A/N: I want to thank SmilingFool for helping to update and make this chapter better! I did go through and changed a few things, mainly a few spelling mistakes.
'Be My Queen'
Disclaimer: I do not own Rumiko Takahashi's Inuyasha Anime/Manga.
Inuyasha sighed, his ears pressed against his head as a single thought repeated once again without his notice. 'It's been two years since Kagome and Rin fell off that cliff into the river below and was washed away. That bastard, being a full demon couldn't even find them except the bloody rocks protruding out of the river. Even though Sesshomaru searched the river for hours, days, weeks, into months on end there was no trace of them. Kagome and Rin were gone. Everyone took it hard, hell I took it hard but not more than Sesshomaru he changed some more tolerant yet more volatile towards enemies and he still hasn't gotten over the loss. I think that's what happens when you finally learned to love someone and then lose them.'
"Grrrrwarrrr" An empty stomach growled. An irritated Inuyasha rubbed his tummy while looking down from the tree he perched himself in to his brother Sesshomaru who took up the cooking for the morning meal. He hated to say it but his brother could cook almost as good as Kagome. 'There you have it, another thought about her. Damn, I wish we knew what happened to their bodies, to give them a proper burial and to give us closure. Damn it Kagome, where are you..' Shippo jumped onto the branch pulled him from his thoughts.
"Whatdaya want runt?" Inuyasha questioned without the angry tone pulling the kit into his arms ruffling his hair as he held him.
"You were thinking about her again. I do that too and I heard Sango crying in Miroku's arms for the same reason." Shippo confessed looking into Inuyasha's eyes to read the emotion he saw there.
"I won't lie about that kit, we all miss them in our own ways and we deal with it as best as we can. Now, let get down I'm hungry." Shippo nodded hearing a growl come from Inuyasha's stomach. Laughing as he jumped up and away from him climbing down tree saying "Last one down is a rotten egg."
In no time flat Inu Yasha had Shippo by the tail saying how he won as the kit pouted. Looking at Sesshomaru, Inu Yasha just couldn't keep his mouth shut.
"Can't you hurry it up with that? I'm starving!" Inuyasha snapped as he sat against a tree watching as his elder brother prepared their meal.
"I just don't understand why you didn't let Sango cook it! She would've had it done by now..." The tick on Sesshomaru's right eye twitched alerting any who knew him that he was irritated.
"Silence brother, the food is almost done." Sesshomaru stated with a firm tone as he finished up on the morning meal.
"Yeah, yeah whatever." Inuyasha snorted and closed his eyes taking in the delicious scent of the food and something else. Yokai.
Sesshomaru suddenly stopped what he was doing and stood tall moving away from the fire hand on the hilt of his sword. He sniffed the air and growled uninvited yokai for the morning meal. Sesshomaru allowed the group of ten yokai to get close to his camp then flared out his aura letting them know they were on dangerous ground. The rest of the group had jumped to their feet and pulled out their weapons upon hearing Sesshomaru growl.
"What can you sense that I can't?" Inu Yasha silently questioned his ears swiveled to and fro picking up the grunts and growls of the yokai. His brother could sense things better than he could being full yokai and trusted his input.
"They are attempting on surrounding us. There are ten yokai. Out to satisfy their own means to an end." Sesshomaru replied with a smirk lunging forward through the trees before they could enter their camp.
Sesshomaru readied his claws almost invisible to the naked eye as he came upon a lizard yokai with his claws raised he sliced through the neck cleaving the head right off his first victim its red eyes dulled as the body fell to the ground, it's head flew against another tree. Sesshomaru didn't bother to stop to see his handy work, his feet took him to his next prey while Inu Yasha fought with the bear yokai. Sango and Miroku together already took out two more while Inu Yasha finished up the bear that proved to be a good fighter.
The inu tachi wasted no time in taking down those that dared to attack them for no cause. It was like Sesshomaru said a means to an end. The poor devils never stood a chance with how touchy he's been the last two years. They were actually surprised that anyone tried to attack them with Sesshomaru being among them. Gathering their wits about themselves as they looked over at each other, Sesshomaru was about to nod to his pack that the cost was clear when another familiar scent hit him like a ton of bricks causing him to stagger a few steps before regaining his composure.
*Flashback Two Years Ago. Months After Defeating Naraku*
After the defeat of Naraku, the once bidding love interest for Inuyasha seemed to have faded from Kagome's heart, mind and soul. A few months later that love interest turned to another being. Sesshomaru. Boy was Inu Yasha livid, he wanted to fight Sesshomaru because Kagome began to have feelings for him and he the ice cold lord of the west smiled at her was all the admission Inu Yasha had needed to go on a rampage swinging his sword like a crazed idiot he was.
With a good loud "SIT" Inu Yasha fell into his body shaped crater as another six "SIT" commands knocked him out. Kagome acknowledged her growing attraction to Sesshomaru who wouldn't, he was almost perfect something that called to her inner being had her heart beating fast any time he looked at her or gave that shy grin he seemed to do for her. Inu Yasha had no reason being angry. She had given him plenty of opportunities to begin a relationship but no...
He was stuck on a living clay doll of her former self. Thus she began giving up on the idea of them having a relationship there was no competing with a clay doll no matter how one looked at it. Kagome just wouldn't do it and she sat him until he would listen to her. When he finally caved Kagome told him what, why and all the good reasons her heart had moved on and that he needed to find closure. With that conversation, Inu Yasha finally accepted this growing need to be close to his brother or lose Kagome forever. Inu Yasha hid in trees within earshot to ensure Sesshomaru didn't hurt Kagome while in his company.
Lord Sesshomaru never knew how Kagome could be so selfless and understanding. The miko had many a good qualities about her especially being educated as well being from the future. She would tell him about her world how it differed from Feudal Era. They spoke in great lengths when they were not traveling. Eventually Sesshomaru began speaking of his own childhood, his parents, how he was left to his own devises when his parents went to war or the tricks he played on his retainer, an old crane.
They began to adore each other. Both raised a child be it human or yokai and they were their world and cared for them deeply. Sesshomaru came upon a realization after a story Kagome told Shippo and Rin that the strange feeling of what felt like butterflies in his stomach meant something more than his stomach being upset, his heart would beat faster than normal and dared he admit it to himself he blushed at times the miko caught him staring at her for no reason causing her to blush in return and patting her face with a smile.
He had overheard the kids talking about how they believed Kagome was in love with him. The miko loved him? Was that even, no he knew the answer however, he tried to deny it but the pang in his heart told him otherwise which made him look into himself and have a talk with his beast. Low and Behold the old dog had a lot to say. Sesshomaru did not leave his mind without a full blown blush upon his face. Yes, he too loved the miko Kagome.
Sesshomaru was not anything but thorough when he decided to do something. He needed to plan things accordingly otherwise the miko Kagome may disapprove of his actions. So he began planning with some help from the slayer and monk even recruited Rin and Shippo to keeping Kagome busy when he needed to take care of a few things hoping she'd like what he was doing for her. Falling in love was never an option for him. However, the Kami saw fit to throw a confusing miko into the mix luring him to the unknown.
As for Kagome, she had realized after spending so much time with Sesshomaru that she began to fall in love with him. She of course would not say anything to him until she knew for sure that this was the real thing. She didn't want to relive the story of her and Inu Yasha which was in no way healthy and there wasn't love lost between them. They were better off being friends. Kagome identified her feelings from what she felt for Inu Yasha to how she felt now for Sesshomaru. What she had with Inu Yasha was a bad crush and a promise to stay by his side willing or not but in the end she finally understood.
She could never have felt in love with Inu Yasha because he never returned her feelings and just could not get past Kikyo to actually see her. What she felt for the daiyokai was on a much larger scale now that she had time to look at it. Her feelings for Sesshomaru went deeper than she could have imagined. Was this truly how love felt? Unconditional, at peace, joy, protected but most of all loved in return it just floored her mind. Okay now she knew what the feelings were.
Love, yes she loved him however, she wanted to get to know him, his likes, dislikes besides Inu Yasha which everyone knew about. Most of all she wanted to know what he ate, how he slept, did he have some type of home or den, did he have more than one outfit, his favorite color which she suspected was white and red. Kagome wanted to know so much about him before she would let him on her secret and to see if he felt the same way before they had a sit down to discuss that further.
Days Later (Still in Flashback)
Kagome sat with closed eyes underneath the Goshinboku that made her feel connected to her family back in her time. 'I miss them so much.' She felt a tear trail down her cheek before feeling a warm finger wiped it away. Opening her eyes to see Sesshomaru staring back at her with concern written within his honey colored eyes. "Sesshomaru." She mumbled with a small smile upon her face.
"Kagome, what causes your tears?" Lord Sesshomaru asked quietly.
"I miss my family on the other side of the well. Since it's closed, I've just been missing them more. I've been able to cross over to visit whenever I could and now that the magic is gone its hard to believe I will never see them again." Kagome replied as more tears fall down her face. She felt Sesshomaru pull her against his chest. "Ses...Sessh.." Kagome said softly sniffling bracing herself against his armor for the hug he was giving to comfort her.
Lord Sesshomaru, didn't have much knowledge dealing with crying females, he did what his instincts told him to do. He held her to him allowing her to cry her tears before she fell asleep on him. A most primal thought came to his mind 'Mate with her, make her ours, give longer life. Family, must let mate see family again.' Sesshomaru knew than to argue with his beast. Looking down at Kagome as she slept, another thought filtered through his brain. What if she doesn't want to mate? she will die eventually. This last thought made him feel a sadness he had never felt before.
Sesshomaru carefully shifted Kagome into his lap as he sat down completely and cuddled her close to his chest. Days after that, Sesshomaru stayed close to Kagome in case she broke down again. Thankfully, it was a one time episode and she was back to the cheerful spitfire everyone knew and loved. Having a need to go check on his lands Sesshomaru informed Inu Yasha that he would be gone for two days to check on his lands and retrieve correspondences before heading back and to keep an eye out for Rin, and the miko.
Just as Sesshomaru told Inu Yasha, he returned two days later from a small trip to his castle. Walking through the village he could not pick up a fresh scent of Kagome or Rin which meant they were most likely on the hill on the outskirts of the village. Making his way to the hill of flowers that Rin loved to visit, what he observed had him smile. His females were huddled against each other as Rin slept and Kagome stroking her fingers through Rin's hair in a motherly fashion. Kagome looked up when she felt that he was close enough for her to look up at him without straining her neck in the process.
"Good afternoon, Sesshomaru." She smiled patting the ground next to her.
"Did Rin behave?" Sesshomaru asked as he sat down beside them.
"Yes, we had a marvelous time playing tag with Shippo and a few of the other kids from the village then Rin wanted to make flower crowns. So we made our way here." Kagome replied then leaned her head against his shoulder.
"I am pleased to hear that you, Rin and the kit had fun." Sesshomaru let out a contented growl when Kagome placed her hand on his twining her fingers with his. 'She appears more affectionate today' he thought happily.
Kagome was glad when Sesshomaru allowed her to snuggle against him 'This feels so right, and moko moko feels so so soft.' Suddenly she felt Sesshomaru stiffen. Waking Rin immediately Kagome got up from the ground dusting herself off, pulling Rin close to her and Sesshomaru for better protection. Kagome's aura searched out what caused Sesshomaru alarm. Oh no this was not good. A hoard of oni was making their way towards them and the village.
Sesshomaru flexed his feet and growled for Kagome to get themselves to safety. Kagome nodded then took Rin's hand running towards the village screaming Inu Yasha's name. Once she saw him she didn't need to tell him, he sensed them as well. Inu Yasha bounded over them to his brother racing towards the hoard before they could get to the village. Kagome and Rin were close to the village when a lumbering gray and red oni with a horn protruding its head almost clobbered them.
Screaming at the top of their lungs Kagome erected a barrier around Rin telling her to head for the village where it was safer. Distracting the oni Kagome made sure to use a stick to hit him with taking the brunt of the kick as Rin ran towards the village when she screamed. Another oni picked up Rin by her kimono shaking her. Not wasting time Kagome placed her hands on the oni she was dealing with and shot purification into his body making him laugh as he backhanded her.
Kagome's body hit the ground with a hard thud. Unable to figure out why her powers weren't working Kagome made a dash to Rin who just now fell do to her kimono ripping allowing her to fall from the red and blue oni grip. Kagome knew they'd have bruises but they had to escape before looking them over. Kagome reached Rin pulling her up and started running towards what she thought was the village when she looked up a cry left her throat when a well place hit to the middle of her back made her cry out as she stumbled to catch her step.
The oni had thrown a large rock at her back, the pain literally knocked the air from her lungs. The pain rushed from her back up to her head and down to toes it was excruciating however, Kagome had been through worse so she kept up for as long as she could. "Rin you have to run, you have to be safe. Its hard for me to fight these oni when I fear for your life. I need you to promise me that you will run when I say. No matter what you have to run towards Sesshomaru. He's the only one that can save us." Kagome did her best to put enough reiki into the ofuda Miroku gave to her for emergencies and this called for it.
Slapping the ofuda onto Rin's chest the ofuda glowed blue for a moment the barrier was in place. For some unknown reason her reiki appeared depleted and she couldn't figure out why. Did that oni have something to do with her reiki? Come to think of it... There was that one time when they fought a blue oni over a year ago that somehow snuffed out her reiki with some kind of fine powder. Could it be the same stuff? Rin screamed alerting Kagome that they had company. Looking up over Rin she saw the oni lumbering towards them a limp in its step. At least she managed to hurt it.
"Okay Rin, I need you to get ready to run. I'll be right behind you." Kagome pointed Rin in the direction she felt Sesshomaru in.
"You and the girl are going no where" The oni snarled taking a large step forward to make a run of it in order to catch them both. "I'll kill you then the girl" Kagome looked taken back then pushed Rin to run.
"Rin, run honey, run... Don't stop. I'm right behind you." Kagome made sure Rin was a good twenty paces before she darted back to the oni clipping his leg with her body hoping to knock him down.
Kagome gasped the pain in her back caused her to fall allowing the oni to pick her up by her ponytail lifting her off the ground. Kagome tried summoning her powers again and again but only sparks. The oni pulled Kagome to him licking her as she tried swinging her arms to hit it with no luck. Then she heard it. Rin's scream made every nerve ending electrify Kagome's eyes widen when she watch a another oni shriek from pain the barrier caused slowly purifying it as the oni smacked Rin off her feet sending her flying toward the cliff. Her little body rolling till it dangled close to the edge.
"RIN! No!" Kagome yelled fear gripping her heart if the child should fall before she could get to her.
Rin struggled to hold onto an outcropped dying twigs trying to get to her feet. Kagome couldn't wait any longer she needed to help her. Praying the Kami heard her she gathered all that she could and forced the reiki into her legs. Being held by her hair gave Kagome the momentum she was looking for. Swinging herself to and fro she kept her eyes on Rin as she began to stand up. The edge caved, Rin began to slip as a scream tore through Kagome her purifying powers turned the oni holding her to ash as she fell into a run to save Rin.
"Rin!" She felt another burst of power explode throughout the area, killing any other oni nearby. She saw Rin's tiny hand grasping the roots kneeling down Kagome grabbed Rin's tiny wrist into her hands holding onto her. "I won't let you go, I promise Rin." In turn Rin nodded tears falling freely.
"I'm going to pull you up Rin, I need your other hand to grasp onto my other hand okay?" Rin did as she was told and Kagome began pulling her up slowly. But in doing so caused the edge to crumble even further.
Kagome screamed in pure fear as her own body fell from the cliff pulling Rin into her embrace for added protection. They both screamed "Lord Sesshomaru Help!" Hope bloomed in her heart Knowing he was closing in on them.
It happened within seconds even though it seemed longer it was only about three to five seconds when she cradled Rin into herself as she saw the rock protruding from the river then all went dark. Sesshomaru heard their screams within a heartbeat he watched his females hit rock bottom his body followed right after in search for them. The rushing and twisting river water flowed fast he jumped out of the river to dive right back in spotting blood on the rocks.
A few minutes later the inu tachi began looking on the sides of the river going downstream they followed with heavy hearts. Calling for Kagome and Rin. No replies were heard Sesshomaru kept up his search for days, weeks, months on end his senses told him he was close. But could not find any trace of them. They were gone. His chosen mate, and daughter gone from his life. He transformed into his beast nothing could console him. He refused to believe they were dead. His anger was something no one dared get in the way of especially when Sesshomaru decided to teach the oni clan a lesson for attacking what was his.
Sesshomaru in beast form flew to the southern mountains where the oni clan lived. They would pay the price for his females missing. Not one oni lived to make another grave error. Heading back to Edo where his pack lived Sesshomaru howl of grief was heard for miles. No one said anything to disturb his rest except Inu Yasha who still blamed the death of Kagome and Rin on him when he knew it was not his fault. Inu Yasha needed to vent his anger and it looked like Sesshomaru needed venting as well. With a mad dash the fight was on. The only difference, no swords were used in this bout winner would become Alpha.
*End Flashback*
Sesshomaru had just come back from the Western Keep doing his rounds. He brought back a heavy load of supplies and equipment as they made their way further down river into the Eastern Lands. Sesshomaru sent correspondences to all the lords for their upcoming trading agreements next month. After hours of traveling they decided to take a break and search for more clues. Sesshomaru kept vigil over his packs health and regard. Taking a drink form his tin cup Sesshomaru raised his head in alert.
The inu tachi readied themselves for whoever thought to disturb their break. If they wanted to fight a fight they would get. Sesshomaru just narrowed his eyes taking in the scents and power that called to him. Three yokai dropped to their knees facing Sesshomaru. Inu Yasha was on them like bees on honey he still didn't like his half brother but no one dared attack Sesshomaru with his back turned.
"Who the hell are you?!" Inuyasha snapped as he pointed his sword at the closet demon to him.
A yokai male having golden hair and green eyes dressed in spiked black and gold armor seemed to be the brains of the outfit raised his head looking at Inu Yasha then to Sesshomaru.
"Put your sword away, Inu Yasha. If they were looking for a fight they would have attacked rather than kneel." Sesshomaru told his brother. His nose picked up a scent off them. His golden eyes narrowed even more knowing who they had been in contact with. But the question was who were they.
"Forgive our intrusion Lord Sesshomaru." The yokai bowed his head in respect. Then raised his head to look at Inu Yasha. "Again, forgive our intrusion Lord Inu Yasha. We have come to escort you to the stronghold."
"Like hell I will! How the hell do you know who I am? And what's with this 'Lord' crap!" Inuyasha shouted as he bared his teeth at the kneeling yokai.
"Enough Inu Yasha. Use your nose for once. What do you smell.." The yokai was pleased Sesshomaru knew but had reservations on Inu Yasha. He seemed kind of childish. But did as Lord Sesshomaru bade him to do and the hanyo took a good sniff. Then another and another until it seemed his brain short circuited making him look dopey.
"State your rank, name and how have you come upon This ones pack members?" Sesshomaru questioned with his sword out on the yokai throat waiting for the answer.
"I am Captain Natsu. I am one of Lady Kagome and Lady Rin's stronghold guards. These two at my side are guardsmen Ryo and Cho we help protect the stronghold." All three bowed once before standing. Sango stepped towards Natsu.
"You know Kagome and Rin? They are alive?" Sango choked tears already falling down her face waiting for his answer.
"Yes, Lady Kagome had sent us out to look for you months ago. We had gone to the Western Keep however, you were not there then to Edo, checked the well, then decided to double back once we caught Lord Sesshomaru's scent." Natsu stated, watching who must be named Sango the yokai slayer cry for her friend.
Miroku held Sango as she cried happy tears, Shippo nervously pulled the hakama pant leg gaining attention of Cho a beautiful golden haired green eyed female with identical armor pulled the kit into her arms handing him something Lady Kagome told to give him. Looking at it, Shippo wailed with happy tears. Kagome was alive and so was Rin. His top proves it. Kagome's scent is all over it.
"Tell this Sesshomaru how Kagome and Rin retained your care?" The captain was only allowed to give certain information the rest Lady Kagome would give.
"My brother and I were out hunting when we came to the river spying the bodies strewn across the rocky river bed. It appeared Lady Kagome took the brunt of the fall as Lady Rin had been kept in a barrier for added protection. We brought them to the healer where they stayed. Lady Rin woke seven days later but could not talk. Lady Kagome did not wake for almost six cycles of the moon." Natsu replied.
"I informed our late Lady of our find while hunting she decided that they would stay that their healing would continue." Sesshomaru took this all in slowly digesting everything being told. The yokai was not lying.
"You will take This Sesshomaru now." Came his order. Natsu did as instructed leading them to the stronghold. Catching the direction they were headed in he orbed himself to the the stronghold sensing Kagome and Rin his orb hit the ground with such furiosity causing a ten foot crater to appear where he now stood.
"Lord Sesshomaru, Lord Sesshomaru." Rin yelled as she ran and cartwheeled and flipped to him. Sesshomaru did not wait to pull her into his arms and sniff her to ensure she was well. Once his inspection of her was done. He spied Kagome giving orders.
*The inu tachi enter the stronghold.*
"Whoa..that's some stronghold, keep." Miroku muttered and Sango let out an agreement.
"Of course" Natsu chuckled "We all built it ourselves but it's not as amazing as Lord Sesshomaru's"
The sounds of fighting could be heard as they got closer.
"What's going-" Inuyasha began to speak but stopped upon seeing a familiar face "Kagome!"
Kagome roared as she charged toward who she was fighting, which turned out to be a small demon child. The child blocked her attacked then went to attack her but she blocked as well.
"What is Kagome doing? Why is she fighting that child?" Sango asked Natsu as the group stopped to watch the fight.
"She's training him" Natsu chuckled.
The demon child threw a small dagger at Kagome but she blocked it with her sword and swung at him. He blocked her attack before collapsing onto the ground unconscious.
"Hibiki!" Kagome gasped and rushed forward towards him. She quickly picked him up and cradled him close "Don't worry Hibiki." She said softly in a motherly way "I'll let you rest for a few days. it looks like I went a bit far with our training session..."
Kagome glanced up and spotted the group "Natsu, I see that your mission was successful"
"Thankfully nobody was injured when we arrived" Natsu gave a nervous laugh catching Sesshomaru's eyes on her every move.
"Kagome!" Sango and Shippo ran towards her but were stopped when guards went in front of their friend.
"Stand down" Kagome commanded the guards and smiled when they backed off.
"I've missed you all" She told them as tears appeared in her eyes. Shippo jumped into her embrace hugging the life from her. Enjoying her kits hug Kagome was finally at peace until He had to open his big mouth.
"Hey wench, don't tune me out like that you owe me some answers." Inu Yasha shot back already his emotions threatened to overwhelm him. "How come you never came back?" Inuyasha growled out.
"Because I was in a coma for six months, then when I did wake I had to relearn how to move, walk, talk, and eat. I have recently been cleared from the healer three months ago. Which is why I sent Natsu and his men to find you and bring you here. Satisfied now? Jerk.." Kagome was angry at how he assumed she didn't care about any of them. Couldn't he see she needed to heal and get better before moving?
"I now have a responsibility here." Kagome declared with mixed emotions speaking to Inu Yasha like a child. replied to Inu Yasha's comment. Turning her head the other way she spied Sesshomaru staring intently, sniffing he could scent her ensuring she was well. He never broke eye contact as he flashed in front of her his arms pulled her to him. Holding her close as he looked into her eyes he saw determination flicker in her blue/gray orbs.
"Responsibility! What responsibility? What responsibility could be more important than your friends!" Inuyasha snapped causing Kagome to flinch. He let out a snarl before storming off back towards the forest.
"Inuyasha!" Kagome called and struggled to get out of Sesshomaru's arms to follow Inuyasha but Inuyasha ignored her calls and continued onward.
Natsu stepped forward "Lady Kagome, I'll go after him to make sure he doesn't too far" He shifted into a small dog and ran off in the same direction as Inuyasha.
To be continued~