'Ello everyone! Did you miss me?! Well if you didn't then did you miss my story!? Well you don't have to anymore! I have finally updated! Yay! *victory dance* the ninth chapter is finally here! Sorry it took so long. I had a GIANT writers block and I ran out of sugar.

Inuyasha: O_O you... ran out?

Sesshomaru: *rolls eyes and mumbles* knew that was going to happen.

Hey be nice. You would be in a dress right now if it wasn't for spirit element! *pouts and throws dress aside* and it was a pretty blue one!

Sesshomaru: ^_^ gotta love fan girls.

-_-

Well anywho, since I'm pretty deep in my story I think it's time to say some thank yous to the readers. Inuyasha please do the honors.

Inuyasha: Gladly!

First; Mystic-Damon: crazy pixie stix woman is glad that you like her story and hopes you will love the chapters to come *gives mountain of pixie stix and stuffed animals of the Inuyasha gang*

Spirit Element: happy you are enjoying the story and pixie stix woman promises she will NOT put Sesshomaru in a dress. *hands a whole bunch of chocolate and plushies* *mumbles* although it would be funny.

Sesshomaru: *thwap* get on with the thank yous you baka!

Inuyasha: *rubbing head* OUCH! ALL RIGHT!!!

Luraia Soul: Sugar woman is excited you are reading her story and is sorry for the late update. She will try to make sure it won't happen often. *huggles*

AkayLi: Crazy authoress is happy you like the story and hopes that you aren't mad at her for not updating quickly enough. Enjoy! *hands cookies with plushies*

D-Chan3: AnimeObsessedQueen44 is delighted you like her story and hopes you stay with her. And also to-

*pushes Inuyasha away* I'll do this one Inu-chan! Jinx! MY SUGAR TWIN!!!!! How are ya?! Well hope ya like this chapter and do me a favor. . . FEED POOR FLUFFY! THEN SHE WON'T GO AFTER KURAMA OR INUYASHA!

Anywho, like I said, here's the next chapter, sorry it took so long and ENJOY!!! *salutes and runs into Sesshomaru's lap*

Sesshomaru: you forgot something again.

I WON'T SAY IT! I WON'T!!!!!!

Sesshomaru: Then I'll take all of your sugar.

O_O Wwwwwwwwwwhhhhhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaaaaaa... *faints*

Sesshomaru: -_- why do I even bother. Anyway the disclaimer: Authoress doesn't own us so don't sue her. Reiko is hers, so if you do take her she can sue you! Haha! Just playing. . . you can take the name but not the personality. Now enjoy as I try to wake up the authoress

Inuyasha: *shaking the authoress* Yo! Wake up woman!

@_@

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Chapter 9

Reiko gave a satisfied grin.

"There. That should do it. Now don't play with the bandages and don't scratch it. You could take out the stitches." Makoto nodded and gave a small sniffle. His stomach really hurt and his shoulder wasn't that much better. Although Reiko was able to heal it completely, it was sore and very stiff. He slowly ran his hand over his stomach and looked at his father.

Inuyasha turned his gaze to his son's small face and smiled. He brought his son in close and rubbed his back. "See, isn't it a good thing Auntie Re is around?" Makoto nodded his head again and snuggled closer to Inuyasha.

Suddenly the door to Makoto's room flew open, Chika rushing right thru it with a giant grin on her face. "Daddy's awake! Daddy's awake! Yay! Auntie Re, he got up!" The little girl dashed out the room and Reiko giggled.

Slowly she got to her feet and nodded towards Inuyasha. "I trust Mak will be okay while I go check on Miroku-san?"

"We'll be fine. Go, Miroku needs your assistance."

She nodded and left the room. Inuyasha sat there, holding his son close to his chest. He still couldn't believe that Kikyo tried to kill his son, his own flesh and blood. Inuyasha thought that if she really loved him then she would want him to be happy, which he was. He sighed, 'I guess there's a difference between love and obsession, you don't want anyone else to have it.'

But something still puzzled him. How did Kikyo know about Reiko? They have never met; even Reiko said they didn't. Then how did she know to bring that bow with her? Something finally clicked. Kikyo wasn't working alone. Someone else was with her, someone who knew who Reiko was and how to stop her. Someone who wanted her friends and herself dead. Inuyasha shook with anger.

"Daddy?" Inuyasha looked down to see Makoto's curious face. "Why are you shaking?"

Inuyasha just shook his head and said, "Nothing. . . just a little cold that's all. Say are you sleepy?"

"Uh huh" Mak rubbed his eyes and yawned. Inuyasha laid him down on his futon and pulled a blanket over this small body. "Well why don't you take a nap and when mommy gets home we'll have her make ramen. Okay?"

Makoto yawned again, "Okay daddy." He closed his eyes.

"I love you Daddy."

"I love ya too Mak." Inuyasha closed his son's door and went after Reiko.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"How's your head Miroku?" Reiko teased.

Miroku only smiled and rubbed the bump on his head. "It feels like someone placed my head between two boulders and rammed them together."

Reiko giggled and rubbed her hands together. Gingerly, she placed her hands on the bump and light consumed her hands. When she removed her hands only a slight bruise now remained.

Miroku gave a relieved sigh. "Thank you Reiko. That feels much better." She smiled and nodded. There was a knock on the door. The door slowly opened to reveal Sesshomaru and Inuyasha standing in the threshold. By the look on their faces, something was wrong. Reiko quickly stood up.

"What's the matter?"

"Reiko we need to talk." Sesshomaru said slowly. Turning quickly, Sesshomaru left the room leaving a very confused Reiko. Inuyasha curtly nodded and went after him. Reiko gave Miroku a nervous look and walked went after them as well.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Reiko finally caught up with the two demons by the well. She was nervous, very nervous. The look in their eyes made her very uncomfortable.

"Listen Reiko, there's something important I need to tell you. When Kikyo attacked us, how did she know to use those symbols on you?"

Reiko looked at Inuyasha with a quizzical look. How would she know?

"Why do you ask Inuyasha?"

He sighed. "Don't you think it's a bit odd that she knew to bring an instrument to use against your magic when she never knew you before?"

Reiko pondered over his questions. She never met her before, yes, and there was no way Kikyo could have known her unless someone...

Reiko's eyes widened in shock and realization. Inuyasha nodded his head, "She had help. There was no way she could have known about you unless... Oteck told her. He was the one who gave her that bow. He's here."

She fell to her knees, her whole body shaking. He was here, and knew where she was. Oteck finally found her. After ten long years he finally caught up to her. He was coming for her, by any means necessary. She thought she had finally eluded him. No, he was the hunter and she was his quarry. He would come after her until she was dead or taken by his hands.

It seemed harder to breath. She heaved and tried to gain back her speech, but it seemed like she forgot how. The world spun and she felt dizzy. Reiko fell on her hands, closing her eyes tight trying not to let tears fall. She was terrified.

Strong, loving arms wrapped about her shaking form and lifted her into a kneeling position. Reiko looked to see Sesshomaru's beautiful amber eyes staring at her, telling her that he was there for her. She calmed down and leaned into his chest, inhaling his wonderful smell of exotic spices. Sesshomaru held her, coaxing her to relax and focus.

Reiko finally calmed down enough to breath correctly. Sesshomaru lifted up her chin so he could see her face. Eyes still green, good. Finally he said something, "As you can see, Oteck's target is not just you. He is willing to get rid of everyone you know and love. Something needs to be done."

"Like what?"

"You all need to leave this village."

Reiko's breath caught. Leave the village? The only place she ever thought as her second home? She didn't think she could bring herself to do it. She was about to protest when Sesshomaru placed a clawed finger to her lips. "You have to leave. If he knows you are here then he can attack any time, day or night. No one is safe here. Everyone needs to leave."

"But. . . where would we go. Where-"

"You shall come live with me," he interrupted. He faced Inuyasha, "all of you shall come." Even Inuyasha looked surprised. Sesshomaru's face stayed expressionless, though you could see compassion in his amber eyes. "Staying at another village will only put more people in danger, but if you stay at my castle you all can be safe. When he comes, I shall be ready with no distractions."

Inuyasha just stared at his brother. Sesshomaru? Caring about other villagers' safety? Man, Reiko was making him go soft.

Reiko only nodded her head hugged Sesshomaru tighter.

"Well what's going on here? A small party?" Kagome's raven head popped out of the well, a gigantic smile plastered on her face. Though smile fading as she looked at their faces. "Inuyasha, what's wrong?" Inuyasha sighed and help her out of the well, next helping Sango who was carrying a large bundle.

"Come with me girls. I'll tell you what happened." Inuyasha placed his arms around Kagome's waist and kissed her. When he led her and Sango away, Sesshomaru looked down at Reiko, who seemed to have dozed off while sitting in his lap.

Sesshomaru gave an evil grin. Slowly he began to nuzzle Reiko's neck, making her tilt her head and moan slightly. When he had better access, he placed butterfly kisses on her jaw-line, neck and behind her ear. Reiko shifted a little, unconsciously rubbing against Sesshomaru, making him groan deep in his throat. Sesshomaru almost missed the grin on her face; he would get her back for that.

He ran his soft lips along her neck and took her earlobe in his mouth and suckled gently. Reiko moaned again and one of her hands came to cup Sesshomaru's face. Sesshomaru then licked her ear making her arch her back and gasp. "S-Sesshomaru!"

He smirked; taking the soft lobe once again between his teeth. His hands roamed her sides, rubbing back and forth sensually. Slowly he rubbed her lean stomach, his smile broadening as he made his way to her sides again. Then. . .

"EEP! SESSHOMARU!" Reiko was wracked with laughter as his skilled hands tickled her sides. Sesshomaru chuckled and kept going. Reiko squirmed and breathed heavily, a smile coming to her face as well. Finally she freed herself from Sesshomaru's grip and quickly stood up.

"Meanie!" Reiko smiled, stuck out her tongue, and ran. Sesshomaru bolted off the ground and took chase of his quarry. He could outrun her, yes, but he wanted to play. Just like a puppy.

Reiko ran up a hill, her skirt trailing behind her.

When she turned her head to see if he followed her answer was he, wrapping his arms around her waist, his eyes level with hers. She gave a small yelp as the fell backwards, her falling on top of him. Together they rolled down the hill, laughing as they went.

They lay there at the bottom of the hill, trying to stop the fits of giggles and catch their breaths. Finally Reiko rolled on her side, her face falling on his shoulder and her leg intertwining with his right leg. She began to make small circles on his chest with her finger.

"Do you think I'll like it there?" Her voice was childlike and soft. Sesshomaru knew what 'there' was. He sighed and wrapped his arms around her waist, wanting her to be close. He nuzzled her neck again, "It may not be like the small village, but my castle is nicely secluded and you'll be safe. It has a beautiful garden for you and all your friends will be there. It will be your new home. Where we can live together in peace."

"There will be no piece with. . . him still alive." Reiko shuddered and Sesshomaru's grip tightened.

He rubbed her back, "Then I'll make sure that he is no more so then peace is restored to this world. Only for you, my mate."

Reiko looked at him and smiled. She placed her hand on his cheek and whispered, "Thank you Sesshomaru. You should know, home is anywhere you are love." Sesshomaru's eyes filled with love as he drew Reiko in for a passionate kiss.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Oteck paced back and forth in the clearing, shaking his head. "Now if I attack them at night then it'll be a surprise and then I can get Reiko." He hit his head, "No. . . won't work. Demons have a good sense of smell and he'll smell me. Damn, I really hate that demon."

He sat down Indian style and scratched his head. He hated when he ran out of ideas. It made him feel vulnerable. He didn't know why, it just did. Oteck took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and relaxed. He did this every time he wanted to see the future. At first the only thing he saw were swirling colors of red, orange, blue, green, yellow, and many others. Slowly the colors took shapes and suddenly he saw the face of Sesshomaru, bent over crying.

Oteck's eyes shot open, a toothy smile coming to his face. (AN: a very ugly one I might add. . . yellow teeth! Ewww!!! Anyway, back to story.) Oh he loved to see people cry! Especially if it was by his doing. He cackled idiotically. He saw the damn demon cry; it only goes to show that he will be victorious in retrieving Reiko.

He gave a giant whoop, and jumped into the tree, his ugly grin still on his face.

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Yes I know. . . BORING! Well every story has a couple of them and mine is no exception.

Inuyasha: When did you become conscious?

When you were running away from Fluffy-

Inuyasha: AHHHHHHH!!!! DON'T REMIND ME!

*rolls eyes* Anywho, as you can see this chapter is done! Yay!!!! *does happy dance*

Inuyasha: Took you long enough...

Hey I don't see you trying to make up a story off the top of your head! Besides, I needed to restore my supply of pixie stix. O_O can you believe it!? I ran out of pixie stix!

Sesshomaru: *sarcastically* oh my! Not you! You only eat them 24/7!

*glares* I told Jinx I would be nice to you.. *mumbles* only because I don't want her to take you away.

Sesshomaru: ^_^ thank you Jinx!

Jinx: *runs and gives Sessy a hug and runs away again*

*sticks out tongue as she passes* KEEP FLUFFY AWAY FROM KURAMA JINX! Well, chapter done. R&R please and thank you. Hope ya like and stay tuned for more.

Hey, where's Inuyasha?

Inuyasha: *cowering in a corner* A LITTLE HELP HERE PLEASE!!!!!!

*looks to see Jinx's pet squirrel Fluffy clawing at Inu-chan* _ JINX! GET YOUR SQUIRREL BEFORE HE EATS INUYASHA, AND I GO GET MY METAL BAT!

Jinx: O_O

-_-.. Or at least feed her Naraku.

P.S. if you see some stupid error. email me and I'll fix it. ARIGATO!!!!! ^_^