AUTHOR'S NOTES:

A. Inuyasha and its original characters were the creation of Rumiko Takahashi. I do not claim them as mine.

B. The characters and names Maksim Danilov, Ivan Danilov, Kevin Spencer, Alynna, Richard Higurashi, Masahiro, Mako, Yori, Haru, Sune-ku, Allen and Ryotaro were my original creations. Please do not copy their characters!The people and names in this story were fictitious and if someone has the same name it was just a coincidence (like Maksim).

C. Hey guys, this story doesn't have the same Inuyasha series characters. I don't usually follow canon and I tweak the character's personalities a bit. To fully understand what is happening in the story you have to read everything in tandem.

And if you're looking for a story that's unpredictable then this story is it.

CHAPTER 22-B FEUDAL ERA

(A parallel story to link the Feudal Era and the Modern Time)

~Chapter Title~ KOISHII (Beloved)

~Chapter Theme Song~

JUST A FEELING

/67amigWwAJQ

Kagome's hands stilled for a moment while adjusting the harness around her waist and her heart skip a beat. Her eyes darkened slightly. She shook her head but continued her preparation to distract herself. Rather, she turned her attention to the familiar items laid in front of her on the table. Even without looking she would know where to slip them in the numerous holsters and slots by touch alone.

Touch.

A muscle twitched on her face at the memory Ryo forced upon her last night, her eyes involuntarily closing, her lips thinning. Damn! A tear threatened to form in her eye. She drew in a long shaky breath to halt it before it pooled. She sniffed as her jaw clenched. Her hands quickened to finish their task. If she had let Mako assist her in dressing she would not be musing on…

With added briskness in her movements, Kagome faced the mirror near her trunk adjusting the harness on her waist and the one around her shoulders. She ran her hands at the thick black material of her new suit. It was amazingly stretchable and had the feel of leather. The design still resembled her Narc Assault uniform but the first time she tried it on she realized with some dismay that it was too figure hugging. Over it, for modesty's sake, she wears the overcoat. Similar to a vest - sleeveless, scooped low to the front, ending just above the knees and slit up to her thighs for freedom of movement. It kind of reminded her of a medieval chain mail. She tugged the dark gray overcoat cinched closed by the holster belt. Her combat boots finish the entire ensemble.

She checked the katana on her left hip. The sword and its ornately decorated red sheath belonged to the late Lady Akane, Ryo's mother. It was now hers as regent.

The preliminary turnover was done yesterday morning. Yori informed her that this initial ceremony is required before she could address the troops of the Northern kingdom military and to present Ryo as the future ruler for the first time since his disappearance. The more formal one with all the pomp and grandeur will be held later, after the war, in the Northern castle.

Wide-eyed and not knowing what to expect in this ceremony, attendants helped dress mother and son after breakfast. Within an hour after Yori's announcement they were standing at the entrance of their tent on a raised dais. The guards closed the encampment for non-Northern citizen, not even Sesshoumaru or Kouga were invited. Fortunately, Haru was allowed to stay. Yori allayed her concern saying that the two lords were informed of this ahead of time and the taiyoukai understand this private ceremony. They will be invited for the grand state ceremony as soon as Kagome and Ryo were settled at the Kita shiro.

Kagome and Ryo held hands as one by one the highest-ranking officers made their formal introductions and pledge of support and allegiance to the new queen regent and their young lord. The rest of the council followed - minor bureaucrats, functionaries, assistants and the last the household and castle servants passed by in a blur that made the seated sovereigns quite dizzy.

Lastly, in a more intimate ceremony inside their new and bigger tent, the new regent and lord of the Northern lands were presented their new personal items such as wardrobe, jewelries, furniture and other personal effects that befit a ruler of the Fire Dragon throne.

Kagome was rendered speechless when Yori offered the very last item to her after a reverent introduction.

"My lady regent, allow this lowly servant to present you an heirloom that was wielded by the very hands of Lord Ryotaro's mother, Lady Akane. This blade is called 'Koishii' or Beloved. Lord Herensuge gave this to his mate when Lord Ryo was born. He often called his lady of that affectionate name. It is now yours to wield."

Kagome felt humbled when she reached out with equal reverence for the beautiful blade. From their formal kneeling positions, the commander and the rest of the royal guards almost broke ranks when tears made its way down to the regent's cheeks while cradling the sword to her chest like a child. They looked at each other in perplexity.

"My lady, why do you cry?" Yori's hazel eyes roamed her face. Was she dissatisfied with the presents?

"Sorry, guys." Kagome sniffed. "I was just sad I didn't get to meet Ryo's parents. They must have been wonderful people." Kagome explained while wiping tears from her eyes. She gathered the worried Ryo to her and placed a kiss on his forehead.

Yori's eyes softened. "They were, Kagome-sama. And I am sure that they would have been relieved to know their son and kingdom are both safe in your hands." The royal guards bowed their agreement at their commander's words.

0 ~ 0 ~ 0

Kagome took a deep breath and smiled at Ryo and Yori after addressing the Northern forces. The thundering reply to her speech would be enough to scare Masahiro's army away.

That morning, as the Northern forces gathered for the requisite war speech they expected to see a simpering and pampered looking new regent to face them- a soft fragile being bedecked in layers of kimono and hair done up in elaborate style.

The soldiers waited with bated breath when their new ruler was announced. She exited the tent and boldly strode to the dais, confident and poised as if she had been born and raised to this stature and title. The strikingly beautiful woman was imposingly clothed in strange and dark battle suit, accoutered with similarly strange weaponry. Only the red-sheathed katana on her hips was easily recognizable. She faced them head held high, feet apart, her long dark hair in a queue. She had the bearing of someone who had been used to commanding people. They gaped and murmured for many of them recognized her as the same miko-warrior they saw yesterday who bare handedly took down seven taiji-ya fighters.

They were told she was a different kind of miko for she does not summarily kill youkai. Some heard how she saved their missing prince and where he had been found. The Northern force knew the process of selecting a regent and if she survived the gauntlet then she's highly qualified to be their young lord's protector. She's more than strong; even from afar they could feel her power emanating from her. She's an element in her own right, a force of nature. They nodded in approval.

Yori couldn't help but smile in wonder at how this woman had secured her hold of the Northern military force. She didn't use any flowery words as rulers were wont to do. She talked to them as if they were talking to her one on one. Her eyes flared with fire as she informed them of Masahiro's deceit and plans. Angry growls reverberated from the men at the news. She gave them encouragement to fight for their land and freedom. They shouted their agreement and vowed the downfall of the Eastern lord.

The royal army of the Northern Kingdom would follow her to hell and back and kill in her name, for the race of fire dragons know how to repay a debt of gratitude. The general repeated in his mind what he told the regent yesterday afternoon - she was magnificent.

0 ~ 0 ~ 0

"Kagome."

Kagome braced herself and willed her expression on neutral before she turned to face the voice. "Yes, Sesshoumaru?"

The Inu lord strode to where she's standing beside Yori and the other commanders doing some last minute inspection of the weapons. The encampment was swarming with soldiers filing in to suit up. Yori excused himself with a bow and the rest followed him.

"Has things been to your satisfaction?" Warmth seeped in golden eyes as he appreciatively sweep her form, liking the new outfit she designed for herself.

"Yes, everything has been on schedule." Kagome stopped walking when his hand took hers.

"I would like to congratulate you on your acceptance for regency. Your battle address was superbly delivered."

"Thank you." She smiled at him and went to a stack of helmets and armor.

"Is there something the matter?"

"What? No. Why do you say that?" Kagome looked up at the Inu lord with a frown.

Sesshoumaru didn't speak at first but gazed at Kagome intently. There's something he couldn't grasp here, something that was missing…something had become cold and distant…His observant eyes noted the faint dark circles around her eyes, the paleness of her face and lips, and the haunted eyes. When he stroked her cheek he could feel her beleaguered spirit.

"You are not taking care of yourself, miko." He stroked the smooth curve of her jaw and yearned to kiss her lips right there and then. But he must wait for a fitting time and place to do so. Perhaps after the battle they could slip away to that brook and reacquaint themselves with each other once again. The memory from that day brought an ache in is loins. Ah, there will be time…I'll make sure of that.

"Well, many things have happened in such a short time. I'm still getting used to being the regent and now the war, the preparations…" she shrugged in explanation. When she tucked a stray strand of hair she escaped in his hold as she subtly shifted away from him. The movement didn't go unnoticed. "Everything's just hectic." she quickly lowered her eyes.

"Hn." A beat passed, a slight narrowing of his eyes. Then…"Bring Ryo with you at the stables after the midday meal. I have something for him."

"Oh?" In spite of herself she couldn't contain her curiosity. "What is it?"

He chuckled softly at the eager question, glad that a little spark had come upon her eyes even if the reason was for her son. She was definitely easy to please.

"It's a surprise."

0 ~ 0 ~ 0

Ryo was beside himself as he run in circles around the two-headed dragonet. The reptile's twin heads followed him round and round until the dragonet become dizzy enough that they closed their rolling eyes and shook their heads. Ah grumbled and Un positively looked a little greener than usual. The young lord laughed and clapped in delight.

"Lord Ryotaro, this is Ah-Un. He was given as a gift from your father when I ascended as Lord of the West." Sesshoumaru addressed the two-headed dragon to the young lord. "Lord Ryo is now your new master, Ah-Un. Defend and serve him well."

The dragonet went down on its haunches to pay respect to their new master. They lowered both their heads. Yori guided Ryo and whispered to the child what to say and do. The young lord went to the dragonet and laid both his hands on top of the flat heads of the two-headed reptile.

"I am your new master, Ryotaro, Lord of the North. I greet you, Ah-Un." the dragonet rumbled in response. Ryo patted and scratched the reptile behind their ears to the utter delight of the creature, they trilled and purred in pleasure. Ryo turned around and bowed low in acceptance, his eyes serious. "Thank you for the gift, my lord." Kagome beamed at his good manners and gave him a thumbs up.

"You will need to ride him up the air when the battle begins. It is not safe to stay on the ground." Sesshoumaru was looking at the young lord with barely concealed concern.

All of them know that Masahiro would not think twice of using the innocent to gain whatever means to achieve his victory. They were all determined to avoid giving the devious neko an advantage.

"I agree my lord." Yori nodded, equally worried. "I have assigned Mako and Rusan as our lord's formal guards. They are older and the best aerial fighters in my troop."

Suddenly, from the east, the lookout raised his battle horn and blew the alarm. Everyone tensed except for Sesshoumaru. It brought further pall at the gathering. The rest dispersed to their assigned tasks and group.

Kagome quickly gave her son a tight hug, a lengthy kiss upon the forehead, then adding a few more on his cheeks. Mother and son looked at each other. "I love you." Kagome whispered to the precious son of her heart.

"I love you too, mommy. Fight well." Kagome smiled. What a true youkai her son is! She sat the boy upon Ah-Un's ornate saddle.

"Here." Kagome removed the combat knife from her right leg, scabbard and all. She adjusted the strap and tied it around the boy's waist and around the left leg. She smiled at the picture he made. They had almost identical clothes but his has the red and blue of his true coloring whereas hers were gray and black. "Use this" she pointed at the knife "and if needed, fry away." Both gave each other thumbs up.

"Mako" Kagome called the female youkai and took her aside. "If something happens…" both women looked at the little boy on the dragonet "there's a small village near the Goshinboku. The old miko, Kaede, was my mentor. She will give you refuge. She is kind and the villagers are accepting of peaceful youkai. Tell her my name, the miko Kagome, ward of Lord Kouga."

The female youkai nodded. "It will be done as you instructed, my lady. Never fear. Fight well."

Kagome didn't move from her spot until Mako and Rusan transformed and lifted to the air, flanking Ah-Un. They flew toward the mountain ranges to one of the highest peaks where the top had been leveled and prepared for this event. Guards had been posted at its foot so no one could sneak up.

As soon as the two dragons and the dragonet had landed on its flat top, Kagome finished her long incantation and held out her glowing hands towards the mountain. A huge shimmering barrier enclosed the top. Kagome sighed in satisfaction. She missed her son already.

0 ~ 0 ~ 0

Sesshoumaru followed Kagome at a distance as she briskly entered the stables. A neigh greeted the woman as she opened the last stall. The taiyoukai smirked when he heard her say soft nonsensical things to the beast inside. The quick clip-clop of hooves stopped when she saw him standing just outside.

"Kagome, may I have a word with you?"

The miko looked at him and seemed to hesitate. The Inu lord had been wondering if he had been imagining things since last night and this morning. She had become an enigma to him. A part of her that was accessible to him had been barricaded from within.

Now he had confirmed it; she was evading him…avoiding him. It begets the question why? He could feel that she didn't want to talk to him but then her aura shifted into…determination? Again, why?

"Yes, Sesshoumaru?" she led the horse out and loosely tied the dark brown stallion to a fence.

"I am aware that this is not the best time to reiterate my proposition to you. Have you thought about your reply?"

Sesshoumaru could strongly sense she was trying to hide her feelings. The taiyoukai's heart was filled with dread. He doesn't need her answer to know. It was enough. He will not and would not beg but he would know the reason.

"Why?" Sesshoumaru's mask was firmly in place, his voice encrusted with ice.

She sighed. It wouldn't do to deny her answer. He had already guessed it. "I'm sorry but I'm not ready, Sesshoumaru." She said in a small voice.

She couldn't look at me! "I am willing to give you all the time you need, Kagome." He reached for her cheek. Again, her aura was drawing away. Kami, why is she like this?

Her blue eyes were clouded and looking through him like he was not there.

Was it just his imagination that but a few days ago, nay, not more than a day ago when she had gazed at him with eyes filled with passion and desire as he moved in her and over her in their mutual quest for fulfillment?

Did he just dream that he held the yielding softness of her willing body when he possessed it with reverence and hunger for hours on end? He could still smell her, taste her. Her scent still lingers on his skin.

Her arms that clutched at him to hold him tight to her, connected to her, her nails leaving scratches on his back as he quickened his passionate pace are now wrapped tight around herself, her stance as cold and unassailable as a fortress. Was everything just a part of his imagination?

Nay…nay…

Perhaps he had but dreamed that very day when their aura had mingled and twined like their bodies, enveloping them in a cloud of reiki and youki. Perhaps that was all it was; a dream, an illusion?

"No." She choked out. "I…I'm sorry…" She jogged to the horse, took the reins and mounted the beast smoothly. She turned the animal around and was gone.

Sesshoumaru remained rooted to that place, long after the thundering hooves faded in the distance carrying the woman who just wrenched his still beating heart from his ribcage, What had just happened?

He kept trying to fathom what brought about this transformation and rejection. The answers were not forthcoming.

She didn't want him.

He forgot about the battle, Masahiro, everything.

The jewel under his haori glowed…then it began to darken.

0 ~ 0 ~ 0

She was right about men.

Again.

With every thundering hoof beat Kagome felt as if the ground was her heart being stomped raw. She wanted to go somewhere where she could let loose a primal cry of agony…of a heart broken and betrayed. The distance she put between them sever the connection she thought they had.

She was wrong about him.

Again.

Damn it! The damning images were branded in her mind…a sob was cut short from her chest. Her throat and eyes were burning from unshed tears and she blinked furiously to will them further back. They will not fall…they would not fall.

his head was thrown back in ecstasy, breath coming in soft gasps. A deep groan was torn from his lips as a dark head came up to his chest. Soft lips and nimble tongue played with one of his nipples while slim hands restlessly play with his manhood, kneading and sliding along its length though the fabric of his hakama. He offered himself to her hands so she could release the belt and free him…

She growled in anger. Kami! Stop these images! I don't want to see them! No more, please!

Why? Kagome's eyes move from left to right but not really seeing the scenery changing from her steed's passage. It was but a reflexive action of her mind as she sift through the reasons, the why's and where fore's…

Was I still an object of conquest for him? Were all these just an elaborate tactical maneuver to get me into his bed? Damn! I was such an idiot. How could I forget when I turned him down the first time I became an object of challenge for him.

She was prey, he the hunter.

Sesshoumaru. The great white hunter who knows every trick in the book to wear down his quarry…making me think that he was sincere, leading me to where his trap lays…

And I let him trap ME into seducing HIM. I am such big fucking stupid idiot!

Rin…was she really the one? Perhaps they were concealing their affair to everyone else and I'm just one last conquest that he couldn't let go. Perhaps everybody knew about them except me, the village idiot! I was just an additional scalp on his belt or maybe he's like a Moray eel whose jaws never let go of its catch.

I was prey, he the hunter… I was prey… he the hunter…the hunter….

Kagome's eyes widened as an idea vanished the disconsolate thoughts from her mind.

The battle!

0 ~ 0 ~ 0

The heat of the early afternoon sun beat down on their heads. The Ookami lord looked up at the clear sky and for once wished that some clouds would provide some soothing shade.

"Hey, where's the dog and Kagome?" Kouga turned to Yori.

A scout had spotted Masahiro's troops passing through the fifth mountain. The battle horn had just finished relaying the message. They need to meet and engage the Eastern troops before they passed the canyon. The generals were asking about the two. Kouga could give the word to attack but he'd feel better if they meet Masahiro together. Nothing that a show of united force to put fear in that fucking neko's heart.

"He and Kagome-sama were at the stables after Ryo-dono left, my lord." Yori replied.

"Well, they better be here. Hey," Kouga gestured to Ginta. "go and fetch that dog and Kagome. Tell them Masahiro's almost here." Ginta nodded and sprinted towards the stables.

"Neechan!" Ginta had not gone far when Kagome came thundering past him. He turned around and ran alongside Kagome's horse. Ginta wondered at his neechan's drawn face, her sadness-tainted aura.

"Kouga, we will go around the mountain to the south with the dragons. We will come behind Masahiro's army at the canyon while you engage them from the front." Kagome dismounted and slapped the horse's flank, the stallion galloped away without its mistress back to the stables.

"You are what… Hey!" Kouga remembered to close his mouth. "Why do we change the plan?"

"No time to explain, Kouga. Just trust me. You'll see." Kagome laid a hand on Kouga's arm. "Fight well, my lord." Yori and the rest of the Northern army transformed. The commander leaned low to the ground as Haru boosted the regent up on his scaly back and took to the air.

"What the fuck's going on?" Kouga huffed and puffed, he hated talking to air. "And where the hell's that dog?" he threw his hands up in the air in frustration.

A shout from Inuyasha turned everyone's head.

Sesshoumaru is coming: fast and very, very angry.

Sesshoumaru arrived at the valley surrounded by dark, swirling youki. Everyone backed away from the Inu lord, avoiding the brush of his power. His eyes were blood-shot, his fang's long and the stripes on his cheeks jagged and sharp.

Damn! The dog's one step away from transformation! What happened to him? Did he and Kagome fight? Whoa! That must be one heck of a lover's spat!

"Hey Sesshoumaru! Masahiro's crossing the last mountain." Kouga blinked in shock at the darkness the dog was pouring out. They had always clashed for Kagome's hand or for some other reason; serious and stupid alike, but never in their fiercest fight had the dog given this tainted aura, ever. Something's gone wrong…

The Ookami lord never had the time to ponder this further when the battle horn sounded once more: long-short-long-short. The code meant that Masahiro's troops have engaged the first wave of soldiers under Shippo, Kozaku and the taiji-ya Kohaku and is coming with death on his heels.

0 ~ 0 ~ 0

She should thank Sesshoumaru. If it weren't for his dastardly games this plan would not have been hatched.

She was prey, he the hunter. But for Masahiro it would be - she the hunter, he the prey. That sounds better. Yes, much better.

The dragons were flying fast and low, their scent masked as they speed towards the back of the southern mountain. Kagome leaned forward on the base of Yori's neck to decrease wind drag. The rush of the wind on her face is exhilarating as Yori and the others weave in flight among the trees. And for a moment the happiness of riding one of these magnificent creatures tamped down the sadness that had wrapped itself around the miko. Her scent became light and fragrant mixing with the fresh greenery of the trees and plants in the forest.

Yori asked his regent why she changed the battle plan for the Northern troops. Instead of explaining she showed him how it will play out. Since Yori and the dragons communicate telepathically, it erased the need for shouting noisy commands. They all understood. Kagome found it cool and convenient and got an amused chuckle from the commander and the other dragons. She could concentrate on the battle and tactics without any of her commands getting lost in translation using tactile communication with Yori.

Another plus being among telepathic creatures was that she knew her son is doing okay. He could see the battle from his safe perch. That knowledge alone lessened Kagome's worries. Kagome felt a surge of excitement in her bones. She's free from the shackles of restricting rules and regulations of law enforcement.

She is her own law.

As they emerged from the rounded curve of the mountain they spied the enemy troops pouring into the canyon. Their enemies didn't notice their approach. At her command the dragons cut a swath in the ranks using a pincer maneuver - cutting and dividing the enemy troops from each other. The immense canyon, as big and as wide as the Grand Canyons of the US, flashed as hell fire from dragon's breath as they dip and swoop to torch the enemies. Arrows came raining up, some flames as well but they were no match from the great dragons.

Kagome's power orbs rained down, turning the enemies into smoke. Now that their foe had been cut off they need not be concerned if there were 'friendlies' on the ground. The maneuver was better suited for the fighting style of the dragons. Yori saw how logical a strategy it was. Efficient even.

She knew that on the other side Sesshoumaru and Kouga have engaged the enemy, judging from the commotion. The Western/Southern troops will eventually meet up in the middle with the Northern troops effectively closing in the enemy like fish in a barrel.

Yori agreed that Masahiro had to be located and eliminated but the scheming Eastern lord seemed to be in absence from his own war. None have seen him yet. Whereas Sesshoumaru and Kouga were leading their people and fighting at the frontline, only the Eastern generals and captains seemed to be visible. Craven creature!

The fine hairs on Kagome's arms and neck stood on end as she felt a dark surge of power, her head turned to the source, eyes narrowed. After a moment her confused senses got a jolt. The swirling, furious, uncontrolled power was coming from…

Dear Kami! Kagome gasped. Sesshoumaru!

The Western lord's aura was like a dark spot on the battlefield. He was doing his share of killing and more. His passage left any vegetation dead as if he was pulling in any kind of life within his dark aura. Kagome's reiki reached out for the reason why and where this power was coming from.

There!

His immense power was further magnified by…Kagome doesn't understand it…the jewel? But…why? How?

She asked Yori to swoop closer. Her heart skipped. He was feral. More feral than she'd ever seen him and he's more than angry…

Sesshoumaru is in a killing rage. Not the controlled tactical mind if a warrior but of an animal tasting his first blood, tasting dark power.

How does she stop him? How? She doesn't know but she must try.

No, regent! You can't! Look at him. He's not himself. He might hurt you. He's become very powerful. Yori spoke into her mind as the commander read her thoughts.

No Yori, the power will not hurt me and Sesshoumaru will not hurt me. I have to help him.

Yori gasped at what he saw in her mind. The commander's great head turned, his hazel eyes wide in surprise. Regent! That stone…that jewel. Kami! You are the Shikon no Miko? The commander was shaking with the revelation. He almost faltered on flapping his great wings.

I don't know what you're talking about Yori but please take me to him. I have to help him. He will be consumed by the darkness, this is much I know. Please! Quickly!

Sesshoumaru felt like a god. This is supreme conquest at its best! Hah, the power! The feeling of invincibility! It is mine! No one can stop me! This war will be over today! Die! His energy whip, now as dark as the aura around him sliced an enemy battalion into shreds.

"Sesshoumaru!"

He turned his head to the voice. She came down from the back of a metallic blue dragon. The creature was walking towards him, calling his name. He narrowed his eyes…I know her. His eyes darkened even more to almost black.

In a flash her slim white neck was in his hands. He leaned his face in.

"Die."

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A/N: Whoa! 4,836 words! Not including the author's notes and titles, mind you! This is my longest story so far. I think. I just couldn't stop! I hope you guys like this chapter. Thanks for the reviews, the feedbacks and the constructive criticism. They're all precious to me! Thanks! ~ SMI