Chapter 1:
A Fleeting Peace
"Evil doesn't die. It never dies. It just takes on a new face, a new name. Just because we've been touched by it once, it doesn't mean we're immune to ever being hurt again. Lightning can strike twice."
― Tess Gerritsen, The Surgeon
Prompt: Amaranthine by Amaranthe
Kagome held the newest addition to Sango and Miroku's family in her arms. The babe, a boy, was wailing, screaming for his mother's embrace. It was a beautiful sound; the sound of life. Warm tears rolled down Kagome's cheeks and she gave Sango a watery smile as she handed the newborn boy to his mother.
"He's beautiful, Sango," Kagome said over the screams of the newborn.
The youkai-slayer turned mother reached for her son with shaking hands. Sango's body screamed in protest but as soon as her son was in her arms everything stilled. She stopped shaking, stop hurting. The newborn opened his eyes as Sango began to soothe him. His cries died down and he looked up at his mother with the curiosity only a newborn could have.
"Hi there, Kenshiro. I'm your mama," Sango said softly as she placed one of her fingers in the boy's tiny hands. The woman then looked up to Kagome and smiled at the small Miko. "Kagome?" she asked.
Kagome scooted forward on her knees until she was closer to Sango, her face matching that of the youkai-slayer's, radiating happiness. "What is it?" Kagome asked as she reached out to smooth back Sango's soaked bangs from her face.
"I... I was wondering," Sango paused and bit her lip softly. "Would you be Kenshiro's godmother?"
Eyes widening, Kagome couldn't stop the new flood of tears that ran from her eyes. "I'd love to!"
Sango smiled widely and reached out with her free arm to pull Kagome into a firm embrace, mindful of Kenshiro between them.
As they pulled from each other, Miroku poked his head into the hut, his eyes glittering as they fell on his wife and newborn son. He pushed back the screen and with a quick pace, moved until he was standing over his family. Kagome smiled at him when Miroku looked to her, it was one he returned gratefully.
Miroku knelt beside Sango while Kagome rose to her feet at the same time. She said quiet goodbyes and moved outside of their home, wanting to give the family privacy. Kagome squinted as she stepped into the sunlight, and she held up a hand to shield her crystal blue eyes. Kaede, who had been silent while cleaning herself from the birthing fluids, followed along after the younger Miko.
"Kagome," Kaede said gently.
Kagome turned to look at Kaede and then leaned in to hug the woman tightly. Kaede returned the hug with a fierceness that surprised Kagome, but in the end, she realized that the last time Kaede had seen her had been before the last fight against Naraku and the Shikon no Tama. Kaede was probably relieved to see her again.
"I am glad thy have returned to us, Kagome," Kaede said as she pulled back to look over the woman in front of her. "And my goodness, thy have grown up! Ye have always been attractive, Kagome, but now ye are simply breath-taking! Soon it will be thy child I welcome into the world; ye will have many men after thy hand, I promise ye that."
Kagome laughed and blushed prettily, feeling like she was getting praise from a grandmother she had not seen in years. It wasn't far from the truth, either. Kaede was like a grandmother, she always had been since the first moment Kagome met her.
"Thank you," Kagome murmured as she tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, her face still slightly pink from the blush.
"Lady Kagome?" the voice of a young woman came off to the side.
Kagome looked from Kaede to the source of the voice and smiled as she saw Yuki, the woman who had become Inuyasha's wife and mate. Next to Yuki stood two other women who looked to be about Kagome and Yuki's age. The three women smiled nervously at Kagome before Yuki bowed slightly, then stepped closer to her.
"We..." she paused to gesture to the two women behind her, "Were wondering if you would join us as we bathe – I mean you just did exit a birthing room, surely you must want to fresh up? Forgive me if our request is odd, but we have always wanted to meet and speak with you."
Kagome blinked rapidly, shocked at Yuki's question. They wanted to meet her!? Kagome laughed nervously and held up her hands, shaking them slightly. "I-I wouldn't mind, but only if you just call me Kagome."
Yuki's face lit up with a smile and the two women behind her squealed with excitement. "Thank you so much, Kagome! We will return shortly!"
The gaggle of women ran off excitedly, possibly to gather what they would need to bathe with. Kagome, still slightly confused, looked back to Kaede.
"What... What was that?" Kagome asked.
Kaede laughed, her head tilting back slightly. "Ye became popular after the fight with Naraku. Many of the women and children here adore ye."
Kagome blushed yet again then cleared her throat. "I should, uh... I should probably go get my stuff. I think I left my bag in the well," she said.
Kaede gave her a knowing smile and nodded. "I will see ye later, then. Join me for dinner before ye retire for the night?"
"I will, promise!" Kagome chirped.
As she watched Kaede leave, Kagome turned her mind to the well. She was half afraid to jump into it again, wondering if Ryura of the modern era had been mistaken about the well not working after this last time. Kagome wasn't fond of the idea of going back to the future only to be stuck there, not after she had met up with almost everyone again.
Kagome bit her lip as she walked, thinking if she should just forget about the bag or ask someone else to get it for her. If it was Ryura or Sesshoumaru and she explained why she was afraid to get it herself, Kagome was sure they would understand.
Her mind flew to Ryura as his grinning face passed through her mind's eye, and Kagome unintentionally bit down on her lip harder. What had Ryura meant before he pushed her into the Bone-Eater's Well? He asked her who she thought his mate was, and then he kissed her. Did Ryura mean Kagome was his mate? It would explain a lot, especially his actions over the three years she had been near him.
Kagome's heart tattooed against her ribs and she inhaled sharply through her nose. The action caused her to suck in her lower lip at the same time, and it was then she tasted blood.
"Uh-oh," Kagome muttered. She remembered the last time she had done that, bit her lip until it bled, when Sesshoumaru had broken Tenseiga over the Tessaiga, completing the fang and making Inuyasha its true master.
Ryura had kissed her, quite forcibly – not that Kagome minded – to get her to stop chewing on her lip.
"Remember this. The next time you chew on your lip it is going to happen again," he had said to her.
Kagome nervously looked around, then sighed with relief. Ryura was nowhere to be seen. It wasn't that she didn't want him to kiss her again. Kagome just didn't want her making her lip bleed be the reason for him kissing her. With that in mind, she quickly wiped away the blood on her lip, then hurried her trek to the well.
When she arrived, Kagome came across Sesshoumaru and his pack lounging together in the sun. Well, Sesshoumaru wasn't lounging. Kagome didn't think he could lounge. The Inu Daiyoukai was sitting in the clearing with his back against the Bone-Eater's Well.
Rin however, was definitely lounging. The teenager was sprawl out on her back in the position of a star and next to her, laying against her side, rested Mikazuki. Mikazuki was Sesshoumaru's son, and there was no way Sesshoumaru would ever be able to deny the boy. He had Sesshoumaru's colorings. Silver-white hair, molten gold eyes, pale skin that just seemed to fit, and dark crimson markings on either side of his cheeks.
Kagome smiled as she moved past the sleeping pair and made her way for Sesshoumaru. As Kagome neared him, his eyes opened and he tilted his head back to look up at her.
"I was expecting you to stay with the slayer," he rumbled lowly to not wake up his sleeping children.
Kagome laughed softly. "She and Miroku are bonding with Kenshiro. I didn't want to intrude," she said just as softly as he spoke.
"They chose Kenshiro?" Sesshoumaru asked and Kagome nodded. "It is a befitting name; health and spirituality," the Inu Daiyoukai remarked.
"I was thinking the same thing," Kagome said with a small grin. "Sango asked me to be his godmother."
"I take it you accepted?" Sesshoumaru asked, already knowing the answer.
"Mm-hmm," Kagome answered with a nod.
Sesshoumaru fell silent and Kagome took the chance to lean over the edge of the well and peer into the darkness. At the bottom she could faintly make out the outline of her bag that was haphazardly thrown together in her rush to return. Kagome then sighed softly and moved away from the well.
"Something is wrong." It wasn't a question.
Kagome looked back to Sesshoumaru. "Nothing bad... My bag's just at the bottom. I'm afraid to go get it, because I don't want to chance it working and getting stuck in the future again," Kagome paused before asking, "W-would you get it for me, please, Sesshoumaru?"
Sesshoumaru rose to his feet without saying a word, stepped up on the lip of the well, and jumped down in one fluid motion. He was out of the well as fast as he entered it, Kagome's bag gripped in his left hand. Sesshoumaru handed it to her, and Kagome accepted it with a smile.
"Thank you so much!"
Sesshoumaru nodded and took a seat on the ground again. As he settled, Kagome looked him over carefully. Sesshoumaru looked so different without his armor on. He still wore the fuzzy pelt and the gold and purple sash around his waist that held Bakusaiga and Tenseiga against his hip, but without his armor, Kagome felt like he didn't look complete. He looked older too, as if he finally finished aging into an adult. Sesshoumaru's profile was much more sharp and refined, gone were any traces of femininity he may have held before. The Inu Daiyoukai looked more mature. He appeared to have grown a few inches in height, too. From what Kagome remembered of seeing Touga after the fight against Sou'unga, Sesshoumaru now was his father's height.
Sesshoumaru was art in motion, perfection - it was as simple as that.
"Why are you staring?" Sesshoumaru asked, gaze returning to look at Kagome's face.
Being caught staring at Sesshoumaru made Kagome blushed and she stuttered. "I-I'm just not used to seeing you without your armor, is all."
"Hn," Sesshoumaru hummed. "Today is a special occasion, and considering who was at the gathering, there is no one foolish enough to attack," as he said this his eyes slid over to rest on his son.
No, no one was foolish enough to attack a group of people who held not only two Daiyoukai among them but also a powerful hanyou, a seasoned youkai-slayer (no matter if she was pregnant or not), a monk, and a Miko. They would have down right insane to have done such a thing, especially with Sesshoumaru's son and daughter near. You just did not screw with an Inu Daiyoukai's children, as Naraku learned a little too late.
Kagome followed Sesshoumaru's gaze and she smiled at the sight of Mikazuki. "I love his name – crescent moon," she admitted. "If you don't mind my asking, who's his mother?"
"His mother is another Inu Daiyoukai, one of the last few females. Her name is Rei," Sesshoumaru answered without looking to Kagome.
"Rei? She has a very beautiful name," Kagome said with a smile. "Do you think I'd be able to meet her? I've always wanted to see who you would choose as a mate." Her smile turned into a playful grin.
Sesshoumaru looked to her then. "You may meet her, however, she is not my mate. I entered a political agreement with Rei, much like my sire did before me. The position as my mate is still open, and it will remain so. My standards are very high."
Kagome's mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water. She didn't know what to say to that, so she didn't say anything at all, mostly because she remembered Sesshoumaru stating he wished to have Kagome for a mate. Sesshoumaru smirked faintly as he looked away. An awkward silence fell between them.
Ryura chose the perfect moment to return and interrupt. He landed heavily on the grass beside the well with Tsuyoshi following him. Kagome spun to look at them and a smile split her face. She wanted to squeal seeing the water Dragon again, but managed to muffle it as she flung herself at Tsuyoshi. Kagome didn't want to wake Sesshoumaru's kids, after all.
Tsuyoshi grinned widely and quietly murmured, "It is wonderful to see you again, Lady Kagome. You have been sorely missed." He then wrapped his arms around Kagome's shoulders and crushed her against his chest. "Perhaps now Lord Ryura will be more manageable," he said in a mock whisper.
"I heard that," Ryura grumbled and Kagome laughed. Tsuyoshi released a chuckle of his own then let go of Kagome, taking a respectful step away from her.
Kagome eyed the spear resting against Tsuyoshi's back with a slight interest, reminding herself to speak to both Dragons about the training she received in the future. For now, however, she had to meet up with Yuki and the other women who wanted to bathe.
"I don't want to be rude, but I promised Inuyasha's wife I'd bathe with her and her friends so we could have privacy to speak," Kagome said with a soft smile.
"Of course, my Lady," Tsuyoshi said as he bowed his head.
Ryura however, grumbled again and folded his arms over his chest. "Speaking of Inuyasha... I need to find him. This time I'm going to make him rebuild my home."
"Do I want to know?" Kagome asked Tsuyoshi. The water Dragon simply shook his head, silently telling Kagome that no, she didn't want to know. Not right now, at least. Kagome laughed again, "I want to hear about that later, Ryura."
Ryura looked at Kagome and gave her a soft smile. "Of course. Go enjoy your bath."
Kagome waved to the Dragons then turned and bowed politely at Sesshoumaru. "Hopefully I'll get to see you before you leave. And thanks again, for getting my bag for me."
Sesshoumaru nodded once. "I will be leaving in the morning, so I am sure we will meet again, Kagome."
With one last smile to the men, Kagome turned and headed back to the village with a bounce in her step. She was beyond happy now.
Kagome released a soft, content sigh as she rested against one of the walls of the hot springs she was in. Yuki and her friends had left not too long ago, worried they were going to prune too much. Kagome, however, had no such fear of being pruned and happily stayed behind. It was the first time she was able to be alone since she returned, and Kagome wasn't about to pass up the chance to enjoy the silence while she could.
Smiling softly, Kagome thought a bit on Yuki. Inuyasha couldn't have chosen a better person to become mates with. Yuki was positively wonderful, and quite pretty with long dark brown hair and almost burgundy colored eyes. Top that off with near perfect skin and a smile that would blow the mind of any man, Inuyasha had done well for himself. Kagome could feel how pure the woman's soul was, and knew if anyone could care for Inuyasha, it would be Yuki.
Kagome looked around and giggled, just now realizing this was the same hot springs she had been at with Ryura. It had been the first time Kagome had washed the Dragon Daiyoukai's hair. And, like it had been before, the fog was so thick it was hard to see more than a foot in front of her face. Nostalgia surged within Kagome and a ghost of a smile touched her lips.
"Hm..." Kagome hummed out as she began to think about what she was going to do. Without Naraku and the Shikon no Tama plaguing the world, Kagome found her options open to many things.
Taking her place up as the Miko of the House of Storms seemed to be the most appealing to Kagome. After all, she still wore the attire that denoted her to be that Miko.
Another giggle bubbled up from Kagome's chest at thinking how some of the more stick-in-the-mud youkai were going to act when they met her. Kagome was no fool. She was well aware of the disdain most youkai held for humans, and the downright hate they stewed in for Miko. However, spending three years with two Dragon Daiyoukai only served to help Kagome's self-confidence. She wasn't arrogant, but she knew her place was an important one in the world. Never again would Kagome degrade herself as she had in the past and compare herself to another.
As Kagome sat within the hot springs, thinking on the past three years, she suddenly felt the urge to sing. These occurrences were rare, and Kagome had learned to never deny them, lest she risk randomly breaking out into song in front of a group of people. The idea only made her shudder.
Tilting her head back to rest against the rock behind her, Kagome's eyes fell closed and she gave into the urge. Within her mind she picked out a song, the last one she had listened to before returning to the past. The lyrics and music were hanging just at the forefront of her mind, and Kagome knew it would be the perfect song to sing.
"Time is the reason why we fight or stay alive, until the morning comes," she sang in a clear, bell-like tone. "It's a strive, but a shimmer in your eyes just makes me know that you and I belong. And you can light the dark up as your own, so let us show the world that the love is strong."
Unbeknownst to Kagome, Ryura was within ear-shot. He saw Yuki and the other women return without Kagome and immediately became worried, ending up with his current flight to her location to check on her. Ryura perched himself in a tree and decided to listen, curious as a cat. The fog was too thick for Ryura to see Kagome, but he could hear her perfectly.
"Like a sign, like a dream, you're my amaranthine. You are all I needed, believe me," Kagome continued her song. "Like a drift in a stream, your beauty's serene. There's nothing else in life I ever need, my dream amaranthine."
The pitch of Kagome's voice rose and fell when it was called for, and not once did she stop singing. "Time goes by as day and night are turning into years, but I'm lying in your arms. It's the place where I know I am closest to your heart when the darkest hours are upon. I know you feel the same as I inside; it feels like in a dream were we can fly."
Ryura shifted slightly from his perch, a small smile on his face.
"It's a sign, but the shadows in your eyes just lets me know; you're my amaranthine. Like a sign, like a dream, you're my amaranthine. You are all I needed, believe me," Kagome's voice trailed off as the song finally ended, and she smiled. Now she felt better.
Kagome rose from the hot springs and dried herself, dressing in a clean set of the Miko attire that was the exact copy as the one Ryura gifted her with so long ago, then she pulled out a brush from her bag. Humming the song she sang previously, Kagome sat down on a nearby rock and began brushing through her long black hair.
Above her, Ryura heard her shifting around and now he could easily hear the sounds of Kagome combing through her hair. It made a very specific sound, one that Ryura had never forgotten during the time was gone. He jumped from his perched and landed quietly beside the hot springs.
"Kagome?" he called. Kagome squeaked out of surprise then laughed. "Ryura!" she called out. "I'm decent if you want to come here."
Ryura grinned as he accepted the invitation and walked forward until the fog parted and revealed Kagome to him. The Dragon Daiyoukai took a quick step backwards as his eyes widened. Kagome was sitting atop a rock with her hair still damp resting over her shoulder as she gently brushed through it. Her head was slightly tilted, but Ryura could easily see the smile Kagome was giving him. It was a smile that reached her eyes. It was only then Ryura had realized how beautiful Kagome became during her absence. Before he had been too caught up in the excitement her return brought. Now, however, it was an entirely different story.
Shaking himself, Ryura returned her smile and held out his hand. "May I?"
Kagome blinked a few times, confused, but she was quick to realize what Ryura wanted. The Miko stood from her seat with a chuckle and moved towards him, holding out her brush for him to take. When it was in Ryura's hand, Kagome promptly took a seat on the ground. Ryura settled behind her, pure bliss running through him as he ran his long clawed fingers through her long locks.
"I missed this," Ryura admitted as he ran the brush through her hair.
Kagome giggled softly. "I did, too. I don't know why, but you in the future would never do this."
Ryura's motions paused for a moment and he frowned. "I can't see why. I absolutely love helping you care for your hair."
"Well, you were different in many ways. In the three years I was gone, I still don't think I'm used to that Ryura," Kagome said softly. "I missed this you. I was comfortable around that Ryura, but it felt like I didn't know him like I know you."
"Five hundred years is a long time," Ryura said as he worked both the brush and the fingers of his free hand through her hair, being mindful of his claws.
"It is," Kagome agreed. "Oh! Before I forget. Do you know where we could find a spare spear? I want to show you and Tsuyoshi something."
"An extra spear?" Ryura hummed thoughtfully as he thought. "The village guardians will possibly have one. Why?"
"It's a surprise," Kagome said playfully.
Ryura chuckled. "Very well. I will see what I can do."
As Ryura brushed Kagome's hair and gently, without cutting it on accident with his claws, placed it into a high tail kept together by a white ribbon, Kagome's eyes had fallen closed and she was humming again.
"That song," Ryura said suddenly. "What is it?"
Kagome turned to face Ryura now that he was finished with her hair. "It's from my era, and was the last song I heard before I returned." Kagome grinned then. "I was actually listening to it in your car."
"My...car?" Ryura asked. Touga had once explained to him what a car was on top of having seen many of them once when he visited her era and followed her to school, so he wasn't entirely ignorant. "For some reason, I can't imagine myself driving a car."
"I know! I said the same thing!" Kagome exclaimed. "It took me so long to get used to it."
Ryura laughed loudly. "I can imagine!"
They fell into a comfortable silence before Ryura asked the question that had been on his mind for some time now. "Kagome, what are you going to do now that you're back?"
Kagome ducked her head sheepishly as she glanced away. It took her a moment, but she replied. "I was thinking I could... um... go with you and Tsuyoshi," she said then looked up quickly. "I mean if you two don't mind! I was hoping I could help you as the Miko of your House."
Ryura gave Kagome a dazzling smile and took her hands in his, giving them a gentle squeeze. "We – no, I would enjoy that greatly, Kagome. You are sure that is what you wish for?"
Kagome nodded quickly. "I'm positive," she said, her voice full of confidence. Right as the words left her mouth Kagome was pulled against Ryura's chest and he was hugging her tightly. Kagome sighed, content, and nuzzled her face against his chest, thankful his armor was nowhere to be seen.
Ryura caressed the back of her neck with his knuckles, making Kagome shiver and goosebumps ripple over her skin. He grinned at the reaction and decided now was as good of time as any.
"Kagome," he murmured softly next to her ear. "If you'll allow it, I want to court you properly."
Kagome's heart began to race and she tilted her head back to look up at Ryura, searching for something in his eyes. The Miko only saw him gazing back at her seriously, and then Kagome smiled brightly. She gave a swift nod and before she could properly answer him with words, Ryura's lips were against Kagome's and he poured how elated and excited he was into the kiss.
Early the next morning, Kagome was outside Kaede's hut, stretching her arms high above her head. She released a groan and ran a hand through her hair. Ryura had taken out the tail it had been in the night before and Kagome fell asleep with him running his fingers through her unbound hair.
The Miko looked to the rising sun and grinned faintly. When Ryura returned with Tsuyoshi and an extra spear it would be time to give the Dragons their surprise. With that in mind Kagome ducked back into Kaede's hut and dressed in what she normally would while she trained with Tsuyoshi in the future – a plain white tank top and her black hakama. Tsuyoshi had always had her wear the boots that resembled Ryura's, much to her confusion at that time, but now she understood perfectly.
Throwing her hair haphazardly into a tail at the base of her neck, Kagome exited Kaede's hut once again. Kaede was just now beginning to rise and had greeted Kagome with a small smile and a nod.
"Do you have any idea what the surprise is?" Kagome heard Tsuyoshi ask.
Ryura's voice came next, "Not really, no. I'm in the dark as much as you are."
The two Dragons turned a corner and their eyes landed on her. Each gave Kagome a smile, Tsuyoshi following it up with a bow. Ryura was holding a plain spear in his left hand – well, plain compared to Tsuyoshi's spear which was strapped to his back.
"Good morning, you two!" Kagome said as they neared her.
"Good morning, Kagome," Ryura rumbled as he leaned forward and brushed his lips across her forehead in greeting.
Tsuyoshi eyed the two for a moment, not yet knowing they were courting. "Indeed. Good morning, Lady Kagome. I hope you slept well?"
Kagome stole a glance at Ryura and the Dragon Daiyoukai nodded. When she looked back to Tsuyoshi, Kagome gave him a grin. "I slept wonderfully. Ryura was sat close the entire night," she admitted. "And before you flip your lid, Tsuyoshi, Ryura asked me to court him yesterday. I agreed."
Tsuyoshi's face immediately split with a wide smile. "Wonderful! I cannot express with words how happy for you both, and wish you the best of luck. You have my full support."
Ryura held out the spear to Kagome, "Now what were you wanting to show us?"
Taking the spear from Ryura, Kagome gave a secret smile and moved away from Kaede's house. With her fingers, she motioned for Tsuyoshi to move away as well. The water Dragon hesitatingly did as Kagome silently suggested, eying her warily the entire time.
Kagome spun the spear deftly in her hands as she fell into an offensive position, and before the two men could react she leaped at Tsuyoshi. The action surprised Tsuyoshi, for he was expecting anything but this, and he only had enough time to hold up his armored left arm to guard against Kagome's attack. Sparks flew from the armor on his arm and he gave a soft growl.
"Lady Kagome?" he asked, not sounding too pleased. Kagome only pushed against his arm with the blade of the spear, a wide smirk on her face. Tsuyoshi growled again, deeper this time, and then with a powerful thrust, pushed Kagome away from him.
Tsuyoshi didn't even look at Ryura, who was watching with a shocked look, as he reached behind him an unhooked his spear from his back. He spun the spear in his clawed hands much as Kagome had, and shortly after, Kagome came for him again.
Back and forth the water Dragon and the Miko went, each striking out at each other. By now they had attracted a large crowd of villagers, a few of Kagome's friends included.
"Hell yeah, Kagome, kick his ass!" Inuyasha roared over the sound of all the chatter and clanging of metal on metal. Sesshoumaru, standing next to Inuyasha, gave a short roll of his eyes and turned them to look up at his son who was perched on his shoulder. "If I ever catch you speaking like your uncle, Mikazuki, you will regret it."
Mikazuki briefly tore his eyes away from the fight to nod at Sesshoumaru, "Yes, papa," he said.
Sesshoumaru gave a satisfied nod and looked back. Kagome was now running in a wide arch, those around her quickly jumping back to give her room as she ran. From her fingers burst forth a blue whip of reiki and she snapped it at Tsuyoshi. The whip smacked Tsuyoshi across the face, leaving behind a red streak. The water Dragon growled at the pain.
"Did she just..." Inuyasha sputtered.
"Steal a move of mine? I think she did," Sesshoumaru said, shocked. "I am unsure whether I should be impressed and proud, or shocked and worried."
Inuyasha laughed loudly. "Think she's gonna use it on you, eh?"
Sesshoumaru didn't answer the question, instead he watched the two fight, golden eyes flicking between the two as they clashed yet again.
Tsuyoshi hooked Kagome's spear in his own and the Miko found herself disarmed. Ryura had to jump forward and catch the spear right as it was about to hit one of the bystanders. Honestly, he had no idea what was going on, but the only reason he wasn't stopping Kagome and Tsuyoshi from fighting was because he was enjoying it a bit too much. It wasn't every day Ryura was able to see the woman he loved stand toe to toe with a four hundred year old water Dragon Daiyoukai. This was tossed into the mix with Ryura noticing Kagome was fighting a lot like Tsuyoshi.
Kagome hissed as Tsuyoshi's spear cut a line across her cheek. She had turned to the side just in time to avoid a wound that would have been much, much worse than a simple cut. Hopping back out of the range of Tsuyoshi's spear, Kagome called forth her reiki to her fingers, only to raise her hands high into the air then snap them back down to towards the earth.
Kagome had not just one whip, but two now. They smacked the ground hard, sending a cloud of dust shooting into the air. Tsuyoshi jumped towards her then and Kagome began to beat him back with the whips, but not without injury. Lines of red were slowly appearing all over her body. Her arms, chest, and even her legs were slowly bleeding and her clothes were becoming torn.
Tsuyoshi wasn't without injury himself, either. Large red welts were forming and he too sported torn clothing and bits of the armor he wore were smoking. He growled loudly and made for one final thrust. That single thrust ended with one of Kagome's whips wrapped around the shaft of Tsuyoshi's spear as the tip of the blade rested against her throat, cutting it slightly. Her other whip was wrapped around Tsuyoshi's neck. They could easily kill each other at the exact same time in this position.
Tsuyoshi's eyes blinked once, then grew wide. He stared down at Kagome as the anger faded quickly from his mind, and then he began to laugh, much to the shock of all who were watching. Kagome, however, held a light of mirth in her eyes, and Tsuyoshi realized what her "surprise" had been.
"I think that's enough," Ryura said as he walked over and began prying Tsuyoshi and Kagome apart from each other, a large grin on his face. He too realized Kagome's surprise and Ryura had to admit, he was impressed.
Kagome and Tsuyoshi backed down with the Miko's whips disappearing and Tsuyoshi replacing his spear on his back, making a mental note to clean it of Kagome's blood later on. The crowd around them began to thin until only the Inu brothers were left.
"What was that?" Inuyasha asked with a grin. "Too bad you didn't know how to do that in the past, huh?"
Kagome had to laugh and she nodded, "You're right!"
"I have to wonder, just how did you learn such a thing, Lady Kagome?" Tsuyoshi asked curiously.
Ryura, Inuyasha, and Sesshoumaru were curious too and waited for her answer. The Miko had begun to heal her cuts with a soft blue light pouring from the palms of her hand, so she didn't answer right away. Kagome saved the answer until she moved to begin healing Tsuyoshi, then she looked into his eyes and grinned.
"I wonder who could have ever taught me, Tsuyoshi-sensei," she said playfully.
Tsuyoshi jerked back slightly, looking Kagome up and down. "You mean...?"
"Yep! You taught me, five hundred years in the future!" Kagome chirped. "Ryura helped with the whips and both of you worked on helping me control my reiki."
"Huh..." Ryura grunted. "That does sound interesting. Would you be against continuing training?"
Tsuyoshi looked between his Lord and his future Lady. "If you would agree with it, I would gladly continue the lessons, Lady Kagome."
"I will help when I am able to, as well. After all, I am the one with energy whips," Sesshoumaru said.
Kagome chuckled, "Oh, Ryura had whips, too. Lightning whips," she said then looked between the three. "But sure, I'd love for you guys to help me! I actually enjoy this, even if I'm better at archery still."
"Whips... of lightning?" Ryura said thoughtfully. He saw a great potential in such a thing, and he had to silently wonder if his future self had whips of lightning due to Kagome's influence in the past. Good Kami, what a confusing circle!
The day had passed slowly for the village. Sesshoumaru had departed shortly after speaking with Kagome a bit about her training on whips of energy. Mikazuki, of course, had left with him with Rin staying behind in the village.
Kagome was now visiting with her friends, after Sango had been given a clean bill of health by Kaede. They had gathered at the clearing the Sacred Tree sat in and were chattering away merrily over dinner.
The Miko popped a piece of roasted boar meat into her mouth and moaned softly. There was nothing that tasted like this in the modern era, and she sorely missed it.
"You do realize," Ryura said beside her, "We are eating the exact meal as we did when we met again, Kagome?"
Kagome blinked and looked up to him, then at the others. "You're right..." she said with a soft chuckle.
"We are!" Sango said as she held Kenshiro against her. "Speaking of that, are you sure you have to leave so soon, Kagome?"
Shippou bounced around in his spot on Kagome's other side, "Yeah, Kagome! We just got you back!"
Kagome ruffled Shippou's hair with her free hand. "It's not like I'll be gone forever! Ryura and Tsuyoshi just need to return soon, and I want to go with them."
"Lady Kagome is correct," Miroku said. "I am positive if we wish to see her, or if she wants to see us, not a lot could stop it now."
Ryura nodded. "Of course. I would not deny Kagome the presence of her family," he said as he gave Kagome a soft smile.
Inuyasha, sitting next to Miroku, shuddered. "It's going to take so long to get used to you two being together." The hanyou stuck his tongue out at the thought.
"Well it better not take too long, Inuyasha! Those beads still work, you know!" Kagome quipped and Inuyasha froze. "If I hear one snarky comment..."
"You wouldn't..." he said.
"I so would, and you know it," Kagome retorted, earning a round of laughter from those gathered, even Yuki. She had heard many times about the subjugation command and deep within her, she was kind of hoping she would be able to see it just once.
Time passed by quickly until everyone felt it time to return to their homes. Ai and Mana, the twin daughters of Sango and Miroku, had fallen asleep a few hours after dinner, and Kenshiro was sleeping deeply against his mother. Inuyasha carried his sleeping wife with Shippou's dead to the world form over his shoulder.
Kagome had bid them goodbyes for now as they left, and when they disappeared into the dark of night, she smiled happily.
Ryura watched her from his spot by the fire with a gentle look in his eyes. He found himself, yet again, thanking whatever Kami listening for giving Kagome back to him. There were so many things Ryura found himself needing to do once he returned to his lands, and his mind was swirling around with everything until Tsuyoshi gently cleared his throat.
"Lord Ryura, you may wish to tell Lady Kagome of what is happening the East," he said.
Sighing softly, Ryura nodded and motioned for Kagome to sit beside him. When she neared him, Ryura pulled Kagome to sit in his lap and he rested his chin on the crown of her head. He waited for a long moment before beginning to speak, allowing Kagome to adjust to sitting on him. This was new, for the both of them.
"We will be needing to meet with the Lord of the Southern Isles along with Sesshoumaru soon," Ryura said. "The Lord of the Northern Isles is beginning to become angry."
Kagome blinked and looked to Tsuyoshi, who only nodded gravely. "Why?" she asked.
"That, dear one, is because he feels the House of Storms should not rule over the Eastern Territories anymore. In his eyes, I have apparently lost my honor to claim such a title as Lord as my own because of my actions with the Four War Gods," Ryura rumbled softly.
"That's stupid!" Kagome exclaimed. "You helped kill Naraku! If it wasn't for you and my dad, I wouldn't have had enough courage to stand up to the Shikon no Tama!"
"He does not see it as enough to make up for my actions, or the actions of my siblings along with Ryuukotsusei," Ryura explained in a calm tone. He was trying to keep Kagome from flying off the handle in anger.
"Well, screw him. He can go jump off a cliff for all I care," Kagome huffed as she folded her arms roughly over her chest. In front of them, Tsuyoshi snorted with laughter.
"Lord Ryura said almost the same when this information was given to us," Tsuyoshi said after he calmed down. "Only he used much more colorful language."
"Oi, don't go ratting me out, Tsuyoshi. I've heard some colorful language from you too!" Ryura bit out.
Kagome laughed in his arms and Ryura tightened his grip slightly with a grin on his face.
"Either way, I worry the Northern Lord may attempt to attack the East," Ryura explained further. "If that happens, we will have a war on our hands, and the House of Storms has not had enough time to recover – not enough to keep up with the army we would be facing. I will have to call on our allies should the worst come to pass."
"His army? How big is it?" Kagome asked.
"Roughly over a hundred thousand strong, all full-blooded youkai. He also has a squad made up purely of Daiyoukai as well, totaling to over a hundred," Tsuyoshi answered. "The races range from Inu to Dragons, to Kitsune. It is even rumored the Lord of the North has somehow managed to recruit a few Tengu."
Kagome's eyes widened with disbelief. When it rained, it poured.
A.N.:
Here it is, the first chapter of the sequel to After the Fall! If you haven't read it, I highly suggest you do, or you'll be REALLY confused. Also, the song Kagome was singing is the same song as the prompt listed at the start of the chapter. Hope you guys enjoy it!
~Leoncia