Evolution of a Taiyoukai
By Danyealle
(FanFiction/MF)
Chapter 1
Your face appears again, I see the beauty there
But I see danger, stranger beware
A circumstance in your naked dreams
Your affection is not what it seems
-Obsession by Animotion
Following his nose, Sesshomaru found her in a grove not far from their campsite. She had that map that she used out and was looking around for something, muttering softly to herself like she always did when she was concentrating.
Hanging back, he observed her quietly for several minutes. He told himself this was to make sure she wasn’t in the middle of something private or that she wanted to be left alone. Really, though, it was because he wanted some time to watch her without being detected. Though he knew the truth he allowed himself the small deception.
When it became apparent that she was trying to find a plant of some kind and he felt he had watched her long enough, he stepped up behind her. “What are you hunting for Kagome?” He asked softly.
With a startled ‘eep’ she spun around, eyes wide, clutching the map to her chest. “Sesshomaru!” She gasped out when she recognized who it was. “You scared me! I didn’t sense or hear you.”
“I see this miko.” He smirked, chuckling internally. “Again, I ask… what are you looking for?”
“When we came through here in the spring I noticed a certain kind of plant growing. It wasn’t ready to be picked just yet so I marked a reminder on my map.” She said holding up the object she made notes of such things on. “It should be ready now but I can’t find it.”
“Just what kind of plant is it?” He asked, looking down at her.
When she told him the name he didn’t seem to recognize it so she pulled out her plant field guide. Flipping through it she found what she was looking for and showed him a picture of it. That did the trick and he knew what to look for. Of all the things she lugged around in her pack that book was well worth its’ weight. She had found it in a bargain bin at a local bookstore, heavily discounted, and had grabbed it. Since then it was one of her most valued things. It had proved useful to her in many ways, many, many times since then.
With the visual aid he had been able to help her locate it fairly quickly. After picking what she needed she sat down on a small rock outcropping near the little pond nearby and updated her map so she could more easily find where it was next time they came through. Winter was coming so she was trying to stock up on a few things that wouldn’t be easy to find once the cold weather moved in.
Quietly, the big taiyoukai sat down beside her and watched as she made notes on the map and in the small book she carried it in. He had to admit that for someone who could be so scatterbrained she was well organized.
As he watched her he couldn’t help but think how much what he felt about and for her had changed over the last year, since that masturbatory fantasy that she had her first staring roll in. Yes, she had been a featured performer in those visions several times since then but her roll had changed and a certain half-breed was no longer involved.
At first his interest in her had been no more than sexual in nature. She no longer had her innocence, the whelp had relieved her of it before he had watched them that one time, but he hadn’t marked her yet. Yes, the intent was there and clear but the deed wasn’t done. All he, Sesshomaru, had really intended was a one time dalliance that would put to rest any kind of sexual want and end that fantasy that was driving him mad. Unlike what would have happened with any other being he wanted to indulge in a romp with that hadn’t come to pass.
At first he had put off making any such move because he sensed a bit of apprehension and nervousness directed towards himself from her. She must have sensed something from him and was keying off of it because she had been wary of him right after that first time. Inuyasha too seemed to have caught wind of it and was keeping a keen eye on him so he had decided to wait a while. He had also decided to study her more during that time. You know, study an opponent to know as much about them as you could to aid you. But something strange had come from that, something he had never expected to happen.
At first he had observed from afar more intently than he had in the past. He wanted to understand her and why she was the way she was. Yes, he had begun to understand that but with had come something else. Oh, the sexual attraction to her had remained, in fact it had intensified if anything, but another attraction to her had begun as well.
It had started when he had noticed the way she treated the beings around her. Yes, as would be expected, Inuyasha received special favoritism because of her feelings for him and their relationship but everyone in the pack was treated well and she had a very good individual relationship with all of them, each being treated special in their own way. Then came the way she treated others, friend or stranger. Unlike so many, youkai or ningen, she judged and befriended you on your merits not your race, title, breed, etc. She was also quick to help if someone was in trouble or need, asking no questions.
Once she had either quit feeling whatever it was about him that had made her nervous or had become accustomed to it she had become relaxed around him she began to treat him in much the same manner that she did the rest of her friends in the whelps pack. At first it was small things, like asking if he wanted anything to eat or join them in a game of some kind they were playing, nothing untold or out of character for her. Then she would talk to him a bit here and there, as though she wanted to make sure he didn’t feel as though he were being ignored by everyone. Well, truth be told, she was the one that did most of the talking but he did engage her in a bit of conversation here and there. What conversation they did exchange he would admit that he liked and enjoyed. Then she would bring him things from her ‘home’ like she did her other friends.
At the six month mark his obsession with her had grown. No longer was it only about bedding her, oh yes he still wanted that-there wasn’t a scintilla of doubt about that, it seemed to be all encompassing now, but there was something about her that intrigued him. She was so different from any other being he had ever encountered over his long life. Despite what they did, the Naraku hunt and fighting other demons, and the fact that she and the half-breed were lovers, from what he observed that act between the two didn’t happen very often, her innocence remained in tact. Nor had any of it seemed to warp or harden her like it would, and did, so many. Though she was more mature she was still much the same being he had first encountered so many years before. That was a curiosity to him, how she could hold onto it, but something he did like. It made her unique and special.
Since he joined up with the shard hunting group Kagome had treated him well, better than the others had. Then, after a few months when her apprehension of him had dissipated, he knew she considered him a friend like she did the others in the pack. No, not a close one like the rest of the pack were, but a friend none the less. At first he had viewed that with disdain. As if he, Sesshomaru, were anyone’s friend. But by the six month mark he had changed his view on the topic. He could understand why she felt that way because he, in turn, had begun to view her in the same way as well. No, they weren’t tight like she and Sango but they had an easy friendship between them. When that revelation had hit him it had been a powerful moment. Over his long life he had many acquaintances but never anyone he would consider a friend. Like so many in positions of power he had been leery of someones’ ulterior motives. However, with Kagome he had no such concern. She didn’t lust for power or status in any such way. Her refusal to use her title of miko was such an example. She considered herself to be an ordinary ningen, nothing special. To use that title would have elevated her, something she didn’t want. That was an oddity to him, someone for whom title and power meant everything. But it was something he found he enjoyed.
Now, a year later, he found himself in a position he really wasn’t sure how to deal with. His attraction to a friendship with her had merged like two comets colliding in space, creating something in him that burned brightly and was hard to ignore. But there were problems of course. Growling internally, he silently snarled about the fact that the one thing he really wanted couldn’t be easy to attain. The problem that prevented that had a name: Inuyasha. That boy always seemed to be the perpetual thorn in his side on so many things! He was, and had been for a long time now, obvious the little miko loved the boy. She had put up with shit unlimited from the whelp yet her affections for him never wavered. But, and he would admit it may be wishful thinking on his part, the attraction may be waning slightly and changing.
Since shortly after the two had begun together Kikyo had been an issue and sore spot between them. It was obvious, even to him, that the boy loved Kagome and would do anything for her but he still felt some kind of obligation to the dead miko and as long as she still walked the earth he would never be able to move on. In face, Sesshomaru wasn’t sure that he would ever be able to move on, even if she was gone. She would probably haunt him for the rest of his existence. Add to that he wasn’t entirely sure that Inuyasha didn’t view Kagome, in some way, as just an extension of Kikyo. Yes, Kagome was the reincarnation of the dead one but she was wholly and completely her own being, separate from Kikyo in all but having similar powers and a resemblance. However, he doubted that Inuyasha saw that. To him, he was sure, Kagome would always be his link to Kikyo.
Forcing himself out of his thoughts, he looked at the little onna seated beside him. She had finished what she had been doing and was now staring out across the water, a slightly melancholy look on her face. From his point of view he had an educated guess as to what brought it on but wanted to be sure. “You know where he is, don’t you?” He asked in a quiet voice. Earlier Inuyasha had left camp to hunt for that nights meal but Sesshomaru had seen the dead bitches’ soul collectors flitting through the tress so he had also gone to meet up with he as well.
Though his question was very ambiguous, she understood it perfectly and nodded. “Yes. I caught a glimpse of her when I was coming this way. He probably knew she was around when he said something abut hunting.” She said in a voice so quiet it was almost a whisper.
Looking at her, he had to bite his tongue to keep from telling her just what he felt about the whelp and the walking funeral urn. Instead he stayed quiet to see if she would say anything. If she talked about it perhaps she would feel better with his thought on the matter.
Bending her knees, she hugged her shins and rested her chin on her knees, staring out over the water. “What am I doing wrong Sesshomaru? Am I smothering him? Or not showing him enough affection? Why does he keep running off to her? Is it something I’ve done?”
“The problem is not you Kagome. Inuyasha is the one that has the problem.” The taiyoukai told her gruffly, using the one he always employed when he wanted to make sure he was listened to. “From my observances you have done everything you should have and more. It’s the half-breed with the problem.”
Sighing, she shut her eyes, “The beads…”
“I’m sure that most females in this world would like to own a set. In fact, it would be a pretty sure bet that you could become quite wealthy if you were to sell them. But that aside you have used them far less than I would. If I had control of such a thing he would be in a crater on the other side of the globe by now. Plus you employ them to protect him and others.”
Sighing, she put her forehead on her knees but said nothing.
Sliding closer to her, he reached over and put a finger under her chin and tilted her head up before taking it between his thumb and forefinger. Turning her head until she was facing him, he inclined his head and kissed her firmly. While his mouth was locked with hers, he slipped an arm around her waist and guided her to the ground then perched over her on his knees, forearm resting on the ground above her head. He poured every bit of passion he had felt for her into that lip lock, growling softly as he did. Because he had thought and fantasized about something similar for so long he instantly was erect and throbbing madly. For so long he had wondered what she tasted like and now he found out it was like wild berries and honey, sweet and tangy at the same time. Delicious!
Knowing his limits and not trying to push it, he broke off the kiss when he felt himself slowly reaching the point he knew his limit was. Looking down at her, he licked his lips. When he saw her flushed, droopy-eyed look he smirked internally. Growling softly, he said, voice husky, “Kagome… Never forget how desirable you are. There are plenty of males out there besides Inuyasha who want you and would not treat you as he does. The problem lies with him, not you. Do not ever doubt that.”
Looking up into his golden eyes, she licked her lips. The first things she had to do was breathe. He had seemed to have stolen her ability to do that. Wow! WOW! Wowowowowow! Was her next reaction. She also decided his husky voice should be illegal because it was way too sexy and sent shivering sparks throughout her body. But the predatory look in his eyes left her just a touch scared as well, unsure what it was from. Finally, she was able to find her voice but all she was able to utter was a soft, uneven, “Sesshomaru!”
Growling softly, he looked down into her eyes. “The half-breed is the one with the problem Kagome. He is proving that he is unworthy of your affections. If you look around you will find that there are others better suited to you.” Leaning down, he put his mouth next to her ear. “Tell me you’ll at least consider that.”
“I will.” She managed to get out as she shivered when that sexy voice seemed to dance down her spine and caused a riot of goose bumps to erupt in its’ wake.
Giving her earlobe a soft nip, he purred, “Good.” Knowing he had to stop, he pulled away and pushed himself up onto his knees then stood. When she sat up he offered her his hand. When she put her tiny one is his he helped her to her feet. Dusting himself off, he grabbed her pack. Putting a hand on the small of her back he told her, “Come, let’s return to camp.”
Nodding, she said nothing but let him guide her.
As the first glimpse of their campsite came into view he stopped. Pulling her closely by the hand he had kept on the small of her back, he then put his other hand on the back of her head then inclined his head and whispered in her ear, “Think about what I said to you.”
Leaning into him, she put a hand on his waist and one on his bicep, nodding. “I will, I promise.” She said almost breathlessly.
~~~~~@~~~~~
Inuyasha hadn’t retuned when they arrived so he settled in on the spot on the outer reaches of the camp that he had chosen as the place he was going to bed down for the night. Kagome had gone to help Sango begin some of the preparations for the nights meal.
As usual, he scanned the area for any danger and found none, as he had anticipated. Once that was done he relaxed and shut his eyes. Tuning out the extraneous nose form those in the camp he let his thoughts start to wander. Of course Kagome was the direction they migrated to.
In battle and things such as that he had the utmost confidence and never second guessed himself. But in this area that wasn’t the case. At this point he was already wondering if that kiss had been the right thing to do. Did he move too fast? Should he have led into it more? Talked to her longer first? There were so many variables in the situation that the probability for doing something wrong was about an even bet. That didn’t help the internal debate.
It wasn’t long after that started it came to abrupt end by Inuyasha’s return. As usual his arrival was heralded by a lot of noise. Having a deer slung over his shoulder, he was barking instructions about this and that to those present. As he passed by where Sesshomaru was sitting the taiyoukai wrinkled his nose at the smell that surrounded the boy but said nothing. Instead he waited for the bustle and noise level to wane. While the whelp was cleaning his kill and the others were settling into preparations for the meal he finally spoke up. “Inuyasha… I would suggest once you are done you go take a bath. The wretched stench of graveyard soil on you is overpowering. I have no desire to have my air befouled because you can’t tell how badly you stink.”
Yes, he was well aware what he was doing and the possible reaction. His intent was to let the boy know that he wasn’t as slick as he thought he was and had been caught. Although the reactions from the others in camp was worth it as well. All of them were well aware that about the only way the whelp was going to get that smell on him was the dead miko which meant that once more he had slipped away to see her. Also, that you would need more than casual contact for that to be there.
Stony faced, both the slayer and monk glared at him, looks obviously saying they were pissed and that he had put his foot in it once more. The kit gave a disgusted snort then went to play. Kagome, who was sitting across from him, glared daggers then dropped what she was doing and went over to where her sleeping bag was laid out. Flopping on it, she pulled one of her school books out and opened it, ignoring everyone.
Watching the little priestess, quiet, the boy kept cleaning the animal but said nothing. Although he was quiet his features hardened and mouth tightened up a bit, a signal that he was pissed. Once the animal was done and put on the spit he walked out of camp without saying a word.
Shutting his eyes, Sesshomaru allowed himself a wicked internal grin. That had been far too easy!
~~~~~@~~~~~
In the small hot springs close to their camp, a naked Inuyasha was scrubbing his clothes while he stood in the water. Unfortunately, as he knew all too well by now, no amount of scrubbing was going to get that smell out totally. While he worked on it he mentally berated both himself and his fuckhead half-brother. He hadn’t even thought to clean up before returning. Many times since the asshole had been traveling with them he had come back from seeing Kikyo and the baka hadn’t said anything. Usually the fuckhead just shot him a death glare and that was it.
Growling, he scrubbed his fire rat harder, a scowl on his face. Well, the next few days weren’t going to be nice, that was for sure. Kagome was going to be bad enough to deal with but with Sango and Miroku knowing it was going to be even worse. Usually they gave him the cold shoulder for about 24 hours then came the snide comments and lectures about how he was hurting Kagome. Gah, he hated that shit! It made him feel like the worlds’ biggest ass and there was no way of making any of them see it from his point of view either.
Once more Sesshomarus’ stoic visage floated through his mind, making him scowl once again. That fucker was driving him crazy! At this point the asshole was not only pissing him off on a regular basis but unnerving him as well. Since he had joined up with them the dangerous taiyoukai had changed. Towards the others in the pack he had softened a bit and become a bit less of an asshole. But with him he had actually become more snide and vicious. Most of it took the form of something verbal, usually a well placed jab that was like a searing knife. But they had also had a few physical altercations as well and he had been on the receiving end of some serious brutality.
But that wasn’t all of it or even the worst of it. The worst was that quite frankly he didn’t know what the fuck was going on! Since that first inkling that had made his hackles rise it hadn’t improved or abated. In fact, it had gotten worse. Even worse than that was he still didn’t know what was causing it but he knew, whatever it was, wasn’t a good thing.
Sighing deeply, he wrung his clothes out then hopped out of the water. It was time to head back and face the music he thought with a dejected sigh.