My Saviour is My Enemy

There are actually no words for how sorry I am for this being so late. I actually have gotten into role playing to refresh my mind and get me back into the appropriate mind space for writing this chapter. The only reason for the late response I can give is life catching up to me. So, yeah. Sorry, and here's to another chapter.

This Chapter went through about eight revisions. Eventually you got the drivel below, I apologize. Writer's block can suck it.

Disclaimer: I do not own them, if I did the story would have gone grandly different. As you can tell…

Chapter 17: Kitsune's and Kindness

"Mommy?"

Kagome woke with a start as she heard Rin's voice calling out from her bedroom. She sat up a bit, before realizing that she was curled into Sesshomaru's side, his hand resting on the side of her head. She looked up at him, seeing his gold eyes glowing softly in the dark. His gaze was set on her, and she found herself wondering if he had even slept, or how long she herself had been out. She opened her mouth to speak, only to watch light spill into the room as the door leading to her room was opened. She turned her head back to look towards the girl, feeling Sesshomaru's hand slip from the back of her head only to rest it on her shoulder.

Rin was standing in the soft light of the enchanted lanterns that lit Kagome's room, biting at her bottom lip as she held what appeared to be a stuffed white dog. She seemed to hover at the door, unsure of what to do, persuading Kagome to ask, "What is it sweetie?"

Just seeing her standing there, she had a feeling that there had to have been a bad dream. She remembered seeing her brother in similar positions when he was younger. He'd just stand in her doorway and wait for her to make room in her bed. He'd been four when their father had been killed while on duty as an officer in Tokyo. He'd often have nightmares about their father dying, or about the rest of the family dying as well.

Just comparing the two brought about an ache to see the boy that she had not felt in a long time, she wished she could see him more. But InuYasha had grown angry with her going back as often as she had. So, she only went back when he had depleted his raman supply, she had dropped out of school after a particularly wicked fight a few days before being kidnapped by Naraku. She could not deny that she missed her family, and she wondered whether she would be able to see them again any time soon.

Rin came into the room quietly, her feet padding against the hardwood floor as she made her way to the bed. She brought a hand up and rubbed at her eye as she up at the two. "I… I had a bad dream and… I thought I was all alone." She looked down as she said this, biting at her bottom lip as she held back the urge to cry once more.

Kagome sat up, scooting closer to Sesshomaru as to make room for Rin on the bed. His hand came to rest on her waist as she did so, and she felt him sit up behind her, his soothing voice coming up from behind her as he said, "If you would like Rin, you may stay here for the rest of the night."

He was not sure why he'd said what he had, but seeing her in such a small and frightened pose had made him want to protect her. He knew he could not protect her from her own dreams, but he would certainly try the best that he could. He also knew that physical contact could reduce the presence of nightmares. He only had knowledge of this because of watching a young InuYasha being comforted by his mother. He'd watched over the boy the best he could, while his mother had done the best she could to keep him far away from the young boy.

She looked up at him with surprised eyes before quickly crawling into the bed, throwing her arms around Kagome's neck as she hugged her tight. The small stuffed dog falling from her arms as she sought out the comfort of someone warmer.

"You're not alone, Rin. Just remember, no matter how bad your dreams may get, we'll always be here when you wake up." Kagome said while kissing the top of the little girl's head. Sesshomaru arched a brow to this, looking down to Kagome as he witnessed the parallels in his own comments to Kagome after she had woken up from her own nightmares.

Rin sniffed as she heard this, her tiny hands fisting tight in the fabric of Kagome's Kimono. "Bu- But what if InuYasha comes back and takes you away!" Kagome stiffened slightly as she heard his name mentioned before bringing a hand up to gently comb her fingers through Rin's hair.

"I'm not going anywhere, Rin. Not even if InuYasha comes to get me. I made a promise to keep you safe, and I can't exactly do that if I'm not with you. If anything, Sango and the others can stay with us, and if he behaves InuYasha can stay too." She felt, more than heard, Sesshomaru scoff to this and she frowned, glancing back at him with a small frown as Rin hiccoughed into Kagome's long hair.

"Does that mean that Shippou will come too?" She asked, another sniffle escaping as she thought of the small boy, hoping to herself that she may gain a playmate.

Kagome smiled, nodding as she said, "Of course sweetie! I'm sure he'd love to have a friend his age to play with." She felt her heart drop a bit as she said this, instantly wondering what he must be thinking with her having disappeared as long as she had. She thought of the small boy as a sort of son, and she knew the feelings were mutual as he usually shared a sleeping bag with her and came to her when he needed comforting.

"That would be nice, but what about-" The word caught in her throat and Kagome knew instantly what it was that was concerning her. She held her closer, adjusting the girl so that she was lying down half on Kagome, half on the bed.

"He can't hurt you here, and he will never hurt you again. Lord Sesshomaru and I will keep you safe," she said while running her fingers through the girl's hair in a steady motion, beginning to softly hum as she did so.

Rin seemed to relax beneath her ministrations, giving a soft sigh as she said, "He's have to be a real baka if he thinks he can take on Rin's Daddy. He's the strongest Youkai in the whole world!"

Kagome smiled to this, and she could only imagine the boost to the ego that this gave to the man behind her. "That's right, because only a real baka would take on your Daddy." She continued to hum, leaning back as she felt Sesshomaru move closer to her.

He drew in the two closer to him, the soothing hum coming from Kagome reminding him of the soft tunes that Choemi would sing as she danced with the wind. As Kagome lulled Rin back to sleep he brought his lips close to her ear, "She is not the only one that will be kept safe, he will never harm you, as for your pack, they are welcome if only for your own happiness." She gave a soft smile to this, nodding slightly as she rested her head back against his chest.

It was in this manner that the two women fell asleep in his arms. The two girls, who in their own ways had rescued the Inu brothers, one by showing no fear to an injured warlord, and the other whom had simply removed a curse from a boy bound to a tree. These thoughts stayed with him as he listened to Kagome soothe the child to sleep. She followed soon after, allowing for him to watch over them as only he could.

"Do you even know where you're going?!"

The frustrated question caused a flock of white birds to burst from the forest canopy, the silence having been shattered by the irritated demon slayer who was trailing behind the pair of wolves. The men had taken to leading the group, Kagura resting on the back of the two tailed Neko. While Hakkaku had done wonders healing the severest of wounds, she still remained weakened by the wounds he had not been able to heal.

Both men had claimed that they knew the way to the Castle of the Western Lands. They had been adamant in this fact, puffing out their chests as their fallen leader would have. They boasted great promises of ushering them into the lands of the Great Lord Sesshomaru, bringing them through the gates and seeking out answers in regards to the location of the missing Miko.

That had been three days past finding Kagura. Three days wandering the woods, traveling by foot as not to further the injuries of the Wind Witch. They had barely rested, the humans among them unable to sleep as the fate of their friend lay unknown.

But Sango was not known for her patience, and it was showing as she walked alongside Miroku, watching as the two men shared glances, soft growls being passed between them. Miroku sensed her growing frustration and attempted to alleviate the tension as he gently jostled the boy who was perched on his shoulder.

"So, Shippou, you were telling us of the rabbit you nearly caught this morning?" The boy paused, looking around in confusion before seeing the look that the violet eyed man was giving him.

"Huh? Oh! Yeah! It was almost as big as I was! I tried to sneak up on it by turning into a Rabbit myself, but I couldn't get it quite right… I think I got the tail wrong… I sure scared it though!" He grinned to this, hopping from one foot to the other.

"Honestly, if you say you know where a place is, it should not take us this long to travel there!"

Both Monk and Kitsune sighed, watching as the wolves paused, sharing another glance before shaking their fists at each other a couple times before making a pair of opposing gestures. A soft curse was heard from Ginta as Hakkaku gave a small jump of joy, only to pause as he noticed Kagura giving a soft laugh at their antics.

He was quickly at her side, his hands knit together as he asked, "Are you well? Are you in pain? Are we moving too fast?" He had taken her care personally, helping to clean her wounds, and speaking with her softly through the night. Often they spoke of mundane things, such as the weather. Other times they spoke of their pasts, she what she could remember in times before Naraku, and he of his life in the pack.

She spoke very little to anyone else, and tried to ignore him the best she could. But his persistence paid off, allowing for her to open up to him. She could not deny that the man had an enthusiasm to him that was contagious, it was annoying enough to remind her that she was in fact alive, and more importantly, that she was free of Naraku's clutches.

Ginta meanwhile grimaced as he turned to face the now fuming demon slayer. Her brown eyes were alight with flames and he could see an early grave in his future should he fail to explain himself properly.

"Well, you see, while neither Hakkaku, nor I, have ever been to the Western Castle. We have heard Kouga speak of it." He smiled to this, hoping it would still her anger. "We know it is in the West of course!"

Though he knew it was impossible, he was certain that the area around them seemed to grow colder as she went completely silent, her hands balling into tight fists as she glared at him with a gaze that challenged the iciness of the Western Lord himself.

"In. The. West. Are. You. Fucking. Kidding. ME?" He cowered as her voice rose from a whisper to a ear grinding shout with each word. Miroku and Shippou wisely stepped aside, the former knowing first hand of her wrath, while the other wanted a good viewing of the show that was to come.

"Do you have any damned idea how VAST the Western Lands are? We will be searching for MONTHS before we find them. IF we even FUCKING find the damn castle! You STUPID flea brained IDIOT!" She stomped forward, moving with what he perceived as demonic speed before she swung out with a strong right hook, catching him in the jaw.

He staggered back, stammering out, "We- Well, it shouldn't be that hard! We're following his scent and-"

Yet another right hook cut his words off.

"THE WHOLE REGION WILL SMELL LIKE HIM! HE WILL HAVE MARKED THE AREA YOU IGNORANT FLUFF OF A DEMON!"

He paused to this, gaping for a moment as he vaguely registered the sound of the Kit laughing in the background. In his panic he had not thought of that simple fact. Of course the lands would smell of the Lord, and there would be Aura markings as well. Which means that…

"FOR ALL WE KNOW WE HAVE BEEN WALKING IN CIRCLES! CHASING OUR TAILS INSTEAD OF GETTING CLOSER TO KAGOME! HOW CAN YOU HAVE LIVED THIS LONG AROUND A DAMN PRINCE AND NOT KNOW THIS?!"

He stammered once more saying, "I- I wasn't allowed to sit in on council meetings! I was an Omega, an orphan! I was his friend! I didn't know!" He flinched as yet another punch was aimed his way, but no pain came.

Instead her hand dropped, the rage smoldering behind her eyes before she collapsed to her knees, a sob breaking through as she hugged at her chest. He stood there blinking, his knees shaking as the reality of what had just not happened sank in. He looked down at her, watching as Shippou bounded over and hugged her side, reaching his small arms up to hug her as she pulled him into a tight hug.

"W- We- We're never g-going t' f-find her!" She sobbed, hugging the kit close as Miroku came close and rested a hand on the shoulder of the flustered wolf who was taking in her sudden shift in mood with complete confusion.

"Of course we are Sango! We're going to find her, and she's going to be okay! She's going to be smiling, happy, and she's going to sit InuYasha so much he'll never be able to crawl out of the hole!" This did not work to quell her outburst though as she simply sobbed harder, burying her face into his russet hair as unintelligible words came forth from her distraught state.

The man stared at her in abject stupidity, unaware of how to approach her. All of them feared yet another shift in temperament, while the boy in her arms was doing the best he could to reassuringly rub her back, his short reach leading him to massage at her sides.

The men were surprised when there was a soft, "Really, the lot of you men are useless," coming from the woman on the two-tailed Kilala who was overlooking her Master with concern. With a soft request to be lowered down the cat lowered herself into a sitting position, her head resting calmly against Sango's side.

Kagura seemed to hesitate for a moment, unsure if her next step was a wise one, she eventually threw caution to the wind as she shakily reached a hand out and gently touched Sango's arm.

"It's not your fault you know." Her words were soft spoken, and for a moment it seemed as if they had been unheard, until Sango opened her eyes and looked up at the Wind Witch.

"It was my job to protect her! To keep her safe! She doesn't know about this world! She shouldn't even be here! She should be at home! Safe! With her own little brother and family! Instead she is risking her life here. She s taking the abuse, she is taking the hurtful things he throws at her, she rarely complains, instead she tries harder and harder! It was my job to protect her! And I don't even know if she's alive!" She broke into a new set of sobs as the guilt wracked through her, Shippou tearing up as he shook his head, trying in vain to let her know it was not her fault.

"You do what you can to keep them safe. You did everything you could. This is not your fault. You are doing now what any other good sister would. You are looking for her, you are fighting for her. You are-"

"Trespassing, really."

Everyone turned their attention as they heard the new voice. Their gaze caught a lithe man dressed in hues of black, green, and navy. His bright green hair and eyes, nearly as distracting as the three tails that were swaying behind him, or even the markings of a leaf and twin stripes upon his face. What caught them off guard the most though was the blue crescent moon marking upon his clothing, it was on his sleeves, and upon his chest above his heart.

He gave them a cheeky little wave from where he was standing, that being of course atop a precarious looking branch. He was leaning against the trunk of a great tree, mischievousness bright in his eyes as he took in the group as a whole. His eyes seemed to skip about before resting on Miroku, who had his hands about the beads on his right wrist.

"Who are you to say if we have been trespassing? How long have you been spying on us? What is it that you want with us? How did you manage to conceal yourself?" Miroku demanded, fully prepared to bring the man before him into the oblivion that was the hole in the centre of his right palm. There was certainly something on edge about the man, how his aura had not even been traceable until he had spoken, even then it was barely recognizable.

He was met with a rather disrespectful scoff as the man stepped forward off the branch, landing in a graceful crouch before straightening up and brushing unseen dirt off of his uniform. As he came free from the shadows they could see the details in his kimono design better, and they were also able to see that he had dark grey armour that was similar in style to that of Kouga's chest armour. He also had two shoulder bone pieces that held three mid-sized sharp spikes, and there was a sword sheathed at each hip.

"So many questions, and yet no apologies for trespassing? Rather rude if you ask me, and I'd heard such grand things about you, Monk Miroku." He locked his hands behind his back, seeming to sway a bit as he spoke, his gaze coming to rest on Sango.

She was no longer crying, instead she had her dark brown eyes set hard on him. She had a look of determination and sure steadiness that he strongly approved of. Had he not been informed of her profession through Kagome, he would have no difficulties pinning her as a warrior.

The kit in her arms though caused him to light up, part of him wanted to dart forward and speak to the child, to speak with another of his kind. Instead he hung back, not wanting to risk getting into an unnecessary scuffle.

"How do you know my name?" Miroku paused before shaking his head and moving to take a defensive stance before Sango and Shippou, reading the man's lingering gaze as a threat to their safety. "Never mind that, answer my previous questions!"

Keiji sighed, his hands moving to rest on his hips as he said, "What were those questions again? So much unnecessary information needed… Ah yes, who, how, what, and how again. Fine, if I must indulge your nosiness…" He gave a dramatic rolling of his eyes before holding up one finger and pressing his index finger of the opposite hand against it.

"I am Keiji Tsukino, General to the Lord of the Western Lands, and on this night, guardian of said lands." He raised another finger, tapping at it as he continued, "I have been here since she first began shouting, right before she delivered a wonderfully placed punch. Honestly, I understand humans have a need to be heard, but I would not be surprised if every Youkai in Japan heard your heated words."

Sango glared at him as he chastised her like a child, though she had not forgotten whom he worked for. She bit her tongue as she waited for him to finish, then she would pose her own questions to him.

Tap, "As for what I want with you, nothing really. Well, okay that's a lie. I'd like a chat with the Kit, it's so rare to see a Kit so young away from his parents. I'd like a spar at some point with your demon hunter, I've heard tale of her tribes ferocity in the past, and it intrigues me. Hmn, I suppose a chat with the two Eastern Wolves is in order, and ah yes, I'd really like not to be sucked into your cursed hand." He gave a smug little smirk as he said this, watching as confusion, irritation, and mirth crossed various faces across the group.

As he came to the final question he paused, tapping at one more digit as he shrugged, "I can't go revealing all my tricks, but I suppose the simplest answer might be that I'm more than I seem, and that there's a reason that I'm Lord Sesshomaru's second in command." He let flare his full aura for but a second, before reigning it back in, watching all their eyes widen as they comprehended him for who he truly was.

Miroku dropped his hand before sighing, "As you say you are in legion with Lord Sesshomaru, we find it appropriate to mention that we are seeking an audience with him. We had been seeking the Western Castle out ourselves."

Keiji gave a soft chuckle to this, "My good man, you would have been searching until the end of your mortal life. The Castle of the Moon can only be found by those who have been there before, or those who have been invited by the Lord or Lady of the Castle. Or of course if you are led there by one who has been there before."

Sango's eyes widened to this, and she gave a small nod as she stood, coming to stand next to Miroku as Shippou crawled up onto her shoulder and peered over at Keiji with curious eyes. "It certainly sounds as if the Clan of the Moon is protective of their lands."

He smiled softly to this, looking to her as he said, "You really have no idea. Now, as for an audience with Lord Sesshomaru. That is not needed, I have deemed it that you are to visit the Castle of the Moon as esteemed guests!" He stepped forward, moving closer to Sango and Miroku as he said, "However, introductions are needed, as I have only heard tale of four of those present here, I know not of the other woman, nor the two Eastern Wolves."

Miroku watched the man with growing curiosity, he had not expected Sesshomaru's General to be so… outgoing. He supposed the man could be lying, that he could be a manipulator, but there was an air of trust about him, one that was uncommon for Kitsune. At least from his interactions with them at least, sparing Shippou of course.

He gave a small bow as he pressed his hands together in greeting. "As you already know, I am Miroku, Monk and hunter of the shards of the Shikon no Tama." Keiji nodded to this, watching as Shippou gestured at his chest with his tiny fist.

"I'm Shippou, Kitsune Master in training, and hunter of the shards of the Shikon no Tama… and do you know where my mom is?" He was met with a soft smile from Keiji, though he was given no verbal response. Instead he looked to Sango who also pressed her hands together, giving a short bow as to not topple the kit on her shoulder.

"I am Sango, Demon Slayer and -"

"Hunter of the shards of the Shikon no Tama, I'll assume that for the rest of you," he said with a soft chuckle, watching as the two Wolves walked over and gave small smirks.

"I'm Ginta."

"And I'm Hakkaku."

"We were the vassals of Prince Kouga of the Eastern Lands, up to and until his death at the hands of one of the incarnations of the hated half-demon Naraku. Now we live to serve and assist the pack of our Lady Kagome, a woman that Kouga had made an official pack member of."

Keiji paused before blinking a few times, "Prince Kouga is dead? When did this… How did he… That is a tale you shall share later, in the presence of Sesshomaru, as for my knowledge, he also unaware." He seemed rattled by the knowledge of Kouga's death before looking to Kagura, seeing her leaning heavily against Kilala.

"I am Kagura, Demoness of the Wind. I-"

"You are one of that bastard spiders minions. Sesshomaru has spoken of you, and your desire to be free. Did he finally grant you such freedom? Or should I grant you the freedom myself?" His right hand was suddenly resting upon one of his swords, his eyes sharp with distrust.

"She was found near death in the hovel where we found pools of Kagome's blood and more. She bears no scent of him on her anymore. Even her aura has changed." Sango argued back, her hand coming to rest on her own small sword, concealed though it was in her own Kimono.

"Yeah! She doesn't stink anymore! Plus, his dumb wasps haven't even been about… It's like he left her to die!" Shippou added, frowning at the very notion.

"So, what I've heard is true… While I will Guide you into the castle, it is up to my Lord and Lady as to your fate." He purposefully referred to her as his Lady, he was not blind, nor dumb. He had not seen his friend and leader so enamoured with a woman since Choemi, and he had no doubts that the Western Lands would finally have a fitting Lady once more.

Kagura nodded to this, seeming to accept her fate, whatever it may be, as she looked to Hakkaku, reading the concern across his face.

Shippou meanwhile glanced between Sango and Miroku before making the quick jump to Keiji's shoulder, watching as the man raised a brow to the sudden brashness. Shippou ignored this, instead choosing to lean in and whisper, "Can you please tell me if my mom is at the castle?"

He gave a warm hearted smile to this, reaching a hand up to ruffle the boy's hair. "Lady Kagome was taken by Lord Sesshomaru to the Castle of the Moon. Her state is one I shall not share, simply know that she is alive, and safe."

He watched the relief wash over them, smiling as Shippou chose to simply sit on his shoulder, the kit feeling rather at home in the presence of an elder Kitsune. Sango and Miroku seemed shocked before she moved forward and took his hand in hers, surprising the man once more. "Thank you, your words are a kinder gift than I have received in a long time."

He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze as he said, "Think nothing of it. Now, how about we make our way to the Castle? If we keep a steady pace we should arrive by sunrise." He turned on his heel, feeling the kit sway as he moved.

He watched Shippou glance about, not being able to help but say, "Wow, you're so big for a Kitsune!" This gained him a mischievous smirk as Keiji quirked a brow.

"Well now, that's what all the women say about me."

Luckily for Shippou, the comment sailed straight over his head, leaving him confused. Keiji smiled to his innocence until Sango stepped up beside him and smacked him in the arm. She would not normally do so, especially not to a demon of his caliber, but everything about him spoke of him being unlike others akin to the demons she was accustomed to meeting. As for his lewd nature, it was bad enough there was one Miroku, they did not need a second. No matter how attractive he was.

Miroku on the other hand had lit up at the comment, taking Keiji's other side as he said, "Well now, you must share the tale of how a Kitsune such as yourself wound up with Lord Sesshomaru, you are not at all what I assumed his General would have been like."

Keiji laughed, tilting his head back as he winked at Sango, her small smack reminding him of the strength of the woman she truly was. Not many would willingly smack a demon such as he, but she did as if she'd known him for years. It seemed he was in for a fun night.

"I assume what you mean is that I am fun and amazing, and he is a stuck up Ice Prince with a stick shoved firmly where we dare not speak?"

He heard Ginta stumble to this statement while Hakkaku sputtered, "How can you speak so lowly of your Lord?"

"Because my Lord is also my closest friend. I have known him since we were pups far younger than young Shippou here. I speak in jest, for I know how he truly is, beyond the mask he is required to show as a Lord. Also, as much as I care for him, he is a rather big stick in the mud." Shippou laughed to this, leaning back and nearly falling off of his shoulder.

"You should meet InuYasha, he makes Sesshomaru look like the nicest guy ever!"

"I have met InuYasha, a handful of time now, each time I enjoy his company less and less. The man is an uncouth ass who cares little for anyone but himself." Keiji cut, thinking of how Rin and the others had spoken of the way that InuYasha had treated Kagome. Or the very way that he himself had been treated by the foul mouthed moron.

Miroku gave a small nod of his head to this as he said, "I wish I could say that he grows on you, but it would be a lie. I have yet to get to a place where I can tolerate what he says to Lady Kagome."

"Precisely, and his disrespect does not just stop at her. The way he speaks of most people is disgusting, he thinks of noone but himself." He scoffed to this, tucking his hands into the billowing sleeves of his robe as they walked.

"Now, as for me. I was raised in a similar manner to Sesshomaru, as my father had been General to the previous Lord. I am more free spirited though, I suppose it's simply the way of our people. Speaking of that kit, how is it you came about this strange skulk?" While he had been raised among Inu, he still fell back on his Kitsune terms, such as a 'pack' being a skulk.

Shippou went silent for a moment before saying, "My dad was killed by the Thunder Brothers, two low rate demons boosted by the Shikon jewel… My mom died when I was little, killed protecting me from an Oni. Since then Kagome's become my mom, she takes care of me, teaches me stuff, and protects me from InuYasha."

Keiji frowned to this, "I'm sorry for your loss little one. I know how difficult it can be to lose parents. My mother also died when I was a young kit. In fact it was Lord Sesshomaru's father who took down the demon who had killed her. I'd been barely a week old, and we'd been traveling to live at the Castle of the Moon. I was pretty much raised by Lady InuKimi."

"Who's that?" Sango asked, giving him a curious glance, wanting to know more about the strange man that they seemed so at ease around.

"Why, she's Lord Sesshomaru's mother. A right brilliant woman, she lived in a smaller castle that was commissioned for her by Lord Sesshomaru. She still visits often, as she had taken a liking to Rin, while also checking up on myself and her son."

He heard a gasp to this as Shippou leaned forward, "His mom is still alive?! How can she like Rin? I thought she would hate humans like Sesshomaru does! Heck, I'm surprised you like them!" He said, giving the man a skeptical look.

"Lady InuKimi neither likes, nor dislikes humans. Like most demons she remains indifferent. She enjoys the company of Rin because of the child's endless happiness and light energy. As for myself, I hold no reason to dislike them. On the contrary I rather enjoy their company, particularly the company of the women." He gave a small smirk to this only to laugh as he received yet another smack to the arm.

"My apologies, I shall attempt to rein in my lewd mannerisms. I must say though, I much prefer your manners of chastising me to the way that Lord Sesshomaru does. Last time I made an inappropriate comment to one of his hand maidens he made short work of me in the sparring room. Of course that was then repeated later when he caught me with said handmaiden in a closet…"

Miroku laughed to this while Sango groaned, her hand coming up to massage at her temples. "I never thought I would meet a demon with mannerisms similar to yours, Miroku. Just tell me this Lord Keiji, do you also have the rude habit of groping women's behinds without their permission?" She asked, shooting a glare to Miroku as she asked this.

"Ah, no. You see, the difference between Miroku's choices of affection and mine, are that the objects of my affections tend to be demons. Female demons tend to be more inclined to murder if I were to try such things." He said while rubbing at the back of his head sheepishly. "I still bear a scar on my chest from an Inu demoness who nearly ripped my chest open for an inappropriate graze of her luscious bottom."

Miroku paled to this as he mentally took a note to take a wide berth from any of the women that he might encounter within Sesshomaru's domain. He did not wish to find an early end at the claws of a vexed vixen or Inu. Nor did he want a potentially jealous Sango to beat him into an early grave. So, he made a solemn promise to only grope at her previous bottom, since in his mind, it was a far safer bet.

"Now, you must tell me the tale of how this strange pack came to be together. As from my knowledge it formerly only consisted of Miroku, Sango, Shippou, and the two tailed Neko." He said while glancing back at them. He wished to know more about the energetic skulk, wanting to know of how Eastern Wolves had joined the Shikon group, and gained the Wind Witch as a member as well.

Their conversations took them well into their journey, and though the kit was energetic at first, he eventually fell prey to sleep. Keiji simply chose to carry the boy in an unusual manner, one of his tails changing shape into that of a small furred sling. The boy ended up sleeping curled close to Keiji's chest, the familiar aura of another Kitsune allowing the boy to trust him sooner than he would most strangers.

It was indeed during the early morning that they found themselves walking through a sudden thick fog, only to appear at the front gates of a grand Castle. The guards standing by the gate perked up at the sight of Keiji, the two of them having been standing at attention throughout the long night. There had been nary a problem, and they were surprised to see him returning with the strangest collection of beings they had ever witnessed in a pack.

They opened the grand wooden doors of the gates, watching as Keiji ushered them in, his followers gaping about in awe at the grand castle before them, and the designs of the architecture. They almost missed the sight of Jaken scurrying out to meet Keiji, glaring up at him as he squeaked.

"What is the meaning of this? Why would you bring these humans here? Why would you bring that wretched Wind Witch here? Lord Sesshomaru will-"

"He will be informed of their presence. You are to do so without disturbing Lady Kagome, or Lady Rin. I have given my permission for this pack to enter the Lands of the Castle of the Moon, do you challenge this decision?"

"Yes, I do! General or not you are not to make these decisions! You are a disgraceful excuse of a-"

He was not given a chance to finish his insult however as with a white blur he was swiftly kicked into the distance, his guards watching with concealed amusement as the imp disappeared into the forest. They quickly bowed though, an action that was mirrored by Ginta and Hakkaku as they witnessed Sesshomaru himself standing in their presence.

He took in the presence of the pack, before his gaze rested on Kagura. He narrowed his gaze, his head lifting slightly as he took in her scent and sought out another. When he came up dry he looked to the guards. "Send out a patrol of our best trackers throughout the West. Her scent removed, no trail leading here is to be left, understood? Should there be any hint of that foul half-breed upon these lands you are to inform this Sesshomaru immediately." He was met with nods before both men turned and left, disappearing as clouds of dust kicked up from their heels.

Sesshomaru then turn and seemed to appraise the group once more, "Keiji, have rooms in the Eastern Wing prepared for our guests. A room is to be prepared for all but the Kit, he shall remain with his mother. Also gather our healers to attend to the Wind Witch. Once Lady Kagome has awoken there will be a meeting and a discussion as to what has transpired. For now she is to be left to her sleep. This one shall return to her side. As for her pack."

He turned to them and gave a small frown, surprising them with the showing of emotion. Now only from the frown, but the deep concern in his golden gaze. "This Sesshomaru will spin no false tales. Lady Kagome is in a delicate condition, one that leaves her not weak in body, but in spirit and soul. It is assumed that since the half-breed is not here, that he is no longer with the pack?"

Sango nodded to this, her lips growing thin with worry as she heard of Kagome's condition.

"Perfect, This Sesshomaru will see to it that his half-breed brother is not allowed within these lands. It would be preferred that he is not mentioned unless asked about by her. The same goes for the spider. Know this, she has been taken into This Sesshomaru's pack. Not only as a respected member, but as the alpha female, a fitting role since she held the same position when in her former pack. Any comments that upset her in any manner will not be met with kindness. Is this understood?"

Both wolves and Kagura nodded in agreement, while Keiji had dashed off during the speech, depositing Shippou with Kagome. He had figured that the best place to put the sleeping boy was with his mother. He paused to watch as Shippou drowsily rubbed his head into her stomach as a kit would his mother. He then crawled up, hugging her free side as Rin cuddled the other. He gave a soft smile before quietly leaving the room to go set up the other rooms.

Just a peaceful little chapter to bring the groups together. As I mentioned previously, everything won't remain peachy keen for these guys. Just figured a smidge of light heartedness was in order before bringing destruction back into the story.

Read, Review, and know that I am working on the next chapter. I have a Beta to keep me in check now. A role playing friend who makes sure I'm keeping you guys happy.