Disclaimer: I do not own any of the copyrighted/licensed/trademarked materials mentioned in this fanfiction (from InuYasha to my references to Nine Inch Nails or Harry Potter). They are the properties of their respective copyright holders and I in no way am insinuating that I own them. (Consider it free advertising.) I only own the storyline and any new characters that may crop up.


Chapter Twelve: Duel Atop Deadman Pass

Kagome and Sango sat in the kitchen talking with Yamashita over coffee and juice after breakfast. The ladies were discussing dinner preparations when the ruckus broke out. A scream echoed closely followed by a booming, "You hentai-no chingon!" CRASH! THUD! Yamashita covered her mouth as she whispered, "Oh my." Five minutes later Sesshomaru entered the kitchen with Totosai chuckling in his wake.

Sesshomaru rubbed the knot on his forehead and sat at the table. He hung his head slightly and asked, "Yamashita-san, would you please get me a cup of coffee?" Totosai kept chuckling. "It's not funny, Totosai," Sesshomaru said with danger in his voice.

"Sesshomaru, for what just happened I should sound like I'm ready to kill you. But considering what a spitfire our little Megami is I'm just laughing because you embarrassed her."

Yamashita handed Sesshomaru a mug of steaming java and slid the cream and sugar to him. "Totosai, dearest, what happened?"

The old fire demon began to laugh so hard that smoke began to leak from his ears. "Well my dear, Sesshomaru walked in on Megami when she was singing and dancing in only her thong."

Sango started choking on her apple juice. Kagome spilled her milk with a yelp. She grabbed some paper towels and began to mop up her mess. "I guess the tables have turned on her," Kagome mumbled as she wiped up the spilled milk.

"What?" Sesshomaru asked, pretending that he hadn't heard Kagome's remark.

"Oh nothing," Kagome grinned innocently as she finished cleaning up her mess. Seconds later Megami stormed into the kitchen wearing a Harry Potter hoodie, faded flare-leg blue jeans, and a beat up pair of Vans (the only footwear except sandals that she can wear when in demon form). She blushed furiously and stomped to the refrigerator. Totosai and Yamashita crept out of the kitchen, followed by Kagome and Sango.

Sesshomaru sipped his coffee while Megami rummaged through the fridge. He watched her as she held a slice of cheddar cheese between her teeth. Megami avoided Sesshomaru's eyes at all costs. He took another drink of coffee. She is quite the feisty one. Not to mention brave … had anyone else broken a vase over my head, I would have vaporized them! But she intrigues me. I wonder just how riled up I can get her … "So Megami, are you still going to show me around today or have I seen enough?"

Megami blushed even more as the hair on the back of her neck bristled. She quickly composed herself and took the slice of cheese from her teeth. Megami gave Sesshomaru a smoldering look with secret knowledge twinkling in her amber eyes. "You haven't seen the half of it, my lord."

It was now Sesshomaru's turn to blush slightly. "Well. What do you have up your sleeve for today?"

She ate the slice of cheese and said, "I'll show you around the mountain."

He smirked, "Which one?"

Megami's entire face and pointed ears were flaming red with his suggestive comment. She was struck speechless by his playful badinage and closed the fridge door. Their eyes locked and she made her way across the kitchen to him. Megami took a deep breath preparing to answer him. "Which side do you favor, my lord?"

Sesshomaru raised his right hand to caress her face when without warning the fridge door swung open again. The pair jumped and saw a grouchy little fox demon looking through the fridge.

Shippo turned to them with a carton of milk in his hand and grumbled, "If you two are going to continue to act like perverts, go elsewhere. I'm hungry."

Megami pulled her hood over her head and ran out of the kitchen.


The phone rang throughout the house. Meanwhile, Yamashita was wrist deep in tofu and Kagome was taking chicken meat off the bones. "Sango, dear," Yamashita said, "Could you answer the phone, please?" Sango quit chopping vegetables and left to answer the phone. She jogged down the hall and lifted the receiver. "Kodotai residence."

A familiar and playful voice answered her, "Well, well, an angel. I didn't realize that I had dialed heaven."

Sango giggled despite the somewhat pathetic line. "Hi, Senkotsuke."

"How have you liked Oregon?"

"I can't believe it's this chilly during summer, but it's beautiful."

"It is pretty but it's not summer yet."

Sango raised a brow, "Senkotsuke it's almost July."

"I know but summer really only lasts for about six weeks in Eastern Oregon: Mid-July to about the end of August. But you'll need a jacket at night no matter what."

"Oh, wow."

"Yeah, but I'm calling to tell you guys to set another place for dinner."

"Why?"

Senkotsuke chuckled, "Because I just passed Pendleton and I'm getting ready to climb the pass."

Sango blushed, "Oh, I'll let your grandmother know. How was Seaside? Any luck?"

"I'll tell you everything when I get there. See you soon, beautiful," and he hung up.

Sango slowly stalked back to the kitchen. Yamashita was molding tofu balls as she asked, "Who was that, Sango?"

Sango resumed chopping vegetables, "It was Senkotsuke. He'll be here for dinner." She was still blushing.

Yamashita smiled at the girl affectionately. "He fancies you, you know?"

"I know," Sango answered awkwardly.

"Do you feel the same?"

Sango set the knife down, "It's complicated, Yamashita-san. I do like your grandson but I feel guilty. I feel like I'm betraying …" she began to choke up and her words were as lost as her heart was.

Yamashita wiped her hand on a dish towel and set it on the slayer's shoulder. "The monk you loved. Miroku, was it?" Sango nodded. "Totosai told me about him. I'm not meddling for my grandson's sake, child. I am meddling for yours. To live alone after Miroku fought to save you is a mockery of his sacrifice." Without another word Yamashita returned to making tofu balls.

Sango returned to her duties as well, only she had a very glazed, distant look in her eyes. Yamashita's words impacted her, as they would strike anyone who felt that it was a betrayal to love again. Kagome began to heat the wok to stir-fry the chicken, and she saw that Sango seemed faded. Her countenance and aura seemed to have fallen even deeper into the shadow of inner conflict. Kagome dumped the raw meat unceremoniously into the now hot wok. All the while she was on auto-pilot thinking only of Sango. She wants to feel for Senkotsuke but thinks it will be an insult to Miroku's memory. He died so that she may live, only she feels obligated to fade away to honor him … but no one can bring her around except herself.


Totosai and Myoga sat in the forge discussing a set of plans for a new hiraikotsu. Totosai calculated the proper length and angle of the battle boomerang according to Sango's height and build. "Have you decided on the materials yet?" Myoga asked of his old friend.

"I have had many ideas, but the problem still remains that most of the materials that are optimal for this weapon are no longer available. Demon bone is absolutely out of the question. It would take years to find enough of it to craft a hiraikotsu! I have explained this dilemma with Sango. She is sympathetic and patient."

"Hmm," Myoga rubbed his double chins. "Have you asked them about your idea?"

"I have. They are receptive even if it is a lot to ask. It is the last material I could think of that is optimal and that I could obtain within our time frame. But if I succeed she will never be disappointed with this weapon."

"Indeed. But could she wield it?" Myoga asked.

"Undoubtedly. You've seen her fight."

Myoga yawned and stretched, "So it is all a matter of when we receive an answer?"

"Precisely," Totosai sighed. Not a moment later two shadows darkened the entrance to the forge. Totosai smiled slightly, "I have a feeling that we are about to get an answer."


"Quit teasing me, Senkotsuke!" Megami growled as she and her brother entered the kitchen. The two were stopped short by their grandmother shoving dishes at them.

"We're working in here! Quit bickering and set the table!" Yamashita commanded the grumbling siblings. They left the kitchen, muttering under their breaths like scolded seven year olds, and made to set the table. Soon Kagome and Sango were piling steaming dishes on the table while Yamashita ran to gather everyone else for supper. Senkotsuke smiled at Sango.

Sango smiled back until she noticed that something was amiss with Senkotsuke's smile. "Senkotsuke! Have you been in a fight?"

He closed his mouth promptly and mumbled, "No."

"Open your mouth," Sango ordered.

Megami tried to intervene, "Sango really, it's nothing."

But Sango ignored her. "Senkotsuke, what's wrong with your teeth?" Sango demanded. He sighed, setting the last set of chopsticks on their rest, and opened his mouth for Sango to see. She furrowed her brow. "You're missing a fang." Senkotsuke closed his mouth. Megami looked away. Sango looked between them. "What happened?"

Senkotsuke softly stated, "Grandfather needed them."

"Them?" Sango asked.

Megami turned to her. "One of mine, too."

"Why?" Sango inquired.

Senkotsuke answered her honestly, "To forge your new hiraikotsu."

Sango seemed breathless for a moment, "Y-your fang … for my hiraikotsu?"

"Yes. Megami's fang, too."

Sango stood frozen and Senkotsuke began to worry that he had upset her. Sango moved quite swiftly and hugged Senkotsuke. "Thank you," she said.

"Anytime." He smiled, once again revealing the tell-tale gap where his fang would soon grow back.

After dinner they all discussed Senkotsuke's findings. "Father is checking on a lead in Astoria. Tensuke went to investigate clues in Multnomah Falls and Mount Hood. I was sent to follow up on leads in the Tillamook area." (Megami was elbowed in the ribs by Sango when she was caught whispering to Kagome, "Mmm, they have the best cheese!")

"What did you find, Senkotsuke?" Sesshomaru asked.

"Well after digging around the town for awhile I began to think that the place was a waste of time. However, I went to see an associate at the museum and he showed me an interesting artifact that required me to come here. The lead was a dud, but this relic I saw made the trip worth while."

"What was it?" Kagome asked.

"It was a carving from an American Indian tribe from these Blue Mountains. At first glance it was of no great importance; that is until I noticed a carving of a lake with a glow within it. The curator told me what it came from this area. I immediately called Father and I headed here."

"Good work. We'll need to research all the lakes of this area and begin searching," Sesshomaru commented.

Yamashita spoke up, "Totosai and I will handle that. We know this area quite well."

"Excellent," Sesshomaru nodded to the old couple then turned to Senkotsuke, "Anything more to report?"

"No, not unless you all want to hear of my six hour drive."

Totosai leaned forward. "There is a matter at hand that needs to be addressed immediately." Everyone seemed to perk up. "Sango has commissioned me to forge a new hiraikotsu. I have thought long and hard about the right materials. I asked Megami and Senkotsuke to donate fangs for her weapon and they happily gave them."

"I know, Totosai," Sango said.

"Yes, child, but another problem has arisen. I underestimated the amount of materials I would need. I am one fang short."

There was a brief silence before Megami shrugged and blurted, "Well that's no problem, Grandfather. Just take another fang from me or Senkotsuke."

"This is true, but I wish to keep the powers of the fangs in balance. If I were to take another of your fangs it would throw the whole weapon off balance, for there would be too much of a concentration of one of your demonic powers. For a human to wield it, it must be in perfect harmony. This isn't like a repair when it's a matter of bonding with an equal type of material. I'm creating a new weapon and there is a lot more involved to deal with when one is working with demonic or enchanted materials. I need a third fang from a new donor."

Eyes roved around the table. Megami and Senkotsuke looked downtrodden. Kagome looked at everyone in turn. Sango's eyes darted around nervously. Totosai's and Yamashita's eyes moved between Kintotsuke and Sesshomaru. Kintotsuke looked very awkward and Sesshomaru was studying Kintotsuke intensely. It was like Sesshomaru's eyes were piercing his thoughts and soul. His golden eyes narrowed by the second. Kintotsuke began to quake under his unspoken inquisition and moved to speak. However, Sesshomaru arose and Kintotsuke withdrew. His voice was sincere and commanding at once, "I will give the third fang."

Kagome and Sango gaped in shock as their mouths hung open. Megami and Senkotsuke lit up, for their generosity was not in vain. Kintotsuke seemed relieved and ashamed. "Your father would be proud, Sesshomaru," Totosai spoke, "And I'm sure that once Sango has recovered from her shock she will indeed be grateful."

"I know," Sesshomaru looked to Sango. She met his eye and weakly nodded her surprised gratitude. He turned back to Totosai, "Let's go to the forge."


By the next morning the three donors' fangs had grown back and there were no more toothless grins. Sesshomaru dressed casually and sought Megami to take her up on the tour she promised. He room was empty, the game room was deserted, and she wasn't raiding the fridge. Kagome entered the kitchen while Sesshomaru contemplated where to look for Megami next. "Are you hungry? I could make something for you," Kagome offered.

He shook his head slightly. "No thank you, Kagome. How are you feeling? How is the child?"

She smiled gently. "Yamashita says that everything is going fine. She's been doing this for longer than any doctor in practice, so why waste the money?"

"All the technology and gadgets cannot make up for her expertise and nose. I'm glad she's looking after you and the babe. On a side note, have you seen Megami?"

"Yeah. She and Senkotsuke are sparring."

"Where?"

"Search me," she shrugged.

"Thanks," He left the kitchen and strode to the back door. Despite the sunshine there was a chill in the air, and he fully understood Megami's insistence on bringing jackets and sweatshirts. He picked up the siblings' scents and followed them to a heavily wooded area. He followed the trail through the woods for sometime, and after a half an hour at a brisk pace he heard noises ahead. As he drew closer the noises became clearer and he could distinguish between Megami's and Senkotsuke's shouts. Sesshomaru soon caught sight of the dueling brother and sister. White and red hair flew around a barrage of fists and feet. Senkotsuke curled his fingers up like an eagle's claw and his talons became wreathed in flame. He swiped twice at Megami and she avoided his attacks. She lifted her right hand with her index and middle fingers extended. Flames soon shot out from her fingertips into an impressive six and a half foot whip. Sesshomaru watched in shock as Megami advanced on her brother, wielding her flame-whip like a professional.

"Whoa! Whoa!" Senkotsuke said while putting his hands up, "That's enough for today, Megs. I'd like to go spend some time with Sango while still in one piece."

Megami dispersed her whip with a wave of her hand. "Very well. I'll stay out a bit longer." She turned away from Senkotsuke and walked to a nearby tree. Megami grabbed two swords that were propped against the trunk and secured them to her waist.

"Have fun, but don't get too carried away." And with that Senkotsuke headed back to the house. Sesshomaru watched Senkotsuke leave. As the younger demon passed he slightly turned his head and gave Lord Sesshomaru the quickest of winks. Sesshomaru turned back to Megami and saw her draw the pair of swords and begin a training routine. Her moves were graceful and fluid with deadly precision. She twisted, lunged, slashed, and mimed parrying against an unseen foe. Sesshomaru recognized the routine as one that Totosai had taught his father. As she neared the end of the routine she began to mix newer moves into the performance.

Sesshomaru watched her practice and felt the urge to join her. As his eyes studied her every move this impulse grew in intensity. He watched for an opening in her moves and leaped behind her. Megami turned to face him, swinging the sword in her left hand as well (not to strike but to startle). Without missing a beat he grasped her arm with his left hand and disarmed her with his right. With her left hand now empty, she engaged him with her remaining weapon. He countered her move and the echo of clashing steel rang throughout the trees. Their eyes met through crossed blades. Megami smirked, "Don't go easy on me, my lord."

"I won't."

And with that Sesshomaru broke away and advanced on Megami. She blocked and attacked but Sesshomaru met her every move. However, Megami held her own against her formidable partner. They sparred fiercely as the pair moved throughout the trees. As they fought, Sesshomaru admired Megami's skills. She fights impeccably. With a little more training she could be as deadly with a blade as I am. But now it is time to end this little game ... With a flick of his wrist, Sesshomaru knocked Megami's sword from her hand and sent it flying into the woods. She gasped and looked amazingly like a deer caught in a pair of headlights. Megami leaped backwards but Sesshomaru anticipated this maneuver. He extended his light whip with non-lethal force to wrap around her waist. The whip caught Megami and Sesshomaru pulled her to him. Megami struggled against him but soon she found herself under his piercing gaze.

Megami pulled at the whip that still held her tight. "Let me go," she demanded flatly.

"Not yet," Sesshomaru toyed with her. He snaked his left arm around her waist as he dispersed his light whip. He moved his right hand to her cheek and smirked, "Ah, yes. This is where we were before that rude interruption in the kitchen yesterday." Megami blushed softly as she remembered. Sesshomaru smiled. "I like it when you blush."

She gazed at him. "I like it when you smile." Megami gasped as his hand threaded its way into her hair and his face drew nearer. His lips were a hair's breadth from hers. Megami's breath caught in her throat. Sesshomaru's breath felt warm, spicy, and mystical to her.

Sesshomaru pulled her flush against him, whispering, "Megami," before pressing his lips to hers in an irrevocable display of passion. Megami froze momentarily and then surrendered to her own instincts as she wrapped her arms around Sesshomaru's neck.