FicWad

A/Ns: This is a very important note! I have had many comments on whether this a N/C or "force fic". I want to state right now, it is not! Mostly for personal reasons, I would have a very hard time writing such a fic and so I'm just staying away from it completely. The relationship between Sesshomaru and Kagome, (which will finally start to really take motion soon/) while it may not be conventional, will /not be something Kagome is forced into doing. Even with the historical and cultural implications, I am not a person who takes the rights of women lightly. So please don't misunderstand the circumstances that I have set into motion. Kagome is very much a "free-spirit", one could say, and her character dictates a situation that at least gives her some leverage or command. I hope that the readers who have expressed dislike in the way this fic was turning, won't leave me yet because I promise that I'm not turning down that route.

Secondly, about Inuyasha's behaviour: In theory, if Inu was the "pack leader" and his claim of Kagome (whom he may or may not have feelings for) is coming into question, then the best way to keep her there (without using force) would probably be by giving her a reason to say. Don't take this as Inu is a bad guy and "playing" her or leading her on. It's merely a, somewhat desperate, attempt to make Kagome realize his need for her is greater. And I promise this is not an Inu x Kag fic! My plans, as of right now, is to have a little reunion of Sess and Kag in the tenth chapter, though things may change and it may be seen in the ninth. So thank you for bearing with me. Hopefully some fun will begin soon.

Oh, and, um...thanks to everyone who pointed out my error in Jaken's past. I have read none of the manga, seen only small glimpses of one of the movies, and have only watched up to the Band of Seven in the English dub of the series. I stopped after that because, let's be honest, the show gets a bit redundant after that. So Jaken's origins in relation to Sesshomaru were completely unknown to this fae (teehee!) until last week. With that said, I like my origins of Jaken better and will be keeping it as I've written (though, the canon reason gets points for absurd humor). Sincere apologies for anyone I offend with this, but it serves my purposes a bit better. So, crazy love to all those who helped me out. I greatly appreciate the fun, er, information.

Chapter Eight;

"Ye all are back early."

Inuyasha stormed past the woman and into the forest. There was no doubt he was headed for the Goshinboku.

"Inuyasha's brilliant plan fell through," Sango said bitterly. "And even after all the trekking back here, I still can't feel my toes."

Kaede nodded. "Then I shall make tea, to warm ye up."

She looked oddly at Kagome who now had several youkai following her. Shippo was riding on one of the necks of Ah-Un, laughing as he was bounced up and down. Jaken was keeping pace next to the miko, looking nervously around.

"I see that ye have picked up new companions? Are these not the servants of Sesshomaru?"

Kagome nodded. "Yeah, Jaken found us up in the mountains and then decided that he should stick with us for a bit to make sure we made it here okay."

"Looking out for ye master's interest?" Kaede asked.

The toad looked briefly at her before turning to look back into the forest. "Where did the half-breed go?"

"Huh?" Kagome said. "Oh, he probably just went to sulk. He tends to climb high into the Goshinboku when things don't go his way."

"What childish behavior. Why did no one try reprimanding him? It is most unbecoming of any son of the House of Inu, half-breed or not."

Kagome sighed. Ah-Un had walked over to her and she was petting their heads gently. "It's just a part of who Inuyasha is. He wants to be the big strong man, the leader and decision maker of the group, but his decisions aren't always the best, and when he doesn't get his way, he sulks. Yeah it is a bit childish, but I wouldn't change him, not for the world."

Her eyes had taken a far off look as she stared in the general vicinity the hanyou had taken off in. Jaken watched her carefully. He now understood a bit more why she had been chosen. She accepted Inuyasha as was. His behavior, personality, habits and, most importantly, his status as a half-breed, didn't matter to her. She just saw him. Any child produced between a human and demon would be a half-breed, but the Taiyoukai had no need to fear Kagome's rejection of the child for being such. She would care for it unconditionally--love it even--something that most would never do, given the situation she found herself in.

"As pack leader, he should still not act so childishly."

Kagome turned and smile. "Probably not, but what can you do?"

"I believe I promised Sango tea," Kaede said, interrupting the conversation. "Ye three should come in and take some as well."

Kagome nodded. She picked Shippo up off of Ah-Un and put him on the ground gently. "Sorry," she said to the beast. "You're too big to go inside. You'll have to wait out here."

"No need to worry about him," Jaken said. "He can take care of himself perfectly fine. He is a youkai, after all."

"There is a field over that way that a lot of the villagers bring their livestock. As long as you don't gorge yourself or harm anyone, I'm sure they wouldn't mind you having some.

Kagome cocked her head to the side before turning to Jaken. He stood with his arms crossed and foot tapping impatiently. "Um, Jaken, does Ah-Un eat grass, or does he--"

"If he needs food, he will get it."

"But--"

"Do not worry yourself," Jaken repeated. "He will not harm this village or the people that live in it."

She nodded slowly. She shot a nervous smile to the beast before turning and walking inside. Jaken followed her.

Kaede was sitting next to the fire pit. Her dark kettle sitting over the flames warming up the water so she could make tea. Sango was sitting against the wall, her feet in hand. She was grumbling to herself as she tried to work the circulation back into her toes.

"Hey where did Miroku go?" Kagome asked.

She sat down across from Sango, her backpack in the corner. Jaken sat down close beside her.

"He snuck off as soon as we got into the village," Shippo said. "I don't know where he was going though.

Sango and Kagome shared a look before looking over to Kaede. "It's wash day, isn't it?"

Kaede nodded. The girls sighed. "Figures," Sango said. "That stupid pervert. And I'm too exhausted to go down and drag him back here."

"Hey Shippo," Kagome said.

The kitsune jumped into her lap.

"I'll give you some candy if you go down to the river and tell the women that Miroku is back in the village."

Shippo's face brightened deviously. "Sure Kagome, I'll be back soon."

"That should do it, once the women know he's back they'll be on the guard."

Jaken looked back and forth between the women. He was becoming more convinced his decision to stay with the miko was the best. Between a childish hanyou and perverse monk, he had much to watch after when it came to his master's possession.

"So what are ye plans now?" Kaede asked.

"Now we wait," Kagome replied.

She slumped slightly against the wall. Kaede was pouring tea into cups and handing it to the three other people in the room. Jaken looked at the liquid suspiciously before taking a sip. Finding it not entirely to his distaste, he continued to drink it.

"Wait for what child?"

Kagome sighed. "Um," she said, chewing on her lip. "Asrvfrossmaru."

Kaede didn't bat an eye, a sign she had become adjusted to Kagome's nervous chatter. "And why is Sesshomaru sending yet another servant to our humble village?"

"Preparations."

"Preparations for what?"

Sango was getting irritated with Kagome's evasiveness. She answered to clarifying things in a dry tone: "For the new moon, of course. Kagome-chan's decided to go ahead with the child bearing thing."

Kaede nodded her head several times. Her good eye was lost in thought but she didn't seem wholly unsurprised by the announcement. "Ye are too kind hearted child."

"But--"

The younger miko stopped mid-sentence at the look sent to her by the elder lady.

"Leave her alone, old bat," Jaken said. "She is doing the honorable thing as her status tells her that she should. And the association with Lord Sesshomaru will only increase that stature."

"No!" the girl next to him screamed.

Kagome turned beat red at her outburst. "I mean, no. I'm not doing this for that reason, well, I sort of am. No, wait, I'm not doing it to increase my status in this world, that would just be absurd, why do I care what happens in this era--"

"Kagome-chan," Sango interrupted, harshly. "You're babbling again."

She nodded, her hands clasped over her mouth. Pulling her knees up so that she could rest her chin on them, she wrapped her arms around her legs.

"It's just that," she paused. "He made it clear that this was a deal and that my backing out, even with claims that it was a mistake, still looks poorly on me. And I really don't need more people in this world looking down on me. Plus, we could really use his help in the fight against Naraku--"

"Kagome-chan, don't tell me you're making this decision because of Naraku!"

"No Sango, I'm not. It's just...this is something that I can do. You know? Not just shard hunting or the bearer of ramen. And that doesn't make this okay, not by a long run, but something in me just feels wrong refusing someone in need of help."

A silence fell over the group. Jaken had gone back to sipping his tea, his opinion of the young miko even higher than before. Sango was looking down at her feet. Kaede continued to go about her daily routine, bundling the dry herbs and plant-life.

"It seems to me, Kagome," Kaede began.

Dark eyes turned to the elder woman and she lifted her head to meet them. A moment of understanding passed between the two. "It seems to me that some things are fated to be. You coming here, to my village, your releasing of Inuyasha from his seal, the shikon itself, all things that add up to your journey. Maybe this too is just another step among that journey."

"Kaede-san," Sango objected. "You can't be serious."

"It seems a logical explanation to me."

The group turned to see a battered and bruised Miroku walking into the hut. His right eye was swollen shut, his robes in tatters, and there was a slight limp to his left leg. It was obvious the women had found him. A very smug Shippo rode on his shoulders.

Sango's face went blank and with a similar tone she answered him: "Of course you'd believe in fate, you letch, it's one of the only ways you make a living, or get near a woman."

Miroku smiled at the comment. A molar was noticeably loose and Kagome couldn't help but feel guilty. "Shippo, the candy is in my bag but you can only have one piece. And will you bring my first-aid kit before you dig in?"

"Sure Kagome," the small kit said.

"Miroku, sit down. I'll tend to your wounds, since I'm partially to blame."

"How so, Kagome-san? You were not the one yielding the rocks. Or sticks. Or with the impeccably strong right hook," he turned to look at Kaede. "Just what type of women do you raise here Kaede-dono?"

Kaede chuckled. "Ones that do not play kindly with perverts or swindlers and since you are both, I would watch your step very carefully."

Sango snorted. She got up and moved outside. Kirara followed soon after. Shippo came over with the first-aid kit in hand. On the side of his vest was a protruding mass, prime evidence that the sucker in his mouth was not the only candy he had snagged from the yellow bag. Kagome gave him a look. With large green eyes, Shippo tried to look as innocent as possible. The young miko would have none of it. She turned the kit around and gently pushed him back to her bag. "Put all of it back but that sucker in your mouth or I won't bring you anything the next time I go home."

"Where is your home, Kagome?" Jaken asked.

They had forgotten his presence in the hut. He sat looking curious at the miko. She was flushed pink, slightly turned from him. She tried to avoid his question by concentrating on healing the ailments of the monk, but the toad youkai would have none of it.

"You speak as if your home is not here. From my understanding, your home is in this village, is it not?"

"It's actually a long story Jaken," Kagome said. "And I'd like to keep it to myself at the moment."

"Lord Sesshomaru--"

"Knows of some of the story already. Or at least his message indicates he's quite aware of some of the particulars. Don't worry, he knows all he needs to know."

"Do not hide things from Lord Sesshomaru, miko."

"Then he shouldn't hide things from me," she countered back.

"Are you questioning Lord Sesshomaru's honor?"

Kagome let her hands fall to her lap. Miroku looked at her with concern. "I'm not doing anything like that. It's just...where I come from men and women are treated like equals, especially in relationships, and I expected to be treated as such as well."

"Equals, with the Taiyoukai of the West?" Jaken asked, horror evident in his tone.

"It may seem absurd, but I refuse to be treated poorly just because--"

The mat over the door was pulled aside, catching the occupants' attention. A tall figure stood eclipsed by the sun behind him but the unmistakable silver hair still stuck out.

"Inuyasha, did you finally stop sulking and decide to join us?"

An indignant snort came before the man stepped into the room.

"Haru!" Jaken shouted, standing in front of Kagome in an instance.

"Ah, the nasty toad makes its appearance. I was wondering what had come of you when you hadn't returned to the palace with Sesshomaru and the girl."

"What are you doing here? Surely my Lord has not taken use of your services."

Haru smirked. "Yes...and yet no."

Moving around the toad, the oddly dressed youkai bent down in front of the speechless girl. His hair, only partially bound in the back, fluttered slightly. "You must be the lovely miko who has capture both of my brother's hearts. It is a pleasure to meet you, I am Haru, Sesshomaru's half-brother."

"Oh good lord, another one?" Sango moaned, coming back into the hut. "And this one looks to be in the same league as Miroku. Don't trust him Kagome-chan, he's a sweet-talking pervert just like the monk."

"My dear lady, I am offended by such horrible accusations," Haru said.

Miroku held up his hand to stop the youkai. "It's no use," he said. "She won't fall for it. Neither will Kagome-san."

A moment of pause passed between the youkai and the monk before Haru nodded. "Ah, well, no use wasting all my charms then."

He smiled at Sango and then at Kagome. She managed a forced smile back before reality hit her hard. "Wait, you're Inuyasha's brother? He never told me he had another brother."

"That's because he doesn't. I am Sesshomaru's half-brother, our connection being our mother. Inuyasha's mother is different than Sesshomaru's, the connection there being their father. I'm not even sure Inuyasha remembers me, honestly."

Haru clasped his hands in front of him, a large grin lighting up his face. "Now won't this just be a wonderful surprise for him."

"Wait, if you're only related to Sesshomaru through your mother, how can you have the silver hair? That's a trait passed down through the paternal link, right?"

Jaken stepped in, his voice gloomy. "The silver hair, while usually predominately of the main branch of the House of Inu, will occasionally pop up among the branch families as well."

"So your mother, um...well, you know--no wait," Kagome paused. "Let me rephrase this, your father is a cousin of your mother's husband? Isn't that like wrong...morally speaking?"

"Not until it's spoken aloud," Haru said.

"Huh?"

Jaken shook his head. "The going ons of the court continue to befuddle and confuse me, Kagome. Many things go on in private that are accepted as long as they are kept private."

Haru turned and sunk down on his stomach. He tipped his head back to look up at the toad. "Such a personal basis you've become with your master's future--"

"I told him to call me that," Kagome said.

She narrowed her eyes at the other youkai. "And you," she said, jabbing a finger in the side of his head. "Are a bully. Leave him alone."

Haru laughed good-naturedly. He turned around so he was on his back, his arms cradling his head. "Ah, Kagome, what a spitfire you are."

"I don't believe I gave you permission to address me so personally."

The usual members of the shard-hunting group shared a look. Kagome was acting almost rudely towards the new guest, something very out of sorts for her.

"Kagome-chan?" Sango asked. "Are you okay?"

Kagome nodded, standing up. "I just don't like it when rude people come here and start insulting my friends."

Haru smiled. "I am deeply sorry, miko Higurashi Kagome," he said. "But I must say that while you may not like me, I certainly like you...and the view you're giving me."

Kagome's eyes widened and she jumped back. Her arms went down to keep her skirt closer to her body. Sango's reactions were quick to bring her Hiraikotsu down towards Haru's head, but he was able to catch it easily.

"I can see why you are so injured monk," he said. "Such a violent woman to be near."

He casually pushed against the weapon. Sango fell backwards from the force. Her face fumed red from embarrassment.

"Enough Haru," Jaken spoke up. "I don't believe you have permission to be here and if you continue to cause trouble I will have Lord Sesshomaru immediately notified of such."

The inuyoukai pouted, his lower lip sticking out. "You're no fun Jaken."

"I may not be, but you are not to upset Kagome. Lord Sesshomaru would not like--"

"Blah, blah, blah. Yeah, Sesshomaru doesn't like much...except--"

Haru turned to look at the blushing girl in front of him. She was against the wall still. Her eyes stayed averted from his.

"You seem to be the only one, excluding Rin, that Sesshomaru has taken an interest in," he said. "And I wonder why that is?"

Kagome looked at Haru. "I have no idea. I'm just as clueless as you are."

He smiled. "Well there must be something special about you."

He got up and walked over to where Kagome was standing. He ignored the threats from Sango and Jaken.

"There isn't anything special about me," she said, watching him cautiously.

She couldn't help but feel like a trapped rat. She couldn't back up any more and his steady gaze on her made a dash to the right or left impossible. He was in front of her before she could try anything, looking down at her with curious eyes.

"I dare say that isn't true, Ka-go-me," he smirked.

She opened her mouth to answer but was stopped when Haru was violently ripped away from her with a deep growl.

"Who the fuck are you and what do you think you're doing to my Kagome?"

Haru looked at the man before him with curiosity. Kagome's eyes widened. She cursed her luck and slid to sit down on the floor.

"For all the rotten timing," she muttered under her breath before looking up and cheerfully greeting the newest guest. "Hi Koga."

"You know him Kagome?" Jaken asked, his staff readied.

"Yeah, I do. He's a friend. And Koga," she addressed the glowering wolf. "Please leave Haru alone. He's Inuyasha's bro--,er, well he's related to Inuyasha in a round about sort of way and I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't start a fight with him."

Koga stepped away from Haru and walked over to where Kagome was sitting. He sat down next to her and slung an arm over her shoulder, ignoring how she tensed from the contact. His position was filled with possessiveness and dominance.

"Wow," Haru said.

He was chuckling a bit and sat across from Kagome and Koga. The small cabin was filling up rapidly. "So you've won the attention of both my brothers and a wolf prince," he whistled. "And you say there is nothing special about you."

Koga growled and pulled Kagome closer to him. She struggled a bit but his grip didn't allow her to move any. "Of course she's special," Koga announced. "She's--"

Sango interrupted him from hurting Kagome. "Why do you keep calling Inuyasha your brother if he really isn't? You two technically aren't related at all."

Haru grinned. "Very perceptive of you, taijiya. He is my brother in relation to Sesshomaru, or through Sesshomaru, I don't know. We have some common blood, hence the hair, so might as well claim his as my brother claims him."

"But that doesn't mean he has to claim you as his brother," a gruff voice answered.

Inuyasha entered the hut. He looked disgruntled and weary. "Get your hands off of Kagome," he threatened Koga before turning to Haru. "And you could have stopped that. Aren't you supposed to be here protecting Sesshomaru's interests?"

Haru smiled. "Nope. I'm here all on my own interests."

Inuyasha rolled his eyes. "So you are just as big of a dumb ass as I had heard of."

"Ah so you've heard of me, that makes things easier," Haru said, delighted.

"Shut up. I don't want you here anymore than I want that stupid wolf."

The two "brothers" stared at each other for a bit. Koga interrupted them. "What do you mean 'Sesshomaru's interests'? The Lord Sesshomaru? Taiyoukai of the West? What does he have to do with anything?"

"Don't tell me you never made the connection between Inuyasha and Sesshomaru?" Shippo asked.

The kit had jumped into Kagome's lap and was pushing Koga's arm away from her. He ignored the kit's attempts.

Kagome was chewing on her lip during this, avoiding making eye contact with anyone in the hut. "Um, through some odd arrangements," she said, quietly. "I've sort of...agreed, to have Sesshomaru's son."

Koga's arm dropped with a loud thud. He looked at the girl next to him with wide eyes. "You-you what?"

She attempted a smile but failed miserably. She gave up and folded her body against herself, desperately clinging to her legs.

"Leave her alone wolf," Inuyasha said.

Sango moved to sit on the other side of her friend. She leaned slightly against the girl, giving her the comfort of another presence without having to be too sentimental in front of the other occupants.

"No," Koga shouted. "She can't have his son. She's already been claimed by me."

Jaken looked at Kagome. "Is this true miko? Has he already claimed you?"

"Yes!" "No!"

Koga and Inuyasha jumped into each other's faces, ready to duke it out for their opposing answers.

"No," Kagome said. "He claimed I was 'his woman' but I've never reciprocated it."

Koga turned to stare at the girl. His eyes were dull. "But Kagome, you're to become my mate and come live with my pack. You've helped us so many times and the entire pack adores you."

"That's sweet and all but--"

"You should have mentioned this to Lord Sesshomaru," Jaken said, in all seriousness.

"Huh? Why?" she asked.

"Koga's claim on you is a serious threat to Sesshomaru," Haru answered. "He can't mate with you if there is an unresolved claim on you."

"Technically, the deal struck was not in your power to agree upon," Jaken continued. "And being as so, the entire agreement is void."

Kagome looked up and over to Kaede. Inuyasha, Sango, and Miroku shared confused looks. "Wait, so, because Koga had a claim on me, Sesshomaru couldn't ask that question? So I don't have to follow through with the deal because it went against some odd youkai custom?"

Jaken nodded.

"Holy fuck," Inuyasha said.

Miroku and Sango nodded.

"Holy fuck. So all this time--" Inuyasha repeated.

The entire hut had descended into a daze.

"Miko," Jaken said, addressing Kaede. "Lend me some parchment and something to write with. I must write at once to Lord Sesshomaru."

Kaede nodded and fetched the items needed. Jaken went straight to work.

"Why are you writing a letter toad?" Haru asked. "Why not just deliver it in person?"

"Are you leaving this area?" Jaken asked, not looking up from his writing.

"Nope, I thought I would stick around and get to know our beautiful Kagome a bit better."

Dual growls echoed in the cabin but Haru ignored them all.

"Than I will stay to protect her from the likes of you until the time comes that Lord Sesshomaru will remove you at once from this area."

"Then I'm staying too," Koga announced. "I can't trust these two dog-shits around my woman."

"Like hell the two of you are staying," Inuyasha yelled.

"Such language dear brother."

"Stop calling me brother!"

Kagome sighed, drowning out the argument just feet away from her. Sango and Miroku were quickly making their way outside to escape from the noise. Shippo was doing the same, crayons and paper in hand.

The young miko bit her lip and looked down at her feet. She should be happy that the deal was called off by no means that were dishonorable to her. It was just a mistake, after all. But something at the pit of her stomach was raging. She could feel the nausea building like some impending doom was about to come down on her.

*

Edited 05-09-07, if I have missed anything let me know.