InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Mark ❯ Marking ( Chapter 2 )

Sesshomaru lifted his face to the wind. There was a large congregation of lesser youkai nearby. He thought about ignoring them, but Rin was near. He began to make his way toward the group. His thoughts turned to his young ward. He simply could not understand why he kept her around. He must have thought about slaying her or leaving her in a village a hundred times, but he'd never been able to make himself to it. The young girl would look at him with such complete trust and, yes, even love that he could not turn her away. He was becoming soft, but he was not disgusted with himself. Rin was like a ray of light in his world and anything that had let her in could not be completely wrong.

A roar reached his ears and he began to run. The scent of blood and battle lust reached his nose and he doubled his speed. There was a battle going on and Rin was near. He burst into the clearing and stopped. The miko had erected a barrier around the others. He watched in morbid fascination as she fired her last arrow. The demons screamed in triumph and charged. He watched as she dropped her bow and glanced at the shield. She turned back to the demons, closed her eyes and lifted her hands over her head. She began to glow with a soft pink light. He watched as she lifted off the ground.

Suddenly the light expanded in a glowing sphere of purifying power. It rushed at him and there was no way he could escape. He felt it hit, but instead of pain, he felt warmth and…love? He opened the eyes he hadn't realized he closed. She floated before him, or rather her astral form did. She reached out to touch his severed left arm.

"This was my fault."

He felt the warmth move through him and gasped as his arm suddenly appeared. She gave him a warm smile then vanished. He was surrounded by the pink light. It slowly faded and the twilight world came back into focus. The magic set him down gently. He watched as she crumpled to the ground. Her shield vanished and the children rushed toward her. He leapt and landed by her still form.

Her kimono was ill-fitting and obviously borrowed. She stank of exhaustion, and yet through it he could smell her true scent. Lavender and rain, a strange scent for a human, and she did not possess the same rotting stink all humans bore as their mortal husks decayed around them. He should not care, but she had saved him and Rin. He should leave her, but he had always been fascinated by this woman. He should slay her and the pup, but somehow, along the way, she had earned his respect. He lifted her, cradling her against him. The scent of old blood reached his nose and he shifted her until he could see the wounds on her shoulders. It looked as though someone with claws had tried to hold her down. He turned to look at the children.

"Get on Ah-Un."

Rin nodded. "Sesshomaru-sama, will Kagome-sama be all right?"

"With sleep, now we must go." He eyes moved to the kitsune pup. "You will obey. I will not hurt her."

Shippou nodded and climbed onto Ah-Un behind Rin. The six of them moved off the field and into the forest. It was a short walk to the clearing where they had made camp. Jaken rebuilt the fire while Sesshomaru laid Kagome down on the bedding he'd gotten for Rin. It was nothing more than two worn blankets, but it sheltered her from the night chill. He sat and Shippou and Rin did the same. Ah-Un laid down, all four eyes shifting restlessly, seeking out signs of danger. It was almost an hour before Kagome moved. She moaned softly as she rolled over and pushed herself up. Shippou whimpered as he crawled over.

"I'm fine, Shippou-chan, just a little sore."

She sat up and took the blanket that covered her and used it to wrap both children. They settled themselves on her lap. She heard the soft sounds of shifting scales and watched as Ah-Un settled himself behind her. She leaned back against the dragon and gave both heads a grateful smile. At last her gaze shifted to Sesshomaru.

"We will go in the morning." He merely nodded. "Thank you for letting us stay the night."

The children shifted in her lap and she looked down on them. They were both asleep. A soft smile touched her lips. She loved Shippou so much it hurt inside at the very thought of something happening to him. Rin snuggled closer, her hand gripping Kagome's kimono.

"What happened to you, miko? I can smell Inuyasha on you. He smells of lust and rage. You have the old stink of fear. Did he try to mate you?"

Her eyes met his glare for glare. "He did."

"And you refused the mating?"

"I did." He was silent and she felt compelled to speak. "He tried to hurt Shippou."

Golden eyes snapped with fury, but it was only for a moment before they resumed their emotionless tones. "You think of the kitsune as your pup."

"He hunted us. He probably hunts us still. If I leave Shippou with you, can you ensure his safety?"

"You would trust me with your pup?"

"You have never tried to kill him or rape me. I'm running short on options here."

A sardonic smile touched her lips and Sesshomaru felt the need to mimic it though he did not. "There are other options."

"Like what?"

"Youkai have their own laws, Kagome. There are ways to keep him from touching you." She looked up at him shocked. "What is wrong?"

"You know my name?"

"The way Inuyasha shouts it all the time you would think the whole world would know it by now."

She blushed slightly. "Sorry. My head hasn't exactly been working right lately."

"I can imagine. You will not leave in the morning."

"But Inuyasha…"

"Is a disgrace to his blood. There are ways to protect you from him. You do not need to run anymore."

Tears slid down her face as her smile turned fully on his stoic face. "I don't think there is any way I could thank you enough."

He held up his left arm. "Consider me thanked."

She curled up around the children, lending them what warmth she could. He had always watched her. During battle with Inuyasha he was focused, intent, but afterwards, when they all thought it safe he would return. He had never understood what about her fascinated him, but he had seen things the others had not noticed. Did Inuyasha know she had once been in love with him? Did he see the sadness in her smile or the tears in her laughter? Even asleep, seemingly content with the presence of the children it was there, underlying every breath her body drew. Yes, he admitted, he had watched her, and he would watch her still, protect her as best he could as he had in the past. He mentally shivered at the memory. Inuyasha glaring at him across the clearing.

`Choose, Inuyasha, which do I hunt, the dead miko, or the live one? Choose.'

He had paused, his teeth grinding in frustration. `You leave Kikyou alone!'

So Inuyasha had chosen another. The path of his heart was not toward this kind maiden. Sesshomaru hoped, deep down, that Inuyasha would find happiness. While his half-brother was the target of his rage he was not the object of it and so Sesshomaru often found himself admitting strange things like this. His taunt had even served a sort of purpose, even if it had been round-about. He had forced Inuyasha to confront the two women in his life and choose. Perhaps he had even done the pup a service.

The miko gave a soft sigh that told him she was asleep. He rose and walked silently from camp. He motioned for Ah-Un and Jaken to remain. By dawn he had returned with a silk kimono and obi in one hand and four rabbits in the other. Kagome was already awake. She took the rabbits with a smile and skinned and cooked them. After they had all eaten he handed her the kimono.

"Do I want to know where you got this?"

"I bought it from a hime that lives over the next ridge. You do know how to put on a proper kimono, don't you?"

She shot him a look and took the kimono and obi. She slipped behind a brush screen and changed quickly. When she emerged, Sesshomaru felt his breath catch. She was a goddess. The pink silk made her skin look even more pale and fragile, while the blue flowers embroidered on the elongated sleeves and the violet obi brought out matching tones in her eyes. Her ebony locks cascaded down her back and framed her face, giving her a mysterious exotic look. He nodded once, but showed no other reaction.

They broke camp and began walking through the dark forest trails. She didn't know when she had decided to trust Sesshomaru, but she had. He was their best option and that made her all the more wary. She needed him, but he did not need her. Despite his promises she did not want to trust him. She'd trusted Inuyasha and he had betrayed her. Still there was something about the taiyoukai that made her believe his word. He was nothing if not honorable.

Sesshomaru watched her surreptitiously all day. She carried the kitsune on her shoulder and never once slowed or complained despite the fact that she was bare foot. In fact the one restricting their pace was Jaken. After the first few miles, Kagome placed Shippou on Ah-Un and lifted Jaken in her arms. The little toad youkai did not complain as Sesshomaru had thought he would. In fact, by evening, Jaken was asleep and she was using the staff of heads as a walking stick. They made camp and she carefully laid the sleeping youkai down. Ah-Un watched over the children as they ate. Once everyone was comfortable, Kagome rose, a slight blush staining her face.

"Is there a spring or a lake nearby? I really would like to bathe."

Sesshomaru nodded and rose, gesturing silently for her to follow. They walked for a few minutes before they emerged at the edge of a natural hot springs. Kagome laughed softly in happiness.

"Oh, thank you, Sesshomaru-sama. Thank you, this is perfect."

He stepped back into the forest and out of sight. He watched silently as she stripped and stepped into the water, her back always facing him. She dunked her hair underwater. After wetting it she began to run her fingers through it, trying to work out the knots that had formed. Doubts flitted through his mind, too numerous to count. Should he really do this? What would the others think? Still, he had said he would protect her, and he would. It wasn't as though she would abuse it the way Eikichi had. Her demonstration of power had convinced him she was far more than the average miko, and from what he'd seen from her in the past, she was far more than the average ningen. His brother had chosen well then failed miserably. He might have thought the situation funny if it were not so terrifying for her. With a start he realized that he was doing this as much for her as for himself. He wanted her safe, secure, and happy. Her happiness would by some degree measure his own. He sighed resignedly. If she refused him he would find another way, but for now, he would do what he had to, to ensure her happiness.

He too removed his clothes. He pulled a packet from his robes and slipped into the water. She gave a soft gasp when she saw him and crossed her arms over her chest, trying to cover herself, glad the water reached almost to her breasts. His torso reflected the moonlight, and she felt her breath catch in her throat. He was magnificent. Hard muscles etched shadows across his frame, and pale skin seemed to glow in the darkness.

"What are you doing?"

"I should think that is obvious."

She turned her back, her cheeks an astonishing shade of red. She felt his hands slide through her hair as he moved closer. She sucked in her breath at his proximity. He opened the packet and poured the herbs into his hand. These would remove Inuyasha's scent and the old scent of fear that had so stubbornly clung to her. He began to work them through her hair, neck, face and slid his hands over her shoulders. She winced as he touched the wounds on her shoulders.

"Inuyasha has not laid claim to you. Rinse."

She dunked under water and ran her hands over the areas he had treated. "How do you know?"

He moved her hair so that the junction between her right shoulder and her neck was visible. Gently he laid his hand on the pale skin.

"This is where youkai mark their potential mates. They bite them to signal the intention of courtship. This serves as a physical mark as well as a scent mark and prevents any other youkai from touching them. The mark fades in a few months unless it is renewed. After mating the mark is renewed each time the two join and eventually becomes permanent."

She felt a blush creep across her face and down her neck. "Why are you telling me this?"

"If I mark you, Inuyasha will not touch you. The mark will fade with time, but you will be safe from him."

"I understand."

He took a deep silent breath. He was taiyoukai and so could take her if he chose to, but he had watched her, and understood how important this part was for her.

"Will you permit me to mark you?"

She turned to face him, forgetting for a moment that they were both very naked. "You're asking me?"

A single claw traced her jaw, lifting her chin so she could look him in the eye. "I am asking you."

"Yes, I will permit you to mark me."

He gathered her to him and bent his head so that his breath warmed the skin of her neck. He felt her arms go around him and was mildly surprised that she was so willing to touch him in such an intimate way. Her bare breasts pressed against his chest and he could feel a flush heating her skin. He had to fight to control himself, the idea of her naked in his arms set his blood on fire. He should not react this way to a ningen, but somehow she had always effected him in a way no other had. He bared his fangs and bit. He expected her to scream, but all she did was suck in a pained breath and increase her grip on him. After a moment he released her and lapped at the blood that marred her porcelain skin. At last he stepped away from her and immediately missed the warmth of their embrace. Kagome gave him a shaky smile.

"Thank you, I think."

He touched the wounds gently. "We should clean these."

He climbed out and put on his hakama. She stayed in the water, her hands covering her chest. He understood her modesty on some level, so he closed his eyes and held up his obi.

"Wrap this around your chest. That will let me dress your wounds."

He felt her take the obi. She wrapped the widest part around the front of her hips, crossing it behind her back and tying it over her breasts. After making sure everything was covered she touched his arm.

"All right."

He opened his eyes and had her sit on a boulder near the hot springs. Ordinarily he never kept medical supplies of any kind, but since Rin had joined them, he started bringing at least the basic necessities. He made a poultice and laid it over each wound, then bound them with several yards of bandaging. He tied it off and stood. He threw on his haori and picked up his armor and swords.

"I will meet you back at camp."

Kagome stood and caught his arm. "Thank you."

He was shocked when her lips brushed his cheek. She was blushing again as she turned to dress and he walked back to camp. Once there he decided to scout the perimeter one last time before sleeping. He almost smiled at the scene presented to him. Ah-Un lay curled around a slumbering Jaken while Kagome had wrapped her own body around the children. Her feet were cold. Sesshomaru paused. Where had that thought come from?

He set his armor and swords down. Shippou was elbowing him in the ribs. Sesshomaru froze. Now he was starting to worry. There was even a slight pain where the kitsune's elbow had nudged him and yet he was no where near the child. He looked at Kagome and watched in horror as she lightly rubbed the sore spot. Then she threw her arm over both children and settled down. He swallowed hard, for once forgetting his emotionless façade. What was happening to him? He'd given his mark to females before and this had never happened.

Her feet were still cold and the rest of her was chilled as well. He set up a barrier that would, for all outside observers make their camp invisible and unreachable. He lay down next to her and wrapped his tail around her feet. He rested his arm over her shoulder, allowing the silk sleeves to fall across the children. She was warm and she felt…safe. He felt warmed by that for some reason. She felt safe in his arms. He remained awake all night, watching her as she slept. He could sense every emotion as she slept. She was obviously having pleasant dreams, though underlying it all was a deep melancholy tone, like a subtle harmony to her melody. It wove through everything and though her dreams were bright and warm, and her smiles sunny he could still sense the pervasive sadness. Something about it drew him. She was all emotion, everything he had never permitted himself to be after his father's betrayal. Dawn came and he sensed her waking. She rolled over on her back and smiled at him.

"You're confused."

"And you're…you're content and yet…sad."

Her smile actually became brighter. "Yeah well, that's just how I am I guess. I would never have thought there was so much to this mark."

"This has never happened to me before."

"Oh."

She looked up at him, marveling at how beautiful he was when the light caught his hair. He allowed himself a tiny smile and almost laughed at her gasp.

"I look like an angel, do I?"

She flushed and averted her eyes. "I didn't know you could read my thoughts."

"I guess we will both have to be careful what we think from now on."

"Why?"

He looked at her, absolutely astounded by what she had said. She saw nothing wrong with him having access to her emotions and her surface thoughts. Her look of confusion faded into understanding suddenly.

"Oh, I think I understand. I wear my heart on my sleeve, Sesshomaru, there are very few emotions I feel that I don't show. You don't function like that. You're not used to anyone having any idea what you're thinking or feeling. Well, don't worry, I can keep a secret and I promise you, I will never tell anyone what I sense from you."

He saw the sincerity in her eyes and the knowledge that she had never broken a promise. Slowly he nodded. "I thank you."

She sighed softly. "We should get up, Inuyasha will be here soon."

"We do not have to. He will not find this place until I decide it."

Kagome blushed at some of the thoughts that flitted through his head. "And what makes you think I would be willing to do that with you."

"Because I can see that you are attracted to me as I am to you."

She blinked, confused by this confession. Didn't he despise humans? He leaned closer, his breath caressing her skin. Kagome almost wanted to hold her breath. She was scared and yet excited at the same time. Finally his lips descended to cover hers. Sesshomaru felt a thrill run through him when he at last tasted her lips. Gently he teased her lips, eliciting a soft moan. She arched her back, pressing her breasts into his chest. Warily he intensified the kiss. She parted her lips, granting him greater access. His tongue slid along hers. Getting more daring she mimicked him, slipping her tongue along his teeth. He growled as she touched his fangs. He pulled back and looked down at her. She blushed under his scrutiny.

"I thought you said you did not want to mate me?"

He leaned over and lapped at her mark. She moaned at the pleasure that coursed through her, tangling her hands in his hair. "Must you bring up everything I said in haste?"

"Haste?" She was having a lot of trouble thinking through the haze of pleasure he was producing. "It did not seem hasty to me."

He growled against her throat. "Kagome…I…"

He slid his hand over her breasts and she gasped. He reached for the front of her kimono, wanting to feel her skin against his. He felt panic wash over her. He moved his hand away and the panic subsided. He nipped lightly at her throat.

"We won't do anything you don't want to."