InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ A Slave to No One ❯ Chapter 24 ( Chapter 24 )

Chapter 24

 

Kagome and Inuyasha entered the forest and started making their way towards Kagome's home. Kagome stretched to make sure her muscles were loose before they started on their run. It would be good exercise to get their blood going. She looked at her mate and said, “Are you ready to go?”

 

Inuyasha smiled and said, “As ready as I'm going to be.”

 

They both took off into the forest running at full speed. The only thing that you could see where they had gone was the trail of leaves that were pulled into the vacuum as they ran by.

 

They continued to run until they got to the edge of the forbidden and protected lands. There they stopped for a rest before they continued on their journey. Inuyasha was looking at his mate and fussing over her. He wanted to make sure that she was feeling all right and that she wasn't over exerting herself or hurting the pup. Kagome assured him that she was feeling fine and that the pup was doing all right as well.

 

Inuyasha had picked up on a presence moving towards them. Kagome had the same feelings too as they both got up, looked at each other and then took off running back to her house. They wanted to avoid a confrontation with anyone and they had no desire to fight. They sure as hell didn't intend on getting captured by anyone.

 

They made it to Kagome's house in about two hours, where it would've normally taken them over five hours to make the trip. They walked hand in hand as they approach Kagome's house, glad to have made such good time in getting there.

 

Kagome sensed something in the area. It felt out of place in the normal peaceful surrounding of the forest near her home. She stopped walking as she opened up her senses to see what was out of place.

 

Inuyasha noticed that his mate had stopped walking and was looking around the area. He approached her as he opened his scenes to see what was wrong. She looked into his eyes and then said, “Follow me,” in a whisper.

 

They turned and went into the house and when the door was locked behind him he saw Kagome putting her hands together concentrating. He knew what she was doing she was putting up a barrier around the house. When her eyes opened he quickly asked, “What did you sense outside that caused you to look around the area?”

 

Kagome looked into his eyes and then whispered. “They put cameras around the house to see when we would be returning. I know there located in the trees and if you smash them then they will be coming here in a hurry. They already know we're here and I don't want them coming into the house, so I placed the barrier around it to protect it.”

 

Inuyasha stepped forward and held his mate in his arms. This news took him by surprise as he tightened his grip on her. “Maybe we should get what we need and leave. I don't want to put you in any danger.”

 

Kagome looked up at him and frowned. “Inuyasha, I don't want to be forced to leave. I was actually looking forward to making us some food and trying out some of the things that book has in it before we go back. Plus, I have to speak to my parents, they have the right to know that they have a grandchild on the way.”

 

Inuyasha looked at her and agreed. He also didn't want to be forced away from here. Then a thought came into his mind. “Umm, Kagome, do you think they set up some of those cameras here in the house?”

 

Kagome shook her head, “No, my seal wasn't broken so no one has been in the house.” Inuyasha visibly relaxed as they entered the house.

 

Kagome went to her library and got the book that she had told Inuyasha about. When Inuyasha looked at the book he turned bright red again as he sat down and started to read it.

 

Kagome giggled as she saw the interest he had in the book, she left him to his reading as she went into the kitchen. Kagome checked her refrigerator and noticed she needed to get a few things from the store. She wondered if Inuyasha would be up to exploring the city, do some shopping, and just basically be a normal couple for a while.

 

She went and got changed, and then she went in search of her mate. She found him in the same place she had left him with his nose buried in the book she had given him. She giggled as she approached him and said, “How would you like to go shopping with me?”

 

Inuyasha looked up from his book with a raised eyebrow, “Kagome, if you say that they know we're here how can we go out. I don't want to risk putting you in danger.”

 

Kagome smiled one of her most perfect smiles and said, “If I can guarantee that they won't know its us are you willing to come with me and just be a normal couple for a while. I want to be a normal girl for just a little while without having to be guarded everywhere we go. Please Inuyasha!”

 

Inuyasha heart just melted at her plea. He knew what she was talking about. He just wanted a normal life with her. So against his better judgment and to make her happy, “If you can figure a way that no one will recognize us then yes I will go with you.”

 

Kagome eyes lit up as she jumped for joy and landed in his arms, kissing him in thanks. When they separated Kagome had a big smile on her face as she reached into her pocket and pulled out a necklace for him to wear. It was a gold chain and on it there was a golden heart pendant.

 

Kagome held it in the palm of her hand for a moment before she reached up and put it around Inuyasha's neck. At first Inuyasha hesitated but when he saw what it was he allowed her to put it around his neck.

 

There was something inscribed on the heart it said, “I'll love you forever.” He looked up at her and then he asked, “It's really nice Kagome but why did you give me this?”

 

Kagome arched an eyebrow and said, “Humans often give something of value to the one they love, and it's usually something that we can treasure for all eternity. But your gift serves two purposes. One is that it tells you how I feel about you and two it holds a concealment spell for you. In order to activate it all you have to do is hold it in your hand and say, `Human form.' It will give you a human appearance. Why don't you try it out?”

 

Inuyasha looked from Kagome to the pendant. He sighed as he held it in his hand and said, “Human form.”

 

The necklace started to glow as the spell was cast. His hair turned black, his ears went from the top of his head to the side, his eyes changed from golden to auburn in color. He looked a little older. His scent was different too. He smelled like musk, soft and pleasing to the nose.

 

Kagome's eyes grew big as she watched him transform. She had no idea he was going to look like this. She liked what he looked like as a human but she preferred him as a demon but for her purpose this disguise will work just fine. “You now, you don't look bad as a human.” She said as she caressed his cheeks. “But I still love my Inuyasha the way he is, cute ears and all.” She said as she continued to giggle.

 

Inuyasha looked at her like she was crazy he still felt the same. “Woman, what are you talking about? I'm not a human.”

 

“Oh really?” Kagome pulled a mirror out of her pocket and gave it to him. When he looked in it instead of seeing himself he saw someone else. He dropped the mirror as he looked at his mate in shock.

 

Kagome giggled at his reaction as she said, “We can go out like this and no one will know it's us. We can have a few hours of just being around normal people for a while. With no one chasing us or trying to kill us.”

 

Inuyasha looked at her, as he narrowed his eyes, and said, “Did you plan all this?”

 

Kagome giggled and said, “Yes, I did.”

 

Inuyasha growled, he hated being tricked, but then he got a wicked look in his eyes as he said, “All right I'll go, but I want to get some of this stuff that the book mentions.”

 

Kagome agreed to his request not knowing what kind of stuff he wanted to get. As long as they spent some time together as a normal couple, she really didn't care.

 

Inuyasha got up and went to change his clothes. He came back a few minutes later with baggy blue jeans, red muscle shirt, and a white button down shirt he looked quite handsome.

 

They were about to leave when Kagome thought of something. “Inuyasha, if they're outside watching we can't let them see us in this form. We're going to have to go in our normal form then hide and use the concealment spell. That way we'll loose them and they'll leave us alone.”

 

Inuyasha agreed with her plan as they left the house in their normal form and got into Kagome's car as they drove away.

 

Kagome opened her senses and felt when they were being followed, she knew that they would be there she had sensed them. She told Inuyasha that they were being followed and he understood the situation.

 

They drove to the mall to see if they could lose their pursuers. Kagome parked her car near the entrance as they both got out of the car and made their way into the building.

 

Kagome sensed when they followed them inside the building. They headed toward the bathroom facilities as they separated and went into their respective bathroom. When they came back out, a minute later, they had the concealment spell on.

 

They saw several human males heading toward the bathroom in a rush. They were moving people out of the way trying to get in there. They came out a few minutes later and were frantically looking around for Inuyasha.

 

Kagome and Inuyasha watched as the people that were chasing them started to spread out all over the mall, looking for them. The happy couple continued to go about their normal business knowing that their plan had worked to throw the slavers off their trail.

 

~oOo~

 

Lord Inutaisho was in his office getting ready to leave. He didn't want to be too far behind his son and mate just in case they got attacked. He was determined to protect them and that's what he was going to do.

 

He had summoned Miroku into his office to make sure that he kept an eye on things while he was gone. He wanted a full report upon his return on anything that happened while he was away. He told Miroku of his suspicions and who to keep a close eye on. Miroku nodded his understanding, as Inutaisho got ready to leave.

 

He told his men he was going to the northern parts of his land to settle a dispute. He took off in that direction as everyone watched him leave. When he was far enough away he doubled back and headed towards the girls home. He flew low over the trees; he didn't want to get spotted as he traveled.

 

After traveling for a while he found his son and mate. He kept his distance because he knew the girl would be able to detect him. He saw them resting for a little while when he saw the girl sit up and then they left the area in a big hurry. He wondered what was going on when he saw them.

 

There were humans and demons chasing them as they continued to travel toward the girl's house. The intruders weren't able to keep up to the pair as they traveled. `I wonder where my guards are at? And why aren't they protecting them like they're suppose to?' He thought as a small growl escaped his lips.

 

He looked around the area and didn't find any of his guards. He found other demons in the forest but they were not part of his royal guards. Then it dawned on him. He had asked Commander Tou if his men were set up and on guard. He had assured him that they were placed within the forest to guard the two as they traveled. But he didn't see anyone in the forest only those who wished to do his son and mate harm.

 

He took off after Kagome and Inuyasha to make sure they were safe. He was now glad that he had followed them. He knew something like this would happen.

 

When he arrived at the girl's house he saw them running inside the house as a powerful barrier was put up. He could probably break it, but with great effort on his part.

 

He remembered what Shawn had told him in his letter. They had put cameras in the area to keep an eye on the house to see when they would return.

 

He found one of the cameras as he spotted the rest in the trees. He made sure to stay hidden from them. He settled on a high tree branch to wait. He had a good view of the house and of the enemy that was currently surrounding the house.

 

An hour went by and he saw his son and mate leaving the house to go somewhere. `I wonder were those two are going? Can't they tell that they're being followed?' a growl escaped his throat as he thought this.

 

He took off after them when he noticed the intruders were also following them. `These two are proving to be incorrigible. They came here to get a few things for Kagome but end up going out, unprotected, to who knows where.'

 

He saw the car they were driving pull into a place humans like to call a mall. There were a lot of humans and demons in this place, too many for his taste. He saw the girl park the car near the entrance. They both got out and made their way into the building in front of them.

 

He saw the opportunity to cast his own concealment spell. This spell was different from the one they wore when they came to get Kagome. Instead of just hiding his demon features it made him look human.

 

His hair turned a sandy blonde in color as his ears became normal. He was casually dressed in a pair of kaki slacks, black long sleeve shirt, and he looked to be in his mid 50's. His eye color went from the normal golden color of his family to a very light brown. His once long silver hair came to about the middle of his shoulders blades as it was pulled in a low ponytail, as the marking on his face faded away.

 

With so many demons in this place the girl will have a ruff time trying to detect him. He walked in behind them to see where they were going. He saw them walking towards the bathroom as they split and went in their respective one's.

 

Inutaisho waited outside for them until they were done. He was keeping an eye on the facilities when a young man stepped out and walked by him. He looked familiar. He was dressed in much the same way as Inuyasha but his button down shirt was red instead of white. He met a young lady with sliver and black hair as she exited the restroom. They both embraced and walked away, hand in hand, to do some shopping.

 

Inutaisho noticed several humans running into the facilities like they were in a hurry. He got the feeling that they were looking for his son as they pushed their way into the bathroom. They came back out a few minutes later as they were searching for someone. He took it that his son was no longer using the facilities as he gave everyone the slip, including his own father.

 

Inutaisho chuckled to himself, `those two knew exactly what they were doing. They knew they were being followed so they made sure they got into a very populated area and then gave everyone the slip. They must have a concealment spell that Kagome cast because that's the only way they could've gotten by me.'

 

He turned his head slightly and sniffed the air. He couldn't pick up on their scent. It simply just vanished. He would have to ask Kagome how she did that because it takes a very powerful miko to cast a concealment spell like that and also change ones scent.

 

He walked around the building he was in. He was amazed at everything he saw. It was like a big open-air market but indoors. He liked this concept as he thought about bringing it to his kingdom.

 

He decided to look around the place for while, keeping his eyes on the slavers that were searching for his son. He had no idea where his son and mate had gone to but if he had to guess they were still in the mall watching everything going on.

 

He continued to walk and spotted the couple he had seen in front of the restrooms. He looked at the young man and he looked familiar for some reason. He knew that he had never met him before but his features intrigued him.

 

He noticed that the couple would walk hand in hand or the male will always have his hand around the girl's waist. He always had to be touching her in some form, never leaving her side for an instant.

 

It reminded him so much of his sons action with his mate. The young mans features looked so much like his late mate that… He never got to finish his train of thought as a big smile spread across his face.

 

`I have to hand it to Kagome, her concealment spells is one of the best. Even though I didn't break her spell, I've noticed enough about their behavior with each other to be able to pick them out in a crowd.' He mused as he continued to follow the pair from a distance.

 

He noticed that the slavers were still roaming around the mall trying to find Inuyasha and Kagome but to no avail, to them they had simply vanished.

 

~oOo~

 

The slavers were looking frantically through the mall for the demon and the girl. They had thought that they would get him while he was indisposed, but that would've been too easy. When they had gotten in there and they checked all of the stalls, their prey was gone.

 

They rushed out of the restroom thinking that he had given them the slip. They waited outside the other restroom to see if the female would come out. Females tended to take a long time in the facilities, but it seemed that she too was gone.

 

They spread out, looking for them everywhere in the mall, but they couldn't find them. They all gathered back about an hour and a half after they had lost them.

 

“How, in the hell, could we have lost them that easily, we saw them go in but no one has seen them leave. If they're hiding then they're doing a very good job of it.” Said the slaver that was in charge.

 

He was trying to weigh his options. He needed to find them so they could take them back to Naraku. The slaver held his hand up to his ear as he was listening to something being said to him. Then he said, “Alright here's what we're going to do. Half of you will continue searching the mall for our fugitives, the other half will go outside and get by the girls car. We know its still outside and they won't leave without it.”

 

The group of slavers split into two groups, half of the slavers continued searching for them in the mall. While the rest of the slavers went outside to where the girl's car was located. The slaver that was in charge told everyone to spread out, he wanted the car watched closely incase they came back in a disguise.

 

~oOo~

 

Kagome and Inuyasha had a wonderful time just being a normal couple. She had taken Inuyasha to the store that had many of the things their book had described. She saw as his eyes widen at some of the things, confused at others, and a mysterious gleam in his eyes on the stuff he wanted to get. She only hoped that she would be able to weather what was to come.

 

They were about to leave the mall when Kagome stopped in mid stride. She closed her eyes and concentrated, as she focused on the surrounding area. When she opened her eyes she saw Inuyasha's worried auburn ones.

 

She looked at him with concern as she said, “Inuyasha, the slavers are outside waiting for us. They're by the car watching to see who gets in it, if we go out there now they will attack us.

 

Inuyasha considered her words, “Well, we can always run back to the house and leave the car here. You can call you mother and arrange for her to pick it up later for you and take it back to the house.”

 

Kagome was listening to what he was saying, they were laden with packages and she was tired. She didn't think she should push herself anymore or something might happen to the pup, and then Inuyasha would be heart broken.

 

“Yes, we could make it back to my house but I'm tired and I don't want to risk hurting myself or the pup. But what you just said gives me an idea. I'll call my mother and have her send a car for us. That way I can tell them about the baby.” Kagome said as she looked at her mate to see if he would agree.

 

Inuyasha agreed to her request as they walked back into the mall and found the nearest pay phone. Kagome quickly dialed her mother's number and spoke to her. She told her where she was located and if she could send a car after them. She told her to tell the driver to wait out front by the main entrance and when two strangers got into the car have them brought back to the house.

 

Kagome mother was confused to say the least but she didn't ask any questions, she would wait until her daughter arrived before she got some answers.

 

Kagome and Inuyasha moved to the main entrance of the mall and waited. When they saw the limousine pull up Kagome motioned for Inuyasha to follow. He followed her but he was keeping his senses open for any threat directed towards them. When they got there they opened the door and got in. As soon as the door was shut the driver took off, not asking any questions.

 

When the car pulled away from the curb two other cars quickly joined it as one maneuvered to the front and the other stayed behind, escorting it back toward the king's house.

 

Inuyasha held Kagome tight in his arms. He hated being vulnerable with his mate but he was determined to keep her safe.

 

About 15 minutes later they arrived at the kings house. The car pulled into the driveway and stopped right in front of the door. The driver's companion quickly got out of the front seat of the car and opened the door for them.

 

When Kagome and Inuyasha stepped out of the car they noticed that security had been stepped up around her fathers home. Guards were everywhere as they slowly walked up the stairs to reach her parents home.

 

Kagome opened the door and stepped in. She knew where her parents were as she started walking down the hallway. She stopped after taking about 5 steps as she turned to her mate. She rose up on her tiptoes and said in his ear, “Don't talk or remove the concealment spell. The slavers might be watching us from the security cameras in here.”

 

Inuyasha nodded that he understood as they continued to walk down the hallway. They entered her father's study as she saw her parent turn in their direction. When they saw them they frowned, they wondered who in the hell were these people.

 

Kagome stepped forward looking around the study, she spotted the camera in the corner of the room. When she reached her parents she bowed and said, “May we have a word with you in private?”

 

Kagome looked at her father and her eyes moved toward the camera that was sitting in the corner. King Higurashi caught on to what she was doing and said, “Yes you may, please follow us.”

 

He got up and his wife followed suit as they left his study and walked toward the more private parts of the house. They reached a room that was like a small den that only he and his family used.

 

Once everyone was inside the room he said, “This room has no security cameras in it and its inspected everyday by my most trusted men for any spy or listening devices. It's safe to talk in here.” King Higurashi watched the expression on the girls face as he was speaking; it went from tense to relaxed as she looked at the young man standing next to her.

 

Kagome looked up at her mate and nodded her head as they both raised their hand up to their chest and muttered something underneath their breath.

 

The King and Queen stood there in shock as they saw the young couple in front of them slowly turn into their daughter and son in law.

 

Kagome smiled as she said, “I'm sorry but I couldn't tell you out there because the slavers might be tapping into your security system to see if we are here.”

 

King Higurashi couldn't believe what he was hearing. “How can they tap into our security system? They're not supposed to be able to do that.”

 

Kagome raised an eyebrow at him and said, “It wouldn't be hard for them to do daddy. They could intercept the signal going to your security system and they will be able to see and hear everything going on here.” The king never knew that this could even happen. He would have to be on his guard from now on.

 

“Well,” said Kagome as she shifted nervously from one foot to another. “We arrived here this morning to get some things from the house and I needed to talk to the both of you.”

 

The king and queen were listening intently to what their daughter was trying to tell them as she continued, “Well you see, Um…” she never got a chance to finish as Inuyasha said it for her, “What Kagome is trying to say is that she is having my pup.”

 

The king and queen looked at him with a confused look on their faces as Kagome blurred out, “Baby.”

 

The confusion turned into happiness as Kagome's mother rushed forward and congratulated her and Inuyasha.

 

Kagome breathed a sigh of relief at her parent's reaction to the news. They were happy that she and Inuyasha were having a baby. She turned to her mother and said, “Mom, can I talk to you in private for a moment I need to ask you some questions.”

 

Her mother smiled and then escorted her daughter out of the room to let the men talk for a while. It was time for some mother daughter bonding and she had a hunch what her daughter wanted to ask.

 

Inuyasha was nervous. He has never been left alone with Kagome's father before. He sat down in the chair indicated by her father as his mind traveled elsewhere. He was thinking about what Kagome had said to him, `humans often gave things of value to the one's they love because they would treasure it for all eternity.' He wanted to give her something of value but he didn't think he could find something in his kingdom that she would like.

 

He was so deep in thought that he never heard Kagome's father speaking to him as he was brought out of his thought by a gentle hand on his shoulder. “Inuyasha? Are you all right? You seemed to have something bothering you.”

 

King Higurashi continued to look at Inuyasha as he tried to figure out what was wrong.

 

Inuyasha sighed as he said; “there's nothing wrong. I was just thinking about something that Kagome said this morning.” His hand automatically going to the pendant that he had around his neck.

 

King Higurashi saw him holding onto the pendant and asked, “Does it have anything to do with the pendant your wearing?”

 

Inuyasha nodded his head yes to his question. The king then asked, “What did she say??”

 

Inuyasha didn't know if he should tell him what she said. He never really talked to his father about these things or anything at all for that matter. But the look on her fathers face told him that he wasn't going to get out of it.

 

So he relented and told him what Kagome had said about the pendant. “The thing is we don't have these things in my kingdom. We don't have a use for them. But I would like to give her something that she would cherish for all eternity.”

 

King Higurashi sat back in his chair and thought about his problem then he got an idea. “Inuyasha, when humans marry they usually give their wife/mates a ring that they wear on their finger. It signifies that they belong to someone else and the ring is something they cherish for all eternity.”

 

Inuyasha's ears perked up at what he had said, then they went back down as a frown appeared on his face. He looked at King Higurashi and said, “That would be the perfect gift but my time here is limited and we must leave in the morning. I don't want to leave Kagome alone and unprotected, plus I don't know where to go to buy such a thing.

 

King Higurashi eyes just lit up as he smiled and said, “Leave that to me.”

 

He got up and left the room they were in as he sought out his wife. He found them in their bedchambers talking as he entered the room. Both his wife and daughter looked up at him as he approached and said, “Inuyasha and I are going out for a little while. We should be back in about an hour.”

 

Kagome's eyes grew big as she heard her father's words and said in a worried voice, “Where are you taking Inuyasha? I don't want anything to happen to him.” The worry in her voice told her father of her fears of him getting captured by the slavers.

 

“Don't worry Kagome, I will make sure he stays safe, as to where we're going well that's of no concern to you. We will be back within the hour. You are to stay here and my guards will protect you while we're gone.” Her fathers stern voice told her she couldn't argue with him as she relented and agreed to his demands.

 

As soon as he left the room Kagome started to shake and worry about what might happen to her mate. Her mother seeing this brought her into an embrace and said, “Don't worry Kagome your father will make sure that nothing happens to Inuyasha.”

 

Kagome looked up from her lap and nodded her head in agreement that her father would keep her mate safe.

 

King Higurashi walked back into the den where Inuyasha was waiting for his return. “Inuyasha I want you to come with me. We are going out for about an hour. I have already told Kagome that we are leaving and that she's to stay here to be protected while we're gone.”

 

Inuyasha's eyes grew big, as he was about to protest leaving his mate behind, “Inuyasha, do you want to get her the gift we were talking about. This is your one chance to do it. She will be well protected here. My soldiers will see to her safety. No one will harm her while she's here.” Said King Higurashi as he eyed Inuyasha with interest.

 

Inuyasha sighed, `he has a point. I do want to get her a gift and this will be the only opportunity I will have to do it.' “Alright, I'll go but I don't want to be gone for too long.” As he finished speaking he reached up with his hand and grabbed the pendant and muttered something under his breath as the concealment spell activated.

 

They both left together as the king's car was sitting outside waiting for them. They got in and took off toward the downtown area as they rode in silence. Inuyasha was worried about Kagome and leaving her behind, he was feeling her fear and frustration as they traveled. He hoped that she wouldn't be too mad when they finally got back.

 

They arrived at a very fine Jewelry store in the center of the downtown area. The place was completely empty except for himself, the king, and the bodyguards that were with them. The shop owner hurried over to them as he bowed profusely welcoming them into his store.

 

“I had them call ahead and arrange for the store to be empty while we're here. Why don't you look around and see if you can find something that you would like to give Kagome.” Said King Higurashi as he watched Inuyasha move cautiously toward the display cabinets.

 

Inuyasha moved slowly forward as he looked at all of the shinny things that he could pick out. Nothing looked good to him. It was either too big that would take up most of Kagome's hand or too small that you could barely see it. He continued to look around until he came upon what he was looking for.

 

The ring was simple. It had a clear heart shaped diamond in the middle. The stone wasn't too big but at the same time it wasn't too small. It had small little blue diamonds on each side of the ring that looked like flowers and the reddest stone he had ever seen accented it. He thought that the ring would be perfect for his mate as he stared at it.

 

King Higurashi saw when Inuyasha had stopped and was fascinated with one ring. He walked over to him to see what he was starring at. The ring he had picked was beautiful, he was sure that his daughter would love it.

 

He signaled the store manager to come over and had him pull the ring from the display case. The manager quickly complied as he put the ring in front of them for their inspection.

 

Inuyasha picked it up and knew that this was the ring he wanted to give his mate. King Higurashi saw a smile creep over Inuyasha's face as he told the store manager. “We'll take the ring,” and asked the manager to gift-wrap it for him.

 

Once Inuyasha had the ring in his hand he put it safely into one of the many deep pockets of his pants. He turned to King Higurashi and said, “We need to get back. Kagome is upset and she hasn't calmed down since we left.”

 

King Higurashi raised and eyebrow at him as they walked out of the store and said their thanks to the manager. Once they were back in the car he asked, “How do you know that Kagome is upset?”

 

Inuyasha looked at King Higurashi and said, “The mating mark is more than just a scar that Kagome carries. I can feel her emotions through it and even though I'm sending calming feeling to her she's still upset.”

 

King Higurashi was intrigued as he asked, “What else can you feel though the mark?”

 

Inuyasha thought for a few minutes, he would tell the king some of the things, but not all. “Besides her emotions I can feel when she is in danger. I can protect her through the mating mark, if I'm not there, until I reach her. The first attack the offending male receives is a powerful blast of my youkai, with each subsequent attack being less effective.

 

I can also follower her with the mark. If she was ever kidnapped then I will be able to track her. If I loss her scent for some reason the mating mark draws me to her, we're connected.”

 

King Higurashi never knew that a mating mark could be so versatile. He sometimes wished that humans had these abilities.

 

They finally made it back to the house, as they got out of the car and quickly made their way inside. They made their way back to the more private parts of the house, looking for Kagome.

 

Inuyasha heard Kagome's whimpering as they approached the den. They opened the door as they stepped in and a very emotional Kagome came running up to her mate. She flung her arms around his strong body in a tight embrace.

 

Inuyasha saw her coming as he opened his arms, when she hit his chest his arms went around her small frame and held her tight in his embrace.

 

The queen walked over and said, “She's hasn't stopped crying since you left and I couldn't get her to lay down for a while. She really needs to rest.”

 

Inuyasha understood what she was saying. With Kagome being this upset she could lose the pup if she didn't calm down. He held her closer as he started to purr.

 

Kagome immediately started to relax in his embrace and calmed down. Soon she fell asleep in his arms as Inuyasha picked her up and held her.

 

Both the king and queen were amazed that he was able to calm their daughter so quickly and that she had fallen asleep in his arms. They looked on as Inuyasha walked over to the couch and laid Kagome down so she could rest. “How were you able to do that? We have never been able to calm her before when she has been this upset.”

 

Inuyasha had pushed away the hair from Kagome's face as he gazed upon her beauty, she had calmed down and so had the pup. He heard the King and Queens question as he looked up and said, “When I purr it sends a soothing feeling to Kagome. It relaxes her to the point that she's calm and falls asleep. She has a tendency of not sleeping when she's upset. So on those nights I'm able to calm her enough so she can sleep.

 

Usually my purr's will knock her out for about two hours but if she's really tired she will sleep longer.” Said Inuyasha as he turned his attention back to his mate.

 

The king and queen both shook their heads at the young man sitting in front of them. He was full of surprises and knew how to handle their daughter. They left the room to give them some privacy as Inuyasha stayed to protect his mate and let her rest before they headed back to Kagome's house.

 

~oOo~

 

Lord Inutaisho had been following his son and mate as they enjoyed their time alone with each other. He knew that they just wanted to be normal and be like everyone else. But their births had put them both in a situation where they had to be protected constantly, always surrounded by guards.

 

He saw them as they were heading for the exit of the building and knew that they were leaving. He followed as he saw them stop before going outside and he heard Kagome's comments. They had felt the danger outside and knew that they were waiting for them.

 

He continued to follow them until they left in a car that came for them. He knew where they were heading as he saw several cars fall into place as they left the area.

 

He stayed behind to see what the slavers where going to do when they finally realized that they were actually gone from the area. About an hour after Kagome and Inuyasha had left Inutaisho left the mall to check on his son and mate. He wanted to make sure that they were well taken care of.

 

He got to the kings house and noticed that there was a lot of activity going on around the house. More guards were being posted and several cars were brought to the front of the house. Several minutes later he saw King Higurashi and his son leaving the house and getting into the car. He heard crying coming from inside the house and knew that it was Kagome, they were leaving her behind as he saw the cars drive off in the direction of the city.

 

He was curious to see where they were going that they would leave Kagome behind and in tears. She was well protected, judging by all of the guards around the house and the demons keeping a watchful eye for intruders, so he decided to follow his son.

 

When the cars finally stopped he saw them get out of the car and enter a building with about five bodyguards. The remaining five that were left stayed outside to guard the building against intruders.

 

He wanted to see what they were doing but the guards on the outside prevented anyone from entering or passing by the building. So he had to settle for watching from a distance.

 

They came out about half hour later as they all got back into their vehicles and left. They were heading back to the kings house.

 

When they arrived he saw his son hurrying to get into the house. No doubt Inuyasha was sensing his mates distress at him being gone.

 

He felt a wave of happiness come over him, as his son was finally reunited with his mate and a sense of calm came over the house. No longer did he hear Kagome's cries as the house fell silent once more.

 

He settled down to rest for only a little while. He wanted to go back to the mall to see if the slavers were still there watching Kagome's car. When he saw that his son and mate weren't leaving he made his way back to the mall, knowing that his son was well protected.

 

When he got back to the mall he saw the slavers gathered around Kagome's car. He saw one of them doing something to the engine, as he paid close attention to what they were doing and what they saying.

 

“Well, if there gone from here sooner or later they will come back for the car. When they do, they will have a little surprise waiting for them. If we can't capture them then their deaths will be just as good.” Said the leader of the slavers as they walked away from the car to head back towards their headquarters.

 

Inutaisho had heard everything they had said, `so they planted something that would destroy the car once his son and mate got into it to drive away. I have to warn them some how. I can't let them get in the car and get injured.'

 

Then he noticed several men approaching the car. He recognized the men as King Higurashi personnel body guards as he quickly made his way to their location to warn them about the car.

 

The guards were slowly making their way toward the princess's car, they had orders to take it back to her house and leave it.

 

The guards opened the doors and were about to get in when a demon suddenly appeared before them scaring the crap out of the guards.

 

“I'm Lord Inutaisho, Lord of the Western Lands. I saw the slavers do something to the car that will make it explode when moved, so don't touch it.” Said Inutaisho with concern for the men's safety.

 

The kings guards upon hearing Lord Inutaisho words bowed deeply and said, “We thank you for saving our lives. We would've surely died if we had started the car and drove it away. We will call for some specialist that will take care of this problem. Again thank you my Lord.”

 

Inutaisho inclined his head towards them in acknowledgement. He was about to leave when he stopped and asked, “Are Inuyasha and Kagome still at King Higurashi home?”

 

The guard turned back to him and said, “No my Lord, they were escorted back to the princesses house about 20 minutes ago. They should be arriving there in about 10 minutes.”

 

Inutaisho thanked the men for the information they provided as he turned to leave. He leaped into the air so fast that the men thought that he had just disappeared into thin air. He was heading back towards Kagome's house to keep watch.

 

~oOo~

 

Kagome started to stir from her nap as she felt an arm draped over her waist lightly touching her stomach. She turned her head to the left and found that she was resting upon Inuyasha's lap. He was asleep as his hair was draped over his face. She slowly started to move so she wouldn't wake up her mate but it was too late as he snapped his eyes open and looked at her with concern.

 

He sat up as he allowed her to slowly sit up next to him. He brought her closer to him in an embrace as he held her in his arms. He leaned down and asked, “How are you feeling?”

 

Kagome sighed as she said, “I feel tired but other than that I'm fine.” She stayed there in his embrace as she closed her eyes again. She was trying to get her emotions under control. The thought of her almost losing her mate when he left her behind was an experience that she didn't want to live through.

 

She now knew why he never wanted her to leave his side. They were so much a part of each other that if anything ever happened to either of them it would be devastating.

 

She finally got control over herself as she looked up into his concerned eyes and said, “Inuyasha, were did you go this morning with my father? Why couldn't I go with you?”

 

Inuyasha saw the hurt that was there as he sighed and tried to explain, “Kagome your father took me to a place where I could get something for you. I started thinking about the gift you gave me and I wanted to get you something that you could cherish for the rest of eternity. If you would've gone with me then it wouldn't have been a surprise now would it.”

 

Kagome was surprised by his answer. She never wanted to make him feel bad because she gave him a gift. She felt horrible for worrying so much as she said, “I'm sorry Inuyasha, it's that I was afraid of losing you to the slavers. I don't want you to be captured. I know that together we can protect each other but when you left with my father I felt helpless to help if something would've happen to you.”

 

Inuyasha brought her into his lap as he kissed her passionately. When they broke apart they were both panting for air as he leaned his forehead against hers and just breathed in her scent. Her scent was wonderful as it sent a calming feeling through his body.

 

He pulled away from her and reached into his pants pocket. He pulled out a small box and handed it to her.

 

Kagome looked at the small box in her hand with curiosity as she sat up straight and started to take the paper off with care. When she finally succeeded in getting the paper off she opened the box and her eyes went wide.

 

It was the most beautiful ring she had ever seen as the tears started to go down her cheeks. Inuyasha seeing that she was crying, panicked, “Kagome what's wrong? Don't you like the ring I got you? Your father said that human females wear these to signify that they belong to someone and that it's something that you will cherish forever.”

 

Kagome looked up from the gift as she wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug as she said, “Oh Inuyasha it beautiful. I love your present.”

 

Inuyasha was relieved to hear this as he took the ring out of the box and placed it on her ring finger and said, “This ring signifies that you are my mate. It also shows you that you have my heart in your hands. I love you Kagome, I'm happy that you're my mate, my wife for all eternity.” He leaned down and kissed her once again as he held her in his arms.

 

Kagome couldn't help but melt into his embrace as he slowly lowered her down on the couch as they continued to kiss. They were both getting aroused, when they finally broke apart and Kagome said through heated pants, “Lets go… home mate.”

 

Inuyasha smiled as he agreed and they both got off the couch in search of her parents.

 

They found them in her fathers study as the concealment spells were back on. Kagome stepped forward and said, “We wanted to thank you for hospitality, and we're going to leave now. We hope to see you again really soon.”

 

King Higurashi rose to his feet as he said, “Before you go I have something I wanted to show you.” As he lead them back to the more private parts of the house. When they reentered the den he said, “I'm not going to let you go and get your car from the mall. I will have my people get it and then take it to your house. There is a car outside that is waiting to take you back to your house.”

 

Kagome couldn't believe that her father was acting this way towards them as she said, “Daddy why can't I go get my car? I'm sure that by now the slavers are gone and we can get it.”

 

Her father stood his ground as he said, “I don't believe that they are gone yet. In any case I'm not going to let you get into any danger. A car will escort you to your house and guards will be posted around the house until your departure tomorrow. At least this way I know that you can rest in peace for the night without anyone attacking you out there.”

 

Kagome had to give in to her father's request as she sighed and said, “Alright, we'll take the car back to the house. Here are the keys to my car. Just have them drop it off and put the keys under the door mat.”

 

Her father took the keys and agreed to her request as he had a smile on his face from winning the battle with his stubborn daughter.

 

Inuyasha was watching the whole time as the two sparred with each other. Both were stubborn and neither wanted to back down. He finally saw his mate give into her father, as a smirk appeared on his face, at her father's triumph.

 

At that moment Kagome's mother came into the room as she said, “Kagome, now that you're married this necklace rightfully belongs to you. It was my job to hand it down to my daughter when she married. You're to keep it safe. It has been passed down from mother to daughter for generations. Your job is to pass it down to your daughter when she marries.” She stepped forward and put the necklace around the neck of her daughter.

 

Kagome looked down at the necklace her mother had given her. It was the same necklace she had worn to the dinner, the night that Inuyasha had come and asked for her hand in marriage. She remembered that the jewel had a special shine to it when she wore it and when she held it now in the palm of her hand it glowed a pretty blue for her.

 

Kagome looked at her mother and smiled as she said, “Thank you mother for the gift. I promise to give it to my daughter when she marries.” Kagome stepped forward and hugged her mother in thanks.

 

When they separated Inuyasha and Kagome left to go back home with the guards, once again, escorting them back to where they needed to be. They enjoyed their freedom at least for a few hours.

 

King Higurashi was true to his word as he had about 50 guards surrounding Kagome's house in the forest. They had transformed back into their regular form as they stepped out of the car they were riding in. They gave the driver their thanks for bringing them home as they entered the house and got some much needed rest before they went to the Western Lands.

 

~oOo~

 

Lord Inutaisho made it back to Kagome's house to find that King Higurashi was not taking any chances on his daughter getting attacked. He counted 50 guards roaming around the property when he finally saw his son and mate come back to the house. He breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that they were all right.

 

He noticed the necklace that was around Kagome's neck and it shined brightly in the growing night sky. The jewel had great power. He would have to examine it more closely after they returned to the Western Lands.

 

He settled in for the night knowing that his son will not leave until the morning to go home. He wouldn't risk traveling during the night when Kagome's senses were at a disadvantage.

 

Inuyasha would be able to travel at night, his eyes would allow him to see during the hours of darkness, but the girl would be at a total disadvantage. She couldn't see at night and her hearing was not as keen as theirs.

 

He found the tree branch that he had used earlier that day and settled down to rest. He smelled the wonderful food that Kagome was making down in her house and wished that he could join them in a meal.

 

She hadn't cooked since she has come to live in the castle, the only time she did was right after they had gotten mated and they had made their way down to the kitchen in the middle of the night.

 

He heard them talking, laughing, and just enjoying themselves in the privacy of their home. He never heard them this way before. He wondered if living in the castle was preventing them from truly being happy with each other.

 

He didn't want them to leave the safety of the castle and he liked having them there. It didn't make the place feel so big and lonely. But what he was hearing down below made him think of his selfish wants and think about what they needed and wanted.

 

They wanted to be normal but being a royal couple prevented that because they had to be protected at all times. `Hmm, if I built them their own house that was attached to the castle then they will be happy and so will I. I would have the satisfaction of keeping them protected but at the same time giving them the freedom to live on their own and be as normal as possible.'

 

He would have to explore this idea once he got back home, but for now he would just rest and keep a watchful eye on them to make sure they made it back safely to his kingdom.

 

~oOo~

 

This is the end to another chapter, as you can see Kagome and Inuyasha were smart enough to outwit the slavers. They want so desperately to be normal and not always surrounded by guards. They just want a normal life like everyone else.

 

All right the book that Kagome was talking about was the Kama Sutra. There were several people that got it right. Congrats you guys you know your books. Good Job!

 

The return trip to the Western Lands is anything but safe. Naraku is not about to give up on his prey. What will happen? Will Inuyasha and Kagome be able to make it back safely or will something happen to them? You have to wait to find out.

 

Until the next chapter!

 

Ja ne