InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ A Little Faith ❯ Chapter 15 ( Chapter 15 )

Disclaimer: Inuyasha and its characters are created by Rumiko Takahashi, not me, but the new plots and the original characters (Akiyama, Katsuo, Natsumi, Shin, Isamu and Moriko) are mine. This fanfiction had been written for entertainment purposes only and without intention of infringing upon any copyright.

 

A/N: Thanks for your great responses for the previous chapter! I truly appreciate it. By my estimation, we are about two thirds done, which means that there is about 7 more chapters to go before this story ends. Considering the length of the recent chapters, I don't think I can make the 5 days update - so I'm aiming to update one chapter a week. That said, here's the latest instalment and I hope that you will enjoy it.

 

A Little Faith by elle6778 - Chapter 15

 

“Then you will be pleased to know that I intend to resume my courtship of the miko.”

 

The taiyoukai could only stare at Akiyama. A swift moment of astonishment swept over him before white-hot blinding rage clouded his vision, and Sesshoumaru had to forcibly compose his expression into one of mild disinterest.

 

He was stunned by the intensity of his own reaction. The elemental's proclamation should not concern him. After all, this miko was a reincarnation, however much Akiyama seemed to think otherwise. But why would the other demon come to such a conclusion, when it was impossible for a human to live five centuries?

 

Unless, of course, said human was mated to a demon.

 

Sesshoumaru went cold at the notion. The miko might have mated a demon in the past and thus gained the same lifespan as her mate. Considering his lack of mating mark, this demon was certainly not him. And as far as he knew, the present miko did not possess a mark. However, this meant little as not all demons bestow a visible mating mark on their mate.

 

Perhaps this demon was Akiyama.

 

Sesshoumaru certainly did not remember such an event occurring in the past, but it is possible that Akiyama was recalling something further in the future. Even so, Sesshoumaru could not envisage his younger self allowing the elemental to court the miko. Much as it displeased him to admit it, Akiyama was strong enough such that a powerful miko's alliance would tilt the balance between the Western and the Northern Land. It would be unwise to allow such a thing.

 

“Sesshoumaru?” Akiyama prompted, his gaze informing Sesshoumaru that his reaction was being gauged.

 

“I know not of what you speak of,” Sesshoumaru bit out, disliking how stiff he sounded.

 

Akiyama quirked a brow. “You do not recall this incident?”

 

Before he could consider his words, Sesshoumaru replied, “The miko you speak of no longer exist. This one is simply a reincarnation.”

 

The pair of blue eyes widened briefly before Akiyama's expression turned contemplative. Then he remarked guardedly, “Is that so?”

 

Instantly, Sesshoumaru felt a stab of suspicion. What else did Akiyama know that he did not? Could his earlier thoughts be true after all? Could this miko be the same one as the one he had mated and had managed to survive the centuries through a mating bond?

 

The notion that the Northern Lord possessed greater knowledge irked him, but Sesshoumaru took on a bland expression as he said, “This subject does not interest me.”

 

Akiyama smirked. “It certainly shouldn't be of interest to you. If this miko is simply a reincarnation as you stated, this matter does not concern you in the first place.” The elemental tilted his head slightly. “And much as I would like to continue this conversation, I have matters to see to.”

 

With that, the elemental spun around and began to walk away.

 

As his gaze followed Akiyama's retreating back, Sesshoumaru had this urgent sense that the other demon was taunting him with something important. It was clear that elemental wished for him to demand for clarification. But asking the elemental for such a thing would be tantamount to admitting his ignorance. Whilst it was true that this was indeed the case, Sesshoumaru had no intention of displaying any weakness towards this demon.

 

Was his pride, resulting in this inflexibility more important than his quest for the truth?

 

Was this inflexibility the reason behind his foolish actions in the past? It displeased Sesshoumaru to admit it, but he could not dismiss the possibility. Would he be risking similar mistakes if he did not relent this time?

 

Coming to a decision, Sesshoumaru stiffened his spine. “Wait,” he bit out quietly, knowing that the other demon would hear him even in the distance.

 

As expected, Akiyama's steps slowed and then he turned to look over his shoulders. Wordlessly, Akiyama lifted an inquiring brow, an action which made Sesshoumaru wish that he had not called out in the first place. Unhurriedly, he made his way to the waiting elemental.

 

When they stood facing each other once again, he gave Akiyama a stony look. “You will tell me what you know of this miko.”

 

The knowing gleam in Akiyama's eyes irked him further and Sesshoumaru had to refrain from lunging forward. A public brawl with Akiyama would not be appropriate, considering the current state of affairs. However, nothing more would please him than the opportunity to sink his claws into the water elemental.

 

“So you really don't know,” Akiyama mused thoughtfully.

 

Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed. “Do not waste my time, Akiyama.”

 

The corner of the other demon's lips lifted before he spoke. “The paramedic is the same miko as the one five hundred years ago.”

 

Sesshoumaru immediately tensed. Akiyama was simply confirming his suspicion, but he found it difficult to accept. “Impossible,” he hissed.

 

“It might seem that way, but it's true,” the elemental insisted calmly. “The school uniform gave it away.”

 

“Perhaps you'd wish to elaborate.” His tone was flat.

 

Akiyama's expression turned pensive. “When Kouga and I… procured her, she was wearing a school uniform. It was not until recently when the dreams began that I realized that the uniform she had worn five hundred years ago was identical to the one in this era.”

 

“Are you implying that she traveled through time?” Sesshoumaru asked, having a difficult task in keeping his incredulity from showing. This was far from what he had expected. Then he felt a wash of relief that his initial suspicions were incorrect after all. With a start, he realized that he must be more attached to the miko than he had previously considered if he felt this way even now.

 

“Yes.”

 

However strange the notion of time travel was, it explained many things. Such as the miko's preoccupation with the well near the Goshinboku in the past. Her desperation to jump into the well only reinforced Akiyama's words. Perhaps the well was a portal between the two eras.

 

As another thought occurred to him, Sesshoumaru clenched his fist.

 

Since Higurashi Kagome was the same person as the miko of the past, then the pup, Sachimaru, must have traveled across time with her. His fury rose at the thought that he had been unaware of his own pup for five centuries. The present miko obviously know the truth, at least recently, for nothing else would explain why she had been so reluctant in answering his queries.

 

Still, what could have caused such a memory loss?

 

The elemental's voice drew Sesshoumaru out of his puzzling thoughts. “I know what you're wondering, Sesshoumaru. Ever since I realized that those dreams were not just dreams, I've been trying to find out what happened to my memories. Since those memories seemed to be centered around the miko, it seemed prudent to investigate the area where I had found her in the first instance.”

 

Sesshoumaru frowned. “And how did you arrive at the conclusion that they were not dreams?”

 

Akiyama smirked. “Kouga came to me when his dreams began, accusing me of altering his memories.”

 

“Is that so?” Sesshoumaru's bland tone gave away none of his curiosity.

 

The elemental's brow rose.

 

Such a thing certainly would not be beyond Akiyama's abilities, Sesshoumaru thought darkly. Perhaps the elemental was responsible for this and was only pretending to be innocent. The moment the notion occurred to him, Sesshoumaru dismissed it. He might dislike the sneaky elemental, but Akiyama had never told an outright lie in this past five centuries.

 

“Surely you don't suppose that I had done such a thing,” Akiyama remarked casually.

 

“Then you do not remember why this had happened.”

 

Akiyama shook his head and then expression hardened. “The last few memories which returned involve the courting. And I intend to continue.”

 

Sesshoumaru's lips thinned. “You will not court the miko,” he intoned stonily.

 

The elemental smirked. “Why, Sesshoumaru… You have certainly changed your tone.”

 

“One would experience some changes over the centuries,” Sesshoumaru replied flatly.

 

“I see.” A thoughtful look crossed Akiyama's face. “Yes, it is true that five centuries had passed. Is it not also true that you no longer possess any authority over the miko's fate?

 

Sesshoumaru willed himself to remain calm when he realized what Akiyama was implying. “You may recall that you presented her as a gift to seal our alliance.”

 

“Nevertheless, you released her. And I did not take offence at what is effectively a rejection of my gift,” Akiyama rebutted smoothly. “She is now free to chose, as she was five hundred years ago when the courting began.”

 

“How did such a thing happen?” Sesshoumaru gritted out, not able to suppress the edge in his voice. His past self had a lot to answer for, it seemed.

 

Akiyama chuckled. “I'm sure you'll find out in good time. In any case, there is nothing you could do to change the past.”

 

Sesshoumaru glowered inwardly. He might not be able to change the past, but he would make certain that this time, the elemental would not be allowed near the miko. This sudden surge of possessiveness towards the miko was reminiscent of the feeling his younger self had felt, but never understood in the past. He was not certain that he comprehend the feeling any better now.

 

Pinning the elemental with a warning look, Sesshoumaru bit out harshly, “You will refrain from contacting the miko.”

 

Obviously unperturbed, Akiyama only continued to smirked. “May the best demon win, Sesshoumaru.” Turning, he began to walk away.

 

The elemental had only taken a few steps before he paused. Without looking over his shoulders, Akiyama said quietly, “I have no doubt that you would soon remember this. However, you may wish to know that your son was healthy and greatly resembles you in appearance.”

 

Sesshoumaru's breath hitched in his throat.

 

 

…***…***…***…

 

 

The blare of the ambulance siren would have given her a headache if she was not so used to it by now. Shifting along the side of the injured demons, Kagome's eyes softened in sympathy as she looked over their pale forms laid out in the ambulance.

 

“Can you bring out the bandages? We'll need them soon,” Moriko muttered absently as she exposed the unconscious demon's wound.

 

Reaching back, Kagome fetched the clean bandages from the side of the ambulance. At least her work distracted her from the full impact of seeing Akiyama. Of course she realized that if Sesshoumaru was still around, there must be some other demons who managed to make it to this time as well. But as stupid as it sounded, she did not expect to see those that she knew. It made her wonder if Katsuo and Natsumi were around. And what about Jaken, Shin and that wolf, Kouga? A mischievous smile crossed her lips as she thought of Inuyasha. Perhaps she should pay the half-demon a visit to jolt his memories.

 

“It's a good thing you already know about us,” Moriko remarked wryly as she held her palms over one of the demon's wound. “Or else they have to wait until we get to the medical centre.”

 

Still wrapped up in her thoughts, Kagome smiled absently. “Yeah.” She watched with interest as what looked like crushed leaves shimmered down from Moriko's hand. It must be some kind of medicinal herb, she decided. When Moriko finished, she rubbed her hands together to dislodge the leftovers.

 

Dimly, Kagome wondered if her miko powers would return once she remembered everything of her past. She had tried it out a few times with not much success.

 

“Bandage?”

 

“Here.”

 

Reaching out to take the bandages, Moriko remarked, “I guess you saw Akiyama and Sesshoumaru in the crowd.”

 

“Yeah. I was surprised to see Akiyama there,” Kagome said as she began to wrap the bandage around the wound. She supposed she should have expected Moriko to bring them up.

 

Moriko looked up from the wound. Then she frowned. “I don't know what he's doing here still. Got me into enough trouble that time,” she grumbled.

 

Kagome was surprised. “What trouble?”

 

Moriko made a face as she finished bandaging the demon. Then she raised a hand to wipe the sweat off her brow, frowning as she did so. Her voice was strained when she spoke. “I got told off about the antidote thing. Sesshoumaru somehow managed to guess that it was me who leaked it to Akiyama.”

 

Blinking in surprise, Kagome only managed to utter, “Oh.”

 

So Moriko told Akiyama about the antidote behind Sesshoumaru's back? A feeling of righteous indignance rose within Kagome, causing her to start at her own reaction. Why should she fell that way about something which had nothing to do with her? It was not as if she and Sesshoumaru were the best of friends or anything like that. The only thing he wanted from her was information.

 

Kagome sighed inwardly. After the talk with her mother, she felt a little guilty about her lies. She had not decided what to do yet. And earlier today, when Sesshoumaru had cornered her and brought up the topic of her son, she was relieved that his cellphone had gone off, buying her more time. But how much more time did she need?

 

She knew that once she told him, everything would change. From what she knew of him, the fact that he had been so persistent in tracking her down to rehash the past suggested that it was important to him. And when anything was important to Sesshoumaru, he always managed to get his own way, regardless of what stood in his path.

 

She would be risking a lot if she told him the truth. Did she have enough faith that Sesshoumaru would not betray her trust this time?

 

Moriko spoke, interrupting her troubled thoughts, “Akiyama and I were just catching up, and the topic came up. So I just told him.”

 

For a moment, Kagome could not remember what they were talking about. When she did, she could not help but ask, “Why?”

 

The demoness's eyes clouded, and then a strange light entered those light brown orbs. “Huh?”

Deciding that there was no harm in quelling her curiosity, Kagome asked again, “Why tell Akiyama when you know that Sesshoumaru would be mad?”

 

Moriko suddenly bristled. “What is it to you?” she snapped violently.

 

Kagome shrank back in bewilderment. She had never seen the usually pleasant girl like this before. Uncertainty crashed over her and Kagome wondered if she had broken some unspoken demon friendship rule. Cautiously, she ventured, “Are you alright?”

 

Moriko glared at her.

 

Deciding that it was best not to say anything more, Kagome simply looked away uncertainly. But she could not help but wonder about Moriko's sudden change in behavior. Something was simply not right. Asking Moriko was out of the question, considering her previous reaction.

 

Maybe the demoness was just tired, Kagome surmised as she snuck a peek at the scowling Moriko before turning to look out of the window.

 

Noticing that they had pulled up at the entrance, she glanced again at Moriko to find that the demoness was already preparing to unload their patient. Silently, Kagome worked with her sullen partner to deliver the demons to the Emergency Room. Her worry increased as Moriko's reactions remained angry and jerky as she continued to work.

 

Tomorrow, Kagome decided. If Moriko was still like this tomorrow, she would speak to Shiori about it.

 

 

…***….***…***…

 

 

Sesshoumaru glowered inwardly as he stepped into the building which housed Tsukuyo Medical. His mind had been filled with nothing but thought of the miko and his pup. It was clear that he could no longer wait to contact her. His instincts were clamoring for him to do so right at that moment. His expression tightened in determination. He would do so tomorrow, after he spent the night inspecting the odd feelings which were brought forth by Akiyama's words.

 

He and Akiyama had parted at a standstill, neither of them willing to relent. Short of physically restraining the elemental, Sesshoumaru knew that he could not realistically prevent Akiyama from approaching the miko.

 

And if the miko had allowed the courting in the past, there was no reason why she would object to such a notion now. Especially considering Akiyama's extensive influence in the north in the present time. Abhorrent as the thought might be, Sesshoumaru knew that there was a possibility that Akiyama had already mated the miko in the past. As not all demons' mating marks were visible, the only way to ascertain if the miko was mated was by her scent, which was unfortunately masked.

 

Mating bonds could be broken.

 

A slow smirk crept across his expression as the idea presented itself. If Akiyama and the miko had indeed mated in the past, then he, Sesshoumaru would ensure that the bond dissolved in this era. All he had to do was to gain the trust and loyalty of the miko before she succumbed to Akiyama's charms.

 

His smirk disappeared, only to be replaced with a contemplative frown. After what had happened in the past, he could be assured of the miko's distrust. Any attempts to bring her to his side could prove to be difficult, considering how she had been less than willing to even speak with him.

 

The current situation was not acceptable. Somehow, he had to make sure that she returned to him, together with his pup. He would not afford to rest until he did so.

 

Raising a hand, he rubbed the bridge of his nose wearily.

 

This entire debacle had occurred at the most unfortunate time, he thought as he made his way to down the hallway leading to Shiori's office. With the uncertainty of the situation with Naraku, this was possibly the worst time for him to indulge in personal matters.

 

Sesshoumaru's steps faltered when he heard the heightened voices filtering from Shiori's office. Raising a brow in surprise at Inuyasha's and Shiori's heated argument, Sesshoumaru held himself still and focused his attention through the gap in the door left ajar. He was not above eavesdropping on Shiori and Inuyasha. Considering that the two half-demons have not spoken to each other for so many centuries, this particular conversation could prove to be interesting.

 

“They are not allowed visitors, Inuyasha,” Shiori bit out. “That's all I meant.”

 

“Is this because of what happened before? Are you doing this for the hell of pissing me off?” Inuyasha snarled furiously.

 

Shiori's violet eyes narrowed as she hissed, “Now let me tell you something. That incident is so far back in my mind that I'd practically forgotten about it until you brought it up a second ago.” Then she snorted before saying mockingly, “But I guess for someone like you, it's harder to forget, isn't it?”

Sputtering indignantly, Inuyasha appeared to be rendered speechless by the bat hanyou's words. Sesshoumaru smirked. It never failed to amuse him that the small female possessed so much power over his brother.

 

Finally regaining his composure, Inuyasha spat, “It only happened because of you. If it was any other normal female-”

 

“Oh, spare me the nonsense! You fell short of your own expectations, so deal with it instead of putting the blame on me.” She rolled her eyes. “For all your experience, you should know better.”

 

Inuyasha glared at her. “And my experience told me that there's nothing wrong with what I was doing. You probably did something to me!”

 

Shiori huffed in exasperation. “Get over it, Inuyasha! It's not like I told anyone about your premature ejacu-”

 

“STOP RIGHT THERE!” Inuyasha bellowed, his face reddening, whether in embarrassment or in fury, Sesshoumaru did not know.

 

However, Sesshoumaru could not hardly stop himself from laughing out loud. There was no need for Shiori to elaborate. It was clear enough that this was the incident which had embarrassed his little brother so much that he had refused to face Shiori all this time. How amusing, Sesshoumaru thought.

 

Deciding that his brother had suffered enough humiliation, Sesshoumaru released his youki to alert them to his presence and began to walk towards the door. When he stepped into the room, the first thing he saw was the two half-demons glaring at each other. Perhaps it was just as well he appeared just then, otherwise who knew what would they do to each other.

 

Pinning his gaze on his brother, Sesshoumaru asked blandly, “Have you spoken to the demons?”

 

Obviously still riled over his conversation with Shiori, Inuyasha barked, “I would, if someone would let me see them.”

 

Sesshoumaru turned his attention to Shiori. “Is there a problem, Shiori?”

 

“No one can see them at the moment. They're in quarantine,” Shiori explained tersely. Eyes not wavering, she continued firmly, “And they will remain there until we clear the spell from them.”

 

Sesshoumaru tensed. First it was poison and now it was a spell?

 

“Keh! In that case, I'm out of here,” Inuyasha declared, sweeping out of the room without a backward glance.

 

Sesshoumaru's brows furrowed as he followed Inuyasha's swiftly departing form. Inuyasha should not allow his personal grievances to affect his job. Perhaps it was time to advice his brother on this particular matter. In any case, this was not the appropriate time to focus on his brother's mistakes.

 

Returning his attention to more pressing matters, Sesshoumaru asked, “What do you know of the spell?”

 

Tearing her gaze from the door, Shiori sighed heavily. The interaction with Inuyasha had obviously affected her, Sesshoumaru thought disapprovingly. Her main focus should not be strayed from what was important.

 

“Shiori,” he prompted impatiently.

 

Frowning slightly as she went to her desk, Shiori explained, “We didn't know about the spell until a few of our staff own got affected. All those affected became argumentative and violent. They are now in quarantine as well.”

 

Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed. This explained why those demons had been fighting in the streets, even when they knew that such behavior was unacceptable. Naraku's scheme was becoming clearer now. There was no doubt in Sesshoumaru's mind that the despicable hanyou had intended to make the human public aware of the existence of demons. Such a thing would eventually lead to chaos as the more fearful and ignorant humans overreact to the revelations. Naraku wished for such disharmony to incite the demons to lash out in retaliation. The hanyou wished for a power struggle between humans and demons. It would be similar to what had occurred four hundred years ago when the war broke out between humans and demons.

 

It could not happen again.

 

“How were they affected?” Sesshoumaru asked tersely.

“I'm not certain, but I'm guessing it spreads through contact with bodily fluids. Those affected had at some point or another, touched the demons' blood,” Shiori elaborated slowly.

 

Sesshoumaru tensed. The miko had touched the demon's wound while they were in the streets. Had she been affected as well? Did that mean that she had been quarantined? Concern for her surged through him, and its intensity puzzled him. First it was simply possessiveness, and now he was anxious about her health?

 

“Where is Higurashi Kagome?”

 

Shiori gave him a look of surprise before her eyes turned wary. “Sesshoumaru, what exactly do you want with Kagome? Moriko told me that you know each other quite well. But from what I can see, the girl doesn't want you near her.”

 

Sesshoumaru's lips tightened. “You will refrain from meddling in my affairs.”

 

“I'm not meddling,” Shiori protested firmly. “Only concerned for one of my employees.”

 

The need to know the miko's welfare overwhelmed him, and he could not refrain from questioning Shiori further. “Where is she?” he repeated impatiently, giving her a look which promised retribution if she did not give him a satisfactory answer.

 

Lips thinning in disapproval, but obviously realizing that she had no choice but to comply, Shiori bit out grudgingly, “Her shift ended and she left awhile ago. As far as we know, she was not affected. She probably didn't touch the demons.”

 

The miko had certainly placed her hand on the demon, Sesshoumaru thought, somewhat baffled by the miko's resistance to the spell. Perhaps it was simply because she was human and the spell only affected demons.

 

“Were any humans affected by the spell?” he asked.

 

Shiori nodded. “One of the nurses.”

 

“Hn.”

 

In which case, it could only be her miko powers which had rendered her insusceptible to the spell.

 

 

…***….***…***…

 

 

The events at the hospital still whirred in her mind as Kagome toed her shoe off at the entrance to her family home. Moriko had continued being grumpy and then Manten had started sniping as well. It was all so weird, Kagome thought. Shiori had suspected that they had been infected by whatever the injured demons got. Kagome had wanted to remain to help out, but Shiori insisted that it was best that she went home at the end of her shift.

 

Well, since they were in quarantine, there was really nothing much she could do to help anyway, she surmised. She could always check up on them tomorrow, she thought as she walked into the dining room.

 

“Oden!” she exclaimed gleefully as her eyes landed on the steaming pot in the middle of the table.

 

Her mother looked up and gave her a smile. “Your favorite,” she said, placing the last part of chopstick beside a rice bowl.

 

Returning her mother's smile, Kagome lifted Sachimaru onto his chair beside her before she sat down. It was clear that her mother was still uncomfortable over what had happened this morning. Still, Kagome was sure that everything would be back to normal in no time. Keeping the smile on her lips, she accepted a bowl of rice and once everyone had one, began eating. Kagome closed her eyes in appreciation as she chewed on her food.

 

“Will you be home for dinner tomorrow, Kagome?” her mother asked.

 

Swallowing, Kagome nodded. “I'll be home.”

 

“I won't be here tomorrow,” Souta muttered through a mouthful of food.

 

“Souta, swallow before you speak,” their mother chided gently. “Where will you be?”

 

Gulping down his food, Souta said, “I thought I told you all. I'm going on that camping trip tomorrow. It's only for two nights.”

 

All of a sudden, their grandfather brandished a handful of ofudas. “Here. Take this with you.”

 

Souta's eyes goggled, and then shifted away from the old man. “Jii-chan… Thanks, but no thanks.”

 

Moustache and beard twitching in affront, their grandfather declared, “It will protect you!”

 

“Jii-chan,” Kagome said dryly as she laid a hand on their grandfather's arm. “I think Souta will be safe.”

 

He simply harrumphed indignantly.

 

Kagome glanced around at the suspiciously silent Sachimaru. Her son seemed to be deep in thought.

 

“What's wrong, Sachimaru?” she asked, brushing a strand of silver hair out of his eyes.

 

Sachimaru blinked, and then shook his head quickly. “Nothing, Okaa-san.”

 

Wondering if it was because of Souta's trip, Kagome said gently, “Look, I'll take sometime off in a couple of weeks and we can have our own little trip, alright?”

 

Sachimaru looked surprised. Then he beamed, golden eyes lighting up instantly. “Really? In two weeks? Can we go to the beach?” he gushed.

 

Kagome laughed as her son continued to bombard her with places he wanted to visit. Soon enough, it was time for bed. She tucked Sachimaru in and at his request, gave him the latest edition of her past life as his bedtime story before retiring to her own room for a much needed rest.

 

Recalling the nature of her last dream, Kagome sighed as she snuggled into her own bed. She and Sesshoumaru still were not speaking to each other in the past. And she wondered if they ever broke the silence before she returned to the future.

 

With that thought, she drifted off into the land of unconsciousness.

 

 

…***…***…***…

 

 

The angle of the sun filtering through the washi told her that it was about two in the afternoon. It was one of the things she had learnt since there were no clocks around for her to tell time, Kagome mused as she left her room.

 

She knew that by the time she got to the courtyard, Inuyasha would be waiting for her. They had settled into a routine, where he would disappear when she was having breakfast and during her training with Katsuo.

 

Kagome smiled softly when she remembered the day Natsumi had found out that nothing happened between her and Katsuo. Both their eyes had been damp when they hugged each other. It was then that Natsumi had suggested that she should continue training with Katsuo, saying that it might help with the birthing.

 

As she walked down the hallway, Kagome's steps faltered as she saw who was coming towards her from the opposite direction. Flanked by shoji screens on both sides, hallway was just wide enough for two to pass, but it would bring them close. Too close, she realized irritably. Shaking away her thoughts, she resumed her journey, not intending to give him any indication of her discomfort. As they drew closer to each other, she peeked through her lashes, noting the tight set of his jaw.

 

Sesshoumaru simply ignored her as he passed.

 

Suppressing the urge to rub her arm where his sleeve had brushed against her, she continued to walk, not intending to say a word to him.

 

It was a pattern which they have both adopted in the past one month. She knew she was being stubborn, but she was not going to take the first step. By doing so, she would only convince Sesshoumaru that he was right. Only she could not quite remember what exactly the problem was anymore.

 

Oh yes, he had forced her to stay. He had even gone so far as to tell her that she was free, but her baby belonged to the Western Lands. Then he had completely tossed her aside, leaving her under Inuyasha's watchful eyes. Kagome glowered as she went outside, heading for a certain boulder in the courtyard. Did he not care that she was carrying his baby? Obviously not, she decided dryly.

 

And then there were those looks Sesshoumaru had been giving Katsuo whenever he saw his general with her. It seemed that Sesshoumaru grudged her every bit of joy she could get in this place. Strangely enough, Katsuo had not said a word about those looks. So she guessed that either Katsuo had not seen it, or he had decided to ignore it. Come to think of it, Sesshoumaru's and Katsuo's interactions nowadays did appear a little strained. Not that Katsuo had done anything wrong. The hanyou simply chose to divide his free time between training her in her miko powers and courting Natsumi.

 

Sitting on a tall boulder facing the hotsprings, Kagome wrapped her arm tight around her knees and sighed. Soon, she would not even be able to sit like this. It had only been one month since Sesshoumaru had told her that she was carrying his baby…pup, but there was already a slight bulge in her midsection. Natsumi had told her that it is likely that the pup would be born in about four month's time.

 

At least it was not the usual nine months, Kagome thought glumly.

 

A large part of her was angry at the hopelessness of whole situation, but she had to admit that a small part of her was excited about having a baby of her own. But what would she do after she gave birth? Sesshoumaru had not said anything beyond ordering her to remain. Did he intend to keep her there as the mother of his child? Or did he intend to let her leave after his heir was born? Did she have the heart to return to the future knowing that she was leaving her child behind?

 

There was no way to ask him about it. She had to admit that she had not expected this silence to last so long, or that he could be so cold towards her and his unborn child. It was so completely unlike the few weeks she had spent with him before they mated. Strangely enough, she realized that she missed him.

 

She slumped, groaning into her arms.

 

“Oi! What's wrong now?”

 

She lifted her head to glare at her `guard', who was in his customary position on his favorite branch. “Nothing,” she growled.

 

Inuyasha simply scowled back at her.

 

Apparently, keeping an eye on her and protecting her formed Inuyasha's punishment for dishonoring his family. That in itself should tell her how Sesshoumaru viewed her presence, she thought bitterly. It was practically a full-time job, seeing that the hanyou had to even remain guarding her outside the shoji screen while she slept. The alternative for Inuyasha would be banishment from the Western Lands. The hanyou basically had no choice but to obey his brother's decree, however reluctant he might be.

 

Another proof of Sesshoumaru's high-handedness, Kagome thought snidely. Tired of having no privacy and feeling rather emotional, Kagome stood up with the intention of returning to her room.

 

“Where are you going?” Inuyasha asked.

 

Rolling her eyes, she said, “Where else? My room, of course. It's not like I can go anywhere else.”

 

“Why not?”

Kagome frowned in confusion. “What do you mean? That I can go out?”

 

Inuyasha paused in thought momentarily. “Keh! The bastard didn't say anything about walking outside the ground. To be honest, I've had enough of being cooped up in here for one stupid month.”

 

He really meant it? Brightening instantly, Kagome exclaimed, “We can go out and you can show me around.” Then she grinned, “Come on, let's go.”

He was obviously taken aback by her sudden exuberance. She did not blame him. For the last one month, she had been moody and withdrawn. The morning sickness had hit hard, but thankfully, the effects had waned over the last few days.

 

She watched in fascination as his eyes flickered for a moment, and then a slow grin appeared on his face, making him look much more approachable than he had appeared for the past weeks.

 

Things suddenly appeared a little brighter.

 

Leaping off the tree to land in front of her, Inuyasha said gruffly, “Let's go.”

 

She glanced down at her miko outfit. “This is alright?”

 

He blinked. “Why not? In any case, we won't be going too far.”

 

Too happy to be out to care where they were going, Kagome beamed. Walking beside Inuyasha, they made their way to the guarded entrance. The two inuyoukai guards looked up when they approached. One of them quirked a questioning brow. The hanyou beside her immediately bristled, and Kagome had to bite her lips to stop herself from grinning. She was obviously getting used to Inuyasha's rather uncouth manners. It still amazed her how two brothers could be so different.

 

She bit back her sigh. There she was, thinking about Sesshoumaru again. She had to stop doing that.

 

“May we be of assistance, Lord Inuyasha?”

 

“Just step aside and let us pass. We're just going for a little walk. I'll bring her back in one piece,” Inuyasha explained, obviously annoyed at having to explain himself.

 

The guard hesitated for a moment. Then he finally shrugged. “As you wish.”

 

Inuyasha walked past the guard without another word, but Kagome paused and gave them a grateful smile. Inclining their heads, they returned her smile.

 

“Don't fall behind,” Inuyasha warned.

 

Kagome rolled her eyes as she went to his side. “I'm pregnant, not maimed.”

 

Inuyasha gave her an odd look. “Just make sure you say something if anything feels off. Sesshoumaru's brat is probably just as much as a pain as he is.”

 

Kagome felt her lips twitch. Inuyasha often made disparaging remarks about his brother. But under all that bluster, she could sense that Inuyasha respected his brother.

 

“Don't call my child a brat, Inuyasha,” she chided lightheartedly, not wanting to spoil their newfound peace.

 

“The pup doesn't have a name, right? What else should I call it?”

 

“If I have a son, I'll name him Sachimaru. And if it's a daughter, I'll name her Misao,” she declared firmly.

 

“Keh! Sesshoumaru would probably want to name the brat.”

 

Kagome made a face. “Well, seeing that he's barely around, I doubt he'll even notice when the baby is born.”

 

“He'll notice, alright. Inuyoukai are possessive of their pups,” Inuyasha muttered as he guided her across a narrow stream in front of the castle, keeping a firm hold on her arms.

 

“I can see how much attention he has been paying to this one,” she remarked dryly, stepping carefully over the flat rocks.

 

When they got to the other side of the stream, Inuyasha frowned. “I heard some strange things from the servants. Strange, even for Sesshoumaru.”

 

Kagome looked away. There was no way she was going to drag up all that had happened one month ago. “Probably just rumors,” she muttered.

 

He gave her a doubtful look. “Keh!”

 

 

…***…***…***…

 

 

From his position at the open shoji screen, Sesshoumaru's lips tightened as he watched the departing figures of his brother and the mother of his pup as they crossed the castle grounds. This trip of theirs appeared to be a regular one ever since Inuyasha had escorted the miko out of the compound for the first time more than two cycle of the moon ago. It irked him that the miko and Inuyasha had been getting along well when she was not even speaking to him.

 

He was not counting, but over the last eighty days or so, the desire to approach the miko had nudged at him insistently. He had suppressed the urge each time it had arisen, for he was not certain of the outcome. It was not difficult to recognized that his need to distance himself from her stemmed from his aversion towards forming any attachment to her, especially now with the suspicion that she might be bearing his pup. His instincts would cloud his judgment and that was unacceptable.

 

“My Lord?”

 

Without turning attention away from the diminishing figures traversing across the snow, Sesshoumaru glanced at his retainer out of the corner of his eyes.

 

Bowing slightly, Jaken announced, “The Northern Lord's messenger is here to inform us of his arrival.”

 

Eyes narrowing as he turned around to face his retainer, Sesshoumaru wondered what was Akiyama's purpose in showing himself in the Western Lands again. The last time he had paid them a visit, Akiyama had spent most of his time attempting to extricate information from the miko. Would he be expecting to do the same this time?

 

“Lord Sesshoumaru?” Jaken prompted nervously.

 

“When?”

 

“This afternoon.”

 

“See them in when they arrive,” Sesshoumaru finally instructed. The sooner he found out what the elemental wanted this time, the sooner he would be rid of the unwanted presence.

 

When Jaken left the study, Sesshoumaru turned his attention back outside, only to find that the miko and Inuyasha were no longer in sight. Gritting his teeth in annoyance and not comprehending why he should feel so incensed at their excursions, Sesshoumaru spun around to return to his waiting scrolls.

 

Forcing his mind onto the more pressing task of protecting his lands from the persistent demon slayers, Sesshoumaru read through Shin's latest reports. It appeared that the demon slayers were not discouraged by the fact that one of their slayers had died by his claws, considering their audacity in staying in the Western Lands.

 

Perhaps further action would be required at his end.

 

He remained absorbed in his task until a series of respectful taps sounded on the shoji screen, making him glance up. Sensing the presence of the Northern Lord and Jaken at the other side, Sesshoumaru called for them to enter. The screen instantly slid open to reveal Akiyama, dressed in his usual black attire, wearing no signs of the falling snow outside.

 

Sesshoumaru stood up. “Lord Akiyama,” he greeted emotionlessly.

 

“Lord Sesshoumaru. I thank you for your gracious welcome.”

 

“Hn.”

 

“I wish to congratulate you on the pending arrival of your heir.” The elemental glanced around curiously, before he added pointedly, “And I, of course, would like to extend the same wish to your mate.”

 

Sesshoumaru's lips thinned. “This Sesshoumaru has no mate.”

 

Akiyama gave him an odd look. “Am I wrong to congratulate you on your heir?”

 

Not knowing what to say, Sesshoumaru simply remained silent.

 

A furrow creased Akiyama's brow. “I had hoped that I misheard. Apparently not.”

 

The meaning behind the other demon's words did not escape him. The tales of the situation between him and the miko had obviously reached far. And the Northern Lord had the audacity to chastise him? Sesshoumaru bit back a growl.

 

“This matter does not concern you, Lord Akiyama.”

 

“Surely I can express concern over Kagome, who may I add, was my gift to you to seal our alliance?” Akiyama pointed out smoothly. “Any mistreatment could be construed as a reflection upon your regard of this alliance.”

 

Sesshoumaru stared at the Northern Lord, irked beyond belief. At some point, he had forgotten the fact that the miko was indeed, a gift from the elemental. However, he would not allow Akiyama to continue addressing him in such a disrespectful manner.

 

His expression turned icy. “It appears that the purpose of your visit is to inspect upon the miko. This implies your lack of confidence in this Sesshoumaru's judgment.” His eyes narrowed dangerously. “Is it not true that a certain amount of faith is expected from one's ally?”

 

Akiyama bowed slightly, but kept his eyes fixed on Sesshoumaru. “Please accept my apologies, for I did not intend to offend. However, this matter raises… concerns.”

 

“A needless concern.”

 

“Perhaps. Still, I wish to remain in the Western Lands for a few days. We have matters to discuss. Matters pertaining to our lands. And as before, I wish to have the pleasure of the miko's company.”

 

Sesshoumaru held himself stiffly. “She is… indisposed.”

 

“I'm certain that a little conversation would do no harm, even in the miko's… condition,” Akiyama returned smoothly. “I am not unfamiliar with breeding females, as my assistant had recently give birth to an offspring.”

 

Knowing that he had no option but to agree, Sesshoumaru bit out stiffly, “You will require the miko's consent.”

 

Akiyama smiled. “I am certain she would be pleased to see me.”

 

 

…***…***…***…

 

Kagome sipped slowly at the steaming herbal tea in the clay cup between her palms and then let out a blissful sigh of contentment. Light flakes of snow were flitting down from the sky, covering the surrounding garden with a thick layer of snow. It was beautiful in an almost enchanted way, especially from her vantage point seated on a stone bench opposite a circular stone table, with only a sloping garden roof as protection.

 

“Your turn,” a quiet voice broke into her musings.

 

Pulling her attention away from the scenery back to the chu shogi board resting on the table between her and Akiyama. It took her a while to get used to the ancient rules and the slightly different pieces of the game, but it resembled the modern shogi enough such that she could play.

 

The Northern Lord had been staying in the Western Lands for the past three days now. At first, she had been wary of him, expecting him to start with his subtle questioning techniques but so far, he had not uttered a word about Sesshoumaru or anything to do with the Western Lands. In fact, he seemed content to talk to her about nothing at all. Which was fine by her, much to Inuyasha's irritation. Every time he wished to talk to her without Inuyasha, Akiyama simply held on to her and dissolved them into the air to reappear somewhere else. She had been scared out of her wits at first, and then it became more and more exhilarating to find out where they might land next.

 

That had been what the elemental had done this time, landing her in this private little spot in the gardens with a game of shogi waiting. Kagome bit back a gleeful smirk when she noted an opening on the board. She had not played this chess-like game with her grandfather for so many years without learning something. Confidently moving her piece, she then looked up expectantly.

 

She barely suppressed a grin when she saw the barely veiled chagrin on Akiyama's face.

 

“A very wise move, Kagome,” he remarked wryly.

 

Kagome laughed. Akiyama spoke to her like an equal, if she could forget the fact that he was the reason why she was there in the first place. If he had not kidnapped her, she would have probably found a way back to the well sooner or later. Instead, she was now stuck in the past and pregnant even before her sixteenth birthday.

 

She immediately slumped at the thought of her current predicament as homesickness washed over her. With a sigh, she muttered, “I want to go home.”

 

Akiyama gave her a look of surprise across the board. “You've not been treated well?”

 

Kagome snorted. “Depends on what you mean.” Then her tone softened. “Katsuo and Natsumi are my best friends. Even Inuyasha is not that bad.”

 

“Sesshoumaru?” Akiyama asked, wearing a suspiciously bland look.

 

Kagome glanced at him sharply. “You can stop that right now. I'm not spilling any secrets about Sesshoumaru this time either.” Looking away, she added, “I don't know much nowadays anyway. We're not speaking.”

 

Akiyama's brows rose. “Is there a reason behind the silence?”

 

Kagome sighed. “Long story. But the tail end of it is that I want to go home and Sesshoumaru refused to let me go even after he said that I'm free.”

 

“He released you?” Akiyama asked, looking astonished.

 

“Until he figured out I was pregnant,” she explained wryly. “Then he dragged me back, threatening to sniff me out if I tried to escape. So I can't even escape. He'll just follow my scent.”

 

“Scent tracking is not always infallible.”

 

Kagome blinked. “What do you mean?”

 

“There are ways to hide one's scent. As a miko, this should not be too difficult for you.”

 

So there was a way to make sure that Sesshoumaru or Inuyasha could not find her scent? Brightening with interest, Kagome urged, “Tell me how.”

 

“You wish to escape?” the elemental asked carefully, as if he was reluctant to say more.

 

Kagome simply stared at him balefully. What sort of question was that?

 

Brows furrowing, Akiyama said, “It is not wise to do so, Kagome. Certainly not in your condition,” he said, inclining his head at the bump in her midsection.

 

Kagome glanced down. With only a little more than two months to go, she looked swollen alright. But Akiyama's words gave her hope that one day, after her baby was born, she might be able to escape. The only thing left to do was for her to find out how exactly she could hide her scent.

 

That way, Sesshoumaru would not be able to track her down.

 

 

…***…***…***…

 

 

Was that how she had ended up back in the future? Had she somehow managed to learn to mask her scent? Kagome frowned, remembering that the present day Sesshoumaru had once demanded her to remove her scent masking. So that must be it, right? But how did their memories get wiped out along the way? She groaned in frustration, wanting nothing more than for her memories to return.

 

Maybe her mother was right about breaking the truth to Sesshoumaru. Besides, she was growing increasingly guilty that she was keeping the father and son apart. Maybe she should talk to Sesshoumaru and have faith that everything would be alright. She had stayed there for two years after all, so surely things between her and Sesshoumaru had not been that bad.

 

But what if she was wrong? What if she had escaped because things had gotten unbearably worse?

 

An odd feeling of being watched drew her away from her contemplations.

 

Something was not right.

 

Steps slowing as she approached the shrine steps, Kagome frowned. Surely it was just her imagination. She was just walking back from work, and it was in the middle of the afternoon. No one would be stupid enough to attack her in broad daylight. Maybe she was just getting paranoid over what had happened to Moriko and the rest. When she went to work earlier, Shiori had told her that the spell had been deliberately cast to cause trouble between humans and demons. A whole day had passed, but according to Shiori, the spell was still in effect. Kagome glanced down at her hands, wondering if she could have helped heal them if she still had her miko powers.

 

Still, she could not help feeling a little unnerved at the moment. Cautiously, clutching her bag tight in her hands, Kagome turned to look over her shoulders. What she saw made her gasp as her eyes rounded in surprise.

 

Grinding to a halt, she spun around fully and glared at the approaching demon. Her heart was still thumping erratically.

 

“Are you stalking me, Sesshoumaru?” she demanded tersely, planting her hands on her hips. Yesterday, it was the linen closet and now he was…HERE.

 

Silently, Sesshoumaru stared at her. He appeared to mulling over her words, she realized in disbelief.

 

“In a way, yes,” he finally replied. “I was waiting for you.”

 

A short pause followed as something occurred to her. “How do you know where I live?”

 

“Employee files.”

 

“You've been spying on me?” she asked, incredulity lacing her words.

 

“Hn.”

 

“Why?”

 

He regarded her silently, then ignoring her question, he asked, “Why did you lie to me?”

 

Kagome went cold. “What are you talking about?” she managed to say.

 

His eyes clouded. “Do not make the same mistakes as before, Miko. This time, we will not avoid each other. We will speak of why you deem it necessary to hide your real identity. That you are not simply a reincarnation.”

 

He knew? Her heart began to race. How did he figure it out? Maybe his memories were returning faster than hers.

 

“We will talk, Miko.”

 

Stall, Kagome. She had to stall to give herself a chance to make a decision. Lifting her chin, she said firmly, “You want to talk? Fine! We'll talk.” She pointed at the last step of the shrine. “Stay here and don't move.”

 

Without looking back, she ran up the shrine steps. She needed time to think about what she could say to him. The truth or more lies? Should she place her faith in him or continue to protect herself? Biting her lips, she fought the urge to scream when she realized that she could not think of anything at the moment. Groaning, she made her way to her house, only to see her mother standing at the door.

 

The first thing she noticed was her mother's worried expression.

 

As a feeling of misgiving crept up her spine, all thoughts of Sesshoumaru left her mind. “Is everything alright, Mom?” she asked, rushing forward.

 

“Sachimaru… I can't find him.”

 

Kagome's throat went dry. “What do you mean?”

 

Her mother shook her head helplessly. “I came out to call him in to wash up for dinner. I've been calling for him for the last hour but he's not answering.”

 

“Have you checked everywhere?” Kagome asked urgently.

 

Her mother nodded. “He's not here.”

 

Where could the boy be?

 

Then her eyes widened when she realized something.

 

Souta.

 

Souta told them yesterday that he would leave the house after lunch. The last time anyone had seen Sachimaru had been during lunch. Her eyes narrowed as she felt herself flush with anger. Did Souta allow Sachimaru to go with him after she had forbidden it? It was highly uncharacteristic of her brother to be so irresponsible.

 

“Mom, I think I know where he is.”

 

“Where?”

 

“With Souta.”

 

Her mother's eyes widened in comprehension. Then she exhaled a breath of relief. “I'd better fetch Jii-chan from the neighbors then. He went to ask around.”

 

Kagome nodded grimly as she watched her mother leave. Then, stepping into the house, she picked up the phone and dialed the cellphone number for one of Souta's friend.

 

“Hello? Kenshin?” she greeted, trying to keep her voice even. “It's Kagome here. Souta's sister?”

“Oh, Kagome-san. I didn't recognize your voice.”

 

“Never mind. Is Souta there?”

 

“He's just up front in the bus. Wait a second.”

 

“Thank you, Kenshin.”

 

Calm, Kagome. Keep calm, she told herself. All she wanted to do was to wring Souta's skinny neck. She heard a scratchy sound before Souta's voice came on.

 

“Nee-chan?” her brother greeted. “Is something wrong?”

“I told you not to let Sachimaru go with you, Souta!” Kagome yelled angrily.

 

Nothing but silence greeted her.

 

“Souta? Are you listening to me?” she snapped impatiently. Really, when her brother got home, she would strangle him. Not to mention Sachimaru would get a lecture he would never forget. Her son should have known that she meant every word she had said to him.

 

“Sachimaru is not with us,” Souta whispered. “Where is he?”

 

A sinking feeling appeared in her stomach. “What do you mean, Sachimaru is not with you?” she choked out. “Then where-”

 

“Sachimaru is missing?” Souta interjected, anxiety evident in his voice.

 

A panicked sob broke from her. “If he's not with you, I don't know where he is!” she wailed desperately.

 

She heard some sounds in the background, then Souta came back on the line, “Look. I'll get back as soon as I can. Don't worry, Nee-chan. Sachimaru is a smart boy. And we will find him.”

 

Kagome sniffed. “Thanks, Souta,” she whispered, and then she hung up before she turned around.

 

Only to find herself staring into a pair of flickering golden orbs.

 

Why was he here? He was supposed to be waiting for her at the base of the shrine steps. Her breath suspended in her chest as she wondered just how much Sesshoumaru had heard.

 

Sesshoumaru's voice was stony when he asked, “You lost our son?”

 

 

…***…***…***…

 

t.b.c.

 

…

 

A/N: That's it for now. Hope you were entertained. As always, I'd love it if you can review. Thank you!