Chapter 28:
Kagome looked over her shoulder to check on her still unconscious mate. She rolled her eyes as she listened to Kouga complain about being a pack mule.
"A mule would smell better," Sesshomaru murmured.
Kagome giggled as she got comfortable. He carried her bridal style as they flew above the trees. It was taking longer than usual to get back, but she knew he wouldn't risk her safety, and with Kouga being injured and without his jewel shards, she settled in for a calm ride.
Shippo had fallen asleep in her lap a while ago, she stroked his hair as she tried to process all that had happened this past year. Just a month ago, she was sure Inuyasha would be with Kikyo, and now...She smiled as she thought of the life growing in her body. Things sure did change fast.
"I still can't believe he passed out." Kagome smiled.
"Hn. This one will enjoy teasing his brother for years to come." Sesshomaru smiled as she smacked him.
Kagome rolled her eyes as she looked at his smile of contentment. "Leave him alone Sess...This is a lot to take in, even for me."
Sesshomaru's smile softened as he looked down at her. "Don't tell me you are nervous Kagome?" He watched her bite her lip as she looked down. "You will be an excellent mother to the pup. Your kit is proof of that." He smiled as she looked at him with surprise. Tears started to form in her eyes as he hugged her closer. "This pup is lucky to have you both as to its parents."
Kagome's tears fell as he spoke. In just a few words, he had calmed her nerves. In truth, she was worried that she wouldn't be able to handle it. She and Inuyasha had just started their relationship, and she still didn't know what they were going to do about the jewel. So many thoughts filled her with anxiety, but now she felt at ease. If Sesshomaru had faith in her, she knew she would be fine. Careful of the kit in her lap, she reached up and kissed him on the cheek. She pulled back and smiled at his blush.
"Thank you Sesshomaru, you're a good alpha." She laughed as his blush grew deeper. A frown spread on her lips as she started to remember something.
"Hey, Sess?" His blush went away as he raised a brow. "I don't know if it was a dream..but..." She smiled as her cheeks tinted pink. "I remember you whispering to me...and you said you loved me." His blush matched hers as he stuttered. "I was kind of out of it" she trapped her finger to her chin," but when we were in the clearing, I could have sworn you said that." She looked up at his face with a sly grin. She had been floating between unconsiousness and being awake when she heard him whisper in her ear.
Sesshomaru blushed as he recalled what he had said to her. Before he had left her with Shippo, he had told her he loved her. He was positive she was asleep, but apparently, he was wrong. Sure, he did love her as a dear friend...but no way in hell was he going to admit it.
"You were mistaken miko." He told her in a stern voice. "This one merely tolerates your presence." He looked forward as he sped up a little.
Kagome smiled as she snuggled into him. "That's what I thought." She closed her eyes as she started to doze. But, a smile spread on her face as she felt him kiss her forehead.
"HEY! You better not be hittin' on my woman up there!" Kouga yelled from the ground. "Don't make me kick your ass!" He was met with silence as the dog demon took up speed.
Kouga felt a pang in his heart. He had lost her for good. He knew it would eventually happen, but it still hurt. He growled as he looked down at a sleeping Inuyasha. "You better take care of her mutt." He would have to move on. He had Ayame waiting for him, and he wouldn't make her wait any longer. Kagome would always be part of his pack, but Ayame would be his mate. He smiled a little at the thought. Now that Kagome was taken, he wasn't too upset about how things worked out. Ayame was strong, beautiful, and loyal. She was going to be a great mate and he would make sure he was as well. He hefted his cargo as he ran.
000000000000000000000
The village was quiet by the time they had returned. It was night time, and Kagome was glad they wouldn't be disturbed. She knew the villagers respected Inuyasha as their protector but she was nervous about how they would feel with so many demons around. They landed outside of Kaede's hut as Kouga panted up to them. Kagome felt a twinge of guilt seeing him so exhausted. His wounds weren't bleeding, but she knew the trip was hard on him. She would make sure she thanked him once they were all settled.
Walking into the hut Kagome was surprised to see Kagura and Kanna were still with her friends. She heard Kouga's growls as he walked in behind her.
"That's enough Kouga," Kagome whispered as Sesshomaru set her and the kit down, staying right behind her. "They were a lot of help to us...leave it be"
Kouga stopped growling, but he didn't take his eyes off the demons. Kagura had killed most of his pack, and he didn't trust her at all. Still holding Inuyasha, Kouga settled down against the wall. He would protect them both if they tried anything.
The noise awoke Sango as she rested near the fire. She blinked twice as she noticed the wolf demon carefully holding a sleeping Inuyasha...She definitely missed something. She turned her head and breathed a sigh of relief as Kagome came next to her.
"Kagome!" Sango cried out. "Thank god you're alright!" She hugged her sister as she stood to greet her. "I watched Naraku grab you and I was so worried!" She pulled back with fresh tears. "I was going to come back to help, but Kagura told me your plan...I still feel awful leaving you guys alone like that." She looked down in shame and cried harder as Kagome stroked her back. "Bbbut Miroku needed help and Kohaku..." She shuddered thinking of her brother who lay in the next room.
Kagome hugged Sango tighter as she cried. She had seen them before they left and knew things weren't looking good. "Sango, it's alright." She told her gently. "I understand! I would have been upset if you left them to come to me." She knew it must have been a hard decision for Sango, and she was glad she got them all to safety. "Besides, it's over." Sango lifted her tear stained face to her. "Naraku's gone, and I'm alright."
Sango nodded as she breathed out. "I know...Kagura and Kanna could feel it when he passed. And Miroku's wind tunnel disappeared..." Fresh tears fell as she thought of her fiance. "He's going to be so relieved when he wakes up..."
Looking around for the others, Kagome asked about them.
"Sango, how's he doing? Where's Kaede?" She knew the older miko was probably busy helping the others...but Inuyasha needed help as well. The woman in question entered the room as she spoke.
"Kagome! Thank goodness ye are alright." Kaede tiredly hugged her. She was worried about Kagome and was glad she seemed ok.
Kagome hugged her back after laying Shippo down next to a sleeping Rin and Jaken. "I'm alright Kaede, just a little banged up." She knew her wounds would need attention, but Inuyasha's were more important. "But, Inuyasha needs some help...most of his wounds had healed up, but he has a pretty bad one on his stomach."
Kaede looked over Kagome making sure she was ok. Her color was a little off, but she didn't seem to hurt. Looking over at the hanyou, she motioned Kouga to bring him into the back room. Once he was laid down, she quickly went to work.
Following them inside, Kagome gasped at what she saw. Miroku lay on a futon covered in bandages and his breathing was labored. She knelt beside him as Sango joined her.
"Kaede said he lost a lot of blood...but...he should recover with rest." Sango ran her fingers across his bandages. "Naraku caught him by surprise and I wasn't fast enough to save him..."
"He'll be alight Sango," Kagome reassured her with a smile. "He's a tough perv, this can't stop him." They both smiled as they watched him fitfully sleep. She looked around and her heart sank as she noticed Kohaku lay still. Her heart broke for her friend, knowing he did not make it. But, she shot up when she spotted Kikyo next to him.
There she lay on her stomach, her back splayed wide open. There was no blood but she looked to be in great pain. Kagome cried as she went to her.
"Kikyo..." She whispered as Kikyo opened her eyes.
"K-kagome." Kikyo struggled to get out. "I n-need your help."
Kagome was about to respond when she heard a grunt from across the room. She looked over and watched Inuyasha struggle to get up as Kaede tried to keep him still.
"I'll be right back." She whispered to Kikyo as she walked over to her mate.
He shook his head as he looked around the room. His stomach burned where the old miko stitched his wounds and his head felt foggy. His mind was reeling as he looked for his love.
"Where's Kagome!" Inuyasha grunted out as he sat up.
"Here...I'm right here." Kagome said softly as she grabbed his hand.
He gripped her hand as his eyes scanned her body. He didn't like that there were holes in his memory, but he knew she had some injuries on her.
"Baba! Stop wasting your crap on me and take care of Kagome!" Inuyasha growled as he brought his mate down to his lap. Kagome blushed as he opened her robe exposing her stomach. She tried to fight him, but his growls stopped her.
Kaede smiled as she looked at the pair. It was still strange to see the hanyou acting this way, but she was glad to see it. Shaking her head Kaede looked over Kagome's wounds. There were bruises all over her and her mate mark was scabbed over, but her stomach wound did need attention. It wasn't life-threatening but would need to clean and wrapped. After making sure everything was cleaned, she dressed her wounds quickly as to not anger her mate.
"Kagome" Kaede reached for her basket. "Are ye in pain?" Kaede pulled out some herbs. "I shall brew a tea for ye to ward off infection and one for pain."
Kagome was nervous as she looked around the room. Inuyasha was shooting her a confused look as she leaned over to whisper into Kaede's ear.
Inuyasha paled and Kaede smiled. He had forgotten that part. His breathing became labored as the panic once again set in.
"Do not worry child, these herbs will not harm ye." She patted the woman's shoulder and held in her snicker at Inuyasha's complexion.
Inuyasha was brought out of his stupor by Sango's voice.
"Kagome...Kikyo said she needs you." Sango told her sadly. "She said she could help Kohaku...but she needed to talk to you first." Kagome nodded as she started to get up.
Inuyasha stopped her as he looked at Sango. "Kagome's hurt Sango." He told her bluntly. "Kikyo can come to her if she needs to talk." He hoped Kikyo could help Kohaku, but no way in hell was his pregnant mate leaving his side. If she thought he was bad before...there was no way she was leaving his side, for anything.
Sango and Kagome stiffened at his words. Sesshomaru had told Kagome what had happened and they knew he had no memory of it. Kagome gulped as she turned to him.
"Inuyasha...Kikyo was hurt pretty badly." She flinched as his eyes widened. "I don't think she's gonna make it much longer." Her heart sank as she spoke, but he needed to know.
He frowned at her words. Kikyo was hurt? Did Naraku injure her? He looked at Kagome and his heart fluttered at the look of sadness and understanding in her eyes. He wanted to act like he didn't care, but...
"Did..how did she get hurt?" Both women looked away from him and he was confused. "Did Naraku attack her?" He felt sick knowing she would lose her life to that bastard again. He looked over at Kagome and watched the tears fill her eyes. He didn't know why she wouldn't answer him, but he could ask her later. Shaking his head, he grunted as he slowly rose to his feet. Kagome grabbed his hand as they went over to his ex-love.
His heart raced as they made their way to her. He saw Miroku first and paused. He looked him over and sniffed. He was glad he didn't smell death on him and hoped his friend would be alright. Squeezing Kagome's hand, he walked over to Kikyo.
He flinched as he noticed her state. Her back was in pieces and he knew she wouldn't last much longer. He felt torn at the moment. A part of him was saddened that she would die once more, but his demon was pleased to see her in such a state. He shuddered as he reached for his tessaiga, but paused as he noticed it was missing.
"Kagome...where's tessaiga?" He knew it was dangerous for him to be without it, and he was nervous about her response.
Kagome smiled sadly at him. "It was lost in the battle...but, Sesshomaru found it before we left. I think he still has it."
His eyes shot open wide as he looked back down at Kikyo. It all made sense. Why there were gaps in his memory, and why he was healed up so much already. He transformed. He looked at his claws and grimaced at the smell coming off of them. The strongest scent was his brother's blood, but underneath that was the scent of clay and dirt. He did this. His stomach turned as his hands shook. He looked at Kagome, and the look on her face confirmed his fears. He would need her to explain everything to him, but now he needed to deal with this.
Kagome's heart broke for her mate. He looked sick and lost in the moment and she just wanted to hug him and go to sleep. But, she needed to help Kohaku and Kikyo knew how. She sat next to the other woman and grabbed her hand.
"How can I help Kikyo?" Kagome asked softly.
The woman smiled at her reincarnation as her body shook. "Our soul." She whispered. "I need to give him a part of the soul that I stole from you." Her smile vanished as a look of guilt came across her face. "His soul was shattered by Naraku, but ours can mend the broken pieces." Her breathing became more labored as she continued. "I need your permission to give it to him."
Kagome looked surprised by her words. Was it possible? She looked over at Sango and watched the same look cross her face. For Kagome there was no question, of course she would help him. Someone else was not too happy.
"What!?" Inuyasha exclaimed. "But Kagome! It's your soul!" He shook his head as she started to fight him. "Listen I want to help Kohaku too, but we don't know how this will affect you!" He wouldn't risk his mate for ANYONE!. "What about our pup?!"
Her eyes widened at his response. Kagome hadn't thought about that. It wasn't just her life anymore, she had to think of her baby too. Her eyes closed as she rubbed her belly. She ignored Sango's questioning glare as her mind reeled.
"Your mate will be fine Inuyasha," Kikyo spoke softly. "The part of her soul that was missing was replaced by yours when you mated." Kikyo smiled as the couple blushed. "Your child will be just fine."
Inuyasha looked down ashamed at her words. He didn't mean to let it slip out like that, but he needed to know. His knowledge of mating wasn't much, but he believed her when she spoke. He could tell she wouldn't make the mistake of harming his mate anymore, especially knowing it involved an innocent child. He nodded as he looked over at Kagome.
Her eyes filled as he nodded. She was glad they could help Kohaku, but she knew this was harder on him than he let on. Standing up, Kagome grabbed Sango's hand. "Come on Sango, we'll get Sesshomaru to help us move Kohaku." She smiled as Inuyasha gave her a look of understanding, she was letting him say goodbye. Kaede came and said her final goodbyes to her sister before they left the pair.
Alone with a sleeping Miroku and Kohaku's body, Inuyasha looked down at his first friend. Just days ago he was ready to kill her himself, but now he felt guilt.
"You know, Kagome told me I wouldn't be able to kill you...I think I know why she said that now." He laughed humorlessly. He looked down in shame. "I'm sorry Kikyo, it's all my fault." He looked at his claws and shuddered.
He flinched as he felt her cold hands on his. "Do not be sad Inuyasha." She smiled as he looked at her. "I was not meant to be here in the first place...I am glad that it was you and not Naraku who will return me to where I belong." Her smile was still in place as her tears fell.
Inuyasha didn't know what to say, so he turned his hand to hold hers.
"Do not feel guilty when I'm gone." She breathed out. "My heart is filled with joy knowing I'm not leaving you alone." Her hand squeezed him weakly. "Love your family well Inuyasha."
They sat in silence for a few moments. He did feel guilt, but he was at peace knowing she didn't wish to be here. Her death was avenged and they could both be at peace. Kagome returned a few moments later. Inuyasha flinched as he noticed Sesshomaru's wounds. He'd have to apologize to him too.
Sesshomaru lifted the boy to bring him next to the dead miko. He did not care about her life, but he was grateful she would save the boy. Rin was fond of Kohaku, and she would have been saddened by his death. He was glad that she had been asleep for a while and would not have to witness her friend's lifeless body. He stood and grabbed Kagome's hand as they watched.
It didn't bother Kagome that Inuyasha stayed with Kikyo. She was proud of her mate, Kikyo didn't deserve to die alone, and her heart swelled that he would hold her hand as she passed. Sesshomaru must have known how she was feeling as he squeezed her hand. He nodded as she smiled at him. She knew Sesshomaru didn't understand, but Inuyasha needed to do this.
Closing her eyes, Kikyo concentrated on the body next to her. She was grateful Inuyasha continued to hold her hand as she gave her life to Kohaku. With one last smile, her body disappeared.
The room was silent as the group watched Kikyo's body turn into a ball of light that was Kagome's soul as it reached Kohaku's body. Inuyasha stood and went to his mate and brother as Sango reentered the room. He smiled as Kohaku took a deep breath. Watching the siblings reunite, they left the room.
The children were still asleep as they entered the main room. Kaede instructed them to rest as she retired to her futon. She had a long day and needed to rest in case Miroku needed her through the night.
"Well...is he alright?" Kagura asked tiredly from her spot by the door.
"Yes...he'll be alright now." Kagome smiled at her. "Thank you Kagura, if you haven't been there...just..thank you."
Kagura rolled her eyes but smiled. "Yeah well, you killed Naraku so we're even." She looked over down at Kanna. "We should go, we need to find my heart and figure out where to go from here." Now that she had her freedom, Kagura would make sure she and Kanna had a real life.
Kagome nodded as they prepared to leave. She wanted to offer them a place to stay for the night but knew it would put them all on edge. Seeing Kouga and Inuyasha's faces, she knew she was right.
They watched as the two demons flew off into the night. Kouga growled as they left, but he knew it was time to let it go. "They better not do anything stupid, or they're dead." He shook his head as he turned to Kagome. "I'm gonna rest here for the night before I return to my cave." He looked down at his legs and sighed. "Carrying fat ass all the way here wore me out."
"What the fuck did you say wolf!" Inuyasha growled from Kagome's side. "You're lucky your hurt or else I'd kick your mangy ass!"
"Ha! Look who's talking Inutrasha!" Kouga crossed his arms as he leaned against the wall. "The toad could probably take you right now."
Kagome rolled her eyes as they bickered. "Come on guys, everyone's asleep. You can kill each other tomorrow." The two shut up as they looked at the children asleep on a futon. "Come on Inuyasha, let's go home." She wanted to be alone with him tonight and hoped he would let them sleep in their borrowed hut.
Looking over at her in surprise, Inuyasha nodded. He wanted to be alone with her as well, but he didn't know if she wanted to leave Shippo and Rin behind. He wouldn't look turn down the opportunity and quickly agreed. He walked over to the pouting wolf as they prepared to leave.
"Wolf." He said softly surprising Kouga. "Thanks." He turned away, leaving a stuttering Kouga behind. Kagome followed him as she smiled at Kouga. He had saved her life, and they were both grateful to him.
They walked out of the hut, followed by Sesshomaru. After a quick warning for Kouga to protect his pack, he followed Inuyasha and Kagome to their hut. They were both weakened and he would see to their safety even in the village.
As they reached the hut, Inuyasha sent Kagome inside so he could talk to his brother. She lifted her brow, but she was tired so she shrugged it off.
"Brother," Inuyasha called out. "I am sorry."
Sesshomaru was taken back as his brother bowed his head. "For what Inuyasha?"
Head still bowed, he answered. "You're injured because of me...You have done all you can to protect my family, and I attacked you...gomen."
He shook his head as Inuyasha apologized. "There is nothing to forgive brother." Inuyasha looked back up at him. "I have injured you more severely over the years, this" he pointed to his chest." is nothing in comparison. I would gladly lay down my life to protect you and your mate."
Inuyasha was shocked at himself for what happened next. Without thought, he reached over and hugged his brother. He couldn't stop his body from moving and they both froze. With a cough, he jumped back.
"Ummm, yea well...thanks anyway." They both looked uncomfortable as they stood looking away from each other. Clearing his throat Inuyasha spoke again. "Well, goodnight...and this..never happened." They both nodded as they heard a muffled snort from within the hut.
"Do not hurt yourself miko." Sesshomaru looked up at the sky shaking his head. As he spoke laughter filled the silence as Inuyasha stuttered.
"Dammit, Kagome!" He blushed covering his face. "You're gonna get it wench!" Her squeal replaced her laughter as he burst into the hut.
Sesshomaru groaned as he walked away. "great, that bitch will never let this go"