InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Sunset Love ❯ So it begins ( Chapter 9 )

WARNING - Ok before anyone crucifies me for this I'm going to warn you ahead of time. There are intentional misspellings located in this chapter. They take place when a small girl of 2 is speaking. At that age a lot of children are not readily understandable and I have carried it over to my story. I believe it adds more realism to the story and makes it just as hard for the reader to understand her as the characters she interacts with.

 

Disclaimer - I do not own any parts of the Inuyasha anime nor the characters portrayed in it. I'm just borrowing them for a while…:P

 

 

 

Chapter 9 - So it begins.

 

 

Kagome's sender body wove gracefully around the room, her thigh length nightshirt sliding over well-defined muscles as she swept gracefully through her morning routine. Her training had been kept to her body, leaving the sword for a wider area than the four walls her room offered. A request she would be sure to ask Sesshomaru about whenever she had the chance.

 

Her mind wandered back to the night before when she had given him his precious swords back, sending a chill down her spine. He had mumbled a thank you, yet his rigid body hinted at building anger. Somehow she knew he was upset at the idea of her being able to handle the powerful blades, an anger that had deepened to hidden fury as she explained to him what Kana had said. Neither of the Taiyoukai had been able to explain why she had been able to hold on to them, nor why Tensaiga would try and protect her against Tokijin.

 

Force was added to her training as she pictured beating the arrogant young lord over the head with one of those very swords, hoping to knock some sense into him. Given the choice she would use Tensaiga to do, that way it would heal him enough each time she hit him to withstand another few whacks with the hard sheath. He should have been grateful to get them back after all, not upset with the one who had returned them and it would serve him right if the blow to his pride stung for days. Giggling, she lost herself in the fantasy unaware of her bedroom door sliding open.

 

Her arms and legs traveled through the motions with the grace of a dancer, enthralling the young servant girl who had entered unheard. When Kagome twisted under a particularly difficult move, she noticed the wide-eyed girl staring at her in something close to astonishment and awe was clearly written all over her young face. The moment their eyes met the young girl instantly looked away, training fearful eyes on the floor at Kagome's feet.

 

“Oh, hello,” Kagome's body relaxed and she turned to face the girl. A bright smile touched her eyes and lips even as she spoke. “Who are you?”

 

“My name is Mai, Lady Miko,” the young girl said bowing low before Kagome as if she were royalty. “The lord sent me to aid in the dressing before escorting the lady to the dining chambers.”

 

“Please call me Kagome.” She smiled as she stuck out her hand to help the girl to her feet. An offer that went unnoticed as the girl rose to her feet her eyes still trained on the ground. The child could be no more than fourteen and Kagome had to remember that in this era girls were often considered adults at an early age. “I'm just a simple woman, no honorific titles are necessary.”

 

“But the lord would be greatly displeased with me should I not show the proper respect.” Mai, her eyes still respectfully kept away from Kagome, went to open the tansu where many different colored kimonos hung waiting for someone to use them. Kagome followed close behind her, curious as to what they would look like. She had forgotten everything in favor of her usual morning training, something Kagome had failed to do since reentering this era.

 

“Then Lady Kagome will do, I guess.” Kagome sighed, she really didn't want to get anyone in trouble with Sesshomaru for something she insisted on.

 

“As the lady wishes,” Mai replied selecting a midnight blue kimono from among the sea of bright colors.

 

The kimono fit perfectly, conforming to Kagome's body as though the silky fabric were crafted especially for her. The back hem swept out in a train, while the silver obi tied securely around her waist set off the pattern of silver threaded stars woven carefully into the sea of deep blue fabric. Pale silver clouds partially hid a crescent moon across the back giving the whole kimono the feel of peaceful night.

 

Mai brushed rose oil into her ebony hair till the tresses shone in the morning light. Her deft fingers quickly detangled the slightly wavy locks, while a silver comb swept back the left side of Kagome's hair and pinned it just behind her ear.

 

Once she was done, Mai stepped back to review her handy work and stopped in amazement at the transformation the woman had undergone at her hands. The lady was one of the most beautiful women the young girl had ever seen and the awe shone in her gentle brown eyes.

 

“The lady looks extremely beautiful,” Mai exclaimed in excitement, her hands clasping in front of her in childish delight. “The lord will be most pleased.”

 

“You did a wonderful job,” Kagome smiled broadly, “Thank you.”

 

“I am happy Lady Kagome is pleased,” Mai bowed once again. “Now if all is ready, I will escort the lady to the dining chambers.”

 

“Lead the way,” Kagome sighed, motioning the girl toward the door. She really didn't like how Mai was treating her as if she were some sort of highborn noblewoman but as long as she was in Sesshomaru's castle she would have to deal with it.

 

The two walked in silence until Mai stopped before a set of decorated double sliding doors. Leading Kagome through them, she headed straight toward the spot Sesshomaru and Kisho were seated in deep discussion.

 

The room was more of a long hall; two rows of black lacquer tables were several youkai and human lords sat with their families lined both sides of the hall. All eyes were trained on the new comers, the conversations becoming hushed and Kagome caught glimpses of curiosity and something akin to open lust as she passed them, a small shiver crawling down her spine.

 

In front of them, Sesshomaru and Kisho sat on a raised dais at the back of the room, a black lacquer table filled with various food dishes dominated the majority of it. An empty cushion had been placed to the left of Sesshomaru while Kisho occupied one on his right. The two had stopped talking the moment the room had fallen quiet and now watched with interest as Kagome and Mai bowed low before the two lords.

 

Kagome silently thanked her mother for all the lessons she had insisted on Kagome having concerning court etiquette. She really detested having to use them, but while she was in Sesshomaru's castle she was determined not to make too big a mess of things. Besides she really didn't know how he would react to her being herself in the presence of his subjects. Her teeth were slightly clenched, her hands balling into fists buried deep within the kimono sleeves as she waited for him to speak. She kept her eyes trained on the floor, mimicking the Mai's actions.

 

A silver eyebrow rose partly in curiosity and partly in disbelief as the two bowed reverently before Sesshomaru. Surely this radiant vision of tranquil beauty before him could not be the same spitfire miko he knew. Though his cool mask of indifference remained in place, Sesshomaru was stunned; his breath had been stolen when his eyes first landed on her. If he didn't know better the Western Lord would almost swear the woman was from royalty.

 

She carried herself with the same grace and poise any noble born woman would, while her arms were hidden in the depths of the kimono sleeves. Silently he praised the servant's choice in attire as he dismissed Mai with a wave of his hand. He would make sure the young human was well rewarded later for her judgment.

 

“Join us, Miko,” Sesshomaru indicated for Kagome to take the cushion to his left. He watched her rise smoothly from the floor to do as he bid. Her murmured thanks were so softly spoken that he barely heard her. A servant hurried to fill the lady's plate under the watchful eye of his lord and Sesshomaru turned back to finish speaking with Kisho as Kagome silently turned to her food.

 

He was still slightly upset with the woman for being able to hold onto his swords so easily, though he did not let it show. There was no explanation other than her powers might be more advanced than she was letting on, but when she had told him this strange woman had told her a need to grain more strength it had angered him further. If she was not yet at her full potential than how was it possible, and just why did Tensaiga protect her? In time, Sesshomaru promised himself, he would learn the answers to all his questions, but for now it was best to try and avoid the woman beside him, though he was finding it rather difficult.

 

The entire time he and Kisho spoke, Sesshomaru watched Kagome from the corner of his eye. Her nervous shifting as her eyes trailed over the room's occupants caused a hint of worry to start nagging at the back of his mind. Casting a questioning glance at Kisho let the young lord know that he wasn't the only one who took notice of it. A sweeping glance around the room told him that no one else had noticed it though there were still a few unsavory looks that the men below him kept casting in Kagome's direction.

 

Kagome shifted again, the looks a few of the men were giving her made her feel uncomfortable, yet she was determined not to let it get to her. There was something else though, something that hung like a specter just beyond the peripheral of her vision. The ghostly fingers reaching out to brush against her soul only to draw away before she could find out what direction they were coming from. She could detect no magic at work, yet still the sensation happened over and over again, the fear of being watched by one's most vile nightmare chilling her spirit and causing a shiver to run down her spine.

 

Once in class she had heard an American exchange student describe the sensation as having someone one walk over their grave and as she thought about it, Kagome found herself agreeing. If this was a premonition of things to come she was way out of her league.

 

The feeling increased slightly as her eyes met intense golden orbs from across the room and was startled to see another inu-youkai leaning easily against the wall. He was staring at her in open curiosity, though she could detect nothing of the feelings behind those eyes.

 

His hair was a blonde so pale that it gleamed white under the morning light. Those golden eyes were intense, darker in color than the two sitting beside her yet his feelings were as closed as theirs were. This caused Kagome to wonder if Inuyasha was the only exception to some unspoken rule about Inu-youkai not being allowed to openly display their emotions.

 

He wore no armor, only a soft plain gray kimono that bore no house markings of any kind. The stranger seemed out of place and slightly uncomfortable, his hand traveling continually to one side as though use to resting it on something that was no longer there.

 

A human lord from the table directly in front of the stranger, turned to call out him and he tore his gaze from Kagome's to answer the man. She watched as a slow smile spread across the demon's pale lips as he replied to the unheard question.

 

The smile sent a strange sensation racing through Kagome that cause a slight tremble to run through her. There was gentleness in that smile she had never seen on anyone before yet there was something about the way he carried himself that told her to be careful where this strange youkai was concerned. She knew without a shadow of a doubt that she would see this demon once again and it worried her. Kagome could not explain how she knew this, maybe it was something in the way he had looked at her or maybe it was some sort of premonition, but she was certain of it.

 

Beside her, Sesshomaru watched as Kagome tore her gaze from the stranger who had arrived with a minor lord from Kisho's lands. They were refugees from a tiny district that Kisho explained lay in the farthest reaches of the Northern Lands. Since the lord was under Kisho's rule, Sesshomaru had extended his hospitality to include all in his party. The inu-youkai had been the only demon in the procession and Sesshomaru believed it was only because the minor lord had hired him as a bodyguard of sorts.

 

It was a strange arrangement but in times of war many races would come together to defeat a greater evil. Dismissing it as such, the Western Lord looked over the gathering once more. He, himself, had done such by allowing all these filthy humans to dine in his home without fear of repercussions.

 

His eyes narrowed slightly as he looked back to Kagome, wondering what it was that had attracted her attention to the newcomer in the first place. Perhaps he would ask her later when the meal was over and the others were gone. Maybe she'd felt something about the demon that he should be made aware of.

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Important news had drawn the two lords from the hall, leaving Kagome to excuse herself as well. She had felt the need to seek out more familiar company in place of the strangers that occupied the room.

 

Before leaving her completely, Sesshomaru had been thoughtful enough to have a servant act as guide for her in the castle's twisting halls and multiple stairways. Upon asking where she might find Kikyo and her friends, the servant directed her to a door that led outside.

 

Across a small, enclosed field he had pointed out a set of huts carefully crafted so that they would have easy access to the castle while retaining their privacy. Kagome could hear the joyful cries of children at play.

 

A soft smile touched her lips as she thought of her friends being parents. She could not get over the fact that Inuyasha was a father nor that Miroku had actually given up his lecherous ways.

 

Quickly thanking the servant, Kagome lifted her kimono enough so she wouldn't trip and raced toward the huts. She was eager to see her friends again. Not to mention she had to ask Kikyo to teach her the things that she did not yet know.

 

 

“Heys! Ways fer me!” a small high-pitched voice cried as Kagome neared the structures.

 

“Keep up slowpoke!” a second voice taunted, before childish laughter filled the air.

 

“Keitaro, don't tease your sister.” Sango's voice rang out in warning.

 

Anxious to see Sango, Kagome hurried around the huts to see where the woman might be. She was surprised to see that the field dipped down a small incline where a flowered meadow was included in the enclosure. It made a perfect place for children to play without worry of an attack from outside forces.

 

Three children raced across the meadow in what appeared to be a game of tag under the watchful eyes of Kikyo. At the far end, Sango and Rin went through a form of weapon training that resembled Kohaku's sickle-blade.

 

“Hello Kagome,” Kikyo greeted her pleasantly, indicating a spot beside her. Kagome gladly sat down, her eyes being drawn back to the laughing trio.

 

She smiled when the small girl picked up a tiny rock and tried to throw it at the two boys who were running from her. To the child's dismay, the rock slipped easily from the chubby fingers, falling behind her with a small thud.

 

“Nobara, stop throwing things!” Sango called out again without even looking at the tiny girl.

 

A small giggle escaped Kagome as the child huffed, her tiny fists coming to rest against her hips in a perfect imitation of her mother. Her tiny mouth puckered in a cute pout that had her lower lip sticking slight farther out than her top and soft brown eyes glared after the two boys.

 

“Better listen to Mama,” one of the two boys called, a safe distance from the cherubic child. He stuck his tongue out at the angry girl and ducked just as the second boy pounced on him. The short black ponytail pulled loose in the process as the two tumbled over each other in a mock fight.

 

The other boy's silver hair and rich golden brown eyes instantly told Kagome whose child he was and she turned to the woman beside her. “Where are Inuyasha and Miroku?”

 

“They took Shippo and Kohaku out to hunt earlier this morning.” Kikyo replied never taking her eyes from the children. She cast a sideways glance in Kagome's direction as curiousness built.

 

“What are their names?” Kagome asked softly her eyes moving back to watch the playing children. The small girl had pounced on the boys, her small squeals of delight echoing through the air even as they tried to get her to let go.

 

“The girl is known as Nobara, her brother is Keitaro,” Kikyo picked up a mortar and pestle that had been sitting on her other side out of Kagome's view. The rich sent of herbs tinted the air as Kikyo began grinding its contents to a pulp. “My son's name is Horuki.”

 

As Kagome watched the boy, she could almost imagine what Inuyasha might have been like at that age. Horuki appeared to be no more than eight years old and already so much like his father.

 

“Kikyo, I need to ask you a huge favor,” Kagome sighed tearing her gaze away from the children to look at the demoness beside her. When those deep brown eyes turned to look at her, she experienced a tingle of apprehension as the woman waited for her to continue. “Would you train me in the things I don't know about being a miko?”

 

“I would be honored,” Kikyo replied, her eyes reflecting a curiousness that went unspoken. “It is the least I could do after you have shown such kindness in the face of my earlier treachery.”

 

“Heh, its no big deal.” Kagome nervously rubbed the back of her neck. “You couldn't help it, so don't worry about things like that.”

 

Kikyo nodded slightly as she looked back to the children in time to see, Horuki dash away from the other two, his taunts spurring the other two to chase after him. The youkai child was much faster than the human ones and she knew that her son purposely kept his speed to a minimum.

 

“What does it feel like?” Kagome suddenly asked, startling the older miko to look at her in curiously. “To be a demon now.”

 

“It was strange at first,” Kikyo sighed placing the mortar down again. “I half expected the wish to rub off and take my life in the process, but once my son arrived everything changed. I was no longer fearful that I would be torn from Inuyasha's side.”

 

“You thought I'd do that to you?” Kagome asked in disbelief. How could anyone think such a thing like that about her?

 

“Not you,” Kikyo looked down as she thought about her answer, the sadness of past sins still playing out behind deep ebony pools. “But I did not believe I was worthy of your kind heart. I believed the gods would do it as punishment for my earlier behavior.”

 

“Oh,” was all Kagome could get out as she stared at the woman who had once tried to kill her. Never had Kagome thought that Kikyo would reveal so much about herself.

 

“As I grew accustom to the powers you granted me, I became more confident in myself and grateful to you.” Kikyo went on without even looking back at Kagome. “I owe you my life, Kagome and I will do all in my power to stand with you this time.”

 

“Thank you Kikyo,” Kagome said softly embracing the woman. Tears threatened to form in her eyes as the words spilled from Kikyo's lips.

 

“Now,” Kikyo chuckled gently pushing the concerned woman away. “You must allow me to see what you already know and what it is you wish to learn.”

 

The two talked long into the day, joined later by Rin and Sango as soon as their training came to an end. The women spoke of many things and Kagome happily showed all she knew to Kikyo that she could and explained in great detail that which she could not.

 

Kagome learned of how Sango became Rin's teacher, how the couples had settled here temporarily until the war could be solved, and how the usurper had demanded Rin as part of the treaty. This bit of news enraged Kagome and it took them several moments to calm her down. Kagome embraced Rin, promising that as long as she lived no one would ever hurt her.

 

The other two women had known all along that Kagome viewed Rin in the same manner that she did Shippo and her angry actions at the news only strengthened that belief. When Inuyasha and the others returned that evening, Kagome stayed to eat with them while Rin returned to the castle.

 

Later that night, Kagome fell into an exhausted sleep; her body ached from sparring with her friends as well as displaying what she could to the older miko. Kikyo had instructed her where she could and made her promise to return the next morning. After that Kagome chasing the three children around the field and Shippo happily put on a display of tricks he had learned in her absence. It had been the best day Kagome had had in a long while.

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A month passed in a blur of activities as Kagome trained under the careful tutelage of Kikyo. She learned how to see death's small reapers as they came for the souls of the wounded soldiers that Kikyo often cared for in the castle infirmaries, how to tell which ones she could save or call back and which ones were better left to their death. She also learned how to pool her miko powers into her sword and release it in a blast of energy that resembled Inuyasha's wind scar.

 

All of them trained her in some way or another. Sango helped hone her skill with weapons, Miroku taught her talismans, spells and other religious things that Kikyo could not. Inuyasha and Kohaku sparred with her in the evenings and Rin trained by her side at other times. Shippo showed her different illusionary spells and how to call upon the spirits of the earth to aid her.

 

Kagome grew stronger under their careful guidance yet she knew she needed to learn more. She had to be ready for whatever it was to come, Kana's words ringing in her ears like the toll of a death bell. If she was not ready, Kagome knew the consequences would be dire and she was not willing to pay that price.

 

A quick trip home to speak with her mother and gather new supplies had given the woman's tired body a much-needed break. Her family had greeted her much as they had five years earlier and a pleasant evening was spent in deep discussion over the events in the Feudal Era. Souta had seen her off when she returned, his heart felt wishes that everything turn out all right stirring a sadness deep in her spirit at leaving her family again.

 

But the trip had been worth it, her mother confirming Kana's words. There had been sorrow in the woman's soft eyes as she spoke, telling Kagome all she knew of the ancient demoness. Even as the magic gentle set her down at the bottom of the well, Kagome's resolve hardened. She would grow stronger, seek out Tatsu's knowledge and grow from it, she would concur Ozeki and create a friendship in the process and she would do whatever it took to make certain the usurper paid harshly for everything he had inflicted on the innocent.

 

On the other side, her friends had waited for her, thankful for the chance to visit their old friend Kaede. To them it was like old times and they spoke of happy memories spent in the little hut those long years passed. Kagome remained skirted the real reason she had traveled to see her mother, letting her friends remain ignorant of her little secret. Now was not the time to let such things be brought to light, but soon she knew she would have to explain everything to them and hope for the best.

 

As she listened to the easy conversation going on between her friends, Kagome's mind turned to Sesshomaru. She had not seen him or Kisho in over a month now, the news they had gotten pulled them away to the farthest borders of the Western Lands. She had heard faint rumors that spoke of a small raiding party harassing the villages there and wondered if that was where they had disappeared too.

 

Along with them, Tatsu, Ozeki and the twins had disappeared and Kagome believed that they had traveled with the Taiyoukai on whatever mission they had been called out on. It irritated her slightly that she would have to wait until they returned but she would spend her time training to become stronger. Maybe then she would stand a better chance of getting the dragon lord to train her.

 

They were not the only inu-youkai to invade the woman's thoughts as another pale haired demon came to mind. Iyashii, the one that had so blatantly stared at her in the dining hall had sought her out a few days later, introducing himself with such a flare that had her laughing in no time. He had almost swept her off her feet with his gentle words and charming personality. Iyashii was definitely like no other demon she had ever met.

 

After that day Iyashii had insisted he be allowed to escort her wherever she went outside the castle walls. At first she had been uncomfortable in the demon's presence but as time went on she began to relax somewhat around him. These outings were few and far between, the majority of her time spent training with her friends.

 

Iyashii had once asked her if he could be of any help in these trainings she went through, offering to spar with her. The idea had made her feel hesitant and she had quickly explained that Kikyo, Inuyasha, and Sango were all she could handle at the moment. She had then thanked him politely and said she would keep it in mind.

 

He had smiled then, causing her heart to speed up slightly. The smile had reached those golden hued eyes, giving them a hint of warmth and understanding while his whole face seemed to brighten up. It was a startling affect seeing as how Inuyasha had been the only inu-youkai she knew to have ever shown such depth of feelings in his eyes; it left her wondering if Iyashii only appeared to be a dog demon.

 

Kagome came to believe that he was very different from the demons she knew because he seemed to appreciate the things around him. Much like Kuro's son had, Iyashii had impressed her with his knowledge of poetry on the few occasions he had stumbled upon her in Rin's garden.

 

There was still something about him that made her keep him at arms length. It was almost as if some part of her whispered a warning each time Iyashii was near. Some part of her believed the inu-youkai was trying way to hard to get close to her and she wondered why.

When he had asked to be allowed to join them on this trip, Kagome had swiftly told him that it was a females only trip, meaning that only Kikyo, Sango, and their children would be accompanying her since their husbands were away at the time. He had accepted it without complaint, but Kagome could see a hardening to his eyes that she really didn't like at the time. This only made her suspensions of him grow stronger.

 

“Wadys `a'ome,” Nobara clambered clumsily into Kagome's lap, drawing the young miko from her thoughts. A smile tugged at the corner of her lips when the toddler presented her with a smooth white pebble from a streambed. “Me ound dis fer oos.”

 

Not really understanding the small child, Kagome looked to Sango for a translation of the child's language. It never ceased to amaze her that Sango could effectively interpret the jumbled mass of words to form actual words.

 

“She said she found it for you.” Sango grinned watching Kagome gently take the pebble from Nobara's outstretched palm. The young miko hugged the little girl, thanking her for the beautiful jewel before sending the delighted child back outside to play with the other children.

 

“How do you do it Sango?” Kagome asked as she watched Nobara run outside with a tiny giggle of mischief. “How do you understand her so clearly yet all I hear is gibberish?”

 

“I guess mothers are just given the ability on the day their children are born.” Sango shrugged.

 

“Do not worry Kagome,” Kikyo added, she was smiling at the young woman's confusion at the relationship between mother and child. “You will slowly learn to understand the girl. Its just a matter of listening carefully to her.”

 

“I'm glad you two know the secret.” Kagome chuckled as she looked back to them. They were in the process of helping Kaede prepare the evening meal. The old miko sat carefully chopping up the herbs that were to go into the pot. Even mostly blind, the older woman was surprisingly independent.

 

Kagome learned that women from the village often aided Kaede when someone fell ill or acted as her eyes and hands in the case of injuries. Kikyo had made the rounds in her sister's place and Sango had helped her gather a large supply of herbs for Kaede.

 

When the older woman had learned that Kikyo was teaching Kagome to become stronger, she had applauded their combined efforts and praised the two women for finally coming to terms with each other.

 

A sudden sensation swept through her and instantly Kagome was on her feet. Beside her Kikyo went rigid and Sango, picking up on the tension in her friends went to get the bone boomerang that leaned against the back wall. Kikyo held her bow tightly in one hand as she swept aside the mat; the other two women following close behind her.

 

A demon lingered on the outskirts of the village and seemed to be waiting for something to happen. The three women cautiously went to meet the unwelcome visitor, the knowledge that if it were foe it would have already attacked by now playing on their minds.

 

There they were surprised to see a very irritated bear youkai pacing back and forth, snarling every once and a while at the frightened farmers who stared at him from their fields. The men had their farming tools at the ready, even stunned by fear, Kagome knew they would act instantly if Ozeki should attack.

 

“What brings you to this village, General Ozeki?” Kikyo demanded calmly. Her eyes had dulled to black glass as she stared at the bear without a hint of fear and Kagome was reminded of the undead woman she had been back before the jewel was destroyed. Delicate claws flexed around the bows shaft, drawing Kagome's attention back to the growling oaf that remained defiant looking even under the demoness' cold glare.

 

“Lord Sesshomaru has sent me to retrieve the human miko,” Ozeki replied. His lips pulled back in disgust as he spoke clearing letting everyone there know he did not like being treated like a common messenger. “There is an important issue he wishes to discuss with her.”

 

“Go tell him that I'll be there as soon as possible.” Kagome replied stepping from behind Kikyo. She knew her words would further enrage the demon but she couldn't help it. There was just something about the demon that made her want to torment him as much as possible.

 

“You're coming with me now,” Ozeki growled threateningly as he stepped closer. Kikyo was quicker though, her bow snapping up with an arrow aimed straight at the bear's heart. The arrowhead glowed with the deep blue light of her miko powers causing the bear to back down.

 

“She will leave as she pleases bear.” Kikyo replied in a deadpan voice that sent chills down Kagome's spine. “Do not presume to order about one of Kagome's standing.”

 

“Its alright Kikyo,” Kagome reached out to slowly push the arrow toward the ground. Kikyo let her knowing that the younger woman had somehow become attached to the arrogant bear. Inuyasha had told her all about the taunts the two had slung at one another on the journey back from the Northern Lands. “I'll go. It must be important if Sesshomaru sent him.”

 

“As you like, Kagome.” Kikyo relaxed visibly though her eyes never strayed from Ozeki's. “But if he does anything to harm you, I will hunt him down and make him regret it.”

 

“Do not threaten me, wench!” Ozeki warned stepping closer. His anger gleamed in the ebony depths of his eyes and Kagome shook her head.

 

“It's not wise to threaten the mate of Sesshomaru's brother, bear.” Kikyo replied unaffected by the bear's display. Behind her Sango looked from one person to the other feeling at a loss of what was going on. If she didn't know any better, Sango would swear the two women were ganging up on the demon bear just for the sheer fun of it.

 

“Hurry up and get ready.” Ozeki growled storming away to plop down beneath a large tree to wait. His arms crossed over his chest and he looked away, his nose rising in the air as if he no longer felt the need to concern himself with the three women.

 

“Don't he remind you of someone else?” Kagome giggled softly as the three turned back to Kaede's hut.

 

“Oh yeah,” Sango replied trying to keep the laughter from her voice.

 

“Unfortunately.” Kikyo added thoughtfully than looked at Kagome with curiousness. “Is this perhaps the reason you have taken a liking to this youkai? Because he reminds you of Inuyasha?”

 

“That maybe part of it,” Kagome replied hesitantly. She really had not taken the time to think about it, she just went with her instincts. “But I think there's more to it than that. Something tells me I need to make friends with him even if I have to subdue him to do it.”

 

“Be careful with that one, Kagome.” Sango added casting a glance over her shoulder toward the waiting bear. “He makes me feel uneasy.”

 

“Don't worry Sango,” Kagome grinned, the sparkle of mischievousness in their blue depths causing the women beside her to groan softly. “I have a plan.”

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Thank you for all your reviews, you guys make this all worthwhile and I appreciate the time you have taken to let me know what you think. Much luv- DJ.