InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Choice ❯ Chapter 7 ( Chapter 7 )

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Chapter 7

 

Takeda was searching for Kagome. He'd been worried about the Taiyoukai that hadn't left her side since arriving. He wasn't worried about her being harmed; it was the look in his eyes that had bothered him. Possession. Lust. Longing. He knew the look of a man who wanted a woman and the fact that he wanted her didn't bother him as much as he thought it would. It was true he himself had wanted her, but he'd thought long and hard about what she'd said the night before. All of the fighting he done while with her had only proved her statements-there was no future for them. He knew that if anyone could give her any peace in her life it would be the powerful demon.

 

He headed to Kimiko's small hut and found her in the small herb garden pulling weeds. For the first time, since they'd come, he actually looked at her and found her to be quite pretty. She had long blackish brown hair with large doe like eyes and soft looking lips. Her stature was small and though he knew she held some power she still gave the appearance of needing protection. She had a different allure than Kagome all together. Kagome radiated confidence and power with an underlying tone of warmth, kindness and love. Kimiko although confident in what she could do had no illusions about her limits. They both held many of the same qualities, but were still different as well.

 

Kimiko, although having been in some battles, still had a certain innocence about her. Her life was usually quiet with the exception of recently and the more he thought about it the more he wanted that life for himself as well.

 

`Kagome was right.' No matter how attracted he was to her the life she led would not allow her a peaceful existence. The time he'd spent with her moving from one devastated village to another had made him crave peace and simplicity. `Perhaps it is time to settle down.'

 

“Kimiko,” he called. When she nearly fell over in surprise he chuckled. The light tint of red that brushed her cheeks was cute and made him want to see it there more often. “Have you seen Kagome recently?”

 

She stood and glared at him with her hands on her hips while laughter lit his eyes and wished that for once he had come to see her. “She went with Lord Sesshomaru. I'd say they probably went hunting.”

 

“That sounds like her,” he said.

 

Kimiko sighed, “don't worry, Takeda, I know she'll be fine and will come back safely to you.” She laid a hand on his arm hoping to comfort him and was surprised when his own hand rested on hers.

“I know she will. I'd like to talk to you if you have a few moments.”

 

“Alright,” she said curious about what he could possibly want to talk to her about.

 

Together they sat under a tree in comfortable silence while Takeda gathered his thoughts.

“With Lord Sesshomaru here I'm afraid that he may be taking Kagome and Shippo with him when he leaves,” he said looking to the sky.

 

“Why would he do that?” she exclaimed.

 

He looked at her with surprise. “Kimiko, do you not know who Kagome is?”

 

“She's a miko, like me, only much more powerful.”

 

Takeda smiled, it was unusual that another miko would not know his friend by name or sight, but wasn't surprised that Kagome had not enlightened her. “Kagome is the miko and guardian of the Shikon no Tama and Lord Sesshomaru is her sensai. She is the one that defeated the half demon Naraku with his help.”

 

She felt all of the blood drain from her face at his declaration. “The miko of the Shikon no Tama?” she whispered.

 

“Yes.” The shock on her face was evident so he gave her time to regain her wits. “I've decided that if possible I'd like to stay here for awhile maybe even settle down if things go right.”

 

“Why here?” she asked.

 

“It's quiet and I've seen enough fighting and bloodshed in the last few months to last a lifetime.”

 

“What about Kagome? I thought you loved her?”

 

He thought for a moment before answering. “I care about her very much. At one time I wanted more, but not now. She is a dear friend and I worry for her, but I know that with Lord Sesshomaru she will be safe.”

 

Kimiko stared at the village taking in all she'd been told. She knew she wanted him to stay and get to know him better, but how long would he stay before he wanted to travel again?

 

“You may stay as long as you like, Takeda,” she said.

 

“Thank you.”

 

Kagome sought out her son's aura and found him talking to a pretty village girl name Sakuya. As much as she hated to a decision needed to be made about their future and she would not make it without his consent. She'd always known that Kikyo would come after her it was only a matter of time. She wasn't afraid of the dead woman, not by any means, but she was concerned about the innocent people that might get caught in the crossfire.

 

“Shippo, I need to speak with you please,” she called.

 

“Is everything alright?” he asked after saying goodbye to the girl.

 

“We have some things to discuss,” she said.

 

He merely nodded instincts telling him that this was not a discussion for others to hear and followed them to the hut.

 

Kagome looked at her son. They had been traveling for so long now and she regretted not being able to give him a stable home. He had seen too much for his young age no matter how much she wished differently.

 

“Shippo, Sesshomaru and I have taken care of the demons that were attacking the village. As we were leaving though I noticed something in the trees watching us.” There was apprehension in his eyes and wished she could ease it. “It was one of Kikyo's soul stealers.”

 

“Damn it. Why can't that dead bitch leave you alone or go back to hell?” he growled.

 

“I'm sorry, Shippo.”

 

“Mom, it's not your fault. That bitch wants something that no long belongs to her.”

 

“Shippo, my soul was never hers and she knows it.”

 

“What are you referring to? Asked Sesshomaru.

 

Kagome closed her eyes and sighted. “I am not the reincarnation of Kikyo. I am a soul designed specifically by the shikon to be its protector.”

 

“And the dead miko is aware of this?” asked Sesshomaru.

 

“Yes.”

 

“Than why is she still coming after you?” asked Shippo.

 

“I see.” At the kit's confusion he elaborated. “Is it no obvious kit? She wants Kagome's power and revenge.”

“Revenge?” he questioned.

 

“Does the half breed not care for her. If it had not been for Kagome making the choice for him he may have eventually chosen her over the dead one. She wants him to suffer in knowing she is dead.”

 

“I see,” he did and it only made him hate the spiteful bitch more.

 

Shippo, Lord Sesshomaru has asked that we come with him to the Western Palace,” Kagome said softly.

 

“For how long?”

 

“As long as you wish,” said Sesshomaru. “It will be someplace safe for you both and I would also take on the task of your training as I did with your mother.”

 

Kagome looked at him stunned. “You would?”

 

“I would. I have no doubt that you are training him in combat, but I have a general that would be able to train him in the kitsune ways.”

 

The way her son's eyes lit up was undeniable and the choice was made even if she hadn't spoken.

 

“What about Takeda,” asked Shippo.

 

“I'll be staying here,” he said walking in. He had caught the last of their conversation and decided to answer his question. “I thought you might be leaving with Lord Sesshomaru, so I've already spoken to Kimiko.”

 

“Are you sure, Takeda,” Kagome asked.

 

He kneeled in front of her and gathered one of her hands between his with a smile. “Yes, I'm sure. You've shown me that life is precious and short. It's time I found a place to settle down in and maybe start a family.” He leaned forward and gave her a chaste kiss not hearing the low growl of displeasure from the Taiyouka.

When he pulled back Kagome smiled and cupped his cheek. “You're a good man and someone I'm proud to call a friend.” She pushed him back slightly and pulled her power into her hands. When she was done she held a thin silver chain that held a charm with the kanji for protection hanging from it. “Wear this for me, it will keep you safe.”

 

“Thank you.” He felt her power warm and welcoming run through his body and shivered slightly before he looked at her once more. “When will you leve?”

 

She looked to Sesshomaru who gave a small nod of acceptance. “In the morning.”

 

“So soon. What about the village?”

 

“We've already taken care of those demons and with the wards no one meaning harm will be allowed into the village.”

 

“I'm sure everyone will be grateful. You should talk to Kimiko though. She was unaware of who you are and was shocked when I told her.”

 

“I'll go find her,” she said and left. Kagome searched for the other miko and found her still sitting under the tree that Takeda had left her under at the edge of the village. Not saying anything she sat down and waited for the questions she knew would be asked. She didn't have to wait long.

 

“Why did you not tell me you are the Shikon Miko?” she asked sullenly.

 

“It is merely a title,” said Kagome.

 

“It is one of honor.”

 

“Yes, it is, but I have never been one for formality. I prefer to be known and judged by my actions not my title.”

 

“If we had known who you were though,” started Kimiko.

 

“Than you would have treated my title with respect and may not have come to know me as a person. I like the friendship we have and I refuse to have a title make any difference.”

 

Kimiko stared at her in shock. She'd never met anyone that didn't use their title to their advantage. Now that she thought about it not once had Kagome even hinted as to who she really was and neither had her companions. It made it even easier to see why so many held her in high regards.

 

“I understand, Kagome. I am also glad that we have come to know each other.”

 

“Good. Shippo and I leave in the morning with Lord Sesshomaru. Takeda, as I'm sure you're aware, has decided to stay and the demons that were attacking have been taken care of. I would like to ask that you please watch over him for me.”

 

“Why me?”

 

 

“Because I trust you.” She wasn't going to tell her that she had seen the shy glances toward her friend.”

 

“Thank you, Kagome. I don't know how we can ever repay you for all you've done.”

 

“I don't expect payment. Just take care of the villagers and Takeda. He really is a good man.”

 

Kimiko smiled and tried to hide the light blush that dusted her cheeks. By the way Kagome chuckled she knew that she'd seen.

 

“It's getting late. Would you like to join us for dinner?” asked Kagome.

 

“I'd like that very much.”

 

“Good.”

 

The two women walked back to the small hut that was her home for the last night and started to prepare their evening meal. Kagome sat between Shippo and Sesshomaru so that Kimiko could take her place next to Takeda. The next few hours were spent enjoying each others company before the humans started drifting to sleep one by one leaving only the demons awake.

 

Shippo had noticed the Taiyoukai's attention to his mother and couldn't help, but wonder if he was interested in her. If he was it was a match he would gladly agree to. Unlike Inuyasha he would be loyal only to his mate and never stray. He would also protect and care for her above all others. As he too lay down he vowed to keep an eye on them both.

 

 

 

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