Someone to protect

Chapter 11

I was in my chamber sitting on the window and looking down into the garden where Kagome and Sango sat and talked, while Rin and Shippo played together. Ever since that night I could not take my eyes off her, she drew me in whether I wanted it or not. It was all beyond my control. I was aware of how fast my intentions changed, but to me it was the most natural thing. Mother was right. I would be whatever she desired. Back then, when we traveled together, I was satisfied with being her mentor, teaching her and being by her side. However, now that wasn't the case. Was that me that changed or was it Kagomes feelings towards me that made the change?

The knock on my door pulled me out of my thoughts. I looked over my shoulder seeing my mother enter the chamber followed by Luka.

"I heard you sent my servant away," she said, disregarding the greeting altogether.

I did not deem necessary to answer. I just looked away from them and back to the focus of my attention. I heard my mother sigh and come closer sitting opposite of me on the window.

"So that's how you decided?" her voice seemed much gentler than usual, I felt her gaze upon me as I just continued to avoid her.

"As you said. I don't have a choice."

The words coming from my mouth were true. I could not help how I was feeling. I was puzzled however if those feelings were mine, or just a reaction to something I did not catch and my beast instinctively understood. She must have sensed my unease because suddenly there was her hand on my head giving me a pat just like she used to when I was a child. I looked up at her, the gentle smile on her face making me stare. I haven't seen that kind of expression on her face for centuries.

"Do not overthink this Sesshomaru. It's not something that you can explain. It's simply an instinct, however that doesn't mean the feelings are fake. You react to that girl, meaning she must have feelings for you as well. The demon slayer told me you used to be her teacher and I bet you were satisfied with that because that was what she needed. Now, there's something else she wants. You."

I felt the soft caress of her hand on my hair and I looked back upon Kagome. Seeing her smile so cheerfully made my heart flutter. Mother was right. For me to react this way, she must have some feelings for me.

The scene was so peaceful. I wished the time to stop just to stay in this moment a little bit longer. My wish however was not granted. One moment there was cheerful laughter and the warmth of my mother's hand upon my head and the next I saw Kagome jump up in alarm looking around, panic evident on her face. Sango jumped up with her asking what was wrong. My mother Luka and myself looked in alarm around the garden, hoping to see what distressed the priestess. She just looked up at me, finding my golden eyes with her chocolate ones and she mouthed to me clearly, to make sure I could decipher her words.

"Naraku."

The next thing I knew she started running towards the castle with Sango and both kids closely behind her and I turned around slipping from my mother's touch. There was still something that needed to be done.

...

I found Kagome a few moments later in her room, changed into the clothing I provided for her putting the arrows into her quiver. I was about to protest and tell her to stay put but she brushed past me before I could say anything, determination clearly visible on her face.

"Do not try to stop me Sesshomaru. You said you thought I was the key to defeating Naraku. If I can stop him I'm going."

I did not dare protest anymore. She was right. I still thought of her as someone necessary for the fight, but the feeling of unease clenched my stomach when the thought of her getting hurt in the battle crossed my mind. I walked behind her, even in a dire situation like this one she still had an enormous effect on me. The way her hips swayed I front of me made it very difficult for me to not just grab her by the hand, press her against the wall and...no...this is not the time.

We walked out of the castle and Kagome pointed right in front of her.

"It's coming from over there. There is a large number of shards there, it has to be Naraku."

Sango and Miroku joined us as soon as Kagome finished that sentence, already sitting on Kilalas back and ready to help.

"We're going with you. We both have our own score to settle with Naraku."

I just nodded my head. I would not stand in the way of my pack getting revenge on Naraku. Everyone deserved a piece of him and they would all get one. I took Kagome into my arms and gave my first order to my new pack:

"Then lets go."