Chapter Twelve – Kagome
Sesshoumaru held Kagome in his grasp, shaking uncontrollably. Why? Why did she have to die? It wasn't supposed to end this way, she was supposed to be Naraku's end? How could have he been hers? The young Prince stood with his little miko in his arms. His eyes were a dull lifeless gold. Inuyasha had already regained consciousness and gapped at what he saw, his best friend was gone. He held Sango close as she sobbed whilst Miroku numbly went to Kouga's aid
"Kagome" Sango shook as she extended her hand to the young miko in Sesshoumaru's arms, she so desperately wanted to see her friend's sea-green eyes flutter open whilst that heart-warming smile graced her features. But it wouldn't happen. Inuyasha pulled Sango to his feet and approached his brother. He looked down at Kagome's cold, pale, lifeless form and let out a shaky breath
"W-what happened? How could Naraku manage this?"
"He desired something from me, I explained what he desired wasn't an object and so he killed Kagome before I could explain" Sesshoumaru's voice was ghostly "He had managed to pull her into his barrier before I could get to her"
"It's not your fault" Inuyasha placed his hand on his brother's shoulder "Don't you dare blame yourself" Sesshoumaru then pulled away from his brother's touch and headed to the cave's exit
"I suggest we give her a proper burial" Everyone gave a short nod and followed him out.
They returned to the children, Kirara, Ginta, Hakkaku, AhUn and Jaken who were all innocently going about their own business. Shippo and Rin were going to be devastated. How could they tell them that their surrogate mother was dead? Especially Shippo. Kagome was the mother he never had, and Rin. She would once again lose her mother.
Sango approached the children and kneeled in front of them and smiled sadly. They saw the tears streaming down her face and looked passed her to find Sesshoumaru cradling their mother "Sango is Kagome sleeping?" Rin asked
"Yes darling" She sniffled as she pulled them into her lap "Kagome is going to be sleeping for a long time"
"Sango please..." Tears began to stream down the kit's eyes "Don't tell me...she's dead" She then burst out crying
"I'm so sorry, both of you" Rin and Shippo were completely shocked. Suddenly they both began to scream as they buried themselves into the demon slayer
"NO" They cried. Sesshoumaru tried to block out their screams as he kept his gaze on the young woman in his arms. Her face still looked pained and it tore at him. Why hadn't he been fast enough?
Miroku handed Kouga over to Ginta and Hakkaku as he moved over to Inuyasha. He placed his hand on his shoulder and sighed "I'm so sorry Inuyasha, I know she meant more to you than anyone" Inuyasha's own hand reached back and grasped the monk's
"She was your friend as much as she was mine, but..." A tear slid down his eye "...she was like my little sister and she would have officially been if Naraku hadn't gotten hold of her" Anger then flared "I'LL KILL HIM"
"Not so fast Inuyasha" A feminine voice called. "Seek revenge when you're well" Everyone moved their distressed gazes to Jen's sympathetic ones. She looked up at Sesshoumaru and almost gasped. Her boy looked absolutely dead. His eyes held no life. He looked like the living dead. Had Kagome meant that much to him? "Sesshoumaru" She gave a small smile as she neared him "Lay Kagome down love"
"She will freeze" He muttered "The snow is cruel"
"Just do it son, trust me" Without any reply he lay her on the ground and kneeled beside her, Jen followed suit and sighed "I'm going to be in so much trouble, I hope you appreciate what I'm about to do for you Sesshoumaru Taisho. Don't think I can do this again" She then pulled a pendent from her neck and placed it over Kagome's "You see this pendent my son, it is one of the many gateways to hell. Believe it or not your father thought it would be a romantic anniversary present. Kagome's soul has been dragged down to hell, I can feel the fear and pain she's going through. I shall grant you this wish Sesshoumaru" The pendent then erupted in a deep purple as a glowing white light shot up from it and flew into the young miko. Jen then removed the pendent and placed it back around her own neck "I'll expect a thank you later" Sesshoumaru looked from his mother to Kagome confused. But that was soon replaced by shock when the little miko's eyes shot open as she heaved for air, she flew up into a sitting position as Sesshoumaru caught her. He looked over her to find the wound in her gut was gone, colour was returning to her cheek as was the life in her eyes
"Sesshoumaru?" She reached out a shaky hand and placed it on his face "A-are you real? Are you d-dead?"
"I'm real" He breathed as he caught her hand on his cheek "And you're alive" Her eyes widened as tears streamed down her cheeks
"I was so afraid" She dived onto him causing him to fall onto his behind, but he didn't care. He had her back and that was all that mattered "The last thing I remembered was you shouting my name and then darkness. I was attacked by all these shadow creatures and they laughed at my pain, they said I'd never know happiness again. I never want to return to that hell hole"
"Kagome..." Sesshoumaru sighed in relief as he held her close "I promise that you'll never return there ever again" He then met his mother's smiling face "Thank you"
"It's a mother's job to spoil her children" She winked "And this mother wants grandchildren, just thought I'd tell you if you're thinking of repaying me" Kagome then turned to her
"You brought me back?" She nodded "Thank you so much Jen" She whimpered forgetting formalities "My life if yours"
"Don't worry about it" She smirked as she stood "But you must know that I cannot do such a thing again, the gods will be angered that I have done this as it is" Sesshoumaru lifted Kagome as he stood
"Mother why is it that Tenseiga did not work for me?"
"I'm not sure, there are many possibilities to that. I believe it is either that her spiritual powers rejected your youki or your father was trying to teach you some ridiculous lesson. He said that one of your lessons was to feel loss, pain and grief for the person you loved. And if that is the case when I pass on I'll give him a piece of my mind. Now I suggest you all go somewhere to rest for the day, travelling in your condition you'll all pass out" She then transformed into her full youkai self "Look after each other" She then took to the sky and headed back to the palace
"How did her highness know what happened?" Jaken questioned
"Who cares?" Inuyasha grinned as he pulled Kagome from Sesshoumaru and into his arms "As long as I have my best friend back I could care less"
"Inuyasha" Kagome returned the embrace just as Miroku dived on them both "Miroku" She sighed contently as her friends competed to hug her. Soon though she had to push them away for air, that was when Rin and Shippo dived on her giggling and crying in one "Shippo, Rin"
"Kagome" They both grinned as they clutched to her "We thought we lost you"
"I'm sorry if I scared you" She then set them on their feet. She then looked up to find Sango on her knees staring at her in disbelief. Kagome kneeled in front of her and smiled "What, don't I get a hug?"
"Thank goodness" Sango sobbed as she wrapped her arms around her friend "You're like a sister to me Kagome, I couldn't stand to lose another family member to Naraku. He's even killed Kohaku now"
"Oh Sango" Kagome immediately returned the hug "I'm really really sorry"
"Don't be" She sniffled as she pushed away "At least he is at peace and away from Naraku's control. Naraku won't get away so easily though" She then thumped the ground "He'll pay for this"
"He'll pay for everything" They both then stood. Kouga struggled to his feet and limped over to the miko
"Thank Buddha you're alive, I couldn't live knowing you were gone from this world" He wrapped an arm around her and innocently kissed her cheek "Just don't scare us like that again"
"Well I'll try" She mused "But I think you need to get off your feet"
"You're right" He smiled as Ginta and Hakkaku threw his arms over their shoulders to support him "I think we could all do with some rest though, especially you"
"Yes we should leave as soon as possible. Sessh..." But she was stopped by Sesshoumaru's lips pressing hard against hers. His grip was tight on her shoulders as if he were never to let go. He pulled away for breath as she wrapped her arms around his waist. He buried his head into the crook of her neck and inhaled her sweet scent
"I thought I lost you, don't do that to me ever again" He breathed as he kissed her courting mark "You mean so much to me"
"Sesshoumaru..." She pulled back to see his face as she captured his lips in a tender loving kiss. Sango smiled warmly at them as Inuyasha wrapped his arm around her shoulder and kissed her forehead
"I'll forgive you for that sexist comment from earlier Inuyasha, but that is only because I'm afraid of losing you" She explained
"I'm not going anywhere baby" He too then leaned down and captured her lips
"Eww" Shippo groaned "Could you all stop the kissing so we can go somewhere out of the cold?" Kagome pulled away from Sesshoumaru and giggled
"Sure, but where? The cave is not warm enough and it's not very well guarded"
"There is a village not too far from here. It is inhabited with hanyou, youkai and humans by my father's will. We should stay there for the rest of the day"
"Why did dad have one of those in the Eastern Lands?" Inuyasha asked
"He has at least one village with all species in all of his lands" Sesshoumaru replied as he lifted Kagome bridal style into his arms "The village is an hour away if we fly, I suggest we get there as soon as possible"
"Got ya" Sango and Inuyasha then climbed onto Kirara "Yo Miroku you ride with Rin and the imp on AhUn and Shippo you transform and carry the stinking wolves" They both nodded and did as told. Once everyone was ready they all took to the sky
"Did I miss something?" Kagome asked as she looked back at Inuyasha and Miroku "They seem to be getting on"
"It would seem your passing had brought them back together" Sesshoumaru replied with a slight smirk "It would seem you have that influence over people"
"Even you?" She asked as she wrapped her arms playfully around his neck
"Even me" He pecked her lips "When we arrive at the village there will be a small mansion there reserved for the royal family so we shall all spend our time there"
"That better not be full of women and sake"
"It's not a whore house" He smirked "The only people who enter there are the servants, and they are only there once a month to clean the place"
"So we will all have privacy when we get there?" He nodded "Are you sure you can handle not being waited on hand and foot?" She giggled
"I'm sure I can manage one night" He replied with a hint on humour in those golden eyes. Inuyasha overheard this and grinned, he wrapped his arms around Sango's waist and kissed her cheek
"Did ya hear that? Sesshoumaru just said that we'll all be in this mansion tonight where we will all get privacy, there aren't even any servants there"
"Well that will be cosy" Sango replied with a smirk "I'd like to personally tend to your wounds from today"
"By all means you can" He replied with the same playful time "Sesshoumaru how long?" Sango laughed at his impatience
"Another 45 minutes yet little brother" Sesshoumaru called back as he kept his gaze forward "Why the lack of patience?"
"He's always impatient" Kagome mused
"I would just like some privacy" He replied
"Umm Prince Sesshoumaru are there any women serving sake there?" The lecherous monk was back alright
"Yes there is a tea house there"
"More like a whore house" Kagome muttered "And you're not going there Sesshoumaru"
"I don't find dancing drunken whores my thing"
"Gee what's wrong with ya" Inuyasha called but soon regretted it when he received a slap from Sango "Sorry"
"He never learns" Kagome sighed...
After what seemed forever...to Inuyasha they arrived outside the village. The path that led inside was guarded, it would seem that this village didn't welcome just anyone. Sesshoumaru walked up to one of the guards. Kagome naturally was at his side as he approached them. The guard bowed lowly to the Prince and smiled "Prince Sesshoumaru it is good to see you again my lord, it has been far too long since you blessed this village with your presence"
"I trust everything here is in order"
"Yes of course your highness" The guard then stood upright "Would you like me to take you to the headman Kenji? I'm sure he will make you welcome and see to your every needs"
"That will not be necessary. Just allow myself and my companions to enter" The guard nodded and stepped aside. The group then entered the village where they found everyone's eyes were on them
"What are they staring at?" Kagome whispered
"Inuyasha and I are the Princes of Japan" Sesshoumaru mused "This village was created for by my father so it is an honour to them to have a member of the royal family here" A neko youkai with long green hair and violet eyes who wore a kimono of wealth stepped forward and bowed
"Prince Sesshoumaru it is such an honour to have you here. What can I Kenji, your humble servant do for you?"
"I trust the mansion is free?"
"Of course your highness. The servants cleaned it again yesterday, you've come at a good time. Do you wish for any servants do be there?" The Prince shook his head "How about some women to keep you and your male companions entertained?"
"No, that is all" Kenji bowed once again and stepped back
"Allow his highness through and do not pester him on his stay" Kenji then kicked a hanyou child out of the way
"Hey what's your problem?" Kagome snapped at him as she kneeled down by the fallen hanyou "Are you alright sweetie?" The young child nodded and bowed her head to her
"Please don't touch me milady, I am a filthy half breed"
"Don't be silly" Kagome smiled as she pulled the child to stand "There's is nothing disgusting about a hanyou, you're a very beautiful young girl"
"Thank you milady" The hanyou bowed "My name is Sakura"
"Well it's nice to meet you Sakura, my name's Kagome" Sesshoumaru then walked over to where Kagome kneeled and turned to Kenji
"Why does this child think so lowly of herself? My father wanted this village to be a peaceful place for youkai, humans and hanyous"
"She is an orphan milord, her parents were hung for stealing from the market" Kenji explained "She now works for me in the headman's house. She is my delivery girl. I thought it was the noble thing to do at the time"
"Don't you think the noble thing would have been to adopt her?" Kagome frowned "How old are you Sakura?"
"10 summers, milady"
"10 years old and is forced to be a slave"
"Who would want to adopt a thieves' daughter?"
"Who gave you permission to execute them?" Sesshoumaru asked with a raised silken brow "I certainly didn't instruct it and I doubt my mother would have either"
"It happened so fast milord, we were so angry that we just killed them without asking for your permission"
"That was very foolish of you, do not make the same mistake again Kenji. You may find yourself banished from here or replaced"
"A thousand apologies Prince Sesshoumaru" Kagome looked over Sakura properly to see that her kimono was torn and she was covered in cuts and bruises
"Do you beat her all the time or something? And you surely don't take care of her, her kimono is completely worn" She snapped
"You wouldn't understand, you're a woman, a human woman" Kenji snapped back
"Kenji do not speak lowly to who could be your future Princess" Sesshoumaru warned "Now I suggest you take care of that child properly or find her a decent family who will" A middle aged human woman then took a step forward and bowed
"Now that I have recovered from an illness I would be more than happy to take the child into my care. My husband is a youkai and we have hanyou children, Sakura would be more than welcome with us"
"Really?" Sakura beamed "Thank you ever so much Nami" She then bowed to Kagome "Thank you as well milady, you're the only outsider I have ever met who doesn't resent hanyous"
"Well I think hanyous are the cutest things" Kagome smiled as she playfully pinched Sakura's neko ears "Why should your kind be singled out because a human and a youkai fell in love with each other" She then kissed her head and gently pushed her over to Nami
"If there are any more problems like this here then I would like to be informed as soon as possible" Sesshoumaru stated to the village as he took Kagome's hand and pulled her to her feet "You know where I'll be" He then led Kagome and his companions to the small mansion in the heart of the village.
When they entered they all pretty much collapsed on all the soft cushions and couches "Man this is the life" Inuyasha sighed contently as he threw Tetsusaiga into a corner "Yo Sesshoumaru is there a hot spring here"
"Yes it is in the private garden out the back" He replied as he set his own swords down on a table
"I'm having one first" Kagome insisted "I'm covered in blood"
"Awe but Kags" Inuyasha groaned "So am I just not to your extent, Naraku knocked me unconscious and I somehow managed to scrap all my side. And I was almost purified"
"Yeah you think that's a big deal mutt?" Kouga huffed "I've got two bloody holes in my legs"
"They should really be seen to" Kagome replied as she took her pack from AhUn and pulled out her first aid kit "I'll treat them before you lose too much blood"
"You don't need to worry about me Kagome" Kouga smiled as she kneeled in front of him "I'm sure you need your rest too"
"I'm alright" She smiled genuinely "I just really want a bath" She then went about bandaging the wolf up
"Come on Inuyasha let's sort that shoulder out" Sango said as she also pulled some bandages from Kagome's pack "Take your haori off"
"This is just an excuse isn't it" The hanyou teased as he pulled off his outer and inner haori causing Sango to blush "Keh"
"You're so cocky" She then sat beside his wounded shoulder and began to bandage him up "Tell me if I pull to tight" As Sango was seeing to Inuyasha, Kagome finished up on Kouga and stood
"Just take it easy ok, don't try to move around much. Give your legs time to heal" She warned
"No problem" Kouga grinned as he stretched and placed his arms behind his head. Kagome rolled her eyes and set her pack out of the way. She then pulled out a towel and her bathing suit
"I'm going for a bath" She moved to Sesshoumaru "Where can I change into these?"
"Here" He then wrapped an arm around her shoulder and led her off to a bedroom "This is my room so feel free to use it" Kagome jumped onto the bed and set her things down
"Don't you want to bathe?" Sesshoumaru raised a brow as he looked at her amused
"You wish me to bathe with you Kagome?" Kagome blushed and nodded
"As long as you don't go in fully naked"
"In an outdoor hot spring it is accustomed to wear a towel so that no prying eyes sees anything" He smirked "I shall meet you out there in a moment" He then kissed her cheek and left. Kagome then quickly changed into her white bikini and wrapped her towel around herself. She then re-entered the room where she had last left everyone to find they were all still there. Inuyasha looked up at her and grinned
"So you and Sesshoumaru are gonna have a bath together? Try to keep the noises down"
"Same goes for you when you two go for one" She giggled "Sango make sure he doesn't make too much noise"
"Sure" Sango laughed "I'll gag him" She winked
"Well have fun with that" Kagome smirked "See you later" She then left the sitting room and out to the secluded garden where she found Sesshoumaru already awaiting her in the hot spring "Did you have to tell Inuyasha that we were going to bathe together?"
"Was there a problem? I just merely told him so that he wouldn't disturb us"
"Well he was teasing me" She pouted as she pulled her towel off and made her way into the spring. Sesshoumaru looked at what she was wearing and smirked
"Is that what you women wear in your time when you bathe?"
"No it is when we go swimming, we bathe naked back home like you lot do now" She laughed
"And you just flaunt your body off?" He asked as she walked over to him
"Not really" She shrugged "I just wear this to cover all the personal stuff" When she was close enough Sesshoumaru took her hand and pulled her into his lap. He ran his claws gently across her stomach
"Not even a scratch on you"
"Nope just some dried blood" She mused "Where are all the bath oils?" Sesshoumaru then reached out and grasped one from behind him. He flipped the lid open and inhaled the lavender scent, yes this one would do perfectly. He then poured some onto his hands and began to rub them over Kagome's arms and stomach "You know I can do that myself"
"Hn" He smirked "I have excuse to touch you now"
"You don't need an excuse" She then quickly rinsed herself off and straddled his hips "I never want to leave your side again"
"Nor do I" He then wrapped his arms around her waist as she leaned forward and captured his lips. He then deepened the kiss as he pulled her closer so that their bodies were pressed up against each other. Kagome let out a moan which gave Sesshoumaru the opportunity to slide his tongue into her mouth, she then wrapped her arms around his neck and let his hands wander up and around her body. He then pulled away from her lips and began to kiss down her neck
"Sessh..." She breathed as she arched into his touch. He stopped when he reached the cloth of her bikini and sat back to admire the woman in front of him, she had let out a moan of protest when he stopped causing him to almost grin uncontrollably
"Don't worry my little miko" He kissed her forehead "If you wish it we shall continue this tonight"
"I might take you up on that offer" She winked "We do after all have to repay your mother"
"Since when did you turn naughty?" He mused "Whatever happened to the innocent Kagome I know?"
"Perhaps her death today opened her eyes a little" She replied as she lay her head on his bare chest "Life's too short to dawdle"
"But it is long enough to take some time" He began to run his fingers through her ebony locks "Don't feel as if you have to do such things if you don't feel ready, your life will be a long one Kagome, I shall see to it"
"Yes but Naraku could attack us at any moment, I don't want to wait around until it's too late"
"I understand where you're coming from but you shouldn't force yourself into anything"
"I'm not" She then looked up into his eyes "I want to be with you Sesshoumaru, when I was ripped away from you today it opened my eyes to how up I really...love you"
"Love me?" He smiled softly as he leaned down and captured her lips "If love is when I would gladly give my life for yours then I must feel the same way" Kagome let out a giggle and cuddled close to her lover
"Then soon, could you take me as yours?"
"You read my mind" He smirked "What you then eventually become my mate?"
"Be your Princess?" He nodded "I'd like that"
"And what of bearing my pups?"
"Well I might get pregnant soon anyway so sure" She shrugged "Come on then, I just want to change into my PJs and cuddle up" She then stood and hopped out of the hot spring. Sesshoumaru followed suit and wrapped a robe around himself, Kagome did the same with her towel and they returned to the warmth of the mansion. Once inside Sesshoumaru went off to his room to get changed whereas Kagome went to the sitting room and to her pack
"So did you have fun?" Inuyasha asked
"Awesome" She winked as she pulled out her PJs and some fresh underwear "And it's all yours now"
"Great" Inuyasha then stood and lifted Sango bridal style "Come along then"
"Yash we need to change into some towels first" Sango scolded as he set her back down "Come on" She sighed as she caught his hand and dragged him off. Kagome then turned to the rest of the gang
"I'll just get changed and I'll prepare some food for us"
"I'll prepare it Kagome" Miroku smiled
"I'd take you up on that offer but let's face it Miroku, you burn everything" She laughed
"True" He grinned "Kouga, Ginta, Hakkaku are you three up to a little visit to the tea house later?"
"Why not?" Kouga shrugged
"Just make sure you help him there" Kagome warned the two other wolves "We don't want him even more injured than he is"
"Sure thing Kagome" Ginta smiled
"We'll take care of him" Hakkaku added
"Then it's settled, we'll go after dinner" Miroku smirked. Kagome rolled her eyes and headed off to Sesshoumaru's room. She entered his room shyly and found Sesshoumaru gazing out the window that had the view of the village
"The boys are going to the tea house after" She started as she pulled a screen out and changed behind it "Inuyasha isn't though...as far as I know anyway"
"I doubt he will anger the demon slayer again" He mused as he turned to see Kagome's shadow behind the screen, he could see all her curves "What of Jaken?"
"I doubt he'll go" Kagome snorted "He's in love with you and I'm sure he'd hate to be unfaithful" She then stepped back out from behind the screen and set her clothes on a chair where she left her other ones earlier. She then walked over to him and caught his hands "I'm going to prepare some food, are you hungry at all?"
"I'm fine" He replied with a small smile "I shall have something tomorrow"
"You sure? After all we did face Naraku today?"
"You need the nutrition more than I do" He then kissed her cheek "When you're finished come back here"
"Uh huh" She smiled "I'll put Rin and Shippo to sleep first though, can they have just any room?" He nodded "Alright, then I'll catch you in a bit" She then released him and returned to the sitting room...
Well here it is
See I'd never kill Kagome off completely :)
There will be lemon in the next chapter for a heads up
Reviews please :)
Inuyashasesshy4eva
xXx
