Chapter 4

Disclaimer: (ahem) I don't own Inuyasha... or Sesshoumaru, but I do own this fic.

A/N: Thank you all the people that reviewed my fic so far. I'll try to make this chapter extra long.

Inuyasha stirred slightly his head rested against something cold and hard. He wanted to sit up but his body protested. He was too weak to even keep his eyes open, as he drifted back into a state of unconsciousness he saw an angelic face hovering about him.

"Kagome," his voice was a hoarse whisper.

Kikyou stroked Inuyasha's silver hair with her fingertips.

'Even now he thinks about my loathed reincarnation,' she thought bitterly.

She leaned against the tree closing her eyes and thanking her lucky stars that she hadn't died because of Sesshoumaru's poison.

Flashback:

Kikyou was continuing on her solitary journey, something she didn't quite agreed with, but she had to find the vile hanyou Naraku. She had followed his aura into the western lands, now she would kill him. She would finally get the revenge she seeked for so long, she would kill the ghastly half demon for causing the betrayal between Inuyasha and her. With Naraku finally gone, her weary soul would be at peace and she would also be able to take Inuyasha to hell with her. Her eyes were focused forward, but felt the powerful intensity of another demon's youki.

"Show yourself," her voice no higher than a whisper, knocking an arrow into her bow.

She instantly knew from the silver hair and golden eyes, that he was Sesshoumaru, Inuyasha's half brother. However, she didn't lower her weapon, if this was indeed Sesshoumaru, then he would definitely kill her without a second thought.

"And what do I owe the pleasure of seeing you Sesshoumaru-sama," her eyes narrowed.

'His youki was different from when they had met on Mt. Hakureizan, it seems lighter now, perhaps it was the doing of that human child he always carries with him.'

Sesshoumaru sent her a bored look.

"Are you not Inuyasha's first wench?" his voice held no hint of any emotion. How could his brother bare to see something to vile and heinous? Her stench wafted up to his delicate nose, he resisted the urge to cover his nose and mouth with his haori sleeve.

'Hmph, burial soil and bones, now who wouldn't want that smell on them?' he thought sarcastically.

"I am no one's wench," Kikyou was not about to make the mistake of turning her back on The Sesshoumaru.

Sure she wanted to purify him right there on the spot, but not even her powers would be enough for that.

"Then tell this Sesshoumaru why does his scent permeate your clothes and fake person?" His voice held no remorse, no sympathy, just plain boredom.

Kikyou flinched slightly.

'Of course he could smell his half brother scent on her, and he was after all, a full youkai.'

Her hands shook slightly knowing that Sesshoumaru did not like anyone who had associations with his hanyou brother.

"How your half brother's scent is on me is none of your concern," she responded icily, holding his intense gaze.

Kikyou had a foreboding feeling that this wasn't about to end very well.

"Give this Sesshoumaru a valid reason for not slaying you right here, you are trespassing on my territory?"

Sesshoumaru didn't want the wench's blood on his hands, but she had tried to kill Inuyasha and actually went as far as to trespass on his lands. Even though he hadn't killed her at Mt. Hakureizan, that didn't mean he didn't want to kill her. The only reason he held back was because his ward, Rin, was present and Kikyou had helped to protect her.

"I am not obligated to give you any reply of the sort," with that said Kikyou lowered her bow, turning around and started walking away.

She hoped against hope that she had done the right thing. She stopped dead in her tracks, however, when she felt Sesshoumaru's youki flared, a sure sign that she was about to witness first hand, his true power. Before his youkai whip could slice her body, she jumped out of the way firing a purification arrow straight at Sesshoumaru. She landed near a tree and knocked another arrow in her bow hoping that the first one had hit home. She had dispersed her soul stealers to locate Inuyasha and bring him to her. Sesshoumaru, however, effortlessly dodged her pathetic arrow, only one person had ever managed to penetrate his armor. It was Inuyasha's other wench. Since she was the reincarnation of the original Kikyou, her power could not have been as powerful as Kikyou's. Running pass the still pink glowing arrow Sesshoumaru readied his poison claws, striking Kikyou on her shoulder.

Deep gashes could be seen as the poison spread from her shoulders down her sides. Everything looked completely normal to Sesshoumaru except the fact that none of her blood flowed from her wound. Straightening his person, Sesshoumaru was about to deliver the final blow when Inuyasha's voice stopped him.

"What the fuck are you doing to Kikyou, you bastard?"

She had tried reaching for Inuyasha but her world had gone black, she had awaked later on by the stirrings of a certain injured hanyou on her lap. Her clay body had not been completely destroyed by Sesshoumaru's poison, much thanks to the fact that her bones still held immense miko energy.

End Flashback:

Kikyou was now focusing most of her miko energy into healing Inuyasha's wound. He had taken quite a hit from that bastard Sesshoumaru and his poison claws. Her long dark hair bellowed around

'Kuso, why did I have to be such a baka and disrespect him like that? Now my darling Inuyasha's injured. Sesshoumaru's poison isn't allowing his demon self to heal him.' Kikyou thought wistfully.

The sun was starting to rise, casting faint golden rays across the wounded couple.

Kikyou still wasn't sure why Sesshoumaru had attacked her in the first place; all she knew was that her previous attempts to kill Inuyasha had somehow angered him.

'Then why didn't he kill me at Mt. Hakureizan?' She finally came up with the only logical explanation possible.

'It was because of that little human girl that's always with him. What did he call her...Rin... yes Rin I believe her name was. Apparently he didn't seem all too happy about that little girl seeing blood shed right in front of her. So he must harbor some tenderness for her. How strange, the Great Lord Sesshoumaru, caring for a mere human girl.'

Kikyou knew then that he had wanted to kill her when they met at Mt. Hakureizan, but that girl, Rin, had indirectly saved her life.

Kikyou's train of thought was interrupted, however, by a rather disgruntled hanyou.

"Kikyou," he croaked, pulling her into a tight embrace being mindful of her injuries.

"Daijobou desuka, Kikyou?" Inuyasha's voice held much concern, something that was rare even if he was speaking to her.

"Hai, Inuyasha, I'm fine, but your wound isn't healing as fast as it should," Kikyou stated matter-of-a-factly.

"Kuso, it must be Sesshoumaru's poison..." Inuyasha gasped, the fact that Sesshoumaru had gone after Kagome after he had rendered him immobile, was starting to seep in.

Inuyasha sat up wincing slightly.

"Sesshoumaru went after Kagome, and we have to follow him."

'Hopefully it wouldn't be too late,' he added mentally, ' Kagome, wait for me.'

Kikyou also stood up; she had managed to restore most of her clay body that was melted by the poison.

"No Inuyasha, YOU have to follow him," she turned to leave, but strong arms wrapped around her slender waist.

"Kikyou," Inuyasha whispered, nuzzling her neck, "I won't let Sesshoumaru hurt you again, I promise."

Kikyou sighed softly.

'Maybe it would be safer to stay with Inuyasha, after all my powers are almost gone.' She nodded turning to face Inuyasha,

"Hai, lets go."

Kikyou climbed onto Inuyasha's back allowing him to take her back to his camp.

Back at the camp:

Kagome rolled onto her side in her sleeping bag. It was still quite early so no one else was up yet, the sun had only started to peek over the horizon. She went over all the events to the previous day in her mind. They were walking, then Inuyasha went of to see Kikyou, Sango and she talked about what her feelings for Inuyasha were. Kagome sighed at this; she still loved Inuyasha dearly, even though he now had Kikyou. Her heart still yearned for him.

Her lingering emotions of love for the hanyou were still ever so present, she remembered his eyes, and how she loved to look into those expressive amber orbs, his silver hair swaying gently in the wind, his magenta stripes...wait...magenta stripes? When did Inuyasha become Sesshoumaru?

'Baka Kagome,' she chided herself, 'how can you think of Sesshoumaru when you still love Inuyasha? Do I really still love Inuyasha?'

This question caused waves of emotions to engulf her mind and body. Sesshoumaru, someone that had tried to kill her on so many various occasions, had actually been a bit civil to her last night.

'Last night,' she thought.

Flashback:

Kagome had been so awestruck by the beauty of the place that Sesshoumaru had taken her.

'This place in so peaceful,' she had thought.

She was somewhat caught off guard when he asked, "Miko, why is it you willingly chose to come with this Sesshoumaru, did you not think that I would have attempted to kill you as I have done in the past?"

She didn't know how to answer such a question but she stated what her mind was thinking.

"If you had wanted to kill me as much as you did in the past, then you would have done so by now ne? Besides why would you still want to kill me after such a long time?"

Kagome hoped that this answer was good enough for him. However, when he had stood up to leave, she had the sudden urge to ask him to stay, just a little while longer with her. She was too shy however, and thought it would be rather silly of her to request that the Great Taiyoukai of the West, Sesshoumaru-sama, should stay with her for a little while.

He had left her so suddenly; she was rather enjoying his company even though he kept calling her Miko.

'At least it's better than wench, like what Inuyasha calls you,' she thought wistfully.

She looked up at the dark sky, watching as Sesshoumaru's long silver hair reflected the moonlight.

She just wanted to reach out and stroke his long mane; this however would probably cost her her life. He looked so angelic.

'How can someone so beautiful be so dangerous,' she thought.

Then she remembered his arm, it was missing, but somehow it hadn't affected his perfection, not in the slightest bit.

When he was finally out of sight, Kagome let out a breath that she had been unconsciously been holding. She watched intently as the fireflies danced upon the water's surface. They were so free, not a care in the word, they didn't have to worry over the Shikon no Tama, or the vile hanyou Naraku. Kagome sighed standing up and straightening her green uniform. It was starting to get late and she was sure Sango and Miroku were starting to worry about her. With one last glance of her new found sanctuary, she set of toward the camp.

As soon as she emerged from the thick forest foliage, she was bombarded with questions from both the Taijiya and the Houshi. They were just about to start looking for her thinking that Sesshoumaru had harmed her in some way. Kagome looked over at Shippou; he was fast asleep curled up into a little ball on her sleeping bag. Sango told her that he had wanted to be near something that smelled like her. Sango Miroku and Kagome sat around the fire. Kagome relayed what had happened between her and Sesshoumaru while they were gone. Both the monk and the demon exterminator seemed a bit troubled at the fact that their friend/sister had spent time alone with THE demon lord Sesshoumaru, but they were also relieved that he hadn't harmed her in any way.

By the time Kagome had finished, they all agreed that is was time to hit the hay, before they dispersed, however, Kagome told Sango and Miroku not to tell Inuyasha what had conspired between Sesshoumaru and her. Kagome changed into her pajamas and crawled into her sleeping bag, pulling a still sleeping Shippou close to her. The thing on her mind before sleep claimed her was Sesshoumaru's expression as he flew away on his demonic cloud.

End Flashback:

Kagome was drifting back to sleep, but then realized that she had to get up and prepare breakfast for the group. She sat up, tucking Shippou into the sleeping bag. Her eyes moved over everyone in the group, they were short one silver haired hanyou. The sun was still barely even up yet, trying to prolong the night.

She sighed, 'He's probably still with Kikyou.'

Kagome crept over to her yellow back pack and rummaged around in it finding some Ramen and a pot, she started preparing breakfast.

In Sesshoumaru's castle:

Sesshoumaru felt something warm lying next to him. His intense amber eyes found it; it was a raven haired girl who looked only 10 summers old.

'When had she sneaked in here?' he pondered.

Ever since he had established his new empire, Rin had taken quite a liking to sleeping with her demon lord.

Sesshoumaru didn't mind though, he was just puzzled at the fact that He, Lord Sesshoumaru Taiyoukai of the West, could not sense when she enter his room in the middle of the night. He looked over at Rin, his golden eyes softening as he listened to her heavy breathing. She had been with him for almost 3 years now and had grown on him. He let his stoic mask drop, stroking her raven hair with his claws; it was only in her presence that he ever displayed any type of affection. She was his to protect and nothing would ever harm her once there was life in his body. Rin deserved nothing but the best, his frozen heart had somewhat melted when she told him why she had no parents.

Now she was his ward, and she will always be happy. Sesshoumaru continued to stroke her hair, he thought of a certain miko that had caught his attention. Why hadn't he killed her like he intended to? Maybe it was because she reminded him somewhat of Rin, her pure white aura, not a single trace of darkness could be felt.

Someone so pure could not be human. Humans fight amongst themselves, they do not care for their own kind, and yet this particular human held so much kindness and love. Sesshoumaru mentally slapped himself for thinking such thoughts about a mere human.

It was totally out of his character.

'Humans are nothing more than filthy scum who cannot help but betray each other,' he thought.

'Rin, she is the only human worthy of the attention of this Sesshoumaru.'

With that last thought he soundlessly climbed out of bed as not to wake his still sleeping ward. He grabbed his usual white and red kimono and made his way down to his own private hot spring. It was still early therefore most of the inhabitants of the castle would still be asleep.

'Hopefully Jaken is asleep,' Sesshoumaru thought, his retainer was somewhat, annoying, with his incessant complaining about Rin and how disrespectful her behavior was.

Sesshoumaru slid open the door closing it silently behind him; he stripped himself of his sleeping garments and sank into the warm soothing water. He rather enjoyed when Rin would lock the unsightly toad in a closet, or tie him to a tree. He leaned back against the edge of the spring letting his silver mane dance on the water's surface. He closed his amber eyes hoping for just one moment of peace. The demon lord was denied this, however, when the image of a certain young miko came into focus. Her dark raven hair framing her sun-kissed face, her big brown eyes mirroring every emotion she felt. Her lips were the most tantalizing he had ever seen; when she was speaking he had watched those lips move forming her words.

'I wonder if they are as delicious as they look?' Sesshoumaru's eyes opened widening at his thoughts.

How could he think such thoughts of a lowly human? She was beneath him.

'Yeah of course you want her to be beneath you,' his inner voice taunted.

He quickly cleansed himself and donned his kimono. Surely if he buried himself in his work such thoughts would cease to exist. As he walked through the many winding hallways of his castle, Sesshoumaru immediately put on his cold emotionless facade. He made his way soundlessly to his private study; unfortunately, his retainer was ever so present waiting to serve his lord.

"Sesshoumaru-sama," Jaken wailed, "This lowly servant of yours has long awaited your arrival."

Jaken subjugated himself before Sesshoumaru, who, in turn, just walked over the green imp.

Sesshoumaru opened the door to his study, and stepped in. Dozens upon dozens of shelves laden with books lined the walls; the large room housed a musky scent. He walked over to his desk shrewd with paper, Sesshoumaru scented the air.

'Soon the other lords will be arriving,' he thought, 'It is without a doubt why father would rather do battle than endless paperwork.'

Jaken bustled over to Sesshoumaru.

"Sesshoumaru-sama, should this lowly servant of yours usher the other Lords and their escorts into the Great Hall, or should they be brought directly to your study?"

"Jaken," he stated icily, "You will not leave the Lords of Japan out in the Great Hall, would you?"

Jaken flinched at his master's deadly voice.

"I understand, my lord, breakfast will be brought here in no more than 30 minutes."

With that, his retainer hastily left the room, closing the door soundlessly behind him. Sesshoumaru set to work, trying to clear his desk of all the papers. One document, however, caught his interest.

'Hmm... Seems like Prince Kouga of the Eastern lands does not have an escort.'

Sesshoumaru pondered the meaning of this since Kouga was betroth to the wolf princess Ayame.

'Why would he choose not to bring his intended to such an event?'

Sesshoumaru quickly forgot about the trivial matter and focused his attention on his own lands. By this time, the sun was high in the sky, its luminous rays flowing through the large stained window that adorned his study. It was a depiction of Inu no Taisho in his true form standing at the edge of a cliff, the light from the full moon made his silver mane glow eerily.

Back at the camp:

Inuyasha had burst through the forest foliage with a slightly wounded Kikyou, just as Kagome was preparing breakfast, which was about 30 minutes ago. He had gingerly put Kikyou down running over to Kagome and checking her for any injuries. Kagome was slightly taken aback. She had expected Inuyasha to return that morning, but not with Kikyou. Kagome scanned the group. Everyone had already finished eating breakfast, Shippou was with Kirara practicing with his top, Sango sat near the dwindling fire tending to her Hiraikotsu and Miroku was meditating near the small stream that Kagome had located that morning.

Kagome looked up at the nearby tree, her big brown eyes mirroring all the loneliness she felt deep within her heart. Now Inuyasha permanently had Kikyou by his side. Inuyasha had announced that Kikyou would be joining the group, much to the group's dismay. However, no one cared to argued with his decision. After this announcement, Inuyasha had taken his own share of the Ramen, wolfing it down, when he was done; he scooped up Kikyou into his arms and leapt into a nearby branch. When everyone was done eating Sango had volunteered to help Kagome with the dishes.

Now that everything was set, the group was ready to head out and do more shard hunting, yet they were still here. Kagome sighed, as she made her way over to Miroku, sending him a warning glare telling him not to do anything stupid. Miroku patted the spot next to him. Kagome sat down looking at the running water in front of her.

"Kagome-sama, is there something you wish to talk about?" Miroku asked.

He knew that it wasn't easy for Kagome to sit and watch as her first love and her ancestor comforted each other.

"Iie, Miroku-sama, I just wanted to sit with you for a while."

Shippou bound over to the two young adults a furry little neko running behind him. Miroku nodded as Shippou clasped tightly to Kagome's neck nuzzling her.

"Shippou-chan I can't breathe," Kagome let out a melodious laugh when Shippou released her only to crawl into her sailor shirt, his orange hair popping back into view as he emerged next to her chest.

Miroku looked envious at the little kitsune pup. He absently stroked Kirara's soft fur.

"Kagome," Shippou wailed, he lowered his voice, however, when he said, "I can't get her scent of me."

Kagome patted Shippou's hair.

"Why don't you take a bath then Shippou-chan?"

Shippou's emerald eyes brightened, nodding vigorously, he leapt out of her shirt and started to undress.

"No big splashes Shippou-chan," Kagome reminded the little kitsune.

Shippou placed one foot into the water, then the other, he was soon seen swimming around with Kirara, who had jumped in right after him. Kagome stood up to leave just as a strong gust of wind almost knocked her over. However, as she braced for the impact of her back hitting the hard forest floor, strong muscular arms encircled her petite waist.

"Falling for me as usual, Kagome," Kouga smirked as a deep blush graced Kagome's cheeks.

He helped her stand, immediately grasping her small hands in his large ones.

"Kagome, my wom..." Kouga never finished as sharp claws came crashing down on him.

He quickly dodged it, however.

"Get away from Kagome ya wimpy wolf," Inuyasha barked pushing Kagome protectively behind him.

Kagome fell back onto her rear; she outwardly winced as the hard forest floor came into contact with her tender behind.

"Ouch," she whimpered rubbing her butt.

Sango was immediately by Kagome's side helping her up.

"Daijobou, Kagome-chan?" Sango's face was etched with worry for her little sister.

Kagome waved her hand, signaling it as nothing. Kouga saw Kagome land on her rear, this only persisted to get him more riled up than usual.

"What the fuck do you think you're doing dog breath, you injured Kagome?"

Kouga landed a punch on the left side of Inuyasha's jaw. Inuyasha went flying, he quickly recovered though wiping the tiny tickle of blood coming from his mouth.

"Shut the fuck up, she's MY shard detector, I can do whatever I want with her," Inuyasha stated smugly.

By this time Kagome was fuming.

"Inuyasha," her voice a deadly whisper.

"Osuwari, Osuwari, Osuwari, Osuwari," she paused for a breath then continued.

"Osuwari, Osuwari," she only stopped to wait for the effects of the last 'sit' command to kick in.

She was about to continue but was stopped by a cold, dead voice.

"Stop that you impertinent wench," Kikyou exclaimed.

'That girl has taken everything from me, even my necklace I made to subjugate Inuyasha,' Kikyou thought.

Kikyou had known that staying in the same camp as her reincarnation would be difficult, but she never expected to girl to abuse her power over Inuyasha.

"Kagome, what the fuck are you doing? He's the enemy not me," Inuyasha struggled fruitlessly against the spell.

Kagome turned to Kikyou, "FYI, I'm not the wench here you are."

Everyone turned to look at the pure innocent miko that stood before them. Never had they heard her speak in such a way.

'She usually restrains her anger,' Kouga thought, his features filled with surprise, 'I guess Inuyasha and his dead bitch finally pushed her off the edge.'

Kouga smirked, "Kagome."

Kagome held up a hand to silence him.

"Kouga-kun, I think it's time for you to leave," her voice broke.

Kagome hadn't meant to call Kikyou a wench.

'No one deserves such a degrading title,' she thought wistfully. She turned to look at Kikyou; her face was as still and emotionless as ever.

"I have a proposition for you, Kagome," came Kouga's voice; he was a bit hurt that Kagome had cut him off like that.

Kagome whirled around to look at Kouga directly. She sighed.

'He's probably going to ask me to go with him back to his den where she would never been mistreated again.'

Kouga had been nothing short of a gentleman, save the time when he kidnapped her and tried to make her his woman.

"Ok, I'm listening Kouga-kun," her voice came out softer than she had wanted.

By this time Inuyasha was no longer subdued by the 'sit' command.

"Kagome are you gonna listen to his fucking wimpy ass!"

"Inuyasha, if you don't shut up I will S-I-T you 'til you can't stand," her voice was deadly and Inuyasha flattened his furry ears onto his head.

Shippou had, by this time, finished bathing and redressing himself. He perched himself on Miroku's shoulder, looking on with everyone else. Kirara was on Sango's shoulder, nuzzling her every so often. Kikyou made her way over to Inuyasha, urging him to come with her. She said something that immediately brightened Inuyasha's face. He picked her up and bounded into the thick forest.

"Kagome, I would much appreciate it if you would accompany me to a meeting of the Four Lords of Japan," Kouga stated formally.

A look of surprise appeared on Kagome's face but was soon overcome by a scowl.

"Shouldn't you be asking Ayame-chan to go with you. She is, after all, you soon-to-be-mate?"

Kouga scratched the back of his head, giving Kagome a sheepish look.

"I wanted to ask her, but I thought that you might have needed a break from dog breath, so I came to ask you first."

"Hai Kagome-chan, I think it'll be a good opportunity to get some time away from Inuyasha," Sango exclaimed.

Miroku nodded in agreement. Suddenly a slap and a screech of, "HENTAI!" was heard throughout the forest.

Sango walked over to the other side of Kagome leaving an unconscious Miroku with a flaming red hand print on his cheek. Everyone shook their heads disapprovingly, all thinking the same thing.

'He'll never learn will he!'

Kagome smiled sweetly at Kouga.

"Kouga-kun, I would love to accompany you to the meeting of the Four Lords of Japan."

Kouga gave her a boyish grin as she mimicked what he had said earlier.

"Ano, Kouga-kun," Kagome started, "Don't I have to wear something fancy to this meeting?"

She wrung her hands, knowing that she hadn't brought back anything fancy the last time she went to her era.

"Don't worry Kagome, I came prepared," Kouga pulled out a medium sized box handing it to Kagome.

She took the box opening it, she gasped at the stunning blue, silk kimono with pink sakura blossoms scattered across its length.

"Kouga-kun, where did you get such a beautiful kimono?" Kagome looked up at him.

"It was my mother's; I thought that it would look good on you."

Kagome hugged Kouga tightly, tears streaming down her cheeks.

'He gave me his okaa-san's kimono.'

Kouga blushed at Kagome's outwardly show of affection toward him. He knew she would like it.

'This kimono is almost as beautiful as Kagome herself,' he thought letting the sniffling girl go.

"Go get dressed Kagome, I'll be back in about an hour, I have some unfinished business to attend to."

With that Kouga sped off in his whirlwind. Kagome turned to Sango.

"C'mon Sango-chan lets go take a quick bath."

Kagome turned to look at Shippou and Kirara.

"Shippou-chan, I'm counting on you!" Shippou nodded knowingly, as she ruffled his orange hair.

"Hai, Kagome, I'll keep this pervert away."

Kagome smiled and ran over to her pack; she grabbed a couple of bathing items, and her new kimono and headed of to the nearby stream with Sango to take a quick bath.

With Inuyasha:

Inuyasha looked over at the now sleeping form of Kikyou, he smirked he wasn't about to let her sleep for much longer. He rolled over pulling her supple body beneath him. She moaned softly, proving to excite him even more. Inuyasha kissed her neck; his mouth didn't stay very long there, however. Kikyou opened her void brown eyes, moaning as Inuyasha made his way down her body, leaving a fiery trail of open mouth kisses. Her body writhing with the waves of pleasure that coursed through her. She rolled over, so that she was now the dominating one, Inuyasha growled softly roughly grabbing one of her breasts in his callous hand. (A/N: I'm sorry I can't do the lemon thing, not yet at least. Inuyasha and Kikyou having sex is making me sick to my stomach. Gomen nasai.)

After they had finished rutting Inuyasha grabbed Kikyou and leapt of in the direction of the camp, he tested the air knowing that by now the mangy wolf was gone.

With Sesshoumaru:

Sesshoumaru foretold that he would get absolutely no work done on this day. After he had eaten breakfast and settled down once more to get some work done, a sobbing Rin burst into the room.

"Sesshoumaru-sama!" she wailed running over to him and resting her head against his knee.

Not to long after a pissed-of-looking Jaken appeared.

"Sesshoumaru-sama, I swear whatever that human girl says, it's a lie," Jaken stated going down on his hands and knees.

Rin sniffled.

"Rin," Sesshoumaru stated with his usual monotone voice, "Why are you crying?" he placed a hand on Rin's raven head.

She sniffled once more.

"Sesshoumaru-sama, Rin wanted to play in the garden, but Jaken-sama told Rin, that if Rin went out that he would lock Rin in a closet. But Rin went anyway, and Jaken-sama dragged Rin back to a closet and locked Rin in it."

It was then Sesshoumaru's sensitive nose picked up the blood laced in Rin's natural scent. He scanned her small body, the tilted her face up to look at him. He hadn't noticed it before because she had placed her head on his knee, but now, it was as plain as day. His little ward had acquired an injury that extended from, her hair-line to her right brow below it.

"Jaken," his voice was colder and harsher than usual, "Get her injury taken care of, now!"

Jaken nodded easing closer to Rin. Rin, however, backed away to hide behind Sesshoumaru. Sesshoumaru resisted the urge to kill the toad before him but instead stated, in a less demanding tone.

"Rin, let Jaken take care of your wound."

With that, the little raven haired girl stood up, with a sniffle, and followed the toad, who was waiting for her on the other side of the door. Sesshoumaru sighed, when both of them were out of earshot. He started once again to flip through the papers before him. Just then a servant entered, prostrating herself before him.

"Sesshoumaru-sama, I bring news from The Lord of the Eastern Lands, Kouga-sama."

Sesshoumaru waved his hand to show he was listening, the servant continued.

"Kouga-sama had arrived not to long ago baring news of who his escort will be to the meeting of The Four Lords of Japan."

Sesshoumaru mentally grimaced.

'Was that all Kouga did, waste his time on such trivial matters?' he thought ruefully.

"He has stated the he will be attending the meeting with the Protector of the Shikon no Tama, a miko named, Higurashi Kagome."

With that said Sesshoumaru nodded and the servant quickly and quietly exited the room.

'So Kouga was going to bring Inuyasha's second wench. I wonder if he knows she still loves my half brother. This should be interesting.'

He stood up and made his way back to the hot spring, where he would take a quick bath and change his clothes. The meeting would be starting soon and Sesshoumaru couldn't wait to see the expression on the demon wolf's face when he tells him that his darling Kagome is in love with Inuyasha. Sesshoumaru smirked, knowing that his plan would be put into action soon enough. He slid the door to the hot springs open and silently closed it behind him.

Back at the camp:

Kagome had finished putting on the stunning kimono that Kouga had given her. She looked absolutely dazzling. Her dark raven hair, which was pinned up with various pink hair pins, accented the dark blue of the kimono giving her a mesmerizing but mysterious look, he eyes were highlighted by the pink sakura blossoms, her splendor was added to with loose strands of hair framing her face, this made her look even more breathtaking.

Sango admired her sister's beauty.

'Her beauty comes from within her, yet it radiates throughout her entire being,' she thought.

"Kagome-chan, you look lovely," Sango complimented.

Kagome blushed avoiding eye contact with a certain Houshi, who was staring at her like she was a freak. Shippou gazed at Kagome.

"Kagome you look like a tenshi."

He gave her a quick hug then went to stand beside Kirara. Miroku stood dumbstruck by Kagome's beauty.

"Kagome-sama, will you..."

However, he was knocked out by Sango's Hiraikotsu. Sango bonked him over the head a few more times for good measure. Turning to the young miko.

"Well I wonder when Kouga's gonna be here, almost an hour's passed."

Kagome's expression changed, from joy to worry.

"Sango-chan, do you think he's gonna come back for me?"

Kagome's voice was laced with anxiety and anticipation.

"Hai, hai Kagome-chan, he will come back for you, this is KOUGA we're talking about here," Sango stated reassuringly.

Kagome giggled, walking over to the stream, she was going to check her reflection for like the millionth time, Sango followed close behind.

"Kagome-chan," Sango stated softly, "You look fine, stop worrying."

She brushed a wayward strand of hair from Kagome's eyes.

Just then Inuyasha burst into the camp, with a tired looking Kikyou on his back.

"Kagome that fucking wimpy wolf better be gone!" he raved.

Neither of the girls turned to look at him. Inuyasha put Kikyou down stomping over to Kagome and Sango, Kagome turned to look directly into his fiery molten eyes. Inuyasha was taken aback when the elegant woman before him looked at him, her eyes were so gentle,

"Kagome, you look like a Hime-sama."

However Kagome did not blush at his compliment, she only looked away.

"Feh! Fine wench but you better not be going anywhere with that fleabag!" Inuyasha jumped into a tree taking Kikyou with him.

Sango stood up, she help Kagome stand, just as Kagome was dusting off her new kimono, a giant whirlwind appeared in front of her. Kouga looked Kagome up and down as if sizing her up.

"Kagome," Kouga said taking her hands in his, "You look truly beautiful, no one could ever look as pure and untainted as you."

Kagome's cheeks were stained deep red.

"A...arigatou ...K...Kouga-kun," she managed to stumble out, now she felt like a complete idiot.

Kouga smirked, knowing he could get this kind of reaction from Kagome even with the smallest of compliments. Kagome felt flustered, but that was soon over when Inuyasha jumped down from his perch. He made an attempt to push her behind him, but she backed away, only to stand behind Kouga.

"Kagome, you fucking ungrateful bitch, I'm trying to protect you!" Inuyasha exclaimed.

"Looks like she doesn't want your protection anymore inu-kuro," Kouga smirked. Inuyasha leapt into the air hoping to land a strike on the vain wolf but was soon brought down by the 'sit' command.

"C'mon Kouga-kun, lets go."

With that Kouga picked up Kagome bridal style, a smug grin on his face. Kagome looked at Sango.

"We'll be back soon I promise."

"Take as long as you want Kagome-chan, we'll still be here waiting for you."

Kouga and Kagome set off on their journey to the Western castle. Sango and a now conscious Miroku gazed of in the distance at the two retreating figures.

"Sango, will you accompany me on a walk?" Miroku's smooth voice floated over to Sango making her blush slightly.

"Hai Houshi-sama."

With them went Shippou and Kirara, which left a face-planted Inuyasha and a weary, looking Kikyou all to themselves.

A/N: whew that was a long chapter. Well I hope it was long enough and err... I really am sowwie about the whole lemon thing between Kikyou and Inuyasha, I just couldn't do it. Ja ne! Oo and please review.