InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Consciousness ❯ The Calm ( Chapter 12 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
The Calm
For the next several days it was relatively quiet. Sango and Kagome trained under Kagura. Kanna and Miroku worked diligently in the study pouring over hours of scrolls. Inuyasha and Sesshomaru were unusually quiet. That gave everyone in the house pause. The two of them disappeared every morning and returned just before dinner. Neither would talk about the day and they both looked tired when they came back. One night, they both came back covered in blood, neither saying a word, simply picking up their respective plates of food and heading toward the bath.
Kagome was worried about what was going on, however Kagura was working her very hard, she barely had the energy to change and fall into bed at night. The energy she needed to argue with Inuyasha just wasn’t there.
That is when things started to change.
Inuyasha fell into the bed face forward, he had not bothered to pull on more than his undergarments for his hakama. He fell asleep almost instantly. His back bare, large deep gashes in his back healing slowly.
Kagome walked into the bedroom after dinner, wanting nothing more than a hot bath and their bed. She looked over and saw Inuyasha. Blushing deep red, she averted her eyes, gathering her belongings, she started to head to the bath, when she noted he was sound asleep.
She quietly walked over to look down at him, she gasped as she saw huge claw marks in his back that were slowly healing. She reached out to gently trace the wounds on his back. He had cleaned them, but no salve had been applied.
Dropping her bathing stuff, Kagome hurried over to grab her first aide kit. Climbing up on their bed on her knees, she was leaning over Inuyasha gently smoothing salve over his wounds. His breathing deepened as he sighed and let out a light growl. Kagome knew he was asleep, the wounds must have ached more than he realized. A curtain of hair hung around her as she worked meticulously covering each wound with salve and small strips of gauze.
Sesshomaru stood in their doorway, watching the Miko take care of his sleeping brother. They had a brutal day of training, even Sesshomaru was exhausted and sporting more than one deep cut. He had thought to check in and make sure his brother had cleaned his wounds so they would heal before tomorrow mornings training.
He stood there watching her carefully coating and wrapping his wounds, she pulled up on him to check his sides. Noting that one long claw mark came from under his stomach and wrapped around his side, he watched as she carefully rolled him over. Never lifting her head from her task, she carefully covered his wounds, blushing as she pushed his undergarments low on his hips to cover the wound that had started just inside his hip.
Amusement dancing in his eyes, he called out softly. “Miko? Do you require assistance?”
Kagome whirled around on the bed and found the demon lord looking at her, she flushed even darker, as she noted that there was mirth in his eyes.
“No, Sesshomaru-Sama, thank you though, I was just finishing” she replied quietly.
“Good, follow me then” He responded turning and walking away from the door.
Kagome scrambled off the bed, almost tripping over her clothes and bathing supplies that she had dropped. She hurried after Sesshomaru, as he led the way through the maze of corridors to a room that he unlocked, ushering her in. As she stepped into the room, he closed the door behind them, reaching out, he lit an oil lamp to illuminate the room.
As she stood there, looking around, she noted that he must have many family heirlooms in here. Several pieces of armor, swords, clothing, jewelry and tomes of writing were spread throughout the room.
“I have some things I want you to have” Sesshomaru said quietly.
Kagome spun around shocked. What had she done to deserve the attention of the ice lord? She wished she had woken Inuyasha before she had followed Sesshomaru away from their rooms.
“I’m sorry, Sesshomaru? I don’t understand” she stuttered.
“What is there to understand, there are some things I think you should have” he growled. Patience after his day was not something he had in abundance. He was feeling the strain of injury and fatigue.
Kagome waited in silence while he dug out several items. He handed her several things, while he continued to dig around in the store room. Triumphantly he came up with several smaller boxes. Handed one over to her, he tucked three more into his haori.
He led her out of the store room in silence, heading to the drawing room that was down the hall from their chambers.
“Here, let me see those things” He ordered. Kagome handed him the items he had previously passed to her.
Sesshomaru flicked his wrist, spreading the items on the long low table in the drawing room. Kagome gasped, as she could clearly see the items now.
“Lord Sesshomaru? You don’t mean for me?” Kagome started stuttering
“Hai, did I not already answer that question?” he snarled.
Stepping back, Kagome waited. Sesshomaru picked up a long flowing red and silver kimono, it was split up the sides allowing free movement of the legs, red tights were laid with it. He reached out to touch the material, drawing a clawed hand over it. “My father had these made, for you” he said softly
“For me? How?” Kagome asked, her face a dark flush.
“From the prophecy. He demanded I give these to the Miko of the prophecy, he had several items made for you. I did not believe you would ever come to pass” he said softly
Kagome could see something else behind his eyes, something softer, farther away. Kagome had never seen him look like that. He looked, almost kind.
“Do you really believe me to be the miko from this prophecy?” she asked softly, they had refused to let her read the scroll as of yet. “Do you think I could ever be strong enough” doubt tinged her voice
“You will fail, if you expect to fail” he answered shortly. “The clothing, they are made from the same fire rat material that my half breed brother wears”
Sesshomaru handed her the clothing and began laying out pieces of armor, a breast plate, forearm guards, thick black knee boots and guards to wrap around the outside of her thighs. “The bone for the plates are made from dragon bone, they have magical properties and should at least soften a blow. The forearm plates are made to protect and for defensive use in hand to hand battles.”
“Kagura will teach you how to use these, either her or the slayer can help you learn how to dress in those quickly. You should travel ready for battle” Sesshomaru added.
He reached out and handed her a bow and quiver for arrows. “My father also had these made. The wood that these are made from come from the old tree Bokuseno, you have heard of him, ne?”
“Yes, his wood is that of the scabbard for Tetsusaiga, I believe it is also the wood of the scabbard of your own Tenseiga, is it not?” she asked
“Yes, it is. I recommend you and Inuyasha travel to visit with him, he will be most anxious to talk with you. He will have heard by now, of the miko of the prophecy” Sesshomaru said
“I have one more thing for you.” He opened a small slim box and pulled out a dagger. On the dagger was a carved Inu with a priestess in its mouth. The jaw was slack, showing that it only held the priestess, her hand was resting against his muzzle.
“This is beautiful, I can’t accept all of this” Kagome blushed.
“You can and you will, these were made for you, by this family. It will be known through the lands that you are under the protection of the Inu No Taisho” Sesshomaru said softly. “As I loathe to admit it, I am proud to have you as family Miko”
“But, I’m not, I mean were not, Inuyasha and I that is” she stumbled softly.
Sesshomaru chuckled lightly as he headed to the door. “You will be” was all he said before he disappeared down the corridor.
*****
Sango was looking for Kagome, she had not turned up outside the bath, she wasn’t in her room, her bathing supplies were on the floor of her room. She had been searching for Kagome to check on her and drag her to the bathing chamber when she heard a faint quiet snicker. Heading toward the sound, she came around the corner just as Sesshomaru disappeared down the corridor. Heading into the drawing room she found Kagome sitting on the floor, next to the low table. Her expression was one of awe.
“Kagome?” Sango called softly
“humm?” her gaze didn’t shift off the pile of presents that were laid out on the table.
“What is this stuff?”
“Presents” Kagome said softly
“Presents? From the ice lord?” Sango asked
“From their father. Sesshomaru was told to keep them and give them to me when I came” She said softly
“So, does that mean Sesshomaru believes in the prophecy?’
“Evidently. I just wish I did” Kagome sighed. “I have yet to even read it”
“They won’t let me near it either” Sango said as she slipped down to the ground to examine the armor. Sango started moving things around and pulling, poking at the armor and fire rat clothing. When she came to the dagger, she gasped. “This is beautiful” she pulled the dagger up into the lamplight. Looking closely at the carving, the priestess in the mouth of the Inu, looked eerily like Kagome, the Inu though. That was one Sango had only seen in paintings and tapestries in the finest castles and here too. The Inu was a representation of the Great Inu General. The father of the boys. The marks on the head and face and forelegs were the markings of the General. Not of either of his offspring. It was his solemn promise to protect her, Sango realized, it was the word of the previous Inu No Taisho. A promise that his boys would be honor bound to uphold.
Sango held her tongue, better to let Inuyasha share that information with her.
Reaching down she gathered up the items, pulling Kagome to her feet, she quietly led her friend to her room, opening the door, she placed the belongings on the low table in the room, picking up Kagome’s sleeping Yukata and led her to the bathing chambers.
“Come on, you’ll feel better after you get a bath” Sango encouraged
“Yeah, maybe then reality will come back” Kagome giggled. Sinking into the hot water and soaking away the aches of their training. “I feel like I did on that first day, when I fell through the well” she sighed
“I know that it is hard to believe. There must be some very serious items in the prophecy, Sesshomaru is taking this very seriously. The lord of ice is very interested in our training, I found out from Miroku today, that he and Inuyasha have been training every day”
“That explains those wounds. Both of them, had some pretty deep claw wounds on their bodies” Kagome sighed. “Inuyasha looked like he caught a tiger by the tail”
Sango giggled, “I saw Sesshomaru when he first came back, he was pretty bloody and battered too, he had a large wound down the side of his face”
“It was already gone by the time I saw him”
“I am so tired myself. Kagura has been more than a little demanding!”
“Yeah, wait until she see that new armor! She will want to teach you to use that in hand to hand, tomorrow will leave more than it’s fair share of bruises.”
“Yeah, I was thinking about hiding it, until Sesshomaru assured me Kagura would teach me how to use it!” Kagome snickered “I think he wants me to fall from exhaustion”
“Let me bind that gash on you shoulder, before you head to bed” Sango said as they started to get out of the bath.
“Only if you’re going to let me treat that gash on the back of your thigh” Kagome said. Sango had caught a blade as she tried to flip over Kagura, to get away from her in hand to hand combat. Kagome had earned herself quite the gash on her shoulder when she had knocked herself into the side of the dojo after a blast of miko power went haywire.
“Deal” they answered in unison.
They took turns applying salve and binding each others wounds. Heading down the hall toward their rooms, Kagome’s stomach grumbled again. “Hungry?” Sango asked
“Yeah” she answered.
“Let’s drop our stuff and head for the kitchen, surely we will find something to eat”
Her room was dark, the curtains drawn, Kagome didn’t bother to light a lamp, she laid her belonging on the floor inside the door and headed back out. She didn’t realize that Inuyasha was no longer sleeping on the bed.
The girls headed toward the kitchen in search of food.
*****
“Hey, give me that!” Inuyasha growled at his half brother, reaching out he reached to snatch a chicken leg from his brother.
“My home, my food, half breed” he growled back
Food was spread across the counter, they had essentially emptied the cold cellar storage out onto the counter and were picking through the contents.
“So you gave her the armor, while I was sleeping? I’m surprised she went anywhere with you” Inuyasha said, snaking his hand under his brothers advancing one, snagging the large chunk of cheese out from under his brother
“Yeah, she was slightly shocked, I am not sure she believes in the prophecy. It would be easier if you would let her read it”
“It ain’t happening bastard” he growled as he lost a piece of fish to his brother
“to slow half breed” he taunted as he pulled another piece of fish out of his brother’s grasp.
“When are you going to do this?” Sesshomaru demanded, reaching into his haori top, he pulled out three boxes he had pulled from the storage room earlier. He flipped them at Inuyasha.
“Don’t eat those” he snickered as Inuyasha reflexively caught what his brother had thrown at him. An uneasy peace had settled between the two of them. They would never be friends, but, the respect that Sesshomaru carried for Kagome seemed to soften him toward Inuyasha. Inuyasha knew that the prophecy sat heavy on Sesshomaru, he had made promises to his father, honor bound him to his duty. His duty right now was Kagome and with Kagome came him. He knew that and didn’t fool himself into thinking otherwise.
“What are they?”
Sesshomaru snaked out a hand and tried to snatch the chunk of boar meat that Inuyasha was going for, he miscalculated and was stuck in the hand by a claw. “mine” he growled as he stuck Sesshomaru in the hand.
Sesshomaru growled as blood trickled down his hand, it was already sealing over, he reached for another large chunk of chicken.
Just outside the kitchen door, two girls came to a halt. Quietly slipping up to the door, they hoped that their presence was masked by the food they could smell coming from the kitchen.
“They are the rings” he growled, reaching in and pulling a chunk of cheese from Inuyasha. He was ravenous, sparring with his brother did build him an appetite. He couldn’t believe how often he had eaten in the last few days.
“The rings?” Inuyasha asked
“You really are an idiot” he growled “The bonding rings, the ones that father had made for you? It carries our clan signature on it? The one you are supposed to give her if you ever get off your dead ass and mate the miko” he growled at him. “Are you going to wait until something happens to her?” had asked
“I already told you. I don’t want her to do this if she doesn’t want to” he growled back.
“Baka, she doesn’t have a choice” Sesshomaru sneered. “she is stuck with you whether she wants it or not” Sesshomaru growled, he did not understand the need to pacify her. Her destiny was written, just as was Inuyasha’s, he failed to comprehend what difference it made if she wanted to or not.
“This human concept of love is taken to far, she is duty bound to you, to our clan, to our kind. We will not be brought low because she doesn’t wish to mate you. You will mate her and make her part of this clan”
Inuyasha looked as Sesshomaru, he really had no idea about humans. He failed to understand that if she didn’t want this he couldn’t force her.
“She has to want this” he insisted
“You have until sundown tomorrow to make her understand and accept” he growled back “at that time, I will show her the scroll and you will have no choice in the matter” stabbing another chunk of meat, he headed toward the door.
Sango and Kagome pulled back into the dark corner behind the door as Sesshomaru stalked past.
They both looked at each other. Kagome’s eyes were bright with tears. Sango put a hand on her shoulder and headed them into the kitchen, neither realizing that Inuyasha was still in there.
“What are you doing up wench?” he growled
“We were hungry Inuyasha” Sango answered
“Feh, don’t know how much food is left, but, help yourselves” he growled as he walked out the door
Kagome blinked several times as the closed door
“What was that about?” she asked
“I think they have plans for you” Sango sighed “I suspect it has something to do with the prophecy”
“It almost sounded like Inuyasha wanted to be with me. That’s stupid, I know”
“No, Kagome, Inuyasha has wanted to be with you for a long time, I think he is afraid you will reject him”
“I think it is the other way around Sango, I’m afraid he hasn’t gotten over Kikyo.” She sighed, picking up some cheese from the counter.
“You are blind if you can’t see how he feels about you” Sango said, reaching out to pluck a piece of rabbit from the counter
“It looks like they massacred the cold storage here” she laughed, there were bones, crumbs and scraps across the counter, what was left intact was just enough for the girls to make a late night snack out of.
“I would say their endeavors are increasing their appetites.” Sango snickered. It did look like barbarians had been in the kitchen.
“I would hate to have this spoil” Kagome said, plucking another piece of cheese and popping it into her mouth.
The girls finished the remaining items on the counter before cleaning up the mess that the hanyou and demon lord had left behind them. They swept the bones and scraps into the scrap bin and wiped down the counters.
Heading up the stairs they both headed to their rooms.
“Just remember what I said, I truly believe that you are what he wants” Sango said softly to Kagome.
Kagome smiled and nodded her head. She walked into their room and closed the door behind her. Inuyasha was asleep on the bed. Putting her clothes up, she headed to the bed and fell down face forward, exhaustion settling into her muscles.
As Kagome settled onto the bed, Inuyasha stirred slightly. He reached out and pulled Kagome against his body, snuggling her into him as he flung a leg over her.
Pushing his nose into the crook of her neck, inhaling deep enjoying the scent of her. A soft low growl rumbled in his throat.
“Mine” he growled
“Inuyasha?” she asked quietly.
A low growl met her, followed by a deep breath.
She sighed, he was asleep.
She laid there, wrapped in his arms. A small smile touched her lips. Even in his sleep he was possessive. She could only hope that it was really her that he was protecting and not the memory of the dead miko Kikyo.
In his sleep, Inuyasha’s youkai was growling content, he had Kagome wrapped in his arms. His brother was right, he needed to make her his, claim her, protect her.
I don’t own Inuyasha, it’s characters or it’s story line
That sole joy belongs to Rumiko Takahashi
I’ll let you know who I own as we go.
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For the next several days it was relatively quiet. Sango and Kagome trained under Kagura. Kanna and Miroku worked diligently in the study pouring over hours of scrolls. Inuyasha and Sesshomaru were unusually quiet. That gave everyone in the house pause. The two of them disappeared every morning and returned just before dinner. Neither would talk about the day and they both looked tired when they came back. One night, they both came back covered in blood, neither saying a word, simply picking up their respective plates of food and heading toward the bath.
Kagome was worried about what was going on, however Kagura was working her very hard, she barely had the energy to change and fall into bed at night. The energy she needed to argue with Inuyasha just wasn’t there.
That is when things started to change.
Inuyasha fell into the bed face forward, he had not bothered to pull on more than his undergarments for his hakama. He fell asleep almost instantly. His back bare, large deep gashes in his back healing slowly.
Kagome walked into the bedroom after dinner, wanting nothing more than a hot bath and their bed. She looked over and saw Inuyasha. Blushing deep red, she averted her eyes, gathering her belongings, she started to head to the bath, when she noted he was sound asleep.
She quietly walked over to look down at him, she gasped as she saw huge claw marks in his back that were slowly healing. She reached out to gently trace the wounds on his back. He had cleaned them, but no salve had been applied.
Dropping her bathing stuff, Kagome hurried over to grab her first aide kit. Climbing up on their bed on her knees, she was leaning over Inuyasha gently smoothing salve over his wounds. His breathing deepened as he sighed and let out a light growl. Kagome knew he was asleep, the wounds must have ached more than he realized. A curtain of hair hung around her as she worked meticulously covering each wound with salve and small strips of gauze.
Sesshomaru stood in their doorway, watching the Miko take care of his sleeping brother. They had a brutal day of training, even Sesshomaru was exhausted and sporting more than one deep cut. He had thought to check in and make sure his brother had cleaned his wounds so they would heal before tomorrow mornings training.
He stood there watching her carefully coating and wrapping his wounds, she pulled up on him to check his sides. Noting that one long claw mark came from under his stomach and wrapped around his side, he watched as she carefully rolled him over. Never lifting her head from her task, she carefully covered his wounds, blushing as she pushed his undergarments low on his hips to cover the wound that had started just inside his hip.
Amusement dancing in his eyes, he called out softly. “Miko? Do you require assistance?”
Kagome whirled around on the bed and found the demon lord looking at her, she flushed even darker, as she noted that there was mirth in his eyes.
“No, Sesshomaru-Sama, thank you though, I was just finishing” she replied quietly.
“Good, follow me then” He responded turning and walking away from the door.
Kagome scrambled off the bed, almost tripping over her clothes and bathing supplies that she had dropped. She hurried after Sesshomaru, as he led the way through the maze of corridors to a room that he unlocked, ushering her in. As she stepped into the room, he closed the door behind them, reaching out, he lit an oil lamp to illuminate the room.
As she stood there, looking around, she noted that he must have many family heirlooms in here. Several pieces of armor, swords, clothing, jewelry and tomes of writing were spread throughout the room.
“I have some things I want you to have” Sesshomaru said quietly.
Kagome spun around shocked. What had she done to deserve the attention of the ice lord? She wished she had woken Inuyasha before she had followed Sesshomaru away from their rooms.
“I’m sorry, Sesshomaru? I don’t understand” she stuttered.
“What is there to understand, there are some things I think you should have” he growled. Patience after his day was not something he had in abundance. He was feeling the strain of injury and fatigue.
Kagome waited in silence while he dug out several items. He handed her several things, while he continued to dig around in the store room. Triumphantly he came up with several smaller boxes. Handed one over to her, he tucked three more into his haori.
He led her out of the store room in silence, heading to the drawing room that was down the hall from their chambers.
“Here, let me see those things” He ordered. Kagome handed him the items he had previously passed to her.
Sesshomaru flicked his wrist, spreading the items on the long low table in the drawing room. Kagome gasped, as she could clearly see the items now.
“Lord Sesshomaru? You don’t mean for me?” Kagome started stuttering
“Hai, did I not already answer that question?” he snarled.
Stepping back, Kagome waited. Sesshomaru picked up a long flowing red and silver kimono, it was split up the sides allowing free movement of the legs, red tights were laid with it. He reached out to touch the material, drawing a clawed hand over it. “My father had these made, for you” he said softly
“For me? How?” Kagome asked, her face a dark flush.
“From the prophecy. He demanded I give these to the Miko of the prophecy, he had several items made for you. I did not believe you would ever come to pass” he said softly
Kagome could see something else behind his eyes, something softer, farther away. Kagome had never seen him look like that. He looked, almost kind.
“Do you really believe me to be the miko from this prophecy?” she asked softly, they had refused to let her read the scroll as of yet. “Do you think I could ever be strong enough” doubt tinged her voice
“You will fail, if you expect to fail” he answered shortly. “The clothing, they are made from the same fire rat material that my half breed brother wears”
Sesshomaru handed her the clothing and began laying out pieces of armor, a breast plate, forearm guards, thick black knee boots and guards to wrap around the outside of her thighs. “The bone for the plates are made from dragon bone, they have magical properties and should at least soften a blow. The forearm plates are made to protect and for defensive use in hand to hand battles.”
“Kagura will teach you how to use these, either her or the slayer can help you learn how to dress in those quickly. You should travel ready for battle” Sesshomaru added.
He reached out and handed her a bow and quiver for arrows. “My father also had these made. The wood that these are made from come from the old tree Bokuseno, you have heard of him, ne?”
“Yes, his wood is that of the scabbard for Tetsusaiga, I believe it is also the wood of the scabbard of your own Tenseiga, is it not?” she asked
“Yes, it is. I recommend you and Inuyasha travel to visit with him, he will be most anxious to talk with you. He will have heard by now, of the miko of the prophecy” Sesshomaru said
“I have one more thing for you.” He opened a small slim box and pulled out a dagger. On the dagger was a carved Inu with a priestess in its mouth. The jaw was slack, showing that it only held the priestess, her hand was resting against his muzzle.
“This is beautiful, I can’t accept all of this” Kagome blushed.
“You can and you will, these were made for you, by this family. It will be known through the lands that you are under the protection of the Inu No Taisho” Sesshomaru said softly. “As I loathe to admit it, I am proud to have you as family Miko”
“But, I’m not, I mean were not, Inuyasha and I that is” she stumbled softly.
Sesshomaru chuckled lightly as he headed to the door. “You will be” was all he said before he disappeared down the corridor.
*****
Sango was looking for Kagome, she had not turned up outside the bath, she wasn’t in her room, her bathing supplies were on the floor of her room. She had been searching for Kagome to check on her and drag her to the bathing chamber when she heard a faint quiet snicker. Heading toward the sound, she came around the corner just as Sesshomaru disappeared down the corridor. Heading into the drawing room she found Kagome sitting on the floor, next to the low table. Her expression was one of awe.
“Kagome?” Sango called softly
“humm?” her gaze didn’t shift off the pile of presents that were laid out on the table.
“What is this stuff?”
“Presents” Kagome said softly
“Presents? From the ice lord?” Sango asked
“From their father. Sesshomaru was told to keep them and give them to me when I came” She said softly
“So, does that mean Sesshomaru believes in the prophecy?’
“Evidently. I just wish I did” Kagome sighed. “I have yet to even read it”
“They won’t let me near it either” Sango said as she slipped down to the ground to examine the armor. Sango started moving things around and pulling, poking at the armor and fire rat clothing. When she came to the dagger, she gasped. “This is beautiful” she pulled the dagger up into the lamplight. Looking closely at the carving, the priestess in the mouth of the Inu, looked eerily like Kagome, the Inu though. That was one Sango had only seen in paintings and tapestries in the finest castles and here too. The Inu was a representation of the Great Inu General. The father of the boys. The marks on the head and face and forelegs were the markings of the General. Not of either of his offspring. It was his solemn promise to protect her, Sango realized, it was the word of the previous Inu No Taisho. A promise that his boys would be honor bound to uphold.
Sango held her tongue, better to let Inuyasha share that information with her.
Reaching down she gathered up the items, pulling Kagome to her feet, she quietly led her friend to her room, opening the door, she placed the belongings on the low table in the room, picking up Kagome’s sleeping Yukata and led her to the bathing chambers.
“Come on, you’ll feel better after you get a bath” Sango encouraged
“Yeah, maybe then reality will come back” Kagome giggled. Sinking into the hot water and soaking away the aches of their training. “I feel like I did on that first day, when I fell through the well” she sighed
“I know that it is hard to believe. There must be some very serious items in the prophecy, Sesshomaru is taking this very seriously. The lord of ice is very interested in our training, I found out from Miroku today, that he and Inuyasha have been training every day”
“That explains those wounds. Both of them, had some pretty deep claw wounds on their bodies” Kagome sighed. “Inuyasha looked like he caught a tiger by the tail”
Sango giggled, “I saw Sesshomaru when he first came back, he was pretty bloody and battered too, he had a large wound down the side of his face”
“It was already gone by the time I saw him”
“I am so tired myself. Kagura has been more than a little demanding!”
“Yeah, wait until she see that new armor! She will want to teach you to use that in hand to hand, tomorrow will leave more than it’s fair share of bruises.”
“Yeah, I was thinking about hiding it, until Sesshomaru assured me Kagura would teach me how to use it!” Kagome snickered “I think he wants me to fall from exhaustion”
“Let me bind that gash on you shoulder, before you head to bed” Sango said as they started to get out of the bath.
“Only if you’re going to let me treat that gash on the back of your thigh” Kagome said. Sango had caught a blade as she tried to flip over Kagura, to get away from her in hand to hand combat. Kagome had earned herself quite the gash on her shoulder when she had knocked herself into the side of the dojo after a blast of miko power went haywire.
“Deal” they answered in unison.
They took turns applying salve and binding each others wounds. Heading down the hall toward their rooms, Kagome’s stomach grumbled again. “Hungry?” Sango asked
“Yeah” she answered.
“Let’s drop our stuff and head for the kitchen, surely we will find something to eat”
Her room was dark, the curtains drawn, Kagome didn’t bother to light a lamp, she laid her belonging on the floor inside the door and headed back out. She didn’t realize that Inuyasha was no longer sleeping on the bed.
The girls headed toward the kitchen in search of food.
*****
“Hey, give me that!” Inuyasha growled at his half brother, reaching out he reached to snatch a chicken leg from his brother.
“My home, my food, half breed” he growled back
Food was spread across the counter, they had essentially emptied the cold cellar storage out onto the counter and were picking through the contents.
“So you gave her the armor, while I was sleeping? I’m surprised she went anywhere with you” Inuyasha said, snaking his hand under his brothers advancing one, snagging the large chunk of cheese out from under his brother
“Yeah, she was slightly shocked, I am not sure she believes in the prophecy. It would be easier if you would let her read it”
“It ain’t happening bastard” he growled as he lost a piece of fish to his brother
“to slow half breed” he taunted as he pulled another piece of fish out of his brother’s grasp.
“When are you going to do this?” Sesshomaru demanded, reaching into his haori top, he pulled out three boxes he had pulled from the storage room earlier. He flipped them at Inuyasha.
“Don’t eat those” he snickered as Inuyasha reflexively caught what his brother had thrown at him. An uneasy peace had settled between the two of them. They would never be friends, but, the respect that Sesshomaru carried for Kagome seemed to soften him toward Inuyasha. Inuyasha knew that the prophecy sat heavy on Sesshomaru, he had made promises to his father, honor bound him to his duty. His duty right now was Kagome and with Kagome came him. He knew that and didn’t fool himself into thinking otherwise.
“What are they?”
Sesshomaru snaked out a hand and tried to snatch the chunk of boar meat that Inuyasha was going for, he miscalculated and was stuck in the hand by a claw. “mine” he growled as he stuck Sesshomaru in the hand.
Sesshomaru growled as blood trickled down his hand, it was already sealing over, he reached for another large chunk of chicken.
Just outside the kitchen door, two girls came to a halt. Quietly slipping up to the door, they hoped that their presence was masked by the food they could smell coming from the kitchen.
“They are the rings” he growled, reaching in and pulling a chunk of cheese from Inuyasha. He was ravenous, sparring with his brother did build him an appetite. He couldn’t believe how often he had eaten in the last few days.
“The rings?” Inuyasha asked
“You really are an idiot” he growled “The bonding rings, the ones that father had made for you? It carries our clan signature on it? The one you are supposed to give her if you ever get off your dead ass and mate the miko” he growled at him. “Are you going to wait until something happens to her?” had asked
“I already told you. I don’t want her to do this if she doesn’t want to” he growled back.
“Baka, she doesn’t have a choice” Sesshomaru sneered. “she is stuck with you whether she wants it or not” Sesshomaru growled, he did not understand the need to pacify her. Her destiny was written, just as was Inuyasha’s, he failed to comprehend what difference it made if she wanted to or not.
“This human concept of love is taken to far, she is duty bound to you, to our clan, to our kind. We will not be brought low because she doesn’t wish to mate you. You will mate her and make her part of this clan”
Inuyasha looked as Sesshomaru, he really had no idea about humans. He failed to understand that if she didn’t want this he couldn’t force her.
“She has to want this” he insisted
“You have until sundown tomorrow to make her understand and accept” he growled back “at that time, I will show her the scroll and you will have no choice in the matter” stabbing another chunk of meat, he headed toward the door.
Sango and Kagome pulled back into the dark corner behind the door as Sesshomaru stalked past.
They both looked at each other. Kagome’s eyes were bright with tears. Sango put a hand on her shoulder and headed them into the kitchen, neither realizing that Inuyasha was still in there.
“What are you doing up wench?” he growled
“We were hungry Inuyasha” Sango answered
“Feh, don’t know how much food is left, but, help yourselves” he growled as he walked out the door
Kagome blinked several times as the closed door
“What was that about?” she asked
“I think they have plans for you” Sango sighed “I suspect it has something to do with the prophecy”
“It almost sounded like Inuyasha wanted to be with me. That’s stupid, I know”
“No, Kagome, Inuyasha has wanted to be with you for a long time, I think he is afraid you will reject him”
“I think it is the other way around Sango, I’m afraid he hasn’t gotten over Kikyo.” She sighed, picking up some cheese from the counter.
“You are blind if you can’t see how he feels about you” Sango said, reaching out to pluck a piece of rabbit from the counter
“It looks like they massacred the cold storage here” she laughed, there were bones, crumbs and scraps across the counter, what was left intact was just enough for the girls to make a late night snack out of.
“I would say their endeavors are increasing their appetites.” Sango snickered. It did look like barbarians had been in the kitchen.
“I would hate to have this spoil” Kagome said, plucking another piece of cheese and popping it into her mouth.
The girls finished the remaining items on the counter before cleaning up the mess that the hanyou and demon lord had left behind them. They swept the bones and scraps into the scrap bin and wiped down the counters.
Heading up the stairs they both headed to their rooms.
“Just remember what I said, I truly believe that you are what he wants” Sango said softly to Kagome.
Kagome smiled and nodded her head. She walked into their room and closed the door behind her. Inuyasha was asleep on the bed. Putting her clothes up, she headed to the bed and fell down face forward, exhaustion settling into her muscles.
As Kagome settled onto the bed, Inuyasha stirred slightly. He reached out and pulled Kagome against his body, snuggling her into him as he flung a leg over her.
Pushing his nose into the crook of her neck, inhaling deep enjoying the scent of her. A soft low growl rumbled in his throat.
“Mine” he growled
“Inuyasha?” she asked quietly.
A low growl met her, followed by a deep breath.
She sighed, he was asleep.
She laid there, wrapped in his arms. A small smile touched her lips. Even in his sleep he was possessive. She could only hope that it was really her that he was protecting and not the memory of the dead miko Kikyo.
In his sleep, Inuyasha’s youkai was growling content, he had Kagome wrapped in his arms. His brother was right, he needed to make her his, claim her, protect her.
Reviews:
Thanks, SilverShadowKitsune, Junsei, RazorBladeSinner
Enjoy
Disclaimer:Thanks, SilverShadowKitsune, Junsei, RazorBladeSinner
Enjoy
I don’t own Inuyasha, it’s characters or it’s story line
That sole joy belongs to Rumiko Takahashi
I’ll let you know who I own as we go.
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