InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Coming of Age ❯ 8 ( Chapter 8 )

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Coming of Age
By: Demonsaya

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8

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Ayame sniffed the air, noting that Kouga's faint scent was fading further. It made her relax slightly, but she didn't trust Naraku's tricks and didn't know what new powers the shikon shards had given the wolf. So she remained vigilantly awake, eyes gazing up at the mostly full moon, ears listening for any creature's approach. Sesshoumaru was standing guard as well, at the edge facing west of the village. She faced Southwards, towards the forest. To the East, Miroku was standing guard, and Northward, was Jaken.

Somewhere, inside her heart, she could understand Kouga's resentment for Inuyasha. It was similar to some of the feelings she felt for Kagome. After all, she'd lost her prince to the human girl. She'd learned that in the wolf's eyes, she couldn't even measure up to a human woman. She wasn't pretty enough, or strong enough.

Yet, after spending time around the miko, she'd learned that the girl had no feelings towards the wolf. She had learned that the girl's smiles at him spoke of nothing more than friendship, her kindness, the way she would protect him from the hanyou she truly loved, out of a sisterly affection.

Upon that realization, the animosity she'd felt towards the girl died a quick death. Besides, it was difficult to dislike Kagome anyways. She was so bright and cheerful, always smiling, her lips periodically turning up into a more coy smirk when she was talking with her friends. Her hands were always tender and caring when she was bandaging someone's wounds. Her heart was so big and full of hope, that even in the face of the girl's own rival, when the undead woman needed help, Kagome would lend a hand.

Ayame sighed, looking up towards the tree line and sucking in a sharp breath. There, a head of silver was emerging from the trees, a mound of black hair tossed over his shoulder. Inuyasha and Kagome had returned. Slowly, she rose to her feet, seeing the hanyou signal for her to keep quiet, and nodded, moving towards them. “We're keeping guard. Kouga's scent just faded. I'm not sure I should trust my nose, though...”

Inuyasha nodded, and glanced back at his sleeping mate. “Tell everyone to just relax. Standing guard every night like this is just going to wear us all out, and we're going to need our strength.” He patted Ayame's shoulder and gave her an encouraging smile. “Especially if we're going to knock any sense into that damn wolf.”

There was only one damn wolf. That was Kouga. Ayame's eyes filled with tears and she smiled, nodding. “I'll go tell the other's.” She dug her clawed feet into the ground and sprung off, a definite spring in her step.

The hanyou's face became serious when she was gone and he gently squeezed Kagome's knee. “I don't know about this short break, Kagome...” He said evenly.

She nodded against his shoulder. “I know.”

“Kouga or Naraku could attack at any moment, and we'd be off guard.” He warned gently.

She glanced back at him and smiled calmly. “Don't worry.” She kissed his cheek. “Remember what the skill that drew us together in the first place is? I'm still a great shard detector. And if my plan works, then we wont have to worry about Kouga for long.”

He nodded hesitantly, moving towards Kaede's hut, pushing aside the straw cover. Shippou and Rin were sleeping curled up in the corner, Kirara curled around them. Kaede was still awake, stirring a smelly brew in her cauldron. Sango appeared to be asleep against the wall, but he could tell from her tense hold on Hiraikotsu that she was awake. “We're back.” He said, kneeling and gently resting Kagome on the ground.

“Okaeri nasai.” Kaede said, looking towards the obviously exhausted girl and gave Inuyasha a reproachful look. “You should let your mate rest now and then, Inuyasha. Otherwise, her strength will dwindle.”

Inuyasha scowled at the old woman. “Keh. Kagome had a power flare in her time. She teleported a whole group from across her village straight into her home in under a second. She's a lot stronger now than she was right after that.”

Kaede's eyes widened dramatically and she looked towards the girl. “Is this true, Kagome?” She asked, her old voice cracking slightly in shock.

“Hm.” Kagome nodded. “Some creep found out...” She yawned. “About Inuyasha being a hanyou and tried...” Another yawn. “To purify him.” She peered out at the old woman through half-closed eyes. “I still don't really remember everything...”

Inuyasha sat beside her and glanced up as Ayame, Jaken, and Miroku returned to the hut and frowned. “Where's Sesshoumaru?” He asked, sniffing the air. He could smell his brother, but he was still a good bit away.

Ayame shrugged. “Said something about 'wanting to stay away from the stench of humans'.” She said, and moved to sit at the fire pit, warming herself.

Inuyasha watched Miroku move towards Sango and put a steady arm around her, drawing her against his shoulder. Almost at once, he could see the taijiya relax against the monk. He felt the corner of his mouth twitch and looked back towards his mate, hugging the girl against his own shoulder. He heard her soft sigh and gently licked her temple. “Go to sleep.” He said softly. He heard her affirmative grunt and smiled just a bit.

“You've certainly mellowed since taking a mate.” Miroku said softly, his voice teasing.

The hanyou looked towards him, completely serious. “Looks like you've matured since taking one yourself.” He said bluntly. A smirk worked across the hanyou's face at the monk's blush. That's right, you lech, I know about what you and Sango did by the well that day.

“I wonder what Kouga would be like if he were to take a mate...” Ayame wondered softly.

A sympathetic expression covered Inuyasha's face and he looked towards his own mate. “Keh, he'd probably wind up just like me. The problem is he's too blinded by lust to understand what makes a good rutting partner and what makes a good mate.”

“That's something I've been wondering quite awhile, Inuyasha...until a few months ago, you were dead set on dying for Kikyou.” Kaede said evenly, stirring the foul smelling brew in the pot. “And when you entered your coming of age, it was as if you suddenly noticed that Kagome was a woman, and worth your attention.” She frowned at him, seeing an emotionless expression on the hanyou's face. “Do you love Kagome, or do you love Kikyou?”

“I don't love Kikyou.” He said evenly. That was all he said. He refused to tell these people his feelings for the girl when he hadn't even told her.

“But how do you feel for Kagome?” Kaede insisted, trying to discern the boys feelings for the girl was more difficult than she'd thought. He wasn't giving himself away as easily as he'd used to. “How could you have asked her to mate with you, allowed her to accept, when you don't even know your feelings for her?!”

He gave her a look that was almost violent. “Keep your damn voice down, babaa.” He said evenly, gently soothing his stirring mate. “And how the hell should I know how I feel for her? You think I had parents to talk to about how I was feeling and let them put a name to it? Be satisfied with the fact that I'm devoted to her, and I'm going to protect her.”

“Are you using her as Kikyou's double, Inuyasha?” The woman asked, her face serious.

“Keh.” He gently placed the girl on the ground, shrugging out of his haori and wrapping her in it tenderly. “I'm starting to agree with my brother. Being around humans right now is nauseating.” He glared at Kaede darkly, letting her know that she's the one who was annoying him. He glanced towards Ayame. “I wont be far. Make sure she stays safe.”

The wolf-girl nodded, a knowing expression on her face. “Got it.”

With that, the hanyou left the room, heading towards the forest. Imagine his surprise when he saw his brother sitting calmly at the base of Goshinboku. He prepared himself to an impromptu training session and approached him slowly. “Oi, Sesshoumaru.”

“Rude as ever, Inuyasha.” Sesshoumaru returned the greeting. “You returned earlier than expected. Has something happened to your mate?”

“Power flare.” He remembered her words about what she saw when she was 'with Midoriko', and half-grinned, hoping to throw his brother off center a bit. “Some bastards trying to purify me accidentally pumped a crap load of pure energy into Kagome's shard, and as a result, she managed to teleport us across her village.”

Sesshoumaru looked towards him, frowning. “Teleport?” He felt a memory stir and beat it back fiercely. He arched an eyebrow, seeing his brother was wearing a near-smirk. “What?”

“Now that I think about it, she said that just before, Midoriko told her what to do. Or really, I guess it was more like showed her. Kagome went all weird right before it happened, her eyes kinda glowed, and she said that she watched the Miko teleport herself, a demon cat and...” He paused. “Someone who evidentially looked a lot like you.”

The demon ground his teeth together, and before the hanyou could blink, his brother's hand was around his throat, squeezing VERY tightly. “What are you talking about?!” He snarled darkly. “Are you trying to accuse me of something?!”

The hanyou would have grinned, but he was a bit busy trying to keep air entering his lungs. “Not a thing. Just wondering if you ever had an affair with a human...” He watched as the demon's eyes clouded. Suddenly, he was dropping to the ground. He saw his brother turn his back to him abruptly, his hands fisted at his sides, his head lowered.

“I had never met a human quite like her.”

The voice caused the hanyou to start. He hadn't expected a response.

Sesshoumaru closed his eyes as the memories rose rapidly to the surface and he felt that old familiar pain once again. It always pained him to remember those days. To remember the mortal woman who he'd left. He'd left her because he was afraid, left her alone during the one time she really needed him. He'd gone running back to his father, until the day where it felt like his soul was ripped our of him.

He'd realized that day that she was dead.

He'd locked himself away for almost three years, clinging to every memory of his brief time with her desperately, until his father had come for him, had learned what he'd done. That was probably the beginning of all of his problems. It was then, when he'd gone cold, when he'd first become emotionless. It was then that he'd shoved all those memories into a small box, locking it away into a part of his mind far away.

Until his stupid brother had brought it up.

Now, he could remember the brief year he'd spent alongside her, from their meeting under the sakura trees, when he'd been defenseless and her kind soul had brought him food and water. He had followed her for nearly a month, never getting too close, until the day he learned that she was to wed, and her priestess status would be gone.

That night, he'd gone to her, offered her a way out, offered her freedom at his side, promised to protect her. Asked her to become his mate. He had known next to nothing about mating, he was still practically a child back then, but it hadn't stopped him. They'd spent the next several days in his private den, passionately entwined.

He could remember the hot summer when they'd spent much of their time fighting, and he'd learned of her mysterious teleportation power when a group of priests tried to purify him. There was a bright flash of light and suddenly, they were in his den, and she was unconscious. He'd paced worriedly for days, until she woke, and explained that she rarely used her full powers, because they caused a great drain upon her body.

He could remember the fall, when she'd fallen ill and he'd spent a great deal of time nursing her back to health. He could remember the winter when they'd retreated to his den and spent those three months keeping each other warm. He could remember when she'd told him that she loved him and he'd grown frightened of his feelings for this mortal woman he'd taken as his mate and fled, unable to cope with the idea that she would die someday and he'd be alone.

Suddenly, Sesshoumaru came back to himself and felt a strange moisture on his cheeks. He lifted his hand and touched his face, shocked to find that they were tears. He blinked, taking an unsteady breath.

“Sesshoumaru...” Inuyasha said shocked. He had watched a shocking amount of emotion cross his brother's face in the span of mere moments, until it finally settled on self-loathing and two tears rolled down the demon's face. He had never seen so much emotion on his brother's face before and realized that he'd brought many painful memories back to the surface. “I...”

Sesshoumaru's hand easily brushed the show of emotion off his face and he looked away. When he spoke, it was in a controlled manner. “She was so delicate looking, but she was stronger than many demons I knew. She didn't fear me. I...was captivated by her, and we became mates. I knew almost nothing about mating, and did not know the effect it would have upon me until she passed.” He looked back towards his brother, his face still covered with self-loathing, but his voice didn't give it away. Only his eyes did.

“After we had been mated for about a year, she told me she...had a deep emotional attachment to me and I wasn't ready to hear that. I ran away.” He looked down at the ground once again, calmly closing his eyes. “I...was afraid. I didn't want to care for a human who would die and leave me. It wasn't until our father learned that I had taken a mate, who had died that I learned that she would have shared my lifespan...” He paused, his face darkening. “I hated myself. I could only think...if I hadn't left her...maybe my soul would still be whole.”

It wasn't until Sesshoumaru lapsed into silence that Inuyasha spoke again. “I'm sorry.”

The great demon's eyes snapped towards his brother and he saw the hanyou had hung his head and his chin was resting against his chest. “Inuyasha...”

“I understand...being scared...of hating yourself because you feel that you failed someone.” The hanyou didn't raise his head. This was the first time his brother had been open with him. It had brought a onslaught of memories of his own to the surface. “I've failed Kikyou, nearly failed Kagome as well, on multiple occasions.” He looked at his brother, then grinned. “But all of that is in the past, you know. I know that destroying Naraku will allow Kikyou to rest, and Kagome and I can live in peace. And once we have the whole jewel, and Kagome purifies it, Midoriko's soul will be released and she can rest in peace, too. And someday, I bet she'll be reborn too, and you two will find each other again.”

Sesshoumaru stared at his brother in shock as the hanyou stood, stretching. Suddenly, there was a strange feeling in his chest. It was strange. He hadn't felt anything like it since his father had died. It felt like respect or even pride. A startling thought came to his mind. He actually felt proud that Inuyasha was his brother. Proud that this half-breed who had been cast out from his home, had lived off his instincts, had no clue about most things.

Inuyasha released his cat-like stretch and looked towards his brother. “I'm going back down to the village. Kaede-babaa fucking annoyed the shit out of me asking about how I feel about Kagome. Keh, like I'd tell her before I told Kagome...” He snorted, then turned back towards the village. “Sorry if I drudged up some shitty memories.”

Sesshoumaru merely nodded.

The hanyou nodded back and headed back down towards the village, leaving the demon to watch his back. That was when both of them came to a silent agreement.

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Naraku frowned deeply as he spied on the ones who he planned on destroying, who he'd wanted exhausted when they arrived. Rather than standing guard as they'd done for nearly three days, they all seemed to be...playing around?

Yes, that was definitely what they were doing. The girl called Kagome was waist deep in the water, splashing everyone who she deemed too 'chicken' to get into the water. Yes, it was easy to see why the hanyou had chosen the girl he picked. Her expression was one Kikyou had never worn, Kikyou was too serious.

This girl was full of vitality and life.

The demon smiled cruelly. She wouldn't be that way for long. He would first break her spirit, then he would lay claim to her soul. And when he was done with her, all that would be left would be a malleable shell. He heard a movement behind him and turned, finding Kouga standing there, the eight shards glowing with the demon's malice. “They're mocking us.” Naraku said, smiling wickedly.

Kouga looked into the mirror, frowning, seeing the woman he wanted for his mate smiling happily, an expression he had never seen before in his life. He saw her splashing those that had sought shelter on the banks with water and laughing happily. Could he have made her that happy? He wondered, watching water hit the hanyou, who mock growled at her playfully, and pounced towards her, tackling her into the water. They didn't come up for a long moment and when they broke the surface, their arms were locked tightly around each other, Kagome wearing a happy expression.

He could see her whisper something into the hanyou's ear and felt his heart fall. There was only one thing that she could have said.

“I love you, Inuyasha...”

Kouga was snapped out of his observation by Naraku, who parroted back the girl's words in a mocking manner. The demon snorted, turning away from the mirror. “How does that make you feel, Kouga?”

The wolf saw Ayame standing there laughing and felt a strange sensation in his chest. He kept his face emotionless and looked Naraku directly in the eyes. “Disgusted.” He said bluntly, then when he saw the devious smirk on the demon's face he turned away from the scene, trying to understand why there was pain in his heart when he saw Kagome speak her love for Inuyasha.

After all, Kagome really loved him, right?

He frowned, walking away and leaving the room. Why did it warm his heart to see Ayame smiling and happy? He'd never really wanted Ayame, so there was no logical explanation for that slight twinge of attraction he felt towards the female wolf. Besides, if she was working with Inuyasha against him, didn't that make her his enemy? He felt nauseated by the possibility. Suddenly, he felt a throbbing pain in his body, radiating out from where the shikon shards had been placed into his body. He cried out in shock and dropped to his knees, closing his eyes to the pain.

Slowly, the pain faded and he relaxed, opening his eyes, and revealing them as a blood red.

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The group simply basked in the sunlight that after noon, taking a day of rest, a day to relax, to regain their strength. Shippou and Rin bounded around the rivers edge, while Kagome and Inuyasha engaged in a more wrestle-like play deep in the water. Miroku and Sango sat on the banks, the human boy running his hands through his beloveds hair, easing gently through each tangle, periodically massaging her scalp, neck and shoulders, while she gently stroked Kirara in her lap.

Jaken was running back and forth, just out of the water's reach, trying to keep Rin out of trouble, while Sesshoumaru and the dragonette rested in the shade of the trees, far away from the play in the water.

All of them had taken Kagome's suggestion of 'relax for now', very, very seriously.

In fact, all the peace and laughter was causing the shard to glow faintly, as it's purity increased. The girl had suspected that it would, and she was pleased when she noticed it, and she showed Inuyasha while they floated under the water after another one of his tackles. He merely grinned at her and kissed her lips lightly. They broke the surface, arms wrapped tightly around each other, kissing each other tenderly, no matter that all their friends were watching.

The sound of applause caused Kagome to giggle and they broke their kiss, resting their foreheads against each others. It had been so long since they had been able to relax as a group, and it felt wonderful. It made her wonder if this is what it would be like after the mission was over and the jewel was gone. When all they'd have to worry about was staying together and having fun, and...living.

Inuyasha saw an odd expression on Kagome's face and looked at her in concern. “Kagome?”

She focused on his face and smiled. “It's nothing. Just thinking.” She heard him chuckle and suddenly she was spun into the water once again. She yelped just a bit, sucking in a breath before they both went below the surface. She opened her eyes and saw Inuyasha looking at her, grinning from ear to ear.

She broke surface and glared at him without heat. “Mou! I almost inhaled water!”

He chuckled, leaning towards her. “That's just to remind you about what you've always told me about 'thinking'. You know...about it being dangerous? You could hurt yourself...”

Her face turned bright red and their water fight began once again with renewed intensity.

Most everyone on the river banks watched with an expression of amusement. The sole exception was Jaken, who was squawking something about how they should be setting a better example for the children and acting like adults rather than children. So imagine his surprise when Sesshoumaru threw the fluffy pelt thing from his shoulder and walked towards water and sent a foot splashing water at the pair.

Both were caught off guard by the sudden, rather large splash of water from the bank. They looked over and stared in blunt shock. Then, Inuyasha put both of his arms together, winking at Kagome, who did the same and they both hit the water, soaking the great demon from head to toe.

Along with everyone else on the bank.

Chaos broke loose, and suddenly everyone was in on it, piling into the water, splashing everyone who came within reach. That is how Kaede found them, all soaking wet, the sounds of laughter and indignant squeals filling the air. Kaede just stared at the scene, bemused. It had been years since there was so much joy in the air. And at the center of it all was a hanyou and his mate, wrestling with each other in the water. The old woman merely sat upon the ground, watching them finding that every face was wearing an expression that had rarely been seen on any besides Shippou, Rin and Kagome's.

Pure joy.

Well, except Jaken, who was sulking on the banks, trying to dry off, and Sesshoumaru, who was wearing more of a victorious smirk.

As the old woman watched, Sesshoumaru picked up the hanyou and easily dunked him back under the water. In retaliation, Inuyasha grabbed his ankles from under the water, pulling the demon's feet from under him and sending him slamming into the water as well.

Kaede actually hesitated to intrude, but they'd been out there since early morning, just after they'd eaten their morning meals. It was now almost dark. With a sigh, she moved towards the edge of the water and addressed them. “Food's done.” She called evenly.

Shippou cheered, darting towards the banks, and jumping up to her chest, hugging her and getting her soaking wet in the process. Kaede sighed softly, feeling rather old among all these 'young people'. Rather than lamenting her situation aloud, she gave the kit a smile, supporting him carefully. “Shall we go eat?”

Shippou nodded, grinning from ear to ear. “Come on, Rin, there's food!”

Rin came running out of the water next, followed by Sesshoumaru, who was ringing out his long hair. He gave Jaken a look and his pelt was quickly placed upon the dragonette where it wouldn't get dirty.

Sango and Miroku followed with Inuyasha and Kagome, noting they were a little worn out, but in a relaxed and wonderful way. A way none have them had felt since they were young children, a way Inuyasha had rarely felt even then. They moved towards the village and Inuyasha slid his arm around Kagome's waist, hugging her against him. He was rewarded with one of her brilliant smiles.

Inuyasha smiled back at her gently and he closed his eyes and made himself a promise. If he lived through this, he was going to make her a house, a place where she and their pups could live, and he would even build a room for Shippou if it would make her happy, and they could raise the kit like he was their pup as well. He hesitated bringing up the question he had to ask, but it was necessary. “Kagome, should we head out tomorrow?” He asked her softly, looking at her face, seeing her expression peaceful.

She turned towards him, seeing a hesitant expression on his face and smiled. “I think that's fine, Inuyasha. We're going to have a guest tonight.” She said, tilting her head to the side. “Kikyou felt the jewels' reaction to our play today.”

He frowned a bit, but nodded. “Do you want me to come with you?”

“Only if you want to. I have nothing to fear from her.” She said, wrapping her arm around his waist as well. She glanced towards the tree line and saw the very first of the soul stealer youkai and smiled, nodding her greeting to the undead miko.

Once the sun had gone down, Inuyasha escorted her as far as the edge of the forest, keeping his nose active for the scent of both Kouga and Naraku, just in case they should decide on a preemptive strike.

Kagome walked into the trees, only feeling a slight trepidation, nothing like the last time she'd seen Kikyou. After all, now, Kikyou had made her intentions clear. Upon entering the clearing where the Miko waited for her, she paused. “Kikyou.” She said, calmly.

Kikyou looked towards her, and almost smiled. “The jewel is reacting strangely lately...I'm sure Naraku sensed it as well. It probably repulsed him.” She walked towards the girl, and looked at her. “May I see?”

Kagome pulled the shard from around her neck and held up the fragment, which was glowing from an internal light. “It started the other day in my time. I had a power flare of sorts, and I felt Midoriko's intentions. I was able to transport several friends, family, as well as Inuyasha a great distance.”

The woman nodded, smiling faintly. “You've grown strong, Kagome.” She said softly. “Far stronger than I was at your age...”

Kagome shook her head. “I'm not strong alone.” She said softly. “It's my friends that give me strength. I think...that if I'd been alone too, I would be much more weak.” She looked at Kikyou, a serious expression on her face. “The desire to protect my friends makes me stronger than I ever dreamed I'd be.”

Kikyou smiled sadly. “I knew you'd say that.” She put a hand on either of Kagome's shoulders and smiled. “You head out tomorrow?”

Kagome nodded. “Yeah.”

The woman nodded, smiling. “Then I have a parting gift for you.”

Before Kagome could say a word, Kikyou's lips sealed over hers. The girl's eye just twitched in horror. WHAT THE HELL?! She mentally screamed, until she felt something returning to her, something that had been missing since Kikyou had returned.

Kikyou pulled away, and smiled a bit. “It will do you a world more good than it will me.” She said, then summoned her soul stealers, allowing them to lift her into the air.

Kagome just stood there, watching Kikyou leave and tried to erase the rather strange image from her mind. Quickly she wiped her mouth with the back of her uniform sleeve and shuddered. How on earth could Inuyasha have kissed her so easily that time?! She wondered, shaking her head furiously. She spat a few times, trying to get the taste out of her mouth and gagged a few times. “Ugh.” She cringed.

She didn't see as Kikyou got a light chuckle at her expense.

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The next morning, they headed out.

Rather than the intense guarding they did the last time, they were out hunting for shards/evil bastards, they had kept their guard up the entire time and as a result, hadn't gotten enough sleep at all. However, today they started out well rested, and everyone was feeling more energetic than normal for their little trips.

They stopped in several villages along the way, and were treated quite well, not surprisingly. Many villagers recognized their small group and offered them supplies for the trip, things like homemade stews that Kagome thanked them heartily for, and Inuyasha didn't have the heart to turn them down.

Their band was five short, them making the decision that the littles just should come along, and so they remained with Kaede, while Kirara, Jaken and Sesshoumaru's dragonette remained at the village to protect it. They were basically going to a war zone, which was no place for children.

When they finally stopped for the night, no one was surprised when Inuyasha and Kagome escaped the scrutiny to go have some privacy in the hotels modest garden. The hanyou watched his mate leaning over the bridge, resting her forearms on it, looking up at the mostly full moon, smiling happily. He couldn't help be captivated by her strange beauty. Her face almost glowed in the moonlight, and the wind tugged her hair back from her face, kissing her skin lightly. The yukata wrapped around her like a lover, her socks slightly dingy from their trip along the path.

Kagome felt the heat of his gaze upon her and she turned her head, finding him looking at her with a distinct longing expression and she smiled warmly at him. It had been only a little over a week since they'd become mates, only a little under a month since he'd 'popped the question', and a little over 72 hours since they'd been married. Their contact since mating had been less like fighting, as if now that all the stupid shit was behind them, all that was left were their feelings for each other.

Her smile faltered a bit at that thought, but she didn't let her partner know her doubts. She loved him and would never regret her decision to become his mate. She looked down into the small koi pond, sighing softly. Even if she never knew if he loved her, even if he never spoke the words, she knew he cared for her deeply, or he'd have never asked her to become his mate. She knew because of the care he'd taken their first night together, when he'd placed his claim upon her.

A soft smile turned up her lips when she felt gentle claws on her shoulders, pulling her back against his muscular chest. Her smile broadened when she felt his lips on her shoulder, against the mark, his claim, the identifier that she was a demon's mate. She reached back, caressing his ear lightly.

“I suppose you're gonna wanna wait until you graduate till we have pups, huh...” Inuyasha mumbled against her skin, sighing softly. He heard her chuckle and frowned a bit, lifting his head to look at her. “Kagome...?”

“Pups?” She teased softly. “How many you thinking about having?”

He blinked, then smiled a bit, hugging her. “Dunno. Five or six sounds good.” He heard her soft giggle and blinked, looking at her again.

“Sure. I'll have the first four, you can have the other two.” She teased lightly. She heard her husband and mate sputter and giggled lightly. “I'm kidding silly.” She said softly, turning in his arms to look up into his eyes. “Yeah, I should wait until after I graduate.” She admitted, lightly stroking his chest.

He smiled happily, hugging her to his chest, resting his cheek against her hair. He saw the light catch the ring he'd picked for her and lifted her hand, kissing the stone gently, turning her palm over and nuzzling it lightly. “Good. Then I'll have time to build your house...” He said softly against her skin.

Her eyes widened and she looked up at him in surprise. “My house?”

“I want to build you a house.” He said softly. “A place...for us to live with our pups...A place for us to...” He lifted his eyes, looking at her uncertainly, startled to see tears in her eyes. “Unless...you don't want to...I forgot, you probably want to stay with-”

His words were cut off when two arms were thrown around his neck and two lips pressed firmly against his. He caught the happy girl carefully and blinked, uncertain of what he had done right, or wrong as the case may be. He set the girl down gently, holding her back a bit as she tried to come in for yet another kiss and looked her dead in the eyes. They were shining with tears and happiness and so much love that he simply cupped her cheeks and worshiped her eyes for a few moments. “Kagome...”

“I love you.” She whispered, bringing her hands up to hold the sides of his face as well. She brought her lips to his once again and slid one hand down to the mark on her shoulder, giving it a tender squeeze.

The hanyou closed his eyes, feeling their connection open and suddenly, for the first time since they'd mated, he felt her feelings and his eyes snapped wide, feeling all the love she felt for him, all the pain she'd known before he'd chosen her, all the doubts she still possessed. His face softened, and he lifted his own hand, resting it against her shoulder, opening his soul to her, closing his eyes once again. He had never spoken his feelings for her, had never put what he felt into words. Words were to simple to describe the complicated emotions he felt for the girl. She drove him insane yet calmed him in the same breath, caused deep emotional anguish and the warm sensation of healing every time she touched him.

Kagome's back arched and she gasped softly, feeling his soul brushing against hers, feeling his heart, and how he felt for her. The emotions were so confusing, yet at the same time, there was no confusion at all in him. His soul knew what his mouth and mind did not. Tears filled her eyes and she pulled her lips away from his and wound her arms slowly around his neck. “Make love to me...” She whispered softly, opening her eyes to look at him. “Please...”

He groaned softly, lifting her at her thighs, feeling her legs wrap around his hips invitingly. He opened his drugged eyes and slipped one hand behind her neck, gently caressing her nape. “I thought you knew...I would do anything for you...” He looked deeply into her eyes and brought his lips to the mark on her shoulder.

And so they made love, standing on the bridge, in the middle of the night, in the hotel gardens.

oooooooooooooooooooooo

Miroku held his beloved taijiya gently as she slept, trying to find the peace to sleep as well. He didn't want her to get hurt. He had known she would insist on going to this fight. He would have been a fool to refuse her, as well. There was no way she would sit passively behind, pregnant or not. Naraku had a significant psychological impact on her just prior to their meeting, and continued to have one on her for a great amount of time. She, just as everyone else, had to see this thing to the end, or she would be left unsatisfied.

A rueful smile tugged at the corner of his lips, hugging her slightly closer. He wouldn't let anything harm her or their child. He would protect her, and if one of them had to die, he would throw himself on the grenade.

She was, after all, everything to him. She had brought a light into his life that had been missing for years. She had given him hope, had given him something he thought for a long time he would never get. She'd given him herself.

He heard the girl in his arms murmur his name and her hand fisted firmly in his robes, causing a smile to spread across his face. “I'm here...” He said softly, stroking her hair, whispering softly against her ear. “I've got you...”

A tiny smile turned up her lips and she nuzzled deeper into his chest, wrapping her arms around his waist.

Miroku sighed, watching as she settled into sleep again and sighed softly. He knew he should sleep, should rest and regain his strength, but it was difficult, knowing that this might be the last time he would get to be with this woman. He closed his eyes slowly burying his face into her hair, deeply breathing the scent of sweat on her skin. I love you...He thought, not noticing as he slowly drifted to sleep.

oooooooooooooooooooooo

Inuyasha sat awake in the room where his mate and the other mortals were sleeping. Ayame was curled up beside the fire, but he could tell she wasn't sleeping. Sesshoumaru was sitting at the doorway, looking out at the full moon, not even pretending to sleep. The hanyou was sitting by Kagome's head, stroking her hair, soothing her gently in her sleep. He understood her desire and reasons for everyone to relax, so they'd be rejuvenated when they finally reached Naraku's hold, where ever a rat like him was hiding this time.

He scratched behind one of his ears, thinking back over the several weeks. It had been such a short time since he had asked her to be his mate, essentially triggering all the subsequent events in either time. From Kouga's betrayal, to Hojo's idiocy, all of it led back to that fateful night when he decided to chase Kagome, rather than Kikyou. And looking back, even knowing that someone might die, that one of their friends might die, he still wouldn't change anything, because these few short weeks of happiness was all he'd had in his life.

From the day Kagome had first taken that tumble down the well, he'd been accepted by one person, he'd had that one constant. Even in spite of all their arguments about her returning home, about Kikyou, about anything, she had remained by his side. She'd been his best friend from day one and never asked for anything else. Even when she had fallen in love with him and he was still torn between her and Kikyou, when he'd pledged himself to Kikyou, when he'd pushed her away, she still came back to him, asked if it was okay for her to stay at his side.

In the early months of his coming of age, when he didn't fully understand what his body was telling him, he'd woken from a wet dream about the girl and been horrified that he'd 'betrayed' Kikyou in such a way, and spent the rest of the day as far away from Kagome as possible, and yet his eyes were still continually drawn to her, to her body, his mind pulling up whatever his most recent memory of her naked body was.

When Myoga came by and explained his coming of age, he'd been horrified, as all his bodies cues and the strange emptiness he felt whenever she was gone suddenly made perfect sense. His 'inner demon' had chosen Kagome as his mate without a doubt. He grinned a bit, remembering when she'd gone into heat less than a week later and he'd taken to sleeping in the highest branch he could, just so he was able to see her, yet was as far from her as possible. More than one night he found himself down at her side, deeply inhaling her scent and nosing at her hair, never doing more, for fear he would wake the miko.

Quietly, he leaned down and lightly licked his mate's temple, remembering when he first realized when he loved her. It was after they mated and she was curled up beside him, basking in the afterglow, gently caressing his face and gazing at him with an unguarded expression of love and trust, and his heart had stilled when she whispered a gentle 'thank you' to him, kissing his face gently at the corner of his lips.

She had mated with him, knowing that he might not love her, she'd given herself to him because she loved him and she knew that he did deeply care for her, and appreciated her devotion to him, she did it because he asked her, and he knew she would do anything to make him happy.

He knew she fully never expected him to say the words, and it didn't upset her, although he could tell that she was a bit disappointed. He had tried to show her how much he did love her, but he knew there was always that little doubt in her mind, doubt that was caused by his words to Kikyou years ago, when he had promised the undead miko that he would protect her, and that her life was his, just as his was hers.

He had married her in her own way, trying to show her how much he cared, bought her a beautiful ring that suited them both so perfectly, yet still the doubt still lingered in her mind and he could feel it every time she told him she loved him, every time she kissed him, and every time they made love. He knew it hurt her to think that they had simply mated because of biological and emotional reasons, but he wanted to tell her in the right way. He couldn't simply spout it out during a fight, and always their afterglow seemed interrupted by life.

He knew he was being unrealistic. After all, she would wind up finding out in a way he hadn't planned, in a way he never wanted her to.

He sighed softly, lifting his eyes to the doorway, seeing the light glow of the sun peeking at the edge of the horizon. He could feel the charge in the air and closed his eyes, centering himself.

It would be today.

oooooooooooooooooooooo

Kagome had noticed the agitation among the demons from the time she'd woke, and it had grown worse as the day progressed. It was similar to Inuyasha's actions prior to a fight, and she knew him well enough to know something was going to happen. They'd left the hotel reasonably early, and only briefly stopped for lunch. She could tell how tense her precious hanyou was, she could feel it every time she tried to calm him through their mark.

He didn't ask her to stop, because that gentle contact was the only thing keeping him from going a million different ways all at once. The charge had grown in the air, and he could almost smell the blood that would be shed today. There was a definite tang in the air, a feeling that caused his inner demon to grow more restless than his coming of age. His mate was the only thing keeping him from stupidly running headlong into the encroaching danger as he used to do before he knew the comfort of her touch.

Ayame was even more agitated, she was jumpy and on edge, mostly because the person they were going to confront was her potential mate, a man that she loved with all her heart. Her tense body jumped at every sound, and Inuyasha seriously considered sending Kagome back to work her soothing influence on the wolf so she wouldn't flip out and harm one of their friends. She only grew worse when the other wolf's scent hit their nose.

Inuyasha gently squeezed his mate and gestured for her to go back to the girl, watching as she nodded and headed back towards Ayame, drawing her into a soothing discussion. As she did so, he moved towards Sesshoumaru, a serious expression on his face. “I just want one thing from you...” He said evenly, his face calm. “If anything happens to me, make sure they come out alive, okay?”

Sesshoumaru looked towards him and saw the serious expression on his face and nodded calmly. “Even if something 'happened' to one of them, it would not remain so for long.” He promised evenly.

The hanyou saw his hand rest gently upon Tenseiga's grip and nodded seriously. “Thanks.” He said, then moved ahead, lifting his eyes towards the great castle they were approaching. The wolf's scent grew stronger and Inuyasha breathed deeply, calming his surging blood by touching the hilt of his own sword. Kouga would be stronger than any time he'd fought him previous. This time, Kagome wasn't going to stop him.

Either Kouga would return to himself, or one of them would be dead.

Inuyasha felt his mate return to his side as they reached the high wall surrounding the castle. He glanced towards her and saw a calm look on her face. The jewel was still shining from that inner glow. He quickly reached for her hand, using her steady presence to calm himself, hearing their friends and family approaching from behind. He glanced back and saw anticipation on Ayame's face. “Kouga's on the other side of this wall.” He said softly. “There's no doubt he's caught our scent by now. Beyond him is Naraku. If anyone is having second thoughts...they need to leave now.” He said calmly.

Miroku rested his hand on the hanyou's shoulder. “Inuyasha, we intend to see this through together, the way it started. Sure, we've grown in number, and strength, but the fact remains...” He glanced towards the others. “We're all your friends. We all care for you in our own way. We aren't going to let you walk into this without being willing to face hell ourselves.”

He'd expected an answer like that. With a slight nod, he raised his hand and pushed open the tall, heavy door. As it opened, he met Kouga's eyes and saw the confidence in the demon's eyes. He could practically feel the power radiating off of him. He felt Kagome's hand tighten around his as she saw him as well.

“He's got one in his head, one in his chest, one in both arms and two in each leg.” She warned gently, lifting her gaze to him. “All of them have been corrupted by Naraku's evil.” She saw his determined nod and knew she couldn't convince him to let Sesshoumaru handle it. He would think she didn't think him strong enough to handle him. Her lower lip trembled and she lifted a hand to his face, turning him so she could look him in the eyes. “Be careful, anata...” She whispered, pushing onto her tip toes and kissing the corner of his lips gently.

Kouga snarled loudly in displeasure. “Get out of the way, bitch!” He snarled. “It's time that dog turd and I finish this...once and for all...” He had seen their little scene in the hotel garden the night before and it had infuriated him. Naraku had made sure he had seen it.

The girl looked at him, wearing an expression he hadn't expected. Anger, sure. It's what she had every time Inuyasha called her a bitch. Yet her expression was one of silent sadness.

Inuyasha gently pushed her behind him. “Stay back, Kagome.” He said softly, then lifted his eyes towards Kouga in time to feel a powerful fist to slam into the side of his head, sending him flying. He winced, blinking his eyes hard, and trying to regain his equilibrium.

Kouga smirked, then let out a loud laugh, watching the hanyou shake his head harshly, and darted towards him again, reveling in his new strength. He was fast, he was faster than the hanyou, stronger than him, better than him! When the stinking dog was dead, he'd mark Kagome and make her his mate! That would serve the bitch right! With a devilish grin, he spun around, bringing his foot towards the hanyou's temple.

This time, he didn't connect.

Inuyasha had regained his balance in time to stop the foot headed to place a killing blow at his temple. He held the ankle tightly, looking directly into Kouga's eyes and he gave the demon a gravely serious look. “You don't care who you hurt, as long as you get who you want...” He said seriously. “Ayame was right, you're really just a spoiled brat...”

Kouga snarled, slashing at the hanyou with a free hand, clawing the flesh on the arm holding his leg roughly, ripping off several layers of flesh. He spun around the rest of the way and smirked, licking his hand. “How am I different from you...?”

The hanyou smirked a bit. “You're not. But there is some people I would never hurt...” He said, darting forwards, wearing a broad, confident smirk. “My mate...my friends...” He said, grunting as Kouga easily blocked his attack. Six more shards definitely made a difference. “You would have raped her so she wouldn't have the option of being your mate!”

The wolf snarled, slashing at him furious. “I told you she was my woman! You had no right to even ask her! I staked my claim long before you!”

“How the hell would you know?!” Inuyasha hissed, catching the demon's hands, his eyes turning slightly red. “I laid claim before Kikyou ever returned!” He had tried to kiss her, had asked her to put his head in her lap. Had told her her scent was nice. He had protected her with his very life, with his father's fang. He'd loved her from the start!

Kouga laughed, spinning around and slammed his fist into the slightly distracted hanyou's chest, sending him flying back across the ground towards Kagome. “She always thought you hated her, you damn idiot! You were constantly chasing after that undead bitch! Why do you think she never told me to go away! She was keeping me open as an option!”

Inuyasha glared at the demon. He wiped the blood from his lip and felt gentle hands trying to help him stand up. He saw his mates blue eyes and tried to smile for her. “Kagome, go back over to Ayame.” He said evenly. “Don't worry. I'll be okay.”

She nodded slowly, and backed away from him, her eyes never leaving his. “I love you.” She said gently, softly, the words only meant for his sensitive ears. She had never been more scared for him in her life. It was like Kouga had gone insane. She was scared that he would die and leave her alone. She didn't want to be alone. She didn't want to be without him, ever.

He gave her a warm smile that she knew was just for her and then straightened, looking at Kouga, who was hesitating, having heard the girl's words as well. “You're right, Kouga. She was keeping you as an option. I didn't know what she was going to say when I asked her. She left me hanging for two weeks. She was scared to death about agreeing to something like that. She didn't know how I felt for her. She didn't know that I did see her as more than a jewel shard. But I gave her the choice to say no, and you weren't willing to take that risk.”

Kouga snarled, moving quickly towards him, jumping and aiming a kick directly at the hanyou's chest. BASTARD! How would you know?! “Kagome probably only picked you because she thought you were he only option!” He yelled, his eyes narrow. The blue orbs, however, shot wide when the hanyou caught his ankle, spinning him hard into the wall. His vision went white when he hit, and slid to the ground.

“You're willing to kill me, kill HER, just so she wont be with me!” Inuyasha snarled.

Kouga planted his feet against the wall and pushed off against it so hard, the wall cracked from the force, and he flew faster than a half-demon's eyes could track, sending him into the ground with such force that blood exploded from the hanyou's mouth as he landed.

Kagome screamed, running towards him, ignoring the concerned cries from her friends. All she could see was her mate laying on the ground, blood, precious life blood trickling out of the corner of his mouth. Tears filled her eyes and she threw herself on top of him, protecting him with her body, crying out to him desperately.

The scene made Kouga sick. Her crying for someone who had treated her like dirt for the better part of three years. Her crying for someone who never even told her he loved her, inspite of her repeated confessions. His vision went red and tunneled on the grieving young girl. With a violent snarl, he darted forward, claws raised to permanently silence the bitch.

He never saw someone jump between him and his target.

His claws went through a soft stomach and a pained cry filled the air as blood sprayed around his clawed hand. Slowly, the red cleared from his vision and he realized that his arm was not sliced through his target.

No, this wasn't Kagome he had impaled on his sharp claws.

This was someone who had been his only childhood friend, someone he promised he would always protect, that he promised he would marry one day. Tear-filled green eyes met his wide blue pair and he felt his breath sob out of him as he quickly pulled his arm back, letting Ayame fall to the ground as he collapsed to his knees before her, horrified.

Ayame, who had laughed with him, who had treated him like anyone else, who loved him, who wanted to be his mate.

He'd hurt her.

“Ayame...” He whispered, a sob catching in his throat. “No...”

Sesshoumaru closed his eyes, looking away from the sight.

Miroku sheltered Sango from the sight.

Kagome turned and stared in horror, Inuyasha wearing a furious expression on his face.

Kouga gently caught the girl as she slumped to the ground, cradling her against his chest, his eyes filled with confusion. “Ayame, why?! Why did you protect them?! Why did you let me...”

She lifted her hand to his face, fingers trembling. “Don't...hurt...them...” She whispered, blood trickling out of the corner of his mouth. “They...love each...other...” She smiled. “She loves...him like I...love you...” She shook her head. “You...love her...can't let you...do something...you'd hate yourself for...”

“Ayame...” He whispered, his eyes widening.

She smiled up at him, lifting herself a bit, pressing her lips lightly against his. “Love...you...Kouga...” She whispered, her eyes drifting closed slowly as she died in the arms of the man she loved. Really, she couldn't think of a place she'd rather die.

Inuyasha sat, looking uncertainly at the wolf demon who was clinging to the girl in his arms, his face hidden from view. He gently pushed Kagome behind his body, preparing to use his own body to do as Ayame had done previously. What happened was not what he was expecting.

The demon reached up on his forehead and pulled the shikon shard out, tossing it to the ground. He followed up with the one in his chest, the ones in his arms, and all four from his legs. Never once did he look up. “Take them.” He said softly. “Naraku lies within.”

The hanyou looked towards his mate, nodding, sensing the change in the demon. The wolf hadn't put the girl down yet, instead he was holding her like a life line, clinging to her, as though she might disappear from his grasp. He watched the demon closely while Kagome retrieved the shards.

Kouga didn't budge, his eyes lowered, looking at the face of the girl he'd realized too late that he cared for. Gently he brushed her hair from her face, whispering gently to her how sorry he was, how stupid he was. Tears ran down his face, hidden only by his hair. Why her? Why someone who was dear to him? Why not one of the stupid hanyou's friends?

The answer was clear. Ayame knew that she was the only one who could stop him, stop his rampage for blood. He felt a gentle hand on his should and barely twitched, smelling it was Kagome. He closed his eyes, looking away in shame.

What a fool he'd been.

He'd wanted Kagome because she was someone else's. She was 'off limits'. So he ignored his feelings and went for someone who was powerful, who was human. Who was different.

Suddenly, two arms embraced him and he froze from shock. He looked and saw Kagome was giving him a comforting embrace, her expression sad. He felt guilt over whelm him and he looked towards Inuyasha, who was standing there, looking on, no jealousy in his expression, his face calm, slightly sad as well. He glanced towards the others, seeing Sesshoumaru looking at him with an expression that told him that the great demon thought him a fool. Hell, he was. Miroku was gently holding Sango as she cried into his chest.

And he suddenly felt even more stupid, even smaller. He was worse than a bitch that kills it's own pups. He'd killed a woman who loved him deeply. Deeper than he'd ever been loved by anything, and he'd killed her. Without a word, he accepted the girl's platonic comfort and buried his face into Ayame's shoulder.

oooooooooooooooooooooo