I don’t own anything…

Desert Wolf: Glad to see you back! Ya, the site is being testy. Some days, it doesn’t load, other days I can’t log on…-- it makes me angry! Hehehe

Mistress Fluffy: Thanks for telling me about the hakamas. Now I will be able to write that in properly…

Catlover55: Thanks

VioletEyesSilverShadow: I am planning lots of fluff for Chapter 12…

DreamsinPink: You’re welcome…

The Hitokiri Battousai Himura: Who is the bastard?

PeachGirl: Thanks

KayKylo: ’ I didn’t get into that, did I? Well, let’s just say that Sesshoumaru didn’t pay it a mind since Kagome helped heal his arm…

FreeSpirit26: Don’t die; I can’t just type out the whole story in one chapter…I’d have to hurt myself…

I changed my mind on this chapter…it will be easier to write if I just stick to Sess and Kag

Chapter 12

Fujimaro’s castle…

            The two companions reached their destination in silence.  A servant came out to take the horses.  Kagome turned to say something to Sesshoumaru but he was gone…

            Sesshoumaru and Kagome were settled within their opulent quarters.  Sesshoumaru had come in later after meeting with his informant, discovering to his dismay that the Eastern Lord believed that this Sesshoumaru was infatuated with the Miko.  Said Great Lord was standing out on the balcony, gazing aimlessly out at the stars.  Kagome padded silently out to talk with Sesshoumaru.  “What is on your mind, Sesshoumaru-sama?” Kagome asked her companion.  “Fujimaro thinks us a couple,” Sesshoumaru said.  Kagome took this surpringly well, “And how does he think this?”  “It appears that Fujimaro has had a spy on my lands since you first arrived. I was foolish not to not notice it sooner.” 

Kagome just a hint of self-loathing in the Demon Lord’s voice and said, “Mistakes are made not just by humans, Sesshoumaru-san.”  Sesshoumaru flexed his claws in a surge of anger, “Are you calling a weakling, Miko?”  Kagome’s eyes glinted, “Of course not. I am just saying that sometimes even great Demons have their moments.”  Sesshoumaru twirled around to face Kagome, “I do not have these ‘moments’ as you call them. I must be strong.”  Kagome took a chance and reached her hand out to slowly twine her fingers through Sesshoumaru’s.  The Demon Lord went to pull away but the Miko’s eyes captured his, “Sesshoumaru…please…don’t blame yourself…” Sesshoumaru looked down at his hand wrapped in Kagome’s.  ‘This human…this human…she…’ Kagome watched dozens of emotions vie for dominance in Sesshoumaru’s downcast eyes.  Suddenly, the Demon Lord growled deep in his throat. 

Pressing Kagome tight against his chest, Sesshoumaru smashed his mouth against hers.  Kagome’s eyes opened in complete shock and she tried to pull away.  Sesshoumaru growl turned guttural and he nipped the Miko’s lip to silence her.  The Demon Lord had sensed spying eyes.  Kagome relaxed finally and molded into Sesshoumaru’s form.  Sesshoumaru tasted some of the Miko’s blood that slowly trickled down her chin.  ‘She is sweet…’ Sesshoumaru’s blood lust flared and he ran his fangs down Kagome’s neck, nipping savagely.  Kagome started to squirm but was again silenced by a low growl.  “Sess…shou…maru…”

Kagome tried in vain to talk to Sesshoumaru.  Finally, the Demon Lord released the Miko, gasping in huge sighs.  Eyes slowing coming into focus, Sesshoumaru regained his composure.  “Miko…Kagome…I…” Kagome looked up at Sesshoumaru clutching her neck and trembling, “Tell me that did not just happen…” Sesshoumaru’s mouth sat on a grim line, “Yes it did, Miko. I had wanted to tell you earlier of what my informant has found out. Fujimaro believes us to be mated.”  Kagome stopped her trembling and raised a delicate eyebrow, “Does he? And that was just an act then, Sesshoumaru-sama?”  Sesshoumaru nodded, “I apologize for harming you but yes, that was an act.”  Inwardly, Sesshoumaru was not so sure, because he had felt the Miko accept all too readily her fate in his arms.  Kagome shuddered just a bit, “I am going to go to the hot springs and change.”  The Demon Lord nodded.  Kagome grabbed her satchel and hurried out the door.

The hot springs in the Eastern Castle…

            The room that contained the hot springs was functional, if that.  Old, worn murals of past glory adorned the walls.  Chipping floor tiles encircled three main springs and a better-looking spring sat at the top of a stairwell.  Kagome figured the better one to be for Fujimaro so she stripped down to her bathing suit and entered one of the three general springs.  The water was lukewarm so Kagome was in and out in a matter of ten minutes.  Dressing took longer because of the elaborate kimono that the Miko had brought for court.  A female servant helped Kagome into the blood-red kimono and tied on the orange obi.  The kimono itself had a great dragon that winded its way around the garment, with the head starting at the right shoulder and the tail ending at the bottom of the back. 

Kagome excused the servant and brushed her hair out to a shiny gloss.  Taking it, Kagome wound it around, to and fro and wove a very complicated bun, with a couple of strands hanging down to frame her face.  The doors opened and Sesshoumaru stepped in, wearing his full royal regalia.  His kimono shone silver so translucent that it picked up the red in Kagome’s kimono and shone a soft pink.  A red sash went around the waist and armor was absent as the Demon Lord pulled out a small box from the folds of his kimono.  Sesshoumaru handed the box to Kagome.  The Miko smiled shyly and opened the box.  Inside was a hairpin shaped like a dragonfly, a shimmering accessory that would reflect the colors off of Kagome’s kimono.  The Miko gasped in utter pleasure and she impulsively hugged the startled Sesshoumaru.  “You’re welcome, Miko-san.”  Kagome beamed up at him.  “Arigatou! I will treasure this for the rest of my days.”  Sesshoumaru was inwardly pleased with Kagome’s reaction.  Enjoying the warmth and vitality that the Miko exuded, Sesshoumaru offered his arm and Kagome slipped her arm in.  The couple headed towards the throne room.

The throne room…

            Fujimaro paced angrily back and forth, his tail twitching occasionally in irritation.  “What’s taking them so long!” The cat demon roared in impatience.  The doors opened and…

Aha! I finally cured my writer’s block!     And to add onto the drama…cliffy!  Till next time…Read/review!