InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Fire and Ice ❯ Gathering ( Chapter 15 )

A/N: Yet another monster chapter, but this one wouldn't split up nicely. So go to the bathroom and get a drink before starting this one.

 

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“Merkamou! Where are you? Usually you're early for a trip, and this one time you're late. Everyone is waiting out front! Where the . . . Oh!” Kagome stopped dead. She had found the taiyoukai in a room that was used to store some of the family's treasures. He was standing in front of a rack, staring at a pair of matching katanas. “I'm so sorry, I didn't know you were in here.”

 

“I have not seen them since Sesshomaru-sama came to take them.” Merkamou reached out with a claw, but pulled back before he could be shocked. There was a distant smile on his face. “They were a complete nuisance, since no one could touch them. I had planned on keeping them for Yuriko-chan, but even she could not touch them. Only Sesshomaru-sama.”

 

“And that's only because he helped to make them.” Kagome came to his side, looking at the beautiful weapons. “I've considered getting Totosai's help, since I'm pretty sure he could still handle them, but they were always very touchy blades. It's probably just better to leave them as they are.”

 

“Hai.” The gold eyes were distant, and the voice somewhat raspy. “I did not realize I would react like this to the sight of a couple of old blades.”

 

“These were practically a part of Rin-chan. Of course you're going to react to seeing them for the first time in so long.”

 

“It is getting easier. Slowly, though.”

 

Kagome reached up and set a hand on his arm. “Would you like it if we moved them back to your home, or had Totosai take a look at them? He could probably get them to accept you or Yuriko.”

 

“No. They are not mine, and I could never wield two katanas.” The raspy voice was replaced by a chuckle. “She did try to teach me, and was very amused with my attempts. Yuriko can do it, and with considerable skill, but she prefers that beast she carries.”

 

“That is quite the sword she hauls around.”

 

“Hai. The merlin blamed it on me. She said that it was my influence.”

 

“Well, it didn't come from her.”

 

“Very true. My merlin preferred elegant, subtle weapons. Blasting flames from the sky is more my style.”

 

Giggling, Kagome gave her friend's arm a squeeze. “Have you thought about what she told you in the end?”

 

Merkamou sighed and let his head droop. “I have thought on it. I am not ready yet, Kagome-chan. I am not certain if I will ever be. It was so short, but it meant so much. How could anyone follow after her?”

 

“She only wanted you to be happy. You're not an ancient.”

 

“Oh, be still my heart. Such compliments, my lady.”

 

The kind gesture was turned into a punch. “Watch it, troublemaker.”

 

“Understood, Kagome.” Holding up his hands in a gesture of surrender, he smiled and backed away. “No, I am not an ancient. And perhaps I will find another some day. But I cannot imagine it now.”

 

“I'm not going to rush you. I did promise her I would look after you and Yuriko, though.”

 

“I think that Yuriko could use your attentions more then I. Raising a daughter has been a challenge.”

 

“No kidding. You've met Mizuki, right? She's caused me more sleepless nights then ten Katsuros.”

 

“Hai, I have met her, and it is for the best that you are raising her and not me. I cannot even begin to fathom the way that her or Sesshomaru-sama's minds work.” Merkamou gave a small shake of his head. “But you did say I was late, and I would hate to have any of them angry with me.”

 

“Oi, I forgot! Yes, we're late! Move it!” Kagome hustled the taiyoukai from the room, chasing him all the way to the courtyard where everyone else was waiting. “Found him!”

 

“Papa, after all of your lecturing to make sure that I was not late.” Yuriko was sitting backwards on Ah-Un, watching her father with amused eyes. “Perhaps I should have checked on you.”

 

Merkamou gave his daughter a shove that almost knocked her off the dragon. “And I am certain you will never let me hear the end of this.”

 

“Of course not, Papa.”

 

“Can we leave now, miko?” The Captain was standing with Kumo, tapping one finger against his sword.

 

“I think we've got everyone now, Captain. Did we forget anyone?” Kagome glanced around the traveling party, counting heads.

 

“We're all here, Mama. The Captain is going to have a fit if we don't get going.” Katsuro sat behind his sister on Shou, smiling at his rather anxious mother. In front of Mizuki was Cho, and his sister was keeping a close eye on his hands.

 

“Move over, Yuriko!” Shippou was supposed to be riding with his friend, but she was sprawled out across both seats.

 

“Very well.” Turning herself around so she was facing the correct way, Yuriko made some room behind her for Shippou. “You could always turn into a big, pink ball and just float along.”

 

“Ha ha. I'm not going to float all the way to the village.” Swinging up behind Yuriko, Shippou poked her in the side.

 

“Why not? You used to spend quite a bit of time in that form.”

 

“Mostly trying to avoid practices with you.”

 

“What is wrong with practicing with me?”

 

“Bruises, and a lot of them.”

 

“Are we going to fight the whole way?”

 

“Probably.”

 

“We are leaving.” Sesshomaru lifted Kagome and called his youkai cloud. Lifting up into the sky, he did not even glance back at the rest of the group.

 

Ah-Un and Shou took to the sky together, glad to have each other for company again. Merkamou and Akane were flashes of flame, streaking ahead and doubling back. Seiji transformed, adding a third dragon to the group. Mizuki was quite relieved to see that he was not black like his brothers, but instead a dark blue like his mother. The last pair to take off was Kumo and the Captain. Kumo had transformed into a large, white bird with violet eyes and carried the Captain with her, much to his annoyance.

 

“I don't like this, Kumo.”

 

The bird hissed a bit, but otherwise ignored him.

 

“We could travel on foot and meet them there.”

 

A firm shake made Kenshin shut up and hold on.

 

Watching from over Sesshomaru's shoulder, Kagome grinned at Kumo's tactics. As soon as the Captain had heard that both his mate and his Lady were going to this meeting he had insisted on joining them.

 

“But remember, I'm still retired, so no getting into trouble! Either of you!” Glaring at both of the females, the Captain had looked no different to Kagome then when he was training her.

 

While Kagome harrumphed and grumbled, Kumo had just looked at him.

 

“Not that you would cause any trouble, Kumo. It is the miko we have to watch.”

 

“Hey!”

 

`Not that I mind having him around. I know Kumo's happy that he's coming with us. After all of the insane hours and crazed requests, I don't think I could tell her no to anything.' The little miko set her head on Sesshomaru's shoulder and gazed at the clouds. “I'm bored.”

 

`I should have made her travel with Shou.' Sesshomaru tried to ignore her.

 

“I know you can hear me.”

 

“Let go, Yuriko!” Shippou's voice was muffled from the headlock that Yuriko had him in. “Okay, okay, I take it back!”

 

“We have only just left!” Merkamou spun around the two wrestling on the dragon. “Shippou, do not provoke her!”

 

“I didn't do it!”

 

Katsuro leaned over to yell at the pair from Shou. “Hey, Yuriko! What did he say?”

 

“He said that Mizuki and I should just fight to see who gets Seiji.”

 

“Excuse me?” Seiji moved in closer, the deep growl of his voice startling everyone.

 

“Shippou!” Kagome twisted to glare at the kitsune.

 

“She was staring at him again!” Even muffled by his captor, Shippou's voice was clear to everyone present.

 

“What do you mean, staring?” Merkamou hovered next to his daughter's shoulder.

 

“Leave it, Merkamou.” The second streak of flame hovered at Yuriko's other shoulder. “Remember what Kagome-sama said.”

 

“I was not. Besides, we would never fight like that.” Yuriko released her friend, giving him a wicked look. “It would not be fair to Mizuki.”

 

“Excuse me?” Moving Shou in closer, Mizuki stared at her niece.

 

“I am not a prize in a contest.” Seiji looked quite miffed with the whole conversation.

 

Sesshomaru started to drift away from the rest of the group. `This will be a long trip.'

 

----

 

“Nami-chan!”

 

Yuriko dropped off of Ah-Un before he could touch down, leaving Shippou alone on the dragon. The two heads glanced at each other before taking off, leaving the kitsune clinging to one of the necks and trying to grab the reins. “Stop!”

 

“Yuriko-chan, you look wonderful.” Nami gave her trainee a warm hug before holding her at arm's length to look her over. “Have you been staying out of trouble?”

 

“Of course not. Come and greet Nami-chan, Papa.”

 

Merkamou bowed to the exterminator, his sister just behind him. “A pleasure to see you again, Nami-san. This is my sister, Akane.”

 

“Akane-sama, a pleasure to meet you. Yuriko-chan has spoken of you many times.” Bowing to the quiet lady, Nami let her eyes lift to the group that was landing. “My goodness, you did bring everyone. Kagome-chan!”

 

“Nami-chan!” Leaping out of her mate's arms, Kagome ran forward to embrace Sango's several times over great grand daughter. “It's been too long!”

 

The slayer had Mirokou's eyes, but other then that she showed no similarities to the village's founders. She actually took after her father who had married into the village. What she had inherited was Sango's big heart.

 

“I'm glad to see you, too. How did you end up with so many people coming?”

 

“I have no idea. I hope we can find room for everyone.” Kagome turned around and waved Kumo over. “This is Kumo, my assistant and the one in charge of everything.”

 

“Nami-sama.” Bowing low, Kumo kept her eyes down.

 

“No need to be so formal, Kumo-san. I'm glad to see anyone that can help. Where is Mizuki-san? Her guard arrived days ago and I'm sure she would like to know about them.”

 

“Here, Nami-san.” Mizuki slipped to the ground and bowed to Nami. “Have they followed your instructions?”

 

“To the letter. They are quite impressive.”

 

“Arigato.” Returning to Shou, she waited until Katsuro had helped Cho down before remounting and taking off after Ah-Un and Shippou.

 

“You are the first ones here. Word is that Hideaki-sama is on his way and will arrive tomorrow. Come inside and I'll help everyone find a spot to sleep.”

 

Nami led the group of taiyoukai and hanyou into her home, amidst the stares of the exterminators that lived in the village.

 

“I feel like a piece of art that is on display.” Cho glanced at the gawkers.

 

Katsuro made a face at some of the children, making them giggle. “You and me both.”

 

----

 

“Hideaki-sama, Mayu-sama, it is a pleasure to see you again.” Kagome bowed to the older leopard and his mate.

 

“Kagome-sama, you are as always a considerate host. Even if you choose the most unusual locations. Is this what I think it is?” Hideaki glanced around the village.

 

“Hai, this is an exterminator's village, but don't worry. I've been friends with them since they were founded by my friend Sango. Do you remember her?”

 

“That I do, and what a skilled fighter she was in our battle with Ryuutaisho. These are her descendents?”

 

“Hai. They were quite willing to host the taiyoukai that were so friendly with Rin and Sango.”

 

“I thought you had lost your mind, Kagome-sama.” Mayu smiled at some passing ningens, making them blush for staring at her. “However, it is a neutral location, since they will hold no loyalty to any of us. And who would think to look for us here?”

 

“No one sane.” Hideaki smiled at his mate's reproving look. “My lords are just behind us, and should be arriving soon. They stopped to talk to the guard.”

 

“Then I'll bring you in to your rooms. Merkamou is already here, by the way. According to the last note I got we can expect Akira tomorrow or the next day.” Kagome lead the way into the headsman's house were the taiyoukai were staying.

 

“With that mate of hers.” Hideaki flinched when Mayu hit him. “I mean, Isamu.”

 

“One day will you will need to let that go, Hideaki.” With a final glare, Mayu moved up to walk with Kagome and left Hideaki to trail along behind them. “Honestly, he can hold a grudge like few I have met.”

 

“How about we go find Cho and let her know you've arrived?” `Fabulous. They're still arriving and already they don't want to talk to each other. I give it two days before Merkamou asks me to join him for a drink and I say yes.' Kagome kept her best smile plastered in place. `What was I thinking?'

 

----

 

Kagome stood on the wall around the outside of the village, enjoying the sunshine and watching some of the farmers tend to their crops. It had been such a long time since she had been with the ningens, and it felt odd. When someone knew they were going to live for centuries, or some said forever, they would look at things differently. Now that she was one of the long lived ones, she felt like she was not quite a ningen any more. `It may be a good thing that I'm spending some time here. As easy as it is for me to forget, I'm not a youkai. This is what I'm supposed to be like, but I've watched generations pass. It's so weird!'

 

A group of three was coming down the road, gawking at the villagers that were gawking at them. `Ah, Hideaki's lords. Mayu wouldn't have told them where they were going. I bet they think they're in the wrong place.'

 

Perfectly aware that they would be able to see and hear her easily, even at this distance, Kagome stretched up on her toes and waved her hands. “Hey, over here! Yes, you're in the right place! Come on over!”

 

The little group stopped dead, obviously staring at her. `What? It's not that weird.'

 

One of them broke away, kicking up a dust storm as he raced towards her. `No. That's impossible. It couldn't be.'

 

“Kagome! My woman!” Koga landed in front of the stunned miko, taking her hands. “It's been so long. They told me that you'd been killed!”

 

“Uh, hi, Koga-kun.” Staring at those big blue eyes, Kagome suddenly felt like she was fifteen again. “No, I didn't die. I've been in the Western Lands.”

 

“And now you can come with me to the North and be my woman.”

 

“Oh, well, you see, there's a little problem with that.”

 

“What problem? You'll just come with me and . . . “

 

Even Kagome did not see it coming. There was a streak of white, slamming into the wolf and tossing them both off of the wall and to the ground. “Sesshomaru, stop! He's an old friend!” Scrambling down the wall, she desperately tried to reach them before the wolf was shredded.

 

Koga kicked out, reflexes taking over as he was attacked. Barely moving to dodge the attack, Sesshomaru never released his captive. A swift punch to the side of Koga's head sent him staggering, give the taiyoukai a chance to draw Tokijin and slam the wolf to the ground.

 

Pinned to the ground, Koga looked up to see an enraged Lord of the Western Lands. “What the hell?”

 

“Do. Not. Touch. Her.” The claws around the interloper's throat tightened. “She is mine.”

 

“Nani? That's the ningen you took? I saw her first!”

 

`Holy Kami, he's dense.' Leaping the last couple of feet, Kagome ran to the pair. “Leave it, Sesshomaru!”

 

“You have no claim.” The amber eyes were rapidly bleeding to red.

 

“I claimed her before she defeated Naraku. I was told she was dead.” Koga's arguments faded away as his air supply was cut off.

 

“Your loss.”

 

Feeling the rage pouring off of her mate, Kagome was scared to touch him. He may very well overwhelm her, and then she would be the one to kill Koga. “Sesshomaru, let me deal with him. It's all a moot point, right? He can't claim me, it's impossible.”

 

“He will not touch you.”

 

“He's known me for a long time, Sesshomaru. He didn't know.”

 

“Are your senses defective, wolf?”

 

The enraged Koga could only produce some gurgles.

 

“I am not going to have all of my hard work ruined because you killed one of Hideaki's lords on the first day. Let him go.”

 

The cold logic made Sesshomaru hesitate, glancing over at his mate. In that instant of indecision she grabbed onto his arm, forcing calm. Slowly the grip around Koga's throat loosened. “Do not touch her.”

 

“I . . . “

 

Kagome cut Koga off as she pulled Sesshomaru away. “It doesn't matter that you knew me first. I'm bonded to Sesshomaru, and it really doesn't matter what arguments you have. You can't break this.”

 

“The hell I can't!” Koga took a swing at Sesshomaru, only to bounce off of a barrier. “Now what?”

 

“He's my mate, and I'm not going to just stand here and watch you two fight! Now knock it off!”

 

“But, you're mine.”

 

`Wow, I always knew he was thick, but I never figured out how thick.' Keeping a firm hand on Sesshomaru, Kagome let her eyes soften. “It's impossible, Koga. I can't be separated from him, and we haven't been apart for over two hundred years. And it won't do you any good to try and kill him, since it would probably kill me, too.”

 

“He could not kill this Sesshomaru.”

 

`Speaking of thick.' Kagome gave her mate a frustrated glare. “You knock it off, too. He's one of Hideaki's lords, and you can't just slaughter him for a misunderstanding.”

 

`Misunderstanding? That wolf has tried to claim her. He touched her.' Sesshomaru could see Kagome go pale with the effort of keeping him under control. Concern for her brought control despite his other instincts. “He will live.”

 

“Good. Arigato, Sesshomaru. Now, Koga. The rest of the lords are here, so I'm going to have Kumo show you where your rooms are and where Hideaki-sama is. I'll talk to you later, okay?”

 

“No, you will not.”

 

Kagome looked up at Sesshomaru, her grip on his arm tightening. “Do you want me to throw you through that wall? I am going to talk to him later.”

 

“No, you will not.”

 

The air crackled as Kagome's temper flared. Koga backed away, his eyes widening. `I don't think I want to be anywhere near this.'

 

“I will be talking to my old friend later.”

 

This new Kagome was rather frightening and sent Koga back even further. “I'm not going to do anything she doesn't want, Sesshomaru-sama.”

 

Seeing the genuine fear in Koga's eyes, Sesshomaru had an excellent reason to smirk. His eyes moved back to his mate's and saw that she was very genuinely pissed. “We will discuss this later.” `I will not retreat in front of the wolf.'

 

“Fine.” Kagome marched off to the gate, not particularly interested in reclimbing the wall. “I'm going to get Kumo, then I'm going to go find something for my head. I hope your enjoying the headache that you've given me!”

 

`Most enjoyable.' The feeling of a vise clamping down across his temples did not improve Sesshomaru's mood as he followed his mate.

 

Koga trailed along behind them, forgotten. `Not at all how I thought this meeting would start. How should I have known that it was Kagome in the West all this time? I don't doubt her when she says they can't be separated, so no killing. That damn dog was pissed. Anyone else I'd fight, but Sesshomaru? That would be suicide. I guess this is better then thinking she's dead. A little bit, anyways. No, this is just about the worst possible situation. Ugh, and I get to deal with them for days. This is so much worse then dog-turd waving his sword every time I showed up.'

 

----

 

“Isamu.”

 

“Hideaki.”

 

Father and son exchanged cold glares as Isamu found his seat.

 

“Sesshomaru-sama.”

 

“Akira-sama.”

 

`Please, someone, anyone, grant me strength.' Kagome glared at her mate yet again. Akira and Isamu had just arrived with her advisor, bringing the count of attendees to twenty, including herself. Nami and her husband had also joined them for this meal, bringing the total count to twenty-two.

 

Seiji was relieved to see his mother and father arrive. At least he stood a chance of understanding them. The situation with Mizuki had his temper at short ends, and the steady presence of his mother was actually an improvement. Sitting with them, he still ended up facing the female that was causing his moods, and she did not look at all pleased with the situation. Especially since that also put Isamu in her direct line of sight.

 

“Mizuki-san.”

 

“Isamu-san.”

 

Merkamou was grinning at Kagome's expression, and it wasn't improving her mood much.

 

“Quit it.”

 

“Quit what, Kagome-sama?” The big gold eyes looked so innocent and guiless.

 

Kagome really wanted to smack him. “You know what I mean. Quit it.”

 

“I think you will need to explain what you are talking about, my lady.”

 

Yuriko snorted behind her hand, trying to keep her laughter quiet.

 

“I'm talking about that stupid grin. Knock it off, or so help me I'm going to knock it off for you.”

 

“Ah, Kagome-sama, I have so missed you.” Isamu looked down the table. “I have hardly arrived and yet I find that you have not changed a bit.”

 

“Don't start, cub.”

 

“Really, don't get her started.” Koga shook his head. “She's been in a bad mood all day.”

 

Katsuro groaned and set his head in his hands. “He did not just say that.”

 

The miko bristled. “What did you say, Koga?”

 

“Now, Koga-san, I don't think that was appropriate.” Mayu sent a slightly reproving look to the lord.

 

“You didn't see her this morning.”

 

“I did not want to bring him. It was your idea.” Hideaki calmly sipped his tea and ignored the babbling around him.

 

“How was your trip, Akira-sama?” Cho smiled at her brother's mate.

 

“The trip was fine. It was the destination I had problems with.” Isamu turned back to Kagome. “Are you insane?”

 

“You don't look like Akira-sama, so I don't think you're the one who's supposed to be answering.” Shippou looked offended at the rude leopard.

 

“What did you say, kitsune?” Isamu was glaring now.

 

“Leave him out of this.” Merkamou dropped his grin when Isamu threatened one of his lords.

 

“He was rude.”

 

Mizuki's eyes came up. “And you are one to talk.”

 

“For someone that is coming to live in the East, you are treading on thin ice, hanyou.” Isamu did not much care for the cold expression that was facing him.

 

“That fate is not certain, Isamu.” Under the table Mizuki let her claws sink into the wood.

 

“Nani?” Akira glanced at Seiji. “What has gone wrong?”

 

“Do not ask.” Shaking his head, Seiji was suddenly wishing that his cup had something stronger then tea.

 

“If it is not working out, then just mate him to Yuriko-san. Then you will still have your alliance, since the South and the West are so close.” Mayu looked rather bored with the whole thing.

 

Akira turned and looked at Yuriko, who was suddenly quite interested in the conversation on the other end of the table. “Nani?”

 

Still not looking at any of the concerned parties, Mayu continued. “An alliance with the South would be very similar to an alliance with the West.”

 

Seeing the opportunity to really rankle her aunt, Yuriko pounced. “Fine with me.”

 

“Yuriko.” Akane hissed at her neighbor. “Do not make things worse.”

 

“How? She does not want him.”

 

“This is no one's concern by mine and Mizuki's.” In his mind Seiji was already thinking of places to look for some sake after the meal was over.

 

“The hell it isn't!” Isamu was still staring at Mizuki.

 

“Oh, damn. This is just coming apart!” Glancing around, Katsuro watched as the table dissolved into squabbling.

 

“Hey, Katsuro-san.” Cho dropped her voice to a whisper. “Do you want to get out of here?”

 

“Absolutely.”

 

“Come on.”

 

The young couple slipped out of the room without a challenge, since everyone was too busy arguing to even notice them. Only one pair of blue eyes followed their departure.

 

----

 

“Your mother is insane.” Cho leaned against the outside of the house, rubbing her temples. “They will never agree to anything, just to be spiteful to each other.”

 

“She could. Mama is pretty amazing that way. Heck, she got them to all come here, and that was supposed to be impossible.” Relieved to be away from the noise, Katsuro leaned against the wall next to Cho.

 

“I will admit that she can be amazing, but this is beyond that. This is in need of a miracle.” Shoving off from the wall, Cho started to stroll away. “I can still hear them.”

 

“Come on. Out by the edge of the village we won't be able to hear them anymore. We'll just have to come back before they get worried about us.”

 

“They will be at this all night. No one will miss us.”

 

They walked through the center of the village, listening to the inhabitants settle in for the night. The stars were shining brightly, and Katsuro could feel his mood lifting. “Hey Cho-san, has Ki-chan talked to you about Seiji?”

 

Chuckling, Cho turned so that she was walking backwards, facing Katsuro. “So you see something as well.”

 

“The whole trying to kill each other but not being able to stay away from each other thing is hard to not notice. What are we going to do with them?”

 

“There is not much we can do. I believe that she will go with him to the East.”

 

“But she's going to kill him! Or he's going to kill her! Either way, it's not a particularly good idea. You heard them, Yuriko is another option, and I know she was staring at Seiji the first night she met him.”

 

“I do not think Seiji will agree.” Turning back around, Cho continued to walk towards the edge of the village. “Yuriko does not strike me as a match for him.”

 

“It could still be better then Ki-chan.” Stopping at the wall, Katsuro turned to Cho. “I'm really worried about her. I haven't been this worried about her in a while, but there is something about him that just makes her lose control. She would still go with him for the position, and because she thinks that father wants her to.”

 

“And I have never seen Seiji lose control, but from what I have heard it happens regularly with Mizuki. But . . . “

 

“What, Cho-san?”

 

“What if that works for them? With everyone else they are controlled and distant. When they are together they are more finally acting like they are alive.”

 

“That's a great theory, right up until they kill each other.”

 

“Neither of them is dead yet, and they have had opportunities.”

 

Memories of Seiji keeping Mizuki's secret filtered through Katsuro's mind. “True. But I'm still worried about her. This could be so dangerous.”

 

Laughing, Cho leaned against the village wall. “Mizuki can take care of herself.”

 

“No, Ki-chan takes care of everyone else. I take care of her.”

 

“You really are very sweet, Katsuro-san.”

 

`Of course I'm blushing. Great.' “Well, someone has to do it. All I do is help her out, since she's a Commander and I'm the heir. She leads while I just kind of . . . wait. But I don't want to be the Lord, since that would mean father was gone. It's just so messed up. I still think Ki-chan should have been the heir. She would be much better at it.”

 

“You are selling yourself short, Katsuro-san.” Cho reached out to snag his sleeve and pull him in closer. “You will be a great Lord. Sesshomaru-sama should be thankful that his son is so reluctant to take up the position. Many sons prefer to move things along if possible.”

 

“I could never do that to father.” Slowly being drawn closer to Cho, Katsuro's pulse jumped. `What is she up to?'

 

“Loyal, sweet, and a hopeless romantic. Do you have any flaws, Katsuro-san?”

 

“Are you kidding? This is from the female that has thrown mud on me and tackled me? I'm far from perfect, Cho-san.”

 

“Especially right now. Right now I would almost call you dense.”

 

There was a blank stare. “Huh?”

 

Grabbing his other sleeve, Cho pulled him up against her. “Is this clear enough for you?”

 

Realizing where he was and what she had done, Katsuro tried to not panic. `Okay, this is a good thing. You wanted to be close to her. Don't panic.' One of his hands reached up to touch the silver and black hair that was shinning in the dim light of the moon.

 

The blue topaz eyes were locked on his, a small smile pulling at her lips. “Am I too subtle for you?”

 

“I think I've got it.” Returning her smile, Katsuro brushed his thumb across her cheek.

 

“No, you do not.” Cho's hand slid up Katsuro's arm and to the back of his head, pulling him down to her lips.

 

After a second of shock, Katsuro decided to just go with it. `She's obviously not going to take no for an answer, and I would never refuse a lady.'

 

The kiss deepened, Cho pressing against him while still holding his sleeves. Katsuro savored the taste of her, his mind reeling as fantasy became reality. They only broke apart when they both needed to breathe. Somehow his hands had slid around her waist, but he had no memories of that.

 

Slightly flushed, the leopard looked up at him through her eyelashes. “Arigato, Katsuro-kun.”

 

“For what?”

 

“I have never been kissed before.”

 

Katsuro blinked. `Hang on a minute, I know she had a mate. . . `

 

“I know what you are thinking. No, he never kissed me.”

 

“That's kind of . . . sad.” Brushing his fingers against her hair again, Katsuro watched her expression. “Why wouldn't he?”

 

“I guess we never saw each other that way. I am glad, though. I think it was better this way, with you.”

 

“So you won't be running to your father and yelling about me stealing your honor?”

 

Cho giggled. “Absolutely not. I may not have kissed him, but he was my mate. It will take much worse then this before I will start yelling about my honor.”

 

Even in the moonlight Cho could see Katsuro's blush.

 

“That is still adorable.”

 

`I think my face is on fire.' “We should head back though, or they're going to send out a search party. We didn't tell anyone where we were going.”

 

“True. I do have parents again, and they will be expecting me to behave in an honorable and organized way. However, I believe I am out of practice.”

 

Grabbing Cho's hand, Katsuro playfully tugged her along behind him. “I'm not in the mood to deal with any of our parents. They're bound to be in a bad mood after tonight.”

 

“Again, true. We shall return and be the perfect offspring that we usually are.”

 

“Perfect? Mama will be proud that I came back without her sending Ki-chan to hunt me down.”

 

“Then at least I must behave as I usually do, so that father does not become overly interested in what I am doing.”

 

“So, basically, we have to get back before Papa starts watching your every move.”

 

“Hai.”

 

“You could've just said it that way.”

 

Cho caught a lock of his hair and pulled. “I speak in a proper way, and you would do well to learn some of my skills.”

 

Katsuro succeeded in capturing her arms and pinning them to her sides. “Only if you can learn to track as well as me.”

 

“Is that a genuine offer, Katsuro-kun? You will work on your speech if I practice tracking?”

 

`Trapped. Damn.' “Sure. Why not? Got nothin' better to do.”

 

Flinching at his grammar, Cho wiggled free and continued up to the headsman's house. “I think I have the tougher end of this arrangement.”

 

“It was your idea.”

 

----

 

`He looks different. I wonder if that's because I've changed or because he's finished growing up now. It has been two hundred years, after all. He seems calmer. Not much, but it's better. At least he was able to be in the same room with Sesshomaru without blood shed. That's showing more maturity. Or maybe it's survival instinct. Hmm.' Kagome looked up the youkai that was sitting quietly under the stars. “Hey, Koga.”

 

The blue eyes whipped down to where the little miko stood, smiling up at him. “Yo, Kagome. Kagome-sama. What am I supposed to call you, anyways?”

 

“Depends on who's around. Hideaki-sama and Mayu-sama will get mad if you don't call me sama, and Sesshomaru would attack you again. But I'm so used to being Kagome with you, or . . . “

 

“Kagome-chan.” The blue eyes darkened. “I thought you were dead. What happened to dog-turd?”

 

“He died.” Kagome had no interest in going over that story again. “Can I join you?”

 

“Is your beloved mate going to kill me?”

 

“I can stop him.” Climbing up onto the roof, Kagome sat down next to Koga. “How have things been with you?”

 

“Same as always. It took a long time to rebuild my pack, but it's getting there.”

 

“How are Hakkaku and Ginta?”

 

“Great! Ginta's mate just had their first litter, and Hakkaku has had two litters already with a third supposed to be on the way.”

 

“When you go back make sure to tell them I said hi.”

 

“Sure, Kagome.” Koga looked over to her. “Are you sure there's no way?”

 

“Absolutely. Trust me. We've done a lot of research, and this is a `to the death' kind of a deal.”

 

“He's taking good care of you, right?”

 

“Of course.” Nudging Koga with an elbow, she gave him one of her famous smiles. “I'm sure it's not as good as what you would have done, but I'll survive.”

 

“Damn right. Dogs don't know anything about how to take care of their women.”

 

“And what about you? You thought I was dead, so what about your woman?”

 

Shrugging, Koga looked back up to the night sky. “I've been busy, and I haven't seen anything like you. You're a hard act to follow, Kagome.”

 

Kagome laughed. “I'm flattered. But, I think you need to find some female and make her the luckiest in Japan.”

 

“Yeah, yeah. I'll get around to it. Got any suggestions?”

 

“Let me think about it. You never know.”

 

“She won't be you, but I'll survive.”

 

----

 

A/N: I've seen two spellings of Koga's name, so I just picked one. No fair yelling at me on my spelling for this one. Yell at me for the other mistakes. :-)