The Snow Angel by SunsetMiko

The Naming

Chapter 9 - The Naming *Close Your Eyes* (Stella's Soundtrack Challenge)

The top of the dog's head was next on the agenda, and Kagome took extra care around his eyes, which he kept closed to assist her, before moving on to his snout. "This might feel weird, since I'll be brushing your whiskers too, but I have to get rid of the dirt, and I can't very well give you a bath at the moment. Geez, I'd love a hot bath right now," she finished softly.

Sesshoumaru found himself cursing the weather. Perhaps, if she found him injured in the summer instead, she would have taken him to a spring to bathe together. He had never found himself thinking of a human female, or any female really, like he was about the miko, but somehow the idea had snuck its way into his head and taken hold. He didn't doubt she would be beautiful... for a human, of course. For a moment, he wondered if he stayed by her side, stuck in this dreadful form, if it would happen eventually.

He didn't see any point in leaving her side at all, so long as he couldn't cross the barrier and enter his own lands. Once he was returned to his usual form, he would have to resume his duties, the first being slaughtering Tsukiko and punishing his mother for her treachery, but until that happened, he might as well stay with the miko. Not only did he enjoy her company and her scent, but his presence was also getting on the half-breed's nerves, which was a fun bonus.

He had a debt to pay as well, and pay it he would; though he had a feeling doing so would be difficult. He couldn't do much for her as a mortal dog, besides sharing his body heat and keeping her company, and once he was a taiyoukai again, she would want nothing to do with him. He was their enemy, after all, though they had worked together on occasion to defeat a common threat. Even if she did not hold a grudge against him for his attempt on her life, the hanyou surely did. Inuyasha would never allow him near her without a serious fight, which would make repaying his debt nearly impossible.

Of course, if he were to tell the miko what had happened to him once he was a taiyoukai again, maybe things could be different. That, however, was something he had no intention of doing. The situation he found himself in was humiliating, and so was the fact that he was so ill-equipped that he nearly died. The last person on earth that he wanted to find out about his weakness was the miko who saved him.

Kagome gasped softly, drawing Sesshoumaru's attention as well as the slayer's. "Look, Sango," the miko said quietly while pointing at one side of his snout.

Only then did the once-taiyoukai remember that his mother had left his stripes visible for all to see. He mentally cringed, worried that they would make the connection. If Inuyasha were to realize his true identity, he didn't doubt that the hanyou would at least attempt to slaughter him while he was unable to defend himself. Surely, Kagome would stop him, but that didn't mean she would continue caring for him. No, if she were to know his true identity, even his savior would more than likely turn him out into the storm. He had tried to melt her, after all, and had seriously injured her best friend multiple times. Even an angel like Kagome had to have her limits.

"Is his fur stained?" the slayer asked curiously.

"I don't think so." Kagome carefully brushed the other side of his snout, revealing identical stripes. "They're on this side too."

Sango was quiet for a long moment before nodding. "Perhaps he holds a small amount of demon blood. That would explain the markings and could also account for his intelligence."

"Is that possible? I mean, he doesn't feel like a demon. I can't sense any youki."

"Neither can I," Miroku agreed, having approached to see what was so interesting.

Shippo hopped from the monk's shoulder to Kagome's and took a good sniff of the dog. "He doesn't smell demon, but if it's diluted enough, I guess it's possible. Maybe he was specially bred to look that way."

"But if someone went to the trouble of breeding for a specific look, why would they leave him to die?"

"There is no way to know what happened to your new friend," Miroku said, "but he is certainly intriguing. Perhaps Kaede will have some insight once we return to Edo."

"Yeah, maybe," Kagome nodded. "I knew you were special, Big Guy," she said while carefully brushing the underside of his snout. "Alright, you're all done. You clean up well. Very handsome. Now, I still have no idea what to call you. Any ideas?"

"I think he looks elegant, royal. What about 'Prince'?" Shippo offered.

The miko looked the dog over from the end of his tail to the tip of his nose before nodding. "I like it. How about you, Big Guy? Can we call you Prince?"

Sesshoumaru mentally smirked. Even in this form, his fine breeding and aristocratic nature shone through. He looked into Kagome's eyes for a long moment before giving a short woof.

"Is that a yes?" When he woofed again and licked her face, Kagome laughed. "Alright then, Prince it is."