Chapter Eleven:
Reunited

InuYasha had been pushing his friends hard. Miroku could tell that he was desperate to get to Kagome, but along the way Miroku had noticed something else. InuYasha had suddenly been able to wield the Tetsusaiga with much more ease.

This came to be realized when a demon had attempted to attack them. It became obvious quickly that it didn't possess a jewel shard, and it took InuYasha only a moment to slay. He pulled the Tetsusaiga and raised it with much less trouble than he had been before. It took him only two strikes to take the demon down; the demon was fast or it would have only required one. Miroku believed that this development came from InuYasha's newfound desire to rescue Kagome, and for now he was relieved.

Just as Naraku had planned, InuYasha was heading for Sesshoumaru's castle. The fool would attempt to fight his older brother again. Though if he saw the state of the young priestess it just might give him enough reason to finally take on the Great Sesshoumaru. This was a battle that Naraku couldn't wait to see.
It was evening again and the group again stopped for the night. InuYasha had been sensing something different about Sango lately, though he wasn't entirely sure what it was. Just after sunset, she stood and announced that she intended to go to the hot springs for a bath. As she gathered her things, InuYasha caught her glancing at Miroku. He also looked to Miroku who seemed totally oblivious to her words. He was shocked that the word 'bath' coming from Sango did not get an immediate reaction from the monk. The demon slayer appeared to linger with them for a few minutes before she let out a sigh, and headed towards the springs. The half demon was slightly amused by this and turned towards the monk.

"Miroku, I think Sango wants one of us to follow her and I'm kinda busy right now," the monk's reaction was priceless. First came a flush to his face, then a look that told InuYasha that his thoughts were running wild.

The monk stood and calmly said, "Well, I could go for a stroll in that direction, just to make sure she is safe."

InuYasha knew that she'd probably be much safer if Miroku remained at camp, but he also had a feeling that Sango didn't really want to remain safe from Miroku anymore.

Sango couldn't believe that Miroku had not even cared that she was taking a bath! It was so unlike him. She was beginning to feel that he had only desired her when it was more of a game to play. She sat lost in her own thoughts before heard rustling behind the trees and then Miroku's voice.

"Sango, are you ok down there." He made no attempt to get any closer or even peek at her. Again, this both stunned and insulted Sango. After she was finished she found him sitting against a tree and offered him a huffy look. Miroku found it somewhat comical, and went to her.

"Is something bothering you, Sango?" The look she gave was at first furious, but then changed to one of sadness. He felt sudden regret for the teasing sound in his voice. He went to her and quickly embraced her.

"Sango, is there something troubling you?" He asked her in a sincere voice. She took a deep breath and looked up to him.

"Miroku, recently you have stopped showing interest in me...," Sango blushed as she continued. "While I should probably feel relieved, I feel as though you don't see me in that way anymore." Miroku laughed as he hugged her tighter.

"Oh Sango, you have no idea just how wrong you are. But I refuse to treat you that way, because I love you," he said. She stood there silent for a moment...Miroku had just said that he loved her. Finally, she looked up at him.

"Miroku, did you just say that you love me?" He gazed down at her seriously.

"Yes, I did. I love you, Sango," A single tear escaped her eye, as she hugged him tightly again.

"I love you too, Miroku."

Hearing the words from Sango, made Miroku suddenly realize just how much he loved her.

"Sango, you know that my very life is in danger if we don't defeat Naraku. I have held back from you because I can't stand the thought of leaving a wife behind when I die. More than anything in this world, Sango, I would love to marry you and spend my life by your side."

She couldn't believe the words she was hearing. Miroku wanted to marry her?

"But why would that make you hold back from me?"

"You have had enough pain in your life, to marry you and leave you a widow is not something I could bear to do," he said with sadness in his voice.

"I would rather be your wife for a short time, than to never get the chance," she replied to him honestly. He looked down at her. He did love her very much.

"Then...will you marry me?" She began to cry softly and said yes. This time when he kissed her, he didn't hold back.

InuYasha saw that both Sango and Miroku were exceedingly happy when returning to camp. He gave Miroku a wide eyed stare, and the monk told InuYasha that they had news.

"I have asked Sango to be my wife," he said joyfully.

InuYasha looked from one to the other. At one time he had hoped to marry Kikyo. He looked to both of his friends, he really was happy for them. He watched as the two of them sat next to each other, Miroku's arm around Sango. Again, he couldn't help but remember Kikyo and the life he they should have had together.

Kagome heard Sesshoumaru knock at her door. He had informed her he would be coming to her room soon, to check on her injuries. He entered and noticed that she was already out of her kimono and wrapped in a sheet. She had her bandages and other materials set out for him and the sight of her skin was even worse now. The bruises had grown more dark and prominent against her skin.

Again he was filled with anger, though this time it was not all directed at the one's who had given her the injuries. He was angry at himself for allowing it to happen. The idea that he should have been watching over her and Rin and could have prevented the injuries wounded his very pride and dignity. He had made a vow and had not honored it, for that he was disgraced.

"How is Rin doing?" Kagome asked him. "I hope tomorrow I can spend more time with her, I miss her and it is hard staying in this room alone all day."

Sesshoumaru didn't answer; instead he walked to the bandages she has set aside. The urge for him to draw Tenseiga was overwhelming him. Her wounds were evidence of his failure. But he would not go against her wishes. He sat with her and began cleaning her lesion.

"Rin is doing well. Tomorrow I shall bring her to see you," he replied simply.

Kagome tried not to wince as he cleaned her injury. It hurt much worse today than it had the day before. Sesshoumaru noticed her pain and tried to be as gentle as he could. After he put the bandage on, his eyes wondered to the handprint that was left on her shoulder. Five very dark purple marks were there, taunting him. He moved his finger over them. Then onto her neck where there was more bruising. How desperately he wanted to use the Tenseiga to heal her. Though he realized that it was not only for his own pride, he knew that humans had a low tolerance for pain. The pain she feels must be great.

Kagome sat there slightly stunned. After Sesshoumaru put her bandage on, he had begun running his fingers over her back. She could tell he was touching her bruises but she didn't know why. His gentle gesture left her speechless for a few moments.

"I would not think less of you if you chose to let me heal you with Tenseiga."

What she heard in his voice almost frightened her. She had not seen her back, but he sounded as though he could not stand the sight of it. He, Sesshoumaru, who had inflicted many wounds worse than hers. Though she had entertained the idea, she still refused.

"I would still rather you didn't," she replied in a soft voice. She was starting to grow uncomfortable, but did not know how to address it. Finally, she said his name. He stopped moving his hand immediately and stood up offering a quick good night. When he left, she thought back to his words. She was almost sure that the tone in his voice had been guilt.

It had been three days since the news of Sango and Miroku upcoming marriage. InuYasha thought the two of them had gone beyond annoying and were now down right disgusting. He couldn't stand to watch their constant lovey-dovey crap. He could tell they were getting close to Sesshoumaru's castle and couldn't help but be on edge.

"Miroku, do you think you and Sango could hurry up! You can have your honeymoon after we save Kagome!" Miroku had noticed an edge to InuYasha recently, but paid it no heed.

They came up to a wooded area, and from there they could see the castle. But more to their surprise they could also see Kagome. She was in the field with a young girl; both were sitting on the ground talking. She was wearing a light blue kimono and appeared to be happy. Sesshoumaru was there too. He stood about fifty feet away, watching both of them. Then they watched the young girl jump to her feet and run towards the trees. They hid themselves, as Kagome too came towards the trees. She was not running, but slightly limping. She was laughing and calling to the young girl, whose name was apparently Rin. Kagome came very near the place that InuYasha was hidden. He knew that he had to let her know he was there, but didn't want to alert Sesshoumaru.

When Kagome woke up, she had felt like going outside, she didn't care if she was still sore. She couldn't stay in her bed any longer so she got up and prepared herself. She desperately needed a bath. When she arrived in the dining area, Sesshoumaru was surprised to see her there.

"Are you feeling well today?"

"Yes, I feel much better today. I would like to go to the springs and take a bath," she said, not leaving much room for argument.

Sesshoumaru told her that he would send a servant with her, but she refused. He decided to take Rin outside while Kagome took her bath so that he could be near if something should happen. He didn't want to leave her alone again. After she was finished, she joined Rin and the two began to play only it wasn't the same as before.

The lively child kept trying to get Kagome to run with her, and Kagome tried but was still having pain in her ankle. Once again Rin was off and running, heading towards the trees where she would attempt to hide from Kagome, then jump out at her. Both girls disappeared into the trees and moments later he heard a terrified scream from Kagome. It only took him seconds to clear the distance between himself and her.

InuYasha saw Kagome not far from him and decided it was now or never. He rushed to her and put one of his arms around her and the other over her mouth. Before he could even get her name out, she was in hysterics. She was screaming so loudly that his ears could barely take it. In only seconds Sesshoumaru was there and had knocked him into a tree. He was nearly unconscious, before he felt Kagome come to his side.

"InuYasha, I'm so sorry. Are you ok?" He looked up to her in confusion. Even if he had startled her, he didn't expect such a violent reaction from her.

Miroku watched the scene in utter disbelief. Kagome's reaction was that of a wild animal that had found it self caught in a trap. It only took seconds for Sesshoumaru to appear. Miroku didn't even believe Sesshoumaru knew it was InuYasha, until his body had already landed on the ground. The monk stepped forward and spoke to Kagome.

"Kagome, are you alright? We have only come to check on you," Miroku noticed the look coming from Sesshoumaru and decided that it would be best to step back again.

He stepped in front of Sango, prepared to fight off Sesshoumaru if he tried to come towards them. However, he only turned towards Kagome and asked her if she was going to be alright. She looked up at him with what Miroku thought was a look of fear. The demon lord stepped towards her and began to speak to her quietly. Miroku couldn't hear what was being said, but she then turned and went for the young child. She crouched down and hugged the girl. She then took her hand and began walking towards the castle. Sesshoumaru approached InuYasha and order him to stand.

InuYasha stood up and faced his brother. Sesshoumaru then told the group to follow him and he led them towards the castle. When they were in the garden, he stopped them.

"I will return shortly, I expect you to remain here, I have no desire to have a half-breed and his human companions in my castle," he said and then disappeared inside.

Kagome took Rin into her room, and then went to her own. She didn't know what was going to happen outside, but Sesshoumaru had told her he wouldn't harm her friends. She sat in her room and waited. She heard the knock she had been expecting. She looked up half expecting to see one of her friends enter, but it was Sesshoumaru.

"I am sure they have come to get you. If it is your choice to leave, I will not stop you," She looked at him with wonder. She did miss her friends dearly, and just seeing them out there had made her feel much better. Yet the thought of leaving the castle was frightening to her.

"What about Naraku?" She asked him, half of her curious the other half hoping he would make her decision for her.

"Do not worry about Naraku. I said I would not allow him to harm you and it is in my nature to stay true to my word," he replied. She looked up at him, confused about her feelings. She had to admit that a part of her would miss being here with Rin and even Sesshoumaru. He then walked to the door but stopped before leaving.

"I hope that you too will keep your word as well. You made a promise to Rin that you would return. I do not wish for her to be disappointed," he said and left the room.

Kagome decided to change into her own clothes. It wouldn't be right to take anything that belonged to Sesshoumaru. She then grabbed her bag and headed towards Rin's room. The girl was very sad when Kagome told her she had to leave. Kagome held her in her arms for a short time, then again promised to come back.

As she walked down the corridor she found Sesshoumaru waiting for her. He glanced quickly at her clothes and focused on her legs which were still bruised and had many visible scrapes.

"If you wear that, you will have to answer questions about the injuries on your legs. You may take a kimono with you if you prefer," he offered.

She looked at him for a moment, and then thanked him, but said no. She started walking away, but he stopped her. He spoke to her, but did not look at her.

"If at any time my half-breed brother is unable to protect you, I will see to your safety."

Kagome had the urge to hug him, but thought better of it. She walked away and headed outside where her friends awaited her. Instantly Shippo was in her arms. She had missed him dearly.

"Kagome! I missed you so much!"

"I missed you too, Shippo."

After everyone else had said their hellos they began to walk into the field. She heard the sound of the castle door and saw Rin running in her direction. Sesshoumaru followed slowly, and kept his eyes on Kagome the whole time. She dropped to the ground and threw her arms around Rin. The girl was crying and it nearly broke her heart.

"I'm going to miss you, Kagome," she sniffed.

"I'll miss you too Rin, but I'll be back," she said soothingly.

Rin looked up at her hopefully. As Kagome continued to talk with the girl, Sesshoumaru approached InuYasha.

"If I am forced to retrieve her from Naraku a second time, little brother, your will pay dearly."

Rin continued to cling to Kagome. "Will we play again?"

"Of course we will," she said and reached into her bag and pulled out a small doll that she carried with her. It was given to her by her grandmother when she was young. She gave it to Rin. Rin squealed and ran back towards Sesshoumaru who was now standing watching them. She then reached down and picked a flower and brought it to Kagome.

"Will you wear my flower in your hair?" Rin asked excitedly. Kagome looked up at Sesshoumaru as she put the flower in her hair. She saw his face soften slightly, had her friends not been standing close by, she was almost sure it would have been a smile.

Sesshoumaru watched as Kagome began to walk away. After a short distance the demon exterminator offered her a ride on the large cat demon that was always with them. Once they were no longer in view he called to Rin and took her inside the castle. The first thing he noticed was Kagome's scent which still lingered in the air. He took Rin to her room so that she could prepare for bed and then stopped in the room that Kagome had used. Her scent was very strong here. He could also smell her blood, which is a scent he did not care to smell ever again. Then he looked to the table beside her bed. He noticed three dried flowers lying there. He didn't need to pick up the flowers to know from where they came.