InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Unforgettable ❯ Camp ( Chapter 5 )

Under a full moon and clear sky filled with stars, a small green demon waited by a blazing fire. To his left lay a two headed dragon, head to the ground, eyes narrowed to sleepy slits, watching the logs in the flames crackle and pop. Curled against the dragon's side was a little girl, asleep and breathing deeply. The girl shivered slightly in her dreams, and the dragon responded by wrapping his thick and scaly tail about her small body. The toad snorted fondly.

Both creature's heads snapped up at the sound of a branch breaking only feet away. The toad jumped to attention as his lord entered the clearing silently. Noting the fact that Sesshomaru was no longer wearing his silken kimono, the retainer raised questioning eyes to the taiyoukai.

Sesshomaru scowled at the toad before swiftly skirting the creature in wide strides. Settling his back against a tree, he faced the fire. Ignoring the retainer completely, he gestured into the trees. “Come” he said gruffly with a wave of his hand.

Jaken was lost to utter confusion, and wondering if perhaps something had happened to his lord to make him lose touch with his sanity when he saw one small and dainty bare foot step into the light of the fire. Raising his eyes to meet the visitor, his mouth dropped open.

The toad watched in disbelieving abject horror as the foot became a slender ankle, followed by a shapely leg. Pale, creamy skin continued, bare to the world until mid-thigh, when it became obvious as to the location of Sesshomaru's kimono. Above the long legs were rounded hips, a miniscule waist, and pert breasts. But it was what lay above the neckline of the pristine silk that caused the toad to immediately begin squawking; the face of Inuyasha's wench.

“Jaken!”

At the sound of his name being spoken so sharply, the toad gave a little squeal and turned to face his lord. Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed, reflecting the dancing flames like hellfire, and Jaken felt a hole being burned into his soul.

“Cease your incoherent and incessant babbling and leave us lest you wake Rin.”

The toad let his jaw hang open in flustered resentment until he saw Sesshomaru's hand casually drift downwards to lay upon the hilt of Tokijin. With a small gasp at the unspoken threat, Jaken hustled from the clearing as fast as his little green legs could carry him, pausing only to give the wench a depreciating look as he passed her.

Sesshomaru focused on the woman standing on the outskirts of the fire's illumination, her eyes downcast. “Come” he told her again.

Kagome stepped into the warmth and light of the fire, stopping a few paces in front of Sesshomaru. She raised questioning blue eyes to him and remained silent.

“Sit.”

It was softly and yet powerfully spoken. Kagome kneeled in front of her savior, his kimono riding higher up her thighs. The soft grass pricked her knees as she brought her hands to lie palms down upon her legs. Tipping her head forward, her raven locks tumbling over her shoulders, she silently acknowledged Sesshomaru's status.

Golden eyes drifting down of their own accord to admire the well defined muscles of the woman's thighs, Sesshomaru found himself pondering her newfound propriety. Was this not truly Inuyasha's wench? Where had her spitfire gone? Why was she now acting so demure and..... refined?

“You should rest miko. Tomorrow this Sesshomaru will seek out your companions and return you to them.”

“NO!”

The taiyoukai quirked an elegant eyebrow at the woman's defiant shout. He saw that she was now breathing hard and staring at him with wide and confused eyes, as though she herself did not realize that the outburst had come from her.

“No? Why do you not wish to return to your friends?” Loathe as he was to admit it, the curiosity had been killing him.

She pursed her little lips and pulled them to side, eyebrows furrowing in deep concentration. “I don't know Sesshomaru. It just..... feels like I shouldn't.” She looked to him questioningly, as though he perhaps had the answer.

He wanted to sigh in resignation, but did not allow himself the pleasure. Instead, he replied, “If you will not rest, then you should bathe. You reek of blood and it offends this Sesshomaru's palate.”

Kagome reached a small hand up to touch her hair, only to find it tacky to the touch. Of course, she had died. She would be covered in blood. Raising fearful eyes to her new guardian she spoke softly.

“I don't want to go alone.”

This time, Sesshomaru closed his eyes and allowed himself a soft sigh. Of course she wouldn't want to go alone. She had died at a spring. He stood swiftly, proffering his large hand down to her. She looked questioningly at him before seizing the offered appendage and standing.

“This Sesshomaru will accompany and protect you.”

Leading the way through the shadows, Sesshomaru despised himself for somehow picking up another ward in his journey.