Adult-FanFiction.org : Inuyasha / Yashahime

To Protect the Alpha Female	By : Sylean Category: InuYasha > General Views: 10682 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha. I do not make a profit from this story.

Chapter List
- 15
- 16
- 17
Chapter 16: To Discover Interests

It took him quite awhile to build up his courage, but here he was, one furry step in front of the other, very slowly getting closer and closer to the dangerous being in white and red that had yet to move. Shippo tried to reassure himself that Sesshomaru couldn’t be all that scary if he looked out for Rin and chastised Inuyasha for being a bully. If the demon lord helped him once, then he wouldn’t turn around and kill him, right?

The kit was trembling in obvious fear, his knees knocking together as he stood before Sesshomaru and tried to find his voice, “Speak.”

The kit dropped to the ground on his knees, head bowed, and spit out the words as fast as possible, “I just wanted to say thank you.”

Sesshomaru watched the shaking form of the boy, noting the fur on his tail being bristled beyond its normal, which attested to just how frightened he was, “Hn.” The child was showing promise in facing his fears. “Kit,” Shippo flinched, still keeping his head bowed, waiting. For what, he wasn’t sure, but he certainly didn’t expect Sesshomaru to start a conversation, “how is it you came to be traveling with the miko?”

He blinked up at the icy countenance that was Sesshomaru before he found his tongue again, “She helped me avenge my father.” His gaze, that of the blazing sun rested on the boy, stark contrast to the cold he projected in all his other features. It was a look that called for more information; understanding at the boy’s need to avenge his sire. Starting out timidly, “My father had jewel shards, and the thunder brothers came and killed him for them, and, and… they wore his fur.” Shippo took a second to keep his voice from cracking at the memory. “I ran across Inuyasha and Kagome and they helped me defeat the brothers,” he summarized, wondering why Sesshomaru wanted to know anyways. He gave nothing away as he scrutinized every detail of the boy. To avenge one’s father, it was a desire Sesshomaru could sympathize with.

“She adopted you,” Sesshomaru summarized, verifying his suspicions. If the kit belonged to the miko, then when he mated her, the kit would then be his. “And when your beast makes itself known?” this one was a question.

“I-” Shippo stuttered out, not sure what to say to that.

“She will not be able to assist you through such a transition,” Sesshomaru answered for him, looking out over the field and not at the kneeling boy before him.

“I know,” he admitted solemnly. “But maybe…” Shippo glanced back down at the only other possibility he had, Inuyasha.

“He cannot even control his own beast, let alone yours,” the boy whimpered at the truth, knowing that at such a time, he would undoubtedly lose himself and very likely kill them all. It was a time in every demon’s life that could make or break them. At least by then, the humans he cared about would have died of old age. Whether that was a comforting idea or not, he wasn’t sure. And what of their children? “At such a time, I shall assist you.”

It was impossibly rare for a demon to conquer their own beast, without active assistance from a parent, and even that was not a guarantee that they would gain control. It was all too clear a memory to Sesshomaru, when his massive beast came into power and burst forth. He hadn’t been showing any of the warning signs, it was sudden and unexpected, and caught all of them at an inopportune time. The damage he caused before he managed to wrangle himself in, unassisted, left repercussions that were felt even today.

“R-really?” Shippo floundered unbelievingly. This was no small favor. “But why?”

Diverting the question, “Tell me kit, what do you know about Kagome?” His gaze was still elsewhere, senses trained on the location just out of sight where the three females bathed. He watched as the monk attempted to sneak off in the same direction, only to be drug back by his collar and thrown roughly to the ground by Inuyasha.

Not sure why Sesshomaru wanted to know, but not having any reason not to answer after the most generous offer, Shippo began telling him all he knew, “She… likes cooking for us, and gets really mad at Inuyasha if he doesn’t like what she makes or refuses to try it.”

‘That would have been nice to know earlier,’ Sesshomaru noted, remembering the priestess offering him whatever it was she was cooking over the fire. Stew, is what she called it. All he knew was it smelled foul, like it was made from the fire itself, spicy and abrasive to his senses. He had no inclination to try her human food, even if he had known prior about her temper regarding the concoction. He would find a way around that quirk.

“She likes bathing, especially in the hot springs. She does so every night so long as Inuyasha lets her,” Shippo continued listing off all of his observations. “And she always brings back candy for me from her era. There’s her delicious ninja snacks and drawing crayons and toys such as her strange playing cards. They are kind of like tarot cards, but they don’t tell the future.”

“What is the purpose of such things?” he continued his investigation of the mundane. The kit was very close to her; Sesshomaru didn’t know what bit of information would give him the edge he needed.

“It's a fun game. She taught us how to play. Well, all of us but Inuyasha,” Shippo once again shot disdain at his tormenter.

“You are not fond of the half-breed,” Sesshomaru stated the obvious, exposing the animosity between the two for what it was.

“He's such a bully,” Shippo complained. “And he isn't very smart.”

“Indeed,” Sesshomaru agreed, nearly letting out a smile at the observation.

“Hey, I can hear you, ya know,” Inuyasha hollered from the bottom of the hill. Shippo wasn't scared though; Sesshomaru would protect him, right?

Sesshomaru easily observed the dynamics of his brother’s pack, especially that Inuyasha treated the kit as an omega, and could easily see the tension between them. He could use that to his advantage. “Kit, would you give this Sesshomaru permission to court the miko, Kagome?” he didn't really need permission, but by asking, he elevated the kits rank in the pack, inflating his pride, and in an attempt to keep this honor, the kit would become increasingly pliant to his suggestions.

“You-you're asking me?” Shippo stammered, completely stunned.

“You are her son, yes?” Sesshomaru repeated the relation between the kit and his desired.

Shippo quickly assumed the role, puffing out his chest and crossing his arms, “That depends, will you treat her right and make her happy?”

“Hn, this Sesshomaru has only the most sincere intentions toward your mother,” Sesshomaru continued with this formal request, already knowing the kit would not dare refuse.

“Then, I grant you permission,” his little arms crossed in authority and chin held high, it was almost cute.

“You may return,” Sesshomaru dismissed the boy as the girls were nearing the meadow again. Shippo gave one last bow before sprinting off down the rise to go play. He immediately grabbed Rin’s hand and the two dashed off to do whatever children’s imaginations come up with. Kagome just smiled at the happy pair, knowing they both needed more time to just be kids. Unable to hold back the curiosity, she glanced up and verified that yes, Sesshomaru was still there, in the exact same spot. She thought about inviting him down, but figured he must prefer the vantage point from up there for watching over Rin. Nothing would keep him away if he so chose to come down anyways, so she let it be.

Away from the others, or at least out of earshot, Shippo whispered ever so gently, “Rin, have you noticed something going on between Lord Sesshomaru and Kagome?”

“You noticed it too?” the girl whispered back. “I think Lord Sesshomaru likes her.” Rin giggled as Shippo moved back to whisper back into her ear.

“He told Inuyasha he can’t pick on me, because of Kagome,” Shippo told of the events that happened while Rin was away. She squealed happily.

They switched positions and Rin whispered in Shippo’s ear when he turned his cheek away, “What if they get together, like a mother and father, we’d be able to play together all the time.”

“Do you think he can make her happy?” Shippo asked, remembering the heartache Inuyasha put Kagome through and not wanting anyone to hurt her.

“Lord Sesshomaru is really nice once you get to know him,” Rin told the boy she hoped would be her future brother. “I’m sure he can.”

“He came around a while ago, saying she was his,” Shippo explained, “but she came back angry after talking to him. I think she’s the one that needs convincing.”

“Ooh, tell her how he protected you,” Rin suggested.

“Good idea, what else can we do?” Shippo asked and the two continued their back and forth whispering. The adults hadn’t a clue what was so interesting to the youngsters, but Sesshomaru, ever vigilant, did notice their sneaky glances at himself and Kagome. If they were scheming what he thought they were, he had no reason to intervene. If anything, they could be of use to him.

The light was dwindling as night approached, but Kagome was determined to get in as much studying by fire and moonlight as possible. It would be easier if the stubborn clouds wouldn’t keep blocking the moon. The chapter she was on, she was almost done when another cloud blocked out the little light she still had. “Stupid clouds,” she murmured, trying to squint enough to see the tiny letters without success. Sighing in defeat, she looked up towards the sky to see just how long this cloud would hinder her studying, but what she saw, certainly was no cloud. Standing directly behind her, with the moon silhouetting his hair in even more silver than usual, was Sessshomaru. Her jaw couldn’t help but go slack at the impossible beauty he possessed; it was dangerous for a male to look so unbelievingly attractive. Finding her senses, she uttered out so very intelligibly, “Uhh, can I, um, help you with, uh, something, Sesshomaru?”

His gaze was on the text, sitting in her lap, that she had been trying to read. “You are educated,” was his only reply, and Kagome could nearly see the wheels turning.

“Yeah, I guess so,” she admitted modestly, not quite understanding that she was far more than mildly educated.

“Can you write?” he continued, and to Kagome’s utter surprise, he folded his legs and sat down beside her. She nodded an affirmative nervously. “What other subjects have you mastered?”

“I wouldn't say mastered,” she professed her humble viewpoint, seeing as she was still in school and not even university yet. “There's so much to learn, but I'm studying history, mathematics, English, psychology, health...” she listed off every subject that came to mind on her fingers. She was slowly loosing her nervousness in conversation, speaking of something that few here ever thought to ask her about. It made her proud to display her knowledge, especially to one such as him.

“English,” he spoke, making her unsure if it was a question or a statement, but proceeded as if it was a question anyways.

“It's a foreign language, very commonly used in international business transactions with lands beyond the sea,” she clarified. Sesshomaru was impressed, not that he'd say it aloud.

“Miroku, are you seeing this?” Sango whispered to her friend from the opposite side of the camp at the scene they were “discreetly” watching.

“Indeed, Sango. It seems he is still in pursuit of our young friend,” Miroku agreed with her implication. Without thinking he continued his whispered musings, “I wonder how long it'll take until he beds her?” The resounding smack only temporarily drew Kagome’s attention before she continued her conversation.

Inuyasha growled to himself at the disgusting thought too, ‘Stupid Lecher, putting that image in my head. Sick!’

“Mathematics,” Sesshomaru half-inquired half-stated.

“The study of numbers and far more calculations to derive these numbers than will ever be practical for this era,” she giggled, thinking how she would never have enough time to calculate vectors when she is poised to fire an arrow. Even in her era, the only thing most people use the quadratic formula for was to pass exams.

“Psychology,” he listed off another of the topics she listed.

“It's the study of the mind,” Kagome said, grabbing the book in her lap and flipping through the pages. “It can allow you to figure out what another person is experiencing. For example, and I'm not at all sure if this works for demons, but if a human had your demeanor, silent, closed off and such, I would assume...” She trailed her finger looking for the line, “Ah ha, here it is. I would assume such a person would have undergone a severe trauma in their youth, something that basically scarred their psyche for life. Maybe a death or other such atrocity of someone close.”

‘Did she know?’ he briefly wondered if she suspected such with him, but he didn't let on how close that was to the truth.

“That kind of stuff is what psychology is about,” she summarized.

“Do you find your studies to be enjoyable?” he enquired, genuinely wanting to know.

The sincerity in his question threw Kagome off-balance a bit, “Uh, yeah, I guess. I never thought I'd miss it, until I came here and haven't had as much time, what with collecting the jewel shards and hunting Naraku and all.” She couldn’t help but smile as he asked her so much; until, that is, he stood swiftly.

“Rin, we are leaving,” he announced. The child had been lying on her belly with Shippo as the two drew with crayons detailing the plans to get their two parental-figures together.

“Yes, Milord,” she responded obediently, leaving the drawing utensils with her friend. “Bye Kagome, bye Shippo!” The girl waved as she walked off into the night with the demon lord.

His sudden departure, when they had been getting along so well, left Kagome feeling as if she had said something wrong. Little did she know, his departure was simply because his objectives had been met by this brief interaction and he now had a plan to catch her attention; a gift she would not refuse.

(A/N: Psychology is not my forte, so if I got any details wrong, this is my admission to ignorance.)

His flowing silver hair and pristine white outfit seemed to have a luminesce of their own in the light of the moon. Even though the trees blocked out most of the light, he still exuded an unearthly glow that made it easy for Rin to follow at his heels.

“Where could he be?” she heard the familiar voice just ahead and dashed around her lord to greet the owner of the voice.

“Master Jaken, you’re back,” she greeted.

“Rin? But where is, ah, Lord Sesshomaru,” Jaken cut himself off as his lord came into view, “I fixed the harness just as ordered.”

Giving the dragon-horse a once over, and finding the work satisfactory, Sesshomaru announced, “Jaken, watch Rin.” He vanished back into the forest just as quickly as he arrived.

“Uh, Shippo, what is this?” Kagome asked after tactfully pulling him aside, far from the others. She was cleaning up his drawings and admiring his skill when she found the one currently in her hand.

“It’s a picture I drew,” he told her casually.

“I can see that, but what is it supposed to be?” her suspicions, she hoped they were wrong. Otherwise… how embarrassing!

“Well, that’s you,” he pointed to the female figure he drew, “and that’s Sesshomaru kissing you,” he explained, pointing to the other figure. Both were done in great detail for a child, and it really was hard to miss the content. She could even see tongues!

She gulped in embarrassment, “Why would you draw something like this?” She tried to keep her voice even, but the octave had risen beyond her control.

“Do you not like my drawing?” he convincingly feigned hurt.

“No, no, no; its very good,” she defended, not wanting to hurt his feelings, “its just-”

“Do you think I should show everyone how good I can draw?” he continued with pride.

“No!” Kagome all but shouted, not at all wanting anyone to see something like this. “I mean, I… kind of want to keep this one.” It was a deliberate lie, since really she’d rather burn this one and have it never be seen by anyone, but saying she wanted it was better than anyone else seeing it. She could keep it from view. “Why did you draw him kissing me anyways?” Shippo handed it back over gladly, snickering at having his secret mission complete and watched as she folded it and tucked it away in her bag.

“Because I think he would be good for you,” Shippo told her bluntly, as children often do.

“What?!” she exclaimed, her cheeks aflame from exasperation at his audacity and wondering where all this was coming from.

“He stopped Inuyasha from bullying me while you were gone,” Shippo informed slyly, “saying that nothing you cared about was to be harmed.”

She eventually got him to let it rest, after resorting to the threat of “no more lollipops if he didn’t stop,” but even so, his goading had done its job, that of putting the idea in her head. Shippo went to bed proud of his scheme having gone according to plan; Kagome may be skilled at seeing through his tricks, but he knew her just as well.
- 15
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- 17
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To Protect the Alpha Female