My Fair Hanyou
Disclaimer: I do not own, or make any money from, the stories of Inuyasha.
All Inuyasha characters are the sole property of Rumiko Takahashi, Sunrise and Viz
All original characters belong to me.
Chapter One
Celebration, Tears, and Memories
The villagers cheered the new husband and wife with boisterous ferver,
"CONGRATULATIONS KOHAKU AND NARA!"
"WOO HOO!"
"LET'S HERE IT FOR THE NEW COUPLE!"
Rice and flower petals showered them. Kohaku was grinning from ear to ear and his beautiful bride, Nara, blushed at all the commotion. The couple pushed their way through the throng of villagers and proceeded to the lake shore,
"Lady Kagome?", called out Kohaku, "Where would you like us to stand?"
Kagome approached and began setting up the wedding party. Satisfied with their positions, she went back and stood behind a metal tripod,
"Now - SMILE everyone ..."
FLASH
She proceeded with a few more shots before telling the group she was done. Nara and Kohaku came over to her after the group dispersed,
"Lady Kagome, that picture maker is amazing.", gushed Nara.
"It's called a camera, Nara. It is amazing. You know, I wouldn't have used it if there were outsiders here. The villagers accept the strange items that I bring back from my world", Kagome smiled.
"How does it work?", Kohaku asked, turning the camera over and over.
"Well, this one is a digital style camera. I'm not really technology savvy so, I couldn't really explain it to you. But, basically,", she pulled out the SD card, "the image is saved on this little thing and then I put it in a special box, called a computer, and it takes the images off. Then I can make the pictures that you see.", she explained.
"Amazing.", Kohaku murmured.
"Will they be in a book like the one you showed us?", Nara asked.
"Yes, I'll put all the pictures I take today in a book and give it to you. That's my wedding present to you along with the futon bed."
Nara hugged and kissed her, "Thank you so much, Lady Kagome. You've been the absolute best!"
"Yes, thank you, Lady Kagome", Kohaku agreed.
Kagome hugged Kohaku as well, "You two get going. The feast is about to start."
The couple turned to go. Nara spun around, "Oh, before I forget ..."
Kagome looked at her, "Yes?"
Nara took off a small orchid corsage that was on her dress, "Sango picked this for me. Could you please take it to Lady Kaede's gravesite? I feel very indebted to her for helping us through our rocky times.", Nara smiled.
Kagome smiled,"Of course. I would be delighted.", she said, taking the flower from the girl.
Nara smiled and then bounced happily away with Kohaku on her arm. Kagome watched them leave before she started snapping random shots around the village to add to the couples' wedding album. She lowered the camera as her nose picked up a familar scent,
"What's that?", Inuyasha asked, his mouth stuffed with food.
"I see you've hit the feast. Got enough food there?", she eyed the piled-high plate.
Inuyasha swallowed, "Naaah. Needs some instant stuff."
"Village women slaved for nearly a week preparing this food and, all you can say is, it needs instant stuff?."
He shrugged, "So, whaddya have?"
"This?", she held up the orchid.
"Uh-huh."
"An orchid."
Inuyasha stopped the chopsticks halfway to his open mouth. Putting the chopsticks down he gave her his "Don't be a smartass." look, "No shit!", he replied.
"Ask a stupid question get a stupid answer.", Kagome admonished.
He sighed an exasperated sigh, "Isn't that Nara's orchid?", he reclarified.
"Yes.", Kagome answered, emphatically, "And she requested that I place it on Lady Kaede's gravesite."
Inuyasha chewed his food thoughtfully, "Makes sense. She managed to keep them rational during their arguments."
"They did argue alot, didn't they?", Kagome recalled.
"Yea. Amazing, when you think of it. If two people care for each other so deeply why do they argue? It just doesn't make any sense.", he finished and stuffed some more food in his mouth.
Kagome's eyes widened and she tilted her head to peer up at her mate, dubiously, at his comment. She shook her head at him, "I can't believe you just said that."
Inuyasha finished his food, "I'll take it up."
"Huh?", Kagome looked at him, a bit surprised.
"The flower. I'll take it up to Kaede's grave. That way you can take more pictures."
Kagome smiled appreciatively, "Thank you, Inuyasha. That's very kind and considerate of you."
"Don't go getting all emotional. Geez.", Inuyasha muttered.
Kagome smiled and kissed his cheek, "Thanks.", she said again then disappeared into the crowd.
Inuyasha placed the plate and chopsticks on a nearby table and headed to the shrine steps that led to the gravesites of the two priestess sisters, Kikyou and Kaede. As he passed by Kaede's old hut, he noticed the peach-colored rosebush, planted by Kikyou years ago, was blooming beautifully. He stopped and snipped off a bud with his claws and sniffed its sweet fragrance. His mind sailed back to an earlier time and the woman whom he had first loved.
He climbed the stairs slowly, deeply lost in thought. Reaching the apex, he stood in front of the tall monument that marked Kikyou's resting place. He reached out and touched the marble slab, feeling the smooth surface. He stared at it for a moment, letting his fingers play over the stone. He felt, still, a twinge of guilt in his heart over his love's too early demise,
"Kikyou. I know your remains are not here but, I think your spirit is. I hope you are at peace. Wherever you are. Thank you for all you gave me. I will never forget you."
He placed the rosebud in front of the grave, thankful for Kaede's explanation of the meaning of human gravesites. He took a deep breath and walked over to the slightly smaller monument and placed the orchid in front of it,
"Old Kaede. I still can't believe you're gone. The village isn't the same without you. I know Kagome's still finding it hard to fit into the role of the chief healer but, you taught her well. Rest in peace, my old friend."
He patted the smaller marble stone and turned around, walking slowly down the steps to return to the celebration below.
--
Kagome headed toward her house and noticed Sango sitting quietly on the porch to her home. The sadness in her friend's eyes broke Kagome's heart. She walked over,
"May I sit down, Sango?"
Sango looked up, "Of course, Kagome."
"It was a great wedding, wasn't it?", Kagome started the conversation.
"Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. You are amazing, Kagome. How do you do it all? Healer, priestess, wife, mother. And you can create a wonderful, festive atmosphere!", Sango raved.
"You run the teahouse. And, your garden is waaaay better than mine will ever be. How do you manage to get ALL the weeds?", Kagome put her arm around Sango's shoulders in an attempt to comfort her.
Tears started to run down Sango's face, "Maybe ... just maybe ...if I had listened to Miroku ... if I had taken it easier ...", Sango's tears turned into full blown sobs.
Kagome hugged her tightly, "It wasn't your fault, Sango. It wasn't anybody's fault. Even in my world, your condition is very difficult to treat without the proper equipment. Placenta Previa is horrible, by any standard. We had no idea that the baby's placenta was at the bottom of your womb. I feel really bad because I put your life in danger by opening up your womb and I still couldn't save the baby. Granted, in the end, I needed to have your belly open to save your life. I'm sorry I couldn't stop the bleeding. The placenta had completely ripped apart your womb and ..."
"Don't Kagome. Don't blame yourself. I understand why you removed my womb. Really, I do. I know I should just be grateful that I gave Miroku 8 healthy children. But, I still feel that maybe he blames me because I can no longer have any children."
"Sango, that's absolutely wrong. Miroku would never blame you for something like that. He's not that type of man. He loves you and he's just extremely happy that you're alive. He wants to grow old with you. It's very common what you are feeling. Women define themselves by motherhood and, now, you've lost that ability to bear children. Give it time, it will become less painful as time goes by. And, yes, be happy and enjoy the children you have."
Sango wiped the tears off her face and sniffed deeply,
"Thank you, Kagome. You and Inuyasha have always been the greatest of friends.", Sango wrapped her arms around Kagome's neck and hugged her tightly.
--
Miroku watched the two women from afar,
"Another womanly gab fest.", he heard Inuyasha comment as he came and stood beside the monk.
"I don't think so, Inuyasha. Sango was crying.", Miroku said, turning away from the scene.
Inuyasha looked at his friend, solemnly. He had no words to say to comfort his friend so he decided to just remain beside him and say nothing. Miroku filled the silence,
"She hates me. I know it.", he muttered.
"No she doesn't hate you.", Inuyasha scowled, "Where didja ever get that crazy idea?"
"It's been a year, Inuyasha, since she lost the baby. A year! And, we've barely talked, let alone be intimate.", Miroku sighed, "She keeps herself busy with the children and the house. Everything that a wife does, except ..."
"Miroku.", Inuyasha tried to relay some sense of sympathy into his friend's name, "She just needs more time. Kagome says that women in her era suffer like that too. Something called post ... pardon ...compression or something or other. According to Kagome, her body was expecting to have a baby to care for but, instead the baby died. Her body hasn't readjusted yet ..."
"I know. I know. Kagome's told me that, too."
Inuyasha sighed, "Look. It may not be much but ... drop the brats over at our house for the night. Or two. With Kohaku outta the house, see if not having them around gives you two the chance to, maybe, talk, at least."
Miroku looked up, "All eight of them?"
"You act like it's unusual. Unless you've forgotten, your small army ends up at our place anyway. I never know from day to day how many pups will be in that house."
"Sorry, I didn't mean it like that. I ... just don't want to put too much pressure on Kagome and you. I don't want to drop my problems in your lap."
"Too late."
Miroku grinned slightly and stared at his staff, "After the party?", he looked at his friend.
"You want a time? Geez, you're picky. Just let them follow the pups home like they always do. Then, Sango can't accuse us of some kind of conspiracy."
Miroku chuckled slightly, "At least you won't have to feed them."
"HA! You wanna bet? The feast will be gone and we'll still have 5 pups whining "I'm hungry" before bed. Your crew will simply join in."
Miroku smiled and agreed, "Thanks, Inuyasha. Really."
"Pffft. Let it go, monk. It's no big deal."
--
Later, Inuyasha walked up to Kagome and told her to expect the monk's crew. Kagome agreed it was a good idea,
"By the way, have you noticed?", she asked him, nodding her head slightly towards the hill.
"Yea, I pick up his smell. I know he's there.", Inuyasha grumbled.
"So? Go talk to him."
"WHY? Why should I go up the hill and talk to Sesshoumaru? Is he too good to enter the village and talk to ME?"
"Maybe he's not here for you. Kohaku DID travel with him for a while."
"And Rin DID break off with Kohaku and rejoin Sesshoumaru - breaking Kohaku's heart."
"He looks REAL heartbroken, Inuyasha.", she smiled, eyeing the dancing couple.
"Ok. Ok. It's been six years since Rin took off. He WAS heartbroken at the time."
"Nara filled that hole pretty quickly."
"HMPH!", was all Inuyasha said.
Kagome smiled again before returning her eyes to Sesshoumaru. She could tell he was alone. After Inuyasha drifted off, she made her way up the hill,
"Why don't you go down and see Kohaku?", she asked the daiyoukai.
"I have no need for ningen celebrations.", he replied.
"I never said you did. You obviously aren't here to see Inuyasha. That leaves Kohaku. So? Go see him instead of observing off in the distance."
Sesshoumaru said nothing as he continued to stare off into the village. He started walking down the hill. Kagome gazed at his retreating back in disbelief,
"We really need to work on your people skills.", she said into the night.
--
The night wore on, the fires died out and the revelers headed inside. Back at the house, Kagome and Inuyasha set beds out for everybody. Inuyasha warmed up some sweet dumplings and tea, setting them out for the kids to devour. Kagome took a count of everybody,
She located Miroku's 15 year old daughter, Suki, sitting in the corner of the main room beside her 14 year old sister, Cho, working on a jigsaw puzzle. Her own son, 13 year old Kai, was playing with his Nintendo DS. Miroku's 12 year old son, Mikito, was playing with a maze game. Miroku's 11 year old son, Reiji, and 9 year old daughter, Tae, were busy playing a game of chinese checkers. She found her daughters, 10 year old Izayoi and 7 year old Shiori, in the girls' bedroom watching "Pokemon" on the portable DVD player with Miroku's 8 year old son, Junji.
Heading back into the main room, she saw her oldest son, 14 year old Shinta, walk inside with his faithful companion, a six year old black fuzzy dog named Ronin, by his side. Behind the dog, Miroku's other two children, his 5 year old daughter, Sakura, and 3 year old son, Shiro, entered the house with Kagome and Inuyasha's youngest, their 3 year old son, Kanta, bringing up the rear. All in all, a perfectly normal, Feudal Era household, if that household happened to have the ability to time travel 500 years into the future..
Shiori came sprinting out of the bedroom passing her father,
"Where's the fire?", he asked her.
Shiori reached into a box in the kitchen and pulled out some cylinders,
"Need batteries for the DVD player, daddy.", she answered, quickly, as she darted past again.
"Good thing we brought back so many this time, Inuyasha.", Kagome observed.
Inuyasha planted himself on the floor and laid his head back against the wall, closing his eyes. Kagome pulled out her knitting and started working on it,
"Mama? Dad?", Shinta came up to them.
"Yes?", Kagome answered. His father just opened his eyes and peered at him.
"I have a question. One of these times, when we go back to the other world, can we visit another country?"
Inuyasha's head shot up. Kagome looked surprised, but, curious, "Sure. Where do you want to go?"
"I don't care. Just someplace where we can ride in those metal birds."
"Metal birds? Oh, airplanes.", Kagome realized, "Sure. We'll see what we can do, honey."
She tousled his silvery-white hair as he grinned a huge grin. He stood up and joined Kai, setting up his own DS to play a head-to-head game with his brother.
"I don't like it.", Inuyasha grumbled.
Kagome sighed, "What don't you like?"
"Getting in one of those metal birds."
"It's called an airplane."
"Whatever."
"Ok, I'll bite ... why don't you like the idea of getting into an airplane. You scared?", she taunted.
"Yea. You gotta problem with that?"
"Least you're being honest."
"I'm not in control. I don't trust being under somebody else's control."
"The pilots are highly trained to fly those planes."
"So, there's never been any accidents with them?", he asked, his voice hopeful, yet, child-like.
Kagome stopped her knitting in mid-knit, "Uhhhhhhh ..."
"Just what I thought.", he huffed.
"Inuyasha. Accidents happen. It's a part of life."
"And, if I'm in control and I get into an accident then it is my responsibility. Whose responsible if these pilots get into an accident? Them?"
"It all depends."
"On what?"
"On what CAUSED the accident."
"I don't like that answer.", he huffed again.
"Sorry. That's all I can give you. Besides, flying's fun."
Inuyasha grumbled.
Kagome muttered softly, "You're getting old, Inuyasha."
"I heard that! I am not!", he yawned, "Geez, I'm beat. Let's get these guys to bed."
"I'm with you.", she agreed, putting away her knitting.
Kagome stood up beside Inuyasha when they heard Miroku's voice outside, followed by Sango's anguished sobs,
"BUT, SANGO, PLEASE, LISTEN TO ME!"
"LEAVE ME ALONE!"
Kagome noticed, almost instantly, how Miroku's and Sango's brood reacted, stopping what they were doing and just staring at nothing. She hadn't realized just how serious it really was between the couple. Inuyasha had already headed out the door. She listened to the conversation,
"Miroku, what happened?", Inuyasha demanded to know.
"I'm not sure. She was upset that the kids weren't home. She started crying. I tried, I really tried to comfort her. She just got up and ran away.", his voice was obviously strained.
Kagome walked outside, "Which way to she go? I'll go after her.", she said.
Miroku looked at her pleadingly, "Stay with the kids. I'll go find her."
"Do you want me to go with you, Miroku?", Inuyasha asked his friend.
"No. We need to work this out. I'll go. On my own.", Miroku pulled himself up and headed off in the direction that his wife had taken.
"Is that a good idea?", Kagome asked.
"You wanna argue with him? Be my guest. Besides, Sango won't go that far. Maybe this is what they need. Leave'em alone and let's go to bed.", he turned around and went into the house.
Kagome stared in the direction that Miroku had taken before heading back into the house.