InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Protector's Heart ❯ Thinking on the Future ( Chapter 3 )

Yay, the third chapter is up! Though I feel I'm doing a pretty good job on the exchanges between characters I still feel as though I'm missing something- so some reviews this early on would be helpful to shaping the writing style of this piece. I'm pretty sure I need longer stints of shorter and less descriptive dialogue… it seems I don't have any cushioning for standard character conversations and bickering etc… I just seem to cut that stuff and move to the important stuff which I detail pretty well. I guess I can put it off for now as few words being said after such a trying ordeal with Naraku… but I would like some feedback as to whether you, the readers think there are certain areas I could improve upon. Please let me know… anyway one with the story…

 

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters of Inuyasha; Takahashi-sama does.

 

Chapter Three: Thinking on the Future

 

 

The dust settled as Inuyasha took off into the woods to pursue god knows what. The taijiya and the houshi sighed simultaneously, knowing that they would be in for another rough night entailing an infuriated Kagome and an insensitive Inuyasha. Miroku turned his head and gave his fiancé a sideways glance of understanding. Yes, they both knew tonight would not be the celebration they had hoped they would have after the defeat of Naraku. Sure the village would be holding a large banquet, but it wouldn't be the same without their smiling and miko and the prideful yet silent hanyou they had come to respect so much.

 

They both care so deeply for each other. Its painful to watch them go on like this, but interfering on their behalf would only make things worse. Miroku sighed heavily and stared into the beaming eyes of Sango. His Sango. Kami-sama what did I do to deserve this? My dear Sango, who would know that even one such as I could find such happiness in life. With the Wind Tunnel now gone we can finally have a family together. Miroku was so absorbed in his thoughts of marital bliss that he almost failed to notice the russet streak making a break for the woods where Kagome and Inuyasha had disappeared. Almost.

 

“Shippou,” the monk said in the most innocent way he knew; akin to the way he would address Sango when he had been caught being a letch, “Why Shippou, wherever could you be going. Surely you are not trying to go disturb Kagome and Inuyasha are you? Come now, what will I do with all this pocky Kagome gave me if you run off to get your skull bashed in by Inuyasha?” The monk's eyes gleamed with cunning, knowing there was no way Shippou would turn down an offer of free pocky.

 

Shippou came to a sudden and skidding stop. “Really Miroku? Could I have some pleeeeaaaaase? I promise I'll be a good kit and only stop Inuyasha from hurting Kagome again.” The kits forest green eyes swirled hopefully at the offer of his favorite treat. Tentatively he walked back on two feet, hoping that this was all there was to it. Of course knowing Miroku he'll probably try to pry me for the details of what happened between Kagome and Inuyasha… Placing his hands facing palm up he was delighted when a couple pieces of his favorite chocolate flavored pocky fell into his hands. Maybe Miroku WAS just being nice to me for a change. It was only then that the young kitsune saw the predatory gleam in the houshi's eyes. Nope, same old Miroku, oh well, not like I really saw what happened anyway…

 

Sango stared at her intended appreciatively, knowing by the soft look in his eyes that for once he was thinking of Kagome and Inuyasha's happiness instead of sniffing for any sultry details he might imagine for his own amusement. He really has changed ever since he proposed to me all those six months ago. Her heart beat faster in her chest just thinking about that day and a smile unbecoming to a merciless slayer of demons crossed her face. Oh Miroku, now we can finally be together, for the rest of our lives. I wonder when you'll ask Kaede to help arrange the wedding… Her gaze moved over to Shippou who was tearing into the pocky with a giant grin on his face, attempting to converse with Miroku about how now that Naraku was gone Inuyasha could finally help him train his youki. While it's true he still acts like a total kid, Shippou really has grown up a lot since that day Kagome and Inuyasha adopted him. Even if Shippou himself doesn't realize it…

 

It was true, the kitsune had gradually become less prying and slightly more self-sufficient over the two plus years the taijiya had known him. While most of his prankster self was still present in his demeanor, he at least had a sense of pride now. He also had picked up a few more tricks and no longer cried when they got into life threatening situations; that was something now wasn't it? Finally finishing his snack the kitsune made his ploy to attempt to escape the monk's questioning when a staff met his head with a satisfying thump. “Now, now Shippou, where are you off to? We have some things to talk about you and I…” Miroku coed. Grabbing Shippou by the scruff of his neck he brought him eye to eye so he couldn't escape his gaze. “Now, you are going to tell me exactly what happened between Kagome and Inuyasha, aren't you Shippou?” The kitsune squirmed in his grip.

 

“I didn't see nothin' you hear?” The kit pouted. When the painful grip on his neck only tightened he squealed in pain and added contritely, “But they were both blushing something fierce… I had been so happy we had won that I jumped on Kagome when they were hugging. Then Inuyasha got really angry at me when I asked what they had been doing… but that's all I know I swear!”

 

Miroku, clearly disappointed, dropped Shippou to the ground with a satisfying thud. Clapping his hands together he turned to his wife. “Well beloved, shall we return to the village and make preparations for the banquet?”

 

“Yes beloved.” Sango said blushing slightly. It was still new to her to address the houshi in such familiar terms. “Let's see if we can't at least try to remember that today should be a happy day.” Taking his hand, they walked back to the village, kit in tow, talking about what they should cook and how much fun the festivities would be. Unbeknownst to any of them, all three were actually looking forward most to the same thing. Yes, the real festivities wouldn't begin until a certain inu-hanyou and miko showed up.

 

 

“There that's the last dish!” Sango chimed cheerily. It had been just over an hour, and they were just putting the final touches on the food dishes and decorations as the sun began to meet the horizon, bathing the village in a beautiful orange glow. All the villagers had come out to help, happy that Kagome had finally recollected all of the jewel shards and put an end to the evil hanyou that had manipulated the departed priestess they had all respected for her sacrifice those many years ago. While Kaede's village, or early Edo as Kagome called it, was usually little more than a large collection of shacks and narrow dirt roads, today it truly shone. Paper lanterns were hung from every rooftop, and colorful banners danced playfully in the gentle spring breeze. Tonight would truly be a night to remember.

 

Shippou, who had taken it upon himself personally to teach the kids of the village some games and magic tricks for the upcoming festivities was having a grand time, whilst the houshi busied himself with all the details of seating and setting up booths. He was halfway through demonstrating his disappearing yen trick when his nose caught a scent other than those of pleasantly cooking meet and the gunpowder of meager fireworks.

 

“Hey Sango, Miroku!” He exclaimed as he ran, excitement clearly dancing in his eyes. “I picked up Kagome and Inuyasha's scent. They aren't angry at each other just…” The kit frowned as he attempted to detect exactly what set of emotions he was detecting. “…just confused I think. But their basically pretty happy, I guess they were glad they didn't have to get in a fight like they normally do.” He was nearly bouncing up and down with glee, overjoyed that his okaasan had made up with Inuyasha.

 

“That's great news Shippou. I wonder what happened between them though. Its not like them to let something go so quickly,” Miroku pondered, “perhaps their relationship is finally getting somewhere, eh Sango?”

 

Sango smiled pleasantly at the houshi-sama. “I certainly hope so. About time if you ask me, koi.” She noticed Miroku inhale sharply at the term of endearment. She… she called me `love'…

 

“Why my lovely Sango, I never thought you would be so delighted to see Kagome and Inuyasha find happiness. Indeed it is unbecoming for an engaged woman to be thinking of anything other than her future happiness with her intended, eh koi?” It had the desired effect, and she leaned forward into his arms to reward him with a gentle kiss. Their reverie was ended by a shrill voice.

 

“Ewww gross!” Shippou protested. “Why don't you go and build her a house already Miroku, you two need to get a room.” Moment sufficiently ruined between them, two pairs of eyes gazed heatedly at each other, and then turned their look of want to one of distaste as they glared daggers at the kit that had ruined their exchange. Shippou eeped, and quickly sprang away, suddenly finding the drawings the kids were drawing in the dirt extremely interesting.

 

“Well, well, houshi-sama,” a smug voice called, “didn't know you had the balls to only be satisfied with one woman.” A knowing smirk baited him, clearly enjoying the tease he had so expertly executed. The woman holding his arm only sighed and rolled her eyes.

 

“Pay him no mind Miroku, Sango.” Turning her gaze to her escort she gave him a warning glare. “Inuyasha is just happy you two are finally able to express yourselves now that Naraku is gone. Right Inuyasha?” The words were said just a little too sweetly, and Inuyasha already felt like he had a toothache. Fearing at the thought of another fight with her, he quickly shut his mouth and nodded his agreement with a quiet feh.

 

“Its okay Kagome, I know Inuyasha is only jealous that he is not free to express such things…” Sango said cryptically. To her surprise they both turned beat red at that statement. She was about to speak when her fiancé squeezed her hand gently and did it for her.

 

“My, my Inuyasha. What have you two been doing for the last hour and a half?” Miroku smiled cheekily at his trap.

 

“We aint been doing nothin'! Errr…” his gaze turned to Kagome and saw that she was clearly not happy with what he had just said. “Ummmm…. I mean we were just talkin' okay? Gods monk, don't let your hentai mind go wandering off every time me and `gome are alone together. We just didn't want to let a fight ruin this celebration is all…” Kagome relaxed her grip on his arm and smiled at him. Hmmm well that seemed to work well. I could really get used to this whole getting along thing.

 

Good, then mark her so others you are courting her. His demon half encouraged.

 

Shuttup you! Like I'd do that to her; in public too! Gods your worse than the monk!

 

`Perhaps he is, but we should make sure that our relationship to her is public knowledge if we DO begin courting her. Any misinterpretations could lead to unnecessary upsets.

 

You see, the human agrees with me. We must make sure our bitch understands our intentions.

 

Both of you be quiet. You think I don't know that? Look she hasn't even given us any sort of answer as to how she felt about the kiss… and everything… alright? Let's just give it a rest until were sure we know how SHE feels about it.

 

`Agreed' The two halves said in unison.

 

“Inuyasha! Hey Inuyasha have you been paying attention at all.” A slightly flustered Kagome was looking up at him, discontent growing in her eyes.

 

“Sorry `gome. I guess I just spaced out or something. Not my fault there's so much going on right now.” His gruff voice showed that he had been thinking about something that was a little uncomfortable. So she decided to let his irresponsible comment slide. If anything Inuyasha was on his best behavior anyway, she should be grateful; he wasn't being an ass after all.

 

“Sango was just explaining that we have been given the seats at the head of the table and we're supposed to give some sort of speech about the significance of this day. Kaede planned it, and it would really mean a lot to the villagers. Besides, this is maybe the only village that actually holds great respect for youkai and hanyou alike.” She spoke in a measured voice continuing to explain to him the details of what it was they were to say when Kaede finally summoned them over to the head of the table where they sat down, the rest of the village quickly seating themselves after them. The speech wasn't to take place until after the three main courses, so Inuyasha and Kagome made the best of their side-by-side arrangement by stealing each other food from their plates. It became a fun game, until Kagome accidentally snatched the same piece of food Inuyasha did, her hand lightly covering his. They both blushed and he slowly took the dumpling with his claws and held it up to her.

 

“Here you can have it.” He murmured rather abashedly.

 

“Its ok Inuyasha, I didn't really want it anyway.” She said lightly, but he could see the longing in her eyes, they were one of her favorites after all.

 

Wordlessly, he took the dumpling and held it up to he mouth. When he saw the question in her eyes he muttered almost inaudibly, “Feh…” She understood his meaning and opened her mouth as he slowly pushed the tart dumpling between her full lips. She chewed it very slowly, never taking her eyes off of his. A small trickle of the sauce it was dipped it ran down from her lips, tantalizing him with the smell of fresh spices and her own lavender one.

 

“Delicious.” She said coyly as she put her hand on Inuyasha's thigh and gave it a little squeeze. He tensed visibly, but his smoldering gaze never left hers as he drank in the sight of her in the mellow red orange of the late spring evening. Slowly, ever so slowly, he inched his face towards hers.

 

“Why Kagome,” he whispered hotly into her ear making her shiver, “it seems as if you've made a little mess.” He laughed throatily as his eyes turned to the alluring trickle of the sweet sauce on her lips and her chin. “Can't have that now, can we?” He added breathily, his breath hot and most against her cheek.

 

“No I don't think we can.” She said, surprised at the sultry and husky voice she could swear wasn't her own. “Now, what are we going to do about this Inuyasha?” Her voice was so low it was barely a whisper, but the seductive gleam in her eyes was not lost on the inu-hanyou.

 

“Well,” Inuyasha replied, his words barely audible to her human ears as he slowly licked her cheek and grazed the side of her neck with his fangs. He continued almost lazily, “I think I have a few ideas…” His voice trailed off as the sexual tension between them became palpable. He leaned forward slowly, but deliberately, licking the sweet sauce off of her chin as he moved up to capture her lips in a hot kiss. Something in the back her mind told Kagome this kiss was entirely different from the last one they shared. While the other one was out of control with desperate and nervous passion, this one was controlled and seductive. Both of them were in control and were very aware of what they were doing, but that only seemed to add to the excitement. It was simple really, she thought.

 

They both knew they wanted each other and it made it just that much more scorching as Inuyasha lightly nipped at her lips, urging her to grant him entry. She complied and gasped, as she had to shut her eyes to concentrate on the new feeling of his tongue gently probing her mouth. She let hers wander as well, claiming him in firm exploring strokes. Inuyasha's chest began to rumble quietly and the vibrations caused her to moan softly into him, her hands wrapping around his neck as she drew him closer. His hands found her hips and the kiss increased in passion. Just when she thought she was going to burst into flame a sudden noise cut through their little dance with the awakening coldness of a river in winter.

 

“Ahem!” Kaede cleared her throat loudly. They both turned to see her along with Sango, Miroku and Shippou all sharing equally shocked and amused faces.

 

Angry more than embarrassed for being interrupted her voice met Inuyasha's as they yelled in unison, “WHAT?!” The group all seemed to blanch at their sudden show of hostility. Even Kirara who was nestled in Sango's lap voiced her concern with a series of questioning mewls. The two seemed to realize that they had just shared a very private and passionate moment in front of the entire village. They both turned so red, Shippou swore Inuyasha's haori would be jealous of their hue from where it sat draped around Kagome's small shoulders.

 

An extremely awkward silence ensued until it was finally broken by a smug smirk from an annoyingly triumphant looking Miroku. “Well, well Inuyasha. Who knew you had it in you huh? Perhaps I should be asking you for tips about how to entice a woman. It would seem that you are really quite good with your…” A loud crash interrupted his torture as Miroku was sent crashing into the side of a nearby village hut by an irate looking Sango.

 

“I'll deal with him, don't worry. By the time I'm through he wont be cutting remarks like that again for a long time if he wants to even think about sharing another intimate moment again with me in the near future.” She huffed and continued to walk over to where the dazed houshi was and dragged him off behind a hut where some particularly painful cracks could be heard echoing for the next few minutes. When she finally finished, she dragged Miroku back to the table and sat him down, swirls in his eyes his head lolled back and forth in a stupor. “Now houshi-sama, what is it you have to say to Kagome and Inuyasha.” Sango said harshly. She'd be damned if her future husband made them get into another fight again.

 

“S-s-sorry Inu..ya..yasha…K-Kagome…wasn't…my…busi..business 230;” He slurred, clearly suffering from some temporary brain damage his fiancé had given him, though he still wore a drunken smile on his face. It was sho worth it, the only thoughts in his head at the time.

 

Inuyasha was about to snap back at him that he'd better damn well be sorry when Kaede told him it was time for the speech.

 

 

The speech went without a hitch. Both Inuyasha and Kagome gaining generous amounts of applause when they finished. Dessert followed the speech, and Inuyasha and Kagome both refused to look at each other, sheepish looks haunting both of their faces. Finally as the banquet came to a close and the group all retired to Kaede's hut, too exhausted to do anything but fall into a heap as they complained about how tired they were and were going to sleep in the next day. Inuyasha hadn't ever remembered feeling so energized in his life but merely nodded his agreement that it had been a long day. Kagome also seemed to be glowing with energy and they both were awake long after the others fell asleep. Finally giving into her heart's cry that she needed to be held by Inuyasha, Kagome silently maneuvered herself out of her bedroll as she made her way across the room in her warm pajamas, having changed for bed over an hour ago.

 

Inuyasha had his eyes locked on hers, but made no motion to say anything so she daintily leaned herself over his form and tweaked one of his ears, a playful grin on her face. “Come on Inuyasha,” She whispered happily, “I want to sleep under the starts tonight. Besides I'm not even tired, and we need to have that talk now too.” A happy glimmer was dancing in her eyes.

 

Inuyasha would have normally had his head down ears drooped at the thought of having to have a `talk' with her, but for some reason he found himself flashing her a grin and merely saying, “Alright.”

 

The wind felt cool against her face as they raced through the treetops of Inuyasha's forest. At first Kagome had wondered where he was taking her, but she had decided she didn't care so long as they got to be alone. Besides, she never complained about this style of travel. She loved it when she got to ride on Inuyasha's back, and was secretly happy when her third and final bike was destroyed so he could carry her everywhere. He was always so warm against her chest and it was especially pleasant on cool nights such as this one when she would snuggle up against him as she watched the stars wiz by. He finally seemed to slow and she immediately knew where they were.

 

The ancient god tree and tree of ages, Goshinboku, stood before them. Where we first met, oh Inuyasha I hope you will be happy when I tell you my answer. He set her down gently, but then surprised her when he scooped her up into his arms bridal style and leapt up high into the branches of Goshinboku. She shouldn't really be all that surprised she mused, after all she had spent many a night with him curled into his chest as they slept in the refuge of the ever present giant cherry blossom tree. It had become more of a common occurrence once Kikyou had died, though she still considered it rare and treasured those nights.

 

Snuggling into his chest Kagome made a contented sigh as his warmth slowly enveloped her, making her feel safe and warm. His heartbeat was slow and steady and lulled her into a peaceful state of mind. After a couple of minutes he broke the silence. “So.” He said simply.

 

“So?” She replied in mild confusion.

 

“So,” he said again. “You wanted to `talk' to me about something. Right wench?”

 

“Oh- oh yeah!” She said somewhat embarrassed. She was so content with his presence that she had almost forgotten why they had come all the way out to be alone. “Inuyasha I don't really know how to say this but…” She bit her lip, nervous.

 

Inuyasha smelling as well as hearing how uncertain she was added his reassurance. “Its okay Kagome you can tell me. I may not be so great at talking but these ears have got to be good for something right?”

 

She laughed mildly at his quip, though she was still nervous she continued anyway. “As I was saying… I don't really now how to say this but…” she paused again, but this time she was only choosing her words. “Inuyasha I love you. I have for a very long time, but because of Kikyou and the quest for the jewel shards I have kept quiet all this time. Now that we've finally completed our task, my time in this world is almost over. I am not sure what will happen when I make my wish on the jewel, but I'm pretty sure that the well will seal for good this time. It seems unfair, but now that I can finally confess my feelings I have to leave you. I know you may not return my feelings Inuyasha…” her voice broke and tears began streaming down her cheeks. Inuyasha moved to speak to her but her choked sob cut him off as she started to talk again. “..b-b-but… you have become my whole world for me. I didn't try to make it happen it just did… And now… and now…” She wailed and the rest of her words turned into an incoherent jumble of wracking sobs and whimpers.

 

Inuyasha turned her to face him and pulled her close, her head resting against his chest as his rested on her shoulder. When he spoke his voice was so quiet and gentle she swore it was her mind playing tricks on her. “You could always stay here y'know…. With me. I-I said I would always stay by your side Kagome… that I would always protect you- and I meant it. If you want… I'll take care of you Kagome…” His eyes were so soft, his voice so tender, his words meaning so much more than he was really saying that it seemed as if he were speaking to her for the first time. Kagome's heart made a particularly painful lurch in her chest as her thoughts churned in her head.

 

She began to cry harder and clung to him desperately, crushing herself against him like a rock in a torrent, her only means of survival. It certainly felt like it was a life or death situation. He-he didn't say he loved me. But he did say that he would always be with me… Oh Inuyasha does that mean… does that mean you DO love me? M-maybe.. but you would never say that would you? Oh Inuyasha what do I do? Her body seemed to melt into his as her heart cried out for his love, his touch. His voice cut through her despair like the Tetsussaiga did through their challenges; desperation. “Please Kagome,” he said his voice soft but full with emotion. He seemed as if he would cry. “Please don't cry Kagome… I can't stand to see you cry… I-I won't ever let you feel sad again!” Very tenderly he pulled away from her and his molten eyes caught her deep brown ones as he studied her for a moment. She was still crying, small rivulets of tears running down her cheeks, though her sobbing had calmed into gentle sniffles now. Her eyes were red and puffy from crying and her lips were swollen from her distress.

 

“Don't w-worry about me Inuyasha. I'll be fine… I just need some time is all.” Her voice was pained as she forced a smile. Inuyasha could see straight through it. How did this happen?

 

Inuyasha couldn't remember in all his years ever seeing such a heart-breaking image. The urge to protect her boiled up from deep inside him, stronger than he could ever remember, but this was different. He wanted to protect her utterly, to make her his, to make her scream his name until she could never feel pain or sorrow again. His eyes fierce with determination he gently caressed her cheek with his claw tracing the line of her jaw. His fingers came to rest just below her chin and he lifted her eyes to face his as they burned into her. His fingers drew her in the scant inch she was from his face and he caught her lips in a tender embrace. She melted into him and circled her arms around his neck. She pulled him closer and he responded by wrapping his arms around her body and pulled her closely, protectively against him. She moaned into him desperately as she held on for dear life. She could feel her need growing for him. She needed him desperately, she couldn't remember in all her life needing something so badly. Every fiber of her being screamed for him to touch her. He hands briefly left his neck and he pulled back a question in his eyes. Answering, he carefully lifted her shirt and threw it down to the ground far below them. His mouth found neck, lightly nibbling and eliciting gasps from Kagome who as, at least as far as he could smell, becoming very aroused very fast.

 

Her scent was intoxicating as her taste was. Inuyasha's head was spinning from the sensations around him as he pulled her in for another fast desperate kiss. His body was crying out to hers and she was responding in kind. Her hands found his ears and rubbed them sensuously. Inuyasha let out a series of whimpers as a low rumble began to throb through the air, the vibrations effecting Kagome in a way she didn't fully understand. Something awakened in her, and her need for him grew two fold. Her body was a blazing inferno of unbridled desperate need, her senses flooded with the taste of him, the smell of him, the feel of him. Her heart pounded furiously as it sought to merge with Inuyasha's their rapid breathing and beating hearts melding into one rhythm. His lips found her nipples through the material of her bra, scorching her as he gently sucked and nipped as if the material wasn't there at all. Oh Kami-sama… oh Inuyasha.. sooo goood… more… I need more!

 

Her hands quickly moved from his ears to his haori and he briefly stopped his ministrations to help her remove it to reveal his undershirt and then his bare chest. She crushed herself against him and marveled at the feel of flesh on flesh and instantly hungered for more. Her body was a torch by now burning at a fever pitch in need for this man. She guided his hands behind her to release the clasp of her bra. When he couldn't figure out how to work it he growled in frustration and shredded it instead. Normally Kagome would have been mad- it was one of her favorite bras. But right now she could care less as the feeling of his chest on hers, his nipples against hers sent her to levels of ecstasy she had never dreamed of. It was torture and rapture all at once and she crushed her lips against him her hands caressing any piece of bare skin she could find. Inuyasha was caught in the grips of desperation himself at this point, viciously attacking her mouth with his tongue and his fangs. He traced his claws over the sensitive points of her spine and she began to whimper and opened her mouth to moan harshly. Taking the opportunity he quickly captured the tender skin of her left breast with his lips and she moaned louder. His mouth nipped and sucked at the tender flesh blazing a burning trail until he captured her nipple in his mouth and stroked it in gentle circles with his tongue. Kagome buried her head into the crook of his neck panting heatedly into his skin and making him shiver.

 

“Inuyasha….” She moaned. “Oh gods… I-Inu-y-ya…sh..sha… ohhhh KAMI-SAMA! I… I want… I… need…” she managed between the harsh moans that she could no longer control and were beginning to boarder on soft screams. She was, to say the least, surprised when he completely stopped all of his actions and pulled her against his chest protectively; his fangs bared and eyes tinged red as a threatening growl pierced the air.

 

“Inu-Inuyasha… what's wrong?” She said between her harsh breathing, attempting to calm herself down. She knew something was up or else he wouldn't have stopped. Hell she didn't know how he stopped; he seemed to be burning in need for her just as much as she was for him. The look of rage battling despair in his eyes scared her as he gave her a look that nearly stopped her heart.

 

“No… no.. it can't be… THAT'S IMPOSSIBLE!” He nearly screamed. “You were supposed… to be dead…” She was going to ask him what he was talking about when his eyes caught her in an unbreakable gaze of shock. The word that left his mouth couldn't have been any more surprising had Kagome found out her grandfather was secretly Naraku. “Kikyou…”