I don't really like the word chuckles. I mean, the word seems kind of the opposite of its meaning. I don't like using it to describe Sesshomaru giving a small and quiet, inward laugh. But I have to remind myself that that's what a chuckle is. I suppose it is the "chuck" part of the word that gets to me.

Sorry if I use a word incorrectly. I'm trying to improve my vocabulary and some words, I didn't have time to look up. So, just ignore the mistakes.

Sesshomaru and Miyoko's Battle

Miyoko was unsure of what the kiss had meant. Was Sesshomaru one to show affection because he loved someone, or because he was infatuated? The kiss had been quick and soft. As if it wasn't meaningful and a little…afraid. What was Sesshomaru feeling towards her? But then again, did he feel at all? Well, he has treated me normally since then. And even though it has only been several hours, he seems to have little concern for me, as he usually does. I mean, it would be normal if he were physically attracted to me. After all, physical attraction isn't an emotion at all. Miyoko decided that it was just a physical attraction that meant nothing to him.

"It storms," said Sesshomaru. "The conditions are too harsh for you to travel in. We will stay here until it ceases. If the rain does not cease by noon, we will stay here another night and travel tomorrow."

They all nodded, except for Miyoko. Sesshomaru watched her, inquisitively as she stood and walked out of the cave.

Miyoko stood at the entrance of the cavern, where Sesshomaru had kissed her last night. She took a step forward. Now outside the cavern, she let the rain pour over her. After looking at the mountains that surrounded her, she walked down to a lower platform of the small mountain she stood on. Miyoko closed her eyes. For once, no thoughts plagued her mind. Sesshomaru's voice behind her wasn't startling, but she wished she he hadn't come. Now thoughts would once more plague her mind and she would no longer fully be at peace. She kept her eyes shut.

"It is strange that you, a cat demon, should favor the rain so much."

"Cats are different from cat demons…. Just as dogs are different from dog demons."

The wind tugged at their hair. It blew Miyoko's light orange kimono sleeves behind her, and Sesshomaru's white kimono sleeves behind him.

"These conditions are not too harsh for me. Nor are they too harsh for you."

"For once, Miyoko, I am in no hurry. We are traveling west near my lands. We will get there when we get there."

Miyoko turned around and looked at Sesshomaru. His golden eyes contrasted beautifully with the gray sky. The wind shifted and blew Sesshomaru and Miyoko's hair to the side. Strands of her hair danced in front of her face. It was wet from the rain, as was Sesshomaru's. The wind lifted her bangs and revealed her fire burst reminding Sesshomaru that she had demonic power.

"I was a little startled when I discovered you posses stripes on your frame…"

Miyoko raised an eyebrow to the way he worded the statement. Then she wondered how he knew that. Remembering, she turned red. "Great time to remind me that you bathed me," she said, sarcastically.

Sesshomaru ignored her comment, and continued. "…They are concealed, similar to the marking on your forehead. Tell me, do you relish passing as human?"

Miyoko glared at him. "Sometimes it is helpful. But despite my looks being human, I am demon and wouldn't have it any other way." She paused. "Now tell me, do you relish being a bastard?"

Sesshomaru smirked. "Sometimes," he said simply. Moving only his eyes, he looked her up and down. "Come. I would like to see how skilled you are in battling with your swords."

"What?" Miyoko asked as if she had not heard him. "Is that why you have come?"

Sesshomaru paused and admitted, "That wasn't the only reason… Come."

Sesshomaru handed Miyoko her swords, then walked to the opposite end of the cave.

"Go," said Sesshomaru directing her to the other end. "Make your move when you are ready." He drew out his sword.

Miyoko laughed softly. "You are more skilled than me. You can't expect me to learn from this?" She sounded unconfident.

"I can."

Miyoko knew he wouldn't make the first move, so she did. She suddenly sped to Sesshomaru's right side. It looked as if she'd attack with her right sword. (Sesshomaru, of course, studied her every action—as that was his way.) Then, when Miyoko was about three feet away, she abruptly spun around to her right. As she did, her left sword met Sesshomaru's. He had easily blocked her attack, but the only problem was he had had to block on the opposite side his sword was on causing him to block at the last minute. He pushed on Miyoko's sword making her have to put up her right sword because of his strength. With great force, Miyoko pushed both swords forward slashing at his sword and the air. This caused Sesshomaru to jump backwards. She sounded so unconfident, but she is skilled and strong. Was she serious or playing innocent? He sped towards Miyoko, thinking quickly. Like most cats, Miyoko is left-handed. If I attack, it is natural that she will dodge right. I will attack at her right and take her by surprise. As he turned to her right side, she dodged to her left taking him by surprise.

Sesshomaru glared. How could she have dodged?

Miyoko shrugged at his angry, questioning look. "What? I assumed that since you are right handed, it would be easier for you to attack me on my right."

Sesshomaru's eyes widened. "But you are left-handed. You should have dodged to your right."

Miyoko laughed softly. "Not when I knew you were going to attack me there. Maybe you are thinking things too far through."

"Impossible," said Sesshomaru, confidently.

Miyoko smiled a barely-there smile and rolled her eyes. "Are we done?"

"No," said Sesshomaru, "Go back to your end of the cave. We will battle until you are at the end of my blade," he said, dangerously.

"As you wish."

They stood back in their spots. Miyoko attacked first, again. She moved her swords in graceful, elegant, curving strokes that Sesshomaru had never seen executed before. All the same, he blocked and dodged the attacks. When he attacked, Miyoko fairly easily dodged, but barely blocked. They'd fought for at least five minutes when Miyoko looked at Sesshomaru and realized how effortlessly he was fighting. His facial expression was its normal one and he was silent (a contrast to all the grimaces and grunts other opponents would have made). Miyoko's face was calm, but she made soft moans occasionally, and she didn't fight as effortlessly as Sesshomaru— who studied how graceful and weightless Miyoko was when she fought. Her calm face pleased him and the small moans she made were…interesting. But she seemed as if she were trying to hard.

Sesshomaru gazed intently at Miyoko. His golden eyes entranced her, and she subconsciously became less tense—but not vulnerable. Sesshomaru watched as the gaze he had given her had the effect he had wanted. She had become more weightless and was fighting more effortlessly. She seemed unreal, her long hair and kimono, streaming around her.

Miyoko leapt to Sesshomaru's side, trying to attack him. Sesshomaru abruptly sheathed his sword. Suddenly, he grabbed Miyoko's waist, turned in a circle to stop her momentum, and slowly lowered her to the ground. His grip on her waist was firm as he gazed, emotionlessly—yet coldly—into her eyes. Miyoko's swords slipped out of her hands. She didn't notice until she heard them hit the ground, and she came back to reality. While still having his arm around her waist, Sesshomaru unsheathed his sword and held the blade to the side of her neck.

"I won," he said in his deep voice, slightly raising his eyebrows.

Miyoko almost blushed, but contained herself. She noticed a small hint of a smirk on his face. He is upset about me dodging the attack he made earlier. He'd hate to lose, especially to a woman. So he's just figured out a witty way to make me lose this time. Regaining her composure she said, "You cheated."

"Maybe so…" Sesshomaru said, his voice trailing off. His ear twitched. Miyoko easily held back a giggle. Suddenly, Sesshomaru let go ofher and she stumbled back a bit. What's wrong, she thought. As Sesshomaru sheathed his sword, Jaken came into view. Oh, Miyoko rolled her eyes. That's what's wrong. She picked up her swords and sheathed them as Jaken spoke.

"Me lord, the rain has stopped."

Miyoko spoke up. "But has the storm cleared?"

Jaken glared at her, believing she was being facetious. He looked at Sesshomaru, waiting for a response.

"Has the storm cleared?" Sesshomaru repeated Miyoko's question, annoyed.

Jaken looked puzzled.

"You simpleminded toad," Sesshomaru said, slightly shaking his head in annoyance. "Just because the rain has ceased, does not mean the storm has dissipated. It is possible that it will rain again."

"Oh…uhm…I will go and see." He scurried off.

Sesshomaru slightly rolled his eyes.

Miyoko smiled a small smirk. "He is like another child is he not?"

"I am not sure if I can deal with another 'child.' The ignorance is too much for me. I may kill him before I must deal with it again."

Miyoko gave a small smile again. And Sesshomaru noticed that she smiled rarely. Is she really as happy as she claims she is?

They were all preparing to leave the cave. Sesshomaru, Miyoko, and Rin were done gathering their things but Jaken was still inside.

"Miyoko, tell Jaken to move faster. He is wasting time. If he needs help...help him," said Sesshomaru.

"I thought you said you were in no hurry."

Sesshomaru glared at her.

"Fine. Fine." She walked away to fetch Jaken.

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"Sesshomaru wants you to hurry up. He says you are wasting time," said Miyoko picking up some things Jaken was carrying.

Heglared at her. "You thinkLord Sesshomaruactually cares anything about you? You are mistaken.Lord Sesshomaruis only using you."

Miyoko was taken by surprise. She was confused. As she was about to ask whathe was talking about when he said, "I saw him holding you. Don't think Lord Sesshomaru actually likes you. Lord Sesshomaru would never develop feelings for anyone. He obviously needs you for something."

Miyoko's facial expression became serious. "And how do I know this is not just your jealousy talking?"

"I have known him longer than you. I know everything about him. And...Lord Sesshomaruhas told me himself that he is using you."

"Using me for what?"

"He didn't say. Maybe you are some use to him in finding his enemies. Or maybe you will just becomeLord Sesshomaru'swhore."

Miyoko's eyes widened.Flames tried to escape fromherfingertips but she managed them. I don't want to deal with this right now. She tossed his things back to him. One thing hit his face and made him fall backwards. "Carry them yourself," she said harshly and then made her way out of the cave.

She stomped past Rin and Sesshomaru as Jaken struggled behind them with his things. Sesshomaru noticed her anger but left it alone, as it was probably only something Jaken had said to her to make her angry. What ever it was, he didn't care and told her to walk behind because she did not know where she was going. She had glared at him, but followed his orders.

Miyoko wanted so badly to take her anger out somehow. So, as they traveled, she burned various small things in her path. She hated that Jaken had said that to her. But, even more, she hated the fact that he could possibly be right.