Chapter 8
Hey guys! Aren't you shocked? I ACTUALLY POSTED A CHAPTER ON TIME! Here it is, the long-awaited reunion between Kagome and Shippo.
Also, as a warning, Sesshomaru is very OOC in this chapter. Hope you guys don't mind too much. Anyways, enough of my jabbering, please enjoy, and don't forget to R&R!
Again, I have no Beta, so I'm sorry for any mistakes. I went through and tried to fix them all, but I could have very easily missed some.
SHOUT-OUT to all my favs, reviewers, and followers!
Now, as for the Poll, here are the votes so far:
Demon wolf pup-3
Demon pup (as in a dog, instead of a wolf)-1
Another tiger cub-1
Dog version of Kilala (would that be considered an Inumata? Lol)-2
Another person-1
Demon Fox (Not like Shippo, but an actual fox)-2
Please don't forget to vote. The voting period will end when I post CH. 9… On which, I will announce the winner of the Poll. Also, as a reminder, you can only vote twice per suggestion, BUT you can vote for as many different suggestions as you would like. You can even go back to previous chapters, and add your votes there, if you want.
Now, without further ado, ON WITH THE SHOW!
'Thinking'
"Talking"
"Whispering"
"Demon Language"
'Kaia'
'Gin'
'Bali'
'Kagome'
The next morning found Kagome, her streak, and Sesshomaru walking towards the Western Castle. She was equal parts anxious, guilty, and excited.
She was anxious and excited to see her son again, and let him know that she was indeed, alright. However, she also felt guilt over the fact that he thought she was dead in the first place, as well as the extreme changes in his personality that Sesshomaru had informed her of the night before. She felt that it was completely her fault that it happened. She sincerely hoped that once he knew she was alright, he would return to his former, happy and bubbly self.
She wasn't naïve. She knew that no matter what, he wouldn't be exactly the same, but she could hope that he would at least change for the better. The world didn't need two Sesshomarus. It might combust… Or freeze over.
She giggled at that thought. Oblivious to the looks her traveling companions were sending her, Kagome continued in her musings. Suddenly, she looked up at Sesshomaru, who was walking in front of her.
"Aniki, how much farther are we from the castle?" She asked him.
Pausing briefly, Sesshomaru answered her without looking back. "If we continue to walk at this pace, we will arrive in two days' time."
Even though he couldn't see her, Kagome nodded.
Then, she got an idea; She wanted to play a game. After briefly speaking to Kaia and the twins, she turned to Taisho, who was walking beside her and gently tugged on his sleeve to get his attention.
Bending down to her height, Taisho had to stifle the urge to shiver in delight as the Demoness Miko at the feeling of her hot breath as she began whispering in his ear. Hearing her plans, he couldn't help but chuckle. His son was in for a surprise.
Nodding to let her know he was agreeable, she grinned mischievously as she began creeping up behind Sesshomaru.
She moved silently, closing in on her unsuspecting prey. Within seconds, she was upon him. And then, she struck.
"You're it!" Came a loud voice from behind him. Sesshomaru froze as he felt her tap him on his shoulder. Turning his head to look at his heart sister in surprise, he couldn't help but stare at her in confusion. She was standing just behind him with a Cheshire grin plastered on her face. Then it clicked. Smirking, he turned his body to face her. Bending down, he whispered one word in her ear.
"Run."
Kagome squeaked, before turning and running like a bat out of hell, and without a second's pause, Sesshomaru was hot on her heels.
Taisho shook his head in amusement as he watched the Miko and his son get caught up in a game of tag, listening to the bouts of laughter and little squeals from her, when Sesshomaru got too close, as well as the deep chuckles and surprisingly enough, short barks of laughter that came from his son.
Yes, it was a childish game. However, he also knew that it was something the two of them needed. They needed a chance to have fun and let go of their worries. To reassure themselves that the other was there, alive and well, by being together and doing something familiar. He knew from the Miko's stories that she would often play this game with her son whenever given the chance. Sesshomaru had never gotten roped into the game back when he had traveled with the Inutachi, but right now, that was exactly what he needed, and somehow, Kagome instinctively knew that.
When pups are young, they often play and roughhouse with the other pups around, and Sesshomaru had been no different. However, after the death of his mother, the young pup had slowly turned into the cold, distant male he was now. It warmed Taisho's heart greatly, to see that, the ice around his eldest son's heart had finally melted. He had finally learned the answer to the question that Taisho had asked him that fateful day.
Do you have something to protect?
Yes. His heart-sister, the Miko-Demoness Kagome.
Hours later, Kagome and Sesshomaru had exhausted themselves, and were now lying in a heap next to a fire that Taisho had built once it was clear they weren't leaving any time soon. Taisho and the felines of the group were gone for the moment, hunting for everyone's supper.
"Imouto…" Sesshomaru started questioningly, as he moved onto his side to look at her, propping his head on his hand.
"Yes Aniki? What is it?" She answered, mirroring his movements.
"What are your feeling for my father?" He asked, deciding to get straight to the point.
Immediately, Kagome blushed, before sighing. "I honestly don't know. I mean, I like him, but we haven't known each other very long. He is a great person, but I don't know how he views me. He keeps sending mixed signals." She stated truthfully, rolling on her back to look up at the night sky.
"What do you mean?" Sesshomaru asked, confused.
"Well, for instance, sometimes during our grooming sessions, it feels as though he is spending extra time on me and treating me differently than the rest of the streak; Almost like how you would treat a mate. But later, he acts like nothing is out of the ordinary. And sometimes, I would almost swear he is staring at me, but whenever I look, he is always looking somewhere else. I don't know. Maybe I'm just imagining things or reading too much into it, but it confuses me. I do know that I refuse to act or treat him any other way than I do now, until I know for sure, though. I'll not put myself back out there, just to get hurt again. I learned the hard way and will not repeat the same mistakes I did with Inuyasha." She said with conviction.
Sesshomaru smiled at her, his chest filling up with pride at her attitude.
"Very wise choice, Imouto. Just remember, even though you aren't actively looking to advance your relationship with Father, doesn't mean you should completely close your heart to him either. He is very honorable, and if he decides to give his heart to you, you will have no doubt that it is yours, and yours alone. Give it time. What will be, will be." He said.
Kagome nodded, but stayed silent. She could sense the rest of her streak returning.
Sesshomaru let the matter drop, knowing that the subject of their discussion was now within hearing distance.
After a few minutes of silence, Gin and Bali came sprinting out of the woods and jumped on Kagome. This soon turned into anther round of tag. This time, though, everyone was eventually roped into playing. Even Taisho, though the adults took turns keeping watch on the meat, so it didn't burn. Once dinner was finished, everyone ate their fill and retired for the night. Unlike the night before, they all slept in a 'Pack pile' as Taisho called it. Kagome was in the middle, while Kaia slept at her head, allowing the Miko to use her belly as a pillow. One either side of the woman, was Gin and Bali. Sesshomaru slept beside Gin, while Taisho took up the other end, sleeping beside Bali.
Kagome was awakened by the sun shining in her eyes. She yawned, smiling softly when she looked around at the sleeping forms of her streak. Slowly, so as not to wake up the others, she slipped out of the pile of bodies and stood.
Silently, she walked over to the dying fire and minutes later, had it once again going strong. She spitted the remaining meat from last night and set it up to cook. Hearing rustling behind her, she turned to see Kaia approaching her.
'Good morning' She said.
'Good morning Kagome. I trust you slept well?' Kaia responded.
Kagome nodded. 'Yes. How was your sleep?'
'Very well, thank you. How are you feeling?' Kaia asked, sitting down beside her streakmate.
'Depends on what you're talking about.' Kagome sighed.
She heard Kaia chuckle in her mind 'I'm talking about the upcoming reunion.'
Kagome sighed again. 'Honestly? I'm stressing out. I mean, I'm excited to see my son again, but I'm scared that he will be angry at me for making him worry that the worst has happened. I just don't want him to hate me.'
Kaia leaned against Kagome's side in support. 'Kagome, I hope this doesn't sound cruel, but you need to stop overthinking this. Remember what I said before. You put too little faith in the power of the love that everyone holds for you. Yes, there is the possibility that your kit will be mad for a while, but he will never hate you. He will be happy that you are alive and will understand once you explain your side of things to him. All it takes is time, and you my dear Miko-Demoness, have nothing but.'
'I know. You're right, I'm sorry. I just can't help but put too much thought in such things. I don't know why," Kagome said.
Kaia stayed silent. She believed she knew why but refused to say so out loud.
After everything she had been told about Inuyasha, and how he had treated Kagome, she felt that it was his fault her friend had such little confidence in herself, and worried so much about the reactions of those around her.
Although Kagome had never said so out loud, Kaia knew by reading between the lines that at certain points, Inuyasha had been borderline cruel in his treatment of her until the two had decided to stay friends. Even then, however, to say he still hadn't been the nicest would have been putting it mildly.
Even after all the time they had spent traveling together, Inuyasha had still refused to call Kagome by her given name, well up to the time she left to travel by herself. He had always resorted to calling her 'Wench, Idiot, or Bitch', among various others.
'What I wouldn't give to see that Hanyou be taught a lesson on how to treat others… Or better yet, do the teaching myself.' The tigress thought, an evil glint entering her eyes.
The two females fell into a companionable silence, each lost in thought, until the others started rousing from their sleep. The smell of cooking meat awakening them. After breakfast was eaten, they all cleaned up camp and went on their way.
Three days later, they finally arrived at the Western Castle around midday. They all went inside, where Kagome and Taisho were given rooms (The tigers would be sharing Kagome's room) and left to clean up before Kagome was to be reunited with her son.
After her bath, Kagome, Kaia, Gin, and Bali were all shown to the study by a servant. Upon entering, they saw that Taisho and Sesshomaru were all present.
It was decided that Kagome would stay hidden while Shippo was introduced to Taisho first. Then Sesshomaru and Taisho would leave Shippo 'alone' in the study, so that when she revealed herself, she and Shippo would be able to reunite in relative privacy, since the Tora would all be with her as well, though they would be staying hidden until Kagome called them out.
They were to stay within lunging distance just as a precaution, in case Shippo thought it to be a trick and attacked. Sesshomaru didn't think it would happen, but it was better to err on the side of caution in such a delicate situation as this. Even he didn't know exactly how the Kitsune would react.
Sesshomaru had Shippo summoned to the study. While waiting on his arrival, Kagome used a barrier to hide her scent and aura, as well as those of her protectors, and moved to the far corner of the study, where she would remain unseen until Sesshomaru and Taisho left.
When Shippo finally entered, Kagome immediately had to bite back a gasp. Shippo, her rambunctious, happy-go-lucky kit, had grown up into a handsome male. His long red hair was held in a high ponytail, though the end reached his waist. He was the same height as Sesshomaru and looked every bit as poised and deadly as the Inu Lord. He was dressed in an outfit similar to Sesshomaru's, although his was a teal blue, with tan leaves on the collar and sleeves. He also had a sword at his side, although unlike the Inu, he wore no armor. However, Kagome didn't notice any of that. Instead, the thing she did notice was his blank, emotionless face.
What broke her heart the most however, were his eyes. His once bright, emerald green eyes had dulled, and looked to have no life in them at all. It seemed as though he was merely there. Going through the motions, but not quite living. It took everything she had not to ruin the surprise and run over to him, so she could pull him into her arms. In that moment, she was thankful for her scent barrier, because she had tears streaming down her face, and she knew that even if she wanted to, she wouldn't have been able to stop them.
Kaia and Gin licked her hands and arms in an attempt to comfort her and calm her down, while Bali allowed her to lean on her for support.
Kagome was brought back to herself by the sound of the study door shutting. Looking around the room, she noticed that Shippo was now standing in the middle of the room by himself, with his back turned towards her.
After slowly dredging up the nerve to remove herself from her hiding spot, Kagome took a deep breath, and let it out silently.
Finally, she stepped away from the corner, and into full view, dropping her barriers as she did so. Immediately, Shippo turned, a snarl on his face as he instinctively placed his hand on the hilt of his sword.
Upon seeing her, however, he froze. His face turned as white as a sheet. Suddenly, he dropped to his knees, as if they could no longer hold him up. She was unable to see his face, because his bangs were hiding it from view. As soon as he hit the ground, Kagome rushed over to him. Kneeling in front of him, she hesitated. She didn't know how he would react if she pulled him into an embrace, like she so wished to.
"Mama." He whispered brokenly, looking up at her.
"Yes Shippo, it's me. I'm really here. I'm so sorry, if I had known what you all thought, I'd have travelled my feet raw just to come back to you. I'm so sorry, my Shippo, my baby." She said, just as quietly, moving her hands to hug herself in order to keep from launching at him.
He slowly rose a shaky hand towards her, before gently caressing her face. She leaned into his hand as he stared deeply into her eyes, as if searching for something. He must have found whatever it was he was looking for, because in the next second, Kagome found herself on her bottom as he hugged her as strongly as he could. Kagome started sobbing quietly as she returned the embrace ten-fold. She was flooded with relief, knowing now that her worries had all been for naught. She let go of all her anxiety, allowing her them to melt away. Now that she had her son, she would gladly face the entire world, knowing that he would be there to give her strength. She felt as if a huge weight had been lifted off her shoulders as she held him to her.
When she realized she wasn't the only one crying, Kagome began rocking side to side humming a light tune and rubbing Shippo's back soothingly, just like she used to when he was younger. This also helped to reassure herself that he was really there in front of her, holding her to him like she was his lifeline. Eventually, both of them calmed down enough to pull away from each other, and Kagome was doubly relieved to see that the light was back in her son's eyes, and they were once again bright, and full of happiness.
She was thrilled when he looked at her and smiled hugely, as he began speaking, but it was short-lived though, because as he asked his questions, he frowned.
"Oh Mama, I'm so glad you're ok! What happened? Sesshomaru, Inuyasha and I all looked for you, for two whole years, but could never find a trace of you. We all thought you were dead."
Kagome sighed sadly but answered him. She explained how she had almost been killed by the bandit and was saved by Kaia. How she had travelled to find them, but never did. She told him about the twins, her transformation, meeting Taisho for the first time, and everything in between. She even went so far as to tell him about her worries and fears that no one had even tried looking for her in her absence.
Shippo listened to it all with rapt attention. To Kagome's relief, his face once again showed his emotions and what he was seemingly thinking. She watched as he scowled, grinned, rolled his eyes, and frowned during certain parts of her story. She was glad to see that her son was already softening back up. It warmed her heart immensely.
Shaking his head in exasperation when she finished, Shippo sighed sadly. "Inuyasha really did a number on you back then, didn't he Mama?" He stated more than asked.
At Kagome's confused look, he elaborated. "Those tigers of yours were right. All that matters to me is that you're alive, and are here now. I wouldn't care if you had turned into the female version of Jaken!" Here, Kagome grimaced, shivering in disgust. "You really do think too lowly of yourself, and we all know Inuyasha is to blame for that. Even he knows it."
He stopped her as she went to protest. "No, do not defend him. Everyone who has ever been around you two for more than five minutes knows exactly what I'm talking about. You were always the only one that never saw it for what it really was, nor did you notice what it did to you, either." Here, she frowned, but didn't even try to dispute his claims, knowing deep down that they were indeed true.
"Look, I'm not trying to upset you. All I'm saying is that Inuyasha is the reason why you think so lowly of yourself, and you can't even try to deny it. We all have wished that you hadn't lost your self-confidence. However, know that now that you're back, I will do everything I can to help you regain it. And I will gladly kill anyone who even thinks of trying to ruin it again." Here, his eyes took on a murderous look, which Kagome was unaccustomed to seeing from her Kit.
"Anyways, I got off topic. What I was trying to say, is that as long as you're here, nothing else is important right now. We will deal with everything else as it comes, and I'm sure I can speak for the whole of our old group when I say that it doesn't matter what you are, Mama. You will always be our Kagome, and nothing, not even the Kami themselves, can change that."
Kagome was so touched by what he said that this time it was her who knocked him over with her embrace. He soothingly rubbed her back, much like she had done to him minutes before, while she cried, letting out all her pent-up emotions. Once her sobs had calmed to hiccups, she pulled away and looked up at him, smiling when she saw him gazing back at her with eyes that were full of the love and understanding that only one's child could give.
"Thank you Shippo. Even after all these years, you still knew exactly what I needed to hear… Even if I don't want to hear it." She said, that last part in rueful tone.
"Of course. That's what I'm here for." Shippo said, grinning.
Just then, she remembered that they had a small audience, so Kagome called the felines over to them and formally introduced them to Shippo.
She was happy to see that they all got along well, although she'd had little doubt in the first place.
Watching her son and streakmates conversing happily made Kagome feel something she hadn't felt in a long time. Complete contentment.
She was suddenly more excited and at ease with the thought that soon, she would have all of her friends and second family with her again.
She couldn't wait.
A/N
Well? What did you guys think? Constructive criticism is welcomed, flames are not!
Did you guys like the reunion, or did you think it was sort of lackluster? I'm not all that great at really emotional scenes like that, so I'm sorry if some of you were disappointed.
Also, I know that the very end of this chapter seems a little rushed, but it's 6 o'clock in the morning, and honestly, I'm too tired to think of another way to end it. I wanted to get this chapter finished as soon as possible, so I could post it. I feel bad for making you guys wait so long in between chapters. I hope this makes up for it, at least a little bit. Until next time!
-MSP
