InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ This Sesshoumaru Needs Not A Mate - ON HOLD ❯ PART FIFTEEN ( Chapter 15 )

DISCLAIMER - The ownership and general brilliance that is the original Feudal Fairy Tale remains the property of its honored and rightfully revered creator Rumiko Takahashi without whose brilliance,we would not have fodder.

Edited by: Meara

Reviews are fuel.

 

EP

 

Japanese Phrases/Words Used In Part Fifteen

 

Kotodama-no-Nenju - necklace of subjugation

 

Saya - Scabbard (sheath for the Katana/Sword)

 

Tokonoma - Tokonoma first appeared in the late Muromachi period (14th-16th century).It is a small raised alcove in a washitsu - a Japanese style room with a tatami floor, where decorative scrolls are hung, and may include Ikebana (arranged flowers) displays. The tokonoma and its contents are essential elements of traditional Japanese interior decoration.

Part Fifteen - This Sesshoumaru Needs Not A Mate

The endless, rhythmic clacking of Inuyasha's claws on the lacquered rosewood surface was beginning to get on the Western Lord's nerves. Tea had been served to the little band of warriors and an uncomfortable silence ensued as the Taiyoukai sipped his sake, making no move to begin the conversation. The Miko, on the other hand, had busied herself with serving tea. Dismissing the servants politely but for one attendant, she chatted amiably with her friends and avoiding the obvious.

Sesshoumaru noted Megumi and the serving-maids had not awaited his response, but bowed and left without his express consent. They left at the Miko's behest.

`Somewhat annoying, yet intriguing also,' he mused. Already, seemingly by osmosis, the priestess had gained their loyalty. The Miko's wishes were followed just as their Master's. Was it possible they already saw the inevitable? That the Miko was to be their Lady??

Amber eyes veiled in long thick lashes watched the Kagome's deft movements and her casual manner with her friends. She was clearly the alpha, not Inuyasha, but she did it with grace and simple kindness. There was a tacit understanding of this, though, if asked, none would be able to define what it was.

She was their conscience, the binding force, their naohi or as some would call it, the cog in the proverbial wheel of their current existence. Inuyasha, on the other hand, was raw nerves mixed with courage; not always embracing foresight in his quixotic endeavors. That was the shared purview of both the Miko and the Houshi. She by instinct, and his by careful inculcation, and a life history that spoke of studied manipulation of the forces within him and the teachings of his sect. Miroku had learned by trial and error that vengeance was always been best served cold. His family's ill-fated history had taught him as much.

The Taiyoukai began to reflect once more about the differing aspects of the jewel. `These beings were individual facets, if the scroll was accurate. Where did each fit? What were their gifts? For that matter, where did he fit? What of Naraku's silence?' he thought, raising the sake cup to his lips. Taking in its delicate, comforting scent, as it touched his lips with much needed warmth, the liquid eased down his throat, warming him internally.

He did not quite feel himself yet.

sks

Shou lit additional lanterns carefully as the Taiyoukai watched with a raised brow. The servant's hands were shaking. The priestess had been making particular efforts to make Shou comfortable of late, even make a point of engaging him in quiet conversation each time she saw the elderly servant.

`Needlessly,' the Western Lord thought. The Miko did waste a great deal of time making efforts with those he deemed servile and not worthy of his attention.

Not one for exercising patience or decorum, Inuyasha decided to get the little confab started.

“Kagome…what gives?” said Inuyasha as he pushed his fragrant jasmine tea away, almost spilling it on the polished rosewood surface of the low table with his abrupt movement. Miroku sighed as he raised his tea to his head and sniffed delicately at the pleasant aroma before swallowing.

“Inuyasha, you should try it. The flavor is delicate and it has a clean, aromatic finish. It might help your nerves, as well,” said the houshi pointedly, always dismayed at the hanyou's abhorrent table manners.

Inuyasha merely glared at the priest sitting next to him, promising all manner of unspeakable pain to his person, if he did not shut it, before returning his attention to the female seated across from him and Snotty Pants next to her.

Sesshoumaru's thigh touched her knee gently, and she looked up at him with a thankful half smile before returning her gaze to the hanyou who looked fit to burst. He had seen the slight yet intimate, reassuring contact.

Placing the pot back on the serving tray gently, Kagome inhaled. It had been inevitable, she did not even understand completely herself but she would share what she and the Taiyoukai knew.' Enough stalling,' she thought.

“Well, the covered parchment I received from Kaede and Miroku contained two things. A letter from my Otousan and a feather that is to be given to my Jii-Chan when we, meaning Lord Sesshoumaru and I, go back through the well. The letter is kind of complicated but suffice it say, he said we will defeat Naraku but not before retrieving some key items from my side of the well,” she said, knowing the explanation would not do, but at least it was a start.

Inuyasha unfolded his legs and stood, trying to process the information.

“That's it? Nothin' else? What about the light show?” he said gruffly, continuing to stare at his brother who seemed uncaring of the tantrum that would undoubtedly occur any moment now if his irascible younger sibling did not get an answer to his liking.

Inuyasha's face brightened with a quirk of his lips. He had found a sticking point. “How exactly is Icicle Prince supposed to get through the well? I'm the only one, other than you, that can,” he said smugly, folding his arms with satisfaction and smirking at the Taiyoukai, who glared at him in turn.

“Inuyasha…” said Miroku, with a tone that indicated he needed to calm down now. This was meant to be a civilized discussion not a personal session of `Bait the Western Lord.'

Kagome raised one delicate hand, indicating he need not worry. She was going to address the question.

Inuyasha merely glared at the Houshi and was about to continue his barrage of questions, when Kaede spoke.

“They will tell us what we need to know. Ye are far too impatient young one,” the elderly woman said quietly, as she stroked Rin's hair. For some reason, Rin who was usually hyperactive had become rather passive in her lap, sucking her thumb fast asleep.

The Taiyoukai's eyes took in his ward's habit meditatively with a slight tick to his right eye. `I really must see about breaking her of that most, unsuitable habit,' he thought. His brows furrowed trying to remember something she had said. His new stream of consciousness was interrupted by the prowling half-breed whose scent was becoming unsettling. He was due for one of his classic outbursts unless the Taiyoukai stopped him in his tracks. Willfully ignoring the hanyou, he sipped his sake recounting the moment shortly after Rin entered his quarters, as he kept an eye on the other members of the tachi.

Miroku was playing the patience card. The taijiya, on the other hand, proved interesting. He could scent her nervousness. The demon lord could tell she remained unsure of what exactly had happened, but she also was trying to wait, despite her need to know. She knew her friend needed time to gather her thoughts. Kirara had been with her family for generations and was loyal to those she served.

`Could that mean the demon slayer's family was connected to the ancient miko, Midoriko?' reflected the Western Lord. He watched the hanyou begin to stalk the tatami covered floor growing more impatient by the minute with all the poignant silences.

They did not have to wait long for the outburst.

“Look, Kaede, I know you are in on this, but I want to know about what I saw!” he said gruffly as he towered over the healer somewhat menacingly.

The Taiyoukai had had enough and decided to nip his younger sibling in the bud.

“Inuyasha, keep your voice down. Rin sleeps. This Sesshoumaru also remains unsure of what happened. You will give the Priestess an opportunity to gather her thoughts on the subject and you will speak with respect to the elder miko. Sit down,” the Lord said.

Inuyasha merely snorted and folded his arms diffidently, but remained behind the elder miko. He had no intentions of obeying any commands, from anyone, especially not the likes of Lord Snotty Drawers.

“You are a Taishou, though this Sesshoumaru loathes admitting this. Act it!” hissed the Western Lord in a quiet icy tone.

The demon Lord flicked his wrist so the silk of his sleeves would recede sufficiently to allow him to reach for the bottle of warmed sake. He poured another steaming cup, never once looking up at his chastised sibling.

The room became still as everyone held their breath in anticipation of the impending fracas between the brothers.

At first, Inuyasha merely remained standing with very wide shocked eyes. All that was heard was the slow grinding of his teeth in anger. With an unrepentant flick of his mane as he glare daggers at his brother, he strode towards the Kagome's other side, and threw himself on the only remaining zubaton pillow. With nary a word just a low growl, “Well? How is Shit Face going to get to the other side?” the half-breed said under his breath.

“To answer your question about Sesshoumaru-sama, Inuyasha, apparently, that little problem has been rectified. He now shares something. I don't really know what but he is able to traverse time like you and I,” Kagome responded. There would be time enough to talk of the greatest revelation of all. This was not the right time.

Kagome felt the sudden spike of Sesshoumaru's jyaki when Inuyasha sat, and knew instantly there would be a fight. Before she could turn and rectify the situation, Sesshoumaru sent his cup of sake sailing across the room in displeasure, just missing Miroku's head. The cup shattered as it made contact with the granite surface of the fire pit, the sound of sizzling liquid filled the room. The Taiyoukai stood, prepared to teach the young half-breed his place. He had overstepped by his choice of seating and disrespectful words.

“Yeah, I'm scared Sesshoumaru. Care to do that in my direction?” said Inuyasha, who got to his feet to join the Western Lord in a staring match.

Kagome closed her eyes in annoyance. She had enough on her plate. How exactly was she supposed to make these two testosterone enhanced idiots co-operate with one another? The letter said something to that effect.

“Do not test me, you insolent pup.” said the Taiyoukai. “Consider yourself fortunate. I did not aim for you.”

“My Lord, Inuyasha, please,” Kagome said slowly, through gritted teeth. She felt her miko powers resurfacing in frustration. If necessary, she would create a barrier between them.

Despite the signs of foreboding and the crackling electrical surge within the room, coming from Kagome, they both selected to act like their canine antecedents fighting for their favored bone and supremacy; Kagome being the bone.

“Inuyasha…do not make me say it!” said Kagome as she stood quickly between both males.

The Miko's fists now glowed a pale pink with wisps of yellowish white jagged flashes akin to lightning that threatened to sear the tatami she stood on, with each word she spoke. Bolts from her hands caused Inuyasha to step back, as his fire-rat hitatare sparked. It wasn't to do that.

Miroku stood instantly, quickly joined by Sango, both acknowledging the anomalous color change in the miko's energy and its strength. Kaede looked on seemingly indifferently, continuing to stroke the silken locks of the Western Lord's ward. `She is stronger, and her powers rise unbidden. She will need greater control,' thought the ancient healer.

Kagome turned her face to Inuyasha as she pressed her body to the Taiyoukai in hopes that it would have the desired effect. It did. In fact, it had other effects too, she noted with a sudden secretive grin. Ruru was quite a happy little fellow it seemed; very unexpected under the circumstances. She leaned back against her fine smelling Taiyoukai in acknowledgement.

Sango watched the proceedings and noted with surprise something new about her sister by choice.

Kagome was working the dominant male with confidence. She chuckled under her hand softly as she began to blush, breaking the tension in the room with her soft musical laughter. One never knew how the Taiyoukai would react when challenged. Turning to look at Miroku, who rarely missed anything, her smile froze on her lips. Not only was he fully aware of the Miko's subtle sensual movements, the Houshi was far more interested in the effect her body's touch had on the demon Lord. Finally, tearing his gaze away, violet eyes acknowledging the Slayer's pointed glare. The Priest leaned down picking up his cup and began to sip with a lecherous smirk as he winked at the demon slayer waggling his brows. Apparently, the shiner she had given him recently had not been sufficient to quell his depraved tendencies.

Inuyasha sniffed with a horrified expression on his face.

“You two are disgusting, do you know that? We are trying to figure out shit and you two are busy touching like that,” he said waving one clawed hand about while he too blushed furiously. Looking very much like a chastised and very annoyed child staring at Kagome through his bangs, he sighed and sat. He could smell the scent of arousal, however mild, in the air. Even now, it was clear.

The Western Lord lips quirked almost imperceptibly as he read his brother effortlessly. It had not been lost on him that his scent of arousal had reached him; it was intentional. He could have masked his scent, but chose not to. Just a gentle reminder of whose palette the Miko now shared willingly and by all accounts permanently.

“Let's get on with it, then. So, what was with the lights, standing in it, and what was Kirara doing?” said the hanyou to no one in particular, choosing instead to look beyond the demon lord smug expression into the fire.

Despite his best efforts, a sense of jealousy got the best of him and he had no intentions of giving his elder sibling the satisfaction of seeing it, though he knew he could scent it.

Kagome sighed in relief as she felt the tension leave the Taiyoukai's body replaced by a proprietary cocky air. She would have to speak to him about pissing on his property at every available interval. The Priestess was no one's property. In this instance she would allow it…and to be honest, she had no issue with being his property as long as he understood, he was hers too.

“I could always bring back a tape measure for you both. That might solve the problem,” she said in frustration as she folded her yukata delicately and returned to her knees, now that the stand off was over, for now.

Miroku and Sango followed suit.

Off in a dark corner Shou mopped his brow. He had barely managed not to utter a sound as the cup went sailing in his general direction. He had seen his life pass before his eyes on more than one occasion that evening.

Shou's behavior did not go unnoticed by the Taiyoukai, though he was still working on the “tape measure” comment his Miko had made. It did not please him that the hanyou snorted at the comment, indicating he understood her meaning. This irritated the Taiyoukai immeasurably. They had shared much over the years, the hanyou was practically a member of her family, and understood her odd speech and references. His mind wondered to her family, and decided at the first opportunity, he was going to question her about them in detail. What little he knew was not enough for him to appear in her world without sufficient knowledge of his opponents. Though he would never admit this failing, he wanted to make a favorable impression on her mother most of all. He knew she was the key to deciphering the yet intangible aspects of the scroll she called letter.

Already he knew the elder Higurashi male would prove problematic, and did not particularly favor things and beings demonic. The young male; he would find common ground. To his knowledge, he was a young warrior in the making. That would prove sufficient for understanding. He would have to exercise patience and resist the urge to dispatch the incompetent and possibly senile elder male even if provoked. Then there was a cat demon she mentioned, fondly called Buyo, who apparently Inuyasha tortured at regular intervals. He would see how best to utilize this to his advantage. Perhaps, he could teach him how to defend himself against the irritating hanyou.

“Hn…” said the demon Lord, as he adjusted his yukata for comfort and discretion. No one else need know his current state due to close contact with his miko and her delicious scent. No bitch had ever had the ability to arouse him so easily.

So now the group sat in two distinct tiers. The Taishou clan sat in the honored seating position to the main wall with the elegant silk screen directly behind Kagome of the Inu-no-Taishou on the tokonoma.

Though it had not been intentional, both Taishou males sat on opposite sides of the Miko, slightly elevated above the rest of the tachi by virtue of the subtle slope of the room.

Miroku and Kaede exchanged glances. Both noted the seating position and smiled knowingly at one another. Already the fight for supremacy between the dog demon and his hanyou brother for the attention, affections and loyalty of the Miko that sat between, had begun. Kagome was oblivious, far too pre-occupied with how best to explain the letter and its meaning as she bit meditatively on her lower lip with furrowed brows.

Sango decided to get the conversation back on track.

“Kagome, what was Kirara doing here and Inuyasha did raise a good question. How exactly is the Western Lord to get through the Bone Eater's Well?” said the Taijiya.

Not privy to all except the Taiyoukai, a battle ensued under the low table between herself and the Houshi. The Slayer was currently exercising a vice like grip on the male hand which had been slowly creeping up her thigh suggestively, inspired undoubtedly by the amorous incident between the Miko and the Taiyoukai.

Sango had allowed the Houshi enough access to give him a false sense of security. His wayward hand slithered its way just a matter of inches from her crotch before she began to gouge his flesh with her nails. The demon-slayer would not help but feel satisfied as she heard the houshi groan in intense pain and something more, which caused her to look in his direction. She hoped she was wrong, but he sounded very much like he was enjoying the pain she was inflicting.

“Honestly Sango, I am not sure, but he can now. Kirara and the others did something to both of us, I think.” said the Miko, to the now bemused Taijiya, who had lost interest in her sister's answer to the long forgotten question.

The Taiyoukai looked from Priest to the Slayer with one raised, elegant brow as he downed his fresh cup of sake. How was it possible these two represented aspects of the jewel with their childish immature sexual antics? These ningen were strange indeed.

He turned to find Kagome staring at him with her own brow quirked as she watched him place the remaining sake cup back on the table delicately. Pointedly, the Miko shifted the sake container with pursed lips. It now sat closer to Miroku, as she glared at the Taiyoukai and cleared her throat to speak. He was drinking too much. She wanted him sober later when they returned to their chambers.

“Right, lets take this one step at a time,” she said, as she adjusted her bangs and placed a wayward tendril of hair behind one soft, pink ear.

“My Otousan was a seer and shortly after I was born found a means of traveling through the Bone Eater's Well. The letter contained a message about Naraku and how we, all of us in this room, could and would defeat him. Our grouping is not a co-incidence. Fate has had a hand.” There she had said it finally. Breathing out in relief, she leaned back against the Taiyoukai's shoulder closing her eyes, for a small respite. She was tired.

The silence that followed this simple statement was tangible. She felt all eyes on her and it made her feel rather small and unworthy, and yes, if she had to admit it, insecure of her statement.

That is, until she felt a warm, callused hand encircle her midsection and the scent of fresh linen overtaking her senses, pleasurably. It was sufficient to give her the strength to speak further.

Guilt made her look at the hanyou softly, and was surprised to find, he merely watched the interaction between his brother and herself. His eyes, always easily readable to his best friend, held no animosity; more so, his eyes willed her to go on.

She gave him a small smile of thanks for his unspoken support.

Kaede's lips quirked as she observed the new intriguing dynamic of the threesome, which they themselves did not comprehend. What she did know was both males were operating on instinct, but assuming their proper positions in defense of the Shikon-No-Miko. Kaede looked up at the scroll behind the miko and smiled.

Kaede was not the only one making this observation, the rather wise, and at times lecherous Monk, saw it, too.

“This begs the question, how did he get through the well dear priestess?” said Miroku, having recovered his now reddened hand from the grasp of his woman. He was sure had some of his flesh below her fingernails, if the four blood spots were anything to go by.

“That I don't know. Though I suspect Midoriko and Inu-No-Taishou might have had something to do with it,” said Kagome . She bit her bottom lip and furrowed her brow unsure of her supposition.

The statement caused an audible gasp from the collective. Even Inuyasha turned to look at her with shock evident in his beautiful and rather innocent sun-kissed eyes.

Sesshoumaru decided that he would also add to her statement,. His Mate needed his acknowledgement and support.

“The Miko is undoubtedly right, though difficult for this Sesshoumaru to understand at this time. “I felt my,” he paused, “our father's presence and two ningen of great power within the light.”

Kagome's head whipped in the Taiyoukai's direction looked up at Sesshoumaru in shock as she leaned away from him suddenly. She had not expressed her thoughts on the subject to him and he felt it all, too. Leaning back into him now comforted by his statement, the Miko opened her mouth to continue the explanation of their otherworldly experience.

“Our father?” Inuyasha said in small disbelieving voice. He looked very much like the young being he was in that moment and somehow vulnerable. He needed to hold on to his feelings of skepticism right now, otherwise other emotions would overtake him once more. Sesshoumaru had bested him again and managed to share a moment that he would never. His father remained a mythical being in his mind and he coveted intimate knowledge of him. For Sesshoumaru and his friend to be granted some kind of audience with him was enviable. The hanyou raised his eyes to the scroll behind the Miko, staring at the silken depiction of his father.

Kagome stretched her free hand out to him, and though he did not take it, the usually anger filled hanyou shook his head slowly. `He looks most like him,' thought the hanyou enviously as he stared at the Western Lord.

The demon lord merely returned his gaze dispassionately. He, too, missed nothing. There was a time and a place to taunt the irksome hanyou. This was not it. The Taiyoukai had seen the incredulity in his expression, but equally he saw the need for objective affirmation of what the Miko said, along with the hurt. Sesshoumaru rarely took the time to look at the half-breed objectively. He was much like their Chichi in appearance and their impassioned natures were alike.

“Yes Inuyasha, I felt the presence of our father,” said the Western Lord in his usual deep resonant baritone.

Kagome dropped her pro-offered hand slowly and decided to address the Houshi.

“We need to return to the other side of the well to get some answers from my family,” she said, “Not sure how my father was able to come through time, exactly. He obviously had help,” she said looking at Kaede pointedly.

“Ye are right child. Your father appeared in my hut in the middle of the night and he was accompanied by a demon chosing to remain outside,” the elder Miko said.

“Your father brought two things. The thick parchment you had in your possession and three magatama beads that have been strung on the kotodama-no-nenju Inuyasha now wears.” No one in the room noted her usage of the past tense.

Instinctively Inuyasha grabbed at the necklace, and glared at the healer in shock before getting to his feet.

“Exactly when were you going to tell me my father had something to do with this, old woman?!”

“In time. Ye have a bad habit of overreacting, like now,” said Kaede, with a wry smile on her face. The half-demon's slip of the tongue, had caused her to smile. He did not yet realize what he had said.

Kagome rounded on the Healer.

“Kaede? I thought it was originally made by Kikyou and given to me, to be able to ahhh, `deal,' with his mood swings,” said Kagome. She sat up straight, pushing the Taiyoukai away, abandoning the comfort of his touch to join Inuyasha in glaring at the Miko with her arms akimbo.

“What mood swings? I don't have mood swings!” Inuyasha said defensively selecting to glower at Kagome who was too busy glaring at the elder Miko to notice his righteously indignant stance.

“No offense Kaede, but what else are you not saying? Did you know about Kirara? Obviously Sango didn't. She would have told me,” said the miko, now feeling completely put out. Yes, she loved them, but there were obviously secrets that she was not privy to, and that irritated her to no end. Her quick temper was getting the better of her this night.

Miroku stood quickly behind the elderly Healer in tacit support. Though he was sure that Kagome would never physically have a go at her, he was not entirely so sure of the hanyou when riled.

Sango rose, unsure where she stood on the matter. She too, had a lot of thinking to do. Somehow, she also felt somewhat let down by the circumstances. She had always thought of Kirara as her exclusive companion, and it felt odd to know that perhaps the feline had another agenda all along.

Seeing the rising anger in the Priestess' eyes, Miroku thought it necessary to speak in defense of the elder Miko.

“Kagome, calm down. You are not the only one not clear on things. Neither Kaede nor Kirara would ever do anything to hurt you.” he said simply, “No one here would.”

That simple statement caught the Miko off guard, and instantly felt ashamed at her less than amenable thoughts towards Kaede, who had been the first to recognize her and accept her fully.

“I'm sorry. Right now I am somewhat confused. There was a lot in that letter to digest.”

“Ye know more than we do child,” said the healer somewhat apologetically.

Kagome folded her arms, and frowned at Kaede through her bangs, oblivious to the livid Taiyoukai that now stood near the tokonoma glaring at all concerned. If it was possible, the Taiyoukai was pouting; but that could not possibly be, that would require intense emotions. The Miko had ignored him and pulled away from him to join the hanyou in their joint inquisition of the elder Miko. What disturbed him most was the absence of his usual companion, his beast. By now, it should have been throwing a full on tantrum at the disloyalty its Mate was showing but it remained silent. `Disturbing to say the least,' he thought.

“Sango, how long has Kirara been with you?” said Kagome softly, deciding that there was no point in getting irritated with Kaede. Miroku was right.

“Why?”

“Kirara has to be over 600 years old, which I understand is nothing for a demon, but she was in contact with Midoriko, before you. That means, your meeting with her was not by chance, nor any that sit in this room for that matter. We have a mission, but before we can go further we must return. I hope by the time we return, we can answer more questions. Father mentioned that all of you represent one specific aspect of the jewel and that is what Naraku is not expecting. He has most of it but we can still defeat him and purify it because of that,” she said absently, touching the vial about her neck.

“We have a destiny,” the Miko said finally, looking up at the Taiyoukai, who wore a less than welcoming expression. Only he knew what she meant beyond the obvious.

“Yeah! Kill that fucker and get the jewel shards back!” said Inuyasha indignantly, as he furtively glared at his brother under his bangs. Unfortunately, the glare was lost on a near apoplectic Taiyoukai, who was busily watching the Miko with something akin to not so veiled anger, petulance and yes, hurt.

Inuyasha snorted softly. Kagome was not the only one that got it bad. `Lord Icicle Balls is besotted and feeling left out of the mix.'

The Taiyoukai turned and glared at the Hanyou with one raised elegant brow. His eyes became cold malevolent slits of citrine.

“The Miko and I will leave in the morning for the well. You will all remain in the shiro in our absence. Inuyasha, you will guard the Taishou stronghold in my absence.”

“What the fuck!? Who are you to give me orders?!” ground out Inuyasha, no longer finding the demon lord's current predicament amusing. He was clearly taking it out on him. He had no idea how to go about overseeing his lands, nor did he want to. The braggadocio of the cantankerous Hanyou hid, rather badly, one thing…fear. Fear of being found out.

Should he fail in this simple request, Lord Sesshoumaru would have definitive proof that he was wanting. Far better to feign indifference and enmity; if one's mettle was never tested, one could never be found lacking.

Kagome stood suddenly, acknowledging her pillow had been missing for some time and walked over to the Taiyoukai, who glared at her icily. Selecting to ignore his frigid expression, she pressed herself into his chest and breathing in his scent and felt the low rumble of acceptance privy to only one other set of ears.

“Inuyasha, we need you. We need each other. That was very much part of the letter, too. Each of you is more powerful than you can imagine,” said Kagome, not particularly paying full attention, as she suddenly noticed the absence of both Shippou and Jaken. The shift in her scent alerted the now pacified youkai lord. She had returned to him for solace, as it should be.

“Miko?” said the Taiyoukai, selecting to ignore the still grumbling hanyou.

“Shippou, is he still in his chambers?” she said finally, turning to her Taiyoukai with trepidation. The response to her question was a flash of midnight blue and silver heading for the doorway. He had gone.

“Relax, Kagome. Jaken had taken him to his quarters, after our meal. He was rather tired,. He had a rather eventful day and no one thought to wake him. You know he can sleep through anything,” said Miroku jovially, hoping his own apprehension was not evident in his voice.

Inuyasha, on the other hand, did heard the waver in the Houshi's voice, and after a bit more disgruntled fidgeting stormed out of the room to follow in the wake of the Taiyoukai. He had some questions for the son of a bitch and did not need witnesses. Inuyasha would never ever admit, he felt the tension rising off the Taiyoukai and the Miko at the mention of that bothersome little fox and had gone to help, if necessary.

sks

Inuyasha felt it as he rounded the corner leading into the inner sanctum of the honmaru; a barrier. Looking at the bridge, he noted Sesshoumaru had stopped also, taking stock of the anomalous presence.

Sesshoumaru saw it the minute he began crossing the moon bridge. There was a barrier but not of the kind the higher demonic forms created. It was entirely different, his claws lengthened in anticipation of a battle with an unknown foe.

A violet pearlescent glow crept from under the fusuma of the kitsune's quarters. Grounding himself, the lord stood on the bridge and extended his jyaki to better guide him in his approach. The sudden invasion of another's scent, specifically, that of the Hanyou's, made the Taiyoukai turn with one raised claw to his lips. Inuyasha understood.

Clamping his jaws shut and watching where the demon Lord's finger now pointed, Inuyasha quietly unsheathed Tessaiga. At the same time that Sesshoumaru felt the sudden pulsing of Tenseiga. The katana was not the Taiyoukai's preferred choice under the circumstances, Toukijin was. Grasping its hilt, he removed Tenseiga from its saya.

Pointing towards the fusuma's left, Inuyasha slipped away silently to take up the requested position. Somewhat surprised at the alacrity with which the Hanyou followed his lead, the Western Lord took up the opposite position at the sliding door. As though the entity within felt their presence, the pulsing light faded. Most peculiar of all, Tenseiga ceased pulsing also taking on a violet hue.

`Curious' thought the Taiyoukai, as he raised the blade for closer inspection, before, blankly staring at the Hanyou. It took him a moment to realize that Tessaiga also carried the same eerie glow.

His youki no longer picked up anything unusual. Shippou was at rest and he sensed no danger to the kitsune. Inuyasha sniffed and shrugged. Neither did he.

Something had been there. Not dangerous perhaps, but it had been with the kitsune. In reality, it had been with all. The Taiyoukai, turned to the bridge with a creased brow. They were approaching, and if he was right, the Miko was in the lead, followed distantly, by the Slayer.

Inuyasha sniffed, and re-sheathed Tessaiga. After looking at the blade once more, he folded his arms and began to tap his foot impatiently.

“Kagome,” they said in unison, surprising each other.

The Miko, came barreling around the corner breathing heavily, with her yukata held high off the wood flooring, showing far too much long shapely toned leg for the Taiyoukai's liking. Both males' eyes were transfixed, ogling her exposed flesh. One looked away with embarrassment and the other's eyes pinked with lust.

At first looking confused, Kagome followed the path of the Taiyoukai's eyes, and huffed in annoyance. She let go of the now crushed silky cotton, allowing it to skim the lacquered floor once more.

“Excuse me! Everyone has legs, so drop it! Where is Shippou?” she said, as she brushed past both stupefied males and opened the fusuma. The miko sensed nothing unusual just the still darkness, soft breathing and the sound of the waves, crashing against the shore beyond the shoji screen that obscured the chambers window. She breathed out in relief, and was about to turn when a soft purring caught her attention.

The light was dim in the room, her eyes, soon became accustomed to the light, or lack thereof, and approached the futon of the kitsune quietly. Unfortunately, her attempt at stealth was interrupted, by a sudden familiar blur towering in front of her, closely followed by a darting red flash to her other side.

“Kagome?” whispered Sango who had entered softly, the only other being that understood the young needed their sleep apparently.

“Sango, Kirara is here with Shippou,” said Kagome disbelievingly, deeply perplexed by the turn of events, though not discomforted by the feline's presence. Kirara had always protected the kitsune in sleep.

The red head yawned and snuggled into the cream colored, warm fur next to him, Something was different. He had not taken any additional covers to his palette? The fur moved, causing green eyes to open startled.

The kitsune bolted upright, and was somewhat shocked to see various shades of brown and gold peering down at him in his palette. The lantern had been lit as the Taiyoukai stood staring at him expressionlessly to the side of his palette. Inuyasha stood at the foot of the futon with his legs splayed prepared to pounce.

“Ka-aa---gggg-omeee?” said the kitsune stuttering, as he looked at her for an explanation. It was never a good thing to be on the receiving end of the Western Lord's vacant, cold expression nor, for that matter, the hanyou's suspicious glower.

Pushing past the Taiyoukai, the Miko sat on the edge of the kitsune's small, comfy futon and enfolded him in her arms, while she peered at the sleeping neko youkai. She had returned to her kitten form and curled innocently in sleepy repose.

“Kirara?” said Sango tentatively. She opened her arms, as the feline blinked her sleepy ruby orbs and stretched before leaping into Sango's arms and nuzzling her neck, purring softly.

The Priestess turned to Sesshoumaru, who understood the Miko's unspoken question.

“Nothing,” he said before leaving the room abruptly.

“Kagome? What the hell is he talking about?” said a now confused hanyou.

“Kirara isn't speaking to him anymore. He can no longer understand her,” she said as she kissed the equally confused kitsune's warm forehead.

“Meaning, he did?” said Sango in shock.

“Yes, earlier, she spoke to both Sesshoumaru-sama and I in the ancient language of her kind,” said Kagome tiredly. Each time, she thought she had a handle on things there was something new to digest.

“What did she say exactly?! I want details. No more of this pussy footin' around!” said Inuyasha, who was now tempted to leave the Miko in pursuit of the unforthcoming Sesshoumaru.

Shippou turned in her arms, staring at his adoptive mother with bottle green eyes, “What are you all talking about? Why are you all doing here?”

Kagome pulled him to her once more in relief. Guilt was the number one feeling she felt right now. Shippou had never entered her mind but for a short while before. Something could have harmed him and she would have been none the wiser. She would never let that happen again. Kissing him softly on the forehead, she smiled at him as he yawned sleepily rubbing his eyes.

“You go back to sleep. I will see you in the morning. You are going to have fun in the next few days. Inuyasha, Kaede, Sango and Miroku are going to stay with us for a bit. Sesshoumaru-sama and I have to go through the well, but we will be back soon. We are going to have lots to do when we return,” she said as she adjusted his pillows and covered him.

Inuyasha growled in frustration, but stopped when she turned and glared in his direction. He choose instead to storm out of the room, returning to his original objective, Lord Frigid.

“Someone around here needs to give me some answers now!” he said as a parting shot.

Shippou yawned again, and sleepily glared at the open shoji, “What's eating dog boy?”

“Nothing. You go back to sleep, honey.”

Nodding, a small fist pounded the pillow and sighed, before falling into a dreamless sleep. Tomorrow, the Taiyoukai had promised to begin teaching him how to defend himself regardless of the opposition's size.

Kagome looked up at Kirara and Sango and stood, heading for the open screen door.

Closing it once outside, both women stared at each other a little lost for words, as four warriors approached them with bowed heads. Kagome acknowledged them as Sango drew herself up instinctively. These were youkai and sworn enemies. The guards paired off, standing on both sides of the fusuma silently.

The priestess noted that more guards approached and stood respectively paired about the honmaru; specifically around the guest chambers. Now she knew where Sesshoumaru had gone. Commander Daichi was in a great deal of trouble, if he still lived.

Both women continued to walk back towards the hall. Kagome changed her mind and encircled her sister's waist with one arm and lead her towards her favorite spot, the sand garden. The night air was fresh from the light rain that had fallen, and left everything smelling clean and delicately fragrant. The pine scent particularly lifted her spirit.

Sitting on the vaguely damp, cool, granite bench, she pulled Sango to sit next to her trying to ignore the two guards that tried to follow as discreetly as possible.

“I know you would have told me if you knew anything Sango,” said the Miko quietly. She looked up towards the receding cloud cover that allowed the blue-black night sky to peek through with the light of stars.

Sango observed her friend of three years as she petted the neko curled peacefully in her lap. Though Kagome remained unaware, her posture was completely erect, and her profile pallid in the light offered by the partially in shadow moon. Her features were peaceful but in no way soft, almost expressionless. Her face gave nothing of her inner workings away. The Miko was waiting with a gentleness of force for a response. Kagome was adapting the manners of her Lord and Mate. Without realizing it, she was already the Lady of The Western Lands.

“Yes Kagome, I would have. While you are gone, I will do my best, though no one is left from my village or family to track our history. When you return, I will share what I have found,” said the taijiya politely.

The miko caught the slightly frigid tone, and decided to face her friend.

“Thank you, Sango. We need all the help we can get. Our victory is not assured. We all have a vital part to play,” she said as she reached into the lap of the demon slayer and stroked the diamond shaped marking on Kirara's head with a curious expression.

“Will you ever tell the rest of us what Inuyasha saw?”

A shift in the winds direction and a familiar scent caught the Miko's attention once more. He had been there for some time. Without turning she spoke.

“Sesshoumaru-sama, there is room for one more on this bench. No need to eavesdrop,” she said flatly.

“Your awareness improves Miko…marginally. You should have noted my presence far sooner,” he said equally flatly, with just a hint of boredom.

“Oh but I did, my Lord, as well as your retainer. I just figured I'd let you think you were unobserved. You enjoy skulking so much. Why deprive you of the pleasure?” she said smiling smugly.

“Hn…” `Her senses are improving, and yet, she was unaware the hanyou was observing them all from a high perch,' he thought, equally as smugly.

Sango shook her head. She had not been aware of his or Jaken's presence. Though, if she thought about it, Kagome's fixed expression of a moment ago could account for the sudden distance she felt between herself and her friend, who she trusted with her life.

“If you both don't mind, I would like to return to my quarters. Thank you, Lord Sesshoumaru for accommodating our presence,” the Slayer said with a stilted bow. She was still uncomfortable in the demon Lord's presence.

“Jaken will lead you,” he said inclining his head slightly in acknowledgement and stepped aside as she passed with the neko over her shoulder. Both Kagome and the Taiyoukai watched her retreating form. Once more, two guards fell in step behind the Taijiya and the unusually silent kappa.

“She knows nothing?” asked the Taiyoukai standing behind the Miko, a hair's breadth from touching her.

The full moon had made a proper appearance at last and both studied it, each lost in their own world.

“No, she doesn't.”

“You have selected to mention nothing of Satori. Why?”

“Let's get as much as we can from my family first,” she said without a backwards glance. The Miko still contemplated the fullness of the iridescent moon she reached one hand above her head feeling for his warm silken presence. “That is between her parents to be, don't you think?”

“Hn.”

She smiled. “Yep, at least some things never change,” she said, pulling on the silken tendrils, bringing his head close to hers. H adjusted his positioning, quirking his brow at her sudden unexpected forcefulness. “We are going to make a baby,” she whispered to his lips now mere inches from hers.

“Pup,” corrected the Taiyoukai as he softly kissed her smirking lips.

She sighed in pleasure. “This Kagome will never tire of your touch,” she said as she kissed him in turn pulling him fully to her.

Soft amber eyes watched from a distance. `Had Kikyou ever kissed him like that?' thought the Hanyou dejectedly before disappearing into the night. His questions would await their return. He needed to scope out this maze that Sesshoumaru called home. If he had to guard it, better get to know it.

With a dazed expression, Kagome let go of her Taiyoukai, brushing back his silken tendrils behind his ears. “I would love her to have your ears and perhaps your eyes,” the Miko said shyly.

“She will undoubtedly have your voracious appetite, an undisciplined obdurate temperament, and a constant need to talk about anything and everything. This last characteristic I will curb. She is my pup and will conduct herself accordingly.”

Kagome growled softly in annoyance at his words. The Taiyoukai selected to sit around her, resting his head on her shoulder peacefully despite his words. His cheek was warm, and his heartbeat comforted her.

“Where are the others?”

“They have all returned to their respective quarters.”

“Hn,” said the miko, stiffening slightly in his embrace, “I am not inflexible. How dare you say our daughter will be obdurate?”

“Miko, we must rest. We have much to do, and morning comes soon,” the Taiyoukai said softly.

“Well?”

“Kagome,” said the demon Lord, tiredly.

“Fine, whatever!” she said. She attempted to stand but was pulled back down into his arms.

“Regardless of her features, she will have your kind, ill advised spirit, intelligence, exceptional beauty, and the strength of a warrior able to command without trying. She is ours to protect and foster,” he said paraphrasing the letter. Kagome leaned back, satisfied finally with his response.

Perhaps this would be a good time to share a little information on her family.

“Jii-Chan might prove a little…ahh temperamental. His heart is in the right place though. Please, please don't hurt him. You and Mom will get on famously. I just know it. My brother has a strong affection for Inuyasha, so try not to say anything snarky about YOUR baby brother in his presence. He worships him. Oh and I have a cat. He is rather tubby and he and Inuyasha don't see eye to eye. Guess it is a canine and feline thing,” the Miko said closing her eyes as the Taiyoukai's claws glided through her hair in a gentle massage.

Leaning into the clawed caress, the Miko thought of something more, “Oh, it smells different in my time; fumes and stuff from our cars, and pollution. I think your sensitive nose might have a difficult time with that,” she said apologetically.

“How does your Jii-Chan spend his time?” said the demon lord softly, continuing to massage her scalp. He enjoyed the warmth of her scent and the silken locks that slid effortlessly through his fingers. If he had one wish he hoped his pup would have his Mate's hair color and texture. Unlike his, which was bone straight, the Miko's had body and a slight curl.

“Let's see, well you know about the shrine. He sells sutras to ward off evil and trinkets to tourists who frequent the shrine, and conducts tours of the grounds. Suffice it to say, he takes care of the garden, not very well, and generally putters about with the relics of our shrine.”

“Your Oka-saan?”

“Trust me, you don't have to worry about her. Wanna know why?” she said smiling and leaning away from him to observe his reaction.

He merely glared at her in annoyance. `Why does she insist on making statements and not completing them for the sheer drama?'

“Dad was right. She told me that you had stolen my heart, long before, I decided to see the kind of obvious.”

The Miko's sudden guileless statement caused the Taiyoukai to feel something in the pit of his stomach. It was an unfamiliar fluttering sensation that caused him to get up hurriedly, pulling the Miko with him.

“What's wrong Sesshoumaru?” said the Miko, suddenly frightened by his abrupt movement and serious unreadable expression.

“We will bond, in your world. You must allow it,” he said fervently.

“Okay, fine. What is involved exactly? You mean like a wedding?”

“You will share of my blood and I yours. You have been resistant till now.”

Kagome pushed the Taiyoukai away from her to fully look at him, completely perplexed and, while she was admitting truths, a bit repulsed by the concept.

“So let me get this straight, how exactly are you going to `share' my blood and I yours?”

Carefully he shifted her yukata, revealing one side of her clavicle, and the pulse point at the base of her neck. One, callused finger tip touched the pale flesh at the juncture of her neck.

“I will bite you here and you will have a pleasurable sensation after the first few moments of discomfort,” he said, as he felt his fangs lengthening involuntarily while watching her vein pulse. His mouth began to water in anticipation of finally making her his Mate in flesh and blood.

“Ahhh…yeah, and how exactly am I to share your blood?” again with the pain, she thought.

“You will see,” said the Taiyoukai, “Simply trust me, as you have done thus far.”

Kagome stared at the still figure standing in front of her. She had been holding her breath, anticipating his answer.

Folding herself into his arms, she listened to his rapidly beating heart, it remained a constant.

“We need to sleep Sesshoumaru. We have a long day, if not days ahead of us.” she said as she pulled away from her Taiyoukai and grasped one large callused hand, pulling him towards their chambers.

“I trust you with my life,” she said without looking at him, a mistake. There in the moon's light was a vision walked softly behind her, whose citrine eyes glowed in something akin to unsurpassed joy and quiet satisfaction.

sks

“Kagome! Get up already!” bellowed Inuyasha at the closed sliding door.

Apparently, there had been a bit of a `disagreement' outside the Taiyoukai's quarters and the Hanyou who had not slept, was in a less than amenable mood. His irritation doubled as the guards would not allow him access to the Western Lord's chambers.

Never a morning person, the Miko rubbed sleep out of her eyes, and raised herself on one elbow before reaching back for her living blanket, which was currently missing. She yawned broadly and blinked at the sunbeams that trickled through the balcony's screen creating beautiful patterns across her naked legs. In fact, she was fully naked but for a panty. A sudden, lecherous smile graced her lips in memory. Indeed, there were many forms of pleasuring. Where was her personal, pervy blankie anyway?

Reaching for her yukata, which was a crumpled bundle at her feet, she hurriedly put it on. Inuyasha wasn't known for his patience. Just in time too, as he was becoming more quarrelsome beyond the sliding screen.

“What's your name, moron? Guess who's in charge for the next little while? Me! I see you patrolling without food and water if you don't let me through now!”

A brief scuffle ensued, as Kagome rolled her eyes, and hoisted herself out of the futon to retrieve her sneakers, which had been placed neatly, laces undone and laying parallel to one another. She smiled. `He does think of everything.' Though she did note, not an inch away also sat geta just her size. `Ahh, so I have a choice,' she chuckled.

A gentle tap stopped her musings on the inner working of the silent being that was to be her mate as she slipped her feet into the geta and wiggled her toes.

“Yes?”

“Kagome, are you decent?” said a less than sure Hanyou, who had apparently gotten his point across.

“Give me a few minutes okay? I need to get dressed,” she lied. It would simply not do, for her to be half-naked in the presence of her future brother in law, however well intentioned.

“Inuyasha, stop pestering the guards. I will see you in the dining hall in twenty okay?” a low frustrated growl came through the door in answer.

“Whatever! Just get up! Don't go back to sleep,” came the annoyed gruff voice of the Hanyou, before she heard him stomping away.

Kagome breathed in relief. `Now to get cleaned up and dressed,' she thought.

sks

The smell of a delicious meal pulled Kagome's stomach to its intended destination.

“Mama!” The kitsune lunged at the Miko, who bent and scooped him up into her arms. `Funny, but he feels lighter. It's effortless now to pick him up,' she thought absently.

“So when are you coming back? Don't forget the pokki okay?” he said, as he stuffed his little face with a rice ball.

“I won't forget sweetheart,” she said as she kissed him and placed him down once more.

Kagome took in the tachi, of course no Sesshoumaru. She shook her head, `The noise level is probably keeping him away.'

The kitsune began spooning his morning soup with relish as he talked with Rin, who was delicately eating with her chopsticks. She observed Kagome quietly, nodding where necessary to whatever her friend the kitsune was saying.

Kagome caught her glance, and got a suddenly cold chill, from the child's expression which seemed infinitely older and otherworldly. This was not the first time she had observed this phenomenon with respect to the Taiyoukai's ward. Rin looked off, equally as suddenly, no longer wishing to keep the Miko's eye.

Miroku and Sango, were talking quietly as Kirara snuggled into a ball beside her, unimpressed by the noises of the morning meal.

Sango smiled at Kagome nervously. The Houshi smiled openly with the Miko's tank top.

Kagome quirked her brow at her perverted friend in disapproval. That look on his face was only acceptable coming from one male in particular, who was missing in action at the moment.

The Miko did not need to feel his presence. The look on the Priest's face said it all as he found himself suddenly pinned to a wall, piercing cold yellow slits and fangs were in his face and his throat became constricted.

Inuyasha chose that very moment to come swaggering through the door, and stood just behind the young Priestess, whose arms were folded across her chest. Perhaps, she would allow him to squeeze him just a bit longer. It might teach the Houshi something about how to treat women.

Kagome turned to the Hanyou and shrugged. Inuyasha had a smile from ear to ear. It was rare to see him smile so broadly, exposing his fangs.

“Yep, you finally did it idiot. You chose the wrong bitch to ogle,” he said as he stepped past the Miko and sat next to a stunned Taijiya.

“Lord Sesshoumaru, there is a clear misunderstanding. I was merely admiring the Miko's wardrobe choice of the day,” squeaked the Houshi who tried to extricate his throat from the hand that held him in a vice like grip, effortlessly.

“Her wardrobe, one can assume, consists solely of her breasts binding?” said the Taiyoukai menacingly, slamming him into the wall for good measure.

“No, no, not at all,” Miroku said in his own defense, struggling for breath.

“Perhaps you would like to enlighten this Sesshoumaru as to what else the Miko happens to be wearing?” the demon lord said, tightening his hold.

Any moment now, Miroku felt, he would be losing control of his sphincters, which could prove embarrassing. He had truly never been this close to the Taiyouka and did not wish a repeat performance, if Kami permitted him to live through this moment.

“Oh, jeans, and sneakers of course,” said the priest with an attempt at a winning smile to no avail.

Inuyasha was enjoying the morning's floorshow. He snatched a rice ball from the kitsune's plate, filling his mouth, before offering his own suggestions for inquiry.

“Sesshoumaru, ask him what color jeans?” he said chewing loudly with mouth open, sharing full view of his meal with anyone who cared to look.

“There is no need, he has already failed. She wears geta on her feet,” at his last words, he squeezed harder, then released the Houshi, who slid to the floor gasping for air.

Sango rushed to him then, helping him to his feet, looking up distrustfully at the Taiyoukai who continued to glare down at the priest coldly.

A gentle feminine voice asked, “Miroku, are you okay? Is anything broken?”

“No, my dearest Sango, merely a difference of opinion and a misunderstanding,” he said, looking up furtively at the Taiyoukai.

The Miko remained standing; arms crossed also looking at the houshi. She had known in the end Sesshoumaru would not truly harm her friend, and so selected to stay out of the little tiff.

“So, you are alright then?” she asked equally as softly as she helped him fully to his feet.

Resting his arm about the Taijiya's waist, his arm slid `accidentally' to her rear. Sango's eyes opened to an unbelievable size, as she took a deep breath and smiled with him. Had he been observant, he would have noted it never reached her eyes.

“Miroku,” she said gently as she disengaged his lecherous appendage…”Start running…NOW!”

He did.

“Seriously fucked up!” said Inuyasha, who was running a race with the kitsune for gerbil like jaws.

Sesshoumaru made for the open fusuma, but was stopped by Kagome, who pulled him to her and kissed him soundly, “Thank you, Lord Sesshoumaru. I don't believe he will soon do that again.”

Sesshoumaru did not seem convinced by her words, selecting to look over her shoulder once more as his pupils dilated in surprise. He smirked with satisfaction. Kagome turned because of his change of expression and the incongruous splash and gurgle.

In the outer pond was a Taijiya attempting to drown a Priest while straddling his hips.

“Call me right before she drowns him,” mumbled Inuyasha around a bowl of hot vegetable broth, punctuating his comment for effect with a loud burp and a satisfied groan.

The sound had been sufficient for the Taiyoukai to lose interest in the proceedings in his pond.

Kagome looked down at her feet. A soft, warm, furry entity strode past their respective feet heading towards her mistress.

The Priestess looked up at the Taiyoukai, smiling softly.

“I'm sorry, but I do come with baggage,” she said as she stroked his cheek fondly.

“This Sesshoumaru accepts,” he said flatly.

Kagome could, however, detect a softening in his expression, faint though it was.

“Don't start that shit again. I'm amazed you haven't been knocked up before your … time,” said Inuyasha, oblivious to Rin and Shippou's expressions.

“INUYASHA!” growled the Taiyoukai, impatiently whirling to face the half-breed in anger.

“Yeah, yeah…okay, fine…whatever,” he said returning to his bowl with blushing cheeks, a little embarrassed by his own outburst.

“Get use to it. That is YOUR brother,” said Kagome as she gently pulled the Taiyoukai's head back to face her.

“His speech is reprehensible and not to be tolerated in this shiro,” said the dog demon, now focused on the soft pink lips and the blunt perfectly white teeth presented to him in the form of an open smile. `Her breath smells of mint; enticing.'

Another loud burp came from the Hanyou as he tapped his chest with his fist, “Speaking of this stone mausoleum you call a home, so what is it I am to do, exactly, in your absence? I patrolled the grounds last night, and pretty much know where everything is. I have some suggestions, by the way, for better safeguarding of the Eastern Tower. It is your weakest point,” said the Hanyou as he extracted a rice grain with a studied refined air. He observed the singular grain on his claw with a quirked brow, before licking it off with his tongue quirking a brow at the Taiyoukai smugly. He wasn't the only one capable of proper table manners.

Kagome looked away from her Lord in order to avoid laughing at his expression, selecting to leave his embrace and join Shippou and his ward. She was starving.

`Traitorous bitch,' thought the Taiyoukai as his eyes glared at her subtle betrayal and abandonment in his moment of need.

“If you are quite finished masticating, follow me to my study,” said the Taiyoukai. He fled from the dining hall, followed slowly by the swaggering hanyou, who wanted to make it clear to all concerned, he did no such thing.

“Asshole, maybe you do that, but I don't need to. Kikyou takes care of all my needs. You might want to talk to Kagome, if she is not taking care of things,” said the hanyou smugly.

The piercing scream of the half-breed was all that could be heard in the hall moments later as a drenched Hoshi stood in the walkway of the dining hall. He looked in the direction of the scream which continued, however faint, as the study's fusuma closed rattling the walls.

Kagome looked up from her bowl, and smirked at her friend.

“My apologies, Kagome. It won't happen again. You are a beautiful woman and I have no intentions towards you. My heart belongs to that winsome wench in the deliciously tight black outfit. I merely show appreciation for your form as a woman,” he said, bowing reverently.

The Miko shook her head and smiled. “I know, but perhaps, you would make more headway with that `lissome wench of yours' if you touched less and spoke more of your feelings towards her. You are eloquent, handsome, intelligent and desirable dear houshi and any woman would consider it a privilege to be with you,' she said bowing in turn.

Miroku frowned slightly at her words, selecting to shrug his drenched shoulders in defeat.

“It might be too late. She has left with Kirara, something about finding out about her past. I was to accompany her, that is what we spoke of before you arrived,” he said dejectedly before turning and heading in the direction of his quarters.

Shippou looked away from his bowl at his mama before laying one soft little palm on her own much larger, “I'll take care of him while you and Sesshoumaru-sama, are away. Don't worry,” said the kitsune seriously.

Kagome smiled softly and ruffled his hair, “Thank you, Shippou. I can always depend on you.”

A thought occurred to her, “Have either of you seen Kaede?”

A soft shuffling gate caught the Priestess' attention at the door. It was Jaken, who looked the worse for wear.

“The Miko is resting. She is not well. Our healer, the best in the Western Lands, is seeing to her. She will be well upon your return Kagome-sama,” said the kappa bowing.

“Thank you Jaken-sama. I will, of course, see her before we leave,” she said in turn.

He bowed and retreated from the room, disappearing into the shadows, that was his happily allotted life with the Taiyoukai.

Rin had appeared inordinately quiet through the entire debacle that was the breakfast meal. Kagome once more felt a cold shiver travel down her spine.

“So what are your plans for the day, Rin?” said Kagome with now false pleasantry.

“Rin has to attend to her studies today. Lord Sesshoumaru thinks Rin has not been studious of late,” she said blandly, toying with her steamed vegetables.

“Well, at least you have Shippou for company,” said the Miko with a broad, forced smile.

Rin smiled in turn, her deep brown eyes opaque and devoid of life.

“Right you two, I have to pack and see to Kaede,” she said as she stood. Feeling a little ill at ease, looking to Rin once more, who decided to engage Shippou in conversation about Ah-Un's penchant for apples as treats.

Kagome hugged the kitsune tightly and, though thinking better of it, hugged Rin to her equally before leaving the hall.

sks

What faced the Taiyoukai as he entered his chambers would forever remain etched in his memory. His chambers, usually neat, and well organized looked as though a marauding drunken pack of youkai had raided it. What is more, one member of the hostile conquering horde remained, currently on her hands and knees muttering obscenities that would make any of his warriors blush.

“Miko?” said the Taiyoukai, rather enjoying the view of her curvaceous backside. He wished desperately there was time to pursue one deliciously prurient thought.

“Control,” he muttered breathing deeply, as he adjusted Ruru.

“Fine and well for you to talk of me having control. I cannot find it, Sesshoumaru!”

Still dazed, imagining the Miko's body bathed in glistening sweat as he pounded into her tight inviting wetness, the Taiyoukai spoke gruffly.

“You have lost what, exactly?”

Kagome turned to him with a flushed expression, as her hair cascaded about her face. This did not help his previous imaginings. Her lips were open, soft, wet inviting…he adjusted himself once more, closing his eyes briefly in an attempt to regain his composure.

Sitting upright, she glared at him in disbelief. `What the hell is wrong with him? He looked like he's drunk. His lids at half mast, and his eyes…' she looked down his form for confirmation of the now patently obvious, though he hid it well. You would have to be blind not to notice, his attentiveness.

“Not now, Sesshoumaru. We have plenty of time for that. A lifetime in fact, or maybe not, depending on whether I find it or not.

The statement brought the Western Lord out of his stupor as he looked at her quizzically. He did not like the tone, or the implication.

“I can't find the letter,” she said in frustration. `That did the trick,' she thought as she watched his expression change.

“You will not find it Kagome,” said Kaede, who had found her way to the Taiyoukai's quarters in hopes of having a private moment with the younger Miko before she left.

Kagome stood and walked to the Miko and the Taiyoukai on tabi covered feet.

“Why not, exactly?” said the Priestess, once more staring daggers through the elder Miko.

“In a seemingly ill advised attempt to save your Mate, it was lost. That was as it should be. You made the right choice in that moment; your first step. Only the feather will return with ye. It was the only thing meant to,” said the elder Miko.

It had become a habit of late for the Miko and the Taiyoukai to stand in stunned silence, staring at something or in this instance someone.

The Taiyoukai, invariable handled it better, selecting to ignore the tension between both ningen females as their auras clashed.

“Do you have everything you need, Miko?” said the Taiyoukai. He pointedly refused to look beyond her hideous backpack that stood in the centre of the crumpled sheet and detritus that once was the stately chambers of the Western Lord.

“Yes…I guess, under the circumstances,” she said. She was lead by the Taiyoukai out the screen door, still glaring at Kaede as he dragged her and the backpack down the hallway, sneakers slung over her shoulder.

sks

The trip to the well's mouth had not been particularly arduous, considering. It was mid afternoon when they arrived. The demon lord had taken the opportunity to do a quarter of his usual patrol, leaving the rest to Inuyasha. The Hanyou loped along in the not too far distance, watching overhead every now and then as the Taiyoukai's cloud drifted ever closer to their intended destination.

As always, it proved a surprise to Kagome when the cloud dispersed and she found herself on terra firma once more. Looking up at her handsome Lord in full regalia, she suddenly felt somewhat underdressed. She noted, he had paid particular care and attention to his attire. His armor was particularly shiny and perhaps, he had been a little free of claw with the essential oils he used as fragrance for his bath.

Turning to him, she smiled and beckoned him with her elegant little index finger. He moved forward questioningly and received a long languorously sensual kiss.

“Thank you, my Lord,” said the Miko. She already understood it would have caused him embarrassment to say the words in her heart.

Kagome understood why he had made such great efforts, and whether others would appreciate it, on her side of the well, it didn't matter. She appreciated what he was trying to do. Sesshoumaru wanted to impress her family. He need not have bothered. Regardless of what he did, he had her heart…that is, as long as he managed not to maim a member of her family.

Both stood at the lip of the well. The Taiyoukai looked down the dark, less than pre-possessing well with a grave expression, pointedly raising a brow in her direction.

Kagome chuckled and embraced him once more. He looked ludicrous with her hideous sack over his mokomoko-sama. The pack was entirely incongruous with his resplendent, pristine perfection.

“Okay, we have to get on top of the lip, and hold me when we jump. Everything else happens by itself,” she reassured the Taiyoukai.

Kagome smiled softly, trying her best not to laugh. She had never imagined Sesshoumaru nervous. He had a tick below his left eye and his lips, now a thin line, were white with fear. She would have to remember that. It would be her job to protect him in her world. He would be her something to protect, especially from Gramps. The cobalt light took them both in its embrace. She saw nothing but the radiant glow of his eyes, and he hers smiling up at him.

Inuyasha cursed under his breath, though he had tried to arrive on time, they beat him to it. He wanted to tell Sesshoumaru about Commander Daichi, as to why they could not find him in their last few hours together.

sks

As the light receded, a foul stench pervaded Sesshoumaru's delicately balanced olfactory sense in the darkness, as he quickly placed Kagome behind him.

“Ayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh!” screeched an elderly male, dressed in priestly garb. Said male slapped the crouched demon Lord on his forehead with a sticky object, before retreating on not so steady legs to a safe distance, mumbling an ancient incantation, bowing rapidly.

“Lord Sesshoumaru, meet Gramps,” said the Miko behind the Taiyoukai.

`Ahh yes,' thought Kagome. `It has begun.'

Author's Note

Appearances can truly be deceiving *smile*.

Ja Ne

EP