Guest

Kagome had insisted that they speak with Kohaku in the family wing, which irked Seshoumaru to no end. The den was a private place, only meant for family. Yet, she had no qualms bringing the slayer there. Her arm remained around his forearm as she led Kohaku though the palace. He longed to pull her away from the slayer. Her scent mingled with his now, and it bothered him. She touched him so openly and with familiarity. His eyes narrowed on the man with distrust. He would not admit he was envious of the attention the slayer was getting. He was not some jealous fool.

The three of them entered the family wing and sat down at a low table.

"So Kohaku-kun, have you been to see your family?"

"Yes, Sango has filled me in on what's been going on for the past few years."

"Oh...that's good. I know they miss you a..." She stopped when Kohaku grabbed her hands, holding them tightly.

"Kagome-sama, I am so sorry! I had no idea what had happened! Why didn't you send for me? Inuyasha...If..." Kohaku blurted out, his eyes shown of regret. Sesshoumaru looked away from the display with disgust.

Kagome pulled her hands free of his and placed her hand on his shoulder. Sesshoumaru's jaw clenched.

"It's not your fault Kohaku-kun. I didn't want to involve anyone else." She said quietly.

Kohaku let out a deep breath. He knew that her love for Sango and her family kept her from seeking outside help.

"Kagome-sama, why am I here?"

Kagome dropped her hand from his shoulder. "I…uh…actually I have no idea why you're here. Sesshoumaru-sama?

The daiyoukai in question glared at both of them. "If you two are done. There are important matters to discuss."

Kohaku gave him his full attention, while Kagome glared back at him.

"The Western Kingdom is on the verge of war. The snake tribes have been gathering allies, and are preparing to move against us."

Kohaku scratched at the stubble on his chin. "I have seen some things around your territory."

Kagome leaned forward and waved her wrist in a circle. "And? Go on."

Kohaku remained silent and locked his gaze solely on Sesshoumaru.

"He wants to be paid for his information." Sesshoumaru explained after a moment.

Kagome gasped. "What?! Kohaku-kun! How could you?"

The slayer shrugged. "Information is valuable, Kagome-sama. I have to feed myself, somehow."

The large wooden doors creaked open, drawing their attention.

"Kohaku-kun!" Rin shouted excited.

Everyone at the table turned to see Rin push open the big wooden doors to the den.

Her eyes brightened when she spotted Kohaku. She dashed over to the table and sat down next him.

"Rin-chan?" He asked incredulous.

She threw her arms around his neck and gave him a fierce hug. His face turned red at her unabashed affection. Sesshoumaru could not believe this. Even Rin showered him with intimacy. He wanted to rip his arm off for touching either woman. Kagome could not help but notice the irritated look that passed over Sesshoumaru's face. What was his problem?

"It has been so long since I have seen you! What brings you here?" Rin asked as she pulled away to look at his face.

Kohaku could not believe his eyes. The last time he had seen Rin had been four years ago. They had been somewhat close when they were younger, finding friendship during the times of Naraku. They had gotten to know each other more later on when he would visit his sister. He had always felt fond of her, because she had known him during his darkest hours. She had lived while others had not been so fortunate.

She looked at him now with a broad smile and happiness that reached her eyes. She looked beautiful in her green kimono. Her shiny dark hair remained long and flowing down her back. When was the last time he had seen her so...content?

"I don't know. Sesshoumaru-sama was just about to tell me why I'm here." Kohaku said giving the daiyoukai a pointed look.

"You are to go to the outer edge of our territory to the east. There have been some reports of the snake tribe attacking the villages there. Go and see what their movements are, then report back to this Sesshoumaru."

"I am not a subject of yours to order around. It will cost you."

"You will be compensated."

"I expect at least 100 - "

"I will go too." Rin interrupted.

Everyone stared at her.

"No." Sesshoumaru snapped, while Kagome asked, "Why?"

"I want to be useful. I know how they fight, and I am familiar with their strategies." She explained.

Kohaku looked dubious. "Rin-chan, there is no need. I have plenty experience defeating all kinds of demons."

Rin crossed her arms over her chest. "You have not been a target of theirs for several years. We have. It is possible that I will notice something that you will not."

Kohaku wiped his hand down his face. He wasn't super keen on helping Sesshoumaru in the first place, but given he knew he would pay, it would be worth it. The last thing he wanted to do was have Rin tag along. He would have to worry about keeping her alive the whole time.

"She has a good point. I think she should go." Kagome offered.
Kohaku gaped at her. "No, absolutely not." Looking at Sesshoumaru he said, "Look, if you want me to do this, fine. But I refuse to take Rin with me. She'll be too much of a liability."

Sesshoumaru saw the blazing hope in Rin's eyes, but he could not help but wish that she would stay.

"Hn. He will go alone."

Rin's face screwed up with anger. She slammed her fists on the table, and stood. Without looking at her personal traitors, she left the den. Kagome glared at Sesshoumaru for his blatant disregard for Rin's feelings. As much as she wanted to argue the point, she knew that it would not be the end of it.

Kagome sighed. "Well Kohaku-kun, I think you should stay the night here and tell us what you have witnessed. Tomorrow you can set off in the morning. You could use the rest and a good meal."

Sesshoumaru clenched his fist, and glared at the infuriating miko. Kohaku did not miss the daiyoukai's growing anger.

"Ah, perhaps I will just leave now. It will be quicker." He suggested.

Kagome waved her hand dismissively. "Nonsense. You will be more use to us when you have had a good night's rest."

Kohaku and Sesshoumaru both knew that she was not going let this go.

"Then could you have someone show me to the guest quarters?"

Kagome smiled happily. "Of course!"