InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Broken ❯ Chapter 12 ( Chapter 12 )

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or any of the supporting characters.

Broken

Chapter 12

A few days after visiting with Jinenji, the Inutachi are almost back at Kaede's village. Kagome had mentioned wanting Kaede to begin her training as a Miko, to help with her newfound increasing powers. She can feel the intensity of her reiki and each day it seems to just be getting stronger.

She had also asked Miroku to begin meditating with her for about forty-five minutes to an hour each night before they go to sleep. Last night was the first night they began and Kagome was pleasantly surprised by how much her nerves had actually begun to calm down.

In the last few days, they haven't had any run-ins with the evil hanyou or any of his incarnations. They are a little surprised that he hasn't wanted to check in with how Kagome is doing after his little stunt about six days ago, but they assume he is just biding his time and trying to make them lower their guards.

Their guards are anything but lowered, however. If anything, they are heightened and always on the look out wherever they go and whatever they do.

Inuyasha and Kagome haven't had much of a chance to be alone either. They've had a few short make out sessions but other than that, they haven't done anything further. Kagome and Inuyasha are both dying to get some alone time, but they have a feeling that that's not going to happen for a little while.

The group did come across two separate jewel shards on their way back to the village. One was from a non-threatening fox hanyou, and one was from a more formitable panther youkai. The fox was easily saved and went back to its human mother, both of them crying and thanking the kind group for saving him. The panther was slayed because it was killing humans and not inclined to change its ways, even after the shard was taken.

Kagome did notice that though she isn't able to remove the darkness from the shards with a single touch at the moment, they are getting brighter and brighter each day that they are in her possession.

Whenever she thinks about how impure she may be, she holds onto the shards and convinces herself that if she were truly as impure as Naraku had said, then the shards would not be reacting the way they are while in her care. The darkness within her heart is still present, but the longer she is with her mate and friends, the more the darkness lessens and the old Kagome resurfaces.

Little by little, the spark in Kagome's eyes is returning.

When the Inutachi finally made it to the village, they announced their arrival and entered the old Miko's hut. Kagome asked Kaede about beginning her training and the old woman readily agreed. Kaede said that the amount of power radiating from the future born Miko is so great, she believes that she rivals that of Midoriko herself. Kagome had blushed and looked down at her hands modestly, while Miroku had agreed with the old woman. He has noticed her steady increase of reiki each day since she has been back from the future.

After lunch, they had begun their training. Miroku is helping with Kagome's barriers and concentration, while Kaede is helping her learn the different types of spiritual arrows. The old Miko will also be helping Kagome with all the different medicinal herbs, what each one looks like and what they are used for, along with how to make certain teas and poultices with them too.

Although Kagome had projected her own barrier a couple of times now, it was due to extreme anger and circumstance. She hadn't truly allowed her mind to be at ease and focus properly, so that is what the monk is teaching her to do. He is also working on showing her the different types of barriers, beginning with the normal purifying one that she has already done before. After a little while of training, they will move on to the more advanced ones, such as hiding her presence or basically just a shield that will not purify, but it will not allow anything to pass through from the outside either.

Kagome had asked to begin training near the Sacred Tree since that is where she feels more at ease. They all readily agreed and that is where they are now.

Inuyasha decided to work on his own training with Sango and Kirara both fighting against him. As much as he is cocky and believes he can defeat mostly anything, he won't risk his mate, especially when Naraku is more of a threat to her now than ever before.

Kagome is standing about ten feet in front of the Goshinboku with her eyes closed. Miroku had told her to clear her mind of everything except on the power within her. He wants her to focus on where the power begins and try to pull from it, as if it is attached to a string and she wants it to be dragged out of her.

Miroku and Kaede are watching their apprentice carefully. Kagome's eyes are closed and her facial features are relaxed, her body beginning to glow a slight pink aura.

Kagome is breathing in and out slowly, concentrating on the aura within her. She had found what she was looking for in the spot right below her heart. She pretends there is a string attached to that pink ball of light and twitches her finger to pull it out. Within a second, she had a swirling pink ball of reiki in the palm of her hand.

Miroku and Kaede's eyes widened comically at the show of power in front of them. Miroku had told her to try this to make a simple barrier, but the Miko had done something they have never before seen.

The bright light coming from Kagome had distracted Inuyasha and Sango's training. They turned and watched as Kagome opened her eyes and looked down at the ball of reiki in her hand.

Kagome seemed slightly surprised about the situation as well, but her surprise was different than theirs. She knew what she was trying to accomplish, but didn't know if it was possible. She had just done what Miroku had instructed, using a transparent string to pull her reiki to where she had wanted it to go. Instead of creating a barrier for protection, she created a purifying ball to use as a weapon.

Kagome looked at the others staring at her and she smiled. She looked at Inuyasha and saw the heat in his eyes. She knows that as much as he doesn't want her to fight because of the danger, he still loves how strong she really is. It makes his blood burn with desire for her.

Not that it doesn't already.

She turned towards the edge of the forest and focused on the ball of reiki in her hand. She closed it within her grasp, making a tight fist around it as if it is just a regular ball. She isn't the strongest woman, never one to play many sports or enjoy gym class, but the weapon she has created is like holding air. She can feel the tingling of it, but it doesn't weigh even as much as a golf ball would, yet it is the size of a softball.

Kagome reared her arm back and threw the ball of reiki with as much force as she could manage.

Everyone watched with amazement as her newfound weapon crashed into a tree and completely exploaded it into dust, leaving behind a large crater in its wake.

She turned back to her friends and had to try not to laugh at the expressions they were giving her. The first one to react was little Shippo who had been sitting just a few feet away to watch whatever was about to happen. He used his youki to make certain there was no residual reiki surrounding Kagome before jumping up into her chest and hugging her.

"That was awesome! How'd you do that, Kagome!? I wanna learn how to use my youki the same way! You are even stronger than Inuyasha!"

The others finally shook themselves free of their stupor and all crowded Kagome at once to compliment her on her power. Kagome was blushing as she began to explain how she had done it.

Then they all turned towards the tree line as Inuyasha sniffed the air and growled. They watched as a familier youkai strided towards them with his usual company trailing behind.

"Indeed. This human wench has become much more formidable than you, little brother."

°•°•°

Sesshomaru had been heading towards Kaede's village with Rin, Jaken and A-Un. He hates to admit he needs anyones help, let alone from his half-breed brother and his human wench, but an issue has arisen with his young ward. His only options are to either ignore the change and let the girl figure it out on her own, which could be potentially life-threatening... or ask - no demand - (the Lord does not ask for assistance), his half brother's wench to watch over Rin for a short period of time.

The Lord of the Western lands was nearing on the pathetic human village when the hairs on the back of his neck stood on end. He could sense the powerful reiki clash with his youki and it made even him, the great daiyoukai want to turn back.

But he would never do that.

So he followed the source of the extensive power, and made it right in time to witness the incredible explosion at the edge of Inuyasha's forest. Rin had screamed, pushed Jaken to the ground and jumped onto A-Un, but one word from her Master and she smiled happily and quieted down.

"Rin."

"Hai, my Lord!" She smiled as she held onto the two headed dragon's back, laughing as Jaken stood up and mumbled about stupid humans.

Sesshomaru took a few tentative sniffs and his eyes widened just a smidge, barely noticable to the naked eye. He walked up to the spot where a pretty large tree once stood, but is now a pile of dust within a large hole in the ground.

He overheard the humans speak of how powerful the half-breeds wench is and he did not want to agree, but it seemed to be true. That small little human bitch has more raw power than his baka of a brother. A small smirk twitched the corner of his mouth as he thought about angering his pathetic half-breed brother.

"Come." He spoke to his entourage before leaving the spot within the trees and confronting the odd group of humans, demons, and half demon.

He saw his idiot brother grasp his sword and growl towards him. He wanted to roll his eyes at the idiotic display, but would never lower himself to such human behaviors. He stood about twenty feet from Inuyasha's pack and spoke with a confidence he knew would anger the half-breed.

"Indeed. This human wench has become much more formidable than you, little brother."

Inuyasha growled as he unsheathed his Tetusaiga and jumped in front of his friends and mate. "Don't go near my mate, bastard!"

Sesshomaru sniffed the air as he rested his hand on the hilt of Tōkijin. "Your mate, as you called the human, is unmarked. You have not even done your duty as the alpha male of your pathetic little pack." His eyes narrowed as he took another sniff. "You disgrace the blood that flows through your veins. No self respecting Inu would agree to mate an impure female."

Kagome held onto Shippo tighter as she looked away from the Inus in front of her. Now, she can focus on her breathing and the people around her when someone mentions her so called impurity, but it still hurts. The flashbacks aren't as common than before, but they do happen. And every little reminder makes it harder to stay positive.

Miroku and Sango both readied their weapons as they stepped in front of the distraught Miko. Kaede stood next to her with a hand resting on the girl's arm.

Inuyasha's growl turned into a raging snarl as he jumped over to the right, in order to be sure the human girl with his bastard of a brother wasn't in his way. He raised his sword and yelled out his first attack.

"Kaze no Kizu!"

They watched as the daiyoukai drew Tōkijin and held it out in front of him, slicing through Inuyasha's windscar and allowing the blast of youki to dissipate around him. He cocked a single brow and stared at his fuming idiot of a brother.

"Maybe if you learned to wield father's sword, you could stand a chance in a battle with this Sesshomaru." He lifted his sword and swiped it swiftly. "Sōryūha."

Inuyasha held his Tetsusaiga in front of him to block the incoming dragon strike, but it was too strong. He got blown back about thirty feet, landing on his back with some deep gashes and bruises across his stomach, chest and arms. He will easily heal within the next few hours, but these wounds would have easily killed a human on impact.

Sesshomaru ignored the human female that had screamed the hanyous name. He sheathed his sword and walked up to the bakas wincing form. "Pathetic, you are not worthy of this Sesshomaru's time." He disregarded Inuyasha's growl as he turned and stared directly at Kagome, who had run from her friends to get to her mate.

He stepped aside as the girl dropped to her knees in front of Inuyasha and watched her shed tears for such a pathetic fool.

"Inuyasha?" She cupped his cheeks and gave a small smile when he tried to play it off as if it was nothing.

"Keh... I'm fine, wench." He picked up his fallen blade and staggard to his feet, holding the wound in his gut. "I ain't done with you, bastard!"

Sesshomaru watched as Kagome held onto Inuyasha's arm and he locked eyes with her. "Miko."

Kagome never has been too afraid of the arrogant dog in front of her. She let go of Inuyasha's arm and stepped forward. She grabbed an arrow from her quiver and readied her bow, just in case. Inuyasha however, never trusting of the Lord of the West, put his hand in front of his mate before she could step too close.

"Hai?"

"Why did you not give your purity to this one's half-breed brother?"

Kagome ignored Inuyasha's growl as she narrowed her eyes at the demon Lord. "Don't call him that." She spat angrily. "Why is that any of your business?"

Jaken jumped off of A-Un and squawked at the girl. "How dare you speak to Lord Sesshomaru in such a way!? If it were up to me -"

"Jaken."

The small green imp bowed his head with a small, "hai, milord." before backing away from the unfolding scene.

"It is this Sesshomaru's right to know. As the daiyoukai of the Western Lands and this one's older brother, it is within my jurisdiction to kill an unfaithful mate. Tell this Sesshomaru why you betrayed an Inu's trust."

Everyone just gawked at the words that came out of Sesshomaru's mouth. Inuyasha tightened his hold on his sword, but as he was about to swing it again, Kagome put a hand to the wrist holding his weapon.

"It's okay Inuyasha. He is only following his instincts and laws, just like you were..." She took a deep breath in as she locked eyes with the golden ones of her brother-in-law. "Naraku kidnapped me and... used me for his own pleasure... I did not betray my true mate. Inuyasha has been the only one I've ever wanted and will ever want."

Sesshomaru's normally stoic features slowly changed, his eyes began to bleed red when Kagome explained the gist of what had happened to her. To humans, rape is a terrible crime, and in the future they go to prison for such an act of disrespect. But to Inuyoukai, it is punishable by torture followed by death. And to have it done to one considered your own pack, not that Sesshomaru would admit to such a thing, it is even worse.

He locked his crimson eyes with Inuyasha. "You have not killed him for his touching of your chosen?"

Kagome held onto Inuyasha's arm tighter when she could sense his undying need to tear something to shreds, preferably his half-brother.

"N-Naraku has been using underhanded tricks to get past us and to... try and darken my soul even further than he already had."

Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes at both the human and hanyou. "You will train and get stronger. This Sesshomaru will aid in the fight against Naraku. This one will not engage in your petty sword play... until after the dark half-breed is dead."

Inuyasha had enough of staying silent. He pulled his arm free from his mate's hold and stepped in front of her. "Why the fuck do you even care!? That bastard's blood will be on my hands!"

Sesshomaru's stoic facade was back in place as he looked at the hanyou. "Hn. The one who has threatened and hurt your mate is indeed yours to kill. This Sesshomaru only stands by your side in the battle." He looked at Kagome before continuing. "One that commits this most atrocious crime, shall be vanished from the world of the living." He cocked an eyebrow. "Tell me Miko, why have you and my brother not completed the bond?"

Kagome blushed as Inuyasha growled but she figures she can trust him after he basically made a truce. However temporary it may be. She put her bow and arrow in place on her back before responding.

"I... I am not fully ready to... to mate after what had happened. A-Also, I am too young to get married where I come from for another six or so months... s-so we planned to marry and mate after I turn sixteen."

Sesshomaru looked back at the growling hanyou. "Why have you not at least marked her? A marked bitch cannot be marked by another. A marked bitch is much more protected than an unmarked intended."

Inuyasha's mouth opened and closed a few times before he finally found his voice. "I... I thought I could only mark her during... mating."

Sesshomaru once again wanted to roll his eyes at his brother's ignorance. "This Sesshomaru will not be bothered to explain everything to an incompetent half-breed. Find the flea and speak with him." He turned to leave, but was stopped by his brother's angry voice.

"So what the fuck did ya come here for anyway!? Just to fucking annoy me to death?"

The daiyoukai let out the smallest of sighs as he spoke. "Rin. Come." He turned back to face the couple as Rin skipped towards them and stopped at her Lord's side. "You will train Rin as a priestess, Miko."

Kagome gaped at him and looked down at Rin. She focused her reiki and held her hand out towards the girl. Rin smiled and happily held Kagome's hand in her own. Kagome closed her eyes and after just a few seconds, felt what she was looking for. A small spark of reiki. The beginnings of a priestess in the making.

Kagome dropped the eight year old's hand and looked up at Sesshomaru. "How long has she been exhibiting powers?"

Sesshomuru looked away, and Inuyasha swore if he looked close enough he could see a small blush on the Lord's face. Rin smiled happily as she answered the question.

"Rin was sleeping curled up on Lord Sesshomaru when she had a bad dream. Rin had woken up scared and accidentally ZAPPED her Lord." She made a little hand movement as she yelled zapped, and then giggled afterwards as if it was the funniest thing in the world.

Sesshomaru glared at his laughing brother before locking his gaze with Kagome once again. "A few weeks ago. This Sesshomaru will leave her with you, Miko." He looked down at Rin and gave her a curt nod. "This Sesshomaru will be back to check in on your progress in one lunar cycle."

Kagome watched as Sesshomaru began to leave. She grabbed Rin's hand and called after the daiyoukai once again.

"Sesshomaru!" When he stopped and tilted his head slightly to let her know he was listening, she spoke. "I am also learning to control my increased powers and will be going home every now and then to... see my healers. So when I am unable to help Rin, Miroku and Kaede will have to step in for me."

He gave a curt nod. "Hn. That is acceptable. Jaken, come. A-Un, stay and protect Rin."

Inuyasha sheathed his sword and stuffed his hands into his sleeves, wincing at the wounds left behind by Tōkijin. "Oi, bastard! Ya expect me to just agree to babysit your human kid!?"

There was no response because the Lord of the Western Lands flew into the air with Jaken hanging from his Mokomoko.

The others who had been quiet until now, stepped forward and looked between the irritated hanyou, content Miko and happy child. Miroku was the first to speak.

"Sooo... that was interesting."

°•°•°

After Sesshomaru had left, Kagome led Rin to Kaede's hut with the others so they could assess the girl's powers.

The first thing Kagome had done when they entered, was force Inuyasha to take his Suikan and Hadagi off so she could clean and dress the wounds. After a short argument where Kagome promised extra Ramen and steak the next time they went through the well, Inuyasha pouted and sat with his back against the wall, his mate tending to his already healing injuries. He did give her a few discreet smirks and sly grins when he noticed her hands and eyes lingering on him a lot longer than they had needed to be. She blushed prettily before finishing with his bandages and giving him back his clothes to redress. Then they all sat around in a circle to speak on what has happened and what will need to happen in the near future.

They have been inside for about an hour, figuring out an appropriate schedule for training. Rin is only beginning to show small sparks of reiki, so she will be starting at the lowest level. They decided to have Kaede teach Rin what she needs to know to begin with, since Kagome never had training at the young girl's age. Kagome's raw power manifested later on, so she needs to focus on controlling her reiki and learning the new abilities she seems to be aquiring.

When Kagome and Miroku are done with their daily lessons, Kagome will join Rin and Kaede to learn more about different types if purification arrows and herbs. She will be learning alongside Rin while also teaching her some of what she already knows and is currently learning.

Inuyasha will always be nearby his mate, never leaving her alone unless she is bathing or taking care of her business. In which case, Sango will be with her. So, while she is training with Miroku by the Goshinboku, Inuyasha will be training with Sango and Kirara a short distance away. While she is in Kaede's hut with Rin and the old Miko, he will either be inside with her or right outside to continue his own training.

He would have to be killed to leave his mate unprotected while that evil hanyou is still breathing.

After they had finished speaking about their new training plan, it was time for dinner. Inuyasha had growled when he saw that three of his Ramen cups were missing from his stash in Kaede's hut, but Kagome distracted him by saying he has plenty to last the week and then they will be going to her era for more anyway. He crossed his arms and plopped down to eat his fill after having his mate promise to make it up to him later. The suggestive remark did not go unnoticed by a certain Houshi who made his very clear crude comment in return, earning him an old fashion slap from the taijiya.

Kagome blushed but rolled her eyes as she sat down next to her mate. Inuyasha looked at her and gave her a small smile when she placed her head on his shoulder.

"I gotta find that damn flea."

She looked up at him and nodded. "If... If you could mark me before we... mate... would you want to?"

He locked his golden gaze with her brown ones and gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. "I would wanna mark ya as soon as you are ready. If ya don't want me to, I won't. It's your choice, but we gotta see what the flea says first."

Kagome nodded her understanding and rested her head back on his shoulder, sighing contentedly. The group continued to speak amongst themselves as the sun dipped below the horizon. Kagome and Miroku did their nightly meditation before Kagome took her medicine and yawned, feeling ready for bed after a long day.

Once it was time to go to sleep, everyone got their sleeping arrangements set up and layed down. Inuyasha and Miroku spoke about beginning the collection of lumber and finding a spot for his and Kagome's hut, where they can stay in, giving the old Miko her personal space back.

Inuyasha leaned up against the wall with his Tetsusaiga leaned up next to him, Kagome curled in his lap and Shippo curled in hers, holding his Foxy.

Sango and Miroku are on the opposite side of the hut as the old woman, a good distance apart from each other, Kirara in the sleeping bag with Sango. Rin is using Kagome's sleeping bag near Kaede's cot, since Kagome chooses to sleep wrapped up in Inuyasha's warm embrace instead of her old bag.

She definitely prefers her new sleeping arrangement.

Soon everyone had fallen asleep, Inuyasha lightly dozing. All are excited to begin their new training, so they can all become much stronger when faced with their most hated enemy for what they believe will be the final battle.

°•°•°

A/N: Sorry for the shorter chapter! This one is basically an in between chapter, to show a (sort-of) alliance with Sesshomaru and Inuyasha's pack, along with how they will all be training to face off against Naraku. (There will be more before the final battle, so don't worry about that at the moment).

So, the time it takes for Lexapro to work varies from person to person. It may take as little as a week to as long as four weeks for the person to notice a change in their mood. For me personally, it was about one to two weeks. Just an FYI for this story, if you are noticing Kagome is slowly starting to feel a change. Yes, that has a lot to do with her support group, but the medicine is helping too.

Thanks for reading and please leave an honest comment on how you are enjoying my fiction!