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Description
Disclaimer: I own nothing but the acid demons! Everything else is owned by Rumiko Takahashi….I’m not even sure the plot isn’t owned by her at some level…

                                                                       Day 7
                                                                      Spoons

Sesshomaru woke before dawn like any other day. He bathed in his porcelain tub that servants had poured boiling water in to warm it. Afterwards he dressed in his usual attire along with his armor. He tried to make mental contact with Kiwi. He could not get through. Sesshomaru knew she would already be awake, so could only lead to one thing. With a smirk he walked from his room and headed to Kiwi’s room.

As Sesshomaru approached the room he could hear muffled cries coming from within. They were sounds of pain. With his emotional mask in place he walked through the doors without knocking, after all this was his home. Sesshomaru would go wherever and whenever he so pleased.  Looking around the room he spotted Ringoshu and Blueberry leaning against the far wall straight across from him.

Fabrics were still hanging from everywhere. The women were looking up. No emotions could be seen on their faces. Sesshomaru knew that if Ringoshu remained emotionally unattached, Kiwi was in a rage. He mentally nodded at the knowledge and looked up to where they were looking. His view, however, was blocked by material. He took a few steps to the left and moved forward until he got a clear view. He was right about Kiwi.

Kagome woke with a kink in her neck. During her rest she had rolled out of the futon. She thought back to the previous evening and the nightmares that ensued. She frowned and looked around the room. Sango was already up and tending to Kikyo. The priestess had her head in a basket lined with linen and emptying the contents of her stomach. Kagome stood and walked over to them.

“Sango, how long has she been like this?” Kagome asked concerned. Sango shook her head.

“Since early this morning, just before dawn.” Sango moved the hair back from Kikyo’s face as she moved away from the basket.  Kikyo lay back down.

Sango made to get up and get water, but Kagome put a hand on her shoulder and did so for her.  Sango helped prop Kikyo up as Kagome brought a glass to her lips. Once Kikyo was done Sango lay her back down. Kikyo closed her eyes. She fell asleep quickly.

Kagome motioned for Sango to follow her out of the room. They entered the boys’ room to find they were awake as well. Inuyasha looked like hell warmed over. Miroku was not much better. When the girls came in both were on their feet in no time. Inuyasha was the first to say anything.

“How is she?” genuine concern was evident in his voice. It made Kagome falter slightly.

“She is…Inuyasha haven’t you sensed a change in her scent at all?” Kagome asked out of curiosity.

“Of course! It changed about a month ago, but I thought it was because of her new body and soul. I figured she would tell me if something was wrong.”

“Inuyasha…the illness…it...it’s…” Kagome could not bring herself to tell him. Sango patted Kagome’s shoulder and shook her head.  It was not their place to say.  Inuyasha grew very impatient.

“Damn it, tell me what is wrong with her!” he raged. Miroku walked up behind Inuyasha and bonked him on the head with his staff. Both girls smiled, but no one noticed that the smile did not reach Kagome’s eyes.

“Inuyasha, calm yourself. Lady Sango and Lady Kagome can not tell you what is not there place to say.” Sango blushed when his eyes met hers. She nodded to him that he understood correctly. Kagome did nothing.

“Keh!” Inuyasha bellowed and stormed into the room where Kikyo lay. Miroku and Sango made to follow. Kagome stopped them.

“Let them be alone. When she wakes up she will have to tell him, and it is better if we are not there.” Kagome turned and left the room shutting the door quietly behind her.

Sango looked at Miroku and both shrugged at the same time, deciding to go for a walk by themselves. They both wanted to discuss the sudden change in behavior of Kagome. They wandered to the dining room and ate breakfast by themselves and Rin. With the new company they began to discuss the up coming wedding.

Sesshomaru knew that Kiwi was very strict with her younger siblings, often policing them so that he did not have to.  Sesshomaru was often glad that she did. It saved him from having to do more paperwork, or worse kill them and bring them back. Oh how he still loathed to use that damn sword his father left him. Sesshomaru had seen many of Kiwi’s rages, but they all paled in comparison to what he was beholding at the moment.

Sesshomaru looked over Kiwi’s handy work. Above them was Lemon. She was wrapped up tightly in material. Many spots were covered in blood. Only her head, abdomen, and feet were free of material. Her short blonde hair hung towards the ground dripping acidic sweat. The acid was collected into a basin that would not corrode with the substance. Sesshomaru gauged the level of sweat in the make shift tub. His estimation was that Kiwi had been busy much of the night and morning.

Kiwi moved around Lemon whipping her with a thread whip that was barbed with sewing needles. She used it expertly. The needles went into Lemon’s skin and out again leaving hardly a trickle of blood. The movement so fast. Lemon felt every prick sent into her skin. The gag in her mouth muffling her cries and pleas to her sister. She had long lost the ability to cry, knowing that she did deserve her sister’s wrath. She had heard Sesshomaru enter the room and cringed. Goosebumps rose on her skin as he watched her eldest sister beat her for her discrepancy.  Kiwi paid no heed, she kept at her task. Ringoshu came to her rescue.

“Sister, please….she has learned her lessen…Lord Sesshomaru is here to see you…”

Maybe it was the pleading fearful tone of the second youngest, or the fact that Kiwi was getting tired, but she stopped and turned to face the lord mentioned. Her coal black eyes bleeding back to normal to show the pupils. No emotions shown on her pale features. A single drop of acid sweat was the only sign that she was winded from the ordeal he witnessed.

Without notice Lemon was released from her fabric prison, as she fell you could see the inner lining of the material was also barbed with needles. She fell to the floor naked in an exhausted heap, the now exposed holes bleeding freely. They quickly closed as Lemon remembered who was still watching her. Embarrassment soon took over her actions as she curled into a ball and refused to look at the lord that had her heart. She did not want him to see her like this. She knew it did not matter anymore, he had chosen someone else. Still, she felt weak and vulnerable. When Kiwi spoke it took all Lemon had not to break down into tears on the floor.

Lemon…you interfered when I had warned you…

I…I am sorry sister…

SILENCE! I am not the one you need to apologize to…it needs to be the Lord for which you serve and his soon to be Lady…I suggest you do it quickly…

Lemon’s bottom lip quivered as she sat up bravely on her knees. She brought her hands forward so her finger tips touched the ground in front, her head bowed. Sesshomaru watched indifferently through out the whole scene, waiting. He stood up straighter when he noticed the all too familiar apology position was incurred.

“Forgive your servant this day, Lord Sesshomaru of the Western Kingdom.” Lemon’s voice did not waiver as she spoke. She was a warrior, she was better then to show anymore weakness.

“Next time your sister will not save you.” With that said he turned towards the door and left with not so much as a blink of an eye. It cut Lemon deeper then any weapon could. What love she held for her lord died at that moment, his silent exterior breaking what was left of her heart.

Lemon broke down into body wracking sobs. She found herself enveloped in female arms and rocked back and forth. Lemon looked up to see that it was Ringoshu of all people and she was smiling down at her. She looked around the room and found Kiwi and Blueberry gone.

“I know it hurts Lemon, but you will be strong like always and pull through.” Lemon just scoffed at her with a noise in her throat, the weeping continued. Ringoshu cooed at her and rocked her. The bells in Ringoshu’s hair chimed in a soothing rhythm with the movements. Lemon soon found herself asleep. Ringoshu sat there with Lemon in her lap until her two other sisters returned. Blueberry was first to come back.

Blueberry carried in the empty basin. She picked up Lemon and moved her to a futon that had bright yellow coverings. Three other futons were also in this part of the large room. Each one bearing covers that matched the owner’s hair color. Kiwi returned a little while later to find Lemon still asleep and Ringoshu and Blueberry watching over her. She let out an inaudible sigh. Kiwi lightly touched the redhead’s shoulder and saw her physically flinch. Ringoshu nodded to her without looking at her. It was her way of letting her sister know that she too was upset, but with her.

Ringoshu…the priestess Kikyo is very ill and needs attention…your services are needed…

Oh no! I am on my way!

With instincts and an overtly caring nature kicking in, Ringoshu was up and out the door before Kiwi could say what was wrong with the girl, but she knew that Ringoshu would find out anyways.  This also gave her a chance to deal with another issue at hand. Kiwi turned her dark gaze to an already alert and standing Blueberry.

She is gone…

Yes…and the lord better find her and bring her back…

Surely the incident last night did not cause her to leave…

In part it did…Kagome is very fragile in heart and soul…she had been hurt many times over…but something else also played a part in it…

I see…the other priestess is with child…so that might be the other reason?

It is…

I do not understand why that would cause her flight…if she loved our lord and her friends enough she would have stayed…

It is not so much that she does not love our lord or her friends, on the contrary…she is mourning the things that she thinks will never be hers…and grief causes many people to do fool hardy things…

I understand now…but does Sesshomaru?

To that question I do not know for certain…

Will he go after her then?

My eyes can not see that path dearest sister…and that fact is troubling.

Both sisters moved from the futon area to the sewing section. Kiwi sat upon her satin pillow and began to work on one of the kimonos. Blueberry left and came back with hot green tea and the rest of the morning and well after lunch was spent in silence. They waited for Lemon to wake, but most importantly they waited for news that Kagome was once again back in the castle. The only one that could retrieve her was Sesshomaru, and they had faith in his abilities, otherwise he would not be their lord.

Rin and Shippo ran down hallway after hallway looking for Kagome. Each turn made them upset. They could not find her at all. They wanted to play in the new fallen snow. Their journey led them outside of Kiwi’s room. There were no sounds coming from inside that either of them could hear. Both children jumped in fright at the voice that came from behind them.

“Rin-chan, Shippo-chan, what brings you down this way?” Ringoshu’s voice was very quiet, and very unlike her normal loud boisterous self. It made the last string of the children’s will break down.

Both children ran to her already open arms as they began to cry. They asked where Kagome had gone to, and they felt very alone.  Ringoshu cooed at them much the way she had with Lemon and brought them into the room and sat with them in her lap as Kiwi still worked on a kimono. Shippo looked around the room in awe of all the material and at the silently working Kiwi. Rin calmed down seeing that Shippo had done so and watched Kiwi’s methodical movements in her sewing. Silence filled the room. The only movement was Kiwi’s hands, and Ringoshu shaking her head and standing up. She placed the children by Kiwi and smiled down at them.

“You two watch and learn from Kiwi-chan while I check on someone.” The children nodded as Ringoshu left the room.

Ringoshu walked into a separated part of the room by an ornate screen. Fabrics still hung from everywhere as she walked to the sleeping area they all shared. When she got there she gasped. Rushing forwards she knelt down by a bright yellow blanket rumpled at the end of an empty futon. Lemon was gone. Ringoshu was filled with panic as she ran back to Kiwi, her bells chiming with each hurried step. The green haired demoness showed no signs of panic and looked up and motioned with her eyes for her to sit down. Ringoshu nodded and complied. The children looked on not knowing that a conversation was being held without vocalization being done.  Blueberry walked into the room with only two bowls of rice and two fish. She set them down and quietly left to bring back more for the company that was now visiting.

Lemon ran with all the speed she had in her. It was her fault. She ached here and there, but was no worse for wear on the outside. On the inside she was a wreck. Her heart had sunk to the darkest depths of her soul where it lay in shambles on the bottom. She had to make it right. If Kagome was going through what she was experiencing then she had to make her lord go after her. She had no idea it could feel this way. She thought most likely that all demons had no real idea, or was too stubborn to realize it. Lemon stopped in front of the study doors. She heard the sweep of bristles against paper. He was inside doing what he always did, work. She opened the doors not very silently.

Lemon, without being beckoned, stood right in front of his desk. He did not so much as budge from his task, or acknowledge her in any way.  She stood perfectly straight. She stared daggers at him as she waited for him to say something, anything. Nothing came out of him. Lemon had enough of the ignoring game he was pulling. She clenched her teeth together, her fangs exposed when she sneered at him.

“Go after her.” She bit out none too gently. This caused him to actually stop mid stroke and look up at her. Lemon was openly challenging him, and he certainly was not going to stand for it.

“Leave.” was all he said as he went back to his work. Lemon was even more agitated.

“Bring her back…my Lord.” She tried another tactic. Got a result, not the one she was hoping for, but was not surprised by it either.

Sesshomaru had put down the brush next to the ink well. He raised his right arm and lashed out with his whip and knocked her back into the side wall on her left. Books fell from nearby shelves. Scrolls spilled and opened as they rolled across the floor. He stood up now, and crossed to the panting form of a kneeling acid demon. He continued to whip her.  Lemon’s fresh kimono was ripped and torn. Blood and acid stained the tears in the fabric. She did not cry out, nor backed down. She stood up as the flogging continued. She was going to correct what she had done even it cost the most precious thing to her.

“Go after her My Lord....if it means MY LIFE to say so! I will say it again....BRING KAGOME-SAMA BACK…BRING BACK YOUR LADY!” Sesshomaru stopped his attack on her. She leaned against the wall she crashed into clutching a badly bruised and bleeding left arm.

“This Sesshomaru will do what he pleases when it suits him.” He walked over to her and wrapped his fingers around her throat. He brought her up to eye level. Lemon could not even gulp through his tight grip. Acidic tears from pink eyes spread down her cheeks as they stared at one another. Lemon was thrown out of his study abruptly. He walked past her in the hallway after exiting through the broken doors her form and his force had caused.

Lemon did not move until he had rounded a corner down the corridor and his footfalls were silent. A small smile of triumph and remorse raised across her lips as she made to stand up. She leaned against the wall for support as she made her way back to Kiwi’s room where her futon waited for her. She had one hell of a day, and now Lemon was even more exhausted then before.

Kagome walked in the cold fall night. Snow had fallen during the day and only a light frosting remains on the grass. Her eyes were glazed over. Her hair moved around her as if she was drowning in a vast ocean. She could no longer feel anything. Kagome’s skin was pale as the snow and just as frozen. Her lips did not move, nor did her teeth chatter to show that she was trying to stay warm. There was something else that was causing her to not be sick or die from the cold. She paid no attention to that fact either. She felt something entirely different.

I can’t stay…I’m sorry… a husband… a family …home…that is where those things are for me…there is nothing for me here… forgive me…

Kagome continued to walk unfearful of what the night could bring. Her mood was colder then the air around her as she continued her journey. She could feel the pulse of the well like a beacon. It was calling to her. All of it was like a siren’s sweet melody. It whispered sweet nothings that a lover would tell you in the midst of passion. Her home, her family, her new life.  It promised no more pain, no more suffering. Kagome had walked for hours unending to this tune.   She was completely oblivious to the danger that stalked her.

Sesshomaru moved across his palace and out the main gate without as much as a glance to any of the guards. He told himself over and over again the same phrase. He was just going to get Kagome so that his servants and Rin were happy. That was all. There was no way that he was doing it because he cared about her, and was worried. There was no way in hell that he was doing it because a mere servant told him to do so either, even if it made sense in an odd fashion.

With haste, Sesshomaru, headed in the direction he felt her strange aura was emanating from. He never felt anything like it before, so it had to be her. He felt something else. This one was very familiar and not welcome in his lands. It was also moving towards Kagome. Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes and moved even faster then normal. He would use his light form when he got closer. He could only use that in short distances.

What he saw before him was definitely Kagome, but she was beyond anything he had seen before. Sesshomaru looked on as she fought the demon he had felt. Kagome had a glowing white aura around her like a bubble. She floated only three inches from the ground. Long ebony locks floated in the air as if in a dance as she moved. Her hands arced with white energy as she sliced the demon to bits. She turned towards him then, sensing his own demonic energy.

Sesshomaru did not move even when Kagome raised the same hand she used against the other demon. Her eyes were like glass. They were the darkest color of tree sap he had ever seen, and they played with the light from her outer glow. Sesshomaru noticed then the tear stained cheeks, and the still flowing water from her orbs.  Her hand was coming down and a blinding arc of white energy was coming towards him. Sesshomaru did not flinch. He pulled out Tokijin in time and sliced it in half sending both halves past his person into nearby trees. The foliage exploded on the impact of said power. Debris flew around the pair. The only movement was Seeshomaru’s clothing and hair as it blew with the force of the attack. The bubble around Kagome protected her from anything that came her way, disintegrating before it reached her person.

“You can not harm me Kagome.” His tone was sharp, but held an edge of something else.

Kagome prepared for another attack. This was not what Sesshomaru expected from her. He did not grow angry. Seeing her display of power and defiance only did one thing. It woke his primal need. He must dominate her and show her who her Lord was even if he could not do everything until the courtship was complete. Kagome attacked with two slices of energy. Sesshomaru dodged and went in with Tokijin once again, his intent to destroy the bubble around her. He slashed at it. The force sent Kagome back into a tree. The bubble remained, but flickered as Kagome blinked a little. Sesshomaru knew exactly what to do. He openly smirked at her. Kagome again attacked, and he dodged and swiped.

They danced like this further and further into the woods. The minutes had poured by them as they fought. Sesshomaru was unwavering in his assault and his intent. Kagome was growing weaker and tired with each attack now. The bubble around her had shrunk to just over her skin now. She only floated an inch from the forest floor. Sesshomaru’s goal would come after the next assault. It arrived right on cue. Kagome fell to her feet in the dirt and snow. She looked around warily, remembering she was fighting a demon. She blinked at the form that landed in front of her. Sesshomaru had replaced Tokijin in his sash. He stalked towards her, his prey finally ready for taking.

“Sesshomaru…how…” her breath came out in a whisper that played on his nerves like a caress.

“I said that you could not harm me, Kagome.” He was getting closer, taking his time. He was enjoying this. It had been years since he had been in this most intimate of circumstances.

“I’m sorry…I can’t stay here and keep the bets…forgive me…” she made to turn and run, but found herself pinned up against a tree. Her eyes grew wide not from being restrained, but how.

Sesshomaru had his left arm against her side and his right by her head. His left leg had found its way between her legs and gave her a place to sit. The leg was what caught her off guard.  His face was buried in her hair and neck. She tried to breath, but panted instead. Kagome had to admit that the position was more then compromising but also was waking something inside her.  Sesshomaru’s breath crawled along her neck into her ear.

“I only know of our wager…what is the other you speak of?” His voice was very unlike him, it was a dark deep growl. He brought his face up to look in her eyes. He noticed the panic in them. This made him smirk again. She did not want to tell him, but she was going to.

“I…I can’t…” Kagome felt a pressure and stopped. His face had gotten inches away from hers. His right hand had clasped her neck, but released a little as he spoke, his claws raking her skin lightly. Kagome could not move her eyes away from his as he spoke. His lips ever so close to her own.

“You will not deny this Sesshomaru of his answer…Kagome…” he let the words play in her mind. He continued to stroke her neck, but added in his left hand. The hand grabbed her hip firmly. It brought out a little gasp from her mouth, the puff of air gracing his own lips. It sent a shiver down his spine. His right hand went back into her hair and pulled slightly. Another breath of air escaped her.

“I…have a bet with Inuyasha…I…” Kagome faltered.

He is so close to me…and…and…touching me…what is he doing to me…

Sesshomaru had thought back to the last few days and had noticed that his half brother did act strange. He needed to know the nature of the wager in order to interrogate Inuyasha later. Right now he was enjoying what he was doing to not be spoiled by the hanyou.

“What did you bet him…tell me…” He tightened his grip on her hip. He was rewarded with a little groan. He answered with a small growl.

“He bet me that he could find me a reason to stay here or I go home…in two weeks…” Kagome rushed out. She continued to pant. This perplexed him. He knew of the well and its power.

“You always came back before…” he moved from her face back to her inviting neck. Sesshomaru moved his left leg up a little and got another pleasure filled whimper.

“No…it has only enough…for one more trip…” Kagome gulped it was getting harder and harder to think.

Sesshomaru was fighting a losing battle with his instincts. His mouth opened to show his fangs. He grazed her neck lightly. He stopped as the information sunk into his conscious mind, his hot breath causing the hair to standup on her pale skin. This had to wait. Kagome was not going anywhere far as he was concerned, but something about this news and the bet with Inuyasha was unsettling his nerves. He had to talk to the hanyou. He lightly licked her neck as he pulled back from her. Kagome gave off an amusing and enticing moan of disappointment as he did so.

Without so much as another word Sesshomaru grabbed Kagome by the wrist and brought her to him. Kagome gasped as he hefted her up bridal style and took off at a run. She saw that they were heading back to the palace. She closed her eyes. Her emotions and thoughts were in turmoil. She pushed them aside as the movement lulled her to sleep. Her head rested against his pelt. He looked down at her briefly and smiled. Sesshomaru gained speed. In no time he was back behind the high stone walls of his castle and heading to his private rooms.  He was going to keep her close to him tonight incase she decided to disappear again. In the morning he would talk to Inuyasha privately. Now, he just wanted to be near Kagome, and plan the courtship.

Ruby red eyes had watched from the high stone wall as Sesshomaru ran inside. Blueberry slighted her lips in what her sisters would know as a smile. To anyone else it would just look out of place and odd. She mentally let her sisters know that he had indeed returned, and he brought back his future queen.   Afterwards her features turned back to portray the very structure she stood upon. She was on watch, and took her duties seriously. She clutched her large double axe as a gust of wind played with her long blue locks and gown. Staring off into the distance so smiled again thinking on the future while everyone rested.

Description
Disclaimer: I own nothing but the acid demons! Everything else is owned by Rumiko Takahashi….I’m not even sure the plot isn’t owned by her at some level…

                                                                       Day 7
                                                                      Spoons

Sesshomaru woke before dawn like any other day. He bathed in his porcelain tub that servants had poured boiling water in to warm it. Afterwards he dressed in his usual attire along with his armor. He tried to make mental contact with Kiwi. He could not get through. Sesshomaru knew she would already be awake, so could only lead to one thing. With a smirk he walked from his room and headed to Kiwi’s room.

As Sesshomaru approached the room he could hear muffled cries coming from within. They were sounds of pain. With his emotional mask in place he walked through the doors without knocking, after all this was his home. Sesshomaru would go wherever and whenever he so pleased.  Looking around the room he spotted Ringoshu and Blueberry leaning against the far wall straight across from him.

Fabrics were still hanging from everywhere. The women were looking up. No emotions could be seen on their faces. Sesshomaru knew that if Ringoshu remained emotionally unattached, Kiwi was in a rage. He mentally nodded at the knowledge and looked up to where they were looking. His view, however, was blocked by material. He took a few steps to the left and moved forward until he got a clear view. He was right about Kiwi.

Kagome woke with a kink in her neck. During her rest she had rolled out of the futon. She thought back to the previous evening and the nightmares that ensued. She frowned and looked around the room. Sango was already up and tending to Kikyo. The priestess had her head in a basket lined with linen and emptying the contents of her stomach. Kagome stood and walked over to them.

“Sango, how long has she been like this?” Kagome asked concerned. Sango shook her head.

“Since early this morning, just before dawn.” Sango moved the hair back from Kikyo’s face as she moved away from the basket.  Kikyo lay back down.

Sango made to get up and get water, but Kagome put a hand on her shoulder and did so for her.  Sango helped prop Kikyo up as Kagome brought a glass to her lips. Once Kikyo was done Sango lay her back down. Kikyo closed her eyes. She fell asleep quickly.

Kagome motioned for Sango to follow her out of the room. They entered the boys’ room to find they were awake as well. Inuyasha looked like hell warmed over. Miroku was not much better. When the girls came in both were on their feet in no time. Inuyasha was the first to say anything.

“How is she?” genuine concern was evident in his voice. It made Kagome falter slightly.

“She is…Inuyasha haven’t you sensed a change in her scent at all?” Kagome asked out of curiosity.

“Of course! It changed about a month ago, but I thought it was because of her new body and soul. I figured she would tell me if something was wrong.”

“Inuyasha…the illness…it...it’s…” Kagome could not bring herself to tell him. Sango patted Kagome’s shoulder and shook her head.  It was not their place to say.  Inuyasha grew very impatient.

“Damn it, tell me what is wrong with her!” he raged. Miroku walked up behind Inuyasha and bonked him on the head with his staff. Both girls smiled, but no one noticed that the smile did not reach Kagome’s eyes.

“Inuyasha, calm yourself. Lady Sango and Lady Kagome can not tell you what is not there place to say.” Sango blushed when his eyes met hers. She nodded to him that he understood correctly. Kagome did nothing.

“Keh!” Inuyasha bellowed and stormed into the room where Kikyo lay. Miroku and Sango made to follow. Kagome stopped them.

“Let them be alone. When she wakes up she will have to tell him, and it is better if we are not there.” Kagome turned and left the room shutting the door quietly behind her.

Sango looked at Miroku and both shrugged at the same time, deciding to go for a walk by themselves. They both wanted to discuss the sudden change in behavior of Kagome. They wandered to the dining room and ate breakfast by themselves and Rin. With the new company they began to discuss the up coming wedding.

Sesshomaru knew that Kiwi was very strict with her younger siblings, often policing them so that he did not have to.  Sesshomaru was often glad that she did. It saved him from having to do more paperwork, or worse kill them and bring them back. Oh how he still loathed to use that damn sword his father left him. Sesshomaru had seen many of Kiwi’s rages, but they all paled in comparison to what he was beholding at the moment.

Sesshomaru looked over Kiwi’s handy work. Above them was Lemon. She was wrapped up tightly in material. Many spots were covered in blood. Only her head, abdomen, and feet were free of material. Her short blonde hair hung towards the ground dripping acidic sweat. The acid was collected into a basin that would not corrode with the substance. Sesshomaru gauged the level of sweat in the make shift tub. His estimation was that Kiwi had been busy much of the night and morning.

Kiwi moved around Lemon whipping her with a thread whip that was barbed with sewing needles. She used it expertly. The needles went into Lemon’s skin and out again leaving hardly a trickle of blood. The movement so fast. Lemon felt every prick sent into her skin. The gag in her mouth muffling her cries and pleas to her sister. She had long lost the ability to cry, knowing that she did deserve her sister’s wrath. She had heard Sesshomaru enter the room and cringed. Goosebumps rose on her skin as he watched her eldest sister beat her for her discrepancy.  Kiwi paid no heed, she kept at her task. Ringoshu came to her rescue.

“Sister, please….she has learned her lessen…Lord Sesshomaru is here to see you…”

Maybe it was the pleading fearful tone of the second youngest, or the fact that Kiwi was getting tired, but she stopped and turned to face the lord mentioned. Her coal black eyes bleeding back to normal to show the pupils. No emotions shown on her pale features. A single drop of acid sweat was the only sign that she was winded from the ordeal he witnessed.

Without notice Lemon was released from her fabric prison, as she fell you could see the inner lining of the material was also barbed with needles. She fell to the floor naked in an exhausted heap, the now exposed holes bleeding freely. They quickly closed as Lemon remembered who was still watching her. Embarrassment soon took over her actions as she curled into a ball and refused to look at the lord that had her heart. She did not want him to see her like this. She knew it did not matter anymore, he had chosen someone else. Still, she felt weak and vulnerable. When Kiwi spoke it took all Lemon had not to break down into tears on the floor.

Lemon…you interfered when I had warned you…

I…I am sorry sister…

SILENCE! I am not the one you need to apologize to…it needs to be the Lord for which you serve and his soon to be Lady…I suggest you do it quickly…

Lemon’s bottom lip quivered as she sat up bravely on her knees. She brought her hands forward so her finger tips touched the ground in front, her head bowed. Sesshomaru watched indifferently through out the whole scene, waiting. He stood up straighter when he noticed the all too familiar apology position was incurred.

“Forgive your servant this day, Lord Sesshomaru of the Western Kingdom.” Lemon’s voice did not waiver as she spoke. She was a warrior, she was better then to show anymore weakness.

“Next time your sister will not save you.” With that said he turned towards the door and left with not so much as a blink of an eye. It cut Lemon deeper then any weapon could. What love she held for her lord died at that moment, his silent exterior breaking what was left of her heart.

Lemon broke down into body wracking sobs. She found herself enveloped in female arms and rocked back and forth. Lemon looked up to see that it was Ringoshu of all people and she was smiling down at her. She looked around the room and found Kiwi and Blueberry gone.

“I know it hurts Lemon, but you will be strong like always and pull through.” Lemon just scoffed at her with a noise in her throat, the weeping continued. Ringoshu cooed at her and rocked her. The bells in Ringoshu’s hair chimed in a soothing rhythm with the movements. Lemon soon found herself asleep. Ringoshu sat there with Lemon in her lap until her two other sisters returned. Blueberry was first to come back.

Blueberry carried in the empty basin. She picked up Lemon and moved her to a futon that had bright yellow coverings. Three other futons were also in this part of the large room. Each one bearing covers that matched the owner’s hair color. Kiwi returned a little while later to find Lemon still asleep and Ringoshu and Blueberry watching over her. She let out an inaudible sigh. Kiwi lightly touched the redhead’s shoulder and saw her physically flinch. Ringoshu nodded to her without looking at her. It was her way of letting her sister know that she too was upset, but with her.

Ringoshu…the priestess Kikyo is very ill and needs attention…your services are needed…

Oh no! I am on my way!

With instincts and an overtly caring nature kicking in, Ringoshu was up and out the door before Kiwi could say what was wrong with the girl, but she knew that Ringoshu would find out anyways.  This also gave her a chance to deal with another issue at hand. Kiwi turned her dark gaze to an already alert and standing Blueberry.

She is gone…

Yes…and the lord better find her and bring her back…

Surely the incident last night did not cause her to leave…

In part it did…Kagome is very fragile in heart and soul…she had been hurt many times over…but something else also played a part in it…

I see…the other priestess is with child…so that might be the other reason?

It is…

I do not understand why that would cause her flight…if she loved our lord and her friends enough she would have stayed…

It is not so much that she does not love our lord or her friends, on the contrary…she is mourning the things that she thinks will never be hers…and grief causes many people to do fool hardy things…

I understand now…but does Sesshomaru?

To that question I do not know for certain…

Will he go after her then?

My eyes can not see that path dearest sister…and that fact is troubling.

Both sisters moved from the futon area to the sewing section. Kiwi sat upon her satin pillow and began to work on one of the kimonos. Blueberry left and came back with hot green tea and the rest of the morning and well after lunch was spent in silence. They waited for Lemon to wake, but most importantly they waited for news that Kagome was once again back in the castle. The only one that could retrieve her was Sesshomaru, and they had faith in his abilities, otherwise he would not be their lord.

Rin and Shippo ran down hallway after hallway looking for Kagome. Each turn made them upset. They could not find her at all. They wanted to play in the new fallen snow. Their journey led them outside of Kiwi’s room. There were no sounds coming from inside that either of them could hear. Both children jumped in fright at the voice that came from behind them.

“Rin-chan, Shippo-chan, what brings you down this way?” Ringoshu’s voice was very quiet, and very unlike her normal loud boisterous self. It made the last string of the children’s will break down.

Both children ran to her already open arms as they began to cry. They asked where Kagome had gone to, and they felt very alone.  Ringoshu cooed at them much the way she had with Lemon and brought them into the room and sat with them in her lap as Kiwi still worked on a kimono. Shippo looked around the room in awe of all the material and at the silently working Kiwi. Rin calmed down seeing that Shippo had done so and watched Kiwi’s methodical movements in her sewing. Silence filled the room. The only movement was Kiwi’s hands, and Ringoshu shaking her head and standing up. She placed the children by Kiwi and smiled down at them.

“You two watch and learn from Kiwi-chan while I check on someone.” The children nodded as Ringoshu left the room.

Ringoshu walked into a separated part of the room by an ornate screen. Fabrics still hung from everywhere as she walked to the sleeping area they all shared. When she got there she gasped. Rushing forwards she knelt down by a bright yellow blanket rumpled at the end of an empty futon. Lemon was gone. Ringoshu was filled with panic as she ran back to Kiwi, her bells chiming with each hurried step. The green haired demoness showed no signs of panic and looked up and motioned with her eyes for her to sit down. Ringoshu nodded and complied. The children looked on not knowing that a conversation was being held without vocalization being done.  Blueberry walked into the room with only two bowls of rice and two fish. She set them down and quietly left to bring back more for the company that was now visiting.

Lemon ran with all the speed she had in her. It was her fault. She ached here and there, but was no worse for wear on the outside. On the inside she was a wreck. Her heart had sunk to the darkest depths of her soul where it lay in shambles on the bottom. She had to make it right. If Kagome was going through what she was experiencing then she had to make her lord go after her. She had no idea it could feel this way. She thought most likely that all demons had no real idea, or was too stubborn to realize it. Lemon stopped in front of the study doors. She heard the sweep of bristles against paper. He was inside doing what he always did, work. She opened the doors not very silently.

Lemon, without being beckoned, stood right in front of his desk. He did not so much as budge from his task, or acknowledge her in any way.  She stood perfectly straight. She stared daggers at him as she waited for him to say something, anything. Nothing came out of him. Lemon had enough of the ignoring game he was pulling. She clenched her teeth together, her fangs exposed when she sneered at him.

“Go after her.” She bit out none too gently. This caused him to actually stop mid stroke and look up at her. Lemon was openly challenging him, and he certainly was not going to stand for it.

“Leave.” was all he said as he went back to his work. Lemon was even more agitated.

“Bring her back…my Lord.” She tried another tactic. Got a result, not the one she was hoping for, but was not surprised by it either.

Sesshomaru had put down the brush next to the ink well. He raised his right arm and lashed out with his whip and knocked her back into the side wall on her left. Books fell from nearby shelves. Scrolls spilled and opened as they rolled across the floor. He stood up now, and crossed to the panting form of a kneeling acid demon. He continued to whip her.  Lemon’s fresh kimono was ripped and torn. Blood and acid stained the tears in the fabric. She did not cry out, nor backed down. She stood up as the flogging continued. She was going to correct what she had done even it cost the most precious thing to her.

“Go after her My Lord....if it means MY LIFE to say so! I will say it again....BRING KAGOME-SAMA BACK…BRING BACK YOUR LADY!” Sesshomaru stopped his attack on her. She leaned against the wall she crashed into clutching a badly bruised and bleeding left arm.

“This Sesshomaru will do what he pleases when it suits him.” He walked over to her and wrapped his fingers around her throat. He brought her up to eye level. Lemon could not even gulp through his tight grip. Acidic tears from pink eyes spread down her cheeks as they stared at one another. Lemon was thrown out of his study abruptly. He walked past her in the hallway after exiting through the broken doors her form and his force had caused.

Lemon did not move until he had rounded a corner down the corridor and his footfalls were silent. A small smile of triumph and remorse raised across her lips as she made to stand up. She leaned against the wall for support as she made her way back to Kiwi’s room where her futon waited for her. She had one hell of a day, and now Lemon was even more exhausted then before.

Kagome walked in the cold fall night. Snow had fallen during the day and only a light frosting remains on the grass. Her eyes were glazed over. Her hair moved around her as if she was drowning in a vast ocean. She could no longer feel anything. Kagome’s skin was pale as the snow and just as frozen. Her lips did not move, nor did her teeth chatter to show that she was trying to stay warm. There was something else that was causing her to not be sick or die from the cold. She paid no attention to that fact either. She felt something entirely different.

I can’t stay…I’m sorry… a husband… a family …home…that is where those things are for me…there is nothing for me here… forgive me…

Kagome continued to walk unfearful of what the night could bring. Her mood was colder then the air around her as she continued her journey. She could feel the pulse of the well like a beacon. It was calling to her. All of it was like a siren’s sweet melody. It whispered sweet nothings that a lover would tell you in the midst of passion. Her home, her family, her new life.  It promised no more pain, no more suffering. Kagome had walked for hours unending to this tune.   She was completely oblivious to the danger that stalked her.

Sesshomaru moved across his palace and out the main gate without as much as a glance to any of the guards. He told himself over and over again the same phrase. He was just going to get Kagome so that his servants and Rin were happy. That was all. There was no way that he was doing it because he cared about her, and was worried. There was no way in hell that he was doing it because a mere servant told him to do so either, even if it made sense in an odd fashion.

With haste, Sesshomaru, headed in the direction he felt her strange aura was emanating from. He never felt anything like it before, so it had to be her. He felt something else. This one was very familiar and not welcome in his lands. It was also moving towards Kagome. Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes and moved even faster then normal. He would use his light form when he got closer. He could only use that in short distances.

What he saw before him was definitely Kagome, but she was beyond anything he had seen before. Sesshomaru looked on as she fought the demon he had felt. Kagome had a glowing white aura around her like a bubble. She floated only three inches from the ground. Long ebony locks floated in the air as if in a dance as she moved. Her hands arced with white energy as she sliced the demon to bits. She turned towards him then, sensing his own demonic energy.

Sesshomaru did not move even when Kagome raised the same hand she used against the other demon. Her eyes were like glass. They were the darkest color of tree sap he had ever seen, and they played with the light from her outer glow. Sesshomaru noticed then the tear stained cheeks, and the still flowing water from her orbs.  Her hand was coming down and a blinding arc of white energy was coming towards him. Sesshomaru did not flinch. He pulled out Tokijin in time and sliced it in half sending both halves past his person into nearby trees. The foliage exploded on the impact of said power. Debris flew around the pair. The only movement was Seeshomaru’s clothing and hair as it blew with the force of the attack. The bubble around Kagome protected her from anything that came her way, disintegrating before it reached her person.

“You can not harm me Kagome.” His tone was sharp, but held an edge of something else.

Kagome prepared for another attack. This was not what Sesshomaru expected from her. He did not grow angry. Seeing her display of power and defiance only did one thing. It woke his primal need. He must dominate her and show her who her Lord was even if he could not do everything until the courtship was complete. Kagome attacked with two slices of energy. Sesshomaru dodged and went in with Tokijin once again, his intent to destroy the bubble around her. He slashed at it. The force sent Kagome back into a tree. The bubble remained, but flickered as Kagome blinked a little. Sesshomaru knew exactly what to do. He openly smirked at her. Kagome again attacked, and he dodged and swiped.

They danced like this further and further into the woods. The minutes had poured by them as they fought. Sesshomaru was unwavering in his assault and his intent. Kagome was growing weaker and tired with each attack now. The bubble around her had shrunk to just over her skin now. She only floated an inch from the forest floor. Sesshomaru’s goal would come after the next assault. It arrived right on cue. Kagome fell to her feet in the dirt and snow. She looked around warily, remembering she was fighting a demon. She blinked at the form that landed in front of her. Sesshomaru had replaced Tokijin in his sash. He stalked towards her, his prey finally ready for taking.

“Sesshomaru…how…” her breath came out in a whisper that played on his nerves like a caress.

“I said that you could not harm me, Kagome.” He was getting closer, taking his time. He was enjoying this. It had been years since he had been in this most intimate of circumstances.

“I’m sorry…I can’t stay here and keep the bets…forgive me…” she made to turn and run, but found herself pinned up against a tree. Her eyes grew wide not from being restrained, but how.

Sesshomaru had his left arm against her side and his right by her head. His left leg had found its way between her legs and gave her a place to sit. The leg was what caught her off guard.  His face was buried in her hair and neck. She tried to breath, but panted instead. Kagome had to admit that the position was more then compromising but also was waking something inside her.  Sesshomaru’s breath crawled along her neck into her ear.

“I only know of our wager…what is the other you speak of?” His voice was very unlike him, it was a dark deep growl. He brought his face up to look in her eyes. He noticed the panic in them. This made him smirk again. She did not want to tell him, but she was going to.

“I…I can’t…” Kagome felt a pressure and stopped. His face had gotten inches away from hers. His right hand had clasped her neck, but released a little as he spoke, his claws raking her skin lightly. Kagome could not move her eyes away from his as he spoke. His lips ever so close to her own.

“You will not deny this Sesshomaru of his answer…Kagome…” he let the words play in her mind. He continued to stroke her neck, but added in his left hand. The hand grabbed her hip firmly. It brought out a little gasp from her mouth, the puff of air gracing his own lips. It sent a shiver down his spine. His right hand went back into her hair and pulled slightly. Another breath of air escaped her.

“I…have a bet with Inuyasha…I…” Kagome faltered.

He is so close to me…and…and…touching me…what is he doing to me…

Sesshomaru had thought back to the last few days and had noticed that his half brother did act strange. He needed to know the nature of the wager in order to interrogate Inuyasha later. Right now he was enjoying what he was doing to not be spoiled by the hanyou.

“What did you bet him…tell me…” He tightened his grip on her hip. He was rewarded with a little groan. He answered with a small growl.

“He bet me that he could find me a reason to stay here or I go home…in two weeks…” Kagome rushed out. She continued to pant. This perplexed him. He knew of the well and its power.

“You always came back before…” he moved from her face back to her inviting neck. Sesshomaru moved his left leg up a little and got another pleasure filled whimper.

“No…it has only enough…for one more trip…” Kagome gulped it was getting harder and harder to think.

Sesshomaru was fighting a losing battle with his instincts. His mouth opened to show his fangs. He grazed her neck lightly. He stopped as the information sunk into his conscious mind, his hot breath causing the hair to standup on her pale skin. This had to wait. Kagome was not going anywhere far as he was concerned, but something about this news and the bet with Inuyasha was unsettling his nerves. He had to talk to the hanyou. He lightly licked her neck as he pulled back from her. Kagome gave off an amusing and enticing moan of disappointment as he did so.

Without so much as another word Sesshomaru grabbed Kagome by the wrist and brought her to him. Kagome gasped as he hefted her up bridal style and took off at a run. She saw that they were heading back to the palace. She closed her eyes. Her emotions and thoughts were in turmoil. She pushed them aside as the movement lulled her to sleep. Her head rested against his pelt. He looked down at her briefly and smiled. Sesshomaru gained speed. In no time he was back behind the high stone walls of his castle and heading to his private rooms.  He was going to keep her close to him tonight incase she decided to disappear again. In the morning he would talk to Inuyasha privately. Now, he just wanted to be near Kagome, and plan the courtship.

Ruby red eyes had watched from the high stone wall as Sesshomaru ran inside. Blueberry slighted her lips in what her sisters would know as a smile. To anyone else it would just look out of place and odd. She mentally let her sisters know that he had indeed returned, and he brought back his future queen.   Afterwards her features turned back to portray the very structure she stood upon. She was on watch, and took her duties seriously. She clutched her large double axe as a gust of wind played with her long blue locks and gown. Staring off into the distance so smiled again thinking on the future while everyone rested.