A Debt to Be Paid by Rinku

Chapter One: I'm in Debt? (EDITED)

A Debt to Be Paid -By ForgottenHero

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Disclaimer: I do not own InuYasha and am making no profit, what-so-ever, from this fanfiction. Any InuYasha related items are respectfully owned by Rumiko Takahashi and her producers.

WARNING: Sexual Situations [NC, Lemons, limes etc...], Violence/Gore and strong Language.

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Hey guys and welcome to my first InuYasha fanfiction! My name is ForgottenHero (or just Rinku). It is a pleasure to meet you. I am a simple weirdo with a passion for writing and drawing (whenever I can manage to muster the patience >.>).

EDIT: DEC 27, 2022

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Chapter One: I'm In Debt?

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 A once tranquil forest clearing, now filled with potholes and dust, shook violently as roaring booms and clangs tore it apart as it became an unwilling host to a tense battle. Two polar opposite figures stood amongst the devastation without thought or care; the hanyou and neko youkai only had eyes for eachother. The chaos about them was a testament to the ferocity of their drawn out battle. 

Boom.

Suddenly, a massive sword crashed into the ground, barely missing the cat demon who timely dodged it. A string of curses flooded the air. The hanyou glowered as his opponent danced away. He'd miss the fucker again! With a frustrated growl, the silver haired boy slung his impressive weapon over his shoulder, his thick black brows furrowed with impatience.

"Oi, bastard! Why don't you fucking die?!" InuYasha barked like a child accusing another of being unfair in a game of tag. 

"The real question, hanyou, is when are you going to give up and stop wasting my time?" His rival countered.

InuYasha felt his left eye twitch. He hated cats and not just because he was a dog demon. They were notoriously annoying among all the demon species and this asshole had reinforced his loathing indefinitely. He watched the bastard's long tail swish coyly in the air and pictured himself tearing it out then proceeding to strangle the jerk with it.  The boy's eyes narrowed as reviewed his opponent. The neko was tall and obviously in good shape - apparent despite being adorned in luxurious silks and brilliant armor.

He was not like the typical demons InuYasha disposed of with ease regularly.

He assumed this guy was a high ranking demon, a possible daiyoukai candidate, thus the only explanation he could muster for why he was so strong. It didn't help either that the cat used an enchanted blade.  InuYasha growled with growing spite. That arrogant, smug look on the demon's face reminded him of the countless others who had looked at him in the same manner. The fact the prick spat the term hanyou further grated InuYasha's nerves ruthlessly.

It dredged up the unwanted and all too familiar feelings he was sadly accustomed too since birth.

'Filthy hanyou. Abomination. Dirty blood.' The ghosts of his past leered in his head like a cruel chant.

Snarling, InuYasha swung Tetsusaiga in front of him and sprang forward recklessly. "Only in your dreams, baka! Your ass is mine!"

A loud clang vibrated through the clearing as their blades met. InuYasha grunted from the impact. Solid resistance made his arm shake, forcing him to lean into Tetsusaiga to try to push back his foe but he's efforts seemed futile. It felt like he was fighting a mountain. InuYasha mentally seethed. As if a fucking cat was going to beat him!

Then in a blur, the neko parried Tetsusaiga to the left and teleported behind him. 

"InuYasha! His sword! The magic!" A human priest on the sidelines shouted in alarm.

InuYasha froze. He had forgotten the sword could dish out attacks like Tetsusaiga. The neko warrior raised his blade, it's edge flashing bright green as it prepared to release his youki, then crashed down into the soil before him. Immediately, an ominous groan rumbled like a shock wave through the clearing.

"Zaghoshiwa!" The cat hissed.

InuYasha stiffened as the ground trembled beneath his feet ominously.

“Shit.” Was the only thing he could say before the eruption.

The world exploded; bright green light erupted from the ground beneath the hanyou and blinded all within its vicinity. The sound of trees being torn from their roots as the energy laid the rest of the surrounding woods flat. InuYasha felt himself flung back only to collide with a tree in an eruption of bark and dust. The tree groaned as if in protest. The timber giant fell with a resounding boom, the unmoving hanyou among its remains.

Across the clearing, his comrades stared in horrified silence beneath a pink barrier, their hearts stopping in unison. The group perked up hopefully when the rubble moved. A shaking claw dug out through the debris and with it, InuYasha emerged, his bloodied face fierce with indignation.

"Stupid f-fucking… cat…is.. that... a-all... ya got...?!” He panted defiantly.

But it was all show; his stubbornness simply exceeded his body's limits. InuYasha suddenly stiffened then his eyes rolled back. The toll of his injuries and the battle had finally won against his impressive stamina. With a loud thump, InuYasha fell back again in silence. A hushed pause dragged on before a young woman's cry pierced the tense quiet.

"InuYasha!" A miko cried.

She dropped the barrier she had hastily summoned to protect their group from the blast. Her comrades watched her hesitantly step forward. The taijya and priest prepared to stop her from going any further. She was never rational when it came to the half-breed. As if sensing their intentions, the miko suddenly sprinted forward, her eyes focused only on the hanyou. The pair met air as they tried to grab her to their frustration; she was surprisingly nimble.

"Kagome! Stop!" Miroku and Sango called out in unison.

Higurashi Kagome disregarded her friends and flew to the hanyou's prone form. Panting, she shakily knelt beside him, her trembling hands flittering over him to check for his injuries. With quick, precise touches, she noted he had a set of broken ribs, two of which had torn through his chest, and some internal bleeding. The girl set into motion. As if on auto-pilot as she tore open his hoari, exposing his sunken chest and gaping wounds.

Her face hard with determination, in one pull she tore the bottom part of her shirt. Hastily she bundled the cotton and pressed it to his wounds to staunch the bleeding yet the warm, red liquid instantly seeped through the flimsy fabric. Her hands twitched when she felt InuYasha’s blood. This wasn't good. It was too much, too fast. She glanced at his face only to feel her stomach plummet at its pale complexion. He was losing blood too rapiflt even for his half-demon healing. The milo shook him as dread began to fill her.

"InuYasha don’t go to sleep - you have to stay with me! InuYasha!” She half-pleaded, half-ordered in a shaky voice.

His head rolled side to side limply. Kagome felt denial swell in her. She shook him harder, panic overriding common sense as she tried to awaken the boy but to no avail. She stopped when her companion remained unresponsive and gazed down at the hanyou in dawning horror. This could not be happening. Not like this.

'InuYasha... please wake up... You can't be... you couldn't be...' A slight shuffle behind her made her freeze.

Woodenly, Kagome peered over her shoulder. The cat demon now stood but a few feet from her. His pale green eyes were eerily cold compared to the deceptively friendly smile he wore. She tensed when he tilted his head to the side as if he were pondering something. Her mind raced with the how's and why's this situation was unfolding. They had been travelling back to Edo after the group had awaited her return from the future at the well. It was only a short distance away and their guard had been low; afterall, they were within the vicinity of the village. A false sense of secuirty due to the fact InuYasha regularly patrolled the area and cleared it of any stray demons.

Thus they hadn't been prepared for the cat demon when he appeared. Nor had they suspected that he wasn't a typical youkai as he had cleverely concealed his aura and its strength. He had demanded for the same thing as all demons that badgered them did; to relinquish the jewel to him. Kagome grimaced self consciously. Since Naraku's destruction and her absorption of the shikon no tama, youkai appeared regularly, drawn by the presence of the jewel within her. InuYasha didn't mind the now constant arrivals - he had become bored since the dark hanyou's demise and relished the opportunity for a battle the youkai provided.

So when the typical scene unfolded, they had all begrudgingly sat aside, expecting the usual quick battle where InuYasha would be triumpant.

Yet little did they know this neko youkai was nothing like the others they had faced before. He was cunning, strong and wielded an enchanted sword. It was only realized near the end and too late that they were outmatched. Even despite the grim situation, InuYasha had put up a good fight. Only the hanyou had stood a chance against this opponent and now was knocked out.  Kagome shuddered when she heard the cat hum above her smugly.

"Now that the bothersome hanyou is disposed of, let us continue where we left off, miko.” His smile stretched in a sinister way. "Give me the jewel and I will leave you and your remaining friends alive."

Her stomach churned. The neko youkai obviously didn't know the jewel was not on her person - it was inside of her. Yet she couldn't tell him that; he would no doubt cut her from navel to sternum and rifle through her innards to find it. Her mind whirling with her very few options in this circumstance, she raised her glowing hands, the bubblegum pink reiki pulsing around them threateningly. She watched his slender brows slide up in surprise at the display. 

But it was an empty threat unbeknowst to him.

While she had a vast amount of energy due to the jewel being inside of her, her body was not capable of harvesting or using the limitless power. It had only been a few months since she had become one with jewel and despite training rigorously with Kaede and Miroku, she remained unable to properly manifest it's true potential. Even worse, the vast energy fatigued her body rapidly. Kagome shuddered as she already began to the feel the strain from the reiki surrounding her hands and the barrier she had erected earlier.  Yet he didn't know that.

Thus the girl remained calm and threatened spitefully, “That isn't possible. Leave or I will have to purify you.”

The neko let loose a dangerous growl. “If you don't cooperate I will first dispose of your little rag tag group so that you and I may come to a more appealing decision together. During which, I will take my time convincing you until you beg me to take it." The neko promised darkly in a murmur meant only for her ears.

To further his point, he raised a clawed hand into the air and with a snap of his fingers, his sword pulled itself from the ground. The deadly blade flew into his waiting grasp and instantly pulsed with youki upon contact with his palm. With a graceful flourish he swung the blade towards the miko, stopping but a centimeter from her nose, watching with satisfaction as her luminous sky-shaded orbs widened in fear.

"What is your choice, girl?" He demanded impatiently.

Kagome's gaze slid from the pointed end of the sword back to its owner. His leering face, which could have been handsome if he wasn't such a monster, made her sick. How deeply she wished she could burn it to a crisp.  

Despite her better judgment, she gave him her answer. "No."  

The neko blinked as if confused for a moment. His stunned look quickly vanished and one of furious indignation replaced it.

With a sneer, he hissed, “Wrong answer." 

His blade slashed the air towards the ignorant human's head but stiffened in surprise when the blade was met with resistance, pink sparks flying into the air as it made contact with the miko's barrier. Kagome winced as she felt the strike to her core as she shakily knelt over InuYasha. She had just managed to summon the barrier in time. Her teeth gritted. It felt like hot magma in her veins, the overwhelming power stinging inside of her like thousands of searing knives. 

The cat demon hissed in frustration. Impudent wench!

He raised his sword again to break it only to freeze. A human shadow appeared to cast over him out of nowhere. Lime orbs glinting, he quickly glanced over his shoulder and saw the other human woman above him in mid-air, a massive boomerang held over her head and a fire cat at her side. He had been too distracted by the jewel's power and priestess; the slayer had almost caught him off guard.

Turning away from the miko, he met the slayer in a flash. The youkai-bone-made weapon met his slender blade, his youki taking the brunt of her attack. Sango cursed under her breath. She had almost had him! Quickly she withdrew her katana in her other hand as Kirara leapt at him.

"Know your place!" He snarled as he aimed a blast of youki at the fire cat while their weapons grappled.

Kirara yelped as the immense wave of demonic energy flung her back like a swatted fly and in a flash of flame, she reverted back to her kitten form before disappearing into a thick bush. Sango heard Kirara's body meet the ground far away. The young woman turned to rush to her friend only to feel the youkai wrap his iron-like clasp in the tightly bound cord atop of Hiraikotsou, stopping her retreat. She couldn't leave - he wouldn't let her. Embittered, Sango began to swipe her katana at the neko youkai while pressing into her boomerang to try and open his defenses. 

“You bastard! You will pay for what you've done to my friends!” She shouted, accentuating each word with a hacking blow of her sword.

Her katana clanged loudly against his as his blade easily deflected her strikes with a skill she couldn't match.

"I highly doubt that, ningen." He scoffed. His eyes then narrowed and with a cruel smirk leaned over the taijya menacingly. "However, you won't be around to see what else I do to your pathetic group. Now die."

He unleashed his undetectable speed mercilessly. Sango grunted and screamed as she tried to block the demon’s dart-like katana, the blade only an occasional glint as he toyed with her. She had never felt so weak and outmatched. Her human body quickly becoming fatigued as she tried to keep up with the neko’s attacks, Sango screamed in pain as the demon then brought his fist down on the back of her hand. The boomerang fell from her grasp. Before she could understand what had happened, the cat demon ruthlessly punched her in the gut.

Sango felt the air in her body escape in the form of a long groan. However the neko didn't allow a second for her to register what was happening; in a flurry of movement he unleashed more hits before finalizing his attack with a brutal kick. Sango skyrocketed to the ground and with a crash met the unrelenting surface.

"Sango!" A male voice pierced the now silent air.

It was the sound akin to a fatally wounded man. A figure clad in violet and black flew to the fallen demon slayer. His usually tanned face blanching, he swiftly assessed his fiancée’s injuries. Her blood met his gently probing finger tips. Violet orbs rounding, his sharp jaw slackened as he stared down at the woman in a mixture of grief and incensed fury. Across the clearing Kagome’s barrier dropped. Her energy had finally exhausted her body to the point she couldn't maintain it any longer without fear of losing consciousness. Panting, her face streaked with sweat, she looked on as Miroku hovered over Sango in rigid silence. 

“Miroku, is she... is she..." She asked shakily, unable to bring herself to finish the question.

Miroku tensed. Without an answer he stood up and dropped his staff. The brass rings rang like bells as it met the earth. Kagome watched the monk turn towards their opponent, her throat clenching at the resolution and fury emanating from her friend. He was their last chance at leaving this situation alive. Seeing Miroku clasping his right hand, her stomach dropped in a sickening fashion as she realized his plan. It was one born of absolute desperation.

“Prepare to meet your due justice, youkai." Miroku spat.

However, the cat demon appeared unphased by the human male and his threat. Instead he tilted his head ever so slightly and gave a mocking smirk to the watching monk.

"Oh? How do you intend to punish me, houshi?" He asked in a purring drawl. “If you use your Kazanna, you will risk sucking up all your little friends with me. You can do nothing against me.”

Miroku scowled, his grasp on the sacred beads tightening anxiously, his violet eyes flashing with indecision. What the demon said was correct. The anger burned inside of him as his tunnel pulsed with anticipation. Yet he knew it was a decision he could not make. He observed his surroundings almost woodenly. Kagome knelt by InuYasha obviously depleted. Kirara, Sango and InuYasha were incapacitated and now liabilities as they lay about helplessly. Young Shippou hid in his robes and shook against his chest.

His stare was grim when he looked at the neko who smirked back knowingly.

Kagome watched the two males tensely. What could she do? Miroku couldn’t use his wind tunnel - they would all get sucked into the Kazanna. Her heart wringing in terror, she looked around at the futile situation they were in. Her sppahire blue eyes then hardened in resignation. She couldn't give up. She would not let this be the end for her friends. Without a second thought, the miko quickly stood and darted forward, moving away from the surprised neko and monk.

'Follow me you bastard. It's me you want afterall!' She mentally taunted the demon as she looked over her shoulder to see if he would take the bait.

"Kagome-sama!" Miroku shouted behind her.

He saw what she intended. She meant to draw the demon away at her own expense.

Kagome ignored her only conscious companion. Her feet stumbling, her heart pounding, she broke through some bush and forced her exhausted body forward. She flew through the trees and brush for a while, feeling her friends' energies moving further away and the cat demon's coming ever so closer. The miko yelped as something smacked her in the back, knocking her down. Falling to her stomach, Kagome stiffened when the ominous energy of the neko crashed down on her.

“How pitiful you and your little group are, girl. What was your plan? To leave them behind for your own survival?" He sneered. The girl glared back at him. He paused, reviewing her expression then chuckled darkly at his realization. "Oh? I see. How noble of you miko. To draw me away from them, intending to sacrifice yourself... it almost invokes a tiny bit of respect for you."

Kagome gave an impressive growl. "Shame, I can't say the same for you." She replied sarcastically.

The neko's amusement immediately died and was replaced with murderous intent.

You little witch." He snarled and moved to impale her.

The miko rolled to her left swiftly. The long, thin blade of the demon stabbed the ground she had just been laying on, piercing it like hot knife in butter. Cursing under her breath, she screamed as he pulled his sword from the ground and tried to impale her again. The miko barely dodged the next stab, once again the tip slicing through the hard earth. Kagome’s eyes slanted with determination, and with as much energy as she could muster, sent the remaining reiki she could handle into her hand.

She had to try. She had to kill him before he could finish her off and go after the others!

With the last of her strength, her hand reached for his leg as she threw herself at him, evading another stab from his blade. The neko saw the glowing pink hand reach for him desperately and swiftly teleported behind her. With a ruthless slam his foot landed between her shoulders, crushing her to the ground and forcing her face into the dirt. The girl screamed in pain. She tried to push herself up but his strength was too much. Panic overwhelmed her as her impending doom seemed certain.

She couldn't die! Not like this!

She struggled beneath his foot. The cat watched for a moment, enjoying the futile attempts by the priestess. Her hands sliced open as she clawed at the ground like a trapped animal.

Her heart pounding frantically in her chest, she felt absolute terror when she heard him murmur the last words she'd hear, “Enjoy Hell, bitch.”

And with that, he raised his sword to run her through. The thunder-loud sound of metal meeting metal rang like a bell. The foot was suddenly no longer pinning her, the unrelenting weight lifted. Kagome gasped in shock and quickly rolled over, sitting up in confusion. What met her gaze would be embedded in her mind for the rest of her life. Before her, shinning in what seemed to be an angelic light, a white clad person stood protectively in front of her prone body.

Kagome gaped in shock.

Snow white hair with silver highlights danced in the breeze. It belonged to a tall, impressive form decked in high quality white silk and armor who now faced off with the cat demon, his back to the stunned miko. Kagome peered around her savior and saw the nervous expression on the cat's face. Gone was his superior smirk and mocking sneer. He was intimidated by her nameless hero. The neko back-flipped away from his new opponent, landing a few meters away. His lime green gaze regarded the new rival cautiously.

"Move out of the way priestess. You are in the way." An oddly familiar deep voice ordered her.

Kagome froze. That voice... it couldn't be...

"Se... Sesshoumaru...?!" She stammered, bewildered.

He ignored her and directed his attention on the demon. He lowered his double-edge sword, his white sleeve hiding the hilt and the pale hand that held it. Cold amber eyes with golden flecks stared down the cat demon ominously. The neko stiffened as he met the frozen glare of the warrior. This was not good. He had not accounted on the group having such powerful allies. Especially not him.

This new opponent was not a simple hanyou or mortal; he was much more dangerous. It was none other than Lord Sesshoumaru, the daiyoukai of the Western Lands. An infamous demon among all, his power and abilities were feared as he wielded them with what many said deadly perfection, his name rightfully reflecting such skill. The neko youkai appraised his new opponent warily, his gaze sliding to the equally stunned looking girl behind him. A rash plan came to mind as his nerve wavered before the intimidating dog demon.  

He would take the girl and leave - he had no desire to quarrel with the powerful daiyoukai.

The neko youkai sped forward, intending to dodge around the demon Lord and grab the girl before escaping. Yet the dog demon seemed to anticipate his plan and teleported before her and delivered a ruthless kick which sent the shocked cat demon away from her within the blink of an eye. Kagome watched, amazed. She hadn't even had time to react before Sesshoumaru seemed to figure out the cat demon's intentions and protected her. Again.

Regarding the daiyoukai's back in stunned amazement, she said weakly, "Ar-Arigatou-"

A single amber eye silenced her as the daiyoukai peered at her stolidly from over his shoulder.

"Do as I told you miko and leave. You will only continue to be a hindrance in this battle." He ordered, his voice sharp.

Kagome frowned. "How exactly do you plan for me to get out of here without him attacking me again?" She asked incredulously.

Before the daiyoukai could reply, the neko appeared in front of him. Kagome gasped at the speed of the demon's attack yet Sesshoumaru seemed unbothered. The neko youkai swung his blade. He had no choice but to fight the dog for the girl - it was apparent he was protecting the miko for whatever reason. He froze when his opponent's blade blocked his effortlessly, their blades clashing once again.  The daiyoukai's icy glare slid back to pierce him, its ochre depths hard like ice. The neko youkai felt an alien sense of terror creep up his spine under its onslaught.

"Leave or I will kill you, neko. Do not try my patience further." The inu youkai warned, his baritone voice not loud but threatening.

The neko suppressed his shudder and snapped back, "Who is that miko to you? You seem awfully protective of her, Sesshoumaru-sama."

Sesshoumaru's glare intensified subtly. "I will not warn you again. Stay and die or leave."

Those chilling gold eyes peered down at him, their depths eerily hollow. The daiyoukai's youki, like a freezing avanlanche, washed over him. The neko youkai couldn't stop the shiver it drew from him. His youki was monstrous. Yet, wouldn't his become too if he took the jewel from the girl? His power would be beyond the daiyoukai's then surely. The cat demon felt the pull of the jewel again. He wanted it. 

Nay, he needed it.

He threw caution to the wind and leapt towards the formidable daiyoukai. The demon Lord met his challenge in a flash of white, their blades two glinting blurs as they exchanged blows. The daiyoukai jabbed at the neko gracefully, pushing the growling cat demon back with a few strong, elegant thrusts of his glowing red blade, his procelain mask stoic yet a deadly glint to his flashing gold gaze. They parried and danced, the only sound in the new battlefield the clanging of metal and whispers of their silk clothing. The inu youkai's long moonbeam hair whipped around him, his flawless features hard as stone as he pressed the overwhelmed neko youkai back with a expert deadliness that foretold the conclusion that was drawing near.

Before the cat demon could comprehend what was happening, the glowing red blade pierced his chest. Time stopped. The sound of ripping flesh and the splatter of blood hitting the ground was all that was heard. Kagome watched the nefarious cat demon's face rapidly pale in a mixture of pity and relief. He then gurgled in a sickening way, stumbling back as he choked on his own blood made. Their eyes met. He stared at her, his lime green eyes dimming but filled with hatred, before he crumpled to the ground. 

A tense quiet fell in the area.

She felt another stare upon her. Hesitantly, she turned to the unreadable daiyoukai. The miko couldn't comprehend the glimmer in his stare but it made her uncomfortable. It was chilling, indistinguishable. Hesitantly, she bowed low to the daiyoukai.

"Arigatou, Sesshoumaru-sama." She said, trying to sound sincere without her confusion evident.

The silence stretched on for an unfathomable time. He didn't acknowledge her or her gratitude. Instead he stood across from her, regarding her in stolid silence. His white hoari, hakama and armor reflected the sun's rays of light. The demon Lord of the West, Sesshoumaru, raised his head gracefully and peered at the gawking humans, his procelain features as smooth and hard as stone.

"Miko." He responded in his rich, timbre voice that remained its usual smooth and toneless.

Regarding the demon Lord with evident bemusement, she felt her mind whirl as Miroku finally appeared from behind a bush. The houshi pushed a branch out of his way. He felt Kagome's aura and another strangely familiar yet powerful one in this area. Entering the small nook, the priest paused when he saw the miko. He felt instant relief to see her unharmed and luckily, alive. His violet eyes swept to the reason for her safety and felt his body freeze.

Sesshoumaru, the Western Lord and half-brother of InuYasha, stood a few feet from the girl.

The body of the neko youkai lay at his feet, dead.

Miroku blinked slowly as he took in the scene with amazement. This was an unexpected development. He saw Kagome turn to him from the corner of his eye and met her equally stunned stare.

Clearing his throat awkwardly, he approached the girl. "Are you unhurt, Kagome-sama?"

She nodded slowly as if in a daze. "Hai... thanks to... uh... Sesshoumaru..." She answered, stealing a glance at the ever impassive demon.

Miroku nodded. "Your luck appears to be as present as ever, Kagome." He replied at an attempt to sound casual. 

The tense quiet was straining as the dog demon continued to watch them, particularly Kagome, from the sidelines like a shadow. Kagome snuck him a look that made her unsureness of how to proceed evident. He could only give her a  helpless shrug. He wasn't sure what to think of the daiyoukai's appearance nor his gracious aid either. Kagome sighed. No help from Miroku obviously. Reluctantly, her large blue eyes swept back to the demon Lord. Sesshoumaru, InuYasha's older brother and enemy for however long the two had existed, stood there in all his glory. Her gaze fell on the still bloodied Toukijin at the demon Lord’s side.

Her mind whirled.

'Doesn’t he hate ningen and InuYasha? Considering that’s what this group is almost entirely made up of, why would he intervene? Not that I'm ungrateful but it doesn't make sense.' She wondered, her brows knitting.

The miko looked at the silent demon Lord warily. Meeting his flat stare, she licked her lips nervously, unnerved by the direct onslaught of his chilling orbs. Unable to bare the silence and his continued stare, she searched for something, anything, to say to break the tension. Miroku hovered by her just as awkwardly. He too was unsure what to do.

"W-Well... as I said a few times now... thank you again, Sesshoumaru-"

“I do not need your gratitude, girl." He interrupted her curtly. 

Repressing an urge to give him a piece of her mind about his rudeness, the miko forced a tight smile and said between gritted teeth, "I still offer it. If it weren't for you we would all be dead for now." 

She nudged Miroku inconspicuously. He got the hint. The priest quickly nodded in agreement. 

The daiyoukai turned slightly, pinning the pair with a look that would freeze Hell.

"Do not overestimate my motives, miko. Only this Sesshoumaru is allowed to take the half-breed's life; it would be a dishonor to my bloodline if the idiot died by a cat's blade." He retorted.

The sense of gratitude within her instantly evaporated. Kagome gaped at the daiyoukai. The unabashed truth in his steely gaze reaffirmed his explanation. She should have known better. Sesshoumaru held no kind or tender feelings to his half-brother nor did anything inconvenient for the benefit of others. Of course it had to do something with that ridiculous notion of "honor" he prided above all else. A tick formed in her eyebrow as a glower replaced the grateful expression she wore.

"That's why you helped us? So that you could kill InuYasha yourself and for your family's ridiculous honor?!" 

The daiyoukai released a derisive sniff from his nose, peering back at her as if she were a simpleton. "I will not allow anyone my right to the half-breed's life. Much less a cat." He supplied apathetically, his matter-of-fact delivery callous and harsh.

Kagome instantly regretted the thanks she had given the demon Lord; he was unbearable. Her blue eyes becoming stormy, she scowled at the daiyoukai fiercely, her small fists curling at her sides. He met her challenge unconcerned by her less than threatening display.

"First of all, you have no claim to his life so you can stop right there with that idea. Secondly, while I'm still thankful to be alive, I am no longer going to offer you my gratitude because you have made it clear that it was for selfish reasons." She snapped waspishly, her face taut with agitation. She ignored Miroku's pleading look. She was pushing her luck; the monk felt the demon's youki flare dangerously. "And if you think for one second this is the chance for you to take Tetsusaiga or attack InuYasha, you're sorely wrong." 

Sesshoumaru listened to her tirade stoically before the most minute of changes appeared in his face, his lips tightening as his eyes subtly narrowed, foretelling his annoyance. He turned more fully to her as he lifted his neck arrogantly.

"And what would you do if that was my purpose, miko?" He asked a dangerous glint in his eye.

Kagome flushed furiously. "Obviously not let you!" She seethed.

The daiyoukai lifted a slender brow. "You could not defeat the neko youkai but you assume you would this one?" He chided with a slow blink as if unable to understand her audacity.

Her flush deepened. "That doesn't matter! Miroku and I," She ignored Miroku's horrified expression at including him, "are not going to let you do anything to InuYasha."

The daiyoukai was perfectly calm as he regarded the pair. The monk looked back at him nervously, his body stiff as he reluctantly stayed by the impassioned girl who glared daggers at him. His crimson lined lids dropped to half mass, his neck tilting ever so slightly as he stared at the human pair indifferently.

"Then you will be relieved to know, miko, that I do not seek to rid of hanyou... for now." The demon Lord replied curtly.

The monk and miko froze. The news was welcomed but for some reason, a sense of foreboding was present on their subconsciousness. What other reason would he have for staying? Shouldn't he have been on his way by now? Since when had he ever stayed this long to exchange this many words with anyone but InuYasha? Kagome saw Miroku looking at the dog demon with an equal amount of confusion she felt. She frowned.

"Well... that's nice to hear... so... we will be on our way-"

"I have business with you." The daiyoukai finished dryly. 

Kagome felt like a bucket of ice had been thrown over her. Eyes widening, she stared at the watching daiyoukai, stunned silent. His words echoed like a chant in her ears. Her? He wanted something from her? Swallowing nervously, she gave the inscrutable youkai a bemused look.

"Me?" She asked, her voice oddly squeaky and hindering on pleading for him to correct her that she had misheard him.

"Did the neko youkai hit you on your head, miko? I will not repeat myself." Sesshoumaru retorted, his tone suddenly sharp.

Kagome flushed. "N-No, I just don't really understand. What do you need from me?" 

"That will be discussed in private." Sesshoumaru responded evasively.

Her stomach dropped. She snuck a glance at Miroku, her eyes pleading for help. Yet the monk gave her a look that made it obvious he wasn't going to be going toe to toe with the daiyoukai if she chose to instigate a fight. She drew a calming breath before clearing her throat awkwardly, as if preparing herself for battle. Her heart was hammering with anxiety. She didn't want to be alone with Sesshoumaru.  What could he possibly want or have to say to her?  Reluctantly, she forced herself to nod at the dog demon.

"Fine. But before I go speak with you about whatever, I'm going to go make sure InuYasha and our friends are okay." She relented with obvious unwillingness.

The inu youkai gave her a wordless, almost imperceptible nod. The girl then turned away on her heel, her steps so quick it was as if she couldn't get away fast enough, leaving the dazed houshi with the looming demon Lord. Miroku snapped out of his amazement when he realized he was alone with the inu youkai. Hesitantly, he moved to follow Kagome, uncomfortable as the inu youkai followed silently behind him. Kagome walked with long, quick steps. She just wanted away from Sesshoumaru as quickly as possible. Her mind was racing, torn between disbelief and panic.

Maybe he would change his mind or this was some sort of sick joke.

The miko almost tripped as she absentmindedly made her way to her friends. Her heart was beating like a relentless drum as her anxiety spiked. She didn't like this. Not at all.

Why couldn't he have just left?

Why couldn't he have just gone away in his usual manner; a few cryptic remarks, sprinkled with insults?

Kagome found their original site and hurriedly rushed over, Miroku not far behind and headed towards Sango and Kirara. They both ignored the silently watching daiyoukai who settled himself on the sidelines, his elfin features stolid and fixed into its usual blank expression as he observed them. Yet the houshi noticed with increased confusion the daiyoukai's watched the miko with an intensity that made even him uncomfortable. 

Walking to her bag that had been cast aside, its contents spilt everywhere, Kagome rummaged through the numerous objects to locate her medicine kit. Luckily she had restocked it before she had come back. She found the box and hurried over to InuYasha. The priestess knelt by the hanyou, her stomach clenching at his grey pallor, her hand gently sweeping his silver bangs from his clammy forehead.  Her resolve hardened.S he swept her attention Miroku, ignorant to how the houshi watched Sesshoumaru with trepidation.

"Miroku, please bring Sango and Kirara here. I need everyone close together." She ordered.

Miroku was drawn from his scrutiny of the mute dog demon. However, he could not ignore what he had noticed. Sesshoumaru appeared fixated on Kagome. A nagging feeling in his stomach, but thankful Kagome gave him an excuse away from Sesshoumaru, he hurried over to Sango. His heart twisted at the pitiful scene his lover made. He gently scooped her up and placed her beside InuYasha before returning to the bushes, locking onto Kirara's energy, to gather the cat. He found her soon and gently lifted her and placed her in the crook of his arm. 

Preparing to hurry back to Kagome, he paused when his robe shuffled and finally, Shippou's head emerged.

"Miroku, there's something I need to tell you." The kitsune whispered nervously.

"It is best you continue to make yourself scarce, Shippou. As you are aware, Sesshoumaru is here-"

"That's exactly what I need to talk to you about!" Shippou hissed. His emerald stare swept behind Miroku as if expecting the dog demon to emerge. "Miroku, this isn't right. What would Sesshoumaru want with Kagome?"

Miroku frowned. "Well, as you probably noticed, none of us are sure why. He will only speak to Kagome-sama."

"Exactly. He's up to something!" Shippou spat in a hushed yet frantic voice.

Miroku's frown deepened. He already knew what Shippou was saying; he and Kagome were already suspicious of the odd developement.  He sighed and shook his head at the wary kitsune at a loss of what to say. 

Shippou scowled and pressed on in a hushed whisper, "Miroku, this isn't good. There is something you guys don't get about demons. You see-"

"Miroku? Did you find Kirara?" Kagome's voice cut off Shippou.

Miroku quickly confirmed he had in a yell. He couldn't take any longer or she and the demon Lord would become suspicious. Besides, he wasn't sure of how well Sesshoumaru could hear Shippou from this distance and he didn't want to risk having an irritated daiyoukai appear and accuse him of conspiring or gossiping. He gave Shippou a look that promised they would talk later and waved his hand, urging him back into his robe. Shippou's expression suddenly grim, the kit reluctantly slid back to safety. He should have said more. He should have explained better. If his suspicions were correct, it would be best if Kagome got out of here now and ran to the well.

It wasn't too far; if they distracted Sesshoumaru she may just make it...

Shippou stopped that train of thought. It was a ridiculous idea.

'Who am I kidding? Sesshoumaru would kill us all before she even got a few feet from here. It's too late.' Shippou agonized to himself.

Miroku hurried back to Kagome's side. He tried to ignore the intimidating daiyoukai who continued to mutely stand by just a bits away, watching everything the miko did with a cryptic stare. He set Kirara who was the least injured of the trio; she had been only knocked out luckily. He saw Kagome leaning over InuYasha, her hands glowing pink with reiki, her odd instruments splayed around. Sweat dripped down her forehead from her efforts. Miroku felt pride rise in him at Kagome's development. Kaede had taught her to harvest her reiki for healing which was helpful but at her current level, was still basic.

But with her modern medicine and now reiki healing, the duo's prognosis was less grim.

Ignored and preferring it that way, Sesshoumaru stood behind the group, watching the miko with his deadpan calmness, yet his curiosity piqued. Her reiki was warm and smelt of vanilla; it filled the clearing with a foreign energy. She knelt over the hanyou surrounded by odd smelling and looking instruments. He regarded the alien instruments she used, interested in the contraptions. They were made of metal and smelt strange. They were not of this world but then again, neither was she.

She attended to the slayer and hanyou with an efficiency that hinted at a natural talent. Her reiki pushed the ribs that tore through InuYasha's chest, his flesh sizzling as if cauterized. His chest puffed up and set itself again. The girl shifted over and did the same to the slayer; gruesome snaps and crunches were heard as her dislocated arm affixed itself back into place. The miko shuddered, her eyes squinting as she began to pant. Her hands shook as the energy drained her rapidly. She had used too much today. Exhaustion pulled at her ruthlessly.

Miroku sensed Kagome's fatigue and said, "That's enough, Kagome-sama. They will live with what you have achieved but if you continue to push, I worry you won't."

The miko wearily nodded. "I know. I just wanted to get them stabilized." 

Miroku offered her a reassuring smile. "Which you have. Please don't push yourself anymore Kag-"  

He stopped when a horrible sensation crept up his spine, like a chill slithering through his body, making all his primal senses scream in alarm. It was the feeling of deadly intent by a predator being fixed on him. Kagome was too exhausted too notice the priest's sudden silence and moved onto using her modern medicine.  As she worked, Miroku hesitantly peered over his shoulder at the glaring dog demon. Sesshoumaru met his gaze unperturbed, his finely carved face stony and unreadable, yet a steely glintiness to his frozen pools of gold. The houshi swallowed thickly.

What had he done to arouse such a blatant amount of venom from the inu youkai?

All the while, Kagome continued on. She poured a strange concoction that instantly bubbled and sizzled upon contact with the open wounds. After flushing the wounds, she wrapped them. Her movements were rigid from her exhaustion, her vision blurring, but still she pushed herself. A last few pulls and a knot, they were both bandaged and going to live. The assurance they would be fine seemed to sap her of her remaining energy. The miko felt her body become like stone and begin to slump forward. Her consciousness wavered.

She was beyond her limits.

Slowly, she slid forward, about to fall across Sango and InuYasha, when she felt something grab her shoulder and pull her back against something hard and unyielding. Her vision blurred, she looked up through half-lidded eyes at something that was white and glowing. Miroku gaped at the spectacle. Sesshoumaru had appeared as if from thin air and caught the miko. She now lay against his chest as he knelt behind her on one knee. It looked like he craddling her. His alabaster face stoic, the gold stare of the dog demon slid from the semi-conscious miko and met the shocked priest's sharply.

They flashed threateningly, as if daring him to challenge his hold on the girl.

Puzzle pieces snapped together rapidly in the monk's mind. His eyes rounded in astonishment. Suddenly, the girl's eyes fluttered open. Something was screaming at her to not go to sleep - that something was afoot. The sudden pressure of a lethal amount of youki shocked her back to reality and she felt her mind blank when she saw Sesshoumaru's face just a foot away from her, his gaze locked on Miroku. Kagome felt her throat clench, her eyes rounding in bemused silence. Those sharp gold eyes slid down to her and met her confused pair. Her face instantly burned hot.

"W-what are you doing!?" She squeaked as she shot up in a jumbled flurry of movement.

The daiyoukai sent another frightening look to the sweating houshi before redirecting his attention to the flustered miko. "Your mortal body almost failed you. Would you have preferred to fall?" He replied flatly.

Kagome gaped. "But... what... why...?" She sputtered.

Sesshoumaru remained unperturbed, his elfin face as calm and still as a lake. "We will speak in private now, miko." He ordered as he then stood gracefully, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Kagome shook her head wildly. "I want an explanation before I go anywhere with you!" She pinned the stoic dog demon who had the nerve to give her a glare. She met it head on. "None of this is making sense. Actually, anything you have to say or ask me can be done in front of Miroku. I am not going anywhere alone with you - you're acting out of character and frankly, I don't trust you."

Sesshoumaru glowered at her darkly. He was not one to be told "no". Miroku stiffened as he watched the daiyoukai's and miko's interaction take a dramatic nose dive. His youki flared in warning, the oppressive aura like an avalanche, yet Kagome remained stubbornly in place and unmoved. Instead she gave the daiyoukai a scowl of her own. His glare narrowing into gold slits, Sesshoumaru loomed over the girl, his impressive height a good foot on her, and looked down at her icily. It would have made any other being quake.

"Your attitude is grating, miko. I will not ask you again." His told her in just a murmur but it was more frightening than any yell.

"Well, I don't find yours particularly endearing either. And you didn't ask me - you ordered me. I told you I'm not going anywhere with you so whatever it is that you want or have to say, you can tell me right here in front of Miroku." She snapped.

Miroku watched the two square off in horrified amazement. Every time the girl mentioned his name he felt himself cringe. Why? Why did she have to include him? He wanted nothing to do with this. Especially after the many death stares the dog demon had already sent him. He wanted to live but Kagome seemed intent on them both dying.  Sesshoumaru suddenly stepped toward the girl even more until they were but a foot apart. The daiyoukai found the already simmering irritation inside of him flare when he noticed the girl stayed firmly in place, her small hands placed stubbornly on her hips with her chin held high defiantly.

Ignoring the pale-faced monk who watched awkwardly on the side, Sesshoumaru hovered over her, letting the girl realize how little and breakable she was compared to him. Yet she continued to stand her ground firmly, her gaze simmering with stubborn defiance. She was not going to back down.  The miko glowered up at him through her black bangs.

"You won't intimidate me into doing what you want." She said with a bravado that both impressed and horrified Miroku.

Sesshoumaru's jaw slightly clenched as he resisted the urge to show the girl who was truly the one in control but refrained from doing so. Not only would it jeopardize his plan but it was not the time nor place. She would learn soon enough. His flashing gaze slanted in irritation. However, her mere tone of defiance brought the usually impeccable impassiveness of the Lord into question. With a snarl curling at the corner of his upper lip, Sesshoumaru brought his head up higher and glared down at the girl from his nose, his arrogant pose a subconscious stance to him.

"You should not speak in such a manner to me if you value your life." He warned her, his deep voice laced with venom.

Kagome balked for a second but forced herself to stay put. Her scowl deepened. Miroku felt their auras clash. His stomach plummetted as his gaze switched back and forth between the two stubborn beings. Suddenly, the girl was in the air and over the inu youkai's shoulder. Kagome's mind barely registered what had happened. Everything had been too fast. Her hair blocking her vision, she screamed furiously and instantly began kicking and punching the air.

"What do you think you're doing?! Put me down! I knew you were up to something fishy!" She shrieked.

Miroku took only one step forward only to stop when the dog demon pinned him with the most frightening look yet. His body stiffened up like it had been frozen. The daiyoukai's glare slanting impatiently, he ignored the miko's incensed curses and threats and teleported in a flash. Before the girl or monk could comprehend anything, he dropped her. Kagome felt herself fall unceremoniously, squeaking as she felt her ass hit the unrelenting forest floor. Sputtering in shock and fury, she pushed her hair out of her face and looked up at the towering daiyoukai.

"How dare you-"

"Cease with your nonsense, miko. I simply brought you away from the monk to discuss matters with you." Sesshoumaru cut her off, his tone flat and harsh.

Kagome scowled, looking around Sesshoumaru to see Miroku dazedly watching them a good forty feet away. The dog demon had taken her far enough away that Miroku could see them but certainly couldn't hear what they spoke about. Unless of course she screamed. Kagome was tempted too but seeing a few tell tale signs of annoyance on the demon Lord's usually unreadable face, she thought better of it. Her lips pursed in annoyance.

"Fine. What do you want?" She relented bitterly.

Sesshoumaru inwardly wavered between annoyance and the urge to show her who was the one in charge. She was the most mercurial, unstable, intriguing creature he had ever encountered. Yet he was here for her. After months of planning, it was time to execute his grand scheme.

"You are indebted to me, miko, you are required to honor th debts you have accrued as per the pact of the law." He explained dryly.

She stiffened. Indebted? Pact? Law? What in the Hell was he talking about?

“I have no idea what you’re talking about. What do you mean I'm indebted to you? Under what Law?" She demanded incredulously. "You're making this up, aren't you?"

Sesshoumaru's answering glower made her uncomfortable. She watched him then sniff as if he was dealing with a child, his gaze becoming as cold and unrelenting as steel. His brows lowered enough to make it obvious his patience was thin.

"You are woefully ignorant for one who keeps the company you do, miko." He remarked then continued. "According to Demon Law, you are indebted to this one thrice."

Kagome's head spun. He had to be joking. She was in debt? Three times? What in the world was happening right now?

"For what?!"

His wintry look offered no recourse or pity. "I saved yours, the slayer's and hanyou's lives. I will forgo the fire cat's as it was not in mortal peril. However, without my intervention, you and your friends would be dead. Do you deny that?"

Kagome's face paled as she waved her hands helplessly. "Well, no, I won't deny it but it doesn't make sense! Why would you even bother claiming this supposed Demon Law debt from me?! I have nothing that you could want-" She stopped. There was actually one thing she had that every demon wanted from her. Her eyes narrowing, she sucked in her breath sharply, her look instantly accusing. "You want the jewel, don't you? Well you can't-"

A sudden growl stopped her instantly. The inu youkai snarled down at her, his face taut with annoyance, ochre pools flashing. "I have no need for the jewel you have within you. You dare accuse me of needing a trinket for power?" He fumed in an icy tone that warned her to not proceed if she valued her tongue.

Kagome stalled at the frightening display. She definitely preferred emotionless Sesshoumaru. She raised her hands placatingly and relented.

"Okay, fine, I'll admit you don't need it. I'm not going to stroke your ego but its obvious to anyone that you're strong. But what else could you want from me? I'm a human and priestess. I literally have nothing you could possibly want." She mumbled. Her face darkened and she added, "Besides, what happened to you just doing it for keeping InuYasha's life as your own?"

The daiyoukai returned to his placid composure, his gaze becoming chilling and unreadable again.  "I have my reasons." He answered elusively before pinning her with his unrelenting stare again. "Will you honor your debt or not, girl."

The miko regarded him in overwhelmed silence. But there was no negotiating with the dog demon by the look or sound of it. Kagome wavered between rejecting the daiyoukai or running away but was pretty sure she would pay dearly for either decision. She glanced over at Miroku who remained clueless to the proceedings of their exchange but was practically pacing with anxiety. InuYasha and Sango continued to lay unconscious so they couldn't help her out of this either. Her teeth sunk into her bottom lip. She chewed on it indecisively, her mind weighing the pros and cons of everything.

Unwillingly, she snuck a look back at the daiyoukai. She felt her stomach sink as his angelic face was as stoic and emotionless as usual; there would be no relenting by him on this. The feeling of the snares of a trap wrapping around her made her stomach twist grossly. She felt like she was caught; like a prey that had been cornered by a more wily predator and she was in the last throes before he made the killing blow. Her face became pinched with frustration.

How did she always find herself in horrible situations, she would never understand nor accept. It was entirely unfair.

She felt Sesshoumaru's youki press down on her again like a heavy, icy weight on her shoulders. He wouldn't wait forever for her answer.

Her throat clenching, she heard herself say bitterly, "Fine. I don't understand it but I won't argue it. What do you want? Do you want all these "debts" now?"

When he heard her finally fold, Sesshoumaru had to suppress the feral smirk that almost spread on his pale lips. He hid his gloating triump behind his blank expression but even he couldn't hide the sudden flashing in his gold gaze with something rather unsettling. Kagome felt her stomach fall when she noticed it - the frightening look in the demon Lord’s stare unsettled her horribly. Why did he look like he had won? What did he think he was winning? Her mouth went dry as she fidgeted nervously. A sense of doom was swelling within her and she didn’t like it. 

She watched with evident apprehension as he raised his head higher, his blood lined lids dropping to half mass as he met her nervous sapphire gaze.

"I demand to court you for the season, miko." He announced.

Kagome felt her mind go blank. It was like her brain had reset from shock. She waited for him to say it was a twisted joke. Even for him to sneer at her and point out how very gullible she was. But when he continued to stonily peer down at her, his gold eyes holding hers coldly, the miko felt a sickening realization hit her. He was serious. Kagome paled as the implication of her predicament became obvious. Stunned silent, caught in Sesshoumaru's simmering stare, she wasn't prepared for the sudden howl of absolute rage that made her jump. In fact, none of the three conscious people were ready for it.

His silver hair standing on end, InuYasha sat up slowly, his gold eyes flashing with a level of rage never seen before in the easily angered boy.

His tanned face turning an interesting shade of red then to purple, the half-breed locked on to his half-brother with evident bloodlust.

“You dirty, creepy, sone of a bitch, Sesshoumaru! There's no way over my dead body is Kagome going to be yours!" A now completely awake InuYasha screamed from his futon.

Miroku who happened to be near InuYasha watched the spectacle in horrified amazement. He heard what the half-breed said but he couldn't believe it. Sesshoumaru wanted Kagome? Across the clearing, Kagome felt face drain of all color and flinched when she heard Sesshoumaru's answering growl to InuYasha's continued shouted threats.

And that's when all Hell broke loose.

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Please review! Thanks for reading <3

Translations: Domo Arigatou: Thank you [formal]

Ken: Double-edge sword