InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Jewel Shard's Bail Bonds ❯ Road Trip ( Chapter 10 )

 

 

 

Kouga sat behind a polished wood desk in a conference room his two most trusted advisors Hakkaku and Ginta sat on each side of him. He had to leave America and Kagome's side to settle some issue within his pack. Even though they did not live in caves in the mountains like they had in feudal era they were still a tight knit group, and currently there had been plenty of squabbling among the smaller factions of the clan, that Ginta and Hakkaku could not deal with on their own. Therefore, he was sitting in a conference waiting for the leader of the Northern tribe to meet with him, in hopes of finding some type of combined solution for both there tribes. He turned to Ginta.

“What do we know about leader the of the northern tribe?” he said in a business like tone.

Ginta opened a file and flipped through it, “Not much. They're very private from the information we've gathered. He's been ruling for nearly eight hundred years. He has one granddaughter `Ayame' the only known heir to the northern tribe, but they're weak, their numbers have dwindled in recent decades. They're not assimilating as well as we have it seems,” he looked up at Kouga expectantly. Kouga took in the information wondering what this weak tribe could have to offer to him that could solve his problems.

A small group of Wolf Youkai entered the room consisting of two older males and a younger female. The oldest male with white hair and a long beard had to be the elder from the north, he also had a younger man with him who had longer brown hair pulled back in a low ponytail and a long scar across his face. The young woman who sat between them had flaming red hair and blazing green eyes. She wore a tight corset that pressed up her breasts and a short white skirt. She sat between the two men shooting Kouga a smoldering looking. This had to be the girl Ayame that Ginta had mentioned.

“Thank you for meeting with us,” the old man said, “I know you are only in Japan for a short time since you live out of the country currently.”

“That I do, but I was more than willing to meet with such a respected elder as yourself,” Kouga said smoothly, this was how these things went a lot of flattery then down to business.

“Thank you, it is kind of you to say so,” he said, “Now let me get to business. We are here to make you an offer.”

“What type of offer?” Kouga said cautiously.

“I have heard rumors there has been some fighting within your pack due to succession issue's you have been leader of your pack for nearly five hundred years and have yet to take a mate or produce an heir.”

“This is true,” he said diplomatically, that was why Kouga had left for America in the first place to search for suitable mate. He had been looking for nearly five hundred years for some one who compared to his previous chosen mate and none were even close until he met Kagome. Then he found out on Halloween she was `her' reincarnation, and he planned on bringing her home to Japan as soon as things were settled.

“Well we would like to offer a solution to your problem. Our tribe has grown weak and we are looking to combine tribes, and I would like to offer my granddaughter Ayame as your mate, your children would be the leaders of the largest wolf tribe in a millennia.”

Kouga sat back regarding the old man so this is what this was all about; he wanted him to take his granddaughter as his mate. Well, unfortunately for him he had already chosen a mate.

“I'm sorry but I will have to decline your offer.”

“May I ask why?”

“I have already chosen a mate.”

“We were not aware.”

“It is not yet official she's still in America.”

“May I ask is she a Youkai?”

Kouga weighed his options it was not widely known the nature of his future mate yet, Ginta and Hakkaku knew of course, but no one else. It would do no harm in telling this leader of a dying pack.

“She is not,” he said evenly.

“Hmm,” the old man said thoughtfully.

The red head, Ayame, spoke up then, “Do you realize our people are fewer every year, and you a prince of the Wolf Youkai would taint your blood with a human mate. This is a mockery of our once great tribes,” she said her green eyes a light with vehemence.

“Who I choose as my mate is of no concern to you, and if it was necessary I could take any woman from my pack and sire a pup to lead our tribe. But I choose a human woman as my mate,” he said returning her smoldering glare.

“You are a fool,” she said angrily.

“Ayame enough,” her grandfather said raising a hand, “I am sorry we could not come to an agreement. I hope we may be able to work something out between our tribes but for now I think our time together is up.”

“Yes I believe so,” Kouga agreed.

The three of them stood to leave and Ayame was the last to walk out the door but not before throwing him one last smoldering glare.

Once the door shut, Kouga shouted “That Bitch! How dare she speak to me that way?”

“She did make a point Kouga,” Hakkaku said.

“There are those who will disapprove of your chosen match, they would prefer to see you with some one like Ayame,” Ginta added.

“I don't care if there are insolent whelps who doubt my judgment. I will run them out then bring Kagome back as my mate and none will stand in my way, end of conversation.” Afraid of inciting his rage further both Hakkaku and Ginta stayed quiet, while Kouga thought angrily, `the moment I am finished here I will mate Kagome and bring her back to Japan and this conversation will end at last.'

 

 

 

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The morning of Thanksgiving, Kagome was dressed and waiting for Inuyasha to pick her up at seven. She tried turning on the Thanksgiving Day parade, but that even had not stared yet. She ended up being stuck sitting in her living room with a lot of nervous energy until Inuyasha picked her up. She was not even entirely sure why she was so nervous, things had pretty much cleared up between her and Inuyasha. When she really thought about it probably the fact that they would be alone in his town house for several hours was the cause. She trusted Inuyasha, she just was not sure how he felt about her, hell she was not sure how she felt about him. She wanted to say he was just a friend but there seemed to be more to their friendship than that. The kiss on Halloween had changed things whether for good or bad Kagome couldn't tell because she still wasn't sure of his motives. She was pretty sure it was because she looked like his ex Kikyo but Kagome hadn't seen her around in months and was beginning to wonder if that was really what this was about. A knock at the door ended her train of thought as she ran to the door expectantly. Inuyasha was standing there a grin on his face.

“Ready to get cooking?” he asked.

“Always!” she said happily, “let me get my bag,” she grabbed her over full backpack. Inuyasha took one look at her trying to lug it through the door and stopped her.

“What do you have in there bricks?” he said,

“No, just some cook books, and clothes, and some other things,” she said innocently.

“Give it to me. I won't let you break your back over some cookbooks,” he lifted her burden from her shoulders and headed towards his car. Kagome could not help the smile that spread across her face.

 

They arrived at Inuyasha's house a short time later. It was a two-story town house with a blue exterior. As they walked up to the front door Kagome could hear the ocean crashing. `He is right on the water,' she thought in amazement. He led her into the hall with its freshly painted walls and pristine hardwood floors. He had a decent sized living room with a large flat screen television and two black couches. The kitchen was right next to the living room separated by a counter and bar with three barstools. Piled on top of the counter was a mountain of food.

“Is all of that for today?” Kagome said incredulously.

“Yeah I went shopping last night with that list of ideas you gave me and it all sounded good so I bought it all,” he said matter-of-factly, “is that okay?”

Kagome was not expecting to cook this much food, but she had the resolve and the know how to cook for an army.

“That's fine, I know I can do it!” she said resolutely and dived into the pile of food.

A few hours and every dish in Inuyasha's kitchen later Kagome had prepped and cooked everything she could before she had to finish when everyone would arrive. Feeling exhausted she collapsed onto Inuyasha's couch. It was past midday by now and Kagome was watching the end of the Thanksgiving Day parade with half-open eyes. Inuyasha sat at the end of the couch and Kagome noticed him staring at her, she sat up on her elbows and looked back him.

“Do I really look like her?” Kagome said.

“What?” Inuyasha said defensively.

“Kikyo, do you really think we look alike?” she said sitting up.

“Why do you say that?” he said looking away.

“Because you were staring at me,” she said, moving in closer to Inuyasha trying to get him to look her in the eye.

“No I wasn't,” he said defensively.

“Yes you were. I saw you,” she accused.

“Keh,” he grouched.

“Don't give me that! Tell me Inuyasha,” she said grabbing hold of one of his wrists, he turned his face to hers and she paused in her struggle, holding his wrist lightly.

“In some ways you do, in other ways not at all, you're you Kagome you're not Kikyo,” he said softly.

“Oh” Kagome said softly.

Inuyasha leaned forward toward her. Kagome let go of his wrists as he moved forward even closer, when there lips were nearly touching the doorbell rang.

“I bet that's Sango and Miroku,” Kagome said jumping up from Inuyasha.

Inuyasha seemed to shake himself, “Yeah I'll get the door.”

Kagome sat back down, `did he almost kiss me again? I think I wanted him to kiss me.'

She shook herself, that was crazy he did not want to kiss her it was all in her imagination. Kagome heard the door open and familiar voices then there was a blur of red as she was thrown to the couch.

“Kagome!” a young voice called excitedly.

“Shippo!” she replied picking up the young boy who had pinned her to the couch. Shippo was Miroku's younger brother from his father's second marriage. His father and stepmother were taking a cruise for thanksgiving and Shippo had come to stay with Miroku. She had met him early this week and he had attached himself to her right away, probably in part to the fact that she gave him candy every time she saw him.

“Kagome did you bring me candy?” he said excitedly.

“Of course!” she said pulling a couple hard candies out of her purse, he took them greedily and began unwrapping them.

“Don't eat those!” Miroku said coming into the living room.

“Why not?” he moaned.

“You'll ruin your appetite sweetie,” Sango said kindly. Shippo gave Sango one of his brightest grins and rewrapped the candy. Kagome was not the only one Shippo had grown attached to in his four days staying with his older brother. He was very fond of Sango as well and did everything she told him to do. Kagome personally thought it was because he had a crush on her, which made Kagome think it ran in the family.

 

Sango got Shippo settled with some crayons and the two of them started finishing all the dishes Kagome had prepared before their arrival. By the time, everything was ready Rin and Sesshomaru had arrived. It had taken a lot of begging and pleading with Inuyasha on Kagome's part to get Sesshomaru invited. It had been obvious to her from the few interactions she had seen between the two of them that they did not get along very well, but Rin was Kagome's friend and you did not get Rin with out Sesshomaru.

They served dinner and Inuyasha even carved the turkey. Everyone complimented Kagome on her cooking a million times over making her blush bright red from all their attention of her. When they had all eaten enough to where they thought they would explode, they lounged on the couches in Inuyasha living room. Sleepy from the turkey Shippo had curled up on Kagome's lap and fallen asleep. She stroked his head gently as she watched everyone around the room. Sango and Miroku were having a private conversation on the sofa near the sliding glass door. Rin was cuddled up next to Sesshomaru and Inuyasha was intent on watching the football game on television. `It's great to be with all my friends,' Kagome thought happily, then she remember her mothers offer for everyone to come visit which she'd been waiting until everyone was together to ask.

“I have something to tell everyone,” Kagome announced, everyone in the room turned their eyes on her. “I don't know what everyone's plans for Christmas were but my moms invited you all to come up for a couple weeks and relax on our farm,” Kagome said.

“Really?” Sango replied.

“Yeah, it would be fun. There'll be snow, and good food and lots of relaxation,” Kagome said.

“What about Jewel Shards?” Miroku said.

“That's up to Inuyasha,” Kagome said looking over to him.

He looked away from the television and looked at her as if he was processing the request. “I don't see any harm in closing for two weeks,” he said.

“You mean it?” Kagome said excitedly.

“Yeah why not it could be fun,” Inuyasha said.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you!” Kagome said hugging him around his neck. When she pulled away, she swore she saw a slight pink tinge to his cheeks.

“Keh, its nothing,” he said.

“When would we leave?” Rin said.

“After finals until new year's day I guess,” Kagome said thoughtfully.

Rin looked up at Sesshomaru expectantly, “Can we go Sesshy?”

“If it would make you happy we can go,” he said to her.

“We're in” Rin said excitedly.

“Sango? Miroku?” Kagome said.

“Do you even have to ask?” Sango said, “of course I'm going!”

“And I can't let Sango go unescorted,” Miroku added.

“That's everyone then,” Kagome cheered, “this is going to be the best Christmas ever, you just wait!”

 

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“That had to be the worst final ever!” Kagome moaned as her and Rin exited Professor Takahashi class.

“I didn't think it was that bad,” Rin said happily.

“Yeah you wouldn't you have private tutoring,” Kagome shot back.

“You must be crazy if you think all me and Sesshy are doing together is studying. Would you be studying if you had a god in your bed?” Rin said mischievously.

Kagome noticed professor Oongami walking toward them shooting a death glare in their direction distracting her from answering Rin.

“Hello professor,” Kagome said in a friendly tone.

“Miss Higurashi,” Professor Oongami said in a clipped tone, then breezed past the pair of them into professor Takahashi's classroom.

When Kagome looked back to Rin, she looked extremely uncomfortable.

“Do you know who that was?” Rin said in a worried tone.

“My English professor,” Kagome supplied.

“That's Sesshomaru's wife!” she said sounding very nervous.

“THAT'S HIS WIFE!” Kagome shouted in surprise.

“Yes, keep it down she'll hear you,” Rin said a note of panic in her tone.

`That cannot be a warm marriage,' Kagome thought looking back towards the classroom.

“Do you think she heard what I said?” Rin said looking around nervously.

“How could she, she was a couple of feet away and we weren't talking very loud,” Kagome said reassuringly.

“I guess so,” Rin said looking over her shoulder to the classroom.

“Don't worry she'll never find out,” Kagome said as they walked towards the student parking lot.

 

 

 

Sesshomaru looked up from the papers he was grading on his desk. Kagura was standing a few feet away from him expressing the perfect example of rage.

“Hello Kagura,” he said dryly.

“Good to see you Sesshomaru, I originally came over here to relay a message from our son. But on my way I had the displeasure of over hearing a conversation between two students. A small girl with wavy brown hair was talking about not studying while having a god in her bed. Isn't that interesting,” She said sarcastically.

`Rin I thought you knew better than that,' he thought darkly, “Interesting,” Sesshomaru replied.

“It makes me wonder who this god is,” she said slinking over to him, her violet eyes dancing with anger.

“Hard to tell,” he said with disinterest.

“You know exactly who it is. That girl had your scent all over her, it doesn't take an Inu-Youkai nose to know that you're sleeping with that girl,” she said her voice rising with anger.

“And what if I am?” he said.

“The community will hear of this! You are a married man Sesshomaru. You can't go around fucking students!”

“As I am no longer acting lord of the west, the community has no need to meddle in my affairs and as of today she is no longer my student. As far as our marriage is concerned you have no room to speak on this matter, you `fucked' everything that moved when we were back in Japan.”

“How dare you!” she shouted, “I will not let you continue to embarrass me in this way. I will not let this relationship stand and if you think I will release you from your promise to me then you are mistaken and more of a fool than I could ever of taken you for.”

He stood up to full height then and moved around the desk to tower above Kagura.

“If it was my wish I could kill you in an instant, don't forget who it was that saved you Kagura,” he said darkly.

“You cannot kill me Sesshomaru, I hold all of the cards,” she said angrily, turning on her heel she headed towards the door.

“By the way your son sends holiday greetings and hopes you will come to visit him soon,” she said before disappearing out the door.

Sesshomaru seethed with rage, for the millionth time he wished he had not saved Kagura all those centuries ago and took her as his mate. He would be rid of her soon one way or another he had found his true match in Rin and he would not let anyone stand in his way of getting what he wanted, and he never had. He calmed his rage and walked back over to his desk to finish his paperwork.

 

 

 

 

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