Chapter 12
"I do not need anymore rest! I'm fine." Kagome pushed herself up into a sitting position with some difficulty. She refused to admit that she still felt exhausted, but she was tired of everyone else making her decisions for her. Mainly that thickheaded Inuyasha!
She was more than ecstatic to awake in his arms, but now he almost never left her side. He was about to pop her personal-space bubble and she was going to have a fit. She was more than capable of doing most things on her own; it was strange for him to hover around her so much.
The day after Gigi and Kaede brought her back to the real world, Inuyasha insisted on feeding her, didn't even let her pick up a single chop stick. At first it was cute and then it became very annoying. Inuyasha would sit next to her and pretend that she was so frail that she could do nothing without help. Slapping his hand away from her face with a glare finally made him see the light. She would not be fed by someone else unless both of her arms were broken!
"I am not glass!" Kagome shouted trying to raise her voice for everyone within a mile to hear. Inuyasha hadn't been the only one who stepped lightly around her. The soldiers continued to kneel at her feet and youkai brought her presents and warm tea. They even had the nerve to ask Inuyasha questions about her health instead of her! She was awake and sitting right there; she was more than capable of speaking for herself.
Inuyasha's jaw set in defiance and he crouched down hovering over her form for the hundredth time in three days. "You are not in any shape to be doing anything right now! If you need anything, I will be more than happy to get it for you." His lip twitched into a half smile when he noticed her face turn to stone.
A small growl erupted from Kagome's throat. "Why won't you just let me get up and walk around camp? I need to stretch my legs. I have been stuck in this spot for three days!"
In the past three days she had learned of everything that had gone on and the plans for the future battles. Because Naraku had taken her wings, Kagome's bond to Sanorai had been almost completely severed. The only thing left was a small portion of the tattoo around her eye, this she had figured out on her own. Sango brought Kagome a mirror and she had gotten a chance to see the change in her facial features. She no longer thought she was as ugly as she had been with the marks running down her cheeks. The one left around her eye was softer and gave her a mysterious look
Inuyasha, Sanorai, and Kaede argued back and forth about the cause of Kagome's almost death. Kagome listened intently and refused to tell them that Sanorai had been right. She had given up. She was ashamed when she thought of it, but at the time, it was reasonable. She had been very tired and mentally worn down.
The soldiers continued to take orders from Sango and Sanorai with Miroku throwing his two cents in every now and again. It was incredible to think that so many people came to their aid, if they hadn't, Kagome didn't think that any of her friends would be here right now. It also seemed that Sango and Kirara were not the only youkai/human team. Sakura introduced herself and Tan, human girl and boar. Tan had saved Sakura when she was a small child from a brigand that tore apart her tiny village. Sakura decided that she would never leave his side in hopes that she would one day save him in return despite his bickering. He had come to accept her and taught her many things and she him. He was displeased when he found that she had taken the oath to join this battle without his knowledge; her joining meant dragging him along. Tan made it clear that he had taken no oath and that he was only here to protect Sakura. Sakura only smiled and apologized for his rough nature while he snorted.
They would be a good team to keep as allies. It was rare to see such a couple outside of their group. Though, they were also a rare and unique group of friends. Humans, hanyou, and youkai, which could be the first group like this that she had ever heard of. Kagome asked Sakura many questions about Tan and how she had learned to become such an incredible archer. She only shrugged her shoulder and replied that 'practice made perfect.' Kagome smiled and wondered if there was a way to talk Inuyasha into leaving her side and practicing with Tetutsiaga.
Miroku brought her the staff and its mate that Myoga had attained for them. She had spent a few hours each day studying it and hoping to figure out how it fit together. The space for the shikon no tama was empty and it pained her to know that Naraku had almost the entire stone. Sanorai kept the last piece in his forehead.
Thinking of the shikon jewel would always bring her thoughts to Sanorai. She wondered what would happen between them if they survived what the soldiers had begun to call 'the last battle.' Would she have to stay with him the rest of her life? The funny thing was, was now that her wings were gone, she could no longer sense him or his mood, but the more she was around Inuyasha she could read him like a book. It was like the bond flip flopped people. There was just no way that could be, though, Kagome thought sadly.
"I don't mind walking with you around camp if that's all you want to do. You need rest before we have to fight again. Your body is still healing; you no longer have the full strength of the bond to heal you quickly." Inuyasha hesitantly held his hand out for her to take.
Kagome grasped it and gave him a cold stare. It was ridiculous that she still needed help to get up when she had been resting for three days already. Taking her anger out on Inuyasha was easy because he was always around. He took it like a good sport and rarely got irritated with her in turn. He had come too close to losing her this time, anytime he became angry, he thought about not having her to be angry with at all. Immediately his anger would fade like it had never crept into his mind in the first place.
"I have wanted to talk with you alone. You said you just wanted to stretch your legs, but you didn't hint at where. Is it okay if we go somewhere where we can be alone?" Inuyasha gripped her hand tighter and let her lean into him for support.
Kagome grimaced at his tone. It was unlike him to ask her permission before he did something that included her. She wished he would return to his brash self before he drove her crazy with a silk tongue.
"Take me where ever you want to go, Inuyasha."
Kagome wasn't angry that he wanted to be around her so much, she just didn't want him to lose himself in worrying about her. She didn't want to be treated like a porcelain doll; she was one of the strongest miko's in Japan. She could take care of herself if she needed to.
Yea, because I did so well against Naraku by myself, Kagome thought sourly.
Kagome let Inuyasha lead her to a clearing to the right of the camp. Before he accompanied her against a tree he searched the area for any unwanted disturbance. Once he crouched down next her, he let his gaze fall on the surrounding trees that were beginning to sprout leaves once again now that the taint of the underworld had begun to vanish.
"What is it you would like to talk about Inuyasha? I wouldn't mind getting to walk a little more before dark." Kagome was becoming little more anxious every moment that Inuyasha sat there in silence. Why would he bring her some where secluded and then just stare off into space? Men.
Turning to Kagome's almond eyes, Inuyasha melted into Kagome. Wrapping his arms around her shoulders, he pulled her into his chest and wrapped his fingers through her raven hair. Kagome's cheek rested under his chin and silky white hair cascaded around her body falling to her waist. She was surprised at this and then again she wasn't. Inuyasha cared for her, but he rarely came this close to showing it, which was the surprise.
His body felt warm and he didn't seem to mind when she snuggled further into his form. The night was quickly approaching and a chill seeped into the air giving Kagome goose bumps up her arms. At her shiver, Inuyasha opened his haori and guided her hands under its warmth and around his bare chest. Kagome's cheeks colored at enjoying the feel of his bare skin against hers. This was definitely different than their shy talks about feelings. This was the most he had ever done to open up to her.
Kagome's heart beat quickened and she sat half in his lap afraid to move; she didn't want this moment to end, ever. She didn't want to speak, just in case it caused realization to dawn in his head what he was doing. Being pushed away from him at this point would crush her soul and she didn't know if she would be able to open up to him in a very long time or ever.
Catching his breath, Inuyasha trembled beneath Kagome's fingers. He had been so close to losing her and in this moment, he knew that without her, his life was meaningless. So much had happened between them to intertwine their lives together, that one could not last without the other. Their souls were connected and to tear them apart would cause destruction on both ends.
"Kagome." Inuyasha whispered over the slight breeze. "I have never been able to tell you how I feel because I thought it would cause un-necessary strain on your heart. I have always thought that you would out live me and I wanted you to still find happiness after everything is done with the shikon jewel." Inuyasha paused to see if Kagome had anything to say, but once noticing that she was continuing to listen he went on in a voice trying not to crack.
"But I have come to realize that I should have told you all along. I've realized that I have only been running from what is right in front of me. You are my world Kagome and without you I am nothing. I would give my whole life for a few brief moments with you. I regret all the time that I have missed where you could have been in my arms and I failed you by pushing you away." Inuyasha tilted her head up and nuzzled his face close to her ear as he spoke softly.
"If I die tomorrow I will die in peace because I know that everything that I have wanted to say has been said. I'm sorry that I haven't been able to protect you the way I promised. I would as soon die as see what Naraku had done to you ever done again. Seeing you like that broke my heart."
Kagome searched his face with her dark eyes and hugged him as tightly as her arms could. She was still weak and she couldn't squeeze half as hard as she would have liked. She wanted him to feel her, to know what she felt in the strength of her embrace.
"Kagome," Inuyasha stammered. "I love you and I'm sorry it has taken me so long to tell you."
Kagome's heart skipped a beat when those three little words sunk in. It was a terrifying relief to finally hear him say what she had waited so long to hear. She had almost let herself die and if she had, Kagome would never have heard those words roll off Inuyasha's lips. This moment made all the pain worth every prick.
A thought slammed into her head to ruin her pleasure as soon as she begun to think about their possible future. They might not have a future. She belonged to Sanorai in a way that Inuyasha would never be able to accept. If he had known what was done, Inuyasha would never be telling her this right now. Shame washed over her she tried to push away from his embrace with vain. The more she pushed the tighter he gripped her and his eyes became orbs that reflected sadness, which made her breath catch in her throat. Breathing became increasingly difficult.
"I don't deserve this or you. If only you knew how long I waited to hear those words and now I can't accept them." Kagome choked as her eyes filled with tears.
Inuyasha held her tighter against his chest if that was even possible and turned her face to his. "Don't say that, Kagome. You don't mean it. You and I are meant to be together. What could possibly stand in our way now that I have you with me?"
"I see that Sanorai has become part of our group. Has he told you what's been done? I belong to him." Kagome couldn't stop the tears from flowing freely down her face. It was heart wrenching to tell the one you love that you belong to another. "I'm so sorry, Inuyasha."
Kagome could feel his heart breaking, but a twinge of resolve lay on the edge of his emotions. It was twice as hard for her to tell him what happened when she could feel his heart race and the pain that threatened to crush his heart.
"Kagome, listen to me." Inuyasha slid his arm under her legs and pulled her completely into his lap with her nose almost touching his. "I know about the bond and what was involved with it. It wasn't your fault. You are mine, not his, if you would have me."
"But how is that possible? I know that part of the bond was severed but the mark is still on my face."
"I can feel your heart beat, Kagome. Do you understand what that means?" Inuyasha asked as he smoothed loose strands of hair from her face, exposing pink cheekbones. Tears continued to run down her chin and drop into her lap.
"I can feel yours as well, but I don't know what that has to with Sanorai."
"Kaede informed me that it was possible to bond with two people at once. If your heart loved me, then part of that bond was to me. When Naraku cut your wings from your body, he severed the bond between you and Sanorai, the bond left, is the linking of you and I. I believe that's why the mark on your face has smoothed. That mark was put there with your heart, not by force." Inuyasha pointed his finger at her chest to emphasize the connection between them. Touching her heart and then his.
Kagome's mind flashed to the past. She did remember thinking that she was with Inuyasha that entire night; she only realized it was Sanorai when awaking the next morning. Which needless to say, wrecked her whole world.
"So, that's why I have felt so much of you. Now that I'm not connected to Sanorai I can feel all of you." Kagome's shoulders sagged from releasing the tension between her shoulder blades. So much had changed in such a short time.
Wiping the tears from her face she fixed him with a hard look. "Don't you ever hold back important information from me ever again? I have loved you for a long time Inuyasha, so much that I could only picture a lonely life without you. I want to be yours with my whole heart, but promise me that you won't hold back from me anymore. And quit treating me like I'm breakable."
Smiling at her renewed attitude Inuyasha tilted her head back and pressed his lips against hers with a firm answer. All the irritation with him washed away and she gave into his kiss and bathed in the warmth of his body.
"Monk!" Sango yelled as she chased Miroku with a cooking pot around their resting area. "I am no fool! You stay away from The Sworn women, or I'll let them deal with you and you already know that some of them have youkai!"
Villagers who took the oath to fight in the Final Battle had started calling themselves The Sworn and the name had caught on quickly. It was easier to identify a group when a name was put to it. Common sense really.
Sango had been relieved when Miroku and Shippo returned to them. She had worried that she would die before seeing them again. Miroku was a thorn in her foot at times, but she continued to care deeply for him. Sometimes she seriously wondered why, especially when she had to chase him away from other women. A monk should have learned by now, even a lecherous monk, especially with her to look over his shoulder.
"Sango, you are over reacting!" Miroku squealed as he ducked another blow from a cooking pot. "I was merely asking her a question! There is no need for this…."
Sango snapped cold eyes to his face as she skidded to a halt. "You will learn Miroku to keep your hands to yourself."
"Sango, you know you are the only woman for me." Miroku smoothed out his robe while he warily eyed Sango's cooking pot. "I don't know why you get so worked up when I simply talk with another woman."
Sango's eyebrow rose questioningly as she considered smacking the pot against his forehead once again. Touching another woman's bottom was not merely talking, Miroku was such jerk!
"Forgive me for interrupting you, my lady Sango." Shinoba kneeled with one knee and one fist touching the ground, head bent. "I was wondering if you would care to walk with me and discuss battle arrangements for the upcoming fights."
"Shinoba, get up. I am no one important enough to kneel to. I would gladly take you up on your offer though." Sango sighed. She decided to give up on Miroku for now. She would have plenty of time later to thoroughly beat him with cooking supplies.
Shinoba noticed Sango's mood and lowered his eyebrows when his eyes scanned over the monk. His displeasure with Miroku was painted across his face and his body tensed with Miroku's movement, ready to pounce like a cat stalking prey.
Shinoba offered his arm to Sango and she interlocked with his as they strolled from her tent area and away from Miroku. She didn't want a fight to erupt between two fool men.
"Excuse me for noticing, but why would one such as you deal with the likes of him?" Shinoba asked as he looked in Miroku's direction. She could feel his muscles flex beneath her fingers. Maybe he was just being over protective; many of The Sworn took their duty to protect them quite literally. Miroku was not with them when the original introductions were made, so few considered him part of the Group of Legend.
Laughing under her breath, Sango brightened at the question ironically. "You know, I have wondered that for a long time, Shinoba. I know that he cares for me and I care for him. I guess you just hope for the best and take what you can get."
"I mean no disrespect, but I disagree with you. You deserve much better than a lecher. You would be the last person I would ever think to settle with one who disrespects you." Shinoba stopped walking and turned to Sango with a hard look. "I look up to you and refuse to see you treated like a door mat."
Sango searched his icy face with concern. She had never known him to speak out of line or to blatantly talk down to Miroku. She could tell that they disliked each other but she had thought it was just a battle of personalities, but it appeared to go deeper.
"I make my own choices and I do them for reasons that I sometimes don't understand myself. I love him and truly believe that in the end, there will only be me." Sango squeezed Shinoba's arm and led him back into a slow walk. "I appreciate your concern."
"If this is the path you choose, then I will step out of the way, but I will continue to follow you. I cannot promise his well-being if he continues to act out of place. I will die before harm comes to our General. Any type of arm, whether it is physical or emotional." His hand found hers and he patted her grip on his arm. Sango had a hard time telling whether he liked her as a friend or maybe as something a little more. She really didn't have the energy for Miroku, let alone another strong minded man.
"I am not the General. I have only helped. Sanorai is more of a General than I am." Sango's eyes widened with surprise. She knew many things about battle, but she wasn't sure that she wanted to be the one to lead them into battle. There were too many lives that could die from a misjudgment. She just didn't want to be responsible for the life or death of so many people.
"We have chosen you to lead us. Sanorai is only considered a helper, a hound to do what pleases you. We have learned his background and know that you are more qualified. You have the battle background and hands-on experience from your village. We will do what you say, it has been unanimously decided." Shinoba smiled while his eyes searched over the disarray of soldiers. "I know we may not be much, but we refuse to lose. Every last one of us will improve in whatever you wish us to improve in. Many have learned to use their weapons well. We won't fail you."
"It's not you that I'm afraid will fail me. I'm afraid that I will fail you. I will try my best, but it will be up to you to look after each other. We hunt the bigger game and it will be critical that you keep Naraku's demons from interfering." Sango's mind started to think in battle tactics as soon as she accepted what they needed from her. It wasn't that they needed to be watched, but more that they just needed a person to look to, to ask advice. She had already told them most of what she knew and even some things that her dad had talked of but never had done.
"You could never fail us, Sango. We will be your armor and you the blade that pierces Hell's heart." Pride gleamed from Shinoba's face as he tugged at the red band around his forehead. It still surprised Sango that they had already separated themselves in rank and village techniques. The born leaders were leading drills and commanding attention, while the followers listened and learned, throwing an opinion in here and there.
The youkai stayed off to the sides and came up with their own battle strategies. Their human partners tended to stay with them, giving their own opinions on what should be done in certain instances. Tan and Sakura lead the group with strong personalities and hard resolve on what would and wouldn't work. They were quite the pair. Sango had accidentally run into them arguing in the woods by themselves. Tan apparently wasn't just a boar, he could transform into quite the handsome man. His hair was long and dark, held back by a brown leather cord. He had a strong jaw outlined with a well kept goatee trimmed into a point. Tan had large shoulders and a defined bare chest. Leather cords were tied around his biceps, defining the muscles in his arms. Suede tan pants hung loose around his waist. The only thing that screamed youkai about him was the brilliant green of his hard eyes.
Sango had always wondered how strong a demon had to be to take human form. The only ones she had met had either been hanyou or powerful beyond belief. Goose bumps ran across her arms when she thought about how strong Tan must be.
It didn't surprise Sango to see them arguing. Tan and Sakura were probably lovers that had daily skirmishes over stupid things. Inuyasha and Kagome, Seshoumaru and Rin, she and Miroku, all were alike when it came to giving each other a hard time. One day she would get close to Sakura and hopefully talk about her and Tan. They were a beautiful couple if they were in fact lovers. Sakura had gold hair cut short at her shoulders and large brown eyes that swallowed everything in sight. Her skin was lighter than most in Japan, but she couldn't answer why her hair was the color of the sun instead of raven like most Japanese.
"I must get back to work, Sango, there are always things that need to be done. I think I will start by getting people to tidy up the camp. It's much easier to get things rolling if everything is in order, especially if a battle was to ensue any time soon." Delicately gripping her hand, Shinoba bent his head and kissed her finger tips. "I enjoy our talks, if you need anything please let me know. I will be keeping eye on your monk. Until next time."
Shinoba glided off into the camp and disappeared into a group of soldiers. Sango let go of her breath and concentrated on slowing her heart beat. She really wished he would quit kissing her hand when he would leave her like that; it was confusing for her heart. She needed to take her mind off of Shinoba and find a few things to argue with Miroku about.
And that is the next chp. It's mainly filler, but I hope you enjoyed it. Please obey the button and review! Much love, Lou
