InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ A Simple Legacy III ❯ Chapter 9 ( Chapter 9 )

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: Darkserenity07, winter's mistres, Tenshi no Hinote, HentaiVixen, katie33h and gradualwisd0m…Thank you all for reviewing! Here's the next one. Enjoy!

 

 

A Simple Legacy III by elle6778 - Chapter 9

 

 

The darkness did not bother Sesshoumaru as he descended the steps towards the underground space which stored his family heirlooms. And most recently, the Shikon jewel. There was only one object he required from the warded chamber and as far as he could remember, it had been stored there once his grandmother was deceased.

His lips twitched as he mused over the reason he was down there in the first place. while he should be observing the daily reports by his generals. Nevertheless, this task should not take long and his generals could wait while he progressed the second step of the courting ritual.

The miko was subconsciously pulling him deeper into the mating hunt. He doubted that she realized what she had been doing. Denying him only made the chase more interesting, and her more desirable prize. He was, after all, a predator at heart.

He was attempting to stay true to the ritual, but he was finding it increasingly difficult. Once he had set his mind on something, his entire focus shifted to that very objective until he had achieved what he desired. Having to go through the ritual was something that took time, a fact which displeased him. However, it was fortunate that the miko kept things interesting.

It did not matter. Besides, he had already broken the ritual by scent-marking the miko before he even embarked on the first step of the ritual.

Reaching the inner chamber, Sesshoumaru lifted the lid of the wooden box in front of him and pulled out an object.

The miko would have found the first courting gift by now. He had left it in her sleeping chambers after she had fallen asleep. The gift signified the first element which had brought them together. He supposed that technically, the pair of kodachis he had given her many months ago would have sufficed. However, he had felt compelled to present her with another similar gift, a bow and matching arrows which he had left in her room while she was sleeping last night.

This would be the next one, he thought as he glanced at the object in his palm. The second gift was meant to symbolize what he could offer to her should she choose to accept it.

And she would accept it.

He was aware of her hesitation and uncertainty. There could be no other reason for her skittishness in his presence the last one week. He surmised that the miko simply did not know what to feel. However, he knew from their past interactions that she harbored certain lust for him. There was no mistaking her reactions both times they had encountered each other in the hotsprings. And he still remembered how she had flushed in arousal the time when she had awoken in his arms after she had healed him.

As with all battles, it was important to recognize the weaknesses of one's target in order to fully exploit it. His lips quirked. Therefore, he had every intention of utilizing the miko's lust for him to his own advantage.


…***…***…***…


It was late by the time she had tucked Rin and Shippou into their respective futons. Once the children had settled in, Kagome yawned and padded along the hallway back to her own room.

She had wanted to catch up with Kouga to ask him how he was doing, seeing that they had not met since he had handed over his jewel shards to her. But right now she was simply too tired to do anything but sleep. She could always talk to him tomorrow.

Stifling her yawn as she reached her room, Kagome slid open the shoji screen and stepped in.

Her eyes were immediately drawn to a small box placed on the tatami mat. Her curiosity peaking, she slid the screen shut behind her and went to retrieve the wooden box. Sitting down on the futon, she lifted the lid and peered in.

A small gasp escaped her lips.

Resting against a bed of red silk was a golden bracelet which gleamed in the candlelight. Blinking in confusion, she picked it up and held it against her wrist. Its lacy patterns were beautiful, she thought. And it was obviously something very valuable.

There was only one person she knew who could have afforded something like this.

Sesshoumaru.

Was it another gift?

This was the second gift she had received from him and she still had not figured out why. Was this a courting gift, or was Sesshoumaru giving it to her because he was suddenly feeling generous? She frowned. She was not even sure if he was trying to court her because he had not said anything. Was she supposed to figure it out by herself? Was she supposed to assume that he was courting her? How did she feel about the fact that he was courting her?

What if she was wrong? Kagome cringed. It would be very embarrassing for her if she had misread his intentions.

As she continued to stare at the bracelet, she sensed his approach. A moment later, the shoji screen slid open and close. Still slightly disoriented at the implication of his recent gifts, she did not lift her eyes.

“Are you pleased with the gift?” His voice was quiet.

Fingering the bracelet, Kagome sighed and then looked up. “It's beautiful, but-”

“Good,” he interjected before she could continue.

“Sesshoumaru…” she ventured hesitantly, wondering how she should word what she wanted to ask him.

“It is late. You should rest,” he said as he turned around to walk out.

She jumped to her feet. “Wait!”

He paused but did not turn around.

Exhaling loudly, Kagome tried to calm herself. “What are you doing, Sesshoumaru?”

Slowly, he turned to face her. “Are you not pleased enough to accept it?”

She let out a sigh of frustration. “Yes. I like it. But why? Why are you giving me things?”

He quirked a brow. “Should there be a reason?”

Her eyes narrowed in irritation. She knew him well enough to decipher that look on his face. He was avoiding the question. “Sesshoumaru. No offence, but you're not the type to give presents.”

“You once bestowed a gift upon this Sesshoumaru,” he said evenly.

“Yes, but that's me. And you're…you,” she finished lamely. Then she let out a exasperated puff of breath. “I just want to know what you mean by it.”

He took a step closer to her. “You want to know?” he asked softly.

She automatically took a step back, unnerved by the predatorial gleam in his golden eyes.

Then she felt it.

It began as a slow simmer. And then it grew, washing over her like molten heat.

She felt her entire body flushing in response before she understood what had happened. As realization dawned, Kagome gasped. Sesshoumaru had dropped his emotional barriers. And she could feel everything he was feeling.

Pride.

Affection.

Desire.

Poss essiveness.

And a determination of a magnitude she had never experienced before.

Gulping, with her eyes wide in her face, Kagome took a few steps away from the taiyoukai who was regarding her intently. She just had her answer and she did not know what to make of it. Sesshoumaru wanted her with an intensity that she could never have imagined.

It scared her.

But her body seemed bent on responding to him. Her heart rate picked up as her skin flushed further at the look he was giving her.

“Sesshoumaru?” she whispered hesitantly.

In a blink of an eye, he closed the gap between them and she found herself held tight against him. It was a good thing, because she did not think that her legs could support her right at that moment.

She stood paralyzed as his head dipped lower.

A warm breath of air caressed her lips just a fraction of a second before his lips claimed hers. Her entire body heated in response as he kissed her softly, but thoroughly, not leaving an inch of her mouth unexplored. Her mind instantly clouded.

Absently, she felt his fingers threading through her hair. And then she found her head being tugged back, exposing her neck to him. She thought she heard a growl just as his lips skimmed down the side of her throat. Caught up in the sensations, a strangled moan escaped her lips.

Then it was gone.

Still in a haze, she could only stare at him wordlessly. She could see a slight flush to his usually pale cheeks, but otherwise, the taiyoukai in front of her seemed completely unaffected. Until her gaze reached his eyes. Her breath caught in her throat when she realized just what that gleam in those golden orbs told her.

Triumph.

Trying to process what exactly what that look meant proved to be a little too much for her befuddled mind. And before she could even attempt to do so, his voice cut into the silence.

“Rest, Miko.” His voice was quiet.

She blinked at him dumbly, her eyes following his retreating back as he exited her room. Once he was gone, she let out the breath she had not realized she was holding. Her hand clutched the front of her kimono as she sank down bonelessly onto her futon, willing her racing heart to calm down.

She had her answer, but it was not exactly what she had expected. She blinked. What had she expected anyway? He wanted her physically, that was clear enough. There was also possessiveness, determination and a certain amount of affection.

But nothing else.

The smugness in his eyes was real enough though. Did he simply view her as a conquest? Like a prize to be captured? Somehow, that idea did not appeal to her.

Suddenly, she felt a little dejected. But why? Did she expect Sesshoumaru to declare that he loved her? Had she fallen in love with Sesshoumaru?

She had, hadn't she?

She choked back the lump in her throat.

But what about him? Groaning, she buried her face in her hands.

Maybe she was just expecting too much from him.


…***…***…***…


Sess houmaru's steps were unhurried as he made his way to the reception hall. Jaken had been sent to summon his guests. Although it was only dawn, Sesshoumaru wanted to commence their conference as soon as he could so that he could resume his courting of the miko.

His eyes gleamed smugly in remembrance of their encounter last night. Her reactions had been more than what he had expected. Soon enough, she would relent. It had taken him all his willpower to cease his actions last night, for he knew that she was still ill-prepared for what his body had urged him to do.

Resolutely, he shook away the images of the miko as the reception hall came into view. He needed to be focused on the so-called alliance now and he could not afford distractions.

It was time to make the rest of them understand that although he would enter an alliance with them, he had no intention of being an equal ally. If they required his assistance, they would have to follow his instructions. Should they refuse, he would simply continue with his own forces. Although their assistance would ease the pressure on the Western warriors, it was not strictly necessary.

His senses identified that Kouga and Takeo were already in the hall, in addition to two other youkais whose presences seemed rather familiar.

The shoji screen slid open for him as he approached, but he did not pay any attention to Jaken as he passed the diminutive youkai. His complete attention was fixed on one of the four youkais who were gathered in the hall. Instantly, he felt the rise of his ire and his eyes narrowed as the four of them stood up to face him.

“Sesshoumaru-sama,” the blue-haired elemental youkai stood up and bowed respectfully.

“This is Akiyama, my most powerful ally in the Southern Lands. He agreed to lend us his assistance,” Takeo introduced in a booming voice.

“We have met,” Sesshoumaru responded flatly. This was the water youkai who had offered his friendship to the miko. His very presence grated on Sesshoumaru's nerves and he did not like the thought of the elemental youkai residing in his castle during this visit. However, he had given his word and it would be dishonorable to object now.

Akiyama smiled serenely. “Yes. How does the miko fare?”

“The miko is fine.” Sesshoumaru replied, keeping his irritation hidden.

“Good,” the water youkai said. “Perhaps I shall visit her after this conference is concluded.”

Kouga frowned. “You know Kagome?”

“Only recently.”

Takeo beamed. “Well, since this thing will probably take a few days to sort out, I'm sure you have plenty of chances to catch up with Kagome.”

Sesshoumaru felt a stab of irritation. The elemental youkai would not be allowed near the miko. He would make sure of that.

“And I'm Ginta, from Kouga's pack,” the fourth member of the group introduced himself.

“Hn.” The wolf was not unfamiliar to him.

“Well, shall we begin?” Takeo queried in a hearty voice.

Sesshoumaru bit back his irritation as they settled around a long table. Lowering himself at one end of the table, he prepared himself to suffer through the tedious proceedings.

“So, have you made up your mind yet?” Kouga asked, his tone far from civil.

It was obvious that the wolf prince still harbored something against him. Perhaps he needed another lesson in respect, Sesshoumaru thought dryly. His expression bland, Sesshoumaru simply declared. “The notion of an alliance is not unacceptable. However this Sesshoumaru bows to no one.”

Takeo's uncomfortable laugh boomed around them. “Of course we don't expect such a thing.”

“What? This means we've got to listen to you?” Kouga exclaimed incredulously. “What kind of alliance is that?”

Sesshoumaru quirked a brow. “It matters not to this Sesshoumaru if you chose to find another ally,” he replied smoothly.

Kouga bristled. “Hang on a minute-”

Takeo interjected quickly, “No one is going anywhere else. We're all in this together and we will all fight together against Ryokusen.” He gave Kouga a pointed look before turning to the expressionless taiyoukai. “If you want to make the decisions, then fine. But we expect to be included in the discussions.”

“Exactly! We can't just send our warriors to fight without knowing the facts,” Kouga grumbled.

Sesshoumaru inclined his head. “That is acceptable.”

“However, if the rest of us believe that your plans are flawed, we will not be bound to execute it,” a quiet voice added.

Sesshoumaru kept his face impassive as he studied the elemental youkai. Akiyama had just informed him that they would not submit to him if they disagreed with something. Not only that, the elemental youkai had the audacity to subtly insult his ability. What irked Sesshoumaru most was that Akiyama had said it in such a way that it made it impossible for him to retaliate without sounding foolish.

Sesshoumaru gritted his teeth.

This would be the last time he involved himself in an alliance.



…***…***…***…


Kagome glanced down fondly at the little kitsune beside her. They were at the armory, where one of the generals had prepared a Shippou-sized armor for the fox kit when it became apparent that Shippou wanted to train with them.

His green eyes were filled with excitement as he glanced up at her. “My own armor,” he exclaimed in awe. “Now I can train properly.”

Giving him an indulgent smile, Kagome nodded, pushing down a slight pang in her heart. He was really growing up fast. She was proud of him, but she could not help but feel that he would be leaving her side soon.

The general, one named Katsuo, remarked, “You'll only be learning the basics for now together with Shin's pup. Just remember to keep your eyes open and observe the rest of the warriors. In no time, you'll be able to join them.”

Shippou nodded enthusiastically as he followed Katsuo out, with only a quick backwards wave to her. It was obvious that his mind was already on the pending training session.

Leaving the armory, Kagome made her way back to the castle. When she passed the castle entrance, she spotted a flash of silver in the distance. Squinting, she managed to make out the form of the taiyoukai standing still at the far end of the courtyard. She did not know how she knew, but she could tell that something had annoyed Sesshoumaru rather badly.

The memory their shared kiss came back to her in a rush, making her bite her bottom lip in uncertainty. Her growing feelings for Sesshoumaru alarmed her, especially now that she suspected just how deep it ran.

And she did not really know how she should act around him anymore. The past week had been really awkward and she was really beginning to miss the easy camaraderie they used to share. But she had no one to blame but herself. Her discomfort had made her shy away from the presence of the taiyoukai.

Unlike Sesshoumaru, she thought irritably. Apart from being frighteningly amorous, Sesshoumaru had treated her the same as before. As if it did not affect him at all.

Worried eyes glanced again at the motionless figure in the distance, his annoyance clear in the way he held himself. Concern overcame her discomfort and she found herself walking towards him. When she approached, she could not detect any outward sign that he had noticed her presence. But she knew that he had.

“Sesshoumaru? Are you alright?” she asked softly.

“Hn.”

At a loss for words, she simply stared at his back. After a while, as if he understood her discomfort, he turned around to face her, his expression unreadable. When he next spoke, his words were unexpected.

“You will not enter the east wing for the next few days.”

Blinking in surprise, she said cautiously, “But that's where the dojo is. Why can't I go there? How am I supposed to practice then?”

He paused for a moment before he continued. “The guests are staying there.”

Her eyes widened in understanding. “Oh, Kouga and Takeo, you mean.” Letting out a breath of relief, she said, “I don't think they mind if I'm around. And anyway, I haven't had a chance to catch up with Kouga. I wonder how things are going between him and Ayame.”

“You will not venture to the east wing, Miko.” His voice was tight.

Frowning in confusion, Kagome ventured carefully, “I don't understand, Sesshoumaru.”

He stared at her silently.

As her annoyance flared, Kagome gritted her teeth. Why was he so concerned if she wanted to talk to Kouga? He could not possibly be possessive over her when it came to Kouga. That wolf was already mated, for Kami's sakes.

“Are you telling me that I'm not allowed to see Kouga?” she bit out.

His eyes flickered before he looked away. “The wolf is insignificant.”

Her patience finally ran out. In a blinding flash of rage, her bewilderment over his unreasonable order and her uncertainty of the situation between them exploded and she snapped, “Then what is it you're worried about? Sesshoumaru, I can't read your mind. You need to tell me what you're thinking.”

She dragged in a deep breath before continuing shakily, “L-Like last night. What did you mean by what you did last night?”

“Are you displeased?” he asked silkily, his voice betraying no emotion.

“Huh? Well…no. B-But…” she stammered incoherently, her face heating up. “But why?”

His eyes flashed. “You have been shown the reason.”

He must be talking about the brief moment he had dropped his barriers. But even so, it had not explained much to her. Clamping down on the urge to stamp her foot childishly, she willed herself to calm down. Getting angry because she was confused was not going to help anything. But Kami, he was so infuriating.

And all this uncertainty was killing her.

The fight suddenly departed from her, leaving her strangely drained. Quietly, she pled, “Sesshoumaru, please? Just talk to me.”

She needed to hear it from him. Why would he not answer? He was standing so still, just staring at her with that mask of indifference.

“Just tell me why are you doing all this, Sesshoumaru?”

He did not answer.

That, in itself, was perhaps enough of an answer. Sesshoumaru would never admit his reasons for suddenly courting her because as strange as it seemed, he felt uncomfortable with it. She knew that he found her physically attractive. What happened last night had been enough proof for her. But she did not think that Sesshoumaru was so shallow as to pursue her only for physical gratification.

The only reason that kept coming back to her was that he simply did not want anyone else to possess what he viewed as his. She knew by now how possessive he could be. Her lips twisted sadly. She had felt it herself last night.

Her voice was quiet when she said, “You don't have to do this, Sesshoumaru. You don't have to court me just because other youkais are attempting to do so. I told you I won't mate with anyone. Your strength is safe with me and I won't abuse it.”

His eyes flickered.

“And you don't have to worry about my reputation. Honestly, I don't really care if they get the wrong idea,” she insisted numbly.

His eyes narrowed a fraction but he remained silent.

She sighed dejectedly. It was clear that he was not going to say anything. Suddenly, she felt bitter. Her non-existent love life was nothing short of pitiful. Was she so undesirable that he only courted her because he wanted to protect his own interests? Or out of some misplaced sense of honor?

Much to her consternation, her eyes suddenly pricked. She would not cry in front of him, she told herself resolutely. Without another word, she turned her back to him and walked away.


…***…***…***…



Two days had passed since they last spoke.

The silence on his part was intentional as he surmised that the miko simply required more time to consider what was happening between them. However, he did not understand why it was so difficult for her to comprehend his intentions.

Was he not courting her properly, as befitting the future mate of a taiyoukai? Had he not shown her enough affection?

The miko's responses during their last conversation still puzzled him. She seemed to think that he was only courting her because he did not want another male to gain the benefit of his strength. It was not wholly untrue, and therefore, he had been unable to deny it.

Perhaps her behavior was related to some human custom he was not aware of. Sesshoumaru frowned. In that case, it might be prudent for him to seek out the houshi and the taijiya for further confirmation. He would do so tomorrow once he had briefed his generals.

Turning away from scrolls on the table in front of him, Sesshoumaru stood up and began to make his way to the east wing. The other lords had been there for a few days and it was time they returned to their own lands. A tentative arrangement had been agreed upon and all they needed to do now was to prepare their warriors for battle.

He turned around the corner and his eyes immediately narrowed when he saw a familiar figure flanked by two males. A stab of annoyance coursed through him when he identified one of the males.

Akiyama.

At that distance, he could not hear what they were saying, but the miko was obviously much more comfortable than she had been with him, considering the manner in which she was laughing with the elemental youkai and the Southern Lord. Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed further when the miko reached out to touch the elemental youkai's forehead and then immediately snatched her hand back with a loud gasp of surprise.

She had chosen to defy him. Again. After he had specifically told her not to venture into the East Wing.

He was about to made his way towards them when a voice called out to him.

“Sesshoumaru-sama!”

Taking his attention away from the group of three, Sesshoumaru turned to find one of the generals rushing towards him. He gave the general a questioning look when he halted.

“I think we have a problem.”

Sesshoumaru quirked a brow, gesturing for him to continue.

“Shin and Kouga-sama is facing off. Apparently they have an old unsettled score. It's messing things up in the training grounds.”

Sesshoumaru frowned. Kouga and Shin had no right to be picking a fight with each other in his lands, whatever their history might be. He glanced at the miko and the elemental youkai, wanting nothing more than to tear the two of them apart. However, it could not be helped. Right at that moment, as reluctant as he was to leave, Sesshoumaru knew that his priority was to ensure that his general and his so-called ally did not kill each other.

Once again, he was painfully reminded of the reason he preferred the life he had prior to the mobilization of his father's army.

Spinning around, Sesshoumaru began to walk towards the training grounds.


…***…***…***…


With a wave of goodbye to Takeo and Akiyama, Kagome turned around and began to walk back to the castle. She did not go far before her cheerful mask slipped.

After their little encounter in her bedroom two nights ago, Sesshoumaru had left her to her own devices. Sure it had been unnerving when he was constantly around her, but since yesterday she realized that his absence was worse. She missed him terribly.

Maybe he had decided to stop whatever he was doing. Maybe he had decided to listen to her and figured that he had nothing to worry about if she remained unmated, which basically freed him from the responsibility of courting her. Whatever it was, she had no one to blame but herself.

Then her eyes narrowed. No. It was not all her fault. Was it so hard for him to simply explain what was going on instead of leaving her completely bewildered? And it was not her fault that she had grown feelings for him. It was not as if she had purposely decided to do it.

Taking a seat on a bench in the courtyard, she stared the bobbing flowers in the glassy surface of the small pond and sighed heavily. It could not go on like this. Knowing how stubborn Sesshoumaru was, she guessed she needed to be the one to break their silence first.

A familiar presence suddenly reached her, drawing her attention from the pond. Before she could even blink, a red form landed next to her.

“Oi! What's wrong with you?”

“Inuyasha!” she exclaimed in surprised, jumping up to give him a hug. He held her awkwardly for a moment before releasing her. “What are you doing here?”

The hanyou gave her a searching look and instead of answering her, he asked, “So? What's wrong?”

“Nothing is wrong!” she declared in an overly bright voice, hoping that he would buy it.

He eyed her suspiciously. “Do you think that that will fool me at all? What is it this time?” he prodded.

“Nothing,” she replied, unable to make herself sound cheerful, her fingers twisting in the fabric of her hakama.

Inuyasha gave her an odd look. “Does this have anything to do with Sesshoumaru?”

Her eyes snapped up to his amber ones. “No!” she protested vehemently. Too vehemently, she realized belatedly.

Inuyasha gave her a long look before he crouched down in front of her. He looked a little uneasy. When he spoke, his voice was gruff. “He's after you, isn't he?”

Kagome exhaled loudly and then nodded.

“Feh! I knew it!” he exclaimed, then averted his gaze. “Did he…uh…do anything?”

Understanding Inuyasha's unspoken question, she shook her head. “Not in the way you mean.”

His eyes narrowed. “He'd better not, unless he's courting you properly.”

“He is.” Her voice was almost inaudible. Then she frowned. “At least I think he is.”

The silence was deafening.

Averting his gaze, Inuyasha finally said, “I see.” Then, frowning into the distance, he continued, “So what's the problem?”

“I just don't know what to think,” she admitted.

Inuyasha snorted. “What is there to think? It's quite obvious that both of you have feelings for each other.”

“I keep thinking that he's doing all this just to make sure I don't end up mating with anyone else.”

Inuyasha frowned at her. “What? You're not making sense.”

She exhaled loudly before launching into an explanation, “I just think that maybe it's because of my extra strength. You know, the one I got because of the spell? I think that he just want to protect it. So he might be courting me just because he doesn't want anyone else to get hold of it. Also, he seems quite annoyed with the rumors that I'm his mistress, so I thought he might be acting out of some strange sense of honor.”

Inuyasha's eyes bulged. His mouth opened and shut a couple of times before he exclaimed incredulously, “Are you even listening to yourself? This is Sesshoumaru we're talking about here. If he doesn't want anyone to have you, he'll simply hack off their heads. He won't bother going through all that shit. And this thing about protecting you reputation, if it bothers him that much, the threat of Toukijin would be enough to shut anyone up.”

Kagome winced. “I guess.” Then she frowned. “He didn't really tell me how he feels though,” she said in a small voice.

Crossing his arms over his chest, Inuyasha gave her a look of disbelief. “Kagome. Get a grip, will you? Do you honestly expect Sesshoumaru to do something like that? He's not the type to declare mushy stuff to anyone.”

She threw her arms out in a gesture of frustration. “Then how else am I supposed to know how he really feels?”

“Keh! Don't be stupid, Kagome. It's so obvious that I don't know why you're even asking. He's courting you, isn't he? So what more do you want?”

“I don't know!” she wailed helplessly. Put that way, her worries seemed rather idiotic.

Inuyasha sighed. “Maybe you just don't understand. It's a little different from what humans do. And not to mention Sesshoumaru is…strange.” He paused thoughtfully, and then continued, “Look, what has he done so far? The courting, I mean.”

Kagome's eyes softened. “He gave me a bow and matching arrows a little more than a week ago. They're very pretty.”

“Hmm…Appropriate for the first gift, I suppose.”

“What do you mean?”

“The first courting gift symbolizes his first attraction to you. He must have developed some feelings back when he was training you, hence the weapon.”

Kagome's eyes widened. “Oh.”

Inuyasha raised a brow. “That's it in almost two weeks? Feh, I thought he'd move faster than that.”

Smiling, Kagome extended her arm and pulled up the sleeve of her hakamashita. “There's also this gold bracelet he gave me. It has some sort of spell on it.”

Inuyasha eyed the bracelet curiously. “I think he means that he can offer you protection and wealth. The second gift is supposed to symbolize what he can offer you.”

Kagome blinked. It made sense, now that Inuyasha mentioned it.

“It's your turn now,” Inuyasha remarked quietly.

“Huh?”

He scowled impatiently. “You got to give him something. I don't know, offer him something meaningful.”

“But what?”

“I don't know! You have to think about it.”

“What else is involved in the courting ritual?”

Inuyasha shrugged. “You basically tell him that you accept his advances if you let him scent-mark you.” Then he scowled, “Not that you haven't done that already.”

Her eyes widened. “So all this time when he was scent-marking me, it was really the fourth step of the courting ritual?”

Lips quirking, Inuyasha responded, “Yeah. That's why most youkai would leave you alone.”

Kagome groaned. “And he didn't say anything. So what now?”

Folding his arms over his chest, he studied her intently. “I guess it's all up to you. I still don't know what you see in him, though.”

She gave him a smile, suddenly glad to have him there. At that very moment, she suddenly realized that she really missed having him around. Things with Sesshoumaru had been unexpectedly tense recently. And she had no one to talk to about it. At least with Inuyasha, she had someone who knew her inside out. And knew Sesshoumaru better than anyone else.

“Thanks for telling me all this. It made me feel a lot better.”

“Keh! I warned you about him. But you didn't want to listen.”

She sighed. “I know.”

Inuyasha's explanations opened her eyes somewhat. She was expecting Sesshoumaru to behave in a way that he was not accustomed to, and such an event was unlikely to occur. Then she glowered. Sesshoumaru could have explained all this to her, could he not? How did he expect her to know how he felt or what he intended? Her eyes narrowed. Soon she would have a word with the reticent youkai and make him talk, whether he liked it or not.

In the meantime, it suddenly occurred to her to wonder why her hanyou friend was there. Feeling a little foolish about her preoccupation with her problems, she gave Inuyasha an apologetic look.

“I'm sorry for dumping all this on you,” she said softly.

He averted his gaze. “It's nothing,” he replied gruffly.

“So what are you doing here?”

Inuyasha's eyes clouded. Instantly, Kagome felt a stirring of alarm. What had gone wrong this time?

“What's wrong?”

“Moriko and I came to tell Sesshoumaru something. She has gone to look for him. Ryokusen is spreading out. He's worse than Naraku because he is going after any strong youkai, absorbing their youki with that stupid emerald pendant.”

Kagome gasped. This must be the same thing Akiyama had warned her about.

“His neko-youkais just razes down everything in their path, villages and all as they kidnap all the youkai they could find.”

“What about Kaede's village? Are they safe?”

Inuyasha shook his head slowly. “I don't know.”

“We need to get some help to them.”

“Yeah, that's something I want to talk to Kouga about. Kaede's village is in his territory after all.” Inuyasha looked around. “He's here, isn't he? I thought I smelled his stink.”

Kagome grinned. “Yeah. He was at the training grounds the last time I saw him. I think he's stealing moves from Sesshoumaru's warriors.”

“Keh! Why am I not surprised? Idiots like him don't have a clue about something like that.”

Thinking back to Kaede's village, Kagome said, “Hey, since Ryokusen is not interested in humans, maybe I should go warn Kaede instead of getting Kouga to go. I need to get out for awhile anyway.”

Inuyasha frowned. “I don't think it's a good idea. Ryokusen is probably looking for you for other reasons.”

She sighed. “I suppose. I guess I have to settle for a long walk outside the castle. I think it is safe enough just outside the barrier, right?”

A troubled look came over his face. “Look, Kagome. You won't have any protection out there. Let me talk to Sesshoumaru about something first, and then-”

“I can offer Kagome protection.”

Kagome turned around to find Akiyama standing not far away from them. Since she did not detect his presence until she saw him, she figured that he must have materialized out of thin air. As usual, she thought with an inward smile.

Inuyasha stood up, his eyes not leaving the blue-haired youkai. “Who the hell are you?”

Quickly, Kagome placed a restraining hand on Inuyasha's arm. “Oh, this is Akiyama. He's an ally. Akiyama, this is my close friend, Inuyasha. He's Sesshoumaru's brother.”

“You are the owner of the katana which killed the Naraku.”

Inuyasha looked surprised. “Keh! What about it?”

The corner of Akiyama's lips lifted. “Your contribution to Naraku's demise is greatly appreciated by many.”

Inuyasha frowned, obviously unsure what to make of the elemental youkai. Trying to thwart any possibility of a skirmish, Kagome forced out a laugh and pulled Inuyasha away from Akiyama. But before she could say anything, an excited squeal made her turn around only to find Moriko rushing towards them.

“Akiyama!” the forest youkai exclaimed happily as she reached them.

To Kagome's surprise, a smile spread across Akiyama's face. “Moriko. It has been a long time.”

Kagome glanced to the side to find Inuyasha growling low in his throat. Knowing that she had to calm the hanyou down before he did something stupid, Kagome laid a calming hand on his arm as she turned to Moriko. “You two obviously know each other.”

Moriko nodded happily. “When I was young, my father used to bring me to the southern mountain to visit his old friend. Akiyama and I knew each other from then. He's like a brother.” Her lips twisted. “A long lost one, at it.”

Kagome felt an instant release of tension from the hanyou at Moriko's words.

“That it is. You've grown beautifully, Moriko,” Akiyama remarked. “It is a shame that we haven't met before this. I would have visited if things did not turn out the way it did.”

Kagome frowned in confusion. “What thing?”

“Oh…Akiyama's-” Moriko started.

The water youkai interjected smoothly, “Moriko, I'll tell her myself.” He gave her a smile before he added, “There is something I need to ask Kagome.”

“You're not one of those idiots trying to court her, are you?” Inuyasha growled threateningly.

Laughing, Akiyama shook his head. “You do not have to worry about that, Inuyasha.”

“Akiyama is promised to an old friend of mine,” Moriko supplied.

Inuyasha relaxed a little while Akiyama suddenly looked uneasy.

“Well, good thing you're not after Kagome.”

Irritated at the hanyou's antics, Kagome snapped grouchily, “I'm not some possession to be discussed like this, you know.”

Akiyama held out his hands in a placating motion. “I'm sure that Inuyasha did not mean any disrespect, Kagome. He is rightly concerned about you.”

“Keh!” Then Inuyasha crossed his arms over his chest and averted his gaze.

Figuring that it was probably better that she separated them for now, Kagome quickly said, “I guess I'll go for that walk now. Tell Sesshoumaru I'll be back soon.” She frowned in suspicion as Inuyasha's eyes gleamed with a strange light. When she looked again, it was gone. Brushing it away as a figment of her imagination, Kagome turned back to Akiyama. “Let's go.”

Just as she stepped out of the courtyard, she caught Moriko's suspicious voice in the breeze, “What are you up to, Inuyasha?”

It was none of her business, Kagome thought absently as she continued to make her way out of the castle.



…***…***…***…

< br> Sesshoumaru was only half listening as his brother continued to talk to him. The other half of his attention was fixed to the outside. Where was the miko? He had not seen her the entire afternoon after he had left with Katsuo to deal with the problem with Shin and Kouga. It appeared that one of Kouga's wolf tribes had attacked an ally of Shin's many years ago, hence the tension between Shin and the wolf prince.

“Ryokusen's forces have been randomly targeting villages. The worst thing is, they're taking captives. Not human ones, but only the stronger youkais. The weaker ones just get slaughtered.”

“Hn.”

Seemingly unaware of his distraction, Inuyasha continued, “With Moriko's powers, she's a perfect target. Since those neko-youkais attack in large groups, there's no way to hold them off effectively.”

Barely listening, Sesshoumaru expanded his senses in an attempt to locate the miko. Strangely enough, he could not detect her presence. Had she left the castle without informing him? His lips tightened as he recalled informing her that she could come and go as she wished. If he had known that he would end up this way, he would not have said it.

“So, I don't think it's a good idea for us to remain in the taijiya village.”

Sesshoumaru glanced around subtly, catching sight of the Western warriors training in the distance. Takeo, Kouga and the other wolf were standing to one side, watching the progress of the warriors.

Where was the elemental youkai?

“Oi! Are you listening?”

Irritated, Sesshoumaru focused his attention back on the hanyou in front of him.

“I asked if Moriko could stay here until this thing with Ryokusen blows over,” Inuyasha snapped impatiently.

“Do what you wish,” Sesshoumaru replied absently, wanting to end the conversation so that he could seek the miko. The fact that the elemental youkai was missing at the same time as the miko gave him an uneasy feeling.

“Keh! Fine then. I guess I don't really even need to ask, seeing that this is supposed to be my home as well.”

“Hn.”

Intent on finding the miko, Sesshoumaru swung away from Inuyasha. He had taken two steps before Inuyasha spoke again.

“Oh, I forgot to tell you. Kagome left this morning.”

Slowly, Sesshoumaru turned around. Something in Inuyasha's voice grated at him. Then he frowned as his brother's words registered. “Is there a reason for her departure?”

Inuyasha wore a suspiciously disinterested look as he said, “She said she was going for a walk just outside the castle.” Then the hanyou smirked and continued casually, “Don't worry, Akiyama went with her.”

Sesshoumaru froze. Then his blood raced as he recalled the manner in which the elemental youkai had tried to `befriend' the miko. And now, that same elemental youkai was accompanying his miko for a walk?

It was unacceptable.

Inuyasha continued blithely, “Not that you care and all, right? After all, I remember how strongly you denied any feelings for her.”

Sesshoumaru ground his teeth together. He knew that this was Inuyasha's way of rubbing it in, but he could not help but his rising ire at the taunts. Much as he wished to beat the hanyou, Sesshoumaru knew that he had no real grounds to do so. After all, Inuyasha had spoken nothing but the truth.

“Oi! You still there?”

A growl escaped Sesshoumaru's lips as he turned to glare at Inuyasha wordlessly.

Eyes gleaming, Inuyasha taunted, “It looks like you've got a rival for Kagome's affection.”

Sesshoumaru's lips tightened.

“She didn't stop him from following her, though. Wonder what that means,” Inuyasha continued, raising an eyebrow.

Another growl escaped Sesshoumaru's lips before he could stop it. It further irritated him that Inuyasha was deriving amusement at his expense.

“But then again, Akiyama is kind as well as powerful. But I'm sure you know that already. Not to mention he's probably the only living heir to the Southern Waters.”

Sesshoumaru simply stared wordlessly at Inuyasha.

The hanyou's eyes gleamed. Then, much to Sesshoumaru's displeasure, Inuyasha burst out in laughter. The hanyou dared to laugh at him?

“I didn't expect to see the day you actually got jealous of someone!” Choking back his laughter unsuccessfully, Inuyasha continued, “I can't believe how blind you were before. I told you!”

In a blink of an eye, Sesshoumaru streaked towards his laughing brother and pinned him to the wall. The temptation to silence the hanyou forcefully was overwhelming.

“Do not mock this Sesshoumaru,” he hissed.

Inuyasha did not even bother to struggle. Instead, he continued to taunt, “Oh, get over it, will you? Just admit that you're whipped and chase after her. And while you're at it, make sure she knows how you feel. In words.”

Growling, Sesshoumaru released his grip on the hanyou's neck and spun away. His eyes narrowed as he made his way out of the castle, ignoring the echoes of Inuyasha's hysterical laughter. He had a more pressing matter to attend to at the moment.

Akiyama would be warned for the first and the last time.



...***…***…***…


A/ N: That's it for now. Hope you've all enjoyed this chapter. As always, I'd love it if you reviewed, :P.