OLD BLOOD

Disclaimer :: I still don't own Inuyasha. If I did I'd lock him in a room with his brother just for lols.

Here's the fourth chapter of OLD BLOOD, re-written from 4585 words to 5598. Checked for errors and tried to make it flow a little smoother.

So if you like the edits or have any opinions please do let me know, likewise if you're a new reader I'd love to know what you think and if you have any ideas on how to improve it and such.

For those of you who ARE new I hope you are enjoying the story, if you have any ideas let me now, I always love to hear people's views. Anyway reviews make the world go round and give me the muse for faster updates. Hehe. Enjoy~

Warnings ~ Will contain naughty words, sexy time and plenty of good old fashioned, sickening puppy love.

Chapter 05
Portals to her World

The Lord of the Western Lands

Sesshomaru turned his gaze away, as if he needed reminding as to whom the Miko belonged to. Even the suggestion of such a thing made his body feel dirty. Humans may be all well and fine for his filthy half-brother but this lord had taste and a much higher IQ. He tried for a moment to remind himself of their ages, they were both much younger than he was and as such trivial matters and possession was much more important to them. His reaction to a far superior male was completely natural for his life-span, though his maturity sadly didn't match, shortly after his woman turned her back the silly hanyou stuck his tongue out quite obviously to the lord. Of course Sesshomaru had seen it, even with his gaze focused in a different direction. Unlike his brother, however, Sesshomaru kept his dignity intact and made no motion to indicate he had even noticed the childish act.

Waiting until the two had gone inside Sesshomaru then rested his gaze lazily on the young girl and kit who were constantly darting from building to building. The Miko was right; Rin had really needed some time with other children her own age. The lord hadn't noticed it before, given that Rin was always so cheerful, but now that he could see, Rin had definitely wanted and needed attention like this. It crossed the Youkai's mind that perhaps Rin was better off here with his half-brother. Though they had been together for so long the lord doubted that he would be better off. Rin was important to him, more important than anything else the Lord had ever valued. She was weak, her blood was dirty. She was human but she was his human.

He rested his hand comfortably in his lap then closed his eyes, thinking of all the things that had come to pass since he met Rin and the Miko Kagome. It was strange to think of all the paths he could have chosen, all the different ways his life could have ended up.

In so few years so many things had changed, so many ways he had changed.

The Shikon Miko

Kagome sat opposite Inuyasha, divided by a small Kirara curled up by the fire. It was always pleasant when the gang had the chance to haul up inside with a meal other than fish, noodles or soup, even better when she could curl up at Inuyasha's side, like she had been only moments before. Miroku had thought he came in at a bad time so the two had reluctantly moved away before calling the monk back in. Rin was chattering quite excitedly to Shippo while they sat under a table, plotting new adventures and Sango seemed busy sorting through some clothes she had been given by Kaede. Kagome had never even thought of bringing Sango clothes before, there were plenty of old and new outfits in Kagome's wardrobe that she could have given her best friend. Well, she still could.

The group had been welcomed to spend a few days with Kaede who, as always, was more than willing to share her home with them. Kagome had repaid her kindness with help in the garden and a few odd tasks here and there, as did everyone else. Being here reminded Kagome of home, it was comfortable here and when she spent time helping it felt almost like time had stopped. Considering how much everyone loved being here Kagome really should have discussed a more permanent residence with Kaede, they had been offered before but that had been before Naraku's defeat, now they had few matters outside the occasional hunt that required their attention and though they all enjoyed travelling it was obvious they needed a place that was theirs and theirs alone. This was already home to them, why not make it a little more personal.

Standing up with a light yawn Kagome stretched, letting out an exaggerated aah.

"Well, I'm off for the night, I think I might head home now instead of waiting till morning."

"Aww, but you said you would take me tomorrow!" Rin exclaimed as she crawled out from under the table. Kagome smiled in response but it was Sango who spoke.

"Don't worry Rin, we still have three days, besides I think Kagome needs I night with just her and her family."

Rin nodded but still looked a little disappointed, a look Kagome couldn't stand. She'd just have to bring back some gifts, everyone loved gifts. She had plenty of old toys stored away and Kirara would be more than happy with a can of tune, it was just Miroku and Inuyasha she'd have to hunt around for, though she was sure she'd be able to think of something. They were just big kids anyway.

Stepping outside Kagome slid the door shut behind her and looked up at the star specked sky, it wasn't completely dark yet so she guessed it was about seven, if she hurried she could catch a second meal! Taking a determined step forward she was distracted as the door slid open again behind her and as she turned her eyes met the yellow of her lovers.

"Are you sure you're alright to go on your own?" he seemed honestly concerned.

"Of course, it's not that far. Besides you look tired."

"Hmph." He turned his nose up and headed back inside, though Kagome noticed him testing the air before he shut the door behind him, was he checking for something? Ugh that confusing dog, he had been acting so weird since the incident with Sesshomaru, the one that involved uncomfortable nudity. Well, the nudity part wasn't that bad. Sure Kagome was embarrassed but the lord was very handsome, if he wasn't so… Cold, Kagome might have been interested in him. Okay, scratch all of that, she did not, absolutely no way, just consider the Lord handsome.

After a short walk Kagome flopped herself down on the edge of the well, pulling her hair aside so the cool breeze could brush the back of her neck. She was so excited to go back and see her brother again! The only problem was how long it had been since she had seen them, her mum was probably worried sick. Maybe she should have brought Inuyasha and persuaded him to come with her. Mum always did have that soft-spot for him. Leaning back with a sigh she glanced up at the massive trees, comforted by their aura, but only briefly. Something else tickled against her Miko energies and with a silent intake of breath she became aware or something else.

There where voices.

"Don't you think you've been gone long enough? You have duties to attend to and quite frankly the other lords aren't impressed with your absence. Keep this up and you're likely to lose your lands!"The deep voice growled, the one that responded however was the familiar, emotionless tone Kagome knew only as Sesshomaru and she instantly relaxed, though she couldn't understand why.

"Don't come to me with threats, dragon. This Sesshomaru knows his duties and sitting in an office surrounded by fools isn't one of them."

"Then it is obvious you don't care at all about the peace between our lands!"

"Was such a thing suggested?" he replied flatly.

"Well, if you refuse to attend our meetings then yes, these are held so that we can keep this treaty, your constant absence is rubbing our kindness back in our faces! We are all sick of it!"

"What is so important that it requires this Sesshomaru's presence? This Sesshomaru doesn't plan on filling any seats to give council regarding the northern lands grandsons birthday. These meetings have no reason, Darhui. Wasted time and nothing more."

"Wasted time! You're the one chasing humans and ancient swords! What is so important that it requires your presence here!"

The sound of metal sliding from its sheath echoed through the area and Kagome cringed. The harsh voice was quiet for a time before it started again, much calmer than before.

"I assure you, this Lord is no longer your ally, should we meet again I will coat the earth with your blood."

The Lord of the Western Lands

He slid Tensaiga away and let his hand fall to his side, his amber eyes still focused on where the Southern Lord had disappeared into the forest. Sesshomaru would not be spoken to like a child, he had warned the Southern Lord many times yet he never learned. Now it seemed he had been given an excuse to cause trouble and Sesshomaru worried his home would be the foolish lord's first target.

Without moving his stone cold gaze Sesshomaru drew attention to the Miko who had been listening in.

"Do you often listen to conversations that do not concern you?"

"Oh!" She exclaimed, stepping over a bush to face the lord. "I'm sorry, I was passing by and I didn't know it was you at first." She blushed violently before continuing. "Are you ok? Is there a problem?"

Was Sesshomaru ok, well that really was the question wasn't it?

"It is none of your concern, Miko."

The sudden stench of mixed emotions that the lord couldn't put a name to had his poor nose burning as though he just sniffed pepper. It was probably why the next question took him off guard.

"Wait, what are you doing here? Did you come for Rin?"

He was quiet for a moment before he turned his gaze to the Miko, his long white hair settling in place just over his right eye, then tilted his head slightly. Was it truly her right to ask? True, there was no other reason that he should have been here but the lord wasn't ready to take back his ward just yet. She was happy here.

"Not yet Miko" he almost purred yet his expression didn't change in the slightest. Parting his lips ever so slightly he thought hard on what he would say next but nothing came to him. Gently his tongue snaked out to lick his lower lip before he turned back to where the Southern Lord had left his presence. Sesshomaru payed close attention to the sound of crunching grass and leaves as the Miko rather carelessly stumbled closer to him, why was she always so keen on knowing things that didn't involve her? It almost seemed that the less likely it was to include her, the more likely she would be about.

"Who was that?" She asked, standing beside the lord now and staring through the trees, attempting to see what had taken the lords attention.

"Darhui, Lord of the Southern Lands"

"Why was he so angry with you?"

Sesshomaru wasn't keen on answering that question either. Had he not said simply moments before that it was none of her concern?

"Were you not going somewhere, Miko?"

"Oh" she exclaimed, stepping back. "If I don't go soon everyone will be asleep! I've probably missed dinner already. Darn."

The Lord noticed she was speaking more to herself then to him as she quickly stumbled back the way she had come, he let her leave. Or rather, let her get ahead of him. After a minute he turned on his heal and followed after, unlike the human he made no noise and his pale figure seemed almost ghostlike as it moved with perfect grace in that dark of night.

When he slid around a particularly large tree he found himself standing before a very old well. Why would there be one so far out here? It seemed quite illogical really. Titling his head the Lord listened intently for the Miko's clumsy steps but all that greeted him was the noisy silence of night. He took a few steps closer to the well before listening again, nothing. Her scent flooded the area, the further from the well he moved, the dimmer the smell.

As a last resort he focused his Youkai energies, testing the air and the earth, startling poor creatures with the overwhelming discomfort his aura naturally expelled. There was nothing, not even a hint.

She had truly disappeared.

The Shikon Miko

Kagome stumbled over her own feet, several bags cradled in her arms went flying, two of the four went straight down the well to the Feudal Era.

"Oh I hope nothing broke." She whined, picking herself up off the ground and leaning on her brother's shoulder.

"It's your fault you're so clumsy."

"Hey!" She grumbled, crossing her arms and turning her back.

"What? It's true!" Souta laughed, gently putting down Kagome's old yellow bag, the only one she had been willing to let him carry.

Kagome had managed to catch dinner and ended up spending most of the night watching movies with her mum, she slept in for the first time in months then spent a further two hours gathering up quite a lot of her stuff. It was about eleven now and Kagome had finally decided to head back before Inuyasha started to worry. Dropping to her knees to scoop up some of the items that had fallen from her bag she let out a long, drawn out sigh. It really felt like she was moving out. Not that she had really lived at home before but this seemed to confirm what she didn't want confirmed.

"So how long before we see you again?" Souta asked, seeing the change in his sister attitude.

"Shouldn't be that long, I'll probably see you more often then I used to."

"Really?" he asked, suddenly much more cheerful.

"Really" Kagome replied with a kind laugh.

After a few more minute's the two managed to pile up Kagome's arms with the rest of her belonging's, those she was taking with her anyway, and she now sat rather uncomfortably on the edge of the well ready to slide off and fall into the Feudal Era. Sighing yet again she turned to her brother and gave him the biggest grin she could manage before opening her mouth slightly to say her goodbyes. At that exact moment she suddenly became aware of the cool orb nestled comfortably against her neck.

Swinging her legs back over the well she quickly placed her bags back down.

"What, did you forget something?" Souta asked as he caught hold of a teddy Kagome almost dropped.

"Yup, I forgot you." She replied quickly, flicking her hair forward and fumbling with the clasp to the Shikon Jewel. After a couple of seconds she removed the necklace and gestured for Souta to come closer.

"I want to try something, ok?" she said, pulling the thin chain around her brother's neck and clipping it together. He touched it gently, almost scared that his fingers were going to shatter it into a million pieces, before turning back to his sister with wide eyes.

"You mean I can come with you?"

"Maybe" Kagome replied "If you can I'll make sure you're able to spend the holidays with us, sound good?"

"Duh!" Souta laughed, already rather excited. Kagome really hoped this worked, now that she had built up the boy's expectations. She knew how badly he wanted to come see the Feudal Era and if this didn't turn out the way she planned he would be heartbroken. She only hoped that the incomplete shard would have no influence, of course she was much stronger now, as was the shard. If she wanted it to be so than chances were the shard would understand and assist in any way it could. It wasn't just a gem, Kagome could feel it. Living essence.

Helping him over the edge of the well Kagome decided to leave her bags behind until she found out if Souta could pass through, it would probably be easier. Besides she would probably need to head back and explain to her mum what had happened and make sure Souta was allowed to spend the day with her. Apparently it was Sunday so it meant he had school the next morning.

"Alright, grab my hand and we'll both jump at the same time."

"Won't we fall on your stuff?"

"Nah, it hit the other side of the well so I'm pretty sure it won't be in our way." Kagome laughed, blushing slightly as she remembered her trip earlier. "Just be careful, it's a long drop and I doubt mum would appreciate me bringing you home with a twisted ankle."

"Ouch…"

"Yup. Now, on the count of three ok, one, two, three!"

The Lord of the Western Lands

Holding the peculiar object between two long, delicate fingers the Lord sniffed it cautiously. It resembled a ningen female dressed in strange clothes similar to those the Miko often wore. It also stunk of the strangest things, mostly the Miko but also of thick smoke and strange foods. It was also rather dusty. Leaning against the wall of the well the Lord continued to examine the object for a short time and was quite shocked when one of the arms moved under his touch. He hadn't seen anything quite like it before besides the clay dolls many human children played with. This object, however, was made of something completely different. It was smaller and more physically accurate to a human female but everything seemed a little… exaggerated. Too perfect.

Another waft of the Miko's scent flooded the well but the Lord didn't have time to escape the sudden appearance of a staggering Miko who he caught with his singular arm. Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes considerably as another form became apparent in the far too small confinement of the bottom of the well. The two humans had just appeared out of nowhere.

"Oh my god!" Kagome gasped, pushing away from his chest and hurling herself into the younger male, knocking them both hard against the opposite wall. Though the two had distinctly different smells the underlining smell of their blood indicated they were, in fact, siblings, which surprised the Lord. No easy feat.

Leaning down Sesshomaru pulled the Miko back to her feet before holding his clawed hand to the boy, who quickly scrambled into the corner and covered his face. Ignoring this the Lord then righted himself and looked rather intently at his brother's mate, asking with his eyes for an explanation.

"Gees! You scared the living daylights out of me!" She yelled, waving her hands in the air for a moment before quickly helping her brother up, saying over and over similar lines that all seemed to indicate that Sesshomaru wasn't going to hurt them.

"Hn…" He mumbled, wasn't it the Miko who had suddenly appeared and startled him? Well, he had expected the Miko to suddenly be very near, from the sudden flooding of her scent but honestly? Even a demon couldn't have predicted that a young woman in a skirt was going to suddenly appear and fall against his chest. Not that he minded. And how could she be so sure he wasn't going to harm the boy? It certainly wasn't beyond his capabilities.

He watched them for a minute as they righted themselves and adjusted their clothing, the young male keeping a very close eye on him the entire time. Sesshomaru could smell fear and mistrust dripping off the boy like liquid, it offended his senses. If he wanted to harm this boy he would have done so long before now, wasn't it obvious that he was here on peaceful terms? Lately wasn't he always in the same situation?

"Don't worry Souta, this is Inuyasha's brother." Kagome said with a light giggle as she gave the boy a reassuring pat on the shoulder before looking around at all the objects that had been spilt across the floor of the well. After a few seconds she leant down and began packing the scattered contents of her bags.

"Wait, Sesshomaru?" He replied sounding nervous, with good reason.

"Yup"

"Doesn't he attack you? Like, all the time?"

Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes again and the boy flinched, that was fun…

"Nah, he's fine now, you don't need to worry." Kagome laughed, shooting the Lord a bright smile.

He certainly didn't return it, instead he lifted one of the large bags and pushed his form into a graceful leap right out of the well and onto the grass above, and he internally smirked at the Miko who was now complaining about him showing off how "awesome" he was. This Sesshomaru didn't need to show off, he was always… This… Awesome.

Sesshomaru had ended up lifting them both out of the well before springing elegantly onto a low hanging tree limb and settling himself down, his yellow eyes focused somewhere into the distance. Why did his brother's pack always make him act so different? Normally he wouldn't have even bothered assisting but for some unknown reason he had just lifted both the Miko and her brother like some sort of servant. This was why he refused to look at either of them, despite his curiosity. One might call it sulking, if they wanted a sword through their chest.

"Alright, I'll check with mum and grab the other bags, you'll be ok with Sesshomaru right?"

Wait, had she just indicated that this Sesshomaru would be taking care of the boy until her return? He turned his gaze instantly to the two but they were too busy talking to notice his sudden movements and likewise his distaste for the situation. After the exchange of a few short questions the Miko turned to the well, climbed up onto its rim then jumped down.

Didn't he just lift her out of there? His gaze snapped down to the boy, this Souta. Why was he looking at him so suspiciously.

"Hey, you're a lord right?" He asked, his expression and scent instantly becoming curious.

"Hn, Lord of the Western Lands" he turned his gaze away again to stare ahead of him, his silk soft hair framing his face and wrapping gently around his clawed fingers.

"What do you do? As a Lord I mean."

"This Sesshomaru does many things, none of which concern you."

The boy huffed but didn't ask any more questions, the two then sat perfectly silent for some time and as the minutes slowly crept on the Lord found that he almost like the boy. He couldn't have been much older than his ward, though he seemed a little smarter to the ways of the world, that and he didn't seem to want to say anything. This was odd, not that the Lord had a lot of experience with children…

Why was he even bothering to stay here anyway? Why did he bother assisting the Miko? Why did he bother waiting to assist her again?

Being around Inuyasha's pack, specifically being around the Miko, made Sesshomaru feel like… Perhaps he was welcome in a family. The way the Miko spoke to him, though it certainly didn't fit his station, was comforting. She spoke to him as an equal. This was something no one would dare attempt, simply because they had no right but being the woman of his brother gave her the right to ask things of him, and the Lord supposed that the odd position he found himself in made him want to offer things to her. He allowed her to speak to him as an equal because for the first time since he was a child someone had treated him like one. That wasn't quite a good thing for a Lord exactly, but she treated him kindly, fairly. She was open and friendly, she didn't hate him, fear him or disrespect him. She was… Equal.

He had always been excessively above or below. He was either feared and worshipped or expected to fear and worship. There was never the happy in-between. He was never given a chance to be kind or open. Rin was the first thing in his life that required him to serve by his own choice, he didn't have to bow his head to a higher demon but he did have to cook for her on occasion, keep her healthy and take care of her. Not because he was told to, because he chose to. This Miko reminded him of that, she chose to accept him despite all he had done. The way he behaved was not befitting of a lord, so she didn't treat him as one. It was befitting of a creature that had made mistakes and was forgiven. The Miko had forgiven him. The Lord owed her more than he had ever thought.

This was why he was so keen on always helping her. Maybe. No one ever confused him as much as she did…

After about twenty minutes the familiar Miko scent greeted him and he stood, the boy, as it turned out, hadn't moved an inch in the entire time they waited. Didn't humans need to move more often? Sesshomaru couldn't even recall seeing a human sit for more than a few minutes without fidgeting. Jumping from the tree the Lord made his way over to the well and jumped in, landing perfectly in front of the Miko who stood with a bag over each shoulder and in each hand.

"Oh, thanks again" she panted, handing him a bag though he reached down to grab the second as well. If he had his other limb he could have taken all four and the Miko in one trip but he didn't, he couldn't even get himself out of the habit of thinking 'if I still had my arm'.

Landing before her again he gently took the other two bags from her and allowed her to wrap her delicate arms around his neck; it was certainly an odd way of transporting another, though he rarely carried anyone… Maybe it wasn't so odd, just odd to him? Preparing to jump he hesitated for a moment, and turned his head only slightly to peer over his shoulder at the female, just to check, make sure he wouldn't drop her… Not that he cared.

Landing delicately on the grass above he allowed the Miko to let go and gather the bags from his arms before flinging one over her shoulders and passing the other to Souta, all up there were five, the yellow one she always carried being the smallest and the largest easily being triple the size and a dull grey colour. The lord chose to carry it and mimicked how the Miko put her arm through the strap, strangely enough this bag only had one, unlike the other bags that had two. Were there a lot of armless humans beyond her portal?

Sesshomaru had gathered it was some sort of human portal; it seemed obvious considering how different both she and her sibling were compared to the rest of the humans he had encountered. Especially considering how inappropriately the female dressed. He wondered what the Miko's world must be like, he had seen her write before, was she wealthy? She didn't dress wealthy, surely she was smart though?

Speaking of the Miko, or thinking… The moment the Miko picked up a second bag the Lord almost laughed internally, did she honestly think she would have the strength to carry it all the way back to the village? The three would be walking for an hour! With one quick unexpected movement he took it right from her hand, along with the one still on the ground and started walking, leaving the confused female running up beside him. Silly Ningen.

The Hanyou

"Inuyasha! Kagome's back! With… Sesshomaru and some kid…" Sango called from outside, Inuyasha jumped up from his spot beside the fire and instantly turned to the door, throwing it aside he stepped out into the harsh sunlight.

"Where?" he asked, looking to Sango and subtly testing the air with both his nose and ears. He picked up her scent long before Sango answered and was well on his way before she even had a chance to speak.

Why was that stupid, ugly brother of his always so close to his woman lately? Every time he left the blasted girl alone that wretched demon would attempt to sink his bloody claws into her! He growled under his breath and his ears fell back instinctually as he neared them, walking quickly with fangs peeking ever so dangerously from under his lips.

"What on earth is this?" He huffed, snatching a bag from his brother before rather gently removing the one from his woman's back and giving her a light sniff, only just resisting the urge to kiss her neck.

"Presents for the gang" Kagome giggled, waving at the young kit and girl who came sprinting up to greet them.

"Keh?" he gave Kagome an odd look, though he didn't mean to.

"Don't worry, you'll like yours." She said with a proud grin.

Like it? Of course he would like it! It was from her wasn't it? Only a fool wouldn't be happy with a gift from his woman. And he meant his woman. Turning his yellow eyes to his brother he let out a soft but threatening growl he knew only the filthy youkai would hear. He only just caught Rin bounding up before he turned back to Kagome who was snuggling her kit close to her.

"Everyone, this is Souta, my brother." She gestured to the young boy now huddled up behind her, clearly scarred of the massive group that had greeted them. Inuyasha liked Souta, Souta was also his. His pack, not Sesshomaru's.

"Greetings! I am Miroku and this lovely lady is Sango" the monk said, grinning widely at the boy. The kit introduced himself next, followed by Rin who was a little caught up between Kagome's return and her Lords return. Inuyasha liked Rin also, unfortunately Rin was not his. Though he was certainly happy to call her an extension of his pack.

"We have all heard so much about you, Souta." Sango said kindly.

"Yeah! Kagome is always talking about you!" Shippo chipped in, jumping down from Kagome's shoulder to beam up at the boy.

After several more minutes of introductions, Souta finally felt comfortable enough to step up beside Kagome and shoot everyone a shy smile before Kaede slowly ambled over. Inuyasha wasn't really interested in whatever she had to say, the woman always bored him. That and being around her brought up uncomfortable feelings that he would rather stay away from.

The Shikon Miko

Kagome had noticed the way Inuyasha was hovering awfully close, constantly touching her arm or running his fingers through her hair. It was all she could do to stop blushing, why was he acting so cuddly all of a sudden? Had he missed her that much? Resting her hand on Souta's shoulder she gave her brother a warm and encouraging smile.

"So ye must be Kagome's brother?"

"Yeah…" He replied, blushing.

"Well, It's certainly wonderful to have ye here, the Shikon played a part?" she asked, turning her gaze up to Kagome who waved her hand lightly.

"Yeah, I'll explain later."

"Well, I suppose ye would like to come get settled? No point yabbering on out here." She said, gesturing for the excited group to follow her. Souta was still very nervous and Kagome was having a hard time figuring out how she could help, that was until Inuyasha tripped rather abruptly and slid almost a foot forward on his front. Souta cracked up and was instantly by his side, helping the hanyou to his feet. Kagome on the other hand was becoming increasingly worried with Inuyasha's clumsiness. She gave Kaede a quizzical look over the small crowd and the frown she got in exchange didn't help any. Kagome guessed that she and Kaede would need to have a long talk later.