Adult-FanFiction.org : Inuyasha / Yashahime

Learning to live	By : Syrra Category: InuYasha > Het - Male/Female > Sessh?maru/Kagome > Sessh?maru/Kagome Views: 10413 -:- Recommendations : 5 -:- Currently Reading : 6
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha nor do I make any money from this story.

Chapter List
- 9
- 10
Chapter 10
Rejection

Inuyasha’s golden eyes watched the white clad form of his brother pace the study. Sesshoumaru’s face was a mask that perfectly concealed his emotions but it didn’t stop him from snapping at everyone over every little thing. Inuyasha could feel the tense anger flowing from his brother. It had been two days since the dream stare and Kagome was showing no signs of improvement. Inuyasha knew his brother was going out of his mind with worry. It was only his great self-control that kept him from loosing it completely. Inuyasha’s sharp eyes caught the almost unnoticeable discrepancies in his brother. The normally perfect silvery hair was slightly tangled and mused. His pristine white silk clothing was rumpled and creased. The faintest of shadows were marring the ivory skin under his eyes. Inuyasha sighed softly.
“If you don’t stop pacing you’re going to wear a path into the floor Sesshoumaru.” He said ignoring the snarl his elder brother sent his way. “Kagome wouldn’t want you doing this to yourself.” His brother gave him one last murderous glare before continuing his pacing. Finally giving up Inuyasha wondered outside, eager to get away from the helpless anger his brother was spewing out.
Walking through the garden Inuyasha tugged on the uncomfortable armor he wore. Sesshoumaru insisted he dressed the part of his father’s son. Inuyasha couldn’t wait for Lord Kei to leave so he could get back in his own clothes. Spotting the slim, blond haired form of Lenya he darted ahead to catch up. Falling into pace beside her he noted the slight frown on her face.
“What’s wrong?” He asked her. She raised a delicate eyebrow at the absurd question. “Kagome will snap out of it soon. She has to. She’ll starve to death soon if she doesn’t and Kagome likes food.” He said trying to lighten the mood. Lenya shook her head.
“Kagome is a full Inu youkai now. She can remain as she is for several weeks. Demons need sustenance but not nearly as often as a human does. Most still enjoy the taste of finely prepared foods but do not need it daily. Sesshoumaru, for example, eats when he is here but does not when he patrols his lands. A full demon can go weeks without needing to eat. Plus thirst will set in before hunger. We demons are still susceptible to dehydration.” She said, her frown not disappearing.
“Can’t that witch Kaori do something?”
“She has tried everything she knows. Physically there is nothing wrong with Kagome. Her mind is what is suffering. We can only hope she will snap out of it.” Lenya said softly. “How is Sesshoumaru? Still pacing a groove into the floor?” She asked. Inuyasha nodded with a small grin.
“Yeah I think he’s trying to make a faster route to get to the room underneath his study.” He replied. Lenya laughed softly.
“I think he really cares for Kagome. Much more than he is willing to admit or acknowledge. Its good for him.” She said. Inuyasha’s face fell slightly at her statement. “I’m sorry Inuyasha. You love her too do you not?”
“Yeah I did. I’m not sure now. I’ve pretty much had to accept that I have no chance at a future with her since Sesshoumaru marked her. I can’t do anything about that. It’s hard to wake up one day and realize I had all this time to be with her but never did cause I was afraid that Naraku would find out. It hurts but its getting better.” He said.
“Hopefully time will heal your wounds too Inuyasha.” She said softly. Inuyasha sighed softly and nodded. Sitting down in the shade of a large tree they spent the afternoon talking. He told her what it was like to grow up on his own and she told him what it was like to grow up with Sesshoumaru. They spent the afternoon talking and laughing with each other.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Sesshoumaru sat at his desk. It was well past midnight but he had refused to return to his room. He couldn’t bear to see the lifeless stare of Kagome. Nor did it feel right for him to sleep beside her while she dealt with the trauma of her rape. The presence of a male would probably upset her. Kaori was tending to her now. So far attempts at communication and getting Kagome to eat were met without success.
Leaning back in his chair he closed his eyes and slowly rubbed his fingers in circles over his aching temples. For the first time in his life he was completely lost. He had no idea what to do to make Kagome better. Even worse was his guilt over deciding to do the dream stare. If he had not insisted on it Kagome would not be in this state. He understood that she needed to know what had happened to her but he could have had more time to be with her. She had really seemed to be responding to him and if she had connected with him a bit more perhaps he would have been able to help her better.
His inner musings were cut short but a shriek of terror echoing through his home. He was on his feet and barging through his door in an instant. His golden eyes met the sight of Kaori and Lenya attempting to restrain Kagome.
“What happened?” He demanded coming closer. Kagome had a wild look in her eyes and she struggled with the two women.
“She was dreaming. I suspect she was dreaming of her rape. We tried to wake her and she wouldn’t respond. When we touched her she woke and behaved like this.” Kaori struggled to explain while she fought to hold back the deadly claws that graced Kagome’s fingers.
“Out, both of you.” Sesshoumaru commanded. His golden eyes fixed upon Kagome as the two women retreated from the room. Once the door slid shut he removed his armor and let it drop to the floor with a loud clunk. Taking off the great fluffy boa he dropped it beside his armor. He made his way to the large bed. Kagome huddled in the sheets, shaking with fear. Sesshoumaru paused as he surveyed his mate. She was deeply afraid to be touched and to have people near her and that was just what he was going to force her to do. He stripped off the rest of his clothing except for his pants and slid into the bed beside her. Reaching out he pulled her close, not surprised when she immediately fought back.
“Kagome, calm yourself. I am not going to hurt you.” He said softly but firmly. He was a little taken back when his voice made her fight all the harder. He crushed her to his chest holding her tightly and whispering whatever words came to mind in an attempt to calm her. Her sharp claws caused him to wince as they dug mercilessly into his back over and over again. Sesshoumaru stayed still and held her for as long as he patiently could. Finally he grew frustrated with the constant clawing and slicing of his flesh. Gathering his demonic energy he forced it to surround Kagome. He immediately felt her miko powers rise up to meet him. Her condition however of little sleep and not eating had exhausted her. Her miko powers were very weak and soon gave out. His demonic energy surrounded her tightly. He was not trying to harm or frighten her but trying to force her to realize who was holding her. She had felt his energy before and that was something no other demon could fake. He forced himself to remain calm so his energy would reflect his feelings. After a while her fighting slowly died down and he felt her shudder against his chest. Glancing down he met his mate’s blue eyes. For once they were not blank but filled with despair.
“Sesshoumaru….” She whispered softly startling him.
“Yes, Kagome?” He wondered what she could possible want. He dared to hope that he could pull her back from the dark abyss that was consuming her mind.
“Please…make this pain end for me.” She whispered closing her eyes. Sesshoumaru’s body froze.
“I will do anything I can to help you get through this.” He said in total honesty. Nothing could have prepared him for her next words though.
“Than end my life so I don’t have to suffer any more.”
Sesshoumaru sat stunned as he held Kagome. He could feel her body tremble. He could feel the despair she felt through their incomplete bond but he had never though she would ask him to kill her. He was stunned at the intensity of her pain. He had expected tears but her despair seemed beyond physical expression. He had no idea what to say to her. He had no intention of fulfilling her request but he didn’t think bluntly turning her down while she was in such great pain was a good idea. Finally after tossing ideas around in his mind he felt he had a way of approaching her to talk her out of her request. He sat up and pulled her onto his lap so cradled her upper body in his left arm.
“Kagome, if I were to end your life what would become of Shippo? Or Rin? Do you really want them to lose another mother? Do they really deserve that kind of pain after all they have been through in their short lives?” He asked softly. He was pleased to see the tiniest flash of anger in her eyes before it faded.
“I can’t live with this pain Sesshoumaru.” She said as her eyes closed.
“Yes you can. You are strong Kagome. I know you are. I can feel it. You can rise against this and defeat it. You are not alone… I am here for you.” He replied as he stroked her hair. She said nothing more but stayed in his arms allowing herself to go numb till she succumbed to sleep.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Outside the room Kei, Kaori and Lenya all discussed Kagome’s predicament.
“The hardest part is yet to come. Lord Sesshoumaru still has to join with Kagome physically to complete the mating bond. They cannot go into battle with Naraku while their bond remains incomplete.” Kaori said her brow furrowed. Lenya nodded in agreement.
“If she refuses him during the mating it could destroy the bond and them along with it.” Kei added.
Lenya frowned deep in thought wondering what could be done to easy the situation for Kagome.
“What about the mixture I made for you the ritual night of your first mating Lord Kei?” Kaori asked. Kei’s face brightened.
“That just might work!’
Lenya glanced between the two confused.
“What did you make?” She asked. Kaori grinned.
“It’s a salve that stimulates nerves in…. whatever part of the body it is applied to. It makes everything incredibly sensitive.” She explained smirking. Lenya nodded understanding the line of thinking.
“It would make Sesshoumaru finish quickly which would hopefully make it easier on Kagome.” She paused for a moment thinking. A sudden grin crossed her face. “Lord Kei why on earth would you need that kind of thing to mate with your intended?” Kei shifted, obviously embarrassed.
“My first mate was a foul woman. She was attractive enough but her personality was horrid. I did not want things to last any longer than necessary that night.” He explained.
“I never realized that the current Lady of the North was not your first mate. What happened if you don’t mind my asking?” Lenya asked.
“She died birthing our first child. My son followed her in death.” He said with a heavy sigh. Lenya glanced down at the floor, upset that she had brought up such a distressing topic to him.
“I must have been very young with this happened. I don’t remember it at all.” She said softly. Kei nodded.
“You were but a swaddling babe at that point. The main question is do we think this is necessary to aid Kagome and Sesshoumaru?” He queried. Kaori and Lenya exchanged glances before nodding. “Very well I will inform Sesshoumaru about this decision when he is no longer in Kagome’s company.”
Inuyasha burst into the room, very clearly having been listening from outside the door.
“Why the hell has Naraku waited so damn long to attack? Normally he’d try and take advantage of the fact that Kagome and Sesshoumaru’s relationship is vulnerable right now.” He said loudly. His question took the three full-blooded youkai back for a moment. They all sat quietly thinking. Finally Kaori cleared her throat.
“He’s probably waiting for after Lord Sesshoumaru attempts to consummate his union with Kagome.” She replied. Kei frowned deeply.
“But why? They will be stronger once the bond is complete.” He pondered. Kaori shook her head slowly.
“To be honest my lord the chances of Lord Sesshoumaru making it through physical union are slim.” Kaori stopped as everyone turned and faced her spewing questions. She held up her hands for silence. “I did not want to mention this before, however Kagome was physically violated. We all thought her reaction would be better than this but it turned out to be worse than expected. Now she is being told that she must endure another physical union with another man who is not of her choosing. Kagome has had no say in the fact that Sesshoumaru is her mate and she must allow him to mate with her. This is why a mating bond lacking consent of both partners is so dangerous. Do you honesty think Kagome is going to accept Sesshoumaru and his actions? If she refuses him… they could both die.”
Everyone in the room stayed silent pondering the deeply troubling turn of events.
“So basically Naraku is waiting to see if Kagome and Sesshoumaru die trying to complete their bond.” Inuyasha said softly. He sat down beside Lenya looking defeated. “At this stage Sesshoumaru can’t back out of his plans either.” Lenya nodded and placed her hand on his leg. He looked up to meet her green eyes.
“There is hope Inuyasha. Kagome has friends and support. Sesshoumaru wont hurt her either and she is strong.” She said offering a small smile of encouragement. Inuyasha returned her smile and slid his hand over hers.
“Kaori, Lenya you two should be resting. You have spent long hours tending to Kagome.” Kei said interrupting. The two women bowed before him and made their ways to their rooms. Lenya lingered in her room until she was sure everyone was asleep. She quickly changed her clothes and headed over to her balcony and slid the door open soundlessly. Leaping to the ground she took off running as fast as she could. Naraku would be waiting for her.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Kagura stood in the hallway of Naraku’s mansion clutching a tray of tea and cursing her own foolishness. Naraku and the spy were inside this room. She risked Naraku finding out about her deal with Sesshoumaru but she had to try and see who it was. She had every intention on honoring her deal with Sesshoumaru. Bringing tea to their ‘guest’ seemed innocent enough except that Naraku was the master of scheming. He might see right through her.
She hesitantly gave the door a gentle knock before sliding it open. Naraku’s red-eyed glare pinned her in place.
“What do you want Kagura?” He hissed in annoyance. Kagura made her way into the room and set the tray down between Naraku and the spy.
“I…I thought some hospitality for our important guest would be polite.” She said softly keeping her head down. Naraku made a slight grunting sound that signaled he was only mildly irritated with her. She went about pouring the tea. Out of the corner of her eye she tried to get a look at the spy but she was covered up. The silhouette was clearly female but she was dressed in all black. Even most of her face was covered. More than that was the outfit itself was powerfully enchanted. Kagura could feel the magic pouring off of it. Her eyes widened as she realized the spell woven into the clothing prevented the girl’s scent from being detected. Kagura grit her teeth and as finished pouring the tea. Leaving the room she sighed. So a woman with green eyes was the spy. She shook her head. That wouldn’t help Sesshoumaru at all. Perhaps she could overhear something useful.
Lenya watched Kagura come into the room and silently gave thanks she’d had the insight to wear the outfit she did. Knowing that Kagura was spying for Sesshoumaru only made things more difficult for her to keep her identity hidden.
“So Sesshoumaru intends to complete the bonding with Kagome anyway despite how she has taken to having her memories restored?” Naraku asked. Lenya nodded.
“Kei and his witch were discussing tactics to make it easier on Kagome but I doubt they would be all that effective. Her mind suffers greatly and as a result so does her powers. I don’t think she could purify a fragment of a shard right now much less almost the entire jewel. I don’t think you need to worry about her. In fact this could work out to your advantage.”
“Oh…. And how so?” He asked curiously. The deer youkai was truly an intelligent and resourceful young woman.
“We all feel a… darkness inside Kagome, ready to consume her. Physical union with Sesshoumaru might just be what causes her to break, and if she breaks she might take Sesshoumaru with her.” Lenya paused for a moment thinking deeply. “Naraku… say everything we are planning happens just as we hoped for, what do you want from me in return for your aid?” She asked.
Naraku paused studying the woman kneeling in front of him. He had planned on killing her once he had what he wanted but she was clever, resourceful, strong and beautiful. Perhaps he could have other uses for her. His shrewd mind did some quick thinking.
“When this is all over and you have claimed Sesshoumaru’s lands for your own you shall give yourself to me as my mate.” He said softly. Lenya gave a lazy smirk.
“I thought you might ask for that. But only if we succeed in killing Sesshoumaru.” She replied. Naraku nodded, a wicked grin appearing on his face. He grabbed her wrist and pulled her onto his lap. Reaching up he yanked the hood and face mask off of her and pulled her body even closer. Lenya stopped his actions by gently running her hands through his hair. Naraku was not someone who enjoyed gentle actions but something about the way she did it enthralled him. Once every hair had been removed from his face Lenya pressed her lips against his in a violent and needy kiss. Naraku massaged her thighs as she rocked her hips slightly. He grinned as he felt his body reacting to the woman on his lap. Holding her hips he pressed their bodies tightly together and heard her gasp slightly. His hands roamed her body as she continued to kiss him. Finally when he thought he could bear it no longer he went to flip her onto her back but she was gone in an instant. His red eyes searched the room and he saw her sitting in the window. She smirked at him deviously.
“Consider that a down payment Naraku. You shall get the rest when Sesshoumaru is dead.” She remarked before leaping out of the castle. A few bounds later and she was clear of his castle grounds. Naraku cursed but grinned. He would enjoy claiming her when the time came.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Inuyasha stood frozen in front of Lenya’s door. He hands nervously clutched a plate of light dinner. Lenya had been eating so little while she tended to Kagome he thought she might be hungry. However it was the middle of the night and she had gone to bed several hours before. He was about to turn and leave when he heard her moving around her room. Gathering up his courage he knocked lightly on the door. Lenya slid the door open and was surprised to see Inuyasha. She beckoned him into her room and continued to use a towel to squeeze water out of her hair. She had clearly just stepped out of the bath.
“What can I do for you Inuyasha?” She asked smiling sweetly at him. He held up the plate of food.
“I thought you might be hungry. You haven’t been eating much lately.” He said gruffly. Lenya’s smile widened.
“I am actually starved now that I think about it. Thank you Inuyasha.” She replied. Picking up the chopsticks she took a bite of food. Inuyasha sat down on her bed and watched her as she began to brush her hair in between bites.
“So…. You couldn’t sleep?” He finally asked. Two pink spots appeared on his cheeks as he glanced at the floor.
“Not really. I thought a bath might help. Hot water relaxes you know. Now I’m starting to think a bath and some food were all I really needed.” She said smiling at Inuyasha. Inuyasha and Lenya made small talk while she got her room ready to go to sleep. Finally she had everything the way she wanted it and looked ready to pass out. The food on the plate was gone and Inuyasha stood and made his way over to her door slowly. She followed him still chatting away. He was just about to slide the door open and leave when he had a sudden thought. Not giving himself any time to think it over he dropped the plate and turned on Lenya, grabbing her around her waist and pulling her close he gently kissed her. Lenya stood still for a moment in shock before sliding her arms around his neck and returning his kiss.
Inuyasha was lost in a sea on sensation. He marveled at how soft Lenya’s lips were and how perfectly their bodies fit together. She felt so fragile in his arms. He held her tightly, never wanting to let go. Finally their passionate kiss left them both breathless and he released her lips. Smiling at her he leaned his forehead against hers and stared into her green eyes. Smiling she leaned forward and gave him a small, affectionate kiss before pulling away.
“I…. Should um get to bed. Its really late.” She said softly a smile still resting on her face. Inuyasha nodded.
“I’ll see you in the morning.” He said before picking up the dropped plate and walking away with a grin. Lenya closed her door once Inuyasha had left and allowed her forehead to rest against the closed door. She didn't like to lie to Inuyasha. How furious he would be if had learned she had been kissing Naraku only a couple hours earlier. He would be furious enough to kill her. She slowly headed to bed hoping her plans worked.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Morning found Kagome and Sesshoumaru walking through the estate gardens. It had taken no small amount of coaxing for Sesshoumaru to get her out of bed. He’d even brought the children into his room so Kagome could see how worried they were about her. Lenya and Sango were the only ones who Kagome allowed near her to help her dress. Sesshoumaru guided Kagome to one of the many stone benches in the garden.
“Kagome do you remember what we talking about right before the dream stare?” He asked. He watched carefully seeing various muscles in her body tense. She nodded slowly. “I don’t want to force you Kagome but we must consummate out union soon. Every day that we do not is a danger.” He said softly. Kagome didn’t reply. She didn’t even look at him. Her gaze stayed on the vibrant irises at her feet. “Kagome I also made you a promise that night. Do you remember?”
“You promised me that you would never intentionally hurt me.” She whispered to him.
“That’s correct. I intend to honor that promise Kagome. But I cannot do that if I am not here to do so.” He said. Kagome nodded again before lowering her head to stare at her hands in her lap. Sesshoumaru immediately caught the salty scent of her tears. He breathed a small sigh of relief. Finally she allowed tears to flow, even if it was just a few. He felt he could handle her tears better then the emotional void she'd been. He slowly moved a bit closer to her and lifted her chin so she was looking at him. He noted the slight flinch she made as his hand came in contact with her skin. “Kagome I can promise you it will be over quickly and I will be very gentle with you. Kaori is making something for me that will…increase sensitivity. I will take it and we will be done quickly if you prefer.”
“I…I don’t want to sleep with you Sesshoumaru. Please don’t make me do this.” She whispered. Sesshoumaru watched her for a moment before pulling her into a gentle hug. He could feel how tense her muscles were underneath her clothing. He wondered if she would ever again crave his touch.
“Do you not remember the affection we shared before the dream stare? How gentle I was with you? How you wanted my touch? We can have that again Kagome. It will take time and patience to heal your wounds. We had to survive Naraku first though. Once we have a complete union I will wait for as long as you need. Have I not earned your trust?” He asked quietly. Kagome stayed quiet for a long time, thinking. Sesshoumaru hadn’t hurt her at all since she had been with him. In fact she had been starting to really like him. The desire she had felt for him had been real. She just didn’t know if she could bring herself to desire another man ever again. The thought of being able to have a happy, normal life with Sesshoumaru appealed to her but it was a distant dream to her. On top of that was deep guilt and shame she felt. Guilt came from her actions. She kept wondering why she even left camp that night. Inuyasha never stayed away long when dinner was cooking. She felt guilty that she had hid from Inuyasha and Kikyo. If she had have told them she was there Inuyasha would have wrapped things up with Kikyo and they'd have headed back to camp. Kagome felt ashamed about what happened to her. No one should know about it. Not her friends, family or Sesshoumaru. The only problem was they all knew. She could see the pitying look in their eyes. She had seen if before the dream stare but never knew what it was meant for. Now she knew. She was worthless. Sesshoumaru deserved so much better then someone who had been tainted like her. She felt sickened that she had enjoyed his touch while they had been in the northern lands. She was unworthy of his touch and yet she had craved it. She wondered how he saw her since he was the one who found her. 'He must think of me as a complete and total slut' She thought sadly to herself. 'In what world could I have ever been good enough for him?'
Sesshoumaru sat quietly beside her trying to sift through the emotional rift inside his young mate. He could feel her sense of self worth had taken a huge hit. He wanted to reassure his mate but didn't know how. Unsure of what to do, he wound an arm around her and pulled her close. He could feel her tremble and feel the fear biting at her. Closing his eyes he lowered his nose till it rested in her hair. For the first time in his life he wanted to love someone. He felt that if she felt loved it might make things better. He would not lie to her. He cared. He knew that now but he didn't love he yet. But he wanted to. For the first time in a long time he thought of his father
"Do you have someone to protect?"
The words of his father rang throughout his mind. 'I didn't then....but I do now Father.' Sesshoumaru thought. He held Kagome tighter to him. Naraku would never have his mate or their children. He would kill Naraku once and for all.
His mind returned to the trembling woman in his arms. He ran his finger down her cheek and under her chin. He lifted her head to face him. He leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on her lips before standing and heading inside.
Kagome stared at the door Sesshoumaru had disappeared through for a long time thinking. She didn't want to be forced to be with another man. She didn't want to be with anyone. She glanced in the sky to determine the time. It was mid afternoon. Standing up she headed to the perimeter wall in gardens. Taking one last look at Sesshoumaru's home she quickly jumped over the wall and took off running as fast as she could.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Meanwhile Inuyasha had tracked down Kikyo and brought her to Sesshoumaru's home. She now sat at a small table in front of his brother, himself and Lenya. Kikyo explained much better then Inuyasha could the origin of the jewel. Sesshoumaru strove to learn everything he could about the jewel, Naraku and anything else connected. He was most interested to learn of Naraku's infatuation with Kikyo and the amount of times he had visited her simply to watch her.
"Why did the jewel actually turn her into a demon?" Lenya asked. "I always assumed it was the jewel since none of us here have that power but to what end? Was it to make her a stronger, better protector?" Kikyo shook her head.
"The jewel contains not just human souls but demon ones as well. The demons inside seek to corrupt the jewel. When it is corrupted the battle inside of it turns in their favor. When it is pure the battle turns in favor of Midoriko. It is much easier to corrupt now then it was when it was my possession because only part of Midoriko's soul is within. The other part is within Kagome. I would say that the demons within are the ones who actually turned Kagome into a demon. They were probably hoping to corrupt her with her new powers." She explained. Inuyasha scoffed.
"Well they don't know Kagome very well do they?" He asked sarcastically. "She'd never let herself be corrupted." Lenya and Kikyo nodded in agreement but Sesshoumaru hesitated. He wasn't sure if Kagome was the same girl or she ever would be the same again. Sesshoumaru thanked Kikyo and dismissed her and Lenya. Inuyasha crossed his arms into his sleeves. Sesshoumaru laid a piece of parchment on the table.
"I've had the first report back from my spies. It arrived this morning. It appears Naraku is building up his defenses. A number of never before seen reincarnations have been spotted going in and out of the miasma in the south. My spies have followed them and learned all they can. These demons seem to be very strong. It's obvious Naraku is readying himself for a final confrontation." Sesshoumaru stated.
"What new demons are there?" Inuyasha asked. Sesshoumaru didn't respond. Instead he handed Inuyasha the parchment. Inuyasha stared for a moment before scanning the page, surprised that his brother would trust him with a spy report. His eyes quickly scanned down the parchment.
It read:
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Akumu - A woman with long pale blue hair and black eyes. Believed to be a demon who specialized in necromantic practices.
Name unknown - A woman with short blond hair tied in a ponytail. Her powers are also unknown. She has been seen heading further south several time but trackers always loose her.
Myou - A man with short black hair and yellow markings on his face. He can create and control fire. A very powerful salamander demon.
Yakunan - A beastly creature covered in dark brown fur standing at 9 feet tall. Has a large appetite for human flesh. It appears as he retains knowledge from the victims he eats.
Name unknown - Believed to be male with long green hair. Small horns adorn either side of his forehead. Powers unknown.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Inuyasha finished scanning the paper and sighed.
"These demons he's created seem to be pretty powerful. Its a shame we don't know what a couple of them can do. It leaves us half blind." Inuyasha stated. Sesshoumaru nodded, glad Inuyasha didn't just want to brashly charge into battle.
"I've ordered my spies to keep digging and find out as much as they possibly can. The more we know about our enemy the better off we'll be. They are trying to sneak through the barrier Naraku has erected around himself as well." Sesshoumaru said.
"Well that's good." Inuyasha replied. He and Sesshoumaru sat in silence for a long while. Sesshoumaru suddenly stood.
"Kagome has left the estate." He stated taking off out the door. Inuyasha stood and darted after his brother.
"Wait! Come back here! Whadda mean she's left?" He yelled running at full speed. Sesshoumaru glanced back at his brother.
"Stay here Inuyasha. I will handle my mate." He snarled. Inuyasha skidded to a stop and watched the white clad form of his brother turn into a white ball of energy and disappear.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Kagome walked in silence through the darkening woods. It had been a couple hours since she left. As strong as she was now she hadn't had much endurance training. She could only run for so long. She kept walking however, putting more and more distance between her and Sesshoumaru. She did not want to sleep with him and wouldn't have her choices taken away again. She headed towards Kaede's village, intending to go back home through the well. She hoped Sesshoumaru wouldn't be able to follow her into the future.
The darkening sky worried her though. She didn't want to travel at night and hadn't brought anything warmer to wear. She also remembered what had happened the last time she wondered around at night by herself. She glanced down at her claws. At least she wasn't completely helpless this time.
Kagome suddenly stopped, nearly tripping herself over a fallen tree branch. There in a clearing stood Sesshoumaru. His golden eyes watched her warily. Kagome took a step back but stopped. He had made no move to stop her. A soft breeze lifted the perfect silver locks of her mate's hair and blew them around him. For just a moment Kagome was stunned by the beauty of her mate. Kagome slowly came into the clearing.
The closer she got the more she realized something about him seemed different. She couldn't quite put her finger on it but there was something off about him. His gaze left her face to survey the land around them.
"You have decided to leave me." He said softly.
"Yes. I have."
"Why? Have I not treated you well?" He asked.
"You have but I will not be forced to sleep with you Sesshoumaru. I don't.....I don't love you. I don't want that kind of relationship with you." She whispered. Sesshoumaru turned to look at her once more. There it was again....that look in his eyes. Kagome didn't know what to make of it. He seemed to be struggling internally over something. It took him a long time to make up his mind. Reaching out he pulled her close, his hands ever so gentle with her. He held her close to him, his nose resting in her hair to take in her scent. He leaned down to kiss her. His lips were soft and insistent. As much as she didn't want to, Kagome gave into the kiss. He kissed her with so much passion it made her head dizzy. Finally he pulled away. His forehead and nose rested against her. He stared into her eyes for a long moment before lifting her his head. He kissed her forehead, holding her cheeks in his hands.
"I hope you find happiness and peace wherever you go Kagome." He whispered softly to her before letting her go. He took a step aside, unblocking her path.
Kagome stared at him for a moment. He was letting her go? She felt a small smile come to her mouth and headed off, darting away from her mate. She glanced back one last time at him seeing the strange look once again on his face. Thinking it over she realized the expression he'd given her. 'Sad' She thought 'He's sad to let me go.' Kagome shook her head and kept going. With her new demon speed she should reach the well soon.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Sesshoumaru took his time heading back to his estate. A large amount of emotion swirled inside him. His heart ached. He'd heard the term 'heart broken' before but never realized it was an actual physical ailment. Standing in the courtyard waiting for him was Inuyasha, Lenya, Sango, Miroku, Kei, and Kaori,
"Where's Kagome?!" Inuyasha demanded. Sesshoumaru slowly shook his head then stopped. It was making him dizzy for some reason.
"She does not want to be here." He said softly. "So I let her go."
He heard the gasps of those around him but didn't care. His vision was starting to go dark around the edges. He blinked a few times to try and clear his eyes but it didn't work. Suddenly the world spun and he felt a pain on the left side of his head. Opening his eyes he spotted the first star make its appearance. 'Beautiful.' He thought as he closed his eyes. Somewhere beside him though it seemed distant he heard Kaori speak.
"Kagome has rejected their bond! He's dying!" She cried out.

A/N: Well I'm gonna have to end it there. I was hoping to squeeze the lemon in this chapter but looks like my muse had other plans for it. As always please leave a review and let me know what you think. Please be constructive!
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Learning to live