AN: A new fic that I hope my brain can comprehend and handle…multi-chapter things were never really my forte…Oh, and if you saw this posted on another account, don't worry – I was testing it before I put it on my main one.

And I know I should probably be updating 'The Experiment' but I haven't really been in the mood for it. So we'll see what happens with that one.

Disclaimer: I could only hope and dream a thousand times a day to own Inuyasha. Sadly (perhaps fortunately) I don't own it. Shucks.

Double Threat

Chapter One

Special Delivery

It was late at night, and the moon was his only guidance through the black forests. There was blood everywhere, and he was almost sure there was a trail behind him as he bounded with great speeds. Inutaishou barely glanced to make sure the sword was still strapped securely – he needed to get this weapon in a safe place and soon. He feared there wasn't much time left on his lifeline…

His eyes squinted and a surging amount of relief flowed through his veins when he saw the opening in the forest. He could smell humans nearby signaling a village was present. If he could just find the miko who resided there then all would be well; at least, that's what he kept telling himself.

Luckily when he reached the entrance of the village, people were already tucked away sleeping or having late-night chats. They wouldn't be alarmed by his powerful demeanor. Inutaishou tilted his head to the air, sniffing slightly for any scent that seemed to stick out. As an inu youkai, and a powerful lord at that, he'd able to sniff out the aura of one who had high spiritual powers.

It was faint, but there. He quickly bounded towards a small hut on the outskirts of the village where he could see small streams of gold leaking out from under the flap which blocked the doorway. The minute he reached the entrance, only settling a few feet away, a young woman moved the flap to the side. Her eyes were wide with concern and suspiciousness, though she seemed to set it aside for the moment.

It wasn't often one saw a powerful demon lord bleeding in front of them…

Kagome pursed her lips and warily made her way towards the dying lord. She didn't know how to handle these situations really…Kikyou was the one who dealt with these sorts of things…until she passed away that is. In fact, Kagome didn't even know how she had passed away, except that she had last been seen in the Northern territories where most of the inu youkai resided.

She nervously tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and knelt down beside him, careful not to insult him in any fashion.

"Do…do you need me to help with your injuries?" She timidly asked, suddenly catching sight of his intense golden eyes.

He quickly snapped her out of her trance though by thrusting a rusty, aged sword at her feet.

"Take this to Lord Inuyasha of the North. It is important that you make haste and do not let it fall into the hands of anyone else, save for him." His voice was strong and commanding despite the way he looked – bloodied and ready to keel over.

Kagome gulped, but gingerly picked up the sword, a little stunned at its weight; it was quite deceiving when it came to looks, but could it even cut?

"I…yes." She nodded her head, still finding it hard to fathom her current predicament. Before she could do anything else, he bounded away, the only trace of him ever having visited was the sword and the blood spattered on the grass.

Kagome felt weak at that very moment, numerous questions floating around in her head – why had that demon lord chosen her of all people?

And furthermore…why did she even accept? Not that she could just refuse him when he was such a noble demon and in a bloodied state as he was. It was apparent she didn't have much of a choice in the matter now that the demon lord was gone and the sword was left in her hands. She was, after all, a girl of her word.

She didn't like getting involved with demon affairs…

-x-

It was high noon, and Kagome was nearing the border of the North. Her body was sweaty and covered in grime, and she mourned for the light pink kimono that seemed more weathered than it had ever been in one day compared to when she wore at least once a week through all sorts of weather.

"I better be getting paid for this…" she mumbled, too disgusted to look at her torn kimono.

As she trudged on the path, doubts began to resurface in her mind, ones that she had been trying to quell since last night. She wasn't exactly experienced in the whole 'ways of the demons' sort of thing. That was Kikyou's strong point. And until she had died, dealing with these sorts of things were problems to bear. Now Kagome was dubbed the miko of the village, though she knew the other villagers often remarked about how Kikyou would've done a much better job. Not that Kagome cared…much.

Just as she was about to slow down to a halt, she heard the galloping of a horse, and by the sound of it, it wasn't making a move to slow down. She yelped when she turned around and saw a white stallion making its way towards her, though the man upon it eased it to a halt.

Kagome was sure her heart was beating wildly enough that it may jump out and run away.

"What are you doing out here alone with that useless sword to defend you?" His voice was deep and somewhat proud, that much Kagome could tell.

"Uhm…oh! The sword. It's not mine," she admitted, smiling a little unsurely.

The man grinned back, and Kagome gaped a little when she saw the small fang poking out. A demon. Then again, she should've expected nothing less…it seemed she was constantly surrounded by demons now.

"I see." The horse snorted impatiently and Kouga dug his heel into its side, forcing it to calm down. "Where are you headed?"

"Up to the North. The sword is for Lord Inuyasha…I'm afraid I'm not familiar with him but there was a special request from what I assumed was a inu youkai lord…he was very bloody, and I can't help but wonder where he is…if he's alive at all…" she added as a small afterthought.

"Did you say Inuyasha?" His ice blue eyes now seemed to truly radiate the iciness that they gave upon first glance.

Kagome blinked, slightly taken aback by his rough tone of voice. "Yes…?" she replied meekly. Oh great, so now Lord Inuyasha or whoever he was had some haters or something?

Kouga simply frowned before returning his attention to the girl.

"Your name?"

Kagome hesitated. "…It's Kagome."

"Beautiful name," he remarked before digging his boot heel into the horse's side once more. It eased off to a slow walk, and Kouga waved. "If I can give you one piece of advice, it's to trust no one from the North. Above all, Lord Inuyasha," he added emphasis on Inuyasha's name, almost mocking his title. Kagome gave a listless wave back, unsurely gazing at the sword once more.

It seemed like a whole lot of trouble for a decrepit sword…

Nightfall had approached when Kagome reached the border of the Northern territories. Two sentries stood side by side, each holding a sword. Their faces were like masks, each one stoic as ever. Kagome cast them wary looks as she came closer to them.

The two men quickly barricaded her route, giving her small glares that sent chills up and down her spine. "State your business!" one demanded.

Kagome sucked in a deep breath of air before taking the rusty sword from off of her back. One guard's eyes widened, not having seen that sword for a long time. "The Tetsusaiga…" He murmured before steeling once more. "Why are you in possession of it?"

"It was given to me by an inu youkai lord…he told me to deliver it to Lord Inuyasha."

"How is it that you are familiar with Lord Inutaishou?" The second guard bit out.

Kagome was starting to get ticked off. Couldn't she just deliver a stupid sword without playing twenty questions?! "He came to me last night with several injuries and gave me the sword to deliver. I am a miko after all." She added, hoping it would boost up her importance level.

"A miko you say?" The two guards swapped glances with one another before finally moving their swords apart, allowing her passage. "No foolish business, girl."

Kagome nodded curtly, and when she was sure they weren't looking, stuck her tongue out. Who knew guards could be such asses? Then again, they were defending a kingdom…and rumors of war had been brewing for quite some time…apparently the North and South were ready to go head to head.

The path was a long stretch and she could barely see the tip of the castle beyond the horizon. The moon's fading light bounced off of it, giving it a somewhat eerie look. Kagome couldn't suppress a shudder that ran through her body.

"So this is it…" she mumbled, trudging forwards towards the perimeter of the castle.

-x-

"What?!" Inuyasha howled, glaring at the small flea demon.

The flea cringed and twiddled his hands together, unsure of what to do now. Inuyasha's temper had already been stoked so there was no turning back now…

"A…a young woman who's supposedly a m-miko…has come to deliver a sword…Tetsusaiga to be exact." Myouga squealed with fright when Inuyasha's knuckles turned white. He could've sworn he saw a little blood seep out of the claw indentations he had made with sharp nails…that was never a good sign. His father, Lord Inutaishou also had the same temper, though Inuyasha lacked the finer qualities of using reasoning.

"So first there are rumors that my father is DEAD, FORCING me to take on the role of lord, and NOWsome wench shows up at an ungodly hour with HIS sword?!" His eyes were aflame and held the same intensity of his father's.

Myouga just about suffered a stroke.

"Y-yes!" He squeaked, shielding his head as Inuyasha stomped towards him. He had a temper that could rival that of all the gods put together.

Instead of going on a rampage and screaming obscenities, Inuyasha let out a loud, annoyed sigh. He raked a hand through his already mussed up, white hair and stormed past Myouga who let out a breath he knew he had been holding. He'd just have to kick out this bitch himself, and she wouldn't dare to come back…for all he knew, she could be some sort of spy from the South or the West (which was run by his elder half-brother who so kindly informed him of his alliance with the South).

Several servants who were cleaning up and performing the last of their tasks before going to bed ducked and scrambled for cover as he stormed past them. One made the mistake of making eye contact which earned a scowl from the young lord. He could've rivaled Medusa with the way his glares froze people on the spot.

"Stupid, annoying, good-for-nothing…" he mumbled, losing track of his thoughts when he approached the entrance. He stomped outside past the guards who were stopping Kagome from entering. The girl let out a shaky sigh and almost dropped the sword when she saw Inuyasha.

He looked angry enough to start a tempest and destroy thousands of fleets with that one glare and snarl. Maybe she'd take up on Kouga's piece of advice and not be too trusting…

"I…uh…" she stammered.

One of the guards shot a hopeless glance to the other guard who agreed. Kagome didn't miss the guard doing the famous 'slice through neck' gesture. If she weren't in such a predicament, she would've clobbered him over the head. He could've at least tried to be more optimistic!

"What the hell are you doing here with my father's sword?!" Inuyasha howled, snatching the sword out of the girl's grasp. She gasped at the sudden movement before taking a few steps back. She had a scowl that could rival his own, not that he even bother to admit something as terrible as that.

"For your information, stupid, he requested that I give it to you!" She bellowed back, folding her arms in a haughty manner.

The guards were dumbfounded. Never before had someone so simple spoken back to one of such high status like that. It was simply uncalled for and definitely not warranted!

Inuyasha could feel his face heating up and he wanted nothing more than to slap her silly. What a bitch her parents raised her to be! "Well since you've come and done your job – LEAVE." He was about to have her completely locked out when a young man came forward.

"Inuyasha! That's no way to treat a young lady…especially one who has been so gracious to walk for what seems to be miles to deliver something so precious to you and your bloodline!" The man flashed her a quick, pearly-white grin.

Inuyasha nearly erupted much like a volcano would. "Miroku…" he hissed, flashing him a venomous look.

Miroku hardly batted an eye. "Don't be a child, Inuyasha. It's clear she needs somewhere to stay for the night…as a gift of thanks, don't you think it'd be a nice compensation to allow her to stay here?" He inquired. Kagome couldn't help but think that if Inuyasha were going to throw a fit like this, she'd be better off in a thunderstorm.

"Don't worry, I'm sure there's room at an inn in the village I passed not too long ago." She tried her best to smile warmly, but she couldn't help but glower at Inuyasha.

Miroku clucked his tongue. "Nonsense." And without saying anything else, he pulled her in, much to the dismay of a certain hanyou.

-x-

"I don't like her."

Miroku gave an exasperated sigh, running a hand through his hair. When it came to Inuyasha, it was like dealing with a small child – one who didn't get his way. And the North was supposed to run at his beck and call? Hah!

"Look, she seems nice enough –" Inuyasha quickly mumbled an 'of course, you say that about every woman' before Miroku coughed and continued. "Besides, there's no reason to leave her out without a place to be after all the trouble she went through to fulfill your father's desires."

"Look monk," Inuyasha growled. "Did you actually take a good, long look at her?"

Miroku tapped a finger to his chin, violet eyes twinkling with mischief. "Of course I did. She was quite pretty if I do say so myself."

"Shut it!" he snapped. "She looks like her."

Miroku blinked, failing to see where this was going.

Inuyasha glowered. "Her."

Miroku arched a brow. "You know, stressing the same word over and over doesn't really hel –"

"Kikyou!" Inuyasha hissed.

Miroku made a small 'o' shape with his mouth in understanding. "I see your point; let's not jump to conclusions though…"

"I hated that bitch! And if she were alive, I swear by the gods I'd kill her myself!"

"Loaded words, my friend," Miroku frowned. "Give her a chance."

"Giving Kikyou a chance didn't seem to work out…" Inuyasha retorted, though by now Miroku could tell the flames of his anger had been doused. For now he'd quiet down, but come morning…Miroku was almost afraid to see what would happen.

"Look…just…give her some benefit of the doubt. Right now Sango probably has her in her room now. It's not like you can be so cruel as to kick her out after giving her a small taste of relaxation."

"Whatever you say, monk…"

Miroku gave a smug grin. "That's what I like to hear."

-x-

"And here is your room!" Sango pushed open one of the shoji doors to reveal a grand (compared to what Kagome lived in) room that was probably the size of two of her huts. The bed was extravagant and Kagome found herself feeling quite grateful that she didn't turn on her heel and leave the minute Inuyasha had opened his mouth.

"It's amazing!" Kagome breathed, slowly walking into the room before diving onto the bed. Sango crossed her arms and laughed.

"So, what brings you here? I was only told to find you a room."

Kagome looked up from her brief moment of euphoria before propping herself onto her elbows. "I was given a sword to deliver to that…that brat…otherwise known as Inuyasha – Lord Inuyasha," she sneered. Sango could only sympathize.

"He tends to be a little…rude and demanding. At first glance!" She quickly added. "Believe me," she continued, seeing Kagome's skeptic looks. "I've known him for a very long time…enough that I consider him a best friend. He's just very stressed and all, what with his father's supposed death and becoming lord at such a trivial time…the North and South are due to battle any day now."

Kagome remained quiet, not really feeling up to par to give a strong rebuke. All the sleep she had lost was suddenly catching up on her.

Sango caught onto her yawn. "I'll let you sleep now." She gave a quick goodnight along with a smile and left the room.

As Sango pattered down the hallway, Miroku rounded the corner. "Miroku!" Sango called softly.

"I believe you've taken lady Kagome (they had gone over pleasantries once Kagome had gotten into the castle, much to Inuyasha's dismay) to her room?"

"Yup."

"Apparently Inuyasha hasn't taken a liking to her…funny that."

Sango gave a bored nod of the head. "Typically."

"Although I must say he had an interesting idea…" Sango raised a brow to show she was listening. "He claims she looks like the late lady Kikyou…and now that I think about it, she does."

"She does sort of…but their personalities…completely different ends of the spectrum."

"I suppose we'll see how all this unravels in the morning?" Miroku grinned lightly. Sango gave a small snicker.

Only a few seconds later was there a loud smack followed by a loud cry of 'monk!'

-x-

Kagome, as tired as she was, continued to toss and turn throughout the duration of the night. The bed was more than comfortable and she felt secure, but her dreams were awful. For some reason, Kikyou was plaguing them along with a strange man that she couldn't identify. She was sure she saw a glimpse of the Shikon jewel's pink glow as well.

The man's eyes were pure crimson, alluring in a dangerous, deadly sort of way. From what Kagome could tell, Kikyou seemed to be unfazed, though there was a hard look in her brown eyes.

And just as the man was about to take a step closer to Kikyou, the dream vanished and Kagome was startled out of bed.

There was an uneasy feeling in the pit of her stomach, and she was willing to bet it was because of how that man looked. Evil radiated off of him in waves. Forcing herself to swallow down her fear, Kagome dropped back into the bed, the pillow softening her head's landing.

Why was she dreaming of Kikyou after all this time? She wasn't particularly close to her, regardless of the fact that they were cousins. Perhaps it was mere coincidence and her mind was subconsciously aware of the fact that she was currently in Northern territory…where Kikyou died.

And now that she really sat back and thought about the castle and her current settings, the weirder she felt…somehow, she had a feeling she was getting more than she bargained for.

-x-

AN: Tell me what you think! It might be a little confusing…sorry…I sort of confused myself too, if that's any compensation…