Chapter Fourteen: Mysterious Invitation and Surprises
A/N: Thanks to everyone who has reviewed so far. There are only a few chapters left in this story, so I'll try and to make them the best that I can for all. Unfortunately, this may mean that it might take longer than usual to get posted for everyone to see. I apologize in advance for all upcoming chapters. But for now, chapter fourteen!
-
Three weeks have passed since Inuyasha, Miroku, and Kouga married, each had decided to postpone their honeymoons for a while. Yusuke had been on edge the entire time after the ceremony, training with the others as much as he could to build up his strength, endurance, speed, and Reiki. Yusuke was putting so much time into his training he was usually left exhausted and in bad shape. But still he pressed on, gradually getting back into the flow of training almost non-stop. Kagome's thoughts often wandered back to the ceremony and just after it.
Flashback
Smiling, Kagome began, "Dearly beloved we are gathered here today to witness the union between these couples. Each will be marrying the love of their life. They have chosen to speak their own vows. Inuyasha Tsume has volunteered to speak first."
Shooting a quick glare at Kagome, Inuyasha began, "Since the first time I met you Kikyo, I've loved you. Even after our… disagreements in the past I still loved you. We've had several wonderful children together and have another on the way. I want to stay with you for the rest of my life. I want to be the father of the rest of the children we have together. But most of all I want to be your husband, I want to be the one to comfort you when your feeling down. I love you Kikyo."
After Inuyasha finishes the entire audience to the ceremony began clapping. Both Inuyasha and Kikyo blushed from embarrassment. They loved each other and always would love each other. Kikyo's vows were pretty the same as Inuyasha's except for a few minor changes.
Kouga was the next one to start, "Ayame, I love you, even if at times I've been bit dense about it. I told you when we were younger, that I would marry you, and here I am. I'm not going to lie to you Ayame; at times I actually didn't remember that promise. But now… now I remember it clearly and will honor it. Plus I vow never to do anything, within my power, to harm you or any children we have together."
Ayame was so happy that she just threw her vows in the trash and kissed Kouga passionately. She had to be pried off Kouga so he could breathe again.
"Well it seems, that some of us can't wait to be married," said Kagome. "But we just have a little longer to wait. Miroku Hoshi has decided to read his own vows."
"Thank you Lady Kagome. Botan, when we first met, I was uneasy because of my feelings towards Sango. But after a little time of getting to know you, I fell in love with you. I realize now, that it was a simple infatuation with Sango and I only really ever saw her as a friend. We've been through much together, even in times of doubt you stuck by my side, you were the guiding light that kept me true to myself. I would sacrifice my life for yours any day, anytime, and anywhere. I love you Botan," said Miroku.
"Beautiful, absolutely beautiful," said Kagome wiping away a tear.
"Miroku, I feel the same way that you do," said Botan simply.
"Now, do you Miroku, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife? To love and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good and bad times, as long as you both shall live, 'til death do you part?" asked Kagome.
"I do," replied Miroku.
"Botan, do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband? To love and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good and bad times, as long as you both shall live, 'til death do you part?" repeated Kagome.
"I do," said Botan.
"Very well, hold one minute. Inuyasha, do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife? To love and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good and bad times, as long as you both shall live, 'til death do you part?" asked Kagome.
"I do," said Inuyasha.
"Kikyo, do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband? To love and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good and bad times, as long as you both shall live, 'til death do you part?" asked Kagome.
"I do," replied Kikyo.
"Very well, one moment, please. Kouga, do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife? To love and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good and bad times, as long as you both shall live, 'til death do you part?" asked Kagome sternly.
"Yes, I do," said Kouga.
"Ayame, do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband? To love and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good and bad times, as long as you both shall live, 'til death do you part?" asked Kagome again.
"I do," replied Ayame.
"Then by the power invested in me, I pronounce each of you husband and wife. You may each kiss your bride," said Kagome.
Kouga and Ayame immediately kissed each other hungrily, while Inuyasha and Kikyo kissed gently, yet with passion. Miroku and Botan shared a traditional kiss, soft, gentle, passionate, and loving.
When they got to the outside Kikyo was the first to throw her bouquet back into the air. All the girls crowded around and when it fell into the group, they dispersed to see who caught it. It turned out to be Rui who had caught the bouquet and she was blushing bright red from the teasing.
Next was Ayame who threw it very high into the air. When it finally came down into everyone's line of sight, the women gathered around to catch it. But at the last moment it simply disappeared into thin air. Everyone was looking around to see where it when they heard a cough behind them. It turned out to be Tina, the Ice Kitsune, who had caught the bouquet to everyone's surprise.
"Wow, congratulations Tina," said Kagome. "So who is the lucky man?"
"Well… Touya of the Shinobi and I have been courting each other for several months now. We are seriously thinking of marrying by both Youkai standards and human standards," said Tina blushing from embarrassment.
"Well Botan you're the only one who hasn't thrown their bouquet yet, so get on with it!" said Kagome as Botan smirked and threw it into the air like a baseball. "Whoa!"
When it came back down it landed in the hands of someone everyone least expected to be there, one of Kagome's friends, Yuka to be exact.
"Yuka! What are you doing here?" asked Kagome.
"Um, I just came over to see how you were doing Kagome. The others, they aren't the same anymore since you told us all your secrets. It's like they don't like you anymore," said Yuka sadly.
"I was afraid that something like that would have happened. That's why I tried to keep it from you guys, but you're still my friend, right?" asked Kagome hopefully.
"Of course, to tell you the truth, I've been dating someone with very wild red hair and the cutest accent," said Yuka.
"Jin?" asked Yusuke.
"Yes! How did you know?" asked Yuka.
"I've been trying to find him so you could meet him. But it seems that you met up with him anyway. He's a Wind Youkai; he can control the winds around him. He's also a very funny and carefree guy," said Yusuke.
"I know, but what's with the bouquet of flowers?" asked Yuka.
"Well, a friend of ours just got married and that was the bouquet she tossed into the air. Your one of the next ones to get married Yuka!" said Kagome happily to her friend.
"I am! Oh, I'm so happy!" said Yuka.
Smiling Kagome led Yuka inside to meet everyone personally and explain who each person was. After a few hours Yuka left with the bouquet of flowers and many more friends. Kagome was happy for her friend, but was also saddened that she had lost some friends by being honest with them.
End Flashback
Walking in from another brutal training session, Yusuke went upstairs to shower. Kagome watched as he staggered around and worried that he might be overexerting himself. Deciding to take charge she went up to be with her husband, she was going to set him straight, but when she reached their room, she heard him speaking to himself. Looking in she saw that he had collapsed onto the bed and was now in a deep slumber, but he was tossing and turning. Worried for his health, she went to wake him, but he wouldn't. Finally after several minutes, he shot straight up knocking Kagome onto the floor hard. Looking around he saw Kagome on the floor and panicked.
"Kagome! Kagome, are you alright!" asked Yusuke as Kagome groaned. "What happened, Kagome?"
Sitting up slowly she looked at Yusuke and saw the realization and fear suddenly appear. "Oh Kagome, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry," said Yusuke reaching towards her to brush away a tear, only to have her scoot away from him in fear. "I see…"
Getting up from the floor he opened a window and jumped out. The only thoughts crossing his mind were those of his betrayal to his wife.
'I hurt her, when I promised never to hurt her… if I can't keep my promises, then I shouldn't be here. Oh Kagome, if you wish for another mate and husband then so be it,' thought Yusuke sadly as he ran through the forest at his top speed.
Meanwhile back at the house, Kagome registered what she had done. It had been an instinctive reaction to being knocked to the floor. One that had hurt Yusuke, one that had cut him deeply. She had inadvertently driven a large wedge between the two of them, she felt awful, like she didn't deserve to live. Her will to live was draining away slowly.
-
Hiei and Sango were outside sparring with the other, trying to see which of the two of them could last the longest. It was then that suddenly Hiei froze in mid-stride. The result was that Sango knocked him flat onto his back and pinned him.
"Sango, get off me," said Hiei sternly his Jagan Eye flaring, signaling to Sango that something was wrong.
"What is it Hiei?" asked Sango.
"Kagome, Yusuke, something has happened. Her will to live is diminishing. He has left her, he has given his blessings for her to renounce him without consequences," said Hiei slowly. "A mistake has happened, but something else is the cause."
"You find Yusuke, I'll go see Kagome," said Sango sternly as Hiei nodded and quickly sped off to find Yusuke.
Sango took off for the house as quick as she could; hoping Kagome wouldn't do anything stupid. When she finally arrived at the house, she tore inside, running up the stairs quickly. Turning towards Kagome's room she found Kagome on the floor crying her heart out.
"Kagome, what happened?" asked Sango sternly as Kagome started to tell Sango what happened, everything that happened and how she felt because of it. "Kagome, listen to me now! Yusuke loves you, he always will! He feels he has betrayed you! You have to tell him how you feel or you will never see him again!"
"He wouldn't even come back to take care of his children?" asked Kagome shocked and saddened at the same time.
"He's released you from your promise to him! He's released you from your vows to him Kagome. You can choose to renounce him as your husband and mate, as the father to your children! But if you do, then I guarantee you, Kagome, you will never see him again!" said Sango sternly.
"But I hurt him Sango… I really hurt him bad," said Kagome drowning herself in her own self-pity.
"Kagome, please forgive me for what I am about to do, it's for your own good," said Sango as Kagome looked at her confused.
-SMACK-
"OW! Sango, why did you hit me? When Yusuke find's out he will rip you apart!" said Kagome angrily.
"No he won't, because he knows I would only do anything to you if I thought it was for your own good," said Sango, "but listen to yourself now. Yes, Yusuke is hurt by your flinching from him after he accidentally hurt you, but its human nature to back away from those who have hurt us, even if it is accidentally. Tell me now though Kagome, do you still love him? Will you give up everything just to be with him?"
"No, not everything, I will not give up my children, Yusuke wouldn't want me to. I still love him though, with all my heart. He would do the same thing if he were in that position, he wouldn't abandon our children, he knows that I wouldn't want that," said Kagome as she and Sango talked about everything that had been bothering Kagome.
-
Elsewhere, Hiei had finally managed to track down Yusuke; he was at the edge of a cliff overlooking the wilderness.
"I can't go back Hiei, not after what I've done to her. I broke my oath, I hurt her," said Yusuke, turning to face Hiei. "I won't ever have attachments again, this way I don't hurt anyone ever again."
"Then jump," said Hiei. "This way you won't hurt anybody ever again."
"No," said Yusuke, "I won't jump, I won't be ordered around! I was ordered around all my life, either by my mother, Keiko, my teachers, Koenma, Raizen, his generals, and many more people! I will not have you order me around Hiei, not because I am King of the Northern Lands of the Makai and not because I am your superior, but because I am better than you will ever be!"
"Then prove it boy," sneered Hiei. "Prove you are worthy of your title, of your kind! Prove to me that you can beat me in all out combat, no rules, no limitations, nothing but pure brutality and bloodshed!"
"Why? Why should I fight you Hiei? I've proven over and over again, that I am better than you," said Yusuke.
"But each time, you held back, because of the spectators. This time there are no spectators, this time it's just you and me. Let us finish what we began the day we first fought against one another. Let us finish that battle to the very end, there is nobody to interfere this time and nothing to give you a lucky shot on my back," sneered Hiei angrily, "this time there will be no luck, this time it is pure skill, power, and technique."
"Fine, we fight until either one is dead, unable to continue, or one conceder's the battle. The victor claims the title of King of the Northern Lands of the Makai, whiter they want it or not," said Yusuke sternly as the two set into a glaring contest, a contest of wills.
Hiei made the first move slashing at Yusuke's throat with his katana, only to have it blocked by Yusuke's katana. Unlike Hiei who only used a katana, Yusuke also used a wakizashi, a shorter version of the katana. Slashing out with it, Hiei was forced to dodge the strike, he was certain he never taught Yusuke anything more than the basics of fighting with a sword. He also knew that Kurama hadn't taught him anything more than how to block attacks, so who had taught him how to use a sword?
"You're probably wondering who taught me how to use a sword to its full potential. Truthfully, I'm pretty much self-taught. I mimicked moves I've seen performed flawlessly, but the one who taught me how to use a sword to its full advantage was none other than your own mate Sango. Haven't you ever wondered how I came to know how to fight? I used to study quite a lot; mainly on the different fighting styles here in Japan," said Yusuke, "but when my Youkai nature awoke, I learned from my father's generals how to fight with the Toushin style. Plus, while I traveled the Makai I ran into quite a few swordsmen that were more than willing to teach me how to use different types of swords and in different styles too."
"They are all weaklings compared to me," snapped Hiei angrily.
"If that's true, then how come you never realized I was armed in the first place?" mocked Yusuke. "It's because I also learned how to use my Youki to shrink my weapons to a size that can easily be hidden. How many more swords do you think I have on me? How many different types of weapons?"
"You are a sneaky one boy, but that won't win you this battle!" snapped Hiei as he charged Yusuke at top speed, when he passed Yusuke he slashed at his waist with his katana, then eh stopped a few behind Yusuke.
Turning he saw Yusuke had ducked under the blow at the last second and had gotten several strikes in on him! "What!" said Hiei dropping to one knee as he felt his chest and found blood. "How!"
"Simple Hiei, while I've been training lately, I've gone over every fight I've ever been in, my entire life's worth of fights. I mentally studied each opponent and allies moves, techniques, everything. You didn't think that Genkai taught me meditation just to clear my mind and focus it, did you? No, she taught me everything she knew, even the stuff she never fully mastered," explained Yusuke, "even the things she thought I wasn't ready for and/or couldn't control and/or master. I have learned everything I can from her, I go back to help her around the shrine. My way of repaying her for everything she has ever done for me, my way of helping her in her last years."
"It won't help you win!" snarled Hiei angrily as he made another attempt at Yusuke, only to feel the cold blade of his wakizashi against his throat, one wrong move would end his life or put him at an extreme disadvantage.
"Concede Hiei! I don't want to have to kill you, but I will if I have to, for Kagome's sake," said Yusuke sternly.
"Never! I will not surrender to a hanyou!" snarled Hiei angrily, pushing himself away from Yusuke to escape his wakizashi blade. Once he landed he sprung right at Yusuke slashing at him quickly.
"DAMN IT!" snapped Yusuke as he held his side; Hiei had managed to land a blow on him with his katana. "You'll pay for that one Hiei!"
-
Sango began to get worried when neither Yusuke nor Hiei returned by night fall. It wasn't like them to make their loved ones worry once they came to their senses. Kagome was doing better, though still a bit shaken about the incident with Yusuke, she had at least admitted that she was worried about Yusuke and that she loved him and always would.
"Kurama," called Sango as she spotted him.
"Yes Sango?" replied Kurama calmly.
"Can you do me a favor?" asked Sango.
"That depends on what the favor is," said Kurama.
"Look after Kagome, there was an incident between her and Yusuke and it's left them on shaky ground, they both feel like they betrayed the other. Kagome can explain it better, but Hiei went off hours ago to search for Yusuke, neither of them has returned thus far," said Sango worriedly.
"I see, yes, I will look after Kagome. Kouga and Ayame at their den, get them to help you find Yusuke and Hiei. They know the forest better than anybody," said Kurama.
Sango nodded her thanks and took off for the two Wolf Youkai's den.
-
"Kouga, something's wrong," said Ayame.
"Is it time?" asked Kouga.
"No, not yet, it's something else… Sango's here," said Ayame as the two watched Sango's form approach their den slowly and carefully.
"What's wrong Sango? Was there an attack?" asked Kouga.
"No, not really, somebody has been trying to drive Kagome and Yusuke apart from each other. They've almost succeeded; Kagome and Yusuke are ready to annul their marriage to each other by both Youkai and Ningen standards. Now, Hiei is missing, he went to search for Yusuke hours ago, but so far neither have them has returned," said Sango. "Kurama said you could help me. Please, for Kagome's sake."
"We'll do it, for Kagome's sake," said Ayame sincerely. "Now which way did Hiei go?"
"Um, north, I think," said Sango.
"The cliff's, I'll bet anything that's where Yusuke went! It has a great view of the lands as they were in the Feudal Era, plus it's a great place to think if you want to be alone," said Kouga. "I've scoped that area out, checking for any threats to our den, plus Kagome's and everyone else's home."
"Right, so that's where we will go!" said Sango.
-
Both Yusuke and Hiei were injured severely and bleeding, they had taken to trying to out do the other when it came to swordsmanship. Neither of the two had yet disarmed the other, though Yusuke had come close several times. Hiei had come close a couple of times, but so far been unsuccessful in disarming Yusuke of his weapons.
"Give up Hiei, you can't beat me," said Yusuke through gritted teeth as he pushed against Hiei's katana with his own.
"I will not surrender to you!" replied Hiei.
With one swift movement, Yusuke was able to bring a stick or cane out of from hiding and swing it at Hiei. But Hiei was able to block it with his katana, while still managing to block Yusuke's katana and his wakizashi. Gritting his teeth he pushed against Hiei with more force, but was still unable to move his blades past Hiei's blade. Deciding it was time to reveal his next weapon he jumped back away from Hiei, while in midair he put his katana and wakizashi away. When he landed all he had out was the cane-like stick he had tired to use against Hiei earlier.
"You are a fool to have put away your blades boy," said Hiei as he put his katana back in its sheath, but held his hands ready to withdraw the blade again at a moments notice. "Now feel the wrath of my blade!"
The moment Hiei took off charging, Yusuke did as well. The leaves on the ground flowing up into the air as the two charged either, the sounds of the forest deathly quiet, the only sound that could be heard, faintly, were the sounds of Yusuke's and Hiei's feet running across the ground and the sound of metal scraping against metal. The moment Hiei and Yusuke were within striking distance Hiei withdrew his katana and struck, like lightning flashing through the sky. Yusuke and Hiei stood at opposite ends of each other, each crouched on the ground in post strike positions, neither moving an inch, nor making a sound.
-
Sango, Kouga, and Ayame were running through the forest towards the cliffs when Sango finally noticed how quiet it was. Stopping in her tracks she caught the attention of her two companions.
"What's wrong Sango?" asked Ayame, "do you hear something?"
"Shh. Listen, what do you hear?" asked Sango.
"Nothing, I don't either anything at all, why?" asked Ayame.
"Yeah, what's wrong?" asked Kouga as he looked around his surroundings.
"You don't hear anything?" asked Sango.
"No, nothing, is that a bad thing?" asked Ayame.
"There are no birds chirping, no sounds of squirrels running amongst the ground or the trees. Something's wrong, a forest is never this quiet, unless something as spooked the wildlife," said Sango.
"Your right, it's quiet, too quiet," said Ayame.
"Then let's hurry! Something must be happening with Hiei and Yusuke," said Kouga.
Nodding in agreement, they took off running faster than they had been before, something was up and Sango intended to find out what it was. When they arrived at the cliffs what they saw made Sango loose all color.
-
Yusuke was the first to stand, followed shortly by Hiei; turning to face each other it was clearly shown that Yusuke's cane was no cane, but a hidden sword, a shikomizue.
"You fought valiantly Hiei, but I'm afraid its time to end this fight," said Yusuke. "I was hoping it wouldn't have to come to this."
"You have learned well boy, yes, it is time to end this fight. But I'm afraid that I cannot summon the Dragon of the Darkness Flame and infuse it into my katana to create the Sword of the Darkness Flame. But I will summon the Dragon of the Ice Flame, I will let it feast upon you," said Hiei, "Dragon of the Ice Flame!" Summoning this new dragon Hiei infused into his katana.
"SWORD OF THE ICE…"
"SPIRIT…"
"FLAME!"
"STRIKE!"
The two charged each other one last time, their swords clashing against each other, their power clashing against one another, their limitations for pain put to the ultimate test. When explosion of their power erupted it cast a blinding light across the cliffs. Finally, when it faded the one standing was…
-
Higurashi Shrine
Kagome was breathing heavily as she had just gone into labor. She wished that Yusuke could be there with her, but she knew that he had to find inner peace before he could come back to her.
"Cousin," said Kagome.
"Yes, Kagome?" replied Kurama gently.
"Please, I have to have Yusuke here," said Kagome, tears now flowing freely. "I need him here with me, if he's not here, then I don't know if I'll survive this."
"I understand Kagome," said Kurama as he held her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. "I will have Inuyasha to help search for him, but for now just breathe."
"No, you search for him Kurama," said Kagome. "Please, I can only trust you with this task, you are the most level headed of the group."
"Very well, I will have Kikyo, Yukina, and Botan watch over you," said Kurama gently.
Walking out of the room he closed the door and leaned up against it briefly. 'Where are you Yusuke? She needs you now more than ever,' thought Kurama.
"Is she okay Kurama?" asked Kikyo.
"For now, but she needs Yusuke to be here with her. You can see it in her eyes, she needs him here otherwise she may not survive. I need you to watch over her, let the other girls know as well. Also tell Inuyasha and Miroku to guard this house with their lives. Many Youkai and Reikan would love to take the children of the Lord of the Northern Lands," said Kurama as he walked out of the house, transforming to his animal form as he walked.
'Yusuke, if she dies I will personally hunt you down and kill you,' thought Kurama as he took off towards the cliffs.
-
Yusuke's life flashed before his eyes as he felt the overpowering effects of Hiei's attack. It was then that he was granted a brief image of his future, if he stayed on his current course, he stood before a grave and upon the tombstone was name engraved upon it. A name that he did not want to see there, Kagome's name. He also saw next to Kagome's grave was Yukina's grave, and Sango's grave too. Seeing that because of this Kurama would be changed forever and he would hunt him down until he was dead. He noticed out of the corner of his eye, Hiei's grave. The emotions flowing through him were un-describable, pain, betrayal, loss, anger, sorrow, so many emotions, he felt as if he would die right there, but he knew he would not, no he would die another day. Then he was hurled back to the present time, it was as if it had never happened, as if he had been hallucinating the entire time. But he knew what it was, a warning from Midoriko and his father, Raizen. As the overwhelming force of their combined attacks faded away, he could not help but feel relieved that he had survived, as the smoke cleared away Yusuke saw that Hiei had also survived.
"Draw," said Yusuke as Hiei nodded.
"Draw," replied Hiei as the two finally noticed Sango, Kouga, and Ayame standing a few feet away from them.
"Sango," said Hiei as she rushed towards as he collapsed to the ground, weak from his battle with Yusuke.
"Oh, Hiei, why did you have to go and do things the extreme way? You could have died," said Sango sorrowfully as she stroked Hiei's head gently.
A few minutes later Kurama arrived in his animal form, extremely agitated. Changing back to his ningen form, Kurama growled angrily at Yusuke.
"Yusuke, what are you doing! Have you been standing here talking to everyone this whole time!" snapped Kurama, failing to see his wounds and Hiei's wounds.
"Kurama, do me one favor," said Yusuke calmly.
"What!" snapped Kurama glaring at Yusuke.
"SHUT UP!" replied Yusuke.
Taken back by Yusuke's behavior towards him, he noticed the dried blood all over his body. Looking Yusuke over, he saw that he had several cuts, deep ones and shallow ones. He was surprised, Yusuke had never been this badly injured before, at least not to the point that his wounds were that obvious. Looking at Hiei, he saw that he was in just as bad a condition as Yusuke was in, but wasn't taking it as well as Yusuke.
"Now what do you want Kurama? If you want to know what happened with me and Hiei, we'll explain it later," said Yusuke.
"It's Kagome," started Kurama, but never got to finish as Yusuke disappeared instantly.
-
"Breathe Kagome, breathe slowly and calmly. Just do as I instruct and you'll be fine for now. Your nearly there Kagome, your almost ready to give birth, physically at least. Another hour or two you'll be set, then comes the hard part," said Kikyo.
"Thanks for being here for me Kikyo. Yukina, thanks for keeping this room cool for me," said Kagome. "Can somebody please tell me where Botan is?"
"Botan went to get Shippo from Karen's, and she's out looking for Kohaku and Rui," said Kikyo. "Sango's looking for Yusuke and Hiei, so you know. Kouga and Ayame went with her. Miroku is praying for you, while Inuyasha is watching the children with your mother, brother, and your aunt."
"Thanks Kikyo," said Kagome. "You know it's hard to believe we used to be enemies. Or rather that we never got along. Look at us now you're my sister in-law by adoption. I wish I could be there for you when you give birth again Kikyo."
"Shh. Don't talk like that Kagome, you will be. They'll find Yusuke in time, don't worry," said Yukina sternly, before Kikyo to tell Kagome just what Yukina said.
-
"I hope Kagome's okay," said Souta sadly.
"She's just fine, Souta. She and Yusuke are just trying to sort out there problems. A lot has been going on and everyone is under stress. Especially Yusuke, he's worried, this Yakumo has him more worried than when Kagome would disappear for the weeks at a time," said Mizu.
"Really! What worried? Yusuke was always sad when Kagome wasn't around, he'd always be too depressed to stay and help me with my homework," said Souta as he paled instantly for having slipped up.
"So Yusuke was the one helping you out? Well he did help you bring your scores up quite a bit. But next time, don't lie to me," said Mizu sternly.
"Yes ma'am," replied Souta solemnly.
"I feel kind of helpless not being able to do everything our kids can do," said Shiori. "It seems to me that this generation is able to do things we could only hope to be able to do."
"Yeah, well just think you can help us of this generation learn from past mistakes," said Souta. "That's probably the reason you can't do what they can do. You're here to provide wisdom for them and to help guide them."
"It seems that Souta is learning rather quickly Mizu. Perhaps Souta you will be one of the exceptions to this generation and not be able to some of the things they can do too. If that's the case, then learn as much as you can, but don't dedicate your life to that, grow, fall in love, get heartbroken - though I hope you don't, and then share your wisdom with others, so they can learn and grow," said Shiori.
"Will you help me Aunt Shiori?" asked Souta hopefully.
"Of course Souta," replied Shiori.
-
Yusuke was running as fast as his wounded body could take him. He didn't care about the pain he was experiencing, all that mattered was getting to Kagome's side. He could see the Shrine grounds up ahead and this gave him a burst of adrenaline, carrying him over the house itself as he leaped from the forest. Once he landed he rushed right through the door, not caring if he broke it or not, he had to get to Kagome's side. He noticed Kikyo standing guard outside the guest room, he knew that was where Kagome was, he didn't know how and he didn't care, he just had to be with her. Rushing towards it he felt a searing hot pain engulf his body. He had run right into Kikyo's purifying barrier. Gritting his teeth he pushed through the barrier, he could smell his skin burning and his strength leaving him, but still he kept on pushing.
'I have to get to Kagome!' thought Yusuke as he struggled against the barrier, finally breaking through it. 'That hurt!'
"So Youkai, you managed to get through my barrier, very impressive. But now I'm afraid you die now!" said Kikyo as she reached for an arrow as Yusuke reached for his shikomizue. By the time Kikyo had grabbed the arrow and fired it, Yusuke had a firm grip on his weapon and used it to knock the sacred arrow into the ceiling. "Impressive, you were able to deflect my sacred arrow using a mere cane. But now you will- what?"
While Kikyo had been talking, Yusuke had moved quickly and had withdrawn the blade from its sheath. The tip was now pressed right up against her throat.
"Let me through or I will kill you!" hissed Yusuke angrily.
"I can purify you right now Youkai!" said Kikyo.
"You will die first wench! Now let me through or I will rip out your throat!" snarled Yusuke angrily as his Toushin markings began to appear, frightening Kikyo as she realized just what type of Youkai she was dealing with. "You know me Miko, now let me through!"
Realizing that she had picked a fight with a very wounded and extremely pissed off Yusuke, she paled and moved out of the way, as Yusuke moved the blade tip of his sword away from her. Opening the door he saw Kagome lying on the bed resting, he noticed how frail she looked and couldn't help but feel that he had done that to her. Moving to the bathroom that adjoined the room he cleaned his wounds carefully and bandaged himself up. It was when he heard her calling his name that he moved to her side quickly.
"I'm here Kagome, I'm here," said Yusuke quietly.
"Yusuke," said Kagome, opening her eyes to see if she wasn't dreaming, "you came back to me, my love! Please don't ever leave again!"
"No, never again, I swear it, I swear it upon my very being," said Yusuke as Kagome closed her eyes to rest some more, this time though, peacefully.
-
When Yukina came to check on Kagome, she was surprised to see Yusuke, but was grateful. Kagome's health was suddenly increasing fast, she seemed to be getting back to normal with Yusuke back home and by her side. Suddenly Kagome started breathing hard and quickly, she was going into labor. Yukina called for Kikyo and Botan. Botan wanted to force Yusuke out of them room, but Yukina and Kikyo knew better, Yusuke would end up forcing Botan out of the room and not letting her back in.
"Yusuke, just hold her hand and encourage her. Botan, get a bowl of hot water! Yukina, help me out here, make sure nobody but Botan gets in here!" said Kikyo sternly.
Botan rushed out of the room to get the hot water and the bowl. Yukina stood guard at the door and told everyone, who at this point had arrived back at the house, that only Botan was allowed to pass by her to see Kagome. When Botan came back with the bowl and a pitcher of hot water, she followed Kikyo's instructions.
"Yusuke, please don't leave me," cried Kagome. "I don't know if I can bear the pain."
"It's okay Kagome, you can do this. I won't ever leave you like that again, I promise! I love you too much. Just please hang on and follow Kikyo's instructions, I'll be here the entire time," said Yusuke kissing her hand reassuringly.
"Okay now Kagome, just take deep breath's and do as I ask of you, okay?" instructed Kikyo slowly.
"Okay, I trust you Kikyo," said Kagome.
"Alright now, take a deep breath and push!" said Kikyo.
Doing as Kikyo instructed Kagome's eyes filled with tears. After a few minutes, she was told to breath slowly and take another deep breath, then push again. This went on for hours until finally it was all done and Kagome had given birth to triplets, two girls and a boy. Kagome was happy, she hadn't been so happy in her entire life, she had brought three wonderful lives into the world.
"The eldest girl, I always wanted my eldest daughter to be named Sora," said Yusuke kissing Kagome's forehead gently.
"Yes, Sora Shiruba Urameshi will be her name. Our second daughter's name will be Atsuko Aisu Urameshi, after your mother. Our son's name will be Raizen Shinju Urameshi. Is this okay with you Yusuke?" said Kagome.
"I like the names, I couldn't have thought of better names for them," said Yusuke as tears began falling from his eyes. "I'm crying? But I'm not sad."
"They're tears of joy, you're happy to be the father of three beautiful children," said Kagome as she kissed Yusuke gently on the lips. "Please make sure they're registered as being born, I need to rest now."
"Of course Kagome, of course," said Yusuke kissing her forehead gently. Motioning for Kikyo to come over to him said, "make sure nobody bothers her. I have an errand to run for her. But check in on her every half hour would you?"
Kikyo understood and nodded, then she told Botan and Yukina of his request, nobody was allowed to enter the room, except for them and Yusuke himself.
-
Yusuke walked through the doors of City Hall, a place he had never been before, despite his reputation for causing trouble.
"Can I help you sir?" asked the woman behind the counter.
"Where do I go for birth certificates?" asked Yusuke.
"May I ask why you need birth certificates? They are usually given at the hospital when a child is born," said the woman.
"My wife just gave birth to triplets at our home," said Yusuke. "Plus, they aren't average children either."
"Ah," replied the woman looking around to make sure nobody could over hear her. "Are they Youkai children or Reikan children?"
"Youkai," replied Yusuke in Youkai language.
"Third floor, door on your right at the end of the hall," said the woman as Yusuke thanked her.
Upon reaching the third floor and the door at the end of the hall on his right, he found it was a Reikai office. Entering he was asked to take a number.
"I'm not going to wait," said Yusuke.
"Sir, please take a number and have seat," said the secretary.
"NO!" snapped Yusuke angrily in the Youkai language catching her attention right away.
"Very well sir, what can I help you with?" asked the secretary.
"Three birth certificates," replied Yusuke.
"Very well, I can fill them out here and give you a copy of them if you wish," said the secretary.
"I'll have them filled out and returned here or sent wherever they need to be," said Yusuke.
"Very well sir, have a good day," said the secretary handing him the paperwork that needed to be filled out and returned. "Oh, when you are finished, please return them here to be processed."
Yusuke just nodded as he left the building and started his way back to the Higurashi Shrine. On his way home he noticed a familiar figure in the crowd across the street. Looking closer he saw it was Yakumo, King of the Mekai. Rushing over there he was blocked by an oncoming bus, forcing him to jump back a few feet. When the bus passed Yakumo was gone, like he hadn't been there to begin with. Searching around, he noticed him on the top of a skyscraper. Moving quickly to the building, he rushed up the stairs as fast as he could and found Yakumo standing there, as if waiting for him.
"Yakumo," said Yusuke.
"Boy," replied Yakumo. "You looked surprised to see me!"
"Usually when I kill assholes, they stay dead. I figured I killed you when we first met and that Naraku or someone else had killed you five hundred years ago," said Yusuke glaring at Yakumo. "How are you still alive! I know for a fact that I killed you!"
"You see that's just it, I was dying after our battle. You defeated me, a mere human at that, you destroyed the power sphere, and you stopped my attempt to bring the Mekai to this world. I was dying, but then Naraku found me, he didn't know who or what I was. Just that I had been defeated by his quarry. He healed me without Enma knowing, but while I healed I learned that the power sphere had been recreated, but it was known as Shikon Jewel," explained Yakumo, "this caught my curiosity. So as I healed I concealed my true powers from Naraku, but I told him I was a survivor of the battle between the Reikai and the Mekai. I told him how he could acquire a massive and powerful army."
"So he didn't know you were the Mekai King. What do you want Yakumo, revenge? You could have had that easily," said Yusuke.
"Actually you would be surprised at how complicated that would make things. No I had to wait until the Kumori Wraiths had appeared; while I had control of the Reikai I was able to see their records. Even they don't have a clue as to how they defeated me and my armies. But there was something in those files that caught my attention, a hanyou who had control of a powerful object that made him feared and despised. So, you see, I realized the moment Naraku saved my life that he was the powerful hanyou who had control of the powerful object. What I didn't realize until he showed me was that this powerful object was the Power Sphere. It had been shattered, but still it was even more powerful than it was before," explained Yakumo. "Tell me boy, did you ever find the three quarters that Naraku had?"
"No, they weren't among his body," said Yusuke as realization dawned upon him. "You have them, maybe not on you, but they're in a safe location. Were you apart of my mother's murder!"
"Listen well boy! I may be your sworn enemy, but even I will not stoop so low as to murder one's mother just to play mind games! No, my mind games are much more simplistic and much cleaner. That was Naraku's doing, not mine. Tell me, how is it that a ningen such as yourself can have so much power?" said Yakumo.
"This is very out of character for you Yakumo. What game are you playing," demanded Yusuke.
"A game?" questioned Yakumo as he broke out laughing, "Oh, this is much more than a game, boy. This is the beginning of the epilogue to our great battle. Did you truly think I would fight you here and now? Don't be simple, I want a challenge. With the power sphere my current level of power is magnified by three hundred! My normal power without the power sphere is a hundred times what it was when you first defeated me."
"To answer your question Yakumo, I'm not entirely human," said Yusuke as he saw the surprise come across Yakumo's face.
"A Reikan hanyou then!" said Yakumo as Yusuke looked at him blankly, just before he broke out laughing at him. "Don't laugh at me boy!"
"I'm a hanyou alright, but I'm a Youkai hanyou. Born with dormant Youkai blood, thus growing up as a human, but my Reiki was dormant too. Then I was killed saving a child's life. I've been a ghost Yakumo, after that time my life was restored to me and my Reiki was awakened. It was right after the Dark Tournament that we met Yakumo. I was around an inferior A-class when we first met, but after you injured me and when we met up again, I was stronger than before. Plus purifying the power sphere of Mekai Youki, gave me a bit of a power boost. I beat the living hell out of you and destroyed the power sphere too," said Yusuke with a smirk evident on his face. "But my confidence would soon be interrupted when I fought the strongest person in my entire life. Sensui Shinobu, the rogue Reikai Tantei, the Dark Angel, the man with seen personalities."
"A human beat you; that must have been humiliating!" Yakumo sneered evilly.
"You have no idea, but he had mastered the Sei Kou Ki too," said Yusuke as he watched Yakumo's eyes widen in shock and fear. "He tried to unleash the Makai onto the Ningenkai by creating a giant portal. I didn't just get beaten by him, I was killed by him. I was dead for the second time in my life, but then I was alive again. My Youkai blood had saved my life. Awakening my Youki, my Youkai core, my Youkai heart as I call it, awakened my true nature, with the aid of Raizen, Lord of the Northern Lands. I came back and killed Sensui. I was an S-class hanyou that had no control really."
"A Toushin hanyou; the son of Raizen no less, I see. That explains why you are so powerful. But tell me do you really think you can defeat me? If so take your best shot," said Yakumo leaving himself open for attack intentionally.
"Well if you insist," said Yusuke charging Yakumo with his fist drawn back, ready to strike, but at the last instant Yakumo moved out of the attacks way so fast it was as if Yusuke was standing still. However, having expected this, Yusuke did something unexpected; he drew his shikomizue and slashed Yakumo across the torso, leaving a nice sized cut that would scar.
"Very sneaky of you boy!" snarled Yakumo angrily as he disappeared into thin air, leaving only an envelope on the floor where he had been standing.
Picking the envelope up from the floor Yusuke left before anybody came and found him in a restricted area. Walking out of the building he knew what was inside of the envelope. Yakumo wasn't very subtle, but he was extremely patient when he wanted to be. He had left instructions for Yusuke to follow or there would be consequences.
-
Upon his arrival home he went straight to Kagome, where the two filled out the necessary paperwork and would send it in to them later. Yusuke was happy, he cooed at his eldest daughter happily, bringing a smile to Kagome's face.
"If only people could see the big bad Yusuke Urameshi now," joked Kagome.
"Yeah, I've always had a soft spot for kids. You know ever since I was ten and had my first crush I always wanted to find the perfect wife and become a father. My mother often told me if I had turned out to be a girl she would have named me Sora Shiruba Urameshi. So I told her when I had children, that I would name my eldest daughter that, it brought a smile to her face, plus I liked the name," said Yusuke as Sora grabbed one of his fingers and began sucking on it gently. "I'm happy you know. My dream of becoming a father came true. I'm sure Shippo will be happy to have a brother and two sisters, don't you?"
"I'm sure he will be," said Kagome as she noticed the far away look in his arms. "Yusuke what's wrong?"
"On my way home, I ran into Yakumo. Don't worry, I'm okay, but we had a bit of a conversation, he told me how he survived our last true battle. Naraku saved his life without realizing who he was, just that I had defeated him in battle, when I should have lost. I hadn't realized that Naraku was targeting me that far back. It makes me wonder if he had been watching me since I was a child. Anyway, he mocked me, he ridiculed me, but he never made a move at me. He's toying with me Kagome. He's trying a more subtle approach this time, playing with my mind, making me on edge all the time. He gave me one free shot at him and recklessly I took it, he moved like I was standing still, but I managed to surprise him by cutting him across his torso," explained Yusuke slowly, pausing for a moment, before he continued, "he left an envelope behind, where he had been standing, when he disappeared into thin air. Our final battle against each other is drawing nearer. I don't want to think about what will happen if I don't comply or if I loose. Kagome he has the rest of the Shikon Jewel in his possession. He knows how to unlock and use its deepest, most hidden secrets. He created the original, the one I purified and destroyed, that nearly cost me my life."
"Then don't think about it," said Kagome. "For now, enjoy your time as a father. But out of curiosity, how long is he giving you?"
"Two months, I'm surprised I have that long. But I intend to make the best out of it," said Yusuke.
-
One Week Later
Kikyo was the one now in labor and Inuyasha was a mess. He was nervous as hell and was constantly getting yelled at by Kikyo to sit still or get out of the room. He chose the latter, because his ears were starting to bleed from all the yelling. The moment he left Kikyo yelled at him to get back by her side and comfort her. Hiei was wearing a constant smirk, knowing full well who wore the pants in that marriage. Finally after several hours Kikyo gave birth to a son, they named him Inyuko (In-You-Koh), just as they originally planned. Inuyasha stayed by Kikyo's side the entire time, comforting her. He held his son in his arms and was amazed at the resemblance to his own father.
"He must have inherited it from you Inuyasha," said Kikyo softly. "Maybe we should have named him Inutaisho."
"No! Inyuko is fine; it's a cross between our names, just as we agreed," said Inuyasha as Kikyo nodded smiling as their newborn son fell asleep in Inuyasha's arms. "I love you Kikyo."
"I love you too, Inuyasha," said Kikyo as the tow kissed gently.
-
Over the next several weeks both Yusuke and Inuyasha spent as much time with their mates and newborn children as possible.
Shippo had been quite happy to learn that he was a big brother to three perfectly healthy babies. He could not help but feel he needed to help protect them, so he spent a bit less time with Karen and more time helping his parents take care of his siblings.
Kiyasha and her siblings would help out as much as they could too. Though they were still young, they were able to help with minor things.
Yusuke himself thought back over the past month, especially to Christmas and New Years. He made sure Kagome had fun the whole day. It was at night after she had gone to bed that he would venture out into the cold snow and meditate. Then he would physically train himself to exhaustion, barely able to sneak back into the house. He regretted it now, seeing as it almost cost him Kagome and his son Shippo, plus Sora, Atsuko, and Raizen. It was the night before the biggest battle of their lives and Kagome was finally allowed to do the things she had done before her pregnancy. It was that night that she consented to becoming a Toushin hanyou like Yusuke; it was a night in which the two would renew their promises and their vows to each other, a night that neither would soon forget.
-
A/N: Well here it is; the fourteenth chapter. I hope you all like it, because there's only about two chapters left before the big finale. The next chapter is going to be a big one, so it will take a while to complete and get posted, but for now this chapter's poll.
What did you think of this chapter?
What should happen next?
What do you think of this story overall? (What do you think of the entire story, so far?)
Well that's it for now, hope you enjoyed it. Until next time,
Shadow Kage