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Description
Purple Haze

By: Aurora Collins

Disclaimers: I do not own Inuyasha or any of the characters associated with it. I'm only borrowing the characters to amuse myself and hopefully others. ^__^

Ch. 19 Validation

Heavy investigation followed when Takahiro asked for the files of Kouga of the wolf clan. He had an impeccably perfect record in the law force and always upheld the rules and regulations of the facility; except this time. Kouga should have kept his nose out of this instead of helping that dog. Takahiro had a feeling that there was more to this and his spies verified that Kouga had been working with Sesshomaru for a while; whether it was helping the dog or doing things for him.

When his spies asked around there were signs of Kouga trying to locate certain paperwork, trying to swindle the system of getting things pushed forward; all for the sake of that woman. What was so important about her that these people would go to such lengths?

Takahiro pushed the button at his personal desk and heard his secretary say, “Yes sir?” “Send word that I want Kouga and his family arrested for conspiracy, retaliation and terrorism,” Takahiro told her. “Right away sir.”

Takahiro leaned back in his chair and he smiled. Shoichi looked nervous, “Lord Takahiro, are you sure this is going to be the right choice?”

Takahiro nodded, “Of course. His family is well known and an example has to be made and a personal message sent to that dog for interfering with my plans. How else could I get back at Sesshomaru, but through one of his loyal men?”

Shoichi sighed in understanding, “I just think that this will create a martyr. Kouga is well known.”

Takahiro laughed, “Don’t be an idiot Shoichi. Nothing will happen to that flea bag, but someone a little closer to home.”

“You mean one of his…” Shoichi was cut off. “Of course. Now get back to work. We need those reports out soon about the condition of the Earth. We want to keep our people happy, now don’t we?” Takahiro chuckled.

Shoichi agreed, “I’m getting on that right now.” He stood up and saw himself out, knowing that what was about to happen would be a hard message, not just sent to Sesshomaru, but to any demon who wanted to go against the council.

~

The plague of wrongness egged at Kouga’s mind all night and into the following morning. He couldn’t seem to sleep, despite knowing that he did everything he could for the moment. He checked with his sons on the other ships and relayed any important information. Kouga even walked around the ship in the middle of the night to see if he could detect any odd goings on; but there was nothing. Sleep didn’t find him, but that feeling of dread wouldn’t leave him.

He did everything that Sesshomaru asked of him and more. All they were doing was waiting for that probe to come back from Earth and it should be done at any moment. Maybe that is what was keeping him up. He was anxious about the results. Kouga knew the council lied, but about the Earth? Why would they want to do that? There had to be a reason to want to stay up in space. He would have to do some heavy investigation and he needed to talk with Sesshomaru anyway.

Since it was already morning, he needed to get up anyway. Kouga didn’t bother to wake Ayame up before he made his way to his uniform. He got dressed and made his way to the demon lord’s apartments, hoping he wasn’t interrupting anything. He knew that the mating had to happen between Kagome and Sesshomaru, or the laws would dictate that Kagome would have to go back to Inuyasha. This was just getting so frustrating with how everything was going.

Kouga was about to leave through the door when he felt his woman at his back. He didn’t even hear her come up to him. He really must be distracted. “Where are you going Kouga?” Ayame asked.

Kouga smiled as he turned to face her. He gave her a small kiss on the lips and said, “I have to talk to Sesshomaru this morning my love.”

Ayame blushed as he playfully growled at her. “If you have to my mate,” She told him this as she got on her tip toes and gave him a deeper kiss, one that promised a night of passion.

Kouga would have loved to drag her back to bed and make love to her, but he couldn’t. His nostrils flared, sensing her impending need of him. Kouga shook his head and Ayame giggled, knowing that he could smell her arousal.

“Go back to bed Ayame. I will make it up to you,” Kouga said as she turned around to do as he bid. He lightly swatted her rear as she made her way back to the bedroom. Kouga could feel himself smiling even after she was gone from his sight.

He was truly in love with Ayame and he hated to leave this early, but he had something he had to do and it called his attentions immediately. He just wanted to go back home; back to Earth.

~

Sesshomaru smoothed Kagome’s hair back as she slept in the early morning. Last night’s events were evident on the stark white sheets. The red splotch on the sheets signified what had been done and the bite mark at her shoulder proved what she was to him.

When he bit into her shoulder, her blunt teeth bit him in return. It was symbolic in nature, but to him, it meant even more. She accepted him and he accepted her and the gift she gave him. Kagome waited her whole life for him and in a way he for her. They belonged to one another and there was no question with it. Now all he had to do was keep her safe from anything that could cause her harm.

There was no way that anyone could take her away from him now. That is what gave him the most relief. No more Inuyasha to interfere with what he treasured the most. Now that marriage contract was nullified not only legally, but through mating there could be no contesting her being his.

Sesshomaru saw her stirring, a slight whimpering coming from her lips. He was worried that he may have been too rough with her, but when her blue eyes opened, he saw the happiness within them. She snuggled closer to him, giving a content sigh.

“Good morning Sesshomaru,” she yawned out.

Sesshomaru smiled warmly at her, holding her close to him. “Good morning my pet,” he lovingly called her as he felt her stretch. “How are you feeling?”

“A little sore, but happier than ever,” Kagome admitted as she planted a kiss on his lips. He gladly returned the affection.

Sesshomaru wasn’t used to showing his emotions, but with Kagome, they came easily enough. The more he spent time with her, the more he saw himself change; but it was a change that he could live with. Sesshomaru felt better with whom he was and could finally admit that he had human emotions too. He could love and still be a strong demon at the same time. When he thought about it, now he could understand his father.

Sesshomaru nuzzled against her and said, “I’m sorry if I was too rough with you.”

Kagome smiled and gave a soft giggle, “Not at all. I enjoyed myself very much. You are a very skilled lover.” Kagome could feel her cheeks heating up with being so bold but she couldn’t seem to help herself at the moment. It was embarrassing to admit, but she was starting to feel turned on again, wanting to couple with him once more.

She saw Sesshomaru’s nostrils flare as he could smell her scent of arousal. He growled under his breath as he turned her on top of his naked body. Her breasts bobbed as he moved her up to settle on top of him.

“Best you stop woman before this Sesshomaru makes love to you once more,” Sesshomaru warned as he hands already came to her hips.

Kagome grinned as her eyes drooped with pleasure, “That isn’t a threat Sesshomaru, but a promise of what I really want.”

“You’re insatiable this morning Kagome,” Sesshomaru chuckled as she bounced on top of him from his laughter.

Kagome smoothed her hands over his naked abdomen, relishing in his muscular physic. She really did love his body and the way it worked. She never knew what she was missing out on until she met him. Sesshomaru made her feel complete, like what a real woman is supposed to feel like.

Kagome mewled, “I don’t think you can ever satisfy me because I will keep wanting more.”

Sesshomaru could feel himself getting hard just with the way she talked. She was being seductive on purpose and she knew it. Kagome felt him at her bottom and she felt heated between her legs once more; the moisture apparent. Sesshomaru squeezed her hips as his hands traveled down her thighs. There was no way they could get out of this now, that is until there was a buzz blaring at their front door.

Sesshomaru gave out a sigh as he head plummeted onto the pillow. Kagome sagged as her forehead came to his chest, her hair spilling around him. “Why now?” her muffled protest vibrated on his chest. Sesshomaru felt the same way.

The buzz came again and SSU came on the intercom, “Lord Sesshomaru, you have a guest by the name of Kouga who wishes to see you.”

Sesshomaru looked up at the ceiling and cursed the Gods for this. “Just let him in and tell him to stay in the dining room if he knows what’s good for him.”

“Yes Lord Sesshomaru,” SSU beeped out.

Kagome bit her lip as she breathed out, “We need to get that contraption out of here.”

“I couldn’t agree with you more. SSU is the most annoying device ever,” Sesshomaru agreed completely. He forced himself up on his elbows, making Kagome get up with him.

“I don’t want to get up,” Kagome protested.

Sesshomaru kissed her on the lips once more, “I know my pet, but we have business to attend to. You get in the shower while I deal with our guest.”

Kagome put her hands on her hips, “Well I want to say hello to him too. He’s still my friend.”

Sesshomaru smiled “Of course. Well then take a quick shower and we can all have some coffee together. Does that suit you?”

Kagome nodded and was up out of the bed in mere seconds. She walked around the room naked and Sesshomaru couldn’t help but stare at her. The bite mark kept reminding him that she was his and he wanted to keep seeing it. He wanted everyone to see who she belonged to, but knew that the clothes would cover it up. Kagome got on a robe and looked back at Sesshomaru, “I would rather you come into the shower with me.”

The offer was so tempting, but Sesshomaru shook his head, “You know I can’t or we would be stuck in there for hours.”

“My point exactly,” Kagome smirked as she heard Sesshomaru laugh.

“Get out of here minx,” Sesshomaru ordered playfully. Kagome waved at him before she left the room and down the hall to the shower room. It was such a tempting offer, but this business got in the way of what he really wanted. What did Kouga need so early in the morning?

Sesshomaru got into his own robe before getting to the kitchen where Kouga was waiting for him. He saw Kouga pacing as he entered the room. When Kouga felt the dog’s presence, he stopped.

Sesshomaru went to the food machine and made a couple cups of coffee. He handed one to Kouga, who took it reluctantly. “Thanks,” he muttered. Sesshomaru gestured for him to sit, and expected it to be done. Kouga eyes the chair and relented.

He sat down and his foot was tapping with vigor. Sesshomaru growled and barked out, “Alright, what is going on for you to come here this early?”

“There is nothing wrong per say.”
“Then what is on your mind to interrupt my morning?”
“There is just something eating at me. I guess it’s the probe.”
“There isn’t word on it yet, but Shippo and Souta are keeping an eye on it.”
“All this waiting is making me anxious. I also have a feeling that there is something more going on with the council.”
“What makes you say that?”
“For one, why would they hide the fact that the Earth is habitable again?”
“We don’t know that yet.”
“I know, but what if it is? Then what? What is the reason for them to lie?”
“I don’t really know to be honest. Why are you thinking about this?”

Kouga finally got up out of his chair and paced once more, “It’s just something that I can’t stop thinking about. The reasoning behind the council wanting us to stay in space. Not only that but I have this bad feeling. It’s in my gut that something bad is gonna happen.”

Sesshomaru felt it himself, but just passed it as being anxious about Kagome. Sesshomaru tried to make Kouga calm down, “Now don’t be jumping to any conclusions. This will be a slow process and you should know this. We will have the results of the probe at any moment. I assure you.”

Kouga bit at his thumbnail, “I really hope so. Then maybe we can start getting answers about everything.”

“Just sit down and wait until the call comes in,” Sesshomaru told him as he gestured towards the chair once more. “Besides, Kagome will be out here soon and I don’t want her worried over nothing. She has already been through too much.

Kouga ruffled his hair as he sat down once more, “You’re right. I have been meaning to apologize to her any way.”

This caught Sesshomaru’s interest, “Why is that?”

Kouga looked guilty, “It’s because of the way I treated her in the past few weeks. I had to act indifferent to her and I told Hakkaku and Ginta to act the same as well. It was to protect her and you, but I should have still treated her like a friend.”

“I’m sure she understands where you were coming from,” Sesshomaru tried to explain.

Kouga wouldn’t listen to it, “I don’t care. I still need to apologize to her.”

Before the conversation could continue, Kagome stepped out in her robe and a towel at her shoulders. She was drying her hair when she heard Kouga’s last line. She looked confused.

“Apologize for what Kouga?” Kagome asked as she took a seat next to Sesshomaru. She took the cup of coffee offered to her, as her blue eyes kept their gaze on the wolf as she sipped on the beverage.

Kouga looked nervous, like everything was on end with him. He was looking the wreck, like he didn’t get any sleep.

Kagome smiled at him, “I’m sure whatever it is, it can’t be that bad.”

Kouga looked down, “Kagome, I just wanted to apologize for how you were treated. Ginta, Hakkaku and I were indifferent towards you and that was wrong. We were only trying to…”

Kagome cut him off with a wave of her hand, “I know why you had to do it. It was to protect everyone and you had a job to do. I know what you were doing and I don’t hold any ill will towards you. Kouga, I’m not blind or stupid.”

Sesshomaru gave an ‘I told you’ look at Kouga.

Kouga gave out a frustrated sigh, “Well then I guess I feel better. But that still doesn’t dissuade my concern about the council and what they’re up to.”

Sesshomaru slammed his hand on the table, “I said don’t!”

Kagome put her hand on Sesshomaru’s and said, “What shouldn’t he say? We had a deal remember Sesshomaru? I wouldn’t be left in the dark anymore. Remember?”

Sesshomaru gave a defeated mutter, “Yeah…”

Kagome smiled, trying to keep the tenseness from the air, “So tell me what’s going on Kouga.”

Kouga reiterated what he told Sesshomaru and was absolute in what he was thinking. He really wanted this rebellion to work perfectly. He had been working on it for years and this was very important to him. Not only for the benefit of humans; but to both races as well. They had to get the council to shut down because of all their lies.

That is when Kagome recalled what Mayumi told her.

“That reminds me of something. There was so much going on that I didn’t have a chance to tell anyone what Mayumi said,” Kagome began to explain.

“When I was with Inuyasha she told me about something a councilman told her. I believe it to be true because she was very adamant about it and she thought the information could be used to hurt me. She told me that the council was planning on making all humans slaves. I even heard rumors from the guards about it as well. So there must be some truth about it. I know there isn’t any concrete evidence, but don’t you think that is why the council is so adamant about these new laws? I mean they keep saying it’s for the good of the humans, but I feel that most demons hold resentment towards humans,” Kagome took another sip of coffee before she continued.

“I mean look at it this way; humans hunted demons into hiding and now there is a chance for demons to get back at humans. Humans are an endangered species for crying out loud. I would think that keeping us from the Earth would make it to where they have a tighter grasp on humans. We won’t really know until the probes come back. Right?” At this point Kagome felt she was rambling, but the she saw the looks that Sesshomaru and Kouga were giving her. “What?” Kagome asked as they kept staring.

“You know you have a lot of valid points. I never thought of it like that to that extent, but since you’re human, I guess you would look at it differently,” Kouga finally said.

Kagome nodded, “Exactly. Maybe you guys should talk to humans more to see how they feel.”

Sesshomaru shook his head, “Those are valid points, but I was part of the council. I never heard these slave rumors before, nor were they discussed in the meetings.”

“They could have talked about these plans behind your back. You told me that you championed humans. You think they would really talk about slavery openly to you?” Kouga tested the waters.

“I suppose you’re right, but like I said before; let’s wait for the probes before we jump to any conclusions,” Sesshomaru warned.

Kouga stood up and said, “I have to go.” He made his way to the door.

“Where are you going?” Sesshomaru questioned in a rough tone.

Kouga whirled around and said with an equal rough demeanor, “I’m telling my sons to be careful and to warn the other group members about this conspiracy. I have a feeling that what Kagome said is true. It has to be done before the space station goes into full swing. I don’t want to be caught relaying a call to Reiji and Ronmaru about this. It could cause problems.”

Sesshomaru stood up this time and addressed Kouga, “I think you should still wait. Patience is needed here.”

Kouga flung his arms up in the air, “And what has patience gotten you? You lost Kagome once and got kicked out of the council. It’s time you acted like the demon I remember and show force. It’s time to go back to the Feudal Era and show no mercy. We were revered as the most powerful demons in all of Japan. Or have you forgotten?”

Before Sesshomaru could respond Kouga walked out.

Sesshomaru plopped back down on his chair and he rubbed at his temples. He recalled telling the council that the past needed to stay in the past. They were civilized now, but look at where it had gotten them. Could he really throw all this progress out the window and go back to the demon he was?

Kagome could see the war within Sesshomaru as Kouga’s words hit home. Maybe Kouga was right. All there was now was paperwork upon paperwork; rules and laws, dictations of what should be happening. Kagome felt that life was simpler back then and as time went on, so did the complicated madness.

Kagome put her cup down and stood up, coming behind Sesshomaru. She was about to comfort him when the intercom beeped once more.

SSU announced, “There is a call waiting for you Lord Sesshomaru. It is Shippo.”

Sesshomaru looked up from his hands and said, “Let the call through.”

~

Souta felt smothered as he heard a sound coming from the computer. He groaned, not getting enough sleep to satisfy his body. When he cracked open his eyes he saw Shippo all over him. Their arms and legs were intertwined with one another and granted it felt nice, but now they had to get up. Souta tried shoving at Shippo, but the fox just kept softly snoring away. Souta gave out a frustrated sigh as he nudged at Shippo once more.

Shippo moaned and held onto Souta tighter. “Not right now,” Shippo mumbled as he kept on sleeping. Souta rolled his eyes and thought of a new tactic. He leaned forward and pressed a kiss on Shippo. He saw Shippo smirk as he began to kiss back.

Shippo’s arms came around Souta as he deepened the kiss. The fox finally opened his green eyes and had a coy look about him. “Now that is a good morning,” Shippo moaned as he kissed Souta once more, wanting more. Souta tried to stop Shippo, but the more the fox kept pushing, the more he wanted to be close to him.

The sound from the computer kept getting louder until Shippo finally gave a frustrated guttural sound that came from his throat. “Alright, we’re up,” Shippo moaned. He finally released his mate and he rolled off the cot. Souta felt an instant cold that shadowed his body. He wanted Shippo back in bed and that is when he jolted awake. Why would he think of something so smutty?

Souta really needed to find a cure to this before he got really involved. He didn’t turn that way and this was so wrong. But if it was so wrong, then why did it seem so right? Souta confirmed that he was just confused because of this mating thing. It made him think of things that he shouldn’t be thinking about.

“C’mon Souta, we have to look at these stats,” Shippo prodded.

Souta grouched, “Get me some tea.”

Shippo huffed, “Get your own damned tea.” Apparently Shippo was in a foul mood himself. Souta rolled over and said to the ceiling, “Please get me some tea?”

There was silence. When Souta looked to the side he saw Shippo just mere inches from his face, hovering. How did Shippo move so fast?

“Say please in a nicer way and I might consider it,” Shippo offered.

Souta groaned, “It’s too early for this.”

Shippo kept his gaze and stayed there. Souta wanted to kick something, “Alright!” Souta quickly grabbed Shippo and forced a kiss on him. At first Shippo was shocked, but then he deepened the kiss, forcing Souta’s lips apart. The moan lay deep in Souta’s throat as their tongues intertwined. Shippo parted from Souta just as the kiss was getting good, leaving Souta wanting more.

“I’ll get you that tea now,” Shippo said with a smile.

Souta could have slapped Shippo, but at least he was getting him some tea. Souta rolled out of the cot and lazily got onto his feet. He made his way to the computer, rubbing his eyes in the process. Souta needed to focus. Before he had a chance to look at the data Shippo showed up with some warm green tea.

Shippo nuzzled against Souta and said, “Here you go darling.”

Souta took the cup and gave Shippo a dirty look. “Don’t call me that!” Souta bit out.

“Then what would you like me to call you? Love? Muffin toes? Sweetie? C’mon give me a hint here,” Shippo said as he played around.

Souta shook his head, “How about just plain Souta?”

Shippo then grinned and said, “Why don’t we call ourselves Shouta!? It would be great and it could catch on, like a fan girl base or something of that nature?”

Souta had to chuckle at that, “As if that would work?”

“I don’t care what you say. We’re Shouta from here on out. No more complaints. Now what does that report say?” Shippo edged closer to Souta as the screen blared.

It was back to work as usual, but Souta liked the flirting if he was being completely honest with himself. Maybe Shouta was a good nickname for them, but as far as pet names went… There was some work to be done.

Souta could beat himself. Pet names? What was wrong with him?

He stared at the screen and his eyes went wide. The probe information came in and it said that the Earth was… Habitable once more!

Description
Purple Haze

By: Aurora Collins

Disclaimers: I do not own Inuyasha or any of the characters associated with it. I'm only borrowing the characters to amuse myself and hopefully others. ^__^

Ch. 19 Validation

Heavy investigation followed when Takahiro asked for the files of Kouga of the wolf clan. He had an impeccably perfect record in the law force and always upheld the rules and regulations of the facility; except this time. Kouga should have kept his nose out of this instead of helping that dog. Takahiro had a feeling that there was more to this and his spies verified that Kouga had been working with Sesshomaru for a while; whether it was helping the dog or doing things for him.

When his spies asked around there were signs of Kouga trying to locate certain paperwork, trying to swindle the system of getting things pushed forward; all for the sake of that woman. What was so important about her that these people would go to such lengths?

Takahiro pushed the button at his personal desk and heard his secretary say, “Yes sir?” “Send word that I want Kouga and his family arrested for conspiracy, retaliation and terrorism,” Takahiro told her. “Right away sir.”

Takahiro leaned back in his chair and he smiled. Shoichi looked nervous, “Lord Takahiro, are you sure this is going to be the right choice?”

Takahiro nodded, “Of course. His family is well known and an example has to be made and a personal message sent to that dog for interfering with my plans. How else could I get back at Sesshomaru, but through one of his loyal men?”

Shoichi sighed in understanding, “I just think that this will create a martyr. Kouga is well known.”

Takahiro laughed, “Don’t be an idiot Shoichi. Nothing will happen to that flea bag, but someone a little closer to home.”

“You mean one of his…” Shoichi was cut off. “Of course. Now get back to work. We need those reports out soon about the condition of the Earth. We want to keep our people happy, now don’t we?” Takahiro chuckled.

Shoichi agreed, “I’m getting on that right now.” He stood up and saw himself out, knowing that what was about to happen would be a hard message, not just sent to Sesshomaru, but to any demon who wanted to go against the council.

~

The plague of wrongness egged at Kouga’s mind all night and into the following morning. He couldn’t seem to sleep, despite knowing that he did everything he could for the moment. He checked with his sons on the other ships and relayed any important information. Kouga even walked around the ship in the middle of the night to see if he could detect any odd goings on; but there was nothing. Sleep didn’t find him, but that feeling of dread wouldn’t leave him.

He did everything that Sesshomaru asked of him and more. All they were doing was waiting for that probe to come back from Earth and it should be done at any moment. Maybe that is what was keeping him up. He was anxious about the results. Kouga knew the council lied, but about the Earth? Why would they want to do that? There had to be a reason to want to stay up in space. He would have to do some heavy investigation and he needed to talk with Sesshomaru anyway.

Since it was already morning, he needed to get up anyway. Kouga didn’t bother to wake Ayame up before he made his way to his uniform. He got dressed and made his way to the demon lord’s apartments, hoping he wasn’t interrupting anything. He knew that the mating had to happen between Kagome and Sesshomaru, or the laws would dictate that Kagome would have to go back to Inuyasha. This was just getting so frustrating with how everything was going.

Kouga was about to leave through the door when he felt his woman at his back. He didn’t even hear her come up to him. He really must be distracted. “Where are you going Kouga?” Ayame asked.

Kouga smiled as he turned to face her. He gave her a small kiss on the lips and said, “I have to talk to Sesshomaru this morning my love.”

Ayame blushed as he playfully growled at her. “If you have to my mate,” She told him this as she got on her tip toes and gave him a deeper kiss, one that promised a night of passion.

Kouga would have loved to drag her back to bed and make love to her, but he couldn’t. His nostrils flared, sensing her impending need of him. Kouga shook his head and Ayame giggled, knowing that he could smell her arousal.

“Go back to bed Ayame. I will make it up to you,” Kouga said as she turned around to do as he bid. He lightly swatted her rear as she made her way back to the bedroom. Kouga could feel himself smiling even after she was gone from his sight.

He was truly in love with Ayame and he hated to leave this early, but he had something he had to do and it called his attentions immediately. He just wanted to go back home; back to Earth.

~

Sesshomaru smoothed Kagome’s hair back as she slept in the early morning. Last night’s events were evident on the stark white sheets. The red splotch on the sheets signified what had been done and the bite mark at her shoulder proved what she was to him.

When he bit into her shoulder, her blunt teeth bit him in return. It was symbolic in nature, but to him, it meant even more. She accepted him and he accepted her and the gift she gave him. Kagome waited her whole life for him and in a way he for her. They belonged to one another and there was no question with it. Now all he had to do was keep her safe from anything that could cause her harm.

There was no way that anyone could take her away from him now. That is what gave him the most relief. No more Inuyasha to interfere with what he treasured the most. Now that marriage contract was nullified not only legally, but through mating there could be no contesting her being his.

Sesshomaru saw her stirring, a slight whimpering coming from her lips. He was worried that he may have been too rough with her, but when her blue eyes opened, he saw the happiness within them. She snuggled closer to him, giving a content sigh.

“Good morning Sesshomaru,” she yawned out.

Sesshomaru smiled warmly at her, holding her close to him. “Good morning my pet,” he lovingly called her as he felt her stretch. “How are you feeling?”

“A little sore, but happier than ever,” Kagome admitted as she planted a kiss on his lips. He gladly returned the affection.

Sesshomaru wasn’t used to showing his emotions, but with Kagome, they came easily enough. The more he spent time with her, the more he saw himself change; but it was a change that he could live with. Sesshomaru felt better with whom he was and could finally admit that he had human emotions too. He could love and still be a strong demon at the same time. When he thought about it, now he could understand his father.

Sesshomaru nuzzled against her and said, “I’m sorry if I was too rough with you.”

Kagome smiled and gave a soft giggle, “Not at all. I enjoyed myself very much. You are a very skilled lover.” Kagome could feel her cheeks heating up with being so bold but she couldn’t seem to help herself at the moment. It was embarrassing to admit, but she was starting to feel turned on again, wanting to couple with him once more.

She saw Sesshomaru’s nostrils flare as he could smell her scent of arousal. He growled under his breath as he turned her on top of his naked body. Her breasts bobbed as he moved her up to settle on top of him.

“Best you stop woman before this Sesshomaru makes love to you once more,” Sesshomaru warned as he hands already came to her hips.

Kagome grinned as her eyes drooped with pleasure, “That isn’t a threat Sesshomaru, but a promise of what I really want.”

“You’re insatiable this morning Kagome,” Sesshomaru chuckled as she bounced on top of him from his laughter.

Kagome smoothed her hands over his naked abdomen, relishing in his muscular physic. She really did love his body and the way it worked. She never knew what she was missing out on until she met him. Sesshomaru made her feel complete, like what a real woman is supposed to feel like.

Kagome mewled, “I don’t think you can ever satisfy me because I will keep wanting more.”

Sesshomaru could feel himself getting hard just with the way she talked. She was being seductive on purpose and she knew it. Kagome felt him at her bottom and she felt heated between her legs once more; the moisture apparent. Sesshomaru squeezed her hips as his hands traveled down her thighs. There was no way they could get out of this now, that is until there was a buzz blaring at their front door.

Sesshomaru gave out a sigh as he head plummeted onto the pillow. Kagome sagged as her forehead came to his chest, her hair spilling around him. “Why now?” her muffled protest vibrated on his chest. Sesshomaru felt the same way.

The buzz came again and SSU came on the intercom, “Lord Sesshomaru, you have a guest by the name of Kouga who wishes to see you.”

Sesshomaru looked up at the ceiling and cursed the Gods for this. “Just let him in and tell him to stay in the dining room if he knows what’s good for him.”

“Yes Lord Sesshomaru,” SSU beeped out.

Kagome bit her lip as she breathed out, “We need to get that contraption out of here.”

“I couldn’t agree with you more. SSU is the most annoying device ever,” Sesshomaru agreed completely. He forced himself up on his elbows, making Kagome get up with him.

“I don’t want to get up,” Kagome protested.

Sesshomaru kissed her on the lips once more, “I know my pet, but we have business to attend to. You get in the shower while I deal with our guest.”

Kagome put her hands on her hips, “Well I want to say hello to him too. He’s still my friend.”

Sesshomaru smiled “Of course. Well then take a quick shower and we can all have some coffee together. Does that suit you?”

Kagome nodded and was up out of the bed in mere seconds. She walked around the room naked and Sesshomaru couldn’t help but stare at her. The bite mark kept reminding him that she was his and he wanted to keep seeing it. He wanted everyone to see who she belonged to, but knew that the clothes would cover it up. Kagome got on a robe and looked back at Sesshomaru, “I would rather you come into the shower with me.”

The offer was so tempting, but Sesshomaru shook his head, “You know I can’t or we would be stuck in there for hours.”

“My point exactly,” Kagome smirked as she heard Sesshomaru laugh.

“Get out of here minx,” Sesshomaru ordered playfully. Kagome waved at him before she left the room and down the hall to the shower room. It was such a tempting offer, but this business got in the way of what he really wanted. What did Kouga need so early in the morning?

Sesshomaru got into his own robe before getting to the kitchen where Kouga was waiting for him. He saw Kouga pacing as he entered the room. When Kouga felt the dog’s presence, he stopped.

Sesshomaru went to the food machine and made a couple cups of coffee. He handed one to Kouga, who took it reluctantly. “Thanks,” he muttered. Sesshomaru gestured for him to sit, and expected it to be done. Kouga eyes the chair and relented.

He sat down and his foot was tapping with vigor. Sesshomaru growled and barked out, “Alright, what is going on for you to come here this early?”

“There is nothing wrong per say.”
“Then what is on your mind to interrupt my morning?”
“There is just something eating at me. I guess it’s the probe.”
“There isn’t word on it yet, but Shippo and Souta are keeping an eye on it.”
“All this waiting is making me anxious. I also have a feeling that there is something more going on with the council.”
“What makes you say that?”
“For one, why would they hide the fact that the Earth is habitable again?”
“We don’t know that yet.”
“I know, but what if it is? Then what? What is the reason for them to lie?”
“I don’t really know to be honest. Why are you thinking about this?”

Kouga finally got up out of his chair and paced once more, “It’s just something that I can’t stop thinking about. The reasoning behind the council wanting us to stay in space. Not only that but I have this bad feeling. It’s in my gut that something bad is gonna happen.”

Sesshomaru felt it himself, but just passed it as being anxious about Kagome. Sesshomaru tried to make Kouga calm down, “Now don’t be jumping to any conclusions. This will be a slow process and you should know this. We will have the results of the probe at any moment. I assure you.”

Kouga bit at his thumbnail, “I really hope so. Then maybe we can start getting answers about everything.”

“Just sit down and wait until the call comes in,” Sesshomaru told him as he gestured towards the chair once more. “Besides, Kagome will be out here soon and I don’t want her worried over nothing. She has already been through too much.

Kouga ruffled his hair as he sat down once more, “You’re right. I have been meaning to apologize to her any way.”

This caught Sesshomaru’s interest, “Why is that?”

Kouga looked guilty, “It’s because of the way I treated her in the past few weeks. I had to act indifferent to her and I told Hakkaku and Ginta to act the same as well. It was to protect her and you, but I should have still treated her like a friend.”

“I’m sure she understands where you were coming from,” Sesshomaru tried to explain.

Kouga wouldn’t listen to it, “I don’t care. I still need to apologize to her.”

Before the conversation could continue, Kagome stepped out in her robe and a towel at her shoulders. She was drying her hair when she heard Kouga’s last line. She looked confused.

“Apologize for what Kouga?” Kagome asked as she took a seat next to Sesshomaru. She took the cup of coffee offered to her, as her blue eyes kept their gaze on the wolf as she sipped on the beverage.

Kouga looked nervous, like everything was on end with him. He was looking the wreck, like he didn’t get any sleep.

Kagome smiled at him, “I’m sure whatever it is, it can’t be that bad.”

Kouga looked down, “Kagome, I just wanted to apologize for how you were treated. Ginta, Hakkaku and I were indifferent towards you and that was wrong. We were only trying to…”

Kagome cut him off with a wave of her hand, “I know why you had to do it. It was to protect everyone and you had a job to do. I know what you were doing and I don’t hold any ill will towards you. Kouga, I’m not blind or stupid.”

Sesshomaru gave an ‘I told you’ look at Kouga.

Kouga gave out a frustrated sigh, “Well then I guess I feel better. But that still doesn’t dissuade my concern about the council and what they’re up to.”

Sesshomaru slammed his hand on the table, “I said don’t!”

Kagome put her hand on Sesshomaru’s and said, “What shouldn’t he say? We had a deal remember Sesshomaru? I wouldn’t be left in the dark anymore. Remember?”

Sesshomaru gave a defeated mutter, “Yeah…”

Kagome smiled, trying to keep the tenseness from the air, “So tell me what’s going on Kouga.”

Kouga reiterated what he told Sesshomaru and was absolute in what he was thinking. He really wanted this rebellion to work perfectly. He had been working on it for years and this was very important to him. Not only for the benefit of humans; but to both races as well. They had to get the council to shut down because of all their lies.

That is when Kagome recalled what Mayumi told her.

“That reminds me of something. There was so much going on that I didn’t have a chance to tell anyone what Mayumi said,” Kagome began to explain.

“When I was with Inuyasha she told me about something a councilman told her. I believe it to be true because she was very adamant about it and she thought the information could be used to hurt me. She told me that the council was planning on making all humans slaves. I even heard rumors from the guards about it as well. So there must be some truth about it. I know there isn’t any concrete evidence, but don’t you think that is why the council is so adamant about these new laws? I mean they keep saying it’s for the good of the humans, but I feel that most demons hold resentment towards humans,” Kagome took another sip of coffee before she continued.

“I mean look at it this way; humans hunted demons into hiding and now there is a chance for demons to get back at humans. Humans are an endangered species for crying out loud. I would think that keeping us from the Earth would make it to where they have a tighter grasp on humans. We won’t really know until the probes come back. Right?” At this point Kagome felt she was rambling, but the she saw the looks that Sesshomaru and Kouga were giving her. “What?” Kagome asked as they kept staring.

“You know you have a lot of valid points. I never thought of it like that to that extent, but since you’re human, I guess you would look at it differently,” Kouga finally said.

Kagome nodded, “Exactly. Maybe you guys should talk to humans more to see how they feel.”

Sesshomaru shook his head, “Those are valid points, but I was part of the council. I never heard these slave rumors before, nor were they discussed in the meetings.”

“They could have talked about these plans behind your back. You told me that you championed humans. You think they would really talk about slavery openly to you?” Kouga tested the waters.

“I suppose you’re right, but like I said before; let’s wait for the probes before we jump to any conclusions,” Sesshomaru warned.

Kouga stood up and said, “I have to go.” He made his way to the door.

“Where are you going?” Sesshomaru questioned in a rough tone.

Kouga whirled around and said with an equal rough demeanor, “I’m telling my sons to be careful and to warn the other group members about this conspiracy. I have a feeling that what Kagome said is true. It has to be done before the space station goes into full swing. I don’t want to be caught relaying a call to Reiji and Ronmaru about this. It could cause problems.”

Sesshomaru stood up this time and addressed Kouga, “I think you should still wait. Patience is needed here.”

Kouga flung his arms up in the air, “And what has patience gotten you? You lost Kagome once and got kicked out of the council. It’s time you acted like the demon I remember and show force. It’s time to go back to the Feudal Era and show no mercy. We were revered as the most powerful demons in all of Japan. Or have you forgotten?”

Before Sesshomaru could respond Kouga walked out.

Sesshomaru plopped back down on his chair and he rubbed at his temples. He recalled telling the council that the past needed to stay in the past. They were civilized now, but look at where it had gotten them. Could he really throw all this progress out the window and go back to the demon he was?

Kagome could see the war within Sesshomaru as Kouga’s words hit home. Maybe Kouga was right. All there was now was paperwork upon paperwork; rules and laws, dictations of what should be happening. Kagome felt that life was simpler back then and as time went on, so did the complicated madness.

Kagome put her cup down and stood up, coming behind Sesshomaru. She was about to comfort him when the intercom beeped once more.

SSU announced, “There is a call waiting for you Lord Sesshomaru. It is Shippo.”

Sesshomaru looked up from his hands and said, “Let the call through.”

~

Souta felt smothered as he heard a sound coming from the computer. He groaned, not getting enough sleep to satisfy his body. When he cracked open his eyes he saw Shippo all over him. Their arms and legs were intertwined with one another and granted it felt nice, but now they had to get up. Souta tried shoving at Shippo, but the fox just kept softly snoring away. Souta gave out a frustrated sigh as he nudged at Shippo once more.

Shippo moaned and held onto Souta tighter. “Not right now,” Shippo mumbled as he kept on sleeping. Souta rolled his eyes and thought of a new tactic. He leaned forward and pressed a kiss on Shippo. He saw Shippo smirk as he began to kiss back.

Shippo’s arms came around Souta as he deepened the kiss. The fox finally opened his green eyes and had a coy look about him. “Now that is a good morning,” Shippo moaned as he kissed Souta once more, wanting more. Souta tried to stop Shippo, but the more the fox kept pushing, the more he wanted to be close to him.

The sound from the computer kept getting louder until Shippo finally gave a frustrated guttural sound that came from his throat. “Alright, we’re up,” Shippo moaned. He finally released his mate and he rolled off the cot. Souta felt an instant cold that shadowed his body. He wanted Shippo back in bed and that is when he jolted awake. Why would he think of something so smutty?

Souta really needed to find a cure to this before he got really involved. He didn’t turn that way and this was so wrong. But if it was so wrong, then why did it seem so right? Souta confirmed that he was just confused because of this mating thing. It made him think of things that he shouldn’t be thinking about.

“C’mon Souta, we have to look at these stats,” Shippo prodded.

Souta grouched, “Get me some tea.”

Shippo huffed, “Get your own damned tea.” Apparently Shippo was in a foul mood himself. Souta rolled over and said to the ceiling, “Please get me some tea?”

There was silence. When Souta looked to the side he saw Shippo just mere inches from his face, hovering. How did Shippo move so fast?

“Say please in a nicer way and I might consider it,” Shippo offered.

Souta groaned, “It’s too early for this.”

Shippo kept his gaze and stayed there. Souta wanted to kick something, “Alright!” Souta quickly grabbed Shippo and forced a kiss on him. At first Shippo was shocked, but then he deepened the kiss, forcing Souta’s lips apart. The moan lay deep in Souta’s throat as their tongues intertwined. Shippo parted from Souta just as the kiss was getting good, leaving Souta wanting more.

“I’ll get you that tea now,” Shippo said with a smile.

Souta could have slapped Shippo, but at least he was getting him some tea. Souta rolled out of the cot and lazily got onto his feet. He made his way to the computer, rubbing his eyes in the process. Souta needed to focus. Before he had a chance to look at the data Shippo showed up with some warm green tea.

Shippo nuzzled against Souta and said, “Here you go darling.”

Souta took the cup and gave Shippo a dirty look. “Don’t call me that!” Souta bit out.

“Then what would you like me to call you? Love? Muffin toes? Sweetie? C’mon give me a hint here,” Shippo said as he played around.

Souta shook his head, “How about just plain Souta?”

Shippo then grinned and said, “Why don’t we call ourselves Shouta!? It would be great and it could catch on, like a fan girl base or something of that nature?”

Souta had to chuckle at that, “As if that would work?”

“I don’t care what you say. We’re Shouta from here on out. No more complaints. Now what does that report say?” Shippo edged closer to Souta as the screen blared.

It was back to work as usual, but Souta liked the flirting if he was being completely honest with himself. Maybe Shouta was a good nickname for them, but as far as pet names went… There was some work to be done.

Souta could beat himself. Pet names? What was wrong with him?

He stared at the screen and his eyes went wide. The probe information came in and it said that the Earth was… Habitable once more!