{Disclaimer: Duh. That's all you get. That's all I got.}

Angel Cynergy, Emily I Love Anime, Suki1, Silver Phoenix7, DemonLady1, Spizzy, and White Moon Universe: Thanks and I'm coming as soon as possible!

SF: Ok, people, I have a question to ask: Do you guys think I should stop responding to reviews? I'm getting a lot of 'most of your chapters are reviews' and I'm wondering if you guys think I should stop. Let me know and I'll do like you ask. Oh yeah, and for the little stunt Naraku pulled, I'm now left with half a flute. Can anyone else suggest any other instrument for me to hit him with just in case he pulls that again? Anyway, back to the story:

Chapter Seven:

Shorin Finds an Ally

Sesshoumaru felt his patience shorten as the days wore on.

It was a week after Kagome and Rin were kidnapped, and they were still without a clue as to where to find them. To make matters worse, he was forced to travel with his bastard brother and his human companions. Shorin stayed a few days ahead of them, coming back to report anything she found then going back to the lead.

Sesshoumaru shook his head, mindful of the kitsune that frequented his shoulder.

Shippou stuck to him like glue, and Sesshoumaru was more surprised than anyone else when he allowed it. Sesshoumaru stood vigil as the others slept, watching the moon make its nightly journey across the vast, sparkling sky.

Shippou was asleep on his shoulder wrapped in his tail, making soft noises in his sleep. Sesshoumaru sighed. If he were asleep right now, he'd probably be talking to Kagome and watching Rin pick flowers in Kagome's mind. She no longer left as violently as last time, and took Rin with her when she woke up. Kagome showed him the face of the tiger that assaulted her that day, telling him that it was likely that he deserted Naraku and was now loose in the forest. Sesshoumaru smirked. He hoped he'd see him, so he could show him what happens when one touches someone he treasured. Sesshoumaru blinked.

'Treasured?'

He shook his head gently, his hair flicking behind him. 'It is not good to lie to one's self. I should stop trying and at least admit it to myself that I care for them.' He sighed and lowered his gaze to the youkai exterminator and the monk. They were both asleep, more likely than not dreaming of each other, with the fire cat between them. His ears twitched as the leaves in the trees above him rustled. He whirled around in an instant, the Toukijin drawn and ready as something red landed in front of him.

"So that's where Kagome gets it from," Inuyasha said as Sesshoumaru sheathed his sword. Inuyasha grinned at Sesshoumaru's obvious aggravation.

"Are you taking over?" Sesshoumaru asked, letting his weariness show in his voice. Inuyasha nodded, watching him as Sesshoumaru sank to the base of the tree and went to sleep.

^^^^^^^^^

"Where have you been?" Kagome asked, tugging Sesshoumaru's arm. The instant she touched him he glimmered, then reappeared in a pair of loose jeans and a tan dress shirt with a tank top underneath. {Forgive me, people. I love to dress Sesshy up!}

Kagome was wearing a pair of light pink track shorts and a white t-shirt with 'Innocent?' on the front and 'Not Likely' on the back in pink glitter with pink and white sneakers to match. Sesshoumaru had to admit, though the clothes were strange and indecent, they looked good on Kagome as she tugged him toward Rin. Rin was wearing a pair of denim shorts and a t-shirt that said 'Daddy's Little Girl' on the front. {Don't you just love Rin's shirt!} Rin smiled as they sat down on the bench beside her. They watched the people go by for a while in silence as Rin ate something called 'cotton candy'.

"Where are we, Kagome?" Sesshoumaru asked.

"It's called an amusement park where I'm from. There's all sorts of rides and games-" Rin squealed when the wind blew some of the cotton candy in her face. "and food," Kagome giggled as she wiped the sticky strands away. Rin jumped up and ran toward a pond near them.

"How is Rin?" Sesshoumaru asked.

Kagome sighed. "Naraku doesn't bother her. Every now and then he'll try to scare her, but he gets bored when I put her to sleep."

"And how are you?" he asked. The light in her eyes died instantly.

"Naraku is trying to make me agree to being his mate. He calls me koi, he hand feeds me at dinner, hits me and kisses me all at once. Its enough to make your stoma-"

Kagome blinked as a growl cut through her words. She turned to look at Sesshoumaru, who was growling something unintelligible. Kagome could only understand the words 'kill', 'blood' and 'rip', to name a few. Kagome patted his arm.

"I will kill that half breed," Sesshoumaru snarled.

"Why are you so mad? You're angrier than I am, and he's doing it to me!"

"Because no one touches what is mine."

Kagome groaned and hid her face in her hands. "He said that too."

Sesshoumaru instantly calmed, draping an arm around her shoulders to pull her closer to him. "I am sorry, Kagome. I lost control for a moment."

"That's o. k. How's Shippou and the others?"

"The monk and the exterminator fight constantly. I do not understand how a human can have such a thick skull."

Kagome giggled, resting her head in the crook of his shoulder. "And Shippou?"

"Shippou misses his 'Kagome-okaasan'. He calls for you in his sleep."

"How do you know that?"

"He sleeps on my shoulder."

Kagome jerked away from him in shock. "Are you serious?"

"I do not lie. To you anyway."

Kagome chuckled slightly, surprised. "Why do you let him sleep there?"

"My presence seems to comfort him," Sesshoumaru replied, leaving out that Shippou's presence comforted him as well. Kagome hugged him gently, her head nestled in the crook of his neck.

"Thank you," she whispered, her breath dancing on his neck. Sesshoumaru closed his eyes and rested his head against hers, returning the hug.

"No thanks are necessary."

*Kagome sighed and leaned against him, smiling as Rin tried in vain to catch a fish in the pond. Sesshoumaru wished he could smell her as he sniffed Kagome's hair. To his surprise, jasmines and vanilla flooded his senses. He inhaled again, relaxing against her. So enthralled was he in this new dream development, he almost miss her sigh

"I miss you, Seishou-sensei."

Sesshoumaru reached up, twirled a dark strand of her hair around his finger, and said the very words he never thought he'd say to her.

"I miss you as well."*

He jerked suddenly, nearly knocking Kagome off the bench.

"What's wrong?" Kagome asked as he started to fade away. Sesshoumaru cursed darkly before answering

"There is trouble at the camp."

Then he disappeared.

^^^^^^^^^

Sesshoumaru's eyes flew open sharply, glaring at the group arguing in front of him. Even Shippou was awake, due to the noise.

"Who dares to disturb me at such an ungodly hour?" Sesshoumaru said calmly. Everyone quieted instantly, turning to look at him with guilty faces.

"Sorry, Sesshoumaru-sama," Sango whispered. Miroku nodded. "We didn't mean to disturb you. Inuyasha is being a jerk."

"Like always," yawned the sleepy kit on Sesshoumaru's shoulder. Sesshoumaru spared him a small smirk as Inuyasha growled.

"If you weren't where you are now I'd pound your head in."

"Nu-uh," said Shippou, shaking his head. "I'm under Sesshoumaru's protection, so if you touch me, he gets to kill you, right Sesshoumaru?"

Everyone but Shorin was expecting an 'In your dreams' or something like that. Their mouths fell open when Sesshoumaru nodded in agreement.

Inuyasha scowled. "When did this happen?"

Shippou tapped Kagome's headband, which was still around his neck. "You never bothered to ask her what this was, Dog Boy. It means that she and I are under Sesshoumaru's protection. We get called Lord and Lady and everything, right Gen. Shorin."

"Hai, my lord," Shorin said with a bow, her long hair hiding the smile on her face. Inuyasha's face faltered.

"How long has she had it on?"

"Three months, if you must know," Sesshoumaru interjected, brushing aside Shippou's next comment. "Is this what all the noise was about?"

"No, my lord," Shorin said as she stepped to the side. Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed as a familiar tiger youkai stepped from behind her.

"Inuyasha-san doesn't think it's a good idea for this youkai to join us."

In an instant, Sesshoumaru's claws were around the tiger's neck, crouching above him as he pined the tiger to the ground. The others watched in amazement and horror as Sesshoumaru's claws started to drip poison, all the while keeping his tail around Shippou.

"What are you doing here?" he snarled. The tiger struggled under him, trying to get free. Shorin and the others gasped as Inuyasha jumped up and down triumphantly.

"I told you jackasses this guy couldn't be trusted!" he jeered, pointing to the others. Sango slapped him upside the head as the tiger protested.

"Please, Lord Sesshoumaru! I can be trusted!" he said, trying to pry Sesshoumaru's fingers from his neck.

"Did you not injure the miko in Naraku's stronghold!"

"I did! I said that! I told Shorin when she found me!"

"Did you tell her that you beat the miko and tried to kill her before Naraku caught you?"

The others gasped again, staring at Sesshoumaru and the tiger in his grasp. The tiger stared at him in disbelief.

"How do you know that?" he said, his voice weakening.

Sesshoumaru smirked. "I know that she was chained when you attacked her. That was not only cowardly, it was dishonorable. I should end your life now. It would spare the world from having to deal with you and any of your descendants."

The tiger paled under Sesshoumaru's fingers. "I'm sorry, my lord. Forgive me! I didn't know the miko was yours!"

"Why are you here?" Sesshoumaru snarled again.

"I want to help! I know where Naraku's castle will be!"

Sesshoumaru leaped off him, releasing him to return to his tree. Shippou (who managed to stay on Sesshoumaru's shoulder the entire time) stared at him in amazement.

"That was so cool," Shippou breathed. Sesshoumaru didn't acknowledge the statement, but inconspicuously tickled the child with his tail. Shippou giggled quietly, knowing that to laugh in Sesshoumaru's sensitive ear wouldn't be good for his health.

"Where is the castle going?" Sesshoumaru asked, watching the tiger warily.

"Narasa's Mountain."

"Narasa's Mountain?" Shippou asked.

"It's not a real mountain, but a volcano. It's just a few days from here."

"The castle will be there in four days," the tiger said, rising to his feet. "You should be there as well. Lord Sesshoumaru?"

"Yes?"

"I'm sorry about the miko. I didn't know she was yours. I was only trying to avenge my brother."

"I know."

"What else do you know, Fluffy?" Inuyasha asked, staring at him. Sesshoumaru stood up and brushed himself off, watching the sun rise.

"I know a lot about Kagome," he said as he walked past him. "More than even you know."

Sesshoumaru stopped in front of the tiger. The tiger stepped back instinctively.

"What is your name?" Sesshoumaru demanded.

"Keni'Chi."

"Do not betray us, Keni'Chi," he warned as he walked away, Shippou's tail twitching behind his head.

"If you do, no apology will save you."

---------

SF: Ooooo….you're such a badass Sesshou!

Inu-chan: {::huff::} Yeah, especially with a kitsune brat on your shoulder.

Kagome: Quiet Inuyasha! You're just jealous because you didn't get to be the badass!

Inu cast and SF: YEAH!

Inu-chan: That's fine by me, because I get to be the badass on TV. Remember people, the show is called 'Inuyasha' not 'Sesshoumaru'

Sesshou: It would get better ratings if it were.

Inu-chan: What was that?!

{Inu cast sighs as Inu-chan and Sesshou start to fight.}

Kagome: Can't they behave for once?

SF: Hell no. If they did, the world would stop rotating and fall into a black abyss. The reviews, preview and recommendations are below. Can someone help break those two up?

Chapter Eight: With Kikyou's Help, Anything's Possible

Kagome nodded and disappeared through the hole. Kikyou sighed as she mended the wall. Walking through the left wall and picking up Kagome's clothes, she walked down the hill with a smile on her face. 'That girl,' she mused, humming. 'Who better to protect the Shikon no Tama.'

RECOMMENDATIONS: A Smart Kagome by Xiaome

This was my first Sess/Kag fic and it started the madness that is 'Unexpected Allies'. In this story, Kagome spots Inuyasha and Kikyou kiss and runs off into the night. Sometime during the night, Sesshoumaru finds her and kidnaps her, intending on finding out what makes her aura flash in such a way. During her time in his stay, he comes to appreciate her…ok, appreciate may be a strong word, but he certainly stops hating her. Along the way Kagome makes a choice that makes her happier in the end. Go read this because she promised to make a sequel if enough people thought so. You know the drill when you get there, read and review!

Responses:

Fanfiction:

Kinky Usagi: Don't worry about not reviewing! I'm glad you love it enough to return!

SilverWaters: Sorry about that! As I said, Naraku stole the keyboard and wrote the chapter! And of course Naraku gets it in the end. I wouldn't be SF without that. ^.^

Vegito044: You know, everyone is a little upset about chapter seven. I don't like it, Inu-can and Sesshou don't like it, and Kagome sure as HELL doesn't like it. She's mad at me! I don't know why! But at least you still love me! Welcome back!

Kelli: Have I neglected you? {::glomps Kelli::} I'm so sorry! My computer has diarrhea for some reason and deletes things I need, like reviews. Thanks so much for the love and, if you need it, my schedule is on my bio page.

Dark Neko-Chan: If you need any lemons for that Naraku-burning, give me a holler. I have a whole bin of them in my refrigerator. Oh yeah, hot sauce in his eyes is a killer!

Banana Flavored Eskimo: {::giggles as star sparkles on nose::} Thanks so much! I love the sticker! Hey Sesshou- Sesshou: Oh no you don't! {::runs off stage::} SF: {::pouts::} Party pooper!

Eddie: I'm coming as soon as I possibly can, but I'm having registration troubles STILL!!!! I hate school! If I didn't need it I wouldn't go!

MysticalAngel4: Let Sesshou beat the hell out of Naraku! I already have, sick bastard! I can't believe him! All the fics sound great and I can't wait to read them!

Aphiopsyduck: Sorry about the short chapter! That's why I posted two! It wasn't my intent to let Naraku type that chapter. He read one of my romance novels and came up with the idea. I've got to throw those things away.

BeyondWords: I'm so glad people aren't mad at me for that chapter! Don't worry about Naraku. {::shakes half a flute in Naraku's direction. The other half is sticking out of his head::} I think I've taken care of him. Thanks so much!

The Hidden One: Don't worry, he won't! Naraku: That's what she thinks! Kukukukukuku!

Reality: Thanks...and sorry about that! .

PasoLover: I wish she had too, but I couldn't get the keyboard back in time for that. Naraku fully intended to break Kagome down and take advantage of her, but I stopped him just in time. Sick punk. I can't wait for Sesshou to find him too!

Mistress Fluffy: I'm so glad to see you! I thought that you'd be pissed beyond all measure about ff. I know I was. No matter. Can't wait for the next fic and are you taking 'A Princess Tale' to mm or what? Kagome and Sesshou are going to get together someday, but not today. Inu-chan: You're so evil SF. SF: I know! Muhahahahahahah!

Del_Kaidin: Yeah, Sesshou's not too happy at the moment. What can you do? Thanks for the recommendation!

Clow Angel: I don't understand Naraku's sick ass either, but I hope he burns in Hell with gasoline drawers on. I'll try really hard not to disappoint!

Nymph Demon: It wasn't my idea!!!! And you know good and well that I won't let that sick jerk do a thing to my favorite miko! Now really, shame on you! I have to look after her you know!

Airi^o^: Sesshou: Oooooo! Inu-chan: Ouch! SF: What's wrong with you two? {::reads Aira^o^'s review::} Ohhh....I see. Personally, that's exactly what I have in mind. Males in the Inu cast: Oooooo!

Spork or Foon: Thanks so much! What's the name of the fic?

Nankinmai: Don't be mad at me! It was Naraku's idea!

Bikutoria: Hmmmm...did I say that Naraku was in love with Kagome? I don't remember. Sesshou: I don't care if you said it or not, if he touches her again, I'll rip his ears off. SF: My my, violent aren't we? Naraku, would you care to explain? Naraku: Why not? You see, I don't love the Miko. I want to make her love me so I can have her powe- Inu-chan: That's it! {::leaps over SF's head and pounces on Naraku. Sesshou follows suit and they both stomp a mudhole in Naraku's behind::} SF: Oh well. If you ever find a long enough stick, please send it to me.

Erin: Yeah, I've noticed that and I do apologize. I like to let everyone that reviews me know that I totally appreciate their time and their praise, including you. Plus a lot of people have questions. I'll try to do better in the future.

Bloodrose8: Thanks but I think that 'Chosen' so far is on lock. I am having trouble writing the ending to the last part of the trilogy. If I can't figure it out, I'll email what I have to you and see what happens. Thanks for wanting to help!

Cinderelly: There were loose ends in 'You Don't...'? I didn't realize it. What loose ends? Hmmm...I might have to do a sequel if there are for real. Could you point them out for me?

Hinoke: Thanks so much! Um, I think to underline its Ctrl+U. At least it is on my computer.

Nataku: If you ever have any questions about when I update, look on my bio page or send me your email and I'll email you my schedule!

Hoshi-chan1: Whew, that's good to hear! I'm rather fond of Dog Boy myself, and I kinda need him to at least be semi-functional for the 'Vengeance' and the 'UA' series. I mean, what would I do without him?

An-G Ehm: I've converted another one! Muhahahahahahahah! (And corniness is a word, or at least my computer says it is.)

Youkai Yume: Well, um, I guess the answer to whether Sesshou will be angry or not is in the chapter above.

Jazzylady: Of course I missed you! Girl, I remember band camp too! The huge sombrero my grandmother made me wear, the sun block that we passed around like weed, the ice cubes we stuck down the front of our shirts to keep cool....or maybe that was just my band camp. You know we do things differently in the south.

Fire Phoenix: Yeah, Inu-chan...convinced me to post two chapters. {::takes the mallet and the brownies::} Thanks for the brownies, they'll help fuel the beatdown I have planned for Naraku. The mallet will replace my flute until I get a new instrument.

Disturbed-Demon-Gurl: I want a Sesshoumaru doll! Where can I get one? Oh, and thanks so much for the love!

Aki no Yume 1: Soon, I'll give her back soon. As for what Sesshou will do when he gets his hands on Naraku, I can't tell. I mean, who said Sesshou would get his hands on Naraku? Inu-chan: SF.... SF: What? I didn't. Inu-chan: Then that means I get to beat the brakes off Naraku. SF: I didn't say that either. Inu-chan: Then what are you saying? SF: I'm not saying. Inu-chan: Agggggggg!

AkxTP: I do believe you're worse off than I am. That many kids would fry what little brain cells I have. My moms thinks I should be a kindergarten teacher. I don't. I'd be white-headed with a tic in my eye in a week. Hopefully your question was answered in the chapter above.

Inu Youkai: Thanks! I was starting to worry about that for a moment.

Namesake: Thanks for the recommendation. I'm sorry about all the waiting for the museum person, but it's worth it. She's in chapter five of 'Trial of the Century'. I think the chapter is 'The Lady In the Cage.' There, that's the least I can do for you sticking with me for so long.

Sukuri: The what? I haven't the slightest idea where the Anime Chains Network Inuyasha forum is. Hmmm...one I really like is called 'Ghostly' by Lazuli. Let me know if you need another one, b/c I have a few of these too! 'UA' is a three part and 'Vengeance' is a four part.

Steff: Ahhhhhh! I totally didn't notice that! Sorry! Work is frying my brain.

Empress Satori: Thanks so much! I thought the Bond girls were a good idea!

Tokia: Yeah, they got me good, the stupid dogs. That's ok though. Just for that, I'm not going to give them any chocolate. Inu-chan and Sesshou: Awwww... {::puts on really cute pout::} SF: Nope, not going to work on me. Nu-uh. Don't worry about Kikyou. I haven't forgotten about her.

Mediaminer: