Romanceaddict- Thank you! I'm sorry it took so long to update this. (And I am working on TSAM, it's just taking me longer then I thought it would to update) As for whether Kagome is Inuyasha's one mate? We haven't decided yet. You'll have to keep reading to see what we do. :) Thank you so much for reviewing!
Silkrose: Thank you! We will continue, don't worry. Thanks so much for the review!
Disclaimer: We don't own Inuyasha and we are making no money off this story.
Last chapter:
Luckily Kouga stepped in, snaking an arm around Kagome's shoulder. "I think she IS a Miko, Taisho."
Sesshoumaru lifted a brow at him.
"I mean," Kouga said quickly, "it's IN her file."
"In the time of my father's rule, Miko's were chaste and virtuous maidens, chosen for their purity. Women of integrity who would not swoon over a few pretty words" he said, looking Kagome with a look of slight bewilderment, "apparently time changes even the noblest of traditions."
---
Miroku grinned and looked over at Inuyasha, who was also looking at the fighters with a mix of excitement and pity. "So do you know who you're fighting against first?"
"No actually, I was just about to check the roster" Inuyasha said as he made his way towards the list hanging against the wall of the shed.
"Don't bother," a familiar voice called out, "I already checked….it's me."
So Sango lied. She hadn't actually checked the list. But it didn't matter since the bastard wouldn't be alive long enough to look.
Miroku's mouth dropped while Inuyasha tensed. Considering there were civilians surrounding them, she had to think of a way to lure him away.
Smirking slightly, she stood in their path, legs braced, slayer suit clad, and weapons inches from her fingers. "Wanna play puppy?"
Inuyasha cracked his fingers, baring his fangs. "Feh. Bitch like you can't handle it. There's no way in hell I'm fighting you."
Her smirk only turned more sadistic. "Hey, I've got no problem with that. It'll make it easier to rip your head off your neck if you're standing still."
Growling, Inuyasha felt his claws grow longer and sharpen.
Miroku's eyes darted nervously from Inuyasha to Sango, not sure who to protect. "Guys, I think we need to calm down a little..."
Sango slowly ran a finger up and down the hilt of her sword lovingly, the way Miroku had always dreamed of her touching him. "I'll tell you when I'll calm down. When pup here swears to leave Kagome alone. Then I might feel calm enough to let him keep one of those fuzzy little ears."
Inuyasha snarled, eyes flashing red. "Never." Onlookers gasped at the fangs dripping over Inuyasha's lip. "Kagome is mine."
Miroku winced, knowing that was definitely going to offend Sango's delicate feminist sensibilities. And damn it, didn't they see the people wandering around?
Her hand tightened on the hilt, face hard. "I won't let you have her. She deserves better then the likes of you."
Inuyasha snorted, ignoring the blood running down his palms from where his claws dug in. "No fucking duh bitch. But she's got me, and you're not going to shake me loose."
Cursing, Miroku jerked himself into the middle of them, fingers twitching over the ofadus hidden under his shirt. They would subdue Inuyasha, but he had nothing for Sango, and no real way of stopping her.
There was a reason why Sango was one of the best demon slayers alive. It wasn't just her strength and skills that kept her on top, it was the stubbornness and determination she had in pursing her prey. He could slow her down, but he didn't stand much of a chance.
His best friend would be helpless while Sango ripped into him if he used the ofadu. But he didn't want Inuyasha to hurt Sango either.
What to do?
"You guys have to relax." Miroku snapped, praying they would listen to reason. "You can't get into the middle of a fight here."
Sango's eyes narrowed, looking past Miroku to Inuyasha. "This is my only warning mutt. Stay. Away. From. Kagome!"
Inuyasha only snarled in return, rapidly losing control of himself. He didn't really want to fight Sango, but damn it, he wouldn't let his claim be challenged either. But he knew Kagome would be upset with him if he hurt her friend. Even if she was pissing him off.
Sango took a step, Inuyasha's growling growing louder. "You selfish bastard! You've put her in danger enough as it is. Stay the fuck away before she can seriously get hurt!"
Miroku nearly groaned. Goddamn it, did she have to use the d-word? She might as well waved a red flag in front of a raging bull.
"Danger? What fucking danger? My mates in danger?" Inuyasha snapped, real fear creeping into his voice.
"You stupid dog! You say she's your mate but you can't even look after her?!?" Sango screeched. "Kag was attacked and almost died. All because of you!"
If Inuyasha had been full demon and possessed a tail like his brother, it probably would have been between his legs in shame, though his furious face hardly changed. Had he really placed Kagome in that much danger? She had gotten the jewel from him, but still, he thought he had some time left before she could get into any real trouble. "She's mine!" he yelled stubbornly instead.
Inuyasha would never give Kagome up. He'd just have to look after her more, turn into her stalker after all if that's what it took. He'd do whatever he needed to make sure she was safe with him. Even deal with Sango.
Gritting her teeth, Sango struggled to keep herself from pulling her sword out then and there, aware of the crowd starting to surround them. He was such a stupid, selfish dog. Kag's safety was more important than anything else. And if she was with this moron, she'd be everything but safe.
Though even if he was an immature, arrogant puppy with more of a swagger then was good for him, she could see a warmth in his eyes when he said Kag's name. He probably did care for the girl in his own, misguided way. If she were going to be around to watch over her, she might even have been more lenient about the relationship. She could almost see little babies with Kagome's hair, and Inuyasha's eyes. She would bounce them on her knees and teach them how to cut a beating heart out of their enemies chest with little more then a butter knife.
But that was impossible since she would be dead in a month. Or worse.
She sighed in spite of her anger. If only things could be different....
"I'll die before I see you with Kagome." All too true.
Red bled into Inuyasha's eyes, tainting the gold. "I can help with that."
"Stop this! Stop this NOW!" Miroku yelled trying to get their attention. Fuck, would Sesshomaru be able to stop them? Where was he when he needed him for once? Where was Kagome?
If someone didn't get here fast, blood was going to be spilled. He didn't know whose it would be.
"If you do this, you will both hurt Kagome!" Miroku roared over Sango's glare and Inuyasha's growl.
They froze, finally looking at Miroku for the first time.
"Sango is Kagome's best friend, Inuyasha is Kagome's...potential something." Miroku said quickly, trying to hold their attention. "How is she supposed to react if you hurt each other? Or kill each other?"
The red lessened to pink for a brief moment in Inuyasha's eyes. Sango's grip loosened on her sword.
"Feh. One night in my bed and she'll forget all about this bitch."
"We'll use your miserable hide as a bath mat." Sango snarled back.
Oh that was it. The bitch was practically begging for it. He'd buy some pretty, glittery thing for Kag to apologize later. "Field. NOW." Inuyasha growled, before stalking off, Sango taking longer strides then normal to keep from walking behind him.
Miroku's eyes landed on one of the booths while he fisted the ofadu in one hand. Hopefully when he was done, they'd both want to kill him instead of each other.
That was, if there was anything left of him after Sesshomaru got through with him for letting it get this far in the first place.
He ran to the booth, trying to be quick. And where the hell was Kagome during all this?
Kagome stared at Sesshomaru, Kouga's arm over her shoulder completely ignored. She blinked, slightly aware her mouth was gaping open like a fish.
"....I...I'm sorry, no...excuse you?" Kagome snapped, hands on her hips. Did he just call her a slut?
Instantly, memories from senior year rushed into her head, and her face heated. But damn it, she hadn't done anything nearly that bad since. There was no way in hell she could even be mistaken for a whore.
...well...except for the one time but again, it was freakin' senior year and she had been the biggest idiot alive. She was done being that stupid.
Sesshomaru only offered a polite brow raise, "I believe the term you mean to say is 'excuse me'." He explained patiently. "Which I shall do, but just this once. We'll have to enroll you in some sort of finishing school however." he mused, looking her over.
Kouga shifted nervously next to her. "Er...um..." he tried to think of something to say to defuse the situation.
"No..." Kagome started slowly, fists clenched, "I believe you meant to say, "Oh, I'm so sorry for implying you are a whore, Ms. Loveliest Person in the Whole Entire World."' Kagome corrected sweetly. "Because there is no way it's polite or sensible for some weirdo stranger with prettier hair then's good for them-"
She felt Kouga wince next to her, "Ow. You know, let's all calm down here..."
"-can walk up to some random chick and insult them, without even knowing one damn thing about them!" Kagome was practically yelling by the end of her speech. "Just who the hell do you think you are?"
"Ouch!" Kouga yelped again, yanking his arm back from her. "What did you do? That hurt!"
All resemblance of politeness was wiped off Sesshomaru's face, his features scarily blank as she glared at him, anger almost radiating off her.
And his damn eyes were locked on her chest.
"My face is up here, you-"
"Quiet your screeching woman. What is that." Sesshomaru extended a long, pale finger.
Growling, Kagome's eyes jerked down, "That my b-...oh." she breathed.
At least he hadn't been staring at her chest, per say.
Her necklace glowed bright underneath the white cotton of her shirt, illuminating a little circle against the fabric.
"Huh. That's weird." Kagome commented, pulling on the chain.
Kouga hissed and Sesshomaru's face hardened even further. "You fool, do not expose the jewel." he snapped, slapping at her hand.
Spark
Sesshomaru jerked back, part of his hand tinged black. He frowned down at his fingers. "Hmmm."
As Kagome's anger faded, the glow from the jewel died down. Her forehead furrowed as she stared at the two men. He said his name was Taisho. Taisho...where had she heard that name before?
Ayame had told her about him last night. ...she was such an idiot! The Taisho's were one of the groups looking for a jewel like the one hanging from her neck.
...and Taisho was also Inuyasha's last name...
Instantly her guard went up, all traces of flirtation or anger gone. Something was strange here. She wasn't sure if it was bad or good, but she needed to watch her step.
At least the Taisho's didn't scare Ayame like the other man did...Nara something or the other.
She took a step back, putting some distance between them, unsure of how to proceed. Sango would have been handy now, if the little jerk hadn't locked her up in her bedroom. "I really don't know what's going on here." she forced herself to admit.
...and suddenly, it struck her that she had just insulted one of the richest men in the country. One who was related to Inuyasha, and wanted her necklace for some reason.
And flirted with one of Inuyasha's friends/partners/associates/whatever the hell Kouga was to him. He wasn't going to be happy about that, even if she had every right in the world to flirt with whoever she wanted since they weren't official, or even on the path to official.
...oops...
She sighed. This really wasn't turning out to be her day.
Sesshomaru and Kouga exchanged a look. "We need to discuss a...business matter with you."
"About shrine related matters." Kouga broke in.
"But not here. Is there somewhere private we can converse about the...shrine related matter?"
Yeah, because that would be her smartest move of the day. Go someplace by herself with two strange guys, even if they did know Inuyasha. "I really don't think-"
"Kagome? Kagome! There you are! I hope you didn't spend the entire morning in bed." Her mother gently scolded, coming out from the house dressed in her own festival costume. "What are you doing?"
Silently thanking god for the save, she smirked at the denied look on Kouga's face. "Mom this is Kouga Garou and Sesshomaru Taisho. They say they have business with us-"
Before she could finish, her mother gasped and bowed over. "The Sesshomaru Taisho? What an honor it is to have you at our shrine, sir! What brings you here?"
Kagome shrugged, an idea whirling. "They said they were on a shrine related-"
"OH!" her mother nearly squealed. "Are you here about our well?"
Kouga blinked. "Well? Um, oh yes, the well!" he said, not sure what the hell he was saying.
"Oh, thank the kami, our prayers have been answered! We were so worried about how we were to fix it...Please, please, do come in!" Reaching out, Kagome's mother grabbed the men's wrists pulling them into the house. Kagome smirked, knowing from experience the only way to remove her mothers grip would be to cut off her hand. Sesshomaru seemed like a jerk, but he wouldn't dare go that far, especially with that slightly awestruck expression on his face.
"Please, have some tea and food-" Mrs. Higurashi offered as she dragged them in. There was no way they were leaving that house anytime soon. Giving her plenty of time to find answers. Even some little scrap of information would be more then helpful at this point.
Rubbing the chain between her finger, she tried to decide where to go. She really had no idea what she was doing. Maybe it would be better to just sell it to Taisho or the other guy, get rid of all the problems that had suddenly popped up with its appearance.
But...it felt so right hanging from her neck. So close to her. Thinking about giving it away...unsettled her.
And there was still Sango and Inuyasha to deal with. She was still pissed at Sango, and didn't know how to deal with Inuyasha. Especially since he was from the family that possibly wanted her jewel.
...the simplest thing to do right now was probably to feed the cats. Anything else was going to give her a headache.
"Oh, please, Mr. Taisho, have some more!" Her mother's voice cheerfully floated through a window.
But there was no way she was getting in that house right now.
A feminine sigh had Kagome tensing up. "Ah, dogs. You really can't trust them, can you? Especially when they're part man."
Kag whirled around to face the noise, only to find one of the most beautiful women she had ever seen.
She leaned gracefully against one of the courtyard trees, her fan lazily wafting air. Her ink black hair was pinned up with a feather tie, bangs falling just to perfectly curved eyebrows, highlighting her strange eyes. Her kimono was gorgeous, and fit a body shaped like an hourglass. Her ruby lips were curved into a small smirk, as she studied Kagome.
Flinching slightly, Kagome tried to ignore the urge to fix her own clothing. There was nothing wrong with it, it was just plain. Especially with this woman staring at her. She felt like someone's fat, ugly cousin.
"Forgive me for being rude. I am called Kagura." she announced, her fan still moving back and forth.
Even her voice was beautiful. "I'm-"
"Kagome." Kagura finished for her. "I know, my dear. Unfortunately, so do others."
A chill settled over Kagome's body, in spite of the warm sun beating down. "What do you mean?"
Kagura snapped her fan closed, sliding it into her obi as she straightened from the tree. "Those stupid dogs have placed you in great danger, Kagome. All for the pretty bauble around your neck."
Without even realizing it, Kagome's fingers closed over the jewel. "But...this is really nothing special." she lied. To be honest, even she wasn't anything special. Not special enough to go after.
Kagura gave her a reproaching look. "Let's not play this game Kagome. I-" she placed a hand on her heart for emphasis, "-truly want to help you. There are some very bad men focusing their attention on you, and the Taishos aren't doing much to protect you. They just want the jewel for themselves." Kagura suddenly laughed, "Inuyasha couldn't even be bothered to give you a lie about the jewel. He just stuttered and changed the subject when you asked what it was, didn't he?"
Her eyes widened. How did she know that?
She gave Kagome an elegant shrug. "I can guess." she said to her unanswered question. Taking a few steps closer to Kagome, Kagura reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. "Has he used the mate line on you yet?" she asked kindly.
She took Kagome's silence as a yes.
"Well, at the very least, you should be flattered they're putting so much effort into you. But to be a mate...it's not what it seems."
Is that why Sango had gotten so scared when she said she was a mate? Was it something bad?
"The only thing that dog was right about, is that this isn't the right place to talk." Reaching into her sleeve, she pulled out a white business card, the only thing written on it a long number. "You can call me at anytime with this number. Please don't hesitate to do so."
Kagome stared at the card without accepting it, "How do I know I can trust you either?"
Kagura broke into a smile. "I knew you were smart, Kagome." she said happily. "That is exactly the right question to ask." Taking her hand, she forced the card into Kagome's palm. "When you call me, I will only offer a different...viewpoint. Listen to what the Taishos have to say, then do me the honor of granting me my own say. Judge for yourself after."
Fingers curling around the card, Kagome offered her a hesitant nod.
Stepping back, Kagura offered a quick bow. "Farewell Kagome. I hope to hear from you soon. Until then, stay safe."
Watching her walk away, Kagome slipped the card into her pocket. Screw her and Inuyasha. She wasn't going to wait around for answers from anyone. She knew exactly where to get her answers and couldn't believe she hadn't thought of it earlier.
She was going to the library.
AN: Review, pretty please!