Enchanted Orbs

Chapter 28

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Sesshoumaru stood poised for attack, but his stance was unreadable to his opponents.

The taiyoukai had known he was being followed, and gracefully landed to dispatch his unwanted guests. He was close to his destination, but far enough away that Rin would not be able to chance upon the battle field.

The assassins were strong; Sesshoumaru cursed himself for being so careless as to romp about over the countryside without taking the necessary precautions of concealing himself. Even in the direst situations and the most panic-stricken states, he had never displayed such negligence.

Now he would have to pay for it in blood.

He knew his own strength, even after such a tiring journey, was capable of defeating the three before him, but with the three of them joining together, the possibility existed that he might not come out unscratched.

One of the assassins tilted his blade ever so slightly. A flash of sunlight reflected into Sesshoumaru's eyes temporarily throwing him off guard.

And the three lunged.

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"HA! I did it!" Kagome exclaimed as she commanded her energy to manifest itself. Three little white orbs floated happily around her as she stood in the middle of her room with only a towel to cover her.

After her bath, she had felt so relaxed. She hadn't felt any pain for the first time in hours, so she tried to bring her power under control again.

And that was the scene Inuyasha, Kikyou, and Ms Higurashi stumbled in upon.

Kagome looked up in surprise. Inuyasha was blushing but not turning away, Kikyou held her calm expression, and her mother was casting glances from her inappropriately clad daughter to the blushing male in front of her.

She almost dropped the towel in surprise at the sudden intrusion, but gripped it fiercely to hold it in place as her mouth dropped open in shock. A cautious glance down her body caused her to squeak slightly in embarrassment. She had just discovered why Inuyasha was blushing; she had just been reminded of her current attire.

Mother Higurashi and Kikyou both stepped in to provide Kagome with cover and the needed catalyst to inspire her to seek the solitude and clothing of her closet.

As he saw the two women step before him, one facing him, one not, he hurriedly cast his head to the side, his blush becoming twice as noticeable.

He had expected her to 'sit' him through the floor, but Kagome had been too surprised and embarrassed to act in any way other than the ever-attractive "deer in headlights" look.

He turned to walk out of her room, but Kagome's voice, muffled through the door of her closet, halted him.

"Inuyasha, I should be ready to go back by this evening, or first thing tomorrow." She paused for a second. "But you're still a hentai!" She mumbled heatedly.

"WHAT?! I am not! I didn't"

But before he could get any further in his denial, Kikyou's firm grip on his sleeve pulled him out of the room and closed the door behind them.

Kagome heard her bedroom door shut and breathed a sigh of relief. She changed quickly then exited her closet only to find her mother sitting on her bed looking at her expectantly.

"Kagome, are you sure you wish to return?" Her mother's soft voice called to her.

The miko walked over to her mother and sat beside her. Kagome felt her mother's hand on her knee, and she placed her own hand over her mother's.

"Yes, I still have unfinished business to handle. I'm afraid I might have messed things up terribly, but I have to try to fix things, to set things right again." Kagome started out quietly, but her voice rose, powered by her determination.

"You have grown so much since you started this journey." A small smile painted her lips. "Be safe, and come back as quickly as possible. That is all I ask." Warm arms wrapped around Kagome as she heard he mother speak those words.

"I will, mom." She returned the hug and squeezed slightly as if to enforce her words.

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Sango and Miroku entered the clearing of the Bone Eater's Well and stood in shock for a second.

"Hey, that's not fair. Come back. I'm going to get you!"

What they saw was Shippo chasing around full grown youkai who was weaving in and out of the surrounding trees laughing hysterically.

Shouron noticed his audience and stopped his half-hearted escape.

Too bad for him.

Shippo took full advantage by scampering up his clothes and attacking his ears. Shouron yelped at the brutal assault and soon held the little kit by the base of his tail in midair.

Sango and Miroku stood stock still, mouths agape as the kitsune became a blurry red form kicking and wiggling trying to escape his holder. Finally he crossed his arms over his chest and pouted.

"May I ask what has happened here?" Miroku fell back onto formality as he approached the unhappy child and the merry youkai.

With a half laugh, Shouron started. "I singed his tail."

It wasn't until that statement that Sango and Miroku noticed a bald spot on the very tip of Shippo's tail.

"Meanie." Shipppo pouted.

"I assure you, little one, it will grow back. If you hadn't jumped in the way of your attack it wouldn't have happened." The general lectured.

"Wait. How does one get in the way of their own attack?" Sango questioned, finally speaking through her uneasiness.

"I can manipulate fire. I took control of his attack, and he wanted to regain that control." Shouron paused to let the information sink in. "He jumped up to try to catch the flame; it was only quick reflexes on both our parts that saved him from losing his ponytail, too." A firm but amused voice replayed the scene.

Sango and Miroku were still cautious around the unknown youkai, but they were hard pressed not to laugh at the pouting kit. And it didn't seem like this youkai meant any harm. After all, Shippo had just converted his ears into a chew toy, and the general had not retaliated in any way other than holding him up in the air.

"Show off." Shippo grumbled then began to squirm again. "Let me down. I'll show you whose boss!"

Shouron made eye contact with Sango. "What do I do with him now?"

Sango smirked. "You get to deal with him until Inuyasha comes back. Then Shippo will most likely harass him for chasing Kagome away."

Shouron gave her a perplexed look then looked to the monk for answers. Miroku just smiled slightly and walked up to him to introduce himself and his companion.

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His head tilted back slightly to allow the blade to pass harmlessly. Another blade and a set of claws closed in from either side, but the attacks were parried by his sword and his own claws.

Sesshoumaru sidestepped as an assassin tried to kick him from behind. But the kick landed on another assassin. The lord took this opportunity to land a blow to one of his attackers and sent him flying backward away from the fight.

The remaining two didn't spare a glance at their comrade as they continued to swipe at their target.

Sesshoumaru smirked at their fruitless attempts. 'They are very good, very strong, but they are not as intelligent as Kagome.'

It surprised him, the thought that surfaced in his mind, but it was not unfounded. Through the daily, morning practice ritual, Sesshoumaru had become much faster defensively. Kagome's numerous weapons hovering in midair ready to slice or burn him had honed his instincts to a razor's edge.

Even though, between the three of them, they had twelve limbs ready to strike at him anywhere, Kagome often warmed up with ten of her weapons, gradually increasing in number throughout the session.

And he could not read her actions. All motions of her discs or orbs were caused by a thought; no outward expression would alert him. He had been forced to read the slight shifts in the power surrounding him in order to predict which ones would move and where.

These fools could be read easily by the shifting of their weight, the tightening of their muscles and stance, and the explosion of youki that preceded every strike.

Sesshoumaru ducked under a swinging blade and slashed with his claws at one of his assailants. The resulting gash was not deep, but it traveled across the gut and up leaving claw trails over the shoulder.

He realized he shouldn't be playing with them in such a manner, but he hadn't realized how much pent up frustration he was holding. He wanted to feel their flesh tearing under his claws. He wanted to enjoy the smell of their blood. These who obeyed the one who planned his demise would die by his hands. And Sesshoumaru would enjoy every second of it.

As if the smell of blood of their own was a silent signal, the attackers paused and jumped back. Maybe it was to regroup, maybe it was an attempt to let the wounded one recover for a moment, Sesshoumaru was unaware of the reasons, but he cared not.

If they wished to prolong their life temporarily, who would he be to refuse them this last request?

'And it will be their last.' The taiyoukai lifted the corner of his mouth slightly in a sadist's smile.

Sesshoumaru noticed the arrival of two more, and excitement filled him for a second. He believed the battle might become more of a challenge, preventing its ending. But it would not be so.

He realized seconds later that one of the two approaching was Aishi. The other was a mystery, but one which would be solved soon. They were closing in quickly.

One of the assassins leaped at him, sword drawn. Toukijin met with the sword and a sizzle of power erupted between the two swords.

Another swung at Sesshoumaru while the first held his sword immobile. The inu's eyes narrowed at such dishonorable tactics, but he quickly avoided the danger.

Sesshoumaru shoved his first opponent back so brutally that he lost his footing. The second was deflected by his, now free, sword, and the lord shifted his weight to the side to allow the second's momentum to carry him beyond Sesshoumaru.

The inuyoukai was about to deal a deathblow across the second's back, severing the spinal cord, but the first had regained his footing and began attacking again. The third had also decided to step in at this time; apparently his wound had healed sufficiently to allow for more combat.

A swing and a miss, a kick that never came close. The thrust of a sword was blocked, and countered. Sesshoumaru's counter was blocked.

It all felt slow to him. Their bodies, though lithe, were much bulkier than a simple sphere; therefore, they were slower than his usual opponent.

Sesshoumaru was almost bored. It took very little effort to defend himself, and he hadn't put too much effort into attacking, yet.

Aishi and the mystery guest became visible to him as the attackers continued their sluggish assaults.

They assassins once again jumped back to encircle him. 'Maybe an intimidation technique?' Sesshoumaru thought, 'Nonsense, they should know it is not a simple task to intimidate a taiyoukai. Fools.'

They all lunged at him simultaneously. Once again their weapons were denied his flesh.

'Enough, time to end this.' He thought as he saw Aishi racing towards him.

He blocked an incoming sword, holding it immobile above his. Sesshoumaru's free hand called forth his whip and lashed at one of the attackers.

The whip snapped across his face. The assassin dropped his sword and brought both hands to his face, feeling the sensitive skin around his eyes as it melted partially due to the still sizzling, acidic mark.

With one temporarily disabled, Sesshoumaru had little trouble with the other two.

He blocked another swinging sword, and flicked his wrist. His opponent's weapon flew across the clearing and embedded itself in a nearby tree.

Claws behind him were extended to tear Sesshoumaru's head off, but before they could connect, he spun and drug his poison coated nails through his torso.

He turned back to the recently unarmed assassin; with a quick spin on his heel and a flash of metal, his enemy lost his head and collapsed in a heap on the ground. Completing his circle, Sesshoumaru now faced his other assailants. The partially melted face of his first victim had reappeared, and the man's one remaining eye burned with the desire for vengeance.

Two injured opponents left. Sesshoumaru now wondered how he could have possibly thought them to be a challenge earlier.

But they would have been, if he had not been training with Kagome.

'Perhaps.' Sesshoumaru grudgingly admitted.

He dodged the last two desperate attempts to end his life, and quickly put theirs to an end with Toukijin bathed in their life blood.

Casting one last disdainful look at his victims, he turned on his heel and started walking towards his approaching general.

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"Kagome!!" Shippo squealed as he saw a bag thrown over the edge of the well. It was not her usually yellow one.

Using the vines to climb up the side of the well, Kagome appeared a few seconds later only to be attacked by an over amorous kitsune.

"Kagome, you're back. Are you ok? Was Inuyasha being a jerk again? Did you bring me any candy?" Shippo spouted off so quickly it made Kagome's head spin.

"Slow down Shippo; I'm fine." She laughed and hugged him. "I missed you, too."

A red blur followed, jumping out of the well. "And I didn't do anything this time, runt." Inuyasha stated as he set Kikyou down in front of him.

The former hanyou looked up to see Shouron, Sango, and Miroku standing by. "What is going on?" He cast a glance over everyone, but it went unnoticed as Kagome saw her long lost friends.

"Sango! Miroku! How have you been?" She ran to hug the taijiya, and Shippo got squished between the two girls.

"Hey, I can't breathe!" He protested.

Miroku spoke up. "Most men would kill to be in your position; stop complaining."

Both girls shot the monk a glare. Kagome's was more exasperated as Sango's carried an unvoiced threat. Shouron couldn't help but smile at the group's antics. Shippo squirmed free of his prison and hopped onto Kagome's shoulder.

"How are you feeling Kagome?" Shouron spoke up.

She smiled at the general. "Almost fully recovered. And yourself?" Kagome asked as she walked up to him.

"Never better. But you've reminded me. I have yet to thank you for my life." He bowed to her.

Kagome gave him a puzzled look. "But Sesshoumaru was the one who brought you back, there is no need to thank me."

"All of our lives would have been forfeit had you not taken us from that battle. Know that the others will never admit it, but they are a grateful, also."

Kagome gave him a sad smile. "I thank you for your words, but I don't believe them. I think Sesshoumaru and Aishi hate me for what happened." She dropped her head and turned to walk away.

Shouron caught her shoulder and turned her to face him. "No one wants to die before their time, Kagome. We were all prepared to die for the honor of the Western Lands, but it is not something we desired. Sesshoumaru's pride keeps him from accepting your help, and he fears that his reputation will be tarnished. Do not worry. As soon as everything is regained, he will realize his mistake."

Kagome nodded. "What about Aishi?"

"Aishi?â€Well, Aishi refuses to admit that a woman, and a human woman at that, saved his life. He can be dealt with. Just challenge him to a friendly fight. If you lose, his pride will be repaired; if he loses, he will acknowledge you as a warrior. Be warned, though, Aishi considers no one to be his superior except Lord Sesshoumaru."

"Challenge him? But what if I don't want to do that?" Kagome looked at him incredulously.

Shouron donned a contemplative look. "Then his hurt pride will fester, and he will probably be quite mean to you in the future."

Kagome looked like she bit into a bitter lemon. "So I take it I have to?"

The general smiled. "It would be my recommendation."

"Wait a minute!" Inuyasha interrupted as he stomped over to the two. "Kagome's not challenging anyone." He turned to Kagome. "What do you think you're doing? You can't"

"I can do anything I please, Inuyasha. I have done just fine the past few weeks without you governing my actions. You would do well not to tell me what to do!" Kagome answered his orders!

Shouron took a step back, away from the yelling couple. He looked up to see a calm woman that resembled Kagome walking towards them.

"Inuyasha." Her voice was soft but firm. "Kagome is right. If this is something she needs to do, you should not interfere." Kikyou put a calming hand in his shoulder as she spoke.

"Feh! Do what you want." He said, shrugging Kikyou's hand off his shoulder and walking away.

Kagome watched him walk until Sango and Miroku came into her line of vision. "Oh! Shouron, have you met my good friends Sango, Miroku, and Shippo?" She asked as she led him back towards the two.

Shippo, who was still on her shoulder, sent a glare to the general. "Kagome, Shouron was mean to me." He pouted.

Kagome stopped in her tracks. "What?" She asked with a bit of doubt in her voice.

"See!" He pointed to the bald spot on his tail. "He burned me. He's mean!"

Kagome lifted an eyebrow at Shouron, waiting for his explanation, and the general couldn't help but think she had spent too much time with Sesshoumaru. She was picking up his habits.

"Well." She prompted as she took a few menacing steps towards him.

Shouron raised his hands defensively and back up a bit. "It wasn't like that at all, Kagome."

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"Lord Sesshoumaru, of the Western Lands, my name is Mokuso. I have been sent here on behalf of my lord, Dachi, of the Eastern Lands."

Everything had settled down. Sesshoumaru still wished to make haste to Rin's side, but he would not lead a stranger to his hidden fortress. And it seemed she would not leave until her business with him was finished.

"A message from the Eastern Lands? You are aware that Lord Dachi is not an ally of mine, are you not?"

"Yes, but my lord wishes that to change. I also have news of the southern lands and circumstances there."

Sesshoumaru nodded. "Proceed."

"Lord Sesshoumaru, you were not the only one attacked a week ago. The Eastern and Southern Lands were, also. If the pattern holds, the Northern Lord was also attacked, but I have not seen or heard proof of that myself."

"Interesting." Was the only comment from the taiyoukai.

"The Southern Lord was killed. The overthrow was completed, and there is a new lord that has taken power. The coup of the Eastern Lands however was not successful. Lord Dachi found out of the plans and thwarted them in the last moments, but his army and his health are not unscathed."

"What does he wish of me?" Sesshoumaru asked in a flat tone.

"He seeks an alliance. Obviously there is a higher intellect guiding the concurrent attacks, and no lord is safe until the one who orchestrated this situation is put down."

"How much of his army does he retain?" Sesshoumaru asked.

"Only one-fourth of his original number." Mokuso answer somewhat sadly.

"He seeks my help." Sesshoumaru stated. It was not a question; he knew the motive behind the message.

"Yes, lord."

"You have seen the state of my lands." This comment was a question, but one could not tell by the solid tone of voice.

"Yes, Lord Sesshoumaru." Mokuso answered with her head still bowed.

"Then you know that I am in no position to help Dachi." He answered succinctly.

"From what I have seen of your fighting skill, and my knowledge of your strategies, even a minimal amount of aid provided by you, will help vastly, Lord Sesshoumaru." Mokuso answered with no tone in her voice.

"Flattery is unbecoming and inefficient." He retorted harshly.

"Forgive me, my lord, but I do not flatter; I praise." Mokuso raised her eyes to his.

The taiyoukai gave a dignified snort.

Sesshoumaru retreated to his thoughts. He needed to devise a plan to regain his lands; he needed to contact those loyal to him. There were many things that remained undone.

But first and foremost, he needed to retrieve his ward and retainer.

"I will think on his proposal. Until I give you my answer, you will stay with Aishi." Sesshoumaru lifted his gaze to his general. "I am going to retrieve Rin; then I will head back to Kagome and Shouron. Take her and meet me there. Since my speed will be hindered with the addition, take the time to explain the situation to the others. We will make plans at that time." With those parting words, Sesshoumaru turned and disappeared into the trees behind him.

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A/N: Sorry for my tardiness once again; my studies are filleting my hindquarters for their twisted pleasure. Man, physiology sucks! Granted, some chapters are fascinating others†well, it took me three hours to read a thirty page chapter because my mind didn't want to work. Instead it took me on random tangents on how many different ways one could spell acetylcholine wrong. Yes, I need an outlet for my insanity. Luckily, for me anyways, you guys are reading one.

IMPORTANT: I will try my damnedest to update next weekend, but I have three sadistic tests coming up, sequentially. Definition of 'sadistic test:' a test that takes at least a full week of studying for hours nightly in order to comprehend the material and be thoroughly prepared. Yes, my friends, one is enough. Like I said, I will try to update again next weekend, but I cannot promise. My sincere apologies.

Also: I will have to delay answering last chapter's reviews. Forgive me, I will get to them within the week.