InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Halves ❯ Decisions, half decisions ( Chapter 4 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Halves

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Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha and I do not make money from writing this story.

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A/N: Thank you for the reviews. I hope you'll enjoy this chapter :)

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They couldn't deny it anymore now. It would be pointless, Kagome realized. She was Inuyasha's Half, and she was certain he knew it. It stood right under their nose, waiting for them to take a breath and see it. They didn't want to see it, because feeling it was enough. It was bad enough.

Enjoying the shiver that ran down her spine in a sensual caress, she rubbed her arms to get rid of the disgusting feel of vile hands all over her body. Naraku had touched her lewdly and now she couldn't wait to scrub herself clean. But first she had to face the music.

Raising her gaze, she wasn't too surprised to catch Inuyasha openly staring at her. After all, she was feeling the same thing. The same crawling need to have him in her arms, to protect him and to let him protect her. But this was all so very unnatural. He was in love with his wife. His genuine love transcended this bond and she knew better than to try and take him away from Kikyou-Hime.

There was really not much to be said. If there had been anything, he would have said it by now, wouldn't he? Turning on her heels, Kagome walked away, only to be roughly spun around.

“Hey, what-”

She froze when she suddenly found herself into a strong, unrelenting embrace. Her eyes widened ridiculously at the feel of his arms wrapped tightly around her back and a hot breath against the side of her neck. This wasn't supposed to be happening. His spicy scent, his warmth, the coil tightening in her stomach…

“Umm…”

Her voice was betraying her along with her body that constantly begged for her to wrap her arms around him, too. Her fingers twitched as they were so close to his body, to his skin. But Kagome was strong. Pushing him away, she straightened her clothes, trying to hide her face, which was surely a mixture of odd awe and aversion. She hated herself. She loathed the way she had desperately wanted and enjoyed the way he held her. Now her soul felt naked to his gaze and she was disgusted by that. Could she have no peace? Was she not suffering enough?

Kami-sama, give me strength.

She tried words; honestly, she did, but nothing would come out. Instead, she opted for a look that would say everything. She would convey her disapproval of this reluctant love bond they had been thrown into. Really, could he not leave her alone?

Finally, her vocal chords started functioning properly and she found herself unwillingly speaking her mind.

“Why can't you leave me alone?” Her words seemed slurred, pathetic and whiny, but to his ears, they were nothing but music. However, the content was not.

“What do you mean?” He didn't have a right to sound confused, he knew that, but he wanted her to say the words, wanted to hear for himself that she knew where his devotion lay.

“You shouldn't keep doing this to me,” she spat, turning around and sitting on the large boulder that had been part of the pillar that fell. “You really shouldn't.”

He couldn't help it, “Keep doing what?” Her annoyance was downright palpable as she narrowed her eyes to further emphasize her state of mind.

“Inuyasha-sama,” she uttered coldly, “you should get back to your wife that you so love and cherish.”

That was it. Their fates were sealed. He knew how much it had to hurt her, and he didn't want it, because at the moment he felt much stronger for his Half than for his legitimate wife, but he knew it was not an ordinary feeling, nothing he would have felt otherwise.

“I should. She must be waiting for me.”

Perfect. He was twisting that knife that barely hung out of her body even further into the wound, and all was done knowingly. She felt like dying. Successfully disguising her tears and shaky voice, she threw a look to the gaping Kaede who took the cue and left.

“Please, Inuyasha-sama, go back to your wife.”

Without answering, he did just that.

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The doors opened fully to reveal a faithful servant sitting on her knees, bowing her head in utmost respect. Then she rose to her feet to enter the room before dropping to her knees again to close the shoji doors. The Empress inside raised a perfectly sculpted eyebrow, wondering who would bother her at such a late hour. She had specifically commanded she would not be disturbed.

“Masami-Hime-sama,” the servant said, “The Emperor is here to see you.”

The Empress smiled, a lethal fang poking out of her lips. How long had it been since she had last spoken to him? A month? A year? It sure felt a lot longer.

“Let him in,” she commanded, her silky voice floating inside the wonderfully decorated room. Immediately, the servant opened the shoji doors to let the Emperor enter then closed them behind her.

The air was thick with Inu no Taishou's reluctance, making his wife squirm in discomfort. It was not like her husband to act like this around her and it was making even her nervous. Perhaps something had happened to Sesshomaru?

“What is it, anata?”

The affectionate word struck a chord inside him and he flinched, forgetting that he had once loved this woman, too. His most recent love was Izayoi, and he would never forget her tender words, her gentle caresses, her unsuppressed laugh. When was the last time he had heard Masami laugh?

“I wouldn't have come to you otherwise, but I think we have ourselves a problem,” he intoned carefully, hesitantly, for fear of alarming her. He knew that Masami would do all sorts of weird things if panic overtook her, even if she was a great dog demon.

“I do not think I like what you are telling me, Inu no Taishou,” she uttered calmly.

“It is about Inuyasha,” he supplied.

“Oh,” Masami said, letting her shoulders slump in relief. Whatever was happening to the bastard child, she was sure he deserved it. It wasn't surprising that her husband was worried about his second son, but why would he come to her? Now that was something worth discovering.

“He has found his Half,” Inu no Taishou said sternly, wondering what his wife would say about that. He knew she hated the concept mostly because of the same motive he did. He absolutely hated the idea of Halves, loathed it from the bottom of his heart. This was what they both shared, a mutual feeling of helplessness, of being wronged. This was why he couldn't hate Masami, why he still kept her with him, why he still came to her bed once in a while.

“Now I see the problem. I suppose Kikyou-Hime is not yet aware of this?” she inquired, annoyed by the fact that she was so curious. This posed a big problem, indeed. She had never liked Kikyou-Hime all that much anyway, but the young princess had been the most appropriate for him and also daughter of a very influent daimyo. After a time, though, the hanyou had become infatuated with her. She was sweet, she was caring, a devoted wife, but she had many issues. Trust issues.

“He doesn't want the bond,” Inu no Taishou added, pleased to watch the reaction of his wife. Her eyes narrowed dangerously and her youki rose spectacularly, threatening to smash his own. She was livid.

“How dare he?!” she all but bellowed, standing suddenly, something she never did when she didn't have to. A smile played on the Emperor's lips as he went to soothe his wife. Taking her into his arms, he reached with his youki to gently caress hers, making her see that there was no threat, that she shouldn't lose control. This hadn't happened in ages.

“Inuyasha is in love with his wife and does not wish to leave her. Surely you understand. But I do not want him to make a mistake. He is my son, so he is your son, as well,” Inu no Taishou stated calmly.

“He is not my son, anata,” she countered coldly, “you should remember that. He is your son and I respect that, but do not expect me to accept him as my own. He is the son of that woman, your Half, and I have nothing against it, but he has nothing to do with me.”

The Emperor nodded frigidly, stepping away from her. “Will you help me?”

“I don't know what you want me to do,” she told him truthfully. There was really no way to convince Inuyasha to honor his bond other then annulling his marriage and forcing him to marry his Half. And about that, “why don't you annul his marriage to Kikyou-Hime and then force him to marry his Half, anyway?”

Whatever it was, she didn't expect the answer she got: “His Half is a commoner, and you forget about Fujiwara. Do you think Kikyou's father will be thrilled if we end the prince's marriage to his daughter? I, for one, am inclined to think differently.”

“A commoner?! Surely you are joking,” she snapped, unable to believe her ears. How was that even possible? Wasn't this divine bond meant for extremely strong beings?

“She is perhaps the most powerful miko left on Earth,” he explained, pleased to see a look of understanding cross his wife's face, “But Inuyasha wants nothing to do with her. At least, this is what he says. I do not know what could happen if they deny they bond for too long - I have never heard of such an issue. Terrible things might happen.” And he dreaded that.

“Do you think he could find out about-”

“Do not speak of that!” he ordered, immediately shutting her up.

She didn't usually do this, but, “I am sorry. I did not mean to.” Instantly, his features became smoother, more relaxed as he went over to her futon and lay down, closing his eyes.

It stood on the tips of their tongues, though. If his son was really that stubborn, he could easily refuse to claim his Half even if they did marry. That would be a catastrophe in itself, but what could they do? It was certain he felt strongly for Kagome, but his love for Kikyou wasn't to be underestimated, either. Why were things so hard in this family?

He knew it wasn't the appropriate time, but still, “Sesshomaru has mentioned something about finding his Half, too.”

At this, the Empress almost jumped. Her shock was completely obvious, and the fact that she hadn't known until now seemed to irritate her.

“I don't know if he's planning on claiming her soon. He was… odd when he told me,” the Emperor explained, placing an arm behind his head for support when he watched her facial reactions.

Masami was highly troubled - the fact that Inuyasha didn't want to acknowledge the bond with his Half because of his wife was perturbing, but the issue with her son was even more so. Why hadn't Sesshomaru already claimed his Half if he knew her? After all, he was the only one who knew the real story of his parents, the only one who understood the importance of having one's Half.

“How long has he known?” she found herself asking, biting her bottom lip in sheer nervousness. The answer wouldn't be positive, she just knew it.

“I suspect at least four years,” Inu no Taishou guessed. He wasn't sure, but then, why else would Sesshomaru have left in such a hurry four years ago without saying a word to his parents? The feelings from the bond must have been really strong and he obviously wanted to delay it or not acknowledge it altogether. However, why would he come to warn his parents about his brother, whom he held no warm feelings towards?

“There's something strange going on,” the Emperor mused aloud. The same thoughts swam inside Masami's mind, and there was something else that was really, really nagging her.

“Do you think his Half is human?” she asked almost quietly. An odd, highly uncomfortable silence settled between the twosome as they both pondered the meaning of this. If Sesshomaru's Half was human, then he may never claim her. His abhorrence towards humans was more than famous.

“I certainly hope not. If she is, I don't know if he'll ever claim her,” Inu no Taishou said. There was no use trying to deny it. They couldn't reach Sesshomaru when he was gone, because there was no trace of him. He knew how not to be found when he wanted it so, and there was no finding him until he decided to return.

“Well then, we shall have to wait and find out, anata. Until then, what should we do with Inuyasha? I don't think it's a good idea to cancel his marriage. Maybe,” she trailed off, averting her eyes and sighing deeply. He knew that gesture. He's seen it so many times; it only meant…

“Nothing bad will happen, Masami. Tell me what you wanted to say,” he coaxed, rising to his feet and going to her, sitting on the ground in front of her in order to tuck a few loose strands of white hair behind her ear.

Her eyes darted to his, a small smile playing on her lips as she continued her previous statement, “Maybe he'll fall more in love with his Half than Kikyou and lose his feelings for his wife. That sounds familiar, doesn't it?”

His hand stopped in the air as he was retracting it, before making its way back to his lap. He didn't want to hurt her; truly, he didn't, but, “Yes, it does.” There was no use hiding it. He and Masami had fallen in love a couple of decades after they had Sesshomaru, but he had begun loving Izayoi afterwards, losing the strong feelings for his wife. He didn't know for sure because Masami never mentioned it, but he was almost certain she still loved him.

As if sensing his thoughts, she scoffed, “Truly, Inu no Taishou, you are a fool. Do you think some feelings will hold me back from anything?” she asked mockingly, standing and persuading him to copy her actions before advancing so he was forced to withdraw his steps. Her hips swayed sensually as she brought a slender, clawed finger to his chest, tracing subtle circles on his armor.

“If I wanted to,” she said seductively, “I could kill you.”

He was a man. A man that couldn't deny her charms after so long, and he felt himself harden at her advances. The pungent smell of their mutual arousal floated between them, and he found it intoxicating. As always.

This wasn't betrayal. He wasn't a traitor. But it sure as Hell felt that way.

“I don't think so,” he cut her off, trying to deny his bodily reactions, but it was useless.

“With a little help,” she explained, “Have you any idea how many daimyo want you dead?” They were empty threats, both knew. This woman had no desire to change anything in her life, not did she want more power. She had enough already. Powerful youkai, males and females altogether feared her like no other - she was infamous for her indifferent hostility.

“I suppose all of them,” he shrugged, no longer denying himself this pleasure. Grabbing her wrist, she pulled her to him, lowering his lips to the side of her neck, knowing for a fact that she was smirking in triumph right now.

“No, not all of them. Only the bad ones,” she countered playfully, enjoying the sensation of his moist tongue trailing a hot path on her icy, pale skin. “Not here,” she said, stopping his advances and moving them both to her futon, where she let him lower her on it underneath his strong body. How much she'd missed this…

“Are there any good ones?” he asked breathlessly, working on getting her kimono undone.

“Do you want to do it like this?” she asked, ignoring his question and relishing that old twinkle in his eyes as he smirked.

“I don't think there's any privacy for us if we wish to be ourselves,” he explained, knowing for sure that if they reverted to their demonic forms, Inuyasha or any other demons would surely hear their `lust'.

She pondered the explanation for about a few seconds, before she nodded, “True.” Letting herself lost into the all-consuming passion even in their humanoid forms, she kicked his armor away while sucking on his neck, reveling in his pleasure-filled groans. The night was still young.

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The battlefield was empty, except for a tall, proud-looking dog demon and his kappa youkai companion. Those cats had been foolish enough to think they could bring the Emperor's first son to his knees? Well, they had surely paid for their imprudence. Sesshomaru would make sure that no one could question his authority, his strength. Not even his Father. One day, he would defeat Inu no Taishou and take his throne. There was no real need for him to wait until his father's death - that could take forever.

“Jaken,” he called, his faithful servant instantly straightening to receive yet another order.

“Hai, Sesshomaru-sama!” he said loudly, puffing his chest in pride that his master needed him.

“Do not follow me.”

The unusual but increasingly familiar order left the smaller youkai gawking at the back of his master, who took a completely different path than they had planned. Unwilling to disobey the dog demon, Jaken decided to continue walking. If Sesshomaru returned, he would find him without doubt.

The plain was bare, but Sesshomaru needed no shelter, because he didn't need to sleep. There was only one purpose for him now, and that was to go and see the progress. Cursing his chance, he walked the path he knew so well to visit the one he had never thought he would need.

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Kagome was at a loss. The Jewel was now pure, but it was too late. Naraku had managed to escape the darkness, and something inside her heart told her that was the worst thing that could have happened to her life, beside Inuyasha. And even if she had had enormous self-trust issues, Kaede's reaction was the best indication that Naraku's reappearance meant chaos.

For the moment, he was quiet. He hadn't shown any signs that he was up to something in a week, and that was clearly disturbing. It meant he was plotting something. As if he hadn't had enough time to plan his revenge while being trapped.

Partially, Kagome was intrigued by what sorts of harm that evil man could cause. Of course, she didn't particularly want to be at the receiving end of his malice, but she knew she was to be his first victim. And what of Kikyou? Why had he called her name when he'd seen her? Did Naraku know Kikyou? Did he want her?

But it didn't matter now. Now he wanted Kagome. Regardless of what he had previously aimed for, now he meant to harm her and it seemed he wouldn't stop at anything to reach his goal. Was that monster created for the sole purpose of destruction?

For a long moment, Kagome thought about confiding in her mother. What would she say? What advice would she give her?

Bracing herself, the young miko knew exactly where to find her.

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Things weren't looking so bright. Many daimyo started selling some of their properties. How they would use their money remained unknown, but the Emperor wouldn't have it like this. If this was an act of mutiny against their Emperor, then he would quickly stifle it and bring peace to their lands.

Inuyasha's constant pacing didn't help, either. Ever since he'd found his mate, he was restless. Rumor had it that he hadn't visited his wife ever since. The Emperor was sure Kikyou was hurt by her husband's cold reaction, since she still believed she was pregnant, despite what she had heard from the Emperor, and despite not having had another sign that would indicate it.

“Okay,” the hanyou spoke, stopping abruptly, “what the heck is happening? Shouldn't we talk with Fujiwara-san? Maybe he's heard of something.”

“Your father-in-law isn't the wonderful man everyone thinks he is, son. Onigumo is nothing but a thief,” the Emperor stated his opinion, knowing how much it would irk his son. This brought him a strange satisfaction, even though he wished no harm to the precious son of Izayoi.

“Don't talk about him like that! Kikyou loves her father and so must I. What would it be like if she started talking shit about you?”

“I'd have her head,” Inu no Taishou joked, albeit sounding serious, which earned him a dark look from his youngest son.

“Don't even fucking joke with that. Kikyou ain't gonna die soon, you got that?”

The Emperor scowled. It seemed his son was stupid, after all. “Inuyasha, she will die. No matter how much you'd like her not to, she will. Besides, there is your Half to consider, as well. She will die, too, unless you claim her.”

The thought of Kagome dying made his heart constrict, but he told himself over and over that this reaction wasn't natural. That he didn't even know her, much less care for her. But despite what his mind told him, he felt like he'd known her for a lifetime. Everything she did felt so familiar, yet so different to him that he needed more time to adjust. And the very idea that he even thought he needed time to adjust to her scared him shitless. Sometimes it was as if they hadn't been in contact in a long time and they were only now getting reacquainted, and that wouldn't do. It wouldn't do at all.

“I don't care,” he lied, “She can die all she wants.”

Smiling, Inu no Taishou chuckled, “I would have thought differently judging by your reaction that day.”

Inuyasha's face darkened and he stiffened as he recalled that day. Kagome had almost died, and not only once. Even if he wouldn't admit it to himself, he couldn't let her die if it was in his power to stop it. But he would do this for anyone else, wouldn't he? “I'd have done that for whomever,” he scoffed, crossing his arms and pouting. The act was so familiar, that Inu no Taishou laughed wholeheartedly.

“I doubt that, son, I seriously doubt that, but good, good, lie to yourself. You're not hurting me, after all. What troubles me is that you're hurting that poor girl, too.”

“She doesn't want me, either,” he said quickly, remembering her reactions to him. She had acted as if he was a leper, staying as far away as possible.

“That's where you are wrong, because you do not understand her yet,” his father countered seriously, exhaling at the end of the sentence. The hanyou could be such an idiot…

A surge of irrational jealousy swept through Inuyasha, blinding him entirely as he snapped at his father, “What?! And you do?!”

“Yes, I believe I do.” Oh, how much he wished to put the boy in his place once and for all. “Remember, I am several hundreds of years older than you and so much more experienced.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Inuyasha waved him off, snorting in annoyance. “Back to the daimyo, what will you do to them?”

“Study them” was the simple answer.

“Study them? But-”

“They are clearly planning something. Whether it is against me, which I am inclined to think, or against someone else, I intend to find out. Those who will rebel will lose their lives. I am a kind ruler, but if they cross me more than once they are out,” the Emperor stated firmly, making it obvious that the discussion was over.

“Fine,” Inuyasha grunted, “I'll leave. And you know what? I'm not gonna listen to you.”

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The little girl was amazed at how bright the sun was. The sky, the clouds, they fascinated her. One day she would soar to immeasurable heights where nothing would disturb her, and she'd let the sun rays play with her dark tresses. The last few years she had felt a warm presence near, something that kept her lying to her keepers, making them believe she was sleeping when, in fact, she came here religiously. Whoever it was, it was watching her and she desperately wanted to keep it that way.

Rin was still only a child, but she was old enough to understand that she had to be careful with people, especially youkai. They could prove dangerous, and she didn't even know who this stalker was, but somehow, she trusted whoever it was that came by to watch her. She knew that eager eyes were hidden by the forest leaves, that they could see her, could stare at her as she watched the sky fearlessly. She wanted to prove that she was not afraid, that she didn't hesitate. Whatever the feeling was, she liked it. It was comfort. It was nice.

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Kagome looked around to ensure no one would see her. She knew her mother was probably checking up on the Emperor's nephew now, so she followed the path her mother had explained to her a while ago while praying she hadn't forgotten the details.

She stopped behind a thicker pillar. There they were - the guards and maids. She snorted. The idea of the Emperor's nephew having maid was ridiculous - the man was an infamous pervert for his young age.

Something to the right caught her eye. A tall, young-looking woman was hiding like she was. While the guards could not see her, she surely could. And she looked fairly familiar, too. Suddenly, it struck her - she was Kikyou-Hime's servant, the one that had introduced her. But why was she sneaking like that? Wasn't she allowed to walk upon palace grounds freely? Or was she up to something?

Deciding to follow her, Kagome let the woman sneak behind the building before heading after her, for fear of being discovered. She saw the servant enter a back door and she waited for a while before she did the same. Inside it was dark and the air was humid, but she had no choice. Curiosity guided her.

Suddenly, she bumped into something big. And warm.

“Aah!” There was the sound of boxes falling and wood cracking before both women found themselves on the ground, one above the other.

“What are you doing here?!” both inquired at the same time. Kagome giggled stupidly then - it served her right; after all, it was none of her business what others did. Still, “I am Higurashi Kagome,” she said, hoping the servant would remember her.

“Oh,” she said snappily, picking herself up and brushing her clothes as Kagome did the same, “Yes, well, I'm Taijiya Sango.”

An awkward moment of silence settled between the two before Sango decided to break it rudely. “So, you're the one who is trying to take Inuyasha-sama away from Kikyou-Hime-sama,” she observed curtly, cocking a sarcastic eyebrow that seemed to dare Kagome to deny it.

Agape, the young miko hurried to contradict her, “You are wrong. I have recently met the prince, and I must say I do not like him very much.”

Liar, liar, liar!

“Really?” Sango asked, her eyes narrowed in suspicion.

“Really,” Kagome said oddly convincingly with a cheerful nod. “He's just so… arrogant, and…”

My Half! Inuyasha… Half!

“Yes, I know,” Sango interrupted, “exactly.” It seemed she didn't like the hanyou too much. Perhaps they would be friends.

“I don't like him much, either,” Sango added, “He's not good for Kikyou-Hime.”

Or perhaps not. She didn't want to admit it even to herself, but Sango's last statement was like a thorn to Kagome's heart. She was possessed by an odd jealously that was clearly misplaced - why was it there again?

“Oh, I disagree. I think they look wonderful together,” Kagome argued, disgusted at her own words.

Liar, liar, liar!

“Yes, that they do, don't they?” Sango seemed to agree, becoming meditative as a wistful smile appeared on her face. This seemed to revolt Kagome further, as she muttered a weak excuse to leave before something bad would happen that would give her away.

“Wait!” Sango shouted from behind, careful not to be too loud.

“What?” Kagome asked, turning around.

“What are you doing here?”

There it was. The question. Why was she here anyway? Oh, yes… her mother.

“My mother. I wanted to see my mother. She is the one who cured the Emperor's nephew.” She was proud of her mother.

“Really?” Sango's face lit up. “Then I must really thank her - you. Thank you!”

Confused, “Why?” Kagome couldn't place it, but there was something about Sango's nervous smile.

“Err… well… Your mother has done the Imperial family a huge favor. Thank you!”

Kagome let it go for the moment, since there was another issue to be discussed. “What are you doing here?”

Sango sighed, “You seem like such a sweet girl, and since I don't have any friends or anything… can you keep a secret?” At Kagome's nod, “Miroku is my lover.” Kagome's face didn't change, except a quirked eyebrow. Who was Miroku, again? Slapping a hand to her forehead, Sango quickly added, “Oh, right, you don't know. Miroku is the Emperor's nephew. He is my lover. I mean, I am his lover. I mean... you understand.”

This wasn't good. This sounded… wrong.

“Sango, look. I know he must have promised you a lot of things-”

“He will marry me,” Sango interrupted.

“Yes, that, but do you really think he will? You are a maid, and he is… well… I don't know if you know, but he's infamous for playing with girls' feelings.”

Unexpectedly, the taller woman exhaled heavily. “Not anymore. I swear he doesn't do it anymore.”

“Can you be certain?” Kagome countered, “Are you sure he's faithful?”

“I trust him.”

Ah, trust… such a frail thing.

“Trust is not enough,” Kagome said bitterly. She didn't know why she felt that way, but there had to be more to life than trust.

“Yes, it is. If I don't trust him then… I've got nothing,” Sango whispered sadly, wrapping her own arms around herself.

Misinterpreting, Kagome's eyes widened and she rushed to embrace the girl. “Sango, never ever do something out of loneliness!”

Returning the embrace, the servant gasped, “No! You've got it wrong! I'm not lonely. There's my brother, but… I... I love him. Miroku - I love him.” Both women sighed.

Inuyasha…

Shaking her head as if to purge the impurities, she focused on the girl in front of her. “Do you think you can get me inside?”

Sango smirked.

“No problem.”

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Sesshomaru was confused by this desperate urge to protect he felt inside. He wanted to take the little girl into his arms and hide her form the world. He wanted her to be only his. But this was wrong, wasn't it? This was sick. How could he feel so strongly for a little girl? Clearly, she was his Half. Ah, the irony…

To top it all off, she was human. How repulsive, but somehow, he didn't feel that way. Even if he didn't want to admit it yet, he didn't find her revolting. And furthermore, the girl trusted him. She had shown him many times that she knew he was there, that she was very much aware of his presence, and that she allowed and welcomed it. Courageous, that was what the little thing was. She couldn't be older than eleven, he mused, so how could he take her when he was a little over a thousand? Morality was usually not an issue, but now nothing seemed appropriate.

Many questions suffocated him and didn't let him make a decision.

Should he terminate the bond? Should he, perhaps, convince her to do it, too? Would there be any side effects? And, after all, would she want too? She seemed far too comfortable having him around, as if she didn't need anything else. Sometimes, she would come and stare at the sky for a whole day, knowing that he was there, protecting her, watching her, relishing her presence.

This made him shudder. It made him feel weak, desperate. This was not a feeling a future Emperor should experience, and that was exactly why he kept everyone at a distance - so they wouldn't find out. So they wouldn't know his weak spot.

The girl's name was Rin. He had found out that much when someone had come yelling after her a year ago. She was beautiful and graceful, surely to develop into a fine, young woman.

A sudden noise caught his ear and he turned around in time to receive a powerful blow. Why hadn't he noticed the youkai? Was he so wrapped in this girl's innocent charms that he couldn't focus on anything else? If so, how was he supposed to protect her?

Pathetic.

“Die,” he stated calmly, getting rid of the youkai with his poisonous claws. As soon as the youkai unwillingly followed the order, Sesshomaru grunted in slight relief. He lowered himself to the ground, not wanting to admit to himself that he was hurt, despite the obvious deep wounds he sported.

Movement in the bushes caught his attention as his eyes widened. The scent… it was her.

The young girl was openly watching him, studying his face, his bruised body, and he could easily hear her frantic heartbeats matching his own. She was beautiful and innocent, and… the truth was, she was his Half.

The silence wasn't disturbing; on the contrary, it was quite comforting. Smiling, the girl placed two roasted fish next to his hand then backed away a few steps, to let him know she didn't mean to harm him. As if she could…

“I do not need it,” he stated, marveled to hear his own, gruff voice. Still, the girl didn't take it back.

He meant to ask her what she was doing, but couldn't really find his voice. She meant to ask him who he was and why he was stalking her, but somehow, she knew. They remained silent.

---------------------------------------------------------------

ooooOoooo

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“Houshi-sama,” Sango said, bowing slightly. Kagome watched carefully as Miroku's face lit up the entire room, but he was sure to disguise it as well as he could.

“Taijiya-san,” he said with a nod, as Kagome's mother was wrapping her herbs into a cloth to take them back. Surprised at seeing her daughter there, she stuttered to find an apology.

“Houshi-sama,” Kagome interfered, “I am Higurashi Kagome. I have come to talk to my mother, if it is permitted,” she said with a bow.

“Certainly, certainly, fair maiden. Go ahead, Higurashi-san is all done,” he said cheerfully, eyeing Sango in a way that made even Kagome's skin tingle.

As soon as they were out, Kagome grabbed her mother by the elbow and dragged her along, ignoring the gaping guard and servants that hadn't seen her enter. But since she was with Miroku's private doctor, they didn't say anything.

“What is it, sweet child?”

“I have found my Half,” Kagome whispered sharply. She didn't want more people to find out. Her mother gasped.

“Really?! That is wonderful, child, we must-”

“It's the prince,” Kagome interrupted as her mother's eyes widened.

“Sesshomaru?!”

“No!” Kagome all but shouted - she knew about Sesshomaru's revulsion towards humans. She supposed she should thank the Kami for not having given her Sesshomaru as her Half. That would have been pure torture. “It's Inuyasha,” she clarified with a blank face.

“Splendid!” her mother exclaimed happily.

“It's not that splendid!” Kagome snapped suddenly, “He's married to Kikyou-Hime and loves her. He doesn't want me.”

Oh, this was a problem, indeed.

“And another thing,” Kagome added. She didn't know how to put it, but there really wasn't much time for long explanations, so, “an evil monster came out of the Jewel and is now after me. What should I do?”

Her mother abruptly stopped. “Wait, you mean to say the Shikon no Tama had someone inside it that was released and now wants to kill you?”

Kagome squirmed uncomfortably. Until now, she hadn't let her thoughts to linger on the matter too much, but the fact was, “I'm not so sure he intends to kill me right away.”

It was impossible for her mother not to understand, as she started trembling. Kagome was in a great deal of danger now that they were at the palace, and it was all because of that Half of hers and her miko powers.

“Defend yourself,” her mother said sternly. “Kagome, if the Emperor himself stands in your way, defend yourself. Don't let them harm you. Okaa-san cannot help you now, and I am truly sorry, but… you have that power. I know you do.”

Kagome wanted to hear more. For some reason, she wanted to feel soothed, to let her worries fade. And her mother always made that happen.

“You're special.”