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

Chapter 10: A Pledge, and the Calm Before the Storm

With Inunobu, Away From Sayuri

Inunobu came to a stop when he thought he was out of range of everyone. He sat on the cold ground and put his hand to his head. This can't happen. I have a duty to my father to avenge him, and emotion cannot cloud my judgment. It's taking all of my free will to keep myself from going back to her. I thought I was above these foolish emotions by now. He took the other hand and ran it through his hair. I've never had any feeling of love for anyone, how can I be sure this isn't some sort of childish infatuation?

Inunobu decided to walk a little more to try to clear his head. He was paying no attention his surroundings. He turned into a lush forest and but his back against a tree. I honestly want to be with her. I can't deny that. But…those emotions are weaknesses when I fight the Order of the Claw and Kichiro. He will take advantage of it and catch me off guard. He closed his eyes, keeping them closed for a long time. He tried to fall asleep but could not get his mind to stop thinking. When he finally opened his eyes there was someone in front of him, standing a mere three feet in front of him. He hadn't been paying attention to his nose or ears at all. He was ready to strike until he saw who it was.

'Something else troubles you I see,' the resurrected priestess said.

'You…why are you here?'

'I go where I am needed. I am trained in the art of healing, physical and emotional,' she gave a light smile. 'What is bothering you?'

The demon figured he might as well talk to her. Even he did not completely understand himself, and Kikyo had helped him in the past. Look at me…asking a human for help. Resurrected or not, she was still human.

'I take it you are having a difficult name saying what you need to. Please, allow me to touch your soul, I can calm its unrest.' She took a step forward toward Inunobu. He held his ground, not wanting to have to rely on her help but also not wanting to lose an opportunity. She stopped and held out her hands, palms up, motioning for the demon to lend his hands. Reluctantly he placed both of his clawed hands in hers. She pulled both sets of hands up to the sides of his head, and touched her forehead to his. An unbelievably calming energy spread through his body; it almost lulled him to sleep.

To think that a human priestess could have so much power over a demon like me. His head slipped from against hers and rested gently on her shoulder. He was almost unconscious but his mind was alive. He needed to be with Sayuri, his mind and heart agreed. To think a demon could feel human emotions. Maybe…it was just me…My father loved two humans. Perhaps it's just something that all demons have to learn. His vision was blackening. Kikyo is so powerful…but not a power that I have ever seen…it is no wonder that fate planned against her. He was moments from a complete loss of consciousness, but was wrenched out of his drowsiness just as quickly. He lifted his head and took a deep breath.

'Thank you Kikyo.' She smiled, it looked similar to Kagome's smile but it had sadness in it. He turned and ran back in the direction of Sayuri.

With Sayuri

The demoness was dazed. All she could think about was Inunobu. She was softy touching the places where Inunobu's fangs had bitten her neck. Her entire body tingled. Please come back to me Inunobu, I am tired of being alone, and so are you. She sniffed the air frequently with her sensitive nose in the hopes of catching Inunobu's scent returning. Her nose caught the scent of a familiar person. She glanced over to where she smelled it and saw Kagome wandering in her direction. Kagome…You better not have been watching us, or I will make you pay for it.

'Hi Sayuri.'

'What are you doing here Kagome; it's almost the middle of the night'

'I was just coming to give you guys a little something to eat…it's not like I can ever go to sleep with someone like Inuyasha around all the time. Anyway so I will just leave this bag here with you tonight, just bring it back to me when…' she stopped talking when she noticed that the demoness was not paying attention, looking off into the sky, in a dreamlike state. Kagome suddenly became very intrigued.

'Sayuri you look different. And where's Inunobu, it's not like him to leave you to fend for yourself. Sayuri…?'

Sayuri was still staring, not paying attention. Kagome walked a little closer, not being able to make out much in the dark besides a few obvious features. Sayuri sighed deeply and turned away, letting her neck show accidentally, the moonlight revealing the fang marks that Inunobu had left her, but they did not pierce the skin she noticed. Realization dawned on her.

'Sayuri…did you…' she stopped when she saw the demoness blush deeply; it was visible even in the darkness. She definitely is more emotional than any demon I have ever seen. I guess she fits Inunobu perfectly.

'Ok Sayuri, I'll leave you alone for a while. I hope everything goes well for you.'

Sayuri nodded as Kagome walked away. Her sense of smell picked up Inunobu's scent on the wind coming towards her. She stood up just as Inunobu came into view, jumping on a few trees and landing ten feet away. She put up her hand halfway but stopped. The look in Inunobu's eyes was one of peace. It was unlike anything she had ever seen from the demon. He strode over to her across the grass and threw her into an embrace, which she returned. I won't let anything happen to her; I will never let Kichiro get to her.

'Sayuri, lie with me for a while.'

'Sure.'

They settled down on the grass, Sayuri resting her head on Inunobu's chest and listened to his heartbeat. Inunobu held her to him, one hand around her waist and other around her back. His head rested on the top of hers. Inunobu's last thoughts before he and Sayuri drifted off to sleep were determined. I will never let harm come to her. I will not make the same mistake as my father.

Morning

'Kagome let's go already what's taking you?' Inuyasha was in a hurry this morning. The villagers were less friendly than most. He was becoming uneasy.

'Um…don't you think we should wait Inuyasha?'

'What for what? Inunobu would want to get going early too if he was here.'

'Why don't we wait for Inunobu to come back to us...I don't think he wants us to disturb him,' she said meekly.

'Ok now I'm confused. Kagome, why wouldn't he want to be disturbed?'

'Kagome,' Miroku said in a curious voice, 'was Inunobu with Sayuri….' He whispered the last part to her. She nodded with a smile on her face.

'Uh…Inuyasha, we should give him a little time back to us.' Interrupting Inunobu and Sayuri, even if all they're doing is talking, would mean certain death.

'Not you too Miroku! I'm going to find him so we can leave.'

'Sit.' Thud.

'Kagome…I hardly think Inuyasha deserved that,' Sango said. Kagome whispered in her ear, and the demon slayer had a look of shock on her face. 'Kagome…sit him again…he's trying to get away.'

'What? I was just standing-'

'Sit.' Thud.

'What the hell was that for?'

'Inuyasha,' Miroku started, 'let me try to explain slowly so you can grasp this concept. Inunobu went away from the village right?'

'Yeah, what of it?'

'And Sayuri followed him. I can't believe you can't understand…All right I will try one more time. Inunobu and Sayuri went away into the night….together. I can't believe…Kagome how do you put up with this?'

'Ok Inuyasha, I am going to say it out in the open. Sayuri had gentle little bite marks on the side of her neck when I went to see her and bring her something to eat.'

Inuyasha froze. Bite marks? As in…Inunobu bit her. That means they were going to be…Well you can't blame me for not realizing it…this is Inunobu we're talking about! Inuyasha sat down in disbelief. Inunobu was the last person he knew that he thought could be capable of loving someone.

Kagome smiled. 'I think Inuyasha gets it. Miroku, if you don't mind, what exactly does the bite mean? And leave out the perverted parts please.'

'Why of course I will tell you, but how can you accuse me of perversion. I am but a simple monk. Anyway, a dog demon, and most demons for that matter, use bites as a deeper sign of love for their partner. I am sure they still exchange kisses, but it means less to them. That kind of bite that you saw yesterday Kagome is not to be confused with the mating mark, which is given at the base of the neck on the female. This signifies that they have mated and are by demon terms, married. Sayuri most likely will not have a mating mark, because dog demons prefer to wait until they are absolutely positive they have chosen the right companion. My master Mushin also told me some more interesting parts that involve the physical aspect of this ritual. I find it quite interesting, and I am sure that…why are you all staring at me?'

'We said without the perverted parts Miroku,' Kagome said annoyed.

Back With Inunobu and Sayuri

Inunobu woke up first, catching the scent of a well cooked breakfast in the village. He felt something warm in his arms and looked down to find a still-sleeping Sayuri. He pulled her closer. It was at least ten in the morning, he thought he should head back unless he wanted to hear no end of it from Inuyasha when the group found them like this. He felt her stir in his grasp. Her nose twitched while her eyes were still closed. Had Kagome been there, he thought, she would have thought it was adorable. He closed his arms tighter around her, which caused her to open her eyes. She looked at him sleepy eyed for a minute before leaning up and kissing him.

'Sayuri lets go, unless you want them to find us like this.'

'Inuyasha would hold it over us forever. Let's go anyway, I smell food.'

Sayuri made a move to get up, and Inunobu was about to let her when he realized that he didn't want to let her go, so he grabbed her as she was standing and she fell back into his lap. She laughed.

'We can go in a few minutes,' Inunobu said. He gently bit her on the neck. She leaned into it like before, but after a few seconds went almost completely limp. She hung onto his neck with her arms and put her head on his shoulder. She waited even longer to say anything, and Inunobu biting her neck still did not make it easier.

'You know, all of the dog demons back home always told me that biting was normal, but they never actually told me how good it feels.' She was about continue when Inunobu bit down harder, causing her to gasp. Damn him, there's no way I will ever get up now. Unless… An idea toyed with her head. She timed it just right and turned her head and bit into Inunobu's neck the same way. He let out a long breath, not expecting it at all. The feeling was amazing and different from anything. It bordered along the line between minor pain and pleasure. The two dog demons sank into the grass, further from going to breakfast than they were before they woke up. Twenty minutes later and they were lying in each other's arms not moving.

'Sayuri, I think this time we really should get up.'

'Yeah I guess so.'

Both demons rose from the grass, still clinging to each other. They walked toward Inuyasha and the others. Emerging into the group's line of vision, Inunobu dropped his arm that was around Sayuri's waist. This is foolish trying to hide this from them. They are friends after all. Besides unless Inuyasha is stupid our smell will give us away. All anyone has to do is look a little more closely at our necks. Still, I want to see how perceptive my younger half-brother really is.

Inuyasha watched them approach. They looked the same as yesterday, but they were walking much closer together. Then their scent came to him over the wind. It was painfully obvious that Kagome was telling the truth. Their scents were almost indistinguishable from each other. It didn't smell like they were mated yet though, just that they had slept together. He would wait until later say anything. If Inunobu can change this much in only a few months then he deserves at least a day of peace about this. It was a good change after all wasn't it?

Elsewhere

The demon Lord of the Western Lands was fast approaching his two younger brothers from the air. Inunobu would want to know that two of the Claw's scouts were seen on the borders of their homeland. Sesshomaru was close, but Inunobu's scent was different. The new part of his scent smelled vaguely familiar. It was several minutes before Jaken spoke up.

'My Lord I can see them.'

Inunobu was already looking in their direction. Sesshomaru jumped of his flying serpent Ah and Un. Inuyasha had ignored Sesshomaru's, and he seemed annoyed that the Lord of the Western Lands had shown up. The rest of the group, who did not have as keen a sense of smell, kept walking. Inunobu stood waiting for Sesshomaru to approach, and strangely, Sesshomaru noticed, so did Sayuri. It was Sayuri's scent that I smelled on Inunobu.

'You are here earlier than I expected, has something happened?' Inunobu spoke.

Kagome, Shippo, Sango, and Miroku turned around and realized that Sesshomaru had appeared without them noticing. Sesshomaru looked more anxious than usual.

'Inunobu, the Claw is on the move. They have sent two of their scouts into the Western Lands. Their targets are one of my best generals and Sayuri's father,' Sesshomaru said emotionlessly. Inunobu saw Sayuri become pale.

'Very well, I shall return with you. Inuyasha, are you coming?' Inunobu asked.

'Don't see why I shouldn't. As long as it's clear that I'm helping you and not avenging my father's death, I'll go.'

Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes at this. What disrespect! Inuyasha is so foolish. He turned to leave but stopped. 'Sayuri, if you wish I can take you back to the West to your father faster than Inunobu.'

'She stays with me.'

Sesshomaru's lip curled in a sarcastic half-smile. Inunobu you have earned some of my respect for taking a demon instead of a human. He climbed on Ah and Un and flew away, Jaken and Rin hanging onto the serpent so they wouldn't fall off.

Inunobu and Sayuri turned and walked to the West. Sayuri was extremely worried for her father. She was very depressed, and Inunobu noticed. He wrapped a protective arm around her as they walked. Her eyes had gratitude in them when she looked at him. Inuyasha was in shock. His brother, the cold and ruthless Inunobu, had just shown a kind and gentle gesture. Maybe he has himself more under control. The Western Lands were at least a week away, and it was starting with a painful silence. Each person was left to their own thoughts. Sayuri was too afraid for her father; she needed something else to think about besides the Order of the Claw.

'Inunobu, did you and my father get along well?'

'He was my personal tutor when I was young. I learned much from him, and have a great respect for him. I don't think he will be thrilled when I show up again, especially in times like this. I will be suspected as part of the Order of the Claw; I have not returned home in two hundred years. Your father will be happy that you have found a mate until he discovers it is me.'

'It will be fine. The only thing we need to worry about is getting there before they kill…' She put her head down, not wanting to think of it. She was still young, not old enough to have started her own life away from her parents. She would be devastated if he died.

Inunobu tightened his grip around her. Nothing will happen to her. She will not have to grieve for her father because he will not die. I will make sure of that. 'Sayuri, it will be fine. I will personally slit the throats of all of the members of the Order of the Claw. They will not exist for much longer.'

One Week Later, At the Border of the Western Lands

Inunobu stood in front of the forest that bordered the West, his home. His last memories of this place were painful. Nothing has changed about this forest; I can smell the scouts that will warn the kingdom if they see me coming. I can't be sure if anyone would recognize me or not. Inunobu had an idea.

'Listen to me,' Inunobu began, 'no one can know that I am here, not yet. The Order of the Claw will never allow me to get close to them if both Sesshomaru and I are here. I am merely a stray dog.' Inunobu transformed into a dog, allowing himself to be engulfed by the light. Sayuri gasped.

'Inunobu how did you do that? I've never seen a dog demon who could transform like that before.'

'Well,' Miroku said, 'Inunobu is very different from other dog demons. The energy that he absorbed from the Shikon Jewel as a child warped his demon power.'

Inunobu ended the conversation between the two by starting into the forest. The rest followed him. Sayuri put one hand on his back. He was tall enough to be within easy reach of a standing person. Inunobu was positive that only Sesshomaru, his father, and now his companions knew of his transformation ability. He would be able to slip into the castle unnoticed.

'Halt. State your names.' A forest guard had appeared in front of them.

'I am Sayuri, the daughter of the head of the council. These are my friends whom I have become quite fond of. They helped me through some hard times.'

'And who is that,' pointing at Inunobu.

'This is a stray I found. He is very faithful. I couldn't bear to leave him.'

'Very well, you may pass.'

They were stopped by three more guardsmen and then a pair of guards at the gates. The gates looked the same to Inunobu, though the guards wore more current uniforms. The gates open to reveal the castle and Inunobu's home. Instead of walking the guests in, the guards merely shut the gate behind them. They did not even send a messenger to let Sesshomaru, or Sesshomaru's stand-in know that we are here. The plaza in front of the castle was a giant marketplace, selling everything imaginable. This was not here before. When I last was here, people did not carry weapons on the street. He noticed many demons brandishing elaborate swords and a few battle axes. If we dog demons cannot even trust each other, what hope do we have to remain the most powerful kingdom. They reached the doors of the castle, which were open. The guard did not acknowledge their presence. Inunobu was angry. Not only had the kingdom become unorganized, but the people had lost all respect for each other. Technically, Inuyasha was a prince, and they ignored him.

'Stop. Who are you people?'

'I am Sayuri, these are friends.' She pointed at the group behind her and the dog at her side. They looked uneasy. The humans were concerned that they were in danger, being virtually the only humans in a kingdom of demons. Shippo was looking around meekly. Inuyasha looked like his normal self.

The guard nodded. Sayuri led them to the study that held the Lord. She knocked on the door, and a servant opened it. Behind the servant Sesshomaru stood talking with Sayuri's father, Susumu. Sesshomaru looked calm, but Susumu was worried. No doubt Sesshomaru had just told him that the Order of the Claw sought his life.

'Father?'

'Sayuri! I was so worried. They told me that you were attacked. Lord Sesshomaru could we finish this conversation later, I have not seen my daughter in weeks.'

'Very well.' Sesshomaru walked out of the room. Once he was outside the door he told a guard to direct the humans, Shippo, and Kirara to the place they would be staying. Inuyasha followed Kagome, leaving Sayuri with her father. Inunobu, who still had not transformed, stood in the doorway.

'Father I have wonderful news,' Sayuri said excited. 'I found someone who will be my mate.'

'Sayuri…this is a bit sudden. Tell me, who is it. I would assume a dog demon.'

'Yes, he saved me when I was about to be killed. You know him.'

'Sayuri stop keeping your father in the dark, I cannot take it at my age.'

Sayuri smiled and made a motion to Inunobu to approach closer. Sayuri closed the door, not wanting to give Inunobu's presence away to anyone but her father. Inunobu believed he could trust Susumu, so he did not object. She crouched and gave him a nuzzle with her head. Her father was confused. His eyes widened when the dog began to glow, morphing into Inunobu.

'Impossible. I thought you were dead.'

'Now Susumu, what kind of a greeting is that?'

'You are my daughter's mate?' he asked. Inunobu nodded.

'Do you disapprove Susumu?'

'I…I don't know. I have not seen you in 200 years; I hardly think that I know who you are anymore. Sayuri…there is no easy way to say this, but does he still lose control of himself like he used to.

'I would never hurt your daughter. You must believe that. She means more to me than anything I have ever known,' he said challengingly. Sayuri smiled gently and took one of his hands.

'I am not sure if I am completely happy with your decision Sayuri, but I have not seen Inunobu in many years. He could very well have changed. Now on to more urgent matters; Lord Sesshomaru informs me that you are here to hunt down the Order of the Claw. The first scout will most likely attempt to assassinate the Lord tonight at the dinner. Lord Sesshomaru has instructed that we leave him unguarded to invite an attack. The next scout is thought to be prepared to attack me tomorrow, and we will worry about that after the Lord's assassin is killed. For now get reacquainted with your home, you have no doubt missed it.'

Inunobu did not leave right away. He wanted to make sure Sayuri was coming with him. She looked at Inunobu and made a signal with her eyes to say that she wanted to leave. Susumu watched his daughter walk away with Inunobu. When they reached the other end of the room Inunobu transformed into his canine form and they wandered into the hallway. Susumu would talk to his daughter more seriously after the two scouts from the Order of the Claw were dealt with. Susumu hoped, for Sayuri' sake, that Inunobu had changed.