InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Path of Jealousy and Fate ❯ Chapter 2

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

Paths of Jealousy and Fate

-Chapter 2-

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“Mm?” Kagome turned over onto her back in her sleeping bag. She was back in her camp. Had Sesshoumaru carried her here? If so, where was he now? The Sun was high in the sky, so she'd already slept away nearly half the day.

“Sesshoumaru?” She called out softly. She shook her head, ebony hair cascading around her face, “Was - was it a dream?” Sighing loudly, she glanced around, “it was so real…”

Kagome untangled herself from her sleeping bag, and wadded it up. “Stupid Inuyasha,” she grumbled, “Now I'm dreaming about your brother.”

Sesshoumaru watched through golden eyes as Kagome gathered her things, stuffing them into her yellow bag. There was the scent of a human settlement on the wind. She would no doubt pass by there. He was in no rush then.

Half-heartedly brushing her hair, Kagome threw on her uniform. She felt dirty, but she couldn't see a stream near-by, so a bath would just have to wait.

“I'll be home soon,” she mumbled thoughtfully. Her words sounded strange in the quiet forest.

“Momma! Look at the lady!”

“Chiya! Get over here!” A frail looking woman took the little girl by the hands and pulled her on.

Kagome trudged a ways behind them along the beaten path. Chocolate hues locked on the ground, she didn't see anyone coming.

“Miko?” a man's voice called.

“Yes?” Kagome looked around her, her eyes resting on a young man - maybe three years older than herself. He smiled in relief.

“You're passing through here, right?” He took a step closer, his voice slow. He was a big guy, but in her opinion, didn't look very bright.

“I'm not sure. I have to be somewhere…” Her voice trailed off, and she watched the man's eyes widen, practically begging.

“Won't you? Please?” he stepped closer, voice soft, and motioned her to follow him.

Rubbing pale hands over her face, Kagome sighed to herself. All she wanted to do was get home. But - she couldn't turn someone like him down. She quickened her pace, nearly jogging to keep up with his long stride.

He glanced back at her every few steps, green eyes watchful.

“What is your name?” he slowed down so Kagome could walk beside rather than behind him.

“Kagome,” she said, raising her eyebrows at him.

“Renjiro,” he answered quietly. “Kagome is a pretty name.”

“Thank you,” she felt her face grow hot. Renjiro grinned happily, eyes shining a brilliant emerald. He took a step closer to her, and pointed down the path, “Our village!”

Gritting her teeth, Kagome didn't protest when he reached for her arm, and pulled her with him.

Wisps of Silver blew past Sesshoumaru's face as he watched the Sun crawl down the sky. The days were getting shorter, colder. Not enough for others to notice yet, but he could tell. His mind wandered. He could sense Kagome not far off. She was approaching the village. He would go tonight.

Renjiro's hand still rested warmly on her arm as he led Kagome into his own hut. It was small, but carefully built. It stood at the edge of the tiny village.

“Uncle Renji!” a girl's voice wailed.

“Kameko,” Renjiro released Kagome's arm and leaned down towards the little girl. She wrapped her thin arms around his neck and he lifted her with one arm. “My niece,” he looked at Kagome proudly.

“Do you take care of her?” Kagome asked politely.

“Yup,” he tossed Kameko in the air, making her squeal and giggle even more. “Sit, please, make yourself at home.”

Kagome lowered herself to the floor, tucking her legs under her. Renjiro set Kameko down on the floor, where she promptly stumbled over to Kagome. Kameko jumped into her lap, and spread her tiny fingers over Kagome's face.

“Stay?” she asked, innocent eyes wide in hope.

Renjiro, searching through a shelf, pricked his ears up at Kameko's words.

Kagome smoothed the girl's dark hair out, “I don't know about that,” she said very quietly.

Kameko - short attention span already on to something else - walked to the corner and sat down, busying herself stacking bowls.

“Renjiro?”

“Yes Kagome?”

“Is there anyone here that may, ya know, need me for anything? Sick or something?” She picked her words careful, not wanting to offend him.

Renjiro turned his head, eyes searching Kagome's face, “I don't think so… But, we don't get Miko's around here very often, so I'll ask around tomorrow.” He cleared his throat, “Unless, you're in a hurry to get somewhere or anything.”

Kagome chewed at her lip. She had wanted to get home so badly but why? Inuyasha had taken Kikyo over her, but Renjiro was practically begging her to stay.

“I'm in no hurry,” she smiled. Okay, so maybe some people may call her desperate, but who cares? Staying here a day or two couldn't hurt anything.

Sesshoumaru raised his head to the sky. Even over the scent of the human village, he could easily catch Kagome. She was with two others though. A girl child and another adult human. A male human. Who was it she was with? Whoever it was, she was asleep in his home. Asleep and vulnerable….

Golden eyes wide, he slid through the doorway. Stepping silently, he was at her side in a matter of seconds. She was beside the little girl. Not two feet to her left was him. He looked dangerous - not, of course, to himself - but to someone so frail like Kagome… It was better just to not think of it.

Sesshoumaru felt his body stiffen just looking at Kagome. She was lying on her back, her head tilted to one side. He brushed his claws over the soft skin of her neck. So vulnerable...

Renjiro blinked open green eyes, shaking shaggy hair from his face. Kagome was there by him. Someone was leaned over her though, in white robes. White and Silver… Renjiro didn't move at first, only watched in a dreamlike daze. He squinted. What was the Silver one doing to her neck? It didn't matter. Kagome was lying there, helpless, vulnerable.

Not taking his eyes from the white robed man, Renjiro moved his hand behind him. On the shelf behind him was his hunting knife. His body tensed.

Renjiro jumped.

Sesshoumaru whirled around, a wave of silver following the movement Golden eyes rested on the blade not seconds from him.

Sesshoumaru froze.

With a small snuffle, Kagome pricked her ears forward. Blinking chocolate eyes, she rejoined the world of the woken.

Kagome Screamed.

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Thanks for reading! I love all reviews, good or bad. If I've done something that doesn't go along with the anime, please tell me! I won't be offended. Oh yeah, and Sesshoumaru is a little more emotional than usual... but I need it for the story!