InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Coming of Age ❯ 6 ( Chapter 6 )

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Coming of Age
By: Demonsaya

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6

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Inuyasha inhaled deeply, slumped against a tree, on the edge of where Sesshoumaru had just spent the better part of an hour kicking the crap out of him. He let his head fall back against the tree and glanced towards his barely winded older brother. “You're...a pain in the ass...” He heaved, closing his eyes.

“Indeed. The same could be said for you.” Sesshoumaru sat on the ground, waiting for Inuyasha's strength to return to him. The hanyou was dripping with sweat, his cheeks flushed from exhertion. His silver hair was plastered against his face, his clothing clinging to his body. The youkai felt a twinge of annoyance. He had never fully understood what girls liked about is brother. The hanyou was rather unrefined, coarse, and really didn't know how to treat a lady, yet here he was, mated long before the youkai himself had taken a mate.

Inuyasha glared at his brother, who didn't have a drop of sweat on him. “What?” He snapped, upon seeing the older demon examining him closely.

Sesshoumaru looked away, lifting his face to the dwindling daylight. He didn't reply to his brother's rather peevish question, choosing instead to relax and concentrate on regaining his strength. Although he wasn't drenched with sweat as his brother was, fighting Inuyasha was always a trying experience. It was probably because the hanyou was so used to fighting, he was quick to adapt his body to new circumstances in any fight.

He had seen it often. He threw a glance towards the still panting hanyou and nearly let out a very uncharacteristic snort. In their first fight after his younger brother's seal was broken, when he'd lost his arm, his brother had shown this ability. Quite accidentally, he discovered the secret to transform Tetsusaiga. Then again, later, learning the secret of Kaze no Kizu, then accidentally discovering the secret of Bakuryuha. Indeed, what Inuyasha lacked in skill, he made up in sheer force of will and battle sense, probably from being hunted as a pup.

The taiyoukai could still remember the first time he'd seen the young hanyou. He had been barely 150 years old and his father had placed the newborn pup in his arms and told him the red-faced, deafeningly loud infant that looked like it had recently been rolling in his mother's smegma, was his brother. Sesshoumaru, being the adolescent he was, asked the first thing that came to mind.

“Can't you put it back?”

That time, Sesshoumaru did snort at the memory. It was such an uncharacteristic thing for him to say, even back then. He had always thought more about the importance of action, rather than words, but looking back, it sounded like something Inuyasha would say. From that moment on, there had been a love-hate relationship between him and his brother. Love-hate in that they loved to hate each other.

Inuyasha heard the snort and glanced towards his brother with an arched eyebrow. “Oi, Sesshoumaru...did you just...snort?” He asked, noting the rather far-away look on his brother's face.

“It would appear so.” Sesshoumaru replied. He paused, glancing at his brother. “Do you remember when you were a pup and you tried on father's armor?” He asked, an almost amused tone in his voice.

The hanyou blushed, glaring at his brother. “You're the bastard who dared me to do it. And of course I fucking remember. I think the whole manor about died of laughter.” He scowled, looking off into a different direction.

“Hm.” Sesshoumaru agreed. “Father had a fit. We both got sent to our rooms and told that we couldn't leave them until we 'grew up'.”

Inuyasha looked at his brother in surprise. Then, a smirk appeared on his face. “And I asked if we couldn't come out till we were grown ups, when would we eat.”

The taiyoukai snorted again. “You always did think with your stomach.” He said, standing gracefully. He glanced towards his brother and gestured for him to stand. “We will continue with your training.”

Slowly, his brother stood, the bright red haori standing out against the dark brown and green of the trees. “Sure, why not.” Inuyasha agreed, cracking his neck and rotating his shoulders.

“This time, you will not use Tetsusaiga.”

The hanyou nodded in agreement and lunged for his brother.

Less than half an hour of attacking and defending later, the direction of the wind changed and Inuyasha caught the scent of someone he did not want to see right then. He froze, looking towards the direction of the scent. He never even saw the blow coming.

Sesshoumaru's fist connected with his face and he went flying back into a tree. Pain seared through his brain as it slammed into the trunk and he slid down to the ground slowly, holding onto it. He felt a blood trickle from the corner of his mouth and winced, putting a hand to the back of his head.

“Inuyasha!” Sesshoumaru chastised. “You should have seen that coming a mile away! If you do that in the fight against Naraku, he will KILL you. Do you understand?! Are you even taking this training seriously?!”

“I smell Kikyou.” Inuyasha said softly, glancing in the direction of the scent and wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. He winced, rubbing his jaw and slowly stood. He glanced towards his brother, his face serious. “If she's nearby, my friends are in danger. I have to get back to camp-”

“The scent is not coming from the camp.”

“No, it's not, but my mate's scent mingles with Kikyou's.” He snapped, his eyes narrowing. “This isn't the time for a debate!” He began running in the direction of the scent. “You go check on the camp!”

Sesshoumaru watched him go with a neutral expression. “Runs headlong into danger without a backward glance...” The taiyoukai shook his head. “Idiot...” Without another word, he moved gracefully towards the camp.

Inuyasha sprinted through the forest, glancing back and forth, searching for a hint of his mate. “KAGOME?!” He called, sniffing the air. There was no distress in his mate's scent, but if Kikyou was nearby, that meant she was still in danger. He snarled softly, then backpedaled as he entered a clearing, and found Kikyou standing in the center, her shinidama-chu surrounding her.

She glanced towards him, a melancholy expression on her face. “I knew you would come here. It is not me you seek, though.” She walked towards him, and gave him a sad smile. “Hello, Inuyasha.” She said softly.

“I told you not to appear before Kagome and I again...” Inuyasha said softly. He looked away from her, his nose searching for a hint of his mate's scent.

Kikyou nodded. “I did not come to harm you or your mate. Yes, I know the deed has been done, Inuyasha. Yet, she is still able to purify the shikon no tama.” She stopped a few steps away from him. “I used to think it was odd. How could she love a hanyou and still retain her ability to purify the jewel. How could someone who loved something so tainted be so pure?” She saw him stiffen and looked away. “Then I realized that her powers draw upon the strength of that love.”

He saw the sad expression on the miko's face and didn't smell any malice on her. “Why are you here, Kikyou?”

“I brought information dealing with Naraku to your mate. She is waiting for you in a cave not far from here...” She paused, glancing back at him. “I am sorry, Inuyasha.” She said after a long pause.

His eyes shot wide. Why was Kikyou apologizing? Why was she helping them and treating Kagome like her equal? “Kikyou-”

“I failed you all those years ago. The one thing I wanted to do was heal your heart, and I failed in doing that. All I managed to do was cause more pain with my distrust. I should have trusted you as she does. I should have known that you would not do that-”

Inuyasha grabbed her and pulled her into his embrace. “Shut up!” He whispered fiercely. “I am as much to blame as you. I didn't trust you either. We...we were easy targets for Naraku's trickery.”

Kikyou pushed him away gently, lifting her eyes to his. “I wanted to give this information to Kagome and...” She hesitated. “I wanted to say goodbye to you. It isn't something I wanted to do in front of her.” She glanced away. “She loves you. You deserve to be loved completely. You always have.” She pushed up on her toes, pressing her lips gently against his cheek, caressing the opposite with the back of her hand.

Inuyasha was stunned. He could feel an odd patch of warmth from Kikyou's chest, where Naraku had once pierced through her. When she pulled back, his brow creased in confusion. “Kikyou?”

“I free you, Inuyasha, from your promises. Love her, live for her.” She smiled, and her shinidama-chu surrounded her, lifting her into the air. “Goodbye, Inuyasha.”

Inuyasha watched her go, his eyes sad. He was finally free from his obligation to follow her to hell. He was free to live with his mate and be with her as long as they both lived. Yet, in achieving this, his first love was left alone. He waited until he could no longer see the glow of the dead miko's youkai and then lifted his nose, seeking his mate's scent. When he found it, he raced towards it, his mind reeling from shock.

The past twenty four hours had taken their tole on him. Just the night before, Kagome consented to be his mate, rejecting Kouga and all others in the same breath. Now, Kikyou had freed him, and he was able to love Kagome freely, openly. He'd never had that with Kikyou. Kikyou had always wanted to hide. She had never held him, touched him. She had loved him, but deep down, she'd always feared what he was inside, and wanted to change him. He had loved her and desperately wanted someone to save him from the loneliness, so he was willing to change.

Kagome didn't ask him to change. She loved him as he was, even as a weak hanyou. She watched over him on his human nights. She cried out to him when he was in danger and when his demon blood took over.

She wasn't afraid of him.

He reached the cave, and ran in, calling out to his mate. “Kagome?!”

There she was, sitting against the cave wall, her knees pulled to her chest, arms wrapped around her legs, her chin resting against her knees. She looked up, startled when he rushed towards her and straightened, opening her arms to him. He fell to his knees and wrapped himself around her, burying his nose into her hair. “Kagome...” He whispered, feeling her arms close around his back, her hands resting flat against him.

Kagome smiled a bit, resting her head on his shoulder. “Kikyou...went to see you, didn't she.” She said softly, feeling, oddly enough, no jealousy. It was as if a strange sort of peace had washed over her.

Inuyasha pulled back and nodded slightly. “She came to say goodbye.” He said softly. “She set me free...” He stared down at her, his eyes joyful. There was a small smile on Kagome's face, and so much love in her eyes, he wondered how he'd never noticed before. Without a word, he crushed her to him, breathing in her wonderful scent. He frowned, however, smelling mild distress and sadness on her. “Kagome, what's wrong?” He asked softly, stroking her hair in a loving manner. “Are you upset that I saw Kikyou?” He began to pull back, his brow creased in worry.

Kagome shook her head. “No, it's not that...” She leaned back against the wall, glancing towards the entrance of the cave. “Kikyou said that Kouga is working with Naraku now...” She said weakly. “That he's given Kouga shikon shards.” She heard Inuyasha's growl and looked at the ground. “I'm worried.” She admitted, taking his hands, drawing his attention back to her.

His eyes met hers and he sensed the slight fear inside her. “How many does he have?” Inuyasha asked evenly. He smelled her scent spike and his eyes widened. She remained quiet. “Kagome, how many shards did Naraku give him?!”

“Six.” She whispered, looking at the ground.

The hanyou sucked in a sharp breath. “SIX?!” He whispered. “Why the hell would Naraku surrender so many shards to someone who sometimes acts as our Ally?!” He looked at the ground, then his eyes snapped back towards his mate. “Kagome-”

“He's using Kouga's desire for me to get rid of you.” She said softly. “If you're dead, then Naraku has no one to challenge him. I can't fire through his barrier, only Kikyou can do that. Only Kongou shou ha can cut through it.” She looked at the ground. “I don't want to lose you, but Kouga is my friend...”

He nodded, brushing a strand of hair back from her face. “If Kouga poses a threat to you, I will kill him without a second thought.” He whispered to her, cupping her face gently. “You are my mate.” He forced her to meet his gaze. “I will take no joy in killing him, but if you're put in danger, I will do it.”

Kagome smiled sadly. “I know you would.” She leaned towards him, gently kissing his lips. “I just hope we can talk some sense into him.”

He didn't want to talk about this anymore. He gave her a small, almost timid smile, leaning towards her, pressing his lips against the mark on her shoulder. He felt her involuntarily arch against him and smiled a bit. “Don't worry about it yet. Kouga's an idiot, but he's not completely stupid. I'm sure we wont have to fight him, so just relax for now...” He murmured against her skin, removing his haori and laying it out on the ground before gently resting her against it. At first he merely cuddled up beside her, his eyes closed, enjoying the way her scent wrapped around him like a blanket. He felt her lips lightly touch his and he sighed, lacing his fingers though the black silk of her hair and rolling her so she was beneath him.

Kagome smiled gently up at him, lifting her hand and gently stroking his face. She wanted to hear him say it. She wanted to say the words he hadn't said yet. However, oddly enough, she was afraid to hear them. Hearing them opened her up for wounds in her heart and she wasn't sure what she would do if he did say them, so she kept her mouth shut until his lips descended upon hers and she telegraphed her love for him with her body, with her heart.

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The sound of birds woke Inuyasha the next morning, and he snuggled closer to the warm woman who lay beside him. He buried his nose deep into her hair, smelling her sweet scent as well as the scent of sex. A wicked grin turned up the corners of his mouth. The two scents combined and made her normal scent even more intoxicating than normal. Yet, if they were going to be traveling with Sesshoumaru, it would be best if they both bathed.

He scowled, rising to his feet and glancing out the cave entrance, sniffing for the scent of a hot spring. He didn't like water particularly much, but bathing was a necessity. If only he didn't have to do it to clean the scent of their fun off of them. With a soft sigh, he moved back into the cave and roused his mate. She mumbled sleepily and pulled the haori over her head.

“Come on, Kagome, it's morning, we have to head out...”

“Just five more minutes...Can't work wait?”

The hanyou chuckled, scooping up her scattered clothing and then his own, pulling his on and picking up Kagome still wrapped up in his haori. He let her continue to sleep as he walked towards the hot spring and upon reaching it, dipped a toe into it, testing the water. He hissed softly, then unwrapped his mate, slowly setting her in the water.

She actually purred as she was immersed and she began to wake slowly. By the time she was fully conscious, Inuyasha was naked and in the water with her, doing his best to wash himself without soap. She looked at him with adoring eyes and smiled a bit. Sunlight glistened off his silver hair and his tanned skin. She could see each muscle ripple as he moved, and withheld a shudder from the power he seemed to exude. “You are so beautiful...” She said softly, moving towards him and wrapped her arms around him.

He looked towards her and arched an eyebrow. “Isn't that my line.” He teased softly, cupping her face between his palms and leaning down, placing a chaste kiss on her lips. He heard her soft sigh and felt the familiar stirrings around his loins and moaned softly. “Dammit, woman, if we're going to get any shard hunting done, you have to stop sighing like that.” He growled in warning.

“Do we have to hunt for shards though? Can't I just have you to myself all day?” She saw the rather pleased look on his face and pressed up onto her tip toes to kiss him again, but his hands on her arms stopped her. Her heart fell and she bit her lip, looking away.

“As much as I would love to do that all day, we have a job to do, and we HAVE to do it.” He saw the disappointment on her face and smiled a bit, chucking her chin with his index finger. “Hey, there's tonight and tomorrow night. Trust me, I'm not tired of you. I don't think I'll ever get tired of you.” He kissed her lips, her neck, and her mark, then straightened. “Come on, we need to get back to camp and tell the other's what Kikyou told you.” He said softly.

Kagome got a determined look on her face and nodded and he just had to smile; she looked too cute like that. “Okay.” She said, then climbed out of the water, leaving him with a perfect view of her backside. She heard a throaty growl behind her and glanced back, seeing him pointedly looking away. She paused, realizing that she was bent over, retrieving her panties, and technically presenting herself to him. She blushed and knelt instead. “Sorry.” She said softly.

He left the water, running his hands firmly over himself, slicing the water from his body. “Don't worry about it, Kagome. It's not like I mind seeing you bent over.” He teased. “Reminds me of yesterday in your shower.” He watched her cheeks flame up dark red and pulled on his yukatta, followed by his hakama. He waited till she was finished dressing and extended a hand towards her. “Come on, let's head back.” He said softly, his eyes gazing upon her with a strange gentleness.

She smiled, placing her hand in his and letting him pull her to her feet. As they walked side by side, she asked him about his training with Sesshoumaru and the hanyou smiled.

He didn't release her hand as they walked.

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Sango woke the next morning and the first thing she did was open a bottle of water and drain it. It wasn't that she was particularly thirsty, but knowing she was pregnant made her extremely cautious. The night before, she'd been careful to eat a lot of meat and vegetables, trying to make sure the child within her got proper nutrients.

Miroku watched her silently, his face nearly melancholy. He heard a rustle in the bushes and his hand went immediately to his staff, preparing to guard the woman who was pregnant with his child to the death if needs be. He was relieved to see it was only Inuyasha.

The hanyou entered the clearing with his mate, still joined at the hands. He looked around cautiously, sniffing the air. “Where is Sesshoumaru?” He asked evenly.

Sango answered. “He came last night, looked around, then disappeared. We haven't seen him since.”

The hanyou snorted. “I'm not surprised. He probably doesn't want his status lowered by being seen traveling with humans and hanyou.” He shouldered Kagome's pack, glancing towards her, his eyes softening just a bit. “There's a village up the road aways. We can get food there. Sango will need a lot of food for her pup.”

The taijiya blushed darkly, then gave Kagome an accusing look. The girl merely held up her hands and shook her head, pointing at her nose then back at Inuyasha. “Does EVERYONE know that I'm pregnant now?” Sango asked, frowning deeply.

Miroku glanced away, his face sad. He had to hurry up and defeat Naraku faster now. He only had a few months before his child would be born and the woman he loved sucked into the baby's kazanaa. He watched as the others prepared to head out and moved towards Sango, offering his hand so she could get up.

She looked up at him in surprise, and slowly took his hand. She allowed him to pull her to her feet and blushed faintly, glancing away. When she was upright, she tried to tug her hands away from his, but he didn't release her, and she met his gaze, seeing sadness and something else. Her eyes widened and she knew they would talk later.

Kagome watched the pair closely, scooping up Shippou in one arm. She glanced towards her mate, then gestured towards Sango and Miroku, who were lost in their own world and saw him almost smile, an approving expression on his face.

The hanyou squeezed her hand and they began walking towards the village, each person lost in their own thoughts.

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Bright blue eyes watched the small group leaving. The demon's breath left him raggedly, his eyes narrowed with fury, noting how his woman was being casually touched by the dog-demon. He ground his teeth together, his claws biting into his palm. Each hand glowed with a shikon shard, as did his forehead, his chest, and each leg had four.

They would never even see him coming.

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Ayumi sat at her desk, listening carefully to the rumors going around. Rumors about her best friend sleeping with Hojo. Rumors that she hadn't been a virgin when they'd had sex. She fisted her small hands on the flat surface and looked to Yuka and Eri, who looked uncomfortable as several girls asked if the rumors were true.

Neither of them knew. They didn't know that Kagome was mated to a half-demon. They thought she was merely engaged. She couldn't tell them, Kagome didn't trust them. Somehow, she had to reach Kagome and let her know that Hojo was trying to spoil her reputation.

She glared darkly at the boy, who was wearing a rather peaceful smile. He looked like that cat who ate the canary and she wanted nothing more than to wipe that confident smile off his face.

Rumors about Inuyasha were flying easily, too. That he was a monster, that he raped Kagome, that Kagome was too afraid of him to fight back and go the the one she really 'loved', who evidentially, Hojo thought was himself.

She was glad when class finally started. Without a word, she wrote a quick note to her two friends, saying she was going to talk to Kagome today. They asked to come along, but she told them not to. This was something only Ayumi could do.

The final class of the day ended and Ayumi ran directly into Hojo on her way out. She saw a look of cool arrogance on his face and glared up at him. “How dare you start all these rumors!” She hissed, her hands fisted at her sides.

He smiled at her, but it wasn't the normal good boy smile he always showed towards Kagome. It was cold, calculating. “If you say a word of this to anyone, I'll find out. You want to keep your family safe, right?” He hooked a finger under her chin, forcing her gaze to his own. “I'm part of one of the oldest families in Japan. I can make your entire family disappear.”

She locked gazes with him. “Go to hell, Hojo.” She said fiercely. “I'm not afraid of you. I've got something you DON'T on my side.” She saw his eyes widen in shock and she smiled a bit coldly as well. “You're nothing, Hojo. Just a spoiled little boy. Kagome can disappear to places you'll never find her.” Without a word, she swept past him and walked down the hall, her face set with determination. When she left the school, she pulled out her phone, dialing a number into it and glancing around to make sure no one heard her.

“Ayumi-chan?” The bleary sounding voice asked, telling her he'd been asleep.

“Hi, I need you to meet me at Sunset shrine.”

There was a pause. “No, I'll meet you at the school, and I'll drive you there. Hojo's starting something, isn't he?”

“Yeah.” She smiled, closing her eyes. “I'll wait by the gate.”

“Okay. I'll see you soon.”

“Bye.”

“Bye, gorgeous.”

Ayumi blushed faintly as she hung up her phone. She left through the front gate and bit her lip. The road was deserted. She'd met her friend during summer break while she was working as an intern at a lawyers office. They had become close friends, nearly to the point of being a couple, but he'd said that it was too soon for her to get involved like that with someone like him.

She didn't fully understand what he'd meant at the time, but when Kagome had told her about Inuyasha being a demon, she'd called her friend and asked him what he'd meant by 'someone like him'. They'd met and that's when she'd found out the truth.

He was a demon as well. Evidentially in five hundred years, demons advanced, learning magic that would hide what they really were from humans, magic that they would anchor with a seal onto an object that they would keep on their person. It didn't take away their powers, just created an illusion that anyone without 'sight' couldn't see through.

When they'd next met, he'd allowed her to see what he really looked like.

She felt a cold tingle up her spine and saw Hojo looking at her, walking towards her, an angry expression on his face. She took a steadying breath and fisted her hand around her cellphone. She met his gaze unwaveringly, and when he was right in front of her, she didn't flinch or back down.

They merely stared at each other for a long moment, then Hojo grabbed her by the throat, putting just enough pressure on it that she knew she'd bruise, obstructing her airway just a bit. She didn't wince, she merely stared at him, watching as he raised his other hand and slapped her.

Ayumi ground her teeth together and looked back at him, her face hard. “You're disgusting, Hojo.” She said fiercely, feeling spots enter her vision. “You're vile. You don't deserve a girl like Kagome Higurashi.” He struck her again, and she bit her lip.

“Well, whether I deserve her or not, I'm going to have her.”

“I suggest...that if you don't want me to shove your head through that wall you let Ayumi-chan go.”

Hojo did a half turn, finding himself staring at a young man a good bit taller than him who was staring at him through brilliant green eyes. There was a deep fury in his eyes and it caused Hojo to instinctively release Ayumi.

After all, the reason mankind survived as long as it had was because of it's instinct to survive.

Ayumi sucked in a breath and closed her eyes, sliding to the ground. She watched as her friend pushed Hojo out of the way and knelt in front of her. His hand clasped her chin and he gently turned her head to either side. She heard a soft growl deep in his throat.

The young man turned towards Hojo, murder in his eyes. “Run. Run, or I swear by all that's holy, I'll kill you myself.”

The boy did as he was told.

Meanwhile, Ayumi's friend gently brushed her hair back, his eyes examining her in concern. “You okay, Ayumi?” He asked, his fingers lightly running over her swollen cheek.

“I'm okay, Shippou-kun. Let's just hurry to Kagome's.”

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Evidentially, their reputation proceeded them.

When they had entered the village that morning, many people offered them food and supplies. They really had enough for the next few weeks as it was, but it seemed rude to refuse, and none of them thought it would be a good idea to look ungrateful.

As a precaution, Inuyasha didn't hold Kagome's hand while they were in the village, not wanting her to become the target of those who thought that demons and humans shouldn't be together in the way Inuyasha and Kagome were. They moved through that village quickly, asking for rumors of a wolf demon with a lot of shikon shards and for rumors of Naraku or his off spring.

There was a rumor of a wolf demon that had been howling nightly for the past week and they headed off in that direction. Kagome, however, doubted that it was Kouga. Yet, on they traveled, hoping that they were going in the correct direction, having no real way of knowing if they were.

They stopped early for the night and Sesshoumaru appeared again, dragging Inuyasha off to train him some more. They returned a few hours later, and everyone ate dinner, then Inuyasha and Kagome disappeared for another hour of private time. They returned and everyone went to bed, except Inuyasha, who stayed awake, vigilantly watching over his friends. They would reach the village the next day, and he wanted to make sure that they weren't attacked in their sleep.

As soon as the moon rose above the trees, the howling began. Inuyasha winced at the heart-broken sound. He glanced down and saw Kagome down there stirring in her sleep and went to her side. When her eyes opened, he made sure the first thing she saw was him. After a moment, another howl rose through the air and Kagome glanced away from his face and in it's direction.

“It sounds like it's heart's been broken.” She whispered sadly.

The hanyou nodded in agreement. “It's calling for it's mate. We'll probably come across it tomorrow. You should rest, Kagome, it's been a long day. Don't worry, I'll watch over you.” He promised, giving her a gentle smile.

“I don't know if I can sleep with that sound. I hope the villagers don't attack it, it already sounds pained enough.”

Inuyasha nodded in agreement, wrapping his arms around her, pulling her against his chest, holding her there. They sat awake and silent until the howls stopped, then Kagome drifted off to sleep once again.

The next morning, they ate breakfast and got ready to go quickly. Inuyasha told the ones who'd slept through the howling about the noise and said they should hurry, because before sunrise, he'd caught the scent of human blood lust. He suspected that they were tired of the youkai's nightly cries and would try to kill it today.

Upon entering the village, a familiar scent tickled the hanyou's nose and he lifted his head, sniffing closely. “I smell blood...” He told his companions, his brow creasing in concern. They followed the scent to the other side of the village, where they found a mob.

They pushed to the center and finding a young woman with bright auburn hair, stripped naked and tied at her hands and feet, face down in the circle, while a man behind her was whipping her back mercilessly. There were various torture items there as well, including a rack, thumb screws and other things to cause pain senselessly.

Kagome recognized the woman and covered her mouth in shock. She looked towards Inuyasha, who had a dark expression on his face.

The wolf caught their scents and lifted her gaze, tears in her green eyes. “Kagome-san...” She whispered.

That broke him. He could remember suffering this same treatment after his mother died and remembered the lengths he'd gone to escape the humans who'd done it. Without a word, he stepped towards the man with the whip and snatched it out of his hands, pushing him away. He glanced towards Kagome and nodded. Kagome knelt by her hands, pulling a pair of scissors out of her bag and cutting the ropes that bound her.

Ayumi lifted her bruised face and threw her arms around the girl, embracing her tightly and sobbing into her shoulder.

Voices from the crowd rose to object as Inuyasha cut the ropes that bound the girl's feet and he pulled a blanket from Kagome's bag, wrapping it around the demon. Then, he turned towards the crowd, his face furious. “This demon is henceforth under my protection. If one of you villagers harm a hair on her head, I'll see to it that you are dealt with accordingly. I don't like hurting humans. Don't make me.”

“I thought you were demon exterminators!” One man objected, moving to the front, his face angry.

“What harm has Ayame done to any of you?!” Miroku snapped, moving to his friends side. He watched Sango move towards Ayame to comfort the demon as well.

One woman came forward. “She howls through the night, we can't sleep! If we can't sleep, we can't work! If we can't work, we starve!”

Kagome helped the wolf demon stand, making sure all of her was covered. Then, she looked towards the villagers. Her face wore an expression of disgust. “Only humans would hunt and try to kill something that was disturbing them because it was heartbroken.” She said, her face angry. “If you all are upset that we're helping a youkai, then get out of our way, we'll rest outside the village.”

The villagers did not interfere when they left. Kirara carried Ayame from the village and they waited till they were almost a kilometer away before they stopped and Kagome began to treat the girl's wounds.

Miroku walked up to Sango and glanced towards the forest. The taijiya nodded and stood, following the monk. Kagome watched them go, her face serious. 'Don't screw up this time, Miroku-sama.' She thought, then went back to treating Ayame's wounds. “What happened?” She asked softly.

Ayame looked at the ground, her face sad. “I went to Kouga...asked him to accept me as his mate...” She squeezed her eyes shut. “He said he didn't love me, he never had. He said he was in love with you.” She bit her lip, opening them and looking at Kagome. “I tried to tell him that you loved Inuyasha, but he didn't listen. He kept saying that if you said no, he'd make you be his mate...”

Kagome squeezed Ayame's shoulder. “I'm sorry. I know you love him a lot.”

The girl nodded, her expression deeply sad. “Can I come with you? I want to see Kouga again, to talk some sense into him. He needs to understand that his pack needs him.”

Kagome glanced towards Inuyasha, who was 'guarding' again, then looked back at the wold-princess. “Ayame, there's something you need to know.” She looked down at her hands, unsure of how to proceed. “Kouga found out that Inuyasha and I have mated and he went a little crazy, I think. First he attacked us. Then later, we found that he is working with Naraku to kill Inuyasha. He thinks if Inuyasha's dead, I'll pick him.”

Ayame's face saddened further. “Kouga you dummy...” She whispered, shaking her head. She looked at Kagome, her green eyes serious. “When we meet with him...let me fight him.” She said firmly. “I might be able to get through to him.” She gave Kagome a warm smile and looked away, her eyes determined. “I WILL get through to him.”

Kagome nodded, resting her hand on the wolf's shoulder, then moving to stand with her mate. She wrapped her arms around him, as he gently pulled her against him. “She took it better than I thought she would.” Kagome said softly. She saw the serious expression on Inuyasha's face and frowned a bit.

“Naraku's taint will taint the two shards in his legs. He wont be Kouga when we see him next. It'll be just like with Housenki.” He glanced back at the girl, his eyes serious. “He'll try to kill her and with eight shikon shards in his possession now, he'll probably succeed.” He looked down at his mate, his expression becoming worried. “He'll kill everything that gets in his way.”

Kagome lifted her eyes to look at him, and saw something in his eyes. She pressed up onto her toes and tenderly kissed his lips. “Come on, Inuyasha.” She said, gently pulling him into the forest. She saw him resist momentarily, but then he gave into her will. She rested her head on his shoulder and smiled, wrapping her hand around his. “I love you.” She said softly as they walked.

He closed his eyes, smiling slightly. “I know.” He replied.

oooooooooooooooooooooo

Miroku and Sango walked in silence for a little while, till they reached a small stream, then the priest sat, offering his hands to the woman. She took them, sitting beside him, her face wary, but not cold. They sat in silence for a long time. Miroku closed his eyes, trying to think of where to begin. He loved her. He knew that was certain. He loved her more than his life, but she was in danger because of him.

Gently, he reached out and brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. “Sango-”

“You regret it, don't you.” She said abruptly, cutting him off. She looked towards him, her eyes sad, pained. “You don't really love me. You just love the idea of me.” She sighed heavily, looking across the stream and then moved to stand up, to walk away, but his hand grabbed her wrist and she glanced back at him.

“I love you.” He said firmly. He saw the pain on her face and moved towards her, wrapping his arms around her waist, resting his head against her breasts. “I do not regret what we did, but I fear that your life is in danger now because of me. I never wanted that, Sango. I wanted you to be safe.” He closed his eyes, holding her tightly. “Please, don't leave me, koishii.” He whispered, caressing her back lifting his face to look up at her again.

Sango stared down at him, her eyes swimming with tears. “Miroku...” She whispered.

“I was an idiot. I'm sorry. Perhaps we don't use Inuyasha and Kagome as an example like we should. They have as many obstacles as we, yet they are enjoying the time they have together, while I'm just hesitating...” He pulled her down to his knees, looking down into her eyes. “Would you be my lady, Sango?” He asked softly, his gaze gentle.

The girl blushed and without a word, she threw her arms around Miroku's neck, consequently sending them both crashing to the ground. Sango cried softly against his shoulder, then pressed kisses all over his face. She pulled back, looking down at him. “I was always yours, you idiot.” She said softly.

His face lit up and he embraced her tightly. “Sango...”

“I love you, too.” She whispered, resting her cheek against his shoulder.

oooooooooooooooooooooo