InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Kagome's Realization ❯ Chapter 36 ( Chapter 44 )
[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]
By: Chelsfanfiction 
I've finally updated!
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Drama / Mystery / Romance / Suspense / Angst | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 07.29.2004 | Updated On: 08.17.2007 | Pages: 2 | Words: 4.4K | Visits: 1.7K | Status: Work In Progress
I've finally updated!
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Drama / Mystery / Romance / Suspense / Angst | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 07.29.2004 | Updated On: 08.17.2007 | Pages: 2 | Words: 4.4K | Visits: 1.7K | Status: Work In Progress
Well looky looky. I have FINALLY posted another chapter to my story after more than a year. I appreciate all the ppl who have asked if I plan on continuing. I may not have posted in forever but I have thought about it constantly.
Chapter 36
Inuyasha ran full speed. Tetsusaiga was drawn and alive in his hand. With each step he felt it pulsate. He ran through the steam, heat, and fire without a care. He scanned the area for his prey; they were hiding amongst the rocks and boulders that lined the mountain side. Hearing sounds of rock moving to his left he ran towards them. Inuyasha smiled wickedly, he could smell it. Inuyasha ran faster.**********“This is almost like a dream,” Kagome said as Shippo sat on her shoulder while they looked around the beautiful open clearing they were camped at. Behind them was a lush forest, full of some of the largest and most magnificent trees she had ever seen. Everything smelled fresh and sweet. If it weren’t for it being in the middle of the day she would have collapsed right under one of those trees and taken a nap. The trees were big enough for her to climb them and find a comfortable spot amongst the branches to rest in.
“It is amazing!” Sango said joining them. “I agree with Kagome, it does almost feel like a dream. But I’m not sure I feel comfortable with this dream, it could quickly become a nightmare,” Sango said her voice tense as she looked toward Miroku.“I don’t feel the presence of any youkai,” Miroku told her as he put a hand on her shoulder, “I will protect you and Kagome-sama if anything happens while Inuyasha is gone.”
Miroku stood next to Sango gently rubbing her shoulder in a circular motion, completely oblivious to the evil look on Sango’s face. Although, he didn’t miss the pain that came when she turned and swiftly kicked him in his groin.Shippo sighed heavily and shook his head as he watched Miroku rock back and forth on the ground. Completely ignoring the hentai's pain he asked, “Why don’t you feel comfortable here? Everything seems quiet and peaceful to me.”“Too quiet and peaceful if you ask me. I’m used to forests being alive with the sounds of birds and other animals running around causing little noises,” Kagome turned and stared at the forest. “The woods around here may be old but there should be at least some noise.”“I haven’t noticed any either. No movement at all actually. At the same time I’m not really surprised, considering,” Sango said, walking closer to where Kagome stood rubbing the bark of the tree beside her.“Considering what?” Shippo complained to Kagome and Sango.“It’s Sesshomaru’s,” Miroku said with a groan as he got back on his feet.“What’s Sesshomaru’s?” Shippo asked in surprise as he turned around and stared up at Miroku as he dusted himself off.“Everything,” Kagome and Sango replied in unison.“About five days ago we entered the Western Lands. The volcano that Inuyasha insisted we come to is Mt. Fuji. It belongs to Sesshomaru.” Kagome answered as she reached to rub his head.“But we’ve covered a lot of ground in the last five days.” Shippo couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Inuyasha’s father was that great? Sesshomaru now held power over all of this?“If we keep on the trail that we’ve been taking it would take us weeks to get to the end of Sesshomaru’s lands,” Miroku chimed in as he moved to stand next to Kagome on the side not taken by Sango.“It’s almost dark and I’m hungry,” Shippo pointed out. The others now stared at him, not expecting the abrupt change in subject.
“Why don’t we start a fire and Kagome can make us some ramen for dinner. I doubt Inuyasha has gone out to hunt for food.” Shippo said jumping from Kagome’s shoulder to Miroku’s.“We’ll start the fire with the wood we collected earlier, why don’t the two of you go and get some more,” Miroku suggested as he began to prepare a spot for a fire. He no longer could deny the feeling a dread that washed over him. Being in the open field was just an invitation for something to come and attack them. He wanted to prevent the fire from being seen from miles away, but hesitated at being so far into the forest. He settled for halfway. As he began placing the rocks in awhere he thought would be the best place to build the fire, he watched the ladies go further in to collect wood.
“Sango’s gonna hurt you when she gets back if she catches you looking at her,” Shippo said with a smirk on his face.
“Despite how much pleasure it gives me to stare at the lovely Sango, it was Kagome-sama I was looking at…” Miroku’s rant was abruptly stopped when a piece of wood that had been lying at his feet a moment before collided with his head. Miroku put his hand to the lump that was rapidly growing on the side of his head while Shippo held another piece of wood high over his head prepared to strike again if the hentai’s thoughts didn’t change direction quickly.
“You leave Kagome out of your lecherous thoughts!” Shippo’s words came out with a kind of force that could rival Inuyasha’s. Anyone could see that the wood he now held would be connecting with flesh and bone if the hentai didn’t recover immediately.
Taking the hint, Miroku yelped out quickly, “I was wondering how Kagome-sama is. It’s been almost a month since we’ve revived her. She hasn’t had another episode of sleepwalking but I wonder how she’s doing. Although the strange dreams seem to have stopped I doubt that this is the end of them. I believe there are many changes left that she must undergo but for now they seem to be dormant again.”
“Changes?” Shippo asked terrified.
Miroku smiled at Shippo, his voice light, “Kagome-sama is a reincarnation. More importantly she’s the reincarnation of a miko. When Kikyo was alive she was trained to use her powers and harness her full potential. Kagome-sama was never taught such things. Kagome-sama is just as powerful as Kikyo, if not more so, but her powers lay dormant inside her,” Miroku explained thoughtfully.
“But she’s used her power,” Shippo protested, remembering that Kagome had used her powers against Naraku on a few occasions.
“Yes, she has, but it is on an unconscious level.”
Seeing Shippo’s confused look, he explained. “Kagome has been able to protect herself with a barrier when she has needed it the most, when her life was truly in the balance. For her it just happens unlike Kikyo who can control it. I think that the part of her soul Kikyo carried has been a jolt to her system so to speak; I think her miko side is trying to become a more conscious part of her and is causing the strange behaviors. Although, we have not actually discussed any possible reasons for her dreams and sleepwalking yet and I think it is possible that Inuyasha and Sango feel the same way,” Miroku said as he began rearranging the rocks yet again unsatisfied with the arrangement.
“Do you think Kagome knows?” Shippo asked handing him the piece of wood he held so it could be placed for the fire.
“I’m not sure how aware Kagome-sama is with the changes she’s been experiencing, but I do know that I shall leave it to her to figure it out,” with that Miroku placed the last of the wood onto the stack and gestured for Shippo to light it with the match Kagome had left behind.
***********
Kagome and Sango were spending as much time collecting wood as they were admiring their surroundings. Everything was so beautiful and mesmerizing. They couldn’t see the tops of the trees no matter were they stood; these trees were simply too tall. Though, the silence had them unnerved. The only sounds were their footsteps and breathing; it was simply eerie.
“The land here is breathtaking but it kind of gives me the creeps. I’m glad that Inuyasha said we wouldn’t have to be here long,” Kagome took a cautious look around her. Despite how quiet it was she expected something to suddenly jump out at her and roar in her face. The thought gave her goose bumps and sent a shiver down her spine. Suddenly a new sense of calm and confidence washed over her that drew her up straight and set her about the task of collecting wood.
Sango stood back and watched her dearest friend. It was amazing to see how subtle the changes were. She had seen the discomfort on Kagome’s face and in her posture. Hell, she felt the same way, but as she glanced up toward Kagome’s face her eyes had captured her attention, something was there she couldn’t quite put into words. She’d never seen Kagome look like that. It was as if she has a newly found confidence and it quickly settled her nerves and left her free to do what she came to do. She wasn’t sure how aware of it Kagome was but she had decided not to interfere in any way, despite how tempting, and simply keep a close eye on her. When she came back to the feudal era three weeks ago she was tired during the day afraid to sleep to deeply at night, she was too concerned for her friend when she would go to sleep. Thankfully, there hadn’t been anymore strange dreams and sleepwalking. She knew that she didn’t have to worry about Kagome walking away from the campsite sleepwalking, Inuyasha kept a very close eye on her, but she couldn’t help it either way
“I can feel you watching me Sango,” Kagome said without turning from the pile of wood she was gathering. “I wish everyone would stop worrying and hovering over me constantly. I feel everyone’s eyes on me while I’m sleeping worried that I might walk off somewhere and fall off a cliff,” to this Kagome stood up with her arms full of wood, “I’m finished but you can still hold some more wood,” she said walking back toward the campsite leaving a stunned Sango behind.
************
Sesshomaru stood watching the sun start its journey downward and finally dip below the horizon. He felt Inuyasha’s youkai closing in on him; although, from the smell of it, he was still a little over a hundred miles away. Looking down toward Rin, who was making a crown out of flowers that was undoubtedly for him.
From his position next to Ah Un, Jaken could sense a subtle change in Sesshomaru’s continence. Stepping closer to where the youkai Lord stood he dared to ask what was bothering him.
“You sense something, Sesshomaru-sama?” Jaken asked eyes scanning as far as he could see. He saw nothing out of place.
“Inuyasha,” Sesshomaru responded seemingly uninterested.
At Inuyasha’s name Rin’s head snapped up and she was on her feet in a flash. “Inuyasha? He’s close? Do you sense Kagome? Rin has been so worried about her. Rin dreams of her often,” she asked quickly, her words all jumbled into one almost unintelligible phrase.
“I sense her,” Sesshomaru responded. Actually, he could sense her aura more than Inuyasha’s youkai. He had never thought much of the girl but now what he felt from her was different.
He felt a spark; it was like how a flicker of light would feel and this intrigued him greatly. If he could feel this far from her he wondered what it would be like with her in his presence. As if something was pulling him to her, he began to walk toward the flickering, sparking girl.
“We’re leaving,” he announced as he continued walking further away from the group.
Hearing this Rin jumped to her feet with excitement while clapping her hands together. Running over toward Ah Un she announced in a voice that was a miniature version of Sesshomaru’s, “We’re leaving.”
Running on ahead she quickly caught up and fell into step with him Ah Uh and Jaken bringing up the rear.
************ Kagome scanned the open field, there was no sign of Inuyasha. “I wonder if he’ll be back tonight.” Kagome pondered out loud as she gathered the remains of there dinner. “He'll be back tonight. You still have junk food.” Shippo informed her. “He’ll come back to eat it.” Kagome laughed at him and looked up at the stars. It was a cloud less night. In fact every night had been cloudless since they'd been in the Western Lands. “There’s no noise in the forest and no clouds in the sky. Does Sesshomaru have such power?” Kagome questioned without looking down at them. “I don’t think so.” Miroku said pondering the idea. “I hope not.” Shippo and Sango said at the same time. They exchanged nervous looks. “He’s powerful enough." Shippo said as he jumped on Kagome’s shoulder. “Who’s powerful enough?” Inuyasha asked suddenly appearing before them. When they screamed Inuyasha jumped back, tripped over a root, and fell on his butt.
“Feh, why are you screaming?” He asked pissed and stood. He walked to Kagome and tossed a bag they hadn't noticed. “That’s for you.” Inuyasha sniffed the air, licked his lips, and dug into Kagome’s bag looking for something to eat. Shippo nudged Kagome and pointed at Inuyasha, “I told you.” He whispered. Kagome wasn’t paying any attention, nor were Miroku and Sango, what was in the bag was more intriguing than what Inuyasha was eating. “What is it?” Kagome asked looking at the large bag. Whatever it was it was big. Kagome squatted in front of the bag and opened it. Kagome's scream was echoed by the quite fores, piercing it's silence. She threw it away and stood the bag landed in front of Miroku and Sango.“What is it?” Miroku asked putting his hand out to use his Kazana if necessary. Sango leaned over and peeked inside. Unlike Kagome, Sango didn’t scream but the expression on was enough to know she felt the same way and she jumped behind Miroku. “Do it.” She urged, nudging him. Miroku pulled at the beads that kept his Kazana at bay. Inuyasha, who was more interested in his food than the screams of his friends at his ‘gift’ but when he heard Mioku being urged to get rid of it he snapped around. “Don’t you dare!” He growled and he walked over to them, as they hid behind one another, and picked up the bag and dumped out it’s contents. “Oh My God!” Kagome said taking several steps back. “It’s rats!” Shippo said with digust. “You brought Kagome rats?!?” He looked at Inuyasha.in shock. In front of them was a pile of eleven rats big rats. Each had a line of deep red fur running down their back and the rest of their fur was a lighter shade of red. Their tongues were hanging out of their mouths and their eyes were open and blank,“Are those?” Miroku asked as he squatted down to take a better look at them. They were about two and a half feet long. “They are.” Inuyasha said proudly. “What are they?” Kagome asked as she nudged one with her foot. “I can’t believe that you found so many of them.” Miroku said impressed. “You didn’t damage them, either.” “I bashed them over the head with Tetsusaiga.” Inuyasha said with a smirk. “That’ll do it.” Sango said from behind Kagome. “What are the rats for? I hope their not for dinner.” Sango and Kagome both stuck their tongue out at the thought. “It would have been a waste of my time to go through all this trouble and all this distance just to eat some big ass rats.” Inuyasha shook his head. He grabbed a rat by it’s tail and held it out arms length turning it this it from side to side inspecting it. Kagome and Sango groaned. “I didn’t know they could get this big.” Miroku said as he walked over to Inuyasha. “What are you talking about?” Shippo, Sango, and Kagome asked. Annoyed that Miroku and Inuyasha knew why the rats were of importance.“These are fire rats.” Inuyasha and Miroku answered without taking their eyes off the one Inuyasha held. “Really?” Kagome asked with some interest, she still thought they were gross but they were fire rats, just like Inuyasha’s ... “You plan on having those rats turned into more clothes.” “Yes, I plan on asking Totosai to make a jacket out of them for me.” Inuyasha tossed the rat back on the other rats on the ground and resumed eating. “Nice to see nothing effects your appetite.” Shippo told him. “There’s something wrong with yours?” Kagome asked a little worried. There seemed to be nothing wrong with the one that Inuyasha wore. “It’s for you.” Inuyasha said around a mouth full of noodles. “It's for me?” Kagome was taken aback at his words. “It's for you.” Inuyasha repeated. “That's a good idea. It’ll give her more protection.” Miroku said now understanding why there were in the Western Lands. “I’m to wear dead rats?” Kagome blanched. “Wearing mine never grossed you out before.” Inuyasha said annoyed. “What’s the difference?” “This.” Kagome pointed to the pile of fire rats. “I never saw the rats, only the clothing."“Feh, it’ll look just like mine when it’s finished. Stop worrying.” Inuyasha’s ears twitched and Tetsusaiga grew to life as he pulled it from it’s sheath.
"This is my property, Inuyasha." Sesshomaru said. He stood before the group. Rin, Jaken, and Au Un were several feet behind him.
“This is our Father’s lands.” Inuyasha spat as he lowered Tetsusaiga.
“Not anymore.” Sesshomaru said through gritted teeth.
"Come to kill me?" Inuyasha asked raising Tetsusaiga to point it at him.
“You would already be dead, Inuyasha.” Sesshomaru snirked at Inuyasha and his Tetsusaiga. Sesshomaru pulled out Tokijin and pointed it at him. “With the first step you took.” He looked down at the fire rats on the ground. “You dare hunt on my property.” He slowly lifted his eyes to meet Inuyasha’s cold glare. He took a step closer.
Rin froze her Sesshomaru-sama’s words. She took a few steps back and bumped into Au Un. He could kill them, Rin does not want to see them dead. They helped Rin when she needed it and reunited her with her Sesshomaru-sama. She turned her frightened eyes on Kagome. Kill her again? She did not understand the anger before her.
Sesshomaru he held his brothers gaze. Out of the corner of his eye he say Kagome walk towards Rin. He felt the slightest tingle of anger at her gale at approaching Rin but reminded himself that Rin specifically wanted to see Kagome on this visit. His eyes stayed locked with Inuyasha’s.
“Don’t be frightened, Rin-chan.” Kagome said softly as she dropped to her knees in front of Rin.
Sesshomaru blinked but didn't he didn't take his eyes off Inuyasha.
Rin blinked up at Kagome. She shook her head to toss away the thoughts that Sesshomaru-sama would actually kill his brother and his friends. She looked at Kagome and said with belief. “I am not frightened.” Her bright smile spread across her face. “But Rin is happy to see you.” Rin threw herself at Kagome, wrapping her small arms around Kagome’s neck, hugging her tightly. Kagome gave a squeak at Rin’s sudden movements but she caught her easily and laughed with joy.
“I’m happy to see you too.” Kagome patted her back a few times, squeezed her until groaned, and released her. “What have you been doing today?”
“Well…”
Yes the human, Sesshomaru thought, he looked at the rats again. "Gifts for your human?" He taunted.
Inuyasha ignored his words. “I have what I came for.” Inuyasha informed him. There was no way in hell he was going to let his brother take away his hard earned fire rats. He would have to get his own. These were his.
Inuyasha sheathed Tetsusaiga and turned his back to Sesshomaru, he grabbed his bag, and proceeded to put his fire rats back into his bag. He pulled it closed tight. “We’ll be leaving in at first light.” He heard Sesshomaru sheath Tensaiga and stood up and turned to face him again but was surprised to see open space in front of him.
“See, Sesshomaru-sama, Kagome is alive and well.” Inuyasha turned towards Rin and saw Sesshomaru standing directly in front of Kagome, staring down at her. Sango and Miroku were behind her. He moved to stand next to Kagome.
Sesshomaru let everything around him fade as he let his sense focus purely on the human in front of him. She didn't seem afraid, she simply looked at him. The hairs on his arms and neck were stood up. She was more powerful than before, he could feel it. She was a reincarnation of a miko, a powerful miko, it was only a matter of time before her dormant powers began to wake up. Regaining her sould from Kikyo was awakening her miko. The changes that happen to a person that comes back from death’s grip were unpredictable. Sesshomaru felt a tingle in his nose she's...
Sesshomaru stepped away from Kagome. “Like father, like son, Inuyasha. Whatever it takes to protect your human.” Sesshomaru turned away from them and walked away. “Be gone in the morning, Inuyasha.” He warned.
Rin looked at Sesshomaru's fading back, she turned to Au Un and gestured for them to go. She smiled up a Kagome. “Rin must go now but Rin hopes to see you very soon.” Rin turned and walked to Jaken. “Keep up, Jaken-sama!” She said then ran after her master.
“Oy!” Jaken screamed as he ran as fast as his short legs could take him to out run the girl.
Inuyasha, Kagome, Sango, Shippo, and Miroku stood and watched the odd trio fade away slowly into the distance.
“He hates humans but he has a human child. Strange.” Miroku said when he felt Sesshomaru was far enough away.
“He’s up to something.” Inuyasha said as he jumped up onto the tree by the campfire. “Oh, nice and roomy.” He made himself completely comfortable as he stretched out to as he always wanted to in a tree.
“Up to what?” Kagome asked as she threw her sleeping bag open under the tree Inuyasha was lying on.
“I’m not sure. He has to be up to something, she’s everywhere he is.” Inuyasha looked up at the cloudless night sky, admiring the bright light of the stars and moon.
“I’d like to know where he found her and what happened that made him willing to take care of her.” Sango said as she sat next to the fire, adding more wood.
“She’s very fond of him.” Kagome said stifling a yawn.
“That’s another thing.” Inuyasha said with disbelief. “She seems extremely fond of him. She’s followed him willingly into some extremely dangerous situations. I don’t get it.”
“He might not get it either, Inuyasha.” Miroku observed. “I think that somehow there is a bond between them that he can’t explain and won’t let anyone question. I think she’s the most important thing to him but I’m not sure that he knows it. Naraku knew it. He took Rin as a way to escape Sesshomaru should he fail to absorb him, and it worked.”
“I don’t think we are to understand them.” Sango added. “I would like to know why he was so interested in Kagome. It was as if none of us were there. It creeped me out.”
“I was surprised that it didn’t do the same to me. I assume that he was resizing me up since I’ve been brought back.” Kagome reached her arms out for Shippo who more than willingly went, he settled himself next to her and closed his eyes. “I think we should get some sleep, we should rise bright and earlier and leave the Western Lands.”
“We’re going from here to Totosai’s.” Inuyasha informed them before rolling over. “We leave at the crack of dawn, so go to sleep.”
Goodnights were shared all the way around and of them stretched out and enjoyed looking at the stars before drifting off to sleep.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: I hope you enjoyed this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it. Despite the fact that I haven't updated in a year and a half this chapter only took me about two days to write. I was inspired by the fact that I quit smoking and needed to do something with my hands and the chapter just flowed right out.
Chapter 36
Inuyasha ran full speed. Tetsusaiga was drawn and alive in his hand. With each step he felt it pulsate. He ran through the steam, heat, and fire without a care. He scanned the area for his prey; they were hiding amongst the rocks and boulders that lined the mountain side. Hearing sounds of rock moving to his left he ran towards them. Inuyasha smiled wickedly, he could smell it. Inuyasha ran faster.**********“This is almost like a dream,” Kagome said as Shippo sat on her shoulder while they looked around the beautiful open clearing they were camped at. Behind them was a lush forest, full of some of the largest and most magnificent trees she had ever seen. Everything smelled fresh and sweet. If it weren’t for it being in the middle of the day she would have collapsed right under one of those trees and taken a nap. The trees were big enough for her to climb them and find a comfortable spot amongst the branches to rest in.
“It is amazing!” Sango said joining them. “I agree with Kagome, it does almost feel like a dream. But I’m not sure I feel comfortable with this dream, it could quickly become a nightmare,” Sango said her voice tense as she looked toward Miroku.“I don’t feel the presence of any youkai,” Miroku told her as he put a hand on her shoulder, “I will protect you and Kagome-sama if anything happens while Inuyasha is gone.”
Miroku stood next to Sango gently rubbing her shoulder in a circular motion, completely oblivious to the evil look on Sango’s face. Although, he didn’t miss the pain that came when she turned and swiftly kicked him in his groin.Shippo sighed heavily and shook his head as he watched Miroku rock back and forth on the ground. Completely ignoring the hentai's pain he asked, “Why don’t you feel comfortable here? Everything seems quiet and peaceful to me.”“Too quiet and peaceful if you ask me. I’m used to forests being alive with the sounds of birds and other animals running around causing little noises,” Kagome turned and stared at the forest. “The woods around here may be old but there should be at least some noise.”“I haven’t noticed any either. No movement at all actually. At the same time I’m not really surprised, considering,” Sango said, walking closer to where Kagome stood rubbing the bark of the tree beside her.“Considering what?” Shippo complained to Kagome and Sango.“It’s Sesshomaru’s,” Miroku said with a groan as he got back on his feet.“What’s Sesshomaru’s?” Shippo asked in surprise as he turned around and stared up at Miroku as he dusted himself off.“Everything,” Kagome and Sango replied in unison.“About five days ago we entered the Western Lands. The volcano that Inuyasha insisted we come to is Mt. Fuji. It belongs to Sesshomaru.” Kagome answered as she reached to rub his head.“But we’ve covered a lot of ground in the last five days.” Shippo couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Inuyasha’s father was that great? Sesshomaru now held power over all of this?“If we keep on the trail that we’ve been taking it would take us weeks to get to the end of Sesshomaru’s lands,” Miroku chimed in as he moved to stand next to Kagome on the side not taken by Sango.“It’s almost dark and I’m hungry,” Shippo pointed out. The others now stared at him, not expecting the abrupt change in subject.
“Why don’t we start a fire and Kagome can make us some ramen for dinner. I doubt Inuyasha has gone out to hunt for food.” Shippo said jumping from Kagome’s shoulder to Miroku’s.“We’ll start the fire with the wood we collected earlier, why don’t the two of you go and get some more,” Miroku suggested as he began to prepare a spot for a fire. He no longer could deny the feeling a dread that washed over him. Being in the open field was just an invitation for something to come and attack them. He wanted to prevent the fire from being seen from miles away, but hesitated at being so far into the forest. He settled for halfway. As he began placing the rocks in awhere he thought would be the best place to build the fire, he watched the ladies go further in to collect wood.
“Sango’s gonna hurt you when she gets back if she catches you looking at her,” Shippo said with a smirk on his face.
“Despite how much pleasure it gives me to stare at the lovely Sango, it was Kagome-sama I was looking at…” Miroku’s rant was abruptly stopped when a piece of wood that had been lying at his feet a moment before collided with his head. Miroku put his hand to the lump that was rapidly growing on the side of his head while Shippo held another piece of wood high over his head prepared to strike again if the hentai’s thoughts didn’t change direction quickly.
“You leave Kagome out of your lecherous thoughts!” Shippo’s words came out with a kind of force that could rival Inuyasha’s. Anyone could see that the wood he now held would be connecting with flesh and bone if the hentai didn’t recover immediately.
Taking the hint, Miroku yelped out quickly, “I was wondering how Kagome-sama is. It’s been almost a month since we’ve revived her. She hasn’t had another episode of sleepwalking but I wonder how she’s doing. Although the strange dreams seem to have stopped I doubt that this is the end of them. I believe there are many changes left that she must undergo but for now they seem to be dormant again.”
“Changes?” Shippo asked terrified.
Miroku smiled at Shippo, his voice light, “Kagome-sama is a reincarnation. More importantly she’s the reincarnation of a miko. When Kikyo was alive she was trained to use her powers and harness her full potential. Kagome-sama was never taught such things. Kagome-sama is just as powerful as Kikyo, if not more so, but her powers lay dormant inside her,” Miroku explained thoughtfully.
“But she’s used her power,” Shippo protested, remembering that Kagome had used her powers against Naraku on a few occasions.
“Yes, she has, but it is on an unconscious level.”
Seeing Shippo’s confused look, he explained. “Kagome has been able to protect herself with a barrier when she has needed it the most, when her life was truly in the balance. For her it just happens unlike Kikyo who can control it. I think that the part of her soul Kikyo carried has been a jolt to her system so to speak; I think her miko side is trying to become a more conscious part of her and is causing the strange behaviors. Although, we have not actually discussed any possible reasons for her dreams and sleepwalking yet and I think it is possible that Inuyasha and Sango feel the same way,” Miroku said as he began rearranging the rocks yet again unsatisfied with the arrangement.
“Do you think Kagome knows?” Shippo asked handing him the piece of wood he held so it could be placed for the fire.
“I’m not sure how aware Kagome-sama is with the changes she’s been experiencing, but I do know that I shall leave it to her to figure it out,” with that Miroku placed the last of the wood onto the stack and gestured for Shippo to light it with the match Kagome had left behind.
***********
Kagome and Sango were spending as much time collecting wood as they were admiring their surroundings. Everything was so beautiful and mesmerizing. They couldn’t see the tops of the trees no matter were they stood; these trees were simply too tall. Though, the silence had them unnerved. The only sounds were their footsteps and breathing; it was simply eerie.
“The land here is breathtaking but it kind of gives me the creeps. I’m glad that Inuyasha said we wouldn’t have to be here long,” Kagome took a cautious look around her. Despite how quiet it was she expected something to suddenly jump out at her and roar in her face. The thought gave her goose bumps and sent a shiver down her spine. Suddenly a new sense of calm and confidence washed over her that drew her up straight and set her about the task of collecting wood.
Sango stood back and watched her dearest friend. It was amazing to see how subtle the changes were. She had seen the discomfort on Kagome’s face and in her posture. Hell, she felt the same way, but as she glanced up toward Kagome’s face her eyes had captured her attention, something was there she couldn’t quite put into words. She’d never seen Kagome look like that. It was as if she has a newly found confidence and it quickly settled her nerves and left her free to do what she came to do. She wasn’t sure how aware of it Kagome was but she had decided not to interfere in any way, despite how tempting, and simply keep a close eye on her. When she came back to the feudal era three weeks ago she was tired during the day afraid to sleep to deeply at night, she was too concerned for her friend when she would go to sleep. Thankfully, there hadn’t been anymore strange dreams and sleepwalking. She knew that she didn’t have to worry about Kagome walking away from the campsite sleepwalking, Inuyasha kept a very close eye on her, but she couldn’t help it either way
“I can feel you watching me Sango,” Kagome said without turning from the pile of wood she was gathering. “I wish everyone would stop worrying and hovering over me constantly. I feel everyone’s eyes on me while I’m sleeping worried that I might walk off somewhere and fall off a cliff,” to this Kagome stood up with her arms full of wood, “I’m finished but you can still hold some more wood,” she said walking back toward the campsite leaving a stunned Sango behind.
************
Sesshomaru stood watching the sun start its journey downward and finally dip below the horizon. He felt Inuyasha’s youkai closing in on him; although, from the smell of it, he was still a little over a hundred miles away. Looking down toward Rin, who was making a crown out of flowers that was undoubtedly for him.
From his position next to Ah Un, Jaken could sense a subtle change in Sesshomaru’s continence. Stepping closer to where the youkai Lord stood he dared to ask what was bothering him.
“You sense something, Sesshomaru-sama?” Jaken asked eyes scanning as far as he could see. He saw nothing out of place.
“Inuyasha,” Sesshomaru responded seemingly uninterested.
At Inuyasha’s name Rin’s head snapped up and she was on her feet in a flash. “Inuyasha? He’s close? Do you sense Kagome? Rin has been so worried about her. Rin dreams of her often,” she asked quickly, her words all jumbled into one almost unintelligible phrase.
“I sense her,” Sesshomaru responded. Actually, he could sense her aura more than Inuyasha’s youkai. He had never thought much of the girl but now what he felt from her was different.
He felt a spark; it was like how a flicker of light would feel and this intrigued him greatly. If he could feel this far from her he wondered what it would be like with her in his presence. As if something was pulling him to her, he began to walk toward the flickering, sparking girl.
“We’re leaving,” he announced as he continued walking further away from the group.
Hearing this Rin jumped to her feet with excitement while clapping her hands together. Running over toward Ah Un she announced in a voice that was a miniature version of Sesshomaru’s, “We’re leaving.”
Running on ahead she quickly caught up and fell into step with him Ah Uh and Jaken bringing up the rear.
************ Kagome scanned the open field, there was no sign of Inuyasha. “I wonder if he’ll be back tonight.” Kagome pondered out loud as she gathered the remains of there dinner. “He'll be back tonight. You still have junk food.” Shippo informed her. “He’ll come back to eat it.” Kagome laughed at him and looked up at the stars. It was a cloud less night. In fact every night had been cloudless since they'd been in the Western Lands. “There’s no noise in the forest and no clouds in the sky. Does Sesshomaru have such power?” Kagome questioned without looking down at them. “I don’t think so.” Miroku said pondering the idea. “I hope not.” Shippo and Sango said at the same time. They exchanged nervous looks. “He’s powerful enough." Shippo said as he jumped on Kagome’s shoulder. “Who’s powerful enough?” Inuyasha asked suddenly appearing before them. When they screamed Inuyasha jumped back, tripped over a root, and fell on his butt.
“Feh, why are you screaming?” He asked pissed and stood. He walked to Kagome and tossed a bag they hadn't noticed. “That’s for you.” Inuyasha sniffed the air, licked his lips, and dug into Kagome’s bag looking for something to eat. Shippo nudged Kagome and pointed at Inuyasha, “I told you.” He whispered. Kagome wasn’t paying any attention, nor were Miroku and Sango, what was in the bag was more intriguing than what Inuyasha was eating. “What is it?” Kagome asked looking at the large bag. Whatever it was it was big. Kagome squatted in front of the bag and opened it. Kagome's scream was echoed by the quite fores, piercing it's silence. She threw it away and stood the bag landed in front of Miroku and Sango.“What is it?” Miroku asked putting his hand out to use his Kazana if necessary. Sango leaned over and peeked inside. Unlike Kagome, Sango didn’t scream but the expression on was enough to know she felt the same way and she jumped behind Miroku. “Do it.” She urged, nudging him. Miroku pulled at the beads that kept his Kazana at bay. Inuyasha, who was more interested in his food than the screams of his friends at his ‘gift’ but when he heard Mioku being urged to get rid of it he snapped around. “Don’t you dare!” He growled and he walked over to them, as they hid behind one another, and picked up the bag and dumped out it’s contents. “Oh My God!” Kagome said taking several steps back. “It’s rats!” Shippo said with digust. “You brought Kagome rats?!?” He looked at Inuyasha.in shock. In front of them was a pile of eleven rats big rats. Each had a line of deep red fur running down their back and the rest of their fur was a lighter shade of red. Their tongues were hanging out of their mouths and their eyes were open and blank,“Are those?” Miroku asked as he squatted down to take a better look at them. They were about two and a half feet long. “They are.” Inuyasha said proudly. “What are they?” Kagome asked as she nudged one with her foot. “I can’t believe that you found so many of them.” Miroku said impressed. “You didn’t damage them, either.” “I bashed them over the head with Tetsusaiga.” Inuyasha said with a smirk. “That’ll do it.” Sango said from behind Kagome. “What are the rats for? I hope their not for dinner.” Sango and Kagome both stuck their tongue out at the thought. “It would have been a waste of my time to go through all this trouble and all this distance just to eat some big ass rats.” Inuyasha shook his head. He grabbed a rat by it’s tail and held it out arms length turning it this it from side to side inspecting it. Kagome and Sango groaned. “I didn’t know they could get this big.” Miroku said as he walked over to Inuyasha. “What are you talking about?” Shippo, Sango, and Kagome asked. Annoyed that Miroku and Inuyasha knew why the rats were of importance.“These are fire rats.” Inuyasha and Miroku answered without taking their eyes off the one Inuyasha held. “Really?” Kagome asked with some interest, she still thought they were gross but they were fire rats, just like Inuyasha’s ... “You plan on having those rats turned into more clothes.” “Yes, I plan on asking Totosai to make a jacket out of them for me.” Inuyasha tossed the rat back on the other rats on the ground and resumed eating. “Nice to see nothing effects your appetite.” Shippo told him. “There’s something wrong with yours?” Kagome asked a little worried. There seemed to be nothing wrong with the one that Inuyasha wore. “It’s for you.” Inuyasha said around a mouth full of noodles. “It's for me?” Kagome was taken aback at his words. “It's for you.” Inuyasha repeated. “That's a good idea. It’ll give her more protection.” Miroku said now understanding why there were in the Western Lands. “I’m to wear dead rats?” Kagome blanched. “Wearing mine never grossed you out before.” Inuyasha said annoyed. “What’s the difference?” “This.” Kagome pointed to the pile of fire rats. “I never saw the rats, only the clothing."“Feh, it’ll look just like mine when it’s finished. Stop worrying.” Inuyasha’s ears twitched and Tetsusaiga grew to life as he pulled it from it’s sheath.
"This is my property, Inuyasha." Sesshomaru said. He stood before the group. Rin, Jaken, and Au Un were several feet behind him.
“This is our Father’s lands.” Inuyasha spat as he lowered Tetsusaiga.
“Not anymore.” Sesshomaru said through gritted teeth.
"Come to kill me?" Inuyasha asked raising Tetsusaiga to point it at him.
“You would already be dead, Inuyasha.” Sesshomaru snirked at Inuyasha and his Tetsusaiga. Sesshomaru pulled out Tokijin and pointed it at him. “With the first step you took.” He looked down at the fire rats on the ground. “You dare hunt on my property.” He slowly lifted his eyes to meet Inuyasha’s cold glare. He took a step closer.
Rin froze her Sesshomaru-sama’s words. She took a few steps back and bumped into Au Un. He could kill them, Rin does not want to see them dead. They helped Rin when she needed it and reunited her with her Sesshomaru-sama. She turned her frightened eyes on Kagome. Kill her again? She did not understand the anger before her.
Sesshomaru he held his brothers gaze. Out of the corner of his eye he say Kagome walk towards Rin. He felt the slightest tingle of anger at her gale at approaching Rin but reminded himself that Rin specifically wanted to see Kagome on this visit. His eyes stayed locked with Inuyasha’s.
“Don’t be frightened, Rin-chan.” Kagome said softly as she dropped to her knees in front of Rin.
Sesshomaru blinked but didn't he didn't take his eyes off Inuyasha.
Rin blinked up at Kagome. She shook her head to toss away the thoughts that Sesshomaru-sama would actually kill his brother and his friends. She looked at Kagome and said with belief. “I am not frightened.” Her bright smile spread across her face. “But Rin is happy to see you.” Rin threw herself at Kagome, wrapping her small arms around Kagome’s neck, hugging her tightly. Kagome gave a squeak at Rin’s sudden movements but she caught her easily and laughed with joy.
“I’m happy to see you too.” Kagome patted her back a few times, squeezed her until groaned, and released her. “What have you been doing today?”
“Well…”
Yes the human, Sesshomaru thought, he looked at the rats again. "Gifts for your human?" He taunted.
Inuyasha ignored his words. “I have what I came for.” Inuyasha informed him. There was no way in hell he was going to let his brother take away his hard earned fire rats. He would have to get his own. These were his.
Inuyasha sheathed Tetsusaiga and turned his back to Sesshomaru, he grabbed his bag, and proceeded to put his fire rats back into his bag. He pulled it closed tight. “We’ll be leaving in at first light.” He heard Sesshomaru sheath Tensaiga and stood up and turned to face him again but was surprised to see open space in front of him.
“See, Sesshomaru-sama, Kagome is alive and well.” Inuyasha turned towards Rin and saw Sesshomaru standing directly in front of Kagome, staring down at her. Sango and Miroku were behind her. He moved to stand next to Kagome.
Sesshomaru let everything around him fade as he let his sense focus purely on the human in front of him. She didn't seem afraid, she simply looked at him. The hairs on his arms and neck were stood up. She was more powerful than before, he could feel it. She was a reincarnation of a miko, a powerful miko, it was only a matter of time before her dormant powers began to wake up. Regaining her sould from Kikyo was awakening her miko. The changes that happen to a person that comes back from death’s grip were unpredictable. Sesshomaru felt a tingle in his nose she's...
Sesshomaru stepped away from Kagome. “Like father, like son, Inuyasha. Whatever it takes to protect your human.” Sesshomaru turned away from them and walked away. “Be gone in the morning, Inuyasha.” He warned.
Rin looked at Sesshomaru's fading back, she turned to Au Un and gestured for them to go. She smiled up a Kagome. “Rin must go now but Rin hopes to see you very soon.” Rin turned and walked to Jaken. “Keep up, Jaken-sama!” She said then ran after her master.
“Oy!” Jaken screamed as he ran as fast as his short legs could take him to out run the girl.
Inuyasha, Kagome, Sango, Shippo, and Miroku stood and watched the odd trio fade away slowly into the distance.
“He hates humans but he has a human child. Strange.” Miroku said when he felt Sesshomaru was far enough away.
“He’s up to something.” Inuyasha said as he jumped up onto the tree by the campfire. “Oh, nice and roomy.” He made himself completely comfortable as he stretched out to as he always wanted to in a tree.
“Up to what?” Kagome asked as she threw her sleeping bag open under the tree Inuyasha was lying on.
“I’m not sure. He has to be up to something, she’s everywhere he is.” Inuyasha looked up at the cloudless night sky, admiring the bright light of the stars and moon.
“I’d like to know where he found her and what happened that made him willing to take care of her.” Sango said as she sat next to the fire, adding more wood.
“She’s very fond of him.” Kagome said stifling a yawn.
“That’s another thing.” Inuyasha said with disbelief. “She seems extremely fond of him. She’s followed him willingly into some extremely dangerous situations. I don’t get it.”
“He might not get it either, Inuyasha.” Miroku observed. “I think that somehow there is a bond between them that he can’t explain and won’t let anyone question. I think she’s the most important thing to him but I’m not sure that he knows it. Naraku knew it. He took Rin as a way to escape Sesshomaru should he fail to absorb him, and it worked.”
“I don’t think we are to understand them.” Sango added. “I would like to know why he was so interested in Kagome. It was as if none of us were there. It creeped me out.”
“I was surprised that it didn’t do the same to me. I assume that he was resizing me up since I’ve been brought back.” Kagome reached her arms out for Shippo who more than willingly went, he settled himself next to her and closed his eyes. “I think we should get some sleep, we should rise bright and earlier and leave the Western Lands.”
“We’re going from here to Totosai’s.” Inuyasha informed them before rolling over. “We leave at the crack of dawn, so go to sleep.”
Goodnights were shared all the way around and of them stretched out and enjoyed looking at the stars before drifting off to sleep.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: I hope you enjoyed this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it. Despite the fact that I haven't updated in a year and a half this chapter only took me about two days to write. I was inspired by the fact that I quit smoking and needed to do something with my hands and the chapter just flowed right out.