Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or any of its characters they are the property of Rumiko Takahashi. This story was written for the purposes of entertainment and I by no means will profit from the story other than the satisfaction of exercising my imagination and writing abilities.
Chapter 24: Disturbing Facts, Rin…Koga A Story Revealed
Kagome watched Sesshomaru leave. Varying emotions coursed through her; the most prominent of these was surprise. She was not surprised that Sesshomaru had figured out it was a wolf. Demons and their impeccable instincts had ceased to amaze her long ago. No, what surprised her was the fact that he had reverted back to the unreadable, formidable youkai she previously thought he was. She watched him walk towards the river's edge with that innate arrogance and self assurance that only he had. Even Koga, the demon wolf he was going to meet, for all his bragging and self confidence seemed insignificant compared to the demon lord that strode away from her. . It didn't matter that he possessed two of shards of the Shikon no Tama, Kagome knew he was still no match for the taiyoukai she had come to know.
Koga, she feared for him. The wolf demon did not have the familial claim on Sesshomaru that Inuyasha had, and Koga was similar in temperament to the hanyou. Kagome knew only too well how Inuyasha tried the patience of the taiyoukai and she suspected that the only thing that kept him alive all these years was brotherly affection and Sesshomaru's sense of guilt. Koga's mouth could very well cost him his life.
Sesshomaru seemed softer to her, but she was no fool. Kagome knew that Sesshomaru was still the demon he had been. He hadn't changed. She just understood him better. Kagome knew that Koga would demand to see her, and Sesshomaru had made it abundantly clear to everyone that he would not allow her training to be interrupted for any reason. And if Koga's past behavior towards Inuyasha was any indicator of how he may react to being told by Sesshomaru that he could not see her, Kagome knew there was a very strong possibility that the encounter between the taiyoukai and the wolf youkai would become physical. For the first time since she had really come to know him Kagome wished that there was a subduing necklace was around Sesshomaru's neck. She knew she had some influence with the taiyoukai, but she could not fool herself into thinking that it would extend as far as saving Koga's neck if the wolf pressed Sesshomaru too far.
No matter how she wanted to go after him she did not have the strength. The distant sound of Sango's voice let her know that her friends were busy with their training as well. Conflicting emotions filled her being as she sat there watching him go. She had learned so much, but then it seemed she knew so little about him.
There was something about the way he spoke. Her perceptions were still off balance but she still sensed a great deal of animosity from him. This confused her. She wondered if it was something instinctive that lay between dog demons and wolf demons. They were both rather arrogant, though from what she'd seen Inu demons seemed to be more powerful individuals, though they seemed to prefer to work alone, and wolves, though not individually strong, traveled in packs and their strength lay in their sheer numbers and loyalty to their clan.
"Your boyfriend's here. Sesshomaru doesn't want you to see him." Inuyasha's voice broke into her thoughts. Kagome turned to face him, surprised to see that damp tendrils still clung to his face. She thought briefly to mention it, but his decidedly angry voice and the scowl on his face stopped the words before she could utter them.
"I know." She said dully drained from her confusing thoughts as well as her physical exertion of the afternoon. Midnight eyes full of concern and fatigue clashed with molten amber.
Inuyasha at once regretted his previous tone, but he would not relent. She had chosen this path willingly. If Kagome was too tired to cope with this she only had herself to thank. There was much he didn't agree with and at the risk of hearing that dreaded word he pressed forward. "Something's up. Koga was mad as hell at my brother. I didn't' realize that they knew each other."
Kagome was silent for a moment as she let Inuyasha's words sink in generating a bevy of new thoughts. Koga had come to see Sesshomaru instead of her. That was something she hadn't thought of.She wondered if Sesshomaru knew who he was going to meet. He hadn't mentioned a name, he had simply said 'wolf'. But the cold look that glittered in his amber eyes was more than just indifference. It was the look she'd seen so often in Inuyasha's eyes when he recognized the scent of an enemy. Realization hit her then; Sesshomaru knew Koga. Midnight eyes met amber that glittered with the angry emotions that roiled through him.
"Sesshomaru didn't seem too happy to know that he was here. I hope everything is okay." Kagome said trying to hide the confusion that started to run through her body.
The hanyou stifled the growl of frustration he felt rise in his throat at seeing the look of confused concern flit across her face. Damn her forgiving heart and the concern she felt for those two bastards. Inuyasha didn't share her concern. Nor was he going to pretend he did for her sake. Worrying about her well being these past couple of days had earned him nothing but a mouthful of dirt once or twice already. The resentment that already festered within him began to cloud his better judgment. He felt at liberty to express his true thoughts.
"I wouldn't be too concerned; maybe one of them will be dead. That's one less bastard I'll have to worry about." Inuyasha said casually.
"Inuyasha," Kagome replied. Her exasperation with him was evident in every syllable she spoke to the hanyou. He flinched at the sound, waiting breathlessly for the hated word. He had pushed too far and he fully expected some sort of retribution. But as always the girl surprised him.
"I know this has been hard on you. But I think you would be really upset if something happened to your brother. And I thought that despite everything that you had a soft spot for Koga, it's not like you haven't saved his life before."
"I only saved his life because I want the damn shards for myself. I figured if he has 'em then Naraku doesn't have them. I know I can beat him when it comes time to take them from him. And as far as Sesshomaru is concerned I want to be the one to kill him. I owe him that much. Besides, Koga doesn't stand a chance against Sesshomaru. The stupid wolf may be fast but he'd be no match for my brother if it comes to blows. So if you're worrying about your new best friend he'll be fine, but you'll have to find a new boyfriend." Inuyasha replied irritably, the strain of the past ten days wearing on him even more now that the wolf had shown up.
Sesshomaru had caused too many emotions to well within him that he was not prepared to deal with. There was no way he was going to deal with both demons. And from what little the hanyou had seen between the wolf and his brother, Inuyasha knew that one of them wouldn't be staying. That was if either one of them left that meeting alive.
Kagome frowned at Inuyasha then. Midnight eyes glittered angrily at the hanyou's bitter reckless speech. Her compassion, her understanding and most of all her patience with him had reached their limits. Inuyasha had gone too far.
"Sit Boy" the command was uttered once again, albeit by a very tired and beleaguered Kagome. The curse itself may have been weak, but it was still effective. Inuyasha was thrown to the ground, although the force of the impact lacked its usual vigor it was still enough to make him understand he had pushed her too far.
"Damn it Kagome." Inuyasha's voice may have been muffled but his annoyance was plainly evident by the string of muttered curses that continued as the spell held him to the ground. When he finally was released from his brief enchantment he stood glaring at her, arms crossed expectantly waiting for an apology.
Midnight eyes watched his display of anger dispassionately. Kagome didn't regret using the subduing spell, nor was she in any way inclined to apologize just to appease his hurt pride. Inuyasha had been difficult all week, but she had thought she had made some headway. Koga's sudden appearance seemed to have undone all the progress she had made. Although the progress she had made with him wasn't anything to brag about, she'd take any victory she could at this point, no matter how small.
She looked heavenward in frustration. Kagome's entire body felt heavy and she was tired beyond words. She didn't have the strength, the fortitude or the desire to put up with his juvenile antics at the moment. Never in a million years would she have thought that getting Sesshomaru to open up and talk honestly would be easier than dealing with Inuyasha.
Right now her concern was for Koga's safety. She didn't need Inuyasha to tell her that Sesshomaru could kill Koga without even breaking a sweat. There was nothing in Sesshomaru's make-up or code of honor that would prevent him from doing so if the taiyoukai felt inclined to do so. Something in her knew that she couldn't allow that to happen. No matter how annoying the wolf demon was, something in her couldn't allow anything to happen to him. Koga despite his shortcomings had managed to endear himself to her and she never was one to sit idly by and let something bad happen to anyone she cared about. Even if it meant getting in between two people she cared about.
The irony of that last thought was not lost on Kagome. A month ago she never would have dreamt that she would have ever cared about what Sesshomaru thought about her, and now she found it weighed heavily on her mind. For as much as she liked Koga and didn't want to see anything happen to him, she also didn't want to lose any of the ground she had made with Sesshomaru.
Midnight eyes full of determination looked into amber ones as she made her demand, "Inuyasha, take me to them."
Kagome's demand didn't take Inuyasha off guard. He had fully anticipated that the foolish girl would want to go there, but he by no means wanted her there stepping in between two demons he loathed. He wasn't about to be put into a position himself where he would have to choose sides between two demons he despised and would rather see dead.
"Damn it Kagome, can't you just stay put? You're in no condition to get in the middle of a fight between Koga and Sesshomaru. You can barely even sit up on your own as it is." Inuyasha said as he glared down at her.
Midnight eyes glared back at amber ones. She knew he was right but she didn't care. She needed to get to them before something happened that couldn't be undone. She doubted that if Sesshomaru did indeed kill Koga she'd be able to convince him to use the Tensaiga to bring him back to life. Just like she couldn't get him to drop the Vendetta he had against Inuyasha. That was the one opinion she had of Sesshomaru that had not changed since she had got to know him better, she still thought him just as stubborn as she always had. In that respect the brothers were very much alike.
"Kagome!" Shippo cried as he came running up to her in alarm distracting her from her thoughts. "Kagome, something's wrong with Rin."
Everything else momentarily forgotten upon hearing the panic in the small fox's voice, Kagome summoned what strength she could and was instantly, albeit unsteadily on her feet. Inuyasha as he had been so many times throughout their acquaintance was by her side helping her to stand.
"Where is she Shippo?" Inuyasha asked scanning the area the kitsune and the little girl were playing earlier. He spotted Rin before the fox demon could reply. She was standing underneath a tree, her eyes focused on a distant spot across the river. From his vantage point he could not see exactly where the girl was looking at but if he had to venture a guess he would guess she was looking at his brother. His thoughts raced then as he briefly wondered if something happened to his brother. Without thinking Inuyasha sniffed the air for any trace of blood and to his relief found nothing to indicate anything had happened between his brother and the wolf.
Not caring to explore that feeling of relief he felt upon not smelling his brother's blood in the air he scooped Kagome up and carried her to where the young girl stood transfixed. The scent of the small girl's fear hung heavily in the air around her, her face pale and her brown eyes wide with horror. Inuyasha's heart went out to the young girl, but upon reaching her side he could not discern anything too horrific from what he saw. All he could still see were Koga and Sesshomaru in what appeared to be a deep discussion.
Inuyasha could at least content himself with the fact that now Kagome could see for herself that there was no reason to go across the river to where Sesshomaru and Koga were. The small rise they were now situated on provided a much better view of the two demons across the river.
As it was, any thoughts Kagome had regarding following Sesshomaru across the river had fled the young woman's mind upon hearing Shippo's pleas for help. Now that she could see for herself the state that Rin was in those previous worries were the furthest thing from her mind. Rin was such a happy go lucky child that this state of paralyzed fear that the girl was in had Kagome's full attention and concern. Sesshomaru and Koga were far from forgotten, but the state Rin was in was at the moment more pressing and dire.
"Rin," Kagome said soothingly as she made her way to the little girl's side and both from weakness and necessity sank to her knees beside her as she put her arms around the small girl.
Rin however was in a state of shock. Seeing the wolf demon that had sent the wolves tearing through that village not so very long ago brought back the memories of her death. This was the second time she had seen him since that day, and just as before he had come to visit the taiyoukai who had taken care of her. No matter how much she tried to calm herself the small girl could not suppress the fear that held her fast in its suffocating grip. She tried to speak, but she had no voice. Her arms would not move and her feet were rooted to the place on which she stood. She had wanted to run, to scream, to be able to tell the others of the danger they were in. To Rin's utter dismay she found she could do nothing but stand and stare at Sesshomaru as he stood talking to that wolf just as she had before.
Kagome's voice seemed a lifeline too far away to reach, until she felt the warmth of Kagome's arms around her reminding her that she was not alone, and that there were others nearby who cared about her. Tears formed in her eyes then and a sob escaped her lips as the memories once more came to her mind. Memories of her own death, of the pain and agony she felt as the wolves' teeth tore through her tender flesh.
The embrace that held her tightened as her teardrops began to fall. That simple act made the small girl feel secure even though she knew that an evil demon stood nearby. Sesshomaru-sama was with him. Rin had every faith in the world in the silver haired taiyoukai's abilities and knew there was no one stronger than he. Yet it didn't change the fact that her guardian was across the river and she couldn't help that paralyzing fear from encroaching on her once again. Kagome's voice, her presence eased that fear and she felt the need to tell Kagome what had happened with the wolves. Rin felt Kagome would understand, and maybe she could help Sesshomaru make the wolf leave them alone forever.
The small girl pulled out of Kagome's embrace and looked at the faces of the three that surrounded her. Amber eyes eyed her warily, turquoise eyes eyed her with compassion and midnight eyes full of concern gave the small girl the courage to speak. Sniffling slightly, Rin wiped the back of her hand across her eyes and began to speak in a hitching voice just as Miroku, Sango and Kirara arrived to see what had happened.
"The wolf…" Rin started as she pointed across the river. "He sent the bad ones… everyone is dead… they bit Rin. They killed Rin." She finished her voice trembling with emotion, her brown eyes filled with tears. The group around her looked at her and then from one to another. They all knew that this tale was far from some fantastical dream conjured by the imaginations of a young child with a vivid imagination. They had each witnessed the destruction caused by the wolf tribe. But so much had happened since then that it had been easy to forget. But listening to the young child, hearing the fear and despair in the voice of a child usually so happy could not help but stir their emotions.
Kagome listened with growing concern. Had the wolves really killed Rin? The girl's fear and reaction had been only too real and if this was true it would explain Sesshomaru's animosity towards Koga. And Kagome couldn't blame him if it was. Sesshomaru was like a father to this little girl. All of them knew it and had been surprised at first by it, but none of them, including Inuyasha could deny that Sesshomaru cared for this young girl as he would care for his own pup. Kagome knew that the fierce demon lord certainly would have used the sword on the small girl without a second thought.
Kagome could also not deny Koga was capable of doing such a thing. Her first glimpse of the wolf demon had been at the remains of a village that had been decimated by a wolf attack. She could not help but wonder if there been other villages before? Another more disturbing thought struck her then as for the first time since meeting him she began to wonder if there had been other villages destroyed by his hands since? The last question created a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. She began to wonder if she had let her vanity take over her sense of reason. Once more the young miko began to doubt the instincts that had taken her this far as she wondered if she was indeed friends with someone who would let something happen to a little girl like Rin. Kagome knew Koga could very well be the one who ordered it to happen just as the little girl had said.
Kagome's emotions whirled at the questions and thoughts that began to surface and has they had so often in times of uncertainty midnight eyes met amber ones. In those twin golden pools she was heartened to see many of the same emotions she was feeling present there. Ever observant the young woman did not miss his fist clench and unclench. If it had been any other situation Kagome would have smiled with the realization that Inuyasha did hold some affection for the small girl that traveled with his brother.
For the past few days she had watched Inuyasha interact with Shippo and Rin. It was more than evident to her that the hanyou went out of his way not to speak to the young girl. Even so far as to leave whenever the two came anywhere near him.
As always Kagome's instincts were not far off from the truth. Inuyasha had been struggling with his feelings for the small girl that traveled with his brother. She stirred memories of when he was her age, memories of a brother who had long ago ceased to exist. Memories that begged and beckoned him to listen to that small voice in his heart that begged him to trust his brother once more. To listen, to believe what the others believed that Sesshomaru cared about him. He had come so close to giving in. But the sword on Sesshomaru's hip told him differently.
However lately when Inuyasha looked at Rin, he could not help but remember also the day she stood angrily defiant as she yelled at him, her dark eyes wide with anger and sorrow, even then she had seemed haunted with the specter of death and darkness, it was at that moment he could see traces of Kikyo in her. When he first laid eyes upon her she had resembled Kagome and Kikyo often he wondered if she was maybe related in some way to them. Sometimes when he gazed upon the small child he would wonder if he had been able to become a human would they have had a little girl who looked like the one standing before him. Again Rin served as nothing more as a reminder of something that could have been that was now forever lost to him, whether it was his brother or a 'normal' life with the woman he loved. The small girl through no fault of her own caused troubling thoughts and feelings to fester within him and the hanyou thought it best to avoid her as much as he could. So he did.
However, right now, despite all the conflicting emotions she stirred within him, he could not help but feel his anger stir within him. Such a small child should not feel such a way. Inuyasha knew only too well that fear. He had felt it long ago as a child. He had felt that way the day his mother died, and for a moment he was certain he would be alone in a world that despised him… then his brother had come… Inuyasha stopped himself there. That had been a lie. His brother had saved him only to hurt him even more deeply than his mother had by dying on him and leaving him alone. His mother didn't have a choice. Sesshomaru did.
Miroku watched as the young girl spoke desperately to Kagome, her ebony eyes wide with a fear he had never seen in them before. This was a deeper more desperate terror that gripped her more strongly than her fear upon meeting Kaede for the first time. He was overcome with a strong desire for vengeance on her behalf. Again the small girl struck a chord deep within him that he had thought long buried and safely tucked away.
The monk knew that terror in those wide brown eyes. The terror the gripped Rin now was the terror that gripped his heart when he watched as his father's void overcame him. It was the same paralyzing fear that gripped his heart in its clutches many lonely nights as nightmares of what his fate may some day be overtook him. Unconsciously he tightened his grip on his staff, and to his surprise a gentle hand covered his. Violet met warm pools of brown.
Sango gave Miroku a grim smile of understanding which the monk returned with one of his own. The taijiya knew his feelings for the young girl. The hentai monk continued to surprise her. Though his inappropriate attentions have not altogether ceased when he was with the small girl there was a paternal softness about him that she had not expected. This new discovery though unexpected was not unwelcome and it solidified her knowledge that there was not another man amongst her acquaintance that she could love as she did Miroku.
These thoughts did not make her forget the fear that the small girl held in her eyes or forget the words the girl had spoken regarding the wolf. Koga was another demon Kagome had befriended against Sango's better judgment. She had stifled her training and beliefs for Kagome's sake, but seeing Rin and hearing what the small girl had just said made her regret doing so. Brown eyes flicked to the two demons across the river.
Even from the distance she was at she could tell that their meeting was not a friendly one. The way they stood, she had seen that stance all too often through the years. The taijiya was certain before long a battle would erupt between the two. Concerned brown eyes met with midnight then. Sango knew without Kagome saying anything what Kagome wanted to do.
"Kirara." Sango called out the cat's name in that all too familiar voice the taijiya used before rushing into battle. Instantly the small fire cat transformed herself into the large demon cat rushing to her mistresses' side. Sango swung onto her back and Miroku hoisted Rin up to Sango's waiting arms.
"What the hell are you guys doing?" Inuyasha asked impatiently. He knew what they were doing, and he didn't like it one bit. "Let them fight it out. We …" he stopped mid sentence as angry midnight eyes turned on him. The hanyou recognized that all too familiar glint of raw fury and decided to wisely stop his tirade for the moment. Besides, he knew who she was angry at, and in his opinion it was about damn time too. That wolf was nothing but a nuisance since he kidnapped Kagome. Finally she was realizing what he had known all along. Silently he stooped in front of Kagome to allow her to climb onto his back, Shippo hopped up as well. As soon as the kit was secure Inuyasha took a running start and with a great leap he had cleared the small river and he stood in front of his brother and Koga once more.
Amber eyes looked at the group that had just arrived. Sesshomaru's stoic face betrayed none of the irritation that he felt at their ill timed arrival. He had just finished telling Koga all he knew when he had noticed that his brother and the others were coming. His first thought was his brother had something to do with this and anger welled within him, but he caught sight of Rin who clutched at the monk as he sat on the fire cat.
Memories of the first time he had seen Koga flared within Sesshomaru again as the taiyoukai looked into the child's terror-filled dark eyes. Yet another reason this wolf could not stay with them. Every protective instinct the demon lord possessed rallied within him, his resolve firm. "It is time for you to take your leave wolf." Sesshomaru stated coldly amber eyes once more fixed on the face of the wolf demon.
Cerulean eyes flashed in defiance as Koga crossed his arms and stood his ground. Both demons stared at each other unmoving. The new arrivals noticed the air between the two demons charged with animosity. Sesshomaru's face as always was an unreadable mask, but the wolf was a different story. Just as Sesshomaru was able to conceal the emotions that raged within him Koga wore his openly for the world to see. Hatred, disgust and disbelief were all plainly visible on the wolf's face for everyone to see.
Koga had sat there and listened as the dog demon spilled forth the most unbelievable story and expected him to accept it as true. Clearly the dog demon underestimated his intelligence. Well Sesshomaru was in for a fight. Koga was tired of these taiyoukai and their double talk. He had never heard such bullshit in all his life. First from Lord Hikari and Lady Taikasei and now Lord Sesshomaru, Koga had expected a straight answer from this last demon. The bastard actually expected him to believe some story that Kagome was from another time. Koga might have believed the rest of Sesshomaru's story if the fool hadn't been so overconfident and lied so blatantly to his face. This command however was the last straw. He wasn't about to leave Kagome's life in the hands of this demon.
"I'm not going anywhere, not without Kagome. So how about it Kagome, are you ready to stay with a real man, one that can protect you all the time?" Koga said meaningfully but his gaze never left the taiyoukai before him. Keen demon eyes didn't miss the tell tale signs of anger coming from the seemingly docile demon lord before him.
In the back of his mind the voice of reason once again chanted a reminder that Lord Hikari had sought out an alliance with the wolves. No matter how tempting it was at the moment to end this interfering wolf's life he could not jeopardize everything, not for Rin, not for Inuyasha. He would have to deal with this latest term as he had with everything else, with an equanimity that would have made his father proud. However if the wolf stayed there would be terms.
"I'm not going anywhere with you Koga." Kagome said weakly, however her normally cheerful voice was charged with angry emotions catching the attention of both demons. They watched as she stood on wobbly legs next to Inuyasha, hanging onto his arm for support.
"About damn time you told him." Inuyasha muttered, only to receive a glare from the young miko standing next to him. The hanyou wisely decided to let her speak uninterrupted. His pride could only take so much, and being 'sat' in front of his brother and Koga was something he could very well do without.
Koga looked at Kagome then. Brilliant blue eyes met midnight eyes that glittered with the same angry emotions that laced the tones of her voice. He turned to Sesshomaru, blue eyes narrowing as suspicions began forming within his mind. The wolf was certain the damn dog had poisoned her against him with some fantastical story. Koga was not going to let him get away with it. He was tired of all the games these demon lords were playing at. "What the hell have you been telling her?" Koga demanded as he turned to look back at the impassive taiyoukai.
"He hasn't told me anything about you. But Rin has." Kagome interjected again her voice a little stronger this time as her anger became more evident. This was not going to be easy and she would have to be stern if she was ever to get to the bottom of this.
"Rin?" Koga asked his confusion evident. Blue eyes searched the group for any indication of who she may be talking about before resting on the small human girl that traveled with Sesshomaru. Again his suspicions led him to jump to conclusions and once more brown eyes narrowed as understanding dawned within him. The taiyoukai was using this small human to do his dirty work. These taiyoukai and their infernal games disgusted him to no end. He looked back to Kagome, determination blazing in his blue eyes. The wolf was going to make sure that he got to the bottom of this. He would expose all the lies and Kagome would come with him unquestioningly. "What did she tell you?"
"That you had your wolves attack her village. That they killed her…" Kagome began tentatively. The words sounded much worse when she spoke them aloud.
"She looks pretty healthy for a dead girl." Koga said contemptuously as he cast a derisive glance at Sesshomaru's pawn who sat huddled between the monk and the taijiya, who both were glaring at him. He didn't care what they thought of him. In a moment they would all know the truth. A warning snarl from the youkai across from him served only to fuel his determination.
What Kagome said next made Koga stop everything… "Sesshomaru's sword has the power to revive the dead."
Cerulean eyes went wide with surprise as his eyes rested on Kagome's face. For once the wolf had nothing to say. A sword that could revive the dead, how could anyone swallow that? Did the taiyoukai before him actually have the power to conquer death? If that were true, did Kagome actually have the power to travel time? His mind was a whirl and he did not anticipate Kagome's next question.
"I need you to be honest with me Koga, have you killed any humans since we met? Have you allowed your wolves to kill any humans since we met?" Midnight eyes looked into his with earnest hope.
Koga felt both anger and shame at this line upon hearing her question. He came to save her, and he gets this over some girl that traveled with the dog demon that was going to sacrifice her to save his own ass. He'd seen the small girl once before, and Koga remembered the instance. It was the first time he had laid eyes on Inuyasha's brother and had discovered that the rumors were true, the dog demon had gone soft like his father, like Koga had and allowed a human into his presence.
"None that mattered to you." Koga said honestly. He watched as her face fell, he had seen the glimmer of hope in her eyes. Part of him was ashamed to admit to her that he had, and he needed to redeem himself as much as he could in her eyes. He quickly added "And certainly not this girl, I know better than to attack a girl under Sesshomaru's protection." It was an honest answer. He had not seen the young girl since he had come upon her that day in the clearing when he had met Sesshomaru. He had certainly not harmed her. Scared her, yes, but he hadn't laid a claw on a single hair on her head. He may be brash, but he definitely wasn't stupid. He knew better than to toy with something that belonged to a powerful demon.
"Rin's not a liar." Inuyasha snarled in defense of the young girl, "and any idiot can see that she's terrified of you."
"Are you calling me a liar, half-breed?" Koga snarled angrily. Blue met amber in unspoken challenge as the two once more stared each other down in open animosity.
Kagome almost sighed aloud at the all too familiar scene beginning to play out in front of her. She needed a different tact and obviously asking Koga wasn't going to get her any answers. Her emotions were again in a tangle. There was only one being present that would be able to approach this rationally and give her the answers she needed. Midnight eyes looked turned to Sesshomaru as she directed her next question to him. "Sesshomaru, what happened with Rin?"
Koga wasn't about to let the taiyoukai contaminate her mind any further with any more of this story. He hadn't touched the girl. Had everyone suddenly gone crazy? He was quick to speak before Sesshomaru had a chance.
"All he's going to do is lie to you. Did you know that this whole plan of his could kill you? Did you know he tried to tell me you're from another time? Kagome, please, for once listen to reason. I've left everything behind for you, to save you." Koga's voice was laced with the emotions he felt. His anger, his desperation, but above all his earnestness was evident in his tones. Kagome knew he spoke the truth, but it still didn't sway her from her intended path. A quick look at Rin still sitting atop Kirara showed her the young girl was still scared. Besides, it was well past time that Koga gave up on this notion that there could be something between the two of them.
"What about Ayame? You're promised to her." Kagome countered quickly. The young miko was annoyed that Koga wouldn't let her get to the bottom of this.
"I've told you she doesn't mean anything to me. It doesn't matter anyhow; I'm no longer welcome in any of the lands, when I found out about their plans," Koga said as he cast a derisive glance at Sesshomaru. The dog could go to hell as far as he was concerned. Kagome had a right to know everything and he was going to tell her once and for all. "I stood against them. I wasn't about to let them sacrifice you so they could save their own asses. His allies kicked me out of the meeting. I'm no longer a wolf. Not that I want to be one. They're all cowards and I know the truth. As for Ayame she will be fine, I have no doubt she will find herself a worthy mate."
Sesshomaru heard the last part of the wolf's speech and realized that the wolf had played him for a fool. He had wasted precious time and had practiced great restraint only to realize that it had been in vain. The wolf was nothing more than a rogue outcast from his tribe. Dishonored and ignorant the fool had come of his own accord to interfere with what was already in motion. Sesshomaru felt nothing but the deepest loathing for this weak demon that let his own selfish emotions get the better of him. The taiyoukai was also angry at himself for assuming that this pathetic excuse for a demon was sent by Lord Hikari. He should have known better. Now the wolf would pay.
"Enough." Sesshomaru snarled angrily, causing all eyes to turn to the once impassive taiyoukai. His eyes were narrow, no longer the glittering topaz, they blazed a brilliant crimson. His aura swirled about him as he prepared to release a blast of energy at the wolf.
Kagome realized what Sesshomaru was about to do and realized that there was no way any of them could stop him, but she had to try. Despite everything she knew she couldn't let Koga die. Not like this. Where she found the strength to move in front of Koga, she didn't know, but she had. Somehow she eluded Inuyasha's grasp and was standing in front of Koga just as Sesshomaru released the blast of energy. The taiyoukai watched in horrified silence as the deadly energy hurtled toward the young woman who held the fate of the world in her hands. The taiyoukai was certain his foolishness had just cost him something more precious than anything he had ever known before.
"Hiraikotsu!" Sango called as she swung down from atop Kirara. Always alert the taijiya had reacted on instinct when the energy was released. Sango knew she couldn't trust the demon and she wasn't going to let Kagome get hurt because her friend's instinct had been wrong.
A sudden blast of energy released from seemingly nowhere struck the deadly boomerang from its intended course drew the attention of the group to the small green toad demon sitting astride the three headed dragon that had arrived without any of them noticing. His yellow bulbous eyes rested on the taijiya. "Foolish human, you dare try to strike my master when he is distracted. I knew this was a mistake. I knew we couldn't trust the likes of you." Jaken's speech was lost on the group. All eyes were still focused on the young girl.
Kagome was only aware of the energy hurtling towards Koga. It took all her strength to concentrate and as if she had been doing it all her life managed to erect the Kokoikomi. The energy deflected and burnt the nearby tree to mere ashes. Then just as quickly as it happened Kagome couldn't hold onto the barrier and swayed unsteadily on her feet.
Before anyone else could react Sesshomaru was by her side supporting her. "I'll see to her." he said to the others as he held onto the young miko with his good arm. Relief mingled with anger and hurt directed towards himself, the wolf and Kagome ran through him. The last time his emotions had overwhelmed him in such a way was when he had received news of his father's death.
"Like hell you will, you almost killed her." Koga snarled angrily from behind Sesshomaru. He didn't like seeing the dog demon act so possessive about what was his, nor did he like Kagome's easy acceptance of such attentions.
"If you hadn't come sniffing around here and stirring up trouble she wouldn't have had to save your butt. You're pathetic." Inuyasha snarled as he advanced on Koga. "I don't know what you think you know, but you're wrong. Kagome's not going to die. Not while I'm around."
"And what happens tomorrow night? What happens when the new moon rises? You can't even save yourself when you're nothing but a weak human." Koga snarled as he cracked his knuckles in anticipation of a fight. He would kill both dog demons if he had to, or he would die trying.
Sesshomaru's head snapped around at these words. This wolf knew. Inuyasha had been foolish enough to let an enemy know when his night was. His impenetrable façade was already down and his emotions had already gotten the better of him. This was just something else he hadn't anticipated. This had given him a direction for the anger that coursed through his body at the moment. "Brother I can't believe you were foolish enough to let this wolf know…"
"It's okay Sesshomaru," Kagome whispered weakly from beside him, "Koga is a friend."
Amber eyes looked down at the top of her head. The girl couldn't even stand. Without his support she would have fallen to the ground in a heap, but still she wasted her energy defending this wolf. His earlier suspicions began to grow inciting his rage. The taiyoukai would have liked nothing better at that moment than to tear the wolf's head from his body. Inuyasha's voice stopped his line of thought.
"It's none of his damn business anyways. Everyone here knows. And nothings happened yet. Besides, even in my human form I'm stronger and smarter than that wimpy wolf. If I hadn't have saved his ass he'd be dead." Inuyasha bristled. How dare Sesshomaru lecture him, as if his brother cared.
Amber clashed with amber then. Inuyasha felt some satisfaction seeing the anger written so plainly on his brother's face. Finally Sesshomaru was showing some sort of emotion. Not some fleeting look in those cold amber eyes that could be nothing more than a figment of his heart's imagination. That small place in his heart gave an unexpected lurch at the thought, before he quickly squashed it.
"You should have let him die and kept your secret." Sesshomaru said coldly his eyes reflected the hatred he felt for the wolf.
"It's none of your damn business what I do…brother." Inuyasha said bitterly. He still wasn't ready to accept his brother's concern. Who the hell did he think he was? How many moonless nights had he hidden himself away, alone and on guard? Where was his brother then?
Kagome closed her eyes in frustration. This had gotten so far out of control. She wondered what she had been thinking to come over and confront Koga as she had. Inuyasha may have been right. Maybe she should have stayed where she was. But then again, if she hadn't Koga could very well be dead right now. And that was something that she was not going to allow to happen.
"Please, everyone, can I talk with Sesshomaru alone?" Kagome said as loudly as she could.
She caught Sango's eye. Her friend was worried and Kagome couldn't blame her. However, right now, she needed the taijiya to understand. She mouthed the word please to Sango just as Koga's voice caught her attention.
"I'm not leaving you with the damn dog…" Koga began angrily as he went to stand before the two of them.
"Koga, please, I'll be fine." Kagome replied as she looked at the wolf before her. She sent up a silent prayer that he would do as she asked without anymore fight. Kagome knew that this was asking too much but she hoped somehow she would catch a break. To her surprise the break came in the form of Sango, who just moments before was ready to kill Sesshomaru.
"Koga, come with us. We won't be too far away, and if anything happens to her we'll make sure he dies." Sango said fiercely placing a hand on the wolf's shoulder.
The wolf hesitated, looked at the two of them and turned and walked away, shaking his head in disgust. Sango walked over to where the Hiraikotsu lay and retrieved it. Before she walked back over to where Kirara stood silently waiting Sango faced Sesshomaru and Kagome once more. "I meant what I said. You hurt her in any way I'll kill you, or I'll die trying."
"Sango…" Kagome began. "It wasn't his fault, it was mine. Sesshomaru would never hurt me." Sango nodded in acknowledgment of what Kagome said but she said nothing and her eyes remained fierce before she turned from them and made her way back to the where the fire cat stood awaiting her mistress with Miroku and Rin still sitting atop her back.
Kagome watched as Shippo scrambled back onto Inuyasha's shoulder and the hanyou headed off with the others. In moments the others were safely across the river. The imp had gone unwillingly but he had known better than to go against his master's wishes. He too was across the river, though a little ways away from the others.
"He won't hurt Rin." Kagome said without preamble now that she was certain she only had one demon to deal with. She could still feel his rage and thought that this was mostly where his anger stemmed from.
"He will not have the chance." Sesshomaru replied succinctly in clipped angry tones.
Kagome pulled slightly away from Sesshomaru so she could see his face. The young miko could tell he was still angry, and then he spoke, "What you did for the wolf was foolish. You should have let me kill him. At least he would have found honor in death at my hands."
"I can't let you kill him." Kagome said simply as she took another tentative step away from the demon beside her.
Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes in suspicion as he regarded the girl. It was as he feared, she loved the wolf. Hatred surged within him at the thought of her with Koga. He reprimanded himself, now was not the time for such foolish thoughts. There were other more important issues at play here. "These are my lands, my word is law here. I can do as I please." He growled.
Kagome was taken aback a moment at the fierceness in his voice and the cold hatred she saw burning in his amber eyes. His affection for Rin ran deep and she couldn't fault him for that. Kagome held his amber gaze in hers, "Please Sesshomaru listen to me." Her grasp on his arm tightened as she spoke.
He could hear the pleading in her voice, he could smell her fear. A part of him felt regret that he had caused her to be afraid of him after how far they had come. And a part of him was angered even further that she would feel that way. Anger won out, "you speak from your emotions. Your love for him blinds you…"
"And your love for Rin blinds you." Kagome shot back angrily. How dare he accuse her of acting on emotions when he was the one being irrational?
Sesshomaru blinked then. Her words struck him as if she had doused him with cold water. He was thinking with his emotions. Anger and jealousy had gotten the better of his so carefully constructed personae. Again, his feelings for the miko had gotten in the way. He was getting too close. But he couldn't walk away. He couldn't leave. There was too much at stake for him to walk away. He had to be strong. He had to put his own feelings aside no matter the cost to himself. He had done this before. This time was different. Laying aside his affections for his brother had been difficult. Laying aside his feelings for this human woman was proving even more difficult. And he understood only to well why it was difficult to do so. But now wasn't the time to dwell on such things. Now was the time for him to be strong. He could not be weak. There were too many people counting on him, too many things he could not sacrifice if he was and he didn't intend to sacrifice anything or anyone, especially not the miko before him.
Kagome watched as Sesshomaru's eyes became guarded once more. Her heart thudded in her chest as cold anxiety filled her. She had lost him. She only hoped she could reach him again. So much had happened between them and she hoped that she would not lose his friendship over this. Everything was still so new between the two of them, she knew much of it had to do with the power she possessed, but somehow she felt it was something more than that. When she was with him she truly felt as if she were special, not just because of the power she possessed, but because of who she was.
True the others accepted her, and they were her friends and they could share their feelings and thoughts openly with one another. With Sesshomaru, she felt as if she was the only one he trusted with such things. The others were still warming up to him, and he to them. There wasn't that intimacy that the two of them shared and a part of her relished the fact that this was something that she had special all to herself. He was still an enigma, but she felt as if she knew him better than anyone… even Inuyasha… and even Hojo.
Kagome pulled herself from her thoughts then. Now was not the time to start romantic daydreams about the boy who held her heart. Not now. She had to get Sesshomaru to see reason. They could use all the help they could get. No matter how annoying and aggravating the wolf might be at times his intentions were pure. They would just have to learn to get along with him as well.
"Sesshomaru," Kagome said softly when she realized his emotions were no longer controlling him, "I know what Koga did was unforgivable. I know I am asking a lot, but please let him help. He's helped us before. I know he talks big, and he's a show off but deep down he means well."
Sesshomaru looked at Kagome; really looked at her. It was then that he noticed the blush that had crept into her cheeks that night in the moonlight was not there. There were no longing sighs, nothing that would indicate that the wolf was the one. He had jumped to conclusions just as she was jumping to conclusions now. The miko thought his anger lay with the wolf's treatment of Rin.
"When we first met Koga was at a village, it was right after Inuyasha almost killed you with Tetsusiaga. We came across a pack of wolves, they had killed everyone there. We would have been dead had it not been for Inuyasha. Koga arrived then and Inuyasha defeated him… I thought he had three shards of the jewel. Well Koga took off, and then later he kidnapped me and wanted me to find him more jewel shards…"
"He kidnapped you?" Sesshomaru asked, careful to keep his emotions at bay, although at the moment he would like nothing more than to rip the baka from end to end and tear his head from his neck. And Kagome stood there before him and pleaded for his life. Another night came to mind, and he remembered her generosity towards the undead miko. He wondered if this human knew how to hate or if that emotion was beyond her. "And you call him a friend?"
Despite his disinterested tone, Kagome saw the tell tale single raised eyebrow and she knew that the taiyoukai was having a hard time understanding why she would defend such a creature. "Yes. Inuyasha tried to kill me. Shippo managed to get me mixed up with the Thunder Brothers, and I was almost turned into hair potion. Miroku tried to kidnap me, and Sango attacked us thinking that we killed everyone in her village. I guess I got used to realizing that people have motives other than just evil intentions. Many times there's something more to the story." Kagome was careful not to point out that the taiyoukai himself had almost killed her on several occasions.
"And I suppose Koga had something more to his story too." Sesshomaru said quietly as he too remembered that he was as guilty as the others were. He didn't deserve her trust any more than the rest of her companions did. Trust was one thing. Love was an entirely different matter. He didn't even want to think about it, let alone say it out loud.
"Acutally yes. He was trying to save his pack from these bird demons." Kagome said matter of factly. "Unfortunatley the only side effect from the whole thing is that he seems to think that he's in love with me."
Unknowingly she had touched upon a subject of great interest to the taiyoukai before her. He felt his heart constrict then as anger took hold. It was hard for him to breathe. The air around them was suddenly stifling hot and he wanted to be anywhere but where he was at the moment. But he couldn't bring himself to stop her. He felt as helpless as he did when he watched the deadly energy he unleashed hurtle towards her less than an hour before. The taiyoukai hoped that never again in his life would he feel that way again.
Kagome, oblivious to the turmoil she had set off within her companion continued unabated with her speech. "I hope he can fix things with Ayame. She really loves him and she's waited so long to be with him. Besides, I have someone waiting for me in the future and it wouldn't be fair to him or Koga to let Koga think that he has a chance with me."
Sesshomaru could not care less who Ayame was. And he definitely did not care about what happened between her and Koga. All that mattered to the taiyoukai at the moment was the fact that Kagome didn't want Koga for herself. Suddenly he could breathe again as the feelings that had held his heart in their vice like grip let go. He forgave her foolishness of throwing herself in front of the unworthy wolf. All that mattered right now was the fact that the wolf was not the one she loved. That knowledge gave him some peace, as well as gave him the equanimity to be generous towards the wolf. Koga could live. He could stay as long as he liked, as long as he kept in line and kept his mouth shut.
He felt both her hands tighten their grip on his arm. Amber eyes turned to meet midnight ones that were filled with compassion. "Sesshomaru, I know it'll be hard for you to forgive him what he did to Rin… I can't believe it myself. I can only imagine what it must have been like for you…"
Sesshomaru stopped her there. He did not know who had hurt Rin, and he could not let her continue on in this vein. There was so much that he had kept from her already, so much he couldn't bring himself to tell her, he was not about to lie through omission again. "I do not know if he hurt Rin or not." He stated simply.
Her hands dropped from where they had clung to his arm. Sesshomaru felt the loss of their warmth as if a dagger had been thrust into his heart. He saw the questions form in her stormy midnight eyes and was instantly determined to tell her everything he knew about Rin's demise. He took a deep breath and plunged forward with his story.
"I met Rin after a battle with Inuyasha. I was injured, but the Tensaiga protected me and I found myself miles away in a forest. Rin came upon me and tried to give me human food. I later came across her body in the middle of the road. I decided to try out the sword my father gave me, the Tensaiga. It revived her and she has been with me ever since."
Amber eyes held midnight ones throughout the entirety of his brief depiction of how he had met Rin. He saw her interest as well as her understanding. And just as suddenly as she had removed her hands from his arm, they were once again there. His heart pace quickened at the mere touch.
"She's been with you ever since." Kagome said quietly her eyes shimmering with their familiar mix of emotions.
"Hai." Sesshomaru said evenly with a slight nod. He could say no more as he was caught briefly in their spell once more.
"No wonder she worships the ground you walk on." Kagome said softly as she turned to look across the river at the group that awaited them on the other side. Her eyes resting on the small child that still sat upon the fire-cat's back huddled next to Miroku. "Honestly I was surprised that Rin was with you that day on the road. I guess that's when I began to realize that I didn't really know you at all."
"And now?"
"Now, I know you better." Kagome said turning her eyes back to him. Midnight met amber once more. "And I'm glad I got the chance to." She smiled affectionately at him then softer emotions shining in her eyes and his heart gave a sudden unexpected lurch.
Sesshomaru didn't know what to say to such a speech. He knew if he spoke he would reveal too much and he was petrified of what her reaction would be. Kagome however saved him the necessity of a reply.
"So how about giving Koga a chance? He may surprise you."
At that moment Sesshoaru would have cut off his remaining arm if she had asked him to. "The wolf can stay. Provided he doesn't interfere with your training. I have no qualms about ending his life if he continues to act as he did this afternoon. We don't have the time."
"Arrigato, Sesshomaru." Kagome said bowing her head. "One more thing before we go back to the others. I wanted to tell you, I know what Koga said about you sacrificing me to save yourself isn't true. If that were true I know you wouldn't have wasted all this time training me. We would have already fought Naraku and I'd be dead. I'll get him to understand."
Sesshomaru was once again mystified by the wisdom this young girl seemed to hold. He wondered if it was because the souls she possessed or was this girl just naturally intuitive. It was true she had seen and done much for one so young, but the depth to her never ceased to astonish him.
"Are you ready to return to the others?" he asked gently.
"Yeah, I guess so." Kagome said as she once more moved to stand beside him. "Inuyasha's not going to like this either. Koga isn't exactly his favorite person, but little by little he's come around. He didn't like Miroku or Shippo too much either. I'm going to have to try and spend some more time with him."
"You care for my brother a great deal." Sesshomaru said solemnly. He wasn't jealous of her feelings for his brother, he was jealous of her ability to show them so easily. He still couldn't comprehend how strong and wise she could be with so many emotions running through her. Father had always taught him to lay them aside, and he had practiced that all these years looking down upon those who let their emotions get in the way. But lately he was beginning to wonder if he had been wrong all these years.
"I do." Kagome whispered as she laid her head against his shoulder. She knew he wasn't asking a question but she had answered all the same. She cared about Inuyasha; nothing had changed that. Not all the times she had sat him since she'd come back or all the times he had argued with her since she'd come back could ever change that. Inuyasha deserved a better lot in life than what the fates had given him so far and she intended to see that he got it.
Sesshomaru said nothing more as he stood beside her. In silence he gathered his energy. Before Kagome could say anything else they were aloft and next thing she knew they were settled on the ground amongst her friends, and Inuyasha instantly was by her side. The hanyou took no pains to hide his annoyance at his brother. Without a word Sesshomaru guided Kagome to Inuyasha where the hanyou instantly put an arm around her waist giving her the support she needed to stand. Without another word, Sesshomaru walked towards where Rin stood grasping Miroku's hand watching him with wide eyes.
"Come Rin. We have much to speak of." Sesshomaru said as he extended his hand to the young girl. Koga would be staying with them and her terror was too real for his liking. The taiyoukai did not intend for the small girl to live in fear of the wolf while he stayed among them. She was his responsibility. He had accepted it the day he brought her back from the dead and it was time he fulfilled all his obligations to her. She had received bruises and abuse for him and it was time he repaid that with more than just his company. It was time that he tried things Kagome's way.
"I'm not finished with you yet." Koga called out angrily to the retreating demon, causing Sesshomaru to stop in his tracks and turn to face the wolf, the small girl's hand still clutched firmly in his.
"I am finished with you. You are only alive because Kagome wishes it. I will honor her request for the moment. But you will not do anything to interfere or I will not be so lenient." Sesshomaru stated coldly. Amber eyes glittered with the promise of the words he spoke, and for added effect the youkai let his aura flare.
Without another word, Sesshomaru walked away from them with Rin's hand held firmly in his.
Kagome felt something at her neck. She carefully pulled the small flea away from where he had attached himself.
"Myoga, you're back." Kagome said surprised to see the flea demon after all this time.
"Yes, and Kagome don't ever do that again." The flea said in a shaky voice. He had jumped on Kagome when the girl arrived, certain that she was the safest place to be. It was only when they were safely on the other side of the river that the flea thought it safe to move once more.
Kagome placed the flea back on her shoulder again. Kagome turned her attention back to the demon lord walking hand in hand with the young girl. She could not help the smile that came to her face. She had made progress with him and she hoped she'd be here to see him and Inuyasha come to terms with one another. Hopefully fate will be kind and defer her meeting with Naraku until then.
Wind whipped through raven hair as magenta eyes scanned the countryside. Kagura gave a look of loathsome resentment to the young boy that sat silently behind her. Kohaku wasn't just another one of Naraku's puppets. He was a human, controlled by that shard in his back. And she had been his keeper these past ten days, and it had been she who had paid the price each night when they returned without a sign of Inuyasha or the others that traveled with them.
Naraku held her heart and he took pleasure in tormenting her. And all she longed for was her freedom. All she knew was that she wanted to live, how unlike the pathetic human behind her. He had it in him to break free, to become what he once was but he was too weak, too scared to do it. He clung to their master with blind obedience that sickened Kagura's independent spirit.
The wind witch had hoped that they would find the group today. She could not risk letting the boy see Inuyasha tomorrow. He would surely tell Naraku Inuyasha's weakness and Kagura had no doubts that Naraku would exploit that information to its fullest. She could not allow for her sole hope of freedom to be taken from her. Inuyasha was Naraku's bane, her one hope for salvation and she would guard his secret until Naraku was destroyed.
Kagura was infinitely jealous of the young boy that sat silently behind her. Kohaku possessed his heart, yet the young fool was scared of the secrets it held. If only he had the courage he would be free. She loathed the human for his weakness. And because of that weakness Naraku controlled his life as well as hers with a single shard placed in his back. The shard was the key to the boy's existence without it he was nothing. As far as she was concerned, with it he was nothing as well.
She was the wind sorceress. She could control the winds, work them to her will… yet she was a slave, bound to Naraku by her heart. It was her love of her life that kept her by his side. Not any love she felt for the one who was her master. No, for him was reserved a loathing, a bitter resentment of sorts that one feels for a abusive parent. How many times had she dreamt of Naraku's demise? How many times had she hoped for it? She had even gone so far as to ask that bastard Sesshomaru to aide her in this matter, only to be rebuffed and ridiculed.
"Get the shards yourself, and then you will be powerful enough to stand against him." The dog had said.
Magenta eyes turned to the young boy who rode behind her on her feather. Silent as always, she knew he possessed a shard of the jewel. It was what kept him alive. Maybe there was a chance she could relieve him of it. Maybe then she'd have a chance… Kagura knew she couldn't risk it. She was more expendable than the boy. Hatred welled up in her chest as the thought invaded her mind.
Kohaku was under her protection. She was not to allow anything to happen to the boy. But she, a powerful demoness in her own right, was expendable. Nothing but a pawn to her master, there were many occasions when he had made this abundantly clear. Kagura shuddered as the memories of such instances began to flood her mind. Angrily she forced herself to push those thoughts away. They would do her no good. They only served to stir her fear and weaken her resolve. If she was ever to be free she would need to lose this fear she had of him. She would have to take a stand and fight. Maybe even sacrifice her own life, but she wasn't willing to do that. She was too much like Naraku in that regard. She feared losing that little bit of self she had that was hers. The idea of being nothing, of being absorbed back into the body struck a chord of fear in her that she could not understand. A primal fear that defied all logic, but instinctively she knew that this existence of hers, no matter how pathetic was preferable to the alternative.
Earlier she had seen that troublesome wolf, tearing through the land as if he were chased by the hounds of hell. She had to fight the temptation to fight him for the shards. The boy was with her. He never spoke. She never knew where his loyalties lay. But if she had to guess, she'd say the boy was loyal to Naraku. Stupid human…
The sun was beginning to set. She'd have to return once more with the boy, once more with no news of Inuyasha and the humans he traveled with. She did not look forward to Naraku's reaction. But just as she turned her feather in the direction of Naraku's stronghold a group of demons traveling amongst the shadows below caught her attention. If she hadn't had looked at that moment she would have missed them all together. These demons did not want to be seen and that drew her curiosity.
She brought the feather around for a closer look. To her surprise she found she was looking down upon three Nekos. Briefly Kagura wondered if her eyes were deceiving her. But as she took in the surrounding landscape and brought to mind the landmarks she had passed this day, she knew she was not mistaken. She was still in the West, in the land of the Inu Youkai… the sworn enemies of the Nekos.
A malicious smile curved on her lips as understanding dawned within her mind. Assassins… they were assassins. They had to be if they had traveled all this way. She wished she had the time to follow them. Again she wished that this boy wasn't with her. The wind sorceress could go in for a closer look had she been on her own. As it was, her companion was human and the Nekos were well known for their hatred of the species.
For a fleeting moment the wind witch contemplated warning Sesshomaru about the trespassers. That generous thought evaporated as quickly as it had come. Kagura was still angry at the arrogant canine demon for his lack of interest in her welfare and his callous words. He was nothing to her, she owed him nothing. She was decided that the powerful taiyoukai would have to rely on his reflexive instincts and strength. If he was strong enough he would survive. If not, then she had been wrong about him all along. He would not be the one to bring down Naraku and set her free.
Kagura sighed audibly at that final thought before she once more turned to head off for Naraku's castle and whatever form of punishment he would have for her today, since once again the family reunion had to be delayed. He would not be too happy to be denied this pleasure.
Revised/Edited/Reposted 1/25/05
I am continuing to revise, edit and repost chapters as errors are brought to my attention. Special thanks to theBigW for all his edits, his help has been immeasurable and very much appreciated. As always thanks for reading. Feel free to leave a review either by pressing the button below or sending an email.
Author's note: It's been a while since my last update, I honestly had the best of intentions and about 7 pages of this written when I posted the last chapter. Writer's block, time constraints (yes, housecats have time constraints when they've turned into 'football moms') and the fact that no one would leave me alone to write. That and I kept finding things to add. This chapter is a little long, I couldn't think where to divide it so here it is. I hope you like it.
I will once more thank TheBigW for all his hard work as my self appointed editor. It always makes my day to find an email from you sitting in my inbox. If it wasn't for you chapter 1-19 would be an unholy mess. Thank you, and for that I am eternally grateful. By the way I highly recommend his story "Angels at the Left Hand of God", his other stories are great, but this is my favorite.
