InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Intended Mate ❯ On the Road Again ( Chapter 9 )

Hello! Hoping to grace the crowd with my presence again. Chapter nine in what is turning out to be an ongoing story. Yeah, plot device! I actually hope to show you I have one, even if it seems I'm writing off the cuff.

 

Thanks to all for reading and reviewing in the past!

Inugrrrl, I always enjoy seeing your name there on the review page!

Zabchan, once again, thank you.

Both Sapphires (Blade and Sabre) thanks for your insight.

 

Andrea Moon Dog, Tosuko Higurashi, you both are an inspiration to me. I enjoy your words highly!

I promise to always TRY to honor those who are frequent in reviews. No, this is not a threat or offhand remark, I just am saying I love reviews! ^_^

 

Disclaimer: Penpaninu does not claim to own the series Inuyasha in any way shape or form, but does claim to be Inu.

 

“Intended Mate” chapter nine

On the Road Again

 

Kaede hadn't complained at the change in sleeping arrangements in her hut that night, and the rest of the Inu-tachi merely moved around the mated couple quietly for the night. Kagome was grateful as Inuyasha was exhausted and snored loudly at her side, his arms wrapped tightly around her waist. He rarely showed his tears and Kikyou had opened a floodgate of them.

 

Anguish, regret, loss, determination, he had shown it all and had finally cut off his ties to the past. True, that could be said he had already done that taking Kagome as his mate in mark and act. Any one would have called Inuyasha a complete moron for not considering his ties cut to the clay miko after the first time he had taken Kagome as his. Emotions for the past can fool the most hearty of minds, and Inuyasha had shown time and again he still considered Kikyou's destiny his responsibility, even as she walked as an undead figurine stealing souls to sustain her broken shape.

 

But he had done it. He had realized he didn't have to go to Hell with her, not to make her happy, or placate her. His future was with Kagome now, and the school girl hugged his head against her breast, rubbing his ears softly as he slept deeply. He had proved it, though it had hurt him. But he was moving on. He had come to Kagome for comfort, and had made good on protecting what was his.

 

He was going to be there for his family, and Kikyou would go to rest in peace alone. Kagome wearily closed her eyes, inhaling her mate's musky smell. Kaede chuckled and sorted her herbs quietly as her wards slept on. Sango was out with Miroku and Shippou had snuck out to spy on them.

 

The old miko had sensed the body housing a sliver of her elder sister walking around Inuyasha's Forest earlier that night. And judging from the hanyou's reaction and exhaustion upon returning, something had happened. Perhaps it had ended well. The two felt content to her.

 

* * * *

 

“Bye, Kaede-baa-chan!” Kagome waved as the Inu-tachi set out the next morning. Kaede waved somberly as the five walked away into the dawning light. The group would be okay, they had gone through several adventures already. The old miko couldn't help feeling she may never see any of them again as she saw them now, strong and walking confidently away. She made a sign against evil and returned to her hut to sort her herbs.

 

Sango and Kagome walked along singing and giggling, trying to keep the mood light. Miroku walked confidently and merely waved to other women on the road. Sango's smile couldn't be overlooked when his hand reached out for hers. Shippou hopped onto Miroku's shoulder to talk to him, leaving Inuyasha at the rear with Kagome.

 

Kagome's eyes searched the side of his face as they walked along. Inuyasha was ever glued at her side, overly protective as he was, but after they had started out, his gaze had gone elsewhere, as he contemplated the last night. She squeezed his hand, letting him take reassurance from their bond through the simple touch. His lips curved upward softly in a slight smile as he felt his dependants calling out to him through his blood. And his eyes looking down at his Kagome were not troubled, but smiling.

 

* * * *

 

“This is picturesque,” Shippou laughed as they took a break near a cascading waterfall.

 

“Maybe I should throw you down it,” Inuyasha teased offhand and Shippou shrieked.

 

“Yeah right, you'll just fall right over it again,” he scoffed. Kagome giggled as the boys yelped and snarling playfully at each other. She refilled a water bottle and sat down next to Sango. The exterminator was staring after her monk and sighing wistfully.

 

“Here now, you don't miss him already do you?” Kagome asked, and Sango knew she meant intimately.

 

“I do now. I think he cursed me to always want him after that first time,” she confessed, blushing. The two women giggled girlishly.

 

“So is Inuyasha….uhm… you know…” Sango began. Kagome gestured with her hands.

“He's too much sometimes,” she finished and Sango shrieked.

 

“So about uhm, Miroku-sama's hands….” Kagome began, blushing.

Sango pressed her palms together.

 

“Enticing in the right places!”

 

The two men shuddered and regarded their women a good ten feet away.

 

“Women!” Inuyasha barked.

 

“All too true,” Miroku agreed, plucking at his beads in supplication. They watched the waterfall quietly then turned to each other in curiosity.

 

“So, Kagome-sama…is she as….hmm?” he began. Inuyasha's brows waggled.

 

“More than! How about our Sango? How's she in the bedroll eh?” the hanyou gestured.

 

“Beyond enlightening,” Miroku leered knowingly. Shippou sighed and spread his paws.

 

Those adults were helpless! At least they were just talking about it instead of doing it…

 

* * * *

 

“Sesshomaru-sama! Shouldn't we be traveling back home, Sesshomaru-sama?” Jaken squalled two steps to the right and behind his lord. He followed the long mane of his master's white hair, Rin right behind him. They had just stopped in a human village to `acquire' a pair of sandals for the child as the ground was growing rough on this path.

 

Rin laughed and hummed happily, arms full of flowers, and clicking her wooden sandals against the earth. The sounds annoyed Jaken and he expressed this frequently and loudly, though Sesshomaru did not himself mind. He kept his stoic pace, listening to his ward's happy sounds, knowing she was content to follow him.

 

Jaken was annoying though…. several times this Sesshomaru had wished to step through his head and acquire a new traveling servant. But loyalty was so hard to find these days.

 

“This Sesshomaru is not inclined to share his wishes with you,” Sesshomaru's voice purred. Jaken sweat and followed quickly at a trot.

 

“Y-yes Sesshomaru-sama! Jaken will follow you wherever you go,” he pleaded. Sesshomaru did not feel inclined to agree.

 

“Rin loves following Sesshomaru-sama!” Rin sang out happily, hopping next to Jaken. He fussed at her and Sesshomaru promptly ignored his wards.

 

The strangely clothed miko that carried his family's blood was on the other side of the pass with his brother's human entourage. She was carrying a pup. When Sesshomaru had smelled that, he had almost decimated half a mountain in rage. Rin had come running, seeing his face contorted, and dared to hug his leg. Strangely he let that slide and regained his composure once more.

 

That worthless brother of his had filled his miko with his seed. What a fool! It was laughable and unneeded during a long journey. You could never hope to achieve your goal while tending to a half sick human mate. And oddly enough, these past few days had made the Lord of the Western Lands want to drown himself in that human girl's alluring scent and body. It had to be that she was expecting. His body was merely reacting to what was his half brother's, and that she subconsciously put out pheromones to be loved and protected and needed and wanted.

 

He wanted her more than his half brother ever could. For if he would defile his rank and blood with a mere human woman, it would be the one who intrigued him since the first day he saw her tagging at his brother's heels.

 

Sesshomaru walked on proudly, his wards trailing behind as they unknowingly followed their Lord on the trail of the Inu-tachi.

 

* * * *

 

The group decided to stop in the clearing of a forest to camp down for the night. Kagome had produced a couple of tents and she taught her friends how to erect them. She still felt queasy while traveling, though she didn't throw up all that often anymore, and felt the couples should have protection from the elements on this important journey. When asked, Shippou turned up his nose and said he would sleep by the fire with Kilala.

 

The cat demon meowed and flicked her twin tails in agreement while Miroku hungrily grinned at his lover. Sango blushed and flipped her long hair over her shoulder. Inuyasha sighed happily. He could hold Kagome as closely as he wanted and make sure she was feeling well without worrying about pissing off his comrades.

 

Kagome was a little sad Shippou wouldn't still sleep near her but she still was happy to be close to Inuyasha either way. Her sleeping bag wasn't as comfortable as her bed, but she was looking forward to being held tonight.

 

Inuyasha brooded as the group chattered and cooked dinner over the open fire. He still was being thoughtful and Kagome was ready to tickle or wrench it out of him. He even brooded over a cup of ramen! And that was his favorite. This definitely needed exploring.

Kagome gently slung her arms around his neck from behind and kissed his ear.

 

“Hi..how are you feeling?” she asked softly. Inuyasha smiled slightly and whuffed slightly.

 

“I'm alright, Kagome… I should be asking you that,” he pulled her toward him and nuzzled his lips over her neck, kissing his mark. Kagome purred and threaded her arms around his neck, fingers in his hair.

 

Shippou sighed. Here we go again! “Am I the only one remotely serious about tracking Naraku down?” he asked self-righteously. Kagome giggled nervously and patted a hand over her chest. She wore the last shard there safe to her skin under her fuku top.

 

“We'll find him. I think he may be finding us since I carry this shard,” she said quietly. Sango and Miroku's faces sobered and they nodded their agreement. Inuyasha gave a customary `Keh” and shook his head.

 

“I'll be ready for him. He won't get away this time,” he vowed. Kagome lay wrapped in the safety of her mate's arms before the fire as a few miles away, spirits trailed behind a figure in red and white miko robes, and closer yet an imp retainer and human child trailed behind a tall stoic Inu lord .

 

* * * *

 

Kagome sighed, slipping softly from the tent flap and padded softly to the trees, roll of paper in her hand. She crept carefully, hoping Shippou wouldn't waken. She had to pee yet again. This early in her pregnancy, she was sure she'd have more opportunity to feel like her bladder would be used as a toy, and she wasn't looking forward to it. At least her stomach was calm for the moment. Kagome passed Miroku and Sango's tent, smiling as she heard soft moans and whispers from within.

 

“Sssh, Miroku, not so loud…”

 

“I can't help it when you do That, Sango….hhmm….”

 

“Ah!….Miroku….don't….”

 

“Yes…..”

 

She was sure a radiant Sango would thank Kagome for bringing those tents tomorrow.

 

But for now, Kagome had a small mission to accomplish. She wound her way around a few of the closer trees and looked around for stray animals before she got to business. After she had pulled her panties back up, Kagome stopped and tilted her head to the side. That was strange…she knew this impressive youki. Her human eyes tried to scan the darkness around her, but she let it go.

 

Half a clearing away, Sesshomaru froze and shuddered, feeling that miko's aura mingle across the distance and identify his powerful youki. She may not have seen him, but she knew he was there. He himself could not see her either, but he could smell her. And he wanted to come closer and take her into his arm. He wanted to wash away the stench of his brother with the musk of his own passion. But he would not defile himself yet. He needed more time to come to grips with his insane passions. And perhaps he wouldn't have to take her away.

 

However, as an object, she should be taken away from his half brother. He had no idea how to live the role he was given in life and showed it arrogantly with every look and callous word. And it slowly drove this Sesshomaru mad to think his brother held something he could not touch, much like the Tetsusaiga.

 

The quiet Inu Lord strode back to his own campfire and leaned back against a tree trunk to rest. Rin knew better than to curl up and hug him, though she wound up near to his pelt for warmth. Jaken could fend for himself, and besides, he had the thicker skin. Sesshomaru cocked one eye open to see his ward shivering later in the night, so he bestowed part of his pelt to her for a blanket.

 

And shuddered at his growing want to ensure his humans were his.

 

* * * *

 

A week passed and the group was no nearer to finding Naraku or vice versa. Morale was still high as the friends knew they could defeat him and begin their lives again after his demise. They traveled quickly and readily, though they all were expectant of Kagome's morning sickness. By now the fact she was pregnant was common knowledge and Sango and Miroku loudly congratulated them, while stealing knowing glances at each other.

 

Shippou merely looked upset and refused to speak to Inuyasha the rest of the day. His childish reasoning was simple. If he hadn't taken Kagome to his bed, she wouldn't be in this state. So hence, he had `done it to her.' Eventually with a few boxes of pocky, and a heartfelt talk, Kagome had the kitsune back to his old self.

 

“Even though I'm having a baby, you'll always be my first child,” she had promised. Tears filled Shippou's eyes and he sniffed, rubbing his face.

 

“Thank you, Kagome!”

 

Kagome smiled at her mate over the top of his bright red hair, eyes telling him to lay off of horse playing with the distraught fox cub anytime soon. The child needed time to reflect on a new member of the Inu-tachi.

 

While the sun was up, the group traveled as well as they could. At night around the campfire, they would practice weaponry, then sit and eat and talk as long as they could before they retired to rest up for the next day. They covered as much ground as they could manage, checking into villages, and monasteries to ask questions and hopefully gain information to the location of their nemesis. Hints were far and further between. There were general disturbances in the areas they found, and lent their hand when needed to aid the local population.

 

Kagome always trailed a hand to her breast to feel the necklace the shard was tied to. She could feel its small innocent spark flickering now and again beneath her palm and Inuyasha's ears would twitch, giving the general energy a strange look. She protected it well even when they retired to sleep, wearing it always and covering it with a small protection shield.

 

One night Kagome had forgotten to tell Inuyasha she had put the shield up as they lay, near to sleep and he had grazed her breast and gotten a singed hand. At his yelp, Kagome had apologized profusely though Inuyasha was huffy at being burned. He was more careful in their intimacy then, though his hands never strayed to her breasts unless she placed them there. He had flinched the first time she had pulled his wrists above her waist, expecting a shock, but got over the Pavlov's Dog's Reflex. Pleasure was felt instead of pain when Kagome instigated his hand's path and he learned it quickly.

 

A couple of weeks had passed before Kagome felt the familiar powerful youki trailing them as an identifiable energy signature. As her bond with Inuyasha made her familiar to the Inu royal blood, she knew who it was but never told her mate it was Sesshomaru that was trailing them a few short miles away, just out of scent range.

 

Kagome rubbed her hands over her flat queasy stomach and sighed. She should be the go-between, but try and tell Inuyasha his brother was near, and merely wanted to talk. It was out of the question. She would have to sneak out to see what he wanted. Perhaps he even had information on Naraku!

 

Kagome looked at her mate across the campfire and raised an eyebrow seductively. Her mate looked surprised, but grinned, ready for her. She hadn't wanted to be more intimate than caresses and touches for the past week as the traveling was tiring her out. And they did have a job to do.

 

But tonight, she would make him pass out from her attentions.

 

* * * *

 

“Ahm Kagome…I love you I ahhhh..” Inuyasha ground faster and faster into his mate, lost in her body. His face was contorted in pleasured pain as he tried to make the sensations last but she felt so good…and she was clawing his back in just the right way, her legs spread wide for him. Kagome gasped and nibbled his neck, then his shoulder, pushing him along. She had already come twice, and felt he deserved his end.

 

She tightened her legs around his waist and clenched hard. Inuyasha's throaty gasps were uttered next to her ear and he froze above her, muscles rigid before he thrust hard into her three more times before exploding in a wild fury inside her. Kagome rubbed his back, murmuring small exclamations of endearment, happy that he was hers and wanted her so much.

 

And she was also happy her mate had rolled off her with gentle persuasion and was curled up on his back, fast asleep. Had to wear the guy out, somehow, didn't she? Kagome waited until her mate's deep breathing assured her he wasn't getting up anytime soon, in any way literally or figuratively, and carefully dressed herself and crept out of the tent.

 

For once, Sango and Miroku's tent was silent. `The excuse of being tired could only be real and not imagined as their journey was a hard one,' Kagome thought and crept to the nearby trees, making her way into the forest.

 

She wandered further along, following the enormous youki signature until she saw a hint of white on white, and slowed her steps. Long cascading white hair, a pale figure of a Lord dressed in the color of death, his white kimono showing bare traces of red design on the sleeves. The left wide sleeve bannered in the slight breeze without an arm to weigh it down. The broad obi knotted across the Lord's slim hips was the only other color against the white, bright yellow traced in blue pattern. It hung long and weighted below his chest armor, hints of splendor amidst the Lord's simple traveling kimono.

 

“Sesshomaru,” she greeted politely. Sesshomaru merely trained his eyes on her, his station high up enough to not have to bow his head, as she did. He wondered idily why he didn't rip her throat out for not honoring his lordship with the appropriate suffix, but knew he could not. Her scent tricked his lord's mind and he knew it, and could not overcome it if he wanted to.

 

“Woman,” he greeted, and Kagome flinched, eyebrows rising. It was true, he wouldn't have cause to know her name or want to learn it and keep it for knowledge. In his first brushes with Inuyasha, she had merely been a spectator, except for the few stupid instances she had run in to `stop' him, or yell at him to give her friend some time.

 

“Kagome,” Kagome quietly corrected and Sesshomaru growled lightly at being reprimanded, even lightly. He wondered again why he did not crush the life from her for being so disrespectful.

 

“Very well. Kagome,” he intoned, his voice a deep baritone in the darkness. Kagome crept closer, his paleness in dress, hair, and skin a sharp contrast in the night.

 

“Why are you following us?” she asked curiously. Sesshomaru's pride swelled despite himself. She was very apt for a mortal human, worthy of carrying the pup she had. Most humans wouldn't have hoped to notice him on them until it was too late.

 

“Naraku is near,” was all he said and he regarded the human woman dispassionately as her eyes widened comically. Really, humans showed their emotions so easily.

 

“He is? Where? Where is he?” she asked, looking around as if she could spot him after learning he was close.

 

Sesshomaru sighed. “His youkai are on the move to the north of here. I've spotted his minion Kagura, and the human whelp that serves him flying in that direction as well. I would only imagine they were close to Naraku.”

 

Kagome nodded. “Can you smell it?” she asked.

 

Sesshomaru nodded.

 

“I'll tell the others….only tell me one thing.”

 

“I will tell you only what I deem necessary,” he stated proudly. Kagome ignored that, for now. If Inuyasha gave her headaches in arrogance, his brother could only make her lose her mind if she reflected on his words.

 

“Tell me why you're really following us,” she commanded. Sesshomaru growled, standing to his full height. Kagome's heart pounded as she stared up at him. Holy shit, could he have gotten any taller? He was impressive to begin with! She was seriously doubting her intuition of coming out alone to talk to him, and berating herself for being utterly stupid and so utterly dead. Her hands flew to her middle subconsciously and her heart pounded for her mate's link.

 

Sesshomaru's hand lashed out and gripped her hands over her belly.

 

“Don't,” he commanded. Kagome stared at him, heart in her throat. His large claws caressed her wrists and felt the energy behind her hands. He leaned down and laid his unmoving mouth close to her neck and sniffed.

 

Kagome gasped, surprised, but still didn't move. He was investigating something all right, but she wouldn't give him cause to hurt her even if he wasn't doing it so far.

 

Sesshomaru snuffed lightly in amusement. “Don't. Does this Sesshomaru have to repeat himself?” he growled. Kagome yelped and stood stock-still. When Sesshomaru's exploration of scent was over, he stood tall over her, his golden eyes looking down. Kagome couldn't help feeling a severe interest in the unmoving lord and hastily stepped back.

 

“Uhm….Inuyasha…..” she stammered, backing off. Sesshomaru allowed the faintest of smirks to stretch his lips.

 

“Enjoy the bond to an Inu lordling, Kagome Woman. It is most enjoyable is it not?” With one quick leap, he disappeared, leaving Kagome's jaw open. She was going to catch flies, it hung so low.

 

What was that all about? Was Sesshomaru…Kagome shook her head and walked back to camp quickly, slipping back into her tent and spooning Inuyasha tightly. Inuyasha would always be there to protect her….Sesshomaru had no place in the picture!

 

In the morning when her mate's hot breathe against her neck aroused her, and his hands rubbed her belly, Kagome knew everything would be all right.

 

* * * *

 

Sesshomaru angrily strode his way into the dawning light, his wards trailing a respectable distance. He already knew she was carrying an Inu pup, he already knew she was mated to his whelp of a brother. His touching her and holding her close to smell her was merely his own selfish desires batting down his restraints for an insane minute. Never would he let his half-breed brother hold all that he wanted in the world. He was on his way to his own agenda with Naraku.

 

And so were Kagome Woman and her comrades. And they would see what they would see once this was all over. Sesshomaru's lips quirked in a smirk as he strode along quickly. Jaken paled and jogged quickly at his feet. His lordship was smiling! Something wicked was going to happen, that was for sure.

 

Rin merely hummed and sang as the sun rose.

 

End for Now

 

Whew! Like it, hate it? I wrote this on my last cup of chai tea, and no caffeine. I want to thank any and all who have followed my story and consider it good reading. I humbly thank all who happen upon this and feed my nonexistent ego by reviewing. I hate to sound like I'm harping, but I looove reviews.

 

Penpaninu 9/20/05