Undeniably His: Her scent was everything and it drove him insane. He had finally found his mate yet he was in love with another.
…..xxx…..
Chapter Thirty-Six
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Ginjiro stared at Totosai. He couldn't believe the words that Totosai spoke. Everything didn't make sense and it wasn't going to make sense no matter how he tried to explain it. His eyes grew with anger as he controlled the emotions that were soon to erupt. "What are you talking about Totosai? The Youkai Council cannot agree to this. They would be turning their back on the law itself."
Totosai nodded his head, "We all know that Kagome paid the Youkai Council a visit and that she requested a divorce. I just didn't think that they would actually grant her permission."
Ginjiro leaned back in his seat. All of this was just unreal. Why would the Youkai Council grant Kagome permission on the divorce? The Youkai Council believed in every principle and regulations that were governed for youkais everywhere. This wasn't something that they would grant. They never granted this type of request before especially when it involved a youkai and their mate.
Ginjiro took a deep breath, controlling his emotions. This news caught him off guard. "How is this possible Totosai? What are going on in the minds of the Youkai Council?"
Totosai shrugged his shoulders. "I am wondering the same thing. However, I didn't hear from the Youkai Council. They have kept both me and Myoga in the dark regarding your son and Kagome."
Ginjiro's eyebrows furrowed in confusion, "Why are they keeping you and Myoga in the dark about this? You two are also a part of the Youkai Council as well."
"I believe that it is because of our close relationship with you and your family. We both have known you for many, many years and they feel that we may be impartial to certain things."
Ginjiro stood up, "What gives them the right to do this? You and Myoga have been a member of the Youkai Council for centuries on end."
Totosai nodded his head, "Hosenki as well as some of the others feel that we would only interfere with what he calls 'the betterment of Inuyasha's and Kagome's fate' or whatever reason he wants to call it."
"This is ludicrous. How do they expect to see any changes or improvement if they are allowing Kagome permission to separate from her mate?"
Totosai shrugged his shoulders. "I do not know all I know is that this could be a major shift in how the Youkai Council governs the rules and regulations."
Ginjiro couldn't believe what he was hearing. None of this made any sense. Out of all the things that the Youkai Council could do, allowing Kagome a divorce was unacceptable and it wasn't his law to even question. "There are laws that states that once a youkai has found his or her mate, then they are bonded for life. Whether they have mated or not, the scent alone is proof that the intended is that youkai's mate."
"That is where the problem lies. Inuyasha can no longer smell Kagome's mate scent." Totosai said closing his eyes and thinking about what Inuyasha said that day.
Ginjiro was quiet. He did recall Inuyasha saying that he couldn't detect Kagome's scent. For the most part, he assumed that Inuyasha was feeling guilt about being out with Kikyo when he clearly had Kagome in front of him. However, knowing that Inuyasha still couldn't detect Kagome's scent was sending red flags from left and right.
"If Inuyasha can no longer detect Kagome's scent, it may be possible that other male youkais could possibly get a whiff of her scent and could try to stake a claim on her."
"That's unheard of. I mean can it actually be done? Someone other than Inuyasha can claim Kagome as their mate?"
"I really don't know. We have never experienced anything like this in the history of our race. If so it has never been documented. This is very troubling indeed."
Ginjiro nodded his head in agreement. Things weren't looking all that good for Inuyasha and Kagome.
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The next day arrived and the families were all getting ready to go sight-seeing around Sao Paulo. Everyone were in there respected rooms changing and getting dressed. The weather in Sao Paulo was nice and warm. The majority of the family was already downstairs in the lobby waiting for the remainder of the family to join them. Izayoi and Ai were walking down the main stairwell that was in the center of room. Shippo and Souta were running around playing tag, not caring if they broke anything.
"Souta! Shippo!" Both mothers called out to their sons wanting them to calm down and sit still.
"Looks like everyone is just about here." Izayoi eyes skimmed the room and saw several people still unaccounted for. "We still have a twenty minute window."
The minutes rolled by and the rest of the family were now at the lobby. Ginjiro passed out some of the pamphlets and other tourists' information. Everyone grabbed their belongings and walked to the front as Ginjiro disappeared to get the chauffeur.
"Instead of riding around in the limousine and causing a scene, I've decided to rent a bus for our travels." Ginjiro spoke as the families were now outside and a decker bus pulled up in front of the hotel. The bus was a nice size and there was enough seating for the family to sit comfortably.
"This looks like fun." Souta said with Shippo nodding his head in agreement.
"This is a pleasant change. This will give us a better view of the city." Izayoi said giving her husband a kiss on the cheek.
"Well if everyone is here, let's get our day started." Ginjiro instructed as the family boarded the bus and began their first day in Sao Paulo. The city was simply beautiful. Seeing the people commute to work was something that you would see on movies. The energy was everywhere and you could feel it too. The sounds of the pitter patter of people walking, bells on the bicycles ringing. The tires connected to the pavement of the road and the constant chatter of people talking. Everything was just busy. The first tourist attraction the families were visiting was Jardim Botanico, a beautiful botanical garden that was a good 20 minutes from where they were staying. The translator was informing the family about the origin of the gardens. Arriving at their destination, the outside environment was simply breathtaking. It was calm and peaceful and gave a quiet breeze through the wind.
"Aww man I thought that we would be going somewhere fun. Why are we here?" Shippo pouted folding his arms across his chest.
"Maybe we can find something interesting here. I'm sure they have all kinds of bugs and stuff." Souta said looking around as he jumped off three steps from the bus.
"It's beautiful." Ai said looking at the trees and other exotic plants that weren't in Japan.
"Lady Kagura if you'd like I can get you a mobile cart to ride in so that you won't have to walk as much. I know that you are pregnant and I wouldn't want you be doing so much walking while we are taking this tour of the gardens." The tour guide offered.
Kagura shook her head, "No that wouldn't be necessary. I'll be okay walking."
Sesshomaru looked at Kagura with a serious expression on his face. She knew that look all too well. He wouldn't voice his concerns so publicly that she caught on to his non-verbal words. She turned her attention back to the tour guide. "On second thought, could you bring one just in case. You never know what might happen and looking at this place. It looks like we will be doing a lot of walking."
"Sure thing Lady Kagura." He walked away to get the cart.
Kagura turned to look at Sesshomaru, "You know I would've been fine walking. It wouldn't hurt me or the baby."
"I don't want to take any chances." Sesshomaru said grabbing his mate's hand.
Within minutes the tour guide returned with a cart for Kagura to ride in. Everyone was accounted for and excited about the tour in the gardens. The tour guide gave the family several brochures about Jardim Botanico Sao Paulo or The Botanical Gardens of Sao Paulo. There were many sites and areas that were to be explored and the tour guide wanted to make sure that the family would get as much information as possible while at the same time enjoy the beauty of Jardim Botanico.
The family spent several hours at Jardim Botanico. There were many plants that weren't on Japan soil. The atmosphere was calm and serene. The tour guide informed the family that the park is one of the few areas of the Atlantic Rainforest that once covered most of the Brazilian Coast. The reserve held many of the original trees, wildlife, and vegetation there. Shippo and Souta were in awe seeing the different kinds of animals that were seen spotted.
"Are there any more animals here?" Souta asked.
The tour guide nodded his head. "There's an exhibit that we have where you view the animals here in their natural habitat. We also have a birdhouse here and you can see a variety of birds."
"Cool." Both Souta and Shippo chimed in.
Izayoi smiled. "Would you like to see them you two?" the boys shook their head vigorously.
"Ai and I will go with you as well." Midoriko said. "Those two seem to be extra hyper today. We'll need all the help we can get." She laughed.
"I thought that Souta was a handful by himself. Now that they are related, the two of them are just a ball of untapped energy." Ai said shaking her head.
"Are you coming with us honey?" Izayoi asked her husband. Ginjiro looked over at his son and Kagome. Throughout the entire visit here his mind was on the Youkai Council and how they were actually granting Kagome the divorce. He didn't want to entertain those thoughts and shook his head.
"Yeah I want to see what type of birds they hold here." Ginjiro spoke. "I'm sure that Inuyasha and the others will be fine. Grandpa Higurashi and Totosai are in their own world and Sesshomaru and Kagura probably don't want to be bothered. Kagura still has him whipped."
Ginjiro smirked a bit.
"I heard that father." Sesshomaru said.
"Well let's get going. The trail is down this way." The tour guide led them down a path that would connect them to the wildlife exhibit with the birds and other animals.
"Come on Kagome, they have a greenhouse nearby. We should go check it out." Ayumi said grabbing Kagome by the hand and leading her as if she really knew where she was going.
"Do you even know how to get there?" Kagome asked.
"Sure don't but we just have to follow the map and I'm sure that this will help us." Ayumi smiled.
"We shall accompany you lovely ladies there. We wouldn't want you to get lost." Miroku flirted with Sango. Who in turn shot him a death glare.
"Why would we want you there especially Inuyasha? I don't think they accept dogs here. No pun intended. No wait." Sango acted as if she was in deep thought by placing her finger on her chin. "I do mean it."
"We won't enjoy this trip if you keep throwing daggers at Inuyasha Sango." Bankotsu said looking around. "We all know that Inuyasha messed up but we are on a vacation and might as well enjoy it. Plus I intend on having a good time and having attitudes from both parties isn't my idea of fun."
Kagome nodded her head in agreement. "It doesn't matter. You can join us. It was Inuyasha's family who made this possible for all of you to come here. So I really don't care." Kagome shrugged her shoulders and walked off.
Sango shot a death glare at Kagome before walking away to catch up with her friends.
"Looks like you may have gained an enemy as well Bankotsu. Nice job with the heroics." Kouga laughed.
"Shut up. Come let's go before they get too far." Miroku called out to the girls for them to slow down and of course it fell on death ears.
Inuyasha let out a sigh. This was going to be one interesting trip indeed.
…xxx…
Ayumi finally found the greenhouse after what seemed like forever. They were lost for a good twenty minutes but with the help of one of the workers, she directed them in the right direction. The greenhouse was beautiful and was filled with exotic flowers and plants. Two people who maintained the greenhouse were there to show them around and give them information about the different plants that were in each green house. There were other greenhouses located on the path and were well maintained.
"What type of flower is this?" Yuka asked pointing at the flower.
"This flower is known as the Poppy-Papaver Rhoeas. This species of flower is common in Brazil. It is a part of the poppy family." The tour guide said showing the group the various poppy flowers that were scattered across the field.
"It's really pretty." Ayumi said. "Let's see what else they have over here." Ayumi walked towards another area of different flowers.
"This sure is fun. Looking at flowers and watching the girls in awe over nature. Makes me feel all giddy." Miroku said.
"If this is what you call fun then I will have to pass. I didn't even think that we would go somewhere like this. This isn't what we usually do on these sort of trips." Bankotsu said walking around the greenhouse they were in.
"I think my dad wanted the Higurashi's to enjoy their first trip with us as a family. You know he wants to make great first impressions no matter what the occasion may be." Inuyasha voiced.
"Yeah especially after how your fiasco with meeting Kagome, showing that you didn't want to marry her, showing your disgust with the marriage, making her life a living hell and the simple fact that she is your mate. Oh yeah and the simple fact that you went behind everyone's back and met up with Kikyo, got caught and now can't smell Kagome's scent. Now Kagome's is getting her request for a divorce granted and some guy may be waiting in line to claim Kagome as his own." Miroku pointed out, getting some laughs from Bankotsu and Kouga.
"Shut up. I don't even see why they would grant her permission on the divorce. I just need to find a way to fix this before my father finds out." Inuyasha scratched his head. He was obviously frustrated with how the events were turning out.
"Yeah cause once your dad finds out, he is going to kick your ass. He's going to knock your demon out of you big time." Kouga laughed.
"Damn that's going to be one epic ass kicking. We should record it and upload it." Bankotsu suggested with a smirk.
"Glad that you three can find humor in my misfortune."
"We wouldn't be family if we didn't laugh at your misfortune." Kouga patted Inuyasha on his back.
"How long are we going to stay here? Shouldn't we be leaving? I'm quite sure that there are other exhibits here besides the greenhouses." Bankotsu was looking around to see if the girls were ready to leave. Looking around he saw that they were ahead of them down the trail.
"We should catch up. We wouldn't want Inuyasha to lose sight of Kagome. He already can't smell her." Miroku joked.
The guys caught up with the girls with ease and they seemed to be interested with all the flowers that they tour guide was showing them. All of them expect one. Kagome was nowhere in sight and this caused Inuyasha to immediately wonder where Kagome could have wander off to.
"Hey where's Kagome?" Inuyasha's voice held a hint of concern.
"What are you talking about? She's up there with her friends. She's standing next to Yuka." Kouga said pointing.
"No, I don't think that's her. That's Ayumi." Inuyasha huffed.
"Maybe she just went to look at some other exhibits or something. Or maybe she is with some other guy…" Miroku couldn't finish his sentence as Inuyasha rushed passed him and over to Sango.
"Yo, Sango have you seen Kagome anywhere? Where is she? I thought she would be with you." Inuyasha overwhelmed her with unnecessary questioning. He didn't even notice that he grabbed her by her shoulder.
"Don't touch me Inuyasha and could you back away a few feet and give me some breathing room?" Sango shot him a death glare again.
"Whatever your problem is can we deal with this later? Do you know where Kagome is? I thought that she was with you."
Sango rolled her eyes and ignored the questions and continued walking. She didn't get far as Inuyasha stepped in front of her. "I'm serious Sango, where is Kagome?"
Sango folded her arms across her chest and looked Inuyasha up and down. "Well as you can clearly see, she isn't with me or the rest of us."
"I know that." Inuyasha said through gritted teeth. He could understand that Sango didn't like him. Hell, she hated him and was obviously stalling or something. "Do you know where she is?"
Sango shrugged her shoulders. "I really don't know. Why don't you try and find her scent. I'm sure you can pick up your mate's scent right?" Sango turned on her heels and walked over towards Ayumi, Yuka, and Eri.
Inuyasha let out a growl and took off in the opposite direction of the group. He needed to find Kagome and he needed to find her soon.
Kagome decided to walk ahead of her friends. Of course she let her curiosity get the best of her and lost her friends but she knew that she wouldn't be left behind. So she continued on walking. There were many lakes around her and Kagome spotted a bridge that led down a trail of beautiful trees. The trees were different from the ones at home and especially from the one at her family's shrine. Many people were walking around and taking pictures with their families and were seemingly enjoying themselves.
"You should be enjoying your trip as well. Don't let Inuyasha get the best of you Kagome." Kagome thought to herself. Kagome walked down the trail and saw a beautiful scene.
"It's beautiful isn't it?" the voice spoke from behind her.
Kagome was startled a bit and turned around to see a guy approaching her.
"I come here every chance I can and it still amazes me how beautiful this place really is. It has some sort of calmness about it that just puts you at ease." He spoke looking into the lake his reflection showing.
Kagome nodded her head but didn't say anything.
"You aren't from around here are you?" his gaze didn't leave the lake.
Kagome shook her head no, "No I am actually on vacation with some of my friends and family."
He smiled a bit. "I could tell. Well your family chose a great destination. Brazil is a great country and I'm not saying this just because I live here." He laughed.
"Isn't that a bit biased?"
"No, I would say that I just have pride in my country. That wouldn't count as being biased does it?"
"I think it does but you can call it pride. It covers up your biased opinion just a smidge." Kagome said laughing a bit. "Well if you are from Brazil you wouldn't mind me asking you a question."
"And what might that be?"
"What type of flower is this? It's really pretty." Kagome pointed at the reddish-violet flower hanging from a vine.
"This flower is called Quesnelia Testudo. It known for adapting to Brazil's climate and you can see these flowers grow year round." He informed Kagome.
"It's really pretty. I wish there were flowers like the ones here where I'm from." Kagome let out a sigh.
"Where are you from?"
"Japan." Kagome said simply.
"Doesn't Japan have the most recognized flower known as the Japanese Cherry Blossom?"
Kagome nodded her head and laughed a bit. "Yes we do."
"I think the Japanese Cherry Blossom is a beautiful flower in its own right. I wish we had some of those Cherry trees planted in our gardens. They would definitely give more beauty to the gardens, especially if there was one planted right in front of this bridge. Now that would be a vision." He closed his eyes imagining the Cherry tree.
"That would be nice." Kagome smiled a bit.
An hour passed and Kagome was still talking with the mysterious guy. He shown her different areas around Jardim Botanico and the two of them were enjoying each other's company, even getting a few laughs out of Kagome.
"I should be heading back. I kind of lost track of time and I know they be wondering where I am." Kagome said with a slight smile.
"It was a pleasure in meeting you…"
"Kagome, my name is Kagome."
"Kagome it was a pleasure in meeting you."
"Same here…um what's your name?" Kagome laughed a bit.
"It's Rodrigo."
"Okay Rodrigo. It was a pleasure to meet you."
"Trust me Kagome, the pleasure was all mine." Rodrigo grabbed Kagome's hand and planted a soft kiss on her skin, causing Kagome's eyes to widen a bit and a faint blush to form on her cheeks. "Maybe we will meet again. Hope you have a great vacation here, you will definitely enjoy it." He said with a smile as he watched Kagome walk away.
Kagome grabbed her phone and saw that she had several missed phone calls and text messages. All of them which were from Inuyasha. She rolled her eyes and texted Sango asking where they were. Sango texted within a few seconds and said that they were headed back to the front entrance and that she should head that way. Kagome replied and placed her phone back in her pocket. It didn't take Kagome too long to reach the front of the gardens and saw most of the family was already loading the bus.
"Where did you disappear off to Kagome? You abandoned us." Eri said sipping on some water.
"I don't even know how I got off trail with you guys. I saw a lot of interesting things here. The flowers are simply amazing here." Kagome said with a smile.
"I see that you are smiling. Maybe separating from Inuyasha did your mind some good." Sango pointed out.
Before Kagome could say anything, she heard the familiar voice call out her name. A voice she didn't want to hear calling her name.
"KAGOME!"
Kagome rolled her eyes as she knew exactly who was calling her. She didn't turn around to acknowledge him and of course that didn't sit well with him. Kagome continued to talk with her friends as he approached her rapid fury.
"Kagome where were you? I've been looking for you for the past hour. I didn't know where you were."
"Looks like the puppy couldn't find his mate." Sango laughed a bit.
"Why didn't you answer any of my calls or text messages?"
Kagome shrugged her shoulders. "I guess I just was too busy ignoring you."
Inuyasha let out a low growl. He was actually worried about her and didn't know if she was lost or anything.
"I'm fine now Inuyasha so you being worried about me was pointless. Nothing happened to me. So let's just drop this conversation." Kagome said as she walked passed Inuyasha causing him to get a whiff of the scent that was on her as she boarded the bus with her friends following behind her.
Inuyasha's eyes widen. There was a scent on Kagome and it wasn't her scent that he smelt. It was an unfamiliar and masculine scent. A scent that he didn't expect to be on Kagome. It was a scent of another male on Kagome. Was Kagome with another guy this whole time?
This caused his inner demon to howl.
…xxx…