Tekeshi slammed open the door to Kiyoshi's private office then kicked it violently shut once he was inside. The door unable to withstand the abuse cracked loudly then hung at a strange angle…totally destroyed.

Kiyoshi winced inwardly although on the outside his expression didn't change. Silently he wondered why his brother had to be so violent all the time. The door had done nothing to him, and now he was going to have to replace it.

However due to today's events Kiyoshi had anticipated this reaction from the hanyou and had prepared the bar.

Kiyoshi waited quietly with some of Tekeshi's favorite gut burning poison in hand as his brother calmed down enough to realize it was for him. Without a word Tekeshi took the liquor and downed the shot in one gulp.

Instantly another shot was handed to him.

"Tekeshi I hope you don't plan on getting to drunk today. We have much to talk about."

Kiyoshi sipped his own drink eyeing his brother over the glass rim. Tekeshi 'fehed' and downed his newest drink just to be rebellious.

"OK…"

Tekeshi started uncertainly, his voice had an exhausted tired edge to it that came with the extreme mood swings Tekeshi was known to have. He ran a clawed hand through his hair.

"What the fuck was that earlier!"

Tekeshi was upset and his way of showing it was by cursing and being loud. After 5 hundred years Kiyoshi knew his brother and his moods pretty good.

Kiyoshi remained calm although he to felt slightly unnerved. Well actually he was down right frightened by what had happened earlier. However he couldn't let his brother know that. He had to remain the calm one, or nothing would get done.

"I'm not sure. A Human Miko perhaps?"

"Miko my fucking ass! That was no Miko…to much power."

Kiyoshi shrugged, truth was he didn't know what that power had been. The closest he could guess was it was human.

Yes that power was human. Although…I don't understand what kind of human has that kind of power.

"I agree…but where does that leave us then brother? I take it you couldn't find anything."

Tekeshi grumbled and looked at his shot glass longingly as he plopped down on the sofa. However Kiyoshi had put away the booze not wanting Tekeshi to drink too much. A drunk Tekeshi was normally a very violent one. And while Kiyoshi was always up to a good fight…now was not the time.

"No…the power hide itself to quickly. I had barely gotten over the shock of having my shield penetrated like that before it was gone. The power was close though…in our lands I think."

Kiyoshi sipped his drink his face emotionless; what Inuyasha was saying went along with his own thoughts. He then smiled showing his white human looking teeth.

"Which by Demons codes would make this power ours brother."

"FEH, I hope you don't expect the other Demon Lords to follow the codes this time."

For good measure and to vent frustration Tekeshi chucked his glass at the wall. It shattered with a loud crack. Kiyoshi raised one graceful eyebrow.

"Was that necessary brother?"

"Ah fuck off. As I was saying, the other demon lords won't give a shit about the codes in this case. They'll send every demon they got to come and steal this human from us. And lets not forget the Hunters as well."

"Do you really think the other Lords would risk our wrath for a human?"

"God damn it Sesshoumaru!"

Kiyoshi jerked as Tekeshi said his birth name. Out of habit and a bit nervously he checked the shields to his office. It was holding strong…so the Hunters could not hear them. Despite the shields saying a demon's name was just pressing ones luck. Tekeshi saying his name out loud was worse than a slap in the face.

He growled in angry, but also something else. Tekeshi voicing his real name meant he was serious; it was his way to get across to Kiyoshi…the grab his attention.

Kiyoshi pulled in his anger; they would have a talk about this later. Right now the power was all that mattered.

"That was not needed Inuyasha!"

Now it was Tekeshi's turn to jerk and look around nervously. He met his brother's eyes and for a moment a battle of wills engaged. It finally ended when Tekeshi grunted and looked away.

"Kiyoshi…this human, he can be the death of us all. Whoever gets a hold of him will be able to rule everything! Don't you see that! The other Demons Lords will risk our wrath for that kind of power."

Kiyoshi growled now annoyed that Tekeshi would seem it necessary to point out something so obvious.

"Of course I can see that brother! But…I suppose your right…about the Lords that is. Codes will not matter much in this case."

Tekeshi stood up and poured himself another drink. Ignoring Kiyoshi's censuring look. He could get drunk if he damn well pleased.

"What can we do Kiyoshi? We have nothing to go by, no leads, no idea who or what this power is?"

Kiyoshi's eyebrows drew together in thought.

What they needed was somebody who knew the land well. Who knew the humans that lived here and might have an idea who the power was? Someone in the underground dealings of the land would be a plus.

If it was any indication the powers disappeared suggested the maker wasn't someone they could sense out of hiding. They needed hands on detective work. And he knew just the two youkai's to send.

"We'll send Yasashiku and Renjiro. They might be able to find something. They've done good work in the past."

Now it was Tekeshi's turn to raise his eyebrows.

"They've never worked together before. Are you sure they won't try and kill each other instead of help? Besides isn't Yasashiku already on assignment."

"They will be fine, and yes Yasashiku's on assignment, but it won't be a problem. As soon as you approach your wench then he won't be needed to look after her."

Tekeshi coughed on his drink sputtering in anger.

"YOU had Yasashiku SPYING on KAGOME!"

"Not spying dear brother, looking out for. Kagome is a Miko after all and it would do no good if the Hunters found her."

Tekeshi put down his drink and glared at his brother.

"Kagome is properly shielded, so is the well. No one would be able to sense her. That was low brother sending that little…little…that BAKA to watch over her without telling me!"

Kiyoshi shrugged not really wanting to argue about it.

"By the way Brother…you don't suppose your Miko could be the power source do you?"

"Huh?"

Tekeshi's eyes grew wide in surprise at the bold statement. He suddenly burst out laughing at the ridiculous idea.

"I take that as a no?"

Still laughing Tekeshi managed to croak out.

"AHHAHAH no way! HEHE Kagome's strong but not that strong hehe…ah thanks Kiyoshi I needed that laugh."

Kiyoshi shrugged.

"Just a thought, if I remember right she was extremly strong for a Miko…not to mention she's untrained."

Tekeshi's eyes narrowed a dangerous glint sparkling in their amber depths. He spoke his voice low and flat with emotion.

"Leave Kagome alone. I don't want her involved in this."

Kiyoshi's face softened a moment. He felt bad for his brother he really did. But there was no way that Kagome could 'not get involved' even if Inuyasha kept his distance…which he didn't plan to do. Either the Hunters…or some demon would find her sooner or later.

Her only chance as it was, was to become the mate of Inuyasha and thus be somewhat protected. Even then she was in danger…for if they did mate then Inuyasha would become a target. If he died she would no doubt be found.

There simply weren't many opinions for the young woman and his brother.

"I'm sorry Brother, but her being a Miko makes her 'involved'. The best we can do is protect her from the Hunters. I know you plan to do this…even if it means your life."

Tekeshi 'fehed' and looked away.

"Its all good for you brother. You'll finally get ride of me."

Kiyoshi shrugged again, that was just bring up old grudges there. He hadn't tried to kill his brother in over 5 hundred years. But Inuyasha still had it in his head that he planned on taking him out someday.

"Anyway back to the problem at hand. I'll send both Yasashiku and Renjiro to look for anything unusual. If anyone can find out something those two can."

Kiyoshi considering the conversation over turned to pick up the phone and telling his secretary to book appointments for the two Youkai's.

"What about Noriyuki?"

Kiyoshi tensed his knuckles cracking softly at the sound of that name. He gently set the phone back down and turned toward his brother. His facial mask was back on so Tekeshi could see nothing in his expression. But Kiyoshi wasn't the only one who knew his brothers moods.

"He's in the United States studying. Why do you ask?"

Kiyoshi asked his voice dull and lifeless.

"Noriyuki has the power of sight Kiyoshi. He might be able to see the source of the power."

"No."

"No?"

Kiyoshi bared his fangs in an angry scowl.

"You know as well as I do Tekeshi he doesn't like using that power. Its dangerous and uncertain."

Tekeshi raised his hands in surrender.

Damn he's still so touchy. Why not use Noriyuku.

At the very least they wouldn't get any good information. At the best they would have a face…or even a name to the power.

Hope you don't mind bro…but I think I might pay a visit to the states.

Tekeshi thought that thought over for a moment. Involving Noriyuku was a sure fire way to turn his brother against him. The baka was so sensitive when it came to the boy.

Maybe I should rethink that. This is no time for us to become enemies. I'll just have to bug him about it later.

"Sorry, forget I mentioned it."

Kiyoshi glared at his brother not trusting how easily he had given in. Usually the stubborn hanyou argued for a while.

"When are you going to approach your wench?"

"As soon as she comes back…she went through the well today."

Kiyoshi nodded before handing Tekeshi the whole bottle of whiskey.

The Hanyou smiled and like a barbarian took a gulp straight from the bottle.

"Now that business is taken care of. Get out of my sight."

Tekeshi mockingly saluted his brother before leaving. As he opened the door on his way out he glanced at it. He then stated smoothly with a smirk.

"Brother, you really shouldn't abuse your doors like this. They're expensive to replace."

"Get out!"

Kagome looked up at the almost full moon. It was bright casting its soft light all over the land. She sighed and snuggled deeper into her sleeping bag. The sounds of her companions breathing and the warm crackling fire were a comfort that she deeply needed right now. Shippou shifted slightly at her movement but didn't stop his cute little snores. If anything he gripped her side more tightly.

Kagome's mind whirled with emotions and thoughts she didn't really understand. She was stunned to put it lightly that youkai did exist in her world.

How do I tell them? Should I tell them? If Inuyasha knows that youkai do exist in my time then he won't let me go home anymore. He'll think it to dangerous for me to go alone. I don't want that. I don't want to be afraid in my own time.

Hmmm I wonder what modern youkai are like. That Kiyoshi wasn't causing any problems. In fact he was helping the school. Giving the school some much needed money. That's just a disguise though. The question is does he act like a youkai when humans aren't looking. I suspect modern youkai have to be more careful. Humans aren't as helpless in my time. We have dangerous weapons and such.

Maybe modern youkai aren't dangerous.

Kagome sighed again and draped a comforting arm around Shippou bringing the little kit closer to her.

He was so tiny and cute. Like sleeping with a warm stuffed animal.

The thought of Youkai's not being dangerous isn't that unbelievable. Look at Shippou…hell look at Inuyasha. He wouldn't hurt a human unless they gave him no choice. Maybe youkai's are more like him?

Still Kagome could not make herself feel right about it. She had felt the energies of the youkai's and of those strange humans. Very few had been friendly. Most had scared her beyond believe. So much that she had left the school and came straight here. Scared her so much that even the test in Geometry hadn't mattered. All she could think of was getting away. Of being safely within Inuyasha's, Sango's and Mirokou's reach.

But mostly Inuyasha's…

The youkai…Kiyoshi hadn't felt so terrifying. In fact he felt strangely familiar. I wonder who he was? I could almost see him...but then the others came. Damn it. I wish I knew more about my powers. I don't know how to really use them. Maybe I should ask Mirokou and Kaede to help? Knowledge is power right? And knowing and not needing is much better than not knowing and needing.

Maybe if I learn a little about my powers those energies I felt won't seem so scary?

Kagome yawned widely as she drifted to sleep happy with her choice. It wouldn't solve all her new problems but at least it was a step in the right direction.

Inuyasha watched without seeming to watch as Kagome thought over who knew what? After a while the girl from the future finally fell asleep. Allowing the hanyou to stare at her openly without fear of a sit.

Damn that wench. What is she hiding? Something is bothering her I know it. She never comes back early and in the middle of the day. In fact she didn't even have any treats for us this time. I could smell fear on her. But what would she have to fear in her world?

Gods I wish she would just tell me.

Inuyasha growled and forced his eyes closed. He knew better than to try and force whatever was bothering her out. She would sit him until he became a permanent fixture to the ground. It would do nothing but make her clam up, cause him a lot of pain, and start another argument which might make her want to go back home.

All in all he had found out the hard way it was best not to ask and wait until she was ready to tell him. However waiting was never one of his strong points. He felt that this bit of info was important. Kagome was not easily frightened.

Not knowing and thus not knowing what he had to protect her from was slowly driving him crazy.

No matter how crazy it drives me I can't ask her about it. I'll never learn anything that way. Maybe she'll tell me tomorrow after she's had a full nights sleep.

Sleep always makes bad things look better.

Yes I'll wait until tomorrow…I can wait that long.

Thus sated if not satisfied Inuyasha started a new train of thought. One that had more of late become promenate in his mind.

That thought was of Kagome herself.

He liked her. More than he was willing to admit, although recently he had been acknowledging his feelings to himself. One couldn't hide from feelings; deep down one knew how they truly felt. So now he knew how he felt, although the feeling itself was just plain confusing.

It made him do strange things, like want to do nice things for Kagome, want to say nice things…made him want to be with her.

Things he had never felt toward anyone before, not even Kikyou.

So he knew how he felt now…that was the first hurtle, all that needed to be done was decide where to go from there.

But that was where he encountered trouble.

He didn't know what to do. He was so unsure of himself. And feeling very guiltily that he was feeling anything for her to begin with.

He was supposed to be in love with Kikyou, not her reincarnation.

But…Kikyou didn't make his heart race, or his mind turn to mush whenever she spoke. Kikyou didn't smile, laugh or even cry for him. In fact Inuyasha couldn't really remember Kikyou with any other emotion on her face other than a serious sadness.

This realization that he didn't really love Kikyou had been hard for the hanyou. After all he had promised himself he would avenge her death and even go to hell with the dead miko afterward.

It had taken quite awhile and a lot of soul searching to understand…and to even forgive himself for his lies.

In the end he realized he couldn't help what fate had done to them. He had been the reason for Kikyou's death, but on the other hand it was Kikyou that had killed him as well. He had already given his life for her. She had killed him and he had stayed dead for 50 years…until Kagome came.

He had dead for Kikyou…he was now living for Kagome.

Everything would have been better if Kikyou hadn't be revived, but Inuyasha now understood things he had refused to see before. She was not really Kikyou but a substitute made of earth and bones.

It had been hard…to finally admit that Kikyou really didn't belong in this world. And that what he saw as Kikyou was in fact as Kaede said…a fake.

But when he had finally seen all of this…it was like a weight had been lifted. He no longer felt the burden of the dead.

His resolve to kill Naraku for the pain he had caused was still the same, but the ending to his quest now had a bright new light at the end. A chance at a happy ending instead of ending in hell.

It was awe inspiring to say the least.

But that left him in an awkward state.

He had no idea how to tell or show Kagome his changed heart.

Why bother? What makes you think she would even go for you, nothing but a stupid Hanyou. A hanyou that had hurt her more than anyone should be hurt. She shouldn't even want to be around you, much less be with you in that way.

Why would she want a half demon anyway? She's human…she would want a human right?

Inuyasha shifted uncomfortable as the first signs of sleep started to overcome him.

She's not even from your world. Why would she want to stay here with you? She had certainly made it clear you weren't welcome in her world. Kagome is smart, sweet, caring and pretty…no beautiful. Why would she want or need you. I'm sure she has plenty of human guys to choose from in her world.

Inuyasha felt a small growl touch his throat at the thought of other guys even looking at Kagome. However he couldn't really argue with his inner self. It rang all to true, it made sense to him.

Hmm perhaps I'll ask Mirokou…or even Kaede what to do. Kaede's helped before and Miroku while leachous seems to know a little about woman. Couldn't hurt to at least ask.

Inuyasha yawned wide his fangs flickering from the light of the fire.

Tomorrow I'll ask.

Renjiro shifted uncomfortably as he waited for Lord Kiyoshi's secretary to let him into the boss's office. His discomfort had nothing to do with his seating, or with his present company.

The chair that adorned Lord Kiyoshi's waiting room was made of reddish leather and very nice, and Lord Kiyoshi's secretary was even nicer (on the eyes that is) what was really bothering him was the wait; in fact it was killing him.

Renjiro shifted again so that only his 'good' side showed to the pretty blonde.

Kiyoshi's secretary was cute. To relieve some of his tension he had made small talk with her and flirted a little. Although sadly he was in no condition for any serious gaming.

He was too nervous and unsure what to expect from the boss-demon.

After all it was unusual to be commanded to meet Kiyoshi-sama so suddenly.

Man I hope I haven't done anything wrong this time.

Renjiro sighed and wished not for the first time, that he had never met Tekeshi. The hanyou was proving to be a pain in the ass several times over.

I shouldn't say that. I'm alive now because of him. Well what other youkai can say they know personally a hanyou and his real name. I'm lucky Kiyoshi doesn't melt me to death for that knowledge.

Renjiro's eyes widened slightly. Oh boy he hoped that Kiyoshi hadn't suddenly changed his mind about that. What if he wanted to kill him now?

That would explain the sudden summoning.

Na man…Tekeshi wouldn't let his brother do that…(gulp) I hope.

Renjiro ran a hand through his short red hair.

His human disguise was that of a teenager about 15 or 16 years. He was older than that really; in fact he was almost as old as Tekeshi although not nearly as powerful. He was in fact a rather weak demon, one who relied on wits instead of strength.

Anyway although he was older the age matched his personality. He after all still considered himself young. And with his energy level it made sense that he would have a young disguise.

He looked like a rather cute although not necessarily handsome kid. His best feature in his mind was his stunning blue eyes. Which he was proud to say were really his own.

It also helped in his line of work (can we say spying) that he was small and thin. Thus usually he was over looked…or not seen at all.

"Renjiro!"

Renjiro nearly jumped out of his skin as Tekeshi shouted out his name.

Renjiro readied a smile for his old friend but it froze on his face as he smelled that his old friend was a little to drunk for comfort. He eyed the almost empty bottle of whiskey and wondered at that. Tekeshi hardly ever drank…usually saving it for special occasions or when he was stressed beyond believe.

Renjiro gulped and shot a glance toward the secretary.

She looked just as startled at Tekeshi's condition as he was. She gave him a concerned look in return and picked up the phone. No doubt warning Lord Kiyoshi of his brother's…intent.

"Wher..ee..you been you little brat."

Even as drunk as he was Tekeshi was still a lot faster than Renjiro could ever hope to be. So before he knew it the demon found himself in a headlock. His eyes bulged as Tekeshi proceeded to bop him on the head several times.

"Tekeshi stop it!"

The bops stung but thankfully Tekeshi was still coherent enough not to hit him to hard. However Renjiro didn't really like being embarrassed like this in front of the cute mouse demoness. So he started to get a little mad.

"PUT me down! TEKESHI!"

Renjiro winched as the bopping started to get harder. If he didn't do something quick this might become painful for him. Tekeshi was known among his small circle of friends to be a rather…hmm how should he say this? He wasn't a nice drunk.

Renjiro steadied himself as he went about plan b. Plan A had been to tell the jerk to stop. And well that wasn't working. So plan B was his only option.

He just hoped Tekeshi was wasted enough to fall for it. If not then Renjiro was in for a painful beating.

"KAGOME, HE'S BEING MEAN TO ME!"

He screamed out while using one of his talents and changing his voice to sound like a kid.

Tekeshi's eyes went wide and out of habit he dropped Renjiro unceremoniously onto the ground.

Gotcha you jerk. Even after 5 hundred years you're still scared of a 'sit'.

Tekeshi unbalanced by his sudden movements fell over heavily into a plant. The vase that held the plant broke spilling soil all over the floor and all over the hanyou, while the plant itself fell onto his head.

Renjiro straightened his shirt and shot the mouse demon a smile and winked at her. She blushed a nice shade of pink before saying he could go in now.

Renjiro nodded to her and went inside…vaguely noticing that the door was a mess. His mind was instead on the mouse, and on reminding himself to get her number on the way out.

"Renjiro, so glad you could make it on such short notice. I take it Tekeshi didn't give you to much trouble?"

Renjiro bowed low to his Lord his mind now on business.

"The jerk is drunk."

Renjiro's voice expressed his thoughts and feelings on that subject to a T. Kiyoshi sighed and rubbed his temple as if to ward off a headache.

"Yes he is."

Whether Kiyoshi was agreeing that Tekeshi was drunk, or a jerk was still up in the air. It was possible he was agreeing on both things.

Renjiro smiled as Kiyoshi-sama totally ignored the fact that he had just called his little brother (and Renjiro's boss) a jerk.

Kami he loved working here, where else could you get away with all the crap he pulled.

"Don't worry Renjiro I'll take care of him right after this meeting. First I would like to give you an assignment."

Renjiro's eyes widened. An assignment…a real fucking assignment. Ah man the gods had looked upon him and smiled today!

Kiyoshi reading Renjiro's excitement allowed his eyes to soften a little at the demon. It was truly amazing that a demon 5 hundred years old could remain so childlike.

However Kiyoshi knew that he was more than just that. He was reliable, trustworthy and furiously loyal to Tekeshi. In fact the hanyou was almost like a father, or maybe older brother to the demon. After all Tekeshi had been the one to raise and train him.

"Renjiro, I'm sure you felt the strange power surge earlier today."

"Hai."

Renjiro's excitement turned to a shudder as he remembered the fear that the power caused within. He had been spying on some Hunters at the moment, and had been terrified that they would see him like the power could.

Thankful it had passed and no one noticed him. Despite being weak Renjiro's shields were some of the best around, thanks to his lords.

That was another reason he loved working here. What other Lord would spend so much energy on a weak fox demon…even one that had proved himself able to gather important info.

"Well anyway, I'm teaming you up with Yasashiku."

At this Renjiro winched. So much for his good fortune.

"I know you two don't like each other, but get over it!"

Kiyoshi's voice held a deadly tone to it that Renjiro hadn't heard since before Tekeshi and him 'made up'. Renjiro gulped and nodded.

"I want you two to find out anything you can about this power. Try also to see if other demons or Hunters know anything. This power came from these lands so it belongs to Tekeshi and I. That is all, Akasuki will give you the need information."

Renjiro nodded, excited, scared and happy all at once.

Excited because he finally was getting a real assignment, scared because of the Lords tone, and happy…well he was happy because the Lord had just given him the name of that cute demon out front.

Maybe I can try and land a date before Yasashiku shows his ugly face.

20 minutes, one date set…and a snoozing dirt covered Tekeshi (with the plant still on his head:) later, Renjiro left the office of Kiyoshi…feeling good about the world and about himself.

Shippou my man, you're just to good!