Maddie's stories

[Jeff]

Maddie is working on some Inuyasha stories among others. She wanted a place to post them on the board, so I made this thread for her.

This is it Maddie!

[maddie]

Ok well ty dad and now well i'd just like to say that i got a lot to write so i'm working on a story over 71 pages long! my hands are hurting and are numb.... anyways any questions and such my enter this place (if any)....

[Tyler]

Nick is veritably salivating at the chance to read this. We both look forward to it.

[maddie]

ok well there is cuss words in here and if you don't like it well don't blame me...plz..
and dad said i could leave'em in so sorry ppl!

[maddie]

A Demon's Heart and Ultimate Sacrifice


introduction

Unable to wield his newly repaired Tetsusaiga, InuYasha can't protect Kagome from Naraku's latest plan.
After realizing Naraku's intentions, Sesshoumaru takes it upon himself to keep Kagome safe, so that she is kept alive and able to purify the Shikon Jewel. At first it's nothing more than the Demon Lord looking out for his own intentions. But after spending time with her, he realizes that not all humans are worthless and can see just why his father was able to fall in love with one.

[maddie]

Chapter one
the Useless Tetsusaiga


‘Damn, this thing is still too heavy for me to wield properly.’ InuYasha thought to himself miserably. Tonight, like many recent nights, InuYasha left his sleeping companions to practice working his newly repaired Tetsusaiga. He suspected that the monk knew what he was doing, but was wise enough to leave him alone.

It was important that he gain control of his sword. Ever since his battle with Goshinki, which resulted in the Tetsusaiga breaking, nothing has been quite the same. InuYasha has had a horrible feeling of vulnerability, a feeling he despised more than almost any other.

Totosai had forged the Tetsusaiga from a fang belonging to InuYasha's father. Now the sword had been repaired with one of his own fangs, and InuYasha was virtually incapable of using it. To make matters worse he had begun to lose control. All of his life, he had strived to become a full fledged demon. But recently, when he became separated from Tetsusaiga during battles, his demon blood had been taking over him. The carnage that he left behind was indescribable. The idea that he could not control himself frightened InuYasha.

'What if next time I turn on Miroku, Sango or, God-forbid, Kagome?' The very thought sent a shiver down his spine. 'Stop thinking like that. I'll master this sword, just like I did the last time. Then I'll use it to cut out Naraku's heart.' He vowed to himself.

'It's time I head back to the others, if they wake to find me gone they’ll worry and come looking for me. There is no way I want any of them to realize how serious the problem is. I can't defend them. Without the Tetsusaiga we are vulnerable to Naraku, and I'm sure by now he knows it.' InuYasha thought to himself and he walked back towards their little camp.

He looked at them there in a peaceful slumber, assessing their strengths and weaknesses. He knew that Miroku could be counted on to fight by his side. The only problem was that whenever Naraku sent his minion, he also sent his poisonous insects. Miroku was incapable of using his wind tunnel, and that left them vulnerable as well.

Then there was Sango, the beautiful and strong demon exterminator, who had more than enough reason to want Naraku dead. However, Naraku had possession of the only thing that mattered to Sango, her little brother, Kohaku. This too presented a problem because Sango loved her brother so much that it she would die herself before hurting him.
like bringing her into battle. He had already lost Kikyo to Naraku, he did not want to stand by and lose Kagome.

InuYasha's feelings for Kagome were mixed. He truly cared for her, and would do everything in his power to protect her. But every time he looked at her he saw Kikyo. This was not surprising as she was Kikyo's reincarnation.

She was certainly not Kikyo, but the similarities were there. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t forget his first love; the young Priestess that showed him love and kindness. For Kikyo, he was willing to give up his dreams to become a demon and live with her as a mortal. Then Naraku turned them against each other, making each think they had been betrayed by the other.

Before Kikyo's tragic death, she used a sacred arrow and pinned InuYasha to a tree, where he remained for 50 years. It was then that he met Kagome. Now Kagome had become a part of his life. He had to admit to himself that he felt similar feelings towards her. She had not treated him poorly as so many humans did. She had stuck by him, even during times any other person would have left him. Kagome had become a part of his life and he could not imagine his life without her by his side.
Then there was Kagome. It is true that she had the powers of the Priestess Kikyo but InuYasha didn’t

Having felt eyes upon her Kagome woke up to find InuYasha sitting across the fire staring at her.

"Is something the matter, InuYasha?" Being jolted from his deep thoughts, InuYasha began to blush.

"Nothing is wrong, go back to sleep," he growled at her. He didn't mean to sound harsh but he was embarrassed that she woke to find him staring like an idiot.

"Don't worry InuYasha, I know you're worried but we’re all here to help you. Now try to get some sleep so maybe you won't be so grouchy in the morning,” she said softly.

"I am not grouchy, and I don't need anyone's help! I could take on Naraku right here and now if I had too!”

Kagome rolled her eyes and thought to herself; 'If he isn't grouchy I would hate to see him when he is.' Just then Miroku turned over and spoke to her in a soothing voice

"Forgive InuYasha, Kagome, he doesn't mean to be such a clod. He is just insecure right now. Once he gains the full use of Tetsusaiga he will feel better. Then he will have to come up with new excuses for being a clod." Then a subdued laugh was heard from Sango. This only added fuel to the fire that was now burning in half demon’s eyes.

"You got a problem with me monk? I don't need my Tetsusaiga to take you out."

"Calm yourself InuYasha; I have no wish to fight you. I am simply explaining to Kagome why you have been having troubles sleeping and been more testy than usual."

"Maybe the reason I'm so testy, is because you won't get off my back!"

"All right," Kagome broke in, "let's talk about this in the morning, right now why don't we all try to get some sleep?"

[maddie]

Chapter 2
Naraku’s Plot/Sesshoumaru’s Intervention


Naraku laughed to himself as he realized ironic fate could be. He was borne of Onigumo's desire for Kikyo and now he would have a child borne from her reincarnation. Naraku knew that even he, a powerful half-demon, could not fathom the power that a Priestess such as Kikyo could possess. Now that Kikyo was not an option he would take second best; the foolish girl that followed InuYasha around.

It was true that she was not as powerful as Kikyo, but she held Kikyo's power nonetheless. Bearing a child that held his immense demonic powers, combined with those of a priestess would unleash a destruction that would be unmatched. Such power was something that Naraku must possess.

InuYasha had been a bother, defeating everything that was sent his way. However, now he no longer had his powerful Tetsusaiga to depend upon. The monk was useless when his poisonous insects were around, and as long as he had Kohaku, he had guarantee that the exterminator was his as well. Taking the young priestess would not be a problem now, and once he had her he knew he would have very little trouble convincing her to do his bidding. She held the kind heart of a priestess, the same priestess that took pity on the pathetic thieve Onigumo. She would do anything to see that her friends remained unharmed. Bearing his child would be much less burden to bear than if she were to refuse, he would see to that.

*****

InuYasha could smell the demon before it arrived. "Miroku, be on guard there is a demon headed this way; Kagome can you sense any jewel shards near by?" Kagome focused around her then nodded.

"Yes, it's faint but it's definitely getting closer."

Soon what looked like a grotesque, giant badger appeared before them and immediately went for InuYasha. While the others took on the demon; Kagome stood back in wonder.

'The jewel shard isn’t on the demon, yet I sense it near by.'

"INUYASHA! The demon doesn't have a jewel shard!" She shouted.

"What? I thought you said you could sense one near by?"

Having heard this, Miroku lifted his hand and prepared to use his wind tunnel, if there were no shard to put in jeopardy, there was no sense in drawing the battle out. As if waiting for their opportune moment, Naraku’s poisonous insects appeared, stopping Miroku in his tracks.

The monk gasped, "Where did they come from, and why would Naraku send such a weak demon with no jewel shard?"

A perplexed InuYasha didn’t have the answer. 'Naraku doesn't play around, there has got to be more to this.'

Knowing that using the Tetsusaiga was useless and the demon was not a challenge, InuYasha attacked with his claws...only the demon didn't die. The two pieces dropped to the ground and immediately reformed into two new demons.

One demon went after InuYasha, Miroku and Sango with a strength that seemed to surpass the original demon. The other ran directly towards Kagome. Not having time to grab an arrow, she ran towards the trees.

Shippo watched in horror as the demon chased his surrogate mother and then suddenly stopped before entering the forest. The demon then just disappeared into a puff of smoke. The other however, still remained. As soon as Kagome entered the trees she realized she wasn’t alone, she could sense a shard of the jewel very close by. As she turned to go back to her friends, a hand clamped over her mouth and she was lifted into the air.

At this very same time, the demon that was attacking her friends also disappeared just like the one before it. Everyone stood in a cloud of confusion as the battle ended as abruptly as it began. Shippo ran to the others and told them what had transpired with Kagome and the second demon. They ran to the forest but their friend was gone, much like the demons that had set the trap. The monk was the first to say what everyone was beginning to realize.

“InuYasha, those demons did not possess jewel shards because they were not here to fight us. They were only a diversion so that Kagome could be chased into the forest and taken."

The look he saw on InuYasha's face was a mixture of worry, pain and most of all anger.

"What would Naraku want with Kagome?" Miroku knew it would be best to keep InuYasha calm or he would do something irrational and make matters worse.

"Don't worry InuYasha; I doubt he kidnapped her just so that he could kill her. It is most likely he wants her to find shards of the jewel for him. Or possibly try to use her as leverage so that we will give him our shards," he said calmly.

But it was too late. There would be no reasoning with InuYasha now. Naraku was heartless and had already killed one woman he cared for; he would not let it happen again. The half demon took off running the direction of Kagome's scent. The only thought on his mind was Kagome. He had to save Kagome.

*****

Kagome couldn't see who had snatched her off the ground, but she knew they were in human form. She also knew they possessed a shard of the Shikon jewel. She dared to turn her head and look at her captor. He appeared to be human, but his eyes were dead. He looked like a doll, not a person. The face held no emotion; it was as though he were merely a puppet. She knew better than to struggle, because there was no way she could survive the fall. She had seen Naraku's insects seconds before she was chased to the forest, so there was no doubt in her mind that he was behind this. But what could he want with her? Was this just a plot to make InuYasha follow? Would he be led into a trap and his life put in danger?

'Why didn't I move faster? I should have had an arrow ready.' Running into the woods was a mistake. Now her life and the life of her friends were in jeopardy.

*****

Not much went on that Sesshoumaru, Great Lord of the Western Lands, did not know about. He was aware that Naraku was plotting something. He was also aware that his plan had been set into motion. Normally, Sesshoumaru did not bother himself with these matters. He was only interested if there were some personal gain to come from his involvement. However, he did not like nor trust Naraku. He certainly did not want Naraku to come to possess the Shikon Jewel. A half breed such as Naraku did not deserve such great power bestowed upon him. He was also aware that no other, including his fool brother InuYasha, was capable of stopping Naraku.

"Jaken, I must go now. I want you to remain here and look after Rin. If anything happens to her while I am away, you will pay with your life,” he said simply.

"Y-y-yes, Lord Sesshoumaru," The little imp replied with a slight bow.

Rin was but a mere human, but unlike those Sesshoumaru was used to dealing with. She had come upon him in his weakened state after doing battle with InuYasha. Though she was only a child, she was unafraid of him. She had done her best to care for him, and that touched him in a way he could not understand. Most humans would rather he be dead, but this innocent child did not fear or hate him.

Then came a time she returned to him, bruised and swollen. It was obvious that humans had not treated her much differently than they had treated him. She was but a child and yet they beat her. Even a great demon, such as him, could not fathom such an evil deed. After he had recovered, he came upon her lifeless body.

The poor child had been mauled to death, and she did not deserve such a retched fate. He had used his sword, the Teinsiga, to bring her back from death. From that day on Rin had followed Sesshoumaru. She was an obedient child and brought him no problems. Anyone that dared harm Rin would pay dearly.

*****

Kagome was brought to a small castle. It appeared to be deserted but Kagome knew that running was senseless, because she had no clue where she was. Surely, running would only make the demon pursue her. Her only hope was that InuYasha and the others would arrive before anything happened. The demon still stood emotionless. She had no intentions of going inside the castle, she had no idea what lay inside. Just then she heard a familiar voice from behind the door.

"Hello, Kagome. How very nice of you to join me," It was Naraku. She instinctively grabbed for her bow and arrow, only to realize they were no longer with her. The demon must have taken them. She was too freaked out to even notice.

"What do you want, Naraku? Why did you bring me here? If you think you will lure InuYasha here and kill him, you're crazy."

Naraku laughed an evil laugh and stepped outside the castle.

"I will kill InuYasha in due time. What I want now is from you, young priestess. You will bear me a child, a child that will not only possess my powers, but those of a priestess."

Kagome was shocked, how could Naraku believe that she would agree to this?

"I’d rather die," she said honestly. He gave her a threatening look and took another step closer.

"I have no patience for you, Priestess. You will do as I say, or you will watch me slaughter your friends. I will start with the young fox demon that regards you as a mother. One by one you will stand by and watch as your friends meet a horrible demise."

What happened next took only seconds and was over before Kagome even processed the situation. Sesshoumaru was there and killed both the demon that captured her and Naraku. Of course, when he struck Naraku down, a small wooden doll fell to the ground. She should have known that even now, Naraku would only send puppets. When it was over, Sesshoumaru turned to her. The look in his eyes frightened her. She had a feeling she had been safer with Naraku.

[maddie]

Chapter 3
Sesshoumaru’s Captive/InuYasha’s Rage







'Why is he looking at me that way?' Kagome knew that Sesshoumaru was capable of killing her in a matter of seconds; yet he stood their contemplating her.

"Why is it that Naraku brought you here?" Kagome was immediately intimidated by him.

"I...don’t know. He said he wanted me to bear him a child which held the powers of a demon and priestess."

Sesshoumaru scowled. A child born of such a combination would possess a dangerous amount of power, especially if Naraku gained possession of the Shikon Jewel.

"I should kill you right now and put a stop to this before he has a chance to produce such spawn. However, you are the only one that can purify the Shikon jewel and in its tainted state it possesses many problems. Until my pathetic half brother can learn to control his sword, you will remain with me, human."

Kagome's eyes widened in horror, she couldn't stay with him! He hated humans and would undoubtedly kill her.

"Do not worry; I will not kill you unless you give me just cause," with that said, Sesshoumaru snatched her from the place she stood and they both rose into the air.

---------

“Very Foolish, Lord Sesshoumaru,” Naraku said darkly. 'Why had he come to the priestess’ aid? He certainly has no desire to protect such a human. Perhaps he intends to blackmail his brother into giving him the Tetsusaiga.'

Regardless of his reasoning, it was not wise for the great lord of the western lands to cross Naraku. Though Lord Sesshoumaru is a formidable foe, Naraku would not stop until he had the young priestess again.

---------

Kagome felt helpless in Sesshoumaru's grasp. Despite her fear of him, she clung to him even tighter. They were traveling through the sky at a very fast pace, as though Sesshoumaru were in a hurry. The demon looked down at the human girl, who was now clinging to him.

"Do not worry, I will not drop you. I have told you, I believe you are necessary in purifying the Shikon Jewel so that Naraku is unable to use it."

Kagome looked up at the dog demon. Though she may fear him, she did trust him to keep his word. Honor and dignity means a lot to someone as proud and regal as Sesshoumaru.

As she released her tight grasp, the demon glanced down at the girl with a questioning look. Did this human actually trust him, a demon, at his word? He could easily drop her to her death and that fact was obviously not lost on her. However, she seemed to believe that he spoke the truth.
Most humans that he had come across in his life time had shown him nothing but scorn and hatred. Few would even allow him to speak to them, and those that did, treated him like an animal that could not be trusted. Maybe it was all the time she had spent with his half-breed brother. Though he did have the human blood running through his veins, the fact remained that he also had demon blood. From what Sesshoumaru had seen of InuYasha in battle, he had done his best to protect this young girl.

She also seemed to care for a demon fox cub. Most humans would not take such a task upon themselves, but he had always seen this girl protecting and nurturing the young demon cub whenever Sesshoumaru had attempted to attack his brother. Another thought crossed his mind as he held onto the small human girl. She wore clothing like those he had never seen. He had never given the wench much thought before now, but it was apparent to him that she was from another place.

"Girl, later I have some questions I would like to ask you and I expect you to give me answers." Kagome's heart began to pound. What would Sesshoumaru want to know about? And what would happen if she were unable to answer his questions?

----------

"InuYasha, slow down! You must calm yourself and think things through rationally. If you don't you will put us all, including Kagome, in danger." Miroku's words were finally sinking into InuYasha. He slowed down and turned to his friends.
"Kagome is all that matters now. I won't sit by while Naraku hurts her," he said stubbornly.

"InuYasha, we all want to save Kagome. But if we rush to Naraku with no plan of action he will most likely slaughter us all."

"Miroku's right, InuYasha," piped up Sango. "Naraku is most likely setting a trap for you. He knows you care for Kagome so he will use her to hurt you."

Sango of course knew of Naraku's mind games first hand. He held her young brother, Kohaku, under his power. Nothing hurt Sango worse than knowing such an evil person had Kohaku. And now he also had her dear friend Kagome. Yes, Sango also desperately wanted revenge. But Miroku spoke the truth.

At present, they are nearly defenseless and Naraku knew it. Why else would he send such petty demons to distract them while he kidnapped Kagome? It was his way of taunting them. He knew that coming for Kagome would be suicide.

"InuYasha, Naraku knows that we are vulnerable. Sending those weak demons to fight us earlier was his way of toying with us," Sango's words enraged InuYasha.

"Speak for yourself, Sango. I am NOT vulnerable, and those demons were a piece of cake to fight," InuYasha stomped off from his friends.

"Damn!" Thoughts and worries of Kagome were floating through his mind. "If he lays one hand on her, I'll tear it off!"

-----------

Sesshoumaru finally stopped at a large castle that appeared to be in a secluded area. As he set Kagome on the ground, he looked around expectantly.

"Rin, you may come out now," Kagome stared in surprise as a small human girl came out from behind a bush, with a huge smile on her face.

"Lord Sesshoumaru! We missed you!" The demon lord looked down at the human child.

"I trust you behaved yourself while I was away"

"Oh yes Lord Sesshoumaru, I had fun playing with Jaken," Sesshoumaru nodded and then turned to Kagome.

"This is my charge. Her name is Rin. I am sure the two of you will get along well. I have seen how you treat the young fox cub that travels with you." She could hear that it was not so much a comment but an order. She turned to the small girl who looked up to her expectantly.

"Hello, Rin, my name is Kagome." The young girl beamed a smile at her that warmed her heart.

Sesshoumaru then ordered them all to follow him inside the castle. He turned to Kagome and informed her that fleeing would be pointless as it would only anger him, and there was no way that she could get away. He then retreated leaving her to be entertained by the young child, who had not stopped talking since Sesshoumaru and she had arrived. As she watched Rin, her mind began swirling with questions. Who was this young child, and why was she with Sesshoumaru?

'I thought he hated humans, and yet here he is with a human child.' Not only did he have a human child as his charge, but Kagome was sure there was a fleeting look of warmth on his face when the girl came running out from behind the bushes. And the girl herself was not at all afraid of him. In fact, she really seemed to like him.

Kagome had realized that not once had this young girl been present during a battle. 'Well, at least he thinks enough of her to keep her out of harms way,' she thought to herself and she watched the young girl skip about her laughing happily.

‘Well, I'm stuck here for now. InuYasha doesn't even have a clue that I'm with Sesshoumaru, so I might as well make the most of it.’ She thought to herself. She then began talking to the young girl, and eventually started playing games with her. Despite being Sesshoumaru's captive, Kagome felt quite safe. And she was enjoying the young girls company. Rin was an angelic child, what was she doing with such a heartless demon?

Sesshoumaru watched the two of them from the doorway. Though he was not pleased about having her here, she was treating Rin very well. The look of happiness on Rin's face softened him slightly. Kagome looked up as the great Lord entered the room.

"I am leaving now, I expect you to remain here. Rin, behave yourself while I am away." At that he turned and left.

------------

InuYasha and the others had been traveling for some time. 'I can still smell her scent,' he thought to himself. 'Kagome, I hope you're okay'.

Miroku and Sango looked at InuYasha with pity in their eyes; it was obvious that he was in pain. Deep down, he was reliving Kikyo all over again. The thought of losing another woman to Naraku was nearly unbearable.

InuYasha stopped abruptly as he began to pick up another familiar scent.

"Sesshoumaru!" Miroku and Sango both looked to him.

"Do you think your brother is near by, InuYasha?" Sango asked. InuYasha just looked back to his friends and nodded. Moments later the great demon Lord appeared before them.

"What do you want, Sesshoumaru? I don't have time to play games," snarled InuYasha.

"I'm sure you don't brother. I’m sure you are far too busy tracking Naraku and your lost companion." A look of shock spread over their faces.

"We're you involved in this Sesshoumaru?" Growled InuYasha.

"I have less than no desire to help Naraku or to have your wench. However, she is at my castle and there she will remain."

InuYasha became overwhelmed with both relief and anger. If Kagome were with Sesshoumaru, then at least she was still alive. But his brother was not a much better fate for Kagome.

"Why is it that you have Kagome, if you are not involved with Naraku? We know it was Naraku that kidnapped her, because he unleashed his poisonous insects,” the half demon questioned suspiciously.

"True, it was Naraku that took your comrade. But it is in my best interest that he not keep her. He intends to use her to produce a child, borne of both demon and priestess powers. I will not allow this to be. Until you learn to use your sword, you are incapable of keeping Naraku away from her. When you master your new Tetsusaiga, little brother, you can retrieve your wench."

InuYasha could feel his blood boiling. Watching from the side, Miroku noticed the changed come on.

"Sango, step back. I don't understand it but InuYasha is about to take on his demon form."

"But he still has the Tetsusaiga," replied a wide eye Sango.

Both stood helplessly as InuYasha transformed and went after his older brother. Even in his full demon state he was no match for Sesshoumaru.

For reasons Miroku did not understand, Sesshoumaru did not pull his sword on his younger brother. Instead, he appeared to be wearing him down. After several moments of this, InuYasha finally made contact with his older sibling. He brought his claws down sharply across the demon Lords chest.

Finally, tired of fighting his brother, he gave him a hard blow to the head. InuYasha, worn down from worry and fatigue, fell lifelessly to the ground. The Demon Lord then turned to the monk.

"When he wakes he will once again be a mere half breed, make him understand that I will not part with the young Priestess as long as Naraku desires to claim her."

[maddie]

Chapter Four:
Healing Wounds

*********************

Kagome wasn't sure where Sesshoumaru had gone, but it was clear that he trusted she would stay with Rin. Not that she could have run off if she wanted to. She had no idea where she was and didn't want Naraku to come after here again. For now she was content playing games with Rin.

“I want to draw a picture for Lord Sesshoumaru,” the young girl announced cheerfully. She watched as Rin began to draw and once again wondered why such a sweet girl was with Sesshoumaru.
“Rin, why do you live here with Sesshoumaru? Where are your parents?”

“I like living with Jaken and Lord Sesshoumaru. Lord Sesshoumaru saved me after I died.” Kagome was shocked; Sesshoumaru brought Rin back from the dead? This didn’t make any sense. Noting that the girl did not answer the question about her parents, Kagome decided it was better to leave the subject alone.

Hours later Sesshoumaru appeared at the castle again. To her surprise he did not immediately seek her out to see if she had stayed. ‘Of course he doesn’t need to seek me out. I’m sure he can still tell I’m here just by my scent.’

Sesshoumaru did not want Rin to see him injured, he knew the young girl would not handle the sight of his blood well. After cleaning himself, he went and found the two young girls still playing together. Rin looked enchanted with her newfound playmate.

Though he would never admit it, his brother had dealt him quite a blow. His chest held a deep wound. He had not expected such a reaction from InuYasha. The young priestess looked up to see him standing in the doorway. She instinctively looked towards his chest as though she could see his wound. He gave her a warning look and then looked toward Rin. The human seemed to understand his meaning and did not say anything about his injuries.

“Rin, did you behave yourself while I was away?”
“Lord Sesshoumaru!” exclaimed the young girl.

“I really like Kagome! We played many games today! Can Kagome stay with us?” The demon looked down at the child.

“Rin, it is time for you to go to sleep now,” the girl immediately stood up and walked towards Kagome.

“Good night Kagome,” she then reached her arms out and the older girl embraced her.

The whole time Sesshoumaru watched with interest. The gestures between humans were still a mystery to him.

He turned to Kagome before he left with Rin, “I will return soon. I would like to speak with you before you go to sleep tonight.” Kagome waited patiently for Sesshoumaru to return. What choice did she have?

Sesshoumaru returned and told Kagome to follow him. She could tell he had suffered some form of injury today, but was unsure how. He led to a large room, where he sat and ordered her to do the same. The demon just looked at her, seeming to contemplate what he was about to tell her. Or perhaps he was just contemplating her. Kagome could take the silence no more.

“You’ve been injured. Will you be okay?” The demon Lord was taken aback. The very fact that she knew of his injury when he had not shown any signs of pain baffled him. But more so was the sound of concern in the girl’s voice when she spoke to him.

“My injuries were minor, InuYasha is only a half breed and unable to inflict more than flesh wounds.”

“InuYasha is the one that caused your wounds?” The demon Lord could see the look of concern on her face.

“I did not harm him, if that is your fear. I merely informed him that you are here and will remain so for the time being.”

“But, why did he attack you?” the humans constant questions were becoming an annoyance to him, but he chose to humor her for the time being.

“InuYasha became enraged when I told him you were here, and I had no intentions of letting you leave. He then let his demon half take him over and he attempted to attack me. I left him unconscious, with word to the monk to not let it happen again.” Kagome’s mind began to race. InuYasha transformed into his demon self again.
'Oh InuYasha, please be careful. I am safe, so please don’t worry about me.'

*********************

Miroku watched attentively as InuYasha began to stir. Just as Sesshoumaru said, he awakened to his normal state.

“Miroku, what happened?”

“It would appear that you became so enraged that even the Tetsusaiga could not keep your demon self hidden. InuYasha, perhaps since you are unable to use the Tetsusaiga and it no longer contains the full protection of your father, it has lost some ability to keep you from changing. You must keep yourself calm. Until you master the sword and learn to depend upon your own strength, you are vulnerable to these transformations. For now, I believe Kagome is safe with Sesshoumaru.”

“What are you talking about, Miroku? Do you think we should just leave Kagome with Sesshoumaru?” He asked the monk incredulously.

“InuYasha, Sesshoumaru said that Naraku intends to take Kagome so that she can bear his child. A child that would possess the power of both demon and priestess. Such a child would wreak havoc on the Earth. It is best that Kagome be well protected now. As evil as Sesshoumaru is, he can protect her better than we. For now we must think of Kagome’s safety.”

Hearing those words cut through InuYasha. HE was supposed to protect Kagome. Now she was with his brother, whom he didn’t even trust. And even though he didn’t want to admit it, Kagome probably was safer with Sesshoumaru for the time being.

“I will not rest until I master this Tetsusaiga and can protect Kagome again,” Miroku put his hand on InuYasha’s shoulder. He knew his friend was in great pain and nothing he could do would help to ease it.

“InuYasha, be thankful that Kagome is alive and not with Naraku. If Sesshoumaru intended any harm towards her, he would not have sought you out to inform you of her whereabouts. I’m sure he knows the devastation a child borne of Naraku could cause and is taking it upon himself to keep her away from Naraku.” Miroku watched as a broken but determined InuYasha walked towards a nearby field. No doubt to practice working with the Tetsusaiga.

*********************

Kagome sat nervously across from Sesshoumaru. She could sense that he was in pain, though he would never show it. He had begun asking her questions about her past and where she came from. At first he seemed to only want knowledge but after she began describing her own era and the details about her passing from one time to the next, the demon lord appeared to show an interest in what she had to say.

There was an awkward moment of silence, as though Sesshoumaru was trying to figure something out. He then looked at the young girl and asked her why she continued to come back to this era when she was in constant danger here. Kagome thought about this and told him that she cared greatly for her friends here and would never abandon them. Sesshoumaru was truly surprised by this answer. He had not known a human to show such honor and dignity. Kagome saw his face soften, as though he approved of her answer. She then decided it was time to bring up his wounds.

“I know you’re in pain, even though you don’t show it. I can sense it. Would you like me to look at your wound? Kaede taught me a lot about herbs and medicines. I also have antiseptics from my own era that can help keep a wound clean and help it heal sooner.”

“Demons do not feel pain as humans do. I do not require your assistance.” Sesshoumaru was taken completely off guard by her question. Why would a human that he himself had tried to kill, want to help him? Kagome knew that he would answer this way, but knew she could help him, if he would only let her.

“Look, I know that you don’t believe in letting a human help you. But if Naraku finds out you are injured he will probably come after me again. If you’re injured you may not be able to stop him. And next time Rin could be hurt as well.”

She could tell this was finally having an effect on him. Demon though he was, he had a soft spot for Rin and did not want to see her hurt. He looked at Kagome with his emotionless face, and gave a slight nod. She took this to mean, he would not ask for her help but would also not refuse it.
She grabbed her first aid material out of her bag, and walked towards the demon lord. He had not taken his eyes off of her. His intense stare unnerved her. She could never tell what he was thinking. He stiffened slightly when she began removing his robe. The gash was much worse than she anticipated. Though it was not terrible, it was very deep. She was going to have to sew it up, and she was not sure how he would react to this.
As Kagome began to clean his wound the demon looked down at her. He was confused by her concern for him. No human had expressed a desire to help him before. Most had wanted him dead. As she continued to cleanse his wound, he noticed that she was nervous.

“You’re name, girl...it is Kagome?” She looked up in surprise. He had yet to refer to her by her name.
“Yes it is.”

“Kagome, Rin enjoys your company. I hope that while you are here you can continue to keep her happy.”

“Oh yes, I adore her. She’s a wonderful little girl, reminds me of my little brother, Souta.” The demon continued to stare at her while she spoke.

“I am sure, you have asked her how she came to be with a brutal demon such as myself.” Kagome looked up into Sesshoumaru’s eyes and then looked away quickly.

“I did ask her why she’s here. She just told me that she likes you and that you saved her life.”

“It was just after InuYasha hit me with the full force of the Tetsusaiga. Rin came across me injured in the woods. The child did not fear me. Later she came back, beaten and bruised. The villagers had attacked her for stealing food. Apparently, her parents had been killed by demons of some sort. After I healed, I found her mauled to death. I would not allow such an injustice to happen to an innocent being that was undeserving of such a fate.” Kagome looked up again and found that Sesshoumaru was still watching her. He appeared to be studying her reaction.

“It’s terribly sad that Rin had to go through all that.” She focused on his injury and continued, “I suppose you can’t be that brutal if you could show such pity and compassion for her.”

Sesshoumaru watched the girl as she worked on cleaning his injury and began sewing it. He was surprised at the gentleness and care she used while dressing his wounds. He could tell she was still nervous, though he couldn’t blame her for that. As recently as yesterday they were enemies, and he would have killed her in an instant to get the Tetsusaiga if she had gotten in his way.
Now looking down at her, he saw more than a mere human. He saw a human that was capable of caring for a demon. He held respect for her loyalty to her comrades and her desire to help them in their quest, even though she could leave and never return anytime she chose. After she had finished bandaging his chest and began to put her supplies back into her bag, she turned back to him. For a brief second she swore she saw a soft look on his face. He then turned back to his emotionless demeanor. She then turned towards the door. As he stood to put his robe back on he called to her.

“Kagome, you tend to wounds well. It relieves me to know you will be here with Rin.” She looked up at him and had to smile.

“Thank you, Lord Sesshoumaru.”

[maddie]

Chapter Five:
Trying to Master Tetsusaiga

************

Miroku watched from a distance as InuYasha tried to wield his sword. He was so worried about Kagome that he was not focusing on the task at hand.

'Perhaps he just needs a target for which to wield it,' thought the monk. He then walked towards InuYasha.

"InuYasha, have you not mastered that sword yet?" He asked. "You make it look as though it weighs a ton," the monk was purposely baiting his friend in hopes that he would take his mind off of Kagome. InuYasha turned towards Miroku and glared menacingly.

"I would like to see YOU lift the Tetsusaiga Miroku! You would probably sprain your good groping hand," Miroku chuckled at the half demon’s sarcastic tone. At least he had gotten his attention.

"Come now, InuYasha, you are obviously over thinking this...or perhaps you are not thinking enough," InuYasha's eyes became fiery. Sango watched the exchange of words from a distance.

'Miroku is going to get himself killed, taunting InuYasha like that,’ she thought to herself. Her eyes widened, as Miroku raised his staff and brought it down on top of InuYasha's head. The blow was not hard, but enough to enrage the half demon.

"Come on InuYasha, raise your Tetsusaiga."

Shippo turned to Sango, "Why is Miroku teasing InuYasha?" She demon exterminator sighed heavily.

"I believe he is trying to upset InuYasha, so that he will desire to use the Tetsusaiga. Though with Miroku, he could just be looking for some entertainment."

The small fox demon had a sudden thought. There were a few beings that could enrage InuYasha instantly. Naraku and his brother, Sesshoumaru, but they just wouldn't be right for the job. Shippo walked to the trees and decided, he too would do his part to help the half demon master his Tetsusaiga.

InuYasha was doing his best to ignore Miroku, but he was really beginning to piss him off. Just then InuYasha heard a familiar voice coming from the forest and bristled. After everything they’d gone through, this was the last person he wanted deal with right now.

************

The days were going by slowly for Kagome. She had woken the first morning to find a beautiful Kimono in her room. After she put it on, she joined little Rin for breakfast. She wasn’t accustomed to having servants, but apparently the little girl was. Sesshoumaru did not appear until they were finished eating.

"Rin, Kagome; today you will remain inside. I do not wish to have you out in the open." With that he turned and walked away, leaving the two girls to return to the same room they had played in the day before. Though she enjoyed the little girl, being trapped inside with a child as her only companion was making her edgy.

After several tedious hours he appeared before them again. The demon again watched the young priestess playing with Rin. Something about her demeanor made him curious. Most humans would not tolerate being held captive, let alone stay in such a friendly mood. He had not seen her make any negative gestures towards the child. He then announced that their meal was prepared, and they were to eat now. As Kagome walked by she glanced at his chest. He noticed where her eyes focused.

"Later, after Rin has gone to sleep, I will allow you to change my bandages," he said and then led them to the dinning area, where he left them to enjoy their food.

************

"Hey Mutt Face! You taken’ good care of MY Kagome?" Miroku and InuYasha both turned to see Koga coming from the wooded area not far from them. The half demon’s blood began to boil instantly.

"What do you want, Koga?" The wolf demon strode towards them arrogantly.

"I heard a rumor that you had become a weakling, and I came to take Kagome from you. She needs the protection of a great warrior like me, not a mutt like you."

InuYasha went towards Koga but still couldn’t lift his sword properly.

"So the rumors are true then, Mutt face, you are just a pathetic weakling," he taunted.

Though InuYasha was still having troubles with the Tetsusaiga, he began to notice that it appeared less heavy.

You got something to say to me, wolf, come over here and say it to my face." Growled InuYasha.

Miroku watched the wolf demon with curiosity. Even if Koga could not draw out InuYasha's desire to use the Tetsusaiga, he could certainly get his mind off of Kagome for the time being. The wolf demon kept his distance and continued to hurl remarks at InuYasha. Finally, fed up InuYasha sheathed his sword and started towards Koga. Before he reached him, there was a pop and Shippo appeared.

"InuYasha, don't hurt me!" InuYasha's eye's bulged.

"Shippo you little brat, come here so I can sharpen my claws on you." The Fox kit broke into a run, and Kirara quickly picked him up and moved him to safety. InuYasha turned towards Miroku, who had tried "his best to suppress laughter.

"InuYasha, Shippo was merely trying to help you. He thought the sight of Kouga would give you the strength you need to possess in order to use your sword," The half demon looked towards the fox cub with a look that promised death.

"You try that again Shippo and I'll use you to practice with," he then pulled his sword again, and went back to his practice, leaving Miroku to return to Sango's side.

"InuYasha needs to concentrate. I fear that without Kagome here, he has no real desire to use the Tetsusaiga."

"Then perhaps you should go taunt him some more," she said with a hint of laughter in her voice.

"I think that for now its best we leave him alone. The sight of Koga made InuYasha irate. Taunting him would lead to senseless violence.”
The two then began to set up camp. It appeared they would be here for awhile.

************

It began to grow dark in the castle and once again Sesshoumaru appeared to inform Rin it was time for her to go to sleep. Rin immediately ran to Kagome and embraced her. The demon Lord watched again in mystery. He did not understand why humans that had spent an entire day together decided to embrace before sleeping.

He motioned for Kagome to follow them. After Rin was safely in bed Sesshoumaru and Kagome returned to the same room they had been in the night before. The demon lord took his seat and watched as Kagome retrieved fresh bandages from her bag. This time when she approached him he did not sense the same fear he had before. Kagome noticed that he watched her intensely again, but there seemed to be something different in his eyes.

Gone was the disdain that had been there. He now looked at her with a certain amount of respect. She noticed that this time when she began to remove his robe, he did not stiffen. He sat there in silence watching her remove the old dressing.

"You're wound is healing quite well. I always forget how easy it is for demons to heal themselves,” she said offhandedly. Rather than reply he just nodded his head. Something about his silence was bothering her.

"Sesshoumaru, is something the matter?" Her question caught him off guard. Did this human really care if something was troubling him?
"I have seen you with Rin. She enjoys you very much. I know she will feel disappointed when you return to my brother." Kagome looked up somewhat shocked. Was he saying he planned to release her?

"I care about Rin. I would still like to see her after I have returned, if that would be okay with you, Lord Sesshoumaru." The demon looked down at the young human. Was she really willing to return after she had gone back to his brother? He did not believe that she would lie about such a thing; she really did appear to care for Rin.

"Do you believe that after you have purified the Shikon Jewel, you will be safe in my presence?" Kagome looked up at the Demon Lord, he did not appear to be threatening her, but rather asking her an honest question.

"I believe that you wouldn’t want to upset Rin. And since she likes me, you wouldn’t hurt me." What the demon said next shocked Kagome.
"I would not harm you, though not entirely because of Rin. You have proven to me that you have dignity and respect. You have proven that you are not an ignorant human that wishes the death of demons. I will not bring you harm, because I have no desire to do so."

************

InuYasha was growing tired, though he would never show it to the others. Miroku again approached him.

"InuYasha, come over and get some rest. Continuing tonight, while you are so tired, is pointless. Besides Kagome is safe with Sesshoumaru." InuYasha's head spun around at the words that were spoken.

"That's it Miroku, you've been pissing me off all day!" With that, he sheathed his Tetsusaiga and lunged forward towards the monk. Miroku dodged him and took off in a full run. He knew InuYasha wouldn’t harm him; he was just blowing off steam. Behind him he heard shouts from InuYasha.

"Get back here and face me Miroku, you coward!"
'Apparently I should have tried saying that earlier,' a bemused Miroku thought as he continued to dodge the half demon’s ‘attacks’. Sango watched the scene before her and smiled. For now it seemed as though things were getting back to normal.

[maddie]

happy reading! ;D

[maddie]

Does this satisfy your hunger? ;D

[maddie]

WHO CHALLENGES ME?!?!? Who has an even better creativity level?!?!?! lol

[maddie]

i didn't mean it....

[luceph]

Oh Wow Maddie, that's incredibly cool!

and i dont even normally like Inuyasha (he's too puppy and not enough demony for my taste but whatever) but that story was exceedingly cool. So keep it up and stuff, very nice work.



p.s. i think you meant it

[maddie]

Ok i have to say something to everyone

I copied half of it then added parts, please forgive me Chad, it was hard to say this but MY dad told me to confess, or at least i think he did but please don't blame him…please!


P.S. Sorry!!! www.animespiral.com/categories.php?catid=6&parentcatid=6

[maddie]

by the way......TY!
;D

[luceph]

wherever i go, there i am.

well, at least it was a great work of pseudo-plagiarism ;D
and the parts that you added were cool Maddie so keep writing and stuff so of course you are forgiven

p.s. you're welcome


mmmm water

[maddie]

;D Ok thanks Chad and, anyway tell me does anyone want any of my other stories?

If so i just want to say thank you all (bows to all)

[luceph]

yep, i think you should post more of your stories and i am unanimous in that