Disclaimer: I don't own jack!

Pairing: Jirou/Kagome

Albatross

Chapter Six:

Shippou tucked himself in Kaede's protective embrace. The woman hadn't released him the moment Inuyasha had turned. Golden eyes bled a deep scarlet as claws scraped against the powerful barrier that held him in place. The old miko eyed the hanyou warily. It'd been a good three days since he'd lost his sanity. Inuyasha had gained only a brief moment of lucidity and returned Kagome to her family safely before he reverted back again. Somewhere deep within she could tell that he was fighting to regain his sanity. Still, something was stirring this beast. The Tessaiga at his hip continued to glow, as if attempting to suppress the power emanating from the hanyou. So what was causing this change?

A dark eye narrowed as the silver-haired hanyou threw the full force of his shoulder into her barrier. It would only hold for a few days more. Soon the creature that inhabited Inuyasha's body would break free from its bindings. The old miko stared at the two jagged stripes on each side of his cheeks and matching set upon the bone of his wrists. It were almost as if he were a full demon now. Perhaps it was time to call in some help? Kaede was uncertain that she'd have the power to seal away the youkai blood that ran amok in his body.

With the fox kit still wrapped securely in her arms, she turned her attention to one of her strongest village men. He went by the name Seii and easily towered over the others of the village. Not only was Seii tall, but he was also the most powerful and well-built villagers. No one could compare to his stature. It had been Seii who'd managed to hold Inuyasha down long enough for Kaede to place a barrier around him. Therefore, the age worn miko felt sure in her decision to send him off in search of much needed help.

"I need you to find the monk by the name Miroku." She started, covering Shippou's eyes as a splatter of the hanyou's blood sprayed across the light bubble of her barrier. He'd thrown himself against it so much that wounds had opened upon his shoulder and arms. Still, despite the pain Inuyasha kept fighting against her strength as if he'd never been injured. She did not take her good eye off of him as she spoke the next sentence. "He's a well renown monk who might have the power to reign in Inuyasha."

"Can he be trusted?" The all too suspicious man queried. His dark eyes darted towards said hanyou's feral appearance. Silver fangs glimmered in the faint moonlight. Shippou whimpered as the half-dog let loose a blood curdling inhuman snarl.

"Trustworthy or not, he's our only hope."

Serrated, glass-like claws scraped noisily with each swipe of a hand. Such words had never been more true.

Kagome threw her back upon the modest futon. Her father had left shortly after the meeting with the Soujoubou. He'd sent Kirara off to do a few rounds around the mountain, ensuring that it was free of evil spirits and youkai. Since then she'd been ordered by Tamaru to remain in bed for the next few days. He said that he wanted to be completely sure that her body was healed before allowing her to partake in any form of training. He also mentioned that it had something to do with the stress affecting her negatively. The teen grunted in dissatisfaction. She could just see that bulky Jirou's arrogant smirk at her weakness.

He'd become her shadow in the short time she'd been here. Having been given the high honor of protecting her, Jirou made his stance on her lack of physical and mental strength well known. The quips he threw her way were meant to hurt and send her running back home. Much to the crow's dismay, it'd only made her all the more stubborn about remaining upon this mountain.

The memory of Urasue's withered hand grasping her arm slithered itself into the back of Kagome's mind. Azure eyes narrowed at the now familiar wooden ceiling above. The bruise from the witch's grip was still there. Although it didn't hurt, a light yellow mark marred the skin where she'd touched her. The ugly contusion served as a stark reminder of why she needed to stay. Even before the incident with Inuyasha, the miko was convinced that she was in dire need of training. There had already been several attempted kidnappings, many more near deaths and not to mention the occasional threat of a lost limb. This merely served as the straw that broke the figurative camel's back. She needed to be here.

While uncouth, she knew that Jirou was strong. He could teach her how to become just as powerful as he was. To do that, she'd need to become a willing student. Kagome's face pulled into a scowl. That wasn't a thought she really wished to entertain. She'd prefer to take lessons from the aloof Suirou. The silver haired tengu was calm and collected. He never looked her in the eye directly but he did usually find subtle ways of answering her questions without addressing her directly. Such behavior was tiresome at first but Kagome digressed that much of how they acted was due to their upbringing. After much pestering, she managed to get a bit of their background from the otherwise kind tengu.

Suirou feared becoming one of the 'fallen', a race of tengu that fell to temptations such as lust and greed. They had forsaken their right to remain upon the holy ground of Mount Kurama after they'd sinned. So they were forced to enter into the Mundane World, as the other tengu had called it. They would never be permitted to return to their home and brethren. They would have to live their lives as outcasts. Kagome understood that fear. It all made much more sense to her. All the glares, trembling males and fearful whispers behind her back began to fall into place. She was an outsider here. This was not a place that she could call home, but she could adjust and overcome.

As it stood, only Master Soujoubou, Jirou and Tamaru would look her directly in the eyes. Jirou often tried to pick fights with her and remind her of her weaknesses. Which, again, egged on an argument and a desire to prove his assumptions about the female gender wrong. While Tamaru merely treated her as he would another patient. It did not matter to him whether she was a male or female; to him she was just another person that was in need of medical help. So he offered that service to her. A mutual respect began to bud between them.

A rough knock came from the shoji screen, "Get ready. Dinner will take place in the main hall soon." Jirou's deep baritone ordered with a pinch of distaste.

Kagome didn't respond. She found that no response often garnered a harsher reaction from him than a sarcastic one. It was a sign of disrespect and he loathed being disrespected. A tiny quirk pulled at her lips. Well he'd just have to get used to it because until he earned her respect, she'd give him none.

There was a long silence on the other end as well. It seemed as if he was uncertain of which path to take. Confront her and create another argument while risking being late for the dinner, or simply accept that she would not speak to him and wait until she finished preparing for dinner. Jirou ended up choosing neither.

"I will return in five minutes to escort you. Dress appropriately, this will be the first day that you will be officially presented to the other tengu. Do not disappoint." A heavy thudding of his footsteps disappeared down the corridor.

Kagome took a deep breath of relief.

How strange. That was the first time he'd actively avoided an argument. The jerk really seemed to get off on demeaning her. So to not partake in such a favored pastime, he must truly be concerned.

"I really ought to wear something scandalous just to tick him off." The teen scoffed before her expression softened. "Though, I don't think that'd be a smart idea. Pissing off a mountain full of tengu isn't exactly a productive activity for the longevity of my lifespan." With that thought aside, her hand brushed the clothing given to her from before. It was a simple yet traditional outfit. It almost seemed to fit in the Feudal Era more than the time period she was in now. Slipping on the haori, the dark-haired woman tied it tightly at the waist. The fabric tended to slip and as such she needed to secure it more tightly than she normally would have. Tamaru had stated that he could have one of their more skilled tailors fix the outfit for her, but until then ill-fitting clothing would have to do.

"Are you decent?" An all too familiar voice inquired from the other side of the shoji screen. It held a certain disdain in its tone that only Jirou could possess.

"I'm dressed. You may enter." Kagome answered politely. The screen snapped back, revealing an even more irritated tengu than before. She quirked a dark-colored brow at him. "Is something the matter?" Although the question was an inclination of concern, her voice held the same amount of disdain as his did. The man's face swiftly changed into that of a scowl.

"Follow behind me. Sit where I tell you to and do no speak unless you're spoken to directly. Do these things and all will be well." Jirou stated matter of factly. The air of superiority saturated the room. Azure eyes narrowed as the hair on the back of Kagome's neck rose from the not so subtle insult to her pride.

"I will do as I see fit. You needn't worry." Challenging him further, she stepped out into the corridor and began to make her way towards the sound of low, masculine chatter. It'd be no small matter finding her way through the labyrinth of this inner sanctum on her own. However she had confidence in herself to make it through without Jirou's help and she was planning on doing just that.

Said crow glowered over at her but said nothing. As much as he wanted to scoff at her, insult her and teach her, her true standing on this mountain he knew he could not. Master Soujoubou would hear nothing of it. Also, being responsible for the helpless girl, if he made her tardy on such an important day as her 'initiation' into their society then there'd be much hell to pay. Suirou would never let him hear the end of it either. The shame of failing in his duties towards her was far greater than the pride he'd feel demeaning her; as loathe as he was to admit it.

Hazel eyes watched with mild, sadistic amusement as the girl turned from one corner to the next. Her head would swivel to listen for the direction the sound of his fellow brethren were coming from. When following the noise alone would net her no results, she'd huff before stomping down a new and random direction.

Unable to stop himself, he let his first goad of the night slip.

"Having trouble?"

Kagome cast a blistering glare over her shoulder, "I'll find it on my own thank you very much! I don't need a babysitter."

"Not at this rate." Jirou stated flatly. It was true. They'd already gone full circle in a matter of five minutes. Now they had less than three to arrive. "You won't make it without my help." He watched as her fists clenched at her side. "You want to know why?" Ah, there it was again. The second goad. How many would it take to make her explode?

"Lemme guess, because you think that I'm a woman that I can't do anything without the help of a male." She whirled around and prodded his chest forcefully with a sharp poke of her index finger. "But you're wrong there. I will find my way through this hell hole labyrinth you've created and I'll do it on my own." A small smirk spread across her lips, "Just like how I'll eventually defeat you." All of his amusement immediately died at the threat. This weak, frail human creature dared to insult him? How foolish.

"You defeat me? How can you when you cannot even defend yourself?" His hand snatched her arm where the witch's bruise lay and gripped it tightly. "I can easily snap your bones into two. I have more power in my hand than you have in your whole body. Do not forget that woman." He quickly released her. Jirou hadn't put enough of a grip on her as to mar her flesh even further, but just enough to make his point.

"I didn't say right now." Kagome clarified as she straightened her back. Azure eyes burned with fierce determination. "I said eventually. I'm not strong enough yet but one day I will be. I'll make sure of it." The heated whisper of her determination caused a small, unwanted spark of respect within the tengu. She was so small and so frail. Her skin had been soft and unbearably yielding to his harsh touch. Yet here this girl was, ready to do whatever it took to get stronger; even put herself through his training regiment. The small spark of respect was quickly subdued.

If there was one thing Jirou was good at, then it was determining the strength of his opponent. He would treat this woman no different. Come tomorrow, he'd learn just how powerful she truly was.

"Ah! Here we go!" Kagome perked up as they rounded the final corridor, officially leaving the inner sanctum. Hazel eyes watched in guarded curiosity as his new charge found her way to the rest of their civilization by herself, just as she had promised; and not a moment to spare either. The dark haired teen shot him a smug smile. Not one to have his pride demolished, he not so gently pushed his way in front and slid open the doors leading to the dining hall. A hushing silence overcame the crowd. Several rows of tables stood lined up in perfect unison. Crowds of winged men sat in small crows of three or four, with an occasional group of six or seven jostling towards the aisle seats flanking either side.

Quietly, the miko followed her bodyguard to the frontal most table. It was a large, rectangular one that could seat upwards of twelve people. So far only six were seated at the end closest to the wall. They were all dressed similarly to her self-proclaimed babysitter, but their clothing spoke of high status with the decorations adorning their haori. She blinked, how curious. Apparently there might be a hierarchy here as well. Just how far back in time was this culture?

Jirou offered her the seat second from the aisle while he took the one next to her. The girl's back faced the crowd as she stared up at the black curtain that blocked the Soujoubou from view. The young woman knew that he was in there. She could feel it. A dull throb returned to the pit of her being and she fought not to wince in front of Jirou. The sounds of heavy footsteps and low, restless chatter resonated from behind the pair. Seconds passed before the pain subsided. Kagome let loose a small sigh that she hadn't known she'd been holding.

She shot a uncertain glare at her 'companion'. He had his eyes closed and a pair of black wings folded easily over his back. The bastard was ignoring her. Kagome scowled at him but chose not to say anything. It would appear she'd be on her own from this point forward.

"How are you feeling today?" Tamaru's gentle baritone inquired from behind her. The teen swiveled around to gape at the healer. When had he gotten there? Had she been that distracted to not notice him? Well there went all of her previous bravado.

"I'm fine, thank you Tamaru…" Kagome paused as she noticed his small wince of discomfort. This was her first time addressing him directly in front of others. Had she done something wrong? "Was that not correct?" She glanced between him and Jirou. "Is there a specific honorific I should be using?" This time she truly was asking out of curiosity. If they had a certain way they preferred to be addressed, then she'd like to use it.

Tamaru opened his mouth to explain but Jirou beat him to it, "We are all born of the same cloth. As such we refer to each other as brothers. You were not born upon this mountain therefore you may not be permitted to use such an honorific." Kagome's jaw clenched in irritation. Well that explained a lot.

"Thanks, that answers everything for me." She didn't stop the sarcasm from drenching her sugary sweet voice. "Now I know how I should answer to almost everyone. So what about you? Should I call you 'milord' now? After all you seem to think that the world revolves around you just like a daimyou." Tamaru slapped a hand over his mouth as he tried not to laugh. For a brief moment she thought she heard an elegant snicker from Suirou. Several other tengu sucked in a breath of fearful shock, waiting to see what the rather temperamental man would do.

"Show your respect!" Jirou began, the black feathers of his wings ruffling from the insult. However he was cut off from continuing his rant by the Soujoubou's hearty laugh.

"Calm yourself child, she does indeed have a very valid question." The curtains rose and the elder youkai was revealed sitting at the center of his own, rounded table. "For now, you have no need to use any honorific. We may not be your family but we will welcome you with open arms." She doubted that last bit from the momentary gasp of the audience. "You may travel freely about our grounds but only if you have a guard by your side at all times." The translation was spelled out in large, bold lettering: Jirou. The teen's expression soured. Great, now she'd never get away from him. Said male shot her a prideful glare. "Although the two of you must make an effort to get along." The older male clapped his hands together, "Now, let's begin our fest shall we? There's been enough theatrics for one evening." Bowl after bowl of soup was brought out on modest trays. Two of which were set before the quarreling pair.

Them? Get along? Not a chance. As they ate the human and youkai subtly leaned as far away from each other as they couldn't without drawing the attention of the other tengu. His wings would occasionally flex and purposely knock against her bowl. The fine miso soup would tilted to the far edge, threatening to flee from the object completely, before he'd retract his otherworldly appendages. He managed to do it three times before she retaliated. With a swift, casual stretch she kicked the side of his leg with her foot; his spoon clattered into his own bowl. And thus their rivalry was born.

Much to the shock and amusement to their fellow spectators, Jirou and Kagome engaged in a battle of wills throughout the duration of the dinner. A bowl knock here, a leg kick there, even an occasional hair pull (which Kagome did not do under the disguise of seeing a flea upon his head. No, indeed she did not).

If she hadn't made a bad enough impression yet, she was sure to make an even worse one the following day.

Kagome smirked smugly as she casually flipped her hair over her shoulder; the black strands harmlessly slapping her guard in the face. Hazel eyes narrowed dangerously at the rebellious teenager.

"Tomorrow, we begin training." She said with such finality that he couldn't help but agree. He needed something to take his stress out on, and teaching this whelp of a girl her place would be a good way to start. He brought a cup of tea to his lips and gently blew on the steaming contents. With as much fire as she'd shown today, he only hoped that she would provide an even more entertaining display when he got serious. Seeing his charge casually wrap her hair over her knuckles before allowing the strands to drop uselessly through her fingers, he wasn't entirely sure. He supposed he'd find out tomorrow. A dark smirk spread across his lips. He would find out the true depths of her strength and weaknesses. He'd make damn sure of it.

Jirou sipped at his tea but quickly found that in his moment of disregard, it'd been switched with her cup that was now filled with the remnants of her miso soup. His brow twitched. Damn it all. In just that one second, the tengu digressed that she was faster than he'd given her credit for. The notion stuck with him. He'd underestimated her. Dark eyes narrowed with determination; tomorrow would be different. He was certain of it.

A/n: Yeah I had a little bit of fun there in that last part. Kagome and Jirou will have an… interesting relationship for this first part. They will be butting heads but they'll have a way of rubbing off on each other too. In this case Jirou is regarding her with a mild bit of respect but not much. It'll take a lot more before he really starts to show her any form of real respect. He's only more 'mild' with her right now because he's under strict orders to protect her. So we'll see how it all plays out. Let me know what you think! Thanks so much for all of your support!