Chapter 11: Mother Figure
"Dammit Sango," Kagome hissed as she sucked in a breath, Sango continued to wrap Kagome's chest. They were sitting in Sango's home, one of the only places that wasn't damaged in the attack. "I'm almost done, hang on a bit more, we have to wrap it tight." Kagome sighed, and winced from doing so, "yes I know. Still hurts like Hell." Sango chuckled at her, "be thankful you only walked away with minor injures and just a couple broken ribs." Kagome nodded frowning, "I probably won't be this lucky next time." Sango pulled the bandages a little too tight and Kagome winced glancing at Sango, Sango death glared back at her. Kagome laughed nervously, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean that." Sango nodded, "I hope so. I know this is an awful situation to be in Kagome, but have some faith." Sango said as she finished with the bandages. "There! Good as new!" Sango said smiling as she started to clean up her supplies. Kagome put her clothes back on, "thank you so much Sango, I just wish I wasn't hurting so bad so I could help the villagers." Sango shook her head at her, "there is no need. Kohaku, Rin and Miroku are helping them repair some of the huts, we will all manage." Sango placed a hand on her shoulder, "you just need to rest and heal." Kagome nodded with a sad smile, "I also think they said they were going to get something put together for you so you have somewhere to sleep tonight." Sango said as she stood to put the supplies away. "Lady Kagome!" Rin called as she entered Sango's home holding a bunch of folded items. "I found some of your things, so I brought them to you," Kagome smiled at Rin as she set the stack down next to her. "Thank you so much Rin, how is it going out there?" Kagome asked as she started to inspect the pile. "Very well, we should have a place for everyone to sleep in tonight at least. And we can finish the rest of the work tomorrow, it's getting too late."
Rin started telling Sango how her kids were helping too, but Kagome didn't hear them anymore. Her hand froze on a red piece of clothing in the middle of the pile that Rin brought. She felt tears well up in her eyes as she gripped the clothing, Sango noticed from the corner of her eye. Rin suddenly remembered she had something else to check on and left the hut quickly without noticing Kagome's sudden change in mood. Sango turned to face Kagome once they were alone, who was still frozen holding the cloth. "Did you want me to get rid of that for you?" Sango asked softly, watching Kagome closely. Kagome looked up at her, "I'm not sure what to do with it," she whispered then looked back down at it. "It's the cloth of the fire rat. Its repels fire and heat, it could come in handy one day." Sango nodded at her, then Kagome continued, "but every time I saw it before I was reminded of Inuyasha. But now all I see is... this evil being in Inuyasha's body." Sango shook her head, and Kagome looked up back at her. "Then keep it, and try to look at it from now on as it is; just a kimono, and nothing more. Because you are right, it might come in handy one day." Kagome nodded slowly, "I will try to keep it. It would be a waste to just throw it out." Sango nodded in agreement.
About an hour later Miroku, Kohaku and Rin returned. After talking for awhile making a plan about how they would finish repairing the rest of the village tomorrow, Kagome stood grabbing her bow and arrows. Sango looked at her with a worried expression, "where are you going?" Kagome smiled reassuringly at her, "I'm just going for a walk, and I might practice a bit." "Just be careful," Sango told her, "you don't want to hurt yourself more." Miroku turned to Kagome, "we repaired your hut first Lady Kagome, so you can rest there tonight if you would like." Kagome smiled with relief, "thank you so much you guys. Rin will you be joining me at home later?" Rin blushed as she looked up at Kagome, "I was going to stay the night and talk with Kohaku some more if that is okay?" Kagome smiled, "yes, I will see you all tomorrow then." Kagome headed out, she winced a bit as she walked. 'Owch, this is going to make practicing my bow and doing my duties difficult until this heals,' she thought with a frown. She walked through the village glad to see it didn't look as bad as it did earlier, she made her way back to her home. Glad to see they didn't change much when they rebuilt it, she sensed him coming when she left the others so she wasn't surprised when she saw Sesshoumaru waiting for her outside her home. He made eye contact with her when she got closer, "how are you?" he asked looking her up and down. She smiled at him, "better. Sango wrapped my chest good, and the pain is barely noticeable." Kagome lied as she entered her home, "what about your shoulder?" Sesshoumaru asked as he followed her inside. "Feels like I was never injured, I do have a tiny star like scar there now though," Kagome told him as she put her bow and arrows down and went over to built a fire. 'I wouldn't be able to train right now anyways,' she thought disappointed.
Sesshoumaru watched Kagome as she started the fire she then stood and turned to face him. "I am a lot tougher than you think I am. It will just take time for my ribs to heal," she said frowning as she placed a hand on her ribs. Sesshoumaru groaned as he walked closer to her, "and you won't be able to lay with me for awhile until then." Kagome giggled as she walked around the fire to get the futon ready, "I will be healed soon, be patient." She found the futon and laid it out beside the fire, "will you lay down with me until I fall asleep?" Kagome asked him looking up at him through her lashes. Sesshoumaru smirked, "I guess so," he said as he started to undo this armor. He placed the pieces down by her bow and arrows, then walked over to her; she was already in the futon. He crawled in next to her wrapping his mokoko around them, then he laid down. He put his arms behind his head as Kagome snuggled up to his side, and rested her head on his chest. "Are you worried?" Sesshoumaru asked after a few minutes of silence, "about what?" Kagome said. "About Inuyasha and that bastard returning," he told her as he moved is one arm to go around her shoulders. She laughed without humor, "of course I'm worried. But I seem to be able to stand my own ground more or less, but I took your advice to heart. I don't see him as the Inuyasha I knew anymore. So I'm not worried about killing him," Sesshoumaru nodded.
They laid together for awhile, Sesshoumaru watched the fire in the fire pit for awhile also listening to Kagome breathing. Then he groaned annoyed, sitting up, Kagome sat up suddenly when he moved. "What is it?" She asked sleepily, "it's nothing. Jaken found me, hes coming this way." Kagome chuckled then she laid back down rolling over and covering herself with the blanket. Sesshoumaru stood and walked outside, heading toward where he sensed Jaken.
"Oh dear, what am I going to do?" Jaken said as he walked the dark path through the forest. "Lord Sesshoumaru has been gone for ages! Leaving me alone for months... Aren't I his devoted servant!? I haven't see my Lord or Lady in a long time!" He was yelling now and stopped walking. He slammed his staff down on the ground, "I don't even know where this village is, how am I going to find Lord Sesshoumaru and tell him what happened!?" "What happened?" Jaken gasped at Sesshoumaru's voice and turned around, and burst into tears when he saw Sesshoumaru coming out of the trees toward him. "My Lord!" Jaken yelled as he bolted for him, he grabbed one of his legs crying. Sesshoumaru sighed, "what did you need to tell me Jaken?" Jaken let go of his leg and fell to the ground, bowing. "Please forgive me my Lord! But I have been searching for you for over a month, then the other day I ran into the wolf pack that is lead by that wolf demon Koga, he asked me to rely a message to you once I found you!" Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow, "the wolf demon? What does he want with me?" Jaken raised his head, "he told me to tell you, 'tell the priestess I have her ward Shippou here, he was attacked', that is all I was told." Sesshoumaru turned around and started heading back to the village, "wait my Lord! Take me with you! What shall I do?" Sesshoumaru didn't turn around as he spoke, "go back and find A'un, and return here tomorrow morning." Sesshoumaru didn't wait for his response, and made is way back to the village to inform Kagome.
Kagome was sitting outside her hut tightening her bow string when Rin came running up to her, "please convince Lord Sesshoumaru to let me come along too!" She whined to her with a pout, Kagome laughed at her expression. "No Rin, we are going to the wolf demon clan's den. It will be very dangerous, and we are only picking Shippou up and coming right back," Kagome told her. "Besides, I need you here to watch over the village in my stead." Rin sighed, "fine," she muttered disappointed as she walked into Kagome's hut. Kagome smiled and shook her head as she finished up her bow, "are you almost ready to go? A'un and Jaken will be here soon," Sesshoumaru said as he appeared beside her. Kagome turned to the side to see him, "yes, I'm all ready. I don't know what condition he is in so I have pack alot of medical supplies." "Lord Sesshoumaru!" Both Kagome and Sesshoumaru looked up and saw Jaken riding A'un as they descended down and landed in front of them, he hopped off the dragon and walked quickly up to Sesshoumaru falling to his knees. "I have brought A'un as you requested my Lord!" Jaken said bowing, Sesshoumaru walked by him to the dragon. Kagome cleared her throat, "thank you Jaken. Would you mine staying here and keeping an eye on everything while we are away?" Kagome said softly, Jaken lifted his head quickly, "yes my Lady!"
Kagome stood and walked to A'un and Sesshoumaru, Sesshoumaru looked to be having a silent conversation with the demon when she got next to him. Kagome smiled at the Dragon and she reached forward and petted A'un's head. The dragon made a weird purring noise as she did. Then Rin came running out the hut, "A'un!" She yelled as she bolted to the dragon. Rin ran and hugged the dragon around it's neck, it looked extremely pleased to see her too. Kagome laughed at there interaction, Sesshoumaru stepped forward. "That's enough Rin. You can play with him when we return. We have to go now," Rin sighed but stepped back. "Yes my lord," she said, Kagome walked back to the hut and grabbed her bag, bow and arrows. When she got back to A'un, Sesshoumaru picked her up and placed her on his back. "Are you feeling okay to travel?" Sesshoumaru asked as he released her. Kagome nodded, "yes. I barley feel any pain from my ribs," she told him. "Let's go, I know the way," Kagome said as she and A'un rose into the sky with Sesshoumaru closely behind.
They flew for awhile, it was almost midday when the finally saw the large mountains that the wolf demon tribe called home. As they got closer, Kagome could make out two people standing on top of the mountain by the caves entrance. They descended down, and soon Kagome realized it was Koga and Ayame waiting for them. "Ayame! Koga!" Kagome called as she and A'un landed with Sesshoumaru resting next to them. "About time!" Koga said as they approached, but his tone was joking. Sesshoumaru walked over to Kagome and helped her off A'un, Koga and Ayame reached them but Koga suddenly sniffed the air. "Are you injured ?" He asked surprised, "what happened?" Kagome gave him a sad smile, "it's a long story. How is Shippou?" Ayame stepped forward, "he's still sensed you coming and came to greet you. We have done all we can to help Shippou, but we don't have the medical training as you do. He is very badly injured," she lowered her head. Koga crossed his arms frowning, "I have a feeling we know how you got injured, because we saw who attacked Shippou." All emotion drained from Kagome's face, Koga noticed and made a sad expression. "We have much to discuss, but please, this way and I will take you Shippou first," Ayame said softly turning back toward the cave. Kagome looked up at Sesshoumaru, "are you coming in? Or will you wait outside?" Sesshouamru smirked at her, then walked passed her to follow Koga and Ayame, Kagome quickly caught up to him.
Shippou was laying on his stomach still unconscious as Kagome carefully cleaned the gashes on his back. Kagome's face was hard, with no emotion as she worked. Only Ayame was in the room with them, helping where she could, she was currently holding the water basin for Kagome. "You saw him do this?" Kagome asked in a flat tone, "yes, Koga and I were actually coming to pay you all a visit. That's when we sensed him, but his aura was off, so we ran as fast as we could but by the time we arrived we just saw him take off and leave him in a clearing bleeding, we knew Sesshoumaru was with you so we knew the village you lived in would be okay. So we decided to help him." Kagome nodded, "thank you for that, we didn't know he was returning that day... You saved his life." Ayame shook her head, "it was the least we could do. We ran into that imp demon on the way home and Koga knew he was a servant of Sesshoumaru so we passed on the message. I just can't believe Inuyasha would do this..." Ayame said the last part quietly, Kagome looked at her with fire in her eyes making Ayame gulp. "He is not the same, not anymore. And I will make him pay for this." She returned to her work, once the wounds were cleaned she asked Ayame for fresh water. When she return Kagome placed her hand into the basin and her hand started to glow, Ayame stared wide-eyed. Kagome lifted her hand out of the water, but water was floating around her glowing hand. She moved her hand to hover above Shippous back, and the water slowly flowed down and seeped into his wounds. Shippou's open wounds glowed softly with the water, Ayame let out a whistle, "wow, that's amazing," she whispered. Kagome kept working, moving the glowing water around his wounds. Ayame watched in amazement as the gashes start to close and heal.
Sweat started to form on Kagomes forehead as she worked, the wounds were healing and weren't deep anymore. When Kagome stopped Ayame cleaned the water away. "That was amazing Lady Kagome," Ayame said quietly. Kagome shook her head, "I just wish I could do more. But this should heal him enough to move him, once her wakes up that is."
Sesshoumaru was leaning against the wall next to the door that Kagome and Ayame were behind. He had his arms crossed and his eyes closed. Koga came walking down the hallway, stopping in front of Sesshoumaru. "Are they still in there?" He asked the dog demon, Sesshoumaru opened his eyes and nodded. Koga sighed crossing his arms too, staring at Sesshoumaru. "Is he still alive?" Koga asked him, Sesshoumaru knew he wasnt talking about Shippou. Sesshouamru frowned and nodded again, Koga grunted but didn't say anything. Suddenly the door opened and Ayame and Kagome came walking out, "how is he?" Koga asked. Kagome smiled at him and Sesshoumaru. "He will be just fine. I was able to close his wounds more, he should be good to travel once he wakes up." Koga nodded, Ayame leaned up and kissed Koga on the cheek, "I'm going to go check on the children. I will come meet you all after a bit." Koga nodded as Ayame quickly walked down the hall, Kagome raised an eyebrow and looked at Koga. Koga laughed nervously noticing her expression, "before you say anything, yes I have kids. Four, two girls and two boys." Kagome smiled brightly at him, "oh Koga that's wonderful! Congratulations!" Koga seemed to beam from the praise, "two sets of twins I might add!" He then got serious again. "We have a lot to talk about, follow me." Koga starting heading down the hallway, opposite of Ayame. Sesshoumaru and Kagome followed, after a few minutes they came to a room with very high ceilings. Koga went and sat at what looked like a makeshift throne that was built out of the rock and earth in and on the wall. There was two chairs placed in front of him, Sesshoumaru and Kagome sat down. "Well, I guess you better start at the beginning Kagome. I thought Inuyasha was... dead? I was there when you buried him." Kagome nodded firmly and frowned, clasping her hands together tightly. She looked down as she spoke, "yes, he did die. But recently a new powerful demon from the mainland has come here to seek me out, so to speak. He heard of the stories and whispers of a powerful priestess that destroyed the Shikon Jewel and he wanted to see her for himself." Kagome sighed then looked up at Koga, "after he attacked the first time he actually dug up Inuyasha's grave. He found someone I assume to bring him back, but its just his demon side that has returned. He has no re-guard for human or demon life, and to make it worse this Akasani, the enemy form the mainland, has been giving him weapons and filling his mind with lies to fuel his rage."
Koga leaned back in his seat and let out a big sigh, "what kind of lies?" He asked, Kagome bit her lip and looked down again. "He told Inuyasha that I killed him. Even though Inuyasha killed himself with his own sword. And because Inuyasha was human when he killed himself, his demon side doesn't know the truth. So he now has a personal vendetta against me." Kagome shook her head, "the old Inuyasha wouldn't have done that to Shippou..." she said quietly. Koga crossed his arms, "how could he think you killed him? You were so devoted to him, this must make this all that much more painful. Well you know you will always have my help Kagome. Ginta! Bring me the horn!" Suddenly Ginta and Hakkaku came running into the room, Ginta was holding a horn that was twisted like a knot and looked very old. Ginta handed the horn to Kagome then stepped back with Hakkaku, Kagome held the horn up, it fit perfectly in her hand, then she looked back to Koga. "That is a horn our wolf pack can hear at any distance. If you need help when or if they attack again, just blow that horn and we will get there as fast as possible." Kagome smiled and nodded, "thank you Koga. But I hope I won't have to use it." Koga nodded, "it doesn't matter to us. It's been almost to peaceful for us lately. We need some excitement once and awhile! Now let's eat."
Kagome had Shippou on his side in the bed, careful not to put pressure on his back. She sat in front of him, wiping his forehead. It was the early hours of the next morning after they had the meeting with Koga. Once the pack was getting a feast together, Sesshoumaru said he had something to do and went outside. He hadn't returned yet, but Kagome could sense him outside. Suddenly there was a knock at the door that made Kagome jump, "come in," she said once realizing who was there. Ayame opened the door, "I thought you would be in here," she said quietly as she closed the door behind her. She came and sat down next to Kagome. "You should get some sleep, if Shippou wakes up today you have a long journey back." Kagome smiled at her then looked back at Shippou, "I have gone longer with no sleep. And I can't, not until I know hes okay. I have healed him enough on the outside, but I'm worried about him since he hasn't woken up yet." Ayame studied Kagome for a moment, then smiled knowingly at her. "He is your son," she said, "of course your worried." Kagome shook her head, "he's not my son. I've just been watching out for him since he was small." Ayame giggled, "that makes him your son! Doesn't matter if you birth them or not, you are the only mother figure he has known. Don't dismiss your feelings just because he is not blood Lady Kagome. Though I hope one day though you can experience your own baby." Ayame rubbed her stomach, Kagome noticed then gasped suddenly realizing. "Oh my god Ayame!" Ayame nodded smiling brightly, "it will be baby number five. As long as it's not twins again," Ayame laughed. "I didn't notice, congratulations!" Kagome said, Ayame shook her head. "It's okay, there has been a lot going on."
"Ugggh..." Kagome snapped her head back to Shippou, he was groaning. "Shippou?" She touched his shoulder, "are you awake?" Shippou's eyes fluttered, and then he slowly opened them. Tears instantly started to well in his eyes, "Lady Kagome?" he whimpered, his voice crackling. "Oh Shippou," Kagome leaned forward and gave him an awkward hug he grabbed onto her tightly sobbing. "Kagome!" He cried, "I thought I was never going to see you again!" He wailed, Kagome clung onto him as he cried. "It's okay now Shippou, I'm here."
After a while Shippou calmed down, he was sitting up drinking water as Ayame explained how she and Koga found him. "I can't thank you enough Ayame... I owe you and Koga my life," Shippou bowed slightly, "oh please don't mention it. We are all friends, I'm just glad we got to you in time." Shippou fell silent, setting his cup down. He looked up and met Kagome's gaze, she knew what he was thinking. She placed a hand on his shoulder squeezing it, giving him a reassuring smile. "Kagome... That wasn't... He tried to kill..." Shippou was stuttering and couldn't get the words out, "I know Shippou. That wasn't the Inuyasha we knew... not anymore." He nodded, then wiped his eyes. "We will head back this afternoon. And you can rest back at the village. We will fill you in on everything once we get back."
Sesshoumaru was pacing a few meters away from the Wolf tribes home, he then stopped and looked up at the moon. His ear twitched, 'ah, the fox demon has woken up.' He could hear Kagome and Shippou talking with his sensitive ears, 'good. That means we can leave today.' Sesshoumaru then turned around hearing someone coming. Koga came into view and then stopped a few feet away from him. "Didn't want to stay for something to eat I assume?" Koga asked with a smirk, Sesshoumaru didn't say anything. Koga sighed, "seriously, I know you can talk. Why are you still giving me a cold shoulder?" Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow at him, "I have nothing to say to you." Koga chuckled, "well I have something to ask and talk to you about. If you will listen?" Sesshoumaru thought for a moment, then gave him a single nod.
"Are you and Kagome together?" Koga asked bluntly, Sesshoumaru kept his poker face, "I can smell it you know. Her sent as changed, and last time I encountered you, you wouldn't be caught dead helping your half brothers woman." Suddenly the air changed, and Koga gulped realizing Sesshoumaru had a sudden flash of anger. "She is no longer his woman," Sesshoumaru growled. Koga nodded, "my apologizes. I'm happy for her you know, I'm not bringing this up because I don't approve. No disrespect intended." Koga turned and looked up at the moon, "I loved her once. But she choose him, it took a long time but I made peace with it. And then fate had Ayame and I meet again, so I couldn't be happier how this all turned out..." Koga then looked down, his voice getting heavy. "When I heard he died, I didn't believe it at first. I ran to be with her, as a friend, I couldn't even begin to understand how she felt. I was there when they burned him, and the way Kagome looked that day will haunt me for the rest of my life. She didn't deserve that, to lose her whole world." Koga then turned back to Sesshoumaru, "the reason I am saying all this, is because I want to make sure you will not leave her. Either in life or death. I know it is not my place, but I never want to see her like that again." Sesshoumaru studied his face, and thought. "Your right, is it not your place. But just so you will drop this conversation, I do not plan on leaving. I will be with her until she leaves this world." Koga nodded and gave him a sad smile, "good. Thank you for telling me."
Koga turned to leave, but after a few steps he stopped and without turning around he said, "I mean it Lord Sesshoumaru. She will not be able to handle another heart break..." He turned his head to look at Sesshoumaru with a side glace. "She tried to kill herself more than a few times after he died. And I fear she will do it again under certain circumstances." He then left Sesshoumaru alone. Sesshoumaru sighed, 'you tell me this like I don't know...' Sesshoumaru turned and looked up at the moon again.
Sesshoumaru stood a few feet away looking up at the sky as Kagome was getting Shippou settled on A'un. She then turned around to say goodbye to Koga who was standing behind her. "Where's Ayame?" Kagome asked as he walked up to her, "she's feeding the clan. She says goodbye and fast travels, as do I." Koga grabbed Kagome's hands and held them between them. Kagome could feel Sesshoumaru's glare, "Koga..." she started with a warning tone, Koga laughed, "don't worry. I don't plan on taking you away from Sesshoumaru. He's a million times stronger then me," he laughed. "I just wanted to tell you, that even if I loved you before, I still love you now, as a friend. And I want you to know you can ask me for help whenever you need it. Okay? For anything." Kagome nodded, "thank you Koga." He leaned forward and kissed her forehead, then released her hands. "I mean it. If you need any help, just blow that horn." "I will Koga, thank you again, for everything." Kagome turned to get on A'un behind Shippou, and she noticed Sesshomaru was stiffer then normal. She sighed knowing he was going to say something when they were alone later. "Ready?" Sesshoumaru asked in an annoyed tone, Kagome gave him her best smile and nodded. A'un then quickly took off into the air with Sesshoumaru flying beside them.