Here it is. I am making a cake for you guys. Thank you for the reviews.

I never thought that somebody could foretell the events in my story - apparently I was wrong. I LOVE comments, really! =D

Chapter 4

No peace at all

The 'geisha' seemed to be unconscious. Kagome abruptly raised her head – she sensed auras hereabouts. Deciding it would be wiser to avoid them, she lifted now vulnerable person. Half-dragging, half-carrying, miko made her way towards the nearest reservoir.

Trying to move quietly, Kagome glanced from time to time at her ward. This youkai actually didn't look like a woman. Despite the fact that the features were refined and regular, skin –perfect, although marred with ruby blood and dust, the belonging to masculine gender was evident.

'I think…he needs a bath. And promptly!'

Carefully laying the heavy body down, Kagome washed her face and hands. Then took out a piece of soft fabric and steeped it in water.

Her work started with cleaning the person's face. She came to a conclusion that under the torn and earlier white garment were serious wound. And so she untied it.

'I guess he's a man…All right…Snap out of it, girl…It's rude to stare…Get a grip on yourself, Kagome! This is inappropriate time to seek out differences between males and females…How come I don't have THAT many muscles?' She finally returned to Earth and proceeded with her task.

There was an awfully deep and morbid gash. 'I think I'll be a long-term nurse to him. This nasty wound was made by a poisonous blade. Internal organs are damaged, as a matter of fact, some even torn to shreds. Without a complicated special treatment it may cause…mortification; if he's lucky – blood poisoning, what will result in amputation.'

Alarmed expression turned into a triumphant, when Kagome opened one of her numerous pockets on her belt. Lots of vials and herbaceous tufts were always tied to her body. Taking out a recently made remedy, Kagome dissolved two drops of it in purified water. Then she spread the bleeding gash with 'funny' stinking liniment. The body beneath her shuddered slightly.

The second vial was used to create a healing salve.

Smearing the ointment in her hands, miko began to rub it in the bruised and scratched skin. Soft massaging movements relaxed exhausted tissues, sending calming waves.

Amber eyes snapped open. Widening slightly, they observed the teen 'demon', who was engrossed in work.

Feeling a questioning gaze, Kagome noticed her patient's awakening. She slowly met his stare and the time stopped. Burning ice clashed with rebellious blue.

Hearing a question, miko collected her thoughts.

"I have found you here…You must be from a retinue, right?"

"You regard me as an attendant?"

"Yeah. But it was just an assumption, really. I hope I didn't offend you, but I've joined the military campaign only recently. Consequently, I do not know everyone by sight…"

Raised eyebrow returned to its place. The man understandingly nodded.

"What is the purpose of your today whereabouts?"

"Well…First of all, my name's Kagome. Secondly, I've been scouting with my unit here...It strikes as you fell into a trap."

"Your supposition is accurate. We have not awaited Naraku's alliance with Dark Mikos. He must have promised them youth. How low can one sink…?"

The youkai trailed off, apparently, pondering over the incident.

"So…aren't you going to introduce yourself?"

Barely visible astonishment glittered in mesmerizing eyes.

"I was named Sesshoumaru. But I would like to comprehend how you could be given a squadron on a significant mission, if you entered the ranks of our army lately?"

"I had a good recommendation."

"A mere, even a 'good' recommendation, is not able to assist you in this case."

"It seems Sumire deviated from the rules."

"You are acquainted with the Western Reconnaissance Army Commander?"

"Yeah. We're on pretty nice terms."

Pleasantly surprised Sesshoumaru examined Kagome's beaming face and relaxed.

Miko fruitlessly tried to involve her patient in a conversation. Finally, she gave in and decided to practice her monologue. Sesshoumaru didn't object and this was all that mattered. Their walk wasn't too long. Nevertheless, Kagome wondered how this youkai could conceal his pain and weariness. At the same time Sesshoumaru was intrigued with his companion. That teen radiated soothing warmth. With each step, demon felt increasing attraction towards 'him' and, naturally, it was an unwonted feeling.

Fortunately, they reached a bustling group of their comrades. Straight away Kagome noticed injured youkai, who grinded teeth, because of horrible burns. Only few were more or less intact. The closest ones gasped in amazement and cheered.

'Why are they looking on Sesshoumaru with adoring eyes?' She forgot all about her thought, when a troop approached them. Taking a good look, she saw a familiar face. "Sumire!"

"Kagome! Glad you are breathing…you are in one piece- even better." Emphatically stopping miko's verbal stream, he continued. "There is an emergency. We have found a concentration of our enemies; they sent a large detachment toward us. Nearby are our wounded warriors everywhere. We have to move out and repulse, then it is desirable to attack them."

"Are dropping hints about something?"

"By the way, I am."

Sumire ran up to someone else and Kagome sought out the silver-haired man. "Sesshoumaru, I see you later…Oh, could you at least attempt NOT to look skeptical? When I return, I'll see to you wound – since it won't heal in the usual manner."

"I hope that in your immaturity you remember not to underestimate opponents."

"Ohhhh, you …"

"Kagome, we're going – come on."

The disguised miko sighed and caught up with the large group. She didn't see a merry sparkle in Sesshoumaru's eyes (seldom anyone at all did).

A bit unexpectedly two sides clashed with each other. The amount of enemies was terrifying, but those were lower class demons. Her tanken proved to be useful and long traditional jumi – irreplaceable. These fights became a habit with her, but she never felt upset.

Scouts imperceptibly separated from others, when the result was determinate. They were given order to search for generals, who might have been left in a palace. Nobles could also provide data. Of course, a 'little persuasion' would be required. Jumping over broken-down trees, squeezing through rocks, they swiftly moved toward an enormous palace. Grand apartments, built in sinden-dzukuri style, were tremendous. Sumptuous decorating and marble statuettes were everywhere.

Admiring Kagome was sent to explore ground level and to acquire a weapon - her short, but handy tanken was lost.

Softly landing on a carved and padded with golden material trunk, she looked around. It was extraordinarily quiet. She sensed no auras here. 'Only to find a whinger or at least a dagger.' The air cracked with magic, when the miko entered a spacious room, where walls were draped with heavy glossy fabric. Shelves were laden with shiny objects velvety garments. Kagome wasted twenty precious minutes on examining these pretty things. Another twenty were wasted on putting on fresh purple hakama and haori, choosing a platinum embroidered sash and stuffing her pockets and sleeves with a few selected items.

A sinister explosion caught her looking into a silver mirror, where she couldn't see any reflection. Without a hesitation she hid this article under her new haori.

'I suppose it's time to leave…only I need a weapon!'

Rapidly running through ancient looking rooms, she discovered a tiny concealed door. Moving much faster than thinking, she burst it open, completely ignoring 'strong' barriers. Inside she noticed a golden pedestal with…only a haft from a sword. Perplexedly glancing at it, Kagome simply hid it with a funny mirror. 'It looks old, but amazingly created.' She rushed back. 'It is so heavy – easily will knock out any demon. AND it's utterly ably made.'

The scouts had already left the ardent building and shouts from upper levels were heard. She began her pursuit.

It wasn't hard to track them down. But a question concerning her return was constantly singing something annoyingly. And the song lasted every second of those hours, which were needed to reach the main camp.

Eventually she saw them. All the wounded youkai were lying beside the warm fire, probably sleeping. It was silent, only pieces of discussions, crackling and slight rustle were heard.

Finding a lilac mane, she moved towards it. Kagome was rewarded with a worried look and an affectionate smile. Sumire ruffled her hair…again and took a view of her new clothes. The expression on his face was priceless.

"Let me guess…you sought out Naraku's wardrobe. Tried on his kimonos, gowns, scepter, crown, jewelry…did I forget something? Oh, is it steam coming out of your ears?"

"Sumire!"

"You know…I just love it when shout in a whisper."

Noticing, that Sumire was trying to hide his amusement, Kagome smiled brightly.

"Have you seen Sesshoumaru here? He has an ugly gash that promptly needs a special treatment?"

"He has?.."

"Do not trail off now! He definitely won't thank you for acquiring blood poisoning. My salve must have already stopped working."

"He's not here. Listen. We've signed an armistice and Sesshoumaru was called to a castle to settle some affairs. Don't interrupt! I am going to pass this castle, so you can accompany me. I think…you'll manage to talk to him there."

"You do not sound too encouraging."

"He has a loyal and completely crazy servant – Jaken. This little toad exasperates me as much as anybody else. He is mad about keeping 'unreliable' youkai away from his beloved master. Very gifted in making lives unbearable."

"I'll survive."

"I have no doubt. But remind me in the morning to stop at the Commander's tent. I think you'll find something pleasant there."

Talking over tomorrow's plan, they drifted off to sleep. The last hours turned out to be wearisome. A rest was necessary and the treaty presented an opportunity to gather strength.

Dust fell on the stone tiles, when Kagome flinched. A draught stroked her skin with its chilling fingers. Sumire didn't look much better. Only their sparkling eyes were colorful – tons of spray covered them from head to toes.

A servant dresses in sea-water robes asked them to follow. In a spacious hall they were met by another youkai, who was surprisingly short and chubby. He attentively listened out Sumire's explanation. Kagome's friend handed over a sealed package and bid farewell.

After hearing out parting words, the miko was left alone. But now she could manage without any recommendations, if she wanted to have an audience. Everybody, who saw her orders, - a wide silvery ribbon with malachite hieroglyphs sewn to it across her chest and a helical elegant band with heavy incarnadine tassels, - began to be respectful. The youkai bowed slightly and indicated to go after him.

"You should know, Kagome-same, that Sesshoumaru-sama doesn't approve of nonsensical visits. He is extremely busy and, unfortunately, a strange plague tortures him. Our best physicians are trying to cure his wounds, alas, there is no improvement. This morning they made a traditional liver broth with yarrow and rind. For some reason, Sesshoumaru-sama forbore to take it."

"I bet he did."

Darting a surprised glance at the teen, youkai stopped before oaken doors. Demons in their true forms were graven on them.

"If you require something then ask for Myoga. It is my duty to please master's guests."

Pensive miko opened pushed one of the doors open. The room appeared to be a library with rice-straw tatami, low wooden tables and sandy futons. On one of them Sesshoumaru made himself comfortable. Reflections from the furniture were warmly colored. But even they couldn't camouflage unhealthy pallor of his face. Shimmering eyes met Kagome's. Attempting not to display her anxiety, the miko casually enunciated.

"Nice room. Have you been promoted?"

That's all for now. For those, who are interested - how I can write, if I am all ears - I simply bounce on my keyboard, hitting keys from time to time. And it is good for me- sport at the same time =P