Alrighty, folks, I'm back with the next chapter! *grins* But first a HUGE thank you to my ELEVEN most recent and AWEOME reviewers: MsWildLuck, Lady Syndra, hottieanimegurl, CaptainAlex2014, ashthetyto, satuross, AmyRoseAlice, BlackCatDemon133, StalkerFox, Sesshomaru's Cami, and AgnetCoCo! :D LOVE YOU ALL! Also, another big thanks to all the people who have already favorited and/or followed this story. Oh, and one more thing, someone put Symbol of the Dog in an AWESOME comunity! *squeals* So, I don't know who did it, but you're AWESOME! *gives a triple layer cake* Anyways, hope everyone enjoys chapter eleven! :D

BRIEF SHOUT OUT!
satuross: Haha! Thank you for pointing that little blooper out to me. LOL! It was supposed to say 25,000 cattle not 250,000. XD Again, thanks for making me spot that. I went ahead and fixed it. XD

Terms to know…
Daiyoukai – Great Demon
Youkai – Demon
Inu – Dog

Disclaimer: I do NOT own Inuyasha, the Inuyasha plot, NOR the Inuyasha characters. I only own my main OCs Autumn/Akiko and Kimiko, any other OCs created along the way, and any part of the plot NOT a part of the Inuyasha anime or manga. This fanfic, however, is MINE and I'd like to keep it that way.

Chapter 11-A Spirit Speaks

Sesshomaru's P.O.V.
I watched in silence as the young female looked off across the nearby stream. My eyebrow raised slightly as her eyes suddenly hardened and she clenched her fist, seeming to come to some kind of resolution. I could feel it in her aura as she calmed. Letting out a soft sigh, she finally turned back to me with a small but genuine smile; the small act taking me slightly by surprise.

"You're right." She admitted, continuing to smile as she evenly met my gaze for a brief moment before returning to gaze over the water, "What's done is done, and I'm not someone to simply give up because of some hardships." Again her fist clenched as the brief scent of barely suppressed pain dusted my senses, "You have my thanks for reminding me, Lord Sesshomaru."

My golden eyes simply blinked at her calmly as I suppressed the fact that I'd actually been rather taken-aback by her thanks. The female's honest actions were more than odd for a Youkai, but I suppose that was due to her human soul. Not particularly knowing what to do with the thanks I was offered, I replied with a simple, "Hn."

However, my simple answer seemed to be all she was looking for as she flashed me yet another warm and perhaps slightly amused smile before standing up and stretching her limbs. Silently, I noted the litheness in her build. With a small smirk, I allowed myself to admit that the Golden Inu spirit at least had good taste when dealing with its successor's physical qualities. As for what other qualities the Inu spirit saw in this female, I would have to find out.

Speaking of the Inu spirit…

"You said that the Inu spirit is still currently residing within you." I spoke up suddenly, breaking the silence as I caught the female's attention, "Are you able to make contact with her?"

"Yeah…" she said hesitantly, raising a curious eyebrow in my direction, "Why do you ask?"

"This Sesshomaru wishes to speak with her." I stated bluntly.

Green eyes widened slightly as the female gave me a doubtful look, "I'm not sure if that'd even be possible-" The female paused, her face stilling as she seemed to be listening to a voice within her. Suddenly stumbling forward, she let out a soft gasp before gripping a nearby tree and righting herself.

My own gold eyes narrowed in confusion at the actions, "Akiko-"

"You wished to talk to me, Sesshomaru, son of Inu no Taisho and current Lord of the Western Lands?" a voice, like and not like the ex-human, spoke out calmly.

It only took me a moment to figure out what had happened, "You are the Inu spirit."

"That's right." The spirit smirked in amusement, causing me to let out a low but threatening growl, "You can call me Kimiko. Now, what is it you wanted to say to me? As this is not my body, I only possess the ability to remain in control for but a few minutes. Oh, and don't worry, where the child is right now, she will be unable to hear our conversation."

"Hn." I replied coldly, not particularly liking the arrogant female I was now faced with. To be honest, I actually already preferred the mortal's personality over this spirit's. "This Sesshomaru has already been informed that you can tell what is going on through the female's eyes." I began, my eyes hard as I let my Youki swirl imposingly around my person, "Therefore, this one has assumed that you are quite aware of his intentions toward the female you chose to succeed you."

"Haha! Yes, I am quite aware. Although, the child is not." She grinned, green eyes shining with mirth.

My golden eyes narrowed even farther at this answer, "Then this Sesshomaru's second conclusion was correct. You have not yet informed her of the Youkai ways."

Again, the spirit smirked, "That's correct."

Growling lowly, I turned away and began my departure into the forest, "You have three days before this Sesshomaru's return. In that time, this one suggests you educate the female in the ways of the Youkai."

"Hold it." The female's voice caused me to pause and turn with a glare.

"Woman." I spoke coldly, "If you wish to keep your head, this Sesshomaru suggest you show him more respect."

"Hmph! Do not speak such lies, Lord Sesshomaru." She crossed her arms, green eyes turning to emerald chips, "Your very instincts as a male Inu would not allow you to bring any true harm to your future mate." Not waiting for my reply, the spirit continued, "As for why I wished you to wait, I request that you stay by Akiko's side." To my slight surprise, her eyes seemed to take on an odd softness upon mentioning the ex-human, "I want you to protect her."

My expression remained blank as I regarded the spirit's request. If I stayed, it would mean temporarily traveling with my foolish half-brother. Then again, I could only imagine the hanyou's infuriated reaction when he found out my intentions. It would no doubt prove to be amusing. "Hn." I finally answered returning to my previous spot, "This Sesshomaru will abide your request and remain by the female's side for three days in which time you will inform her of what I suggested you to."

"Agreed." She stated instantly.

A smirk crossed my features at her submission, "Hn… It almost seems you want your successor to find her mate within this one."

"That may very well be." The spirit admitted softly, looking up at the skies, "Not only do I wish for my lineage to be passed down in full-blood, but considering I dragged Akiko into this, I also wish for her happiness and protection. Even if your personality could use some work, I believe you could accomplish these things."

I said nothing to the spirit's words, but placed them in the back of my mind, none the less. I was perfectly capable of providing for a mate, and I'd like to meet any fool who would dare challenge said mate of mine's protection.

Anyone who dared such a foolish act could have nothing less than a death wish.

A wish in which I would be more than happy to fulfill for anyone suicidal enough to try to harm what was mine.

"Well," the female's words cut through my thoughts as she sat down and closed her eyes, "I suppose it's time for me to go. Make sure to take good care of Akiko."

Autumn/Akiko's P.O.V.
I sat silently in the blackness that was surrounding me, wondering just how long Kimiko was going to take. Before I came to this place, she'd told me she was going to take over my body for a bit in order to talk to Sesshomaru. But seriously, just how long did she plan to be out? Just what had they been talking about anyways?

It was about right when these questions floated across my mind that a powerful sensation suddenly tugged at my soul. Closing my eyes, I let out a gasp before falling to my knees. The next thing I knew, a cool evening breeze was brushing my cheeks as my eyes opened to meet pools of gold.

"Wait a moment…" my brain, still foggy from the transition, slowly began putting the pieces together, "GOLD?!"

"Hn." The Daiyoukai's voice rumbled calmly as he took in my condition, "It seems you are awake."

OH.

MY.

GAAAAWD!

Sesshomaru's face was no more than a mere few inches from my own. Yeah, waaay to close! Seriously, I could feel his breath softly brushing against my face. Needless to say, it wasn't surprising that I wasn't able to completely suppress the blush crawling its way onto my cheeks.

"Yeah… I'm awake." I finally managed to get out in a somewhat normal voice, despite my inner turmoil.

I could've sworn I saw a small smirk flit across the white Inu's face as he pulled away and stood up, but it was gone so fast, I couldn't be sure.

…

Damnit. He was acting weird again.

Standing up, I stretched my limbs in an effort to pop several sore joints. Life wasn't going to be easy from now on, and I knew that. Surviving in this era wouldn't be easy, and being a female Inu in this era would be even more difficult still.

"So," I began, pulling my mind from its thoughts and focusing on the white-haired male before me, "if you don't mind my asking, just what did you and Kimiko talk about."

Golden eyes studied me calmly in silence for several seconds before Sesshomaru decided to answer, "It was decided that, from now on, this one would see to your protection."

SILENCE…

"He's telling the truth, child." Kimiko assured me with no small amount of amusement lacing her voice, "I asked him to look after you, for Sesshomaru is far stronger than Inuyasha, dear. Considering that you are both full-blooded Inu, it is for the best."

"Just how the hell did you get him to agree?!" I mentally demanded, knowing that this meant Sesshomaru and Inuyasha would be traveling together!

"… Don't worry about the details. Just," she seemed to pause, "trust in him."

Trust in Sesshomaru? I had practically just met the guy! Yeah, yeah, and I know I had time to observe him in the anime, but that doesn't count! And just why was he bothering to look after me, in the first place? Even if Rin had changed him, I highly doubted he was simply just doing it out of the good of his heart. So, just where did he gain?

Ugh! I didn't even want to think about what Inuyasha's reaction to this would be.

"SESSHOMARU!"

I paled drastically as the ever familiar shout assaulted my ears, "Speak of the devil…"

Kimiko only laughed,"This ought to be interesting."

Haha! Yes, Kimiko, this ought to be VERY interesting. XD Weeeell... What did you guys/girls think? Please, PLEAAASE let me know in the reviews! I know I've said it before, but I'll say it again. You guy's/girl's reviews ARE my INSPIRATION! So, keep up the AWESOME work and I'll keep on typing and posting new chapters! :D Also, please follow and favorite this story as well. See you all in the next chapter! :D

AUTHOR FUN FACT: I absolutely ADORE the rain. It clears my mind, and I'll spend hours just walking around in it. :D

Rock Out!
Kira