InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Ninja ❯ Aftermath ( Chapter 13 )

CHAPTER 13: Aftermath

 

Back at the village everyone was recuperating from their battle with Naraku in Kaede's hut. Sesshoumaru was helping Kaede with Kai. “This is going to hurt”, he said as he took hold of her left arm and prepared to pull the bones back into alignment; Kaede was beside him with two small wooden boards and bandages to make a splint. Kai just nodded and gritted her teeth as Sesshoumaru pulled; he noted with surprise and some pride that she didn't make a sound. Kaede quickly placed a board on each side of her arm and wrapped them tight with skilled hands. By the time she was done, Kai had still not said a word but her face was pale and sweat was breaking out on her forehead.

 

“She needs to rest now Lord Sesshoumaru, as should ye”, said Kaede.

 

Sesshoumaru nodded, “I am fine and my body heals quickly.” Glancing at Kai, he said “I will return later.” Kai nodded thankfully with a small smile as her eyes started to close. Now, I need to find my brother.

 

Sesshoumaru found him with Kouga just outside the village limits. Both were sitting side by side on a log in an open meadow and talking quietly. “You have decided to end your feud then?” he asked them.

 

They both turned surprised at how quietly he had approached them and agreed that they were now in a truce, at least until Kagome could be brought back.

 

“That will have to do”, replied Sesshoumaru. “I need to speak to my brother.”

 

Kouga rose and bowing slightly to the demon lord, left to find Ginta and Hakkaku.

 

“We must protect the wolf”, said Sesshoumaru getting right down to business.

 

“I know that, I'm not stupid”, Inuyasha replied with sarcasm in his voice. Before he knew it Sesshoumaru's hand was around his throat and he was being lifted off the ground. He grabbed the hand holding him and unsuccessfully tried to pry it loose.

 

“Do not try my patience, Inuyasha. All here have fought well and Naraku only needs the last two shards to complete the jewel. He is becoming stronger by the minute and we can not allow him to capture that wolf. We won't be able to stop him if he does”, said Sesshoumaru as he loosened his hold on his brother and lowered him back to the ground.

 

Inuyasha rubbed his neck. “What do you suggest” he answered but with more respect in his voice. Why does he care all of a sudden?

 

“I recommend that either you or I be with him at all times since we are the two strongest members of this pack.” Both brothers sat down on the log that Inuyasha and Kouga had occupied previously.

 

Inuyasha was surprised by the implied compliment coming from his brother. “How about Kagome, we have to get her back.”

 

“What exactly is that well? Where did she go?” questioned Sesshoumaru. He knew Kai was from the future because she had told him that day they spent together with Rin and Shippo, but he did not know Kagome was from there as well. Kai opting to let Kagome tell him herself if she so wished.

 

Inuyasha explained everything to Sesshoumaru. Once he started he couldn't seem to stop and was getting himself upset thinking about not being able to see her ever again. Tears were slowly starting to form in the corners of Inuyasha's eyes and he blinked hard to hold them back not wishing his brother to see his weakness. His normally perky puppy ears were flat to his head showing his distress.

 

Sesshoumaru stared at his younger brother for a moment, sighing as he put his arm around him, pulling him close.

 

That did it for Inuyasha; he started bawling like a pup. Huge raking sobs hit him as he wrapped his arms around his brother and gripped his waist tightly with his claws, burying his head into Sesshoumaru's chest. When Inuyasha had calmed he said quietly, “He killed her, he killed Kikyo.”

 

“She was already dead brother, she is at peace now”, said Sesshoumaru just as quietly. He also added, “Kagome is safe in her time, yes? She has family there. She will be alright until we can figure out how to open the well again and retrieve her.”

 

Inuyasha didn't know what to say, his brother was being so kind but he did feel better. “Tha-thanks, Sesshoumaru”, he said shakily as he looked at his brother with new respect.

 

Sesshoumaru said nothing, just nodded, standing up from his seated position. Inuyasha also got up following his brother back, telling him he would find Kouga and watch over him.

 

Kaede was taking care of Miroku, Sango, Ginta and Hakkaku as well as Kai. Miroku had just been worn out using his spiritual powers and fighting against so many demons. He was now resting peacefully in the room Sesshoumaru had been in when he was sick, Ginta and Hakkaku sleeping in the room as well with not much more than bruises. Sango and Kai were on futon's Kaede had wrestled up from the villagers in the main room, Sango awake, but almost totally covered in bandages. Her wounds had not been as severe as they looked but there were many of them. She was sipping some tea Kaede had made for her while Shippo and Rin were chatting quietly with each other.

 

They're so cute thought Sango. It had been good for both children to have each other to be with and they had forged a strong bond. Sango rather thought that Shippo had quite the crush on Rin. He did anything he could to make her laugh and he had blushed happily with a goofy grin on his face when she had kissed his cheek one day.

 

Surprisingly, Kouga was helping Kaede, asking many questions about her medications and what she was doing. He really seemed genuinely interested. His legs sported bandages but his wounds were healing well because of his demon blood.

 

Kai was just opening her eyes and started to sit up when pain flashed across her face.

 

“Be still, child”, scolded Kaede. “Here, drink this, it will ease thy pain.” Kaede was in mother hen mode, going from one patient to the other and making sure all was well.

 

“Is Sesshoumaru here?” Kai asked Sango as she took a large swallow of the pain reliever.

 

“No, but I'm sure he's not far.” Now what's going on here? thought Sango. She wished Kagome was here so they could tease Kai about Sesshoumaru. She just knew that Kai liked him but was unsure of how he felt about Kai. He never shows any emotion how's one to tell? Sango questioned herself. I hope Kai isn't setting herself up for heartache. That was the worst wound Sango had and she was trying to hide it and be strong. Her heart was aching for her little brother Kohaku and she was missing Kagome terribly. She remembered how Inuyasha had tried again and again to break through the well without success. I really hope we can get the well opened. I wonder how Inuyasha is doing. She said a small prayer for her brother's soul as a lone tear tracked down her cheek.

 

Kouga went into the room with his two friends and the monk. Ginta and Hakkaku were still asleep, the monk just starting to awake. Kouga was used to his two comrades smelling like each other as he knew what went on between them. He was surprised, however, to smell their scent on the monk. I didn't know he was that way, thought Kouga raising an eyebrow. He walked over to Miroku.

 

“Hey”, said Miroku “How are you, Kouga?”

 

“I'm fine, it will take more than that to get rid of me”, he said with great confidence. “Want some advice though?” he asked the monk smiling slyly.

 

“Sure”, said Miroku not sure what Kouga was getting at.

 

“You should probably take a bath, or every demon with a nose will know what you've been up to with them”, Kouga said motioning with his head at the two sleeping wolf demons.

 

Miroku had the grace to blush as he gathered up his things to take to the hot springs. “Perhaps a bath would be good for my aching muscles”, conceded Miroku. Kouga just laughed at the extremely embarrassed monk.

 

Kouga had felt better after talking with Inuyasha earlier. He was surprised that the mutt had even tried to comfort him as he was sure Inuyasha would be glad for his misery. Instead, he had sat down with the wolf and they had talked about working together to get Kagome back. They agreed they would let Kagome make her choice and whom ever she didn't choose would not interfere but would accept her decision without argument. They were on their honour to abide by this and no more real trouble would erupt between them. They had even shaken hands. Doesn't mean I can't bug him once in awhile though, although, that monk might be fun too, now that I know what he's been up to. Kouga laughed and his heart felt lighter.

 

As Kouga and Miroku exited the room, Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru entered the hut. Miroku left quickly saying he was going off to clean up as he practically ran out the door. Inuyasha caught a whiff of something he couldn't quite put his finger on as the monk raced by then shrugged his shoulders watching after his friend with a quizzical look on his face.

 

Kouga noticed that Sesshoumaru went straight to the ninja girl while the small female child went to Sesshoumaru. Kouga furrowed his brow in puzzlement. I thought Inuyasha's brother didn't like humans?

 

“Looks like I've got to baby sit you”, said Inuyasha to Kouga with a huge smirk on his face.

 

“What did you say mutt? I don't need you to look after me.” Kouga's tone of voice showed his irritation.

 

“Someone's got to protect you”, said Inuyasha grinning, happy to be able to bug the wolf, his normal personality asserting itself. Before they had a chance to get into a cursing match Sesshoumaru turned and glared at them. They both shut up immediately and decided that maybe going out to collect firewood would be a better way to occupy themselves.

 

Sango got up from her bed and went to help Kaede prepare supper to give Kai and Sesshoumaru a chance to talk. Of course Kaede would have none of it and bade Sango to sit at the table while she did the work.

 

“How are you feeling Kai?” asked Rin looking very worried about her new friend.

 

“I'm fine Rin, it doesn't even hurt”, Kai told her giving the child a big smile to prove her point; she was feeling much better after drinking the tea.

 

Rin gave Kai a big toothy grin in return then giving Sesshoumaru a hug she returned to where Shippo was playing with one of his tops.

 

“They seem to get along well”, Kai said to Sesshoumaru smiling after the little girl.

 

“Yes, they do”, replied Sesshoumaru watching the two intently making Shippo nervous.

 

“I think I should go and look at the well. I'm sure Naraku put some kind of a spell on it, maybe I can figure it out and reopen it”, mused Kai.

 

“I will accompany you, we do not know where Naraku is and no one should be out alone” said Sesshoumaru finally taking his eyes off Rin and Shippo much to the relief of Shippo. That sounded just fine with Kai so she agreed.

 

After supper Sesshoumaru and Kai left to go to the well. Some of the others wanted to check it out too so there was quite a group walking up the path. Kouga and Inuyasha were there of course as well as Jaken and Sango. Miroku, Ginta and Hakkaku had stayed behind content to relax with a belly full of food, Miroku watching Rin and Shippo as they played with Kirara.

 

Inuyasha was surprised at how good of friends Hakkaku, Ginta and Miroku were becoming but shrugged it off. You're jealous said that little voice. Inuyasha squashed it back.

 

Jaken was happy to be with his lord although he was not as happy to share him with that green eyed female. He had an idea that his lord liked this human but was trying desperately to deny it. Please my lord, not another one he begged in his mind. Jaken did have some respect for the girl, she had helped his lord a little he conceded, but he was hoping against hope that when this was over and his lord had defeated Naraku that she would not become a permanent fixture.

 

When they reached the well, everyone was tense and on alert. They soon realised that Naraku was not there and Kai began to inspect the charm holding the well closed. She approached and gingerly reached out with her right hand. She immediately pulled it back when the invisible wall surrounding the well crackled and she felt her fingers go numb. She placed her fingers in her mouth sucking gently on them and sent her chakra out to feel the spell.

 

Sesshoumaru watched her suck her fingers and thought that was the most erotic thing he had ever seen. He had to almost physically hit himself to get himself under control as he felt his manhood give a twitch. This is definitely not the time he admonished himself. When will be the time? His inner voice asked him. Sesshoumaru elected to ignore that; surprised at the thought.

 

“So, what do you think?” asked an impatient Inuyasha. He had been fidgeting around sniffing the air unable to stay still.

 

“It's very strong” said Kai.

 

There was something else she wasn't saying, Kouga realised, watching her face fall slightly. “You can't break the spell, can you” he said.

 

“No, I can't,” she answered truthfully. “Naraku will have to be destroyed. It's the only way for the spell to be broken.”

 

Everyone was silent. Inuyasha was doing his best to hide his disappointment as was Kouga. Kai felt for them, she knew they both had strong feelings for Kagome.

 

“We will just have to destroy Naraku”, stated Sesshoumaru firmly, an angry glint in his eyes.

 

“Let's return and think of a plan” said Sango. She already had an idea but it would be dangerous and could result in all their downfalls. She could see no other way.