Tender Rebel 8

Tender Rebel

By: Aurora Collins

Disclaimers: I do not own Inuyasha or any of the characters associated with it. I'm only borrowing the characters to amuse myself and hopefully others. ^__^

Ch.8 Gates Of Hell




After breaking their fast Sesshomaur ordered his troops to pack up and head out to get ready for battle. Sesshomaru and Kagome rode on horseback, as well as half the army who followed them. The rest walked and held the banners of their lord to show not only their pride but loyalty as well. The army traveled for hours as they went through the forests and trails set before them, but the further they went the more desolant it became. The green trees were gone from the stump up, and the foliage was trampled upon like something massacred it. There was no wildlife in sight and there was no sound except the shuffling of horse hooves and feet.
Kagome stopped her horse abruptly because she felt something resonating in the air. She sensed evil and carnage all around them. Sesshomaru stopped as well, his nostrils flaring as he was picking up a scent. He held up his hand to stop the army behind him and his horse began to canter back and forth to the side. The horses were getting restless and the army was wavering about for thier next order. Kagome was trying to pinpoint the feeling she was having, but her senses were jumbled up "I can't seem to pick up anything but I know there's something out there." Sesshomaru didn't return the gaze as he replied "The Gates of Hell have no scent but you can smell the blood that they have procreated from their victims."
Kagome merely nodded, but she wouldn't be able to smell them until they arrived. Before she had a chance to deduce the situation she felt a rumbling beneathe her, like the ground was shaking from an earthquake. The rumbling became louder and the horses began to nicker in freight, as their hooves beat on the dirt. Kagome grabbed harder onto the reigns of her horse so that she wouldn't be thrown off. Sesshomaru unsheathed his sword as the wind picked up, making his long hair glide behind him. "Get ready!" Sesshomaru yelled out "Here they come!" Kagome sat up in her saddle, getting her bow and arrows ready.
She had never really been in a real battle, nor has she ever seen what these creatures looked like. She could admit that she was a little scared but she was more angered than anything else. This army destroyed everything, made life frieghtful and not to mention her people had to flee from what they called their home. She would make them pay for what they have done to not only her people but for what they did to her beloved Sesshomaru. When he came back to the castle that day she could of died from the fear of losing someone that she came to cherish. She would devote her whole life to him if he asked her to, and she thought that even if he didn't, she still would. Even if it pained her.
From what trees that were still standing were soon torn down and the splinters of the wood scattered across the field. What came from those trees could be described as something of pitch black, like something out of a dark abyss. There was nothing but a stream of black and the only way to identify one warrior from the other were the red eyes that glowed from their skulls. The front lines attacked the enemy first and the generals shouted out the orders as they two armies collided. The horses who rammed over and these beasts were so large that they could devour one warrior like sweets. The scent of blood wafted through the air and the stench of the battle commenced.
Everything was going so fast and it was hard to tell what was going on. Kagome focused her arrows on the enemies, but it didn't seem to do any damage. She couldn't use her purification method because one of her comrades might get in the way. At one point her horse was rammed over and trampled upon. She jumped from her steed before it hit the ground and she was able to dodge the attacks set before her. Evdentually she came face to face with the enemy and she realized why their bodies were so dark. Their bodies were enshrouded in what looked like maggots, but they were the color of leeches. They squrimed around the warriors and created a shield that resonated evil. It was an evil that Kagome felt once before... or at least she thought she felt it before.
She was able to hit the warrior down and move elsewhere on the battlefield.
Kagome noticed her prior trainees and they fought admirably with great skill on their side, but she noticed that one was about to be struck down. She helped him out with a blow from her arrows, but while she was helping her comrade out, she forgot to keep her guard up.


Once Sesshomaru gave out his warning the Gates of Hell pertruded through the foliage and attacked his army from the front. A tactic they used before because nothing could take down the Gates of Hell. It was like they were invincible. Sesshomaru gripped his sword and saw his men be cut down so easily and no matter how hard they tried, their foes couldn't be mutilated into nothing. It was like last time and they lost a lot of men, and he became severly hurt. He wouldn't allow that to happen again. This time he was prepared. He took his sword and sliced through his opponants and when he did that he saw something across the way. One of the creatures from the Gates of Hell rammed into Kagome's horse and it made it fall over.
He saw that Kagome was able to jump from her mount and land with ease. She was fighting well, but she drew her attention to something else. A young pup was in danger and she used her arrows to save him, but in doing so she left her backside open for attack. Kagome kept her guard down for a moment and that is when one of the dark warriors was coming up behind her. Sesshomaru was pushing his way through the black horde and he recalled the dream Kagome had about him, and this seemed similar in effect, but reversed. She was being swallowed by the darkness of this plague.
"Kagome! Look out!" Sesshomaru called out as he tried to reach her. Kagome heard someone call her name and that is when she turned around and saw a large clawed hand come at her in one fowl swoop. She had no time to react or move out of the way before the slash came at her chest and belly. Right away she felt the pain as it hit her and it was such a strong blow that she fell instantly. She could feel the moisture cover her clothes from the blood and she began to feel like she was dying. Before her mind could make another thought she fell into a darkness that was so black that she thought she would be gone in it forever. The darkness took over her like night without the stars or moon to light the way, or dark water from the bottom of a well. Kagome thought that it was all over and that was the end to everything. She failed the man she loved, she failed her village and family, and most of all she failed herself for not being able to stay alive long enough. If this is what it felt like to die then it was more than just a lonely existance, because it would be like torture without him.
When Sesshomaru saw Kagome fall he got to her faster than he thought possible, and before the monster could do the final blow to her, Sesshomaru was able to vanquish it with a slash from his father's sword. The monster didn't die but it was down long enough for Sesshomaru to help Kagome out with her current dilemma. He kneeled down to her and saw the wound that covered her chest and belly. The three claw marks invaded her flesh and the red liquid poured freely from her wound. The smell of her blood was so strong that it made his head dizzy and intoxicated. She was breathing and that is what mattered, but she also seemed so lifeless there on the ground.
Her skin was even more pale than what it should of been and her breathing was shallow. She was a human and a wound like that should of killed her instantly. That is when he saw a small pink hue and he knew that her miko powers were trying to save her life. He should of been there by her side and he should of listened to Kujo about her not being in a real battle. He also should of never allowed her to come because then none of this would be happening now with her. Sesshomaru didn't know what to do and he was too scared to try and move her from the spot that she was in, but if he didn't then she would be either trampled on or slain. That is when it hit him, his demon side. His eyes flared red and his claws extended out. Sesshomaru began to grow a snout and fur pertruded from his body. He grew bigger and bigger until he finally was in his dog demon form, which looked like a spaniel.
His fur was white and the markings that were on his face stayed. Poison dripped from his fangs and his growl was so prominant that is echoed vigorously through the battle. His howl was so loud that everyone stopped what they were doing, even the warriors from the Gates of Hell. Sesshomaru's paws stomped on the ground, obliterating the warriors from the opposing side. He became so enraged that he couldn't think at all. He just allowed his demon side to take over with ease and he let out all his rage, hate and anger on what he deemed to be the enemy. He was just as great, if not greater than his father, Inu-Taisho. Sesshomaru's teeth snarled out and he began to devour his foes because he thought that would be the only way to destroy them from his domain, and he was right.
Right when they came into his mouth and he chomped them down with a vengeance, they disentegrated from his poison, that ate away at them. The drool that was laced with poison came out in bucket fulls and whoever it touched was destroyed. He was above Kagome the whole time, not allowing anyone to get near her, nor allowing anyone to get away. The soldiers from his side did their part and transformed as well into other, smaller demons. If they had poison powers they used them, but none did more damage than Sesshomaru.
By the time it was all said and done the field was desamated and the earth was scorched. The Gates of Hell fell and died with the attacks that were initiated towards them. Once they won Sesshomaru was able to transform into his normal self and that is when things really got out of hand. He picked Kagome up and the blood seeped into his kimono and it stained his armor. She just wouldn't stop bleeding and it was begining to scare him to the point that he almost didn't know what to do. Before any of that could take place he got back into his authoritive position and began to get things straightened out.
He began to bark out orders and he didn't care who listened to him, just as long as it got done, and quickly. "Somone get me a physician and an herbologist! Hurry damn it or I'm gonna lose her!" Sesshomaru roared out as he got Kagome into a more comforatable spot. He laid her down and held onto her hand as he began to talk with her in whispers, letting her know that it would all be alright in the end. Soon enough the physician came in and they began their work on her, but with the worried looks he caught, he wasn't sure if it would be alright like he said it would be. Kagome got almost the same injury he had but it was a lot more severe and she was so much smaller than he was. She was almost a foot shorter than him and he was so much more built than her. It seemed like that attack she recieved devastated her body, with the three slices that slanted from shoulder to over her breasts to her belly.
Sesshomaru knew that even if they were to save her she would have scars there forever. Not that it would ruin what she looked like but it would show what she had been through and the sacrafice that she made for the people that she cared about the most. He paced as he waited for someone to tell him that she would be fine, but so far there was nothing that could be said. He was getting antsy just waiting and seeing them work on her. There was no time for properness or a tent being set up or nothing. They had to work on her on the field and bared for all to see, but at that point he just wanted her well again.
He knew that after this though she would be bed ridden for a long time, and maybe she would learn to leave the fighting to him. Sesshomaru was just more than worried about her and he didn't know what he would do if she couldn't be fixed. Kagome looked pale when he glanced at her, but it looked like she was being cleaned up properly. If he didn't get word soon about her he would have to start being violent again. Sesshomaru had come a long way since Kagome came into his life and he liked who he was becoming. The way he was before was someone he did not want to return to. He still needed a lot to work on but he was progressing in a positive way and it was all thanks to her. He found that she was something vital in his life and he knew right than and there that to lose her would not do at all.
Sesshomaru hovered some more before the physician said "Please my Lord, it's very hard to work on her with you staring at us like that." "Like what!?" Sesshomaru bit out. The physician backed down and got back to his work. Sesshomaru noticed that his anxiety did make them nervous and he knew he had to step away so that they could do their job better. He had to make sure that she had the best care available. Sesshomaru walked away at that moment and checked up on his troops to see how bad the damage was. He soon found out that a lot of the younger ones died from the inexperience but overall their numbers weren't devastated.
He would of never thought that poison would be the key to kill them off, but now that he looked at it, it seemed plausible. You had to destroy the whole body and what other way to do that than to dissolve the corpse completely. He came up to some men who seemed to be in good health still. When he approched them they stood up and curtly bowed to him, which was his due as lord. "You three, send out a message to the other dog lords. Notify them on how to defeat the enemies so we can end this war already. Hurry with it and return to let me know what has transpired," Sesshomaru said calmy but with an urgent tone. The three of them took their orders and got what horses they could to get out the messages. Sesshomaru felt a little better knowing that the rest of the three corners would be well taken care of.
After deducing everything he went back to Kagome. He felt horrible about not knowing how to help out someone who was wounded, especially her. When he did get to her he saw that she was layed out on a makeshift pallet and she was bandaged up. She looked a little better but still dire. The doctors were still around so he was able to question them further to see what her actual status was. "Is she going to be ok doctors?" he asked with worry streaking his voice. The physicians looked between one another and said "The lacerations were very deep and she lost a lot of blood," one doctor said.
The other physician said "She's only a human and a wound like this should of killed her instantly, but she's a Miko, and her powers are on her side. They're weak but without them we would of lost her." The third doctor spoke up "We gave her some medicine to make her heal faster then normal. She needs nothing but rest and no activity for a while." "Can we move her to the castle anytime soon? I don't like her out here with the threat still near," Sesshomaru stated as he kneeled by Kagome. "We can move her in a little while, but we do need to check on the others. We should be able to move out within the next morning if that would be up to your standards my lord?"
Sesshomaru bristled "I don't think so. Get some of my men ready. I want us all to leave in an hour. The rest of the troops can be taken care of at the castle, and if they are hurt too badly than take care of them here until they can be transported. I need to get Kagome home where she belongs so that she can recover faster. Get to it now or so help me." The physicians nodded and hurried, knowing that if they didn't follow his direction than they were gonna get it. When they did leave he went next to Kagome and held her hand in his, trying to soothe her in any way that he could. Now when he did get to the castle he would have to explain to Kujo on exactly what happened, not that he felt more than guilty enough.


Soon they were at the castle and they had been gone for not even a day. The army was a lot closer than they thought it was, but thank Kami that the battle was over and won. When they got into the castle gates the families and villagers were able to greet and take care of the many wounded. Some would have to go back to the field to retrieve the bodies of the fallen ones. When Sesshomaru did pass his people he saw so many emotions waft through the area. They ranged from sadness because of a lost one, or happiness because they had won. Overall it was a good feeling that was there, one that would stay for a very long time. Kagome was taken upstairs to Sesshomaru's room, by his order. She would be in his bed until he saw it fit for her to leave it. She would be taken care of there, and this time he would be the one to help her out. Even if he didn't know how to heal or change bandages, he would figure it out somehow with some help. He wanted to be able to care for her and be by her side, and now he just wanted her to wake up.
Once she was set in the room she was changed into something clean and comforatable. She was laid in clean sheets of silk and all the supplies were left there for the doctor to use when he came by later that evening. Sesshomaru checked on her when she was settled in and she had yet to wake up. He felt her cheeks with the back of his hand and she was burning up severely. Kagome seemed a lot sicker then what he was and her wounds were more dire. What he recieved from the last battle was minor compared to was he sustained in previous fights. Sesshomaru cursed himself for not knowing how to take care of her and her illness that she was now recieving. What if she had an infection? The infection could spread through her body and make her suffer.
That could be the reason why she was burning up so badly. Sesshomaru hit the floor with his fist and he felt the rumble jostle the floor. He knew that if the rug were to be moved that there would be a large crack in the floor. He didn't care because he was so anxious about Kagome. Sesshomaru would call the physician immediatley... well that was the plan. Right when he was about to get up he saw a figure in the doorway. The person shadowed it almost completely and it stretched to the Lord.
Once the figure moved the light came back in the room and Sesshomaru saw that it was just Kujo. He looked livid and the first move he made was right to the Lord himself and the fist that made contact with Sesshomaru's jaw. Kujo hit him again in the same spot but with more power behind it. Sesshomaru barely moved, but for a human, he was strong. The blood came from his lip and he didn't even wipe it off. "What was that for!?" He barked out. "What do you think!? You said you would care for Kagome! Look at her! You said she would be alright!" Kujo yelled out, his hands still in fists.
Sesshomaru growled out, curled his hands into fists and hit Kujo so hard that he flew back. When Kujo hit the floor Sesshomaru walked up to him and grabbed the man by the collar of his shirt "I'll tell you this human, and you better listen! I never said anything about any of that! You were the one telling me that she wouldn't be in the way and that she could help me in battle! You told me not to let any of that cloud my mind! You should of been there to help me convince her to stay, then maybe I would be the one in that bed again! Do you hear me!?" Kujo just nodded and when he did Sesshomaru dropped him. Kujo got up and said "It's still your fault too you know. You were suppose to watch out for her!" "If you were there than you would know the severity of the battle. So many died and we lost a lot, and you don't think I feel that pain!? I do! I feel guilty enough as it is and I was trying to figure out how I would talk to you about it... knowing how much you care for her..."
Kujo stepped back once with shock "You were actually thinking that?" Sesshomaru nodded "Indeed, and what frustrates me more right now is that I have no idea how to heal the one that I have come to care about the most." "Why would you tell me all this Sesshomaru?" Kujo questioned. Sesshomaru raked his claws through his hair, which came loose in battle "I don't know! Maybe it's because your the only one here that knows Kagome well enough or maybe I got hit in the head in battle and got brain damage." Kujo actually smiled at that "I think you had brain damage even before you went into battle." Sesshomaru shrugged that one off because he did deserve it. A few months ago he would of killed him, but now it didn't even seem to matter. It was like Kagome, and Kujo became so much apart of his life, it was like they belonged there. Maybe not Kujo but Kagome came with a package, wether he liked it or not. "Kujo please help me with Kagome. I know you know alot about medicines. Teach me how to heal her." Kujo nodded in agreement and after that they got to work to make sure that Kagome would recover.

Four days passed and Kagome had yet to wake up. She had a burning fever that whole time, and she didn't even move. At this time Sesshomaru was alone with her and he was trying to keep her cooled down with a cold wash cloth set upon her forehead. He was begining to think that she would never wake up, that he would never hear her voice. It made him so upset that he hadn't eaten, or slept. Now he knew why Kagome looked so tired when she took care of him. She was so worried about him that it kept her up all the time, and she was even dealing with his documents at the time as well. He had a little less to do because he had Kujo and Talloway to do all that for him. Sesshomaru wondered if Kagome felt this exact way when he came home from war. The anxiety, the loss and deprivation that soon followed. It felt like his insides were being torn out and that his heart was breaking. The pain was so powerful sometimes that he felt the urge to.... cry? He never cried or felt the need to, but this was something different, something new. It fascinated him and actually scared him at the same time.
He changed the wash cloth out and that is when she moved. Her tiny hands gripped the sheets and her face got a pained look. It alarmed him at first but soon he found out that she was just dreaming. At least she was moving now. Her head twisted to the side, her lips persed out. She began to mummble in her sleep like she did before. Sometimes saying words, and other times they were incoherant. "Sess- Sesshom- ....please... come back." After she said that tears welled up under her eyelids. She was crying in her sleep. Sesshomaru didn't know what to do. He didn't want to try and wake her because she needed the rest, but that dream she had seemed to be haunting her and what made it worse was that he was the cause of her pain. He sat next to her on the edge of the bed. He held onto her limp hand "Kagome... talk to me. I'm here." Kagome mummbled out something that he couldn't quiet hear, but her tears eventually stopped. "I... love... S-Sesshomaru..." Kagome mummbled out in her broken words. Sesshomaru jerked back slightly after he heard her confession. She loved him, but when did that happen? When did she feel that way towards him? He thought for a moment and it hit him.
It was when she decided to be so docile with him. She accepted him into her heart and that was why she no longer fought his advances. It seemed so much longer than that. Kagome must of loved him before he got hurt or she wouldn't of been so worried about him. Sesshomaru could say that he wasn't against the idea of her loving him, in fact it felt like a great weight was lifted from his shoulders. Like everything was going to be ok, knowing that she cared for him in that way. His ear twitched from his own agitation when he thought about his own feelings. He always fought with himself and he had been questioning himself for a while now. Sesshomaru got some more medicine for her to help with any pain she might be having and so far everything was going as it should. Kujo came by regularly to check on his lady's progress, but he too looked worried about her. That to Sesshomaru was never a good sign and now he wanted Kagome to wake up more than anything. He decided that he had to have another talk with Kujo about Kagome, to try and figure out the last piece of this puzzle. He had one of his servants look for him to bring him to the room. Sesshomaru didn't know why he felt inclined to talk to Kujo but he was the only one now that knew about any of this, at least to his knowledge. While Kujo was being sent for he recalled his meeting with Talloway.
It was a brief encounter but he remembered it. Kujo felt inclined to introduce them so that Sesshomaru knew who was handling his accounts. He figured he should of  met the man before he left but he was in a hurry, but even meeting him last evening was bad timing as well. He was worried about Kagome but as lord he had to take care of business. He knew that Kagome was in capable hands.

~

Last evening there was the knock on the door and of course Sesshomaru didn't have to answer because he knew who it was. Kujo entered and brought Talloway with him. Sesshomaru remembered him from when he was purchased some years ago. He was a half breed mix of wolf and dog demon. Not a bad mix but no pureblood either. His hair was black like the wolf village, but eyes like a golden harvest moon, like the dog village. Talloway was shorter than Kujo by a good deal but still taller than Kagome. He was well built and had hair down past his shoulders, that was tied in a messy tangle behind the nape of his neck. A fine specimin of a slave that he had bought, but he had to remember that Talloway was no longer his but it was just as well. Like he wanted to own a catomite anyway.
"What brings you here Kujo. I'm busy." "Sesshomaru..." Kujo was cut off. "Lord Sesshomaru" Talloway corrected. Kujo just gave a blank look to Talloway and continued "Sesshomaru, I thought it vital for you to meet the man who is helping me with your documents. I know you know of him, but I wanted to reassure you that he was a good choice. I know this isn't the best time with Kagome bed ridden but I was hoping to get the matter done with promptly."
Sesshomaru still sat at his spot beside the bed with Kagome "Come in Kujo and be done with it if you please. I would like to keep at my post at this present time and not listen to this babble that is coming from your mouth." Kujo straightened up and said "Sesshomaru I realize that you're busy and not wanting to wish to listen to me but I wouldn't be bothering you if I thought this wasn't important. Now please be patient with me and than you can get back to my lady." Sesshomaru's ears twitched "Stop insinuating that she is yours."
"Are we going to argue about this again LORD Sesshomaru?" Kujo said sarcastically. Sesshomaru stood up and replied "Damned straight we will human and this time, instead of me hitting you in the jaw, this time I'm going to castrate you into next month, and have that pup behind you to pick up your leftovers." At this point Talloway was cowering down and said "Please Lord, he doesn't mean it." "He sure does pup, now be done with your business or I will begin to lose my temper. I need to take care of my Kagome and that is the final word on it," Sesshomaru said as he sat back down in his spot. At this point and time Talloway was so confused and scared that he couldn't even say anything. He heard of the stories and witnessed his lords temper before, but to see his lover talk to the dog lord in that manner was suicide on a stick. Sesshomaru knew that the pup was nervous. "Talloway come here right now," Sesshomaru ordered out.
Talloway wasn't going to move but Kujo gave him that little nudge that made him take that step that he needed. Talloway came to his lord and said "Yes my Lord?" "Off the record, don't take anything that is said here today seriously. Lets just say that this is now the norm of my life with the human village intruding upon my domain. I suppose you could say that a lot of humans are big mouths," Sesshomaru said as he looked pointedly at Kujo. He than glanced at Talloway "I'm trusting you and Kujo to take care of my paperwork and if things go as planned than I think you can continue to do so if you can prove to me that you deserve it. Just keep up with the work, let me know if something important happens and stay out of my way. If you follow those orders then you will get along fine. Now get out of here before I lose my temper." Talloway went pale.
Kujo grunted in dissapproval and went up to his lover, grabbed him by the shoulders and began to steer him out of the room. "Thanks a ton dog. I brought him in here to have your approval and now you just scared the living tar out of him." Sesshomaru smirked "You should know by now that I don't like catomites, so you should of known better." Kujo just shook his head and said to Talloway "Don't listen to him, this is nothing but friendly bickering and you will soon learn that we never follow through on our threats. It's nothing, I assure you. When my lady awakens she can explain it to you." It didn't seem like Talloway would be recovering anytime soon but he would trust his lover's words for the moment.

~

Oh yes, Sesshomaru recalled yesterday just fine, and now he was calling upon Kujo for a little advice. He wondered how the man would take it because he was sure Kujo wouldn't want to do any favors for him now. Sesshomaru would just have to see what Kujo would say and go from there. He heard the knock on the door and instead of it being Kujo it was Lucia, Kagome's maid. "Lord Sesshomaru, I regret to inform you that Sir Kujo is unavailable at this time. He is extremely busy collecting herbs for Kagome from the woods, and after that he has some paperwork to attend to. I let Sir Talloway know that you asked for Sir Kujo and that he would be here as soon as possible." Sesshomaru waved his hand, allowing her to leave "Just tell him to come here later tomorow." "Yes my Lord" Lucia said as she bowed and left the room in silence. Sesshomaru wasn't pleased with that answer but he knew that everyone was busy, including himself. With him worrying over Kagome and trying to take care of her, it left very little time for anything else. He would stay by her side like she did with him and try his best to make sure that she would make it through all of this. He would be there always, he thought.

It was early the next morning when Sesshomaru was woken up by a banging on the door. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes and picked up his head from the side of the bed that he rested on since the early hours of the morning. He didn't know when he fell asleep but he must have been very tired. Sesshomaru grunted at the knocker and told them to come in. It was Kujo and he had a medical kit in his hands. It looked like he would be administering some more medicine to her and changing out her bandages. Sesshomaru excused himself to grab more linens and some cold water for her waning fever.
It was the fifth day now and the more she slept the more worried he became. She should of woken up by now and he would ask Kujo about it soon enough. When he returned he saw that Kujo was changing the dressings on Kagome. She still seemed so frail and pale to the eye. If you just glanced at her you would think she was dead, but upon closer inspection you would be able to see her labored breathing. The gashes on her chest and belly still looked a bit swollen but with the stitches in, it didn't seem so bad. They were healing nicely enough but it would be about another two weeks before she would be able to get out of bed at all. The herbs used on her were working and Kujo didn't seem to be the least bit worried, but he knew better than that. Kujo was probably as worried as he was if not a little more, if that could even be possible.
Sesshomaru helped Kujo out and asked "How much longer is she going to be out? It's like she's going to sleep forever." Kujo glanced at Sesshomaru and said "She will wake soon enough I suppose. It could be all the medicine that I have been giving her to help her rest, to bring down the fever and also to help her wound heal faster. All those combined could make her sleep longer than you would think. But I would rather she were peaceful instead of writhing in pain awake, but knowing as much as I do on herbs she should awake anytime now. Kagome will be sore and need a vigilant eye. I'll be sure to check on her as often as I can." Kujo finished wrapping the clean dressings on her.
He slipped the robe over her shoulders and covered her with a blanket. He gave her some tonic to help out with the healing process. "I heard you needed to speak with me last evening. Sorry I wasn't about but I've been very busy." "So we have all been since the first time the Gates of Hell came about. Lets just hope that this will be the end of it because as much as I hate to say it, I wouldn't mind some peace around here "Sesshomaru said absent mindedly. "Besides the point. What I was trying to get at Sesshomaru was why you needed to speak with me."
"Yes I did. I discovered something yesterday. Something to do with Kagome. Maybe you can enlighten me," Sesshomaru said as he put a cold wash cloth on Kagome's forehead. "Go on" Kujo pried. Sesshomaru breathed in "Last night Kagome talked in her sleep, something that I found she does." Kujo nodded, letting him know that he already knew that and to continue. "She said that she loved me in her sleep. What can you tell me about that?" Sesshomaru said now looking at his bookeeper.
Kujo sighed and said "You just figured this out. My lady has been in love with you longer than what she knew. It took her awhile to discover it herself, longer than I had hoped, but you seem to be very dense in these things. I thought Kagome was bad, but your the topper to this cake." "What is that suppose to mean pray tell?" "Like I said, dense. Remember when I told you to observe her? She has such devotion to you that it sickens me. She even defended you for what happened to our village the day I got here. She has been defending you since I can recall. Kagome has been nothing but loyal to you and you couldn't even pick up on any of that?" Kujo shook his head "You really are a piece of work, but knowing how she feels now. How do you feel about it?" "None of your damned business!" Sesshomaru growled out.
Kujo stood up at this moment, tired of Sesshomaru always backing out when it concerned his feelings for Kagome. "Dog! Kagome is more than important! She is the very being to our village and she deserves nothing but the best! I'm not only her servant, or advisor but I'm her best friend! I have known her fora long time and I would do anything for her! So in her honor as a lady I demand to know how you feel about her, and what your intentions are with her! No more beating around the bush! It's time to face your inner demon and say exactly what it is you think! If you don't than I will be forced to take her from here so she can heal her heart for a real mate!" Sesshomaru stood up as well, towering over Kujo. Never had he had someone lay it down like that, other than Kagome, but then again she hid her feelings quiet well.
"You won't be taking her anywhere! She is in contract with me! She's mine until I say otherwise and anyone who is dumb enough to try it will regret it! Do you hear me human!?" Sesshomaru yelled out, now trying to make himself threatening. At this time Kagome began stirring but neither of them knew it because they were in such a heated arguement. Kagome was hearing what they were saying, even with the headache that pounded so diligently in her skull. "Yeah, I hear ya! But I'll take her anyway! She isn't some piece of property! Kagome is more than that! More than a prize and more than someone to dump your shit on! I demand you tell me now because you have done more than enough, and now she's hurt! You keep saying stuff about her that makes me think that you have other plans for her! That she means something to you! So just say it! Say it!" Kujo screamed out so loudly that he felt tears build up in his eyes.
Sesshomaru's ears twitched as he heard Kujo speak so highly of his lady. She was important and she meant everything to him. Maybe Kujo was right, maybe he should just relent and be honest with himself. He needed to say it, to make it true to not only Kujo but to himself. He loved Kagome, and it wasn't the battle or her getting hurt that caused this. He had been fighting these feelings longer than that, but it was odd how dire cirumstances can bring out the truth from people. Sesshomaru looked to the side and bit his lip with his fang. Kagome held her breathe. "Say it," Kujo whispered out.
Sesshomaru's eyebrows slanted "You want the truth! Yes, I love her! I LOVE HER DAMNIT!!! Happy now!? I love her. I have loved her and I want her more than anything! She's mine so you can back the hell off or you can answer to me! You got me?" Kujo just merely smiled and said "I got you. Now I can be satisfied that you'll make the perfect mate for my little Kagome. I love her like a brother and to know that her future mate has such love and devotion for her only makes me smile all the more. Now you can just stop your yelling, look behind you and explain all this to the little lady in bed. Now if you'll excuse me I think I better go." Sesshomaru didn't know what he meant but when he did  turn around he saw Kagome propped up on her elbows with a look on her face that was indescribable. Before Sesshomaru could stop Kujo, he was gone 'Damnit! He tricked me,' Sesshomaru said to himself. Now he knew for sure that all humans used tricks to get people to do things.
He confessed because it was true, not because of the pressure. "Kagome I..." Sesshomaru started, but Kagome burst into tears. Sesshomaru was shocked and went to her side immediatly "Kagome, what's wrong?" Kagome took her face from her hands, her cheeks stained with her salt tears. "Is it true? Do y-you really l-love me?" Sesshomaru smirked and said "It's true Kagome. I love you." "I-I have a confession to make..." Sesshomaru hushed her "I already know. You said you loved me in your sleep. I heard it all and I can honestly say that I have loved you longer than I thought I did. I never experienced love, so therefore I was unsure of it. Will you forgive this Sesshomaru for making you go through all those troubles?" Kagome barely smiled and nodded "Of course I forgive you but..." She was cut off as her pain went into her chest.
"Ahhh! It hurts!" Kagome cried out as she grabbed at her chest that pained her so. Sesshomaru forced her down and felt her forehead. She still had a fever. Sesshomaru gave her more tonic and said "You were hurt in battle Kagome, and not like I was. Your wounds are much worse and you were out for five days. I thought you would sleep forever. You still have a fever and your wounds seem to be healing nicely enough. Just stay in bed and rest and I will take care of the rest." Kagome did lay back already exhausted "I feel so drained, and isn't this suppose to be the other way around?" Sesshomaru chuckled "I would think so but in this case you are here now. Kujo told me you never really went into a real battle, and now I know for sure that you haven't. No more fighting for you I think. Not until you get some decent training under your belt. Kagome just nodded at what he said and closed her eyes briefly and than she mummbled "I need some food." "You always want food, but in this case you can have anything you want." Kagome didn't take offense. In fact she was glad that he was there to help her feel better. To think he now had all the attention for only her.

Two weeks passed and Sesshomaru had been keeping an eye on her and catering to her every need. He had the maids help her bathe and Kujo changed her dressings whenever the need occured. She was given more than enough food and being taken care of by everyone. She had some pains but as the weeks progressed she felt better. Kagome was able to walk around the room a little bit and she was given the company to make sure that she wouldn't go completely crazy. Even little Rin brought in some of the last flowers before the weather turned worse for the autumn season. It rained more often and she got less sun in the window. To think she had been there in the castle with Sesshomaru for more than half a year and so much had happened in that time. She came sometime in early March and it was the begining of October, so already seven months.  During those weeks Sesshomaru had word that the other Lords were able to protect their lands and that the army was no where in sight. The Gates of Hell has all but vanished and now it was time for peace and a time for celebration.
Kagome got out of her bed that morning and found that she no longer needed the dressings and the stitches were taken out. The wounds were nearly healed and the scars remained. They weren't as grotesque as she thought they would of been. In fact they were turning into thin lines, like her powers were trying to make the scars disappear. Kagome thought that they didn't detract from her beauty, no, they only told a story of her life, and she was proud to say that she had a part in protecting the lands. When she got into a lazy kimono the door opened and Sesshomaru slammed it shut, unintentionally of course. "Kagome! What did I say? Get back into bed! You can get out of that thing when I say other wise," Sesshomaru said in an authoritive tone. Kagome shrugged her shoulders and said "You know what? I've been following your orders to the letter since I got hurt but I need to walk around and get some air. I need exercise or I'm going to waste away in that bed. I mean look at me, I'm so thin now from being so ill."
Kagome tightened her kimono so he could see that she was very thin. Her skin wasn't as pale as before but her healthyness was depleted. Maybe she was right. "Besides the point Kagome. We'll just feed you more," Sesshomaru said. Kagome shook her head "No. I won't go back in that bed until I'm good and ready. Now you can either escort me onto the balcony or go away please. I just need to walk around in more than just the room. It's like I'm confined or something, and besides, Kujo said to me yesterday that it would be alright. He does after all have more experience in this than you, don't you agree?" Kagome seemed so calm when she said this, as if she were tired, or unable to yell back.
Sesshomaru conceded and said "Alright but only the balcony, and if you feel any ailments than please let me know immediatly." Kagome smiled at that as they went out onto the terrace and stood out at the railing. She had a shaul on her because it was very cold and it looked like it would rain at any time. But the fresh air was exhilerating to her and it brought a new sense of life to her. She was so close to death, she knew, but now she could enjoy living even more than before. Knowing all that now it made her happy to just being able to breathe. Sesshomaru stood beside her and tried to enjoy the view like her but he still felt worried about her. He almost jumped when she grabbed his hand in hers, so small compared to his. He looked over at her and she just smiled like she had a secret she was hiding from him. "Sesshomaru stop it. I'm going to be fine. I know your worried about me with the way you crease your brow all the time. Keep that up and you'll have a permanant scowl on your face," She giggled out as she gazed into his eyes. Sesshomaru grunted. "And also stop with those sour looks. Your going to ruin my good mood." "Fine..." He mummbled out. Kagome laughed again.
"So I've been hearing a lot of rustling downstairs lately. Anything going on?" Kagome asked nonchalantly. Sesshomaru looked at her and answered "As a matter of fact yes. We are going to have a great ball in honor of the defeat of our enemy. All the great Lords will be coming and the highest known courtiers here at the caslte. The gathering will last a couple days and  soon winter will settle in." "Why didn't you tell me?" Kagome asked. Sesshomaru said "Well I didn't want to tax you and I wanted you to rest a little while longer. By the time the ball comes around you should be alright but I still won't allow you to be up all night gallavanting away. You still need your rest after that battle." Kagome took her hand from his and put them on her hips "Excuse me mister high and mighty but I can make my own choices, thank you very much. I'm a miko after all and you act as if I'm someone who's weak. I'm fine now. I'm just a little sore right now, but with my powers and medicines I've been taking, I should be back to new in a few days. I know you care about me, love me, and worry about me but this is enough now. Just relax and allow me to live now. Alright?" "Alright Kagome. I understand, but I swear if any demon comes near you than there will be hell to pay" He added in. "Are you serious? Jealousy now? And you said I had it bad?" Kagome laughed out.
"So what if I'm jealous? I can admit it. I'm jealous and I better not catch anyone near you making improper gestures towards you," Sesshomaru remarked. Kagome smirked "Does that include you?" Sesshomaru actually blushed at that, something new in his book. He gave her a devlish grin and said "I'm the only exception to that rule." He grabbed her by the waist and kissed her thoroughly. He missed her lips on his, her breasts against his chest and her hips pressed firmly to his. Sesshomaru  released her and said "My God lady you need to eat more. I'll order some food right now because I want you to be healthy again so that you can help me celebrate this victory we had." "Thanks a lot, and here I was enjoying that kiss you gave me, but now I think you don't deserve anymore from me," She huffed out. "Now who said that I would be asking. I'll just take what I want." "So says you" Kagome said scowling at him. Sesshomaru just gave out that grin he always gave her when he knew he could take what he wanted when he wanted to at anytime of the day. Kagome sqealed as he launched at her. She dodged him but was caught in the corner of the balcony. He had her trapped "That was too easy Kagome. Please make this more challenging." Sesshomaru came closer. Kagome put out her hand and covered her mouth with the other. Sesshomaru actually laughed at this "Now this is entertaining."
He easily moved her hand away and pried the other from her mouth. He had both her wrists trapped in his grasp and he moved in to steal the kiss that she said he couldn't have. She moved her face to the side when he came close. Sesshomaru chuckled at this as he put both her wrists in one hand and used his other to move her chin towards him. He pressed his lips lovingly to hers and released her hands from his. Her arms came around his neck as she held him close to her, deepening the kiss that she kept from him too long. Sesshomaru released her and said "Now that wasn't very hard now was it?" "You cheated," She said while faking a pout. He picked her up in his arms and said "I think it's time for you to go back to your bed and rest. I think I exerted you long enough out here in this cold weather, and this short kimono doesn't help either. Even with that robe on you." Kagome held onto his neck as he carried her inside where the fire was going in the fireplace, the fresh logs burning with a crackling sound. It was warmer in there and she had to admit that she was getting rather hungry, but it felt like she rested forever. She looked up at him and asked "Can I have breakfast in the tub? I love eating in there while basking. It's a very nice experience if I do say so myself."
Sesshomaru smiled at that and said "May I permit myself to join the lady in her bathing this morning?" Kagome's blush deepened "Look but don't touch." Sesshomaru's interest perked "You expect me to keep my hands to myself after all this time? I wasn't proper then and nor am I now, but for your sake I will not do anything to tax you. I know your still healing so I'll call a truce this once, but I promise you Kagome.." "You won't let me go next time," She finished. "Ah, so we're back to this now? But I do recall this happening before, if I remember correctly," He said as if thinking about it. They entered the bathroom with breakfast already waiting. "It has happened several times Sesshomaru. Your just so persistant with me, since the very begining, but I do appreciate you being so noble now," Kagome said with a genuine smile gracing her lips.
Sesshomaru set her down and she was able to stretch herself out. Kagome turned on the tub and she put in some special bathing oils and suds to give their skin a more healthy look to it, not to mention their skin would be soft. Kagome was actually liking Sesshomaru's shampoos because it helped her hair grow out faster. Her hair was actually getting past her waistline. In fact Sesshomaru noticed this too and commented on it on several occasions. It made her happy that he noticed small things like that with her.
She began to get a little nervous as the tub filled and Sesshomaru could tell by her scent. "I'll turn around while you get in the tub, although whatever you have to show I've already seen it before." After he said that he felt something hit his head and when it recashaed off his skull he saw that it was a bar of soap. He rubbed his head and said "I see your aim is as good as ever." Kagome tapped her foot and said "Well than don't make remarks about that!" "Remarks about what? It's the truth right?" He said as if what he saying wasn't wrong.
"You're impossible sometimes you know that!? You know what I don't care anymore!" Kagome said this as she took off her robe and literally ripped off her kimono. "Happy now you dog!?" Kagome bit out as she stood there naked before him. Sesshomaru was too stunned by her actions to actually say anything. He took note of her upthrusting breasts, her shapely legs, and that forbidden area that he yearned to see and now he wished to touch her everywhere. Sesshomaru also noticed how hurt she was before. Her ribs were slightly showing and the three scars reaching from her shoulder, over her breasts, and down to her ribcage. They were still a little reddened from the healing but by the time it was said and done they would barely even be noticeable. He loved the way she looked, her hair that was growing out was a nice touch and those ocean blue eyes of hers were so intense.
He just kept staring at her and Kagome began to notice this. She started to become agitated with herself for going to such extremes but also deep inside she felt honored to have him look at her in such a way. Sesshomaru was the most beautiful demon she had ever laid eyes on and now he was hers, and she would give her life for his and be with him for the rest of her life. Would he be her mate? Would he ask her to marry him? And would they have 'pups' together? The thought made her insides turn out and she felt her heart race at the thought of procreating with this perfect specimen of a male demon. Here he was with her, in the bathing room, alone together. The time just seemed so perfect and it was the right circumstances, but yet, she wanted to wait until there was a ceremony to bond them together.

"Sesshomaru, you're staring..."
"You are too."
"Well than do something because your making me nervous."
"Am I now?"
"Yes..."
"Glad to hear it."
"Do you like torturing me or something?"
"Just climb into the tub before you get sick."

Kagome blushed again and she never thought to climb in the tub but than she had to know why he would suggest something like that. She knew that she could still get sick easily but normally he would of tried his moves on her. "Seriously Kagome, get into the tub before I come over there and ravage you on the spo,t" Sesshomaru said in a serious tone. Kagome paled and climbed into the tub with the bubbles surrounding her now. So there he was and here she thought that he changed. She smiled to herself not wanting him to change at all. Like she said before, she liked the attention he gave her and she always did. She did turn around how ever when he decided to undress and that is when she remembered their last encounter in that same bathing room.
"Hey Sesshomaru, remember the last time we were in here?" She asked, trying to start a new conversation. Sesshomaru grunted his response "Yeah I remember, you hit me with almost every object in this room." "Well you did just walk in here while I was bathing you know. In fact did you know I was even in here? Nevermind, I think I know the answer to that one," Kagome said this as she heard the slight splash of water. She turned around at this point and she saw Sesshomaru lounging in his spot. He let out a hearty sigh and said "I knew you were in here the whole time. I could smell my soaps being used all the way down the hall, so of course I had to go investigate." "You're horrible" She muttered out.
Sesshomaru smirked "Yes, but it was a very fun encounter. You were just too hilarious and just taunting you a little bit brought you over the edge. I would have to say that is was just too adorable by half." Kagome sat up "So wait, this whole time you taunted me because you thought it was fun, and here I thought it was a challenge of wits like you said before." "That too," he said as he leaned his head back, closing his eyes. "Just dandy I suppose, but do you still like to taunt me?," She asked. Sesshomaru smiled at that "I would have to say yes because when I do you get that look on your face that's cute. Your eyes blaze a brighter blue and your scent changes into something carnal." "Thanks a lot! You just make me want to be around you all the time now!" Kagome huffed out. Sesshomaru chuckled "Glad to hear it."
"OOO, Your impossible!" She chanted out as the water splashed around her in frustration. Sesshomaru opened his eyes and looked at her pointedly "I may be impossible at times, but admit it, you love me." Kagome blushed "So what if I do? You can't use that against me all the time." Sesshomaru sat up at this point and said "True enough but just admit it now and you're forgiven." Kagome's eyebrows twitched "Forgiven for what!?" Kagome noticed her face was begining to scrunch up "Oh-ho, no, no. I don't think so. I'm not going down that route. I'm not going to get taunted by you this time. I can see your game clear enough, and like you said I'm sick, still healing. So be nice or else."
"Or else what my little Miko?" Sesshomaru asked, now curious. Kagome smiled at this point "Or I will be forced to leave this tub and go back to bed. Now won't that be dreadful?" "I see your point. Well then I shall be the gentleman this round my lady," Sesshomaru said as he waded closer  to her. Kagome's heart pounded when he did that because she knew that they were both naked under the soapy water. It made her heart skip a beat and her cheeks flushed with color. Sesshomaru noticed this and took note of it. He could hear her heart go wild under her chest and he loved the sound of it humming in his ears. The color that rose in her cheeks gave her that healthy look again and he adored it when she did that. She still was nervous around him, but he hoped she would feel this anxiety whenever he made a sexual gesture at her because that would mean excitement. He hoped it never died and that everyday was a new day for them.
Sesshomaru planned something very special for her and at the ball she would know exactly what his intentions are, and he would come to terms with not only his inner demon but the other demons that were under his rule. They would know whom he loved and whom he chose to keep by his side. He just hoped that whatever he decided to do she would approve, and knowing her feelings for him helped a lot. "Now say you love me and we can continue this little bath time in a more generous direction," Sesshomaru said as he waded in front of her. Even in the tub he was still taller than her. Kagome looked up at him, her eyes drifting into her own world. "I love you" She said seductively, but not intentionally.
"I think I won that round," He whispered to her. "I don't care anymore if you win or I lose. All I know is that I do love you more than anything and even if you win our little arguements for the rest of our lives it wouldn't matter to me," Kagome said with determination. Sesshomaru leaned in closer to her and kissed her on the nose. "You know how I feel about you. It's still a little hard for me to say the word love. Maybe it's because I'm not used to it, or I'm still trying to be the cold hearted lord you met months and months ago." Kagome stared at him and said "Well then practice with me now. Say you love me. Say you love me everyday or whenever you think it. Say you love me in front of everyone, in your room, out in your study. I don't care, just as long as you say it. I know how you feel about me but just say it and soon enough it will become second nature to you."
"I love you Miko" Sesshomaru said, while using her pet name that he bestowed upon her when they first met. "See? That wasn't so hard now was it?" She said while she bobbed in the water. Sesshomaru got distracted by her movements and stared at her once more like he always did. Kagome noticed this and stopped her movements. He just couldn't get enough of her or her curves. Those pouty lips of hers purposely inviting him to take a taste of her sweet nectar. Those eyes of hers bearing into his soul like it was an everyday occurance. He wanted her, that much was true, and he wondered if he could control himself now that he knew her feelings. He could easily take advantage of that but would he feel the guilt afterwards.
He knew for a fact that she was waiting for a ceremony and he would be more than happy to give it to her, but he wanted her now. The frustrations he went through and the feelings she made him feel. It was like he was a young pup again. So instead he breathed in, took in her scent and breathed out. He calmed himself down yet again and he knew he would have to do that so much more often now, but in the end it would be worth it. Kagome would feel more like a lady if they waited and he could tell she wanted him too, but the properness of the situation now has changed. Sesshomaru being proper now was ridiculous after all they went through together already, but he would wait.
He waded to her with that in mind and he decided to help her bathe and he was gentle with her. He stroked her hair lovingly and washed her body with tender care. Sesshomaru would show her that he was more a demon than most and she would be all the more appreciative about it. Kagome did notice and she thanked him silently, allowing him to play with her hair. She liked it when people touched her hair. It made her feel more at ease, although with him now naked behind her it made her more than antsy. She felt that heat deep in her belly that was below the gut. She felt it searing between her legs and she wondered what that feeling meant yet again. One of these days she would discover that but until than she would take what she could get. They shared kisses, laughing and nuzzling while in the bath and in all that time it was a good memory to keep.