InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Intended Mate ❯ Battle Scars ( Chapter 18 )

Sorry for being so late. As things wind down event wise in my fic, I am trying to be mellow about it. I will try not to keep you waiting so long though. The feeling made me break cards out and write to my aunt and grandmothers. (only about one of my grandfathers is alive, he's a stepgrandfather technically which is why I say `about one') and little sisters, happy sad nostalgia all around.

I wanted to post tonight as I won't be starting a chapter for a few days. Tomorrow my group is gaming and seeing “Serenity”. Ah the fun of doing laundry for free at my twin sister's new apartment ^_~ The small thrills of being a frugal bastard.

I hope you enjoy! Not a lot happening in this fic. Down time, healing, more healing, and more healing in the future. I don't want anyone to say I treated that rape scene lightly or anything…. Am I being too vindictive for a review? Sigh, sorry, folks…

 

Honored place for reviewers

Inugrrl, as always, a pleasure to hear from you! Email me again, chica!

Christen aka Cherished Agony, thanks for the im's! It flatters me you're so excited for this update and waited to go to bed til you read it. (hugs) you're the best!

Andrea Moon Dog, HOWL OUT TO THE MOON! :P

Sapphire Blade, and the world sighs a breath of relief as the most potent of weapons, the bottle of bleach, is put away under the sink… (lol) thanks for the enthusiastic support ^_~

 

AFF.net: Inuyasha's only miko, Inu-osuwari, phxazkyote 3507, , Lady Kcassandra, Hitomi Daremo, Sailorgirl16, Little Suteinu, thanks!

Silver Magick 131, yeah you got the land connection! (preens) The DBZ analogy was I guess to be expected, but you got it ^_^ And remember, MINE MATE! Hahah :P It's okay if you rant, I love your posts!

Harai, put down the angry mob! Or let them hide in your closet for next time or something… lol :P thanks again

Sachichan 16, wow another new name! (preens) I'm flattered…you would call my fic a piece of art? I'm well…blushing…. And fluff is heading your way! I am the fluff master, as my roommate is the cheese master…or cheesemeister ^_~

 

Aff.net: Kirah, thanks for the suggestions. Dutily noted! I want to do a sequel so you'll get one ^_~ The next generation will be interesting.

And you're right, the Sessh/Kagome scene will have repercussions. Not just on the beloved miko Kagome and her family, but even on Sesshomaru and his ward Rin. I do not intend to have anyone howl at me for doing a rape scene, then trying to put it off `too lightly.' Thanks for checking me first for updates! Seriously I'm blushing here ^_~ If you wanna email, go right ahead!

Romantiq, thanks again for keeping up with me!

Peachgirl2112, thanks for the kind words!

Syko, of course you are honored. Heck, I'm honored, you're honored, we're all honored! (the banister's honored ^_~ name that movie!)

 

If I forgot anyone, I apologize. I wanted to get this out so I could finish Beautiful Dreamer on dvd (go old school Mamoru Oshii and Rumiko works!)

 

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

 

While there are mates, there can…..

 

 

“Intended Mate” chapter eighteen

Battle Scars

 

Inuyasha kept the group's pace excruciatingly slow back to Kaede's village. He carried Kagome himself, his clothing still torn in several places, the under haori all but one tatter across his shoulders.

Kagome was nestled in the remains of the fire rat's robe, face pressed against his shoulder tightly, sleeping for the time being as he carried her carefully and slowly with his friends.

 

She had made him burn the fine kimono Sesshomaru gave her in a campfire the night before. She would rather wear the remains of her husband's fire rat robe and be half naked than have something connected to that youkai touching her skin.

 

As if on cue, everyone did not speak much to bother the miko. She took comfort from their presence, but was too hurt to answer meaningless questions. Yes, she was with them now. No, she was not fine. Yes, she was still pregnant. No, her heart wasn't undamaged. Neither was her body.

 

Koga, Hiko and Ginta walked flanking the hanyou prince and kept a stoic façade. Kagome was glad to have Koga near her, for he had saved her from the shugenjas, and was surprised Inuyasha was working with him without one argument. She could be only glad for small favors, maybe, but she dozed against Inuyasha's warm shoulder throughout much of the journey and didn't ponder over it too much.

 

Miroku and Sango hovered unspoken near Inuyasha much of the journey. They helped wordlessly as much as they could when stopping for the night, but it was understandable that Kagome didn't want to talk about her experience. She wanted Inuyasha close by, within her eye's gaze even when bathing. Inuyasha had not complained, in fact he was relieved she wanted to look at him and be near him.

He held her with soft shaking hands, and cared for her as gently as he could for he loved her so much. It grieved him that Kagome had nightmares wrapped in his arms and would wake disoriented, pushing at him when she saw his long white hair and pale face so similar to Sesshomaru's. At Inuyasha's insistent whispers, she would come to and wrap herself against his chest, crying.

 

In Inuyasha's mind when he held her this way, he killed his brother again and again and again.

 

A week later, the group slowly trudged into their familiar village, brokenhearted and weakened. Koga and his wolves lead the way silently and Shippou followed closely at Inuyasha's heels. Sango and Miroku touched hands silently, taking relief from each other.

 

Kaede walked out to greet them and her old eye met Inuyasha's in startled realization. She had treated enough young women to know the signs of abuse.

 

When Kagome's eyes opened and took in the concerned older miko, she burst into tears again. Inuyasha carried her into Kaede's hut at her gesture and the three disappeared inside.

 

Koga sat down cross-legged in the grass, upset.

 

“Koga…. what now?” Hiko gently whispered. Ginta watched, waiting for an answer. They won battles with sharp blows and speed, they did not win them through tears and baths and embraces. This was something far more new to them. And after having dispatched the forces that had held Kagome-nee-san, it was inconceivable to them that the battle was far from over.

 

“We wait. We stay here for Kagome….and we be QUIET,” Koga commanded, eyes flashing impatiently.

 

Shippou sat down with Miroku and Sango in a powwow. “There's no telling how long…it will take for Kagome-sama to heal,” Miroku murmured. Sango rubbed her eyes and nodded.

 

“Can't we camp here, Miroku? To lend her strength?” Sango asked. Miroku nodded seriously, eyes tired.

 

“We shall. She needs her friends where she can see them. For now, let's leave them alone,” Miroku said. Shippou agreed with them.

 

“I just can't stand it….when Koga-san and I found her, she was so…small,” Shippou confessed. Sango ran a hand through Shippou's hair and smiled weakly.

 

“She'll get better. She has Inuyasha again,” she said.

 

Shippou sighed gravely. “I'll sort Kaede-san's herbs for now,” he suggested. The fox cub took off running, to clear his mind with the chore stated. Miroku touched Sango's cheek gently.

 

“Our wedding can wait, Miroku. I would rather wed you with Kagome reading our rites and smiling than right now,” Sango vowed. Miroku nodded slowly and the two hugged each other tightly, taking comfort in their firm connection.

 

Hiko and Ginta stood up and stretched. “It's too still…. we're going for a run,” Hiko suggested. He and his brother took up in a kick start of dust and wind. Koga sighed and whirled off after them.

 

“Wait for me, then…”

 

* * * *

 

Rin had been inseparable from Sesshomaru-sama's side since his tussle with Inuyasha in the courtyard. Jaken reflected the child had lost her idiot brains and sincerely had wished to die. He himself had not the courage to dart out and dodge that creature's insatiable appetite, but the toad had to admit it was Rin's lack of intelligence that had saved Sesshomaru-sama's life.

 

The palace grounds had done some strange things, all that shaking and pulsation. And that no good Inuyasha had transformed into something he surely shouldn't have been able to, hanyou or not! Jaken fumed as he paced outside of his lord's chamber. The room inside still smelled like his master's blood and insides and the spicy tang of the youkai healer's herbs. How Rin could stand the sickbed atmosphere was beyond him, but Jaken reasoned that she could not smell as sharply as he and the youkai of the palace, so she could endure all she wanted.

 

Sesshomaru-sama had a smell of death clinging to him for the most intensive part of the healing and it had frightened Jaken. He could understand in some way why Rin had clung to his bedside, but he was glad their lord was alive to reprimand her for her disobedience.

 

She had had no right running in on his lordship's fight with the transformed Inuyasha. Even if it had saved his lordship's life.

 

Jaken waited outside of the chambers, staff held ready. He would protect his lordship now that he was safely enclosed with healers in his own chamber.

 

* * * *

 

Rin lay carefully at the edge of her lord's large low bed, small hands touching his claws and hand loosely. She dared not touch anything else of her lord's after bravely watching the healers open wounds, stitch them closed and plaster herbs and salves all over his pale body. Sesshomaru-sama was a strong ruler, her erstwhile savior and idol, but even he had had his limits. And Rin would not leave him or let him leave her.

 

Sesshomaru slumbered on and off as his healers forced his body to knit itself back together. His youki had worked double time to heal his broken form, but it had worked so he had no fear of death after Inuyasha had taken Kagome Woman and departed his realm.

 

He had taken Kagome Woman. His mark had failed to cover Inuyasha's as he was still in the land of the living, so Kagome was not his technically. But he still could curse the day his brother had been born.

 

Rin curled up closer to his side and Sesshomaru flicked his eyes down his half dressed body to her. She had finally fallen asleep. Foolish child, she had shamed him, yet the disobedience had saved his life. He would have to speak to her about her actions. Yet, her childish sighs kept him slow to anger.

 

Sesshomaru let her hold onto his claws, and thought strategies in his head. His fellow lords and ladies would more than likely challenge his position as Lord of the Western Lands all at once or one a time, and thrust several small wars against his front door. He would have to go to battle for probably a long time to defend the weakness he had showed in the courtyard.

He was shamed. He could not make the woman Kagome his and he needed to travel to unleash the rage and betrayal of his youkai's heart.

 

His eyes shifted to his ward once again. Foolish innocent child. She would want to travel with him once again. He would take her even to battle, leaving her beyond the lines with Ahn and Uhn and Jaken for protection. He had never been able to keep her from his side.

He supposed even she would want to come with him while he contemplated his foolish heart. Just as well. A child's touch was more welcome than walking in solitude, even if it was always his way.

 

Sesshomaru closed his eyes and allowed sleep to come once more.

 

* * * *

 

Camping out at Kaede's took on a more or less normal routine. The wolves hunted and sparred with Sango and Miroku. Shippou helped Kaede make herbs, and press and sort herbs for Kagome's recovery. Kaede double checked on everyone's injuries.

 

And Inuyasha was at Kagome's side every moment. She was urged to take slow walks with her mate, and gradually he got her to open up.

 

One day after another exam from Kaede, Inuyasha walked Kagome into the forest named after himself and sat her on a rock. He sat at her feet, hands on her knees, watching the leaves fall around her. She looked so beautiful in the patches of sunlight leaking through the tree branches and he sighed to himself. He should have killed Sesshomaru. His Kagome was still so hurt. He knew, because he could feel it.

 

Kagome put her hands over Inuyasha's carefully, watching him sadly.

 

“Inuyasha… are you sure things will be okay?” she asked. Inuyasha blinked.

 

“What do you mean, mate?” he asked, rubbing his thumbs over the back of her hands.

 

“With us. I don't see how you would want to be with me… I'm…”

 

Inuyasha knelt up and hugged her. “Kagome…of course I want to be with you. We're one. Nothing will change that…”

 

Kagome shook her head, pushing on the hanyou's chest. “Sesshomaru almost changed that! And I couldn't stop him…”

 

Inuyasha let her struggle but held onto her. “That wolf told me what happened… Kagome, that bastard had magicians working sutras against you. You can't blame yourself….”

 

A sniff sounded against his chest and Inuyasha settled his chin on Kagome's head.

 

“But I wasn't strong enough!…”

 

Inuyasha held her face and leaned down, kissing her tears away gently. His tongue washed the stream from her cheek and he held her close. “You were. I felt you, loyal and true… It helped me get to you faster,” he confessed,

 

The two stayed in the forest for along time, touching and kissing softly. When dusk began to set in, Inuyasha carried Kagome back in his arms. Kagome pushed on his shoulder as they reached the hustle and bustle of Kaede's home.

 

“I'll be ready to go home soon, Inuyasha… besides Mama should know I'm pregnant,” Kagome whispered. Inuyasha nodded. His Kagome was halfway through her second month now, staying at Kaede's, and he wanted Kagome to be near the wonders of her time's doctors,for her health and the pup's.

 

“We can go tomorrow if you want,” Inuyasha suggested. Kagome's smile was small but warm.

Inuyasha wasn't sure where he fit into her other home but he wanted to go wherever Kagome went.

 

“Thank you, Inuyasha,” she whispered. She ducked into Kaede's hut with Inuyasha close behind. Koga greeted her with a quiet smile and Shippou handed her a cup of tea. Miroku and Sango helped with the meal and Kaede bestowed a motherly smile. Kagome knew she would miss them all. But she had to go home and be with her other family. She had no desire to whelp a baby in a hut in the feudal era, even if it was Kaede's hut. She wanted clean sterility and a team of doctors to ensure her baby's welfare.

 

The next day Kagome told everyone her desire to go through the well to her own time. Inuyasha of course stood at her side and said he would go with her.

 

“I don't know when we'll come back…. maybe once in a while around school, but I want to have the baby there,” Kagome confessed, shyly looking away.

 

Koga and his brothers loudly gave her their best. Koga grew silent after a moment, missing her already. What would he do? Who would he have for his own? Kagome watched him, wondering why the usually boisterous ookami was still. Hiko and Ginta loudly congratulated her still so she was happy for that.

 

“Hey calm down! You'll jar the pup or something!” Inuyasha rolled his eyes playfully. Hiko laughed and hugged Kagome carefully.

 

“Take care, nee-san! We'll come by with Koga and try to see you!” he exclaimed. He and Ginta had no idea what `own time' meant, but apparently it meant far away from them.

 

Kagome laughed weakly and accepted a generous hug from Ginta as well. When it came to Koga, Inuyasha stood back and looked away generously, taking a step or two away. Just two steps. He would be close to his mate.

 

Kagome touched Koga's hands and the two looked at each other. The wolf prince was sad and pensive. The human miko was wondering and concerned. Finally the two joined in a swift but gentle hug. Koga ran a hand through the woman's long black hair fondly.

 

“Kagome…I'll miss you…don't stay too sad, okay?” he stammered, blushing. Kagome leaned up and kissed his cheek affectionately.

 

“Just be happy, Koga…I want you to be,” she confessed. Take a mate, have a child, fulfill your life her statement seemed to say. Koga only nodded. It would take a long time to get over the loss of Kagome to the dog shit, but he would be fine.

 

Inuyasha finally coughed and Koga snickered, ribbing him verbally.

 

“Okay okay, you can have her back, you bastard!” Koga laughed. Kagome smiled and took Inuyasha's arm.

 

Sango and Miroku stepped up next, together side by side. The four friends shook hands then hugged. The women embraced and whispered well wishes and fond affections. The men clapped each other on the back, settled down for their lives and content.

 

“We want you to read our marriage rites, Kagome-sama,” Miroku said. “You take all the time you need and come back and see us…”

Sango smiled and nodded. Kagome brushed a tear from her eye and smiled.

 

“I'll come back and marry you…I promise,” she whispered. The smiles from the monk and exterminator were as bright as the sun.

A cough sounded from the ground and they looked down to see Shippou with a fist against his chin.

 

“Don't forget me either, Kagome…. I'll miss you. Even Inuyasha,” Shippou said seriously, his young face twisted in sadness. Kagome knelt and hugged him tightly. Mother and son shared a small moment from the world as their friends watched.

 

“Kagome, I still need you too… so please don't forget us!” Shippou sniffed. Kagome teared up again and rubbed his tiny back.

 

“How could I, Shippou? It's unthinkable… I need you all too,” Kagome whispered. “I'll be back, I promise. You'll stay with Miroku and Sango won't you?”

 

Shippou nodded.”They asked me this morning. I'm so relieved!”

 

Kagome laughed.

 

Inuyasha coughed. “Kagome, we should get going, right?” Kagome nodded and stood, taking his hand. Inuyasha carried her yellow backpack, kept in his care during her `stay' at the palace of the Western Lands.

 

A few shouted goodbyes were called and the images of her friends faded in her mind as Kagome leaped down into the wall, nestled warmly in Inuyasha's arms. But they stayed in her heart, always.

 

It wasn't goodbye forever. Just for alittle while. They would be back.

 

* * * *

 

“She's WHAT!!!” Jii-chan hollered, face aghast in horror. “You ….you…you demon! Begone from my family!”

 

Inuyasha sighed mightily and let Kagome's grandfather plaster useless wards all over his face.

 

“Kagome, really….” He muttered, wanting to swat the paper scrolls away. Kagome giggled so he allowed her this moment of genuine mirth. She needed more laughter in these days of healing.

 

“Pregnant! With child! Oh my precious granddaughter! My only grandchild! You marred my perfect….” Jii-chan ranted. Souta coughed behind him and looked downcast.

 

“I'm right here you know, Grandpa….” The boy muttered at the exclamation about Kagome being the only grandchild. When Grandpa got into it, he lost his head! And his memory apparently…

 

Kagome giggled nervously, but she looked older and wiser. As if she bore the weight of the world on her shoulders and saw it through although it had crushed her a little in its way.

 

“I know I'm too young, Grandpa…but I want to keep it. Inuyasha's here with me, and I'll still finish school. We can work in the shrine if you need…” Inuyasha nodded uneasily but was ready to step up to his mate's family's expectations.

 

That set Grandpa off on a whole new angle. “That's darn right Inuyasha will be working for the family shrine! Kagome, you don't worry about a thing, child, we'll help with the baby, and you ARE going to college!”

 

Kagome laughed weakly. “I want to, Grandpa! You and Mama must have been talking…”

 

“Uh, Kagome, your mom's coming this way,” Inuyasha said weakly, seeing his life flash before his eyes. Souta puffed his small chest out manly.

 

“You can survive, this, nii-chan! Though I think it's cool Kagome's gonna have a baby already…” Souta beamed, future status of being an uncle secured in his young mind.

 

“WHAT! Kagome's pregnant??” Mama Higurashi's eyes bugged out and she almost swooned on the spot.

 

“Uhm, you didn't hear it from me!” Souta insisted. Jii-chan darted over to his daughter and the two waved their hands, seemingly making battle formations on the hanyou. Inuyasha began to sweat. Kagome squeezed his hand and smiled weakly.

 

“I thought they'd be glad!” Inuyasha insisted.

 

“In our time, you have to be a little older!” Kagome explained. “If you're still in school, you really shouldn't be trying to have babies, even if I would be too old almost in your time to have my first….”

 

“First??” Inuyasha grinned, visions of dancing plump babies in his head. They all had white hair and puppy ears and Kagome's eyes.

 

“Inuyasha!” Mama Higurashi flashed up in front of his face, making the hanyou yelp. “Kagome's pregnant already? Oh, Inuyasha, it's too soon…” she wailed.

 

The young couple demurred and explained and tried to get a word in edgewise. Finally, the two convinced Kagome's mother that Kagome really should be getting an exam done at the doctor's soon anyway.

 

Inuyasha took it upon himself to be the one to tell Mrs. Higurashi about her daughter's…forced intimacy with his brother. He would not let anything harm his Kagome anymore, even if it was talking about a harsh experience gone, stomped down in a palace courtyard.

 

Kagome rested her head against Inuyasha's shoulder, walking close at his side as the family all decided to reconvene indoors as dusk was fast approaching during the whole spiel on the shrine grounds.

 

Souta bounced along, trying to explain to his mother and grandfather about why it was cool he was going to be an uncle. Jii-chan loudly complained still and rubbed his neck, sorely aggravated. Mrs. Higurashi made do, though she still wasn't overly thrilled as most mothers would be about a young pregnancy.

 

Inuyasha cornered Mrs. Higurashi after a loud and lengthy dinner, in the kitchen.

 

“Mrs. Higu….Mom.” he began. Mrs. Higurashi raised her eyebrow, putting Inuyasha on the spot. He rubbed his neck then proceeded forward.

 

“Kagome needs to be checked out by a healer not just for the pup….”

 

`Pup'? Mrs. Higurashi thought. Well Inuyasha WAS half dog demon….

 

“Uhm, about…her body…” he stammered. Mrs. Higurashi patted her erstwhile son in law on the shoulder.

 

“What do you mean, Inuyasha?” she asked. Inuyasha sighed and clasped her hands in comfort.

 

“Kagome….well ya see, I have an older brother…”

 

* * * *

 

Inuyasha patted Mrs. Higurashi's hands after the horrible news, watching ackwardly as she cried before him. His heart broke further that a mother would have to know something like this had happened to someone they loved dearly.

 

“I…paid my brother back for what he did, and took Kagome back here. It's why we've been gone so long! It…took me awhile to get her back,” she didn't need to know he had died, that was too much on the modern woman. “ and we wanted her to have some rest… after that. I just….wanted you to know so there wouldn't be surprises at the healer's.”

 

Mrs. Higurashi squeezed the hanyou's hands, making him feel welcome yet uncomfortable at the same time. “Inuyasha…how can I thank you for looking out for my Kagome?” she whispered.

 

Inuyasha managed a weak smile. “I couldn't do otherwise…I love your daughter so much, and the pup,” he confessed his heart carefully, his face breaking out in a blush. Mrs. Higurashi sighed and laughed.

 

“We'll work through this. You'll make a fine father…and you are the best thing for my daughter.”

 

Inuyasha's face turned as red as his haori. “Thank you….'Mom.'

 

“If there's anything you need, just ask me,” she continued. Inuyasha began to say he didn't need anything, then stopped.

 

“Well, you can keep Jii-chan and his stupid worthless scrolls away from me,” he commented dryly. Mrs. Higurashi laughed brightly, wiping tears from her eyes.

 

“I'll try and keep him in line! He's just so overprotective of his children,” she said. Inuyasha gave a small `keh' but smiled.

 

When he went into the family room, Kagome took his hand and led him to her bedroom despite Jii-chan's sputterings. The two readied for bed and Inuyasha watched his mate move around her small bedroom as it didn't take him so long to remove his haori and under shirt.

 

“We're back. Does that make you happy?” Inuyasha murmured, kissing her hair. Kagome lay at his side, arm draped over his bare waist and sighed, burrowing under the covers.

 

“Yes it does…” it was a better change than him howling at her about her time. Their quest was over. A great evil in the world died at their hands. And Inuyasha could stay here with her at leisure.

 

“We're going to the doctor's tomorrow, looks like,” Kagome yawned. Inuyasha laid a warm hand over her belly, then moved to her back, feeling her aches through their bond.

 

“What's that like?” Inuyasha wondered, having only known Kaede's herbs.

 

“Oh I'm sure it won't be fun,” Kagome laughed. Inuyasha thought about what they might have to do for a raped woman and shuddered. Kagome felt it and stroked his chest with her hand.

 

“I have you, Inuyasha… that's all I need,” she whispered. She may still have nightmares. She may still hurt and ache from what Sesshomaru had done. But she had her happy ending in sight.

 

Life could only go well from this day forward.

 

End for now.

There will be more!

 

No that wasn't the end of the fic. Promise! I realize it sounded too resolute there at the very last line. Not trying to scare you! Like it, hate it, want something else to happen? Drop me a review or an email.

Thanks for your support so far! Intended Mate has a few more chapters to go, don't you worry!

Oh and Inuyasha had his fire rat robe resewn…sometime in there. I thought it too tedious to describe.

 

Most sincerely yours, penpaninu 10/04/05