A/n: Hey, I'm back. Enjoy the chapter, I have nothing creative to say today.
FROM THE LAST CHAPTER
"That was awkward." I muttered as he left.
God, I had never been more embarrassed in my life, I had never let anyone live after seeing me naked, let alone blush in front of them. In fact, I haven't ever been embarrassed enough to blush at all. God, I just wanted to shrink into a tiny nothing and hide. Not to mention I got a full view of his body, and I MEAN a full view. I was surprised that he didn't say anything other than what he did. I expected at least a snide, or even rude comment. Perhaps even a scolding. I was confused.
I made my way back to camp from the hot springs. Flipping my hair over my shoulder, I made up my mind to act as though nothing had happened. I slung my bag onto my back and made sure that Kagome was ready and waiting. Then, went to Sango.
"Hey, Sango," I called to her. "Are you and Kirara ready? Mr. High and Mighty wants to go."
"Yes, is Kagome riding again?" She inquired, strapping her boomerang to her back.
"If it's no trouble... yah. We need to get back to the castle quickly. And I'm sorry in advance if Sesshoumaru gets on your nerves any. That's just the way he is."
"No problem. I'm used to it by now."
I shot her a smile and went to find Inuyasha.
"Hey, Inuyasha." I said, coming up behind him, "I have to talk to you."
"What?"
"I know you're being protective and I appreciate the concern, but I want my job back."
"What? Why? Why in the seven hells would you want that job?"
"Inuyasha, if you remember anything about me, you know that I would not survive being cooped up in those walls. I need free range and that is the only job that'll give it to me. Wolves can't be caged... you know that. Besides, I never go back on responsibility. This job was placed on me before I even came to the castle and I'm not backing out just because I'll make some enemies. I'm not a pup to be looked after and you..."
"Very touching speech..." Came Sesshoumaru's interruption, "Very well, Laquisha, if you wish, you may become head of security again."
"Now wait a minute, Sesshoumaru..." Inuyasha started, but Sesshoumaru cut him off.
"No, Inuyasha, I have put up with quite enough from you lately. This time I will not hear you. You have your own responsibilities to tend to as well. I brought Laquisha for this reason. Now, fall in line. We've got to get going."
Inuyasha made a move to say something that would have probably gotten him into very big trouble, but I covered his mouth and shook my head at him.
"Just let it go." I whispered.
"Feh." Was his only reply as he stormed off.
I shook my head and sighed.
"Looks like you're not the only one who pissed him off." I said to Sesshoumaru, casting him a wan smile. "I'll tell Kagome and Sango that we're leaving."
I took off before he had time to respond. I couldn't risk getting into a conversation with him. Enough had conspired between us to last a lifetime. I had to keep telling myself that I was a servant. I wasn't even supposed to talk to him unless he said something to me first. I was going to have a problem with getting used to that. But the thing that got me is... he had done nothing about it! Besides for gettin' in my face about saying something snide, he had said absolutely nothing about my attitude towards him. Although, at times, I had sensed extreme irritation at my deliberate defiance, but he never voiced it. I was all too confused on his behavior. This was THE Lord Sesshoumaru of the Western Lands... supposedly a total ice cube with the personality of a brick wall. But from what I had seen of him... he was actually... semi-bearable. Why in God's name would he change so quickly? Unless his title was actually some mask to hide the real him...
We were moving... again. The sun had barely risen and we were already on the move. But, gratefully, I didn't have to walk. Sango had again offered a ride, and I had quickly accepted. Kirara was a wonderful companion to have around. As soon as we got to the castle I would have to personally thank Kirara for the ride. I was so comfortable; I had to literally tell myself to stay awake so I didn't fall off. But, of course, with my luck, I started to doze off. When I felt myself taken away from the comfort of Kirara's back, I assumed I had fallen. No such luck. I never hit the ground. When I opened my eyes to see what was happening, I found myself in the clutches of a very large demon.
"Give me the shard of the Shikon Jewel!" It roared.
"I don't know what you're talking about." I heard myself whimper back.
I screamed for help as it bared its teeth to take a bite out of me. Closing my eyes in anticipation, I readied myself for pain... but it never came. When I opened my eyes again, I was in the arms of, not the demon, but Inuyasha himself. I looked up at him with big watery eyes.
"Are you ok, Kagome?" He asked... his voice filled with concern.
"You- you... saved me... ME. Why?" I stuttered.
"What do you mean why? Did you want to die?" He asked heatedly.
"No, I didn't mean that. I meant... I thought..." I cut off.
"You thought what?"
"That I wasn't important enough for that sort of attention." I finished.
His eyes softened.
"Of course you are. Don't let anyone tell you different. You're still a person, no matter what your status."
We held eye contact for the longest time, again. We stayed there what seemed like forever, until Laquisha called out,
"Inuyasha! He's getting away! Come on!"
"Stay here." He said, setting me down gently.
Casting me a quick glance to make sure that I wasn't hurt, he took off after Laquisha. As soon he was out of sight, I sat down where I was. He actually said those things? ...To me? Why would he do such a thing? I went over the things he had said in my head and came to the conclusion that he was right. I was worth something. I mean... I had to be if I was the protector of the Shikon Jewel. Standing back up, I had a new opinion about myself. I was no longer the clumsy jinx child... I was Kagome, the woman... the protector of the Shikon Jewel.
Walking tall, I found Sango. Yes, things were going to change. And maybe... just maybe... I had a chance with Inuyasha...
What was Inuyasha doing? All he was supposed to do was make sure that Kagome was all right. Although, that was my job, he was closer, and I was very grateful for his help. But now, we had bigger fish to fry. Another demon, obviously teamed up with Kagome's attacker, had stolen the Shikon Shard and we had to get it back. He was one ugly ass demon and his stench was almost as bad as his looks... which made it easy to track him... if you really wanted to. Holding my breath, I started to close in on him, but he completely changed direction. Now he was coming directly at me! Smiling at its stupidity, I charged at him. That is, until I was hit in the chest by a large ball of orange fur with enough force to make me skid to a stop. I looked down at the fuzz ball in my arms and found it trembling in fear.
"Give me the child!!!" The demon roared as it skidded to a stop in front of me.
"No." I replied with a shrug.
It gave an outraged roar at my cool defiance and charged at me. I pulled my sword and got ready for the attack. With a snarl, he reached out to knock my sword out of his grip. Unfortunately for him, no sooner than he touched it, his hand melted away... literally. Smirking at my newfound ability, I leapt up and swept downward with my sword. It was like slicing through butter. The creature melted into dust with a howl, his remains blown away by the wind. Returning my attention to the ball of fluff, I found it was a little fox kit. I poked at his side saying,
"It's ok, little one, the demon's gone."
He looked up at me with the biggest watery eyes and wailed,
"Thank you!"
I instantly felt a motherly bond towards the little kit. His face and clothes were smudged with soot and dirt. It looked like he had just recently been in a fire.
"Where are your parents?" I asked.
He looked up at me pathetically.
"The demon came to our village looking for the shard I had found. He- he set the whole village on fire. Everyone was running around screaming. Mama told me an' my sister to get out, and she was going to follow... but the flames... she couldn't get out... I tried to help... but... but I couldn't. An'- an' Papa couldn't help either... cuz- cuz... he was fighting the demon... but... bu... The demon ate him!" He wailed, and started to sniffle in sorrow.
"Shh, It's gonna be ok..." I whispered, stroking his hair in comfort. "Do you have any other relatives?"
He shook his head in reply.
"Do you have anywhere to stay?" I asked.
Again, he shook his head in reply.
"Do you want to stay with me?" I asked.
He looked up at me with big grateful eyes and nodded.
"Ok, then, it's settled... You'll travel with me. Now, just a warning, I travel with someone who probably won't approve of me taking care of you, so stay on my shoulder or something. Maybe even hide yourself in my hair. I'll take care of it from there, ok?"
Again, he nodded.
"And, by the way, my name's Laquisha, what's yours?"
"Shippou."
Smiling I walked over to the remaining ashes, looking for the stolen shard. But, instead of one, I found two shards laying on the ground.
"Cool, I got an extra one for the trouble." I muttered out loud. Turning to get back to the group, I found Inuyasha leaning against a tree.
"Hey, how long have you been standing there?" I asked him sharply.
"Long enough to see what that sword of yours can do... Damn, why didn't you tell me it was powerful?"
"I didn't know until just now. Besides, you're one to talk. Yah, I heard of that sword you have on your hip. It's supposed to be able to slay a hundred demons in one swing. I'm pretty sure mine can't do that."
"How'd you know?" Inuyasha asked breathlessly.
"I just happen to know the one who made it. He likes to travel to our village. Whenever he came around, I made a point of going to see him. He taught me some neat sword play."
"Toto-sai is still living?" Came an all-too-familiar voice.
I turned to Sesshoumaru with a raised eyebrow.
"Why do you want to know?" I asked.
Shippou took one look at Sesshoumaru's irritated look and hid himself in my hair.
"Fine, fine, God, you don't have to attempt to set me ablaze with one of your glares. Yes, Toto-sai is still alive and well. He's still making swords as well, if someone actually asks him to make one." I said, putting my hands on my hips.
"But I highly doubt he'd make you one." I added under my breath.
"And why would that be?" Sesshoumaru's cold voice became a bit chillier. He'd obviously heard me say that.
"Because Toto-sai usually has to take a liking to his clients, not to mention... he told me ALL about that sword strapped to your hip. Tell me Sesshoumaru... have you even used that sword he made? How does it feel to have the power to save lives, while Inuyasha has the power to destroy?" By this time I was nearly kicking myself in the ass. Why? Why did I have to be born with a big mouth?
He made an aggressive step towards me and, me being the wolf I was, I stood my ground in chalenge. Immediately, Inuyasha stepped between us, breaking our eye contact.
"Whoa, Sesshoumaru, back off, I know you don't tolerate that sort of stuff, but give her a break. She's not had the best of weeks and she's new to this servant business......... Please?"
Obviously startled by the, "please", Inuyasha had thrown in, Sesshoumaru cast me one glance and turned on his heel, saying,
"We're leaving, we've already wasted too much time."
Once Sesshoumaru was out of earshot, Inuyasha grabbed me by both of the ears and dragged me into his face.
"Do you have a friggin' death wish?!" He asked with a face torn between utter shock and surprised amusement.
"Maybe..." I replied, "But you can let go of my ears now before I chew your arm off."
He dropped his hands to his sides.
"Why me?" He inquired of the skies, "Take my advice, Laquisha, I will not always be there to get your ass out of trouble. And not to mention, that is probably the first time in history that I have said 'please' to Sesshoumaru. I don't plan on doing so again in this next lifetime, so, back off, bite your tongue, do SOMETHING to keep that mouth of yours shut when you're around him, because, I doubt very much that next time I will be able to intervene without physical force."
"Your asking me to defy my very nature, you do know that, right?"
"Yah, yah... but I'm serious. What if eventually he takes it as an actual challenge? Do you really think you can beat him? Think on that the next time you openly defy him like that."
And with that, he turned to catch up to the group.
Finally feeling that it was safe, Shippou poked his head out and said,
"Laquisha, was that who I think it was?"
"Yes, Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru. The dog brothers... oops, I hope he didn't hear me say that... Anyway, what about it?"
"He's scarier than what I've heard... do you think it's a problem if I come with you?"
"Nah, besides, if it is, I'll deal with it. For now, just stay close."
"Ok, and, by the way, Laquisha?"
"Yes?"
"Thanks."
"You're welcome."
A/n: Ok, now... my brain hurts. I now have writer's block, but... have no fear, it usually doesn't last very long. It'll probably be over by tomorrow. K. Latta.
FROM THE LAST CHAPTER
"That was awkward." I muttered as he left.
God, I had never been more embarrassed in my life, I had never let anyone live after seeing me naked, let alone blush in front of them. In fact, I haven't ever been embarrassed enough to blush at all. God, I just wanted to shrink into a tiny nothing and hide. Not to mention I got a full view of his body, and I MEAN a full view. I was surprised that he didn't say anything other than what he did. I expected at least a snide, or even rude comment. Perhaps even a scolding. I was confused.
I made my way back to camp from the hot springs. Flipping my hair over my shoulder, I made up my mind to act as though nothing had happened. I slung my bag onto my back and made sure that Kagome was ready and waiting. Then, went to Sango.
"Hey, Sango," I called to her. "Are you and Kirara ready? Mr. High and Mighty wants to go."
"Yes, is Kagome riding again?" She inquired, strapping her boomerang to her back.
"If it's no trouble... yah. We need to get back to the castle quickly. And I'm sorry in advance if Sesshoumaru gets on your nerves any. That's just the way he is."
"No problem. I'm used to it by now."
I shot her a smile and went to find Inuyasha.
"Hey, Inuyasha." I said, coming up behind him, "I have to talk to you."
"What?"
"I know you're being protective and I appreciate the concern, but I want my job back."
"What? Why? Why in the seven hells would you want that job?"
"Inuyasha, if you remember anything about me, you know that I would not survive being cooped up in those walls. I need free range and that is the only job that'll give it to me. Wolves can't be caged... you know that. Besides, I never go back on responsibility. This job was placed on me before I even came to the castle and I'm not backing out just because I'll make some enemies. I'm not a pup to be looked after and you..."
"Very touching speech..." Came Sesshoumaru's interruption, "Very well, Laquisha, if you wish, you may become head of security again."
"Now wait a minute, Sesshoumaru..." Inuyasha started, but Sesshoumaru cut him off.
"No, Inuyasha, I have put up with quite enough from you lately. This time I will not hear you. You have your own responsibilities to tend to as well. I brought Laquisha for this reason. Now, fall in line. We've got to get going."
Inuyasha made a move to say something that would have probably gotten him into very big trouble, but I covered his mouth and shook my head at him.
"Just let it go." I whispered.
"Feh." Was his only reply as he stormed off.
I shook my head and sighed.
"Looks like you're not the only one who pissed him off." I said to Sesshoumaru, casting him a wan smile. "I'll tell Kagome and Sango that we're leaving."
I took off before he had time to respond. I couldn't risk getting into a conversation with him. Enough had conspired between us to last a lifetime. I had to keep telling myself that I was a servant. I wasn't even supposed to talk to him unless he said something to me first. I was going to have a problem with getting used to that. But the thing that got me is... he had done nothing about it! Besides for gettin' in my face about saying something snide, he had said absolutely nothing about my attitude towards him. Although, at times, I had sensed extreme irritation at my deliberate defiance, but he never voiced it. I was all too confused on his behavior. This was THE Lord Sesshoumaru of the Western Lands... supposedly a total ice cube with the personality of a brick wall. But from what I had seen of him... he was actually... semi-bearable. Why in God's name would he change so quickly? Unless his title was actually some mask to hide the real him...
We were moving... again. The sun had barely risen and we were already on the move. But, gratefully, I didn't have to walk. Sango had again offered a ride, and I had quickly accepted. Kirara was a wonderful companion to have around. As soon as we got to the castle I would have to personally thank Kirara for the ride. I was so comfortable; I had to literally tell myself to stay awake so I didn't fall off. But, of course, with my luck, I started to doze off. When I felt myself taken away from the comfort of Kirara's back, I assumed I had fallen. No such luck. I never hit the ground. When I opened my eyes to see what was happening, I found myself in the clutches of a very large demon.
"Give me the shard of the Shikon Jewel!" It roared.
"I don't know what you're talking about." I heard myself whimper back.
I screamed for help as it bared its teeth to take a bite out of me. Closing my eyes in anticipation, I readied myself for pain... but it never came. When I opened my eyes again, I was in the arms of, not the demon, but Inuyasha himself. I looked up at him with big watery eyes.
"Are you ok, Kagome?" He asked... his voice filled with concern.
"You- you... saved me... ME. Why?" I stuttered.
"What do you mean why? Did you want to die?" He asked heatedly.
"No, I didn't mean that. I meant... I thought..." I cut off.
"You thought what?"
"That I wasn't important enough for that sort of attention." I finished.
His eyes softened.
"Of course you are. Don't let anyone tell you different. You're still a person, no matter what your status."
We held eye contact for the longest time, again. We stayed there what seemed like forever, until Laquisha called out,
"Inuyasha! He's getting away! Come on!"
"Stay here." He said, setting me down gently.
Casting me a quick glance to make sure that I wasn't hurt, he took off after Laquisha. As soon he was out of sight, I sat down where I was. He actually said those things? ...To me? Why would he do such a thing? I went over the things he had said in my head and came to the conclusion that he was right. I was worth something. I mean... I had to be if I was the protector of the Shikon Jewel. Standing back up, I had a new opinion about myself. I was no longer the clumsy jinx child... I was Kagome, the woman... the protector of the Shikon Jewel.
Walking tall, I found Sango. Yes, things were going to change. And maybe... just maybe... I had a chance with Inuyasha...
What was Inuyasha doing? All he was supposed to do was make sure that Kagome was all right. Although, that was my job, he was closer, and I was very grateful for his help. But now, we had bigger fish to fry. Another demon, obviously teamed up with Kagome's attacker, had stolen the Shikon Shard and we had to get it back. He was one ugly ass demon and his stench was almost as bad as his looks... which made it easy to track him... if you really wanted to. Holding my breath, I started to close in on him, but he completely changed direction. Now he was coming directly at me! Smiling at its stupidity, I charged at him. That is, until I was hit in the chest by a large ball of orange fur with enough force to make me skid to a stop. I looked down at the fuzz ball in my arms and found it trembling in fear.
"Give me the child!!!" The demon roared as it skidded to a stop in front of me.
"No." I replied with a shrug.
It gave an outraged roar at my cool defiance and charged at me. I pulled my sword and got ready for the attack. With a snarl, he reached out to knock my sword out of his grip. Unfortunately for him, no sooner than he touched it, his hand melted away... literally. Smirking at my newfound ability, I leapt up and swept downward with my sword. It was like slicing through butter. The creature melted into dust with a howl, his remains blown away by the wind. Returning my attention to the ball of fluff, I found it was a little fox kit. I poked at his side saying,
"It's ok, little one, the demon's gone."
He looked up at me with the biggest watery eyes and wailed,
"Thank you!"
I instantly felt a motherly bond towards the little kit. His face and clothes were smudged with soot and dirt. It looked like he had just recently been in a fire.
"Where are your parents?" I asked.
He looked up at me pathetically.
"The demon came to our village looking for the shard I had found. He- he set the whole village on fire. Everyone was running around screaming. Mama told me an' my sister to get out, and she was going to follow... but the flames... she couldn't get out... I tried to help... but... but I couldn't. An'- an' Papa couldn't help either... cuz- cuz... he was fighting the demon... but... bu... The demon ate him!" He wailed, and started to sniffle in sorrow.
"Shh, It's gonna be ok..." I whispered, stroking his hair in comfort. "Do you have any other relatives?"
He shook his head in reply.
"Do you have anywhere to stay?" I asked.
Again, he shook his head in reply.
"Do you want to stay with me?" I asked.
He looked up at me with big grateful eyes and nodded.
"Ok, then, it's settled... You'll travel with me. Now, just a warning, I travel with someone who probably won't approve of me taking care of you, so stay on my shoulder or something. Maybe even hide yourself in my hair. I'll take care of it from there, ok?"
Again, he nodded.
"And, by the way, my name's Laquisha, what's yours?"
"Shippou."
Smiling I walked over to the remaining ashes, looking for the stolen shard. But, instead of one, I found two shards laying on the ground.
"Cool, I got an extra one for the trouble." I muttered out loud. Turning to get back to the group, I found Inuyasha leaning against a tree.
"Hey, how long have you been standing there?" I asked him sharply.
"Long enough to see what that sword of yours can do... Damn, why didn't you tell me it was powerful?"
"I didn't know until just now. Besides, you're one to talk. Yah, I heard of that sword you have on your hip. It's supposed to be able to slay a hundred demons in one swing. I'm pretty sure mine can't do that."
"How'd you know?" Inuyasha asked breathlessly.
"I just happen to know the one who made it. He likes to travel to our village. Whenever he came around, I made a point of going to see him. He taught me some neat sword play."
"Toto-sai is still living?" Came an all-too-familiar voice.
I turned to Sesshoumaru with a raised eyebrow.
"Why do you want to know?" I asked.
Shippou took one look at Sesshoumaru's irritated look and hid himself in my hair.
"Fine, fine, God, you don't have to attempt to set me ablaze with one of your glares. Yes, Toto-sai is still alive and well. He's still making swords as well, if someone actually asks him to make one." I said, putting my hands on my hips.
"But I highly doubt he'd make you one." I added under my breath.
"And why would that be?" Sesshoumaru's cold voice became a bit chillier. He'd obviously heard me say that.
"Because Toto-sai usually has to take a liking to his clients, not to mention... he told me ALL about that sword strapped to your hip. Tell me Sesshoumaru... have you even used that sword he made? How does it feel to have the power to save lives, while Inuyasha has the power to destroy?" By this time I was nearly kicking myself in the ass. Why? Why did I have to be born with a big mouth?
He made an aggressive step towards me and, me being the wolf I was, I stood my ground in chalenge. Immediately, Inuyasha stepped between us, breaking our eye contact.
"Whoa, Sesshoumaru, back off, I know you don't tolerate that sort of stuff, but give her a break. She's not had the best of weeks and she's new to this servant business......... Please?"
Obviously startled by the, "please", Inuyasha had thrown in, Sesshoumaru cast me one glance and turned on his heel, saying,
"We're leaving, we've already wasted too much time."
Once Sesshoumaru was out of earshot, Inuyasha grabbed me by both of the ears and dragged me into his face.
"Do you have a friggin' death wish?!" He asked with a face torn between utter shock and surprised amusement.
"Maybe..." I replied, "But you can let go of my ears now before I chew your arm off."
He dropped his hands to his sides.
"Why me?" He inquired of the skies, "Take my advice, Laquisha, I will not always be there to get your ass out of trouble. And not to mention, that is probably the first time in history that I have said 'please' to Sesshoumaru. I don't plan on doing so again in this next lifetime, so, back off, bite your tongue, do SOMETHING to keep that mouth of yours shut when you're around him, because, I doubt very much that next time I will be able to intervene without physical force."
"Your asking me to defy my very nature, you do know that, right?"
"Yah, yah... but I'm serious. What if eventually he takes it as an actual challenge? Do you really think you can beat him? Think on that the next time you openly defy him like that."
And with that, he turned to catch up to the group.
Finally feeling that it was safe, Shippou poked his head out and said,
"Laquisha, was that who I think it was?"
"Yes, Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru. The dog brothers... oops, I hope he didn't hear me say that... Anyway, what about it?"
"He's scarier than what I've heard... do you think it's a problem if I come with you?"
"Nah, besides, if it is, I'll deal with it. For now, just stay close."
"Ok, and, by the way, Laquisha?"
"Yes?"
"Thanks."
"You're welcome."
A/n: Ok, now... my brain hurts. I now have writer's block, but... have no fear, it usually doesn't last very long. It'll probably be over by tomorrow. K. Latta.