Standard Disclaimer - *
Inuyasha © Rumiko Takahashi.
Summary: When, one night Inuyasha of the future turns up in Sengoku
Jidai beaten and bloody, Inu-gumi are surprised-except for Kagome, who rushes
to his side without hesitation. Secrets are revealed & an untold future
comes to light, but will Inuyasha accept his newfound responsibility?
Rated: PG-13 / R for mild to moderate sexual content and Inuyasha's
potty mouth.
by: *Angelstars
email: angtanuk@yahoo.co.uk
:Please read author notes:
--
--
0.10 – Mine for a reason?
**Story re-cap**
Kagome has yet to awaken from the blast of energy that hit her after Naraku was
killed by Inuyasha. Meanwhile, Miroku,
Sango and Kaede talk and worry over Inuyasha's sudden protective and easy to
snap at behaviour. Secrets are soon revealed and untold circumstances come to
light as past, present and future soon sheds light upon this hanyou's
destiny.
How will their friends come to terms with Kagome's pregnancy? Or more
importantly, how will Inuyasha come to terms with them knowing…that it was his
'future' self whom mated Kagome?
The
question remains: Will she accept Inuyasha as he is now? Or will she shut him
out forever?
*Last time…
Further away from the war zone, he stopped and crouched down with Kagome still
firmly attached to his chest, her ragged breathing had subsided somewhat but it
was still worrying him. Inuyasha tentatively laid her out on his lap,
pulling away her bloodied haori and settling his ear close to her chest.
He held in his own breath as he checked her heartbeat.
Strong.
He smiled to himself as he let out a long sigh and lowered his hand over her
bulge of a stomach. Concentrating, he focussed on the small, but strong heart
beats inside of her.
More than one could be heard as it echoed, following one another after their
mothers, steady pounding.
Awe struck, Inuyasha moved his shaking hand over Kagome's curved stomach,
lowering it as he gently stroked up and down.
His eyes moved from her bulge up to her face.
Kagome…
He bit back the lump that had formed in his throat and lifted a hand to her
left cheek; her face had become smudged with dirt and dried tears. His thumb
stroked her soft skin as he looked down at her, willing her to open her eyes or
say something.
"Kagome?" He whispered, bringing his face to hers. He could feel her breath
upon his skin as his lips neared her slightly parted ones.
Silence.
His ears twitched; as he closed his eyes and leaned down to take her lips
within his own. He loved the way she tasted; he always remembered their first
kiss. It was special, and unconditionally needed, by both he and Kagome.
She had saved him from himself.
--
"One week and two days…" Sango sighed, and took a worried glance toward the
lone room Kagome and Inuyasha had not moved out of for the last week and a bit.
"Aye, tis of great stress upon Inuyasha these last few weeks." The older miko
added, continuing to stir some broth, hanging over an open fire.
Miroku sat in the entrance of the small-enclosed hut, watching as the small
Kitsune and Neko played happily with some local children, his thoughts too only
carried great worry and sadness.
Since Inuyasha had returned, with a very pale and limp looking Kagome wrapped
in his arms, it had been almost like a nightmarish dream, especially for him.
*flashback*
He remembered hearing a rumour from one of the village men, that a local noble
men's daughter had come to visit an old friend right here in there quaint town.
Miroku, knowing full well, he couldn't pass up the opportunity to see this 'great'
noble's daughter: If only to ask the young maiden to bare him a son.
Miroku straightened his robes and cleared his throat as he entered the hut, she
had rumoured to stay over night. His staff rings jingled together as he jarred
open the slated door, pulling aside one of the servants, whom at taken watch
that morning.
"I wish to speak to your mistress, I am a travelling monk, come to bare my gift
upon her greatness."
The manservant looked him up and down as Miroku confidently smiled, showing no
worry or sign of miss judgement; of course, his intentions were for the best
and of highest standard.
Finally, the servant nodded and motioned for the houshi to enter, Miroku felt
his eyes move upon there own accord, as he searched out this noble's prize
daughter.
One hour later…
"Damn my luck!" He sighed, holding his reddened cheek, from which a marked slap
had been reprimanded upon him.
"How was I supposed to know…" He was cut off when he felt a slight stinging
sensation falter across his cursed hand. He stood, alarmed, and grabbed for his
arm as searing pain shot through it. He clenched his teeth and eyes tightly
shut as the Kazanna opened, unexpectedly.
"Villages! Please stay back!" He managed to painfully gasp out as more crowds
gathered around the piercing light that now surrounded the monk.
His only thoughts were that of the end. His time was up and his fate had come
to relieve him of his quest.
He would not fight it as the pain subsided and he allowed for the hole to
swallow him up. He had but one regret.
Sango
"Houshi-sama!" Said female appeared, pushing the crowds apart as she rushed to
his side.
"Sango! Get away, you'll be sucked in if you come any closer!" He yelled a warning.
"No! This can't be happening!" He heard her retort as a pair of arms wrapped
around his waist and a sobbing nose went unheard.
"Sango…" Miroku whispered gripping harder upon his painful hand. "I beg you,
please…"
"Baka!" She interrupted him, clinging onto his robes as tight as she possibly
could. "I won't leave you!"
She lifted her teary-eyed gaze upon his shocked face, and leaned against him,
pressing her body into his.
"I will never leave you, Miroku-sama," Her voice echoed with a whisper, as she
lifted her head to tilt it toward his, and timidly kissed him.
Miroku felt her lips, her soft, dainty lips touch his own, their first kiss.
He would die a happy man.
But…
His eyes shot open, "Sango!" He paled as the light began to shine a bright
purple mix; the pain was unbearable as he clenched his teeth to stifle his
cries.
Sango's heart began beating so fast; her breath came in short pants. She was
ready to die with him.
"Gomen, Kohaku," She finally managed to voice through tears. Her only thoughts
were of regret and remorse.
But…
"Miroku-sama!" She cried as the light intensified and became too bright to hold
her eyes open any longer.
Silence.
*end flashback*
He sighed once more and looked down at his left hand, the same hand that once
held a curse, a black hole of doom.
Only a scar left in its place.
Naraku had died and his curse had been lifted. He had been given a second
chance at life, his destiny was not frowned upon, and his fate had yet to be
decided.
All thanks to Inuyasha.
Inuyasha…
He had never once left the small room that held a thin lain Kagome. He had not
once slept or ate in over a week and two days, and barley spoke to them as they
attempted to relieve him of his watch.
Inuyasha would growl, not a small warning growl either, it was feral and
threatening. His eyes were not a soft amber, but red as tainted blood.
They were all worried about him.
"Houshi-sama?" Sango's voice brought him out of his thoughts.
Sango smiled and lifted a hand to his shoulder, "Are you okay?"
Miroku nodded and smiled up at her as he turned his head away from his
watch. "Hai, Sango. I was deep in thought is all," He replied reassuringly.
The taijiya smiled in return and took a place beside him. Lowering her eyes and
face away from the wondering eyes of the houshi she slipped a hand into his and
squeezed it.
Miroku, not yet used to the contact, eyes had widened before relaxing and
allowing a content smile wash over his lips.
Life for he and Sango had changed for the better.
But…
He wish he could wallow in his happiness in peace, but he couldn't help his
happiness show while Inuyasha and Kagome-sama were both in so much pain.
Sighing he turned to look over his shoulder at the older miko.
"Kaede-sama, might I be of assistance?" He finally asked, watching the miko
raise an eyebrow.
"Nay, I will offer Inuyasha food as always, do not unsettle yourselves over
it," Came her retort, not really paying much hinder over the demon
exterminators bright red blush and monk's discomfort.
It was Sango's turn to raise her head and look over at the elder.
"Kaede-bachan, let me take him their food. Please, I wish to speak with him
again."
Miroku's tug interrupted her as his hand and arms pulled at her. He remembered
what happened last time, and did not want Sango to enter the room alone.
"Iie, I don't think it wise to enter the room by yourself, Sango. Inuyasha is…
not himself of late."
Kaede sighed and turned her attention to both exterminator and monk.
"Come" she motioned for them to sit in front of her.
Looking at one another with a nod, the taijiya and houshi removed themselves
from the doorway and took up a position in front of the miko.
Kaede stopped what she was doing and kneeled in front of the young pair, she
kept a straight face as she took out another wrapped scroll from her haori,
unfolding it, she spread it out in front of them and looked down at its empty
content.
Miroku and Sango looked miffed, "Lady Kaede, I do not understand? This scroll
is empty?" Miroku spoke for them both.
"Look further, houshi-dono." Kaede replied, keeping her eye upon the scrolls
aged paper.
Both he and Sango leaned lower and watched the scroll intently.
Nothing.
Shaking his head, Miroku lifted his gaze upon the older woman once more, "I see
nothing, Kaede-sama."
"Exactly," She responded, evenly lifting her eye upon the pair. "Nothing to
see. Yet."
Miroku looked at Sango questioningly. She looked as confused as he.
"Begging your pardon, Kaede-bachan, but I'm confused? Why an empty scroll?" Sango
spoke this time.
The elder sat back and lifted a saucer of tea to her mouth, taking a sip before
explaining her motives.
"Whatever occurs, past, present, or future, happens for a
reason. Inuyasha and Kagome's destiny has yet to be written, even if time had
passed for Inuyasha once. His future is uncertain. Kagome's has already begun."
Sango's eyebrows creased into her forehead as if contemplating something,
"Demo, what has this got to do with an empty scroll?"
Sighing once more, the elder took out another piece of paper, this time, it was
not a dirty old looking scroll, but clean and crisp.
"Our visitors gave me something, a message. One written by Inuyasha of the
future, before he died."
Miroku's head shot up at the mention of this. "Kaede-sama, is there something
you are not telling us? What does it say?"
"Please, Kaede-bachan. Tell us," Sango finished.
"Hai, I will tell ye. As it was Inuyasha's wishes to do so." The miko replied,
taking the paper from her pocket.
--
Inuyasha lay beside Kagome as he caressed her cheek, removing odd pieces of
misplaced hair from her eyes.
Kagome had not awoken in some time, and Inuyasha had gotten even more worried
as time passed. He only took food from Kaede when he knew Kagome needed it.
Water was always fresh and no one but he, were allowed to watch and look over
Kagome.
She was his responsibility. His to take care of.
Every now and then Miroku had attempted to come in to the room, late at night.
Inuyasha would not allow this and had turned on him; the houshi had ignored his
warning growl and attempted to move closer to he and his pregnant mate.
Inuyasha snapped.
How dare another male, attempt to relieve him of his duty toward his
mate.
Miroku had never seen him coming, and before the houshi could leap out of the
way, Inuyasha had already gotten him cornered.
Inuyasha deeply regretted his actions, but Miroku needed to know where he stood
between himself and his mate.
It wasn't Inuyasha's fault if the stupid human didn't take his warning growl
seriously.
"Keh, stupid fucking monk." He shook his head from the memory.
As he continued to watch over Kagome, he wondered where Kaede was with Kagome's
food. The old hag usually came about this time to offer him some, which he
always turned down.
Gently, he lifted Kagome off of his bare chest and sat himself up from the
futon. Pulling on his white under garment he picked up the empty reminiscent of
herbal salts from beside Kagome, he had to remember to ask Kaede for more.
He sighed impatiently.
Where the hell is that old hag?!
--
Miroku's eyes widened as he listened to Kaede finish the message.
"You mean, Kagome-sama is… is…"
"Pregnant?!" Sango continued for him. "I can't believe this is happening? Does
Inuyasha know?"
The miko nodded.
Sango lowered her head in thought before continuing, "Then the spell cast
around Kagome-chan was not of our Inuyasha's doing, but of his future self? To
protect her from himself?"
The older miko nodded once more. "Aye, Inuyasha did not wish for his younger
counterpart to know of Kagome's pregnancy, nor was any other youkai meant to
have known of this."
"How do you explain Kauga's knowledge of this? He attacked Inuyasha because of
that very reason!"
"Kouga has other means of desiring Kagome's scent, Sango" Miroku interrupted.
"His was a fluke off chance jealousy bout. I don't think he really knew that
Kagome-sama were in fact pregnant, although he had smelt Inuyasha a lot more on
her of late. Understandable for the Ookami to attack what he claimed as his."
"I don't understand what is meant by the apology of mistrust?" She shook her
head, "Inuyasha has never done anything untoward any of us for misjudgements on
his behalf?"
It was Miroku's turn to lower his head.
"If Kagome-chan is pregnant and is still unconscious, that means… that means…"
She got to her feet and picked the bowl of food up into her hands and made her
way to the room where Inuyasha and Kagome resided.
Miroku shot to his feet and followed, swallowing back the nervous choke in the
back of his throat.
"Ah, Sango?!"
"Houshi-sama, we have to check on Kagome-chan! She is pregnant and still
unconscious! You know that it's dangerous for her to be in such a predicament!"
Miroku sighed and nodded in agreement and followed closely behind as she
entered the room.
--
Inuyasha's thoughts were interrupted as footsteps entered the room from behind
him.
At fucking last!
It was at the slight twitch of his nose that informed him of a different smell.
His growl was low and warning.
"I thought I made myself clear, Miroku!" His voice was low and to the point.
"Ah, Inuyasha! I see you're nose is working better!" Came Miroku's shaky
response. Sango nudged him in the chest and neared the hanyou.
"Sango!" Miroku hissed as he held a hand upon her shoulder, halting her in mid
step.
Her eyebrow twitched irritably. "Inuyasha?"
Inuyasha's growling subsided some as the taijiya's voice soothingly echoed from
behind. Slowly, he turned his head to make contact with her.
"Why did you have to bring him for?!" The hanyou snapped, his own
eyebrows twitching with anger.
"He thought you'd do something as stupid as attack me or something!" Sango
replied.
Inuyasha felt himself jump at the insinuation.
He would never attack Sango! He stopped short of himself, remembering his
attack on the monk the other night.
"Whatever!" He mumbled a reply. "Leave the food and ask the old hag for some
more of the herbal salt things"
He chucked the empty bowl toward Sango and turned his attention back upon
Kagome.
Sango stood staring at the hanyou's head as she felt the rumble of anger churn
inside of her.
Kagome was her best friend, her younger sister! Why wouldn't Inuyasha allow her
to see to her, he wasn't the only one who felt the need to look after her, to
worry over her!
"Inuyasha, please let me see to Kagome-chan? We're all really worried about
her, about both of you!"
Inuyasha felt another growl rumble in his chest as he turned to look at both
Sango and Miroku.
"You heard what I said, Sango!" He yelled, fisting his claws into his hands.
"Get out now!"
Sango took a step back, as Miroku's grip tightened.
"Demo, Inuyasha! Why are you being like this?!" She evenly retorted, swallowing
her fear.
Inuyasha's growl increased in volume as his amber eyes flashed a blood red.
"Kagome is mine, and I won't let anyone touch her. Now get out before I do
something I might regret!"
Miroku's eyes widened. Sango merely stood her ground and continued, idly
ignoring the hanyou's threat.
"Iie! I won't! Inuyasha you need to eat, you need to sleep! How do you think
Kagome-chan would feel if she were to awaken to find you sick from hunger and
lack of sleep?" Sango's voice raised and lowered as she finished.
"Ne, Inuyasha please!"
"GET OUT!" Inuyasha roared his eyes now fully transformed.
Miroku took the stubborn huntress into his arms and backed up from the now
seething hanyou.
Inuyasha was finding it harder to keep in control of his anger, his
protectiveness was feral, and even as his true youkai escaped him his only thought
was on Kagome and Kagome only. Although, another part of him, deep inside, knew
Miroku and Sango meant no harm, they were his friends not an enemy.
He had no reason what so ever to attack.
Sango's eyes widened, as she regarded the hanyou. Confused as to why was acting
like this, she held onto Miroku for support. Since when did she start hanging
to the houshi anyways?
That thought was soon forgotten as Miroku jumped out of the way and backed out
of the room, Inuyasha was ready to pounce if they hadn't of removed themselves
there and then.
Panting, both she and Miroku watched as Kaede calmly passed them with requested
herbs and entered the room.
Kaede walked calmly into the room and looked at over at the seething hanyou.
"Inuyasha, calm thy self," She began as she placed the herbal salts beside
Kagome's futon. "Sango is right, ye must eat."
"Just put the salts down and get out, old hag," The irate hanyou snapped in
reply.
With a shake of her head the older miko lifted her head to look Inuyasha in the
eye, she shifted position to sit beside Kagome as she spoke.
"Inuyasha ye need to eat, at least. Kagome would never forgive herself if she
found out ye had starved thy self. Do you really wish of her discomfort?"
The hanyou looked up at the miko in thought, before shaking his head.
"If ye wish to make thy own self ill over Kagome by all means, do so, but think
of Kagome before ye damage ye self. Come, sit with us and eat." She motioned to
the doorway.
The hanyou looked over at the door and back at Kagome.
"Ye can always come back to her side after ye have eaten, and if she awakes,
she will call or ye will know."
Sighing, Inuyasha shook his youkai instincts free and followed Kaede out of the
room. Miroku and Sango both gaped in shock as he entered not far behind the
older miko.
"Inuyasha!?!" Shippo squeaked as he pounced from the floor onto his shoulder.
"Keh!" The hanyou snorted and looked at the Kit with a twitching eyebrow.
The Kitsune merely wagged his bushy tale and clung to his neck, happy to see
the unhappy dog-demon never the less.
Miroku eyed the hanyou as he neared them, Inuyasha felt the monks discomfort
and smelt the slight fear both he and Sango were emitting with his presence.
Lowering his head he mumbled an apology and took a seat next to the Kitsune and
Neko. Sango smiled, happy he had finally chosen to eat with them.
"Inuyasha, here," she offered him a larger bowl of broth before handing some to
Miroku, who took it willingly.
Inuyasha accepted the bowl, but didn't eat it straight away. He felt badly
about his behaviour toward she and Miroku, he lifted his head to look up at his
friends.
Sango was happily handing Shippo his stew as Miroku watched her out the corner
of his eye. Kaede was sipping on her tea as she eyed the hanyou.
"Have ye something to say, Inuyasha?" The older woman enquired.
Sighing, the hanyou lowered his eyes and nodded his head, "Hai," He finally
spoke, lowering the bowl to the ground.
"Miroku, I… I never meant to go as far as attacking you the other night." He
blurted to the point.
Sango's eyes widened as she whipped her head toward both males, "Nani?!" she
gasped bringing a hand to her mouth.
Can this mean what Inuyasha meant in his message?
"I understand Inuyasha, there is no need for an apology." Miroku gestured,
nodding his head in acceptance.
"I wasn't myself, gomen." Inuyasha swallowed back his pride.
Kaede smiled knowingly before taking another sip of her herbal tea. "If all is
well, ye can eat now."
The demi demon looked down at his soup. He still felt uncomfortable, but the
smell of fear had disappeared from his senses completely, proving he had once
again proven no harm to his friends.
They had accepted his apology.
--
His claws shred the herbal pouch in half as he poured more of the salts into
the warm water Kaede had boiled for him not long ago. It was warmish and at the
right temperature to apply to the unconscious girl upon his lap.
Inuyasha gently lifted her body higher upon his chest and lap and undid her
clothing, freeing her of its cover to expose her scared and slightly burnt
skin. His free hand picked up a damp cloth and soaked it with the salty water,
before dabbing it freely over the girl's wounds.
He had bathed her in the salted water regularly, feeding her by his own means
via his mouth and giving her plenty of water while she slept. She needed the
intake of food, as the pups grew stronger inside of her.
This particular ritual had turned out differently than the rest, as he murmured
thoughts and feelings while tending to her needs.
Kagome felt a soft dampness upon her forehead as she came out of her dream-like
state; the fuzzy darkness had not overcome when she heard a soft, gentle voice
beckon her to awake. She concentrated hard on the outside voice, searching
through memories to place a face along with it.
Inuyasha…
She shook her inner thoughts aside, releasing she had been mistaken. Inuyasha
had died. He couldn't be here with her now, unless… unless she too was dead and
he had come to her.
Her eyes felt heavy as she fought to open them, she tried moving her lips to
speak, but found she couldn't.
Inwardly, she panicked.
Inuyasha!
His hand stroked her cheek, softly dabbing her with the wet cloth, cleaning her
face as he gently spoke.
"Kagome, wake up…" he whispered, leaning down to caress his lips against her
forehead. "I need you, please, Kagome… open your eyes…"
The cloth had been replaced where he had kissed her forehead and now he began
to slowly remove the damped locks of hair from around her face, mindfully of
his claws, he began to rub his thumb over her soft skin.
Inuyasha took in another long, saddened sigh, as he wrapped her tightly into
his arms, bringing her face closer to his.
"Kagome…" He softly mumbled as he brought his face against hers, his cheek
rubbing up against her own as he whispered into her ears, begging, willing her
to open her eyes. Anything, he would do anything just to hear her voice once
more.
"Kagome, please don't leave me," Where his last words to her when his ear
twitched, his head shot up to look at her.
"Inuyasha…" She breathed once more, coughing slightly before her eyes began to
flutter open.
His hearing had not lied to him. Kagome was waking up!
"Kagome" He lulled her toward him, bringing his lips to her nose. With more
reassurance, he gripped her limp hand and gave it a gentle squeeze before
lowering his lips to her own, kissing her once more.
--
a/n: Yay! Kagome and Inuyasha fluff once more! I'm getting there, ne? I was
listening to the song "Tale as old as time" from the Beauty and Beast
OST, while I wrote the ending, ha! Now on to crediting my boyfriend for the
last chapter, without him I wouldn't have managed to get it out at all ^.^ Love
you, Dust!
Next chapter:
Chapter 0.11 - Itazurana Kiss
"It all started with a kiss" Warnings apply to this chapter too. Will
Kagome and Inuyasha finally find peace? And what of their relationship? Will
Kagome make the same mistake she did once? Or will Inuyasha swallow his pride
and take back what rightfully belongs to him!?
'He
tentatively approached her. He knew that she just needed to talk. He could see
the pleading within her eyes, and he was prepared to listen. He would always
listen.'
-- Announcements/Shout Outs!
Firstly, I corrected miss spelt words from chapters one onwards! Yay for me!
finally went over them and revised some spelling and Typo's. On another note, I
removed all unnecessary Japanese words, upon request. *grumbles* oh
well! I have re-uploaded all chapters and will be continuing to check over my
other Inuyasha fics for typo's and errors!
I won't continue on to much on the subject, as I was given a rather long email
regarding the usage of Japanese and English in my fic, and I should stick to
English and not mix the both languages. This was not from an American or
British reader either. So, I thought about it, and removed some of the
Japanese, not all of it, as I love using the words: Hai, Gomen, Nani,
Kawaii… I see no reason why I should
take these out.
I'll use an example: This person, who emailed me, bluntly told me, that
we should either write in ENGLISH or write in JAPANESE and not use BOTH. As we are making fools of ourselves
according to her Japanese friends, we should leave their language alone
and stick to our English. lol
So no more half written sentences, like her example was, do you say: "Oh it was
so Kawaii!" or "Oh it was so cute!" when speaking with another? So, she pointed
out why do we do it in our fanfictions?
She called it 'sad'
Shed some light here guys? Do you think I should stop using "Hai" or
"Gomen" or "Nani" because it doesn't fit into an English written fic? Please,
I'd like to know what you guys as my reader's think of the use of Japanese in
an English Anime based fiction? I know I'm not the only author who uses
Japanese words in his/hers fic.
--
On to my reviewers! Thank you all once more, and I'm glad you all forgave me
for my lack of an update last week! I hope the 9th chapter was worth
the wait!
Bex – I knew you'd love me for the chapter and it was my pleasure to
dedicate it to you, you have been one of my constant boosts of inspo (I will
email you what happened about the above!)
Kagomewannabe – I thought you'd be pleased with the fluff and the next
chapter should have more than enough waff to keep you going till the end of
this! Now, bunnies or Frogs? Hard choice! 0.o I love the chocolate bonus tho!
But bunnies or Frogs? Hard decision there?! lol
Little Devil – Thank you! I only hope this chapter wasn't to OOC as
Miroku and Sango's scenes were harder to write than I had thought they would
be!
Thanking everyone else for your reviews too! I would be here all night if I were to list
the entire lot of you! I also have MM.org reviewers and readers to thank too!
^. ^
--
*Plug!*
Please, please feel free to join my bran new clique (yes it is mine!) "Itazurana
Kiss" It is an open clique for everyone to join, with or without
websites. We support Inuyasha and Kagome's 'first' kiss! So please drop
by and have a gander and join if you wish!
URL: http:// ik.kuroi-hoshi.org (gaps
are needed for show as ff.net does not allow direct linking!)
- I seen a lot of my reviewers/readers signing up, thank you all! ^.^