite the fact that there was someone was at the door.

Kagome was pretty sure it was a soldier. She could smell the dirt from the soldier training grounds from behind the door. The soldier would wait outside until the door opened and his message was delivered, no matter how long it took.

They dressed, Kagome trying to do so quickly, not wanting the soldier to have to wait more than necessary, while Sesshomaru took his sweet precious time. She glared at him. He knew that she hated to leave the soldiers waiting; even it was their job to wait until they were acknowledged. To Kagome, it was plain rude.

Sesshomaru pretended not to see her glare and continued to dress like a male with all the time in the world, but she knew that he was aware of it. She could see the subtle amused twinkle in his amber eyes.

She shook her head at him, huffed and turned to open the door before he could finish dressing and open it himself. Sure enough, a soldier stood in the doorway. The soldier bowed.

Kagome recognized him as Kinriji, one of the soldiers that frequently delivered messages. He was almost as tall as Sesshomaru but not quite as old. He was a good deal older than her but his mind set was younger than his age at times. He was a couple hundred years older than her and yet he blushed like a thirteen year old when ever she spoke to him.

"Greetings, my Lady," the soldier said, "I come bearing a message from Lord Yamiko,"

"Lord Yamiko?" she asked in confusions.

What could Lord Yamiko have to say?

"Aye, ma'am. He has arrived here early. He apologizes for the inconvenience."

Kagome smiled. It would be good to see Yamiko again. It had been a few weeks since they had all went their separate ways. She had missed his rowdy and unpredictable nature.

"Where is he?"

"He is out with Lord InuYasha at the moment, my Lady,"

"I guess I'll have to wait until they return then," Kagome said to herself, "Is Shusui in the castle or has she stepped out as well?"

"Nay, my Lady, she has not left the castle. Last I saw of her, she was out with Lord InuTaisho walking the East Wing gardens,"

Kagome nodded.

"Thank you soldier,"

The soldier smiled, his cheeks coloring a bit.

He was always so flustered around her. She was so beautiful and kind. He was used to the unemotional response of his Lord, not the gentle and considerate responses of Lady Kagome. A tall form glided up behind her, dwarfing the dark haired woman before him. His blush was gone in an instant as amber eyes locked onto him.

Kinriji instantly came to attention. Pushing his feet together, he straightened his spine and placed his arms to his sides.

"Sir," he greeted Lord Sesshomaru.

"You have delivered your message, Kinriji," Sesshomaru said as he lazily wrapped his arms around Kagome's waist and pulled her against his body, "You are dismissed,"

"Sesshomaru," Kagome admonished, looking up at him.

He didn't even acknowledge her, his eyes locked onto Kinriji. Honestly, did he always have to get so darn possessive? She was beginning to realize that Sesshomaru had a jealous streak fifteen miles long. He acted as though the nearest male would cart her off. It was ridiculous….and cute.

Kagome had to force back a giggle at that thought.

"Yes, sir," Kinriji said.

He bowed once, turned and walked away.

As he left, Kagome turned in Sesshomaru's arms, intending to fuss at him but stopped as she looked up at his handsome face. Her heart melted. The urge to fuss at him for treating his soldier that way dissolved. All she could see was his tender eyes from earlier when he had made her feel so warm and protected. It was strange, if she didn't know any better, she'd have said she was falling in love with the fierce demon.

It seemed as though they were just beginning to bond and to her surprise, she was not adverse to it.

Reaching up, she gently caressed his cheek with a finger. Surprise briefly flashed in those amber eyes before they softened.

Kagome smiled up at him.

"You are full of surprises, Sesshomaru," she said softly.

Sesshomaru said nothing. Instead, his arms tightened, and placed his lips softly against her own. Kagome closed her eyes briefly, absorbing the gentleness of the kiss. All too soon, he ended their tender kiss.

"You are just as full of surprises, woman," he said with a small tap to her bottom.

Kagome was surprised at the gesture. Surprise gave way to amusement, and with a giggle, she pulled herself from his embrace and walked out into the hall. Closing the door behind him, Sesshomaru followed her out, his eyes alive with mirth.

They walked down the hall quietly, neither one wanting to break the spell like peace their lovemaking had weaved between them. As they rounded a corner, Kagome walked a bit closer to him and gently took his hand. Sesshomaru walked silently as he wrapped his hand around her smaller one.

Kagome smiled.

She felt wonderful, all soft and fuzzy. The events of earlier that day seemed to be melting into the distance of her mind.

A small motion gained her attention. She placed her hand down to her belly. Again, she felt the movement in her belly. Excitement bloomed. She was beginning to feel her babies move. It had started a few days ago, the movements were so small and slight that even she could barely feel them. Little flutters here and there, but still, they always amazed her.

She ran her hand over the curve of her stomach, pulling on the obi. Her belly was growing larger everyday and her kimonos were beginning to get a little snug. She would have to have them altered soon.

But that could wait, right now, she was content.

She had healthy babies growing inside her womb, for the moment, the Evil Six lay dormant, to her knowledge, her vision had not yet come to pass and Sesshomaru…

She looked up at him through her lashes.

He was becoming to mean a lot more to her than she thought was possible, considering his demeanor, and they way they'd been brought together, but here she was, holding hands with the father of her children.

The male that had taken her title and lands.

The male that made her feel like she had never felt before.

And for the first time in a long time, she felt happy.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Miroku sighed in relief as he and the small band of soldiers that had accompanied him rode into the gates of the former Northern castle.

He was glad to be home.

Placing a hand to his stomach, he grimaced as it gurgled and cramped with hunger.

He was tired and hungry. On the trip, there had been little to no animals to hunt for food and what little there was of animals, by the time they cooked and divided the meat there was barely enough to go around. The only thing he could think about at the moment was a hot bath, and a plate loaded with meats and veggies.

He had been gone at least fifteen hours traveling to villages that had either been attacked or had claimed to have information. All his searching had turned up nothing.

The information provided by villagers had either been false or unreliable. They had had no choice but to return home. There was nothing to find. Whatever had wiped out the villages had left no clues behind.

As he guided his horse through the gates, he could see Sango waiting for him on the stone steps of the castle. She seemed extremely relieved to see him riding in.

It made him smile to know that. Though she wished to wait for the threat of the Evil Six be over before they spoke words of love, he knew in his heart that the love in his heart was reflected in hers as well. She loved him, even if she would not say it.

He could wait for her admission though; he had to admit that her wish to wait until the threat was over in order to take that next step kind of rankled, but he understood.

She was afraid that one of them might not make it through this. But at the same time, wasn't that possibility more reason to speak the words of their hearts?

Miroku thought so.

If he was to die, he definitely wanted her to know how he felt.

Sango wouldn't hear it though. She would not speak her feelings, and would not let him speak his.

He sighed.

He would be glad when this was over. Then everyone could get back to their lives and he and Sango could begin theirs.

Together.

Sango didn't wait for him to get to the steps. She was down them before he even got halfway across the field. Within moments, she was at his side, her brown eyes roaming his body, looking for any physical injury to his body. Seeing none, she smiled up at him.

"How did it go? Did you find out anything?"

Miroku shook his head as he dismounted his horse. A nearby stable boy walked over and took the reins.

"No, nothing," he said as the boy lead the horse away, "We searched the villages that had been attacked and found naught. The villages were ghost towns, completely deserted. There was not one clue to be found there."

"What about the villages claiming to have information regarding the attacks?" she asked as they made their way inside the castle.

"Dead leads. Their information was unreliable, mostly superstitious mumbo jumbo,"

"Hmm,"

Sango expected that. Whenever she went out to investigate something like that, the information she received was more superstition than actual fact.

"I'll go out again in a few days," he said making his way up the spiraling stair case.

"You can't do that, we have to start heading to the Western lands in a few days,"

Miroku stopped and turned back to face Sango, confusion on his face.

"Why is that?"

"Have you forgotten already? Kagome is hosting the May Day celebration. The celebration begins in few days. We have to leave soon if we want to make it there on time,"

He had forgotten all about that.

Well, the investigation would have to wait then. The May Day celebration was mandatory. It was considered to set the overall standard for the rest of the year. It was to ensure that the year would be a good year and that the land would prosper. It was one of the most important days of the year.

"It is just as well. It will give me a chance to speak to Lord Sesshomaru of the current issues at hand. He may have an idea or at least a theory as to what may be going on."

"And we'll get to see Kagome again," Sango said with a smile.

Miroku smiled as well. Yes, there was that. He missed the little bundle of energy. To him, she was like a little sister. He missed his baby sister.

A loud, grumbling sound filled both their ears. Miroku held his stomach, a grimace on his face. Sango giggled.

"Come on; let's get you a bath and a meal,"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A growl erupted from her throat as she paced the hallway. She knew what awaited her behind that door.

Nothing. Absolutely nothing!

Yellow eyes narrowed in anger, dark hair swinging in agitation. Dressed in a blazing red kimono, Jolicia tried unsuccessfully to calm her raging temper.

Jolicia was of middle height, young, beautiful and almost always angry.

He had done it again dammit! Jolicia turned with great agitation and looked at the tall mahogany double doors of her big brother's study. With a furious growl she kicked the door off its hinges. It came to no surprise to her that the room was deserted; the paper work that Yamiko had said he would take care of was still sitting on his desk, untouched.

Another growl was let lose as she turned on her heel.

"Sinjaku!" she screeched, stomping up the stone stairs of the spiraling staircase.

Used to his Mistress' temper tantrums, Sinjaku was at her side in moments. Her cheeks were red with anger, her yellow eyes snapping with anger. No matter how angry she was, she was still a stunningly beautiful young woman.

She was a more feminine version of her older brother, though her temper was hotter than his and a lot easier to ignite.

"You called, my Lady?"

"He left! Suck out the night before I presume!"

Sinjaku didn't have to ask who she was referring to. He sighed inwardly. He had expected no less.

Lord Yamiko was a wild one and drove his little sister up the wall with his irresponsibility and recklessness.

This was nothing new to Sinjaku though.

Such events occurred regularly in the Southern Castle. Ever since the former Lord and Lady had passed on. Sinjaku didn't mind the displays however, without these incidences the castle would be a dull, dull place to live.

"Are we to go after him, my Lady?" he asked, though he already knew the answer to that question.

"Of course we are! As soon as I finish all the paper work that asshole brother of mine has left behind," she said as she stormed back to the empty study.

"Language, Jolicia," he warned softly.

He shook his head. Her language was a constant problem. Really, he knew she could control such vulgar diction with a little more effort on her part.

Honestly, where did she hear such words?

He himself limited his cursing around her, and had spoken to the occupants of the castle to do the same, and yet, even with a warning to servants and soldiers alike, Jolicia had still come to learn and use such inappropriate words.

Sinjaku followed her to the study.

Yamiko had left quite a bit of work for his baby sister to attend to and he had no doubt it had been left for her. It always was. Even though she often balked at the work and hunted her brother down in order to deliver a well deserved thrashing for ditching his responsibilities and handing them off to her, Jolicia seemed to enjoy the work.

Most women got no where near doing the things Jolicia did.

At times it was hard to decide who actually ran the Southern Territory, Yamiko or Jolicia. Sinjaku was more inclined to believe it was Jolicia and not just because she was his favorite.

Though he was inclined to believe Yamiko would prefer his sister take over the often tedious position of running the Southern lands, they knew in this day and age, it was an impossibility.

Lady Kagome of the Western lands was a prime example of that.

They had heard of the young woman that had ruled over the Northern lands for years without any being the wiser, had followed the details of the incident closely, Jolicia especially. She had secretly wished to do as Lady Kagome had done, had been rooting for the young woman and been extremely disappointed with the outcome of the trail.

It had dashed her own hopes of taking over any time soon.

"I shall begin the preparations at your command, my Lady," he said.

As she stopped before the desk, loaded with paperwork, she sighed, placing her hands on her hips.

"Judging from the towers of paper, it may take me a week to organize, read and go through everything," Jolicia complained with a sigh as she walked around the desk to the tall padded chair.

She sat down with a hard thump.

"We will make preparations in a few days time," she said, her eyes gleaming, "and when we catch up with big brother…."

She let her sentence hang, an evil smirk on her face.

Sinjaku shook his head in amusement as he bowed to the now busy woman and left the study, closing the doors behind him.

He had no doubt that Jolicia would do damage to her big brother.

She always did.

Yamiko never learned though, and Sinjaku knew for sure that he chose not to learn. Yamiko seemed to like riling his sister's fierce temper purely for the hell of it.

He shrugged.

It was simply their way.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

May

Eyes closed, Kagome sighed in relaxation. Turning on her side, she rubbed her face against the softness, before turning on her back and snuggling down into the silky surface.

The fluffy cloud was so soft and smooth.

She was drifting, lying against one of the many slowly moving clouds in the bright blue sky. She turned on her side again, her face buried in the fluffy whiteness. The cloud was so very warm, fighting off the chill of the sky around her.

A soft rumbling sound emitted from the cloud.

It sort of sounded like a purr. Again, the rumbling sound filled her ears. She opened her eyes, looking around at the blue sky, wondering why the cloud was rumbling.

She saw nothing but clear skies, not a rain cloud in sight.

Dismissing the rumble, she closed her eyes and snuggled the softness again. Silent, tranquil minutes ticked by, at least it felt like minutes. Time did not seem completely normal here. It felt as though it had been slowed. That was fine with her though, she was enjoying herself for now.

Her eyes opened as the rumbling erupted beneath her again. Angry now, Kagome punched the cloud. A growl erupted this time….

Kagome woke up to the same growl she had heard in her dream. Looking down, she wasn't at all surprised to see the deep crimson eyes looking back at her.

She sat up.

"Sorry," Kagome giggled, rubbing her hand against the softness of his nose.

Sesshomaru blew out a large puff of air, blowing her hair away from her face. Kagome laughed, placing a loving kiss on his cold nose.

He licked her cheek, eliciting more giggles.

“Sesshomaru,” she laughed.

The fluffy white cloud in her dream had actually been Sesshomaru. He had released some of his demonic energy. The action transformed his humanoid form into his demonic form. Though the form was incomplete leaving him nowhere near a fraction of his complete, true form.

In his semi-demonic form however, he took up the entire bed, forcing her to sleep on top of him.

Kagome didn't mind it though.

His silky silver fur was so soft to the touch, his body so very warm and comforting. She loved when he slept in this form. With a yawn, Kagome swung her feet to the edge of the large bed.

She stood and stretched. She felt heavier today, as though she had gained weight. The notion was not so far fetched. Over the last week she had been growing in size at a rapid speed. Shusui had explained that the next few weeks the pups would be undergoing a growth spurt, causing her to grow as well.

Sesshomaru watched from the bed, his crimson eyes fixated on the naked woman.

Rubbing her eyes, Kagome walked over to the green rode hanging on a hook on the wall. She pulled it on and walked over to the window. Pulling the curtains from the window, she peaked out and looked up at the dark morning sky. Today was the beginning of the May Day festival. She was sure guests would begin arriving soon.

Since she was already up, she might as well begin the preparations.

Turning from the window, she walked over to her vanity. Sitting, she began to brush her hair.

A sleepy growl came from the bed.

Kagome still found it strange that those growls meant something to her, that when he growled and barked he was actually speaking to her in a way that she could understand. Sesshomaru had explained that Inu youkai were not so different from the average canine and that, just like dogs, they communicated through growls and barks and due to their mating, she could now understand those sounds.

'Come back to bed,'

"I have to begin the preparations for the May Day festival," Kagome said as she ran a comb through her hair.

'It is early. Too early. Let Shusui begin the preparations. Come back to bed and rest,' he growled.

"You know how important this festival is to me, how much work has been put into it. I want to begin the preparations. Besides, I couldn't rest even if I wanted to. Not now, I'm already up."

'Woman-'

A knock at the door cut off his words.

"Come in," Kagome called out.

Shusui entered the room. She was dressed in an expensive, flashy kimono, her hair done up in a simple bun.

"Kagome-sama, you're awake," she greeted with a smile, "Good morning, my Lord," she said inclining her head towards Sesshomaru on the bed.

Sesshomaru merely huffed in reply. Shusui turned back to Kagome.

"I was just coming to see if you wished for me to start the preparations,"

"No, no" Kagome said standing up from the vanity, "I am awake and more than capable of seeing to things. Have the guests began to arrive?"

"Yes, my Lady. Lord Sarinji and Lord Ensei were the first to arrive,"

Kagome nodded.

"Send in the maids, I will need some help dressing,"

"Of course, Kagome-sama," Shusui said heading for the door, "They will be here momentarily,"

That said, Shusui turned and walked out the door. Kagome walked over to the bed, hands on her hips.

"Will you get up? The guests have already started to arrive, and we need to make an appearance soon," Kagome said poking him in one of his furred hind legs.

Purple pupils locked onto her face.

'You presume to give this Sesshomaru instruction when none is needed, woman? I am well aware that my appearance will be needed,' he growled.

"Well excuse me, Lord Grouch. Must you be such a grumpy puppy in the morning?" she asked with a small amount of amusement.

Crimson eyes narrowed at her 'Lord Grouch' comment, as well as being compared to a grumpy puppy. Seeing the look, Kagome laughed. She loved to tease him; it was so very easy to ruffle his feathers. Even though he had protested her instructions, he did indeed revert back to his humanoid form. The room was bathed in a green light for a moment, and when it dimmed and faded, Sesshomaru sat stretched out on the bed, naked.

Kagome felt desire flutter in the pit of her stomach. She sighed inwardly. There was no time for a quick roll in the bed sheets.

Her cheeks turned a deep crimson.

A quick roll in the sheets?

When had she become such a lustful wanton she wondered?

With a knowing smirk, Sesshomaru sat up and scooted over to the edge of the bed. Placing his feet on the thick carpet floor, he stood. He was very grateful that he had installed carpet in his castle, during this time of year, stone or wooded floors were usually cold and he hated walking on cold floors.

As he walked past her towards the bathing room he paused, his nose delicately sniffed the air. Her cheeks colored even more as his knowing smirk widened.

He knew.

She desired him.

"Oh will you just go already?" she said with a huff, hands on her hips.

Sesshomaru said nothing as he moved on. Then again, he didn't have to say anything. The message was loud and clear.

Her desire for him stroked his already over inflated ego.

She rolled her eyes.

Men.

Shusui returned moments later with a few maids in tow bringing yards of silks with them. Before Kagome knew it, she was standing upon a stool, the maids clothing her in rich blue and white silks.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kagura awoke slowly, sluggishly. Wiping her eyes, she yawned. Opening her eyes, she stretched before sitting up in bed.

Today was the day.

General Ensei would be here for the May Day celebration. The weeks that had passed since she had seen him seemed as though years had passed. Finally after so long being apart, of yearning for him, she would finally be able to touch him, speak to him. Her heart fluttered at that thought before the pain assaulted her, the pain of her heart clenching with panic for him.

Vishious was not one to make idle threats.

She would have to make a choice. Time was running out.

Reaching up, she covered her eyes. She had gone over and over her options in her mind, trying to find some way to keep both Ensei and Kagome's pups safe.

So far, she was at a loss for what to do.

Gods help her. There was no other way out of this and she knew it. She closed her eyes tight, trying not to give way to the despair that threatened to overtake her.

Taking a breath, she slid out of bed. She would be strong. She had a little bit of time before she had to make her decision. For the time being, she would be with Ensei, she would make as many memories with him as possible, and she would keep them close to her heart.

Walking over to the bathing facility, she bathed quickly, her heart pounding the entire time. Even though Vishious had not contacted her in a few days, she still feared to bathe after the last time he had pulled her down into the water, nearly drowning her. She could not shake the fear no matter how hard she tired to.

Vishious was steadily growing in power, increasing her fears.

Once clean, she hurriedly dressed in a dark green kimono. As she crossed the mirror however, she slowed, looking at herself hard, fixing this and that. She wanted to look perfect.

After spending more than a half hour grooming herself, she finally went down stairs, her stomach tied in knots. As she walked down the stone steps, she could hear many voices and shuffling feet. Entering the Great Hall she stopped a few stair steps away from the crowd.

She was as surprised at how beautiful the room looked as she was to see how many people were packed into the large room. The walls and large ceiling of the Great Hall was decorated in different shades of blues, and silver. Hundreds of candles lined the walls; blue glass coverings over the candles bathed the room in a bluish hue.

It was a magical place.

At least to Kagura.

She had never seen such a beautiful room.

There were a few head servants directing the flow of traffic, directing the Western land servants to lead the more important guests to their rooms. Kagura recognized a few of the faces in the vast sea of people but not many. Only one face mattered to her at the moment.

As she scanned each and every male in the room, familiar eyes locked onto her own. Kagura felt her knees weaken at that intent stare.

It was him.

Ensei.

He stood towards the middles of the swarm of people, Lord Sarinji at his side. Lord Sarinji waved at her with a small smile. Kagura returned the gesture with a small wave back before turning her attention back to the object of her interest.

Their eyes remained locked as he made his way towards her, pushing through the throng of bodies, seemingly unaware of the dirty looks he was receiving from the many individuals he pushed out of the way. Kagura was breathless by the time he stood in front of her, almost afraid to breathe, fearing that this was merely a trick of her cruel creator.

"Kagura," he said softly.

"Welcome, Ensei. It is good to see you again,"

His slow, sensual smile made her heart flutter.

"It is good to see you as well," he said reaching out and taking her hand.

Kagura blushed a deep red as he brought her hand up to his lips and placed a chaste kiss onto the softness of her skin.

"I assume you received my letters," he commented, still holding her hand.

She nodded.

"I was hoping to receive some from you as well," he said.

"I…."

Kagura had wanted to send him a letter as well, however, with the threat to his life from Vishious, Kagura had been too heart sick to write a letter to him. She had tried and tried and each time she began to write her heart had contracted so bad she had had to stop and cry. Though the convulsing and lack of tears could not really be categorized as crying.

She didn't know whether it was the work of Vishious or her own shame.

"You need not say anything, it is alright. Come, show me around the castle. I barely saw anything of the castle the last time I was here,"

Kagura nodded dumbly as she turned to lead him to the gardens, his hand still holding her own.

They toured the castle, chatting happily and holding hands.

Kagura spoke to him about the things she had learned from Shusui and Lady Kagome. Ensei laughed about her first cooking experience. Apparently she had been trying to cook bread and had almost blown up the kitchen. Kagura had laughed as well, her heart lighter than it had been in weeks. As she looked up at him, she wondered how he could possibly make her feel such new and wonderful emotions.

She had never, in her short life, ever felt such feelings.

She was alive.

"What's your favorite color?" he asked her suddenly as they sat near a small lake, their hands still intertwined.

Kagura blinked, a bit surprised. Did she have a favorite color?

"Oh come now, you must have a favorite color," he said with a smile.

Kagura thought for a moment.

"Blue," she said with a smile.

Blue would be her favorite color. It was the color of the sky. She often sat outside during the afternoon and looked up at the sky. She was at peace when she lay under the bright blue endless sky.

"What about your favorite color?" she asked him in turn.

"Red," he said with a smile.

"Why red?" she asked.

Reaching out, he caressed her cheek gently, staring into her red eyes.

"Why indeed," he said softly, his face slowly descending to hers.

Kagura knew he was going to kiss her. She wanted it almost as much as she needed her next breath. She was nearly breathless as his lips gently touched hers. His lips were warm and gentle…and heartbreakingly loving. If she could have, she might have cried.

This man, this lovely male shattered her very soul and yet completed it. She loved him.

She loved Ensei.

A vision of Vishious flashed through her minds eye, breaking the almost spell like mood. Drawing back, Kagura looked up at him, her eyes sad. Ensei noticed it, his heart clenching at the look.

"What is it Kagura?" he asked gently, the pad of his thumb wiping over cheek as if he saw the invisible tears she cried.

Kagura looked down at the question, unable to bare his concern. She didn't deserve it. Not when she could very well be the cause of his death.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Laters

~Sessakag