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

The distance was cutting and would soon bring great despair but as such would send them running back into each other's arms.

Kegan poked at the dying fire as the stars twinkled above her. Kouga had estimated they were about a half days ride from the village and by mid afternoon tomorrow they would be there.

Ryo was on sentry watch and around her sat three of the six guards already sleeping to get ready for their shift. Miroku was resting against a tree across the clearing and Ayame was skinning a deer they'd caught for dinner. Kegan smiled at the female wolf until her attention was diverted to Jericho who sat a stack of firewood beside her then looked at Ayame.

"Where's the wolf?" He asked cockily making Kegan bristle for the hundredth time. Ever since they had left the citadel Jericho's entire attitude had changed. He was rude and bossy, hardly the man she remembered him being.

"Kouga is scouting ahead. He should be back soon." The golden eyed man nodded then smirked at her.

"So what are we planning for tomorrow?" Kegan raised her eyebrow.

"We need to get to the village and we'll decide what to do then. Seiko never told us if they were on our side or not So…"

"We had better be prepared then if they were to attack us we would want to be ready, right?" he interrupted looking at Miroku who stood and joined them.

"Jericho, we're not here to do battle. We want the people to trust us. Without trust we learn nothing important." Kegan retorted attempting to calm her temper. Jericho scoffed and rolled his eyes.

"Not everyone is as pure as you women like to believe, Kegan." Green eyes flashed in distaste as she stood and picked up her sword belt.

"I will take the second watch."

Jericho watched as she walked away shrugging then smirking at Miroku.

"They just don't understand do they, eh, Miroku?" The purple robed monk raised his eyebrow then turned away.

"Be careful your tongue doesn't overstep its bounds Prince of the East." He said softly and returned to his position by the tree.

Kegan huffed as she sat down beside Ryo's post. The red dragon looked down at her and raised his eyebrow. The anger was practically rolling off of her in waves.

"Kegan…" she looked up at him and glared which he laughed at. She looked incredibly cute; angry the way she was.

"Stop laughing at me!" She hissed but he doubled over still laughing. She grumbled and turned away crossing her arms.

"Fine. I won't tell you what happened then." Ryo quieted his laughter to chuckles as he sat down next to her. They were quiet for a moment until she sighed and leaned against him, closing her eyes.

"He's being an ass. I needed to leave before I maimed him or something." Ryo smirked and put an arm around her.

"I had to do the same quite a few times today." Kegan nodded.

"Has he always been like this?" Ryo's red eyes softened as he took in her appearance. She had gone from bottled up excitement to exhaustion in a matter of hours because of Jericho's attitude.

He angled her closer and pulled her up to his chest, heating his skin slightly as she relaxed against him.

"Jericho has…changed." The mage nodded as her eyes drifted closed.

"And I'm not so sure it's for the better."

Jericho paced back and forth beside the fire as the sun slowly went down on the horizon. Miroku lay sleeping on the other side and Ayame had gone off in search of Kouga. The guards were all awake and getting things ready for tomorrow morning.

The cause of his pacing however was that the female was not back yet and nor was the dragon. His anger increased just thinking about them being alone together. His annoyance spiked as Ayame came into the clearing alone and worried.

"Jericho. I'm worried about Kouga. He's been gone for too long. He should've been back by now." She chipped making him growl and whirl on her.

"I don't care about that stupid wolf. For all I care he can get lost and stay lost." Ayame stared at him angrily.

"That is your ally, Prince and my mate-to-be. We will not leave him out there to die!' She hissed but Jericho snarled and stepped toward her.

"You will do as I say bitch. We stay here!" He pulled back to hit her when he was suddenly thrown backward by a stinging force.

Jericho hit the ground and slid backward as the guards jumped up in defense then relaxed. Ayame stared at the robed monk who stood solidly in front of her with his staff out and ready to defend.

Jericho growled angrily but Miroku was used to it. He wasn't friends with Inuyasha for nothing.

"Ayame is right, Jericho. Kouga is our friend and ally. Further more you will not harm the wolf demoness. Not while I'm around." Jericho was almost impressed with the Monk's bravery and the sound he made nearly sounded like a growl this however did not abate his anger.

"Step aside human; the bitch needs to learn her place." He growled and raced forward only to be stopped once again but this time by a chilling voice.

"Jericho." She warned angrily. Ryo walked behind her narrowing his eyes as well as the Eastern Prince turned to face them.

"Where have you been?" He rumbled but Kegan ignored him giving a nod to Miroku and Ayame.

"That is none of your concern. I suggest you take your watch now, before you embarrass yourself further." The black haired inu went to protest but a quick look at the imposing guards had him submitting. He could have defeated them but it would have been messy and Kegan would've been even more pissed.

"Fine." He groused as Kegan brushed past him and looked at Ayame.

"When did Kouga leave?" The red head whimpered softly as Kegan came closer.

"At least four hours ago. Something is wrong I know it." The dog demoness bit her lip then nodded. She turned to Ryo.

"Get the horses. We need to go after him. We can afford a few more hours of traveling. If we're lucky we'll get there by dawn." Ryo saluted her as he and Miroku did so. The warriors followed but she pulled one out.

"Go after Jericho please. And take his horse." The guard bowed and took off with Twilight.

Kegan mounted and petted Percius's mane just as the guard and Jericho joined them. She ignored them then looked at Ayame.

"Lead the way."

Ayame nodded and took off followed by the rest headed by Kegan.

The night grew dark but they didn't stop. Ayame never quit often sprinting far ahead. It was not until dawn that Kegan stopped them only by threatening to cut off Ayame's legs.

They settled in the tree line, Kegan weaving a soft blanket of heat over them all so they could be comfortable and sleep dreamlessly.

She was the only one who did not sleep and this action caused tempers to flare later that day.

When the others awoke they set off again and it was not far off when they scented the human village.

Ayame was the first inside as people came out to see them. As the others moved in they noticed the shortage of adults as children flocked in the streets wearing barely together clothes.

They all looked half starved and the village was bleak and empty. The putrid smell of death hit their noses like a tidal wave and all of them had to fight for control as they walked through.

Kegan was the first to dismount and the children watched her as if she were some sort of God to save them. She supposed that's what she looked like in her green embroidered dress and her long cloak with the western seal on her breast. She handed Percius's reins to Ryo and stepped forward tentatively.

The older children didn't move but some of the younger ones came forward fear in their eyes but also curiosity at the strangers.

"Hello." Kegan spoke softly, making sure her tone was soothing and calm. One of the smallest ones, barely any younger than Rin and Shippou came closest, reaching out and touching the fabric of the Lady's cloak.

Kegan looked down at the dirty little face and felt something inside her crumble at the desolation she saw there. She stood firm however and nodded as the little one led her along.

Her thoughts left the others behind as they walked along further into the village and the look didn't get any better.

The houses were even more charred and shallow graves had been made for the dead. Kegan felt her spirits drop further and further until she saw something or someone she had been looking for.

He looked up from shoveling dirt and whipped his brow, his blue eyes widening when he saw her.

"Lady Kegan…" He breathed and walked toward her, bowing.

"Forgive me for not coming sooner but…" She held up her hand.

"It's alright I understand. You were needed here. Come, Ayame is very worried and we need to discuss what will happen now."

She turned and he followed but Kegan had not forgotten the little boy standing beside her. Taking the cloth from him she extended her gloved hand and took him back to the front of the village where the others were.

They had tethered their horses and were giving out what food they had to the ones around them.

In all there were about twenty little ones and ten older kids. None of the adults were alive and almost half of them were hurt or sick making it even harder to transport them.

"We need to get word to Sesshomaru." Miroku spoke quietly as he helped one of the younger ones drink some water. Kegan nodded grimly looking up as someone walked through the makeshift flap on the most erect hut left.

She recognized Jericho's hard gaze easily.

"Kegan, we need to speak with you." Her green eyes went to Miroku who shrugged and continued what he was doing.

"I'll send Ryo to help you Miroku." The monk however showed no signs of listening as she left him quickly to be replaced.

Outside she was met with the growling forms of Ayame and Kouga. Jericho gave a snarl of his own which she narrowed her eyes at.

"It's out of the question. How dare you even think of that!" Kegan looked back and forth between them as Ayame attempted to control herself and her mate.

"They are children! It's murder!" She hissed and suddenly Kegan understood.

"We will not leave the children here, Jericho. It is not even to be considered." The black inu growled.

"They are our enemy Kegan. Naraku has infected them and they will betray us intentional or not." Her anger swelled in her throat as she glared at him trying not to attack him right then and there.

"They will not be blamed for what he has done. I will not leave them here. End of discussion." She turned to leave but he grabbed her wrist and snarled in her face.

"They die tonight; all of them. Whether you like it or not, Kegan." His voice was deadly and argued no movement but Kegan was not one to be so easily ignored. With a blinding jerk she stepped away from him and let her powers flare around her and in turn he took a step back.

"I've had it with you Jericho. You forget your place for the last time. If you touch even one of those children, I will kill you myself. Make no mistake about that."

The Mage turned quickly and fled the area not only afraid she wouldn't wait but torn inside because she'd just threatened her best friend.

Jericho did the same storming off in the opposite direction too angry to speak. The two wolves slowly calmed down as they gathered everything they could to leave in the morning.

Kegan sat in the middle of a dark clearing with her legs crossed and her eyes closed. Her sword was sitting across her knees and her dress and cloak pooled around her. Her breathing had slowed and she had calmed but she knew Jericho was still a touchy subject.

Her ears pricked at the slightest sound and her eyes creaked open as quiet footsteps reached her ears. With her learned grace she stood without stumbling and turned to face the little boy. He did not speak merely held out his hand for her to take which she did as he led her back to the village where the others were preparing.

All were doing something productive except Jericho who was suspiciously absent.

Ryo smiled at her as he hooked up his horse and Twilight to the wagon they'd patched up.

"I see your friend found you?" Kegan rolled her eyes.

"I presume we can fit most of them in the cart?" He gave her a sad look then lowered his eyes.

"No. We lost three of them about an hour ago. They've been encased by smoke. It's blackened their lungs and all of them are infected. Without proper treatment…they'll die." Kegan put a hand on his shoulder and knew it would be another long night.

"Start loading them up. We can't afford to stay here much longer." The dragon nodded.

"As you wish."

In a mere half hour they had moved most of the sick ones into the cart, burying those who had quickly died only moments before.

Kegan had sent the guards back to the castle and ordered them not to rest until they made it and informed Sesshomaru of what was happening.

Jericho was still not back yet and she knew she'd have to go find him though she preferred to leave him if at all possible.

With an annoyed sigh she loaded the quiet little boy onto Percius then led her palomino into the forest, sniffing out Jericho's scent. The lead was not as bold as it should have been leading her to believe he was no longer here.

She let out another huff then looked up into the darkening sky.

"We're leaving now! Catch up to us when you can!!" She called, knowing he could hear her if he was anywhere close by.

Turning Percius around she led him back to the others who were already on the move. Miroku was left with one of the other horses.

"Did you find him?" She shook her head.

"No. He'll find us." The monk nodded wondering how he could help this woman who had become so important in his family's life.

Kegan put her horse into a trot as he began to get slightly skittish. Percius was prancing and jumping. She had not expected this and his nervous attitude spooked the others.

They had only been traveling for a few hours and would have to stop soon Kegan knew but something tickled on the edge of her senses. It sent her hairs standing on end. Something was wrong she just didn't know what exactly.

They stopped at about noon by a small river crossing, refilling the canteens and caring for the children.

Kegan's small friend stayed close to her as if he were her mother or something. Of course this didn't bother her but he had not spoken since they'd met. This fact alone led the Mage to believe that he would be the one to tell them what had transpired in the village.

"We need to rest." Ryo spoke to her just as Kouga slid out from the wagon with a grim face. The message was clear. They weren't moving fast enough and they were dying more quickly.

The more healthy ones were sitting huddled together on the ground like scared rabbits. Her green eyes filled with concern.

"There has to be another way." She murmured wishing Jericho was there to bounce off ideas. Damn dog.

"All we can do is keep going and…" He was cut off suddenly as a loud roar broke the peace and sent the children running and the adults launched into battle mode.

"Ayame, Kouga. Get the kids out of here. Ryo, go with them. Miroku and I can handle this." Her tone was practically made of steel and the others only obeyed with no argument.

Miroku stood beside her readying ofudas.

"Can you tell what it is?" He asked in a controlled voice. She smirked and drew her sword aware that this battle might ruin her favorite dress. Oh well. It's what she got for wearing out here.

"Some sort of basilisk. It has caught onto the scent of death. Let's make this quick." The monk nodded and crouched low as the warrior stepped forward and the beast came into view.

It was huge. Its entire body made of ivory colored scales and bright green eyes. Atop its head were long horns and its long tongue scented its' surrounding focusing in on the beings below it. It gave a loud hiss showing the razor sharp teeth and fangs that lined the mouth. The entire body was at least half of the citadel wall and the thickness was about the size of a few large oak trees.

"Tch…" Kegan rolled her eyes and darted into action. Her sword drew blood but the creature healed quickly rolling and turning to catch her in its clutches while Miroku threw his sutras without stopping.

The Mage growled as she was almost struck by the tail. With one arm she held her sword and the other she blasted the hide with hot fire making the snake scream in agony but roll and knock her away in defense.

Miroku had mounted the body and was quickly executing his purification but nothing seemed to be working as the basilisk tumbled and rolled around, not keeping still. High above, Kegan twisted in the air and drove her sword into the head as it thrashed and roared but she didn't let go.

Miroku had rolled to the ground and was skirting around the tail as Kegan slid down the serpent's back like a slide, dragging her sword down the thick skin the whole time.

She jumped into the air and spun deflecting the fanged mouth but hissed as one of the deadly fangs snagged over her arm drawing blood.

The demoness flipped backward and rolled as Miroku called for her.

"Kegan!! Get behind me!!" She looked over her shoulder and her eyes widened as a new wind enveloped her and the Monk took the prayer beads off his arm.

In a split second she jumped high up into the air and slipped behind him as the large snake hissed and snarled as it was pulled toward what it had expected to be easy prey.

In a matter of seconds the snake was gone from existence, absorbed by the void in Miroku's hand.

Behind him Kegan huffed in annoyance as he sealed up the black hole.

"You could have done that ten minutes ago idiot." The monk threw a look over his shoulder and grinned.

"Yeah, but then it would've been too easy." The Mage laughed as he turned fully and walked to his staff which he had thrown away when the battle had started.

Kegan rolled her eyes and sheathed her sword being careful to hide her wound.

"Well then. I believe we are needed at the palace, eh?' She chided whistling for Percius who came quickly at a canter.

Miroku looked across the way and cursed when he saw his horse lying dead on the ground. Blood pooled around its neck.

Kegan smirked and mounted then reached out her hand. The monk smirked and grabbed it, swinging himself up behind her.

"Hands to yourself, Houshi." She warned making him laugh.

"I would never think of it."

Sesshomaru rubbed his temples in annoyance. The wench had not even been gone a week! A week and already he was on the verge of killing all of the irate bitches.

How on earth did she do it!? If it wasn't one thing it was another…the complaining never stopped!!

Even though the Miko and the taijiya were keeping things under control he was at his limit. The first day she had left Sesshomaru had narrowed the crowd down to two princesses and a duchess; a Cat demon from the North, a Kelpie from the South and Lady Aine of the Western Court.

All the others had quickly been sent home however, this didn't prevent the other three from acting like the true spoiled brats they were. Never in his entire life had Sesshomaru heard someone complain so much about another.

In consequence he spent as much time in his study as possible. Without the Mage's calm guidance the Taiyouki was afraid he might just kill one of them on accident.

More than anything he wanted to have a spar with the fiery Mage or even have her in the same room with him. He didn't care as long as she returned soon and rid him of the insufferable women from hell.

Somewhere he knew his father was mocking him.

A knock sounded from the door and he took a moment to compose himself then gave a curt 'enter' and his loyal servant opened the door and bowed.

"Forgive me My Lord, But Lord Kouga and Lady Ayame have returned just a few minutes after their guards. They have children with them. All sick."

Sesshomaru nodded.

"I shall meet them. Send the Mage to my study immediately and the Miko with the children to the infirmary. Be quick." Jakken bowed but stopped.

"Sesshomaru-sama, Lady Kegan is not with them. The monk is also absent as well as the young Prince from the East."

At this Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes.

"Where…" He was interrupted as Inuyasha burst through the door.

"Sesshomaru, you better get down here. They're at it again." The Western Lord growled stiffly and raced out the door and simply had to follow his ears to the commotion outside in the front.

The three were directing, more like yelling at each other on what to do with the new arrivals.

"Human filth do not belong in the palace!" Aine hissed at the very calm looking Owl youki.

"The Lord has permitted their entrance so they shall be transferred as ordered." The Kelpie huffed.

"Both of you are idiots. Why on earth would Sesshomaru ever admit humans? If he did he would be putting them in the dungeons. Now quit being stupid! Pathetic humans! LEAVE!"

The three not only were holding up traffic, but being ridiculous.

Sesshomaru snarled angrily as he came upon it. With swiftness he pulled the Owl away from Aine and snarled angrily as they continued to shout at each other. That was it. They were so going to die.

Kegan smiled happily as she and Miroku came through the gates. The guards bowed as they dismounted.

"My Lady. Lord Miroku. Your companions are in the infirmary." She nodded.

"Miroku, go to the others. I need to talk with Sesshomaru." The Monk nodded, taking Percius with him as she headed to the front courtyard. As the reached it she was nearly hit by a fly vase that came from inside the front corridor. Next came flowers then Jakken.

She blanched then jumped up and caught him wincing as pain shot down her arm. She set Jakken on his feet.

"Master Jakken? What on earth is going on?" He gave a very feral growl.

"Those…those…insufferable….horrible…imbecilic…" Kegan raised her eyebrow then understood when she heard screeching and shouting. With a sigh she rolled her eyes and raced up the steps and burst in on the trio of screeching women. From across the room Sesshomaru was attempting to get up and the room was practically destroyed.

Kegan narrowed her eyes and stepped forward expanding her aura, hoping the wenches would take the hint. That however didn't work.

With an angry snarl she gave a loud roar.

"That is ENOUGH!!!"

Her voice echoed throughout the hall like a sonic boom and everyone froze. The three candidates turned to stare at her almost in horror as she stepped forward with death in her eyes.

She surveyed the damage then looked toward Sesshomaru who was standing up and brushing himself off.; after seeing that she turned to Jakken who had followed her in.

"Master Jakken." The toad bowed respectfully.

"Please have three servants take these…" She sent a scathing look toward them and continued.

"Ladies, to their rooms. Do not allow them to leave until I have ordered, am I understood?" The old caretaker nodded and motioned to three servants but had to stop as hell broke loose once again.

Aine broke the silence.

"How dare you speak to us like that!! You are nothing but a lowly servant. Get out of my sight!" she commanded as the Kelpie, dubbed Aqua stepped forward to flank her.

"Perfectly put, Lady Aine. I demand you leave immediately!!!" Kegan raised her eyebrow as if she were supposed to be afraid of them.

The only one who had not objected was the Owl who stood off to the side, ready to be taken to her room. Kegan turned and face the two fully. She calmed her attitude and spoke as if she were talking to children.

"I do not believe I asked for your opinions. I suggest you do as told unless you wish to be punished for acting like the children you are."

Aine made to interrupt but Kegan growled lowly in her throat.

"Lady Aine, I understand you think you are higher than me, however, you are not a permanent resident here as of yet. I am and will remain so, therefore, your opinion does not matter whether you acknowledge it or not.

Furthermore, you have destroyed the front foyer of the palace acting like a spoiled brat. That is no way for any of the future ladies of the West to act. If you wish to be treated like a princess, I suggest you act like it. Now, follow your guides before I lose my temper and I force you to sleep in the barracks with the soldiers."

The green eyed Mage turned away, dismissing all of them and walking to Sesshomaru who looked a little better than he had a few minutes ago. She bowed lowly and gave him a smile.

"Did you miss me?" He smirked and walked back toward his study where he knew Inuyasha was waiting.

The two arrived as Inuyasha stood and gave Kegan a quick hug before his brother could growl at him then sat back down comfortably as Sesshomaru prompted Kegan for her report.

"We found the village almost deserted except for the children. I assume they are all being cared for in the infirmary. Miroku and I stayed behind to deal with a nuisance. We came as soon as we were able."

Sesshomaru nodded then raised his eyebrow.

"And what of the Eastern Prince? Has he no report?" As he asked this question he watched as her eyes hardened and her jaw set.

"We have not seen him since late last night." Sesshomaru gave a growl at this. The little whelp had abandoned his post!! He would pay dearly when he returned.

"Thank you, Mage. You are dismissed." Kegan bowed and left quickly, wanting to see her family as soon as possible.

Inuyasha watched her go then turned to his brother.

"I call dibs on the nitwit." Sesshomaru raised his eyebrow.

"He will not set foot within these walls again."

Jericho growled angrily as another of the tall trees fell from his path. Destruction lay around him in his anger and his eyes were clouded with red.

How dare the bitch disobey his orders! He was her alpha and she would respect him! With a savage growl he lashed out and cut for more large trees down then stilled as a dark chuckle met his ears.

Spinning he snarled at the white baboon.

Naraku gave a wicked smile and held his hands up.

"Peace, friend. I have no fight with you." Jericho narrowed his eyes.

"Leave me, before my honor returns, human." He warned but Naraku only chuckled again.

"Ah, but your anger tells different. What if I said I could get you what you wanted and much more?" Jericho drew his sword and crouched however the evil poison worked its magic on his ears.

In a desperate attempt he fought against it. Leaping into the air and swiping furiously at the vile enemy but somehow Naraku dodged with in human speed and watched now from across the clearing.

"My my. Can you not even defeat a little old half-demon like me?" Jericho bared his teeth on the verge of transforming.

"I know what you want and I can give it to you." The black beast stilled cocking his ears, all sense of truth and goodness gone from him.

"Come, let us talk."

Naraku turned and began to stroll away. The inu hesitated for a moment as if something were pulling him the other way but shook his head. There was nothing there.

Jericho padded after the dark hanyou as the forest took on a dark hue foretelling of the darkness enclosed in the devil's deal.