Chapter 26

Never Trust Only What You Can See

Shakaku leaned back against the tree, his posture relaxed as his feet dangled over the high branch. He took a deep breath, scenting the little woman sitting against him and the air around him. He scowled as a few new smells hit his nose before pushing it to the back of his mind.

He had more important things to think about.

Things like the woman he had fallen in love with.

His eyes traveled to the thick brown hair on the top of her head and he looked away again, knowing she was as relaxed as she could be. His hands rested on her abdomen, locking her in place, her hands on top of his.

He looked down at his own muscular arms, narrowing his eyes at the unmarked skin. Yura didn't know but he had markings that he kept hidden. He was a powerful person and, sometimes, he just wanted a break from it all.

That was how he had met Yura in the first place. As much as he hated to admit it, he had been hiding in a tree when he had noticed a young girl being chased by many bees. Part of hiding meant concealing the very markings that screamed who he was.

Normally, he went to the only person who he could count on to hide him, the only person who could truly understand how he felt. However, that person had been gone, patrolling his lands. Now, he was off fighting a war.

In truth, all of this was his fault.

As Yura sighed and relaxed further into his hold, Shakaku knew he couldn't really be angry at his friend.

He wouldn't give up this woman. The very woman he wanted to mate. The same woman he knew he could never truly have.

Leaning his head back against the tree, Shakaku closed his eyes. He knew that what he was doing was wrong. People depended on him, needed him. Normally, he would escape for a few days, spending most of them with Yura, then return home.

However, now that the Shikon Miko has left her village vulnerable, and in the hands of a new miko, he couldn't return to his home under good conscience. He understood why this Kagome woman did what she had, but Yura wasn't truly ready. She still had more to learn before she should have been put in this position.

Although he couldn't lie. She was doing exceptionally well. It just tired her out more than he liked. Thoughts of his Yura turned his thoughts to something else. How would she react when she found out who he was?

She didn't mind him being a demon, but what about the secret he had been keeping? It wasn't exactly small and, quite honestly, she wouldn't look at him the same way. What, then, would he do? Would he lose his female, just because of something he didn't even want?

He was already going to lose her because of her lifespan, and now, there was a chance he would lose her for something that he couldn't change. Something that was a part of him. He loved her as she was. Could she return the favor?

"Shakaku?" Yura whispered, pulling him out of his thoughts. "What has you so worried?"

"Many things." He answered truthfully. He nuzzled into her hair and tightened his arms around her.

"I wonder if you will ever let me in." Yura replied, making the male behind her tense. His eyes bore into the back of her head, and she could feel it as if she could see it.

"What do you mean, Woman?"

"Do you really think I don't know you have your secrets? It's ok. I'm not mad about it." Yura stated, turning slightly towards her lover and placing a small hand on his cheek, her fingers trailing over his skin. "I just want you to know that you can trust me. I won't judge you, or tell anyone your secrets. I also won't pressure you to tell me."

"One day, perhaps, I will confide in you." He acknowledged, pressing his lips to her forehead and letting them linger.

Somehow, this woman once again surprised him, and he wondered if there would be a time where she didn't. He knew that, while he had her, there would never be a dull moment. He also knew her knack of getting into trouble would keep him on his toes.

She seemed to prove that when she attempted to turn around to face him but, instead, got her foot caught on the branch and tumbled over the edge. Luckily, Shakaku had amazing reflexes and caught the frightened woman by her ankle.

He lifted one eyebrow as she giggled at him, her arms and hair dangling beneath her as he continued to hold her suspended for a moment. The thought that she must really trust him crossed his mind, and he returned her smile before pulling her back to the branch.

This time, he went ahead and set her chest to his before wrapping his arms back around her. He tilted his head and nipped at her neck, causing the female to giggle again. He continued to tickle her, enjoying their time together.

Had he been home, he never would have been able to play like this.

This was something that only she could give him.

"I love you, Shakaku." Yura said, breathless. He pulled away from her, blinking his eyes in wonderment. He would never understand how he was able to get a female such as her.

"And I, you." He replied, covering her lips with his. His kiss was loving and sensual, thorough and passionate. He took in her taste and the small moans she released as he explored her wet cavern.

Quickly, he pulled her into his lap, letting her straddle his legs and the erection he was now supporting. He had taken her many times but a tree would be new, even for him. Not to mention just how high up they were in this particular tree.

Hands roamed. Tongues cooled heated flesh. Backs arched as heads were thrown back. Clothing was quickly discarded, floating to the ground beneath them like leaves caught by the wind. The sounds of passion, love, and ecstasy were heard by the wildlife surrounding them, the wind that blew, and the gods smiling at their connection.

Not even the biting bark under Shakaku's backside and thighs could dull the sensations his woman brought forth from him as he rocked into her accommodating body. How it weeped for him. Dark, pert nipples rested on full, round breasts. A siren's calling.

Sweat trailed over two bodies, hair grasped by large hands, holding their prize in place for his show of love. Not once had he taken a female and felt the things this one could evoke in him. The very cliff that she brought him to, the one nearing quickly, was the highest.

Thoughts of sinking his fangs into tempting flesh flashed through his mind, bombarding him with a new need, and he snarled his fangs, fighting the very real, and very large, urge to truly mate his female.

He couldn't be sure about the next, but this time, he won the battle and brought both him and Yura to completion. Her scream hurt his ears, making them twitch, but never once did he look away as she threw her head back, his own teeth bared as he spilt inside of her, marking her as his for at least a few days.

She collapsed onto his chest, both panting from their activities. He couldn't keep the wicked smile from his face as he trailed his fingers through her damp hair. He had just taken his woman in a tree. This would be something Sesshomaru would find enjoyable. He would have to brag about it the next time he saw his friend.

The moment of bliss was ruined when a new smell hit his nose, and he snapped his head toward it. He registered the scent from earlier, the one he had pushed away, but the oncoming scent wasn't peaceful. They reeked of anger…and danger.

Yura yelped as he pushed from the tree, landing on the forest floor. He need not say anything for his miko was smart and immediately dressed herself. They finished together, and she climbed onto his back, holding on for dear life as he jumped back into the tree tops, bouncing from branch to branch.

He stopped a few trees away, keeping hidden as he crouched down above a group of bandits consisting of men and women. His senses quickly took note of the situation and he scowled in disgust. The females were huddled together, many silently crying.

A few were covered in blood that appeared to have been attempted to be cleaned. It was the location of this blood that disgusted Shakaku the most. The gasp behind him spoke that Yura had noticed the bloody thighs of the women, and he could feel her tense.

"How can those men do something so horrible?" She whispered, the smell of unshed tears slapping her male.

"They did not." Shakaku corrected, turning his eyes towards the new group of men.

"I don't understand. How can you know?

"The same way any demon will know what occurred between us. Those women do not smell of those men…at least, not internally." Shakaku stated, jumping from the branch and landing on the ground again.

He knelt, allowing Yura to step off of him, then turned to her. "The women are not scared of those men. They are scared of males in general. Those men rescued the females, and now, the rapists are about to attempt to take the females back."

"Well, they saved the girls so the bandits should be fine, right?" Yura asked, looking past him to the group of bandits and the much larger army approaching.

"This one believes the culprits recruited more. The bandits will not survive." He replied. He pointed to the base of the tree and nodded towards the trunk. Yura moved to it instantly, and he placed a hand beside her shoulder. The other grabbed her chin, forcing her to look at him.

"They are human. Your reiki will not work. You will stay in this spot and not move until I tell you to." He ordered, making sure he continued to stare into her eyes.

He needed her out of the way so he could handle this army. Normally, he wouldn't interfere, but they were too close to the village for him to turn his back on the fight. In order to protect Yura, he would have to destroy this army on his own.

Not much of a problem, just annoying.

When he received a nod of compliance, and a whispered "be careful," he placed a quick kiss on her lips before turning back towards the now-standing bandits. The army was standing in front of them, demanding their females back.

Of course, the savior males denied them, not even backing down to certain death. Shakaku decided this was the perfect time to intervene. He said nothing as he strolled between the tiny group of bandits and the large army.

He simply stood, facing the men that disgusted him. They reeked of the females, and he knew they hadn't even washed themselves after defiling the women. It was vile and only fueled his anger.

"You will leave this instant." It was an order, his voice strong and loud, commanding anyone who heard.

A few men took a step back and lowered their swords, not wanting to fight a demon, but the leader of the army held up a hand, telling his men to stand their ground. It seemed he would be the cause of their death.

"We just want our women, then we will leave." The male said, his voice wavering even though he acted as if it didn't.

"These women are now mine. They will go somewhere where they can heal from your misuse and live their lives as they should under this Shakaku's protection. This is your last warning. Remove yourselves from these lands." Shakaku could hear the bandits murmuring behind him, and he quickly tuned them out. Instead, he narrowed his eyes at the male that dared to raise his sword towards him.

"I will fight you for them." The leader stated.

Shakaku looked at the shaking sword and knew the male was trembling. In fact, the entire army was, and he could only think that humans were becoming weaker and weaker. At one time, they actually used to be considered true warriors…not now though.

So, without saying a word, he snapped his arms up, outstretched to the side, and let his flames engulf him. He could not allow these men to leave for, if he did, they would just find more women to violate. He just hoped Yura could forgive him.

Immediately, the army dropped their weapons and began running, and he quickly took off after them. Balls of flaming fire shot from his arm, flying towards his new enemy with every swing of his arm. Men were engulfed and could only manage one small scream before the intense heat took their breath away.

The smell of burning flesh and hair was becoming strong and overbearing. He stopped when only one male was left, the leader. He watched as the man continued running for his life, turning to look behind him at the now-still demon.

Shakaku let the male get far enough away to think that he had made it before he slapped his hands together in a loud clap, pulling them apart slowly and watching as a wall of fire formed in front of him. His flames were so hot, he could see the heat waves flowing off of it. A push of both hands and that giant wall of fire was chasing after the now-terrified, shrieking male.

The inferno took out the already dead males, leaving nothing but piles of ashes that blew away in its passing. Finally, the last target was engulfed in flames, immediately incinerated. It happened so quickly that the ashes of the body actually stayed put in the form of a human for a second before swirling away.

Knowing that he had not finished his task, he turned back towards the bandits. He noticed that they were surrounding the females, their swords drawn. He looked towards the woods, his eyes meeting Yura's, and he gave a quick nod. She immediately ran towards him, shocking the bandits.

The leader of the group took notice of how the small miko female was looking up at the demon, and he knew they had finally found a safe place for the females. After all, they lived their lives stealing, and dragging around traumatized women wouldn't exactly be wise.

"You saved us." The leader said while bowing. "We are in your debt."

"Hn. The females will come with my miko and myself. They will be treated and given shelter until their homes can be found." Shakaku ordered. The man nodded and gave the order to his own men to let the females go, and they gladly went to Yura, glad to be with another girl.

"Is there anything else we can do? Truly, we would have lost our lives if not for you." The leader said once again.

Shakaku thought for a moment before a smile hit his face. There was something he could do, and while they would be a help later on, they would still annoy the Western Lord. He couldn't pass up this chance.

"You will go to the Western Shiro, home of the Western Lord. You will fight in the upcoming war, ensuring the survival of yokai. When succeeded, you will be paid…if you survive. You will also be a part of a new world where peace strives between all." Shakaku commanded, catching the male off guard.

"O-Oh, there's a war?" The bandit asked, actually looking confused. When he received a nod from the powerful demon, he turned to his men, noticing that most of them were okay with fighting for demons. Besides, they had never been to the Western Shiro before so maybe they could snag a few items as well. "How will they know you sent us?"

"When you arrive, you will be surrounded by guards. The palace is well protected. Ask for Jaken immediately, and when he arrives, tell him that Shakaku sent you. This one's name will be all you need." Shakaku returned before placing a hand on the small of his female's back and turning. He took a few steps before pausing to look over his shoulder at the men. "You may think me powerful, but the Western Lord is even stronger. I would advise you not to steal from him. He has taken someone's hand for much less."

With that, the demon walked away with his female, the others following behind. The bandit leader shivered at the thought of who he would be approaching soon. He could only imagine what the Western Lord was capable of.

Riku stood in the middle of the marketing village, the headmaster across from them. He reached into his pocket and grasped the pouch of coins before handing it to the male. It was easy to see the damage done to the village, and he couldn't keep the smile off of his face.

His plan had worked much better than anticipated. He had only told the headmaster to create a mob and attack the group housing his miko, he never asked for a riot. But it would work towards his advantage. Another reminder of why the Western Lord should hate humans, another wedge between what was his and the trash standing in his way.

"But we weren't able to kill them?" the headmaster stated, letting the pouch weigh heavily in his hand.

"It is of no matter. I am sure the desired effect was still achieved." Riku replied, smiling in victory.

"What exactly did you want to happen?"

That smile quickly fell as he eyed the male. He contemplated on answering him, then decided it wouldn't hurt anything to be truthful. "That demon is keeping my miko from me. This was just the first step to getting what is mine."

At that, he turned from the shocked headmaster, whistling a happy tune as he began towards his army. This plan was done, and he knew it had worked perfectly. There was no way it couldn't have.

His happy whistle was the only thing heard as he began to think of the next step he would take. Soon, very soon, he would get his miko. He would have all of his desires. He would destroy yokai, he would create powerful offspring, but most importantly…he would have Kagome.

-sSs-

It's been a while since we paid a visit to Shakaku and Yura. I am pretty sure that a couple of you will realize just who he is. Lol. If not, you will find out soon enough. But he is beginning to help by sending able bodies to war. He'll end up doing more, but for now, that's it. It seems that Riku was the one who started the fight between Kagome and Sesshomaru so he got what he wanted. I wonder what else he is going to plan. You will all just have to wait. Hehe. I hope you enjoy.

Also, just as an advanced warning. I have decided to do a sequel to this story. Yay!

Shout outs:

CelticladyLynn236: Sesshomaru did what he did with mating Guinevere as a way to protect Kagome. Truthfully, Kagome wouldn't have been strong enough to handle the armies Sesshomaru's mother sent her way, and Sesshomaru wouldn't have been able to protect her 24/7. It wasn't that he didn't trust her, it was just that he had no choice in the matter. He also would never hurt Kagome purposefully. Kagome does have a long way to grow, and she will realize that in the next chapter. Sesshomaru did forget about the fact that he couldn't be with Kagome in that way, and it is a good thing that Kagome reminded him, though he may be angry about it. While the necklace will be mentioned again, I do not believe I will do anything special with it. Satori will eventually play a part in this story, but it will still be a bit before she appears. And when she does show up, she will not be a happy camper.

Alexis Night (guest): It's a little bit more than just saying "fuck it". Kagome has always been responsible and she does what needs to be done, not what she wants to do. She wouldn't change from that, no matter what. I try my best to keep her character as close to the anime character as I can. That is why Kagome has to grow as a person. She is still weak in the emotional department, and she will realize that soon.

Redrake323: I feel bad for both of them. The situation they are in, isn't a pleasant one.

Slytherin's pimp: Yes, Kagome does feel like the other woman, and eventually Sesshomaru will realize that. He will begin to understand where Kagome is coming from, just like Kagome herself will begin to understand a few things.

Wren210: Poor Guin. She will never win with you, will she? Lol. Shush….. and no, nobody can catch a break. Lol. That would be too easy.

I do not own InuYasha.