Hello! It's been ages since I've written a story, but I've finally been inspired to do so. I hope you enjoy. Rumiko Takahashi is the sole creator of Inuyasha and owns all of its copyright.
"Can I go now?"
Kagome huffed. She had been married to Inuyasha for five years now, and she had long since destroyed the subjugation necklace she'd put on him when they first met. But there were times, like today, where she regretted such a decision. Sure, it was one made out of love for her husband, (and the fact that she didn't want him to feel confined in marriage or forced to do anything against his will) but sometimes Inuyasha could be so frustrating that having that necklace back would've been a godsend.
She stood before her home: a small, rustic hut, comfortable enough for the two of them, but big enough to at least house one other person. Her hair was loose, streaming down her back, like silk, in waves of black. A few errant strands teased at her nose, and she brushed them back. Then she placed her hands at her waist, balling them into a fist, and tapped her bared feet against the floor.
Her brown eyes cackled with annoyance as she stared at her husband and she huffed again.
He was standing beside a tree, waiting for her to give a reply to the question he had asked. His arms were crossed over his chest, tightening his white shirt against his body. Time had done nothing to his form, yet his eyes told anyone who took the time to notice them, he had experienced much in his life and was wiser for it.
"Inuyasha, not today," she said with clenched teeth.
He glared down at her with eyes of amber. "Why not?"
Waving her hand, she gave an offhanded reply: "Because."
Rolling his eyes heavenward, he took the basket of fish he had on the grass, and hoisted it above his shoulder. "That ain't a good excuse, Kagome."
It wasn't. Of course it wasn't. And if he were in any other mood, she was sure he would've commented about the fact that she was acting like an annoying stereotypical woman. But he didn't, thankfully, so that argument was stemmed.
The problem was she just didn't know what to say.
Struggling for composure and failing miserably, she narrowed her eyes even further to tiny slits. "I need you to stay home today."
He sighed heavily and groaned. "But why?"
"Because..." She thought of anything. "Because I need you."
At that comment, he arched a brow and quickly put down the basket. Intrigue permeated his tongue as he said, "For what reason, may I ask?"
She fought for words. For anything. But nothing came out. Not even the truth. No, she couldn't tell him the truth. At least not for today. She still wasn't sure if what she believed to be true was actually true. She wanted to be certain before she told him, and if he left when she found out, she didn't know how long he'd be gone before she'd be able to tell him. And honestly if what she believed to be true was true she wanted him to be the first to know- immediately, because he had to know.
She played with her fingers, nervously. "Can't you just stay? For a little while longer, at least?" she finally said with a twinge of entreaty in her voice.
At that tone, something in Inuyasha's demeanor changed. The stubborn lift to his chin lowered, and his brows furrowed. Stepping closer to Kagome, he rested his hands at her shoulders and softly squeezed.
"Is everything ok, Kagome?"
She swallowed thickly. Nodded. Yes, everything was fine. Maybe even wonderful. Inside, excitement pulsed through her, a butterfly just waiting to flutter. "I'm fine, Inuyasha. I just..." She lifted her eyes to meet his. "I don't want you to leave yet... I'll- I'll miss you."
Five years married and still things like this, where Kagome acted loving, or romantic, continued to make Inuyasha's heart beat erratically. He still blushed like a little boy. With eyes as deep as hers, filled with a love meant solely for him, how could he not be effected by her still? But Kagome knew this. She knew she had this kind of power over him, and she tried to use it now when it was most important to her.
Wrapping her arms around his neck, she lifted her head and let her lips caress his skin. Although they lived in feudal era Japan, where couples were meant to act discreet with their amorous activities, Kagome was first and foremost a girl of the twentieth century, and so, cultural norms of the day were not much heeded upon. Her fingers trailed circles across the nape of his neck and she could feel short lengths of hair begin to stand.
"Please," she whispered softly, "stay for me."
Inuyasha made no move to get away from his wife's seductive machinations. Why? Because he loved it when she acted this way. It was that simple. Lately she had been quiet, brooding in some corner, thinking about something or other by herself. Some days she held back on making love to Inuyasha because of her strange moods, and it annoyed him. But more than anything, it worried him. It had only been a week since this began, but still the Kagome he loved was acting strange and he was concerned.
"Love," he said, moving his head down to give her better access to where he loved to be petted. "Tell me what's wrong."
She averted her gaze from his. "I told you- I'm going to miss you."
"But you know I won't be gone for long. Miroku and I just plan to help out a few villages with some demonic pests." He put his arms around her waist and their bodies touched. "No need to worry. It only lasts for a day or two."
She shook her head. "You don't know that. There can be some evil things out there and right now I-" She stopped.
He rubbed his chin against her forehead. "You what?"
"I need you."
His breathing became heavy at her husky tone and his groin grew hot. "I need you, too."
Kagome lowered her head and smiled shyly. Hearing him say that always did that to her. The arrogant, self dependent half-breed he once had been in the past had given into her and now they were one.
"Then come inside and stay."
His eyes were heated with passion, though he still retained control. Desire raced through the couple; even their pulses raced, then synchronized as one. "I'll stay."
Kagome's head shot up, and she beamed at him. That is, until he continued. "Just for tonight, though. I can't keep staying indoors. People need us, you know that."
Kagome was included in that "us." Although a priestess on the side, she still had powers; powers that were growing and multiplying with each year that enabled her to fight off demons and monsters alike. But she had already told him that she didn't want to go to any villages for at least a week or two. She wanted a vacation from all the drama, just for a little while. Well, that's what she had told Inuyasha before.
Feeling a bit defeated, Kagome's smile turned into a frown. "I can't convince you otherwise?"
He shook his head, looking into her eyes. "Not unless you tell me what's really wrong."
"But there isn't-"
With purpose in his gaze, he dropped his hands from her, and left them at his sides. "Then that means I'm going." His tone was resolute and Kagome knew that unless she lied to him he would not stay. Honestly she should've. She wanted and needed him by her side through this time, and if she made up some believable excuse, like an illness, he wouldn't question her, and he'd remain.
But she couldn't do it. Although not perfect, there was one thing she was not- a liar. And when it came to Inuyasha she could not lie to him. Sure, in the past she may have done so, once or twice, but after all they'd been through together, lies had no place in their relationship. After all, there was no reason to do so.
And so, hoping against hope that she'd find out the truth of her predicament the second he came home, she capitulated. With a sigh of defeat, she muttered, "Fine. You can go."
He smiled lopsidedly. "Now?"
"If you want to."
He gave her a short, pensive look that seemed more of a mockery of one than true. She could see his lips twitching. "I don't think I want to go right now."
She stared at him, bemused. The whole reason why this conversation was happening was because he wanted to go. Why, now, did he change his mind? What the-
Oh. Kagome blushed. She'd forgotten that she'd seduced him. Were she to lower her hands and feel for him, she'd easily find a bulge. But they were in public so that kind of stuff wasn't appropriate. A quick, inexpedient glance instantly revealed the truth to her, and she gave him a knowing smile. "You want to do that now?"
"No, when I get back," he sardonically replied.
She arched a brow. "Sarcasm? Is that the kind of tone you want to give me when you want something like this?"
His ears fell. "Fine. Yes, Kagome. I want you now."
"Now now?"
His nostrils flared. "As soon as possible."
She put a finger to her a chin. "I don't know... Maybe we should-"
With a mixture of impatience and desire fueling his body, he growled and stomped toward his wife. Then he hefted her over his shoulder, leaving the basket of fish behind.
"Inuyasha!" She cried out, sounding rather breathless. "Put me down!"
"I will," he humphed. "Inside."
And he did.
Inuyasha, Sango and Miroku both stood side by side as they walked together towards the nearest village to see if there were any demonic pests roaming around the place. They hadn't heard any news of attacks. In fact, they hadn't heard anything for a while, which made the lot of them feel rather restless. For the past few years, they managed to make a humble living policing various villages, making sure humans were kept safe, and even demons who chose to live amicably.
As they walked through the wooded area, with the sun peeking through the deep shadows of trees, Inuyasha ambled quietly with them. His eye brows were furrowed, deep in thought. He had much on his mind. Kagome had been acting strange lately. He could hardly understand what was wrong with her. Even after they'd made love in their house a few hours ago, the second they stopped, she was quiet and withdrawn. He knew she didn't want him to go. Why when she always had? Confusion knotted his brows and he crossed his arms over his chest.
Maybe, he thought, I should've stood home. He turned his line of vision toward Sango and Miroku. The couple had been married now for about six years. Surprisingly Miroku had been monogamous throughout the relationship. He hadn't cheated once, which made Inuyasha lose countless bets with Kagome. He didn't think the bounder had it in him, but apparently he did.
Love did that, he believed. Their passions for one another were strong and nothing seemed to be able to break it.
He and Kagome were like that: strong and united. After all these years and after all they'd been through, how could they not be? She was his mate; the woman of his heart, and though they'd been through much, nothing could tear them apart.
But something was wrong.
Suddenly an immense sense of fear pervaded Inuyasha's soul. And guilt. He felt guilty for leaving his wife. Sure, people needed his help. He was one of the few creatures of "darkness" who actually cared for humans and their well being. But his wife was important above all of these things. It was only right that he get to the bottom of this and find out what it was that was eating at his wife, because he simply had no clue.
He stopped walking and called out Miroku's name. The couple turned as one.
"Yes, Inuyasha?"
"I'm going to let you guys go on ahead."
"Is something amiss?" the monk asked looking concerned.
"I... uh... I'm a little worried about Kagome. She's been acting weird."
Sango frowned. "Is she okay?"
"Yeah... I mean, I think. She's just..." He scratched his ear. "She didn't want me to go today."
"Why not?"
"She didn't say."
Next to Miroku, Sango bit her lip. "That's...odd. Perhaps you should return." And then she smiled. She remembered speaking with Kagome a few nights past. Her friend believed something wonderful was in the horizon and Sango wondered if the time had finally come. She looked at Inuyasha. "Miroku and I can handle whatever comes our way," she said. "If Kagome's acting weird, you best find out why."
Inuyasha pursed his lips, looking rather uneasy. "You guys sure about that?"
Miroku lifted his fist and clenched it close to his face. "Yes, Inuyasha. Sango and I are more than prepared to fight together. And anyways, there hasn't been any real fighting in years. We've got this." He patted his friends shoulder. "You should've told us you were worried about Kagome. If anything, I would've asked Kohaku to come by."
Inuyasha grinned, knowing his friends were right. He nodded. "Okay. I'll check up on her quick. If I'm able to get to the bottom of this, I may be able to meet you guys. Lord knows I've been bored out of my mind with inactivity."
Miroku laughed as did Sango. They understood Inuaysha's restlessness. Though life was fairly sweet and comfortable, they all missed the thrill that came with fighting evil. Sango hadn't used her Hiraikotsu in ages and Inuyasha's fingers twitched with an aching desire to unsheathe his sword and destroy a menace. Alas, they had been unfortunately blessed with months of peace. Not even Sesshomaru came up to randomly fight Inuyasha. No, the demon was traveling endlessly, returning only to visit Rin who remained with Lady Kaede for the time being.
While the group of them were busy woolgathering, they had failed to notice a fairly low, almost imperceptible rustle in a grove near Inuyasha. Too late to realize the danger, a demon nearly the size of a mountain roared into the sky and stretched its head high from the ground. Though large, its green body was long and slimy, like a worm mutated. Its mouth widened as if to eat the group, but they heard its bellow, and jumped away from its jaw crushing grip. Inuyasha unsheathed his Tessaiga and braced for battle. Sango also, at the ready, stood at the other end of the body, while Miroku remained close by, setting up a spiritual barrier with himself and his wife.
Inuyasha "khe'd" at the creature and unsheathed his claws. "Looks like we've found a distraction, Miroku!"
Miroku hmphed. "Good timing. I was beginning to grow nostalgic."
The creature roared again and then snarled. "Silence, mortals. You have entered the forest of the Great Linos demon. Fall on your knees and I may spare you your lives. Or better yet. I will devour you!"
Sango rolled her eyes. "Why do they always have to be so cocky?"
Inuyasha barked out a laugh. "Let him have his fun. We'll test his skills."
The demon did not take lightly how easy they felt around it. It slithered close to Inuyasha and dropped his tail with a loud crash, but Inuyasha was quick, and bounded to the left of the appendage. He drew his sword, and swooshed it at the demon's tail, slicing it in two. The demon howled in pain and made a move to hit Inuyasha again, but Sango flung her Hiraikotsu at it, knocking it to the ground.
When it returned to Sango, Miroku placed three sutras on the belly of the weapon and Sango flung it again. But the monster was a fast learner, and dodged it, allowing it to crash against a tree, breaking it into pieces. Thousands of birds screeched and flew away from the chaos, blanketing the blue sky with a shadow of darkness. Miroku and Sango lost sight of Inuyasha for a second and cried out his name.
"Still here, guys! I'm okay!"
The birds finally flew further and further away, allowing the suns' rays to seep in. Inuyasha looked for the creature, and could not place where it went. He told the group to follow him and they ran by his side as he sniffed out the vermin. After some time, he found the creature by a lake, tending to its wounds. It moaned as it licked its tail, sipping the blood which oozed from its appendage. When it saw Inuyasha, it hissed and made a move to stand.
Inuyasha drew his sword and barked, "Think carefully, demon! Or your next move will be your last!"
"You fools!" it growled. "You trespassed into my forest and you dare to threaten me?"
The worm demon stood up again and from its tail another limb formed. It branched out, three, then four at a time, whipping back and forth. The creature aimed its new legs at Inuyasha, ready to attack. Inuyasha dodged each blow with a hop. He leapt up into the air.
"Blades of blood!" he barked. Sharp, crimson daggers cut into the demons' legs and chopped off two, but where two once stood, four more sprouted.
The demon's fury knew no bounds, and his movements became uncoordinated, not meant to be predicted. It let its limbs fly in every direction, aiming to hit Inuyasha no matter where he jumped. Though Inuyasha was able to block nearly every attack, with a jump and a whiz, the demon managed to hit him.
Shocked and disoriented, he flung into a tree. Leaves scattered and more birds flew away, crying into the early sky. Inuyasha fell to the ground and attempted to jump to a new spot, but the creature was able to hit him once again, this time on his head. With a roar, Inuyasha fell to the floor, unconscious.
Miroku and Sango cried out to Inuyasha but he made no move to stand, so they took things into their own hands, making sure to steer clear from the monster's limbs. Miroku once again placed sutras on Sango's Hiraikotsu, and with a cry, she threw it. The beast, distracted by its semi-triumphant victory over Inuyasha, did not see it coming, and it rammed into it, splitting it in two.
With one last roar, the demon fell to the ground, dead.
Miroku and Sango quickly ran to Inuyasha's side. When they were able to hold him up, they called out to him, but he would not wake.
Inuyasha awoke with a start. He found himself in a dark room, settled on a cot on the ground. It was night time and the moon let in a gentle beam from the window at the edge of the place. It blanketed a pale shimmer over a thick wool blanket. He picked it up, away from his chest and noticed it was bare. Sweat beaded from his skin as if he had just pulled through from a fight within the depths of the Under World.
He pulled the layer completely away from him and made a move to stand. His knees buckled from under him and he fell with a thud. He groaned and turned himself to the ceiling, wondering what had happened to make him feel so weak. When he felt ready, he attempted to sit up. He managed to do so and focused on his surroundings. He tried to make out where he was, yet he could not recognize the hut. A pile of clothes stood at the door of his room. Clothes that had to have belonged to him since he was as naked as the day he was born. He rubbed his head and winced when he felt a lump the size of a pebble at the back of it.
"Guess I hit myself," he mumbled.
Next to his clothes was some sort of table with a one layered drawer at the top of it. He crawled slowly toward it and checked inside of its interior, finding a brush, some oil, and a knife made for cutting parchment. He frowned.
"Whose place is this?"
Lifting his nose, he took a whiff of the area and clearly detected his scent in nearly every aspect of the property. Someone was cooking food nearby too and it smelled wonderful to him; so much so, his stomach growled.
And yet, another scent filled his nostrils; one he recognized more clearly than any stream. He found a sword close to his clothes. It remained in a black sheath, with a hilt that had pale wraps around it. After putting his pants and shirt on, he grabbed the sword and used it as a cane to help him stand. He leaned against the nearest wall and walked to the scents that beckoned.
As he drew closer, he found that he could hardly contain himself. Excitement permeated his every nerve and he caught himself smiling. When he made it to the outside of the hut, he saw a group of people sitting close to a fire. A man, dressed like a monk, sat next to a woman with black hair. Children played behind them, near a lamp post, squealing and laughing. Another man, this one much younger, sat close to a woman, talking about a subject Inuyasha could not make out. He thought he heard them mention his half brother's name, but he must have misheard.
They didn't know him, nor he them.
Inuyasha's gaze then met that of another woman. The woman, whose back sat in front of him, as straight and as sharp as only he could ever remember.
He breathed a sigh of relief, happy to finally find something, or rather, someone he recognized. She was here. Everything was normal. Everything was okay.
As if she recognized his presence, she turned around slowly and met his amber eyes. Quiet filled the group as she stood before him and beamed. It was simply beautiful, as was her face, a thing so white and as precious as the moon. With her gaze set on his, the world became right again and he smiled in return.
Then he whispered her name. The most beautiful name.
"Hello, Kikyou."