InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Choice ❯ Chapter 4 ( Chapter 4 )

Chapter 4

 

Kagome and Shippo traveled throughout the day with no trouble, except for the fact that they were being followed. Although he'd been careful to stay out of sight Kagome knew that it was the same man that she'd encountered outside of Nara's house.

 

As the darkness of night fell on the travelers they stopped in a clearing that was familiar to them both. In the past on their travels with the others they had stopped here more than once because of the hot spring close by. Shippo left to hunt as usual while Kagome set up camp and started the fire.

 

The weather was warm with a slight breeze stirring the boughs of the surrounding trees gently rustling the leaves. To Kagome the sound was comforting like a softly sung song. The sky was clear except for the few clouds that passed by and occasionally blocking the moon's welcome light.

 

She added more wood to the fire just as Shippo came back with the fish he had caught. She also noticed that it was more than the two of them usually ate.

 

“Those look delicious, son. While they cook I'm going to bathe. I'll be back in a few minutes, ok.”

 

“Alright, but be careful.”

 

“I will.”

 

There was a hidden meaning in their words. She was going to lure out their would be follower. She gathered her things and made the short walk to the hot spring that was nearby. It wasn't very large, but it was a welcome sight after traveling all day. She set her things down and sat on a boulder that was large enough for her to relax on and let the breeze flow through her hair. A soft sigh escaped her as she looked to the tree line where she knew she was being watched from.

 

“Do you plan to watch me bathe as well,” she called out. A light rustling was heard as a figure stepped from the shadows to reveal the man she knew was there. Her eyes narrowed in her annoyance. “Who are you and what do you want?”

 

He had been watching her as a mere curiosity. It wasn't everyday that you saw a beautiful woman who could handle herself and had a kit as well. Unfortunately, when she brought the girl home after the oni attack and looked at him it was her eyes that demanded his attention. They reminded him of the misty mornings on the water, but showed great strength and wisdom. He had been traveling from village to village with no specific destination in mind when he came upon her. With nothing to hold him back his decision was made. To indulge his curiosity and thus followed her and the kit. He had heard of the powerful miko with gray eyes and seemingly limitless power and although she had introduced herself to the girl and her mother as Rae he knew better. She was the well-known Lady Kagome, the Shikon Miko, it was impossible that he was mistaken. Now here he was facing the woman he had hoped to someday meet.

 

“I apologize for disturbing you. My name is Takeda.”

 

“Disturbing me? Is that what you call it and here I thought you were stalking us. You've been following us since the village. What do you want?”

 

He chuckled slightly, “I too was heading in this direction when you caught my eye in the village. I was hoping you would also be traveling this way.”

 

“And if I wasn't? His eyes watched her closely while he stood against a tree with his arms crossed in front of his chest. For a brief moment her heart clenched as he reminded her of Inuyasha. She could also see the signs of desire and confidence in his eyes.

 

“Then it wouldn't have been difficult to change courses.” He stood and walked to her slowly taking in her features as he drew closer. `She is very beautiful.' “I mean no disrespect I was only hoping for a traveling companion and had no true destination in mind. Besides traveling is safer in numbers as well as more enjoyable.”

 

She watched him searching for any deceit, but found none. “I will accept your proposal for now, but if you try to harm me or my kit your will regret it.”

 

“I understand Lady Kagome.” He watched her eyes immediately narrow in mistrust.

 

“How do you know my name?”

 

“Everyone knows of the kind and courageous blue eyes miko that defeated Naraku.”

 

“I see.”

 

She stood and started walking towards camp and waved her hand for him to follow. `Great, just what I need, another arrogant man in my life even if it is only temporary,' she thought sarcastically. When she entered the campsite Shippo was waiting as well as ready to fight. “It's ok, Shippo.”

 

He had known the stranger most likely would return with his mother. That's why he had caught the extra fish, but he was surprised by her use of his real name.

 

“I see he finally decided to show himself.”

 

Takeda watched as the kit towered lowered his stance and grinned. “I'm surprised you waited so long to call me out, Lady Kagome, especially since it seems you both knew I was there.”

 

“He says that there are few villages that we could go to that don't know who I am Shippo so the use of alternate names will apparently do us no good.” She gave Takeda a smirk of her own. “We were actually hoping you'd go away at some point and your aura wasn't threatening so we weren't worried when you followed. I assumed you wanted to speak privately with me when you followed me to the hot springs,” she paused while looking at him with scrutiny. “Or were you just trying to watch as a woman bathed.”

 

Shippo rolled his eyes, “not another lecher.” He watched the man closely and could feel the attraction he held for his mother.

 

`She's a fiery one,' he thought while watching her eyes blaze. “I did wish to speak to you, but thought it better not to interrupt your bath. It is not safe for a beautiful woman such as yourself to be unguarded, although I would have kept my back turned.” He was slightly unnerved to see her eyes turn white.

 

`Oh shit,' thought Shippo trying to back away out of firing range. It wasn't often his mother became this angry, but when she did it was best to steer clear.

 

“Let me tell you something Takeda. I don't need your protection or anyone else's for that matter. I am fully capable of caring for my son and myself. If you are here out of some noble thought to protect us than you'd better leave now.”

 

`Her eyes turn to ice when angered,' he noticed and made sure to remember it and watched as she took a warrior's stance.

 

“I assure you, Lady Kagome, I mean no disrespect. I am well aware of your reputation and the many stories of your skill. I merely meant that while bathing it is hard to watch everything around you, but I realized my concerns are unwarranted. I apologize for offending you.”

 

Kagome turned to see Shippo grinning and rolled her eyes knowing that he was thinking the same thing she was. This guy could pass for Miroku's brother. “I'm going to take my bath now-in peace. Watch him for me Shippo.”

 

She started walking back to the hot springs, but stopped and looked at the man over her shoulder. “Takeda, I hope you don't think I'll actually fall for that silver tongue of yours. Your flattery will get you nowhere with me or my son,” she said than disappeared.

 

Shippo couldn't help but laugh at the dejected look on his face. Oh yes he could definitely be related to their long time friend. “So, how long do you plan on traveling with us?”

 

Takeda sat against a tree watching the young kitsune. “I'm not sure. I hope to be given the chance to better know you and your mother.”

 

“My mother is a kind and generous woman who will help any who need her, but do not make the mistake of thinking she is naive. We have traveled the last five years with a monk who was a lecher and a con artist. She can spot either a mile away.”

 

“I'll remember that.” He looked up to see Kagome coming through the trees and felt his mouth go dry. She wore a blue top with black trim work that flowed to her knees with no sleeves and slits on both sides for easy movement. The leggings she wore were tight fitting and black that ended at her calf with black slippers. The outfit showed off muscled arms and legs as well as the curves of her body. It was enough to make any man hard with desire.

 

Shippo just shook his head as he handed a fish to her and Takeda, who took it with gratitude. `You've got another admirer mother.'

 

Kagome paid no attention to the newcomer as she unrolled her sleeping bag and sat down. She sat with her legs crossed and closed her eyes while extending her aura looking for any danger that may be close by. Once satisfied that everything was safe a barrier was placed around them so they could rest easily.

 

He had watched the strange miko unroll her unusual bedding and place a protective barrier around the entire campsite. The unusual things that she possessed only roused his curiosity about her even more. When she fell asleep he turned to the young kitsune that watched him with distrusting eyes. “I give you my word, Shippo, I mean no harm to you or your mother.” He only received a small nod of acknowledgement before leaning against a tree falling into a light sleep.

 

In the Western region a demon of immense power and beauty walked his lands occasionally taking in the scents on the night wind. He had started his search for the missing miko and had made a vow, to himself, that he would find her. Now his search begins.

 

 

Hope you enjoyed the new chapter. Please review.