InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Beautiful Souls ❯ To Wait ( Chapter 9 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: BrethlessM 
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Adventure / Hentai / Romance | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 08.21.2005 | Pages: 6 | Words: 8.1K | Visits: 568 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Adventure / Hentai / Romance | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 08.21.2005 | Pages: 6 | Words: 8.1K | Visits: 568 | Status: Work In Progress
Inuyasha growled, clenching his fists, “He’s coming!” Dusk was beginning to settle over the land once more as Kagome and Inuyasha journeyed further inward, beyond the boundary of Wolf Youkai Tribe territory.
Kagome looked worriedly at Inuyasha as a whirlwind appeared in the distance, “Remember, be nice.”
Inuyasha rested his hand on Tetsusaiga’s hilt, “I’m always nice!”
Stopping abruptly in front of Kagome, the whirlwind slowed, turning into Kouga, the Wolf Youkai Prince. “Hey Kagome! Did you miss me? You must have, to travel all the way out here on your own.”
Cutting off the growl that began to rise in Inuyasha’s throat, Kagome smiled as Kouga took her hand in his, “Hi, Kouga! Inuyasha and I came to see you. We-”
“Dog Shit! I thought I smelled something nasty around here!” Kouga grinned at Inuyasha, putting his arm around Kagome’s waist. “So, have you been taking good care of my woman for me?”
Pulling Kouga to the side as Inuyasha’s face began to change colors, Kagome brought the wolf’s attention back to her, “Listen, Kouga... We have a favor to ask you.”
Arching an eyebrow with interest, Kouga smiled, “Anything for you, Kagome.”
Kagome giggled nervously, “Right....Well, um, we have a plan... to catch Naraku.” Kagome explained the idea the group had come up with, searching his face as she described to Kouga how he would be involved.
Kouga turned away, apparently thinking. Kagome looked at Inuyasha, worried that the wolf would say no. Inuyasha just eyed Kouga.
Suddenly, Kouga turned and swept Kagome into his arms, holding her close, “All right, I’ll do it. We’ll leave first thing tomorrow morning.”
“Get your fucking hands off of her!” Inuyasha had drawn Tetsusaiga, deciding he’d had enough of watching Kouga manhandle Kagome.
Kagome turned to Inuyasha in surprise, since he’d been so well-behaved until now, “Inuyasha!”
Kouga just looked smug, “What’s the matter, Dog Shit? You got a problem?”
Inuyasha growled, “Yeah, I got a problem, and I’m about to take care of it right now!” Preparing to take a swing at the wolf, he stopped suddenly as Kagome jumped in front of him. “Bitch, are you crazy?”
Kagome was calm, her voice low, “Inuyasha.... We need him.”
Inuyasha seethed, “Keh! We don’t fucking need that wimpy wolf! I can cut his legs off and we can take those back with us!”
“I’d like to see you try!” Kouga challenged.
Before Inuyasha could rise to Kouga’s taunting, Kagome grabbed his hand, “In order for this idea to work, we need his help. Just trust me, okay? Let’s just go along with him.”
Inuyasha stared at her for a moment, “Keh,”
Smiling, Kagome turned back to Kouga, “Thanks for agreeing to come. We’ll leave in the morning.”
Kagome yelped in surprise as Kouga picked her up and took off at a run, leaving Inuyasha in a cloud of dust.
“Where are you taking me?” Kagome asked, trying not to scream.
“To my lair! Where else? Can’t have you sleeping in the mud, can I?” Kouga bounded up the side of a cliff, legs powered by the Jewel shards he had embedded in them. Reaching the top, he slowed, heading for the mouth of a great cave in the mountainside.
“Listen, Kouga,” Kagome began, not anxious to enter the lair of the Wolf Youkai Tribe again, “I really need you to behave yourself around Inuyasha. If you two are fighting all the time, we’ll all be so distracted we won’t be able to prepare for when Naraku arrives. Please, promise me you’ll be nice!”
Kouga grinned as he put her down, “Me? I’m always nice.”
Stopping at the entrance to the cave, Kagome was relieved when Inuyasha appeared behind her.
“Let’s go, Kagome. We are not staying here.”
“Too good for you, Dog Shit? I guess if you’re used to living in trees, a cozy place like this would be too much,” Kouga entered the cave and turned around with his hands on his hips, daring them to follow.
Never one to turn down a challenge, Inuyasha snorted, then followed.
Kagome entered the cave behind Inuyasha, and was surprised to hear her name spoken by some of Kouga’s kinsmen.
“Hey, it’s Kagome!”
“Sis is back!”
Hiya, Sis!”
Kouga grinned proudly as some of the wolves approached Kagome, allowing her to scratch their ears. His two right hand men, Ginta and Hakaku, were eager to welcome her back, and immediately asked how long she was staying. Shooting a look at Inuyasha, he addressed his brothers, “She’s not here to stay guys! Not yet anyway. Tomorrow, I leave with Kagome to fight Naraku, and after that....” The Wolf Prince let the end of his statement trail off as he turned to stare at Kagome, annoying Inuyasha.
Seeing the irritated look on Kagome’s face, Kouga’s smile faded. “Come on,” Picking her up again, he jumped onto a ledge, above the alcove where she had been held prisoner the last time she’d been here. Stepping through a doorway set into the stone wall, Kouga gestured to the smaller room, allowing Kagome and Inuyasha to enter. “This is my room,” Kouga explained to Kagome, “You’ll be sleeping here.”
Kagome blushed at the look in Kouga’s eyes, “Thanks, but...”
“No fucking way.” Inuyasha’s voice was low, but the threat in it was clear.
“I don’t care where you sleep, Dog Shit. My woman deserves the best room in the house!”
Inuyasha took a step forward, “If you think for one minute that I’m going to let my bitch, sleep here with you, then...”
Kouga’s eyes flashed, “Your bitch? Why you....”
“Knock it off!” Kagome looked at the two of them, angry. Grabbing Inuyasha and pulling him to one side, she looked over at Kouga, “Will you excuse us for a sec.?”
Not really caring whether he agreed or not, Kagome turned her back to him, facing Inuyasha with a serious expression, “What exactly did you call me?”
Inuyasha blushed, realizing what he’d said, “I called you... my bitch.” He met her eyes as she nodded.
“What exactly does that mean?”
Inuyasha’s eyes darted over to Kouga, who was leaning against the wall, watching them. “Do we have to talk about this now?”
Kagome sighed. Shaking her head, she turned and faced Kouga. “If I stay here, Inuyasha stays. Otherwise we both sleep outside.”
Kouga clearly didn’t like either alternative. Kagome watched the muscles in his jaw clench as he tried to decide which option he preferred. Finally, he stood up straight and approached the hanyou. “All right. You stay here. But if you even think about laying a hand on her....” Turning, he took Kagome’s hands once more, “Goodnight, Kagome.”
As soon as he was gone, Kagome sighed with relief. Looking around, she took in the room for the first time. About the size of her own bedroom at home, the area was well, if dimly lit, by three oil lamps that hung from iron hooks on the wall. In one corner, beneath a lower slope in the ceiling, a pile of animal pelts had been arranged to form a sort of bed. On one wall at her eye level, a rough shelf had been carved. A few items lay on it, their significance unknown to Kagome, with the exception of a red scarf that she recognized as coming from her school uniform.
Noticing that Inuyasha was watching her, she gave him a small smile, “Thanks.”
Inuyasha scowled, “Keh, for what?”
Kagome reached out and took his hand, “ For not leaving me alone here.”
The wariness left Inuyasha’s eyes and was replaced by a look of embarrassment. “As if I’d leave you alone with that bastard,” he mumbled, turning away from her.
Inuyasha stared at Kouga’s shelf, eyeing each item separately. A piece of bone that appeared to have come from some sort of small animal. A set of tiny milk teeth, strung together, ‘Probably his own,’ Inuyasha thought with a grunt. A folded headband that appeared to be an older version of Kouga’s own, maybe belonging to the wolf’s father, and....
Inuyasha stared at the red scrap of cloth, feeling anger rise in his chest again. ‘She didn’t give this to him, did she? No, she wouldn’t...’ Turning to demand an explanation, Inuyasha discovered that Kagome had fallen asleep. Softening, Inuyasha stepped closer to the bed, ignoring the unpleasant odor of wolf that stung his nostrils. Kagome’s eyelids fluttered gently, her breathing even. Inuyasha imagined curling up next to her and sleeping with her wrapped in his arms, as he had the night before.
The hanyou grinned as he realized he was thinking of touching her. Further disobeying Kouga’s orders, Inuyasha bent down and gave the girl a quick kiss, before going to sit across from the foot of the bed. From here, he had a great view of both the doorway, and Kagome. Looking out over the edge of the shelf, Inuyasha watched as Kouga wandered through his brethren, preparing to leave them for however long it would take them to finish this fight.
Closing his eyes, Inuyasha waited in silence for the sun to rise once more.
****************
The battle had waged for seven days and seven nights. Exhausted, her strength nearly gone, the Miko known as Midoriko continued to fight the monstrous mass of youkai. This mass of dragons, oni, spiders and many more such youkai, had merged themselves together, using the tainted soul of a mortal who desired Midoriko, with the sole purpose of killing the Miko.
Kagome watched in horror, unable to move, as the woman’s arm was bitten off. Falling to the ground, the Miko knew she had been defeated. As her body was lifted up into the mouth of the beast, Midoriko gathered together her last ounces of spiritual energy.
Lightening flashed in the sky above. Kagome screamed out to the Miko, but she was unheard as the youkai’s tongue speared Midoriko’s chest, attempting to suck out her soul. A brilliant explosion of energy created day out of the night, as two powerful forces collided. Midoriko had seized the youkai’s soul, and her’s had been taken in with it.
With a roar that shook the earth, the mass of youkai turned to stone, along with the brave woman who had, with her last breath, managed to trap their souls along with hers. Kagome stared, tears streaming down her face as, from the heart of the Miko, a glowing pink ball fell to the ground, leaving a hole from whence it had emerged.
Able to move again, Kagome raced forward, clutching the Shikon no Tama to her chest. ‘I could have helped,’ she sobbed softly, ‘I wanted to help you.’
As the images faded away, and the Jewel disappeared from her grasp, a voice on the wind whispered softly to her, ‘You can....’
******************
Inuyasha knew the day was going to go badly when he woke to see Kouga staring at him. Leaping to his feet, sword in hand, the hanyou took a defensive position, before he remembered where he was, and why he was there.
Kouga stared at him in amusement, “Kinda jumpy first thing in the morning, aren’t ya?”
Inuyasha grunted in reply, eyeing the dead carcass Kouga had slung over his shoulder, “What the hell is that?”
Kouga dropped the wild boar he’d slaughtered that morning at the half-youkai’s feet, “Seems your nose doesn’t work too well in the mornings either. I slew that boar for Kagome’s breakfast!”
“That’s not what I meant, you moron! Kagome won’t eat that unless it’s been skinned and gutted! And she definitely won’t eat it if she’s seen it’s head!” Inuyasha shook his head, “How can you say you love her, when you don’t know anything about her?”
Kouga’s face twisted into a snarl and he was about to reply, when a voice stopped him.
“Kami....” Kagome took one look at the dead boar before burying her face back in her arms.
Inuyasha grinned smugly, as Kouga hauled the animal out of the room, throwing it to his brothers below. Never mind that Kagome saw horribly mutilated demons nearly every day, the hanyou had learned long ago that Kagome wouldn’t eat a freshly slaughtered kill. Inuyasha always made sure to prepare anything he caught away from their camp, bringing it back only when it was ready to be cooked.
Inuyasha stood in the doorway with his back to Kouga’s room so that Kagome could change. When she was ready, he picked her up and leapt to the lower level of the cave, hurrying towards the entrance. “Damn, I’ll be glad to get out of here. The whole place stinks of wolves!” Inuyasha mumbled, earning a few growls from the pack as he quickly exited.
Pulling Kagome onto his back, Inuyasha turned to Kouga, who was already waiting for them, “Ready to go, asshole?”
Just try and keep up, Dog Shit!” With that, Kouga bolted ahead of Inuyasha, remaining close enough that he always remained in sight of the irritated half-youkai.
Kagome sighed as Inuyasha took off after Kouga. It was going to be a long trip.
*****************
It was midnight. Kaede lay sleeping on her tatami mat, when she was awakened by the sound of voices outside her hut. Sensing a demonic aura, the old Miko rose from her bed, grabbing her bow and quiver of arrows. Stepping quietly outside, Kaede raised her weapon.”
“Shut up, you bastard! Do you want to wake her up?”
“You shut up!”
Kaede lowered her bow and sighed. “I see that ye have returned, Inuyasha.”
“Keh,” Inuyasha was trying to carefully remove a sleeping Kagome from his back without disturbing her. Swinging her around into his arms, Inuyasha stepped passed Kaede to take Kagome inside the hut.
Kouga glared as the hanyou disappeared with Kagome. Neither of them thrilled at the prospect of spending the night in each other’s company on the road, both Kouga and Inuyasha had attained incredible speed in their effort to reach the village in record time. They hadn’t stopped once to rest, and Kagome had finally fallen asleep on Inuyasha’s back only four hours before they reached the shrine.
Kouga hated to admit it, but he was jealous of the hanyou. Spending every day, as far as he knew, in each others company, the two had obviously formed a unique bond if the girl was comfortable enough to sleep peacefully on the back of a practically flying half-demon. Whenever Kouga carried her, she seemed scared to death.
Noticing that the old Miko woman was watching him, he stepped forward. Mostly, humans were food for his kinsmen. However, this one was a friend of Kagome’s. Bowing rather formally, Kouga addressed the woman, “I am Kouga, Prince of the Wolf Youkai Tribe. I thank you for the aid you have given my future mate.”
Kaede blinked at the wolf, but said nothing. She had, of course, heard stories about the infamous Kouga since the youkai had first made himself known to the group by kidnaping Kagome, then insisting that she become his mate because she possessed the power to see Jewel shards. Though Kaede knew that Inuyasha was bound to fly into a jealous rage over anyone who showed an interest in Kagome, Kaede could suddenly see why the hanyou was especially perturbed by the handsome youkai before her.
Bowing in return, Kaede led the young wolf prince to the campfire circle where he would sleep until further plans were made.
Passing by Kaede on her way back inside the hut, Inuyasha stared at Kouga, “Go anywhere near her and that Miko will purify you.” Disappearing to the Goshinboku, Inuyasha grinned to himself. Kaede didn’t actually have the power to purify a full youkai such as Kouga, but the wolf didn’t need to know that.
******************
Sango wanted to laugh at the sight before her as Kirara circled the village to land in front of Kaede’s hut. Though it was a familiar enough situation, it was one she never thought she’d see in this place.
“I guess Inuyasha and Kagome found Kouga,” Miroku chuckled from behind her.
Shippou shook his head, “Won’t those two ever give up?”
Nearly twenty feet from Kaede’s front door, Kouga and Inuyasha stood facing each other, teeth bared. Kagome stood between the two as always, but instead of acting as peacemaker, she was yelling... loudly. Something the girl rarely ever did.
“Listen! I’ve asked you two to play nicely and you haven’t stopped fighting since! Inuyasha, I don’t want to, but if you don’t stop fighting with Kouga, and I mean this minute, I’ll ‘s-i-t’ you so far into the earth they’ll need a shovel to get you back out! And you, Kouga,” she whirled around on the wolf, making him lose the grin that had covered his face while she’d threatened Inuyasha, “if you don’t call a truce with Inuyasha, and keep it until Naraku has been destroyed, I’ll make a Nenju necklace for you too!”
Storming off to the astonished looks of both Inuyasha and Kouga, she walked over to the others. Smiling brightly, as though nothing were wrong, Kagome gave Sango a hug, and whispered, “Bath, please!” before heading inside to grab her things.
Inuyasha turned to glare sullenly at Kouga, “See what you did?”
“What I did? You were the one who...”
“Inuyasha! Osuwari!”
Inuyasha crashed to the earth under the force of the subjugation spell. Kouga winced as Kagome came back out of the hut with something in her hands. Whispering softly, Kagome suddenly released a string of beads that instantly flew towards the wolf, surrounding his neck.
“Osuwari!” Kagome shouted, sending Kouga to the ground, as well as the hanyou who had just stood up from the first one.
“Kagome.....” Inuyasha growled through a mouthful of dirt.
Kagome ignored him. Briefly returning to the hut for her bath things, she and Sango headed off to their normal bathing spot, leaving both men behind.
Kouga sat up in shock. Pulling at the Nenju he now wore, he tried to get it over his head.
Inuyasha sat up as well, chuckling as he stared at Kouga, “It’s no good, you bastard. Only Kagome can take it off.”
Getting to his feet, Inuyasha took off after Kagome.
Kouga called to him, “Hey! Where do you think you’re going?”
Inuyasha didn’t bother to turn around, “To stand guard while they bathe, of course!”
Kouga stared, open-mouthed for a moment before hurrying after the hanyou, “I’m coming too!”
Now Inuyasha turned, “Not a chance, wolf!”
“You think I trust you around my Kagome while she’s bathing?”
“Your...” Inuyasha was once again cut off by Kagome’s warning cry.
“Inuyasha...”
“Fine! You come, but don’t get any ideas!” Inuyasha stormed off, Kouga close behind.
Miroku sighed, “I guess I’ll go as well. Someone has to keep them from killing each other.”
Shippou nodded, “While you do that, I’ll protect the women by bathing with them!”
Miroku watched the kitsune run to catch up with Kagome and Sango, wishing that he could trade places with the little fox.
****************
‘Kouga and Inuyasha both have quite the expression on their faces,’ Miroku thought as the three of them sat in a circle, not far from where Sango, Kagome and Shippou where bathing in the river. The afternoon sun made the water considerably warmer, but was cool enough that Miroku expected this to be a short bath.
The girls laughted as their talk came to the monk from beyond the rocks that blocked his view. Closing his eyes, he imagined the girls... washing each others hair....
“Is this why you stand guard? So you can smell her?” Kouga muttered in a low voice. His expression was somewhere between outraged at the idea, and intoxicated by whatever it was that couldn’t be smelled by a mortal nose.
Inuyasha growled, but Miroku didn’t miss the slight blush, indicating that the wolf hadn’t been too far from the truth, “Keh. Someone has to protect them while they’re vulnerable. And you better not be sniffing to close either!” he warned.
Miroku was intrigued. Leaning over to Inuyasha, he whispered, “Tell me, what do they smell like?”
Blushing even darker, Inuyasha muttered, “Hentai Monk,” under his breath.
A loud shriek of laughter made all three men jump guiltily. Realizing that it was just Sango and Kagome, Inuyasha relaxed a little.
Miroku chuckled, “No, Kouga, that isn’t all we do. There’s also eavesdropping!”
Kouga scoffed, but suddenly seemed to be listening more closely to the girls chatter.
“ Miroku....” Sango’s voice trailed off, too low to be heard by their now rapt audience.
“ No!” Kagome exclaimed loudly.
“ Yes! Then he....” Miroku especially strained to hear as again, Sango’s voice became a whisper.
“ He kissed you!” The unexpected loudness of Kagome’s voice caused the three men to jump again, before two sets of eyes turned to the reddening houshi.
Inuyasha chuckled, “ ‘bout time, bouzu!”
Miroku grinned weakly.
Sango’s voice drifted back to them, “So, what about Inuyasha?”
Suddenly, Inuyasha tired of listening, “Are you two done yet?”
A fit of giggles answered him before Sango replied, “Only if you three are done spying on us!”
The men blushed, as two girls and a kitsune hurriedly dressed to prepare for dinner.
*****************
The night was quiet. Light from the campfire illuminated the patch of earth around which the group sat, discussing plans for the coming battle.
Sango, stick in hand to draw in the dirt, pointed out the key areas she felt would be necessary to have covered. “We can’t expect that Naraku and Mouryoumaru will stay together. They’ll probably spread out. If Kanna shows up, that’ll be another factor to consider. We’d have to be extra careful not to look in her mirror. If she got control of any of us, it’d be over.” Kanna, another of Naraku’s detachments, gave off no demonic energy and was about as expressionless as a tree stump, however the child-like foe had the ability to suck souls into the mirror she carried, and could leave them vulnerable to possession.
Pointing to an area of the map she’d sketched, Sango continued, “This area here is the only part of the valley not sided by trees, or mountain. That’s where we should expect to attack from. It’d block at least one easy exit. Kirara and I will try and stay in the air. That way if Naraku attempts to fly in or out, we’ll have a chance at him.
“Tomorrow, we should go set up camp in this area, where the river runs through. It’s the closest point to both the village, and the open area we’ll attack from.” Drawing X’s in the dirt, the taijiya indicated each one of them in turn, “Miroku, you’ll be on the left flank, here. You’re in a good position for fighting with your staff, since it’s likely Naraku won’t come without his Saimyoushou. Otherwise, suck up whatever you can.”
Pointing again, Sango looked to Kouga, “You’ll be here, at the opposite end of the field from Miroku and diagonal from Inuyasha. As one of our strongest fighters, I want you at the back in case of any unexpected surprises.”
Another X stood for the eager hanyou, “You’re here on the right flank Inuyasha. Mostly, you’ll be front and center. The only attack that Mouryoumaru has always run from is your Kongousouha. I’m hoping there’s a good reason for that. With the extra power you gained from fighting Dakki recently, any barrier Naraku tries to put up should be easy to break through.”
A smaller X was placed between Miroku and Inuyasha, “Assuming he comes, I want Kohaku here. That way, he and Kouga are separated. I don’t want to make life any easier for Naraku. Kagome...” Sango gave her friend a sad smile, “you’re wherever Kikyou calls you to. I’m hoping it’s on this rear flank here. That way, all areas are covered, and you’d be between both Kouga and Inuyasha.”
Sitting back on her heels, Sango finally came to the difficult part, “If Mouryoumaru manages to get the last three shards, it would be bad, but it could also work in our favor. He’s trying to overpower Naraku so it’s safe to assume that the two of them would begin fighting each other. From what Kagome says, Kikyou’s plan is for the Jewel to be completed, at which point she can purify both the Jewel, and Naraku’s soul, destroying him. I have no idea how she plans to do that, but I wish her and Kagome luck.
“We know that Naraku’s heart is in Mouryoumaru, so our focus is destroying him. If Naraku absorbs him and completes the Jewel, we focus all our attention there. Bottom line, we can’t let either of them get away, or we lose.” A sad look passed over Sango’s face.
Inuyasha nodded, “Don’t worry Sango, I’ll do everything in my power to keep Kohaku alive. My plan is to kill them both before the Jewel is complete. We can worry about the shards after they’re gone.”
Sango smiled as everyone nodded. “May the Kami protect us.”
*****************
Kouga sat awake, long into the night. Youkai didn’t sleep as much as these humans seemed to, and even Inuyasha, though not actually asleep, seemed to rest at night to gather his strength. Staring at the circle of people who slept around him, Kouga thought about them. Three humans; a demon exterminator, a monk with an Air Rip in his hand, and a strange - though beautiful - girl with spiritual powers. A half-youkai who, if Kouga were being honest, was a pretty formidable fighter, for a mutt, one runty full youkai, and a nekomata. The Wolf Prince shook his head. It was the strangest group of fighters he’d ever seen. Not one of them was alike, yet together, they had defeated hundreds of demons in three short years.
Kouga had a tight bond with his own clan, but that was different. They were brothers. They were the same. Each had the same wants and needs as the other, and yet, in spite of their basic unity, civil war was ravaging the Northern and Western tribes, as well as the Southern and Eastern tribes. While his very brothers fought amongst themselves, this group of people, so very different from one another, not only fought well together, they drew their strength from each other too.
After only one day, it was clear to Kouga that Kagome was at the heart of that. Without physical strength, and not an ounce of evil in her soul, she was the life force at the very center of this group.
The little kitsune treated her like his mother and his love for her gave the young fox courage to face whatever lay ahead. Though very small, he seemed willing to do anything to protect her.
The taijiya was Kagome’s friend, and, having only today, heard about her fight to rescue her brother, Kouga recognized that Sango took a small part of her strength from that friendship with Kagome, who had helped the woman find the unity she needed in their group.
The monk had unlimited faith in the girl, and treated her as though she were a younger sister. His wisdom had led him to join their group, as though he knew that Kagome’s power was the key to lifting his curse.
And the mutt.... Well, he and Kagome were... close. Kouga recognized that. The half-breed even fought better when she was around. She was like some sort of inspiration for him and was the only one Kouga had ever seen make the hanyou laugh without looking guilty for it.
This group of... orphans, for lack of a better term, had found their own family. Knowing that Kagome was the center of it made Kouga feel proud... and also, a little sad in a way he didn’t yet understand.
A strange glow suddenly floated overhead, catching his attention. Looking up, Kouga saw three, long, snake-like objects, high about. Each one carried a round, glowing orb that looked like a soul. A sound on his left drew his focus, as Kagome quietly sat up, staring at the creatures.
“Kikyou,” she whispered softly. Looking around, the girl saw that Inuyasha was within arm’s length of her. Reaching out, she gently touched his knee. Inuyasha opened his eyes, smiling at her. As he noticed the light from above, his smile faded and worry entered his eyes. “Go,” Kagome urged, quietly.
Inuyasha hesitated, “We should tell her what we’ve planned,” he explained.
Kagome nodded, “Just go.”
Giving Kagome’s hand a final squeeze, Inuyasha took off in the same direction the flying snakes had gone. With a sigh, Kagome lay back down in her sleeping bag.
Kouga could see the moonlight reflecting in her eyes. She was wide awake. Wondering just what was going on, Kouga knew better than to follow the mutt. Inuyasha would smell him in a second. Finally deciding he really didn’t care what Dog Shit did, Kouga was about to forget the whole thing when he smelled the faint scent of tears. ‘Kagome?’ he wondered.
Rising, he made his way over to where she lay and gently touched her shoulder, “Kagome?”
Kagome jumped slightly at his touch. Quickly wiping her eyes, she sat up. Concern was in Kouga’s eyes, and she suddenly realized that he must be able to smell her tears, just like Inuyasha could. “I’m fine, Kouga. I’m sorry, I didn’t realize you were awake.”
Kouga stared, disbelieving, “I don’t sleep as much as humans... or hanyous for that matter. So... you want to tell me where Inuyasha went to?”
Kagome winced, “He went to see... an old friend. He had to tell her our plans for the battle.”
‘So that’s it... Dog Shit has another girl. So all this time, he’s been two-timing Kagome!’ Feeling anger rise in his chest, Kouga took Kagome by the shoulders, pulling her to her feet and turning her to face him. “Don’t you worry about him, Kagome. He doesn’t deserve you. You’re too good for him anyway.” Pulling her to his chest, he wiped the tears from her cheeks.
Kagome’s eyes widened as Kouga’s eyelids grew heavy. ‘He’s not going to kiss me... is he?’
*****************
Inuyasha hurried back to the campsite. He’d spoken briefly with Kikyou, telling her all about what the group had decided upon. She’d listened, but Inuyasha could sense that she thought their efforts were in vein. He’d even tried to discuss Kohaku with her, but Kikyou’s attitude had shocked him.
“The life of one boy matters little. The Shikon no Tama must be completed in order for Naraku to be destroyed. If he loses his own life to save the lives of many, I should think it would be an honor.” The miko had shaken her head. “I cannot concern myself with this boy.”
Inuyasha had grown angry with her, “The Kikyou I know would never choose to let someone, a fucking child, die if there was a chance he could be saved. Kikyou, there has to be another way.”
“The Kikyou you knew is dead.” The priestess had moved towards him. “Inuyasha... you have changed greatly. Once, you were so far removed from the world that the life of a single mortal would not touch you so. When I met you, I was contented that your heart ached only for me... for us. Now, your heart aches for all of humanity. It is little comfort that the heart I wished to heal... was healed by my reincarnation.”
Placing her hand over his heart, Kikyou had pierced him with her gaze, “If I were to give you a choice.... To follow me to Hell, where we belong, or for you to stay here with her.... What would you decide? Would you keep your promise to me, or allow me to die so that she might live? Is her life more valuable than mine? Is her love for you more important than my suffering?”
Inuyasha had backed away from her in horror. He’d suddenly seemed to realized that this... thing before him was not Kikyou. Not the priestess he had loved so fearfully, and so long ago. Her soul was gone and before him stood a model made of bones and grave soil, motivated only by a desire for revenge, whatever the cost.
Her soul had moved on, and been reincarnated in Kagome. But Kagome was so much more than Kikyou had ever been. Kikyou’s life had been one of hardship and loneliness. She had been unable to live as a woman, because her duties as a Miko prevented her from showing the slightest sign of frailty. Her emotions were her weakness, and proved to be her downfall.
Kagome... her life was one of joy and friendship. She was loved by everyone she met. She had grown into a beautiful woman, with a spirit all her own, separate from the one she’d inherited from Kikyou. Most importantly, her emotions gave her strength. Her anger, her love, her desire to protect, all these and more gave her a power that Kikyou had never possessed. Kagome was Kikyou’s reincarnation, but their shared soul had progressed to a higher state from one life to the next. Kagome was everything Kikyou could never have been.
Suddenly Inuyasha realized that his duty was not towards Kikyou. It was to Kagome. He would avenge the death of his first love, but he would not follow her to hell. He had died for Kikyou once upon the Goshinboku, and Kagome had awakened him to a new life, free from the guilt he’d been clinging to so tightly.
For everything she had given him since removing the arrow from his heart, Inuyasha owed his life to her in return. He would live his life with Kagome and never once regret the decision. It was her that had awakened his soul and taught him how to live. Her laughter, love and light that had taught him how to laugh, how to love, and what it was to be alive.
Kikyou smiled and nodded. “Good-bye, Inuyasha. Tell Kagome I will call when the time is nigh.”
Inuyasha had begun running. Now, he continued running, desperate to see Kagome. To apologize for all the time he had left her side in pursuit of a memory that had long since died. Stopping on the edge of the forest, Inuyasha froze. Kagome was awake... and so was Kouga.
***************
Just as Kouga’s lips touched hers, Kagome found strength in her limbs and pushed away from the wolf, slapping him hard across the face. Kouga appeared stunned for a moment, then, grinning widely, he pulled her close again, “ So you like it that way, do you? I never would have...”
Jerking out of his arms, she whispered, “Osuwari!” stepping over the sleeping form of Sango as Kouga went down with a muffled thud.
Kagome ran. Passing the rice paddies, the fields, the huts where all the villagers she knew slept, Kagome didn’t stop until she’d reached the forest on the other side of the village. There, she fell against the base of a tree, sobbing. Kouga hadn’t followed her.
Kagome was tired of crying. Tired of wondering what Inuyasha was thinking as he kissed her. Tired of wondering what was to become of them all. ‘Baka! Get a hold of yourself,!’ She chided, ‘The way you’ve been acting recently, you’d think this was all something new. You know the truth, and you decided to stay anyway. Inuyasha loves....”
Kagome was lifted from the ground and pinned tightly against the tree. She began to struggle as lips descended on hers, thinking Kouga had followed her after all. Then she fell still when a familiar voice groaned her name.
“Kagome...”
“Inuyasha?” Kagome’s mind swam. Where had he come from? Why wasn’t he with Kikyou? How had he known where she’d run too, so quickly?
The hanyou chuckled against her mouth, “Were you expecting Kouga?”
Kagome gasped, “You saw...”
“I saw you slap him. I didn’t see you sit him, but I felt it.” Inuyasha trailed a claw down her face, searching her eyes. “You never did want him, did you? Am I that fucking stupid?”
Kagome shook her head, “Never him,” she whispered. “What happened with Kikyou?” She heard herself asking.
Inuyasha’s eyes grew serious, “I left her, in the woods. I ran back....” Cupping her face in his hand, he said, “I realized, ever since the night I saw you cry for me, when we fought the spider heads... and you yelled at me for not telling you that I become human on the night of the new moon...” he grinned, “Ever since that night, there’s only one person I’ve wanted to be with... and that’s you.”
Kagome couldn’t speak. Heart pounding loudly beneath her breast, she tried to draw breath, but couldn’t.
“Do you understand what I’m trying to say here, Kagome? I’ve never said the words... to anyone. I’ve never wanted to, until now. Do you understand? I have no life without you, Kagome. Will you let me stay by your side?”
Kagome nodded. Still unable to speak. Words were no longer necessary as Inuyasha kissed her. Her arms crept around his neck as she surrounded herself to the aura of the man who loved her. Her. His soft moan triggered a shock wave of heat through her body. She wrapped her legs around his waist as he lifted her up, pressing her back against the tree for support.
Inuyasha wanted to touch her. Pulling off the t-shirt she had worn to bed that night, he stared at her in wonder. Her almond skin was nearly flawless. A light sprinkling of freckles feathered her shoulders, hinting at the baths she had taken under the hot sun. A few scars puckered her flesh, testifying to her bravery in the battles they’d faced together. The soft pink of her upswept nipples was the most beautiful sight Inuyasha had ever seen. Placing a gentle hand over one breast, he heard her sigh as he gently squeeze the tender nub.
Timidly, Kagome opened his haori and pulled Inuyasha’s white hadagi from his hakama. Reaching underneath, Kagome shivered as she ran her hands over his chest. Inuyasha growled deeply. Removing his haori and hadagi in a single movement, he pressed his bare chest to hers, crushing her lips beneath his.
Her legs around his waist were driving him mad. He pressed himself against her, letting her feel the hardness at his center. Kagome gasped. The scent of her made him dizzy. His need for her began to spiral out of control. With a soft growl, he took a step backwards, unwrapping her legs from around him so that they found the ground. Breathing roughly, he pressed his forehead to hers, trying to find the words to make her understand.
Kagome traced the muscles on his abdomen, gently fingering the silver hair below his navel.
Inuyasha took her hand in his, pressing the fingers to his lips. “Not now,” he managed to grate out, “Not yet.” Looking her in the eye, Inuyasha made sure she understood, “I will take you as my mate, if you’ll have me, but not here. Not like this.”
Closing her eyes, Kagome nodded. “I will,” she whispered.
Grinning, Inuyasha pulled her shirt back over her head before turning to gather his own clothes.
As the sun began to rise on the eastern horizon, Inuyasha and Kagome made their way back to Kaede’s, hand in hand.
****************
The day was long, and tense. The group had moved camp first thing in the morning, and now there was little to do but wait and see if Naraku would come. Everyone seemed to be in a world of their own, struggling with their own personal turmoil.
Kouga hadn’t spoken to anyone since Kagome and Inuyasha had returned, from Kami knows where, at dawn.
Sango sat on a large stone with Kirara at her feet, staring into the distance. Every so often, she would lift her head to look around, as if searching for someone.
Miroku had first tried walking around the valley, counting out steps to measure the area. Finally, he settled himself on the ground in the Lotus position and began chanting the mantra that everyone had gotten used to hearing from him over the years. No one noticed that his hands were shaking.
Kagome sat near Inuyasha. Her training with Kaede had been progressing well, and she spent her time focusing her energy as she had been taught. Her mind kept wandering nervously, making her lose concentration. Determinedly, she pressed on.
The normally frenetic Inuyasha stood or sat in the same place, all day. He spoke to no one, save a word of encouragement now and then to Kagome. The hanyou seemed to watch the sun, as if counting down the hours.
Only Shippou attempted to break the silence that had fallen among them. Trying to engage each of them in conversation, he finally stopped when, having transformed himself into a funny looking spider in an attempt to scare Inuyasha, he’d received a thump on the head for his troubles.
The young kitsune had not been assigned a place for the battle. His duty would be to do whatever he could to help the others... and not get killed. Earlier that morning, Inuyasha had pulled him aside as the others made ready to move to the valley field. Speaking seriously, the hanyou had sat Shippou on his shoulder, staring off into the rice paddies as the farmers began their day.
“Oi, runt,” Inuyasha had begun, “When the fighting starts, I want you to keep an eye out. If someone needs help, do what you can, like you always do... but be careful. I don’t want to have to save your ass, got it?”
Shippou had nodded, tears in his eyes. He knew that the hanyou was trying to encourage him. He was terrified, but he would fight alongside his friends for as long as he could. Now, looking around at the people he’d traveled with for so long, he said a silent prayer to whatever god was listening that they would all make it through, alive.
******************
Kaede worked silently in her hut. Unable to focus on her usual duties, the old Miko found herself making poultices, and other herbal remedies to help with any injuries. She too felt the oppressive thickness in the air, telling her that something was on it’s way. No one had spoken of it, but somehow, they all knew. Naraku would come. The lure of the last three shards, together with his greatest enemies all in the same place, would indeed, prove too great to resist.
Lifting her head from her work, Kaede closed her eyes. There was still time yet. Time enough to finish her preparations. Going through the medical kit that Kagome had given her, the priestess realized she wasn’t sure whether she was hoping to need her healing expertise, or not. “Well,” she told herself, “much easier to heal the wounded then raise the dead.”
A soft knock at the entrance to her hut, called her to the door. Before her stood a young boy. He had Sango’s eyes. Smiling, she drew the boy into her arms, hugging him warmly, “Welcome, Kohaku.”
****************
Sango stood from her position, stretching her muscles. Kirara mewed at her, rubbing her head against Sango’s calve. As she reached to pet the nekomata, Kirara’s head suddenly turned in the direction of the village. A figure stood among the trees, blending in with the shadows of the waning day. Stepping forward, the figure caught a ray of light, shining through the tree branches, and a face was illuminated.
“Kohaku...”
Sango’s voice was low, but everyone heard her. Standing slowly, Miroku, Shippou, Inuyasha, Kagome and even Kouga, turned to see the boy, now 14, approach them.
Kohaku froze, turning his face to the North. One by one, seven heads followed.
Inuyasha voiced what each of them knew, “He’s coming.”
*************************************************** ***************************
A/N: Almost all of the characters in this story were brought to you by the creative genius of Rumiko Takahashi, and the letters O, K and U. I do not own the characters, they own me.
Kagome looked worriedly at Inuyasha as a whirlwind appeared in the distance, “Remember, be nice.”
Inuyasha rested his hand on Tetsusaiga’s hilt, “I’m always nice!”
Stopping abruptly in front of Kagome, the whirlwind slowed, turning into Kouga, the Wolf Youkai Prince. “Hey Kagome! Did you miss me? You must have, to travel all the way out here on your own.”
Cutting off the growl that began to rise in Inuyasha’s throat, Kagome smiled as Kouga took her hand in his, “Hi, Kouga! Inuyasha and I came to see you. We-”
“Dog Shit! I thought I smelled something nasty around here!” Kouga grinned at Inuyasha, putting his arm around Kagome’s waist. “So, have you been taking good care of my woman for me?”
Pulling Kouga to the side as Inuyasha’s face began to change colors, Kagome brought the wolf’s attention back to her, “Listen, Kouga... We have a favor to ask you.”
Arching an eyebrow with interest, Kouga smiled, “Anything for you, Kagome.”
Kagome giggled nervously, “Right....Well, um, we have a plan... to catch Naraku.” Kagome explained the idea the group had come up with, searching his face as she described to Kouga how he would be involved.
Kouga turned away, apparently thinking. Kagome looked at Inuyasha, worried that the wolf would say no. Inuyasha just eyed Kouga.
Suddenly, Kouga turned and swept Kagome into his arms, holding her close, “All right, I’ll do it. We’ll leave first thing tomorrow morning.”
“Get your fucking hands off of her!” Inuyasha had drawn Tetsusaiga, deciding he’d had enough of watching Kouga manhandle Kagome.
Kagome turned to Inuyasha in surprise, since he’d been so well-behaved until now, “Inuyasha!”
Kouga just looked smug, “What’s the matter, Dog Shit? You got a problem?”
Inuyasha growled, “Yeah, I got a problem, and I’m about to take care of it right now!” Preparing to take a swing at the wolf, he stopped suddenly as Kagome jumped in front of him. “Bitch, are you crazy?”
Kagome was calm, her voice low, “Inuyasha.... We need him.”
Inuyasha seethed, “Keh! We don’t fucking need that wimpy wolf! I can cut his legs off and we can take those back with us!”
“I’d like to see you try!” Kouga challenged.
Before Inuyasha could rise to Kouga’s taunting, Kagome grabbed his hand, “In order for this idea to work, we need his help. Just trust me, okay? Let’s just go along with him.”
Inuyasha stared at her for a moment, “Keh,”
Smiling, Kagome turned back to Kouga, “Thanks for agreeing to come. We’ll leave in the morning.”
Kagome yelped in surprise as Kouga picked her up and took off at a run, leaving Inuyasha in a cloud of dust.
“Where are you taking me?” Kagome asked, trying not to scream.
“To my lair! Where else? Can’t have you sleeping in the mud, can I?” Kouga bounded up the side of a cliff, legs powered by the Jewel shards he had embedded in them. Reaching the top, he slowed, heading for the mouth of a great cave in the mountainside.
“Listen, Kouga,” Kagome began, not anxious to enter the lair of the Wolf Youkai Tribe again, “I really need you to behave yourself around Inuyasha. If you two are fighting all the time, we’ll all be so distracted we won’t be able to prepare for when Naraku arrives. Please, promise me you’ll be nice!”
Kouga grinned as he put her down, “Me? I’m always nice.”
Stopping at the entrance to the cave, Kagome was relieved when Inuyasha appeared behind her.
“Let’s go, Kagome. We are not staying here.”
“Too good for you, Dog Shit? I guess if you’re used to living in trees, a cozy place like this would be too much,” Kouga entered the cave and turned around with his hands on his hips, daring them to follow.
Never one to turn down a challenge, Inuyasha snorted, then followed.
Kagome entered the cave behind Inuyasha, and was surprised to hear her name spoken by some of Kouga’s kinsmen.
“Hey, it’s Kagome!”
“Sis is back!”
Hiya, Sis!”
Kouga grinned proudly as some of the wolves approached Kagome, allowing her to scratch their ears. His two right hand men, Ginta and Hakaku, were eager to welcome her back, and immediately asked how long she was staying. Shooting a look at Inuyasha, he addressed his brothers, “She’s not here to stay guys! Not yet anyway. Tomorrow, I leave with Kagome to fight Naraku, and after that....” The Wolf Prince let the end of his statement trail off as he turned to stare at Kagome, annoying Inuyasha.
Seeing the irritated look on Kagome’s face, Kouga’s smile faded. “Come on,” Picking her up again, he jumped onto a ledge, above the alcove where she had been held prisoner the last time she’d been here. Stepping through a doorway set into the stone wall, Kouga gestured to the smaller room, allowing Kagome and Inuyasha to enter. “This is my room,” Kouga explained to Kagome, “You’ll be sleeping here.”
Kagome blushed at the look in Kouga’s eyes, “Thanks, but...”
“No fucking way.” Inuyasha’s voice was low, but the threat in it was clear.
“I don’t care where you sleep, Dog Shit. My woman deserves the best room in the house!”
Inuyasha took a step forward, “If you think for one minute that I’m going to let my bitch, sleep here with you, then...”
Kouga’s eyes flashed, “Your bitch? Why you....”
“Knock it off!” Kagome looked at the two of them, angry. Grabbing Inuyasha and pulling him to one side, she looked over at Kouga, “Will you excuse us for a sec.?”
Not really caring whether he agreed or not, Kagome turned her back to him, facing Inuyasha with a serious expression, “What exactly did you call me?”
Inuyasha blushed, realizing what he’d said, “I called you... my bitch.” He met her eyes as she nodded.
“What exactly does that mean?”
Inuyasha’s eyes darted over to Kouga, who was leaning against the wall, watching them. “Do we have to talk about this now?”
Kagome sighed. Shaking her head, she turned and faced Kouga. “If I stay here, Inuyasha stays. Otherwise we both sleep outside.”
Kouga clearly didn’t like either alternative. Kagome watched the muscles in his jaw clench as he tried to decide which option he preferred. Finally, he stood up straight and approached the hanyou. “All right. You stay here. But if you even think about laying a hand on her....” Turning, he took Kagome’s hands once more, “Goodnight, Kagome.”
As soon as he was gone, Kagome sighed with relief. Looking around, she took in the room for the first time. About the size of her own bedroom at home, the area was well, if dimly lit, by three oil lamps that hung from iron hooks on the wall. In one corner, beneath a lower slope in the ceiling, a pile of animal pelts had been arranged to form a sort of bed. On one wall at her eye level, a rough shelf had been carved. A few items lay on it, their significance unknown to Kagome, with the exception of a red scarf that she recognized as coming from her school uniform.
Noticing that Inuyasha was watching her, she gave him a small smile, “Thanks.”
Inuyasha scowled, “Keh, for what?”
Kagome reached out and took his hand, “ For not leaving me alone here.”
The wariness left Inuyasha’s eyes and was replaced by a look of embarrassment. “As if I’d leave you alone with that bastard,” he mumbled, turning away from her.
Inuyasha stared at Kouga’s shelf, eyeing each item separately. A piece of bone that appeared to have come from some sort of small animal. A set of tiny milk teeth, strung together, ‘Probably his own,’ Inuyasha thought with a grunt. A folded headband that appeared to be an older version of Kouga’s own, maybe belonging to the wolf’s father, and....
Inuyasha stared at the red scrap of cloth, feeling anger rise in his chest again. ‘She didn’t give this to him, did she? No, she wouldn’t...’ Turning to demand an explanation, Inuyasha discovered that Kagome had fallen asleep. Softening, Inuyasha stepped closer to the bed, ignoring the unpleasant odor of wolf that stung his nostrils. Kagome’s eyelids fluttered gently, her breathing even. Inuyasha imagined curling up next to her and sleeping with her wrapped in his arms, as he had the night before.
The hanyou grinned as he realized he was thinking of touching her. Further disobeying Kouga’s orders, Inuyasha bent down and gave the girl a quick kiss, before going to sit across from the foot of the bed. From here, he had a great view of both the doorway, and Kagome. Looking out over the edge of the shelf, Inuyasha watched as Kouga wandered through his brethren, preparing to leave them for however long it would take them to finish this fight.
Closing his eyes, Inuyasha waited in silence for the sun to rise once more.
****************
The battle had waged for seven days and seven nights. Exhausted, her strength nearly gone, the Miko known as Midoriko continued to fight the monstrous mass of youkai. This mass of dragons, oni, spiders and many more such youkai, had merged themselves together, using the tainted soul of a mortal who desired Midoriko, with the sole purpose of killing the Miko.
Kagome watched in horror, unable to move, as the woman’s arm was bitten off. Falling to the ground, the Miko knew she had been defeated. As her body was lifted up into the mouth of the beast, Midoriko gathered together her last ounces of spiritual energy.
Lightening flashed in the sky above. Kagome screamed out to the Miko, but she was unheard as the youkai’s tongue speared Midoriko’s chest, attempting to suck out her soul. A brilliant explosion of energy created day out of the night, as two powerful forces collided. Midoriko had seized the youkai’s soul, and her’s had been taken in with it.
With a roar that shook the earth, the mass of youkai turned to stone, along with the brave woman who had, with her last breath, managed to trap their souls along with hers. Kagome stared, tears streaming down her face as, from the heart of the Miko, a glowing pink ball fell to the ground, leaving a hole from whence it had emerged.
Able to move again, Kagome raced forward, clutching the Shikon no Tama to her chest. ‘I could have helped,’ she sobbed softly, ‘I wanted to help you.’
As the images faded away, and the Jewel disappeared from her grasp, a voice on the wind whispered softly to her, ‘You can....’
******************
Inuyasha knew the day was going to go badly when he woke to see Kouga staring at him. Leaping to his feet, sword in hand, the hanyou took a defensive position, before he remembered where he was, and why he was there.
Kouga stared at him in amusement, “Kinda jumpy first thing in the morning, aren’t ya?”
Inuyasha grunted in reply, eyeing the dead carcass Kouga had slung over his shoulder, “What the hell is that?”
Kouga dropped the wild boar he’d slaughtered that morning at the half-youkai’s feet, “Seems your nose doesn’t work too well in the mornings either. I slew that boar for Kagome’s breakfast!”
“That’s not what I meant, you moron! Kagome won’t eat that unless it’s been skinned and gutted! And she definitely won’t eat it if she’s seen it’s head!” Inuyasha shook his head, “How can you say you love her, when you don’t know anything about her?”
Kouga’s face twisted into a snarl and he was about to reply, when a voice stopped him.
“Kami....” Kagome took one look at the dead boar before burying her face back in her arms.
Inuyasha grinned smugly, as Kouga hauled the animal out of the room, throwing it to his brothers below. Never mind that Kagome saw horribly mutilated demons nearly every day, the hanyou had learned long ago that Kagome wouldn’t eat a freshly slaughtered kill. Inuyasha always made sure to prepare anything he caught away from their camp, bringing it back only when it was ready to be cooked.
Inuyasha stood in the doorway with his back to Kouga’s room so that Kagome could change. When she was ready, he picked her up and leapt to the lower level of the cave, hurrying towards the entrance. “Damn, I’ll be glad to get out of here. The whole place stinks of wolves!” Inuyasha mumbled, earning a few growls from the pack as he quickly exited.
Pulling Kagome onto his back, Inuyasha turned to Kouga, who was already waiting for them, “Ready to go, asshole?”
Just try and keep up, Dog Shit!” With that, Kouga bolted ahead of Inuyasha, remaining close enough that he always remained in sight of the irritated half-youkai.
Kagome sighed as Inuyasha took off after Kouga. It was going to be a long trip.
*****************
It was midnight. Kaede lay sleeping on her tatami mat, when she was awakened by the sound of voices outside her hut. Sensing a demonic aura, the old Miko rose from her bed, grabbing her bow and quiver of arrows. Stepping quietly outside, Kaede raised her weapon.”
“Shut up, you bastard! Do you want to wake her up?”
“You shut up!”
Kaede lowered her bow and sighed. “I see that ye have returned, Inuyasha.”
“Keh,” Inuyasha was trying to carefully remove a sleeping Kagome from his back without disturbing her. Swinging her around into his arms, Inuyasha stepped passed Kaede to take Kagome inside the hut.
Kouga glared as the hanyou disappeared with Kagome. Neither of them thrilled at the prospect of spending the night in each other’s company on the road, both Kouga and Inuyasha had attained incredible speed in their effort to reach the village in record time. They hadn’t stopped once to rest, and Kagome had finally fallen asleep on Inuyasha’s back only four hours before they reached the shrine.
Kouga hated to admit it, but he was jealous of the hanyou. Spending every day, as far as he knew, in each others company, the two had obviously formed a unique bond if the girl was comfortable enough to sleep peacefully on the back of a practically flying half-demon. Whenever Kouga carried her, she seemed scared to death.
Noticing that the old Miko woman was watching him, he stepped forward. Mostly, humans were food for his kinsmen. However, this one was a friend of Kagome’s. Bowing rather formally, Kouga addressed the woman, “I am Kouga, Prince of the Wolf Youkai Tribe. I thank you for the aid you have given my future mate.”
Kaede blinked at the wolf, but said nothing. She had, of course, heard stories about the infamous Kouga since the youkai had first made himself known to the group by kidnaping Kagome, then insisting that she become his mate because she possessed the power to see Jewel shards. Though Kaede knew that Inuyasha was bound to fly into a jealous rage over anyone who showed an interest in Kagome, Kaede could suddenly see why the hanyou was especially perturbed by the handsome youkai before her.
Bowing in return, Kaede led the young wolf prince to the campfire circle where he would sleep until further plans were made.
Passing by Kaede on her way back inside the hut, Inuyasha stared at Kouga, “Go anywhere near her and that Miko will purify you.” Disappearing to the Goshinboku, Inuyasha grinned to himself. Kaede didn’t actually have the power to purify a full youkai such as Kouga, but the wolf didn’t need to know that.
******************
Sango wanted to laugh at the sight before her as Kirara circled the village to land in front of Kaede’s hut. Though it was a familiar enough situation, it was one she never thought she’d see in this place.
“I guess Inuyasha and Kagome found Kouga,” Miroku chuckled from behind her.
Shippou shook his head, “Won’t those two ever give up?”
Nearly twenty feet from Kaede’s front door, Kouga and Inuyasha stood facing each other, teeth bared. Kagome stood between the two as always, but instead of acting as peacemaker, she was yelling... loudly. Something the girl rarely ever did.
“Listen! I’ve asked you two to play nicely and you haven’t stopped fighting since! Inuyasha, I don’t want to, but if you don’t stop fighting with Kouga, and I mean this minute, I’ll ‘s-i-t’ you so far into the earth they’ll need a shovel to get you back out! And you, Kouga,” she whirled around on the wolf, making him lose the grin that had covered his face while she’d threatened Inuyasha, “if you don’t call a truce with Inuyasha, and keep it until Naraku has been destroyed, I’ll make a Nenju necklace for you too!”
Storming off to the astonished looks of both Inuyasha and Kouga, she walked over to the others. Smiling brightly, as though nothing were wrong, Kagome gave Sango a hug, and whispered, “Bath, please!” before heading inside to grab her things.
Inuyasha turned to glare sullenly at Kouga, “See what you did?”
“What I did? You were the one who...”
“Inuyasha! Osuwari!”
Inuyasha crashed to the earth under the force of the subjugation spell. Kouga winced as Kagome came back out of the hut with something in her hands. Whispering softly, Kagome suddenly released a string of beads that instantly flew towards the wolf, surrounding his neck.
“Osuwari!” Kagome shouted, sending Kouga to the ground, as well as the hanyou who had just stood up from the first one.
“Kagome.....” Inuyasha growled through a mouthful of dirt.
Kagome ignored him. Briefly returning to the hut for her bath things, she and Sango headed off to their normal bathing spot, leaving both men behind.
Kouga sat up in shock. Pulling at the Nenju he now wore, he tried to get it over his head.
Inuyasha sat up as well, chuckling as he stared at Kouga, “It’s no good, you bastard. Only Kagome can take it off.”
Getting to his feet, Inuyasha took off after Kagome.
Kouga called to him, “Hey! Where do you think you’re going?”
Inuyasha didn’t bother to turn around, “To stand guard while they bathe, of course!”
Kouga stared, open-mouthed for a moment before hurrying after the hanyou, “I’m coming too!”
Now Inuyasha turned, “Not a chance, wolf!”
“You think I trust you around my Kagome while she’s bathing?”
“Your...” Inuyasha was once again cut off by Kagome’s warning cry.
“Inuyasha...”
“Fine! You come, but don’t get any ideas!” Inuyasha stormed off, Kouga close behind.
Miroku sighed, “I guess I’ll go as well. Someone has to keep them from killing each other.”
Shippou nodded, “While you do that, I’ll protect the women by bathing with them!”
Miroku watched the kitsune run to catch up with Kagome and Sango, wishing that he could trade places with the little fox.
****************
‘Kouga and Inuyasha both have quite the expression on their faces,’ Miroku thought as the three of them sat in a circle, not far from where Sango, Kagome and Shippou where bathing in the river. The afternoon sun made the water considerably warmer, but was cool enough that Miroku expected this to be a short bath.
The girls laughted as their talk came to the monk from beyond the rocks that blocked his view. Closing his eyes, he imagined the girls... washing each others hair....
“Is this why you stand guard? So you can smell her?” Kouga muttered in a low voice. His expression was somewhere between outraged at the idea, and intoxicated by whatever it was that couldn’t be smelled by a mortal nose.
Inuyasha growled, but Miroku didn’t miss the slight blush, indicating that the wolf hadn’t been too far from the truth, “Keh. Someone has to protect them while they’re vulnerable. And you better not be sniffing to close either!” he warned.
Miroku was intrigued. Leaning over to Inuyasha, he whispered, “Tell me, what do they smell like?”
Blushing even darker, Inuyasha muttered, “Hentai Monk,” under his breath.
A loud shriek of laughter made all three men jump guiltily. Realizing that it was just Sango and Kagome, Inuyasha relaxed a little.
Miroku chuckled, “No, Kouga, that isn’t all we do. There’s also eavesdropping!”
Kouga scoffed, but suddenly seemed to be listening more closely to the girls chatter.
“ Miroku....” Sango’s voice trailed off, too low to be heard by their now rapt audience.
“ No!” Kagome exclaimed loudly.
“ Yes! Then he....” Miroku especially strained to hear as again, Sango’s voice became a whisper.
“ He kissed you!” The unexpected loudness of Kagome’s voice caused the three men to jump again, before two sets of eyes turned to the reddening houshi.
Inuyasha chuckled, “ ‘bout time, bouzu!”
Miroku grinned weakly.
Sango’s voice drifted back to them, “So, what about Inuyasha?”
Suddenly, Inuyasha tired of listening, “Are you two done yet?”
A fit of giggles answered him before Sango replied, “Only if you three are done spying on us!”
The men blushed, as two girls and a kitsune hurriedly dressed to prepare for dinner.
*****************
The night was quiet. Light from the campfire illuminated the patch of earth around which the group sat, discussing plans for the coming battle.
Sango, stick in hand to draw in the dirt, pointed out the key areas she felt would be necessary to have covered. “We can’t expect that Naraku and Mouryoumaru will stay together. They’ll probably spread out. If Kanna shows up, that’ll be another factor to consider. We’d have to be extra careful not to look in her mirror. If she got control of any of us, it’d be over.” Kanna, another of Naraku’s detachments, gave off no demonic energy and was about as expressionless as a tree stump, however the child-like foe had the ability to suck souls into the mirror she carried, and could leave them vulnerable to possession.
Pointing to an area of the map she’d sketched, Sango continued, “This area here is the only part of the valley not sided by trees, or mountain. That’s where we should expect to attack from. It’d block at least one easy exit. Kirara and I will try and stay in the air. That way if Naraku attempts to fly in or out, we’ll have a chance at him.
“Tomorrow, we should go set up camp in this area, where the river runs through. It’s the closest point to both the village, and the open area we’ll attack from.” Drawing X’s in the dirt, the taijiya indicated each one of them in turn, “Miroku, you’ll be on the left flank, here. You’re in a good position for fighting with your staff, since it’s likely Naraku won’t come without his Saimyoushou. Otherwise, suck up whatever you can.”
Pointing again, Sango looked to Kouga, “You’ll be here, at the opposite end of the field from Miroku and diagonal from Inuyasha. As one of our strongest fighters, I want you at the back in case of any unexpected surprises.”
Another X stood for the eager hanyou, “You’re here on the right flank Inuyasha. Mostly, you’ll be front and center. The only attack that Mouryoumaru has always run from is your Kongousouha. I’m hoping there’s a good reason for that. With the extra power you gained from fighting Dakki recently, any barrier Naraku tries to put up should be easy to break through.”
A smaller X was placed between Miroku and Inuyasha, “Assuming he comes, I want Kohaku here. That way, he and Kouga are separated. I don’t want to make life any easier for Naraku. Kagome...” Sango gave her friend a sad smile, “you’re wherever Kikyou calls you to. I’m hoping it’s on this rear flank here. That way, all areas are covered, and you’d be between both Kouga and Inuyasha.”
Sitting back on her heels, Sango finally came to the difficult part, “If Mouryoumaru manages to get the last three shards, it would be bad, but it could also work in our favor. He’s trying to overpower Naraku so it’s safe to assume that the two of them would begin fighting each other. From what Kagome says, Kikyou’s plan is for the Jewel to be completed, at which point she can purify both the Jewel, and Naraku’s soul, destroying him. I have no idea how she plans to do that, but I wish her and Kagome luck.
“We know that Naraku’s heart is in Mouryoumaru, so our focus is destroying him. If Naraku absorbs him and completes the Jewel, we focus all our attention there. Bottom line, we can’t let either of them get away, or we lose.” A sad look passed over Sango’s face.
Inuyasha nodded, “Don’t worry Sango, I’ll do everything in my power to keep Kohaku alive. My plan is to kill them both before the Jewel is complete. We can worry about the shards after they’re gone.”
Sango smiled as everyone nodded. “May the Kami protect us.”
*****************
Kouga sat awake, long into the night. Youkai didn’t sleep as much as these humans seemed to, and even Inuyasha, though not actually asleep, seemed to rest at night to gather his strength. Staring at the circle of people who slept around him, Kouga thought about them. Three humans; a demon exterminator, a monk with an Air Rip in his hand, and a strange - though beautiful - girl with spiritual powers. A half-youkai who, if Kouga were being honest, was a pretty formidable fighter, for a mutt, one runty full youkai, and a nekomata. The Wolf Prince shook his head. It was the strangest group of fighters he’d ever seen. Not one of them was alike, yet together, they had defeated hundreds of demons in three short years.
Kouga had a tight bond with his own clan, but that was different. They were brothers. They were the same. Each had the same wants and needs as the other, and yet, in spite of their basic unity, civil war was ravaging the Northern and Western tribes, as well as the Southern and Eastern tribes. While his very brothers fought amongst themselves, this group of people, so very different from one another, not only fought well together, they drew their strength from each other too.
After only one day, it was clear to Kouga that Kagome was at the heart of that. Without physical strength, and not an ounce of evil in her soul, she was the life force at the very center of this group.
The little kitsune treated her like his mother and his love for her gave the young fox courage to face whatever lay ahead. Though very small, he seemed willing to do anything to protect her.
The taijiya was Kagome’s friend, and, having only today, heard about her fight to rescue her brother, Kouga recognized that Sango took a small part of her strength from that friendship with Kagome, who had helped the woman find the unity she needed in their group.
The monk had unlimited faith in the girl, and treated her as though she were a younger sister. His wisdom had led him to join their group, as though he knew that Kagome’s power was the key to lifting his curse.
And the mutt.... Well, he and Kagome were... close. Kouga recognized that. The half-breed even fought better when she was around. She was like some sort of inspiration for him and was the only one Kouga had ever seen make the hanyou laugh without looking guilty for it.
This group of... orphans, for lack of a better term, had found their own family. Knowing that Kagome was the center of it made Kouga feel proud... and also, a little sad in a way he didn’t yet understand.
A strange glow suddenly floated overhead, catching his attention. Looking up, Kouga saw three, long, snake-like objects, high about. Each one carried a round, glowing orb that looked like a soul. A sound on his left drew his focus, as Kagome quietly sat up, staring at the creatures.
“Kikyou,” she whispered softly. Looking around, the girl saw that Inuyasha was within arm’s length of her. Reaching out, she gently touched his knee. Inuyasha opened his eyes, smiling at her. As he noticed the light from above, his smile faded and worry entered his eyes. “Go,” Kagome urged, quietly.
Inuyasha hesitated, “We should tell her what we’ve planned,” he explained.
Kagome nodded, “Just go.”
Giving Kagome’s hand a final squeeze, Inuyasha took off in the same direction the flying snakes had gone. With a sigh, Kagome lay back down in her sleeping bag.
Kouga could see the moonlight reflecting in her eyes. She was wide awake. Wondering just what was going on, Kouga knew better than to follow the mutt. Inuyasha would smell him in a second. Finally deciding he really didn’t care what Dog Shit did, Kouga was about to forget the whole thing when he smelled the faint scent of tears. ‘Kagome?’ he wondered.
Rising, he made his way over to where she lay and gently touched her shoulder, “Kagome?”
Kagome jumped slightly at his touch. Quickly wiping her eyes, she sat up. Concern was in Kouga’s eyes, and she suddenly realized that he must be able to smell her tears, just like Inuyasha could. “I’m fine, Kouga. I’m sorry, I didn’t realize you were awake.”
Kouga stared, disbelieving, “I don’t sleep as much as humans... or hanyous for that matter. So... you want to tell me where Inuyasha went to?”
Kagome winced, “He went to see... an old friend. He had to tell her our plans for the battle.”
‘So that’s it... Dog Shit has another girl. So all this time, he’s been two-timing Kagome!’ Feeling anger rise in his chest, Kouga took Kagome by the shoulders, pulling her to her feet and turning her to face him. “Don’t you worry about him, Kagome. He doesn’t deserve you. You’re too good for him anyway.” Pulling her to his chest, he wiped the tears from her cheeks.
Kagome’s eyes widened as Kouga’s eyelids grew heavy. ‘He’s not going to kiss me... is he?’
*****************
Inuyasha hurried back to the campsite. He’d spoken briefly with Kikyou, telling her all about what the group had decided upon. She’d listened, but Inuyasha could sense that she thought their efforts were in vein. He’d even tried to discuss Kohaku with her, but Kikyou’s attitude had shocked him.
“The life of one boy matters little. The Shikon no Tama must be completed in order for Naraku to be destroyed. If he loses his own life to save the lives of many, I should think it would be an honor.” The miko had shaken her head. “I cannot concern myself with this boy.”
Inuyasha had grown angry with her, “The Kikyou I know would never choose to let someone, a fucking child, die if there was a chance he could be saved. Kikyou, there has to be another way.”
“The Kikyou you knew is dead.” The priestess had moved towards him. “Inuyasha... you have changed greatly. Once, you were so far removed from the world that the life of a single mortal would not touch you so. When I met you, I was contented that your heart ached only for me... for us. Now, your heart aches for all of humanity. It is little comfort that the heart I wished to heal... was healed by my reincarnation.”
Placing her hand over his heart, Kikyou had pierced him with her gaze, “If I were to give you a choice.... To follow me to Hell, where we belong, or for you to stay here with her.... What would you decide? Would you keep your promise to me, or allow me to die so that she might live? Is her life more valuable than mine? Is her love for you more important than my suffering?”
Inuyasha had backed away from her in horror. He’d suddenly seemed to realized that this... thing before him was not Kikyou. Not the priestess he had loved so fearfully, and so long ago. Her soul was gone and before him stood a model made of bones and grave soil, motivated only by a desire for revenge, whatever the cost.
Her soul had moved on, and been reincarnated in Kagome. But Kagome was so much more than Kikyou had ever been. Kikyou’s life had been one of hardship and loneliness. She had been unable to live as a woman, because her duties as a Miko prevented her from showing the slightest sign of frailty. Her emotions were her weakness, and proved to be her downfall.
Kagome... her life was one of joy and friendship. She was loved by everyone she met. She had grown into a beautiful woman, with a spirit all her own, separate from the one she’d inherited from Kikyou. Most importantly, her emotions gave her strength. Her anger, her love, her desire to protect, all these and more gave her a power that Kikyou had never possessed. Kagome was Kikyou’s reincarnation, but their shared soul had progressed to a higher state from one life to the next. Kagome was everything Kikyou could never have been.
Suddenly Inuyasha realized that his duty was not towards Kikyou. It was to Kagome. He would avenge the death of his first love, but he would not follow her to hell. He had died for Kikyou once upon the Goshinboku, and Kagome had awakened him to a new life, free from the guilt he’d been clinging to so tightly.
For everything she had given him since removing the arrow from his heart, Inuyasha owed his life to her in return. He would live his life with Kagome and never once regret the decision. It was her that had awakened his soul and taught him how to live. Her laughter, love and light that had taught him how to laugh, how to love, and what it was to be alive.
Kikyou smiled and nodded. “Good-bye, Inuyasha. Tell Kagome I will call when the time is nigh.”
Inuyasha had begun running. Now, he continued running, desperate to see Kagome. To apologize for all the time he had left her side in pursuit of a memory that had long since died. Stopping on the edge of the forest, Inuyasha froze. Kagome was awake... and so was Kouga.
***************
Just as Kouga’s lips touched hers, Kagome found strength in her limbs and pushed away from the wolf, slapping him hard across the face. Kouga appeared stunned for a moment, then, grinning widely, he pulled her close again, “ So you like it that way, do you? I never would have...”
Jerking out of his arms, she whispered, “Osuwari!” stepping over the sleeping form of Sango as Kouga went down with a muffled thud.
Kagome ran. Passing the rice paddies, the fields, the huts where all the villagers she knew slept, Kagome didn’t stop until she’d reached the forest on the other side of the village. There, she fell against the base of a tree, sobbing. Kouga hadn’t followed her.
Kagome was tired of crying. Tired of wondering what Inuyasha was thinking as he kissed her. Tired of wondering what was to become of them all. ‘Baka! Get a hold of yourself,!’ She chided, ‘The way you’ve been acting recently, you’d think this was all something new. You know the truth, and you decided to stay anyway. Inuyasha loves....”
Kagome was lifted from the ground and pinned tightly against the tree. She began to struggle as lips descended on hers, thinking Kouga had followed her after all. Then she fell still when a familiar voice groaned her name.
“Kagome...”
“Inuyasha?” Kagome’s mind swam. Where had he come from? Why wasn’t he with Kikyou? How had he known where she’d run too, so quickly?
The hanyou chuckled against her mouth, “Were you expecting Kouga?”
Kagome gasped, “You saw...”
“I saw you slap him. I didn’t see you sit him, but I felt it.” Inuyasha trailed a claw down her face, searching her eyes. “You never did want him, did you? Am I that fucking stupid?”
Kagome shook her head, “Never him,” she whispered. “What happened with Kikyou?” She heard herself asking.
Inuyasha’s eyes grew serious, “I left her, in the woods. I ran back....” Cupping her face in his hand, he said, “I realized, ever since the night I saw you cry for me, when we fought the spider heads... and you yelled at me for not telling you that I become human on the night of the new moon...” he grinned, “Ever since that night, there’s only one person I’ve wanted to be with... and that’s you.”
Kagome couldn’t speak. Heart pounding loudly beneath her breast, she tried to draw breath, but couldn’t.
“Do you understand what I’m trying to say here, Kagome? I’ve never said the words... to anyone. I’ve never wanted to, until now. Do you understand? I have no life without you, Kagome. Will you let me stay by your side?”
Kagome nodded. Still unable to speak. Words were no longer necessary as Inuyasha kissed her. Her arms crept around his neck as she surrounded herself to the aura of the man who loved her. Her. His soft moan triggered a shock wave of heat through her body. She wrapped her legs around his waist as he lifted her up, pressing her back against the tree for support.
Inuyasha wanted to touch her. Pulling off the t-shirt she had worn to bed that night, he stared at her in wonder. Her almond skin was nearly flawless. A light sprinkling of freckles feathered her shoulders, hinting at the baths she had taken under the hot sun. A few scars puckered her flesh, testifying to her bravery in the battles they’d faced together. The soft pink of her upswept nipples was the most beautiful sight Inuyasha had ever seen. Placing a gentle hand over one breast, he heard her sigh as he gently squeeze the tender nub.
Timidly, Kagome opened his haori and pulled Inuyasha’s white hadagi from his hakama. Reaching underneath, Kagome shivered as she ran her hands over his chest. Inuyasha growled deeply. Removing his haori and hadagi in a single movement, he pressed his bare chest to hers, crushing her lips beneath his.
Her legs around his waist were driving him mad. He pressed himself against her, letting her feel the hardness at his center. Kagome gasped. The scent of her made him dizzy. His need for her began to spiral out of control. With a soft growl, he took a step backwards, unwrapping her legs from around him so that they found the ground. Breathing roughly, he pressed his forehead to hers, trying to find the words to make her understand.
Kagome traced the muscles on his abdomen, gently fingering the silver hair below his navel.
Inuyasha took her hand in his, pressing the fingers to his lips. “Not now,” he managed to grate out, “Not yet.” Looking her in the eye, Inuyasha made sure she understood, “I will take you as my mate, if you’ll have me, but not here. Not like this.”
Closing her eyes, Kagome nodded. “I will,” she whispered.
Grinning, Inuyasha pulled her shirt back over her head before turning to gather his own clothes.
As the sun began to rise on the eastern horizon, Inuyasha and Kagome made their way back to Kaede’s, hand in hand.
****************
The day was long, and tense. The group had moved camp first thing in the morning, and now there was little to do but wait and see if Naraku would come. Everyone seemed to be in a world of their own, struggling with their own personal turmoil.
Kouga hadn’t spoken to anyone since Kagome and Inuyasha had returned, from Kami knows where, at dawn.
Sango sat on a large stone with Kirara at her feet, staring into the distance. Every so often, she would lift her head to look around, as if searching for someone.
Miroku had first tried walking around the valley, counting out steps to measure the area. Finally, he settled himself on the ground in the Lotus position and began chanting the mantra that everyone had gotten used to hearing from him over the years. No one noticed that his hands were shaking.
Kagome sat near Inuyasha. Her training with Kaede had been progressing well, and she spent her time focusing her energy as she had been taught. Her mind kept wandering nervously, making her lose concentration. Determinedly, she pressed on.
The normally frenetic Inuyasha stood or sat in the same place, all day. He spoke to no one, save a word of encouragement now and then to Kagome. The hanyou seemed to watch the sun, as if counting down the hours.
Only Shippou attempted to break the silence that had fallen among them. Trying to engage each of them in conversation, he finally stopped when, having transformed himself into a funny looking spider in an attempt to scare Inuyasha, he’d received a thump on the head for his troubles.
The young kitsune had not been assigned a place for the battle. His duty would be to do whatever he could to help the others... and not get killed. Earlier that morning, Inuyasha had pulled him aside as the others made ready to move to the valley field. Speaking seriously, the hanyou had sat Shippou on his shoulder, staring off into the rice paddies as the farmers began their day.
“Oi, runt,” Inuyasha had begun, “When the fighting starts, I want you to keep an eye out. If someone needs help, do what you can, like you always do... but be careful. I don’t want to have to save your ass, got it?”
Shippou had nodded, tears in his eyes. He knew that the hanyou was trying to encourage him. He was terrified, but he would fight alongside his friends for as long as he could. Now, looking around at the people he’d traveled with for so long, he said a silent prayer to whatever god was listening that they would all make it through, alive.
******************
Kaede worked silently in her hut. Unable to focus on her usual duties, the old Miko found herself making poultices, and other herbal remedies to help with any injuries. She too felt the oppressive thickness in the air, telling her that something was on it’s way. No one had spoken of it, but somehow, they all knew. Naraku would come. The lure of the last three shards, together with his greatest enemies all in the same place, would indeed, prove too great to resist.
Lifting her head from her work, Kaede closed her eyes. There was still time yet. Time enough to finish her preparations. Going through the medical kit that Kagome had given her, the priestess realized she wasn’t sure whether she was hoping to need her healing expertise, or not. “Well,” she told herself, “much easier to heal the wounded then raise the dead.”
A soft knock at the entrance to her hut, called her to the door. Before her stood a young boy. He had Sango’s eyes. Smiling, she drew the boy into her arms, hugging him warmly, “Welcome, Kohaku.”
****************
Sango stood from her position, stretching her muscles. Kirara mewed at her, rubbing her head against Sango’s calve. As she reached to pet the nekomata, Kirara’s head suddenly turned in the direction of the village. A figure stood among the trees, blending in with the shadows of the waning day. Stepping forward, the figure caught a ray of light, shining through the tree branches, and a face was illuminated.
“Kohaku...”
Sango’s voice was low, but everyone heard her. Standing slowly, Miroku, Shippou, Inuyasha, Kagome and even Kouga, turned to see the boy, now 14, approach them.
Kohaku froze, turning his face to the North. One by one, seven heads followed.
Inuyasha voiced what each of them knew, “He’s coming.”
*************************************************** ***************************
A/N: Almost all of the characters in this story were brought to you by the creative genius of Rumiko Takahashi, and the letters O, K and U. I do not own the characters, they own me.