InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Proposition ❯ All Tied Up: No More Battles, Kagome! ( Chapter 6 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

*blinks* I've been....HUGGLED!! Thanks Kai-Aki Ti, you really know how to treat an author! I've never been showered with candy before! ^_^ But thanks to everyone for reviewing!!! It really makes my day and motivates me to write faster!

Also, I have some bad news for you guys, Leomae 108 kindly told me that Kagome, the lovable, selfless fool that she is, saved Kikyo. So, unfortunately, she's still out there wreaking havoc on our favorite couple. (Thanks for the update Leomae!)

Oh yea, Ashy, I did mean for the chapter to start with 2 months later. I wanted to get a feel of time passing; it would be just too coincidental if everything happened within a week.

Okay, here we go with the long awaited 6th chapter! Enjoy!!! :D





All Tied Up: No More Battles, Kagome!



The sun's heat had been lessening each day as the small group of Shikon hunters wound their way through feudal Japan. Fall was finally beginning to overtake summer giving a subtle hint of its success in the progressively cooler nights and the chill wind. All ready the leaves were beginning to shift colors in preparation for their last descent onto the ground. Soon their hunt would have to be severely curtailed due to weather constraints. However, the weather still looked as if it would hold for another few weeks so the group tried to make the best of their limited time. They had been traveling around for a solid week with little more to go on than what Kagome sensed and a few rumors circulating about a powerful demon that ravaged small villages at night. The day was a pleasant temperature making the long hike almost enjoyable amidst the bright colors of the shifting seasons. The road they had been traveling on had been winding in and out of the outskirts of a small forest. It was a prime place for ambushes making them a little nervous but Inu Yasha's keen sense of smell kept that anxiety from growing too large.
Their first encounter with anything more intimidating than a cranky rabbit occurred when they rounded another bend in the road again slipping into the cover of trees. There, with its lean body pressed low to the ground was a giant snake. The ten-foot snake easily towered above them and stood out like a sore thumb with its bright colors that patterned its entire body. Its base color was black with an overlay of red, yellow, and orange stripes of brilliant hues. Fortunately, the snake had yet to notice them; it was far too busy watching a nearby cow grazing just a little too closely to the tree line.

"Kagome, do you sense any jewel shards?" Inu Yasha eased Tetsaiga out of its hilt taking care to be quiet.
"No. He doesn't have any on him." She whispered back standing stock-still.
"Good, then no holding back." Inu Yasha grinned.
"Why do we have to fight it? Can't we just go around or something?" Kagome whispered back casting an uneasy eye at it.

The snake froze swinging its head in their direction suddenly aware of their presence. It looked just as surprised to see them, as they were to see it. Pulling itself from its stalking position, it hesitated eyeing them warily. Large as it was, their larger numbers were enough to give it pause. The snake bobbed its head, its slender tongue flicking out to taste the air. Then it grew very still as its eyes lit on Kagome. A strange light glinted in them as it slowly surged its massive body forward its eyes locking on the jewel hanging around her throat. It glimmered softly in the shifting daylight somehow having managed to free itself from the confinement of her shirt. It rested against the fabric quietly as if watching the affair with interest. Power lust settled into the snake's large, filmy eyes and every muscle in its body tightened with excitement. The snake's mouth gaped showing two gleaming fangs easily a foot long each.
"I guess not." Inu Yasha replied. "Stay back Kagome." He ordered as he advanced on the snake. The snake hissed greedily and its tail began to quiver rapidly. The very tip of the tail was ribbed and hard greatly resembling a rattlesnake's tail. However, this one was covered in swirling, bright colors that attracted the eye, both alluring and dizzying at the same time. The rhythm that the snake beat with its rattle was nothing like the haphazard rattling of the rattlesnake meant only for warning. This rhythm proved to be metrical and soothing. The combination of color and sound made the tail hard to look away from dulling the senses. While not truly mesmerizing, the effect of the rattle was a little hypnotic if one was not careful.
"Everyone, don't look at the tail!" Miroku cautioned clenching his eyes shut. At his shout, Kagome blinked suddenly realizing how engrossed she had become with the rattle. The snake was almost upon her, its mouth open looking like a horrific grin fluid oozing from its glistening fangs and dripping thickly to the ground. It was poison, no doubt, and by the look of the already decaying vegetation that it had touched, it was far more powerful than the venom of its smaller cousins.
"Damn it, Kagome, I said run!" Inu Yasha's irritated command sounded distant in her ears; her full attention was locked on the looming jaws gaping in front of bright patterns. The snake lunged with speed unhampered by bulk, at the same time its tail ceased its movements to attack alongside the head in case she managed to dodge the initial blow.
"Fox Fire!" Shippo's youthful voice cried out setting the air just before her aflame with blue fire. It wasn't enough to halt the snake's attack but it was enough to slow it down. Kagome threw her weight to the left knowing that running wouldn't be fast enough.
The fangs met with only air but the tail did manage to graze her unprotected side. Kagome hit the ground heavily too stunned by pain to notice the snake regrouping for another attack. Excitement from the battle had the fangs excreting even more venom; its eyes were alive with exhilaration. A large boomerang cut short its enthusiasm, though, as it made contact with the base of the rattle. The snake instantly coiled its massive body protectively tucking away its tail placing itself in a classic strike pose.
The minor distraction gave Kagome the time she needed to gather her wits back together and get herself back on her feet. She could feel the warm trickle of her blood sliding down her skin dampening the fabric of her clothes but had no time to heed her injury. Her first thought was to escape. The snake longingly cast its gaze back to her even making some motions to make a quick hit but Inu Yasha chose that time to lunge at it with Tetsaiga. The snake lashed at him with its tail in hopes of deterring the attack but only succeeded in giving Inu Yasha a different target. Inu Yasha brought the sword down hard neatly severing a generous portion of the tail. Unfortunately, the steaming blood that gushed from the wound soon began to mist as it cooled in the open air. The mist had a sickly yellow color to it as it drifted aimlessly in the still air. Inu Yasha covered his mouth with his massive sleeve while Sango strapped on her mask.
"It's poison! Miroku, get Kagome out of here!" Inu Yasha called out, his voice muffled by the fabric.
"Right!" Miroku made his way to Kagome who was starting to look a little dizzy. "Kagome, we need to get away from here."
"Okay." Kagome started to run, her retreat covered by Miroku gripping his rosary beads to release the wind tunnel if need be. The snake, now driven mad with pain, attacked ruthlessly and wildly at any and all near it. What remained of its body struck fiercely painting the landscape with its own blood. Inu Yasha and Sango were having a hard enough time dodging its fangs let alone a wildly writhing tail full of poisonous blood. Kagome attempted to stay behind the creature in her escape but that proved to be just as dangerous. The edge of its stub managed to catch her soundly on the leg shoving her painfully to the ground.
Luckily, the snake did not seem to notice its successful hit, it was too busy fending off Inu Yasha and Sango. Not trusting that to last for long, Kagome immediately got to her feet but soon regretted that hasty action. She cried out falling back down to her knees. She managed to catch her fall with her outstretched arms at the last second to prevent her head from hitting the ground.
"Kagome, are you all right?" Miroku smashed his staff against the stub of its lashing tail then chanced a look back at her.
"I'm fine, I think I only sprained my ankle." She replied. To prove her point, she got up again this time placing most of her weight onto her left leg. Although the pain shooting through her right ankle made her wince biting her lip from crying out, she did manage to stand up. The pain from the steadily bleeding wound on her side and the pain of straining abused muscles in her leg converged throbbing in time with each other.
Attracted by the scent of blood, the snake swiveled its massive head in Kagome's direction, its forked tongue flickering in and out of its mouth.
"Hey! Don't turn your back on me!" Inu Yasha charged the snake with Tetsaiga raised. However, the snake ignored him intent on the immobilized Kagome. It jerked its slick body sharply to the left to dodge Inu Yasha's assault then dashed with frightening speed at Kagome who stood frozen with fear.
"Kagome!" Sango jumped from Kirara's back landing gracefully beside Miroku. "Get on Kirara and go!" Both raised their weapons ready to hold back the beast for as long as possible. They were the only ones standing between Kagome and its lethal fangs. Kirara lay down to make the climb easier conscious of Kagome's wounds. The second Kagome's thighs closed around her sides, Kirara took off as speedily as possible into the air away from the battlefield.

Without the incentive of the jewel shard, the snake quickly lost interest in the fight. It backed up showing some fear of their prowess.
"Oh no you don't!" Inu Yasha sprang forward sending waves of power from the Tetsaiga. Several blades of power cut through the snake making thin ribbons of its bulk. As the sickly colored blood pooled out around the remains of the snake, Inu Yasha, Sango, and Miroku fled the vapors following Kirara's flight.


They soon were able to catch up with her when Kirara landed in a field with a good wind flow. They arrived just in time to see Kagome shakily ease herself from Kirara's back. Kagome, one hand clamped to her side, grimaced as she put some weight on her injured leg dismounting. The leg trembled but fortunately did not buckle under the strain. Her shirt and part of her skirt clung damply to her side dyed a dark red from her blood. Inu Yasha was on her in an instant. Before his presence had even registered in her mind, he was grabbing at her waist trying to get a better look at the wound. Startled, Kagome swatted his hands hopping back. Of course, her leg could not handle the landing. Her knee buckled as pain lanced through her leg. Caught off balance Kagome fell backward saved only by Inu Yasha's arms encircling her. He caught her sinking form and held her close to his body. Silently he eased her to the ground supporting her back with an arm around her shoulders.
"You're bleeding."
"I know." Inu Yasha sighed,
"Then let me see it." He insisted. He carefully peeled the soaked fabric of her blouse away from the gash. The bleeding had stopped indicating that the wound wasn't nearly as bad as he feared but it still looked unpleasant.
"I'll go get some water to clean up the wound." Sango offered seeing all of the dried and fresh blood coating her skin.
"Let's take off the shirt all together; it's ruined anyways. Without it, it will be easier to clean and bind the wound." Inu Yasha narrowed his eyes speculatively at the monk looking for the slightest hint of lechery in Miroku's placid expression.
"I'll turn around." Miroku sighed with exasperation rolling his eyes. "Really, such mistrust! I am a monk you know."
"You could have fooled me."
"There's another shirt and a first aid kit in my back. Would you go get it?" Kagome asked politely.
"Sure. I'll be right back."

Sango returned just as Miroku sprinted off to search through Kagome's bag for the prescribed items. While they waited for his return, Sango gently began to clean the wound with the spring water she had retrieved and an old strip of clothing kept for such a purpose. Kagome clenched her eyes shut and did her best to ignore the burning pain that contact with the wound induced. Sango had nearly finished the task when Miroku returned with a bundle of clothing piled on top of her first aid kit in his arms.
"How is it?" He asked setting his load down next to Kagome.
"It's not as bad as it could be." Inu Yasha was not pleased. Miroku knelt down next to Sango and opened the kit. He rifled through its contents with some consternation as he examined the random bottles of sunscreen and disinfectant. He finally settled on the white roll of cotton bandages and (under Kagome's guidance) the bottle of peroxide. He doused the wound liberally then bound it tightly with the gauze. Next Miroku gently pulled off her shoe and sock to examine her swollen ankle. He delicately probed her skin and muscles pressing down along the length of the swelling then rotated the foot to test for any broken bones.
"Hmm...nothing feels broken. I believe it is a sprain just as you said, Kagome." He cheerfully pronounced. "A few days of rest should be all that you require."
When he finished he neatly packed the things away and courteously turned his back. With Sango standing guard, Kagome gratefully pulled off her tattered shirt and skirt and replaced them with her clean clothes.

"If Kirara and Shippo stay with Kagome then Miroku, Sango, and I can go pursue the shard. The rumors should be enough to go on." Inu Yasha mused aloud, his gaze lingering on the pile of bloodied clothes.
"You are not leaving me here." Kagome protested. "You can wait a few days for the shard you know."
"We may be a few days too late if we wait."
"Fine, then I'll come with you. It's not like my leg's broken or anything. It's too late to travel anymore today so we might as well stay the night here. I'm sure by the morning my ankle will be well enough to walk on."
"Yea but we'll be in battle. I'm not letting you fight with injuries."
"You do all the time."
"That's because I'm a demon; injuries aren't the same for me!" His voice rose with agitation.
"Well this is hardly an injury, it doesn't really hurt." She retorted.
"You're not going and that is that."
"Yes I am!"

"What shall we have for dinner?" Miroku broke into the argument.
"Oh..." Kagome temporarily forgot her anger as she raked through her brain for an answer, "I still have some instant noodles left in my bag."
"Great! Inu Yasha and I will go get your bag while you and Sango start a fire." Before either one of them could offer an argument Miroku grabbed Inu Yasha's arm dragging him away. He was getting far too used to mediating their arguments for his own liking.

Sango watched the boys depart thoughtfully. Once they were out of earshot she shifted her gaze to Kagome who was casually reclining on the ground massaging her sore ankle muttering to herself.
"You shouldn't be too harsh with Inu Yasha, he's just worried about you."
"I know but it's not like I'm helpless. I don't want to be left out of things just because I might die. We all face that risk so I shouldn't be any different then you guys."
"I'm not saying whether or not you should join us in battle. I'm just saying that Inu Yasha just can't help himself when your safety is involved. Just have a little patience with him." They shared a comradely smile,
"Okay."

***

"Miroku! What's the big deal?! You could've gotten the bag by yourself you know."
"It's awfully heavy, a little assistance would be nice."
"If Kagome can lift it then you certainly can." Inu Yasha jammed his hands into his sleeves crossly.
"I may not be as strong as Kagome." Somehow his words seemed to indicate a different kind of strength than what muscles afforded." Inu Yasha had no response for that and by then they had reached the battle site. Miraculously, Kagome's bag had made it through the battle unscathed and was resting quietly next to her overturned bicycle. Inu Yasha easily hefted the bag onto one shoulder and the bike onto the other.
"I've never met anyone stronger." He finally said in response to Miroku's earlier statement. Miroku smiled,
"Then maybe you should have a little faith in that strength just as she has faith in your strength." Inu Yasha grimaced,
"I can't stop protecting her, she is just a mortal after all. No matter how strong she is, she can't win every battle. I can't risk losing her." His eyes distant lost in thought, Inu Yasha returned to the girls with a very concerned Miroku trailing in his wake.

***


After their respective talks, Inu Yasha and Kagome seemed to be much more tractable to each other. However, the issue was far from over and it loomed above their heads like a thunderstorm. For now, it was the calm before the storm and they allowed themselves to ignore the subject in favor of just enjoying each other's company. Evening had long since past and all traces of the fiery sunset had faded leaving only the star-studded darkness behind. They all sat around a campfire subdued from their battle. Miroku and Sango sat side by side on one side with Kirara nestled in between them. Inu Yasha and Kagome sat opposite of them, Shippo curled up fast asleep in Kagome's lap. Kagome herself wasn't too far from joining him, sleep pressed upon her heavy eyelids. She attempted to fight it for a while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere but lost the battle when Inu Yasha wrapped an arm around her coaxing her head to rest against his shoulder. The warmth of the fire and his body heat soon overwhelmed her sleepy defenses sending her into a heavy slumber.
"I'll take the first watch." Inu Yasha said catching Miroku in a huge yawn. Sango had already given up the battle and had curled herself up in her bedding.
"Alright, I'll relieve you at midnight." Miroku agreed. Inu Yasha gently lay Kagome down on her sleeping bag then stood up to patrol the area before settling in a good sentry position to watch the night out. All the while he watched listening for the smallest hint of a disturbance amongst the wildlife his mind would not be still. Although Kagome's wound was a minor one, it was still enough to remind him of her mortality. Their earlier argument still rolled in his brain. He knew that he could never talk her out of fighting but he was afraid that one day she would die just like Kikyo did. 'I won't let her risk her life anymore. If talking won't work then I'll just have to stop her physically.' An idea sparked in his mind at that thought. He remained very still for a few moments calculating, letting his mind run over the possibilities. With a wry grin he leapt from his perch then stole over to Kagome's bag. If she wouldn't listen to reason then he would have to stop her for her own good. He shuffled through its contents eagerly seeking his prize as quietly as possible.
The faint rustle of cloth and the contents of the bag being shuffled around in their small confinement woke Miroku from his light slumber. He glanced around slightly alarmed until his eyes lit upon Inu Yasha's form stealthily rummaging through Kagome's bag.
"Inu Yasha, what are you doing?" Miroku asked quietly careful not to disturb the others.
"I'm not going to let her fight anymore." He replied darkly.
"How are you going to stop her?"
"I'll worry about that you just go back to sleep."
"I guess it's better this way. I don't think I want to be an accomplice to whatever you're planning. Kagome has a wicked temper." Miroku shrugged. Inu Yasha paused to spare him a grin,
"I know." Miroku chuckled,
"Well then, I'll leave you to your task." After he rolled over returning to his needed rest, Inu Yasha spent a few more minutes fumbling in the dark before he found what he was looking for. He eased out a coil of sturdy rope from the bag then swiftly stowed it in his voluminous sleeve. He had always been grateful for Kagome's wide variety of supplies. However this time, she probably would have second thoughts about being so well prepared.

********

The next morning dawned with no further incident. They rose and ate a quick breakfast fairly early in the morning then broke camp. Kagome was especially perky feeling much better after a good night's sleep. She had even managed to get a better sense of where exactly the jewel was. Inu Yasha was able to further her lead by scenting out an unfamiliar demon scent in the general area.

"All right, let's go." Kagome tossed her backpack onto her bike. The rest had also done a lot of good for her injuries. The pain in her ankle was almost painless manifested in only a slight limp and the gash in her side also was well on its way to being healed; it only hurt when she applied pressure to it.
"Maybe you should sit this one out?" Miroku softly said eyeing her careful movements. When Kagome looked up, she noticed that everyone was watching her worriedly.
"Why?" She asked getting a little irritated at having to have this conversation again; why didn't they ever believe her why she said she was fit to fight?
"Well, from the sound of the rumors it seems like the demon isn't very strong. We should be able to handle it ourselves. Why don't you stay here with Kirara and Shippo where you can get some rest and heal?"
"I thought we already discussed this; I'm just a little sore, I should have no problem fighting."
"Don't be so stubborn! We won't need you so stay put." Inu Yasha broke in.
"How do you know that? Are you psychic or something? What if Naraku suddenly joined the battle?"
"Then I definitely wouldn't want you there!" He retorted.
"Um...I think I'm going to go scout the area." Sango started backing up from the combatants.
"I think I'll join you." Miroku covered his ears to protect them from the increasing volumes of the argument. Miroku grabbed a confused Shippo by the tail taking him along, his protests were easily drowned out by all of the yelling. Inu Yasha and Kagome were so wrapped up in their argument that they didn't even notice the sudden absence of their friends.

"...Because you're totally reckless! I can't leave you alone in battles since you insist on running around trying to save everyone but yourself. You're supposed to be an archer. That means that you stand off in the distance and shoot from there not run right into battle making as big a target of yourself as possible!"
"You're exaggerating! The only time I get involved in the close-range fighting is when you really need the extra help. Its not like I decide I'd like to risk my life for the heck of it!"
"You could've fooled me! Every time we go into battle you get into trouble. So stay put this time and save me some grief."
"I do not get in the way! I can remember a couple of times when I saved your scroungy hide!" She retorted stamping her foot for emphasis.
"I'm telling you, you're not going to fight anymore!"
"And I'm telling you that I am and there's nothing you can do to stop me!" Kagome folded her arms across her chest and glared at him defiantly. A strange expression crossed his face before solidifying into one of grim determination.
"I thought you would say that." He sighed reaching into his gi and pulling out a neat bundle about the size of his fist wrapped in brown cloth. Kagome temporarily lost her anger as her curiosity surfaced at the sight of the strange packet. Inu Yasha swiftly unwrapped the cloth revealing a wad of tough bread; it was the kind made for traveling that didn't mold or grow stale as quickly as ordinary bread. Kagome's forehead scrunched up with confusion as to why at that particular moment Inu Yasha had decided that he needed a lump of bread. She had just taken a breath to ask him just that when he shoved it right into her mouth. Kagome tried to chew around the bread to ingest it as quickly as possible so that she could ask him just what exactly was going through his head but immediately received her answer when Inu Yasha retrieved a length of rope from his sleeve then pushed her up against a thick tree trunk. While his speed was no match for Sesshomaru, he was certainly fast enough for he had her firmly tied to the massive trunk before she could collect her senses enough to rid herself of the bread.
By the time she managed to swallow the sizable lump, Inu Yasha had already tied the final knot behind the tree. The fact that it was too late to prevent his actions didn't stop her from yelling a very loud retaliatory 'sit.' While Kagome didn't get to see him crash to the ground she still got the satisfaction of hearing him do so. The tree rattled shedding a few leaves from the impact to gracefully drift down to rest upon her head and shoulders. A faint groan drifted up to her ears enhancing her satisfaction.
"Now you untie me or I'll 's-word' you until you strike oil!" He didn't answer her but she could hear the faint rustling sound of him pulling himself to his feet. "Well?"
"You can sit me all you like but that won't change anything. You're staying right here until the fighting is over." He replied in a startlingly calm voice considering the damage that had been dealt to him.
"And how to you propose to do any fighting yourself if you won't be able to get off the ground. If I can't go then you can't either." She countered.
"Feh." Was his only reply to that threat. Thoroughly at the end of her patience, Kagome decided to prove to him how serious she was,
"SIT! SIT! SIT! SIT! SIT!" She cried at the top of her lungs. A shower of leaves descended upon her this time as well as a light spray of dirt. Taking advantage of his temporary incapacitation, Kagome squirmed and wriggled madly trying to slide underneath the tight bands of rope winding around her abdomen and chest firmly clamping her arms to her sides. No matter how much she writhed, though, she was unable to move even an inch. A small part of her brain that wasn't fuming with outrage was vaguely surprised and impressed with his knot tying ability. She really hadn't credited him with any other skills besides the fighting ones. "Inu Yasha." She paused in her attempts at freedom hoping to reason with him. There was only silence. "Inu Yasha!" She tried again some of her irritation seeping into her tone. Still nothing. Kagome sighed with exasperation then continued fighting against her restraints, this time trying to swivel her head around to get a look at the other side of the tree. Perhaps he was punishing her? Unfortunately, her efforts were in vain, the rope was just too tight. "Inu Yasha, answer me!" She demanded starting to get a little fearful that the last sits had seriously hurt him. "If you don't answer me then I'll s-word you again!" She threatened but still received no answer. She waited for several long minutes but she wasn't graced with even a surly grumble. "Sit." She said it as gently as possible just in case he was injured.

Nothing happened.

Kagome's eyes widened in shock as realization of what had happened donned on her. Inu Yasha must have run off as soon as he had managed to get back on his feet! Whether or not the sit had any effect on him was beyond her; she had never thought to ask Kaede about its range. Kagome glowered down at the rope rather hoping that distance didn't matter. She even yelled out 'sit' a few more times just in case it didn't.
"You can't keep me tied up forever!" She cried out into the forest. "And when I get free you'd better watch out!" Kagome let out all of the air in her lungs trying to flatten herself against the tree to loosen the ropes but it was still no good. "I'm going to sit you until you hit bedrock!! Do you hear me?!" She grunted and huffed as she yelled futilely struggling against the rope. "I'm going to kill you for this!!!" But the uncaring forest offered her no response, nor any assistance.


***

A few hours later when Kagome's legs were sore from standing in one rigid position for so long and her patience had long since vanished, Miroku ambled along. His face was a mask of passive cheer as he stopped in front of her; his smile was a touch nervous.
"Why hello, Kagome." He greeted her in a conversational tone. Kagome just scowled at him, her temper was beyond soothing. "I hope you haven't been too uncomfortable here." He disappeared from her view wandering over to the other side of the tree.
"You knew?!" She sputtered incredulously. Miroku remained silent for a few moments picking carefully at the intricate knots.
"Well...yes, but only after the fact. We only found out right before we fought the demon so there wasn't really any time to come back to get you." He finally replied in measured words.
"One of you could've come back for me you know. I'll bet Shippo would have been happy to."
"Yes, actually he was quite adamant about coming back for you but Inu Yasha tied him to a tree as well. In fact, Sango is freeing him right now." Miroku swore under his breath as the knot refused to release its clench. "This is a really good knot." He remarked with a degree of surprise. "It's a good thing I borrowed a knife from Sango or we'd be here all afternoon. I didn't know Inu Yasha could tie such a wicked knot" Fed up with his praise of Inu Yasha's knot-tying skill, Kagome cut into his chatter,
"Where is that low-down bully of a demon anyways? Didn't have the courage to face me after what he did?" Miroku chuckled lightly,
"Of course not, you'd be sitting him until he is nothing but one giant bruise. You can't blame him for having a little caution." The ropes began to loosen as Miroku sawed his way through the unyielding knots. The moment the ropes were loose enough, Kagome writhed out of them as if she had been tied to a flaming tree. She immediately began stretching out her cramped muscles trying to ease the stiffness out of them at the same time. "On the bright side of things," Miroku reappeared from behind the tree stowing the knife away in his robes, "we successfully defeated the demon and got the jewel fragment." He casually handed her the sparkling, pink shard. "Plus, Sango has informed me that there is a very nice hot spring not too far away from here. Under the circumstances I'm sure no one would mind if you went first." Kagome was accustomed to sharing the hot springs with Sango so Miroku's tactful invitation for some time alone to cool off did not go unnoticed. Kagome, however, was grateful; she definitely wouldn't be good company for anyone right now. Her anger and humiliation were too immense and had been boiling for too long to remain focused on a single person.
At Kagome's sharp nod, Miroku began to lead the way walking for a long time in silence. That was just fine for Kagome because anything that came out of her mouth at that moment would not be pleasant. Kagome had always fancied herself as pretty self-reliant especially after all of her time wandering and fighting in the primitive feudal Japan. It really hurt her self-esteem to think that Inu Yasha thought so little of her skills that he felt he had to physically restrain her from battle to make things easier on himself. It also hurt her feelings that he had so little respect for her opinion. He hadn't even given her a choice or offered to help her improve her fighting abilities if it mattered to him so much. 'Doesn't he care how I feel? I'm not some Shikon detector to be taken out and used whenever it's convenient and then packed away again when you're done using it! I've pulled my weight in battle lots of times! I know I'm not as strong as the others, but I am certainly not useless.'

"Here we are." Miroku chimed brightly cutting into her train of thought. The steaming hot spring lined by thick trees and the occasional boulder was pleasantly secluded. It was a little small as far as hot springs went looking as though it would only comfortably accommodate two full grown adults but it looked to be a nice depth perhaps reaching her shoulders if she stood up straight in it. There was even one stone half submerged in the water sloping against the bank that would probably be very comfortable to lean against. Kagome warily glanced at Miroku wondering if his lecherous nature would resurface and give her a hard time. She really couldn't guarantee that she wouldn't seriously hurt him at this point. Fortunately for Miroku his face betrayed no such thoughts. In fact, he was studying her with a solemn expression, his head slightly tilted in thought. Nervous under his close scrutiny, Kagome began to fidget with the ends of her uniform scarf. 'I think I like the lechery better than this. What is he thinking?'
"Listen, Kagome," He finally spoke seeming to come to a decision on whatever internal problem that was plaguing him, "don't be too hard on Inu Yasha. I know that three-fourths of what he says and does is very insensitive and completely thoughtless. On the outside it may seem like he doesn't care and he's only interested in himself and what best serves his own needs. But..." He hesitated, his features becoming turbulent as though he was unwilling to further speak but yet thought it necessary. "...I'm sure that he loves you more than anything else in this world. He may never admit it and cover his actions with arrogance or apathy but I know that every move he makes, he makes with your welfare in mind. We all deal with our emotions differently, perhaps his aggressiveness and rudeness are really ways of expressing his fear of losing you."
"I know, but I just wish he would understand. I can't put my own safety before others. I won't hide from battle risking the chance that you might need me." Miroku nodded,
"You and Inu Yasha need to have a serious talk then for you both feel very strongly about this." Kagome scowled, her thoughts returning to her earlier unjust treatment. "Ah…perhaps tomorrow you should talk." Miroku pasted on his usual happy-go-lucky smile and left her to her thoughts looking pleased that at least she was going to think about his words. Once she was certain that Miroku had truly left instead of was lurking in the bushes, Kagome methodically began to pull off her clothes and fold them neatly placing them in a stack on the ground. She tried to suppress her outrage at Inu Yasha's rash action and focus on his motive for doing so. The tiny part of her brain that didn't want to pummel him for it was touched that he feared for her life so deeply. Kagome sighed, 'Miroku does have a point though. They both have a strange way of showing their affection. I guess it's hard for them to show their feelings sometimes so they express it in their own subtle ways.' Kagome unbound her wound and was pleased to see that it was healing nicely. 'I guess I'll just have to ignore his methods and focus on his intentions.' She walked to the edge of the water starring down at her reflection. 'No matter how thoughtless or inconsiderate they are.' Her anger added as an afterthought.
Her thoughts turbulent, Kagome slid into the steaming water sighing a bit at the pleasurable warmth of the water. Her muscles almost instantly began to relax soothed by the heat. 'Now if I could only get my mind to relax I could enjoy this.' However, the two warring emotions of anger and empathy prevented her from doing so.


********


Inu Yasha leaned forward precariously on the slim branch holding his weight. The tree was mere feet away from where Kagome was soaking in the natural hot spring, it was the nearest he dared to come to her. He had caught a glimpse of her expression once she entered the clearing to the hot spring and it was enough to invoke fear in him. She was truly upset and there would be hell to pay when he eventually was forced to face her again. Between the last bought of 'sits' and the battle, his muscles were aching terribly making that hot spring look very tempting. The fact that Kagome was reclining sans clothing in that very same hot spring made the temptation almost intolerable. The heat of battle always left his blood raging long after the enemy was defeated making her naked flesh incredibly enticing to his adrenaline soaked senses. The only thing that kept him from joining her was the danger of about a hundred sits to pay him back for keeping her from battle. 'Stupid girl.' He thought to himself not daring an audible grumble. 'I go through all of this trouble to keep her safe and all she can do is sit me for it.' Inu Yasha inched forward a little more to get a better view. 'Doesn't she realize how easily she could be killed? She's only a mortal no matter how much spirit energy she can wield.' He fumed rubbing his shoulder to ease some of the soreness out of it. The branch quivered slightly underneath him even though Inu Yasha wasn't moving. Worried that perhaps the tree branch could no longer hold his weight, Inu Yasha shifted into a crouch to ease himself back closer to the trunk. Just when he had himself poised unsteadily on the branch, it shook so violently that he lost his balance and went tumbling down to land very ungracefully on his back.
Inu Yasha remained still staring up at the sky above him waiting for his vision to clear. A faint splashing sound was his first warning about where he had landed. Inu Yasha internally winced as he looked to his left. Sure enough, he had landed a mere foot away from the pool...and where Kagome was standing chest deep in water looking rather startled. Inu Yasha shut his eyes tightly bracing himself for the assault of 'sits' that would no doubt be his punishment. A stillness settled over the small clearing that was so profound Inu Yasha could swear he heard the steady rhythm of his own heartbeat. His fall had scared away all of the nearby animals and silenced the insects. Even the wind stilled making it seem as if the entire forest held its breath with him anticipating Kagome's reaction.

The sound of frantic splashing broke the uneasy silence forcing his eyes open. What was she doing that would make all that noise, the backstroke? The sight that greeted him was completely the opposite of what he had expected. Rather than ducking into the water crying out a litany of 'sits' as she usually did in that situation, Kagome had hauled herself out of the water and was kneeling next to him with a worried expression on her face.
"Are you okay?" She asked anxiously.
"Y-Yea." He stuttered taken aback by her sudden concern. She gingerly pressed her warm, wet fingertips along his scalp probing for lumps. "I'm fine." He said firmly pulling himself into a sitting position.
"What happened?" A mild blush colored his cheeks, how was he to reply? The truth certainly wasn't viable but there was no decent lie for that situation. 'I was trying to learn how to fly.' or how about 'I was captured by a random giant bird?' Kagome sighed impatiently folding her arms across her chest...against her naked…chest. Heat pooled into his cheeks reddening his complexion further. "What is it...?" Her voice trailed off as she followed his gaze looked down at herself trying to deduce what was the problem. Kagome's hue soon matched Inu Yasha's, her arms instinctively moved to cover herself.
"Sorry." He turned is back on her trying very hard to forget the sight of her rosy body glimmering with beads of water in the late afternoon sun.
"It's nothing you haven't already seen before." Her voice was low with shyness. Inu Yasha had no response for that. Sex was simply out of the question when her mood was uncertain. As it was, all of his nerves were strained trying to fight the compulsion to grab her and take her right there; to feel her water soaked skin against his.
"Aren't you angry with me?" He changed the topic hoping to invoke her anger. Somehow this was a greater torture then all the sits in the world. He had tasted the delights of her body so many times and each time he only grew to crave it more. But his human side forbid him from forcing her. So when she was angry like this denying him her delights, he was only left frustrated by his demon impulses and his human sensibility.
"Oh, right." Some anger tinged her words. "I am. You know I'll have to get revenge for what you did to me." She sounded almost conversational. Her tone surprised him into turning around to probe her expression for hints about her mood. However, her back was turned to him as she slipped back into the water. She turned back around resting her head on her arms folded on the bank. She looked dangerously contemplative.
"Why don't you just sit me like you always do?" Inu Yasha used impatience as a cover for the building desire in his veins.
"That won't make my sore muscles feel any better. If you were so worried about my health then you shouldn't have left me tied to a tree for so long! Not only is everything sore and cramped but some demon or thug could have wandered by and I would've been left defenseless!"
"Not with that mouth." He muttered.
"What was that?!"
"I'm sure you could've complained them to death very easily." He retorted grinning at the mounting anger behind her brown eyes. He knew it was suicidal to provoke her when she was already so mad but he loved to get her riled up.
"Not only are you a bully but you're also a jerk!"
"Look who's talking, you're the one who uses this stupid necklace to get her way." He was enjoying the sparks of anger flashing within those soft orbs. Her anger was just so damn alluring. He could practically smell the blood rushing through her veins in response to her anger. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes shinning with hidden fire, her muscles taut ready to lash out.
"What do you know?" She ground her teeth turning away from him to bottle some of the ire before she did something that would permanently damage him. "How would you like it if I tied you up?"
"I didn't know you were that kind of girl." He replied evenly. Kagome silently fumed at that trying to think of a good comeback. "You are right about one thing, though." His voice sounded much closer but Kagome didn't look back. He placed his hands gently on her shoulders and began to massage the tense muscles as a silent apology. "I do worry about your health." His hands slipped lower working on her upper back. "Maybe next time you'll listen to me and then I won't have to tie you to a tree." Wry humor laced his soothing tone.
"There won't be a next time." Kagome bristled. If his back rub hadn't felt so good she would have been sorely tempted to sit him then and there. Inu Yasha chuckled throatily,
"I have lots of tricks up my sleeve. Don't be too sure of yourself."
"Literally. I bet you could hide a small mule in those things." Her anger warred against his ministrations for a time but Inu Yasha won out, her muscles relaxing underneath his hands. Inu Yasha pushed back his sleeves then broached the water line to reach her mid-back and sides. Kagome suppressed a pleasurable sigh vehemently trying to remind herself that she was incredibly angry with Inu Yasha.
Meanwhile, Inu Yasha struggled with his own conflicting urges. Kagome's scent rose with the steam sensually curling around his face and neck. He inhaled deeply savoring the scent that was so uniquely hers. In it was everything that she was inside and out radiating from her youthful body so full of vigor and fire. He paused for a moment to take off his gi carefully laying it aside then returned to his task taking his hands even lower beneath the water to massage her lower back. He slowly brought his nose to her neck closing his eyes happily as he lavished his senses with her.
"Koishii." He purred softly, imploringly. Somehow the way he projected all of his tattered love and deep devotion into that one word always melted her resolve touching her deeply. Her hand moved of its own accord to cup his cheek tenderly.
"You make it impossible for me to stay mad at you. One minute you're a complete jerk then the next you're the sweetest person alive." She felt the last of her anger slip away from her in the heat of the almost palpable presence of his love. Whatever his faults were, lack of concern wasn't one of them. Kagome got the feeling that anyone fortunate enough to find their way into his scarred heart would find that he would always hold them there with an intense passion and a tender loyalty that would never die.
"Don't go telling anyone that," he huffed, "demons aren't sweet." Kagome giggled.
"Shippo is." She countered.
"Shippo doesn't have a reputation to maintain. If you keep calling me sweet then everyone will think that I'm so kind of a push-over."
"Aren't you?" She asked coyly then spun around to quickly kiss him on the tip of the nose. "Maybe that can be my revenge on you. I'll tell everyone what a nice guy you are.
"Geez you're sadistic."
"You reap what you sow so deal with it." She said cheerfully.
"Fine, whatever." Inu Yasha contemplated her mood shift for a moment then eased the knot out of his belt then slid his pants down his waist deeming that she would now be calm enough to allow him to be in the same water with her.
"What do you think you're doing?"
"If you're going to spoil everything that I've worked so long for then the least you can do is let me get a good soak in. I'll have to do a hell of a lot of fighting in the future if every demon in the country thinks I'm 'sweet'." He laid his pants with his gi then slipped in sighing gratefully as the hot water eased his fatigued muscles. Kagome eyed him thoughtfully then accepted his presence with a slight shrug. They settled into a companionable silence each enjoying the warmth.


"This is the first time that we ever bathed together." Kagome mused after a time.
"Yea, I guess it is."
"This is nice, we should do it more often." One ear flicked in her direction, his contemplative expression shifted dangerously. His thoughts returned to the desire he had been plagued with while watching her from the tree. Now that her anger was appeased, he could do something about that. Inu Yasha slid further into the water until he was submerged up to his nose. His hair, fanning out around his face like a white cloud, hid his wicked grin. His ears swiveled on his head like two radars scanning the area. 'Great, no one is anywhere near us.' Satisfied that they had complete privacy, he raised his head from the water and surged forward, a predatory gleam in his slitted pupils. Kagome was suddenly strongly reminded of a shark. "What are you doing?" She asked nervously backing up a trifle.
"Making the most of our first bath together." He answered casually enough. Kagome tilted her head in confusion; his expression was a little unnerving. Inu Yasha backed her up against the half-submerged boulder caging her by pressing his hands to the rock on either side of her head. Kagome's hair clung damply to her neck and shoulders as she stared up at him; curiosity and anticipation burning within her depths.
"What if someone catches us?"
"Then I hope that they had a full life before they meet their untimely deaths." He halted any further conversation by sealing his lips against hers. He kissed her with a slow, deliberate heat that rivaled the temperature of the water. His lips took their time moving against hers; his kiss was deep but unhurried filling her mouth with a thick tenderness. He pressed his body fully against hers until he could feel every curve, every hill and valley mapped for him against his taut skin. He twined one thigh between her legs lightly brushing her most sensitive spot. Kagome's arms found their way around his back clinging to him tightly as a new ache built in her body that had nothing to do with sore muscles.
Once assured that she was incapable of escaping his embrace, his hands slid away from the rock to better explore his prey. Inu Yasha took his time probing her body with thoughtful fingers. Each touch was light and deliberate managing to inflame her body more effectively than any of his fierier caresses. Every inch of her body was sensitized to his touch tingling at the slightest contact. His hands lovingly flowed over her sides, her thighs, or any part of her body that his was not so firmly covered by his own. Kagome shivered as he used the tips of his claws skimming along her more sensitive areas.
Kagome returned the favor tracing the muscles of his back, learning the curve of his shoulder blades. She kissed his shoulder then his throat savoring the feel of his pulse flutter underneath her lips before dropping her head to rest against his chest losing herself to the sensations. One hand skimmed up her back to tangle itself in her thick hair. Inu Yasha gently drew her head back to taste her sweet lips once more. His tongue tasted her delights moving in a smooth rhythm that rivaled the snake's tail. Her head began to swim with the hot water and passionate kisses. The shift from anger to lust is a very easy one and Kagome was all but lost to the demands to her body and the devilish caresses that her demon lover was bestowing upon her.
Sudden pain lanced through her hazy world when Inu Yasha's other hand closed a little too forcefully on her injured side. Kagome hissed a sharp intake of air, her own hand locking on his wrist instinctively. Alarmed, Inu Yasha pulled away from her a fraction.
"It's just my side." She said in response to the concern in his eyes. Inu Yasha's hand instantly loosened its grip sliding down to rest lower on her hip but his eyes remained glued to it even distorted as it was from the water. Inu Yasha mentally cursed himself for being so absorbed in his own lust that he had forgotten her wound. He frowned raising his hand to lightly touch the half-healed gash with his fingertips. His expression darkened considerably, what he was exactly thinking about was unclear but his troubled eyes worried her.
"I'm fine, really." She hurriedly assured him. Inu Yasha slowly covered the red line with his palm although his eyes remained steadily locked upon it.
"You really scared me back there." He admitted after a time, his voice low. "I could smell your blood, your fear, and it terrified me because I couldn't get to you."
"It's not your fault." Inu Yasha shook his head impatiently.
"Fault isn't important, what is important is that I couldn't protect you. I'm afraid that there will come a battle where no one can get to you in time. You've had a lot of close calls but your luck won't hold out forever."
"Then I'll just get stronger."
"Please, don't fight anymore Kagome. If you...died..." he swallowed heavily, "...I...I wouldn't know what to do."
"I have to fight, I just can't stand back and watch you guys get hurt." There was a trace of regret in her consolatory tone. He held her gaze, fierce determination setting steel to his golden orbs but she would not relent.
"Promise me," his lips touched her jaw imploringly. He pressed his fingertips down and inward following the curve of her pelvis.
"Inu Yasha, I can't." She whispered willing him to understand how she felt.
"Please," he breathed against her ear then nibbled on her lobe. Kagome gasped as his fingers invaded her rubbing her from within enticingly. Kagome unconsciously gripped his forearms tightly, confusion at his contradictory words and actions burning in time with the pleasure building in her body.
"Inu Yasha...?"
"Promise me," he insisted.
"I can't," she whimpered. "You know I can't."
"Why do you have to make things so difficult? Why can't you just let me protect you?" As he pulled back to watch her face, his free hand buried itself into her hair holding her head still so that she had no choice but to look him directly in the eye. He maintained a painfully slow rhythm as his eyes devoured hers demanding her concession. With some satisfaction he watched the lust fill her eyes, felt her grip on his arms tremble in unfulfilled need.
"I do let you protect me." She smiled weakly resisting the urge to moan her frustration as his fingers continued to assault her without any promise of release. "You may not believe it, but..." she paused trying to regroup her disjoined thoughts. Now was a terrible time to have a coherent conversation. Of course, that was his intention. "...I make a lot of concessions to you." His fingers stilled,
"Like?" He raised a disbelieving brow.
"Like letting you get away with tying me to a tree. I guarantee that no one else has." Inu Yasha chuckled throatily at that.
"You hardly let me get away with it. I think I lost count of how many times you sat me."
"That's nothing compared to what I could have done." She smiled, relieved that his mood had lightened somewhat.
"You really do drive me crazy." He sighed.
"Likewise." She cupped his cheeks bringing his face down to kiss him lovingly. "Trust me," she murmured against his lips. His eyes were turbulent, but that was the only choice he had. Ironically, Kagome's stubborn will was one of the things that he liked about her no matter how annoying it got.
"I will if you promise to at least listen to me. If something is too dangerous then sit it out."
"Deal." Inu Yasha searched her eyes skeptically, somehow he got the feeling that his definition of dangerous and her definition would end up being incredibly different. He smirked, 'I guess I'll just come up with better ways of keeping her out of dangerous situations.'
Inu Yasha's fingers resumed their movement this time no longer to torture but to please. Kagome moaned on an exhale, her body aching from being teased for so long. Her desire seeped from her body like the steam from the water further encouraging his demon instincts to take over. Inu Yasha bent his head to reverently kiss her breast, his tongue tracing the subtle lines of her scar; the physical proof that she belonged to him and no one else. The need to protect was as deep as breathing for him. It was a deep-rooted instinct stemming from his demon blood; Kagome was his and it was his job to make sure that no one ever hurt her. He gently renewed the bite as further assurance of their bond; a mark that no one would ever see but the two of them. He quickened his speed relishing the soft cry that escaped her slightly parted lips. He told her his feelings the only way he knew how, by action. He showed her how much he worshipped her, how much he loved her. He trailed he mouth along her slick skin to the round curve of her shoulder where he made a similar mark.

Kagome wound her fingers in his wild hair holding his head to her breast, she could no longer hold back her cries. She climaxed quickly and hard from his prolonged torment, her bundle of nerve endings sending hot stabs of ecstasy to her entire body. As she rode out the following waves that left her breathless and shaky, Inu Yasha continued to touch and taste every part of her body. She marveled at his caresses, every touch was a reaffirmation of his claim while at the same time a subtle gesture of affection. It was in the way he covered as much of her body as possible with his own, the way his hands grasped her to keep her close. Touched by his unspoken devotion Kagome caught his face in her hands kissing his forehead, then his cheek before caressing his lips with her own. He responded with ardor taking all that she offered then delving even deeper for more. Kagome's thumbs stroked his cheek bones; a bare whisper of sensation that sent a tremble through his entire body. Inu Yasha opened his eyes a fraction to watch her face as they kissed. He relished the sweet innocence that lingered on her youthful face despite the hardships of their travels. He reflected how much he would like to stay like this forever. Here, in his arms, was the only time he could be truly sure that she was safe and his. He wanted to stay that way forever, but his own body desperately cried out for release. Her erection throbbed painfully pressed against the welcoming heat of her abdomen. The pheromones that she had loosed from her orgasm were nearly driving him insane with the need to pump himself into her.
Strained beyond endurance, he attacked her senses more ruthlessly. His caresses became more aggressive, his kisses more demanding. He drove her body to respond to him, to submit to his desires. Everything burned. The water they marinated in, their own bodies pulsing in the heat of the fading sun. His mouth burned sending electric heat into her own, his hands were flames licking at her flesh charring her to the soul. Yet she sought this painful fire with vigor encouraging it, relishing in it. She pushed her scorched skin even closer to his, she returned his fiery kisses with her own setting flame to him. Heat surrounded them and poured out of their own bodies. When he could no longer withstand it, Inu Yasha joined with her adding his heat to her own.
In the face of his unspoken desire to protect even as he consumed her, Kagome could only cling to him. She let his body guide hers, let him set the pace of their love-making trying to wordlessly convey her support, her understanding. She would never be able to stop fighting so long as the ones she cared for were in danger but she would always let him protect her. Kagome wrapped her legs tightly around his waist drawing him in deeper.
His thrusts were forceful, full of primal heat. Kagome's head fell back against the rock, her mouth open in a soundless cry. Inu Yasha took advantage of her exposed throat nibbling and sucking on her supple skin drowning himself in her. He curled his arms underneath her shoulder blades pulling her away from the rock to hold her more firmly against him so he could delve deeper. A harsh moan tore at her throat as she felt her vaginal muscles start to tremble with impending release. Inu Yasha responded with a heated growl pulling her legs up further on his back. The water danced with their movements lapping at their sweat soaked skin adding its song to their cries of pleasure.
Just as Kagome found herself at the threshold, their eyes locked, their breathing coming in labored pants, and found climax as one soaring together. In that one blissful moment, nothing else mattered.


********

"Well?" Sango asked as Miroku calmly took a seat beside her back at camp.
"Inu Yasha and Kagome won't be joining us for a while." His grin was very self-satisfied.
"Is that so? I thought Kagome wouldn't let him within a ten mile radius of herself."
"Inu Yasha had an unfortunate accident while spying on his beloved. The sudden instability of a tree branch made him fall right in the hot spring clearing."
"A sudden instability huh? Did you help with that instability by any chance?"
"Me? I don't know what you're talking about." He winked conspiratorially at her. Sango chuckled,
"What would they do without us interfering?"



__________________________________________ ______________________________


*does a double-take at the last update date* I'm so sorry that this took so long to get out, I really had no idea it would take so long. For some reason I really had a bad case of writers block on this chapter. It has two of the things which are the hardest for me to write: battles scenes and hentai. I must be masochistic to put both in one chapter! On the bright side, it's 19 pages long!! Sorry if either one gets a little boring; after working on this thing everyday for a solid month (yes, I actually wasn't slacking on this) I kind of said to hell with it on the tweaking, I'm just posting the damn thing!!

My next chapter is going to depend on you guys. I have a couple of ideas rolling in my head but as always I'm open to your suggestions (thanks to you guys who have already offered a few!!!).
After watching the new episodes (God Bless Cartoon Network!!) and Inu Yasha go full demon, I've gotten a few ideas that would center around that. Mostly, a chapter focusing on his full demon attitude toward Kagome.
The other idea is the ever popular near-death-experience for Kagome. I, personally, never get tired of them even though I know how each one ends. However, I understand how that can get boring so I'll leave it up to you whether or not you'd like to read another one.

Once again, thanks a billion for all of your kind reviews and story ideas!! I swear, without them I would have given up on this frustrating chapter!