Disclaimer: I would just like to say that I do not own ANY of the Inuyasha characters however any of those who are not in the anime are mine as well as the plot. It is mine!

Sword Dancer

Weapons were sharpened as well as tongues, Love became the hope all needed and the Fates saw two perfectly good individuals who seemed dead set on going in opposite directions. They smirked in amusement.

Jericho growled as Kegan crouched across the way from him. It had been two days since they'd returned. The team had reveled in being together once again and their plays were flawless even now.

They had switched up the teams this time and Kegan was his opponent for now as the twins weaved in and out around Val and Lee.

Her sword was drawn and she bared her teeth in challenge.

"Are you ready to lose today, Jer?" The black haired inu smirked and flipped his blade. She rolled her eyes then crouched lower.

"In your dreams Mage." She laughed and rushed him, launching herself over him and skidding backward as Magus came up behind her and practically plastered himself to her. Jericho snarled in jealousy as she completely surrendered then pushed her arms out and water shot from her palms toward him and Lee while Ryo took out Val.

The battle was over too quickly as Kegan stepped away from the water dragon and smirked at the drenched Jericho.

"Still gonna win, Cappy?" Golden eyes glared at her then turned curious.

"How did you do that?"

Kegan looked at Magus then back at Jericho and shrugged.

"I just centered my energy and became a conductor for the water. Not really that hard; basic teachings actually."

Lee raised his eyebrow as a smile broke out across his face.

"So wait…we could all do that?" The blonde woman stepped back for a minute to think then shook her head.

"No. At least I don't think so. You have to have a deep connection with the earth or the elements like a Lord or Ryo and Magus I think."

Jericho's golden eyes gave a small glint as a planned formed in his mind. Stepping forward he reached out for her hand.

"Let's test that theory." Kegan stared at him for a moment then looked at Magus who shrugged and nodded. He saw something flash across her face but ignored it as her hand was enclosed in his.

She turned and put her back to his chest and took his other hand. She made sure to keep a slight bit of distance between them but other than that it was exactly as Magus had just done.

Jericho couldn't hide the smile that broke out as he was so close to her. Her scent enveloped and he knew he could stand here forever if time would allow. He held her hands gently and closed the distance, not noticing how she stiffened and moved slightly away again.

"Okay. Now Jer, you need to focus and weave your youki with hers. Make sure to keep a firm control on it and Kegan will do the rest." Magus coached from the fence where the others had retreated. No one wanted to be caught in the uproar of power.

Kegan slowed her breathing and concentrated on the tendrils of power that thrummed through her and tried to ignore the forcefulness of her captain's ki.

Her eyes opened and she could see the dark blue tendrils intertwining with her soft green ones. She let the power take over her own and tried not to flinch as it thrust harshly against her. Pain shot through her but she resisted from showing.

In her concentration she didn't notice the others that had joined the little group. Now the entire inu-tachi stood watching as well as the two Lords.

"Okay, Jericho! Easy now and give her your consent."Jericho nodded behind her and suddenly felt all of the push his youki held as it struggled to make her submit. Why wasn't he trying to control it? The blue energy angrily bashed against her own and she grit her teeth and focused it out toward a distant tree she could pinpoint.

As it flew away from her Kegan felt as if her body was being torn apart and instinctively tried to pull away but Jericho's embrace tightened holding her where she was. She gave a low growl but it was ignored as his nose buried intimately into her neck.

Behind her she heard a guttural snarl as she struggled and knew it was Inuyasha. What she didn't realize is that right after it came a second and far more powerful snarl by that of his brother.

She struggled as Jericho should have let go by now.

"Jer, let go! You'll rebound the power! Let go!" Magus shouted suddenly very concerned when Inuyasha leapt over the fence.

"Cap! Let her go!!" Val ordered following the half breed.

Kegan gave a hiss of her own and thrust against the energy hold then pushed her power backward and causing a ripping rift in the control as Jericho snarled in anger.

Kegan hit the ground hard as Jericho was thrown backward. She flipped over when she heard the enraged roar. The first thing she saw was the cloth of the fire rat as Inuyasha knelt beside her then her green eyes switched to the two forms growling angrily at one another.

Sesshomaru stood over Jericho who was lifting himself up off the ground to glare back at him with furry.

She couldn't understand what they were saying but she knew they were both pretty pissed. She gave a hiss of pain as her head pounded and they both turned to look at her. Eyes widened as she noticed the red in their gazes.

Inuyasha however ignored them both and knelt beside her.

"Stupid idiot. He should've controlled his youki." He muttered as he checked her over then met her eyes.

"You okay Dancer?" Kegan stared at him frozen. Her brain flew at ninety miles an hour as she figured what had happened.

She had not thrown herself. Sesshomaru had thrown Jericho to get him to let go of her so Inuyasha could…protect her. But why?

The younger was beginning to get concerned as she didn't answer and his beast cried out to its elder who immediately came to his side.

Sesshomaru beat his anger down harshly. He didn't want to scare her anymore than she already was nor did he want to do something as stupid as Jericho had just done.

Carefully he reached out a hand and slid it under her back then the other under her legs lifting her up and cradling her against his chest.

She stiffened then relaxed as a soothing rumble emitted from his chest. Sesshomaru gave no one any time to protest as he sprinted to the medical wing, leaving a group of very confused allies, and one seriously pissed off rival.

Kegan smiled at the old healer as she handed her the purple vile.

"Drink this and take it easy for the rest of the day. You should be fine in the morning." The young mage nodded and downed it quickly throwing a glance at the taiyouki who stood like a sentinel by the door.

He had not left her side yet and she knew everyone could feel the angry youki that swirled around him. With a smile she stood slowly then made her way to his side. He must've been in deep thought because he seemed surprised when her hand touched his arm.

"Sesshomaru?" He didn't realize it was her for a second and he got ready to growl but her green eyes registered in his mind and his eyes softened. If she hadn't been looking she would have missed it completely.

He lifted his gaze and nodded to Misoka then turned and walked gracefully down the hall away from her. Kegan stared after him until his low command reached her ears.

"Come." The Mage jumped and scurried after him, meeting his stride with two steps of her own.

He didn't speak and she didn't expect him to as they walked through the large halls not stopping as they passed servants and others alike.

Kegan didn't notice when he stopped so she nearly ran into him. She looked up and began to apologize when he simply turned and walked through the shoji screen, leaving it open for her to follow after him.

Her nose was filled with scents of lilies and violets as they stepped into a large courtyard she had never noticed before. It was not in the garden she knew that much because she would have found it if it was.

Sesshomaru walked into the middle of the large flower garden then turned to watch as she inspected it carefully then her gaze slowly traveled up to him again.

"What is this place?" she whispered. Sesshomaru's eyes focused on her for a second then he seated himself where he stood and nodded, giving her permission to join him.

Kegan shook her head and took a seat a good few feet away from him as he unhooked his swords and laid them beside him as she did the same.

"I had this garden created a few years after you left. The second time. My father was against it." She gave him a soft smile.

"I would never suspect otherwise."

Sesshomaru merely stared then raised his eyebrow.

"You learned to be what you are in the Green Lands did you not?" Kegan was surprised. How had he known where she had…?

"I keep tabs on all my soldiers, even those who are banished. And the ship you boarded was headed there as well."

Kegan stood and walked around for a second, mulling things over as her anger began to spike.

"You mean to tell me that you knew where I was this entire time and you didn't even think to send for me!? I lost everything! My family, my home, my honor, my title, Inuyasha, and…" She nearly said him but she stopped and spun away trying to calm her emotions.

Around her the wind blew around in lazy waves attempting to console her but she was angry and she would not let him get away with this. Her voice was low and dangerous as she spoke.

"Why did you bring me here, Lord Sesshomaru?" She asked quietly aware that he was standing now and ready to defend himself if she was to attack.

She turned her head to see him staring straight at her and she quickly pushed down a blush but he ignored that and strapped on his swords again and held hers out for her to take.

She noticed his eyes were guarded and he had retained that commanding tone he always used with his subordinates. Taking a deep breath she steeled herself and enclosed her heart as thick as she could as he told her.

"Your position has changed. You are no longer underneath the third Prince. As of now you will be known as Royal Mage. You will answer to no one except myself and Seiko. I brought you here because it is here you will show us what you have achieved and learned as well as I will be training with you. Is that understood?"

Kegan bit her tongue as hard as she could to keep from lashing out at him. The dog in her was demanding the respect she earned as well as to express her anger. He was using her just like his father.

Green eyes flared to life as he growled for an answer.

"I will not repeat myself, Mage. Answer this Sesshomaru."

Kegan suddenly snapped her eyes up and did not hide the venom in them or in her voice.

"As you wish, Sesshomaru-sama."

Without any thought she left him standing alone still holding her sword. She missed his look of guilt as she fled the area, afraid her emotions would cause destruction which they always did, so instead she headed for the stables.

Percius whickered as she mounted and reined him out into the front then shot him straight past the large gates.

Kegan didn't pay any attention as they galloped through the forest. Percius never slowed as he too enjoyed the racing. He could feel his master's distress.

The green eyed Mage and her steed rode until both were panting from exhaustion and had no choice but to stop beside the large river they'd come upon.

While Percius drank his fill, Kegan dropped to her knees beside the water and stared at her reflection.

The black make-up she wore was smudged and her hair was wild and windswept around her; tear tracks adorned her cheeks and her eyes were red and swollen. Bending down she cupped the water in her hands, avoiding using any of her skills, and splashed the cool liquid on her face.

Doing this a few times she finally dried her face and looked down again. It wasn't much but at least she looked normal again. Standing she looked around her and noticed how late it had gotten.

The sun was slowly moving down below the land and deep purples and navy blues followed after it as the stars twinkled to life.

Turning her head she gave a short and broken laugh as she noticed what phase the moon was in. The Western Crescent matched the large pale one in the sky and the sight of it made her heart throb but she pushed it away and mounted her horse again, this time they took it slow.

She knew some of them would be worried and angry at her for running off but she couldn't be bothered to care at the moment. They could be pissed all they liked but she would not let them order her around like some subdued female. She was a warrior and a Mage; a very powerful one at that and she would be treated as such.

Inuyasha watched his brother out of the corner of his eye. Ever since Dancer had left earlier Sesshomaru had been acting slightly off. But it wasn't just him.

Magus, the dragon that she always seemed to have with her was shooting daggers at Jericho who sat subdued beside Seiko. Mizu and Koga had been sent on another scouting mission and the only speaking going on was between the humans, and Shippo.

But even that was done softly and quietly. Finally the hanyou turned to look fully at the taiyouki who was his brother.

He had stiffened and was scenting the air. Abruptly he stood and walked to the window that was behind his chair and looked out. Inuyasha barely had time to know what was happening before he disappeared out the door.

Curiosity compelled him and he moved to the window and his eyes widened at what he saw.

Seiko came to stand beside him and was gone just as quickly followed by his brother. Inuyasha growled and motioned for the others to follow.

"Come on. Might as well be witnesses to Sesshomaru's ass kicking." He groused as Magus knocked him on the shoulder.

"So she came back huh?" Inuyasha shook his head with a smirk and looked at the dragon.

"Doesn't she always?" Magus laughed out loud making Inuyasha actually smile. He was beginning to like this guy.

Kegan gave Percius one last pat then headed out toward the palace when she was intercepted by an enraged Western Lord.

"Wench…" He hissed and narrowed his eyes. She rolled hers and walked passed him.

"Grow up. I'm not in the mood." Her voice was smooth and normal but that didn't mean Sesshomaru liked it. He reached out and spun her around to snarl in her face but she didn't flinch.

"You will explain yourself. Now or be punished." Kegan raised her eyebrow.

"Oooo. What will you come up with next?" She jerked out of his grasped and continued on as she saw the others coming out to witness the spectacle Sesshomaru was about to create.

Sesshomaru growled and crouched. He had already given her warning, he would not tolerate disobedience. In a graceful move he launched himself at her, ignoring the gasps of the Miko and of his brother as he easily picked up the Mage and tossed her into the air. He expected immediate submission, what he didn't expect was for her to retaliate.

As he released her, he watched as she changed her momentum and landed a good twenty feet away as a forceful gale lifted him into the air and threw him to the ground with as much force as Tetsaiga. He was dazed for only a second then rage took over and he jumped up and rushed her but she was ready.

Again he was knocked backward but this time by jets of water. He could tell she was moving closer and closer with every attack.

Sesshomaru found himself knocked on his back and then cloves of earth covered his feet and his wrists, ensuring that he wouldn't be able to get up and attack her.

Kegan glared at him from where she was then noticed that her team was on the move to help but she held out her hand.

"No. I don't want your help. Magus, keep them back." She pointedly ignored Jericho's possessive growl and walked toward the captured Western Lord stopping as Seiko stepped out to intercept her.

"You could be tried for treason, you know." She gave him a cheeky smile.

"I'm not committing treason. I'm teaching a lesson." The Eastern Lord smirked and stepped out of the way as she finally reached Sesshomaru's side. His growls were loud and very angry so she waited until he calmed down enough so she could speak.

Kneeling she waited.

"Listen closely Sesshomaru, because I will not say this again." She commanded only loud enough for him to hear.

"I will follow your orders but you will not treat me as a servant because that is not what I am. I recognize your power but you will recognize mine. I do not have to fight for you. I do so however because I choose to among other reasons. Now, I'm going to let you up and don't think I won't knock you down a few pegs if you attack me because like I said a few minutes ago, I'm not in the mood."

She stood again never taking her eyes off his and released the holds with a small gesture then turned and continued her trek back up to the castle without looking back. She was tired and she was hurt enough for one day.

Kegan waited until she'd reached the safety of her room and firmly closed the doors to break down. Her actions were numbed as she changed into a sleeping yukata and crawled beneath the blankets of her bed. She curled up into a ball and let her tears fall onto her pillow without regret.

In her state she didn't hear the door open ever so quietly as someone came in, dressed in night clothes. He walked to the side she had her back turned on and slid in beside her, wrapping his arms around her tightly and nuzzling her hair for comfort.

Kegan stiffened then relaxed suddenly as the cool scent of fresh water filled her nose. She turned over and buried her face in his chest as he rubbed circles on her back.

The young Mage fell to sleep in her friend's arms. The only one who truly knew whom her tears were for.