InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Live and Let Die (Part 2): Awakenings ❯ Let's Make A Deal ( Chapter 10 )

Disclaimers: I still do not own InuYasha or any of the manga/anime characters. They belong to the wonderful genius Rumiko Takahashi. However, any original characters do belong to me.

 

AN: Thanks to those of you who take the time to leave a review. The more I get, the faster I tend to write.

 

 

Live and Let Die: Awakenings

 

 

Chapter 10: Let's Make a Deal

 

 

InuYasha woke with Kagome still asleep in his arms. They were both very relaxed when they retired for the evening the night before and had slept soundly through the night. The miko had not really received the rest her body needed the day before, so InuYasha snuggled back against her and attempted to go back to sleep as well. He had no idea what time it was, though from the light streaming through the covers over the windows the sun seemed to be well into the sky.

 

As the hanyou lay holding his mate, he smirked somewhat at the sounds coming from the other room. It appeared that those two had awakened on the same side of the room again. InuYasha also noticed, in spite of their bath to remove the evidence, that they had gotten a lot closer the day before while he and Kagome were out at the hot spring. He smirked at the ammunition that would give him later if it were needed. Fortunately, the two had not done anything, so far, that would end up with a pregnant demon slayer. Next to his own miko mate, that was the last thing they needed as they searched for the jewel shards and Naraku. However, InuYasha had in the past observed that females' hormones seemed to surge when they were fertile, loosening their inhibitions somewhat as their bodies cried out to find someone to impregnate them. The hanyou conceded he might have to say something to the monk so that Miroku did not get too carried away the next few days and do something that would make him a daddy a lot sooner than he thought. And while the demon slayer might let her raging hormones allow her to do something at the time she normally would not, she would probably kill Miroku over it if she wound up pregnant before she was ready. Unlike InuYasha, Miroku was not confined to producing fertile seed two nights out of the month.

 

The miko began to stir in his arms while the hanyou contemplated all of this. As she started to wake, he also heard a distinct growl from her stomach. Deciding at this point that getting out of bed was inevitable, InuYasha nuzzled his mate's cheek and then kissed her.

 

Kagome was yawning as she rolled over to look at InuYasha. She leaned forward and kissed him softly as she brushed his cheek with her hand. “Did we sleep all night?”

 

“Keh. It looks like the sun is up pretty good, but you needed the rest. You didn't really get any yesterday with everything that happened,” InuYasha responded.

 

“Well, I don't know about you, but I certainly felt content after the memorial service and then the afternoon I got to spend alone with you. It was nice,” Kagome said.

 

InuYasha leaned forward enough to kiss her again. “Yeah, it was. And it was nice to sleep without worrying about anything.”

 

Changing the subject the hanyou asked, “Do you want to get dressed and see what they have for breakfast?”

 

“Yeah, I am kind of hungry.” About that time Kagome's stomach gave a really loud growl.

 

InuYasha grinned. “Kind of?”

 

“Well, very. Do you think the others are awake yet?”

 

“Yeah, but they will be on opposite sides, trying to pretend they are just waking up.” InuYasha decided to give his mate at least a small hint of what was going on.

 

“What? They haven't… Have they? I mean I didn't think…” Kagome sounded a bit stunned.

 

“They smelled a lot like each other when we returned yesterday. And yesterday morning I could smell that both of them had slept on Miroku's futon. From what I heard a few minutes ago, they ended up on the same side again. We just need to make enough noise getting ready so they will know that we are awake, though I think they have each already returned to their own side of the room.” InuYasha couldn't help but to smirk as he relayed that information.

 

“When you say they smelled a lot like each other, you don't mean…”

 

“No, but they are getting close. I was thinking about talking to the monk later. It would be dangerous if either of you ended up pupped while we are chasing after Naraku, and if he keeps going the way he has, she will be,” the hanyou said seriously.

 

“But what can you do? I mean what would you talk to him about?” Kagome was not sure whether to laugh or cry at the idea of InuYasha having a `talk' with Miroku about sex.

 

“I can tell him when she is fertile. He needs to keep it wrapped up then, or how do you say it, `keep it in his pants?'” InuYasha practically whispered as he flushed bright red.

 

“Yeah, if he had any, but they'll be jealous, you know,” Kagome teased.

 

“About what?”

 

“That we can be together any time and not worry about it.”

 

“Feh.”

 

 

 

In a repeat of the morning the day before, the monk woke up with the slayer in his arms. While they had each retired to their own futon on their side of the room, once more Sango had silently crossed the room during the night to be with Miroku. Afraid to make any noise, or do anything that might wake up the hanyou and raise suspicions, they had resigned themselves to some gentle kisses and touches before the demon slayer snuggled back into the monk. He smiled as he went to sleep, absent-mindedly stroking her breast.

 

When the pair awakened, they realized it was daylight and the others would be ready to go out for breakfast soon. Miroku kissed Sango gently and suggested she go back and lay down on her futon, pretending she had slept there. While he wasn't certain if it would fool the hanyou, he knew Kagome would have no reason to be suspicious. Confident in his plan and that InuYasha would either have the good graces not to mention it, or simply be too embarrassed to say anything, they set it into action. Of course then Miroku started wondering if InuYasha really would not mention it. The monk was suddenly starting to regret all of those times he had teased the confused hanyou so mercilessly.

 

 

 

Certain that the monk and demon slayer were each back on their own side of the room, InuYasha gave Kagome the go ahead.

 

“Hey, are you two awake yet? We're kind of hungry,” Kagome called through the door.

 

“I was just getting dressed,” Sango called. “Houshi, are you awake over there?”

 

Miroku yawned loudly. “Yeah, how could I not be with all of that racket? I will be ready in a minute.”

 

While they were waiting, Kagome decided to make good use of their time and turned to the hanyou, wrapping her arms around his neck and bringing his face to hers. He responded, pulling her close and thrusting his tongue into her mouth, savoring every bit of it while they waited. InuYasha pulled away when he heard footsteps coming towards the door.

 

“They're coming,” he whispered.

 

Kagome gave him a quick peck on the lips and flushed red, then turned towards the door. It slid open to reveal a grinning Miroku. Before the monk had a chance to say anything, InuYasha looked in the direction of his pallet and scented the air, wrinkling his nose just a bit.

 

Miroku took one look at what InuYasha was doing and the grin disappeared from his face. “I…I just wanted to see if you were ready.”

 

InuYasha couldn't help but to smirk as he responded, “Uh-huh. Let's eat.”

 

Kagome joined Sango and turned back to her mate to say, “I need to stop on the way out before we go eat. All right?”

 

“Keh.”

 

As expected, InuYasha and Miroku finished first and were waiting for the girls outside of the latrine. While they waited InuYasha said in a tone that clearly stated there was no discussing the matter, “I need to talk to you Monk, today.”

 

“Wha…whatever about, InuYasha?” Miroku asked with apprehension.

 

About that time Kagome and Sango appeared from around the corner. InuYasha nodded in their direction and simply said, “Her.”

 

Miroku gulped. “All right.”

 

 

They enjoyed a quiet and relaxing breakfast. Sesshomaru and Rin had shown up at approximately the same time,and they all entered the dining hall together. If InuYasha had not known better, he would have thought that his brother almost smiled when he joined them.

 

“Keh. What's with you this morning?” InuYasha asked his brother as he sat down next to him.

 

“This Sesshomaru had a peaceful night's sleep. Nothing to interrupt it, no noises to be overheard,” the Taiyoukai stated.

 

InuYasha blushed at his inference. “Keh.”

 

“Miko.”

 

Kagome looked up. “Yes, Lord Sesshomaru?”

 

“How is the headman progressing?” the Demon Lord asked.

 

Kagome answered, “He is doing very well. I checked his wounds again last night and he is healing quickly. I am surprised at how fast he is recovering.”

 

“Do you think he would be up to receiving visitors yet?” Sesshomaru inquired.

 

“I don't know why not, but I need to go back and check on him after breakfast. I can find out if you would like,” Kagome told him.

 

“Please do,” Sesshomaru said and returned to his breakfast.

 

 

 

InuYasha was pondering the best way to get the monk alone without raising too much suspicion when the answer was dropped in his lap. InuYasha had gone with Kagome again to check on Ougon. They were on their way back to the inn to join the others when Sesshomaru appeared in front of them.

 

Kagome, thinking he had come to ask about the headman said, “Ougon is doing very well. He said that he would be pleased to speak with you if you would care to come to his home.”

 

Sesshomaru nodded. “Thank you. This Sesshomaru has a request.”

 

Kagome and InuYasha looked at him expectantly, so he continued, “This Sesshomaru has business to attend to that may take a good portion of the day. Rin asked if she could stay with you and the demon slayer. She said that she would enjoy a bath with you if you were willing; something about wanting other girls to speak with.”

 

InuYasha tried not to snicker at his brother while Kagome responded, “We'll be glad to look after her. I would not mind a relaxing bath, anyway. Where is she?”

 

“She is in the suite. Jaken will be relieved when you go to collect her. This Sesshomaru plans to be back before dark.” And with that, the Demon Lord strode towards the home of the village elder.

 

 

 

InuYasha raised an eyebrow as he watched his brother stride away. “What do you suppose all of that was about?”

 

Kagome smiled, but then said, “I'm sorry, InuYasha. I had kind of hoped we could go back out to the hot spring today.”

 

“Keh. It's all right. You can take a bath and then take a nap or study if you want to, and I will use the opportunity to talk to the monk,” InuYasha replied seriously.

 

“Whatever are you going to say to him?” Kagome asked. “Do I need to say anything to Sango?”

 

“No. It really is the monk's responsibility. I'll try to see that he does not do anything foolish. Come on, we had better go and get the pup from the toad.”

 

Kagome laughed at his choice of words. “All right. Let's go save Jaken.”

 

 

Rin was thrilled when Kagome and InuYasha turned up at her door. She told Jaken that she was going to the bath with Kagome and Sango. She did not hear him mutter, “Good riddance,” under his breath before he settled back on his little futon to go back to sleep. The imp was depressed that his Lord had run off and left him again.

 

Rin was already dressed in her little yukata that the inn had provided for her to wear to the bathhouse. Holding Kagome's hand, she went with her to their room to find Sango. While InuYasha stood at the main entry to their rooms with his arms folded and a scowl across his face, Kagome went to their room to put on her yukata while Sango went behind the screen to do the same. The monk had not moved from his place the entire time, rooted to the spot by the look on the hanyou's face.

 

When all three girls were ready, they headed off towards the bathhouse together. Kagome kissed InuYasha on the way out and told him they would probably be a while.

 

 

Once the girls were out of sight, InuYasha said to Miroku, “Come on, Monk. We need to talk.”

 

Without hesitation, leaving no room for argument, InuYasha left the room and headed outside. He said not a word as he walked towards his destination, well out of the reach of any other human's hearing.

 

Miroku was getting more nervous by the minute. “Where…where are you taking me, InuYasha?”

 

“Somewhere that we will not be disturbed,” the hanyou answered as he continued on his way.

 

InuYasha did not stop until he reached a clearing he had noticed the day before. “Sit, Monk.”

 

Miroku looked absolutely petrified when he sat down. It reminded InuYasha of when he had walked into the bath to discover his brother there with Miroku.

 

“Do you know why I want to talk to you?” InuYasha asked seriously.

 

“No….no, InuYasha, I…I do not.” Miroku said nervously.

 

“Do you know what has changed this trip, Monk?”

 

“Well, you and Kagome are mates now. This is our first trip since that happened,” Miroku answered.

 

“Which has left you alone with Sango a lot since Shippou is not with us,” InuYasha stated.

 

Miroku was rubbing his neck. “Well, yes, that is true.”

 

“Miroku, this pack is my responsibility, and that includes the bitches in it.”

 

“What…what do you mean?”

 

“I mean we cannot afford for either Kagome or Sango to get pupped while Naraku is still roaming free.”

 

The monk responded, waving his hands in front of him, “InuYasha, I swear, I have not done anything like that with Sango. Just because you and Kagome…” Miroku stopped, realizing he may have just put his foot in it.

 

“Just because me and Kagome what?” the hanyou said dangerously.

 

“You…you are not worried about Kagome becoming pregnant? I mean you…you and she…well, you are mated, you know!” Miroku finally blurted out.

 

InuYasha sighed. This wasn't as easy as he had hoped. “Kagome had a shot. They have ways to keep females from becoming pregnant in her time. We do not plan on her getting pupped until after Naraku is defeated and she finishes school. You, however, do not have that option. Sango cannot go through the well to see Kagome's healer.”

 

InuYasha did not feel the need to tell the monk that he only produced viable seed two nights out of the month.

 

Miroku sighed and actually blushed. “InuYasha, we really have not done anything more than bring each other a little pleasure, that is all. Truthfully, we were both a little jealous of what you have with Kagome. You both seem so much happier now. And to be honest, we were both feeling a little lonely, like we had each lost a friend.”

 

InuYasha was surprised. While he assumed Sango missed Kagome's company, he had no idea the monk missed his - though it was more likely he missed tormenting InuYasha over various and sundry things.

 

InuYasha sounded a little gentler when he replied, “Miroku, I know you haven't done anything that cannot be undone yet, I just want you to be careful. Sango is fertile right now, and this inn makes things very convenient. Do not get carried away. You have to keep your head about you because in the end, it is your responsibility. Now that her body is awakened to the fact that you want her, her hormones might make her willing to go further than she should. If you do that now, unless there is something wrong with one of you, she will get pupped. As the head of this pack, I am telling you to wrap it back up if you get any ideas of putting it where there will be consequences. Pleasure each other in other ways, but do not go there. Understand?”

 

Miroku actually was a bit relieved. He was afraid InuYasha was going to order him to stay away from the demon slayer. Feeling a little cockier now, the monk asked, “So, are you going to give me any pointers, oh great pack leader? I hear the pants and moans, so you must have some helpful suggestions for pleasing a woman.”

 

InuYasha blushed the color of his haori as he responded, “Feh. You really are a hentai, monk. You're lucky I don't remove your head for you. Are you sure it hasn't been damaged from Sango hitting you so much?”

 

“Even contact that is painful is better than none at all, though I have to admit I prefer Sango's lovely hand to Hiraikotsu,” Miroku answered.

 

“You're just plain weird, Miroku,” InuYasha quipped.

 

 

 

Sesshomaru went directly to the village headman's home after Kagome told him Ougon was ready for visitors. The boy, Yuujin, met him at the door and ushered him in. When he saw the elder the Demon Lord had to admit he was impressed with the speed of the man's recovery from his wounds. The smell of the infection was almost gone, thanks to the poultice that the little miko had prepared for him. InuYasha had commented to his brother at breakfast that Kaede had shown the preparation of the concoction to Kagome only once. The fact that she learned to make it so well so quickly just showed how intelligent and intuitive the younger miko really was. Kagome had actually altered the poultice somewhat so that it was even more effective against the older man's particular infection. That, added to the diligence the grandson showed in caring for his grandfather, had quickened the healing process.

 

The elder had listened to Sesshomaru's proposition, and it sounded like the village would probably get more out of the deal than the Demon Lord. Without a powerful priest to protect them any more, coming under the protection of a Taiyoukai as formidable as this one appeared to be would be to the town's advantage. Though this had been the first time that Ougon had actually met Lord Sesshomaru, tales of his exploits battling both demons and humans had spread throughout the lands, and many did not even know of the power that he possessed to return the dead to life.

 

Sesshomaru also told Ougon that as a show of good faith, he would go to the neighboring village and let his people know that it was safe to return home, as well as to the village that was in his lands and let them know of this village's need for stud horses. The Demon Lord informed Ougon that he normally did not meddle in the affairs of men, but this was one trade that would benefit two villages under his protection if they so chose.

 

Ougon let Sesshomaru know that he wanted to talk to the innkeeper first, since part of the deal included accommodations if any of the group that had saved the village came through, but Ougon did not see that as a problem. However, he would not feel right about it if he did not discuss it with the innkeeper before finalizing the agreement.

 

Sesshomaru responded that he would expect no less.

 

Sesshomaru walked outside of the headman's home and vanished into a ball of light. In a flash, he was at the village where Kagome and InuYasha had encountered the bear youkai and materialized to discover said youkai charging towards him. Sesshomaru stood and faced her to see what she would do.

 

The enormous bear came to a halt. She could sense that this demon had great power but did not seem to intend the village harm. Puzzled, she sat and waited to see what he would do.

 

Sesshomaru reached out with his aura to brush against that of the bear's. What he felt made him raise his eyebrows. This bear youkai was ancient, much older than himself, very powerful, and very intelligent. She was not anything even remotely ordinary, which is probably why she could hear the untrained miko when they spoke.

 

The Demon Lord decided to see if she would speak with him, and what he could learn if she would. He reached out again and tapped, almost like knocking on a door.

 

`You are?' the great bear asked.

 

`Sesshomaru, Taiyoukai of the Western Lands,' the Demon Lord responded.

 

`You are related to the mate of the miko,' Myoujou said to him.

 

`He is my half-brother,' Sesshomaru replied.

 

`You claim the hanyou as kin?'

 

Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow at the personal question, but answered, `Only recently. The half-breed has proven himself worthy as our father's son.'

 

`His mate is powerful, yet she is kind. Not like that priest that tried to purify me.'

 

`That priest will trouble you no longer. He met his end at the village he traveled to from here.'

 

`At your hand?'

 

`No, from a snake youkai that was part of a group terrorizing the village. This Sesshomaru did send that snake to the next world, however.'

 

`So why are you here, at this village?' Myoujou asked.

 

`This Sesshomaru told the village elder there that his people who are here would be informed that it is now safe to return to their homes. All of the youkai that were killing the people of his village have been destroyed. Ougon said to speak to the village headman here, a man named Kenmei.'

 

`Yes. He is a good man. After that dreadful priest went on his way, things here have returned to normal. Though Kenmei was not certain that I could understand him, he came out here and begged for my forgiveness for allowing what had happened and thanked the Kami that I was not killed.'

 

`Myoujou, that is the name the miko called you. Is that correct?' Sesshomaru asked.

 

The bear simply nodded her head in response, so the Demon Lord continued, `It is unusual for a bear youkai like you to be living near a village like this. How did this come to pass?'

 

`My clan was attacked when I was but a cub, and all were destroyed but me. I wandered injured for days and ended up next to a stream not far from here, too weak to travel any further. Some children who lived here at the time found me and were too young to know to be afraid of me. They cleaned and bandaged my wounds and brought me food until I had healed. By the time the adults knew of my existence, I was almost completely well. At first they kept the children away and then some thought they should either drive me off or kill me if I stayed here. However, one fateful day the village was assaulted by a hoard of lower youkai. I came to help the children that had aided me, and killed all of the attacking youkai, leaving the humans mostly unharmed. They realized at that time that I would not harm them as long as they did not attempt to hurt me. We had a peaceful coexistence for centuries until that priest showed up here.'

 

`How did you come to speak with the miko?'

 

`She reached out to me, though she did not realize she had that ability. She is like no other miko I have encountered. She has great power but does not seem to know it. She loves and is mated with a hanyou, yet keeps those powers. The miko feels pain, though she tries to keep those around her from doing so. I could not help but to respond that day I heard her cry out for help,' Myoujou told him.

 

`I heard her as well, and need to speak with her and my brother regarding that. She most likely acquired the ability from him when they mated, but he was unaware that he even had it until the incident here. They must be taught to use the ability properly now that it has been awakened within them,' Sesshomaru responded.

 

`Teach her well. He is tough and has seen much pain and violence, but she is soft and kind-hearted. Someone could use that to hurt her badly,' Myoujou said seriously.

 

`This Sesshomaru will make certain it is done properly. Now, on the matter this Sesshomaru traveled here for, the village must be notified.'

 

`Tell Kenmei that you are the brother of the hanyou that traveled here with the miko. The village does not know of the true nature of the miko and hanyou's relationship. They were here as a group, and all the villagers know is that the miko helped me. They think highly of her after her brief visit. The three men who attacked her were punished severely. In fact, the young man that is approaching now will take you to him.'

 

Sesshomaru nodded and turned towards the boy that was approaching him. He could smell fear, but also the young man's determination not let it overwhelm him.

 

“This Sesshomaru is here from the village of Ougon with a message for the headman, Kenmei.”

 

The boy bowed politely and responded, “Please, follow me. I will take you to him.”

 

 

 

InuYasha and Miroku returned to find the ladies were all still in the bath.

 

InuYasha commented, “Well, Kagome did say they might take awhile.”

 

“Should we go in on the other side and see if we can overhear what they are talking about?” Miroku asked with a grin.

 

“I don't know how Sango puts up with you, Monk. Besides, they probably will not talk about too much that is interesting with the pup in there with them,” InuYasha responded.

 

“Any chance Rin might reveal anything about your brother?”

 

InuYasha raised an eyebrow. He had not thought about that. “I could stand a bath, I guess. Lead the way.”

 

Miroku grinned as he thought how clever he was. Maybe they would get to overhear something worthwhile.

 

 

Rin was keeping Kagome and Sango entertained in the bath. While at first she did not reveal much about her Lord, she did have all kinds of humorous stories about the toad imp that traveled with them. Kagome blushed when she remembered it was thanks to Jaken that she saw InuYasha fully revealed for the first time, though when it happened, she wasn't yet quite ready for that kind of exposure. She had to admit, however, that she wasn't any more ready a few days later when Souta tried to get InuYasha to take a hot bath with him, and the hanyou went running, naked, straight into Kagome's room.

 

When the child did speak about Lord Sesshomaru, it was only with great love and respect. She did eventually tell them the story about how she found him injured and tried to help even though he attempted to scare her away. She had taken water and food to him for days while his body repaired itself.

 

InuYasha had hushed the monk when he heard the girl start to talk about how she met his brother, and then how she ran, hoping to find him, when the wolves attacked. The last thing she remembered were the wolves tearing at her before she found herself in the Demon Lord's arms. It was very hard to believe Rin when she told them that she had been mute after her family was killed by bandits, and had only started to speak again after she started following Lord Sesshomaru.

 

The hanyou mulled over his thoughts in the bath. While he had eventually learned of the powers of his brother's sword, he remembered for the longest time Sesshomaru was furious that it was left to him, thinking it was worthless. However, Tenseiga had then saved his life when it transported him away from the scene as InuYasha unleashed the Wind Scar, albeit not at full force, at the Demon Lord. Listening to the story that Rin told reminded him of it. It also caused InuYasha to raise an eyebrow in silence as he considered the possibility that Rin was the first one his brother had revived. How could she have survived an attack by man-eating wolves like that? InuYasha decided that Kagome was right - Sesshomaru was far more complicated than they would ever be able to understand.

 

 

 

Lord Sesshomaru followed the young man to the village elder, the man name Kenmei. The Taiyoukai told him that the demons harassing Ougon's village had been destroyed, and that it was safe for the villagers from there to return home. Kenmei immediately sent the boy out to find others to help spread the word in order to let all that had taken refuge here know that they could return to their homes.

 

The headman inquired how the miko and the others in the group had fared after leaving their village and also apologized that she had been attacked on their road. Sesshomaru informed Kenmei that they had all fought well against the snake youkai that were overrunning the forests surrounding the other village and were resting before they began to travel again.

 

Kenmei informed Sesshomaru that the three men who had attacked the miko had been dealt with severely, for not only had they attempted to rape her, they were apparently responsible for many attacks that included rape, murder and robbery in the region. At the decision of the village council, the three had been executed.

 

Sesshomaru thanked him for the information. Though the Demon Lord would tell his brother of the disposal of the three, he would not mention it to the miko. While those three men had attacked her and were not innocent from other crimes by any stretch of the imagination, Sesshomaru had discovered what the bear realized right away - Kagome was gentle and kind-hearted. There was no reason to allow her to believe that she was the cause of the three humans' deaths. She was simply the reason they were caught and punished for their multiple crimes.

 

The Taiyoukai was also astounded at how fast the villagers were preparing to leave. He walked a little closer to see what was going on. The women and the children of the village, along with the few men that had accompanied them, were harnessing a number of large, strong horses for the journey back. Others were being strung together by their halters so that they would not stray away from the group, though some foals were roaming free since they would not wander far from their mothers. The animals were fiery and large in comparison to most other horses. Sesshomaru realized, to his astonishment, that every one of them, with the exception of some of the foals, were mares. Feeling confident that a trade in horseflesh between these villagers and the other village in his territory would benefit both sides, the Demon Lord once again vanished into a ball of light.

 

 

 

InuYasha and Miroku exited the bath before the ladies did. Once the talk on the other side had turned to things like cramps and their monthly blood, InuYasha decided he really did not need to hear anything else. He had started blushing as he overheard what they were saying and then turned an even brighter shade of red when Rin started asking questions. Kagome and Sango decided it might be better for them to attempt to explain these things to Rin rather than Sesshomaru or Jaken trying to, so they had started into a fairly blunt discussion on the topic.

 

Miroku didn't miss the multitude of colors that the hanyou was turning and kept nagging at him, by whispers of course, since they had tried to keep it from becoming too obvious what they were up to: wanting to find out what the girls were talking about. InuYasha continued flashing him glares that clearly said to cut it out, but Miroku kept after him.

 

Miroku had visions that Kagome and Sango were comparing him and InuYasha, talking much like men did after a great conquest. He really wanted to know what Sango thought of him, even though they had not really been together yet. Miroku wanted to know if Sango was saying that she wanted to do more, or if she regretted what they had already done. Miroku had forgotten that Rin was there, and the demon slayer was not likely to talk about such things in front of her.

 

InuYasha couldn't get the monk to lay off, so instead he climbed out of the bath, his entire body flushed red. Miroku was not sure if it was from the heat of the water or the conversation the hanyou had overheard, so he decided to go after him. Both men dried off and dressed and headed outdoors. There was a nice shady area under some trees where InuYasha could sit and keep watch as he waited for the girls to come out.

 

Miroku crossed his legs as he sat down near the hanyou. “InuYasha, come on, what were they saying? Did Sango say anything about me?”

 

InuYasha was still red. He had just learned more about the human female body than he really wanted to know. “Feh. Perverted monk. Why would she talk about you?”

 

“Tell me, InuYasha, was Kagome talking about you then? Did she discuss how she likes it? Did she give any suggestions? They must have been talking about something interesting because I do not recall seeing that shade of red on you before,” the monk goaded.

 

“Feh. Leave me alone. Don't you have somewhere else to be?” InuYasha glared at Miroku, but he was still there.

 

“InuYasha, just tell me!”

 

“They weren't discussing you, Monk.”

 

“Well, what about you? Were they discussing you?”

 

“NO.”

 

“Then just tell me. What could possibly have made you turn such an interesting shade of red?” Miroku chided.

 

“Feh.”

 

“I'm not going to let this go. I want to know what they were talking about,” Miroku reiterated.

 

“They were talking about their monthly blood, something called cramps, and having babies. There.”

 

“Oh…” Miroku said. No wonder the hanyou was so embarrassed. It might be natural, but it wasn't something generally talked about.

 

“But InuYasha, our talk today, you managed to get though it without getting upset,” Miroku commented.

 

InuYasha sighed. “That was my responsibility, as the leader of the pack. And just because I know by instinct some of what they were talking about, doesn't mean I want to hear it. It…it's…it's personal!”

 

“Hi guys! Waiting on us?” Kagome called.

 

InuYasha and Miroku both jumped.

 

Kagome noticed the shade of red that both men were now, but assumed that it had something to do with the talk InuYasha said he was going to have with the monk.

 

“Keh. I'm getting hungry. What about you?” InuYasha responded.

 

“I could eat. What about you, Sango?” Kagome answered.

 

“Sounds good to me,” the demon slayer replied.

 

“Rin?”

 

“Rin is hungry,” the child said with a grin.

 

“Well, lets go put our stuff away and see what they have to eat,” Kagome said.

 

“Keh.”

 

 

 

After Sesshomaru had talked to Kenmei he went out to the clearing. It was only proper to bid the ancient bear youkai farewell. After that he disappeared, only to reappear that afternoon in the village that he had thought of when he found that Kenmei's village bred horses, but had had their best stallions taken from them.

 

The humans here all knew who he was and bowed respectively to him as he strode through the streets to the home of the headman. As much as the Demon Lord proclaimed that he did not care for humans, he had protected their village when necessary but rarely came to collect the tribute they owed him each year.

 

A boy had run ahead of Lord Sesshomaru to alert Umasuki that the Demon Lord had arrived. The village elder came out to meet him and bowed.

 

“It has been a long time, Lord Sesshomaru. What may this humble village do for you? Would you care to come in?” Umasuki asked as he swept his hand in the direction of his home.

 

Sesshomaru nodded and followed the headman into his home. Sitting, he nodded when presented with tea. The Demon Lord sipped his tea in silence while Umasuki waited patiently for him to speak.

 

“Umasuki-sama, there is a village approximately two days by horseback from here that had their studs taken by soldiers as warhorses. They are considering becoming part of the Western Lands, so this Sesshomaru has come here to tell you of their need,” the Taiyoukai stated.

 

“Lord Sesshomaru, you would like us to give you some of our stallions as tribute?” Umasuki wanted to clarify.

 

“No, take some of your best studs and travel to this village. They are not expecting the horses to be given to them, but would like to arrange a trade for some of their mares. This Sesshomaru believes it is in both of your interests to do so.”

 

“But our stallions, there are few to match up with them. Would you expect us to use the mares in our program if they are not worthy?”

 

Sesshomaru took a breath so that he would not become angry. He knew that this village took great pride in the line of horses that it had developed. “No, Umasuki-sama. This Sesshomaru would not ask you to make a trade that would cause your line to loose its value. The mares the other village has are large and fierce. They would put most stallions to shame. You will not be disappointed when you see them, and the trade will allow both of you to diversify your bloodlines. You need mares, and they need studs. You do not have to complete the trade if you do not think the mares are worthy.”

 

Sesshomaru fell silent and sipped his tea.

 

Umasuki considered what the Demon Lord had told him and knew that he had not come here lightly. “It will be done. Tell me the roads to use to reach this village. I will go out with the men and select a number of horses to take. As you said, we do need mares. Our studs keep throwing more strong colts, and our broodmares are getting old. Thank you for coming, Lord Sesshomaru. I realize now that you have seen our horses and must have been impressed by what you saw there to come here. Everything you do is in an attempt to make your Western Lands stronger. I hope our stallions are worthy of their mares.”

 

Sesshomaru nodded and took a scroll and brush from the boy to give them directions to the village, along with a letter of introduction. When their transaction was completed, the Taiyoukai walked outside and vanished.

 

 

Sesshomaru returned before dark as he had promised. He headed in the direction of the stable when he was told that Rin had led the others out there to visit with Ah-Un. Kagome and InuYasha would not let her go alone, so they had all ended up going to see the two-headed dragon.

 

“Oi, you're back,” the Demon Lord heard his brother call as he headed up the path towards the stable.

 

“My Lord! You have returned!” Rin called as she ran to him.

 

“Yes, Rin. What did you do today?” Sesshomaru responded.

 

“Rin took a bath with Kagome and Sango and learned about having babies!” the girl proclaimed.

 

Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow and looked at the miko, “You did, did you?”

 

Kagome started to stammer, “We…we're…sorry. It just sort of happened. She started asking questions and well…well…”

 

InuYasha was blushing a bright shade of red again, and Miroku just had a stupid grin on his face.

 

“It is all right, Miko. She would have to learn it eventually,” Sesshomaru said, secretly relieved that that was over with. He had not decided exactly how to ask the little miko to approach that particular subject.

 

As they walked along the path that led back towards the inn, the Demon Lord realized that the miko did not smell heavily of his brother. Rin had kept Kagome and InuYasha occupied the entire day. Sesshomaru sighed in resignation as he realized he probably would not be getting much sleep tonight.

 

 

To be continued…

 

 

^~^

Umasuki = horse lover