InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Her Choice ❯ Chapter 6 ( Chapter 6 )

AN: I'm sooooo sorry for the delay! My entire life just got turned upside-down for the last three weeks. (My fiancé has been in the hospital twice in a week's time, and with school beginning I haven't had much time for writing.) I'll try to have the next chapter out next Friday (cause I know after the cliffie in this chap, I'll be in trouble if I don't…).

 

And, there's a little more fluff before a nice little twist. :-)

 

Chapter 6

 

Kagome was lost in thought as she sat down mechanically at her desk. The demi-kitsune dropped a book on her desk intending to do a little last minute studying. The poor girl didn't notice the threat that was slowly creeping up on her from behind.

 

“Hey Kagome, we got a question for ya…” Yuka said with a big grin.

 

“Yeah, what did Mr. Gorgeous mean when he said your mom was making dinner? Is he staying with you?” Eri questioned, fighting back a giggle.

 

Kagome blushed.

 

“It's not what you're thinking. He lives really far away and a lot of stuff was happening over there, so we came here. I told you, he's been helping me,” Kagome said, trying to look interested in her upside-down textbook.

 

“Uh huh… So what did you two talk about…?” Ayumi asked, smiling.

 

Kagome did an excellent impression of a tomato.

 

“Nothing!” she stammered quickly.

 

“Uh huh… So you guys were just making out then?” Yuka giggled.

 

“No! It wasn't like that at all! He just held me!” Kagome suddenly slapped her hands over her mouth.

 

“Ah ha!” the three cheered.

 

“I win, I told you he wasn't going to propose to her yet! He's probably gonna wait till she's done with school and a bit healthier,” Ayumi declared.

 

“W-what?!?” Kagome face-faulted.

 

“Me and Yuka thought he was going to ask you to marry him,” Eri explained.

 

“Well… He did… sorta…” Kagome gulped as she saw the excited look in her friends' eyes.

 

“He did?!?”

 

“Well… It's a long story…” she tried to explain.

 

“What did you say? You did say yes, right?” Yuka demanded.

 

“I didn't answer him yet… He doesn't want an answer yet. He just wants me to think about it for a bit…” Kagome said quietly, her entire head burning with her blush.

 

“Come on Kagome. It's clear he cares about you, he takes care of you, and he wants to be with you for life! What's there to think about?” Eri asked.

 

“He intends to be there forever whether I marry him or not. He said he'd always be there to watch over me and protect me as long as he lives…” Kagome said with a small smile.

 

“Awwwwww… How could you not say yes after that?” Ayumi asked, smiling.

 

“There's a bit more to it, you know. I was in love with his younger brother a month ago. Besides, there's Rin and Shippou to think about… Though I'm sure they'd love it…”

 

“Who are they?” Eri asked.

 

“They're two orphans we've been watching over. He's been taking care of Rin for a long time. That's part of why he's staying with me. It's good for them to be around my little brother and be in a nice family,” she explained, fascinated with her still upside-down book.

 

“He's good with kids too? Kagome, so help me, if you don't nab that guy…” Yuka threatened. “Besides, those kids deserve a good family. Wouldn't they be happy with you two together? Maybe some more siblings?”

 

“You guys have some good points, but it just happened out of the blue. There's still a lot to think about, but I'm leaning towards yes right now. I just need a little time to figure some things out,” Kagome sighed.

 

“Well, that makes sense, you are still in high school. But wow, where in the world did you find a guy like that?” Ayumi asked curiously.

 

“As I said, it's a long story, but I'll try to cut it short. At first he didn't like me at all, because I was defending his half brother, Inu-Yasha. In fact, he was threatening that he was going to do something about Inu-Yasha's two timing if I didn't try to force him to stop. That's why I insisted on helping them out. I knew Inu-Yasha could never love me the way he loved her, but I still loved him. I don't anymore, though. I think Sesshoumaru was impressed by my selflessness, and he took care of me, and let me stay by him. Then, I ended up figuring out someone was backstabbing him, and we just ended up getting closer after that,” Kagome explained, careful not to go into to much detail.

 

“Wow, that's amazing. I definitely think he's better for you. Is he like a lawyer or a business man or something?” Eri asked.

 

“It's hard to explain what he does,” Kagome giggled at the thought of Sesshoumaru in a suit, brandishing his whip in court.

 

“Sit down class, your test is about to begin,” the teacher called, entering the room.

 

He was answered with extensive groans.

 

 

 

“Sesshoumaru-sama… Did you and Kagome-san have a fight?” Rin asked awkwardly.

 

“Why would you think that, Rin?” he countered, raising an eyebrow.

 

“She was so quiet last night. I thought she might have been upset over something…” she answered, looking down.

 

“No Rin, we did not fight. But we did speak at lengths of mating. She has to make a very important decision. It's not one she can make easily,” Sesshoumaru explained.

 

“Kagome's going to be your mate?” Shippou asked excitedly.

 

“That is up to her. Neither of you shall force her hand in this. We shall remain together whether or not we are mated,” he glared lightly at both of them. “Understood?”

 

“Hai!” they said hastily.

 

“Now Shippou, come at me again, but faster. You are kitsune, use your speed, not your illusions to attack,” Sesshoumaru instructed.

 

Shippou nodded, lifting the wooden practice sword. He jumped at the tai-youkai quickly dodging and trying to get around his defenses. He managed to get within swinging distance when Sesshoumaru grabbed him by the leg.

 

“Much better that time. You are clever to use such techniques to get around me,” Sesshoumaru complimented.

 

“Thanks. I learned them trying to get away from Inu-Yasha. He liked hitting me on the head a lot…” Shippou grumbled.

 

“Indeed. There are better ways to instill lessons in a child then violence. I'm sure when Kagome scolds you, you are far less likely to disobey her, am I correct?” Sesshoumaru asked, placing Shippou on the ground.

 

“I wouldn't want to disobey her in the first place. But yeah, I don't like it when she's upset with me,” he answered. “She wasn't upset with me while she was with you, was she?”

 

“No, she was sad she could not be there to watch over you. She thinks of you as her son. That is in part why she choose to live again, as a demon. She died for her love of Inu-Yasha, but her love of you made her seek life again,” Sesshoumaru explained.

 

“I'm glad. I missed her,” he said quietly. He sat down next to Goshinboku to rest for a moment.

 

“Indeed, it is easy to miss the company of one such as her,” he answered, sitting next to the kitsune.

 

“I'm going to keep training every day, so I never loose another member of my family again,” Shippou promised.

 

“It is very hard for one to keep himself alive amongst demons, and harder still to feel such strong human emotions. Be aware of this, as you train. They are as much a weakness as strength. They shall always be both,” he stated.

 

“It's ok, cause if you and Kagome can protect me and Rin, then I can protect you guys too. We'll all be stronger with three demons around,” Shippou said, standing and puffing out his chest proudly.

 

Sesshoumaru regarded the boy for a moment, before letting a tiny smile surface. “We shall all be stronger for it. But now, you must learn to actually hit me.”

 

“H-Hey! I could if you'd let me use my illusions!” Shippou protested.

 

“Indeed, but you must learn to protect yourself with nothing but your own strength. Then your illusions will simply make you infinitely stronger. You must be strong on all levels, or you will fall,” Sesshoumaru lectured.

 

“Hai, hai,” Shippou complained, picking up boken up again. “I'm going to hit you this time though!”

 

“We shall see…”

 

 

 

“I'm home!” Kagome called as she pulled her shoes off at the door.

 

“Welcome home dear,” her mother called from the kitchen. “The others are out back, Sesshoumaru and Shippou are practicing. I'm surprised Sesshoumaru is so good with the kids. They really love him.”

 

“Yeah, he's great like that,” Kagome said with a small grin. She sat down at the table quietly for a moment.

 

“Is something wrong dear?” her mother asked, worried.

 

“Not wrong… I just have a lot to think about. Sesshoumaru told me a lot of things yesterday, and I just wanted your opinion, mama,” Kagome said quietly.

 

Kagome's mother smiled and sat down across from her. “So he finally asked you to marry him?”

 

“H-How did you know?” Kagome asked shocked.

 

“He had been asking me many questions about it. And I managed to get a little info about youkai mating. I just put two and two together. So, what happened?” she asked patiently.

 

“Well, he explained about the bond between us, and said I have some time to decide if I want to be his mate. He said that if I agree, he would marry me as well,” Kagome explained, a small smile surfacing on her face.

 

“Maybe you two should go on a date? I'm sure Sesshoumaru would like to see more of your world anyway. Maybe go to Tokyo for a day. I'm sure he'd look great in a suit,” she winked at her daughter who blushed.

 

“Mama!” she cried. “Well… You do have a good point. I don't have school tomorrow, so that would be nice. You wouldn't mind watching over Rin and Shippou, would ya?”

 

“Not at all, they're little angels,” she replied smiling. “Hello Sesshoumaru, Shippou, Rin.”

 

Kagome turned into a tomato, but echoed her mother's greeting.

 

“I assume you were talking about me again?” Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow.

 

“Wha-How-I wasn't!” she stuttered.

 

“You only blush that much when I catch you talking about me,” he smirked.

 

“You're terrible, you know that?” she grumbled quietly.

 

“What happened to `incredible'?” His face was once again impassive, but his eyes were warm as gazed at her.

 

“I'm never going to talk about you again!” she promised.

 

Kagome's mother couldn't hold her laughter in anymore, and began laughing at the scene before her.

 

“Aw, come on mama! This isn't fair!” Kagome groaned.

 

Sesshoumaru smiled lightly at Kagome, and placed his hand on her shoulder. He leaned down to whisper softly in her ear, so no one else could hear, “Don't worry Kagome, I think you're incredible too.”

 

Kagome invented a new shade of red, as her mouth opened and closed a few times. Mama simply grinned.

 

“You two should definitely go out for a while. I'm sure you'd have fun,” she said, smiling.

 

“Go out?” Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow.

 

“I-uh was wondering if you'd like to go to Tokyo with me for a while. Just the two of us?” Kagome asked weakly, still bright red.

 

“I would like that,” he nodded. “Do you have anymore of this era's clothing, Higurashi-san?”

 

“Of course. I have an old suit of my husband's laying around. It should fit you, he was really tall,” she said, heading upstairs to find the old suit.

 

“I'm home!” Souta called.

 

“Welcome home, Souta!” Kagome called.

 

“Hey Souta, let's play video games!” Shippou cried happily.

 

“I wanna watch!” Rin cheered.

 

“Alright! Come on guys!” he said, heading straight for the living room.

 

Kagome looked at Sesshoumaru shyly, grinning a little.

 

“This is a normal human courtship ritual, then?” he asked quietly.

 

“Well, yeah, something like that,” Kagome blushed again.

 

“I'm afraid I do not have any flowers or chocolates,” he stated.

 

Kagome giggled. “I'm not interested in flowers or chocolates. I want to go out with you cause I like you, and enjoy your company, and want to have a fun time out in the city. Flowers or chocolates aren't going to make that any more fun,” she said with a small smile.

 

“I thought it was a strange idea,” he mumbled.

 

“Well, usually guys try to win a woman's affections with gifts to show he likes her. But, I know you care, so gifts aren't required for that,” she explained.

 

“I would hope not. And flowers are a rather poor gift to show your intended you care for them,” he stated.

 

“Well, normally when a relationship gets serious, the guy gives the girl a diamond ring to show their engagement,” Kagome explained.

 

“Still a pitiful gift to impress one's mate,” he said.

 

Kagome laughed.

 

“And what would you give as a gift then?” Kagome asked, looking up at him with a small smile.

 

He reached into his shirt and pulled out a small cloth bag. He opened it and pulled out a shimmering necklace. A large purple gem was set in the shape of a crescent moon, held on a multicolored chain.

 

“This necklace has been in my mother's family for generations. It is more then two thousand years old. The chain was made from dragon scales, and is virtually unbreakable. The stone is infused with a drop of blood from each woman who wore it,” he explained, taking the necklace and fastening it around her neck.

 

Kagome was stunned into silence as she looked at the beautiful necklace he placed on her. She stood, and looked at the tai-youkai before her.

 

“I-I don't know what to say…” she whispered, tears in the corners of her eyes. “Thank you.”

 

“Wear it with pride. No one in my time would come near you with you wearing that. It marks you as my intended,” he said quietly.

 

He softly brushed away a tear, his eyes never leaving hers. Kagome felt her heart pounding almost painfully in her chest. She leaned against the inu-youkai, wrapping her arms around him. He leaned down and softly brushed his lips over hers.

 

The gentle kiss was enough to shut down any rational thought in Kagome's mind as she pressed herself against him. She instinctively returned the kiss, completely lost in the feelings that threatened to overwhelm her. She barely contained a growl as he pulled away.

 

“Careful Kagome,” he whispered, leaning his forehead against hers, their noses barely touching.

 

A soft cough from the edge of the kitchen had Kagome jumping back, red as a tomato.

 

Grandpa stood there with a small grin on his face.

 

“I was wondering if dinner was ready yet, didn't mean to interrupt,” he said cheerfully.

 

“Oh, dad, it'll be done soon,” Kagome's mother said, walking into the room with a suit draped over her arm. She handed it to Sesshoumaru. “Try it on, hopefully it'll fit. Maybe while you guys are out, you could find some clothes that will fit Sesshoumaru.”

 

“Ah, that's a good idea. I suppose these two love-birds want some time alone,” grandpa said with a grin.

 

“Oh, so you heard about Sesshoumaru proposing to Kagome as well?” Kagome's mother asked, returning to cooking dinner.

 

“No, I didn't. I had no idea. You two go out and have some fun! I wanna meet my great-grandchildren sometime, ya know!” he replied happily.

 

“Uh, I better go get dressed!” Kagome said hurriedly, her entire being glowing red. She dashed out of the kitchen and into her bedroom.

 

“That was a beautiful necklace she was wearing. Where did you find such a thing?” Kagome's mother asked Sesshoumaru.

 

“It was made over two thousand years ago, for one of my ancestors as a courting gift. It's been in my mother's family for generations,” he explained. “I'd better get ready as well.”

 

And with that, he turned and left.

 

“He gave Kagome a two-thousand year old necklace?” grandpa gasped.

 

“Well, in his time he's powerful, and wealthy. I'm not surprised he'd give such a valuable necklace to her. He probably thinks anything less would be an insult,” she explained.

 

“Ah well, it doesn't matter to me, so long as I get to see my great-grandchildren!” he said happily.

 

“Well, what of Rin and Shippou? According to those two, they're already adopted by them,” Mama explained.

 

“You have a point, my dear. In that case, let me go see my great-grandchildren!” he said happily before walking out of the kitchen. “They should hear the story about…”

 

Mama shook her head and smiled. “I'm just glad he makes Kagome happy…”

 

 

 

Kagome finished brushing her hair, and looked in the mirror one last time. Satisfied, she smiled and headed for the door. She just placed her hand on the doorknob when she heard Sesshoumaru knocking.

 

She smiled brightly as she opened the door. Her eyes widened at the sight of the tai-youkai in a snug fitting black suit. His golden eyes wandered over the sight of Kagome in her short dark blue dress.

 

“You look really good,” Kagome complimented.

 

“As do you,” he said, offering his arm to her.

 

“Mom called a cab for us to take to the city,” Kagome said. “It shouldn't be too bad.”

 

He nodded, and lead her down the stairs.

 

“Have fun, you guys!” Kagome's mother said, smiling from the couch.

 

“Thanks mom, we'll be back later,” the demi-kitsune said smiling.

 

 

 

“I do not believe I shall ever be fond of `cars,'” Sesshoumaru stated, looking around the city.

 

“I know, I don't remember car rides being so… disturbing,” she muttered.

 

“Hey! Kagome!” Yuka called.

 

“Yuka? Eri? Ayumi? What are you guys doing here?” Kagome asked, curiously.

 

The three girls giggled. “Kagome, were you so distracted that you forgot about the festival?” Ayumi asked, with a smirk.

 

“I've just had a lot to catch up on…” she stated weakly in her defense.

 

“Right…” the three girls rolled their eyes.

 

“Well, you guys better get going if you don't want to miss out on all the good stuff!” Eri insisted.

 

“Bye guys!” Kagome called as she led Sesshoumaru in the direction of the sounds of the festival.

 

“This city is unbelievable,” Sesshoumaru stated quietly.

 

“Yeah, there's always something to do, no matter how late it gets,” she smiled a bit.

 

They walked in companionable silence to the festival. Kagome held onto Sesshoumaru's hand, and guided him through the many people. She noticed Sesshoumaru looking curiously at a game many young men were playing.

 

“What is the purpose of these games?” he asked.

 

“Guys usually try to win their girl the best prize they can. However, the games are rigged so people usually just loose money,” she said casually.

 

“How much is it?” he questioned, studying the way the game worked. He snorted, as all he had to do was land a small ring around a bottle.

 

“You don't have to Sesshoumaru. They're just silly stuffed animals,” she insisted, trying to pull him to another booth that smelled delicious.

 

“Has anyone ever won you a present before?” he asked, not budging.

 

“Well, no… But I never came here with a guy before, I only came with my friends,” she said quietly.

 

Sesshoumaru nodded, and went over to the game booth. The middle-aged man handed the tai-youkai the three rings.

 

Sesshoumaru threw them without even trying and landed each one on the red bottle in the center. The man gaped at Sesshoumaru, then shook his head.

 

“Which one would you like, Kagome?” he asked.

 

The girl blushed, but pointed at the large white dog. The vender handed the girl the prize. She smiled brightly up at Sesshoumaru.

 

“Thank you,” she said.

 

“Kagome?!?” a rather familiar voice called.

 

The girl turned to face the strangely familiar voice. Her eyes widened in shock.

 

“Kouga!” She cried happily.

 

“I was told you died for that damn mutt!” He said.

 

“I did, but Sesshoumaru gave me a new body,” she said smiling.

 

“Sesshoumaru…?” the wolf blinked.

 

“She means me,” the tai-youkai said, stepping up next to her.

 

“Damn, no one's seen or heard anything from you for the last 500 years, when your home was besieged by Midoriko,” Kouga said, shocked.

 

“Midoriko?!?” Kagome cried.

 

“We should talk about this somewhere else. Come on, my wife and kids are waiting for me over there,” he said pointing towards a more secluded area.

 

Sesshoumaru nodded and let the wolf lead them to his family.

 

“So you and Ayame finally got together?” Kagome asked curiously.

 

“Yeah, she's actually a really great girl. You'll always be my first love, though, Kagome,” he winked at her, which earned a growl from Sesshoumaru.

 

“Kouga, who's that with you?” the female wolf asked.

 

“It's Kagome and Sesshoumaru,” he said casually.

 

“But I thought they were dead…” She shook her head.

 

“I was, but Sesshoumaru gave me a new body. I'm actually half kitsune now, that's why we look human,” she explained. “Sesshoumaru came with me back to my time.”

 

“Ya know, the other day I noticed some girls wearing the same uniform you used to, and I started to wonder. So how did you end up in the past?” Kouga asked.

 

“There was a well that lets some demons travel through time. But I figured we'd return to the past after things calmed down with that attack. What happened?” Kagome asked curiously.

 

“This is just speculation, but it seems that the spirit of Midoriko, after all that time in the jewel, couldn't stop purifying demons. She started to take control of Kikyou, however, the spirit of Midoriko entered into her child. Things calmed down till the child turned 15. The spirit of the priestess continues to hunt down demons, for 2 years each generation. No one knows how to stop her. The children are always powerfully protected, as well. The family's memories of Midoriko's actions are always erased. We don't know what to do,” Kouga sighed.

 

“When is the next time she'll appear?” Kagome asked quietly.

 

“It could be any time. It's actually been 17 years since the last attack on the youkai. Youkai now are no better or worse then humans. Most of the mindless youkai were slaughtered long ago. The only ones left are living like humans,” Ayame said. “We're all afraid to have our peaceful life ruined…”

 

“We should try to head back through the well, and stop this,” Kagome said quietly to Sesshoumaru.

 

“The well is already closed, Kagome… You have betrayed your kind, and for that you shall face hell…”