InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ A little goes a long way ❯ New Lease on Life, Part II ( Chapter 6 )

Disclaimer: I own nothing but the mere sparks of imagination. Characters are property of Rumiko Takahashi, VIZ Media et al. Excerpts of storyline taken from the manga volumes 373 onwards. Original story idea: The Lion and the Mouse by Aesop

 

Reference: Winnie the Pooh by AA Milne (and a nod to Danyealle's brilliance); Quote borrowed from Transformers (Hasbro©)

 

 

A/N: After much deliberation and many wonderful words of advice and encouragement, I have decided to keep on writing past this first chapter story. I am eternally grateful for all of your support and kind words along the way.

 

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As soon as Sesshoumaru was out the door, Sango bent over and gave Kagome the biggest hug she could manage, then proceeded to give her a piece of her mind.

 

“Do you have any idea how worried Miroku, Shippou and I were when you didn't come back to camp? I don't care how mad InuYasha makes you; you are NEVER to leave us in the dark like that again. You could have died if Sesshoumaru-sama did not get to you in time” her miffed speech degraded into sputtered sobs, as her head rested against Kagome's.

 

“Sango, all I can remember is waking up screaming. I don't recall exactly what happened to get me here” she moued, as her eyes glanced around the room. They were all there: InuYasha stood off to her right; Rin and Shippou occupied the space at the foot of the futon, where the Inu Lord had been minutes ago; Kirara had hopped onto the left side, where Sango lay, while Miroku was standing behind the children with someone who looked very much like Sango's brother…

 

“Kohaku?? Is that really you” she asked him, not really believing her sight.

 

“Hai Kagome-sama, it is me. Your eyes do not deceive you” he countered. He was happy that she had pulled through. His ane-ue's heart would not have been able to bear the loss of another loved one, especially the miko she considered a younger sister.

 

The only other person in the room that had yet to be accounted for looked like an elderly owl-youkai. `All she needs are a pair of rounded glasses and she'd look just like Owl in Winnie the Pooh' she merrily thought, as she recalled laughing at the hooting character as a child back home. As she mused to herself, the youkai spoke up.

 

“It is an honor to meet you Kagome-sama. I am Misaki, the elder healer here at the Western Citadel. Sesshoumaru-sama brought you here after you were attacked and bitten by a viper-youkai. Your reishi was greatly weakened and your body too tired to properly fight it off. If you had not been administered the anti-venom in time, you had have been paralyzed and eventually died from the poison in your blood. You have been asleep for nearly eight hours but seem to be recovering just fine. I have examined you thoroughly and there are no remaining traces of venom within you; although you may need to rest another day to recoup your spent reishi. If you will please excuse me, I will take my leave now and let you converse with your friends. I will have the kitchens prepare you a meal and will also send up some Hatomugi tea to help boost your energy as well.”

 

“Oh thank you, Misaki-san. I am forever grateful for all your help. I hope that once I recover enough, I may be allowed to come down to the Infirmary and repay the favor somehow. I am quite versed with herbs but I am sure there is still a lot I can learn from one such as you' the miko graciously stated, grabbing hold of one of Misaki's hands and shaking it in appreciation.

 

`Strange onna but very humble, I like that' “I look forward to that Kagome-sama. I am sure that there is much for us to discuss” the healer chimed, before she bowed her feathered head and left out of the room.

 

They chatted amongst themselves, asking Kagome questions about what she did while she was away from them but she never revealed the whole truth. It was a promise she had no intention of breaking. InuYasha remained very quiet and reserved the entire time and it was seriously beginning to bother her. No one mentioned the incident at the gate, feeling it was neither the time nor place to do so, knowing full well how volatile the young miko's emotions could be. There was no desire to add any stress to her recovery.

 

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After his bath, Sesshoumaru had sequestered himself in his study, trying hard to make sense of his burgeoning feelings for Kagome. Paperwork and dealing with Jaken were probably the most tedious responsibilities he had but they served no good in blocking the images of the onna from his mind. When Ai stopped by to inform him that Takeshi had issued his orders, he gave her a few more missives to deliver, this time to the miko's tachi. He knew though, that the one meant for InuYasha would please her. For too long the tsuru had harped to him about making peace with the hanyou. If it had been anyone else, he would have killed them for their disrespect; but Ai was not only a loyal servant and trusted confidant; she also frequently served as a voice of reason, especially in human related matters. He would hate to have to replace her if and when she ever mated - maybe if a mate could be found within the Citadel, then there would be no need to separate her from her charge or his service. Only problem was that all the eligible males who knew the nearly two hundred and fifty year old attendant, were terrified of her feisty temper. `There must be at least one male brave enough to withstand her fury. She is not the submissive type, like a certain miko…Hnn. How is it that this Sesshoumaru finds himself a beacon to these spirited, strong-willed onnas?'

 

When she heard her Lord's instructions, she almost embraced him but forego it instead for a smile; it would not have been wise to touch him. Eager to leave the study, lest she embarrass herself further, Ai departed to do her duties, with a grin caused by her fondness for the hanyou. For once, she was to be the bearer of good tidings. Sesshoumaru watched as her emotions played out on her face. She was too oblivious to hide them. `This Sesshoumaru can not fathom why she thinks so highly of the boy when she only met him a few hours ago'. He was totally unaware of exactly how much his ward Rin talked about the hanyou and how interested the attendant had become because of those tales.

 

He had been left alone again to think about the day's events. Of saving the miko, he had inadvertently grown to love; Of offering protection to the taijiya, out of mutual respect for his clan, more so his sister, who was an essential part of his ever increasing pack; Of sparing the hanyou's life…but why? That one troubled him the most. As the daiyoukai of the West, it was within his rights to kill the boy for almost killing someone under his protection, even if it was only an accident. The more he thought about it, the more he rationalized that he could not fault the hanyou for his actions. The boy had been concerned about the miko and he had not been forthcoming with any information that would have eased his mind - attacking as a means of protecting and defending what was thought as your own, was an instinctual Inu trait. If the tables had been turned, Sesshoumaru knew that he would have done no differently.

 

His half-brother had changed. His interactions with the other tachi members had accelerated the development of his mental and physical growth. While he was still prone to act like a brash, uncouth pup that jumped into any fight without thinking; he had in fact grown into his demon blood more than he realized. Lessons that he would have been thought from young had he been allowed, were instead forced to be learnt on his own, out in the real world. The matter of his inner strength, the power of his youki, even as a hanyou, was astonishing to watch, even if he did not possess the same grace that his full-blooded brother exhibited. There could be no question as to whose son he was. Maybe it was time to accept that they were indeed brothers and move past the juvenile threats and tedious posturing. `If this Sesshoumaru did not know any better, one would think that I was following in our father's footsteps. Oh how the mighty have fallen.'

 

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Time crawled back in the Lady's rooms until there was a knock at the door and the crane-youkai entered with a food tray in her hands. There was something familiar about her, even though Kagome was sure that she had never met her before. The realization suddenly came to her and she blurted out,

 

“You're Ai, Rin's personal attendant aren't you?” the question shocked the poor youkai so much that she almost dropped the tray, had it not been for Miroku catching it before it could topple to the floor.

 

“Ah...Hai Miko-sama. I am Ai. How did you know?” she stammered out.

 

“Our Rin here talks about you all the time. From the moment you came through the door, I knew it had to be you. I am so glad to finally meet you. And by the way call me, Kagome please” Kagome was so excited to meet the other onna in Rin's life. Ai was much more than a maid; she was a nanny and the closest thing to a mother that the little girl had here at the Citadel. “If its ok with you, I would like to give you a hug” she continued, receiving a look of shock from the other woman.

 

“I do not why I would be deserving of such an honor but I have no problem with it” she acquiesced, as she stepped closer to the futon within the miko's reach, who promptly sat up and wrapped her arms around the crane's upper body. It only took a moment before the action was reciprocated.

 

“I am thankful that Rin has someone as loving as you to take care of her when I cannot be with her” Kagome whispered to Ai. When Rin heard her name and saw her two caretakers hugging each other, she squealed in delight and raced around the futon to embrace them both. It was quite a sight, the three of them holding each other.

 

When Ai pulled away, she had a small blush on her cheeks. `This onna is an amazing creature; no wonder Lady Rin adores her so. It is so easy to accept her. No one has ever hugged me like that except for milady.' She was happier than she had been in ages and knew it was because of the miko. Then she remembered the hot food and the messages from her Lord that she was supposed to relay. She turned to take the tray from Miroku and he courteously handed it over, along with a smile. `Her friends are all so amiable…well except for InuYasha-sama. He has not stopped moping since he got inside. Can't say I blame him though. I do hope he cheers up, he's very attractive for a hanyou'. She placed the tray onto Kagome's lap and stood back before addressing the tachi.

 

“Sesshoumaru-sama has generously offered rooms for your stay here at the Citadel. He realizes that you would not want to leave until Kagome-sama has recuperated totally. I am to show you to the guest quarters and to the baths. Lady Rin will retrieve you for dinner in a few hours, so that you have a chance to clean up and rest before then.”

 

She turned to head for the doors but stopped when she remembered the other parts of the message.

 

“Forgive me; there was more to the message. Umm, which one of you is Kohaku?” she inquired, looking between the two ningen males.

 

“I am Ai-san” the male taijiya responded, wondering why he had been singled out.

 

“Kohaku, I am to bring you to your room at the family-staff quarters. You have been assigned as Lady Rin's personal guard, and will be expected to train with the other guards in the Barracks, as well as attend lessons with the tutors. Sesshoumaru-sama said that as long as you are under his protection that he will extend the same benefits to you as he does with his ward, without disavowing the need for your continued taijiya training. That is quite an honor and a responsibility for one so young” the boy looked so meek but she had already been told the whole story by her Lord, including the part about his apparent infatuation for the young girl and it left her to speculate exactly what her Lord was up to. Not like she would ever ask him.

 

Everyone was shocked. This did not sound like the cold hearted Inu daiyoukai they had fought countless times in the past. Why was he being so nice? All Kohaku could do was bow in acceptance of her communiqué, he would have to thank Sesshoumaru-sama himself personally, perhaps at dinner.

 

The last part of the message almost gave them all heart failure. Ai turned her slender neck and looked over at the hanyou, before taking a few small steps and bowing to him.

 

“InuYasha-sama, your room has been prepared in the family wing as ordered by Sesshoumaru-sama. It is an honor to finally meet you in person after hearing such marvelous tales of your valor from Lady Rin. You certainly have lived up to Inu-no-Taisho's expectations. He would have been proud to call you son” she was tearing up thinking about the day that they were told that the Great Dog General had died protecting his newborn pup. Said pup was more like his father than he knew and she was pleased to see her new Lord trying to be so accommodating to his hanyou half-brother; even if it was only through the duration of Kagome-sama's stay.

 

“My room? Family wing? You must be joking right, that bastard would faster throw me into the kennels than let me stay within smelling distance of him” he groused, some small part of him secretly wishing that it was true knowing that Sesshoumaru never lied. It was Rin who confirmed the truth.

 

“Oh InuYasha-sama, you say the silliest things. Your room has always been right next to mine but since you never came to visit, no one has ever gone inside. Rin tried to sneak in once but Sesshoumaru-sama caught me before Rin got through the door and told me how that room was to remain empty and untouched until its owner claimed it. If Rin had known it was yours, Rin would have tried to make you come to the Citadel much sooner. Come! Rin will take you there” she was so excited to finally unravel the mystery of the secret owner of the room. The young girl leaned over to hug Kagome again before telling her that she would come visit again before her bedtime and proceeded to haul the obstinate hanyou out the door and across the hall to his room.

 

Shippou repeated the gentle gesture. He was just so happy that she was alive and safe and would let her rest until tomorrow, after he had a chance to eat, bathe and sleep. Miroku came over and gave her a gentle peck on the forehead, before helping Sango off the futon. Kohaku, who had picked up Kirara during Ai's comments to InuYasha, felt somewhat awkward around Kagome, knowing that he had wronged her in the past. So he didn't expect her to reach up and hug him tightly before telling him,

 

“I am just so happy that you are here. I can tell that something is different but we will have time to talk later. I know Sango can finally rest easy knowing that you are safe and that you will be protected by Sesshoumaru-sama.”

 

“And another thing, when we sit down to chat, you have to tell me all about what's the deal with you and Rin” she teased him; making him go three shades redder than any male ought to.

 

She let go of him and scratched Kirara's furry head for good measure before crawling back under the covers and picking up the forgotten tray. After all of that, she could have eaten her weight and still be hungry. She watched her friends walk out of the room with Ai, their faces looking slightly more optimistic than she had seen them in a while. If they were happy, she was happy. Right???

 

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Finally all alone in the lavish but tastefully decorated room, Kagome felt the urge to get up and test her legs. They still felt a little like jelly but her restlessness demanded that she move. Lifting the covers off of her and swinging her feet over the edge of the futon, on the side closer to the inviting balcony doors, she awkwardly stood up. It felt like she had been struck by millions of pins and needles and she took a moment to steady herself, by placing a hand on one of the four-posts to aid her. As she was about to step away from the futon, her eyes landed on the silver scar on her left wrist. `This is where I got bitten; Misaki-san's healing abilities are quite powerful to have it mend so quickly. Of course, I guess it helps to be a miko as well' she pondered as she remembered the elderly healer. `Sesshoumaru-sama has such wonderful and caring youkai working for him'.

 

She needed some fresh air, and eventually managed to shuffle out to the balcony and seated herself in one of the chairs out there. The view from where she sat was breathtaking. Her suite overlooked the Citadel's gardens, which were full of autumn flowers and russet hued trees. `I am sure that this is Rin's favorite part of the grounds' It was bright and colorful just the little girl.

 

There were Western guards patrolling along the ninomaru but they paid her no attention as they continued their duties. No one else was around that could hear her as she allowed herself to think out aloud.

 

“What kind of mess have I gotten myself into now? All I wanted was to take a break from InuYasha and I wind up having to heal Sesshoumaru, who then ends up having to rescue me from certain death. Now I am here in his Citadel, recovering in what looks like the Lady's rooms” she continued talking as she turned her head around to peer into the room behind her, noting the subdued extravagance of it.

 

“Oh hell, if these are the Lady's rooms, then that means that Sesshoumaru's are right next door” she exclaimed rather loudly before jumping out of her seat. Her heart was beating a mighty staccato in her chest.

 

“I need some water and an aspirin. All of this thinking is giving me a headache” she balked, as she walked back into the room.

 

Not even a few steps away, near the chaise, lay her trusty yellow backpack. She sat down and reached over to rummage through it. Unable to find what she was looking for, she picked it up and plopped it onto her lap, so she could stick her head in. The lingering aura of youki assailed her but it was the smell of her own blood on it that had her head reeling. She almost dropped it back onto the floor before she picked up another aura; it was stronger than the other one and more prevalent near the straps and back of the pack.

 

`This can only be Sesshoumaru. He carried my pack after he saved me from the viper' she mused, totally forgetting about her earlier nausea. She held the abused bag closer to her, as she tried to envision the great Inu Lord with the yellow monstrosity on his shoulder and her in his arms. `There is so much about him I do not know and can not even begin to understand. And why is he suddenly protecting Kohaku and being nice to our group especially InuYasha? And he called me KAGOME. He's never used my name before' her mind was in constant motion as her hands continued their search for the elusive bottle of pills.

 

“Found you” as she pulled the bottle out. “Now, water”. Her eyes glancing around until she spotted a pitcher and cup sitting on one of her nightstands.

 

She left the bag on the chaise and walked back over to the futon. After popping a couple of the white pills and taking a drink, she crawled back under the covers, hoping that the drugs would ease the frustrations and confusion in her mind. Within minutes, she drifted back into the land of dreams, a certain silver-haired daiyoukai invading her every thought.

 

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Across the hallway, the inu-hanyou stood in front of the sealed shoji door that Rin had dragged him to. He was still sure that this was just an elaborate joke, until he slid it open and saw the pristine room. There were remnants of hundreds year old ofudas on the inside of the door that clearly spelled out that `Only the second child of Inu-no-Taisho will be able to break the seal that would welcome them into their room'. `The old man had been looking out for me after all. He was planning to bring me back to live here at the Citadel' the insight weakened him and he struggled to maintain his composure. Rin was still standing right behind him in the doorway; looking eager to be invited into the long locked-away suite. The remorse from the incident at the gate earlier made him want to retch. He was brought out of his self-loathing by her lilting voice.

 

“InuYasha-sama, if these are your rooms and Sesshoumaru-sama is your aniki; does that make you Rin's ojiki? Rin has always wanted a big family. Before Sesshoumaru-sama, Rin was all alone after her oka-san died.” She informed the man standing in front of her. She always thought he was funny and brave but she never understood why he always picked fights with her Lord.

 

“Didn't you have a father?” he asked her, still uncertain as how to answer her question about him being her uncle.

 

“Rin does not remember her chichi-ue. Oka-san told Rin once that he died while trying to protect the village when Rin was very little. Rin cannot miss someone that Rin does not know. Besides Rin has her Sesshoumaru-sama and Ai-chan and Jaken-sama and Kagome-sama and Kohaku-kun and now you InuYasha-oji” there was no sadness in her voice as she explained how alike they really were - orphaned early in life and never knowing the father that had done so much to protect them. She beamed brightly as she rattled off all her custodians, never realizing that they were not really the `big happy family' she envisioned in her head.

 

Bile was building up in his gut as he listened to her. `She is so optimistic and naïve but her heart is immeasurable just like Kagome. Up to this point, I have treated her quite unjustly, while she looks at me as an uncle, as part of her family. My annoyance with Sesshoumaru should not extend to her. I can't blame her if he's an ass but then again he's allowed me to regain another part of my birthright that I was not even aware of. Kagome constantly told me that `there's more than meets the eye' when it came to him but I have always been so distrusting of him, even after the truce. I've shielded myself from everyone because I thought I was alone and that no one understood me. Look at where that got Kagome and Rin. I hope that they can both forgive me; I would not want to lose my best friend or my… mei' hope swelled in his heart as he silently resolved to become a better person, not only for himself but for the friends he called family and for the family he never thought he had. It would be hard but it was worth it.

 

Bending down to one knee in front of her, he took one of her hands within his own and placed his other over his heart, like Souta had shown him once. It was some kind of modern human ritual when making a solemn pledge to another. Her face contorted into a look of confusion, while his held a look of impassioned determination. He would make things right again and he would start with her. He mumbled a bit before he could find the appropriate words, to which she thought hilarious and had her giggling. It was the opening he needed.

 

“Rin, I know I ain't always been nice to you. I kind of lumped you in with Sesshoumaru, and that's wrong because you and he are not the same being. I want to apologize for that and especially for what happened earlier. I didn't know you were there when I attacked with the Wind Scar. I never meant to hurt you, I was just angry at him and at myself because of what happened to Kagome. I hope you can forgive me and I don't mind if you want to call me ojiki, mei.”

 

The little girl smiled so big that it brought tears to his eyes. In classic Rin form, she pulled her hand away and wrapped her arms around him so hard and fast that they both tumbled to the ground. He sat back up with his legs crossed Indian-style and brought her to sit in his lap, returning the embrace without much hesitation.

 

“InuYasha-oji, of course Rin forgives you. Rin knows that you were worried about Kagome-sama, that's why Rin ran outside in the first place. It was Rin's fault for standing so close but Rin wishes that you and her Lord would not fight so much anymore. It does not make anything better or anyone happy” she merrily chirped becoming serious at the end.

 

After that she got up to go check up on Shippou and Kirara, secretly hoping that she would run into Kohaku as well, even though his room was on the other side of the Citadel. `Rin might have to take the long way around' she schemed as she ran out the door and down the hallway.

 

InuYasha was left with too many thoughts to think clearly but his heart felt lightened of an emotional burden and it made him feel somewhat calm for a change. He was still sitting on the floor, when he heard a small cough coming from the open doorway, which made him jump up at full alert, one handing resting on the hilt of Tetsusaiga. The person was standing in the waning light, so all he could make out was a silhouette, until he used his nose.

 

It was Ai, on her way back from Kohaku's room, and in search of her missing charge, who had last been seen with InuYasha, which is how she found herself now standing in his open doorway, trying hard not to laugh at the sight of him sitting on the floor in seemingly deep thought. He looked so much like his father and his half human side only helped to soften his features in a good way. It was the two furry, white puppy ears on the top of his head that she yearned to touch. They were twitching like crazy from his agitation at being interrupted.

 

“InuYasha-sama I apologize for disturbing you, I was looking for Lady Rin. I see now that she is no longer with you. Pardon my intrusion” she bowed to him as she spoke, so she never saw the way his eyes followed her body's fluid movements.

 

The tsuru-youkai was very pleasing on the eyes. She had a small patch of red hair on the crown of her head that billowed out into a long cascade of the straightest black hair he had ever seen on any onna; the very ends were tipped in white. `Yura would have loved to get a hold of that' he snickered internally as he took in the rest of her. Her black eyes were rimmed in the same red as her hair and she had a long slender nose, instead of a beak, that rested above a rather expressive, thin-lipped mouth. She was dressed in a white and black kimono that had the Western Land's emblem of red sakura blossoms emblazoned on the sleeves. There were more blossoms at the top of the kimono, which only served to further highlight her long slender neck. Her height was above average for onnas but that probably had to do with her species. He was sure that she had long, strong legs under the clothing that matched the well-formed feathered wings that ended with her two graceful and petite hands.

 

She was undoubtedly very trusted, seeing as though she was Rin's personal attendant and her unfiltered dialogue with Sesshoumaru meant that she also ranked very high in his confidence. She carried herself with much nobility but she also had a wicked temper, when other's talked down to her. He remembered something that Mama Higurashi had once said to Souta about onnas in general, `It's always the quiet ones that you have to watch out for'. Kagome's mother must have been referring to someone like Ai. She had trouble written all over her face and for the first time, since Kikyou's death, he was curious to find out exactly how much. He felt stupid trying to make idle conversation with the youkai that he had only met a few hours ago, but he gave it an honest try.

 

“Ai, Rin ran off to play with Shippou before dinner. You just missed her. And I was never much for titles or formalities; it's kind of wasted on someone like me, besides it's not like I'm some Lord or anything - just another bastard hanyou”.

 

His words hit a sensitive nerve within her. For as much as she admired Sesshoumaru-sama's intelligence and strategic mind, it was always the unappreciated half-brother she covertly rooted for. While her Lord was raised with a proverbial `silver spoon', InuYasha had to learn at an early age to fend for himself against ningens and youkai alike. There was much gossip in the Citadel during the fifty years that he had been pinned to the Sacred Tree, about how Sesshoumaru tried in vain to break the spell and when no solution could be found, the Inu Lord had ensured the safety of the general area so that no one could harm the sleeping hanyou. She could understand why InuYasha exhibited so much reticence about etiquette and protocol - it was not something he was accustomed to. But for him to stand in front of her and call himself a `bastard hanyou' and act like he was insignificant, she would have none of it. She stood up straight, stretching her neck out as she stomped up to him, coming to a halt mere inches from his shocked face. `I guess he's never seen a pissed off bird' she thought, as her wing feathers fluffed out.

 

“With all due respect, INUYASHA, I know you think that just because you are a hanyou that you think that it's all right for you to deem yourself inconsequential but let me tell you something. You are the second son of the Great Dog General, a youkai I looked up to as a child. When he passed, we were all very upset, most were annoyed due to the nature of his demise but there were some, myself included, that saw his sacrifice as the noblest thing he could have ever done for you and your mother. I am sorry that you lost her at such an early age, and I am sorry that you had to live on your own, feeling abandoned but what you don't know is that when you got pinned to that tree by your miko-lover, your brother searched high and low for a way to save you and when he couldn't he made sure that the forest that bears your name stay protected. He was looking after you even then, even though Youkai law prohibits him and everyone within these lands from recognizing you for who you really are. No matter if you like or not, you ARE a Lord, InuYasha-sama so just shut up and deal with it. And another thing, you have wonderful, caring friends who appreciate you just the way you are, so why do you insist on constantly sticking your foot in your mouth and acting so immature and irrational, all you end up doing is hurting them and yourself - BAKA INU!!!” she completed her rant and turned to walk out of the room.

 

She did not want him to see how flushed her face had gotten or the tears that had welled up in her eyes. `I called him stupid, look at me…crying over him. Who's the stupid one now?' Her feet and thoughts abruptly stopped short when he grabbed one of her wrists.

 

“InuYasha-sama, I'm sorry. I spoke out of turn. Please forgive me” she beseeched, through her silent tears, her back still to him. She did not want him to be angry at her.

 

“No Ai, it's me who should be apologizing. I feel like that's all I've been doing since I got here. You only spoke your mind and I value that more than pretty words. Look I'm not very good at expressing myself and can be a little cynical but it's because I am not used to anyone being nice to me. Can we put this behind us and start over? I would like it if we became friends” he posed to her, still holding her one hand, while he absentmindedly scratched the back of his head with his other, `Why are these things so hard to do?'

 

“Hai, InuYasha-sama, I would like that very much” she replied to him, still not wanting to turn and look at him in her embarrassed state. She didn't need to because he was in front of her in seconds. He held her small hand tightly before speaking,

 

“Well it seems that I have more apologies to make before this day is through and this one has been a long time coming. If I survive this one, then maybe I'll try to talk to his highness before dinner. Thank you for being so brutally honest with me, Ai-chan. I hope to see you again soon” and with that he let go of her and walked out, heading back over to the Lady's rooms.

 

“I am sure you have nothing to fear from Kagome-sama” Ai called out to him after noticing his intended destination. `Kagome-sama wouldn't hurt a fly', she idly thought.

 

“Keh, you obviously don't know her well enough yet but she's my best friend and I let her down. If you hear any loud thumps, that's just me getting face-planted to the floor. Must be why I like you, you're both mean tempered wenches with big hearts” he responded, totally unaware of what he just said.

 

`He likes me' she cooed, before closing his door behind her and returning to her search for the elusive Lady Rin.

 

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InuYasha stood in front of the door that led to Kagome's room, trying to figure out exactly when he became such a jerk to his miko friend. In the beginning, it was because he truly was an unsociable half-breed, who had never had a friend in his whole life. He might have loved Kikyou but they never had the level of understanding and acceptance that he shared with Kagome. Recanting his memories of journeys past, he finally pinpointed his altered attitude to the demise of his first love after their battle with Naraku at Mt. Hakurei. Kagome had tried her best to heal the older onna but Kikyou's clay body just could not deal with the excesses of miasma and physical damage that it had incurred and she was lost to him again. He understood now that while he blamed Naraku, he took it out on the person closest to him - Kagome.

 

He promised her that he would always protect her and he had failed, both physically and mentally. She had every right to hate him, to want to give up on their friendship just like she had given up on her love for him. As far as she thought, she was just his `Shard Detector', which was totally untrue, but he knew he never said anything to refute it. She deserved so much better. He put his ear to the door and heard her soft breathing, telling him that she was asleep again. He would sit watch over her and wait for his chance to make amends for all that he wronged her, praying that she still cared enough to forgive him. As quietly as he could, he crept into the room, closing the door behind him and made his way to the pile of cushions near the head of the futon.

 

Kagome was having the oddest dream about fluffy white clouds and golden sunlight, the warmth caressing her skin. `When I feel asleep it was almost sunset though, it doesn't matter - it's my dream'. She was beginning to settle into her fantasy when the futon suddenly dipped, forcing her to open her eyes. InuYasha's head and arm rested haphazardly against the mattress as he dozed. The tired hanyou had fallen asleep while watching her rest. Her heart went out to him and as much as he probably needed the sleep, they needed to talk more. Gently placing a hand on the top of his head, she carefully tweaked one of his adorable puppy ears.

 

“Rise and shine sleepy head” she called out to him.

 

His ears twitched at the soft sound before his amber eyes opened to see her lying on her side, one hand playing with his ear. Oh how he loved it when she did that. It never failed to send shivers down his spine. She had a wistful smile on her face but her eyes spoke of more solemn thoughts. Whatever she had to say to him, he'd take it without complaining or arguing. When she still hadn't said anything after a couple of minutes, he mustered the will to go first.

 

“You feel better?”

 

“Mmmm, I'm ok, just a little run down. I know I was only unconscious for eight hours but my limbs feel like I haven't moved in ages. Are you ok though? You weren't acting like yourself earlier. Is it because of me or did something else happen that you're not telling me?” her thoughts and questions came rapid fire out of her mouth.

 

Even after everything she had been through, she still sounded like the same old Kagome and it made his heart clench. In the blink of an eye, he had her crushed against his chest, completely wrapped in his arms. Neither said a word but before long the raspy sound of his tears and labored breathing against her ebony hair could be heard.

 

“InuYasha?” she questioned, speculating the reasons behind his sudden outburst of raw emotion. The hanyou rarely cried.

 

He pulled away and looked into her eyes, seeing the love and understanding that she always shared with him, marred by her unexpected confusion. Taking a deep breath, he plunged in.

 

“I don't deserve you for a friend. I've hurt and failed you too many times to count now. I'm a dumb ass and I've been taking out my aggression and frustration on the one person who didn't deserve it. You're the most important person in my life and I almost lost you today because I pissed you off so much that you felt it necessary to leave me, leave us. If you want to stop being my friend, I'll understand and deal with it” his head buried so low at the end, his chin was nearly touching his chest, his entire face hidden by the cascade of his white hair.

 

His declaration left her speechless. The stirrings of old feelings of a love than was never meant to be invaded her already troubled heart. No matter what he did or said, he was still InuYasha and she too had made a promise to him - to always be at his side. Through thick or thin, he was her best friend and she would never leave him feeling so wounded and alone.

 

“InuYasha, I forgive you. I did not long after I left camp. What happened to me was not your fault? I was tired and I was careless. I would have never survived these last three years if you had not been there to always protect me. I admit that you have been a bit difficult to live with since Kikyou died and have been a real jerk to me and the others but I understand. I know you're hurting and that you don't know how else to vent your frustrations. I would never leave you or stop being your friend - this is who you are and I love you for you. Of course, if you could learn to control your temper, I think we'd all be happy about that.”

She hugged him again and then pushed away, sensing that there was more that he needed to get off his chest. Now was definitely the right time to finally air all this `bad blood' between them; it's not like she could go anywhere for a while and they were alone. She cocked her eyebrow at him to give him a sign to continue, not realizing that it almost perfectly mimicked the Inu Lord. InuYasha however, did notice it.

 

“There's something else…umm, when we got to the glade where you had been attacked and I recognized Sesshoumaru's scent, I kind of flipped out when we thought he abducted you” he began

 

“What?!? He didn't kidnap me…Huh, what do you mean you flipped out? What did you do InuYasha?” she screeched at him, making his ears flatten to his head.

 

“Oi, no screaming wench. I know now he didn't kidnap you. But then, we were all tired and worried about you and seeing all the bodies and blood, well the last thing I wanted to smell was your scent mixed in with his and I snapped. I left Sango and the others behind and I raced over here, knowing that this would be where he would take you. I don't know how I knew that, I just did. He probably saved you because I think he likes you or something.”

 

“InuYasha, Sesshoumaru does not like me. I don't really know why he rescued me. I haven't had a chance to ask him or properly thank him as yet” `He likes me? As if! What craziness is this baka on about?' she was a little perturbed by her friend's comment, not because he said it but because of what it implied.

 

“Anyways, when I got here, the Ice Prince was already at the outer gate waiting for me. Let me tell you, he looked off, like something was troubling him and there was actually blood and grime on his clothes; but he still acted like the prick he is. When I told him I came for you and he refused, we started to fight and in my anger I released the Wind Scar at him. He dodged it but Rin was standing right behind him. I almost killed her Kagome” he dropped his head again, afraid to look her in the eyes.

 

“Oh Kami, Was she hurt? You didn't hit her with it, did you? I swear InuYasha, do you ever pay attention to your surroundings when you fight or are you always so blinded by rage that you just don't care” she was angry now and her weakened miko powers were fluctuating with her worsening mood, a crackling pink glow surrounding her.

 

“No, you saw her. She's fine. Kohaku jumped in from out of nowhere and saved her at the last minute. I felt like shit all day because of what happened. I apologized to her already. Funny thing, she reminds me so much of you - she said it was ok and that she knew I was just worried about you and that it wasn't my fault. You know she asked me if she could call me her ojiki” he placated her as best he could. He knew she treated the girl like a little sister and that this would upset her but it was better he tell her, than she find out from anyone else, especially Sesshoumaru.

 

“What was Kohaku doing near the Western Citadel? Is that why Sesshoumaru offered him protection? Wait, I'm confused” she asked, shaking her head to clear her jumbled mind.

 

“Kagome I guess you were too out of it to notice it earlier but Kohaku's regained his memories…all of them. He and Sango had a big blowout outside when he told her that he was going to go kill Naraku on his own. That's when Sesshoumaru stepped in and made him a deal - protection and shelter in exchange for information about the spider's whereabouts and allies. As for what he was doing here, I think it has to do with the fact that he has feelings for Rin.”

 

“Ha, I knew it! I knew something was up when I saw how he was looking at her and how she kept smiling at him, like no one would notice. I think it's adorable, even if they are a little young to get serious. I don't care if this is the Feudal Era, she's only twelve.” Joy bloomed in her heart for her young friends, although she wondered silently if and when she would ever experience it herself.

 

InuYasha could only be amazed at the woman beside him. Just minutes ago, he could have sworn that he was going to have to deal with her wrath and now, she was laughing and smiling. There really was no one else like her. She wasn't fooling him though, she was keeping something from him, something that had to do with his half-brother and it bugged the hell out of him that she probably wouldn't tell him, even if he threatened her. But he had to ask.

 

“So what's really going on with you and Sesshoumaru? He couldn't keep his eyes off of you while you were sleeping and then you wake up and ask him that ridiculous question that he actually answered and he called you Kagome. That's just way too many coincidences. If I didn't know any better, I'd have said that he was just as concerned about you as we were, especially seeing as how he put you in the Lady's rooms right next to his.”

 

“There's nothing going on between us. I know as much as you do. Hell if I know why he's being so…uncharacteristic. Who really knows what he's thinking from one minute to the next. I'm just an ally, nothing more” she groused. Why did she have to defend herself about Sesshoumaru?

 

“Feh, its ok you know. I'm beginning to think that you were right about him all along. I still don't like him but he is my half-brother and the only true blood family I have left in this world. Maybe it's time I tried to…what's the term? Oh yeah, `bury the hatchet' and at least try to put up with him”

 

“Wow, InuYasha, that's really mature of you. What brought that about?” she felt so proud of him for trying to be the `bigger' man. Would Sesshoumaru return the gesture?

 

“Whatever, but my mei asked me not me not to fight with my aniki anymore and I think I owe it to her and to you to try.”

 

They sat and talked and laughed and when he asked her how come she didn't SIT him, she replied that she didn't want to ruin the floors. Only Kagome could say something as bizarre as that and be totally serious. After a couple hours, he left her to the capable hands of Misaki, who had come to bring her patient her dinner, as well as check up on her progress.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

InuYasha met up with the others as they were being led to the dining hall by Rin, he was just following the scent of food, his stomach grumbling after not eating for almost a day. Sango, Miroku and Shippou all looked rested and each had enjoyed a long soaking bath before dressing in the clothing that had been presented to them by the Citadel servants that had taken them under their care. It was kind of like being in a resort, getting pampered and being able to relax without the fear of always being attacked.

 

When they entered the dining room, they were escorted to the long table in the middle of the room, each person shown to their seat. The low rectangular table was large enough to seat twelve in a squeeze, so there was plenty of room with space to spare for the four humans, hanyou and demon kit. Kirara had been fed in the room she shared with Sango. It was Miroku, ever the diplomat who noticed their careful placement.

 

The head of the table sat empty, awaiting the master of the Citadel. To his left the first seat mirrored his own vacant one, it would be the seat his mate would have, if he had one. Next to that, sat Rin, then Kohaku with Shippou rounding out the end. The far end, opposite the Lord's was unprepared as was the seat across from Shippou. Sango faced her brother from the right side of the table, with Miroku at her left arm, while InuYasha had the honor of sitting closest to the head's right.

 

There was strategy in this arrangement but the monk couldn't quite figure it out and was about to ask Sango her thoughts on it, when Sesshoumaru strolled into the room. They all stood and gave him a low bow before he sat and nodded for them to sit as well. It was Kohaku who suppressed his own fear and spoke up first.

 

“Sesshoumaru-sama, if I may?” he began, the Inu looked at him as if to say go on, so he continued, “I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generosity and hospitality”.

 

“Yes, I would like to second that as well” Sango chimed, too shy to look at the intimidating Lord directly in the face.

 

“Hnn. This Sesshoumaru takes it your accommodations are acceptable then. Kohaku, there is no need for thanks, did you not pledge your fealty to this Sesshoumaru outside at the gate? As long as you perform your duties to the best of your ability and assist in our mission, that would be gratitude enough. Sango, you have proven time and again to be a most worthy ally, so think of this as a means of furthering our pact.” It was perhaps the longest conversation Sesshoumaru had ever had with any of them and even he was a little shocked by it.

 

Turning to face InuYasha, Sesshoumaru sniffed the air and found that the hanyou was covered in Kagome's soothing scent. It made want to growl but he withheld, choosing instead to question his sibling.

 

“The miko is well?” he inquired

 

“Yeah, she's better but restless. She can't stand having to lay in bed all day and now that she's awake she hates having no one to talk to” he responded, as if he were talking to a friend and not the youkai he thought he hated most in life.

 

“She needs her rest. You are all undoubtedly tired from your travels and should also retire early. There is one other matter though…” but was cut off by the determined look on InuYasha's face, “What is it?” annoyed to have been interrupted.

 

“I want to; no I need to thank you for all of us for saving Kagome and for not seeking retribution for the other thing. I have apologized to Rin and she has forgiven me, Kagome has as well but I need to apologize to you as well. If it had not been for you, we would all be mourning the loss of our most treasured one and I had no right to accuse you of otherwise” InuYasha entreated to his aniki.

 

Mouths dropped open; dishes came crashing to the floor. You could have heard a pin drop; it was so quiet in there.

 

“This Sesshoumaru accepts your apology and thinks that maybe it is time that we try to be civil with each other, it is what our father would have wanted. We shall discuss this further at a later date and time. For now, everyone please enjoy your meal. Excuse me” and he got up and left the room in a swish of silk, leaving his dinner guests in surprise.

 

Who was that and where was the real Sesshoumaru, were the questions on everyone's minds except for Rin, who snickered in her seat. `Finally'

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

The daiyoukai had never been this distracted in his entire life. It felt like the kamis were just playing games with his normally stable mind and the heart he once claimed was cold. As he paced in his room, thinking about InuYasha's act of contrition and his own informal banter at the dinner table, the only explanation he could come up with that it is all Kagome's doing. Somehow, someway, the little miko had gotten too every single one of them, Ai included. He was bewildered and felt lost and the only person who could clarify anything was the same person who was causing all of the conflicting thoughts and feelings in the first place.

 

In what felt like hours, but in actuality was only about forty-five minutes, he heard footsteps approaching the Lady's rooms. Scent alone told him that it was Rin. Dinner must have just concluded, even after his dramatic departure, with the rest of the tachi following his advice to seek out peaceful rest. Families had been reconnected on this day, new bonds forged but there was still the nagging need to converse with the onna who united them all. Seeing no other way to find peace unless he got this over with, he silently slipped through the hidden connecting door between the two suites just as his ward was exiting through the main door. There was no need for anyone else to know that he was visiting her quarters this late at night.

 

The onna was not laying on the futon as he thought she would be, but was instead sitting out on the balcony, evidently enjoying the unseasonable balmy autumn air. Her porcelain skin glowed in the moonlight but her scent seemed uneasy, troubled even. He knew that she was aware of his presence, as her aura flowed up around her in defense of his own overwhelming one. It was not like her to be so quiet, a trait that long annoyed him; but something that made her distinctive none the less. As he watched her stare out into the vast nothingness of the night, silently wondering what thoughts consumed her mind, she spoke up, without moving.

 

“Sesshoumaru-sama, there are not enough words that can properly express what I am feeling right now. Nothing I can think of seems appropriate for the magnitude of this situation.”

 

“Try.” one small word that expressed the enormity of his desire to hear her sweet voice again. He could hear her excited heartbeat and the soft sigh that escaped her at his response.

 

“OK. I am perplexed and bothered and there are more questions than answers or explanations. I don't know what the heck is going on anymore and I am still too tired to try and figure it out on my own. Please.” she sounded completely exasperated and knew that if she continued that she would only be rambling and that would get her nowhere fast.

 

The miko was nervous, of what he didn't know but he didn't like seeing her this way. He knew the questions that were left unsaid and knew that he would have to be completely honest with her, if she was ever going to feel at ease again. He was well aware that his next words would forever change his life, the way he lived it and quite possibly and hopefully who he lived it with, so he took a calming breath and began.

 

“Miko…Kagome, this Sesshoumaru understands your frustration as it affects me as well. If anyone had told me a week ago, that the Western lands could have fallen from a spiritual arrow, they would have been killed on the spot. Luckily that was not meant to be, as the kamis set us on the same path and because of that, this Sesshoumaru was not only saved but restored. The assessment of your strength and power has been greatly underestimated by this one and for that I humbly apologize. Your importance in this time is unparalleled both because of the level of loyalty and devotion you have for your friends and allies and because your very existence brings about such remarkable changes in the lives that you touch; none can escape the tendrils of your heart, including this Sesshoumaru. Where once my heart lay frozen in my chest; now it blooms with emotion that is still unknown to me.”

 

He moved to sit next to her, but chose instead to pull her into his lap. She didn't fight it and wrapped her good arm around his back as he held her. With her head lying against his chest, she could hear the strong thrumming of his heart as he rubbed his cheek alongside the top of her head. His words were like poetry and she was enraptured from being held in his strong arms, willing for him to continue.

 

“When this Sesshoumaru awoke this morning and saw you gone from the cave, I thought nothing of it, until I realized that you had not only healed my mortal wound but my lost arm as well. Whether it was a conscious decision or not, you have made me whole again and that is a debt that cannot be repaid. Had it been known that such an undertaking would have drained you as it did, it would have never been allowed. Nor would have you have been permitted to leave the safety of the cave. Your selflessness nearly cost you your life and it is my fault that you ended up that condition. In my search for you, I came across those wretched creatures and in an instant knew that you were in grave peril. Unfortunately I was but a mere moment too late and you were attacked anyway. And this Sesshoumaru has never known fear until you were almost lost to me. A life saved and yet so much more. When the hanyou arrived to retrieve you, I refused. You are mine to protect now and for however long you will let me.”

 

Kagome could not hold back the tears. The most powerful and deadly and beautiful youkai in all of Japan wanted to be with her and she did not need to think twice about it because she wanted to be with him too. There was no denying it now. But she was not the type of girl to rush into anything head first; especially not relationships, as she never really had one to speak of and the Inu was already taking a huge leap to say as much as he was. It was only fair that she respond to his admission.

 

“Sesshoumaru,” the need for his title had been absolved by his declaration. “You do not owe me anything and definitely are not to blame for my own human weakness. I did what I did because I consider you my friend and there was no way I would let anything happen to you, if it could be helped. Your words flatter me but I think you exaggerate my importance; it is you who would be greatly missed, not only by your people but by the ones who care most for you, Rin, Ai-chan, Jaken, even InuYasha. I left you to recover because I thought you would not want my face to be the first thing you saw after such an ordeal and for a while I reconsidered returning, even if it meant upsetting you; but I was following the call of a Shikon shard and my well-being held no priority in my quest. I will be evermore grateful to you for saving me and allowing me to recoup under your protection. The thought of dying alone and in that manner leaves me feeling empty and unfulfilled. It is my duty to find the Shikon shards and defeat Naraku, before he can make the wish on the jewel. You are a daiyoukai that has over a quarter of Japan to rule, I cannot ask you to shoulder my burden anymore than you have already done.”

 

“Onna, this Sesshoumaru does as he pleases and if I so choose to follow you to the ends of the earth, then so be it. You will just have to accept that fact and everything else I tell you because I do not lie. This Sesshoumaru would gladly welcome seeing your beautiful face every morning, if that is what you desire.”

 

She smiled up at him and his heart swelled in his chest, his mind shut down momentarily. It was too much to comprehend yet he could not stop, even if he wanted to. Leaning downwards, he brushed his nose against hers, his hot breath caressing over her face. She turned beet-red and her lips parted with a sigh. Seizing the opportunity that had opened up to him, he kissed her - first slowly and tenderly, but the taste of her and the overwhelming scent of jasmine and spiced vanilla overcame him and the kiss morphed into a lustful desire to claim her. It stopped only when she pulled away so she could breathe again.

 

 

Neither commented on the kiss, words were no longer necessary. They stayed like that until she fell asleep and he brought her in and placed her back under the covers. After giving her a gentle kiss on the forehead, he looked around the room. `This is hence forth her room, no matter what the fates decide, she will always be this Sesshoumaru's love. I will let her dictate how this relationship develops and if it was meant to be then we will move forward.'

 

A new day was dawning, while he shook his head in amusement, at how the little ningen miko had upturned his entire world. No longer was he alone, he had been gifted a new lease on life, a family and an onna to share it all with.

 

She had shown him how one cannot judge a man's, or in this case, a woman's worth by their size, stature or species. It is not the quantity of a man's physical prowess but the quality of his actions and of course, the eternal value of true friendship that leads to victory in the end of all things.

 

A wise lesson for all, daiyoukai and human and hanyou alike.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Translations:

 

Aniki - older brother or superior

Ojiki - uncle, when younger than parent

Chichi-ue - father

Mei - niece

 

 

End Notes: Hooray it's done! I can't believe it took 3 wks to write this last part. I hope everyone understands that was meant to show a lesson in change and acceptance. The romance just kind of wormed its way in. As of right now, I don't foresee a continuation in the near future. There are many other tales that need to be told. Feel free to ask any questions and all comments are welcome. Thank you for sticking with me.