Hello Everyone. Man, I have been getting some awesome and amazing reviews and feedback on this story. And thank you SO much to all those who have been giving suggestions, tips, and pointers to improve my writing. I appreciate it immensely as I really am new to writing and would love ways to improve and get better. ^-^

So, thank YOU everyone for being so encouraging, helpful, and motivating. Y'all are awesome.

Thanks for your patience in waiting for this next chapter. Enjoy. ^-^

(Note: I apologize for any errors or grammar mistakes that may be found.)

CHAPTER 9

Curiosity more than caution guided Kagome's steps as she headed towards the Goshinboku, millions of thoughts racing through her mind as her destination grew nearer. The scent of rain was still heavy in the air, little diamond droplets falling from the various leaves and grasses she passed by. All was silent around her as she drew close to the tree, beams of light cascading down in spots here and there creating luminescent pockets across the ground. The call of a bird echoed in the clearing as she approached the lone figure under the tree.

As all their previous encounters before, his back was to her, gaze lifted to the heavens above. He did not turn as she entered the little glade where the tree lay, but his head did lower as she approached. Long locks swayed with the motion, one smooth silken glide from head to ends. Coming to a halt a few feet from where he stood, Kagome smiled though she knew he could not see it.

"I must confess, I never thought I would see the day that you would openly call for me, Sesshoumaru," she said lightly. "To what do I owe this honor?"

"A strange scent fills the air," his deep baritone voice echoed around them, his words clear even with his back to her. "Have you not sensed it yet?"

"Sensed it?" she asked confused. "What 'it' am I supposed to be sensing? Does it have something to do with the storm? Inu Yasha said the air smelled funny to him too."

"So, the hanyou could smell it too," he said, lacking his normal condescending tone. "Interesting."

"What is interesting, Sesshoumaru? What did Inu Yasha smell? What am I supposed to be sensing? What should I be looking for?"

He turned then to face her, his face his usual expressionless mask. "Be wary of whom you make your ally, priestess. The line between enemies and allies will soon be blurred"

Kagome growled. "And what does that mean? What enemies? What allies? You're not making any sense." Folding her arms, she leveled the yokai with flashing eyes. "If you called me out here for this, I'll take my leave. I have more pressing matters to attend to than playing 'twenty questions'."

When no answer came forthwith, she turned on her heel and began to walk back towards the village. His voice stopped her.

"The source was not the storm," he said.

It wasn't much of an answer, but it was a start. Turning to face the stoic yokai once more, Kagome glowered. "Okay," she said slowly. "So, where should I have searched? Last I checked expanding my senses goes beyond the sky? I didn't sense anything around us."

"Your abilities are unharnessed and inexperienced, priestess; you would not know what to look for. There are others that would."

The comment stung, considering all that had happened the last few days, and Kagome flinched. Dropping her gaze, she glared at the ground, hands fisting at her sides. "Does EVERYONE have to keep reminding me of that," she snapped. "I know I'm NOT Kikyo. And I never will be. Why can't anyone understand that?"

"The dead priestess holds no relevance to the current situation, priestess," came his cold tone. "She would be useless anyway."

The last part had her head snapping up in shock. "Useless?" she scoffed. "She was the most powerful priestess out there, Sesshoumaru. Everyone said it. Even you acknowledged her abilities at one time."

"I merely accredited what was there, priestess, nothing more" he said tonelessly. "She had experience that you lack. You lack discipline and technique, not power."

Kagome's mouth opened, words failing her as she processed what he had just said. "I-Wha-Did you just…compliment me?" she asked awed, eyes wide in her surprise.

"Compliments lead to swelled egos and foolish mistakes," he scoffed. "I merely state what is."

She shook her head bemusedly; her slight thrill of his words dying as reality came crashing down. "You flatter me then," she deadpanned. "I'm not anywhere near Kikyo's level." Clenching her fists in determination, she raised her gaze to his. "But I'm going to be."

"You speak of the training you have been having with the elder priestess and the taijiya," he intoned.

"You know about that?" she asked incredulously. "How?"

An arched brow was her only response. "Okay," she sighed. "Don't enlighten me. But, I still intend to get stronger; better even. No matter what."

"Hn." His face was its normal expressionless mask, yet his eyes were alight with intent. "They go too easy on you. Even they are not aware of what you possess. They fear tiring you or harming you."

His words had her spluttering in protest. If the training that she had insisted Kaede move up and Sango's training was easy, she really didn't want to know what hard was. Every time she had a session with Sango she walked away bruised, battered and very sore. Every bone ached; every muscle protested any movement she made. In the cases with Kaede, she ended each session emotionally and mentally drained, nearly passing out in her exhaustion. Clenching her fists in agitation, she raised her eyes to his.

"I'm not trying hard enough then," she concluded stubbornly. "I'm not proving to them how serious I am about this. I have to get stronger."

"Determination is not what you lack priestess," he sighed.

"Then what do I lack?" she snarled, frustration and humiliation giving more heat to her words than had been intended.

Whatever answer she had been expecting, it was not the one she shortly got. After raising her eyes in her inquiry for an answer, she only managed to give a squawk of surprise as he was suddenly coming at her claws raised.

"Defend yourself," he growled, the hand glowing that all too familiar green.

Back pedaling with all her might, Kagome only managed to barely stay on her feet as she dodged his attack. She was weaponless, completely on the defensive as she dodged and swayed the sharp claws. He lunged, she dodged; he slashed, she swayed. Their intricate dance moved about the glade, the slight whoosh of deadly claws arcing through the air the only sound. Labored breathing began to fill the silence, ragged gasps that spoke of exertion.

Kagome sidestepped a swing of heat aimed at her torso, very ungracefully and awkwardly, still trying to get her befuddled brain to work. She knew that Sesshoumaru was not trying to harm her or even kill her, yet he was "attacking" her. They both knew that he was going easy on her, way easy. He could kill her in seconds; slice her with ease, like a hot knife through butter. Yet he didn't. He intentionally missed, intentionally kept his deadly claws away from her skin and clothing. Oh, he came very close, too close sometimes for her comfort, but he never harmed her. They danced around the clearing and around one another, Kagome dodging and leaping to avoid his deadly claws.

She had been a little impressed with herself that she had managed to stay on her feet and successfully maintain the form that Sango had been teaching her. However, she knew it was not enough, simply avoiding contact and attack was not going to work if one was intent to harm or kill. And they both knew it.

"Attack me." The order came suddenly and calmly, causing the poor girl to falter. Catching herself, she raised fearful eyes to his cool ones. Her chest heaved from their actions, beads of sweat trickling down her face.

"What?" she choked out. "A-attack, but-"

"Do not question and do not hesitate, priestess," he growled, raising his claws once more. "Attack me."

Panic replaced confusion as his claws came down once more, this time mere inches from her face. She could feel the heat of the poison locked deep in his claws, and she flinched away, shaking her head. "I-I can't."

"Attack," came the command again, his hand slicing upward barely missing her chest. She leaped back, holding up her hands helplessly.

"I don't have any weapons," she yelped, dodging another swipe at her stomach, sucking in her gut with all her might, doing an odd little hop back with her whole torso.

"You have sufficient," was the calm reply, the attack never ceasing or pausing. He wasn't even breathing hard or breaking a sweat, in fact he looked almost bored now. His motions and movements automatic and repetitive now, but something in his eyes challenged her, dared her to do as he commanded.

Glancing frantically around, Kagome looked for anything that could be used as a makeshift weapon and found no prospects. Oh, there were some large sticks and branches on the ground, but while maybe a suitable weapon against a human, they were useless against a yokai; and a pure blooded one at that. It would be like snapping a toothpick, a mere annoyance more than a weapon. Bending down to avoid another swipe of razor sharp claws, Kagome growled.

"I have NOTHING," she snapped, staggering as her muscles were beginning to protest the constant movement.

"Foolish girl," came his almost disappointed growl. "Think. Recall what you are."

"And what is that?" she cried despairingly, sudden tears of frustration clouding her eyes. The strain of the last few days was suddenly catching up to her. In fact, the whole last few months were beginning to take their toll. The constant comparisons, expectations, and now this whole ordeal with the monk's. She felt so inadequate, so lacking and wanting, so frustrated and she was so tired of it. "I'm just me, Sesshoumaru. I'm just Kagome."

Something in his eyes flashed, and then suddenly he was right in front of her, his face inches from hers, his claws at her throat. It brought back the night prior when she had openly brought his hand to her neck, challenging him with her eyes. Yet, this was different. The air practically crackled with the tension and raw emotions filling the air. Wide midnight eyes locked onto glittering gold, wills clashing and aura's thrashing around one another. She could feel his other hand splayed on her lower back, bending her back as he leaned over her intently, holding her exactly where he wanted her. Both knew that she was completely at his mercy, this odd battle of sorts halting as he held her at his will.

"Cease such foolish words, girl," he growled, eyes alighting with something that caused her breath to catch. "Must you remain in a shadow all your days because you fail to see what you truly are?"

Confusion puckered her brow and eyes, clouded emotions rolling in eyes like waves in the ocean. Her head moved back in forth in denial, yet she seemed unaware she did so. "I don't get it," she breathed. "Even you said that I was nothing like Kikyo. Why now are you saying differently?"

"My words ring true even now, priestess," he said, causing immediate disappointment to flood her face. "I wonder if it was you who misunderstood my meaning."

Blue shot to gold as deeper confusion marred her features. "I don't understand," she said breathlessly.

Both seemed unaware they were still in the same position, completely lost to the conversation at hand, unknowing the intimate picture they made. Her face was raised to his in bewildered confusion, and his was angled to meet it with his own disconcerting stare. Only inches separated their faces as they unconsciously leaned even closer as the conversation progressed.

"I said that you are nothing like the dead priestess, and that still remains true," he explained, watching her eyes carefully. "You are the Shikon No Miko; and the reason for its end. None other accomplished that."

At those words, Kagome's eyes widened in confusion, awe and surprise. "I…I…" she was at a complete loss on what to say or even do after his words had registered. Fumbling for something to say, she found that moment to become very acutely aware of their position. Hot heat immediately rose up her neck and covered her entire face, and she began to babble inconsistently.

"W-w-well, I mean, that is, umm…wow, I….I really have no idea what to say right now," she breathed, looking anywhere but him.

"Hn." Casually, almost coolly he straightened, bringing her with him ensuring she was able to stand on her own before lowering his arms. She hastily took a few steps back, still eyeing the ground with morbid fascination.

"I'm really not sure what that was back there," she stammered. "But, I am guessing there was a point to it."

A brow arched, which she missed since her head was still lowered, waiting for a hot face to cool. However, any comment about to made was lost as her sharp gasp of dismay burst from her lips.

"Oh, no," she groaned, eyes locked at that sky. Obviously more time had passed than originally assumed. Where the sky had once been high in the sky upon entering the clearing, it was not beginning its descent to the horizon. "I have to get back. I have to check on Kiyoshi. Darn it and I still have to get supplies and talk to Kaede."

She knew she was rambling, but could do nothing to stop it. Closing her eyes, forcing herself to take long deep breaths to calm her mind and pulse, she opened them after a moment, slightly calmer.

"What was that just a moment ago?" she asked curiously. "That mock attacking and stuff. It almost seems like you're…helping me."

"My reasons for doing what I do, are my own priestess," he rumbled, preparing to turn away, but was halted by her voice.

"I know that," came her soft reply. "Yet I know that you are trying to help me. The thing I can't figure is why. Why are you helping me?"

"Be careful who you share your secrets and trust to, priestess," he cautioned as he turned away. "Things are not what they seem."

Suddenly all her questions from earlier came back to her and she took an instinctive step toward the tall yokai. But suddenly he stopped, the air suddenly tense, his body stiffening just minutely enough for Kagome to catch it.

"The hanyou is aware I am near," he sighed. "Now is not the time for questions. I will return in a sennight. We will continue then."

"Uh, wait, what? You'll what?" her mind was struggling to process all that had happened and been said and his words were just not registering to her fogged brain. "A sennight, okay, I guess. Oh, wait, no, that's when-"

"Meet me when the moon is high in the clearing passed the Goshinboku," came his dispassionate tone. "We will speak then."

"But-"

He was gone, disappearing into the forest like a specter in the night, leaving behind a very stunned and confused priestess. Her heart was still beating rapidly in her chest, and she had no idea if it was from the little "battle" they had just had or from their close proximity. Neither one was encouraging. Trying to ease her breathing and calm her pulse, she turned just as Inu Yasha burst into the clearing. As before, his sword was sheathed at his side, hands ready to pull it out at the slightest inclination to need it. But, like all the other times before, he was met with disappointment.

"Blast it," he snarled, leveling Kagome with enraged eyes. "NOW what did that prick want?! And what the heck happened to you?!"

Kagome shrugged helplessly, letting off a slightly hysterical laugh which she quickly muffled when Inu Yasha's glare intensified. "I think he came to warn us," she said lamely, giving some truth to a confusing conversation.

That was not what the hanyou had been expecting and he slumped in befuddlement. "He what?!"

"Came to warn us," she repeated, attempting to approach him on very shaky legs. "He said that we need to be careful on our next courses of action and that things aren't what they appear."

Growling reached her before she even finished, and Inu Yasha pounded a fist into the ground, throwing up clods of dirt and grass. Kagome flinched, but not from fear. She could tell he was angry and frustrated with this situation, and she felt a pang of guilt that she was inadvertently contributing to it. "And how is that supposed to help us, and why come to you instead of me or MIroku for pete's sake? Why this insistence in meeting with you? And why mask his aura this time around? And WHY are you looking like him and you just took a roll in the hay?"

The last part jerked Kagome to a halt, staring at the hanyou as if he had sprung two heads. Myriads of emotions swirled behind blue eyes as she leveled the hanyou a look that could freeze lava.

"As if I had what?" she asked coolly, deadly calm.

Her tone was not lost on the hanyou, and although he tensed, he stubbornly refused to back down now that it had been said. "Well-well, just LOOK at you," he persisted, gesturing wildly from her head to her toes. "Your sweaty, breathing heavy, cheeks are flushed, and your eyes are a little too bright for comfort. What else am I supposed to think?"

"Wha-what else are you…?" Kagome stammered, completely astounded at his ridiculous conclusion. "Inu Yasha….OSWARI!"

The loud boom was the only testament to the hapless hanyou meeting the ground quite intimately. Faint mutterings could be heard as the irate priestess stormed pas the prone figure, ignored. As her footsteps receded, Inu Yasha tried to lift himself off the ground and chase after the angry girl, but the spell held him down effectively.

Heedless that she had just left her friend behind, Kagome stormed down to the village, realizing she would have little time to stop at Kaede's or make her trip into the forest before returning to Kiyoshi. Cursing Inu Yasha under her breath at his thoughtless words, she tried to push aside the betraying image of Sesshoumaru and her in a slightly intimate position. True, his intention hadn't been romantic by any means, but even she was not foolish enough to ignore the picture they had painted in that clearing. And the fact that she was not as bothered by it, flustered and confused most definitely, bothered her more than she was ready to admit. Inu Yasha's words had hit a nerve, considering what he had missed and she had acted more out of guilt and confusion and humiliation more than anything. He was out of line accusing her of such a thing considering his past escapades with a now dead priestess, but who was she to point that out.

Coming to a halt outside Kaede's hut, she breathed deeply, searching for a calm that was completely out of her reach, along with clarity to answer whatever questions were about to be asked. She knew that the hour was late and she needed to get back to Kiyoshi, and she felt a small pang of guilt that he had been left on his own for so long. He was at the mercy of those around him, injured and weak, and leaving him as long as she had boded for a poor care taker. Grunting at her lack of consideration, she called out to Kaede and entered when she heard the okay to do so. What lay inside had the priestess stumbling in the doorway, eyes blinking owlishly at what she saw.

Kaede was stoking the fire in the pit, a large pot of curry simmering over its heat. Sitting next to her sipping a cup of tea, was Kiyoshi, looking a little haggard, but sitting on his own and full of smiles as he noticed Kagome appear. The hut was absent of Rin, she noticed, but since the child would sometimes take meals with Sango and Miroku, she didn't think much of it. She was rooted to the frame of the door, her mind not comprehending what she was seeing.

"Ah, Kagome," Kaede greeted warmly, already filling a mug of tea for the priestess. "So glad ye could join us. I hope your journey to the forest proved fruitful."

It was obvious from her empty hands that she had not made it to her intended destination, but obviously an answer was expected.

"Uh, no, no," Kagome murmured distractedly. "No, I wasn't unfortunately." Blinking in confusion at Kiyoshi, her question came out harsher than she had intended. "What are you doing here?"

Kiyoshi sat up taller at her question, smiling sheepishly. "Oh, well, when the hour grew late, and you had yet to return, I called for Inu Yasha as I had need of assistance," he flushed in mortification, but did not elaborate. "Instead of returning me to your hut, Lady Kagome, Lord Inu Yasha brought me to Lady Kaede instead to keep company until your return and provide nourishment. He seemed a little distracted when he came to help me, and left rather hurriedly after bringing me here. He seemed angry and concerned."

"Oh," she said lamely, sagging against the door. "Well, he just thought I was in trouble when in fact someone was already…helping me." Even to her ears the explanation sounded lame, and by the arch of Kaede's brow, she knew the interrogation would happen when they had privacy to speak.

Even if Kaede didn't buy her words, Kiyoshi seemed to accept it without question. "Oh, well, then I am glad that you were not in danger Lady Kagome and have returned to us safely."

"Yeah," she said slowly, entering the hut fully noting distantly that Inu Yasha was on the move again, but instead of approaching the hut he was heading the direction Sesshoumaru had ventured. Puzzled at that, albeit a little worried, Kagome sat down next to Kaede accepting the mug of tea. With a grateful sigh she sipped the warm beverage, appreciating its soothing aroma to her frayed nerves. After a few gulps, she set down the mug feeling more in control of herself and faced Kiyoshi.

"I apologize for my lax in caring for you today Kiyoshi," she murmured humbly. "I did not intend to be gone like I was or neglect your injury as I had. I am sorry for that."

"Worry not, Lady Kagome," he waved away her apology. "I feel much better after that delicious meal you prepared and some much needed rest. I still feel a little weak when I try to walk on my own, but I can move. And the pain on my head has decreased immensely and I no longer feel sick. So, do not apologize. If you recall, I inconvenienced Inu Yasha and you, not the other way around."

It was Kagome's turn to wave away his apology. "You did nothing of the sort. Besides, no decent person would have stood by and let those men take you away as they had planned to do. I'm glad we were there to help."

"I am forever in your debt, Lady Kagome for the service you did for me today. My life is now yours." With great formality, he bowed low to the floor, a sign usually given only to those of high status and standing.

Kagome's eyes widened at the gesture, looking to Kaede helplessly on what to do. Kaede too seemed a little stunned by his actions, but took it all in stride as she cleared her throat to gain his attention.

"We are grateful for such high respect ye give Lady Kagome, Sir Monk," she began delicately. "And would simply ask that in return for her kindness that perhaps ye could provide some answers or information to what we seek."

Kiyoshi's head popped up comically at her words, and he flinched slightly at the action. Kagome was at his side in an instant, assisting him to sit up and coaxing him to a more comfortable position. He smiled sheepishly at the young priestess, accepting the aid willingly.

"It seems I am not as spry as I previously bragged," he said meekly, slight color to his cheeks.

"Head injuries are tricky," Kagome said distractedly as she began to unwrap his head wound. "Add to that your blood loss; it may be a while before you are in top form, even when you feel like you are."

"Perhaps I was hasty in my assessment," Kiyoshi amended, flinching slightly when Kagome brushed over his injury earning a quick 'sorry' from the girl. "But, in response to your request, Lady Kaede, I would be happy to offer whatever I can to you."

Kaede beamed, nodding happily. "That would be greatly appreciated, and helpful to us, Lord Monk. The hour is late, and those who would benefit from your answers cannot join us this eve. Can we impose on ye tomorrow to share what ye know with us all?"

Kiyoshi was prevented from nodding as Kagome was still unwrapping his bandages, so smiled in answer. "Of course."

"I am still sorry I was not here earlier, Kiyoshi, and hopefully the walk from my hut to Kaede's did not wear you out too much," Kagome said with chagrin. "How are you feeling? You said that you aren't hurting as you were before, but still feel weak, is that correct? How did you feel earlier, before coming here?"

Kiyoshi cocked his head thoughtfully. "When I first arose earlier, I actually felt much more energized," he said happily. "But found it was difficult to move on my own. My feet felt heavy and my legs were wobbly. As I said I had to summon Inu Yasha for some assistance, and he seemed willing enough to help at first. He seemed a little worried that you had not returned yet, and offered to bring me here to have someone look over me while he went in search of you." He paused with slight embarrassment before continuing. "I was not able to make the journey on my own, and so the poor lad ended up carrying me here. Upon our arrival, Inu Yasha became very agitated and gave some curt words to Lady Kaede before bounding out the door hastily. I was left to explain why I was there and briefly informed Lady Kaede what had happened to land me in your company, Lady Kagome. I was just finishing when you showed up actually."

Kagome sent another apologetic glance to Kaede, silently communicating to her that she would explain later. Something held her back from explaining her encounter with Sesshoumaru to Kaede with Kiyoshi present, but she wasn't sure what it was. Maybe the fact that he was still a stranger to her, and relaying something so intimate and personal to him just didn't sit right to her.

"Kiyoshi will take residence in the hut just next to mine as it is empty at the moment, allowing us reign in our own huts, while keeping him in close proximity while he heals," Kaede said simply, casually while sipping her tea, earning a grateful glance from Kagome. Kaede was very intuitive and perceptive, and at times Kagome was grateful for it.

Returning her attention to Kiyoshi's injury she was relieved to find the cut on his head less enflamed and diminished in color. It was still a deep shade of pink, and raw, but it relieved and encouraged her at the sight. "Your cut is looking really good, Kiyoshi," she informed him happily. "We will leave a bandage on for the night and then check it again in the morning. And I am glad that your symptoms are diminishing. And while it was my error for not being here, I would suggest not moving around too much without someone there to help you until the dizziness and weakness ebbs, to prevent the possibility of other injuries occurring in falling or tripping."

Kiyoshi nodded gravely. "I see the wisdom in your words, Lady Kagome, and will do as you instruct."

With a small grunt, Kaede was on her feet shuffling to her shelf of remedies and poultices to replace the medicine that had been used. Quickly the herbs were crushed and made into a paste, handed to Kagome to apply. While she gently applied the medicine, Kaede held the compress ready along with new bandages. While his injury no longer bled, Kaede had learned from Kagome to always use new, unused bandages with each treatment to prevent infection and disease. It had been such a strange and almost baffling concept to the elder priestess, but considering Kagome was from the future, she did not question her counsel. Nodding her thanks, Kagome took the proffered bandages and rewrapped the injury. Once completed, she sat back with a sigh.

"There, all done." She rose to her feet to toss the used bandages in the fire earning a surprised look from Kiyoshi. A smile was his only answer, before she moved to the edge of the platform. "I'm going to go get the hut ready for Kiyoshi to use, and then will return for evening meal. Do you need anything while I am out Kaede?"

"I have all I need, thank ye, child," she said warmly. "The curry will be ready soon, so do not delay."

The hint was not lost on any of the occupants in the room, and Kagome giggled nervously before dodging out the door. With a small shake of her head, Kaede turned her attention to finalizing prep the evening meal.

Deep in the woods, a lone figure glided along the forest floor, pale as death and just as silent. Deep gold set eyes were fixated ahead, a cold mask of indifference on a hauntingly handsome face. Hair the color of moonlight shimmered as the figure moved, silken waves that flowed along his back. His steps were sure and resolute, knowing the intended course of direction without hesitancy or delay. As he passed the creatures of the forest grew silent and tense, aware of the powerful creature in their domain and unwilling to draw his attention to them. Power radiated off this creature in droves, nearly crushing in its intensity, and none dare face the wrath of this creature should something set him off. Well, mostly everyone…

"SESSHOUMAUR!"

Inu Yasha's enraged snarl caused all the stiff and silent creatures of the forest to panic and flee. Birds took to the air, rabbits leapt from their holes, and deer bounded away as fast as their legs could carry them. Their cries of terror echoed in the forest as the figure in white slowly turned to face the seething hanyou in red.

"Inu Yasha," he said coolly, lip curled slightly in disgust.

"I have had about enough of this game your playing with Kagome and me," he growled, tessaiga drawn and pointed directly at the yokai lord. "Either you give me answers now, or so help me I will knock you into oblivion."

"Is that so?" came the bored response. "So confident of your skills, are you?"

"I have enough to take you on," he snapped, swinging his sword for emphasis. "Or have you forgotten our little fight while inside Naraku?"

"It seems you have, little brother," came the mocking response. "As details seem to have left your feeble brain in the few years that have passed."

"Enough," Inu Yasha roared. "Why do you keep going after Kagome? What do you want with her?"

"What makes you think I have any interest in the priestess?" Sesshoumaru inquired with an arched brow.

"Don't mock me, Sesshoumaru," Inu Yasha warned. "Why else would you be seeking her out, not twice but three times? You are after something and it has to do with her. What I want to know is WHAT? If you are planning to harm her in any way, so help me-"

"We've already ascertained what it is you plan to do if I do not provide your answer, Inu Yasha, let's spare us the drivel of repeating yourself," Sesshoumaru cut in with a bored tone. "Throwing meaningless words around gets us nowhere."

"Then answer my dang questions already," Inu Yasha roared, crouching low as if readying for attack.

"I believe your question was answered just recently when you posed it to me then," came the caustic reply, Sesshoumaru's face cool and collected. "It is not any business of yours."

"You made it my business today when you left Kagome in the state you did," Inu Yasha hissed, eyes flashing with rage at the memory of her appearance. His skin crawled when he pictured her anywhere near the Ice Lord, touched by his hands, and he shook away the thought with a growl. "She ain't your plaything to toy around with, Sesshoumaru, so back off. You hold no love for humans and last I checked-she's human. Whatever game you are playing ends now, got it."

"How chivalrous," Sesshoumaru drawled. "Is it the current priestess you worry about? Or is it more that thought of losing the last hold you have of your dead lover?"

With a roar Inu Yasha attacked, blinded by rage and feelings the question evoked. He swung without tactic or thought, leaping in on pure impulse and drive, completely unprepared for the counter attack that was to come. Within seconds, the hanyou found himself on his back, his sword gone from his hand, a large hand pressed roughly to his throat, hard glittering eyes glaring down at him from above.

"Do not forget who it is you put yourself up against, Inu Yasha," the yokai lord warned darkly. "We were allies against a common enemy, and my feud with you ended at his death. However, I will not hesitate to humble you and remind you what I am should you attack thusly again. You are in no place to question my actions or what I chose to do with those I am in the presence of." While the pressure was not cutting off the hanyou's air supply, it was hard enough to cause the hanyou to squirm. "However, since I do not wish to make enemies of you again, I will console you with this. My intentions with the priestess are not of ill intent, and you can rest assured that I will bring no harm to her person."

"Doesn't ease my mind much," Inu Yasha gasped out, unsuccessfully attempting to pull the hand from his throat. While he would never admit it to Sesshoumaru, he was well and truly trapped. He was completely at the yokai lord's mercy and it was a very bitter pill to swallow.

"Easing your worries is not my concern," the yokai lord sniffed, releasing the hanyou and standing upright. "The next time you draw your blade on me, I will not hold back."

With that he released the hanyou, straightened, and turned around and continued his journey, completely unconcerned about exposing his back to Inu Yasha. They both knew that the hanyou was well and completely whipped today. He disappeared through the brush, leaving behind a muttering Inu Yasha to pick himself up and retrieve his sword. Answers had not been obtained, and he had been quite effectively reminded that Sesshoumaru was a force to be reckoned with. His ears were still ringing from the sudden impact to the ground and he secretly was grateful that was the only causality from this encounter.

Replacing tessaiga in its sheath, Inu Yasha stuck his nose in the air toward Sesshoumaru's direction before turning and retracing his steps back to the village. His hackles were still raised and answers were still missing, and with resignation he realized that this approach was obviously not getting him anywhere. A new tactic was going to have be applied, but at the moment no ideas seemed to be making themselves known. Grunting, the hanyou picked up the pace, realizing that the sun was about to set and Kaede and Kagome would most likely need assistance moving Kiyoshi to the place he would rest for the night. His grumblings echoed in the forest long after he had disappeared.

Seems like a good place to stop. Sorry if some of this was a little out of character, but it fit with the story. I hope you enjoyed the chapter and that it wasn't as disjointed as I felt it was sometimes. Let me know what you think, as reviews are always appreciated. ^-^

Have a super week, everyone. Until the next chapter.