Disclaimer: I was recently made God, and so I took InuYasha for my own. But then people claimed I was abusing my power, and they kicked me out. So Rumiko Takahashi still owns InuYasha.

Warning: spoilers for episode 125 and episode 126

Thanks to Sugar0o for pointing out a chapter gap.

A DEMON'S HONOR

"You smell strange."

Kagome looked up from her hot chocolate and stared at Kin, who was sitting across from her in the café, with wide eyes. For a moment, Kagome was too shocked to say anything. Luckily for her, the hammer of justice came down quickly in the form of a whack from Ao accompanied by a rather loud and indignant. "Kin!" The shout drew attention from everyone in the café. They received a few pointed glares, but since the café was mostly filled with regulars and employees who were used to Ao and Kin's antics, they were mostly ignored.

Kagome blushed and stared down at the hot chocolate the couple had treated her to after meeting them in the park. Ao reached over and took Kagome's hand. "I apologize for him, Kagome. Tomorrow's his birthday, and our family invaded our house. He's feeling a bit crowded and cranky. It's why I was taking him on a run through the park." She turned to glare at her mate. "Apparently, that Demonic Espresso hasn't done anything for his behavior." Kin glared at Ao, who glared back just as fiercely. "Don't you dare give me that look. Apologize to Kagome for your abysmal behavior. She does not smell."

"I did not say she did." Kin shot back. "I merely said that she smells strange. Her scent has changed."

"Oh." Ao answered. She smiled sheepishly at Kagome before leaning to the side and placing an apologetic kiss on Kin's cheek. "You're incomprehensible when you're stressed."

Kin growled softly and turned back to Kagome. "Your scent has changed. Would you like to explain how?"

Kagome shook her head in confusion. "Um. . . well, I don't know. What would cause a change in my scent?"

"Sex."

Kagome sputtered and Ao whacked him, once again screaming "KIN!" This time she even got looks from the regulars, but she ignored them. "I am never taking you out in public again. You don't say things like that."

Kin hissed. "It is just one thing. If you had let me continue, then I would have given you other alternatives. It could also change if you are sick, if you had a transfusion, another's scent was on you, or if there was something inside of you in a large enough dose that it would affect you."

Ao shook her head, flushing almost as red as Kagome. "You don't say things like that. At least not out loud." Ao turned to Kagome. "I apologize for him. When he's cranky like this, he makes it nearly impossible for anyone to understand what he means."

Kagome nodded, unsure of what she should say to the older couple. She didn't want to lie, but she couldn't tell them the truth either. So she stayed quiet and let them think whatever they wanted to.

Unfortunately, she had forgotten that Kin was a demon. He leaned forward and took one large sniff. He frowned, then practically buried his nose into her neck. She squeaked and jumped back and Ao shook her head as she pulled him back into his seat. "You could have asked her, you know." She muttered.

Kin ignored her and instead trained a scrutinizing glare on Kagome. After a moment, he spoke. "Who has given you their blood, Kagome?"

"WHAT!"

At this, owner of the café, who always worked the counter, came over to the table. "I'm sorry, Mrs. Nishinoshu, but if you cannot quiet down, I am going to have to ask you and your guests to leave."

Ao blushed while Kin chuckled mercilessly. "I will take care of her, Ms. Miyage. She will not cause any trouble, I assure you."

Ms. Miyage blushed. "Well, as long as it's you, I'm sure the job will get done wonderfully."

She quickly scurried away, and Kin chuckled again. Ao grumbled. "We're not coming here anymore."

Kin rolled his eyes. "As you say every time we come."

"I mean it this time." Ao insisted. "I'm sick of that woman hitting on you. For kamis' sake, you're mated, and happily I might add." She took a sip from her hot chocolate before glaring at Kin. "That's when you're supposed to say 'Oh Ao, of course. Nothing could shake the foundation of our love.'"

Kin raised a single eyebrow. "You are suggesting that I should encourage your insecure, and rather immature, behavior?"

Ao glared at him before standing to sit beside Kagome. "I'm not talking to you anymore. We'll see how you like it!"

Kin shook his head and turned back to Kagome. "Perhaps while Ao is being an idiot, Kagome can explain what exactly happened that necessitated that a demon give her its blood."

Ao's attention immediately snapped back to Kagome, and she frowned as if thinking. After a moment, her eyes softened. "You don't want to say, because you don't want to endanger the one who saved you."

Kagome smiled gratefully at Ao. Somehow the older woman always knew exactly the right thing to say. Ao reached out and took Kagome's hand. "So don't mention names, or places. Be as vague as you want to be. We just want a general idea. You know we worry about you."

Kagome smiled softly and nodded. "Well, I was with a bunch of friends this weekend. . ." She told the entire tale with Mukotsu, editing it as much as possible. By the end of it, even though she'd left out all the most life threatening parts, Kin was growling, and Ao looked just as upset.

"Are you sure you don't want to tell us who this hanyou you're friends with is?" Ao asked. "We wouldn't beat him up too much."

Kagome shook her head. "It's really not that big of a deal. What worries me more is his older brother."

Kin raised an eyebrow. "You worry more about the inuyoukai that saved your life than about the hanyou who placed your life in danger in the first place?"

"Yeah, well, InuYasha doesn't do it on purpose." Kagome defended. "And he never tried to kill me. . . well, except for the first time. But that was only because he thought I was somebody else. Sesshoumaru has tried to kill me several times."

Ao shook her head. "Didn't Sesshoumaru tell you what sharing his blood meant?"

Kagome looked at her, suddenly feeling ignorant. "That I didn't die?"

Ao sighed and rubbed her temples. "Demons don't give their blood to just anyone. And it's not just because of snobbery. In youkai culture, giving another being your blood means that their scent forever becomes a part of you. On the most instinctual level, that makes you a part of his pack, his family."

Kagome shook her head. "Then why is he always trying to kill his brother? Shouldn't he be unable to do so?"

Ao looked like she was about to answer, then stopped. "Huh. That's a good question. Why didn't I think of that?"

Kin leaned over and nuzzled his mate's neck. "Because you are too busy meddling into the affairs of others." He ignored Ao's indignant glare and turned back to Kagome. "The answer is simply because you are female. As such, he will be much more protective of you than a male of the pack, because you are more delicate and-" Kin received another whack, and he growled warningly at Ao. "As I was saying, females are generally weaker than males, and also more important since they will bear young. A demon's basic instinct is to therefore to protect the females above all others, besides pups."

Kagome nodded slightly. "So he doesn't protect InuYasha because he's expected to take care of himself."

"That's right." Ao agreed. "So, because of that, and the side effects another's blood can have on your body, sharing blood is not something that is undertaken lightly. If he gave you his blood, then he must have had a very good reason."

Kagome stared at Ao. "Side affects?" She was almost scared to ask. "Sesshoumaru said that there wouldn't. . . crap! He said he didn't know what the side effects would be."

Kin nodded. "The affects of a demon's blood depends on the power of the demon, the power of the human, and the amount of blood given. Side effects range from a slightly extended life to becoming a hanyou." Seeing Kagome's look of panic, he quickly assured her. "If you were going to become a hanyou, you would have already begun to change. This demon you spoke of, Sesshoumaru?" Kagome nodded. "If his poison is as potent as you say, then in all likelihood, only a small portion of his blood was needed. My guess would be that you will only be slightly affected by the blood."

Kagome nodded weakly, and Ao embraced her in sympathy. "It's really not all that bad dear. Any change you have will probably be very minor. You probably won't even notice it until someone points it out to you." Kagome was doubtful, but chose not to press the point. As if sensing this, Ao took Kagome's hands and looked her right in the eyes. "Listen to me, Higurashi Kagome. This change will be for the better. All you need to do is accept this change and adapt."

Kagome looked away, unable to look into those all-knowing eyes. "How do you know?"

Ao rolled her eyes. "You're not the only one to have ever been given demon blood." With that, she proceeded to drink her hot chocolate and refused to answer Kagome's questions. "So, you should make sure that you meet up with him soon so you can ask any questions you'll have. "

Kagome sighed. "I guess you're right." She laid her head down on her arms. "Still, I don't see why Sesshoumaru would give me his blood. As far as I know, I'm just another human to him. Why would he bother?"

Normally, it was Ao who answered questions like that. But today, it was Kin who looked her in the eyes and said solemnly. "Perhaps there is something in you that he believes is worth saving."

Kagome blushed and looked away, her blush growing darker when she realized that Ao found her behavior amusing. Ignoring the heated glare she was receiving from Kagome, Ao went to retrieve something from her purse. Unfortunately, after a rather frustrating rummage, Ao began to panic. She stood and turned to them briefly. "I'll be right back. I think I left something in the park." She put on her coat and pointed a finger at Kin. "Stay." Not bothering to look at his reaction.

Kagome stared at her in shock, while Kin watched her go with mild annoyance. "Should we go after her?"

"Not until I've finished my coffee." Kin answered promptly

Kagome giggled and went to work on her hot chocolate. They spent the next few minutes sitting together I in silence, each finishing their respective beverages. Once finished, they gathered up their things and went back to Tokyo Conservational Park and began to look for Ao. They had been looking for nearly three hours when it began to get dark, and Kagome was worried. "You don't think something happened to her?"

Kin shook his head. "Kagome, please allow my limo to take you home. I'll take care of Ao."

"But what if somethi-"

"I would know." Kin interrupted. "I gave Ao my blood a long time ago. She is a part of my pack, and as such, I can tell when she is in danger. She is safe, and I will find her eventually." Kin reached into his wallet and pulled out a card. "The limo is parked just outside the Western Gate. Show the driver this card, and he'll take you home." Kagome started to protest, but Kin cut her off. "I insist. It's much too late for a young woman like yourself to be walking alone in Tokyo."

Kagome hesitated a second longer before nodding and taking the card. "Thank you." On impulse, she leaned over and gave him a peck on the cheek. "You know, Kin, I can see why your family wants to be around you so much. You really are a sweetheart." She darted off before Kin could comment, and before she could see the look of absolute shock on his face.

A moment later he heard a giggle behind him. He recognized it instantly and turned to see his Kagome walking calmly up the walkway. Sesshoumaru growled as she took his arm and gave him a chaste kiss. "Don't be angry. I needed to get out of there."

"I fail to see why you needed to give the two of us a heart attack." Sesshoumaru growled. "It was uncalled for and unnecessary."

Kagome sighed and pulled away. "It was. If not for her, then for me. I needed to do that." Seeing that he was still upset, and understanding that his protectiveness for her younger self was an instinctive part of him, she didn't try anymore persuasion. She turned and began to walk away, heading for the East Gate, where their second limo was waiting. She only made it a few steps before Sesshoumaru caught up to her. His hand gently clasped hers and he pulled until she finally turned. She saw the concern in his eyes, now that his irritation had bled off enough for him to notice the waver in her voice.

"Kagome?" He whispered, gently pulling her into him. "What is it?"

Kagome let out a shaky breath. "Seeing her like that. . . it just brought back memories from that time. When Mukotsu attacked, there was no one there. No InuYasha, no Sango, no Miroku, no Shippou. I was completely alone, and there wasn't anything I could do." She laughed humorlessly, and Sesshoumaru tightened his grip in order to keep her grounded. "The only one who did anything was someone who hated me just because I was human."

Sesshoumaru growled softly, too low for human ears, but enough so that his chest vibrated and calmed his mate. "You were not alone." He murmured softly. "I did not let you die. You are my mate, and my pack." He kissed her cheek softly, then released her and pulled her forward as he headed to the East Gate. "Now, what do you say we go greet the rest of our pack?"

Kagome smiled softly at him and nodded. "Thank you."

"Always."

InuYasha stood undecided. Could it be that Kikyo had survived the collapse of Mt. Hakurei? Was she really on the other side of the mountain dying? Should he go to find her, or should he stay with the group?

"Go InuYasha."

InuYasha started and stared wide-eyed. "Kagome?"

Kagome's sad face pushed guilt into him. "This is no time to hesitate. I still believe that you should move on from the guilt that Kikyo is constantly pushing on you. But Kikyo must be hoping that you'll come to see her a final time." She smiled at her best friend, remembering how she had felt when it was her who was waiting. And knowing that InuYasha needed to be sure that Kikyo really had died at Mt. Hakurei. "Now hurry. You can catch up to us later."

InuYasha looked away and nodded. "Yeah." He knew that even though Kagome and he were no longer a possibility, Kagome still worried for him. But he just couldn't give up Kikyo, not when he was responsible for her death. "Forgive me." With that he took off, not daring to look back at the disappointment he was sure he'd see on Kagome's face.

Shippou jumped up, landing easily on Kagome's shoulder. "Are you sure about this, Kagome?" He asked.

Kagome smiled sadly. "It can't be helped. As long as Kikyo exists, the guilt he feels will keep him from moving forward. If he can find his peace with her in her final moments, then maybe he'll finally be able to move on. But if he doesn't know for sure, then he'll always be looking for her, wondering if she's still waiting for him."

She turned to the old priest who had told them a tale of a priestess who had washed up dying near a village on the other side of Mt. Hakurei. "Thank you for telling us."

The priest smiled and bowed. "It was my pleasure."

They started walking again, with Kagome being suspiciously quiet. Sango and Miroku looked at one another, unsure of whether or not broach the subject, when Shippou did it for them. "Kagome, why are you sad?"

Kagome sighed and absently petted Shippou's head. "I just worry about InuYasha. He's so fragile, even when he's strong."

The others looked like they were about to say something, but they were interrupted by the sound of a horse. Turning, they saw a samurai on his horse, followed by a small group of soldiers. The samurai called to them. "Hold it right there! You look suspicious!"

"Suspicious?"

Sango smirked. "Maybe they mean your clothing, Kagome."

Kagome made a face at the old joke, but her mind was whirling. They were a monk, a miko, and a demon slayer. What was so suspicious?

The horse stopped in front of them, and the samurai glared down at them. "There have been many strange happenings in the vicinity lately. So we have been ordered to detain all suspicious looking travelers."

Kagome glared back at him. "And what exactly is so suspicious about a monk, a demon slayer, and a miko traveling together?"

The samurai sneered down at her. "Nothing. But there is something suspicious about a monk and a respectable looking woman traveling with a harlot such as yourself."

Kagome stared at him in shock while Sango snickered. "It really is your outfit." Kagome glared as Sango leaned over to whisper in Miroku's ear. "What do you think? We can easily defeat them if the need arises."

Miroku chuckled. "Really, Sango. Let's not all start thinking like InuYasha. It's possible that a bit of diplomacy can soothe this situation."

The samurai scowled. "What are you two talking about over there?" He tossed his head over his shoulder. "Get the three of them tied up!"

In a few seconds, the soldiers had the three humans in the group surrounded. Before the humans could make another move, Shippou and Kirara rushed to the side. "This is bad." Shippou murmured. "Once again, we have to go after InuYasha and bring him back."

Sesshoumaru watched as Rin pranced around their campsite, searching for more sticks to add to the roaring fire. Why she found such delight in it, he had no idea. But he wasn't going to deprive her of such a small pleasure, especially since it was actually helping her.

Just as she was starting to settle down, something in him twanged. He jerked in surprise, and his eyes widened as he realized what it was. Something was endangering the pack-bond, which meant one of two things: either his mother was in trouble, or the Miko no Shikon was. Sesshoumaru growled. Since he knew his mother very rarely descended from her cloud palace, he very much doubted that it was she who was in danger. Which meant that once again, his idiotic half-brother had gotten the miko into more danger.

Sesshoumaru stood. "Rin, stay with Ah-Un."

"Yes, Sesshoumaru-sama!" Rin called.

Sesshoumaru looked at Jaken, who had been with Sesshoumaru long enough to recognize the Protect-Rin-With-Your-Life look. He nodded, and Sesshoumaru whirled and began to walk towards where the pack-bond was pulling him. At the very least, he had to assess the miko's situation. His pride as alpha depended on it.

Kagome cried out as she was roughly thrown to the ground. "You people are really starting to piss me off." Kagome growled.

"I'm so sorry to hear that." Kagome turned and her eyes widened in shock as she stared. The princess who ruled the samurai had taken exception to her, and while she ordered Sango, Miroku, and the others travelers the samurai had gathered killed, Kagome was brought into the palace. Now that same princess, clutching her infant child, sat across the room from Kagome, glowing a dark and sickly purple reminiscent of Naraku. "Now that Kikyo is dead, you are the only one who can sense the Shikon shards."

"Which means we will be spending much more time together." Kagome jerked and turned at the familiar voice. The priest who had told them of Kikyo's body washing up near a village sat there, his eyes wide and blank. He turned his head towards her slowly before falling forward, dead. From the shadow, Kagura came forward, glaring at the now bubbling course. "Honestly, why that bastard makes me look after this stupid infant is beyond me."

Kagome's mind raced as she took in the implications of what she was seeing. It had all been a trap to get InuYasha away so that they could get the Miko no Shikon! And worse, they'd fallen for it, hook, line, and sinker. She glared at Kagura, who met her eyes in confirmation.

"No one will come to save you." Kagome turned again, listening to the princess's voice. Was it echoing? "The demon slayer and the monk will be killed in a few moments time." The woman isn't actually speaking! It's the infant! As if sensing her thoughts, the princess's voice trailed off. "And InuYasha is too busy chasing after a shadow of a woman to come for a copy like you."

Kagome sneered. "As if I would listen to anything that comes out of the mouth of one of Naraku's incarnations!" She forced herself to sit up, meeting the infant's eyes squarely. "So why don't we cut to the chase, and you tell me what it is you want."

"I told you. You are the only one who can see the shards of the Shikon no Tama." The infant's voice was indifferent, as if nothing mattered to it. "I have need of your eyes. And I will make good use of them."

Kagome's eyes narrowed as the princess rose, carrying the infant towards her. "Sorry, my eyes are taken. Why don't you try someone else's?"

The infant ignored her, of course, as it made the princess stop in front of her. "Kagura, remove her ropes."

"Are you sure?" Kagura taunted. "Not as if you can really fight."

The infant growled, and Kagura rolled her eyes even as she cut Kagome free with her fan. Kagome winced as the blood returned to her hands, but she had little time to think of that as the princess kneeled before her. She tried to move away, but found Kagura's strong grip restraining her. The princess reached forward, extending the infant incarnation to Kagome. For a moment, the infant's arms were directly in front of her eyes, and Kagome flinched. This seemed to amuse the infant.

"What, do you think I'd take your eyes away from you? They aren't any good outside of your body." The infant was lowered, and it clutched tightly itself to Kagome's chest. In mere moments, the glow that had enveloped the princess extended to include Kagome. For a moment, nothing happened. Then the infant growled again. "What is with your soul? Where is the darkness inside of you?"

Kagome couldn't find it in her to respond. Here she was, helpless once again as one of Naraku's incarnation held her hostage. A shudder coursed through her before she could stop it. Someone. Anyone. HELP! A cold feeling swept through her, and she suddenly felt as if someone were getting front row seats to the inner workings of her soul. Please! Somebody help me! A brief vision of InuYasha flashed through her mind, before she remembered that he was no longer her protector. A tear welled up in her eyes as she realized it.

"I am all alone." She whispered.

The infant just smiled as he swiftly took control of Kagome's soul.

Sesshoumaru froze in mid-step as he felt the pack-bond sever. There had been no fading, no warning, nothing. One moment, the pack-bond was secure, though troubled. But now, it was as if someone had taken a shear to it and clipped it. Sesshoumaru frowned. Had the woman died, the bond would have faded. Which meant someone had found a way to interfere with the pack-bond.

With a sigh, Sesshoumaru continued in the direction he had last felt the Miko no Shikon. He would have to track her the old fashioned way. He hated doing that.

In the distance, InuYasha's scent, combined with the scent of the kitsune and the neko, wafted towards him. He growled. How could InuYasha be so stupid as to leave the humans alone, especially after what had happened the last time? Had the boy learned nothing from the poison incident?

With a final snarl, Sesshoumaru started running towards the Miko no Shikon. He had no time to waste on the idiot hanyou.

Kagome felt as if she were seeing everything through a fog. Intellectually, she knew that she should be fighting tooth and nail to escape. But the thought couldn't seem to process. Instead of throwing the infant to the ground and racing away, Kagome slowly entered the strange hut set in the mountains. Kagura walked before her, guiding the way towards the silent Kanna who waited for them inside. Wordlessly, Kanna held out a tainted shard to Kagura. When Kagura reached for it, the infant spoke.

"Plant that tainted shard into Kagome's forehead." It ordered. "Once we have done that, she will be as easily controlled as the younger slayer, Kohaku."

The mention of Kohaku stirred something in Kagome. Flashes of a young boy dressed similarly to Sango pushed their way forward. Kohaku. . . Naraku's puppet. . . Sango's younger brother. . . the connection to Sango brought the memories of the slayer to the forefront of Kagome's mind. She struggled, but managed to see the flashes clearly. Sango. . . demon slayer. . . hiraikotsu. . . hitting Miroku. . .

The process of connection continued, pushing back the haze until Kagome could understand what was going on around her. The tainted shard in Kagura's hand boded ill, and Kagome struggled in vain to move away. Kagura just kept coming closer, and closer, her hand reaching towards Kagome's forehead. . .

"Wait." The infant's order shocked Kagome as much as it did Kagura. "She's being stubborn again. Just give me a moment to get her back under control." The infant glowed, and Kagome once again felt that coldness in her very soul as the infant searched for the darkness.

"It's useless to hope for help. InuYasha will no longer save you. He doesn't care about you anymore. He's chosen Kikyo over you!"

That's not true! The infant's attempts to create a darkness within her couldn't get a hold. I'm the one who let him go. I made the choice for him.

"Remember, Kagome, when you learned that Kikyo died?" The infant prodded. "You were happy." Kagome's eyes widened as she thought back to that moment. This vile thing in her arms could not be correct! "The woman who stood between you and InuYasha was now gone. But as soon as InuYasha learned that she might be alive, he was off again, leaving you behind. Even in death, InuYasha belongs to Kikyo." The infant saw that he was starting to get to Kagome, and pressed on. "Don't you feel bitter towards InuYasha for causing you such pain? Don't you hate Kikyo?"

Kagome couldn't help it. Her shoulders began to shake as the infant ranted on and on about how it was okay to hate the two of them. Finally, Kagome couldn't keep it in any longer. Deliberately, Kagome lowered her head so that she could look directly at the abomination in her arms. "Grow up."

The infant stared at her, stunned. Slowly and jerkily, Kagome forces herself to open her arms. She tried not to grimace as the infant dropped from her arms and onto the floor.

"What!" The infant shrieked in outrage. "How is that possible!"

"Everything you've said is completely wrong." Kagome's voice, which had started out as a soft whisper, was slowly growing the longer she spoke. "It's true that InuYasha can't forget about Kikyo. And even if I can accept this rationally, it will always hurt that he will always see me as Kikyo's replacement." She looked around the room, her strength of will returning. "However, bearing a grudge against InuYasha and resenting Kikyo are normal, human feelings. I wouldn't be the person I am if I didn't feel them. It doesn't make me terrible or dark. And it does not mean that I will take out these feelings on the two of them. These feelings mean that I love InuYasha. Even if that love is no longer romantic, I love him as another brother, and my best friend."

The infant scowled, its face twisting in rage. "Kagura, destroy her!"

With a sigh, Kagura raised her fan. "Dance of Bl-"

A flash of green interrupted her as it hit her hand, knocking her fan out of the way. Kagome started as she realized that the entire area was soaked in a very powerful, and very familiar youkai. Slowly, still feeling weak from forcing the infant from her very soul, Kagome turned. Behind her, the pristine vision of Sesshoumaru stood in the open doorway. He walked to stand in front of the miko, shielding her from the infant's piercing view. "You have dared to take what is not yours."

The infant smirked. "This is interesting. What is it that draws the great Western Lord to a simple human miko? Already following in your father's footsteps?"

Sesshoumaru refused to be baited, already used to such insults. Besides, his attention was more focused on Kagome's collapsing body than the incarnation's threats. Apparently, the power she had used to throw off the infant's influence had drained her. Protective instincts running high, Sesshoumaru used his speed to circle the miko and catch her so that he still faced the enemy before him.

Kagura started getting angry. "What do you care what happens to this single human girl?" She hissed. "She's no different from any other whore!"

Sesshoumaru snarled and unsheathed Tokijin. "You will not speak such things of this Sesshoumaru's pack!" With a single strike of his sword, Sesshoumaru unleashed the dragon strike. But instead of the expected explosion, a barrier much like Naraku's erected itself in front of the offending incarnations. Sesshoumaru watched with hidden surprise as the barrier absorbed the power of his dragon strike and gathered it into a center point. No fool by any stretch of the imagination, Sesshoumaru realized what would happen. Using the demonic speed that so easily outstripped lesser beings, Sesshoumaru held Kagome tightly to his chest and jumped backwards out the door. The strength of his jump carried them outside the deck that surrounded the hut and propelled them to the ground below. They landed just as the hut was demolished by the reflected dragon strike.

The infant growled. "Kagura! We're leaving."

Kagura went to pull a feather from her bun, but once again Sesshoumaru's poison whip lashed out to stop her. "You will not leave this place alive." Sesshoumaru declared. Unfortunately, the barrier was still in place, and still strong even after taking on the dragon strike. It easily deflected the poison whip, much to Sesshoumaru's fury, and then it faded away, taking the incarnations away. Sesshoumaru took a sniff, but the incarnations were already gone. Damn them. With a frustrated snarl, Sesshoumaru sheathed Tokijin.

"Kagome!"

Sesshoumaru growled as InuYasha made his presence known. He turned, refusing to relinquish his grip on Kagome as her former protector approached. "You have failed once again, InuYasha."

InuYasha skidded to a stop a few feet away and froze as he absorbed the sight of Kagome in Sesshoumaru's arm. He began to growl, until he saw that Kagome wasn't reacting to the feel of his youkai like she should. "What the hell did you do to her?"

Sesshoumaru would have growled back in kind, but Kagome began to stir. He knelt and gently lay her down as he went watching her carefully for any signs of pain. Kagome's eyes fluttered open, and they darted around for a bit before they settled on Sesshoumaru's. Sesshoumaru felt a twinge of something as that pair of cerulean blue eyes stared up at him, completely trusting. "Pack-bond?" She asked in a whisper.

InuYasha started at that. "A pack-bond!"

Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow and nodded. "How is it you know of the pack-bond, miko?"

Kagome coughed and tried to force herself to sit up. Sesshoumaru obliged her after a moment by grasping her shoulders and pulling her up. She smiled at him in thanks before answering. "I have many friends, all willing to share information with me." She answered, her voice gaining strength as she went. "My guess is that you felt something was wrong through the pack-bond, and came to help me out."

"Kagome?"

Kagome turned and smiled when she saw InuYasha. "Hey, InuYasha. I'm sorry about the priest. He was-"

"Dead." InuYasha finished, a pained look in his eyes as he looked away guiltily. "Yeah, I found that out when I got Miroku and Sango out of the castle."

Kagome's eyes brightened. "They're okay, then? I was worried about them." InuYasha came closer, only halting when Sesshoumaru growled. Kagome glared and look up at Sesshoumaru. "Look, I know you instincts are telling you to protect me, but it's InuYasha. He won't hurt me." When Sesshoumaru didn't acknowledge her, she grabbed his shoulders and pulled herself up. She conveniently ignored the fact that her face was only inches away from his. "Look, I know that as two males who have power, the chances of you getting along are slim to none. But he is still a member of your pack since you share a father. You could at least be civil."

Sesshoumaru glared at the female in his arm. "Do not think to challenge this Sesshoumaru, bitch!"

Kagome balked. "How dare you insult-"

"Did you just compliment her?" InuYasha shouted.

Kagome whirled on him. "Sit!" Watching InuYasha plummet to the ground was strangely therapeutic. "How is calling me a bitch a compliment?"

InuYasha grumbled as he stood. "Why should I tell you now?"

Kagome glared. "Do you want me to use the beads again?"

With a growl, InuYasha sat, careful not to get too close. "There is only one bitch in a pack, Kagome. The head female." Seeing that Kagome still did not understand, he elaborated. "The alpha of a pack will only mate with the bitch."

Kagome jumped and looked up at Sesshoumaru in horror. Sesshoumaru bared a fang in response. "I have no interest in mating human females."

Kagome relaxed. "Well then, that puts me at ease just a bit." Realizing what position she was in, she tugged on Sesshoumaru's arm. "Um, do you think you could let me up? I feel better now, I promise."

Sesshoumaru obliged, not all too happy with these new instincts that were pushing him to protect the miko in his arm. Even as he placed her on her feet, she looked so fragile. She wasn't like Rin; she wasn't used to fending for herself. He growled to himself. How could one human female affect him like this? He was beginning to regret establishing the pack-bond with her.

InuYasha came forward slowly, and Kagome shook her head. "Honestly, InuYasha. You're acting like you've never met me before." She pulled herself out of Sesshoumaru's grasp and went over to InuYasha. She hugged him to her, just as she had for the past three years of their friendship.

InuYasha wrapped his arms around her in response, and for a moment, it was like he had his Kagome back. The one who loved him above anything else, the one who cared for him, no matter what he was. "I'm sorry." He whispered, not even caring that his brother was only a few feet away. "I'm sorry I wasn't there to protect you. I'm sorry I let you down."

"Stop it, InuYasha." Kagome pulled back, a stern look on her face. "You did what you needed to do. Heck, I was the one who told you to go. And you did not leave me alone. You left me with Miroku, Sango, Kirara, and Shippou. If it were any normal trouble, I would have been perfectly safe. So if you say one more word, I will s-i-t you until there is a permanent crater in the shape of your body."

InuYasha nodded and let her step away. As she did, her smile grew. "Kirara! Sango! Miroku! Shippou!" With a squeal only a female could successfully achieve, she rushed to where Kirara was landing, leaving the two brothers in a standoff. InuYasha glared at Sesshoumaru, and Sesshoumaru returned it.

Finally, InuYasha growled. "Why?" Sesshoumaru simply stared, refusing to answer. This only egged InuYasha on though. "Why did you save her? You hate humans, you despise them. Why would you give her the pack-bond."

Sesshoumaru bared his teeth. "As the Miko no Shikon, it is she who will defeat Naraku. Without her, any cause is lost, especially now that your priestess is dead." Seeing that the pup was going to keep going on his tirade, Sesshoumaru cut him. "This Sesshoumaru is beginning to think that you would not wish the miko to live."

Whatever InuYasha was going to say, this stopped him in his tracks. "That's not what I meant." The reminder of his continued failure to protect Kagome took all the fight out of him. "I just. . . damn it Sesshoumaru, what do you want?"

Sesshoumaru ignored the question that he had already answered. His eyes flicked to the miko that was reassuring herself that her friends were in good health. Sesshoumaru turned to InuYasha. "You are no longer sufficient to protect her."

InuYasha growled. "The fuck I ain't-"

"This is twice that this Sesshoumaru was needed to save our pack-mate while she was in your care." Sesshoumaru interrupted. "There will be no opportunity for a third."

InuYasha looked away, his eyes automatically finding Kagome. "I will never let her fall into Naraku's hands again. I won't let her suffer like Kikyo did."

Sesshoumaru looked at InuYasha, and for the first time, he saw the resolution and maturity that he had heard the boy could at times display. Perhaps, there was a reason to keep the hanyou around. "This Sesshoumaru will not take the miko from you." A look of relief crossed InuYasha's face. "This Sesshoumaru cannot allow the neglect of the miko to continue. Therefore, this Sesshoumaru will be joining you."

For a moment, it looked like InuYasha was going to protest. But for once, he managed to bite his tongue until he could calm himself. "Fine." He muttered. "But only if Kagome agrees."

Sesshoumaru smirked. The same part of him that was so protective of his new pack-sister just knew that the young miko would agree.

------------------------------------------------------ Author's Rant ------------------------------------------------------

Legolas: Aragon! Aragon, I found out where that crazy muse was from!

Aragon: Really? Where the devil do they keep mad women like that?

Legolas: The InuYasha fandom next door. They'll accept just about anyone there.

Aragon: Bloody orcs, that's what they are. Oh, by the way, you got a letter from that white-haired boy you play with sometimes.

Legolas: White-haired? Who in the world. . . KYA! You mean Lucius! Gimme gimme gimme!

Aragon: Keep your shirt on. . . though you're welcome to remove the pants.

Legolas: Dear Legolas, Sorry to hear about that rude muse of yours. She sounds absolutely horrid. Though speaking of strange muses we've found at the borders of the Lord of the Rings fandom, we found an absolutely quaint muse by the name of Obsessive_Goddess. She fell in love with the Harry/Severus, Harry/Draco, and the Harry/Lucius fics. My only problem is that she insists that Harry Potter shouldn't be the submissive! The boy's been getting ideas! Any ideas how to get rid of her? Your friend, Lucius.

Aragon: You don't think.

Legolas: [sighs] I'll go tell those freaks in the InuYasha fandom.

------------------------------------------------------ End of Author's Rant ------------------------------------------------------