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Random Rants and Other Nonsense
Disclaimer #1: All characters belong to Takahashi Rumiko, unless otherwise noted.
Disclaimer #2: This is an unfinished fanfiction. I'm almost sure I'll never complete it.
Disclaimer #3: I take liberties with the events in this story. I haven't seen all the episodes of Inuyasha. I never read very far in the manga. So anything that doesn't strictly fit the anime storyline I apologize for.
Disclaimer #4: I apologize for all the unneeded Japanese terms. They were excessively used. Shame on me! I will try to translate them at the end of each chapter. I also apologize if the translation is wrong. XD
A semblance of peace had fallen over the Sengoku Jidai with the death of Naraku. For three years the wicked Hanyou had wrought havoc on Kaede’s village, always in search of Inuyasha and the Miko who could purify the Shikon no Tama. He’d sent many Youkai--extensions of himself--after the Inu-Hanyou and his companions. He’d plotted to turn the friends against each other. In the end, all his menacing backfired, making the group stronger and that much more intent on ridding the earth of him.
“Naraku!” Inuyasha snarled as he brandished his father’s fang, tip pointing at the dark castle in the distance. He stood with legs apart, keyed up and ready to spring when the evil half-demon emerged. His haori billowed in the wind, long sleeves slapping against his sides. His ears twitched as they sought out any sound that would betray Naraku’s proximity.
“Ahh, Inuyasha,” Naraku said as he descended a long set of steps and stopped to stand on the battlefield. He was wrapped in baboon pelts but the hood was tossed back. His hair fluttered around his face in the harsh breeze and his eyes glowed like rubies. Chuckling, he gazed at the people gathered around Inuyasha. “I see you’ve brought everyone. Good. You can watch them die slowly.”
Growling, Inuyasha shot off the ground, soaring through the sky as his silver hair caught the wind. In the waning sunlight those locks blazed, flowing around his face and over his shoulders. His body was lithe and powerful as he descended upon Naraku. He brought Tetsusaiga down in a wide arc and its tip caught its quarry across the chest.
Naraku danced backwards, laughing as he fingered the thin, bleeding wound. He flicked the blood away and taunted, “Is that the best you’ve got, Inuyasha? Killing you shall be easy.” Tentacles burst from his body as the words left his mouth.
Dodging quickly, Inuyasha retreated a few steps. He raised Tetsusaiga and cried, “Kaze no Kizu!” When the blade touched down the ground erupted in a blaze, splitting the earth as the power of the Windscar was released.
Sidestepping, Naraku cackled, casting his flailing limbs at the Inu-Hanyou. Inuyasha was impaled through the chest, blood and tentacles erupting from his back. His scream of pain and outrage shook the skies as thunder and rain descended upon the earth.
“Inuyasha!” Kagome cried, watching in horror as the man she loved was taken down. Frantically, she knocked an arrow into her bow and took aim at Naraku. As bright, purifying light engulfed the projectile Kagome let loose her grip. The arrow whizzed through the air, piercing the tentacle that held Inuyasha.
The Inu-Hanyou fell limply to the ground. Kagome started forward, arms outstretched as if to send all of her strength to Inuyasha. Strong arms gripped her and she turned, falling into Sango’s embrace. She fought for but a moment before collapsing against her friend.
“Kirara,” Sango called, drawing the attention of her beloved fire-cat. “Protect Kagome,” she ordered before turning to face the enemy. She swung Hiraikotsu above her head, releasing it with a quick jerk of the wrist. It flew through the air toward Naraku, who quickly stepped out of its path.
The brief distraction was enough, however. As Naraku watched Sango with undisguised hatred the most unlikely hero descended upon him, fan held wide and battle cry shouted.
“Fuujin no Mai!” Kagura shrieked as she watched deadly blades of wind pierce Naraku’s back. As her master tumbled to the ground she fell upon him, ripping at his throat with razor-like claws. A chunk of his flesh came away in her fingers and she cast it aside without another thought.
Naraku pushed himself away from the ground, throwing the Wind Sorceress backward. As she crashed to the dirt the Hanyou turned, his eyes blazing and his features distorted. Kagura had never seen Naraku so enraged and it thrilled her to no end that she could get such a reaction out of him.
Throwing her head back and laughing, Kagura cried, “Priestess!”
Spinning around, Naraku’s eyes fell upon the woman he’d killed over fifty years ago. Kikyou stood, calm and supreme, arrow knocked and ready to fly. She stared at Naraku for a moment, as if sizing up her prey. In one fluid motion she released the arrow. A smile, something so rare and unseen, lit up her face as Naraku fell dead, his body turning to ashes and flying away on the wind.
Three weeks had passed since the night they’d slain their greatest enemy. Inuyasha recovered from the terrible wound he’d received by way of Naraku’s tentacle. Miroku’s Kazaana vanished, as did the scar on Kagura’s back. Kikyou disappeared into the night without a word. Kohaku was released from Naraku’s control, only to die in Sango’s arms. Inuyasha exacted his revenge, fulfilling half of his promise to the Priestess he’d once loved.
In all those three weeks, Kagome had not found a spare moment to return home and share the news of the demon’s demise. She’d been busy tending to Inuyasha’s wounds and consoling Sango, who would openly weep in no one else’s company. She’d helped rebuild the village and replant crops which had been ruined by a hoard of Naraku’s lesser Youkai.
Kagome was kneeling down in the river washing dirt from her face when she was overcome by a strange, foreboding feeling. She turned back toward the shore to retrieve a towel and quickly dried her face. Stepping from the water she pressed a hand to her forehead, blocking out the harsh light from the sun.
“Inuyasha?” she called, searching the shore for any sign of the Hanyou.
“Yeah?” he asked as he dropped from a tree and landed, crouching beside the Miko. He didn’t like the strained look on her face or the dark shine in her eyes. Tilting his nose upward, he inhaled her scent. “You’re worried,” he said simply.
“Something is wrong,” Kagome said softly, screwing her fingers together.
“Like what? I don’t smell any Youkai.”
“No, no. It’s not that.” Trembling, Kagome closed her eyes as she tried to concentrate on the strange apprehension that gripped her heart. She shook her head when nothing came to her and forced a tight smile for Inuyasha. “It’s nothing. Just Shikon no Tama jitters, I guess.”
Inuyasha wasn’t convinced but he didn’t press her. “Come on,” he said, offering his hand. “Dinner’s ready.”
Staring in shock at Inuyasha’s outstretched claws, it took Kagome a moment to move. In all the three years she’d known the Hanyou she’d held his hand but a few times. Blinking, she cast Inuyasha a real smile as she slipped her hand into his.
“What’re we having?” Kagome asked.
Snorting, Inuyasha smelled the wind. “Fish.”
“Again?” Kagome sighed.
“Keh. Nothing wrong with that. What do you have against fish?”
Chuckling, Kagome answered, “Nothing really. Only, it’s not as good as Ramen.”
Inuyasha’s ears twitched as he looked at her. Grinning, he queried, “Got any?”
Shaking her head and giggling, Kagome said, “Sorry, dog-boy. I’m fresh out.”
“Keh.” Inuyasha scowled at the Miko for a moment before saying, “It’s not fair to tease.”
Snorting, Kagome released Inuyasha’s hand and ran for the village. She looked back once and laughed before calling, “But it’s so much fun!”
Inuyasha growled and short off after Kagome. She squealed as he landed upon her, knocking her to the ground. She rolled over on the grass and affected a glare for the Hanyou. Her breathe caught short in her lungs at the look he gave her.
Golden eyes devoured her, drinking in her beauty and innocence. They danced across her face lazily, glowing with an inner light as they settled on her lips. She watched in awe as Inuyasha’s mouth began to tremble, the corners turning up in a shy smile.
‘He’s going to kiss me.’ Kagome realized. ’I’ve waited so long for this. Why do I feel like he has the worst timing?’
Slowly, timidly Inuyasha brought his mouth down. His lips hovered millimeters above her own and he paused. Kagome waited, wondering if he’d actually take the next step. He seemed to be contemplating it when the girl in his arms twitched and choked out, “Otouto.”
Jerking to his feet, Inuyasha took a step backward. His brow furrowed in a look of confusion when he demanded, “Did you just call me little brother?”
“No,” Kagome whispered, panic thick and syrupy on her voice. “I have to go home, Inuyasha. Souta needs me.”
“What do you mean?” he asked carefully, uselessly trying to quell his raging hormones. “How do you know?”
“I’m not sure,” Kagome answered, sitting up and brushing grass from her skirt. “Something’s wrong. I can feel it.”
When Kagome began to tremble, Inuyasha squatted down and pulled her into his arms. He brushed a hand through her hair as he said, “It’s okay, Kagome. I’ll take you home.”
Sighing gratefully, Kagome allowed Inuyasha to help her to her feet. He turned toward the village, pausing to look back when she didn’t follow. “Your bag, Kagome,” he said in answer to her unvoiced question.
Twitching once more, Kagome shook her head. “No,” she gasped, “I have to go home right now.”
Nodding, Inuyasha grasped the girl and swung her up onto his back. She dug her hands into his haori as he sped through the forest and toward the Bone Eater’s Well. The bright sun and cool wind in Kagome’s face did nothing to quell her fear and worry. Something was terribly wrong and Souta needed her now.
Inuyasha didn’t pause as they came upon the well, but simply jumped through. Around them, the fabric of time split, allowing the human and the Hanyou to pass through to the future. When Inuyasha’s feet hit the earth, Kagome waited for him to spring up and out of the well. Instead he stood rigid, his ears twitching as his nose sought out some troubling odor.
“Stay here, Kagome,” Inuyasha ordered as his hand fell to the hilt of Tetsusaiga. He shot upward before the Miko had a chance to question him. He disappeared over the lip of the well and suddenly warm sunlight flooded the building. “Fuck.”
“Oh Kami,” Kagome whispered at Inuyasha’s sharp intake of breath and whispered curse. She fought against the ache in her heart which proclaimed that something was terribly wrong. Trembling, she reached for the ladder and began to ascend toward the surface.
Inuyasha’s head appeared and the look on his face froze Kagome’s heart. Horror, distress, confusion; all things that were a sign of grief to come. The Hanyou extended a hand to the girl and she clasped it warily. Inuyasha did not immediately pull her upward. Instead he closed his eyes and sucked in a deep breath.
“It’s bad, Kagome,” Inuyasha whispered.
“No,” Kagome choked in response. “What’s happened?”
Unable to form an answer, Inuyasha tugged Kagome over the lip of the well and pulled her into his embrace. When she struggled he pressed his hands to the small of her back and held her closer.
“Kagome,” he chanted softly. “Kagome...”
“Inuyasha, please...” she begged, grasping his haori in her hands and trembling. “Let me go. I need to see.”
Sighing, Inuyasha released Kagome. He took her hand in his own and gripped it tightly, as if such a small gesture could imbue her with some of his strength. Moving on legs that felt like lead, Inuyasha guided Kagome from the well house and onto the shrine grounds.
“Kami, no,” Kagome wept as she fell to her knees and gagged. Inuyasha knelt beside her, touching her face and her hair, wiping tears from her cheeks. He didn’t know how to comfort her, and watching her suffer hurt his heart.
The house was gone. In its place stood a pile of ruin. Even as they watched, charred ashes broke apart and blew away on the wind. A fire had gutted the whole structure, leaving nothing left untouched. The walls that still stood were scorched and crumbling. Glass lay scattered about, bits and pieces fussed together by blistering heat. Her room, Souta’s room, the kitchen, the living room; it was all gone. The stove and refrigerator had melted together, forming an unidentifiable mass of metal. In the living room, upholstery had been burned away, leaving nothing but the scarred ruins of springs and bolts. All of Kagome’s belongings, everything she’d ever owned, was gone like so much dust on the wind.
“Mama, Souta, Jichan,” Kagome whimpered. She pulled out of Inuyasha’s embrace to crawl on hands and knees toward the charred ruins that were her home. She waded through ashes and glass, oblivious to the wounds she inflicted upon herself.
Inuyasha gripped Kagome from behind, dragging her from the mess. She fought weakly, screaming and raging, weeping and gagging, begging and pleading that this all be a simple mistake. Inuyasha took her into his arms, rocking her gently and pressing kisses to her tear stained face.
“Inu... yasha...” Kagome gasped, pressing her face against his chest and shuddering. “I’ve got to find them. They can’t be... It’s not...”
“Kagome,” Inuyasha whispered, pressing his lips to her ear. “I need you to listen to me.”
Whimpering, Kagome pulled far enough away to look at Inuyasha. Brown eyes met gold, and she knew before he spoke what horrors lay ahead.
“They’re dead, Kagome,” Inuyasha choked, fighting back his own wave of sick emotion. “Your mother, Jichan... they’re gone.”
Screaming, Kagome lashed out at Inuyasha, weakly pummeling his chest with her fists. He sat there and took her abuse, willing to let her tear him apart if only it would quell her horrible, heartbreaking sobs.
“Take it back!” Kagome gasped, falling against Inuyasha and weeping. “You’re wrong... they’re not... not...”
“I’m so sorry, Kagome,” Inuyasha whispered, stroking her back and allowing her to cry.
“How do you know?” Kagome sobbed.
“The scent of death,” Inuyasha answered softly, pressing Kagome’s head against her shoulder. “It clings to the air.”
Choking and gagging, Kagome began to keen. Inuyasha flattened his ears against his head. Her grief was unbearable and he didn’t know how to comfort her.
“How long?” Kagome requested between sobs.
Instinctively, Inuyasha knew what she was asking. “I don’t know for sure. A few weeks.”
Struggling away from Inuyasha, Kagome rose on wobbly legs. “I have to know where they’re buried,” she choked. She took one stumbling step forward before her legs gave out and she was swept up into Inuyasha’s arms once more.
“Kagome,” Inuyasha whispered. “Kagome...”
Gasping for breath, Kagome choked out, “Mama... oh Kami no... not you... not Jichan... not my otouto.”
Struggling for the words to convey what he knew, Inuyasha said, “No. Not your otouto.”
Kagome twitched against him, her face turning up to his as she waited for him to go on. “Not Souta?”
“No. He’s still alive.”
Gripping handfuls of Inuyasha’s haori, Kagome begged, “Are you sure?”
“Yes,” Inuyasha answered softly, catching Kagome once more as she crumbled. “People came and took him away from here. He’s safe.”
“I have to find him,” Kagome cried. She tried to rise but her legs wouldn’t support her.
“Kagome,” Inuyasha breathed, gathering the wreck of a girl into his arms and cradling her to his chest. “He’s safe,” he reiterated, kissing her forehead and nuzzling her face with his nose. In one quick leap, they were safely concealed in the limbs of Goshinboku, away from prying eyes.
“Inuyasha,” Kagome moaned, trying to pull from his embrace. She was weakened by grief and finally collapsed against him.
“Shh,” Inuyasha whispered, his lips pressed into her hair. “Rest, Kagome. Sleep now. Your otouto will be safe.”
Whimpering, Kagome nodded. She pressed her face into Inuyasha’s haori and let her emotions take control. She wept and moaned in his arms, twitching and trembling, gasping and choking, until finally, thankfully, she closed her eyes and slept.
Inuyasha watched Kagome’s breathing slow and sighed when the scent of her tears began to abate. He couldn’t bear to see her in such pain. Her grief was a palpable thing. He could touch in, taste it, feel it deep in the marrow of his bones. The girl who’d stood tall in the face of the nastiest Youkai, stared down Naraku without flinching and stepped between an angry Hanyou and his brother lay broken and wounded in his arms.
‘I’ll protect you, Kagome.’ He vowed. ‘I’ll do everything in my power to relieve your pain. I’ll go to the ends of the earth to see you smile one more time.’
~*~*~*~
When Kagome awoke, nestled in the safe embrace of the man she loved, she broke down once more. She clung tightly to Inuyasha, as if afraid that letting him go would mean she’d lose him. He did his best to sooth her, but always felt that he came up short. Ridding the world of Naraku had been so much easier than what he faced now. Kagome was brokenhearted and he wanted desperately to ease her pain.
“Otouto,” Kagome wept. “Inuyasha, I have to find Souta.”
Slipping from the tree with the Miko in his arms, Inuyasha alit on the ground and turned to survey the shrine. The cloying, acrid scent of charred wood was overwhelming and he feared he would not be able to track Souta. With Kagome clinging tightly to him, Inuyasha turned away from the ruins and bounded down the shrine steps that led to the street.
“Kagome,” Inuyasha whispered, nuzzling her ear with his nose. “Look.”
Slowly, Kagome opened her eyes and turned her head. She gasped weakly and wiggled in Inuyasha’s arms. He sat her down on the sidewalk and watched curiously as a minuscule smile tugged at Kagome’s lips.
Flowers, cards, stuffed animals and other small mementos lined the sidewalk and the bottom half of the shrine stairs. Candles, melted down to tiny nubs of wax were everywhere. Bouquets of roses, lilies and a plethora of other flowers had been left as an offering, a blessing to send two greatly admired people safely on to the next world.
Sighing, Kagome knelt down and collected a stuffed bear, hugging it tightly against her chest. She wiped a stray tear from her cheek as she surveyed the piles of flowers and cards people had left. Trembling, she pressed the back of her hand to her mouth, trying to stave off sobs.
“Souta has been here recently,” Inuyasha said softly, crouching down to touch Kagome’s hair. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her brow.
“Can you find him?” Kagome asked weakly.
“Yes, his scent is still fresh.”
“Take me to him, Inuyasha,” Kagome implored. Standing, the Hanyou nodded. He pulled Kagome onto his back and darted off in the direction of Souta’s scent.
~*~*~*~
For three weeks the child cried himself to sleep. For three weeks he woke up calling out for ‘Mama’ and ‘Jichan’. He barely ate, taking only what nourishment was required to keep his strength. He was a grief stricken little boy, left alone to suffer in a world that had stripped him of his home and family.
He wandered aimlessly, never staying in one spot long enough to rest. His tears fell ceaselessly, his body twitched and trembled with every step he took. It was heartbreaking to look at him as he wept and moaned, most painfully so when he cried out for “oneesan.”
No one had seen hide nor hair of his sister in many weeks. Though the firefighters and rescue workers had not found a trace of her body in the ruins of her home, it was believed that she had perished with her mother and grandfather. The boy, however, refused to accept that. When they could get him to speak, which wasn’t often, he continually repeated, “Well. Oneesan. Inuyasha-sama.”
They did not understand his words. He was a little boy lost, without a family to return to. He had no one left. They’d agreed to take him in until proper placement within the foster care system was found. They had great respect for the old man who cared for the shrine and they honored him the only way they could.
He’d had another dream filled night, waking up with a single word on his lips: “Oneesan.” They tried to explain to him that his sister could not come, but he only cried harder.
Yesterday they’d taken him to the shrine and allowed him to lay flowers on the steps. He wanted to see the house once more, but they would not let him. A little boy should not be made to suffer such things. He had seen his home burned, had tried to save them, but he’d been held back.
‘I failed them.’ They had but to look into his eyes to see that this is what he felt. He hadn’t been able to pull him mother or his grandfather from the burning house. They tried to assure him that there was nothing he could do, but their words did not even scratch the surface of his misery.
They could not bear to see him suffer, but they knew not what to do to heal his heart. They simply let him have his time. He would find strength to go on when he was ready to say goodbye.
~*~*~*~
“Oneesan!”
“Souta, what is it?” Murazawa Akina asked as she set aside a sock she’d been darning. She rose to her feet as the boy stumbled toward the door. Her hand fluttered to his shoulder as a soft sigh escaped her lips.
“Oneesan!” Souta repeated as he wrenched the door open and dashed outside. He was halfway down the block when Akina made it through the door. She pressed a hand to her brow, squinting against sharp rays of sun. A single gasp escaped her lips as a tear streaked down her cheek.
“Otouto!” Kagome cried, falling to her knees and wrapping her arms around Souta. She held him tight as he sobbed and hiccupped.
“Oneesan, you came,” Souta wept, clinging to his sister with every bit of strength he possessed. He touched her face with a shaky hand, tracing her eyes and nose as if he needed to ascertain that she was real.
“Otouto,” Kagome breathed, relief making her weak in the knees. “My otouto. I’m so sorry. I should have been here. I should have known sooner. I left you alone to suffer. Forgive me.”
“Oh, oneesan,” Souta choked. “Mama... Jichan...”
“I know, baby,” Kagome whispered, kissing Souta’s forehead and holding him close.
“I thought...” Choking, Souta forced himself to continue. “I thought something terrible had happened to you... you’ve been gone so long.”
“I’m so sorry, Souta. If I had known...”
“It’s okay,” Souta whimpered. “You came back.”
Stiffening, Kagome looked up when Akina approached. A low growl escaped her throat, and she clung tighter to Souta. Unconsciously, she was mimicking the very sound Inuyasha made when he felt she was in danger.
The Hanyou, hearing Kagome’s distress and low warning, stepped up behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders. He watched the strange woman warily, prepared to haul brother and sister onto his back and make a quick escape. He saw the woman was no threat, however, when she knelt down beside Kagome and touched her face.
“Kagome,” Akina said, slowly brushing hair away from the girl’s face. She forced a tight smile before she continued. “I’m so sorry for your loss. Please, come inside and sit for a while. There are things we must discuss.”
When Kagome looked up at Inuyasha, Akina added, “Your friend may come, also.” The woman tilted her head to the side as she surveyed the strange young man. His hair was silver and hung to his waist. He wore a baseball cap and a strange, ancient looking red haori.
Finally, Kagome loosened her hold on Souta, though she did not let go. She rose to her feet and clutched Souta’s hand as they followed Akina into the house. Inuyasha lingered by Kagome’s side, standing next to the couch where she and Souta sat. He cast her a single look before staring around the room. ’Say the word and I’ll take you two away,’ he silently conveyed.
Nodding gratefully, Kagome turned to look at Akina. Slowly and with calm deliberation, she said, “Thank you for taking care of Souta. I’ve come to take him home.”
Eyes widening in confusion and concern, Akina replied, “Take him home? Kagome, dear, your home is gone.”
“I know,” the Miko snapped, tightening her hold on her brother as she watched Akina with unconcealed suspicion.
“Surely you understand that I can’t simply let you take Souta. You have no where to stay. You have no money to support him. A permanent home is being found for him as we speak.”
“He has a permanent home,” Kagome grated, fear making her scent spike. Inuyasha grasped her shoulder and stared down at her. She shook her head once, before turning back to Akina. “His home is with me.”
“Kagome, dear, let me make a few phone calls. There are people that are worried about you. The police have you listed as a missing person. They need to be informed that...” Before Akina could finish Kagome had lunged to her feet and pulled Souta tightly to her chest.
“No!” she hissed. Inuyasha’s grip on her shoulder tightened as her scent transformed from fear to anger and outrage. “I won’t let you take my brother from me!”
Akina cast her a placating gesture, but continued toward the phone. As her fingers descended on the handset, Kagome said one word.
“Inuyasha.”
There was a crash as the front door was thrown open with enough force to bury the knob into the wall. Akina turned in time to catch a glimpse of a leg clad in red, then that too was gone. Shaking her head, she picked up the phone and dialed.
~*~*~*~
They took refuge in the forest behind the shrine, hidden from view in the great boughs of a tree. Kagome leaned back into Inuyasha’s chest and pulled Souta against her own. Together they wept, gasping nonsense words and trying to console each other. After their tears were shed, Kagome and Souta fell asleep cuddled against each other.
Inuyasha watched them for a while, confusion and worry marring his face. ’What can I do?’ he thought dejectedly. ‘They’re suffering so much.’
“I just wish I could help them.”
In the instant that the thought was voiced, Kagome began to glow. Inuyasha stared in awe and fear as the jewel around her neck pulsed once, twice, three times. The pink light that shown so brightly every time the Shikon no Tama was in Kagome’s presence began to wane. In a panic, Inuyasha clutched at the jewel. It crumbled to dust in his fingers.
“Inuyasha,” a soft, soothing voice whispered.
“Midoriko,” the Hanyou gasped as he stared up at the Miko who’d been contained in the jewel for so many centuries. She hovered above Kagome and Souta, a soft expression on her face. Pink light glowed around her as she reached down and placed a hand on the Hanyou’s forehead.
“You wish to ease their pain,” Midoriko said.
Inuyasha could not find the words to articulate all he wanted to do for the girl in his arms and the brother she cherished. Instead, he simply nodded.
“Very well,” Midoriko whispered. “For your pure, untainted wish, I have been set free. I will grant you what it is you desire.” As the ancient Miko faded, soft pink light ebbed from her body, capturing and engulfing the Hanyou and the humans. It flowed around them as it faded, easing some of the sorrow from Kagome and Souta’s faces.
A final whisper, a thought sent from Miko to Hanyou, and Midoriko was gone. ’Take them home, Inuyasha.’
Instinctively, he knew what he must do to finalize the wish. Jumping from the tree with Kagome and Souta grasped tightly in his arms he slipped through the forest and back toward the shrine.
The well house was alive with light. The entire structure glowed with soft Miko power, a final gift from Midoriko. Slipping inside, Inuyasha stared in wonder at the well. It throbbed with pink light, waxing and waning on the soft breeze that slithered in from outside.
‘There’s no coming back, Kagome,’ Inuyasha thought. ’I hope this is what you want.’
Gripping the Miko and her brother tightly, Inuyasha stepped over the lip of the well. Together the three fell through time and space, through a portal that had brought Kagome to his side three years before. Time rolled back as they fell, soft blue light pulsating around them as the well used its last bit of power to pull them through.
When his feet hit the ground, Inuyasha shot upward and out of the well. He landed in the grass and gasped when Sango, Miroku and Shippou came running through the trees. He smiled softly and closed his eyes, silently thanking Midoriko for her gift.
‘Home.’
Disclaimer #3: I take liberties with the events in this story. I haven't seen all the episodes of Inuyasha. I never read very far in the manga. So anything that doesn't strictly fit the anime storyline I apologize for.
Disclaimer #4: I apologize for all the unneeded Japanese terms. They were excessively used. Shame on me! I will try to translate them at the end of each chapter. I also apologize if the translation is wrong. XD
Redemption
an Inuyasha Fanfiction
an Inuyasha Fanfiction
by PitchforkPrincess
Chapter One - The Scent of Death
A semblance of peace had fallen over the Sengoku Jidai with the death of Naraku. For three years the wicked Hanyou had wrought havoc on Kaede’s village, always in search of Inuyasha and the Miko who could purify the Shikon no Tama. He’d sent many Youkai--extensions of himself--after the Inu-Hanyou and his companions. He’d plotted to turn the friends against each other. In the end, all his menacing backfired, making the group stronger and that much more intent on ridding the earth of him.
+ + +
“Naraku!” Inuyasha snarled as he brandished his father’s fang, tip pointing at the dark castle in the distance. He stood with legs apart, keyed up and ready to spring when the evil half-demon emerged. His haori billowed in the wind, long sleeves slapping against his sides. His ears twitched as they sought out any sound that would betray Naraku’s proximity.
“Ahh, Inuyasha,” Naraku said as he descended a long set of steps and stopped to stand on the battlefield. He was wrapped in baboon pelts but the hood was tossed back. His hair fluttered around his face in the harsh breeze and his eyes glowed like rubies. Chuckling, he gazed at the people gathered around Inuyasha. “I see you’ve brought everyone. Good. You can watch them die slowly.”
Growling, Inuyasha shot off the ground, soaring through the sky as his silver hair caught the wind. In the waning sunlight those locks blazed, flowing around his face and over his shoulders. His body was lithe and powerful as he descended upon Naraku. He brought Tetsusaiga down in a wide arc and its tip caught its quarry across the chest.
Naraku danced backwards, laughing as he fingered the thin, bleeding wound. He flicked the blood away and taunted, “Is that the best you’ve got, Inuyasha? Killing you shall be easy.” Tentacles burst from his body as the words left his mouth.
Dodging quickly, Inuyasha retreated a few steps. He raised Tetsusaiga and cried, “Kaze no Kizu!” When the blade touched down the ground erupted in a blaze, splitting the earth as the power of the Windscar was released.
Sidestepping, Naraku cackled, casting his flailing limbs at the Inu-Hanyou. Inuyasha was impaled through the chest, blood and tentacles erupting from his back. His scream of pain and outrage shook the skies as thunder and rain descended upon the earth.
“Inuyasha!” Kagome cried, watching in horror as the man she loved was taken down. Frantically, she knocked an arrow into her bow and took aim at Naraku. As bright, purifying light engulfed the projectile Kagome let loose her grip. The arrow whizzed through the air, piercing the tentacle that held Inuyasha.
The Inu-Hanyou fell limply to the ground. Kagome started forward, arms outstretched as if to send all of her strength to Inuyasha. Strong arms gripped her and she turned, falling into Sango’s embrace. She fought for but a moment before collapsing against her friend.
“Kirara,” Sango called, drawing the attention of her beloved fire-cat. “Protect Kagome,” she ordered before turning to face the enemy. She swung Hiraikotsu above her head, releasing it with a quick jerk of the wrist. It flew through the air toward Naraku, who quickly stepped out of its path.
The brief distraction was enough, however. As Naraku watched Sango with undisguised hatred the most unlikely hero descended upon him, fan held wide and battle cry shouted.
“Fuujin no Mai!” Kagura shrieked as she watched deadly blades of wind pierce Naraku’s back. As her master tumbled to the ground she fell upon him, ripping at his throat with razor-like claws. A chunk of his flesh came away in her fingers and she cast it aside without another thought.
Naraku pushed himself away from the ground, throwing the Wind Sorceress backward. As she crashed to the dirt the Hanyou turned, his eyes blazing and his features distorted. Kagura had never seen Naraku so enraged and it thrilled her to no end that she could get such a reaction out of him.
Throwing her head back and laughing, Kagura cried, “Priestess!”
Spinning around, Naraku’s eyes fell upon the woman he’d killed over fifty years ago. Kikyou stood, calm and supreme, arrow knocked and ready to fly. She stared at Naraku for a moment, as if sizing up her prey. In one fluid motion she released the arrow. A smile, something so rare and unseen, lit up her face as Naraku fell dead, his body turning to ashes and flying away on the wind.
+ + +
Three weeks had passed since the night they’d slain their greatest enemy. Inuyasha recovered from the terrible wound he’d received by way of Naraku’s tentacle. Miroku’s Kazaana vanished, as did the scar on Kagura’s back. Kikyou disappeared into the night without a word. Kohaku was released from Naraku’s control, only to die in Sango’s arms. Inuyasha exacted his revenge, fulfilling half of his promise to the Priestess he’d once loved.
In all those three weeks, Kagome had not found a spare moment to return home and share the news of the demon’s demise. She’d been busy tending to Inuyasha’s wounds and consoling Sango, who would openly weep in no one else’s company. She’d helped rebuild the village and replant crops which had been ruined by a hoard of Naraku’s lesser Youkai.
Kagome was kneeling down in the river washing dirt from her face when she was overcome by a strange, foreboding feeling. She turned back toward the shore to retrieve a towel and quickly dried her face. Stepping from the water she pressed a hand to her forehead, blocking out the harsh light from the sun.
“Inuyasha?” she called, searching the shore for any sign of the Hanyou.
“Yeah?” he asked as he dropped from a tree and landed, crouching beside the Miko. He didn’t like the strained look on her face or the dark shine in her eyes. Tilting his nose upward, he inhaled her scent. “You’re worried,” he said simply.
“Something is wrong,” Kagome said softly, screwing her fingers together.
“Like what? I don’t smell any Youkai.”
“No, no. It’s not that.” Trembling, Kagome closed her eyes as she tried to concentrate on the strange apprehension that gripped her heart. She shook her head when nothing came to her and forced a tight smile for Inuyasha. “It’s nothing. Just Shikon no Tama jitters, I guess.”
Inuyasha wasn’t convinced but he didn’t press her. “Come on,” he said, offering his hand. “Dinner’s ready.”
Staring in shock at Inuyasha’s outstretched claws, it took Kagome a moment to move. In all the three years she’d known the Hanyou she’d held his hand but a few times. Blinking, she cast Inuyasha a real smile as she slipped her hand into his.
“What’re we having?” Kagome asked.
Snorting, Inuyasha smelled the wind. “Fish.”
“Again?” Kagome sighed.
“Keh. Nothing wrong with that. What do you have against fish?”
Chuckling, Kagome answered, “Nothing really. Only, it’s not as good as Ramen.”
Inuyasha’s ears twitched as he looked at her. Grinning, he queried, “Got any?”
Shaking her head and giggling, Kagome said, “Sorry, dog-boy. I’m fresh out.”
“Keh.” Inuyasha scowled at the Miko for a moment before saying, “It’s not fair to tease.”
Snorting, Kagome released Inuyasha’s hand and ran for the village. She looked back once and laughed before calling, “But it’s so much fun!”
Inuyasha growled and short off after Kagome. She squealed as he landed upon her, knocking her to the ground. She rolled over on the grass and affected a glare for the Hanyou. Her breathe caught short in her lungs at the look he gave her.
Golden eyes devoured her, drinking in her beauty and innocence. They danced across her face lazily, glowing with an inner light as they settled on her lips. She watched in awe as Inuyasha’s mouth began to tremble, the corners turning up in a shy smile.
‘He’s going to kiss me.’ Kagome realized. ’I’ve waited so long for this. Why do I feel like he has the worst timing?’
Slowly, timidly Inuyasha brought his mouth down. His lips hovered millimeters above her own and he paused. Kagome waited, wondering if he’d actually take the next step. He seemed to be contemplating it when the girl in his arms twitched and choked out, “Otouto.”
Jerking to his feet, Inuyasha took a step backward. His brow furrowed in a look of confusion when he demanded, “Did you just call me little brother?”
“No,” Kagome whispered, panic thick and syrupy on her voice. “I have to go home, Inuyasha. Souta needs me.”
“What do you mean?” he asked carefully, uselessly trying to quell his raging hormones. “How do you know?”
“I’m not sure,” Kagome answered, sitting up and brushing grass from her skirt. “Something’s wrong. I can feel it.”
When Kagome began to tremble, Inuyasha squatted down and pulled her into his arms. He brushed a hand through her hair as he said, “It’s okay, Kagome. I’ll take you home.”
Sighing gratefully, Kagome allowed Inuyasha to help her to her feet. He turned toward the village, pausing to look back when she didn’t follow. “Your bag, Kagome,” he said in answer to her unvoiced question.
Twitching once more, Kagome shook her head. “No,” she gasped, “I have to go home right now.”
Nodding, Inuyasha grasped the girl and swung her up onto his back. She dug her hands into his haori as he sped through the forest and toward the Bone Eater’s Well. The bright sun and cool wind in Kagome’s face did nothing to quell her fear and worry. Something was terribly wrong and Souta needed her now.
Inuyasha didn’t pause as they came upon the well, but simply jumped through. Around them, the fabric of time split, allowing the human and the Hanyou to pass through to the future. When Inuyasha’s feet hit the earth, Kagome waited for him to spring up and out of the well. Instead he stood rigid, his ears twitching as his nose sought out some troubling odor.
“Stay here, Kagome,” Inuyasha ordered as his hand fell to the hilt of Tetsusaiga. He shot upward before the Miko had a chance to question him. He disappeared over the lip of the well and suddenly warm sunlight flooded the building. “Fuck.”
“Oh Kami,” Kagome whispered at Inuyasha’s sharp intake of breath and whispered curse. She fought against the ache in her heart which proclaimed that something was terribly wrong. Trembling, she reached for the ladder and began to ascend toward the surface.
Inuyasha’s head appeared and the look on his face froze Kagome’s heart. Horror, distress, confusion; all things that were a sign of grief to come. The Hanyou extended a hand to the girl and she clasped it warily. Inuyasha did not immediately pull her upward. Instead he closed his eyes and sucked in a deep breath.
“It’s bad, Kagome,” Inuyasha whispered.
“No,” Kagome choked in response. “What’s happened?”
Unable to form an answer, Inuyasha tugged Kagome over the lip of the well and pulled her into his embrace. When she struggled he pressed his hands to the small of her back and held her closer.
“Kagome,” he chanted softly. “Kagome...”
“Inuyasha, please...” she begged, grasping his haori in her hands and trembling. “Let me go. I need to see.”
Sighing, Inuyasha released Kagome. He took her hand in his own and gripped it tightly, as if such a small gesture could imbue her with some of his strength. Moving on legs that felt like lead, Inuyasha guided Kagome from the well house and onto the shrine grounds.
“Kami, no,” Kagome wept as she fell to her knees and gagged. Inuyasha knelt beside her, touching her face and her hair, wiping tears from her cheeks. He didn’t know how to comfort her, and watching her suffer hurt his heart.
The house was gone. In its place stood a pile of ruin. Even as they watched, charred ashes broke apart and blew away on the wind. A fire had gutted the whole structure, leaving nothing left untouched. The walls that still stood were scorched and crumbling. Glass lay scattered about, bits and pieces fussed together by blistering heat. Her room, Souta’s room, the kitchen, the living room; it was all gone. The stove and refrigerator had melted together, forming an unidentifiable mass of metal. In the living room, upholstery had been burned away, leaving nothing but the scarred ruins of springs and bolts. All of Kagome’s belongings, everything she’d ever owned, was gone like so much dust on the wind.
“Mama, Souta, Jichan,” Kagome whimpered. She pulled out of Inuyasha’s embrace to crawl on hands and knees toward the charred ruins that were her home. She waded through ashes and glass, oblivious to the wounds she inflicted upon herself.
Inuyasha gripped Kagome from behind, dragging her from the mess. She fought weakly, screaming and raging, weeping and gagging, begging and pleading that this all be a simple mistake. Inuyasha took her into his arms, rocking her gently and pressing kisses to her tear stained face.
“Inu... yasha...” Kagome gasped, pressing her face against his chest and shuddering. “I’ve got to find them. They can’t be... It’s not...”
“Kagome,” Inuyasha whispered, pressing his lips to her ear. “I need you to listen to me.”
Whimpering, Kagome pulled far enough away to look at Inuyasha. Brown eyes met gold, and she knew before he spoke what horrors lay ahead.
“They’re dead, Kagome,” Inuyasha choked, fighting back his own wave of sick emotion. “Your mother, Jichan... they’re gone.”
Screaming, Kagome lashed out at Inuyasha, weakly pummeling his chest with her fists. He sat there and took her abuse, willing to let her tear him apart if only it would quell her horrible, heartbreaking sobs.
“Take it back!” Kagome gasped, falling against Inuyasha and weeping. “You’re wrong... they’re not... not...”
“I’m so sorry, Kagome,” Inuyasha whispered, stroking her back and allowing her to cry.
“How do you know?” Kagome sobbed.
“The scent of death,” Inuyasha answered softly, pressing Kagome’s head against her shoulder. “It clings to the air.”
Choking and gagging, Kagome began to keen. Inuyasha flattened his ears against his head. Her grief was unbearable and he didn’t know how to comfort her.
“How long?” Kagome requested between sobs.
Instinctively, Inuyasha knew what she was asking. “I don’t know for sure. A few weeks.”
Struggling away from Inuyasha, Kagome rose on wobbly legs. “I have to know where they’re buried,” she choked. She took one stumbling step forward before her legs gave out and she was swept up into Inuyasha’s arms once more.
“Kagome,” Inuyasha whispered. “Kagome...”
Gasping for breath, Kagome choked out, “Mama... oh Kami no... not you... not Jichan... not my otouto.”
Struggling for the words to convey what he knew, Inuyasha said, “No. Not your otouto.”
Kagome twitched against him, her face turning up to his as she waited for him to go on. “Not Souta?”
“No. He’s still alive.”
Gripping handfuls of Inuyasha’s haori, Kagome begged, “Are you sure?”
“Yes,” Inuyasha answered softly, catching Kagome once more as she crumbled. “People came and took him away from here. He’s safe.”
“I have to find him,” Kagome cried. She tried to rise but her legs wouldn’t support her.
“Kagome,” Inuyasha breathed, gathering the wreck of a girl into his arms and cradling her to his chest. “He’s safe,” he reiterated, kissing her forehead and nuzzling her face with his nose. In one quick leap, they were safely concealed in the limbs of Goshinboku, away from prying eyes.
“Inuyasha,” Kagome moaned, trying to pull from his embrace. She was weakened by grief and finally collapsed against him.
“Shh,” Inuyasha whispered, his lips pressed into her hair. “Rest, Kagome. Sleep now. Your otouto will be safe.”
Whimpering, Kagome nodded. She pressed her face into Inuyasha’s haori and let her emotions take control. She wept and moaned in his arms, twitching and trembling, gasping and choking, until finally, thankfully, she closed her eyes and slept.
Inuyasha watched Kagome’s breathing slow and sighed when the scent of her tears began to abate. He couldn’t bear to see her in such pain. Her grief was a palpable thing. He could touch in, taste it, feel it deep in the marrow of his bones. The girl who’d stood tall in the face of the nastiest Youkai, stared down Naraku without flinching and stepped between an angry Hanyou and his brother lay broken and wounded in his arms.
‘I’ll protect you, Kagome.’ He vowed. ‘I’ll do everything in my power to relieve your pain. I’ll go to the ends of the earth to see you smile one more time.’
~*~*~*~
When Kagome awoke, nestled in the safe embrace of the man she loved, she broke down once more. She clung tightly to Inuyasha, as if afraid that letting him go would mean she’d lose him. He did his best to sooth her, but always felt that he came up short. Ridding the world of Naraku had been so much easier than what he faced now. Kagome was brokenhearted and he wanted desperately to ease her pain.
“Otouto,” Kagome wept. “Inuyasha, I have to find Souta.”
Slipping from the tree with the Miko in his arms, Inuyasha alit on the ground and turned to survey the shrine. The cloying, acrid scent of charred wood was overwhelming and he feared he would not be able to track Souta. With Kagome clinging tightly to him, Inuyasha turned away from the ruins and bounded down the shrine steps that led to the street.
“Kagome,” Inuyasha whispered, nuzzling her ear with his nose. “Look.”
Slowly, Kagome opened her eyes and turned her head. She gasped weakly and wiggled in Inuyasha’s arms. He sat her down on the sidewalk and watched curiously as a minuscule smile tugged at Kagome’s lips.
Flowers, cards, stuffed animals and other small mementos lined the sidewalk and the bottom half of the shrine stairs. Candles, melted down to tiny nubs of wax were everywhere. Bouquets of roses, lilies and a plethora of other flowers had been left as an offering, a blessing to send two greatly admired people safely on to the next world.
Sighing, Kagome knelt down and collected a stuffed bear, hugging it tightly against her chest. She wiped a stray tear from her cheek as she surveyed the piles of flowers and cards people had left. Trembling, she pressed the back of her hand to her mouth, trying to stave off sobs.
“Souta has been here recently,” Inuyasha said softly, crouching down to touch Kagome’s hair. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her brow.
“Can you find him?” Kagome asked weakly.
“Yes, his scent is still fresh.”
“Take me to him, Inuyasha,” Kagome implored. Standing, the Hanyou nodded. He pulled Kagome onto his back and darted off in the direction of Souta’s scent.
~*~*~*~
For three weeks the child cried himself to sleep. For three weeks he woke up calling out for ‘Mama’ and ‘Jichan’. He barely ate, taking only what nourishment was required to keep his strength. He was a grief stricken little boy, left alone to suffer in a world that had stripped him of his home and family.
He wandered aimlessly, never staying in one spot long enough to rest. His tears fell ceaselessly, his body twitched and trembled with every step he took. It was heartbreaking to look at him as he wept and moaned, most painfully so when he cried out for “oneesan.”
No one had seen hide nor hair of his sister in many weeks. Though the firefighters and rescue workers had not found a trace of her body in the ruins of her home, it was believed that she had perished with her mother and grandfather. The boy, however, refused to accept that. When they could get him to speak, which wasn’t often, he continually repeated, “Well. Oneesan. Inuyasha-sama.”
They did not understand his words. He was a little boy lost, without a family to return to. He had no one left. They’d agreed to take him in until proper placement within the foster care system was found. They had great respect for the old man who cared for the shrine and they honored him the only way they could.
He’d had another dream filled night, waking up with a single word on his lips: “Oneesan.” They tried to explain to him that his sister could not come, but he only cried harder.
Yesterday they’d taken him to the shrine and allowed him to lay flowers on the steps. He wanted to see the house once more, but they would not let him. A little boy should not be made to suffer such things. He had seen his home burned, had tried to save them, but he’d been held back.
‘I failed them.’ They had but to look into his eyes to see that this is what he felt. He hadn’t been able to pull him mother or his grandfather from the burning house. They tried to assure him that there was nothing he could do, but their words did not even scratch the surface of his misery.
They could not bear to see him suffer, but they knew not what to do to heal his heart. They simply let him have his time. He would find strength to go on when he was ready to say goodbye.
~*~*~*~
“Oneesan!”
“Souta, what is it?” Murazawa Akina asked as she set aside a sock she’d been darning. She rose to her feet as the boy stumbled toward the door. Her hand fluttered to his shoulder as a soft sigh escaped her lips.
“Oneesan!” Souta repeated as he wrenched the door open and dashed outside. He was halfway down the block when Akina made it through the door. She pressed a hand to her brow, squinting against sharp rays of sun. A single gasp escaped her lips as a tear streaked down her cheek.
“Otouto!” Kagome cried, falling to her knees and wrapping her arms around Souta. She held him tight as he sobbed and hiccupped.
“Oneesan, you came,” Souta wept, clinging to his sister with every bit of strength he possessed. He touched her face with a shaky hand, tracing her eyes and nose as if he needed to ascertain that she was real.
“Otouto,” Kagome breathed, relief making her weak in the knees. “My otouto. I’m so sorry. I should have been here. I should have known sooner. I left you alone to suffer. Forgive me.”
“Oh, oneesan,” Souta choked. “Mama... Jichan...”
“I know, baby,” Kagome whispered, kissing Souta’s forehead and holding him close.
“I thought...” Choking, Souta forced himself to continue. “I thought something terrible had happened to you... you’ve been gone so long.”
“I’m so sorry, Souta. If I had known...”
“It’s okay,” Souta whimpered. “You came back.”
Stiffening, Kagome looked up when Akina approached. A low growl escaped her throat, and she clung tighter to Souta. Unconsciously, she was mimicking the very sound Inuyasha made when he felt she was in danger.
The Hanyou, hearing Kagome’s distress and low warning, stepped up behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders. He watched the strange woman warily, prepared to haul brother and sister onto his back and make a quick escape. He saw the woman was no threat, however, when she knelt down beside Kagome and touched her face.
“Kagome,” Akina said, slowly brushing hair away from the girl’s face. She forced a tight smile before she continued. “I’m so sorry for your loss. Please, come inside and sit for a while. There are things we must discuss.”
When Kagome looked up at Inuyasha, Akina added, “Your friend may come, also.” The woman tilted her head to the side as she surveyed the strange young man. His hair was silver and hung to his waist. He wore a baseball cap and a strange, ancient looking red haori.
Finally, Kagome loosened her hold on Souta, though she did not let go. She rose to her feet and clutched Souta’s hand as they followed Akina into the house. Inuyasha lingered by Kagome’s side, standing next to the couch where she and Souta sat. He cast her a single look before staring around the room. ’Say the word and I’ll take you two away,’ he silently conveyed.
Nodding gratefully, Kagome turned to look at Akina. Slowly and with calm deliberation, she said, “Thank you for taking care of Souta. I’ve come to take him home.”
Eyes widening in confusion and concern, Akina replied, “Take him home? Kagome, dear, your home is gone.”
“I know,” the Miko snapped, tightening her hold on her brother as she watched Akina with unconcealed suspicion.
“Surely you understand that I can’t simply let you take Souta. You have no where to stay. You have no money to support him. A permanent home is being found for him as we speak.”
“He has a permanent home,” Kagome grated, fear making her scent spike. Inuyasha grasped her shoulder and stared down at her. She shook her head once, before turning back to Akina. “His home is with me.”
“Kagome, dear, let me make a few phone calls. There are people that are worried about you. The police have you listed as a missing person. They need to be informed that...” Before Akina could finish Kagome had lunged to her feet and pulled Souta tightly to her chest.
“No!” she hissed. Inuyasha’s grip on her shoulder tightened as her scent transformed from fear to anger and outrage. “I won’t let you take my brother from me!”
Akina cast her a placating gesture, but continued toward the phone. As her fingers descended on the handset, Kagome said one word.
“Inuyasha.”
There was a crash as the front door was thrown open with enough force to bury the knob into the wall. Akina turned in time to catch a glimpse of a leg clad in red, then that too was gone. Shaking her head, she picked up the phone and dialed.
~*~*~*~
They took refuge in the forest behind the shrine, hidden from view in the great boughs of a tree. Kagome leaned back into Inuyasha’s chest and pulled Souta against her own. Together they wept, gasping nonsense words and trying to console each other. After their tears were shed, Kagome and Souta fell asleep cuddled against each other.
Inuyasha watched them for a while, confusion and worry marring his face. ’What can I do?’ he thought dejectedly. ‘They’re suffering so much.’
“I just wish I could help them.”
In the instant that the thought was voiced, Kagome began to glow. Inuyasha stared in awe and fear as the jewel around her neck pulsed once, twice, three times. The pink light that shown so brightly every time the Shikon no Tama was in Kagome’s presence began to wane. In a panic, Inuyasha clutched at the jewel. It crumbled to dust in his fingers.
“Inuyasha,” a soft, soothing voice whispered.
“Midoriko,” the Hanyou gasped as he stared up at the Miko who’d been contained in the jewel for so many centuries. She hovered above Kagome and Souta, a soft expression on her face. Pink light glowed around her as she reached down and placed a hand on the Hanyou’s forehead.
“You wish to ease their pain,” Midoriko said.
Inuyasha could not find the words to articulate all he wanted to do for the girl in his arms and the brother she cherished. Instead, he simply nodded.
“Very well,” Midoriko whispered. “For your pure, untainted wish, I have been set free. I will grant you what it is you desire.” As the ancient Miko faded, soft pink light ebbed from her body, capturing and engulfing the Hanyou and the humans. It flowed around them as it faded, easing some of the sorrow from Kagome and Souta’s faces.
A final whisper, a thought sent from Miko to Hanyou, and Midoriko was gone. ’Take them home, Inuyasha.’
Instinctively, he knew what he must do to finalize the wish. Jumping from the tree with Kagome and Souta grasped tightly in his arms he slipped through the forest and back toward the shrine.
The well house was alive with light. The entire structure glowed with soft Miko power, a final gift from Midoriko. Slipping inside, Inuyasha stared in wonder at the well. It throbbed with pink light, waxing and waning on the soft breeze that slithered in from outside.
‘There’s no coming back, Kagome,’ Inuyasha thought. ’I hope this is what you want.’
Gripping the Miko and her brother tightly, Inuyasha stepped over the lip of the well. Together the three fell through time and space, through a portal that had brought Kagome to his side three years before. Time rolled back as they fell, soft blue light pulsating around them as the well used its last bit of power to pull them through.
When his feet hit the ground, Inuyasha shot upward and out of the well. He landed in the grass and gasped when Sango, Miroku and Shippou came running through the trees. He smiled softly and closed his eyes, silently thanking Midoriko for her gift.
‘Home.’
==========================================
TRANSLATIONS:
Kaze no Kizu - Windscar
Fuujin no Mai - Dance of the Wind, Kagura’s attack
oneesan - Older Sister
otouto - Little Brother
==========================================
It’s hard to say goodbye to the people who raised you and helped mold you into the person you are today. It’s heartbreaking when they go without warning and you’re left to mourn for their ghost. What’s left of them is but a spirit that has moved on to another world. Flowers seem feeble, prayers come too late. How do you grieve properly for a soul that has left this realm?
When Kagome awoke from a world of blissful ignorance, her first conscious thought was, ’Where am I?’ She tried to sit up but her weak, drained body would not oblige. She blinked off the daze of sleep and surveyed the roof above her. ’Feudal era.. NO!’ Whimpering, she forced herself to sit forward.
“Otouto!” Kagome cried. “I have to get back to Souta!”
Warm, comforting arms surrounded her and Kagome fought away from Inuyasha’s embrace. She rose on shaky feet and moved toward the door. As she faltered and fell forward, Inuyasha caught her, crushing her to his chest and whining.
“Kagome...” he growled.
“Otouto!” Kagome keened, digging her fingers into Inuyasha’s haori and trying to cast him away. “Inuyasha, why did you bring me back? I have to stay with Souta! I cannot leave him behind!”
“Kagome, listen to me,” Inuyasha pleaded.
“Let me go, baka!” Kagome screamed as she slipped from Inuyasha’s arms. Without a second thought, she sneered, “Osuwari!”
While the poor Hanyou ate dirt, Kagome fled out the door. She ran through the village as if a wild Youkai was on her tail, ignoring the odd stares people cast her. Her hair danced about in wild disarray, slapping against her face and making her flesh sting. She ignored the pain. She was a woman on a mission, intent on crossing time and space to return to her little brother.
As she ran through the trees and gasped for oxygen, a thousand horrible thoughts crashed through her brain. Souta, trapped on the other side of the well, alone once more. The police, dragging the boy away screaming and thrashing, crying and begging for his ’oneesan.’ Losing her little brother forever within the system. Never holding him again and soothing him as he wept for his lost mother and his dear, dead grandfather.
“Otouto,” Kagome wept as she burst from the trees and into the clearing. She dashed for the well even as a horrible sense of foreboding and loss stole over her. Where was the magic, the serene power? Why did it feel as it the well was no longer a portal to her own era? Keening, Kagome moved onward, a feeling of emptiness overwhelming her.
She did not pause even as she knew the well would not transport her home. She pushed aside the horrible, accusing voice of her mother, who berated her for leaving her brother alone. She ignored Jichan’s words as he condemned her for abandoning the one who needed her most. She cursed the very thought of Inuyasha, who was reckless and dim-witted. She would never forgive him for his lack in judgment. Stupid, thoughtless Hanyou, jumping to the conclusion that the well would remain open and allow her to travel between one time and the next.
In one dazzling, fluid movement Kagome was off the ground and soaring through the air. As she fell into the well she sobbed in defeat. There was no magic here. The crack in time and space was gone. She would never see her home again and Souta was lost to her forever.
“Otouto,” she wept as she plummeted toward the bottom of the well, crashing to the ground and crumbling as her ankle was wrenched savagely. She screamed as bolts of pain shot up her leg, across her spine and into the soft region of her brain. Headless of the further damage she inflicted on her body, Kagome began to dig at the hard, packed earth, tearing and splitting her fingernails, drenching her hands in blood.
“No... NO... NO!” she screamed as she tried in vain to dig her way through the ground and back into the present. She sobbed and choked, moaning and keening as she begged the Kamigami to bring her brother back to her.
Finally, Kagome relented to the cold, hard truth. The well would not accept her. She’d been forsaken by the gods. Sobbing, she clawed at the vines growing up the side of the well, and tottered to her feet. She bit her tongue as her wounded ankle protested, throbbing and spitting angry blasts of pain up her leg and into her back. Hand over hand, Kagome pulled herself upward, falling over the lip of the well and gasping for breath.
“Otouto!” she screamed, pounding the earth with fists that bled and fingers that ached. Reaching for the well, she pulled herself upward. She looked down into the dark well, the hole in space and time that no longer accepted her. It was a hateful sight, taunting and cruel. Why had the Kamigami cursed her so?
“Oneesan!”
Tensing, Kagome stared down into the depths of the well. “Otouto?” she called, hope lighting anew. Pulling herself upward, she threw her injured leg over the lip of the well. “I’m coming, Souta!” She leaned forward, ready to dive into the darkness, arms outstretched to embrace her brother. Before she could fall into the rip in time, she was swept up and dragged away.
Twitching, Kagome screamed, digging her bleeding and broken claws into Inuyasha’s neck. He growled and shook her, anger reddening his cheeks.
“Oi, wench, stop that!” he sneered, dropping to the ground and tugging lightly on Kagome’s ear. It was a reprimand, though he doubted it shocked her as much as it had him the first time his mother had done it to him.
“Oneesan!”
Jerking away from Inuyasha, Kagome turned back toward the well.
“Kagome,” Sango called, bursting from the trees in pursuit of Souta. “He’s here! Your otouto is here!”
Twitching and faltering in her steps, Kagome slowly turned around, willing her mind to accept the strange truth. Her brother was here in the Feudal Era, somehow. When her eyes alit on the boy, running toward her with arms outstretched, she fell to her knees, weeping. Trembling, she caught Souta as he fell into her arms and she pressed kisses to his face.
“Souta... my otouto. Thank Kami,” she gasped, holding her brother to her as she twitched and trembled.
“Kagome,” Souta mumbled, his face turning strangely red. “Oneesan, this is kind of embarrassing.”
Releasing the boy, Kagome sat back in stunned awe and silence. Somehow, some way, the Kamigami had seen fit to keep brother and sister together. She was breathless as she looked the boy over, words impossible to form.
“How?” Kagome finally managed, sitting back with a sign. She watched as Sango and Miroku came to her side, equal looks of confusion and concern on their faces.
“You do not know?” Miroku asked warily, fingering the spot on his right hand where the Kazaana had once been. He was still getting used to the idea that the curse had been lifted and he secretly worried that the loss of such a powerful weapon might be his downfall. He was a skilled fighter, but he had relied too much on the hole in his hand to protect himself and those he loved.
“Know what?” Kagome asked carefully, brow furrowing as she tried to decern what she ought to understand. Unconsciously, her hand fluttered toward her neck, brushing over the spot where something very important should have been. “The jewel?”
Nodding, Miroku steepled his fingers together, as if in great thought. “The legends were right. A pure, untainted wish set Midoriko free and banished the cursed jewel from this world.”
Staring in confusion, Kagome whispered, “But I didn’t...”
“No,” Inuyasha said softly, shuffling his feet nervously in embarrassment and guilt. He ran a clawed finger through his hair and bit his lip. “I didn’t intend to use the jewel. I’m sorry, Kagome.”
Trembling arms encircled the Hanyou’s neck and he looked up in shock. Kagome clung to him, weeping and laughing, as she pressed her lips to his cheek. Inuyasha twitched as warmth spread across his stomach, the feel of her kiss sparking a secret part of his heart. His arms snaked around the girl and he pulled her close.
“Inuyasha,” Kagome gasped. “Oh Inuyasha.”
Face on fire, Inuyasha forced a weak chuckled. He slowly released the girl and took a stumbling step backward. Forcing a smile to hide his embarrassment, he watched her with silent confusion.
Twitching, Kagome raised her hand to the deep gashes she’d left on Inuyasha’s neck. She sucked in a breath before whispering, “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean...”
“Keh,” Inuyasha snorted, brushing her hand away. “Don’t worry about it, wench.”
“I should have...” Kagome couldn’t find the words to finish.
“Oi, wench, just don’t jump to conclusions so fast.”
Nodding and sighing, Kagome said, “Let’s go back to the village so I can clean and bandage those wounds.”
“Keh,” Inuyasha mumbled. “It’s fine.”
“Please?” Kagome whispered, her face screwing up in a look of worry and guilt. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes and she tried in vain to fight them off.
Nose wrinkly at the scent of salt, Inuyasha relented. “Fine, wench.”
Wiping the back of her hand across her eyes, Kagome sighed. Turning toward Souta, she took his hand and smiled.
‘I’m such a fool,’ she berated herself. ’Here I thought Inuyasha was being senseless and acting without thinking. Stupid, Kagome, really stupid. What if you had really hurt him?' She chuckled softly. 'Hurt Inuyasha? Impossible.'
When they returned to Kaede's hut, Kagome retrieved her first aid kit and turned back to Inuyasha with a hopeful expression. He snorted once before taking the metal box from her hands. When she began to argue, he pushed her down next to the fire and crouched down beside her. She watched in confusion as he took her hands and sniffed the blood covering her fingers. Wrinkling his nose, Inuyasha pulled bandages from the first aid kit and began tending to her wounds.
“Oi, wench, you really did a number on yourself, didn’t you?” he commented as he cleaned the blood from her fingers. Several of her nails where chipped and broken, and one had been torn away completely. When Inuyasha touched the molted skin, Kagome winced and bit her lips. “Sorry,” the Hanyou muttered.
“It’s... it’s okay,” Kagome whispered, awed at the kind care Inuyasha was taking. “I guess I got a little carried away, huh?”
Snorting, Inuyasha let go of her hand--which was now completely bandaged--and carefully grasped her foot. He brought the bruised limb to his nose and sniffed once, before saying, “Well, it ain’t broken.” He set her foot down in his lap and massaged it gently.
Gasping, Kagome blushed, her eyes falling to the hand that Inuyasha rubbed over her aching foot. She had never known him to be so tender and it amazed her. She closed her eyes and laid back as the Hanyou continued his gentle ministrations. Her breathing calmed and a small smile turned the corners of her lips up. She felt like she’d found heaven under Inuyasha’s touch.
It had been three days since Kagome and Souta had left their home when the boy came running into the hut holding a scythe and smiling widely. He’d taken to the Sango almost instantly and the demon exterminator fawned over him like he was her own brother. It brought great peace to Kagome every time she saw her best friend look at Souta with undisguised happiness in her eyes.
“Kagome,” Souta said as he sat down next to his sister, staring at the bandage wrapped around her ankle. “Will you come outside and watch me? I’m getting better!”
Giggling, Kagome nodded. Souta helped her to her feet and wrapped an arm around her waist. Carefully, he led his sister from the hut, pausing occasionally to gauge Kagome’s strength. He stared up at her with worry every time she winced, but she always cast him a cool smile, as if the pain did not affect her.
‘Kagome’s funny like that,’ Souta mused. ’Always hiding her pain because she thinks it bothers others.’
Slowly, Souta guided Kagome through the trees and toward the clearing where the now defunct well stood. They hadn’t tried to use it since that day Kagome had attempted to dig herself back into the future. With the wish made on the Shikon no Tama, the well would never accept them again.
“Let be down beside Goshinboku, please,” Kagome murmured. Souta directed her toward the tree and slowly loosened his hold on her. She sank down but only had a moment of comfort before Inuyasha dropped down and took her into his arms. Ignoring her weak protests, he scooped her up hopped back into the tree.
Laughing, Souta cast a knowing look toward the Hanyou and his sister. He could not understand why they were so oblivious. Wasn’t it obvious that the two deeply loved each other and it went far beyond friendship? Smiling, Souta envisioned the nieces and nephews he one day hoped to have. In his mind, the youngsters always had Kagome’s black hair and Inuyasha’s golden eyes and fascinating ears.
‘One day,’ he mused as he waved at his sister. “Watch this!” He turned toward the well, where a thick log stood on end. Grasping the scythe by its chain, he swung it over his head, nodding in concentration as the weapon made sharp whooshing sounds as it sliced the wind. With a quick, calculated jerk he let the scythe fly, the chain slipping across his hands. Its razor sharp blade sank into the log and he yanked backward, bringing scythe and wood back with him.
Clapping, Kagome called, “That’s great, Souta! You get better every day!”
Blushing furiously, Souta grinned as he wrenched the log away from the scythe. “I haven’t been able to cut clear through yet, but two days ago I couldn’t even hit my target!”
“Keh,” Inuyasha snorted, suppressing a smile. “Keep practicing, kid. You got a long way to go before you become a demon exterminator.”
Eyes wide, Souta beamed at Inuyasha’s secret praise. It was enough to know that the Hanyou had enough faith in him to believe that he would eventually become a great fighter. Sighing, the boy flopped down onto the grass and began to polish the scythe with a piece of torn cloth. He tapped his chin for a moment before calling over his shoulder, “Hey sis, do you know when Sango’s going to be back? I want to show her what I’ve learned.”
Smiling softly, Kagome glanced up and Inuyasha. Their eyes met for a moment before the Hanyou blushed and looked away. Lips turning up in a wide grin, Kagome called to Souta, “Tomorrow, otouto!”
“Kay,” Souta said absently. His hands paused in their movements and he set the scythe aside. Rising, he turned and bounded toward Goshinboku. Wringing his hands together and staring up at Kagome nervously, he said, “Do you want to go see Mama and Jichan?”
Kagome’s eyes fell on the suddenly shy boy standing beneath the tree. She watched him in silent confusion, hands picking at invisible lint on her skirt. Suddenly, she was descending from the tree and she clung tightly to Inuyasha. The Hanyou’s feet alit on the ground but he did not loosen his hold on Kagome.
“Show her, Souta,” Inuyasha ordered. He swept Kagome up in his arms and followed as the boy guided them away from Goshinboku.
The quiet, solemn way Souta moved was painful to watch. Kagome could see the almost invisible way her brother’s shoulders shook as his head fell forward. She did not say a word as Souta guided them onward. A strange, secretive looked passed between boy and Hanyou and Kagome wondered what Inuyasha and her brother had worked up.
“Here,” Souta whispered as he knelt beside large stones that had been carefully rearrange to mark two spots. His fingers brushed the rocks slowly, gently and he sighed. “I know they’re not here now, but this is where they were buried in the future.” Looking at his sister, he added, “Is it okay?”
Kagome moved forward to embrace her brother when Inuyasha set her down. She pulled Souta into her arms and whispered softly, as tears fell from her eyes, “It’s perfect, otouto. You’ve done good.”
Gesturing to a spot just beside one of the stones, Souta said, “Dad is buried there.”
“The cemetery,” Kagome gasped, bringing a hand to her mouth to stave off sobs. Indeed, when she looked closer, she realized this was the spot where her father had been laid to rest. This was where the family cemetery would stand in the future. “Inuyasha?” Kagome whispered softly.
With a thud, a stone was dropped at her feet, and she looked up to stare at the Hanyou who had the power to read her mind. Inuyasha crouched to move the stone into place, marking the spot where Kagome’s father would one day be buried. He cracked his knuckles before glancing at her and saying, “We wanted to wait for your opinion.”
“My opinion?” Kagome asked.
“Inuyasha said he’ll carve something into the stones,” Souta answered softly.
“Oh,” Kagome breathed, unable to form any other words. She stared at Inuyasha in awe and thanks, before she finally regained the use of her tongue. “What do you think, Souta?”
Shifting his feet nervously, Souta whispered shyly, “Itoshii Okaasan?”
Choking, Kagome nodded. She watched as Inuyasha flexed his hand before carefully using a claw to carve the words into the stone. She bit her lower lip before whispering, “Taken too soon.” Slowly, Inuyasha added the final message, before turning to the stone that marked Jichan’s grave.
“Eimai?” Kagome asked Souta. He nodded and they watched in silence as Inuyasha etched the word of honor.
“What about father?” Souta whispered, chewing his fingernails nervously. “I didn’t know him, but...”
Closing her eyes, Kagome sighed softly. Her memories of her father had dimmed over the years, but she would never forget the way he smiled when he looked at Mama, or the kind words he always had for her. The five years she’d had with her father had been precious and she’d never overlook the time she’d been given. It broke her heart that Souta had never known the man who‘d loved him dearly.
“But what?” Kagome finally asked.
“Could it say ’Kyo Otosan?’”
“Yes,” Kagome whispered. “It’s perfect.”
After the stones had been properly marked, Kagome and Souta gathered flowers. Inuyasha took his leave, allowing the two a while alone to say goodbye. They say silently for a time, neither willing to voice their thoughts. Shyly, as if embarrassed that he needed comfort, Souta climbed into Kagome’s lap. She snaked her arms around him, holding the small, lonely boy close.
“I miss them so much, oneesan,” Souta said through tears. He wiped the back of his hand across his nose absently.
“I know, otouto. I miss them too.”
“Do you think... they’re happy where they are?”
Brushing hair out of Souta’s face, Kagome said, “Very much so. They’re in a better place now, where they can rest.”
They sat together for a while longer, gaining much needed comfort from each other. Tears fell freely here, where Souta was not worried that Inuyasha would think him weak. He clung to his sister. She was his lifeline, a light in the darkness, a steady reminder that all was not lost.
Later, while Shippou regaled Souta with wild tales of life in the Sengoku Jidai, Kagome and Inuyasha sat together in the boughs of Goshinboku. Snuggled against the Hanyou, surrounded by the deep folds of his haori, Kagome sobbed. As hard as it was to watch her cry, Inuyasha let the Miko have her release. Perhaps, once she’d wept all she could, she would find the strength to move on.
“Souta never knew Otosan,” Kagome whispered through hiccups. She stared at the sky, eyes studying the heavens. Nights in Feudal Japan were beautiful and she still marveled at the way the stars shone. It was a far cry from present day Tokyo, where all those distant balls of gas where somehow dim.
“Oh yeah?” Inuyasha asked softly.
“Our father died before Souta was born. He was killed in a car accident. Rather, he was hit by a car. The man was drunk. He just plowed right through Otosan and kept going.” She closed her eyes, fighting against the memories of the way her mother had fallen to her knees and screamed when the police delivered the news. Kagome was too young then to understand the truth of death, but she knew without a doubt that her father would never come home.
Sighing, Inuyasha nuzzled Kagome’s hair with his nose. He breathed in the sweet smell of wild flowers and spring rain, before he found the courage to say, “My father died protecting Okaasan and I.”
Twisting around in his arms, Kagome stared at Inuyasha with bated breath. She did not dare interrupt him for fear that he would close himself off and deny her a glimpse of his true feelings. So rarely was he open to her and she cherished every moment of it.
“He was fatally wounded when he came for us. He’d just fought off Ryuukossei and sealed him with a fang, and he still managed to reach us.” Pausing, Inuyasha’s mind pulled him back into memories no person should be forced to recall. “The villagers... they wanted to kill me because of what I am. They burned our home and chased us into the forest. Otosan came to protect us, but in doing so he died.”
Sighing, Kagome choked on sobs once more. She buried her face in Inuyasha’s haori and gasped for breath. She could not convey the anger and sadness she felt for the child Inuyasha had been and the man he’d become because of a cruel, unforgiving world. Finally, she whispered, “I’m so sorry.”
“Hey,” Inuyasha murmured, tilting her head up so he could look into her eyes. “Don’t cry for me, Kagome. It was a long time ago. I’m over it.”
She wanted to argue, to tell him that it was alright to mourn, but she couldn’t. Inuyasha did not like to express sadness and she knew she couldn’t push him. She just needed him to know that she’d always be there for him, that she would never leave his side. She wanted to curse at the world that had done this to him, and make him understand that being a Hanyou wasn’t a curse. She loved him just the way he was and nothing would ever change that.
Those exact words almost left her lips, but Inuyasha did not give her a chance. Nudging her face with his nose, he whispered, “Go to sleep, wench.”
When Sango and Miroku returned the next morning, Souta dragged them to the well, where he showed them his new skills with the scythe. Sango was pleased with the improvement the boy had made and she knew without a doubt that one day he would be a great and powerful demon exterminator.
“Oi, Monk,” Inuyasha called as he approached Miroku. “You’re awfully quiet.”
Turning, Miroku stared at Inuyasha for a moment, before his eyes fell to Kagome. He blushed furiously as he bit his bottom lip, before muttering, “Can I ask your advice, Kagome?” The Miko blinked for a moment, before sending Inuyasha a silent message to scram. With a snort, he turned and strode away.
“What is it, Miroku?” Kagome asked softly, watching her friend as he twitched nervously. It was uncommon to see the monk in such a state of unrest. He was usually so calm and serene, and yet now he stood before her blushing furiously.
Clearing his throat, he mumbled, “I wish to ask Sango to be my wife.”
Eyes wide, Kagome grinned. “It’s about time!” she said, hoping from foot to foot in excitement. “When are you going to ask her?”
“That’s what I wished to speak to you about,” Miroku said, folding his fingers together and examining a spot on the ground which had suddenly become quite fascinating. “I want to propose to her, but I don’t know how to do it correctly. How do people in your time do it?”
Giggling, Kagome said, “Well, men usually get down on one knee and say ‘Will you marry me?’”
“’Will you... marry me?’” Miroku repeated, scrunching his face up. “It sounds strange. Do you think... could I word it in another way?”
“How do you wish to word it?”
“’Will you be my wife?’”
Grinning, Kagome patted Miroku on the back and said, “That’s perfect! Do you plan to ask her soon?”
Eye widening, Miroku scratched his head. “I do not know when it would be appropriate to ask such a question.”
“Are you kidding?” Kagome asked incredulously. “Sango’s been waiting for so long for you to ask her to be your wife!”
“She has?” Miroku asked softly, a smile making his face look radiant.
“Yes, silly monk!”
“How... how should I do it?”
Thinking for a moment, Kagome said, “Invite her on a walk. Find a beautiful spot, take her hands, get down on one knee and ask her.” As an afterthought, she added, “And do not grope her!”
Blushing, Miroku nodded, bowing once before turning and heading off in the direction of Sango, who was showing Souta her boomerang.
“What was that all about?” Inuyasha asked as he joined Kagome once more.
Smiling, she answered, “He’s going to propose to Sango!”
“Pro...pose?”
“Ask her to be his wife,” Kagome explained through giggles.
“Keh,” Inuyasha scoffed, face brightening as he twitched nervously. “’Bout time.”
“That’s what I told him,” Kagome supplied before skittering away.
‘I wonder... will Inuyasha ever make me his mate?’ she thought, reddening slightly. ‘Foolish girl. He’s just your friend. Get your head out of the clouds.’ Sighing, Kagome’s shoulders slumped. ‘A girl can dream, can’t she?’
The sun was crawling slowly toward the horizon when the Youkai attacked. It came out of the trees, decimating huts as it lumbered forward. Great, green gobs of drool fell from its gaping maw, hitting the ground and sizzling.
“Fuck,” Inuyasha snarled, pulling Tetsusaiga from its sheath. “Smells like its been eating babies.”
“Inuyasha!” Kagome said incredulously.
“Keh, wench. Stay back and let me handle this.”
Rolling her eyes, Kagome retreated a step, joining Souta, who stood with mouth hanging open and eyes wide. The closest thing he’d ever seen to a demon had been the Noh mask, which had possessed innocent people while it ran amok through Tokyo.
“What is that thing, sis?” Souta asked.
“Bear Youkai. Poisonous, by the looks of it.”
“Will Inuyasha be okay?”
“Keh, no problem,” Inuyasha tossed back over his shoulder as he advanced on the demon. He leapt into the air and raised Tetsusaiga. The sword caught the Youkai in the shoulder, nearly severing its arm. The limb hung on by a few thin threads of tendon.
Howling in pain and outrage, the Bear swung a claw at Inuyasha, knocking the Hanyou through the air and against the trunk of a tree. Cursing, Inuyasha rose to his feet and went at the demon, Tetsusaiga swinging recklessly. He brought the sword down in one fluid movement, tearing flesh away from the Youkai’s chest. Snarling, the demon knocked Inuyasha aside once more and turned toward Kagome.
“Shit,” she said as she reached for her bow and arrows. Souta choked at the sound of that expletive. His sister had never used such language before. He watched in awe as Kagome knocked an arrow and took aim at the Youkai. She let the projectile fly and cursed once more when it missed its mark and only grazed the bear’s cheek.
“I think you really pissed him off, sis,” Souta muttered.
“Get back, otouto,” Kagome hissed, stepping in front of her brother and using her own body as a shield. She knocked another arrow and waited for the perfect opportunity to slay the Youkai.
“Kaze no Kizu!”
In a blast of wind and light, the bear disintegrated, ashes falling apart as they were swept up and away. Inuyasha landed by Kagome’s side, his nose twitching as he inhaled her scent.
“I’m fine, Inuyasha,” Kagome assured him, blushing furiously.
“Keh,” he snorted in reply. “Lucky for you I was here. You would have been dinner.”
“You know that’s not true,” Kagome argued, crossing her arms over her chest and scowling. She sent Inuyasha a glare that went unnoticed.
“Keh, wench. You’re just a weak human. Can’t protect yourself.”
“I can so!”
“Cannot.”
“Can!”
“Nope.”
“Baka!”
“Weakling.”
“Osuwari!”
“Gah!” Inuyasha growled as the weight of the kotodama rosary around his neck pulled him to the ground. He clawed at the earth as he tried to rise and shake off the submission spell. “Oi, wench,” he sneered through a mouthful of grass. “You better be so far gone by the time I get up.”
Giggling, Kagome grabbed Souta’s hand and together they fled from the irate Hanyou.
“Jeeze, sis,” Souta said. “I knew this place was dangerous, but I didn’t realize how much so until that Youkai came after us!”
Kagome paused in her stride to look at Souta. She bit her lip in concern. Her brother didn’t know the half of it, and she hoped he never would. Of course, it was likely that he would see much danger in the years to come, as the Sengoku Jidai was never a safe place. Pursing her lips and forcing a smile, she scoffed, “That was nothing.”
“Uh, sis...”
“Hmm?”
“Inuyasha,” Souta muttered.
“OH!” Kagome cried as she was propelled to the ground under the weight of the Hanyou.
“Scram, kid,” Inuyasha said. “I need to have a word with your sister.”
Laughing, Souta turned and headed in the direction of Kaede’s hut.
“Say you’re sorry, wench,” Inuyasha grated as he held Kagome pinned to the ground.
“Never!”
“Say it!”
“Uh uh!”
Sitting back, Inuyasha slit his eyes and loosened his hold on Kagome to reach forward and tug her ear.
“Ahh! What was that for?” Kagome demanded.
“Ain’t it obvious, wench?” Inuyasha said. “You’re being punished.”
“Oh ho ho,” Kagome answered, wiggling under Inuyasha. “That’s priceless.” Giggling, she reached up and gave the Hanyou’s ear a quick jerk. “How do you like that?”
Growling, Inuyasha flicked his ear away, before saying, “Don’t do that, wench. Those are sensitive.”
Smiling shyly, Kagome mumbled, “Oh yeah? How’s this?” Slowly, her fingers brushed Inuyasha’s ear. It twitched away but she didn’t relent. She traced the line of that enchanting ear, gingerly caressing. The tiny hairs felt like silk under her fingertips and she was hard pressed to pull her hand away.
Above her, Inuyasha whined softly, nuzzling his ear into her hand. Her touch was heaven and he reveled in her gentle ministrations. She had a way of making him forget what his purpose was in the first place and he loved every moment of it.
TRANSLATIONS:
Kaze no Kizu - Windscar
Fuujin no Mai - Dance of the Wind, Kagura’s attack
oneesan - Older Sister
otouto - Little Brother
==========================================
Chapter Two - Learning to Let Go
It’s hard to say goodbye to the people who raised you and helped mold you into the person you are today. It’s heartbreaking when they go without warning and you’re left to mourn for their ghost. What’s left of them is but a spirit that has moved on to another world. Flowers seem feeble, prayers come too late. How do you grieve properly for a soul that has left this realm?
When Kagome awoke from a world of blissful ignorance, her first conscious thought was, ’Where am I?’ She tried to sit up but her weak, drained body would not oblige. She blinked off the daze of sleep and surveyed the roof above her. ’Feudal era.. NO!’ Whimpering, she forced herself to sit forward.
“Otouto!” Kagome cried. “I have to get back to Souta!”
Warm, comforting arms surrounded her and Kagome fought away from Inuyasha’s embrace. She rose on shaky feet and moved toward the door. As she faltered and fell forward, Inuyasha caught her, crushing her to his chest and whining.
“Kagome...” he growled.
“Otouto!” Kagome keened, digging her fingers into Inuyasha’s haori and trying to cast him away. “Inuyasha, why did you bring me back? I have to stay with Souta! I cannot leave him behind!”
“Kagome, listen to me,” Inuyasha pleaded.
“Let me go, baka!” Kagome screamed as she slipped from Inuyasha’s arms. Without a second thought, she sneered, “Osuwari!”
While the poor Hanyou ate dirt, Kagome fled out the door. She ran through the village as if a wild Youkai was on her tail, ignoring the odd stares people cast her. Her hair danced about in wild disarray, slapping against her face and making her flesh sting. She ignored the pain. She was a woman on a mission, intent on crossing time and space to return to her little brother.
As she ran through the trees and gasped for oxygen, a thousand horrible thoughts crashed through her brain. Souta, trapped on the other side of the well, alone once more. The police, dragging the boy away screaming and thrashing, crying and begging for his ’oneesan.’ Losing her little brother forever within the system. Never holding him again and soothing him as he wept for his lost mother and his dear, dead grandfather.
“Otouto,” Kagome wept as she burst from the trees and into the clearing. She dashed for the well even as a horrible sense of foreboding and loss stole over her. Where was the magic, the serene power? Why did it feel as it the well was no longer a portal to her own era? Keening, Kagome moved onward, a feeling of emptiness overwhelming her.
She did not pause even as she knew the well would not transport her home. She pushed aside the horrible, accusing voice of her mother, who berated her for leaving her brother alone. She ignored Jichan’s words as he condemned her for abandoning the one who needed her most. She cursed the very thought of Inuyasha, who was reckless and dim-witted. She would never forgive him for his lack in judgment. Stupid, thoughtless Hanyou, jumping to the conclusion that the well would remain open and allow her to travel between one time and the next.
In one dazzling, fluid movement Kagome was off the ground and soaring through the air. As she fell into the well she sobbed in defeat. There was no magic here. The crack in time and space was gone. She would never see her home again and Souta was lost to her forever.
“Otouto,” she wept as she plummeted toward the bottom of the well, crashing to the ground and crumbling as her ankle was wrenched savagely. She screamed as bolts of pain shot up her leg, across her spine and into the soft region of her brain. Headless of the further damage she inflicted on her body, Kagome began to dig at the hard, packed earth, tearing and splitting her fingernails, drenching her hands in blood.
“No... NO... NO!” she screamed as she tried in vain to dig her way through the ground and back into the present. She sobbed and choked, moaning and keening as she begged the Kamigami to bring her brother back to her.
Finally, Kagome relented to the cold, hard truth. The well would not accept her. She’d been forsaken by the gods. Sobbing, she clawed at the vines growing up the side of the well, and tottered to her feet. She bit her tongue as her wounded ankle protested, throbbing and spitting angry blasts of pain up her leg and into her back. Hand over hand, Kagome pulled herself upward, falling over the lip of the well and gasping for breath.
“Otouto!” she screamed, pounding the earth with fists that bled and fingers that ached. Reaching for the well, she pulled herself upward. She looked down into the dark well, the hole in space and time that no longer accepted her. It was a hateful sight, taunting and cruel. Why had the Kamigami cursed her so?
“Oneesan!”
Tensing, Kagome stared down into the depths of the well. “Otouto?” she called, hope lighting anew. Pulling herself upward, she threw her injured leg over the lip of the well. “I’m coming, Souta!” She leaned forward, ready to dive into the darkness, arms outstretched to embrace her brother. Before she could fall into the rip in time, she was swept up and dragged away.
Twitching, Kagome screamed, digging her bleeding and broken claws into Inuyasha’s neck. He growled and shook her, anger reddening his cheeks.
“Oi, wench, stop that!” he sneered, dropping to the ground and tugging lightly on Kagome’s ear. It was a reprimand, though he doubted it shocked her as much as it had him the first time his mother had done it to him.
“Oneesan!”
Jerking away from Inuyasha, Kagome turned back toward the well.
“Kagome,” Sango called, bursting from the trees in pursuit of Souta. “He’s here! Your otouto is here!”
Twitching and faltering in her steps, Kagome slowly turned around, willing her mind to accept the strange truth. Her brother was here in the Feudal Era, somehow. When her eyes alit on the boy, running toward her with arms outstretched, she fell to her knees, weeping. Trembling, she caught Souta as he fell into her arms and she pressed kisses to his face.
“Souta... my otouto. Thank Kami,” she gasped, holding her brother to her as she twitched and trembled.
“Kagome,” Souta mumbled, his face turning strangely red. “Oneesan, this is kind of embarrassing.”
Releasing the boy, Kagome sat back in stunned awe and silence. Somehow, some way, the Kamigami had seen fit to keep brother and sister together. She was breathless as she looked the boy over, words impossible to form.
“How?” Kagome finally managed, sitting back with a sign. She watched as Sango and Miroku came to her side, equal looks of confusion and concern on their faces.
“You do not know?” Miroku asked warily, fingering the spot on his right hand where the Kazaana had once been. He was still getting used to the idea that the curse had been lifted and he secretly worried that the loss of such a powerful weapon might be his downfall. He was a skilled fighter, but he had relied too much on the hole in his hand to protect himself and those he loved.
“Know what?” Kagome asked carefully, brow furrowing as she tried to decern what she ought to understand. Unconsciously, her hand fluttered toward her neck, brushing over the spot where something very important should have been. “The jewel?”
Nodding, Miroku steepled his fingers together, as if in great thought. “The legends were right. A pure, untainted wish set Midoriko free and banished the cursed jewel from this world.”
Staring in confusion, Kagome whispered, “But I didn’t...”
“No,” Inuyasha said softly, shuffling his feet nervously in embarrassment and guilt. He ran a clawed finger through his hair and bit his lip. “I didn’t intend to use the jewel. I’m sorry, Kagome.”
Trembling arms encircled the Hanyou’s neck and he looked up in shock. Kagome clung to him, weeping and laughing, as she pressed her lips to his cheek. Inuyasha twitched as warmth spread across his stomach, the feel of her kiss sparking a secret part of his heart. His arms snaked around the girl and he pulled her close.
“Inuyasha,” Kagome gasped. “Oh Inuyasha.”
Face on fire, Inuyasha forced a weak chuckled. He slowly released the girl and took a stumbling step backward. Forcing a smile to hide his embarrassment, he watched her with silent confusion.
Twitching, Kagome raised her hand to the deep gashes she’d left on Inuyasha’s neck. She sucked in a breath before whispering, “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean...”
“Keh,” Inuyasha snorted, brushing her hand away. “Don’t worry about it, wench.”
“I should have...” Kagome couldn’t find the words to finish.
“Oi, wench, just don’t jump to conclusions so fast.”
Nodding and sighing, Kagome said, “Let’s go back to the village so I can clean and bandage those wounds.”
“Keh,” Inuyasha mumbled. “It’s fine.”
“Please?” Kagome whispered, her face screwing up in a look of worry and guilt. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes and she tried in vain to fight them off.
Nose wrinkly at the scent of salt, Inuyasha relented. “Fine, wench.”
Wiping the back of her hand across her eyes, Kagome sighed. Turning toward Souta, she took his hand and smiled.
‘I’m such a fool,’ she berated herself. ’Here I thought Inuyasha was being senseless and acting without thinking. Stupid, Kagome, really stupid. What if you had really hurt him?' She chuckled softly. 'Hurt Inuyasha? Impossible.'
When they returned to Kaede's hut, Kagome retrieved her first aid kit and turned back to Inuyasha with a hopeful expression. He snorted once before taking the metal box from her hands. When she began to argue, he pushed her down next to the fire and crouched down beside her. She watched in confusion as he took her hands and sniffed the blood covering her fingers. Wrinkling his nose, Inuyasha pulled bandages from the first aid kit and began tending to her wounds.
“Oi, wench, you really did a number on yourself, didn’t you?” he commented as he cleaned the blood from her fingers. Several of her nails where chipped and broken, and one had been torn away completely. When Inuyasha touched the molted skin, Kagome winced and bit her lips. “Sorry,” the Hanyou muttered.
“It’s... it’s okay,” Kagome whispered, awed at the kind care Inuyasha was taking. “I guess I got a little carried away, huh?”
Snorting, Inuyasha let go of her hand--which was now completely bandaged--and carefully grasped her foot. He brought the bruised limb to his nose and sniffed once, before saying, “Well, it ain’t broken.” He set her foot down in his lap and massaged it gently.
Gasping, Kagome blushed, her eyes falling to the hand that Inuyasha rubbed over her aching foot. She had never known him to be so tender and it amazed her. She closed her eyes and laid back as the Hanyou continued his gentle ministrations. Her breathing calmed and a small smile turned the corners of her lips up. She felt like she’d found heaven under Inuyasha’s touch.
~*~*~*~
It had been three days since Kagome and Souta had left their home when the boy came running into the hut holding a scythe and smiling widely. He’d taken to the Sango almost instantly and the demon exterminator fawned over him like he was her own brother. It brought great peace to Kagome every time she saw her best friend look at Souta with undisguised happiness in her eyes.
“Kagome,” Souta said as he sat down next to his sister, staring at the bandage wrapped around her ankle. “Will you come outside and watch me? I’m getting better!”
Giggling, Kagome nodded. Souta helped her to her feet and wrapped an arm around her waist. Carefully, he led his sister from the hut, pausing occasionally to gauge Kagome’s strength. He stared up at her with worry every time she winced, but she always cast him a cool smile, as if the pain did not affect her.
‘Kagome’s funny like that,’ Souta mused. ’Always hiding her pain because she thinks it bothers others.’
Slowly, Souta guided Kagome through the trees and toward the clearing where the now defunct well stood. They hadn’t tried to use it since that day Kagome had attempted to dig herself back into the future. With the wish made on the Shikon no Tama, the well would never accept them again.
“Let be down beside Goshinboku, please,” Kagome murmured. Souta directed her toward the tree and slowly loosened his hold on her. She sank down but only had a moment of comfort before Inuyasha dropped down and took her into his arms. Ignoring her weak protests, he scooped her up hopped back into the tree.
Laughing, Souta cast a knowing look toward the Hanyou and his sister. He could not understand why they were so oblivious. Wasn’t it obvious that the two deeply loved each other and it went far beyond friendship? Smiling, Souta envisioned the nieces and nephews he one day hoped to have. In his mind, the youngsters always had Kagome’s black hair and Inuyasha’s golden eyes and fascinating ears.
‘One day,’ he mused as he waved at his sister. “Watch this!” He turned toward the well, where a thick log stood on end. Grasping the scythe by its chain, he swung it over his head, nodding in concentration as the weapon made sharp whooshing sounds as it sliced the wind. With a quick, calculated jerk he let the scythe fly, the chain slipping across his hands. Its razor sharp blade sank into the log and he yanked backward, bringing scythe and wood back with him.
Clapping, Kagome called, “That’s great, Souta! You get better every day!”
Blushing furiously, Souta grinned as he wrenched the log away from the scythe. “I haven’t been able to cut clear through yet, but two days ago I couldn’t even hit my target!”
“Keh,” Inuyasha snorted, suppressing a smile. “Keep practicing, kid. You got a long way to go before you become a demon exterminator.”
Eyes wide, Souta beamed at Inuyasha’s secret praise. It was enough to know that the Hanyou had enough faith in him to believe that he would eventually become a great fighter. Sighing, the boy flopped down onto the grass and began to polish the scythe with a piece of torn cloth. He tapped his chin for a moment before calling over his shoulder, “Hey sis, do you know when Sango’s going to be back? I want to show her what I’ve learned.”
Smiling softly, Kagome glanced up and Inuyasha. Their eyes met for a moment before the Hanyou blushed and looked away. Lips turning up in a wide grin, Kagome called to Souta, “Tomorrow, otouto!”
“Kay,” Souta said absently. His hands paused in their movements and he set the scythe aside. Rising, he turned and bounded toward Goshinboku. Wringing his hands together and staring up at Kagome nervously, he said, “Do you want to go see Mama and Jichan?”
Kagome’s eyes fell on the suddenly shy boy standing beneath the tree. She watched him in silent confusion, hands picking at invisible lint on her skirt. Suddenly, she was descending from the tree and she clung tightly to Inuyasha. The Hanyou’s feet alit on the ground but he did not loosen his hold on Kagome.
“Show her, Souta,” Inuyasha ordered. He swept Kagome up in his arms and followed as the boy guided them away from Goshinboku.
The quiet, solemn way Souta moved was painful to watch. Kagome could see the almost invisible way her brother’s shoulders shook as his head fell forward. She did not say a word as Souta guided them onward. A strange, secretive looked passed between boy and Hanyou and Kagome wondered what Inuyasha and her brother had worked up.
“Here,” Souta whispered as he knelt beside large stones that had been carefully rearrange to mark two spots. His fingers brushed the rocks slowly, gently and he sighed. “I know they’re not here now, but this is where they were buried in the future.” Looking at his sister, he added, “Is it okay?”
Kagome moved forward to embrace her brother when Inuyasha set her down. She pulled Souta into her arms and whispered softly, as tears fell from her eyes, “It’s perfect, otouto. You’ve done good.”
Gesturing to a spot just beside one of the stones, Souta said, “Dad is buried there.”
“The cemetery,” Kagome gasped, bringing a hand to her mouth to stave off sobs. Indeed, when she looked closer, she realized this was the spot where her father had been laid to rest. This was where the family cemetery would stand in the future. “Inuyasha?” Kagome whispered softly.
With a thud, a stone was dropped at her feet, and she looked up to stare at the Hanyou who had the power to read her mind. Inuyasha crouched to move the stone into place, marking the spot where Kagome’s father would one day be buried. He cracked his knuckles before glancing at her and saying, “We wanted to wait for your opinion.”
“My opinion?” Kagome asked.
“Inuyasha said he’ll carve something into the stones,” Souta answered softly.
“Oh,” Kagome breathed, unable to form any other words. She stared at Inuyasha in awe and thanks, before she finally regained the use of her tongue. “What do you think, Souta?”
Shifting his feet nervously, Souta whispered shyly, “Itoshii Okaasan?”
Choking, Kagome nodded. She watched as Inuyasha flexed his hand before carefully using a claw to carve the words into the stone. She bit her lower lip before whispering, “Taken too soon.” Slowly, Inuyasha added the final message, before turning to the stone that marked Jichan’s grave.
“Eimai?” Kagome asked Souta. He nodded and they watched in silence as Inuyasha etched the word of honor.
“What about father?” Souta whispered, chewing his fingernails nervously. “I didn’t know him, but...”
Closing her eyes, Kagome sighed softly. Her memories of her father had dimmed over the years, but she would never forget the way he smiled when he looked at Mama, or the kind words he always had for her. The five years she’d had with her father had been precious and she’d never overlook the time she’d been given. It broke her heart that Souta had never known the man who‘d loved him dearly.
“But what?” Kagome finally asked.
“Could it say ’Kyo Otosan?’”
“Yes,” Kagome whispered. “It’s perfect.”
After the stones had been properly marked, Kagome and Souta gathered flowers. Inuyasha took his leave, allowing the two a while alone to say goodbye. They say silently for a time, neither willing to voice their thoughts. Shyly, as if embarrassed that he needed comfort, Souta climbed into Kagome’s lap. She snaked her arms around him, holding the small, lonely boy close.
“I miss them so much, oneesan,” Souta said through tears. He wiped the back of his hand across his nose absently.
“I know, otouto. I miss them too.”
“Do you think... they’re happy where they are?”
Brushing hair out of Souta’s face, Kagome said, “Very much so. They’re in a better place now, where they can rest.”
They sat together for a while longer, gaining much needed comfort from each other. Tears fell freely here, where Souta was not worried that Inuyasha would think him weak. He clung to his sister. She was his lifeline, a light in the darkness, a steady reminder that all was not lost.
~*~*~*~
Later, while Shippou regaled Souta with wild tales of life in the Sengoku Jidai, Kagome and Inuyasha sat together in the boughs of Goshinboku. Snuggled against the Hanyou, surrounded by the deep folds of his haori, Kagome sobbed. As hard as it was to watch her cry, Inuyasha let the Miko have her release. Perhaps, once she’d wept all she could, she would find the strength to move on.
“Souta never knew Otosan,” Kagome whispered through hiccups. She stared at the sky, eyes studying the heavens. Nights in Feudal Japan were beautiful and she still marveled at the way the stars shone. It was a far cry from present day Tokyo, where all those distant balls of gas where somehow dim.
“Oh yeah?” Inuyasha asked softly.
“Our father died before Souta was born. He was killed in a car accident. Rather, he was hit by a car. The man was drunk. He just plowed right through Otosan and kept going.” She closed her eyes, fighting against the memories of the way her mother had fallen to her knees and screamed when the police delivered the news. Kagome was too young then to understand the truth of death, but she knew without a doubt that her father would never come home.
Sighing, Inuyasha nuzzled Kagome’s hair with his nose. He breathed in the sweet smell of wild flowers and spring rain, before he found the courage to say, “My father died protecting Okaasan and I.”
Twisting around in his arms, Kagome stared at Inuyasha with bated breath. She did not dare interrupt him for fear that he would close himself off and deny her a glimpse of his true feelings. So rarely was he open to her and she cherished every moment of it.
“He was fatally wounded when he came for us. He’d just fought off Ryuukossei and sealed him with a fang, and he still managed to reach us.” Pausing, Inuyasha’s mind pulled him back into memories no person should be forced to recall. “The villagers... they wanted to kill me because of what I am. They burned our home and chased us into the forest. Otosan came to protect us, but in doing so he died.”
Sighing, Kagome choked on sobs once more. She buried her face in Inuyasha’s haori and gasped for breath. She could not convey the anger and sadness she felt for the child Inuyasha had been and the man he’d become because of a cruel, unforgiving world. Finally, she whispered, “I’m so sorry.”
“Hey,” Inuyasha murmured, tilting her head up so he could look into her eyes. “Don’t cry for me, Kagome. It was a long time ago. I’m over it.”
She wanted to argue, to tell him that it was alright to mourn, but she couldn’t. Inuyasha did not like to express sadness and she knew she couldn’t push him. She just needed him to know that she’d always be there for him, that she would never leave his side. She wanted to curse at the world that had done this to him, and make him understand that being a Hanyou wasn’t a curse. She loved him just the way he was and nothing would ever change that.
Those exact words almost left her lips, but Inuyasha did not give her a chance. Nudging her face with his nose, he whispered, “Go to sleep, wench.”
~*~*~*~
When Sango and Miroku returned the next morning, Souta dragged them to the well, where he showed them his new skills with the scythe. Sango was pleased with the improvement the boy had made and she knew without a doubt that one day he would be a great and powerful demon exterminator.
“Oi, Monk,” Inuyasha called as he approached Miroku. “You’re awfully quiet.”
Turning, Miroku stared at Inuyasha for a moment, before his eyes fell to Kagome. He blushed furiously as he bit his bottom lip, before muttering, “Can I ask your advice, Kagome?” The Miko blinked for a moment, before sending Inuyasha a silent message to scram. With a snort, he turned and strode away.
“What is it, Miroku?” Kagome asked softly, watching her friend as he twitched nervously. It was uncommon to see the monk in such a state of unrest. He was usually so calm and serene, and yet now he stood before her blushing furiously.
Clearing his throat, he mumbled, “I wish to ask Sango to be my wife.”
Eyes wide, Kagome grinned. “It’s about time!” she said, hoping from foot to foot in excitement. “When are you going to ask her?”
“That’s what I wished to speak to you about,” Miroku said, folding his fingers together and examining a spot on the ground which had suddenly become quite fascinating. “I want to propose to her, but I don’t know how to do it correctly. How do people in your time do it?”
Giggling, Kagome said, “Well, men usually get down on one knee and say ‘Will you marry me?’”
“’Will you... marry me?’” Miroku repeated, scrunching his face up. “It sounds strange. Do you think... could I word it in another way?”
“How do you wish to word it?”
“’Will you be my wife?’”
Grinning, Kagome patted Miroku on the back and said, “That’s perfect! Do you plan to ask her soon?”
Eye widening, Miroku scratched his head. “I do not know when it would be appropriate to ask such a question.”
“Are you kidding?” Kagome asked incredulously. “Sango’s been waiting for so long for you to ask her to be your wife!”
“She has?” Miroku asked softly, a smile making his face look radiant.
“Yes, silly monk!”
“How... how should I do it?”
Thinking for a moment, Kagome said, “Invite her on a walk. Find a beautiful spot, take her hands, get down on one knee and ask her.” As an afterthought, she added, “And do not grope her!”
Blushing, Miroku nodded, bowing once before turning and heading off in the direction of Sango, who was showing Souta her boomerang.
“What was that all about?” Inuyasha asked as he joined Kagome once more.
Smiling, she answered, “He’s going to propose to Sango!”
“Pro...pose?”
“Ask her to be his wife,” Kagome explained through giggles.
“Keh,” Inuyasha scoffed, face brightening as he twitched nervously. “’Bout time.”
“That’s what I told him,” Kagome supplied before skittering away.
‘I wonder... will Inuyasha ever make me his mate?’ she thought, reddening slightly. ‘Foolish girl. He’s just your friend. Get your head out of the clouds.’ Sighing, Kagome’s shoulders slumped. ‘A girl can dream, can’t she?’
~*~*~*~
The sun was crawling slowly toward the horizon when the Youkai attacked. It came out of the trees, decimating huts as it lumbered forward. Great, green gobs of drool fell from its gaping maw, hitting the ground and sizzling.
“Fuck,” Inuyasha snarled, pulling Tetsusaiga from its sheath. “Smells like its been eating babies.”
“Inuyasha!” Kagome said incredulously.
“Keh, wench. Stay back and let me handle this.”
Rolling her eyes, Kagome retreated a step, joining Souta, who stood with mouth hanging open and eyes wide. The closest thing he’d ever seen to a demon had been the Noh mask, which had possessed innocent people while it ran amok through Tokyo.
“What is that thing, sis?” Souta asked.
“Bear Youkai. Poisonous, by the looks of it.”
“Will Inuyasha be okay?”
“Keh, no problem,” Inuyasha tossed back over his shoulder as he advanced on the demon. He leapt into the air and raised Tetsusaiga. The sword caught the Youkai in the shoulder, nearly severing its arm. The limb hung on by a few thin threads of tendon.
Howling in pain and outrage, the Bear swung a claw at Inuyasha, knocking the Hanyou through the air and against the trunk of a tree. Cursing, Inuyasha rose to his feet and went at the demon, Tetsusaiga swinging recklessly. He brought the sword down in one fluid movement, tearing flesh away from the Youkai’s chest. Snarling, the demon knocked Inuyasha aside once more and turned toward Kagome.
“Shit,” she said as she reached for her bow and arrows. Souta choked at the sound of that expletive. His sister had never used such language before. He watched in awe as Kagome knocked an arrow and took aim at the Youkai. She let the projectile fly and cursed once more when it missed its mark and only grazed the bear’s cheek.
“I think you really pissed him off, sis,” Souta muttered.
“Get back, otouto,” Kagome hissed, stepping in front of her brother and using her own body as a shield. She knocked another arrow and waited for the perfect opportunity to slay the Youkai.
“Kaze no Kizu!”
In a blast of wind and light, the bear disintegrated, ashes falling apart as they were swept up and away. Inuyasha landed by Kagome’s side, his nose twitching as he inhaled her scent.
“I’m fine, Inuyasha,” Kagome assured him, blushing furiously.
“Keh,” he snorted in reply. “Lucky for you I was here. You would have been dinner.”
“You know that’s not true,” Kagome argued, crossing her arms over her chest and scowling. She sent Inuyasha a glare that went unnoticed.
“Keh, wench. You’re just a weak human. Can’t protect yourself.”
“I can so!”
“Cannot.”
“Can!”
“Nope.”
“Baka!”
“Weakling.”
“Osuwari!”
“Gah!” Inuyasha growled as the weight of the kotodama rosary around his neck pulled him to the ground. He clawed at the earth as he tried to rise and shake off the submission spell. “Oi, wench,” he sneered through a mouthful of grass. “You better be so far gone by the time I get up.”
Giggling, Kagome grabbed Souta’s hand and together they fled from the irate Hanyou.
“Jeeze, sis,” Souta said. “I knew this place was dangerous, but I didn’t realize how much so until that Youkai came after us!”
Kagome paused in her stride to look at Souta. She bit her lip in concern. Her brother didn’t know the half of it, and she hoped he never would. Of course, it was likely that he would see much danger in the years to come, as the Sengoku Jidai was never a safe place. Pursing her lips and forcing a smile, she scoffed, “That was nothing.”
“Uh, sis...”
“Hmm?”
“Inuyasha,” Souta muttered.
“OH!” Kagome cried as she was propelled to the ground under the weight of the Hanyou.
“Scram, kid,” Inuyasha said. “I need to have a word with your sister.”
Laughing, Souta turned and headed in the direction of Kaede’s hut.
“Say you’re sorry, wench,” Inuyasha grated as he held Kagome pinned to the ground.
“Never!”
“Say it!”
“Uh uh!”
Sitting back, Inuyasha slit his eyes and loosened his hold on Kagome to reach forward and tug her ear.
“Ahh! What was that for?” Kagome demanded.
“Ain’t it obvious, wench?” Inuyasha said. “You’re being punished.”
“Oh ho ho,” Kagome answered, wiggling under Inuyasha. “That’s priceless.” Giggling, she reached up and gave the Hanyou’s ear a quick jerk. “How do you like that?”
Growling, Inuyasha flicked his ear away, before saying, “Don’t do that, wench. Those are sensitive.”
Smiling shyly, Kagome mumbled, “Oh yeah? How’s this?” Slowly, her fingers brushed Inuyasha’s ear. It twitched away but she didn’t relent. She traced the line of that enchanting ear, gingerly caressing. The tiny hairs felt like silk under her fingertips and she was hard pressed to pull her hand away.
Above her, Inuyasha whined softly, nuzzling his ear into her hand. Her touch was heaven and he reveled in her gentle ministrations. She had a way of making him forget what his purpose was in the first place and he loved every moment of it.
~*~*~*~
==========================================
TRANSLATIONS:
Itoshii - beloved
Okaasan - mother
eimai - wise and great
kyo - great
otosan - father
Kamigami - Gods
==========================================
For half a millennia the creature was dormant, sealed away in a chamber of stone and ice deep within the earth. It did not move but only waited until the time came that it might rise once more and claim the world as its own. It no longer breathed, for its lung had fossilized many centuries before as its skin hardened to rock and its powers grew weak. It survived by pulling warmth from the core of the earth and absorbing nutrients from the plants and animals long ago calcified. For five-hundred years, the creature was left alone with nothing but its thoughts, which were angry and vengeful. It wished to conquer the world and bring forth its forgotten race once more.
Half remembered faces taunted the creature as it dreamed. Humans and Youkai alike had formed a rare alliance and fought together to destroy the Ryuujin. Great armies from all corners of the island country had come, slaughtering the dragons one by one, pilfering the fallen bodies. Their scales and bones were forged into grand weapons. Being so greatly outnumbered, the dragons did not have a hair’s breadth of a chance to win. Dens were raided and eggs were burnt. Those who took human form were easily discernible from that of other races by the light green tinge to their skin.
They fell by the hundreds, until only a few remained. Still, their days were numbered. In a final act of preservation, they sealed away the great Ryuujin, casting him into a deep sleep until the time came that he could rise once more.
Tokoyami--the Ryuujin--felt the earth quake the day Midoriko expelled the Shikon no Tama from her body. He sensed the great and powerful evil within the jewel and yearned to possess it. Try as he might, though, he could not awaken from his forced slumber. It seemed that with the creation of the Jewel of Four Souls he was bound to the earth that had become his grave. So he waited for the day to come that the accursed thing would be cast from this earth.
Throughout the ages, Tokoyami’s rage and hate for the beings that possessed the earth became a palpable thing. He’d spent centuries in a state of suspended animation with nothing but his thoughts and this inaction led to the rapid decline in his sanity. He’d become a thing of nightmares and Kami rest the souls of all those unlucky enough to cross his path.
The ground above Tokoyami’s place of hibernation was a scorched bit of earth where nothing grew. Those who ventured across that blackened dirt fell dead in a matter of moments. Perhaps their hearts exploded. Maybe they heard the dark thoughts of the beast below. No one could be sure, but with time people began to realize it was not a place to tread upon.
Tokoyami began to die slowly and all hopes of conquering the world seemed to be lost. His blackened soul was gradually fading, being swept up in the arms of the Kamigami and carried away to a place unknown. His time was short and it seemed it might take a miracle to release him.
The ground quaked once more the day the Shikon no Tama was purified and banished from the world. In the end, his time had come. The process of reawakening and rising from his confinement was slow and tedious. His body had turned to stone centuries ago, crystallizing around him and becoming stiff. This sudden resuscitation was a shock on his senses and the pain that wracked his body was almost unbearable. His skin cracked in places and black blood escaped, poisoning the bit of earth unwilling to relinquish its hold on him. His lungs, which had so long ago fossilized, suddenly screamed for air, sucking in rock and dirt. Choking and sputtering, the Ryuujin erupted from the earth, wings unfurling and body wracked with seizures.
Tokoyami took three sputtering steps before his legs gave way under him and he crashed to the ground. He clawed for purchase and tried in vain to rise once more. His body was weak and immovable. The centuries had taken their toll. With his last bit of power, Tokoyami called upon a human form. His wings retracted, curling up and sinking into his back. His great, hulking body twitched as it transformed and scales were replaced with olive skin. From his wrinkled head great lengths of black hair sprung. The red of his eyes bled into green as his long snout became a sharp, pointed nose. His claws retracted and his fangs dulled. In the end, he appeared as a human.
Finally, gratefully, he sank into darkness.
Shina was the picture of innocence, a young girl who was pure and virtuous, kind and giving to all those in need. She’d led a sheltered life, free of pain and hardship. She was the only child of a Miko and a great warrior and her parents treasured the gift the Kamigami had given them. They raised her in a small village protected by a great Priestess, where she would be able to roam freely and they’d never have to fear for her safety. For many years she was a happy child who’d never suffered a day in her life.
On the night of her sixteenth birthday Shina awoke in a pool of cold sweat with sharp claws upon her throat. She whimpered in fear and confusion as she tried to move and found herself glued to the spot. She could feel cold, callused hands caressing her skin, holding her down, and yet no one was there with her. She gasped as invisible fingers nudged her clothing aside, exposing warm flesh. Her head fell back and she trembled as claws raked across her stomach, sending sharp bolts of pleasure down her spine. Cracked lips pressed against her throat and she moaned as she turned her head, mouth seeking out that which inspired unknown feelings within her.
“Oh Kami,” Shina gasped as her clothing was torn to ribbons and cast aside. Clawed fingers traced the tips of her erect nipples and she arched her back to meet those greedy hands. Lips fell onto her breasts, sucking lightly, teasing a sharp breath out of her. Twitching in pleasure, her fingers sank into the blankets and she tried to sit forward. Strong, dry hands grasped her shoulders and propelled her back against the futon.
“Please,” Shina moaned, writhing under the touch of those fingers. An invisible hand sank to her thigh, eliciting a sharp gasp from her lips. Slowly, claws caressed her flesh, moving to the inside of her thigh and curling into the silky black hair on her groin. She arched forward to meet those seeking hands and was once more shoved back down onto the futon.
‘Be still.’
Moaning, Shina did as the voice bid. Hands clasped the insides of her thighs and eased her legs apart. Claws rubbed against her groin and she gasped, fighting back the urge to thrust against them. A finger sank into the flesh between her legs and she shuddered as her invisible lover gently stroked the core of her pleasure. Eyes falling shut, she gasped as heat began to build in the pit of her stomach. With each caress of those unseen fingers, the passion burned brighter, hotter. She grasped at the heavens which were just out of her reach. She silently begged for release. Every inch of her body quaked against the hand that stroked her. She stood at the precipice, teetering between insanity and satiation, wanting above all else to experience the pure bliss of surrender. She could almost touch heaven... and then it was gone.
“No!” she moaned as her invisible lover pulled his hand away. She shook and twitched, her body on fire, unable to let go. She could not reach the heights of passion alone. She needed the caress of the being who would not show himself. Whimpering, she whispered, “Please.”
‘Do you wish for release?’
“Yes!” Shina gasped.
‘Come to me.’
Twitching, Shina rose on legs made of putty and stumbled toward the chest in the corner. She wrenched the box open and searched for clothing to don.
‘No.’
Falling still, Shina mumbled, “But, I...”
‘NO! Come to me as you are.’
Blushing, Shina shut the chest and stood. She stared around the room for a moment, trembling and confused. How would she slip past her parents and into the night? If they saw her unclothed they would surely think her possessed and call on a monk to perform an exorcism.
A cool breeze caressed Shina’s naked flesh and she turned toward the window. The back of the hut faced the forest, which would provide cover for a girl who wished to sneak out into the night and meet her lover. With blush burning even hotter, Shina slipped out the window and dashed into the trees. She ran through the forest, blissfully ignorant of the rough ground that tore at her feet and the trees that seemed to reach out and slap her. The meaning of time was lost on the girl as she sought her lover. She might have run for hours, but it did not matter.
When Shina burst from the forest into a large clearing her eyes fell upon the naked man laying sprawled on a patch of blackened earth. She fell to her knees beside him and reached out to touch his face. His eyes sprung open and he sat forward, catching her hand and crushing her against his body.
“Tell me what you want,” he whispered, his lips brushing against her ear.
“You,” Shina gasped, “I want you.”
Eyes bleeding red, Tokoyami claimed the girl. He threw her against the ground, pinning her hands above her head as he crushed his lips against her own. His teeth sank into her tongue and he savored the taste of her blood. She trembled beneath him, the scent of her fear driving him onward. He slipped a clawed hand against her thigh, forcing her legs apart. He slid a finger inside of her and laughed greedily when she shuddered, pleasure coloring her face even as she flinched away in fear.
“Do you still wish for release?”
Unable to form words, Shina whimpered as tears rolled down her cheeks. Tokoyami pulled his finger from her and licked the juices away. He leaned forward and crushed his lips against hers, tongue slipping into her mouth as he savored the taste of her. Hand wrapped around her thigh, he pressed her leg forward as he sank inside of her. He growled and threw his head back as he thrust into her savagely. He drained her of life as he stripped her of her innocence and tainted her soul.
Scream erupting into the night, Shina closed her eyes as everything that was her was squashed, forced out and replaced by a creature of darkness. Her humanity, her morality, her love of life all washed away in a bitter sting of tears.
The pain inflicted by the beast who held her turned into pleasure beyond words. She moaned as he thrust into her, arching her back and meeting him. She raked her fingernails across his back, sank her teeth into his shoulder, cried out when her body began to spasm. She contracted around him and he howled, all of him that was held in check for five-hundred years letting go. He fell against her, panting.
“Yukikureru,” Tokoyami whispered as he lay atop her, gasping for breath. “You are Yukikureru and you are mine.”
“Yes, my Lord,” she agreed, her fingers entwining in his silky black hair.
“I gave you life,” he mumbled against her ear. “I can take it away. You do as I bid and serve no one else.”
“Yes, my Lord,” she whispered once more.
“Go clean yourself,” Tokoyami ordered as he rolled off of her and stood. “Bring me clothing and food. I need souls to feed upon. Do you understand?”
Nodding, Yukikureru rose, bowing once before she turned away from her lord and disappeared into the trees.
Throwing his head back, Tokoyami howled into the night. He closed his eyes and whispered once word. “Free.”
A demon exterminator and a monk are quite an odd combination. One is trained to kill while the other searches for peace. It seems unlikely that such different people would find each other and form a strong bond. Of course, in the Warring States Era of Japan, many strange things happened.
Winter had come quickly and without warning. The land was blanketed in ice and the wind brought a chill to the bone. The trees had shed their leaves and animals had settled into their dins. This would be a lingering season and some thought it would never fade. It was a sign of the end times, they claimed.
Such thoughts did not cross Miroku's mind as he sat across the fire from his beloved, watching her with a deep crimson hue to his cheeks. He’d barely touched his stew, which had cooled and begun to harden. His mind worked furiously to device a plan. He didn’t know how to approach Sango, and he wasn’t entirely sure that she’d be willing to take a walk with him alone. She had no trust for his roaming hands.
Perhaps it would have been wise to bribe Souta, for the young man had not left Sango’s side all day. He was captivated by the tales she told of the Youkai she’d exterminated and she seemed please to have found an audience. Miroku was thankful for Souta, who seemed to heal Sango’s heart daily, but at the moment he was willing to physically separate the two.
Kaede must have sensed the tension in the air, for she turned to the boy and asked, “How have ye faired in our lands, young one?”
Looking up, Souta smiled brightly, tapping his chin with a finger as he said, “It’s great here. At first I thought I would miss television and video games, but this is much more exciting. They taught us about the Feudal Era in school.” With a laugh, he added, “Boy, were they wrong!”
“Keh,” Inuyasha snorted. “They don’t know nothin’ about this place. Buncha fools, if you ask me.”
Kagome laughed and nudged Inuyasha with her shoulder. “Be nice. They try their hardest.”
“Aye, history is a confusing subject,” Kaede said, steepling her fingers together as she thought. “Stories are often mixed up and changed as time moves on. Why, to this day the villagers still argue about how my sister died.”
Swallowing nervously, Kagome cast her eyes to the floor. No one had seen Kikyou since the great battle with Naraku, and Kagome worried that one day the undead priestess would return to hold Inuyasha to his promise. The very thought of the Hanyou going to Hell with Kikyou made Kagome’s stomach turn over.
“...kill it?”
Shaking herself, Kagome glanced at Souta who was watching Sango in awe. She smiled slightly, casting off all thoughts of Kikyou to stare at the demon exterminator who was regaling Souta with yet more tales of her wild adventures.
“It was quite simple, actually,” Sango said to Souta, who seemed to hang on her every word.
Somehow, Miroku had managed to move around the fire and scoot in next to Kagome. He gave her a pleading look and she sighed, nodding once before clearing her throat and saying, “Sango, will you come outside with me for a moment?”
Stopping in mid sentence, Sango looked up, eyeing her friend warily. “Everything okay, Kagome?”
“Oh yes,” Kagome answered, rising to her feet and moving carefully around the fire. Sango followed quietly, her brow furrowed in confusion. Outside, Kagome turned toward the trees.
“Where are we going?” Sango asked.
“To the well,” Kagome answered vaguely. She tried to hide a smile but had no luck. Instead, she turned away from her friend and started walking. After a moment, Sango ran to catch up.
“Are you sure everything’s alright?” Sango whispered nervously.
“Mm Hmm,” Kagome said, “Perfect.”
Scratching her head, Sango shrugged and followed the Miko. A minute later, Kagome paused and looked back toward the village. Shaking her head, she said, “Dang it. I’m such a ditz! I forgot something. Wait for me here, kay?” Without waiting for a response, she turned and dashed away.
Sango watched in stunned silence as Kagome disappeared. The girl was definitely up to something. Sighing in defeat, she eased herself down onto a log to sit and wait for the Miko’s return. A few moments later she heard the slow approach of someone from the trees. “Kagome, what...”
“Sango,” Miroku murmured as he stepped into view.
“Houshi-sama?” Sango queried as she rose to face the monk. “Where is Kagome?”
Blushing, Miroku shuffled his feet nervously. He stared at his hand, tracing the flesh where his Kazaana had once been. He chewed on his lip for a moment, before saying, “I wish to ask you something very important, Sango.”
“Oh?” she whispered in reply, heart thumping against her chest as she waited for the words she hoped he’d say.
“Will you walk with me a while, Sango?”
“Yes, Houshi-sama.”
Sighing, Miroku smiled softly, turning toward the trail that would lead toward the well. “May I...” Here he faltered, afraid Sango would deny him what he wanted. Finally, he managed to mumble, “May I hold your hand?”
When Sango didn’t respond, Miroku’s heart fell. He could not bring himself to look at the woman who obviously did not share his feelings. He hesitated in his steps, planning to turn to Sango and apologize when he felt her hand slip into his own. Heart pounding, he smiled and his face glowed.
They walked on in silence for a time, each lost in their own thoughts. Miroku went over Kagome’s advice once more, a bit worried that he might do something terribly wrong and spoil the entire evening. Gulping, he gently tugged Sango to a stop and turned to stare into her eyes.
“Houshi-sama?” Sango murmured.
Dropping to one knee, Miroku took Sango’s hands, forcing the tremors from his body. He was startled by the look of annoyance on her face and his heart lodged in his throat. It took him a moment to comprehend Sango’s indignation.
‘She thinks I wish to ask her to bear my children,’ he realized. ’Serves me right, I suppose. Better ask this quick before she pounds me.’
Clearing his throat, Miroku softly asked, “Will you be my wife, Sango?”
Knees trembling, mind whirling, Sango sank forward into Miroku’s arms. She clung to him, gasping for air as she murmured, “Yes, Miroku. Oh yes. I will be honored to be your wife.” Tears fell from her eyes as she laughed, pressing her face into Miroku’s robes. When she felt the soft material, she frowned and whispered, “If you marry me, you’ll no longer be a monk.”
Holding Sango against him and kissing her forehead, he said, “It matters not, Sango. With you by my side, I can do anything.”
Four sets of eyes greeted Sango and Miroku eagerly when they returned to Kaede's hut. Inuyasha sat in the corner staring at the ceiling, but it was not easy to miss the soft smile on his face. Kagome, Shippou, Souta and Kaede waited with bated breath and found great amusement when a deep blush suffused Sango’s face.
“Well?” Kagome asked.
“Yes, do tell,” Kaede agreed.
Clearing his throat, Miroku murmured, with a soft smile, “She said yes.”
Flying to her feet, Kagome threw her arms around Sango and cheered. In the corner, Inuyasha gave his famous snort, “Keh.” As an afterthought, he added, “You better take good care of her, monk.”
“Of course, my violent Hanyou friend,” Miroku replied, wide grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. He tapped his chin thoughtfully for a moment, before saying, “May I speak to you for a moment, Inuyasha?”
“Keh,” Inuyasha replied, rising to his feet to follow Miroku out of the hut. They walked for a moment in silence, before Inuyasha ground out, “Spill it, monk.”
“About that,” Miroku said carefully, fingering his right hand. “Without the Kazaana, I fear I will not be able to protect Sango.”
Snorting, Inuyasha said, “You don’t need a hole in your hand to protect her. You’re a fine fighter.”
Miroku’s cheeks flushed at the compliment. He opened his mouth to reply, by Inuyasha interrupted.
“You need a sword,” Inuyasha said matter-of-factly. He tapped his chin idly for a moment, before adding, “We’ll go pay a visit to Totousai. I’m sure he can come up with something.”
Bowing, Miroku said, “Thank you, Inuyasha.”
“Keh,” Inuyasha mumbled. “We better get back before the girls start to think we’ve got something wicked in the works.”
“My Lord,” Yukikureru murmured as she knelt down beside Tokoyami, bowing her head in supplication. Her long black hair fell around her face, hiding her eyes, which were devoid of all emotion. “I have brought you what you require.”
“Excellent,” Tokoyami replied, rising from the blackened earth and staring across the clearing. “I wish to bathe, Yukikureru.”
“Shall I show you to the hot spring, My Lord?”
“Aye.”
Yukikureru turned toward the trees. As she walked, she idly asked, “What shall I do with the souls I have brought you?”
“Fetch them and bring them to me,” Tokoyami ordered. “After I’m bathed.”
Nodding, Yukikureru continued to lead her Lord through the trees. After a moment they reached the hot spring, and she stopped to await orders. “Do you require my assistance, My Lord?”
“Nay,” With a quick gesture of his hand, he said, “Bring the humans to me.”
“Yes, My Lord,” Yukikureru conceded, disappearing into the trees to do as she was bid.
Tokoyami sank into the water, reveling in the feel of the warm liquid on his body. He’d not enjoyed such luxuries in half a millennia and he thought perhaps he’d found rapture. As he closed his eyes, he sank back into bitter memories.
Five-hundred years ago the Ryuujin sought to overthrow the Inu no Taisho and gain control of the Western Domain. He’d gathered an army of dragons willing to fight by his side and stormed the lands ruled by the great Inu-Youkai. Though he conquered many Lords of the domain, he could not destroy the Inu no Taisho. The Dog-Demon had left him mortally wounded and Tokoyami had been forced to submit to the sealing spell that would allow him to slumber and regenerate.
The Ryuujin wondered if the Inu no Taisho still lived. Had the Dog-Demon not crossed over into Hell, Tokoyami would exact his revenge and finally claim Musashi.
“My Lord,” Yukikureru said as she stepped from the trees. Behind her were three cowering men who were held by invisible bonds. “I have brought you the souls you require.”
Rising, Tokoyami nodded. “Very good, koishii.” He stepped out of the water and approached the chained men. One man in particular caught his eye. He examined him for a moment before saying, “Is this your father, Yukikureru?”
“No, My Lord. He is Shina’s father,” Yukikureru answered.
Tilting his head to the side, Tokoyami eyed the woman. It seemed that he’d destroyed every last part of Shina that was the innocent young village girl and turned her into the devoid creature he‘d named Yukikureru. It seemed a shame, but he simply shrugged his shoulders and turned back to Shina’s father.
“You are a strong warrior, I see,” Tokoyami said.
“What have you done to my daughter?” the man demanded, eyes burning as he stared at the Ryuujin. He did not flinch even at Tokoyami scraped his cheek with a claw. “What form of beast are you?”
Chuckling, Tokoyami turned back to Yukikureru. It was time to test her loyalty. He closed his eyes for a moment and summoned up a bit of power. His hand glowed and a dagger made of dragon scales appeared. “Kill this man, koishii,” he ordered.
For the slightest moment, Yukikureru hesitated and it seemed like she was fighting an internal battle. Her lips trembled as a single tear slipped from her eye and rolled down her cheek. She gasped as the dagger was placed into her hand and Tokoyami slapped her cheek.
“Do as I order,” the Ryuujin snarled.
Flinching, all traces of the purity in her receded and her eyes became cloudy. “Yes, My Lord,” she said, clasping the dagger tightly and turning to her father. Without a second thought, she buried the blade into the man’s chest.
“Shina,” he gasped, falling to his knees and fingering the bleeding wound next to his heart. “Why?”
“Shina is dead,” Yukikureru whispered, before turning away. “My Lord?”
“That is all, Yukikureru,” Tokoyami replied. “Leave me now. I will call you when I am ready to move on.”
“Yes, My Lord,” Yukikureru said in a voice devoid of emotion and humanity, before turning and disappearing into the trees.
Tokoyami took hold of the wounded man and shook him violently. He laughed when a sharp gasp escaped the man’s mouth and his face twisted in pain. Tokoyami stuck his claws into the gaping hole in the man’s chest and grasped his heart. In one swift squeeze the organ exploded and the man fell dead at his feet. Tokoyami knelt down and sank one claw into the back of the man’s neck. A dark hole appeared in the flesh and had Miroku seen it he would have been greatly disturbed because it did not look much different than the Kazaana. Tokoyami leaned forward and pressed his mouth to the hole, closing his eyes as he sucked the fleeing soul from the man.
With that done, he turned to the remaining two men and said, “I had forgotten how well human souls fuel my powers.”
"Oi wench, where's the Ramen?" Inuyasha demanded as he rifled through Kagome’s backpack. He’d come across quite a few different things, some of which he didn’t dare begin to try and understand, but had yet to find what he desired. Snorting in impatience, he grasped the bottom of the bag and dumped the contents onto the grass.
Rolling her eyes, Kagome gave Inuyasha a troubled look. She knew the Hanyou’s irritation would become a palpable thing when she told him the horrific news. “Inuyasha,” she said carefully, steeling her expression even as she wanted to laugh. “There’s no more Ramen.”
Ears twitching, Inuyasha looked up, ever so slowly. He blinked once, before using the great vocal skills Kami had given him to say, “WHAT?”
“Must I repeat myself?” Kagome asked with feigned annoyance as she knelt down to put her things back into her bag. She blushed furiously when Shippou picked up one item in particular and began to sniff at it. Twitching, she tried to retrieve her very personal affect from the Kitsune.
“What’s this, Kagome?” Shippou asked, holding the object just out of her reach. He peeled the paper away and examined it more closely.
Grating her teeth, Kagome snatched the tampon from Shippou’s hand. She forcefully shoved it back into the bag and said, “It’s absolutely nothing.”
“Oi wench,” Inuyasha said once more. He paced back and forth, twitching as he moved. “Why didn’t you bring any Ramen?”
The accusation in the Hanyou’s voice floored Kagome. Her mouth fell open as she gaped in abject disbelief. Putting the last of her scattered things into the backpack, she rose to her feet and nailed Inuyasha to the spot with her glare. “Me?” she demanded. “If I remember correctly, you’re the one who jumped through the well without a single thought.”
A soft whine escaped Inuyasha’s lips as he flattened his ears against his head. Twitching and looking most despondent, he turned and fled in the direction of Goshinboku. Kagome watched in utter confusion as he disappeared into the trees, shoulders slumped.
“What did I do?” Kagome whispered.
“I don’t know,” Shippou answered, shrugging before scampering off toward Kaede’s hut.
Swallowing, Kagome dropped her backpack at her feet and rushed after Inuyasha. She did not know what she’d done to upset the Hanyou so, but she meant to remedy the problem quickly. She ran through the trees toward Goshinboku, hopping over fallen logs and avoiding low hanging tree limbs. Bursting into the clearing, she paused to catch her breath.
“Inuyasha?” Kagome called fretfully, concerned when she stared up into the empty boughs of Goshinboku. A soft whine guided her toward the well and she cautiously peeked over the side. Inuyasha had his claws in the dirt, pulling away packed earth in big handfuls.
Swallowing, Kagome called, “Inuyasha? What are you doing?”
Golden eyes met her own, glowing in the darkness of the well. Ceasing digging, Inuyasha hoped upward, landing beside Kagome. He shuffled his feet nervously as he stared down at his dirty claws.
“Inuyasha? What’s wrong?” Kagome asked softly, reaching up to push the hair out of his face. He flinched away from her hand, and turned his back to her.
Whining almost imperceptibly, Inuyasha mumbled, “You don’t want to be with me.”
Eyes wide, Kagome gasped, “Why would you think that, Inuyasha?”
“You’re angry with me,” Inuyasha said, even as his ears flicked against his head once more.
“Angry?” Kagome asked. “Why would I be angry?”
“The well is sealed. You can’t go home, and it’s my fault. I’m sorry, Kagome,” Inuyasha whispered, turning back toward the well. “I’ll find a way to open the well once more, even if it kills me.”
Reaching out, Kagome laid a hand on Inuyasha’s shoulder before he could leap into the well. When he refused to face her, she stepped around him. Touching his face, she smiled as she said, “I am home, Inuyasha.”
Ears flicking forward, Inuyasha looked up hopefully. He scanned her face for any traces of a lie, and found none. Nervously, he asked, “Then you don’t mind being with me?”
“I love being with you, Inuyasha,” Kagome answered softly. She blushed brightly as her eyes fell to his lips. At the moment, she wanted nothing else than to kiss him. He seemed to sense her desire, for he timidly stepped forward and placed his hand on the back of her neck. As his lips descended on her own...
“Inuyasha!”
Growling, Inuyasha spun around to smother the Kitsune with his glare. He clenched his fists, ready to give Shippou the walloping of a lifetime. “What is it, runt?” he grated as he stepped forward menacingly.
Taking a step backward, Shippou sputtered, “There’s a woman here, asking for your help. Her village has been attacked by Youkai.”
Swearing under his breath, Inuyasha swept Kagome up onto his back and sprinted off toward Kaede’s hut. If this was not a life and death situation, he vowed someone would lose their head.
“Kaze no Kizu!” Inuyasha snarled as he brought Tetsusaiga down against the earth. The ground erupted in a blaze, clipping the Viper-Youkai as it dived to the left. It barely escaped the fury of the Windscar, but somehow came away mostly unscathed.
The Viper-Youkai, sensing the rage in Inuyasha, changed course, slithering on its belly with remarkable speed. It came at Sango, mouth agape and dripping poison. Miroku jumped in its path to defend the woman he loved, brandishing his staff at the Youkai.
“Back, demon!” he commanded, smacking the beast between the eyes with his staff. This only seemed to enrage the snake more. It flicked its tail toward Miroku, and sent the monk flying.
The Viper-Youkai turned back to Sango in time to catch the blade of a flying scythe in the eye. Souta stood tall and proud in front of Sango. He yanked the chain attached to the scythe and the demon’s eye was ripped from its socket. Howling in pain and outrage, the demon turned on Souta.
Kagome screamed even as the Viper-Youkai was incinerated by a blast of the Windscar. She ran to Souta’s side, grabbing him in a tight embrace and gasping, “Otouto!”
“Jeeze, sis,” Souta said, blushing as he struggled away from Kagome. “You live to embarrass me, don’t you?”
Sighing in relief, Kagome turned toward Miroku, who was sprawled across the ground with a dejected look on his face. Shaking his head, he rose to his feet and cast his staff a baleful look. He turned grateful eyes toward Souta and whispered, “Thank you. At least someone has the ability to protect Sango.”
“Keh,” Inuyasha snorted. “It ain’t you that’s the problem, Monk. It’s that worthless stick you got there.”
“Inuyasha!” Kagome gasped, swatting Inuyasha‘s arm.
“Oi wench, watch it,” Inuyasha growled.
“You have no manners,” Kagome grated.
Miroku stepped between the Miko and the Hanyou before things got out of hand. “Inuyasha’s right. I can’t protect Sango with this staff any longer.”
“Keh, forget it. I’ll do the protecting until you’ve got a decent weapon.”
The group moved on after receiving offerings from the thankful villagers. Inuyasha refused to accept money, but they insisted that he take several skinned rabbits. Grudgingly, he took the offered payment before turning around and stomping off toward the trees.
They made camp in a clearing near a hot spring that night. Kagome cooked the rabbits and they ate in companionable silence. After their meal, Sango and Kagome slipped off into the darkness to enjoy a hot bath.
“Oi,” Inuyasha called over his shoulder. “Don’t go too far.”
Shaking her head in amusement, Kagome said, “I wouldn’t dream of it, Inuyasha.”
Kagome sank into the water with a blissful sigh. She closed her eyes and savored the warmth on her skin. The weather had been so cold and blistery lately that she felt an ache deep down in her bones. Thankfully, the trees kept the worst bite of the wind away from her.
“Souta’s amazing,” Sango murmured. “He’ll make a great demon exterminator.”
Smiling, Kagome said, “I’m so proud of him. He’s adapted to this time very well. I haven’t heard him complain once about the lack of television and video games. I suppose now he simply lives those adventures.”
“Do you miss it a great deal?” Sango asked.
“Miss what?”
“Your own era.”
Opening her eyes, Kagome gazed at Sango. “Not really,” she said with a slight smile. “I mean, this place lacks modern conveniences like indoor plumbing and mass media, but...” She trailed off, her face pinking. Finally, in a whisper Sango could hardly hear, Kagome said, “I willingly gave it all up for Inuyasha.”
“No regrets?” Sango asked softly.
Smiling, Kagome shook her head. “None.”
“Oi wench, hurry it up, will ya?” Inuyasha growled and tapped his foot to express his annoyance.
Glowering, Kagome griped, “You wake me up at the crack of dawn and expect me not to be slow?”
“Keh,” Inuyasha snorted as he crossed his arms. “You’re always slow.”
“I am not!” Kagome huffed as she rolled up her sleeping bag and jammed it into her backpack.
“Are too.”
“Am not.”
“So very slow.”
“So very annoying.”
“So totally slow.”
“So totally dead.”
Inuyasha flinched as Kagome shouted “Osuwari!” and his face became intimate with the ground. He rose slowly, spitting out a mouthful of dirt and obscenities. His glare and plans for revenge were short-lived however, when a familiar and infuriating scent hit his nose.
“Dog shit,” Kouga said as he came to a stop in the clearing. “Eating dirt again, I see.”
“What do you want, you flea-bitten mongrel?” Inuyasha demanded, hand falling to the hilt of Tetsusaiga as he scowled at the Wolf-Youkai.
“I came to see my woman,” Kouga said with a cocky grin. He turned to Kagome, taking her hands into his own as he asked, “Are you ready to be my mate, Kagome?”
Twitching, Kagome stepped away from Kouga, a deep blush suffusing her face as she squirmed beneath his gaze.
“Back off, shit for brains,” Inuyasha snarled, pulling Tetsusaiga from its sheath and glaring menacingly as it transformed.
“So this is how you want it, mutt-face?” Kouga said with a chuckle. “Bring it on, then!”
Dog Demon and Wolf-Youkai flew at each other, snarling threats in some ancient Youkai language. Basically translated, it would sound something like this:
“Touch her and die, wolf-breath.”
“She’s my woman, dog shit.”
“Over my dead body, asshole.”
“That can be arranged, half-breed.”
“Bastard.”
“Filth.”
“Fucking moron.”
“Stinking dog.”
It could only get worse from there. Inuyasha swung Tetsusaiga wildly, intent on lopping off Kouga’s head. Said Wolf-Youkai retaliated with razor sharp claws. Blood flew here and there, but neither seemed to notice. They were too intent on tearing each other apart to notice the look that passed between Kagome and Miroku.
Chuckling, the monk pulled several sealing scrolls from his robes. He stepped in between Inuyasha and Kouga as they flew apart. With an evil glint in his eyes he smacked ofuda to both their foreheads.
Dog Demon and Wolf-Youkai hit the ground hard, twitching as they tried to detach the scrolls from their skin. Inuyasha was the first to rise and he took a menacing step toward Miroku. “Fucking monk,” he snarled as he stalked his new quarry.
“Osuwari!”
With a thud, Inuyasha hit the earth face first. He grappled with the ground, cursing around mouthfuls of dirt and grass. His claws sank into the ground as he fought off the effects of the submission spell.
Kouga finally tore the ofuda off his forehead and sat forward. “You must like it down there, dog shit.”
“Kouga,” Kagome grated as she stood over the Wolf-Youkai, fire in her eyes. She placed her hands on her hips and scowled. “It wouldn’t be that hard for me to make a pair of beads for you.”
Kouga twitched at her rebuke and scrambled to his feet. He twitched nervously, looking completely aghast at her threat. Shuffling his feet, he mumbled, “Sorry, Kagome.”
How could a girl stay mad at such a humble creature? Sighing, she said, “It’s okay, Kouga. I think you better go before the submission spell wears off.”
Taking her forgiveness to heart, Kouga gave Kagome a toothy grin. He sped off into the trees, looking back once to say, “I’ll be back for my woman, dog shit!”
Grunting, Inuyasha stumbled to his feet and raised Tetsusaiga, “Come back here, you mangy wolf!”
“Inuyasha,” Kagome warned.
Spinning around, Inuyasha pierced Kagome with a glower. “And you, bitch...”
“What did you just call me?” Kagome demanded, face red with anger.
“I called you a...”
“Osuwari!”
As Inuyasha ate dirt once more, Miroku rolled his eyes. “Sango, my dear. Would you care to take a walk?”
“I would love to, houshi-sama,” she replied. “I think these two need some time alone.”
Monk and demon exterminator turned and left their two gaping friends behind. They walked in silence for a while and Sango eventually slipped her hand into Miroku’s. He beamed, his smile bright and enchanting.
‘Kami, you bless me,’ Miroku thought as he gazed at Sango. ’I am the luckiest man alive, to have a woman as remarkable as Sango.’
‘Oh Kami,’ Sango thought with a blush. ’I’ve been given the greatest gift. No one will ever compare to Miroku.’
After a bit, they stopped and their eyes met. Lightning, sharp and stunning, passed between them as they stared at each other. Sango’s heart thumped wildly in her chest as she watched heat rise to accentuate Miroku’s cheeks. Tentatively, she reached out a hand to touch his face, and his own hand came up to cover hers.
“Sango,” he breathed.
“Miroku,” she replied.
Slowly, Miroku’s lips descended and Sango closed her eyes to await the feel of flesh on flesh. Miroku hesitated, before whispering, “May I kiss you, Sango?”
“Yes,” she moaned. When his lips crashed onto her own, she gasped, trembling as Miroku pulled her against his body. A thousand emotions crashed though her, but the only one of importance was love. She swam against the tides of passion, clinging to awareness even as she floundered in a see of wanting and need. She felt as if the world were exploding around her, a million colors bleeding into one; soft blue, the color of his eyes.
“I love you,” Miroku gasped against her mouth, clinging to her as if she were his last thin thread of sanity, when in fact she nearly brought him to his knees. She was his purpose, the reason he lived. Without her at his side, he would have been felled by his own accursed hand long ago.
“Miroku,” Sango whispered, her fingers twining in his hair as she pressed her face against his shoulder. “I love you too, houshi-sama.”
In that instant it became clear that the world could come crashing down around them and it wouldn’t matter. If they had to stare into the face of evil once more, they would fear nothing, as long as they were together. She was his strength and he was her heart.
Small, unprotected villages on the outskirts of the Western Lands were the first to feel the wrath of Tokoyami. He wiped out entire families in his search for viable souls. He had no need of the old so he simply slaughtered them and left their bodies for scavengers. He desired young souls, especially those of the innocent, for they fed his powers greatly.
“Yukikureru, tell me what you know of the Taiyoukai,” Tokoyami said as he dropped the limp body of a young girl. Her soul had been deliciously strong and he could feel the power coursing through his veins. Soon he would be unstoppable.
“Sesshoumaru-sama, My Lord?” Yukikureru asked softly as she dropped a cursing warrior at the Ryuujin’s feet.
Stepping on the warrior’s chest, Tokoyami turned a curious stare on the girl. “Then the great Dog Demon lives no longer?”
“Sesshoumaru is Inu-Youkai, My Lord,” Yukikureru said evenly. “Do you speak of his father, the Inu no Taisho? He is said to be the greatest Dog Demon to ever live. Five hundred years ago he fought and killed a great Ryuujin.”
Snarling, Tokoyami slammed his fist through the warrior’s chest. “Is that what is said?”
Twitching, Yukikureru nodded. “Have I said something to anger you, My Lord?”
“Nay, koishii,” he answered, tossing the warrior onto his stomach. He slipped a claw into the man’s neck and sucked out his soul as it tried to flee. “Understand this, Yukikureru. I am the great Ryuujin, and that filthy Dog Demon did not kill me.”
“Yes, My Lord,” Yukikureru said with a bow. She glanced inanely around the village, no real interest in her eyes. “I believe you have consumed the souls of all that lived in this village.”
“I need more, Yukikureru. Show me where more humans dwell,” Tokoyami demanded.
With a bow, the human shell who once had been Shina led Tokoyami across the border and into the Western Lands.
The Wind Sorceress, who’d been so instrumental in the destruction of Naraku, had searched endlessly for a permanent home, but no place suited her. Something she could not grasp nagged at the back of her mind. She moved in a daze of loneliness, uncertain what might fill the void and make her whole again. Naraku no longer held her heart but this freedom was not enough.
Kagura was wandering aimlessly, drifting upon the breeze when she spotted those who’d stood beside her to face down Naraku. Overcome by curiosity, she alit on the ground and turned in their direction, carefully moving through the trees as she approached them.
When Inuyasha stiffened, Kagome slid off his back and reached for her bow and arrows. She stood ready to unleash her purifying powers on whatever form of beast approached. Inuyasha began to slip Tetsusaiga from its sheath, warily sniffing the air. After a moment, he relaxed, his hand falling from the hilt of his father’s fang.
“What is it, Inuyasha?” Kagome queried softly.
“Kagura.”
“Ohh,” Kagome said and breathe a sigh of relief. She slipped the bow onto her back once more and waited for the Wind Sorceress to show herself.
“Yo,” Kagura said by way of greeting as she stepped out of the trees. It seemed since the group had last seen her, she'd discarded all traces of Naraku. She wore a blue silk kimono fastened in place by a white obi belt and her dark hair fell against her face in soft wisps.
"Kagura," Kagome said, her face brightening as she greeted her former enemy. "You're looking well."
"Keh," Inuyasha snorted as he hopped into the limbs of a tree and crossed his arms beneath the folds of his haori. He closed his eyes and attempted to give off an air of boredom, but only succeeded in gaining a laugh from Kagome.
"Same old Inuyasha, I see," Kagura said, sparing the Hanyou a quick glance before turning back to Kagome. Tilting her head to the side, she studied the girl for a moment before grinning. "So you've finally succeeded in riding the world of the Shikon no Tama?"
Twitching nervously, Kagome forced a weak laugh. "Not me. Inuyasha set Midoriko free."
Chuckling, Kagura purred, “you mean, he managed to make a pure wish? Amazing. Didn’t know he had it in him.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Inuyasha demanded, poking his head down between two thick branches to scowl at Kagura. Kagome found great amusement in the Hanyou’s precarious position and burst into gales of laughter. Scowling, Inuyasha sneered, “Oi wench, what’s so damn funny?”
Stifling her giggles, Kagome mumbled, “not a thing, Inuyasha.”
Grumbling, the irritated Hanyou dropped to the ground and said with a long-suffering sigh, “I’ll leave you two alone to talk about whatever it is women find so important.” As he walked away he muttered, “where in the hell is that damn monk and demon exterminator?”
“Calm yourself, Inuyasha. We’re here,” Miroku said, appearing from the trees with Sango by his side. He had his hand pressed against the small of her back and for once it seemed he had no hidden agenda.
“What the hell you two been doing, anyway?” Inuyasha grumbled as he kicked a pebble across the ground.
Eyes widening, Sango pressed a hand to her mouth as she blushed.
“Now, now, Inuyasha,” Miroku chided as he cast a knowing glance from the Hanyou to Kagome. “Just because you want to...”
“Not another word, lecher,” Inuyasha grated as he cracked his knuckles, taking a threatening step toward Miroku.
“You better run, houshi-sama,” Sango warned, shaking her head as Inuyasha bounded after the fleeing monk. Turning toward the Wind Sorceress, she bowed and said, “Hello Kagura.”
“Are they always like this?” Kagura asked with a chuckle as her eyes followed the irate Hanyou on his quest to bring great suffering to the monk.
“Oh boy,” Kagome muttered, “You don’t know the half of it.”
“Will we camp here tonight, Kagome?” Sango asked as she leaned Hiraikotsu against a tree and settled down to await the return of Miroku and Inuyasha.
“We might as well,” Kagome said with a sigh. “Those two might be at it for hours, yet. Will you join us, Kagura?”
The Wind Sorceress seemed to consider this before nodding and replying, “For a time.”
Kagome moved around the small clearing, gathering any wood that looked fit for burning. She dumped what she’d collected into a pile on the ground, and tapped her foot impatiently. “How’re we gonna get this fire started?”
“I’ll do it, Kagome!” Shippou volunteered as he bounded toward the girl, Souta hot on his heals. The Kitsune paused in front of the heap of twigs and yelled, “Fox Fire!” In seconds, the wood was burning quite nicely.
“Thanks, Shippou,” Kagome said, then let out a horrified “Eep!” as Souta dropped three dead rabbits at her feet. “Gah! Get them away from me!”
“Gee sis,” Souta said with a shake of his head. “You watch Inuyasha cut through Youkai every day, and you can’t handle a few dead rabbits?”
“Not when they look like Thumper from Bambi!” Kagome cried, jumping to her feet and backing away from the offensive sight. Sighing dejectedly, she fumbled through her monstrosity of a backpack and pulled out a bottle of Shampoo. “Might as well enjoy this while it lasts.”
Sango, taking Kagome’s cue, turned to Kagura and said, “there’s a hot spring nearby. Would you like to join us while we bathe?”
Nodding, Kagura followed the Miko and the demon exterminator into the trees. When they reached to water, Kagome and Sango cast furtive glances about, as if looking for something in particular.
“You think it’s safe, Kagome?” Sango asked.
“Safe from what?” Kagura enquired, watching the two girls as they fluttered about nervously.
“Safe from prying eyes,” Kagome muttered.
“Ahh, yes, that would make sense,” Kagura said with a chuckle. “The coast is clear. Inuyasha has chased the monk some distance away.”
Shaking her head as she slipped out of her demon exterminator’s outfit, Sango mumbled, “houshi-sama doesn’t know when to quit, does he?”
Laughing, Kagome shrugged out of her clothing and sank into the hot water. “Ahh, this is great.” Unscrewing the lid on her bottle of shampoo, she lathered her hair, soapy bubbles floating away on the slow current.
“What has happened since Naraku’s demise?” Sango asked Kagura as she flittered around tensely in the water. She was certain that at any moment, a pair of prying eyes would appear from the darkness. “Have you and Kanna found a suitable place to stay?”
“Kanna is dead,” Kagura said as she settled back against a boulder and let her hair soak in the soothing water.
“Oh,” Sango said, nervously raising a hand to her mouth. “I’m so sorry.”
Shaking her head, Kagura replied, “It does not matter. Kanna was a soulless creature who had no place in this world once her master perished. She simply ceased to exist when Naraku was purified.” Pausing for a moment to think, she quietly added, “that was almost my fate.”
“That‘s right,” Kagome breathed, “you would have perished with Naraku if not for Sesshoumaru.”
Even after the last remains of Naraku disintegrated, Kagome could sense that their troubles were not yet over. An eerie apprehension wormed its way into her heart as she grasped the Shikon no Tama. She carefully pressed the remaining shards into place and sighed in relief when the jewel was finally whole again.
A sharp hiss pulled Kagome’s eyes from the completed Shikon no Tama and she stared in abject horror as Kagura fell to her knees. The Wind Sorceress trembled and panted as she clawed at the back of her kimono. The cloth tore free to reveal a pulsing, spider shaped scar. It seemed that even in death, Naraku held Kagura captive.
“No!” Kagura gasped, her claws sinking into her flesh as the scar on her back spread. Her skin began to smoke as her body burned from the inside out. Blood pored from her nose and mouth as she screamed, “this cannot be the end!”
“Inuyasha!” Kagome cried, her fingers sinking into the Hanyou’s Fire Rat haori. “We’ve go to do something!” She whimpered when Inuyasha looked back at her, horror and distress written all over his face.
Twitching, Kagura fell to the ground, screaming in pain and frustration. She pulled her knees against her chest, the great Wind Sorceress reduced to a moaning mass of quickly burning flesh.
“Move aside.”
All eyes fell upon Sesshoumaru as he pulled Tenseiga from its sheath. He stared at the dormant blade, his eyes flashing red. The sword would not show him the tiny creatures that came to usher the dead into hell. A low snarl rumbled from his throat as he cursed the blade.
‘Obey me,’ he silently demanded.
‘Why?’ Tenseiga seemed to ask.
‘I am your master,’ Sesshoumaru growled, gripping Tenseiga’s hilt so tightly it seemed the sword might shatter. When he was still not shown the imps of death, he began to tremble the slightest bit. None in the group seemed to catch it, however, for the Taiyoukai would not let his body betray him in such a manner.
‘Why do you wish this?’ Tenseiga questioned.
“Save her!” Sesshoumaru snarled, effectively stunning everyone. None of them--not even Inuyasha--had ever seen him display such heated emotion. Tenseiga pulsed in his hand and he swung it in a wide arc, tearing through the greedy imps clinging to Kagura’s body. They split apart and vanished in an instant.
The group watched in stunned silence as the scar on Kagura’s back pulsed one final time before fading, leaving her skin completely unblemished. She rose slowly and turned to Sesshoumaru, stumbling forward and falling against him. Her eyes searched his face for some sort of answer.
Sesshoumaru gripped Kagura’s shoulder, steadying the Wind Sorceress. His eyes met hers for the briefest moment before he turned from her. He walked away, looking back over his shoulder one final time to say, “You are the wind, Kagura, and now you are free.”
“Sesshoumaru,” Kagura whispered softly, her eyes closed as she recalled the last thing the Taiyoukai had said to her. She knew if she lived a thousand years, she would never forget those words.
‘Is he... what I’ve been searching for?’ she wondered. With a shake of her head, she chided herself, ’Impossible. He does not desire me.’
“Have you seen him since the final battle with Naraku?” Kagome asked softly as she rinsed her hair.
Blinking, Kagura stared at the Miko, her head tilted slightly to the side. “No,” she finally whispered.
“But you want to,” Kagome murmured, catching the Wind Sorceress off guard.
‘Do I? Is she right?’
“Perhaps,” Kagura admitted, twitching slightly as heat suffused her face. She touched a wet hand to her cheek and almost laughed and the irony. She’d never known such strange, humanlike emotions. “It does not matter.”
“Do you truly believe that?” Kagome asked softly, smiling at the blush Kagura attempted to hide. It was something she’d never expected to see. “I don’t even want to begin to imagine what Sesshoumaru might have done if he’d not been able to save you.”
Nodding, Sango whole-heartedly agreed with Kagome’s assessment. “I’ve never seen him display such emotion. If Tenseiga had not obeyed his command, I believe he would have forsaken his father and abandoned the fang.”
For the first time in her life, Kagura found herself seeking the advice of humans. “What shall I do?”
Smiling softly, Kagome said, “The way to Sesshoumaru’s heart is through the child. Earn Rin’s trust and anything is possible.”
TRANSLATIONS:
Itoshii - beloved
Okaasan - mother
eimai - wise and great
kyo - great
otosan - father
Kamigami - Gods
==========================================
Chapter Three - Awakenings
For half a millennia the creature was dormant, sealed away in a chamber of stone and ice deep within the earth. It did not move but only waited until the time came that it might rise once more and claim the world as its own. It no longer breathed, for its lung had fossilized many centuries before as its skin hardened to rock and its powers grew weak. It survived by pulling warmth from the core of the earth and absorbing nutrients from the plants and animals long ago calcified. For five-hundred years, the creature was left alone with nothing but its thoughts, which were angry and vengeful. It wished to conquer the world and bring forth its forgotten race once more.
Half remembered faces taunted the creature as it dreamed. Humans and Youkai alike had formed a rare alliance and fought together to destroy the Ryuujin. Great armies from all corners of the island country had come, slaughtering the dragons one by one, pilfering the fallen bodies. Their scales and bones were forged into grand weapons. Being so greatly outnumbered, the dragons did not have a hair’s breadth of a chance to win. Dens were raided and eggs were burnt. Those who took human form were easily discernible from that of other races by the light green tinge to their skin.
They fell by the hundreds, until only a few remained. Still, their days were numbered. In a final act of preservation, they sealed away the great Ryuujin, casting him into a deep sleep until the time came that he could rise once more.
Tokoyami--the Ryuujin--felt the earth quake the day Midoriko expelled the Shikon no Tama from her body. He sensed the great and powerful evil within the jewel and yearned to possess it. Try as he might, though, he could not awaken from his forced slumber. It seemed that with the creation of the Jewel of Four Souls he was bound to the earth that had become his grave. So he waited for the day to come that the accursed thing would be cast from this earth.
Throughout the ages, Tokoyami’s rage and hate for the beings that possessed the earth became a palpable thing. He’d spent centuries in a state of suspended animation with nothing but his thoughts and this inaction led to the rapid decline in his sanity. He’d become a thing of nightmares and Kami rest the souls of all those unlucky enough to cross his path.
The ground above Tokoyami’s place of hibernation was a scorched bit of earth where nothing grew. Those who ventured across that blackened dirt fell dead in a matter of moments. Perhaps their hearts exploded. Maybe they heard the dark thoughts of the beast below. No one could be sure, but with time people began to realize it was not a place to tread upon.
Tokoyami began to die slowly and all hopes of conquering the world seemed to be lost. His blackened soul was gradually fading, being swept up in the arms of the Kamigami and carried away to a place unknown. His time was short and it seemed it might take a miracle to release him.
The ground quaked once more the day the Shikon no Tama was purified and banished from the world. In the end, his time had come. The process of reawakening and rising from his confinement was slow and tedious. His body had turned to stone centuries ago, crystallizing around him and becoming stiff. This sudden resuscitation was a shock on his senses and the pain that wracked his body was almost unbearable. His skin cracked in places and black blood escaped, poisoning the bit of earth unwilling to relinquish its hold on him. His lungs, which had so long ago fossilized, suddenly screamed for air, sucking in rock and dirt. Choking and sputtering, the Ryuujin erupted from the earth, wings unfurling and body wracked with seizures.
Tokoyami took three sputtering steps before his legs gave way under him and he crashed to the ground. He clawed for purchase and tried in vain to rise once more. His body was weak and immovable. The centuries had taken their toll. With his last bit of power, Tokoyami called upon a human form. His wings retracted, curling up and sinking into his back. His great, hulking body twitched as it transformed and scales were replaced with olive skin. From his wrinkled head great lengths of black hair sprung. The red of his eyes bled into green as his long snout became a sharp, pointed nose. His claws retracted and his fangs dulled. In the end, he appeared as a human.
Finally, gratefully, he sank into darkness.
~*~*~*~
Shina was the picture of innocence, a young girl who was pure and virtuous, kind and giving to all those in need. She’d led a sheltered life, free of pain and hardship. She was the only child of a Miko and a great warrior and her parents treasured the gift the Kamigami had given them. They raised her in a small village protected by a great Priestess, where she would be able to roam freely and they’d never have to fear for her safety. For many years she was a happy child who’d never suffered a day in her life.
On the night of her sixteenth birthday Shina awoke in a pool of cold sweat with sharp claws upon her throat. She whimpered in fear and confusion as she tried to move and found herself glued to the spot. She could feel cold, callused hands caressing her skin, holding her down, and yet no one was there with her. She gasped as invisible fingers nudged her clothing aside, exposing warm flesh. Her head fell back and she trembled as claws raked across her stomach, sending sharp bolts of pleasure down her spine. Cracked lips pressed against her throat and she moaned as she turned her head, mouth seeking out that which inspired unknown feelings within her.
“Oh Kami,” Shina gasped as her clothing was torn to ribbons and cast aside. Clawed fingers traced the tips of her erect nipples and she arched her back to meet those greedy hands. Lips fell onto her breasts, sucking lightly, teasing a sharp breath out of her. Twitching in pleasure, her fingers sank into the blankets and she tried to sit forward. Strong, dry hands grasped her shoulders and propelled her back against the futon.
“Please,” Shina moaned, writhing under the touch of those fingers. An invisible hand sank to her thigh, eliciting a sharp gasp from her lips. Slowly, claws caressed her flesh, moving to the inside of her thigh and curling into the silky black hair on her groin. She arched forward to meet those seeking hands and was once more shoved back down onto the futon.
‘Be still.’
Moaning, Shina did as the voice bid. Hands clasped the insides of her thighs and eased her legs apart. Claws rubbed against her groin and she gasped, fighting back the urge to thrust against them. A finger sank into the flesh between her legs and she shuddered as her invisible lover gently stroked the core of her pleasure. Eyes falling shut, she gasped as heat began to build in the pit of her stomach. With each caress of those unseen fingers, the passion burned brighter, hotter. She grasped at the heavens which were just out of her reach. She silently begged for release. Every inch of her body quaked against the hand that stroked her. She stood at the precipice, teetering between insanity and satiation, wanting above all else to experience the pure bliss of surrender. She could almost touch heaven... and then it was gone.
“No!” she moaned as her invisible lover pulled his hand away. She shook and twitched, her body on fire, unable to let go. She could not reach the heights of passion alone. She needed the caress of the being who would not show himself. Whimpering, she whispered, “Please.”
‘Do you wish for release?’
“Yes!” Shina gasped.
‘Come to me.’
Twitching, Shina rose on legs made of putty and stumbled toward the chest in the corner. She wrenched the box open and searched for clothing to don.
‘No.’
Falling still, Shina mumbled, “But, I...”
‘NO! Come to me as you are.’
Blushing, Shina shut the chest and stood. She stared around the room for a moment, trembling and confused. How would she slip past her parents and into the night? If they saw her unclothed they would surely think her possessed and call on a monk to perform an exorcism.
A cool breeze caressed Shina’s naked flesh and she turned toward the window. The back of the hut faced the forest, which would provide cover for a girl who wished to sneak out into the night and meet her lover. With blush burning even hotter, Shina slipped out the window and dashed into the trees. She ran through the forest, blissfully ignorant of the rough ground that tore at her feet and the trees that seemed to reach out and slap her. The meaning of time was lost on the girl as she sought her lover. She might have run for hours, but it did not matter.
When Shina burst from the forest into a large clearing her eyes fell upon the naked man laying sprawled on a patch of blackened earth. She fell to her knees beside him and reached out to touch his face. His eyes sprung open and he sat forward, catching her hand and crushing her against his body.
“Tell me what you want,” he whispered, his lips brushing against her ear.
“You,” Shina gasped, “I want you.”
Eyes bleeding red, Tokoyami claimed the girl. He threw her against the ground, pinning her hands above her head as he crushed his lips against her own. His teeth sank into her tongue and he savored the taste of her blood. She trembled beneath him, the scent of her fear driving him onward. He slipped a clawed hand against her thigh, forcing her legs apart. He slid a finger inside of her and laughed greedily when she shuddered, pleasure coloring her face even as she flinched away in fear.
“Do you still wish for release?”
Unable to form words, Shina whimpered as tears rolled down her cheeks. Tokoyami pulled his finger from her and licked the juices away. He leaned forward and crushed his lips against hers, tongue slipping into her mouth as he savored the taste of her. Hand wrapped around her thigh, he pressed her leg forward as he sank inside of her. He growled and threw his head back as he thrust into her savagely. He drained her of life as he stripped her of her innocence and tainted her soul.
Scream erupting into the night, Shina closed her eyes as everything that was her was squashed, forced out and replaced by a creature of darkness. Her humanity, her morality, her love of life all washed away in a bitter sting of tears.
The pain inflicted by the beast who held her turned into pleasure beyond words. She moaned as he thrust into her, arching her back and meeting him. She raked her fingernails across his back, sank her teeth into his shoulder, cried out when her body began to spasm. She contracted around him and he howled, all of him that was held in check for five-hundred years letting go. He fell against her, panting.
“Yukikureru,” Tokoyami whispered as he lay atop her, gasping for breath. “You are Yukikureru and you are mine.”
“Yes, my Lord,” she agreed, her fingers entwining in his silky black hair.
“I gave you life,” he mumbled against her ear. “I can take it away. You do as I bid and serve no one else.”
“Yes, my Lord,” she whispered once more.
“Go clean yourself,” Tokoyami ordered as he rolled off of her and stood. “Bring me clothing and food. I need souls to feed upon. Do you understand?”
Nodding, Yukikureru rose, bowing once before she turned away from her lord and disappeared into the trees.
Throwing his head back, Tokoyami howled into the night. He closed his eyes and whispered once word. “Free.”
~*~*~*~
A demon exterminator and a monk are quite an odd combination. One is trained to kill while the other searches for peace. It seems unlikely that such different people would find each other and form a strong bond. Of course, in the Warring States Era of Japan, many strange things happened.
Winter had come quickly and without warning. The land was blanketed in ice and the wind brought a chill to the bone. The trees had shed their leaves and animals had settled into their dins. This would be a lingering season and some thought it would never fade. It was a sign of the end times, they claimed.
Such thoughts did not cross Miroku's mind as he sat across the fire from his beloved, watching her with a deep crimson hue to his cheeks. He’d barely touched his stew, which had cooled and begun to harden. His mind worked furiously to device a plan. He didn’t know how to approach Sango, and he wasn’t entirely sure that she’d be willing to take a walk with him alone. She had no trust for his roaming hands.
Perhaps it would have been wise to bribe Souta, for the young man had not left Sango’s side all day. He was captivated by the tales she told of the Youkai she’d exterminated and she seemed please to have found an audience. Miroku was thankful for Souta, who seemed to heal Sango’s heart daily, but at the moment he was willing to physically separate the two.
Kaede must have sensed the tension in the air, for she turned to the boy and asked, “How have ye faired in our lands, young one?”
Looking up, Souta smiled brightly, tapping his chin with a finger as he said, “It’s great here. At first I thought I would miss television and video games, but this is much more exciting. They taught us about the Feudal Era in school.” With a laugh, he added, “Boy, were they wrong!”
“Keh,” Inuyasha snorted. “They don’t know nothin’ about this place. Buncha fools, if you ask me.”
Kagome laughed and nudged Inuyasha with her shoulder. “Be nice. They try their hardest.”
“Aye, history is a confusing subject,” Kaede said, steepling her fingers together as she thought. “Stories are often mixed up and changed as time moves on. Why, to this day the villagers still argue about how my sister died.”
Swallowing nervously, Kagome cast her eyes to the floor. No one had seen Kikyou since the great battle with Naraku, and Kagome worried that one day the undead priestess would return to hold Inuyasha to his promise. The very thought of the Hanyou going to Hell with Kikyou made Kagome’s stomach turn over.
“...kill it?”
Shaking herself, Kagome glanced at Souta who was watching Sango in awe. She smiled slightly, casting off all thoughts of Kikyou to stare at the demon exterminator who was regaling Souta with yet more tales of her wild adventures.
“It was quite simple, actually,” Sango said to Souta, who seemed to hang on her every word.
Somehow, Miroku had managed to move around the fire and scoot in next to Kagome. He gave her a pleading look and she sighed, nodding once before clearing her throat and saying, “Sango, will you come outside with me for a moment?”
Stopping in mid sentence, Sango looked up, eyeing her friend warily. “Everything okay, Kagome?”
“Oh yes,” Kagome answered, rising to her feet and moving carefully around the fire. Sango followed quietly, her brow furrowed in confusion. Outside, Kagome turned toward the trees.
“Where are we going?” Sango asked.
“To the well,” Kagome answered vaguely. She tried to hide a smile but had no luck. Instead, she turned away from her friend and started walking. After a moment, Sango ran to catch up.
“Are you sure everything’s alright?” Sango whispered nervously.
“Mm Hmm,” Kagome said, “Perfect.”
Scratching her head, Sango shrugged and followed the Miko. A minute later, Kagome paused and looked back toward the village. Shaking her head, she said, “Dang it. I’m such a ditz! I forgot something. Wait for me here, kay?” Without waiting for a response, she turned and dashed away.
Sango watched in stunned silence as Kagome disappeared. The girl was definitely up to something. Sighing in defeat, she eased herself down onto a log to sit and wait for the Miko’s return. A few moments later she heard the slow approach of someone from the trees. “Kagome, what...”
“Sango,” Miroku murmured as he stepped into view.
“Houshi-sama?” Sango queried as she rose to face the monk. “Where is Kagome?”
Blushing, Miroku shuffled his feet nervously. He stared at his hand, tracing the flesh where his Kazaana had once been. He chewed on his lip for a moment, before saying, “I wish to ask you something very important, Sango.”
“Oh?” she whispered in reply, heart thumping against her chest as she waited for the words she hoped he’d say.
“Will you walk with me a while, Sango?”
“Yes, Houshi-sama.”
Sighing, Miroku smiled softly, turning toward the trail that would lead toward the well. “May I...” Here he faltered, afraid Sango would deny him what he wanted. Finally, he managed to mumble, “May I hold your hand?”
When Sango didn’t respond, Miroku’s heart fell. He could not bring himself to look at the woman who obviously did not share his feelings. He hesitated in his steps, planning to turn to Sango and apologize when he felt her hand slip into his own. Heart pounding, he smiled and his face glowed.
They walked on in silence for a time, each lost in their own thoughts. Miroku went over Kagome’s advice once more, a bit worried that he might do something terribly wrong and spoil the entire evening. Gulping, he gently tugged Sango to a stop and turned to stare into her eyes.
“Houshi-sama?” Sango murmured.
Dropping to one knee, Miroku took Sango’s hands, forcing the tremors from his body. He was startled by the look of annoyance on her face and his heart lodged in his throat. It took him a moment to comprehend Sango’s indignation.
‘She thinks I wish to ask her to bear my children,’ he realized. ’Serves me right, I suppose. Better ask this quick before she pounds me.’
Clearing his throat, Miroku softly asked, “Will you be my wife, Sango?”
Knees trembling, mind whirling, Sango sank forward into Miroku’s arms. She clung to him, gasping for air as she murmured, “Yes, Miroku. Oh yes. I will be honored to be your wife.” Tears fell from her eyes as she laughed, pressing her face into Miroku’s robes. When she felt the soft material, she frowned and whispered, “If you marry me, you’ll no longer be a monk.”
Holding Sango against him and kissing her forehead, he said, “It matters not, Sango. With you by my side, I can do anything.”
~*~*~*~
Four sets of eyes greeted Sango and Miroku eagerly when they returned to Kaede's hut. Inuyasha sat in the corner staring at the ceiling, but it was not easy to miss the soft smile on his face. Kagome, Shippou, Souta and Kaede waited with bated breath and found great amusement when a deep blush suffused Sango’s face.
“Well?” Kagome asked.
“Yes, do tell,” Kaede agreed.
Clearing his throat, Miroku murmured, with a soft smile, “She said yes.”
Flying to her feet, Kagome threw her arms around Sango and cheered. In the corner, Inuyasha gave his famous snort, “Keh.” As an afterthought, he added, “You better take good care of her, monk.”
“Of course, my violent Hanyou friend,” Miroku replied, wide grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. He tapped his chin thoughtfully for a moment, before saying, “May I speak to you for a moment, Inuyasha?”
“Keh,” Inuyasha replied, rising to his feet to follow Miroku out of the hut. They walked for a moment in silence, before Inuyasha ground out, “Spill it, monk.”
“About that,” Miroku said carefully, fingering his right hand. “Without the Kazaana, I fear I will not be able to protect Sango.”
Snorting, Inuyasha said, “You don’t need a hole in your hand to protect her. You’re a fine fighter.”
Miroku’s cheeks flushed at the compliment. He opened his mouth to reply, by Inuyasha interrupted.
“You need a sword,” Inuyasha said matter-of-factly. He tapped his chin idly for a moment, before adding, “We’ll go pay a visit to Totousai. I’m sure he can come up with something.”
Bowing, Miroku said, “Thank you, Inuyasha.”
“Keh,” Inuyasha mumbled. “We better get back before the girls start to think we’ve got something wicked in the works.”
~*~*~*~
“My Lord,” Yukikureru murmured as she knelt down beside Tokoyami, bowing her head in supplication. Her long black hair fell around her face, hiding her eyes, which were devoid of all emotion. “I have brought you what you require.”
“Excellent,” Tokoyami replied, rising from the blackened earth and staring across the clearing. “I wish to bathe, Yukikureru.”
“Shall I show you to the hot spring, My Lord?”
“Aye.”
Yukikureru turned toward the trees. As she walked, she idly asked, “What shall I do with the souls I have brought you?”
“Fetch them and bring them to me,” Tokoyami ordered. “After I’m bathed.”
Nodding, Yukikureru continued to lead her Lord through the trees. After a moment they reached the hot spring, and she stopped to await orders. “Do you require my assistance, My Lord?”
“Nay,” With a quick gesture of his hand, he said, “Bring the humans to me.”
“Yes, My Lord,” Yukikureru conceded, disappearing into the trees to do as she was bid.
Tokoyami sank into the water, reveling in the feel of the warm liquid on his body. He’d not enjoyed such luxuries in half a millennia and he thought perhaps he’d found rapture. As he closed his eyes, he sank back into bitter memories.
Five-hundred years ago the Ryuujin sought to overthrow the Inu no Taisho and gain control of the Western Domain. He’d gathered an army of dragons willing to fight by his side and stormed the lands ruled by the great Inu-Youkai. Though he conquered many Lords of the domain, he could not destroy the Inu no Taisho. The Dog-Demon had left him mortally wounded and Tokoyami had been forced to submit to the sealing spell that would allow him to slumber and regenerate.
The Ryuujin wondered if the Inu no Taisho still lived. Had the Dog-Demon not crossed over into Hell, Tokoyami would exact his revenge and finally claim Musashi.
“My Lord,” Yukikureru said as she stepped from the trees. Behind her were three cowering men who were held by invisible bonds. “I have brought you the souls you require.”
Rising, Tokoyami nodded. “Very good, koishii.” He stepped out of the water and approached the chained men. One man in particular caught his eye. He examined him for a moment before saying, “Is this your father, Yukikureru?”
“No, My Lord. He is Shina’s father,” Yukikureru answered.
Tilting his head to the side, Tokoyami eyed the woman. It seemed that he’d destroyed every last part of Shina that was the innocent young village girl and turned her into the devoid creature he‘d named Yukikureru. It seemed a shame, but he simply shrugged his shoulders and turned back to Shina’s father.
“You are a strong warrior, I see,” Tokoyami said.
“What have you done to my daughter?” the man demanded, eyes burning as he stared at the Ryuujin. He did not flinch even at Tokoyami scraped his cheek with a claw. “What form of beast are you?”
Chuckling, Tokoyami turned back to Yukikureru. It was time to test her loyalty. He closed his eyes for a moment and summoned up a bit of power. His hand glowed and a dagger made of dragon scales appeared. “Kill this man, koishii,” he ordered.
For the slightest moment, Yukikureru hesitated and it seemed like she was fighting an internal battle. Her lips trembled as a single tear slipped from her eye and rolled down her cheek. She gasped as the dagger was placed into her hand and Tokoyami slapped her cheek.
“Do as I order,” the Ryuujin snarled.
Flinching, all traces of the purity in her receded and her eyes became cloudy. “Yes, My Lord,” she said, clasping the dagger tightly and turning to her father. Without a second thought, she buried the blade into the man’s chest.
“Shina,” he gasped, falling to his knees and fingering the bleeding wound next to his heart. “Why?”
“Shina is dead,” Yukikureru whispered, before turning away. “My Lord?”
“That is all, Yukikureru,” Tokoyami replied. “Leave me now. I will call you when I am ready to move on.”
“Yes, My Lord,” Yukikureru said in a voice devoid of emotion and humanity, before turning and disappearing into the trees.
Tokoyami took hold of the wounded man and shook him violently. He laughed when a sharp gasp escaped the man’s mouth and his face twisted in pain. Tokoyami stuck his claws into the gaping hole in the man’s chest and grasped his heart. In one swift squeeze the organ exploded and the man fell dead at his feet. Tokoyami knelt down and sank one claw into the back of the man’s neck. A dark hole appeared in the flesh and had Miroku seen it he would have been greatly disturbed because it did not look much different than the Kazaana. Tokoyami leaned forward and pressed his mouth to the hole, closing his eyes as he sucked the fleeing soul from the man.
With that done, he turned to the remaining two men and said, “I had forgotten how well human souls fuel my powers.”
~*~*~*~
==========================================
TRANSLATIONS:
Tokoyami - everlasting darkness
Yukikureru - to be overtaken by darkness
Kamigami - gods
Shina - virtue; good
koishii - beloved
==========================================
==========================================
TRANSLATIONS:
Tokoyami - everlasting darkness
Yukikureru - to be overtaken by darkness
Kamigami - gods
Shina - virtue; good
koishii - beloved
==========================================
Chapter Four - Rivals and Friends
"Oi wench, where's the Ramen?" Inuyasha demanded as he rifled through Kagome’s backpack. He’d come across quite a few different things, some of which he didn’t dare begin to try and understand, but had yet to find what he desired. Snorting in impatience, he grasped the bottom of the bag and dumped the contents onto the grass.
Rolling her eyes, Kagome gave Inuyasha a troubled look. She knew the Hanyou’s irritation would become a palpable thing when she told him the horrific news. “Inuyasha,” she said carefully, steeling her expression even as she wanted to laugh. “There’s no more Ramen.”
Ears twitching, Inuyasha looked up, ever so slowly. He blinked once, before using the great vocal skills Kami had given him to say, “WHAT?”
“Must I repeat myself?” Kagome asked with feigned annoyance as she knelt down to put her things back into her bag. She blushed furiously when Shippou picked up one item in particular and began to sniff at it. Twitching, she tried to retrieve her very personal affect from the Kitsune.
“What’s this, Kagome?” Shippou asked, holding the object just out of her reach. He peeled the paper away and examined it more closely.
Grating her teeth, Kagome snatched the tampon from Shippou’s hand. She forcefully shoved it back into the bag and said, “It’s absolutely nothing.”
“Oi wench,” Inuyasha said once more. He paced back and forth, twitching as he moved. “Why didn’t you bring any Ramen?”
The accusation in the Hanyou’s voice floored Kagome. Her mouth fell open as she gaped in abject disbelief. Putting the last of her scattered things into the backpack, she rose to her feet and nailed Inuyasha to the spot with her glare. “Me?” she demanded. “If I remember correctly, you’re the one who jumped through the well without a single thought.”
A soft whine escaped Inuyasha’s lips as he flattened his ears against his head. Twitching and looking most despondent, he turned and fled in the direction of Goshinboku. Kagome watched in utter confusion as he disappeared into the trees, shoulders slumped.
“What did I do?” Kagome whispered.
“I don’t know,” Shippou answered, shrugging before scampering off toward Kaede’s hut.
Swallowing, Kagome dropped her backpack at her feet and rushed after Inuyasha. She did not know what she’d done to upset the Hanyou so, but she meant to remedy the problem quickly. She ran through the trees toward Goshinboku, hopping over fallen logs and avoiding low hanging tree limbs. Bursting into the clearing, she paused to catch her breath.
“Inuyasha?” Kagome called fretfully, concerned when she stared up into the empty boughs of Goshinboku. A soft whine guided her toward the well and she cautiously peeked over the side. Inuyasha had his claws in the dirt, pulling away packed earth in big handfuls.
Swallowing, Kagome called, “Inuyasha? What are you doing?”
Golden eyes met her own, glowing in the darkness of the well. Ceasing digging, Inuyasha hoped upward, landing beside Kagome. He shuffled his feet nervously as he stared down at his dirty claws.
“Inuyasha? What’s wrong?” Kagome asked softly, reaching up to push the hair out of his face. He flinched away from her hand, and turned his back to her.
Whining almost imperceptibly, Inuyasha mumbled, “You don’t want to be with me.”
Eyes wide, Kagome gasped, “Why would you think that, Inuyasha?”
“You’re angry with me,” Inuyasha said, even as his ears flicked against his head once more.
“Angry?” Kagome asked. “Why would I be angry?”
“The well is sealed. You can’t go home, and it’s my fault. I’m sorry, Kagome,” Inuyasha whispered, turning back toward the well. “I’ll find a way to open the well once more, even if it kills me.”
Reaching out, Kagome laid a hand on Inuyasha’s shoulder before he could leap into the well. When he refused to face her, she stepped around him. Touching his face, she smiled as she said, “I am home, Inuyasha.”
Ears flicking forward, Inuyasha looked up hopefully. He scanned her face for any traces of a lie, and found none. Nervously, he asked, “Then you don’t mind being with me?”
“I love being with you, Inuyasha,” Kagome answered softly. She blushed brightly as her eyes fell to his lips. At the moment, she wanted nothing else than to kiss him. He seemed to sense her desire, for he timidly stepped forward and placed his hand on the back of her neck. As his lips descended on her own...
“Inuyasha!”
Growling, Inuyasha spun around to smother the Kitsune with his glare. He clenched his fists, ready to give Shippou the walloping of a lifetime. “What is it, runt?” he grated as he stepped forward menacingly.
Taking a step backward, Shippou sputtered, “There’s a woman here, asking for your help. Her village has been attacked by Youkai.”
Swearing under his breath, Inuyasha swept Kagome up onto his back and sprinted off toward Kaede’s hut. If this was not a life and death situation, he vowed someone would lose their head.
~*~*~*~
“Kaze no Kizu!” Inuyasha snarled as he brought Tetsusaiga down against the earth. The ground erupted in a blaze, clipping the Viper-Youkai as it dived to the left. It barely escaped the fury of the Windscar, but somehow came away mostly unscathed.
The Viper-Youkai, sensing the rage in Inuyasha, changed course, slithering on its belly with remarkable speed. It came at Sango, mouth agape and dripping poison. Miroku jumped in its path to defend the woman he loved, brandishing his staff at the Youkai.
“Back, demon!” he commanded, smacking the beast between the eyes with his staff. This only seemed to enrage the snake more. It flicked its tail toward Miroku, and sent the monk flying.
The Viper-Youkai turned back to Sango in time to catch the blade of a flying scythe in the eye. Souta stood tall and proud in front of Sango. He yanked the chain attached to the scythe and the demon’s eye was ripped from its socket. Howling in pain and outrage, the demon turned on Souta.
Kagome screamed even as the Viper-Youkai was incinerated by a blast of the Windscar. She ran to Souta’s side, grabbing him in a tight embrace and gasping, “Otouto!”
“Jeeze, sis,” Souta said, blushing as he struggled away from Kagome. “You live to embarrass me, don’t you?”
Sighing in relief, Kagome turned toward Miroku, who was sprawled across the ground with a dejected look on his face. Shaking his head, he rose to his feet and cast his staff a baleful look. He turned grateful eyes toward Souta and whispered, “Thank you. At least someone has the ability to protect Sango.”
“Keh,” Inuyasha snorted. “It ain’t you that’s the problem, Monk. It’s that worthless stick you got there.”
“Inuyasha!” Kagome gasped, swatting Inuyasha‘s arm.
“Oi wench, watch it,” Inuyasha growled.
“You have no manners,” Kagome grated.
Miroku stepped between the Miko and the Hanyou before things got out of hand. “Inuyasha’s right. I can’t protect Sango with this staff any longer.”
“Keh, forget it. I’ll do the protecting until you’ve got a decent weapon.”
The group moved on after receiving offerings from the thankful villagers. Inuyasha refused to accept money, but they insisted that he take several skinned rabbits. Grudgingly, he took the offered payment before turning around and stomping off toward the trees.
~*~*~*~
They made camp in a clearing near a hot spring that night. Kagome cooked the rabbits and they ate in companionable silence. After their meal, Sango and Kagome slipped off into the darkness to enjoy a hot bath.
“Oi,” Inuyasha called over his shoulder. “Don’t go too far.”
Shaking her head in amusement, Kagome said, “I wouldn’t dream of it, Inuyasha.”
Kagome sank into the water with a blissful sigh. She closed her eyes and savored the warmth on her skin. The weather had been so cold and blistery lately that she felt an ache deep down in her bones. Thankfully, the trees kept the worst bite of the wind away from her.
“Souta’s amazing,” Sango murmured. “He’ll make a great demon exterminator.”
Smiling, Kagome said, “I’m so proud of him. He’s adapted to this time very well. I haven’t heard him complain once about the lack of television and video games. I suppose now he simply lives those adventures.”
“Do you miss it a great deal?” Sango asked.
“Miss what?”
“Your own era.”
Opening her eyes, Kagome gazed at Sango. “Not really,” she said with a slight smile. “I mean, this place lacks modern conveniences like indoor plumbing and mass media, but...” She trailed off, her face pinking. Finally, in a whisper Sango could hardly hear, Kagome said, “I willingly gave it all up for Inuyasha.”
“No regrets?” Sango asked softly.
Smiling, Kagome shook her head. “None.”
~*~*~*~
“Oi wench, hurry it up, will ya?” Inuyasha growled and tapped his foot to express his annoyance.
Glowering, Kagome griped, “You wake me up at the crack of dawn and expect me not to be slow?”
“Keh,” Inuyasha snorted as he crossed his arms. “You’re always slow.”
“I am not!” Kagome huffed as she rolled up her sleeping bag and jammed it into her backpack.
“Are too.”
“Am not.”
“So very slow.”
“So very annoying.”
“So totally slow.”
“So totally dead.”
Inuyasha flinched as Kagome shouted “Osuwari!” and his face became intimate with the ground. He rose slowly, spitting out a mouthful of dirt and obscenities. His glare and plans for revenge were short-lived however, when a familiar and infuriating scent hit his nose.
“Dog shit,” Kouga said as he came to a stop in the clearing. “Eating dirt again, I see.”
“What do you want, you flea-bitten mongrel?” Inuyasha demanded, hand falling to the hilt of Tetsusaiga as he scowled at the Wolf-Youkai.
“I came to see my woman,” Kouga said with a cocky grin. He turned to Kagome, taking her hands into his own as he asked, “Are you ready to be my mate, Kagome?”
Twitching, Kagome stepped away from Kouga, a deep blush suffusing her face as she squirmed beneath his gaze.
“Back off, shit for brains,” Inuyasha snarled, pulling Tetsusaiga from its sheath and glaring menacingly as it transformed.
“So this is how you want it, mutt-face?” Kouga said with a chuckle. “Bring it on, then!”
Dog Demon and Wolf-Youkai flew at each other, snarling threats in some ancient Youkai language. Basically translated, it would sound something like this:
“Touch her and die, wolf-breath.”
“She’s my woman, dog shit.”
“Over my dead body, asshole.”
“That can be arranged, half-breed.”
“Bastard.”
“Filth.”
“Fucking moron.”
“Stinking dog.”
It could only get worse from there. Inuyasha swung Tetsusaiga wildly, intent on lopping off Kouga’s head. Said Wolf-Youkai retaliated with razor sharp claws. Blood flew here and there, but neither seemed to notice. They were too intent on tearing each other apart to notice the look that passed between Kagome and Miroku.
Chuckling, the monk pulled several sealing scrolls from his robes. He stepped in between Inuyasha and Kouga as they flew apart. With an evil glint in his eyes he smacked ofuda to both their foreheads.
Dog Demon and Wolf-Youkai hit the ground hard, twitching as they tried to detach the scrolls from their skin. Inuyasha was the first to rise and he took a menacing step toward Miroku. “Fucking monk,” he snarled as he stalked his new quarry.
“Osuwari!”
With a thud, Inuyasha hit the earth face first. He grappled with the ground, cursing around mouthfuls of dirt and grass. His claws sank into the ground as he fought off the effects of the submission spell.
Kouga finally tore the ofuda off his forehead and sat forward. “You must like it down there, dog shit.”
“Kouga,” Kagome grated as she stood over the Wolf-Youkai, fire in her eyes. She placed her hands on her hips and scowled. “It wouldn’t be that hard for me to make a pair of beads for you.”
Kouga twitched at her rebuke and scrambled to his feet. He twitched nervously, looking completely aghast at her threat. Shuffling his feet, he mumbled, “Sorry, Kagome.”
How could a girl stay mad at such a humble creature? Sighing, she said, “It’s okay, Kouga. I think you better go before the submission spell wears off.”
Taking her forgiveness to heart, Kouga gave Kagome a toothy grin. He sped off into the trees, looking back once to say, “I’ll be back for my woman, dog shit!”
Grunting, Inuyasha stumbled to his feet and raised Tetsusaiga, “Come back here, you mangy wolf!”
“Inuyasha,” Kagome warned.
Spinning around, Inuyasha pierced Kagome with a glower. “And you, bitch...”
“What did you just call me?” Kagome demanded, face red with anger.
“I called you a...”
“Osuwari!”
As Inuyasha ate dirt once more, Miroku rolled his eyes. “Sango, my dear. Would you care to take a walk?”
“I would love to, houshi-sama,” she replied. “I think these two need some time alone.”
Monk and demon exterminator turned and left their two gaping friends behind. They walked in silence for a while and Sango eventually slipped her hand into Miroku’s. He beamed, his smile bright and enchanting.
‘Kami, you bless me,’ Miroku thought as he gazed at Sango. ’I am the luckiest man alive, to have a woman as remarkable as Sango.’
‘Oh Kami,’ Sango thought with a blush. ’I’ve been given the greatest gift. No one will ever compare to Miroku.’
After a bit, they stopped and their eyes met. Lightning, sharp and stunning, passed between them as they stared at each other. Sango’s heart thumped wildly in her chest as she watched heat rise to accentuate Miroku’s cheeks. Tentatively, she reached out a hand to touch his face, and his own hand came up to cover hers.
“Sango,” he breathed.
“Miroku,” she replied.
Slowly, Miroku’s lips descended and Sango closed her eyes to await the feel of flesh on flesh. Miroku hesitated, before whispering, “May I kiss you, Sango?”
“Yes,” she moaned. When his lips crashed onto her own, she gasped, trembling as Miroku pulled her against his body. A thousand emotions crashed though her, but the only one of importance was love. She swam against the tides of passion, clinging to awareness even as she floundered in a see of wanting and need. She felt as if the world were exploding around her, a million colors bleeding into one; soft blue, the color of his eyes.
“I love you,” Miroku gasped against her mouth, clinging to her as if she were his last thin thread of sanity, when in fact she nearly brought him to his knees. She was his purpose, the reason he lived. Without her at his side, he would have been felled by his own accursed hand long ago.
“Miroku,” Sango whispered, her fingers twining in his hair as she pressed her face against his shoulder. “I love you too, houshi-sama.”
In that instant it became clear that the world could come crashing down around them and it wouldn’t matter. If they had to stare into the face of evil once more, they would fear nothing, as long as they were together. She was his strength and he was her heart.
~*~*~*~
Small, unprotected villages on the outskirts of the Western Lands were the first to feel the wrath of Tokoyami. He wiped out entire families in his search for viable souls. He had no need of the old so he simply slaughtered them and left their bodies for scavengers. He desired young souls, especially those of the innocent, for they fed his powers greatly.
“Yukikureru, tell me what you know of the Taiyoukai,” Tokoyami said as he dropped the limp body of a young girl. Her soul had been deliciously strong and he could feel the power coursing through his veins. Soon he would be unstoppable.
“Sesshoumaru-sama, My Lord?” Yukikureru asked softly as she dropped a cursing warrior at the Ryuujin’s feet.
Stepping on the warrior’s chest, Tokoyami turned a curious stare on the girl. “Then the great Dog Demon lives no longer?”
“Sesshoumaru is Inu-Youkai, My Lord,” Yukikureru said evenly. “Do you speak of his father, the Inu no Taisho? He is said to be the greatest Dog Demon to ever live. Five hundred years ago he fought and killed a great Ryuujin.”
Snarling, Tokoyami slammed his fist through the warrior’s chest. “Is that what is said?”
Twitching, Yukikureru nodded. “Have I said something to anger you, My Lord?”
“Nay, koishii,” he answered, tossing the warrior onto his stomach. He slipped a claw into the man’s neck and sucked out his soul as it tried to flee. “Understand this, Yukikureru. I am the great Ryuujin, and that filthy Dog Demon did not kill me.”
“Yes, My Lord,” Yukikureru said with a bow. She glanced inanely around the village, no real interest in her eyes. “I believe you have consumed the souls of all that lived in this village.”
“I need more, Yukikureru. Show me where more humans dwell,” Tokoyami demanded.
With a bow, the human shell who once had been Shina led Tokoyami across the border and into the Western Lands.
~*~*~*~
The Wind Sorceress, who’d been so instrumental in the destruction of Naraku, had searched endlessly for a permanent home, but no place suited her. Something she could not grasp nagged at the back of her mind. She moved in a daze of loneliness, uncertain what might fill the void and make her whole again. Naraku no longer held her heart but this freedom was not enough.
Kagura was wandering aimlessly, drifting upon the breeze when she spotted those who’d stood beside her to face down Naraku. Overcome by curiosity, she alit on the ground and turned in their direction, carefully moving through the trees as she approached them.
~*~*~*~
When Inuyasha stiffened, Kagome slid off his back and reached for her bow and arrows. She stood ready to unleash her purifying powers on whatever form of beast approached. Inuyasha began to slip Tetsusaiga from its sheath, warily sniffing the air. After a moment, he relaxed, his hand falling from the hilt of his father’s fang.
“What is it, Inuyasha?” Kagome queried softly.
“Kagura.”
“Ohh,” Kagome said and breathe a sigh of relief. She slipped the bow onto her back once more and waited for the Wind Sorceress to show herself.
“Yo,” Kagura said by way of greeting as she stepped out of the trees. It seemed since the group had last seen her, she'd discarded all traces of Naraku. She wore a blue silk kimono fastened in place by a white obi belt and her dark hair fell against her face in soft wisps.
"Kagura," Kagome said, her face brightening as she greeted her former enemy. "You're looking well."
"Keh," Inuyasha snorted as he hopped into the limbs of a tree and crossed his arms beneath the folds of his haori. He closed his eyes and attempted to give off an air of boredom, but only succeeded in gaining a laugh from Kagome.
"Same old Inuyasha, I see," Kagura said, sparing the Hanyou a quick glance before turning back to Kagome. Tilting her head to the side, she studied the girl for a moment before grinning. "So you've finally succeeded in riding the world of the Shikon no Tama?"
Twitching nervously, Kagome forced a weak laugh. "Not me. Inuyasha set Midoriko free."
Chuckling, Kagura purred, “you mean, he managed to make a pure wish? Amazing. Didn’t know he had it in him.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Inuyasha demanded, poking his head down between two thick branches to scowl at Kagura. Kagome found great amusement in the Hanyou’s precarious position and burst into gales of laughter. Scowling, Inuyasha sneered, “Oi wench, what’s so damn funny?”
Stifling her giggles, Kagome mumbled, “not a thing, Inuyasha.”
Grumbling, the irritated Hanyou dropped to the ground and said with a long-suffering sigh, “I’ll leave you two alone to talk about whatever it is women find so important.” As he walked away he muttered, “where in the hell is that damn monk and demon exterminator?”
“Calm yourself, Inuyasha. We’re here,” Miroku said, appearing from the trees with Sango by his side. He had his hand pressed against the small of her back and for once it seemed he had no hidden agenda.
“What the hell you two been doing, anyway?” Inuyasha grumbled as he kicked a pebble across the ground.
Eyes widening, Sango pressed a hand to her mouth as she blushed.
“Now, now, Inuyasha,” Miroku chided as he cast a knowing glance from the Hanyou to Kagome. “Just because you want to...”
“Not another word, lecher,” Inuyasha grated as he cracked his knuckles, taking a threatening step toward Miroku.
“You better run, houshi-sama,” Sango warned, shaking her head as Inuyasha bounded after the fleeing monk. Turning toward the Wind Sorceress, she bowed and said, “Hello Kagura.”
“Are they always like this?” Kagura asked with a chuckle as her eyes followed the irate Hanyou on his quest to bring great suffering to the monk.
“Oh boy,” Kagome muttered, “You don’t know the half of it.”
“Will we camp here tonight, Kagome?” Sango asked as she leaned Hiraikotsu against a tree and settled down to await the return of Miroku and Inuyasha.
“We might as well,” Kagome said with a sigh. “Those two might be at it for hours, yet. Will you join us, Kagura?”
The Wind Sorceress seemed to consider this before nodding and replying, “For a time.”
Kagome moved around the small clearing, gathering any wood that looked fit for burning. She dumped what she’d collected into a pile on the ground, and tapped her foot impatiently. “How’re we gonna get this fire started?”
“I’ll do it, Kagome!” Shippou volunteered as he bounded toward the girl, Souta hot on his heals. The Kitsune paused in front of the heap of twigs and yelled, “Fox Fire!” In seconds, the wood was burning quite nicely.
“Thanks, Shippou,” Kagome said, then let out a horrified “Eep!” as Souta dropped three dead rabbits at her feet. “Gah! Get them away from me!”
“Gee sis,” Souta said with a shake of his head. “You watch Inuyasha cut through Youkai every day, and you can’t handle a few dead rabbits?”
“Not when they look like Thumper from Bambi!” Kagome cried, jumping to her feet and backing away from the offensive sight. Sighing dejectedly, she fumbled through her monstrosity of a backpack and pulled out a bottle of Shampoo. “Might as well enjoy this while it lasts.”
Sango, taking Kagome’s cue, turned to Kagura and said, “there’s a hot spring nearby. Would you like to join us while we bathe?”
Nodding, Kagura followed the Miko and the demon exterminator into the trees. When they reached to water, Kagome and Sango cast furtive glances about, as if looking for something in particular.
“You think it’s safe, Kagome?” Sango asked.
“Safe from what?” Kagura enquired, watching the two girls as they fluttered about nervously.
“Safe from prying eyes,” Kagome muttered.
“Ahh, yes, that would make sense,” Kagura said with a chuckle. “The coast is clear. Inuyasha has chased the monk some distance away.”
Shaking her head as she slipped out of her demon exterminator’s outfit, Sango mumbled, “houshi-sama doesn’t know when to quit, does he?”
Laughing, Kagome shrugged out of her clothing and sank into the hot water. “Ahh, this is great.” Unscrewing the lid on her bottle of shampoo, she lathered her hair, soapy bubbles floating away on the slow current.
“What has happened since Naraku’s demise?” Sango asked Kagura as she flittered around tensely in the water. She was certain that at any moment, a pair of prying eyes would appear from the darkness. “Have you and Kanna found a suitable place to stay?”
“Kanna is dead,” Kagura said as she settled back against a boulder and let her hair soak in the soothing water.
“Oh,” Sango said, nervously raising a hand to her mouth. “I’m so sorry.”
Shaking her head, Kagura replied, “It does not matter. Kanna was a soulless creature who had no place in this world once her master perished. She simply ceased to exist when Naraku was purified.” Pausing for a moment to think, she quietly added, “that was almost my fate.”
“That‘s right,” Kagome breathed, “you would have perished with Naraku if not for Sesshoumaru.”
~*~*~*~
Even after the last remains of Naraku disintegrated, Kagome could sense that their troubles were not yet over. An eerie apprehension wormed its way into her heart as she grasped the Shikon no Tama. She carefully pressed the remaining shards into place and sighed in relief when the jewel was finally whole again.
A sharp hiss pulled Kagome’s eyes from the completed Shikon no Tama and she stared in abject horror as Kagura fell to her knees. The Wind Sorceress trembled and panted as she clawed at the back of her kimono. The cloth tore free to reveal a pulsing, spider shaped scar. It seemed that even in death, Naraku held Kagura captive.
“No!” Kagura gasped, her claws sinking into her flesh as the scar on her back spread. Her skin began to smoke as her body burned from the inside out. Blood pored from her nose and mouth as she screamed, “this cannot be the end!”
“Inuyasha!” Kagome cried, her fingers sinking into the Hanyou’s Fire Rat haori. “We’ve go to do something!” She whimpered when Inuyasha looked back at her, horror and distress written all over his face.
Twitching, Kagura fell to the ground, screaming in pain and frustration. She pulled her knees against her chest, the great Wind Sorceress reduced to a moaning mass of quickly burning flesh.
“Move aside.”
All eyes fell upon Sesshoumaru as he pulled Tenseiga from its sheath. He stared at the dormant blade, his eyes flashing red. The sword would not show him the tiny creatures that came to usher the dead into hell. A low snarl rumbled from his throat as he cursed the blade.
‘Obey me,’ he silently demanded.
‘Why?’ Tenseiga seemed to ask.
‘I am your master,’ Sesshoumaru growled, gripping Tenseiga’s hilt so tightly it seemed the sword might shatter. When he was still not shown the imps of death, he began to tremble the slightest bit. None in the group seemed to catch it, however, for the Taiyoukai would not let his body betray him in such a manner.
‘Why do you wish this?’ Tenseiga questioned.
“Save her!” Sesshoumaru snarled, effectively stunning everyone. None of them--not even Inuyasha--had ever seen him display such heated emotion. Tenseiga pulsed in his hand and he swung it in a wide arc, tearing through the greedy imps clinging to Kagura’s body. They split apart and vanished in an instant.
The group watched in stunned silence as the scar on Kagura’s back pulsed one final time before fading, leaving her skin completely unblemished. She rose slowly and turned to Sesshoumaru, stumbling forward and falling against him. Her eyes searched his face for some sort of answer.
Sesshoumaru gripped Kagura’s shoulder, steadying the Wind Sorceress. His eyes met hers for the briefest moment before he turned from her. He walked away, looking back over his shoulder one final time to say, “You are the wind, Kagura, and now you are free.”
~*~*~*~
“Sesshoumaru,” Kagura whispered softly, her eyes closed as she recalled the last thing the Taiyoukai had said to her. She knew if she lived a thousand years, she would never forget those words.
‘Is he... what I’ve been searching for?’ she wondered. With a shake of her head, she chided herself, ’Impossible. He does not desire me.’
“Have you seen him since the final battle with Naraku?” Kagome asked softly as she rinsed her hair.
Blinking, Kagura stared at the Miko, her head tilted slightly to the side. “No,” she finally whispered.
“But you want to,” Kagome murmured, catching the Wind Sorceress off guard.
‘Do I? Is she right?’
“Perhaps,” Kagura admitted, twitching slightly as heat suffused her face. She touched a wet hand to her cheek and almost laughed and the irony. She’d never known such strange, humanlike emotions. “It does not matter.”
“Do you truly believe that?” Kagome asked softly, smiling at the blush Kagura attempted to hide. It was something she’d never expected to see. “I don’t even want to begin to imagine what Sesshoumaru might have done if he’d not been able to save you.”
Nodding, Sango whole-heartedly agreed with Kagome’s assessment. “I’ve never seen him display such emotion. If Tenseiga had not obeyed his command, I believe he would have forsaken his father and abandoned the fang.”
For the first time in her life, Kagura found herself seeking the advice of humans. “What shall I do?”
Smiling softly, Kagome said, “The way to Sesshoumaru’s heart is through the child. Earn Rin’s trust and anything is possible.”
~*~*~*~
Had Inuyasha spent the night in a bed it would be safe to say he'd have gotten up on the wrong side. He woke moody and disgruntled, snapping at the slightest thing and earning a few angry osuwaris in the process. Kagome's outrage at his appalling behavior did nothing to humble the Hanyou, however. When she demanded to know the nature of his irritation he gave his signature “Keh!” and stormed away.
Miroku found the whole situation quite humorous and could not hold back the chuckle that erupted from his throat. When Kagome gave him a cold glare he only laughed harder. There was something very hilarious about a Hanyou who’s face constantly turned bright red.
“What is so funny?” Kagome demanded, hands on hips and mouth turned down at the corners. She twitched irritably, coming to the conclusion that the monk was the source of Inuyasha’s embarrassment and misplaced anger. “What did you say to him last night, Miroku?”
“Yes, Houshi-sama,” Sango intoned, tilting her head to the side and attempting to glower angrily at Miroku. It was a supreme failure, however, when she grinned wildly. She couldn’t help it, Inuyasha was so very amusing when he was uncomfortable. “You did come back with an awful lot of bruises. Spill.”
Attempting to look humble and clueless, Miroku said, “Whatever do you mean?” His wicked grin belied any innocence he might have had in the matter.
Huffing indignantly, Kagome bent to collect her things. She rolled up her sleeping bag and stuffed it angrily into her monstrous backpack before purposefully stomping off after Inuyasha.
Sighing, Miroku said, “This shall be a long day.”
“Hai,” Sango agreed, hefting Hiraikotsu onto her back and turning to the monk. “It shall also be a painful day, should you fail to tell me what you said to cause Inuyasha such discomfort,” she added, snickering at Miroku with an evil gleam in her eyes.
“Of course,” Miroku said with a bow. “How could I hide anything from my lovely lady?”
Blushing every imaginable shade of red, Sango gasped, “Miroku, do you really think so?”
Smiling brightly, Miroku slipped his hand into Sango’s and nodded. “Hai, my love. You are the most beautiful creature I have ever seen.”
Pressing a hand to her mouth and looking most delighted, Sango sighed blissfully. She’d been blessed by Kami to find such an adoring man and she hoped that soon enough Kagome would find that same devotion in the Hanyou who hid his kind heart.
Kagome found Inuyasha scowling at his reflection in the rippling waters of the hot spring. So deep in thought was he that she’d almost reached him before his ears twitched and swiveled to listen to her approach. He did not look back at her for fear that she might read the confusion and embarrassment on his face.
“Inuyasha?” Kagome mumbled, kneeling beside him and dipping a finger into the warm water.
“Whatcha want, wench?”
Kagome could not find it in herself to be annoyed at the rude name, for Inuyasha said it in such a way that she knew it was a term of endearment. She sighed softly and turned to face him, but Inuyasha would not meet her eyes.
“What’s wrong?” she asked quietly, wringing her hands together as she maneuvered her way into the Hanyou’s line of vision.
Shifting nervously, Inuyasha muttered, “Keh!”
“I wish you’d talk to me, Inuyasha,” Kagome whispered sadly.
“I am talkin’ to ya, wench,” he argued.
Sighing in disappointment, Kagome rose slowly and offered a hand to Inuyasha. “Come on, stubborn dog. We should get going if we want to make it to Totousai’s before nightfall.”
Ignoring the offered hand, Inuyasha sprung to his feet and turned to stomp off. He paused a moment to look back over his shoulder at Kagome and cautiously asked, “What did you guys talk about last night? Kagura seemed quite at peace when she left earlier.”
Smiling, Kagome joined Inuyasha as they made their way back to the others. “Well,” she said with a soft sigh, “I told her she might find what she’s searching for in Sesshoumaru.”
Snorting and rolling his eyes, Inuyasha muttered, “Fat chance she’ll find anything in that bastard.”
Affecting a glower, Kagome retorted, “Oh yeah? Well, what did Miroku say to you last night that’s got you in such a pissy mood?”
Sputtering, Inuyasha’s face began to burn. He crossed his arms and violently shoved his hands into the sleeves of his haori. It took all he had to keep from digging his claws into his flesh to take his mind off that dreadful conversation.
You'd have thought being backed up against a tree and snarled at by a nearly rabid Hanyou would have been enough to shut the monk up. Of course, this was Miroku, who never knew when to keep his mouth closed and his opinions to himself. To see Inuyasha's cheeks match the hue of his Fire Rat Haori was just too good an opportunity to pass up.
"Come now, Inuyasha," Miroku said cheerily, clasping his hands together and affecting a humble bow. "Why such violence?"
"Oi, Monk," Inuyasha muttered through clenched teeth, trying desperately to hold onto his last bit of sanity before he completely lost it and carved Miroku up a good one. He was already beginning to see red, and that spelled great trouble for the loose-lipped monk. "Didn't anyone ever teach you to keep your mouth shut?"
"Hmmm," Miroku pondered, scratching his head thoughtfully, as if he were looking back through his memories for such a thing. "No, I can't rightly recall a time anyone ever told me not to point out the obvious."
Snarling, Inuyasha threw a fist at Miroku, who ducked out of the way with a good natured laugh. "Oh Inuyasha, is it so hard to admit what everyone sees?"
"There ain't nothin' to see, you lecher! I ain't like you!"
"You wound me, Inuyasha," Miroku said, though his wide grin belied the hurt in his voice.
"Oh, I'll wound you, alright!" Inuyasha sneered, flying at the monk with such ferocity that Miroku, for one moment, actually feared for his life. When the Hanyou had Miroku pressed against the ground, he drew his fist back and walloped him a good one.
The perfect time to shut up had presented itself. It was like a bright, vivid star in the sky, impossible to miss; a bonfire raging on the blackest of nights; a beautiful woman amongst a horde of plain and simple girls. Miroku surely would have understood the last metaphor.
"Inuyasha, my friend," Miroku said, ignoring the notion that perhaps he really ought to stop before he lost his already swelling head. "You know Kagome loves you, don't you?"
Preparing for the worst beating of his life, Miroku was startled when the weight of the angry half demon crushing his chest suddenly ceased to stifle him. He sat up slowly and looked around, puzzled at the absence of Inuyasha. Rustling in the trees caught his attention and he cautiously looked up, surprised to see the sullen expression on a face that was most famous for its scowls.
"Inuyasha?" Miroku called, rising to his feet and stumbling forward to stand beneath the tree. He glanced up into its boughs with a thoughtful frown on his face. It disturbed him to no end of see his friend in such a state of silent brooding. "Done administering my beating already?"
"Keh," Inuyasha muttered, scowling up at the sky, as if it had caused all his troubles.
Sighing, Miroku took a seat under the tree, crossing his knees and cupping his face in one hand. "Want to talk about it?"
"Ain't nothin' to talk about. You're wrong."
"Wrong?" Clearing, Miroku was confused.
"Kagome don't love me. How could she? Don't you know that nobody loves a pathetic Hanyou?" Sighing, Inuyasha's shoulders slumped, his hair falling into his face and obscuring his suddenly prickling eyes. It didn't matter how nice the idea was, that Kagome might love him despite his flaws. He didn't deserve that love.
"If she doesn't love you, why does she stay with you?" Miroku questioned, choosing his words carefully.
"Keh," Inuyasha snorted. "I protect her. She ain't got a home to go back to anymore, so what else is she gonna do?"
"Hmm," Miroku murmured. "Did it ever occur to you that there are others willing to protect Kagome? She knows this, and yet she remains by your side. If she was truly disgusted that you're a Hanyou, she'd have gone long ago with Kouga, who..."
Something hard hit Miroku's skull and he sprawled forward, fingering the new lump forming on his head. His eyes alit on a broken limb of the tree which was still in motion and he chuckled softly. "That was uncalled for, Inuyasha."
"You're the one who brought that mangy wolf up," the Hanyou snarled.
"I was simply illustrating a point," Miroku said in his own defense. Sitting up straighter and scowling up into the tree at Inuyasha, the monk suddenly lost all control of his annoyance. "You're a fool, Inuyasha, if you cannot see that none of us care what you are. So you're a Hanyou. What's your point? If you were so pathetic and unwanted, your parents never would have even considered having you. If you're such an awful beast, why do we all travel with you? Why do we remain by your side, even now, when Naraku is dead and we've finally found a semblance of peace?
"Are you so thick-headed, Inuyasha, that you cannot see the truth? The Hanyou is the one who accepted an orphan pup, a lecherous monk and a demon exterminator who at one point attempted to slaughter him. The Hanyou is the one who's always faced danger and taken the brunt of attacks meant for his friends. The Hanyou is the one who would die if it meant he might save those he cares for. The Hanyou is the one Kagome loves."
Having made his point, Miroku rose, casting one last withering glance at Inuyasha before turning and heading back toward camp.
The Hanyou, suffice it to say, was completely dumbfounded and confused. He had done all those things, hadn't he? He would die for them, wouldn't he? The moment Kagome came into his life all else became unimportant except what he would do to prove to her that he wasn't just some pathetic, unwanted half-breed.
Except, Kagome had never seen him as anything other than Inuyasha, had she? Her protector, her hero, the man who's side she would never leave. She'd always been loyal, sometimes even to a fault. She'd been controlled by Naraku, ordered to kill the pathetic Hanyou, and yet missed her mark at almost point blank range. She'd approached him at his worst, when his demon blood took control, and soothed the beast raging inside of him.
Kagome loved him when no moon touched the sky, when his hair bled black and he became nothing more than a human. She loved him even when he slaughtered the innocent, when the Youkai in him overwhelmed his sense of right and wrong and he became nothing more than a rabid beast. If she could accept all that and love him nonetheless...
...perhaps she truly could love the Hanyou.
Shaking his head, attempting to rid himself of the betraying thoughts, Inuyasha turned and stomped away. Miroku's words had left him in a state of unrest. He wanted to believe that the monk was right, but so many years of having it pounded into him that he was nothing more than a weak, useless Hanyou made it so hard to swallow.
He would admit that he didn't understand why they stayed with him. Miroku was free of his curse and Sango had had her vengeance. They no longer needed his protection. Had they ever?
“Inuyasha!” Kagome called as she chased after him. She reached his side in record time and grabbed his arm, pulling him to a stop and spinning him around. She stared up into his amber eyes, willing him to understand what she wanted, what she needed. She tried to tell him in a simple look everything she felt and couldn’t find the words to express.
‘I love you, Inuyasha. Don’t you see? I would follow you anywhere. To the ends of the earth, into the heart of the fiercest battle. I would follow you in death if it came to that. I would sacrifice my soul to save you.’
Closing her eyes and summoning the will, Kagome slipped her arms around Inuyasha’s neck and stood on tip-toe to press her lips against his. She gasped weakly when his hands fell to the small of her back and tugged her closer, as if he feared she would turn to dust in his hands and disappear forever.
Inuyasha felt the world tilt on its axis and come to a complete halt as he held Kagome to him, her lips scorching his own. Everything he’d ever wanted and feared he’d never have was encompassed in that kiss. Kagome was his soul, his reason for being. She’d released him from half-death and showed him what it was like to be truly alive. In his arms he held the most pure, beautiful being in all of existence... and she wanted only him.
He’d been alone for so long, ridiculed and unaccepted. Youkai had hunted him and humans had feared him. He was wanted by no one, because he was neither this nor that. He was the middle ground, the product of two different species that were never meant to be together. He was nothing... and yet, he was everything. In Kagome’s arms, he found the place were he belonged.
‘Do you understand, Inuyasha?’ Kagome silently implored. ‘There is no one is this world but you. I will love you forever, in life and death. You have but to ask. Love me or don’t, I’ll never leave your side, as long as you need me.’
Miroku and Sango looked up from what they were doing--which, at the moment, was gazing into each other’s eyes as if nothing else in the world existed--when Inuyasha and Kagome finally returned. The Miko’s cheeks were flushed with beautifully and the Hanyou was as equally red. It seemed that Kagome had found a way to sooth Inuyasha’s nerves and Miroku couldn’t help but grin wickedly.
Opening his mouth to say something that he knew would cause the Hanyou even more discomfort, Miroku wasn’t all that surprised when a rock thumped him in the forehead before dropping into his lap. What caught him off guard was that the projectile hadn’t been thrown by Inuyasha, but Kagome.
“My, my, my,” Miroku said with a chuckle. “It seems Inuyasha’s bad temper is starting to wear off on you, Kagome.”
“What do you mean?” she replied sweetly. “I plead innocence. A demon had possession of my body when the rock was thrown. I would never do such a thing purposefully.”
“Oh, I see,” Miroku responded. “Perhaps you need an exorcism, then?” Grinning madly, Miroku pulled a few ofuda from his robes and stared thoughtfully at them. “I’m not sure these will be strong enough.” Turning toward Inuyasha, he added, “perhaps you can come up with a way to bring the demon out of Kagome.”
Completely missing the implied suggestion that Kagome might be a demon “in the sack”, Inuyasha furrowed his brows and snorted, “Keh.”
“Uh oh,” Sango said, giggling as she pointed toward Kagome, who was hunched over and attempting to lift a boulder. “You better watch out, Houshi-sama, I don’t think the demon has completely left Kagome.”
“Ahh, it would seem that way,” Miroku said as he skittered away from the red faced, raging Miko. Clearing his throat, he wisely decided to change the subject. “Inuyasha, how close is Totousai’s cave?”
Watching Kagome with undisguised confusion, Inuyasha said, “Not too far. We’ll be there by noon, assuming Kagome gives up trying to lift that boulder.”
Huffing angrily, Kagome stood up and glared at Miroku. “Not another word out of you, lecher.”
Affecting a sign, Miroku said, “I am so misunderstood.”
Chapter Five - A Touch of Bliss
Had Inuyasha spent the night in a bed it would be safe to say he'd have gotten up on the wrong side. He woke moody and disgruntled, snapping at the slightest thing and earning a few angry osuwaris in the process. Kagome's outrage at his appalling behavior did nothing to humble the Hanyou, however. When she demanded to know the nature of his irritation he gave his signature “Keh!” and stormed away.
Miroku found the whole situation quite humorous and could not hold back the chuckle that erupted from his throat. When Kagome gave him a cold glare he only laughed harder. There was something very hilarious about a Hanyou who’s face constantly turned bright red.
“What is so funny?” Kagome demanded, hands on hips and mouth turned down at the corners. She twitched irritably, coming to the conclusion that the monk was the source of Inuyasha’s embarrassment and misplaced anger. “What did you say to him last night, Miroku?”
“Yes, Houshi-sama,” Sango intoned, tilting her head to the side and attempting to glower angrily at Miroku. It was a supreme failure, however, when she grinned wildly. She couldn’t help it, Inuyasha was so very amusing when he was uncomfortable. “You did come back with an awful lot of bruises. Spill.”
Attempting to look humble and clueless, Miroku said, “Whatever do you mean?” His wicked grin belied any innocence he might have had in the matter.
Huffing indignantly, Kagome bent to collect her things. She rolled up her sleeping bag and stuffed it angrily into her monstrous backpack before purposefully stomping off after Inuyasha.
Sighing, Miroku said, “This shall be a long day.”
“Hai,” Sango agreed, hefting Hiraikotsu onto her back and turning to the monk. “It shall also be a painful day, should you fail to tell me what you said to cause Inuyasha such discomfort,” she added, snickering at Miroku with an evil gleam in her eyes.
“Of course,” Miroku said with a bow. “How could I hide anything from my lovely lady?”
Blushing every imaginable shade of red, Sango gasped, “Miroku, do you really think so?”
Smiling brightly, Miroku slipped his hand into Sango’s and nodded. “Hai, my love. You are the most beautiful creature I have ever seen.”
Pressing a hand to her mouth and looking most delighted, Sango sighed blissfully. She’d been blessed by Kami to find such an adoring man and she hoped that soon enough Kagome would find that same devotion in the Hanyou who hid his kind heart.
~*~*~*~
Kagome found Inuyasha scowling at his reflection in the rippling waters of the hot spring. So deep in thought was he that she’d almost reached him before his ears twitched and swiveled to listen to her approach. He did not look back at her for fear that she might read the confusion and embarrassment on his face.
“Inuyasha?” Kagome mumbled, kneeling beside him and dipping a finger into the warm water.
“Whatcha want, wench?”
Kagome could not find it in herself to be annoyed at the rude name, for Inuyasha said it in such a way that she knew it was a term of endearment. She sighed softly and turned to face him, but Inuyasha would not meet her eyes.
“What’s wrong?” she asked quietly, wringing her hands together as she maneuvered her way into the Hanyou’s line of vision.
Shifting nervously, Inuyasha muttered, “Keh!”
“I wish you’d talk to me, Inuyasha,” Kagome whispered sadly.
“I am talkin’ to ya, wench,” he argued.
Sighing in disappointment, Kagome rose slowly and offered a hand to Inuyasha. “Come on, stubborn dog. We should get going if we want to make it to Totousai’s before nightfall.”
Ignoring the offered hand, Inuyasha sprung to his feet and turned to stomp off. He paused a moment to look back over his shoulder at Kagome and cautiously asked, “What did you guys talk about last night? Kagura seemed quite at peace when she left earlier.”
Smiling, Kagome joined Inuyasha as they made their way back to the others. “Well,” she said with a soft sigh, “I told her she might find what she’s searching for in Sesshoumaru.”
Snorting and rolling his eyes, Inuyasha muttered, “Fat chance she’ll find anything in that bastard.”
Affecting a glower, Kagome retorted, “Oh yeah? Well, what did Miroku say to you last night that’s got you in such a pissy mood?”
Sputtering, Inuyasha’s face began to burn. He crossed his arms and violently shoved his hands into the sleeves of his haori. It took all he had to keep from digging his claws into his flesh to take his mind off that dreadful conversation.
~*~*~*~
You'd have thought being backed up against a tree and snarled at by a nearly rabid Hanyou would have been enough to shut the monk up. Of course, this was Miroku, who never knew when to keep his mouth closed and his opinions to himself. To see Inuyasha's cheeks match the hue of his Fire Rat Haori was just too good an opportunity to pass up.
"Come now, Inuyasha," Miroku said cheerily, clasping his hands together and affecting a humble bow. "Why such violence?"
"Oi, Monk," Inuyasha muttered through clenched teeth, trying desperately to hold onto his last bit of sanity before he completely lost it and carved Miroku up a good one. He was already beginning to see red, and that spelled great trouble for the loose-lipped monk. "Didn't anyone ever teach you to keep your mouth shut?"
"Hmmm," Miroku pondered, scratching his head thoughtfully, as if he were looking back through his memories for such a thing. "No, I can't rightly recall a time anyone ever told me not to point out the obvious."
Snarling, Inuyasha threw a fist at Miroku, who ducked out of the way with a good natured laugh. "Oh Inuyasha, is it so hard to admit what everyone sees?"
"There ain't nothin' to see, you lecher! I ain't like you!"
"You wound me, Inuyasha," Miroku said, though his wide grin belied the hurt in his voice.
"Oh, I'll wound you, alright!" Inuyasha sneered, flying at the monk with such ferocity that Miroku, for one moment, actually feared for his life. When the Hanyou had Miroku pressed against the ground, he drew his fist back and walloped him a good one.
The perfect time to shut up had presented itself. It was like a bright, vivid star in the sky, impossible to miss; a bonfire raging on the blackest of nights; a beautiful woman amongst a horde of plain and simple girls. Miroku surely would have understood the last metaphor.
"Inuyasha, my friend," Miroku said, ignoring the notion that perhaps he really ought to stop before he lost his already swelling head. "You know Kagome loves you, don't you?"
Preparing for the worst beating of his life, Miroku was startled when the weight of the angry half demon crushing his chest suddenly ceased to stifle him. He sat up slowly and looked around, puzzled at the absence of Inuyasha. Rustling in the trees caught his attention and he cautiously looked up, surprised to see the sullen expression on a face that was most famous for its scowls.
"Inuyasha?" Miroku called, rising to his feet and stumbling forward to stand beneath the tree. He glanced up into its boughs with a thoughtful frown on his face. It disturbed him to no end of see his friend in such a state of silent brooding. "Done administering my beating already?"
"Keh," Inuyasha muttered, scowling up at the sky, as if it had caused all his troubles.
Sighing, Miroku took a seat under the tree, crossing his knees and cupping his face in one hand. "Want to talk about it?"
"Ain't nothin' to talk about. You're wrong."
"Wrong?" Clearing, Miroku was confused.
"Kagome don't love me. How could she? Don't you know that nobody loves a pathetic Hanyou?" Sighing, Inuyasha's shoulders slumped, his hair falling into his face and obscuring his suddenly prickling eyes. It didn't matter how nice the idea was, that Kagome might love him despite his flaws. He didn't deserve that love.
"If she doesn't love you, why does she stay with you?" Miroku questioned, choosing his words carefully.
"Keh," Inuyasha snorted. "I protect her. She ain't got a home to go back to anymore, so what else is she gonna do?"
"Hmm," Miroku murmured. "Did it ever occur to you that there are others willing to protect Kagome? She knows this, and yet she remains by your side. If she was truly disgusted that you're a Hanyou, she'd have gone long ago with Kouga, who..."
Something hard hit Miroku's skull and he sprawled forward, fingering the new lump forming on his head. His eyes alit on a broken limb of the tree which was still in motion and he chuckled softly. "That was uncalled for, Inuyasha."
"You're the one who brought that mangy wolf up," the Hanyou snarled.
"I was simply illustrating a point," Miroku said in his own defense. Sitting up straighter and scowling up into the tree at Inuyasha, the monk suddenly lost all control of his annoyance. "You're a fool, Inuyasha, if you cannot see that none of us care what you are. So you're a Hanyou. What's your point? If you were so pathetic and unwanted, your parents never would have even considered having you. If you're such an awful beast, why do we all travel with you? Why do we remain by your side, even now, when Naraku is dead and we've finally found a semblance of peace?
"Are you so thick-headed, Inuyasha, that you cannot see the truth? The Hanyou is the one who accepted an orphan pup, a lecherous monk and a demon exterminator who at one point attempted to slaughter him. The Hanyou is the one who's always faced danger and taken the brunt of attacks meant for his friends. The Hanyou is the one who would die if it meant he might save those he cares for. The Hanyou is the one Kagome loves."
Having made his point, Miroku rose, casting one last withering glance at Inuyasha before turning and heading back toward camp.
The Hanyou, suffice it to say, was completely dumbfounded and confused. He had done all those things, hadn't he? He would die for them, wouldn't he? The moment Kagome came into his life all else became unimportant except what he would do to prove to her that he wasn't just some pathetic, unwanted half-breed.
Except, Kagome had never seen him as anything other than Inuyasha, had she? Her protector, her hero, the man who's side she would never leave. She'd always been loyal, sometimes even to a fault. She'd been controlled by Naraku, ordered to kill the pathetic Hanyou, and yet missed her mark at almost point blank range. She'd approached him at his worst, when his demon blood took control, and soothed the beast raging inside of him.
Kagome loved him when no moon touched the sky, when his hair bled black and he became nothing more than a human. She loved him even when he slaughtered the innocent, when the Youkai in him overwhelmed his sense of right and wrong and he became nothing more than a rabid beast. If she could accept all that and love him nonetheless...
...perhaps she truly could love the Hanyou.
~*~*~*~
Shaking his head, attempting to rid himself of the betraying thoughts, Inuyasha turned and stomped away. Miroku's words had left him in a state of unrest. He wanted to believe that the monk was right, but so many years of having it pounded into him that he was nothing more than a weak, useless Hanyou made it so hard to swallow.
He would admit that he didn't understand why they stayed with him. Miroku was free of his curse and Sango had had her vengeance. They no longer needed his protection. Had they ever?
“Inuyasha!” Kagome called as she chased after him. She reached his side in record time and grabbed his arm, pulling him to a stop and spinning him around. She stared up into his amber eyes, willing him to understand what she wanted, what she needed. She tried to tell him in a simple look everything she felt and couldn’t find the words to express.
‘I love you, Inuyasha. Don’t you see? I would follow you anywhere. To the ends of the earth, into the heart of the fiercest battle. I would follow you in death if it came to that. I would sacrifice my soul to save you.’
Closing her eyes and summoning the will, Kagome slipped her arms around Inuyasha’s neck and stood on tip-toe to press her lips against his. She gasped weakly when his hands fell to the small of her back and tugged her closer, as if he feared she would turn to dust in his hands and disappear forever.
Inuyasha felt the world tilt on its axis and come to a complete halt as he held Kagome to him, her lips scorching his own. Everything he’d ever wanted and feared he’d never have was encompassed in that kiss. Kagome was his soul, his reason for being. She’d released him from half-death and showed him what it was like to be truly alive. In his arms he held the most pure, beautiful being in all of existence... and she wanted only him.
He’d been alone for so long, ridiculed and unaccepted. Youkai had hunted him and humans had feared him. He was wanted by no one, because he was neither this nor that. He was the middle ground, the product of two different species that were never meant to be together. He was nothing... and yet, he was everything. In Kagome’s arms, he found the place were he belonged.
‘Do you understand, Inuyasha?’ Kagome silently implored. ‘There is no one is this world but you. I will love you forever, in life and death. You have but to ask. Love me or don’t, I’ll never leave your side, as long as you need me.’
~*~*~*~
Miroku and Sango looked up from what they were doing--which, at the moment, was gazing into each other’s eyes as if nothing else in the world existed--when Inuyasha and Kagome finally returned. The Miko’s cheeks were flushed with beautifully and the Hanyou was as equally red. It seemed that Kagome had found a way to sooth Inuyasha’s nerves and Miroku couldn’t help but grin wickedly.
Opening his mouth to say something that he knew would cause the Hanyou even more discomfort, Miroku wasn’t all that surprised when a rock thumped him in the forehead before dropping into his lap. What caught him off guard was that the projectile hadn’t been thrown by Inuyasha, but Kagome.
“My, my, my,” Miroku said with a chuckle. “It seems Inuyasha’s bad temper is starting to wear off on you, Kagome.”
“What do you mean?” she replied sweetly. “I plead innocence. A demon had possession of my body when the rock was thrown. I would never do such a thing purposefully.”
“Oh, I see,” Miroku responded. “Perhaps you need an exorcism, then?” Grinning madly, Miroku pulled a few ofuda from his robes and stared thoughtfully at them. “I’m not sure these will be strong enough.” Turning toward Inuyasha, he added, “perhaps you can come up with a way to bring the demon out of Kagome.”
Completely missing the implied suggestion that Kagome might be a demon “in the sack”, Inuyasha furrowed his brows and snorted, “Keh.”
“Uh oh,” Sango said, giggling as she pointed toward Kagome, who was hunched over and attempting to lift a boulder. “You better watch out, Houshi-sama, I don’t think the demon has completely left Kagome.”
“Ahh, it would seem that way,” Miroku said as he skittered away from the red faced, raging Miko. Clearing his throat, he wisely decided to change the subject. “Inuyasha, how close is Totousai’s cave?”
Watching Kagome with undisguised confusion, Inuyasha said, “Not too far. We’ll be there by noon, assuming Kagome gives up trying to lift that boulder.”
Huffing angrily, Kagome stood up and glared at Miroku. “Not another word out of you, lecher.”
Affecting a sign, Miroku said, “I am so misunderstood.”
~*~*~*~
A horde of misguided demons, under the instruction of Tokoyami, invaded the Western Lands, obliterating villages and decimating families. Their mission was simple: destroy the taiyoukai Sesshoumaru and claim his lands.
This plot would fail and Tokoyami knew it. No son of the Inu no Taisho would be brought down so easily. The Ryuujin simply wished to see Sesshoumaru in action and gauge his abilities in combat. Perhaps he’d have the luck of discovering the Inu-Youkai’s weakness.
Watching from afar was effortless with Yukikureru by his side. Tokoyami had but to order the girl and she would show him anything he wished to see. It was a simple trick, really. Find an object that could hold an image, such as the water he was looking into now. Yukikureru could chant a few words and the water would become a looking glass through which he could witness almost anything, so long as he sent with his warriors a spy.
At the moment, he watched the battle through the eyes of a Hawk-Youkai who had been instructed not to interfere unless it was deemed necessary.
“Sesshoumaru-sama!” Jaken screeched as he barreled down the corridors of the castle in search of his lord. He was drenched in the blood of one of Sesshoumaru’s warriors, a fellow Inu-Youkai who had come to warn the Demon Lord of an uprising in his lands. “Sesshoumaru-sama!”
“Must you make such noise, Jaken?” Sesshoumaru demanded as he stepped out of his study and into the hall. He glowered down at the imp for a moment before his eyes flashed red and he yanked Jaken upward by his collar. “You reek of death, Jaken. What has happened?”
“My Lord!” Jaken squeaked, failing miserably to bow while in the Inu-Youkai’s grasp. “Michio-san brings grave news. A great horde of Youkai have entered your lands, killing everything in their path!”
“Where is Michio now?“ Sesshoumaru questioned, his face giving away none of his concern that the blood covering Jaken might belong to one of his strongest warriors.
“He lays dying in the infirmary, My Lord,” Jaken muttered, attempting to bow his head in respect. This feat was accomplished much more easily once Sesshoumaru dropped the imp and turned away to march down the hall.
Sesshoumaru burst into the infirmary and quickly made his way to the futon on which Michio lay. The stench of blood and impending death nearly overran his senses, and it was all he could do now to turn away in disgust. Kneeling down by his fallen soldier, Sesshoumaru said, “What has transpired, Michio?”
“My Lord,” Michio gasped, turning his head to cough up a wad of phlegm and blood. “There is an uprising. Wild Youkai from the mountains have come down to spoil your lands. I humbly apologize for my failure to destroy them.” He bowed his head in deference to Sesshoumaru even as his body shuddered in pain.
“You need not apologize, Michio,” Sesshoumaru said with a wave of his hand. He turned toward Jaken, who’d finally stumbled his way through the corridors to the infirmary and said, “Fetch me Tenseiga.”
“Iie, My Lord,” Michio said weakly. “Tis too late for me. Poison runs deep in my blood. There is no help for it. May I make one last request?”
“Hai, Michio,” the Inu-Youkai said with a slight nod. “What is it you require of This Sesshoumaru?”
“End my pain, My Lord,” Michio beseeched, closing his eyes as he gasped one final thing, “and take my arm.”
The last thing Kagura expected to see as she cut through the mass of mindless Youkai was a completely whole Demon Lord. With one hand he brandished Toukijin and with the other he let loose his Poison Whip. Sesshoumaru had never looked so alive, so vibrant... so beautiful. Kagura could not help but stare in awe at the heavenly creature that moved about with such fluid grace, even in the throes of combat.
Demons came at Sesshoumaru from all sides, searching in vain for a weakness, something they could exploit in order to attack him. He simply batted them back with Toukijin, slicing through them as if they were nothing more than annoying insects come to disturb him.
Shaking her head, Kagura turned to a group of demons who'd caught sight of her and seemed set on tearing her limb from limb. Flicking her fan at them she laughed as they disintegrated against the impact of her attacks. These creatures were nothing more than lowly lesser Youkai; stupid animals who did not know their proper place.
“Fools,” Kagura sneered, dancing backwards as a viciously snarling Panther-Youkai came at her. She took off its head without batting an eye and said, “do you really think beasts such as you can harm me?”
It was then that she noticed the threatening growl coming from Sesshoumaru. She turned his way and stared in horror as a rabid, sneering demon thrust its claws into his chest, tearing away his armor and exposing his flesh. Sesshoumaru seemed unconcerned by his wounds, however, for all of his attention was turned toward the castle.
“What is he...?” Kagura mumbled, her eyes widening in shock and understanding as she spied a tiny girl limping into the middle of the battlefield. Youkai surrounded her on all sides, hissing and slashing at her, playing with her as if she were some form of morbid entertainment. Cursing, Kagura’s eyes flashed toward the Taiyoukai and she called, “Mind yourself, Sesshoumaru. I will protect the girl.”
Sesshoumaru looked her way and for the briefest of moments his stoic mask crumbled. He nodded his head in ascent, his golden eyes glowing even as he fought back a smile that tugged at the corners of his mouth. Swiftly, he took hold of the attacking Youkai’s throat and hefted the beast into the air. With his newly acquired arm he tore the demon’s stomach open, spilling blood and intestines upon the dirt.
Sighing in relief, Kagura tossed her head back in defiance and marched right up to the Youkai tormenting Rin. She snapped her wrist back as she opened her fan and let her wind blades fly. In an instant the demons were gone, torn to bits by Kagura’s powerful attack. Snapping the fan closed, she slipped it into her kimono before rushing to Rin’s side and catching the young girl as she fell. Kagura lifted her upward, cradling the child as if she were some precious, fragile treasure. She took to the air on a feather, hovering above the battlefield and watching in awe as Sesshoumaru disposed of the remaining insurgents with the littlest of ease.
When her feet were planted once more on the ground, Kagura released Rin, who ran to Sesshoumaru and bowed, sputtering, “Forgive me, my lord, I did not mean to disobey you when I left the castle. I was chased out by the demons, you see.” She did not raise her head to look at the Inu-Youkai, but remained bowed until she was sure she had given him all the respect due.
Tapping his foot, Sesshoumaru demanded, “Where is that worthless imp? I commanded him to guard you with his life.”
At this Rin’s shoulders began to shake. In a gasping breath she hurried to say, “He did not fail you, my lord. He... he is dead.” Her hands crept to her face and she hid herself from Sesshoumaru, ashamed that she should cry in front of him. She did not wish her lord to think her weak.
For a moment, Sesshoumaru’s eye clouded. He clenched his fist and fought back the inexplicable surge of anger that flowed through him. His vassal was dead. Some foolish, despicable demon had dared slaughter his servant. The right to Jaken’s death belonged to no one but the Demon Lord himself, and the imp still served a purpose. “Where is his body, Rin?”
“In my chambers, my lord,” Rin whispered. She turned and took several steps forward, before pausing to wait for Sesshoumaru to follow. His attention, however, was currently elsewhere.
“Kagura,” Sesshoumaru said.
Chapter Six - Untitled
A horde of misguided demons, under the instruction of Tokoyami, invaded the Western Lands, obliterating villages and decimating families. Their mission was simple: destroy the taiyoukai Sesshoumaru and claim his lands.
This plot would fail and Tokoyami knew it. No son of the Inu no Taisho would be brought down so easily. The Ryuujin simply wished to see Sesshoumaru in action and gauge his abilities in combat. Perhaps he’d have the luck of discovering the Inu-Youkai’s weakness.
Watching from afar was effortless with Yukikureru by his side. Tokoyami had but to order the girl and she would show him anything he wished to see. It was a simple trick, really. Find an object that could hold an image, such as the water he was looking into now. Yukikureru could chant a few words and the water would become a looking glass through which he could witness almost anything, so long as he sent with his warriors a spy.
At the moment, he watched the battle through the eyes of a Hawk-Youkai who had been instructed not to interfere unless it was deemed necessary.
~*~*~*~
“Sesshoumaru-sama!” Jaken screeched as he barreled down the corridors of the castle in search of his lord. He was drenched in the blood of one of Sesshoumaru’s warriors, a fellow Inu-Youkai who had come to warn the Demon Lord of an uprising in his lands. “Sesshoumaru-sama!”
“Must you make such noise, Jaken?” Sesshoumaru demanded as he stepped out of his study and into the hall. He glowered down at the imp for a moment before his eyes flashed red and he yanked Jaken upward by his collar. “You reek of death, Jaken. What has happened?”
“My Lord!” Jaken squeaked, failing miserably to bow while in the Inu-Youkai’s grasp. “Michio-san brings grave news. A great horde of Youkai have entered your lands, killing everything in their path!”
“Where is Michio now?“ Sesshoumaru questioned, his face giving away none of his concern that the blood covering Jaken might belong to one of his strongest warriors.
“He lays dying in the infirmary, My Lord,” Jaken muttered, attempting to bow his head in respect. This feat was accomplished much more easily once Sesshoumaru dropped the imp and turned away to march down the hall.
Sesshoumaru burst into the infirmary and quickly made his way to the futon on which Michio lay. The stench of blood and impending death nearly overran his senses, and it was all he could do now to turn away in disgust. Kneeling down by his fallen soldier, Sesshoumaru said, “What has transpired, Michio?”
“My Lord,” Michio gasped, turning his head to cough up a wad of phlegm and blood. “There is an uprising. Wild Youkai from the mountains have come down to spoil your lands. I humbly apologize for my failure to destroy them.” He bowed his head in deference to Sesshoumaru even as his body shuddered in pain.
“You need not apologize, Michio,” Sesshoumaru said with a wave of his hand. He turned toward Jaken, who’d finally stumbled his way through the corridors to the infirmary and said, “Fetch me Tenseiga.”
“Iie, My Lord,” Michio said weakly. “Tis too late for me. Poison runs deep in my blood. There is no help for it. May I make one last request?”
“Hai, Michio,” the Inu-Youkai said with a slight nod. “What is it you require of This Sesshoumaru?”
“End my pain, My Lord,” Michio beseeched, closing his eyes as he gasped one final thing, “and take my arm.”
~*~*~*~
The last thing Kagura expected to see as she cut through the mass of mindless Youkai was a completely whole Demon Lord. With one hand he brandished Toukijin and with the other he let loose his Poison Whip. Sesshoumaru had never looked so alive, so vibrant... so beautiful. Kagura could not help but stare in awe at the heavenly creature that moved about with such fluid grace, even in the throes of combat.
Demons came at Sesshoumaru from all sides, searching in vain for a weakness, something they could exploit in order to attack him. He simply batted them back with Toukijin, slicing through them as if they were nothing more than annoying insects come to disturb him.
Shaking her head, Kagura turned to a group of demons who'd caught sight of her and seemed set on tearing her limb from limb. Flicking her fan at them she laughed as they disintegrated against the impact of her attacks. These creatures were nothing more than lowly lesser Youkai; stupid animals who did not know their proper place.
“Fools,” Kagura sneered, dancing backwards as a viciously snarling Panther-Youkai came at her. She took off its head without batting an eye and said, “do you really think beasts such as you can harm me?”
It was then that she noticed the threatening growl coming from Sesshoumaru. She turned his way and stared in horror as a rabid, sneering demon thrust its claws into his chest, tearing away his armor and exposing his flesh. Sesshoumaru seemed unconcerned by his wounds, however, for all of his attention was turned toward the castle.
“What is he...?” Kagura mumbled, her eyes widening in shock and understanding as she spied a tiny girl limping into the middle of the battlefield. Youkai surrounded her on all sides, hissing and slashing at her, playing with her as if she were some form of morbid entertainment. Cursing, Kagura’s eyes flashed toward the Taiyoukai and she called, “Mind yourself, Sesshoumaru. I will protect the girl.”
Sesshoumaru looked her way and for the briefest of moments his stoic mask crumbled. He nodded his head in ascent, his golden eyes glowing even as he fought back a smile that tugged at the corners of his mouth. Swiftly, he took hold of the attacking Youkai’s throat and hefted the beast into the air. With his newly acquired arm he tore the demon’s stomach open, spilling blood and intestines upon the dirt.
Sighing in relief, Kagura tossed her head back in defiance and marched right up to the Youkai tormenting Rin. She snapped her wrist back as she opened her fan and let her wind blades fly. In an instant the demons were gone, torn to bits by Kagura’s powerful attack. Snapping the fan closed, she slipped it into her kimono before rushing to Rin’s side and catching the young girl as she fell. Kagura lifted her upward, cradling the child as if she were some precious, fragile treasure. She took to the air on a feather, hovering above the battlefield and watching in awe as Sesshoumaru disposed of the remaining insurgents with the littlest of ease.
When her feet were planted once more on the ground, Kagura released Rin, who ran to Sesshoumaru and bowed, sputtering, “Forgive me, my lord, I did not mean to disobey you when I left the castle. I was chased out by the demons, you see.” She did not raise her head to look at the Inu-Youkai, but remained bowed until she was sure she had given him all the respect due.
Tapping his foot, Sesshoumaru demanded, “Where is that worthless imp? I commanded him to guard you with his life.”
At this Rin’s shoulders began to shake. In a gasping breath she hurried to say, “He did not fail you, my lord. He... he is dead.” Her hands crept to her face and she hid herself from Sesshoumaru, ashamed that she should cry in front of him. She did not wish her lord to think her weak.
For a moment, Sesshoumaru’s eye clouded. He clenched his fist and fought back the inexplicable surge of anger that flowed through him. His vassal was dead. Some foolish, despicable demon had dared slaughter his servant. The right to Jaken’s death belonged to no one but the Demon Lord himself, and the imp still served a purpose. “Where is his body, Rin?”
“In my chambers, my lord,” Rin whispered. She turned and took several steps forward, before pausing to wait for Sesshoumaru to follow. His attention, however, was currently elsewhere.
“Kagura,” Sesshoumaru said.
==========================================
THE END!
Just kidding.
Mostly.
This is as far as I got in the fanfiction before my
attention was distracted by other things.
So solly cholly!
But thank you for wasting so much of your time
reading my random drivel. Especially all the parts
where Inuyasha turns into a weepy woman-child.
What was I thinking?
*emo emo emo*
Hmmm... now that I've re-read this thing, I kind
of want to start writing it again.
==========================================
THE END!
Just kidding.
Mostly.
This is as far as I got in the fanfiction before my
attention was distracted by other things.
So solly cholly!
But thank you for wasting so much of your time
reading my random drivel. Especially all the parts
where Inuyasha turns into a weepy woman-child.
What was I thinking?
*emo emo emo*
Hmmm... now that I've re-read this thing, I kind
of want to start writing it again.
==========================================
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