Lost and Found: Love and War

Chapter 5

Kagomes eyes fluttered open to the light flooding in through gaps in the shabby structure. She was warm, wrapped in the blanket and snuggled up to a heated side. She was suddenly reminded what had occurred the night prior, and felt a blush creep over her cheeks. She looked up to see Sesshoumarus face, but his eyes were closed as he continued to slumber. She looked down at his chest, and saw the dried blood on his bandages and let forth small sigh. He was going to do what he wanted to do, regardless of what she thought although this once she didnt mind his stubbornness.

She was feeling overwhelmed and confused as she sat up from the futon. Sesshoumaru had taken her from her friends and enslaved her and now what had she done? She felt panicked all of a sudden, but then she paused. She looked at his sleeping face as her mind wondered and he rested peacefully at her side. He wasnt an evil man, as she had once believed him to be. He had taken care of her He hadnt forced himself upon her. And as she looked upon him now, she could only feel a strange contentment flooding inside of her. Giving a short puff as she got up she replaced the blanket over him and got up to go scrape up some food.

* * *

About an hour passes before the Daiyoukai stirred from his deep sleep. He awoke to the miko sitting on the edge of the futon picking at some unknown food items shed managed to scrounge up. He didnt move other than turning his head to watch her.

After finishing her meal she noticed his eyes on her and turned to him, Oh youre awake. How are you feeling? she asked as she adjusted herself on the bed.

The youkais golden eyes wondered from her form, Somewhat better he muttered. He paused for a long moment before speaking again, We should leave this place.

Leave? Kagome questioned, Are you well enough now?

The demon lord sat up, his sore body protesting the sudden motion, but receiving no relief from the youkais iron will. I will heal within the week. For now, Naraku, scent is drifting ever closer. Id rather take my chances on the move than wait for him to discover me in such a state.

Kagome frowned, I suppose so. When? She asked

Now. He said simply as he rose to his feet, disregarding his state of undress. He was not as nimble as he normally was, but Kagome didnt point it out to him, as she felt herself blush and quickly looked away, Wait a moment. Let me change your bandages before we go. She really hadnt gotten that great of a look at him last night. She actually. hadnt seen him below the waist. Her blush wasnt going away.

His distant eyes wondered over her briefly before he sat again, taking the time to pull the blanket into his lap. Very well.

The miko turned back to him then, thankful hed covered himself, and proceeded to remove his bloodied bandages, seating herself before him. They were quiet as Kagome focused on her task, and he focused on her. She felt her blush creep up again as she felt his eyes burning holes in her. She wrapped the sullied bandages into a ball as her eyes focused on his bare chest and stomach. His wounds where much better looking than they had been before, though there was still generous bruising.

Kagome retrieved the bandages shed previously torn from the sheets and replaced herself before him. He merely followed her movements with his perilous eyes, never speaking a word.

Her lithe fingers, touching him, brushing innocently against him, sent a tingle up his back, but he remained impassive as she finished the task. After tying the bandages in place she retrieved his tattered clothes and handed them to him before turning away so that he could put them on. He signed lightly and did so, thinking on her nervousness as he dressed.

* * *

They left the little hut, though Kagome knew that shabby little hut would never leave her. She followed behind the demon lord, and somehow the familiar scene of her following behind him as they usually traveled was calming, and she felt herself relax a bit.

Hours passed, Kagomes legs were starting to ache, but she was a bit worried over the demon lords state. He hadnt show any physical signs of fatigue or pain, but she still found herself worrying over him for some reason. With that train of thought she saw his head turn abruptly as he stopped walking. His mouth fell open slightly as his eyes became foreign and thirsty. The miko looked on, somewhat frightened of the strange look in his eyes .

Sesshoumaru? she questioned hesitantly.

She saw his nostrils flare as he scented the air and his eyes bleed over as his demonic aura flared. Forgive me, Kagome Wont you excuse me for a few moments. He said, sounding perfectly in control before he stepped off the path theyd been treading and disappeared into the undergrowth.

Kagome was puzzled yet immensely curious. She decided to follow him though, nothing too bold.. Just idly walking in the direction hed gone. She hadnt been walking long before she heard a primal scream before it was quickly cut short. She felt chill bumps rise along the back of her neck, but pushed on regardless of the uneasiness in her gut.

Within moments she came upon the source of the shriek, and her body became utterly frozen as she beheld the demon lord before her. His manner was animalistic and violent as he stripped the departed beast of its meat. Blood caked his face and talons as he rabidly devoured his meal while it was still warm and convulsing. Kagome felt absolutely mortified, but couldnt tear her eyes away. Finally the demon lord pulled his face out of the creatures innards long enough to see the priestesss frightened eyes upon him. His jagged canines dropped the fleshy mass theyd been clenching as crimson rivulets dripped down his chin and neck. His red eyes faded back to their normal golden color as he looked upon her.

I Im sorry she choked out before she dashed rapidly back in the direction shed come from sorry she hadnt listened to him.

After a short time he reemerged, his face and talons clean and presentable. His eyes were downcast as he stood before her. She was silent.

You know what I am, Miko Dont act so shocked. He muttered as he grasped her hand and pulled her to her feet.

Kagome almost stumbled from the abruptness, but steadied herself as she looked up at his stoic face, almost puzzled.

Come. Let us carry on. He said as he turned and continued on the path, his hand still clamped on to hers.

Kagomes eyes flickered back and forth between the back of his head and his hand, but after a moment she sighed lightly and walked beside him, the knot in her stomach easing away with each step.

As they traveled through the sometimes dense forest path, his subtle scent came to her. It was strange to think he actually had a scent, but Kagome had learned his scent over the months shed been in his care. It used to make her nervous and uneasy, but now strangely, it soothed her nervousness. Shed never felt so oddly relaxed with him before. He was different. He was holding her hand as they walked through the narrow path, and not in a harsh or controlling way, but simply as a guidance. It actually made her feel butterflies in her stomach.

Sesshoumaru seemed unaffected by the females flustered musings. His growing concern was not the woman at his side, but the storm clouds creeping ever closer from the darkening horizon line. As night drew near he wasnt looking forward to a cold night in wet clothes not that he couldnt withstand a bit a cold water, but humans were fragile and tended to get sick when exposed to the raw elements.

Thunder rolled in the distance, and the sky light up for a split second. Kagome jumped a bit at the abrupt boom and her eyes turned to the darkened sky. Ah just what I needed. Rain.

The youkai gazed at the sky momentarily before his eyes returned to the ground and he spoke, There appears to be little shelter here. How bothersome he muttered as they continued along, both a bit distracted.

After a few minutes the thunder became more and more persistent and the youkai stopped walking. His eyes looked toward an old gnarled tree that appeared to be weeping in between all the younger generation of trees. The huge tree looked to be on its last leg. The trunk had a large cavity in it that had died and rotted away, exposing the partially hollowed inside.

Kagomes eyes followed that of the demon lords and she made a face as she gathered what he was thinking. Come on, there has to be something better than this.

The youkai ventured over to the tree, preparing to settle down for the night, Come. Unless youd rather sleep in the rain.

Almost on queue she felt droplet of moisture on her cheek and she gave a sigh before following.

He crawled into the low opening, leaning himself against the back of the dried trunk. The hole was big, but not terribly big. It would be a tight squeeze for both of them to fit, but she managed it. She had no choice really but to sit in between his legs and use his front to lean her back against. She felt awkward, but well considering what shed done with him previously she didnt know why. The feeling soon passed however and she leaned her head against his shoulder as they watched the rain come down. With the rain came that familiar cold that followed her in this region, but his arms encircled her, and suddenly the cold wasnt so powerful.

She turned her head slightly toward his sheltering warmth, and she felt his warm breath graze across her cheek. She could feel his chest rise and fall with each breath he took. The rain fell harder and the scenery outside became muted and the trees faded into a white-blue fog. Kagome felt safe in his arms. Warm and safe. She then felt his mouth on the nape of her neck. His kissed there affectionately, and she felt a blush rise on her cheeks. But he didnt linger long before he again lifted his head, allowing his lips to rest gently at her temple as one of his hands slowly massaged her thigh.

Turning to the side Kagome cuddled into his chest, allowing her fingers to cling to the tattered fabric of his kimono. She buried her face in the nape of his neck, feeling her eyes well up with water.

Sesshoumaru looked down at the back of the girls exposed neck, seemingly bewildered at her actions. Kagome, what is wrong with you? he asked, his hands now resting on her lower back and side.

The miko wasnt sure herself. N-Nothing she muttered softly, Its just nice to be held once in a while.

Sesshoumarus expression softened a tad and he sighed lightly before he placed his cheek on the top of her head. You are lonely. he muttered.

Kagome made a short whimpered, her eyes flickering back and forth across the ground, I miss my family and my friends

The demon lords golden eyes rose to the rain once more and he was silent for a period. If I allowed you to see your family again You must swear youll return to me.

Kagome sat back from him her eyes wide as she stared at his stoic face, Are you serious? Youd let me go see my family? She asked breathlessly

The youkai looked away from her stunned features, I must have your word

Kagome nearly stumbled over her words, Of course! I give you my word! I promise Ill come back if you just let me see them for a bit.

Sesshoumaru looked into her eyes as she spoke, I dont believe youd lie. For one day, Kagome. That is all I will allow.

Kagome was overjoyed, I swear Ill come right back. Oh thank you! Thank you so much! You dont know what it means to me! She said as she hugged him tightly, almost crying with joy.

The youkai looked anything but happy, his features looking almost depressed. Dont make me regret placing such trust in you.

* * *

Upon awakening the next morning, Kagome and Sesshoumaru made good time to their destination. Within hours they were reunited with Jaken, Rin and Aun.

Sesshoumaru-sama! Cried out the little girl as she ran to greet her beloved lord.

Jaken came running as well, Sesshouma- but tripped and fell flat on his face before reaching his goal.

The youkai lord accessed that the group was doing well and in good condition before continuing, Jaken, take Rin and venture back south. The miko and I are going on a short trip alone.

Jaken scurried to his feet opening his mouth to inquire about his lords tattered clothes, but the demon lord had already turned away beginning the long trek to Inuyashas forest, the miko in tow.

Bye bye, Sesshoumaru-sama! Ill wait for you to return! cried an enthusiastic Rin as she waved her arm high over her head.

Jaken frowned as he clutched his staff of heads, but Sesshoumaru sama weve only just been reunited he muttered as his eyes grew watery and his pupils grew large. Ah! Sesshoumaru-sama! You leave me again with this child! You hate me! He sobbed as he fell back on his bottom, wailing to the sky.

* * *

For hours the pair walked onward until they came to a shallow river where Kagome proceeded to fill her canteen and get a good drink. The demon lord stared into the gently moving water as the miko knelt at the edge going about her business.

Kagome he said gently, causing her to turn her face to him. Bathe with me.

The girl blushed intensely as Sesshoumaru parted his kimono, allowing it to fall around his waist while he untied the knot on his obi. Kagome turned her face away in embarrassment, one hand idly touching her reddened cheek. She heard the pile of clothes fall to the ground just seconds before she felt his hands come around her shoulders to part her top just as he had done to his own. She remembered the gruesome incident with him and that animal she remembered the horror shed felt at that moment, but that all seemed so far away now He seemed so different right now as his lips touched the back of her neck so gently. She felt her top descend down her torso and then his hands were working on the tie on her obi. She felt the garment slack and then his hands were guiding her to her feet, leaving the garbs on the river bank as she stepped from them and the pair waded out into the cool water, the fine gravel of the bottom, a welcome change from the usual river rocks. As the water came up to her waist she knelt into the water, still feeling very embarrassed about being exposed in front of him. She turned to see him then, the water covered his vital bits, to her relief, but she noticed he still adorned the tattered bandages on his chest.

He looked into her eyes, Remove them, wont you? he said, sounding fairly sincere for his usual demanding self.

Kagome mused on how he could easily cut them himself with those razor-like talons of his, but she complied anyways since hed asked so nicely. Of course in order to reach around him to unwind the forsaken things she had to stand up out of the security of the water. She did so bravely, calmly unraveling them and exposing more of his smooth skin with each strip. Finally she held the entire thing in her hands and she was surprised to see his wounds were nothing but ghosts upon his powdery chest. She hadnt laid eyes on his unmarred chest in a long time. Not since that incident with that rogue band of demons. She wanted to touch him, but she was still rather shy about the whole situation, and he had to give her the bit of courage shed needed with his own touch. His wet hands crept up her sides, causing chill bumps to rise all the way up to her neck. She bit her lip as one of his hands found her breast while the other ripped the bandages from her grip and threw them to the wind. Then his lips descended upon hers and she gasped into his mouth as she felt herself being drawn against his solid form.

Why is this happening, she thought. When did things change so much between us? Her mind began to swim with these thoughts. Last week I hated this man.

She touched the side of his neck as their lips parted and his breath mingled with hers. Am I that fickle?

His lips moved to her jaw, kissing and licking as they descended down her neck, suckling on the side until a red whelp appeared. She gave a soft whimper as the questions faded from her mind and she wrapped her arms around him, letting everything wilt away as he consumed her with his perfect lips.

* * *

The following morning the pair continued their journey, the demon lord, feeling generous and well enough to allow her to fly with him. The flight was brief, but in the meager hours they flew, the distance they covered astounded Kagome. The youkai truly was an amazing being. As he set her down on the grassy earth Kagome almost lost her balance. The flight was incredible, and she momentarily forgot how to walk when her feet were reunited with the ground again. Sesshoumaru steadied the girl with one arm, as she gave an embarrassed chuckle before the two ventured into Inuyashas Forest toward the well.

Kagome was so excited to be so close to home that she was getting butterflies in her stomach. She was also somewhat anxious about perhaps seeing Inuyasha, as it was, after all, his forest. The trek through the forest was short and as she saw the familiar, huge Goshinboku tree, she began to run in her excitement. Sesshoumaru gave a subtle smile as he watched the females antics. She stood beside the little wooden structure peering down into its depths with bright, anticipating eyes.

Sesshoumaru came to stand beside her, somewhat interested in the strange magic behind the thing, but he concealed his curiosity well. He folded his arms into his sleeves as he stood before her, One day, Kagome. You must return here tomorrow by this time.

The mikos smile was something he rarely saw and he felt almost awkward at how it wouldnt leave her face as she stood there before the wooden structure. She nodded as she turned to face him. Sesshoumaru She said as she put her arms around him, hugging her face into his chest, Thank you so much.

She backed away a step and looked up at him, ano if if Inuyasha should show up please promise me you wont fight him. she said, her face now solemn.

This Sesshoumaru will make that promise, so long as you keep your own. he said as his golden eyes pierced hers.

Kagome swallowed and nodded once, Well Ill see you tomorrow then. and with that she descended the dark chamber. A flash of light was all that was seen before the mikos body had vanished from sight.

Sesshoumaru stared into the empty well for a period before he retreated from the area, settling down for a small rest before he intended to find something suitable to eat.

* * *

The night was long, and the forest was dark, but Sesshoumaru waited regardless. He slept a bit, but he woke frequently something was amiss. His senses were tingling It was then he finally caught the scent and his lip curled in annoyance, Inuyasha He stood as the scent grew nearer. That fool never did know how to stalk properly unless Inuyasha didnt know it was his big brother he was headed for. He had yet to find the scent. He must sense that something is out here wont he be surprised.

The Daiyoukai had promised Kagome he wouldnt fight, however what the miko didnt know, wouldnt hurt her. He would teach his baby brother just how much hed grown to despise him over the past nine months. Always Kagome whining his brothers name in her sleep. Inuyasha this and Inuyasha that. It was positively maddening. Once the hanyou found him, he would finally know where his little miko had disappeared to. Sesshoumaru reeked of her scent, and there was no hiding it. And there was no way he could retreat and leave the hanyou to discover her whereabouts he would find Kagome on the other side of that well, and that was simply not going to happen on the demon lords watch. He would stand his ground and protect the well at costs although the most it would cost would be the brats life a meager price.

Inuyasha leapt through the trees, sensing an eerily familiar presence in his forest. He paused as he neared the bone eaters well, his nose picking up a scent that made his heart jump right up into his throat, but the excitement lasted mere seconds before another scent flooded his nostrils and his eyes grew wide as the flash of white shot before his face. Had he not moved at the last second it would have been his neck! Golden eyes met and Inuyashas throat suddenly felt terribly constricted and dry.

Evening, little brother. The youkai muttered as he leapt forward executing another attack against the bewildered hanyou.

Inuyasha leapt backwards, narrowly evading his half brothers talons. He skidded to a stop as he looked well upon the face of the agitated demon before him, Sesshoumaru...YYou! You had her all this time! You evil bastard! Ill kill you for this! Where is she?! What did you do to her?! He growled violently as he unsheathed Tetsusaiga and leapt forward to strike the hated youkai down.

Sesshoumaru mirrored his brother and drew the Toukajin. The swords clashed as a swirling energy blasted out around the pair. Dear baby brother, I have been dying to finally shred your flesh. The name Inuyasha will ale me no longer.

Inuyashas heart felt like it was being squeezed to the point of bursting. Kagome was alive And the only thing standing in the way of their reunion was his asshole of a brother. He would not fail her again. He would save her! You snake. I wont let you hurt her anymore. Shes mine!

Sesshoumaru let forth a rumbling growl, Afraid youre wrong, Inuyasha. The miko belongs to me for now He shoved the half-breed back allowing the swords power to shoot out in a white-hot blaze to engulf the boy, AND FOREVER!

Inuyasha scrambled from the blast of power rolling out of the way in just the knick of time. As he rose to his feet talons hit him hard in the side and he lashed out to counter the strike, but the demon lord lifted himself before the blow landed.

Inuyashas blood flowed freely but he disregarded the injury. Sesshoumaru was still standing, and unharmed. The pain wasnt that terrible right now as his adrenaline was pumping, and his mind was overrun with thoughts of seeing Kagome again. He screamed aloud as he charged the youkai, swinging his sword down hard and letting the kaze no kizu rip asunder the projected path. The demon lord leapt over the jarring power, intending to come down on the fools head, but the witty little brother threw another thrash of power into the air, and the demon lord rolled himself in mid air to avoid the assault, landing gracefully kneeled a few feet away.

Inuyasha snarled as he missed the nimble demon lord, but as he started to charge the demon again, his faithful Tetsusaiga drawn to swing down over his brothers head, a sudden searing pain ripped through his side, and he gasped aloud.

The demon lord gave a slight smirk as his poison ate through the hanyous flesh, and at this moment he pointed the Toukajin at his brothers form and shot a wave of the swords colossal power at the incapacitated half-breed.

Inuyasha saw the assault coming at him point blank, and quickly held Tetsusaiga before him as his only means to shield himself. The power washed over him, burning and tearing like a thousand flaming needles, and he gritted his teeth as he held fast to his sword. As the power finally receded, his eyes opened to see Tetsusaiga go flying and skid across the mossy ground like a boomerang crash landing. Sesshoumaru planted Toukajin in the ground beside him as his talons slashed down, fully intending to spill the boys innards, but Inuyasha reflexively moved, if only to fall back on his elbows.

The half-breeds eyes were wide and he panted in fear and pain as he looked up to see his brothers crimson eyes gazing down at him with murderous anger. As Sesshoumarus talons flexed and drew back, the hanyou kicked out in desperation, landing an ideal kick directly to the groin.

The demon lord yelped and went to his knees, giving Inuyasha enough time to upright himself and moves out of the demons strike range. He knelt at a distance he perceived far enough to be safe, while the youkai cringed in pain.

Inuyashas hanyou body couldnt fight the youkais acidic venom, and his flesh melted and bubbled at the site. On top of that the blast from Toukajin had been pretty damn painful too. He heard the youkai mutter and his voice was positively deadly, Low blow Inuyasha As much as Id expect from a cur like you, I suppose. Sesshoumaru rose, and the hanyou followed suit, ignoring the protests of his body.

I wont give up so long as Kagome is on the line I will never give up! DO YOU UNDERSAND THAT?! He screamed at the Daiyoukai, and received an acknowledgement through his brothers snarl and lunge toward him. He evaded, but his actions were slowed from his injuries, thankfully Sesshoumaru hadnt fully recovered from his injury either.

Inuyasha jumped into a low branch, but as his brother aimed to follow in pursuit, he catapulted himself back around and kicked out hard with both legs, hitting the demon lord hard in the chest, before he landed flat on his ass under the branch.

Sesshoumaru flew, crashing hard into a tree trunk and exhaling sharply on the impact. He was down on all fours, momentarily stunned, but even as he coughed hard his legs were already moving to stand again, but it was Inuyasha who caught him in the side, this timewith his foot. His kick was every bit as strong as a horse, and as his brother was pinned between him and the tree he repeated the action again and again, a snarl gracing his face as his leg flew true, thankful the demon lord was, for once not adorned with his usual armor.

The youkai took the assault only so long before with jerk of his razor claws he cut right through the hanyous ankle. Inuyasha fell back with a sharp cry as he felt warm blood spill over his foot from the gaping gash his brother had just made.

The Daiyoukai crawled over the half-breeds fallen form grabbing the boys wrists and straddling his stomach. Inuyasha protested immediately writhing and bucking, to dismount the bastard, his fanged fully barred and snapping at his brothers nearest wrist, but they retreated quickly, securing the boys arms under his brothers knees, and freeing up Sesshoumarus arms at the same time.

The demon lord let forth a small chuckle before he spoke, You know, Inuyasha, before I kill you, I just wanted you to know He leaned down a bit, flashing his fangs into the hanyous startled face, My Kagome Fucks like a goddess.

Inuyasha screamed bloody murder at the words that left his brothers filthy mouth and he thrashed like a fish that had been thrown upon a wooden deck, but just like the fish his thrashing didnt save him from his impending fate. YOU SON OF A BITCH! ILL KILL YOU! ILL KILL YOU! YOULL NEVER TOUCH HER AGAIN! I SWEAR IT

The youkais smirk turned into a sneer as he drew his hand back and let his fists come down hard across the boys face. Again and again he pummeled the hanyou, the crimson in his eyes leaving with each satisfying impact, until his brothers face was naught but a bloodied mass of jumbled features. He stopped then and Inuyasha cracked a swollen, bloodied eye open and muttered a feeble, I wont give her up.

Sesshoumarus now golden eyes narrowed and he drew his hand back again, this time his venomous talons drawn in preparation for the death blow, but then, abruptly he found himself dismounted and tumbling away from his brothers body, he stood gracefully, his eyes again finding the boys form, but this time his eyes widened a tad as he saw the transformed hanyous ruby eyes.

Inuyasha charged forward blindly, his fangs bared and his talons drawn for blood. Sesshoumaru narrowly dodged, but as he spun to go on the offensive, Inuyasha took his blow to the chest like it was a mosquito bite, and buried his claws deep into the Daiyoukais shoulder.

Sesshoumaru pushed the crazed hanyou away from himself, ripping flesh from both as they parted. The demon lord retreated a ways before he turned to face his little brother again, but he was met by the boys back. Inuyasha was running, full throttle, and his destination the well.

Sesshoumaru cursed as he scurried to catch the brat, but just as he reached him the hanyou leapt into the wooden structure and was met with an engulfing light that accepted him fully, while Sesshoumaru followed him down only to be met with the dirt of rejection.

Shit. he cursed as he scowled at the offending ground. Kagome he muttered as his scowl melted into a look of concern Kagome