InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Destiny ❯ Reunions ( Chapter 2 )

Chapter 2 - Reunions.

"Kagome..." Inuyasha held her close, taking in her scent, happy at the feel of her body against his. He let the relief he felt at her return wash over him. Every time she went through the well back to modern Japan, he felt as if his heart stopped, only to beat again when she returned. He could never shake the overwhelming fear every time she left that she would not return. Many a time he had gotten impatient, the separation driving him insane and he had gone through the well to drag her back to feudal Japan. But she had never failed him, she had always returned to his side as she had promised she would.

He half wished that she had not returned this time. Truth be told he didn't want her there for the end battle. He couldn't bear for Kagome to be hurt, and he couldn't even begin to let himself think of the all too real possibility she might die. But she would not be put off; she refused to not be by his side in this final fight. Besides with Kikyo still injured, Kagome was needed to fight with her purity arrows. Kikyo had even given Inuyasha a special arrow to give to Kagome for the purpose of battling against Naraku. He clenched his teeth and made a fist with the hand at Kagome's waist. No it would never happen, He would protect Kagome at all costs!

"Inuyasha?" Kagome pulled away from him, feeling his body stiffen as he had clenched his fist. "Inuyasha, what's wrong?"

Inuyasha stared deeply into Kagome's eyes and she felt herself blush under the close scrutiny of his gaze. The warmth intensified as he gently placed a clawed finger to her lips.

"Silly girl, nothing is wrong. I will protect you." He grinned at her, amused by the reaction to his touch. It was his turn to blush however as Kagome reached out to clasp his outstretched hand in both of hers. His eyes widening with surprise at her touch.

"I know Inuyasha, I trust you. You have no need to fear for me during the battle. We will defeat Naraku and........ and..." Kagome couldn't finish as the tears began to form at thinking of what would happen after they had defeated Naraku. She would lose Inuyasha forever, he would go to hell with Kikyo and she would return to modern Japan.

It hurt Inuyasha to see Kagome so upset, as he realized she was most likely thinking of his promise to Kikyo. He opened his mouth to try and comfort her but was cut off by a squeaky voice yelling at him.

"Inuyasha!!!!! Baka!!! What have you done to upset Kagome this time?" He and Kagome quickly stepped apart from one another and he turned to glare at the outspoken kitsune who had interrupted them.

"Shippo-chan, do not be so harsh with Inuyasha. He didn't hurt me, I was upset about leaving my family. Really that's all it was." She forced a bright smile at Shippo, to stop him from worrying and sank to sit on her knees, motioning for him to come to her. Which he did, screaming her name happily and clutching her tightly, much to Inuyasha's annoyance.

"Were you family very sad Kagome?" He gazed up at his adoptive mother with eyes full of love and adoration.

"Yes Shippo-chan. It was very had to say goodbye this time. But they understand this is something that has to be done, Naraku has to be stopped. Defeating him comes before all else, even our lives." Shippo looked up at the determined young woman he had taken as his adoptive mother. Her sobering words causing him to pause and think hard about what his friends were about to face. He didn't want to think of them dead or hurt, especially Kagome or even Inuyasha for that matter. Inuyasha's gruff voice snapped him out of his thoughts.

"Hey you little runt, are Sango and Miroku back at the village yet?"

"Kagoooomeeeeee, Inuyasha's being mean to me!!!" The small kitsune put on his cutest look possible. He folded his arms and glared at Inuyasha triumphantly, waiting for Kagome to come to his aid and admonish the irritable hanyou. Soon she'd start yelling at him, if he got real lucky, she might even sit Inuyasha. Unfortunately, he didn't get quite the response he was hoping for. Instead of his hold over her working, Kagome's influence went to work on him.

"Shippo-chan, we don't have time for these antics right now, please answer Inuyasha's question."

Shippo stared open mouthed at her, shocked that she had not taken his side. Inuyasha was momentarily surprised himself, but soon regained his composure enough to smile smugly at Shippo. On seeing the hanyou's huge smile, Shippo had been about to mount a protest and pout some more, but Kagome had her determined face on and he knew nothing would dissuade her, so he began to fill them in on the details.

"Hai, they have returned last night, they are waiting for us at the village. Sango had wanted to pay her respects to her fallen comrades and family before the battle. And to do some work on her boomerang."

"Good, then we should be getting back there, it's going to be a long day. We have a lot to figure out. Come on you two" Inuyasha began to stride off and motioned for them both to follow.

"Hai!" Kagome and Shippo chorused in agreement, and Inuyasha cracked a rare smile at not being argued with for once.

Inuyasha and Kagome walked in silence, the only sounds coming from Shippo's constant chatter, as he excitedly told Kagome of all he had been up to in her absence, even if she had only been gone for a few days. As usual Inuyasha and Kagome stole silent glances at one another, each blushing madly on the occasion they happened to get caught. Inuyasha turned away on one such occasion and pondered over his feelings towards Kagome. From how he had tried to kill her for the jewel when they had first met. To the silent understanding of shared feelings they had now.

His initial feelings of animosity at her being Kikyo's reincarnation had quickly changed and over the course of their travels evolved into something much deeper. Feelings deeper than those he had felt for Kikyo even. There was no comparison, Kagome had won his heart and soul. He had complete faith and trust in Kagome. Something that had been severely lacking in his relationship with Kikyo. Kagome was purer in heart than even she had been, even while she was alive. Kagome was vibrant, full of life, it made her a radiant beauty, her smile never failing to lighten the burdens his heart felt. He felt that he could do anything while Kagome was with him.

Kikyo was a classic beauty, it was rare that she would smile. Her delicate features usually an expressionless mask as she spent her life in dedication to the protection of the jewel and the villagers. A duty that meant she could not afford to be carefree. He had loved her caring nature and gentle ways and her acceptance of his companionship. She had not been afraid of him, not from the first moment she had met him. Something that was rare for Inuyasha back in those days. Even now there were still people who would shy away from him. He had led a very lonely life until he had met Kikyo, she had befriended him and given him a chance to not be lonely in life. All it required was that he become a human for her. Something Kagome had not asked of him, she accepted him as he was. Perfectly happy to be the friend of a lowly hanyou. Only she didn't see him that way, she saw him as an equal, as her friend. She returned his feelings of faith and trust. He'd never had someone believe in him as Kagome did, the depth of her loyalty always surprised him. He often felt he wasn't worthy of such devotion. He loved Kagome, she was his....... soul mate.

"Shipp-chan I see the village, can you go ahead and let everyone know we are coming?" Kagome's voice shook Inuyasha from his thoughts.

"But Kagoomeee, I want to walk with you...."Shippo wailed at her, making his eyes as large and watery as possible.

"Please Shippo-chan, for me." Kagome looked down at the little kitsune pleadingly. And for the second time that day, her influence on Shippo won out as he sighed in defeat and ran towards the village.

Kagome glanced over at Inuyasha and cleared her throat, nervous at the question she was about to ask him, now she had gotten Shippo out of earshot.

"Inuyasha." She bowed her head, unable to look him in the eye. "Why is it you were unaware of Miroku and Sango's return? Have you not been staying in the village in my absence?"

Were you with Kikyo? She thought. Her heart racing at the possibility he had.

"I... I've not been at the village." Kagome's heart sank at his response, he had been with Kikyo!

"I've been by the well since you left, waiting for your return." Inuyasha's heart soared as he saw the smile return to Kagome's face after his previous reply had seemingly caused her so much hurt.

She thought I was with Kikyo, he realized. He made a silent vow to himself. Soon Kagome, soon I will tell you how I feel, you deserve to know before we go into battle. Kikyo may have my promise, but it is you that has truly won my heart.

"Inuyasha...." Kagome didn't get the chance to finish as Sango interrupted her with a greeting. They had been so engrossed in one another that they had reached the village and their friends withough noticing.

"Kagome-chan, I am so happy to see you have returned. How is your family?" The happiness at seeing her friend was written on the young demon slayers face as well as evident in her voice. Kagome smiled brightly at her.

"They are fine Sango, worried of course but they are fine. I'm so glad to see you all too. How was the trip to your village?" Kagome instantly regretted asking at watching the sorrow etched on her dear friend's face. She walked over and hugged her, before pulling back and taking her hands in her own and giving them a squeeze. She let her hands fall back to her sides, and sighed, bowing her head in guilt.

"I'm sorry Sango, I shouldn't have asked you that."

"No Kagome-chan. Please don't feel bad, I'm glad you care enough to ask. I'm glad that I went, and was able to pay my respects, since this is the last opportunity we have before the battle. It made me happy to be able to do so" Sango smiled reassuringly at Kagome, not wanting her friend to feel guilty. But found that her friends eyes had now widened in surprise as Miroku had decided to make his presence known and currently had taken Kagome's hands in his own.

"Don't worry Kagome-san. We will defeat Naraku, I have no doubt in my mind about that. But can I ask a favor of you, in case I don't make it thru to the e...... THUMP!!! THWACK! Miroku's last words went unfinished as he was attacked on two fronts and was sent sprawling to the floor.

"Pervert!!!!!!" Sango glared at him accusingly as she towered over his fallen body. So focused was her glare at his face, that she didn't notice the hand slowly snaking its way towards her butt. SLAP!!!! This time she left a nice red handprint on his face and he looked up at her with an expression of mock hurt.

"But Sango, I was only holding on to you, so I could get myself up off the ground!"

Inuyasha snorted in response barely containing his own rage. "Feh! And Sesshomaru and I are loving brothers. I've told you before to keep your filthy, perverted hands OFF of Kagome. Next time I'll kill you instead of giving you a bump on the head."

Inuyasha growled, and at first everyone thought it had been at Miroku, until they noticed the twitching of his ears and nose. Suddenly the wind picked up and fallen leaves swirled in the air as they all saw a telltale tornado of air heading their way.

"You'd do well to take your own advice you mangy mutt and stay away from MY WOMAN!"

The approaching tornado had disappeared as quickly as it had arrived, to reveal the form of the leader of the wolf pack, who had spoken so boldy to Inuyasha.

"Kouga-kun!" Kagome exclaimed in surprise at the sudden appearance of the young wolf demon.

"In, the, Flesh!" He grinned wolfishly........