Standard disclaimer applies. I owe but the clothes on my back and the laptop to write this :)
Kagome huffed and blew her dishevelled bangs out of her face. It has been absolutely ages since she had a trim! She really needed one at this point, her tresses becoming unruly to the point where she seriously considered going for the shortest cut possible. Next time when she gets to be home that is. It has been weeks since she was able to go back and why was that? Due to Inuyasha’s pig headedness? Close. Nakaru trying to ambush them? Ah, not quite.
Cringing at the sound of metal screaming against metal, Kagome let her head fall back to brush the rough bark of the tree their group was currently resting under, the mighty giant making enough of much welcomed shade for all. She supposed there were certain perks one could point out in the current situation. With the two brothers busy challenging one another for the alpha status, all others had plenty of chance to rest and recuperate, especially with the weather being stably good lately. Cocking her head to the side, she giggled as Kirara hesitantly touched the crumpled wrapper that Shippo left on the ground. The feline arched her back and, with a determined look, latched onto her opponent, tearing little bits of coloured crackling paper off in utter satisfaction, her content purr and growls making the tiny feline even cuter.
Kagome fingered the chain that hung loosely around her neck, the complete Shikon shining demurely. She was still to make a wish on the jewel and at this point it seemed that putting the thing together was a breeze in comparison. Kagome was no fool, she knew that her friends were getting more and more agitated as days passed by and she was yet to make a decision as no one wanted another vile creature coming after them. Such responsibility was placed on her and, as selfish as it was, she was afraid that once the wish was made, she will never see any of them again and thus could nor force herself to do what needed to be done.
A powerful gust of youki to the left later made her snap out of her musings and Kagome was ready to throttle both of the males. Indeed she was now thoroughly and royally pissed off. Sure, at this point in her travels there were plenty of times when she was lectured on youkai men and their desire to reach certain status within the youkai hierarchy. She was not foolish not to understand how territorial all the males she managed to encounter were, especially when inu were concerned, but it did not mean that this made it seem less infantile to her.
‘There is no way this mess could get any worse’ she thought, her back stiffening as Inuyasha sailed past their resting spot to land in a ragdoll-like heap. Coughing and spitting as dust settled, the young man nonetheless managed to get up, using his sword as support whilst spewing curses that were both rich and thick in texture, making Sango cover Shippo’s ears, her cheeks flushed in outrage. Kagome really could not see why the slayer bothered any longer, it was not as if the kit hadn’t heard Inuyasha during all of the other battles, the inu not really being one for improvisation. It was his tried and tested formula, swing the sword, curse and swing again.
With an earsplitting roar, Inuyasha charged forward, releasing an attack at Sesshomaru. The Western Lord did not bother to counter attack, merely stepping aside to let the wave pass. He smirked and raised his chin haughtily, enjoying the impact his attack or rather lack of one left on his foolish brother. It was about time for the half-breed to understand that no matter what strength he shall acquire, this Sesshomaru will always surpass him. Inuyasha looked at his brother with hatred, wiping sweat of his brow as he barred his fangs.
“Dammit Sesshomaru, what do you want from me?”
Raising a slim brow, the Lord of the West paused, Kagome leaning forward in anticipation of what was about to be said.
“This Sesshomaru merely wished for a display of your inferiority. Perhaps, another will not be necessary as you will seize being an imbecile and deny your claim.”
Roaring in indignation, Inuyasha charged forwards, nearly dropping his weapon in his need to sate his anger by feeling hot blood flow down his hands.
“Inuyasha, SIT!”
A threatening yet distinctively feminine growl was heard, making Sesshomaru wonder whether the miko was by chance a demonness in one of her past lives. ‘A fine one at that’ he thought, as his eyes scrutinized the approaching onna, her short skirt leaving little to the imagination.
“You and… and you! Why can’t you both just explain what is this about this time? Surely the alliance you formed in order to defeat Naraku should have ended this petty feud of yours!”
She supposed that she should have been intimidated by the way the menacing, burning gold of his eyes narrowed on her when she challenged him, but she wasn’t. In fact she was no longer concerned in the slightest, even if part of this confidence came from the fact that he would not dispose of her person until the wish was made.
‘Well’ she thought as the demon in question made his way towards her at a leisurely pace ‘at least that’s a reason not to hurry with the wish making.’
Gulping as the distance between them lessened, she raised her head higher, feeling a sudden urge to go up on her tip toes as it became harder to look him in the eyes.
“Woman, what made you think that this Sesshomaru will listen to a human” he forced down a smirk as her scent spiked, her annoyance reaching a new level making him wish to see how far she could be pushed. Leaning forward, he let his breath ghost over her ear as she shivered “ and a woman at that. Perhaps Inuyasha failed to educate you enough for you to learn your place but ignorance does not excuse insolence.”
Clenching her teeth together, Kagome bristled at his words and his pompous know-it-all demeanor, forcing herself to take several breaths. Finally, she felt herself calm down enough to come up with a retort.
“Well forgive this lowly one for her audacity, the great and mighty Lord Sesshomaru. Do you suggest that you would tutor me in the ways of staying silent whilst rude, arrogant men huffed and puffed in order to inflate their already overblown egos?”
Cursing her tongue as soon as the words left her mouth, she nonetheless stood her ground. His reaction was somewhat expected. With a snarl, Sesshomaru grabbed her arm, clenching tight enough for her to cry out, his claws digging into porcelain flesh further to draw blood.
“I am afraid it is too late for that, a bitch should learn her place early.”
Hissing as her power sped forward to heal the much abused appendage, she attempted to rip herself away from the demon, his hold lessening only slightly.
“Argh, men! Sometimes I wish you could see things my way!”
As soon as the words left her mouth, the Shikon pulsed and slid upwards to hover between her and the poised youkai, who frowned at the sudden change in the jewel’s usually dormant state. Suddenly, Kagome’s eyes snapped open as realization dawned on her, her hand reaching out to grasp at the disappearing Shikon.
“Wait! I did not mean that!”