Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction / InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Haunted Passions ❯ Chapter Fourteen ( Chapter 14 )

Haunted Passions

Chapter XIV

 

I just wanted to let you know that I may be writing the timeline in this chapter. As in how old Kagome actually is, and how long ago the whole Naraku thing happened. I'm not sure I ever put an age in for Kagome, so I may be doing that in this chapter.

 

Disclaimer: I do NOT own Yuyu Hakusho or Inuyasha! I wish I did, but sadly... I don't.

 

Let's talk telepathically!

/Hiei/

(Someone Else)

'Kagome's powers talking to her'

 

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Things were moving slower than they were before. Sango seemed to be getting tired more often. Even Kikyo seemed to be getting slightly sick. Inuyasha and Miroku couldn't seem to figure out why, and the others in the group chose not to tell any of them. The last month had been rather funny. Kikyo once again disappeared into the bushes as they were walking, and both Ayame and Kagome had to giggle. The two girls were currently surrounded by wolves. Shippo sat on the back of a wolf as Kirara rode on Kagome's shoulder. Ever since the day the others had pushed her to carry all of them the entire hot day, she refused to go near them.

 

Kagome, of course, didn't mind. She rather enjoyed the neko's company. Kirara was now her constant companion. She'd accompany the miko to training, while she bathed, and while she walked. Ayame thought it was cute, and Sango seemed to be ticked about it. So there were the two girls, surrounded by wolves, with a neko and a kit, and they were giggling as they watched the two women, who didn't know they were pregnant, get sick in the bushes. Kagome shook her head at the two as her and Ayame continued to giggle. "We'll need to tell them sometime."

 

"I know."

 

"I wanted to tell Kikyo a while ago, but Inuyasha won't let me anywhere near her."

 

"I've noticed."

 

"It makes me really glad you're here."

 

"I bet."

 

"Can you answer with more than two words?"

 

The red headed wolf smiled playfully at the girl. "Probably could."

 

"I hope you know, you're going to drive me crazy."

 

"We can only hope."

 

"Hey!"

 

They both began giggling, and the three male wolf demons shook their heads at them. Their small group was actually rather happy. Over the last month, they had seen Kagome becoming more and more like her old self. Not to mention that the girl was actually rather happy. In truth though, not much had really changed. The two girls in their group would laugh at the two pregnant girls in the other one was about it. The whole courting thing didn't change much either, as Kagome had already been sleeping near Hiei, ok technically in his lap. In private though, there were a few kisses shared.

 

Ayame knew about most everything that happened. Kagome had told her about the spell with Kikyo, then how she had been closer to the supposedly cold demon, and how the whole courting thing had come into play. The she-wolf had then warned Kagome about the real way of courting. Such as the male would sometimes give gifts to the female. The miko had simply cocked her head to the side and stared at the girl. That caused Ayame to go into an explanation and used her and Kouga's courting period as an example.

 

Kagome had then asked why Inuyasha hadn't gone through a courting period with Kikyo, since she knew inu did. The she-wolf then explained how he was hanyou and didn't know all of the youkai traditions. Though she was fairly positive he did know about the courting stage. This led to an explanation of several other youkai traditions, including how she would be expected to act if Hiei and her did mate. That had ended with Kagome being completely red since the subject had started and ended with mating... not to mention spoke a lot about mating.

 

It was explained that she'd have to stay away from non-related males, unless told that she could go near them. She'd have to follow his command, since in most species the males were dominant. Kagome had stated then and there that while she understood the staying away from males, she absolutely would not be forced away from her friends who were male. Her example was Kouga, Ginta, and Hakkaku... which led to her pointing out that they were practically the only non-related males she considered to be true friends. Then she remembered Jinenji and pointed him out as a friend as well.

 

Ayame had understood and stated that most youkai wouldn't mind as all three wolves saw Kagome as their sister. Then she stated that Kagome hardly saw Jinenji as is, so that probably wouldn't be a problem either. Not to mention that most male youkai would mainly want their woman to submit in bed, as they tended to be attracted to a woman who stood up to them. The she-wolf then explained that if she were to mate a certain demon, that she'd probably be kept away from every male except her son for some time.

 

At that, Kagome giggled and said she normally stayed away from most men anyways. Ayame then told her that any man who challenged his claim was likely to die a very slow and painful death. Neither actually noticed that Hiei was listening to them... all the males were actually. And they were all surprised when Kagome giggled and said she could only wish someone would be that protective of her. Kouga had kindly stepped forward and pointed out that the fire demon had pulled her away from him the second she hugged him when he first arrived. "Yeah, but it's not like he tried to kill you for it."

 

So Kouga decided he needed to remind her of a little fact that she'd seemed to have forgotten. "He didn't have a standing claim on you then. Though you say you are 'his' because you owe him your life, he had no proper claim that allowed him to deny you to hug me. If you had tried that and had bared his claiming mark, he could punish you for it and have killed me."

 

"Punish me?" She asked curiously.

 

The she-wolf nodded at that. "If the female is found to have cheated on the male, or attempted to... which includes any action that can be seen as such. It tends to include hugs to unknown males. Well, youkai law gives them the right to punish the female in whatever way they deem necessary, including death. The offending male is to be killed immediately."

 

The miko seemed to be deep in thought. "What would happen if it only looked like the female was willing, but she wasn't?"

 

Kouga shook his head at her question. "Demons can smell lies, and the female would at least be questioned. Any offending male is killed on the spot in most cases though."

 

"Are male demons held to the same standard?"

 

"No. Though in some packs they are. Mutt-face's father is a good example though. Sesshomaru's mother is still alive, but his father went to Izayoi. So he didn't stay faithful, but his mate could do nothing about it."

 

"Do most male demons remain faithful?"

 

"Wolf demons do, as we mate for life. Only if our mate dies will we even consider another mate, and it's usually at least a century afterward. Other demons, I'm not sure of. Since your mate-to-be is half fire and half ice, it would really depend on him... and his honor. Most with honor will remain faithful if they vow to."

 

"So that wouldn't be a problem. Hiei's very honorable."

 

Ayame giggled at that. "You just agreed that you're going to mate him."

 

Said demon, which happened to be listening in, stopped to look at her. Her face had turned completely red as she looked at the ground. "That is the point of courting, isn't it? To take your time and eventually mate."

 

"Hai." The she-wolf said with a smile. "So you're actually going to listen to me?"

 

"Maybe." The now red miko said as she continued to look at the ground.

 

Kouga simply laughed at her. "At least you're starting to get over it. I mean, it happened two, almost three, years ago."

 

"I know." She said as she sighed. It had been a few years since that had happened.

 

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Sighing in relief as the hot water soothed her sore muscles, Kagome completely ignored the fact that Hiei had yet to get in. In truth, she didn't care at the moment. Her body ached from the training. She had been getting a lot better with her katas, and they had begun sparring. Steadily getting better at that, Hiei had added in the other training. When she lost her sword, he would toss his aside, and they would begin fighting weaponless without a break. Today though, he had kept his weapon. Telling her that she needed to learn to defend while he had it and she had nothing.

 

Moving slightly, she winced as her side started to ache. Since he had used his actual sword, cuts were to be expected. Of course this one was a little deeper than she had originally thought. Closing her eyes, her body took on a blue glow as the water rose to cover her skin. It slowly seeped into the wounds, healing them. At that, she smiled. It was easier for her to use water to heal wounds than it was to use her own energy. So she trained until she could do both.

 

Her control over earth made her seem more graceful, as she could walk through the forest and not worry about falling. All she had to do was allow her aura to swirl around her. Eventually she had gotten used to doing so and did it automatically. Her control over air was also rather nice. It allowed her to heat or cool the air around her so she didn't get too warm or cold. Fire was steadily getting easier to work with, though she doubted she could ever tame it.

 

Before her thoughts got too far away, she looked around. Finally realizing that Hiei wasn't there, she spread her aura to search for him. Apparently he wanted to kill something, because he was a few miles away killing lesser demons. Hearing a twig snap had her tensing, at least until she felt the two auras that were approaching. It seemed that Ayame and Kikyo had noticed that Hiei was not with her, because they were here. "Can we join?"

 

Looking over at the two, she smiled. "Of course Ayame."

 

They quickly stripped and stepped into the spring. "Where's Hiei?"

 

"Killing lesser demons." The young miko said as she sighed. A groan turned her attention to the older miko who was now leaning over some rocks and losing her dinner. Swimming over, she began massaging the woman's back. "Are you ok Kikyo?"

 

"No." Her eyes were closed as both the she-wolf and the younger miko helped her to lower back into the water. "My stomach feels like it's... I dunno."

 

Giggling, Kagome looked at Ayame, who nodded. "You're pregnant Kikyo."

 

"What?" She paled as she looked between the two. "I'm..."

 

Ayame nodded. "Inuyasha and Miroku can't seem to sense it, but both you and Sango are pregnant. Though it seems Sango's farther along."

 

"How far am I? Can you tell?"

 

Biting her lip, Kagome thought for a second. "I might be able to." Placing her hands over Kikyo's stomach, she called forth her blue energy. It swirled around the older miko's abdomen before sinking into it. Looking up at Kikyo she smiled. "Two weeks."

 

"What happened? Your energy, then the pains left."

 

"My energy eased your pains away. Apparently your body wasn't used to the pregnancy yet and was having difficulties. Which is understanding with everything."

 

"Thank-you." Kikyo said as she hugged the younger miko.

 

"You're welcome... but I have a question for you."

 

"What is it?"

 

"Do you know a spell to hide my scent?" With that question, she received a look from Ayame. Kikyo noticed and asked what was going on, so they went into the explanation. Including how Kikyo would smell strongly of Inuyasha, especially now that their scents would mix. Though she carried a mating mark and his scent was permanently on her, his scent would now come close to overpowering her own. "So do you?"

 

"Hai, I believe so. You can try it out and have Ayame test it."

 

Kagome nodded and Kikyo taught her the spell. It was relatively easy, it simply required her to concentrate on what part of her scent she wanted to be rid of. Once she was done, she looked at Ayame. "Well?" Taking a sniff, her eyes widened. "What is it?"

 

"Without Naraku's scent.... you smell pure. His scent has been tainting yours... hiding your purity..."

 

"What? You mean that instead of it just being his scent... umm... in her, it was hiding her own?" Kikyo asked.

 

"Hai. Her scent is now that of vanilla and coconut... it's laced with cinnamon. Lots of cinnamon and rain."

 

"What's that mean?" Kagome asked as she cocked her head to the side.

 

"It means that you're pure and you're powerful. Cinnamon is the scent of power, while rain is the scent of purity. Vanilla and coconut is your natural scent though. Before it was wildflowers."

 

"What about before... everything that happened?"

 

"I'm not sure, you always carried the strong smell of rain. It was overpowering your true scent, really."

 

"Hmm..." Kagome seemed to be in thought for the moment, and both girls were looking at her. "What?"

 

"What's with the hmm...?" Kikyo asked.

 

"If I umm... actually do umm... give myself to someone... would I carry their scent?"

 

"Hai." Ayame said. "Why?"

 

"Just curious."

 

The other two girls rolled their eyes. Kikyo spoke. "There are no men here, and no Sango either. This is the first time I've gotten away from my mate to talk to you, so I want the truth."

 

Kagome blushed as she looked down at the ground. "I was just wandering if I'd take on Hiei's scent. I really like it."

 

Both girls began giggling. This time it was the she-wolf who spoke. "Oh really, and what's his scent?"

 

"It's smoke and pine." Her blush had deepened to a dark red. They continued talking for a while longer before Kagome tensed. "Get out and get dressed!" The other two stared at her for a moment. "Hurry!" At her desperate tone, they too jumped out and pulled clothing on. They looked at Kagome when they felt their bodies dry as they came out of the water. She smiled and mouthed that she'd explain later.

 

Not a second after they had finished dressing, did Sesshomaru appear. "Miko." He stated as he stared at Kagome.

 

Not wanting to die, she bowed low to him. "Lord Sesshomaru." She could feel Hiei's rapid approach. (Calm down and do NOT attack!)

 

/Who is there?/

 

(Inuyasha's older half-brother... Lord Sesshomaru. I think he wants to talk.)

 

"Where is the hanyou?"

 

Hiei landed in the clearing at that moment. Sesshomaru merely looked at him before returning his attention to the youngest of the girls. "I think he's at camp. May I ask why you've come?"

 

"This Sesshomaru desires a joining of the packs. It would make things easier to find the treacherous half-breed."

 

Kagome had to stop herself from rolling her eyes at the 'This Sesshomaru' thing. Looking at the girls, then at Hiei, she made the decision. "Give me your word that none in our group will be harmed," when he looked about to say something, she continued "excluding Inuyasha if he attacks you first."

 

"You have this Sesshomaru's word. No harm will come to your pack unless they attack this Sesshomaru."

 

"Then follow us to the camp." She said as she grabbed Hiei's hand to pull him after them. He seemed to be glaring at her about something. (What's wrong?)

 

/Why did you agree to bring him to the camp? I do not know who he is, you could be in danger./

 

(He gave his word Hiei.) The fire demon still didn't seem to believe her, so she sent him her memories of the demon. Though she could tell he seemed ticked that the demon tried to kill her, he was appeased that she wasn't in danger. (See, you can trust my decisions.)

 

It wasn't long before they reached the camp. As expected, Inuyasha was cussing up a storm about Sesshomaru being there. "What in the hell were you thinking bitch!"

 

"Sit!" Bam!!! "I was thinking that his idea was a good one. It would be helpful."

 

"Was this one of Naraku's plans that you discussed?"

 

That had the entire group tensing (except Sesshomaru). The young miko was shaking with anger, sorrow, and betrayal. She had thought that Inuyasha finally believed her when Kikyo had told them all that she was telling the truth. It wasn't long before he was attacked. Kouga slammed his fist into Inuyasha's face, Ayame and Kikyo both hit him, and before Shippo could hurt him, he found a sword at his throat. "I should kill you now for insulting her."

 

Seeing this, Kagome moved toward him. "Please Hiei, don't." He looked over to see that there were tears in her eyes. Nodding, he removed his sword and sheathed it. The now pale inu sighed in relief. Though his relief was short lived. "Sit sit sit sit sit sit sit sit sit sit sit sit sit sit sit sit sit sit sit sit sit sit sit sit sit sit sit sit sit sit sit sit sit sit sit sit sit sit sit sit sit!"

 

Miroku and Sango both backed away from the girl as Sesshomaru merely raised a brow at the display. "This Sesshomaru came here for a reason."

 

"We are with the group, so we can discuss things. Inuyasha doesn't always have the last say." Kikyo stated. "If Kagome says you can, then the majority of us will let you."

 

"There is no alpha in your pack?" He asked curiously.

 

The girls all looked between themselves, including Kagome. Shippo was the one who spoke. "Mamma's been making decisions. The others follow her."

 

Sesshomaru gave a nod and turned to the miko. "You lead the group?"

 

"I suppose." She said as she looked at the wolves, Hiei, Kirara, and Kikyo.

 

"Then this Sesshomaru will talk things over with you. There are terms to the joining." Kagome nodded, figuring as much. "This Sesshomaru wishes for you to restore his arm. In addition, you will see to the care of this Sesshomaru's pups as we travel."

 

That was surprising. "You have pups?"

 

"Yes, this Sesshomaru has three, including Rin."

 

Thinking it over, she nodded. "I suppose that is fair. You also agree that you won't harm anyone unless they start something?"

 

"Agreed. This Sesshomaru will return within the week."

 

Looking at her friends she nodded. "We'll be in Kaede's Village, near Inuyasha's forest." He gave a nod and told her she could heal his arm when he returned then.

 

When he was out of sight, Sango walked over to them. "We will?"

 

"Hai. I need to go home to visit momma and Souta."

 

"That's not a good reason."

 

Kagome glared at the slayer. "We also need more supplies."

 

"Whatever." A second later she was running into the bushes.

 

Kagome looked over to the worried Miroku. "Go rub her back. The morning sickness might abate soon." That left the monk stunned as the young miko turned and walked far away from Inuyasha as she could. Hiei followed her, and he didn't seem too happy. "What's wrong?"

 

"You invited another male into this group, and agreed to take care of his children."

 

Sighing, she pulled him down to sit beside her before nuzzling into him. "Sorry. I should've asked you, shouldn't I?"

 

The fire demon closed his eyes. In truth, she should have, but she wasn't a demoness. Therefore she couldn't possibly be expected to know or even remember all the rules. "In truth, you should have. But you are human and I did not expect you to even know the rules, let alone try to follow them."

 

He suddenly tensed and looked at her. "What is it?"

 

"Your scent has changed."

 

Realization dawned in her eyes a moment later. "It's a spell to take Naraku's scent from mine. Ayame said that his scent was the reason Inuyasha was always being mean to me, and I didn't even know I still carried it."

 

"This is your true scent then?" At her nod, he pulled her against his chest. "I like it."

 

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Reviews are much appreciated! I really love to read your thoughts on my work! And thanks to those who have reviewed. Thanks to those who took the time to read my story.