Peace, Before The Storm by WesternInu91

Discoveries

A/N: Sesshoumaru has both his arms in this story, and is totally OC- don't like it? Don't read. ~_~ 

I will make the prequel to this story, once this masterpiece is completed entirely. 

Key:

***: Kagome's Thoughts

~-+~: Sesshoumaru's Thoughts

~-+x~: Sesshoumaru's inner beast's  thoughts

bold/italics: emphasis in speech

Summary: Sesshoumaru is on the hunt for a mate, but she must pass the trials of the Elders. The lucky lady in his mind-has his heart already and has for some time, is strong enough, and brave enough to pass. He just doesn’t want to scare her away with this challenge. Kagome has gotten tired of Inuyasha's games, and with the jewel complete; but not gone,and Naraku slain and destroyed to ashes that scattered in the four healing winds. 10 years later Kagome feels it is finally time to MOVE ON.Forget the pain Inuyasha has caused with his ignorance and find a love meant for her.Balance was restored, but there is always another storm before the peace can truly begin.

^_^ HAPPY READING!! <3

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Chapter 1 - Discoveries

Kagome sighed for what seemed like the millionth time that day and sunk deeper into her thoughts as the hot spring water melted away her physical stress. Songo sat across from her sister, watching her carefully, she knew something was bugging Kagome. As the two women unwound in the spring it began to rain. "This is perfect, the weather matches my sour thoughts." Kagome spoke softly as she washed her hair and body. "Tell me what's on your mind Kagome." Songo said softly. 

At first, Kaogme contemplated the thought of lying, but as her heart sank with guilt, she decided the truth was best. "Well, Songo, I am done, waiting for Inuyasha to get over Kikyou. I am tired of being around him, when all he can do is mourn for a dead clay bitch who never loved him as he was. I am leaving in a week, you and the others are welcome to come with me." By the end of it a weight had been lifted from Kagome's shoulders. And as quickly as the rain had started, it stopped and the sunlight burst through the trees.

Songo's eyes went wide. She had thought this whole time that the young priestess still had feelings for the tactless hanyou. But now, it made sense why Kagome ignored Inuyasha every time he spoke to her. As the women rose up from the spring water they began to dry off and dress. Kagome put on a navy blue v-neck t-shirt, and a pair of black yoga pants. Songo dressed in her usual kimono and tied her hair into a neat bun. The two walked back towards Edo, in companionable silence. As they stepped into town their eyes went wide in surprise at the scene in front of them.

Less than 700 yards away from them was Sesshoumaru speaking to Kaeade; as if the two had spoken to each other many times before, and the two were ignoring the whelp; Inuyasha who was hollering at Sesshoumaru from less than an inch behind his back. The two ladies rushed over and Kagome spat out a venomous "Sit! Sit! SIT!" command, efficiently silencing the damn fool. "Ah, there is the person of the hour." Lady Kaeade said laughingly. 

Kagome rose a delicate eyebrow in silent question, her lips pursing slightly. "What's that supposed to mean? What were you two talking about just now? What the hell is going on?" Kagome said looking at the pair with suspicion. "Well, ona it has come to my attention that the whelp is failing, in his duties as alpha male of his pack. Therefore I have come here today to take you and the rest of your pack to my palace, where I shall take over Inuaysha's duties as alpha." Sesshoumaru said silkily.  Songo gasped covering her mouth with a hand, this was totally out of character for the handsome cold-hearted inu lord.

Kagome blinked, once, twice, three times and then as quickly as she had blinked, she fainted. As her body fell towards the ground Sesshoumaru instinctively reached out, catching her and protectively wrapping his arms around her slender elegant figure. At last Inuyasha rose from his personal crater, swearing vengeance against certain wenches, and the sight that greeted his eyes, sent his heart rate skyrocketing towards the moon instantly. He let out a menacing growl and what silenced the whelp was the responding snarl his older half-brother gave back. Sesshoumaru turned towards the brat, Kagome's beautiful form tucked securely in his arms bridal-style and stared him down.

His gaze was full of promised agony and certain death, should the hanyou attempt to take the priestess from his arms. "FINE! YOU FUCKING GREEDY BASTARD! Take the BITCH! I don't need her ANYWAY!" Inuyasha grumbled and stormed off to the bone eaters well.  Sesshoumaru rolled his eyes, and looked behind him to see that the rag-tag pack of Kagome's had their belongings packed and ready. He was pleased to see that they were so eager to leave the whelp behind, and they had even grabbed that horrid strange looking yellow bag as well. The group headed west, to everyone it seemed like 100 years had passed before Kagome had finally woken up and nearly made them all deaf with her screeches of indignation and terror.

She jumped out of his arms, missing the brief flash of hurt that shined in his amber eyes as she proceeded to rant incoherently. Finally starting to make more sense as she began to breath normally. "Kami! Who said I agreed to your proposition you arrogant ass!" At last the priestess managed to get out a coherent sentence. And again another flash of hurt passed through Sesshoumaru's eyes before he spoke-a bit harsher then he'd ever intended. "That is ENOUGH Kagome. Be rational! Inuyasha has emotionally abandoned, you and your pack! He has intentionally neglected all of you! You and your pack need protection-not measly human village protection either, and the whelp has failed to provide that. As alpha over him it is my honor bound duty to take you all in and provide for you." By the end of his triad he'd crossed his arms and an evident scowl of disapproval graced his elegant god-like face.

Kagome stood her ground, stubborn to a fault and raised her chain up in defiance. There was no way, in her mind at least-that she would just cave into his demands even if this was a random act of kindness from the cold-hearted inu lord. From the sidelines Songo, Miroku, Shippo and Kilala watched with fearful wide eyes as Kagome so boldly challenged-without her knowing-the Inu tao-youkai. What would surprise them all though, would be how said Inu reacted to her challenge.

He let out a rather loud growl-only he and shippo; he crossed his fingers the child wouldn't tell-knew what the growl was intended to really mean- and stepped towards her slowly. "Are you sure you wish to challenge me Kagome?" When he was nose to nose with her, Sesshoumaru spoke only loud enough for her to hear.  "If you lose, you, on your honor as guardian of the jewel, must give me, whatever I desire from you. Are we clear Kagome?" The way her name rolled from his perfect mouth send shivers up and down her spine and made her legs weak. ***Wait what?!***  "I do.” Was all Kagome said before she jumped up and roundhouse kicked Sesshoumaru in the chest. He was caught by surprise when she swung her right fist towards his face, but he caught it effortlessly. 

He gave her a rather wicked smirk when she frowned with disappointment, he swung his left leg underneath her feet, and watched as she fell to the ground with a loud thud and an embarrassed squeak. He jumped on top of her, pinning her arms and legs and leaned down, his hair coming down in a silver curtain around their faces. He leaned closer to her delicate face and spoke again. "Submit to me Kagome. Or your defeat will be most embarrassing." He nipped her neck, and felt her heart rate increase as her body began to feel the stirrings of arousal. "What..what if I refuse? What will you do?"Kagome breathed out softly. "Well, dear Kagome"-he took in a deep breath of her heady scent-“it will be a shock to say the least." He replied cockily.

Kagome squirmed underneath him until her left hand was free, she gathered enough reki to give him a small shock and shoved Sesshoumaru off of her. She flipped onto her feet and made a mad dash for the cover of the forest, using her reki to boost her speed, and cover her scent.  Sesshoumaru let out a loud deep chuckle, following Kagome at a leisurely pace, his silver mane swaying. "Make camp here. We will stay until dawn. To the south of us-about 70 yards, there is fresh water. I shall return after awhile with Kagome. Have dinner ready when we return please." He spoke over his shoulder as he headed further into the trees.

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+With Kagome+

She ran until she came to a deep rushing river. She considered jumping over the rocks to get across, but she reconsidered when she looked down at her feet. Toms were not the best running shoes-she could feel her feet beginning to ache already-nor were they acceptable for hopping on wet mossy rocks. So, with a grumble she edged herself into the river, and swam across. As she climbed out and onto the bank of the river she started to shake the water off of her body.

Kagome found a tree, not too far from the river-she didn't feel like getting lost today. ~*~Not with Sesshoumaru out to get me, and whatever he wants from me~*~. Kagome grumbled mentally. As fast as she dared she began to scale the tree, as soon as her right foot touched the lowest branch she felt a hand on het foot, his hand. Of course she knew it was Sesshoumaru, his aura was so powerful, so overbearing it made her shudder a little inside. His hands wrapped around both her ankles now, and he began to gently pull her down from the tree. He set her on her feet, and turned her so that she was facing him.

She blushed bright red when he leaned in close to her-their noses were within centimeters of each other- and blushed even brighter when he kissed the side of her jaw softly. He let out a soft smooth sounding chuckle as he listened to her heart rate speed up again. It was like listening to a humming bird's wings beat. “Well, well, well what have I here captured in my arms? Is this the stubborn Kagome caught in my arms? Why! I believe it is!” Sesshoumaru nuzzled her neck and inhaled her beautiful natural scent-water lilies, honey and jasmine- and decided it was time to reveal what he desired-more like what he obsessed for, over the last 2 years-from Kagome.

“All right Sesshoumaru, what is wrong with you? This isn't like you at all.” Kagome stuttered. “Wrong with me? Nothing is wrong with me. Now, my beautiful ona, remembered you agreed to anything this Sesshoumaru desired?-she nodded slowly fearing the worst-“Well I desire a mate, and after years of searching, I have come to a final decision. I wish for you, Kagome to be my mate.” He said softly, looking into her beautiful sapphire eyes.

He brushed a lock of her hair back gently with a clawed finger. “YOU, want me, to be your mate? Why? Is this..a joke?” Kagome questioned his sanity at this moment, he hated humans, and he especially hated her, simply for the fact that she traveled with Inuyasha. Now he was asking her to be his mate? This was strange..very strange of the cold-hearted Inu lord. “Well..first of all, this is not a joke. Secondly-since you need to be reassured this is indeed not a joke-I wish for a mate that is loyal, a loving mother, confident, smart, educated, beautiful and powerful-though this last quality is less important. And to me these qualities can describe only you. It feels as if you’re the one that is meant for me- and I will not question that, and I will gladly explain why to you later. Let me court you Kagome, please give me the chance to show you I am serious.”

All Kagome could do was stare wide eyed and blushing at Sesshoumaru. She supposed it wouldn't hurt to give him a chance. But, yet at the same time, it seemed that there was much more to his proposal then he seemed willing to admit at the moment. Then again-and Kagome swore under her breath-she had sworn to give him, whatever he desired. “I suppose we can give it a try, but I do have one request”-she waited, he nodded his head-if at any time I wish for it to stop..” He cut her off. “You really think I would force you? KAMI no! Kagome on my honor as Lord of the West, I will not ever force you to do anything outside your spectrum of comfort. I am not that foolish whelp Inuyasha, I was raised properly”

Her fears squashed away, Kagome felt a little better, however it seemed her hormones could not be quelled as easily as her fears. The distance between their bodies had increased for a brief moment, and then had vanished just as quickly. He was hairs away from brushing his lips against her own. Now their noses were touching, her eyelids fluttered closed and Sesshoumaru took that opportunity to close the distance and gently press his lips to hers.

She tasted lightly of honey and berries on her soft sweet plump lips. To her, he tasted like an unknown spice with a pinch of unexpected sweetness. He pulled away to look at her angelic face, and gave a small smirk when he saw her blush spread and her eyes lightly glaze over with a deep untold desire. He was shocked-but secretly pleased- when she pulled his face closer for another kiss. He wrapped his right arm around her hips, and his left hand held the back of her neck. Gently he bit on her bottom lip-again all too pleased with the response-taking advantage of her gasp of surprise to explore her delectable mouth with his tongue. Kagome was shocked, but it quickly melted away and she responded to the Inu lords talented appendage passionately.

She wrapped her arms around his neck and lost herself to this fiery kiss. This kiss seemed to last forever, but air was needed. They pulled away to rest their foreheads against each others. Sesshoumaru smiled  at Kagome, happy to see that she too was smiling. He nuzzled her neck inhaling the scent that was totally Kagome. He spoke from the crook of her neck where he showered kisses in-between words. “Kagome? IF we are to begin this courting, I need your consent to give you my courting mark.” All she could do was nod. “Kagome, nodding is unfortunately not enough.” He grumbled playfully. 

She heaved out a sigh.***Of course it isn't!*** “You have my permission to give me, your courting mark, Lord Sesshoumaru.” Her face turned a lovely shade of rose red as he brushed his nose along her neck. He stopped at the crook of her neck, laced his fingers with hers and began to suckle softly. When her lids fluttered closed he bit her neck, and allowed a small amount of poison to seep from his fangs into the bite mark. He pulled away, licking the few drops of blood that appeared on her skin. Tears were slowly slipping from underneath her feathery thick lashes, and she was squeezing his hand with such force it was ghostly white.

He could not fathom how much pain she was in, fighting against her powers natural instinct to destroy the source of pain inside her body. But it made him smile to see her handle the pain so well. Most Inu-youkai females had wailed for days, and their bodies had eventually rejected his poison due to his overwhelming strength, yet here stood a human priestess accepting said overly strong poison. 

She was full of surprises-he decided. Slowly the pain faded and a mark-not the dark blue crescent moon he expected-appeared. A bright pink lily with a silver crescent moon inside the center of the flower. As Kagome wiped away the trails of tears, she saw the mark that now graced her body. She looked at Sesshoumaru, and suddenly started to see him in a new, shining hopeful light. A moment passed, and they admired each others good looks. 

They became lost in thoughts, a future they-unknowingly would share-seemed to feel would be peaceful at last, and full of all the things they'd both ever dreamed and thought of in their spare time. Kagome looked down at their laced fingers. Her eyes went wide with surprise. He'd held her hand, and let her squeeze it until it turned white when he'd been the one to cause her pain. She smiled brightly at Sesshoumaru when his eyes met hers. He smiled backed, tugged her gently away from the tree, and started to lead her back towards the camp.

“You know Kagome, I've come to realize that I know very little about you, or your pack. To rectify this horrendous mistake I’ve made, would you please be kind enough to give me insight to each of them and yourself?” He asked as he gently lifted her over a fallen tree and into a clearing. “Well, I guess I could, but I won't share anything about myself unless you and I have quality time and you return the favor.” Kagome said stubbornly. He nodded.  Kagome spokea again. “I’ll start with Songo. She's an ex-demon slayer-as I am sure you've guessed by now. She's an amazing warrior, an asset to the team, she's an excellent strategist. But she has suffered a great deal from the jewel and it shows.” She took in a slow deep breath. “I also consider Songo to be my sister.” Sesshoumaru took in what she'd given and now the slayer's brash attitude made much more sense. “What about the monk, Miroku?” He asked carefully. 

“Well, Miroku has also suffered his own losses, and pains from the jewel. He's a pervert but his heart and intentions are-for the most part-in the right place, he is wise beyond his years, he’s a good friend, he's a brave man. For some time now he has been free from the curse bestowed upon his family, but the tunnel remains. Luckily for him, and us-as well-the tunnel is no longer a threat for us. He is like my older brother.”

She smiled at the memory and let out a soft sigh as the two of them walked hand and hand towards camp. They could see the roaring fire from between the tree line and bushes. Kagome tried to free her hand from his gentle vice-like grip, but he wouldn't let her. She looked up at his face, a little confused and he leaned down smiling as he kissed her cheek. “Relax, no need to withdraw my koi. I happen to be very fond of showing my affection to an intended. It is also yet another way of showing that we are courting.” He spoke softly into her ear. Kagome smiled as he nuzzled her neck and peppered her jaw with kisses that made her giggle like a giddy hormonal teenager. To Sesshoumaru her giggle, was one of the sweetest sounds he'd ever heard.

Together they walked into camp, Miroku and Songo were laying down speaking quietly, and the children were munching away on noodles and fish. Sesshoumaru looked at the new additions to his pack and gave a nod of approval. There was no doubt that this group was more stable and powerful now that he was the alpha male. Thunder sounded in the distance, gray storm clouds flew in and then the rain poured down without any warning. Kagome and Songo pulled out several umbrellas handing them out to the children first and then Miroku and Sesshoumaru. With a quizzical look on his face he took the odd looking device, glad to have some shelter. Everyone watched as Songo and Kagome rushed around the campsite putting up tents and a tarp over the fire.

Under the edges of the trees sat three tents, a small green and silver one for the kiddies, a purple/black tent for Songo and Miroku, and a maroon and silver tent for Sesshoumaru and Kagome. They gathered again by the fire, in dry clothes and warmed up. Kagome and Songo stood closest to the fire shaking like leaves in a hurricane wind. One by one they all marched off to their respective tents until only Kagome and Sesshoumaru stood by the fire. Sesshoumaru glanced from the side and saw that Kagome was still shaking, and he pulled her close to his body. He rubbed her arms for a moment and then pulled her into his lap. Now that he was holding her, he could feel the deep cold radiating inside of her body. He rubbed her back, opened his hiaori and pulled her against his chest so she would warm up faster.

Slowly the heat returned to her body, and as it did she started to nod off. Sesshoumaru looked at her sleeping face, and it occurred to him that her face was like an angel's, so peaceful. If it was possible-and it was he decided-she looked twice as beautiful asleep. There were no frowns, no tears, no scowls or wrinkles of frustration. Her face was ageless, angelic, radiant, so many words, but these words still seemed inadequate for describing her beauty.

Sesshoumaru let loose a soft pleasant sounding growl and Kagome slipped off to dream land, snuggling closer to his warmth a beautiful smile on her lips. He let his own smile free as he stood and headed towards their odd shaped shelter. He'd watched the others open, enter crouched, and close it and settle in for the night. This would be tricky and tedious. He wondered if he'd have to wake Kagome. But the instant she gave a whimper and clung to him, he decided against the idea. Instead he used his momokomo to open the door-like flap. Thankfully there was enough room in the odd dome shaped shelter for him to stand slightly upright. He spotted the bed spread towards the far right corner and made his way there, slipping out of his hakama and shoes with the help of his momokomo again.

With only the ease and grace he was capable of Sesshoumaru slid them both snuggly into the covers. He managed to quickly slip off his first outer layers of his hiaori before she whimpered again in her sleep. He settled back down by her side once more, and was gifted with the sound of his name spilling softly from her lips in her sleep. He grinned so wide, for a moment he feared his face may split in half. ~-+ Highly improbable~-+~ he thought to himself. 

Absentmindedly he gently ran his claws through her hair as he fantasied about the future that lay ahead with Kagome-he had no doubt in his mind that Kagome couldn’t walk away, she would be his at last. The rain fell harder outside, the thunder sounded close-half a mile away- and lightening flashed in the clearing like the sun had suddenly come out. It would be a long night if the lightening was going to flash like it had just now. Just as Sesshoumaru decided to close his eyes and rest a few hours Kagome bolted upright. A hand over her pounding heart-it was pounding so loud he heard it as if he had his head against her chest. She closed her eyes tightly and shook her head back and forth as if to chase away a nightmare.

“What disturbs my beautiful ona's sleep?” Sesshoumaru asked gently as he pulled her close and rubbed small circles on her back. She lay her head on his chest and sighed. “A Nightmare, the same one I've had for as long as I can remember.” She responded softly, and she paused. She began to debate on telling him the rest, about the nightmare.  But he sensed her hesitation in the simple sentence, so he spoke honestly. “My mother always told me; better to let it out now, then to the nightmare control you forever.” 

He also quickly added. “You may tell me about if you wish. But I understand nightmares better than most may think." He paused for a moment and then slowly spoke again. "And I know from personal experience sometimes, some nightmares leave a scar. And the scar always haunts you, unless, you take the time to learn from it, and conquer your fear. Then the nightmare no longer has the power. You do.” Kagome's eyes went wide with shock. She never expected him to be this honest. It seemed that there were still many discoveries to be made, when it came to the enigma that was Sesshoumaru.

To Be Continued!!!!