InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Lost and Found ❯ 7 ( Chapter 7 )

 

 

Kurama woke slowly, savoring the feel of her soft warm body against his. Looking down at the woman pressed to his side, green eyes met sparkling silver. Ryu was already awake.

 

Giving her a gentle kiss, he whispered, “Good morning love. Have you been awake long?”

 

Ryu smiled, “Just long enough to admire my new husband.”

 

Kurama blushingly said, “I'm glad you like what you see.”

 

“Very much.” She stretched, wincing a little. “But what I need right now is a soak in the hot springs.”

 

As they untangled, Kurama brushed his hair out of his face catching sight of his mating mark for the first time. The image of a sword with a long stemmed red rose wound around it and the word PROTECTOR graced the inside of his right wrist. “Ryu may I see your left arm?”

 

Ryu looked down at the mark on her wrist. She was quiet for a minute, then with a smile held out her arm for him to see. The same sword, the same long stemmed red rose. Only the word was different. Hers said LIFE.

 

Kurama whispered, “I've never realized you saw me as a protector.”

 

Seeing traces of confusion in his beautiful green eyes, she leaned in to kiss him gently. “Oh fox you don't get it. I know how fiercely you would fight to protect me.” She brushed his hair out of his eyes. “What you have to understand is that I would kill or die to protect you too. I love you.”

 

Kurama gulped. His voice husky with emotion he said, “Gods Ryu, I don't know what I did to deserve you, but I love you too”

 

She stroked his cheek with the backs of her fingers. “I'm going to get dressed and see if Kagome and Sango are awake, and want to go to the hot springs. I'll meet you in the other room.”

 

At his nod she got out of bed. Dressing in her trade mark jeans and t-shirt she grabbed her bathing things. At the door she turned blew him a kiss and left the room.

 

************************

 

Inuyasha opened his eyes slowly. Taking a moment to get his bearings he glanced down at the woman cuddled up to his side. Her head resting on his chest. His arm around her shoulder. Her arm around his neck. It seems like they had held on to each other even as they slept, each afraid to let go in case it had only been a dream. Gently stroking her hair he thought about his life before Kagome.

 

Hunted, afraid and alone. He had learned not to trust. Not even Kikyo, he realized. They had been drawn together because of loneliness. Not love. She was the first person to show him any kindness after his mother's death. She had feared and hated his demon side. Looking back down at the woman at his side he knew it didn't matter to her that he was a half demon. Hell, when everyone else ran from him when he transformed, she ran to him. Begging him to come back to her. She protected him during the new moon when he was most vulnerable. He trusted her and more importantly she trusted him. If that had been her 50 years ago Naraku's plan would never had worked. She would have known he wouldn't hurt her.

 

Feeling her begin to stir he tightened his arm around her. Meeting her eyes as she blinked sleepily at him he felt his heart swell. “Morning my mate” he said huskily.

 

Kagome blushed “Good morning my mate.” Looking at him closely she noticed the intensity of his gaze. “Inuyasha what's wrong?'

 

Shaking his head, he pulled her up to him. Cupping her cheek he said quietly. “I was lying here thinking.” Leaning in to kiss her. “Kagome I love you. When I think back to all the times I've hurt you…”

 

Kagome cut him off with a kiss. “Inuyasha I love you. I think I have from the beginning. I've done my share of hurting you.” Fingering the rosary around his neck he felt her tug at it.

 

Stopping her he asked “What are you doing?”

 

“Releasing you.”

 

“No Kagome, not now.” His rosary was a part of who he was. He was almost afraid to be without it. “You may need it when I'm transformed.”

 

As she nodded he said with tears in his eyes. “Why did you put up with all my insults, all the times I've made you feel worthless? Why didn't you just tell me to go to hell?”

 

“Do you remember when I came out of the well? When I said I wanted to be with you, wanted to stay by your side? Do you want to know what I figured out on the other side of that well?”

 

At his nod she continued. “I figured out that it didn't matter if you loved me or Kikyo. I loved you; I wanted to be with you, that I would sacrifice my life to see you happy and safe.”

 

Inuyasha was stunned. Hugging her to him he choked out, “I will do everything in my power to deserve you, for the rest of our lives. I swear this to you Kagome. You will never have a reason to regret your decision to be mated to me. I promise.”

 

She snuggled into his neck, sighing happily when he ran his fingers through her hair. “Inuyasha, what's that on your arm?”

 

Lifting his arm to his face, he smiled. “That's my mark. It shows everyone that I belong to you.” Still staring at the mark he looked puzzled by something. “Kagome, can I see your left arm?”

 

Sliding off his chest to sit up beside him she held out her arm. On the inside of her arm near her left wrist was a jagged line with Inuyasha's name over the top of it. Beside his name were the words ONE AND ONLY. All a dark red. “Can I see yours?”

 

Inuyasha held out his right arm for her to see. Same jagged line; next to her name it said BELOVED.

 

“Can you explain the mark to me?” Kagome asked.

 

“It shows that we are mated. The words explain our deepest feelings. I don't understand the jagged line.”

 

Kagome interrupted his explanation with a gasp. “Inuyasha, the line looks like your markings when you transform. It's even the same color.”

 

Inuyasha studied the mark. Slowly a smile spread across his face. “I think I understand now. It means even my demon side has accepted you.” Watching her rub her mark with a finger he asked “What are you thinking?'

 

“One and only Inuyasha?”

 

Groaning to himself, sensing that she was still a little unsure of him, he leaned in for a kiss. Against her lips he whispered, “Yes. One and only. I will work every day to make you believe it.” Straightening he said “You have to understand one more thing about this mark Kagome. It gives me the right to kill anyone that tries to take you from me, as it does you.”

 

“So if Kouga shows up…”

 

Inuyasha nodded. “If Kouga shows up spouting his crap about you being his woman, I have the right to protect what is mine. Especially if he keeps it up after he has seen my mark on you.”

 

Kagome decided she would worry about that when the time came. Stretching she said, “I really could use a soak in the hot springs. I think I'll get dressed and see if Ryu or Sango are up.” Sliding off the bed she looked at the man behind her. “I'll see you in the other room, ok”

 

Nodding he watched her dress and grab her bathing stuff. At the door she looked back at him saying “I love you my mate.” With that she left the room.

 

*****************************

 

Sango snuggled into the warmth under her cheek. Smiling without opening her eyes, she tightened her arm around his waist. If someone would have told her earlier that she would marry the monk and be happy about it she would have called them crazy. Opening her eyes she met the warmth in his with a smile. “Good morning, Miroku.”

 

“Good morning my dear Sango” He grinned when her hand left his waist to twine in his hair. “You know I'm going to have to put it back up today.”

 

Pouting playfully at him she said, “We'll see.”

 

His grin faded as he took in the look in her eyes. Pulling her tighter against him, his voice thick with emotion, he whispered. “I wish I had the words to describe how I feel right now. I love you seems so ordinary, but they're all I have.”

 

“I love you works fine, Miroku. I love you too.” She slid up to kiss him. “There is one thing we're going to have to change though.”

 

Confusion evident in his voice he asked, “Change what?”

 

Taking his covered hand in hers, she gently placed a kiss on the back of it. She held it tightly and looked at him. “During the night, every time you reached for me with this hand, you stopped. Every time you started to stroke my hair with this hand, you stopped.” She rubbed his fingers with her thumb. “Will you please explain why?”

 

He dropped his eyes from hers. “It's a cursed hand Sango. I didn't want it to…well I felt it was no part…”

 

Sango stilled his words with a gentle kiss. “You feel that this hand is unclean and should not touch me when we make love?” Watching him nod she wanted to giggle, but didn't because she could see how serious he was. “Do you remember how many times this very hand rubbed my butt?” Seeing him nod again, she pressed on with, “Did you not love me then?”

 

Miroku gasped, “Sango of course I loved you then. I told you I think I've loved you from the beginning.”

 

“So what was different then?”

 

“It was our wedding night; I wanted it to be perfect.”

 

“So you weren't going to let your imperfect hand stroke my skin, let your imperfect fingers play in my hair.” Sitting up, turning to face him, she brought his hand to her cheek, prayer beads clicking. “I love you Miroku, all of you. I do not see this hand as unclean. I see this as the hand of the man I love.” Taking his hand she moved it down her arm. “See monk it's not hard to do.” Leaning in for another gentle kiss, she whispered, “I love you.”

 

Stunned Miroku felt her let go of his hand. He slowly stroked back up her arm with his fingertips, letting them glide over her shoulder finally coming to rest in her hair. Pulling her down to him he sheepishly said, “Sorry.”

 

“Do not be sorry Miroku. I know how much you worry. We'll get Naraku”

 

“And if we don't?”

 

“Then I will make sure that you know every day that you are loved.” She paused and cupped his cheek. “We will get him.”

 

“You sound so sure.”

 

“I am sure. I still want to avenge my village and save my brother. But Miroku, nothing stands in the way of a woman fighting for what is hers. And husband you are mine.”

 

Swallowing hard he looked at her with tears in his eyes. “Naraku better watch his ass.” Hugging her he said with satisfaction in his voice, “As you are mine wife.”

 

Pulling away from him she moaned a little at her sore muscles. “I need to soak in the hot springs. I think I'll go see if Kagome or Ryu are awake.”

 

He sat propped up on his elbow to watch her dress. As she turned to leave he said “I'll see you in the main room, wife.”

 

“I'll look forward to it husband.” With a little wave, she left the room.

 

*****************************

 

Sango walked out of her room noticing that Ryu and Kagome were up. “I could use a dip in the hot springs. How about you?'

 

Ryu and Kagome nodded. Ryu said, “We were waiting on you. Let's go.”

 

Giggling a little they grabbed their bathing stuff the headed out to the springs.

 

*******************************

 

Closing the door to his bedroom, Inuyasha was startled to see Kurama and Miroku already up. Nodding his greetings to his friends, he sat down. Seeing the mark on Kurama he asked, “May I see your arm?'

 

Smiling Kurama held out his right arm for Inuyasha to see.

 

Studying the mark, Inuyasha grinned. “My little sister sees you as her protector.”

 

Miroku looked at the mark asking, “Can you tell me about the mark?”

 

“You leave your mark on your mate showing others who you belong to and who belongs to you.” Kurama ran his finger over his mark. “The word is your mate's deepest feelings.”

 

Nodding to show he understood he asked Inuyasha, “May I see your mark?”

 

Smiling Inuyasha held out his arm for Miroku's inspection. “Beloved. I'd say that explains Kagome's feelings perfectly.” Taking a closer look at the arm he took a deep breath. “That jagged line looks like your markings when you transform.”

 

 

“I think that means even my demon side is pleased with my choice of a mate.” Inuyasha paused. Then looking seriously at the monk. “There is something you and Sango need to understand. I've already talked to Kagome about it. This mark gives me the right to kill anyone who questions my claim to my mate.”

 

Eyes wide, Miroku nods as he understands what Inuyasha is saying. “So if Kouga shows up….”

 

“If after seeing my mark on Kagome, he continues claiming her as his woman, he forfeits his life.”

 

Standing Kurama, seeing the apprehension in the monk's eyes said, “I wouldn't worry Miroku. I don't know this Kouga but every demon knows the law. He would know the outcome if he pushed things.” He bent to the little fire pit, putting water on for tea.

 

“Inuyasha, do you expect trouble from Kouga?”

 

Inuyasha shrugged, “You have heard his rant. He has no respect for me. My being a half demon, he may ignore my mark.”

 

Miroku looking thoughtful said, “We will deal with it when the time comes. But you're forgetting something. Kagome will not let him ignore your mark.”

 

Grinning a little as he remembered how feisty Kagome could be, he almost felt sorry for the mangy wolf.

 

*********************************

 

 

 

Ryu groaned in appreciation as the hot water of the springs worked their magic. Glancing over at her companions she noticed the other girls mark as she washed her hair. “Kagome, may I see your mark?”

 

Rinsing the soap out of her hair she extended her arm for them to see.

 

“Can you explain the mark to me?” Sango asked.

 

Kagome nodded. “Inuyasha thinks this jagged line means his demon side has accepted me. The word is his deepest feeling for me.”

 

Sango looked closer at the mark. “That looks like his transformation marking.” Reading the words, she patted her shoulder. “One and only. That should put your mind to rest.”

 

Smiling Kagome asked, “Ryu may we see yours?”

 

Holding out her arm she giggled when Kagome exclaimed, “Yours looks more like a tattoo.” Studying the mark Sango asked, “Life?”

 

Ryu blushed. “Would you believe I never asked him about it.”

 

Kagome grinned, then turning to Sango she said, “Will you answer a question for me?” At Sango's nod, she continued, “How did you and Miroku come to an understanding in time for the ceremony last night?”

 

Sango was quiet for a minute, then “It's going to sound funny, but he came to me saying that something Kurama had said made him think. He asked me to be his wife. To join you in the ceremony. He was very serious. I can't explain it but suddenly I wanted nothing more. So I said yes.”

 

“What did Kurama say.”

 

“That we have to grab all the happiness you can today. We have no promise of tomorrow.”

 

Ryu looked thoughtful. “He's right. Us battling demons in our time. You battle demons here. There are no guarantees.”

 

Kagome huffed, “Enough gloomy talk. We are newly married, we can find happier things to think about.” Grinning she added, “Let's hurry, I find myself missing my mate.”

 

Giggling they hurried through the rest of their bath, anxious to get back to their men.

 

*************************************

 

Hearing the girls enter, tea was poured. Inuyasha watched as they walked into the room. His heart beat faster when he saw Kagome's eyes light up when she looked at him. Holding out his arms to her, he was rewarded with a deep kiss. As she settled between his knees he hugged her to his chest. Looking around he watched the other two men greet their mates in similar fashion.

 

Kurama held Ryu close. Burying his face in her hair he whispered, “You always smell so damn good.” Ryu cuddled closer playing with the long red hair that had fallen over his shoulder.

 

Inuyasha grinned at the couple. Then remembering he asked, “Little sister may I see your mark?

 

“Sure.” Holding out her arm for his inspection. She saw the puzzlement in Inuyasha's eyes.

 

“Life?” He lifted his eyebrows at Kurama in a silent question.

 

Kurama blushed. “She is my world, my everything. My Life.”

 

Inuyasha nodded, satisfied in the answer. He watched as Ryu twined her fingers into the fox's hair as she snuggled into his shoulder.

 

Kissing his cheek softly, Kagome whispered, “You really do see her as a sister don't you?”

 

“I do. It's hard to explain. I feel a connection to her.”

 

“I've known her a long time. She always had the desire for a brother or sister. I think it would have made her feel less alone.” Kagome sighed. “It had to be hard on her, hiding her true self. I know you will always be big brother to her.”

 

Ryu's voice broke into Kagome's musing. “Brother, may I see your mark?”

 

Standing, Inuyasha moved to squat in front of Ryu. Holding out his arm for her to see. Reading the word she met Inuyasha's eyes. “Beloved.” She reached up to push his hair out of his face. “It seems you hold my friends heart squarely in your hands. Be gentle.”

 

Smiling he said, “I promise.” Returning to Kagome he pulled her close.

 

The quiet of whispered conversation was broken by Miroku. “I'm going to use the hot springs.”

 

Both Inuyasha and Kurama stood to join the monk. “We'll be right back.” They chorused, leaving the room.

 

Watching them leave, Kagome fell back against the cushion causing her friends to look at her with concern. Addressing the ceiling, Kagome said, `Well no matter what this is going to be an interesting life.” The other two could do nothing but agree.

 

***************************************

 

While he and Kurama conversed quietly, Inuyasha could not help but notice the preoccupied look on Miroku's face. He finally asked, “What's on your mind?”

 

Startled out of his musings Miroku spoke slowly. “Do you believe in fate?”

 

Sensing the seriousness behind his new friends question Kurama answered, “After all that I have seen I would be a fool not to.”

 

Growing a little impatient Inuyasha growled, “Out with it monk.”

 

He couldn't help but grin at the irate half demon. This was the Inuyasha he was used to. Sobering he said, “I believe it's more than a coincidence that we meet two people who are used to fighting demons, who are skilled warriors. And who you already see as part of the pack.”

 

Nodding slowly Kurama could see where Miroku was going with his line of thinking. “So you think that we could be of some use in your battles against Naraku?” Seeing Inuyasha deep in thought he slyly continued, “You see us as part of your pack?”

 

Blushing a deep red, Inuyasha could only nod.

 

Kurama stood saying “I need to speak to Ryu about Naraku. But I know I can speak for us both, we would be proud to be part of your pack.”

 

Standing Inuyasha put his hand on Kurama's shoulder. “Let's go talk to the women.”

 

**********************************

 

With the men gone, the women had prepared a light meal. Putting it on the low table, they conversed together, content in each others company. Hearing the men enter Ryu looked up to say. “Lunch is ready.”

 

Seeing the seriousness in their faces her smile died, and she was filled with a small sense of apprehension. Glancing at her companions she could tell they felt the same.

 

Kagome took the initiative asking, “Inuyasha, what's wrong?'

 

Shaking his head, he smiled reassuringly, “There's nothing wrong. We have something to discuss but we can do that as we eat.”

 

Settling themselves around the table, they listened as Miroku again explained his thinking.

 

After Miroku finished speaking, Ryu was quiet for a moment. Then, “If you really think we could help I'm more than willing to try.” She looked to Kurama for conformation. Seeing his smile she finished with, “Whatever you need us to do.”

 

Thinking about it, Inuyasha said “We need to know more about your fighting styles. We've seen some of Kurama's but what about yours?”

 

Biting her lip Ryu said, “Kurama is more skilled than I am using fox magic, but I'm not a bad swordsman.”

 

Kurama shook his head. “She's being modest; she can put most swordsmen to shame. She does have a unique ability that can come in handy during a battle.”

 

Ryu blushed when everyone looked to her for an explanation. “It's not something I can explain to well. I'll have to show you. The trick is for you not to look surprised.” Seeing their confusion she explained as best she could. “I'm going to touch you and talk directly to your mind.”

 

Inuyasha felt his eyebrows climb into his hair. “How is this possible?”

 

Ryu shrugged. “It just is.”

 

Walking casually around the group, she put her hand on Miroku's shoulder. “See Miroku, Just act like nothing's happening. Your enemies will never know.

 

Inuyasha watched as Miroku's eye's widened suddenly, but other than that there was no indication of what was going on. He watched her move to Sango, then on to Kagome. He was getting impatient to know what was going on. Finally Ryu took his hand, “Really brother did you think I would forget about you. It's a great tool to have when secrecy is key.” With that she broke the connection.

 

Kurama laughed at the expression on their faces. “Pretty overwhelming, huh.”

 

Miroku broke in asking, “Can we also talk to you like that?'

 

“Yep. Just think what you need to say.”

 

“Wow.” Was all Inuyasha could think to say. He sat back holding Kagome close. Listening as the talk around him became lighter, he thought about the events of the past couple of days. Inhaling Kagome's scent, his mate. He caught Ryu's eye, his family. Looking over the entire group, his pack. He knew that they'd have to follow leads to Naraku, but right now he wanted to enjoy this quiet time with his friends.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This part of the story is at an end, but as you can probably tell from the chapter, there is more story knocking around in my brain. It will take place 6 months to a year later. All reviews and suggestions are welcome. You can always leave me a message at myspace.com/northerncalifornian.