InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Hearts of the Lost ❯ Shippou's claim ( Chapter 7 )

The Hearts of the Lost

By Kytenluvinu

 

 

Disclaimer: I do not own any of Rumiko-sama's creations. But I do own sweet, little Daiki.

 

 

******

 

 

“Living might mean taking chances, but they're worth taking. Loving might be a mistake, but it's worth making.”

~ Lee Ann Womack “I Hope You Dance”

 

 

******

 

Sayuri flew back to Sesshoumaru's castle feeling quite pleased with herself. She had a lot to tell her mistress. She was worried that Kagome might not believe some of the things she discovered. In fact Sayuri herself didn't believe some of it herself.

 

“Sayuri!” Kagome called out happily when she caught sight of the finch. It's been two weeks since she sent the retainer out. Kagome was about ready to go looking for her.

 

“Kagome-sama! I have much to tell you!” Sayuri landed on Kagome's outstretched finger.

 

“Wonderful, lets speak inside.” Kagome began.

 

“Ah, Kagome-sama, I don't think that's such a good idea.” Sayuri said solemnly.

 

“Why not?” Kagome asked concerned.

 

“This Sesshoumaru, he is a evil youkai.” Sayuri said as if telling a secret. Kagome frowned.

“Alright, we'll discuss your findings on our travels.” Kagome smiled.

 

“Travels?” Sayuri queried, puzzled.

 

“Yes, I grow restless her. I will visit Natsumi and go to Edo.” Kagome responded. Aya and Amaya appeared with Daiki. Kagome turned her attention on the shikigama. “We are leaving. Inform our host.” Aya and Amaya bowed and disappeared again. Daiki was growing quickly and happily. He was trying to speak but could only grunt. He was still very attached to Kagome, but now allowed others to handle him without too much fuss. Kagome knew his aging would slow eventually, but she was enjoying him being a baby for the time being.

 

“We are leaving Daiki.” Kagome smiled as she slipped his concealment spell on his wrist. Kagome wasn't surprised when Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha ran out the castle angrily.

 

“Oi, woman! Where the fuck you think your going!” Inuyasha demanded. After spending three weeks with Kagome, Inuyasha was back to his old self. And Kagome still adored him.

 

“I'm leaving.” Kagome answered simply.

 

“Why.” Sesshoumaru spoke before Inuyasha said something drastic.

 

“I am a traveling Miko, I am needed out there. Besides I have plans to go to Edo.” Kagome explained.

 

“Then I will come with you.” Sesshoumaru said. Inuyasha pushed him aside.

 

“Keh! I don't think so. I'm going with her!” Inuyasha stated.

 

Sesshoumaru was about the respond with a well aimed punch to his Brother's jaw. Until Kagome interrupted.

“No, neither of you will be coming with me.” Kagome said.

 

“What, why the hell not.” Inuyasha snorted.

 

“I will be stopping in many villages.” Kagome began. “Humans usually don't take kindly to Mikos and youkai traveling together. I already have enough to worry about with Daiki. And little Sayuri doesn't appear youkai. I will have dark mikos and taijiya always on my tail.” Kagome sighed. “I do not need anymore burden.” Kagome also thought of the jewel that hung from her neck. What kind of beings would emerge for the jewel. Kagome couldn't push her responsibilities on them.

 

Both Brothers slumped their shoulders and looked at each other. Kagome handed Daiki to Amaya and took the Brothers in each arm. “I will return.” She whispered. The Brothers put a arm around Kagome and buried their faces in her neck. She felt them take a deep breath as if burning her scent into their memories. Kagome released them and took her bow and quiver of arrows from Aya.

 

“Tell Shippou and Rin goodbye for me.” Kagome smiled. Sesshoumaru nodded. Inuyasha stood and pouted. Kagome giggled and reached up to scratch his ear. “Oh Inuyasha, we'll see each other again soon.” Kagome felt Inuyasha loosen his tense body to her touch. He gave her a sad smile. Kagome looked at the Brother's one more time before turning to leave.

 

Inuyasha waited until Kagome was out of earshot before speaking. “I'm going.”

 

“As am I.” Sesshoumaru responded.

 

“Hmpf, is there anything I can say to stop you.”

 

Sesshoumaru merely chuckled and turned to the castle to inform everyone of their departure.

 

******

 

Kagome waited until the castle was out of sight to ask Sayuri of her findings.

 

“It is funny that you are going to Edo, Kagome-sama.” Sayuri chirped. “That is where most of the story takes place.”

 

“Yes, I want to go to the taijiya village.” Kagome said.

 

“I have been there!” Sayuri said excitedly. “The head family in the village said they knew you.”

 

“Sango?” Kagome asked.

 

“Yes, and her husband Miroku.” Sayuri agreed. “Before meeting them I followed the tale of Inuyasha to Goshinkobu.”

 

“Goshinkobu?”

 

“Yes it seems there isn't much on Inuyasha from ten years ago, because he was sealed to that God tree for fifty years.”

 

“Who sealed him?”

 

“A miko called Kikyou.”

 

Kagome stopped. “Kikyou?”

 

 

“Yes it's seems that Kikyou was the keeper of the Shikon no Tama. Inuyasha sought it out. And he and Kikyou fell in love. But they were tricked and Kikyou sealed him to Goshinkobu.” Sayuri explained.

 

Kagome sighed and began walking again. “This Kikyou, what happened to her?”

 

“She died soon after sealing Inuyasha.”

 

“I see.” Kagome said softly. “And where did you get your information.”

 

“From Kikyou's sister. A old miko named Kaede.” Sayuri said.

 

“Hm, and Inuyasha? How did he break the seal?”

 

“He didn't...you did.” Sayuri said quietly.

 

Kagome didn't seem to surprised by the declaration. “Sayuri, in order to break the miko's seal, one must have the desire to do so.” Kagome began. “Did this miko Kaede tell you why I would desire such a thing.”

 

Sayuri cleared her throat. “Apparently, you and the villagers around you were in danger from a youkai who swallowed the shikon no tama, when you appeared in Kaede's village as did the jewel within you.”

 

Kagome placed a thoughtful finger on her chin. “Did Kaede tell you how I came upon her village, and Kikyou how did her jewel come into my possession?”

 

“The miko wasn't sure herself, she became cryptic when I asked where you came from.” Sayuri continued. “She wasn't sure if she could trust me. When I told her what I knew about Milady she seemed to relax but still wanted to see you in person.”

 

“I see, and the taijiya?”

“Oh, Sango-sama is very pleased your well!” Sayuri chirped. “She wants to see you very soon. As a matter of fact she asked more questions then I did!” Kagome giggled with Sayuri.

 

“Alright, which village will we reach first.” Kagome asked.

 

“Um, I believe the taijiya village.” Sayuri smiled, she really liked Sango and her family.

 

“Good, and what have you learned of the Lord of the Western Lands?” Kagome asked with a smile.

 

Sayuri's own smile faded. “That youkai, Sesshoumaru. Hm, well he is a ruthless killer that much is certain. He assisted in the battle against a evil hanyou called Naraku. He has laid waste to countless lands, murdered more humans that I have feathers. He is just evil.” Sayuri seemed to ponder the next statement. “So it is quite confusing as to why he allowed a human child to follow him.”

 

“A human child, do you mean Rin?”

 

“Um, I think that could be the child's name. It was rumored that she was just a pet.” Sayuri replied.

 

Kagome laughed a little. “No Sayuri, Rin-chan is no pet.”

 

Sayuri looked up with a start. “You have met this human, Kagome-sama!”

 

“Yes, Rin-chan is like his daughter, she is in no way a pet.”

 

“Yes well the fact still remains, he is a horrible youkai who wouldn't hesitate to kill a mere human.” Sayuri huffed as a matter of factly. “In fact I heard that he even tried to kill his own Brother.” Kagome's smile faded.

“Inuyasha?” Kagome said softly.

 

“Yes Inuyasha was born of Sesshoumaru's father and a human princess.” Sayuri explained. “I also am told that each brother possesses a sword forged of their father's fangs. It is a very exciting tale!” Sayuri ruffled her feathers slightly.

 

Kagome reached up and lovingly scratched under Sayuri's chin. “Well do not keep me in suspense tell me all about it!” Kagome laughed.

 

 

******

 

 

Kenta wished the kitsune would have left the castle with Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha. Shippou and Rin were hanging around each other to much for Kenta's comfort. When Kenta confronted his wife, Rin quickly brushed it aside.

 

“Koishii, you are being paranoid. Shippou and I have been friends since we were children.” Rin smiled.

 

Kenta scowled. “I see the way that youkai looks at you. That thing wants to take you away!”

 

Rin became angry, which didn't happen often. “How dare you! He is not a thing! He has a name. Shippou is my friend and that isn't going to change.” Rin barely took another breath before Kenta's hands brought her down. Rin looked up and placed a hand on her stinging cheek. It was warm and wet, he drew blood. Kenta looked down on his wife with wide eyes. He opened his mouth to speak, but it was to late. The damage was done and the scent of blood was in the air. Shippou was coming down upon him.

 

 

******

 

Kagome didn't expect so many youkai at first. But then realized that it was the work of the shikon no tama. The first village she came upon was one of the last villages she visited before staying at the castle. It was small and peaceful and they recognized her right away.

 

“Kagome-sama!” It was the village headsman. “Thank goodness you've returned! We desperately need your assistance!”

 

Kagome heard the urgency in his voice and immediately became concerned. “How can I assist you.”

 

“The youkai! They will not stop attacking!” The headsman cried. “Our own Miko has been killed herself, we are in great danger!”

 

Kagome sighed sadly, the jewel burned brighter. “I understand, do you have any youkai allied to the village?”

 

“No, no. Never.” The headsman calmed slightly.

 

“I see, I will make up a special barrier, any youkai that cross into the barrier will instantly lose their power. At least you will have a fighting chance.” Kagome explained.

 

“Arigato! Kagome-sama!” The headsman bowed. “We would be honored if you would stay with us for the night.” Kagome smiled and nodded in agreement.

 

 

******

 

 

Kenta barely had time to draw his sword and deflect Shippou's own attack. The kitsune was much smaller but much stronger than Kenta. Shippou held his katana with a white knuckled grip, he took another swipe at Kenta causing him to draw back. Shippou stood between him and Rin.

 

“Cowardly bastard!” Shippou yelled. “You would attack a innocent woman.”

 

Kenta felt bad the moment he hit his young wife. But those feelings were pushed aside by feelings of hatred and jealously for the friendship of the kitsune and the woman. “I will not allow her heart to be stolen by a mononoke! I'd see her dead first!” Both men heard the cry that escaped Rin's throat. Kenta's heart was broken, he hurt the only person he ever truly loved him and calmed his wild heart, or did she? Kenta felt the bloodlust he thought was dormant within him and he wanted nothing more then to see Shippou dead.

 

“You will stay away from her.” Shippou knew that he and Rin were only friends but that didn't stop his heart from longing for her, needing to see her smile and feel her warmth, she was human, frail, temporary and beautiful. He wanted her more than anything, and until now respected her marriage. Rin reached out to Shippou, startling him.

 

“Please,” Rin managed to choke out in almost a whisper. “Shippou, don't hurt him.” Shippou furrowed his brow and slumped his shoulders slightly.

 

“Rin, he hurt you.” Shippou's voice was low and smooth, not at all like she remembered when they were young and when they spent their brief time together. It sent a warm sensation in her spine to hear him, see him and touch him. The way he always looked at her never made her uncomfortable but happy. But she was married and entertaining ideas of her and the youkai was out of the question, although she did find herself daydreaming of another life, where they were married and happy with little fox children and a little home in the woods. But then there was Kenta.

 

Rin felt obligated to take her husband's side. “He didn't mean it Shippou, he hasn't been feeling well.” Rin stood from her knees and walked over to Kenta. He dropped his sword in despair when he saw the sad pure expression wash over Rin's features. Rin slowly reached a gentle hand up and caressed the strong jaw line of Kenta's face. “Koishii, please believe me when I say that Shippou and I are only friends and nothing more.” Kenta never cried before but he knew the stinging sensation of oncoming tears all to well. He averted his eyes to the now red eyed kitsune. He gasped sharply causing Rin to turn to face Shippou quickly.

 

Shippou watched as Rin walked to Kenta and touched his face, it was the same touch he dreamed of was wasted on this pathetic human. Shippou felt something sinister stir within him. It was a feeling similar to but much more intense than a incident that occurred about a year ago when training with Inuyasha.

 

 

******

 

 

“Keh! You call yourself a demon runt!” Inuyasha taunted as he wove in and out of trees avoiding Shippou's blade. Inuyasha agreed to train Shippou a few months after setting out to search for Kagome and now after almost four years he could still trounce to little fox into the ground.

 

“No fair Inuyasha, hold still!” Shippou panted.

 

“Heh, you think your enemies will wait for you to catch up!” Inuyasha sneered. “You will never survive on your own, still too dependant on me to come and rescue you.”

 

Shippou was seething and he angrily attacked again, Inuyasha easily side stepped from his attack and laughed mockingly. Shippou knew his anger wasn't helping him, it was blinding him making him take reckless steps. But he remembered all the times Inuyasha fought blindly and succeeded.

“Don't do as I do, do as I say!” Inuyasha's words always came back to him when training, but Shippo found it hard to heed the words of the hanyou, as he again charged into battle against him.

 

“Hey you dumb dog!” Shippou called out hoping to stir something within his teacher. Inuyasha only smirked and leaped into another tree. Shippou was at his heels anger bubbling in him. He felt his muscles change, stronger, longer.

 

Inuyasha felt Shippou's youki spike, he was wondering when he could push Shippou into transformation. Inuyasha took the opportunity to help Shippou control his youkai. “Hey I bet your true form is just as pathetic!” Inuyasha taunted again. All was silent. Inuyasha turned and realized that Shippou was no longer behind him anymore. Inuyasha sniffed the air discontented, it was to quiet. Finally he caught the scent just in time to dodge a heavy laid blow into the ground. As the dust cleared Inuyasha found himself standing before a full grown fox youkai. His eyes were smaller and cold. His muscles were lean, but strong. Even his tail was longer and wrapped around one of his legs. Shippou snarled and went in for another attack. Inuyasha blocked with tessaiga and went on the offensive. Knocking the kit back. Shippou felt himself growing weak quickly. Inuyasha saw this and used it to his advantage, constantly attacking and leaving no room for Shippou to catch his breath.

 

Finally Shippou made a mistake and left himself open, and Inuyasha struck and knocked him to the ground. Shippou went back to his former self and whimpered. Inuyasha stood over him and helped him up. Shippou looked up with sad innocent eyes.

 

“Hey runt,” Inuyasha began. “You did good.”

 

Shippou smiled.

 

******

Rin's eyes grew wide when she saw Shippou begin to change. She didn't know what to do. She didn't want her husband and best friend to kill each other. Without another thought she threw herself into Shippou's arms and pleaded with him to calm down. Her ear was against his chest and she heard his erratic heart. She squeezed harder and she felt him begin to relax. Soon strong arms were wrapped around her, holding her for dear life. His face was buried in her hair and Rin heard him growl gently.

 

“Rin, my Rin.” Shippou murmured. Rin took in a sharp breath. She heard the emotion in his voice.

 

“Shippou.” She whispered back. Suddenly she shot open her eyes and pulled away. She turned to find that Kenta had disappeared.

 

 

******

 

 

Kagome sighed impatiently. Those darn brothers. They should know that she could sense them following her. Daiki was sleeping in her lap and Aya and Amaya were sitting besides her in the grass. Kagome squeezed the fish that was cooking over the small fire. She made extra, for the brothers.

 

“Inuyasha, Sesshoumaru?” She finally said. “How long are you going to continue to hide.” There was a rustle of leaves and Inuyasha was the first to step out.

 

“Keh! I was just making sure you didn't do anything stupid like get killed.” Inuyasha scoffed. Sesshoumaru was next to come into the clearing.

 

“Miko.” Sesshoumaru said softly.

 

“Oh you two.” Kagome smiled. She pulled the extra fish out of the fire and held it up to the brothers. They both took they're share and sat besides each other. Kagome watched the brothers eat with a smile. `This is going to be difficult.' Kagome thought.

 

Unknown to them there were a pair of eyes watching the brother's precious miko. Ichiro wanted to reach out and touch her. But he waited. Naraku would give him a sign, and then he would strike.