Chapter 6:: A Dire Sire
Inuyasha was steps away from the kitchen table when he heard Kagome moan. It wasn't the happy, pleasure filled moan he'd heard mere minutes ago, but instead it was wracked with pain and fear. The basket slipped from his hand and the dishes inside made a terrible noise against the hard wood floor. Suddenly he heard another wail, one very familiar to him. Mihaku...
Leaping over the basket and through the house as though he were stepping over a quarter, he came to where the little child was left alone in the living room. Relief washed over him as he realized the boy was just calling out in fear for his parents. Inuyasha smoothed the hair on Mihaku's tiny skull and whispered "shhs" as softly as he could. He held the baby close to him and stared up the staircase to the bathroom door.
"Here Inuyasha, I got him," assured Souta as he reached for the child. Inuyasha didn't move. He was very reluctant to let Mihaku go with anyone weaker than himself. "Inuyasha?" questioned the younger boy. Inuyasha looked down at him, fighting internally his conflict of what to do.
"Hey, what's going on? Why's the front door opened? Dad?" questioned a worried voice. Inuyasha blinked. Shippo? ...OH! Shippo!
"You're back already?"
"Yeah...what happened?" he replied, following Inuyasha's gaze up the stairs. "Where's mom?"
"Here Souta, you take Mihaku and do like your mother told you. Shippo, go with them and protect them with your life," instructed Inuyasha.
"Of course...they're family, but Inuyasha what--"
"Go, now!" Inuyasha barked. Shippo silenced immediately. He was going to find out one way or another, what was happening and why Inuyasha had sent a letter to Sesshoumaru. Even more important, he was going to find out why Sesshoumaru had dismissed him without a word.
"C'mon Souta," Shippo replied and guided the younger boy out of the room. Grandpa came gliding in almost instantly after. In one hand he carried a small box and in the other was a small tube of medicine. Inuyasha went to follow him.
"Did you clean up that mess?" asked Grandpa seriously. Inuyasha looked at him as though he'd just been hit in the face.
"Of course I didn't! I wanna know what's wrong with my Kagome!" he snarled. Grandpa shook his head with unbelievable tranquility.
"Go clean up and then come see to Kagome. She's in no danger, I assure you."
Inuyasha gaped at him. How was Kagome's own Grandpa showing so little care for her? Did he not see the blood gushing off of Kagome's pure face? Could he not hear her moans of agony? Inuyasha was about prepared to steal his newly claimed wife away from her family and take her and his son away to his cave so he could protect them, but he knew she wouldn't do it. Knowing how Kagome trusted her family and the faith she placed in them, he knew he couldn't go against her. Besides, if she needed him, she'd call; and he'd be there before her next heart beat.
"Papa? Do you have those bandages yet?" yelled Sora down the stairs. Inuyasha jumped as the focus moved to the older woman.
"I'm coming, I'm coming, keep your britches on," he groaned as the elderly man moved up the steps toward the bathroom. Inuyasha, meanwhile, rushed off to the kitchen to clean up the mess. He carefully hid Kagome's ripped underwear under a pile of trash in the trash can and placed all the unbroken dishes in the sink, the others were tossed into the trash after Kagome's underwear. Not knowing what to do with the basket he set it on the table and paused to calm himself. He hadn't been excitable in hundreds of years…maybe Kagome was bringing it out in him again. Half aware of what he was looking at, Inuyasha gazed out the kitchen window. He watched Souta and Mihaku playing tag, Souta winning by a land slide, and inspected Shippo's scowl as the boy sat under a tree nearby.
"Inuyasha!" Kagome called. Her youkai lover practically went through the roof trying to get to her and as he came to the bathroom door he saw a pitiful sight. Kagome was seated alone on the bathroom floor with a large bandage on her cheek, her hair ruffled from stress, and her blood drenched clothes clinging to her small body. It had only been a few moments ago that he had licked that body, touched that body, been in that body. Kagome's eyes met his and instantly filled with tears. "Inuyasha, I'm scared," she murmured, motioning her need for him. Inuyasha came forward without thought and took her into his arms right there on the bathroom floor.
"I won't let anything hurt you Kagome, I'm here," he promised quietly into her ear. Kagome gripped him fiercely, her flash backs to the night before and her nightmares of last night were blurring her vision. She pressed her un-gauzed cheek into his shoulder and took in a deep breath. He still smelled like blossoms and sweat. More than anything else in the world, that scent soothed her and she suddenly felt relaxed. Mrs. Higurashi appeared in the door way with a long sleeved pink dress and Kagome's bath salts.
"What's the matter? I heard you yell for Inuyasha," questioned her mother. Kagome shook her head and nuzzled Inuyasha once again. He locked eyes with Sora, his newly appointed mother, as he held her closer.
"She didn't want to be alone," he stated simply. Sora's expression darkened gently with guilt.
"Oh darling, I'm sorry," she said painfully. Kagome grunted softly in reply. "Come on, let's get you into the bath tub and into some fresh clothes and maybe you'll feel better," she added, moving forward and arranging things for Kagome's bath. Kagome looked up and pushed the hair behind her ear.
"I- I think I can do it on my own…if Inuyasha'll sit outside the door," she answered, looking to him for confirmation. He nodded and Mrs. Higurashi smiled.
"That's good to hear. Sounds like you'll be okay to watch a movie tonight with us? We'll talk about all these odd events tomorrow when you feel better," she said tenderly as she moved to leave the room. Out of the blue Kagome's words back on the blanket in the woods made sense to her.
"Please Inuyash! Not now!"
She had literally begged him not to talk about last night. Maybe this was more serious than he thought.
"We'll be downstairs if you need us Inuyasha," added Sora before she left the door. Inuyasha tilted his mate's face toward his own.
"Are you sure you'll be okay?"
"Yes, just- don't go far…I didn't want Mom to know about my underwear," she said weakly.
Twenty five minutes later Inuyasha still leaned on the bathroom door with a small grin on his face. Her worry over her underwear had taken him so off guard he had to cough to avoid laughing. And now, the thoughts of her innocent expression when she said it pursued him. He re-adjusted his position and sighed. Bold scents of jasmine, vanilla, and wet skin were drifting through the cracks around the door and enticing his thoughts. He pictured her lying naked in the tub, almost the same position she'd been in a couple hours ago. Then he remembered the way she'd arched into him all those years ago at her going away party. It was sear bliss for him to smell these smells and see these sights, especially sense he was alone. All the while his ears listened carefully for any out of the ordinary sounds, like bottles dropping or her heart skipping a beat right before she slipped in the tub. He wasn't going to let ANYTHING happen to her from now on.
Shippo quietly ascended the stairs holding one of the ancient boxes they had brought from the cave at his side. Inuyasha's ears perked slightly, but otherwise he didn't flinch. Shippo came closer and sat in front of his adopted father with a sincere expression.
"Souta told me what happened. Well, he told me you and Kagome got married, but I read between the lines on that one…is that how you were intending to make Kagome better?" Inuyasha nodded once and Shippo beamed like a small child who was in trouble. "He also said she just started bleeding for no reason."
"She's bathing off the blood," Inuyasha replied.
"I was going to say that I smelled a lot of it, how'd you know?"
"Because I've been smelling that extremely strong scent for the last half hour, and I know I'd wonder if she'd stopped the bleeding…" he answered softly. Shippo hung his head. Inuyasha was hardly regarding him, it was just like Shippo had done something wrong and now was being punished by being ignored.
"Dad, I'm sorry…" he spoke slowly. "I- I didn't know, I was worried…"
"Is that Sango's dress?" interrupted Inuyasha. Shippo breathed in relief. That was tough guy talk for, 'it's okay, now change the subject'.
"Yeah, I thought since you brought it for Kagome, you'd want her to wear it?" he wondered. Inuyasha shook his head yes. He'd actually forgotten about it until he saw the younger man carrying it.
"Lemme see," he gestured, reaching out for the package. Shippo handed it to him and Inuyasha knocked on the bathroom door. A loud thud of bottles dropping and Kagome's paniced squeak answered him. "It's okay, it's just me," he assured. Kagome sighed loudly. Shippo held back his giggle. "I have something for you to wear," spoke Inuyasha softly. The door cracked and nude skin was visible for a little more than a split second.
"Really? OH! SHIPPO!" she squeaked, retreating behind the door. "Inuyasha why didn't you tell me he was there?" she yelled. Inuyasha chuckled nervously while Shippo blushed so brightly that his face appeared on fire. Kagome's cheeks were also flushed, but with embarrassment at her bold behavior and it's result. Her one relaxed moment with her nudity around Inuyasha and that's what it got her.
"Here," Inuyasha said, pushing the thin box through the crack in the door. Kagome clung to the white paint of the bathroom door, her damp raven hair clinging to her forehead while small drops of sweat and water dripping off the edges of her skin.
"What is it?" she asked, moving to the sink to set it down and dry her hands.
"It's a dress that Sango made for you, it was the first one she made and Miroku blessed it," he explained. Shippo crossed his arms and watched his parents interacting as they had so many years ago, minus the shouting and fighting.
Kagome lifted the strings on the box and carefully slid them away. The ancient binding was near on collapse and she found herself praying that the dress wasn't in the same condition because no matter it's appearance she was going to wear it at least once...for Sango and Miroku. Determined to be gentle Kagome raised the lid of the box and then let it fall instantly with a quiet thud. Kagome gasped and all the blood rushed to her face.
"Kagome?"
"It's so pretty!" she wailed and pulled the perfectly conditioned kimono from the box. It was pink, with golden trims and soft white sakuras drifting down the sleeves and lower hem that had been individually sewn. Underneath the dress in the box laid a golden colored wrap. "Aw..it's breathtaking..."
"Put it on!" Shippo yelled anxiously from over Inuyasha's shoulder through the tiny crack of the door. Kagome giggled and stepped back so the length would fall.
Minutes passed and Inuyasha began to pass slightly. There had been no noise from Kagome for a while. Shippo sat also impatiently tapping his claws on the carpet. Just then the door of the bathroom opened and Kagome stepped out. The pink of the kimono came down to the middle of her shins and the sleeves were the perfect length to cut off at her wrists, and the golden tie was wrapped around her waist as a belt (it's intended purpose). Kagome turned so they could see the back and revealed the golden strings from the knot she'd tied in the belt. The split of the two flaps showed evident when she turned the opposite direction to face them, straight up to mid-thigh on her right leg. Inuyasha's face involunarily turned red and Shippo jumped up to his feet. Kagome smiled and giggled again.
"Isn't it beautiful?" she said, making another turn so that her raven hair fell down over her shoulders. "Oh this darn hair's still wet! It'll mess up Sango's dress!" she cried and went to put it into a pony tail. Inuyasha grabbed her wrists without thinking and then let go.
"Don't...I like it down," he said quietly, as if he were in a daze. Kagome fidgetted under his gaze. The adoration he showed her never seemed to waver and now she could see it obviously blazing in his eye without fear of discovery. Shippo whistled lowly.
"You look amazing mom!" he nodded very seriously.
"Thanks," she grinned. "Um, Inuyasha?"
"Yea? Oh, you do look great...h-heavenly," he murmured. Kagome blushed and pulled on her dress a little.
"It's weird that Sango would make it this length though. I thought traditional kimono's were long."
"Oh, Sango made that for you so you'd have something that looked more time period and would remind you of us. She made it short because the skirts you always wore were short. She wanted to make sure you'd like it," explained Shippo.
"Oh I do! It's perfect!" replied Kagome happily. She looked down at the stitching of the sakuras on her sleeve intently, her mind wondering to what-if-s about the spell Miroku had placed on the cloth. Could they protect her from whatever it was that desired to hurt her? It'd only been one day...so much had happened, she was so exhausted...she didn't want to talk about it but it was weighing her down to have this fear inside her and have to bear it alone. She knew she could tell everyone...and she would...at least, she was hoping she would.
"Shippo! Could you come downstairs for a minute?" called Mrs. Higurashi from the living room.
"Coming grandma!" he yelled back. Inuyasha couldn't take his eyes off Kagome while she waved bye to Shippo. "I'll be right back!" he assured and then took off down the staircase. Kagome turned her focus to Inuyasha and locked eyes with him.
"You really like it on me Inuyasha?" she said weakly. Inuyasha took one arm and snatched her too him so that they were chest to chest. Kagome gasped in surprise.
"I love it..." he replied lustfully and then leaned in closer to her face and said with a growl: "I could just eat you up." Kagome blushed bright scarlet but smiled.
"This is a lot harder to get your hand under though," she teased. Inuyasha precedded to grab her butt.
"Cloth or no cloth, it's mine to grab," he stated seriously. Kagome leaned forward and kissed him. She couldn't help but think how much their passion lingered into hours later. Inuyasha pulled back and pushed a strand of hair out of Kagome's eyes.
"Hey parents! Grandma says we're going to rent a movie and order out for pizza tonight," Shippo chirped. Kagome turned to face him.
"Really? That's my favorite thing to do!" she said excited. "Inuyasha, me and you can go get the movie!"
"That's alright with me."
"Great, I'll go tell Grandma."
"Shippo! Wait...." Inuyasha looked at his wife and pondered her sudden withdrawl. Shippo froze in position, staring at her worriedly. "I'll tell her myself...and- while I'm at it--I'm going to tell you all what happened yesterday," she concluded with a deep breath. Inuyasha turned her back around.
"Are you sure about this? Do you think you'll be okay talking about it so soon?"
"I'd like to get it off my chest...so that, I don't have to be alone," she answered.
"Okay, then I'll run grab Mihaku and Souta. We'll meet you in the kitchen," agreed Shippo. Kagome touched the bandages on her cheek and nodded slowly. Inuyasha's hand moved from her rear to her waist.
"Let's go," he urged and together they went down the stairs. As they neared the bottom there was a sharp intake of breath and then a moan of acclaim from Sora. Kagome blushed again.
"Oh! My baby! You look magnificent sweetie! You really do! Where did you get that dress?"
"My friend Sango sew it for me a long time ago."
"Well she did a good job. It fits great!"
"Hey mom, I - I'd like to talk to you and Grandpa in the kitchen...about last night," she said slowly. The grin faded from Mrs.Higurashi's face and she nodded.
"Dad, would you come to the kitchen please," she called and then followed her children into the same area. Souta and Shippo came through the back door, found seats at the end of the table near the high chair and placed Mihaku in the middle. Mrs.Higurashi and Grandpa sat across from Kagome and Inuyasha stood behind her, with one hand on her far shoulder. Kagome took a deep breath and looked them all in the eye.
An hour later and several sobbing fests, Kagome concluded her story and wiped her bloodshot eyes. Mrs.Higurashi was motionless while Grandpa was thinking fiercely. Shippo's expression was of extreme worry, Mihaku was playing with a fork and she could see Inuyasha's face, but it was Souta that looked confused.
"So what is it that was hurting you sis?" he asked. The blatant question everyone was wanting to know. Grandpa jumped in before Kagome could open her mouth.
"Sounds demon!" he declared.
"No, most demons can't go into someone's mind and there really aren't many left these days," corrected Inuyasha with a heavy voice. His hand gripped Kagome's shoulder and she immediately felt relaxed. She was beginning to like this being marked.
"What if it's some sort of agitated spirit?" trembled Sora.
"That sounds reasonable. We had trouble with those back in Sengoku Jedai, but I don't why there'd still be any around. Have you pissed anyone off lately, Mom?" questioned Souta.
"No, I don't know who I've ever pissed off, other than Naraku, his children, and the preps at school. But I can't help that I'm good and they're evil," she stated sourly. Souta giggled and Mihaku gave a joyous shriek.
"Whatever it is, it's powerful enough to stay hidden and physically harm you. Could it be in your subconcious? Fighting you from the inside? A spell?" wondered Grandpa.
"Well that sounds logical. Kagome's strong enough that maybe her blood turning against her was causing her to attack herself," Inuyasha thought aloud.
"That's it!" Kagome squealed.
"What's it?" he asked dumbly.
"My blood attacking me! That's got to be what it was!"
"Have you had any fearful moments since you got home?" wondered her mother. Kagome shook her head feverishly.
"How does that explain it starting when Inuyasha and I showed up?" put in Shippo. Kagome thought hard for a moment and then lit up once more.
"Inuyasha triggered me into realizing what was missing in me and it woke up the natural instincts! And then Inuyasha fixed it!" she cried. Mrs.Higurashi smiled and Grandpa nodded in approval. Shippo was so happy at the solution he began to distract Mihaku from his game of dig a hole in the table with a fork into get the fork back. Souta however didn't seem convinced.
"Why do you have those marks then?" he demanded.
"Oh, well...this one Inuyasha did," she pointed to her neck,"and these my subconcious did," she added.
"No, I mean, why did you just cut yourself?"
"Oh...well it was probably a gradual thing. Inuyasha said I'd go insane...that was the way I was going to go insane, through pain and fear," she stated assuredly. Inuyasha knealt next to her and took her hands. "Don't even say it Inuyasha or I'll sit you to kingdom come!" she started, interrupted by the word sit and a thunderous crash to the floor.
"Hey! What'd I do?" he pouted. Kagome helped him up.
"I'm so sorry Inuyasha!" she wailed guiltily.
"Oh my! It's nearly six o'clock! The video store closes at seven," reminded Sora.
"That's right. Are you ready to go Inuyasha?"
"Yea," he grumbled in return. Kagome stood up and helped Inuyasha do the same.
"Wait, are you sure you're okay to go Kagome? You've had a hard last two days," worried her mother. Kagome stopped and nodded confidentally.
"The problem's gone and besides what I need is some good down time with the tube and a pie," she laughed and began pushing Inuyasha out the door.
"Alright, be careful!"
"Always! And Shippo stop teasing Mihaku!" she yelled right before the door closed. Shippo frowned and put the fork on the table. Mihaku followed it with his arms but was too small to reach it.
"Fohk," he whined repeatedly. Shippo ignored him.
"Man...s'no fun," he groaned.
Outside the shrine Kagome took the hair band from her wrist that she would've put in her hair earlier and began to lift her hair up.
"Are we walking?" she asked meekly. Inuyasha stopped.
"Do you want to?"
"N-no," she muttered quietly. Inuyasha smiled. She wanted to ride him as much as he wanted to carry her again.
"Then get on, we don't have all day," he groaned and knealt down. Kagome hid her grin at the position he put himself in as she moved behind him. Same white hair, same red kimono, only...no ears to play with. She kinda liked the ears. At least now he looked more normal. She climbed up his back akwardly and much to his displeasure as she accidentally kicked him in the side and nearly pushed him forward.
"Are you on yet?" he asked agitatedly.
"Yes...you can go now," she replied sharply. A feh was clearly heard as he went racing toward the shrine gates. Kagome's ponytail whipped behind her, her eyes filled with tears to keep them from drying out, and she gripped his shoulders joyously. She always felt like she was flying atop him. Inuyasha looked at her hand and grinned. Back to old times. "Wooo!" she screamed suddenly and nearly caused him to trip. "Sorry!"
"Whatever, now just be quiet and stay still. I'm not used to this anymore."
"Me either stupid so stop yelling at me!" Kagome felt Inuyasha's grip on her legs get tighter and felt his angry growl rumble against her lower half. With a sigh and soft shake of her head, Kagome bent and rested her cheek on his shoulder, wrapping her arms around his neck loosely. Inuyasha responded with surprise. She'd NEVER done that before. As they landed on the sidewalk down the shrine stairs he paused and glanced over at the locks of raven hair on his shoulder. Kagome didn't move and a tender moment passed before Inuyasha rested his head atop hers.
"Sorry...I'll try to keep from arguing until you feel better," he whispered softly. Kagome's only reply was to dig her chin into his shoulder. "Ready?" he asked, and she nodded. "Hold on then," he answered and leapt high into the air and onto a nearby building. He continued in this method, tree hopping and roof leaping, until he was on the street with the video store. Checking for any viewing audiences he slipped down into the alley next to it and allowed his beautiful wife to get down.
"That was fun!" she smiled and took his hand as she slowly made her way to the front door. 'So far so good' she thought warily. The fear that leaving the house and inviting trouble was in the back of her mind. She did not want her ears to bleed again, much less her face and Inuyasha would go insane in his helplessness. Kagome took a soft sigh and casted her worried expression away from him. Then she felt his grip on her hand as they came to the door.
"I'll get that," he said extravacantly and pulled open the glass door. Kagome's eyes went wide for a moment followed instantly by a giggle of delight. She pulled him in after her.
"Okay, what movie do we want? Horror? Sci-Fi? Nah, we've got too much of that in our everyday lives! ha! What about drama? OOoo, or comedy," tittered Kagome. Inuyasha released her hand as she went develing into the numerous tapes. He decided to just look around and let her find him. Kagome always made the right decision anyway, she didn't need his approval.
Inuyasha passed by the action section as he walked. He could vaguely remember the only movie he'd ever seen in his life: "the last samurai". His only comment, I could whip that guy's ass with my hand and feet tied. With a new surge of pride Inuyasha crossed his arms and continued on. He half spotted the back of Kagome's ponytail bobbing up and down near the romance section. He hardly registered the voices of the employees murmuring behind him, he was transportation and company for his wife...he had to get used to sticking with her during things he didn't want to do. He watched as Kagome dropped down to the floor for a better view and stood silently watching the other customers. A few minutes later he heard a familiar squeak of pain.
"Kagome?" he called worried. She didn't answer.
Kagome rubbed her aching head gingerly as she registered what had happened. Hojo was on his butt in front of her, also, rubbing his head.
"Hey Kagome!" he cried cheerfully. Kagome realized she must have hit him while looking for a movie and knocked him down.
"Oh, hey Hojo! I'm so sorry! I didn't know you were there!"
"Neither did I!" he laughed. Kagome blushed with embarrassment. "*gasp* Kagome! Your cheek! What in the world!"
"Oh this?" she chuckled nervously. Her eyes roamed the shelves of movies while her mind went to hyperdrive for an answer. The movie Catscratch Fever caught her eye and she thought of the obvious.
"Buyo, my cat, got me when I was helping him, uh, out of a tree," she smiled. That wasn't the smoothiest answer but it worked.
"Oh, okay. Looks like it's taken care pretty well too. So whatcha doin here? You were kinda weird at school yesterday. Are you feeling sick again?" he asked. Kagome nearly hit the floor.
"No I'm not sick!" she snapped. "Just cause a girl isn't herself for a day doesn't mean she's gonna die!" she added exasperated. Hojo looked confused and more than a little frightened by her reaction. "Oh nevermind. I had a lot on my mind," she explained.
"Oh," he nodded. "That's understandable. You can't blame me for being worried after that horrible spell you went through last year!" he joked. Kagome blushed again, but this time in frustration. No one was ever going to forget that....it was all her grandpa's fault.
"Kagome? Kagome!" shouted a gruff voice. Kagome looked up, confused as to who would be calling her name.
"Oh! Inuyasha, I'm over here," she replied. She could hear the bare footsteps coming closer as she got to her feet.
"Are you alright?" he demanded, inspecting her cheek and spinning her to check for other injuries.
"I'm fine!" she groaned.
"You sure? Why'd you yell then?" he demanded.
"I yelled because I accidentally ran into Hojo and hit my head," she scolded. Inuyasha turned to face the human with a warning look.
"Hi," he smiled and Inuyasha faked a half smile.
"Inuyasha, this is Hojo, Hojo- Inuyasha."
"Nice to meet you," greeted Hojo.
"I know," responded Inuyasha. Kagome elbowed him in the stomach so he followed with "nice to meet you too."
"So how do you know Kagome?"
"She's my mate."
"Inuyasha!"
"Mate? OH! You mean like in british, friend!" he laughed. Kagome heaved in relief.
"No I mean mate. Look at the mark on her shoulder that I-"
"INUYASHA! NO!" she shrieked.
"Hey, Kagome what is that?" he asked, leaning forward to inspect it. "Looks like something bit you."
"Well duh" Kagome slapped him with a glare that read, if you don't shut up I'll sit you until your back breaks. Inuyasha turned his head defiantly.
"It- it is! Buyo did that too," she attempted.
"Doesn't look like a cat bite-"
"Well it is!"
"Okay, I was just worried about you."
"Well don't be!" she giggled and waved him off. "That's Inuyasha's job now that he's back," she added with a grin his direction. Inuyasha softened a little, but was still angry.
"Back?"
"Um..yeah...uh he uh......just got back from....THE WAR!" she cried triumphantly. Warring States Era-war- same difference.
"The war? What war?"
"Oh um...he was- sent to America to help their soldiers out... You know how ridiculous they are when it comes to fighting...and uh, the authorities here agreed Inuyasha's fighting would...help," she concluded. A little rough but a valid sounding excuse that could be easily taken for truth or lie.
"Wow, so you fight?" asked Hojo. Inuyasha hmphed. "You're so lucky to have a friend that fought in a war Kagome. That's awesome that he would sacrafice like that! Your parents must be proud!"
"My parents are dead," he stated flatly and with no emotion. Hojo looked grieved by this and then he added, "they been dead for a long time."
"I'm so sorry. I mean you look just like our age, though I know you're a couple years older because they let you fight in a war, but still. I'd hate to imagine my parents dying and leaving me alone...who do you live with?" Inuyasha looked to Kagome.
"He leaves with me Hojo," she said casually.
"Really? Your mother approves of a guy near your age living in the same house??" he asked shocked. Kagome thought about it and realized she couldn't cover up for long. In practically two seconds she had turned her demon mate into a human soldier and her friend. I can't and won't do that to him. He deserves more than that.
"Well, she won't really object since we're married and all," chuckled Kagome genuinely. Inuyasha gaped at her whilst Hojo's jaw fell open.
"Your-you're married?" he stuttered.
"Kagome..." murmured Inuyasha. With those few words Inuyasha had discovered that she wasn't just his because he was hers as well.
"yep"
"But you don't have a ring!" he protested.
"We don't need one. We know, our family knows and anyone who would want to hurt us know so we aren't worried about honoraries," she stated.
"So you live at home? I mean you two live in your mother's house? You don't have a job Inuyasha? Or anything?" wondered Hojo. His mind was about to explode. Here he finds the only girl he's crushed on for a long time in the most beautiful outfit he'd ever seen and THEN he finds out that she's married!
"What do I need a job for?" replied Inuyasha with confusion.
"What- you-"
"He's still in school," Kagome recovered. "But since he just got back he hasn't decided what he wants to do."
"Oh, okay. That-that's cool...I- I think I'll see you around Kagome. Later," he grinned and then walked away quickly, gripping his movie. Kagome waved and then sighed in exhaustion.
"Whew, that was a close one."
"Why'd you tell him we were married if I couldn't tell him we were mates?"
"Mates AND marking isn't something he'd understand. We just need to find terms that people, normal people, can understand. Like marriage, rings, etc. And school. You don't have to go, it was just an excuse so people wouldn't ask questions about what you are or question that you're human," she replied.
"Well, I guess that's fine..." pouted Inuyasha.
"And no one at school other than my two best friends know about Mihaku either. We managed to keep that just as secret as the well and the Shikon No Tama," she added, now eyeing the movies.
"Why would you want to keep that secret??"
"Inuyasha...." Kagome groaned, "It's not that I want to keep it secret, it's to protect you and Mihaku and now Shippo! You don't think they'll ask questions about Mihaku's claws and hair color? What about your ears and the color of your hair and eyes? And Shippo's tail and ears. And-"
"I get!" Inuyasha wailed, dropping a finger down over her lips. "I won't second guess you anymore...well most of the time I won't," he smiled. Kagome grinned back at him and kissed his finger. "Got the movie?" he asked. Kagome nodded and held it up.
"Then lets get out of here before you see someone else.." he groaned. Kagome agreed and went to follow behind him when suddenly she sensed something close to her heart.
"Inuyasha?" she whispered. He stopped and turned around to see her froze with cocern on her face.
"What is it? What's wrong?"
"I - I don't know. Something's here...something hostile and something good."
"Well it can't be both, which is it?"
"I don't know....Inuyasha I'm scared..."
"It's alright, I'm--here," he awed. Suddenly the sakuras on Kagome's dress had begun to glow and pink radiated off her skin. "What's that light?"
"It's my power..I feel it and something good with it, like- like a bubble," she answered, looking at him with fear.
"A bubble, protecting you from what?"
"It," Kagome trembled. Inuyasha watched as she suddenly grabbed her ears in pain. "Ah! No!"
"What is it! What happened!"
"The - the voice. I heard it again," she replied, holding her head. Inuyasha covered her from view of the other customers and came nearer. "Don't come too close, it'll get yoU!"
"It can have me if it'll leave you alone, where is it? I need to know how to help! Kagome!" Kagome staggered backward and held her head painfully.
"Stop screaming in my ear!" she pleaded. "Stop! Inuyasha!" she begged. He stood with his hand on her wrist, holding her up so that she couldn't fall and staring into the fear of her eyes. He couldn't feel anything. Had he been any later coming to Kagome's side he would've thought he'd come too late, that she'd gone insane from being mateless, but it had physcially harmed her twice. "Please!" she begged, now holding her head with only one hand despite fighting with the other against the phantom pain. Just then the lowest bandage on her cheek ripped off into empty air and she shrieked in shock and pain.
"I will not allow it!" bellowed a very friendly voice, followed instantly by a bright flash of light purple light that popped between them. Kagome opened her eyes and blinked, meeting the gaze of her confused better half.
"Ma'am, no lighters in the store, we don't allow smoking," called one of the employees. Kagome nodded, still in shock.
"What-" she breathed. Inuyasha pulled her close and wiped at the little trickle of blood that the bandage had caused when it ripped her skin off.
"I don't know, but did you hear that voice? Or was it just me?"
"You mean you heard it too?"
"I heard: I will not allow it, but that's it."
"You heard that??"
"Yes, is that the voice you were hearing?"
"No, it's a woman's voice. That voice sounded a lot like-"
"Miroku," finished Inuyasha. Kagome nodded in agreement. "He did bless the dress with his spells and all."
"Inuyasha..can we get the movie and go home?" she pleaded, staring into his eyes with fear and sorrow.
"Definately, gimme the tape," he said and took her hand. Making her follow him to the desk he said: "Stay close." Kagome half grinned and did as told. She didn't release his hand until she was safely atop his back and flying through the air back home.
Hours later Kagome and Inuyasha sat curled up on the couch, snuggling against each other with Mihaku fast asleep on a large pillow on the other side of Kagome. Shippo was leaned against the couch with two blankets and a pillow, while Souta sat next to him. Mrs. Higurashi was in bed and grandpa was fast asleep on a nearby recliner. They'd watched the movie and upon request of Souta and Shippo had stayed in the area to watch tv. Kagome rubbed her cheek harshly against her lover's neck and took a trembling breath. They hadn't told the others about the voice or the incident at the video store for fear of scaring everyone else to death. Kagome reached over and brushed a tiny strand of hair out of her son's face. She hadn't seen a lot of him in the last two days...she was beginning to miss him a little.
Outside the closest window the trees tossed fiercely on the wind. Kagome sighed and turned back to face the tv.
"It's going to storm tonight," she said. Shippo nodded blankly and Souta made a half grunt of acknowledgement. Inuyasha was silent. He was either deeply engrossed in the show they were watching or he was thinking and had blocked everything else out. Kagome surrendered and continued watching the show in an attempt not to think about Miroku's voice or the dress she was still wearing.
"Commercial!" shouted Souta as he leapt up and ran for the kitchen.
"Hey mom, that was a really good movie!" smiled Shippo, turning to lay his head in her lap. Kagome smiled half-heartedly and stroked his face gently.
"Thank you Shippo, it's one of my favorites."
"I didn't know comedy was your favorite sis," added Souta as he returned with a soda.
"Well, I like romance and comedy. How to Lose a guy has both," she replied, still stroking Shippo lovingly.
"Well Mom certainly seemed to like it. She nearly laughed sprite out her nose," he groaned. Kagome giggled at the memory.
"yeah, ha, that was pretty funny!" laughed Inuyasha. Kagome paused to look at him.
"Hey, I thought you were asleep!" she joked and chuckled. Mihaku stirred at the noises and began to the grunt that signified crying. "Oh, hey baby, don't--" Kagome froze. Something was outside. Something was coming there. She had to protect her baby! Snatching Mihaku into her arms Kagome got to her feet quickly. Shippo and Inuyasha followed worriedly.
"Kagome, what-" tried Inuyasha, only to be interrupted by a loud crashing sound. Everyone's focus was stolen away to the front door where the heavy, locked enclosure had been blasted open and nearly ripped off it's hinges by the black figure lingering in the doorway. Shippo gasped as Inuyasha moved in front of his child and wife. Kagome took a step back, her mind screaming why me? as her baby boy whined into her chest.
"Stand down, young brother," spoke a deep and sophsiticated voice. Inuyasha squinted at the man.
"Sesshoumaru?" he questioned as his clawed hand reached for the light switch. Kagome made an audible shriek of fright as the lights revealed an aged Sesshoumaru.
Inuyasha was steps away from the kitchen table when he heard Kagome moan. It wasn't the happy, pleasure filled moan he'd heard mere minutes ago, but instead it was wracked with pain and fear. The basket slipped from his hand and the dishes inside made a terrible noise against the hard wood floor. Suddenly he heard another wail, one very familiar to him. Mihaku...
Leaping over the basket and through the house as though he were stepping over a quarter, he came to where the little child was left alone in the living room. Relief washed over him as he realized the boy was just calling out in fear for his parents. Inuyasha smoothed the hair on Mihaku's tiny skull and whispered "shhs" as softly as he could. He held the baby close to him and stared up the staircase to the bathroom door.
"Here Inuyasha, I got him," assured Souta as he reached for the child. Inuyasha didn't move. He was very reluctant to let Mihaku go with anyone weaker than himself. "Inuyasha?" questioned the younger boy. Inuyasha looked down at him, fighting internally his conflict of what to do.
"Hey, what's going on? Why's the front door opened? Dad?" questioned a worried voice. Inuyasha blinked. Shippo? ...OH! Shippo!
"You're back already?"
"Yeah...what happened?" he replied, following Inuyasha's gaze up the stairs. "Where's mom?"
"Here Souta, you take Mihaku and do like your mother told you. Shippo, go with them and protect them with your life," instructed Inuyasha.
"Of course...they're family, but Inuyasha what--"
"Go, now!" Inuyasha barked. Shippo silenced immediately. He was going to find out one way or another, what was happening and why Inuyasha had sent a letter to Sesshoumaru. Even more important, he was going to find out why Sesshoumaru had dismissed him without a word.
"C'mon Souta," Shippo replied and guided the younger boy out of the room. Grandpa came gliding in almost instantly after. In one hand he carried a small box and in the other was a small tube of medicine. Inuyasha went to follow him.
"Did you clean up that mess?" asked Grandpa seriously. Inuyasha looked at him as though he'd just been hit in the face.
"Of course I didn't! I wanna know what's wrong with my Kagome!" he snarled. Grandpa shook his head with unbelievable tranquility.
"Go clean up and then come see to Kagome. She's in no danger, I assure you."
Inuyasha gaped at him. How was Kagome's own Grandpa showing so little care for her? Did he not see the blood gushing off of Kagome's pure face? Could he not hear her moans of agony? Inuyasha was about prepared to steal his newly claimed wife away from her family and take her and his son away to his cave so he could protect them, but he knew she wouldn't do it. Knowing how Kagome trusted her family and the faith she placed in them, he knew he couldn't go against her. Besides, if she needed him, she'd call; and he'd be there before her next heart beat.
"Papa? Do you have those bandages yet?" yelled Sora down the stairs. Inuyasha jumped as the focus moved to the older woman.
"I'm coming, I'm coming, keep your britches on," he groaned as the elderly man moved up the steps toward the bathroom. Inuyasha, meanwhile, rushed off to the kitchen to clean up the mess. He carefully hid Kagome's ripped underwear under a pile of trash in the trash can and placed all the unbroken dishes in the sink, the others were tossed into the trash after Kagome's underwear. Not knowing what to do with the basket he set it on the table and paused to calm himself. He hadn't been excitable in hundreds of years…maybe Kagome was bringing it out in him again. Half aware of what he was looking at, Inuyasha gazed out the kitchen window. He watched Souta and Mihaku playing tag, Souta winning by a land slide, and inspected Shippo's scowl as the boy sat under a tree nearby.
"Inuyasha!" Kagome called. Her youkai lover practically went through the roof trying to get to her and as he came to the bathroom door he saw a pitiful sight. Kagome was seated alone on the bathroom floor with a large bandage on her cheek, her hair ruffled from stress, and her blood drenched clothes clinging to her small body. It had only been a few moments ago that he had licked that body, touched that body, been in that body. Kagome's eyes met his and instantly filled with tears. "Inuyasha, I'm scared," she murmured, motioning her need for him. Inuyasha came forward without thought and took her into his arms right there on the bathroom floor.
"I won't let anything hurt you Kagome, I'm here," he promised quietly into her ear. Kagome gripped him fiercely, her flash backs to the night before and her nightmares of last night were blurring her vision. She pressed her un-gauzed cheek into his shoulder and took in a deep breath. He still smelled like blossoms and sweat. More than anything else in the world, that scent soothed her and she suddenly felt relaxed. Mrs. Higurashi appeared in the door way with a long sleeved pink dress and Kagome's bath salts.
"What's the matter? I heard you yell for Inuyasha," questioned her mother. Kagome shook her head and nuzzled Inuyasha once again. He locked eyes with Sora, his newly appointed mother, as he held her closer.
"She didn't want to be alone," he stated simply. Sora's expression darkened gently with guilt.
"Oh darling, I'm sorry," she said painfully. Kagome grunted softly in reply. "Come on, let's get you into the bath tub and into some fresh clothes and maybe you'll feel better," she added, moving forward and arranging things for Kagome's bath. Kagome looked up and pushed the hair behind her ear.
"I- I think I can do it on my own…if Inuyasha'll sit outside the door," she answered, looking to him for confirmation. He nodded and Mrs. Higurashi smiled.
"That's good to hear. Sounds like you'll be okay to watch a movie tonight with us? We'll talk about all these odd events tomorrow when you feel better," she said tenderly as she moved to leave the room. Out of the blue Kagome's words back on the blanket in the woods made sense to her.
"Please Inuyash! Not now!"
She had literally begged him not to talk about last night. Maybe this was more serious than he thought.
"We'll be downstairs if you need us Inuyasha," added Sora before she left the door. Inuyasha tilted his mate's face toward his own.
"Are you sure you'll be okay?"
"Yes, just- don't go far…I didn't want Mom to know about my underwear," she said weakly.
Twenty five minutes later Inuyasha still leaned on the bathroom door with a small grin on his face. Her worry over her underwear had taken him so off guard he had to cough to avoid laughing. And now, the thoughts of her innocent expression when she said it pursued him. He re-adjusted his position and sighed. Bold scents of jasmine, vanilla, and wet skin were drifting through the cracks around the door and enticing his thoughts. He pictured her lying naked in the tub, almost the same position she'd been in a couple hours ago. Then he remembered the way she'd arched into him all those years ago at her going away party. It was sear bliss for him to smell these smells and see these sights, especially sense he was alone. All the while his ears listened carefully for any out of the ordinary sounds, like bottles dropping or her heart skipping a beat right before she slipped in the tub. He wasn't going to let ANYTHING happen to her from now on.
Shippo quietly ascended the stairs holding one of the ancient boxes they had brought from the cave at his side. Inuyasha's ears perked slightly, but otherwise he didn't flinch. Shippo came closer and sat in front of his adopted father with a sincere expression.
"Souta told me what happened. Well, he told me you and Kagome got married, but I read between the lines on that one…is that how you were intending to make Kagome better?" Inuyasha nodded once and Shippo beamed like a small child who was in trouble. "He also said she just started bleeding for no reason."
"She's bathing off the blood," Inuyasha replied.
"I was going to say that I smelled a lot of it, how'd you know?"
"Because I've been smelling that extremely strong scent for the last half hour, and I know I'd wonder if she'd stopped the bleeding…" he answered softly. Shippo hung his head. Inuyasha was hardly regarding him, it was just like Shippo had done something wrong and now was being punished by being ignored.
"Dad, I'm sorry…" he spoke slowly. "I- I didn't know, I was worried…"
"Is that Sango's dress?" interrupted Inuyasha. Shippo breathed in relief. That was tough guy talk for, 'it's okay, now change the subject'.
"Yeah, I thought since you brought it for Kagome, you'd want her to wear it?" he wondered. Inuyasha shook his head yes. He'd actually forgotten about it until he saw the younger man carrying it.
"Lemme see," he gestured, reaching out for the package. Shippo handed it to him and Inuyasha knocked on the bathroom door. A loud thud of bottles dropping and Kagome's paniced squeak answered him. "It's okay, it's just me," he assured. Kagome sighed loudly. Shippo held back his giggle. "I have something for you to wear," spoke Inuyasha softly. The door cracked and nude skin was visible for a little more than a split second.
"Really? OH! SHIPPO!" she squeaked, retreating behind the door. "Inuyasha why didn't you tell me he was there?" she yelled. Inuyasha chuckled nervously while Shippo blushed so brightly that his face appeared on fire. Kagome's cheeks were also flushed, but with embarrassment at her bold behavior and it's result. Her one relaxed moment with her nudity around Inuyasha and that's what it got her.
"Here," Inuyasha said, pushing the thin box through the crack in the door. Kagome clung to the white paint of the bathroom door, her damp raven hair clinging to her forehead while small drops of sweat and water dripping off the edges of her skin.
"What is it?" she asked, moving to the sink to set it down and dry her hands.
"It's a dress that Sango made for you, it was the first one she made and Miroku blessed it," he explained. Shippo crossed his arms and watched his parents interacting as they had so many years ago, minus the shouting and fighting.
Kagome lifted the strings on the box and carefully slid them away. The ancient binding was near on collapse and she found herself praying that the dress wasn't in the same condition because no matter it's appearance she was going to wear it at least once...for Sango and Miroku. Determined to be gentle Kagome raised the lid of the box and then let it fall instantly with a quiet thud. Kagome gasped and all the blood rushed to her face.
"Kagome?"
"It's so pretty!" she wailed and pulled the perfectly conditioned kimono from the box. It was pink, with golden trims and soft white sakuras drifting down the sleeves and lower hem that had been individually sewn. Underneath the dress in the box laid a golden colored wrap. "Aw..it's breathtaking..."
"Put it on!" Shippo yelled anxiously from over Inuyasha's shoulder through the tiny crack of the door. Kagome giggled and stepped back so the length would fall.
Minutes passed and Inuyasha began to pass slightly. There had been no noise from Kagome for a while. Shippo sat also impatiently tapping his claws on the carpet. Just then the door of the bathroom opened and Kagome stepped out. The pink of the kimono came down to the middle of her shins and the sleeves were the perfect length to cut off at her wrists, and the golden tie was wrapped around her waist as a belt (it's intended purpose). Kagome turned so they could see the back and revealed the golden strings from the knot she'd tied in the belt. The split of the two flaps showed evident when she turned the opposite direction to face them, straight up to mid-thigh on her right leg. Inuyasha's face involunarily turned red and Shippo jumped up to his feet. Kagome smiled and giggled again.
"Isn't it beautiful?" she said, making another turn so that her raven hair fell down over her shoulders. "Oh this darn hair's still wet! It'll mess up Sango's dress!" she cried and went to put it into a pony tail. Inuyasha grabbed her wrists without thinking and then let go.
"Don't...I like it down," he said quietly, as if he were in a daze. Kagome fidgetted under his gaze. The adoration he showed her never seemed to waver and now she could see it obviously blazing in his eye without fear of discovery. Shippo whistled lowly.
"You look amazing mom!" he nodded very seriously.
"Thanks," she grinned. "Um, Inuyasha?"
"Yea? Oh, you do look great...h-heavenly," he murmured. Kagome blushed and pulled on her dress a little.
"It's weird that Sango would make it this length though. I thought traditional kimono's were long."
"Oh, Sango made that for you so you'd have something that looked more time period and would remind you of us. She made it short because the skirts you always wore were short. She wanted to make sure you'd like it," explained Shippo.
"Oh I do! It's perfect!" replied Kagome happily. She looked down at the stitching of the sakuras on her sleeve intently, her mind wondering to what-if-s about the spell Miroku had placed on the cloth. Could they protect her from whatever it was that desired to hurt her? It'd only been one day...so much had happened, she was so exhausted...she didn't want to talk about it but it was weighing her down to have this fear inside her and have to bear it alone. She knew she could tell everyone...and she would...at least, she was hoping she would.
"Shippo! Could you come downstairs for a minute?" called Mrs. Higurashi from the living room.
"Coming grandma!" he yelled back. Inuyasha couldn't take his eyes off Kagome while she waved bye to Shippo. "I'll be right back!" he assured and then took off down the staircase. Kagome turned her focus to Inuyasha and locked eyes with him.
"You really like it on me Inuyasha?" she said weakly. Inuyasha took one arm and snatched her too him so that they were chest to chest. Kagome gasped in surprise.
"I love it..." he replied lustfully and then leaned in closer to her face and said with a growl: "I could just eat you up." Kagome blushed bright scarlet but smiled.
"This is a lot harder to get your hand under though," she teased. Inuyasha precedded to grab her butt.
"Cloth or no cloth, it's mine to grab," he stated seriously. Kagome leaned forward and kissed him. She couldn't help but think how much their passion lingered into hours later. Inuyasha pulled back and pushed a strand of hair out of Kagome's eyes.
"Hey parents! Grandma says we're going to rent a movie and order out for pizza tonight," Shippo chirped. Kagome turned to face him.
"Really? That's my favorite thing to do!" she said excited. "Inuyasha, me and you can go get the movie!"
"That's alright with me."
"Great, I'll go tell Grandma."
"Shippo! Wait...." Inuyasha looked at his wife and pondered her sudden withdrawl. Shippo froze in position, staring at her worriedly. "I'll tell her myself...and- while I'm at it--I'm going to tell you all what happened yesterday," she concluded with a deep breath. Inuyasha turned her back around.
"Are you sure about this? Do you think you'll be okay talking about it so soon?"
"I'd like to get it off my chest...so that, I don't have to be alone," she answered.
"Okay, then I'll run grab Mihaku and Souta. We'll meet you in the kitchen," agreed Shippo. Kagome touched the bandages on her cheek and nodded slowly. Inuyasha's hand moved from her rear to her waist.
"Let's go," he urged and together they went down the stairs. As they neared the bottom there was a sharp intake of breath and then a moan of acclaim from Sora. Kagome blushed again.
"Oh! My baby! You look magnificent sweetie! You really do! Where did you get that dress?"
"My friend Sango sew it for me a long time ago."
"Well she did a good job. It fits great!"
"Hey mom, I - I'd like to talk to you and Grandpa in the kitchen...about last night," she said slowly. The grin faded from Mrs.Higurashi's face and she nodded.
"Dad, would you come to the kitchen please," she called and then followed her children into the same area. Souta and Shippo came through the back door, found seats at the end of the table near the high chair and placed Mihaku in the middle. Mrs.Higurashi and Grandpa sat across from Kagome and Inuyasha stood behind her, with one hand on her far shoulder. Kagome took a deep breath and looked them all in the eye.
An hour later and several sobbing fests, Kagome concluded her story and wiped her bloodshot eyes. Mrs.Higurashi was motionless while Grandpa was thinking fiercely. Shippo's expression was of extreme worry, Mihaku was playing with a fork and she could see Inuyasha's face, but it was Souta that looked confused.
"So what is it that was hurting you sis?" he asked. The blatant question everyone was wanting to know. Grandpa jumped in before Kagome could open her mouth.
"Sounds demon!" he declared.
"No, most demons can't go into someone's mind and there really aren't many left these days," corrected Inuyasha with a heavy voice. His hand gripped Kagome's shoulder and she immediately felt relaxed. She was beginning to like this being marked.
"What if it's some sort of agitated spirit?" trembled Sora.
"That sounds reasonable. We had trouble with those back in Sengoku Jedai, but I don't why there'd still be any around. Have you pissed anyone off lately, Mom?" questioned Souta.
"No, I don't know who I've ever pissed off, other than Naraku, his children, and the preps at school. But I can't help that I'm good and they're evil," she stated sourly. Souta giggled and Mihaku gave a joyous shriek.
"Whatever it is, it's powerful enough to stay hidden and physically harm you. Could it be in your subconcious? Fighting you from the inside? A spell?" wondered Grandpa.
"Well that sounds logical. Kagome's strong enough that maybe her blood turning against her was causing her to attack herself," Inuyasha thought aloud.
"That's it!" Kagome squealed.
"What's it?" he asked dumbly.
"My blood attacking me! That's got to be what it was!"
"Have you had any fearful moments since you got home?" wondered her mother. Kagome shook her head feverishly.
"How does that explain it starting when Inuyasha and I showed up?" put in Shippo. Kagome thought hard for a moment and then lit up once more.
"Inuyasha triggered me into realizing what was missing in me and it woke up the natural instincts! And then Inuyasha fixed it!" she cried. Mrs.Higurashi smiled and Grandpa nodded in approval. Shippo was so happy at the solution he began to distract Mihaku from his game of dig a hole in the table with a fork into get the fork back. Souta however didn't seem convinced.
"Why do you have those marks then?" he demanded.
"Oh, well...this one Inuyasha did," she pointed to her neck,"and these my subconcious did," she added.
"No, I mean, why did you just cut yourself?"
"Oh...well it was probably a gradual thing. Inuyasha said I'd go insane...that was the way I was going to go insane, through pain and fear," she stated assuredly. Inuyasha knealt next to her and took her hands. "Don't even say it Inuyasha or I'll sit you to kingdom come!" she started, interrupted by the word sit and a thunderous crash to the floor.
"Hey! What'd I do?" he pouted. Kagome helped him up.
"I'm so sorry Inuyasha!" she wailed guiltily.
"Oh my! It's nearly six o'clock! The video store closes at seven," reminded Sora.
"That's right. Are you ready to go Inuyasha?"
"Yea," he grumbled in return. Kagome stood up and helped Inuyasha do the same.
"Wait, are you sure you're okay to go Kagome? You've had a hard last two days," worried her mother. Kagome stopped and nodded confidentally.
"The problem's gone and besides what I need is some good down time with the tube and a pie," she laughed and began pushing Inuyasha out the door.
"Alright, be careful!"
"Always! And Shippo stop teasing Mihaku!" she yelled right before the door closed. Shippo frowned and put the fork on the table. Mihaku followed it with his arms but was too small to reach it.
"Fohk," he whined repeatedly. Shippo ignored him.
"Man...s'no fun," he groaned.
Outside the shrine Kagome took the hair band from her wrist that she would've put in her hair earlier and began to lift her hair up.
"Are we walking?" she asked meekly. Inuyasha stopped.
"Do you want to?"
"N-no," she muttered quietly. Inuyasha smiled. She wanted to ride him as much as he wanted to carry her again.
"Then get on, we don't have all day," he groaned and knealt down. Kagome hid her grin at the position he put himself in as she moved behind him. Same white hair, same red kimono, only...no ears to play with. She kinda liked the ears. At least now he looked more normal. She climbed up his back akwardly and much to his displeasure as she accidentally kicked him in the side and nearly pushed him forward.
"Are you on yet?" he asked agitatedly.
"Yes...you can go now," she replied sharply. A feh was clearly heard as he went racing toward the shrine gates. Kagome's ponytail whipped behind her, her eyes filled with tears to keep them from drying out, and she gripped his shoulders joyously. She always felt like she was flying atop him. Inuyasha looked at her hand and grinned. Back to old times. "Wooo!" she screamed suddenly and nearly caused him to trip. "Sorry!"
"Whatever, now just be quiet and stay still. I'm not used to this anymore."
"Me either stupid so stop yelling at me!" Kagome felt Inuyasha's grip on her legs get tighter and felt his angry growl rumble against her lower half. With a sigh and soft shake of her head, Kagome bent and rested her cheek on his shoulder, wrapping her arms around his neck loosely. Inuyasha responded with surprise. She'd NEVER done that before. As they landed on the sidewalk down the shrine stairs he paused and glanced over at the locks of raven hair on his shoulder. Kagome didn't move and a tender moment passed before Inuyasha rested his head atop hers.
"Sorry...I'll try to keep from arguing until you feel better," he whispered softly. Kagome's only reply was to dig her chin into his shoulder. "Ready?" he asked, and she nodded. "Hold on then," he answered and leapt high into the air and onto a nearby building. He continued in this method, tree hopping and roof leaping, until he was on the street with the video store. Checking for any viewing audiences he slipped down into the alley next to it and allowed his beautiful wife to get down.
"That was fun!" she smiled and took his hand as she slowly made her way to the front door. 'So far so good' she thought warily. The fear that leaving the house and inviting trouble was in the back of her mind. She did not want her ears to bleed again, much less her face and Inuyasha would go insane in his helplessness. Kagome took a soft sigh and casted her worried expression away from him. Then she felt his grip on her hand as they came to the door.
"I'll get that," he said extravacantly and pulled open the glass door. Kagome's eyes went wide for a moment followed instantly by a giggle of delight. She pulled him in after her.
"Okay, what movie do we want? Horror? Sci-Fi? Nah, we've got too much of that in our everyday lives! ha! What about drama? OOoo, or comedy," tittered Kagome. Inuyasha released her hand as she went develing into the numerous tapes. He decided to just look around and let her find him. Kagome always made the right decision anyway, she didn't need his approval.
Inuyasha passed by the action section as he walked. He could vaguely remember the only movie he'd ever seen in his life: "the last samurai". His only comment, I could whip that guy's ass with my hand and feet tied. With a new surge of pride Inuyasha crossed his arms and continued on. He half spotted the back of Kagome's ponytail bobbing up and down near the romance section. He hardly registered the voices of the employees murmuring behind him, he was transportation and company for his wife...he had to get used to sticking with her during things he didn't want to do. He watched as Kagome dropped down to the floor for a better view and stood silently watching the other customers. A few minutes later he heard a familiar squeak of pain.
"Kagome?" he called worried. She didn't answer.
Kagome rubbed her aching head gingerly as she registered what had happened. Hojo was on his butt in front of her, also, rubbing his head.
"Hey Kagome!" he cried cheerfully. Kagome realized she must have hit him while looking for a movie and knocked him down.
"Oh, hey Hojo! I'm so sorry! I didn't know you were there!"
"Neither did I!" he laughed. Kagome blushed with embarrassment. "*gasp* Kagome! Your cheek! What in the world!"
"Oh this?" she chuckled nervously. Her eyes roamed the shelves of movies while her mind went to hyperdrive for an answer. The movie Catscratch Fever caught her eye and she thought of the obvious.
"Buyo, my cat, got me when I was helping him, uh, out of a tree," she smiled. That wasn't the smoothiest answer but it worked.
"Oh, okay. Looks like it's taken care pretty well too. So whatcha doin here? You were kinda weird at school yesterday. Are you feeling sick again?" he asked. Kagome nearly hit the floor.
"No I'm not sick!" she snapped. "Just cause a girl isn't herself for a day doesn't mean she's gonna die!" she added exasperated. Hojo looked confused and more than a little frightened by her reaction. "Oh nevermind. I had a lot on my mind," she explained.
"Oh," he nodded. "That's understandable. You can't blame me for being worried after that horrible spell you went through last year!" he joked. Kagome blushed again, but this time in frustration. No one was ever going to forget that....it was all her grandpa's fault.
"Kagome? Kagome!" shouted a gruff voice. Kagome looked up, confused as to who would be calling her name.
"Oh! Inuyasha, I'm over here," she replied. She could hear the bare footsteps coming closer as she got to her feet.
"Are you alright?" he demanded, inspecting her cheek and spinning her to check for other injuries.
"I'm fine!" she groaned.
"You sure? Why'd you yell then?" he demanded.
"I yelled because I accidentally ran into Hojo and hit my head," she scolded. Inuyasha turned to face the human with a warning look.
"Hi," he smiled and Inuyasha faked a half smile.
"Inuyasha, this is Hojo, Hojo- Inuyasha."
"Nice to meet you," greeted Hojo.
"I know," responded Inuyasha. Kagome elbowed him in the stomach so he followed with "nice to meet you too."
"So how do you know Kagome?"
"She's my mate."
"Inuyasha!"
"Mate? OH! You mean like in british, friend!" he laughed. Kagome heaved in relief.
"No I mean mate. Look at the mark on her shoulder that I-"
"INUYASHA! NO!" she shrieked.
"Hey, Kagome what is that?" he asked, leaning forward to inspect it. "Looks like something bit you."
"Well duh" Kagome slapped him with a glare that read, if you don't shut up I'll sit you until your back breaks. Inuyasha turned his head defiantly.
"It- it is! Buyo did that too," she attempted.
"Doesn't look like a cat bite-"
"Well it is!"
"Okay, I was just worried about you."
"Well don't be!" she giggled and waved him off. "That's Inuyasha's job now that he's back," she added with a grin his direction. Inuyasha softened a little, but was still angry.
"Back?"
"Um..yeah...uh he uh......just got back from....THE WAR!" she cried triumphantly. Warring States Era-war- same difference.
"The war? What war?"
"Oh um...he was- sent to America to help their soldiers out... You know how ridiculous they are when it comes to fighting...and uh, the authorities here agreed Inuyasha's fighting would...help," she concluded. A little rough but a valid sounding excuse that could be easily taken for truth or lie.
"Wow, so you fight?" asked Hojo. Inuyasha hmphed. "You're so lucky to have a friend that fought in a war Kagome. That's awesome that he would sacrafice like that! Your parents must be proud!"
"My parents are dead," he stated flatly and with no emotion. Hojo looked grieved by this and then he added, "they been dead for a long time."
"I'm so sorry. I mean you look just like our age, though I know you're a couple years older because they let you fight in a war, but still. I'd hate to imagine my parents dying and leaving me alone...who do you live with?" Inuyasha looked to Kagome.
"He leaves with me Hojo," she said casually.
"Really? Your mother approves of a guy near your age living in the same house??" he asked shocked. Kagome thought about it and realized she couldn't cover up for long. In practically two seconds she had turned her demon mate into a human soldier and her friend. I can't and won't do that to him. He deserves more than that.
"Well, she won't really object since we're married and all," chuckled Kagome genuinely. Inuyasha gaped at her whilst Hojo's jaw fell open.
"Your-you're married?" he stuttered.
"Kagome..." murmured Inuyasha. With those few words Inuyasha had discovered that she wasn't just his because he was hers as well.
"yep"
"But you don't have a ring!" he protested.
"We don't need one. We know, our family knows and anyone who would want to hurt us know so we aren't worried about honoraries," she stated.
"So you live at home? I mean you two live in your mother's house? You don't have a job Inuyasha? Or anything?" wondered Hojo. His mind was about to explode. Here he finds the only girl he's crushed on for a long time in the most beautiful outfit he'd ever seen and THEN he finds out that she's married!
"What do I need a job for?" replied Inuyasha with confusion.
"What- you-"
"He's still in school," Kagome recovered. "But since he just got back he hasn't decided what he wants to do."
"Oh, okay. That-that's cool...I- I think I'll see you around Kagome. Later," he grinned and then walked away quickly, gripping his movie. Kagome waved and then sighed in exhaustion.
"Whew, that was a close one."
"Why'd you tell him we were married if I couldn't tell him we were mates?"
"Mates AND marking isn't something he'd understand. We just need to find terms that people, normal people, can understand. Like marriage, rings, etc. And school. You don't have to go, it was just an excuse so people wouldn't ask questions about what you are or question that you're human," she replied.
"Well, I guess that's fine..." pouted Inuyasha.
"And no one at school other than my two best friends know about Mihaku either. We managed to keep that just as secret as the well and the Shikon No Tama," she added, now eyeing the movies.
"Why would you want to keep that secret??"
"Inuyasha...." Kagome groaned, "It's not that I want to keep it secret, it's to protect you and Mihaku and now Shippo! You don't think they'll ask questions about Mihaku's claws and hair color? What about your ears and the color of your hair and eyes? And Shippo's tail and ears. And-"
"I get!" Inuyasha wailed, dropping a finger down over her lips. "I won't second guess you anymore...well most of the time I won't," he smiled. Kagome grinned back at him and kissed his finger. "Got the movie?" he asked. Kagome nodded and held it up.
"Then lets get out of here before you see someone else.." he groaned. Kagome agreed and went to follow behind him when suddenly she sensed something close to her heart.
"Inuyasha?" she whispered. He stopped and turned around to see her froze with cocern on her face.
"What is it? What's wrong?"
"I - I don't know. Something's here...something hostile and something good."
"Well it can't be both, which is it?"
"I don't know....Inuyasha I'm scared..."
"It's alright, I'm--here," he awed. Suddenly the sakuras on Kagome's dress had begun to glow and pink radiated off her skin. "What's that light?"
"It's my power..I feel it and something good with it, like- like a bubble," she answered, looking at him with fear.
"A bubble, protecting you from what?"
"It," Kagome trembled. Inuyasha watched as she suddenly grabbed her ears in pain. "Ah! No!"
"What is it! What happened!"
"The - the voice. I heard it again," she replied, holding her head. Inuyasha covered her from view of the other customers and came nearer. "Don't come too close, it'll get yoU!"
"It can have me if it'll leave you alone, where is it? I need to know how to help! Kagome!" Kagome staggered backward and held her head painfully.
"Stop screaming in my ear!" she pleaded. "Stop! Inuyasha!" she begged. He stood with his hand on her wrist, holding her up so that she couldn't fall and staring into the fear of her eyes. He couldn't feel anything. Had he been any later coming to Kagome's side he would've thought he'd come too late, that she'd gone insane from being mateless, but it had physcially harmed her twice. "Please!" she begged, now holding her head with only one hand despite fighting with the other against the phantom pain. Just then the lowest bandage on her cheek ripped off into empty air and she shrieked in shock and pain.
"I will not allow it!" bellowed a very friendly voice, followed instantly by a bright flash of light purple light that popped between them. Kagome opened her eyes and blinked, meeting the gaze of her confused better half.
"Ma'am, no lighters in the store, we don't allow smoking," called one of the employees. Kagome nodded, still in shock.
"What-" she breathed. Inuyasha pulled her close and wiped at the little trickle of blood that the bandage had caused when it ripped her skin off.
"I don't know, but did you hear that voice? Or was it just me?"
"You mean you heard it too?"
"I heard: I will not allow it, but that's it."
"You heard that??"
"Yes, is that the voice you were hearing?"
"No, it's a woman's voice. That voice sounded a lot like-"
"Miroku," finished Inuyasha. Kagome nodded in agreement. "He did bless the dress with his spells and all."
"Inuyasha..can we get the movie and go home?" she pleaded, staring into his eyes with fear and sorrow.
"Definately, gimme the tape," he said and took her hand. Making her follow him to the desk he said: "Stay close." Kagome half grinned and did as told. She didn't release his hand until she was safely atop his back and flying through the air back home.
Hours later Kagome and Inuyasha sat curled up on the couch, snuggling against each other with Mihaku fast asleep on a large pillow on the other side of Kagome. Shippo was leaned against the couch with two blankets and a pillow, while Souta sat next to him. Mrs. Higurashi was in bed and grandpa was fast asleep on a nearby recliner. They'd watched the movie and upon request of Souta and Shippo had stayed in the area to watch tv. Kagome rubbed her cheek harshly against her lover's neck and took a trembling breath. They hadn't told the others about the voice or the incident at the video store for fear of scaring everyone else to death. Kagome reached over and brushed a tiny strand of hair out of her son's face. She hadn't seen a lot of him in the last two days...she was beginning to miss him a little.
Outside the closest window the trees tossed fiercely on the wind. Kagome sighed and turned back to face the tv.
"It's going to storm tonight," she said. Shippo nodded blankly and Souta made a half grunt of acknowledgement. Inuyasha was silent. He was either deeply engrossed in the show they were watching or he was thinking and had blocked everything else out. Kagome surrendered and continued watching the show in an attempt not to think about Miroku's voice or the dress she was still wearing.
"Commercial!" shouted Souta as he leapt up and ran for the kitchen.
"Hey mom, that was a really good movie!" smiled Shippo, turning to lay his head in her lap. Kagome smiled half-heartedly and stroked his face gently.
"Thank you Shippo, it's one of my favorites."
"I didn't know comedy was your favorite sis," added Souta as he returned with a soda.
"Well, I like romance and comedy. How to Lose a guy has both," she replied, still stroking Shippo lovingly.
"Well Mom certainly seemed to like it. She nearly laughed sprite out her nose," he groaned. Kagome giggled at the memory.
"yeah, ha, that was pretty funny!" laughed Inuyasha. Kagome paused to look at him.
"Hey, I thought you were asleep!" she joked and chuckled. Mihaku stirred at the noises and began to the grunt that signified crying. "Oh, hey baby, don't--" Kagome froze. Something was outside. Something was coming there. She had to protect her baby! Snatching Mihaku into her arms Kagome got to her feet quickly. Shippo and Inuyasha followed worriedly.
"Kagome, what-" tried Inuyasha, only to be interrupted by a loud crashing sound. Everyone's focus was stolen away to the front door where the heavy, locked enclosure had been blasted open and nearly ripped off it's hinges by the black figure lingering in the doorway. Shippo gasped as Inuyasha moved in front of his child and wife. Kagome took a step back, her mind screaming why me? as her baby boy whined into her chest.
"Stand down, young brother," spoke a deep and sophsiticated voice. Inuyasha squinted at the man.
"Sesshoumaru?" he questioned as his clawed hand reached for the light switch. Kagome made an audible shriek of fright as the lights revealed an aged Sesshoumaru.