AN: Wow! That was quite a response! Thank you so much for all your kind words! I just hope you like this chapter just as much!
Chapter Eleven
Sango tried not to flinch as Kaede carefully treated her surface wounds.
"Inuyasha is angry," the old priestess noted as she wrapped the slayer's arm, "He almost knocked me down as he stormed off."
Sango sighed, "He's never reasonable when it comes to Koga."
"The wolf demon?" Kaede glanced up.
She waved a nearly complete purple hand at her before cringing with a sharp hiss of pain.
"Either way," she gritted out, "He'll be back so it'll be resolved then."
Both women glanced up to the shocked gasps of Kaede's apprentices.
"All of you sit," Kaede ordered, "For while your professions will deal mostly with pregnant women, not all of it will."
They sat, some with reluctance, and others were tinged with green.
"What happened?" Sasuka asked softly as if mere sound would hurt Sango.
"I had a run-in with a demon," she replied, "Myself, along with my brother Kohaku, and Inuyasha fought him off."
"So you really are a demon slayer," one of the women eyed her outfit with fascination.
Sango nodded and settled in for an afternoon of being an example. While annoying it would be a valuable lesson for them.
"What was it like?"
She opened her eyes and frowned, "What was what like?"
"Killing a demon," the woman was oddly intent.
Sango said nothing. She let her eyes harden as she stared at the woman who became nervous and averted her eyes.
"We should let her rest," Kaede laid a gentle hand on the exterminator, "Sango, let me help you disrobe."
She nodded and got to her feet slowly. She might be out for two weeks.
Sigh.
Inuyasha raged in the forest. He sat in his tree brooding as he tried not to dig his fingers too deeply into the wood.
Fucking Koga. He had gone too far this time.
Sango might not be his mate but she was certainly his pack! The very least the wolf should have done was ask his permission. But no. He had to kidnap her from under his very nose just like he had Kagome.
And to top it all off, the bastard had thought . . .
. . . had thought. . .
His hand fisted, and he glared into space. The bastard had thought Sango was his mate, no, that wasn't right, he had thought Sango was his impregnated mate and deliberately took her . . .
He exhaled sharply as he shook his head. He would blame himself for moving in with her but if Koga thought she was pregnant than the stupid demon had been eavesdropping on the villagers. Koga would have thought Sango belonged to him anyway.
He leaned back into his tree and crossed his arms.
"Normally I would not care to ask," Sesshomaru's voice had him jumping to attention, "However, you reek of human blood and did not even notice my presence."
Inuyasha dropped from his tree, "Sesshomaru. Is Rin okay?"
Passive gold eyes met concerned gold eyes. "She had questions for the exterminator."
The half-demon winced, "Now's not really a good time."
"Explain."
"Koga," Inuyasha snarled, "He sucker punched me and fucking kidnapped Sango."
Sesshomaru's brow wrinkled, "The wolf prince. What would he want with the human?"
"He thought . . ." He couldn't help the slight reddening of his cheeks, "He thought she was mine."
The demon lord's eyes narrowed, "And he took her? Knowing she might belong to you?"
"He thought she was pregnant," Inuyasha's gaze drifted to the dirt, "Something about breaking demon law."
"I see," Sesshomaru hummed to himself, "The blood is the woman's I assume."
"Yeah, she says she got him more than he got her but . . ." he shook his head, "I've only seen her."
"You did not engage the wolf in battle," there was a note of surprise to the demon lord's voice.
"Nope, the bastard ran away before I got there," his expression darkened, "I would have killed him."
"He did realize the woman did not belong to you?"
"That's the big fucking cherry on top," he turned to his brother, "After he found out, do you know what he did?"
"I do not like to lower myself to think like lower animals."
"Lower animal is right," he harrumphed his amusement, "Anyway, he decided then and there he's going to claim her."
"Go on."
Inuyasha glanced at his brother with mild concern, he sounded very angry all of a sudden.
"That's when she fought him off."
Sesshomaru turned with a sharp movement and headed straight for the village.
"Hey, were ya going?"
"Do not be an imbecile," The demon lord replied.
Inuyasha scrambled after him as his brother marched into the village without a care in the world.
"Lord Sesshomaru!" Rin ran up to him, "Lady Sango is hurt!"
"I intend to see for myself," Sesshomaru stepped into Kaede's hut and was met with screams.
Inuyasha dashed in after him.
"Quiet!" Kaede ordered, "Go to the back room. All of you. Now."
The women scrambled away leaving the demons, priestess, and demon slayer alone.
Clean and in a white yukata, Sango looked a little better than the last time he had seen her, though there were other things to draw his attention. Like her hand.
Sesshomaru sat down and stared at her expectantly.
"Lord Sesshomaru," Sango nodded, "This is Lady Kaede, Kaede this is Lord Sesshomaru, Inuyasha's brother."
"I am honored to meet the Lord of the Western Lands," Kaede bowed.
"Strange," Sesshomaru noted, "All of Inuyasha's friends have better manners than he has."
"Very funny," Inuyasha sat on his haunches by Sango and Kaede. He wasn't directly between them and his brother but he could be in an instant.
Sesshomaru ignored him and turned to Sango, "List your injuries."
She frowned and glanced at Inuyasha.
"Do you know her injuries?" Sesshomaru inquired lightly.
"Not all of them," he grumped.
"Then do not look at him for help," the demon lord ordered and then sighed when her jaw hardened, "Priestess."
"Her shoulder and hand are the worse of it." Kaede sighed, "The rest is bruising."
"Don't sugarcoat it, Kaede," Inuyasha ordered her, "Tell us all of it."
"Why is so important?" Sango spoke, "I'm fine."
"You're not fine!"
"As much as I hate to agree with him," Sesshomaru turned his gaze back on Kaede, "Continue."
Kaede shook her head, "Her hand is almost completely bruised. She had about half a dozen handprints on her arms. A split lip. A large bruise on her stomach and minor scratches. Her cheek is obviously swollen but that will go down in a couple days. The bruises as well."
"Now list the wolf demon's injuries."
Sango sighed, "Multiple stab wounds, ninja star wounds, dart wounds, poison powder, and poison paste directly into his stomach wound. I also managed to strike him several times, once in the groin. I also struck him with a chain."
"Damn, Sango," Inuyasha grinned suddenly, "He got more than he bargained for when he grabbed you."
She smiled, "He'll think twice before he tries again. Kohaku sliced into him a little bit and Kirara got a piece of him before you came."
Inuyasha laughed and then sobered, "He hurt you."
"I'm fine," she repeated exasperated by having to repeat the point.
"That sword," Sesshomaru inclined his head towards it where it leaned against the wall, "Belongs to the wolf?"
Sango glanced to the side, "Yeah, I managed to get a hold of it when we were fighting. Kohaku brought it here since he was unsure of where it went. He knew it did not belong in my personal weapons but was reluctant to just leave it."
"May I?" He reached for the blade but did not take it.
"It's yours," she handed it over without a thought.
Sesshomaru stood suddenly, placed it on his waist, and left.
Inuyasha sent her a regretful glance and then followed.
"Rin, have you asked your questions." The demon lord inquired softly.
"Yes, milord," she grinned.
"I want you to stay here," Sesshomaru ordered, "I will return."
"Yes, milord," she accepted his orders with slightly less enthusiasm.
Sesshomaru nodded and walked away.
"Hey," Inuyasha caught up to him, "Why did you want the sword? What are you planning?"
"I do not explain myself to you, little brother." He glanced at his brother from the corner of his eye, "That human female is quite resilient."
"Yeah," Inuyasha nodded, "Sango's the only human I know who can get stabbed in the back with a scythe, shot with three arrows, get buried alive, and then live to tell about it."
"Impressive for a human."
"Yeah," he frowned, "She doesn't deserve to get hurt."
They were silent for a moment when the demon lord gathered his demonic aura about him. "Do not go after the wolf until I return," Sesshomaru ordered.
"What?!" Inuyasha's mouth dropped open, "You can't just-"
"You will obey me on this matter," he stated in a tone that promised dire consequences.
Sesshomaru lifted as his aura formed into a ball of light that encompassed him and was gone.
"Show off," Inuyasha kicked a rock and then made his way back to the hut.
Sango was standing in front of Kaede's hut ignoring her brother's pleas to return. "I'm fine. I'm going home and preparing dinner."
"Oh no you're not," Inuyasha glared at her.
"Inuyasha, she won't listen to me," Kohaku was just as exasperated.
"Don't worry, Kohaku, she'll listen to me," Inuyasha stated with confidence that wilted slightly under her glare.
"You will both listen to me," she was very angry with them, "I am not a pampered princess who takes to bed when she breaks a nail. I've been hurt worse and I recovered just fine."
"Lady Sango?"
Sango blinked, "Yes, Rin?"
"Lord Sesshomaru has told me to stay here, may I stay with you?" Rin twisted her hands nervously.
"Of course," she smiled, "Come with me, I'll show-"
She left out a yelp as Inuyasha just scooped her up.
"What are you doing? Put me down!"
"No, you are not going to play hostess when you're injured." He glanced over his shoulder at Kohaku, "Bring Rin."
He nodded and held out his hand.
She smiled and took it.
Kirara mewed and hopped onto her shoulder.
"Inuyasha, I'm serious! Put me down!"
"No!"
She swung at him then hissed with pain as she realized belatedly she had swung her bruised hand.
Inuyasha stopped and waited until she met his eyes, "Don't do that, Sango, we're going to take care of you."
"I don't need to be taken care of," she harrumphed irritated and ignored him.
He shook his head and continued to their house. She was a stubborn one, Sango, he should know. 'Cause not only had she survived all of those injuries and being buried alive but she had also tried to kill him directly after without healing first.
He waited for Kohaku to open the door for them and went in to find Shippo hopping around the table excitedly.
"Shippo, what the hell are you doing?" Inuyasha set Sango down gently.
She glared at him but thanked him politely.
"Well, since Sango is injured, I thought you guys would need somebody to prepare dinner," Shippo explained dryly to Inuyasha, "I was just happy you guys are back."
"Rin is going to be staying with us for awhile," Kohaku explained, "Until Lord Sesshomaru gets back."
Shippo blinked and looked at Inuyasha, "He trusts you to watch her?"
"He trusts me not to get her killed," the half-demon snorted and sat next to Sango, "So where's the food?"
"It's almost ready," Shippo sniffed and dashed to the kitchen.
"Everyone lives here?"
Everyone paused to look at the little girl.
"Yeah, everyone." Inuyasha confirmed, "You can share a room with Sango."
He glanced to the slayer for confirmation.
"Yes, you can share my room." She smiled.
Sesshomaru landed in the distant mountains and walked briskly towards a cave, letting his scent fill the air.
Some wolves scampered ahead to alert his presence to their leaders while others watched him carefully.
Two wolfs in human form bowed to him and lead him to an old white wolf.
"Lord Sesshomaru of the Western Lands," the wolf acknowledged, "Please have a seat."
"Honored Sano of the Wolf Elders," Sesshomaru sat gracefully, "Thank you for your hospitality on such short notice."
"You are always welcome though you rarely take us up on the matter," Sano glanced at him frankly, "What's the occasion?"
Sesshomaru inclined his head with respect at the old one's insight, "We have a bit of a problem between our clans."
"Problem?" Sano sat up straighter, "Who would dare break the treaty held in place for a thousand years?!"
"Ones who have not been around so long and might not last through the night if they keep offending the Dog Clan," Sesshomaru regarded the angry elder calmly.
"Name the offender and the offense."
"Koga, the new leader of the brown wolves," Sesshomaru paused as the elder visibly struggled not to interrupt. When the elder settled he continued, "He attempted to kidnap and mate a female who is not only part of my brother's pack but under my personal protection."
The elder turned and barked out a sharp order.
"While I would never accuse a Demon Lord such as yourself of lying," Sano turned back to him, "You can understand my disbelief. Every wolf knows it is forbidden to try to force a female dog demon. Besides, Koga is engaged to my granddaughter Ayame."
"Is that so?" Sesshomaru layered his tone with blatant disbelief and honest confusion. "The female of which I speak is human."
"Human?" Sano spoke and then politely refrained from pressing for more information, "Ayame has visited Koga as of late. She will have some insight in this matter."
Sesshomaru politely refrained from contradicting him and waited.
A young redheaded wolf bounced in with a smile which only wilted at the sight of Sesshomaru. She dropped to a knee and bowed her head, "You summoned me, Grandfather?"
"Lord Sesshomaru has claimed Koga has tried to steal a human mate from his brother's pack. Do you have anything you want to say?"
Her head lifted to reveal her face in grim lines, "He did pursue a human in Inuyasha's pack. I had thought she died." She turned to Sesshomaru, "Has Kagome returned?"
Sano got to his feet, "Do you mean to tell me Koga has left you for a human bride?!"
"She doesn't love him," Ayame paled, "He'll see the truth in time."
"Why did you not tell me this, Ayame?!"
She cringed and lowered her head once more, "I did not wish you to know."
Sano turned to Sesshomaru, "Please send my deepest regrets to this Kagome."
"Ayame is, unfortunately, correct about Kagome," Sesshomaru felt something akin to pity for the girl, "The human female I speak of is Sango."
Ayame's head snapped up with disbelief, "Sango?! But why would he go after her? It was Kagome's ability to see the jewel shards that attracted him."
"I do not claim to know his thoughts," Sesshomaru informed her lightly, "Though revenge was mentioned."
She shook her head so abruptly that it sent her pigtails swinging. "He can't do this to me again. I'll kill her this time. I'll-"
"Ayame!" Sano barked, "Koga will be handled. Sango is not to be touched! Do you understand?!"
She cringed and lowered into a bow.
"Send word for Koga. Now."
She scrambled out of the cave.
Sesshomaru removed Koga's sword from his waist, "I believe this belongs to him."
He dropped it.
Sano glanced sharply at the weapon and then at the demon lord, "You could have shown me this sword and I would have believed everything you said but you did not."
"I would rather be proven right than wrong. I have only the word of my brother and his female pack member."
"The sword itself tells of the battle," Sano lifted his eyes to meet Sesshomaru's, "With this sword you could have ruled the Brown Wolves."
"I have no desire to lead the wolves," Sesshomaru remarked calmly. "Besides, it was the human female who liberated it from him."
Sano nodded, "I see."
"If Koga crosses Inuyasha again, then he will be killed."
"With no repercussions," Sano agreed regretfully, "He was such a promising wolf."
"He might still be," Sesshomaru inserted a consolatory tone into his voice, "Just keep him away from my brother. He's vowed to kill him."
"How hurt was the female?" The elder sank into his seat.
A ghost of a smile played with Sesshomaru's face and he relayed the information as thoroughly as possible along with his astute observations.
End of Chapter