InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Second Time Around ❯ Chapter 4

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

Disclaimer: Do I own Inuyasha? No, I Disclaimer: Do I own Inuyasha? No, I don’t.

Kagome stared forlornly at her hut, the remaining three of the band of seven standing behind her, off to the side. She reinforced her barrier so that only her friends would be able to enter. Turning around, she caught a flash of purple, pink, and green as Miroku and Sango hurried down the village path. A second later, an orange ball of fur launched itself at her. She hugged Shippo tight as Kaede, Kikyo, and Inuyasha came into view. Sango pressed a bundle wrapped in white cloth into her hands.
“Here Kagome-chan, a present from all of us.” The Taijiya smiled and pried Shippo from her friend’s body. “Go change so we can see!” She gently pushed Kagome back into her hut, waiting at the doorway of Kagome’s private sleeping chamber. She smiled widely as Kagome came back out, dressed in her ‘presents.’
“Wait a second.” She grabbed the obi Sesshoumaru had given Kagome and tied it around her waist like a sash. Taking her sword from its place strapped to her bag, she slipped it into the blue and gold obi. Pushing a stray lock of Kagome’s hair behind her ear, she smiled tearfully and hugged the miko she considered a sister tight. “You look beautiful. And like you kick ass.” The two laughed and exited the hut.
It was silent for a moment as the two women stepped outside before a series of reactions took place.

Shippo: You look great, ‘Kaasan! *Smiles adoringly*
Miroku: Buddha, I’ve been blessed. She’s beautiful and dangerous. *Stares dreamily at Kagome*
Inuyasha: Who’s bright idea was this? *Glares at Kagome’s outfit.*
Kaede & Kikyo: *Smile silently*
Bankotsu: Whoa *Eyes widen*
Jakotsu: You think I could pull that off?
Renkotsu: *Arches a brow*

Sango giggled at everyone’s reaction, even her hentai husband’s. She looked at Kagome. She really did look beautiful. She was wearing a white sleeveless dress that clung to her breasts and hips and ended at her knees. There were slits on each side, going all the way up to her hips. Royal blue sakura blossoms were stitched into the white silk around the hem, hip area, and collar area. Beneath that, she wore skintight black leggings that ended at her ankles, her feet encased in black Chinese shoes that they’d purchased from a traveling Chinese merchant the other day. Sesshoumaru’s obi was tied around her waist, her sword resting at one hip.
“It’s fire rat fur, so it’s fire proof and will mend by itself.” She giggled at Inuyasha’s wide eyes. “Inuyasha doesn’t know it, but he was the one that gave us the idea for this. He was going on and on about how you would need extra protection and how he was thinking about having a fire rat kimono made fore you. But this style is much better, ne?” Everyone laughed as the Hanyou scowled and folded his arms into his kimono.
After a long, emotional goodbye, Kagome and the three mercenaries departed to embark on their journey. They decided to just travel from village to village, killing off any rogue demons that may cross their path and asking around for rumors and information.
They were currently at an Inn in some demon village in the East, their stay free; courtesy of Sesshoumaru. They were sitting in the main room in a luxurious section of the inn; a spacious, well-furnished room leading to four well-furnished rooms and a private indoor hot spring. It had been a while since they'd heard any rumors of demons and Myouga had yet to report new information; as it had become his habit. He also visited them once in a while with Kirara, bearing new supplies and information on Inuyasha and the others as well as any rumors he may have heard.
Kagome was checking her first aid kit and reorganizing her bag while the others dozed, and in Renkotsu's case, read. Kagome looked up forlornly as she realized her supplies were almost depleted. Putting a hand to her sword to reassure herself, she welcomed the feel of its aura. Strange, how it felt so much like the Shikon jewel itself. Her thoughts strayed to the Band of Seven; and how they survived on the jewel shards. She remembered each member's fate. The three she traveled with now had the most twisted endings. Jakotsu, defeated by Inuyasha, yet killed by Renkotsu. Renkotsu killed by Bankotsu, then the leader himself killed by Inuyasha. How could Bankotsu and Renkotsu interact so peaceably? Why did the two not kill her? She had angered them in the past. They had wanted to kill her, so why didn’t they take their chance?
“Kagome, what is on your mind? You look troubled.” Jakotsu and Bankotsu looked up at her as Renkotsu spoke. Kagome flushed, but decided to pursue her musings.
“Do you three. . .remember what happened before you died? The second time you died, I mean?” The three mercenaries sat silently in thought. Jakotsu and Renkotsu were frowning heavily. They looked towards Bankotsu.
“I do not remember too much. I remember being resurrected and taking revenge on that castle, taking back Banryuu, and coming after you and your friends. Battles between Inuyasha and I, Hijiri Island, Mount Hakurei. But some parts are a bit fuzzy.” Kagome nodded slowly. “I don’t actually remember dying, but I felt somehow that Inuyasha was the cause. I remember feeling angry when I saw him. And when I first saw you, I felt as though I had a grudge against you.” Kagome smiled wryly.
“What about you Renkotsu? Do you feel any ill will feelings towards me?”
“At first, yes. It was slight, however. Is there something you want to tell us?”
“Yes, you see, I have wronged you in the past. Jakotsu, I haven’t really, but definitely for you two.”
“It is understandable. We were enemies back then, were we not?”
“Big brother is correct. As you have said Kagome, we shall leave our past as it is; the past.” Kagome smiled warmly at the room’s occupants.

They’d been traveling around Japan for only two weeks when a new member had joined their group. Kagome remembered the night they’d come across their newest addition quite well.

Ka gome was at the hot spring with her new bathing partner; Jakotsu. She had to admit, he was the perfect replacement for Sango. He loved to gossip, he was a good friend, and he wasn’t so old-fashioned or traditional the way Sango was. He didn’t mind nudity, he was open about sex, and he wasn’t afraid to tell it like it is. Needless to say, they had a lot of laughs.
She had to admit; her little group of traveling companions reminded her a lot of her previous cohorts. Jakotsu was like Sango, and Renkotsu was like Miroku; level-headed and unofficial peace-keeper. Bankotsu was, in a way, like the grumpy Hanyou that she used to travel with. She snorted as she tried to imagine Bankotsu sulking in a tree in a red kimono. So he wasn’t exactly the new Inuyasha of her current traveling group. He was still the one they had to tiptoe around, and he had become her protector of sorts.
Kagome had been sitting on a short rock behind Jakotsu and was shampooing his hair when she first noticed the demonic aura. Choosing not to panic, she prodded the aura with her own and discovered it was familiar. She didn’t have to wait long for the person to reveal their self. Kagura stepped into the clearing, but visibly faltered as she noticed Kagome wasn’t alone. Her pupil-less ruby eyes widened and her crimson colored lips parted as she froze mid step, her usual calm demeanor shattered as her face portrayed a look of horror and deep confusion.
“Kagura?” Kagome halted in her task as the wind sorceress dropped to her knees. Rushing out of the water and into a yukata, she hurried over to the Naraku incarnate. “Kagura? Kagura? Are you alright?!” Wide, ruby eyes looked at her, then at Jakotsu as she shuddered.
“You. . . Jakotsu. I thought he was gay.” Kagura managed to choke out.
“Don’t worry honey, I’m only interested in men!” Kagura’s lips thinned as Jakotsu’s shouts reached their ears.
“Jakotsu is gay. We’re not together, if that’s what you were thinking.” Kagura nodded, still a bit shaken. “Jakotsu, can you bring my stuff when you’re done? I’m gonna take Kagura back to camp.” The mercenary voiced his assent as Kagome lead a dazed Kagura back to their campsite.
She sat her down on a log, and handed her a bottle of water. When she’d calmed down enough, Kagome began to question her, Renkotsu and Bankotsu listening from across the fire.
“Kagura, what are you doing here?”
“I was looking for you, Kagome. The wind told me it was your wish that brought me back to life. I wanted to thank you.”
“It was nothing, really. I didn’t know my wish would revive everyone wronged by Naraku. If I may ask, where is Kanna?” Kagura’s eyes grew sad.
“Kanna couldn’t exist in this world as she had been. She was a void demon; she had no soul. Apparently, when you made your wish, she was given a soul, but was brought back as a ningen child. She lives in a village in the west with kind parents who could not have their own children. She is truly happy there.” Kagome nodded.
“It was probably best for her.” She looked up at the stars glittering above them. “What are your plans now? Are you going to roam Japan as a free spirit, like you said you would when you free of Naraku? I do remember you saying you were the wind.” Kagura blushed.
“I know I’ve said all that and more, but. . .” She looked at Kagome, her eyes trying to relay what she was trying to say.
“You crave a purpose.” Kagome whispered, a small smile on her lips. Kagura hesitated, nut nodded.
“Yes.” The wind sorceress twiddled with her fan. “I’ve heard about your quest. If you don’t mind, I’d like to help. I can even provide information on most of the demons that were absorbed by Naraku.” Kagome smiled.
“Of course, Kagura. You’re welcome to travel with us. And I won’t hold it against you if you go of on your own once in a while. You are the wind after all.” Kagura smiled, a true, genuine smile. Kagome really was something else.
It was then that Jakotsu stumbled back into camp. Kagome announced that Kagura would be joining them, which lead to a polite welcome from Renkotsu, a smirk and an offer to be bathing buddies from Jakotsu, and a glance from Bankotsu. After introductions and what not, Kagura whispered to Kagome in conspiring tone.
“So Jakotsu’s gay and the other two are straight.” Kagome’s brow creased.
“You know, I’m not too sure about the other two. I don’t know about their sexual preferences.”
“Oh don’t worry, they prefer women.”
“How do you know?” Kagura chuckled.
“Kagome, dear. They’ve been staring at you since we’ve arrived here.”
“Huh?” Kagome looked down at herself, which immediately caused her to shriek. She grabbed her bag and darted behind a tree. She peeled the wet yukata off herself and slipped into a dry one, grumbling about people who couldn’t tell her these things. It was no wonder Renkotsu and Bankotsu had been so silent. In her haste to help Kagura, Kagome had put on her white yukata while she was still wet, causing the thin white fabric to cling to her. She really needed to get thicker robes that weren’t white.

Kagome slapped her forehead as she remembered her oath to buy thick, black robes to replace her current yukata. How could she forget? She vowed to buy herself new robes the next town the came across.

Of course, she forgot.

A/N: I know, I know; short chapter. I’m sorry. I’ve been short-circuiting I guess. It’s just that I really wanna move on with the story and get to the good parts.