A/N: This fic has been on a backburner because of my Kouga/Kagome story Reborn, but I finally finished a new chapter. The end of Chapter 2 is different as well, so those who aren't first-time readers should go back and skim. I cut out the river scene and replaced it with Miroku's introduction.

Once more, sorry about the crazy wait. Hope you enjoy!

- CHAPTER THREE – ANGER -

Kagome's mouth fell open as her neck craned up. After resting the night, the trio had journeyed all morning. Now, giant mountains soared before them, blanketed in thick white. Their jagged peaks seemed to touch cloud. Kagome stared at rock overhangs coated in ice and snow piled in the shallowest of crevices.

"How is this possible?" She turned to the hanyou beside her. "It's still summer."

"One of my men can manipulate weather," Inu-Yasha said simply.

"Enough to keep all this from melting?"

"He began icing trails through the mountains decades ago."

"Decades?" Kagome shook her head in disbelief. "How old is he?"

Inu-Yasha shrugged. "One-hundred-forty-something I think."

"WHAT?"

He hiked a thumb to his comrade. "Miroku's pushing one-eighty."

The man to his left frowned. "Thanks for that."

Kagome pulled her gaze from the mountain and appraised the hanyou. "How old are you?"

Inu-Yasha cleared his throat. "Old enough."

"Older than Miroku?"

"No," Miroku leaned forward and spoke over Inu-Yasha's chest. "Younger. Much younger."

"Really?" Kagome's head poked from Inu-Yasha's right side. "How did he become leader of the Ouja then?"

"His father created the clan to serve as a haven."

Kagome's face lit up with interest. "So his father was full youkai?"

"Indeed."

Inu-Yasha growled low. "Quiet."

The man straightened. Kagome, still curious, peered farther over.

"Are you a hanyou as well?"

Miroku nodded. "A wind demon."

"Why do you look human?"

He gave an indulgent smile. "Not all hanyou come with claws and dog ears."

"The powerful ones do," Inu-Yasha smirked.

On either side, Kagome and Miroku rolled eyes.

"Are we going to stand here all day?" He ignored their lack of humor. "Make yourself useful Miroku."

The man obliged and drew back heavy sleeves.

"See my difference Kagome," he spread palms wide. She watched his fingers begin to lengthen and twist, as if made of air. Miroku's arms lost their solid form and soon his entire body wavered like smoke. A blur of purple and black, he started circling the pair, spinning faster and faster.

Kagome gasped as her feet lifted into mid-air. She looked to Inu-Yasha. He wore a bored expression.

"Don't forget the bag."

It rose from the ground and joined them. They climbed quickly and Kagome held back breath, not daring to move. Inu-Yasha yawned and scratched his ears.

"Relax," he spoke without glancing over. "I've done this countless times."

Kagome refused to answer. Visions of Miroku losing concentration and dropping her hundreds of feet drew her mouth to a thin line.

"Oi!" Inu-Yasha's voice turned sharp and he glared at the blur surrounding them. "Quit ogling her chest!"

"Sorry."

Kagome heard the word like a breeze at her ear and palmed the front of her dress unconsciously.

"Her attire makes it hard not to."

Inu-Yasha eyed her tattered clothes. He frowned and pulled off the outer layer of his haori.

"Put this on."

She unclamped her lips. "What? Right now?"

"No, next year," he rolled eyes as if she were a child. "Yes now."

"Why?"

"Because your nipples have distracted Miroku since we reached the colder climate of the mountain."

Kagome forgot her fear and hugged an entire arm to her chest.

"You can't say things like that!"

"You asked why."

"My body is not free for comment!"

He sighed. "Haven't we argued about this already?"

She felt her anger flare. "Obviously not enough!"

"Just put it on," Inu-Yasha's irritation leapt to match hers.

"If I do, it'll show I belong to you."

"That's the point."

"No one owns me."

Inu-Yasha's face turned cross. "I do."

Kagome lifted a chin. "No."

He glowered. "You will wear this," he stuck the garment under her nose. "It'll tell my men not to touch you."

"I have a mouth. I can tell them myself."

"Like you told Naraku?"

Anger turned to rage. "Shut up!"

"Put on the damn haori!"

"NO!"

"We're here," Miroku interjected. He crested the lip of a rock ledge and a worn path edged by snow spread out before them.

Kagome barely heard. "That was low Inu-Yasha."

"You say my name like it should shame me."

"What a ridiculous thought," her hands fisted at her sides. She seethed as Miroku moved them over ground and slowed his spinning.

Kagome had no room for relief as her feet touched cold rock. Inu-Yasha's mention of Naraku burned. The moment she felt weight settle back to her heels she turned and marched down the path. It disappeared into a dark tunnel and Kagome ploughed forward, oblivious.

"Where are you going?" Inu-Yasha rushed after her.

"Away from you!"

She reached the tunnel and the drop in temperature only made her insides blaze hotter.

A second set of footfalls entered and Inu-Yasha grabbed her elbow, spinning her around. Kagome cried out and struck his hand.

"Let GO!"

Inu-Yasha's grip tightened and he snatched her free arm. "Calm down!"

She wrestled against his hold. "I won't wear it! You'll have to be like the man you reference and MAKE ME!" The accusation tumbled from her mouth, alive. Flashes from the harem filled the passage and a choking helplessness surged up her insides.

Inu-Yasha's claws dug painfully into skin.

"This isn't about the haori."

Kagome's eyes narrowed. She wrapped herself in anger, shielding the despair. "You think you know?"

"I am not him."

"Liar! You use your strength as he did," Kagome struggled to hit him. His hands moved to her wrists and he raised them high.

"I remove the rope and you try to strike me?"

"A rope you had no right using!"

"No right? I saved your life!"

Kagome tried yanking her arms down, elbows splayed wildly. "That doesn't mean it's yours to bind!"

"I'll do what I want!"

"Not with me!"

Inu-Yasha growled and brought her hands to his chest. He jerked her forward, closing the space between them. "I could've left you in Kanaka!"

"At lease I wouldn't have to hear you throw it in my face," Kagome glared from his shoulder. "I'm a PERSON. People shouldn't own other people, regardless of 'rescue'."

"Well they do."

"You and Naraku do."

"We aren't the same!"

"I see one man."

His fingers tightened over hers. "You're angry at him, not me."

"Don't talk like you know me," Kagome pushed out from his torso. "And don't tell me who I'm angry at," she fought against his hands, jabbing nails deep.

Inu-Yasha cursed and wrenched her arms back over his shoulder. She crashed into his chest, knocking jaw against collarbone.

"You claim I use strength," he shoved her face away and frowned thunder. "But you have no idea what I'm capable of," his claws squeezed harder, crushing fingers.

Kagome bit down, refusing to cry out. "You think you can intimidate me?" She spoke through clenched teeth.

"I don't want to! You're the one who's overreacting!"

"Overreacting?" Kagome's voice spiked high. "How should I act when you speak of a man who stole a year of my life?"

Inu-Yasha's ears flattened at the pitch. "We're talking about a haori!"

"You were the one who said we weren't!"

"Stop yelling!" He roared.

"YOU!"

They stared at each other, anger charging the air. Kagome breathed in ragged, uneven bursts, shoulders rising and falling fast.

"Are we really having this fight?" Inu-Yasha's chest heaved with equal fervor.

"Why do you talk like that? Like we haven't just met?"

"You bring it out in me!" His eyes searched hers. He saw pain and humiliation she did not voice. "I just don't understand where the girl I found went. She wouldn't lash out at the mere mention of her previous owner."

"He didn't OWN me!"
"Call it what you will! You still let him hold sway!" The same emotion from the city rose up, and he shook his head to purge it. Inu-Yasha leaned down, mouth by her ear.

"You let him make you weak," he whispered. "Just his name robs you of sense," his lips brushed her hair and she felt warm breath through the words.

Kagome jerked her head back. "Shut up."

"I'm right."

"Don't pretend to have some hidden insight," she stared at the clawed hands swallowing hers. "You're just like him."

"Really? Have I beat you? Forced you to sleep with me? Made you into a joke to service some insecurity?" He craned forward until their noses touched. "Have I?"

Rage lightened his eyes almost yellow and Kagome gulped. She started to bow and one of his hands exploded to her chin, keeping it up.

"Don't look away. You accuse and label me. Have the courage to look me in the eye when you judge my character."

Kagome felt heat rise in her cheeks. She shook her chin from his grasp. "You seek to humble me. Yet it's YOU who holds ME captive. I have just as much right to freedom as you!"

"That's not the world we live in."

"It should be!"

"And who would change it? You?"

"Maybe!" Kagome knew she was losing steam and ground. "I can get pretty loud about things I believe in!"

"You don't say," Inu-Yasha felt a hint of wry slip through his temper. "You hide the trait well."

"Don't make fun of me."

"It's the only way I know to talk to you."

"Then learn silence."

"You first."

"I can be quiet!"

"Right."

"I can!"

"You, who has to have the last word?"

Kagome paused, grappling for self-control. "Yes."

"Ha!"

Faces close, they noticed the lack of space separating them. They were breathing each other's air, tasting hot anger in the cool dim. Inu-Yasha's claws hung by her chin, grazing skin. Color climbed his features. He hastily withdrew the hand and Kagome's eyes flicked to the space where it had been. Inu-Yasha loosened his hold and allowed her to step from his collar, clearing his throat in obvious discomfort.

"Are you going to wear my haori or not?"

"Not."

"Suit yourself," he wiped her smell from his cheek. "You'll regret it."

"How's that?"

"Regret what?" Having morphed back to solid by the ledge, Miroku strode down the trail toward them.

"Keeping her current outfit," Inu-Yasha nodded to the short, tattered remnants of dress. Skin peeked everywhere and Miroku beamed.

"She looks great. Practically naked."

Pink bloomed in Kagome's face.

"Just like women should be. Scantily clad and proud of it."

"So true," Inu-Yasha joined Miroku's grin.

Kagome flashed the dog hanyou an indignant glare. "I hate you."

"Your choice," he reminded. Satisfaction spread his smile wide.

A vein appeared in her forehead. She thrust out a fuming hand. "Give."

"Give what?"

"Your haori."

"This?" Inu-Yasha shook the fire-rat robe, mocking innocence. "What for?"

The vein popped bigger. "So I can wear it."

"Wait, wait. You… want to wear this? My haori? On you?"

Kagome bit her lip so hard it paled to white. "Yes."

"But after all that? And won't it show my ownership—?"

"Give me your goddamn shirt!"

Inu-Yasha obliged, tossing it over. The material was crumpled and wrinkled from their fight, pressed between them as they had measured wills. Kagome snatched the blur of red and spun around.

"She's already begging you out of your clothes!" Miroku clapped, applauding his leader. "If only I had such command over the female mind."

Kagome's glare turned to livid fire. Miroku's hands froze and he swallowed uneasily. Cupping his mouth, the wind demon leaned to Inu-Yasha. "She's had practice with those."

The hanyou 'hmphed', watching her. "I won."

"Jackass."

"Starting up the pet names again?"

Kagome untied the sash at her waist. "Just wait."

"Waiting," Inu-Yasha crossed arms over his chest.

She inspected the haori at arms length. "Are you going to stand there gawking or what?"

"Of course!" Miroku moved closer.

A clawed hand clamped his shoulder.

"No, no! Absolutely not," Miroku swiveled to face the opposite wall. He sighed at the outline of rock as Inu-Yasha joined him. The wind demon listened to the shuffle of cloth and zip of tying, palming his face. "Sometimes you make me sad."

Inu-Yasha patted his friend's back. "Being normal is good for you once in awhile. You need to learn there's more to life than naked women."

"So says the man who can count those women on one hand."

"At least I don't have to use that hand on myself."

"Quiet."

Inu-Yasha cleared his throat.

"Sir."

"I'm done," Kagome called. She gave a small twirl as they turned.

She had wrapped the haori around her middle and Inu-Yasha's gaze took in the outline of collarbone and bare shoulders. The old dress sash was cinched tight at her waist and pronounced the curve of distracting hips.

"It'd be better over your face," Inu-Yasha's stare trailed down her form.

"Oh? Is that why your eyes can't seem to meet mine?"

His head snapped up at once. "Shut up."

She smiled. "Wasn't the original plan to deter your men?"

"They're so desperate even your heavy set won't put them off."

"From what I hear, you've got a number close to desperate."

"Hardly," his frown poked fangs over his lower lip. "I have high standards."

"Is that code for 'fragile ego'?"

"You'd know. Bet you're upset not being on that list."

"Ooo," Kagome faked a wound in the chest. "You got me. Truth stings."

"Like your face!"

"Are you four? Worst yet!"

"Coming from the queen of crappy comebacks!"

She clutched tighter. "Ow. Another zinger."

Miroku looked back and forth between them.

"Do you ever stop?"

Inu-Yasha's ears twisted to his comrade. "Stop what?"

"This ridiculously transparent banter."

The pair looked to each other.

"Transparent as what?"

"Attraction."

Kagome cupped her ear, thinking she'd misheard. "Excuse me?"

"You like each other."

"Were you here before?" Inu-Yasha waved a finger between the girl and himself. "We had a real fight. She almost cried."

"I did not!" Kagome planted hands on hips. "You're such a liar!"

"So the others weren't real?" Miroku persisted.

Kagome frowned. "We hate each other."

"Our conversation holds no agenda," the hanyou matched her scowl.

"Yet you stand close together and the air between you is not welcome to others," Miroku motioned between them. "It's thick with tension."

"It's loathing that bogs the air."

"And your scent," Inu-Yasha cracked a grin.

"See?" Kagome made a face. "There's no hidden depth. I know he's an idiot."

"And she likes to tell me in a variety of ways."

Miroku's eyes lit with amusement. "Finishing each other's sentences now?"

"No," they answered together.

"Of course," the wind demon smiled.

Inu-Yasha rolled eyes. "She not my type. I like pretty girls."

"Hey!" Kagome's frown deepened. "At five conquests, you should be so lucky! You must have the experience of a boy still living at home!"

"Lucky? Perhaps if I were blind, deaf and had no sense of taste or touch."

"Oh come on Inu-Yasha," Miroku's grin grew. "Her scent alone could beguile the best of men."

Inu-Yasha scrunched his nose, as if catching a whiff of something gone bad.

"Maybe a man who'd spent a lifetime digging latrines."

Miroku leaned toward Kagome. "He's lying. It's intoxicating. It makes me want to father your children."

Kagome jerked away. "I'll take the latrine-digger."

Inu-Yasha seized her arm and she moved to his side willingly.

"You're such a pervert," the hanyou shook his head.

"What? After a hundred-and-eighty years I can't look for someone to carry my line?"

"You've been asking for as long as I've known you."

"Which has only been—."

Inu-Yasha glowered. Miroku swallowed the number.

From Inu-Yasha's chest, Kagome looked up. "Are you close to me in years?"

"I don't think so," Miroku leered. "Humans his age do not draw the thoughts in others you do."

Inu-Yasha bristled with warning and Miroku's eyes lifted from her frame.

"I was merely ascertaining her age."

Kagome shifted closer and Inu-Yasha's fingers almost slid to her waist. He caught himself and let his arm thud lamely behind her. "By imagining your hands on her?"

Miroku shrugged. "We know I only like young maidens."

"It's obvious she's young."

Kagome shook her head. "I'm almost to my twentieth year."

Inu-Yasha scoffed. "I'm mistaken. Took you that long to work to the top of a harem?"

"I didn't start out a slave."

"What then?"

Kagome fell quiet. Amber eyes scrutinized her.

"Well?"

She frowned again. "Am I going to meet this clan of yours or what?"

Miroku's grin turned curious. "I believe we've broached a subject not open for discussion," he tilted his head. "What were you?"

Inu-Yasha felt a shake begin in her. It crossed the space between them and spoke aloud.

Don't. Please.

"Forget it," he pulled Kagome around to face the path ahead. "We've wasted enough talk on her."

Gratitude seeped from her in waves and he once more swallowed down emotion.

As they began walking, Inu-Yasha told his hand to release hers. His fingers tightened in answer. Kagome's warm palm made his begin to sweat and he tried loosening his grip. It refused. She took no notice and kept in step with him. Inu-Yasha gave up, allowing the contact to remain.

They marched in silence. Miroku carried the bag of silver and it jangled as he followed. The clanking metal reverberated off high walls and alerted a hulking sentry waiting ahead.

Inu-Yasha knew who was stationed at the tunnel's end but still jumped as the guard stepped from shadow. He was never quite prepared for the ape-like arms, orange skin and bulging eyes of Jinenji.

Jinenji bowed low. "Welcome back Lord Inu-Yasha."

Inu-Yasha expected Kagome to draw back in fear. Instead, she turned with a dry look.

"Lord?"

"Only Jinenji calls him that," Miroku motioned the guard over.

The orange hanyou lumbered forward, taking the sack Miroku held out expectantly. Jinenji's eyes fell briefly to Kagome before shuffling to let them pass. Inu-Yasha pushed at Kagome waist. She resisted and stepped from his hold.

"I'm Kagome," she said softly.

Jinenji lifted his head. He looked to his right and left, seeing who she spoke to.

"It must be very lonely watching this entrance by yourself."

Jinenji stared at the ground. "I'm used to it," he pulled on the bottom of his ill-fitting shirt.

"Want company sometime? I could use friends in a place like this."

His cheeks flushed bright red. Jinenji flit a glance to Inu-Yasha and shook his head.

"That's alright my lady."

Kagome laid a hand on his wrist. "Are you a hanyou?"

He made a noise resembling a snort. "I should think my features give that away."

Kagome smiled. "What about them? They suit you."

Jinenji looked up, big eyes going wider. "Thank you, Lady Kagome."

Inu-Yasha frowned. "Come on," he started walking. Miroku joined him.

"Nice to meet you Jinenji," Kagome smiled again and followed the pair.

"Bye," Jinenji stared at the wrist she had touched.

The tunnel opened into a large cavern. Torches stood propped at angles in the rock, circling high overhead. They cast sputtering shadows across the path. In the wavering light, Kagome saw footprints of every kind stamped in dirt. She stopped and squatted down, tracing the outline of tiny paws and five-toed human feet much smaller than hers.

"You have hanyou children here?" Her voice echoed into the cavern.

Inu-Yasha looked over his shoulder. "So?"

Kagome shrugged. "I just imagined something different. I didn't know families lived here."

His back tensed. "They don't."

"What?"

"Come on," Inu-Yasha kept walking.

Kagome rose from her crouch, glancing back at the prints before hurrying to his side.

"Why?"

He growled. "Why what?"

"Why don't any live here?"

Inu-Yasha looked from the corner of his eye. "It doesn't matter," his glare gave Kagome a rare moment of prudence and she dropped the question.

They continued through the cavern. At its end, massive oak doors towered high, nestled in sandstone. Heavy brass rings served as handles and Inu-Yasha lifted one absently. The wood creaked and groaned as he pulled, swinging a slow arc across the ground.

Miroku gripped Kagome's elbow and backed up. Light spilled in from the other side. She craned on tip-toes, trying to see over the wind demon.

"You're taller than Inu-Yasha."

Dog ears swiveled back toward her

"I think your frame is broader too."

They twitched.

Miroku beamed.

"You're easy on the eyes as well," his hand reached behind and cupped her backside.

Kagome yelped. "Pervert!" Her slap cracked into the cave.

Inu-Yasha turned, wearing triumph. "You can walk in on his 'bigger' arm if you want."

Kagome trudged forward. Grudging fingers took a white-sleeved elbow.

Inu-Yasha drew his arm to his side, pinching her hand. "Serves you right. You think you'd have learned your lesson about my second-in-command already."

"He is taller."

"You like me more."

"Only cause you're cutting off circulation to my brain."

He pressed harder.

Mumbling curses, Kagome followed him into light. They entered a smaller room, carved from rock. In contrast to the barren outer cave, lavish decoration sprawled throughout. Rugs lounged across the floor and ornate tapestries were draped everywhere. Kagome spied bolts of silk and gold-trimmed brocade piled in a corner and an open crate in another, overloaded with copper pieces, bronzed armor and tins of spice. A roughly-hewn table sat in the room's center, occupied by two hanyou playing cards. They guarded a wide tunnel with steps leading down into darkness. Dressed in heavy breastplates and coarse, brown fur, they looked part kuma. Kagome had never seen bear demons up close and leaned forward on Inu-Yasha's arm.

The hanyou jumped from their seats as the door opened and withdrew swords. Cards flew across the table and each scowled so deep Kagome feared they had stumbled into the wrong mountain lair.

"Easy," Inu-Yasha held up a hand. "It's just us."

The one on the right peered with his good eye, sheathing his weapon. "Sorry boss."

"Why so nervous?"

"We had another visit while you and Miroku were away."

Kagome stared at the guard reporting in. He was missing an eye and a scarred bit of skin was the only mark another had once existed. He was indeed half kuma, but except for the fur framing his face and shoulders, appeared human. He raked wide claws through his dreaded mess of hair, unaware of her scrutiny.

Inu-Yasha's outstretched hand curled to fist. "From the east? Why didn't Jinenji say anything?"

"They entered from one of the southern access caves," the other hanyou stooped to right his fallen chair.

"How many?"

"Twenty, give or take. He wasn't with them."

Inu-Yasha's arms tensed and Kagome's fingers were mashed harder into his side.

"Coward! Sending only scouts!"

"Even without him, they killed both southern guards and raided the entire room," the one-eyed kuma balled a fist and pushed it into his palm. "We got them though. Bottled them in the door and ripped their flimsy wolf bodies to shreds. Only two escaped."

"Good," Inu-Yasha nodded. "We need to get to the main hall and revise security. The Wolf Prince will send retribution."

The other guard noticed Kagome. "Who's the girl?"

Inu-Yasha looked down in surprise, remembering she was there. Lines creased her forehead and her mouth was drawn in a thin line of pain. His arm relaxed instantly.

"Sorry."

"It's okay," Kagome flexed her fingers, wincing as joints snapped. "You need your wound tended before you go."

Inu-Yasha touched his chest, annoyed. "Later."

"You've lost a lot of blood."

"My men have lost more," he looked to the one-eyed hanyou for confirmation. He nodded.

"Nine were hurt in the assault and Eiichi's arm was bitten off."

"What?" Kagome forgot her hand, surging from Inu-Yasha's side. "Where? I can help."

She stopped inches from the kuma and he backed up, uncomfortable with proximity to a human. "Eiichi is a hebi demon. Snakes can re-grow limbs."

"And how could you help anyway?" Inu-Yasha scoffed. "You barely treated me in that field."

Kagome straightened. "You wanted to know what I was before slavery? I used to be a healer, among other things. My village's healer."

"A good find Inu-Yasha," the second guard motioned them toward the tunnel. "She'll be useful."
"Wait. She's been out of practice for a year."

Kagome's eyes narrowed. "I memorized over a hundred remedies before I could run."

"Explains your lack of exercise."

"Insult all you like, I'm going," she started after the hanyou, who were already heading down the steps.

Inu-Yasha rushed around the table, grabbing a handful of haori. "No, you're not."

"What?" She looked to his fingers full of red, confused.

"I don't want you there."

"Why?"

"I…," Inu-Yasha didn't meet her eye. "I'm different in front of my men."

Kagome shook her head. "I don't get you. What's the point in taking me if you're not going to use me? Or do you think I don't have worth outside a bedroom?"

"I didn't say that."

"Then let me help. I don't care if you're different," her eyes turned earnest. "Please."

Inu-Yasha released the fabric. Sighing, he pushed past and started through the passage. "Keep up."

It was her only warning.

Kagome blinked sweat from her eyes and hunched lower, threading a thin cord of sinew into her patient's skin. He hissed and propped himself higher on elbows, trying to see.

"Be careful human."

"Take your own advice," her nose dropped closer to the wound. "I'm the one sewing your leg closed."

"I could regenerate without you."

"Not with giant flaps of muscle hanging to the floor," her fingers were steady as she stitched the gash together.

Bodies rushed around them, carrying towels and bloody bandages. Kagome and her charge were in a corner of the main hall and shouting voices created a steady din. In the past hour, Kagome had treated four of the nine injured hanyou and seen demons of every shape, size and race. There were men who flew like birds, crawled like spiders, called fire into their very palms, and could only speak telepathically. She had stopped counting how many took up the hall after fifty-three. Never had she seen so many youkai in one place.

Inu-Yasha had pointed her to Eiichi and then, with Miroku in tow, marched toward a long table covered in maps. She hadn't seen him since. The snake demon had compensated for his absence though, pelting her with oaths of the worst kind. The barrage had continued until she started swearing back with more volume and variety. Defeated, he'd fallen to silent brooding while she finished wrapping his bloody stump of arm. It hadn't gotten better from there.

"You're not embroidering woman," her latest patient snapped. "Finish up!"

Kagome ignored the kitsune. From the corner of her eye, she spotted his tail, half hidden under him, jerk at her latest pull.

"I'm not hurting you, am I?" She tugged the next stitch extra hard.

"Quit it!" Bushy bangs flopped over his forehead. "You did that on purpose!"

"Did not."

"I thought healers were supposed to be gentle!"

"I thought hanyou were supposed to be tough."

"Just do your job!"

"I can fix your leg," she pushed the sinew back in. "But there's no hope for your mouth."

"Funny," he blew bangs from his face. He paused a moment and she felt eyes on her. "Whose prize are you anyway?"

"No one's."

"I mean, who brought you in? Are you from Kanaka?"

Kagome glanced from her work. "I wasn't brought in. I was kidnapped. And I'm not from Kanaka. I was found there."

He arched curious brows. "You're pretty mouthy for a slave."

"Wrong on another count. Not a slave."

"How'd you get this way? Flippant I mean."

"Get this way?" Kagome finished tying the final knot. "You make it sound like I've caught some kind of affliction."

"It affects your mouth more than mine."

She straightened slowly, pressing tired fingers into the small of her back. "All done."

"Hey," he sat up, off his elbows. "What's your name?"

"I brought down your fever, bandaged an infected hand, and just shut your leg. You ask now?"

"You didn't ask mine."

"You winced every time I touched you. Like I was made of acid!"

He thrust out his good hand. "I'm Shippo."

"Kagome," she took the offered palm. His hand was smaller than Inu-Yasha's, but the grip was the same, tense with restrained strength. He was careful not to hurt her.

"What are you looking at?"

"Nothing," her eyes lifted from the light blonde fuzz of his arm. "How old are you?"

He grinned. "Forty-two."

"Young?"

"Very. I'm usually put in charge of the children," Shippo pushed against his knees and rose. Standing, he was taller than she thought. His pointed nose and chin cleared her hair. "That's why I went to defend the southern entrance. I rarely get to fight."

"I'd have never known," she ventured a smile. "You fared so well."

He shook his head, brushing away more bang. "I can see why you were picked up. You'd be desirable to most, if not for the sarcasm."

"Oh no. I better rush to stop. What do I have of value if not beauty?"

The kitsune chuckled. "It does give you charm though."

Kagome ducked her head, embarrassed that she had purposefully tried making him laugh.

"So tell me. Who's claimed you?"

Through the clamor and noise, someone coughed into their fist.

"I did," Inu-Yasha appeared from the crowd, holding a rolled map. "I should think it obvious since she wears my haori."

Shippo backed up, bowing slightly. "Inu-Yasha," he looked from Kagome's bare shoulders to the red around her middle. "Of course."

"And she's mine. Exclusively."

"I was just asking."

"I'm sure."

Kagome's smile dropped. "Don't talk like I'm not here."

"I'll talk how I want. And you'll speak when spoken to," Inu-Yasha said curtly. "Come with me. My men can handle the rest," he held out an expectant hand.

"I was going to tend the injury over there," she motioned to a hanyou cradling a bleeding head with four arms.

"Shippo can treat him," Inu-Yasha's fingers flexed in mid-air. "I won't ask again."

Kagome closed her mouth around further protest and took his hand. He squeezed with less self-control than usual and pulled her from the corner.

"Bye," she looked over her shoulder, sending apology into the word.

Shippo gave a small wave and strode for his multi-limbed comrade.

"What's your problem?" Kagome hurried to keep in stride, jostled on all sides by scale, fur and armor.

"Quiet."

Inu-Yasha braced an arm against the throng of the main hall, pushing and shoving a clear path. Approaching hanyou veered off at their leader's frown and they reached the hall's end in minutes. Kagome stared at four tunnels, diving in different directions, and turned to Inu-Yasha quizzically.

"Where are we going?"

"My chamber."

"Why?"

"For some privacy."

He started for the closest passage. She resisted.

"Why? I can still help here."

Inu-Yasha's frown darkened. "I think you've done enough," he tugged her arm.

Kagome dug heels into dirt, bracing weight against him. "What's this about? Have I done something wrong? Why do I suddenly need to leave?"

"'Suddenly'? I never wanted you here in the first place."

"But—."

"Kagome…," he whispered warning. "I told you it would be different."

She ignored his tone. "I didn't say I would be."

"Well you should," Inu-Yasha flicked his wrist, yanking her forward. "I lead these men. Don't make this hard."

Her free arm shot to his chest, blocking another jaw-crashing collision. Inu-Yasha winced as hand slammed deep into his wound. Between fingers, Kagome noticed blood beginning to spot the white layer he wore.

"You want me to heal your injury? That's why we're leaving?" Her palm drew back in dawning.

"What else?"

"I thought…," Kagome's face flushed.

"Don't think. You're no good at it."

She felt a group entering from the first tunnel stop and watch them. Spurred by their stare, Kagome rose to tip-toes and hissed low. "If I'm so incapable, why don't you get one of your men to treat you?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Inu-Yasha dispelled her discretion, booming loud. "I plan to have my way with you after."

"WHAT?"

"We'll start on the floor and end up against the wall."

The crowd jeered.

Kagome managed a choked sputter. Her blush spread to neck and ears. "Jerk!"

"Why are you surprised?" He spoke softer. "I have to be this way."

"What happened to not making me into a joke?"

"I'm not. This is expected practice."

"Some leader. Bound by his men's expectations."

"That's what makes me good. Why they follow."

"Why I don't."

"You will," Inu-Yasha pressed the heel of his hand into her shoulder, setting her feet flat. "If we don't get going, I'll be forced to grab some body part and comment on its firmness or heft for their benefit," amber eyes dropped to her chest meaningfully.

"I'd like to see you try."

"Bet you would."

Kagome's flush burned hot. "We're not really going to…?"

He rolled eyes. "Of course not," he bent to her ear. "I don't take what's not given."

"I'll never give."

"So be it. You still need to put on a show."

Kagome lifted chin. "I can do that."

Inu-Yasha grinned. "I know."

She raised fists, erupting in screech. "Get away from me! Don't TOUCH me!"

Inu-Yasha winced at the sudden volume. "Don't tell me what to do woman!" His snarl was only partly feigned.

"I'll do what I want! You can't order me around!"

The hanyou by the tunnel shifted closer, eyes wide at her gall.

"I can and will!" Inu-Yasha glanced to them, grabbing her elbow. "We're leaving!"

Kagome yelled louder, ripping free. "Drop dead! I'm not going anywhere, least of all your sheets!"

"Who says you'd get bed? You'll service me on your knees and like it!"

Kagome's mouth dropped. "WHAT!"

Inu-Yasha turned every shade of red.

"PIG!" Palm connected with cheek and her slap rang throughout the hall.

"Ow!"

"You'll get more! I bite worse than hanyou females! Not that you'd KNOW!"

"HEY!"

"On my knees?"

"IT CAME TO MIND!"

"A RARE EVENT!"

"Stop shrieking!"

"MAKE ME!"

Without warning, Inu-Yasha grabbed her waist and slung her roughly to shoulder. He threw on a smirk for the cluster of men. "I better test out those teeth."

They cheered, thrusting fists to the air.

"Go for it boss!"

"Teach the wench a lesson!"

"Pup her!"

Inu-Yasha rushed to the passage, taking stairs three-at-a-time. Once in darkness, he growled.

"Overdid it much?"

Kagome elbowed his face away. "When we get to your room I may actually bite you. No bed indeed!"

"Oh come on. I didn't mean it."

Kagome sulked from her roost. "At least I got to slap you."

"Your idea of foreplay?"

"Better than yours."

Inu-Yasha hurried through the tunnel, fighting down a smile. For all her trouble, the girl was proving fun.