InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Consciousness ❯ Family Time ( Chapter 19 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Family Time


“Kagome!” Mya called from the kitchen. “Come out here”

Kagome bounded into the kitchen. “Mom?”

“I think it’s time we head in, to do a little shopping. Do you think Inuyasha would mind staying here, with Souta?”

Kagome looked at her mom, sighing. It was hard, knowing that this was likely the last time she would do anything with her mother. She may never have a chance to just spend time with her mom.

“I’m sure he’ll be ok mom.” She said as she headed out to find Inuyasha.

She found him in the most unlikely place. He was standing in the doorway to the shrine, talking to her grandfather.

He smiled as he felt her approach. Turning his head to welcome her.

“Inuyasha?” Kagome looked at him.

“Hmpf.” He grunted in reply.

“Mom and I are going shopping. Will you be alright while I’m gone?”

Grimacing and looking down at his hand, he replied. “Not like I’m going anywhere.”

He had found out the hard way that Kagome had blocked him from entering the well house. He was sure she knew. Even the old man had heard him swearing. Although, she had carefully avoided him, while he was storming around the yard.

Kagome smiled sweetly and kissed him on the cheek. She turned and darted back to the house. Leaving Inuyasha and Ji-Chan to their discussion.

*****

Kagome and her mother wandered in and out of stores in an exclusive shopping district. Kagome admired a myriad of fabrics and clothing as they walked.

Mya savored the time with her daughter, watching carefully at the items that Kagome admired, running her hands over the fabrics that her daughter pointed out. She knew that this was the last time she would wander the streets of Tokyo with her daughter. She savored every moment. Hoping, that the future would hold her daughter, again. Hoping, that her daughter would cherish these last moments with her, in the time to come.

As they moved from shop to shop, Mya suggested they stop for a light bite to eat.

Sitting in a small café’ that specialized in foreign foods, they both ordered pastries and coffee that were supposed to be quite the delight.

“Kagome?” Mya looked at her daughter.

“Are you ok with this mom? I mean, really ok?”

“My dear, I’ve been ready for this, for a long time. No, I’m not happy, no I’m not ok. Yes, I’m going to miss you terribly, you are my daughter, my life. It doesn’t change the fact that this is your destiny, your life. I wish I could tell you more, I really do. I can’t though. I really can’t.” Mya sighed

Kagome looked at her mom, she had always suspected, now she knew. Her mother had always known. Her mother knew now. She knew what was to come. Kagome sat there, in silence. Wondering at the strength of her mother, to sit by and watch, listen and allow her to live out her destiny, already knowing all the answers.

“I know, you think I have all the answers. I don’t. I wish I did. I wish I knew if you survive. If your children will survive. I don’t, Kagome, I really don’t.”

“Mom” Kagome choked. “I’m so sorry!”

“Don’t! Don’t you dare be sorry! This is your life, your destiny. Promise me you will be happy, that you will make the most of it!”

“I will Mom, I will.”

“Now! Let’s go buy some of those beautiful clothes you were looking at!”

“MOM!” Kagome protested, knowing that they could not afford much of what they were looking at.

“Don’t you worry about that! I’ve been waiting for this day!” Mya smiled. With a little help from a family friend of theirs, she had a little extra to make sure Kagome had some nice things for her wedding and for her first years in the Feudal Era.

The two wandered in and out of shops, picking out fabrics, clothing and various pajamas for Kagome to take back. Kagome blushed furiously, as Mya helped her pick out lingerie for Kagome’s wedding night and nights to come.

Kagome sighed as she watched her mother pay for each item, it occurred to her, that her mother had truly been saving. She suspected that the money she was spending, was money she had thought one day to spend on her wedding.

“Thank you mom!” Kagome said as they headed out of one store, stopping to give her mother a quick kiss on the cheek.

Mya grinned, “Come on dear! Let’s go pick up some soaps and other supplies you will need.”

“I have a bunch stored at Kaede’s after the last few trips home!” Kagome protested.

Mya laughed out loud, “Really? How long do you think that will last you, dear?”

Kagome blanched and looked at her mother. She right, she thought sheepishly. She had not considered, that in reality, there will be no more trips home for supplies and necessities.

Sighing, Mya turned toward her daughter. “It’s alright, honey. It really is, I just want to make sure you are as comfortable as you can be.”

The two of them made their way through drug stores and grocery stores on their way back to the shrine. Most of the fabrics and clothing that they had bought, would be delivered by this evening. A family friend was having an elaborate dinner sent over, telling Mya that it was a gift, so that they could just enjoy their last evening together.

Heading up the steps to the shrine, Kagome and Mya just laughed as Inuyasha came bounding down the stairs. He had apparently been waiting for Kagome to come back.

Laughing up at him, as he grabbed out and took the bags from their hands. Kagome smiled and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.

“Mom took me everywhere today!” she enthused. “She bought me everything!”

“Really?” Inuyasha smirked “How do you plan to get ‘everything’ back through the well?”

“Well…” she hedged. “We may have to make a couple of trips.” she laughed.

Inuyasha just grunted.

“Come on you two! Let’s get inside and get cleaned up before dinner!”

The group headed into the house, to find a caterer there, setting out quite the elaborate dinner. Kagome looked at her mother with interest.

Mya smiled. “I just wanted to be able to enjoy the time I have to spend with you.”

What shocked Kagome the most, was the shimmering appearance that she saw. She realized that no one else, not even Inuyasha noted it. The caterer was a youkai, setting out a meal, in her home. She had never seen another here, aside from Sesshomaru.

The caterer nodded at her, smiling. As Inuyasha walked through the room and headed up the stairs, the youkai gently patted her shoulder. “Enjoy your family dinner, Miko. I understand you are to be married!”

Kagome looked shocked. “How did you know?”

“My boss told me, that this was your pre-wedding dinner.” She grinned at Kagome.

Kagome blushed, realizing that her mother had planned for so much. She was so thrilled with the day and looking forward to the evening with her mom, brother and Ji-Chan.

“Thank you, thank you for the beautiful meal and the well wishes.”

“You’re welcome. Take my blessing with you.” She bowed to Kagome.

Kagome nodded and headed toward the stairs. Heading into the bathroom, she turned on the shower taps, looking forward to a hot shower and a few moment of peace.

Standing under the streaming water, Kagome took time to think back over the day. The realization that there was a youkai standing in her ancestral home, gave Kagome pause.

Thinking back on her talk with Sesshomaru and the youkai delivering their catered meal, Kagome realized, that several times today, she had caught that faint glimmer. The glimmer of someone using a spell to cover their real identity. She had never seen anything like it, that she could remember.

Kagome found it odd, that she was seeing more youkai during this trip home, than she had ever seen. She couldn’t really remember ever seeing any, here, in her time.

Startled out of her thoughts, by Inuyasha pounding on the door. Kagome jumped.

“Oi wench!” Inuyasha yelled. “Hurry up! You mother says it’s time to eat!”

“I’ll be right there!” she said, turning off the taps.


*****


Dinner was quite the affair, Ji-Chan had brought several bottles of sake’ out for dinner, the family gathered, eating, drinking and talking about the past and the future.

Kagome lectured Souta on how he should behave for mama now, how he was to finish school, get good grades, what he should look for in a wife.

Souta sighed, listening to his sister. Knowing, that she wanted to get all of this out. He also knew that he would remember this when he was older. He had been taught the importance of family and here he was loosing his sister.

Ji-Chan lectured Kagome on spirituality, his expectations of his grand daughter. He couldn’t help himself. He was so worried that she would loose her way, that she would forget what she was destined to be. He knew that they were all working toward the same goal, yet, he could not stop himself.

Mya took her turn, lecturing Kagome and Inuyasha, respectively, about marriage, life, love, children, raising a family. She talked to both of them about letting go, about loving your children and supporting them, protecting them, until it was time to let go and let them live out their destinies.

Inuyasha and Kagome looked at each other, over the low table in the living room, where the family was seated. They knew how hard this had to be on her mother. They could not begin to fathom the depth of love and trust that it took, to turn your child over to fate and let it take its course.

The family stayed up late into the night. Reminiscing over the past, Kagome’s childhood, their years together, talking about the time she had spent in the Feudal Era. Mya allowed Souta to stay up with them, she planned on letting him spend the next day at home. She didn’t have the heart to deny him any of the time he could spend with his sister.

Ji-Chan was the first to nod off, for all the sake’ he had drank, began to catch up with him. Mya ushered him upstairs to his bed, followed by leading a sleepy Souta to his room.

When the three of them were alone, Mya sat down, looking at the children.

“You take care of her Inuyasha.” she said, a sad smile on her face. “You pay attention to your brother. I know you are not close. Take this opportunity to mend your broken family. You are all the family Kagome will have now. She needs family.”

Inuyasha nodded, knowing that Kagome was fond of Sesshomaru for what ever reason. “I will Mya, I don’t have to like him, but, Kagome does, so for her sake, I will continue to tolerate my brother’s presence.”

“Thank you Inuyasha.” Mya sighed. She did not want to head to bed, she wanted this night to last forever, but, she knew that wasn’t to be, the sun would come up either way and she knew her children had long days ahead of them. She also knew that they slept soundly here, without the threats of the past, keeping them awake.

“Kagome, continue to treat him with the utmost respect. No matter what, do not go to bed angry, remember when you fight, count to ten, so you don’t say something you can’t take back. Hold him close when things get bad, don’t let loss, fear or anger tear you apart.”

Kagome looked at her mom. She knew her mother was trying to remember everything, she had planned to say over the years to her. Her mother had already lectured her on how to raise children, keep a house a home, what to expect from a husband, now she was just reminding her, that as a wife, she had a responsibility too.

Mya ushered the two of them upstairs towards Kagome’s room. Telling them to sleep quick, as she headed toward her own room. Mya headed into her room, sitting down to look through old childhood photo albums of Kagome and Souta. Mya sat there, for a long time, going through images, reliving memories of her daughter and their time together.


*****


Morning came too quickly, as the sun began to peek over the horizon, Kagome and Inuyasha began to stir, as they both became aware of their surroundings, they realized, they were not alone. Mya was standing at the foot of the bed. Watching them sleep.

“Mom?” Kagome asked sleepily.

“Hm. I’m just savoring these moments.”

“I love you mom.”

“I know honey, I love you too.” Mya smiled. “I’ve already taken your bags down to the well house. Breakfast should be ready soon. You should probably get your shower.”

“Shower! Mmmmm! I’m going to miss my shower!” Kagome giggled as she rolled out of the bed.

Inuyasha just rolled his eyes, heading toward the bathroom to rinse his face and head down the stairs to help Mya.

As Inuyasha heard the shower turn on, he turned to Mya.

“He’s here, isn’t he?” Inuyasha asked.

“Yes, he is.” Mya sighed. She knew there was no point in lying to Inuyasha.

“You won’t tell me anything, though, will you?” He asked, sitting down to the table.

“I can’t Inuyasha. I wish I could. Unfortunately, even I don’t know how it all ends. I wish I did.” Mya sighed, setting down a cup of coffee. She rarely made coffee, but, the late hour everyone was up, she figured they could all use it.

“You are incredible, you know that?” Inuyasha asked.

Mya stopped, turning to look at him. She’d never heard Inuyasha admire anyone. Laughing, she reached over and kissed the top of his head. Laying her head down on top of his, she sighed.

“I’m not incredible. I just happen to be blessed with incredible children.” she said softly. “That goes for you too, my son.”

Inuyasha reached his hand back and placed it on her shoulder. “I’ll take care of her, mom.”

“I know you will.” she replied. “I hope to see you in the future. My hope for you two will always stand. I won’t stop living, but, I will always hope.”

“I won’t let her stop living either. I promise.” Inuyasha said.

About that time, Kagome came into the kitchen. Looking at the two of them, she knew that they had taken a moment to appreciate each other. She loved her family so much. Inuyasha was to be her family now. Wiping tears from her eyes, Kagome headed toward the table and coffee.

“Coffee! Just what I need!” She giggled.

“I have my last bag packed mom.” Kagome sighed as she sat down. “Thank you for taking care of the rest of them! You must have been up all night!”

Mya grinned, she was up all night, knowing that sleep would not come easily, she did what she was best at, doing for others.

She turned back to finish making breakfast. She didn’t want Kagome to see her cry. She knew this was hard on her daughter, too.

Souta and Ji-Chan came into the kitchen just as Mya was finishing breakfast. The group sat down to eat, it was a solemn meal. Kagome didn’t even try to pretend to be cheerful, she just savored her time with them.

Too soon, it was time to head to the well. Kagome looked at the bags set on the steps to the well house. She knew her mother had wanted her to have a ‘few’ things to help her start. This was a bit overboard, though!

Laughing, she looked at Inuyasha. “I said a few trips, didn’t I?”

“Feh” He replied.

Mya smiled at the two of them. “Come on, let’s get those inside.” She headed up the steps.

Kagome took Inuyasha’s hand as they headed to the well house. “Come on.”

Inuyasha looked at her suspiciously. So that’s what she had done. He wasn’t entering with out her. He growled low, she was supposed to trust him.

Squeezing his hand, “I just wanted to make sure that we went back together.”

The family helped them lug the bags and packs into the well house, Inuyasha made quick work of gathering up several and jumping through the well three times. When he came back for the final load, he stopped, looking at the family. He was at a loss.

Mya took her cue. She knew he was not good with this sort of thing. She reached out and gave him a hug, Souta jumped up and hugged him and his sister. Ji-Chan took a moment to hold Kagome, then hugged Inuyasha. “Take care of her.” Was all he said.

Mya looked at both of them, long and hard, holding their hands. “I love you both! You take care of each other!” She smiled. Kissing both of them on the cheek, hugging each again.

“I love you mom!” Kagome said, as she climbed up on the lip of the well. Inuyasha handed her another pack to carry, picked up the last of their items and grabbed Kagome’s hand. The stood there, staring at each other for a moment.

“Go, Kagome. You need to get back. I’ll be here.” She said. Wiping a tear from her eye.

“Bye Mom, Souta, Ji-Chan! I love you!” as they slipped over the edge into the time slip.



Disclaimer… Again!

I don’t own Inuyasha, it’s characters or it’s story line. That is the joyous right of Rumiko Takahashi.
I’ll let you know which characters I own as we go!