InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ A Simple Legacy III ❯ Chapter 5 ( Chapter 5 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

Disclaimer: Inuyasha and its characters are created by Rumiko Takahashi, not me, but the new plots are mine. This fanfiction had been written for entertainment purposes only and without intention of infringing upon any copyright.

A/N: HentaiVixen, Darkserenity07 and Katie 33h…Thank you for reading and reviewing the last chapter. Here's the next one. :)

A Simple Legacy III by elle6778 - Chapter 5

The air was thick with mounting tension as the two taiyoukais continued their battle. The clang of metal clashing and the occasional snarls were the only things which broke the silence.

Kagome's eyes were large in her face as she watched the face-off between the two inuyoukais. She had been surprised that Ryokusen's emeralds had not absorbed Sesshoumaru's youki. Some strange green glow had spread out from Sesshoumaru, stopping the emerald's power in its tracks. She wondered what happened. Preoccupied with trying to shield herself, she had missed the attack which had prevented Ryokusen's katana from meeting her body.

She found every movement a torture as she pushed herself up to her knees. She wanted to help, but the pain coursing through her told her that she must have broken her ribs, amongst other body parts. Glowering, she cursed herself for not anticipating Ryokusen's sneak attack earlier. She did not remember feeling so weak before, but then again, she had never been on a one to one battle with a taiyoukai.

Her worry mounted when the two opponents continued to blast each other with youki-filled attacks. The fact that Sesshoumaru was injured concerned her somewhat. The interference of the neko-youkai warriors was not helping either, she noted with trepidation. But at least Ryokusen had not come out unscathed from their battle earlier.

Kagome's eyes narrowed as another group of neko youkai warriors appeared from the shadows and made their way straight towards Sesshoumaru and Ryokusen. The Northern Lord obviously did not care about fighting fair if he allowed his warriors to attack Sesshoumaru from the back.

Gritting her teeth, she strengthened her resolve and pulled herself to her feet. She could not let Sesshoumaru do this alone. The least she could do was to get rid of Ryokusen's interfering warriors.

Calling forth her powers, she extended her kodachis and expelled twin blasts of miko power at them. Seeing the oncoming blast, the group of warriors scattered with roars of outrage. As the blast connected, Kagome noted with satisfaction that it had managed to kill a few of them.

Furious, the warriors bypassed the two fighting taiyoukais and headed straight for her. Her expression set in determination, Kagome flicked her left hand and released her miko whips, flinging them out as soon as the warriors got within range.

“Disgusting human,” one of them snarled, jumping out of the way as his partner disintegrated with a scream of pain. “You think you could win against our great forces?” he mocked disdainfully.

“Shut up and fight,” Kagome snapped, withdrawing the whips only swing her glowing kodachi at her close-range opponent.

This time, the attack caught the mouthy youkai on his shoulder, sending him flying back some distance. Spinning around quickly, Kagome faced two other neko-youkais. Her chest was beginning to hurt really badly and she found it hard to breath. Annoyed at everything, she scowled as she raised her kodachis and brought them down swiftly. The force from her blades sped out, connecting with the targets. The warriors' eyes widened briefly before they turned into dust right before Kagome's eyes.

The air around her buzzed, then a sudden explosion rocked her surroundings, echoed by a furious snarl. The hair behind her neck stood on its end as Kagome turned around to find Sesshoumaru down on one knee. Her eyes widened at the sight of a large crater surrounding him. It was obvious that he had barely survived a blast from Ryokusen.

Angry, she swung towards the neko-youkai to find him breathing hard. The blast had obviously drained him as well. This would be a good time to attack. Hoping that she would not distract Sesshoumaru too much, she dropped her emotional barriers to let him know what she was about to do.

She received an emphatic refusal from his direction.

Frowning, she decided to ignore him. And anyway, nothing bad could come out of it seeing that Ryokusen was still trying to catch his breath after the attack.

Gritting her teeth, she called forth the last of her powers, nudging Sesshoumaru again through their connection as she did so. To her relief, she received a reluctant agreement from him.

This had to work, she thought fervently as she held her kodachis out.

Her power flared in a blinding flash of pearlescent light, speeding straight for Ryokusen. At the same time, Sesshoumaru raised his katana and let out a single golden blast.

Ryokusen did not linger. Instantly, he leapt high up in the air. However, the powerful attack managed to graze him at the last minute, throwing him back some distance.

A feeling of nervous anticipation coursed through Kagome as she eyed the prone neko-youkai warily. Then, much to her horror, Ryokusen got to his feet. He immediately swung around and snarled at her. Flicking his katana, a red beam shot out towards her.

“Miko!”

With a squeal of alarm, Kagome quickly raised a barrier.

The blow connected with her barrier and stayed, forcing her down to her knees. She groaned at the effort of holding it up, praying that Ryokusen's energy would dissipate soon because she did not know how long she could hold it up. Already, the neko-youkai had dismissed her, turning his attention back to Sesshoumaru. The sounds of clashing metal told her that they had resumed their battle.

She glanced up around her with trepidation. Although it was dissipating, the red tint was still threading around her pearlescent barrier, but she knew that she could not hold on any longer.

With a groan, she passed out.

…***…***…***…

Sesshoumaru knew that he could not afford to take his eyes off the neko-youkai. He gritted his teeth, forcing himself not to glance at the miko as he continued to exchange blows with the Northern Lord. The last thing he had felt from her after Ryokusen's attack was an overwhelming weariness and then nothing. He deduced that she must be unconscious.

Noticing the appearance of another group of warrior out of the corner of his eyes, Sesshoumaru growled. He had not anticipated the extent of Ryokusen's forces to be this strong. Another thing which bothered him was that these latest batch of neko-youkai warriors smelled different from the rest. It occurred to Sesshoumaru that they might not be from this land.

Ryokusen was wounded from their combined attack, that much was clear. However, Sesshoumaru realized that the prolonged battle was also beginning to affect him. He had to end it soon.

“If you're smart, you will surrender,” Ryokusen snarled as he sent a series of sharp spikes forward. “You have no chance against my warriors and my power.”

Sesshoumaru swung a pulsing Toukijin forward, his lips curled in distaste. “Cease your pointless ranting, Ryokusen.”

A blast of gold met the spikes, the force exploding midair. Even before the air had cleared, Sesshoumaru released a spray of poison towards his opponent.

Blocking Sesshoumaru's attack with his own katana, Ryokusen laughed. “Why, can't talk and fight at the same time, Sesshoumaru?” Then his eyes narrowed threateningly. “No talking then.”

The wind picked up around them, swirling an intense red around Ryokusen. The neko-youkai was transforming into his true form, Sesshoumaru thought disdainfully. Face set in his usual cold mask, Sesshoumaru did not waste any time in his own transformation. His youki flared powerfully as his body stretched into the form of a massive dog. Fangs bared, he leapt forward at the red cat in front of him.

His fangs sank into the muscular flesh of the feline the instant he felt a hot flash of pain in his arm. Thick, viscous blood coated his tongue, its taste turning him increasingly predatorial by the second. Sesshoumaru relished the feeling and responded by lashing out with his claws, the wound Ryokusen had inflicted on his arm dismissed.

Ryokusen flung himself out of the way, and landed some distance away on all fours. Almost immediately, the red cat launched at him again. This time, a hard swipe of feline claws tossed Sesshoumaru to the side, but not before a stream of green poison hit the neko-youkai.

Instantly bouncing back up, Sesshoumaru shook his head to clear it, his eyes not leaving his opponent. Ryokusen snarled and rushed towards him, fangs bared.

Sesshoumaru stood his ground, biding his time until his opponent was close. His eyes narrowed as he discerned a weak point. Anticipation grew within him until Ryokusen reached the critical distance from him.

Then in a rapid move, Sesshoumaru twisted around on his front legs, sending his hind legs flying towards his opponent. He felt a jolt of satisfaction when his legs impacted with the feline's ribs, cracking several bones. Then he expanded his youki, sending a last out from his extended claws.

With a howl, the red cat flew through the air before it landed, scraping to a stop on the rocky ground. The large furred mass gradually shrank back, leaving a red-clothed neko-youkai lying in the settling dust.

Sesshoumaru's breath was loud in his ears, drowning out all other sensations, including the piercing pain in his arm and back. That blow should have killed the neko-youkai, however, he could still sense Ryokusen's life force. Incensed at himself, Sesshoumaru growled.

He took a step forward, intent on finishing what he had started, but right before his eyes, four other neko-youkai warriors appeared. In a blink of an eye, Ryokusen was gone from his sight.

With a roar of outrage, Sesshoumaru transformed back to his other form. Sinking to his knees, Sesshoumaru cursed under his breath. The many dead neko-youkais littered around them did not appease his anger. Ryokusen should have died. Sesshoumaru bit back a groan when another jolt of pain coursed through him. He had managed to take down many of them but he knew that he had been injured badly under attack from Ryokusen's skilled soldiers as well as Ryokusen himself. It would be unwise for him to pursue the neko-youkai.

Not to mention he needed to assess the miko for injuries.

Getting to his feet, Sesshoumaru launched himself towards the unconscious miko. Her barrier still glowed lightly around her, protecting her even while she was unconscious. A frown grew on his brow when he noticed how pale she was.

Dropping to his knees, he hauled her up into his arm. “Miko.”

She did not respond, and an odd feeling lodged itself in his gut.

“Miko!” he called out again, louder this time.

And yet, she still did not respond.

Sesshoumaru's concern grew as he noted her blood-strained clothing. It appeared that she had been injured more extensively than he had thought. A stab of something which felt like guilt prodded at him. The armband the miko had given him had protected him from the worst of Ryokusen's attack. If she had kept it for herself, perhaps she would not be as injured as she was now.

But if the armband had not protected him, Ryokusen would have gotten hold of his youki, Sesshoumaru grimaced, disgusted at the thought. He did not care to examine why he had attacked so carelessly considering that he fully comprehended the consequences of his action.

The origins of the armband itself was a curious coincidence. The armband's previous owner was the very same person who had created the dangerous spell on the emerald pendant and who had bestowed a spell on the miko at her birth.

It had occurred to him to wonder why the armband had not protected the sorceress. The only thing Sesshoumaru could think of was perhaps the protection spell was confused since Ryokusen was her mate. Mating instincts normally ensured that mates did not harm each other. It appeared that Ryokusen's greed for power far outweighed his mating bond.

Ryokusen had been alive much longer and had more time to hone his strength. In that case, according to the sorceress' spell, the miko should have gained Ryokusen's strength, seeing that he was stronger than she was. But perhaps the spell did not work because the sorceress's spell could only bind one. Or perhaps it did not work because Ryokusen strength had been stolen from others using the pendant, hence not his own.

Sesshoumaru could feel himself weakening as he stood up with the miko in his arms. They could not remain in the Northern Isles. Even if Ryokusen was in no condition to attack, there was no telling what the rest of the neko-youkais might do. He needed to leave rapidly.

With the last of his strength, Sesshoumaru morphed into his ball of energy. With a burst of power, he shot through the air with the miko.

It did not take long before his strength ran out and he had to stop. Fortunately, they had managed to cross the sea into the Eastern Territories. A quick glance down at the miko told him that she had survived the journey, but she was obviously still unwell.

A rumble sounded overhead. Then with a crack, rain pelted down, growing increasingly heavy as time passed, practically drowning them in its intensity.

Sesshoumaru resisted the urge to curse at their misfortune. His lips compressed into a tight line as he scanned the area for shelter. An almost hidden crack in the cliff face caught his attention and he approached it. Holding the miko tight against him, he launched them upwards and squeezed through the narrow opening. Eyes quickly readjusting, he found himself in a small dark cavern but decided that it was adequate for their purpose.

Placing the miko down on the surface of the rock, Sesshoumaru turned to the entrance and immediately erected a barrier.

Ignoring the piercing pain in his own body, Sesshoumaru knelt down beside the miko, observing her uneven breaths and how her brows met in a frown. He ran his eyes over her in an attempt to assess the extent of her injuries. Her wet hakamashita was spotted with blood and the material prevented him from his task.

Knowing that there was no alternative, he began to undress her. His body protested at his every move but Sesshoumaru ignored the pain. If he did not see to the miko, she might not survive the night. The blow she had received from Ryokusen would have killed most youkais. Her life came before her modesty.

When her bloodstained attire was swept aside, revealing her injuries, Sesshoumaru forcibly suppressed his mounting rage. Her left side was badly bruised and there were several bleeding gashes, two on her left arm and one halfway across her stomach just under the white cloth binding her breasts. It appeared that she also suffered at least one broken rib.

Getting to his feet, he tore off a strip of material off his kimono and went outside to dampen it. Returning to the miko's side, he knelt down and began to clean her wounds. However, fresh blood continued to seep out. The wounds were not closing, Sesshoumaru realized as he grimaced. Ryokusen's attack must have contained some sort of poison.

Dimly, it occurred to him that Inuyasha would certainly rant at him for what he was about to do. However, considering that he had no healing powers, there was only one option left to him.

He lowered his head until he felt the warmth of her stomach. Then he hesitated, feeling strangely unsettled by what he was about to do. It was certainly far too intimate for his liking.

He frowned as he realized what he was thinking. His hesitation disturbed him even more.

Strengthening his resolve, he began to lick her wounds.

The taste of her blood exploded on his tongue, but he forcibly subdued his feral side. Instead, he concentrated to making sure all the larger wounds received adequate treatment.

When he had completed his task, he pulled away to look down at her, slightly concerned when a shiver wracked through her body. Tearing off another strip of his clothing, he proceeded to wrap her wounds. He had to keep her warm, otherwise, her injuries might worsen.

Sitting with his back against the rock face, Sesshoumaru pulled the miko up between his legs. Glancing down at her, he noted that some color had returned to her cheeks although shivers continued to course through her. His relief was palpable as he exhaled slowly, reaching out to place a hand on her forehead.

She was strong and she would fight to survive.

His own body was demanding rest, and he finally gave in.

…***…***…***…

They had spent the last two days in the warded cave. The miko was healing fast, but not as fast as he was. He was growing increasingly concerned about her weakened state. Perhaps he should move them to a safer location. But he did not care to expose himself out in the open until he had fully regained his strength. She would be completely helpless since she was unfit to fight.

At one time, he would have simply left her to die. But he could never do that now.

Sesshoumaru looked down at the miko in his arms, feeling a warm glow spread over him as his eyes landed on her peaceful features. She had snuggled into his stomach in her sleep at some point. Not for the first time, he found that he liked having her close to him.

Realizing what he was thinking, Sesshoumaru took a deep breath and hardened his resolve. The thought she had evoked in him were troublesome. He had allowed himself to be attached to the miko but he will allow himself to develop further feelings for her. And it would remain that way.

But what if the attachment deepened? Had his father gone through the same thing with Izayoi to realize the truth when it was too late to extricate himself? Was it possible that the same thing might happen to him and the miko?

He stiffened.

No. He would not let it happen.

But what if the feelings were already there?

No. It is not possible. He would know if he had further feelings for the miko.

Would he not?

Leaning back against the cool cave wall, Sesshoumaru closed his eyes. He would not think about it now. His uncertain thoughts were simply a manifestation of his injured body. Once he was healed, he would be able to approach the question with a clearer mind.

…***…***…***…

Kagome woke up to find herself buried in folds of white silk. She did not need to think twice to know just whose body she was snuggled up against. Her back was against a warm chest and she could see a pair of legs clad in white hakama on either side of her own blood-stained ones. A pale arm was looped loosely around her midsection, the magenta striped adorning its wrist confirming the identity of her `mattress'.

The position she was in was becoming alarmingly familiar to her. As was the soothing scent which surrounded her.

She tried to move, and immediately gasped as pain shot through her entire body. The worst one was just over her heart, reminding her of her broken ribs.

“Miko. Do not move.”

She twisted to look up at him only to have him tighten his arm around her waist. “Sesshoumaru?”

“Your ribs will not heal well if you move, Miko. This Sesshoumaru can sense its repair.”

“Oh.” The strength she had gained from Sesshoumaru must be allowing her to heal like a youkai did. “Is it going to take long?”

“One more day at least. Your wounds are not minor.”

She sighed, and then tried to shift into a more comfortable position against him.

“Miko,” he warned tightly.

“It's a little uncomfortable, alright!” she snapped irritably as she shifted further up.

“You will cease your movements.” His voice was strained. “Now.”

“Why-” she broke off, her eyes widening as she felt something pressing against the base of her spine. Heat rose in her cheeks when she realized what exactly was pressing against her.

“S-Sorry…” she stammered in embarrassment. “I won't move anymore. I promise.”

“Hn.”

Looking down again, she realized that her chest was wrapped in some sort of makeshift bandage. There was no one else there except Sesshoumaru, so he must have been the one who had stripped her. Her face heated again. Which meant that he had touched her there.

She let out a groan of embarrassment.

“What is the matter, Miko?”

She shook her head. “You don't want to know.”

“You will tell this Sesshoumaru what troubles you.”

Closing her eyes, she asked, “You cleaned my wounds and bandaged me?”

Silence followed her question, but it was enough of an answer for her. She rolled her eyes at herself. It was a stupid question anyway.

Then he spoke quietly. “It was necessary to fully undress you to inspect the wounds.”

Her eyes shot wide open in shock. “WHAT?!” What did he mean? Fully undressed her?

She tried to twist around to face him, but the abruptness of the motion resulted in a jolt of pain. Wincing, she immediately stilled. Behind her Sesshoumaru shifted slightly and placed his hand on her ribs. Although she knew that he did not possess any healing abilities, his touch was oddly soothing.

“Your embarrassment is unnecessary, Miko,” he remarked dryly.

Her eyes narrowed. “I don't make it a habit to expose myself, alright! And maybe I'm a little uncomfortable with it.”

“Discomfort is a small price to pay in exchange for your life.”

She blew out a puff of air. “Nevermind.” He would never understand how awkward it was for her.

“You will rest,” he instructed evenly.

Feeling rather restless, she scowled. “How long have we been here?”

“Two days.”

Her eyes widened. No wonder she felt starved.

A short silence ensued before Sesshoumaru spoke close to her ear. “How did you know that Ryokusen was the sorceress's mate?”

Kagome grimaced at the thought of the evil, power-hungry taiyoukai. “I remember his face from the sorceress's memory. I remember how he looked like when he killed their daughter,” she spat, disgusted with the very thought of it. How could someone kill their own baby daughter?

“Ryokusen was blinded with greed for power. Even now, he seeks to further himself by allying with foreign youkai,” Sesshoumaru remarked.

Kagome frowned. “Foreign?”

“Some of the youkais were not of this land.”

Surprised, Kagome asked, “How do you know?”

“Their scent distinguished them from the rest.”

“So he had more help that we anticipated. But whatever it is, I'm not going to let him get away with this and what he had done to his mate,” Kagome swore. “He's going to pay.”

He gave her a hard look. “The sorceress's vengeance is not yours, Miko.”

“Of course it is. After all, that's the whole reason why I ended up with the responsibility of the Shikon jewel in the first place.” She paused and gestured to herself. “And what about this? Even if it got nothing to do with the sorceress, that Ryokusen was the one who got me in this miserable state.”

She took a deep breath, trying to calm her anger. That was when she noticed that Sesshoumaru had fallen into a thoughtful silence.

“What's wrong, Sesshoumaru?”

The silence continued. Just as she was about to prompt him again, he spoke.

“This Sesshoumaru had underestimated the situation.” His tone was flat, but it was clear to Kagome that he felt responsible for the mess they were in currently.

Softening, she said reassuringly, “You couldn't have known that he had a deal with Naraku for his powers. And who could have even predicted that he has so many warriors still even after you killed more than a hundred of them?”

He did not answer.

With a sigh, she snuggled back closer to him, trying to offer him some comfort. “Don't worry, we'll get out of this mess.” Then she added quietly, “Somehow.”

…***…***…***…

The shuffling of feet against the dry cave floor was the only sound in the small space.

Sesshoumaru eyed the miko silently as she continued to walk back and forth in an attempt to stretch her muscles. He noted with satisfaction that she no longer winced when she moved.

One more day, Sesshoumaru told himself. One more day and they would depart.

Suddenly a familiar presence nearby nudged at his senses. When Sesshoumaru realized who it was, his narrowed in annoyance. It was not long before he heard a loud voice.

“Oi! I know you two are in there and if you don't drop the barrier, I'll just hack it down!”

“Inuyasha!” the miko exclaimed in surprise.

Suppressing an irritated sigh, Sesshoumaru went to the mouth of the cave and dissolved his barrier.

“You are supposed to be in the Western Lands, Inuyasha,” he reprimanded coldly the moment Inuyasha came into view.

“Feh! I'm not planning to let you dump all those boring duties on me,” Inuyasha declared. “So I'm going to make damn sure that you survive this thing with Ryokusen.”

“As you can see, little brother, this Sesshoumaru is very much alive,” he remarked dryly, hearing the footsteps of the miko not far behind him.

Inuyasha crossed his arms over his chest. “Sure, that's why you're still stuck here behind a barrier, huh?” He wrinkled his nose. “And don't think I can't smell all that dried blood.”

Sesshoumaru glowered at him. “Minor wounds.”

“Inuyasha?” the miko called out as she stepped into the light.

Inuyasha's eyes widened. “She's HURT!” he exclaimed, his expression suffused with fury.

Sesshoumaru gritted his teeth.

“I warned you, Sesshoumaru. And you still let her get hurt.”

The miko groaned. “Inuyasha. Please don't start. It's not like this is the first time I got hurt, and I bet it isn't going to be the last either.”

Inuyasha stepped closer to her. Then his nose twitched. His brows instantly furrowed. Slowly, he stood up and turned around, his fists clenched. His voice was low when he spoke. “This is going too far, Sesshoumaru. She stinks of you. What did you do this time?”

Sesshoumaru's lips compressed into a thin line. “The miko required healing.”

Inuyasha's eyes bulged as he looked back and forth between him and the miko. “You didn't.”

The miko frowned. “He just healed me Inuyasha. What's the big deal?”

Inuyasha spun around to face her. “Do you have any idea how he did it?”

Frown deepening, the miko shook her head. “It doesn't matter.” Then she ventured hesitantly, “Does it?”

“The healing made sure the miko did not die of Ryokusen's poison,” Sesshoumaru told him, giving him a pointed look. It was not necessary to embarrass the miko further.

Inuyasha's eyes flickered as the warning sank in. “Keh!” he then exclaimed, crossing his arms over his chest. “How are you feeling?” he finally asked in a gruff voice.

The miko sighed. “A little sore, but according to Sesshoumaru, I'm almost healed.”

“Good. Let's get the two of you out of here before Ryokusen arrives with his minions.”

Sesshoumaru glowered inwardly. Much as he hated to admit it, Inuyasha recent actions further reinforced the fact that perhaps the hanyou was finally maturing.

Frowning, the miko said, “I don't think Ryokusen would be moving anytime soon. He was pretty hurt when we escaped.”

“Inuyasha is correct. It is wise to depart.”

The hanyou appeared surprised at his words.

…***…***…***…

They were headed back to the taijiya village with her traveling on Sesshoumaru's cloud and Inuyasha running not far behind them.

Kagome lips curved slightly. She would be happy to see Sango and Miroku again. Had it only been less than two weeks since she had last seen them? Somehow, these two weeks seemed more eventful than the last two months put together. But she guessed that when she returned, things would go back to normal.

She made a face. Miroku would be chasing after Sango while the taijiya rebuked him with her Hiraikotsu. Sango should just give in. After all, it was pretty obvious that she felt something for the houshi, as lecherous as he was.

And Inuyasha and Moriko would be flirting and sniping at each other all day, irritating everyone around them.

Which pretty much left her alone with Shippou. Not that she minded Shippou's company. The kitsune was a great joy to be with. But sometimes she just wanted some adult company. And she did not want to feel as if she was encroaching on the flourishing romance between the two pairs.

She could always train. Her eyes hardened. After all, she would probably need it once she figured out a way to get back at Ryokusen for what he had done to everyone. That should fill up some of her day. Though she would probably need to borrow Inuyasha from Moriko so that she could train properly.

Still, it sounded pretty lonely.

And she had no doubt that her restlessness would return.

Maybe she should visit Sesshoumaru for extended periods. Then she could even follow him when he decided to confront Ryokusen. But she would be imposing on him, and knowing how much Sesshoumaru valued his privacy, she did not think that it would be a good idea.

Kagome sighed heavily.

“Are you well, Miko?”

She turned up to find Sesshoumaru regarding her with his usual disinterested expression. But the fact that he had bothered to ask was enough to tell her that he was concerned.

Giving him a smile, she nodded. “I just have something on my mind.”

He quirked a questioning brow.

She inhaled slowly, feeling a little weird to be telling Sesshoumaru something like this. But she supposed they had grown rather close lately. In a weird kind of way. “Back where I came from in the future, I had things to do everyday.” She made a face. “Okay, I don't really like school that much, but studying gave me a purpose, you know? Something to strive for.”

“Hn.”

“But now that I'm stuck here. I keep finding myself getting restless. I can't think of much to do except maybe searching for that last shard.” She rolled her eyes. “I very much doubt I'll find it. It has probably fallen into the sea or something.”

“You require something to occupy your time?”

She nodded. “I guess there's Ryokusen.” Her eyes narrowed in determination. “It's going to take some time, but the next time I see him, I'll make sure he'll not walk away.”

Sesshoumaru gave her an odd look before he turned to look into the distance. “We will be arriving shortly,” he said.

Kagome sighed again. “Maybe I should ask around, see if anyone need a miko in their village.”

“Hn.”

“At least that will give me something real to do. And now that I can fight reasonably well, I can protect the village as well.”

“Perhaps.”

As the taijiya village came into view, Kagome continued to muse over her new plan.

…***…***…***…

The miko was bored.

She had been correct in her deduction that hunting for one single shard would probably yield nothing, even if she scoured all the territories.

It was obvious that her attention would eventually focus on destroying Ryokusen. Her battle skills were sorely lacking in comparison to Northern Lord's, although there was a possibility that her raw power exceeded his. The sort of experience she needed to gain in order to defeat one such as Ryokusen would require extensive exposure to battle, particularly now that the neko-youkai had gained power from others. Sesshoumaru did not doubt that the miko would attempt to destroy Ryokusen regardless of whether or not she possessed the necessary experience.

Not that Sesshoumaru would allow her to do such a thing.

Ryokusen had insulted him, and for that, the neko-youkai would die at his hands and no one else's.

Not even the miko.

Perhaps he should include her in any future plans to attack Ryokusen, simply to stop her from attacking Ryokusen on her own. Besides, an ally like her would be beneficial to him, as she had proven more than once.

However, her inclusion in his plans would be complicated if she remained in the taijiya village.

Seated on a felled tree trunk, Sesshoumaru let his eyes wander to the small, enclosed compound nearby. The wind brought him the sound of tools hammering against wood, each blow echoing in the air.

The houshi and the taijiya were doing well in their reconstruction of the village, Sesshoumaru thought as he studied the newly built huts. Was this where the miko had been staying prior to her appearance at the Western Lands?

A stray thought crossed his mind.

Since her appearance in the Western Lands two weeks ago, Sesshoumaru realized that he had been able to focus a little better. Her presence had been enough to alleviate the distraction that had plague him for two cycles of the moon. If she left now, he would no doubt return to the same bothersome condition.

He glanced around again. It was obvious that the taijiya and the houshi had done their best to secure the village. However, compared to his castle, the village was badly exposed to danger. It would do little to prevent persistent youkais from gaining entry.

Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed as another thought occurred to him.

Any youkai trying to court the miko would not have great difficulty in their pursuit if the miko lived in this village. And without his scent, there was nothing to deter their advances. The miko might even be gullible enough to fall for one of those weaklings, gifting them with her powers.

An image of an elemental youkai flashed across Sesshoumaru's mind.

He grimaced. The mere thought of that elemental youkai irked him for some unknown reason. Perhaps he was simply wary of someone with such powers approaching the miko.

Sesshoumaru inhaled as he recomposed his thoughts. There was only one thing he could think of which would benefit both him and the miko.

He would extent an invitation to the miko.

Glancing up, his brows furrowed slightly when he realized that the miko had been gone longer than necessary for a bath.

Getting to his feet, Sesshoumaru used his senses to track her. A short while later, he found himself nearing a hotspring. Almost immediately, he heard the sound of the miko's voice and another unfamiliar voice.

Frowning slightly, he quickened his steps.

“I told you, I'm not interested!” The miko sounded annoyed. “Can you please leave now?”

“Miko, you do not understand the extent of my offer. Many would be honored to be the mate of one such as myself,” a male voice sounded.

Understanding dawned upon Sesshoumaru. His scent was no longer cloaking the miko, as she had been bathing. And with nothing to deter him, another pitiful youkai had obviously decided to court her.

“Oww! What did you do that for?” the miko exclaimed incredulously. “Why did you push me?”

“Run,” the male instructed.

“I'm warning you. Leave before I decide to purify you.”

Frown deepening, Sesshoumaru quickened his steps until he caught sight of the miko in the distance. Wrapped only in a large cloth, she obviously had not had the opportunity to dress before she was approached. Sesshoumaru's eyes went to the other youkai. The bushy tail behind him identified him as a squirrel youkai.

From what Sesshoumaru could see, the squirrel youkai was trying to entice the miko into running so that he could commence his mating chase. Then the squirrel youkai bared his small, but sharp teeth at the miko in another attempt to push her into running. The miko's expression was mixed as she stared at the youkai incredulously. Sesshoumaru could tell that at any moment now, she would either burst out in fury or in laughter.

His lips twitched.

Deciding that he had seen enough of the ridiculous display, Sesshoumaru streaked forward and revealed himself.

Turning around, the squirrel youkai eyed him with disgust. “Who are you?”

Sesshoumaru gritted his teeth at the other youkai's insolence. Without a word, he lifted a hand and let his poison drip from the tips of his claws. The squirrel youkai's beady black eyes widened and his tail twitched nervously as he eyed the unspoken warning.

“Sesshoumaru…” the miko cautioned.

Ignoring her, Sesshoumaru kept his eyes pinned on the youkai.

Then, the squirrel straightened and took a supposedly threatening step forward. It was clear that the youkai intended to challenge him.

Foolish.

Annoyed at the other youkai's audacity, Sesshoumaru bared his fangs and streaked forward, ignoring the miko's frantic yells. It only took a single swipe of his poisonous claws to send the other youkai flying into the distance. A loud crack sounded as the youkai hit a tree and slid down bonelessly, instantly unconscious.

“Pitiful,” Sesshoumaru intoned flatly.

“Sesshoumaru!” the miko exclaimed reproachfully. “You didn't have to do that.”

He swung around to face her, irritated at her words. Did she wish for such a weak youkai to court her? Even if she did, Sesshoumaru would never allow the youkai to leave intact, considering the foolish challenge he had issued.

“The youkai was insolent,” he remarked in a disdainful voice.

The miko expelled an exasperated sound. “Still, you could have killed him.”

“Indeed.” And the squirrel youkai would have deserved such an end.

She rolled her eyes and huffed. “Nevermind.”

Remembering the cause of the problem, Sesshoumaru closed the gap between them. He felt oddly compelled to ensure that his scent was reinstated on the miko. It was simply for his own peace, he told himself.

Her eyes widened as she looked up at him. Before she could utter a word, he held on to her bare shoulders, ignoring the strangely enticing dampness of her skin, and lowered his head. A muffled squeak reached his ears, but he ignored it.

Just as before, her scent enveloped his senses as he rubbed his face against her cheek and neck. Her skin was soft, he thought as he moved from her cheeks to her neck. Her rapid pulse brushed against his lips, eliciting an odd reaction from his body. One which he did not care to inspect further. His lungs filled with her soothing peach scent as he inhaled slowly. It was almost addictive and he felt strangely reluctant to remove himself from her.

So he continued, disregarding the faint tingling of his senses.

The tingling became more insistent.

“WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?!”

…***…***…***…

t.b.c.

A/N: Hehe, not hard to guess who walked in on them, huh? As always, I'd love it if you reviewed and let me know what you think! Thanks!