The assassin Kikyo had locked away proved useless for any information, simply because he killed himself before she herself could question him, let alone kill him once finished with her inquiries. Another lead, gone. It had frustrated her to no end, leaving her less and less sociable as she thought hard over events, over facts, over the endless threats and promises upon her family line. And if there weren't threats, there were marriage proposals to shift through. Most of them she burned, but some… Some were so damn persistent that she had to at least read them.

Of course, most of the proposals were for her because she currently held ruling over her family assets, yet some were shockingly for her sister, Kagome. Kikyo could only surmise it was for the jewel of four souls, seeing as all any of these men cared for was power.

She sighed as she looked at the last letter, the one exception to the rule. And he would be in town on the morrow. He had sent word that he would be here, and that he requested an audience with the Higurashi family.

Standing from her office, Kikyo left the room and made her way down the hall, to where the dinning area stood. Miroku had summoned her for dinner and she was so glad to see him sitting at their table once more. Yesterday he had refused not to assist in any way he could, so Kikyo allowed him to help her with courtly matters. His sense of humor was ever intact. And she realized, as Sango screeched and she heard a loud smack before she had the opportunity to open the sliding doors, Miroku's perverse hand was as well.

Sota and Keade were laughing, Sango was flaming and Kagome was staring most interestedly at her plate. Inuyasha looked somewhat slack jawed while Sesshoumaru and Akin remained completely frozen, their expressions blank and straight ahead, never meeting anyone's eyes.

"Hentai! One of these days, I'm going to crush in that perverse brain of yours!" Sango heaved, her eyes like flames.

"Sango, it is only these hands have missed the warmth and curve of your-" Miroku began smoothly.

"Face!" Kagome shouted, her face a tomato. Her exclamation caught Akin's attention, Kikyo noted. "Right sister?" Kagome asked Kikyo. "After all, Sango's face is so perfect and-and round and smooth and warm…"

"Like her-"

"MIROKU!" Sango roared.

"Will we never have a meal in peace?" Kikyo sighed as she came to the table.

"I could fix that." Sango growled. As Miroku grinned cheekily at her, she added. "Permanently." The children and Miroku grinned.

In the next moments of silence, Kagome looked over at the three demons against the wall and sighed. "Sister, may I…?"

"Do as you wish. They are yours to command." Kikyo said, filling her plate.

Kagome hated that term. "Inuyasha, Sesshoumaru… If you like, you can come eat."

Sango sighed at her and glanced at Akin. "The invitation includes you." Because if it didn't, Kagome would be rather put out with her later.

None of the demons moved, and though Kagome felt bad, she began to dine with the rest of the very human group of family and friends. "I thought you should know, Kagome." Kikyo began, catching her eyes. "Hojo will be in town and he wishes to see you." Kagome dropped her chopsticks momentarily.

Sota laughed along with Keade. "He-he does, does he?" Kagome murmured, poking her food.

"Mm." Kikyo took a sip of tea. "And what say you?"

"Uh, well, I can't be rude and say no…" Kagome said, still poking her food. "So I guess, I mean…" Then her face brightened. "Sango, you could always-"

"No." Sango laughed. "Hojo wants to see you."

"I could use a little back up, you know?" She huffed, looking at Miroku. "Would you-"

"I agree with Sango, Kagome-chan." He smiled.

She noticeably slumped. "Well that means I've got to face him all by myself." She groaned in exasperation.

"Sister." Kikyo said calmly. "Sit straight and eat your food."

Kagome resisted the urge to make a face and did as her sister commanded. As she chewed on a particularly flavorful bite of goose, her eyes brightened and she looked over to her guards, as she liked to call them. As much as Sesshoumaru made her uncomfortable, she'd have him with her, wouldn't she? Yes she would have preferred Inuyasha, but he was looking after her siblings and that's how she would rather it.

Sesshoumaru moved his eyes down, finding hers and she swallowed at the lack of anything in that steely amber gaze. He'd been here for nearly three weeks and still he didn't show anything. Nothing, it was just the blankest of blank stares. Plainer than an undisturbed canvas. It was just… It was so soulless. The fact that he seemed so unreachable bothered her in the sense that she felt nothing could stir him. It was like he held no emotional capacity, but she knew he did. He had to because he was a living being. But what if it was buried so deep that she'd never find it? What if Kagome could never find something to just… To make him feel something?

Or what if he felt everything and just didn't show it? What would it take to make him- "Kagome." Kikyo murmured as Sesshoumaru finally looked away, moments after the bands constricted and glowed with a deadly promise.

Kagome turned her eyes to her sister. "Yes, Kikyo?"

She said nothing, giving Kagome a look that was well understood. Four times in the last three weeks that Sesshoumaru had been among them, the two would catch eyes and Kagome would not look away from him. Kikyo did out of respect for who he once was, but Kagome couldn't. She was trapped in that molten gaze, trying to see through it to the being he was beneath. Clearly, Kikyo wanted her to stop looking in his eyes and, in essence, challenging the demon.

Kagome never again looked at the where the three demons were stationed as she ate, and she didn't speak much either. Akin glanced from his brief gaze of the humans to Sesshoumaru. When their eyes met, they too shared a silent message. It was one neither came to an agreement on. In the six to seven hundred years they'd known one another, they never really had seen eye to eye in the first place. Why would they now?

Kagome took a deep, deep, deep breath. "Do not decline his request for marriage too quickly, or you'll seem rude." She told herself. "Don't stutter because you'll look like an idiot. Look him in the eye, like Kikyo would and be courteous. Make sure he knows there will be no marrying since you two don't know each other super well and… Ugh!" Who was she kidding? She was going to stutter, she was going to be blunt in the nicest way possible and she was bound to seem like an idiot. And the simple reason being; Kagome was not Kikyo.

Kagome stood from her vanity and moved to her bedroom doors, knowing her sister would want her to greet Hojo with the entire family in the throne room of the home before they would… Walk the grounds… Alone…

Somewhat.

Even now, Sesshoumaru moved fluidly at Kagome's side. His eyes were forward, but somehow she felt like he was studying her. For once, she welcomed the tense feeling at being near him because it meant she wouldn't be truly alone with Hojo. She would have Sesshoumaru with her, and that was a little better than being on her own.

She really felt like such a child, but it couldn't be helped. Kagome couldn't stand hurting people and, from the moment they met, Hojo just seemed to have this thing for her. She thought he was attractive, no lie, but… They'd seen one another all of what, four times? And her sister warned he'd been writing marriage proposals since the last time they spoke.

Closing her eyes, she murmured. "Kami, let this be quick…"

Sesshoumaru cut his eyes down to Kagome's short height then, the golden orbs narrowed. His every acute sense warned him of her nervous trepidation, and those words also alerted him to the fact that she feared hurting the human in some way. Odd little mortal that she was, it was revolting to be so weak. Her sister had better continue on with such a lucky streak in living, else the house of Higurashi would surely fall if Kagome led it.

Kagome came through the doors with Sesshoumaru at her side, and when Inuyasha caught her eyes, she gave him a small smile before he looked at the ground once more. "Your miko garb?" Kikyo inquired as she looked over Kagome's red and white clothing choice.

"Yup. I am a priestess after all." She smiled sheepishly.

Kikyo was forced to adorn the miko attire for she was the head of their family and needed to represent the fact with the power and grace her station demanded. Kagome, however, should have worn something more… flattering. A kimono, of at least a spring theme and her hair should have been up in even a simple bun. Rather here she was, so plain. Kagome was sending out a very clear message, though somehow she doubted Hojo would even realize it. Kikyo knew Kagome hoped he would, but the boy was somewhat unaware of things.

As Kagome sat beside her sister, Kikyo murmured to her. "He is suitable, Kagome. Wealthy, his family is of decent stature, he is handsome-"

"No." Kagome whispered in a near hiss.

Kikyo sighed. "Someday, you will need to choose."

"And so will you." Kagome reminded her.

Kikyo sighed once more, no longer speaking with her sister. Instead, she awaited the arrival of Hojo in silence, Keade and Sota not sure what to make of the entire situation. They were old enough to understand that this man wanted Kagome's hand in marriage, but did Kikyo really want her to say yes?

Inuyasha's ears flicked forward, his amber eyes narrowing a little as he watched the doorway ahead of him. Sesshoumaru, however, appeared utterly bored. Miroku opened the outlying doors and another young man who had recently been hired to replace the dead guards. "Togaku, Hojo." He announced, bowed low.

Inuyasha glanced at Kagome when her heart picked up its pace into a frazzled gallop before simply looking ahead, at the wall once more. His every sense was trained on the movement of this Togaku, Hojo while he seemed wholly unobservant.

"Higurashi-sama." Hojo gave Kikyo her proper respect, grinning broadly. "It is wonderful to see you all again." At the last, he looked at Kagome and she barely met his gaze.

She dipped her head. "How long do you plan to stay in Tokyo, Hojo-san?"

"A week, perhaps more if circumstances permit." Again, his brown eyes were trained on Kagome.

"How are your mother and father?" Kikyo inquired.

"Well." He promised, looking at her briefly. "They often inquire as to how the Higurashi family is. How are you all, Kagome?"

The girl's heart rate increased two fold, Sesshoumaru noted. "We are well, Hojo-san."

He stepped forward a little, and she looked up at him as he wanted. "It is a lovely day outside. Perhaps we could walk together, Kagome?"

Her muscles tensed and she nodded. "Hai." Looking back at Sesshoumaru as she stood, he understood the silent message and moved to her side.

The young man proceeded to look very confused then. "Can we not speak alone?" He questioned her, almost hurt by the fact that she would have her slave follow her. A very imposing slave…

"Our family has been under constant attack, Hojo." Kagome murmured. "In case someone attacks, I would rather have him with me."

"Are the tides so bad that they have come in broad daylight?" He asked her, shock clear in his voice.

"Nearly." Kikyo answered tensely.

Hojo seemed to understand there would be no convincing Kagome to relieve her demon, so he nodded once. "May I at least walk beside you?" He asked softly.

A faint tinge rose to her cheeks and she nodded. "Sesshoumaru, please follow a few steps behind us unless it is necessary for you to be closer." She demanded of them in a very polite way and her voice was stronger with it now. He did find it interesting, however, that she had in essence told him to use his own judgment.

"Sesshoumaru…" Hojo murmured, frowning. "I have heard such a name before." He commented just as they stepped outside.

Kagome nodded. "He and Inuyasha are the sons of Inu no Tashio."

Sesshoumaru noted with some pleasure that the human nearly fell over from shock and his heart rate sped up from near fear. "Your slaves are-"

"Our protectors," Kagome corrected quietly. "Are the sons of the last Dog General."

"Are things so terrible here, Kagome?" Hojo asked her softly, a frown on his face.

She sighed. "I am not sure sister would approve of this conversation." She told him in politely. Sesshoumaru found it interesting how she demanding for a subject to be dropped. It was more like a sweet recommendation.

The boy nodded. "Are you keeping up on your reading?" He wondered.

Kagome smiled a little. Though nervous about being near to a suitor, she did love to delve into her readings. "Yes. I've most recently started reading one that really got my interest."

"Oh?" He inquired.

She nodded. "It's called The Sword of Ocraseous." Kagome laughed a little. "It's about a Demi-God that was cast into another realm through this scroll called Ugai. He winds up coming back to the Earthly realm and…"

Hojo smiled as she went into every detail and Sesshoumaru listened with some interest. She was so energized by the story you couldn't help listening to her every word. When she came to a stopping point, Hojo asked. "So, which does the girl choose? The Demi-God or the elf?"

Kagome laughed. "I haven't gotten to that part yet, so I can't say. I mean, a part of me wants her with Ocraseous because he's really learning that he's done all kinds of wrong, but another part of me wants her with Grayson because he's just so… I don't know. I'm going to be happy and sad either way." She laughed again.

"I have little time to read of anything other than histories or current affairs." He sighed. "I will someday be the head of my family. In order to hold that position, I must learn all I am able. I need to be the best in every avenue, whether it's intelligence or handling difficult situations, or even…" He paused, stopping as he looked down to Kagome. "Finding a wife."

Sesshoumaru watched as the miko's eyes opened more widely and listened as her heart beat sporadically once more. "I-I'm sure there are a lot of amazing women out there, Hojo-san."

He was blushing too as he murmured. "I'm looking at one of the most amazing women right now." Kagome looked around innocently, making him laugh. "It's you, Kagome. I've decided I wish to marry you."

Kagome kept her eyes down, away from Hojo's brown and stared at her feet. "You know, Hojo-san, I-"

"I'm sure you have your pick of many other men, Kagome, but I was thinking you might just let me have a chance to make you happy." He said. When she still didn't look at him, he asked. "Kagome?" She continued looking at her feet, so he reached out and pulled her chin up.

Sesshoumaru stepped closer and the boy got the message. Kagome's blue eyes moved to the stoic amber gratefully before she looked back at Hojo. "You know how much my family means to me, especially with how little of it I have left. I just… I can't bring myself to leave them, Hojo-san. I'm sorry, but… I would love to be your friend, I just can't-"

"Marry me?" He asked softly.

"Right." She murmured, uncomfortable with the hurt she'd placed in him. "I'm so sorry, I don't want to hurt you, I just-"

He stood straighter, a small smile on his lips. "I'm not going to give up on you, Higurashi, Kagome." She flushed. "In case you ever change your mind, do I have permission to write to you?"

"Uh… Sure." She said softly and he smiled broader. "I'm not making any guarantees." She warned him gently.

"I realize that." He promised. "But I don't mind waiting to see if you could love me."

Kagome sighed, not daring to say what she thought of saying. Instead, she would let him figure out on his own that she probably would never leave her family, ever and marriage would demand it. That was not something she could do.

Hojo parted ways and Kagome stood with Sesshoumaru who was now only a step behind her. "Thank you." She told him gratefully. "I felt so much better with you just… Being there." Silent as ever, the demon simply stood at her back. "Before Kikyo pins me down," she said, taking a quick look around. "Let's head back down to the market. I've got something for you and Inuyasha." She said with a smile.

Sesshoumaru looked down at her, seemingly disinterested, but when their eyes had first caught one another, she thought she could see some kind of… Some flicker of life. With a broader smile, she began to say. "I think you'll really-" Yet as the demon had to look away at the bands commanding, Kagome's heart constricted.

He tensed when she placed her hand on the thrumming metal of one and nearly looked into her eyes again. "As your… Err… Master," she barely got the word out. "I say you can look into my eyes or any others eyes for as long as you see fit. The same goes for Inuyasha."

The demon looked up at her in surprise, something she hadn't expected to see. "Let's have a staring contest, Sesshoumaru." She smiled like a child and the demon looked down into her eyes, the shock cooling over into his usual mask of indifference. Kagome, after nearly a minute and a half, finally looked away. "You win." She told him in a small voice.

Sesshoumaru could have snorted. Of course he won. "Alright, well, let's go." She said, taking him off their grounds. They made their way into town and Sesshoumaru thoroughly enjoyed staring into the eyes of every human he seen.

"Hojo has left the premises, correct, Miroku?" Kikyo asked as she read through another tax implement from the high standing Emperor, who hadn't be so high in standing for very long. He would probably have numerous war lords ready to take his head at any given time, so she wouldn't worry about paying that one…

"Yes, Kikyo." Miroku tried not chuckling.

"Mm." Kikyo opened the next envelope. "And do you know what I find very interesting? Our little Kagome hasn't reappeared."

"She left with Sesshoumaru a few minutes ago." Miroku commented. "If her purity masking itself was anything to go by."

Kikyo smirked a little then. "Kagome has always been too obvious with her movements."

"She took Sesshoumaru with her at the very least." Miroku pointed out.

Kikyo didn't say anything, simply continued sifting through paper after paper. She felt like her eyes would cross if she didn't give it up soon. "Kikyo…" Miroku commented softly, catching her eyes with his worried blue ones. "I do not like to state the obvious, but in this case…" He sighed, brows furrowing. "All of your advisors are gone. Either they have died or they have fled in fear of dying. You have not even replenished half of the guard that once stood and-"

"I know." Kikyo told him softly. "We are in a bind."

"Kikyo, this is more than a bind!" Miroku said in a horrified whisper. "Now, more than ever, don't you think you're in danger? Your whole family, for that matter?"

"I have been thinking of our situation, Miroku." Kikyo whispered in return, her eyes cold and hard with the knowledge of it. "I have sent to hire able bodied men to protect the house, yet all are now too afraid to be enticed with any wealth whatsoever. And I…" Kikyo would only show such weakness before Miroku or her grandfather when he was alive. Her voice splintered with emotion. "I am so afraid to even leave this house in order to bless those around us that our funds are diminishing. I don't know how much longer we will stand if-"

"Kikyo," Miroku placed his hand over hers. "It will be fine." He vowed. "The Gods, your parents, they have been watching, we know this. I doubt they would abandon you in your time of need, especially now that your grandfather is with them."

She sighed, collecting her emotions once more. "You are right. I will not give up hope." She swore.

And so they continued working on in silence, when after several minutes of sitting alone, the door to her office came open and Inuyasha stepped in, carrying her sleeping siblings. His eyes stayed on hers, never leaving, and it shocked her somehow. What had Kagome done now?

"There's an intruder, problem is I'm supposed to protect the brats." He huffed. "So I figured if you wanted protection, I better bring 'em here."

"Can you sense where the intruder is?" Miroku asked, standing and lifting his spear.

Inuyasha snorted like the man said something stupid. "He's coming straight this way. Human, reminds me of tobacco…"

Kikyo sighed, standing. "Stay your hand, Miroku."

Miroku turned, looking at her oddly. "Inuyasha, tell me, has any blood been spilled in the home?"

He shook his head. "Not a drop."

She nodded. "It is Onigumo." She explained to Miroku. "He is a wealthy man, no Lord, but wealthy enough that if he demands council, I must give it."

"Kikyo, he can not trespass into the Higurashi home without punishment." Miroku growled.

Kikyo smiled a little. "Onigumo has been sneaking in here since we were children, Miroku. I doubt he will stop now." Miroku grit his teeth, but said no more. "Inuyasha, please take my brother and sister back to their rooms. I will need no protection from this man."

He said nothing as he did his duty and returned the children to their beds. "Miroku-"

"I am not leaving, Kikyo." He warned.

She sighed, simply sitting back in her chair and looking over more papers, only noticing Miroku tense. She never even heard the doors slide open, but she did feel that someone else had entered the room. "Kikyo." Omigumo greeted, a smile in his voice.

"Onigumo." She replied, looking up to him. He was giving Miroku the once over before looking back at her. "We've discussed your sneaking in here previously."

"Yes we have." He agreed, shining brown eyes watching her. "I had thought to come and ease your mind, to speak with you on things."

"My mind is far too tense and full to be eased." She sighed. "But you are welcome to walk with me in the pavilion if you wish. I've been waiting for my sister to return and night fell long ago."

"So we shall wait for her together, then?" He smiled.

She nodded, standing and walking to his side. "Miroku," Kikyo gave him a meaningful stare, her eyes flashing up to the roof. "Remain inside."

He didn't allow his acknowledgement of the silent message forward. "As you wish, my Lady." He bowed.

Kikyo had known Onigumo all of her life, but it did not mean she trusted him completely. She hardly trusted anyone anymore, let alone a man from a family whose line started out in thievery long, long ago before righting themselves with the times. She hoped they continued to do so...

Early on in the day, Kagome had gone and retrieved Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha's original clothes that had been kept up for so long. One fire rat hoari and hamakas, and Sesshoumaru's fine silks. She couldn't retrieve his weapons or armor, but she did what she could and only hoped he appreciated it.

Of course, once she was in town, she couldn't help look around at little knick knacks and things. What with how much danger her family had been in, and for so long, Kagome had this urge to sate her curious nature. And with Sesshoumaru at her side, she felt entirely safe to do so. He didn't seem as imposing toward her as he was before, which was nice. She could look around without being completely uncomfortable near him.

Sesshoumaru would more often watch those around him rather than the miko herself, but he listened to her and felt of her aura. It radiated bliss, excitement, but most shockingly, peace. She finally felt safe, he could taste it on his tongue. Kagome wasn't worried about the surroundings with Sesshoumaru near, she was just… She was as blissful and blind as a child.

She was even blind to just how late it was getting. Perhaps he could have told her to go home, perhaps he could have mentioned the diminishing daylight, yet those possibilities vanished as a child ran up to her, crying. Sesshoumaru didn't bother intercepting the young girl because she would be no threat to Kagome's person.

"Priestess, please help!" The girl cried, her brown eyes wide with fear. "Something evil came inside and killed my father. Mom told me to go get help, she said to find someone, but no one will help! Please!" The child sobbed.

Kagome's aura flared for a split second with her concern and worry for the girl. "Where?" She asked, hands on the little one's shoulder. "Where is your home?"

The child spun around and ran, and Kagome took off after her. Sesshoumaru could have rolled his eyes as he easily kept up at her side. Of course, as they neared the home, his uncaring at least turned into general interest. He could sense some sort of evil veil ahead, and the bands warned he may very well need to protect his master. He would follow her wishes for now, but if need be, he would be forced to leave with her so he may save her life.

Kagome could feel the malicious energy as well, not understanding how in the world something like it could have slunk around she or her sisters watch of this town. It was impossible, really. They had blessed these homes, this land, and… "But it's been so long since we've even thought to!" How could she have been so blind? Small blessings, purifications, they didn't last forever. And by not being out and about, she and her sister had not insured the safety of these people.

"Child!" Kagome called, her voice trembling with fear for the girl as they drew closer to the darkness. "You have to stop, you have to-"

"No, I have to help my family!" She cried.

Kagome knew, she could feel it, that there was no helping this girl's family anymore. It was too late to save them, but not to save the town from this evil. "Sesshoumaru, stop her." Kagome told him. The bands recognized their order and Sesshoumaru rushed forward, taking the youth up into his arms.

"Let me go, let me go! I have to help them, I have to-"

"Ssh." Kagome quieted the grief stricken girl, her heart wrenching as she watched the tears make tracks down her cheeks. "Listen to me, child, you can't go any further or else the evil will kill you. You are not youkai or a miko." The girl squirmed, shivering in Sesshoumaru's hold. "What is your name?" Kagome asked her softly.

"Hokoari, Rin." The little girl said weakly.

"Alright, Rin." Kagome smiled at her as encouragingly as she could. "You're going to stay here with Sesshoumaru and-"

"Fool." Sesshoumaru intoned, surprising Kagome. When she looked into his eyes, she realized he meant her. "The energy is preparing to rise and feed elsewhere."

Kagome's blue eyes grew in diameter and she faced the blackness yards ahead of them. Using a whisper of quick words, Kagome let her aura flare up into her skin and forced her miko energy to surround the home in a large bubble of protection. The darkness immediately lashed out against it, but it was contained, which is what she had aimed for. And there was no way this… whatever it was could break free.

"Stay here please." She said to both Rin and Sesshoumaru as she walked forward, a clear tremble in her frame. The demon could have scoffed.

Kagome was trained for this. She was a miko through and through, having been born of legendary pure lines. Priest and Priestesses reigned supreme on both sides of her parents line, but even more strongly with the females of her mothers. She had the right skills to be quite a force, but she'd never really done this sort of thing without Kikyo. She would have to analyze the situation, decipher exactly what this dark mass was and destroy it.

Alone.

Swallowing her anticipation, Kagome closed in on her own barrier and took a deep, deep breath as she stood before it and felt inward metaphysically. To her utter shock, this was a demon spirit returned to this realm by dark magic. It was not bound as current demons were because its soul was the ultimate freedom. So how was she going to go about this…?

Could she cleanse it like she did most spirits, or would it not work? This demon seemed to enjoy feeling rage, so maybe she couldn't just… Make it realize it had no need for the anger or bloodlust. Kagome couldn't find an ounce of good in this spirit. Though it pained her, she would do what she needed to in order to protect other beings from harm.

She let her energy fill her veins, the purity setting her skin aglow with power as she pulled out a string of prayer beads. She began a low, soft chant, that she had learned long ago from her grandfather. Though quiet, the words were fast, spinning in like a viper and striking her prey with quick precision.

The demon soul let out a howl at dove for her, slamming right into her barrier. Kagome's words, to Sesshoumaru's surprise, never faltered. They continued their rapid procession and her energy seemed to pour from herself, into the barrier and slowly close in on the demon soul until it popped like a bubble. The air was clean, pure and too fresh. Sesshoumaru, had been any lesser demon, would have marked the area with his demonic aura, yet he was above instinctual foolishness.

"You can set her down now." Kagome told Sesshoumaru, placing the beads back into her sleeve.

He did as he was told and Rin ran beyond her, into the charred remains of her home, calling for her parents. Kagome felt nothing but overwhelming sadness for the child as she moved into the rubble with her, knowing that once Rin understood, she would need someone's arms to comfort her. Having been exposed to such grief herself, Kagome understood perhaps more than most how devastated this young girl would be.

Onigumo had spoke of this and that with Kikyo as the evening grew later and later, until their conversation began to dull and silence filled in around them. He seemed content to be beside her, even confident somehow, which was annoying in some sense. Kikyo felt that Onigumo believed he had every right to be at her side for however long he so chose. Her friend, in the years they had known one another, changed from a comfort zone into a foul place of uncertainty and distrust. Did he himself realize what it was he was doing to their once unbreakable friendship? Kikyo doubted it.

"So, what do you think?" He asked after a little while.

"Of?" Kikyo wondered.

He rolled his eyes. "The acquisition of my lands, Kikyo. I have doubled it in the last year alone, and with name crossing over the many fields, as does my wealth grow."

"Wealth and power are good things when used correctly and strategically." She answered him. "It will certainly raise the aristocrats notice of you."

Again, silence.

She welcomed it in a way. Kikyo had never been one for words unless they were used to cut through situations like a knife, or to comfort those closest to her. Beyond that, she tended to keep her own council and had no need for nonsensical prattle.

Of course, the enjoyment of silence could only last so long. Onigumo had something important to voice, if he stood before her, looking down in her eyes as he did. "Has this raised your awareness of me, Kikyo?" He whispered.

She may have been surprised at the question, but she was no fool to wonder at its meaning. The road was laid out, a map and destination set. First Hojo came for Kagome, and now Onigumo for her… The surprise cooled over quickly and Kikyo watched him through her near emotionless eyes. "I have noticed you're a changed man, Onigumo."

He frowned. "And what am I to make of such an answer, Kikyo?"

She smiled a very little, though it never reached her cinnamon eyes. "The boy I grew knowing is no longer within you."

He huffed. "Of course. I am a man now, Kikyo, and I have much to give the house of Higurashi, if you will have me."

She tilted her head to the side. "Onigumo, I believe it is the house of Higurashi that has much to give to you."

His eyes flickered. "What are you saying Kikyo?"

"I must… think." She sighed.

"Of what?" He asked, somewhat angry. "We have known one another for several years. Should you not simply-"

"Love you?" She murmured. "I will say again, you are a changed man."

"As you are a changed woman." He countered.

"True, but that is for what I have lost, not what I have taken." She warned.

"Taken…?" He questioned.

"Innocent lives, Onigumo." She closed her eyes tightly. "The boy I knew would have never-"

"If they would have given in peacefully-" He began to argue.

"You are still learning, and have time to grow into someone better than this." She sighed. "When you have, contact me once more and perhaps I will have a different answer for you."

"Kikyo-"

"It is time for you to leave, Onigumo." She sighed. "I tire and need to rest. As I'm sure you are aware, life has been far too eventful for my family as of late."

He grit his teeth, eyes dark. "As you wish." He said, turning and leaving her to her own devices.

Kikyo heard the thud behind her, but did not turn as she said. "Thank you, Miroku."

"Don't thank me." He sighed. "Not for simply listening and looking after you. I'd have rather bashed him over the head and drug his body-"

She chuckled slightly. "Come, have tea with me as we await the arrival of my sister."

"Are you sure you would not rather me look for her?" He murmured.

"No. She has the demon prince to protect her. I am sure she is fine."

I'll work on TSTUWB when some inspiration hits. lol So for now, here you are. I hope you enjoy SOMH