Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters from Inuyasha.

Chapter 8:

Sunrise, Inunobu and Sayuri

Inunobu was sitting near Sayuri as she awoke. She hadn't been sleeping for that long, probably only about half a day, which meant that her injuries weren't that serious. She opened her eyes like she was waking up from a long pleasant nap. She noticed almost immediately that the part of her clothes that was supposed to cover her breasts was replaced by bandages. They were loose and easy enough to move around in. She propped herself up on one elbow to get a better view of the camp where she had slept. There was someone there, the one who had grabbed her earlier. He smelled like a dog demon, but she was still unable to see him.

'Hello? I know you're there, I can smell you.'

Inunobu walked around her from his resting place behind her head, where she couldn't see when he heard her voice. He came into her eyesight and stared at her. She was, all things considered, the most beautiful demoness he had ever seen. He had not noticed it until she had been bandaged, and laid down to sleep. Her face was gentle, and her skin almost porcelain colored, with one blue stripe on each cheek. She had long whitish silver hair. Inunobu thought to himself that he had never seen a dog demon with another color of hair besides some shade of silver or white. Sayuri's most defining feature was her eyes. They were a cool icy blue, and they seemed to look right through him. They were not intimidating, just piercing and gorgeous. He shoulders were graceful, and her arms ended in delicate hands adorned with smaller claws. Her chest was pleasing to the eyes. She had reasonably large round breasts. Her body widened with her seductively curving hips, and shapely backside.

'I was not trying to hide myself, just giving you a little privacy.'

'Oh…I see. Was it you then who saved me, I think I recognize you from yesterday,' she asked. Inunobu nodded and stepped closer and knelt down, so that she could see him better.

'Are you all right?' Inunobu questioned, with a soft tone to his voice.

'Yes, I'm fine. They didn't kill me…they just left me for the lesser demons.'

'Who?'

'Please, let's talk about this later. Tell me you name, if it's not too much trouble.'

Inunobu hesitated. She comes from the Western Lands. If I tell her who I am, she will definitely know of me, maybe even be afraid like the others. He sat down next to her, trying to look less threatening.

'I am Inunobu.'

'Inu…Inunobu?' She had heard so many stories of this demon. Born from the Shikon no Tama, he was wilder than the others. He had killed many. He disappeared nearly 200 years ago. Many thought he was dead. She stopped thinking about the savage demon of legend when she saw the sad look in his eyes, which were fixed on her.'

'I would not be surprised if you are afraid…it would not be the first time.'

'What happened to you? Why did you leave?'

'I saw no need to stay after my father's…death.'

He dropped his head a bit. She was amazed at the show of emotion in his eyes and his movements. This couldn't possibly be the same demon. He's not cold at all. It's more like he's…lonely. She sat up fully and moved closer to him, to get a better look at his face, since he had turned it away.

'Just forget it. Some of the stories that I have heard are probably wrong. I mean, you couldn't possibly have killed a healing assistant at-'

'Three weeks old. That is the truth.'

'Oh…I'm sorry…'

His eyes took on a more serious, focused stare. She is on the verge of being afraid, I can feel it. She is completely unsure of my motives, and it doesn't help that the others are at the river

'It's ok, you won't hurt me,' she coaxed. His eyes widened slightly as he took up her stare again. 'Even if you are the same Inunobu that people talk about, you've changed, I'm very young and even I can tell you aren't that bad.'

'I…,' he was going to say something along the lines of "that meant a lot to me" but he changed the subject to something else. 'How old are you?'

'Only one hundred and thirteen.'

'Your scent reminds me of someone, a healer named Hana.'

'She is my aunt.'

'Why didn't you defend yourself against the people that hurt you? When I was in the Western Lands, all dog demons knew how to fight when they were at least seventy five.'

'They were much too skilled. I didn't have a chance unarmed against four opponents.'

'Who hurt you?' There was almost genuine concern in his voice, but he was very calm.

'He was a former leader of the council who was demoted to the position of Lord Sesshomaru's personal attendant. His name is Kichiro.'

'Kichiro! Are you certain?' Father despised him and Kichiro knew it. Kichiro thought father to be a weak and inadequate ruler. He believed it took more than strength on the battlefield to rule a nation.

'Yes, it was him, but what was worse was that he called himself and his followers the Order of the Claw.'

'I am not familiar with them, who are they?'

'Oh of course, you left the kingdom before they…they…' She was at a loss. How was she supposed to tell the son of Inu no Taisho that his father's death was planned by this organization? He would take it very badly.

'They what?' he persisted, seeming a little annoyed.

'Lord Inunobu-'

'Inunobu is fine; there is no need for titles here.'

'Inunobu then… This is difficult to say, and no doubt harder to listen to, but the Order of the Claw is the group of people that…planned to do away with…your father. Ryuukotsusei was their doing.'

Inunobu sat dumbfounded. He said nothing. They killed…Kichiro…killed…and I never knew… Sesshomaru must have known, and he didn't tell me. Why is Kichiro still alive? At last he finally spoke.

'Why…didn't my brother…kill him?'

'Lord Sesshomaru did everything in his power to try to take his life. Kichiro is very good at hiding himself. He found ways out of Sesshomaru's grasp. Not even the Lord himself could find any clues to link Kichiro to the death of your father. There were other matters to attend to that required his full attention.'

'Taking revenge for a father's death is more important than any kingdom!' Inunobu was extremely angry. He smashed his fist into the ground, cracking it in many directions. He was fighting to control himself. His teeth were gritted, and both hands were balled into fists. He was shaking, and his eyes were closed.

Sayuri watched him the whole time. He has a hard time keeping his anger in check. This is probably the Inunobu that the stories speak of. I need to calm him down for his own sake, as well as for mine. Sayuri put a reassuring hand on the angry demon's back. He let out a loud breath and shuddered. He opened his eyes to reveal a fading red glow. It was a few minutes before Sayuri removed her hand and shifted her position to look at him. He was calm, and his expression was one of determination. He stood up slowly.

'Sayuri, the rest of the group is coming back now, I can smell them. I must have a word with my brother; they are probably planning to kill him as well. Although am not fond of him, the Western Lands will be thrown into disorder if he is slain. He should be made aware.'

Sayuri nodded as she saw him bound off into the distance. Sesshomaru would not be far off anyway, because he wanted to survey these lands. The beautiful demoness rose and decided that she would stay with these people, at least until Inunobu came back.

With Sesshomaru, Rin, and Jaken

'Lord Sesshomaru, may we stop and rest for a while, I am tired.'

'No you fool, Lord Sesshomaru has many things to attend to and making sure a young girl is comfortable is not one of them!'

'Very well, you may rest. Wait here for me to return.' It is not normal for Inunobu to come to me. The only other time he has done that was to learn of the circumstances of our father's death.

Sesshomaru continued walking in the direction of Inunobu's scent. He walked for another five minutes before coming to a stop. He could see Inunobu in the distance. He looked angry. It wasn't his typical bloodlust, but something that ran much deeper.

'Sesshomaru,' Inunobu growled.

'What is your purpose for coming here Inunobu?'

'You are a coward.'

'Excuse me?' Before Sesshomaru could respond any further, Inunobu appeared with a clenched fist, inches from his brother, and delivered a blow to Sesshomaru's face. Sesshomaru hadn't seen it coming. He was mildly surprised as he pulled his head back to its original position and stretched his neck.

'What called for that little brother?'

'You did not kill him you coward. You failed as an honorable demon and you defile our father's memory. Kichiro lives.'

Sesshomaru was more than just a little angry at his brother's comments, but he kept calm. 'I am well aware that he still lives. He made it impossible for me to kill him without destroying our family's reputation. I had no choice in the matter. Do you think that snake would have lived I could have ended him?'

'Regardless, I have a way to trap him now. He tried to kill someone and failed. This person knows of his plans to take the kingdom, and to kill you.'

'Oh? And who might that person be?'

'Sayuri.'

Inunobu is not lying. There is no possible way that he could have known about Sayuri without meeting her or returning to the Western Lands. Since I doubt that he returned, he must have met her.

'I believe you are telling the truth, little brother. Tell me what it is you want me to know and be gone.'

Inunobu was not expecting Sesshomaru to give in so easily. He had no witty comments, no sarcasm. He was asking Inunobu in a straightforward manner, like an equal. Very well, I could use Sesshomaru's strength if I am to avenge father's death.

'I know only what Sayuri has told me. The Order of the Claw has returned, and Kichiro is their leader, as she says he always was. They plan to lure you to them and destroy you. He is underhanded and deceitful, and requires more caution.'

'Inunobu, I have dealt with underhanded demons before. I believe you are familiar with Naraku?'

'Yes, but I killed Naraku, not you. It makes me doubt your abilities.'

'I am grateful for the warning, although I could have done without the fist to the face. Be gone, your usefulness has ended.

Inunobu glared at him. He was as arrogant as ever. He was about to say something else, when a small girl, dressed in an orange and white kimono came from her hiding spot and stood next to Sesshomaru. The girl looked lovingly at Sesshomaru, then with curiosity at Inunobu. Inunobu flashed Sesshomaru an arrogant taunting smile and walked away.

With Sayuri

Sayuri sat across from the Kagome, Inuyasha, Miroku, and Sango. Shippo and Kirara were sleeping peacefully. The demoness was very friendly. She didn't mind answering all of the questions that everyone asked her. She thought some of them were obvious. She waited for Inunobu to get back from his meeting with Sesshomaru. Sayuri couldn't understand why, but she felt drawn to the demon.

'So Sayuri,' Kagome prodded once they were alone, 'I bet you get tons of suitors back home.'

Sayuri blushed a little. 'Well, I guess so. But I can't accept any of their offers because of my father.'

'Yes you told me he was very important. Hey I haven't taken a bath in forever, why don't we continue our conversation there.'

'Well…ok. I guess I guess being a little cleaner never hurt anyone.' She laughed a little.

'Let's go back to the camp first and get Sango; she might feel left out if we went without her. I think I saw a hot spring a little walk off.'

Both of them walked back to the camp. Sayuri looked a bit confused when she saw the monk lying on his back with a pink handprint on his face. Sango readily agreed to go with them, anything to get her away from Miroku. Sayuri turned to walk to where she smelled the hot spring. As soon she turned around she felt a hand massaging the back of her thigh. She jolted straight up and whipped around to see a stoic Miroku, groping her.

'Excuse me…what are you…doing?'

'My lady, you are so beautiful, I was wondering if you would bear my child.'

'Heh..heh..really? Well I'm sorry but I must decline your polite offer.' Sayuri quickly swatted Miroku's hand away from her.

'Why you PERVERT!'

Sayuri turned to see and enraged Sango running straight at Miroku. Miroku looked terrified as he tried to flee. He got a few feet before Sango had a hold on her hiraikotsu and smashed him in the face. He fell over, unconscious. 'Miroku! She's not even the same species and you still grope her. Do I have to watch Kirara around you? What? Would you try something on her too?' She smacked him again for good measure. 'Let's go.'

'That's what you get Miroku,' taunted Inuyasha.

The Hot Springs

'Well shall we go in,' asked a cheerful Sango, whose mood had lightened after they she left Miroku half dead on the dirt.

'Yeah let's go,' responded an equally cheerful Kagome.

Both Kagome and Sango were undressed and in the hot spring before Sayuri had made a move. She looked a little shy. She began by removing her shoes. She placed them neatly over in a corner.

'Um…Sayuri…what's the matter?'

'It's nothing…I'm just not used to undressing in front of anyone is all.'

'Oh it'll be fine Sayuri. Besides,' Kagome said smirking, 'you don't have anything we haven't seen before.'

Sayuri blushed. She removed her clothes, which came in two parts so it was easier for her to move in, since she had been traveling. It was light blue to match her eyes, though her eyes were still a paler piercing blue, which her clothes could not match. She removed her shirt first, then modestly covered herself with the shirt before removing the clothes that were draped over her lower body. She dipped into the springs and shivered as the hot water rushed around her.

'See? That wasn't so bad was it?'

Sayuri smiled. 'No.' Then her smile faded. 'I…didn't tell you something. I didn't know how Inuyasha would respond, being the third son of Inu no Taisho. I know who really planned his father's death. It was the same person who tried to have me killed.'

'Sayuri, don't worry about it. Have you told Inunobu about this?'

'Yes, he didn't take it well. That's why he isn't here. He went off to have a "conversation" with Sesshomaru.'

'Oh no…he's not going to fight again is he?'

'I don't think he wanted fight him. He was angry with Sesshomaru but he seems to understand Sesshomaru could not fix it at the time it happened. I think right now they have a common enemy.'

'That's good. If you told Inunobu then he will tell Inuyasha himself. In fact he probably prefers it that way. Now enough serious talk; tell me, do you have a boyfriend back home?'

'Kagome,' Sango said, 'that's a bit personal don't you think.'

'I don't know what that is, this "boyfriend".'

'Oh, sorry, that's a term that we use where I come from. It means…kind of like a future husband…no that's a bad example. It's like a lover but less serious. Some special guy you spend your time with. Like Sango and Miroku.'

'Kagome!' Sango yelled, blushing furiously.

'No…I don't,' Sayuri answered. 'Maybe it's just me, but all of the male dog demons I've seen are all the same. They all try to show off or claim me as their own.'

'Tell me about it,' Kagome stated dryly, 'I have problems like that of my own with a certain wolf demon tribe leader.' Koga.

'Alright it's my turn for a question,' Sayuri grinned, 'when are you and the half demon going to become mates? I see you both staring at each other all the time.' Aha! Trapped in your own game Kagome, trapped in your own game. She grinned mischievously to herself when Kagome turned a dark shade of crimson.

'All right…I think I'm…done for today. I'm just going to head back to camp… Sango you coming with me?' Kagome asked.

'Sure Kagome.'

'You guys go ahead, I'm still a little sore,' Sayuri replied.

Sayuri watched both of them leave. Once they were both out of sight, Sayuri jumped out of the hot spring and walked over to an herb that she knew was an excellent cleaner, like a makeshift soap. She returned to the spring and reentered it, not sitting down this time. She crushed the herb in her hands, using her claws to release some of the liquid inside the leaves. She scrubbed herself vigorously, making sure that she washed everything. She let her thoughts drift until she was aware of someone else watching her. She whirled around to find no one. She could only sense this person, because there was no scent, sound, or sight to be found.

With Inunobu

Inunobu looked at Sayuri from a distance. She was bathing herself, and was fully exposed in the air. Inunobu averted his eyes when he first saw her, but his instincts got the better of him. He felt more alone than ever. I am being a fool. To the demons in the Western Land I am no more than a beast. He walked off in the direction of the others, which was the same time Sayuri looked for her silent watcher. Inunobu heard the splashing of water and knew that Sayuri was getting out of the spring. He walked slower than usual, and was deep in thought. He was concerned about how he was going to avenge his father's death, telling Inuyasha about Kichiro, and trying to understand himself.

Sayuri was closing the distance between herself and Inunobu. Inunobu stopped when he caught her scent. It was a delicate smell that played with his nose.

'Inunobu, how did it go?' She was talking about the meeting with Sesshomaru. She also had a nagging suspicion that her observer was Inunobu, who happened to come across the hot springs on his way back to camp.

'Uneventful, the only thing my brother didn't know was that Kichiro was planning to kill him soon.'

'Oh…did you see anything else on your journey?'

You. 'No.'

Sayuri fell silent. Inunobu wasn't like the typical male dog demon. She had told herself for a long time that she had wanted different, but she wasn't sure she liked it. What would it be like having a mate she wondered. All dog demons were expected to have mates at some point in their life. She looked at Inunobu walking beside her with his distant eyes. She felt an undeniable urge come into her. She reached with her hand and stroked one of his ears. Immediately he stopped walking. He turned his eyes to her for an instant, his expression unreadable. He grasped the back of her hand in his palm and removed it gently from his head. He held her hand for a few seconds before continuing the walk back to camp.

Sayuri stood behind where he had left her. I don't know what he was trying to tell me. He didn't seem to reject it. I wish he wasn't so hard to read! She waited for a few more minutes before following Inunobu.

A/N: Review! If there's something you don't like tell me and I will take it into account as I continue writing.