Blood Blades

Selfless Compassion

       Holy shit...BANG!! Blown away...
      Karuma lay beneath him, breathing heavily, heart still pounding at an erratic pace. He panted into her neck, his arms squeezed tighter around her. "Damn, sweetheart..." he whispered raggedy in her ear.
      Yup...damn. It seemed a severe understatement, but for lack of any other suitable
words...damn suited just fine. Her eyes traveled skyward, the sun was starting to set. Vivid pinks streaked across the sky above...almost time.
      "Sesshomaru?"
      "Mmph..." came his reply.
       She smiled. "Baby?"
       He growled, lifting his head. "Don't start that again, princess, we are running short on time."
       "I know. We have to dress..." she blushed. "I am planning something special just for you too. I hope you like it."
       "A surprise for me?" He reminded her of a child on Christmas. So charming...
       "Yes, love...I wanted to share a bit of myself with our whole family...but it is wholly for you that I do it. Something you requested." Hint hint, love...
        "Something I requested?" He thought for a moment, then she saw his eyes light up. "You are going to sing...oh, sweetheart, they are going to love it...and so will I. I cannot wait."
       "Yes...I have to admit I'm a bit nervous. But, if I have the strength to take on a dragon lord, I think I can manage to sing for those I love."
       "Were you nervous the first time you sang for me?"
       She thought a minute. Was I nervous?...maybe a bit, but it was Sesshomaru. His quiet reaction to her Serenade and singing had soothed her, a calm peace setting in. She answered him, and judging by the look washing over his features, he liked her answer.     "I was nervous at first, but when we sat together by the water...the nervousness melted away. Your touch and presence calmed me, I felt so at peace...whole. So when I sang the second part of the song, it came so naturally...like you were an extension of my very soul. And who is nervous of their own soul?...perhaps, if they are quiet and I sing from your arms, I won't be nervous."
       "I wouldn't have it any other way, sweetheart. I want you in my arms. It is where you belong after all."
       Yes, yes it is. Okay...gotta move. "Get up, moose..." she giggled at his raised eyebrow. "The sun is setting and I gotta get dressed and start another fire." She pushed on his chest, but still he didn't move. She looked up at him with her own eyebrow raised.
      "Karuma." His arms squeezed tighter around her again. "I was rough...I didn't hurt you, did I?...I think your demon almost rose to the surface that time. You started to change, sweetheart. I hate to even speak these words, but perhaps we should hold off on making love until we defeat that cursed dragon."
      What?...he has got to be kidding. Not satisfying the demon would make it rise as well...she knew from personal experience. "I'm fine love, you didn't hurt me... Sesshomaru, even if we withhold from making love, the demon will still rise. It did before. And not satisfying those urges, until it hurts and is unbearable will ultimately have the same outcome...the demon will rise...and I am not strong enough to deny those urges. Nature will take it's course...so we are damned if we do and damned if we don't."
       He gave her a hopeless look before he could mask it. "If it will make you feel better, we will abstain for as long as we can...and no more rough sex, even though I want it. The beast does want to rise, so gentle prodding should not call to it quite so badly. We gotta find a happy medium, baby."
"Mm...keep calling me that woman and you won't be anywhere near ready when they are supposed to arrive." She smiled, he was trying to lighten the suddenly heavy mood. But damn...she certainly didn't want to hold back. The demon trying to claw it's way out wanted the roughness, the animal passion. The natural mating for dog demons was thus, and the instinct was hard to ignore...almost impossible.
She didn't voice her concerns though. No need to worry him more. She would repress it as long as she was able. He pushed himself up, or tried to anyhow. Her arms tightened around him, along with her legs. As he pushed up, she went with him. He gave her another raised eyebrow, to which she just smiled.
"Karuma?"
"Yes, Sesshomaru?"
He shook his head with a smile, and hopped to his feet with her still clinging to him. He then proceeded to the water and jumped in holding her steady. She still clung to him, but started laughing in the water. They surfaced and she was still laughing. She then brought her legs forward and pushed off his chest, propelling herself forward and knocking him back under. She laughed hysterically and dove under, swimming away from him...too late, he grabbed her by the ankle and pulled her back to him.
"You wish to play, sweetheart?" He wrapped his arms around her, lifted her, and then tossed her out into the deep water. She resurfaced right beside him quickly, taking him by surprise. She splashed water in his face then dove away again.
"Little minx..." He mumbled, smiling and wiping the water from his eyes. She resurfaced in the middle of the water, laughing again.
"You know I had no intention of drenching myself again. My wings take forever to dry."
       "That's alright, princess. The wet look is damn sexy on you...I love how your wet hair curls around and frames your face." He dove into the water and swam to her, wrapping her in his arms. "No matter what state you are in, you are absolutely beautiful, Karuma... inside and out. Your selfless compassion for others used to confuse my demon heart. But those you have helped, including me, sweetheart, all possess a strong love for you. And there is a reason for that...Karuma, you have the softest heart, people can't help but love you. Your demon nature cannot touch your pure heart. It is what first attracted me to you, watching you try to help everyone in Father's territory, I wondered at the time why you cared so much..."
       "Truth? You sure you want to hear?" He nodded. She sighed and continued. "I was learning how to communicate with others. I had watched how humans and demons went about their daily lives for centuries. Always an observer, never interacting. Being hunted for so long, I was on edge and trusted no one." She swallowed, gathering the nerve to tell him the next bit.
       "I was sleeping peacefully by a human village...a small band of humans caught me by surprise and pinned me down. They were humans, it was against my morals to slay them, but the things they said and their lewd behavior...I knew what they wanted, and they had me pinned. I could not get away. Brace yourself love, you are not going to like the rest..."
        She looked up at him. An angry expression was on his face and his arms squeezed tighter. "I already don't like it. Karuma, how? How could you still love humans after that?"
        She smiled sadly at his question and answered. "Do you judge so easily? You cannot hate all for the sins of a few. I do not hate the elves either, though I should. They only followed orders." She sighed again. "I have to finish, there is a point. The humans started to rip at my clothes and proceeded to rape me." He growled, shaking. He was furious. "Shh...just listen, love. As they were raping me, my demon rose. They could not hold me anymore. I ripped them to pieces in seconds flat," he growled in approval at that, "then I traveled to their village slaughtering everyone in my path. Back then, I only had a small dragon crystal and I had the Serenade. Obviously, I couldn't do that...I couldn't be stopped. That is until a priestess dealt a fatal blow with her spirit sword."
        His eyes still had an angry gleam, he filled in part of her story in a growling, raspy voice. "Father saved you."
        Karuma nodded. "Yes. Apparently he had heard of me moving among the shadows of his territory. The rag tag village I slaughtered was full of thieves and marauders. They were all guilty of some crime...they received judgement by claw. I was not even remotely remorseful I had killed them.
        When Taisho revived me, I reverted back to my half demon state...and I recoiled from his hand when he held it out to help me up. My first sight of him...I knew he was a noble. Why would he lower himself to help the likes of me? And why should I trust him? But... his eyes were kind. I had to start somewhere, I was still leery though. The dog demons of my race rejected me, as did the elves. So I decided, what's the worst that could happen after all I had already been through." Sesshomaru kissed the top of her head. She could feel him still seething beneath his calm visage.
       "So, I took his hand. 'My name is Lord Inu no Taisho. But you may call me Taisho.' He had said. '...well? What's your name, woman? I just saved your life, so I think I deserve that much.' I could feel his aura, he was strong, and I was a bit intimidated. 'Karuma' I said quietly.
      'Well, Karuma. We must find a way to control your transformation. Can't have you killing everyone, now can we?' I was taken aback, why would this noble want to help me? I had done nothing to warrant such behavior. So I asked him 'Why? Why do you wish to help me?'...his response shocked me. 'Because if I don't, who will? You are on your own are you not? If someone needs a hand up, what is there to lose in helping them? You give of yourself to lend a hand, and that feeling of doing good, of giving a little back...nothing compares to that. I wish to help you because I want to. Being all alone in the world must be terribly lonely. Let me help you, Karuma.'
        He sounded nothing like any of the demons I had met in the past. I told him as much. He laughed and said 'That is because I am nothing like those other demons. And neither are you. I can tell you are something special...you intrigue me. Please, at least consider my offer.'
       Your father taught me a lot. Being selfless was the first lesson I learned, compassion the second. Love, devotion, and friendship, the third. Humor the forth. He helped to make me the person I am today...I saw his compassion and want to help his many tenants, and their happiness. It made me want to be a better person. It was very humbling and enlightening at the same time."
       "You have been through so much...but rape, Karuma? Why did you not tell me sooner?" He was still angry...she had been hurt.
       He was boiling under his skin for her. She reached up and touched his cheek, tracing his stripes with her fingers. "It is hard for me to talk about, Sesshomaru. Your father knew, he saw the state my attire was in, although he never brought it up. He just bought me some new clothes. You are the only one I have actually told."
        "Oh, sweetheart..." his arms tightened and lifted her up under her arms, squeezing her to him. "I'm so sorry. My heart aches for you..."
        "Worry not, my love. I ripped them into an unrecognizable pulp...and then pissed on their remains. Such was the nature of my anger, not sadness...anger. I look at it like this, if I hadn't been raped, my change wouldn't have occurred. It was the first time it happened too, although I knew it could, so I learned through a witch it could be repressed with dragon crystals. Anyhow...if I hadn't changed, I wouldn't have met your father...or you. My family would not exist, and my heart wouldn't be near to bursting with happiness. Everything happens for a reason, Sesshomaru."
"Regardless, beautiful, it should not have happened."
"I know, baby..." she whispered.
He sighed. "It grows dark. Lets get dressed." He leaned over and ran his arm under her knees, lifting her. "Never again will you suffer. This I vow, I will protect you. I love you, Karuma." His voice hitched as he spoke, his emotions raw.
"I love you too, Sesshomaru." She laid her head on his chest. "And, thank you."
         He brought her out of the water and set her down by their clothes. She stepped a few paces back and shook her wings vigorously.
        "Where do you want to sit when you start, sweetheart?"
         She started dressing, leaving her armor with Sesshomaru's under the tree. "Over near the tree where we sat before is fine, love."
         He nodded and started dressing as well. Leaving his own armor off too and his kimono loosely tied, revealing the top of his chest. Mmm...he looked hot. Wet hair hanging all around his shoulders in a disarray she had only seen during making love. He looked up and caught her staring. A slow smile crossed his features. Damn...and he's all mine...she smiled back, causing him to suck in his breath.
        He shook his head a bit, as if in a daze. He walked to her and cupped both her cheeks, turning her head up to him. His mouth lowered, stopping inches from hers. Her hands came to his sides, rubbing lightly. "I wish we had time to make a few more good memories, sweetheart. You look good enough to eat." He licked her lips, sending a shock wave through her. The kiss he gave her after, oh damn...his mouth. He tasted every inch of her mouth and tongue, sweeping all around it. He let his tongue rest between her fangs, growling when she bit down. He swept the bloody taste around her mouth quickly, before it healed again. Huh, he must have noticed she craved his blood. Mm, god...he tastes so good. She moaned into his mouth.
        Her hands came up and attached themselves to his kimono, holding him to her. His mouth ripped away from hers and letting go of her face, he buried his face in her neck. He wrapped his arms tightly around her, his lips wrecking havoc on her as he inhaled her scent deeply. "I love your scent, Karuma." He whispered. "I could keep my face right here indefinitely." He inhaled deeply again, sending chills up and down her spine.
       He licked her neck. Ohhh, how I love it when he tastes me. She moaned again, turning her neck up to him in offering. He growled and licked her once more. "Gods, Karuma... I want you again. You are so hard to resist, beautiful. We must stop for now,  before I can no longer stop...and, I do not wish to stop..." he inhaled deeply again. "Mm, later sweetheart, slow, long, deep," he growled in her ear, causing her to moan once again, "thrusts. I shall take my time...even if it takes all night."
      Oh, god...mental slap...she sighed, okay I can do this. His face came away from her neck and their eyes met. She knew the longing she saw in his eyes mirrored her own. There was an almost predatory glow within their depths. Mm...focus, Karuma...
      "You are so unbelievably sexy. You are hard to resist too, baby." She said it on purpose. His nostrils flared as his right eyebrow shot up.
      "Karuma...I'm warning you..." He was serious. His control was being tethered on thin, frayed rope.
       She swallowed hard. Guests, food, Serenade...focus. She closed her eyes and took some deep calming breaths, letting her arms drop. "Step away, Sesshomaru." She opened her eyes again and met his. He leaned in and kissed her forehead, then took a step back, releasing her.
       Karuma let out a somewhat quiet howl. There was an answering roar, then Ah-Un appeared in the gathering gloom. She smiled, walking away from Sesshomaru and approaching them. "Hello, loves, enjoying the greenery?" They let out a happy sounding 'chuff, chuff'. She embraced their two heads as they laid them on her shoulders. "I need a favor. Can you go to Inuyasha's and retrieve our guests? Bring them back here, loves. Please?...but first, I need a flame. Hang on."
      She turned and watched as Sesshomaru bent to retrieve his fur and carry it over to where she wanted to sit for her Serenade later. He set it down and arranged it where and how he wanted it. He thinks of everything, so sweet. She gathered a small pile of the wood Sesshomaru had gotten for her earlier, arranging it close to the water. "Okay, loves, I'm ready." Ah-Un strode over and Ah lit the small fire for her. "Thanks, boys. Now, go get our guests." They chuffed again, then lifted off.
      "I need a platter, Sesshomaru. Can you cut a thin slice of this log off please?" A rather large log sat with the fire wood.
     "Hmm. Chopping wood with my Bakusaiga?" He chuckled. "Only for you, princess."
     "Thank you, love." She started feeding more wood on her small fire, making it a bit bigger while he made her a platter. The warmth from it felt good after Sesshomaru's dunking. The evening air was a bit chilly. She held her hands out to the flames.
      Sesshomaru brought her platter over, setting it down beside her. "Cold, sweetheart?" She nodded. He was behind her in an instant, his legs stretched out on both sides of her, pulling her back into him and wrapping his arms around her. "Let me warm you..." Ahh. So warm...she leaned into him, laying her head back on his shoulder. He always seemed warm. A seething inferno humming within keeping him so...he is so powerful. And yet, he held her so gently. It still amazed her. She smiled as she closed her eyes.
       "What about your boar?"
       "It should be done. I'll have Inuyasha help take it out. We used to do it together when he was younger."
       "Are you still nervous?"
       Nervous? No, I am far too comfortable to be nervous. "Not with your arms around me."
      "Hmm. I shall have to hold you all night...it relaxes me as well, princess."
      She chuckled. "I will have to move eventually, my love."
      "Then don't stay away long. My arms will be waiting." Aww...geez. He always seems to grab at my heart. When did he become so charming? Always...always was the answer. He had always intrigued her, even if he did ruffle her feathers at first.
       There was a roar in the distance and Karuma's heart speed up...maybe a bit nervous. I can do this...Ah-Un appeared over the waterfall bearing the rest of her family. She smiled, the nervousness melting away.
       "There they are!" Rin shouted excitedly.
       "I have to get up, love."
       "My arms will be waiting..." he repeated and kissed the top of her head. God, I love him.
       He held out his hand to help her up...so sweet. She took it and got to her feet, stepping around him. As they flew in, Karuma immediately caught the scent of food wafting around them. Ah-Un landed beside her.
       "Mother!" Rin hollered. And then jumped to her from Ah-Un's back, sailing through the air. Karuma laughed and caught the child up, spinning her around through the air then hugging Rin to her. Inuyasha, Kagome, and Jaken all looked surprised by what Rin had called her.
       Karuma squeezed the girl, wrapping her with her wings. "Hello, little love. I have missed you. How is Kaede?"
       "She had some stew and medicine and is sleeping peacefully. She is much better now and the rest will do her good."
       "Glad to hear. Now go say hello to Sesshomaru." She set Rin to her feet. The girl went to Sesshomaru and sat beside him. Karuma turned to the others as they climbed off Ah-Un. "Hey guys. Come sit by the fire." She noticed Inuyasha carried a rather heavy looking yellow backpack. The food scent rose off it. She reached out and plucked Jaken off of Ah-Un, giving him a quick hug too before placing him on the ground. "Hello, Jaken, I'm glad you came. I hope you enjoy tonight."
       He blushed and stammered, "Hello, Karuma...Milady...And thank you for inviting me." He took off excitedly toward Sesshomaru, hollering, "Good evening, Milord!"
      "You can set that down by the fire, Inuyasha...you guys didn't have to bring anything." Inuyasha walked toward the fire while Karuma walked with Kagome.
      "Oh no, I insist! We had to use up our vegetables anyhow, before they went bad. They are boiled and seasoned...and I made some rice balls." As they got closer, Kagome grabbed Karuma's arm and whispered in her ear. "My god, Karuma...Sesshomaru looks gorgeous! I've never seen him dress so casually. How do you keep your hands off him?"
       Karuma burst out laughing, drawing everyone's attention. "It's very difficult Kagome, believe me." She whispered back. Sesshomaru looked at her with his right eyebrow raised, and she laughed again. Very difficult indeed. She walked over and stood behind him, running her fingers through his hair and playing with the feather in it. She heard a low, vibrating growl as his eyes closed.
Kagome walked to the backpack to start unloading it. "Hang on a sec, Kagome. Sit down." Her and Inuyashsa both sat down side by side next to fire, waiting for Karuma to speak. She sat beside Sesshomaru. His arm came around her...Aww, thank you, love.
"So tonight is a celebration," Karuma began. "It's not every day I find out my little family is growing...congratulations, you two. I can't tell you how happy this makes me... so I thought I would show you instead." She paused, the both of them were smiling. "First off...Inuyasha, I need your help. Can you smell it?"
       He lifted his nose and sniffed. Boar was his favorite, so she waited. Another smile spread across his face as his eyes met hers. "You made boar! Thank you, Ruma!"
      "Boar? But where is it?" Rin asked, looking around. Jaken and Kagome then looked about for the boar as well.
      "You just wait until you see where it is." Inuyasha commented, chuckling.
       Karuma smiled. "Come see, Rin," she said, standing again and reaching her hand out to the girl. "It's time for that boar to come out anyhow." Rin stood and walked over, taking Karuma's hand. "Jaken, if you are curious too, follow me."
      "Yeah, come on, Kagome...you gotta see this." Inuyasha said, standing and reaching out to her. She grabbed his hand and he pulled her to her feet.
      Karuma walked, hand in hand with Rin, to her ground oven a few feet away. She bent and held her hand on the dirt on top of it.
      "I still don't see a boar, Mother. Where is it?" Inuyasha, Kagome, and Jaken (who gave in to his curiosity) stopped beside her. Sesshomaru stood and watched, but hung back a bit.
      "Touch the ground right here, Rin." Karuma patted the spot on the ground.
       Rin reached out and felt the loose soil. "It's warm!...Is it underground!? But how do you cook in a hole? How does the hole stay warm? Won't our meat be dirty?"
      Karuma laughed at the girl's rapid fire questions. "The hardest part is making the hole, Rin. I will teach you how, then maybe you could cook for me." She chuckled again. "And no, it's not dirty. I wrap the meat to keep it clean and from burning."
     "That's amazing, Karuma!" Kagome spoke up after bending down and feeling the ground herself. "I didn't know food could be cooked in a hole..."
      "It's called a ground oven, Kagome. And I could teach you as well, if you want."
      "That's so cool! Yes, I would love to learn, Karuma."
"Well for one, the hole can't be much bigger than what you are cooking. Poultry only needs a small hole, but a boar...you get the idea. Once a hole is dug, line it with somewhat flat rocks, they help retain the heat...gut and wrap your meat, I used the reeds from around the water. Line the bottom of the pit with hot coals, put your meat in and throw more coals on top. Then you simply cover the hole."
"Sounds like a lot of work." Kagome said.
"Yes, Kagome, but once the meat is in...like a crock pot, it slow cooks. And you can reuse the ground oven in the future...and I intend too. We have chosen to settle here when all is said and done."
"Really, Karuma? Your gonna live here? That's awesome! My sister will be close...I so want to be a part of your life, your family too." Kagome leaned from where she knelt beside Karuma and gave her a hug. "You're a pretty cool person, Karuma."
"You already are a big part of my family, dear heart. I never had a sister, or been one, for that matter...so you may have to bear with me...but, I liked you from the first moment I smelled you. I knew you were something special or Inuyasha wouldn't have fallen for you." She pulled back and smiled at Kagome. "I'm glad you found him."
"So, you and Sesshomaru...I mean you really will be my sister right?" She spoke softly, in an almost hopeful tone.
"Yes, we will be mated soon." A soft look spread across Karuma's face as she looked toward Sesshomaru. He mouthed the words 'I love you' to her. Kagome looked at him in time to see it, and Karuma's smile after.
"You look very happy, Karuma." Yes, very happy indeed.
"I am, Kagome. Inuyasha...let's dig out our meal."
She opened up the top of the hole. Steam rose up from within. "Mmm. That smells sooo good, Mother." Rin spoke up. She tried to peak around Karuma to see in the hole, but the gathering darkness made it difficult.
Inuyasha drew his Tessaiga. "I'll get it out." Karuma raised an eyebrow.
"Don't hack it to pieces, Inuyasha."
He chuckled. "No, I'm gonna scoop it out." He slid his sword under the boar like a giant spatula and lifted the whole thing up and out.
"By the fire, Inuyasha." He brought the steaming mass over by their fire and set it down, sliding his sword out carefully.
Karuma sat next to the boar and used a claw to cut back the reeds. The opened reeds worked as a natural dish under it. And damn, it smelled wonderful...the tender meat slipping from the bone as she peeled back a piece. "Here Rin, wanna try it?" She held the piece out to the girl.
She walked over and took it, plopping it into her mouth. "Mmm...so good!"
Sesshomaru grabbed her platter and brought it over, kneeling beside her. "I miss you in my arms already, sweetheart." He spoke softly, for her ears alone. "It seems even a few paces away from you is too far..."
Aww...my heart. "I love you..." She whispered. She pulled a small piece of meat off and held it out to him. His eyes came to hers, that predatory glow shining within their depths. She knew he didn't commonly eat cooked meats, but his mouth engulfed it anyway, and sucked the juices off her fingers. Mm...damn.
He leaned in after he swallowed the meat. "Delicious...and the meat was good too..." he gave into temptation, bending down and kissing her. Rin giggled beside them.
"Don't start that you two or we will never get to eat." Inuyasha spoke up. Sesshomaru lifted his head, chuckling low and sat beside her. Kagome busied herself setting out veggies and rice balls on platters on a blanket she had brought. Cups and chopsticks came out of the bag too. Damn, she really does think of everything. Karuma got back to work, using her claws like knives, cutting long thin strips. She filled her platter quickly then licked her fingers. Sesshomaru, watching her, let out a soft growl. She looked at him and smiled, licking her fingers once more.
"Karuma..." he spoke low, but a warning was there. She chuckled to herself. He had intentionally sucked on her fingers and kissed her to get a reaction. "Payback, my love, for turning me on with our family here." She said quietly. She stood and carried her platter to the blanket.
Everything was laid out beautifully. "Okay guys, lets dig in...I got another surprise for after supper that I am eager to share. So eat up." She looked toward Sesshomaru and sat down. He immediately hopped up and strode over, sitting behind her and wrapping his arms around her, legs on both sides of her again. She heard him exhale a contented sigh.
"You feel so good, sweetheart." He whispered in her ear, squeezing her. His sheer size seemed to engulf her. But she loved it.
Rin ran over and sat beside them. Jaken on the other side, watching her and his master together. He smiled at Karuma as he sat down. Inuyasha and Kagome sat side by side. "I love you guys, now let's eat."