Disclaimer: I own nothing Inuyasha.
A/N: I've been pushing around this idea for a while and have a complete outline written up. Rated M for later chapters. Oh, just so you know this is not a Sesshomaru/Kagome story, it is a Kouga/Kagome story. That is my fave couple of all time & after a while of complaining over not finding enough stories for the 2, I decided to make one. It helps that I've got another story in the works so it keeps me on the computer writing for both. Hope you enjoy!
Long ago he had changed, though she couldn't be exact as to when he'd begun changing. Somehow he had gotten gentler in their time together. Sesshomaru no longer carried such a foreboding air to those around him, he was kinder to her pack of friends than he had ever been. Kagome had noticed this and had secretly hoped mayhap it some of it was in part due to her. Ever since he'd joined two months earlier in their fight to find the jewels she had spent more time with him. One of the reasons for such free time was because Kagome had long ago given up on Inuyasha. Kikyou now traveled with the group and if it wasn't obvious before who Inuyasha loved when he would run off to find her at night it was apparent now that Kikyou traveled with them. Inuyasha cared deeply for Kikyou.
It had broken Kagome's heart when Kikyou had joined a month after Sesshomaru, but she was healing over it in part to him. Sesshomaru. The two sat now, in a field away from the encampment where the others were preparing their weapons for battle. Kagome could feel the electrical charge in the air. The battle would be tomorrow, their last battle, the battle that could end their lives and they knew all it. The group was tired of chasing endlessly after danger, tired of waiting for Naraku to strike. They were ready for the end even if it came on unknown wings. They would corner the beast tommorrow. Should they die, the group was at peace with this knowledge. Kagome had visited her family just before Sesshomaru joined their group and told them that she might not make it back. She promised that if she survived she would visit them within the year or leave some clue for them in the future if possible and they had celebrated their last night with her. Kouga's wolf pack had joined them but a few days ago. The wolf prince was currently scouting ahead where they would battle intent on returning and telling them things that would be to their advantage. Kagome's mind drifted away from the thoughts of her family, she was fighting for their future to continue as it was. Sesshomaru placed a hand over Kagome's, knowing her thoughts were scattered.
Here, in the solace of Sesshomaru's company Kagome felt calm and peaceful. Sesshomaru was a quiet person, but when he'd arrived two months before he had calmly come up to Kagome, motioned for her to follow him with one of his little impertinent nods, and he'd been training her since then so that she had completely mastered her miko powers. Though Kagome had trained with Kaede whenver she could, Kagome was stronger than both Kaede and Kikyou. So Sesshomaru knew Kagome needed an intensely strong demon to bring out the powers in her. They had fought and with each sparring lessons Kagome had learned more about her powers and had gotten stronger. She was able to create barriers now, much like Miroku could do, and could even transfer her powers to objects like a rock that she could toss at a demon to harm should she lack arrows. It was far more fun training with Sesshomaru than studying old scrolls with Kaede. Inuyasha had been against Kagome spending so much time with Sesshomaru at first, but one growl from his alpha and about fifty sits later he had decided to deal with it. He did have Kikyou after all.
"Kagome," Sesshomaru said, using her name in private between the two of them. When they were alone was the only time he dropped the title of 'miko.' Kagome tilted her head, she rested sitting beside him in the field of flowers leaning against his arm. They waited in a moment of silence, just soaking in the peaceful silence, knowing that Sesshomaru would interrupt it eventually to speak for he had addressed her for a reason.
Kagome had found Sesshomaru a comforting friend and almost a brother figure, though he was a handsome enough demon to make her wonder why he wasn't taken yet. Most of their quiet time together was spent in Kagome telling him of her time and Sesshomaru speaking of his court. He almost always told her of his court and the protocols, and though Kagome didn't know why he talked to her of the court she knew it wasn't without a purpose. Sesshomaru always did things for a reason.
Last week they'd had Rin and Jaken with the group. Kagome remembered with a not-so-bitter memory of Jaken describing in vast detail the court, Sesshomaru would interject with very brief, like normal, details. Sesshomaru hadn't allowed Jaken to derail off course, in fact, it was odd how the little toad demon stuck to particular subjects, as if he had been briefed on what to discuss with Kagome. She suspected something was up with Sesshomaru when he'd joined the group and Jaken, rather than calling her 'disrespectful human' had called her 'my lady.' Nor did Sesshomaru stop his ward when Rin would show Kagome how she was learning to present tea at the palace, like the dutiful adopted daughter she was. Kagome knew something was up, but she never voiced it knowing that Sesshomaru would reveal all when he needed to.
That week was spent with Rin and Shippo playing with the two adults as much as they could. Kagome had found that though Sesshomaru didn't acknowledge it openly he treated Rin with more love than he had ever treated someone, and Rin looked at Sesshomaru with idol adore like a child would look upon her father. However, when the previous week had come to a close Jaken and Rin had been sent away, with a whining Shippo in tow, back to the palace for safety. Children and their retainer weren't needed for distractions when it came to an approaching battle. Kagome's thoughts were brought back out of their spiral when Sesshomaru nudged her lightly with his elbow and she turned her head to him aptly paying attention.
"Should I fall this Sesshomaru desires you to be my heir and mate," he murmured quietly into the wind. It wasn't a question. It was a demand. His hooded golden eyes looked down upon Kagome as if to judge her reaction. At first Kagome was entirely startled by what Sesshomaru was asking. Kagome had expected something else, everything else but that! Her eyes had to be wide and her mouth open in shock. Kagome knew they were friends, but it had never extended beyond that boundary. When the shock had worn away Kagome realized that it was a logical question. Sesshomaru was looking after his interests after all. He didn't want Inuyasha to rule his lands should Sesshomaru fall. He wanted Rin to be watched after by someone who would love her. Kagome loved that little girl as she loved Shippo and treated them as her own. He needed a powerful mate and Kagome knew by now that she was even more powerful than Kikyou, though never as strong as Sesshomaru. Though Kagome was sure Sesshomaru didn't love her he was Kagome's friend and she knew that she was one of his very few friends.
"Okay," answered Kagome meekly blushing. She knew that if she agreed she would have to give herself up to Sesshomaru eventually, but she didn't want to go home anymore. She had grown distant with her family, almost every visit to them was one of heartache for Kagome was hardly ever in the loop anymore. And Kagome wanted to live in the past, but she didn't want to live anywhere near Inuyasha because he still caused her heartache. The pain in her chest wasn't new anymore and she was slowly getting over it, but that didn't mean her heart still didn't ache when he would look at her with a smile as she fixed him ramen. Luckily, Sesshomaru lived very far away from Edo.
"If I… If I die one shall come to help you within the month," he stated. Kagome quickly nodded that she understood him, but she hoped he wouldn't fall. Kagome had grown quite used to the quiet demeanor of this lord, and if she was to marry him she didn't want him dying anytime soon. He was a good friend and ally. Too bad she had spent years without the knowledge of that fact, though if she had approached him the day he'd lost his arm it wouldn't have helped. He was different then than he was now.
"Hnn," murmured Sesshomaru nodding his head, and Kagome saw the brief flash of a gorgeous smile before his normal cold façade fell upon his face. "Tilt your head Kagome and we shall marry right now." Kagome's face suddenly heated up and he responded quickly to her blushing face, "Worry not, I shall not take you until we get better acquainted." Kagome's heart stopped fluttering so fast in her chest as she calmed down and tilted her head for Sesshomaru. His golden eyes watched her submit to him with her craned neck and he enjoyed the sight of her. Sesshomaru leaned forward and sniffed lightly her neck, he loved her scent and could find her in the dark with his eyes closed by now. He licked her neck making a shiver run down her back, the taste of her was even better. He knew she didn't love him, but that didn't stop him from wanting her. He was pleased though to find that Kagome wasn't adverse to him, in fact, he believed that she could fall in love with him had they a little more time together. Sesshomaru kissed her smooth neck, something he'd desired to do for some time. It was his half-brother's folly to chose a corpse over this vibrant young woman. Sesshomaru opened his mouth, eyes bleeding red, saying in a whisper, "This will hurt for only a moment."
He sank his fangs into Kagome's neck and she whimpered under his touch at the pain that filled her from his poison. Sesshomaru had went on sheer instinct with the last moment of biting Kagome, he had poisoned her faintly for his poison to become a part of her. Most demons would stop at just the bite, not needing any incentive to go further, but Sesshomaru went the extra length. The poison was a way that would protect his mate from ever being harmed by him or any poison for that matter, at least any mate of Sesshomaru's for his poison was stronger than miasma. The reason most demons wouldn't put poison with the mating mark was because they wanted their women to be fully submissive, meaning should they try to harm their female mates with their poison they wished it to work upon her. By allowing Kagome some of his poison Kagome would never be hurt by Sesshomaru and would be in a way his equal for she would be immune from the effects. Luckily, being a priestess, her powers were able to dampen the poison so it wouldn't hurt as much and she was soon dragged off into unconsciousness. It was a lucky fate for her when most demons would shriek for a few hours at the pain instilled by poison, specifically Sesshomaru's.
When Kagome fell into his arms the great demon lord cradled her to his chest and ran his only hand through her hair, lightly licking at her neck every once in a while to help the pain lessen. His saliva was a good counteract for the poison in his body. The mark on her neck was permanent, it wouldn't fade even if he died. She could take another mate should Sesshomaru die and the mark would shrink for the next mate to be superior, but it would never disappear. He licked his ruby red lips free of the sweet nectar that was her blood and nuzzled his nose in her neck. There was also another bonus to the mark, it would lengthen Kagome's life to match that of a demon's.
Everything had been carefully executed, should he fail and pass onto the next world tomorrow Sesshomaru would die peacefully in the knowledge that the Western Lands would have an heir, a lady, a ruler, his mate. Sesshomaru had felt his death impending upon him since he'd joined with the group and knew it would happen, call it an old dog sensing the end. Before Sesshomaru had joined Inuyasha's group he had accepted the fact that he might die and had searched high and low for someone to replace him, when he'd decided on Kagome, the powerful Shikon Miko, he finally joined their group ready for a valiant death. Sesshomaru had no pleasure in ruling his land, had seen time pass him by and loathed every minute of it, he had lived a long life and was ready for it to come to an end. But that's where Sesshomaru had failed himself. He could no longer die peacefully in the knowledge that the Western Lands would have an heir...
As Sesshomaru held this human priestess in his arms Sesshomaru hated the premonition he had long ago felt, he didn't want to die and he would try his hardest not to. The months with Kagome had changed his view on life and he would seek to live to his fullest. For one reason and one reason only. Kagome. Should he fail at least he would die happy in the knowledge that his last night was spent with her in his arms. Even if he didn't get to take her to the wedding bed that he longed to do right now.
In the throes of making such a decision the night before the battle Sesshomaru had forgotten one thing, one simple thing he'd overlooked out of all the small details he'd seen to. He leaned against the tree falling fast asleep with her in his arms, forgetting something that should not have been overlooked. By injecting the poison on Kagome he had momentarily weakened himself. It would take a full day for his strength to gain back to its potential. And the battle was tomorrow.
Naraku was giving all he could and it wasn't no surprise that on this day everyone had shown up to fight. Kagura had long ago passed on. Kohaku was fighting the jewel shard in his neck and trying his hardest not to submit. Kikyou and Inuyasha battled back to back. Sango fought alongside Miroku. Kagome was teamed up with Sesshomaru. Even Kouga and his wolf tribe had joined in. The battle was coming to a close, Kagome sensed it. She had just one arrow left, but she knew that she could do it.
Everyone was focused intently on the battle. They could do it. Kagome and Sesshomaru had easily kept it a secret that they were mates now, Kagome had wrapped a bandage around her neck claiming she'd fallen, and she'd used her powers to cover up Sesshomaru's smell from her neck. It had been a secret that Sesshomaru had made her promise to keep until the appointed time, whenever the hell that was.
No longer did Kagome lack the confidence in herself. She pulled back on her arrow, knowing Kikyou had caught her eye and was also pulling an arrow back. Inuyasha raised his sword, Miroku began chanting his sutras, Sango readied her boomerang, Kouga's wolves were gathering around Naraku nipping at his tentacles while Kouga and the rest of the wolf tribe disposed of the puppets. Sesshomaru raised Tensiege ready to unleash the power of the Meidou Zangetsuha attack, which Totosai had forged into the life-bringing sword. Together with their powers they could defeat him, but they needed the two mikos arrows most of all to shoot at once. Kagome released the arrow and sent it spiraling at Naraku as Kikyou released her own arrow. Naraku knew he was cornered, he wouldn't survive this attack, but the least he could do was to take that wench down with him. Doing what he could Naraku sent out a speared tentacle from his body, loaded with all the miasma within him that could kill a strong demon, loaded with his hate, and fueled by his power. The arrows collided with him as did the attacks of the other and Naraku was killed instantly.
However, as their attack was made so was his. The spear went straight for Kagome. The miko closed her eyes, waiting for the impact. A loud gasp of pain could be heard, blood smelled, the sound of it dripping as it hit the ground filled the air, and a muffled moan of pain floated in the air. Kagome opened her eyes to feel the blood in her face drain as she saw Sesshomaru standing in front of him, the black speared tentacle turning his chest black with all the power that was in it. Sesshomaru fell backwards into Kagome's arms as she caught him. Blood poured from his wound soaking the shirt she wore and her dark green skirt gathered dark brown splotches of the liquid.
"Sesshomaru," she cried, shifting so that she could lie him on the ground. Kagome had placed his head in her lap to keep him comfortable. Tears fell down Kagome's face trailing onto the demon. "Sesshomaru! You'll be okay! You're a strong demon, you'll be okay!" She kept repeating, cradling his head in her lap as Miroku rushed forward and began opening Kagome's medical kit that she'd dropped when she'd grabbed the demon lord. Sesshomaru reached up and touched her cheek gently with a small smirk on his face as if he had something to laugh at, indeed he had an ironic joke to laugh at.
"My wound won't heal with this…" He faltered for a breath feeling the pain in his chest spread; the poison was working quickly through his body. Sesshomaru could already feel the raging inferno of heat of pain rushing under his skin as the poison battled his health. Normally he would heal fast, but it was now that Sesshomaru realized why it was that his health was failing him. A moment of passion for the girl beside him was costing him his life. "Very strong poison." The great demon lord finished, it was hard to take enough breaths already to form a complete sentence. A few of the others assembled near him, giving him and Kagome about a foot of room. Sango was mourning in her own area over Kohaku who had passed on, and when Miroku saw that none of Kagome's advanced medicines would help the demon lord he ran to comfort his lady love. Sango, upon hearing about Sesshomaru, felt her tears rapidly increase where she was clutching onto Kohaku's corpse. Sango had lost a brother and Kagome a close friend who might as well have been a brother. Sango knew that Kagome and Sesshomaru were close friends like her and the miko, and she knew if this man died Kagome would feel pain, added to the fact that Kikyou and Inuyasha were together. Inuyasha stood close by with Kikyou gripping onto his hand. Kouga made his way over to see if there was anything he could do, if there was one thing Kouga detested it was Kagome's tears.
"Why don't you just pull out your sword, let me have at it, and I can bring you back to life?" Inuyasha asked stupidly.
"It won't work on this Sesshomaru," Sesshomaru said as if he were commenting on the weather and didn't have a giant spear in his chest.
"It doesn't work for the one who rightfully owns the sword," commented Kagome, this was something she had learned while speaking with Sesshomaru over the past weeks learning about one another. The tears flowed down Kagome's cheeks even quicker as she realized that Sesshomaru was indeed going to die. Kouga quickly ran back and scooped up the jewel pieces in his hand running over to offer the treasure to Kagome. His blue eyes flashed a kind understanding with a small twinkle of hope. Kouga was offering Kagome an idea that might save the demon. Though Kouga didn't entirely like Sesshomaru he wasn't completely adverse to the demon lord, he was one of the four demon lords of the lands and Sesshomaru had allied himself with them to defeat Naraku. Kouga recognized Sesshomaru's strength for what it was and didn't think it proper for Sesshomaru to die in this battle when he reeked with so much potential for the future lands. That, and Kouga honestly didn't want to have to deal with disputes, should the demon lord pass on there would be many claims over the lands of the west. To top it off, Kouga hated seeing Kagome in tears.
The miko looked at Sesshomaru with the jewel in her hands. A quiet hopeful voice came from her lips, "I could-"
"No," cut in Sesshomaru shaking his head lightly, as if he were chastising a child that wanted a cookie before dinner. Sesshomaru always could deal with things better than others, he always had a straight head on, so it shouldn't have been any different that he would've dealt with his death in the same way. Sesshomaru's large hand move to close Kagome's hands softly over the jewel, riding his sight of the pink jewel as he said, "That would be selfish." The demon lord was correct in his assumption, to make a selfish wish on the jewel wouldn't get rid of it, instead it would once more be in her care until an unselfish wish could be made. And if the jewel stayed in Kagome's care demons would attack her. The blood from his fingers coated her own and held her hand tight, the slippery feel of his blood did nothing to stymie his ability to hold onto her little hand.
It was a lucky thing Sesshomaru's blood coated Kagome for in her distraught emotions she had dropped the shield around her smell, with his blood on her no one noticed the smell of his mark. By this time Miroku had carried Sango over so that she could place a hand on Kagome's back. Though Sango was mourning for her brother she knew that Kagome would soon be mourning alongside her, and as any friend Sango knew she should be here with Kagome to the end of Sesshomaru's last breath. Kagome drew a small amount of comfort from Sango's hand.
"You aren't supposed to leave me Sesshomaru," Kagome spoke up, as if admonishing him like a pup for doing something naughty. "I know you said last night you would probably die-"
"This Sesshomaru had no intentions of dying this morning," said Sesshomaru reaching up to touch her tear-streaked face. His skin was already losing its lively color, his markings even looked faded, and his hands felt as if their warmth was slowly ebbing away. Kagome reached up and cupped the single hand to her cheek smiling a little at the thought that her friend hadn't really wanted to leave her. It made Kagome cry even harder. "Tears for me," he murmured as if it were a gift given to him by Kagome, pulling a hand back to lick at the salt on his finger, his tongue relishing this last taste. "Do you know why I chose you?" Sesshomaru asked quietly, though the others could hear they had no idea what Sesshomaru meant by his words. Kagome knew what the rest of the question was, something that he couldn't voice in front of the others… to be my mate?
"You trust me," she whispered, her hand rubbing against the one she held on her cheek. Sesshomaru nodded lightly, a laugh stirred from within his chest surprising the others that the demon lord could laugh, and laugh in his death of all places.
"But above all else…" He paused, gathering the last vestiges of his breath. Kagome could tell Sesshomaru was about to die. Sesshomaru hardly had any strength to reach up and trace her lips, when he did so it was with a shaky hand. The great demon lord pulled her head down towards his own with the very last of his strength and Kagome willingly leaned down to save him the trouble. He leaned up and his lips met her own in a quick kiss, a kiss that he tried desperately to convey his feelings in, moving soft precious lips against Kagome's own. Kagome returned the quick kiss knowing that this would be Sesshomaru's last.
When Sesshomaru finally pulled back he answered with warm caring golden eyes, eyes that took in Kagome's face lovingly as if to keep it with him when he reached the world of the dead, "…I love you… Kagome." His hand fell limply beside his dead body and Kagome cried even harder bemoaning his death, feeling the last warmth from his lips upon her own and wishing she could return it to her friend, her head falling onto his chest making for a saddening scene as the others looked on. They were far too surprised by what the great demon lord had admitted, in front of them, during his death. Sesshomaru had fallen in the footsteps of his father. Sesshomaru had fallen for a human, a priestess at that.
Two weeks had passed since Sesshomaru's death. Kagome had tried to take it in stride. Upon his passing she had proclaimed that his body be returned to the Western Palace. It had been done with Sesshomaru's last ride being on the back of Kirara, though Kagome hadn't followed after him. She was mourning for her friend and would follow his wishes. She knew she had to wait for the advisor that would meet her. She couldn't tell her friend's just yet what had happened and Kagome still kept up a small scent concealment spell to keep anyone from knowing she was Sesshomaru's mate. She changed her bandage often as a pretense that it was still hurt and wouldn't dare let Kaede look at it saying "It looks too gross. Besides, it'll heal over soon." To be honest, when Kagome sat at night in her hut she would peel off the bandage and run her fingers over her neck just tracing at the mark in the reflection of a very small hand mirror she'd had in her yellow backpack. The bite had disappeared and in its place the poison had formed a small blue moon, barely two inches in width and length, but it was his mark. Shippo had been sent back on Kirara and he had bawled into Kagome's arms about missing her and how sorry he was that Sesshomaru was gone.
Kagome walked in her miko garb along the edge of the village keeping a vigil watch. Her mind though was preoccupied upon the decision of an unselfish wish for the jewel. She hadn't been able to decide what to do with that wish, but she needed to think of something. Kouga had come by twice in those two weeks, he knew Kagome would want some time alone over this and yet he didn't want to leave her side for some reason. The wolf demon felt as if something was going to happen to the woman he was in love with. And so it was as Kagome passed by the fence on the outside of the village with Kouga watching her from atop a hill. When he'd finally gathered his courage a spiral of dirt trailed down to Kagome and she froze, waiting for the dirt to clear out, to spy Kouga. He stood there with a bouquet in his hand of the last fall wildflowers. Though he wouldn't admit it to Kagome now of all times, the demon lord had searched high and low for the last flowers. Already the cold winter winds had come and were trying to scare away fall.
"Kagome, how are you?" Kouga said with a gentle smile, scared that at any moment he would break her with a word. Kouga didn't like this sad Kagome. He wanted her to smile, laugh, or something rather than walk around stoically watching the lands. She had been so vibrant long before this war, but like all wars, it had scarred her.
"I'm alive," Kagome said leaning against the fence of the town on her back. The truth was Kagome had been waiting anxiously each day for someone to arrive; the person that Sesshomaru had told her would meet her. Kagome just wanted to know which direction to go in. She couldn't go back home, not if she was the heir and had obligations to fulfill now that Sesshomaru had passed, not that Kagome wanted to go to the future. She felt as displaced there as Inuyasha had felt as a child, not belonging to the world though he had been born into it. Sadly, Kagome didn't see herself living out the remaining days in the future. And she didn't know whether or not it would be okay when the official of Sesshomaru's came to tell the others than or now. She knew it would have to be when they showed up so she could explain things, she didn't want to leave her friends out hanging to dry about her whereabouts.
"How is the jewel? Not causing you any trouble is it?" He always asked this, trying to get something else out of Kagome. "Its been two weeks and I'm surprised…" Two weeks. The two words echoed in her mind meaning she had a little over a week left should Sesshomaru had been telling the truth, which he always did. I have to leave soon. I wonder how the others will react when I tell them that I'm the heir. I'll simply just tell them that I'm leaving when the time comes.
"Kagome?" She realized that she'd been quieter than usual when Kouga began waving a hand in front of her face. He sighed and turned to leave, but a small whisper caught him mid-step.
"Kouga, I'm sorry, I shouldn't be clammed up like this, things just feel… odd." He glanced over his shoulder, hopeful eyes trying not to shine to brightly for fear of her becoming quiet once more. "Would you…" Kagome spoke nervously, she hadn't spoken much to anyone the past two weeks, but she needed to, considering she would probably end up angering all of them eventually. Might as well strike on a good note before ending on a bad one. "Would you walk with me for a bit?" Kouga ran over to her side, hesitantly, Kagome looked like a skittish doe with the look on her face as she stared at him waiting for an answer. Kouga gripped one of her small hands and brought her into a walk beside him, not even pushing her to talk. It felt nice though, to have Kouga's warm hand hold her own like that. It had been some time since someone had done that for her.
"Are those for me?" Kagome asked, her eyes lighting up on the flowers she finally noticed in Kouga's other hand. Kouga awkwardly walked a bit faster and blushed as he answered her by handing her the flowers. Kouga kept his other hand holding onto hers. Kagome smiled a little and took them with her free hand, she buried her nose in the flowers and sniffed lightly. Kagome had missed flowers, she'd rarely seen them around since winter was approaching them. "Thank you Kouga." And there was a faint smile that was but a shadow of the old Kagome. A silence ensued between the two as they walked comfortably. Kouga was just happy he got Kagome to smile some, he had a lighter step after seeing that.
"I think I'm going to give the jewel to wish the jewel to make Kikyou whole again," voiced Kagome. "It isn't selfish… just a wish for them to be happy together, but I'm going to do it on Miroku and Sango's wedding day." Kouga looked over at Kagome with widened eyes, whose eyes were on the ground making sure that she wouldn't trip over her own two feet.
"You really are selfless Kagome," said Kouga looking back up as he squeezed her hand gently. "Not many would do what you're planning on doing."
"Not many know simple wishes are safer than big ones," she replied quietly. The wish was simple enough, where most would ask for armies, she merely asked for Kikyou to be given a soul. Kagome didn't know how souls worked, she didn't know if her own would be taken away, but she didn't voice that complication to Kouga. Kagome knew he would've worried. Besides, Kagome had a small chance that she was safe. Sesshomaru had told her before he had passed on that he thought she had her own soul. When she'd asked why he had merely answered, 'You're the sun and she's the moon.' And then the demon had promptly walked off leaving her to wonder about that. They were indeed too opposite, maybe the jewel had just been sent to another miko that was strong enough to protect it, maybe she wasn't a reincarnation.
Kouga and Kagome walked in silence for a while. Neither knew that both of their minds were seeking out for subjects to bring up that might strike a conversation.
"Kouga… I always wanted to ask you… When we first met you, you said you were the new leader of the wolf pack… Well, how did you get to be the new leader?" Out of all the things he expected Kagome to say after her long weeks of silence Kouga hadn't expected her to ask that. In fact, Kouga had been preparing himself to listen to her talk about Sesshomaru, or if she was going to move on, but then again Kagome was always surprising.
"Heh," he said with that cocky attitude of his. "Well, it all started when I left my family in the northern pack for the my uncle's pack… He was the leader of the pack and had raised me alongside his son, my cuz Sento. Well, when he passed on the trouble really came. Normally the leadership falls to the next in kin, so Sento was chosen. But Sento was twisted in a way that no one else suspected. I did though, I knew why so many birds of paradise were attacking us. He had made a secret pact with the birds of paradise promising them two wolf demons a month if they protected the coven of wolves from other demons or humans. It was sick and twisted. So I called him out on it during dinner when the whole pack was together and threatened his claim on power. In our society you fight to the death to become the leader of the wolf pack."
"So you killed your cousin."
"Nope. I granted him his life, which is just as bad because he was run out of the pack," said Kouga.
"That's really admirable Kouga. You granted him his life." Kouga's eyes lit up with a bit of pride and his chest puffed up a bit at Kagome's words. A silence ensued as they continued walking around the perimeter of the village, arms brushing every once in a while. Kouga was delighted that Kagome was finally talking and beginning to slowly peep out of the shell she'd built around herself since Sesshomaru's death. Though he knew he shouldn't question it so early, just when he was getting Kagome to open up, Kouga needed to know.
"Kagome, don't get this the wrong way but… you and Sesshomaru…?" His voice trailed off not wanting to insult her and at the same time worrying he'd done just that. Ever since Kouga had heard Sesshomaru's dying words, seen the way Kagome closed herself up, he had desired to know what had been between the dog demon lord and the little priestess. Kouga had initially decided to claim Kagome as his mate for her strengths, then he'd just wanted to make her his friend while at the same time piss off that half-breed. Gradually though Kouga had actually begun to fall for her and was thankful when he'd joined her group and found that she no longer cared for Inuyasha. Sadly he'd joined her group just a few days before the fight. He hadn't had any proper time to tell her the truth, that he really did seek her as a mate and wanted to court her.
Kagome stopped walking, let go of his hand for a moment and twiddled with the flowers he'd given her. Kagome then reached back out to grab onto Kouga's suddenly realizing how much she needed to hang onto something when she was going to speak about Sesshomaru. "He was a really close friend Kouga. Sesshomaru-" Kagome paused, it hurt so soon to say his name since his death. He'd been a good friend, as good as Sango. "Sesshomaru trained me, listened to me, and even talked to me. I didn't love him like someone loves a mate, but I'd… agreed to be… courted the day before his death," she said supplying a different word and twisting the truth. It wasn't time to let things be known. Kouga reached out, a clawed finger grazing her cheek to brush away tears that she'd felt growing in her eyes and burning like acid along her lashes.
"Just don't tell me not to cry Kouga," she whispered silently. She hated being ordered about by the others not to cry anymore when Sesshomaru had died but a week or so ago. Had it been any one of them Kagome would've grieved for months and Sesshomaru was no different, even if she knew him in a less amount of time she knew him just as much.
"Why would I? You look even more beautiful crying," he said with a small smile. Kagome leaned into his embrace and hugged Kouga, glad for once that one of her friends understood. It was okay to cry every once in a while. Sometimes it helped ease the sorrow faster. And the hand that held the flowers was wrapped around Kouga's back, leaving a sweet smell around the two of springtime amidst the approaching winter.
Ever since the day she'd opened up to Kouga, Kagome was seen more and more traipsing around the village with the wolf demon. He would always come to visit her or even stay the night that week. As much as Inuyasha would growl, Kikyou would toss something at his head to shut him up. Just two days after they had spoken Kagome had fixed breakfast for everyone with a tune she was humming under her breath; it was a song Sesshomaru had taught her to hum to Rin to get to sleep. She knew his death had happened and she should try to live on. Within the month the person would come and they had a little over a week left in the month. Kagome didn't want to leave on bad footing with her best friends nor did she want to continue grieving as heavily as she had been.
"Kaede," said Kagome as she sat on the top of a fence in the village. Kouga was due to arrive at any moment after checking on his pack. He'd promised to spend the afternoon with Kagome and teach her how to fish with pronged twigs rather than a cane pole with a string. The old woman looked up from the herbs she'd been gathering.
"Yes child?"
"I… I think we should celebrate this week," she finally voiced. Kagome had been thinking of this for some time and a celebration seemed like a fitting way to tell the group she was leaving. Kaede looked up and stared curiously at Kagome. It appeared the miko was actually beginning to cheer up since her friend's death. "A festival to honor the dead from the war… and to celebrate Naraku's defeat." Kagome explained as she scratched the back of her head, her feet swinging awkwardly back and forth from where she sat on the fence, and hands gripping into the wood to keep her up.
"Aye child, that sounds like a great idea," said Kaede, her wrinkly lips tugging up into a smile. "If you wish we could plan the festival for Sango and Miroku's wedding in two days?"
"No, no," said Kagome hastily almost falling off the fence. "What I mean to say is-" I can't ruin the beginning of their wedding day by leaving! It has to be a few days after, I don't want Sango crying on her wedding night. "Lets have it at the end of the week. Two celebrations are better than one, and that way we won't have to take down the happy decorations! It will give everyone something to look forward to!" Kaede nodded and hobbled off to make preparations leaving Kagome to sit on the fence with a lighter heart.
"A party sounds nice," came his deep baritone voice from behind her. Kagome did happen to fall backwards this time in surprise, but didn't hit the ground. Instead, Kagome found herself in two strong arms belonging to the grinning wolf demon. She looked up at him, legs still hooked onto the fence, the insides of her elbows being held by his sturdy arms, and pretended to glare at him.
"Sneaking up on a defenseless female isn't right ya know?" Kouga laughed at Kagome. It was something to see Kagome like this. Kagome was actually making jokes and teasing him just like her old sunshiny self! Kouga lifted her up, so she could pull her legs off the fence, he set her firmly on the ground in front of him, and turned her around so she could face him.
"Good thing it was you then," he smirked, tapping her nose, and watching with a very smug and satisfied grin as Kagome's face heat up with a blush. Though Kagome knew her worth she still blushed over compliments, after all, she'd spent so long around Inuyasha that compliments had been rare to come by and were much appreciated. Kagome took a quick glance over Kouga's shoulder and saw he was carrying nothing
"Where are the fishing poles Kouga?" And Kouga got a mischievous look in his eyes at her question.
"AHHHHH! How the heck do you do that?" Kagome loudly asked staring at Kouga who was having a hard time refraining from using his fingers instead of the wooden spears he'd made to stick the fish with. Kouga was more used to using his bare hands, but knew Kagome couldn't do that… yet. Kouga vowed if she spent enough time with him like he hoped, he would teach her how to do that with her hands. It would serve as an excuse to spend more time with Kagome and possibly win her over.
"Just don't move," he replied glancing over his shoulder as he moved his hands about placing the fish in a deerskin bag he had tied to his side so he wouldn't have to move from his spot. "And be quiet."
"But I'm scared they'll bite my toe off," said Kagome worriedly casting a glance around at the fish in the water. Kouga actually began laughing, further scaring the fish and going against his own advice to remain quiet. "What's so funny?" Kagome asked placing a hand on her hip while the other hand pointed her own spear at Kouga's shoulder. He just laughed even harder and pushed at the spear poking his shoulder with two fingers.
"Kagome, you destroyed Naraku and fought demons. And you're scared of fish nibbling at your feet?!" Kagome blushed lightly at that and looked bashfully down at the water as she chuckled faintly, "I guess that is pretty funny. But I can do this for real!" Kagome firmly set her feet apart and stayed as quiet as she could with a determined look covering her face. Kouga would've laughed even harder, but knew Kagome would've probably glared at him and then promptly made him an obedience necklace as payback. Kagome's eyes glinted in the light as she narrowed them, she'd spotted her prey, and with a flick of the wrist she threw her spear at the fish. It whizzed through the air and hit…! A rock, and Kagome's footing had moved when she'd tossed the spear so she went falling into the cold river with Kouga laughing his ass off. His laughter was cut short when Kouga found himself covered in water from a resounding loud splash. Kagome smirked where she was sitting in the river, a poised hand from using it to splash the wolf demon.
"Oh now you've done it Kagome," growled Kouga jokingly as he lunged at Kagome, she squealed and scrambled to get up taking off for the woods only to find herself thrown into the air and caught by Kouga as he swung her around in his arms bridal style.
"Ah! I've been captured," she shouted and pretended to beat on Kouga's chest. The wolf demon smiled widely at this. It was about time Kagome fooled around and acted like herself. The fact that she was spending more time with him made it even better. Kouga was falling for her even more so as the days went by. His flirtations were turning into something more concrete with every passing day. It didn't help that he wanted her as much as Miroku wanted to grope Sango. "Help, I think he wants to take me for his mate!"
"You think correctly," said Kouga, his eyes lighting up. Before Kouga could tell Kagome he really did intend to take her for his mate a rock hit his head. Kouga froze up and looked over his shoulder at a group of people smirking on the other side of the river. Inuyasha was tossing a rock up and down in a clawed hand while the other hand rested on the hilt of his Tetsusaiga. Miroku had a knowing leer on his face. Sango had her boomerang in her hand, she'd thought Kagome was honestly being attacked. Shippo sat on Miroku's shoulder, his head tilted as he curiously looked at the sopping wet Kouga and Kagome. Kikyou had a bow and arrow notched.
"Feh. I thought you of all people would've known better mangy wolf. If you're going to kidnap someone make sure I don't hear it," chuckled Inuuyasha tossing another rock at Kouga which he dodged with Kagome hanging onto him as he ran towards Inuyasha. "Hey put her down mangy ass wolf! You might drop her!" Inuyasha took off after Kouga and Kagome, Kouga laughing the entire time and shouting back, "Can catch me dog-turd! Even without the shards I'm faster than you!" Kagome was laughing in his arms as he ran around with her, winding in and out of trees to confuse Inuyasha. Kikyou sighed from where she stood near the river, setting her bow over her shoulder.
"What is it Miss Kikyou?" Miroku asked tilting his head at her sigh while his hand rested around Sango's waist. One of his fingers twitched at being so close to his beloved's rear.
"Are Inuyasha and that wolf demon always like this?" Kikyou asked. Her voice no longer sounded monotone, but actually rather hopeful and sweet now that Kikyou was living alongside the others, though sometimes she would get a distant look in her eyes wishing she were human again. She couldn't feel the breeze that stirred the trees nor the warmth of a fire.
"Oh no, normally they fight all the time," exclaimed Miroku as his fingers twitched once more. "This is actually rather mild compared to the past," he said as his hand inched further along Sango's side, "but then again Inuyasha just wants to protect our dear Kagome from the wolf. I must say there is no doubt that his mind is probably filled up with lewd thoughts-"
"You're the one that's lewd pervert!" Sango shouted as Miroku's fingers came in contact with her rear and he squeezed tight his favorite fleshy globe. Sango hit the monk with her boomerang and let out a breath. "You know, I'm surprised Inuyasha and him are getting along so well."
Kouga ran back into the clearing, sticking his tongue at Inuyasha as he did so. Kagome giggled and wanted to get in on the fun so she pulled out her cheeks with her hands and stuck her tongue out making Inuyasha freeze where he was running. Inuyasha hadn't seen Kagome act like that since before Sesshomaru's death. If wolf boy was bringing Kagome back to them he certainly had no qualms about him now. The half demon smiled brightly and said, "Look at the wench!" Everyone did so and managed a chuckle or two. "Hey wench if you keep it up your face will freeze that way!"
"You calling my woman ugly!" Kouga shouted back at Inuyasha snarling lightly. Kagome tugged on Kouga's ears making him look down at her. "What is it Kags? DO you want down?" Kagome shook her head against the notion and pulled down one side of Kouga's ear to whisper an ingenius idea into it. Kouga's grin shone brightly against the sun when Kagome released his head.
"Hey dog-turd. You know what smells worse than you?"
"What?" Inuyasha shouted back, wishing he'd tuned in to listen to whatever it was Kagome had whispered to Kouga. Kouga untied the sack at his side with one hand, the other held Kagome tightly to his warm chest, and called back, "You covered in fish!" And Kouga tossed the sack at Inuyasha.
They had fun for the rest of the evening with the group, picnicking in the grass and talking. Warm blankets kept them from getting cold in the chill. Kagome was opening up more around the others with Kouga sitting near her. Shippo was buried in Kagome's lap wrapped up in the blankets seeking heat from the one he saw as his mother. Kirara was laying out in her tigress form to keep Miroku and Sango comfortable as they laid back against her, the warmth from the giant cat keeping them from the cold fall air. Inuyasha had an arm around Kikyou, though she couldn't get cold nor warm, but just the same it was a sweet gesture between the lovebirds. Kouga was telling Shippo and Kagome stories about the wolf tribe. Every once in a while the little fox demon's eyes would get wide and he would bounce up and down in Kagome's lap rapt with attention for the wolf demon. Kagome couldn't' help giggle at seeing Shippo take to Kouga so easily.
No one knew that within the trees a pair of bright green eyes shone out watching the group. Its almost time to get her, thought the person. Those eyes flashed to the handsome wolf demon sitting beside Kagome and the person took an intake of breath at seeing him. What's he doing here?
Kagome yawned and stretched languidly as she got up from the hut early in the morning. She had laundry to do as well as bathing before they began setting up the decorations. Tomorrow was Sango and Miroku's wedding after all. Her dear friend Kouga would be hunting with the wolves all day today since he'd generously promised a feast for the village. The whole wolf pack had even been invited to the wedding because of that. Kouga had told Kagome that Ginta and Hakkaku hoped their 'sweet sister' would find them some girls like her to dance with. She'd snickered and told Kouga that she would try to find 'her brothers' someone. She could remember the glow on Kouga's face that had come when she'd accidentally said those two words. Kagome hadn't meant them in that way, it was far too soon to tell. Hell, Kagome had no clue about her feelings and she was going to be leaving soon anyway, so she shouldn't encourage Kouga. He'd probably hate her anyway and stop being her friend after he found out about her being mated to Sesshomaru.
Kagome sighed and set down her basket of clothes she would wash while she bathed. It always helped to multitask, and it gave her some quiet time alone for if the others thought she was bathing the whole time she'd get to think to herself. That, and Kagome was able to let down the shield around her smell, it was quite tiring doing that day in and day out to keep the others from finding out she was a widow. She tore off the bandage and tossed it to the side with her clothes.
Sango would no doubt be getting up soon to go to the village seamstress. Kagome would wake her up when she was done with the laundry since Sango wanted Kagome along with her to watch as the kimono was finished on her. The two females were as close as sisters. Kagome stripped down, delicately dipped a foot in, and began to wade in up to her knees when she froze. She had heard the snapping of a branch. Kagome hadn't brought her bow and arrow, but she did have a knife in her pockets and her priestess powers were pretty sharp now. She splashed over towards the banks in the water, pulled out the knife and poised ready to toss it, her priestess energy channeling into the knife, when she stepped out. Kagome blinked for a moment staring at the woman in front of her trying to figure out what she could be doing here. She isn't part of Kouga's pack, she wasn't invited, thought Kagome.
The woman flicked one of her long red ponytails over her shoulder and sat down in front of Kagome with her legs crossed and her green eyes watching the priestess.
"Ayame… what're you doing here?" Kagome asked letting down her hand and her powers swam back inside of her disappearing in an instant at the lack of threat. It was obvious the young wolf woman wasn't going to hurt her.
"Lord Sesshomaru told me to fetch his wife before the month was over if he died," answered Ayame, her eyes swam over Kagome who quickly ducked her body into the water after feeling a little violated with that look from the wolf girl. It was as if Ayame were searching for something. The green eyes lit up when they landed on Kagome's neck. "And it appears you really are his. At first I didn't believe it so I had to wait until you were alone and now I see he spoke the truth."
"He always did," Kagome said angrily as she stood up and walked over to her clothes, quickly putting them on. Ayame's eyes softened a bit at Kagome's response.
"I'm sorry Lady Kagome…" Kagome's eyes widened, now that was hard to get used to hearing from Ayame. I guess it really is real… I'm a lady, she thought quietly. "I heard what Lord Sesshomaru told you when he died…"
"That doesn't change that he's dead and I'm his heir," said Kagome straightening up as she patted down her clothes. Kagome would have to take a warm bath another time it seemed. "So, when do we leave? I'm ready to tell the others-"
"Kagome you can't tell the others," broke in Ayame as she stood up quickly and in a moment stood in front of Kagome. Ayame had a hard look to her eyes as she chewed nervously on the bottom of her lip. Ayame may not have liked the thought of helping the woman Kouga had been interested in for so long, but she knew when she was about to carry out an order that she didn't agree with.
"What?!" Kagome asked, eyes wide. This whole time she'd been hoping she'd be able to tell the others so that they would know where she was. Not telling them was the worst, they would search for her or possibly think she was dead.
"If you're going to be the lady of the west… we have to make sure no one knows you had friends here Kagome. It would be a threat," said Ayame in a strong measured tone as she lightly touched Kagome's shoulder. The two sat down beside the springs, one unsure of what to say and the other unsure of what she had to say. Kagome knew that she didn't want to hear Ayame speak again, from the way the wolf girl was looking at Kagome whatever Ayame had to say couldn't be good.
"How do we do that? I can't exactly up and leave. They won't exactly pretend I never existed," said Kagome exasperatedly. Did Ayame not know her friends very well? Sango could be just as determined as Inuyasha. "What do you suggest we do? Erase their memories," Kagome said with sarcasm dripping in her words. Ayame looked away for a moment, a fang chewing at her lips as her hand reached out and tightened on Kagome's. Ayame closed her eyes and took a deep strengthening breath before looking back up at Kagome. Green eyes meeting dark brown ones. Kagome was listening intently. What Ayame said next threw the young priestess off more than anything else that Ayame could've said.
"Lady Kagome… Lord Sesshomaru instructed me exactly what we have to do… We have to fake your death."