Nightly Radiance

CH 5: Problems Solve

His eyes twitched as he felt the sunlight hit his skin. Instantly, he felt great strength come to his body, as he remembered parts and bits of last night. He opened one of his eyes revealing sparkly almost silver eyes, and observed his surroundings. He knew instantly that he was inside his tent.

That woman couldn't be a dream...could she? He asked himself, as he sat up, scratching his head, only for his eyes to travel to what he wore.

He was still wearing his armour. Disappointment came to him. The woman from last night was probably just a dream. But he had never met such a beautiful woman. Not even in his dreams. And if she was real, he was disappointed at himself for treating her the way he did. Sure, he wasn't perfect, but he could have treated her better... He shook his head mentally. There is no use thinking about it now.

After getting himself ready, which took hardly any time, he stood up and walked outside. However, what he didn't expect was to have everyone stare at him. He raised a delicate eyebrow at everyone, only to frown as he saw Lord Inuyasha walked towards him with a frown.

"Are you ok?" His lord asked, though his voice betrayed him. His lord wasn't concern at all.

His nose wrinkled a bit, as he answered groggily. "I'm fine."

"As expected," his young lord mumbled to himself. "Look, I don't know what happened last night, but you better tell the damn truth. Ok, Koya?" Inuyasha snapped at him.

Koya's face contorted. "What...? Sorry 'Prince of Ours', however I don't know what it is you're talking about."

His lord scoffed. "Then tell me, why the hell did we find you last night, lying around on the ground? Hit on the back of the neck? Who did you fucking bully this time? I'm tired of your shit. I don't freaking need another Naraku in this place." The young lord looked to the side, as he gestured towards the soldiers. "These bimbos are enough for me to baby-sit. Don't tell me I'm going to have to baby-sit you as well?"

It was obvious to everyone that his lord, Inuyasha, wasn't in the best mood. Now, including the idiot soldiers from last night, wished that they had never brought the subject of Koya to their lord. Though everyone was slightly frustrated by their lord's antics, no one was more confused than Koya himself. To him, the only obvious conclusion that he could take why Inuyasha was doing this was because Inuyasha hated his guts. To Koya's eyes, his lord was just taking out his fumes.

And before Koya knew it, he blew.

"Shut up." His voice was low and threatening.

Everyone, including Inuyasha, shut his or her mouths. Though Koya wasn't as powerful as Sesshoumaru, he was someone not to be messing with. When this tone came, they knew he was serious. And there was nothing scarier than a serious Koya.

Inuyasha's eyes widened and then narrowed, trying to regain his self-stature in front of his soldier's eyes.

"I have had enough of your fucking rambling, Inuyasha. If you have something against me, then why don't you just fucking come out with it?" His tone was serious and soft, the threat flowing from it. "I have done nothing wrong to you and the only thing I can remember of last night is that woman whore I bumped into." His fist clenched, as his eyes narrowed.

Though Koya was still angry, Inuyasha however had changed his mood. "Woman...?" He asked out loud. His eyes locked with Koya's narrowed ones. "There was a woman in here...?" He asked softly, curious about it himself.

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Sesshoumaru walked along side Kaji. From the corner of his eyes, he could see the young, short solider try to keep the flower alive. He now knew of its qualities, yet he knew nothing of why it would suit the young solider in anyway, other than ugliness of daylight.

Then, his voice broke the silence. "Tell me, what is the name of that flower."

The boy quickly turned his face towards him. "Um..." The boy paused, as though deciding whether to tell or not. And finally, his voice came, "It's Nightly Radiance."

"Hn," the lord replied. "The name is appropriate. However, in any possible way I try to see, I still cannot see any similarities between the flower and you. Tell me the similarities."

"You don't have to know." The boy answered simply.

The lord's eyes hardened as he locked his eyes with the boy, demanding and scary. "Nonetheless, you will answer."

"One day...maybe."

"Now, soldier." He demanded once again, annoyance and frustration flowing inside him. However, he watched as the soldier walked forward, towards the direction of the now seen camp.

He watched as the boy kept walking, only to look back once more with a gentle smile. Though the boy's hideous face was not a great sight to be seen, somehow a feeling went to him. As though, this smile had been given to him not long ago. His memories do not fail him. The memories tell him that this was the first time he had seen the boy smile at him. But a gut feeling told him something else. He had seen the boy's smile before, or know someone who smiled like this.

"My sister might tell you...if you ever meet her again." The hideous boy answered.

And before Sesshoumaru had the time to ask for more answers, the boy ran towards the camp, leaving Sesshoumaru alone.

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She walked in the middle of the crowd, as the army of soldiers glare at her dangerously. Some whispering the names they usually call her.

"Tent Stealer." One would whisper.

"Monster," Another whispered.

"Ugly Shit." Was the worse that was said.

Ahead of her she could see two figures in the middle of the crowd. - Inuyasha and the man from last night. A sort of feeling went past her. She now knew that she was to be face with the consequences of her stupid and clumsiness from last night. It was obvious that Inuyasha wasn't too proud of her disappearance. Now, she didn't know what to say. However, she remained calmed.

What is the worse that could happen? She thought.

She had no doubts that she was already hated and despised. Everyone already thought she was ugly and untrustworthy. She was already rated as "Monster of the Day" every single day. - The worst warrior in the army. And if they would send her back to her family, she would refuse and just remain alone. That's it. If the army did not trust her, then they will send her away like Naraku. Then maybe...she will finally be free.

Then, she was met with him, Inuyasha. Never had she seen him so terribly disappointed. And the look on his face, she thought that might have been the punishment. After all, she read it in books before. How the warrior or soldier felt when he had disappointed his army. Maybe, that is the same feeling that had went through her.

Inuyasha's eyes settled on her form. And Kagome stopped her advances.

"Kaji," Inuyasha started, his voice thick with disappointment. "Explain." That was all he needed to say, as he threw her sword on the ground.

She stared at him and opened her mouth. "Last night..." She managed to start, before being interrupted.

"There is nothing for him to explain Lord Inuyasha." A voice interrupted, quickly taking Kagome's attention from Inuyasha, straight to the man from last night. "It was not his fault." He stated. "Last night, it was not he that I saw, but a woman. I have told you this. Certainly, I should be able to spot the hideous boy if he was near." He ended sneeringly.

"You were day-dreaming Koya!" One of them from the background cried out. "It's the monster! He put some sort of spell so you thought it was a woman!"

"Whoever said that, enough." The man responded. "I know what I saw and I intend of damn sticking with it."

Inuyasha closed his eyes, wondering what it was that made Koya said this. However, he was more than happy to agree with this sudden conclusion. Maybe it was Kaji who had done it. But he would rather not find out. Because for some unknown reason, he felt responsible if Kaji had ever gone mad or insane. Yet, even with the thought, he could not imagine the boy going crazy with anger for he believed the boy gentle. Especially with flowers... He added in a thought.

"Fine then," Inuyasha said dryly. "I'm glad that this stupid little problem is solved." He said, giving Kaji an assuring smile. "Let's forget this-"

"Not quite brother." A voice from behind him interrupted.

Everyone's eyes diverted from their lord's form to Lord Sesshoumaru's form.

The young lord gave his brother a cynical look. "What now, brother?" He asked, frustrated.

Lord Sesshoumaru gracefully walked to the scene, his movements as graceful and as calm as ever. However, everyone could tell that he had something in plan. Something that not everyone was expecting.

"Unlike you, brother, I intend to solve this problem." He calmly stated, as his eyes dropped on the young soldier, Koya, only to travel to Kaji. "It would seem that many of the army does not find you trustworthy, Kaji." He stated, giving a glance at the man, who viciously shook their heads 'YES'. "And since you are the brother of whom I intend to make my mate, I need to proved that they are wrong in their presumptions."

Sesshoumaru's eyes remained on Kaji. However, it was hard form him not to ignore the men's faces.

"That monster has a sister!" A man cried, as if it was the scariest thing.

"He's going to take a mate! A monster's sister for a mate!"

However, from the side of the group, a very recognisable voice manages to be heard on top from everyone's. It was Miroku. "I knew it!" He cried, as if he was a woman scorned with betrayal of his love. "I knew that he had been cheating on me! With Kaji's sister at that!"

"Miroku - shut up." Tsuko said. "Remember, it was really me who he had wanted." He assured Miroku.

"No," Miroku replied quickly. "We had shared a night of great pleasu-"

Inuyasha gritted his teeth. "Fuck up you gay arses!"

Miroku and Tsuko's face turned to a fake and hurt, as they pretended to shudder.

Everyone was shocked by Lord Sesshoumaru's sudden confession , except two people. One (Inuyasha) because he had known the news before and another, (Kagome) because she didn't exactly know what "mate" really means. She had heard of the word, but never really had the chance of trying to find out what it meant. So, for her, it didn't matter.

Lord Sesshoumaru closed his eyes, only to open them. "Let me see what deems fit for such a situation..." He said as if deciding, which others were sure he was not. They were sure he already knew and had a plan. "It will only last for a month. But for now, to gain other's trust in Kaji, he shall share a tent." He watched in curiosity as the boy's face paled. But that was not the whole news. "With Koya." He added, smoothly.

Inuyasha smirked, Three, two, one... He counted mentally.

"What!" Koya's voice broke through the air. Obviously, he hated the idea. Which made Inuyasha's smirked wider.

The older lord narrowed his eyes dangerously at Koya. "You shall do whatever it is that I expect of you. Everyone had been more than curious to where Kaji is at night. Sharing a tent will mean that Kaji, as early as he wants to sleep, will not be bother by doing so. You, Koya, shall sleep whenever Kaji wishes too and will not bother him, but will keep an intent watch."

However, it was not only Koya that was surprised. Kagome had also been taken by the sudden decision. She could not - will not – share a tent with this man. He was one of them, more like the worse of them. Somehow, she could imagine it now: She waking up early in the morning because he decided to kick her on the stomach just as Naraku did before.

She had thought that Lord Sesshoumaru might make things much more easier for her, but she now know she was wrong. He had putted her in a dangerous situation.

"I can't share a tent with him..." She said, unable to stop herself.

Instantly, she got a glare from Koya. "Yeah, hell with him - he'll take up the space..."

Sesshoumaru remained calm, trying to solve the problem with the soldiers. Surely, Inuyasha should realise how immature his men are. He thought, frustration in his posture. But the boy is filled with idiocy. He added mentally.

"Enough of this. You, Kaji and Koya, shall both do as I say. You shall both reside in Kaji's tent." With that said, Sesshoumaru walked away, knowing his orders will and shall be followed. No one right now, in their right minds would questions him. And no one did.

Koya stared at the hideous boy in distaste. He'd be glad if it was a woman - like the one from last night - whom he'll be sharing a room with. But no... He mocked himself inwardly. It's him! He added, furious inside.

With gritted teeth, "C'mon monster, I'll get my stuff." He informed Kaji. "You're helping me with it."

She watched in curiosity as Koya started to walk towards his tent, mumbling, "Now I'll have to put up with his stinking scent."

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A frown was marred on Sesshoumaru's face as he watched the sun began to set. The army today have been training really hard. Still, it would seem that Kaji was really stressed out. Much more stressed out than before. And he had failed to know exactly why. He knew that it was probably linked to his decision this morning, but how can one worry so much on something so little?

From the corner of his eyes, he watched as Kaji, followed by Koya, entered his tent. Somehow, Sesshoumaru knew that his decision was for the best. Not only would this make sure that Kaji is trustworthy but will also build a certain friendship between Koya and Kaji.

Well, for his plans to build properly, he had high hopes. And he was not prepared to lose them.

Footsteps could be heard as they got near. And a few minutes afterwards Sesshoumaru watched, as Inuyasha stood on front of him.

"You happy?" The younger one asked.

"Satisfied."

"You know...if you didn't trust Kaji, you could always have him sent back to his house."

"And disappoint my mate?" He answered dryly.

Inuyasha snorted. "She's not your mate-"

"Yet." Sesshoumaru finished for him.

"You really are a bastard you know that?" Inuyasha asked. "How you suppose to handle a woman with your attitude? - And do you know what's worst? What about if she doesn't want to be your mate?" He asked a smirked placed upon his lips. "Sure, her parents might want too..."

"It does no matter. You tend to forget that in this time and in this world, a woman's wishes and wants does not and should not matter. She cannot refuse, for her parents had not done so for her."

A laughed emitted from Inuyasha's lips. "I think I heard some insecurities in your voice there... Sesshoumaru." He taunted. "You should have really asked her first before her parents."

Sesshoumaru shot a glare at his brother. "It does not matter."

"Whatever... I'm sure you want a trashing mate."

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He watched the hideous boy, Kaji, from the corner of his eyes. Seriously, he had hated the idea of sharing a tent. However, it would seem that his lords are just dying to torture him. But still, he didn't exactly know why he was so mean to this boy.

Never in his life had he judged anyone by mere appearance. But then, that was before Naraku influenced him. Though now, he guessed that now that Naraku was gone, there really was no point in staying like a jerk to the boy. But he really does stink.. He thought as he eyed the boy a little longer. Then, his eyes drop on the flower base beside the boy, who was looking outside at the sunset.

"Hey," Koya said suddenly, as he looked over at the flower. "That flower stinks more than you - throw it out."

The boy looked at him and answered wryly, "No."

Annoyed, Koya started to narrow his eyes. "Look, if we're sharing a tent, you have to throw that thing out soon...or I will."

"It won't stink for long," the boy protested. "I promised."

Was he hearing things? Because at that moment, Koya thought he heard a different type of voice. No, it was not the usual annoying tone the boy usually had, but a tone so melodic to his ears. If he even listened deep enough. He thought he had just heard a female tone come out of the boy's lips. - Which was highly impossible - wasn't it?

Finally, what she had dreaded the most was arriving. When she looked outside her tent, she watched as the sun slowly started to come down. The moon was once again rising, getting ready to take over. Quickly, before her companion, Koya, could see her, she placed the large blanket on top of her body. For she could feel the transformation begin. With much effort, she peeked a little to see what was happening to the flower.

The usual pain surrounded her body, as her bones twisted. It was all the same time as the flower's petals begin to radiate a white crystallize colour. The flower's petals closed, then after a few minutes opened with its usual, simple beauty. With the flower's transformation, she transformed completely to her normal form. And from the corner of the tent, she heard a 'wow' slip past from Koya's lips. He had not seen her transform, but the flower's transformation.

"You're right...it doesn't stink anymore." Koya commented as his eye travelled from the flower to Kaji's hidden form. "Hey, are you that sleepy?" He asked, suddenly curious. "I mean everyone knew you slept early, but this is too early."

It would seem to Koya that the boy preferred to ignore him. Not that he really minded, but something about that shape hidden in the blanket had changed. - He could tell. But what could it be? Though his mind was too focused on something else to really care. He was hungry. And it would seem to him, that if he was to take Lord Sesshoumaru's orders seriously, he would have to take Kaji with him - outside.

"C'mon," Koya ordered. "We're going outside."

Only one little response was heard from the hidden form. "Why...?"

Koya raised an elegant eyebrow at the hideous boy's tone. It sounded different. And he was almost desperate to find out why. But before that he answered. "Because I'm hungry. And you have to come with me."

"Not hungry." The boy answered him once again, as if unable to speak fully.

"Don't care - get up."

"You go."

That being the final straw, Koya got on his feets as he took hold of the blanket. "What the hell is wrong with you?" He asked, furious and annoyed. "It's not like..." He pulled it hardly, but the boy kept a tight hold onto it.

"Please, let go." The small, hidden framed of the boy implored.

For a minute or so, Koya and Kaji were like little kids fighting for a peace of clothing. With Kaji covered with the blanket.

Koya pulled harder. "We're eating and that's that!" He barked out. But as if the boy was really scared, Koya watched as the boy's hidden form keeps on trying its best to keep the blanket on. For Christ's sake, he holds onto that thing like... He thought, but couldn't finish it. He had spotted his sword and with a grin, grabbed it with one of his hands and unsheathed it dangerously.

Then, with great satisfaction, he sliced the blanket over Kaji's form with great skills. Though he had not hurt Kaji in anyway, the tent wasn't very big, and the sword's tip managed to cut of another petal from the flower, Nightly Radiance.

A gasped broke through the air. It wasn't loud, but it was somehow scary to hear. Because it wasn't from the hideous boy he thought it would come from, but from a woman,. And with great shock, he was only able to do one thing, that being to raise one of his hands to rub his eyes viciously.

Koya fell back, his eyes wide and his mouth gaped open. Who was before couldn't be true. No - it couldn't. She was just a woman in his dreams...a woman he thought to be a dream. Lots of questions went straight to his mind: Why the hell was she wearing Kaji's uniform and armour? Why was she caring for a simple flower? Why was she standing before him? Where was Kaji? Could she be Kaji? Why was she so beautiful? How could Kaji be a woman? What if Kaji was a woman?

After a minute of staring at the woman on front of him, a sudden answer came to him. And a cold, hard fact came to his mind.

T-The woman i-is Kaji... He shakily thought. "Y-you...K-Kaji." He stammered and watched, as she turned towards him, now aware of him.

It was more than obvious that she was scared. - In fact, she was horrified. She walked a little closer to Koya, the armour she wore too big for her to walk properly in, making her trip and fall to the ground.

With great haste, she looked up at him. I'm dead... She thought, only to close her eyes solemnly.

Koya watched as the beautiful woman closed her eyes, as if she was praying. He listened carefully to his own thoughts. The way she tripped, the way she closed her eyes as if she was about to die from a final blow of the enemy and the way he now knows of who she really is...

The irony of it all...

It was too much to handle: everything...

And before he knew it, his once serious face contorted to a twisted smile and he burst out laughing, whilst hitting the floor with his fist.

END OF CH 5 - Nightly Radiance

Demon Tenshi: Don't know exactly what to say... In my opinion it is as long as the other chapters. But for me to post this sooner, I needed it not too long. Anyway, I thank everyone who reviewed in the last chapter.

Kimonolover- Well, I thought that if Sesshoumaru was the first to find out about Kagome's curse, then it was too predictable, you know? I too also feel sorry for Kagome… T-T Thanks for reviewing.

wicca-magick- A wonderful, very nice review! I think that Tsuko and Miroku are funny too. Sesshoumaru will know about Kagome's curse, but that'll happen later. Though, I am not intending on making this story go for a long time.

Vi3t Babii- Those soldiers are mean…I know. But don't worry, Kagome will get her chance on the goods soon. And Mulan? I have seen the movie! I have also seen the number two. It's so cool. I'm a great fan of it. I love that story. Thank you for the great compliment. It gives me great strength.

KellyLuvsInu- Yeah, she was in many troubles. However, those problems are her least. Now, she has to put up with…Koya. Heh…heh… -.- I wish I can eat subway right now… Oooh…maybe I should cook! But I can't… Well, I'll try. Thanks for the review.

Kjinuyasha- To answer you honestly, I don't what will happen next. I know it might seem pathetic of me…but er…I really don't know. Thanks again for reviewing.

BlueMonkey89- LOL, monkeys are cute, I can never be scared of them. Wait… Though, I am kinda scared of chimpanzees… Well, thank you and I'll update soon.

Paparate- Night-Blooming Cereus? I don't really know much about flowers… and Nightly Radiance was just a renamed of a flower called: Dama de Noche (not sure o spelling) in the Philippines. It had a great story loves story about it in that country. Anyway, thank you for telling me.

Touch Inuyasha and you die- I like responding – no sweat!

Skitzoflame- Well, she got out of it fine…I think. Thanks for reviewing.

InuyashaObsessed101- LOL You reviewed on each chapter. And you were funny. Yeah, Sesshoumaru isn't as mean in this story. However, he was talking to Kaji (as he thought) not to Kagome. Thank you for reviewing.

Darkxnova- I know-I know. But you see, I couldn't help it! Tsuko and Miroku are just soo…hentai-ish. Anyway, what do you think we should do for our history report? Pick already! First you want this, then you want that! Egypt and what! Think! Anyway, thanks for the review…man.

SilverStarWing- Err…who knows? Sess/Kag or Inu/Kag? Maybe…both? Nah! Couldn't be – could it? Who knows? The truth? You can't handle the truth. – Ok, I'm just being stupid right now. Thanks for the review.

alchemistgrl09- Unique…the words make my heart burned with joy. Thank you very much!

ChIbI rIn- I updated…yay. I'm glad to know that you like it.

Blue Rhapsody3- You don't have to thank me for reading your stories. They are wonderful – I loved to read them. Though, I really wish you could update soon. But all is wonderful. And I don't mind clearing things up. No sweat at all! Thank you for the wonderful review.

Sesshieobsessed- To tell you the truth, I have never seen the movie hunchback of notrdome. But I have heard of it. But then, when I was going to watch it, I saw his face and well I got scared. I felt sorry for him…and also scared that he won't have a happy ending or something because the girl won't fall in love with him. Anyway, thank you.

Lil' InuTenshi- I guessed everyone –except her friends- thought she was a bad person. They are just trying to make her look worse. And I'll try to update soon.

Duzzie- Thank you for the review and I hope that this chapter answer all of your questions.

PurityFlower1989- Thank you the review. And I'm glad you like long chapters.