Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha, Rumiko Takahashi does. This is only a fanfic to read and enjoy.

Authors Notes: I have noticed some authors are posting their review responses on their bio page. I think it is a good idea, so please check there for a response.

This chapter is my attempt at writing action. Please read and review!

SPOILER WARNING!

Chapter 4: Aftermath

Shroud in darkness and encased in the bowels of a dank cocoon, a metamorphosis occurs. The remains of discarded body parts litter the ground; the fate of the insignificant youkai deemed unworthy of a goal to achieve the ultimate form.

The cocoon, suspended from the top of an enclosure, pulsates and spurts forth a toxic secretion. Oozing from the walls and covering the ground, this substance produces a foul stench.

As footsteps approach, a fissure appears in the body of the cocoon. A bulge forms, pressing outward, its contents writhing and twisting to escape its confines. Finally, a shape protrudes from the jagged opening. Gelatinous globs drip from Naraku's asymmetrical shaped head and fall at Kanna's feet.

"This interruption better be worthwhile, Kanna," Naraku hisses. "I thought it clear; I am not to be disturbed."

"I have come to inform you, Kikyou and Kohaku have finally made contact with Inuyasha and Sesshomaru," the pale creation speaks in an inaudible whisper.

Splendid!" Naraku looks to the girl expectantly. "What's this…no mirror to view their progress?"

Kanna looks down at her empty hands, and then holds them out; her palms up. It appears she just realizes she is without her mirror. Looking back at her creator, she utters a simple…"No."

"Useless underling!"

The hideous face is more distorted by the frown marring his features. Observing the waif, he believes her insipid mind free of independent thought, unlike her late sister, Kagura.

"Leave me, Kanna," he dismisses her. "Don't bother me again, until it is time." Naraku slinks back into his grisly abode, in a few days his synthesis will be complete.

Kanna's apparition like form turns and walks out of the musty lair. Naraku cannot have known that her leaving the mirror behind is deliberate.

Rin's constant chatter fills the clearing, firing rapid questions to both Kikyou and Kohaku. Sesshomaru and Jaken stand to the side and neither looks pleased by the turn of events. Finally, having heard enough, the taijyoukai walks and stands over Kikyou who is conversing with Rin. The little girl stops talking immediately. Shesshomaru never says a word; he spares a glance to the miko then walks into the forest.

"You should follow him," Rin says simply.

Kikyou looks from the girl then in the direction of Sesshomaru's retreating form.

"How do you know that, Rin?" Kikyou asks puzzled. "He has made no request."

Before Rin can respond Jaken comes to stand in their midst. "You impertinent wench! You will do well to do as the master asks."

It is on the tip of her tongue to repeat he has made no request, however, Kikyou sighs and gets up. Kohaku moves to go with her but she bids him to stay and talk with Rin.

Sesshomaru clearly hearing the exchange is not pleased that it took Rin and Jaken to have the miko succumb. Once Kikyou catches up to him he opens with a verbal attack.

"You are Inuyasha's wench?" Coming from him, it sounded more of a statement than a question.

"I…am neither a wench nor do I belong to anyone," the miko says pointedly.

Sesshomaru says nothing; he just continues to stare. His presence is unnerving but Kikyou maintains her stoicism.

Rin's animated talk and delightful laughter sadly reminds the priestess of Sayo. The little girl who resides in the first village she stayed following her resurrection. Forcing back the memory of that traumatic departure, she turns to Sesshomaru.

"Might I be allowed to deliver this message now, Sesshomaru-sama?" Kikyou says with a hint of sarcasm.

Startlingly, he only nods for her to proceed. She begins by informing him of Naraku's summons, then of the meeting with Inuyasha and goes as far as to give her partial opinion of the circumstances.

As Kikyou speaks, various theories run through Sesshomaru's mind. This miko, she is the one that sealed his brother. Naraku eliminated her, only to have her revive and pursue him relentlessly. Then why is she the acting messenger to Naraku's requests.

There is no pretense in her words; the deliverance is neither coy nor hesitant. For all her straightforwardness, the taijyoukai can sense she is withholding something, but her speech reveals nothing.

Sesshomaru maintains eye contact with the miko the entire time she is speaking. Her eyes are just as empty and emotionless as her body. A high-pitched laugh interrupts Kikyou's flow of words, she resumes talking but her eyes stray in the direction of Rin and Kohaku. As if by magic, a light enters her mahogany orbs and warmth radiates from them. Sesshomaru observes the transformation with narrowed eyes.

Unknowingly, Kikyou sheds the mask of indifference; in its place is an expression the taijyoukai can only interpret as longing. With the miko focused on the children, he takes the opportunity to assess the rest of her person.

The obsidian tresses framing her face enhance Kikyou's features. Her large mahogany eyes are exceptional, once readable. Face free of the rogues used by humans and demons alike, she is a striking human indeed for one so unadorned. What he finds intriguing is her regal bearing; one would assume her born of nobility. That and the fact she is a major annoyance to Naraku is an asset.

Once Kikyou is finished speaking; she returns her attention to Sesshomaru unaware the detached image she portrays is ruined.

"Having fulfilled my obligation, I will take leave of you now," she states turning away.

"You feel an obligation…to Naraku?"

Kikyou stops but does not turn around, after a long pause she responds.

"An obligation…yes, to Naraku…no."

They continue walking to the others awaiting them. Kohaku rises on the taijyoukai and mikos' arrival.

"Kohaku…" begins Kikyou.

"You will both remain here tonight!" Sesshomaru interrupts.

Five pairs of eyes widen in shock, Au-un included. They all respond in unison.

"That's impossible!" this from Kikyou.

"I don't think…," Kohaku starts.

"Ah!" Rin exclaims, clapping gleefully.

Jake, rendered speechless, knowing Sesshomaru's detestation of humans. Only Rin is the exception.

"These humans will provide Rin with entertainment," is his only explanation. "I have business to attend."

"As have I," Kikyou states, eyes gleaming. "You will not …"

"Please, Kikyou-sama," Rin's small voice intercedes. "I have ever so many questions to ask."

The miko glances down at the little girls upturned face and concedes to the pleading look in her eyes. "Hai, Rin," Kikyou says with a slight smile, "I'll stay tonight."

With a glance to Kohaku for confirmation, she then notices Sesshomaru exchange words with the demon toad, Jaken. Kikyou walks over to them, having read the situation the taijyoukai has created.

"He won't be there," the miko states calmly; she receives a piercing glare. "Your intentions are obvious."

"No more obvious than your defying acts earlier spurred to test my abilities." Sesshomaru turns away from her widening eyes, the only indication of her surprise. He walks away enveloped in the mikos' soft throaty chuckle.

Standing over her daughters sleeping form, Mrs. Higarashi wonders of Kagome's experiences in the feudal era. There are nights when she stays up late sensing her daughter exposed to danger, yet she always returns unharmed. Mrs. Higarashi knows this is assuredly due to Inuyasha's presence.

On first meeting the half-demon, Mrs. Higarashi thought him to be loud, bossy, rude and utterly selfish. He definitely had issues. It did not matter that he had the cutest dog-ears. The first time Inuyasha appeared at their home, he barged in demanding Kagome return with him. Mrs. Higarashi had concerns until she saw that Kagome was unafraid and could hold her own with the hanyou.

Each time they enter the well and return, there is a new aspect to their relationship. It has grown and ripened into, what an observant mother can only describe as love. Whether Kagome and Inuyasha admit it or not, they have feelings for each other. It is because of those feelings that Mrs. Higarashi allows Kagome to continue her visits to his time. She is confident Inuyasha will ensure her daughters' safety.

Sliding the covers up and over Kagome, Mrs. Higarashi drops a kiss on her daughter's brow before leaving the room. She heads back to the kitchen and once again, prepares the much-utilized backpack for the next mission to the feudal era.

The moon is high when Kirara and I reach the Taijya village. It seems Sango and Hachi have shared a meal and she has left some food aside for me. I am happy to know she does not plan to starve me.

I locate Sango in the main house where she sits polishing her Hiraikotsu. As I approach, they are numerous explanations or excuses I can give, but none seems appropriate.

"Hachi told me I would find you here," I say in greeting.

No answer…she continues working. I watch while she applies slow, languid strokes to her weapon and I give a shudder. Just thinking, if things were different, I could be enjoying the pleasure of her touch right now.

"Sango, please…," I end there.

I am not sure myself what I am asking. The last thing I want is to alienate her. Sango does not realize how much I have come to depend on her presence. I need her…I need her as one needs air to breath and water to survive.

"Listen…," I appeal to her silence, "...we need to talk."

"No, houshi-sama - there is no need," she responds quietly.

"Don't do this, Sango," I plead, "I want you to understand."

"I do…I do understand," she says solemnly. "More than you know."

That comment makes me uncomfortable. Her words are an indication of withdrawal. I don't know how to stop this, I don't know if I should try. My hesitation must act as confirmation to Sango.

"Good-night, houshi-sama," she says standing. "I guess we leave early tomorrow?"

Usually good with words, unfortunately, they all abandon me now. I can only nod in acquiescence as she turns to leave. I watch her go with a heavy heart.

"How did it come to this? Kami, what have I done?"

Closing the shoji behind me, I lean on it and close my eyes. It takes everything I have to retreat from houshi-sama. Although, I told him I understand… I do not, not really.

I flop down on the futon and reach for my comb. Pulling it through my hair, it reminds me of Miroku's fingers.

"Miroku"

It is all right to say his given name in my mind. It is not easy for me, unlike the others, to adjust to calling him Miroku. I address him by his title, and I will probably continue to do so. Conversely, houshi-sama and Miroku are the same, but in my mind, they each serve a different purpose.

Houshi-sama is my scholar – the intellectual. He is the one who comforts me, the one who gives me faith. His words are encouraging and I can always depend on him. He has pulled me from the ashes of despair and has saved my life numerous times. He is my lifeline, he stimulates my mind; he stimulates my heart.

Miroku is my passion – the hentai. He is the charmer, the persistent seducer. I am acutely aware of my femininity around him; I blossom under his intense gaze. He does not need to say a word, but I feel beautiful. He stimulates my body; he stimulates my soul.

Houshi-sama is the realty, Miroku, my fantasy. Therefore, when I say houshi-sama it is with the greatest respect, admiration and is my sweetest endearment.

Getting up, I begin to disrobe, preparing for sleep. As the material slides from my shoulders, I vividly recall Miroku's caresses earlier and a slight moan escapes me. I will admit I derive pleasure from his occasional gropes even though I strike him. What occurred between us today is my biggest fear.

I have often wondered if I gave into my passion, if I allowed Miroku what he sought so persistently, what would be the outcome. Would I become one of his many conquests? Will I join the long list of women who have enjoyed his company? Was his proposal born of pity? Poor Sango… she has lost so much, she has no family….

I wrap my arms around myself as these thoughts run rampant. I do not want to believe these things, but his rejection has left its mark. I am afraid to allow him an explanation because I am afraid of his answer.

One thing I know for sure…if he were to walk in right now and gave indication to continue where we left off in the field. I would not hesitate and to hell with the consequences.

Moving through the high grass, Inuyasha arrives at the mouth of Onigumo's cave. Damn, it takes forever for Kaede to go to sleep. With only a small bit of guilt on his conscious, he ventures inside.

The cave looks the same as last time. The spot where Onigumo lay, before the demons consumed his body, is still free of grass. Miroku says none will grow because of the strong demonic aura left behind. I continue past this spot, I can only think how that vermin, Onigumo, repaid Kikyou's kindness by taking her life.

Although the cave is dark, Inuyasha can see quite well, not to mention his other senses. Utilizing each, Inuyasha concludes Naraku is not here and nor has he been.

Retracing his steps, Inuyasha is leaving, when out the corner of his eye he detects movement. Before he can grip the hilt of the Tetsaiga, a long vine-like tentacle whips out of the darkness wrapping itself around the hanyou's wrist. He makes an attempt with his free hand to grasp his sword; a duplicate vine capturing the other wrist again foils this.

The vines tighten around Inuyasha's wrists the more he struggles. The tentacles lift him high in the air and slam him, head first, into the top of the cave. Head spinning and amid the falling debris, Inuyasha gets a view of the demon controlling the tentacles.

There is not much of a body, but the demon has a huge mouth displaying several rows of teeth. It appears flattened to the wall of the cave with six identical tentacles protruding out.

Pulled towards the mouth of the demon, Inuyasha resumes his struggles. The vines have tightened to the point of drawing blood. Another vine shoots forth piercing the hanyou's thigh.

This is not good, not only is he trapped, but injured as well; he cannot reach the Tetsaiga nor use his 'Blades of Blood'. He is now looking at those rows of teeth up close.

Out of nowhere, a blur of light and the tentacles start dropping. The ones holding Inuyasha release him; he drops to the ground and rolls to avoid a falling vine. The ends of the severed tentacles seem to sizzle as if cauterized.

Looking up, Inuyasha watches as the demon starts to shrivel up and slides to the floor of the cave. Sesshomaru calmly retracts his poisoned claws and turns to Inuyasha.

"So…you remain unscathed," Sesshomaru smirks, "I assure you that was not my intention, little brother."

"Just what the hell is that supposed ta' mean?" Inuyasha shouts.

"You should be thanking me, imbecile."

"I'm not sure what…," begins Inuyasha.

"I will thank you, Sesshomaru-sama," a voice says.

"Myouga"

The flea vassal appears on the tip of Inuyasha's nose, executing a bow.

"Well, well…Myouga," says the hanyou, "what the hell are you doin' here?"

Looking over at this brother, he disregards his timely, if unwelcome arrival and shouts. "And…what the hell are you doin' here?"

Sesshomaru declines a response, so Myouga speaks.

"It's too early, my lords," the flea addresses them both. "Naraku will not be here until the appointed time. So both your attempts to confront him beforehand are futile."

"How do you know about it, Myouga?" Inuyasha inquires. "I jus' found out myself."

"Master Inuyasha…," he responds with his chest puffed out, "…I'll have you know, I am well informed and…"

"Who told ya'?" Inuyasha cuts him off.

"Oh…, the two who travel with the wolf demon, Kouga," Myouga admits. "I'm sorry master Inuyasha," the flea continues, "I am only trying to catch up to the priestess Lady Kikyou. Currently she knows more than anyone."

Inuyasha and Myouga both look up in time to see Sesshomaru leave.

A/N: Thanks to everyone who indulged. Sorry for the delay, as usual Sango held up everything. She is my favorite character, but her feelings and emotions are hard to write down.