Disclaimer: I do not, nor will ever own, the amazing creation known as Inuyasha.

How to be Dominant

Chapter 2

When establishing your dominance, be sure to have to support of your position from your pack members.

"Are you not the Alpha?"

Sesshoumaru's question seemed to echo in Inuyasha's mind. The words quickly filled up the empty space in between his ears, and all of his thought processes seemed to come to a screeching halt. Even his grip on the Tetsusaiga loosened considerably, allowing the heavy blade rest against the ground. Inuyasha's body went numb and his jaw dropped of it's own accord.

What the hell!!!

Kagome's unsteady voice cut through the air, "Alpha?"

What in the world was Sesshoumaru thinking? As if the wench was the alpha of his pack! He was the damned male, he should be the dominant one!

"Damn it, Sesshoumaru! As if that wench could ever be the alpha! I thought you had more fucking brains than that!" Inuyasha roared angrily. He grinded his teeth and quickly lifted Tetsusaiga in the air. He would teach that bastard who was alpha. There was no doubt that Sesshoumaru could deny that he was the boss after he beat the shit out of him!

Kagome's eyes narrowed. When would that boy ever learn to ask questions first then destroy? Kagome could already feel a headache forming and glanced at Sesshoumaru. This wouldn't be pretty but it had to be done. She lowered her bow as Inuyasha prepared to pounce on the ever-calm Sesshoumaru.

"Sit boy!"

As soon as the words hit his ears, Inuyasha let out a surprised yell and felt himself crashing into the dirt. Damn it, Kagome!

Forbidden words and dirt spewed from Inuyasha's lips as the group looked down at their so-called leader in shame. Shippo grimaced as the eerie smirk made a reappearance on Sesshoumaru's face and Miroku and Sango allowed a sigh of embarrassment escape from their mouths. Inuyasha had no skills in diplomacy whatsoever.

Sesshoumaru watched in slight amusement as the hanyou kissed the dirt. It seemed that his point had been proven. The woman had the ability to subdue his crude brother and possessed enough intellect to realize that he did not desire to fight. Of course he wasn't surprised at her actions, he could recall previous meetings that took place before Naraku's defeat proceeding in a similar fashion.

"Miko, perhaps it would be prudent to discuss this matter privately." Sesshoumaru advised. It would be futile to discuss the bargain with his bothersome sibling present.

Kagome watch as Inuyasha got up from the spell and glared hatefully in her direction. She had no doubt that he was feeling betrayed. While she silently agreed with Sesshoumaru that it would be handled better away from Inuyasha, she still didn't trust the inu-youkai. Her faith in her safety where Sesshoumaru was concerned was as big as Myouga, and that was saying something.

"Thanks for the suggestion, but I wouldn't want to leave the others out of this. I'm sure Inuyasha will behave himself. Right, Inuyasha?" Kagome sent him a pointed look that promised punishment if he even thought of touching his sword.

"Feh." Inuyasha spit out as he sat near the campfire and crossed his arms defiantly. Inuyasha pushed aside the sickening thought that Kagome had betrayed him with her actions and silently proved her dominance. He would let Kagome talk to the bastard now, but later he and his "alpha" would have a small chat.

"See, Sesshoumaru. He will cooperate and the others-" Kagome happily gestured to the skittish group behind her "-will remain quiet if you wish."

Sesshoumaru nodded his consent and found a suitable place for him to sit around the dying fire. He wasn't necessarily pleased with the girl's decision, but he would allow her companions to listen to their discussion this time.

As Shippo and Kirara joined Inuyasha, Kagome situated herself next to Sesshoumaru, Miroku and Sango sitting closely behind her. Kagome was grateful for their presence, because being so close to the Killing Perfection was causing her nerves to crash into a jumbled mess. His cold beauty was causing her heart to flutter a bit, but his deadly fangs and claws made her palms sweat. The impassive look in his eyes seemed to display patience, but Kagome knew that if they didn't take care of this soon that they could all end up as food for the vultures.

"Sango, would you please grab some of the tea packs from my bag and make us some?" If Kagome didn't get anything into her system soon, she was sure it was going to shut down and cause her to go into a vegetable state. And she really didn't want to drool in front Sesshoumaru.

"Hai, Kagome-chan." Sango said coldly. She wasn't directing her tone towards her friend, instead she wanted to let the youkai lord to know her displeasure of his attention on her friend. It seemed her message got across as Sesshoumaru as he sent her a freezing look of resentment. The slayer better learn her place.

Miroku watched the interaction nervously. Did his Sango know that she was seconds from death? That at any moment Sesshoumaru's poison whip could slice that pretty head of hers off? "Ah, Sango-sama, perhaps you should take a look a Kirara's wounds. I bet they have healed up nicely by now."

Sango set the pot in the fire to warm the water and then shot Miroku a determined glare. "She'll be fine. Perhaps Sesshoumaru-sama would like to tell us of his bargain." She answered back snidely. Kagome watched this worriedly. Her friends were not helping the situation.

"Sango-chan please calm down. Getting angry will not contribute anything to this discussion as you can see from Inuyasha's example earlier." Kagome said politely. A snort of contempt followed closely after her comment from an irked hanyou. Ignoring the noise, Kagome continued, "Now what can we do for you, Sesshoumaru?"

"Miko, it has come to my attention that there is a difference in these shards than that of those that were dispersed before Naraku."

Kagome nodded her head warily. She knew there was a difference, she had accidentally caused the change during the battle. Fortunately no one had said or known anything about it.

Well, until now.

Kagome watched as Sesshoumaru reached into his haori with his only hand and pulled out a small brown bag. There was some type of spell or barrier on the bag that emitted a soft glow, but Sesshoumaru quickly dispelled it and opened the bag up. Inside Kagome could see the pure pink glow of the shards. They seemed fine to her. What was the problem?

Sesshoumaru noticed Kagome look at him in confusion. Did the wench notice? Perhaps her staying with the hanyou has made her daft.

"What has caused these shards to stay pure in this Sesshoumaru's presence?"

It was then that Kagome felt it. And as she looked at her companions she noticed she was the only one who felt it. Could they not see or feel the soft pure waves flowing off the shards and mixing with Sesshoumaru's youki? Perhaps the barrier was still present but she could somehow see past it. If that was the case, then why? What in the world did she do to the jewel?

In her confusion, Kagome was able to let out a shaky, "I don't know."

The presences of the shards mixing with Sesshoumaru was perplexing and-Kagome thought with worry- creepy. If her powers that were mixed into the jewel weren't affecting Sesshoumaru, then how was she to defend herself. Did this mean her powers no longer worked? More importantly, did this happen with every youkai or just him?

Sesshoumaru caught the unsure and slightly scared look in the Miko's eyes and found himself uncomfortable with the look. This was the girl that foolishly defied him in his father's tomb, that bravely- and stupidly-shot an arrow at his person without shaking in fear, and that wiped out one of the most despicable creatures that he had ever had the displeasure of meeting. And even though he had seen her fear before, for some reason it did not rest well with him this time.

"Are you certain?"

Kagome nodded mutely.

Sesshoumaru glanced at his brother quickly, noting his childish stubborn pose. "Then I shall accompany you on your travels."

"What!!!" Suddenly the hanyou wasn't silent anymore.

"Sesshoumaru, I don't think that's such a good idea." Kagome said quickly.

"Hell yeah, it isn't a good idea!" Inuyasha growled out angrily.

"Inuyasha, shut-up!" Kagome's headache began to burst behind her eyes. Was that tea ready yet?

"Miko, if you want the shards then I suggest you agree with this Sesshoumaru's terms," Sesshoumaru said resolutely.

Sesshoumaru decided that the best way to resolve his questions would to observe the miko and her companions. This also would lead to faster completion of the jewel, thus bettering his lands, and it would serve as a perfect opportunity to annoy his younger brother. The latter accomplishment being his favorite aspect of the deal.

Kagome sighed tiredly, she might as well consent it wasn't like they were doing a bang-up job on their own. "What are your terms?"

"That I may follow you in your travels, that Inuyasha will respect my authority and refrain from challenging my person," Sesshoumaru allowed time for that to sink into Inuyasha's thick skull. When he heard Inuyasha's quiet irritated growl he continued, "and that I may be available to any significant information pertaining to the jewel and it's origins."

Kagome blinked owlishly. Well that seemed simple enough, but maybe there was a catch. "Is that all?"

"Unless any other circumstances appear. I believe that is all." Sesshoumaru looked directly at Inuyasha, daring him to object his requirements.

Inuyasha glared hatefully at his brother and clenched his fists. "As if I'd respect him! He's nothing but a sorry-faced, stuck-up, measly jerk-off who shoves icicles up his-mmfp hfpm mphfm!!!"

Before the colorful picture could be elaborated Miroku and Shippo had quickly launched themselves at their loud-mouth friend. Some things were better left unsaid from Inuyasha.

Kagome watched this with a sour look. When would Inuyasha ever behave?

"Alright Sesshoumaru, but before I accept I have a few things I would like to say before this becomes official." Kagome said with a determined glint in her eye.

Sesshoumaru gave a small nod for her to continue. He had suspected that there would be a few guidelines for him as well.

"First off, any future shards we collect will go to our group. The shards are not meant to be used, but are there to be collect and kept from evil hands." Sesshoumaru gave her a look that clearly stated, "I'm not stupid, so don't treat me as such."

Resisting the urge to gulp, Kagome continued. "Also, do not presume you are in charge of our group. We have been traveling a certain way for a while now and it has kept us safe and content, so no trying to become the leader here."

Preserving her dominance, interesting. Sesshoumaru thought with a small glint in his eye. She had more pack instincts than he would have given her credit for. He would have to keep this in mind in the future.

"And lastly, no killing of any member in this group."

Kagome noticed Sesshoumaru's gaze drift over to Inuyasha's immobile and silent form.

"Especially Inuyasha."

Shippo and Miroku had sealed the hanyou's mouth shut and place one of Shippo's giant statues on his hands to keep him from moving. Kagome was thankful for their help, but silently wondered why they didn't save her the headache and do it earlier.

"Is this all, Miko?"

Kagome mentally went over her list. It sounded reasonable enough.

So with a nod, Kagome accepted the deal. "That's it."

Sesshoumaru watched as the young woman got up from her sitting position and put her hand forward. He followed her in standing, but looked at her hand in slight confusion. What was she doing? Did she expect him to do something with it?

"You shall not receive the shards till I'm through with the bargain." He stated as he eyed her hand.

"That's understandable." Kagome said with a smile. Why wasn't he shaking her hand? Was there something else he wanted?

Deciding to ignore her hand, Sesshoumaru nodded his head and was about to turn to find a more secluded spot. It was her hand that kept him from moving. It had grabbed his before he had turned and was now moving it up and down.

What was she doing?

Kagome looked at the quirked eyebrown on the face of the Taiyoukai and suppressed a giggle. So he did have other emotions besides resentment and boredom after all.

"Where I'm from we shake hands to seal an agreement," she supplied helpfully.

"Hn," was his elaborate reply. He was uncomfortable with the Miko touching him, but refused to show it.

Boy, it's going to be tons of fun traveling with him, Kagome thought with a light smile as she let go of his stiff hand.

Inuyasha merely struggled with his restraints in protest.

It was a new day as the group traveled. The night of the proposal had passed and it was time to move forward.

As they journeyed, Miroku's eyes followed the hypnotic way of Sango's hips, the rhythm being comforting and soothing his frazzled nerves. The curve of the woman's backside danced left to right, and conjured images of innocent fondles and teasing caresses of warm soft flesh. The confident stride that the slayer walked with only made the motions of her hips more noticeable, thus give the 'pure' monk a lovely show of sensuality.

Ah, the beauties of a woman should never be taken for granted. Especially one with the thighs of a dancer, the backside of a nymph, and the curves of a goddess. I should not forsaken in what Kami has blessed me with and enjoy the swaying of the magnificent flesh in front of me.

It wasn't until Miroku met Sango's fist that he realized that he had been speaking his thoughts out loud. Sango's face was flushed with embarrassment. Did the Houshi ever stop? And in front of an enemy no less!

Kagome gave a light laugh. That had been the first sound of happiness that had been made all day. It had been tense with Sesshoumaru present, but Miroku's lecherous ways had once again lightened things up.

"Miroku must be so tired that he has no inner monologue," she mused.

"Inner what?" Shippo questioned innocently, his large emerald eyes blinking up at her. Kagome held back a squeal. That kitsune was just too cute for his own good! Kagome ruffled Shippo's fiery copper hair.

"Inner monologue. It's what you call the thoughts that you keep inside your head, but you don't want anyone to hear." Kagome defined happily.

Inuyasha let out a snort, but kept walking. Apparently he was still upset, but maybe he was still upset because he was tired. Almost everyone had stayed awake the entire night, each too nervous to rest with the youkai lord present. It could be because he was cranky, because frankly that was a perpetual emotion for him. In any case, they were all a little cranky and tired.

Kagome took in a deep breath of air and tried to dispel the aching in her joints and the negative attitude. Trying to focus on positive thoughts Kagome realized that in only two more days she would be home. That meant plumbing, mattresses, air conditions and-if she got lucky-Oden!

Now with nice new bounce in her step, Kagome decided to let Sesshoumaru know of their plans.

"Sesshoumaru, we are heading back to Inuyasha's Forest for a small break. We should be ready to travel again in about a week-"

"Three days!" Interrupted Inuyasha. If the wench thought she was getting a week, then was losing her fucking mind.

Kagome rolled her eyes, "We'll talk about it later Inuyasha. Anyways," Kagome refocused her attention on the stoic youkai, "if you had any business that you needed to take care of, then that would probably be a good time."

Sesshoumaru gave a small nod and then glanced at the hanyou, "I shall accompany you to your village and then go settle my matters."

Inuyasha gave his trademark "Feh" and then turned away from the group, once again giving them the silent treatment. Stupid bastard, Inuyasha thought angrily as he kept on walking towards home.

Kagome repressed a sigh as she watched the interaction between the two brothers. Well, what did she expect? It wasn't as if the two had the best history.

Deciding to keep with her plan and stay away from negative thoughts, Kagome looked down at Shippo. He was now too big to carry and was currently content holding her hand while they walked. It seemed that the kit was now beginning to show signs of aging and was now possessing the looks of a handsome ten year old.

"What is it, Kagome?" he questioned as she stared.

"Nothing, just noticing how you are starting to grow," she said, her blue twinkling in love and happiness. A few years back the feelings of sibling love that Kagome had for the young Shippo had grown maternal and she couldn't help but want to take care of the kit as long as she could.

Shippo puffed out his chest in pride and gave an all too familiar cocky smile. The boy had been spending way too much time with Inuyasha. "Yeah, I know. Isn't it great? Soon enough, I'll be tall enough to kick Inuyasha's butt!"

Kagome swore she heard a "Yeah, right," come from the supposedly silent Inuyasha, but decided to ignore it. He was not going to rain on Shippo's parade.

"Maybe, but I think you should hold off on Inuyasha for now." Sango added in. Where had she come from? And wasn't there supposed to be another person?

"Umm, Sango." Kagome looked around worriedly, "Where's Miroku?"

"He'll catch up." Sango stated nonchalantly. She readjusted Hiraikotsu and locked her cinnamon eyes on Inuyasha's glistening white mane. "So is Inuyasha still not talking?"

"Yep." Kagome answered back. "He hasn't said but four words since this morning."

"Well perhaps you shouldn't have told him to not say anything, Kagome."

Kagome looked directly into Sango's eyes, "I didn't tell him not to say anything. I just said that if you don't have anything nice to say, then don't say anything at all."

"Well, that's basically telling him to shut up." Shippo commented.

Sango nodded her head in agreement.

Inuyasha had actually been in a talkative mood this morning. Unfortunately, it wasn't really talking. It was more of see how much cursing and derogatory phrases could be said toward Kagome's way before she snapped. And surprisingly she didn't. It was Sesshoumaru who had intervened.

Well intervening as in knocking the hanyou out cold before Kagome could even form the word sit.

After thanking Sesshoumaru awkwardly and receiving an indifferent nod in reply, Kagome managed to wake Inuyasha using some of the water from the nearby hot springs. She then imparted some of her advice to the sputtering hanyou and began to pack up for their journey home.

Kagome glanced back at the reserved Taiyoukai. He hadn't said much and didn't seem to protest at the slow rate of travel. In fact, he had been walking at the back of their group all day, which was strange because that was usually Miroku's post.

Kagome's breath hitched in her throat. Wait a minute. Could it be? Kagome's head slowly turned toward Sesshoumaru direction again. She took in his calm detached demeanor and hestitantly met his cool amber gaze.

No way.

Surely, the youkai had more honor than that. Of course, he was an inu-youkai and they could possess a fixation with…

Her eyes widened as she fought back her naughty thoughts. Stay away from that thought! No need to think like Miroku here.

Kagome forced her gaze from Sesshoumaru and made herself stare straight ahead. As if he would think like that. He probably only thought of swords, land, and the perfect way to disembowel a person while keeping them alive. Kagome's pretty face grimaced in sympathy pain. That would not be a good way to go and if she kept up her current line of thoughts that could very likely happen to her.

But Kagome couldn't get the thought out of her mind. It kept echoing in her thoughts. And as Sesshoumaru stayed in his position behind her, she couldn't help but ask herself:

Could Sesshoumaru be a secret pervert?

Somewhere far back in the distance, Miroku woke up the chattering of a chipmunk. He allowed a slow groan to emerge from his throat.

What happened?

Miroku thought back to the delicate hand that had aggressively made it's way to his tired noggin. Strangely, it wasn't the first punch that had knocked him out. No, it was cruel hit from Hiraikotsu after a delicious kiss from Sango that had got him.

That woman just couldn't keep her hands off of him.

With that happy thought, Miroku gave a smug smile and began to stand up. Or tried to.

It seems that Sango has gotten more creative with her signs of affection, Miroku thought worriedly as just noticed the awkward angle that the world was tilted. Evidently, his love had deemed it necessary to tie his hands together behind his back and attach the rope to the circular crest of his staff. Then she had apparently placed the staff between his legs and then tied his ankles together tightly, making the once useful staff an unnecessary restraint on his movements.

Using his elbows and knees, Miroku finally was able to achieve a standing position. He stared off into the distance and down the winding road. Luckily he spotted his friends, but unfortunately they were now specs on the horizon.

Love could be so cruel sometimes.

Miroku gave a large sigh, before attempting to adjust his body into a more comfortable stance.

Well, I guess I better get hopping.

A/N: Well, here's another chapter! I'm glad I got it out as fast as I did. It's taking me quite a bit of effort to get these chapters out, especially since I don't have a beta helping me with this one. Oh well. I hope you enjoyed this chapter and it wasn't too boring. Let me know what you think! Thanks so much for reading!

Sincerely,

LilBlueFairy