InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Sesshoumaru, sit! ❯ Begins a Troublesome Quest ( Chapter 5 )

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

HI ALL!

I know, it's been forever! I'm SO sorry. I had my reasons, two of them procrastination and laziness. But mostly busyness. I'll try my best to be more active with this, now that it's summer vacation, finally. -bow- So sorry!

And a big thank-you to all reviewers, new and old. Your reviews make my day!!!!

Review replies:

Delu:Aha! Thank you sooo much! Really, with a review like that, who needs any more. I'm so happy you liked it, and I'm feeling so loved I decided to update today. I guess it's not such a big deal, reviews, but why not wheedle as many as possible out of people -evil snicker- Thanx again. This chap for you!

myli: Hahahaha! Thanx! Very happy about how good you think I am -puffs chest- and just as ecstatic you like this. thanx for taking the time to review! I hope you like the chap!

Shrewy: Shrewyyyyy!!!! Awe, it's too bad. Thanx for reviewing here, it really means a lot to me - You read them again? Woohoo! I'm flattered!!! X3 -hysterical laughter- I knew there was a reason I loved these three! Thanx Shrewy! You know, I SUSPECTED it might be you…so happy it is! Who else would call themselves shrewy. You make pretty original nicknames…and characters -waves at Two, Five and Seven-

x_x_Sesshoumaru_x_x:Thanx! Happy you like it! I love imagining his cute face in the dirt. Yeah, poor Sessy…Bwahaha!

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Neko: Cat.

-sama: used for those better in status, usually.

-san: Miss, Mrs., Madame, Mr., Sir.

inu: dog.

Youkai: Demon.

Hanyou: Half demon.

Baka: Idiot.

Miko: Priestess.

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Recap from last chapter:

The Great Lord of the West was staring down at her with distaste. "You are not allowed to wander my halls without an escort."

He looked the same as before, only armor-less. "I…fine with me. But the maids you sicced on me are arguing over who gets to serve me. What is an almost-honored guest?" she asked suddenly, making her suspicion clear.

He grunted, giving her a humorless smirk. "You will see for yourself. Your room is two rooms down from here," he told her and walked -or rather glided- away.

She stared back at his retreating back, fuming silently. "I willget out of here, you know. Whether you like it or not." She was panting a little when he turned to her ever so slightly without stopping.

"My spider youkai will spin you into a cocoon and drag you back if you try, ningen," he said a little harshly and turned away, rounding the corner.

Amaya paled and squeaked mutely at the memory of the big ugly things. I'll get you for this!She thought furiously, not appreciating the effective threat. I'LL GET YOU!

CHAPTER 5:

Miroku and Sango were sitting patiently, drinking steaming green tea when their two friends barged in- or more accurately, Inuyasha barged in. Kagome followed silently. The hanyou plopped down next to the monk and took his cup, gulping the rest of its contents down noisily.

"Go right ahead." Miroku raised a brow when Inuyasha slammed the dainty cup down, glowering. "So, what happened? Did you get Amaya-san back?" he glanced behind Kagome, already guessing the answer to that.

The girl shook her head sadly. Sango got up, looking confused. "Why not? Did something go wrong?"

"Yeah, very wrong," the inu-hanyou growled. "Too bad we don't really know what!"

"Eh?" both powerful humans went.

"What do you mean? What happened?" Miroku frowned.

It didn't take Kagome 15 minutes to explain everything. Her uninformed friends Oh'd, Ah'd and gasped throughout.

"So what do we do? Sesshoumaru isn't exactly easy to get around. We can't do anything about Naraku or the shards before Amaya-chan is safe."

"I know that, Sango, and I wish the lord would just give her back...he doesn't seem to be planning on letting her go anytime soon."

"Why? I still don't understand. Lord Sesshoumaru hates humans. It's a wonder he keeps that little girl with him at all. And from what you've said, he doesn't even tolerate Amaya-san." Miroku shook his head in confusion. "You said she seemed to threaten him in some way. But how is that possible?! The lord isn't even threatened by Naraku."

"That cur is crazy, that's why! He's snapped. Feh! Kagome, you should have let me kick his ass!" Inuyasha folded his arms, still sitting next to the monk.

The girl sighed, putting her palm over the gentle hand of the taijiya that rested on her shoulder. "I just had this feeling. I can't explain it, but I guess I was wrong to follow-"

"No, child. Never doubt your instincts. Ye were right to do what you did." The old woman was at the door, holding her cane and smiling at everyone.

"Kaede-bachan!" everyone exclaimed.

"Where have you been, old hag?"

She smiled at the hanyou's usual rudeness. "I had some business to attend to. I only came to check on things in the village."

"What do you think about what happened?" Kagome asked hopefully. "I mean, to my friend. I'm guessing you heard me," she added.

Kaede only chuckled. "Don't worry about a thing. I'm certain it will all work out for the best."

Inuyasha leapt up at that. "Are you going senile?! The bastard's kidnapped her!"

The old miko stopped on her way out, looking back at everyone. "Lord Sesshoumaru must have a good reason, and despite all his faults I'm sure he wouldn't kill her."

"You act like you know him. How can you be so sure?" Sango asked in confusion.

But she was already out of sight. Inuyasha was snarling furiously, muttering something about screwy old ladies. Everyone else looked as confused as the taijiya.

Kagome sat herself down with a thud, and began to contemplate possible solutions, a way they'd be able to find Naraku and retrieve Amaya as well. She tapped her finger against her temple. They needed help. They needed someone who could find Naraku while they went to get her friend. They needed...

Kagome perked suddenly."Kouga-kun!"

"What?!" Inuyasha switched into a fighting stance, hand at his sword, head tossing this way and that. "Where?"

"Of course! We'll ask Kouga to help find Naraku. Then by the time he does we'd have gotten Amaya back safely." Kagome clapped her hands excitedly. "That way no time is lost. We should go ask him now!"

By then Inuyasha had already realized that the wolf demon wasn't around...but then he should have known; no disgusting wolf-boy scent. "Over my dead body!" he bellowed, whirling about to face her.

"Inuyasha, this is no time for your jealousy!" she chided, sighing.

"Jealousy!" He advanced toward her angrily. "Like I'd be jealous of that asshole!" He crossed his arms stubbornly, turning away.

"She's right. We could do both things that way," Sango said, watching him plop down on the floor again. "We can't waste any more time." She glanced nervously at the monk.

The hanyou opened his mouth to argue, then shut it, muttering several unintelligible phrases. He looked away, thoughtful and troubled. Kagome sighed and crouched down beside him. Reaching out, she tugged at a furry white ear, causing his head to snap up in surprise.

"Come on, silly animal," she crooned, using her endearment for him. Tug. "You know it's the best way to go for everyone." Tug. She smiled affectionately at his frowning, tilted face. "I trust you. We all do."

He growled softly and turned away They did need help...it was all Kagome's fault! Why did she have to bring that brat over here anyway?!

Tug.

"Ack! Don't you see I'm thinking, woman?!" He batted her hand away, sighing heavily.

The girl looked at his averted face and brought her own closer. You better not say no, Inuyasha!

The half demon's ears twitched as he sensed her nearness. He turned his head, bringing his face not an inch from hers. Both flushed with shock and shrank back. "Kagome! Can't you give a guy some space?!" he complained with a scowl. His eyes were averted and his cheeks slightly tinged with pink.

"I was only trying to figure out what you were thinking!" she cried in defense, no less flustered. "Well? Will you go with me or not?"

His gaze flicked over to her. "Go where?" he asked absently.

Kagome threw her hands up in exasperation. "To the wolf's den, baka! Where else?"

"Hell, no! I'm not going anywhere near that flea-bag!"

"Then I'll have to go by myself." Her arms folded in determination.

He sputtered in horror. "Forget it! You'll flirt him into it!"

"You-!Osuwari!"

"Agh!"

Miroku shrugged, watching as Kagome stormed out of the cottage. "I think we should all go."

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"I don't know about this," Tenshi muttered. "I don't think the lord will approve."

"Oh, come on. She's a guest, right? He would probably skin us alive if we don't do as she says," the blonde named Ran countered. "Anyway she'd almost-honored, so dragging her about in a grain sack wouldn't be considered too insulting. Especially if it's her idea of fun."

The brunette looked doubtful, but didn't argue further. The two passed through the front gate of the palace, wondering about this new guest's taste in games, and trying to figure out why the master would invite yet another human into his home. He was renowned for his hatred of them, but ever since Rin came into his life, they learned that disrespecting a guest, human or demon, could be their death. And who were they to question his intent?

Thankfully, no one intercepted them, and no spider youkai even looked their way.

The maids began to get anxious after they passed through the castle barrier. Several minutes later the large grain sack they were dragging along slid over a large rock, and it gave a pained grunt.

"I really don't think this is a good idea. We're not protected out here," Tenshi protested for the umpteenth time.

"Don't be ridiculous. We can protect ourselves just fine."

A small yet distinct noise filtered through the bag. Ran leaned down quickly, trying to decipher the words, their unease at this whole pastime increasing.

"Erm ie or!"

"What?" she said, leaning closer, pointy, sensitive ears straining.

"Erm ie or!"

"What?!" The words were still slurred.

"ERM IE OR!" She jumped back with a grimace. It was much louder, but still sounding like a different language.

"She obviously wants to be let out!" snapped the brunette.

"Oh! You weren't so fast to catch on yourself!" she muttered in embarrassment.

They were getting ready to start brawling again, but the unintelligible, loud mutters gave them pause. They tore the bag open.

Amaya dusted herself rapidly, coughing all the while. "Wow." Cough. "That was so much fun. Thank you!" She smiled and straightened her hair. "Um…now I'd like to look around, do you know a village nearby? I'd like to buy some things. In fact, do you know where Kaede's village is? It has the best soap," she said in exaggerated delight, clapping her hands for effect. I feel like an idiot. And I smelllike an old man!

"Well," Tenshi looked surprised by the query. "We don't know exactly. It's pretty far. Why do you ask, Amaya-sama?"

The girl startled. Pretty far?! But it only took, what, all of five minutes to get here? It felt like she had been running through- like he'd been running through- a tornado, but...

"H-how...? Are you sure?" Her voice sounded scratchy, even to her own ears. The guy is fast as lightning. God, if he ever figures I'm gone…She would have very little chance of getting away.

Her two new companions peeked at one other. "Yes, very sure. But like I said, we don't know where it is exactly or how to get there, Amaya-sama. We do know a nearby village, a few hours from here. If you like," supplied Tenshi demurely.

"Er...yes, yes, great! I want to go there. It'll be lovely," She nodded at them and smiled. She'd ask around once they were there. Someone had to know something, and maybe help her get there. She didn't like the thought of leaving the two ladies behind, as annoying as they were. She had sort of begun to like them, even if they did fight every five seconds.

"Alright then, the village is that way," pointed Tenshi confidently. "I'll lead the way for you, Amaya-sama."

"Now, wait a minute, I'm pretty sure it's this way!" Ran protested. She was pointing in the opposite direction.

The first looked scandalized. "What would you know about navigation? You couldn't make out your way around a tree!"

The blonde gasped. "How dare you!"

And they lunged at each other, the ever familiar angry cloud of dust enveloping them.

"Oh, boy..." Amaya wiped her hand down her face. "This is going to be a long trip."

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Inuyasha and the gang arrived at the den later that morning. The hanyou looked grim as he walked beside Kagome, ready to pounce on anyone who would dare come too close -having a certain wolf prince in mind. Inuyasha froze in his tracks, growling, everyone else pausing behind him.

"Is that you, dog-shit? I can smell your stink from here." A well-toned figure stepped out of the small waterfall ahead.

"Kouga!" The inu said the name like it left bad taste in his mouth.

The wolf prince chuckled deeply and walked towards them. Seeing Kagome, he leapt forward, shoving the hanyou aside, and taking hold of the startled girl's hands. He smiled at her tenderly. "My Kagome. You'v ecome to visit me. Planning to stay, I hope?"

Inuyasha was up and snarling. She looked at him warningly. "Hello, Kouga-kun. I'm happy to see you again, but no, I can't stay." He looked disappointed for a moment, and then smiled again.

"That's too bad. But I'm sure you'll come eventually."

Kagome laughed nervously, keeping an eye on a furious Inuyahsa. She shook her head at the latter when she saw him charge.

"Let her go, Fleabag!"

Kouga only bound up into the air, avoiding his opponent's attack. "You're pathetic. I don't know why she stays with a weakling like you."

The half demon snarled, surging up to his feet and pulling out his sword. "I'll show you who the weakling is, asshole!" With his transformed blade, he charged angrily.

"Inuyasha. Sit!"

"Argh!" And a moment later "Damn it, Kagome!"

"Kouga-kun, please don't fight. I came here to ask you for a favor."

"Anything for you, Kagome." He was at her side again, staring deeply into her eyes.

She smiled nervously and tried to pull back. She was very fond of the prince, but he was always making her uncomfortable with his blunt affection. And she didn't like him in that way!

"Ah, well, we...I need you to..." she stopped, the idea of him going after the evil half-demon suddenly not so appealing. He had a great score to settle with Naraku, and she knew that if he were to find him, he'd attack immediately.

She couldn't blame him. Not when the demon's offspring, Kagura, had caused the deaths of most of his pack. And she had no doubt he would seek her out as soon as she was within range.

"Er..." She racked her brain for an alternative option.

"Yes, Kagome?" He looked curiously at her.

A new idea struck her. Wht hadn't she thought of that before?

Inuyasha was up again, growling. "Kagome, get away from him!"

Kagome broke away from the wolf and raced over to calm the hanyou before he tried attacking again. "It's OK, Inuyasha. There's no reason for you to be so upset." He keh'd at her and glowered past her shoulder at the prince. Sure he wouldn't try anything, she faced the wolf again.

"Kouga-kun...I need you to find someone for me." She smiled brightly.

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Well, finally it's over. It's also short, but the next will be longer.

I know I know, no Sesshoumaru in it! But no worries, he'll be reappearing next chapter.

Read and review!!! Boy, has it been long since I got to say that or what? -choked up-