AN: HA! I told you I'd get it up sometime tonight. Well, it's dark out so I still consider it night! Anyway, I want to thank everyone that reviewed so quickly. I didn't think I'd have anyone in this kind of time. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Sigh...well, here we go!
Disclaimer: Nope, I have not aquired ownership in the twelve hours since I last posted a disclaimer like this...
A Cunning Plan…
And to think, for a moment Sesshomaru had felt respect for the monk. There were few who could meet his gaze head on and calm as the monk had, much less when he was angry. Most trembled or stammered or fled in terror. But he had done none of those things. Instead he had looked back calmly, without even a trace of unease, and answered him rationally. A rare thing indeed.
Even now, as utterly perturbed as he was with the monk's so-called plan, the Western Lord found himself having to grant the human a grudging approval. The human had an abnormally cunning mind for one of his ilk, so much so that Sesshomaru wondered briefly if there wasn't some kitsune somewhere in his family's past.
It was a well thought out plan, he had to give it that, especially with how quickly he had conceived it. Not that that made the Lord like it any more, but he was consoled by the fact that he wasn't the only one.
"No way! No fucking way!" Inuyasha bellowed in the same rant he'd been at since the houshi unveiled his cunning masterpiece. "If you think I'm gonna let Kagome stay here with this asshole and pretend to be his intended, then Sango's definitely hit you on the head too many times! Something in there is obviously broken."
"Inuyasha…" the monk sighed, trying, once again, to reason with the hanyou.
"No! It's not gonna happen!"
"How else are we going to lure Massoumo out long enough and often enough to be able to capture him?" the monk asked patiently.
Inuyasha crossed his arms over his chest and humphed. "I don't know, but there's gotta be a better way than that."
Sesshomaru gritted his teeth in silence, afraid that if he opened his mouth he would say something he would regret…like 'die'. Not that he hadn't said it to his half-brother in the past, but he preferred to keep Rin away from violence. And as satisfying as pounding the idiot for a while would be, it wouldn't really accomplish anything. Did the moron actually think that any of them were fond of this notion, of continuing this charade? His Beast was practically driving him nuts as it was with Kagome smelling like his mate. So far he had been able to fend it off only because he was able to tell him self that he would not act like she was. But with this plan he would have to do the exact opposite and this last night and day would seem like a picnic in comparison.
The plan was simply to used Massoumo's own plan against him. In order for the lizard to ensure that things were going as they should, that Sesshomaru would feel betrayed to the utmost extent, he would have to check on the progress. That would give them the opportunity to pin him down, to learn his scent well enough to pinpoint his location and eventually capture him. To do that, though, he and Kagome would have to continue acting as though he was caught in the ploy…which meant Sesshomaru would have to act as though he thought her his perfect mate, and thus, court her.
It was strange, the division within himself. Part of him wanted to hum at the idea of being able to court the beautiful demoness sitting across the fire from him. It practically panted with the thought of wooing her into being his mate. The rest of him wanted to whimper at the thought and everything he knew he was going to be putting himself through. That part knew the truth. The other part was giving the truth a very rude gesture.
"Inuyasha," Kagome spoke up softly, cutting the hanyou off mid-rant, "Miroku is right. It's a good plan."
Sesshomaru fought an undignified snicker as Inuyasha's jaw dropped.
"What!" he bellowed. "You actually want to go along with this? You want to pretend to be the Ice Lord's intended mate? Do you even have any notion of what that entails? Or are you so stupid you think this is actually a good idea?" Inuyasha's jaw clenched and his hands fisted. "Maybe you want it, huh? Is that it? Christ, Kagome, Kouga is bad enough. Do you have to have every male around panting after you?"
Sesshomaru saw Kagome's eyes narrow ever so slightly and blinked at the anger he could smell shooting through her scent. He was momentarily distracted by it. It wasn't what he expected. Usually anger was a sharp scent, hard and brutal, disfiguring one's natural scent. But Kagome's was strangely…spicy. Its sharpness was more that of an exotic dish, a bold dash of fresh cinnamon that enhanced instead of marring her scent. In fact, for the first time it managed to completely cut through his awareness of his scent being mingled with hers. He had only gotten the barest hint of this scent when they had argued earlier and just a touch more when Inuyasha had attacked them. And he had thought she had seemed plenty mad both times.
Something in what Inuyasha had said to her just now must have seriously struck a nerve. Kagome was pissed.
And he wasn't the only one to notice, either. The kitsune on her lap was edging away ever so slightly, his green eyes wide, as he moved to the side away from Inuyasha. Even the monk and slayer seemed to notice and edge away slightly as they watched the young woman with wary eyes, and they should not have been able to sense the change. What had they picked up on? There wasn't really any noticeable physical change other than the slight narrowing of her eyes…perhaps a subtle rigidity to her form. But even that was barely noticeable. Perhaps it was what Inuyasha had said, it was admittedly enough to anger anyone. He, himself, found that it made him want to growl, though he couldn't tell whether it was from the obviously offensive nature, the natural urge of Protection against harm, or the spell.
But before he could chastise the pup, Kagome beat him to it.
"Sit! Sit! Sit!"
He'd seen it before but for some reason it still surprised him. The apparently magic word left her mouth, the necklace around Inuyasha's neck flared a reddish pink, and suddenly the hanyou became one with the ground. What was even more intriguing was that with each repetition the necklace flared again and even though he was already fused with the soil it seemed there was another impact, the last, and loudest, sounding the hardest. In the end there seemed to be a slight dent in the shape of Inuyasha's face.
I must definitelysee if she can teach me how to do that.
Most amazing, however, were the reactions of the others of their group. The monk sighed, the slayer shook her head, and the kitsune rolled his eyes.
"He never learns," the kit muttered disgustedly. "You'd think after all the times Kagome's sat him he'd catch a clue and learn to keep his mouth shut."
Sesshomaru's eyebrows rose half-way up his forehead in surprise. This happened often? Perhaps he shouldn't be surprised that his little brother could be so offensive, he was every time they met. But somehow the Lord didn't think he would be so with his companions. Especially not the miko. Sesshomaru had always been under the impression that she was…special…to the hanyou. Hell, the pup acted more often than not like she was his intended. And there was definitely a lurid reek of jealousy when he was ranting about Kagome staying with himself. Forget the Vow of Protection, what male in his right mind thought to lure a female with insults and degradation? And Kagome was as obviously the alpha female of their little Pack while Inuyasha was the alpha male. His very instincts alone should have prevented this. Perhaps the hanyou's blood was weaker than Sesshomaru had thought.
That, or he preferred his own gender.
"Inuyasha," Kagome growled at the prostrate hanyou, her delicate fangs showing past her curled lip, "what the hell is wrong with you! No, I don't want to have to pretend to be Sesshomaru's intended mate! Do you think I like this? Do you think I like being shoved into a body that's not mine? Being changed into something I'm not? Having my life ripped away from me possibly forever? Do you think I enjoy being the instrument of some demented lizard's revenge? No! And what about your brother? Huh? Do you have any idea what he's going through? I can't even imagine it! It's horrible and cruel and…and…just plain wrong! And it's me being here that's doing it to him. Do you have any idea how much I hate that? And now we're asking him to not only endure it longer, but even more intensely than before! I want to cry I feel so bad about doing that to him!"
Sesshomaru stared at the female in undisguised wonder. No merely at the sheer volume she was capable of, but at what she said. At first he had felt a twinge at her not wanting to act like his intended, which he immediately blamed on the damn spell. But the rest of it…she actually cared about what he was going through? She understood just how much worse it was going to be if he had to act on it and she felt bad about it? What was this creature?
Kagome took a deep breath and seemed to calm herself somewhat. "Inuyasha," she started, her tone much softer and gentler and in complete odds with the way she'd just flattened the hanyou mere second ago both physically and verbally. "You have to understand, this really is the best way. We can't track Massoumo, we have to bring him to us. Miroku's right, he'll come back to check on my 'progress'. If we don't act right he'll know something's up. He'll either get spooked and go far, far away, leaving me stuck like this forever, or he'll come up with something else that's probably even worse. This is our best chance at catching him and making him change me back."
Inuyasha pushed up from the ground and Sesshomaru took a not so secret pleasure in the dirt smeared across him. It was highly fitting for his dirty mouth. Apparently Rin thought so too because he could hear her giggling softly beside him.
"Fine," Inuyasha huffed and slumped down into an angry and dejected hunch, hands once more stuffed in his sleeves. "But you better remember, Sesshomaru," he said, pointing an angry finger the Lord's way, "that this is all just pretend. You step one claw out of line and swear I'll rip it off faster than you can blink."
Sesshomaru quirked an eyebrow at the disgruntled pup. Did he really think that he could order this Sesshomaru around? That he could actually threaten him?
"Uh…Inuyasha…"
All eyes turned to the kit still cowering slightly beside the miko. He was watching the hanyou warily, like he was expected something bad to happen soon. Well, the kit seemed to know him pretty well, so the Lord prepared himself for another outburst of toddler proportions.
"What?"
"Ummm…you know you can't actually be there, right?" Inuyasha blinked at him, his face a blank mask of non-comprehension. "If we're gonna do this then Sesshomaru-sama is going to have to look like he's actually courting Kagome. And considering the spell and everything, Massoumo would probably expect it to be a full courting."
Everyone blinked at him. Save, of course, for Sesshomaru. Instead, the Lord's eyes narrowed a bit. He had a feeling he knew what the kit was about to say and he wasn't exactly sure how he should feel about what was about to be said.
"What do you mean? Of course I'm gonna be here! Someone's gotta make sure Fluffy over there keeps his hands off Kagome."
This time it was the kitsune's turn to blink and stare stupidly. "Uh, Inuyasha…you do know how an Inuyoukai full courting work, right?" At the hanyou's blank stare the kit continued. "No one's allowed to be there. Only beasts of burden, and possibly one underling. It's supposed to give the prospective pair some time alone to see if they truly fit together. And if they do, allow for some one on one bonding time." At Inuyasha's blank blink the kit rolled his eyes. "Sheesh, Inuyasha! You are Inuyoukai, aren't you? How can you not know about your own people's courting rites?"
Frankly, Sesshomaru thought it was a wonder Inuyasha knew anything about his people to begin with, he had spent so little time among them. The real question in the Lord's mind was, how in the world did the kitsune know so much? There were similar threads to the courting rights of different high level youkai, but not that much similarity. Hell, even he would be hard pressed to list off the intricacies of a kitsune courting and one of his best and oldest friends was a kitsune. So how, by the Kamis, did a kitsune kit barely out of swaddling cloths know what no one outside of the Inu Clans should?
"WHAT!"
Inuyasha's bellow brought Sesshomaru back from his pondering with a force that made him want to cover his ears and wince. Thankfully he had enough training not to succumb to the undignified sign of weakness, though he found himself envying the kit and Kagome who did.
Whap!
"OW!"
"SIT!"
Whumph!
And once more the hanyou was down, interestingly enough, back in the same dent he'd made before. The kit was glaring at him and rubbing the quickly forming lump on his head. Kagome was glaring at him and rubbing her ears with one hand while she stroked the kit's tail comfortingly with the other. And the Slayer, Monk, and Firecat were simply shaking their heads in near bored acceptance of the inevitable.
I really must get her to teach me how to do that.
ooOoo
Miroku sighed as the scene unfurled around him, then picked up and sipped the tea Sango had passed him at some point turning the argument. Ahh, jasmine tea, truly a gift from the gods. It was so calming and invigorating. If only he could get the others around him to drink it. Then again, he doubted it would be a good idea for Inuyasha to be more invigorated. He might explode.
What a convoluted mess. And Inuyasha wasn't making things any better with his irrational outbursts. Well, he guessed they weren't quite so irrational considering the way Inuyasha's mind tended to work…when it worked. Miroku may love Inuyasha like a brother—a younger, more immature, hormonally driven brother—but there were times where he could really understand Sesshomaru's occasional desire to run him through. And Miroku had only known him for a little more than three years, if Inuyasha had always been like this then knowing him for his whole life as his elder brother must could definitely drive one to fits of homicide.
The fact was that the plan would work, he was sure of it. It was a good plan, and considering everything Sesshomaru had revealed to them…it was really the only way. Though that was strange in and off itself, Sesshomaru revealing anything to them. He had probably heard more out of the demon lord in the last hour than he had during all of their previous encounters combined. Then again, before the Western Lord had mostly been trying to kill them. No, that wasn't exactly true, Miroku was forced to concede as he thought about it. Sesshomaru had never really tried to kill them, he only seemed interested in pummeling his younger half-brother.
Strange, Miroku thought, why had I never truly noticed that before? And come to think of it, considering the battles I have seen him fight where Inuyasha wasn't his main target, he could probably have killed our hanyou friend at any time if he really put his mind to it. Most curious.
In fact, there had been a couple times he could think of quite clearly where Sesshomaru had the distinct advantage and completely failed to press it. That time he had blinded Inuyasha, right before he discovered the Wind Scar, for a start. First of all, Sesshomaru's poison was definitely strong enough it could have melted Inuyasha's eyes instead of merely temporarily blinding him. Why had it not? Had the Lord tempered it in some way? And then he had merely stood there calmly while Inuyasha steadied himself and learned how to find the Wound of the Wind instead of taking advantage of his weakness and finishing him off as his deadly demeanor indicated he should have.
There were other times too. When they first encountered him after Tetsuaiga had broken and Inuyasha succumbed to his demon form. That wall of fire Totousai had made should not really have been able to stop him. After all, he could fly. And there was no way he wouldn't have been able to catch up in a matter of moments if he wished. But he had let them get away. And the next time Inuyasha transformed in front of him, when he was killing those bandits. Sesshomaru merely knocked him out, then gave them the secret of keeping Inuyasha in his rational state, even going so far as to warn them what would happen if he stayed under the thrall of his demon blood too long.
And now he was helping them again. Granted, this time he was definitely involved in the mess, but it was more the way he was helping them. Not once since they had entered had Miroku felt any real threat from the Western Lord, save, perhaps, when he had said he understood why Massoumo was doing this. That, though, was understandable when all things were considered. If he had been in the same situation, Miroku would have been thoroughly incensed at anyone saying the one who had done it had any kind of right.
But still, he wasn't just not fighting them, he was volunteering information in a more than helpful fashion. No, maybe that wasn't quite right. He was volunteering Kagome information. Yes, that seemed better. After all, most of the time he was speaking, or not for that matter, his eyes seemed to be on the young priestess. Perhaps it was merely the spell. Miroku had a few mated youkai acquaintances and he had noted in the past that when one was uncomfortable they tended to turn to their mate for assurance.
No, something about that felt off. Sesshomaru knew that Kagome wasn't his mate, in fact, he had said very specifically that he was fully aware of that fact. Maybe the spell had something to do with it on an instinctual level, but there seemed to be something more. Even Kagome seemed more comfortable around him than she should. Something to think on.
"Inuyasha!" Kagome's angered voice drew Miroku out of his thoughts as he lowered his tea. "You had no call to hit poor Shippo!"
"He insulted me!" came the slightly sod-muffled reply and Inuyasha tried to pry his face from the ground.
"He was merely telling you something you didn't know. Just because you didn't like what he had to say didn't give you the right to abuse him!"
"Feh," the hanyou grunted and crossed his arms. Miroku sighed and felt it mirrored in the Slayer sitting beside him. This was a scene they knew all too well.
"Inuyasha," Miroku started, "if the plan is to work then Massoumo must believe that Sesshomaru-sama actually intends to court Kagome-sama. Which means it must look authentic. If that means that we cannot be here, then that is what must be. Besides, we will be more effective if we are concealed in the surrounding area without Massoumo's knowledge. If Jaken, as Sesshomaru-sama's servant, is allowed here then he can easily relay messages to us."
Inuyasha turned a glare on the monk that Miroku met head on. "I said no and that's final. There's no way I'm leaving Kagome here alone with him. There's no telling just what exactly he'll do to her."
Unless Miroku was drastically mistaken, there was a low-tone growl coming from the him in question. Miroku hazarded a glance at the demon lord and fought a shiver at the sheer rage that was burning in his eyes. The rest of his countenance was icy cold and Miroku did shiver when he saw Sesshomaru's single hand inching closer to his deadly sword. It seemed it was about time for another one of those homicidal fits.
Shippo rolled his eyes and let out an exasperated sigh before anything could happen, though, drawing attention back to where he was now leaning against Kagome.
"Inuyasha, don't be a dope," Shippo drawled. "Sesshomaru-sama isn't gonna hurt her. Even if he wanted to he can't, his Beast won't let him."
"What do you mean, Shippo-chan?" Sango asked, tilting her head to the side in what Miroku thought was the most adorable way.
"Sesshomaru-sama's Beast sees Kagome as its mate," he replied. "Inuyoukai are very protective and very dedicated to their mates. Especially blood-bonded mates. Unlike some, they don't hurt them. If he even tried, his Inu would stop him. Actually, kitsune and inuyoukai are very much alike in that. Kitsune will do anything for their mates, just like Inuyoukai."
Inuyasha growled at the kit, but with a look from Kagome managed to hold off on another pummeling. "I'm not a complete moron, Shippo," he snarled. "I know that, but it's his Beast I'm worried about."
"What do you mean?" Miroku asked.
"I mean that the instincts involved in mating are some of the most powerful there are. Not even Fluffy-sama over there can keep complete control over them. If he could then we wouldn't be in this mess. Right now it's probably pushing him to mark Kagome, to complete the mating as the scent indicates. And just what do you think will happen when that instinct becomes so strong he can't control it? Huh?"
Everyone just stared at Inuyasha for a moment, stunned. Wow, a rational reason for concern. Miroku covertly glanced at the sky to see if it was falling and couldn't help but feel relived that this, amazingly enough, was not one of the signs of the Apocalypse.
It was, however, something that Miroku hadn't considered. For once, Inuyasha had a very valid point. If Sesshomaru's instincts to mate Kagome overcame his ability to reason…Miroku shuddered. Okay, that was definitely something that could not happen.
A snort of disdain broke the stunned and concerned silence that had fallen over the group at large. Miroku turned to see the Western Lord still leaning, completely at ease, against his chosen tree with a look of boredom on his face.
"You underestimate this Sesshomaru, little brother," he drawled, completely ignoring the glare and rising color on Inuyasha's face. "I have had complete control over my Beast since long before you cursed this world with your presence."
Inuyasha snorted. "Big talk, Sesshomaru, but I'm not about to trust Kagome's safety to you just because you're too arrogant to admit the dangers. She's worth a hell of a lot more than your pride."
Miroku fought the urge to dive behind the nearest tree as the two Inuyoukai glared at each other across the circle. He watched them closely, ready to jump out of the way at the first sign of trouble. He'd seen the brothers fight before and knew from experience that he definitely didn't want to be anywhere in the middle of that. But then the strangest thing happened. Sesshomaru's lips twitched and he dipped his chin ever so slightly in what looked suspiciously like a nod of approval. No…couldn't be.
"There are other, stronger instincts than mating," he said softly. "This Sesshomaru will not harm the miko."
"Give me one good reason why I should believe that?"
There was a pause as Sesshomaru seemed to be considering whether or not he was going to dignify that with an answer. For a moment Miroku didn't think he would.
"I have given her the Vow," Sesshomaru said at last, his voice soft.
ooOoo
When one spends so much of one's time traveling there are certain things one learns. One of those is that carry all the food needed is burdensome, bothersome, cumbersome, and generally rather smelly. To combat this, one learns rather quickly that it is really better to catch, kill, or find a majority of your food while on the road instead of bringing it with you. For Inuyasha and his group a large portion of that involved fishing, since the lands they tended to traverse were filled with lakes, streams, and ponds in which to find the aquatic delights. Inuyasha had caught a lot of fish in his time.
Because of this, he pretty well figured that he could speak with some authority when he said that he was pulling off a truly convincing impression of one of those landed fish at this very moment. It did make sense, though, that he looked somewhat like a stunned mullet. After all, Sesshomaru's little announcement had been quite an effective verbal board to the back of the head for the poor hanyou.
While deep thought wasn't something anyone would accuse him of, there was generally something going on in Inuyasha's head. But right now…nothing. It was like the words his half-brother had spoken had knocked them all out and onto the ground more effectively than a 'sit' from Kagome. The only consolation was the fact that he wasn't the only one.
Silence descended upon the group after those fateful words, though the reactions were varied. Miroku and Sango merely looked confused and somewhat interested by what he could mean by that. The little girl Sesshomaru kept with him, Rin, was staring up at him with a curious expression. Shippo was staring at the Western Lord with wide, wonder filled eyes and the beginning of a slight smile. Jaken looked like he had fallen victim to the same board wielding maniac that had attacked Inuyasha.
And Kagome…a slight glace to her showed she was staring at the Taiyoukai warmly with a slight blush on her cheeks. And said Taiyoukai was gazing right back at her, a look on his face Inuyasha had never seen there in all his days. A look he didn't even know how to classify. Something snapped.
"YOU WHAT!"
Sesshomaru turned his gaze back to his younger half-brother, the warmth leaking out of them. "Surely your hearing is good enough to have heard me. Or perhaps you merely lack the ability to comprehend."
Inuyasha snarled at the arrogant bastard and his bored, condescending tone. "I know what the Vow is, you bastard. You had no right!"
"On the contrary. This Sesshomaru has every right, as all Inuyoukai have the right to invoke the Vow at their choosing."
Inuyasha couldn't help the growl that rose in his chest as rage threatened to consume him. How dare he! Did he honestly think he was better…that he could better…
"Kagome is mine to protect!" he growled at the stoic demon who merely gave him a disdainful sniff in return.
"And you are doing such and excellent job," Sesshomaru drawled.
Oh, that was it. Inuyasha saw red. Just who did this bastard think he was? All his life Sesshomaru had lorded over him, acting like was better than him, more worthy than him. Nothing Inuyasha did was ever quite good enough for the perfect Sesshomaru—from his blood to his speech to his fighting. And now this.
He had risen to a crouch without really thinking, his claws flexing in the soft ground as he prepared to launch himself at the Lord. And just as he was about to do so and rip that smug little smile off his perfect face, he was stopped by a word.
"Sit."
It wasn't loud and the impact wasn't hard but the dirt tasted awful.
"What the hell did you do that for?" he bellowed at the girl sitting calmly next to him.
"Inuyasha," Kagome sighed before continuing gently, "you can't just attack Sesshomaru over this. He gave me the Vow before he knew who I really was. He's not trying to take me away from you or usurp your position. But the Vow was given, and you know it can't be retracted."
Inuyasha's brow furrowed as Kagome looked at him meaningfully. He had never explained to her about the Vow, never told her just what it had meant all that time ago in his father's grave when he had sworn to protect her. But she was talking about it like she knew…which meant that Sesshomaru must have explained it to her. Instant guilt shot through him. He should have told her, he knew that, but when he had first made the vow he had been so unsure. And then later…later he had been too afraid that she wouldn't understand, or worse, would be angry with him for not telling her sooner. And soon, it hadn't seemed to really even matter.
"Why do you think he was so angry when you attacked us before?" she asked him and Inuyasha realized just how much Sesshomaru had told her. Why, of all times, of all topics, had mister silent and regal decided to open his fat mouth?
Inuyasha hunched down, his ears pressed back to his head in shame. Yes, it certainly made sense now. At the time Inuyasha had thought it was just Sesshomaru's normal anger at seeing the 'shame' of his family compounded with the interruption of his tryst. He'd been a little confused, of course, since nothing Sesshomaru had said seemed to make much in the way of sense. He didn't get why his elder half-brother seemed to think he should care about his female's safety. He did now.
Inuyasha had felt instantly guilty and ashamed when he realized that it wasn't just some random female with his brother, but his very own Kagome. He should have recognized her, he thought, he should have known. Gods, he came so very close to hurting her, maybe even killing her. It made him go cold inside even at the thought. And Sesshomaru's anger was understandable, considering. Not only was he now acting on his own Vow of Protection, but he probably saw Inuyasha's mistake as a violation of his Vow.
"Ummm, Kagome-chan?" Sango's voice cut through the now culled Inuyasha's private misery. "What exactly are the three of you talking about? And how does it affect the plan?"
It wasn't Kagome that answered, though, startling Inuyasha enough that he looked up in surprise at the deep sound of his half-brother's voice.
"It is the Vow of Protection," Sesshomaru said to the equally startled Slayer. "It is one of the most sacred gifts an Inuyoukai can offer, tied to our deepest, strongest instinct to Protect. Once given, the recipient is under the Protection of the one who gives it until their death."
Sango blinked in surprise. "But…Kagome-chan said you gave it to her before you knew who she really was. Doesn't that mean it wouldn't count?"
Inuyasha sucked in a quick breath through his teeth in a hiss as Sesshomaru's eyes instantly narrowed. Oh, crap, this wasn't good. He tensed, ready for movement to stop Sesshomaru from killing his friend, when the Lord shifted his eyes to Kagome.
"They do no know either?" he asked, his voice cold. Kagome shook her head quickly and Sesshomaru's lips thinned as he turned displeased eyes back to Inuyasha, who couldn't quite bring himself to meet his elder brother's disapproving gaze. For once he couldn't really fault him for it. "I see."
"Sango-chan," Kagome said softly, "the Vow is an incredibly serious thing for the Inuyoukai. Once it's made it can't be taken back and breaking it is one of the most dishonorable things one can do. It doesn't matter if he knew who I was or not, he made the Vow. To even suggest not to follow through…it's like saying he has no honor."
Sango's face drained of color as her eyes darted back over to Sesshomaru. "Oh dear. I…I didn't…please forgive…"
Sesshomaru waved a hand to silence her. "You were unaware," he said off hand, as though dismissing the matter. "Because of the implications it is rarely made, this Sesshomaru is unsurprised at your ignorance."
Inuyasha gritted his teeth at the last part. Sesshomaru had said it while looked directly at him. He knew Inuyasha had never told the others, never explained it to them. Though he had to wonder why he didn't just come out and tell them that instead of beating around the bush and giving him nasty looks. Geeze, like he didn't feel bad enough already.
"Excuse me, Lord Sesshomaru," Miroku interrupted their latest staring contest. "But how does this Vow relieve us of the…uh…problem?"
Sesshomaru looked at him for a moment before gazing away and answering in a bored tone. "The instinct in Inuyoukai to Protect is tied to our deepest core, stronger than the one to mate. It drives one to protect above and from all things…even from ourselves. This Sesshomaru is well aware of the damage and injury that occurs during a forced mating, both physically and mentally. My Vow will protect Kagome from any…loss of control, effectively overriding any urge towards unwelcome advances."
They all sat for a moment in silence, taking that in. The others seemed pleased to an extent, though it was obvious that none of them were pleased with the situation. Inuyasha least of all. He wasn't stupid, he knew that the plan was a good one, but he didn't want to leave Kagome. Especially not with him. He supposed he should feel better now that he knew about Sesshomaru's Vow, but he didn't. He was still pissed as all hell that he apparently didn't think Inuyasha was a worthy guardian. What was worse, it effectively took away he last remaining argument against leaving her.
And that was the crux of it, he didn't want to leave her. He wanted to be there, protecting her, helping her, hell, just being with her. He supposed he was doing the first two more by going along with the plan, protecting her better by taking care of the problem, but that was logic. What was arguing were his emotions, and those little bitches sure as hell weren't logical.
He knew that the others wouldn't put up with his refusals for long. Either Kagome would 'sit' him unconscious or the others would beat him down and drag him away. No matter what, without a good enough reason the others wouldn't let him stay. But the fact of the matter was that even with the oath Inuyasha still didn't trust Sesshomaru with his Kagome. Hell, he just didn't trust Sesshomaru. He'd gone up against him too many times and come away raw to do that. And Kagome was too important to risk.
"Well," Miroku said cheerfully as Inuyasha's stomach dropped even more, "that solves that. I guess the plan is a go."
ooOoo
Sesshomaru was watching his half-brother through veiled eyes, paying attention to his reactions to just what was going on. It was obvious that the hanyou felt both shame and guilt about not telling the others, not telling Kagome about the Vow. Good, he should. It was incredibly irresponsible for him to have done so. He was pleased at the look of sheer dread, pain, and shame that crossed his features and permeated his scent when Kagome reminded him how he had almost killed her a couple hours earlier. That was even better. The pup needed to learn to be more cautious and circumspect in his action, to think before he leapt, to evaluate a situation properly. Perhaps now, with this as incentive, he would.
The Western Lord pushed down the small twinge of regret at the look of sheer mistrust on his half-brother's face as it became obvious that the plan would be put into place and he would be left alone with Kagome. Not that Inuyasha had had much reason to trust anyone in his short life, much less Sesshomaru. But still…while there were many who feared his power, there was no other Inuyoukai of his own Clan failed to trust him. Much less a member of his own Pack. Even after all this time, it rankled.
"We should probably leave soon," the monk continued, drawing Sesshomaru out of his thoughts. "We're probably very lucky that Massoumo has come back yet, we should not temp fate, least she frown upon us."
"Wait a minute," Inuyasha interrupted, "what about her?"
Sesshomaru blinked slowly, following the hanyou's pointing finger to the small form at his side. Rin. The little girl blinked and looked around confused. Sesshomaru just raised a brow.
"If this is a full courting we're faking, I thought no one could stay. What're we gonna do with her?"
Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed at his brother's crass tone even as he felt Rin's small hand curl into the fabric of his pants as though seeking protection. He shifted ever so slightly so that his leg pressed up against her hand, letting the tip of his tail rest against her back and felt her tension alleviate somewhat. Mentally he was cursing himself for failing to think of it. He had been so wrapped up in reading Inuyasha's reactions about the Vow that he had failed to consider the fact that Rin could not stay with him for this. It wasn't just a matter of her safety, though truthfully he preferred her far away from whatever trouble this was likely to bring. The fact of that matter was that if they were going to have to pretend to be courting, then this was no place for a child.
Not that anything is going to happen, he mentally reaffirmed, but it would be far too confusing to her.
He hadn't lied when he had said that his Vow would protect Kagome from a forced mating brought on by any possible loss of control over his instincts. But Inuyoukai were…affectionate…with their mates. And their intended mates. He wouldn't do anything, but there were some things he didn't want his Ward exposed to at such a young age. Like his impending insanity.
"I see no problem in taking her with us," the monk spoke up. "We are well equipped to care for her and protect her in your absence, Sesshomaru-sama."
"Rin wants to stay with her Sesshomaru-sama," the young girl answered slightly tremulously, leaning farther into his leg.
"No," he said, looking down at her. "They are correct. When this plan enacts this will be no place for you. You will go with the monk and Slayer and this Sesshomaru will collect you when the situation has been resolved."
"But…" Rin stared up at him, her bottom lip beginning to quiver, "Sesshomaru-sama…"
Damn it, not the puppy eyes… He was sure that his enemies and allies alike would laugh if they knew that the Great Lord of the Western Lands greatest weakness was the wide-eyed look of a small human child. But it was one of those things that reminded him so strongly of an Inuyoukai pup, and most of the time he was near powerless to deny her when she used them. He wasn't sure if it was some instinct or merely the strange witchcraft that all children seem to possess.
"Don't worry, Rin," Shippo said and Sesshomaru realized that he was no longer over by Kagome. Instead, the small kitsune had crossed over to them and was now standing in front of his Ward, patting her reassuringly on the shoulder. "Miroku and Sango are really nice. And Inuyasha's not so bad once you learn to ignore him. And just think of all the fun we'll have! I hardly ever get to play with other kids. And Kirara can play with us too! She's lots of fun. We can play tag and hide-and-go-seek and pick flowers and I'll even let you use the colors Kagome gave me to make pretty pictures!"
Rin looked up at him, a little shy, but Sesshomaru felt her grip on his pants loosen ever so slightly. "Really? Promise?"
Shippo nodded with a grin. "Really. Promise."
Rin looked at him thoughtfully for a moment before glancing up at Sesshomaru, almost as though she was seeking his permission. He nodded ever so slightly to her and she smiled, her earlier fears seemingly forgotten.
"Come on!" she squealed, grabbing the kit's hand. "Help me pack!"
"The rest of us should pack as well," the monk said and started gathering up his things.
"Oh, Kagome!" Sango said, "I almost forgot, I brought your things with us. Come on, we should probably separate some things out."
Sesshomaru watched the two women wander off towards a yellow monstrosity that sat at the edge of the clearing. He gave Jaken a few, brief orders, and soon the imp scampered off leaving Sesshomaru alone with his half-brother. Inuyasha was glaring at him through wary eyes so like his own. For the first time since they had all gathered, Sesshomaru pushed off his tree and headed over towards where the hanyou was standing.
"You better not do anything," Inuyasha growled at him. "If I hear one bad thing from Kagome I promise I'll cut off your other arm and leave you with a matched set of stumps."
Sesshomaru didn't respond to that. After all, it was a ridiculous threat. First of all, he would get no negative reports, Sesshomaru would not harm Kagome. Nor would he treat her in any such way. But more importantly, the only reason Inuyasha had been able to cut off Sesshomaru's left arm was because he had underestimated the hanyou and the sword. Two things he would never do again.
"And this Sesshomaru had better not receive any ill reports on your treatment of Rin," he said, his voice cold. "If my Ward is not in perfect health when I collect her I will take great pleasure in peeling the skin from your bones. One strip at a time."
He expected a hot retort, so he was a little surprised when all he got was a dazed blink.
"Ward?" Inuyasha asked. "You took a human child as your Ward?"
Damn. I swear, if I loose any more of my mind I might as well had over my throne and toss myself down a cliff. It would be more effective.
Instead of answering, Sesshomaru merely narrowed his eyes dangerously.
"Okay, okay," Inuyasha finally said, holding up his hands in a warding gesture. "Sheesh, like I'd ever hurt a kid."
"You strike the Kitsune."
"He's youkai," Inuyasha rolled his eyes. "He can take it. Toughen him up. I know you don't think much of me, but I'm not such a brute I'd hurt a little girl."
"See that you don't."
And with that, Sesshomaru turned and left.
ooOoo
Sesshomaru walked slowly up to where the young kitsune was aiding Rin in packing her belongings. He found that this situation brought much confusion to his life, and one part of that was the kit, himself. There was no reason for him to have the knowledge he seemed to have, especially at such a young age. And especially about the Inuyoukai. He was kitsune and their ways were not that similar.
Sesshomaru did not like confusion. It was time to alleviate at least one of the many annoyances that had intruded upon his usually well ordered life.
The others were preparing to go, Jaken had already left on the tasks Sesshomaru had sent him on. The monk was clearing the impromptu campsite. The Slayer and Kagome were sorting through her pack. Inuyasha was sulking. If he was going to find out just what he wanted to know, now was the time.
"Kitsune," he said softly, making the kit jump in surprise before turning to him.
"Yes, Sesshomaru-sama?"
He gazed down at the little kit who once again was staring up at him without an ounce of fear in his large green eyes. Another oddity, but one he explained by the handy scapegoat of instinct. As long as his own sent was mingled with the one the kit seemed to look at as his mother, Sesshomaru doubted he would ever be able to make the kit fear him.
"Tell me," Sesshomaru started, keeping his voice and expression bare, "how is it you know so much about the Inuyoukai and our ways? I have little faith in my half-brother's ability or willingness to teach you of them."
The kitsune blinked at him for a moment. "Umm, well," he hesitated, for the first time looking vaguely uncomfortable, though Sesshomaru couldn't determine why. Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes at the kit's hesitation and finally the little creature sighed.
"My mother's cousin has served as an ambassador to the Inuyoukai courts for centuries," he finally admitted softly. "He's the only one the Council of Nine has sent that has ever been able to gain any trust or friendship. I guess I just sort of picked things up from him and my mother."
Sesshomaru blinked, but otherwise was able to keep his face blank. An ambassador of the Council? To his court? The Council of Nine was effectively the ruling body of the Kitsune, nine of the wisest and most powerful nine-tailed kitsune. They represented the different clans in the different regions. Sesshomaru knew of only one ambassador from their body that had ever earned any kind of favor in the Inuyoukai Courts. Mostly because Inu and Kitsune did not often get along…their natures were too dissimilar. And he knew the ambassador very well, after all, he was one of the few beings the Lord had ever been able to consider a friend. Hell, the Silver Shadow Kitsune had practically raised him. If this kit was his kin…at least it explained why he was able to keep such a humanoid shape at such a young age.
"You speak of Youko," he said softly and the kit nodded slowly. "I had assumed you were lacking of Pack to have joined with my half brother's. If you have relatives, why are you not with them?"
He watched at the kit gulped and looked away. His gaze seemed to land on something and Sesshomaru followed it. To Kagome. Ahh, the kit did not wish to leave his new mother.
"Please don't make me leave her," he heard the kit start softly, his voice holding a very fine tremor he was obviously trying to keep in check. "I know she doesn't really realize what she's done in taking me in the way she has…but I do. She is as much my Keeper as you are Rin's. I know I should have gone to Youko after my parents were avenged… but…"
"How old are you, kit?" he interrupted.
The kitsune turned to him, blinking slightly watery eyes, obviously confused by the question and the interruption.
"Fifteen summers," he said softly. Sesshomaru blinked again. Barely more than a babe. He wasn't even at the age of training. And yet, the Lord had seen him fight alongside his companions when he could, seen him use his Foxfire and Wizardry in cunning if childish ways. If he was able to do so much at only fifteen summers…his potential was truly great. He was definitely Youko's kin.
Sesshomaru made an instant decision. "When you have reached twenty summers, kit, you will report to my House for training. Until such time, you are not to engage in any more battle than necessary, though this Sesshomaru expects you to continue to exercise the skills you already possess. You are not, however, to take any tutelage from the hanyou. This Sesshomaru has no desire to un-teach the bad habits you would surely pick up from his untrained ways."
The youngling stared up at him with his mouth dropped open like a fish, complete and utter shock scrawled across his face. "Se…Se…Sesshomaru-sama…"
"Do not gape, kit," he chastised as gently as he knew how. "It is unbecoming of one born of noble blood. Your kin is closely connected to the House of the Moon, both in honor and in affections. And you are part of a Pack which is tied to mine. It is only proper."
"Ye..yes, Sesshomaru-sama," the kit stuttered. "Thank you."
Sesshomaru gave the kit a slight nod and turned to leave, speaking over his shoulder. "You and Rin should be prepared to leave within the hour. The sooner this farce is completed, the better."
Sesshomaru made his way over to his boulder and took up post, feeling a satisfaction he had not since this all began…by the gods, was it only last night? Still, it was one situation solved. He didn't even have to pause and wonder at his instant decision to train the kit, and it was nice not to have the uncertainty of mind. Youko was his friend and a great ally to his House. That alone would gain his kin the right of training. And when he really got down to it, the kit was a part of his half-brother's Pack. Though he may never admit it out loud, half or not, Inuyasha was still family.
ooOoo
Kagome stood with Sesshomaru, watching as the others disappeared from sight into the forest that surrounded them. Shippo and Rin were riding on Kirara, chattering as though they had known each other their whole lives. She was always amazed as how easily children could adapt to strange circumstances. Miroku and Sango were walking on either side of Kirara, keeping the promised eye on the young ones. And Inuyasha was in the lead, arms crossed, ears flattened to his skull, and in a definite funk.
Kagome sighed. She knew he wasn't going to take any of this well, there was really no two ways about it. Not that she was all that pleased herself. She slid her eyes over to the stoic Lord standing beside her. They were alone…alone and with a mission. To court.
She had no idea what that meant…but she had a feeling she was about to find out.
AN: Well, whaddaya think? I hope you like it, because it definately sets up for some interesting times ahead. I can't promise as quick of a turn around this time, I'm afraid, but I hope that two chapters makes up somewhat for the delay in posting anything. Please review!
Reviewer Response:
Amber001: Thanks. Hope this is good too.
Dragonsdaughter1: Actually, I think Massoumo is too insane to set anyone up...except maybe a carboard cut out of Michael Jackson...
Wandering Xanthe: Thanks. (Grins like Maniac)
hellspixie18: Why, because I'm evil, my dear. I thought you knew that? I just hope this chapter came soon enough! 0.