A: I don't own Inu or the song I put in. Please don't sue me.

K: She's broke anyway.

A: Yep.

S: Poor Darling. Would you like some of my money?

A: I don't need it.

S: Are you sure?

A: Sure.

S: It wouldn't be a problem

K: She doesn't want it.

A: I don't need it.

K: She can fend for herself.

A: I guess we should get on with the story.

Surprises All Around

Suzumi finished checking her other patients and wondered over to Tasha's bed. "Ayame, have you seen Tasha?"

"No."

"I'm here!" Tasha stood in the entry to the cave with Kouga's arm around her waist for support. They slowly walked in.

"Thank goodness. I was worried."

"Suzumi, I'd like to move Tasha into the quarters next to mine."

"Right away sir." Suzumi left to gather the girl's things.

"You just want to keep me closer." Tasha said.

"Is that a bad thing?"

"I guess not. When are you going to teach me to wield a sword?"

"As soon as you can walk around without me following you."

"All right. Can I start coming to your meetings?"

"Why?"

"I have a strategic mind and I can debate fiercely."

"I'll warn you, I get bored at these things."

"Okay." Tasha couldn't help but laugh.

"You'll have to wear a kimono. There will be some in your room. Feel free to ask anyone if you need anything."

"Okay."

"Is that all you say?"

"Okay."

"Wow. This is nice." They entered a cavern that was enormous. A crevice in the corner served as closet. A bed like all the others only twice as big took up the other corner. A table with cushions around it took up some more room.

"This room is only slightly smaller than mine.

"Sir," a soldier entered, "your visitor is here."

"Thank you, Hitare." Kouga turned to Tasha. "This is the guy who could get your book published."

"Let's go." She followed him out of the cave. "L-l-lord Sesshomaru." She bowed deeply. She was about a step behind Kouga.

"The human has manners. That's more than I can say for you. If you are a friend of Kouga's you may rise."

"Thank you, Sir."

"What is your name?"

"I am Tasha."

"You have hurt yourself."

Tasha touched her side. "Yes, Sir. A demon attacked me."

Tenseiga pulsed. Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow at it. "Is the wound serious?"

"If Kouga hadn't gotten me medical attention so fast I would've died. I was unconscious for three weeks then bedridden for two. I still can't walk well."

"Let me see it."

Tasha pulled her shirt up just enough and unwrapped the wound. Sesshomaru drew the sword and it pulsed again. Tasha closed her eyes prepared to die. Sesshomaru slashed his sword across the wound and it healed. Tasha opened her eyes and poked at the new flesh.

"Thank you, my Lord."

"Why don't you have Suzumi take you to the hot springs to clean up?"

Tasha nodded and ran off.

"She is important to you and this world. Tenseiga would not have wanted to heal her if she wasn't important to just anyone."

"Are you trying to say you're my friend now?"

"Anything is possible. Keep her close."

"Tasha wrote something and I was hoping you'd look at to see if it should be published."

"Does she want it published?"

"She didn't disagree when I asked her."

"When I have read it I will reply. On to our original business."

"This way please."

Kouga and Sesshomaru made their way to the 'meeting cave'.

"She is a nice girl." Sesshomaru commented.

"Her writing is incredible. Once I picked it up I couldn't put it down until I finished. I should ask her if she's written anything else."

"You speak highly of her. Kagome would be jealous. Is she that precious to you?"

"If anything happened to her I'd kill myself."

"Splendid! I've been needing a bath. Get your things."

"Got them."

The girls trounced through the woods.

"You need to get your rear in gear girl." They began to undress and wash their hair.

"What do you mean?"

"Make a move on him."

"I think I already have. We've kissed . . . twice."

"Obviously that's not enough. You need to tell him how you feel."

"I'm not sure I can do that."

"I'll be here if you need a shoulder to cry on."

"Yeah then you'll beat him up."

"Yep."

"Can I not do it in front of Sesshomaru though?"

"Of course."

"You were right Kouga. It is exquisite. I'll have it published. I'll even send a copy to the other lords."

"She'll be thrilled."

"Indeed."

The door creaked open (yes some of the rooms have doors how else do you get privacy?) and someone entered. Tasha stood there wearing the purple kimono Kouga had given her. Her hair was folded up so it had a fountain effect at the crown of her head. She was the most gorgeous creature Kouga had ever seen.

"It's impolite to stare. You look like you've never seen a woman before."

"I've never seen one look so beautiful in a kimono."

Sesshomaru stood and strode over to the nervous girl. "Good day. May I escort you?"

"Thank you." She flashed a smile at him and took his arm. Once everyone was seated the meeting started. Tea was served and Tasha watched as the two men foolishly debated.

"Now that Naraku is dead you have no need to have any men in my territory." Kouga said.

"And you expect me to give you protection when you pass through my territory? Why do you need to pass through anyway?"

"We are allies and I need to negotiate with the other wolf tribes."

"Boys. The solution is simple. Sesshomaru will withdraw his men and every month send someone to check out the territory. Kouga will be able to pass through his lands with one person who knows the area. His clan can take care of themselves anyway. This way Sesshomaru can keep an eye on all his land and Kouga will have safe passage to go negotiate." Tasha explained it as if a three-year-old could've figured it out.

"Maybe she should negotiate for you."

"Not only is she beautiful she's deadly at debating." Kouga looked at her in surprise.

"Are those terms agreeable?"

"Agreeable? They're excellent." Kouga exclaimed.

"It's a deal. We'll need you to sign the treaty." Sesshomaru explained.

"Not a problem."