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Finding Kagome	By : MetsukiKaraTen Category: InuYasha > Het - Male/Female > InuYasha/Kagome Views: 8806 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own InuYasha, nor make money from this story.

Chapter List
- 43
- 44
- 45
DISCLAIMER:: All the
originals are Rumiko Takahashi's babies, I just play with them . . .
and occasionally torment them. All the other's are mine...

A/N:: 'Finding Kagome'
has been nominated under the 'Best Drama Fiction' category with The
Feudal Association'!! I want to say a special thank you for that
honor. Voting is underway. If you are not familiar with the
organization, you can learn more at feudalassociation
dot cadkitten dot com (remove the spaces and replace the dot with a
period.)

Special thanks to
Mooman_fl for his beta on this chapter.

FINDING KAGOME

Chapter 44

The muffled pounding of the
surf against rocky cliffs below was accentuated by the resonant bark
of a bull seal off in the distance. High above, dark clouds with
luminous fringes skittered across the burnished silver of a half moon
as it progressed along it's path to the west. A light breeze played
with the leaves of a small stand of bamboo, and she tipped her head
to the side, then reached into the singular pocket of her silk
lounging pajamas. Pulling out a solitary, bronze hawk feather, she
released it into the air then waved a hand in a fluid zig-zag motion.
Her fingers bent slightly, elegantly with each pass through the air
as she lightly tugged the familiar, albeit invisible, ribbons that
wafted from the direction of the sea. Ribbons only one of her kind
could see. Ribbons that could just as easily be transformed into
biting blades. Crimson eyes sparkled when the feather caught, then
returned to twirl and dance like a puppet in front of her, the
ribbons thrumming from her manipulation.

“Oh, you like that,
huh?” she chortled to the yapping puppy, who had stopped his
nosing around the shrubbery to observe the spectacle. Bringing her
other hand into play, she extended yet another strand of youki to
gracefully beckoned the ribbons of breeze to turn and carry the
dancing plume closer to her audience. Back peddling in a crouch, he
emitted growling yaps of warning. It nearly reached his nose before
he ultimately jumped, snapped and caught the thing in his mouth,
ending the dance. Snorting he comically worked to push it off his
tongue, rubbing his muzzle frantically in the manicured grass.

Kagura laughed merrily at
his discomfort, ruffling his fur with the ribbons before dropping her
control. “You weren't supposed to eat it, stupid. . . Hurry
up and do your business. It's going to get wet out here soon.”

The air was growing thick
with the ozone of an impending spring shower, and Kagura reveled in
it as she turned and walked along the cobbled path back toward the
main entrance to the mansion. She had always loved that sensation of
gathering power just before a storm. It sung to her very essence.
Sesshoumaru had chosen well when he bought this land from the Fed all
those years ago. Facing out to sea during a good blow was like being
perched right on the edge of the world. More than once she had spent
an evening on the cliffs, her arms outstretched, fan in hand, as she
would tug and weave at the blustery power of the Gods. Battles were
so few and far between anymore, it had become her favorite way to
stretch and exercise her talents.

She was just beginning to
see how much her little pleasures had played in the decisions that
her mate had made over the years. Looking back, it was as though he
had been making those choices with her in mind. So many little
things all adding up to an American Empire of sorts. Triple D
Enterprises was in the U.S. 'Top Five'. There were so many
subsidiary companies, most people had no idea they were eating,
reading, wearing and sleeping-on products from the same conglomerate.
Sesshoumaru had made more than a few enemies in building that empire.
Consequently the property that was now her home was one of the most
secure places on the planet, she was certain of it. Yet it carried a
subtle opulence that rivaled more than a few of the royals in Europe.

She knew that he had grown
to care about her with the passage of time, promising to care for
her, to protect her. And what had she done, but flee in a panic from
the security he had offered her. She owed him so much, and yet she
had abandoned him. It wasn't actually him that she had been
fleeing from. It was the threat to her hard won independence that he
represented. At the time, it had slipped her mind just how integral
the daiyoukai had been in bringing that independence about.

More than once after she
had emigrated to the States, he had crossed the Pacific on
'business', yet, often as not, he wouldn't attend any meetings
during his stay. She had known that he was checking on her. That
he was inexplicably drawn to her. His stays had lengthened, until
the last time he simply hadn't returned home. She hadn't complained.
She had enjoyed their excursions, exploring the wonders of this
continent. She had enjoyed his company, the familiarity of him. She
had missed the part where he had started to need her. When
she had begun to crave his proximity more than she coveted her
freedom. She couldn't put her finger on exactly when that line had
been crossed. That it had, was all that seemed to matter.

The phone conversation he'd
had with InuYasha troubled her. It left Sesshoumaru frustrated and
irritated enough to growl at her when she hadn't been able to help
her curiosity as he grabbed the notepad. Of course, she knew better.
His brother's personal concerns were private matters to the Taisho.
But she also knew he would eventually tell her, when he was ready.
He nearly always did.

So, InuYasha was bringing
his miko home, and she really did have the Shikon. One thing was
certain, she and the Jewel would be safe here in the Inu domain,
more so than anywhere else. InuYasha would have his mate with him.
Comparing the great Lord of the West to a mother hen was not
something she would want to do out loud, oh no. But everyone could
be happy. Especially her mate. He would finally have all his chicks
tucked away neatly in their nest. Happy. Content. At least for as
long as the Fates would allow it, anyway.

A renewed round of yaps
drew her attention back to the puppy, and following the focus of his
attention, she discovered her mate standing regally on the balcony of
his study watching them in his indomitably impassive way. Back lit
by the lowered lights of the room behind him, shifting beams of
moonlight played across the fine smoothness of his features. The
breeze stirred his unbound hair and she felt a familiar flutter in
her middle. Gods, but he was magnificent. Even if he was, as often
as not, an arrogant ass. A pair of white sweats were the vestments
of her personal guardian angel.

Okay, so that analogy might
be. . . pushing it a little bit. Almost as bad as the 'mother hen'.
She grinned mischievously, shaking her head at her aberrant musings.

“Come on, kid . . .”
she leaned down and patted her hands, urging the puppy to come to
her, but he continued to bark, tail flailing madly. “I've got
stuff to do, let's go. . .” she motioned and snapped her
fingers moving up the path. The little guy was being stubborn, and
continued to bark at the Demon on the balcony.

Without warning,
Sesshoumaru dropped down from his perch, emitting a low growl at the
excited pooch. Kagura watched with interest as the pup flipped to
his back, quieting immediately and baring his stomach to the
daiyoukai. All her mate had done was make a sound.

He hadn't had much of
anything to do with the pup since he was delivered, other than to
yell at him to 'get out' after he'd peed on that rug. She'd taken on
entertaining the cute little guy in order to keep the peace, at least
until InuYasha came home, to the point of neglecting important
preparation for her meeting in the morning. And now, all Sesshoumaru
had to do was growl and the little rascal just rolled over and played
dead. Huffing low twice, Sesshoumaru motioned with his hand and the
pup got up, yipping once to the Demon, then trotted off toward the
stairs at the front of the residence.

“How the Hell did you
do that?” she demanded, hands on her hips. He raised a brow at
her, a hint of amusement in his eyes, then circled his arm around her
shoulders to walk her inside.

“The little beast
will not be allowed to disregard my mate,” he finally replied.
“I told him to behave, or else. Frankly, I am surprised he
understood. I have not spoken Inu with intention for a very long
time.”

“Now that's something
I hadn't thought of,” Kagura mused, wondering how hard it would
be to learn.

“Hn,” he
grunted distractedly.

“Does that mean that
after all this time, you've actually been saying something
when you growled at me?” she inquired with a mischievous grin.
“I never realized . . . I thought it meant you were too angry
to talk . . .” her brow furrowed with realization and she
turned to face him. “You've been telling me to roll over and
play dead!!”

Sesshoumaru snorted
uncharacteristically, “To submit, actually . . . though I
certainly never expected that you would comply. Not my Blithe,”
His eyes shone with affection as he called her by the alias she had
first used on coming to San Francisco. She recalled how much he had
liked the name, said it was most appropriate. It was a sad day when
the time came for her to change her identity, something that was a
matter of course for any immortal living in human society. He'd
always liked that name, perhaps she would take it again.

Lacing his fingers into her
hand, he drew her close and gently touched his lips to hers. “About
earlier . . .” his voice no more than breath, there was apology
in his tone.

“No . . . I was being
nosy. Your business with your brother is . . . well, none of mine,”
she shook her head, then looked deeply into his eyes. “I'm
concerned too. I know you've got a lot riding on success with him.”

“You make it sound
like an impending gambling debt.” He pulled his hand away, his
face beginning to harden.

“NO! I didn't mean it
like that . . . it's just . . .” Kagura grasped the fabric of
his shirt, willing him to not pull away from her. “It's the
final step . . . and I hate it.”

“You knew where this
was going, why I had to find him,” his eyes softened. “There
is still time, Itoshii. It will be quite a long while before he is
ready. He has much to learn,” he stroked clawed fingers
through her hair, tucking an errant lock gently behind her pointed
ear. “We have barely begun his training. His need to to seek
out his mate rightfully took precedence. Once he brings her home, he
can settle into a routine.” He glanced toward the gate. Though
there was no direct sign of it, she knew he was beyond anxious for
InuYasha's return.

“Sesshou . . . I've
been thinking,” Kagura placed a palm on his chest drawing his
attention back to her. He examined her apprehensive expression for a
moment before responding.

“A dangerous pastime
for you, my heart,” his eyes narrowed before a hint of
amusement filtered across his features. Her initial flash of outrage
disappeared as she realized that he was actually being playful. It
seems that InuYasha's presence was having an unexpected influence
over the Ice Lord. Imagine that. Gaining a sense of humor by
osmosis. If only a sense of humor was all that was needed to make
everything all right again.

“So, tell me. . .
what is it that you have been thinking,” he prompted, breaking
her from her musing.

Kagura took a breath,
carefully gauging his expression. The subject was taboo, yet one
that she felt had to be broached. She'd given up on 'happy ever
after' endings long ago, but InuYasha's appearance, and the
discovery of the miko's most recent incarnation, then the
strengthening of her own bond with Sesshoumaru after so much time,
had awakened something deep inside of her. It had to be more than
coincidence. Her emotional reaction could only be compared to
feelings she had harbored the first time she ever approached the
daiyoukai. The first time she had asked him to kill Naraku. He had
regarded her plea with disdain, telling her that if she had a
grievance with the vile hanyou then she should take care of it
herself. Hope was a rare thing in those days. And he had callously
dashed hers that day so very long ago. But would he now?

“The girl . . . the
miko . . . perhaps she has answers . . .” Kagura stammered,
avoiding his eyes. “Kagome . . . she was powerful . . . and
smart, could do amazing things . . . if she has the Tama . . .
then maybe . . .”

“This Sesshoumaru
refuses to indebt himself, or his mate . . . to that accursed
Jewel,” he interrupted abruptly. “You surprise me by
even suggesting it.”

“I'm not suggesting
you take the damn thing from her! But if it makes her
stronger, maybe she can do something!” Now she
did meet his eyes with a determined set to her jaw, the front of his
sweatshirt fisted in her hands.

“You will say nothing
to the girl about this.” He gripped her shoulder tightly for
emphasis. “It would change nothing. The plan has already been
set into motion, Kagura. InuYasha is the heir. He will assume
control once he is trained. It is as it should be.” Looking
down at her hands with a hardened glare, she renewed her resolve and
twisted the fabric rather than letting go.

“I agree with you!! I
don't care about the damn 'House of Inu', Sesshoumaru!!” she
tugged at his shirt, and he reached to yank it from her hands with a
glare, then turned to walk away. “Crap . . . That didn't come
out right.” Chasing after him, she trotted around him skipping
backwards as she tried to get him to at least look at her. “Anata!!
This is about YOU. . . not
about producing an heir . . . I don't want to lose you,
damnit!! Now that we're finally together. . . it's almost as if
you're determined to . . . to die . . . just like your damn father
. . .” Hearing the words leave her mouth, she found herself
momentarily shocked at them, and she halted her chase.

However, the statement did
get his attention, and he stopped as well.

No, she hadn't known his
father. He had died long before she was even a wicked glimmer in
Naraku's twisted mind. Even before the notorious Onigumo had cut his
swath across Japan. But she did know the story. How the Great Inu
no Taisho had gone out for blood, knowing he was already too wounded
to possibly survive. It had been a matter of honor. His stubbornness
had thrown the whole of the Western Lands into such a turmoil that
Sesshoumaru had never fully succeeded in reclaiming it. She knew the
history. She didn't want to see it repeated.

“Do you honestly believe that
insulting my bloodline, then comparing me to my sire will shake me
into agreeing to your plot?” His voice was low, tense. She
straightened, bracing against the swell of his youki, her conviction
never wavering.

InuYasha was the heir. That was
agreed. The continuation of the House of Inu rested solely on him,
and the poor sap didn't even know it. When Naraku had created her,
it had not been with the continuation of his line in the plan. Which
was probably for the best, all things considered. And Sesshoumaru
had never shown any interest in finding a mate, that is until
recently. InuYasha would assume control of the family holdings once
he was trained. That was 'the plan'. But, the impending succession
was the least of her concerns.

The malady that had so slowly and
insidiously weakened Sesshoumaru had remained undiagnosed, despite
consultation with the foremost authorities in Youkai medicine. In
short, he was an immortal who was being gradually robbed of his
immortality, and no one could figure out why. She had been the first
to realize that something was amiss, long before she ever left Japan.
It had since become a heavily guarded secret that the daiyoukai
firmly believed his days were numbered.

“You make it sound like I'm
concocting some form of treachery. This is your LIFE we are talking
about, Sesshoumaru. Not your brother, or the bloody succession of
the Inu Empire . . .” she knew he would never dream of lashing
out at her, but she had to force herself to remain calm, sound
reasonable. “Would you deny us the future we've both longed
for? Why are you so set against at least consulting with the girl?”

Sesshoumaru studied his wife for a
moment, then focused on the gate. Taking a deep breath, his demeanor
shifted, his youki gradually receding. “I would not have
InuYasha believe that I have used him . . . or the miko for that
matter . . . for my own purposes. He has already stated that he has
suspected ulterior motives to my seeking him out.” He turned
and locked her eyes with a rare, haunted expression.

“You did have ulterior
motives . . .” her brow furrowed. Come to think of it, it had
seemed just a little too easily that Sesshoumaru had convinced his
brother to accept his role in the succession. The announcement of
their intent was to be made to the Council at the next session. With
the emergency session having been called, she assumed it would be
then that the formalities would be addressed. Yet Sesshoumaru hadn't
mentioned anything about it during the call. But there was more to
it than that. Kagura caught her breath with the realization. “You
haven't told him . . . ”

“It is not as though there is a
choice to be made,” he replied, expression grim, determined.

“He came looking for the girl,
and has no idea what you have planned . . .” incredulously
vocalizing her thoughts, Kagura's eyes became accusatory. “I
suppose it's my turn to be surprised.”

“He still does not trust me. I
only have myself to blame for that.” He looked away from her,
masking his features. “For InuYasha to fully understand what
this duty entails . . . it will require his full attention. It is my
sincere hope, having the miko near will bring focus for him. It is
then that all of it can be revealed. He is so . . . childlike.
Behind the bravado there is an innocence that I never saw before. In
the past I mistook it for stupidity, ignorance . . . my brother is
many things, but, there is one thing he is not, and that is 'stupid'.
I know that he omitted something important when he called. He
evaded my questions with useless drivel about the puppy. Now is not
the time to approach either of them . . . with matters beyond those
of immediate concern.”

Okay, so her timing was off. It
wouldn't be the first time for that, or the last. Of that she was
certain. However, he hadn't said 'never', and that one small favor
gave her a twinge of renewed hope. The time would come, and if she
had learned nothing else from her accursed 'parent', she had learned
the value of patience. Kagura drew close, wrapped her arms around her
beloved, and pressed her ear against his chest. The beat of his
heart was a comfort. It was strong and steady, and reassured her.
It may have been over a century since she last seen him assume his
energy form, his speed and agility may have lessened significantly,
but his heart was still strong. She would wait, because he was
right about one thing. There was still time.

“I'll make you a deal . . .”
she raised her face to meet his eyes.

“You and your deals . . .”
his voice low, gentle, a hint of bemusement in his eyes. His arm
encircled her, and she relaxed into his embrace. “What do you
propose?”

“My terms . . .” she
began, pulling away, all business. “I promise I won't be the
one to bring your health issues up . . . at least for now. But,
if either of them have questions . . . I will answer them.
And be assured, My Lord, when that time comes, I'll be asking a few
questions of my own . . .”

The breath he took sounded remarkably
like a sigh of resignation before he spoke. “InuYasha suspects
something is amiss. I have experienced him being . . . protective,
when we are together. Odd, that he is so, yet still seems to not
trust me,” his voice quieted as his thoughts seemed to drift
off for a moment. “Let them settle in. Let us neutralize the
current crisis before we introduce another. Can you honor me in
this, my mate?”

“Excuse me, Sir?” From
seemingly nowhere a young man approached, one of the Security staff
by the look of his garb. Charcoal black tunic with a mandarin collar
over simple slacks of the same hue. The true giveaway was the small
looped ear piece and the radio on his belt. They were all over the
compound, and Kagura was still unaccustomed to their constant,
watchful presence. At least they were discreet for the most part,
staying in the shadows. Though that of itself could be
disconcerting.

“Report,” Sesshoumaru
demanded still holding her, barely affording the man a glance.

“The perimeter has been
breached, Sir.” The Demon turned quickly, the man had gained
his full attention. “Surveillance says a motorcycle . . . same
model as the young Lord's,” the man's brow furrowed his eyes
unfocused as he listened. Sesshoumaru's relief at the news was short
lived. “Sir . . . It's not him.”

“What do you mean, it's not
him??” The Demon demanded. Kagura stepped back and glared
toward the gate. The faint whine of a motorcycle approaching drifted
up the hill beyond it and something else. She turned her ear to
listen to the wind.

“Two riders, the driver appears
to be male, dark hair, Sir. No helmet,” the guard reported in
a rush. “What do you want us to do?” Sesshoumaru glared
in the direction of the quickly approaching motorcycle.

Kagura tilted her head further into
the breeze, then glanced at her mate. The voice had become more
discernible now, it was definitely InuYasha screaming at the top of
his lungs.

“It's him . . .” she
resolved, her lips thin. “Can you hear him? He's screaming
'open the gate!'”

“You heard the Lady . . . Open
the God damned gate,” the Demon quietly ordered his guard.

The man jerked around anxiously and
barked into the small radio, “Do it! Open it! Taisho's orders!”

The low hum of the mechanism was
punctuated by a flash of lightning and a heart stopping eruption of
thunder. The Ducati slipped through the partially opened gate and
pulled around directly to the main stairs. The young man in the front
seat killed the engine, and swung a red hakama clad leg over the
front to dismount, and Kagura gasped. He then quite literally
plucked the passenger off the bike and hovered over her trembling
form to remove the helmet. Small drops of rain began to fall

“But . . . it's not his night .
. .” Kagura murmured in confusion as they approached the
couple, only to receive an accusatory glare from her mate. Her eyes
widened as she remembered that she wasn't supposed to have that
particular information. She had never told anyone, even Naraku.
Especially Naraku. Sesshoumaru stopped several feet away and emitted
an involuntary growl. His eyes flashed red, youki bloomed.

The young woman froze, her eyes
saucers as she clutched at her chest. Suddenly something was flung
away as if it had burned her, her hand immediately returned to her
chest to nervously be wrung by the other. Kagura followed the sound
of the discarded weapon and recognized the bright hue of a miko's
purifying power.

Stroking the darkening crest on her
mate's wrist, she pressed against him in a practiced effort to calm
his youki. “I'm sure there's a reasonable explanation, Anata,”
voice raised to draw his attention away from the obviously terrified
woman.

“Anata?? What the Hell?? ”
InuYasha made no attempt to mask his shock, then quickly grabbed for
the girl who's knees started to give. “Just . . . back the
fuck off, Jackass!!” InuYasha held up his free hand, arm
braced around the trembling woman. “She's scared enough without
your bullshit!!”

“What happened??” Kagura
demanded once she felt the daiyoukai's aura begin to recede.
Cautiously approaching the pair, she determined that the girl was
obviously traumatized, and trying very hard to be submissive.
Interesting. It was as though she knew that meeting the daiyoukai's
eyes could be misinterpreted. And she had disarmed herself. Smart.
Either that or instinctual. Those know-it-all researchers who
claimed humans possess no instincts spouted rubbish. Whatever
the case, the rain was beginning to fall in earnest and they needed
to get her inside. She was only human, after all. But, the hanyou
turned human stubbornly blocked Kagura's approach.

“What are you doing?? Get back .
. .” then to his brother, “What the fuck is she
doing here??”

“I'm trying to help, idiot!!”
She rose to her full height which was still substantially shorter
than the man in front of her. “She needs to get warm, she's
shaking like a leaf!! If you two want to butt heads, be my guest.
You've obviously traumatized her, let me take her inside and get her
calmed down before we have to call in a medic!”

“Nuh-uh!! No way!! You ain't
touchin' her!” InuYasha wrapped his arms around his trembling
woman protectively.

“Maybe she has something
to say about that, eh baka?? Kagome . . . Kagome . . . look at me,
sweetie,” Kagura coaxed, leaning around the broad shoulder
blocking her approach. Motioning toward the mansion, she spoke
gently, persuasively. “Would you like to come inside with me
and dry off? Leave these two to their hosing contest?” Kagome
stared at her blankly at first, then offered her a tiny nod. The
following wide eyed look to InuYasha implied need for his approval,
which had Kagura huffing in exasperation. He whispered to the girl,
and with her nod he reluctantly let her go, with an unmistakable
glower of warning directed at the wind sorceress.

“I beg your pardon . . .”
Sesshoumaru summoned their attention with his commanding air, “This
Sesshoumaru does not participate in 'hosing contests'.”

“Could have fooled me,”
Kagura took Kagome's arm and brought it around her shoulder for
support. “All that shouting and growling . . . No wonder the
poor girl is in shock . . . come on, sweetie. I'll call for
something warm to drink too. Let InuYasha debrief with the Taisho.”

“My study, halfbreed . . . NOW,”
Sesshoumaru quickly ascended the stairs, brushing past the women to
disappear through the door.

Kagura led Kagome inside with a
backward glance at InuYasha who stood alone in the now pouring rain,
dark eyes wide and angry, his jaw working akin to chewing a tough
piece of meat. Retrieving the knife from where Kagome had tossed it,
he flipped it in his hand twice, then glowered up at her before
angrily throwing it to stick solidly into the soil of a nearby
flowerbed.

This was going to be a long night.

~oo00O00oo~

A multilingual cacophony of
dirty jokes and insults followed by raucous laughter and an
occasional feminine squeal filtered out from the Del Sur hideout, an
old forgotten tavern well hidden among ancient, crumbling buildings
near the waterfront. The city hadn't bulldozed the area after the
devastating quake in 2032 but neither had anything been done to
preserve the once historic neighborhood. The eight block area was a
dangerous blight the way it stood, hence no one came around, choosing
to do the typically human thing and turn a blind eye rather than deal
with the expense and inconvenience of restoration. That was fine
with Raoul, it made for a perfect little playground for the Del Sur
gang.

They weren't a clan, though
many in their ranks were related. Neither were they a true tribe, as
many in their ranks had joined as they made their way North in answer
to the summons from the infamous Lady Ayame. M'noche knew of the
demoness by reputation, and made no bones about the fact that he
believed she was the embodiment of 'feminine demonic perfection'. In
other words, he was smitten as hell with the bitch, based mostly on
the rumors of her tactical interference with human affairs during
World War Two, then later during the Korea and Viet Nam conflicts. It
was rumored that she had even allied with Pol Pot in Cambodia. Raoul
never once doubted that if she hadn't been on the other side of the
planet she would have had her fingers in Hitler's stew as well. The
young demon had to admit after laying his own eyes on her, she was
some woman alright. M'noche had often said they would have heard
more about her if that stupid twitch in Asia that the Americans were
so fond of calling the 'Great Asian War' had lasted longer than 18
months. Cut so short, what should have been World War Three became
nothing more than a couple of pages about technological and
diplomatic interventions in the history books. Leave it to China to
step in and screw up a chance for some real carnage.

That had been the lure of
the Southern Hemisphere for M'noche, where war was still primitive.
There were still wild lands there, ripe for the taking. Almost like
stepping back a century, at least in the deeper interior regions. If
it had been anyone else, Tio M'noche would have told them to take a
flying fuck, but to be summoned North again by one so highly
acclaimed had been an honor even he couldn't refuse.

His uncle had done well by
his men, and provided a non-stop flow of drink and even pool tables
to keep them entertained during their confinement within the city
limits. The homeless and local whores made for interesting game,
there was no lack for sustenance. However, the sounds emanating
from beyond the barred door were considerably more cheerful than
usual, echoing out brazenly into the predawn darkness.

“Stupid bastards are
celebrating,” Raoul muttered to himself, adjusting the limp
body on his shoulder. He stood on the street just outside the
weather beaten, though still quite sturdy, solid hardwood door for
several seconds, steeling his resolve. Three men dead in what should
have been a routine mission was not going to be welcome news. His
uncle's reputation for 'shooting the messenger' didn't make the
situation any easier. Not when one of the casualties had been the old
bastard's only son.

Raising his leg, Raoul side
kicked the door from its hinges to crash onto the floor. A caged
woman in the back shrieked, while the abrupt entrance startled the
rest into silence, poised in a typical tableau for the barely
disciplined gang. Raoul surveyed their silent stares through the
swirling dust. From the poker table to the left, bar to the right,
the occupied iron cage in the rear where the stupid woman was still
screaming, and the few in attendance of the game of 8 ball currently
in progress, everyone gawked. Everyone except M'noche, of course,
who just like the old warhorse he was, continued to lean into lining
up his shot, paunchy frame draped over the table with a fat Cuban
cigar in his teeth. He took his cue and tapped at the corner pocket.

“You damn well better
fix that, asshole,” he ground out around the cigar as he made
his shot, then raised up to glower at the younger demon. “Someone
shut that stupid bitch UP!” he barked over his shoulder in
annoyance. The screaming abruptly stopped with a muffled gurgle.
Someone over at the poker table chuckled.

“Hey, what's up with
Ewok?” came an inquiry from over by the bar.

Raoul shook his head, then
sauntered over to the pool table and with complete disregard for the
game in progress, dropped the body onto the middle of it. Turning
to regard his leader's glower briefly with his own, his eyes then
traveled around the room in disapproval.

“What the fuck
happened?” M'noche demanded. Pulling the cigar from his mouth,
his eyes narrowed on the body that had just displaced his next shot.

“Fucking Kouga . . .
happened,” Raoul growled, then raised his voice for all
ears to hear, his eyes still fixed on his uncle. “They weren't
alone. Kouga set us up. The whole fucking mission was a set up.”
The room erupted into a discordant chorus of low murmurs.

“Where's Diego? That
little piece of shit better have an explanation.” M'noche
glowered toward the doorway, obviously expecting his son to walk
through it.

“Dispolvo, Tio,”
Raoul braced himself. “The bitch . . . Just like the witch
said, she's a fuckin' priestess. She turned him to dust. I saw it.
He's just . . . gone.” Raoul made a motion with his fingers,
implying an explosion. “Him and Sam . . . gone.” He
nodded at the body on the table. “They left Ewok in a field.
Two men were with 'em at the house. Humans. One of 'em took her away
on a bike. He did that.” He nodded to the still form of the
demon on the table.

M'noche didn't move, the
irritation on his face remained unchanged. It was as though those
narrowed eyes were piercing right into Raoul's brain, and he suddenly
realized that he was having a hard time breathing under the scrutiny.
Several very tense moments passed before the elder finally spoke.

“My son is dead?”
the words were low, disbelieving. A contradiction to the heat behind
the eyes, the angry clench of jaw. M'noche frowned. Raoul stood his
ground and waited for the fatal blow, wondering if that pink light
had hurt Diego as much as his uncle's claws were about to hurt him.

The raised arm caused him
to flinch as M'noche grabbed him behind the neck, and pulled his head
down to a broad shoulder. He was clan, so of course death would come
with a kiss. He stiffened against the hold, knowing better than to
even try to pull away.

“Tio . . .”
Raoul groaned.

“You will tell me
everything you know . . .” came the low growl, a whisper into
his ear. “Every little, tiny detail you remember. I hope you
are ready to take Diego's place. We will make that bitch pay.”
The hand lowered and it became an embrace. No kiss. No claws.

Raoul's eyes widened as he
realized that his life was being spared.

“Where is that
flunky, Ginta?? The bastard is always underfoot until I need him,”
M'noche shouted to his ranks. “Raoul is now Beta!!” This
announcement was greeted with a combination of murmurs and cheers.
“We have a score to settle with the Ookami!! All allegiance to
Kouga and his ken is VOID!! No more fucking games!” Then his
voice lowered below the excited cheering at the proclamation, Raoul
cradled against his shoulder. “No more . . .”

8^8^8^8^8^8^8

She had told him she was
okay.

She was far from 'okay'.

Staring blankly at the
obscenely plush bath towel that she had been handed, Kagome choked
back the raging torrent that welled inside her. It was supposed to
be safe here. To say she felt intimidated would have been a gross
understatement.

At the flash of the Demon's
eyes, Kagome had been certain she was done for. Even with the space
of several yards between them, she could feel his barely restrained
wrath. It had been more frightening to her than when that deformed
creature dropped through the ceiling of Selene's living room. It was
apparent that this was no average youkai. He was the most powerful
she had encountered to date. And he had been no less than furious.
And that fury had been directed right at her. She was certain
of it.

The moment that she
realized the knife she had been clutching for miles could be
perceived as a threat, she tossed it as far from herself as she
could, and lowered her eyes in what she hoped would be understood as
an act of deference – contrition -- she was sorry . . . so
damn sorry. She could only hope that he would understand.

The woman, Kagura, had been
so gentle with her. Very kind, almost doting in her hovering concern
for the welfare of a woman who had not even said a word, yet had
still managed to incur the wrath of her husband. A towel and a
change of clothes had materialized, and she had been shown to a
luxurious bathroom, where she was expected to change. She tried to
avoid the daggers of accusation shooting from the reflection in the
mirror. Her own reflection. Accusation and judgment that were well
earned.

She had taken a life.

She still had a hard time
believing that the attack had even occurred, let alone that she had
willingly and vengefully released enough energy to purify the cocky
young demon. She had been spurred by his words, implying she was
some kind of object, a stolen possession that needed to be returned.
She belonged to no one. She was not some kind of trophy. She
certainly wasn't pretty enough to be a trophy. Running her fingers
through her tangled hair, and carefully avoiding her eyes in the
mirror, she affirmed that she was no prize. But the implication was
that she was some kind of mindless bauble that needed to be returned
to its proper owner. While her anger might have been justified,
her actions could not be.

InuYasha had said that it
was either him or them, that she had done the right thing. Yet she
couldn't help but think of Kouga and how Miranda had looked at him.
She adored him. Even if he was jerk, she certainly didn't see
him that way. That young demon, Diego . . . had been someone's
son. He'd even made reference to his father. Granted it was about
how he would kill InuYasha quickly and mercifully. Ok, so not all
'papas' are nice people. But someone had cared about him, would miss
him. Even if he was a calloused bastard and ran over his buddy
during the chase. At what point does a person's wickedness cross the
line so far as to warrant death?

Kagome shuddered for
perhaps the hundredth time that day.

Kagura quietly stood at a
wheeled cart and poured tea into two fine china tea cups, complete
with saucers. Kagome tugged the afghan her hostess had given her
around herself and imagined that the scene would fit quite nicely in
a Victorian era movie. An old 'black and white', of the sort that
play only on specialty channels. She had never seen such an ornate
pattern of roses and leaves on china before, it looked as though it
should be gracing a museum case . She'd never seen a such an
extensive library in a private home before, either. Almost Sherlock
Holmesian. Definitely an old black and white 'who done it'.

She wrapped herself a
little tighter in the crocheted throw, casting a wary glance at her
hostess. After she had dried off and changed, she had been led to
this amazing room, complete with fireplace and large comfortable
chairs where Kagura was now conducting a very civilized European tea
service at four in the morning, instead of four in the afternoon.
Kagome pondered that perhaps she was becoming hysterical with these
rampant thoughts running through her head. Should she begin looking
for the white rabbit? Toto wasn't here to make that infamous comment
to, the one about it not being Kansas anymore.

Glancing around on that
thought, she noted that the only things out of place in her
movie-like comparison, was the pile of apparently unopened mail that
covered the desk on the far end of the room, and a stack of boxes by
the fireplace. One of those boxes appeared to be a case of specialty
dog food. Surely dog demons . . . don't eat . . . Her mind
raced. The memory of InuYasha and his coveted bag of treats at the
mall flashed through her mind and had her questioning the idea.
Another little tremor ran through her. Definitely hysteria. Now
where was that rabbit with the kid gloves . . . Here, Toto!

“I'm sure you
probably have a lot of questions,” Kagura interrupted her
thoughts by handing her one of the cups of tea, then elegantly folded
herself into the closest wingback chair. Casually bringing her feet
up under herself, the woman smiled and took a sip of her tea. Kagome
nodded her thanks, still not having found her voice, and took a sip
of the tea. It was wonderful. A blend of chamomile and mint, but
different, richer than any store brand she had ever tasted. So, here
they were. Murder at three. Tea at four. She considered changing
her comparisons from the 'who-done-it' genre, to ridiculously bad spy
movies. At least those were in color.

“Are you inu-youkai
too?” Kagome whispered cautiously, trying very hard to not
glance toward the boxes by the fireplace. The gentle laughter that
erupted from the demoness took her by surprise.

“No . . .”
Kagura chortled, then sipped at her own tea. “I'm elemental.
Wind, to be precise.”

“Oh, sorry . . . I
hope I didn't offend,” Kagome focused on the cup in her hands.
She found the deep red of the woman's eyes unsettling, and had
trouble meeting them. She knew they were on her, however. She'd
seen the expression of speculative concern, a hint of curiosity, and
something else. Something she hadn't been able to decipher.

“None taken,”
the demoness assured quietly.

Venturing another sip of
the calming tea, the only sound in the room was the soft ticking of a
grandfather clock, and the pelting of the rain outside. “This
is very good,” she ventured to stretch beyond the whisper,
finding her voice a bit raspy. “I really . . . appreciate
your hospitality. It seems I'm . . . I'm having a problem staying
out of trouble.”

Kagura waved off the
gratitude. “You are right where you belong, dear.” Kagome
opened her mouth to object, the vision of the infuriated Demon
splashing through her mind, but the demoness interrupted, reiterating
her statement. “Right where you belong, I mean that. In
fact. . .” she raised her cup, commenting with a mischievous
grin over the lip as she took a sip, “I understand a member of
your family arrived a little ahead of time.”

“My family?”
The reference confused Kagome, a fine line forming between her brows.
Her only real family was her mother, and of course the extended
family, most of which was in Japan.

“Oh, damn. I
probably shouldn't have said anything,” she muttered, lowering
her feet and leaning over to set the cup and saucer on the table.
“I'm sure that they will join us shortly . . .” Kagura
stretched over to pat her arm, and she nervously flinched from the
unexpected contact. “Do you want to talk about it? Any of it?”

Kagome met the concerned
expression, the line between her brows deepening. Talk about it?
First I have to believe it . . . right?

“I wouldn't know
where to begin, its all been so overwhelming . . .” Kagome
frowned, and took another sip of the delicious tea. She had to admit
it was calming her frayed nerves, and she was finally feeling warm,
though her muscles ached from the workout of holding onto InuYasha
for dear life. It would have been different if he could have used
his sword. But that was her fault. All of it was her fault.
She couldn't help the pleading look that accompanied her confession,
“I did it . . . I'm responsible for what happened .” Her
eyes began to water. “I didn't mean to, it just . . .
happened. Mr. Inudono is right to be angry with me.”

“Sesshoumaru isn't
angry with you, dear. He simply wasn't prepared. InuYasha gave him
no warning. I think his ire is directed more toward his brother
right now. There are dynamics at work in that relationship that you
could not possibly begin to understand.”

“I know a little bit
about family dynamics,” Kagome sniffed. “But, their
situation is far from any norms I ever studied.”

“Exactly. They are
both extraordinary men, with vastly different backgrounds.
Sesshoumaru has spent many years searching for his brother. More
than you can imagine. The healing has only barely begun between
them. This nonsense with Kouga has actually been good, because they
have a common bond in thwarting him.” Kagura rose and busied
herself preparing another cup of tea, handing Kagome a dainty napkin
when she sniffed again.

“So, you know Kouga .
. . you don't like him either, I take it.” Kagome observed
trying to keep her tone as neutral as possible. She set her nearly
empty cup down on the low table, then snuggled back into the plush
chair, and dabbed at her nose.

“I have history with
the wolf. Ancient history, quite literally,” Kagura waved a
hand dismissively, with a sardonic grin. “I doubt he even knows
that I am around.” She straightened, her eyes sharpening,
“which is probably for the best, all things considered.”

“So . . . does that
mean. . . that you knew my aunt, too?” Kagome's eyes narrowed
on the demoness. Other than the fact that she was a demon, no bells
or whistles went off in Kagome's mind about her. She didn't
'remember' her.

“I did, actually,”
Kagura's eyes softened as she took a sip of her tea, curling up into
the chair again, she continued in a casual, conversational tone.
“We weren't close, by any means. But she helped me. . .
helped me to believe that my life could be better,” at this she
paused. “An inspiration, you might say.”

“So, it looks like
your life is going good, now,” Kagome's eye traveled the room
again, and she suppressed the urge to add 'ridiculously good'.
“It wasn't so great before?”

“Ah . . . well . . . I had a
very . . . abusive . . . 'guardian' I guess one might call him.”
Kagome heard a hint of old bitterness, pain that was quickly covered
with an obviously well practiced, offhanded tone. “A rather
twisted soul . . . He tended to try to manipulate everyone around
him. Kagome and InuYasha, among others were victims of his schemes.”
At this she paused, and Kagome could see the memories were not
pleasant for her. “They and their friends . . . finally
brought him to justice.” Kagura's eyes unfocused for a few
seconds before she turned and caught Kagome's eyes. A fleeting look
of desperation morphed to inspiration on the demoness' features,
before she spoke again in a whisper of near reverence, “I was
never able to tell them . . . how sorry . . . or even . . . to say
. . . thank you . . .”

Kagome pressed herself back
into the chair, furrowing her brow at the vague account, and how the
disjointed apology and thanks were being offered to her. As
if she had been directly involved in this 'justice' that had been
meted out centuries ago. Her eyes slowly widened with amazement that
Kagura, a complete stranger to her, was acknowledging her as the
current incarnation of the miko in that legendary group. The need in
her eyes yanked at Kagome's heart. Such a deep need for acceptance
of her apology, her thanks. Uncertain about being the recipient of
something so important, she drew her response directly from deep
within her heart, using caution to not take credit for something that
she, in all honesty, knew nothing about.

“I am sure that . .
.” Kagome began hesitantly, slowly, “. . . that your
living well now . . . is all the thanks that would be
necessary.” Through her confusion, she sensed that something
very profound was happening. She was scared out of her wits, and now
this red-eyed woman was looking at her like she was some kind of
living saint. Hysteria again? She nervously glanced around for the
rabbit, thinking perhaps the Mad Hatter would be a better suspect,
what with the tea and all.

Suddenly, unexpectedly, the
Shikon made its presence known with a lingering pulse. Reaching up
to grasp it through the borrowed blouse, she glanced again at Kagura,
who had an expression of wonder on her face. Now the Jewel was
calling to her? The expression of gratitude, and her acceptance,
however remote it may have been, had triggered something. Now she was
being led by the Jewel again. Had been all day, though for what
purpose she had no idea. It certainly wasn't any more surreal than
the last 48 plus hours had been, and she decided that to focus on the
relic might alleviate some of the terror and remorse she had been
saddled with from the night's events.

Usually, when she felt the
Jewel's compulsion it had to do with healing someone nearby. The
other times, she had been able to 'see' what the problem was, but a
quick hooded examination of Kagura revealed nothing. Kagome could
only assume that it was because the woman wasn't exactly human.
Perhaps her miko 'sight' was limited to only those of her own kind.

“Are you feeling
alright?” she asked hesitantly, grasping for any kind of lead
as to what the Jewel wanted of her.

“I'm just peachy . .
.” Kagura shook herself abruptly, responded just a little too
lightly, before narrowing concerned eyes on the miko. “But I'm
worried about you. You've been through a lot tonight, or so it
seems . . . too much that you aren't talking about. It's important
to not pack everything away inside, that's not healthy.”

“I'm okay . . .”
she suppressed a wince at the lie. Taking a deep breath she made a
not-quite-successful effort to appear relaxed, calm. “Much
better now that I'm dry,” she motioned to the borrowed attire,
and offered her hostess a wan smile. “It's been a strange few
days, and I just need time to think before I try to talk about it . .
.” She felt the sensation of the the Shikon pulsing again, and
she raised her brows. The pulsing was not a result of her
hysteria. Something was definitely going on.

“What is it?”
Kagura asked, eyes searching for a cause for the change in her
expression.

“This has been
happening a lot lately. It talks to me . . . kind of,” Kagome
pulled the Shikon out, and watched it brighten as she sensed it pulse
again. Kagura's eyes nearly bulged and she pulled away. Kagome
quickly dropped the orb back into the blouse, “I'm sorry . . .
here . . . I'll put it back,” she stammered, blushing with the
embarrassment of having caused her hostess discomfort. It seemed to
frighten the demoness, and Kagome was still sound enough of mind to
not be rude. She resisted the urge to say, 'See? All gone!' Like
one would say to a two year old. Instead she just waved her hand
dismissing it.

“He lied,”
Kagura whispered, before taking a breath.

“Huh? Who lied?”
Kagome watched as the demoness worked to pull herself back together.
The fear in the woman's eyes at the unveiling of the Jewel had the
young woman's curiosity piqued, but she was hesitant to press. She
was youkai, perhaps it was simply the purifying power that she
feared. But Shippou had said the Shikon could be used by anyone. So
why did it frighten her?

“Someone once told me
the Jewel was most beautiful when it was tainted . . .” She
could see the horror written behind the woman's unfocused eyes,
terrible memories of some distant past. “Kagome, that's the
first time I've ever seen more than a few loose shards, and pure to
boot . . . and the son-of-a-bitch lied.”

So that was it. Kagura had
seen Shikon no kakera used for malevolent purposes. 'A few loose
shards'. It was akin to an epiphany, as she examined the expression
on Kagura's face. She had been there, she had lived it, been a part
of it. So had InuYasha. As had Shippou, and even Kouga. What had
always been to Kagome simply a fable, was their history, and
it obviously wasn't a pleasant one. There hadn't really been a happy
ending. Not for them. No, for them . . . it still wasn't over.

Perhaps it was the
exhaustion that had set in, and a second wind pulling at her confused
mind, but suddenly Kagome's awareness sharpened. It hit her like a
bright flash of light that pooled to illuminate the dark, confused
corners of her memory, the events surrounding the 'appearance' of
the Shikon no Tama. Shippou's insistence that she wear it, Taki's
ruined knee, Kouga's demanding intensity, the awe on the reporter's
face. InuYasha's need for Mikey, for all of them to accept him.

She was responsible. She
was the caretaker. She was the chosen 'Miko'.

“Don't worry . . .
its my job to keep it pure . . .” Feeling a renewal of
confidence, she reached over to pat Kagura's arm reassuringly. Kagome
felt a surge of power pass through her hand at the moment of contact
and the Jewel pulsed once more. There was no outwardly visible sign
of the phenomenon, like she had become accustomed to experiencing.
Her hands didn't glow, there was no subsonic reverberation, no flash
of light. She hadn't had any intention beyond simple reassurance,
but she knew that something significant had just occurred.

And apparently so did
Kagura. Crimson eyes widened, she sat back in her chair taking quick
panting breaths. Examining the woman's arm briefly for any sign of
damage, Kagome concluded that the Kami of the Shikon had to have
their own agenda. Whatever had happened, she had been nothing more
than a conduit for their power. Like that chain had been for her
power. She closed her eyes briefly and silently thanked them for not
purifying her hostess.

For a moment, she could
have sworn she heard a response of echoed laughter off in the
distance.

~o0o~

“Where the Hell was
Tetsusaiga?” demanded the Demon, his blazing eyes the only
indication that he was displeased.

InuYasha stood firmly,
scowling with his arms folded. He didn't appreciate being grilled
like a pup with no sense. Reaching to pull the sword from the back
of his jacket, the feel of it in his hand brought reassurance. He
knew fully well he had screwed up, he didn't have to be told. He was
the one that was dealing with the consequences of that royal screw
up. The asshole didn't have to rub his nose in it. The thing that
bothered him the most, was that he felt so very guilty and now
cornered, with the jackass's interrogation.

“Kagome was holding
it,” InuYasha swallowed perceptibly, “She didn't know,
and I didn't. . .

I didn't expect it would get
so out of hand. I should'a asked for it, but I was too pissed off to
even think about it.” He paused a moment, a new perspective
tickling at his mind.

Sesshoumaru wasn't really
angry. Not the deadly anger that he had grown to know. The reality
of it was that his brother was frustrated. He had been worried about
him. He could see it now, and his stupid pride had kept him from
warning him ahead of time. He had hoped it would pass before he saw
him again. He briefly flashed to the memory of when he finally awoke
after being so sick. Near death, they had told him. The rare display
of emotion by the Demon had been disturbing. Now this display of
anger was . . . not so much at him, as it was for him.
Sesshoumaru really did care. InuYasha was beginning to realize just
how much. “But, she stopped me, Aniki . . . no one died.
That's all that matters,” he added softly, a look of wonder in
his eyes.

Sesshoumaru stood stock
still, his eyes never leaving InuYasha. That was an honorific that
had never once been used in addressing him. By anyone. InuYasha's
choice to use it now, to actually call him 'big brother' had brought
the Demon to pause. The harshness of his glare softened as he
digested the gravity of the situation that the miko had faced. No
harm had been intended. Prevention of a murderous disaster had been
her goal. And her behavior upon their arrival made it clear that she
understood what she had done, and took no pride in it. This would
not have happened had they been mated, of that he was certain. That
was a situation that should be rectified as soon as possible,
provided InuYasha had not been permanently purified. That would
present an entirely new set of problems should it prove to be the
case.

“You will see the
house physician first thing in the morning. I want to know if this
is permanent,” Sesshoumaru pressed on without hesitation. “The
condition of the Ducati suggests you met with interference while
coming home . . .”

“You could say that,”
InuYasha relaxed his stance. The atmosphere of the study had changed
dramatically. “One of Kouga's cronies called, said someone was
coming. They got there just before we left. Really fucked up
Sally's house. Miroku got one inside the house. Exorcised him, just
like he used to. We lost one during the chase and I took one down
with the bike. Kagome purified the last one . . .”

“Indeed . . .”
Sesshoumaru looked away briefly, considering his brother's last
statement. “So, the miko is not completely helpless.”
Sesshoumaru held out his hand, motioning toward his brother.
“Hopefully this kind of . . . accident . . . can be avoided
in the future. And you say that 'Miroku' exorcised one. So Mr.
Andrews has retained the Houshi's skills?”

“Yeah, you could say
that . . .” InuYasha scowled at the floor, remembering the
warded exits and the subjugation Ofuda that had spawned his need to
fight the man in the first place.

“Let me see your
phone . . .” Sesshoumaru motioned with his hand. At
InuYasha's questioning look he explained, “The caller I.D. will
tell us where the informant called from.”

InuYasha dug the phone out
of his pocket, then found the ear piece and examined it as he handed
the phone to his brother. “This damn thing is useless to me
now,” he muttered.

The Demon's eyes flicked
from the phone that he had raised to eye level, to see his brother's
frustrated examination of the secondary piece of equipment.
“Hopefully, not for long, little brother. Let us see what the
physician says before we make any assumptions.”

Dropping the ear piece into
his jacket pocket, InuYasha lowered into a chair and leaned elbows to
knees, examining his hands with a scowl. That lousy phone had more
features on it than he thought he would ever possibly remember. It
was a wonder he could remember how to make a simple call. It would
probably be useful to know where Ginta had called from. Maybe that
would be the lead they needed to uncover where Kouga was hiding out.

“Does the name
Akitoki Hojo mean anything to you?”

“Hojo??”
InuYasha's eyes shot up, that was the last name he expected to hear.
“What does that useless bastard have to do with anything??”

“It was from his
phone that your warning call came,” Sesshoumaru handed back the
unit. “Perhaps not as 'useless' as you have deemed . . . am I
to assume he is one of Kouga's . . . 'cronies', I believe was the
term you used?”

“Kuso . . .”
under his breath the word was no more than harsh consonants. “Miroku
said that Kouga was talking to him, but it was Ginta that called me.
Ginta's been with Kouga as long as I've known the Ookami. That means
that Hojo's in a lot deeper than I thought . . .” he locked his
eyes on his brother. “Hojo is ningen . . . what does it
mean??”

“Another ill fitting
piece to the puzzle . . .” Sesshoumaru lit contemplatively on
the edge of his desk. It was well known the wolf imagined himself to
be clever. Perhaps the added human elements in his plan were simply
devices to draw them off the scent. Then again, it was unfathomable
that the fool would involve himself so intimately as to mate with one
for that purpose alone. Or had he, in actuality done this thing?
Their sources of information on this were, after all, human. Humans
with no true knowledge of youkai culture or tradition. Easily fooled.
Equally easily coerced. The most dangerous thing they could do
would be to assume anything at this juncture. More information was
needed.

InuYasha glanced at the
door anxiously, impatient with the silence. “So . . . are you
going to tell me what in the Seven Hells Kagura is doing here
. . . at this hour?”

“It is only logical
that my mate is here with me,” Sesshoumaru's expression was
impassive, distracted with his thoughts.

“Mate??” More
an explosion than a confirmation, disbelief and disapproval contorted
InuYasha's features. “Fuck, I knew you guys were close . . .
but not THAT close!” He abruptly rose and paced over to
a window, then back in frustration. He knew that things changed with
the passing of time, but he had a very difficult time accepting that
the wind sorceress was no longer one of his enemies, let alone a
member of his family now. He'd thought she was dead, even heard
rumors of it before they finally finished off Naraku. Discovering
her here, in this time, and in this place, had been enough of a
shock. And now he was to accept that she was mated to his brother?
“When the hell did this happen? Obviously not before that damn
opera, or I would have known . . . fuck I thought she was long dead,
before I saw her that night.”

“That was the idea .
. .” The Demon's eyes narrowed on his sibling. This was phase
two. It was apparent that both of them had withheld important
information this evening. He proceeded with the utmost caution,
knowing fully well how volatile his brother could be. It simply
would not do, to have him 'grab the miko and run'.

“Naraku tried to
poison her. The keyword is 'tried'. Very nearly succeeded. This
Sesshoumaru was instrumental in her recovery from that attack, and
word was spread that she had indeed succumbed in order to prevent the
abomination from coming after her.” Allowing a moment for this
to digest in his brother's mind, he rose to his full height, prepared
for the assault he knew was to come.

“You lied . . .”
InuYasha muttered. The anger the Demon had expected in response was
nothing compared to the momentary flash of hurt disappointment that
crossed his brother's human features, to be followed by a grim snarl.
“You said she was gone . . . that she had smiled . . .”

“It was no lie, she
was indeed 'gone'. Transported by Ah-un to the castle. This
Sesshoumaru simply did not elaborate as to . . . where she had gone.
And she did, indeed, smile.”

“Gah!!” An
exasperated cough broke the tense silence. “You've got a
warped definition of honesty, asshole.”

“The point is,
she may have been of Naraku, InuYasha, but she was never
for Naraku.” Sesshoumaru paused again to let this sink into
his brother's thick skull.

“Could have fuckin'
fooled me!” Here was the anger, solid and true. “I
can't count how many times that bitch tried to kill us! Not to
mention the torture she and Hakudoushi put Sango through, dragging
Kohaku around. Like they were wavin' him in her face, just to yank
him away again . . .”

“More than once she
approached this Sesshoumaru, begging that I eliminate the vile
beast.” He stopped and met his brother's dark, rather
astonished glower, lowering his voice. “It took a while before
I realized just how worthy that request was. She has been under my
protection for a very long time. You would, perhaps . . . be
surprised at how long . . .”

“And you're sure she
won't try anything?” InuYasha motioned generally toward the
door, then grasped the hilt of his sword. “I'll make sure she
never does again if she even thinks about it!” His scowl only
increased when he remembered that he couldn't do much in his current
state.

“She wants no more to
do with the accursed thing than I,” The Demon's voice remained
level, though his eyes flashed as he pointed to his brother's
weapon. “I would think that our truce would be inclusive of
our respective females, halfbreed,” he raised an expectant brow
and watched InuYasha lower the sheathed weapon in consideration. “We
must first neutralize Kouga and his minion, then we will work on how
to neutralize the Tama. As, most assuredly, there must be a way to
do so. . .” His eyes narrowed on the man before him.

“Oh no you don't . .
.” InuYasha shook his head and waved his arms in response to
the Demon's examination. “I ain't makin' no fuckin' wish, if
that's what your thinkin'! And you know why, too . . .” He
paused, then muttered, “That fucking thing twists everything
around, no good could come from it. I just want a normal life with
Kagome.” His expression morphed to worry and he again glanced
toward the door.

“It is not my
intention to force you to do such a thing, InuYasha” his words
gentle, Sesshoumaru moved toward the door. “Perhaps the Tama
itself will provide the answers, once we learn the proper questions
to ask. Until then, our mission is to protect the miko.”

The Demon opened the door
and with a sideways glance at his brother, barked into the hallway.
InuYasha tilted his head, an expression of amused disbelief that his
brother, the stoic Lord would do such a thing. Then he saw why.

“Junior!!” He
greeted the Samoyed puppy, who responded immediately with yips and
wildly wagging tail. “How ya doin'??” In his arms the pup
was all tail and tongue.

“Junior?”
Sesshoumaru inquired with a raised brow, then shook his head halting
InuYasha's reply with his raised hand. “I do not want to know.”

“Keh!” InuYasha
snorted as he followed his brother out the door, “I wasn't
gonna tell ya, anyway.”

~oo00O00oo~

To Be Continued . . .

A/N:: I know I took some
liberties this chapter, off the canon track, but I couldn't resist.
I'm a believer that people can change, and overcome, and endure. As
for Hobo's name, going with the 'long-accepted family name' since no
one seems to know what his first name is... ^_^ please feel free to
correct me.

I am in need of
correction...

or a good spanking...

one of the two.

“Mooman_fl: or both”

MKT
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Finding Kagome