Chapter 6

Kagome

I opened my eyes, blinking at the bright light. I snuggled into the hard thing beneath me, surprised at how comfortable something so hard could be. I tightened my hand in the sheets and realized how lumpy it was. When the thing underneath me suddenly started moving and a deep sound rumbled from within it, I realized I wasn't on my mattress at all.

I just about flew off of the man, but two strong arms held me in place. I looked up slowly to see golden eyes flickering with amusement as they gazed down at me. My eyes traveled down and I realized that I was sitting in Mattaki's lap. I stiffened immediately, causing the yokai to let out a loud laugh.

"What is so funny?" I asked, my anger rising.

"Your reaction, of course." He replied, a smirk still plastered to his lips. I narrowed my eyes, glaring at him. "You have been around Sesshomaru too long, Little One."

"Why are you in my room? Why am I in your lap?" I asked, crossing my arms as he pushed his nose into my hair. I stiffened again, unsure of what his actions meant.

"Calm yourself, Kagome." He said, chuckling once again. He picked me up slightly and moved me so I was sitting on my bed instead of his lap. I couldn't deny that, for some unknown reason, I preferred his lap. "You asked me to stay with you, remember?"

"Yes." I whispered, as memories of the day before flooded my mind. "Thank-you."

"There is no need for thanks. I will do anything you ask of me, Little Miko." He replied, moving his feet to the floor. He stood and stretched, and I couldn't help but look at the way his kimono clung to his stretched body. Just before he turned to look at me, I looked away, only to be embarrassed by the sound of my stomach growling its anger. Another chuckle hit my ears, and I glared at the man standing in front of me.

"Change, Kagome. Once you have done so, we will join the others for breakfast." He ordered as he grabbed Sounga from the wall.

"Yes, Master." I mumbled, forgetting about his super hearing.

"Hn. Say it again, Kagome." He retorted, looking at me with a dark grin on his face. Something about that look awakened something within me. My skin began to feel warm all over, and I suddenly wondered if the building was on fire. Mattaki's eyes tinted red as his nose sniffed the air. He let out a low growl that seemed to make my knees weak. Before I had a chance to say anything, he left the room, leaving me confused.

Lately, I wasn't ever sure what was going on. When I was with him, I felt things I hadn't felt for years, things I had never wanted to feel again, and I wasn't sure why. We hadn't even known each other that long. Just over a week. The only thing he could possibly be is a great friend, nothing more. Yet why does that thought make me so sad?

I shook my head before making my way to the wardrobe in my room. I grabbed a clean kimono and held it to my chest. I had never been so confused before, and I wasn't sure what to do. I poked my head through my doorway. When I saw it was clear, I pulled the shoji screen shut behind me and just about ran to the bathing chambers.

I was glad when I noticed it was empty. I really needed some alone time to think. I placed my clean clothes in a pile before quickly undressing. As I walked into the spring, I was very grateful for the warm water. I sighed as the liquid covered my body, washing away all the tension in my muscles that had formed from last night.

I was surprised that InuYasha gave in like he had. He has never been okay with authority, and I really expected there to be a fight, although that may still happen. InuYasha has always been protective of me, and now that he realizes I am alive, I imagine he will get even worse. Then again, he has Kikyou. He chose to protect her, and I'm not even sure I want his protection.

How many times has he left me for Kikyou, leaving me to fight for my life? I know Kikyou is still alive because she still has part of my soul. What is stopping him from running to her again when she shows her face? All she has to do is call, and he goes running.

Thinking about this, I realized how happy I am that Mattaki offered his services. I know he would protect me as best he can. I don't have to worry about him running off after an ex. Izayoi was dead and he had made it quite clear that he still held a grudge against the woman, and I couldn't blame him.

As for Sesshomaru's mother, I assume she was dead as well. Otherwise, why would he have gone after Izayoi? Unless he was the two-timing type, but I really didn't get that vibe from him. Just the way he treats me is enough to make me think that he would never stoop so low. We aren't even together, yet he treats me like I belong to him, like he cares for me. I could only imagine how he would treat a wife or mate.

I closed my eyes and leaned my head back against the large rock. What happens when he does find someone he wants to be with? I would never stand in his way, but I also don't want to be a third wheel. With him offering his protection, I know that he would never let me out of his sight. Even now, I went to take a bath without telling him, and I know when he realizes I am no longer in my room, he will be angry.

With that being said, I will always be in the way. Once again, I will be interfering with two people who wish to be together. It seems that will always be my place: the woman who watches everyone else find the one they belong with.

Mattaki had been right the other day when he said I wanted love. I hide it well because I am scared, but he saw right through me. The problem is, who would want me. I lowered my head to look at my reflection in the still water.

I wasn't beautiful, but I didn't think I was ugly. I was, at most, average. The only thing about me that was different from others were my blue eyes. My face, nor my body, were extraordinary, especially with the female demons that lived in this time. I could never match up. Even Izayoi had been beautiful, which is why she had caught the eye of the most powerful demon. Plus she had been a hime.

I, on the other hand, am just a miko whose reiki was hurt. I am the Shikon Miko who is so damaged, I can't even do my job properly. I am nothing compared to others. How could I expect anyone to ever fall in love with me? I leaned my head back and closed my eyes as a single tear rolled down my cheek. I needed to accept that I would never find the one for me.

"Lady Kagome?" A small voice asked, making me jump. I instantly wiped my face, washing away any evidence of my turmoil. Rin pushed open the shoji door and walked in with her smile. "Mattaki sent me to retrieve you. He was worried about you."

"I'm okay. Will you tell him I am finishing up here, and then I will join you all for breakfast?" I asked, standing from my bath. I hadn't really had time to clean, but at least I had a good rinse and soak.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Rin asked, handing me a towel as I walked from the spring.

"Don't worry about me, Rin." I replied, giving her a small smile. "You're courting Sesshomaru now. You should be with him."

"He knows where I'm at, and he doesn't mind. Not that he could control me anyway." Rin laughed, making me smile at her. After I was dried, I quickly dressed as my stomach growled again.

"Rin, what do you think of me?" I asked, my voice suddenly very soft.

"What do you mean, Lady Kagome?" She answered, turning her head to the side in confusion.

"Never mind, I'm just being silly. Let's go to breakfast." I said, changing the subject. I don't know why I asked anyway. I followed behind Rin and made my way to the estate halls. I was surprised at how disappointed I was that Mattaki wasn't there to meet me. Over this last week, I had gotten used to his presence.

It didn't take long before we reached the dining hall. Before Rin had a chance to slide open the door, a large clawed hand beat her to it. I smiled when Sesshomaru gave Rin his own small smile. It wasn't often that he showed emotion, but he would do anything for the woman in front of him. I growled inwardly when that pang in my heart returned. I pushed it back immediately and followed the couple into the dining hall.

I instantly noticed that only two spots were open: one beside InuYasha, the other beside Mattaki. I sighed, knowing that they were asking me to choose. In all honesty, it annoyed me. I wasn't going to be with either one of them, yet they acted like I was theirs.

I quickly made my choice, knowing that I would have to. I hated hurting InuYasha but there was nothing salvageable between us, and I needed to make sure he understood that. I ignored his ears flattening to his head as I headed towards Mattaki. He stood before I reached him and pulled out my chair for me. I gave a small thanks and made myself comfortable.

"We need to discuss our options with Naraku." Mattaki stated as he sat down. He waved a hand at the servants, indicating to bring in the breakfast.

"Our only option is to kill the fucking bastard." InuYasha cut in, receiving a growl from Mattaki.

"Boy, what did I tell you about your language? There are women present and you will respect them." He ordered, receiving a glare from InuYasha. Nothing else was said on the matter because, at that precise moment, our breakfast was served.

"What he means, InuYasha, is how are we going to go about killing him?" I corrected, picking up my chopsticks.

"We have to find him first. Naraku always hides until it's convenient for him." Sango said before taking a bite of her food.

"He will show himself, but the question is, when? Not to mention he no longer has the Shikon no Tama." Miroku added.

"Which means it will be easy to kill him." InuYasha scoffed, crossing his arms.

"Did you completely forget who Naraku is in these last five years?" I asked, my annoyance spiking. "Naraku planned his so-called death. He has been silent for five years. Do you seriously think he is defenseless? He never does anything without a plan. If we just go barging in on him, we will lose."

"Keh. Did you lose all faith in me, Wench? You may be just a human, but I'm a half-demon. I can take on that stupid spider." InuYasha said, making me growl.

"InuYasha." I warned, my voice threatening. I noticed how Sango and Miroku picked up their plates and drinks while looking bored. Sesshomaru noticed as well and picked up his and Rin's plates.

"Son, you will not talk about the miko in such a way." Mattaki said, his voice angry. He had yet to notice what the others were doing, and I was confused as to why they were grabbing their plates. It was as if they expected the table to go flying.

"She can handle it. Besides, it's the truth. I was always having to save the wench. No matter where she goes, she gets into trouble." InuYasha replied, waving a hand as if I annoyed him. My anger snapped and instinct took over.

"Sit, Boy!" I yelled without even thinking. Instantly, InuYasha's face snapped down into the table, cracking the wood until it broke straight down the middle. Mattaki's plate of food, as well as InuYasha's and mine, slid down and splattered to the floor.

"Ah, I have missed that." Miroku stated, taking a bite of food from the plate he was still holding.

"What just happened?" Mattaki asked, shocked. I looked at him and felt guilty. I just ruined his furniture and his breakfast.

"Well…you see, when I released InuYasha from the tree, he tried to kill me. An older miko from the village we were at, Kaede, put on a pair of subjugation beads so now, every time I say sit–" I was interrupted as InuYasha went further into the floor. "Sorry…anyway, any time I say that, this is what happens."

I was waiting on Mattaki's wrath as he looked from his table to his son. One thing he is about, is respect, and in a way, I had just disrespected his home. I flinched when the loud sound hit my ears, but my mouth dropped when I realized he was laughing. His head was thrown back and his large clawed hand was holding his stomach. I could have sworn that there were tears in his eyes as he belted out his deep laugh.

"Maybe I should let you discipline him, Little Kagome." He said as he began to calm down.

"It doesn't work. I'm sorry about your table…and breakfast." I whispered, folding my hands as I looked to my lap nervously. One of his large hands covered both of mine and I looked up at his smiling face.

"Kagome, I am a daiyokai, just as Sesshomaru is. I have had many broken items before." He soothed as he looked to a servant. "Please bring a new table, and some new breakfast."

"So you just have a random table laying around?" Sango asked, looking amused.

"Indeed. This isn't the first time something like this has happened, although the last time I broke a table, I was in the middle of a very passionate encounter. She–"

"That's enough." I interrupted, before blushing. "I don't think any of us wish to hear about your…encounters."

"I agree, Father. Do we not have more pressing matters to talk about, like Naraku?" Sesshomaru added, making me feel a bit relieved. Not only was it embarrassing to hear about such things, but for some unknown reason, hearing about Mattaki doing those things made that pang in my heart come back.

"Stupid fucking wench. What was that for?" InuYasha yelled, pushing himself off of the ground.

"Sit, Boy." I said calmly, wincing as his face hit the ground. "Stop calling me names. I didn't like it five years ago, and I don't like it now."

"Can you do it again, Little One?" Mattaki asked, making me glare at him.

"No. We need to talk about Naraku." I answered, smiling a bit as Mattaki let out a small whimper. He most likely wasn't used to being told no and wasn't sure how to react to it. It was silent for a moment as a new table, and food for the three of us, was brought in.

"Keh. We could split up. Me, Miroku, Sango, Kirara, and Kagome could go one way while the rest of you go the other. We would cover more ground that way." InuYasha suggested, and I instantly hated his idea.

"No, we can't do that. If Naraku notices us separated, he could try to use us against each other. He's already used Sesshomaru against us once, there's no stopping it from happening again." I argued. "Besides, we are stronger as a group than separated."

"And Kagome will not leave my side." Mattaki added, making me inwardly groan.

"What is that supposed to mean?" InuYasha yelled, his eyes boring into his father's.

"It means the miko is under my protection. How can I protect her if she is away from my side?" Mattaki stated, taking a bite of his new meal.

"That's easy. I will protect her, as I have always done." InuYasha replied, his anger rising. The hand that had still been resting over mine tightened. Just as Mattaki was about to pull it away, I grabbed a hold of it and squeezed.

"It doesn't matter." I interrupted. "In truth, I really don't want either one of you protecting me. I don't want anyone's protection. I don't want to be a burden to anybody, and if I rely on any of you, that is exactly what will happen. Besides, splitting up is not an option."

"Kagome." Mattaki started, but I squeezed his hand again, silencing him.

"Half-breed, your protection cannot be trusted. What will you do when the undead miko appears, which she no doubt will?" Sesshomaru asked, making InuYasha flinch. For once, he was quiet, and everyone knew his answer. He would go to her. If she called, he would leave everyone behind to see what she wanted.

"I vote that we travel around like we did last time. We can stop by villages, ask for information, and follow any hints we receive." Sango said, breaking the tension that had formed.

"That took entirely too long last time. Not to mention we had to stop and help anyone who asked for it because Kagome could never say no." InuYasha argued, making me sigh.

"Why should we say no? If someone needs help, and we have the ability to do so, why shouldn't we give it?" I asked, defending myself.

"You should know by now that Kagome's heart is too pure to leave someone behind. Besides, you are the only one who has a problem with helping others." Miroku added. I gave him a small smile to show my thanks before looking towards InuYasha.

"There really isn't any other plan. We have to find information before we can attack. We can't go in blind." I explained, looking around hopefully. I received nods and murmurs of agreement from everyone other than InuYasha, who just grunted and looked away.

"Very well. We will set out at the end of the week. Use these last couple of days to relax and build up your strength. We will need it." Mattaki ordered as he finished his breakfast.

"Who died and made you boss?" InuYasha mumbled, not looking away from the empty wall.

"I am your alpha, Boy, and you will respect me as such." Mattaki growled. I placed a hand on my forehead and sighed. I knew that this was about to get ugly.

"You don't rule me. I am the alpha of my pack. You can be the alpha of yours, but do not act like you can take mine." InuYasha yelled, standing up. Mattaki slowly pulled his hand from mine and stood up as well.

"You have no pack, Son. You turned your back on them for the undead miko. They have joined my pack. Because you are my son, you are already a part of this group, but you will learn your place." Mattaki growled out, his voice going even lower with his anger. I grabbed his arm, trying to get him to calm down, but he acted as if I wasn't even touching him.

"As if I would ever listen to a word you have to say. I grew up without you in my life, and I don't need you barging in now, trying to run it." InuYasha yelled back.

"InuYasha, please listen to your father." I pleaded, knowing what was about to happen. I stopped when a white pelt suddenly brushed against my face in a gentle manner. I knew that Mattaki was telling me to be silent and I shut my mouth, not wanting to make this worse for him.

"Kagome, stay out of this. You knew what I may have to do, and unfortunately, it is time." He said, not taking his eyes from his son. I placed my hands on the pelt and gave a small nod before looking away. "Sesshomaru, take InuYasha to the dojo. I wish to speak to Kagome."

"Come, Half-breed." Sesshomaru said, standing from his seat and holding out an arm for Rin. InuYasha grumbled but followed his brother while the others followed behind. When they had all left, the pelt in my hands wrapped tightly around me, pulling me to my feet.

"Please do not be angry, Little One." He whispered, placing a hand on the side of my face. I looked up into his golden eyes, and I could tell he was unsure of how I would react.

"I'm not angry. I'm worried for InuYasha. I was hoping it wouldn't come to this, but I should have known better." I whispered, looking down. The hand on my cheek moved to my chin and pulled my face up slightly. He looked at me as if he was searching for something.

"I cannot deny that the boy will be injured, but I can promise I will not kill him." He replied, still looking deep in my eyes.

"Promise me that you won't die either." I pleaded, worried for him as well. I wasn't sure why, but I was scared that I would lose him. I felt that if he suddenly disappeared, it would be as if InuYasha broke my heart all over again.

"Do not worry, Little One. I promised I will not leave you. That means I cannot die." He answered with a small smile on his face. I looked at him for a second longer before wrapping my arms around his waist. I buried my face in his chest and held onto the back of his haori. He was still for a moment, but then his pelt moved from around me and fell back to its rightful place. It was soon replaced by Mattaki's arms as he wrapped them around me, pulling me as close to him as possible. I could feel him pushing his face into my hair as a low rumble vibrated through his chest.

I don't know what triggered my actions, but I had suddenly felt the urge to hug him. The feeling had been so strong that I couldn't fight it, and now that he was embracing me, I was glad that I hadn't. Being held in his arms like this felt as if it was exactly where I was meant to be. I could not explain these feelings, and I suddenly worried if, in the end, it will be just like before with InuYasha. I may never be able to heal if that were to happen.

-sSs-

Here's Chapter 6. I normally don't do cliffys, but I decided to this time. I hope you all enjoy. Please review. I like to hear your thoughts.

For any of you that are reading my Unwanted Love story, don't think I forgot about it. This is the last chapter, besides the epilogue, and I'm trying to take my time with writing it because it's a fight scene and I'm not that good with those. So I'm sorry it's taking so long, but I will get it up.

Shout-outs:

LADY SILVERFOX aka charita rai: You have a long name. lol. Thank-you for both following and favoriting my story. I'm glad you like it enough to do so.

Lucariofan24680: Thank-you for both following and favoriting my story. I will do my best to keep it interesting for you.

Miskee: Yay! I'm glad to see you like this story as well. Thank-you for your review as well. I'm glad you like this story, even if it's not an InuYasha one. Just for you, I will come up with an Inu/Kag story. Just give me time to work on it. InuYasha will be somewhat of a jerk, but rather quickly, he will accept that there is nothing between him and Kagome and he will stop being a jerk, so don't worry, you won't have to prep yourself too much.

RedDrake323: You know I can't not have the two get together. Lol. I hate waiting until the end, both with reading stories and writing them. I'm going to have the two start courting rather quickly, but their mating will be pushed off for a bit. You will get to read about the fight between father and son tomorrow. I'm not that good with fight scenes so I wouldn't expect too much, but I'll try. Lol.

Lunasheart: Thank-you for the review. I'm glad you take the time to say how much you like my chapters.

Rin145: Thank-you for your review. It makes me happy to know how much you like my story.

Guest: You are correct. In the anime, Sesshomaru does surpass his father. But because Mattaki is the main character in this story, I didn't want to have him weaker than his son, but I also didn't want to diminish Sesshomaru. So I made them equals. They are equals in title, lord vs. alpha, just as they are equals in strength. I hope you are okay with this. I'm glad you like my story so far though. Thank-you for taking the time to do at least one review. I understand if you don't do anymore. As long as I have at least one person reviewing, I will keep posting my stories.

Teaser: Chapter 7: How does the fight between father and son go? How does the group react to being back out on the road again? Continue reading to find out.

I do not own InuYasha.