InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ A Kiss for A Prince ❯ Travels Through the Western Providences ( Chapter 3 )

Chapter Three: Travels Through the Western Providences

Early dawn found Inuyasha sitting in the window of his room, watching as the sun began it's daily patrol over the lands. He signed, staring into the horizon as yesterday's events swirled around inside his head. 'I just don't understand it,' Inuyasha pondered, standing from his perch and leaving the room. 'I'm not saying that Sesshoumaru hates humans, it's just that him wanting one so close to him is just…well…odd. He barely stands me, so how is he going to be able to tolerate a ningen woman?'

He walked down a hallway, then a flight of steps as he made his way to the courtyard and the stables beyond. 'You know what I think? I think this may have more to do with our father than with her. But he's so strange around her. It's almost like he's afraid to scare her. Maybe I'm just putting too much into this.'

He rounded a corner and stopped, finding Kagome with their horses already in the courtyard by the front gate. She was feeding the horses carrots and whispering something pleasant in their ears. They neighed every now and again at the girl, who stood just below their heads.

Kagome herself reminded Inuyasha of his late mother's royal doll collection. She was dressed simply, with a thick hunter green haori, white hakamas, and tiny golden slippers. Her hair was pulled into a pair of buns at the sides of her head, with a pair of golden sticks inside each. Chains hung from between the sticks, and streams of green and white ribbon dangled from the ends of the sticks. A single lock cascaded down her back to the frost-bitten grass from the nape of her neck.

Kagome spun around at his approach, then bowed and smiled. "Ohayo Inuyasha-san. How are you?"

"I'm well Kagome. Please, Inuyasha is fine when we're not around Sesshoumaru."

"Alright then," she nodded. She turned back to the horses, an awed smile on her face as she petted the nearest one. "They are pretty, but they are much bigger than the horses that I am accustomed to."

"They should be," Inuyasha said. He stood beside her as one of the stable hands came out with a leather harness and reins. "They're not mortal horses."

"They're not?" Inuyasha smiled and nodded. "No, they're not. They're youkai."

"Ah," Kagome nodded, patting each horse on the nose. "I should have guessed. They seem so much smarter than regular horses."

The horses whinnied pleasantly. The stable hand moved to rein one of the horses, but Inuyasha intercepted him as Kagome asked him a question. "Are they named?"

"Well, mine is," Inuyasha answered as he reined the brown horse. "This is Lasher. He's one of the fastest steeds in our stable."

"And this one?" Kagome gestured to the white one. Inuyasha shrugged. "I don't know. That one's Sesshoumaru's. I'm sure he wouldn't mind you naming it though."

"What do you say?" Kagome asked the horse. "May I name you?" For a moment, Kagome felt silly, then smiled when the horse nodded. "Good. Now what to call you…" She stepped back and studied the horse carefully. It was strong, and at least a head taller than her. A stable hand came out and began to apply it's harnesses. Once he finished, he bowed to Kagome and Inuyasha, then left for the stable.

The reins were leather, with a gilded saddle and golden thread sewn into the reins. A small golden headpiece was on it's forehead, with a symbol similar to Sesshoumaru's brooch.

"Um," Kagome finally said as Inuyasha strapped his saddle into place. "How about Valiant?"

Inuyasha grimaced and the horse shook it's head, it's silver mane shimmering in the early morning sunlight.

"Alright. How about Courage?"

Inuyasha chuckled slightly, and the horse glared at him before shaking it's head. Kagome frowned and irritably folded her arms over her chest. "Well, I know not Alabaster."

The horse nodded in approval, nudging her stomach with its nose. "I think you have a winner there Kagome," Inuyasha replied, laughing when Kagome scowled at him. 'So, she has some fire after all,' Inuyasha thought as his brother's scent floated on the breeze. 'I can't wait to see when she decides to use it.' "How was last night?" he asked nonchalantly. Her scent changed, and her aura laced with embarrassment. "Kagome?"

Kagome paused, thinking as to what she should say to him. She woke up fine at first, with Sesshoumaru's tail wrapped around her like a furry blanket, before she realized that his hand was on her backside. Any other would have been slapped, but she refrained for fear as to what he would do. She held still instead, hoping that he would wake up soon.

Sesshoumaru did, but didn't release his hold on her as quickly as she would have liked. He smirked at her distress, then slowly removed his tail, dragging the tip of it across her breasts before standing up and calling for a servant and a new set of clothes for Kagome.

"Um," she began "It was-"

"You've gone back on your word youkai!" Kagome's father shouted from the other side of the courtyard. Kagome cringed, then she and Inuyasha turned to face his direction. He ran alongside Sesshoumaru as they approached them, Sesshoumaru's red cloak flapping in the breeze behind him as Kagome's mother walked behind the males.

"How is that?" Sesshoumaru asked rather lazily. He spotted Inuyasha, and his new interest, near the horses. He sent a wicked smile to Kagome, smirking when she shivered and looked away with a blush.

"You know how!" the king thundered in Sesshoumaru's ear. "You promised to keep my daughter's virtue in tact!"

"As I did," Sesshoumaru growled. Kagome moved by Alabaster's saddle, watching her father as Sesshoumaru mounted the horse. "So what is this about?"

"My servant found this in the hallway!" The king tossed the remains of Kagome's kimono to the horse's feet. Sesshoumaru shrugged as Kagome paled.

"Father, it's not what you-"

"You will not speak to him," Sesshoumaru ordered. Kagome looked to argue, but quieted when a fang protruded from his lips. "Not one word."

"You threaten her into silence!" the king yelled in outrage. "How dare you do this to my daughter! You will pay for such a trespass."

"King Higurashi, I assure you that Sesshoumaru has kept his vow," Inuyasha interjected. "The girl is still innocent."

"And I'm to believe you, abomination! For all I know, you had a hand in her defilement!"

"Father please!" Kagome cried, startling the males around her. "Just stop it! Why are you making this harder than it has to be?"

Inuyasha smirked to Sesshoumaru, who rolled his eyes and dismissed him. "Though I agree with you Kagome, I asked you not to speak to him."

"I…I forgot. Forgive me Sesshoumaru-sama."

"I will let this pass, but the next one will not." He wrapped his tail around her waist, growling at the king's objection. "It is time we left."

"She should have her own horse!" the king requested.

"For what purpose?"

"Because of her stature! It is not proper for a woman to ride with a man unless he's her husband. It's indecent!"

Sesshoumaru lifted Kagome to sit sidesaddle in front of him, his tail grasping her waist tightly. "I care nothing for human decencies, as your daughter is already aware. We are leaving."

"Wait my lord!" Kagome's mother called, giving a slight bow at Sesshoumaru's boot. "May I hug my daughter before you leave?"

Sesshoumaru glanced from her face to Kagome's, weakening under the pleading look in her eyes. "I suppose," Sesshoumaru relented, using his tail to levitate her back to the ground. Her feet barely touched it before her mother grasped her tightly, trapping Sesshoumaru's tail between them. Sesshoumaru watched them from above, secretly enjoying the warmth from the both of them as they surrounded his appendage. 'Normally, this would disgust me, but these two are different. The woman is wise, and hopefully Kagome will inherit that as well as this ningen kingdom.'

"I'll miss you Mother," Kagome whispered, tears streaming down her face. Her mother smiled weakly, wiping her face dry with her kimono sleeve. "I'll always be near you Kagome. And don't forget your birthday present."

"I won't Mother."

"Good. When you wear it, know I'm thinking of you. It'll protect you."

"Nonsense," Sesshoumaru said, separating the two and lifting Kagome back to him. "I can protect her, not some trinket."

"But of course," the queen stated. "Then I ask that you do. Protect my daughter for me. There are many things she will not understand."

Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru exchanged glances, but Sesshoumaru nodded. "That is a part of our pact. I will allow no harm to come to her."

"Thank you Sesshoumaru-sama. I bid you safe journey."

Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha bowed their heads as they rode past her, completely ignoring Kagome's father as they rode out of the courtyard and out the front gates to the hills surrounding the castle. Kagome looked around Sesshoumaru, past Inuyasha, to it until it disappeared beyond the horizon. She sighed unhappily and turned to sit properly.

"Don't worry Kagome," Inuyasha said, with Lasher whinnying in agreement. "You're safe with us you know."

"Thank you Inuyasha-san," Kagome whispered, her hand fisting in Sesshoumaru's tunic. She fought back tears but both youkai could sense her distress, and smell the salt in the air. Alabaster nudged her leg gently, earning a half-hearted pat in response.

"Thanks to you as well Alabaster."

"Alabaster?"

Kagome peered up at Sesshoumaru, her blue eyes shimmering in the morning sunlight. "I named him. I hope you do not mind."

"It matters not to me." But inside, Sesshoumaru was awed by how well she seemed to get along with those around her. Any creature lucky enough to come in contact with her seemed to instantly gain a fondness for her. Hell, even his horse was attached to her. 'I wonder how she manages to do this.'

A sniff, then a single drop of water splashed onto his hand. Sesshoumaru held it up, inspecting it before gazing down. "What is the matter Kagome?"

"She's not crying is she," Inuyasha groaned. "Oh man, I hate it when women cry."

"I cannot help it," Kagome responded, another tear rolling down her cheek to her chin. Sesshoumaru used his tunic sleeve to wipe it away, then lifted her chin so she could face him. "What is the matter?"

"I'm…this is my first time traveling without my parents."

"Oh, I see," Inuyasha said. "The little girl is afraid to be by herself with the big bad youkai around her."

"Inuyasha…" Sesshoumaru growled, only to stop and stare at the tiny ningen in his hold. Her eyes were closed, her fists balled at his chest as her breathing slowed. 'What on earth…is she sleeping?' He listened to her heartbeat, surprised to hear how fast it was. 'No. It's almost like she's doing breathing exercises.'

"She's a widdle baby," Inuyasha taunted. "Afraid the bad youkai will eat her whole. Well, don't worry about me. You smell too bad to be eaten." Inuyasha didn't really think that, but he wanted to take her mind off of what was bothering her.

Kagome started to shake in Sesshoumaru's arms, her lips pursed together in a tight line. "Permission to defend myself, Sesshoumaru-sama?"

"Allowed." Sesshoumaru blinked when she reached up and covered his ears. Her reason for this came seconds later, when she screamed at the hanyou for all she was worth.

'Hm…' Sesshoumaru smirked when Inuyasha covered his ears with his hands. 'She does have some spark to her. This shall be a most interesting trip.'

When Kagome finally took a breath, Sesshoumaru removed her hands from his head. "That is quite enough. I believe Inuyasha has learned his lesson."

"Me and the rest of the valley. I don't think my hearing will ever be the same again."

"As you deserve, for provoking her," Sesshoumaru approved, pleased at her smile as they entered the woods. The sun disappeared beyond the trees in a matter of moments, leaving the travelers draped in darkness. The air lost all warmth, leaving chilly breezes to brush against them. Kagome began to shiver, her hands inside her ample sleeves.

The youkai around her watched in concern, for only one knew of what she suffered. "Are you cold Kagome?" Inuyasha asked. Kagome nodded shakily. "I thought you would be. You should have dressed warmer."

Sesshoumaru raised his hand at her annoyed grunt. "Do not aggravate her Inuyasha." He wrapped his tail around her, cocooning her from her feet to her head in the fur. She continued to shiver, becoming worse as the pace wore on. Sesshoumaru finally removed his cloak, unwrapped his tail from around her, and replaced his cloak for the fur. He then rewrapped his tail around her until all he could see were her nose and eyes.

"But will you not get cold," she asked. Sesshoumaru shook his head, touched by her concern. "No. Youkai do not get cold."

"Hanyou don't either, just in case you're wondering," Inuyasha spoke up. Kagome giggled at his hastiness. "Of course Inuyasha-san."

"Tell me," Sesshoumaru said. "Can you ride a horse?"

"No, I can not," Kagome replied from under her cocoon. "But I would like to learn."

"Good, because that is one of the many things you will learn." Sesshoumaru lead them on in silence, suddenly excited about something for the first time in his life. 'I will teach her personally, except for a few things. I'm sure I can think of someone else to teach her how to be a proper lady of the court in this era. Hai, this shall be fun indeed. Father's little human wasn't nearly as clever as mine.'

"Hey Sesshoumaru," Inuyasha called from behind him a few hours later.

"Hai?"

"Um, I think you're smothering her."

Sesshoumaru glanced down, then quickly unraveled his tail from around Kagome. She inhaled deeply, wiping a small amount of sweat from her brow. "Thanks so much Sesshoumaru-sama, Inuyasha-san. I think I became a little too warm."

"Hai, the air has warmed, hasn't it?" Sesshoumaru commented, reclaiming his cloak from her. Her stomach grumbled softly, nearly too low for his youkai hearing to detect. "Did you eat before we left Kagome?"

"No, Sesshoumaru-sama," Kagome said with a blush. "I was too nervous."

"You should have eaten. You could make yourself sick. We shall have to stop and get you something."

"But I am fine for right now Sesshoumaru-sama," Kagome replied. "I…I do not want to stop."

Sesshoumaru quirked a brow curiously. "You do not?"

Kagome shook her head. "I just want to get to where we are going. I will worry about food later. Please."

He was beginning to hate it when she asked for something. He seemed incapable of refusing her, even when he knew that his will was for her own good. "Are you sure?"

Kagome nodded. "I feel as if I must prepare myself for what you are going to teach me. I want to be ready for anything."

"But we wouldn't starve you Kagome," Inuyasha said, pulling his horse beside theirs. "You should eat."

"I am fine, I assure you."

"For now, you may have your way," Sesshoumaru told her. "But the moment I see different, you eat. Understood?"

"Hai Sesshoumaru-sama!"

He blinked at her enthusiasm, startled by how easily she seemed to be pleased. 'Hai,' Sesshoumaru smirked as he continued through the wood. 'My little ningen shall be a prize indeed.

Hours later, his little prize's stomach was grating on his nerves. "We are stopping," Sesshoumaru announced, ignoring her disappointment as he dismounted. He helped Kagome down, then turned to Inuyasha. "Stay here with her. Do not leave her for one moment."

"I won't."

Sesshoumaru walked into the dense vegetation around them, leaving Inuyasha to start a fire as Kagome sat by a tree in middle of the small clearing. "Are you feeling alright?" Inuyasha asked. Kagome nodded, the chains in her hair jingling slightly.

"I am fine. I just did not want to stop."

"I understand. I never want to stop, but you are human. You have to stop sometimes."

"Perhaps…"

"Can I ask you a question?" Inuyasha asked as he sat down beside her.

"Of course."

"Um, what did you burn me with yesterday?"

Kagome's eyes widened slightly. "Burn you with…I do not know what you mean."

"I thought so," Inuyasha sighed, relaxing against the tree. Kagome picked a few flowers around them, fashioning them into two multicolored wreathes. She stood up and approached Alabaster and Lasher with them behind her back.

"I have a present for you two," she cooed. The horses nosed her excitedly, sniffing out the flowers as they fed off of her excitement. Kagome held the wreaths in front of her, grinning as they sniffed them eagerly. "Do you like them?"

The horses neighed, nudging her stomach gently. Kagome draped the wreaths over the horses heads, smiling at the pretty pictures they made. "You two look wonderful, but I do not think you will get to keep them."

"And why not?" Sesshoumaru asked, stepping out of the shadows around them. Kagome eeped slightly, her hand to her heart as he surveyed the horses. "I do not see what is so bad about them."

"Really?"

"The giving of flowers is a common way of showing respect and admiration among ningen, is it not?"

"Well…" Kagome muttered, glancing back at the horses. "That is true, but that was not my reason for doing so."

"Oh? Then what was?"

"I just wanted to, I guess."

Sesshoumaru passed the rabbit to Inuyasha, gesturing to clean it before he approached Kagome and the horses. He surveyed the wreaths around their necks expertly, nodding every so often at some detail or another. Kagome stood by, watching him nervously as she chewed on her lower lip.

"I do not see why they cannot stay," Sesshoumaru concluded. "Do you Inuyasha?"

"Nope," was Inuyasha's reply. "I think they make them look better. Might make them smell better too."

The horses snorted in indignation as Kagome giggled. "Do not mind him you two," she cooed soothingly. "You know he does not mean it."

Sesshoumaru sat by the fire, watching Kagome as she petted the horses. 'She's a strange one indeed. Most of her kind would be afraid of a beast as large as they, but she seems drawn to them.' He smirked when she reached up to pat an ear. 'She's so small! Her head barely reaches their chins.' She reached inside her haori for a pair of carrots as Inuyasha began to roast the rabbit. "Hey!" he started, jumping up and stomping toward her. "Do you mean to tell me that you've had those with you the entire time!?"

"Alright then. I won't."

"Kagome," Sesshoumaru warned. "Answer him."

"I did, but-"

"So you tried to starve yourself!"

"I did not!" Kagome yelled back. Sesshoumaru thought to rebuke her, but found the picture funny for some reason. She stood with her hands on her hips, her eyes blazing as she stared his brother down. 'There's a warrior's spirit in her, of that I'm sure.'

"Yes you did!" Inuyasha accused. "Why didn't you eat those? We could still be going!"

"They were not for me," she said as she held one in front of Lasher. "They were for the horses! I did not want them to tire out before we arrived."

Sesshoumaru stood, removing the forgotten rabbit from the spit. He was amazed at her wisdom, though he knew where it came from. 'It would seem that her mother's wisdom has reached her.' "Come here Kagome."

Kagome did so instantly, passing Alabaster his carrot as she moved past Inuyasha to Sesshoumaru's side. "Hai Sesshoumaru-sama?"

"Thank you for thinking of our horses. I am sure they appreciate it as well."

Kagome smiled up at him, the sun becoming nothing compared with the warmth he received from her. "It was nothing Sesshoumaru-sama," she replied quietly. Sesshoumaru smiled back, then frowned as he sliced the rabbit with a claw.

"However, I want you to eat. I do not want you becoming sick."

"Of course Sesshoumaru-sama."

"Here," he passed her a slice of the meat. "Now eat."

She took it gingerly, watching his face for a moment before grasping the meat in her fingers and taking a dainty bite. Sesshoumaru carved off a little more, then sat down after he passed the rest to Inuyasha. Kagome sat down beside him, with Inuyasha across from them. Kagome held out a piece to him. "Are you not hungry Sesshoumaru-sama?"

"Youkai do not need to eat as often as ningen," Sesshoumaru replied. "But many thanks for your concern."

She smiled back at him in answer, another sunny one that cheered his disposition as she continued to eat. They were on the road again in a matter of minutes, the campsite cleared of any evidence of their presence. Kagome watched them from her place on Alabaster as Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha covered their tracks, mentally taking notes on their technique. 'Well, no one said I could not learn anything now,' she reasoned as Sesshoumaru hoisted himself into the saddle gracefully.

They rode throughout the rest of the day until nightfall, with Kagome once again wrapped in Sesshoumaru's cloak to keep warm. Inuyasha's cloak was within the wrapping this time, along with Sesshoumaru's tail. The warmth, and the stress of the day, became too much for the princess, for soon she was fast asleep.

Sesshoumaru moved her from in front of him to behind him, insuring himself of his grip on her before he and Inuyasha broke the horses into a gallop.

"Hey Sesshoumaru!" Inuyasha called over the thundering of hooves. "Can I ask you something?"

"Hai Inuyasha?"

"Have you noticed anything weird about her?"

"Weird?" Sesshoumaru repeated. "How so?"

"Well, yesterday when you attacked her father-"

"I did not attack her father," Sesshoumaru corrected. "I merely tried to help him see my point of things."

"OK then," Inuyasha rolled his eyes. "Anyway, when you did whatever you did, she burned me."

Sesshoumaru jerked on the reins, pulling Alabaster to a stop. "How? Why did you not tell me sooner?"

Inuyasha halted Lasher beside him. "I didn't tell you sooner because I thought it was a one time thing. When we were arguing earlier, I felt a pull of some sort. Did you notice anything?"

Sesshoumaru shook his head thoughtfully, mentally replaying the afternoon. "No. I noticed nothing."

"Well, I did. As for how, I haven't a clue. But this is the weirdest part." Inuyasha lifted his hand, the moon light revealing small burn marks the size of Kagome's fingertips.

"When did this happen?"

"Yesterday, like I said," Inuyasha replied. "I don't know what it was, but she doesn't remember it and it hasn't healed. Whatever did that is powerful, and it hurts like hell."

Both turned to look at the topic of discussion, each finding it hard to believe that something so powerful could possibly come from someone so small.

"Is she aware of this?" Sesshoumaru asked. Inuyasha shook his head. "She's either a very good liar, or she really has no idea of what's inside her."

"I do not sense this energy," Sesshoumaru confessed, silently urked that Inuyasha did.

"I don't now either, but focus when she's angry. Then you can kinda feel it. It's attractive, like the magnets Nassi brings from her jaunts."

A bird call sounded moments later, to which Inuyasha groaned. "Speak of the devil, and she shall appear," Inuyasha mumbled as a black bird sailed above them. It descended before them, releasing a small black fox from its claws before settling in a nearby tree.

The fox scampered up Alabaster's leg to Sesshoumaru, sitting on Sesshoumaru's shoulder and nosing his ear. Sesshoumaru nodded, then waited patiently as the bird and Inuyasha looked on. Sesshoumaru raised his arm, to which the bird promptly landed on. He listened as the fox growled a little, then nodded at the bird's screech.

"Is that all?" he asked. The fox nodded. "Then be off. Inform the others of my arrival."

"What was that all about?" Inuyasha asked as he and Sesshoumaru continued their rough ride through the woods.

"We are a day away from the front gate," Sesshoumaru answered.

"Thank heaven!" Inuyasha exclaimed, ignoring a death glare from Sesshoumaru. "I'm tired of this! Lasher's killing me!"

"Not to mention the fact that you need a bath," Sesshoumaru mumbled.

"What was that?" Inuyasha hollered as Sesshoumaru quickened Alabaster's pace.

"Nothing of importance!" Sesshoumaru called back as Alabaster zipped ahead. "You should hurry! You do not want to be left behind!"

*

Kagome awoke the next morning to Inuyasha and Lasher; Sesshoumaru no where in sight. She was draped over Alabaster's neck, hugging it in her sleep. She yawned, releasing the grateful horse, and waved to Inuyasha.

"Where is Sesshoumaru-sama?"

"Oh, he'll be back in a few minutes," Inuyasha told her. "He went to get you something."

"Really? What?"

"I don't know actually. All he said was something about acceptable attire for when we reach the castle."

"Castle? What castle?" Kagome asked, now thoroughly interested. Inuyasha smirked. "Oh, so now you want to know where we're going? How like a ningen."

"Please tell me Inuyasha! What does it look like? How big is it? How many people are there? Is there a village nearby? What about-"

"My, you are a curious creature, aren't you?" Sesshoumaru chided as he stepped out of the woods around him. Kagome smiled as Inuyasha grumbled a thanks.

"I just wanted to know about your home," she muttered, a light blush staining her cheeks. Sesshoumaru nodded, hiding the parcel in his hands behind his back.

"I understand that, but you shall know that when we arrive."

"When will that be?"

"Soon, I assure you. Now can you get down unassisted?"

Kagome looked down, then shook her head. "I do not believe so."

Sesshoumaru inwardly sighed. "That is what I thought." His tail wrapped around it's favorite spot, lowering her to the ground a few inches from Sesshoumaru. "I have a present for you."

"You do?" Kagome asked, her face lightening up like a child's. "What is it, if I may ask?"

Sesshoumaru brought the parcel in front of him, tearing away the rice paper and rattan to reveal an emerald green cloak. He handed it to Kagome, watching her as she looked it over excitedly. She held it out, and frowned suddenly.

"What is it?" he asked. "Is it too large?"

"No, it is not that," Kagome began. "It's just that, I've given you nothing."

"That is of no importance," Sesshoumaru assured her. 'After all, you're obedience is all I require.'

"Be that as it may, I thank you Sesshoumaru-sama." Kagome crossed her hands over her heart and bowed, the streamers in her hair shifting over her shoulder to the ground between them.

"What is that?" Sesshoumaru asked, taken by the strange bow.

"It is custom of my people to bow this way," Kagome explained. "It is our way of showing our gratitude."

Sesshoumaru nodded in understanding and approval. "So whenever you receive something, you bow this way?"

"Not exactly. I had yet to thank you for offering to help my kingdom."

"I see." In truth, Sesshoumaru was rather impressed with this custom, and found it interesting to say the least. "Now put it on."

"Sesshoumaru-sama…"

"Hai."

Kagome turned the back of the cloak to him, revealing a white dog baying at a crescent moon. "This is not my family crest."

"Of that I am aware. It is mine."

"But I am not of your family."

"That is true," Sesshoumaru admitted as he reached for the cloak. "But you now belong to me. Bearing this crest will prevent any youkai under me from attacking you."

"Oh, I see," Kagome said as Sesshoumaru draped the cloak over her shoulders, it pooling to the ground around her. Inuyasha stifled a laugh. "And just what is so funny Inuyasha-san?" Kagome asked.

"Oh, I see," Inuyasha replied, imitating Kagome perfectly. "It looks like you're rubbing off on her Sesshoumaru!"

Kagome blushed, both she and Sesshoumaru unaware of her making that faux pas. "It matters not Inuyasha," Sesshoumaru informed him. "It may come to help in the future. Do not embarrass her, or I'll make sure she rubs the fur off your ears."

Inuyasha covered his ears quickly, glaring at Sesshoumaru as Kagome giggled at his expense. "You wouldn't."

"I would. Do not test me Inuyasha." Sesshoumaru handed Kagome a simple pearl button pin, assuring himself that she pinned the cloak correctly before mounting Alabaster and setting off, this time with Kagome wrapped in her own cloak.

Mid afternoon passed by slowly, with our travelers bored and looking for ways to pass the time. Sesshoumaru sat eyeing the road when he felt giggling from in front of him. He looked down curiously, watching as Kagome stared at Inuyasha. 'What is so special about the hanyou?' he wondered. She giggled again, hiding her face in his tunic. Sesshoumaru quirked a brow at her, then kept a close watch on Inuyasha out of the corner of his eye.

When Kagome looked back to him, Inuyasha hooked a finger in the corner of his mouth and grimaced. She gasped and turned away quickly, hiding her face behind her hands as she stifled a giggle. Sesshoumaru mentally shrugged. 'It must be a ningen thing.' Inuyasha crossed his eyes and jutted out his lower jaw, his lower canines crossing over his upper lip. Kagome's giggle became louder, but still wasn't enough to cause Sesshoumaru any harm.

As a matter of fact, he found her laugh to be pleasant, almost musical in quality. Inuyasha's ears twitched eagerly, earning a delighted 'ooo'. Sesshoumaru stepped in when Inuyasha stuck his tongue out at her.

"What are you two doing?" he asked Kagome. She smiled up at him, her sapphire eyes sparkling happily from under the dark veil of her bangs. Once again, Sesshoumaru found himself taken by her as she answered.

"We are making faces, Sesshoumaru-sama."

"For what purpose?"

"To pass the time, I suppose."

"How do you 'make faces'?" Sesshoumaru asked. "It is rather easy," Kagome replied as she lifted her hands to his face. She paused when Sesshoumaru glared at her, but continued when he did nothing more. "You could place your fingers here," she gently hooked her pink fingers into the corners of his mouth and pulled. "And that makes a face."

Sesshoumaru's face soon resembled Inuyasha's, with his lower canines over his upper lip. "That is one way," Kagome said. "Another way is this." She used her index fingers to pull the skin below his eyes, resulting in a droopy, sad, puppy-dogged look. She giggled in approval. "You seem to be a natural Sesshoumaru-sama."

"I suppose," Sesshoumaru replied when she released him, ignoring the shock on Inuyasha's face at him playing a ningen game. "Are there any rules to this game?"

"No, I do not believe so."

Sesshoumaru thought a moment, then looked to Inuyasha. Inuyasha shrugged, then the both of them turned to Kagome with the tip of their tongues touching their noses. Kagome outright laughed, the merry sound ringing throughout the woods.

"You two are so funny!" she gasped. Sesshoumaru smirked, glancing at Inuyasha. "And you are a natural Sesshoumaru-sama."

"Thank you Kagome."

"But Inuyasha-san is the best I've seen yet." She smiled at Sesshoumaru soothingly when Inuyasha snorted with laughter. "But I am sure with practice, you could beat him."

"Many thanks for your confidence," Sesshoumaru grumbled, earning another laugh from Inuyasha. Kagome ignored him. "I remember a servant who could wiggle her ears! Now she was one to beat."

"What is so odd about that?"

"Well," Kagome said thoughtfully. "Can you wiggle your ears?"

"I know not of wiggling, but my ears are mobile."

"Really?" Kagome replied wistfully. "Mine are not."

"As are most ningen," Sesshoumaru replied. He released his left hand's hold on Alabaster's reins, bringing his hand up to cup the side of her head. He traced an ear gently, taking a time to caress it before studying it's structure. Kagome's heartbeat quickened, and her scent took on a nearly unnoticeable twist.

'So, there are some ningen with sensitive ears,' Sesshoumaru mused as he released her. He raised her hand to his ears, allowing her to study it.

"Why, they're pointed!" she gasped, her tiny fingers stopping on the tip. "How wondrous…I do imagine they help to hear better."

"They do," Sesshoumaru answered, marveled at how clever she was. He twitched it for her, watching as her amazement shone on her face. Kagome suddenly paled. "What is it?"

"I…I do not know," she answered truthfully. At that moment Inuyasha's ears perked, as did Sesshoumaru's as Lasher and Alabaster stilled. Sesshoumaru dismounted, handing Inuyasha Alabaster's reins before listening to the forest around them. He faced the right of him, his ears twitching under his silver hair. "Inuyasha, go ahead. If I give the signal, take Kagome and run for the castle."

"Will do," Inuyasha answered before Sesshoumaru walked into the woods around them. Kagome held Alabaster's mane uneasily, glancing at the forest around her as Inuyasha lead them on.

"Inuyasha?" Kagome asked after a while.

"Yeah?"

"Should we not help him?" Inuyasha snorted. "No. He doesn't need it."

"Are you sure?"

Inuyasha glanced over his shoulder at her, smiling at her unease. "One thing you need to understand about Sesshoumaru; there aren't many things that would stand in his way. Those that do are either really brave, or really stupid."

"But you two argue all the time."

"That we do, but he'd never hurt me. You either. So remember that, OK?"

"Alright." Kagome quieted, then remembered something she wanted to ask. "Inuyasha?"

"Anyone tell you that you ask too many questions?"

Kagome frowned, crossing her arms over her chest irritably. "Has anyone told you that you were the perfect gentleman?"

"No," Inuyasha said with a smile. "Not that I remember."

"Good. I would not want them to lie to you."

Inuyasha mulled over this a moment, then frowned. "Hey! What was that for?"

"I merely wanted to ask a simple question, but you had to be rude! Do you not know how to behave around a lady!"

*

Sesshoumaru grimaced, glaring at the blood on the end of his claws. 'Great," he thought as he glowered at the body of the centipede youkai…or the pieces of the body anyway. 'Now I have to find a stream to get this off.' He sprinted through the woods, following the smell of water to a nearby stream.

Sesshoumaru rinsed his hands quickly, flexing his hands and extending his claws to get any gore that he might have missed had he not done otherwise. 'Why am I doing this?' he wondered. 'Normally, I would not mind a little blood and Alabaster-' Sesshoumaru stopped, suddenly understanding his sudden blood trepidation. 'Her…how interesting. How would she react to me covered in blood? Would she fear me?'

Sesshoumaru shook his hands dry, watching the tiny droplets fly from his hands to the grass below. For some reason, he dreaded her fear when directed at him. 'It just feels out of place with her. It is almost as if…keh! It matters not. She is nothing more than an entertainment, but…' He frowned. 'She is hiding something from me. She sensed the youkai, of that I am sure, before I or Inuyasha. How is that possible?'

Sesshoumaru sprinted back, following the scent of the horses to Inuyasha and Kagome. 'They have stopped. Why…' He approached cautiously, expecting to her the sounds of battle. Instead he heard:

"Anyone tell you that you ask too many questions?"

Sesshoumaru stopped to watch them. Kagome still sat on his horse, glaring at the back of Inuyasha's head.

"Has anyone told you that you were the perfect gentleman?"

'Inuyasha, a gentleman?' Sesshoumaru snorted. 'Maybe she isn't as clever as I believed.'

"No. Not that I remember." Inuyasha answered.

"Good. I would not want them to lie to you."

'I take that back,' Sesshoumaru thought with a smirk. 'She is a spitfire. I wonder why she never shows that side of her to me.'

"Hey! What was that for?"

"I merely wanted to ask a simple question, but you had to be rude! Do you not know how to behave around a lady!"

*

"Well, show me a lady and I'll show you respect!"

"Why you-"

"That was unnecessary Inuyasha,' Sesshoumaru scolded as he leaped down from his perch inside a nearby tree. "After all, you are the one that started it. Now apologize."

"No!"

"Inuyasha…"

Inuyasha pouted, then sighed. "I'm sorry Kagome. I didn't mean it." Kagome forgave him instantly, something that surprised both youkai. Neither said nothing of it, but continued forward when Sesshoumaru mounted his horse.

They stopped at the edge of the wood at dusk. Kagome glanced at both inu youkai curiously, then at Sesshoumaru as he lowered her to the ground.

"This is important Kagome, so listen well," he began. "You are to stay by my side and hold Alabaster's reins at all times. You are not to say a word unless spoken to, and even then not without my permission. Do as I say at all times without question. Is that understood?"

"Yes Sesshoumaru-sama," Kagome said as she grasped Alabaster's harness. She rubbed his nose, him rubbing back to comfort her nerves.

"Put on your hood and look up at me."

Kagome did as he said, lifting the heavy cloth over her head. She glanced up at him, waiting for his next set of instructions.

Sesshoumaru nodded in approval, pleased that the only features he could see were her eyes. "Now remember what we've discussed, because there are youkai that do not like ningen here."

Kagome faced forward, her heart leaping inside her chest. 'This is it!' she thought as Sesshoumaru urged Alabaster forward. 'Soon my kingdom will receive the aid Sesshoumaru promised!'

They walked through a break in the woods. Kagome gasped when they stopped, staring up at the force ahead of them.