Elixir Trilogy by Serenity James
Elixir
Elixir
A soft slapping noise filled the room as the two sweat-slickened bodies met for each thrust. Kagome’s arms looped under his, her blunt fingers leaving crescent-moon shaped on his shoulder blades, where they dug into the pale skin. His hands were placed on either side of her head as he lifted and pumped his hips against hers.
Sesshomaru felt her legs loosing their strength and grabbed a thigh, pausing only to hike it onto his shoulder. He looked back at her flushed face, a fire burning in his golden eyes. The dominating look he gave her made a shiver run down her spine to pool in her belly and trickle out of her currently filled opening. He repositioned his knees on the soft futon bedding, nearly pulling out of her as he did so. His free hand went to her bottom, positioning her closer as he plunged into her as deep as possible.
Kagome screamed as a spot was hit within her that triggered her meltdown. She was so aroused, yet her release seemed so far away at the moment. They had done it so many times tonight that she had lost count. But while she was in utter bliss with this pleasure, it also meant a prolonged release.
She could sense he was getting closer now. His dick--she could feel--was certainly not getting any harder than this. Surprisingly, they had made love enough times that she could feel how aroused he was from his aura. As for his dick, it seemed as if he was always hard. However, some nights he was more aroused then others.
He growled low and it made Kagome’s arousal spike. His sounds were another thing she had memorized by now. This one he made was low in his throat and--had he been human--would’ve come out as more of a pleasured grunt.
He bent his head down, coming onto his elbow to pull a hardened nipple into his mouth. Kagome cried out as he tugged on it with his teeth, the pain and pleasure swirling together down to her core. He loved tweaking, nipping, and or laving her nipples.
Sesshomaru pulled back to simply look at his work and smirked, an expression only she had ever seen. Her little buds were flushed a deep rosy color against her milky breasts; some parts turning a light purple like the marks on her neck. He loved putting “hickeys”, as the humans so called them, all along her neck. He loved seeing her trying to hide them from family and friends. However, he always placed one in the most visible of places in which she could not cover.
Once she had placed oil-based concealer on one and he was furious. He despised the chemicals of make-up and made her throw practically everything out. She had simply taken his anger and gone with his wishes, as she did on most issues. She was a good mate, never spoke against him in front of dignified others, agreed to most of his ridiculous rules and had actually advanced his position more then anyone knew. Yes, she was an excellent mate and this is how he showed her his appreciation; loving her body, kissing and worshiping every inch of her.
He kissed the bud one last time before focusing on finally finishing this session. He knew she was tired and he was wearing out too. They had been rutting now for several hours and they would need sleep soon or they just might die. He looked up to her face, which was masked in pleasure. Her cheeks were tinted a beautiful red and she was panting and whining, her own way of asking—no—pleading for release. He pulled almost all the way out and plunged back in, repeating this process as he watched her through half lidded eyes.
God, she was still so tight due to her small frame. It felt so good the way she would squeeze him like this, her body naturally milking him of his seed. She was a delight to play with. He was constantly touching her, pleasuring her, releasing inside her, and rubbing her stomach as if he was trying to get her insides to soak it in. That thought always made her laugh.
Sesshomaru could feel the release nearing as Kagome writhed, screaming below him in ecstasy. He reached down, pinching her clit a little, smirking when she screamed his name on her release. He only had to thrust a few more times before he too came, pumping his seed into her welcoming body.
Exhausted, he let his body collapse on hers, knowing that he wouldn’t crush her. His head rested just above Kagome’s heart and he listened to the soothing pounding as he felt himself nodding off. She stroked his hair lovingly, coaxing him into sleep before herself. Gods she loved this man. He was so sexy, passionate and, believe it or not, affectionate. But for one to find this affection, they had to first know what to look for.
The way he would gently kiss her, the way he would remove her clothes slowly, the way he would nuzzle her neck at night; all signs of affection that she had come to love. The only thing that bothered her was his thoughts on having children--pups as he called them. She could vividly remember a time a few months ago when the problem had shown its ugly face.
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After being together constantly for an entire month—rutting as he so called it--every night, she had found her period delayed. She had always been varying in the times, but now it was nearly a month late and she had some idea of what might have happened. She discussed it with him at the next possible moment and he said that she smelled too strongly of hormones that were linked to her period to tell.
Still, he said that he would support her.
However, during that same week he had called his brother into his office. Kagome had moved to knock on the door, holding a small pot of tea and some cups on a tray for them. The door was cracked a little and she could hear their voices, which gave her reason to pause.
“So what’s the damn problem? If she’s pregnant with a little brat, then shouldn’t you be happy?” Inuyasha grumbled.
“Inuyasha sit properly.” Sesshomaru scolded. “Do not mistake me, this Sesshomaru does in fact, wish to have an heir to his name. However, the problem of blood concerns me. While I would not reject my son, should he be hanyou, I would wish for my heir to be full Yokai.”
Kagome’s eyes lowered to the shaking tray. He had admitted to his brother that he would rather have a full-blood son; an indirect way of saying she wasn’t good enough because she was only able to produce half-blooded heirs.
“You’re an asshole! Kagome-“
“Is a wonderful mate and is more then worthy of her position.” He cut Inuyasha off. “However, because of my social standing, it is critical I have at least one full-blooded pup in my name.” She could hear him sigh and could only imagine him rubbing a temple or closing his eyes in annoyance. “I have resolved to consult Kagome about me acquiring a nigousan of sorts to bear me a full-blooded child.”
Kagome had to bite back a gasp at that, and ended up tasting blood from her lip instead. The thought of Sesshomaru in bed with another woman made her stomach sick and she was worried she might faint at any moment as a wave of dizziness took hold of her.
“ARE YOU KIDDING?!?” Inuyasha screamed. “Do you KNOW what that would do to Kagome?” He hissed.
“That is exactly why I wished to consult her first,” Sesshomaru growled.
“Kami, I still can’t believe you!” She could imagine Inuyasha pacing the floor now. “It ain’t the Warring States Era anymore. Many people of the Youkai Assembly have Hanyou children!”
Sesshomaru was silent for a moment. “I do not wish to discuss this further with you. I originally invited you to ask you about Hanyou children.”
A thump sounded and Kagome assumed Inuyasha sat back down. “Alright what do ya wanna know?” Kagome straightened herself, quickly deciding that she had to get her act together. She didn’t want Sesshomaru to know that she’d overheard and she was running out of time before he would smell her from outside the door. Using her knuckle, she rapped on the doorjamb.
“Come in.”
Kagome opened the door the rest of the way and forced a smile, which she felt to be very convincing. “Hey, I thought you both could use some tea.” She knelt by them, setting it down on the table.
Inuyasha’s ears perked up looking up at it. “I would love some, it smells delicious!”
“You like anything that includes boiling water don’t you?” Kagome giggled, placing a cup in front of him and poured some into his glass. Beside her Sesshomaru growled low in his throat, as was his way when she had done something wrong.
“Oh hush!” She didn’t even glance at him as she finished pouring, praying that he hadn’t notice the trembling of the pot in her hand. “I know you’re the Taiyoukai, Sesshomaru, but Inuyasha is a guest in your house and therefore I think he should be served first.” He seemed to accept this answer or simply didn’t want to argue now, so Sesshoumaru stayed silent as she poured his tea.
She could feel it in his aura he was irritated, but nothing he would forget in ten minutes or so. Once she was done, she crawled over to him and nuzzled him just under his neck as he had taught her, silently telling him she still viewed him as alpha. He softly growled back to show his affection in return.
Happy that he’d forgiven her, she pulled back with a genuine smile.“Alright! Lunch will be ready within the hour, I’ll bring it up for you.” She went back to the tray, putting the pot on the table and leaving the room.
Sesshomaru watched her as she left, knowing she had heard every word and planning on discussing the issue with her later.
And indeed they did discuss it later. Kagome cried, but both agreed there was plenty of time and they would talk about it in the semi-distant future.
Still the problem had really gotten to Kagome, giving her nightmares at night and burdening her heart in the day. Her turmoil was both relieved and heightened when she’d bled couple days after.
The morning after that, Sesshomaru announced that he had an unexpected business travel and would be gone for a week, starting tomorrow. That week of his absence had given her time to sob hysterically, fly into a rage, then decide that it was not in her nature to give up.
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Car horns blared around her as the traffic bustled by the group of pedestrians waiting for the signal to walk. Dressed in a heavy white coat with big black buttons along the front, Kagome waited too. It was chilly this morning, winter still clinging to the city here. The exhaust from the cars came out in thick white clouds against the cold air. Kagome could see her own breath puffing out in front of her as she shivered, looking back up at the black box with red lights inside.
The cars stopped in a row beside her as the red hand turned into a white man and she began to walk across with the rest of the crowd. Her tennis shoes made hardly any noise as they hit the pavement, practically running to get to the other side of the road. Tripping on the sidewalk, she caught herself, whipping around to glare at the spot as if it was the cement’s fault for her own clumsiness.
Still, Kagome continued to walk down to street, pulling out the slip of paper the address was written on. She looked up at the street sign matching her directions and smiled, now looking for the small building.
She regretted not bringing Hiroki--their driver--but she had to sneak out before he had returned from dropping off Lord Sesshomaru at the airport. No one--not even Hiroki--could know of what she had planned. Still, she would have liked to have him here to make sure that this part of town, which looked a little run-down and possibly gang-infested, was safe for her to travel in. The light of day would have to serve as reassurance that she wouldn’t run into unwanted trouble.
She passed by many shops on the side with bright lanterns painted with kanji, all of them very modern in design, but covered in filth, bars, and graffiti. Then there was the shop she had been looking for. Right in the middle of the shopping strip was an old store that looked like it was first built a century ago. Obaasan’s Igaku, the sign read, meaning Grandmother’s Medicine. Kagome stared at it from the street, then glanced from side to side to make sure she wasn’t being watched or followed.
Of course, she wasn’t.
Her stomach knotted at she looked up at the store, and she began to question if this was really what she wanted to do. Quickly dismissing her negative thoughts, she stepped up to the entrance and rapped on the doorframe.
“Come in child!” An elderly voice called past the shoji screens inside. Kagome kicked off her shoes, placing them on the rack inside as she walked inside of the shop. She hadn’t seen one as wonderfully traditional-looking as this was for several decades. The place was lined with shelves and shelves of roots, leaves, jarred animals, and every kind of ingredient you could imagine for ancient herbal remedies. Inside, an older woman was kneeling at a small table, grinding some herbs in a suribachi.
“Konnichiwa,” Kagome greeted, bowing in respect to the elder. She bowed back, looking up at her with aged brown eyes. The older woman was obviously Youkai with her pointed ears and long talons.
“What can I help you with?” She asked and Kagome joined her on the tatami floor.
Kagome bit her bottom lip before answering. “I have an issue with my mate, and I was hoping you might be able to help.” She closed her eyes as a stab of pain hit her in the stomach. “He wants a full-blooded heir and since I am human, I cannot give this to him.”
“A Nigousan might help there, not herbs,” she chuckled. “But you seem a little unwilling for that option.”
Kagome looked away, ashamed. “He’s a man of power, and I know I should accept it… but I can’t.” Her cheeks turned a pretty color of pink.
The old woman smiled. “Child, I have no doubt you are a good mate to Lord Sesshomaru.”
Kagome’s eyes widened, her head jerking back to the old woman. “You know who I am? How?! Oh, please don’t tell my mate!”
The elder laughed. “I will not tell your mate, as it is not my duty to do so.”
“How did you-?”
“All Youkai know the scent of the Taiyoukai. It would be foolish not to,” she dismissed with a wave, going back to grinding her herbs. “Surely you realize the reason he insists on a pure heir.”
Kagome nodded. “Yes, I was just hoping you might… I was told you could help me,” she prompted.
“How?” One of the elder’s eyebrows shot up in question, pausing in her grinding.
Kagome gripped the purse on her shoulder with both hands, trying not to reveal how shaky they were in her nervousness. She tried to open her mouth a few times, not quite sure how to phrase it. They both looked at each other for a moment before the old woman sighed.
“Alright, I will help you.”
Kagome looked hopefully at the woman.
“I have an old recipe for a concoction from my Obaasan given to her by her Obaasan. I can make you this elixir that you are somehow aware of, but it comes at a price.”
Kagome pulled her wallet from her purse, opening it. “I have plenty of-“
“Money is not all that should concern you. Besides, I am obligated as a subject of the Taiyoukai to produce this concoction without a fee.”
Kagome looked confusedly at her as she put her wallet back.
“The price I speak of will cost only you.” She rose, dusting off her old Miko robes. “This solution is made of several herbs including Chinese Angelica, Damiana, and Chiryoku Root,” she explained, pulling out several vials of herbs, roots and leaves. “The potion is measured out and drunk each day at the same time for one week, and it is very strong.”
“I don’t care, I’ll take it.” Kagome replied sternly.
The old woman brought the vials back and set them down on the table. “Listen to my warning, child, before you agree so freely,” she scolded, sticking a finger in her direction. She paused a moment before continuing--for dramatic effect, Kagome was sure.
“This mixture will reform your reproductive system so that it may produce Youkai children—as many as you want—and still remain as you are. However, I must warn you that its flavor is repulsive.”
Kagome cringed a little at this fault, wondering just how bad it would be. Hopefully she was exaggerating.
“That’s not all there is to it either. It will make you sick to your stomach; you’ll be throwing up almost constantly for an entire week. You will also experience pain that will only worsen with the dosage. Eventually, you will barely be able to move, barely conscious, and you will most likely run a terrible fever. Now, knowing all this, are you still willing to go through with it?”
Kagome barely paused a second to commit. Seeing the look on his face when he found out his child was of pure blood was all she needed.
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Kagome woke up early in the morning as Sesshomaru shifted off of her to get ready for work. She moaned, glancing over at him and smiling as he sat up, rubbing his eyes. Contrary to what most would’ve thought, Sesshomaru was not in anyway a morning person. He despised the early mornings and hated going to work. In fact, most of the time he arrived late.
She scooted closer to hip, blowing a raspberry there, laughing as he flinched away. Another deadly fact about the Taiyoukai was this one spot was ticklish to him. No one knew, of course, and for obvious reasons. It would “blow his image of a powerful, emotionless Youkai”. Kagome rolled her eyes.
“Kagome!” He snapped, though she could see the smile that was only caused by tickling behind the frown. Kagome pouted out her lip, wrapping her naked body against his leg and stroking his thigh.
“I’m sorry, Alpha. Please forgive me, Alpha. Let me make it up to you, Alpha.” She could see him shiver at her seductive tone and use of title.
She crawled over his leg, placing a hand on either thigh and kissing his currently flaccid cock. It came to life almost immediately, hardening little by little with the passing seconds. His upper half fell back, supported by his elbows as she began to work on his member. She nipped and sucked at the base of the shaft, coating the skin there with her saliva. She lifted the organ so she could pay attention to the patch of skin under it that was his favorite erogenous spot.
He growled, his head falling back as his erection was nearly completely hard. Kami it felt so good, but there was something pressing the back of his mind. He jumped a little, gasping in pleasure as she nipped him a little roughly. His eyes snapped open as he remembered the major meeting with two of his ally companies today.
He glanced over at the clock; he wouldn’t be on time if he didn’t leave soon. He pushed against her shoulder, though it was definitely weak and they both knew it. “Kagome, stop. I need to leave, I have a meeting.”
She looked up at him, then swallowed almost all of him. The pleasured cry he let out, nearly startled Kagome; he rarely made loud sex cries. She pumped her head up and down on his erection, sucking his as hard as she could, determined to finish him before he left.
Her hands moved to his sacs, massaging them roughly, just like he taught her felt best. Kagome could feel him trembling beneath her and judging by the tightening in his dick, she was positive he would come soon. She worked him harder then, satisfied when she heard him whine--something she knew she could never repeat to anyone.
She looked up at his face, pressing her nails lightly into his thigh. He recognized her request, looking down at her as she continued her assault on her. Kagome felt his skin jerk under her palms and pulled back, opening her mouth just enough for him to see his seed shoot into her waiting mouth. She closed her mouth, swallowing what he had given her, some of it dripping down her chin.
He laid down, panting as he regained himself. Kagome repositioned herself to lay on his stomach, comfortable with his member lying between her breasts, her head moving up and down with his breathing. She nuzzled against him as his breathing evened.
If he could’ve stayed there like that, he would’ve. But he knew he had to leave now if he had any hope of getting to work any time close to eight. He sat up, making Kagome move up to kneel between his legs.
He looked down at her, knowing that she wasn’t looking for him to give her pleasure in return and grateful for her understanding of his work schedule. He leaned forward; placing a kiss on her nose as a thank you for the gift she had just given him. She smiled, jumping off the bed and skipping over to the dresser.
“Who are you meeting today?” She asked as she opened the wooden doors.
“Matsuda and Kazuma,” he replied, getting up much slower than her. He turned, walking into the bathroom to do is business and brush his hair and teeth.
Kagome watched him as he passed, admiring the well-toned ass he had. God she loved it. GAH! Concentrate Kagome! She mentally cursed herself, shifting through the many nice outfits he owned. She settled for a nice, black, pantsuit with a pure white button-up and ice-blue tie.
She hung them on the hook inside the door, clenching her bare feet against the cool tatami mats below her. She also pulled out a pair of black socks and shiny, black dress shoes. Grabbing one of his robes from the closet, she put it on and belted it just as the phone rang.
Kagome walked over to the nightstand, grabbing it on the third ring.
“Moshimoshi.”
“Kagome, it’s Kirara. You called?”
“Kirara!” Kagome cried happily, looking toward the closed bathroom door for a moment. “Hold on one second,” she whispered, taking the handheld out to the balcony and sliding the screen door shut once she was out, making sure it was fully closed.
“Ok I’m back, I have to talk to you about something. I visited an old medicine woman almost a week ago and she has agreed to make a certain… concoction for me,” she spoke softly, though there wasn’t really a need for it.
“What kind of ‘concoction’?”
“I’ll tell you more about it later, but there is going to be some pretty bad side effects and I was wondering if you would stay with me this next week while Sesshomaru’s away.” Kagome bit her lip afraid Kirara might reject her.
“Of course. Anything for the mate of the Taiyoukai.”
Kagome smiled. “Thank you so much, I have to go now and I’ll call you again once Sesshomaru leaves.”
“…Kagome, does Sesshomaru know about this?”
Kagome paused for a moment, debating if she should lie or not. “No,” she decided Kirara deserved the truth. “I don’t intend on telling him. I want to surprise him.”
The door slid open.
“I have to go, bye Kirara.” She hung up quickly, turning to face Sesshomaru’s suspicious eyes.
He walked over to Kagome, looking her up and down as if reading her body language would tell him what she was hiding. “You know,” he began. “I am a very powerful Youkai and I have access to any information I want.” He backed her into the short wall of the balcony, the smooth paint cool against the light fabric of the robe.
She smiled, wrapping her arms around his neck, though her stomach flipped in excitement. “That may be true, but how are you so sure I’m not as equally cunning in hiding my transgressions?”
Sesshomaru placed his hands on her hips, rubbing his thumbs against her. He looked down at her lips, kissing them softly. “I’ll see you after work,” he whispered, kissing her forehead before leaving the way he came. His relaxed, confident walk told her he knew she wasn’t pulling anything big and trusted her.
The phone in her hand rang, the caller I.D. reading Unknown Caller. She shrugged, pressing the green button. “Moshimoshi.”
“Kagome Takashi?”
“Hai, this is her.” Kagome replied, wondering who was calling.
“I am calling on behalf of Obaasan’s Igaku, you stopped in here a week and a half ago?” The elderly voice shook on the phone.
“Oh Obaasan, gomen nasi. How are you?”
“Old. Of course, I’ve woken up that way for the past thirty years.”
Kagome laughed awkwardly, more out of respect than anything else.
“I called to tell you your medicine is finished, you may pick it up whenever you are available.”
Kagome bit her lip. “Well, my mate is leaving next week, on Tuesday. May I stop by then, some time between nine and ten?”
“Of course child.”
“Arigato, bye Obaasan.”
“Good bye.”
Kagome clicked off the phone, staring out at the city. In three days, she would be in the worst pain she had ever felt. A smile graced her lips.
It was worth it.
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“Are you positive you will survive my absence?” Sesshomaru asked cockily as the driver loaded the bags.
Kagome locked their hands, kissing his fingers. “It’ll be hard, but I will do my best,” she smirked back at him, glancing down at his lips before looking back up to his eyes.
“Sir, we should be on our way soon,” Hiroki reminded, closing the trunk firmly.
“Hai Hiroki!” Sesshomaru called, looking down at Kagome. “Good bye Mate.” He kissed her softly, his lips pressing against hers. Turning his head a little, he brushed his tongue across her lower lip; a request she instantly complied to, by opening her mouth a little.
Normally, this was where they would battle, challenging the other for dominance with their tongues. This time, they didn’t. Both of them caressed the others as if memorizing every inch, to keep it alive for the next week.
It was always like this before a trip. It almost made Kagome wish he would leave more often, though at the same time, she didn’t want him gone even for a night. The thought of the surprise waiting for him when he got home made her quite excited. And yet, something terrified her as well.
When he pulled back it was all too soon for Kagome and she found herself clutching his shirt. “Don’t go,” she whispered, her face wincing immediately after. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean that,” she chuckled awkwardly.
Sesshomaru allowed a slight frown to show through the mask. “I can sense your unease through the bond, what is troubling you mate?” True, all day she had seemed worried about some matter or another. However, unlike how she reacted usually, she seemed ultimately scared. “Perhaps I should cancel the-“
“No! I don’t want you to.” When he looked a little skeptical she added. “Shippo and Satsuki have been fighting lately and I just don’t know what to do.”
His expression turned relieved as he embraced her. “Do not fret. I assure you their relationship will survive through all of life’s curves.” He kissed her forehead. “Now I must go. Try not to demolish our home with Kirara while I’m away.”
Kagome already missed the warmth of his hand the second it left her face, it’s owner giving her a faint smile before putting on his mask and climbing into the car.
She stood there and waved--though she knew he would never wave back--until they had passed the gate and were no longer to be seen.
Once they were gone, she glanced down at her watch. Eight forty-five it read. Well, she better get going if she had any hopes of catching a ride with Kirara at nine.
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“Obaasan!” Kagome called, stepping into the small shop once again. The old hardwood floor creaked below her.
“Ahh, Kagome! Welcome back. I have your order right here.” She turned for a moment, coming back with a small tray full of corked vials. “Sit, I must explain,” she gestured with a wrinkled hand, before glancing curiously at the blonde beside Kagome. “Who is it you’ve brought with you?”
“This is my friend Kirara,” Kagome introduced the young cat-demon. “She agreed to stay with me this next week.”
The old woman nodded as she bowed in return to Kirara’s. “Always good to have friends around in your time of need.”
They all sat at a small, square table. The medicines were still on the tray, next to an empty cardboard box made for carrying glassware. “Now then, you are both aware of the effects she will be experiencing?”
“Hai,” both answered.
The old woman nodded. “Very well. I still, have created a list of side effects caused by the medicine that you should look over and sign to prevent any lawsuits.”
Kagome nodded, taking the list, reading it over. Cramps, muscle pain, achy body, vaginal bleeding, headache, nose bleeding, vomiting, bad eyesight, loss of appetite, drowsiness; all of these were included with few more. She accepted a pen, signing the document at the bottom.
“Here you are,” Kagome smiled and handed it back to her.
“Thank you,” Obaasan took it, placing a copy into a manila folder. “All right,” she sighed, picking up a vial labeled ‘1’ and filled with blue liquid. “This is the first dose, you should take it today when you get home and record the time. You must take it at the same time every day, and allow no more than five minutes difference,” she explained, putting it in one of the slots.
Next, she pulled out a second that looked a little greener labeled ‘2’. “This one should be taken tomorrow. Though the color looks different it is the same solution. However, it gets a little stronger as it goes on, unfortunately.” She slipped this into the next slot. She continued showing the rest of them, each of them turning greener until the last one was a pure, lime color.
Now she went to a larger vial with several white pills in it, explaining that they were to help ease the pain and when to take them. Also in the box was a large bottle of pink liquid that would help bring down a fever if she should have one.
“All of this is included on the back of the copy if you forget any of this.” Kagome and Kirara nodded, semi-relieved. “Kagome will need as much water and vitamins as you can safely give her. She should be awake enough in the morning and night to go to the bathroom, but you will need to assist her later in the week.”
“I will do whatever is necessary for the mate of the Taiyoukai,” Kirara nodded determinedly.
“Good,” Obaasan nodded.
“Arigato Obaasan.” Kagome nodded, rising from the table with Kirara, who grabbed the box. Kagome felt tears come to her eyes as she embraced the healer. “I really appreciate this.”
The old woman wrapped her arms around her as well. “Your mate will be very happy,” she whispered. “I’m sure she knows just how wonderful you are, going through all of this just for him.”
Kagome nodded, pulling back to wipe a few tears away. “He’s been there for me through the death of my Jii-chan, the heartbreak I suffered from my first love--his brother--and even helped me defeat-“
“Naraku, yes I remember you two from that time. You both passed my village back then, I’m afraid my face has aged but you were an inspiration to me. I improved my skills and became top healer of the village. I wish you both the best,” she smiled, patting Kagome on the hand. “Now get home so you can get this over with.”
They both laughed, but Kagome nodded, bowing before slipping on her shoes. She pulled out four hundred from her pocket, handing it to the old woman. “Please, take it. I will not sleep well without knowing I have at least shown you my gratitude.”
The old woman took it with aged hands. “I thank you Mrs. Takashi, for being such a wonderful person.” They both shared a smile before Kagome turned and left.
Kirara was already in the car by the time she stepped out giving her a big grin. “Well, are we ready to get home and begin with tonight torture?” A passing man looked at them both strangely as he passed, walking a little faster.
Both of them watched him, looking back at the other to laugh as Kagome jumped in. “I’m ready if you are.” She grinned. Kirara nodded, squealing off back to the house.
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Once they got Kagome fed, they began to set up space in the adjoining master guest bedrooms so the scent wouldn’t stay on Sesshomaru’s bed. They put a table close by to lay out the vials, along with a bowl next to Kagome in case of an emergency. New sheets were also purchased, to be thrown out undetected by the master of the house. They ran by the store also before they got Kagome settled, buying two dozen of the large Aquafina bottles. Kagome liked that water best and they decided to get enough that they would have some to spare.
“Okay.” Kirara clapped her hands together, turning to face Kagome who was wearing some comfy and very inexpensive blue pajamas with white dogs on them. They had been on sale at the store for ten dollars so they had gotten plenty of those as well. “Obaasan said to take this,” she handed her the blue liquid vial. “Then follow with this pill, and drink a lot of water.”
Kagome took the vial. It smelled bitter--like limes, salt, and orange peel. Not too bad, but not too great, either. She breathed in a shaky breath, trying to calm her nerves first.
Kirara sensed this, sitting down next to her and putting a hand on her knee. “You don’t have to do this,” she said softly. “Sesshomaru will love you no matter what.”
Kagome lowered the vial, looking at Kirara. “I know he will, but I don’t think I could love myself. Kirara, he protected me in the final battle. He loved me--really loved me--and made me feel worthy of living for once. How can I turn away this one chance to give him something equally as precious in return because I’m scared of a little pain. I want to do this Kirara.”
Kirara threw an arm around her. “I’ll be here Kagome, I won’t let you give up.” She smiled.
Kagome smiled back. “Arigato,” she looked back at the vial, downing its contents without further thought, the pill following soon after.
The syrup tasted liked it smelled; awful. Kirara handed her the bottle, taking the vial from her as she slowly drank a good portion of the water.
“How do you feel?” Kirara asked cautiously after a few moments.
Kagome frowned. “I feel…fine.” She shrugged. “I feel normal, I guess it hasn’t kicked in yet.”
Kirara took the water from her, placing it on the nightstand. “Well, it might take a few minutes. I would lie back while you wait,” Kirara walked over to the box to put the glass away as Kagome made herself comfortable.
This isn’t so bad, I just feel a little tingly, she thought. Suddenly a pang shot through her, starting with her lower abdomen and pulsing throughout her body. “AGH!” She tensed up, clutching her stomach.
“What’s wrong?” Kirara rushed to her side.
Kagome panted. “Guess it’s kicked in.” She cursed as another went through her. Her body was starting to feel hot. “It kinda feels like really bad cramps,” she admitted. “Like the kind that leave you lame in bed all day.”
Kirara chuckled with her. “Well, that’s not too bad then, right? Maybe Obaasan was just exaggerating to you and it won’t get much worse.”
Kagome winced as another sharp jolt went through her. “Hopefully. But I can handle it. No matter what, I’ll handle it.”
.
.
.
The phone rang, it’s tone echoing in the grand house. Kirara put down the rag she had been wiping Kagome’s brow with, answering it as she still held Kagome’s hand. The elixir hadn’t been too bad the first couple of days, but now Kagome was ill with a terrible fever that was dangerously close to lethal temperatures. Luckily, the pink liquid seemed to keep it at a reasonable level.
“Moshimoshi.”
There was a pause. “Kirara? What are you doing in my house?”
“Kagome…. Is a little sick, sir. I’ve been taking care of her for two days.”
Kagome paled a little, though her eyes were still closed and she was shaking from the chills. Licking her dry lips, she listened to Kirara talk, speaking reassurances to the Taiyoukai that his mate was simply ill with a cold.
“I would like to speak with my mate,” he growled.
Kirara looked down at her, covering the bottom of the phone. “The Taiyoukai wishes to speak with you. Can you manage?”
Kagome cracked open an eye and nodded with a small smile. A shaky hand reached for the phone. “Hello?” She cursed herself for allowing her voice to come out so shaky. She hadn’t intended for him to be alerted to her illness so suddenly.
“Kagome? Are you alright?” He asked worriedly.
“I’m fine. I just have a little cold,” she replied a little softer.
“I’ve been sensing your distress these past few days. I shall come back as soon as I am-“
“No!” She answered quickly. Probably a little too quickly, judging by the soft growl she heard. “You finish your stuff out there. Kirara is staying with me and we had a nurse come to see me. She gave me some medicine to take.”
He paused again. “Very well Kagome. If your symptoms worsen, then notify me immediately.”
“I will,” Kagome promised. She made a small growl-like noise in the back of her throat, which he copied with much better clarity and skill.
“You’re very brave, Kagome,” Kirara said, taking the phone from her.
Kagome snorted a little. Suddenly she squeezed her hand and Kirara grabbed the bowl they kept nearby, Kagome emptying a small amount of stomach acid into it. She hadn’t truly eaten anything since her first dosage. Well, she’d eaten, but she hadn’t kept it down.
She leaned back onto the bed, licking her lips and scrunching her face in disgust. “I’m sorry Kirara.”
Kirara waved her hand. “Don’t worry about it. But we should probably try to get some of those vitamins in you.” Kagome nodded, allowing Kirara to leave to dump the contents of the bowl. She was throwing it away after this, for certain.
When she returned, she handed Kagome the white pill along with the pink liquid and several vitamins. She was thankful for the small doses of medication that relieved the searing, stabbing pain in her stomach as well as the fever that had her shaking and uncomfortable for most of the night. Though, she feared tomorrow when the pain would be worse.
.
.
.
Kagome, I am calling to see how your condition is. I will expect a return call from you later tonight.
:
Kagome, I have not heard from you this evening. As your mate, I demand that you call me the moment you receive this.
:
Kagome, you failed to call me this morning. I demand you call me once this message has reached your ears.
:
Kagome, I demand that you call me back by this evening, or there will be consequences.
.
.
.
Day six.
The medication had taken its toll, to say the least. This morning, Kagome had torn the skin on her stomach with her nails, screaming in utter agony. Had the staff not been dismissed until Sesshomaru’s arrival, they would have thought the young cat-demon was killing her slowly. The fever also raged on, spiking to 106 degrees often and causing a great amount of concern for the care-taker.
Kagome had been delirious for several hours now, occasionally screaming and begging for it to stop, before calming enough to take in some water, try some broth—which would be thrown up soon after—and beg the gods to kill her.
To say it was taking an emotional toll on Kirara was an understatement.
Seeing the death of her owner—and dear friend—Sango, as well as Miroku and their children, had been terrible. But, she’d suffered with Kagome and powered through it. Kagome was one of the only one’s she’d connected with in the group, and was still alive. So, to see her begging for death while trying to mutilate her body, it was quite a shock.
Kirara had to keep Kagome’s hands in her line of vision, now. She was suffering through another spike in the process, and would try and tear at her abdomen again if she were given a chance. Her screams had softened to snarls through clenched teeth, but she was still wriggling around agitatedly.
“Be strong Kagome, you can make it through this,” Kirara whimpered. Suddenly, her ears twitched.
WHAM! Kirara looked to the door just at it splintered.
“Sir, please Kagome-“ She pleaded, just as Kagome started screaming and struggling again, like one who was possessed.
He was beside her in an instant, looming over Kirara menacingly. His eyes were bleeding red, poison threatening to drip from his readied claws. “What is going on?!” Luckily, Kagome seemed to quiet then, only writhing around violently now.
“W-we,” she struggled, trying to keep a hold on Kagome. “We got some-” she tried to swallow. “Medicine. Sir, please -”
His eyes narrowed. “What kind of medicine?”
Kirara winced, unsure of how to answer.
“It hurts,” Kagome suddenly sobbed, tears streaming down her cheeks.
Sesshomaru was by her side in an instant, gripping her frail hand in his own. “It hurts so bad please.” He stroked her cheek, minding his claws against her skin.
“Leave,” He commanded.
Kirara didn’t need a repeat and was quickly out the door. Once he knew they were alone, his face to fell into deep concern for his mate. He pulled down the blankets, the scent of blood assaulting his sensitive nose. Deep scratches were there, scabbing slightly in some areas where her nails had cut deep. He swallowed a lump in his throat at the sight and leaned down to run his tongue over the wounds, cleaning them and pressing in his saliva to help them heal faster as he held her down gently.
When he was done, she had fallen asleep and he settled down on her stomach, nuzzling it lightly. His face was turned towards her unconscious one, watching her troubled face as she slept, wondering why she would do something like this.
He could already smell the distinct herbs that were inside her body, as well at the “sickness” they must have been used for. It was unlike anything he’d smelled before and he had no idea what to make of it. Was it terminal? She had been fine when he’d left! What had happened?
Sitting up, he gently tugged down her shirt and pulled up the covers on his mate, tucking her in. She whimpered, shifting a little, but remained asleep.
Surely this “nurse” she’d spoken of earlier would have answers for him. As would his current houseguest.
Striding out of the room, he followed his nose until he found the young cat demon in his office. She was pale and reeked of fear, which only increased his anger. Yet, her submissive nature saved her—for now.
Instead of sitting on the other side of the desk, Sesshomaru walked straight over to the young cat-demon, stopping her from rising from the chair. She was terrified. Good.
“I want to know exactly what is going on, Neko, and you will tell me.” He narrowed his still reddened eyes at her.
She swallowed, her eyes wide as she looked up at him, nodding.
“Who was the nurse that diagnosed my mate with a cold?” He was going to kill her.
“N-no one, Sir.” The answer surprised him. “Kagome isn’t…sick exactly.”
Sesshomaru’s body tensed. Did this mean she was poisoned? Dying? Cursed? Whatever it was, he was going to see the end of whoever was causing this—even death, himself. “What is it, exactly?” He sneered down at her, his hand flexing at the thought of wringing her deceitful little throat.
“K-kagome took this elixir,” she stammered. “It’s supposed to, do something to her insides to make sure she can reproduce full-blooded heirs,” she explained. “That’s what she said!” She yelped, flinching as he moved.
One of his hands clenched at his side, acid dripping onto—and damaging—the tatami mats below. “And this elixir,” he snarled. “Is Kagome required to finish it?”
Kirara, who was shivering in fear, shook her head. “I-I don’t know I didn’t ask. Only Kagome would k-know…”
Sesshomaru growled, turning on his foot and lashing out at the nearest bookshelf. His vision was turning red as they spoke, and he knew he was on the verge of transforming into his natural form if he wasn’t careful. Kagome was going to be in so much trouble when she woke next. This was unacceptable.
Composing himself, he turned to look back at Kirara over his shoulder. “I want you to call the staff back and make sure they are here by tonight. Also, make sure that my office is notified that I will not be returning in the next few days, but do not explain why. After you have done this, I want you out of the house. If—and only if—I decide Kagome is allowed to correspond with you in the future, she will contact you. Understood?”
Kirara felt like she’d been shot in the chest, but she nodded. “I…I understand, Sir.”
.
.
.
“I want to know what gave you the idea that you should follow through with this nonsense.”
Kagome blinked, paling at the sight of her mate in the doorway. She’d only been up for a few minutes, startled to find herself being attended to by one of the familiar housemaids. She’d helped her to the bathroom and gotten her vitamins as well as the oatmeal she’d asked for, but answered no questions. The girl had a suspicion her mate was back, but it hadn’t been confirmed until now.
“W-what?” She whispered, her stomach flipping. The couple of hours before the next dosage only felt like she was on her period and not like a gremlin was in her stomach, ripping it to pieces.
“The elixir,” he informed her, walking into the room and taking a seat on the bed beside her. “I contacted the phone company, and contacted that small shop you visited a few weeks ago. To say I was surprised you would pull such a stunt is quite an understatement, Kagome.”
“Sesshomaru! One more dose,” she pleaded, already knowing where his conversation was going. “One more and it’s all over. Please?”
“No. I forbid you,” his golden eyes dropped to the creamy oatmeal in front of them, thanking the girl as he took it from her and dismissed her.
“Please, Alpha,” she begged, refusing the spoon of food.
He held it up again, giving her a soft growl that was a reprimand. “We have decided I will take a Youkai Nigousan. It is an acceptable route.”
The words blind-sided Kagome, who was so shocked that he would deny her after the whole week of Hell that she went through. It was unbelievable. When she felt the spoon tickle her lips, her fury exploded and she smacked away the spoon before taking the bowl and throwing it full-force into the wall.
“Kagome!” He snarled, baring his fangs.
“It’s not acceptable at all! Don’t you see?! I CAN’T STAND THE THOUGHT OF YOU TOUCHING ANOTHER WOMAN!” She sobbed into her hands for a few moments. “I can’t stand the thought of you sharing a bed with another,” she cried pathetically. “You told me once, I was your first because you didn’t want to stick your cock in an unworthy hole,” she hissed. “Well you might not have known much about sex back then, but I did! I know that if you would’ve had one other woman, whom you thought was worthy, you wouldn’t want me anymore,” she whispered. “I’m a no one, and I know that. If you find her, I won’t stand a chance. She’ll be perfect, and I will cease to matter to you anymore.”
Sesshomaru frowned, leaning forward to hold his crying mate. “If that is how you think I would feel then you are mistaken,” he explained soothingly. “I never even knew the meaning of the word until I met you.”
Kagome hiccupped, leaning into his embrace.
“I do love you, Kagome. You are simply not worthy of breeding by my title’s standards, nothing else. Worthy to my title means their blood contains no human genes at all. No emotions would be involved.”
She sniffed, looking down. “Mine would. I wanted this so I could be the one to give you the pure-blood child. I don’t want another woman touching you. Please,” she looked back at him. “Please let me do this. If not for you, for me.”
Sesshomaru frowned, sighing in displeasure at his mate. He had spoken with the Obaasan…well, threatened her with death after inquiring after the medicine. Apparently, it was known to be successful, but that didn’t mean there was no casualties. Still, the look in Kagome’s eyes was so desperate. He’d only seen that look one other time and it was when she’d pleaded with him to help Inuyasha defeat Naraku. He hated that look—it meant he was either to give in, or she would do it herself.
“Very well,” he conceded, finally. “Take it. I will be here to support you.”
The look on Kagome’s face was priceless, and was one he would cherish for the rest of his years alive. It was a look was stored next to the expressions she wore when she first told him of her love, when she said “I do” at the altar, when she first climaxed in his arms, and when she proudly told him she was pregnant with their first child—a pure-blooded Inu-Youkai