InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Fragments of Memory ❯ Bath Time ( Chapter 6 )

Fragments Of Memory

Story © Akiko (Krystal)

Inuyasha © Rumiko Takahashi

Sesshoumaru x Kagome

 

Chapter 6 - Bath time

 

Her delicate form shifted, her hand coming up to try and defend her eyes from the on-coming brightness of the day that was soon at hand. She let out a small groan, and then sighed, giving in. Pushing herself into a sitting position she brought her hands to her still closed eyes, trying to get rid of the sleep that was still making them heavy. Her thoughts traveling back to the pervious night as she tried to figure out when she fell asleep.

 

Her hand brushed through her hair as she yawned. Her hand darted to her side as some pain shot through her body, originating in that area. “Great,” she muttered. “It still hurts,” she said with a half whining tone to her voice. She sat there for a moment, looking around her surroundings. She blinked, a wave of pain hitting her chest when she couldn't find him in the clearing.

 

“Sesshoumaru-sama went wandering around, Kagome-niisan,” came a cheerful voice from a couple feet to her side. Kagome snapped her head over, finding the young child standing there, a few fish cradled in her arms. “He always goes wandering around, but there's never anything to worry about because Jakken-sama is always left to guard us!” she cheered.

 

Kagome couldn't help but smile softly at this, and gave a small nod. She didn't need protection from the toad, she knew that much on her own, but Rin did. “Any idea on when he'll find his way back to us?”

 

Rin shook her head. “No, sometimes it's only a short amount of time he is gone and other times it can be all day to even a few days,” she sighed. “He never says when he'll be back.”

 

“I see,” Kagome frowned, looking to the ground. She shook her head, and looked over at Rin once more. “Well, tell him, if he comes back before I do, that I'll be back soon,” she instructed the young child.

 

“Where are you going?” Her head was cocked to the side, a curious expression played on her features.

 

“I need to clean up better than just new clothes.”

 

Rin just nodded, understanding. Kagome was going to take a bath. “I'll make the fish while you're gone then!”

 

The teen laughed gently, nodding softly. “I'll be looking forward to some of the food then.” She forced herself to stand, glancing at her bow and quiver full of arrows. “Try to keep these with you.” The demon lord's words to her from the previous day rung through her head and she sighed. Might as well… she thought, scooping them up and throwing them on as she broke through the tree line of the forest surrounding their small clearing.

 

As she reached the bank of the lake, she placed her bow and quiver full of arrows to the ground. She was left breathless by the view of the lake from where she stood. The sun shone bright over the crystal blue water, the water placid. It was hidden, by brush and trees, from the sight of the path, but she had remembered Rin being close to here while trying to catch fish the night before. In all truth, they hadn't moved far from the lake.

 

She fiddled with the ties of her hakama, and then gently stepped out of the pants as she worked to untie the stings keeping her kimono tied in place, then let the fabric gently slip from her body and to the ground. She finally removed her under-garments and finally stepped into the lake, causing ripples to spread throughout the surface.

 

A small shiver got control of her. It was still early in the day, and rather cool out. She shook her head. If she had waited any longer who knows what kinds of demons would have found their way here, and not to mention the type of people who might know of this place. She shuddered at the thought. Letting a small breath escape her lungs she soon filled them back up and dived under the surface of the water.

 

It broke after a moment as she appeared once more, pushing her hair out of her face and wiping the extra water from her face and ringing it from her raven locks. “It feels amazing to be feeling somewhat human again,” she muttered to herself, closing her chocolate eyes and just enjoying the pleasure of all the dried blood and dirt being wash from her body.

 

[[[]]]

 

He ignored the sun as it reflected off his amber eyes, his hair slipping into his face just slightly as a demon stood off about ten or so feet, watching him. He turned his eyes from the demon and continued to walk, only to pause once more, remove his Tokijin from his side and blast the demon with pressure before it could get close enough to him to waste any more time. “Annoyance,” he spat out, disgusted with the mere thought of the demon trying to stand up against him.

 

It had actually been the presence of demons too close to camp that drew him away from Rin and the other human female. He wasn't going to allow the demons too close and risk Rin's safety; the child seemed prone to being found by any source of danger possibly, and would seem to be that way for the other human female as well.

 

At least she is able to take care of herself…to an extent. He shook his head and glanced around the area once more, ignoring his hair while the wind played with it, more interested in finding scents that the wind carried towards him. Nothing was close enough to be a risk, and that was the way it would stay.

 

He made a sharp turn, heading back towards his vassals that followed. The closer he got to camp the easier it was to smell a fire and the cooking of fish. Rin had been in the river that morning working on catching some fish, since the previous night was a failure, or so he figured. It wasn't a scent that bothered him, but what did catch his attention was that Kagome wasn't present.

 

As he made his way back into Rin's sights the girl looked at him, smiling cheerfully as she did so.

 

“Welcome back Sesshoumaru-sama!” She seemed pleased when he just glanced at her, and then tilted her head as she watched him glance around. “Is something troubling you, Sesshoumaru-sama?”

 

“The girl…”

 

Rin blinked trying to understand what her lord was talking about. “Oh!” she gasped as realization hit her. “Kagome-niisan went to the lake just that way,” she pointed, “to clean up, she said.”

 

He glanced at Rin, then made his way past her. “Stay here,” he informed her, heading towards the lake. He had made it safe to be in camp, not to be playing in the water of the lake. It irritated him that she had wandered off without a second thought as to the danger, but paused, hidden behind trees a the sight in front of his amber eyes, at the lake's shore.

 

There was Kagome, a bow held tightly in one hand and the other still beside her head, having just fired off an arrow. So she did heed my warning to keep those with her. He was amused.

 

[[[]]]

 

She paused suddenly, glancing around. There was some tension in the air, a blood lust that she could feel, and seemingly almost taste. As her eyes swept around the area once more she rushed for her bow and arrows. The water splashed as she was out of the lake, in all her naked glory, and aiming an arrow at some brush. Just as she drew the string back, the demon showed itself, jumping out.

 

Her gaze narrowed, releasing the arrow from the taught bow, allowing the bow to relax. The arrow continued to fly, right on course. The demon seemed to think nothing of it as it flew, until the spiritual energy made itself known at the last moment, blowing the demon to pieces. Her gaze shifted around the area once more. She then allowed her body to relax, dropping the bow to the ground and heaving a sigh. “What a bother…”

 

“Indeed,” came a soft, silk filled voice that was laced with ice. She froze and looked around, her bow tight in her grasp once more, kneeling down to find an arrow. As she drew back on the arrow, her gaze found her demon and she froze. Her arrow was aimed right for Sesshoumaru. “Ehh…”

 

“At least you were wise enough to bring your weapon with you this time,” he mused. He couldn't keep his eyes from drifting over her form. Starting at her head and then slowly moving down, over her slender shoulder, down her chest to her stomach, and further on down to her legs, than slowly roaming back up, taking in her curves. He then glanced back to her face; she had delicate features. Her eyes would catch most of his attention; they could go from being a dark, dangerous color to a soft, almost honey color when the light shone on them. He then glanced her over once more, watching the way her wet hair clung to her form, seeming to make her that much more intoxicating. At least his brother was able to pick out women with a decent form.

 

Kagome let her bow and arrow drop to the ground, sighing softly. It has been a waste to get so tense at just hearing a voice. She should've known it was his. Her bronze gaze locked on Sesshoumaru's for a moment, then watched as his gaze wandered down her form. What was he looking at? She froze, and then blushed violently. That was right; she was naked. No clothes. Oh god! It was at that point in time she turned quickly and rushed back into the water, diving under the surface.

 

He blinked, and then chuckled softly to himself. It had taken her a moment to remember she was unclothed, it seemed. Her reaction was what interested him the most. She had turn and run, hiding her body once she realized, where as most women would've been embarrassed, he would give her that much, but most would've just continued to stand there. She was truly an odd creature.

 

Kagome broke the surface and took in a deep breath of air, her gaze locking on Sesshoumaru. Her cheeks darkened in a crimson color. “You can go now!” she shouted towards him, trying to sink her body even more into the cool, crystal clear water she was in. She watched as he merely raised a brow and watched her. “I'd like to finish bathing without worrying about being watched!” She watched him chuckle and huffed. What an arrogant…!

 

Her thoughts were cut short when something brushed past her foot. Okay, it's just a fish Kagome. It's nothing to worry about. Fish are always found in lakes, so it's not strange there would be some in this lake, right? She shot her gaze down as it brushed against her foot once more. She was starting to dread having jumped back into the water.

 

Sesshoumaru blinked as he watched her expression. It went from embarrassment to anger, and now it seemed to be enveloped by a fear. He sniffed the air, and then let out a low growl. How had he managed to miss the scent of the demon? He was getting frustrated with himself. This woman was distracting him more than he liked. “Get out of the water. Now.”

 

Kagome shot her gaze to Sesshoumaru, noting his serious expression. She then took note to his hand placed on the hilt of one of his swords. Oh god. I jumped into a lake with a demon! She did as she was told and rushed towards the shore. She blinked in surprise when Sesshoumaru grabbed her with his free arm, pulling her to his body, then looked back at the lake just as a rather large serpent like demon shot out. Why me?

 

He held her tight to his own body, holding the blade of his Tokijin once more today towards a demon. He gripped the hilt tightly; the blade pulsed with life and shot off invisible needles of energy. He could feel Kagome cling desperately to him as the demon advanced, the pulse not seeming to have done much. Nuisance. “Stay close or else you'll get hurt,” he told her simply.

 

[[[]]]

 

Kouga growled at himself as he made his way down the mountains, and back into civilization for the humans, and demons alike. He was having a hard time tracking Kagome down, and it was pissing him off. He didn't know if the mutt had found Kagome and saved her from Sesshoumaru, or if had failed horribly, like always, and now he needed to save Kagome. Or, had it been possible Kagome was dead?

 

The wolf shook his head. Damnit! Not thinking like that! He mentally scolded himself for letting that possibility even cross his mind. “She is alive,” he told himself, racing through the trees. He was heading back towards where Kagome had been the last he actually saw her. He would follow her scent from there.

 

[[[]]]

 

Sango let out a groan as she sat her, holding her head slightly. She opened her eyes, blinking a few times, not only to clear her vision of any blurriness nut to also get use to the brightness of the light that was shining.

 

“So, you do wake,” came a gentle voice, causing her to jump. Her gaze locked onto Miroku's and a blush crept to her cheeks. “Have you been watching me the whole night?” she questioned in a hushed voice.

 

“I can't take full credit, Sango-chan,” he smiled that smile she loved so much. “Kaede-sama helped out as well, then there was also Kirara, of course,” he explained. “We were all watching over you Sango.”

 

She smiled softly, trying to hide the blush that was upon her cheeks. “Thank you,” she whispered. “I didn't mean to be a burden to any of you.” The events of last night rolled through her mind, pain gripping her once more as tears gathered in her eyes. Had they really lost Kagome? Or had that all been just a bad dream? “Hoshi-sama,” she spoke softly, louder than her previous voice had been. She raised her eyes, locking her gaze with his.

 

He froze. He knew what she was about to ask, and he didn't want to answer her, not truthfully anyways. Sango just stared at him, his tense form telling her all she needed as tears spilled down her cheeks. “We did lose her, didn't we?”

 

Miroku sighed, his smile having faded. “Not for long, Sango-chan,” he answered, wrapping an arm around her and pulling her close, trying to comfort her. “We'll get her back, there's no need to worry. Kagome-sama is strong, remember?”

 

Sango merely nodded, but the tears continued to spill. She had tensed at first, when Miroku pulled her into the hug, but she just as soon relaxed, burying her face into him and crying freely. She listened to him as he whispered soothing words into her ear, trying to get her to calm down. She could tell from his tone that he was going to do his hardest to get Kagome back.

 

He continued to keep her close, rubbing her back in a gentle, soothing manner. He whispered into her ear about ways they would try and get Kagome back, and about not giving up on her. But he also whispered about how it was all right for her, right now, to let it all out. “It's better than bottling it all up,” he told her. “I'm always here for you, Sango-chan; always.”

 

Sango clung tighter to him, keeping close to the monk. She wasn't sure it was a good idea, but right now, it seemed like the other thing she could do. He was currently her wall to lean on, and she didn't want to have it any other way. She hated feeling weak, but if he was there, she wouldn't mind.

 

[[[]]]

 

Kagome glanced up at Sesshoumaru, then nodded and closed her eyes. She curled her fingers into his the soft fabric of his kimono, keeping as close as possible, with her face buried into him slightly. She then blinked upon noticing he had no chest armor on. He always… did that hanyou get in a few good attacks and get rid of it? She was about to ask herself some more, and then a spark of blue light dancing off the blade of Tokijin caught her attention.

 

“Remember, stay close,” he told her one last time, his amber eyes never leaving the demon emerging from the water. He narrowed his gaze slightly, the blue lightning continued to spark and dance from his sword blade. “Souryuuha!”

 

The lightning raged from the blade, shooting into the air and forming a dragon shape before it devoured the demon, sparking running throughout the whole lake as every bit of the demon was killed, and destroyed completely.

 

He lowered the sword to his side, watching as the demon tried in vein to escape. Once finished he looked at the woman in his arms, clinging tightly to him. Her eyes were still on where the demon had been. This female interested him to no belief.

 

First she was with Inuyasha, helping him and saving his life, more than he could remember, and then she was getting attacked, and possibly raped by that wolf demon who she called her friend, once, and then she was full of memory loss and following him. And on top of that, she had dared to touch him the pervious night, then placed a kiss upon his cheek. And now. Now she was naked, having been trying to hide it once she remembered, then getting, once again, attacked by demons, and now she was clinging to him for life, either ignoring or forgetting the fact she was still unclothed. He couldn't figure her out.

 

Kagome shifted her gaze from the lake and then looked up at Sesshoumaru. Her cheek burned when she caught him watching her. What was he so interested in? Surely he'd seen plenty of women with her body type and hair color and eyes. There were women all over the place! She was sure they would literally throw themselves at his feet if he wanted them to. She glanced at the ground for a moment as her cheeks continued to heat up, and was rather glad that his kimono sleeve covered enough of her body.

 

“Um,” she started, her voice small and soft. “You can… let me go,” she whispered. She shot her bronze eyes up at him when he didn't let go, but also tightened his hold on her slightly. “Really, I'm fine now,” she laughed lightly; her hands placed on his chest a bit. He has a firm chest from what I can tell… She blushed violently at her thoughts. “Really, I'm fine now.”

 

He continued to watch her with amusement. He knew he cold release her, things were safe at the moment, but he was enjoying watching her as she stumbled over her words, and as her cheeks continued to heat up. He had his head tilted forwards a bit so he could watch her expressions better, his silvery hair slipping over his shoulder.

 

She watched him, blushing softly. He's seen plenty of naked women, I'm sure! He's just enjoying tormenting me, isn't he!? Why me? She thought again, sighing softly. She just gave up and nuzzled her head against him a bit, looking out at the lake again. So much for finishing my bath. She then looked puzzled as his free hand came up, grasping her chin lightly, noticing his sword was placed back to his side.

 

He continued to watch her, his curiosity growing even more as she finally gave up fighting to get free. He lightly grasped her chin, making her look up at him as he studied her face once more. It was easier to pick out her features at such a close distance, and studied them, placing them all into memory. He was now sure he wouldn't give his brother back this female. He leaned down a bit more, brushing his thumb gently over her burning cheeks. It still amused him.

 

She continued to watch him for a few moments, and then closed her eyes, leaning into his touch. It was gentle, not something you would expect from a demon lord like him. It soothed her greatly. She finally opened her eyes back up after a moment, locking with his amber ones right away. She brushed her hands up to his face, sliding her fingers over his cheeks, and then tracing the markings on each cheek gently. Hey, if he was going to get some feels in, then she would take advantage of it to… to a point. She didn't feel like crossing a line and getting killed yet.

 

Her fingers traced over his lips softly, her gaze watching as her fingers moved. I wonder if.. She gently pushed herself to her tiptoes, moving her fingers out of the way as her lips brushed against his lightly. So soft… they really are…

 

His gaze widened for a moment, pure shock reign through his golden orbs for a moment before he got control. She was indeed rather interesting. He pulled her closer, tightening his hold slightly, not wanting to hurt her delicate form, and stole her lips with his own, one arm still wrapped around her body, hiding her naked form, and his other hand slipping gently through his silk like hair before resting lightly on her jaw.

 

She tensed the moment he pulled her into a kiss, but soon melted right into it. Her hands grasped at the front of his kimono to help her keep on her tiptoes, so their lips could stay locked. His lips really were as soft and gentle as they felt. It soon sent her into a daze as it continued, her form pushing against his on it's own.

 

[[[]]]

 

Kouga continued to head in the direction of the hanyou's scent that lingered from the previous night. He sighed as he reached a clearing, looking around. Not there yet. His nose soon picked up on Kagome's scent. She had entered the battle that had happened?

 

He scrunched his nose a bit. The scents didn't make scene. Kagome's was mixed completely with Sesshoumaru's, not Inuyasha's, like it should've been. What was going on? He shook his head and continued after Kagome's scent, frowning as Inuyasha's scent went off in another direction.

 

He skidded to a stop, seeing the toad and the brat kid at a fire, cooking fish. He was tempted to steal some, he was hungry, but Kagome was more important to find. He sniffed the air once more. She slept here… her scent is still strong around them. He took off in the direction of her scent, breaking through the trees to the lake.

 

[[[]]]

 

Sesshoumaru let out a small growl, breaking his kiss with Kagome and looking up towards the tree line. He glanced down at the woman in his arms and shook his head. She was slowly coming to from her daze. Strange woman. “Get dressed, we have unexpected company,” he informed her, keeping an arm around her as he picked up her clothing.

 

She blinked, taking her clothing. Had she heard him growl? Why would he have growled? She shook her head and did as she was told, slipping into her kimono and then pulling her hakama on, just tying the last part of it as a demon broke through the trees. She tensed. Sesshoumaru had known the demon was coming.

 

She shook her head, tied the knot quickly, and snatched her bow and quiver of arrows up, throwing the quiver over her back, rather skillfully in a fluid motion. She pulled an arrow from her back and placed it in the bow, the string taunt and ready for an attack.

 

She noted that Sesshoumaru already had his sword drawn, his form placed fully in front of her own. What was going on? He'd never been this defensive of her yet, and knew she could hold her own when in a battle.

 

“A wolf's gone too far from his pack, what a shame,” Sesshoumaru spoke out, his tone emotionless and laced with ice. It was like his normal tone of voice, Kagome noticed, but it was colder, it seemed.

 

Her gaze shifted over to the wolf demon as he skidded to a stop and looked over at them. What's that glowing? It seems so familiar…

 

“Kagome?!” he shouted out, causing the girl to freeze. Another person that knew her, and a male at that?! What was wrong with her she wondered slightly, shaking her head. She moved to step into view, but blinked as Sesshoumaru stayed in front of her. Confusion struck her hard now. What was going on?

 

“State your business, mongrel,” Sesshoumaru spoke up, catching Kouga's attention.

 

“What the fuck did you do with Kagome, you mutt?!” Kouga shouted out, his fists clenched.

 

Sesshoumaru watched the wolf, frowning slightly. “Didn't have your fill last night, did you?” he questioned, watching as the wolf cringed. He knew he hit a sore spot. Good. He planned to murder the wolf anyways.

 

“That's… that's got nothing to do with you, mutt,” Kouga forced out, glaring at the demon lord once more. “And what would you care anyways?!”

 

“You're a wolf that's stepped out of your territory,” Sesshoumaru frowned, raising his sword. “And into the wrong territory. You would be wise, if you wish to keep your life, to get back to those mountains of yours, mongrel, unless you wish to die?”

 

“You're a lot of talk, ya know that?!” Kouga shouted, he then noticed Kagome poke her head around from behind Sesshoumaru. “Kagome!”

 

She blinked, stepping out from behind Sesshoumaru slightly, but not fully; he wasn't allowing that. She glanced at Sesshoumaru a moment before she placed her eyes back on Kouga, her bow upright and her arrow ready for launch. “What is it you want with me?”

 

Kouga stepped back, blinking. “Kagome?” he questioned, and then stepped forward a bit, only to pause as she pulled the arrow back slightly more. “Kagome I know… I didn't mean… I thought…” he stumbled over his sentences, not sure what to say to the woman anymore. He had tried to take her by force, and then tried to kill her when that didn't work.

 

“Why are you with him, Kagome? Why not Inuyasha?” Kouga finally asked, his gaze finally resting on the raven-haired girl once more.

 

“I don't know what you're talking about, demon,” she narrowed her eyes slightly as he stepped forward. “Step any closer and you're going to lose your head,” she warned, her voice cold. She continued to glare at Kouga, not sure who he was or what he wanted. What was this game everyone seemed to enjoy playing on her mind? The only one who seemed annoyed by it, other than herself, was Sesshoumaru.

 

“I couldn't protect you from me, Kagome, but this is out of hand, don't you think?” Kouga questioned, watching her.

 

“Dumb wolf,” came another voice, it sneering through the trees as a flash of red burst out through them. “See, you screwed her all up. I outta kick your ass instead of my brothers!”

 

Kouga blinked, glaring at Inuyasha. “I did!? Don't you think you should've been there to protect her, dog-tard!”

 

“If you hadn't been so pathetic to get controlled by tainted shards there would've been no need to have to protect her! You caught her as she came out of the well!”

 

“It's not like I had planned on it, you dumbass!” Kouga shouted back.

 

“Had you learned to control yourself a bit better Kagome wouldn't have lost her memory of all of us!” Inuyasha finally shouted out, ears flat against his head as he glared daggers towards the wolf demon in front of him.

 

Kouga opened his mouth to say something back, but paused. Lost her memory? She had lost her memory? His gaze flickered back to Kagome, who was still by Sesshoumaru, only standing by his side this time, a hand placed on his arm. Lost her memory?

 

 

She had stopped paying attention to the two when they started to fight among themselves. She thought it was childish, but boys would be boys, right? She shook her head and placed her arrow back in the quiver, her bow resting over her back as she stepped to Sesshoumaru's side. He was annoyed, she could tell.

 

“Sesshoumaru?” she spoke up, tentatively, not wanting to annoy him further. His gaze shifted towards her as she placed a hand to his arm. “Rin-chan is safe, correct?” she questioned, her eyes filled with worry. She then let out a sigh of relief when he merely nodded. “Thank goodness,” she smiled, watching the silver-haired demon standing beside her.

 

Inuyasha stopped dead when he watched Kagome slip closer to Sesshoumaru and to her tiptoes, kissing his cheek. His heart felt like it was being ripped from his chest. It's worse than the pain from an arrow of a loved one… He placed a hand to where Kikyou's arrow had pierced him those years ago, and pinning him to that tree. The look of hatred in her eyes as she released it. But now, he could see the look of hurt and sadness behind her bronze eyes.

 

The hanyou shook his head, muttering under his breath. Then twitched an ear, looking at Sesshoumaru. “Yo, you bastard!” he shouted out, catching his brother's attention, and earning himself an annoyed glare.

 

“What are you barking about now, Inuyasha?” he almost growled. His half-brother always knew the right way to annoy him.

 

“Since… she doesn't seem able to remember me, and since it doesn't look like she's going to remember me…” he paused, watching the ground for a moment. He hated the idea of giving Kagome up right now, let alone to his older, half-brother. “And since you seem to be taking good care of her, keep doing so,” he finally forced out. “ She won't come near me, and just keeps attacking, and I can't take it anymore; so you can have her.”

 

Sesshoumaru raised a brow as he watched Inuyasha. His brother wasn't going to bother him again about this girl? Was it even possible for that to happen? “Too much pain for you, little brother?” Sesshoumaru spoke, lacing the last two words with malice.

 

Inuyasha could've sworn he heard a hint of gloating in those words as well. “I can't… take it anymore,” he muttered.

 

“You're just giving her up!?” Kouga shouted, glaring at Inuyasha, and looking ready to pound the half-breed into the ground.

 

“Got any better ideas, you ass!?” Inuyasha shouted back. “She ain't remembering any of us anytime soon, so you need to just shut up and butt out of shit that isn't YOUR business!”

 

Kagome watched, with Sesshoumaru, as the two children bickered once more. All in a day's bath-time too. She shook her head and then blinked, watching Sesshoumaru as he turned and left. She stumbled a bit to catch up with him, but followed him from the lake, glancing back once more at the bickering pair. They could pass off for married if one of them was just a female. She paused and snickered at her thought.