InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Her Choice ❯ Chapter 3 ( Chapter 3 )

AN: Thank you everyone for all the reviews! They really mean a lot to me. I recently made the mistake of playing Everquest 2. Definitely a good game. :-)

 

Do not fear though, I have not forgotten my love of this story. (Almost done with chapter 6. If I keep writing this fast, I might put two chapters up this week…) Some cuteness and mild fluff, with a bittersweet coating. Enjoy!

 

 

 

Chapter 3

 

 

The spirit and the youkai walked quickly through the woods. They spoke quietly as Sesshoumaru expertly navigated the forest.

 

“I am curious about how you explained the moon's pull,” Sesshoumaru commented, as he stopped at a stream to drink a bit.

 

“You know how if you throw something into the air, it always falls to the ground? That's because of gravity. Gravity causes all matter, the trees, water, even air, have a pull. It's a constant force of attraction between all things in the universe,” Kagome began, remembering lessons from school.

 

“If that is true, then why has the earth not been pulled into the sun?” Sesshoumaru asked, skeptically.

 

“Because of inertia. Inertia is tendency of matter that is in motion to remain in motion. If earth was the only matter in the universe, it would be traveling in a straight line. However, the pull of the sun keeps the earth constantly traveling in a circular motion around the sun,” Kagome explained.

 

“Alright, then how is it that we are not pulled from the earth into the sun?” he said, walking forward once again.

 

“That's because we are much closer to the earth. Gravity is a force that weakens over distance. It never completely stops, no matter how great the distance. But the closer two objects, the stronger the pull of gravity between them. Gravity, in general is a very weak force. However, the immense size of the earth creates a large force of gravity upon us,” Kagome, looked up into the sky, walking along next to the youkai.

 

“How is it you know these things in your time?” he glanced at her briefly, before turning his eyes to the path ahead.

 

“There's a lot of experiments that were done, but also, in my time, humans have left the planet in space ships. Men have walked upon the moon. We have machines we've made and sent to examine other planets. Soon, we'll also land humans another planet,” Kagome smiled sadly.

 

“It is hard to believe all of this,” Sesshoumaru admitted.

 

“I know. I grew up accepting all demons were just myths and legends. Imagine my surprise to be dragged back into time and face demons every day,” she said quietly.

 

“I suppose we both have much to learn, then,” the tai-youkai shook his head.

 

“I suppose so. But many things are still the same. Humans fight stupid wars over power and money. People around the world starve and suffer from sickness. People are still extremely prejudiced against others. There's a lot wrong with my time, that hasn't changed over the years,” the spirit explained, her hand going straight through a tree.

 

“I will see your world one day. Even if I have to wait 500 years,” Sesshoumaru commented.

 

“I don't know if the well still works or not. It seems to work for Inu-Yasha and some other demons. It only worked for me when I had the jewel shards…” Kagome said quietly.

 

“Perhaps if you take a body, you should choose a demon. Then you might be able to return to your time,” he offered.

 

“Maybe I should… What's it like being a demon?” the miko asked with a giggle.

 

“It is a rush of power, all the time. It requires a strong will to become more then a mindless beast. It's a power that seeks more power. Most demons only know that feeling. There are demons, however, which have become more human-like. My father was one. There are others, but they do not often last long amongst other demons. I am aware of feelings, human-like feelings. However, in order to survive and even thrive amongst demons it was imperative I learned early on how to control them,” Sesshoumaru explained.

 

“Ya know what's funny? A lot of humans are like that. They only care about power, and don't care who or what they hurt in the process,” She let out a sarcastic laugh. “Maybe humans and demons aren't as different as you think.”

 

“Demons are still superior to humans,” Sesshoumaru insisted.

 

“Well, demons do get to live a couple more centuries,” Kagome said, mockingly.

 

“More?” he raised an eyebrow.

 

“In my time, there are many humans who live more then a century. Not much more then that, usually. Most don't live that long, but it does happen often,” the spirit informed him.

 

“If humans can live that long in your time, demons must still exist,” the youkai inferred.

 

“The reason humans live so long is because of our medicines and health care. If demons existed, everything would be completely different for them in that regard…” Kagome informed him.

 

“It would be easier to understand your time if I could see it myself. Many things do not seem to make sense,” Sesshoumaru admitted.

 

“That's true. Maybe if I get a body, we could travel there together. I know my family would adore you. You'd be my little brother's new hero,” Kagome said, smiling fondly.

 

“New hero? Don't tell me he thought of my brother as a hero?” he scoffed.

 

Kagome laughed. “Souta idolized him. Thought he was the coolest being to ever exist.”

 

“The poor fool,” Sesshoumaru shook his head.

 

“He even asked Inu-Yasha for advise on getting a girl to like him,” the girl shook her head.

 

“He asked my brother that?” Sesshoumaru stopped dead in his tracts, the faintest hint of shock in his eyes.

 

“I'm quite serious. I remember walking in on Souta saying `I love you' to Inu-Yasha. I had quite a good laugh when they explained it to me,” Kagome smiled at Sesshoumaru who shook his head.

 

“I pray for your brother's sake you undid any damage that idiot caused him,” the youkai continued to walk along the path through the woods.

 

“I did. In the end, he got the girl he liked. It was really sweet…”

 

“We're almost to the village. I'm sure my brother will notice my scent soon. Do not worry, I am not going to waste time fighting with him, if I can avoid it,” Sesshoumaru mentioned, seeing Kagome's uneasiness. “He is coming, wait here, I will deal with him.”

 

He walked out of the woods to meet his brother in the middle of a field.

 

“Oi! What the hell are you doing here, you bastard?” demanded a loud and angry hanyou.

 

“A foolish youkai believed she could cross me and live. I am here to hunt her down. She was last seen a little ways from here. It is none of your concern,” Sesshoumaru informed him.

 

“And you'd miss this chance to kill your little brother?” Inu-Yasha practically sneered.

 

“I promised Kagome I would spare your life, because she sacrificed hers. I have no further business with you, ever,” Sesshoumaru closed his eyes briefly.

 

“You knew she would do this, you bastard! Why didn't you warn someone?!” Inu-Yasha demanded, pulling out Tessaiga.

 

“I did not know or care to know she would make that wish, or that it would cost her life. And I wouldn't have prevented it anyway. She has been most useful to me, even without a body,” Sesshoumaru remarked.

 

“What the hell are you talking about?” Inu-Yasha questioned quietly, lowering his father's fang.

 

“I told her I would kill you if you rutted with the corpse. She gave her body to protect you and your wench. However, I can see her spirit, which is still bound to this earth because of her wish. She has helped me to uncover a silent uprising and attempt at my life. Which is why I'm here. I will kill the youkai responsible,” He explained, looking almost bored.

 

“Is she here now?” He almost whispered.

 

“That does not concern you any longer brother. Your first wench can breed for you now. Which it seems you both were more then willing to enjoy, even the first night of Kagome's death,” Sesshoumaru spat.

 

“That doesn't mean I don't love her still. Just not the way I love Kikyou… She's more like everyone's mother…” He said quietly.

 

“You are a fool Inu-Yasha. You destroy the few good things around you. And once again, others must clean up your mistakes,” Sesshoumaru turned from the group looking in the distance, at Kagome who silently watched them.

 

“And just how do you intend to do that, you bastard?” Inu-Yasha growled.

 

In a blur, the tai-youkai held the hanyou's throat, growling menacingly. Inu-Yasha struggled vainly to use his claws against his brother.

 

“I promised to spare your life because your woman was given life again, but that does not hold should you cross me, filthy hanyou,” Sesshoumaru squeezed his neck harder for a moment before dropping his half-brother.

 

Kagome ran towards the brothers, worried.

 

Inu-Yasha rubbed his neck, and looked down. “Tell her that I'm sorry. We all miss her. Especially Shippou…”

 

“Tell him I know… And tell Shippou I love him, and will see him again,” Kagome said quietly.

 

Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow at the girl. “Then you have accepted my offer?”

 

“What offer? You loosing it or something?” Inu-Yasha smirked.

 

“No you fool. I'm talking to Kagome. She was worried for you, even after seeing you mark Kikyou right after she died,” the tai-youkai said quietly.

 

Inu-Yasha shut his mouth, and looked away in pain. He put Tessaiga back into it's sheath, his ears flattened against his head.

 

“I will take Azatoi's body. She's part fox demon, right? Then I can truly be Shippou's mother,” Kagome said quietly.

 

“So be it. Kagome says she knows. She also asked you to tell Shippou she loves him, and will see him again,” Sesshoumaru turned from the hanyou. “Come Kagome.”

 

“Kagome!” Inu-Yasha shouted. “I really would have loved to have had a family with you. But… I'm glad you understand. I hope you can forgive me.”

 

“You don't get it Inu-Yasha, there was never anything to forgive…. I'm better off here, with Sesshoumaru. Maybe…” she paused and looked up to meet Sesshoumaru's golden gaze. “Maybe I belonged here from the beginning.”

 

He offered a tiny smile and nod. His face quickly returned to normal and he shouted over his shoulder.

 

“She already has, brother. She belongs with me now,” and with that he disappeared into the woods with Kagome.

 

“Kagome… I still didn't get to thank you… For everything,” he whispered, walking back to the village where his mate waited, carrying his child.

 

 

 

“Thank you for being patient with him. He can be a real stubborn ass when he wants to be,” Kagome said with a sad smile.

 

“Indeed. I've noticed as much,” he smirked. “I still can't believe your brother idolized him. I believe there is even more reason now for me to visit your era.”

 

Kagome giggled. “You know Sesshoumaru. I'm glad I made that wish, as much as some things hurt. I really am happy here. You're a lot of fun to be around, when you relax a bit.”

 

He nodded slightly. “We shall return to the village after you have taken your new body. We shall bring your son with us.”

 

“You don't mind?” she asked quietly hopeful.

 

“Not at all. He will be safer with two youkai, then one hanyou. And it would be good for Rin to make friends with someone her age. She has already proven she prefers the company of youkai to that of humans,” Sesshoumaru explained.

 

He stopped suddenly, and sniffed lightly in the air.

 

“She is near,” he said, his eyes flashing for a moment.

 

Kagome nodded and remained quiet. She glanced around, looking for any sign of the demon. She soon noticed a shadow moving through the trees.

 

“So you came looking for me, my dear,” Azatoi's voice called from he shadows.

 

“You knew I would hunt you down. No one crosses me and lives,” Sesshoumaru growled.

 

“No, and it appears my mistress is not happy with my failure. It's a pity things didn't work out well. We could have had powerful children…” she purred, limping from the forest. Her shoulder was burned badly and oozing blood fast.

 

“Tell me who commanded you,” he demanded coolly.

 

“It doesn't even matter if you kill me. I die today no matter what…” She sighed. “There is nothing you can do. All demons are going to be eradicated. I simply tried to bargain for my life, by handing them yours. I was angry you shunned me. You should have died for the insult I was forced to live with!”

 

“Be glad I shall give you a quick end,” the tai-youkai drew Tenseiga.

 

The youkai laughed. “You can't kill me with that. You should know that!”

 

“Can't I? I believe I would know better then anyone what my own sword is capable of,” with that, Sesshoumaru swung the sword gracefully.

 

Instantly, Azatoi's body fell to the ground, lifeless. The burn stopped oozing blood almost instantly. The demi-kitsune's eyes were vacant and cold, her face still frozen in shock.

 

“Kagome, lay down inside the body,” Sesshoumaru instructed, holding the sword tightly.

 

She nodded and slowly laid down on the ground, inside the body, and closed her eyes.

 

“I'm ready,” she whispered.

 

The Tai-Youkai relaxed his hold slightly, as the Tenseiga pulsed with life. The sword almost pulled his hand as it slashed once more through the air before the youkai, a bright blue light covering the body of the demon.

 

Sesshoumaru sheathed the sword of life as he felt it calm once again. He watched curiously, as the light slowly faded from the form of the kitsune. The kitsune's hair appeared black and wavy, and the eyes turned from green to brilliant blue. Sesshoumaru studied all the changes with mild curiosity.

 

Kagome took a shaky breath as her entire world was changed. She opened her eyes to a world of colors she had never seen before. She was assaulted by a thousand new scents. She took a few moments to try to register all the new sensations before sitting up.

 

“Oh God,” she moaned. She felt tingling throughout her entire being. She lifted her clawed hands and gazed at them curiously. “This is so… intense!”

 

“I'm sure,” he remarked, offering the new demon a hand. “It appears that in taking the body, it has better suited itself to your spirit. You look very much as you did as a human.”

 

“Wow… This is unbelievable!” she said happily. She suddenly launched herself into Sesshoumaru's arm and kissed his cheek. “Thank you so much Sesshoumaru! I owe you big time!”

 

Sesshoumaru stiffened at her sudden embrace. She held him tighter and very slowly; he brought his arm around her. He lightly nuzzled her hair.

 

“You even smell similar to when you were human,” he murmured.

 

Kagome blushed and looked up at him, smiling shyly. He gazed down at her and smirked. She moved back a bit, still blushing.

 

“Again, you are a mystery. You embrace me, and kiss me, yet a mere observation has you blushing? I believe this form suits you well, Kagome,” he said softly.

 

She blushed deeper. “I'm normally not so impulsive. It's just so good to feel again! And I've never felt so much in my life. I can see and smell and hear and feel things like never before. It's incredible!” she insisted, spinning around happily.

 

Sesshoumaru regarded the half-kitsune before him a moment before smiling softly. “I must admit, it is nice to be able to feel you as well. No one has ever dared to hold me like you did. Not even Rin. It was… surprisingly pleasant.”

 

“You've never been hugged? You poor deprived soul. I'd go crazy if I was never hugged!” Kagome said, hugging herself to further her point.

 

“Somehow, that does not surprise me,” he mused. “Shall we go reunite you with your son?”

 

Kagome's face brightened even more. “Definitely! And I can see all my friends again! This'll be wonderful! Maybe I can even visit my family! I don't think I've ever felt so happy. And it's all because of you, Sesshoumaru. Thanks so much!”

 

“You are welcome, Kagome. However, I'm sure your friends will need some time to adjust to your new body,” he mentioned.

 

“I know. But I'm still me. I'm sure they'll be happy that I'm back, even if I came back as a toad,” Kagome giggled at the thought.

 

“I'm glad you're not a toad. One is more then enough to deal with,” the tai-youkai said quietly.

 

“Aha! So even you find Jaken annoying!” she cheered, dancing around.

 

“I do not believe any living creature could find him anything but annoying,” he defended. “Now, let's see how fast your new body is…”

 

And with that, he leapt into the trees. Kagome watched him disappear for a moment before crouching down and using as much strength as she could to jump.

 

Needless to say, she went way further then intended.

 

 

“Ow! That hurt!” she groaned as she pulled herself off the forest floor.

 

“I'd assume it would. I asked to see how fast you were, not how high you could jump. You must remember you have youkai strength now,” Sesshoumaru scolded.

 

“I had no idea I could jump that high…” she mumbled.

 

“Apparently I have much to teach you before we return to our home,” He commented.

 

“Yeah…” Kagome giggled, blushing.

 

“Let's remain on the ground this time…” Sesshoumaru suggested, before breaking out in a run.

 

Kagome grinned. “Now this… I can do…” and with that, she chased after the tai-youkai.

 

 

 

“Oi, Shippou! Get over here!” Inu-Yasha grumbled. The hanyou was sitting on a fallen tree in the woods near the spring.

 

“I didn't do anything wrong!” Shippou protested.

 

“I know you didn't. I need to talk to you. It's about Kagome,” he said quietly.

 

Shippou's face immediately turned to stone and he walked over calmly.

 

“Sesshoumaru came by today. He told me Kagome's spirit has remained bound to this world. He's the only one who can see and hear here. She's been staying with him cause of it. She left a message with me,” Inu-Yasha said, not able to look at the kitsune pup.

 

“Wh-What did she say?” he asked quietly, brokenly.

 

The two had been fighting constantly since Kagome disappeared after making her wish. Shippou blamed Inu-Yasha for her making the wish. Inu-Yasha couldn't defend against his accusations, but his pride wouldn't let him back down from the challenge.

 

“She said she loves you, and will see you soon,” the hanyou glanced at the broken hearted boy next to him.

 

“Does that mean she's coming back to life?” he asked with quiet hope.

 

“I dunno. Sesshoumaru mentioned something about an offer to Kagome when she told him. Maybe he found a way to bring her back,” Inu-Yasha said with his own weak hope.

 

“Why would he do that though? I though he tried to kill her before…” Shippou questioned, confused.

 

“He mentioned something about saving his life by warning him of an uprising or something. Maybe he wants to repay the debt or something. I dunno. He's just a strange bastard,” the hanyou grumbled.

 

“I win! Yes!” cried a happy, and rather familiar female voice.

 

“Indeed. Kitsunes are known for speed and illusions. However, it's still no easy feat to outrun me,” came the voice of said strange bastard. “You will be very powerful once you learn to control all of your abilities, Kagome.”

 

“Kagome?!?” the little kitsune shouted, rushing towards the voices.

 

“Shippou!” Kagome cried, picking up the pup.

 

“How did you come back? Why did you make that stupid wish? I thought I'd never see you again!” Shippou demanded, fighting back tears. He hugged her as tightly as he could, afraid it was only a dream.

 

“It's alright Shippou. Sesshoumaru gave me a new body. I'm part kitsune, so I can really be a good mother to you now. I missed you so much!” she answered, hugging him tight.

 

Shippou's eyes widened as he finally noticed her scent. “You're a youkai now!”

 

“What?!?” Inu-Yasha demanded. “What the hell did you do to her, Sesshoumaru!”

 

“Stop Inu-Yasha! It was my choice to take this body. It's the only chance I have of visiting my own time,” Kagome scolded.

 

Inu-Yasha shut up immediately. He looked down, his face pained. “I didn't get to thank you… For bringing Kikyou back…”

 

“You don't have to. I did what was right. It worked out for the best,” Kagome said quietly.

 

“You don't hate me, do you?” his ears were flattened against his head.

 

“No, I don't hate you. But I don't love you anymore, either. It's best I just continue on like I have since the wish… I belong somewhere else now,” she replied.

 

“You can't leave me again, Kagome!” Shippou protested.

 

“I never said that, Shippou. In fact, Sesshoumaru said you can stay with us, at his home,” Kagome explained.

 

The kitsune pup's eyes widened in surprise. “Really?” he asked, looking to the tai-youkai. Sesshoumaru nodded slightly.

 

“Thank you so much!” he said happily.

 

“If I didn't know better, I would say he was in all ways your son, Kagome. The resemblance is remarkable,” Sesshoumaru commented, leaning against a tree.

 

“I want to go find the others, and let them know I'm ok, alright Sesshoumaru?” Kagome asked, smiling brightly.

 

“I shall accompany you, then,” he replied.

 

The tai-youkai, half-kitsune, and kitsune pup left together for the village. Inu-Yasha watched them and shook his head.

 

“Who'd have thought my brother had some good left in him…” He muttered, before heading out for his mate, to tell her of this turn of events.