Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha. I don't want him. Sesshomaru is way sexier, and I dare anyone to prove otherwise!

Ahem, anyway, I apologize profusely for not updating this story in so long. Hopefully, it was worth the wait.

The Mediator/Meddler

Ch. 2

Mina worked through her Seering Mirror inside her new home, miles away from the two brothers. The magical item, circular with a five foot radius, was framed with silver molded into flaming eyes. They seemed to gaze at their master, with a coldly apathetic stare. If Mina noticed such a thing, she ignored it, although Totosai and Myoga felt unease about the thing.

They sat on two purple cushions set out in this main room, behind Mina. Behind them, a wooden spiraled staircase rose high up, going to unknown levels. To the right was the only other piece of furniture, a long, low setting, mahogany table. At each end were a few lit candles, which would not burn out unless Mina said so.

There was a sound, like metal scratching metal. Through the smooth reflective surface of the mirror came out the two demonic swords. Myoga and Totosai watched in awe at how she controlled the fangs.

Myoga asked the question first, "Lady Mina, how is it you can do this?"

Totosai sighed, "It's all my fault, really."

Myoga turned to him on his shoulder, "How so?"

He just sighed again, so Mina explained. "This medallion was our lord and Totosai's design." She held up a plain, small golden disk, with a ruby stone in the middle. "It is connected to the fangs by our lord's blood and thus can control them. When it calls, they come."

Totosai scratched his head, "I never thought it would backfire like this."

Myoga gulped and tried to find the nerve he didn't have. "Um, Lady Mina? You do know about Master Inuyasha's little problem, correct?"

She rolled her eyes, "No, Myoga, I'm absolutely oblivious to all things regarding Inuyasha."

"Oh, well, you should know that-."

Her eye twitched, "I was being sarcastic. I know about his problem, of course." She took hold of the swords, seemingly caressed their hilts, then placed the fangs reverently on a nearby table. "I find them unworthy to carry these."

Myoga gasped, "How dare you! Master Inuyasha is perfectly able!"

Totosai squeezed Myoga, "Be quiet, or you're gonna get us killed." He looked over at her. "Besides, I think she's right.

Mina looked hard at Tensusaiga, "Although, this sword has partially accepted its wielder." She walked back over to the mirror. Touching it lightly, she ordered, "Let me see my Lord's sons."

At first, there was only fog. She felt the first bit of nervousness as she thought more and more about what was to come."My plan may have one problem, however. I hope Sesshomaru's heart doesn't fail me."

Steadily, the image cleared to show the group once more.

Sesshomaru was glaring at his brother, who was a few feet to his side, looking very pissed off.. "This is not negotiable. We will travel together." His tone and stature gave no leeway.

"Go away!" Inuyasha shouted at Sesshomaru. "I don't want to deal with you."

Kagome shivered, then whispered to Sango. "Is it just me, or is he…?" She gestured to the elder brother.

Sango nodded her head, "More menacing than usual."

Sesshomaru glared at them. The two girls gasped and trembled a bit. Being on the receiving end of that look made them want to run for all they were worth and never look back.

Inuyasha didn't appreciate being ignored, so he snapped. "Hey, I'm talkin' to you!" Sesshomaru swiveled his glare to his younger brother, who wasn't fazed in the least. "We don't need your help."

Miroku sighed, wondering if his next words might be his last."I have to disagree, Inuyasha."

This earned him a very dirty look from his friend, "What'd you say, monk?"

He held up his hands, "I'm just pointing out that we shouldn't be so hasty. After all, Inuyasha, Naraku could attack. Then what could we possibly do?"

This was pause for thought. Without the Tetsusaiga they were extremely vulnerable. Fighting Naraku without it would be suicidal. However, if they had a full blooded demon with a demonic blade at his disposal, their chances increased. Yet, there was another foe to fight before all that: Inuyasha's stubborn pride.

Sesshomaru was all eyes on his kin. "Inuyasha," the boy turned to him, "I'm not traveling to help you. That hells witch obviously wants us both there to obtain our fangs."

Inuyasha quirked a brow, then folded his arms. "Careful, you're showing emotion. We both know how much you hate that." Plus, it was down right creepy coming from the usually uncaring demon lord.

Sesshomaru's eyes flashed red, his voice became harsh and deep. "She took what was mine."

Shippo hid behind Kagome, who took a step back. Kirara trembled on Sango's trembling shoulder. Miroku gulped and also took a step back.

Inuyasha just stood like he was, staring into the demonic eyes. "Didn't realize it was so easy to get under your skin. It's just a sword."

Sesshomaru growled, "Your ignorance is astounding." Instead of releasing his anger, his icy mask fell back into place. Grudgingly, the lord admitted to himself that loosing control was not in his best interest. He imagined Inuyasha felt the same way he did, if not more furious, yet he was controlling those emotions. It was unlike him...

Except for the obvious fact that anger could make him change.

"Keh!" Inuyasha sneered, "Don't you have to take care of that human girl?"

Kagome shook her head, "Not a good idea. That forest is said to harbor traps for children."

The half demon growled, "I meant he should leave."

Sango ignored him, "And the journey will only take a few days. Surely she is safest where she's at?"

Inuyasha shouted in frustration, "Am I talking to thin air, here!"

Sesshomaru was silent for a moment, then nodded his head decisively."She will be fine." The half demon almost said something else, but just clacked his mouth shut. Everyone else seemed to have already decided for him. He was not going to like it, but for the next few days, they would have to get along.

Miroku's eyebrows met in confusion. 'Sesshomaru's acting different. So…cooperative, with us humans. Is this Rin's doing, or something else?'

Inuyasha looked up at the high sun. "Guess we could start today."

Kagome nodded, "Right, I'll go refill our water bottles." Sango followed after her, "I'll help you."

Miroku just smiled, "I, of course, will-."

"Be the lecher that you are," Inuyasha said, voice filled with disdain.

Miroku acted like he had been hit, "You are so mean to me." He sulked away after the women.

The two brothers were alone. Inuyasha kept looking up at the sky, ignoring the presence too close for comfort. "Damn…"

Sesshomaru gave him a curious look, "Don't worry." Inuyasha glared at him. "If you change, I will personally end your life."

"Gee, thanks a lot!"

-----

The path they had chosen was conveniently the quickest route to the Mystic Forest and the safest. Sesshomaru took his place in the back, before him was Miroku with Sango at his side, then Kagome with Inuyasha at the front. The sun wasn't going to set for another few hours or so, plenty of time to cover miles of distance.

Mina watched them walk along, and decided now was the best time for the attack. In her hands were three dolls. They glowed faintly with runes of destruction. "Aim for the one with armor of the fire rats."

The dolls were thrown threw the mirror. Once on the other side, they grew immediately into ogres of huge proportion. Black, oily, and barely clothed, they were truly grotesque.

Inuyasha smelled them before he saw them. "Ogres ahead! Get ready!" He shouted more for his small group, knowing Sesshomaru would have already drawn out Toukijin. Or, he was just going to watch and not help like he promised.

Inuyasha growled and cracked out his claws. The beasts were charging straight towards them. Their saliva covered fangs were in full view as they roared in unison. Talons sharp as knives attached to their crushing hands.

Sesshomaru leaped over the humans, and landed by Inuyasha. "Such vermin."

"Stay out of this." Inuyasha growled and charged, "Come on, uglies! Lets see what you've got!" Closing in, he could smell they weren't made from flesh. "Iron Reaver Soul Stealer!"

He sliced through the first easily. Too easily. "Ahhhh!" Acid! The damn things were made from acid! It tore holes through his armor, into his skin-! "Gahhh!"

Sesshomaru moved swiftly. "Lowly beasts. Die!" He slashed through the second ogre with poison whip, gracefully avoiding any splatter of acid. "Hiraikotsu!" The bone boomerang went through the last ogre.

Kagome screamed, "Inuyasha!" She triedto run forward into the muck to save him.Miroku grabbed her in time, "Don't! He'll get out on his own!" He pulled her back, "See, look!"

Inuyasha leaped up and out of the acid.Sesshomaru could barely hear the pain laced words, "Damn it, I can't even see." The younger half-brother's scent was staring to change, as the boy's pain and fear increased.

When he landed, Sesshomaru turned to Kagome. "He needs water for his eyes." His tone was calm, almost uncaring. Almost.

Kagome yelled at her friend. "Come on, Inuyasha!" When he heard her voice, he moved and landed beside her. "Open your eyes, quick."

When he did, she thought for a moment he might have changed again. That wasn't the case, though, as it merely was the acid's toll on his eyes. She poured the water in both, trying to fight down panic. 'Please don't change, please don't change,' she repeated over and over in her head like a prayer.

The demon lord was suddenly beside her. "Lets move off the road." He wasn't really talking to anyone in particular, but he wanted to be at a more defensive position to fight.

Inuyasha closed his eyes, letting his tears flow. "Good idea," he whispered, his voice hoarse. When he opened his eyes, the red had turned to a light pink. "Move now."

He got up and walked into the forest, the others falling in behind him.

Mina watched it all with a calculating gaze. "I take it back.I do believe that boy is able."

Myoga nodded, "He must be in pain, but doesn't show it to alarm the others."

Totosai rushed up, causing Myoga to fall off him and onto the table."I'm hungry. I'll see you all later." And with that, he left the tree home, banging the door behind him.

Myoga brushed himself of and sighed, "He is very angry with you."

"I know," her voice had a hint of regret, "but it will be worth it. Just watch."While she said this, the sun had begun toset.

When midnight finally crept around, the humans, Kirara, and Shippo were all deep asleep.

Sesshomaru, of course, didn't sleep. He instead took the opporunity and went under the tree Inuyasha slept in.

"Get down here." He ordered. There was a hiss of pain, then the insolent reply. "Why should I?"

"Inuyasha, I really detest repeating myself. Get. Down. Now."

There was a groaning sound, "Fine." Then the boy literally fellonto the ground.He didn't receive help, and that was just fine. His pride was already wounded enough. Steadily, he got on all fours, then used the tree for support as he stood. 'Normally, he would irritate the hell out of me.' Inuyasha thought. 'But he's just keeping quiet. I don't get it.' Finally, he was upright again.

"Follow me." Sesshomaru walked into the forest.The half demonfollowed, although every muscle felt burned, he didn'tcomplain. After only aboutfive minutes, they came across a hot spring. "Get in."

Inuyasha frowned, unsure. "What is it?" It didn't smell like water.

"It's not water, at least, not in the usual sense. All that's known is it's power to heal physical wounds, and possibly others as well."

Inuyasha stripped off his armor, "Good enough for me." Then his shirt and pants followed. When he got in, there was a sensation he couldn't place. "It feels, peaceful, kind of."

Sesshomaru looked at him, chest-deep in the spring. The wounds on his chest and arms healed almost instantly. The boy sucked in a surprised breath. "Wow." He looked up to his brother. "I guess…" He looked away. "Thanks."

One should never hope for a normal response from the Lord of the Western Lands. "I can stop you from changing, Inuyasha."