To answer everyone's questions and observations, Kaemon is an old samurai
name meaning joyful and Reiha is the name of one of the characters in the
Vampire Princess Miyu series. Reiha is also my favorite baby name ^_~.
Chapter 55- The Beginning of the End
Inuyasha's ears twitched and he shook his head to dispel the remaining sleep. Someone was lightly tapping on the door. Carefully, Inuyasha released the hold he had on Kagome's hand and sat up, his eyes warming when he looked at his pups. Sometime during the night Shippou had moved to sleep beside Kagome's stomach, his tail resting on the pups' legs to keep them warm.
Inuyasha stood when the soft tapping at the door continued. Quietly, he unlatched the lock and opened the door. "Machiko. What is it? What do you want?" Inuyasha asked, yawning.
"We need to move," she replied rigidly, her tone underlying the importance of her words. "He's coming."
"Shuri."
Inuyasha needed no prodding. He turned back into the room to wake Kagome but hesitated when Machiko spoke again. "Don't wake her. She needs her sleep. You can carry her. I will carry one of the pups and Aiko can carry the other."
"Aiko?" repeated Inuyasha.
"Hai, Inuyasha-sama?" said Aiko, her head popping through the door. "Can I help?"
The Inuhanyou nodded, moving to gather his mate in his arms gently. Aiko carefully lifted Reiha from the bedding, nudging Shippou with her foot. "Huh?" came the sleepy kitsune's reply.
"Come on, Shippou-chan. It's time to go," Aiko whispered quietly.
"Go?"
"Aiko-chan can explain when we reach our destination. The others are already on their way," replied Machiko, picking up Kaemon. She abruptly turned around and led the group out of the room.
Inuyasha became aware that Machiko was leading them deeper and deeper under the ground. What was surprising was that he could feel when they had left the base of the mountain and they were now deep under ground below the field that glanced of the mountain.
"From here," Machiko began to explain. "You will be able to fight without having to worry about the boundaries between yourself and Kagome- sama. Also, Shuri would never suspect Chiyo-sama allowing you to leave the spirit shield."
"Will Kagome be safe here?" the Inuhanyou asked quietly.
"As safe as she can be," replied Machiko cryptically.
They came to a large oak door, which Machiko opened with her free hand. The hinges groaned with the weight and inched open slowly. Inside were many of the other children that lived in the mountain. Kaede was also there, speaking in hushed tones to some of the older children. She lifted her head when Inuyasha entered and led him to a small, back room. Inside was a simple futon and blanket. "You can lay Kagome down in here, Inuyasha," said Kaede, holding open the door.
Inuyasha set Kagome down gently before taking a step back so that Aiko and Machiko could lay the pups down. Shippou sat next to Kagome's head, lightly running his little fingers through her hair. Inuyasha unfolded the blanket and settled it over Kagome and the pups, tucking it under them securely. Kagome tossed in her sleep, unconsciously reaching her arms out to spoon her body around the pups.
"Shippou-chan, would you help me with something?" Kaede asked after a moment, shooing everyone else out of the room so Inuyasha could be alone with Kagome and the slumbering pups. The old miko shut the door gently behind her, sighing deeply.
Inuyasha stroked Kagome's face, gently urging her awake. "Inuyasha?" she uttered sleepily, barely lifting her head off the bedding before growling in light irritation and collapsing her head on the pillow. "What is it?"
"I have to go fight now, Mate," he replied quietly as he continued to stroke a hand over her cheek.
"Fight?"
"Shuri is coming."
He winced when he felt Kagome's fear and quickly reassured her. "Don't worry, Kagome. Everything will be just fine. You just stay here and rest while I go kick that bastard's ass. Kaede is right outside if you need anything."
"Inuyasha," Kagome said quietly, "I don't want you to go."
He sighed and leaned down so that they were nose to nose. "Don't worry about me, Mate. I know how to take care of myself. Nothing bad is going to happen. I'm stronger than ever with that spell, not to mention I'll have Tetsusaiga. Everything will be okay, I promise."
Kagome closed her eyes and whimpered quietly, a tear snaking down her cheek. Inuyasha wiped her tears away with his thumb and scowled at her lightly. "Oi, you're trying to make me feel guilty, aren't ya? You know I can't stand to see you cry."
She shook her head once before opening her eyes. "I . . . just-" a small wail cut her off.
Inuyasha smiled as he reached down to take Reiha in his arms, rubbing the base of her ears until the wail quieted down to small whimpers. "I think someone is hungry," Inuyasha said, helping Kagome sit up before handing her the small pup.
Kagome took the pup with a slight smile, the smile widening when Inuyasha lifted the sleeping Kaemon and held him tenderly. "Where is Shippou-chan?" Kagome asked, looking around the room.
"Kaede took him outside," Inuyasha said absently, his attention focused on the pup in his arms.
"Why?"
Inuyasha shrugged in reply before catching her glare. "Alright, alright," he grumbled, rolling to his feet in one fluid motion before opening the door with his free hand and his eyes scanning the room for Shippou.
With one sharp bark, Shippou zipped to Inuyasha's side and waited patiently for the hanyou to tell him what he wanted. "Come inside," Inuyasha told him. "Your mother wants to see you."
Shippou nodded enthusiastically and obediently ran to Kagome's side. "Are you feeling okay?" he asked, concerned.
Kagome nodded, shifting the pup in her arms so that she could pat Shippou's head warmly. "Hai, Shippou-chan. I'm just a bit tired."
"You should be resting," he told her, frowning lightly.
"Hai. I'll go back to sleep when I am done feeding Reiha."
Inuyasha moved back to Kagome's side and set Kaemon back down on the futon. "I have to go now, Kagome," Inuyasha told her.
Kagome frowned sadly before nodding, looking down at the pup in her arms. Inuyasha lifted her chin up with his hand and kissed her lightly before she could respond. "Don't get into any trouble while I'm gone, bitch," he said when he broke the kiss, teasing.
Kagome gave him an irritable look before nodding. With one last kiss to her forehead, Inuyasha stood and headed towards the door. "Oi, Shippou," he called before he disappeared.
"Hai, Inuyasha?" the kitsune replied.
"Take care of Kagome and the pups for me while I'm gone, got it runt?"
Shippou looked a little stunned, before he nodded. "Hai!"
Inuyasha's eyes fell on Kagome again before he smiled and shut the door gently behind him.
"Inuyasha-sama?" said Machiko.
"Hai?"
"It's time."
^_^
Chiyo took a breath of fresh air and stepped outside into the sunlight. Her eyes squinted for a moment before adjusting to the bright contrast of her surroundings. Sesshomaru was the first to approach her, admirably keeping his emotions controlled under his stoic mask. "The Inu Clan is ready," he told her calmly, his eyes flickering over those who had assembled to meet the Kami head on.
The Ancient Hanyou nodded, quietly studying each warrior's position. There were fifty in all. Would it be enough? It would have to be, she decided silently. Sesshomaru left to talk to Hedo, leaving Chiyo alone until Machiko and Inuyasha appeared from out of the mountain's shadows. "Has the mountain been evacuated?" Chiyo asked Machiko.
"Hai, Chiyo-sama. Everyone who is not fighting is safe. I activated the spirit shield around the cavern and all escape tunnels have been reviewed thoroughly," she answered. "The scrolls have also been packed away and buried securely. The mountain is deserted."
"Why did you have everyone leave the mountain?" Inuyasha asked curiously.
"Because it would be much too easy for Shuri to attack it and in effect kill everyone inside. Do not worry, Inuyasha-San, your Mate is in the safest place this earth can provide."
He nodded absently in response and left the two in favor of speaking with Sesshomaru. "Are there any problems?" Inuyasha asked his brother quietly.
"They are nervous, I can smell it," he replied with a slight growl despite his indifferent mask.
"Will it effect their fighting?"
Sesshomaru thought about it for a moment before answering. "No, I believe not. We will be able to deal with what comes our way. You just need to be ready with Tetsusaiga after Chiyo-sama's onset assault."
Inuyasha nodded, his hand tightly grasping Tetsusaiga before he continued down the lines in search of the rest of his Pack and Kouga. Inuyasha smirked when he found Miroku and Kouga in a deep conversation about sake, despite the aggravated Taijiya beside them. Sango looked to be seriously considering cracking both Kouga and Miroku's head open. She almost smiled when Inuyasha's approach interrupted the conversation, but only after giving Inuyasha a warning glare.
Miroku smiled widely before addressing Inuyasha. "Well, my friend. How does it feel?"
"How does what feel?" asked Inuyasha, confused.
"Well, you're a father for crying out loud!" Miroku clamped him on the back. "You are now the father of three pups, if you include Shippou."
Sango smiled at Inuyasha after shaking her head in Miroku's direction. "Ignore him, Inuyasha. He is just jealous that you have three heirs while he still has none."
"That will change soon," Miroku argued, determination lighting up in his eyes. "After all, My Beautiful Sango, you have agreed to be my wife."
Inuyasha raised an eyebrow before giving a sharp laugh and patting Miroku on the back. "Sure as hell took you long enough to convince her."
Miroku frowned at his hanyou friend before replying. "Not all of us have the opportunity to bind our soul to the woman we are madly in love with. I had to do it the old fashion way."
"That's funny," said Inuyasha, smiling as he went on. "I didn't know the old fashion way involved groping and giant boomerangs crashing open skulls."
Miroku huffed for a moment before sticking his nose up in the air. "She agreed, didn't she?"
Inuyasha smiled again and this time replied in a serious tone. "Hai. Kagome will be happy to hear the news. Looks like you finally did something right, monk."
Sango shook her head sadly at the two. Kouga stood beside her with his arms folded over his chest as he listened Miroku and Inuyasha with growing amusement. "Now I understand why it took so long for you both to get Mates."
"Oh?" answered Inuyasha.
"You two went about it all wrong," Kouga continued. "First you have to display how strong you are so as to attract a woman. Then you declare your undying love for her and promise her all sorts of things. That's how you get a Mate."
Sango coughed into her hand and quickly adverted her gaze from the brewing argument. "Yet notice how you're the only one without a Mate," replied Inuyasha.
Kouga shrugged, and said lightly "I just haven't claimed her yet."
"And who is her?" Miroku prodded curiously.
"Her name is Ayame."
Miroku studied the ookami for a moment before placing a hand on his shoulder. "Good luck."
"You're going to need it," muttered Inuyasha.
Kouga was about to reply but abruptly stopped, twisting his head to growl menacingly. Inuyasha followed his example, barring his teeth and emitting a dangerous growl. "Oh this is just fucking great."
"What is it Inuyasha?" Sango asked, shifting Hiraikotsu on her back.
"Naraku."
"Naraku?" repeated Miroku. "He sided with Shuri?"
"I appears so," agreed Sesshomaru, coming up to the group. "Monk, why don't you draw them out with your wind tunnel?"
Miroku considered it before nodding and walking to the front lines of the seventy or so warriors that had assembled. He ignored the snorts and laughs of disbelief coming from many of the Inuyoukai before stopping ten yards in front of them. Inuyasha followed him and stopped a foot behind him, keeping his distance from the wind tunnel. "Which direction, Inuyasha?"
"Right in front of you, Miroku."
The Houshi nodded and unwrapped the prayer beads from around his arm. "Wind Tunnel!"
Inuyasha smirked at the startled gasps behind him but kept his eyes directly in front of him. The trees from the forest were ripped from the roots and sucked into the black hole of Miroku's hand. Miroku waited until the forested area in front of him turned bare before wrapping the prayer beads around him arm and closing the wind tunnel.
"Holy Shit," Hedo whispered from among the Inuyoukai Pack leaders. The others were too shocked to speak.
Miroku ignored them, his eyes trained on the figure left standing among the fallen foliage. Naraku stood dressed in his baboon pelt with Kana and Kagura beside him. Numerous inferior demons surrounded him, waiting for his command to attack.
"Guess it's my turn next," sighed Inuyasha, unsheathing Tetsusaiga.
"There is no way he can handle that blade," Yae whispered quietly, almost to himself though the other Pack leaders heard him.
Naraku lifted him arm and the inferior demons charged each targeting Inuyasha.
"KAZE NO KIZU!"
Chiyo watched as the demon bodies fell from the sky like rain, until her eyes fell on the new figure behind Naraku.
Shuri.
She smiled without mirth before speaking. "And so it begins."
Chapter 55- The Beginning of the End
Inuyasha's ears twitched and he shook his head to dispel the remaining sleep. Someone was lightly tapping on the door. Carefully, Inuyasha released the hold he had on Kagome's hand and sat up, his eyes warming when he looked at his pups. Sometime during the night Shippou had moved to sleep beside Kagome's stomach, his tail resting on the pups' legs to keep them warm.
Inuyasha stood when the soft tapping at the door continued. Quietly, he unlatched the lock and opened the door. "Machiko. What is it? What do you want?" Inuyasha asked, yawning.
"We need to move," she replied rigidly, her tone underlying the importance of her words. "He's coming."
"Shuri."
Inuyasha needed no prodding. He turned back into the room to wake Kagome but hesitated when Machiko spoke again. "Don't wake her. She needs her sleep. You can carry her. I will carry one of the pups and Aiko can carry the other."
"Aiko?" repeated Inuyasha.
"Hai, Inuyasha-sama?" said Aiko, her head popping through the door. "Can I help?"
The Inuhanyou nodded, moving to gather his mate in his arms gently. Aiko carefully lifted Reiha from the bedding, nudging Shippou with her foot. "Huh?" came the sleepy kitsune's reply.
"Come on, Shippou-chan. It's time to go," Aiko whispered quietly.
"Go?"
"Aiko-chan can explain when we reach our destination. The others are already on their way," replied Machiko, picking up Kaemon. She abruptly turned around and led the group out of the room.
Inuyasha became aware that Machiko was leading them deeper and deeper under the ground. What was surprising was that he could feel when they had left the base of the mountain and they were now deep under ground below the field that glanced of the mountain.
"From here," Machiko began to explain. "You will be able to fight without having to worry about the boundaries between yourself and Kagome- sama. Also, Shuri would never suspect Chiyo-sama allowing you to leave the spirit shield."
"Will Kagome be safe here?" the Inuhanyou asked quietly.
"As safe as she can be," replied Machiko cryptically.
They came to a large oak door, which Machiko opened with her free hand. The hinges groaned with the weight and inched open slowly. Inside were many of the other children that lived in the mountain. Kaede was also there, speaking in hushed tones to some of the older children. She lifted her head when Inuyasha entered and led him to a small, back room. Inside was a simple futon and blanket. "You can lay Kagome down in here, Inuyasha," said Kaede, holding open the door.
Inuyasha set Kagome down gently before taking a step back so that Aiko and Machiko could lay the pups down. Shippou sat next to Kagome's head, lightly running his little fingers through her hair. Inuyasha unfolded the blanket and settled it over Kagome and the pups, tucking it under them securely. Kagome tossed in her sleep, unconsciously reaching her arms out to spoon her body around the pups.
"Shippou-chan, would you help me with something?" Kaede asked after a moment, shooing everyone else out of the room so Inuyasha could be alone with Kagome and the slumbering pups. The old miko shut the door gently behind her, sighing deeply.
Inuyasha stroked Kagome's face, gently urging her awake. "Inuyasha?" she uttered sleepily, barely lifting her head off the bedding before growling in light irritation and collapsing her head on the pillow. "What is it?"
"I have to go fight now, Mate," he replied quietly as he continued to stroke a hand over her cheek.
"Fight?"
"Shuri is coming."
He winced when he felt Kagome's fear and quickly reassured her. "Don't worry, Kagome. Everything will be just fine. You just stay here and rest while I go kick that bastard's ass. Kaede is right outside if you need anything."
"Inuyasha," Kagome said quietly, "I don't want you to go."
He sighed and leaned down so that they were nose to nose. "Don't worry about me, Mate. I know how to take care of myself. Nothing bad is going to happen. I'm stronger than ever with that spell, not to mention I'll have Tetsusaiga. Everything will be okay, I promise."
Kagome closed her eyes and whimpered quietly, a tear snaking down her cheek. Inuyasha wiped her tears away with his thumb and scowled at her lightly. "Oi, you're trying to make me feel guilty, aren't ya? You know I can't stand to see you cry."
She shook her head once before opening her eyes. "I . . . just-" a small wail cut her off.
Inuyasha smiled as he reached down to take Reiha in his arms, rubbing the base of her ears until the wail quieted down to small whimpers. "I think someone is hungry," Inuyasha said, helping Kagome sit up before handing her the small pup.
Kagome took the pup with a slight smile, the smile widening when Inuyasha lifted the sleeping Kaemon and held him tenderly. "Where is Shippou-chan?" Kagome asked, looking around the room.
"Kaede took him outside," Inuyasha said absently, his attention focused on the pup in his arms.
"Why?"
Inuyasha shrugged in reply before catching her glare. "Alright, alright," he grumbled, rolling to his feet in one fluid motion before opening the door with his free hand and his eyes scanning the room for Shippou.
With one sharp bark, Shippou zipped to Inuyasha's side and waited patiently for the hanyou to tell him what he wanted. "Come inside," Inuyasha told him. "Your mother wants to see you."
Shippou nodded enthusiastically and obediently ran to Kagome's side. "Are you feeling okay?" he asked, concerned.
Kagome nodded, shifting the pup in her arms so that she could pat Shippou's head warmly. "Hai, Shippou-chan. I'm just a bit tired."
"You should be resting," he told her, frowning lightly.
"Hai. I'll go back to sleep when I am done feeding Reiha."
Inuyasha moved back to Kagome's side and set Kaemon back down on the futon. "I have to go now, Kagome," Inuyasha told her.
Kagome frowned sadly before nodding, looking down at the pup in her arms. Inuyasha lifted her chin up with his hand and kissed her lightly before she could respond. "Don't get into any trouble while I'm gone, bitch," he said when he broke the kiss, teasing.
Kagome gave him an irritable look before nodding. With one last kiss to her forehead, Inuyasha stood and headed towards the door. "Oi, Shippou," he called before he disappeared.
"Hai, Inuyasha?" the kitsune replied.
"Take care of Kagome and the pups for me while I'm gone, got it runt?"
Shippou looked a little stunned, before he nodded. "Hai!"
Inuyasha's eyes fell on Kagome again before he smiled and shut the door gently behind him.
"Inuyasha-sama?" said Machiko.
"Hai?"
"It's time."
^_^
Chiyo took a breath of fresh air and stepped outside into the sunlight. Her eyes squinted for a moment before adjusting to the bright contrast of her surroundings. Sesshomaru was the first to approach her, admirably keeping his emotions controlled under his stoic mask. "The Inu Clan is ready," he told her calmly, his eyes flickering over those who had assembled to meet the Kami head on.
The Ancient Hanyou nodded, quietly studying each warrior's position. There were fifty in all. Would it be enough? It would have to be, she decided silently. Sesshomaru left to talk to Hedo, leaving Chiyo alone until Machiko and Inuyasha appeared from out of the mountain's shadows. "Has the mountain been evacuated?" Chiyo asked Machiko.
"Hai, Chiyo-sama. Everyone who is not fighting is safe. I activated the spirit shield around the cavern and all escape tunnels have been reviewed thoroughly," she answered. "The scrolls have also been packed away and buried securely. The mountain is deserted."
"Why did you have everyone leave the mountain?" Inuyasha asked curiously.
"Because it would be much too easy for Shuri to attack it and in effect kill everyone inside. Do not worry, Inuyasha-San, your Mate is in the safest place this earth can provide."
He nodded absently in response and left the two in favor of speaking with Sesshomaru. "Are there any problems?" Inuyasha asked his brother quietly.
"They are nervous, I can smell it," he replied with a slight growl despite his indifferent mask.
"Will it effect their fighting?"
Sesshomaru thought about it for a moment before answering. "No, I believe not. We will be able to deal with what comes our way. You just need to be ready with Tetsusaiga after Chiyo-sama's onset assault."
Inuyasha nodded, his hand tightly grasping Tetsusaiga before he continued down the lines in search of the rest of his Pack and Kouga. Inuyasha smirked when he found Miroku and Kouga in a deep conversation about sake, despite the aggravated Taijiya beside them. Sango looked to be seriously considering cracking both Kouga and Miroku's head open. She almost smiled when Inuyasha's approach interrupted the conversation, but only after giving Inuyasha a warning glare.
Miroku smiled widely before addressing Inuyasha. "Well, my friend. How does it feel?"
"How does what feel?" asked Inuyasha, confused.
"Well, you're a father for crying out loud!" Miroku clamped him on the back. "You are now the father of three pups, if you include Shippou."
Sango smiled at Inuyasha after shaking her head in Miroku's direction. "Ignore him, Inuyasha. He is just jealous that you have three heirs while he still has none."
"That will change soon," Miroku argued, determination lighting up in his eyes. "After all, My Beautiful Sango, you have agreed to be my wife."
Inuyasha raised an eyebrow before giving a sharp laugh and patting Miroku on the back. "Sure as hell took you long enough to convince her."
Miroku frowned at his hanyou friend before replying. "Not all of us have the opportunity to bind our soul to the woman we are madly in love with. I had to do it the old fashion way."
"That's funny," said Inuyasha, smiling as he went on. "I didn't know the old fashion way involved groping and giant boomerangs crashing open skulls."
Miroku huffed for a moment before sticking his nose up in the air. "She agreed, didn't she?"
Inuyasha smiled again and this time replied in a serious tone. "Hai. Kagome will be happy to hear the news. Looks like you finally did something right, monk."
Sango shook her head sadly at the two. Kouga stood beside her with his arms folded over his chest as he listened Miroku and Inuyasha with growing amusement. "Now I understand why it took so long for you both to get Mates."
"Oh?" answered Inuyasha.
"You two went about it all wrong," Kouga continued. "First you have to display how strong you are so as to attract a woman. Then you declare your undying love for her and promise her all sorts of things. That's how you get a Mate."
Sango coughed into her hand and quickly adverted her gaze from the brewing argument. "Yet notice how you're the only one without a Mate," replied Inuyasha.
Kouga shrugged, and said lightly "I just haven't claimed her yet."
"And who is her?" Miroku prodded curiously.
"Her name is Ayame."
Miroku studied the ookami for a moment before placing a hand on his shoulder. "Good luck."
"You're going to need it," muttered Inuyasha.
Kouga was about to reply but abruptly stopped, twisting his head to growl menacingly. Inuyasha followed his example, barring his teeth and emitting a dangerous growl. "Oh this is just fucking great."
"What is it Inuyasha?" Sango asked, shifting Hiraikotsu on her back.
"Naraku."
"Naraku?" repeated Miroku. "He sided with Shuri?"
"I appears so," agreed Sesshomaru, coming up to the group. "Monk, why don't you draw them out with your wind tunnel?"
Miroku considered it before nodding and walking to the front lines of the seventy or so warriors that had assembled. He ignored the snorts and laughs of disbelief coming from many of the Inuyoukai before stopping ten yards in front of them. Inuyasha followed him and stopped a foot behind him, keeping his distance from the wind tunnel. "Which direction, Inuyasha?"
"Right in front of you, Miroku."
The Houshi nodded and unwrapped the prayer beads from around his arm. "Wind Tunnel!"
Inuyasha smirked at the startled gasps behind him but kept his eyes directly in front of him. The trees from the forest were ripped from the roots and sucked into the black hole of Miroku's hand. Miroku waited until the forested area in front of him turned bare before wrapping the prayer beads around him arm and closing the wind tunnel.
"Holy Shit," Hedo whispered from among the Inuyoukai Pack leaders. The others were too shocked to speak.
Miroku ignored them, his eyes trained on the figure left standing among the fallen foliage. Naraku stood dressed in his baboon pelt with Kana and Kagura beside him. Numerous inferior demons surrounded him, waiting for his command to attack.
"Guess it's my turn next," sighed Inuyasha, unsheathing Tetsusaiga.
"There is no way he can handle that blade," Yae whispered quietly, almost to himself though the other Pack leaders heard him.
Naraku lifted him arm and the inferior demons charged each targeting Inuyasha.
"KAZE NO KIZU!"
Chiyo watched as the demon bodies fell from the sky like rain, until her eyes fell on the new figure behind Naraku.
Shuri.
She smiled without mirth before speaking. "And so it begins."