InuYasha Fan Fiction / Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Unexpected Ally ❯ Returning Home ( Chapter 11 )

A/N: As you know, I don’t normally put author’s notes before a chapter, but this chapter warrants it, I believe. This story has changed from an R rating to NC-17 on MM . org, because of citrus content. It’s not a lemon by my standards, but it’s definitely more than a lime by most standards, so I’ve dubbed it a grapefruit!! LOL! Whatever you call it, though, I believe it needs the higher rating. However FF . net doesn’t have NC-17 ratings. Therefore, to avoid possible trouble, I have edited out most of the first scene for FF (note that it is not a different “version” of the scene, I’ve just completely taken out a few paragraphs). If you would like to read either different version, the main addresses for the story are: http : // www . mediaminer . org / fanfic / view _ st . php / 83734 / 1 and http : // www . fanfiction . net / s / 2178355 / 1 /

Unexpected Ally

Disclaimer: YYH belongs to Yoshihiro Tagashi; IY belongs to Rumiko Takahashi; Unfortunately, I am neither one of them. Pity me!

Chapter 11: Returning Home

Kagome sighed as she stepped into the hot spring. It gave her goosebumps as she stepped in slowly, the steaming water climbing her bare skin inch by inch. Soon, she was pink from the warmth. Only her face, shoulders and the swell of her breasts was visible above the water. The moonlight shining through the steam of the hot spring, combined with the sheen of moisture from water and sweat on the girl’s skin, gave her an ethereal glow.

Inuyasha was mesmerized. He couldn’t take his eyes off her after he accidentally looked at her while guarding Kagome during her bath. He knew he should turn his head, close his eyes, hide at least, but his body would not comply. Suddenly, she locked eyes with him and he saw realization come into those eyes. This was it. He was getting sat for sure. He’d had it so good the past few days; it was inevitable that his sit-free streak wouldn’t last.

Finally able to shut his eyes, he braced himself for the impact. But… it never came. The command wasn’t said. The only thing he’d heard with his eyes closed was the sound of Kagome’s movement in the water. Of course, he had been trying to block out sound at the time, and had flattened his ears in his attempt to do so. That, combined with the lack of attention being paid to anything other than his inevitable ‘sitting,’ caused him to miss what actually happened.

Kagome had actually stepped out of the water and padded, naked and dripping, across the shore and into the woods where Inuyasha was sitting on a grassy area.

As he peeked an eye open to see what had prevented the ‘sit’ command, Inuyasha’s eyes bulged and he gulped at the sight before him.

Kagome was standing in front of him, pink skin already returning to its creamy color in the cool night air. Streams of water still ran down her body from her hair, accentuating every voluptuous swell, dip, and curve to her form. Her nipples were perfect, pink buds, hardened by the chill of the air. Inuyasha gaped in shock as she knelt in front of him

Kagome tucked the locks of dripping hair that clung to her cleavage behind her shoulders. Moving forward on her knees, she came up between Inuyasha’s bent legs, gripping his knees and then sliding her hands down his thighs to keep her balance as she moved.

Inuyasha saw a twinkle in her eye as Kagome came towards him, before she closed her eyes, leaning in to kiss him. Still in a trance, he closed his eyes in mimic of her. Her lips were soft, kissing him shyly. Realizing, finally, what was happening, Inuyasha pressed his lips back harder, covering her lips completely with his own. At his action, he felt some of her tension ease, and she pressed her bare chest to his clothed one as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders.

His hands slowly, cautiously made their way to her body, first touching a fingertip to her bare waist. Growing bolder by the second as she kissed him, Inuyasha put both hands around Kagome’s waist and felt her smooth, cool skin under his fingertips. Slowly still, he glided his hands up her sides and around to her back, pressing her against him more. Inuyasha parted his lips slightly and darted his tongue across the seam of Kagome’s lips. She parted them obediently, welcoming his curious tongue with her own. His tongue ran across her parted lips, feeling her teeth slightly as he met her sweet, wet muscle. He explored her feel and taste with relish, drawing her tongue into his own mouth to suck on it before breaking off the kiss for air with one more parted-lipped kiss.

Inuyasha watched the quick rise and fall of Kagome’s exposed breasts as she tried to catch her breath. Soft pants escaped between her parted lips as her blue eyes met his golden ones. She whimpered slightly as he tentatively leaned forward and slid the tip of his tongue slowly along her lips. As his tongue made it back to the spot where he had started, in the middle of her lower lip, he sealed her mouth with his once again.

This time their kiss was more urgent, filled with heat and passion, sure now this was what they wanted. Kagome’s small hands pulled at Inuyasha’s kimono, trying to rid him of it in order to feel his bare skin. Taking over the task, Inuyasha soon rid himself of his haori, his under-kimono pooled around his waist where it was still tucked into his hakama.

Kagome leaned against him once again, pressing skin-to-skin and putting her arms back around his shoulders, her hands diving into his silvery-white hair. Grasping the backs of her thighs, he lifted her slightly and pulled her into a straddle across his lap. As she settled onto his lap, Kagome rubbed against his growing erection. Inuyasha gasped slightly at the friction and quickly claimed her lips again, his hands still holding her against him by her thighs.

Inuyasha stroked the flesh of her thigh with his thumb, making its way up to her hip as he moved his hands to squeeze the soft, yet firm muscle of her ass. Kagome moaned at the pleasurable touch and arched her back slightly. Instinctively, she thrust her hips forward again, this time rubbing against Inuyasha’s fully erect member. Their breath hitched simultaneously, and Inuyasha barely stifled an appreciative groan.

Kagome began slowly rocking her hips against him, creating a delicious spark of heat between them as she rubbed back and forth over his manhood. Inuyasha used his hands on her butt and thighs to guide her, encouraging her to increase her speed. Soon she picked up his rhythm and his hands moved to explore the rest of her body.

He ran his hands up Kagome’s back, over her shoulders and back down her sides, pausing at her ass again to feel the way her muscles moved as she rode against him. Then, one hand tangled itself in Kagome’s hair, angling her head to deepen their kiss. His other hand moved to cup a breast, his claw barely grazing her skin as he flicked his thumb over the small erect nub of flesh there. Kagome moaned into his mouth and he caught her tongue up to suck on it again. He continued teasing her nipple, smirking when he noticed how she would arch her back to press closer to him in the brief moments that he broke contact.

Inuyasha broke off their kiss, only to trail kisses down her jaw and throat, nipping there for a bit before continuing his path to the mound of flesh he held in his left hand. He kissed a slow spiral around the flesh, stopping just before he reached her nipple.

Kagome tingled all over. Inuyasha’s warm breath puffed over her teased and eager skin, and she felt as if she would burn alive if he continued his torturous teasing. Tugging a bit on his hair, she tried to pull him to her, softly pleading, “O–onegai… Inu…” Her plea was cut off by a sharp gasp as he suddenly ran his tongue over the pink bud. He licked and nipped and suckled her, enjoying every moan, gasp and whimper he dragged out of her. He breathed deeply of Kagome’s scent, the spiky scent of her arousal growing by the second.

Continuing the torture, he turned his attentions to her other breast. This didn’t last long, however, as Kagome suddenly quit her grind against him and shoved Inuyasha back away from her. The action was so abrupt; it caught him off guard and he fell completely onto his back in the grass before he knew what happened. Looking up at her questioningly, Inuyasha’s eyes went wide once more as he drunk in the vision above him. There Kagome was, bare skin glowing in the moonlight, straddling him as his erection pressed against her. Her long, damp, black hair was wild and her kiss-swollen lips were parted ever-so-slightly as she gazed down on him. She looked irresistible.

Kagome noticed how his eyes seemed to glitter like gold in the dark of the night as Inuyasha stared back at her hungrily. Just as he was reaching for her, Kagome slid off Inuyasha’s body, settling between his legs as she undid his hakama. Realizing her intentions, Inuyasha helped her rid him of his remaining clothing. Kagome’s eyes roved over every inch of her hanyou, soaking in every detail of his body. She ran her hands greedily down his muscular chest and abs, feeling the soft silver that trailed from under his navel to the patch of silver curls below his waist.

Inuyasha ached from her curious touches, his erection growing painful as she drew closer to it, yet made no contact. It wept, longing for her touch and delicious friction. As Kagome paused near his love trail, Inuyasha thought she would never end his torture. He closed his eyes, willing himself not to beg, and was completely surprised when he suddenly felt Kagome’s tongue on him.

She licked the pre-cum from the tip of his cock, finding the tangy taste odd, but not unpleasant. Slowly, she circled the head with her tongue and then slid her tongue down the underside of his shaft. She couldn’t help the smirk caused by Inuyasha’s audible gasp and visible shudder. Emboldened by his reaction, she licked her lips and took him into her mouth completely. Inuyasha breathed heavily, small gasps and moans reaching Kagome’s ears, rewarding her as she worked him with her mouth and tongue. He tried to touch her, but his hands were quickly pushed away. Gripping the grass tightly instead, he watched in awe and pleasure as her head bobbed on him, slowly at first but soon increasing in pace.

He couldn’t believe how incredible it felt. She would change pressure slightly on each upward stroke, occasionally using just her lips, usually both her tongue and lips. On the downward plunge, she would draw winding spirals around him with her tongue. He wondered briefly how Kagome knew exactly what would feel good, but it was hard to keep much of any thought in his brain at the time. Soon, Inuyasha couldn’t even keep his eyes open because of the overwhelming ecstasy. So close to the edge, yet still so far. He tore more at the grass and dug his claws into the earth.

Kagome used her hand at the base of his shaft to add to the sensations, running her thumb back and caressing his balls as well. She felt a pulse go through him at this action, and quickened her pace to match the urgency she could sense from him. Her bobbing grew frantic, and soon she felt a stronger pulse just before his sac tensed under her thumb and his erection spasmed into her mouth.

“Ahh, Kagome!” he exclaimed passionately, as he felt himself spill into her willing mouth. His head spun with the ecstasy thrumming through his body. Soon, though, he realized he felt cold. Cold and wet… and slightly sticky. Inuyasha peeked his eyes open, curious whether Kagome had swallowed or spit it out, and was greeted with the sight of…

The empty tree branch. ‘Huh?’ He looked around, disoriented at finding himself up in the branches of Goshinboku. Realization dawned on him after a few moments, however. ‘It was a dream. Damn, what a dream.’ He thought to himself as he noticed the mess in his hakama. Evidently, the combination of seeing girls walk around half-naked on the beach in Kagome's time, and accidentally glimpsing her in the hot spring tonight, had affected him more than he'd expected. Inuyasha looked to the sky, seeing the tiny sliver of silver hanging there. It probably didn't help that the new moon was tomorrow night, either. His hormones always seemed to run a bit more wild when his body sensed its coming weakness. Cursing to himself, ‘Damn, Miroku’s supposed to be the only pervert around here.’ Inuyasha leapt from the tree and ran off quickly to clean himself up in the nearby river.

************ *

Sango was in the woods, changing back into her kimono after slaying a demon for a local village, when she heard the snap of a twig. Snapping her head around to the noise, she saw Miroku coming up from behind her.

"Houshi-sama!" she exclaimed, quickly pulling her under-kimono around herself to cover up.

"Good evening, Sango," the monk replied as smoothly as ever, still walking towards her.

"W-What're you doing?" she asked nervously, still very aware of her incomplete dress and gripping what little she did have on as if for dear life.

"Why, my dear Sango, surely you know what I came here for." The violet-eyed man replied, coming closer still. He was only a few steps from her now, a mischievous gleam shining in his eyes. Taking those last few steps, he came right up to Sango, chuckling softly as she backed away from him only to find herself against a large tree.

Sango gasped as she realized she was trapped. Miroku gently took her hands, pulling them from their deathgrip on her kimono, and grasped them in his, holding them to her sides. Sango's eyes went wide as Miroku leaned towards her, half-lidded eyes on her parted lips, and she pressed back against the tree in an effort to avoid his inevitable kiss. She was unsuccessful.

Miroku's lips pressed against hers softly, as if gauging her reaction. Though she had been expecting the kiss, Sango was caught off guard by the tender gesture and soon found herself melting against him. Realizing she was not fighting him, the monk kissed her more firmly, soon parting her lips with his and darting his tongue in quickly for a taste of his sweet Sango. Sango greeted him happily, surprised by her own boldness as her tongue writhed against his. Soon, Miroku let go of her hands to cup her face and run his hands through her silky brown hair. She followed his lead and put her arms around him, holding onto the fabric of his robes as they continued to make love with their tongues.

Sango's kimono hung open still, her former task of dressing forgotten. Miroku ignored the temptation for awhile, happy just to hold her against him as they continued kissing. As the temptation grew, however, he couldn't fight the urge to wander from her lips. He began to lightly kiss her face, kissing along her jaw to her ear. He nibbled on her lobe and felt a shiver run through Sango as she moaned softly. Miroku felt himself growing aroused by her reactions, despite his original intentions to keep their encounter innocent, and soon found himself attacking Sango's ear, neck, and shoulder with nips and kisses. Her breathing grew heavy and she moaned even more, pulling him against her with one hand tugging his hair gently. Miroku took this as a cue to let his hands venture where they dare not before, and slowly crept his hand towards the open front of her kimono. He ran his hand lightly down her chest, feeling her curves through her breast binding, grabbing one, and squeezing slightly before traveling further down. Sango's stomach muscles jumped and tightened at the contact, adding to Miroku's own excitement as he neared the warm, yet covered, spot between her legs; the spot he most wanted to be.

Suddenly, Sango seemed to come to her senses as she felt Miroku's hand grow ever closer to her most private spot. The hand that had been lightly tugging at his hair in encouragement gave a sharp tug this time, causing Miroku to pause in sucking on her neck. This gave her just the opportunity she'd wanted, and she firmly pushed him away from her, pulling her kimono shut and tying it before he got his wits back.

"B-But, Sango--" Miroku started, stepping forward, confused at her sudden anger.

Sango reached for her Hiraikotsu, raising it in warning to the monk. Evidently her temporary acceptance of his advances had increased his courage, for he did not heed the warning.

"My dear Sango, you can't tell me you didn't enjoy it." he said with a smirk, reaching for her once again.

That was it--her last straw. She brought the weapon down on his head, hearing the crack of wood as it made contact. 'Wait. Wood?' Sango looked around herself, only to find she was no longer in the forest, but sitting up on her futon in Kaede's hut. Her hand was still clutching the handle of Hiraikotsu, which was imbedded in the hut floor beside her.

"Is something wrong, Sango?" Kaede asked, sitting up from her futon, a worried expression on her face.

Sango blushed furiously, remembering the dream that had caused her attack on Kaede's floor. Shaking her head, both in answer to Kaede and to clear her thoughts, Sango answered, "No, Kaede-sama, just a dream."

"Must've been some dream if it affected you this way. Were you being attacked?"

Sango blushed even more. "H-Hai. Sorry about your floor, Kaede-sama." Sango removed Hiraikotsu from the floor to inspect the damage. The hole didn't go all the way through, thank Kami, but there was a severe gash in the floor now and splinters of wood scattered around it.

"Ah, worry not, my child. That can be easily fixed. Let's just try to go back to sleep for now."

Sango stood and stretched, walking to the mat-covered doorway. "I think I need to get some fresh air first." And with that, she left the hut for a pre-dawn walk.

************ *

Kagome sat on a grassy hill just outside of Kaede's village. She breathed deeply of the fresh air, basking in the calm of the early morning just before dawn. Bringing her breathing under control, she emptied her head of all thought as she meditated, focusing on finding the center of her reiki within herself. She felt a slight rush run through her as she dipped into the ki, searching for its source in her soul. She didn't let it overcome her, however. She'd been practicing this for the past couple weeks now, ever since she returned to Sengoku Jidai with Inuyasha, and was finally becoming accustomed to the feelings that accompanied her meditation. Finding the center of her ki, she focused on controlling the flow outward from her body. She felt her soul warm with the use of the energy, and knew her aura was most likely glowing pink, though her eyes were still closed.

Kagome focused on the ebb and flow of her aura, willing it to glide out from her slowly, feeling a crackle run through the air around her. She concentrated more, picturing the pink surrounding her growing brighter, fanning out from her body a bit more. She kept concentrating until she was surrounded by a large bubble of reiki, crackling as if filled with electricity. Her hair raised slightly, blowing gently around her in her self-made force field. Suddenly, a pebble was thrown at her, but quickly ricocheted off the pink shield into the nearby woods. A large stick soon followed, having a similar reaction. Finally, a baseball-sized rock was hurled towards her, yet it, too, was diverted to a new direction by the reiki. One more minute of holding her energy like this, and Kagome slowly let it drop back down. It faded back to the lighter pink of her normal aura and finally seeped back into her body, seemingly disappearing completely. Opening her eyes, she smiled, happy with her work.

"Very good, Kagome-sama," came the exclamation of approval from the direction the rock had come.

Kagome turned her head, standing up from her meditating position. "Arigatou, Miroku-sama," she said appreciatively as she bowed to the monk. "I couldn't have gotten this far without your help."

"Well, you certainly have come a long way in these past couple weeks." he agreed. "Let's start on today's weapons training, shall we?"

"Hai." Kagome followed Miroku as he walked in the direction of the target practice area they used while in Kaede's village. It wasn't much, just a few wooden dummies to practice on with her bow, but it was better than nothing.

As she walked, Kagome thought back on the past two weeks.

~Flashback~

Inuyasha leapt out of the well carrying Kagome and her oversized yellow backpack, and didn't stop running until they reached Kaede's hut in the village.

"Oi, Kaede-baba, we're back." he called to the old miko as he entered the hut. He was instantly pounced by Shippou as the kitsune jumped into Kagome's arms.

"Kagome!"

"Shippou-chan!" she cried, catching him. "What are you still doing up?"

"He woke up just a minute ago saying he smelled you coming from the well." Kaede answered.

Shippou nodded furiously. "I missed you so much. Did Inuyasha treat you right? Was he mean? Did you have to sit him a lot? Did you have fun at the beach? Did you bring me anything?" he blurted in one, long breath.

Kaede chuckled at his enthusiasm and greeted the two teens. "Welcome back you two. I trust you had a pleasant visit in Kagome’s time?"

"Keh!" the hanyou replied as he set Kagome, still holding Shippou, down and dropped her bag on the floor.

"Oh?" Kaede asked, looking up from the pot she was stirring over her fire. "It was not a good visit? Why not? What happened?"

Just then, Shippou noticed the bandages on Kagome's arms and one very large one on her right leg. "You're hurt! What happened?" The kitsune glared accusingly at Inuyasha, who had a few bandages as well.

"Don't look at me," Inuyasha declared defensively, turning his nose up in the air and crossing his arms in his haori sleeves.

Kagome sighed, sitting beside the old miko, Shippou in her lap. "Don't worry, it's just a few scrapes and bruises. We were attacked while we were there. They were looking for the jewel, I think."

"They? There was more than one? I thought you said there were no youkai in your time, Kagome-sama."

Inuyasha glared at Kagome at this remark. Kagome felt her face heat slightly, knowing full well the accusations that came with that glare.

Still glaring, Inuyasha spoke, "There wasn't just more than one youkai, there was more than one attack!"

"Well, excuuuuuse me!" Kagome began hotly, "I didn't realize there were youkai there. I mean, the Noh mask was there, but it had a shard in it. I've never seen any other youkai in my time, so how was I supposed to know there were any?"

"Keh, you couldn't sense them before?!"

Kagome narrowed her eyes, a glare darkening her expression towards the inu-hanyou, "Could you?!" She crossed her arms, daring him to argue her logic.

"Yeah, Inuyasha, could you?" Shippou piped up, quickly hiding behind Kagome when Inuyasha growled at him and threatened to pound him.

"Inuyasha..." Kagome said warningly.

He wisely said nothing further, exiting the hut to cool down in his forest for a bit.

Kagome told Kaede and Shippou everything that had happened, watching their looks of concern grow deeper with each description of an attack. When she was through, Shippou let out a breath he didn't know he'd been holding.

Kaede spoke thoughtfully, "Well, I believe you're right, Kagome. They must have been after the Shikon no Tama. How did they know where to come after you, though, I wonder?"

"I can't figure that out, either. The spell you put on it seemed to fool everyone. I wore it around my neck the whole time, and even Inuyasha couldn't see it. I even had to remind him where it was a couple times!" As she said this, she pulled at something underneath her shirt collar. Pulling the invisible something over her head, she handed it to Kaede, who placed her hands around it and said a short incantation. The room glowed pink briefly, and when she opened her hand she held the mostly-complete Shikon no Tama, which now hung from a thin beaded necklace. The miko handed it back to the girl, who promptly returned it to its place around her neck and under her shirt. "Thanks. I really should learn to do that one as well." said Kagome.

"In time, child, in time. For now it should be enough to continue practicing the spells for Inuyasha and Tetsusaiga. From what you told me of the reactions of your reiki during tonight's attack, you still have a lot of learning to do about your powers, and this spell takes a lot more out of you since it's designed to last indefinitely rather than needing re-cast every day."

"Do you think I'll ever be able to control my powers completely, Kaede-baa-chan?"

"Of course, child. You just need training. In fact, we can begin tomorrow, and perhaps the houshi can help you continue while you are traveling."

"Arigatou, Kaede-baa-chan!" Kagome cried, hugging the old miko tightly in appreciation. "Have you had any word on when he and the others might be returning?"

"Actually, the tanuki, Hachi, came just last night looking for the houshi, so I expect him anytime now. As for Sango, Kohaku, and Kirara, no word from them yet. I sent Myouga after them this morning, however."

************ *

For the next three days, Kaede worked with Kagome, training her in the art of meditation and focusing her ki. The going was slow but steady, and Kagome dedicated herself to the training. Every morning she would try to meditate, then join Kaede in bow practice. Kagome had already gotten pretty good with her bow during her journeys with Inuyasha and the others, but she'd been out of practice ever since Naraku had been defeated and appreciated the chance to brush up her skills.

The fourth day after she'd arrived back, Kagome headed out for her morning training. Coming up to her meditation hill, however, she was met with a pleasant surprise as she looked towards the sound of metal clinking against metal. Soon, she saw familiar black and purple robes, and the staff that had been the origin of the clinking sounds. Abandoning all calm and thoughts of staying quiet in the still of the early morning, she ran with open arms towards the monk exclaiming, "Miroku-sama!"

Miroku was pleasantly surprised to be greeted in such a way, but soon found himself on the receiving end of a slap as he showed his appreciation in the usual manner.

Kagome had brought him into the village, abandoning her morning routine, and soon everyone was gathered around the monk to hear of his journey since he'd left the village nearly four weeks before. It had been a rather uneventful journey back to Mushin's, and he met very few youkai along the way. Once back at his mentor's dwelling, he'd spent much time meditating, thinking on the past, present and future. His meditating had helped him come to a few decisions about what to do now that his quest for Naraku had been fulfilled, and only then did he begin his trek back to his former companions.

All that day, Miroku had been swarmed by women in the village offering to bear his child. Almost all of them had been propositioned in the past and, with his return, were excited to agree. As she caught glimpses of him throughout the day, Kagome noticed that the monk hadn't laid an improper finger on any of the women, though. She thought it very unlike him, but was soon busied with helping the villagers prepare a feast for the night, in celebration of his safe return, and forgot about it.

Just as dusk was settling in, and lanterns were set up in the main area of the village, a bright fire came hurtling from the sky towards the village. Kagome's stomach clenched in anticipation of an attack, but soon relaxed when she realized they were in no danger.

"Sango-chan!!" she called happily, running up to her friend and hugging her as soon as Kirara landed.

Sango hugged her back, tears of joy in her eyes after such a long time apart. "Kagome-chan! I've missed you so much. All of you."

Kagome smiled and turned to Kohaku. "Hello, Kohaku-kun. How have you been?"

The boy smiled back shyly, answering barely above a whisper, "Okay."

She smiled warmly at the shy boy, gesturing for the sibling to follow her. "You've arrived just in time. We were just about to start a feast in the village. Miroku-sama came back just this morning."

"So we heard," Sango replied, gesturing to Kirara. Just then, Myouga jumped off the demon cat onto Kagome, who smacked him soundly as he started sucking blood from her neck.

"Well, I guess you had a safe journey if Myouga-jii-chan came back with you as well."

"Kagome, I'm insulted!" the flea replied indignantly. "I take my life in my hands to journey to the taijiya village, and this is the greeting I receive upon my return?"

Sango rolled her eyes. "Oh, please. We had to track you back down just yesterday when a weak boar youkai attacked us in the woods, you cowardly flea."

Just then, the flea was lifted from where he was sitting in Kagome's hand by two claws holding onto his shirt.

"Up to the usual tricks, eh, Myouga-jiji?" Inuyasha said in a disapproving tone, holding the flea up to his face to scrutinize him.

"Inuyasha-sama! I assure you, I did no such thing. I merely wandered away to get a snack, and when I caught up to Sango and Kohaku, they had already killed the youkai. It's not my fault! But I certainly did not run away."

Inuyasha raised a brow at the flea. "Wandered off for a snack, eh? Why didn't you just drink from Kirara like usual?"

Myouga gulped at the flaw in his excuse. "Okay, well maybe I did run away. But how was I to know the boar was weak? I'm only a flea, after all."

"You were traveling with two youkai taijiya. I don't think you had any need to worry." Inuyasha rolled his eyes at his retainer.

"Yeah, Myouga-jii-chan. After all, you've seen Sango-chan in battle before, and Kohaku-kun was trained just as she was." Kagome pointed out.

The flea hung his head in shame, defeated.

As the friends neared the center of the village, Miroku and Shippou caught sight of them and came over to greet them as well.

Shippou jumped from Miroku's arms into the arms of a surprised Kohaku, and immediately snuggled the boy and the kitten-like Kirara that was in his arms as well.

"Sango, Kohaku, Kirara, you've returned!" Miroku quickly drew Sango into an embrace before she could escape, his hand immediately moving to rub her butt. How he'd missed that familiar feeling. He was soon lying on the ground, twitching, after Hiraikotsu greeted his head.

"I see the curse has not left your hand, though Naraku is no more, Houshi-sama." Sango remarked dryly, slinging Hiraikotsu back over her shoulder. She smiled warmly down at him, however, and held out a hand to help him up.

The friends feasted that night, and Sango told everyone how she and Kohaku had begun rebuilding their village. The exact details of the past four weeks were saved for after the feast, however, when the Inu-tachi were once more alone together and Kohaku and Shippou were asleep.

************ *

The graves of their family and friends had already been covered by grass the first time Kohaku had visited them to pay his respects, and he had been deeply saddened by this fact. It had taken awhile for him to not be horrified by his returning memories, also, and Sango had spent many nights sitting up with the boy as he cried and retched from nightmares. After the second week, however, he began to be plagued by them less and less, and was soon showing signs of his old self. Sango was delighted when she finally saw him acting like a normal young teen again. She started training and sparring with him, as well as continuing to work on rebuilding their destroyed village.

After the third week, their father’s home was almost completely restored, as well as a couple storehouses, though there was still much work to do on the rest of the village. Yet, Sango felt it still wasn't quite right. She began visiting Midoriko's cave more and more, in hopes of receiving some sort of sign as to what she should do. It wasn't until Kohaku came to get her from the cave one night that she realized what was missing.

He'd asked her to come back to the village, because he couldn't sleep without her there. He'd been away from the village so long, it didn't feel like he belonged to it anymore, and without her there he felt uneasy. Sango understood then that it really wasn't their home anymore. They still were connected to it through their history and their memories, but her true home was now with her friends that she had been traveling with for over a year. She knew once Kohaku got to know them, he'd feel the same way. The next morning, they had been preparing to leave for Kaede's village just as Myouga had arrived to inquire of their return.

************ *

After Sango had finished her story, Kagome told Sango and Miroku what had happened in her time. Inuyasha sat in a corner of Kaede's hut, arms and legs crossed in his usual fashion, grumbling under his breath as he remembered it all. He was still upset by the fact that they had been so openly attacked in Kagome's time, and the two teens had been arguing about whether Kagome could go back to her own time ever since they'd come back through the well.

Once she'd finished filling her friends in, Kagome told them about the training she'd started with Kaede.

"Miroku-sama, would you mind working with me on my training now that you're back? Kaede-sama has a lot of other responsibilities around the village, and it would really help if I continued the training while we're traveling anyway."

"Hai, Kagome-sama, it would be my pleasure to help you with your reiki training." he agreed immediately.

After that night, they had met every morning just before dawn to meditate together and build up her control of her reiki. Two days later, they had left the village to continue their quest for the Shikon no Kakera, but still took time every morning for her training. Kagome was able to practice her bow skills when they would occasionally be attacked by youkai looking for the jewel or just a tasty human meal, and soon it became so second nature that Inuyasha wouldn't even protest. She'd even helped in battles with stronger youkai when the Inu-tachi's services were commissioned by villages they would pass through.

They searched for shards for a full week before coming back to Kaede's village two nights before Kagome was to go back to her time, yet they found nothing. They hadn't even heard any shard rumors, which had been extremely frustrating to say the least. With Naraku gone, they'd all hoped it would be easy to find the last few missing shards to complete the jewel, but it seemed that would not be the case.

~End Flashback~

Kagome shook her head to clear her thoughts as she and Miroku finally walked into the clearing for bow practice. She practiced for about an hour, Miroku giving her tips every now and then on what she should do differently. The main focus of the practice was controlling her use of reiki with the arrows, as Kagome's bow skills on their own were excellent after so much practice during their journey, plus the recent practicing with Kaede.

The sky was just turning from the pale light of the sunrise to the blue of the day as they headed back to join their friends in the village for breakfast.

"Miroku-sama?" Kagome said suddenly, looking towards the monk beside her as they walked.

"Hai, Kagome-sama?"

"I was just wondering about something," she began, "I noticed you haven't been propositioning women in any of the villages we've been to lately, and, except for your greeting to me when you first returned, you haven't had wandering hands for anyone but Sango-chan. Are you finally becoming serious about your intentions towards her?"

Miroku stopped in his stride momentarily, caught slightly off guard by the specific question. He didn't realize he'd been so obvious, but it was true that he hadn't been interested in flirting with anyone but Sango since he'd returned. Hesitating in his answer a moment, he finally spoke as he continued his stride, "Ah, Kagome-sama, I have always been serious about Sango. It's just that... before my kazaana closed, I couldn't bear to burden her with a relationship with a dying man."

Kagome smiled. She'd figured as much. "So," she said, pushing her shoulder against his to encourage him to continue, "Are you going to ask Sango-chan to marry you?"

"Aa, I would love to. But she has just had her brother returned to her, and they are still rebuilding their relationship after all that's happened. How can I expect her to give me special attention at a time like this?"

"Well, you could build up to it slowly, you know. Spend time with both her and Kohaku-kun. You could even try to spend time with just Kohaku-kun, take an interest in him and see if there's any way you can help him feel more comfortable. If Sango-chan sees you making an effort to help her brother and get to know him, she'll realize your intentions are true when you ask her."

"Arigatou, Kagome-sama. Your advice rings true."

"Well, I want to do all I can to help. You two obviously belong together."

Miroku beamed at the comment, believing it to be true as well.

"What're you so happy about?" Inuyasha grumbled as they entered Kaede's hut for breakfast. He had slept very restlessly after his dream of the night before, and was therefore in a bad mood. He was also unconsciously trying to make up for his embarrassment from the effects of the dream by being especially cross towards everyone, especially Kagome.

"It's a beautiful day, isn't it?" Miroku replied cheerfully, taking a seat beside Sango.

Sango blushed at his nearness, remembering her earlier dream. Miroku smirked slightly at her reaction, oblivious to the specific reason for it, but happy to cause such a reaction.

"Hai, it's lovely out. I took a walk earlier and it was quite refreshing." the taijiya finally answered, casting her eyes towards the food laid out before them, rather than looking at the houshi.

"What happened to your floor, Kaede-sama?" Shippou asked curiously, noticing it as he got up from his futon to join the others for breakfast.

"Just a little accident, Shippou, nothing to worry about," Kaede answered dismissively. Judging from Sango's deepened blush at the question, the old miko figured the taijiya girl didn't really want to talk about what had caused her to attack the floor with her Hiraikotsu in the middle of the night. "How is your training with Kagome going, Houshi-dono?" Kaede asked Miroku, changing the subject as she finished setting out the meal.

"It's going very well, Kaede-sama. Her barriers are getting much stronger and she has much more focus and control of her reiki now as well. As long as she keeps up with her meditation in her time, she should be able to continue growing stronger."

"Ah, that's right, you're going back tonight, are you not, Kagome?"

"Hai, I'm going home tonight so I have time to settle in before school starts tomorrow." Kagome answered the old miko. Inuyasha growled under his breath.

"Aw, Kagome, do you really hafta go?" Shippou asked, pouting.

"Hai, Shippou-chan. I'm really getting behind in my studies, and high school is not the time to slack off in my work. I promise I'll be back soon, though."

"Damn straight, you will. Don't forget, you have more important work to do here." Inuyasha spouted.

Kagome growled a small human growl back at him. "Inuyasha, you don't have to keep reminding me, you know. I know I still have to help you find the shards, but I can't just completely ignore my life in my time. I mean, once this is over, I have to have a future to look forward to. If I don't finish school, I'll never get into University, and I won't have much of a future at all if that happens."

Her words struck him suddenly, and he felt an intense loneliness though he was surrounded by his friends. Kagome wanted a future in her time. Where did that leave him? Sure, he hadn't been able to come to an exact decision about his feelings towards her yet, beyond the obvious attraction his wet dream had so easily pointed out, but he still wanted her friendship no matter what. Would that even be possible once the Shikon no Tama was complete? Inuyasha was brought out of his thoughts by Shippou speaking again.

"What about those youkai that attacked you? Are you sure you'll be safe in your time?" the kitsune-child asked.

"Don't worry, Shippou-chan." Kagome said, hugging him reassuringly, "Inuyasha says he won't even let me go through the well without him with me anymore, so I'll be perfectly fine. For once, I think I'll welcome his overprotectiveness. I mean, I've gotten a lot better at controlling my reiki, but it's still scary to know there's youkai out there after something you protect and carry with you."

"Ah, yes, that reminds me, I need to put the spell on the Shikon no Tama again before you leave. I might as well do it now."

Kagome took the necklace that held the jewel off, handing it to Kaede. "Please, Kaede-sama, won't you teach me this spell yet?"

"Patience, my child. You still have much training to do before I'll let you attempt it. The power it takes to hide such a powerful magical presence is still much greater than you are used to using on a regular basis. My spell will hold out while you are back in your time, so do not worry."

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The day seemed to pass very quickly, as Kagome spent it mostly preparing to leave and saying goodbye to the villagers. She and Inuyasha would only be gone a few days, but she'd been staying in the village for so long that it was as if she were leaving for a year. The villagers even threw another feast in her honor that evening.

Afterwards, Kagome couldn't help grinning when she saw Miroku talking to Kohaku. He seemed to speak easily with the boy, and Kohaku looked more at ease than he did around most of the other villagers. Sango even seemed to noticed and had joined in their conversation. What they were talking about, Kagome had no idea, but she knew the monk was taking her advice to heart and putting it to good use already. She wondered what changes she would be returning to in three days' time.

"What're you grinning so stupidly for?" Inuyasha asked, sitting on the log in front of a small bonfire next to Kagome.

"Oh, nothing," Kagome answered, sounding slightly dreamy.

Inuyasha followed her gaze to the houshi and two taijiya and could only guess what kind of ideas were running through the girl's head. "What are you scheming now?"

"Nothing, nothing," Kagome said, waving her hands in front of herself and shaking her head.

"Whatever," the hanyou replied, deciding whatever it was, he probably didn't really want to know.

Less than an hour later, she was saying goodbye to everyone in the village one last time. Almost everyone wanted to give her a hug, but only the women actually did. The first and only man that had actually tried to hug her goodbye had gotten a good pounding from a certain inu-hanyou and none of the others thought it was quite worth the risk just to embrace the time-traveling miko.

Sango, Kohaku, Miroku, Shippou, Kirara, Kaede, and even Myouga accompanied Kagome and Inuyasha to the well, saying goodbye and sharing a few last hugs with the girl. Kagome even hugged Miroku, saving him from a pounding at Inuyasha's hands by pointing out that he had behaved himself perfectly. Finally, Kagome gave Shippou a tight squeeze before handing him to Kaede, and she and Inuyasha jumped through the well together just as his monthly transformation overcame him.

End Chapter 11
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Words First Appearing in Chapter Eleven:
Hiraikotsu: flying bone; Sango’s bone boomerang
Kaede-baba: Old Woman Kaede; this is how Inuyasha addresses Kaede
Kaede-baa-chan: Grandma Kaede; this is how Kagome addresses Kaede
tanuki: raccoon-faced dog
Myouga-jii-chan: Grandpa Myouga; this is how Kagome addresses Myouga
Myouga-jiji: Old Man Myouga; this is how Inuyasha addresses Myouga
Houshi-dono: basically, honorable monk; this is what Kaede calls Miroku. “Dono” is an archaic honorific not used often in modern speech anymore, though it’s possible to still hear it on occasion. It’s used to show respect to someone of high rank, by someone of similar rank; the closest actual definition of it I could find was “Lord,” but “Lord Monk” sounds funny, hence my interpretation.
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A/N #2: Okay, starting now my updates will be taking a little longer because I am now working on a continuation of my one shot on MM as well. I will still be working on this one, and it’s not going on hiatus or anything because I have plenty of plot left to it, so don’t worry about that. I will most likely be taking turns updating each fic.

Also, a final note to anyone that may have a pairing request: Pairings are decided for both fics already. My lips are still sealed on the true pairing for Unexpected Ally, but A New Dream, A New Destiny is definitely Kag/Kur. Okay, I think that’s all for the author’s notes this chapter.

Review replies:

I’m really tired and lazy right now, but I wanted to post this today, so no individual review replies this time. I do want to thank each and every one of you for reviewing, however, so I hope you don’t all mind being lumped in together.

tbiris, kitsuneluvuh, bullssweetpea, Ice Vixen X, shushikittychan, Ookami666, Kita, Kawaiipie007, and catwoman_456: Thank you all so much for reading and reviewing!!!! I’m so happy you’re all enjoying this story and that you’ll keep coming back. And any of you that have never had pocky: you should find some and try it!! ’Tis awesomeness!!! My Super Wal-mart has it, as well as Suncoast and pretty much any Asian grocery/market, or you can order it online.
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