Distant Moons

By: dolce-bebe

Disclaimer: Sadly I don't own Inuyasha or any other character. They all belong to Rumiko Takahashi

Summary:"You are unfit to protect this miko, Inuyasha. She will remain under my protection, for I cannot let the hanyou, Naraku, get the upper hand in this war. But believe me when I say I will kill you if you are foolish enough to try and stop me."

A/N: I'm baaaack! It's been a while, but exams ARE exhausting after all. I'm happy to say I passed my science and math exams so i'm super happy/hyper. I'm sorry to all that waited for this chapter. Gomen nasai. As i've stated in my profile- i was in vegas for vaca and was unable to write chapter 4 ( But it gave me a lot of time to think about what will happen further on in the story. So thank you to all the people who reviewed and supported me to study for my exams! For all the support...here's chapter 4! Enjoy!

She thrashed violently, trying desperately to ease the pain. Her body was on fire and the girl could hear her own heavy breathing as she struggled to remain calm. It was hard to breathe, hard to move; hard to survive. Her hands shook. She could feel the sweat rolling off her neck, her shoulders, to her body and legs. Why was she burning? The girl's breathing became erratic as she took in breath after breath. Her throat was dry and a soft croaking sound came from her lips instead of a scream. Desperately she clutched the soft silky sheets beneath her. Wait a minute...Fabric? Sheets? It felt... soft... Where was she?

The girl slowly made to open her eyes. Her vision was blurred and hazed, blinded by tears. Someone was staring at her. Who was it? Long silver hair... Extremely beautiful amber eyes... They stared at each other and softly the girl let out a hushed whisper.

"Inuyasha...?"

The amber eyes didn't stray from hers and she felt his arms tighten to hold her closer. The girl closed her eyes a small smile grazing her face and she felt her body calm itself into his embrace. He felt nice...mmm...For some reason, his very presence soothed her. But then her eyebrow twitched suddenly. Inuyasha didn't smell like this...no, this scent was completely and entirely different... She opened her eyes again. This scent...She needed to see...

He was gone.

Kagome blinked and rose from the comfort of the soft bed. Her fingers massaged her temples roughly trying to get rid of the fast coming headache. So much for a fairytale... She looked around.

Where was she? The room she had been sleeping in was simple, not highly decorated, but it was beautiful. Lavender sheets were draped around her legs and flowed over the side of the bed. Kagome swung her legs over the side and stood up only to find her self clutching the headboard. Her legs shook violently as she made to stand again. She clutched the wall desperately, holding herself up and she walked with wobbly legs towards the door.

Actually...the young miko couldn't remember much on what had happened, and how she ended up in this place. She had been walking back to the village...Kagura came...then Naraku... Inuyasha arrived as well with Sango and Miroku. Kagome remembered Kagura's wind hitting her side and nothing else. Perhaps the others were here as well?

Kagome steadied herself as she walked through the hallways with weak knees. Her body felt restless, yet she was not in pain anymore. After a few more paces the feeling of her legs came back and the miko stretched them out. The place seemed to be deserted. Kagome rubbed her temples once again. She had to get out of here... Wherever here was. She had to find Inuyasha and the others, but how? The palace was huge and Kagome was sure she had limped pass the same stone statue at least three times.

Suddenly her ears picked up a sound of soft footsteps and the miko opened her eyes. A woman was walking across the hall carrying a huge basket full of dirtied clothing. Kagome reacted fast and called out to her. The woman stopped and turned her head.

Before Kagome could call out again, the woman disappeared running into the next hall. The young miko cursed to herself and took off after her. She had to get some answers... She had to know why she was here...and where her friends were.

Even though Kagome knew she wasn't much of a fast runner, the large basket the woman held seemed to be slowing her down, giving the miko a great advantage of catching up. She called out again, but the woman paid no notice and kept running. Kagome's eyebrows knitted together and her pace quickened. She made a grab for the woman's arm and...

"No! Please don't hurt me!"

Kagome let go of the shivering woman's arm and turned to get a better look at her face. No...she wasn't a human at all, but a young female youkai. She was also no warrior either, Kagome could tell by her clothes and guessed that she was a servant of the household. Did this youkai fear her--a human?

"P-Please... I meant not to be rude, m-my lady. Please forgive me!" the youkai cried again.

The miko could only look bewildered at the sight before her. Youkai, warrior or not, never knelt before humans, this Kagome knew. But there was the female servant on her knees, bowing and begging for the miko to forgive her for what ever sin she had caused.

"No, it's okay," Kagome began. She reached out a hand to help the woman up. "I shouldn't have shouted and grabbed you like that. It's me that should be sorry, not you." The miko gave the youkai a small smile.

They seemed to be frozen in the same position for a while, until finally the youkai took hold of the girl's hand. Kagome's smile widened and the woman spoke up. "P-Please do not tell Master about this. He will be greatly displeased at this one for making his lady feel uncomfortable in her new home," the youkai begged.

Kagome blinked, "His...lady?"

The youkai looked up at her, "Yes... Are you not my master's lady?"

A strange look came over Kagome's face and she waved her arms in front of her, the color of pink grazing her cheeks. "No I'm not! I-I think you've got the wrong person here!"

Kagome let out a nervous laugh when the youkai refused to believe her. She didn't know who the youkai's master was... Where was she anyways? The last thing she remembered was being attacked by Kagura and now she was some wife of a taiyoukai of some unknown palace, with a super paranoid female in front of her begging for forgiveness.

A strange noise brought Kagome back from her thoughts and she noticed the servant girl peaking behind the corner. It was a distant arguing, but that voice... Kagome couldn't quite remember but...it sounded so familiar.

The female youkai gave a small 'eep' when Kagome came up behind her and peered around the corner as well.

"No please forgive me, I did not see you coming, Master!"

"How dare you...you—you insolent worm! On your knees!"

Kagome's eyes widened and she came around the corner, putting her hands to her hips.

"Hey! Stop picking on him, you stupid toad!" Jaken, who was busily hitting the servant with his staff, looked up and pointed a long finger at the miko.

"You!" He cried, "Y-You wench! What are you still doing here?"

Kagome glared at him, hands still on hips. "What does that supposed to mean? Where the hell am I anyways?" She took a step closer towards the toad and loomed over him, glaring. "You better start answering my questions!"

"How dare you order this Jaken to obey you? Youkai will never take orders from mere humans!" The little one crossed his arms over his chest and stuck his nose in the air. He gave a slight smirk at sensing the miko's anger spike up at his comment. Lord knows why Sesshoumaru brought the girl here.

It didn't take long for the insults to become fierce and loud and both the female and male servants stared in disbelief at the miko who dare oppose their master's retainer. Yes, the girl had a quick tongue and an intriguing attitude. No...the two were not at all surprised that this was their master's lady.

"Silence."

Kagome shut her mouth and turned her head. Sesshoumaru stood in the centre of the hallway and she could see the two cowering youkai huddled in the corner. She stared at him for a moment not knowing why he was there of all places. The taiyoukai's face however, remained stoic with no trace of emotion as he stared at her.

The toad squealed in delight, "Sesshoumaru-sama!"

"W-What are you doing here?" Kagome managed to stammer out, taking a step closer towards him.

Sesshoumaru stared at her, "I live here."

"You... live—" Kagome paused as in dawned to her. The master of this...the lord that the youkai were talking about...this place...it belonged to Sesshoumaru. So the female youkai had thought she was his...lady? Kagome felt her cheeks turn a bright red from the sudden memory. Her? Sesshoumaru's lady? The miko gave a nervous laugh, trying to hide her reddened cheeks, but Sesshoumaru continued to examine her face. It only added to Kagome's embarrassment.

He stepped up. "You are well I see. The healer has done some good."

Kagome blinked at him. That was right... she had been hurt and...he had helped her? "Uhh...—" What was there to say? Actually, she didn't expect this much from him. Had they gotten closer than she thought over the few months? If Sesshoumaru had saved her from Kagura, then did he also fight Inuyasha for her? She couldn't even imagine how furious Inuyasha would be. The girl shook the thoughts from her head when she felt Sesshoumaru's hand grab her arm, dragging her forward.

"Come."

Kagome's felt herself growing hot and hesitantly she looked back at Jaken, then at the two servants who were on their knees bowing to their master.

The female raised her head and mumbled another apology to Kagome, who gave a nervous laugh. She was sure that the youkai thought she reallywas Sesshoumaru's lady. Her face became flushed. The thought was absolutely ludicrous. "No, no, no! I'm not—"

"Come." Sesshoumaru made to grab her arm again and dragged the blushing miko down the hallway leaving the three youkai gawking after them.

The silence ended quickly. "Oh Kaniryu, it has finally happened!" the female squealed to the one beside her, "Our Master has found his lady at last!" She meant to stand when suddenly a foot came down on her head keeping her down.

Jaken stepped up, "How dare y-you accuse the great and powerful Sesshoumaru-sama of taking a human mate!" He continually kept kicking the poor girl's head, thought his tiny feet did little damage.

"But Jaken-sama, this is the first woman that Master has brought to the castle," Kaniryu said not tearing his eyes from the now empty hallway. "Sachiko," he motioned to the female on the floor, "you have met her, is she not Master's mate?"

The toad's mouth remained opened in shock. It was true that his master had indeed negotiated some sort of truce with the young miko. He tolerated her and both seemed calm in each other's presence. However...that meant nothing. Nothing. She was still a filthy human. Nothing could change that in Jaken's eyes. He knew of how many times the human wench stood in between the fights that should have only included Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha. She was always in the way, and here she was now; in their home. Why had Sesshoumaru-sama brought her here?

"You useless rats! Get back to work!" The two scrambled off tripping on the rags they wore on the way. Jaken remained. His mind was still stirred thoughts of his master and the miko. Sesshoumaru was always the silent type. Little words were always exchanged between them or rather...it was always Jaken doing all the talking. This one however, this girl was entirely different. Perhaps she was more like Rin? Jaken could not understand why a powerful youkai such as Sesshoumaru would even take two humans into consideration.

Jaken often asked these questions to himself. He saw no need for humans. They were filthy, weak beings. He paced around the halls his head bowed in deep thought. Inuyasha's wench was such a bother. Sometimes he thought that even Sesshoumaru took her side instead of him and that he paid more attention to both Rin and the wench more than he did his retainer. Remembering on how his lord had sped off in the direction of the battle even with his protests, Jaken couldn't help but feel bothered. So what if the miko had been hurt? If she was killed... If Inuyasha was killed... Is that not what his Sesshoumaru-sama wanted?

Although the miko was not completely useless. The little one rested his chin on his palm as he recalled the day when the human wench had brought back his master's lost arm. It had been when a youkai sent by Naraku came during one of the nights. Of course it had been no match for the taiyoukai, but the miko, seeing the distressing, worried look upon the small child had said Sesshoumaru could keep her safe if he was stronger. Needless to say, Jaken thought that the woman had officially gone mad if she thought she had enough power to restore his master's arm. However, it seemed that he was misguided. It was true that the girl, Kagome, was the reincarnation of the undead miko that Inuyasha mourned for, but for her to be able to tap into that power and actually use it, had amazed both youkai.

Jaken couldn't deny that maybe his master liked the company of the girl, but it didn't mean anything! Oh please! Do not let it be true! "Please tell me they're wrong, Sesshoumaru-sama!" he wailed to the ceiling.

---

Kagome let out a sigh when the door closed behind them. She really couldn't stand all the looks the servants were giving her as she and Sesshoumaru passed by. What? Was Sesshoumaru never seen with a woman? Her face flushed. She had no right thinking about Sesshoumaru's love life at all. Since when did she start thinking about all the women he's been with and how he lived his life?

The girl shifted her weight from side to side as he faced her. "What am I doing here?" she started.

Sesshoumaru ignored the question and walked passed her towards the balcony. She followed behind him and nearly hit him when he came to a halt. Kagome glared at his back then frowned. She might not have known him for very long, but when he was like this, she knew that he was in deep thought. He would often seem to be in a daze when he was thinking, but right now she could tell that he was also angry. "Um—"

"You will be staying here," Sesshoumaru started, his back still facing her. He could feel the girl's tense presence behind him and closed his eyes as he fought back a sigh. "This is your new home. Do not try to escape. I guarantee that you will not get a good thirty feet before you are caught." The taiyoukai tilted his head to the side as he peeked at her expression.

The look said it all. He should have known that she wouldn't understand the situation. How could she? She was a human with a slow brain. Sesshoumaru's mouth twitched, giving the sign that he was irritated. The miko's eyes were glued to the floor, her face flushed and hands gripping the sides of her clothing. He knew that she dare not ask why, the girl was not one to ask many question when near him.

Sesshoumaru continued into the balcony and towards the railing. He observed his lands carefully. It had been a while since he left the western palace and new unwanted youkai were probably settling in on his territory. He had been away for quite some time hunting that despicable hanyou and it was because of him still, that he decided to return. Curse him.

From behind, Kagome took small childish steps towards the taiyoukai. She wanted answers but, it seemed so unnecessary to ask. Although, she didn't expect him to snap back a remark... no, that would only come from Inuyasha. Sesshoumaru however, she couldn't read him at all. She didn't know what he planned to do, or what his reaction would be. The youkai was unpredictable.

Kagome opened her mouth to speak, but he answered harshly, "You are under this Sesshoumaru's protection from now on. You will not be leaving." She took a few steps closer to him but his voice made her body freeze. "Naraku is planning something and until I know fully well of his motives, you will stay here where he cannot find you." Kagome held in a breath. She didn't understand any of this. What ofNaraku? What did Sesshoumaru mean? It all confused her.

"B-But what could Naraku possibly want with me?" Kagome's stomach lurched nervously. Was it because she was Kikyou's reincarnation? Inuyasha had been furious when he found out of Onigumo's obsession with Kikyou. Did he want to kill her as well? For being a simple reincarnation? She dreaded Sesshoumaru's answer and at last he tilted his head to look in her direction once again.

"I do not know."

Kagome felt her heart sink and she let out a sigh. "What about Inuyasha... and my friends? Where are they?" She truly hoped that he didn't hurt them. Knowing Inuyasha, he wouldn't have given her up to Sesshoumaru without a fight. She knew that Inuyasha was rash and when fighting with Sesshoumaru, he often didn't think clearly. It often put the hanyou in messy situations and Kagome bit her bottom lip when Sesshoumaru didn't answer. "You hurt him didn't you?"

He didn't hesitate to answer. "Inuyasha is a pup who doesn't listen to reason," he drawled out lazily. Kagome glared at him.Reason indeed. He continued, "It matters not. You will stay here until I free you." Sesshoumaru turned away from her and headed towards the door when her voice stopped him.

Kagome was beyond angry. Who did he think he was, ordering her around like that? She wasn't some kind of possession and she certainly wouldn't listen to his orders. If Inuyasha and the others were hurt, then she must return to them immediately. Whipping around, she faced the arrogant taiyoukai, glaring. "What if I don't want to stay? Ever thought of that?" A growl almost made its way to her throat. Why did it always take him so long to reply?

"I wasn't asking." Kagome balled her hands into fists and kept them by her side as she watched him walk. He opened the door but stopped. "I do not like to repeat myself, miko, but if you try to escape, no matter where you go— I will find you."

The door slammed shut and Kagome didn't waste anytime to try to get it open. It stayed locked from the outside and the girl slumped against it before falling on her bottom. She sighed, why was it always her? How did she end up getting stuck in sticky situations like this? Kagome frowned and scratched her head in thought. She had to escape, but how? The door was locked from the outside. Hesitantly she looked towards the window... Hmm...

Kagome cried out as she was thrown back into the room by the guards. She really couldn't stand it, she really couldn't. Her attempt at escaping by the window didn't work. She had walked along the railing and into another window, only to be discovered by that ugly, fowl toad. Then she had the idea of climbing down from the balcony. Unfortunately when she let the tied up lavender sheets down, it had hit that damned toad's head. Why must he always everywhere she planned her escape?

Flopping down on her bed, she noticed that the sun had begun to set. "The others are probably really worried about me right about now... I wonder how Inuyasha's doing? I hope none of them were injured..."Kagome sighed. Inuyasha would come for her, she knew it... Although they had left things for the worse the last time they talked...he wouldn't just abandon her would he? Impossible.

Clapping her hands together, a huge smile appeared on her face. It was time for a new plan and for sure this time that stupid toad wouldn't get in the way. Kagome took a deep breath then let out a scream. Two seconds did not even pass when the door was swung open and Kagome quickly hid behind it. The male youkai she saw earlier with Jaken came in, his face in a panic.

"My Lady is something wrong?" He paused to look at the empty room then walked in to scout the area. Where was the human woman? A loud slam of the door behind him captured his attention and Kaniyru threw himself upon the door trying to get it to open. He heard the sound of the lock from the other side and started yelling for help. "Oh my god, Master will kill me for this!"

After a few minutes of yelling a hesitant voice came from the other side, "Kaniyru? Is that you?"

"Sachiko! Oh thank god! You have got to get me out of here! Jaken-sama ordered me to stay outside and guard our new lady's room, but she has escaped!" he cried out to her.

There was silence and then, "What do you think you're doing in there then if you're supposed to guard the outside?" she started. "Master will kill you for being in his lady's chambers!"

Kaniryu banged his fists against the door, "Did you hear what I said? GET ME OUT!"

---

She tip-toed lightly around the hallway, making sure to stay clear of any servants or any other youkai that passed. After going this far, she couldn't get caught. Not for the third time at least... Kagome scratched her head, when she found herself in the garden area. A huge wall blocked her path to freedom and she gave a frustrated groan. How was she supposed to climb up that? If she went back inside, they would probably see her and she'd have to listen that dumb toad's ranting again.

Kagome continued walking and she suddenly stopped when she saw a flash of white in the corner of her eye. Careful to not be seen, she crept up and hid behind some bushes, slightly peeking through the twigs and leaves to get a better look. It was him. Sesshoumaru. What was he doing here? ... Kagome hit her head with her palm. She really had to be stupid. Of course he lived here, why else?

The taiyoukai was simply sitting under a shaded tree looking into the depths of the pond. Did Sesshoumaru really have a thing for trees and rivers? He always seemed to be staring into nowhere and Kagome often wondered if he was thinking—or if he just simply cleared his mind from all problems. The miko felt herself blush. There she was again always prying into his business. Why couldn't she just think like other people?

After a few more minutes of observing, Kagome decided that it was better to leave before she got caught and made to crouch over to the next bush when his voice interrupted her.

"Miko." Kagome froze. Crap.Slowly she came from behind the trees and bushes to walk over to him. Sesshoumaru's eyes remained closed as he heard her soft footsteps come closer. Coincidentally, he had actually been thinking about the situation with Naraku and the miko when her scent came to him. He could sense her hiding nearby and a smirk came on his lips. She had been watching him for quite some time now and he wanted to know what exactly she was observing on his person that was worth her being caught. Such foolishness...

She came to sit beside him, hugging her knees close and gazing up at the sky. It was pitch black now and the stars had come out, the sparkles spread across the sky. Kagome gave Sesshoumaru a nervous glance. Was he mad? Had he heard from Jaken that she had tried to escape him several times already? Actually, she would have preferred the toad catching her instead of him. How awkward.

"Where exactly were you headed?" his voice came out raspy and hard.

Kagome gulped. "Who me?—Uh...well um... you see, it was really stuffy in my room so er— I decided to go walk around for some fresh air... Yeah that's right, fresh air!"

Sesshoumaru opened one eye to gaze at her and raised a delicate eyebrow. The miko was not a good liar, and even if she was, he would have been able to smell whether she lied or not. "I see," he started, "This Sesshoumaru could have sworn that guards were placed outside your chambers," Kagome gulped again as he continued, "How was it that you convinced them to let you out?"

The girl's face turned bright as a tomato. Gosh, he must be mad now, but he wouldn't dare hurt her would he? Kagome looked around nervously. She could almost feel the anger radiating off him and she dare not look. If she were smarter, she would have known it would have been the right thing to do--unfortunately she wasn't. Slowly, Kagome let her eyes drift over the taiyoukai. She blinked, expecting him to have been angry. Instead he was smirking at her. Or rather...something was twitching at his mouth. She supposed it was a smirk, since he had his eyebrow raised up, giving her a questioning look.

"You didn't happen to walk across the railing into Jaken's room, did you?" Kagome's eyes widened, but his expression didn't change. "And... you didn't try using the sheets to climb down the balcony, did you?" The miko gasped and looked back at him. He had an almost mocking look on his face, which was a change from his usually expressionless face. But wait...was he...teasing her?

"N-No...of course not," she stammered, "D-Do I look like the type to do those kind of things?" Kagome gave a nervous laugh. "O-Of course I wasn't trying to escape you—"

"I am leaving."

Kagome's head shot up and she glanced at him, his face falling once again expressionless. He gave her a lazy look. "I will be leaving for the South. The lord of the Southern Lands has requested my presence for a... gathering of all the lords," he closed his eyes for a second, "I leave tomorrow morning."

"B-But I thought you hated things like those." He stared at her. "I mean—It doesn't seem 'you'..." Kagome twisted her fingers around the fabric of her skirt.

"Do not be mistaken, miko," Sesshoumaru reassured. "Naraku has been spotted near the borders of the South. This Sesshoumaru is only there to pursue the filthy hanyou---Not to attend some formal gathering."

She was getting kind of uncomfortable and Kagome gave one final gulp. "Can I come?" she asked quietly. She was sure that he had heard her, he was youkai—their hearing always sharp and precise.

"No."

"But I—"

"No."

"But what do I—"

"No."

Kagome pouted slightly, seeing that he wasn't about to change his mind at all. "You are to remain here," he said, his lips giving a weird twitch, "Rin will be staying. You are to take care of her until I return."

"And when will that be?"

"A week... Maybe longer."

How dare he? How dare he leave her here all alone? She knew nothing about his people—about these youkai and how they would treat her when he was gone. Damn. She had practically harassed the poor female earlier. Perhaps they would look for payback on her once their master was gone. Kagome shuddered. She couldn't even think of the possibilities.

"But you can't leave me here! I don't know these people!" she exclaimed angrily.

"You will remain here until I return," he said sternly.

"Can I at least go explore around?"

"You will remain in your chambers until I return."

"But—"

"No."

Kagome glared at him. He had been so much better before. Hell, she liked his attitude a lot more when he wasn't talking. What was she suppose to do inside her room for a whole week? She couldn't believe how angry she was getting over this! It wasn't long before she decided she had enough. The girl got up and puffed out her chest as she walked towards the entrance. A sharp voice stopped her.

"Where are you going?"

"To my room, where else? I'mnot allowed to go anywhere!" she retorted, stalking off.

The young miko fumed angrily. Who did he think he was, ordering her around like that? Before she could take another step forward, strong arms gripped her waist from behind and she was crushed back into something hard. Kagome gave a startled shriek when he jumped up the stone structures of the palace and onto the railing of her balcony. She was breathing hard as he held her.

Sesshoumaru frowned and raised a hand to her forehead. She was burning again. A growl escaped his lips when she began struggling from his grip. He held her still and causing her cheeks redden further. What an uncomfortable position... No... Actually, it wasn't uncomfortable at all... She sighed trying to relax into the embrace. For some reason though, she still felt hot and a little light headed. Maybe she really was going crazy.

Kagome felt him carry her towards the bed. He let her down slowly and she gave a soft yawn as she settled into the sheets. It was strange, she had just been so mad a few minutes ago, but now she just felt absolutely exhausted. "Hmm...Sesshoumaru, can I please come with you?"

Her eyes were closed so Sesshoumaru doubted she was fully awake. "You will remain here until I return." She shifted into a more comfortable position, a small smile appearing on her face as she drifted off.

"Mmm, oyasumi..."

Sesshoumaru grabbed the sheets in between his fingers and laid them on top of her. The girl had a big mouth and was constantly talking. He often found it difficult not to kill her as she started rambling on or disobeying him. Although sometimes, the taiyoukai would shock himself on how much he actually enjoyed arguing with the little wench. He frowned. The trip was early tomorrow morning and there was much to be done. Still... He took another look before he took off out the balcony.

---

"But Jaken-sama! Rin doesn't want to stay here all alone. Why can't Rin just come with Sesshoumaru-sama?" Jaken rolled his eyes at the youngin. Ever since she had found out about the trip to the Southern Lands, she hadn't stopped nagging him. Couldn't the little brat wait one week? He stubbornly stomped his foot on the ground.

"We've talked about this dozens of times, Rin. Sesshoumaru-sama doesn't want you going. You'll only get in the way!" He waved his staff about in the air. "Besides, only youkai are to attend, not humans!"

Rin blinked, "But both you and Ah Un are going with Sesshoumaru-sama. I don't want to be left here all alone."

"You will be in charge of the miko."

The little girl happily said her greetings to the taiyoukai as he made his way over to them. "She will be staying here with you," he started, "I trust you are able to keep her out of trouble, Rin."

"Yes, Sesshoumaru-sama!" She had an ever enlightening look upon her face.

"Jaken."

"Yes, milord?"

Sesshoumaru glanced towards Ah Un, who had two barrels attached at either sides. It was important to bring gifts as a sign of respect to the taiyoukai and mistresses that were to come. Sesshoumaru of course, couldn't care less, but if he was to stay there to continue his search of Naraku, it was better to stay respectful than suspicious.

"Are the preparations ready?"

The toad nodded. It was times like this that he missed their journeys together. Just the two of them...no Rin and especially no annoying little mikos. Jaken snapped out of his daydream as he noticed his master and the dragon taking off into the air. He stumbled as he tried to catch up and quickly grabbed onto Ah Un's tail as it took off into the sky. Tears streaked down his face at the speed they were going and Jaken could hardly make out the girl yelling her goodbyes.

It was a fairly long trip as the three made their way through the forests. Not a word was exchanged between them, or at least, Sesshoumaru didn't bother making conversation even as Jaken yakked away. Something had been bothering him throughout the trip. Should he have checked on the miko before he left? Impossible... He had already sent the healer to check on her after she had awoken. She would be fine...Although...something in the back of his mind kept telling him that something was wrong.

Sesshoumaru frowned and inhaled the air around them. There was a fairly familiar scent; although very faint...it was certainly there. He stopped suddenly and ignored the questions Jaken threw at him. His eyes narrowed as he walked towards the confused dragon.

"What is it milord?"

A low growl came from the taiyoukai's throat as he flung the cover of the barrel to the side. Inside were the fine animal furs that were to be delivered to the taiyoukais and instantly he jabbed his finger inside, poking harshly. There was silence and then the furs began moving and slowly, a head poked out from underneath.

Sesshoumaru allowed another growl to escape his lips as the girl looked up at him with an innocent smile.

Ahh, not as good of a chapter as I thought it'd be and not as long. Actually when I was on vacation, I already thought of the next few chapters, but this one wasn't what I really expected. Still... I hoped it was up to people's standards and once again I apologize for coming up with it so late. I promise that there will be more romance later in the chapters—I just want to try and keep them in character for now. :D