InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ phases ❯ What The Full Moon Sees ( Chapter 14 )

Ch.14

What The Full Moon Sees

Kagome stood silently gazing through the shoji that led out into the gardens. The sun began to fade giving up its fight in a brilliant display of warm colors. In only a couple hours the festival would begin offering a chance to escape the monotony of daily life. Kagome breathed deeply enjoying the smell of newborn bonfires and delicious foods.

Anticipation filled the air affecting her much more than it had in previous years leaving her to stare restlessly at the setting sun willing time to hurry just this once. Kagome peeked over her shoulder, looking through a thin curtain of ebony strands as she watched Shippou sitting silently with his back against the wooden wall.

She softly slid the Shoji screen shut before turning to her adopted son. "Shippou...what's on your mind?" The red headed kit hummed softly in reply, his head hung, mind a million miles away. "I worry about you, you know?" Kagome folded her legs taking a seat gracefully next to Shippou, leaning her head on his broad shoulder. A small smile graced her features when she felt him gently rest his chin atop her head. "Where are you, Shippou? What has you so distracted?"

Shippou tilted his head back against the wall, his right hand moving instinctively to the hilt of his sword. He turned his face to her, smiling softly. "I'm fine I promise. I'm just tired...I haven't been sleeping well." His gaze remained steady as cobalt orbs searched his. "You don't have to lie, to spare me from any worry, Shippou...You know I'll worry regardless."

Kagome sat back as Shippou straightened out his tall figure, moving his arms above his head in a stretch as he stood. "I think it's about time I leave, shouldn't Hotaru be coming soon?" Lose strands of black pooled over her shoulder as she moved to stand. "Mm hm."

The Onna took note as he fidgeted with the hilt of his katana, tracing the weaving of fabric on the handle. "I should probably go get ready for tonight. I'll see you later."

"Alright." Kagome followed behind him stopping a few feet away as the kit stalled at the shoji turning to her once again. "Hey Kagome?"

"Yes?" The former miko quietly replied, bringing her hands together as she nervously picked at her thumb. "Will you wear Tessaiga tonight?" Small hands fell softly to the side as she furrowed her brow. "I hadn't planned on it. Why do you ask?" Shippou turned away his gaze falling on the demon sword. "Wear it...please, for me?"

Shippou turned back towards the threshold, satisfied with Kagome's affirmative nod. "I'll see you tonight." The kit moved open the screen only stopping a moment to nod softly when he found Hotaru on the other side before taking off down the dimly lit hall. "Is there something bothering Shippou-kun?" Hotaru asked as her soft features contorted in concern for her friend as he disappeared down the long hallway.

Kagome turned towards Hotaru gently motioning her in before she slid the shoji shut once again. "Yes...unfortunately I don't know what has him so distracted, he didn't want to talk about it."

"I'm sorry, Kagome I know how much you worry over him." Kagome brushed her long black hair behind her ear as she made her way over to her small desk, gently lifting the heavy package that contained her new kimono. "It's ok, Hotaru. It feels natural to worry about him. I think I would worry even if something wasn't wrong." Kagome laughed softly as she removed the plain cotton fabric that protected the silk within. "He will tell me when he is ready. Hotaru nodded in agreement as she moved to help her friend lift the embroidered silk from its cotton package.

"Well, it's about time we start getting ready if we don't want to miss anything." Hotaru smiled at her friends excitement. "Indeed, we wouldn't want you to miss out on anything would we?" The two laughed lightly as Kagome smoothed her hand over the fabric. "No...we wouldn't."

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The two friends walked arm in arm down the town's main street guided by the glow of the full moon and distant fires as they made their way towards the festival's epicenter. Their short journey ended as they rounded the corner of the old inn. The night air was filled with a chorus of voices as young and old alike weaved their way through the maze of venders in a rush to take in all the festival had to offer before the night came to an end.

"Kagome look!" Hotaru lead Kagome to a small vender displaying teas imported from the main land. Kagome let her eyes wander, reaching out to pick up a small container holding a tea mix. The cold night air lifted the tea's strong aroma leaving her with a sad smile. "I'll take some of this, please." An old man smiled sweetly from behind the small cart before scooping some of the dried tea into a small bag for her to carry.

Hotaru leaned towards her friend as they walked away disappearing in a sea of excited villagers. "Have you ever tasted that tea before? I thought the vender said it was new from the mainland." Kagome held the small bag to her nose taking another deep breath as they continued on. "No, I never did...but my grandfather would drink this tea almost every night. He said it was good for sore joints."

"Was your grandfather a physician?" Kagome laughed as she tucked the small bag into the folds of her kimono. "I'm sure he liked to think of himself as one but no. He was a shinto priest at my family's shrine." Hotaru nodded as the two continued through the crowd. "So it reminds you of him, of your home."

"That's right." The two made their way to the edge of the crowd, watching as children ran around excitedly pulling on the arms of their mothers and fathers. Kagome sighed contentedly, looking up and smiling at the gentle rocky face that graced the full moon, silently thankful for its ageless beauty as her mind wandered to a previous life in a time far beyond this.

"Lady Hotaru...Lady Kagome." The two turned to see Katsuo bowing politely, white hair highlighted by the moonlight as it hung loose just below his broad shoulders. His hair complimented by his snow-white hakama with accents of midnight blue that reminded her so much of Sesshomaru. "Katsuo." The two friends bowed back in greeting.

"Lady Hotaru, I hope you don't mind if I steal Lady Kagome away for a bit. You see, your friend here owes me a dance." Hotaru giggled at Katsuo playful teasing and her friend's theatric glare. "Of course. She is all yours, Katsuo-san." She placed a gentle hand on her friend's shoulder leaning in as she whispered. "Have fun...Kagome."

Katsuo waved politely as Hotaru made her way through the thick crowd. "Well Little Onna, It seems you are all mine for the time being and I intend on making the most of it." Kagome laughed as he motioned her to follow, the look on his face mirroring that of the children who raced through the streets, weaving in and out of the crowd in excitement.

Kagome couldn't help the small laugh that escaped. 'He acts so child like sometimes.' Katsuo lead her towards a dango stand, paying for two sticks stacked with the sweet dough. Kagome thanked him and the vender as they made their way towards the bonfires, weaving their way once again through a sea of multi colored silk and cotton. "Are the others here as well?"

Katsuo snorted in amusement. "Of course they are! Those fools wouldn't miss a chance at food and drink. I don't know about Shouta though, he's rather...solitary." He watched from the corner of his eyes as Kagome laughed softly. "I suppose you're right, Yuudai and the brothers have proved to be quite entertaining."

Kagome pulled off another piece of the sweet dough, popping it into her mouth as they continued on. She watched in anticipation as the three main bonfires came into view, unceremoniously separating the loudness of the venders from an area dedicated to the few who wished to dance under the watchful eye of the full moon. Katsuo and Kagome found themselves behind a wall of onlookers bordering the edge of the festival's energy as the moonlight cast a mellow glow on a wall of trees not a hundred feet away.

Kagome breathed in deeply watching the dancers wistfully. There were many reasons she loved this night, this festival in particular and all of them were as legitimate as the next but the main reason she had loved it so much, forever remained unspoken. Her small hand came to rest above her chest smiling when she felt the small bundle she had placed there earlier that night. This one night, a night that came and went annually allowed her to feel closest to her family.

She could remember her grandfather busily buying strange herbs and trinkets from different venders, Souta running off and disappearing only to return with some oddities he had found and her mother, teaching her to dance to the rhythmic beats of the drums. She loved all the things about the festival but her memories of those things were the real reason she loved the festival as much as she did.

She barely registered the graceful movement of Katsuo as he bent his head slightly in her direction. "Is there something bothering you, Lady Kagome?" Kagome smiled shaking her head softly as she let her hand fall to rest at her side. "No, I'm just appreciating this night."

Kagome gasped softly as she felt Katsuo's strong hand gently wrap around her forearm coaxing her to look his way. Cobalt eyes lifted slowly to meet with sea-green. Time stilling for just a moment as a silence stretched between them blanketing the two in serenity as the moon looked down from its home among the stars.

"You are strong...Kagome, but when I look into your eyes, it's easy to see the sadness you try to hide away." Kastuo lifted his hand to her face, gently brushing a rebellious strand of hair from her face, his fingers softly grazing pale skin leaving a dusting of pink in their wake. His hand stilled, coming to rest as he softly cupped her face "I hope...I would like to make you smile...Kagome."

Eyes fluttered shut, the beating of two hearts rivaled the music of the drums that faded into the background as the moon bared witness to the silent scene below as a demon dared to speak using no words and the flustered shikon miko experienced the fluttering of her heart as a stranger's lips glided reverently over her own.

"...Katsuo...I..."

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Not a soul was left to witness the arrival of the wayward demon as he shot across the night sky a single glance was all he needed before bypassing the darkened lookout altogether. There was no helping these men. Inuyasha kept his eyes straight growling in frustration as he sped through the thick forest that bordered the daimyo's castle.

He took to the sky pulling his sword from its sheath before shooting down towards the clearing below. Touching down, his sword cleaving through a mass of demon bodies creating a shower of blood as he sped through the tiny camp dispatching as many demons as he could. 'I need to get to Yutto!'

Inuyasha moved to the sky once again yelling down to the remaining men below. "Send a warning!" He took off knowing those few men he left behind would likely lose their lives before the night's end. The inu youkai sped off into the night sky racing the wind in an attempt to outrun the enemy. He looked down as he passed the group of advancing demons as they weaved through the trees. Turning his head back as the air around him grew warm, watching as a raging fire rose from the outpost he had just left succeeding in sending out the warning he had demanded.

He had been too late to be of any help to those two lines of defense but he would make sure he would warn any others that lay ahead. He pushed himself harder leaving the ravenous horde of demons behind as they forged their way through a maze of trees. His heart pounding as he came upon another lookout a few hundred yards away from the last.

Inuyasha touched down transitioning to a run as he rushed towards the frantic men. Running through the camp, his voice booming through the night. "You have a few minutes to prepare yourselves you better make it count!" The night wind picked up carrying the scent of the demons behind him. "Hurry!" He rushed through the trees leaping to the canopy before launching back into the sky. There just up ahead was the small town that bordered Lord Yutto's small castle.

He knew he didn't have much time, if he was lucky the last outpost would provide him with a few more crucial minutes before they swarmed in behind him. The seemingly endless sea of trees began to disappear as he launched himself high into the air from the last sturdy tree taking note of the empty town. Lord Yutto's castle lay a hundred yards North West in the far corner of the town. In only a few minutes a demon horde would swarm through the trees invading every inch of the tiny town his only hope was that the last signal sent out had been received.

Inuyasha landed on the steps of Yutto's castle running the length of the wooden deck that circled the Daimyo's castle. "Yutto, Dammit where the hell are you!" His footsteps thundered through the air as he ran, feet coming down hard on the aged wood. His heart stopped when he saw the burning fires from a distance sending a clear message to the quickly approaching demons. The entire village was crammed together in the North Eastern part of town an easy slaughter for the demons coming in from the South east.

Inuyasha cursed his luck tightening his grip on his sword as he launched back into the air rushing towards the lights. Shippou ran the length of the deck as he heard the booming voice ring out, he skid to a halt as he turned the corner. "Inuyasha?" His mind reeled as he ran out into the clearing separating the castle and the town quickly taking to the tops of buildings as he raced after him.

His blood ran cold as his gaze moved towards the darkened side of town, watching in terror as throngs of demons spilled through the trees fighting one another as they pushed through the empty buildings. 'Kagome...'

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The air stood stagnant, all sound ceasing as a howl emanated from the darkness making its way through the night air. Katsuo turned suddenly grabbing a hold of Kagome's shoulders . "Kagome I need you to go find Yutto! Stay with him please, you don't need to be caught in this." Kagome furrowed her eyebrows at his demand, watching in confusion as he pulled his sword from its sheath. "What was that noise? What's happening?"

Katsuo turned toward her once more. "Find Shippou and protect Lord Yutto. A horde is coming through the south-eastern side of town. Tell everyone you can to head north and get as far away as possible." Kagome nodded her head once drawing Tessaiga and rushing to warn as many as she could. Her heart raced as she weaved through throngs of panicked people as they headed towards the surrounding hills.

'This isn't a battle...this is a slaughter...It isn't the same.' She lifted her head pushing back her fear, struggling to block out the screams of frightened children as they became lost in a sea of bodies. She wasn't ready for this side of battle. 'Where is Shippou...Hotaru?'

She had no time to think as she watched the swarm push its way into the newly abandoned town. She Prepared herself taking in a breath as she steadied Tessaiga.'One...Two...Three!' Tessaiga's blade ripped through the mass of bodies that surrounded her covering the earth in blood as she struggled to move over the dead weight as more demons filed past her. Her heart racing as she cut through demon after demon, becoming lost in a sea of bodies as they continued to swarm past her.

She shielded her eyes as the night sky exploded in brilliant light, turning when she felt warmth upon her cheek. She cut through another wave of demons launching into the air,landing away from the direct flow. Watching in awe as a giant fiery form touched down into the clearing beside her taking out throngs of demons in a fiery blaze. The giant fox leaped through the clearing taking out another wall of demons leaving the small clearing filled with the burning corpses of demons.

"Shippou!I still need to find Yutto, Hotaru and Ruri." The fiery figure nodded its head before joining Kagome as she raced through the empty streets. Her legs burned as she ran, looking over as she passed the abandoned bonfires as they began to overflow creeping their way towards the wooden structures. Shippou raced forward blocking her view, they had their priorities and if half the town had to burn to the ground while she searched for Yutto then so be it.

A cloud of dust exploded into the air as a limp body flew into the ground before them. Kagome turned to see the brother's fighting side by side as they made their way through the last wave of demons that filtered through the forest."Kagome, Shouta is with Yutto! Help the others!" Kagome nodded turning away as the brothers faded away becoming blocked by half demolished structures.

The two changed course continuing further into the town as they searched through the remains for any sign of the others. Shippou growled before leaping forward blocking Kagome's view as a wave of demons flooded through the street only to meet with a wall of fire. Kagome looked up as a small figure jumped atop the roofs making its way towards the swarm before leaping down swinging his blade and cutting down the stragglers. 'Yuudai' "There's another wave coming, Kagome. Me and Shippou can handle it, go find Katsuo!" Yuudai pointed towards a patch of trees that had creeped its way into the village successfully creating a pseudo barrier separating the castle grounds and the rest of the town. "Hurry Kagome!"

Kagome looked back reluctant to leave Shippou before turning and speeding off towards Katsuo.

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Blood stained the ground as it flowed in rivers from the mounds of dead that lay scattered across the clearing, still hundreds more charged forward only to meet the same fate as the demon lord brought down his sword leaving only bloody pieces in their place. Inuyasha let out a yell as he charged through the river of demons that spilled through felling each one leaving them to add to the lake of blood that stood stagnant in the clearing.

The inu youkai took off into the air, his senses picking up the auras of his men as they battled the remaining demons. The low ranking demons themselves were no challenge but the sheer numbers is what caused them trouble as they struggled to keep up with the seemingly endless streams that filtered through. Inuyasha gripped his sword as he leapt over a small group of trees catching sight of the brothers as they cut into the last remaining demons.

"Oi!" Hideki and Hideyoshi looked up to see Inuyasha overhead. "Oh fearless leader, you have returned!" Inuyasha snorted as he flung blood from his blade. "Yutto?" Hideki dodged a blow, coming down again to slice through offending demon. Hideyoshi swung his sword cutting down a group of demons. "He is safe, Shouta has him."

Inuyasha turned in search of the others. "Inuyasha! Katsuo, he is trying to keep them away from the castle." The demon grunted taking off again speeding through the air as he used the roofs of the remaining homes for leverage. Just up ahead he could sense him and the hundreds that surrounded him. His feet carried him faster as a clearing forced him to take to the ground.

He turned his head to the right as he sensed Yuudai. The building gave way giving him a view of the battle taking place as Yuudai held his own against the throngs of demons. I giant fiery figure leaping into view as it swept away an oncoming wall of demons. 'A Kitsune?'

He turned ignoring his curiosity as he pushed on, Just beyond those trees Katsuo fought off a sea of demons. He knew he was strong but even Inu youkai had their limits.

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Her legs ached as she pushed herself, charging through debris and dodging the masses of bodies that lay scattered in heaps. Just beyond those trees Katsuo fought alone and she needed to get to him. She sheathed her sword pulling the intricate robe from her body mourning the loss of its warmth as she left it behind in hopes of gaining speed. 'I'm sorry Masaaki."

Her heart skipped a beat with the first foot fall leading her into the tiny patch of evergreens as she weaved through steadily gaining ground. She could hear the demons, the sound of metal cutting through flesh and blood. She raced faster, pushing branches from her path as the clearing came into view her breath catching as she drew Tessaiga. Through the remaining trees she could see the horde of demons, but Kastuo...Katsuo she couldn't find.

"No..." Fear gripped her as she ran through the last remaining trees. 'I'm sorry Katsuo.' The clearing vibrated with energy stopping her in her tracks as an armored figure flew from the sky, sword cleaving through throngs of demons, air turning pink with the spray of blood as the figure cleared away the ravenous demons. Demons lay broken, their blood spilling out to soak into the soil below. The storm coming to an end as the iron clad figure reached out his hand. "You alright?" Katsuo nodded wiping blood from his face. "Perfect timing as usual, my friend." Inuyasha snorted as he pulled his friend to his feet.

Her limbs went numb as she stumbled into the clearing her vision blurring with a well of unshed tears. Time seemed to stop, along with her heartbeat as Tessaiga fell free from her hand. Her mind rushing to find a name for what she felt. Nine years of waiting and this is how destiny chose for it to end. Katsuo stood, eyes locking onto the border of trees that lay beyond his friend. 'Kagome...?'

"What is it?" Inuyasha grabbed Katsuo's shoulders before he could fall his ears caught the faint clatter of metal as it hit the ground a tiny shaky breath and then. "Inu...yasha." The demon spun around eyes wide as they focused in on the dark figure that stood only yards away. Heart pounding as the world around him faded away.

His throat went dry, fearing to speak and find yet another apparition. "...Kagome?" A tiny nod was his only reply before closing the last bit of distance that remained between them. Catching her in his arms as he fell to his knees. His hand weaving into her hair as he held her. Wheaten eyes squeezed shut as his senses drowned in her. He listened to the pounding of her heart as he held her small body to his. His covered arms burning with the warmth of her body. He could feel his spirit lifting as he breathed her in, placing his lips to the top of her head.

His eyes snapped open as his nose began to burn as he caught the scent of blood, her blood. He grabbed her shoulders moving to look face to face. Golden eyes scanning over her body taking note of every cut and bruise that began to form on her exposed skin. His hands tightened around her arms as fear morphed into anger. "What the hell do you think you're doing, wench? Are you trying to get yourself killed"

All the fear and anger, shock and relief she had experienced that night coalesced spilling over as she tightened her fists and pushed away from him. "How dare you!" Inuyasha stumbled back as her small fist connected with his jaw. 'She hit me?!'

She gave him no time to recover before swinging Tessaiga towards his midsection. "You have no right to say anything to me, you coward!" Inuyasha threw up his forearm in defense, taking the brunt of the blow as she swung the blade towards his face.

Her anger pushed her as she swung again, stopping only when Shippou's large form landed between them. "Kagome...?" Her heart skipped a beat as she heard the worried whisper, looking back to see Katsuo looking on questioningly. 'I can't do this.' She rushed past Katsuo making her way through the trees as she struggled to contain her emotions running through the pain. 'Why?!'

Inuyasha moved to follow only to be stopped by the large fox as he growled in warning baring his teeth. Inuyasha stepped back making a show of sheathing his sword as the kitsune ran after his mother. Katsuo watched as his friend stood helpless staring at the spot the two had disappeared through. "Inuyasha...?"

The demon hung his head as he reached under his haori toying with the heart-shaped locket that lay against his chest. "Not now...Katsuo"

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A.N. Ok, so before any of you guys get in a tizzy I just want to clarify. I'm not making a mistake when I say that this is Kagome's first kiss. I'm going by the manga/anime not the movies which are not canon and since Kagome never gets stuck in the shikon jewel (in my storyline at least) she needs no saving, thus no kiss. Ok, so yeah I'm doing some assuming that Kagome's sweet young "pre-feudal era experience" self hadn't kissed a boy yet but oh well, that's my prerogative.

Also I just want to add, since you guys have been so amazing (and patient might I add) waiting on me to get to this point in my story. I'm well aware that it took fourteen chapters to get to this point, but here it is in all its glory. TADA!

In appreciation for all my readers and reviewers I'm uploading two chapters at once, I hope this is to your satisfaction. :)

Who all likes Shippou-kun's new trick? He's moving on to bigger and better things ;)