InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Choice ❯ Chapter 5 ( Chapter 5 )

Sorry about the wait. I hope you enjoy this next chapter. I've had a few ask me what pairing this will be and it will eventually be a Sesshomaru and Kagome pairing. Please enjoy and review.

 

Chapter 5

 

The next morning things started the same as usual with the addition of Takeda. He watched as Kagome and Shippo went about their normal routines of cooking breakfast and breaking down camp afterwards with an efficiency that spoke of years of practice.

 

“So, where are you traveling to?” asked Takeda.

 

Kagome smiled and looked at the sky. It was clear and promised to be a beautiful day. “Where ever our feet take us.”

 

Although she tried to hide it there was a deep sadness in her smile and secrets in her eyes. Takeda had never met a woman so mysterious and hoped to unravel some of those secrets before their time was done.

 

He wasn't concerned about the traveling. He didn't have a home or family to worry about and although he could have used the excuse of wanting to protect her to stay close it wasn't needed. The way she fought she was as deadly as she was beautiful. She didn't need protection, but maybe he could offer her companionship. Something even he had longed for, but hadn't realized until now. Only time would tell. So together they started out on a new journey to see where things would lead them.

 

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`I can't believe it's been three months already,' thought Inuyasha. He was once more sitting in the Goshinboku staring into the distance. He'd left the village many times searching for his friend, but never found a trace of them. `It's like she just disappeared. How can someone do that without leaving even a trace? Could she really not want to see me again?' As he lost himself in his thoughts he failed to notice the scent of graveyard soil close by.

 

Kikyo watched as he sat deep in thought and knew what, or rather who, he was thinking about. `Even after all this time he still thinks of her,' she thought bitterly. `No matter, I'll find her soon enough and once I do I'll take back my soul. Then he'll regret betraying me yet again.' She looked at two of her soul stealers and nodded sending them in different directions before heading into the forest.

 

 

Kagome was looking at the leaves and wondering where the time had gone. When they had first set out on their own it was late spring. The leaves were green and lush and wild flowers vibrant with color and life. Now they were turning different shades of red, orange and yellows showing that fall was well under way and winter would not be far off.

 

“Soon we'll need to find a village to settle down in for the winter.”

 

“That would be wise. Do you have someplace in mind?” asked Takeda.

 

He had grown to not only respect this woman that he'd spent so much time with he'd also grown to care and admire her as well. She was intelligent, beautiful, skillful and kind to all walks of life. She didn't kill unless it was the only option and it was never needlessly. He had watched her protect those that needed it whether they were human, youkai or even hanyou many many times. The one thing that he regretted though was that he hadn't opened her heart to him. At least not in the way he had hoped. He had made it abundantly clear that he would like to pursue a relationship with her, but she told him it would not be possible. She admitted that she cared for him as a friend, but it could never go beyond that. Their paths were to different to intertwine in that way. Shippo had told him that she had once been in love with someone, but he had hurt her so many times and had finally betrayed her to the point that she did not want to trust her heart to another. He could understand that.

 

Kagome grinned at Takeda. “I actually thought about heading west.” The horror on Shippo's face made her laugh.

 

“I'm not so sure that's a good idea mom,” he said.

 

Takeda had been listening and wondered why the Western Lands seemed to spook the kit. “Is there something wrong that you aren't welcome there?”

 

Kagome smiled. “Shippo and I know the Lord, not only is he the one that trained me but he was a traveling companion until the defeat of Naraku. We don't normally trespass on his lands out of respect.”

 

“He's the one that trained you in swordsmanship!?,” exclaimed Takeda.

 

“Yes, he is. Have you ever seen him?”

 

“No, I haven't but I have heard he's unrivaled and deadly with a mere flick of his wrist,” said Takeda.

 

“That is very true,” said Kagome. “There are very few that have ever gone against him and lived.”

 

“The guy scared the hell out of me when he first joined our group,” said Shippo. “If we cross paths with him, Takeda, stay out of his way. I've seen him cut down those that interfered and it's not pretty.”

 

For the first time Kagome opened up a little to him and he was glad. With the direction decided they headed out hoping to find a place to settle for the cold winter months.

 

It was only two days later that found a small village that bordered the Western Lands. It was small and looked like it was being repaired with several huts still smoking from the recent attack.

 

A young woman dressed in miko garb looked up when she felt a very powerful aura coming over the hill. As they came closer she could see that it consisted of two warriors one male, one female, and a kitsune.

 

`How unusual,' she thought making her way to them with her bow ready in case of attack.

 

“What do you want here?” she demanded.

 

Kagome noticed her unease and smiled warmly while bowing slightly. “Good afternoon. I am Kagome, this is my son Shippo, and this is Takeda,” she said pointing to each in turn. “We were hoping you would be able to tell us if there is a place close by that we could spend the winter.”

 

“What are you doing in the region?”

 

“We are merely travelers that go where we are needed.”

 

The young miko looked at each of them carefully, but stopped at Kagome. “You're a miko.”

 

“Yes, I am.” She watched as the younger woman relaxed and smiled slightly.

 

“My name is Kimiko. I'm the current miko of this village. Please follow me.”

 

She led them through the village into a hut on the outskirts. After following her inside they sat down and waited until she went to a cabinet pulling out tealeaves.

 

“I apologize, Lady Kagome, but we have had several youkai attacks recently. The villagers are growing weary and untrusting of those they don't know.”

 

“I understand, but why are you being attacked?” asked Kagome.

 

“There are several rogue youkai in the area that take pleasure in killing those weaker than themselves. We've requested help, but have had no reply.”

 

Kagome could see the misery in her eyes as well as in her aura. When she had walked through the village the air was thick with death, but in their eyes she could see a faint spark of hope. She looked to Shippo and Takeda who both gave a slight nod in approval.

 

“We will help you, Kimiko. In return we only ask for lodging for the winter if you will agree.”

 

“Can you truly help us, Lady Kagome?”

 

Shippo smiled at the uncertainty in the woman's voice. “If anyone can help you it would me my mother,” he said with confidence and pride.

 

“How is it she is your mother? She is human and you are youkai.”

 

“I adopted him by youkai standards a few years ago,” explained Kagome. She watched the different emotions cross her face. Disbelief. Confusion. Understanding. Acceptance. In many villages she had been called a traitor by other mikos. In their minds they were the pure ones while youkai were dark and evil. They considered it their duty to exterminate youkai not adopt them.

 

“You obviously have a large heart, Kagome-sama. There are few that would do such a thing.” There was a comfortable silence while she poured tea and handed each their cups. It was then that she noticed the man at Kagome's side for the first time. He was handsome with beautiful eyes that only glanced at her for a moment before settling back on Kagome. She couldn't help the flash of envy she felt for having his attentions, but she pushed it aside. “We will gladly accept your help in return for lodging.”

 

“Thank you. How often do these youkai attack?” asked Kagome.

 

“Every few moon cycles and because of the attacks many have fled to safer places with their families. You saw the results of the last attack. That was merely a few days ago.”

 

“Don't worry, Kimiko, we'll do everything we can to help your village.”

 

When they finished their discussion and tea they followed Kimiko outside and to one of the huts that still stood only to find it filled with injured and sick villagers.

 

“Lady Kagome, would you help me care for these people?” asked Kimiko.

 

“Of course, Shippo, Takeda, please go outside and see what you can do to help.”

 

“Alright,” said hippo. “Lets go Takeda.”

 

Kagome watched as they left and went to the first patient who was a boy of eight or nine. He was covered in soot and ash with a nasty gash across his chest.

 

“Excuse me,” she said gaining the attention of a nearby woman. “I need a buck of fresh water to cleanse these wound.”

 

“Yes, miko-sama.”

 

She watched the young girl hurry away and went back to checking the boy for other injuries. While she was looking him over he woke up and screamed in fear.

 

“Shhhhh. It's ok I won't hurt you. I'm here to help,” she said softly trying to calm him down.

 

“Here is your water, miko-sama,” said the young girl.

 

“Thank you.” She turned to her patient and saw fear in his eyes. “It's ok. I'm going to clean you up and than I'm going to heal your wounds. Is that ok?” The only sign she got was a small nod. She grabbed a piece of cloth and after wetting it cleansed his face and body.

 

“What's your name little one,” she asked gently.

 

He watched her for a moment debating if he should answer and after a few moments whispered, “Saske.”

 

“It's nice to meet you, Saske, I'm going to heal you now so don't be afraid. Her eyes never lost contact with his as a warm violet glow surrounded them. She felt everything as it healed within minutes leaving a whole healthy child.

 

“There you go. That wasn't so bad-now was it?” With a grin she rose and went to the next patient repeating the process over and over with each one.

 

Kimiko watched with awe as this new miko healed illness, cuts and broken bones seemingly without any strain to herself. The very few mikos that she had encountered that had this ability could only heal a few illnesses or lacerations. No one had the power to heal broken bones or could heal more than a few people at a time. At the end of the afternoon the hut was cleared of everyone except Kimiko, Kagome, and Saske.

 

“How is it that you were able to heal so many? I have never seen anyone with your power before,” asked Kimiko.

 

Kagome merely smiled and walked outside to see that many were working to rebuild the village. It always amazed her how fast people pulled together after disasters and continued on. This village had obviously seen more than their fair share and she planned to help with that. As she made her way to the forests surrounding the village she placed specific wards on various trees.

 

“We have warded the village many times, Kagome-sama, but the youkai have always broken through,” said Kimiko.

 

“With these particular wards I'll know if they have broken or if they are nearby. We'll be able to deal with them than.” She saw the nervousness in the others eyes and gave her a reassuring pat on the shoulder. “I promise we'll get this resolved.”

 

“Thank you.”

 

Kagome walked around the outside of the village placing her wards and occasionally catching glimpses of her companions. They were helping with the hut repairs and with Shippo's claws to cut down trees it was making their work much easier and faster.

 

Over the next few days they helped to repair all of the huts and everyone was getting back to their usual routines. Kagome helped to care for the sick and also taught Kimiko new ways to heal as well as better protective wards. She had also noticed that the younger miko had taken an interest in her friend Takeda. Today she and her companions were given a small hut for their own use and were settling down for dinner.

 

“Kagome, would you take a walk with me after dinner,” asked Takeda.

 

“Of course,” she said.

 

The meal was eaten in comfortable silence and when everything was cleaned Kagome followed Takeda close to the forest. He led her to a large rock that was flat enough to sit on.

 

“Is everything alright, Takeda?”

 

“We have known each other for the last few moon cycles now and I've never hidden the fact that I'm attracted to you. You have also made it clear you are not looking for a husband or a lover and although I have respected that decision I would like to know why you will not consider me.”

 

Kagome sighed knowing that this day would come. She looked to the stars seeking guidance and strength. “You are aware that I am the Guardian of the Shikon no Tama.”

 

“You were the guardian,” he said.

 

“No, Takeda, I am and always will be the Shikon's Guardian. You are a good man and one that deserves a life with a woman who can give you a family and a place to call home. I can't give that to you.”

 

“You could become my wife and we could make a life together,” he argued.

 

“There is no life for me!” she shouted stunning him while climbing from her seat to pace. “Do you even realize how many want me dead? Do you? I have demons and humans who want me dead because they can no longer get to the jewel or want me mated to them because of my title. Then there is Kikyo, the walking dead priestess, that wants me dead so she can claim my soul.” She watched as he took in her words and cupped his cheek in her hand. “You are a good friend, but you deserve more than I can give. I have no choice. My destiny was chosen for me long ago. It's not one I would wish on anyone else nor would I ask anyone to share it with me,” she said hoping he would understand. “Can you honestly tell me that you want a life filled with fighting and death?”

 

He wanted to tell her yes, that having her by his side would be all he ever needed and knew it would be a lie. In the time that they had spent together he'd seen her fight and injured over and over. She was right; it wasn't what he ultimately wanted.

 

`He finally understands,' she thought. “The last thing I ever wanted was to hurt you. I'm sorry if I have.”

 

Her voice was filled with sorrow and regret. “You're right. It's not a life I want and I don't know how you accept it. You are truly an amazing woman.” He held her hands and pulled her into a hug wanting nothing more than to hold her if only for once.

 

“You would do well to release the miko before I take your head from you shoulders,” said a deep baritone voice filled with promise.

 

Kagome's eyes widened in shock recognizing the deadly smooth voice and pulled herself from Takeda's embrace. A figure that she was very familiar with came from the shadows to stand in the moonlight.

 

“Sesshomaru.”

 

Ok I hope that you enjoyed the new chapter. Please review and let me know.