InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Keeper ❯ Progress ( Chapter 5 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha and Co.

The Keeper


Chapter Five: Progress


Though she had found comfort in her futon once the shock of finding out that Miroku's family had contact with the demon who had killed the previous Keeper of the jewel had worn off, she was not able to stay asleep for long. Her eyes had slipped closed while watching her now human protector sit in silence in a corner, and another memory from her predecessor had found its way into her subconscious.

It was quiet; the corridors empty not even a guard in sight as her bare feet repeatedly made contact with the cold marble floor. Approaching the final turn that lead to the opening that takes you out to the garden, she paused and peeked around the corner to see if there was any unwanted company. Grasping the jewel that hung around her neck, resting against her thin gown, she was satisfied to see the garden was seemingly vacant of guards. Tip toeing she made her way down the stretch of corridor, sighing with relief as her feet made the transition from marble to moist grass.

Looking into the sky she smiled, hoping that after tonight she could be coming closer to her freedom that she so longed for. She made her way towards the stone bench that sat below her balcony outside of her chambers, seating herself in the dark. Tucking her gown beneath her bottom, she lifted her feet and rested them on the bench while she waited in silence.

Was not long before she no longer was alone, she shivered as she felt his presence behind her. She slightly turned her head to meet his glowing gold orbs, her eyes drifting up to his ears that sat atop his head, her heart dropping a little at the sight. Though hopefully sometime soon they would rest on the side of his head like hers, permanently.

"Inuyasha..." She whispered as she moved her feet so he could sit beside her. Once he was sitting, she rested her head against his shoulder dreaming of when the silver hair that rested against her face would be black.

"Lady Kikyou..." It was soft and soothing, she knew he cared for her and would never hurt her, but still she flinched when his claw met her porcelain skin.

He noticed the movement and it hurt his heart, but he ignored it. He was willing to accept that she could not accept it, this was better than anything he had ever had. Since his mother had past three hundred years before.

They sat in further silence, enjoying each other’s company to the best of their abilities. He basked in the acceptance she showed him, and a portion of herself cowered from the half of his person that she refused to accept. He noticed her hands fidgeted with the jewel that caused her life so much pain, grief and restriction. However, to him, it was what brought them together in the first place, even if he knew she hated it. "You could wish to become human..."

It was a whispered request, one he hated and did not want to hear, but for her he could try anything. His heart restricted knowing that he should say no, but he could not. He could not refuse anything she asked of him and she knew it, which is why she asked.

"I could..." It caught in his throat, as if he had not had a drink to soothe his throat in days. Her body tensed, as she was afraid he would refuse her request, as if the door to her freedom had closed prematurely.

"Will you?" Oh, god how she wanted him to say yes, her dreams would come true. Free of the jewel and the duty placed upon her. A husband, a human husband she could lover and a family of her own.

He was silent as he felt he was betraying his family, his heritage for even considering it. Though he knew his father had to of rolled over in his grave at the words he spoke next. "Yes, Lady Kikyou..." Inuyasha's head turned to meet the woman's gaze, to gauge her reaction to his answer, her happiness would make it all worthwhile.

Kikyou didn't even speak, her heart had soared and she only wanted to throw herself at him, but she did the one thing neither had expected her to do. Shifting so to allow her easier access, she threw her arms around his neck and firmly kissed him on the lips, sealing the deal.

Her heartbeat was what had awoken her from this memory, and it ached. She wanted to cry, wandering how this woman could ask such a thing of this man. As if she had asked him to deny everything he was, as if she had no respect for him and his family what they had done to protect her while she was in possession of the jewel.

Watching Inuyasha as he just sat against the wall with his eyes closed head back and arms crossed against his chest. Honestly, she did not really like the way he was right there, no puppy ears, black hair. It just was not him, and honestly, she almost felt angry with him for telling Kikyou yes in her dream. She did not know him, but what she did know was this is what he is and there should be no changing it.

"Why?" She spoke out to him, needing to know why. She knew Kikyou had asked him to become human but he never said that he had accepted. True, he probably did not think it was any of her business and frankly, it really was not, but what was she supposed to do when these memories of supposed love plague her in her dreams.

His violet eyes opened and scanned the room to find Miroku and Shippo still sleeping, but across the room sat Kagome, robe open, only her hair covering her bare breast. His cheeks colored before he remembered she had asked why. Why, what?

"Why, what?" Responding, he tilted his head, hoping she would notice her state of dress before he was required to mention it, but he was wrong. Apparently, she had issues that are more important on her mind, for she continued.

"Why did you say yes? Why would you become human for her, you said yourself you didn't know her well enough to love her in that way." He was shocked and forgot why he was not looking at the bare woman, and quickly brought his gaze back to hers in the dark. "I had a dream, and you told her you would become human."

If he had his normal ears they would have slumped in shame of the memory, yes he had agreed to become human for acceptance. He only wished for her to be happy, and he knew that he becoming human would have done it. Nevertheless, that did not mean he had to tell her that. Standing he made his way to the sliding door, the first sun would be rising soon, avoiding her question a little bit longer would be worth while when he didn't have to worry about being a softy. His human nights always gave him the urge to pour his heart out; he always avoided it though and tonight would not be any different.

"I asked you a question!" She whispered harshly as she stood to her feet, again forgetting to close and tie the robe shut, hurriedly following the man as he exited onto the patio. However, she herself quickly forgot about her question when she realized the first sun was rising and a pulse emitted from Inuyasha's body.

Her breath caught as she watched silver bleed into his black hair, and as he narrowed his eyes at her, the golden amber dominated the violet. She never realized that his face was turning beet red from her nudity as she watched his human ears disappear and reappear as puppy ears atop his head. Taking a few steps forward she could not stop herself, she reached up and tweaked his ear, and he did not slap her hand away.

Inuyasha was too distracted by the way; her young perky breast rose up as she lifted her arm to realize what she was doing. Then a slight breeze came out of nowhere, startling Kagome out of her thoughts, and she realized the robe she borrowed from Inuyasha was open and he was staring.

"Pervert!" Kagome screamed, waking Miroku and Shippo, and she smacked the hanyou across his face bringing himself away from his thoughts.

"Hey, you threw yourself at me, I'm a man what do you expect?" He bellowed after her retreating form, but he could not deny that the slap was worth it, it was a nice view. However, he could not help wondering to himself, which ears did she prefer? He was not able to ponder on those thoughts long though as the holy man had made his way to his position on the patio.

"She is quite the beauty isn't she, Inuyasha?" Miroku asked as he watched the young woman tie the robe shut and pat Shippo on the head before they left the room in search of breakfast. He admired her hips as they swayed, well at least until a certain hanyou grabbed him by the front of his robes.

Lifting Miroku into the air and tossing him out into the destroyed garden close to his man made crater, he growled. "Keep your eyes off of her you dirty monk!"

Standing Miroku could not help but smirk as he dusted his robes off, "I take it she is spoken for then?" He tilted his head to the side, waiting for Inuyasha's reply. Not the reaction he had hoped for though.

"Just keep your fucking eyes off of her, Kagome is off limits. Keh?" Inuyasha bared his fangs at him and then turned, taking off after Shippo and Kagome for breakfast. Though he did not say it, Miroku could tell the young woman had a tighter hold on him than just being his to protect because of the jewel. However, whether the two of them knew it or not was another mystery.

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Breakfast had been short but refreshing, and finishing they had decided Miroku would continue his journey of revenge with the three of them, well at least until they reached Sesshomaru. Kagome had suggested that maybe Sesshomaru would know something about Naraku for Miroku, though deep down her was only recruiting him for more protection. She knew that if this demon had killed Kikyou for the jewel, he would most likely be after her next and she needed all the guards she could get until she returned home. That is if I ever get to return home.

"Miroku?" Kagome asked while she walked side by side with him, staring up into the sky at the three mysterious suns. Inuyasha, along with Shippo walked at a quicker pace about a yard ahead of them.

"Yes, Lady Kagome?" He smiled inward at the blush that covered her face at his words.

"I'm no Lady, just Kagome." She responded shyly but then continued with her original query. "Why are there three suns? Where I come from there is only one sun..."

Miroku paused in thought, thinking about her question, never really thinking to ask that question himself. "I'm not quite sure Kagome; it's just how it’s always been. Like your world just having one sun, ours just has three." Kagome nodded her head, guessing she would have to deal with that as her answer.

"Where are you from Kagome?" He had wanted to ask her ever since he over heard she was not from around here.

"Earth...One sun...roads made from tar, houses with a/c! Soccer, basketball, football, cars! Television." Miroku quirked a brow at Kagome’s outburst but only listened to the rest of her thoughts. "My family is probably worried sick about me right now." He watched as her head drooped, and a certain hanyou's ear twitched at the open sorrow she was displaying.

"I'm sure you will make your way to your parents and siblings soon enough..." He rubbed her back as they walked.

"My mother probably thinks I abandoned her just like my father did..." That spiked his curiosity.

"What happened to your father?"

Silence...

"He died, a long and painful death, he was finally granted peace two months ago. I really don't want to talk about it right now though." Kagome picked up her pace, quickly joining Inuyasha and Shippo ahead. Inuyasha fell back though leaving Shippo with Kagome.

As he came to Miroku's side, he whispered a warning, "We don't talk about Kagome's home or family, for her sake, we don't know if she'll ever actually be able to go home with her being the Keeper. She was brought to this world for a reason and until her use is up she will remain here." Miroku flinched from the warning but did not receive a slap to the back of the head as he had expected.

Nevertheless, one thing still bothered him, "What is a/c?"

However, his hanyou companion seemed to be oblivious to the item Kagome seemed to miss so much. "How the hell am I supposed to know, I only met the chick four days ago!" Their conversation cut short though when he overheard Kagome’s scream and Shippo’s shout. “Kagome!” Inuyasha shouted as he took off in their direction, with Miroku in tow.

As he came over the hill, revealing the reason for Kagome and Shippo's outburst, he almost lost his breathe. Standing before them was an exceptionally copious neko youkai, with saber tooth like fangs hanging over its lips, and at least three tails that he could see. Flames even engulfed the oversized catlike paws.

Inuyasha seemed to be familiar with the demon at least that is how Miroku saw it when he noticed Inuyasha’s reaction. It almost seemed like he had seen a ghost from his facial expression. “What is it Inuyasha?” It was a simple question; he really did not expect the answer he was to receive.

“I know that cat…” It was more of a statement, and he just stood in awe. He had not expected her to be around, of course, youkai lived long lives, but she was of a lower level youkai. Lower level youkai has tended to posses shorter life spans than those of him and his brother. Brother, then that means you should be around here somewhere. I can smell you… “Kirara!”

The neko turned its rather large head towards the hanyou that spoke out to her with a name that not many knew. Seeing this man, she howled out as if calling for someone other than those who were standing before her. “Where is Sesshomaru?” He called out to her, while the rest of his group stared at him in confusion, had they finally encountered his long lost brother.

Kirara let out another earth-shaking howl in response to Inuyasha’s question. However, Inuyasha was unable to continue once someone else had entered the scene.

“Inuyasha!” A woman with long black hair, wearing a skintight black suit with pink lining, appeared from behind Kirara. All eyes turned to her and then three pairs instantly flew to Inuyasha. Kagome, scared and confused of who these people/youkai were ran towards Inuyasha and stood between him and Miroku, hoping these were the good people.

“Who the hell are you?” Was his only response, he wondered who she could be and if she worked for or alongside Sesshomaru. His brother had a habit of surrounding himself with those trained in extermination, makes his life a little easier.

“Lord Sesshomaru sent me, my name is Sango. I take it you are his younger brother; he mentioned sensing your presence along with Shikon No Tama.” Kagome took a step back at the mention of her jewel, or her part of the jewel. She did not make it far though before Inuyasha wrapped his hand around her forearm lightly pressing his claws into her skin. A soothing gesture that calmed Kagome’s heart so that she may stay put.

“Sesshomaru’s younger brother I am, and his talk of the Shikon is true,” Inuyasha hauled Kagome forward presenting the young woman clothed in only his robe, “This is Kagome, Keeper of the Shikon No Tama. Where is my brother located, we have important business to discuss, and clothing to give to the misses, I would like my outerwear back.” He smiled a little while watching Kagome’s reaction to the focus being back on her.

During the slow introductions, Miroku and Shippo only watched the exchange waiting for what would happen next. However, Miroku seemed a little hypnotized by the stern beauty that had graced them with her presence. “He is a few hours away by foot, but by flight maybe a half hour.” Inuyasha nodded his head in response and then turned to his companions.

“Kagome, you will ride on my back, Miroku and Shippo you will join Sango on Kirara.” Miroku simply nodded as he made his way to the enchanting beauty and beast making his introduction. As for Shippo, he was not all too happy with the arrangement.

“But, Inuyasha! I don’t want to leave Kagome!” Sango, Miroku and even Kirara had stopped their movements to watch Shippo’s childish outburst. Before the temperamental hanyou could react out of proportion, Kagome scooped him up into her arms giving him a tight hug while making her way to the three a little down the path.

“Now, now Shippo I’m sure Kirara and Sango are very nice and you’ll have Miroku to keep you company. Beside it’ll only be for a little while then we’ll be able to play together all we want, okay?” The dark haired Keeper patted the kitsune on his head while she placed him atop Kirara, while he rubbed his eyes.

“Okay Kagome, but Miroku better keep his hands to himself; I don’t want to be in the way when he gets smacked by Sango.” Kagome only smiled as she waved goodbye making her way back to Inuyasha while she listened to Miroku’s denial.

“I would never put my hands on a woman that I have just met.”

“Whatever Miroku, I saw the way you were gawking at her!” They all mounted Kirara; even as Sango’s cheeks blushed from the topic of discussion though the feline transportation seemed to snort at the childish accusations. The first group had managed to take off into the sky before Kagome and Inuyasha were able to get situated.

As Kagome made herself comfortable on Inuyasha’s back she whispered into his ear, “Do you think he will know anything about getting me back home.” Inuyasha knew there was a slim chance of that being true he told her one thing he knew wasn’t a lie.

“If anyone knows, he will.” He gripped her bare thighs beneath the fire rat robe lightly caressing them without even realizing it and then squeezed a little before taking off after the previous group.

Here I come Sesshomaru, ready for round five?

Authors Note: I know shorter than my other chapters but I would like to think of this as a transition chapter, next will be the entrance of Sesshomaru. Maybe even answer some questions, maybe…