InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Shikon no Kakera Hunters ❯ Revelations ( Chapter 7 )

Disclaimer: Sadly I don't own InuYasha or any of the characters from the anime or manga. I only own the characters of my own design.

The Shikon no Kakera Hunters

Chapter 7: Revelations

Kirara had been pushing herself for hours, spurred by her mistress's distress. She had been maintaining top speed the whole trip, but her efforts were beginning to catch up with her. Sango noticed the fire cat's fatigue and motioned for her to land. The four companions sat under a tall tree, chewing half heartedly on dried fish. The meager meal was eaten in tense silence. Afterward Kirara and Shippo curled up with each other for a short nap.

Sango watched the two youkai as they fell asleep. The stressed look on Shippo's face eased as she slept. Sango wished she could offer the kitsune cub more reassurance on Kagome's condition. But he had been there, he had seen the blood and wounds. She will never forget the look on his face when he saw Kagome. As mature as he is at times, at that moment he was a child facing the losts of another mother. Miroku's voice broke through her thoughts.

"Are you alright?"

"Yeah."

"Are you going to tell me what happened back there?" She knew he was referring to Nozomi and Sesshoumaru.

"Demon law, she entered his terrority without permission. Under most circumstances he would have just killed her. But she is of noble blood. Youkai live under a hierarchy system. Because of her status he has to allow her to challenge him. It can end in one of two ways: She wins the right to maintain in his lands, and gain his protection while in said lands, or if he feels she is unworthy, he has the right to kill her, without fear of retributions from her family." Miroku looked like he was concentrating on the information she just gave him. "Miroku?"

"I am sure Nozomi-sama will be alright. We both know she is a very strong and skilled fighter. So I don't think we have anything to worry about there." Sango nodded in agreeance. But her mind started turning again, and again she found herself agonizing over her miko friend.

Miroku noticed the change in her aura and the far off look in her eyes. He instinctively moved closer to her, hoping to ease her troubles. "What's wrong?" His voice was soft and filled with patience.

"Nothing." She returned looking at anything but him.

"You're lying. Tell me what is wrong."

"I'm not lying. I'm just tired," she retorted, her voice sounding a bit drowsy.

"Sango," he said with a little more force. The look on her face pleaded with him to let the subject drop. But the good houshi was not falling for any of it. Sango mentally groaned. She didn't want to tell him. Yet Miroku could always find a way of opening her up.

"I'm just worried about Kagome. What if InuYasha didn't make it to Keade's on time?"

"Don't worry too much, my dear Sango. I'm sure InuYasha and Keade-sama is doing everything in their power to save her. You know as well as I that InuYasha won't give her up without a fight."

"I know, but she lost so much blood." Miroku wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her against him.

"I know you're worried and I would be lying if I said I wasn't. But Kagome-sama is stronger then we give her credit for." Sango laid her head on his chest. Miroku was both shocked and pleased by her actions. "I think you should rest a bit."

"No, I think we should be leaving soon," she said as she made to pull away from him. Miroku was having none of it. He held her a little tighter.

"And we shall, but not until you've gotten some rest," he stated firmly, trying to get his point across. Sango just sighed and snuggled into his warmth. Miroku listened intently until he heard her even breathing and felt her relax in his arms. He risked a glance at her. All the tension had drained from her face as a soft smile played across her lips. His heart leaped. He was offering comfort and she was accepting. He thought as he lightly stroked her cheeks. I wish I could love you and allow you to love me too. Miroku sighed and shook his head trying to clear his thoughts. He made himself a little more comfortable against the tree, so that he may watch over his friends as they slept. He sat there keeping vigil, and dreamed of a life with the girl that he held in his arms.

~ ***~

Naraku looked away from Kanna'a mirror with a cold grin. Kagura will not be happy with this new development. "Kanna, summon your sister."

"Yes, my lord." Her voice was flat and soulless. She bowed and slowly moved from the room. Naraku turned his gaze to the window, and his long black locks rustled in the breeze. He thought over the events he witnessed in Kanna's mirror. So Sesshoumaru has claimed a mate. He heard the shouji slide open behind him.

"Kagura," he stated without removing his attention from the window.

"You called for me, my lord," the wind youkai said, bowing low.

"Yes. How did everything go in the village?" he asked in an uninterested tone. Kagura felt the familiar annoyance creep inside her veins.

As if he didn't know already. He had his spies keeping watch over me, she thought to herself. "It went well my lord. I believe the miko was severely wounded. She could not have survived her blood loss. I would have finished her off, but she was taken from me at the last moment."

"Oh?"

"A Karasu-youkai. I think it must belong to that Nozomi that travels with them."

"I see. Well, don't underestimate that young miko. She is more than she seems." Naraku then grew silent, looking as though he was processing the information she had offered. Kagura started to grow impatient. How she hated him! Just being in his presence made her stomach turn. But she had no choice. He held her heart in his hands, and could kill her without a moment's hesitation. So she was forced to serve the hanyou while she dreamt of freedom.

"If you are through with me, I shall take my leave," she said, as she rose and turned towards the shouji.

"Just a moment, Kagura. I have just received some interesting information concerning the lord of the western lands." Kagura bristled as she instantly picked up the amusement in his voice. She slowly turned to face her master. Naraku flashed her a sordid smile. "It seems Sesshoumaru has lain claim to a mate." Kagura tried to hide the fact that the information affected her. He saw right through her guise and was clearly enjoying her discomfort. She swallowed down her malaise.

"Who?"

"Lady Nozomi of the eastern territory."

"I thought she traveled with InuYasha?"

"True, but apparently they encountered each other in the forest. Sesshoumaru marked her as his intended mate. She in turn marked him as well." Anger flashed in Kagura's eyes. She had sought Sesshoumaru's help on various occasions. She had offered him shikon no kakera and herself if he would vanquish Naraku. Yet he always refused. He didn't believe (at least at the time) that Naraku was any threat to him. Although after the kidnapping of his human girl, Rin, Sesshoumaru wanted him eliminated. Still he refused her help, and her plans to free herself from the vile hanyou had been thwarted.

She would be lying if she denied feeling warmth course through her body while in his vicinity. Often she would dream of becoming his mate and living free from her bonds. That bitch. She seethed clenching her fists. If Nozomi hadn't had marked him, she could have had a chance. Now there is only one-way to try and win him: Kill his planned mate.

"Are you alright, Kagura?" Naraku's voice dripped with malice.

"Of course, my lord" she forced out, narrowing her eyes at him.

"Good. Then you are dismissed. But stay near the castle, I may have use for you later," he said returning to his survey of life outside his window. Kagura left without another word. He listened as her stormy footfall grew distant. "Kanna." The child-like, soulless youkai stepped from the shadows, holding her mirror ever ready. Unlike Kagura, he trusted Kanna to follow his orders to the word. Kagura was too willful and disobedient. He had often found his minion plotting against him. But she still has her uses. Kanna is another story. He did well when he created her. Not once had she ever shown any type of disloyalty. "I want you to keep an eye on your sister." Kanna nodded her acknowledgement and faded into the shadows. Naraku sat back, a sinister plan forming in his mind.

~ *** ~

"I have to talk to you about something." The seriousness of InuYasha's voice instantly drew Kagome's attention.

"What about?" She asked approaching him. Her voice somehow managed to sound casual, but her eyes portrayed her concern.

"Well, you see…"

"InuYasha what is it? You know you can tell me." A comforting smile graced her face, setting him at ease. He took her hand and led her to where she had slept the night before. He motioned for her to sit down.

"Kagome, you know I gave you some of my blood to heal your wounds."

"Yes."

Please don't hate me. Please don't hate me, he chanted in his head. "Well, the blood is going to cause you to change."

"Change how?"

"I'm not really sure how much of a change. But from what I've seen so far your senses have gotten sharper."

"I know I can smell and hear much better. I'm not sure about my eyesight."

"There are also some physical changes. Your eye color has changed, your hair is longer and you seem to have more muscle tone."

"My eyes? What color are they?" InuYasha grabbed a bowl of water and gently set it down in front of her. She looked into the placid water and saw. Bright flakes of gold reflected against brown. She couldn't help smiling. I'll always have a part of him with me.

"There are a couple more things that might occur."

"What?" She was really beginning to get excited. He could instantly sense it and it put his fears to rest.

"Your strength and speed may increase. You won't be as strong or as fast as me, but there should be a noticeable difference."

Now I will be able to really help during a battle. "Can I try it out?" she asked pouncing on him. She pinned him to the ground, straddling his hips and holding his wrist down. Her scent crashed upon him like a wave, impregnable and enticing. He fought it.

I have to tell her now, before this goes to far. "Kagome there is one more thing we need to talk about." She leaned closer to his head. Her long raven strands effectively blocked out the world around them. InuYasha found himself caught in her magnetic gaze. I thought she was beautiful before, but now she is damn near irritable. "Your scent changed." Kagome tilted her head reminding him of child.

"Are you trying to tell me I smell?"

"No!" he said alarmed. I can't let her get the wrong idea. Unfortunately my fuckin' mouth always gets in the way. "You still smell like you, but now your scent is mixed with mine. As you know, most youkai use scent to identify people." She nodded in response. "Well, when a female carries a males scent it indicates that…well…"

"Go on," she pushed.

"That they are mated." He watched as the information took root and realization dawned in her features.

"What you're telling me is to other demons we are mated."

"Yes. By youkai law no other male may touch you or challenge my claim. Even that wimpy wolf would have to leave you alone." I can't wait till we run into him again.

Kagome moved till she was mere centimeters from his face. "What does it mean to you?" she said in a deep sensual voice. She wasn't sure why she was feeling so bold. Maybe it's the blood.

InuYasha smiled at her words. Could she want to be my mate as much as I want her to be? "I haven't marked you or claimed you…yet," he whispered in a husky voice. Kagome shivered at his words. He quickly claimed her lips. She fell into him; her hands found their way to his sliver hair. He held her head still as he tasted her again.

~ *** ~

Tomie flew at top speed as her mistress clung weakly to her back. She had never seen her so worn before. The scent of the Inu-youkai was all over her. She had a few wounds but they were already starting to close. If she hadn't seen it herself she wouldn't have believed it: Her mistress has a claim mark.

~ *** ~

InuYasha lightly ran his claws down Kagome's arms. She moaned against his mouth. She felt a familiar haze cloud her mind as she melted against him. One coherent thought broke through her passion-fogged brain: Kikyo. Ice rolled down her spine and she jerked herself from the kiss.

"Wait. Stop," she breathed. InuYasha immediately sat up but refuse to let her go.

"What about…" Kagome fought for the words that held her mind captive. I have to know, I have to know what I am to him. "What about Kikyo?"

How could I have forgotten? He thought for a moment. He examined the women before him, looking for something to say. She seems so lost. Kagome began to grow nervous by his silence.

"I know you love her," she commented, barely able to keep the pain from her voice. InuYasha reached out and pulled her into his lap. Wrapping his arms around her he placed her head on his chest. She began to relax when his hand ran through her dark hair.

"I have a story to tell you, it's all true. Do you promise to believe me?" he said softly.

"I promise."

"There once was a hanyou who was dreamed of acceptance. He heard of a jewel that could grant him one wish: The Shikon no Tama. The jewel was guarded by a powerful miko. After his attempts to steal the tama had been thwarted, they became friends. Friendship blossomed into affection.

One day the miko told the hanyou that, if he used the jewel to rid the world of his youkai taint, they could live together. He would become human. The Shikon no Tama would disappear and she would be free. The hanyou agreed, but part of him felt uneasy about the whole thing. He really liked his demon strength. It allowed him to protect and defend himself and the ones he cared for. He knew she despised youkai and to him that meant she would always hate part him. His youkai blood was the only thing he had of father. But the hanyou agreed. He didn't want to be alone anymore and he couldn't stand the sadness in her eyes.

Yet unbeknownst to the two, a evil hanyou was plotting their downfall. He too coveted not only the shikon no tama, but the miko who protected it. He used the mistrust they had in each other. The miko was killed and the hanyou was pinned to a tree. But the story doesn't end here."

InuYasha stopped for a moment to look at the women he held in his arms. Kagome lifted her head and smiled softly at him. He gently traced her features with his claws. "So beautiful," he whispered. She remained silent but took his hand and caressed her cheek. Oh, Kami how I love her. He buried his head in her hair and took in her scent. Rewrapping his arms around her body, he continued his tale.

"Fifty years later, his soul was awakened by a young girl. The first time he saw her she was flush from running and a bit out of breath. For a moment he mistook her for the miko who shot him. But then he took in her scent; it was the sweetest thing he ever smelt. Looking closer at her, he noticed similarities between the two women, as well as profound differences. The truth be known, from the moment he laid eyes on her he wanted to be with her. She was beautiful, kind, loving, feisty and brave. With a temper that could strike fear in the most powerful youkai." Kagome playfully smacked his chest. InuYasha laughed. "Hey, no abusing the storyteller." She tried to control it, but soon joined him in laughter. "No kidding, this girl could go from the most patient forgiving creature on earth to an absolute terror. But to be fair, the hanyou usually had a hand in provoking her anger. Maybe because he was afraid to get close to her like he had with the miko. Afraid that his feelings wouldn't be returned. He didn't think he was worthy of her. But most of all he was afraid of hurting her, putting her in danger. He would have gladly given his life for her. So he continued to push her away. He was often cruel and course. Yet the girl never left his side. She had unwavering trust in him, as he did in her. She healed his heart and his soul. But as fate has a way of messing with people's lives, it presented a new challenge for them. The miko of the hanyou's pass was resurrected, confusing him. He felt responsible for the miko's death. He had learned of the plot against them and held no hate for the undead miko, as she did for him. In a moment of weakness he made a promise to her. He promised to avenge her death, lay her soul to rest and follow her to hell. Soon he realized the mistake he had made. Not only had it promised his death, but hurt the young girl.

Then one day the young girl was injured and almost killed. The hanyou had to face the possibility of living without her. He was forced to analyze everything in his heart. It was then that he came to the realization that he did not love the miko; he went so far as to wonder if it was ever really love. He would get revenge for her death, but he could not follow her to his. If they had truly loved each other, the evil hanyou's plans would not have worked. Yet he didn't regret anything of the event. Without them he would have never met the young girl. There was only one person in his heart from the moment he saw her, smelt her and heard her voice. He wanted her to be his mate and to be with him forever. He swore that when she woke up he would rectify the pain he had caused her. He also knew that he would have to confront the undead miko and tell her of his resolution. She had become what she feared in life, a creature born of abhorrence that only survives because of hate. He felt bad about the undead miko, but also relieved. The decision had been made and it was time to act on it."

With that said, InuYasha loosened his hold on Kagome. He pulled back and tilted her head so he could see her face. Joyful teardrops streaked down her face, making her eyes glisten. He wiped the tears away with his thumb. "Kagome will you be my mate?" She opened her mouth to answer, but he silenced her with a finger to her lips. "Before you answer, know that Inu-youkai mate for life. For me there will never be another. If you die, I die, that is the strength of the bond. As long as I live, you live. I love you and I wish to make you my mate." Her aura shone like the sun, radiating her happiness.

"I would be most honored to be your mate, InuYasha. I have loved you since I saw you pinned to the Goshinboku, three years ago." InuYasha took her hands and placed them around his neck. Then he slid his arms around her small waist. They engaged in a kiss that was both gentle and passionate. A kiss that sealed a promise: To never love another, to always be together, to face the future without doubt, to become one.

~***~

Kagura stormed through the palace, trying to sort out her anger. The smell of Naraku hung in the air and she found herself sick of his stench. Leaving the grounds she moved towards the forest that concealed the castle. Tall ancient trees lined the boundary of the palace grounds and untamed wilderness. Birds sang as they moved through the branches and leaves overhead. She could hear small animals scurry among the many shrubs and berry bushes. It was enchanting, serene and lovely. Kagura drew out her fan and with a wave she decimated the majestic trees. She continued to unleash her fury until the area was in ruins. Small forest creatures lay dead and broken among the fallen branches and foliage. Looking around at the destruction she felt a little more calm, but not appeased. How could this happen? I could have made him happy. How dare that bitch take him from me! The low buzzing of a saimyoushou caught her attention. She turned to the insect, "Don't worry Naraku, I'm not going anywhere." She knew he didn't trust her and always sent his spies to watch her. Kami, I hate him. But on the other hand no one is better at schemes then him. She smiled to herself. He is probably working on a plan already. Kagura pulled a feather from her hair and returned to the palace. She wanted to be ready to excute her revenge.

~***~

Kagome and InuYasha had just finished lunch with Keade. The three sat comfortably, talking about yesterday's events.

"InuYasha."

"Hmm?"

"Will you teach me to fight?"

"What?"

"Teach me to fight with my new abilities. I think I could be an asset in battle," Kagome said, giving him a proud smile.

"That might not be such a bad idea. I do want to see how much skill you've gained."

"When can we start?"

"I guess we could start now..." he said. But before he could finish he felt himself being pulled towards the door. "Whoa, wench, what's the big idea?"

"I'm sorry, but I always wanted to learn to fight." She was glowing with excitement. InuYasha just smiled to himself.

"Alright already. We'll start with the basics," he said as he moved towards her. He suddenly stopped and looked up towards the sky.

"InuYasha what is it?"

"Sniff the wind." She did as she was told.

"What is that?"

"Blood."

Tomei descended from the clouds to the couple below. InuYasha ran up to her and caught a glimpse of Nozomi on her back. Tomie tilted her body allowing InuYasha to catch her mistress.

Kagome came up behind him, seeing her friend unconscious. "Oh Kami, what happened?" She cried.

"I don't know, but she reeks of Sesshoumaru." Tomie transformed and landed on Nozomi's shoulder. "I don't suppose you're going to tell me what happened?"

The youkai took a talon and pulled back some the scales on Nozomi's neck.

"What the fuck? You've got to be kidding me." InuYasha said.

Kagome noticed the deep puncture marks on her skin. "Did something bite her?"

"Yeah, my brother."

"What?"

"This is a claim mark. He intends on making her his mate," InuYasha said, with a bit of amusement in his voice. "I never thought I would see the day when that cold bastard would take a mate."

InuYasha took Nozomi to the hut and Keade checked her out.

"She's alright, just exhausted," Keade said, moving from the patient. A ball of orange fur collided with Kagome.

"Kagome! I'm so happy you're alright! I was so worried," Shippo cried, clinging to her shirt. Sango, Miroku and Kirara entered the hut.

"Oh, Kagome-chan," Sango said, giving the young girl a hug.

"It's nice to see you're ok, Kagome-sama. You gave us all quite a scare." Miroku smiled warmly at his friend. "How are you able to move around? Your wounds were quite deep."

"I'll tell you guys about that later. What happened to Nozomi-sama? I thought she was traveling with you?"

"She got in a territorial dispute with Sesshoumaru. She told us to leave without her. We can't argue with youkai law." Sango explained. InuYasha knew what she was referring to, but Kagome looked a little confused.

"I'll explain it to you later," he whispered to her.

"I hope she is alright," Sango said, fidgeting with her hands.

"Keade said she just needs some rest."

Sango turned to Kagome in surprise. "You mean she's here?"

"Yes, she arrived a little before you did."

"It seems my brother has chosen her as a mate."

Sango and Miroku couldn't hide their shock. "Sesshoumaru-sama marked Nozomi-sama," Miroku muttered astonished.

"It would seem so. We'll have to ask her when she wakes up." Kagome replied.

Shippo had been quiet this whole time, lost in his own thoughts. Soon his curiosity got the best of him. "Kagome why do you smell like InuYasha?"

She turned three shades of red, as she looked down into his innocent green eyes. "Well Shippo, InuYasha saved my life."

"He saves your life all the time, but you never smelled like him before." Miroku grew a lecherous grin as he looked towards the hanyou.

InuYasha recognized the look. "Oi, runt, that's enough. Monk what the hell are you looking at!"

"Nothing, InuYasha. I'm just as curious as young Shippo."

"Well it's true!" the kitsune cried. "What did you do to her you big jerk! She even looks different!" Shippo yelled, launching himself onto the hanyou.

"Get off me you runt!"

Sango and Miroku took notice of Kagome's changes. "He's right InuYasha." Sango contributed.

Kagome gently reached up and removed Shippo from InuYasha. "Shippo calm down." She cooed stroking his unruly hair.

"But he…"

"Shh…he gave me some of his blood to save my life," she said softly. "In fact…" She looked to InuYasha as he smiled and wrapped his arm around her waist. "We are going to be mates," Kagome concluded with a beaming smile.

"Really?" asked the kit.

"You got a problem with that?" InuYasha asked gruffly.

"No! It's about time," Shippo said, hugging Kagome even harder.

"Kagome-chan congratulations. You must tell me everything." Sango cheered.

"Yes. My condolences," Miroku commented, but a low growl reached his ears. "I'm joking. You know I am happy for you both."

The next morning Nozomi woke with some news of her own. Everyone gathered around the hut after breakfast. It was clear that everyone knew what had transpired between her and the lord of western lands, but she also had some other news to share. "I have to return to the East for a bit. My clan needs to be aware of this new situation and preparations need to be made for the union."

"When do you plan on leaving?" Kagome asked, rolling a ball to Shippo and Kirara.

"Tomorrow morning."

"We will go with you," InuYasha stated. As Sesshoumaru's only brother it was required that he be present during the union.

"I would like that."

"Great! Then it's settled," Kagome cheered.

AN: Well here it is chapter 7 finally! I really hope you guys liked it. I know it's really long but I just couldn't stop myself. I know that it's a little OCC, but I hope the fluff makes up for it. The next chapter will be the trip to Nozomi's homeland. Also, if I can swing it, Inu and Kag will be mating. So, warning: My first lemon will be in the next chapter, so please be kind. And please review, review, review! I live to hear your comments. Thanks to everyone who has reviewed so far - you really keep me going. Also a big thanks to my unofficial editor, who loves to point out my mistakes (Can you believe that sadist edited my authors note, man this is painful).

Ja ne,

RavenShadow