One year later..
8:23am...
Kagome ran down the stairs. She had overslept. If she didn't hurry she was going to be late for class. She was able to finish one semester of college before Inutazo was born. And thanks to her mother, grandfather, and Souta she was able to go back to school for the summer session and now she was starting her second year. She stuffed all her books into her bag and turned to see a sleepy Tazo toddle into the room. He was only nine months old but the demon blood in him had made his development accelerate to that of a one- year-old child. He scratched his golden eyes the midst of his black hair streaked with white. He yawned to show his mother his large canine teeth but that is where the physical similarities between father and son stopped. He had the healing ability and the strength of Inuyasha but Tazo didn't' have the claws.
He saw his mother packing her bags and quickly latched himself onto her legs. "Tazo.please. Mommy has to go to school. I'll be back at noon."
He looked up at her with golden eyes with his little lips sticking out in a pout. Kagome sighed lifting him up. He rubbed his eyes again. "What if I bring you back a cookie? Will you stay here with grandma?"
Tazo shook his head no and buried his face into her neck. Kagome rocked him. There was a daycare at the university. Kagome quickly took Tazo upstairs and got him dressed. She wrote a note to her mother and ran out the door.
11:45am
Inuyasha and Shippou walked up the steps of the shrine. Shippou was helping Inuyasha up the stairs. He was hurt. His leg was missing a chuck of it and his arm had a gash. He was healing fast but not fast enough. He needed a cane to walk. Shippou had asked him to rest but he wanted to see Kagome as soon as possible. They were going to need her to get Kikyo. It was apparent now that she should have been helping them from the start. Shippou had to admit he wanted to see her too. It had taken Inuyasha three hours to get the nerve up to come to the shrine that morning. He was so nervous. He knocked on the shrine door and waited to see Kagome. He was disappointed, as Shippou was, to see her mother answer the door. "Yes? Can I help you?"
Inuyasha turned to Shippou. "Take the disguises off." Shippou complied.
Kagome's mother gasped. "Inuyasha?"
He nodded, sticking his hands in his pockets. "Hi."
Kagome's grandfather came to the door. "How dare you come back now? Where have you been?"
Inuyasha was stunned at the outburst. "What the hell! I own a few major corporations. I needed time to change their places of incorporation to Japan so I could come back and be with her." No need to tell them about the killer miko running around, he thought.
Kagome's mother shooed grandfather away and invited the two into the house. "And you are."
"Shippou."
Kagome's mother smiled. "Oh, you are the little fox demon Kagome told me about. But look at you, you are all grown up."
"Yeh, I like to think that." He gave Inuyasha a look. Inuyasha just rolled his eyes.
Inuyasha sighed. "She is not home."
Kagome's mother shook his head. She motioned for them to sit. They sat next to each other while Kagome's mother and grandfather sat on each end. "No, she should be home from school any minute now."
Inuyasha and Shippou smiled. Shippou beamed. "She did continue school."
Kagome's grandfather grumbled and gave Inuyasha a death look; which was not lost on him. "What is his problem?"
Kagome's mother sighed. "He blames you for making Kagome's life harder than it should be."
Inuyasha pointed to himself. "Me? Hey try living without the love of your life for 500 years and we'll talk about tough. What has happened to her?"
Kagome's mother and grandfather gave each to her hopeful looks. Kagome's mother shook her head. "It is not our place to tell you. She has to tell you." It was not lost on the hanyou and demon. The door opened and closed. Kagome's mother stood. "That must be her now."
Inuyasha and Shippou turned to see Kagome walked into the room yet she didn't see them due to the object in her arms. Inuyasha and Shippou could not say a word. They were stunned. Kagome had changed a bit. Her black hair was pulled back in a braid. She wore dark jeans and a pink t- shirt. She looked beautiful. Then they noticed the object in her arms. She handed it to her mother. "Mom, take Tazo for a minute so I can go get my stuff."
Kagome left the room as soon as she had entered it. Inuyasha watched Kagome's Mother remove a jacket from a small boy. He swallowed hard when he saw the white streaks in the boy's hair. "No."
Kagome's mother nodded, rocking the sleeping boy. "Yes. The night before the well sealed, you left a little bit of you in Kagome. Meet your son, Inutazo. We call him Tazo around here."
Hearing his name, Tazo briefly opened his eyes just enough for Inuyasha and Shippou to see the golden hue. Inuyasha sucked in a breath. Kagome's mother placed the boy on the chair as she got up. "Tazo? You want ramen?" Tazo eyes opened wide and he jumped up on the chair reaching his hands out making fists as a sign of "give me give me." Kagome's mother laughed and went into the cabinet to get some ramen. Tazo then slowly moved, with his arms still stuck out, to face Shippou and Inuyasha. He dropped his arms and plopped down on the chair. Shippou smiled and waved. Tazo waved back with a stern look in his golden eyes. Shippou laughed. "He has your stubborn face." Shippou turned to see Inuyasha had gone after Kagome. He turned to the boy. He extended his arms. "Could I hold you?" Tazo looked at Kagome's mother and grandfather. They nodded in approval. Tazo climbed off the chair and walked over to Shippou. He extended his arms and Shippou picked him up, placing him on his lap. "Tazo, my name is Shippou. I'm your brother." Tazo looked up at the fox demon and gave him a grin. Kagome's mother put a bowl of ramen in front of the boy and his demon instincts took over. Tazo grabbed the bowl and scarfed down to food with one swift movement. Shippou laughed. "Just like Inuyasha."
Kagome slammed the trunk shut. She lifted her book bag over her shoulder and started to walk towards the shrine. As she was walking she sensed the shikon jewel. She placed her bag down and walked towards the source. It was coming from the well house. Could it be it was unsealed now? She ran and opened the doors but to her dismay the well was still dormant. She could still sense the jewel though. She quickly turned to see Inuyasha in the corner holding the jewel. He had changed. His hair was pulled back and he wore an expensive business suit. His eyes were older and his smile was more charming. She was frozen with shock. He approached her slowly. He took the jewel and placed it around her neck. He held the jewel in his hands, avoiding her gaze. "You were always meant to protect it."
Kagome swallowed. "I have to be going crazy.how?"
He smiled. "I am half demon. I can live a very long time. I missed you every minute. If I had known." He trailed off.
Kagome smiled. "If you had known what? That you got me pregnant? What would you have done?"
Inuyasha smiled back. It felt good to argue with her again. "Well, I would have at least sent a card."
Kagome chuckled, hitting him in the arm. "You could of at least called. Kouga said you were still alive somewhere. Jerk!"
Tazo turned from his place on Shippou's lap with ramen noodles plastered to his face and hands. His mother was mad. Wait, where was the other guy who was here. He squirmed out of Shippou's lap and ran out to the well house as fast as his little legs could take him.
Inuyasha took her in his arms. "True, but a jerk who loves you so much." He rested his forehead again hers. "It has been unbearable these last few years knowing you were alone and alive. But Shippou..."
Kagome pushed away. "Wait, Shippou is here?"
"Yeah, he is in playing with our son."
Kagome stopped. "Did you see him?"
Inuyasha nodded. "Yeah, briefly, but I wanted to see you more." He brushed his lips across hers and wasted no time in kissing her passionately.
Tazo walked into the well house. He yelled in an accusing tone. "Mommy."
They broke their kiss to see Tazo at the door giving this man a hard look. Kagome smiled. "Tazo, this is your father Inuyasha."
Tazo, still shy, walked over to his mother, allowing her to pick him up. Kagome laughed. "Look at you. Grandma gave you ramen again." Kagome placed Tazo down and knelt beside him wiping his face and hands with a napkin she had in her pocket. Inuyasha knelt next to her. Kagome laughed. "He loves ramen.just like you." Inuyasha smiled at Kagome and looked at the boy. He did look just like him. He had his facial structure, his nose, his eyes, and the same silver white streaks in his hair. But Inuyasha also saw Kagome's smile. He watched as Tazo tried to avoid his mother's napkin. He grabbed her hand, biting down. Kagome yelped but Tazo continued to hold on making sure not to hurt her. He was laughing through his teeth. Kagome laughed. "You snot." She tackled him and began to wrestle with him. Inuyasha couldn't help but watch them. He felt warm and happy watching his mate and child playing yet he had a pull of isolation. Tazo and Kagome seemed to have a silent connection. Tazo let go, sending Kagome on her butt. Tazo squealed with laughter and ran behind Inuyasha, grabbing onto the man's jacket. Tazo stopped smiling to pet the man's hair. It felt familiar. It felt safe. Inuyasha and Kagome were watching the boy touch his father's hair. Tazo leaned down and inhaled his father's smell. Tazo became very calm and smiled at Kagome and Inuyasha. He petted his father's back. Tazo walked up to Inuyasha and wrapped his little arms around Inuyasha's neck. Inuyasha froze and looked to Kagome. She smiled. "I think he just realized who are to him." Inuyasha wrapped his arms around the small boy. Kagome crawled over and kissed the top of Tazo's head. "Can you say hello to your daddy?"
Tazo smiled. "Hi daddy."
Inuyasha smiled big. "Hi Tazo." Tazo squealed and ran out into the courtyard, doing cartwheels and jumping around.
Kagome laughed. "Were you this hyper as a child?"
Inuyasha nodded. "Yep."
They stood and walked up to their child who was singing his own song. Tazo ran into his mother's arms. She twirled him around. "Come, let's go back in and sit." Kagome heard the familiar sound of Inuyasha falling face first to the ground. He moaned. "I didn't miss that." He stood brushing himself off. When he got closer, Kagome touched the beads. "You still have them?"
Inuyasha nodded. "It was the only thing I had to remind me of you.not always pleasant memories.but they were still you. Although, now that we are back together, maybe you can take them off."
Kagome laughed. "Yeah, right. Your daddy is very funny Tazo." Tazo laughed in response.
Inuyasha sighed. "It's nice to know you haven't changed Kagome."
She kissed him quick on the lips. "You too."
They walked back into the house. Shippou jumped up. "Kagome."
"Shippou." She hugged the fox demon with Tazo being crushed. Inuyasha opned his arms to Tazo and Tazo went to him willingly. Inuyasha hugged his son close inhaling the scent of his child.
Kagome pulled back. "Look at you. You are all grown up."
Shippou nodded. "Look at you.you're a mom now."
Inuyasha sat with his son in his hands. "Actually she is a mother of two.technically."
Kagome raised an eyebrow at the two. "Wha?"
Shippou laughed. "Inuyasha adopted me back in the Warring Era soon after you left. In a youkai adoption, a mother and a father is needed. Inuyasha said that you were his mate and therefore you would be by mother. The youkai was going to refuse us since Inuyasha was a hanyou until Sessemaru vouched for us."
Kagome sat down with Shippou next to Inuyasha. "He did that?"
Inuyasha nodded. "Yep. He has changed a lot. Rin really helped him open up to humans."
"What ever happened to Rin?"
Shippou clapped with excitement. He looked at Inuyasha. "Can I tell her?"
Inuyasha, who was playing with Tazo's hair, nodded. Shippou smiled. "Rin and Fluffy got married when Rin turned eighteen. They had one child. They live somewhere in California. We see them three times a year." Shippou took out his wallet and showed her a picture of Sess., Rin and a young girl with black hair and white dog-ears smiling back at the camera. "Her name is Rakka."
Kagome made a face. "Rakka.to fall?"
"Yeah, we don't ask. It is what they decided to name her."
Kagome looked at Rin. She had turned into a beautiful woman. Kagome flinched. "Wait, how is Rin alive? She was human like me."
Inuyasha answered. "Sess. and Rin bound their souls. So, as long as Sess. lives Rin will live. It is not a common practice but one that I am hoping to share with you."
Kagome blushed but never left eye contact with Inuyasha. "You're serious."
Inuyasha nodded. "Of course I am. You are my mate. I want to keep you around for a little while." He winked at her; giving Tazo a bottle that Kagome's mother had given him. Tazo had taken it and nestled close to Inuyasha. He began to rock and slowly Tazo fell asleep.
Kagome smiled at the scene. "It's nice to see you've taken to fatherhood very quickly."
Shippou nodded. "Yeah, he is a great dad. Kagome, we are so sorry we couldn't come get you sooner. When we defeated Naraku all his detachments became their own beings. Yet, all had the motivation of getting the jewel from us."
Kagome nodded. "I saw Kouga a few months ago. He said you were after the last one."
Inuyasha bowed his head, nodding.
Shippou sighed. "It was Kikyo not a true detachment. She has been causing havoc on us for years. She has been causing earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcano eruptions."
Kagome turned to Inuyasha. "Earthquakes?"
Inuyasha looked into her eyes. "She created the earthquake that killed your father and brother. We were there."
~Flashback~
Inuyasha and Shippou ran after the mound of ground racing into a parking lot, tearing it away and sending debris into the air as if it was water. Inuyasha unsheathed his sword transforming it immediately. The asphalt fell away as a Kikyo emerged. After 500 years her clay body had taken a toll. Her face was shattered on her left cheek. There were pieces missing leaving the black void that was her hollow frame. The clay skin was missing from her right eye all the way down to the ride arm. All that remained was bone. Her right eyeball hovered in the empty socket, glowing red. Her teeth were enlarged and canine. Her left arm although covered in skin was bloated. Her torso and legs were wrinkled. She hovered above Inuyasha and Shippou letting a snarl escape her lips. Shippou swallowed. "Whoa." Inuyasha nodded in agreement. "Hard to believe that a little bit of Kagome's soul in that thing." Shippou lifted his arm collecting a ball of foxfire. "Don't think.let's just get this over with." HE threw the ball at the corrupted miko. It hit her but did not have the effect Shippou was hoping for. Kikyo dove at Shippou, her mouth opening wide. Inuyasha jumped in front of Shippou and blocked Kikyo's attack with his sword. HE pushed her back. Kikyo backed away, pieces of clay skin falling away. She began to laugh. "You are a fool. You have chased me for almost 500 hundred years and never have defeated me. Do you know why?"
Shippou snorted. "You'll too ugly." Kikyo's red eye glowed brightly. "Hardly. I have my reincarnates soul, which still thrives in her body. As long as she lives, so do I."
Inuyasha growled. "Why are you telling us this?" Kikyo smiled, green drool falling from her lips. "I'm about to even the odds." She dove into the ground, burrowing towards the city. Shippou shrugged as Inuyasha lowered his sword. "Even the odds?" Inuyasha gasped. "Kagome.she is going to kill Kagome." He turned to Shippou. "Where is she?" "At the Gentech apartments. Let's go."
By the time they got there Kikyo had already caused the earthquake that would claim Kagome's father and brother. Inuyasha stopped. Shippou turned to him. "Come on." Inuyasha shook his head. "Kagome will remember this night with utmost clarity. She will remember me. I don't want the most horrible memory she will carry with her for the rest of her life to involve me. I'll go after Kikyo. You get Kagome out." Shippou nodded and placed a leaf on his forehead. His appearance changed to match that of a fight-fighter. He ran into the building and immediately caught Kagome's scent. He ran to find her sprawled on the stairs. He winced to see the two pieces of metal debris sticking out of her back. He removed him and healed them a bit. He didn't need the doctors wondering how a human girl could heal so fast. HE lifted her slowly up. "Kagome?" He watched her slowly open her eyes. He smiled. "I'm going to get you out of here." Kagome nodded and allowed Shippou to carry her outside.
Inuyasha swung his sword at Kikyo, who had reappeared just outside the building away form the crowd. Inuyasha swing hit her, shattering her right arm. She shrieked. She looked at her arm and then said in her old sweet voice. "How could you do this to me, Inuyasha? I thought you loved me? Do you love that reincarnation more than the original?" Inuyasha nodded. "Yep, I do." He sung his sword again but this time Kikyo avoided it. They fight went from building to building, rooftop to rooftop until their fight reached the ocean. Inuyasha was bleeding from her right cheek and right arm. He lifted his sword but before he could swing it Kikyo dove into the ocean and disappeared. Inuyasha ran to the ocean up to his knees looking for his former lover. He hit the waves with his sword in frustration. She was gone again. He cursed himself. He was tired. Inuyasha turned back and walked to his apartment near Kagome's shrine. When he got there Shippou was sitting with his legs crossed and his forehead leaning against the window. Inuyasha could still smell the tears. He sat down next to Shippou, rubbing his back. Shippou turned his head still leaning against the glass. "She almost died today. If we had been only a few minutes more.Kagome would have died." Inuyasha brought Shippou into his arms hugging the adult youkai.
~End Flashback~
"You were safe at the shrine so that is why Shippou, disguised as a monk, came to your grandfather and told him you were to become a great miko and you needed to be trained."
Kagome was shocked by the news. "All this time.you were right here in front of me and I never knew."
Shippou walked over, hugging Kagome. "We were here more than you realize. We were most of your door-to-door salesmen. That is until you started answering the door with a fog horn when you saw us coming."
Kagome laughed. "I remember that. It was so much fun."
Later that night, the group sat outside the shrine around a small bonfire. Tazo had been put to bed and the adults sat around talking. Souta laughed, looking into the fire as he roasted some marshmallows. "Hey, Kagome.remember when you got that marshmallow on your knee."
Kagome nodded, pulling up her jean leg. "Remember it! I still have the scar." She looked at Inuyasha and Shippou. "I learned the hard way not to wave a flaming marshmallow."
Inuyasha and Shippou laughed at her. Kagome laughed too but tried to say in a stern voice. "Hey, it hurt like hell." She playful pushed them, which made them laugh harder. They were silent by a small voice. "Mamma?"
Tazo rubbed his eyes and dragged along until he was in front of his mother.
Kagome ruffled the boy's hair. "Tazo, what's wrong? It's not like you to get up like this."
Tazo sighed and flopped into Kagome's arms. He buried his head in her shoulder and wrapped his little arms as fast as his little arms could go. "No sleep."
Kagome frowned and hugged him tight, running her hands through his hair. "Tazo, what am I going to do with you?" To that, Tazo made his way to the bag of marshmallows. Kagome grabbed him. "ahh, no way. No sugar for Tazo until tomorrow." Tazo wrinkled his nose and lay down on his back with his head resting against his mother's crossed legs. He took her hands and put them on his head. Kagome nodded and began to play with his hair. Inuyasha watched the exchanged and cursed himself deep inside for not coming sooner back into their lives. He watched his son's eyes close slowly as Kagome's fingers ran through the boy's hair. Kagome was smiling and every so often she would tickle his ears, causing him to curl up laughing. Inuyasha sighed.
"What's wrong, Inuyasha?" asked Kagome.
Inuyasha shook his head. "You two are amazing."
Kagome smiled. "Nah, we're just family." HE scooted over closer to them. He ran his clawed fingers through the boy's hair and Tazo purred. Kagome laughed. "I've never heard him do that before." Inuyasha smiled. "I take's a father's touch." They both smiled at each other. Tazo turned over sitting up. HE looked at his parents. The two of them looked at the boy in a confused manner. Tazo then giggled and jumped tackling both of them. Inuyasha grabbed him and lifted him above him. "Oh, so you think you are all tough now, huh?" Tazo nodded, squirming under Inuyasha's tickling grip. They all turned as Souta got up. "Well, I'm exhausted. I think we all should get some rest." Kagome took Tazo from Inuyasha's arms. "So, are you guys staying or going?" Shippou jumped up. "Are you crazy! We have waited 500 years for this moment, we are staying!" Inuyasha stood. "I agree." He took his family in his arms. Tazo leaned his head against Inuyasha chest and yawned. "We have waited too long." HE caressed Tazo's head. Shippou bunked with Souta and Kagome, Inuyasha and Tazo slept in Kagome's room. She had gotten a queenside bed when she had Tazo so now there was plenty of room for all three of them. Inuyasha touched Tazo's face and hands, examining them closely. Kagome got into her PJs and crawled beside Tazo. She propped herself on her elbow. "He's amazing, isn't he?" Inuyasha laughed. "A miracle. I never knew." "What? That you could be a dad." Inuyasha brushed Tazo's bangs away from his face. "No, that I would love him so much.even at first sight." Kagome smiled. "I know. From the moment he was born...wow. The feeling is overwhelming." Inuyasha frowned. "I'm sorry I wasn't there at his birth." Kagome smiled. "Don't worry. Kouga taped it." Inuyasha sat up quick. "Kouga!" Tazo whimpered, turning over to his mother. "Shhhh." She cooed the boy. She looked up at Inuyasha. "Yes, Kouga was there for me while I was pregnant. I asked him to videotape it in just case you came back.so I could show you." Inuyasha grunted. "Feh." "What?" "You let Kouga." He shuttered. Kagome laughed and crawled in front of him, leaving a snoring Tazo behind. He took Inuyasha's face in her hands. "It was nothing. All I have wanted for over a year now was to see you again. Even it was just for a moment.just so I could show Tazo his daddy." Inuyasha wrapped his hands around Kagome. "I wanted to wait until you were safe.but I see now that we need your help." Kagome pulled away. "What?" "Kikyo lives because you live. She still has a piece of your soul. She has tried to kill you so many times. I think you have to kill her. I don't know what else to try." He brushed her hair away from her face. "Gods, I've missed you." Kagome slowly crawled next to him, hugging him close. "Glad to hear it." Inuyasha kissed her lips and nuzzled her hair as she slipped her hands around his middle. He smiled evilly. "Too bad the rugrat is here.I'm dying to make love to you right here and now." Kagome blushed. "Shhh.he might hear you." Inuyasha lifted his head to see Tazo snoring contently. He got up taking Tazo into his arms. He disappeared and reappeared with a more evil grin. He jumped into the bed, taking Kagome in his arms. She gave smiled back. "Now, you were saying something about missing me?" Inuyasha kissed Kagome long and deep. They made love that night keeping their moans and cries quiet to not disturb the others.
Kouga was hanging from a streetlight looking around the city. He could feel the evil energy moving fast towards the shrine. Using his shikon legs he jumped to the shrine.
Inuyasha and Kagome were grinning at each other, wrapping up in each other's arms and blankets. There was a knock at her window, causing them both the jump. They saw a smiling Kouga waving from the window. Inuyasha grabbed his boxers and went to the window. Kagome slipped her nightgown on from under the covers.
Kouga hopped in. "Well, it's nice to see you two together again."
Kagome stood. "What's up?"
Kouga's smile clicked off like a light. "Kikyo is near. She has been circling this area almost all day."
Inuyasha looked at Kagome then Kouga. "Shippou and I came here today."
Kouga looked around. "Tazo with Shippou?"
Kagome nodded her head. "So, what do we do?"
Inuyasha sighed. "Call for reinforcements." He turned to Kouga. "How long will it take to get your pack here?"
Kouga smiled. "You say when cousin."
Inuyasha nodded. "I'll call Sessy. He needs to be here too."
Kagome folded her arms. "And me?"
Kouga pinched her cheek. "You just stand there and be cute." Kagome pushed Kouga's hand away. Inuyasha didn't look amused either. Kouga shrugged. "You two are made for each other. No sense of humor."
Shippou walked into the room with a sniffling Tazo in his hands. He smiled. "Kagome, I think Tazo needs his mommy."
Kagome nodded and took Tazo. She rubbed his back, turning back to the amazed faces. "What?"
Inuyasha smiled. "I'm still getting used to seeing you like this." He face became serious. "If something does happen, go to the house. Kouga said you found it."
Kagome nodded. "I will. But if I think I can help, I'll send Tazo with Souta. I'm not leaving unless I have to."
Inuyasha agreed. Shippou went pale. "Inuyasha agreed? Now, I'm scared."
The ground began to shake, sending them to the ground.
Tazo stood up. "Kikyo's here."
They all looked at each other. Kagome held the boy's shoulders. "How did you know her name?"
Tazo looked at his mom. "My dreams. She comes after me but I wake up before she gets me."
Kouga frowned. "Could he be linked as Kagome is?"
Kagome gasped. "No, he can't be."
Shippou frowned. "Kagome, you are a part of Kikyo and Tazo is a part of you, therefore he is also a part of Kikyo. He might be more susceptible to her since he is a child. They are more open-minded."
Inuyasha looked at his son who was looking at his mom with sad eyes. Inuyasha moved and took Tazo in his arms. His son looked at his father with tears in his eyes. "She wants to hurt mommy and you." Inuyasha hugged Tazo. "Don't worry. We won't let her."
Another earthquake shook the shrine yet nothing fell from the shelves nor did anything break. Kagome noticed this event. "Wait, everything is shaking but nothing is moving."
Kouga looked out the window. "Sacred ground. Kikyo is so far from her miko self that she cannot step foot or touch this ground."
"Which is why we made sure you grew up here." Finished Inuyasha.
Kagome reached under her bed from her spot on the floor to retrieve her bow and arrows. She stood with Tazo in her arms. They both held the same look of determination. Kagome looked at the group. "Let's end this."
OK, that is all I have so far. I probably won't be able to update for a month or so, look for it ;)
Kagome ran down the stairs. She had overslept. If she didn't hurry she was going to be late for class. She was able to finish one semester of college before Inutazo was born. And thanks to her mother, grandfather, and Souta she was able to go back to school for the summer session and now she was starting her second year. She stuffed all her books into her bag and turned to see a sleepy Tazo toddle into the room. He was only nine months old but the demon blood in him had made his development accelerate to that of a one- year-old child. He scratched his golden eyes the midst of his black hair streaked with white. He yawned to show his mother his large canine teeth but that is where the physical similarities between father and son stopped. He had the healing ability and the strength of Inuyasha but Tazo didn't' have the claws.
He saw his mother packing her bags and quickly latched himself onto her legs. "Tazo.please. Mommy has to go to school. I'll be back at noon."
He looked up at her with golden eyes with his little lips sticking out in a pout. Kagome sighed lifting him up. He rubbed his eyes again. "What if I bring you back a cookie? Will you stay here with grandma?"
Tazo shook his head no and buried his face into her neck. Kagome rocked him. There was a daycare at the university. Kagome quickly took Tazo upstairs and got him dressed. She wrote a note to her mother and ran out the door.
11:45am
Inuyasha and Shippou walked up the steps of the shrine. Shippou was helping Inuyasha up the stairs. He was hurt. His leg was missing a chuck of it and his arm had a gash. He was healing fast but not fast enough. He needed a cane to walk. Shippou had asked him to rest but he wanted to see Kagome as soon as possible. They were going to need her to get Kikyo. It was apparent now that she should have been helping them from the start. Shippou had to admit he wanted to see her too. It had taken Inuyasha three hours to get the nerve up to come to the shrine that morning. He was so nervous. He knocked on the shrine door and waited to see Kagome. He was disappointed, as Shippou was, to see her mother answer the door. "Yes? Can I help you?"
Inuyasha turned to Shippou. "Take the disguises off." Shippou complied.
Kagome's mother gasped. "Inuyasha?"
He nodded, sticking his hands in his pockets. "Hi."
Kagome's grandfather came to the door. "How dare you come back now? Where have you been?"
Inuyasha was stunned at the outburst. "What the hell! I own a few major corporations. I needed time to change their places of incorporation to Japan so I could come back and be with her." No need to tell them about the killer miko running around, he thought.
Kagome's mother shooed grandfather away and invited the two into the house. "And you are."
"Shippou."
Kagome's mother smiled. "Oh, you are the little fox demon Kagome told me about. But look at you, you are all grown up."
"Yeh, I like to think that." He gave Inuyasha a look. Inuyasha just rolled his eyes.
Inuyasha sighed. "She is not home."
Kagome's mother shook his head. She motioned for them to sit. They sat next to each other while Kagome's mother and grandfather sat on each end. "No, she should be home from school any minute now."
Inuyasha and Shippou smiled. Shippou beamed. "She did continue school."
Kagome's grandfather grumbled and gave Inuyasha a death look; which was not lost on him. "What is his problem?"
Kagome's mother sighed. "He blames you for making Kagome's life harder than it should be."
Inuyasha pointed to himself. "Me? Hey try living without the love of your life for 500 years and we'll talk about tough. What has happened to her?"
Kagome's mother and grandfather gave each to her hopeful looks. Kagome's mother shook her head. "It is not our place to tell you. She has to tell you." It was not lost on the hanyou and demon. The door opened and closed. Kagome's mother stood. "That must be her now."
Inuyasha and Shippou turned to see Kagome walked into the room yet she didn't see them due to the object in her arms. Inuyasha and Shippou could not say a word. They were stunned. Kagome had changed a bit. Her black hair was pulled back in a braid. She wore dark jeans and a pink t- shirt. She looked beautiful. Then they noticed the object in her arms. She handed it to her mother. "Mom, take Tazo for a minute so I can go get my stuff."
Kagome left the room as soon as she had entered it. Inuyasha watched Kagome's Mother remove a jacket from a small boy. He swallowed hard when he saw the white streaks in the boy's hair. "No."
Kagome's mother nodded, rocking the sleeping boy. "Yes. The night before the well sealed, you left a little bit of you in Kagome. Meet your son, Inutazo. We call him Tazo around here."
Hearing his name, Tazo briefly opened his eyes just enough for Inuyasha and Shippou to see the golden hue. Inuyasha sucked in a breath. Kagome's mother placed the boy on the chair as she got up. "Tazo? You want ramen?" Tazo eyes opened wide and he jumped up on the chair reaching his hands out making fists as a sign of "give me give me." Kagome's mother laughed and went into the cabinet to get some ramen. Tazo then slowly moved, with his arms still stuck out, to face Shippou and Inuyasha. He dropped his arms and plopped down on the chair. Shippou smiled and waved. Tazo waved back with a stern look in his golden eyes. Shippou laughed. "He has your stubborn face." Shippou turned to see Inuyasha had gone after Kagome. He turned to the boy. He extended his arms. "Could I hold you?" Tazo looked at Kagome's mother and grandfather. They nodded in approval. Tazo climbed off the chair and walked over to Shippou. He extended his arms and Shippou picked him up, placing him on his lap. "Tazo, my name is Shippou. I'm your brother." Tazo looked up at the fox demon and gave him a grin. Kagome's mother put a bowl of ramen in front of the boy and his demon instincts took over. Tazo grabbed the bowl and scarfed down to food with one swift movement. Shippou laughed. "Just like Inuyasha."
Kagome slammed the trunk shut. She lifted her book bag over her shoulder and started to walk towards the shrine. As she was walking she sensed the shikon jewel. She placed her bag down and walked towards the source. It was coming from the well house. Could it be it was unsealed now? She ran and opened the doors but to her dismay the well was still dormant. She could still sense the jewel though. She quickly turned to see Inuyasha in the corner holding the jewel. He had changed. His hair was pulled back and he wore an expensive business suit. His eyes were older and his smile was more charming. She was frozen with shock. He approached her slowly. He took the jewel and placed it around her neck. He held the jewel in his hands, avoiding her gaze. "You were always meant to protect it."
Kagome swallowed. "I have to be going crazy.how?"
He smiled. "I am half demon. I can live a very long time. I missed you every minute. If I had known." He trailed off.
Kagome smiled. "If you had known what? That you got me pregnant? What would you have done?"
Inuyasha smiled back. It felt good to argue with her again. "Well, I would have at least sent a card."
Kagome chuckled, hitting him in the arm. "You could of at least called. Kouga said you were still alive somewhere. Jerk!"
Tazo turned from his place on Shippou's lap with ramen noodles plastered to his face and hands. His mother was mad. Wait, where was the other guy who was here. He squirmed out of Shippou's lap and ran out to the well house as fast as his little legs could take him.
Inuyasha took her in his arms. "True, but a jerk who loves you so much." He rested his forehead again hers. "It has been unbearable these last few years knowing you were alone and alive. But Shippou..."
Kagome pushed away. "Wait, Shippou is here?"
"Yeah, he is in playing with our son."
Kagome stopped. "Did you see him?"
Inuyasha nodded. "Yeah, briefly, but I wanted to see you more." He brushed his lips across hers and wasted no time in kissing her passionately.
Tazo walked into the well house. He yelled in an accusing tone. "Mommy."
They broke their kiss to see Tazo at the door giving this man a hard look. Kagome smiled. "Tazo, this is your father Inuyasha."
Tazo, still shy, walked over to his mother, allowing her to pick him up. Kagome laughed. "Look at you. Grandma gave you ramen again." Kagome placed Tazo down and knelt beside him wiping his face and hands with a napkin she had in her pocket. Inuyasha knelt next to her. Kagome laughed. "He loves ramen.just like you." Inuyasha smiled at Kagome and looked at the boy. He did look just like him. He had his facial structure, his nose, his eyes, and the same silver white streaks in his hair. But Inuyasha also saw Kagome's smile. He watched as Tazo tried to avoid his mother's napkin. He grabbed her hand, biting down. Kagome yelped but Tazo continued to hold on making sure not to hurt her. He was laughing through his teeth. Kagome laughed. "You snot." She tackled him and began to wrestle with him. Inuyasha couldn't help but watch them. He felt warm and happy watching his mate and child playing yet he had a pull of isolation. Tazo and Kagome seemed to have a silent connection. Tazo let go, sending Kagome on her butt. Tazo squealed with laughter and ran behind Inuyasha, grabbing onto the man's jacket. Tazo stopped smiling to pet the man's hair. It felt familiar. It felt safe. Inuyasha and Kagome were watching the boy touch his father's hair. Tazo leaned down and inhaled his father's smell. Tazo became very calm and smiled at Kagome and Inuyasha. He petted his father's back. Tazo walked up to Inuyasha and wrapped his little arms around Inuyasha's neck. Inuyasha froze and looked to Kagome. She smiled. "I think he just realized who are to him." Inuyasha wrapped his arms around the small boy. Kagome crawled over and kissed the top of Tazo's head. "Can you say hello to your daddy?"
Tazo smiled. "Hi daddy."
Inuyasha smiled big. "Hi Tazo." Tazo squealed and ran out into the courtyard, doing cartwheels and jumping around.
Kagome laughed. "Were you this hyper as a child?"
Inuyasha nodded. "Yep."
They stood and walked up to their child who was singing his own song. Tazo ran into his mother's arms. She twirled him around. "Come, let's go back in and sit." Kagome heard the familiar sound of Inuyasha falling face first to the ground. He moaned. "I didn't miss that." He stood brushing himself off. When he got closer, Kagome touched the beads. "You still have them?"
Inuyasha nodded. "It was the only thing I had to remind me of you.not always pleasant memories.but they were still you. Although, now that we are back together, maybe you can take them off."
Kagome laughed. "Yeah, right. Your daddy is very funny Tazo." Tazo laughed in response.
Inuyasha sighed. "It's nice to know you haven't changed Kagome."
She kissed him quick on the lips. "You too."
They walked back into the house. Shippou jumped up. "Kagome."
"Shippou." She hugged the fox demon with Tazo being crushed. Inuyasha opned his arms to Tazo and Tazo went to him willingly. Inuyasha hugged his son close inhaling the scent of his child.
Kagome pulled back. "Look at you. You are all grown up."
Shippou nodded. "Look at you.you're a mom now."
Inuyasha sat with his son in his hands. "Actually she is a mother of two.technically."
Kagome raised an eyebrow at the two. "Wha?"
Shippou laughed. "Inuyasha adopted me back in the Warring Era soon after you left. In a youkai adoption, a mother and a father is needed. Inuyasha said that you were his mate and therefore you would be by mother. The youkai was going to refuse us since Inuyasha was a hanyou until Sessemaru vouched for us."
Kagome sat down with Shippou next to Inuyasha. "He did that?"
Inuyasha nodded. "Yep. He has changed a lot. Rin really helped him open up to humans."
"What ever happened to Rin?"
Shippou clapped with excitement. He looked at Inuyasha. "Can I tell her?"
Inuyasha, who was playing with Tazo's hair, nodded. Shippou smiled. "Rin and Fluffy got married when Rin turned eighteen. They had one child. They live somewhere in California. We see them three times a year." Shippou took out his wallet and showed her a picture of Sess., Rin and a young girl with black hair and white dog-ears smiling back at the camera. "Her name is Rakka."
Kagome made a face. "Rakka.to fall?"
"Yeah, we don't ask. It is what they decided to name her."
Kagome looked at Rin. She had turned into a beautiful woman. Kagome flinched. "Wait, how is Rin alive? She was human like me."
Inuyasha answered. "Sess. and Rin bound their souls. So, as long as Sess. lives Rin will live. It is not a common practice but one that I am hoping to share with you."
Kagome blushed but never left eye contact with Inuyasha. "You're serious."
Inuyasha nodded. "Of course I am. You are my mate. I want to keep you around for a little while." He winked at her; giving Tazo a bottle that Kagome's mother had given him. Tazo had taken it and nestled close to Inuyasha. He began to rock and slowly Tazo fell asleep.
Kagome smiled at the scene. "It's nice to see you've taken to fatherhood very quickly."
Shippou nodded. "Yeah, he is a great dad. Kagome, we are so sorry we couldn't come get you sooner. When we defeated Naraku all his detachments became their own beings. Yet, all had the motivation of getting the jewel from us."
Kagome nodded. "I saw Kouga a few months ago. He said you were after the last one."
Inuyasha bowed his head, nodding.
Shippou sighed. "It was Kikyo not a true detachment. She has been causing havoc on us for years. She has been causing earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcano eruptions."
Kagome turned to Inuyasha. "Earthquakes?"
Inuyasha looked into her eyes. "She created the earthquake that killed your father and brother. We were there."
~Flashback~
Inuyasha and Shippou ran after the mound of ground racing into a parking lot, tearing it away and sending debris into the air as if it was water. Inuyasha unsheathed his sword transforming it immediately. The asphalt fell away as a Kikyo emerged. After 500 years her clay body had taken a toll. Her face was shattered on her left cheek. There were pieces missing leaving the black void that was her hollow frame. The clay skin was missing from her right eye all the way down to the ride arm. All that remained was bone. Her right eyeball hovered in the empty socket, glowing red. Her teeth were enlarged and canine. Her left arm although covered in skin was bloated. Her torso and legs were wrinkled. She hovered above Inuyasha and Shippou letting a snarl escape her lips. Shippou swallowed. "Whoa." Inuyasha nodded in agreement. "Hard to believe that a little bit of Kagome's soul in that thing." Shippou lifted his arm collecting a ball of foxfire. "Don't think.let's just get this over with." HE threw the ball at the corrupted miko. It hit her but did not have the effect Shippou was hoping for. Kikyo dove at Shippou, her mouth opening wide. Inuyasha jumped in front of Shippou and blocked Kikyo's attack with his sword. HE pushed her back. Kikyo backed away, pieces of clay skin falling away. She began to laugh. "You are a fool. You have chased me for almost 500 hundred years and never have defeated me. Do you know why?"
Shippou snorted. "You'll too ugly." Kikyo's red eye glowed brightly. "Hardly. I have my reincarnates soul, which still thrives in her body. As long as she lives, so do I."
Inuyasha growled. "Why are you telling us this?" Kikyo smiled, green drool falling from her lips. "I'm about to even the odds." She dove into the ground, burrowing towards the city. Shippou shrugged as Inuyasha lowered his sword. "Even the odds?" Inuyasha gasped. "Kagome.she is going to kill Kagome." He turned to Shippou. "Where is she?" "At the Gentech apartments. Let's go."
By the time they got there Kikyo had already caused the earthquake that would claim Kagome's father and brother. Inuyasha stopped. Shippou turned to him. "Come on." Inuyasha shook his head. "Kagome will remember this night with utmost clarity. She will remember me. I don't want the most horrible memory she will carry with her for the rest of her life to involve me. I'll go after Kikyo. You get Kagome out." Shippou nodded and placed a leaf on his forehead. His appearance changed to match that of a fight-fighter. He ran into the building and immediately caught Kagome's scent. He ran to find her sprawled on the stairs. He winced to see the two pieces of metal debris sticking out of her back. He removed him and healed them a bit. He didn't need the doctors wondering how a human girl could heal so fast. HE lifted her slowly up. "Kagome?" He watched her slowly open her eyes. He smiled. "I'm going to get you out of here." Kagome nodded and allowed Shippou to carry her outside.
Inuyasha swung his sword at Kikyo, who had reappeared just outside the building away form the crowd. Inuyasha swing hit her, shattering her right arm. She shrieked. She looked at her arm and then said in her old sweet voice. "How could you do this to me, Inuyasha? I thought you loved me? Do you love that reincarnation more than the original?" Inuyasha nodded. "Yep, I do." He sung his sword again but this time Kikyo avoided it. They fight went from building to building, rooftop to rooftop until their fight reached the ocean. Inuyasha was bleeding from her right cheek and right arm. He lifted his sword but before he could swing it Kikyo dove into the ocean and disappeared. Inuyasha ran to the ocean up to his knees looking for his former lover. He hit the waves with his sword in frustration. She was gone again. He cursed himself. He was tired. Inuyasha turned back and walked to his apartment near Kagome's shrine. When he got there Shippou was sitting with his legs crossed and his forehead leaning against the window. Inuyasha could still smell the tears. He sat down next to Shippou, rubbing his back. Shippou turned his head still leaning against the glass. "She almost died today. If we had been only a few minutes more.Kagome would have died." Inuyasha brought Shippou into his arms hugging the adult youkai.
~End Flashback~
"You were safe at the shrine so that is why Shippou, disguised as a monk, came to your grandfather and told him you were to become a great miko and you needed to be trained."
Kagome was shocked by the news. "All this time.you were right here in front of me and I never knew."
Shippou walked over, hugging Kagome. "We were here more than you realize. We were most of your door-to-door salesmen. That is until you started answering the door with a fog horn when you saw us coming."
Kagome laughed. "I remember that. It was so much fun."
Later that night, the group sat outside the shrine around a small bonfire. Tazo had been put to bed and the adults sat around talking. Souta laughed, looking into the fire as he roasted some marshmallows. "Hey, Kagome.remember when you got that marshmallow on your knee."
Kagome nodded, pulling up her jean leg. "Remember it! I still have the scar." She looked at Inuyasha and Shippou. "I learned the hard way not to wave a flaming marshmallow."
Inuyasha and Shippou laughed at her. Kagome laughed too but tried to say in a stern voice. "Hey, it hurt like hell." She playful pushed them, which made them laugh harder. They were silent by a small voice. "Mamma?"
Tazo rubbed his eyes and dragged along until he was in front of his mother.
Kagome ruffled the boy's hair. "Tazo, what's wrong? It's not like you to get up like this."
Tazo sighed and flopped into Kagome's arms. He buried his head in her shoulder and wrapped his little arms as fast as his little arms could go. "No sleep."
Kagome frowned and hugged him tight, running her hands through his hair. "Tazo, what am I going to do with you?" To that, Tazo made his way to the bag of marshmallows. Kagome grabbed him. "ahh, no way. No sugar for Tazo until tomorrow." Tazo wrinkled his nose and lay down on his back with his head resting against his mother's crossed legs. He took her hands and put them on his head. Kagome nodded and began to play with his hair. Inuyasha watched the exchanged and cursed himself deep inside for not coming sooner back into their lives. He watched his son's eyes close slowly as Kagome's fingers ran through the boy's hair. Kagome was smiling and every so often she would tickle his ears, causing him to curl up laughing. Inuyasha sighed.
"What's wrong, Inuyasha?" asked Kagome.
Inuyasha shook his head. "You two are amazing."
Kagome smiled. "Nah, we're just family." HE scooted over closer to them. He ran his clawed fingers through the boy's hair and Tazo purred. Kagome laughed. "I've never heard him do that before." Inuyasha smiled. "I take's a father's touch." They both smiled at each other. Tazo turned over sitting up. HE looked at his parents. The two of them looked at the boy in a confused manner. Tazo then giggled and jumped tackling both of them. Inuyasha grabbed him and lifted him above him. "Oh, so you think you are all tough now, huh?" Tazo nodded, squirming under Inuyasha's tickling grip. They all turned as Souta got up. "Well, I'm exhausted. I think we all should get some rest." Kagome took Tazo from Inuyasha's arms. "So, are you guys staying or going?" Shippou jumped up. "Are you crazy! We have waited 500 years for this moment, we are staying!" Inuyasha stood. "I agree." He took his family in his arms. Tazo leaned his head against Inuyasha chest and yawned. "We have waited too long." HE caressed Tazo's head. Shippou bunked with Souta and Kagome, Inuyasha and Tazo slept in Kagome's room. She had gotten a queenside bed when she had Tazo so now there was plenty of room for all three of them. Inuyasha touched Tazo's face and hands, examining them closely. Kagome got into her PJs and crawled beside Tazo. She propped herself on her elbow. "He's amazing, isn't he?" Inuyasha laughed. "A miracle. I never knew." "What? That you could be a dad." Inuyasha brushed Tazo's bangs away from his face. "No, that I would love him so much.even at first sight." Kagome smiled. "I know. From the moment he was born...wow. The feeling is overwhelming." Inuyasha frowned. "I'm sorry I wasn't there at his birth." Kagome smiled. "Don't worry. Kouga taped it." Inuyasha sat up quick. "Kouga!" Tazo whimpered, turning over to his mother. "Shhhh." She cooed the boy. She looked up at Inuyasha. "Yes, Kouga was there for me while I was pregnant. I asked him to videotape it in just case you came back.so I could show you." Inuyasha grunted. "Feh." "What?" "You let Kouga." He shuttered. Kagome laughed and crawled in front of him, leaving a snoring Tazo behind. He took Inuyasha's face in her hands. "It was nothing. All I have wanted for over a year now was to see you again. Even it was just for a moment.just so I could show Tazo his daddy." Inuyasha wrapped his hands around Kagome. "I wanted to wait until you were safe.but I see now that we need your help." Kagome pulled away. "What?" "Kikyo lives because you live. She still has a piece of your soul. She has tried to kill you so many times. I think you have to kill her. I don't know what else to try." He brushed her hair away from her face. "Gods, I've missed you." Kagome slowly crawled next to him, hugging him close. "Glad to hear it." Inuyasha kissed her lips and nuzzled her hair as she slipped her hands around his middle. He smiled evilly. "Too bad the rugrat is here.I'm dying to make love to you right here and now." Kagome blushed. "Shhh.he might hear you." Inuyasha lifted his head to see Tazo snoring contently. He got up taking Tazo into his arms. He disappeared and reappeared with a more evil grin. He jumped into the bed, taking Kagome in his arms. She gave smiled back. "Now, you were saying something about missing me?" Inuyasha kissed Kagome long and deep. They made love that night keeping their moans and cries quiet to not disturb the others.
Kouga was hanging from a streetlight looking around the city. He could feel the evil energy moving fast towards the shrine. Using his shikon legs he jumped to the shrine.
Inuyasha and Kagome were grinning at each other, wrapping up in each other's arms and blankets. There was a knock at her window, causing them both the jump. They saw a smiling Kouga waving from the window. Inuyasha grabbed his boxers and went to the window. Kagome slipped her nightgown on from under the covers.
Kouga hopped in. "Well, it's nice to see you two together again."
Kagome stood. "What's up?"
Kouga's smile clicked off like a light. "Kikyo is near. She has been circling this area almost all day."
Inuyasha looked at Kagome then Kouga. "Shippou and I came here today."
Kouga looked around. "Tazo with Shippou?"
Kagome nodded her head. "So, what do we do?"
Inuyasha sighed. "Call for reinforcements." He turned to Kouga. "How long will it take to get your pack here?"
Kouga smiled. "You say when cousin."
Inuyasha nodded. "I'll call Sessy. He needs to be here too."
Kagome folded her arms. "And me?"
Kouga pinched her cheek. "You just stand there and be cute." Kagome pushed Kouga's hand away. Inuyasha didn't look amused either. Kouga shrugged. "You two are made for each other. No sense of humor."
Shippou walked into the room with a sniffling Tazo in his hands. He smiled. "Kagome, I think Tazo needs his mommy."
Kagome nodded and took Tazo. She rubbed his back, turning back to the amazed faces. "What?"
Inuyasha smiled. "I'm still getting used to seeing you like this." He face became serious. "If something does happen, go to the house. Kouga said you found it."
Kagome nodded. "I will. But if I think I can help, I'll send Tazo with Souta. I'm not leaving unless I have to."
Inuyasha agreed. Shippou went pale. "Inuyasha agreed? Now, I'm scared."
The ground began to shake, sending them to the ground.
Tazo stood up. "Kikyo's here."
They all looked at each other. Kagome held the boy's shoulders. "How did you know her name?"
Tazo looked at his mom. "My dreams. She comes after me but I wake up before she gets me."
Kouga frowned. "Could he be linked as Kagome is?"
Kagome gasped. "No, he can't be."
Shippou frowned. "Kagome, you are a part of Kikyo and Tazo is a part of you, therefore he is also a part of Kikyo. He might be more susceptible to her since he is a child. They are more open-minded."
Inuyasha looked at his son who was looking at his mom with sad eyes. Inuyasha moved and took Tazo in his arms. His son looked at his father with tears in his eyes. "She wants to hurt mommy and you." Inuyasha hugged Tazo. "Don't worry. We won't let her."
Another earthquake shook the shrine yet nothing fell from the shelves nor did anything break. Kagome noticed this event. "Wait, everything is shaking but nothing is moving."
Kouga looked out the window. "Sacred ground. Kikyo is so far from her miko self that she cannot step foot or touch this ground."
"Which is why we made sure you grew up here." Finished Inuyasha.
Kagome reached under her bed from her spot on the floor to retrieve her bow and arrows. She stood with Tazo in her arms. They both held the same look of determination. Kagome looked at the group. "Let's end this."
OK, that is all I have so far. I probably won't be able to update for a month or so, look for it ;)