Inuyasha: oh great, she's back, what joy –rolls eyes-

A1969: hello to you too, Inuyasha.

Kagome: oh, come on, Inuyasha. Try to be a little more positive—she's trying to update regularly, isn't she?

Inuyasha: I miss the quiet.

A1969: then shut up. Anyway, thank to those who bothered to read, and those who bothered to review!

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-Chapter Twenty-Four-

-Bait-

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-.-Sesshoumaru-.-

"Lord Sesshoumaru?" Rin was worried. "My lord, Clara-san is sick."

I was aware.

And annoyed.

I gazed at the sleeping priestess. Her eyes were closed, and she was breathing slowly. Weak. She was weak. I suddenly became aware that I still held her wounded hand. I dropped it onto the futon, sighing. This girl was not even worth half the trouble she caused…

If I could find a way to bring Kikyou back from the dead, I would gladly kill her again, for dumping this…pest on me.

"Lord Sesshoumaru?" Rin asked again. "What should we do, my lord?"

"Jaken." I turned to him. "Summon Shizuka."

"Yes, my lord." Jaken bowed and left the room.

I inwardly sighed and turned my attention back to Clara. Her breathing was slow, and I could see drops of sweat glistening on her pale face. This girl was a complete and utter waste of time. However, there was one good thing that has come of her illness—it provided the perfect excuse to delay my Binding Ceremony.

Still, it did not cancel out the fact that Clara was…annoying, always attracting trouble, as Jaken put it. For a moment, I thought of the person who had tried to kill her last night. Was he or she cowering in fear, knowing that, when I learned of their identity, I would deal with them?

"Lord Sesshoumaru?" Rin asked again, somewhat hesitantly.

"Hn?"

"Do you think Clara-san will be alright?" she asked, worry in her eyes. "She seems to be suffering."

"Perhaps." To the suffering part.

"I hope she'll be alright," Rin said, as she fell on her knees beside Clara, kneeling opposite me. "Do you hope that she'll be alright too, Lord Sesshoumaru?"

"Yes." No. Why should I?

Rin nodded, satisfied. "She'll be fine," she said again, placing a small hand on Clara's forehead. She frowned. "Even though she's really sick, she'll be fine—Clara-san is strong, don't you think Lord Sesshoumaru?"

Strong? I was spared from answering when the door to the room slid open, and Jaken walked in, accompanied by the middle-aged dog demoness, Shizuka, the Healer. Shizuka did not come into the room; instead, she fell to her knees at the doorway, bowing, her head touching the floor.

"My lord, you have summoned me?" she asked deferentially.

"Sit up," I ordered. She did so and kept her eyes lowered on the floor as a sign of respect and deference. "You are to tend to this human," I went on, my gaze straying to Clara once again.

From the peripheral of my vision, I saw Shizuka look at me with wide eyes. "My lord?" she repeated, as though she could not believe her ears.

I turned my gaze to her, and she hastily lowered her eyes to the floor. "I believe you heard me."

This time, she did look up at me, her pale green eyes meeting my own. I saw fear in her eyes. Hn. She was afraid of tending to Clara? How amusing.

"As you wish, my lord." She bowed again, touching her forehead to the floor.

I stood up, and she hastily moved sideways, away from the door, so I could pass through. I paused in front of Shizuka before leaving, looking down at her with narrowed eyes.

"Shizuka," I said.

She sat up, her eyes lowered. "My lord?"

"If you kill the girl, Shizuka," I said impassively. "You will die."

I saw her eyes widen slightly, and she bowed again. "As you wish, my lord."

I looked down at her for a moment, and then walked past her and out of the room. Next, I would look for the conceited bastard who had tried to kill Clara.

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.:-Clara-:.

As I started to wake, I realized one thing…

I was burning.

I could feel my right hand throbbing in pain. I didn't open my eyes. I didn't need them to know that the wound on my hand was infected. The evidence of which was this fever that racked me. I could feel cold sweat on my forehead, and I squirmed slightly, internally groaning at the discomfort the fever brought. Despite the fever, I could think of only one thing…

Sesshoumaru was going to be annoyed or mad at me, I was certain.

Or maybe Jaken and Rin wouldn't tell him I was sick. I hoped they wouldn't—I didn't want him to be mad or annoyed at me anymore…

I suddenly felt a gentle hand on my forehead. "She's burning up," an equally gentle voice murmured. Was it just me, or was there fear beneath the gentle tone? Who was this person? The voice was female.

"No wonder," the unknown woman went on, her hand leaving my forehead and gently grasping my injured hand. "Her wound has been infected. Humans…they are so prone to infections."

"Why do you think she's wounded, Master Jaken?" It was Rin's voice.

"How should I know?" I heard Jaken snap. "She's been with Lord Sesshoumaru for the past several days, not me. Ask him."

"Speaking of which, Lord Jaken," the gentle voice said, letting go of my hand. "Why is this girl…?"

"It's none of your business, Shizuka!" Jaken snapped to the woman with the gentle voice. "Now, do what Lord Sesshoumaru told you to do, and heal that girl!"

So, this woman, Shizuka, was a healer?

"Of course, Lord Jaken." I thought it was funny to hear Jaken addressed like that. Wait, what was I thinking? Now was not the time for laughing! I was sick, for Pete's sake! Must be the fever getting to my brain.

There was a rustle of silk and I felt the Healer named Shizuka leave my side. "I shall return shortly, Lord Jaken," I heard Shizuka say. "I shall go and get bandages and some poultice."

"Make it quick," Jaken ordered.

I heard the door slide open, and then close. Shizuka was gone. Slowly, I opened my eyes to see a pair of sweet chocolate eyes looking down at me in concern.

"Ah! You're awake, Clara-san!" Rin said happily. "I'm glad."

I smiled at her, wishing I could sit up, but I just couldn't. "Good morning, Rin…Jaken," I greeted, my tone somewhat hoarse. Was it still even morning?

Jaken only mumbled something, while Rin smiled. "Good afternoon to you too, Clara-san!" The little girl beamed at me, her toothy smile wide. She suddenly frowned. "Are you in pain, Clara-san?" she asked, worried.

"No," I lied. Technically, it was my hand that was in pain.

Rin nodded slowly, as though she didn't believe me. "Don't worry, the Healer will be back soon," she reassured. She looked so adorable when she said it. "Shizuka-san is a good person. She'll fix you up, Clara-san."

I nodded slowly. I turned to Jaken, who was sitting in front of the door that led to the veranda.

"Um…Jaken?" I called out, hesitantly.

He turned his great big yellow eyes to me, annoyed. "What?" he asked.

"Um," I said. "Well…I'm sorry for getting you into trouble with Sesshoumaru last night." I remembered the kick that Sesshoumaru gave him.

"I'm not in trouble, girl," Jaken snapped. "And it's Lord Sesshoumaru, mind you!"

Whatever…

I let out a sigh. Urgh…I didn't feel so good—I felt as though I wanted to throw up!

"Shizuka-san said that your wound is infected, Clara-san," Rin said, still worried.

I looked tiredly up at her and smiled. "I guess I didn't clean it as thoroughly as I thought I did," I said, resisting the urge to groan. I raised my hand in front of my eyes, and then groaned, letting it fall back to my side.

"Clara-san," Rin began, worried.

"Don't worry, Rin, I'm fine," I reassured. I gave her a smile to prove it.

Rin suddenly smiled. "Lord Sesshoumaru says you'll be fine, too," she said.

I felt my heart thudding rapidly in my chest. "He…was here?" I felt my cheeks redden.

Rin nodded earnestly. "He was," she said. "And he was the one who asked Master Jaken to call Shizuka…" She looked at me, and I blushed. "I think he's worried about you, Clara-san."

"He's not…" I said, amidst the blushing.

"As if Lord Sesshoumaru would waste a second of his time, worrying about a human!" Jaken agreed, nodding.

Rin glared at him.

"Lord Sesshoumaru is more worried about what Lady Momitsumi would think," Jaken went on, "when she learns their Binding Ceremony must be delayed."

"Delayed?" Though, I knew that I shouldn't be, that it was wrong…I felt…relieved at that. Sue me…I was only human.

"Lord Sesshoumaru's honor has been compromised by the conceited bastard that tried to kill you last night," Jaken sniffed. "He wishes to kill the denizen before the Binding Ceremony…Of course, Milord just might be delaying…" He shook his head.

I was silent, not really knowing what to make of it. I should have been afraid—some random demon in the castle wanted me dead—but…somehow, I wasn't afraid. Just the sheer knowledge that Sesshoumaru was looking for the person who wanted me dead was…comforting.

"Where's…Sesshoumaru now?" I asked, carefully sitting up.

"Where else?" Jaken snorted. "Probably apologizing to Lady Momitsumi for the delay in their binding…"

Two things popped into my mind: one, Sesshoumaru never apologized, and two…he was with Lady Momitsumi…? I tried to ignore the…discomfort that brought.

"Oh," I said simply. From the peripheral of my vision, I noticed Rin looking carefully at me. Shoot—I'd forgotten how precocious she was when it came to what others were feeling.

"Clara-san," Rin began, but was interrupted when the door the room slid open and Shizuka came in, carrying a tray in her arms. Shizuka was middle-aged, with pale green eyes and lustrous silver hair. Urgh…I couldn't even compete with a middle-aged demoness, how more so a goddess like Lady Momitsumi?

Shizuka stopped, and stared at me, her eyes wide. Was it…fear I saw in them?

"You are awake," she said, approaching me and kneeling beside me.

What should I say? "Er…good afternoon," I said hesitantly. From the peripheral of my vision, I noticed Jaken looking carefully at Shizuka, Staff of Heads held tightly in his grasp, as though expecting her to pounce at any moment.

Shizuka seemed startled by my greeting. But she didn't say anything as she set her tray on the floor, beside my futon. On it were white cloths used for bandaging, a bowl of crushed herbs, and another bowl, covered with a lid and exuding the aroma of steamed vegetables, an empty bowl, and lastly, three flasks.

I watched, somewhat fascinated, as she took one of the flasks. "Please, drink this, Lady...Midoriko."

I cringed. "Please don't call me that," I said as she held out the flask to me. "My name is Clara, not Midoriko."

She looked at me, startled. "As you wish," she mumbled, still holding out the flask. "Drink this, please. It will alleviate the fever."

I stared hesitantly at the flask, not really trusting Shizuka despite her appellation as a Healer. Were the contents of that flask…poisoned? I couldn't help but be a little paranoid, seeing as how nearly all the demons in this castle despised me.

As though reading my thoughts, Jaken spoke up. "She hasn't poisoned it, silly fool," he said, rolling his eyes. "Shizuka knows that Lord Sesshoumaru will kill her should she try anything funny."

Sesshoumaru would? I couldn't help but feel a little…flattered at that. Really, I was only human…and this fever was getting to the way I was thinking.

Reluctantly, I took the flask from Shizuka, who only looked in encouragement at me. Looked, not smiled. I opened the flask and slowly brought it to my lips. My eyes widened and I shuddered as I felt the thick liquid wash down my throat.

"Clara-san, are you alright?!" Rin asked, worried at my reaction. Even Jaken tightened his grip on the Staff of Heads, ready to use it on Shizuka.

I nodded. "I'm fine," I reassured, looking at Shizuka, who raised her eyebrows at me. "It's just that…it's bitter."

"Of course," Shizuka said. "It is made of the finest herbs. It cures fevers, and, seeing as you are still alive, it is obviously not poison." To my surprise, the corner of her mouth pulled up into a small, hardly-noticeable smile.

"Sorry," I mumbled, embarrassed by my paranoia. I lowered the flask on to my lap, inwardly sighing.

"You needn't apologize," Shizuka said hesitantly, as though she weren't sure about whether or not to talk to me. "After all, it is natural for humans to feel paranoid. More so for you, being in a castle with demons that would not hesitate to…" Her voice trailed off suggestively, and I felt myself shudder.

"It's alright, Clara-san," Rin said cheerfully, smiling. "Master Jaken and I will look after you."

I smiled at her, and nearly giggled at Jaken's expression. "Only because Milord asked me to," he muttered.

"Thanks, Jaken," I said, smiling at him.

"Hmph."

"Hold out your hand, please," Shizuka suddenly spoke up.

I did as I was told and held out my hand. Urgh…The wound was really grossly infected. I could see pus oozing out from the cut. And to think that Midoriko's sword—my sword—did this to me. Well…my own klutziness did it.

Shizuka clicked her tongue three times. "You humans are never really careful," she admonished, her tone reprimanding. Hm…I guess she now saw me as a patient rather than a priestess, which was good. I watched as she took the empty bowl from the tray and hold it under my hand. Then she took another flask and poured water on my wound, cleaning it. I flinched as I felt the cold water hit the cut. Lastly, she applied the poultice and bandages.

"There," she said as she tied the bandage around my hand. "It will need changing every day, until it heals." I could hear the discomfort in her voice and I internally cringed. She didn't like the prospect of seeing me everyday…

"Um, you could leave the bandages here, Shizuka-dono," I said, being a little more formal with her. "I can do that myself."

To my surprise, she shook her head. "Lord Sesshoumaru will not be pleased if I do not do my job," she said tersely. She gestured to the tray, at the covered bowl and flask. "Here. Eat, drink." She didn't say anything else as she took the other empty bowls and flasks and gathered them into her arms. She stood up, giving me a curt bow—which I found disturbing—and quietly left the room.

"Sure was skittish, wasn't she?" Jaken said, as soon as Shizuka was gone.

I sighed. "Do they really hate me that much?" I asked him.

"Don't look to me for sympathy," he said.

"I wasn't going to," I countered, but sighed. It was just so…disquieting, the thought of a castle full of demons who all despised me despite the fact that I had never even set eyes on them. I sighed again, as I stared at the sunlight that filtered through the partially open shutters.

"Clara-san, you look sad," Rin commented. "I think you should eat your lunch. Here—steamed vegetables!" She gently pushed the tray towards me, and I smiled at her.

"Thanks, Rin," I said, thankful that she, at least, didn't hate me.

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-.-Sesshoumaru-.-

"Are you certain?" I asked, not even bothering to look at the captain of the guards, who stood in the middle of my study, with fear radiating off him.

"Yes, milord," he said carefully. "I've ordered my men to search the grounds—there was nothing to be found."

I narrowed my eyes as I stared out the veranda, and at the garden. "The intruder was not someone from the castle?" Normally, I would have preferred finding out on my own, but my mother heavily disapproved of me getting my hands dirty when I was in the castle.

"No one would dare, my lord," he said. "They know that they would be dealt with by you personally."

"Arai," I said quietly. "If I do find out that our unwanted guest is indeed someone in the castle…You will die."

"A-as you wish, my lord." I could hear fear in his voice. Good—that would motivate him to work harder.

"Leave."

I heard a slight rustling of armor as Arai bowed and then left, softly sliding the door closed behind him. It was not a moment later that I heard it open again, and a new scent permeated the room—jasmine.

Hn.

Her—how annoying.

"My lord?" Momitsumi's gentle voice came from behind me.

I glanced at her from over my shoulder. Oh, she was beautiful, truth be told, but that did not interest me. Her father's domain did.

"What is it?" I asked.

She seemed hesitant as she stepped into my study. "Was Lady Hayomi telling the truth, my lord?" she asked, her icy blue eyes wide. "That we are not to go North today? That the Binding Ceremony must be postponed?" Hn…she didn't mention that the delay was caused by an annoying priestess. Perhaps Mother hid it from her? Most likely.

"Do you doubt Lady Hayomi's words?" I asked impassively.

"No, my lord," she said, smiling. "I merely wished to ascertain her claims." She seemed…relieved about the ceremony being delayed.

"Anything else?"

She smiled, and shook her head. "No, my lord," she said again. "I shall leave you to your devices." She bowed gracefully, her golden locks falling into a shimmering cascade. She straightened, and smiled again before she turned and left.

When she had left, I turned my attention back to the garden. I'd had so many delays in searching for Naraku already. Where and what was the bastard up to? I yearned to know. But, then again, if I stayed in one place, Naraku was sure to come for me. No, not for me, but for the priestess who possessed half of the useless Sacred Jewel.

Hn, it seemed Clara wouldn't be so useless after all. Bait, if you will.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

"Lord Sesshoumaru!" Rin's voice was the first thing I heard as I slid the door to the room open and walked in.

"Milord!" Jaken said, automatically standing up, and bowing. He straightened up. "Milord! What brings you here?"

"None of your business."

I turned my attention to the girl lying on the futon. Clara was asleep, her eyes closed and her breathing deep. Hn…It was afternoon, and she was asleep? How frail she was.

"Clara-san is feeling better, my lord," Rin said happily as I knelt beside the unconscious girl.

I didn't answer, instead I turned to Jaken. "Open the shutters."

"Yes, my lord." Jaken hastily stood up and slid the shutters open. Sunlight streamed into the room, bathing the girl on the futon with its warmth, and effectively waking her up. She groaned, and draped her sleeve in front of her eyes.

"Turn off the damn lights," she muttered incoherently, in a language I could not understand.

I raised an eyebrow. "Clara-san?" Rin asked, kneeling beside me. I heard Jaken scoff behind us.

"Wouldn't be the first time she talked in her sleep," he muttered, in a tone that hinted that he knew something. Though I could care less what it was at the moment.

"Clara-san?" Rin said again.

"No, mom…school was murder…as always," she muttered, still asleep.

"Clara," I said. My patience had worn thin by now.

She automatically pulled her sleeve away from her face, her eyes wide with shock. She looked up at me, a faint red tinge spreading across her cheeks.

"Predictable," Jaken muttered.

Clara blinked. "What are you doing here?" she asked, carefully sitting up.

I didn't answer; instead, I turned to Rin and Jaken. "Leave, the two of you," I said, tilting my head towards the garden.

"Are you going to talk to Clara-san, Lord Sesshoumaru?" Rin asked, as she and Jaken walked out on to the veranda.

I didn't answer her, my gaze fixed on the priestess in front of me. "Come on, Rin," I heard Jaken say. "Don't ask Lord Sesshoumaru silly questions, you dotty girl!" I followed them with my eyes as they went into the garden, and then turned my gaze back to the priestess who was sitting up on the futon, with a red tinge in her cheeks. Was she still ill?

"Most humans would have been cured by now," I said indolently, my eyes locking with hers.

She blushed and lowered her eyes to her lap. "Yeah," she mumbled. "I'm still sick…"

It was no surprise, seeing how weak she was. But I was not here for that.

"Where is the Sacred Jewel?" My question caught her off guard, and she looked at me with narrowed eyes.

"Why?" she asked, guarded, the blush on her cheeks instantly fading. "Are you going to use it?"

Me, use that blasted jewel?

"I do not require the use of a mediocre jewel to aggrandize my power," I said, insulted. Did she think I was weak? Hn.

"I suppose not," she said conciliatorily. "If that's so…Why do you want it?"

I stared dispassionately at her. "Do you have it?"

She stared hesitantly at me for a moment, and then reached into the sleeve of her haori, pulling out the Sacred Jewel. It glowed pure pink at her touch. Pure. Very pure.

I looked at her, and she looked at me, her cheeks promptly reddening. "Why…did you want to see it?" she asked.

I did not answer, instead I held out my hand for the jewel. Clara hesitated before dropping the jewel into my palm. It slowly turned black, and I heard her sharp intake of breath. Though, it was only half the jewel, I could sense its infinite power. It didn't interest me, however.

"Naraku will be after this," I said quietly, more to myself than to the sick girl.

I gave it back to her, and watched, amused, as the jewel glowed pure pink once again. Clara was going to be bait for Naraku. I nearly smiled at the thought of him coming to me rather than the other way around.

"Sesshoumaru?" Clara's voice broke through my thoughts.

I looked at her, and she reddened once again. "I'm…sorry," she said quietly.

What was she talking about?

She must have seen the puzzled expression behind my impassive façade. "I must be a burden to you," she said quietly, her eyes fixed on her lap, her face redder than ever. "Always wasting your time, always delaying you…"

Yes, she was a waste of time—that was without a doubt. And yes, she was always delaying me.

"You are far too insignificant to be a burden," I scoffed.

She looked up at me, blinking. "You don't find me…cumbersome?" she asked, her eyes sapphire.

"You're too insignificant," I said, resisting the urge to roll my eyes.

She suddenly smiled. "I'm glad," she said quietly, her eyes fixed on her lap again.

"Has Shizuka seen to you?" I surprised myself when I asked the question. Of course, Shizuka would have tended to her—she wouldn't dare disobey my orders.

"Yeah," she said, looking up at me, blushing again. "But…she seemed to hate me…or I was just paranoid." She was silent for a moment. "All the demons in this castle…hate me, don't they?" She kept her eyes fixed on her lap, not looking at me.

"Perhaps."

I saw her cringe. Clara slowly raised her eyes to mine, that funny emotion in them again. What was it? Before I had time to even ponder it, her question caught me off guard.

"Do you hate me?"

Her question was unexpected, and—though I would never admit it—it surprised me. As did the look in her sapphire eyes.

I thought her annoying, but was she annoying enough to make me hate her? Why was I even thinking about answering such an asinine question?

Before I could even think of an answer, Rin's voice cut through the silence that followed Clara's question.

"Clara-san!" she cried out as she leapt on to the veranda. "Look what I got for you!"

She rushed into the room, with Jaken at her heels, carrying a bundle of white heather flowers in her hands. "Look!" she said, kneeling next to Clara and holding out the bundle to her. "Don't they smell nice?"

Clara took them from her, and smiled. "Thank you," she said. "But I don't think Lady Hayomi will like you picking her flowers for me. I think you should go pick some for Lady Momitsumi." She looked somewhat downcast when she said it.

Rin was thoughtful. "Okay!" she said amiably. She stood up. "Come on, Master Jaken! Let's go pick Magnolias for Lady Momitsumi." She turned to me and bowed. "I'll be going, Lord Sesshoumaru." I watched, slightly amused, as she and a disgruntled Jaken left.

"Here," Clara suddenly said, holding out the white heathers to me. "You should give these to Lady Momitsumi. Girls always love flowers…" Her voice trailed off, and there was that funny look in her…dreary blue eyes again.

I stood up, not bothering to take them from her. "I don't waste my time on such trifles," I said with disdain. Giving flowers? How foolish.

I didn't say anything else as I turned and left.

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.:-Clara-:.

I watched as Sesshoumaru left, feeling…I don't know whether I should feel buoyed by his unexpected visit, or downcast because he failed to answer my question.

I sighed. I wished he answered my question, so—if the answer had been yes—at least I would have stopped hoping…

What was I talking about? Of course he hated me. After all…he was quite willing to use me as bait for Naraku, right? The thought of him hating me was so repugnant, so intolerable, and so painful that I squeezed the stems of the white heather flowers in my hands.

At least I wasn't a burden to him…

But he did call me insignificant, which is just as bad as him hating me…

Wait, was I even thinking? Shouldn't I be trying to get rid of my feelings for him? But…I had a sneaking suspicion that I was falling deeper, nearing the point of immutability. And that couldn't happen…it just couldn't. This forbidden love would be my downfall if I let it grow till it became irrevocable.

I sighed again. Why, Lady Kikyou, did you have to ask him of all people to take me to Mt. Tenku? I mean, we weren't even going to our destination yet…

"Clara-san!" Rin and Jaken were back.

They both came in to the room, Rin running ahead of Jaken, who huffed and grumbled like he always did. Rin was holding white Magnolias in her little arms, a proud smile on her face.

"Look what I got for Lady Momitsumi, Clara-san!" Rin said, smiling as she knelt beside me. "Aren't they pretty?"

The sight of those flowers only made me more…bleak. Indeed, Lady Momitsumi was a good match for Lord Sesshoumaru. Wait…Lord Sesshoumaru? Since when have I used the honorific? I fought to contain the sigh that threatened to escape me as Rin held out the Magnolias to me, as though waiting for my approval.

"They're…beautiful, Rin," I said, smiling as I took them from her. "Like Lady Momitsumi." But, then again, Magnolias meant 'Splendid Beauty', didn't they? So they were a fitting gift for Lady Momitsumi, I should think.

"Lord Sesshoumaru left already?" Rin asked, blinking, as she took them back from me.

"Duh," Jaken said, as he began closing the shutters, dimming the light in the room once more. "The fact that you didn't notice when we first came in, says something."

"Aw," Rin said, sighing. "I wanted to ask him to give these to Lady Momitsumi for me."

"Why don't you give them to her yourself?" I suggested, trying to drown out the bitterness that welled inside me.

"You don't look too happy with your own suggestion," Jaken pointed out, giving me a meaningful look.

I stiffened and narrowed my eyes at him. "What are you talking about?" I asked, feeling dread build up within me. Did Jaken suspect something?

Jaken looked at Rin. "Rin, why don't you go and…er…find more Magnolias for Lady Momitsumi?" he suggested. "You only picked so few, it's an insult to the lady's honor."

Rin beamed at him. "Okay, Master Jaken!" she said cheerfully and, clutching her Magnolias to her, she slid open the shutters and dashed out into the garden.

I looked at Jaken, and he looked at me, his huge eyes narrowed. "What did you mean by earlier?" I asked, feeling dread take hold of me.

"Last night, while you were asleep," Jaken said. "You were talking in your sleep."

I stared at him, my eyes wide. I never talked in my sleep…before. "And?" I asked, trying to be nonchalant.

"You started talking after Lord Sesshoumaru rescued you," he went on, killing me with the suspense.

"So?" I said. I coughed slightly, a remnant of the fever that was abating dramatically (why couldn't modern antibiotics be as quick?).

"I would like to know," Jaken said, narrowing his eyes. "Why you were saying Milord's name."

I felt numb. I felt the blood drain out of me. But that couldn't be right because I could feel my cheeks reddening.

"I…I was not!" I lied, the red in my cheeks easily giving me away.

He stared at me, obviously not buying it.

"Really, I wasn't!" I tried to sound more convincing. "Maybe you were just dreaming, Jaken."

"Ha!" Jaken crowed. "Don't fool me, you silly girl. Just so you know, Lord Sesshoumaru ordered me to keep an eye on you last night. I did not sleep."

I was hyperventilating by now. What to do? What to do? What to do?

"Well," I said. "He saved me, so…" I shrugged.

Jaken narrowed his eyes at me. "I'll give you some advice," he said. "Hide it, Clara." Huh? He actually used my name. But that wasn't important right now.

"Hide what?" I asked, blinking at him and trying to look innocent.

"Your obvious feelings for Milord!" I felt like fainting at that. My cheeks burned even further.

I gave up. What was the point in lying?

"Is…is it that obvious?" I asked softly, lowering my eyes to my lap.

Jaken snorted. "I'm surprised my lord hasn't gotten wind of it yet," he scoffed. "But then, it wouldn't be in milord's nature to detect such trifling matters as feelings. He isn't at all empathic, you see. Which is why milord's might is unrivaled!"

I groaned. Great…Jaken knew. What joy.

"You…wouldn't tell him, would you?" I asked, knowing that I was at the mercy of the toad kneeling beside me.

"I wouldn't bother my lord for something like this!" Jaken said. "But, if you are wise, you will hide it, Clara."

"What happens if he knows?" I asked. Might as well find out.

"Who knows?" Jaken said, shrugging. "Just hide it, you silly girl, and save me milord the trouble, won't you?"

At that moment, Rin came back in carrying more Magnolias than earlier. I only listened halfheartedly to her ramblings as I thought of what Jaken had said to me.

.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.

-.-Sesshoumaru-.-

"It has been a week, my son, we must not delay any longer," Mother said. The two of us were strolling in the garden—or rather, Mother had cornered me there. "Delaying your Binding Ceremony is disrespectful to Lord Hoshimaru."

I was silent, my eyes fixed on the wide spreading branches of the Acacia trees.

"Do you not wish to be bound?" she asked. "Or…are you delaying because of that priestess again?"

True—Clara's illness and assassin had provided the perfect excuse for a delay. But a week had passed, and Clara had long since recovered from her infection. There had been no more attempts on her life. In fact, the only demon to ever approach her was Shizuka who, I had reason to believe, was starting to grow fond of the human priestess she had cared for.

Why did I even delay? Was I frightened at the thought of being permanently bound to Momitsumi till we were wed? Me, afraid? Never.

"Very well," I said, turning to Mother. "We shall leave tomorrow, if that is your wish."

Mother smiled. "It is."

.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.

.:-Clara-:.

"So…They're leaving for the North tomorrow?" I felt even bleaker than before.

It had been a week since I'd been sick. Shizuka would occasionally stop by to see how I was doing, or if I needed anything. I was touched at her kindness—it seemed she didn't hate me anymore, and for that I was more than grateful. But now, the happy balloon that was inflated by Shizuka's kindness was punctured by the thought of Sesshoumaru leaving with Lady Momitsumi for the North tomorrow.

It was night now. Jaken had just brought us this news, along with a tray of dinner. The shutters were thrown open, allowing the cool night breeze and the scent of flowers from the garden to enter the room.

Jaken nodded as he helped himself to one of the bowls on the tray. "Yes," he affirmed. "Finally, my lord shall be bound to his lady."

I didn't feel…discomfort at that anymore—I felt pain. And that only told me one thing—my feelings for Sesshoumaru were getting stronger. And stronger.

"I'm happy for Lord Sesshoumaru!" Rin said cheerfully, helping herself to one of the bowls on the tray. "What about you, Clara-san?"

"Um, yeah," I said, lowering my eyes to my lap again. "I'm happy for him." I looked up just in time to see Jaken throw me a cautioning look.

"Enough talking, you silly girls!" Jaken reproached. "Now, eat, won't you?"

I sighed and took the last bowl from the tray. Steamed vegetables stirred with eggs. At least it was better than what Jaken was popping into his mouth. Was that…a burnt newt he had between his chopsticks?

As I ate, I tried to distract myself from Sesshoumaru. But it was impossible. My thoughts kept returning to him no matter what I did. The more I thought about him, the more pain I felt. He was just so beyond my reach…in fact…he was too good for me. I might as well try to forget him, but…I knew that I would never be able to do that. Never.

.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.

-,-Kagome-,-

"Kagome's been down lately," Sango was saying, not far behind me. All around us, we could hear the chirping of larks as they flew amidst the early morning sunlight.

"I agree," Miroku, walking beside Sango, said. "She's been like that since last week."

"Do you think it has something to do with Inuyasha?" Shippou too? I groaned. Beside me, I could feel Inuyasha stiffen as we walked on ahead.

"It always has something to do with Inuyasha," Sango pointed out, sighing. I could hear even Kirara mew in agreement.

"Hm…they haveratherbeen distant for the past week," Miroku mused.

"Why?" Shippou asked.

"Who knows?" Sango said.

"It's not like I can't hear you!" Inuyasha and I said in unison, looking back at them from over our shoulders. They chuckled sheepishly. I sighed and looked at Inuyasha. He was looking at me with analytical eyes.

"C'mon, Kagome," he said, grabbing me by the elbow and dragging me off.

"Wait, where are we going?" I asked, as he led me through the trees.

"Somewhere we can be alone." I blushed at that. Inuyasha looked over his shoulder, at Miroku and Sango. "You lot wait there, got it?" he hollered.

"Inuyasha, where are we going?" I asked as he continued to lead me through the trees. Their shadows danced across us as we walked.

He didn't answer. We continued walking until we came to a cypress tree. There was a log at the base of the cypress and I gladly sat down on it. I looked up at Inuyasha, who remained standing for a moment, looking at me.

"Kagome," he said, sighing, as he knelt in front of me. "What have I done now?"

I looked at him. It was still so hard to forget hearing him talk in his sleep, so hard to forget him calling out to Kikyou…

I shook my head. "Nothing," I lied.

"Kagome," he said, sighing again. "You and I both know I did something. Since last week, you've been…edgy, somewhat moody and…distant. I don't want to be distant from you, Kagome. What's wrong?"

As if you don't know. "Nothing," I lied again, growing irked.

"I can tell when you're lying," he said softly.

I raised an eyebrow at him, feeling my temper rising to the surface. "There's nothing wrong," I insisted. "I'm fine, so stop worrying."

"Even Miroku and Sango noticed," he pointed out. "So will you stop being so damn stubborn and tell me what the hell is wrong?" The rough Inuyasha was back.

I glared at him. I was about to say the word, when Inuyasha's eyes suddenly widened. He stood up and looked up at the sky, his hand on the hilt of Tessaiga.

"What is it?" I asked, standing up too.

"Hakudoshi's scent," he said. At that moment, Miroku and Sango burst through the trees, Shippou and Kirara in tow.

"Inuyasha!" Miroku called out.

"I know!" Inuyasha said.

At that moment, I felt a familiar pull. A faint, persistent tug. "A Shikon fragment!" I exclaimed, looking up at the sky.

"What?!" Sango exclaimed. The presence of a single Jewel Shard could only mean one thing—her brother, Kohaku.

As we looked up at the sky, the clouds darkened and then a hoard of demons burst through the clouds, Hakudoshi at their lead. Hakudoshi flew on Entei, surrounded by his barrier, but there was someone else who rode behind him…

"Kohaku!" Sango shouted.

"Come on, Inuyasha," Miroku said as he and Sango rode on Kirara. "Let's go after them!"

"You don't gotta tell me that!" Inuyasha said, turning to me. "Come on, Kagome!"

I nodded. "Right."

.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.

.:-Clara-:.

Sesshoumaru and Lady Momitsumi were gone.

I could think of nothing else as I looked out at the garden. For once, Jaken had allowed me to leave the room, so as long as I stayed on the veranda. I was thankful for the fresh air and the floral scent. They helped to alleviate the…pain I was feeling at the moment.

"Isn't it time you went back inside?" Jaken snapped, coming up from behind me. I turned to him. Urgh…He was so short, he only reached above my knees.

"Can't I stay here a little longer?" I pleaded. "You've kept me locked up for a week now. How would you like it if it was you?"

"Now's not the time to be stubborn, you incompetent girl!" he screeched. "In case you've forgotten—you're more prone to danger now that Lord Sesshoumaru has left!"

I was silent. Sesshoumaru…

He didn't even say goodbye…

Why would he?

"Let Clara-san stay out here with me, Master Jaken!" An all too familiar voice trilled. Rin was suddenly beside me, flashing that sweet, toothy grin of hers. "The day is so nice, you see."

I heard Jaken grumbling something about stubborn humans. "Aw, come on, Jaken," I said, trying to be cheerful. I knelt in front of him, grinning. "Everyone knows how much you love stubborn humans!"

"Bah!" he snapped. "If it weren't for the fact that Lord Sesshoumaru would punish me for it, I would have done away with you a long time ago!" He waved his staff threateningly at me to prove his point. "After all, you humans are—"

My eyes suddenly widened in shock, and Jaken automatically clamped his mouth shut the moment he saw my reaction.

"What now?!" Jaken snapped.

I felt it. A familiar and sharp pull, a pull like gravity, but totally familiar…

"A Sacred Jewel shard!" I exclaimed.

At that moment, the guards rushed past the veranda, with the captain, Arai, at their lead. "The castle is under attack!" Arai shouted.

"What?!" Jaken screeched as more guards rushed past. He turned to me and Rin. "Quick! Inside you two!"

I did as I was told and rushed inside, not to hide, no, but to retrieve Midoriko's sword, Shinsei. I tucked it into my sash and ran out on to the veranda.

"Where on earth are you going, you impudent girl?!" Jaken screeched. I heard him running after me, but I was faster.

"To the Sacred Jewel shard, where else?" I shouted, from over my shoulder.

"Wait!" he shouted. "Get back here, or Lord Sesshoumaru will have my head!"

I didn't pay him anymore mind as I ran towards the courtyard, where I heard the shouts of the guards. I knew that I was more of a hindrance than a help, but—with a Sacred Jewel shard out there—I might be able to do something.

I hope.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

"Attack!"

The courtyard was in chaos. Hoards of demons lunged towards the guards who were fending them off with swords, daggers, and other such weapons. Blood and…body parts were scattered here and there, making my stomach churn. Urgh…what a macabre sight…

I heard the guards shouting around me, some in triumph as they felled one or two demons down, some in agony and despair as they were overcome by the hoard of demons. There was nothing powerful about these demons that attacked—it was just they were so numerous.

No one noticed my presence as I ran hesitantly into the courtyard, scouting around for the Sacred Jewel shard.

"Watch out!"

"Dah!" I felt someone push me to the ground, felt my chin scrape against the cobblestones. At that moment, several demons soared overhead, their jaws opened. If I hadn't been pushed down, I would have been pushing daisies by now.

"Thank you," I gasped, looking up at my savior.

Captain Arai's face froze with hate and recognition. "You!" he exclaimed, pulling me to my feet. "Midoriko! What are you doing here?" He sounded angry.

"I sensed a Sacred Jewel shard!" I said, pulling my wrist away from him.

"Sacred Jewel shard? Where?"

I turned to the hoard of demons that were roaring towards the castle, their fangs bared. "Uh…" Not, not there. Where was it?

Suddenly, the familiar pull…

"Up there!" I pointed upwards, at a pink barrier. There were two people in it, riding an all too familiar demon horse. A child dressed in black with green armor, and a chain-scythe in his hands. It was from him that I felt the pull of the Sacred Jewel shard. And the other child was an albino with white hair and lavender eyes…

"Hakudoshi?!" I exclaimed.

He smirked, looking down at me. "Long time no see, Midoriko."

.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.

-.-Sesshoumaru-.-

"It is more than an honor to have you wed our daughter, Lord Sesshoumaru," Lord Hoshimaru said, bowing. Again. Hn. Obsequious man.

He sat across from Momitsumi and I, with his fair haired mate, Kisara, at his side. I merely tilted my head to acknowledge his bow. After all, my domain was far more powerful than his.

"That your honorable Mother thought our daughter worthy enough to be your mate was honor in itself," Lady Kisara said, smiling.

I said nothing, preferring silence. "I am sure his lordship will find our daughter suitable enough," Lord Hoshimaru said.

"Yes, he will." Mother, who was sitting on my left, gave me a pointed look. She turned to Lord Hoshimaru. "Your daughter is very beautiful."

"I am nothing in comparison to Lady Hayomi," Momitsumi said shyly, from my right.

"Nonsense!" Mother scoffed. "What do you think, my son?"

"When is the Binding Ceremony to be held?" I asked, ignoring Mother's commonplace question. Beside me, I heard Momitsumi sigh…in relief?

"Now," Lord Hoshimaru said blandly. "We are merely awaiting the clan elders who will perform the ceremony."

I nodded. "My son is not a very patient man," Mother offered. "He is rather—"

The door to the reception hall suddenly slid open with a loud crash. "Lord Sesshoumaru!" It was a messenger, rather bloody and tattered, his eyes wide with fear. "My lord! The Western castle has been attacked! A hoard of demons and a strange white child have…" But before he could finish, he collapsed onto the polished cypress floor, dead.

"What is the meaning of this?!" Lord Hoshimaru exclaimed indignantly.

But I paid him no mind.

A hoard of demons—Naraku's demons.

A strange white child—Hakudoshi…

Clara...

"Lord Sesshoumaru...?!"

I did not answer Lord Hoshimaru as I ran out the veranda and flew off.

.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.

A1969: there you go. All done for this chapter.

Inuyasha: finally.
Kagome: be a little more appreciative, Inuyasha!
A1969: yeah, Inuyasha, be a little more appreciative! Oh, and thanks to those who reviewed the previous chapter! Review this one, please!