InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Phoenix Blade: Time Lapse ❯ Prophecy ( Chapter 74 )

Disclaimer: Don't own…don't sue. Tormenting them purely for my own sadistic pleasure. All characters and most situations owned by Rumiko Takahashi, Shogakukan Publishing, and VIZ is in the dog-pile somewhere, too.

 

A/N: Real life's been very, very busy lately and the bunnies were sulking at being ignored. I thank everyone for their patience! This chapter contains some riffs based on the recent manga developments and the discussion arising from them, but they've been twisted to suit the plot.

 

Bouquets to Forthrightly, Nokomarie the Snake, Ranuel and Susanne TJ, who generously gave of their time to poke this chapter with sharp sticks. Thanks very much for your suggestions and good humour!

 

The Phoenix Blade: Time Lapse

Chapter 74: Prophecy

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Present Day

Sunset Shrine

 

Kagome stared up at her darkened bedroom ceiling, compulsively rubbing the hair bracelets circling her wrist while Inuyasha slumbered obliviously beside her. Out of the corner of her eye, she could just see the bright numbers of her clock; it was moving very, very slowly towards her 0700 wake-up call.

Sota was just thinking of the mission… he hasn't considered that the end of our quest might also mean my death. She rolled over onto her side, facing the clock ticking down the minutes. I have somewhere between thirty to forty days left… no, I have to think about this in a positive way. As little as thirty days until Naraku is wiped off the face of the planet. Only forty days until Kohaku is freed and Miroku's curse lifted.

 

Only forty days until Inuyasha starts his five-hundred-year wait.

 

She barely managed to stifle the sob that wrenched out of her throat; diving out of bed, she darted for the door and down the hall into the bathroom. Taking refuge in the shower, she disguised the tears with hot water, planning to excuse her reddened eyes with an unfortunate encounter with some errant shampoo suds. While I'm feeling miserable, shall I consider the fact that I need another birth control shot? In order to get it, first I'll have to arrange a blood test to prove that I'm not pregnant. I could get a blood test at the infirmary… but then Yash might find out. Damn, damned, damnable. Leaning her forehead against the cool tiles, she concentrated on breathing deeply to calm herself. Today might be my only chance to see Yash and I don't want his last memory of me for the next few weeks to be a crying wimp. Argh. The day's barely started and it's already fucked to the fifth hell!

 

By the time she left the safety of the shower, Kagome had more or less composed herself. Carefully drying herself off, she cursed her headlong flight from her room sans clothing, because now she'd have to face Inuyasha again before she left. Get a grip, Higurashi. You have forty days or less to be in his company, so deal with it. Wrapping a dry towel around herself before opening the bathroom door, she jumped at the sight of her mother's cheery face.

 

“Good morning, dear! There's a new set of fatigues for you in the cupboard. Your fire-rat is still damp, but I wiped down the dragon-hide tunic if you'd like to wear it to your meeting.” With a firm pat to her daughter's shoulder, Kioko Higurashi sailed off down the stairs. A moment after that, Sota stumbled out of his room, his just-growing-out-of-a buzz-cut short hair sticking out on all angles.

 

“You done in the bathroom, sis?” he asked, yawning widely and scratching his bare stomach; Kagome noted in passing that her little brother was sporting a fine set of ripped abdominals before punching him lightly in the gut. He pretended to double over, then backhanded her in the butt as she shot past.

 

“You'd better speed up those reflexes if you expect to pass your exam today,” she jibed from the safety of her doorway.

 

Sota grinned. “I've had the advantage of better sleep than the rest of those poor bastards stuck in barracks... thanks for the work-out last night, Kagome. I'll have to go up against either Sensei Yashita or Sensei Fuchida at some point today, and testing myself against you really helped.” He stifled a yawn with his fist and waved before disappearing into the bathroom.

 

Kagome paused for a moment with her hand on the door knob, took a deep breath and quickly stepped inside before silently closing the door behind her. She came up short at the sight of her hanyou. Inuyasha had rolled onto his stomach, his face buried deeply into her pillow, his silver hair strewn haphazardly over his back and the bedding. First decent night's sleep he's had in a couple of weeks. Taking a moment to pull up the blanket around his shoulders as well as admire his utterly relaxed aspect, Kagome began gathering up suitable clothing for her meeting with Sessaki.

 

She found the new pair of black button-fly combat trousers, with her webbing belt conveniently strung through the loops, hanging up in the cupboard next to a second larger pair she assumed was for Inuyasha. Bypassing the bulky fatigue jacket with its multiple pockets, she instead retrieved her fleece top, reasoning that the fuzzy material could stand in for the fire-rat lining of the tunic. I'll bet Yash will want to check my scars if he has half a chance, too...

 

Oi, wench... can ya keep it down? Some people are tryin' to sleep, y'know,” growled a husky voice, and Kagome flashed a smile at the drowsy hanyou.

 

“Sorry, koibito… I'll get dressed as fast as I can and leave you to your beauty sleep,” she replied, digging out a black sport bra and a pair of socks.

 

“Keh. How about a kiss first?” he rumbled. When she glanced at him, she was caught by a heavy-lidded honeyed gaze and a slow smile. Inuyasha rolled onto his side and pulled back the bedclothes. “C'mere. I want a decent cuddle before you take off for the day.”

 

Kagome bit her lip for only a moment before dropping the clothing as well as the towel and slipping in beside him. Inuyasha immediately wrapped himself around her, pulling her into the centre of the bed and putting as much of his skin in contact with hers as possible. Purring contentedly, he snuggled and nuzzled and nibbled and licked until she was squirming beneath him. Pushing himself up onto his elbows, Inuyasha regarded Kagome with smouldering eyes.

 

The laughter died in her throat as she looked up at him, his sidelocks spilling down to curl on her shoulders, his face framed in silver, etched in blue and highlighted in gold. Please, don't say anything about our future together or I'll lose it... she silently begged. Instead of speaking, Inuyasha smiled softly before leaning down to take her lips in a deeply erotic wet kiss that sent warmth flooding through her body.

 

He soon had her mewling and trying to hold him closer, but he kept the pace slow and achingly sweet, enjoying her willing response. Breaking the heated contact, he pressed open-mouthed kisses along her jaw and down her throat to her collarbone and back up the other side. “Mmm… as much as I'd love to properly say `good morning' to you, your alarm clock is about to go off,” he whispered in her ear. Sure enough, the tell-tale buzzing began and Kagome reached over to smack the `off' button before it reached full volume.

 

Turning back to her hanyou, she burrowed into the warm strength of his embrace. “What're you going to do today?” she asked between gentle kisses.

 

“Touma said he'd bring you home after lunch and help move the rest of the supplies. Shimano volunteered himself and Akagane, too, once they're finished at the Academy for the day,” he replied, slowly running his hands up and down her body. “I like that Shimano; he's a decent guy.”

 

Kagome couldn't help smirking mischievously. “You think so? He was my favourite sensei because of his sense of humour. What made you decide to trust him?”

 

Inuyasha shrugged. “Gut instinct.” He ran a hand through his bangs, then grinned. “Akagane said she guessed something was up when she saw my hair colour all those months ago... what is it with you girls? As soon as she saw my ears, she went for `em!”

 

Chuckling, Kagome slid her fingers into his hair and teasingly rubbed the furry triangles in question. “They're cute, of course.”

 

“I ain't `cute',” he huffed, trying not to melt under her touch and failing miserably. “I'm going through the well this morning to make sure my asshole brother hasn't bisected anyone. If it isn't raining very hard, I want to take Shiori flying and spend some time with her and Shippo before you get back.” The hanyou smirked before chasing her out of the warm bedclothes with his tickling claw tips. Kagome stuck out her tongue and was dressed in time to answer Kioko's light tap on the door.

 

“Breakfast is ready... good morning, Inuyasha. I'll just check on Ojii-chan and make sure Sota hasn't crawled back under the covers; Kagome, could you make the tea for me?” Buyo wove his way in and out of their ankles, meowing loudly as the young woman nodded and kissed her mother on the cheek. Mrs. Higurashi smiled warmly before moving off down the darkened hallway.

 

“Are you joining us to eat, or are you going to lounge around for a while, dog-boy?” she asked the rather-relaxed hanyou who was sprawled on his back, his hands folded behind his head.

 

“I'll be down in a minute; I want to see Sota since I don't think he'll be back after classes today, no matter who his sister is,” he winked and then stretched languorously, showing off his muscled torso to full effect. In a rapid movement, Kagome scooped up Buyo, dumped him onto Inuyasha's bare stomach, then grabbed her bag of shards as she whisked out the door in a hail of vociferous insults from both cat and hanyou.

 

Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж

 

“Good luck in your exam today, both of you. Hey, Akagane... should I have a couple of ice packs ready when you come by the shrine this afternoon?” Kagome asked with a grin as they exited the family sedan in the Academy's car park.

 

“Feh, Sensei Yashita hits like a girl... no worries!” Akagane chortled as she shut the passenger door and slung her gear bag over her shoulder. The group headed across the parking courtyard, blinking against the light drizzle.

 

Kagome cocked her head while tucking her sword under her arm in order to straighten her tunic. Her red-and-gold sash was soaking in a bucket at home in the laundry room so she had decided to do without. “Do you use your enhanced speed to dodge his moves?”

 

The young vixen sobered. “Since most of the cadets are human, we have to watch ourselves, but when we go up against each other we can cut loose a little.”

 

“Just so long as you don't forget and run across the ceiling or something like that,” Sota interjected, grinning. Draping his arm around Kagome's shoulders as they walked, he added, “I won't see you again before you leave, so take care, all right?” He leaned in and kissed her cheek, giving her a fond squeeze.

 

“Th-thanks, Sota. See you,” she replied, choking up a little and then was startled by a hand clapped onto her shoulder.

 

Shimano shook his head. “Knock off the heartfelt farewells, you two. I imagine you'll be invited to watch at least part of the test, Kagome, so you'll have a chance to see your baby brother on his ass.”

 

Sota smirked widely. “No way! Kagome put me through my paces last night and I didn't go down once!”

 

When Shimano looked at her for confirmation, Kagome nodded. “He's pretty agile and his blocks are strong. However, he isn't aggressive enough on his attacks.”

 

The kitsune smiled proudly as they ascended the ancient stone steps. “That's a very professional assessment, Kagome. Maybe old man Kenjou is right about you!”

 

“Old man Kenjou?” Kagome inquired

 

“Git's dad; he's now known as Kira Kenjou. Apparently you really impressed him while demonstrating the Imperial kenjutsu kata to a group of cadets way back when.” Shimano waggled his eyebrows and continued, “He's been bugging Sessaki for close to a century about giving you a teaching position at the Academy.” They saluted the duty guardsmen and entered the venerable building. Sota and Akagane slipped into cadet mode and smartly saluted them before disappearing into the bustling mass of their classmates. Kagome heard a few good-natured jeers directed their way and the pair respond in kind; she felt strangely relieved at the sheer normalcy of it all.

 

“Shimano... how can Gitoumaru be Sessaki's sentouken if his father is still alive?” she asked, recalling her puzzlement over the issue while at the fortress as they turned down the corridor towards the Armoury.

 

“Kenjou senior retired as First Sword of the Western Lands when he lost a leg at the Battle of Port Arthur in 1904. He felt it was time to hand over the reins to the young pup,” the kitsune answered. “The old dog's still going strong, despite the leg not regenerating as quickly as he'd like. He stays at the fortress and keeps the guard corps on their toes while his wife gads about the countryside. Hasn't your mother had lunch with her?”

 

“Er, yeah... she mentioned it a while ago...”

 

While I appreciate you walking me to my office door, if you're going to make your appointment with your famously punctual brother-in-law, you'd better put a little of your enhanced speed to good use!” Shimano spun her around and gave her a gentle shove in the opposite direction; Kagome blinked in surprise and then shook herself a little before saluting him and jogging back up the corridor towards the stairwell. Day dream much, Higurashi? Gah! I'd better make sure I have all my marbles before reporting!

 

She arrived in front of Lord Sessaki's office only slightly out of breath and took a moment to straighten her tunic again. Squaring her shoulders, she slid back the door and stepped into the room.

 

Nekajo peered over his papers, taking in Kagome's not-quite-regulation outfit. Her black fatigues were tucked into armoured dragon-hide boots of antique design and her dark grey leather tunic hung open, showing the modern fleece jacket underneath. Kagome carried her sword in her hand; the disguised toad-imp heaved an exasperated sigh, wondering where the foolish girl had misplaced her custom-woven silk sash.

 

“Good morning, Nekajo-san,” Kagome said politely when the imp continued to shake his head and mutter under his breath.

 

Nekajo pulled himself together with an effort. “Good morning, Lady Kagome. Step this way, please.” She shucked her boots and padded over the tatami to the inner door; she couldn't help but notice Nekajo rolling his eyes just before he formally announced her presence to a taiyoukai that undoubtedly already knew she was there. Raising her chin, she marched smartly in to stand at attention before the teak desk, eyes-front and back very straight.

 

It was only a moment but it seemed like an eternity before the familiar deep tones rumbled, “At ease, Higurashi.” She gratefully sank onto the provided cushion, neatly arranging her sword alongside before meeting Sessaki's spell-darkened gaze.

 

“Good morning, sir.” Remembering his clipped response from the last time she'd faced him across this desk, she didn't bother with any friendly `how's the family' chit-chat. Sessaki inclined his head but waited silently, so she rapidly assembled her thoughts and commenced her report. “The enemy remains in hiding, undoubtedly rebuilding his strength in preparation for a resumption of hostilities. We have had reliable intelligence that he fled in the direction of the `ox-tiger' after the last battle, so that is where we will concentrate our search.” She paused, waiting to see if Sessaki had anything to add. When he did not, Kagome continued, “We have experienced increased levels of demonic activity since our enemy disappeared, as minor youkai have emerged from hiding. Due to an injury suffered in the course of an attack, Inuyasha and myself spent approximately two weeks at the Western Fortress where we assisted the Western Lord with the suppression of an internal revolt. Currently, we are moving supplies through the well in anticipation of embarking on the final push against our opponent.”

 

“Well-stated.”

 

“Thank you, sir. May I also extend our thanks for the supplies intended for the village as well as the fortress?”

 

“You may.” Sessaki flicked a glance over her unorthodox outfit. “The Armoury has acquired replacement equipment for you,” he said, pointing towards the window. Kagome followed his gesture to see a flat, trapezoidal quiver leaning against a long, wide case resting on the floor.

 

“What happened to my original gear?”

 

“Lost to the ravages of time,” he said. Rising, she crossed the room to kneel beside the items. The quiver bristled with black-fletched arrows; when she lifted it, she was surprised at the unaccustomed weight. Curious, she withdrew one of the missiles and then frowned at the over-large, blunted tip. “Contact explosive.” Her head snapped around to stare at Sessaki, who met her startled look with imperturbable calm.

 

“Forgive me, sir… but isn't that a little anachronistic?” Kagome asked incredulously. “Not to mention overkill?”

 

Sessaki shrugged gracefully. “It is intended for a specific foe. The black fletching is to distinguish the unique payload.”

 

Kagome tested the balance of the arrow on her finger tip while thinking rapidly. “Are there any other hints you might give us about what we will face this time?” He gave her an old look; she grinned, not the slightest bit apologetic. Damn. It was worth a try, anyways. Sighing, she instead bent to open the leather-covered case and noted the Imperial chrysanthemum embossed in the centre. “Oh... wow...” was all she could say when the contents were revealed. A fully strung, gracefully curved long bow occupied the length of the silk-lined interior, along with a reinforced gauntlet and leather-fingered archer's glove.

 

Kagome reverently lifted the bow out of the case, then stood up and shifted her weight as she brought the weapon up to firing position. Firmly gripping the bowstring, she tensed her muscles and slowly drew it back against her cheek, sighting down an imaginary arrow. The taiyoukai watched as she slowly released the tension and relaxed her stance. Kagome ran her fingertips over the weapon before turning and bowing to him. “Thank you, sir; I look forward to using this on the field of battle.” He made a noncommittal noise; as she returned the bow to its case, mentally comparing its size to her much more compact original weapon, Kikyo's face suddenly came to mind, and then a nerve-wracking parallel momentarily staggered her. When she was fairly sure she could speak without her voice failing, she mumbled, “My lord, I have a question.”

 

“Ask.”

 

“Has Tenseiga ever denied your will?”

 

Sessaki instantly focussed all his attention on the dark-haired girl silhouetted against the rain-streaked window, her eyes hidden behind her bangs, her fists clenching on her thighs. “Why do you wish to know?” he carefully asked, attempting to dissect her scent for clues.

 

“We left the fortress so quickly... I wondered... did you use Tenseiga to raise the fallen loyalists?”

 

He frowned. “As many as the sword chose to save.”

 

“Anzu-san?”

 

“Her soul could not be recalled.” Sessaki narrowed his gaze thoughtfully. “Why do you ask?” It seemed to him that Kagome struggled mightily before her voice, barely more than a whisper, reached his ears.

 

“You said that I was badly injured in the final battle, that Naraku disappeared but you weren't sure if he actually died…”

 

“Your point?” he demanded curtly.

 

“In order for the Shikon Jewel to be repaired and Naraku's evil to be contained, it may require the sacrifice of another priestess' heart,” she murmured.

 

His dark eyes momentarily flickered yellow before he snorted, “Ridiculous...”

 

“But possible.” Kagome refused to look at him, the blood pounding loudly in her ears.

 

“Perhaps.”

 

“Midoriko was severely injured in her battle against the demon... a demon that was little more than a conglomeration of low-grade demons formed around a human soul... in other words, a hanyou,” Kagome said quietly, flattening her trembling hands on her thighs. “She used the last of her strength to imprison the demon within her heart and then to purify it before expelling it from her body. Naraku is the same; the parallels are very strong.”

 

“Ask the priestess. You claim to speak with her,” Sessaki suggested. Kagome immediately pressed her hand over the bag of shards tucked between her breasts inside the sport bra, but the resounding silence in her head warned her that this was probably a futile query.

 

Midoriko?

Once the Jewel was reformed, my connection with you ended. I truly hope this is not your destiny.

 

“She doesn't know, either. Therefore, we must plan for the worst-case scenario.” Kagome raised her head, her words formal, her eyes dark and her expression sombre. “I doubt that Tenseiga will be able to call my soul back from within the Jewel. Because of our bond, Yashita will more than likely also perish. Will you please attempt to save my husband's life?”

 

From its position by the cushion, silver sparks flew out of the scabbard of her sword and arrowed across the room to swirl around her, finally resolving into Fenik's slender form. The sword-demon wrapped his arms around Kagome, hugging her tightly against his chest. He shot an anguished look at the stunned taiyoukai, who recovered from his shock quickly enough to shake his head. “My brother would not wish to be revived if you could not be with him.”

 

Kagome gently pushed herself free from Fenik's embrace and regarded Sessaki steadily. “Midoriko triumphed over evil at the cost of her own life; Kikyo was defeated by the same sort of evil and also died. As the new Protector, guardianship of the Jewel is my duty; perhaps it was always intended to be from within.” Her voice quavered slightly, at odds with her resolute expression.

 

Fenik gave a choked whine and dropped his chin to his chest, his silver-and-black hair sliding forward to conceal his face. Sessaki watched as Kagome lightly caressed the sword-demon's cheek with her fingertips, then took his clawed hand and squeezed it before silently indicating the scabbard. The manifestation reluctantly obeyed, the sparks circling her once before trailing slowly through the air and vanishing into the hilt.

 

The young woman rose to her feet and saluted Sessaki with excruciating correctness, then bowed very deeply. “It has been a distinct pleasure serving under your command, my lord.” As she straightened, the taiyoukai searched her eyes; the normally bright silver had gone flat and dull.

 

“This is foolish speculation,” he snapped. Making a split-second decision, he rose from behind his desk and ordered, “Remove that tunic and follow me.”

 

As she obediently slipped out of the dark grey leather garment and folded it neatly on top of the bow case, Sessaki preceded her out of the inner office to relay his instructions to Nekajo while donning his boots. The toad-imp was startled at the request but recovered quickly; he was already on the phone when Kagome emerged with her sword in her hand and only inclined his head in response to her polite bow.

 

Sessaki was halfway down the corridor by the time she had pulled on her boots and hot-footed after him. If she loses all hope of a future beyond the quest, she will become despondent… and reckless. As Kagome arrived at his elbow he spared her a glance. Her jaw was set and her expression devoid of emotion as she kept pace with him, looking every inch the professional soldier. However, her scent betrayed her as a frightened young woman even as her body language denied it. She wouldn't accept the comfort offered by her sword's manifestation; perhaps her husband will fare better?

 

Down stairs and along corridors, they finally came to rest before the doors of one of the larger dojos in the Academy; at Sessaki's nod, the duty guardsman slid back the panel and they entered the lofty room that Kagome vividly remembered from her cadet career. Around no less than three combat circles milled the hundred cadets of the first-year echelon, avidly watching their fellows demonstrating their hand-to-hand skills under the critical gaze of senior faculty members. Kagome's eye was unerringly drawn to the farthest circle, where a tall, fatigue-clad man made notes on his clip board, his thickly braided hair swinging down his back.

 

Sessaki instantly detected the surge in Kagome's heart rate at the sight of Yashita, and her almost silent sigh of longing before she deliberately turned her head away, ostensibly to scan the room. The taiyoukai grimly noted her response before growling, “Wait here.” He stalked across the dojo towards his brother, who called a halt to the action in the circle in order to salute and take part in a quick conference.

 

Sessaki's presence caused immediate interest and as his tag-along, Kagome found herself the unsettling focus of several dozen pairs of eyes. She located Sota and Akagane in the centre group, waiting to be tested by a tall sensei that she vaguely remembered but couldn't put a name to. Looks like Shimano was right and I'll have a chance to watch Sota strut his stuff.

 

“Is it my lucky day, and you're extending permission to take my wife to an early lunch?” Yashita asked, only half-joking as he drank in the sight of the petite young woman across the room.

 

“Yes.”

 

Yashita tore his eyes away from Kagome long enough to stare in astonishment at the taiyoukai. Seeing the serious expression on Sessaki's face, he instantly swallowed his glee. “What's up?”

 

“She requires a reminder that there is a life waiting for her beyond the mission; take her to the apartment.” The hanyou's jaw dropped and he couldn't stop the slow grin from spreading across his face; Sessaki glowered and quickly added, “However, refrain from breaking any regulations.”

 

Yashita instantly scowled. “I know, dammit...”

 

“Touma will pick her up on his way to the shrine, as he has volunteered to assist moving the supplies through the well this afternoon. I will take over from you here once the arrangements have been made.” Yashita saluted, smiling broadly, and Sessaki glided back to where Kagome waited. Stooping slightly, he murmured, “I do not believe that your future is so bleak, Higurashi. Wait here for my return.” He caught the sensei's eye that was in charge of Sota's group and indicated Kagome with a significant look before striding out of the dojo. She watched the taiyoukai leave, puzzling over his statement, until a familiar voice startled her.

 

“Would you care to join us, Lady Kagome?”

 

She looked up into a handsome face marked by the scar of an old injury that had struck him right across the bridge of the nose and barely missed his eyes… an injury caused by a sharp blade five centuries before. “Fuchi-kun...?” We always wondered how he'd been cut, but no one had the nerve to ask him when we were cadets!

 

“Fuchida, my lady,” corrected the concealed inu-youkai, bowing. “I would appreciate your professional opinion of these pimply-faced, knock-kneed specimens.” Kagome smiled brilliantly and followed him into the scrum of waiting students. There was too much noise for her to hear Yashita's disgruntled growl, but Fuchida certainly did; he mouthed Sessaki's name to excuse his peremptory acquisition of the guest observer.

 

Sota had just stepped into the combat circle and squared up to his opponent, a burly cadet that had at least thirty pounds on him. Kagome assessed his stance and nodded approvingly while over her head, Fuchida bellowed, “Begin!” Fists and feet instantly flew; Kagome was pleased to note that Sota was following her advice regarding pressing his attacks. In fact, he soon had the other cadet retreating.

 

Across the circle, Akagane's expression was fierce as she narrowly scrutinized the combatants. Kagome had the distinct impression that the vixen was watching Sota's opponent for violations as he continued to lose ground. Finally, Sota executed a series of rapid-fire punches and an impressive round-house kick that effectively ended the match. The two cadets formally bowed to each other then exited the circle. Akagane contented herself with a congratulatory punch to the arm while Sota beamed down at her, then he flashed Kagome a proud smile.

 

“That's the last of them... what would you say to a demonstration match, Lady Kagome?” Fuchida asked, a twinkle in his dark eye. “I've heard that you have recent experience with instructing military cadets.”

 

She resisted the urge to make a rude gesture and smirked instead. “Sure you can handle me?”

 

“I'll grab a couple of bokken.” Turning his attention to the cadets he ordered, “You're about to witness a demonstration by one of the few people to ever successfully fight Sensei Yashita to a draw. Pay attention; you might learn something.” While Fuchida crossed the dojo to retrieve two wooden swords from the wall racks, Kagome avoided Yashita's eye by beckoning Sota to her side and handing him her sword and her fleece jacket. After a moment's hesitation, she also handed over the pouch of Jewel shards, tightly closing her brother's fingers over the precious crystals.

 

When she strode out to the centre of the combat circle clad only in her sport bra and fatigues, there was an audible gasp. Fuchida re-entered the circle and extended a polished bokken towards her, his glance flickering over the visible scars on her exposed skin. “It's safe to say that you will be a hot topic of conversation tonight in the mess.”

 

“Hopefully for my skill,” she replied tartly, hefting the weapon. She sank into a stance and Fuchida instantly mirrored it, the air between them crackling slightly as their auras clawed for release.

 

“Imperial style, yes?” At her curt nod, Fuchida's teeth flashed as he roared, “Begin!” and they dove for each other. There was no circling, no testing of their opponents' capabilities with feints and jabs; it was instant, full-on attack that showcased the offensive and defensive capabilities of the ancient forms. Wooden shafts clattered and crashed as their wielders struggled not only with each other but also to control their enhanced abilities so that they remained only blurred but not airborne.

 

Fuchida had intended to allow Kagome to win anyway, mainly so that Yashita didn't remove his head, but he was taken off guard by the speed and intensity of her attacks. He deliberately pushed her, mainly to see how far she would go, and was rather nonplussed when he had to fight back harder than he expected to both keep his footing and salvage his reputation in front of his students. Fuchida flubbed a block and found himself toe to toe with a fiercely grinning woman, her silver eyes alight with battle. They shoved and strained, neither giving an inch, until Kagome's attention flickered for the briefest moment and an unexpected flare of spiritual energy had him leaping backward out of range.

 

Cautiously glancing in the direction of her glare, he saw Sessaki framed in the doorway. Dropping his weapon, he indicated that the match was over, but it was a long moment before Kagome shook herself and also lowered her bokken. She smiled shakily at Fuchida and bowed. “Shall we call this a draw?”

 

Returning the gesture, he watched her carefully as her power surged again before settling down, then quickly replied, “Certainly, my lady.” Collecting her bokken, he gave her an encouraging smile as Yashita suddenly arrived in their vicinity.

 

Leaning in close enough that his breath ghosted over her cheek, the hanyou quietly asked, “What the hell was that all about?”

 

Giving herself another shake and running a hand through her bangs, she muttered, “For a split-second I saw Hakimaru.” Sessaki was close enough to hear her as he entered the combat circle and his eyebrows disappeared into his spell-darkened hairline. She caught his look and shrugged helplessly. “A flashback, I guess?”

 

Sota approached and extended her belongings, but Sessaki intercepted the shards and the sword. Returning the weapon to the surprised youth, he ordered, “Take this to Kenjou in the administration wing and ask that he report to me before he leaves today.” As Sota bowed away, the shards disappeared inside the taiyoukai's robes. “Now, sensei, what is next in the examination schedule?”

 

Ignoring Kagome's stunned look at her weapon and her shards disappearing without so much as a by-your-leave, Yashita handed over his clip board. “The bo; some of the more advanced students have begun working with the kama.”

 

“Sai?” Sessaki asked, perusing the list of names and weapons.

 

“None of them are up to speed on the kata yet. They're doing pretty well to have worked their way through the basics since September.” In the pause, as Kagome slowly donned her fleece, a sneering conversation from the edge of the circle of cadets that was spoken a little too loudly to ignore brought all of them to a dead stop.

 

“That scar-face chick? She's Yashita's bitch, but he can't fuck her without Sessaki's permission... in triplicate!” Before either Yashita or Sessaki could react, Goro Ihoku was on the floor with a bleeding nose and an angrily-thrumming sword hilt jammed against his throat. Sota Higurashi paused, his fist drawn back to deliver another bone-crushing punch.

 

“You fucking asshole,” Sota snarled, his eyes glinting dangerously. “How dare you talk shit about my family!” Rough hands hauled him upright, but he shook them off to stand straight and unbending, glaring ferociously at the prone wolf youkai.

 

Sessaki was abruptly standing over Goro, who had the nerve to curl his bloodied lip. The taiyoukai favoured the insolent youth with an icy look that would have frozen salt water before indicating two very nervous cadets standing on the edge of the circle. “Escort Ihoku to the infirmary. Higurashi, complete your errand and wait for me in my office. Fuchida, take over here.”

 

Yashita hooked Kagome by the elbow and pulled her along after him as they stormed out of the dojo in the cadets' wake. Sota veered off, sans escort, in the direction of the Imperial Household's offices across the gardens. Goro, for his part, slouched along between his classmates towards the stairs leading to the infirmary. As the two groups briefly drew abreast of each other, Yashita's lips curled in a thoroughly unpleasant smirk. “I wonder what Lord Kogashu will say when he finds out you insulted Lady Kagome?”

 

Goro's eyes momentarily flashed brilliant green. “That filthy hu... jerk attacked me! That's grounds for expulsion!”

 

Even as she goggled at the teen's defiance, Kagome recoiled at the intimidating aura coiling around Sessaki's tall form; Goro had enough survival instincts to shut up. “As is the far more serious offence of insubordination to an officer. The insult to Captain Higurashi is bad enough, but it was compounded by reference to Major Nishiyori and myself. Cadet Higurashi was merely defending his family's honour.”

 

Goro began to bare his teeth, but apparently thought better of it when Sessaki's aura crackled the air around them. One of his nervous escorts tugged on his sleeve and he took that as an excuse to turn away without even a salute; Kagome was highly aware of the deep-throated growls being emitted by the two inu-youkai beside her.

 

“Damn insolent whelp... he thinks his shit doesn't stink because of his father's position,” Yashita snarled.

 

“Being dismissed from the Academy with a dishonourable discharge would be the last straw for Lady Ayame's patience,” Sessaki stated cuttingly. His hard gaze softened when he looked at Kagome. “The car is waiting.”

 

She barely had time to salute before Yashita briskly pulled her down the corridor towards the exit. Just inside the ancient wooden doors, he stripped off his fatigue jacket and draped it over her shoulders. “It's pouring outside and I don't want you coming down sick,” he explained as she blinked at him. Snapping quick salutes to the guardsmen, the couple dashed down the stone steps and into the waiting car.

 

It took several blocks before Kagome's mind stopped whirling and caught up with the fact that she had been disarmed and de-sharded, was in an Academy vehicle and apparently headed for a lunch date with Yashita, without her opinion or permission being sought. “Where are we going?” she finally asked.

 

Yashita seemed to exhale; his shoulders relaxed under the damp material of his tee-shirt. He smiled cheerfully at her wary expression and reached for her hand, squeezing it gently before bringing it into his lap. “I want to show you something.”

 

“I don't really have time for this...” she grumbled, looking away and trying very hard not to notice how her hand trembled just from his warm touch.

 

“What's the matter, koishii?” His thumb swept slow circles across her palm.

 

“It's just been a weird day so far and it isn't even noon,” she answered, glancing briefly at him before trying to figure out where they were headed by noting the tree-lined streets and older, low-rise buildings. I wonder if this is one of the areas of Tokyo that was rebuilt immediately after the fire-bombing of the Second World War? The buildings all look to be from around 1950 or so. When the car pulled over to the curb in front of a well-kept apartment tower rising above a tidy shop-lined street, she felt an unaccountable small shiver of apprehension. The driver came around to her door and held an umbrella over their heads all the way to the entryway. Bowing, he darted back to the vehicle; Kagome had to stop herself from giving chase and leaving with him.

 

“Come on, Kagome... we don't have time to dawdle.” She was caught by his boyish grin and hesitantly smiled back as he ushered her into the foyer. He led her into the elevator and pushed buttons for the very top of the building.

 

Kagome shuffled her feet, remembering the last time they were in an elevator, but Yashita made no move to touch her. Tucking herself more tightly inside his fatigue jacket, she tried not to sigh out loud. Shit, this is a pain. If Sota hadn't said anything, and I hadn't had that brilliant revelation in Sessaki's office, I could just enjoy Yash's company for a while instead of feeling so awkward. She twitched at the soft ding that announced their arrival and had to take a moment to collect herself before following him down a tastefully muted corridor to the end door that obviously led to a corner suite.

 

Yashita fished in his pocket, extracted a key fob and sorted through it until he isolated a particular key, then handed her the whole ring. “Go ahead.”

 

Gripping the keys in shaking fingers, she asked tightly, “What is this place?”

 

“Open the door and find out,” he invited, his eyes glowing amber as part of his concealment spell slipped away. Biting her lip, she complied…and gasped quietly once she stepped across the threshold. She turned to search his face; Yashita smiled and let go of the rest of his concealment spell. “Welcome home, koishii.”

 

Kagome stood very still, taking it all in. Home? Large windows flooded the room with light and allowed her to see the covered terrace, scattered with potted plants and seating. Inside, the furniture was Western-style, from the table and chairs to the couches and carpets. Yashita brushed past her, waking her from her stasis. “I'll change my shirt and make us something to eat, okay?”

 

She kicked off her boots and followed him into the room. “You cook?” she asked in disbelief, not really wanting to think about all the ramifications of home.

 

He smirked over his shoulder. “Had to. Can't eat rations or ramen all the time… what do you think, Kagome?”

 

“The apartment? It's really nice, but...”

 

“But what?”

 

“I dunno... it just doesn't look very bachelor-like.” She glanced around at the rich colours and tasteful furnishings. “It's too tidy, for one thing.”

 

“I have a housekeeper and a mother-in-law.” Laughing, he disappeared into another room. He left the door open and Kagome edged sideways until she could just see the corner of a Western-style bed, and that brief glimpse dropped the bottom out of her stomach. That's supposed to be our bed. This is supposed to be our house… and I'm supposed to live here happily ever after with Inuyasha. Damn.

 

Slowly shucking his jacket and draping it over the back of a couch on top of a colourful blanket, she moved like one underwater towards the windows. A double-tiered, wall mounted weapons rack caught her eye; a familiar antique katana occupied the lower of the two sets of brackets. Sighing quietly, she reached out to run her fingertips along the dully-gleaming black sheath before lightly stroking the scruffy hilt. Tetsusaiga responded with a low thrum and she just stood there for a moment, her head bowed, eyes closed, searching for a calm centre in the storm of conflicting emotions.

 

She heard Yashita's footsteps across the room in the kitchen area; the silence between them stretched until she felt compelled to ask, “How long have you lived here?”

 

“Since before you were born,” he answered. “That empty bracket above Tetsusaiga? That's for your piece-of-crap sword.”

 

She barely cracked a smile over his jibe, he noted, and instead dropped her attention to the photographs displayed on the cabinet below the Tetsusaiga. He watched her pick up one of the photographs taken at the wedding, the one showing her nestled under his chin, her fingers buried in his sidelock. She replaced it, then stooped to examine a photo of herself in full Celestial Bodyguard rig and a smirking hanyou apparently looking deeply into each other's eyes on the well house steps, flanked by two pots of lilies in full bloom. “Did my mother give you this picture?”

 

“Yes.” Yashita opened the refrigerator in search of ingredients and started at the well-stocked interior. Huh? Where did all this come from? Ah… Rin must have been contacted. Pulling out some vegetables, fresh shrimp and udon noodles, he began chopping. “She and the rest of the Gang of Four redecorated this place a few months ago, after declaring it needed a facelift.”

 

“Gang of Four...?”

 

“Okaa-san, Rin, Ayame and Kogane.”

 

Kagome nodded a little distractedly and went to look out the window. A moment later, she'd slipped outside and was peering over the balcony. He set the stock to heating, wiped his hands and followed her.

 

She acknowledged his arrival with a brief nod as she squinted through the steady rain at a distant red torii gate cresting a forested hillock. “Is that... the shrine?”

 

“Yep. Every morning for the past fifty years the first thing I do is make sure it's still there.” Yashita eyed her rigid posture and her white-knuckled grip on the railing, and then was floored by her next question.

 

“How did you cope when my mother was pregnant with me?” As soon as the words left her mouth, Kagome wished she could take them back in case Yashita divined her other secret, but he didn't seem to notice her sudden surge of panic.

 

Instead, he grinned sheepishly. “I made such a nuisance of myself that I had to be sent to the fortress. I wasn't allowed back in Tokyo until your mom went into labour.”

 

“You have a picture of me when I was one day old, but the fortress is three days away...” she frowned.

 

Yashita chuckled. “By tenbaryu maybe, but not by plane,” he grinned, then sobered, his expression softening. “When I saw you in the hospital, my hands were shaking... that's why the picture is blurry. Rin took a better one.”

 

“The House of the West showed up to claim me?” Kagome asked, intrigued despite herself.

 

“Just Rin and me were allowed in the nursery; Sessaki stayed outside to over-awe the hospital administration,” he replied and then his eyes darkened as he became lost in memory. “You were so tiny in my hands... so fragile and delicate...” he murmured, his hands coming together and cupping gently, as if he held an infant. “All I wanted to do was curl around you, to keep you safe, to protect you...”

 

“If you were a basket-case before I was born, you must have been worse after I arrived,” she commented, moved by his naked emotion.

 

He blinked and smiled crookedly. “I used to sneak in your bedroom window and watch you sleep. When you caught all those human kiddie viruses I stayed up worrying along with your mom... except I was outside in the Goshinboku and she was in her kitchen.”

 

Kagome reached over and gently prodded his chest. “How will you cope when I get pregnant?”

 

The intensity of his gaze stopped her cold. “Imagining our child kicking in your belly and holding both of you in my arms is a dream I've only allowed myself in the darkest moments, when I wasn't sure I could go on,” he rumbled, bringing up a hand to delicately touch her cheek. His ears twitched at the spittering from the direction of the cooktop. “Lunch is almost ready.”

 

Kagome cast a last glance at the rain-misted view before following him inside. “Can I do anything?”

 

“You can make some tea,” he suggested. “The kettle's in that cupboard...”

 

“Let me search; that way I'll know for next time,” she said bravely, swallowing the disquieting feeling that she'd just told a lie, and began investigating until she located the kettle, the teapot, the tea and two cups. She arched an eyebrow at the watching hanyou. “My mother organized this kitchen, didn't she?”

 

He nodded, his golden eyes twinkling. “How'd you guess?”

 

“It's the same as hers, down to the brand of tea and the pattern on the dishes,” she snorted, filling the kettle under the tap and bringing it over to the cooktop.

 

Yashita nudged her shoulder. “Feels like home... pull out the bowls, will you?” He strained the thick white noodles out of the boiling stock and divided them between the two blue-and-white patterned bowls she produced out of the cupboard next to the sink. Kagome poked in drawers for spoons and chopsticks and set the table while he added the chopped vegetables and shrimp to the bubbling liquid. When the kettle boiled, she made the tea, watching him deftly drain the colourful mixture and add it to the noodles, then pour over the hot stock. He flourished the filled bowls under her nose. “Impressed yet?”

 

“Definitely, dog-boy,” she managed to grin. “Smells almost edible!”

 

He snorted. “This is Toku-san's super top-secret stock recipe, so it'd better be more than just `edible'.”

 

“Is he still alive?” Kagome asked, seating herself as he slid a brimming bowl in front of her.

 

“He's nearly a thousand years old, but still firmly rules the kitchens with his spoon o' doom,” Yashita answered, picking up his chopsticks.

 

Kagome smiled and tucked into her steaming bowl. “Are he and Momiji still at loggerheads over the menus?” she asked, blowing on a plump shrimp.

 

“Very much so. Who do you think organized the banquet for Yukihime and Shikoro's wedding?” he grinned, twirling a chopstick-load of noodles.

 

“This is delicious, Inuyasha,” she said brightly. “Speaking of Kogashu's bunch… Goro seems to have quite the attitude.”

 

“Gods, don't get me started on that brat! His older brothers were fairly decent... for wolves, that is... but he's a totally different kettle of rotten fish,” Yashita growled, and proceeded to fill her in on the shortcomings of the wolf prince's youngest cub as a cadet and as a person. The talk then turned to the newlyweds, who were currently setting up their first apartment with heavy doses of parental interference, and thence to Shimano's lively pair of kitsunes who were causing grey hairs among their teachers at Sota and Akagane's old middle school.

 

Kagome relaxed as the meal progressed, even though she felt a touch of sadness at how much she'd missed of the extended family circle's activities and adventures. Plenty of time to catch up if we survive… centuries, apparently. She abruptly realized Yashita had stopped eating, and was staring into his bowl with a stricken expression that she was fairly sure mirrored her own. “Koibito…what's wrong?” she asked, laying her hand on his arm. “Was one of the shrimp off?”

 

The hanyou twisted towards her and pulled her to him; Kagome ended up straddling his lap, pressed so hard against his chest she could barely draw breath. Yashita's pulse leapt erratically in his throat as his harsh breathing filled her ears. Kagome exhaled, closed her eyes and nestled into his embrace, worming her arms under his to hold him just as tight. He feels the same as me… has the same fears and the same concerns about the end of the mission. Mom was right all those months ago…

 

“Do you know how much I want this?” he rasped, nuzzling her hair as his claws flexed on her ribs. “To share a meal with you, discuss our day, laugh with you... be with you every day of our lives?” Overcome, he buried his face in her shoulder and gripped her even harder.

 

As he tried to control himself, Kagome felt her recently-erected defensive walls crumbling in the face of their shared need for reassurance. Burrowing as closely as she could without climbing inside his skin, tangling her fingers in his khaki tee-shirt, she held him tightly… and was startled by the deep sob that tore out of her throat. I want this too, Inuyasha… gods… I want you… She vainly tried to fight down the tears while Yashita's large hands instantly began rubbing slow, soothing circles on her back as a low purr rumbled through her.

 

Kagome wiped her streaming eyes on his chest, trying to catch her breath before tilting her face upwards. “Dammit, I swore to myself that I wouldn't cry today... seems like every time you see me, I'm either crying or falling asleep... or both,” she sniffled, attempting to smile while blinking away the tears. Yashita pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead before regarding her with a honey-dark gaze. She stilled, her breath catching, having the distinct sense of standing on the edge of a precipice.

 

I might never see him again... With a choked sob, Kagome flung herself over the edge and took Yashita with her. She grabbed a handful of silver braid to hold him in place as she practically attacked his mouth. Yashita didn't pull back; instead, his own hand cupped the back of her head to keep her just as close as they poured their emotions into the heated contact, losing themselves in the raw need. They only broke apart because breathing became a necessity and had barely inhaled before they were again kissing deeply and hungrily. When Kagome nicked her tongue on his fang, releasing the taste of her blood into his mouth, he hissed against her lips before sucking hard on the injured appendage; the sensations went straight to her groin. Yashita gripped her hips, pressing her hard against his crotch and moaned into her mouth when she rocked against him.

 

When they needed air again, he went for her throat, running his tongue down to her pulse then back up again to steal her breath. Kagome whimpered, her body tingling with arousal and worked her fingers through his bangs until she found his ears. He emitted a growling moan, then cupped her rear and lifted her with him, balance momentarily precarious as she locked her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck. Wobbling a bit, he drunkenly manoeuvred them towards the bedroom door.

 

Without really thinking about what they were doing, because if they did, the possible repercussions would stop them cold, they left a trail of clothes across the floor until the bed arrested their momentum. They went down in a tangle of frantic caresses, need winning out over duty. Yashita covered her throat and shoulders with heated kisses then slid lower to trace her newest scar with his tongue before moving to taste her breasts. The silver rings on the chain around his neck trailed over her skin, a completely different sensation from the beads of the rosary.

 

Kagome lost herself in the warmth of his touch, the sensations she was experiencing now blurring together with earlier that morning until the lines between the past and the present disappeared into a single wave of desire. Moaning his name, she clung to him, rocking her hips against his muscled belly until he lunged upward to claim her mouth. She bucked, mewling against his lips when the tip of his erection slid just inside her wet folds. When she gripped his buttocks, trying to pull him deeper, Yashita suddenly pinned her hands to the mattress before rolling off her to the other side of the bed. He kept his back to her, his entire body trembling violently.

 

“We... can't... not... like... this...” he gasped out, his voice barely recognizable. Shocked back to reality, Kagome curled up into a ball, her heart pounding, then quickly rolled off the bed. Scooping her scattered clothing, she dove out into the apartment proper, the door swinging shut in her wake.

 

Glancing around, not really thinking straight, she grabbed a kitchen towel off the counter, soaked it under the tap and gave herself a rapid wipe-down before scrambling back into her clothes, the fabric dragging over her damp skin. She'd barely finished, throwing the towel into the sink with a wet splat, when a cell phone jangled somewhere in the vicinity. Frowning, she tracked the sound to Yashita's fatigue jacket where it lay on the back of the couch. Peering at the display, she recognized the name and growled, “Higurashi,” into the receiver.

 

Gitoumaru hesitated at her harsh tone for a moment before saying, “I'm a block away...”

 

“I'll be waiting downstairs.” Kagome closed the phone and placed it carefully on the table before shoving her feet into her boots. Hand on the knob, she took a long look around the comfortable room before smiling tightly. Too bad neither it nor the occupant will be mine. Deliberately turning her back, she fairly tore open the door.

 

“Kagome!”

 

She squared her shoulders, lifted her chin and firmly locked down her wildly-careening emotions before looking towards him. Yashita was shirtless, his half-unbuttoned fatigues hanging low on his hips, his blue markings curling up over his bare skin. It was his desperate look that drove a knife into her heart, that nearly sent her sprinting back across the room and into his arms, but instead she swallowed hard and said as neutrally as possible, “My ride's here... thanks for the lunch.” Unable to say any more, she lifted a hand in a listless wave and escaped into the corridor.

 

She was halfway to the elevator in a headlong run, but she still heard his anguished howl and felt it tear a new wound in her psyche.

 

As she exited the apartment foyer, she spotted Gitoumaru's dark sedan idling at the curb, the wipers clearing the windscreen in steady beats. Shielding her face, she ran across the sidewalk and jumped into the passenger seat, hiding her bloodied knuckles in her sleeve. The tall inu-youkai eyed her worriedly. “Are you all right?” he asked, reaching towards her. Kagome jerked away and tucked herself against the door.

 

“Just drive,” she snarled. Dammit, I didn't mean to punch the elevator wall quite that hard; the scent of my blood will make Yashita crazy. She absently sucked on her injured skin, staring out the window and ignoring Gitoumaru as he merged the car smoothly into traffic.

 

“Want to talk about it?” he ventured, breaking the grim silence.

 

“No.”

 

“Did something happen?” he asked worriedly, his nose twitching at the scent of blood.

 

Kagome's aura flared. “None of your fucking business.”

 

He narrowed his dark gaze. “Has the mission been compromised in any way?” There was no mistaking the threatening growl emanating from the young woman. “Kagome... you and Yashita didn't…?”

 

“Who the fuck do you think you are? My father?” she hissed, her eyes flashing dangerously.

 

“Not yet,” he snapped, and she shut up for a moment before turning a look of pure vitriol on him.

 

“I'd tell you where you can shove your questions, but you'd probably ground me or wash out my mouth with soap.”

 

Gitoumaru punched the steering wheel before running his hand through his hair. “Dammit, Kagome... don't be so bloody childish! If something happened, Lord Sessaki needs to know so that he can help his brother!”

 

Her lips curled back over her teeth. “You can sniff my crotch if you want.”

 

“Don't be vulgar,” he stiffly replied. “Why are you so hostile?”

 

There was dead silence in the car for a long moment before Kagome snarled, “Seeing what I can't have has kind of pissed me off.”

 

“Lord Sessaki told me your flight of fancy,” he growled. “Don't tell me you actually believe your own prophecy, priestess?”

 

“The Jewel has screwed with every single life it's ever touched; I strongly doubt that I'll be immune.”

 

“If, for argument's sake, I agree with you that being sealed into the Jewel with Naraku is how this will all end, you're still forgetting your `get out of jail free' card.”

 

“Tenseiga can't...”

 

“Now you're an expert on the mystical qualities of other swords? Truly, your knowledge knows no bounds,” he deadpanned as she glared. “If Tenseiga fails, there's always the wish.”

 

There was a very, very long silence. “Wish...?” she asked uncomfortably.

 

“The wish on the Jewel; theoretically, it could be used to save your life... if being stuck inside a round pink bauble is truly your destiny.”

 

There was another long silence as Kagome turned Gitoumaru's suggestion around in her mind and examined it carefully from all sides. “I don't want to die... or be sealed,” she admitted in a small voice.

 

“Then fight this negativity, Kagome. The only person that can truly defeat you is currently sitting in the passenger seat of this car.” Gitoumaru turned the car into the shrine gates and accelerated up the access road before continuing, “We have several contingency plans in place for the Final Battle.” As the car rolled to a stop in front of the house, he smiled at her. “Give us some credit for the five hundred years we've had to think about this situation.”

 

Kagome blew out her cheeks and slumped in her seat, rubbing her suddenly-throbbing temples until a warm hand pulled one of hers away and clasped it tightly. She looked over to meet Gitoumaru's gentle gaze. “I-I'm sorry for bitching at you like that... I just... fuck. I was just so scared that I'd never see Yashita again, so I went with my heart, not my head.” At his alarmed look, she shook her head. “Nothing happened, but it nearly did. The poor bastard had to literally tear himself away in order to regularize the situation…”

 

“I'll let Lord Sessaki know,” Gitoumaru murmured, squeezing her hand before releasing it. “For your own peace of mind, you don't smell any different... well, maybe a little sweatier, but that's it. Do you want to call Yashita?”

 

“No... I can't…... I'd just start crying and make both of us feel worse.” Kagome reached for the door, but then paused, biting her lip. “Does that count as our first father-daughter chat?”

 

Gitoumaru snorted. “I suppose so. You have to do something about your language, young lady!” he playfully warned, waggling his finger. Kagome laughed for the first time in what felt like ages, cheekily stuck out her tongue and hopped out of the vehicle.

 

Kioko Higurashi poked her head out of the foyer door and urged them both inside out of the rain. Gitoumaru greeted her with a quick kiss before darting back outside to retrieve several items from the trunk of the car. Mrs. Higurashi smiled and asked, “How was your lunch with Yashita?”

 

Kagome grinned ruefully. “It was... interesting. Nice interior decoration, by the way. Who picked the wall colour in the living room?”

 

“Rin did; she has a real talent for it. Inuyasha has been moving supplies across all morning; do you want to meet him on the other side? I brought down your fatigue jacket... oh! What happened to your hand?” Kioko caught hold of Kagome's wrist and clucked her tongue over the state of her daughter's knuckles.

 

The young woman ducked her head. “I had a bit of a temper tantrum.”

 

Mrs. Higurashi tilted her chin with gentle fingers. “Did you have a disagreement with your husband?”

 

“No... it wasn't like that. I threw a hissy because I can't have what I really want.”

 

Kioko studied her daughter's guarded expression before letting go and handing her the jacket. “I'll fetch some bandages... what are you going to tell Inuyasha?”

 

“That I accidentally punched a wall instead of my sparring partner.”

 

“All right; I'll back you up.” Kioko disappeared into the house proper as Gitoumaru came through the door.

 

“Here's your shards… your tunic is being given some modern buckles and will be ready at the end of the day, with some replacement body armour to wear under it.” He handed over the small pouch and added, “You should show off your shiny new bow. Lord Sessaki suggests that you give Sesshomaru-sama a demonstration of the contact explosive-equipped arrows.”

 

“He suggested that I demo the arrows, did he?”

 

“Quite strongly.”

 

Kagome nodded and allowed Gitoumaru to equip her with the gauntlet, the fatigue jacket and the bow, which she now wore slung across her body with a carry strap instead of tucked neatly inside the quiver. She twisted her head to eye the metal-reinforced tip now protruding a good foot above her shoulder. “I dunno about this...”

 

“It tested out at a 200-yard range with a regular payload and slightly less than that with the explosive warheads. If you're interested, the Goshinboku supplied the wood incorporated into the composite construction,” Gitoumaru said. “You'll have some time to become used to its greater size and power, because all those supplies have to be moved to the fortress and the troops reassembled before you can head out.” He paused, studying Kagome's face before dipping his head to murmur in her ear, “I have an unofficially official hint from the powers-that-be... do you want it?” At her rapid nod, he whispered, “Beware of too much purity.”

 

Kagome blinked in confusion. “That's the hint? `Beware of too much purity'?”

 

“You'll know it as soon as you experience it.”

 

“Just like the enemy that the warheads were designed for...” she muttered, stashing the cryptic phrase away in her memory.

 

“Ah, Kioko... did you bring bandages?” He watched as Mrs. Higurashi patiently wrapped her fidgeting daughter's fingers before Kagome donned the leather half-glove. “Now, for the final touch…” Pulling a pair of tinted shooter's glasses out of his pocket, he stepped forward to slip them into place over her ears. “These will keep rain and other fluids out of your eyes while in battle.”

 

Kagome pushed the light frames up her nose and blinked innocently at him. “Thanks, er... dad.” He smirked and lightly biffed her shoulder while Mrs. Higurashi looked from one to the other, a puzzled smile on her lips. Catching her look, her daughter grinned. “Touma and I had some serious bonding happen on the ride home; I can now comfortably call him `my old man'...”

 

“Show respect for your elders, or I might have to turn you over my knee,” he cheerfully threatened.

 

“Yes, pops,” she cheeked back and tossed off a salute, intending to bounce out the door.

 

“Wait...” When she turned back to him, he fumbled inside his jacket and withdrew a small box. “This is a gift for Sesshomaru-sama from Lord Sessaki,” he said as he extended the glossy lacquered container.

 

Kagome looked from the box to the demon and back again, her eyebrow arched. “This is too weird... giving a gift to someone that's actually from himself?”

 

Gitoumaru smirked. “Trust me, this is the way it has to happen... the enclosed note says it is for the Lady of the Western Lands in thanks for his sheltering of you.”

 

The young woman fairly leapt away from him. “He's gonna kill me when I can't tell him who she will be!”

 

“Lord Sessaki has great faith in your ability to avoid summary execution.”

 

“More faith than I do, obviously,” she grumbled, but she accepted the box anyways, tucking it into one of the many pockets on her jacket and then accepted her sword, shoving it through one of the utility loops at her waist. “Okay... ready to rumble.”

 

The dark-haired inu-youkai curved his arm around Kioko's shoulders and tugged her into an affectionate embrace. “Don't hurry back, Kagome. I wouldn't mind a little time with your mother before I have to start heaving crates and watching what I say around your hanyou.”

 

“Sure… I'll just nip into the shrine shop first and send Ojii-chan over to chaperone you,” Kagome winked, and skipped out the door. However, instead of the threatened detour into the shop, which like the shrine wasn't open because of the unusual contents of the courtyard, she headed directly towards the well house. Peering briefly into the supply tents, she noted that there were still a tremendous number of crates and barrels left to move through time. Gah. A few more people who can travel through the well would be a great help! Taking the stairs two at a time, she entered the emptied building and clomped down to the well itself. No sign of Inuyasha coming back; that would be really strange, to pass him in the time stream.

 

Nixie?

Yeah?

Riko just filled me in… you all right?

Geez, not this again! Yes, I'm fine... now.

I feel so damn helpless.

Pull up a seat at the pity party. I wonder if I'm allowed company when I'm sealed inside the Jewel to keep Naraku under control?

You know I'll follow you anywhere.

I'll hold you to that, Fenik. Make sure you bring a Go board, because we'll have eternity to perfect all the variations!

 

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Sengoku Jidai

 

“Hey, Kagome-sama! Welcome!”

 

A bit dumbfounded, Kagome looked up from the muddy bottom of the well as striped faces and toothy grins peered down at her; in a trice, a light-haired guardsman had swung over the lip and caught her around the waist, then leapt both of them out of the portal onto the wet grass of the meadow... which now resembled a bustling military encampment, from the neat rows of tents to the curling smoke of the mess.

 

“Greetings, Kagome-sama! That's a very impressive weapon you're packing!” Kohire smartly saluted as Tsu turned her loose.

 

She again glanced up over her shoulder at the looming bow-tip. “New issue, since my other one was left at the fortress.”

 

“Does it bite, like your sword?”

 

Kagome laughed. “Gods, I hope not! One weapon with an attitude in my personal arsenal is definitely enough!”

 

“Oi, wench!” The hanyou waved from his spot under the sheltering trees; Kagome barely registered the tall pale form of Sesshomaru next to him because she was too busy staring at Inuyasha's all-black garb of Academy-issued fatigues. For the second time that day, the past and present collided in the form of her hanyou, and she reeled slightly in shock. Get a grip, Higurashi, or you'll be calling him `Yashita' next… She double-timed it over to the two brothers and saluted.

 

“Higurashi reporting, sir.” Sesshomaru inclined his head slightly, his yellow gaze straying to the oversize weapon while Inuyasha smirked and caught hold of her wrist to pull her in for a kiss.

 

“Keh. New toys, huh?” he asked, first examining the strange eye shields, then frowning at the bandaged knuckles partially obscured by the odd half-glove on the hand he had trapped, finally reaching to touch the bow and eye the black fletching poking out of the quiver.

 

“Yep. New firepower, too,” she answered. “Wanna see?”

 

“Kagome!” She turned at Sango's hail and waved at the slayer and the monk as they jogged across the rain-swept meadow, flanked by Ieji and Ita. Just as the foursome joined them under the trees, a rather wet tenbaryu thumped down next to the well and paced toward them, its bronze hide streaming water. Ah-Un snorted and shook its twin manes, sending droplets scattering far and wide; the lumpy groundsheet covering its saddle and hindquarters was flung back, revealing a trio of pink-cheeked youngsters and a rumpled neko-youkai.

 

“See? I told you Kagome was here!” Shippo said triumphantly. “You owe me a game of cards, Rin!”

 

The little girl giggled, not in the least put out by her apparent loss. “All right, Shippo-kun, but only if you promise not to use any kitsune tricks to win this time!” As Shiori slipped from Ah-Un's back and ran to Inuyasha for a hug, Rin urged the tenbaryu further under cover next to the two hanyou while Shippo sprang to Kagome's shoulder.

 

“Cool! What's with these black arrows?” he asked, his bushy tail quivering with interest as he poked in the quiver.

 

“Don't touch them!” She pulled him into her arms for a quick hug and then tossed him to Miroku. “Rin-chan, stay next to Inuyasha and Shiori-chan. Might as well put on one show for everybody.” Calculating the distance across the well meadow, she strode out into the rain, bringing the bow to hand as she shortened the range. Notching one of the heavy warheads, she planted her feet and drew the powerful weapon, taking careful aim low on the trunk of a mature cedar on the other side. Let's hope it isn't a dud...

 

Ka-boom!

 

The clearing, along with several dozen eardrums, rang with the explosion, quickly followed by the crackling, tearing sounds of the tree crashing heavily to earth, its trunk blasted clean away from the stump. In the ensuing brief silence, Shippo blurted out, “Ho-lee shit, Kagome! That's amazing!” Amid the appreciative whistles and whoops of excitement, Kagome assessed the damage and was seriously impressed by her new `toy'.

 

So was Sesshomaru.

 

The taiyoukai was at her shoulder, his long claws plucking an intact arrow out of the quiver to examine the odd tip. “What magic is this, miko?” he demanded; she barely resisted the urge to snatch the missile back.

 

“Not magic at all,” she replied, settling the bow into place on her back.

 

“This weapon would be useful in a siege,” he mused, his eyes glinting at the possibilities.

 

“And it was invented by humans,” she sweetly pointed out before relieving him of the arrow and returning it to her quiver. Just before they were swarmed by the rest of the observers, not to mention the group of curious villagers who came pelting up into the meadow to investigate the source of the explosion, she remembered her other errand. “I have something for you, Sesshomaru-sama.” Withdrawing the lacquered case from her pocket, she balanced it on both palms and extended it out to him, bowing. “With compliments from Lord Sessaki.”

 

The taiyoukai accepted the box and she scarpered for the safety of the throng... but not quite fast enough. “Miko, what is the meaning of this?” His youki flared just enough to clear a wide swathe around them and she didn't quite dare try to pretend she hadn't heard him. Swallowing hard, she retraced her steps to stand in front of him and face the music.

 

“What do you mean, sir?” she asked meekly. He arched an eyebrow and thrust the box under her nose. Inside the silk-lined interior lay a matched pair of shimmering pearl-trimmed combs... combs that Kagome had last seen adorning the elaborate coiffure of the Lady of the West at her hanyou daughter's wedding the previous Spring. Shit, damn and all seven hells…

 

“You know who my bride will be,” he accused in a low, dangerous voice.

 

“I have met the lady,” Kagome allowed, fearlessly meeting his hard gaze. His eyes narrowed, but she refused to be cowed. “I am not at liberty to identify her.” He growled in frustration, but she held her ground and couldn't resist adding, “The only thing I will tell you is that she lightens your soul and brings joy to your heart.” Bowing, she backed away several paces before making good on her escape.

 

Sesshomaru glared after her before snapping shut the hinged case and shoving it inside his kosode. The fact that Kagome's assertion was eerily similar to Tenseiga's pronouncement regarding Rin almost a year previously, when he'd thought to trade the child's life for Tokijin, was not lost on him. Coupled with the provocative fact that the graceful handwriting on the thank-you note fastened inside the lid was identical to his own, and he wasn't sure if he should be pleased at this proof of his survival... or seriously annoyed at the entire situation. Damned infuriating female…!

 

Oblivious to the rain and the taiyoukai's fraying temper, a small cream-coloured feline with distinctive black markings daintily tripped over the wet grass right up to his booted toes and tilted her head to gaze up at him with amused red eyes. He regarded the neko-youkai with barely disguised hostility; she slowly blinked and flicked her tails, thoroughly unperturbed. Evidently deciding that he was worthy of the knowledge, she communicated the decision recently reached by the exotic denizens of the village's paddock in a series of mewing trills.

 

Sesshomaru nodded thoughtfully as the opportunity to get one back at the miko presented itself, metaphorically wrapped up with a bow on top. “Excellent suggestion, neko.” Kirara meowed placidly and wiped a black paw across her whiskers before scampering to her mistress and leaping up onto the slayer's shoulder. The taiyoukai watched her for a moment before beckoning over one of his captains. “Prepare your squad for training as soon as the supplies have been secured. Kagome-sama requires some experience in aerial combat.”

 

Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж

Two weeks later, in the general direction of the `ox-tiger'

 

“It'd be nice if it would stop raining now and then,” grumbled Sango, resting her cheek against Miroku's wet back as Okibi soared through the scattered low clouds at day's end, keeping their place in the loose formation of tenbaryu currently headed by an impatient hanyou astride Ah-Un.

 

“I believe this is the wettest fall I have ever experienced; the foliage display has certainly been ruined,” the monk agreed, adjusting the hood of his travelling cloak so that he could hear her more easily.

 

“At least Kagome was able to attend the Moon Viewing Festival on that one clear night while we waited for the troops to return from the fortress. She said it resumed raining just as hard on her side of the well as soon as she returned from the Palace.”

 

“I am sure she was grateful for any respite from her training; Sesshomaru-sama has been driving her relentlessly.”

 

“And you as well,” Sango murmured, squeezing her husband around the waist and eliciting a grumpy noise from where Kirara was sandwiched between the couple.

 

“Since I am but a humble monk, he does not have quite the same expectations of me as he does for a member of his House... and for that, I am very grateful,” Miroku replied, adjusting his hold on the reins to briefly grip her clasped hands. “Brace yourself, my love... here they come again.”

 

Sango ducked on pure reflex as a whirling tangle of bodies whipped overhead, the tumbling slipstream tugging at her cloak. As Okibi dropped slightly, she caught a glimpse of Kagome and Kumo under heavy attack by three guardsmen, and then the grey stallion abruptly broke free of the melee and rocketed straight up into the overcast sky.

 

They hung there against the clouds for the briefest of moments, a study in grey, black and white as Kagome notched an arrow... just as what appeared to be a horizontal bolt of lightning crackled towards them. Kagome shouted something breathtakingly rude that had Miroku snorting into his gauntlet as a pink dome flared into existence and deflected Sesshomaru's energy whip. The young woman blew a hole through her own barrier with an arrow aimed at the hovering taiyoukai; he lazily flicked it from the sky with another glowing lash that sizzled and snapped as it contacted the moisture in the atmosphere.

 

Sango couldn't suppress a yelp of surprise as the three guardsmen and their mounts again went after Kumo. The stallion screamed and executed an impressive spiralling attack that forced them back, then tucked his legs under and dove headfirst towards the distant ground, their three pursuers following at their heels. “Gods! Are they insane? I thought this was supposed to be a training exercise!” she exclaimed.

 

“I am truly impressed by Kagome-sama's ability to retain her composure during manoeuvres like that,” Miroku commented, watching with interest as the headlong descent continued towards the treetops.

 

“More like retain her lunch, you mean.”

 

“That is also an admirable trait... there! Well done!” the monk cheered as the tenbaryu abruptly put on the brakes, causing the three chasers to plummet past him... and allow Kagome to pepper their backs with arrows. Kumo instantly reversed direction, hurtling back up towards the rest of the flight until he and Kagome closed the range on Sesshomaru. However, before she could draw a bead on the taiyoukai, he made a cutting motion with his hand and she was forced to drop her weapon. Kumo made what definitely sounded like a disgusted snort, and then the girl and the tenbaryu dropped down alongside Okibi who greeted her herd-mate with a friendly bunt.

 

Kagome smiled tiredly at her friends as she removed the tinted glasses she'd taken to wearing and wiped her face. “Damn, I think my stomach's still down there somewhere!” she exclaimed, waving in the direction of the ground below.

 

The leader of the three pursuers popped up to their level, grinning widely. “Nice shooting, Kagome-sama. Have we mentioned how pleased we are that you've learned how to not charge the arrows before you fire them?” he asked, handing over nearly a dozen white-feathered missiles.

 

“Thanks, and only about three times today, I think,” she replied a bit crossly, stuffing the arrows back into her quiver after a cursory glance and then presenting her back so that he could yank three arrows out of her protective padded vest. He pulled two more out of Kumo's hindquarters, saluted and took off to take up a position on Sesshomaru's flank. Kagome sighed and slumped a little. “This training regimen sucks dragon shit...”

 

“It is rather intense, I must say. Sesshomaru-sama is taking a serious interest in our battle-worthiness,” Miroku said cheerfully.

 

“He just wants to make sure we don't embarrass him,” she grumbled, replacing her glasses.

 

“Using regular arrows makes me nervous,” Sango said. “The chance of injury is excellent if you don't have demon-speed healing!”

 

“Practice arrows would be useless, because we wouldn't know if we'd made any hits; these vests work fairly well… right, Miroku?”

 

The monk grinned ruefully. “I am very grateful for the fact that they cover my backside.”

 

Both women laughed. “That was a bit of a close call yesterday!” Kagome grinned, then said, “I'd better go rescue Inuyasha from yet another of Jaken's soliloquies on the wonder of the world that is Sesshomaru. C'mon, Kumo.”

 

As the pair surged ahead to catch up with the twin-headed creature, Sango commented, “It's good to have Kumo with us; I'm glad that he accepted Ieji-kun and Ita-kun's tenbaryu as guardians for Arashi.” She yawned, rubbing her eyes and hoping that they would soon land, as it was the night of the New Moon and Inuyasha had been particularly anxious to reach cover.

 

“So is Kagome-sama, because she is thereby spared sharing Ah-Un's saddle with Jaken-sama,” the monk chortled. “Although, I must admit to missing the twins' company on this mission.”

 

“I miss them, too, but Tsu-kun and Kohire-kun are all right in their own way… and the imp isn't so bad,” Sango remonstrated sleepily. “He's really quite useful, being able to light fires in even the wettest conditions with his staff.”

 

“True. Jaken-sama has mellowed somewhat since he discovered the manifold delights of ration packets from Kagome-sama's time. Ah... it appears the scouts have secured a cave for our billet this night.”

 

“Good. Our tent is starting to smell a little mildewed,” she grumbled. “When will this rain end?”

 

“When it starts to snow, I suspect.”

 

“From wet to freezing... what a lovely thought...” Sango fell silent for a moment before murmuring, “I wish Kagome would tell me why she sometimes looks so sad.”

 

Miroku shifted in the saddle. “She has not confided in you?” When the slayer shook her head and burrowed more closely against his back, he mused, “It cannot be an easy thing, to carry the fate of the world on one's shoulders...”

 

Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж

 

As night fell, several steep-sided ridges away from the cheery firelight filling the cave where the combined packs of the Western Lands relaxed and teased their way through the moonless night, a massive furred shape panted through the deep shadows of a river bottom. He left a bloodied trail behind him from numerous small wounds and he took the opportunity to plunge into the icy water to both disguise his scent and numb the pain. Lifting his hoary head, twisting his ears and sniffing deeply, he searched the damp air for signs of either pursuit or rescue. The old wolf, so old that his dark brown fur was now heavily rimed in silver, stumbled upon regaining the bank some distance downstream, leaving deep imprints of his injured paws in the sucking mud as he leapt to higher ground and barely paused to shake himself dry before resuming his flight towards the south-west.

 

Even if I die, at least my granddaughter will be safe.

 

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