Blood Blades

Sweet Honey

        They came to a landing beside Inuyasha's hut. Karuma turned and kissed Sesshomaru's cheek, then hopped out of his arms.
       "That armor suits you, Karuma. You look like an avenging goddess, ready for battle."
       "I happen to know a really sweet demon that had it made for me. Don't worry, my love, your secret is safe with me." He raised an eyebrow. "About you being sweet and kind at heart. I won't tell anybody."
        He smiled. "Only for you, sweetheart. To everyone else, I am an unfeeling beast."
        Ah huh. "Who are you trying to fool? Even someone as dense as Inuyasha can be, noticed your change of heart. Before I even returned."
       "What was that?" Inuyasha stepped outside behind her. "Did you just call me dense?"
        She jumped and started laughing. "As an ancient oak tree, puppy." She turned around. Inuyasha's eyebrows shot up. In the gleam of the sun, the dog on her armor stood out. Inuyasha let out a whistle.
       "I take it Totosai found you. Damn...that armor is gorgeous. The snarling dog is a nice touch. I have a hard time believing Totosai made this. He really put his heart into it...it looks damned good on you, Ruma."
         Her cheeks turned pink. "Thank you, Inuyasha."
        Kagome stepped outside. "Lunch is ready." She spied Karuma's armor. "Wow, Karuma! That is awesome. The dog is so cool, menacing. You look beautiful." All these compliments are gonna give me a big head.
        "Thank you, Kagome." Something was...different. A scent in the air...
        "Are you hungry, Karuma? I made stew, there is plenty." Kagome asked with an encouraging look.
        What is it? Gonna bug me... "Yes, I am. I would love some stew." She saw Sesshomaru nod out of the corner of her eye. Must be glad I'm eating...wonder when he last fed?...
        "Come on inside, you two." Kagome turned to go in. Karuma made a distasteful face. Inuyasha saw it.
        "Ah...Kagome, how about we eat outside. It's nice out."
       "Yeah? Are you sure? It is stew."
        He smiled as his knowing eyes met hers. "Yeah, I'm sure."
       "Okay. Come help me." She walked toward the hut and Karuma caught the odd scent again. What the hell is that?
       "I'll get you a bowl, Ruma."
       "Thanks for that, Inuyasha. You are sweet."
       Now his cheeks turned pink. "No problem, sis." He returned into the hut.
      "You have no idea how to accept a compliment, do you, sweetheart?" Sesshomaru asked when they had left.
      "I don't often receive them. That, and I'm distracted. I keep catching a strange scent, not threatening...just different. Give me a bit, I will figure it out."
       "My beautiful hunter. I did not smell anything, but I trust your judgment. Let me know when you figure it out."
        She nodded, sniffing around a bit more. The scent was gone now...hmm...
       Inuyasha came out bearing a tray with three bowls steaming. It smelled wonderful...  I am hungry. Her belly chose that moment to sound off. Sesshomaru looked at her with an eyebrow raised.
       "What? I'm gonna eat. When is the last time you fed? Maybe you should eat too."
       "Want me to eat you? I will hunt when I need to, Karuma."
       "Maybe you could hunt with me next time? I crave it too, my love...it's what I do best. I wouldn't need to eat as often if I hunted either. My appetite would be satisfied."
        He smiled and got in closer to her. "We shall discuss later how to satisfy your appetite, princess...I will consider your request, for now, eat." Her cheeks turned pink, but she nodded.
        Kagome came out with a blanket and laid it on the ground. "Come sit, you two."
       Karuma walked over and sat on a corner of the blanket. Sesshomaru looked at her, then moved to sit behind her, his legs came around her on both sides, knees bent upward. He pulled his fur around for a cushioned spot, then gently pulled her back into him. Aww...his eyes came to hers as she looked up at him. She turned and kissed him. He was reserved, but kissed her back.
        She turned back around to find Kagome smiling at her. Inuyasha was pretty immune to them now. He ignored their affection, or tried to anyhow.
       "I must say, you two make an awesome couple. Is that your feather in his hair, Karuma?...that's so sweet."
         I thought the same thing, Kagome. She nodded, yes he is sweet.
        "Here, Karuma, eat." Inuyasha handed her the bowl and chopsticks. The scent of the stew so close to her nose made her mouth water. She grabbed the bowl up.
        "Thanks you two. I'm starving."
         "Well, there is more sis. Just ask."
          She tried not to look like a pig in front of Sesshomaru, but the stew was so good. He leaned in. "Don't stand on decorum for me, sweetheart. Eat your fill, I want you to have plenty of energy later." She almost choked on her bite. Damn...she coughed.
         "Don't inhale it, Karuma. Chew, then swallow...you should know that by now."
She turned red...Inuyasha, you are not funny. She felt Sesshomaru chuckle under his breath. The telltale shaking a dead giveaway.
         She turned toward his ear, speaking softly. "Something amuses you, my Lord? You should not hide it. Your father told me once to look for the humor in every situation. The world will open up to you. You deserve happiness my love."
        He leaned down to her again. "You are my happiness Karuma." He kissed her this time. With more fervor too, not caring anymore if they were being watched. He lifted his head. "Eat sweetheart."
       Karuma continued eating...then had another serving. Yum...
      Once the bowls were empty, the stew scent became less pronounced. She caught that odd scent again. What the hell is that? She sniffed toward Kagome...is it her?
      "You smell it again?" Sesshomaru asked quietly. She nodded and he sniffed the air. "Nope, nothing. I don't know, Karuma."
        Kagome stood and grabbed the tray and bowls. She bent to take Inuyasha's bowl and he grabbed her hand and kissed it. Rising, he took the tray from Kagome and brought it inside. Kagome sat back down, a tired look on her face.
       "You okay, Kagome? You look beat."
        Her face turned red. "Yeah, I'm okay...just up late last night. It was a long day, followed by a sleepless night. I'm glad you two are okay."
        That scent is coming from Kagome...but, why?
        Inuyasha came back out and sat beside Kagome, she leaned on his shoulder. Aww... they never really showed their affection. It was sweet. Inuyasha slid and pulled Kagome onto his lap as he sat cross legged. She put her head back on his shoulder. Kagome did look exhausted. As Kagome moved into a comfy position, the scent rose stronger... dammit...what is it?
        "The dragon lord is in the south, Inuyasha." She broached the subject that had brought them there. "Tomorrow, we head that way...he is at the elven temple. He shall regret his choice to go there. It is mine, he will die."
          Sesshomaru spoke up. "We... I wish for your assistance again, Inuyasha. Will you help us defeat that damned dragon?"
        Inuyasha mumbled something to Kagome. She nodded, although she didn't look too happy. I wouldn't be either, sending my loved one out to defeat a large scale dragon. She heard Kagome speak up.
       "But I can help, Inuyasha. I want to help."
       "I know, Kagome. Do you remember Ryokotsusei? He was incredibly strong, and this one is supposed to be even stronger."
        "Ryokomo is his name, Inuyasha...the sire of Ryokotsusei."
        "What!? Are you sure?"
        "I have it on good authority, yes. We face a dragon that has a vendetta. Your father is gone...now he wants to take his wrath out on us. We shall show him the meaning of wrath. He tried his underhanded means by taking the humans we care for...now, we shall go to him. I will not allow him to hurt us again."
        "Kagome, it's way too dangerous. Don't worry, I got the strongest help I know, other than you, backing me. We will be alright. Besides, I'm the one who killed Ryokotsusei, and I'm sure this dragon knows I dealt the final blow. If the two of them alone should happen to fail, it will hunt me next. I am not willing to take that risk. No dragon is gonna threaten your life again."
        Aww. The puppy really has grown up. He knows the dangers and weighs the risks. His father had calculated everything the same way. Both sons were so very much like Taisho. It is almost like he is still here. She smiled...he is still here.
       "So, is that a yes, Inuyasha?" Karuma asked.
        He nodded. "Yeah, I'll help...since you asked nicely and all." He said this looking at his brother with a smirk.
       "Thank you, Inuyasha." Sesshomaru spoke softly. Kagome's eyebrows shot up. Karuma smiled again...yes, they are changing, Kagome.
        "You're welcome, brother. Really, you didn't even hafta ask. I would have insisted to go and help. And you know how stubborn I can be."
         Karuma chuckled. "I know, Inuyasha. A mule has nothing on you."
         Kagome laughed. Ahh, her laughter. I remember making her laugh the first time. It still had the same effect. It draws one in with a powerful magnetism. So soothing.
         The sound of feet running caught Karuma's attention. "Kagome! Kaede has woken up! I made her some medicine, but she wants to see you."
        Karuma grinned. Rin hadn't seen them yet. As she got closer, coming around the bend, she spied them. "Lord Sesshomaru! Karuma! You're back!" The girl ran faster and Karuma opened her arms. Rin grinned wide before slamming into her, pushing her back into Sesshomaru. He grunted and smirked down at the two. He then brought his arms down to hug them both, resting his chin on her head.
       Kagome made to move, smiling at the three of them. Karuma spoke up. "What happened to Kaede? Is she alright?"
       Rin answered. "One of the smaller dragons came, the one that captured me and Kagome. He hit grandma Kaede really hard in the head. She fell to the floor and didn't move. I was so scared...I pulled a dagger on him, but he was too strong."
       Oh, baby girl...I'm so sorry. Her arms tightened around Rin and her eyes teared up. That bastard is gonna pay dearly for frightening my little girl. "Come, little love. Let's go for a run." That would get her mind off murder for a bit. That, and Inuyasha and Kagome hadn't seen her 'big white dog' yet.
        Kagome made to leave for Kaede's hut. Karuma stood after Rin got up and said to Sesshomaru. "I will be back shortly, love. I need to run out some aggression."
       "Don't go far, Karuma. You are still in danger, after all."
       "Just around the village, maybe twice." He nodded.
       "Stay here and keep your brother company, Inuyasha. I won't be long either." Kagome said. Inuyasha nodded.
        Karuma opened her wings and wrapped them around herself. The large white dog emerged.
       A 'wow' from Kagome and a 'holy shit' from Inuyasha sounded at the same time. Karuma smiled a fang toothed grin. Then she noticed her armor hadn't disappeared...it had grown along with her body. She turned to Sesshomaru. 'You did this, didn't you?'
      He smiled up at her. "Only the best, princess."
     A dog in armor. She chuckled to herself...I am ready for battle, though I am not a goddess...
      Rin walked over and petted her giant front paw. Karuma put her head down to the girl and her little arms went around Karuma's neck. She buried her fingers in her ruff, running them through her thick fur. Karuma laid down, closing her eyes. Rin released her neck and Karuma set her head on her paws and Rin petted her fur on the back of her head. Ahh...heaven. Her tail started to wag.
      The other three stood watching the pair, Sesshomaru smiling softly as he watched them together. Kagome came out of her trance. "I have to go." She kissed Inuyasha. "I'll be right back." She turned to leave and...now that Karuma was in dog form, the scent on Kagome assailed her nose. Picking the scent apart, Karuma stood and walked to Kagome.
      'Kagome, wait a minute, please.' She stopped and turned to Karuma. 'Please don't be offended by this...' She proceeded to sniff Kagome all over.
      "Karuma? What are you doing?" Inuyasha asked.
       She ignored him for the moment. I think I know... Her nose traveled downward to rest by Kagome stomach. Yup...I know. Her tail started wagging again...no wonder Kagome is tired. She must have had a few 'sleepless nights'. I gotta change back for this...it is just too good.
        Karuma opened her wings and morphed back. A huge smile on her face. Kagome looked at her strangely. "What is it?"
       "I know what the scent is now, Sesshomaru."
       He strode over along with Inuyasha. Rin came over and grabbed her hand. Karuma smiled down at her. "Give me a moment, little love." The girl nodded.
      "So what is it? Is something wrong with Kagome?" Inuyasha asked, concern written on his face.
       She turned her smiling face to Inuyasha. "No, puppy, nothing is wrong." She let go of Rin's hand and hugged him, whispering in his ear. "Kagome is pregnant. Her scent bears the telltale signs. Congratulations, brother." He froze, his eyes widening, a stunned expression washing across his features.
      "Seriously, Karuma!?" She nodded. He laughed and picked her up, spinning her in his arms.
      "Okay, I want in on this. What is going on?" Kagome asked.
      Inuyasha put her down and fairly flew to Kagome. His hands grabbed her face and he bent and gave her a searing kiss. Karuma smiled. Sesshomaru looked at her with an eyebrow raised. Inuyasha lifted his head. "Tell her, Karuma."
      "You are pregnant, Kagome. Your scent has changed due to your body chemistry changing." It was a sweet scent. Almost like honey. Kagome's mouth dropped and tears started running down her cheeks. She started laughing happily, kissing Inuyasha once more.
      "You can smell when someone is pregnant, Karuma?" This from Rin, curious.
       Sesshomaru looked at her too, waiting for her answer. "Yes, I can. I have been around humans long enough to know when they are breeding. I can tell...but each scent is different, so it may take me a bit to figure it out."
       Karuma looked over at the happy couple still in each other's arms. I can't wait until it's my turn. Sesshomaru wrapped his arms around her back, over her shoulders. He bent his head to speak softly in her ear. "Soon their joy shall be ours, Karuma. I cannot wait to see you shine like Kagome, or your belly heavy with our child, sweetheart."
       She leaned into him, their armor scraping together. She turned her face up to him and snuggled into his neck, inhaling his scent deeply. "Yes, and by then...I shall be your mate." His arms squeezed tighter. "I cannot wait either." She whispered, her lips coming down on his neck. His eyes closed and he leaned into her with a soft growl. "You continue to growl like that and I'm gonna have to cut this visit awful short." She spoke softly against his skin. "I do miss that waterfall."
       He growled again as she nipped his neck. "Keep it up, Karuma, and we shall not make it to the waterfall. Perhaps to the trees."
       She nipped him again. "Anywhere is good, as long as I'm in your arms, my love."
      "Ahem...hello." Inuyasha spoke up. Karuma jumped and bumped her face off of Sesshomaru's chin. The unexpected jolt knocked his head sideways.
       And, of course, Inuyasha laughed. "I'm sorry, love! Are you okay?" She turned around in his arms and brought his face down, kissing his chin and then his mouth. She gently plied his lips with hers and his arms squeezed tighter around her.
      "They definitely do love each other, huh Rin? Are they always like this?"
      "Yup, every time I see them together, they are kissing."
        Karuma lifted her head with a laugh. Fangs peaking out as she grinned. In her eyes was a promise to Sesshomaru as she looked at him. Later, my love. She backed out of his embrace, her empty arms feeling heavy as she did so. She did not wish to leave his arms.
      "Where did Kagome go?" She asked as she turned around.
      "She left to see Kaede while you were suckin' on his neck. Guess you didn't notice."
       Sesshomaru chuckled behind her. "Jealous, Inuyasha? Or are you afraid we might show your inadequacies to Kagome?"
      "Inadequacies? She is pregnant after all...she must love all my inadequacies."
       Karuma coughed again. I did not need to hear that. She shook her head. Men.
      "Come, Rin. Let us leave this sausage fest so they can compare who has the bigger...sword...ahem...let's go, little love." Both of their faces...oh my god!...don't laugh, don't laugh...
        She wrapped her wings around herself, morphing again. A twinkle in her eye as she looked toward Sesshomaru. He raised his eyebrow at her. She flashed a fang and bowed. Thank you and good night! A snarling growl laugh bubbled out of her throat and her lip curled.
        'Come, Rin. Hop on.'
        She climbed up. "In the woods or village?"
        'Woods.' Rin bent down over her back and slid her hands into the empty wing slots on her armor. Just as good as handles. 'Smart girl, Rin. You remembered. Hold tight now.' Karuma took off like a shot.

         Little minx. I don't know what a sausage fest is, but I understood the rest.
        "I think Karuma got us this time, Sesshomaru. You might want to be careful, she is the queen of crude humor. Any humor really...and that was pretty funny."
        Mmhm. "What the hell is a sausage fest? Some of the things that she says confuses me. All I can picture is a festival celebrating sausage."
        Inuyasha must have pictured it when he had mentioned it, because he started laughing. "Kagome used to confuse me too. Remember, Sesshomaru, Karuma spent a lot of years in Kagome's time. She is bound to say things that we don't understand."
        She must have felt so alone during that time. She may love humans, but if they had known what she really was...she had said that demons were just about nonexistent in that time, so he could predict the human's reaction if they had discovered what she really was. Humans could be pretty ruthless and lacking in a moral soul.
        Sesshomaru looked to his little brother now sitting beside him on the blanket once more. Nodding slightly to himself, he decided to voice his concerns as they were weighing heavily upon him. "She is supposed to go into heat any day now. If that happens while we are fighting the dragon...Inuyasha, I could lose her. And if I took off with her until the heat passed, that dragon could come after us, or back here. And he won't capture anyone for hostages this time. He will most likely slaughter the whole damn village to draw her out. I don't know what to do...I just hope for her heat to hold off until we defeat Ryokomo."
        "I thought she smelled different. You really do care for her, don't you, brother?"
        "I love her, Inuyasha. I am at a loss...and...I am scared."
         "Hmm. Never heard you admit to being scared before. I have heard female dog demons have a heat cycle, but I don't know what happens when they do."
         "Her demon will take over, and she will challenge any male around her...including Ryokomo, if that should happen. I have to defeat her demon by marking her neck, biting her and leaving a scar. Once the bite is done, she will be my mate...but the heat. There is more to a heat than claiming a mate. Her urges to breed will be uncontrollable. She will not be able to fight anything, let alone Ryokomo. And neither will I, a heat effects males as well. Similar to a rut...I will not be able to leave her side."
         "How long does a heat last?"
         "I honestly don't know...until she gets pregnant maybe."
         "No wonder why you are worried. That's a lot mess to untangle. If that should happen, Sesshomaru, I will help you any way I can, but I am at a loss too. I am happy that you want to be her mate though. Never thought you would tie yourself down to a half demon...but she is so much more than that. Karuma is one of a kind."
         Sesshomaru smiled, he had thought the very same thing. "Yes, she is. If I lose her... I lose myself. I cannot lose her, Inuyasha."
        "And you won't. It's as simple as that. Remember, your power only grows if you have someone to protect. What others see as a weakness will be your strength brother. Protect her."
        Huh...thank you, Inuyasha. He nodded, I will protect her.