InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Sunset Love ❯ Revelations ( Chapter 22 )

A/N –To those of you who have asked why I gave Kagome blue eyes; yes in the anime/cartoon she does have those soft brown doe eyes but in the color manga pictures she has blue. Being as blue eyes are one of my favorites and I love following the manga along with the anime… I chose the color of the manga/comic book that started it all for this story. In a few of the others you will notice that I used the brown eyes. I hope this answers your questions concerning my choice in her eye color.

Warning: Though I did not describe the act in the last chapter, many of the characters will reflect on them in this one. Since these deal mainly with the character’s reaction to such events, then I will try to keep it at a minimum.

Disclaimer – I could only dream of owning this wonderful Anime but Inuyasha to my vexation still remains in its creator’s grasp… But hey I can dream of new ways to run their lives through the wringer...hehehe.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------Chapter 22 – Revelations.

Kagome awoke to a world of pain, her body covered with a multitude of claw and bite marks yet she could not help the feeling of satisfaction that flowed through her. She knew without a shadow of a doubt that she had saved Sesshomaru from Sora’s evil curse for all time. She just knew she had. She just needed for him to awaken so that she could once more gaze into those golden eyes that she knew so well. That would be the tell tale sign that he was truly all right.

He was currently lying beside her with his arms wrapped protectively around her shoulders and Kagome did not wish to ever move. Not that she could anyway since her body protested even the slight rise and fall of her chest with each breath she took, she hurt that badly, that and she doubted she would ever be able to walk right again.

At first, Sesshomaru had been so violent with her and she remembered struggling against his superior strength. It had hurt when he fist took her and she knew that she had screamed out in both fear and pain during those first few hours. Even now without moving, Kagome could feel the dried blood that clung between their bodies and covered them, could feel the blood that had soaked into the furs beneath and around them. It was her blood and the knowledge made her stomach protest and lurch.

Kagome refused to allow herself to be sick though because that would mean moving and that was out of the question right now. She felt too weak to move, light-headed from the loss of blood and her powers were drained from fighting against him in order just to survive the punishment he was inflicting upon her. Even now she felt as if she could slip away into the dark abyss of death where the reapers were waiting to collect her soul, but no matter what she felt she would fight to stay here, refusing to go until she knew for certain that the demon lord was truly free.

Once she knew, once she was at peace with herself and him, she would relax into the fate’s hold and see where it took her. Until then she was too tired to stay awake, she needed to rest in case he was not totally free of the curse and had more of the pent up desire she had experienced last night. With a soft sigh, Kagome allowed herself to slip back into slumber never noticing the way the pendant she still wore began to glow a bright blue and spread over her body. Its soothing aura helped to ease the dark dreams that threatened to plague her sleep.
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“Damn it all to the plains of hell!” Ozeki roared as his massive fist collided with the shimmering blue barrier time and again. He was enraged that Kagome’s sacrifice had been in vain, her life thrown away on a whim when they might have found another way to free the Taiyoukai from the witch demon’s curse.
”Calm yerself bear, we know not whether the child be alive or not.” Tatsu’s deep voice drowned out the furious bear’s howls. “We must wait until till we can access the cave within.”

At the other edge of the cave opening, Kisho closely studied the shimmering blue with a trained eye, his ability to see things the others could not alert to the changes that had been made to the wolf’s spell.

When the three of them had gathered at the cave entrance just after sunrise, they had all felt the first stirrings of anger at finding the barrier still intact. They all had experienced a momentary sense of loss for the young miko that they had each come to respect and love in their own ways, but now as Kisho stared at the wall deep in thought it occurred to him that perhaps their feelings of rage were unjustified.

After a few moments of silent contemplation, realization settled over Kisho like a warm comforting blanket of reassurance. Thick streams of a purple aura had interlaced with the shimmering blue of the wolf mage’s in order to reinforce the spell’s strength so that no matter what Sesshomaru would be contained should she have somehow failed.

“So she protects him still,” He mused out load drawing the attention of the others away from the barrier wall.Kisho had only seen the purple aura on the few rare occasions when he had witnessed the blue aura of Kagome’s pendant and sword combine with the pink of her powers. It was a reassuring sight that gave him hope for the young miko’s survival. If it were still evident then certainly she must still be alive for it would not burn so strongly but have faded slightly from the wolf’s spell leaving only a trace of its existence.

“What?” Ozeki finally bellowed out, impatient to wait for an explanation. He was ready to explode with an anger and grief and here was the Northern Lord saying something about the Miko still protecting Sesshomaru.

“Her powers circulate throughout the barrier that Otsumi erected to help keep Sesshomaru confined.” Kisho replied without a thought, as he extended his hand to run it along the shimmering wall that blocked the cave entrance. “We will have to wait until the shield is lowered before we enter.”

Ozeki growled out his dislike of the situation, anxious to see to the miko’s safety. How on earth was he suppose to protect her when she allowed continuously put herself in such situations and just how in the world was one to protect her against their own lord?With an air of exasperation he plopped down on the ground to wait.

Tatsu bowed to Kisho’s knowledge of the situations and took up a spot near a tree to also wait. There was nothing that could be done until then and he had always admired how Kisho could see or sense things that most others could not.
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Kisho was the one that stayed closest to the cave entrance. He wanted to be the first inside so that he could assess any sort of situation that might arise. Two things ate away at him. How would Sesshomaru deal with what he had done to the young miko once he regained his senses and would Kagome survive this brutality?

These things plagued his thoughts and his mind. Sora had sworn that doing this would most likely destroy the Western Lord, the guilt bringing him down for what he had done to the miko without thought. Would it call upon his friend’s blood beast to extract a type of revenge upon all who were closest to him? Rin had stopped it the last time, but the child was not here to stop it now if it should awaken. He would not be able to relax until the situation at hand was solved and he knew for a certain what he was going to have to deal with, until then he would have to prepare himself for just about anything to occur.
---------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------- Blood. Its smell permeated the air around him and he could feel the partially dried substance clinging to his skin. It was the first thing Sesshomaru noticed as he struggled desperately to awaken from the hazy slumber that tried to hold onto him.

His last memory was of standing in the midst of battle surrounded by the usurpers soldiers and he could not help but wonder if perhaps he had somehow been injured in that chaotic mass. It seemed unlikely as the enemy soldiers were not as well trained as he but still the scent of blood hung so thickly in the air that it might be one explanation as to why he was having such a hard time opening his eyes.

There was something strange to the scent though, one that he could not quite pinpoint in his current state. It was as if the substance had all come from the same source yet he could detect the faintest tint of his own blood mingled in with it. An occurrence that was even more foreign to his mind to recognize as being his. Hardly had he been injured in battle to the extent that his body felt like lead.

The second thing he noticed was the fact that both he and his body felt well satiated. Another rare occurrence since he seldom deemed it necessary to partake in the pleasure’s of the flesh. In the back of his mind he could almost hear his beast purring with some unknown delight that neither of them could quite fathom, yet still he felt as if he had spent the night with one of the demoness he frequented when his body desired release. What that had to do with the battle he was just in was something that confused him to no end. How was this possible?

Even as he struggled to open his eyes he took stock of any possible bodily injuries that could account for this strange sensation. Without looking he could only detect a few minor injuries in the areas of his chest, shoulders, and back. These were very slight and could only account for the tinge of his own blood he scented but not for the sense of pleasure and he grew even more confused.

Was it possible that he had been tempted by one of the many demonesses that were in his enemy’s ranks and had extracted punishment upon her in ways of the flesh instead of killing her on the spot? That was a foolish thought because never would he lower himself to forcing himself upon anyone, let alone one who would not have him. He was Lord Sesshomaru, ruler of the Western Lands, and he need not debase himself to that of a common criminal. Would he not remember it if he had of done these things anyway?

The questions plagued him and slowly as Sesshomaru’s head began to clear he became increasingly aware of his own body. He found that his usual tight control over emotions was absent, leaving them to run rampant and he was growing increasingly angry that he did not know what had happened and where he was.It displeased him to find that he was having difficulty to regain control over them.

Along with that he found he was unusually sore. His whole body ached as though he had gone through some sort of vigorous workout. One of his arms seemed to be pinned beneath something that he could not quite make out. Perhaps it was the body of a fallen soldier, he thought as he continued to struggle awake.

The haze still clouded his mind until he let out a small growl of frustration that none but a Taiyoukai would have been able to hear. He tried to move his arm from under whatever it was that held him, but a tiny whispered groan of pain and weakness stopped him cold.

For what seemed the longest time, Sesshomaru dare not move for fear that whoever it was that lay on him would awaken and take the advantage of his weakened state, but something kept nagging him that it would not be the case. If only he could open his eyes and see what or who held him.

As he laid there a small flash of Sora having been there at the battle rose in his mind and brought with it a whole new set of questions. Was Sora the one that lay against him and had he finally succumb to her spell giving into her promise of unknown pleasures? Had their coupling been so violent that he had drawn her blood and that was what he smelled all around them?

If that was the case then how was it that he was free from whatever spell she had cast over him now? Was the spell only meant to seduce him into her bed then cast him aside once she was satiated as well?

That didn’t make sense to him even in his addled state of mind. If she had truly gained control of him then there would be no reason for her to willingly give up that control knowing that he could be used to help her do whatever it was she desired. With control over him she would have ruled all the Western Lands and with that kind of power there was no telling what else Sora could accomplish. So why was it then that he was free of her spell?

If it was not Sora then who could be lying against him? Who would dare pin one of his arms to the ground knowing how deadly it could be for him to awaken and find them there? Surely they knew he would kill who ever it was because they had seen him in such a state that none should witness.

Several long moments passed before Sesshomaru could finally open his eyes, his control slowly being regained over the remnants of whatever spell he had been under. He was determined to get to the bottom of what was going on and slay whoever had done this to him in the first place. There would be no mercy this time, Sora would die a slow painful death that none could save her from if he found her to be at fault.

The first thing his eyes focused on was the roof of some sort of cave, and his brow drew down in deep confusion. How had he managed to get here?

With narrowed eyes he glared down at the one against him ready to interrogate whoever it was in order to receive the answers that both he and his beast needed, but what he saw stopped him in an instant. Kagome was the last person he had ever expected to see resting against him, but it was the state of her body that bothered him the most.

Her skin was covered in blood that came from multiple wounds, bruising covered a good extent of her body, and there were several bite marks dotted over her shoulders and what he could see of her chest. Naked, she was completely undressed and curled tightly to his side as if he were her lifeline, yet her breathing was shallow and labored and he knew that she was hanging on to life by the merest of threads.

At the sight his inner beast raged to life, wanting to hunt down any that dare harm her and kill them swiftly. Who could have done such a thing to her and how did she get into the cave with him? Why were they both in a state of nakedness? Sesshomaru felt bewildered and carefully moved the injured miko from his person. Once free of her grasp, he pushed himself off the floor to pace back and forth while he tried to figure out what was going on. He continually kept glancing down at her to see how she was fairing and the more he looked at her the more he worried.

After some sort of internal debate with himself, Sesshomaru could not take it any longer. Carefully he gathered the injured miko into his arms and settled them both on some of the furs that did not bear the stain of blood upon them. He did not wish to disturb her rest but he needed answers and he could not rest until he had them. He also was afraid, though he would never admit to it, that if she remained asleep much longer then she would never awaken, but slip away from him forever.

Sesshomaru looked about hoping to find something he could wrap her in but finding nothing but shredded clothing and stained furs, he opted for just holding her tightly yet gently against his bare chest so that she might not feel embarrassed when she awoke.

“Kagome?” he said softly, his fingers coming up to softly caress her cheek. There is tenderness in his voice that he cannot hide and a worried glow in his golden eyes that he would be shocked to know was there. “Kagome, you must awaken.”

A soft hurtful groan emitted from the petite woman who lay against him before her eyes fluttered open. He could see that her deep blue eyes were clouded and barely focused through the pain she must be going through.

“S…Sesshomaru?” her breathy whisper came, it was slightly hoarse and yet he found it a welcome relief to the turmoil of unknown emotions that he had been feeling until he heard it. “You are you again?”

Her question startled him and his eyes narrowed slightly as he watched her. She lifted one small hand to caress his cheek and seemed to be trying to search his face for something that only she knew. He left his questions unvoiced as he heard her give a deep sigh.

“Yes,” Her voice grew more distant and for a second her eyes seemed to clear, looking sharply at him as she normally did. “You are back to normal now.” Her eyes grew distant and she closed them again. “I can rest now that you are back to normal.”

Sesshomaru really did not like what he was hearing. Was this frail creature implying that it was he who had been so brutal toward her? How could he have done such a thing as to hurt the very woman who haunted his thoughts both asleep and awake? It angered him to know she thought so lowly of him.

“Miko, this Sesshomaru commands you to open your eyes and explain the meaning of all this.” Sesshomaru answered her coldly. It would do no good to let her continue in this sort of thinking at all.

A slow smile curved her pale lips and she partially opened one eye to look wearily up at him. “Always so demanding, does not that superior nose of yours tell you what has taken place?”

Sesshomaru’s eyes narrowed more in surprise. Even near death she dared to both defy and tease him. How dare she do such a thing? Yet she had a point, until now only the scent of blood was detectable to his sense of smell, but clearly there was something more hanging in the air around them.

Not to be denied he scented the air around her, his nose picking up each scent while his mind separated them into their true meanings. As their meaning slowly seeped into his brain and he could no longer deny what had happened he growled in a barely contained anger. It was all true, he was to blame for the miko’s current state but still he did not understand why and he looked down into the face of the only one who could tell him at the moment for the answer.

Kagome heaved a deep shuddering sigh as pain raked through her body and set her nerve endings on fire. “Sora’s spell…others…will…explain.”

It was all she could get out before she felt herself falling back into the darkness that had gathered around the edge of her vision. For one second she forced herself to open both eyes as she stared at him hard, her hand cupping his cheek to gain his full attention. “Not your fault,” She forced out before slipping back into unconsciousness.

It was her words that unlocked his memory and everything came rushing back to him with clarity. He remembered how he had watched her kill Sora with hatred in his heart and how the others had locked him away in this cave in order to insure the safety of the armies. He knew where each bite mark or gash on her skin had come from and most of all he remembered the unbound lust that he had attacked her with.

Guilt ripped at his insides and anger grew to a furious rage. It was the fault of the usurper that had brought about such events and his own arrogant pride for not waiting for Kagome to wake up from the last attack. If he had waited then this could very well have been avoided. Most likely she would have been able to stop him from succumbing to Sora’s spell before it got to this point. This was more his fault then any other and he had only himself to blame.

In his grief and anger at himself, Sesshomaru tilts his head back and lets out an anguished cry that echoed through the air.In the far off hiding spot of the master’s strong hold, the master smirks at the sound. “So the Western Lord grieves. How befitting.”

Outside the cave the sound shattered the barrier allowing the three youkai to enter cautiously. They have no way of knowing just what to expect but the grief stricken sound tore at their hearts and minds making them think the worst.

Kisho was the first to reach the spot where Sesshomaru sat clutching the unconscious miko to his chest. The sight made him ill but he knew that there had been no other way. The only thing to do now was to try and aid her in anyway possible, making certain she survived the ordeal.

As the others gathered around them, crimson stained eyes turned upon Kisho and he saw the hatred shining in their depths. The purple stripes that adorn the Western Lord’s cheeks were thick and they all recognized the signs that his blood beast was soon to be loosed upon them all.

“Why did you not stop her old friend?” Sesshomaru’s voice was deeper then normal, another sign that soon he might loose the control that he normally had. It was odd for them to witness him in such an emotional state and they begin to wonder if perhaps he was still being affected by Sora’s spell. “Why would you allow the miko to enter the cave knowing that this would happen to her?”

Sesshomaru rose so suddenly that it jarred the woman he cradled to him, yet in his anger he did not realize it. He angrily advanced toward the three, a low growl of warning stirring from deep within his chest. Someone must pay for what had happened to Kagome and these were the closest to him at the moment.

“Lord Sesshomaru, you must control yerself,” Tatsu growled out his own warning. He did not wish to hurt the pup but in this state of rampant emotions he was a danger to everyone. “Calm yerself pup before I am forced to do it for you.”

Sesshomaru’s growl deepened and he turned his full attention upon the dragon youkai. He barely recognized his friends in the haze of guilt and anger that clouded his mind and vision. The only thing he lusted after was blood. The more the better and he felt his beast rising up within him wanting to be released upon the world.

Tatsu, Kisho and Ozeki all prepared to subdue Sesshomaru if need be, they were also prepared to die trying to get the injured Kagome away from him if they could. But to their amazement, Sesshomaru stopped, his gaze turning down upon the woman he held so close to him.

Though Kagome’s eyes remained closed, a soft humming could be just barely heard coming from her direction. One hand had risen to rest on his chest and she almost seemed to be trying to sooth his anger. Kisho doubted if she even knew she was doing it but was delighted to find that it was having some sort of effect on the Western Lord. Slowly Sesshomaru’s gaze returned to its golden state as he tilted his head toward the woman to listen better. It gave them all hope that she would survive but they worried about the cost to her.

Quickly, Kisho shed his outer kimono and slowly approached the couple. “Let me take her to a healer before she passes beyond our help.” He said softly trying to keep from startling the lord who was still in the clutches of the beast. “Come let us take her together so that the healer may look over you as well.”

Ozeki could barely contain his mouth, wanting to pummel his lord for inflicting such damage upon the young miko as he was witnessing but when he saw how Sesshomaru was acting protectively against her it finally dawned on him. He watched in rapt attention how the lord growled louder with each step that Kisho took toward them and how he seemed to curve his body away in order to insure that no further harm came to Kagome.

“Is he doing what I think he’s doing?” Ozeki asked Tatsu who was standing beside him. He did not know much of Dog youkai’s breeding but from what he could make out, Sesshomaru was acting very much like a protective mate would when their chosen one was injured.

“Aye, it be so and if Lord Kisho also understands then he will know exactly what needs be done to insure both their safeties” Tatsu replied with a soft chuckle. Though in this time it was hard to find humor in the situation he could not help but wonder just what Sesshomaru would do when he found out that his beast had chosen Kagome for his life mate somewhere in this whole mess. It was an interesting turn of events, one well worth watching to see how it turned out. Maybe with her there would be hope for the pup yet.

“Come Sesshomaru, it is I, Kisho,” Lord Kisho’s smooth voice rolled out commanding the Western Lord’s attention. He kept it low, choosing his words with care. It was of the greatest importance that he got the miko to a healer with all haste without dealing with the anger of an out of control beast. “Both I and Lord Tatsu helped your father to rear you pup. General Ozeki is here because it was you who appointed him Lady Kagome’s guardian. Do you not remember old friend?”

Sesshomaru’s head tilted slightly in the direction of Kisho, a clear indication that he was listening to all being said, yet he did not bother with raising his eyes from the woman he clutched protectively in his arms. He did remember then but still his inner beast fought for control wanting to find its revenge in the blood of those he had allowed close to him. The only thing that was holding it back was Kagome’s attempts to sooth it. It was strange to him that she would have more control over it then he did and it slightly amused him. All those centuries spent learning to control the creature inside but when he needed that control the most a single spell had rendered him helpless to control himself.

Kisho took a few steps closer and when the warning did not come he dared to approach the protective male enough to cover the miko with his outer kimono. “Sesshomaru, she is in desperate need of a healer. Allow me the honor of caring her there swiftly. I swear on my life, one lord to another, that no harm will come to her.”

It was these words that made Sesshomaru turn his golden gaze upon his old friend, for a long moment he searched Kisho’s face for any indication of treachery. Finally, he seemed to find what it was he was searching for and with reluctance he turned his precious bundle over to Kisho. “Take good care of her or this Sesshomaru will make certain your death is a slow and tedious one.”

“Understood,” Kisho said adjusting the garment to cover the woman better before turning on his heal and sprinting out of the cave. There was not a moment to lose with Kagome’s life hanging in the balance.

As Kisho disappeared outside the cave, Sesshomaru sagged to the floor. The weakness still affecting him and he still fought to control the rampant emotions that plagued him. “What have I done?” He could not stop the flow of words that slipped from his lips, his guilt evident to Ozeki and Tatsu. “She will never forgive me for this. Why did I not take your advice when you had offered it?”

Tatsu and Ozeki took up position on either side of Sesshomaru, exchanging worried glances over his head.

“Now is not the time to fret over such things. That child be needing you there when she awakens.” Tatsu told him quickly. “She knew what to be expecting and refused to let us find another way. She will not be thinking ill of you anytime soon. But you must be the one to undo what you did in that state no other.”

Ozeki listened quietly, his tongue held in check only by the strongest of will power. He wanted to rage at Sesshomaru, wanted to tell him exactly what he thought of the whole thing but now was not the time to utter such words. Not now when he could see with his own eyes just how distraught the Western Lord was in this moment of weakness.

“Come now, pup.” Tatsu reached down to grip Sesshomaru’s upper arm and haul him to his feet. “You need to be seeing the healer as well and be watching over her while she heals.”

Sesshomaru looked up at Tatsu and nodded. He knew that there was still much to do and he would try to make things right with Kagome, even if it took him all of her short life to do. He just wished that she was a demoness, because he felt it would take him centuries to undo the damage that he had done in one night. He would also make certain that the usurper and all his flunkies would pay for what had occurred. With a new goal in mind Sesshomaru headed out of the cave followed closely by Ozeki and Tatsu.
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Kisho ignored everything around him as he hurried toward where the armies were supposed to have set up camp. It was only when the noise of hundreds of men reached his ears did the Northern Lord breathed a sigh of relief.

He did not slow to announce his arrival to the guards on duty nor did he stop when Inuyasha called out to him. Kagome’s well being was far too important to all of them for him to answer the irate ex-hanyou’s questions. He passed them all in a blur of black and silver, seeking out the healer’s tent. It did not take him long to find and he slowed only long enough to command the guards that none was to enter until given further instructions.

As he stepped into the dim interior, Kisho immediately placed the girl on one of the empty makeshift cots that had been set up for any incoming injuries. Sensing the urgency the healer appeared by his side within seconds, ushering the Western Lord out of her way enough so that she might flit around the injured girl.

Kisho refused to leave when the healer tried to get him to step outside and remained steadfastly by her side the entire time the healer looked her over. The state of her body upset him greatly yet he forced himself to watch. It was not only his duty to see that Kagome was properly cared for but something deep inside told him he must remain.

When the healer stripped away his kimono to reveal just how deep the extent of her injuries ran he felt a momentary sense of anger well up inside him at all responsible for bringing her harm. He understood just how Sesshomaru must have felt when he received the missive concerning Rin that caused him to go into a blood rage. It did not matter whether Kagome was his blood child or not, he still felt that rage that any father might feel when seeing their child this injured. It hardened his resolve to make certain this so called Master was punished for this crime against the loving young woman.

“Hmm…” the healer’s thoughtful voice broke through the cloud of anger, drawing Kisho’s attention back to the elderly demoness. She was bent over Kagome, her bent body blocking his view of whatever it was she was examining so closely. He watched as the healer swiftly removed something from around the girl’s neck and turned to hand it to him. “Hold this a moment, if you will great lord.”

Curious, Kisho examined the chain that had been given to him. The moment his eyes landed upon the symbol of a sun setting etched deep within it he felt his breath catch in his throat. His heartbeat sped up and a wave of dizziness overwhelmed him. Not only were the powers in the pendant great but he recognized the etching as being the exact same pendant that he had given to someone several centuries earlier.

His golden eyes darkened as they turned to look upon the face of the dying child in the cot. Tears pricked at his eyes and Kisho struggled to keep them from falling for fear of losing his own tight control. The appearance of this pendant could only mean one thing.

Kagome was his child. His own true flesh and blood, the one that he knew was destined to be born without him in a foreign time and place that he could not follow. His lost love was the only one who could have given the pendant to her.


Memories long forgotten surfaced as he thought back to the human miko that had stolen his heart and to the day that they had last parted. She had sworn it to him before her last trip through the well all those centuries ago, had sworn that when the time came that his daughter would return to find him when the well knew this time needed her. She had informed him that Midoriko had explained it to her in a dream one night when he had allowed her to touch the jewel in his protection.

There had been tears in her eyes as she turned away and entered the well, slipping forever from his grasp. Her words ringing in his ears even as he had forced to turn away from what he had hoped would be his destiny. Though he had tried to follow her, the well had refused him access that day and the days after that.

Desperate, he had went to the only other person he had known could pass through the well with the aide of the Shikon no Tama. His mother, Lady Kananobara, had been the one to inform him that his daughter had been born and that she would be powerful enough to fulfill her destiny in time. His mother had not been able to access the well’s powers after that either and he had waited all these centuries for his daughter to appear.

Yet now she was here and again he found himself helpless to do anything to help her. This was something that only she could pull herself from and Kisho felt his heart torn to sheds. Had he waited all these centuries only to have to bear witness to her death without really knowing her? Was this destiny’s cruel plan?

No, he decided this was not where things ended and his hand wrapped tightly about the slender chain. There would be much he had yet to teach her, much yet to show her, and he had to know whether or not she knew that she was the sole heir to the Northern Lands. If she had known that she was his daughter then he needed to know why she had not approached him with the information. Yes, he knew that in the beginning he would not have believed it, for slowly he had been losing the hope of meeting her, maybe he would have even believed she was nothing more than a woman who was trying to gain access to his wealth. But in time he would have come around, this pendant was evidence of that.

Kisho could only assume that maybe Kagome wished him to know how she was before approaching him with the news or maybe she had been made to delay her approach in light of all that had happened to her here in this time. He would not know for certain until he spoke with her about these things.

In his life he had rarely asked the gods for anything but now he felt his silent prayers going out to them, beseeching that his daughter would pull through this as well.
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The return to the camp was slow going for the trio as Sesshomaru’s natural healing seemed to be slowed by the spell. In his weakened state he could barely go more then a few yards before he would be forced to rest in the beginning of their trip but as they neared the encampment it had began to repair the damage that his body had sustained.

Also his control over his emotions was slowly returning and by the time they entered the camp he was almost back to his normal self. His stoic face was drawn and pale yet no one dared to approach him as they all feared his wrath. Word had been spread that Kagome had been brought in earlier with severe injuries and they knew with this news that Sesshomaru would not hesitate to kill anyone that angered him.

Tatsu and Ozeki followed quietly behind them, neither of them ready to deal with the questions they could see reflected in the eyes of those that dared to look in their direction.

There was a definite sadness that seemed to hang over the camp, as if the entire army was somehow in mourning. Yet they all tried to hide it from their lord knowing that his burden was even harder to bear since it was he who had caused her pain.

Sesshomaru did not like the thought that all knew what had transpired but there had been no way to hide it in the state that he had been in. He raised his head a little higher, giving off is usual arrogant aura, yet those who knew him, could see the burning rage that smoldered in his golden eyes.

Soldiers scurried quickly out of his way or gave the small group a wide berth. They all knew where he was headed and many of the soldiers hoped that once again the resilient young miko would pull through.

Sesshomaru needed no one to tell him exactly where Kagome was, both his instincts and his nose directed him to her without error. He felt drawn to her even though he could not explain it. He knew that she had become a part of him sometime during the night and he was not about to let her down now when she needed him the most. Time and time again she had come to his aid though he did not like to admit it. It was time he repaid the favor, do all he could for her.

Twice now he had caused her pain though it was not intentional on his part, yet he had been responsible. Twice now she had forgiven him his more primitive side. Sesshomaru knew just by her words back in the cave that she had forgiven him this time as well but still that did not excuse what he had done to her either time. Even though he had done it under the spell of another, it was still he would that had done the damage.

Not it was up to him to do all he could to undo that damage he had caused, even if it meant pledging his life to her. His word was his bond and he intended to do all he could to make up to her for all he had done and all she had sacrificed for him.

Outside the healer’s tent, Sesshomaru was surprised to see his half-brother raging at the stone-faced guards. No matter how much Inuyasha cursed or swore to kill them, they remained unfazed. It was slightly amusing but when he approached he laid one hand on his brother’s shoulder to restrain him. “Calm yourself, Inuyasha. Kagome does not need to hear your ranting right now brat.”

“You!” Inuyasha growled when he abruptly turned to glare at Sesshomaru, pointing an accusing finger at him. His whole body trembling with rage, “it’s your fault she’s laying in there. She’d better not die or else you’re as good as dead too.”

Angry at Inuyasha’s harsh words, Sesshomaru was about to reply when a very faint, “sit” came from within the depths of the tent. Instantly both brothers turned to look astonished at the tent. Even though the sit command no longer worked on the ex-hanyou its meaning was just as powerful. Both hurried forward only to be blocked by the waiting guards.

“By order of Lord Kisho, no one is to enter until the healer has finished her examination of the Lady Miko.” One guard abruptly told them even though both trembled slightly under the cold glare that Sesshomaru narrowed on them. Only the fact that they were under orders of Kisho kept Sesshomaru from slaughtering them on the spot.

“It is alright,” came Kisho’s silken voice. “They may enter to check on the miko.”

Sesshomaru instantly knew that something was wrong just by the tone of his friend’s voice. His steps quickened as he moved forward, his eyes adjusting instantly to the dim lighting. He scanned the area making certain that none would bar his way to Kagome before moving to where he could look down on her pale features.

He looked from Kisho to the healer and felt a moment of worried anticipation as he noticed the drawn looks on both of their faces. “How does the miko fare?”

“Yeah, is Kagome going to be ok?” Inuyasha’s worried voice grated on the Taiyoukai’s nerves but Sesshomaru refrained from correcting his half-brother only because he too felt the same worry.

“Don’t know for certain, Milord.” The healer’s ancient voice cracked as she spoke but she bowed her white head to him respectfully. “It is now up to the girl if she pulls through or not, I have done all in my power to aid her.”

“She will make it.” Kisho’s voice held a commanding edge to it that startled the brothers though only Inuyasha showed it. Both sets of golden eyes turned to look at the Northern Lord where he stood staring down at Kagome. They knew that determined look that glinted in his eyes. They did not know what might have brought this sort of determination about but it soothed some of their worries.

Sesshomaru turned his attention back to Kagome where she lay bandaged and covered upon the old cot and he once more felt the guilt of what he had done. Silently taking up position by her bed, he was determined to remain by her side until she woke.
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Yes, I know another cliffy… Sorry I couldn’t resist. It seems my writing comes in spurts and unfortunately this is where it ended yet again… not to mention the fact that I have to keep you all on the edge of yer seats for just a little longer… hehehe.

Oh yeah, I’d also like to congratulate everyone who guessed throughout the many delays and previous chapters who Kisho was. I know I tried hard to hide his identity but some of you are just too good at just knowing. I hope this also cleared up the relationship of Lady Kana to Kagome. Don’t worry there are still many surprises in story for our favorite couple… it’s only fair to say I have several more tormenting things to put them through yet…hehehe. So until the next exciting/or irritating (however you want to view my cliffies) installment of Sunset love, I bid you all farewell.

OHHH wait….I ALMOST forgot… (sorry a bit of a flitter brain at times)…I am working on a Yahoo 360 blog where I hope to be able to answer some of yer questions, along with excerpts for upcoming chapters, previews of other stories I may come up with in time, or you can just let me know what ya think. This will be under my l3lackroze name and hope to have it up soon…*crosses fingers* As soon as it’s done I’ll place the URL in my profile as well as here in my author notes. Keep checking for that link if yer interested.

Anyways,
Much love to you allDJ aka AuroraNyte/l3lackroze