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Shadowed Nights	By : Huronoryu Category: InuYasha > Yaoi - Male/Male > InuYasha/Sessh?maru > InuYasha/Sessh?maru Views: 19768 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own InuYasha, nor make money from this story.

Chapter List
- 7
- 8
- 9
Shadowed Nights
By The Black Dragon Queen
Co/Authored by Kallipso .
Notes:
```
*Pokes koishii-tenshi and Neko-Chan who are still twitching on the floor�* Um� I didn�t do it. *Turns to stares at quivering Solitare1* I have become a narcotic�� Oh well.
```
Anyway,
I really thought I would crack this chapter out really quick- as you can see
it�s already been a month. I didn�t think that writing Sango and Miroku would
be this hard but I really don�t know the characters. So I apologise
if they are OOC- I tired! So this will be a short chapter� -don�t hurt the
Cloud plushie!-

Kallipso * smirks as she cuddles her pilfered plushies of Ed, Sephiroth, Reno, and Vincent. And
Glares at Riki-Tiki-Tabby who holds Cloud plushie by throat* How did you get him from me?
R-T-T: *Smirks* My
secrets will die with me! Bwahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!
BDQ: *Sweatdrops*
Oh well. *Cuddles new Roy and Ed Plushies that
arrived in the mail.*
Kallipso:
*Gawks* What the? Where did those
come from?
BDQ: The mail, duh.
Kallipso: *Rolls
eyes* Ok~ay. Where did the mail come from?
BDQ: The post office. �Hey wait, I
thought I was the blonde.
Kallipso & R-T-T *start advancing * Tell us
now or suffer our wrath.
BDQ: Fine! *Wait�s for the two to stop
advancing* � the internet. *Runs away!*
Kallipso & R-T-T: *Mindboggle*
WHAT?� *Kallipso
Snatches Cloud*
Kallipso:
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH! MY BISHI�S! *Runs away*
R-T-T: *Blinks* What have I gotten myself into?
Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru: You don�t
want to know.

~ON WITH THE STORY~

Shadowed Nights-

Criticizing
Conversations: Chapters 37-42

Chapter Thirty-Seven: Regrouping

��

��

�Is she dead?�

��

��

�No.�

��

��

�Damn.�

��

��

�I could always hit her again.�

�What? No!�

�Why not?�

�Stop trying to kill Kagome!�

�I could always kill you kittling.�

�Leave Shippo out of this.�

�He�s annoying.�

�That�s no excuse to kill him.�

�Pthhhh!�

�I hate you.�

�Sesshoumaru!�

�What?�

�What are you two doing out here anyway?�

�We were hungry.�

�And you couldn�t wait for five frickin�
minutes?�

�But Inuyasha, we were hungry now.�

�Why couldn�t Sesshoumaru make you something?�

�ARE YOU TRYING TO KILL ME?�

�The kit�s right, have you seen my cooking?�

�That still doesn�t explain why you had to follow me.�

�Did you want to return to the cave to find only rotting
corpses?�

��

��

�Who knew dog face could be morbid?�

�How about I just eat the fox?�

�You two knock this off now!�

�Inuyasha-sama? Can Rin come out now?�

�Oh dang. Gomen-nasai Rin-chan,
I forgot about you.�

�Having a bad day?�

�You stay out of this!�

�Who are you talking to?�

�None of your business!�

�Squeek!�

�You stay out of this too!�

�When did Kuufuku show up?�

�Gah! The Rat! Quick! I need a bigger rock!�

�SESSHOUMARU!�

�WHAT?�

�Put the bolder down.�

�Damn you! Stop ruining my fun!�

�Stop trying to kill Kuufuku! Anyway, what�ll you achieve
by killing him?�

�It will make me feel better.�

��

��

�Behold, the all powerful Inuyoukai.
Done in by a little measly rat.�

�I am not finished yet!�

�Gah! Sesshoumaru! Put Tokujin away!�

�Ooo.�

�She�s waking up. Get me another rock.�

�What is your obsession with rocks?�

�Sesshoumaru-sama! Rin found berries!�

�FOOD!�

�Shippo! Behave!�

�Mmph.�

��Sesshoumaru, did you just eat the whole basket full?�

�� Maybe.�

�Are they always like this?�

�Trust me, this is a good day.�

�Whom are you talking to?�

�You really don�t know?�

�Would I bother asking you if I did?�

�Seriously? You can�t hear her?�

��Her� who? That�s what I�m trying to figure out?�

�You mean it�s not a normal youkai
thing?�

�What �thing�? Could you possibly attempt to give me a
straight answer?�

�Could you possibly give me a straight question?�

�What are you two talking about?�

�Never you mind Shippo.�

�Hmm, apparently you�re brother can�t hear me.�

�What was your first clue genius?�

�No need to get defensive pup.�

�Don�t call me �pup�.�

�Eh? Inuyasha, why are you scowling?�

�I�m not mad at you Shippo.�

�Great, then what did I do?�

�I could name a million things, but at this moment it�s not
you either.�

�Well there�s a surprise.�

�The whole world does not revolve around you, Sesshoumaru.�

�Well obviously you think it does.�

�What? Where did you get that notion?�

�Here and there.�

�What are ya? Nuts?�

��This
coming from someone who has yet to gain proper communication skills.�

�You really want me to kick your ass, don�t you?�

�Hah! Like you could actually do it!�

�TETSUAIGA!�

�You want a fight! Well you�ve got one--�

��

��

��Inuyasha, it�s not
doing anything.�

�I kinda noticed that Shippo.�

�Obviously, bad temperament runs in the family.�

�Will you stay out of this!�

�Inuyasha-sama! Rin is out of berries, can Rin
pick more?�

�Later Rin.�

�But why not?�

�Rin, sit.�

�She�s not a dog you know. That�s what you�re suppose to be.�

�Okay, that did it. Inuyasha, I�m going to kill the kit
now.�

�For the billionth time! Both of you knock it off!�

�EXCUSE ME!�

The Inu, Neko,
kitsune, hanyou, and little human girl sitting in the
snow turned to look at Sango and Miroku who were still standing at the edge of
the clearing. Sango�s mouth was sill-hanging open in shock and Miroku was
looking between the small group and the still unconscious Kagome.

�Could someone please explain what the fuck is going on
here?�

Chapter
Thirty-Eight: Congested Quarters

The small group of youkai stared
at Miroku in shock while Rin happily started to build a new snow fort.

Miroku glared at them, his eyes stopping at each in turn.
Even Kirara wasn�t spared. �What are you doing Inuyasha?� Miroku continued
angrily. �Why are you way out here? Why did you leave the village? Why did you
take Shippo?�

�Err, I came on my own,� Shippo tried to explain.

�And most importantly-WHY THE HELL IS SESSHOUMARU HERE?�

Sesshoumaru stared at the monk and raised an eyebrow. A
look that normally garnered some trepidation but considering that Sesshoumaru
had found Inuyasha�s own basket of nuts and berries and was currently stuffing
his face, lacked its usual impact.

�Mirouku,� Inuyasha
said calmingly. �I can understand that you�re confused and do admit that I owe
you some explanation-�

�You�re damn right you do,� Miroku grumbled.

�-and I�ll give you one.� Inuyasha finished. �I will
explain everything-� Sesshoumaru shot Inuyasha a fierce glower as he popped
another berry into his mouth and Inuyasha quickly finished his sentence with a
�that I can.�

Mirouku looked between the two Inu
Brothers, not once missing the shared glance. His scowl deepened.

Snago glanced nervously at the two scowling men and slowly moved
closer to Inuyasha, �Er, have you been alright?� she
asked the hanyou. �I mean, when you left you were looking-�

Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru shot the girl a withering stare. �-er, not yourself.� She finished
lamely.

�I�ve been healing,� Inuyasha cryptically replied.

�Oh,� Sango blinked. �Well, that�s good��

�Indeed,� Sesshoumaru commented between bites.

Sango regarded the youkai for a
moment, her own gaze mirroring Miroku�s between the two brothers, minus the
hate filled glares at the Taiyoukai.

�Did Sesshoumaru force you to
leave the village?� Miroku suddenly demanded, his glare never leaving the
taller youkai.

Inuyasha gapped. �What?�

�Was Sesshoumaru keeping you away by force? Is he holding
you prisoner?� Miroku continued

�Now hold on just one moment!� Inuyasha growled. �You
actually think that Sesshoumaru kidnapped me? ME? What the fuck?�

�We didn�t even receive word by letter that you were
alright.� Miroku argued. �We just haven�t heard from you period. It�s as if you
dropped off the face of the earth!�

�Okay, as if Sesshoumaru could actually beat me-� Inuyasha
ignored Sesshoumaru�s increasing growls. �Why would you think that he would
hold me hostage?�

�Well how do I know how far his insanity runs?� Miroku
snapped back.

Sesshoumaru sniffed in offence before picking up the basket
and calling to Rin to accompany him back to the cave.

Inuyasha relaxed some when he realized that Sesshoumaru
wasn�t going to attack Miroku outright for the monk�s assumption of him. Not
that Inuyasha blamed Miroku�s worries. Though Inuyasha had to
admit that some of Miroku�s guesses were way off target.

Inuyasha shook his head in answer to Miroku�s accusations
before angling his body so Shippo fell of his shoulder. �Go with them, we�ll be
right behind you,� he told the kit. Shippo didn�t look happy about leaving with
the other Youkai, but after noticing that Kuufuku was
trying to pounce on Sesshoumaru�s trailing Fur the kit let loose a wicked grin
and sprinted to catch up.

Turning back to the two humans who he still considered his
friends, he wandered over and hoisted Kagome�s limp body over his shoulder.
�Look, you two. It�s not what you think. Sesshoumaru and I just ran into each
other and he kinda stuck around.�

�Inuyasha,� Sango placed her hand on his free shoulder,
�he�s always tried to kill you before. Why are you-?�

Inuyasha sighed and waved a hand, cutting off Sango�s
concerns. �I�ll explain it all when we get to the cave.�

Miroku gave him weird look, �cave?�

�Er, yeah.� Inuyasha scratched the back of
his head with his free hand. �Well, it�s been an odd couple a months.�

�You could say that again,� Sango muttered.

Inuyasha glanced back but shrugged as he moved onward
towards the others. Miroku quickened his pace to match Inuyasha�s ground eating
steps, even with the extra weight of the comatose Kagome on his back the hanyou
was damn fast.

They walked in silence for a little while, only Inuyasha�s
snicker occasionally breaching the silence as Kuufuku pounced onto the trailing
end of Sesshoumaru�s Fur and was hitching a ride, his little claws digging into
the thing to hold on.

Miroku�s continued side long glances at him were starting
to drive him batty though.

�Inuyasha-� Miroku started.

�So how�s Kaede-baachan?� Inuyasha interrupted.

Miroku kept up with the shift in topic pretty well. �Kaede-sama�s is doing fine. �wondering where the hell you
went to but fine.�

�Feh,� Inuyasha
huffed. �She probably just want�s me to fix that fence she�s been harping about
�fore I left.�

Miroku glanced at him. �You fix fences?�

Inuyasha shrugged. �Had to do something when everyone left
for their whatever�s.�

Miroku thought of this for a moment. �Kagome down the well, me on my pilgrimage trips, Sango visiting friends
�� he glanced back at Inuyasha. �I
didn�t realize he would be lonely.�

�What else did Kaede-sama have
you do?� he asked honestly curious.

Inuyasha shot him a suspicious look but went with the flow.
�Fixed that hole in her roof from the summer rains.�

Miroku�s eyes lit up. �I wondered who it was that fixed
that after you left.� He paused a moment, �didn�t think it was you though.�

�Figures,� Inuyasha sulked.

�No, I mean I knew you could fix it if you wanted!� Miroku
countered, rapidly back peddling. �I just didn�t think Kaede-sama
could convince you!�

Inuyasha shot a menacing glare at the monk and Miroku
slumped slightly, noticing that Sesshoumaru had glanced back to scowl at him.

Miroku glared back then smirked as Sesshoumaru noticed his
extra passenger.

Frowning, Sesshoumaru took his Fur in his hand and with a
quick flick of the thing, set the rat flying into the air. Grinning in
satisfaction, he ignored Inuyasha�s cry of protest and continued forward.

Sesshoumaru had been eavesdropping on the conversation
behind him and didn�t like how it sounded one bit. At all.
It sounded as if they had been taking advantage of his brother! And making him do all the manual labor at that! It wasn�t as if he was
ashamed of the hanyou�s domestic skills. If anything
it proved Inuyasha will to survive. And the cave�s interior was a testament to
it.

�Manipulative ningen�s,� he thought angrily with each stopping step.

Suddenly noticing that he was now in the lead of the mixed
matched heard, Sesshoumaru slowed his steps ever so
slightly; causing the girl and the bounding kitsune
to move ahead of him and in turn, basically lead the way.

Sesshoumaru frowned as he heard the monk try once more to
strike Inuyasha up into an explanation and Inuyasha�s blatant change of topic.

�Damn humans,�
Sesshoumaru groused. �I suppose I�ll have
to be �nice� to them, HAH!�

He glanced back again noticing the monk was walking with
hunched shoulders, �well you should be
depressed you pathetic ningen,� as well as the
female human who was currently looking between Inuyasha and himself.

Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow at the girl when their eyes
met before turning back around, totally disregarding her inquisitive look.

His delicate ears suddenly heard the sound of the girl moving
to catch up with him, her steps loud as they plowed through the deep snow. She
came shoulder to shoulder with him and quickened her pace to meet his.

He spared a glance at the girl but said nothing as she had
yet to say anything to him.

They both could hear Inuyasha quicken to catch up and
Miroku hurrying behind him.

Unfortunately, neither person was speaking so Inuyasha had
no clue as to what Sango�s motives were catching up with his brother. Inuyasha
shot Kirara a confused look and the cat gave him a feline equivalent to a
shrug.

The small group, continued on silently, only Shippo�s small giggle when Kuufuku reattached himself to
Sesshoumaru�s Fur breaking the silence but even that didn�t last very long.

Arriving at the cave Sesshoumaru and the children quickly
ducked into the entrance as Sango and Miroku gave An
and Un a rather surprised stare. The Lizard looked over his impromptu paddock
with a bale stare before continuing to munch on a branch that had obviously
been yanked off a nearby tree.

Sango and Miroku shared a worried glance before both ducked
into the cave.

Allowing their eyes to focus, both humans gapped at the
scene before them. The cave was actually� homey. They took note of Sesshoumaru
setting down at the little scratched table, soon joined by the children as
Inuyasha deposited the comatose Kagome onto a futon on the far side of the
room.

Inuyasha gestured towards the little table and Miroku
visibly balked at Sesshoumaru�s challenging gaze. Sango however, studied the Youkai�s reclining figure for a moment before taking
measured steps and seating herself between Sesshoumaru and Shippo�s
seat, Kirara immediately jumping into her lap.

Inuyasha sat on the taller youkai�s
other side and raised an eye brow at Miroku, unconsciously mirroring his
brother.

Miroku shuddered. He had to remind himself that they were brothers after all and that it
really shouldn�t be surprising if they had a few quirks in common. �That has to be the most important point we
always forget,� Miroku mused. �We
always forget that they are brothers.�

Steeling his nerve, Miroku walked calmly to the table and
sat himself down between Shippo and Rin.

Inuyasha�s posture immediately relaxed and he gave the monk
a grateful smile that Miroku unconsciously returned.

Sesshoumaru continued glaring at the two humans who shifted
uncomfortably under the intense gaze.

They all stat there; staring at
each other. No one dare saying a single word.

Rin and Shippo were easily bored but Shippo knew that this
was a serious situation and Rin was content to stroking Kirara who had
mysteriously appeared in her own lap.

Miroku coughed nervously, his former bravado somewhat
subdued now that he could plainly see that Inuyasha had in fact been alright
and had apparently made a home for himself.

Inuyasha looked between the two groups, knowing that he was
the only connection between them. He knew it would have to be he who broke the
silence but Inuyasha was still dreading the coming conversations.

He went with a neutral topic instead.

�I�ll go make the tea.�

Chapter Thirty-Nine: Tea Talk Take Two

�NO!� Sesshoumaru snapped. �No more tea!�

Miroku and Sango jumped in surprise and stared at the youkai, neither sure what to make of Sesshoumaru�s vocal
protest to a mere drink.

Inuyasha frowned at his brother. �What is your aversion to
tea?�

Sesshoumaru scowled again but refrained from responding in
front of the humans. �Tea,� he thought sourly. �Why is it that when we�re facing a long and
emotional conversation- he breaks out the friggen
kettle?�

The two adult humans stared at each other, neither one sure
how to impose themselves into the� argument? Stare down?

�Inuyasha-sama!� Rin broke in unconcerned. �Rin
is hungry!�

Sesshoumaru�s glare whipped around to stare at the little
girl but Inuyasha was all smiles. �Of course Rin-chan,
we haven�t had breakfast yet, have we?� Rin eagerly shook her head and Shippo�s tail was actually wagging in anticipation. �And if
no one else is going to complain, then I�ll make tea as well,� Inuyasha
declared as he started to get out the kettle and the ingredients for miso soup

�He�s trying to drown
me,� Sesshoumaru thought angrily as he scowled at the Hanyou�s
back. Out of the corner he saw the two ningen�s
watching as well. �Damn tea,� he groused, ignoring the odd looks he was
receiving form the other adults at the table. Inuyasha�s sensitive ears picked
up the statement and he turned to glare at Sesshoumaru momentarily before
retuning to his task.

Sango and Miroku suddenly felt a nerve-wracking strain as
they sat there at the little table while Inuyasha busied himself with the
cooking. Neither of them knew what to say. They hadn�t seen their hanyou friend
in months and to find that he was living with his hate filled youkai brother, in a cave�
Well, what does one say in such a situation?

�Er, this is actually a nice
place you have here,� Miroku ventured.

Sesshoumaru snapped his head around to turn his glare to
the two adult humans. �You are surprised?� he sneered.

Sango nearly pounded Miroku into the ground with her
boomerang, �Wrong thing to say,� she
thought mournfully.

Miroku, meanwhile, jumped in surprise at being addressed by
the taiyoukai as he had never before actually spoken to Sesshoumaru.

�Well,� Sango shifted as she once more exchanged nervous
glances with a now fidgety Miroku and desperately tried to defuse the
situation. �We knew that Inuyasha could take care of himself, naturally.�

�Naturally,� Sesshoumaru mocked as he glared at the monk.

Miroku�s eyes darted between the two and he tried to pacify
the raging youkai, �It�s just surprising that
Inuyasha would settle down in one spot. Form what we�ve been told; he�s always
had to keep moving before he came to Kaede�s
village.�

This time it was Inuyasha who snorted in disagreement. �You
do realize that I am over two hundred years old, right?� he asked as he set
down the steaming kettle.

Miroku looked at him puzzled, �Well obviously, since you
are a youkai-�

�Then I�m surprised that you didn�t realize that there
would be some points where I would find my self in the same place for a few
years,� Inuyasha frowned, tapping the long cooking chopsticks against his
shoulder angrily.

�Er, well I- I mean that I- er�� Miroku fidgeted. In truth, he
hadn�t really thought about it. It was always so easy to forget that Inuyasha
technically was very much older than him and if he stayed a hanyou or managed
to get full youkai status would remain alive long
after he had died. �How could I forget
that the all this time that we�ve been together is actually a very small moment
in his very long life,� Miroku chastised himself. �That he would still be living long after I�ve been turn to dust��

The thought was actually quite heartbreaking.

Sango shook her head and lightly whapped Miroku upside the
head. �Honestly,� she chided, �think before you open that mouth of yours.�

�I would listen to the female, letcher,�
Sesshoumaru growled flexing his fist. �Before you say
something that could get you killed.�

Inuyasha set down a few bowls of food angrily, ensuring
that Sesshoumaru�s sloshed over the side more than the others. �I know that
this is an odd situation, but please could we eat before committing multiple
murders?� Sesshoumaru glared at Inuyasha who simply glowered
right back. �You do know that if I don�t get a yes, the first murder will be
yours,� Inuyasha told him. The deadpan tone in his voice told Sesshoumaru that
while Inuyasha could be kidding about killing him, he wasn�t above giving them
all a bruise or two.

The cave was once again engulfed in an eerie silence, as
the groups at their breakfast. It was the children who finished first and while
Rin asked if she could go play outside Shippo refused to move.

Inuyasha scowled. �Shippo, you too.�

�What?� Shippo cried. �Why can�t I stay here?�

�You heard him kit, out!� Sesshoumaru snapped.

Shippo puffed out his little chest angrily before whirling
back to Inuyasha. �I want to stay!�

Sesshoumaru gapped at the child�s impertinence and was
actually getting ready to physically toss out the small youkai
when Sango piped up.

�Now Shippo,� she said soothingly, �We have some adult
matters to discuss and I don�t think you should have to be bother with adult
talk.�

�I don�t mind, I can stay.� Shippo counted eagerly.

Sesshoumaru suppressed the urge to roll his eyes as he
reached forward and snagged the kit by his collar and started to physically
carry the boy to the exit. �You are a youkai,� he
growled at the small kit under his breath that only Shippo heard him. �Learn
your place.�

�Hey! What do ya think you�re doin� you crazy Inu!� Shippo cried as he started wiggling outlandishly. �Put me
down!�

�Gladly,� Sesshoumaru returned as he chucked the child out
the door.

Shippo went sailing with an undignified squeek
and landed with a dull thud on the remains of the snow castle.

�SESSHOUMARU!� Inuyasha shouted aghast at the scene he had just
witnessed.

Sesshoumaru calmly returned to his place and sat down
gracefully. �He�ll live,� was all he said and no sooner than the words were out
of his mouth than the small kit stopped back into the cave covered from head to
toe with large clumps of snow.

Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow at the child but Shippo
simply yanked his overcoat form his pallet and started to trump out of the cave
again.

�Are you alright?� Inuyasha asked at the kit stormed away.

�Nobody ever lets me know anything!� the kit groused in response before he disappeared once
more.

Sesshoumaru gave Inuyasha a smug grin and Inuyasha had
never before felt such a stronger urge to punch him in the nose.

Sighing, Inuyasha simply started to gather up the remains
of breakfast and decided to just ignore what had transpired. He wouldn�t forget
what Sesshoumaru had done and fully planed to have a very lengthy discussion with the other youkai,
but for now he had more pressing matters to attend to.

After gathering the dishes and refilling everyone�s tea,
much to Sesshoumaru�s displeasure, Inuyasha took a deep breath and turned to
his two former friends. �Why didn�t you help me?�

Sesshoumaru took a deep gulp of tea in hopes of hiding his
expression to the childish plea he heard in his brother�s voice. �Like a sword to the gut he got right to the
heart of the matter.�

Sango and Miroku were obviously just as affected by the
deepened sadness to Inuyasha�s question.

�We,� Sango started. �We honestly didn�t know how.�

�That is no excuse,� Sesshoumaru countered before he
grunted in surprise to Inuyasha�s elbow in his side.

�He is right, Inuyasha,� and Miroku�s voice betrayed how he
hated that fact. �We should have realized that our indifference to the
situation would have affected you and left you with very little choices.�

�More like only one,� Inuyasha scathingly interrupted.

�We didn�t think that it was really that bad,� Sango
argued.

�How could you not wench?� Sesshoumaru barked. �The
bruising he sustained should have been a large enough hint.�

�You�re not helping,� Inuyasha snapped.

�We thought that Inuyasha could handle it,� Miroku bellowed
just as loudly as Sesshoumaru. �We didn�t think that Kagome would do that much
harm to Inuyasha.�

�That�s right,� Sango agreed. �Kagome�s human and doesn�t
have the strength that Inuyasha has.�

�Since when does Kagome ever need strength when a simple �osuwari� could damn near cause a concussion!� Inuyasha
shouted his face red with anger. �Kagome never needed physical strength to damn well nearly kill me.�

�Kill you?� Sango gasped. �What-?�

Inuyasha growled at her-actually growled at her. �Did either of you ever noticed that as time went
by my fighting style has actually gotten slower?�
he snarled.

Three jaws dropped at the announcement and even Sesshoumaru
stared at the hanyou in surprise.

�It�s true,� the Inu
realized as he thought over the previous battled he had had with his younger
brother. �Every time I encounter him, his
movements were getting slower.� Sesshoumaru could very well give himself a
mental wack upside the head. �His reactions were normal but it was if his body couldn�t keep up with
his mind�s commands.�

�I was actually, physically
getting weaker,� and here Inuyasha paused to send a stern glare to Sesshoumaru,
daring him to say anything. Sesshoumaru simply sat there, almost in breathless
anticipation of Inuyasha�s next words, just as enthralled of the hanyou�s shouting accusations as the two humans were.

�She would shout that damn command word every day,� he
growled. �And when ever we encounter Kana, Kagura or
any other youkai under Naraku�s
reign my body would already be exhausted and bruised to the point of near
collapsing.�

The two sagged slightly under Inuyasha�s withering glare,
the argument deflating out of them as Inuyasha collapsed in his seat breathing
heavily from all the shouting he had done.

Sesshoumaru, meanwhile, was actually gawking at his brother
in complete astounding wonderment. �The
fact that his body was completely worn down and to still come out the victor against countless
powerful youkai, myself included, is nothing short of
miraculous.� Sesshoumaru realized that there truly was more to Inuyasha
than he thought and the taiyoukai could actually feel
the beginning strands of pride at his brother�s accomplishments rise within
him.

He quickly squashed them into the dark mental box labeled
�all sappy emotions-deposit here� and quickly lost the key.

�Inuyasha,� Sango finally ventured after a long period of
silence. �How could we have know that you were in
pain? You never speak to us of what you�re feeling or how injured you are. We
never know that you even are injured
until you collapse.�

Miroku nodded. �All we saw was Kagome yelling at you and a
few �osuwari�s�.�

�What about the kettle?� Inuyasha counted furiously. �You
saw then how bad it was! And you- neither
of you- did ANYTHING!�

Sesshoumaru glanced at him confused. �Kettle?�

�That was-� Miroku started before Sango whacked him again.

�You are correct Inuyasha, we should have realized then
just how bad it was getting,� she agreed.

Sesshoumaru�s head swiveled between the two groups. �You
said that it was a tree branch,� he accused Inuyasha.

The hanyou turned with a frown, �this was before that.
Kagome threw a kettle at me when I was backed into a corner of Kaede�s hut. My only option was to get hit or slash it to
pieces with my claws.�

�Kaede was furious that you
destroyed one of her ceremonial kettles,� Sango muttered absently.

�Well, it wasn�t me that she should have been pissed at,�
Inuyasha snapped and Sango slumped even further.

Sesshoumaru�s scowl darkened as he took in the two
chastised humans. �So you knew that there was something seriously wrong with
the Miko long before he left?�

�We thought it would get better,� Miroku argued.

�That is no excuse for you to turn a blind eye to your
�supposed� friend�s need.�

�Sesshoumaru,� Inuyasha growled, �how many times do I have
to repeat myself? �I. can. Take. Care. Of. Myself,�.�

The taiyoukai made a scoffing
sound at that announcement. �Hence your multiple need for The Goo.�

�What goo?� Miroku demanded.

�Not goo, The Goo,�
Inuyasha clarified.

Miroku blinked, �what?�

�Er, never mind,� Inuyasha
smirked slightly as he enjoyed an inside joke for the first time in his life.

�So things escalated with the kettle?� Sesshoumaru asked as
he tried to get a mental time line of the event�s that brought Inuyasha to
living in the cave.

�Well, the kettle was a turning point but it didn�t really
escalate until the tree branch this year like I said.�

There went Sesshoumaru�s time line.

�A year?� he
demanded and whirled on the two ningen�s as he
started to rise to his feet. �You let that female,�
and he spat the word, �continually abuse him for over a year?�

The two reeled back at the malice that dripped from Sesshoumaru�s
words, Sango�s hand actually coming to rest on her boomerang.

Inuyasha reached out to lay a hand on Sesshoumaru�s
shoulder and firmly tugged the enraged youkai back
down. �This doesn�t even concern you, Sesshoumaru,� Inuyasha reprimand. �You
keep this up and I�m throwing you outside with the kids.�

Sesshoumaru sat down, still fuming but at least no longer
homicidal.

Inuyasha frowned as he moved to refill everyone�s cold tea.

Sesshoumaru huffed as he set Tokujin
down once more. �One of the problems with
him being half human,� he thought bitterly. �The subdued desire to just slash and be done
with it.�

Sango and Miroku were silently conversing with each other
as Sesshoumaru frowned at the next cup of tea that was placed before him.

As Inuyasha sat down himself, Miroku spoke up hesitantly.
�We-� he glanced at Sango, �We really didn�t
realize that it had been going on for that long.�

Sesshoumaru let out a sarcastic �ha!� but again received
Inuyasha�s elbow in his side. He took another sip of tea to refrain from more
scathing retorts.

�We truly did not see just how badly things were getting
between the two of you,� Sango continued, trying her best to ignore
Sesshoumaru�s snort of disbelief. �Things just escalating more and more ever so
gradually-�

�Chucking a kettle is �gradual�?� Sesshoumaru muttered.

�-that we really didn�t realize just how badly things were
until it was too late and you had left.�

Miroku and Sango nodded at each other resolutely and now
even Sesshoumaru was curious as both moved back from the table and bowed deeply
to the floor.

�We are so sorry, Inuyasha,� Miroku said somberly, �for
failing you as a friend and companion.�

�We truly are to blame for not helping you in your time of
need and as such have proven that we are not worth your friendship or your
forgiveness.�

�We are both truly sorry!� the both said in tandem as their
heads got lower, if possible.

Inuyasha gawked at the two figures that were bowed before
him in complete shock, the impact of them actually showing him- him such respect was actually quite
astounding.

And at the same time the fact that these two who Inuyasha
admired and respected would actually be bowing to him when Inuyasha had only found disgust and malice in his life was
truly quite terrifying.

�Well I�ll say this for them,� Sesshoumaru smirked from his
seat as he took another long swill of tea, �They certainly do know how to
grovel.�

Chapter Forty:
Accepting Facts

Inuyasha gasped in shock as he snatched the cup from
Sesshoumaru�s lax grasp, and with an elegant turn of the wrist dumped the
entire contents right over Sesshoumaru�s head.

Sesshoumaru was suddenly very glad that he had a dislike for tea and had simply nursed the
cup he had been drinking. It was quite cool as it seeped into his clothing. His
temper however, was not.

�Just what the hell do you think you�re doing you stupid
hanyou?� Sesshoumaru snapped as he immediately jumped upward and tried to shake
the tea out of his hair before it managed to soak any further into the silver
tresses.

Inuyasha�s livid glare was just as fierce as he too jumped
to his feet. �You forget that they�re my friends,�
Inuyasha emphasized the word, �and I will not have you ridicule them!�

Miroku and Sango dared raise their heads as the watched the
two Inu youkai argue. While
they were not surprised that the two were arguing, as it seemed as if that was
what the two brothers did best, they were surprised that Inuyasha would stand
up against his brother for them. Even
now after everything that had happened.

They both slowly made their way back to their seats and
tried to stay in the back ground as they watched the exchange with complete
fascination.

��Friends�?� Sesshoumaru scoffed as he stripped out of his outer robe
and started to try and squeeze the liquid out. �I thought that was the whole
point of this conversation? That they weren�t your friends and how they left
you to the mercy of a power hungry bitch!�

Inuyasha gasped, reeling back as if he had been punched in
the face. �How dare you!� he growled, his voice going low and quiet. �Take that back!�

Sesshoumaru gave the hanyou an odd look. �Take what back?�
he asked as he shook out his robe, frowning at the mass of crinkles. �That they
did nothing to help you when you were in a very dire situation,� he turned to
glare at his brother as he dropped the now ruined robe on the destroyed pink
one that lay on the ever growing rat-nest. �Hate to break this to you brat, but
it�s the truth.�

�I know that,� Inuyasha growled between clenched teeth,
�and it was not what I was speaking about. I don�t care what they may have done
in the past, they�re my friends and
that includes Kagome.�

Sesshoumaru gapped in shock as he took in the look of
intense sincerity in Inuyasha�s eyes completely ignoring the following two
gasps from the humans. �Are you insane?� Inuyasha�s glare just got darker. �She�s insane!� Sesshoumaru shouted at
the top of his lungs waving in Kagome�s general direction. �Certifiable! How
can you defend her like this?�

Inuyasha�s look lost the ferocity as he turned to glance at
the still comatose Kagome, his look becoming more pensive and sad. �She wasn�t
always,� he explained. �There was a time there in the beginning where we were friends.

Sesshoumaru�s look dropped even further. �What does that have to do with anything?� he
demanded. Inuyasha�s logic seemed to be strung together from mismatched yarn as
far as Sesshoumaru could reason. �She may have been your �friend� once but its
clear form her actions that she�s defiantly not anymore.�

Inuyasha�s frown return with vengeance as he pierced
Sesshoumaru with a stern gaze that seemed to be a cross between disgust and
pity, �clearly,� he said softly, �you don�t understand what it means to be a
�friend�.�

Sesshoumaru�s first reaction as to gasp and shrink back,
almost as Inuyasha had done earlier, but the egotist within him refused to
allow Sesshoumaru to express any emotion instead of the fierce hurt that was welling
within him.

�I thought we had cleared this up before,� Sesshoumaru�s
face lost its glare as instead, it went almost completely blank. �I have no �friends�,� he stated as if
reciting a well memorized play. �I am the Taiyoukai
of the west; I have no need of friends.�

Inuyasha shook his head as he rubbed his forehead tiredly.
�Then you have absolutely no idea what it feels like to be betrayed by a
friend-�

�All the more reason not to have them,� Sesshoumaru
interrupted smugly as he yanked out one of the less damaged robes from his
corner and tugged it on.

Inuyasha huffed in exasperation. �-nor do you realize how
powerful friendship can be.�

Sesshoumaru scoffed at that statement but Inuyasha wasn�t
finished.

�This is what it means to be a friend Sesshoumaru,� Inuyasha continued. �That you can forgive each
other and move on!�

�But you left!� Sesshoumaru argued as he whirled around,
the rope laying partially open as it hung on his lank
frame. �You left to come here! Would that not mean that you consider yourselves
no longer friends?�

Inuyasha shook his head. �I may have left but that was for
self preservation. She is, oddly enough, still my friend.�

Sesshoumaru boggled. �WHAT?�

Inuyasha glared as he sat down once more at the table,
refilling the human�s tea. �I do not expect you
to understand,� he quipped sarcastically as he set aside the kettle, �since you
don�t need any friends.�

Sesshoumaru stared at Inuyasha as the hanyou went about
cleaning up breakfast and studiously ignoring him.

He glanced at the humans who were also watching Inuyasha
intently. It was clear that neither could understand where the fight had come
from and both were a little awed at Inuyasha�s words.

Sesshoumaru glared again at Inuyasha�s back before
reclaiming his spot at the table, grateful that the tea had only gotten him wet
and that the cushion was still moderately dry.

The two humans looked again between the two youkai apprehensively. Neither knew what they should say.

Sango glanced at the two inu-youkai once more before she nodded her head as
if agreeing with whatever conclusion she had arrived at. Sango stood and very
slowly made her way towards the still moving hanyou. Inuyasha�s little ears
swiveled back at her approach but he himself made no move to acknowledge her
approach.

�Inuyasha,� Sango started softly. Inuyasha still said
nothing. Sango glanced back at the two at the table before a resolved look
graced her features and she leaned forward to wrap the brooding hanyou into a
hug.

Inuyasha stiffened as he felt arms encircle him but Sango�s
reassuring scent surrounded him as she gave a small squeeze before releasing
him all together. He slowly turned around and was confronted with a look of
pure gratefulness and still containing just a little bit of awe.

�Thank you.�

Inuyasha stared at the demon slayer bemused for a moment
before nodding back at her, �you�re welcome,� he replied and that was that.

Sango gave him a small grateful smile before returning to
her seat at the table. Nothing more was needed to be said.

Sesshoumaru glared as the female sat down before turning to
glare at Inuyasha who actually seemed calmer and more relaxed. His gaze whipped
once more to the female, his teeth grinding together in frustration.

�How dare that female
think that she can put her hands on my
mate and get away with-�

�Yipe! Hakaisou!� There was a
sudden clunk as the demon slayer brought the flat side of her weapon down onto
the male�s head.

�Ouch! My lady, what have I done wrong? Ouch! Ow! Hey! Stop it! INUYASHA!�

Inuyasha came back to the table, openly laughing now as he
watched Sango repeatedly whap Miroku over the head.

Sesshoumaru stared at the three as they all started laughing at their antics.
�I�m surrounded by loons,� he murmured absently as he watched the laughter move
into a slight hysterical note.

Inuyasha calmed down first, wiping an escaping tear from
his eye as he settled down in his seat. �Well, it�s good to know some things
never change.�

�Indeed,� Miroku groaned as he scooted a little further out
of range.

Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow at the man before turning
back to his now cup of water. He scowled at the liquid before turning his glare
to a rather smug looking Inuyasha. Curling his lip into a small snarl, he
downed the drink before reaching for the kettle himself. He may be starting to
despise tea but at least it had a flavor to it and if he had a choice,
Sesshoumaru would choose anything over water. He was not a pup, after all.

Inuyasha blinked as the long arm invaded his personal space
to snatch the tea kettle away from him and watched with bewilderment as
Sesshoumaru poured his own tea. Sesshoumaru never
served himself if he could help it. If Inuyasha was there he acted as if he was
to be waited on hand and foot.

Sesshoumaru felt the eyes on him and gave Inuyasha a
withering glare as he poured. Inuyasha�s smirk returned full force as the
hanyou turned to the monk across from him and offered some of the winter fruit
that he had collected.

Sesshoumaru�s eyes narrowed even further as he moved to put
the kettle back but it was then that his eyes caught that of the female demon
slayer and found the exact same smug look as Inuyasha in her eyes. Sesshoumaru tilted his head in question but the girl�s
smile just seemed to get bigger as she looked from one youkai
to the other.

She raised her small cup and with a tilt of her head
pointed in Inuyasha�s direction raised it slightly in salute to Sesshoumaru
before taking a decisively non-feminine gulp.

Sesshoumaru�s eyebrows shot up in surprise as he stared at
the woman but she had moved on into the conversation about how Inuyasha was
dealing with the winter supplies for four people.

The inu-youkai felt himself slump
backwards slightly in shock at the implications that the girl gave him.
Inuyasha glanced at him for a moment before going back to discussing the safe
topic of winter survival.

Sesshoumaru gapped slightly at the woman who even now was
giving him smug looks and every time that stupid grin got bigger, his scowl got
darker.

�How dare this
female,� he thought angrily. �What
does she think she knows?� The damn smile returned.

�She knows that I
think of Inuyasha as my mate, that�s what she thinks,� Sesshoumaru scowled
as he drained his tea and once more reached for the blasted kettle ignoring
Inuyasha quizzical look number two. �Hell,
if a pathetic little human has
figured it out, then all it would take is a youkai
three seconds to understand the situation. Hell even I don�t understand the situation yet.�

He drained the tea again and finished off the kettle,
thrusting it back into Inuyasha�s grasp. �Why
does my life have to be a bloody carnival?�

He gulped the last of his tea and looked back to where
Inuyasha was making yet another pot.

Inuyasha shook his head as he felt Sesshoumaru�s eyes
glaring a whole on his back. �For someone
who complains so much about tea, he sure drinks a lot of it,� he mused
silently.

�What I don�t understand,� Miroku was saying, �Was how you
managed to get Shippo out of the village undetected. Everyone knew you were
missing and the whole village was instructed by Kaede-sama
to watch for your return.�

Inuyasha sighed again as he set the kettle down with at �thunk� in front of Sesshoumaru who simply gave him a bored
look. �Indeed,� he drawled, startling the two humans. �I would like to know
this story as well since I was not present when you fetched the brat.�

Inuyasha pulled a face at his brother for a moment before
turning back to Miroku. �For the hundredth time, I did not go and fetch Shippo. He found me himself.�

�What?� the two humans cried in unison.

�But, how could he do that?� Miroku gasped. �He�s just a
child!�

�A youkai child,� Sesshoumaru interrupted. �Why you humans constantly forget
that small detail is beyond me.�

�He may be a youkai child but he
is a child,� Sango argued determinedly.

Miroku and even Inuyasha stared at her in disbelief that
she would argue with a full grown and known powerful youkai.

Sesshoumaru glared at the girl for a moment and tension filled the
other two males at the table as the looked between the two who were currently
in a stare down.

Sesshoumaru�s glare finally subsided as he gave the girl a
mock salute with his tea and drained the cup.

Inuyasha felt the apprehension literally drain out of him
as his body sagged slightly with relief.

Miroku however was confused. �Well, that brings us back to
my original question. How did Shippo find you all by himself?�

�Because he wasn�t by himself,� Inuyasha drawled as he
glared down at the small neko curled up on a corner
portion of Sesshoumaru�s discarded robes.

Kirara graced Inuyasha with a large yawn before rolling
over and returning to her nap.

�Kirara brought him to you?� Sango gasped. �But why would
she do that?�

It was Sesshoumaru who answered her, �never underestimate a
youkai�s instinct for survival,� he told the slayer.
�She probably saw the situation with her,�
and here he once more made a gesture in Kagome�s vicinity, �and realized a kit
would not survive the situation.�

Inuyasha suppressed his surprised that Sesshoumaru was
willingly contributing to the conversation but nodded his agreement
nonetheless. �I think that was the reason too,� he agreed.

�Are you going to tell them about our
wonderful communication skills?� Kirara�s
voice entered Inuyasha�s mind. �After all, I know for a fact this is not a
skill of mine.�

�Will you shut up!� Inuyasha
scolded. �I have no idea since we discovered that Sesshoumaru can�t hear you! I
thought it was just something all youkai did.�

Kirara snorted in disbelief. �How�d you come to that conclusion
pup?�

�I don�t know now hush, Sango�s talking. �

�What I don�t understand,� Sango was saying. �Is why Kirara
would do such a thing when she knows that we were taking care of him in
Inuyasha�s absence?�

Once again it was Sesshoumaru who argued the point.
�Humans,� he stated simply. �You are both humans and like it or not, the
kittling will still be a child once
you�re dead and gone-�

�Sesshoumaru,� Inuyasha scolded.

�-the blasted cat must have determined that the kitsune could only be protected by another youkai, simple as that.�

��Simple as that�,� Miroku repeated.

Sango quickly whapped the monk over the head again and
Inuyasha quickly moved the ceramic cups out of harms way.

�Yes, well as much as it is amusing to see you all beat
each other into a bloody mess,� Sesshoumaru drawled. �I still have some
questions. For example, what the hell happened that made you start searching
for Inuyasha?�

~*~ hakaisou (n) depraved; sinful priest {AKA Sanzo} ((as defined
on �Jeffrey's Japanese<->English Dictionary Server� �
http://linear.mv.com/cgi-bin/j-e/dict))

Chapter
Forty-One: Distressing Information

Sango and Miroku gapped at the youkai
in shock as Inuyasha stared at his brother in horror. Sesshoumaru ignored them
all and instead continued with his questions. �Did something happen with Naraku? Did you hear of something he was planning? Is he
going to attack? When is he planning to strike?�

Inuyasha turned towards his friends, now in a near panic as
Sesshoumaru voiced concerns that never even crossed the hanyou�s
mind.

�Kami-sama, he�s right,� Inuyasha realized. �Just why did they come to find me?�

Miroku seemed very hesitant to answer the Taiyoukai�s questions and glared at the youaki
as if offended that he dared impose himself into their conversation.

Sango, however, had no such qualms about answering.
�Actually, we weren�t searching for Inuyasha,� she confessed.

�You weren�t?� Inuyasha asked surprised and just a little
bit hurt.

�Oh, no,� Sango was quick to sooth Inuyasha�s ruffled
feathers, �we were always looking for you; however, it wasn�t you specifically
we were on the lookout for when we found you.�

�Then,� Inuyasha frowned as glanced at the two. �What was
it you were searching for?�

�Oh for Kami-Sama�s sake, will
you answer my question or not?� Sesshoumaru interrupted the rather heartfelt
moment. �Is. Na. Ra. Ku. On. The. Move?�

�It has nothing to do with Naraku.�
Surprisingly it was Miroku who answered. �It�s actually because of Kagome that
were out in this weather.�

�Kagome?� Inuyasha asked surprised. �But you said you weren�t
searching for me and Shippo said that was all that has been on Kagome�s mind
since I left.�

�Well it was at first,� Sango started explaining. �However,
now her focus has moved into another direction.�

�Kagome is now almost as obsessed with finding the jeweled
shards as Naraku himself,� Miroku
told them.

�The Jewel shards?�

�What is everyone�s obsession over that rock?� Sesshoumaru
huffed as he poured himself another cup of tea, absently refilling Inuyasha�s
when he saw that it, too, was low.

Miroku glared but continued on. �Once it became apparent
that you could not be found Kagome began obsessing over the jewel shards. She
would have us go out in search for them in neighboring villages at all hours.�

�In the beginning,� Sango continued. �We would only be out
for a day or two, but as time went on and there was still no sign of any of the
pieces she became even more violent.�

Inuyasha gasped. �How is that even possible?� he asked in
shock.

�You don�t want know,� Miroku admitted and Inuyasha threw
him a sympathetic look.

�Each time we thought that we had a solid lead that turned
out to be nothing, Kagome would get even fiercer than before,� Sango continued.

�She even took Sango�s boomerang and whacked me with it,�
Miroku admitted sheepishly. �I never really realized how much Sango pulls those
hits until Kagome did it herself.�

Sango gasped. �I do no such thing,� she huffed. �Why would
I bother pulling my hits against a hentai like you?�

�But Sango, my sweet��

��Sweet�?� Sango hissed angrily.

�Er, my lady, er�
um��

Inuyasha was completely tuning out the well known banter and was
contemplating the boomerang with great curiosity. Getting on his hands and
knees, he moved around Sango over towards the weapon.

Sesshoumaru quickly drained both his and Inuyasha�s tea, grabbing Miroku�s for good measure as Inuyasha�s
pert little derriere presented itself in his direct line of vision.

�I never thought I
would see the day that I would willingly try to drown myself on tea,� he
thought absently as he watched Inuyasha�s back arch as he reached forward to
drag the boomerang towards himself. �Is
it possible for lightning to actually shoot into a cave and strike me down?�

Sesshoumaru reached for Sango�s tea only to jerk back as
her had came down automatically onto his with a smart �smack�. �Damn wench,� he
muttered before returning to stare �drool- over Inuyasha�s qualifying
attributes.

Hell, even the inner curve of the Hanyou�s
feet were starting to tempt Sesshoumaru into more sensual ideas as he memorized
every curve of Inuyasha�s body only marred by the large clothing Inuyasha was
wont to wear. �Scissors; I need scissors.
�

�Whoa,� Inuyasha�s voice snapped Sesshoumaru out of his
haze like dream of what would actually happen if he had scissors. �This thing
is heavy even for me,� Inuyasha continued.

Sango nodded as she slid the weapon to her side with ease.
�It was one of the four great weapons of my clan, passed down by generations.
It took me years for my body to
finally handle the weight.�

Miroku even reached over and tried to lift the impressive
item, only managing to lift in four inches off the ground, even with both
hands. �I don�t understand,� he muttered. �Kagome wielded it with such easy
single handedly.�

Sesshoumaru actually looked contemplative as he watched the
three alternately lift the weapon. �Idiots,� he finally announced, causing all
three to whirl around to glare at him. �Did any of you stop to think that it
may be due to the jewel shards the girl already possesses?� he asked in a bored
tone.

Inuyasha took the bait. �What�s due to them?�

�The girl�s strength,� Sesshoumaru explained with a small
satisfied grin. �As a priestess, she has the ability to draw on the jewels
powers.� �I figured it out. I figured it
out. I�m better than you. Nya, nya��
he mentally crowed in childish glee as he took another swig of tea and finished
off the pot, holding the kettle out to Inuyasha expectantly.

The other three at the table blinked in surprise while
Inuyasha simply tossed the kettle back towards the fire, much to Sesshoumaru�s
dismay. How was he to occupy himself without tea?

�Does she still have the jewel shards with her?� Inuyasha
asked his two friends hesitantly. The other two solemnly nodded and Inuyasha
glanced at the still unconscious Kagome.

After a few moments, he nodded his own head sharply and
climbed to his feet. With a last look at the group around the table, the hanyou
slowly made his way towards his cot.

Miroku and Sango both stood up when the realized exactly
what it was that Inuyasha was up to, both ready with their respective weapons
as Miroku held his staff in front of him, ready for anything. Both gave
Inuyasha an encouraging look while Sesshoumaru watched on in feigned boredom
even though his eyes traced Inuyasha�s every move.

Inuyasha turned back to the task at hand as he slowly made
his way to the comatose girl. Her outfit had changed for winter and she now had
on a pair of pants that she once called �jeans� and a bright red puffy coat.

Carefully he knelt down beside her, watching her face for
any hint that Kagome was on the verge of waking up. Taking a deep breath, he
slowly took the silver �Zipper Tag� in his two clawed fingers and slowly
brought the zipper down, the small rasping sound it made echoing in the hushed
quiet of the cave.

Sango and Miroku tensed at the sound, both shifting
nervously as they watched Inuyasha with clear apprehension.

Sesshoumaru�s facial expression did not change in anyway,
however Sango noticed the tight grip the youkai had
on his tea cup and relaxed her stance slightly, comfortable in the knowledge
that if Kagome were to suddenly wake, Sesshoumaru would protect the smaller youkai.

The only thing that worried Sango however was would the Taiyoukai show any restraint in dealing with the crazed Kagome.

Inuyasha, meanwhile, had managed to get the zipper all the
way down and was slowly parting the red fabric, revealing the mauve sweater
below. He could already see the chain for the fused jewel shards that Kagome
wore trailing down into the neckline of the fuzzy fabric and with a quick
glance once more to ensure that the girl was still unconscious; he very slowly
brought his hand towards her neck and hooked the thin chain with a claw.

Checking her once more he very carefully brought the chain
upward. Extremely slowly, he started moving the chain around looking for the
small clasp that Kagome had first shown him when she first set the Jewel shard.

�Where the hell are you?� he muttered slightly under his
breath.

�Squeak?�

Everyone stopped at the sound.

Ever so slowly, Inuyasha brought his head upward until
golden eyes met small beady black ones.

Inuyasha gapped in shock.

Sango and Miroku stared in horror.

Sesshoumaru actually saluted the little vermin with his
empty tea cup.

It wasn�t every day that a rat climbed onto the unconscious
face of the crazy priestess.

The rat squeaked happily once more before moving forward
and brought his jaw down around the thin silver chain in Inuyasha�s grasp.

�Kuufuku!� Inuyasha gasped
as the animal dragged the jewel shards towards himself before vaulting off
Kagome�s nose.

�What the-?� Miroku cried out as the rat darted between his legs and
made a �rat� dive into his pile of pilfered robes.

�Quick, he�s got the shard!� Inuyasha cried out as he moved
to the pile and started throwing robes every which way; the still tea soaked
one artlessly landing on Sesshoumaru�s head.

The Taiyoukai pulled it off with
some distaste and watched the three dig through the pile. �Again I ask, �what
is the fascination with the stupid pink rock�?�

�Damn it, Sesshoumaru! Stop sitting there and frigging help
us!� Inuyasha snapped as the pink robe nearly landed in the fire. �We can�t let
him leave with it! Naraku still has his minions
searching for it!�

Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow before pointing towards the
other side of the cave. �He went that-a-way.�

The three stopped and stared at where Sesshoumaru pointed
towards his own little cot.

�And then he went that way,� he pointed towards the still
unconscious Kagome, �before going that way,� now pointing towards the passage
towards the storage cave.

�Damn, he�s going for the clubhouse!�

�The what?� Sango asked dazed as she followed Inuyasha�s sprint
towards the tunnel.

�I�ll explain later, but you two will have to go in and get
him!� Inuyasha said before snapping over his shoulder. �Kirara!
You�re a Neko-Youkai, get the rat!�

Sesshoumaru watched the three disappear down the corridor
before glancing back at the small twin tailed neko
who let out a dainty yawn before slowly getting to her feet. Taking her time to
stretch her front paws before stepping forwards and stretching her back, the
small neko made her way over to the table, gracefully
jumping onto the shinny surface.

Lapping up what remained of her mistress�s tea, the small youkai licked her chops before trotting over towards
Sesshoumaru, dropping like a rock into his lap.

Sesshoumaru stared down at the now once again sleeping neko.

�Comfortable?� his voice dripped in sarcasm.

The blasted thing started purring.

�Sesshoumaru!� Inuyasha�s voice bellowed out of the tunnel. �Where the
hell did he go?�

�How the hell should I know?� he called back irritably. �I
just told you what I saw,� he clarified as Inuyasha emerged from the shadows.

�Danm, then he must have ducked
out the small exit.�

Sesshoumaru bit back the urge to reply �well duh�. Instead
occupied himself with stroking the small cat.

Sango�s eyes nearly bugged out of her head when she saw
where exactly her familiar had settled and even Inuyasha glared at the
creature.

�Are we comfy?� he asked angrily.

Kirara gave him a smug grin, �Jealous?�

Inuyasha gasped. �I am not!� he countered zealously.

�Someone protests too much,� Kirara�s voice sang in Inuyasha�s head.

�What will we do?� Miroku�s voice interrupted any reply
that Inuyasha may have had.

�I never expected a rat to take the shards,� Sango
admitted.

�Kuufuku?� Inuyasha asked surprised. �Actually I�m not surprised at
all.�

�Does this mean I finally get to do the rat in?�
Sesshoumaru asked hopefully.

Inuyasha gave Sesshoumaru a rather considering look before
the two children wandered into the cave.

�Hey Inuyasha! What was Kuufuku doing with this?� Shippo asked as he held
up the small necklace.

Inuyasha crowed in triumph as he took the item from the
small kitsune and Sesshoumaru
visibly deflated.

�Damn.� He muttered as he glared at the rat in Rin�s arms, who for all Sesshoumaru could tell, was
laughing hysterically at him in his rat like chuckle.

�New plan!� Sesshoumaru announced, his voice
carrying over the small din of Inuyasha�s explanation to the two adults about
the family�s �pet�.

The whole group turned to stare at Sesshoumaru with utter
confusion in their eyes.

�Forget trying to defeat Naraku
in even combat,� he announced as he righted the tea kettle and started
searching through Inuyasha�s little boxes of leaves.

He looked up, his eyes actually shining with suppressed
mirth. �We�ll just send the rat.�

Chapter
Forty-Two: Two of a Kind

The group boggled as Sesshoumaru happily continued to make
tea, actually whistling a little tune as he set the water to boil.

Miroku turned to Inuyasha. �That was unexpected.�

�Yeah, that happens a lot around here,� Inuyasha admitted
as he moved back to the table, staring at Sesshoumaru uncertainty.

Shippo and Rin darted towards the table as well, Shippo
shaking off the snow where most of it �accidentally� landed on Sesshoumaru.

The taiyoukai glared at the kit
before he huffed and marched out of the cave.

Inuyasha watched him go, just a little bit alarmed by
Sesshoumaru�s sudden attitude before he felt a tug on his sleeve.

�Inuyasha-sama,� Rin looked up at him. �What�s for lunch?�

Inuyasha blinked in surprise. �Lunch?� and he glanced once
more out the cave door where Sesshoumaru was just returning, his one arm now at
rest behind his back. �Oh no, has it really been that long?� he asked in
surprise as he quickly jumped up and made his way towards the stores. �I�ll be
right back.�

�Inuyasha,� Sango quickly made her way to his side. �would you care for some assistance?� she asked.

Inuyasha sagged in relief. �That actually would be great!�

�YIPE! COLD!�

They quickly looked back into the cave where Shippo was now
dancing around the table trying to get the large clumps of snow from going down
his shirt collar.

Miroku was staring at Sesshoumaru in unhidden surprise as
the youkai regally sat back down in his seat and
poured himself a fresh cup of tea.

Sango and Inuyasha both shrugged before moving into the
passage, discussing what would be best for lunch for six people.

�Ooooo,� Shippo
growled as he finally managed to rid himself of all the snow. �You know this
means war!� the little kit growled.

�Hah!� Sesshoumaru scoffed. �I�ve been fighting in real
wars before your parents even considered you existence!�

He leaned forward till his nose was nearly touching the
small kit�s �Just try it.�

Shippo, unfortunately for Sesshoumaru, took that as the
okay, and shoved some of the snow collected from his shoulders right into the youkai�s smirking visage.

Miroku quickly hid a snort of laughter with one hand as a
small cluster of snow lazily slid off one elegantly soaked eyebrow to land over
the youkai�s eye.

The growl that emanated from the youkai
however quickly squashed any mirth from the monk and he reached for his own
warding beads incase Sesshoumaru proved to be vengeful. He glanced quickly in
the direction Inuyasha had gone and hoped that the hanyou would return quickly
to quell the situation.

Shippo apparently had the same idea as he quickly scampered
after Inuyasha�s wake and out of sight.

Sesshoumaru stopped his growling and was now simply wiping
up the rapidly melting snow off his face as Rin played with the re-confiscated
Kirara.

Miroku was at a loss.

The whole situation was completely surreal to him. Nothing
at all what he would have expected of Sesshoumaru forced into a situation with
Shippo and Inuyasha. He would have expected Sesshoumaru to be lording over all
of them; making outlandish orders or some such nonsense.

In truth, the whole thing seemed� normal�

�Bizarre,� Miroku
mused as he watched Sesshoumaru go back to his tea and continue to wipe the
snow from his lap.

The youkai finished and Miroku
found himself caught in an unwilling staring contest with the older man.

Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow at the fidgety monk before
him as he took another sip of tea.

�So, you get hit in the head often?�

Miroku jumped at the sudden question. �Um, er, well actually� um-�

Sesshoumaru sighed, any hope for a somewhat civil
conversation evaporating like the water on the floor as he poured another cup.
�I�ll just take that as a yes, shall I?�

Miroku puffed out angrily but Inuyasha and Sango returned
before he could reply.

�Hope everyone likes rabbit,� Inuyasha announced, ignoring
the face that Shippo was pulling behind him. Obviously the little fox had voted
against the rabbit but had been over-ruled.

�Oh, rabbit should be fine,� Miroku replied.

Sesshoumaru simply ignored everyone.

�Well I mind,� Shippo voiced angrily. �I hate rabbit.�

�I could always feed you a squirrel,� Inuyasha retorted.

�How �bout rat?� Sesshoumaru mused, eyeing the �Gray Fur Ball of Doom�-
patent pending.

�Damn it Sesshoumaru, behave.� Inuyasha hissed.

�Why?� Sesshoumaru snapped back. �It�s not like we�re
trying to impress foreigner dignitaries, not that you ever could,� he added
absently. �They are, as you say, your friends and why the fuck should I care
what your friends think of me?�

Inuyasha gave Sesshoumaru the evil look number four before
turning back to Shippo, �looks like your saved kid, the squirrel is going to
someone else.�

Shippo laughed outright and Inuyasha smirked triumphantly
as Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow at the threat.

�I�m positively shaking in fear.�

�As well you should be,� Inuyasha returned. �Squirrel meat
is really tough.�

�Should I take you as an expert on squirrel meat?�
Sesshoumaru asked.

Inuyasha shrugged. �Eat what you can catch, and for some
reason all I could ever catch as a kid was squirrels.�

Sesshoumaru tired not to let that information sink heavily
into his chest instead responding with, �Should it be any wonder considering
how extraordinarily stupid squirrels
are?�

�Considering I was fishing? Yes, you should.�

Miroku blinked. �How did you catch squirrels if you were
fishing?�

�Took me a while to figure out that I
should use worms for fish, not acorns.�
Sesshoumaru neatly cuffed Inuyasha on the back of the head
as the hanyou walked by. �Even you
are not that stupid.�

�I was a kid!� Inuyasha protested.

Sesshoumaru snorted into his tea, no longer believing a
word the came out of Inuyasha�s mouth as he spun a tail of ravenous squirrels
attacking him for his acorns for the two children.

Sango and Miroku laughed merrily at the exuberated tale as
they helped Inuyasha with the salted meat, Kirara and Kuufuku both subtly
trying to sneak pieces of meat from the pan.

�Oh Kami-Sama,� Sesshoumaru
suddenly realized, �this is actually
feeling� homey��

He looked around at all the other occupant in dawning
horror.

�Where the fuck is
that lightning?�

Inuyasha noticed the stricken look on his brother�s face
and gave him and inquisitive look.

Sesshoumaru simply shook his head as he took another swill
of tea.

Inuyasha shrugged it off and helped Sango locate the few
spices he kept for flavor.

Lunch was a quick affair. Gratefully one minus the squirrel
meat thought Inuyasha threatened it a few more times.

Inuyasha glanced at Kagome a few times as he absently
nibbled on his last slice of meat. �What are we to do with her?� he asked
pointing in the girl�s direction.

Sango and Miroku both went silent as they too looked over
at the girl.

�We can�t keep her at Kaede�s
village any longer,� Sango finally spoke up. �Even the villagers were starting
to become fearful.�

�Well she defiantly can�t stay here!� Inuyasha protested.
�That�s why I left in the first place!�

�Couldn�t you just shove her down that well of hers?�
Sesshoumaru asked as he snatched another piece of meat from Shippo�s
plate when the kit wasn�t looking.

Inuyasha glared but said noting of the theft, instead
answered his brothers question with a shake of his head.

Inuyasha glanced at Kagome a few times as he absently nibbled on
his last slice of meat. �What are we to do with her?� he asked pointing in the
girl�s direction.

Sango and Miroku both went silent as they too looked over
at the girl.

�We can�t keep her at Kaede�s
village any longer,� Sango finally spoke up. �Even the villagers were starting
to become fearful.�

�Well she defiantly can�t stay here!� Inuyasha protested.
�That�s why I left in the first place!�

�Couldn�t you just shove her down that well of hers?�
Sesshoumaru asked as he snatched another piece of meat from Shippo�s
plate when the kit wasn�t looking.

Inuyasha glared but said noting of the theft, instead
answered his brothers question with a shake of his head.

�That wouldn�t be right either,� he explained. �We have to
figure out what�s wrong with her. Her family should have to be burdened with
this.�

�Why shouldn�t they?� Sesshoumaru argued. �They are, as you
say, her family.�

Inuyasha sagged. �I know, but for some reason, I just feel
responsible.�

�Oh that is the biggest load of bull I�ve ever heard.�
Sesshoumaru exclaimed. �How is it your fault that her attitude in down the
sewer?�

�He�s right,� Sango agreed. �None of this is your fault.�

�But what if it is?� Inuyasha burst out. �What if me
pushing her so hard to find the jewel shards made her snap?�

Miroku and Sango looked at Inuyasha helplessly, neither
knowing what to say.

�Just what was it
that made the witch snap anyway?� Sesshoumaru asked finally. He received four
shrugs and a small wine from the neko. He rolled his
eyes. �Did any of you try to find out?�

Inuyasha stared at him. �What do you mean?�

�That undead preistestss of
your�s, what does she have to say about it?�

�Kikyou? What about her?�

�She is the girls other half, is she not? Has she not
noticed anything unfamiliar?

Inuyasha shook his head, his eyes widening in realization.
�We haven�t seen Kikyou for a few months now.�

�Well what about all of father�s retainers that for some
reason or another seem to like you best?� Sesshoumaru asked. �That
flea creature and the others. What do they have to say about the situation?�

Inuyasha blinked. �um��

Sesshoumaru actually slouched back in astonishment. �You
didn�t ask?�

�Well, what would they know about it?�

Sesshoumaru looked around the little table in growing
disbelief. �I thought you never brought it up because it had been dismissed.�
He muttered absently. �Did none of you think that maybe she�s possessed under a
spell cast by Naraku?�

The other adults stared at him blankly.

Sesshoumaru threw down his piece of bunny bone and cupped
his forehead into his palm, �I�m surrounded by idiots,� he muttered. �Did none
of you think to take her to a real
healer? Not those so-called human healers but a spiritual one?�

Three shakes of the head confirmed his suspicion.

�Well then, there you are. The first order of business,� he
announced as he once again picked up his lunch and started eating again.

Inuyasha and the others shared a look.

�And just where are we suppose to find a �spiritual
healer�?� he asked sarcastically.

Sesshoumaru glared. �You seem to make friends where ever
you go,� was his snide reply. �I�m sure one of the other demon tribes has a youki healer among them, it�s not the same as a ningen�s reiki but close enough
for what you want to find out.�

He reached for his tea to clear out his throat. �What of
that Ookami tribesman? Koma?�

�Kouga,� Inuyasha
corrected.

�What about him?�

Inuyasha sat back with a huff and crossed his arms. �Never
in a million years will I ask for that wolfs help,� he announced.

Sesshoumaru shrugged. �Then I�m fresh out of ideas.�

He returned to the remains of his meal so it took
Sesshoumaru a few moment to realize that an utter calmness have enveloped the
cave. Not wanting to look up, Sesshoumaru slowly took a deep breath and glanced
up ward.

The entire table
was staring at him.

�Nani?�

�The western palace has healers�� Inuyasha started slowly.

�Oh hell no!� Sesshoumaru protested, but anything else he was about to
say was drowned out but the high pitched scream.

�Inuyasha!�

The hanyou whirled around to find Kagome standing like an
angel of hell, glaring daggers at him as she advanced. Sesshoumaru quickly
leaping over the table to stand in front of Inuyasha before anyone else could
so much as gasp at Kagome�s recovery.

�How dare you hit me!� Kagome
continued completely ignoring Sesshoumaru�s presence. �You will pay for disobeying me! Once I replace
the beads you will spend the rest of your life in the dirt do you hear me? Do
You HEAR me?�

Sesshoumaru Started to withdraw toukujin
when Suddenly, Kagome went completely silent, her mouth an �O� of surprise as
her eyes suddenly rolled backwards and she once more slumped to the ground.

�The group stared in
disbelief at the once again comatose Kagome laid prostrate at their feet before
slowly looking upward at the strange man who was causally throwing a rock up
and catching it one handed, a smug look on his face.

�Man,� the stranger smirked at the shocked groups, �and I
thought I had fucked up friends.�

~TBC

The End of The Challenge
OKAY PEOPLE! LAST CHANCE! WHO IS THIS PERSON? If any one
can figure out who this new character is gets a cookie and a short Kuufuku
tortures Sesshoumaru side story dedicated to them!

Japanese Index:
Arigato (gozaimasu)-Thank you
Baka-Idiot/stupid
hakaisou (n) depraved; sinful priest {aka Sanzo} ((as defined
on �Jeffrey's
Jap-English Dictionary Server� �
http://linear.mv.com/cgi-bin/j-e/dict))
Hanyou-Half
Demon
Hakuchoo-Swan

Inu-Dog

Kitsune-Fox
Kisama-Bastard (roughly)
Koinu-Puppy
Kumo-Spider

Miko-Priestess
Nani?- What?
Neko-Cat
Ningen-Human
Otouto-Younger brother
Ookami-Wolf
Osuwari-Sit
Shika-Deer
Taisho- General
Tokage-Lizard
Youkai-Demon
Youko- Fox Demon (Think Kurama
in Yu Yu Hakusho.)
Youki-Demon Spirit
- 7
- 8
- 9
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Shadowed Nights

Shadowed Nights-

CriticizingConversations: Chapters 37-42

ChapterThirty-Eight: Congested Quarters

Chapter Thirty-Nine: Tea Talk Take Two

Hakuchoo-Swan

Inu-Dog

Kumo-Spider

Criticizing
Conversations: Chapters 37-42

Chapter
Thirty-Eight: Congested Quarters