Hey guys. I did pretty good this time. It didn't take me eleventy billion years(sorry, boss' favorite phrase) to update, and this chapter was even pretty long.

Well, I just got off the phone with one of my boss', and it looks like I lost my 2nd job, much to his and my disappointment, so I guess that I'll just have more time to update, huh? -P Anyway, I suppose that I'll just get on with it.

OH!I got a few comments on the last line of the last chapter. The way I see it, Sesshoumaru chooses to not speak a lot, and let his actions speak for him. Being rendered speechless is completely different. That's just the way that I meant it.

Chapter 12

"Worthless!"

"B-but, My Lady, I-"

"No excuses! I have given you ample time to kill that puppy and his little miko bitch, so why do they still live?" she demanded.

"The miko would be easy to dispatch, but she is never alone. She is always with either the little whelp or his assassin."

"And InuTaisho's brat?"

"His sight may be gone, but his other senses have heightened considerably."

"That is common sense. Why did you not factor that into the equation?"

"Forgive me."

"I give you three days, Demon, and no more. Do you understand me?"

"Completely."

"Now leave me. You have much that to do."

He bowed. "As you wish."

The two had, after days of travel, finally arrived at the castle walls, only to collapse against them, exhausted.

"I'm, starting, to think, that Kouga, hates us," gasped Hakkaku.

"Yeah," Ginta wheezed. "Me, too."

After regaining their breaths, the pair looked up at the castle.

"Is Kouga really in there?" Ginta asked.

"This is where his scent leads to, so I'm thinking yeah," Hakkaku replied.

The clansmen looked at each other before knocking. After a moment, a clear, booming voice rang out.

"State your business."

Hakkaku cleared his throat. "We're followers of Kouga, of the demon wolf tribe, and we tracked his scent here."

"Stay where you are."

The two waited as they were told to do before the large doors slowly opened, revealing a pair of Nekoyoukai.

"Um, hi there," Ginta said, slowly inching behind his partner.

"Your prince is with the young ward. Follow me."

Leaning close to his comrade, Hakkaku whispered, "Do we have to?" to which he received an elbow to the gut.

"Yes, we do." He gulped before shoving Hakkaku forward. "You go first."

"W-what? No, you go. It was your brilliant idea to come here!"

"You're older!"

"You have seniority!"

"Then I order you to go."

"I refuse!"

Their argument was cut short when their escort halted, causing Hakkaku to crash into him, falling back into Ginta.

"Argue, or leave. Those are your choices."

"Sorry. We'll be quiet," they said.

The Nekoyoukai nodded, and they continued on their way.

"Kagome's been gone for quite awhile, don't you think?" Miroku questioned, causing the others to nod in agreement.

"Should we check on her?" asked Kouga, who had only just entered the room.

"No, let's wait a bit longer," Sango replied. "She's probably resting. After all, she's never released that amount of energy before."

Kouga's jaw hit the floor. "That was Kagome!" I felt that blast all the way in the stables!"

"Yeah. Sesshoumaru told me that it was powerful enough to purify most of his castle."

"I'll bet that Akira's still feeling the effects of it, being as close to her as he was," Miroku stated. Turning to the wolf, he added, "By the way, Kouga. I thought that you were playing with Rin and Shippo."

"I was, but Kira came and said that she wanted to play with them. She said that she had a lot of energy to burn, and how better than to entertain a hyperactive eight-year-old and her little Kitsune counterpart." He looked around the room, noticing that someone was missing. "Hey, where's Inuyasha?"

'That was definitely Kagome who released that energy. Now, where is she?'

The hanyou had been with Kira in the gardens when the unexpectedly immense aura erupted, chilling the pair to the bone. Worried about his friend, Inuyasha left in search of Kagome. When he reached her room, however, he was shocked, though not as shocked as he'd like, to see his half-brother exiting.

"Why am I not surprised to see you with her?"

"What do you want, Inuyasha? The girl is resting."

"Is she okay? I felt that energy release."

"My chambers, now," he ordered as he entered his room, Inuyasha close behind. Once they two were inside and the door closed, the elder turned toward the younger, quite annoyed.

"What is it?"

"You're going to tell me why I just spent an hour comforting a distraught miko, because someone has led her to believe that she is almost completely useless."

"Hey, wait. I've never said that Kagome was useless," Inuyasha stated defensively.

"Then why is she convinced that she is worthless compared to the undead priestess?"

The half-demon hung his head in shame. "I know that I'm to blame for that, and I've been trying to make up for it."

"And you're doing a remarkable job, I see," he replied sarcastically.

"Screw you, Sesshoumaru. Care to explain why you were comforting her in the first place? It's not like you."

"No, I don't."

"Don't be a dick. Just answer me."

He huffed in aggravation. "Fine. Her hysterics were annoying, and now I know that it was only because the miko was foolish enough to take the drivel that you blurt out to heart."

"Look. I try to be nice, but it just comes out wrong. I'm not exactly as eloquent a speaker as you are, you know," he griped.

"True, but here's a thought; try thinking before you speak. I know that it may be a radical concept for an imbecile like you, but it save you from those beads of subjugation the miko has around your neck."

"How do you know about these beads?"

"I research my enemies thoroughly. I am sure that I know more about mikos than the human does."

"Then why don't you teach her?"

"I fully intended to, until this blasted curse blinded me."

"So? Can't you just sense whether or not she's doing it right?"

"Not completely."

"Wuddaya mean?"

"You truly are an idiot. Different colors are physical manifestations of different abilities, or haven't you noticed?"

"Can't say as I have, sorry."

'I can't believe that we're related,' he sighed mentally. "What color are her arrows when she fires them?"

"Pink."

"Dull, or intense?"

"Light pink, but intense."

"The more intense the color, the more conviction in the emotion. The lighter the color, the purer the miko.

"What about the miko that you're hunting?"

Silence filled the room. Just as he was about to change the subject, his brother's quiet voice answered.

"Blue. Deep, dark blue."

"I hope that Kagome's okay," the kit mumbled as he left the stables to check on his surrogate mother.

Once he reached their room, he opened the door to see her fast asleep. His presence, however, must have alerted her, because she suddenly yawned and began stretching.

"Hey, Shippo."

"I'm sorry. Did I wake you up?"

"Don't worry about it. I didn't mean to fall asleep in the first place. I'll bet Sesshoumaru thinks I'm narcoleptic."

"Narco-who?"

"It means I fall asleep suddenly. Don't worry. I doubt that the word even exists yet anyway. So what's up?"

"I felt your powers and just wanted to make sure that you were okay."

"I'm fine, but come here for a second."

When he approached the bed, Kagome reached out and scooped him up into her arms, hugging him tightly.

"Kagome? Are you sure that you're okay?"

"Yeah, I'm okay. I just had a really hard training session and missed you, that's all."

"I missed you, too."

"So, are you having fun with Rin?"

"Yeah! She's like a little sister."

"Oh yeah. She doesn't have to play sick anymore. It's pretty safe to say that everyone knows what's really going on, but be careful, just in case."

"That reminds me. I picked up on a couple of familiar scents a few minutes ago. I just can't remember whose they are."

"It's Ginta and Hakkaku."

Shippo looked surprised. "How'd you know?"

"Not sure, exactly. For some reason, my powers have been a lot stronger than they usually are."

"Maybe you should ask Sesshoumaru about it. He seems like he's probably know something about it."

"He's probably sick of me by now, but you're right. Wanna come with me?"

"Sure."

Shippo and Kagome exited their room, only to enter Sesshoumaru's. When he gave them permission to enter, they saw him lying down, eyes closed.

"Taking a rest, Sesshoumaru?"

"It's not often that I can just relax, now what do you want, Miko?"

"I thought that you said that you'd call me by my name."

"I did. What do you need?"

She shot him a dirty look, but continued. "My powers are acting up."

He opened an eye. "How so?"

"They're stronger. For example, I know that Kouga and two of his followers are playing with Rin in the gardens right now, and that she's decorating Ginta with flowers as we speak."

"I see." His eye closed again. "It may just be because you're coming into your powers."

"Is that really all it is? I mean, wouldn't that happen more gradually?"

That made him sit up, giving the miko his undivided attention. "Do you mean to tell me that is not the case?"

"No. I mean, I went from being practically unable to sense demons, to telling you everything down to their sex. That's not normal, right?"

"Tell me. What color was your aura earlier?"

"Pink."

"And when you healed my arm."

"Purple, I think. Why?"

"A miko's abilities appear as different colors."

"Really? I had no idea."

"That would be because you shouldn't be able to see them at your level."

"Then why can I?"

"Something here must be causing your powers to mature to this level."

"Like what?"

"From what I've observed, it seems that your powers are emotionally charged. Have you felt odd lately?"

"A bit. I mean, I've been trying so hard to find out who cursed you. Plus, I have to play mediator between Inuyasha and Kouga, which, as you know, is a full-time job in and of itself."

"At least when I had to watch him, Kira was there to keep him company."

"Right?" She paused as she finally got what he had just said. "Wait. You used to have to babysit Inuyasha?"

He nodded. "His mother would bring him here to see Father. I would watch him when they wanted to be alone."

"Do you hate Inuyasha's mother?"

"Explain to me how every conversation we have ends up with us discussing my past?"

"Couldn't tell you. You always answer my questions, so I guess I just keep asking. So, do you?"

"No. I resented her, as well as my father, but I never hated her. There was only one woman I would ever consider 'Mother', and she knew that." He paused when he heard Shippo fidget nervously. "Ask your question, Kit."

Kagome turned to see him struggling with whether or not to ask.

"Um, it's about your blindness."

"Go on."

"Miroku said that the person who cursed you is in the castle, right?"

"Correct."

"Why don't you leave? You know, remove yourself from the equation."

"I cannot just leave. My lands would be left unguarded, and I couldn't protect Rin while blind."

"Why not go to Kagome's time?"

"I don't even know if the well would allow him."

"Inuyasha can pass through."

"I am not Inuyasha, Kit."

"I know that, but you're blood relatives."

Kagome thought about it. "If the well did allow it, the time flux could possibly act as a barrier from the curse."

"But what of Rin? I cannot just leave her here unprotected."

"Miroku, Sango, Kouga, and Inuyasha will be here, right? And Kira and Akira."

"You know, Sesshoumaru, it's not such a bad idea," Kagome submitted.

"I need time to consider this. There is still the problem of the Western Lands."

"We can watch your lands while you're gone," came three voices from the doorway. Turning, they saw Kouga, Ginta, and Hakkaku.

"I have experience with patrolling borders and the like, so it wouldn't be a problem," Kouga explained. "My father taught me."

"And we could keep Rin company," Hakkaku added.

"Yeah. She's fun to play with," Ginta remarked, holding up his tail, that was laced with wildflowers."

He considered this. "Very well. We will leave in the morning."

"Sounds good to me," Kagome stated. "I'll just go tell Inuyasha."

"Good luck," the room's occupants said at once.

"Wow. Stereo."

"YOU"RE WHAT!"

"I'm bringing Sesshoumaru to my time."

"Are you sure that it's such a good idea?" Sango asked.

"He won't be much of a threat in the condition that he's in. Besides, he's a man of honor."

"So, what should we do?"

"Watch Rin and keep your eyes open for anything or anyone suspicious. If something happens, send Inuyasha for us. We should only be gone for a few days. A week, at most."

"A WEEK!"

"Come check on me if you have to," she bargained.

He sighed after a moment. "Just be careful."

"I will."

"When are you leaving?" Miroku wondered.

"Morning."

"Do you want us to come with you to the well?"

"No, it's okay. It's just going to be me, Sesshoumaru, Kira, and Rin. We don't want to attract any unwanted attention."

"Let me guess. It was Sesshoumaru's idea," Inuyasha muttered. Kagome turned toward him heatedly.

"No, actually, it was mine. Do you not think that I am capable of good ideas?" She glared at him, which set off warning bells in his head. "Sit, boy."

"Miko, get up."

Kagome had been in the middle of an amazing dream-one of her own, for once-when the Taiyoukai's silky voice penetrated her thoughts, pulling her to reality.

"Wuddaya wa', S'ssoum'ru? I was havin' a r'lly good dr'm," she mumbled, trying to go back to sleep.

Without warning, the covers were suddenly pulled back, causing Kagome to jump up and scream. It was quickly silenced by the Inuyoukai's hand that now covered the miko's mouth

"If you swear to be quiet, I'll remove my hand." At her nod, he took his hand away.

"What the hell is wrong with you!" she whispered loudly.

"We're leaving now."

"Why?"

"Because if we don't, something will happen."

She sobered immediately. "Like what? I mean, how do you know?"

"I'm empathic."

"You mean that you can sense emotions?"

"Yes, now get ready."

"Where's Rin?"

"Next door with Kira."

As she changed, she asked a question. "Can you sense my emotions right now?"

"You wear your emotions on your sleeve, Miko, but I can only sense strong emotions. My empathy isn't very powerful, and only works when someone is bearing negative, and usually murderous intentions."

"I see. How are we getting to the well?"

"We'll fly. Now, where is this well?"

"Inuyasha's forest."

He nodded. "Are you ready?"

"Yeah. Let's get going."

The two left one room, only to enter another, where Rin and Kira were playing.

"Is it time to go?" the child asked.

"It is," the Demon Lord replied as Rin grabbed his hand and led him through the castle.

Kagome leaned toward Kira. "Why is he letting Rin lead him through the castle? I'm sure that he knows his way around."

"I'm pretty sure that he's just humoring her. He probably realized that Rin feels kind or helpless, so he's making her feel useful to him."

"Oh, how cute. I guess Sesshoumaru's really just a big softie."

"Softie? You do know that he can hear you, right?"

She smiled. "Oh, I know. It wouldn't be the first time that I've called him cute." She giggled and ran up next to Sesshoumaru, who was rolling his eyes at her antics.

'She's got guts, that one. I'm surprised that he's letting that slide without so much as a word,' Kira thought as she caught up to the group.

Once they were outside, Sesshoumaru sat down, signaling for the others to do the same.

"Now why, exactly, are we sitting on the ground?" Kagome wondered.

"You will see. Now Rin, I want you to sit in my lap and be still. Do you understand?"

"Yes," she chirped, doing as she was told.

Suddenly, a thick fog enveloped them, soon forming a large cloud beneath them. Kagome shrieked as they ascended into the sky, while Rin began laughing happily, much to the amusement or her guardian, as well as the two girls.

"I guess that this is why we were sitting on the ground, huh?"

"You and Rin don't have the balance to fly while standing." 'Not yet, anyway.'

"When will we arrive?" Kira wondered.

"Sunrise."

"Really? But it took about three days to get to your place with Ah-Un," Kagome explained.

"My mist is much faster than Ah-Un, and does not need to rest. It doesn't tire." He paused. "Though it shouldn't take more than a day and a half." He chuckled before adding, "It's nice to know how the old toad really feels about me."

Within a couple of hours, they had reached the Bone-Eater's Well, thanks, in part, to Kagome's directions. They touched down and the mist dissipated, placing them on the ground.

The four walked up to the well. "What now?" Kira asked Kagome.

"We pray that the well lets him pass, that's what."

Sesshoumaru turned to Rin, who was still holding his hand.

"Rin, you behave for Kira and Akira. You are also to attend your lessons with Tomo and Tama. Do you understand?"

She sniffed. "Yeah, but are you coming back?"

"Of course."

Kagome, seeing the child's pain, knelt down in front of her. "Guess what, Rin? Everyone's staying at the castle with you, just so you can have someone to play with."

"Really?"

"Really. Plus, just tell Inuyasha anything that you want to tell Sesshoumaru, and he'll come and tell him, okay?"

She brightened up a bit. "Okay."

The Taiyoukai's nose twitched. "Speaking of Inuyasha…"

She was about to comment when she sensed the hanyou approach.

"What are you doing here, Inuyasha?" Kagome asked.

He looked at Sesshoumaru. "I need to talk to you." He raised an eyebrow in question, but agreed, following Inuyasha's scent to a private area, where no one would hear them.

"What is it?"

"You have no idea how hard this is for me to say, but I think that we should call a truce."

To say that he was shocked would be an understatement. "A truce? Why?"

"Kagome would want me to. Besides, I'm sick of the fighting, and I'm pretty sure that you are, too. We have enough things to worry about with Naraku, so why are we wasting time trying to kill each other? It's exactly what he wants us to do."

Sesshoumaru's lips curled into a weak smile. "Inuyasha, you have no idea how much you sounded like Father just then."

He perked up. "Really?"

He nodded. "Really, and I agree. You have yourself a truce. There is only one condition, and no, it has nothing to do with the Tetsusaiga."

"Then what is it?"

"Let no harm befall Rin. I am placing her in your care, along with Kira."

The half-demon's face turned completely red. "W-what do you mean?"

"I may not be able to see, but I'm not blind. Besides, your scents are all over each other."

"Y-you should head back now," Inuyasha stammered as he returned to the well, followed by Sesshoumaru.

"I wonder what they're talking about," Kira said.

"I dunno, but let's ask because here they come."

They watched as the brothers emerged from the forest.

"Sesshoumaru, what did you do to him?"

"Who's to say I did anything?"

"Let me see. His face matches his clothing, and you're laughing. Remember, it's all in your eyes, buddy."

"We cleared the air, that is all."

"What do you mean?"

"We called a truce," Inuyasha replied.

"Seriously?" the girls cried, hurting the brothers' ears.

"Yes, but now we should go, because that feeling is returning."

"What feeling?" Kira asked.

"Foreboding." He turned toward the demoness. "Rin is in Inuyasha's care. Tell Akira, Tama, and Tomo. I also want you and the exterminator to supervise her lessons."

"Why Sango?" Kagome asked.

"She is a human woman, so it only stands to reason that she be present. She can correct any mistakes made during her lessons."

"Understood, Sessh."

He growled. "For the last time, will you drop that ridiculously childish nickname?"

"Nah. You're stuck with it until the day I die."

To Kagome, he asked, "What do we do now?"

"Basically? Take my hand and jump into the well."

"And when we land?"

"We'll be in my time."

"Are you ready?"

Before she has a chance to respond, Sesshoumaru had lifted the miko into his arms and jumped in.

Inuyasha waited to make sure that it worked before turning back toward Rin and Kira. "Let's get back."

They began walking away when Inuyasha paused to look back at the well.

"Good luck," he whispered as he turned to catch up with his new charges.