Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha; this is only a fanfic.

Authors Notes: Hi everyone! So sorry for the late update, last month was a busy month.

Many thanks to my reviewers: ezap3, Shining Peridot Moon, shippousangoffe, katana sohma-demon girl, AKA Pirate Queen, Kohana – thanks for the e-mail, LiRiNCaNdY and senbo-sama. Without you guys, this is just graffiti.


Chapter 11: The Morning After

The sun rose high in the sky, bathing the slayers village and the valley below in its light. Invisible to the naked eye, a slender thread floated on the morning breeze and descended into the dense forest.

Landing on a protruding rock by the river, the passenger at the end of that thread looked around with interest. Six hate-filled eyes focused on the fortress at the top of the knoll. The being shook with anger to see that the slayers village had indeed been rebuilt.

This might well present a problem, the being thought. However, nothing would deter it from obtaining its goal. It had come in search of the last shard of the Shikon no Tama in hopes of, once again, completing the jewel of four souls.

At the time of his predecessors demise, it was known that the last remnant of the sacred jewel was never obtained from Kohaku - the taijiya that had defied his master. Once he stripped the boy of the shard, he planned to search for the remaining piece or pieces.

The day Naraku was annihilated, the being had barely broke free from its master's body before he disintegrated. Knocked clear by the combined blast from Inuyasha and Sesshomaru's swords, he had not perished with the other youkai minions that had been absorbed.

A few days later, the being awoke and made his way to the grounds of Onigumo's cave. In that place that had once before birthed evil, the being had regained its strength. It was during the convalescence that it had decided to continue its master's mission.

It was over a year before the being had fully regenerated to its original form and was strong enough to leave Onigumo's cave. Since that time it had traveled around gathering information and, finally, its efforts had led it here… to the slayers village.

As the being sat, contemplating its next move, it sensed an extremely powerful aura. Turning to the source, the six eyes narrowed and peered through the dense foliage. What it saw had the eyes widening in surprise and then burning with intense hatred.

Two figures moved at a leisurely pace down the main road. It was not the sight of the young youkai that had its venom boiling, but its companion; the human priestess… Kikyou.

The being drew back and hissed to see the one who had orchestrated his master's death. Not once during its inquiries, had anyone mentioned seeing or hearing from the woman. It was assumed she was long dead.

And… now, here she was; alive and en route to the slayers village. This was getting interesting. Not only would it collect the fragment of the jewel, but it would also extract revenge for its master's death by eliminating the one responsible.

It watched as the woman stop suddenly. Ever so slowly, the priestess head swiveled in its direction. The being remained still under her probing gaze, knowing full well it was too miniscule to see from that distance. After what seemed an eternity, she turned back and resumed her walk. Then and only then, it allow the morning breeze to lift and carry it away.

xXxXx

Ah-un landed about half a mile from the slayers village. Both Kikyou and Idzuna alighted from the beast back and took in their surroundings. Showing appreciation to their transport, both riders petted the snout of the double-headed youkai.

At the ex-miko's request to return for them later, the beast ascended gracefully, turned and headed back to the west.

"Why couldn't we land in the village, Kikyou-sama?" the young kitsune questioned.

"You must remember, Idzuna-chan," the woman responded, gripped her yumi and adjusted the strap of her arrow holder. "It is a village of demon slayers. As our visit is unannounced, Ah-un's sudden appearance would have caused quite a stir in the community."

"Oh… I see," the fox child laughed and hefted Awasumaru's swords higher on her back. "The young master will be very happy to see these." she indicated her cargo.

"Yes," Kikyou sighed, but gave a slight smile. "In many ways, he is his father's son."

Turning in the direction of the village, the two began their trek. The air was fresh and the grass slightly damp from the from the morning dew. The two walked at a unhurried pace, each lost in their own thoughts.

Idzuna had asked to come; not only to accompany Kikyou, but assumed Rin would need her support. She was sure the news they brought would not be well received and she wanted to be there for her friend.

Kikyou's thoughts were focused on the long term. As always, the woman calculated well in advance.

On arrival, she would first talk privately with Kohaku and could almost anticipate his reaction. To say he would not be pleased was putting it mildly. However, the taijiya had always been rational. Once he considered the information, Kikyou had no doubt he would act accordingly.

"I am concerned about Rin-chan, my lady," Idzuna said suddenly.

"Rin-chan is practical," the ex-miko responded stoically. "She will understand."

The fox child was not so sure about that. For months, her friend had droned on and on, looking forward to her visit to the slayers village and reuniting with this Kohaku person. Kikyou had not seen the pure delight that had crossed Rin's face as she spoke of the young man.

"There it is." Kikyou stopped and pointed to the fortress at the top of the hill.

"Impressive," Idzuna gushed. "They have an excellent view of the surrounding valley. It would make a sneak attack very difficult."

"But… not impossible," Kikyou stated. After all, according to Kohaku, Naraku's minions had launched an attack that had all but destroyed the demon slayers in the quest for the sacred jewel. The ex-miko could only hope that the new headmaster had learned something from that incident and had taken precautions.

As they walked, Kikyou was suddenly assailed by an aura of immense evil. She stopped suddenly and felt the kitsune stiffen beside her.

"You sense it too, young Idzuna?" the ex-miko asked.

"Yes," the fox child whispered. "But… where is it coming from?"

Keying into the aura, Kikyou turned in the direction of the river. "Over there," she stated bluntly and continued to stare in that direction. So, this was it… this was the beginning. With a smirk, she realized Totousai could not have timed this better.

"Come, Idzuna-chan," the woman said to her companion. "It seems we must hurry." With a final look in the direction of the overpowering aura, the two travelers turned and continued on their way.

A short distance from the beginning of the incline, a figure jumped from the foliage causing the ex-miko and kitsune to stop in their tracks. Kikyou arched a brow while Idzuna gasped.

"Oh no, Kikyou-sama!" the fox child groaned in dismay. "We… we're too late."

xXxXx

Instead of ceiling beams, Kohaku's eyes slowly opened to the sight of leaves overhead. The foliage danced in the morning breeze and he wondered if he had fallen asleep on the engawa again? As the taijiya made to move, he felt heaviness under his arm and looked down to find a sleeping Rin nestled into his side.

Kohaku gasped and then attempted to wiggle from under her. However, each time he tried to move away Rin, unconsciously, snuggled closer. As her arms tightened around his waist, the taijiya sighed and finally gave up.

Looking down on the top of her head, he raised his free hand and brushed tendrils of loose hair from her face. Rin's cheek was pressed firmly against his chest and she seemed content. Relaxing a little himself, Kohaku decided to wait a few more minutes before waking her.

She looked like a child sleeping. A child clutching tight to a favorite toy and he smiled at the thought. Her lips were parted softly and he remembered the kisses they had shared. Staring at her mouth, he wondered if he should kiss her awake and leaned forward in anticipation.

No… he pulled back hurriedly. Closing his eyes, he decided that was not a good idea. Kami… he was becoming as unscrupulous as Miroku-sama. What the hell was he thinking, trying to kiss an unconscious woman?

"Good morning," the musical voice he so loved to hear was accompanied by gentle pressure to his cheek. Kohaku opened his eyes to see Rin looming over him and reeling from her morning kiss.

"Goo…good morning, Rin-chan," the taijiya stuttered softly, sat up and stretched. "You… you could not have slept well?"

"Oh… but I did," Rin exclaimed happily and then a frown appeared on her brow. "How about you, Kohaku-kun; did you not sleep well?"

The taijiya sat with his mouth hanging open. How did one answer a question like that in this type of situation? He did not want to offend her, but then again… he did not want her to misunderstand.

"I… ah… I slept well," he announced and scratched the back of his head; an old habit he had yet to break. "I'm used to sleeping outdoors," he gave a nervous laugh.

"Me too!" Rin laughed too. "Old habits are hard to break, are they not, young master?" As she said that, she reached up and pulled Kohaku's hand from his hair. A blush spread across his cheeks, making his freckles standout and the young woman thought he looked very handsome.

The two sat staring into each other's eyes and neither realized they were having similar thoughts. Kohaku wondered if Rin remembered his question from last night and the young woman wondered if the taijiya would ask her again. Before either could speak, the first bell sounded in preparation for the first class.

"Oh no!" the two gasped in unison. Rin rose to her knees as Kohaku jumped to his feet. "Morning class!" The taijiya groaned and slapped a hand to his forehead. "I'm going to be late again!"

"No you're not!" Rin was determined and began straightening her clothes. "We can make it, it's only the first bell… I think," she added and grinned sheepishly. "But… first we have to get down from here."

Kohaku smiled and bent on one knee. "Come on… get on," he said and indicated his back. "I shall deliver you to Hisa's house and then we shall meet after class, okay."

"Okay," Rin said as she placed her arms around his neck.

"Take a deep breath and hold on tight," he instructed and hooked his arms under her legs. Feeling her inhale, he walked to the edge and jumped down into the forest.

Rin barely felt a jolt as they landed and then Kohaku broke into a run. "Kohaku-kun… I can… you don't have to carry me!"

It's better this way," he said over his shoulder. "We'll get there faster and hopefully no one will see us. It will be hard to explain why we are wearing the same clothes as yesterday."

As the reality of his words sunk in, Rin buried her head in his shoulder. "I don't want anyone to get the wrong idea," she heard him say softly.

The young woman's cheeks stained crimson and was glad that her transport could not see. He was so chivalrous and much more concerned about her reputation than she was. To Rin, it did not matter what others thought, only Kohaku mattered.

"There's a back entrance," he said and headed toward the incline. "If we can get past this point without being seen, the rest is easy."

Rin held tight as the taijiya broke through the brush. Instead of taking the direct path, they now headed to the back of the fortress. Clearing the trees, they would be in the open mere seconds before disappearing into the forest again.

Kohaku looked up at the fortress from the bottom of the incline, the guard positioned at the top was turned in the other direction and the taijiya smiled, thinking they were home free. Turning back, he came to a screeching halt.

"Kohaku?" Rin questioned and lifted her head from the middle of his back. "Is something wron…" Her words froze in her throat as she looked past Kohaku's shoulder. Standing in the path up ahead was a stern looking Kikyou and a thoroughly red-faced kitsune.

xXxXx

"Where is he?" Sango hissed.

She had barely slept all night awaiting her brother's return. The morning class was due to start soon and there was also the issue of the two men currently being held under guard.

Pacing the front room of the main house, the demon slayer wondered, for the hundredth time, about her brother's whereabouts. Kohaku had not come home for dinner nor had his futon been slept in. Cutting her eyes in her husband's direction, Sango saw that the monk was calmly sipping his tea, with eyes downcast.

He knew something, the taijiya was sure of it. Besides that, he had successfully avoided her the previous evening and up until this morning. He had deliberately waited for her to go to sleep before joining her in bed. Even then, he had managed to rise before she had. Both were basically unheard of in Miroku's case.

"Houshi-sama!" Sango stopped pacing and snapped. "If you know some…"

"Not in front of the children, dear," Miroku interrupted. His blue eyes did a turn about the small table where Suiren, Shun'ei and Awasumaru sat. "Later…" he advised and added, " Besides, should you not get ready. If Kohaku is late, you will have to begin class."

Stormy brown orbs turned on him and Miroku cringed under Sango's glare. However, he noticed she bit back a retort, turned her back and stared out into the courtyard.

In truth, Miroku was worried also. He understood the urges of young love, however, he had assumed both Kohaku and Rin levelheaded enough not to breech the boundaries. If the two were seen together, that would really set the tongues wagging in the village. The monk knew from experience, the results of that would weigh more heavily on the young woman than her partner.

"Why don't you go on ahead and begin class, Sango-chan," Miroku encouraged. "I shall stay behind and wait for Kohaku. As Juun-san has not yet awakened, I must stay to watch over him."

The taijiya made to speak, but noticed Shippo bounding up the stairs and turned expectantly to the kitsune. "Any word, Shippo-chan?"

"Couldn't find him," the fox child responded. "I tried every place you suggested, but… nothing."

With a sigh, Sango's shoulders slumped in defeat. Biting her lip in frustration, she tried to think of other places her little brother could have gone.

"Shippo!" Sango suddenly brightened. "Outside of the village, off the left main road is a large tree. The top branches almost reach the fortress walls. Try there, it was Kohaku's favorite hiding place when we were children."

"Oh… I know the one," the kitsune said. "I'll go right away."

"Wait!" Sango turned to the neko on her shoulder. "Go with him, Kirara," she bade. "If you don't find him, Shippo-chan, come straight to class, alright."

Turning back to her husband and the three children at the table, Sango noticed everyone seemed unusually silent, especially Suiren. With a toss of her head, the taijiya addressed the children.

"Once breakfast is over, I expect everyone to be on time. Understood?"

"Yes, Haha-ue," Suiren and Shun'ei said in unison.

"Hai, Sango-sama!" Awasumaru followed.

With a scorching glare in the monk's direction, Sango headed to the practice field. Everyone remained quiet until they were sure the taijiya was out of hearing range and, of course, Suiren was the first to speak.

"Chichi-ue," the young girl turned to her father, "Where is Oji-sensei?"

"Probably out on a practice mission," the monk said evasively. On hearing his daughter's "Oh" Miroku thought he was safe, until…

"I didn't hear anything about a practice mission," Shun'ei stated calmly.

"Well… ah… it must have been… last minute," the monk grinned sheepishly.

"Very last minute," the boy mumbled into his teacup and saw his father's smile waver.

Awasumaru and Suiren looked totally lost during the exchange. The monk had to thank Kami the two were not as sharp as his son on personal matters.

"You should finish up and head out now," Miroku rose and hastily began clearing away the dishes.

"Houshi-sama!" The hanyou whined as his bowl of miso soup was whisked away. "I wasn't finished with that!"

"Sorry, Awasu-san," the monk chuckled nervously, "But… we don't want to make Sango-sama mad by being late; do we?"

All three children rose and headed for the door. Stepping out on the engawa, Shun'ei turned back and asked, "Chichi-ue, please call us as soon as Juun-san awakens."

Promising that he would, Miroku stood and watched as they sprinted to the practice field. Once they were gone, the monk went to check on Juun. The boy was still out and he was becoming concerned. Should he be sleeping this long?

With Kohaku and Rin missing, there was also the issue of the food storage thieves. Settling next to the sleeping child, Miroku recalled the surprise visit last night…

Responding to the firm rap on the shoji, Miroku slid the panel back to reveal Heisuke, two workers from the storage house and… Ikuyo. As he invited them inside, the monk could not help but notice the young woman's attire.

The woman was dressed in similar fashion to a shinobi. From the hakamas secured around her calves and ankles, she was completely in black and bearing a sword. Her hair was pulled back into a most becoming bun, giving one a full view of her beautiful, but haughty features.

Offering them a seat, Miroku turned to Heisuke and lifted an eyebrow. The gardener tried to keep a straight face, but the monk noticed the nervous twitch in his cheek. Turning back in Ikuyo's direction, he finally realized this woman was the object of Heisuke's questions the other night.

If Genpaku's daughter was the gardener's choice, then he really had his work cut out for him. Ikuyo was consumed with bitterness. She blamed her parents for their decline in social status and the comfortable life she believed she deserved. Not only that, it was well known that Ikuyo was in pursuit of Kohaku.

Sango silently entered the room and each person bowed in greeting. Taking a seat next to her husband, she waited to hear what was going on.

"Has something occurred, Heisuke-san?" Miroku turned to the gardener, but before the man could respond, Ikuyo leaned forward.

"Of course something's wrong," the woman spat. "I caught these two stealing from the storage house." Ikuyo pointed to the two men, sitting humbly with their heads bowed.

Miroku's eyes widened and Sango's narrowed a fraction and they turned to the captives. "Is this true, Hiroshi-san… Takuma-san?" the monk asked.

"Well… we weren't … it wasn't like that, Houshi-sama… Lady Sango," Takuma defended.

"Don't lie!" Ikuyo injected venomously. "You were caught red-handed; isn't that right, Heisuke-san?" The woman turned and glared at the gardener, as if daring him to say otherwise.

Ignoring Ikuyo, Heisuke stepped forward. "We saw them coming out of the storage area, carrying two bags of rice. Although they offered an explanation for their actions, I thought it best to wait until speaking with you or Kohaku-san before hearing them out."

Inwardly, Miroku smiled. It seemed that Heisuke was made of sterner stuff. He may be smitten with Ikuyo, but it did not cloud his judgment.

"That was wise, Heisuke-san," Miroku stated. Turning to his wife, the monk inquired, "Would you care to pursue this, dear?"

"Not at this hour," Sango replied. "We shall contain them until tomorrow and allow Kohaku to speak with them." Turning to Ikuyo, the taijiya's eyes swept the young woman from head to toe, taking in her appearance and the sword at her side.

"Did I hear correctly?" Sango addressed the black clad figure. "You were the one who apprehended them?"

"Yes." Ikuyo was blunt.

"I see." Sango was equally so. Turning back to her husband, she nodded and they both rose to their feet.

"Heisuke-san, take these men to the secured unit," Miroku instructed. "After that, you will escort Lady Ikuyo to her home."

"That is not necessary, Houshi-sama," the woman huffed. "I am quite capable of returning on my own." She had had enough of Heisuke's presence, she just wanted to go home and nurse her headache.

"Come now," the monk crooned, which caused his wife to smirk at his methods. "We cannot have beautiful women roaming about unattended."

While the monk was putting Ikuyo at ease, Sango turned to the gardener. "Heisuke-san, who is watching the tower?"

"Uh… ah… I did not leave it unattended, Lady Sango," he stuttered and blushed. "Chikao and Yoshimatsu were there when I noticed movement from below. I left them in charge while I went in pursuit."

"The captives?" Sango asked and wondered why Heisuke always blushed whenever they met.

"Ah… no, it was Ikuyo-san."

"I see," Sango said for the second time and spun her head in the direction of the young woman talking with her husband. Miroku had managed to illicit a smile from her stern face.

"She carries a sword." The taijiya turned back to Heisuke. "Can she use it?"

"She seems skilled, but my knowledge is somewhat limited," the gardener stated. "We had only one encounter; however, I could tell that she has had some training. Although quick on her feet, she lacks strength, but she was able to counter my attack."

"I see," Sango said again.

Heisuke was tall and muscular, without being bulky. He was as mild mannered as Kohaku, but could wield his yari with as much force as Houshi-sama could his shakujo. If Ikuyo had managed to give him some trouble, then maybe…

"Thank you, Heisuke-san," Sango looked up at the young man and smiled.

That was the first smile that Lady Sango had bestowed on him and the young man turned a deeper shade of red. He now had a glimpse of the taijiya's softer side and understood why Houshi-sama had worked so hard to claim her. Would he ever see Ikuyo smile like that?

"Are you… are you alright, Hesiuke-san?" Sango asked with concern. "You seem a bit flushed."

Before the gardener could respond, he felt a hand clamp down on his shoulder. "He is fine, Sango-chan." Miroku appeared with a knowing look. "It's probably all the excitement," the monk said and smiled at the gardener's discomfort. "Why don't you escort Lady Ikuyo home and I shall see Hiroshi-san and Takuma-san to the secured unit," he offered.

"Yes, of course." He blushed again and bowed swiftly to the monk and his wife. "Thank you, Houshi-sama!" Turning to leave he encountered a scowling Ikuyo and wondered what he had done now. Tossing her head, she stuck her nose in the air and stormed from house. With a puzzled look, Heisuke followed.

"Interesting," Sango muttered, watching the two people depart.

"What's interesting?" Miroku inquired, watching his wife closely.

"I was not aware that Ikuyo possessed any fighting skills."

"I noticed the sword," the monk relaxed. "Do you think she can wield it?"

"According to Heisuke she can, but I plan to find out how skilled she is," Sango said with a determined gleam in her eye. "We can always use good fighters, Houshi-sama."

"Well… I'll leave you to it," Miroku sighed and moved towards the two men awaiting their confinement. "I shall return."

The monk could only smile at his wife's single-mindedness. She was so focused on Ikuyo's abilities, that she had missed Heisuke's open admiration of her. However, Ikuyo did not miss it.

In his experience with women, Miroku was sure he had noticed a spark of jealousy in the young woman's eye before she stormed from the room? If so, then Heisuke had already breached the first barrier.

A deep sigh and mumblings broke through the monk's musings. He looked down to find Juun's lashes flutter and a frown appeared on his brow. Leaning forward in anticipation, Miroku was disappointed when the boy turned on his side and resumed sleeping.

xXxXx

"Kikyou-sama! Idzuna-chan!" Rin gasped. Her small hands gently squeezed Kohaku's shoulders, signaling him to lower her to the ground. As soon as her feet touched the earth, Rin ran to the two silent individuals and bowed in front of them.

"Rin," Kikyou acknowledged her greeting and noticed the young woman's flushed cheeks. "You are well?"

"Oh…" Rin's head lifted swiftly to look into Kikyou's mahogany orbs and then sent the kitsune a wobbly smile. "Ah… yes… I am well," she muttered and felt Kohaku come stand beside her.

"Hello, Kikyou-sama," the taijiya's rich voice filled the silence. "It is good to see you again."

"It is good to see you too, Kohaku-san," Kikyou responded and meant it. Her eyes softened as they roamed over the young handsome man and, once again, slid to the young woman at his side.

"You must be Idzuna-san." Kohaku turned and bowed in the kitsune's direction. "Rin-san has told me much about you, I feel that I know you already." At Idzuna's titter, the taijiya turned back to Kikyou.

"Have you come to check on Awasumaru and Juun's progress?" Kohaku asked. "I can assure you they are doing well, but… I assume that you knew that they would," he added slyly.

"I only assumed that they would do their best," the ex-miko corrected, but her smile was coy. "However, I am interested in how they were getting along."

Deciding to get straight to the point, the ex-miko continued. "There is another reason that I am here," she continued. "I would like to request an audience with you, Kohaku-san, in private, if you please."

That sounded ominous, Rin thought. The taijiya's eyes remained glued to Kikyou's while she looked to Idzuna. The kitsune avoided her gaze and Rin experienced the first stirrings of unease.

"It… it's not a good time, Kikyou-sama," Rin intervened. "Kohaku-kun has a class and he is already late. Your discussion will have to wait, I'm afraid."

Turning to the young woman, the ex-miko could only lift a brow at the authoritative tone. This was worse than she expected. Rin had taken up a protective stance and had spoken on Kohaku's behalf. Shifting her gaze to the taijiya, Kikyou realized that he had allowed it and then… there was the manner in which she had addressed him.

"Kohaku-kun."

Rin had used the endearment without hesitation. This was going to be harder than she thought, Kikyou deduced. How close had these two become, she wondered? The last thing she wanted to do was hurt either of them, but it seemed it was clearly unavoidable.

Did the two realize how they looked? It was early morning and their clothes were disheveled, as if they had just awakened. Rin's usually immaculate locks were askew, as were Kohaku's, and there were leaves in their hair. The ex-miko did not want to believe where her thoughts were taking her.

"I shall wait," Kikyou stated.

"Well… now that that's settled," Rin breathed with relief. "We must hurry. Come," she turned and waited for Kohaku to precede her. "We shall go to the main house and wait until your class is over. Kikyou and I will attend to Juun-san and…"

"Juun-san?" Kikyou's mask slipped momentarily. "What is wrong with Juun-san?"

"He is not injured," Kohaku informed her. "I pushed him to his limits yesterday; he has been sleeping since."

"It's only exhaustion, Kikyou-sama," Rin hastened to reassure her.

"Take me to him," the ex-miko ordered. Without another word the foursome turned and headed to the main house.

xXxXx

Heisuke rose from his bath refreshed. His replacement had arrived at the tower at the crack of dawn. This left the gardener sufficient time to get a little rest and have a quick bath before appearing at the main house.

Since he and Ikuyo had discovered the theft, Houshi-sama had requested their presence when Kohaku spoke with the individuals. They were told to arrive before the end of the morning class.

Maybe he should stop by Ikuyo's home and they could go together, but then he decided against it. As the gardener got dressed, he recalled escorting her home last night…

With Ikuyo's long legs, Heisuke had to nearly run to catch up with her.

"Hey!" The gardener yelled. "Slow down… where's the fire?" he laughed, attempting to inject some humor. As she never broke stride, Heisuke put a hand out to halt her progress.

"Don't touch me!" she turned and snapped. "You're disgusting!"

"Who… me?" Heisuke was taken back. Where did that come from, he wondered?

"Listen, Ikuyo, it's not that I didn't support you back there, but…" the gardener began on a soothing note, "… other than what I saw, I cannot condemn Takuma-san and Hiroshi-san without hearing an explanation."

"That's not what I'm talking about," she hissed. "Don't worry, those two will get what they deserve. I'm talking about your flirting with Sango-sama… and right in front of her husband too!"

"I wasn't…" Heisuke croaked and then swallowed hard. "I wasn't flirting; she asked me some questions, that's all."

"Well now," Ikuyo smirked and crossed her arms over her chest. "You're a liar as well as a wife stealer. I must say, Heisuke-san, you surprise me."

"What?" he gasped. Why did everyone keep saying that, he wondered. First Houshi-sama and now Ikuyo. "You have no idea what you're talking about!" He responded heatedly to her accusations.

"Really?" Ikuyo taunted. "Then why are you blushing like a lovesick kid?"

Heisuke had the strongest urge to cover his face, but he wouldn't give her the satisfaction. As he stood staring at her mutinous expression, he tried to recall what Houshi-sama had said about tight situations and how to get out of them.

"Think Heisuke…. think," he muttered under his breath. However, under intense pressure from Ikuyo's sable gaze, he simply opted for the truth. Bracing himself, he looked down into her eyes.

"It's no crime to appreciate a beautiful woman, Ikuyo-san," he stated calmly and saw the smug expression fall from her face. "I may have overreacted, but I wasn't flirting. I guess I was a little surprised that Sango-sama noticed me."

Ikuyo stared at him for a long time. Suddenly, she turned abruptly and resumed her rapid walk. Following in her wake, the two continued to her home in silence. Once they arrived, without a thank you or a goodnight, Ikuyo entered the abode and closed the shoji with a snap.

The bell, indicating the start of the morning class, sounded and roused Heisuke from his thoughts. With a sigh at his lack of progress with Ikuyo, the young man rose and headed to the main house.

xXxXx

Within the confines of her room, Ikuyo mimicked Heisuke's sigh. The young woman stood looking down on the array of clothes strewn across her futon.

She had never had trouble deciding what to wear, so what was so different about today? Tossing the eighth kimono to the side, Ikuyo wondered why she even bothered. With the exception of the monk, no one here appreciated her efforts.

Immediately, her thoughts turned to Heisuke. She had noticed the appreciative gleam in his eyes last night when addressing Sango. The more the woman spoke, the more the gardener had blushed.

Ikuyo had been shocked at the young man's admission. He had not lied, had not made excuses, he had simply told the truth. However, there was no excuse for ogling another man's wife, Ikuyo thought huffily. He may think that Sango was beautiful, but Heisuke needed to exert some self-control.

"Men are such idiots," Ikuyo muttered. How could a woman look her best wearing a simple yukata and her skin bronzed from the sun? Well… there was no accounting for taste, she decided. She only hoped that Houshi-sama did not get wind of Heisuke's infatuation with his wife.

Deciding on a kimono, she chose the yellow silk with intricate leaf designs with a green obi at her waist. Pulling her hair back into a low ponytail, she secured it with a single matching ribbon.

Completing her toilet, Ikuyo joined her parents for the morning meal. Other than a 'good-morning, did you sleep well, dear' from her mother and a grunt from her father, there was no comment on her attire.

"I guess I was surprised that Sango-sama noticed me."

Ikuyo recalled the gardener's words from the previous night. There was wistfulness in his voice as he spoke, but Heisuke was a fool. He was ruled by his emotions, just like her mother and Rin. Not only that, but he cared for someone who was unattainable.

Hearing the bell sound, the young woman rose from the table and began her walk to the main house. Love was for losers and Ikuyo swore venomously that it would never happen to her. She refused to fall into that trap.

xXxXx

"Oi… Kohaku-san!" The tower guard yelled, as he looked down on his headmaster and his companions. "Where ya' been this early?" he asked and hailed his comrades to open the gate.

Entering the fortress, Kohaku thankfully noticed the courtyard was nearly empty. Most of the workers had already left for the fields. The taijiya smiled and cordially acknowledged everyone's greeting as they passed.

"Good morning, Kohaku-san… Lady Rin," they murmured and bowed politely to Kikyou and Idzuna.

It pleased him that they included Rin and he had the strongest urge to reach back and grab onto her hand. However, he would not dare do such a thing with Kikyou present. Besides… he and Rin had yet to talk.

As they climbed the stairs of the main house, Kohaku wondered if she had given any thought to his offer. Would she stay here… with him? Did she want to remain here or would she prefer the Westernlands?

If she agreed… then to whom should he present his proposal, he wondered; Kikyou or… Sesshomaru. Just the thought of approaching the taiyoukai about such a delicate matter made Kohaku's stomach do somersaults.

"It's about time you showed up!"

Kohaku had opened the shoji to the main house and looked up on hearing Miroku's voice. The monk stood in the middle of the room as he crossed the threshold. Rin followed immediately behind him and was also addressed by his brother-in-law.

"And as for you, young lady…" Miroku began and moved towards the two young people. "It seems that I must stress the import…" The monk stopped suddenly, both in speech and stride. His blue eyes grew wide on seeing the next person entering the room.

"Kikyou…" Miroku whispered and his smile faltered a bit.

"Houshi-dono," the ex-miko responded and nodded a greeting.

She still looked the same, the monk acknowledged. Life with Sesshomaru must be favorable, he thought. Although Kikyou had always appeared serene, there was peacefulness in her countenance that was absent before.

"Where are my manners?" Miroku returned to normal. "You must be here to see your sons," he stated. "Awasumaru is in class at the moment; however, I've been looking after young Juun." The monk pointed down the hall.

"I hear he has extinguished his energy," Kikyou stated and, without invitation, moved in the direction the monk indicated. "How long has it been?" she asked.

"Since yesterday afternoon," Miroku replied, understanding the question and fell instep behind her. Kohaku, Rin and Idzuna were silent, but followed.

Stepping into room, Kikyou looked down on the boy curled on his side. She kneeled beside him, leaned forward and placed her hands over his body. Gathering energy in her palms, the ex-miko started from his head and skimmed down the length of his small frame and back again. Extinguishing the energy, Kikyou sat back on her heels and waited.

Suddenly, Juun's dark eyes fluttered open. The boy rolled to his back, his blank stare focused on the beams overhead. Pushing up into a sitting position, his head turned slowly in Kikyuo's direction.

"Youbo-sama?" he whispered.

"Outdone yourself; have you?" Kikyou said softly.

"Youbo-sama!" Juun blindly reached for his foster mother and smiled as her arms came around him.

Rin smiled, Idzuna giggled, but Kohaku and Miroku stood transfixed. The beatific smile on Kikyou's face and the warmth in her mahogany eyes, as she held tight to Juun surprised them.

Miroku looked on in awe. Looking at them together, Juun could have easily passed as Kikyou's birth son. The boy's dark eyes, hair and reserved manner were more similar to the woman than Awasumaru's cheerful demeanor.

However, Kikyou had changed. The monk could tell in the manner of which she caressed the child in her arms. The old Kikyou would have never displayed affection and especially in front of others. Had life with Sesshomaru changed her that much, he wondered?

Suddenly, the woman released Juun and brushed her fingers lightly through his hair, before rising to her feet. Turning to the others in the room, she began issuing orders.

"Kohaku-san…" Kikyou began. "… I believe that you have a class to attend. I will await your return that we may talk in private. Rin-chan…" She turned to the young woman. "… you will make yourself presentable, while Idzuna and I see to nourishment for Juun-san."

"Yes… Kikyou-sama!" They murmured in unison and Miroku could only smile. She may have changed, he thought, but not completely.

"Class will have to wait, Kohaku-san," the monk intervened. "Your sister and Shippo have taken over, but we have more pressing matters at the moment." Miroku nodded in the direction of Heisuke and Ikuyo approaching.

"What's the matter, Miroku-sama?" Kohaku frowned.

"I shall explain on the way," the monk smiled. "Excuse us, Lady Kikyou." He bowed humbly; Kohaku followed and the two men left the house.

"I wonder what's going on," Rin said, as she watched them leave.

"As do I," Kikyou stated.

Hearing the undercurrents in the ex-miko's tone, Rin turned slowly in her direction.

"Come with me." Kikyou rose to her feet and addressed her young charge. Rin sighed and followed behind the woman and away from Juun's delicate ears.

The two women faced each other in the main room. Although Rin had prepared herself for Kikyou's inquisition, she still cringed at the directness of the older woman's approach or blanched under her intense stare.

"If your feelings are what I believe them to be, Rin-chan," Kikyou began in a low monotone, "… then I feel I must forewarn you. Any union with Kohaku will bring you nothing but pain and suffering."

To be continued…