InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Angel ❯ Kagura's Date ( Chapter 43 )

Chapter Forty-Three

Kagura's Date

"Pregnant?" Sango shouted in shock.

Kagura was speechless, her mouth agape, her eyes wide.

Kagome nodded slowly, a blush burning her cheeks. The three women sat outside on a blanket, having tea near the castle. She sighed as she sipped her tea. She was glad her stomach had seemed to settle. She hadn't eaten anything as of yet, not able to even stomach the smell of food. Sesshomaru had said his mother had been the same way when pregnant with him, and had gone to prepare a special meal for her to consume. He had not felt the need to disclose the ingredients of said meal with her.

"To tell you the truth, I figured it would happen, but not this soon," Kagome said.

"What did Lord Sesshomaru say?" Sango asked.

"He didn't say much, just that he had detected my condition this morning, and that he wants to travel back to the Western lands,"

"Go back? When?"

"As soon as possible; some time this week I believe,"

"Does this mean you're giving up on the amulets for now?" Kagura asked.

"No, not at all. I want to try and recover the last amulet before I get too far along in my pregnancy."

"Have you spoken to Lord Sesshomaru about continuing the search? He may refuse," Sango asked.

"Refuse?"

Sango nodded.

"A mated male is extremely protective of a pregnant female. He may decide it's too dangerous to let you continue with the search."

"You think he would?" Kagome asked.

"I think there's a strong possibility."

She hadn't even thought about that. Kagome reached down, placing her hands on her stomach. Flat as a board, it was hard for her to believe that inside a child was growing. Even though she had only known of the child for a few hours, already her heart swelled with love. She would not put her unborn child in danger, however, she could not let the danger surrounding them go unchecked.

"I'll have to speak to him soon," Kagome decided.

"So, how does it feel? Being pregnant?" Sango asked changing the subject.

Kagome smiled a bit.

"I'm not sure how to explain it. I don't physically feel any different, but inside, I feel…I don't know," Kagome said uncertainly, "It's really hard to explain,"

"Do you think you'll give birth to male or female?" Kagura asked.

"Hmm," Kagome thought about it, "I don't really know. I'm still trying to cope with the fact that I'm actually having a child, let alone the sex of the child."

Her stomach growled loudly. Kagome blushed as Sango and Kagura turned to look at her.

"Haven't you had breakfast?"

Kagome shook her head.

"I can't seem to keep anything down. Sesshomaru said his mother was the same way when she was pregnant. He's having a special meal prepared for me," she said.

As they sipped tea, the subject changed.

"Sooooo…Kagura," Sango said slyly,"how are things going with General Ensei? When's the date?"

An instant blush stained her cheeks.

"Date?" Kagome asked, looking over at Kagura with a teasing expression on her face.

"It's not a big deal," Kagura mumbled.

Sango and Kagome laughed at her expression.

"When is the date?" Sango asked again.

Kagura twiddled her thumbs.

"Tonight," she murmured.

"Great, Sango and I will help you get dressed for it,"

Kagura's blush deepened.

"It's not that big of a deal," she mumbled again.

Sango and Kagome laughed as a servant approached. The servant bowed when he reached them.

"My Lady, Lord Sesshomaru wishes for you to come inside. Your meal has been prepared,"

Kagome nodded.

"I'll be there momentarily," she said.

The servant bowed and left.

"Well you guys, I'm going to go eat. I'm starving. I'll talk to Sesshomaru after I'm done. Now Kagura," Kagome said," I want you to come to my bedchamber before the sun goes down. You too Sango,"

Sango nodded.

Kagura sighed.

Kagome would have her way no matter what she said. There was no help for it.

"I'll see that she gets there," Sango promised with a smile.

Kagome giggled at Kagura's expression as she stood and headed towards the castle. She could stop herself from placing her hands on her abdomen.

A baby.

She could hardly believe it. A child growing inside of her; it was a scary thought as well as a wonderful one. She was terrified of being a mother. She didn't know if she was ready to be a mother, but now that didn't matter. Ready or not, motherhood was here. Her stomach growled again as she walked through the dinning room doors. Sesshomaru sat at the table, a covered plate in front of him.

He stood as she entered; pulling back a chair that also had a covered plate in front of it. Kagome sat down, looking curiously at the covered dish. She sniffed at it a bit. To her surprise, her mouth watered instantly. A loud growl erupting from her stomach. Sesshomaru reached over her, removing the metal covering.

Kagome's eyes widened in shock.

Raw meat, covered in blood covered the plate. Sesshomaru sat down in his own chair, watching her expectantly.

"You cannot expect me to eat this," Kagome said.

"It is exactly what I expect."

Kagome glared in disgust at the bloody meat. What the hell was he trying to do to her?

"Cook it first then!" Kagome exclaimed.

"Cooked meat will not appeal to you in your condition,"

"Well this certainly doesn't appeal to me!"

"You lie, woman. I am not deaf. Your stomach growled in hunger the moment you smelled the meat."

Kagome narrowed her eyes, crossing her arms.

"That was before I knew what you were trying to make me eat,"

"Raw meat will provide more nutrients for you and the pup. Your body recognizes that fact, hence the reason you you sicken when offered other foods.. Eat, woman," he said uncovering his own plate.

More raw meat smothered in blood. His portion was a lot heftier than hers. Kagome watched in horror as he picked up his knife and fork, cut a piece of bloody meat and ate it.

Kagome shivered in disgust.

"How can you eat that?" she asked in shock.

"Eat woman,"

Kagome looked down at the food. Her stomach growled again. She was disgusted to realize Sesshomaru was right. She was craving the bloodied mess on her plate; however her mind would not let her pick up the fork and knife. Despite her change from human to youkai, Kagome still felt human. And humans did not digest raw meat.

"I can't eat this," she said pushing the plate away.

Sesshomaru chewed the last of the food in his mouth, wiped his lips with his napkin and looked over at her.

"So you wish for our pup to die?"

Kagome's brows rose. What the hell was he talking about? As if hearing her question he said,

"The pup requires nourishment. Your refusal to eat is detrimental to our pups growth and development. Unborn pups are extremely vulnerable and weak, even more so than a human child. Going even one day without eating the proper foods can result in termination of the pregnancy,"

She had not known that. She certainly didn't want their baby to die.

Kagome sighed.

If her child needed the nourishment, then it was her responsibility to provide it. Picking up her fork and knife, she cut a small part of the raw meat. Her nose scrunched as the meat began to bleed even more as she cut it. Bring the piece of meat to her mouth; she hesitated, looking over at Sesshomaru. Amber eyes stared back at her, patiently watching her. Kagome's stuck out her tongue, timidly tasting a bit of it.

To her surprise, flavor exploded on her tongue. It had to be the most delicious thing she had ever tasted. Shoving the rest in her mouth, she chewed vigorously, her stomach growling for more.

In minutes, she cleaned the entire plate, and yet her stomach continued to growl. Sesshomaru sat his plate in front of her.

Without a second thought, Kagome devoured what was left of Sesshomaru's food. As she polished off the last of it, a servant entered to clear the table. Stomach full, Kagome sat back in her chair.

"Have you had enough to eat, Kagome?"

She nodded.

She felt a bit silly now, making such a fuss about the raw meat. Even though she knew Sesshomaru had only been trying to make sure she ate properly, her human mentality had prevented her from eating the food given to her.

"Yes thank you. I feel a bit weird now, eating raw meat. I guess that, even though I've changed into a youkai physically, mentally, I still feel like a human. Sorry to make such a fuss. I guess I'm still getting used to the changes," she said with a bit of a blush.

"No apology is needed, woman. You are newly transformed; it is too soon for your human tendencies to be taken over by youkai instinct. Resistance from you was expected."

Kagome sighed inwardly.

The guy just could not take an apology. Since he was seated here in front of her, she figured now was a good a time as any to bring up the amulets.

"About us returning to the Western lands this week, I was wondering how we were going to handle the amulet situation,"

"The search for the amulets shall be postponed until our pup is born,"

"What? How long until I give birth?"

"Seven months,"

"Seven months? We can't postpone the search that long! We have to get the last amulet now! We can't allow the remaining members of the Evil Six roam free,"

"I will not have you in danger or our pup endangered Kagome,"

"You can't expect me to sit around and do nothing! We only have to recover one more amulet!"

"You are pregnant, Kagome. I've explained the vulnerability of our unborn pup. I will not risk it."

"Sesshomaru-"

"Nay, woman. I will not risk your health."

"You can't do that! I have to find the last amulet! At least let me find the last one, I promise I'll stay out of danger,"

"Woman-"

"Please, let me find the last one, after that I won't argue. I'll stay in the castle until our child is born,"

He stared at her intensely, his face unreadable. Kagome watched him nervously. If he didn't agree she would go anyways. There was no in hell she would allow the remaining Evil Six to roam free.

"You have one month to find the last amulet. After that month, the pup's vulnerability will be at its highest and you will no longer be able to find the amulet. Is that understood woman? After that month, I will not bend."

Kagome sighed in relief.

"I understand,"

Sango had been right; Sesshomaru was definitely taking no chances with her condition. Even though they were on opposing sides, she couldn't be upset at him. He was only thinking of her and their child's safety. She would have thought badly of him if he hadn't cared at all.

At least he was willing to be reasonable.

Kagome headed up to her bedchamber later that day. Sango and Kagura were already inside waiting for her. Kagura looked uncomfortable, sitting over on the window seat, trying desperately to ignore Sango's merciless teasing. Kagome smiled at the two as she closed the door behind her.

"Let's bathe," Kagome suggested.

Agreeing, the three girls headed into the bathing room. Kagome picked out three bathing cloths and took out her lavender soap. As they undressed and scrubbed down, Sango and Kagome were shocked.

Kagura's body was covered in scars.

Painful scars. Kagura kept her face averted as she submerged herself in the water. She was so embarrassed. Kagome and Sango's bodies were smooth, delicate, scar free. She felt ugly in comparison. Kagome moved over to Kagura, lifting her head.

"You have nothing to be ashamed of Kagura. You are as beautiful as anyone else."

Kagura gave her a grateful smile. She didn't deserve her kindness but she would take it. Maybe she was greedy, maybe she was selfish. She didn't care. Not anymore. If Vishious was going to pull the rug from under her feet some day, she wanted to makes as many memories as she could before that happened. She wanted to remember Kagome this way; kind, gentle, loving. When Kagome found out the truth and hated her, she wanted to be able to think back on this moment of kindness. She wanted to be able to wrap herself up in these precious moments of happiness. Whether she deserved this brief time of peace and happiness or not, she was going to take it.

"Were you able to speak with Sesshomaru?" Kagura asked.

Kagome nodded.

"I have one month to bond with the current amulet and find the last amulet. Once that month is over, I have to stay completely out of danger," Kagome answered.

"Sounds reasonable," Sango said.

Kagome nodded.

"Hopefully I'll bond with the amulet and find the last amulet before time runs out,"

Kagome sighed, laying her head back against the tub, she closed her eyes.

"I can't let time run out, Sesshomaru is not kidding. Once the month is up, there's no way he'll be swayed to let me near danger again, "

"Don't worry Kagome, everything will work out. It always does," Sango said.

"I sure hope so," she said opening her eyes.

They bathed quietly and dried just as silently. Kagome took out three sleeping kimonos from her wardrobe, handing one to each woman. They dressed and moved over to the wardrobe.

"Now, what color kimono should we dress her in?" Kagome asked Sango.

"Hmmm, how about a nice blue?" Sango asked pulling out a blue kimono and holding it up to Kagura's chin.

"Or maybe a deep red?" Kagome murmured, holding up a red kimono up over the blue kimono.

Kagura sat wide eyed as the two held up kimono after kimono up to her chin. Finally, after minutes of pulling and discarding, they finally decided on a dark purple kimono and black obi. Kagura sighed as they finally let her breathe.

For a moment that is.

"Now, for hair and make-up," Sango said.

Kagura sighed again as Sango and Kagome went to work on her hair, fussing over what sort of style would be best. Having her hair pinned up would enhance her facial features, drawing attention to her smooth neck, Sango argued. But having her hair down would frame her face, giving her a delicate, feminine look. The two compromised, pinning up the back of her hair and leaving the front loose. Then came the make up, which bringing another disagreement.

No make up would be better, as she was a natural beauty, Kagome argued. A touch of make-up would give her a sexy look, Sango pointed out. Another compromise was made and the two applied light purple shadow to her eye lids. Kagome dabbed a bit of perfume on her neck and wrists, and Sango added a bit of color to her lips. Kagura was glad when it was over.

"Alright, come over to the mirror and take a look," Kagome said.

Kagura stood and walked over to the mirror. Shock washed over her. For the first time, as she looked at herself in the mirror, the disgust was gone. The self hatred, the revulsion, the disdain with which she usually regarded her self was no longer there. For the first time in her short life, she felt beautiful. Pressure filled in her chest and to her surprise, her eyes seemed to moisten as if she were about to cry. No tears fell of course, but the fact that she had gotten close made her feel warm inside.

Kagome appeared in the mirror behind her, a bright smile on her face.

"You look beautiful, Kagura. Now, you go out with General Ensei and if he gets too fresh you tell us and we'll take care of him," she said with a playful wink.

Kagura smiled.

"Yes, my La-"Kagome glared, Kagura faked a cough, "Kagome," she finished.

Sango laughed at the two. Kagome giggled as well. With her heart full, Kagura laughed too.

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General Ensei dressed in his royal blue kimono and hakama. After turning his wardrobe upside down looking for suitable clothing, he had finally decided on his best silk kimono and hakama. Now he stood in front of a mirror trying to decide if he should wear his hair up or down. He usually had his hair up in a ponytail but maybe he should leave it down for the date. He had nice fine silky hair; he took good care of it.

He wondered what Kagura would prefer.

He had not felt this giddy for a date in a while. It was nice to actually be excited about dating a woman that seemed hell bent on pushing him away. He was not used to being turned away by a woman. As far back as he could remember, he had never been turned down. But even this late in his life he knew that there was a first time for everything.

"You are dressed quite well, Ensei. Any particular reason?" Sarinji said from behind him.

"Aye, a date with Kagura, Lady Kagome's personal servant," he said brushing his hair down.

"I see, and yet I do not see,"

"What say you, Sarinji?" Ensei asked.

"Aye. I've seen you go out on many a date before, and yet you have never taken such painstaking care with grooming," Sarinji observed.

"Aye, that is because I have not done so before,"

"Why now, mayhap she is special?"

Ensei placed the brush down and walked over to the full length mirror to observe his handy work.

"You might say that,"

"What is special about her?"

Ensei smiled

"She rejected my advances."

"Ohhh?"

"More than once. As you surely know, such a thing has never happened to me,"

"Aye, I've never seen such a thing happen to you,"

"Not only that, she is….different. There is something about her that I just cannot put my finger on; something that draws me to her."

Ensei walked over to Sarinji.

"She has been damaged, hurt. Physically and emotionally,"

"You may be drawn to her by a need to protect her,"

Ensei shook his head.

"It is more than that. She is different, she make me feel…."

"Excited? Young?...Reckless?"

Ensei narrowed his eyes.

"Do not try and compare our situations. It matters not if what she makes me feel is the same feeling you have around Lady Kagome. You pursue a mated woman, I do not."

"It is the same,"

"It is not! When are you going to open your eyes, Sarinji! There is no way in hell anything could come of you pursing Lady Kagome. Lord Sesshomaru has addressed your disrespect and has issued a warning. If you continue on this path you will meet your end,"

Sarinji said nothing. Instead her turned and headed for the door.

"I love you as a brother, Sarinji, do not do this," Ensei said.

"I love you as well, Ensei. As far as I am concerned, you are my brother."

That said, Sarinji turned and walked away.

Ensei sighed.

This was not what he needed before his date. Damn that thick headed bastard. Blowing out the candles in his room, he left and headed down the stairs. Hushed feminine voices reached his ears.

"Don't be nervous, Kagura. You have nothing to worry about,"

He recognized that voice as Sango's. Kagura was nervous about going out with him? He was not the only one with jitters then.

"Sango's exactly right, as I said before, if he gets fresh, we'll give him what for,"

That voice unmistakably belong to Lady Kagome. He chuckled, bringing attention to himself.

"Who's there?" Kagome called out.

Ensei walked down the remainder of the stairs, a witty comment on his tongue. As Kagura came into sight, the comment dissipated. He stared, rooted to the floor, completely captivated. She was beautiful. His conversation with Sarinji was forgotten in an instant. A blush quickly bloomed on her face.

"Don't stand there and stare she," she said angrily.

Ensei chuckled again as he glided up to her. She gasped in surprise as he grasped her hand, bringing it up to his lips for a soft kiss. She blushed even harder.

"I do not mean to stare, but your beauty captured me so completely, I could not help but to stare,"

Sango and Kagome smiled at the display. Kagura was definitely not use to this. It would be good for her. The two backed away from the duo, quietly leaving the couple to themselves. Kagura pulled her hand away, resorting to anger to hide her embarrassment.

"Let's just get this over with," she said walking towards the double doors leading outside.

Ensei followed; a smirk on his face. They walked about the garden in silence, heading for the stable beyond the garden. Once at the stable, they secured two horses and rode out at a leisurely pace.

"Where are we going?" Kagura asked after traveling for a while.

"There is a village near by. Lady Kagome says that it is famous for its frequent festivals and celebrations. Have you ever been to a festival, Kagura?"

Kagura shook her head.

"No, I've never been,"

"I think you'll enjoy this,"

They arrived at the village in a matter of minutes and sure enough, a celebration was in full swing. The village was brightly lit; music and laughter filled the air. The scent of fresh pastries and meats had her mouth watering. They tethered their horses to a tree outside the village before joining in on the celebration.

It was a sight to see.

Kagura had never seen something so amazing. Her eyes widened in excited surprise at all the activity. Booths had been set up along the main road of the village, vendors selling various goods and foods tried to coarse them into stopping as they walked by.

They stopped at a gaming booth.

Kagura looked at the prizes with envy. Handmade teddy bears and stuffed animals were tied on rope and hanging from the ceiling. A brown wolf with deep brown eyes caught her eyes.

"Would ye like to try little lady? Hit all six cylinders and you can have any prize up here," the male running the booth asked.

"Aye, give it a try Kagura," Ensei said.

Kagura looked over at the game. Wooden cylinders sat stacked atop each other; three on the bottom, two in the middle, and one on the top, a barrel of balls sat next to the male.

"How much?" Ensei asked pulling out a silk pouch from an inner pocket in his kimono.

"Five coins for three balls, my Lord," the man said.

Pulling out five bronze coins, he handed them over to the man, taking the three balls he gave him. He turned to Kagura, holding out the balls.

"Give it a try," he said.

Kagura blinked. Throw balls at some wooden cylinders? It seemed pretty pointless, but she really did want that stuffed wolf. She picked up one of the balls and turned back to the cylinder. Taking aim, she threw the ball, knocking two cylinders to the ground. She smiled in excitement, reaching behind her to take another ball from Ensei as the man set the cylinders back up. Her next ball took down four cylinders.

"Did you see that? I almost had them all that time!" she said to Ensei as she grabbed another ball.

Ensei nodded, a smile on his face.

Kagura hurled her last ball, knocking down only three this time. She was a bit disappointed that she hadn't gotten the stuffed wolf, but she had a lot of fun. Ensei opened his pouch once more, and handed the man five more coins.

"I think I'll give it a try," he said.

Taking the first ball, he threw the first ball, knocking down all six cylinders. Kagura gasped in surprise.

"Choose any prize ya like, my Lord," the man said gesturing to the prizes over head.

Ensei turned to Kagura.

"Which one would you like?" he asked her.

Kagura blinked, a bit shocked. He was letting her pick?

"The wolf," she said.

The man took down the brown wolf and handed it over to her. It was incredibly soft. Kagura hugged it to her chest, her fingers running over the soft head. Ensei handed a ball to her.

"Try again," he said.

Kagura took the ball, knocking down four cylinders. Ensei handed her the last ball.

"Once more, I have a good feeling about this ball,"

Kagura smiled.

"Alright," she said turning to the cylinders.

Suddenly, he came up behind her, his arms wrapping around her.

"Hold it this way," he said against her, positioning her correctly, "Aim for the base,"

Kagura's heart pounded in her chest, heat spreading throughout her body. His scent filled her nose. He smelled heavenly. With Ensei's guidance, Kagura tossed the ball. All six of the cylinders went down. Kagura grinned, her eyes lighting up.

"Choose your prize," the man said.

"Pick a prize for me," Ensei said.

Kagura looked up at the prizes. A smirk came to her face as a pink teddy bear caught her eye. Pointing at the teddy bear, she watched Ensei's expression. He said nothing, raising a brow at the bear as the man handed it to him. Kagura giggled as he took it. Ensei smiled as they began to walk once more. They stopped at a near by booth selling honey glazed pastries. Ensei paid for the pastries and the two continued to walk through the village, playing various games here and there.

They stopped at a booth selling hair pins. Ensei picked out a beautiful red and gold hair pin, and added it to her hair.

Kagura blushed.

She had never been given something so beautiful before. The two continued on from there, heading back to their tethered horses, only to discover, one was missing. They searched around, but the horse was no where to be found.

"The horse will eventually find his way home," Ensei commented, "Come, you will ride with me,"

Kagura walked over to Ensei, squealing in surprise as he lifted her off her feet and sat her onto the horse. Kagura glared at him.

"You want to warn me before you do that next time?" she asked angrily.

Ensei flashed a grin.

"I'll think about it," he said as he swung up behind her.

His heat consumed her, one strong arm around her waist, his other hand steering the horse. As they traveled along the forest, Kagura felt so safe and warm. It was strange, this feeling. She had not felt this way before.

She had to say….she liked it.

They made it back to the castle, not surprised to see that Kagura's escaped horse had made it back. The two walked to the castle in silence. As they approached the stairs, they stopped.

"Did you have a good time, Kagura?" he asked.

She nodded, blushing a bit as she smiled up at him.

"I have to admit I didn't really know what to expect, but tonight was one of the best nights I've ever had."

With butterflies in her stomach, Kagura moved closer to him. Hesitantly, she stood on her tip toes, brushing her lips softly over his. The kiss was brief and unbelievably warm. Kagura stepped back.

"Thank you," she said softly, hugging the stuffed wolf to her chest, she headed up to the stairs.

Ensei smiled, watching as she disappeared up the stairs. He was far from done with Kagura. He had no idea where their relationship was going, but he was damn sure going to find out.

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Thank you all for reading and reviewing!

Laters

~Sessakag