InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Sunset Love ❯ Unity ( Chapter 28 )

AN- Ok, to warn you now there maybe some Sess OOCness to this part of the story, but that is going to be a matter of opinion cause I, for one, believe that if he felt someone needed to know so something he would just come right out and say it. I do not believe he would ever be afraid or hesitant to tell anyone exactly what he felt. It's his “My word is law” attitude that leads me to believe this.

-------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------

Chapter 28 - Unity

Tears slowly made their way down over her cheeks unhindered, dropping free to fall into the depths of the well that Kagome leaned over. She had told her self time and time again that she would not cry over something that was beyond her control but each time she thought about Sesshomaru she could not stop herself. Everything that she was or ever will be was freely given to him without complaint yet it still was not enough to appease the demon lord.

She would have even willingly sacrificed her powers for him, after all most miko's lost their powers when they lost their innocence. Instead, the mating had awoken the dormant blood that had lain within her body twisting the two into something she did not know how to control. Now she needed his strength yet he had turned her away by letting her know exactly just how far beneath him she really was.

Sesshomaru had accused her of doing it because she had wanted something from him and she supposed that in a way she did. She just wanted him to be himself and maybe she had gotten what she wanted. He had always hated humans and for all intense purposes that was exactly what she was, no matter whose blood ran in her veins. She did not know how to be a youkai, or even a hanyou, had never even known about it until a year ago. Her appearance was that of a human even though the powers that flowed through her were not. Did it really matter though? She was still just plain old Kagome no matter what. Her bloodline and emerging abilities did not change that.

She still had the same outlook on life, still as accident-prone as ever and still giving her heart to those who do not wish it. Why could no one ever just accept her for who she was? She would always be stubborn and try to look after those who needed her no matter what.

Opening her dark eyes to stare down into the depths of the well, Kagome came to a hard decision. She could not allow herself to return home right now, there was just too much to do. The master needed to be found and destroyed, villages would need a healer, and both human and youkai alike would need help to rebuild all that was destroyed.

Running away never solved anything and that is exactly what she had been doing. Running from Sesshomaru, from the burden she had assumed, and from the changes she was going through. Shaking her head slightly she straightened, turning away from the well. She had decided it was time to stop running and start fighting.

That did not mean returning to the Western Lands to confront Sesshomaru but it did not mean returning home with her tail tucked between her legs either. She would simply continue to look for the master on her own and do what she could to aid those in need.

Kagome had never needed anyone's approval before so why should she start now. So what if no one knew what she was? As a simple human she had faced up to Sesshomaru many times in the past, had faced many a demon in battle and had done it without even knowing how to control her powers in the past. She had learned though and she would learn again, she would just have to practice more that's all.

Mind made up Kagome started away from the well. The instinct to return south was gone now, probably because she had been drawn to Iyashii and Hayashi. During the days she traveled with them, she had come to learn the bits and pieces of how their alliance came about and just how far Sora's treachery had extended. Though she never took pleasure from causing someone's death that was one youkai she was only too happy to be rid of.

She felt sorry for anyone who had fallen to the creature's grips and understood why Hayashi had chosen the path to seek revenge against the master. It was a way to redeem both of them against their past transgressions and it made her happy that they were on the right path now.

A small smile emerged at the thought of Iyashii finally getting a chance with the daughter he had been denied. She knew that was all he had wanted for the past few years and it looked like things were finally looking up for the inu-youkai.

She would also look for the one she believed to be her grandmother. Lady Kana was an unknown agent in all of this and Kagome needed answers, ones that only her mysterious guardian could give her.

----------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------

Sesshomaru watched in silence as Kagome moved away from the well, her beautiful face set with such fierce determination that he felt a momentary sense of pride at how his mate reacted. When he finally found her, she had been leaning over the well, He had known she was crying from the way the scent of salt hung heavily around her and his heart had felt heavy with the knowledge that it was he who had caused her sorrow.

Expecting her to return to her own time, he had hung back watching her from the trees. So many emotions rolled over him though he allowed none of it to show. He did not want her to go where he could not follow her and tell her exactly what he felt.

For all his life he had tried to live up to the expectations of others, learning with unerring determination all he could from the older youkai he had been raised around. He had learned to mimic Kisho and Tatsu's emotionless mask, had learned how to stem his emotions because he had believe to show them would be showing his enemies that he held weakness and had learned to live by his sword. He had allowed the believes of youkai society to form his views on humans and had been just as disgusted as the rest of the noble born when his father had fallen in love with a human. His shame had been made two fold when his hated hanyou brother had chosen a miko for his mate but now he understood exactly what his father and brother had known all along. He, in all of his arrogance, had mistaken love for desire and that it was love that had made them stronger. They had both tried to tell him in their own ways, both claiming that to protect one they loved was what made them stronger then they should have been but it had all fallen on deaf ears.

Sesshomaru had claimed to not need it, he did not need anyone to protect nor did he care if he ever did. Stubbornly holding to this belief, he had turned to the sword for power, honing his skills to become the living embodiment of his name. Increasing his strength to ever-higher levels in the hopes of one day surpassing his father.

But watching Kagome's retreating back he knew that unless he allowed himself to feel the same things his father did, follow his heart like his father had, he would never be able to find the same strength as his father had possessed. It had been Kagome that had taught him that, her leaving the castle after telling him exactly how it was had shocked him awake enough to fully understand what his father and brother had been saying.

It was Kagome who stood to face all odds placed against her, stubbornly refusing to withdraw whenever the odds were stacked against her. She had not backed down even when it might mean her giving her life to safe the ones she loved. It had been her self-sacrificing ways that had brought him the full understanding of his father's words. It was her strength, even though he deemed her no more then a weak human, which had continually drawn him to her like a moth to a flame. It was this show of bravery even knowing that she might not succeed that had caused him to fall for her no matter what she had been.

Sesshomaru understood with clarity that it had been his weakness all along that had kept him from succeeding his father. It had been his arrogant attitude and blinded nature that had allowed him to slip into the guilt of what he had done to her and allowed her sacrifice for him go to waste. It had been his failure to understand what even the lowest of humans did that might have caused his downfall no matter how much strength his body wielded.

Without the unconditional love that his father and brother found he was nothing more then an empty shell seeking a false power to fill it up. All along the answer had been staring him right in the face, she was the one that would make him stronger then he had ever been. It wasn't because she was one of the most powerful females he had ever laid eyes on either, it was because she loved him unconditionally. She had told him so herself when she said she wanted nothing more then him to be himself.

Kagome had fallen in love with him even knowing that he might never return the feeling, had continually gave of herself without asking for anything in return. Those he had dealt with before this had always demanded something in return, always desiring his title and power in return for any favors, no matter how small, they granted him. Many a demoness had tried in vain to win his favor hoping that they would one day be able to control him, but they had been wrong. He had unknowingly been comparing their worth to this simple creature walking away from him.

Kagome had shown him his true weakness, the same weakness that had allowed him to fall victim to Sora's manipulation. She had saved him from his downfall then she had returned from healing to save him once again by soothing the beast that had fallen into despair. She was his salvation and his rude awakening and he would be damned if he allowed her to walk away from him not really knowing what it was that he felt.

Golden eyes narrowed in determination as he strode forward, intent on informing this enchanting creature exactly what it was that she had done to him. He had to make her understand how he felt.

----------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------

A sudden chill ran the length of Kagome's spine alerting her the powerful presence behind her and she raised one clutched hand to rest above her aching heart as her head lowered. She knew exactly who it was and debated the wisdom of turning to face him. It would tear her up to find him looking at her with hatred but then again if she did not turn around she would be simply admitting defeat.

“Why are you here?” she heard herself ask, her voice barely more then a whisper. She could not yet bring herself to turn and look at him, not when she did not know what he wanted.

“To inquire the reasons my mate left without deeming it necessary to inform this Sesshomaru,” his voice sounded so cold and her eyes closed as her heart clenched with pain. Even his referral to her as his mate made the pain all that much worse. Why would he be so cruel when he so obviously did not want her?

“Because I won't stay where I'm not wanted.” She sighed softly, her eyes opening to stare down at the ground in front of her. Tears formed in them and she found that as usual her mouth was running away from her again. “Don't worry Sesshomaru, I'll figure out a way to hide or remove your scent marking, than you will not have to worry that I'll be used against you and you'll be completely free of me.”

“That will not be necessary as I have made it known that you are my mate. I assume word as already reached the enemy.” She could almost hear a trace of amusement in his voice but could not be certain, but still she could barely believe what he had just said. Anger stirred and she turned to stare at him in a mixture of disbelieve and hurt.

“Why? Why would you do something like that when you made it quite clear that it wasn't something you wanted?” Her eyes narrowed slightly as she took in his appearance. Apparently whatever happened between now and when she had left the castle he had snapped back to his old self. He looked very much the stoic lord he always had with his arms hidden within the sleeves of his kimono and standing there looking at her with that same expressionless mask that only allowed his eyes to show any sort of emotion. Eyes that to Kagome seemed to be frozen pools of gold glinting with the light of the sun off them.

“I do not recall saying these things,” he stepped toward her, his movements slow and fluid, his eyes never leaving hers. Kagome felt trapped, held captive by the way his eyes seemed to warm the closer he got to her.

“No, but the way you acted did.” She replied softly, but managed to force herself to take a step back when he got too close. She would not allow hope to rear at least not until she knew what it was he was trying to tell her.

His eyes narrowed slightly as she backed away, he did not like that she felt she had to keep some sort of distance between them. He wondered if she thought that perhaps he was here to kill her for what he had done and it make his heart ache. “I have not been myself lately as you well know.”

“Yeah well that's the understatement of the year.” Her voice held a trace of sarcasm as her arms crossed over her chest.

Sesshomaru watched as her eyes narrowed a fraction and her anger swelled around her but before it could erupt as it normally would have he watched as she heaved a sigh. One of his eyebrows rose in question as her eyes pulled away from his.

“Look, just tell me what you want from me, then we can both go our separate ways and you'll never have to deal with me again. I can't keep doing this, can't keep fighting against you over this nonsense when the master needs to be found and put down.” Her voice was edged in sadness and he could see it reflected in her eyes. It made him want to draw her into his arms and tell her everything would be all right, make her understand that no matter what he would be there for her from this day on.

“I wish for my mate to return to this Sesshomaru,” he stepped forward then, his hands resting on her shoulders and looked deep into her surprised eyes. Gods how he loved those stormy jewels that stared up at him with everything she felt reflected in them.

Kagome was shocked, her eyes searching his in order to discover whether or not this was some cruel trick on his part. Not that he had ever been that sort that would stoop to such trickery but then again like he had said he had not been himself lately.

Momentary hope bloomed in her heart and she allowed it to flow through of her but it lasted only for the briefest of seconds as reality crashed down around her. Gently she pulled away from him, turning her back to him so that he would not see the pain reflected in her eyes. “I'll never be a demoness, Sesshomaru, always my tainted blood will reflect on you and be viewed as a sign of weakness to you. I'll just bring disgrace upon you and your house. Maybe it's best if you renounce your claim to me and just forget I ever existed.”

Sesshomaru felt very much like rolling his eyes at her words, not that he would allow himself to do such an action that was beneath him. She was doing it again, trying to sacrifice all that she wanted just to save his pride and he was not going to allow it this time, not when he wanted it as much as she did. She was his mate and no one would dare speak out against it and it was about time she realized as much.

Not one to be put off so easily he reached forward, turning the woman to face him again so that he could look into her eyes as he told her exactly how things were.

“This Sesshomaru cares not what blood runs in your veins, nor does he allow the views of others govern what he does.” His voice rolled over her like soft velvet, his fingers gripping her shoulders so she could not pull away. “You have proven time and again that you are not to be viewed as a weakness but a strength to me and your actions have brought great honor to both my house and the house of the North.”

She sniffed softly struggling to keep from crying. His words had struck home but still she knew that it would not be enough. She did not believe she could just be his mate when he did not love her as much as she loved him. Lowering her eyes to look at the ground her voice came softly. “I can't do it Sesshomaru, no matter who my sire was I'm still human, I can't be trapped in a relationship with a one sided love. It would break me and only make both of us miserable.”

It was then that Sesshomaru realized the full extent of her feelings. Like with Inuyasha she would sacrifice her heart so that he might be free to choose another no matter how much she loved him. His heart swelled and before he knew what he was doing he pulled Kagome to his chest, his arms wrapping around her slender frame. “This Sesshomaru has loved you for a long while now, miko. His heart has belonged to you long before you tried to force that confection you referred to as chocolate on me but dared not to admit it even to himself.”

Wide blue eyes looked up at him, disbelieve clearly shining in their stormy depths. “But…but that was over ten years ago!” she squeaked out as her mind whirled with so many questions. He always seemed to revert to courtly speech whenever he wanted her to know the truth and though it sometimes grated on her nerves back then now she was glad that she had gotten so use to it or else she would have been very confused as to what he meant. “How can you be sure?”

“Do you believe I would allow anyone to disrespect his person as you have so blatantly done in the past and continue to do even now? If another had dared to do that they would have found themselves dead.” His voice held a trace of amusement at her stammering and his eyes seemed to sparkle with it.

“No but then again I just thought you let me get away with because Rin was there and then maybe since you found that it wasn't so bad you kind of forgave me.” She shrugged slightly but could not deny that she enjoy being wrapped in his embrace. It was almost like heaven even if her mind was lost in a depth of a confusion she never felt before.

“I assure you that Rin's presence would not have brought about any hesitation on my part should I have wished you dead.” Sesshomaru told her softly as he watched her reactions.

“Yeah well I didn't know that,” she sighed softly her arms coming up to wrap around his waist of their own accord. She was still slightly angry with him for his harsh words and was not about to let it go. “And just when did you decide to admit this to yourself? Cause the last time we talked you seemed pretty damn sure you didn't want me around.”

“After your departure from my study I discovered that you held sway over my beast,” his voice was soft, his eyes darkening to an emotion that Kagome never had seen before. “You were not afraid to show me what my error was while other's of higher rank coward away. It was your actions that forced me to come to terms with myself.”

“Yeah well I guess I fooled you than, cause I was down right terrified, but it made me so mad to know all you'd done while I was away was sulk and I figured someone needed to tell you.” She snorted softly with amusement. It was not often that anyone accused her of being brave.

“It matters not, you still did what was required,” he told her as she lowered her head. The corners of his lips pulled slightly upward in a small smile as one clawed hand moved from her back to her chin to tilt her head back so he could continue to look into her eyes. “Remain as my mate, as the Lady of the Western Lands. Combine our two houses and our hearts into a force so strong that no one will ever be able to separate them.”

Kagome blinked as she looked up at him, her heart pounding loudly in her chest as his words sunk in. After a moment of stunned silence her brow drew together in a small display of confusion. “Did you just ask me to marry you?”

Sesshomaru's smile turned into a smirk at her innocent question. “Kagome, in the eyes of youkai law we are wed. But if it would please you to have a human ceremony then so shall be so.”

“Oh,” was all she seemed to be able to get out as it hit her fully, she had suspected that was what all the nonsense about the mating mark might mean but she was not entirely certain until now. She had not even stopped to think about it before, but to know that she was considered his wife was a tidbit overwhelming for the girl. Something about the way she seemed stunned must have given him incite to her turmoil when he leaned down to gently nudge her with his nose his soft chuckle barely reaching her ears and the action startled her out of her stunned silence. She smiled broadly as she tilted her head into his and nodded slightly. “It would greatly please me,”

Even though she said it she felt a momentary pang of sadness go through her at the thought of her family not being able to join her on that day. Her mother had always dreamed of being able to be there with her but she did not know if it would ever be possible without the destroyed Shikon.

“What troubles you?” Sesshomaru sensed her turmoil. He had hoped his willingness would bring her happiness and though he could sense the odd emotion her sadness seemed to overwhelm it.

“I was just thinking about my mother, she would have loved to see it.” Kagome sighed softly, her head coming to rest against his shoulder as his arms tightened around her.

“Lord Kisho had informed me that she was once able to traverse the well, perhaps we might discover a way to return her to this time.” Sesshomaru replied softly.

She nodded and raised her head to look at him with a smile. “Thank you, Sesshomaru.”

“It is I who should be thanking you, Kagome,” he told her softly as he held her to him. “For opening my eyes to what love means and the strength that comes with it.”

“You have both discovered your true strength within one another,” a musical voice came from behind Sesshomaru startling both of them.

With a low growl Sesshomaru spun around to confront the one who dare intrude upon their privacy but when his eyes fell upon the demoness the sound died swiftly in his throat and he heard Kagome's gasp of surprise.

A gentle smile played on the pale lips of the demoness that greeted them, her ebony hair held a blue sheen to it as the sun reflected from the silken strands that lay curled around her feet. Her kimono was constructed of multiply layers of the finest silks and dyed in various shades of blue and gray that brought out the sparkling blue of her eyes. Though her hands were hidden within her sleeves, Kagome knew those delicate hands were tipped with deadly claws. Though she held no markings on her face, both of them knew this demoness was of royal blood.

“Lady Kana,” Kagome finally managed to get past her surprise enough to move past Sesshomaru and give the ancient demoness a respectful bow. “It is good to see you again.”

“You know who I am child,” Kana's amusement was evident in her voice and her emotions played openly across her face. “Please dispense with the formalities.”

Kagome smiled brightly and much to Sesshomaru's surprise and dismay, launched herself forward into the demoness' open arms. The two shared a lingering embrace and Kana placed a soft kiss on the miko's temple before the two parted.

As he watched, Sesshomaru was struck with how closely Kagome and Kana resembled one another. Looking at the demoness he could almost imagine what Kagome would have looked like if she had been born youkai. He relaxed his watchful stance only momentarily as his mate returned to his side.

“Sesshomaru, this is Lady Kana… err more correctly Lady Kananobara, my father's mother.” Kagome told him softly as if she was still trying to understand it all herself.

Sesshomaru looked up from his mate to the demoness that stood patiently as if she had nothing more then time on her hands. The name of the ancient youkai brought back long forgotten memories from his earliest childhood, when Kisho had frequently visited his father's castle. Once his mother had traveled there with them to discuss the strengthening of the alliance that his grandfather had forged several centuries before his father had come to power. He had heard the stories of how she had aided Midoriko and his grandfather in the battle that had caused the creation of the Shikon. His father had been forced to remain behind to deal with some of the Great Demon's offspring while Kisho had marched with the army. He had not seen her since that day and had believed her to be long since dead.

“This Sesshomaru greets the noble lady of the North.” He bowed respectfully giving her the utmost honor that he knew she deserved. “Know you are welcome within the lands of the West.”

“This Kananobara humbly accepts the invitation of the West and hopes that our two houses may come together in celebration.” Kana returned the greeting with all the noble flourish of royalty and it made Kagome feel a little lost for words. “I pray you will accept my wards as equally as you have accepted me.”

“Oh you mean Iyashii and Hayashi?” Kagome spoke up and almost instantly regretted it as two sets of eyes were trained on her, one of frozen gold and the other of amused sapphire.

“Yes, they seek to right those wrongs which have been caused under the enemy's evil hand. I have weighed their hearts and found them true. With their aid and the reinforcements from the South we will soon defeat the Master and his minions.” Kana replied softly as she watched Sesshomaru for any sort of reaction to the one he believed to have betrayed them.

“If the Lady of the North has deemed them worthy then this Sesshomaru will readily accept their added strength.” Sesshomaru coldly told them. He might not fully trust Iyashii and those he chose to keep company with but if Kana was vouching for their worth then he would relent on this. To do otherwise would be viewed as a sign of disrespect and might very well cause a rift between him and Kagome. He was not certain how it was in her time but here in this one, if a woman's family was displeased with her mate, they held full rights to challenge the union and that was something he did not wish to deal with. He would just have to keep a close eye on the inu-youkai and make certain there was no treachery going on. “Let us return and discuss matters in a more appropriate setting.”

With Kana's approval the three returned to where Iyashii and the Southern Army was waiting for them to return.

----------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------

Ozeki pretended to ignore the traitor and his men, his broad arms crossed over his chest in a display of arrogance, but he remained constantly aware of everyone around him. The two that had lead the small army had claimed to be appointed minor lords under the orders of the Southern Taiyoukai and Iyashii had explained how he had managed to escape from the Western Castle.

The bear general listened to Kisho speak with the two youkai with only a half an ear as he was too busy making certain no one tried to murder them. He just did not trust any one who had dealings with the South.

The army was a combination of human and lower youkai with a scattering of higher youkai that had been placed in command of the various units that the army would be divided into when they combined with that of the West. To the well-trained general, this was a very poor excuse for reinforcements. Some of the humans were far too old to be of any real use, most of the lower youkai were often known to go rogue when given the chance and would have to be dealt with strictly, and with the exception of the two lords who led the assembly, the higher youkai seemed to be too fat and out of shape to even lift a sword properly.

Ozeki snorted lightly in disgust. The Southern Taiyoukai had apparently sent the lowest ranks of his army instead of those of good quality to aid in the upcoming war. It did not matter though every added hand was one more who would help shape the outcome. He just hoped it was enough to be in their favor.

Two strong auras flowed over the gathered men and everyone who could sense it turned in the direction it came from. A grin pulled at the corners of Ozeki's lips and he instantly knew who they belonged too. The contradicting one of storm and peace could only belong to Kagome. Sesshomaru's aura flowed easily around hers telling both Kisho and the bear general that the two had finally reached some sort of agreement. Both exchanged amused looks before turning back to watch for them to emerge from the forest.

When they did, Kisho's eyes widened in amazement and shock at the regal youkai who accompanied them. It took him a moment but when he managed to finally snap out of it he strode forward to bow low before the lady. “Mother, has been far too long since we last met.”

“Rise my son,” Lady Kana told him, reaching down to help him from the ground. She embraced him then with all the tenderness a mother would hold for her son no matter how old he was. “It is good to see you are well.”

“As it is you, Mother.” Kisho replied returning the hug much to the amazement of those who knew him. His mother had left almost fourteen years ago on some mission that only she knew. Her only explanation to him had been that her visions had called to her and that she must answer them. Now with her return, he believed that she had been the one to inform them of Sora's treachery and the mysterious lady that had told Kagome she needed to get stronger.

“The time draws nigh, my son,” Lady Kana spoke softly as she drew away and looked at everyone. “Let us return to the Castle of the West and prepare ourselves for it.”

Sesshomaru gave a sharp nod and with Kagome by his side, strode forward to confront Iyashii and Hayashi.

----------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------

The Western Castle erupted into chaos as the Southern reinforcements were introduced into the barracks. Higher-ranking officials scurried to accommodate them and integrate them into the ranks of the West.

They were all tired, having taken two more days to reach Sesshomaru's home since the humans frequently needed to stop for rest. Makeshift tents began to spring up around the outer walls of the castle and the smell of food cooking over various campfires began to scent the air.

Inside the castle it was just as chaotic as servants rushed along the hallways on some set task or errand. The human and youkai lords alike were calling for a Counsel meeting to discuss the newest development and try to develop a strategy to flush the enemy out into the open.

For once Kagome had been happy to find she had been excused from the stuffy proceedings and thankful to Sesshomaru. He had noticed on the return to the castle how she often got sick whenever she became agitated or upset about even the smallest of things and had turned her over to Jaken's care.

At first it had been amusing to see the toad prostrate himself before her much the same way that he often did to Sesshomaru but it quickly wore off when a wave of sickness hit her. When she pushed her way passed the startled servant to find a spot to empty the contents of her stomach, Jaken's worry increased. Though he believed it was beneath him, the faithful toad stood there holding her hair out of the way while she heaved into one of the large urns that decorated the stately hallway.

When she had finished she apologized for the mess and seeing Jaken's worried looked gave him a weak smile while she explained that she had been getting ill since her body had started to change. At his squawking demand as to why she might be changing she went on to explain about how the mating seemed to have awoken her father's blood and that her body was trying to adjust to the new abilities, she even went so far as to show him her newest weapon.

To say that the toad's eyes bulged more when the glimmering pink whip extended from her fingertips would have been an understatement as he praised her profusely for learning one of his lord's abilities.

It was then that he had commanded one of the castle servants to clean up the mess and showed his lady to the main bedchamber where he had ordered a bath be brought up. The bath was a welcome sight for Kagome and she thanked Jaken over and over again which caused the small toad to sputter in embarrassment. To him it was almost as if they were once again traveling together on the shard hunt with her being the one that went out of their way to make him feel as welcome as the others. Secretly, he was overjoyed that his lord had chosen her to be his mate, but he was not about to tell anyone that.

Once Jaken had left the room, Kagome indulged in a very long bath, and it was only as the water began to get cold that she climbed from the tub. Dressing in the plain white sleeping kimono, she crawled into the silk covered futon and fell into a welcome sleep knowing exactly whose bed she was in. The stately room was huge and the dark mahogany of the furnishings let her know the moment she stepped into it that it belonged to Sesshomaru. She knew she should have been afraid but something about the way his scent lingered in the room soothed her and her dreams were only of the golden-eyed protector she had grown to love before the harsh mating had taken place.

----------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------

By the time that the meetings had finished the moon was riding high in the night sky and Sesshomaru felt a headache beginning behind his eyes. The meeting had been the same as it had always been, nothing more then spouted nonsense and plans that did not seem to hold a solution. For two days now he had wished to do nothing more then secret Kagome away to someplace where they might talk privately but duty had denied him the chance to do so.

They had discussed at some length what her new abilities had entailed on the journey home and he had showed her how to use the whip she had gained from him but it did not leave them the chance to discuss other things. It left him in the dark as to how they would progress from this point on. After he had brutally attacked her, how was she to ever tolerate his touch or even wish to be near him? He knew she forgave him, but now in the long years to come would she come to hate him for it or would their relationship be able to withstand the test of time?

All these questions and more had plagued him during the meeting making it almost impossible to concentrate on what the assembly was saying. Not that it mattered much, they never had anything new to add to the already confused mess, but still it was his duty as Lord of the West to pay attention to the proceedings.

As he approached his quarters the scent of forest and thunderstorms reached his nose and it took him by surprise. The one thing Sesshomaru had not been expecting was to find his beautiful angel curled up in the midst of his futon. Not that he was complaining, it was just that he had thought she would shy away at the thought of it and he should have made certain that Jaken knew to allow her the choice of which room she was given. It irked him slightly that in all the commotion that it had slipped his mind. He was hesitant to crawl into the bed beside her not knowing if it would upset her.

Kagome had become ill whenever anything had upset her lately and he worried that there might be something else wrong with her other then her powers disrupting her body's normal functions. In light of everything going on it would not do for her to have to go to battle only to find herself getting sick. It would leave her open to attack and for once in his life, Sesshomaru knew true fear for someone.

Removing his armor and placing it carefully on the wooden armor stand he softly moved about the room as he changed into a simple sleeping hakama. All the while he mentally debated the wisdom of joining his mate in the spacious futon. He did not wish to bring her distress but at the same time he felt the pressing need for sleep. Finally, giving into the needs of his body, he carefully slid under the covers as far away from her as he could get and still remain comfortable. If she had any complaints about the situation he would deal with them in the morning but right now he needed rest.

For a long while sleep evaded him as Sesshomaru lay there studying Kagome's beautiful features. Her raven colored hair was spread around her like a dark halo, her dark lashes forming perfect twin crescents against her flawless skin, and the light rise and fall of her chest was almost mesmerizing. Even in her sleep she seemed so innocent and loving that he felt his heart swell with pride at the fact that no matter what he had done to her, she had still accepted him as he was. Not once during the entire affair had she said anything that would have indicated her wish to change him in any form. She had only uttered the truth as she had seen it even when she had been trying to save him from himself.

After a while his eyes finally closed to allow the sleep to overtake him, his mind slowing to fall into the dreamless sleep of the weary.