InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ A Simple Legacy III ❯ Chapter 6 ( Chapter 6 )

 

 

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: Once again, thank you, HentaiVixen, Ladydot, darkserenity07 and katie33h, for your kind comments. I'm glad that you all are enjoying the story!


A Simple Legacy III by elle6778 - Chapter 6


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

Sesshoumaru froze.

Stiffening in his arms, the miko gasped loudly in his ear before she yanked herself away from him, blushing furiously. A part of him protested at the loss of the warmth he had felt from the miko. Unhurriedly, Sesshoumaru turned around to find Inuyasha standing not far from them, his amber eyes glittering with accusation.

“I-Inuyasha…” the miko stammered uneasily.

Eyes not moving from him, Inuyasha growled, “Sesshoumaru. I asked you a question.”

Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes. The hanyou dared to question him in such a manner? “This Sesshoumaru does not answer to you, little brother.”

Stalking forward until they were eye to eye, Inuyasha pointed a shaky claw at the miko and glared at him. “You were taking advantage of her,” Inuyasha hissed.

Stiffening slightly at the accusation, Sesshoumaru replied in a flat voice, “The miko did not object.”

“Sesshoumaru!” the miko protested loudly as Inuyasha sputtered incredulously.

A sudden feeling of amusement washed over Sesshoumaru. Inuyasha was truly gullible. Vaguely, he wondered if the miko would explain the situation, or allow Inuyasha to continue to amuse them with his idiocy. For Sesshoumaru had no intention of explaining himself to his insolent brother.

Regaining his composure, Inuyasha snapped, “Look. I told you before, but you were obviously not listening. Now let me say it again. If you can't keep your hands to yourself, then you damn well make sure you court her properly. PROPERLY! Not skipping steps. What you're doing is just not right!”

“Inuyasha!!” the miko gasped again, her eyes rounded in dismay.

Inuyasha's words grated at him. The hanyou's meaning did not escape him. Scent-marking was a more advanced step in the courting ritual. However, since he was not courting the miko, it did not matter. Composing his expression into its usual careful mask, Sesshoumaru stated blandly, “What goes on between this Sesshoumaru and the miko is none of your concern, Inuyasha.”

Inuyasha flared, “She's my friend, you bastard! If you don't stop this, I'll make sure you regret it.”

Sesshoumaru gritted his teeth at Inuyasha's foolish threat. “It is you who will regret if you do not cease your pointless accusations!”

Inuyasha's eyes bulged. “Pointless? POINTLESS? I'm not so dense that I can't sense you all over her in the cave. And don't tell me you didn't touch her.” He pointed at the torn sleeves. “That told me who exactly bandaged her. To do that, you'd have to undress her. And now, you're SCENT-MARKING her? What the hell is going on, Sesshoumaru?”

The hanyou's words rang with the truth, but Sesshoumaru had no intention of justifying his actions. But before he could tell Inuyasha to mind his own affairs, the miko exploded beside him.

“NOTHING IS GOING ON!” she yelled, throwing her hands in the air. “You're over-reacting!”

Inuyasha turned to her, his eyes lowering until it landed on her state of undress. His cheeks flushed red. “Yeah, right,” he scorned. “You're wearing practically nothing with his hands all over you and nothing is going on. Well, forgive me for not believing you.”

The miko's pearlescent aura, streaked with red youki, flared out around her in her anger. Her lips set in a thin line, she stalked towards Inuyasha. Sesshoumaru's eyes widened a fraction just as a resounding slap echoed through the forest. It was not something he had expected the miko to do.

Stunned, Inuyasha simply stared at her, his right cheek bearing a small red handprint. The miko was almost trembling in her fury as she glared at the hanyou. Sesshoumaru grimaced inwardly. Perhaps he had allowed this to continue too far. The miko did not appear capable of explaining the situation in a civilized manner.

“Inuyasha.” His voice was firm.

Startled, the hanyou jumped slightly before turning a pair of bewildered eyes to him. Sesshoumaru felt an unwanted twinge of sympathy for the hanyou.

“What you've seen a moment ago was simply a method to deter the advances of those youkais seeking to court the miko. Once covered in this Sesshoumaru's scent, most of them will not approach,” he explained evenly.

Inuyasha's eyes rounded. “W-What?” he stuttered disbelievingly.

Sesshoumaru bit back a growl of impatience. “Most unmated males will not approach a female who carried another male's scent.”

Inuyasha's expression cleared with dawning comprehension. “Oh.” His ears twitched, a sure sign of his discomfort.

The miko seemed to have calmed down, Sesshoumaru noted with a certain amount of amusement as he glanced towards her. In fact, she appeared embarrassed.

“Inuyasha…” she paused uncertainly.

Inuyasha gave her an uneasy look. Then straightening, he averted his gaze, “Keh! Get back to the village when you're done here.” With that, he disappeared in a blur of red.

Sesshoumaru glanced at the miko to find her staring at the spot that Inuyasha had just vacated. Even without their connection, he could tell that she felt remorse over her earlier action. He frowned. Inuyasha had deserved it with his wild accusation. However, Sesshoumaru admitted that perhaps the hanyou had been goaded into it.

“Dress, Miko,” he instructed evenly.

The miko blinked at him and then her face reddened as she turned away. Her voice was strangely husky when she said, “Don't look.”

Sesshoumaru's lips twitched. “It is nothing this Sesshoumaru-”

“I know! Nothing you haven't seen before, right?” she interjected irritably. “It doesn't mean I'm going to dress in front of you.”

A feeling of amusement washed over him as he turned his back to her.

The miko was a bother. Sesshoumaru wondered absently how he had managed to get himself involved in her affairs, even to the extent of placating his brother and threatening those youkais attempting to court her.

None of these youkais were worth her attention. However, there was nothing more he could do about it as long as she remained unmated. At least living in the castle would afford her some protection.

“I'm done. You can turn around now.”

She stood facing him, dressed in her usual beige and green attire. It was time for him to make his offer.

“Miko.”

She looked up at him questioningly.

“Should you wish to do so, you and the kitsune are welcomed to stay in this Sesshoumaru's home.”

Her surprise was clear. “Oh, sure. I'd love to stay until I find somewhere else.”

It was also evident that she did not fully comprehend his offer. So he elaborated, “It is not necessary for you to find somewhere else. There are plenty of room to accommodate you and the kitsune.”

Her eyes widened. “Are you inviting me to live with you? Permanently?”

He gave her a dry look. “Apparently so.”

“Um… that's very generous of you,” she remarked thoughtfully, appearing to be considering his invitation.

“It is simply common sense. You require a place to live and Rin enjoys the kitsune's company. You can come and go as you please.”

Sesshoumaru brushed away the stray thought that entered his mind about how he would enjoy her company. His attachment to her was becoming unmanageable. However, since he was unable to prevent it, he would simply have to ensure that it did not escalate into something completely impossible.

The miko took a deep breath, and then a smile spread across her face. “I'd love that, Sesshoumaru.”

The warmth which washed over him at the miko's words was unexpected, but it was not unpleasant.

…***…***…***…

Kagome smiled as she glanced up at the stoic taiyoukai beside her. She had been surprised by his offer, but she was not about to reject it. Living in his castle was definitely better than roughing it out or staying in a hut in the taijiya village.

A feeling of guilt tore at her suddenly. For some reason, she felt like she was abandoning her friends. Then she sighed as she figured that both couples would definitely survive without her presence. At least she would not feel like she was interrupting them or something. She just dreaded the thought of explaining why she chose to live with Sesshoumaru.

They probably would never understand just how comfortable she felt around Sesshoumaru. It was not as if she was uncomfortable in the presence of her friends, it was just different with Sesshoumaru. Although he seemed to be concerned about her welfare, he did not smother her with over-protectiveness. But she guessed that after three years of being relatively hopeless in the battlefield, she really could not blame her friends for treating her that way.

Sesshoumaru's brand of concern was a little different. He simply gave her the means to protect herself and left her to it. She frowned. Until recently. Recently, he seemed to be taking more of an active approach, like how he had just jumped in and flung the squirrel youkai away.

Blood suddenly rushed to her face as she recalled what happened after that.

She had felt strangely warm and languid when he had rubbed his face against her. The last time he had done it, she had been too shocked to comprehend much. But this time, it was less of a surprise and her brain did not shut down completely. Her body heated up as she remembered his scent of midnight air mingled with something completely masculine as he nuzzled her neck. His own neck had been so close to her lips that she had been tempted, for one crazy moment, to press her lips against his skin.

It was just as well that Inuyasha had interrupted before she gave in to her mad impulse.

She cringed as she stared down at her red palms. Really, she had not meant to hit Inuyasha so hard, but he made her so mad sometimes. Her reaction was pretty much a reflex, and she had failed to realize that her strength was not quite human anymore. That hurt look in Inuyasha's eyes was enough to make sure she felt guilty about it for some time to come.

As they approached the taijiya village, she spotted a flash of red in the forest nearby.

Her steps slowed and she glanced up at the taiyoukai beside her. “I think I need to go talk to him.”

Sesshoumaru gave her an unreadable look. Then he said quietly, “He was simply concerned.”

Kagome sighed. “I know. I guess I overreacted a little.”

He smirked.

Bristling at the look on his face, Kagome glared at him. “You didn't help either, you know! You could have explained earlier instead of taunting him.”

He raised a brow.

Letting out a sigh of exasperation, she stomped off. At times, Sesshoumaru was just impossible.

A moment later, she came across Inuyasha in his usual spot in a tree to one side of the village enclosure. He glanced down as she approached, his eyes flickering in an unnamed emotion.

“Inuyasha?” she called out, her hands clasped together nervously in front of her. “Can we talk?”

He gazed at her thoughtfully, and then he jumped out of the tree to land in front of her. “What is it?” he asked gruffly.

She looked down at her feet, feeling rather sheepish for what she had done earlier. Then, taking a deep breath, she looked up into his amber eyes. “I'm sorry I slapped you earlier.”

Inuyasha's eyes widened in surprise before he averted his gaze. “Keh! It's nothing.”

“Still, I feel bad about it.” Frowning, she continued, “But now that I think about it, it's probably not worse than subduing you every time I said osuwari.”

Inuyasha winced. “Don't remind me.” Then his expression turned serious. “Look. I meant what I said, though. Even if he had a reason for doing all that, the way he was touching you is just not right. This whole thing you got with Sesshoumaru worries the hell out of me.”

“Why?” Kagome was confused. They were just friends. What was wrong with that?

Inuyasha frowned at the ground thoughtfully. “The two of you are awfully close. Then there was the scent-marking, not to mention the licking.”

Her face was a true mask of horror as she gaped at her flustered hanyou friend. “What do you mean? Licking?”

Inuyasha gestured at her body vaguely. “You heard me, Kagome. He licked you to get the poison out.”

Aghast, Kagome clapped her hands to her face. “R-Really?” Her entire body tingled at the thought of Sesshoumaru licking her bare skin. She recalled having wounds on her chest and her stomach. A mortified groan escaped her lips.

Inuyasha looked away uncomfortably. “I suppose the poison would have spread if he didn't do that. But hell! It disturbs me,” he muttered gruffly. “This is Sesshoumaru we're talking about here. At one time, he showed nothing but disdain for humans. Next thing we knew, he took care of Rin. And now…” He gave her an odd look. “Now, it's you.”

“Me?” Kagome squeaked. Well, she knew that he cared for her. His actions in the past had proved that.

“He scent-marked you, Kagome. You have any idea what that means?”

Kagome frowned. “It's to prevent those idiots from coming near.”

Inuyasha gave her a stony look. “It's announcing to every youkai that you've got a suitor. One which you let close physically,” he said pointedly.

“But it's just for show. Nothing like that happened for real! He just rubbed his face on me,” Kagome wailed.

Inuyasha sighed. “I guess that's what it looks like.” Then his expression turned worried. “But I keep having this feeling that he…uh…he wants something else.”

Knowing where this was heading, Kagome narrowed her eyes. “Don't say it, Inuyasha,” she warned.

“Hey! I can't help what I see, alright!”

“NOTHING like that is going on!”

Inuyasha let out an exasperated exclamation. “I don't know who is blinder. You or him.”

“What's that supposed to mean?” Kagome snapped.

“It means that both of you are refusing to see where this is heading.”

Kagome gritted her teeth. “We're just friends, Inuyasha. Just because Sesshoumaru never showed any compassion for humans…” she paused in thought, then continued, “…or anything else before, it doesn't mean that he likes me that way.”

“Fine!” Inuyasha snapped in annoyance. “When it all blows up in your face, don't come complaining to me.”

She glared at him. “Fine!”

He crossed his arms over his chest and returned her glare. “Fine!”

They stared at each other for a long while. Then Kagome's lips began to twitch. They were behaving like kids, and they both knew it. A bubbling feeling rose in her chest, and finally she burst into laughter.

Inuyasha grinned. “Let's head back to the village,” he said, grabbing her arm.

As he pulled her the short distance to the village it suddenly occurred to Kagome that she should tell Inuyasha about her decision to stay with Sesshoumaru. She cringed inwardly. No doubt it would break this peace between them.

She sighed as Sesshoumaru came into sight. Strangely enough, he appeared to be in conversation with Sango and Miroku before their approach. The taiyoukai gave her an unreadable look before turning to Inuyasha.

“This Sesshoumaru will return to the Western Lands.”

“Don't hack down Moriko's barriers when you get close to the castle,” Inuyasha cautioned. “The trees had been told to let you in.”

Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed.

Raising a brow, Kagome asked, “Barriers?”

Inuyasha smirked. “You didn't think I just left the castle unprotected, did you? When I left to find you guys, Moriko said she'll get the forest to form a barrier around the castle, just incase anyone's stupid enough to try to get in.”

“The forest youkai's caution is appreciated,” Sesshoumaru remarked.

“Keh, you can tell her that when you see her. Tell Moriko bring Shippou and get back here fast, alright?” Inuyasha said to him.

“Hn.”


…***…***…** *…


Ready to leave, Sesshoumaru quirked a brow at the miko. She had an announcement to make and as usual, she was simply delaying the inevitable.

She sighed and called out. “Um…guys?”

Inuyasha frowned. “What are you standing there for?” he asked impatiently. “Let's go in.”

To Sesshoumaru's amusement, her face reddened as she shook her head. “I won't be coming with you.”

“Kagome-chan, what do you mean?” the taijiya asked, a small frown growing on her forehead.

Sesshoumaru pointedly ignored the beseeching feeling the miko had released at him. It was her decision and she had to follow it through. He had no intention of pampering or spoiling her in any way. One spoiled human in his dwelling was enough.

With an uneasy smile, the miko she began. “Um…you see… I…um…” she faltered. Then she took a deep breath and a look of determination lodged across her face. “I'm going to stay with Sesshoumaru,” she declared firmly.

Two second passed before Inuyasha exploded. “WHAT?!”

The hanyou was over-reacting as usual, Sesshoumaru thought impatiently. Inuyasha was glaring at him. “Do you even remember what we spoke about before?” the hanyou growled.

The miko gestured impatiently. “Stop yelling, Inuyasha! It's not like I haven't stayed there before.”

“As a guest, Kagome. You stayed there as a guest,” Inuyasha pointed out.

“What's the difference?” the miko asked irritably.

The taijiya gave the miko a worried look. “Now that you're going to be staying in this time for good, it's probably better that you follow the customs. Unmarried women simply don't stay with men like that.”

Sesshoumaru's brows shot up, realizing that he had not even considered the sort of rumor that would run rampant at her long-term stay in his home. Not that he was overly concerned about what others thought.

The miko rolled her eyes. “I don't care what everyone else thinks. It's not like we're doing anything improper.”

Sesshoumaru continued to watch silently as his brother and Miroku just stared on disbelievingly. From the glint in Inuyasha's eyes, it was clear that the hanyou thought that they would not be conducting themselves in the proper manner.

The taijiya ventured cautiously, “Uh…Kagome-chan, I know that you're probably not thinking about it yet, but do you realize that if you stay with him, you'll probably never find someone to marry you. Because everyone will be thinking the worst.”

The houshi added innocently, “Yes. Do you want to grow old without a man's touch? It would be such a shame. Your beauty alone demands the attention of the male population. Perhaps if you would bear-”

As the miko's jaw dropped, a smack landed on the houshi's head. “Miroku, if you can't keep your perverted thoughts to yourself, please don't speak,” the taijiya admonished.

The houshi sobered. “Kagome, I know things are different in your time, but you can't do this here. You'll ruin your reputation.”

The miko gave him a challenging look. “What about you and Sango, then? You're practically living together.”

The houshi beamed. “Sango and I are getting married.”

…***…***…***…


Kagome's face brightened. “You didn't tell me! Congratulations, the two of you!”

Sango looked embarrassed. “Thanks.” Then she resumed her frown. “You're changing the subject.”

Kagome sighed, wishing that they would drop it. Honestly, she had been staying with Sesshoumaru on and off for more than half a year now. “Really, I'm not bothered by it. And neither was Sesshoumaru.” Pausing, she turned to give him a questioning look. “Right, Sesshoumaru?”

“The concern is trivial,” he replied. “The miko's status would simply be regarded as Rin's status in this Sesshoumaru's home.”

Inuyasha glowered at him. “Kagome's not a child, just in case you haven't noticed.”

Sesshoumaru smirked. “It did not escape this Sesshoumaru's notice.”

Kagome groaned. She could read Sesshoumaru well enough to know that he was simply trying to rile Inuyasha. The taiyoukai had shown no such inclination towards her.

Instantly flaring up, Inuyasha snapped, “Unless you're planning to court her properly, you keep your stinking hands to yourself. She's too good for you!”

Sesshoumaru's smirk grew wider even as his eyes glinted with warning.

“Say…that might not be a bad idea,” Miroku muttered thoughtfully.

“What?” Inuyasha growled irritably.

Brightening, Miroku continued, “There's one way to stop people from talking. They could always get married.”

She felt Sesshoumaru tense beside her before Miroku's words sank in. Married? To Sesshoumaru? Just to keep ignorant people from talking? “WHAT?!” she exploded.

Waves of annoyance from Sesshoumaru's direction told her that in his shock, he had dropped his barrier. She eyed her friend disbelievingly and snapped, “I can't marry him.” Dimly, she felt Sesshoumaru stiffen beside her.

“Miroku, that's the dumbest idea you've ever come up with,” Inuyasha muttered, seemingly in shock.

Miroku puffed up. “I thought it was kind of brilliant. Anyway, it's in name only,” Miroku added. Then he frowned thoughtfully and added, “Though that means that you'd be missing out on the pleasures of the fle-” A loud smack stopped him in his tracks.

“It would definitely solve the problem,” Sango said, her eyes suddenly twinkling with a strange light. “At least, think about it, Kagome-chan. It won't be real. Not to mention it'll take care of all those potential suitors.”

Shaking her head vehemently, Kagome declared, “I'm not getting married to anyone just to stop people from talking.”

“It's just in name, Kagome. You don't have to do anything…” Miroku waggled his brow before he continued, “…anything that you don't want to. Right, Sesshoumaru-sama?”

A quick glance to the side showed her an edgy Sesshoumaru. Kagome did not blame him for appearing as if he wanted to escape this insane conversation. She did not remember ever wanting so badly to disappear.

Kagome shook her head again. “No. You guys forgot one thing. If we're married, then I'll never have a chance of settling down with someone. I don't think divorce is widely accepted here.”

Sesshoumaru raised a brow, obviously unfamiliar with the word. “Divorce?”

“Divorce is when the husband and wife dissolve the marriage contract and separates,” the miko explained.

“At least think about it,” Miroku insisted.

Eyes glittering threateningly, Sesshoumaru bit out, “This Sesshoumaru has no intention of going through with this foolish plan. The miko had voiced her decision. She will stay with this Sesshoumaru.” Then he stressed, “Without the farce of a marriage.”

Kagome glanced round helplessly. Then her gaze landed on Inuyasha and she frowned. He had fallen strangely silent, she thought. Of all of them, she would have thought that he would raise a fuss about Miroku's ridiculous suggestion. Instead, her friend seemed to be deep in thought.

Miroku sighed in resignation. “Ah, well. It was worth a try.”

Kagome gave him a look which threatened death.

“If you're finished, perhaps we could depart?” Sesshoumaru said, looking pointedly at each of them.

“Kagome, I don't think this is such a good idea.” Inuyasha started worriedly, tossing Sesshoumaru a pointed look.

Interjecting quickly, Kagome said firmly, “I've made my decision and I'm sticking to it.”

They were looking at her as if they thought she was out of her mind. But it was the right thing for her to do. Especially now that the four of them had split up into two couples. She could not very well intrude on them.

She could sense Sesshoumaru's impatience. He was obviously using the link between them to let her know his feelings. Who knew that their connection could be so useful, she thought wryly.

“Look, guys. I'll be fine,” she said reassuringly.

Inuyasha frowned. “Yeah,” he muttered, obviously not convinced.

Kagome stepped forward and laid a hand on his shoulder. “Come visit, alright?”

Inuyasha grunted.

With a smile, Kagome turned around and stepped up to Sesshoumaru. A moment later, they were soaring through the sky.


…***…***…***…


Sess houmaru's mind was filled with nothing but the houshi's suggestion as he flew back to the Western Lands with the miko beside him.

The entire idea was preposterous. It was unthinkable for him to rearrange his entire life simply to suit some silly custom and to prevent rumors from spreading. He agreed with the miko. Both of them were not concerned about the potential rumors and that was the end of the issue.

Sesshoumaru frowned as something continued to annoy him. It had simply been a proposal of a farce marriage. So why did he feel the sting of rejection at the almost insulted look on her face when the houshi had suggested it?

A part of him was tempted to ask the miko for her reasons, but he knew that it was foolish of him. Perhaps it was simply his male pride, he thought irritably. After all, what other reason could it be?

He felt her shifting in front of him and he looked down to find her giving him a questioning look.

“Sesshoumaru?” she began hesitantly. “I've something to ask you.”

He lifted a brow.

Her cheeks flushed red as she looked away, seemingly unable to continue with her question.

“Miko...” he prompted impatiently.

He felt a pressure on his armor as she exhaled loudly. Then their eyes met again.

“Did you lick me?”

Sesshoumaru stilled, his expression remaining bland as he lifted his gaze to stare into the distance. So, Inuyasha had informed her of his method of healing. He wondered how the miko had reacted to the information. Perhaps he should find out for himself.

“Hn.”

“Oh.” She looked away, clearly embarrassed.

A twinge of amusement nudged at him, prompting him to remark, “You were unconscious. However, rest assured that your virtue was uncompromised.”

She glowered at him. “How am I supposed to know that for sure?”

He quirked a brow. “You doubt this Sesshoumaru?” He paused, and then deliberately said in a bland voice, “Perhaps it is you who subconsciously wishes to be compromised.”

The miko's eyes bulged. “WHAT?! I can't believe you'd even THINK of something like that?” She glared at him. “I know that you're probably considered good looking and all…”

Sesshoumaru held back a sudden glow of male pride.

“…but that doesn't mean that you should expect all females to fall at your feet!” she snapped, her face flushed with color.

“That is not something unusual,” he remarked disinterestedly.

The miko gaped. Then her eyes narrowed as she studied him.

Finally, a look of comprehension dawned on her face. “I can't believe you did it again.” She grinned. “You were just joking around!”

He gave her a bored look.

The miko laughed in response.


…***…***…***…


Kagome slid the shoji screen open and stepped into the room she had been staying in during her last few visits.

Dropping her belongings beside the futon and the pile of beddings, she smiled. It was nice to know that finally, she had somewhere permanent to stay. Grinning, she looked around. Now that this was officially her room, she could decorate it any way she wanted.

The sound of rapid patter of footsteps reached her. A moment later, Shippou came rushing into the room, followed by Rin.

“Is it true?” he gushed, his green eyes wide with excitement.

Kagome knelt down to face him and Rin. “What do you mean?”

Shippou was practically bouncing when he asked, “We're staying here? For good?”

Rin piped up. “Sesshoumaru-sama told me that Kagome-neechan and Shippou will be living with us.”

Smiling, Kagome nodded. “Yes.”

Laughing, Shippou jumped into her arms. “This is great!”

Rin's eyes were bright. “It is great,” she echoed as she jumped onto her as well.

Tumbling backwards at their combined bodies, Kagome laughed. She had made the right decision after all. But if Sesshoumaru had not offered his home to them, she would not be here right now, wrestling with two over-excited kids.

Hearing a soft sound, she glanced at the open shoji to find Sesshoumaru staring at them. His face was set in its usual blankness. But there was no mistaking the amusement in his eyes.


…***…***…***…


An impatient tap filtered through the shoji screen.

Even before Sesshoumaru opened his mouth, the shoji slid open to reveal a beaming miko.

“It's time for patrol!” she announced cheerfully as she stepped into his study.

Sesshoumaru suppressed the urge to groan. Ever since she had joined him in the Western Lands one cycle of the moon ago, she had insisted on following him on his patrols. No amount of threats had managed to dissuade her from trailing after him.

She seemed to truly enjoy those patrols, much to his puzzlement.

The worst thing was, he found it increasingly unsettling.

Perhaps it was due the ritual they had fallen into each time they prepared for patrol.

As with all the other times, Sesshoumaru stood up and walked towards her. Eyes trained on him, she lifted her face expectantly, almost as if she was offering herself to him. Sesshoumaru quickly dismissed the ridiculous notion as he reached out an arm to wrap it around her shoulders. She no longer froze at his touch, he noted wryly.

Lowering his head, he began to nuzzle her cheeks and neck. Regardless of how many times he had done the same thing, instead of becoming immune, his body grew increasingly responsive to this process of scent marking. So much that he had occasionally been tempted to graze his fangs against her earlobes. His body was betraying him in the worst manner possible.

Hence his concerns.

The miko, however, was completely oblivious to the effect she was having on him. It was clear that she did not share his concerns. He found himself unreasonably irritated by that very fact.

Pulling himself off her, he took two steps back before he turned around to retrieve his armor.

“Which way are we traveling today?” the miko asked, her excitement bubbling to the surface. “Can we pass the hotsprings on our way back? You know, the secluded one?”

“Hn.”

Strapping on his armor and fixing Toukijin and Tenseiga to his hips, Sesshoumaru turned to her. “Are you prepared?”

She nodded once.

With that, he walked out of the castle with the miko close behind him. Just as he was about to launch himself into the air, one of his scouts ran towards him.

“Sesshoumaru-sama!”

Sesshoumaru turned and gave him a questioning look.

“One of the inuyoukai clan leaders reported attacks on his settlement,” his scout told him.

His eyes narrowed. Who dared to trespass into the Western Lands in such a manner? “Which one?”

“The clan towards the far east, next to the river which flows south.”

“Hn.”

He gave the scout a nod of dismissal before he turned back to the miko. Ignoring her questioning look, he placed an arm around her shoulders and launched into the sky.

The scout's report concerned him. Sesshoumaru had a feeling that Ryokusen was responsible for the attacks. It did not help that he had repeatedly arrived at the same conclusion with regards to the situation with the Northern Lord. Ryokusen could not be destroyed merely on a one to one fight. His warriors were far too skilled to be defeated easily.

Perhaps it was time to recall his warriors.

Sesshoumaru's lips tightened. He abhorred the thought of requiring reinforcements in this fight. However, it appeared to be the only way to defeat Ryokusen once and for all.

“Say, Sesshoumaru… Ryokusen has so many warriors. And even Kouga. Where are yours?”

He glanced at her sharply, wondering if he had somehow forgotten about his barriers. It was odd how the miko managed to bring up the very topic which was on his mind.

“Sesshoumaru?”

Turning to gaze into the distance, he explained, “At one time, the Western Lands also housed many warriors. However, over the years, Inu-no-Taishou had released them all to lead their own lives. It had been done on the agreement that should the Western Lands require their services, they were honor-bound to return without question.”

The miko's eyes widened. “Oh, I see.” After a short pause, she continued, “Are you calling them back?”

“Hn.”


…***…***& #8230;***…


Kagome sighed as she sank deeper into the hot water after giving herself a good scrub. This was her favorite part of the patrol. It had become some sort of a habit for her. The hotsprings were nicely tucked into a little corner of the forest, surrounded by many lush vegetations and large boulders which ensured one of their privacy.

Earlier that day, Sesshoumaru had been talking to some youkai staying in a small village nearby. Apparently, there had been a number of attacks in the neighboring youkai settlement. As usual, Sesshoumaru had taken the news calmly, but she could tell that the attacks concerned him.

Whatever it was, she was certain that he would be able to resolve it. After all, this was Sesshoumaru.

She blinked, suddenly realized that she had been so lost in thought that she had spent far too long in the hotsprings. Sesshoumaru would no doubt be annoyed.

As she was about to emerge from the water, she sensed an unfamiliar presence. She froze immediately and sank back into the water. Then her eyes narrowed as she raised her arms to cover her breasts. It had better be not one of those idiotic youkais seeking to court her.

“Miko.”

She blinked at the voice coming at her from the right. It sounded familiar. Slowly, she turned around until her eyes landed on a blue-haired figure clad in a dark outfit. He was staring into the distance, his body respectfully turned away from her.

She gasped. It was Akiyama, the water youkai.

“Akiyama?”

She saw him nod. Then his voice reached her again. “It is me. If you want, I can leave. But I simply wish to talk.”

“Oh.”

“I will stay right here if you want to dress.”

Kagome's eyes flitted to the pile of clothes on the opposite bank from where Akiyama stood. Figuring that it was safe enough, she quickly waded out of the hotsprings, dried herself and pulled on her clothes as fast as she could.

When she was fully dressed, she walked towards him. As if sensing her approach, he turned around. “Greetings, Miko,” he said with a smile.

“How come I didn't sense you coming?”

Akiyama gave her a small smile. “I masked my scent.”

A little wary, Kagome frowned. “Why?”

Akiyama looked into the distance before turning back to her. “I doubt that Sesshoumaru-sama would appreciate my presence.”

Eyes widening slightly in comprehension, Kagome simply stared at Akiyama. The elemental youkai knew that Sesshoumaru did not like him, and yet, he showed no fear. Kagome had this feeling that unlike the squirrel youkai, Akiyama had a good reason not to fear. But if Sesshoumaru turned up now, things would not look too good.

“I will leave soon. Not to worry, Miko,” he assured her.

“You can call me Kagome,” she muttered, wondering if her thoughts were really so transparent.

His smile widened. “I thank you for the privilege, Kagome.” He paused for a moment, and then continued, “I was scouting and happened to be nearby when I sensed your presence. So I thought it would be a good time to meet you again.”

Kagome returned his smile. This elemental youkai was simply too polite. “It's nice of you to do something like that, Akiyama.” Her eyes traveled to his forehead and she quickly became fixated on the water drop. It looked like a real drop of water. Her fingers itched to touch it.

Akiyama nodded, and then his face became serious. “There's another reason for my approach.”

“What?” she asked curiously.

“There is great unrest everywhere. The waterways grow thick with the scent of death,” he explained, his eyes expressing his disgust at the situation.

Kagome stilled as she digested the information.

“Although you're powerful, it would be wise for you to increase your vigilance.” He glanced at the hotsprings before turning back to her. “It is possibly not a good idea for you to be alone like this.”

She gave him a disbelieving look. “B-But I can't possibly have someone with me while I'm bathing.”

His lips twitched as a sheepish look washed over his face. “No. I suppose not. Forgive me for interrupting your bath.”

Kagome blushed. “Just don't appear out of nowhere like that again. You really scared me for a second there.”

Then, glancing into the distance, he stood up. “It's been nice talking to you, Kagome. It would not be wise for me to remain any longer. Please forward my regards to Sesshoumaru-sama. And inform him that I am simply passing through his lands to reach the south, with no intention of causing trouble.”

“Wait! Why don't you tell him yourself?”

Akiyama shook his head. “I doubt I would be well received. It is time for me to leave. I wish you well.” He took her hands in his and gave them a small squeeze before he dissolved into mist and disappeared.

She stood there staring at the empty space, amazed at the way he left. Picking up her belonging, she began to walk away from the hotsprings.

Akiyama was nice. And unlike the rest of the youkais who had tried to court her, he was actually civilized. She frowned. Come to think of it, he seemed almost as regal as Sesshoumaru, minus the arrogance. He did not say anything about courting, though. Only friendship. Perhaps he was just testing the waters. He did not seem like the kind to randomly pick a girl as a mate just because she was powerful.

Since she was remaining in the Feudal Era, maybe she needed to start thinking about what to do for her future. Someday, she might want to have someone to wake up to every morning. Preferably with his arms around her.

The image of an arm adorned with two magenta stripes flashed across her mind.

Kagome halted in her tracks. Groaning inwardly, she shook her head to dispel the image. Just because she had woken up countless times in Sesshoumaru's arms, it did not mean that she wanted him like that. The taiyoukai had remained unmated for so many years and probably have a good reason not to do so. Heck, he probably chose to be single so that he could retain his privacy.

Nope, she thought, mentally crossing Sesshoumaru off her non-existent list.

She suppose that she could consider Akiyama if he decided to court her. He was at least civilized and not pushy.

Why was she even thinking about this now? She was only eighteen, for Kami's sakes. She would be nineteen soon, but still, it was way too soon to think about settling down. There was no telling who she might meet in the next few years, anyway.

Just as she was about to start walking again, Sesshoumaru's presence reached her.


…***…***…***…


Sess houmaru steps were unhurried as he approached the miko. She had been dawdling for far too long at the hotsprings as usual, delaying him from taking his own bath.

“Sesshoumaru!” she exclaimed as she closed the gap between them. “Is something wrong?”

He glanced beyond her towards the hotsprings. His senses were telling him something. He surreptitiously sniffed her to find an odd lingering scent. It was bland and indistinct.

It was a scent which had been masked.

Frowning inwardly, he studied the miko to find her staring at him anxiously. Was the miko hiding something from him?

“What happened, Sesshoumaru?”

“There is an odd scent on you, Miko,” he said flatly, refusing to believe that the miko would knowingly deceive him.

Her eyes widened. “Oh! You mean Akiyama.”

Sesshoumaru froze. The elemental youkai had been with the miko during her bath? “This Sesshoumaru does not detect his scent.”

The miko laughed uncomfortably. “He told me he masked it.”

“Indeed.” His tone was icy. Was the elemental youkai attempting to further their `friendship'?

“Oh, he also wanted me to tell you that he was passing through the Western Lands to reach the south, and he was not going to cause any trouble.”

“Is that so?” he bit out, trying to suppress his mounting irritation. The elemental youkai's action implied that he did not consider it worthwhile to personally deliver the information himself. However, the message had been delivered and Sesshoumaru knew that he could not sink his claws into the elemental youkai for trespassing.

“Sesshoumaru?”

He glanced down to find the miko giving him a curious look. Composing his expression into its usual blankness, he began to walk towards the hotsprings. He had taken only a few steps he realized that the miko had washed off his scent.

“Miko, you shall accompany this Sesshoumaru,” he instructed without looking back.

The miko gasped. “What? You want me to sit there while you bathe?”

His irritation dissipated at the miko's response. It was odd how she seemed to have this effect on him. “You may avert your gaze should you wish to do so,” he remarked with some amusement.

She sputtered indignantly. “Why would I want to look, anyway? It's not like I'm some female version of Miroku.”

Recalling the time she had walked in on him while he had been bathing in his own hotsprings, and how her eyes had traveled all over his naked body, he drawled, “A certain memory of a hotsprings says otherwise, Miko.” Then he paused briefly before he added, “Perhaps one could surmise that you've seen all you wished of this Sesshoumaru.”

A strangled sound reached him.

He turned around to find her blushing furiously. Deciding not to tease her further, he said, “Come, Miko.”

She blinked at him and then her eyes narrowed. Head held high, she walked towards him. As she passed him, she paused and huffed, “Just so that you know, I'm not planning to look.”

Sesshoumaru's lips twitched in amusement.


…***…***…***…



t.b.c.

A/N: That's it for now. I hope that was enjoyable for you all. Please review and let me know what you think.