Author's Note: I've got a 123 reviews and it's chapter 23! Can I make a wish for that? Anyways, you guys are lucky I updated BOTH of my series AND started a new one! So please enjoy chapter 23, make a wish, and please review more!

Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to or affiliated with Inuyasha, however this particular story is M-I-N-E! :)

Always Fear A Woman's Wrath

Kagome ran as fast as she could the minute Sesshomaru hit the ground. It was rare for her to get angry at him, and thinking back on it, she probably over-reacted, but that didn't stop her until she found herself in front of Ukitake's cave. She stomped her foot and took a deep breath.

Ok, I'm cool, I'm calm. I should probably go back and apologize…but why do I have to apologize?! He's the one who overestimated the situation! I was just trying to be peaceful and friendly for goodness sakes! He doesn't get that way with Miroku! Ugh!

Kagome was too busy fuming to notice someone approaching her from behind. Soft laughter reached her ears and she whirled around to find Ukitake giggling behind her fan. Her dark green eyes sparkled with mischief as she gestured silently for Kagome to follow her.

Ukitake led Kagome behind her cave till they came to a hidden garden where various trees and flowers grew. Kagome gasped at the beautiful sight, immediately rushing over to inspect the closest patch of flowers.

Rin would absolutely adore this place! I wonder if she's faring alright?

"Is this your garden, Ukitake-sama?" she asked in awe.

"Hmm, indeed it is, child. I come here often when I need a respite from those around me, and from the sound of things earlier, so do you."

"Uh, yeah…" Kagome awkwardly concentrated on the flowers before her.

"Mind telling me what's on your mind Kagome-san? After all, I've lived a life-time and have known a life-time of love and heart ache."

Kagome looked up at the old youkai, who radiated with a mother's warmth and kindness, and at that moment, Kagome really missed her family. She had tried not to think about them and her friends since she didn't know when she could go home, and the less she thought about it, the less she would worry herself sick over the matter. Now though, she wanted her mom to hold her tightly so she could tell her all about what has happened and how she was falling in love with a man she barely knew. A small tear escaped her eye and made a thin trail down her cheek before Ukitake appeared and wiped it away with her long sleeve.

"A woman's tears are too precious to loose, my dear. If you let them fall too much, then they will no longer be rare jewels to treasure."

"Ukitake-sama…" Kagome turned her doe-like eyes to the older woman, and Ukitake's arms immediately surrounded her.

"Oh, you are just too adorable! Now tell Aunty Ukitake what the big bad wolf did wrong!"

Aunty…? Big bad wolf…?

"Umm…He said I couldn't see Shippo anymore, so I got mad at him and…well…subdued him I guess."

"Oh, you must tell me how you accomplished that!"

"Well, he has these little black beads around his neck that make him fall if I or Kikyou say osuwari."

"Beads, hmm? Where can I acquire those? They would be the perfect gift for my grandson!"

"Haha! I don't think you could use them. Only a miko or monk with spiritual powers can make them work."

"What a pity! Alas, something that wonderful is out of my reach! I will just have to push the boy and make him stumble whenever I get the chance."

"You really love Shippo a lot, huh?"

"Oh, yes. I really love to make him miserable!"

The two women laughed for a while and enjoyed each other's company among the flowers, until Kagome finally plucked up the courage to return to Sesshomaru that afternoon.

"You must come by again, my dear. It gets so lonely without another woman to talk to, you know! All of the women here are too respectful or fearful of me to be pleasant company."

"Of course! Is it ok if I bring Kikyou and Sango with me next time?"

"The more the merrier!" And with a flashy exit of white fox fire, the beautiful woman was gone.

xxx

Inuyasha was not happy. In fact, he was downright grumpy, and poor Jakken received the blunt of his master's frustration when he was like this. With legs and arms crossed, Inuyasha lounged against a tree on the edge of the Thunder tribe as Naraku conversed with their leader. For now, Inuyasha decided to cooperate with the creepy youkai, but something about Naraku made him apprehensive, which didn't bode well for either of them.

Boots suddenly appeared in his line of vision, and Inuyasha looked up to find the eldest son of the Thunder tribe's leader looking down on him.

Hiten is his name…I think, or is that the ugly one's name?

"What kind of dog did Naraku drag with him into our territory?" The young youkai's red eyes shown with arrogance, and his long black braid swayed behind him as he strutted. He kind of reminded Inuyasha of a peacock.

Inuyasha growled low just as Jakken jumped in front of him waving his arms hysterically. "How dare you call my lord a mere dog! You wretched low-life will feel the wrath of—OOMF!"

A firm kick from Inuyasha sent the imp flying as the agitated taiyoukai got to his feet and glared at the heir of the thunder clan. "Watch it kid, or you'll meet the business end of my claws," Inuyasha growled, sauntering past him to find another tree to lounge against, but the younger male followed him undaunted.

"I'm not afraid of canines, mutt! One hit from my thunder could send you straight to the netherworld!"

Inuyasha stopped and narrowed his eyes at the youkai over his shoulder as a smirk formed on his lips. "Go ahead and try it, but don't blame me for what happens afterwards if you miss." Inuyasha flexed his claws for emphasis, and with that he left the shocked young man behind in the dust.

Naraku was just finishing negotiations with chief Boten as Inuyasha stormed into the large hut.

"That stupid son of yours is askin for an early death Boten!"

The older man barely spared the taiyoukai a glance before returning his attention back to Naraku.

"I wish to attack tonight, hanyou. Why must we wait longer?"

The man behind the baboon mask smiled darkly and replied, "I wish to bide my time, Boten-sama. Patience often brings rewards, and if we wait, a certain threat will be…shall we say…diminished."

"It does not matter how many forces they have. We have the greater physical strength and power. Lightning is stronger than mere fire."

"Yes, but the threat I am referring to does not use fire, my lord, and his speed is too great for your lightning to be much use."

"Your talkin about that bastard, right?" Inuyasha grumbled.

Yes, Inuyasha-sama and that is why, in exchange for your patience, Boten-sama, I will give you these." Naraku held up three shards of the Shikon Jewel. Boten's eyes widened slightly before reaching out and taking the jewels from Naraku's extended hand.

"Very well, Naraku. In the meantime, I wish for you to find a way to subdue that wretched nine-tails! Contact me when you wish to advance."

"As you wish, Boten-sama." Naraku slowly walked out of the hut as Inuyasha followed closely behind.

"Inuyasha-sama, there is something I wish for you to do while the Kitsune and Thunder tribe are at war."

"Now hold it, Naraku! I'm fighting my brother, and this time I'll beat him to a bloody pulp!"

"…I'm aware of how you feel, Inuyasha-sama, however I think I know of a better way to take revenge on your brother."

"Yeah? And how's that?" Inuyasha's eyes narrowed in suspicion as Naraku let out a deep chuckle.

"By taking something important from him, of course."

Other Author's Note: OMG What's Naraku gonna do?! Hell if I know! But guess what guys! I've started the prequel for Mirrored! Yay me! It's called Dearest Beloved: Ballad of a Broken Dog,so all of you Mirrored fans gotta go check it out...right now...get goin already!