InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Unleashed Desires ❯ Meetings part three ( Chapter 3 )

 

 

 

In another clearing, the group of Inuyasha awoke to the misty morning surrounded by clouds of spray. Kagome just rouse from the sleep. Rubbing the haziness from her still drowsy eyes.

 

The sunrays made their way through the fog around them and the air warmed under the ministrations of the golden orb. The day neared noon, that was how long they needed to get ready for their long lasting journey.

 

They had stayed up long after midnight the last eve. They had to take their au-revoirs from Kouga and Ayame. For Kouga, there were matters, which needed his attendance and couldn't be delayed any further. But he promised to return as soon as possible. He wanted to hold back the true nature of his absence and hoped that the support of the wolf tribe would be a nice surprise for the group. However, his soldiers were in desperate need of hard training to be of any help and not only a hindrance to the others. He hoped by keeping it a secret, Naraku would not catch a hint of what was going on. Nonetheless, Kagome wasn't very fond of Ayames soon departure. The mission was important for the wolf mates and came first, so they had to leave.

 

The matutinal awakening wasn't pleasant for Kagome at all. She didn't knowing how her friends were doing and if they were alright. They were gone and the single thing she could do for them was to pray to Kami for her unscathed return.

 

“Keh, I ain't waiting for you the whole day! I won't let Naraku have the jewel!” Inuyashas cantankerous grumble destroyed the relaxed feeling they all shared.

 

“My, do you have to be this obnoxious? We are doing our best as you know, so please stop your complaining about `how sluggish we are'. And besides, some of us are taking more care of our body-hygiene so we don't offend your sensitive nose.” Kagome scolded him, her hands balled into fists placed on her slender hips, the glare she shot him promised imposition if he didn't stay quiet.

 

“But…” Inuyasha tried to insist and make his point clear as she silenced him with an angered huff and another glower, this one more forceful than the first.

 

“Oh, just shut up. Let us continue in our quest then.” The last was said to the haphazard group standing behind them, her back turned to the hanyou, letting him know the argument was over and she was not interested on his comments anymore.

 

The hike began. It didn't last long until Kagome asked Inuyasha if she may ride on his back, so they could leave a greater distance behind them before they would settle for the night.

 

“Keh,” was all he replied to her. His mood was down in the dumps. He turned his back to her, walking with a dandified gait. “I ain't taking you bitch, you have to walk. By the way, some exercise will be good for you. Your condition is worse than the one from the old hag.”

 

Had he to cavil at her? It made her so mad. Her power rose, giving a hard glint to her eyes. Her body stiffened the second she took breath to her lungs, preparing herself to sit him straight to the netherworld. He had overdone it this time. He went too far with his frivolous grievance. She did her best in practicing during her free time, travelled between ages only to keep her promise, had to catch up in school and deal with the after-effects of her grandfather's excuses for her long-term absences. The burden she had taken upon her slim shoulders at the age of fifteen, when the other girls at her age dreamed about movie stars, her daydreams were lost forever as duty pushed her to adulthood sooner, forcing her to loose her childish innocence. She had to pass school and collect the Shikon no Kakera, sitting on Inuyashas back and flying atop the trees as he jumped from branch to branch, amazingly never missing one.

 

His puppy ears flattened to his skull as he realized he had just angered her what meant he was about to eat dirt. It looked like this time he would probably need more time to recover from his corporal punishment. Being a hanyou didn't mean he could not hurt. His back would give him hell after he would manage to ease himself from the whole he was about to create.

 

Then the shouting began. The words of the curse were aimed at him and only him as his head bounced up and down like a yo-yo.

 

“Osuwari, never dare to call me a bitch. This was the last time (osuwari), you insulted me (osuwari) like this (osuwari, osuwari, osuwari). I'm fed up of you calling me names (osuwari), the umbrages you are throwing at me (osuwari) every time something goes wrong (osuwari, osuwari). And only you remember: osuwari.”

 

Leaving the now buried hanyou to his own devices Kagome turned on her heel, proceeding to Sango and Miroku who where regarding her warily as they witnessed her temper-flare.

 

“My, Kagome, I'm glad it was not me you were mad at.” Miroku remarked by seeing Inuyasha pulling himself out of the crater he had duged with his own body, a pained wince evident on his handsome face as he brushed himself of.

 

Kagome faced the both of them. Sango could clearly see the sadness written in her features. She was not that mad at Inuyasha, she was hurt because of his words. This was not easy for the miko. Since the well had been sealed, the hanyou was the only one she loved dearly. All was turned upside down now. Though everybody knew he loved her, the hanyou never showed it to her in any way.

 

“Kagome-chan, would you care to ride on Kirara with me? Instead of you, Inuyasha could carry Miroku.” Sango said as she embraced Kagome. The young girl hugged her back and nodded in agreement. The girls mounted Kirara.

 

As they were prepared to leave, Inuyasha didn't seem to be about to make any move. Miroku, addressing the hanyou, acknowledged that they should follow the girls.

 

“Inuyasha, have you grown roots?” Miroku's teasing voice brought the hanyou back to reality. The monk got onto his back and they were off as well.

 

 

Inuyashas mood had dropped to zero during the last days. It seemed that the “permission” to seek out Kikyou caused him even more troubles to deal with the situation than ever before, resulting in his fussy attitude. His frame of mind was unbearable. The petulant temper tantrums he threw were wearing on the other members of the group. Kagome was known for her unceasing forbearance; however, this was too much even for her, her last outburst proving it. Once she had been unconditionally in love with the hanyou. Those times, though not irrecoverably lost, were not the same anymore. Her feelings remained deep but the romantic quality of them suffered a glaring decrease as he refused to move on with own live, his mind remaining with his first and probably only true love.

 

The group flew through the air, their bodies bathed in the yellow rays of the vernal sun, the days becoming longer and warmer with each night passing by.

 

The flight was pleasant. With Kagome sitting behind Sango, the women were able to make small talk while they were flying to the horizon. Kagome was more than content with the arrangement. Sango was happy with the fact she was not forced to watch her rear because of the lecherous monk's cacoethes. This was much more comfortable than to be all the time on hood, your weapon prepared to render him insentient. With Kagome, she could presently enjoy the surroundings they were travelling through instead of sternly watching the monk out of the corner of her eye, awaiting the moment his hands would connect with her bottom and her hand would make a nice handprint on his face, twisted into the stupid grin, rubbing his cheek with an `it was worth it' expression adorning his well-favoured features.

 

Kagome pondered about her musings from the past. She called back to memory of those times when she had been sitting with Inuyasha in the Goshinboku, such times though rare, had been present in the past, were now nothing more than a whisper in the wind. The last time they went into near physical contact had happened long ago. The emotional was missing it more and more since she could not return home, acquiring comfort from her mother. Presently, her mother was not there to hold her in her arms and she felt the lack of such propinquity like an embrace was. The feeling to be pressed against a firm sculptured chest, encircled by strong arms, which gave you the feeling of being safe because they would shield you from whatever could molest you, was all that mattered to Kagome at tender age of fifteen. Inuyasha had been her hero even though the whole world had turned its back on him. For her he had been the strongest person she came across in her whole lifetime. He had been her protector, her friend, her first love that had never wavered. That all turned into nuisance. She hoped she would see him happy one day. She understood it would never be with her because of her countenance, which was too alike Kikyou's. How could he find serenity with somebody who would constantly remind him of what he had lost at Naraku's guile so long ago? She couldn't bear the thought of him suffering while she would drown in happiness by being with him. A loud sigh left her, what caught Sango's attention, returning the slayer to reality as well.

 

“What's wrong Kagome-chan?” The taijiya asked, compassion seething out of her as she regarded the girl behind her with suspicious eyes. She had a good idea where her thoughts were prowling.

 

“Nothing, Sango-chan. This day was so fatiguing. I can't feel my butt.” Kagome lied to the older girl she considered as her older sister. She hated to do it, but there were times it was wiser to behold the truth hidden. This was such a case.

 

Shrugging her shoulders, Sango turned to the horizon, neither satisfied nor convinced with her reply.

“The twilight is near; it won't take long till we settle down for rest. My butt is numb as well.” She paid attention to the front, so she could see where they were headed to. She scowled a little but the frown was hidden due to the fact that her profile was averted from the miko. The single thing Kagome could muster in the subsiding light were the contours of her head and the wavy hair pulled into a high ponytail. The hair revealed its master's temper. Sango was beautiful yet fiery and vigorous. The tinge of wilderness and liberty was hidden in her nature as well. Something you can never tame, dangerous when cornered, gentle when left in peace.

 

Suddenly, Inuyasha changed the direction, Kirara, following him, was forced to fly higher over the treetops as he abandoned the path they were following earlier.

 

“Inuyasha, what are you looking for? Where are we going?” Kagome asked, hoping that he would answer her. Nothing came from him; he seemed to ignore her entirely. Miroku was the one who overtook the conversation. He knew this part of Japan, he had travelled here years before he met Inuyasha and Kagome.

 

“Not far from here is a clearing and an onsen only several feet away from it. We should arrive there soon. I think we are going to settle down for the night. I doubt you thought we would travel the whole night, Kagome-sama,” Miroku said. “Besides, Kirara needs to rest. She must be exhausted from the day-travel. We laid a great distance back today.”

 

“Of course I didn't. However, I wondered how long it would take until we would retire for the night.” With this said, the miko nodded in understanding, cheered up by the thought she could take a bath later.

 

 

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AhUn stopped as Rin pulled his reins. Sesshoumaru noticed that AhUn stopped and knew what Rin's intentions were.

 

“Rin, where are you going?” The Taiyoukai questioned. It was more the “why” that mattered to him as the fact that she was about to dismount the beast.

 

“Rin was going to look after some food, Sesshoumaru-sama.” The girl replied to her lord obediently. Her voice was innocent, like the one of an angel. Her guiltlessness was so evident in every move and sentence she made. Her tender age had not allowed her to use treachery; she was inapt of such machinations. She simply said what she thought and how she meant it.

 

“You are not allowed to walk on that sprained leg.” With that said, he walked over to AhUn. Reaching out, he hooked Rin up on his arm and settled her down to a fireplace. Rin was pouting. Her stomach rumbled and she was dissatisfied with the fact she was not allowed to retrieve food.

 

In the darkness stood an awe-struck short figure, watching the whole display with shock-widened frog's eyes. The green toad demon was rendered speechless, gaping at his master in disbelief, rubbing his eyes with his fists. He pinched himself to make sure he was not dreaming or hallucinating from the all-day chase after his master as the lord was not bothering himself to wait for his retainer, knowing he would find him and if not, it would not be a tragedy. The toad was most of the time nothing more than a nuisance, sticking to his heels like seaweed.

 

“Stop gawking at us like a mooncalf dunce, Jaken. Start a fire and retrieve food for Rin, Jaken! Fail your duty this time and your punishment will be severe.” Sesshoumaru's commanding tone broke the silence, bringing Jaken out of the initial shock at seeing his master handle the child with such fondness.

 

“Oh master, I, your faithful servant, am so glad to see you again. I thought I would never find you. This Jaken is so pleased to be…” His words trailed of as Sesshoumaru shot him one of his icy hard glares.

 

“Jaken, I won't repeat myself!” The baritone of his voice was so smooth and silky yet dangerous. Cracking his knuckles, he regarded his retainer with his amber orbs. His gaze was meanwhile burning a hole into the toad's very soul.

 

“But milord, Rin can retrieve her food…” For the second time Jaken couldn't end a started sentence. Another glower reminded him of his place and better not to question the orders given directly from his master.

 

This was suitable punishment for Jaken, playing handmaid for Rin until her ankle was mended, starting fire, retrieving food and making sure she would not be forced to walk on the sore leg.

 

 

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The night took a good turn for the shard hunters. The fire was set soon after they landed on the clearing. At this late hour, as most of them were soundly asleep, two amber eyes were watching the group from the limb where their owner was seated. He was blind to the fact that another member was thoroughly by her senses, waiting for the perfect time to speak to the one above her. Love was shining steady in the inky blue orbs, the ingles of the fire tingeing them red; they were glinting in the light that provided a comforting warmth in the cold night. After she had convinced herself that this was the right time, she prepared to rise from the fleecy fabric of her sleeping bag.

 

“Inuyasha, could we talk, please? It's important for me.” So heartily and gentle were the words leaving her lips, which seemed to be like petals of roses, soft beyond imagination. He couldn't resist the pleading look in her eyes and say no, so he leaped forward forsaking his current place. He landed gracefully in front of the tiny girl, the one, by who he felt more subdued than by an ever so more powerful demon in his world. She held a secret power over his body. She was the only person he had shed tears for in many years, the only one who he cared enough about to sacrifice his life for her. She was the first who gave him quiet acceptance without awaiting anything from him, letting him take the chance to give credence to himself for who he was and not what he was.

 

“Shouldn't you be sleeping? You'll be groggy tomorrow. I ain't slowing down for you!”

 

“Must you complain incessantly? Could you listen to me for a moment? There is something bothering me and I wish to speak with you about it.” Kagome started carefully.

 

 

 

All she received from her bad-tempered companion and…….friend was a simple incline of his silver-haired head as he picked her up gently in his arms and leaped into a nearby tree.

 

“Could you stop being so sulky the whole time, bickering about unimportant matters, snapping at us? I understand you are confused what to do, I mean with Kikyou. I am concerned for her safety a well. Though we never got along with each other, her stubbornness can cost her so much, her live to ne exact and that is something I don't like even a bit. There is no way how she could defeat the perfidious hanyou, Naraku. He killed her, what I know twice, the third time it was only for her good fortune that she lived. I know you tried your best to persuade her to come with us. I really hoped she would be here.” Seeing, that Inuyasha was not about to say a thing, Kagome went on.

 

“It is about time we put this hunt to an end; before Naraku is too strong to be taken down. What I fear is, that without her help and she without ours, we won't find a way to stop him. He is a threat and has to be removed from this realm. However, neither Kikyou nor your brother won't see the consequences of their actions. Their pride and ego is standing in the way of logical thinking. Kikyou is so strong; with her help I am sure, the victory would be ours. I don't her to die. She had suffered enough in her life, loosing it at so an early age only to be resurrected as a walking corpse. I would wish a true life for her, the genuine chance to be happy.” Kagome finished, her voice breaking as the tears of frustrations leaked down her cheeks, falling freely from her chin.

 

“Ka-Kagome.” Inuyasha whispered. That was all he managed to say before the immenseness of her loving heart overrode him. She reminded him of new fallen snow, thus not tainted with dirt.

 

 

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Kikyou was standing on a branch so Inuyasha could not scent her and was listening to their conversation. Her eyes widened in shock at the words she heard from her reincarnation.

 

`So the girl is concerned for my safety. How…ridiculous. I should join them probably.' She left the tree she was standing in and disappeared into the night. What made her change her mind was what Kagome had said. The girl was possibly right. Lastly, it was she, who saved her after Narakus attack, doing so without a second thought. It would be interesting to work with her and be her teacher. This way she could find out how much power she possessed. It seemed that fate had woven its webs as well. The more she thought about it, the more apparent it became. Kagome had been brought back to the past for a reason. Perhaps it had been predicted that the both of them had to work together to bring Naraku down. Why else should the well have opened for her?

 

 

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“I think we'll need your brother as well.” Kagome threw her hands in front of her to prevent him from yelling. “He is tough. And he is after Naraku as well. Look, every support we can get is profitable for us. You are strong and became even stronger during our travels. You were the one who avenged your father's death. It was you and not your elder brother. But it doesn't mean we don't need his help in the assignation of Naraku.”

 

“Keh! Like that bastard is interested in what you want. He would rather loose his second arm then travel with us. The asshole would never stoop so low as to fight with us. Mr. `I'm-above-your-petty-problems' is not going to admit that he needs our help. The haughty bastard half-brother of mine thinks he can do it alone. His pride is as great as his mouth and in reality there is nothing behind it.”

 

“Yeah, his ego is standing in his way. His pride means more for him than the benefit of the whole world that's depending on our success. You hate him and you have all the reason to do so, but would you put this aside if I could convince him?”

 

“It won't happen. He'll kill you before you manage to end the first sentence.” This was said with a grin on his lips. Yes, he knew him well or so he thought. He forgot his brother had indeed changed in the last three years; the icicle around the Taiyoukai's heart was cracked a little bit because of Rin's incessant caring. Maybe he would not give in to her request, neither deem her points as possibly correct; this it didn't mean he would end her life. What was more a problem was her mouth, telling what she had on her heart. By dealing with such pompous light libellous youkai like his brother was, Kagome would be dead in seconds, that he was sure about, after all the years he knew her well enough to know she wouldn't be able to hold her temper with the arrogant jackass.

 

“The risk is worth it. Please, don't let us argue now, we'll wake the others.”

 

“Just swear you won't seek him out Kagome.”

 

Reaching out she laid her hand on his shoulder. He was leaning against the bark of a thick trunk. She then laid her head on his shoulder and snuggled into his warmth, reaching around his waist with her free arm. In this position, her back was pressed against his chest. Her feet dangled free from the branch but Kagome felt safe. She knew he would not let her fall. Her scent was comforting to his nose, calming his uncouth nature. Her softly spoken words were like songs of angels to his ears.

 

“I promise I won't seek him out.” Kagome replied. `This doesn't mean I can't speak to him if we should meet somehow. I only gave my oath I won't trace him. Yep, this will work and I don't have to break my word.'

 

The couple sat there in complete silence till sleep engirdled the exhausted girl. Her breathing was steady and slow as was her heartbeat. The vivid being behind of the hanyou was providing him with waves of heart-content. He was thankful she was alive and not only a crest of his fantasy.

 

 

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Singing birds were intruding the minds of the sleeping comrades as the damp air remained brisk in the early morning hours upon their awakening. The slayer looked around only to find the young miko gone. Panic clouded her mind as the realization of the possibility of her friend being taken hit her like a ton of bricks.

 

“Kagome-chan! Kagome-chan, where are you? Please answer me if you hear me!” Sango screamed at the top of her lungs. Alarm streamed in waves of her, causing her adrenalin level to rise. Her blood pressure elevated and her heart beat quickened.

 

Kagome nearly slumped from the tree. Inuyasha saw it coming and grasped her in his strong arms, preventing such from happening. He descended to the ground with his usual ease, Kagome wrapped in his arms.

 

“Oi, wench! Do I have to always save your fat, falling ass or will you ever learn how to remain unmowing once you are seated in a tree?” The peevish outburst of Inuyasha definitely destroyed his romantic deed, the knight saving his beloved from a nasty crash. The harsh words directed at Kagome made her angry and in the same time had hurt her deeply; all the butterflies in her stomach diminished as tears formed behind her long black lashes. Her eyes closed, trying to stop the drops of salty water from falling. She was unsure which one of her feelings was more accentuated at the moment and the desire to sit him rose with every second she looked at him.

 

`Maybe this would make Kikyou happy, so she wouldn't be forced to drag him there when I sit him to hell. I can't stay. I am not sure if I can hold back, neither do I wish him to witness my tears. I have to leave.'

 

Turning on her heel, Kagome ran where her feet took her, letting a stunned hanyou standing behind.

 

The monk broke the silence with a sigh. “Well done Inuyasha! You made it once again.” To make a point the houshi planted his staff upon Inuyasha's thick skull.

 

“Keh, that's not your businesses, monk! Better you keep your shit to yourself.” Inuyasha stated, turning to the tree he had been located at during the night. He pondered why he was in one piece. After what he had said to her he was sure he would need hours to put his back back into normal shape. He was about to follow her, but smelling her tears he took a hint this wouldn't be right. It was the best to give her some time to calm down.

 

 

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Running, her sight blurred by the torrents of tears, which continued they journey down her cheeks. Not looking where she was headed to, she made contact with something hard and solid thus causing her to land gracelessly on her bum. A single yelp of surprise escaped her parted lips. She was rubbing her red watery eyes with her fists to clear her bleary sight. What she saw in front of her made her breath catch in her throat. There, before her stood the proud Lord of the Western Lands in all his regal beauty, his pristine attire shining in the sun. He looked everything but pleased. He didn't like individuals bumping into him and if the one was a human woman, even worse his half-brothers wench, the more displeasing the situation was for him.

 

“Watch where you're running, you insolent wench! This Sesshoumaru will not tolerate such manners towards his person.” His chilling voice let a shudder run over her body. The emotionless mask was firm on place. His face was devoid of any emotions except for his eyes, which glared at her with a hint of anger giving them a dangerous glint.

 

“I am sorry. I didn't mean to.” Kagome stuttered.

 

The demon lord turned without giving any suggestion if he had accepted the apology or not.

 

“Wait a moment!” `Now how to ask him about joining forces with us to defeat Naraku. This is going to be though.' Kagome boosted her ego to announce what plagued her mind. Biting her lower lip, she decided against reprehending him for his inappropriate words directed towards her as well as his ignorance towards her apology. Her pride was not the most important thing now. The matters, which needed to be handled stood in the first place.

 

 

“How dare you, you filthy human to address my master. Fall to your knees and beg that the Lord of the Western Lands will let you live despite your impudence.” Jaken waved with his two head staff wildly in the air, yelling at the young lass standing in front of him.

 

Kagome, not feeling intimidated by the mean toad, turned around. Jaken seemed to be an expert at saying something stupid when it would be wiser to stay silent. Kagome, though really a peaceful person, didn't feel akin at the moment. First Inuyasha, now Jaken. Why is it that nobody felt like accepting her for once? She shot Jaken a glower that would make even Sesshoumaru proud and approached the toad. He was now trembling in fear as the onna towered over him. He gulped and called and called for his master's assistance.

 

“Lord Sesshoumaru help ...” In that moment, Kagome let a small amount of her power flare to life and burned the toads slimy hide a little, not harming him only terrifying him more.

 

“Was I addressing you? I think not! I was speaking to Lord Sesshoumaru. I, miko Higurashi Kagome, am an honourable priestess and who I am speaking to is my decision and not yours. Do I make myself clear?” `I won't take abuse from everybody only because they think they can get away with it.' Kagome had enough of the ever-present humiliation that day.

 

Her assumptions were correct. Her show of courage attracted the attention of Sesshoumaru. He would have never thought she would do what she did, reminding his retainer of his place. As he turned his head she was positive he would listen, so she continued to tell him what she had on her heart.

 

“Lord Sesshoumaru, as you know, we are after Naraku. In addition, rumour says you're hunting him as well. Would you unite forces with the group I'm travelling with to defeat the vile hanyou?” Her midnight blue eyes were begging him to agree with what she asked of him in hope he would see the benefit.

 

“This Sesshoumaru does not need any help to discombobulate the perfidious weakling which is Naraku.” Sesshoumaru turned his head haughtily to the heavens, ignoring the girl behind him as he regarded the sky above him, cloudless this day, catching more of his interest then the fuming miko behind him.

 

“I will tell him, just you wait! The last time Inuyasha and Kikyou saved him. He was definitely the one loosing, not Mouryoumaru.'

 

Foaming, Kagome forgot who she was speaking with. The possibility of his demise made her somehow sad. Furthermore, there was the little girl Rin travelling with him. She seemed to be attached pretty strongly to him. What would she do if he died in a tough, futile encounter, which could be easily averted in a group? Rin's world would be not the same without him. The regal lord gone, even the annoying toad would surely miss him, or his protection at least. Was he so ignorant towards all of this or so arrogant to think he was invincible? This made her anger rise even more. Not able to hold back any longer, she spoke to him, her temper giving the best of her.

 

“The last time I saw you in battle it didn't seem so you were the one winning the fight. When I remember correctly, it was because of Kikyou and your brother that you managed to survive it. Not your power helped you out of the misery you had put yourself in. Besides, you were hurt badly there….” She was about to continue her rant, but was silenced by his red eyes only inches from her own and her body pressed firmly against a tree-trunk with his hand wrapped around her neck. His magenta stripped cheeks were only mere centimetres from hers. This, he thought, would be the most intimidating position. The feeling of his hard body pressed against hers would silence any female and in addition, this would effectively deter her movements. This made her gasp, but she refused to give into her anxiety. No matter how mad he was, he would never harm her in front of Rin.

 

“Why is Sesshoumaru-sama pressed against the beautiful lady, Jaken-sama? Is he in love with her, will Rin get a new mommy and maybe a brother or a sister?” Rin squealed in delight at the thought and started to jump in circles.

 

“Rin, shut up! Don't stick your nose in things you don't understand!” Jaken tried to silence the little one, her high-pitched tone was giving him a headache.

 

Sesshoumaru had to use all his self-restraint by holding his mouth shut. This was rather unanticipated. Rin clearly missed a woman, which would be present and give her advice when he was not able to do so. Obviously, she was fond of the miko. If he killed her, she would be sad. Growling at his own thoughts, he had to do something about the current situation. Sure, he would not kill her yet, but to be able to threaten her, he needed to be left alone. A little delusion would serve his plans perfectly.

 

“Rin, go and pick some flowers for the miko, so you can give it to her later.” The baritone of the inuyoukai filled the air. He hated such tricks; however, the child should not witness what was about to happen next.

 

Kagome gulped. With Rin out of the way, there were no boundaries to hold him back. He was so pissed off and so close. His hard body was pressed against hers with so much force. Swallowing, she tried to speak, but his following action caused her to falter on her own words, those dying in her throat before escaping her mouth. The Taiyoukai bent down, sniffing at her neck, his piercing emotionless eyes were shut as he concentrated on her scent, searching for fear with his olfactory. Finding none, his lids snapped open, his eyes widening in surprise just for a fraction.

 

“You should fear me and cover, fall to your knees, like other humans do, knowing I am sup…”

 

This was too much for her to bear. Ignoring the fact it was rude to interrupt someone in mid-sentence, she didn't care at the moment.

 

“How dare you to think you are more then humans? May be your power can't be surpassed by any living ningen, but tell me Lord of the Western Lands, can your great power save you from loneliness and solitude? I don't think so. Being only human, I refuse to fear you and kneel only because you think I have to do so. Back to what I was about to explain. Let's say you don't need our help, but what if we are the ones that need your assistance? Besides, Rin would have somebody to play with. There is the little cub, Shippou. I think she would be rather fond of him. The safety of her would increase. It would be more difficult for Naraku or his minions to get to her. How can you disregard the fact she could be used to get you into a trap again? She, of that I'm sure, would be scared to the end of her days. Furthermore, Naraku is pretty strong now and if we loose…” Once more her voice left her as tears appeared in her eyes. The lump that formed in her throat was becoming tighter and tighter. The image of her friends dying made the pain in her chest, cold tentacles surrounding her heart, unbearable. “I would hate to see them all die.” Her voice was barely a whisper in the breeze as the shining drops rolled down her cheeks. She was still held by her neck and the bark pressed against the back of the young, recently crying miko.

 

Sesshoumaru was confused at what to do. He was so rabid. He could slaughter her then and there, but the second his sensitive ears caught her softly whispered words and his nose picked up the scent of salt, he was at a loss. She was only concerned, but not for herself, it were the others and the world she was solicitous about. Never had he met anyone like her. Most of the humans he had met were selfish, seeking only their own desires. This miko, however, put the happiness of others before her own, no matter at what a price it came. This new information was wellaway not enough to convince the lord to be their ally.

 

“I will not be part of your group. Putting up with such garbage is under this Sesshoumaru, miko.” With this said, he released her from his capture, turned around and was on his way. Before he made it out of earshot, her sad words reached his ears, causing him to stop.

 

“Kami, help us. I don't know what to do, but if we loose this war, whole Japan will be in danger, and therefore his lands too. This is a responsibility I'm not ready to bear.” With this spoken, Kagome was walking the path, which led her to this place, rubbing her sore neck from the abuse it received at the hand of the Western Lord.

 

Sesshoumaru spun to face the miko after the softly uttered worries only to find her gone. The meaning of her last words was not lost on him. The anguish and despair lacing her voice proved the truth he felt beneath them. She was really considerate of the mund in the future and came to him.

 

He had no time to muse any further, his wandering mind was interrupted by Rin, who was running back with flowers held in her tiny arms, a bright smile adoring her joyful face. This rapidly changed as she saw the miko was gone.

 

“Where is the pretty lady?” Pursing her lips, she added, her dark brown eyes watering suddenly. “Didn't she want the flowers? Was she angry with Rin? Had Rin said something wrong?” Confusion was clearly written in her chocolate orbs, Sesshoumaru couldn't resist the urge to say something, easing the sadness he heard in her usually happy voice. She should not blame herself, because it was not her fault the miko was gone.

 

“No Rin, you said nothing wrong. I am sure she would be pleased by the flowers. There were matters which needed her attendance, so she had to leave.” His baritone soothed the little girl, for her lord never lied to her. He wasn't lying now as well. He didn't tell her the full truth, deliberate of her young age.

 

 

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Kagome, stalking through the thick trees, was heading back to her group, dissatisfied with the fact, that yet another powerful warrior had refused to unite with them. What was it that made potential allies back away, was it a curse or what?

 

`This way it is more then possible that we won't win this battle. The dreariest part is that with Naraku alive, Miroku will one day decease due to his Kazaana. With Sesshoumaru on our side, there would be hope if nothing more. His fighting skills are legendary as are his powers and tenacity. If he's refusing to help, there is nothing I can do about it.'

 

Sighing, Kagome neared the camp they had settled the last evening. The second she emerged from the trees, she was greeted with a sight that made her heart bloom with hope. There, in front of her stood no one else then the proud priestess Kikyou. Her long black hair gleamed in the early sun. Her brown, cold eyes regarded Kagome. She may be cold and dead, her only emotion hatred, as long as it was aimed to the right person, which was Naraku, the true source of the first deceit, she was more then welcomed.