"Kagome's Puppy Troubles"
By Xio the Dog Demoness
Xio: Hmph. *turns from Minnie*
Minnie: *turns from Xio*
Shippo: They're not talking to each other because Minnie's been teasing Xio about Sesshomaru again.
*Xio glares at Minnie's back*
Shippo: But after Minnie teased Xio, Xio started her own taunting about Koga's infatuation with Minnie.
*Minnie turns around and begins glaring at Xio*
Shippo: This silence is creepy…
Xio: Well, I may not be talking to Minnie, but I still gotta do the disclaimer. Ja Ne.
Disclaimer: I own Kuri and the mysterious voices, not InuYasha. If I did, InuYasha would be smarter and Kikyo would die a slow, painful death… again and again and again…
WARNING: Sesshomaru will be kinder in this chapter, maybe for the rest of the story. If you can't handle the fluffiness, don't read, don't flame.
SECOND WARNING: Jaken bashing and crazy antics ensue. Don't read and don't flame if you happen to like the toad.
'Thoughts'
"Speech"
Dog Speech
**Scene Change**
~Different POV~
-Spell-
********************Last time on Kagome's Puppy Troubles********************
…After what seemed like years, but only took minutes, the blinding light slowly faded away, revealing the battleground devoid of life, save Kagome, Kuri, InuYasha, Shippo, Sango, Miroku, Kirara, Sesshomaru, Jaken, Rin, Kohaku, Kagura and Naraku. Her friends stood, completely healed, a little ways off from Kagome. Rin rushed to Sesshomaru, happy he had come for her. Kohaku raised his face to reveal his tear filled eyes. "Sango!" he called, running to his big sister and finally free of Naraku's control. Naraku stood in front of her, shocked beyond belief. Kagura lay to a side, still unconscious from the earlier fight.
"How, how can a young girl have so much power? It's impossible! How can you be this strong?" Naraku glared at Kagome. "How can you have the power to kill thousands, and still stand after?"
"Naraku, you forget I am the Shikon no Tama Miko. I am the Shikon Incarnate, and I have been united with the one born to assist me with your demise. It is destiny that I shattered the jewel, as it is destiny you die by my hands. Naraku, your reign of evil is over. It is time to embrace your fate!" Pink miko energy and black shadows began curling around Kuri and Kagome. Kagome, riding atop Kuri, rushed towards Naraku with her sword drawn. Naraku merely stood there, rooted by fear and completely unable to move as Kagome ran him through and Kuri slashed with her claws as she passed him. He disintegrated from their combined attack, and the nearly complete Shikon no Tama fell to the grass, shining a deep, dark purple and emanating evil and malice. A small red ball fell beside it, its dull gleam throbbing a steady beat. Kuri easily walked to the Shikon Jewel and Kagome slid off her back. She picked up the tainted jewel and it purified in her hands. As the energy loss hit them, Kagome and Kuri fell to the grass, unconscious. InuYasha and the rest merely stared, shocked at her power and her speech.
*************************Unknown Location*************************
"See, they are the ones!" declared the young female voice.
"Then how is it they are in those forms?" replied the young male voice.
"But the prophesy declared the Shikon Incarnate would take her place," interrupted the older male voice.
"Midoriko will reveal all soon enough. Once the Shikon no Tama is complete once more, we will know for certain. We have seen enough for now," said the older female voice.
"Of course," responded the older male voice. The picture faded again, but the darkness was filled with a sense of excitement and barely contained enthusiasm.
********************This time on Kagome's Puppy Troubles*******************
Chapter Ten: Kagura's Promise And Mass Insanity
Kagome groaned as she began to stir, and Kuri slowly cracked open an eye. "They're waking up!" called Shippo excitedly. "Mommy, I'm glad you're awake, I was worried. Are you feeling okay?"
Kagome slowly sat up. "Yeah, I'm okay, just a little tired still."
"You've been asleep for two days, and every time we tried to move you we were shocked," said Sango.
"Lady Kagome, what do we do about Kagura? We have her tied up over there, but we wanted your opinion," said Miroku as he pointed to her.
Kagome and Kuri stood up before noticing the little red ball, still pulsing as it had before. Kagome picked it up and pocketed it. They walked over to Kagura and Kagome crouched down to face her. Kuri, since she was in her small form, merely stood beside Kagome. "Kagura, would you promise not to hurt anyone if we let you go?" asked Kagome.
"You would trust me to keep such a promise?" she responded.
"Kagome, are you nuts? She wouldn't keep a promise!" cried InuYasha.
"I can cast a spell to make you keep your promise, if you would accept," continued Kagome, ignoring InuYasha's blatant interruption.
"I will," said Kagura. "Cast your spell, miko. I am not afraid."
"Thank you," she replied. Kagome took a stance and began the spell.
- My word is my honor- She pointed her right hand to Kagura, palm facing the wind sorceress.
-But my honor is doubted- She pointed her left hand to Kagura, the left palm also facing her.
-Thus I will bind myself by magic to my honor and my word- Kagome placed her hands in prayer position.
-My word cannot be broken nor my honor now forsaken- Her hands began to glow pink.
-Thus my promises be true as my oath is taken.- Kagome finished as the glow surrounded Kagura.
"Make your promise Kagura. This promise cannot be broken, so word it well," said the miko.
"I promise upon my life that I shall not attack or kill anyone unless they threaten me or anyone who might come under my protection." As Kagura finished reciting her oath, the glow of Kagome's magic sunk into Kagura's skin.
"Your promise now cannot be broken, or you shall be killed by the spell placed upon you." Kagome freed Kagura from the ropes.
"Miko, may I have the ball you picked up?" asked Kagura.
Kagome took out the glowing red ball and held it in front of her. "Why do you want it, Kagura?" she asked curiously.
"It is the way Naraku controlled me," sighed Kagura. "It is my heart, and I wish it so I might be truly free at last."
Kagome handed the wind sorceress her heart. "Now you are free, free as you should be. Perhaps we might meet again someday?"
"Perhaps," replied Kagura. She slowly walked away. 'If I am not mistaken, there is a village this way that I might purchase a fan from,' she thought as she left.
"Ka-Kagome? What's going on? I'm confused Mommy…" said Shippo.
"What did you mean by saying you were the Shikon Incarnate?" asked Sesshomaru coldly, though the bite was taken out of the statement by Rin, who was sitting in Sesshomaru's lap humming.
"The night after I visited Midoriko's cave so long ago, she spoke to me in my dreams, reaching through the shards we had collected. She told me many things, but I remember them only when they are important. During the fight I remembered who I am, parts of my destiny that had already passed, Kuri's true nature, and how to release my purifying wave as well."
"Purifying wave?" asked Shippo.
"That light you guys saw during the battle, the one that killed all the evil minor demons," explained Kagome.
"And what of the pup's true nature?" asked Sesshomaru, acting disinterested.
"That she was always meant to be my companion, and that something shall good happen to her once the Shikon no Tama is completed. I just haven't been allowed to remember what."
'Something good?' wondered the taiyoukai. 'She won't last that long. She's too annoying for her own good.'
Kagome took out the piece of the jewel they had obtained from Naraku and fused her pieces with it.
Kagome, all we like is three shards to complete the jewel, barked Kuri. She grinned, but it faded as a thought hit her. But those shards are in Kohaku and Koga. What do we do?
"Since Rin has been returned to me, I will revive the boy once you remove the shard," offered Sesshomaru.
Everyone stared at him in pure shock. Well, everyone but Rin, who smiled and continued humming. 'An act of good will? Rin must have really melted the ice around his heart,' thought Kagome. 'What's the catch?' was InuYasha's main thought. Sango and Miroku were merely thankful.
Jaken broke the silence. "Milord, you would revive another useless ningen?" he squawked. He squealed as several rocks hit him from different sides. Kagome, Sango, and Miroku stood with their hands still poised from the throw, Kuri smacked him with her tail, InuYasha and Shippo were gathering rocks for another barrage, and Sesshomaru looked away to hide a small smile. Rin laughed. "Look Lord Sesshomaru, Jaken is all lumpy now!" she said with a grin. Everyone but Kohaku, Jaken and Sesshomaru laughed, though Sesshomaru did smile a little instead. He hid this smile too, but this time Kuri saw him. 'What do you know, he's not all ice,' she thought with a hidden grin. Kohaku merely didn't understand what was going on.
"Kohaku, come here," said Sango. Kohaku walked to his sister's side. "Kohaku, I'm going to remove the shard from your back. Once I do, you will die. But don't worry, because Lord Sesshomaru said he would bring you back, and he is an honorable youkai," she said.
"Okay sister. As long as it's you, and as long as you trust him, I will trust you." Kohaku turned and presented his back. Sango bit back a sob as she dug out the shard and Kohaku went limp in her arms. She laid him onto the ground and Sesshomaru walked up. He unsheathed Tenseiga and watched with veiled interest as again it pulsed. Sesshomaru swiped it through the imps that came for Kohaku's soul and sheathed it again as his heart began to slowly beat.
"Sister?" he croaked softly.
"I'm right here," replied Sango. She wept openly as she embraced her brother. Kagome wiped away a stray tear, shed for Sango's joy. Kohaku and Sango were reunited once more.
Kuri walked up to Sesshomaru. That was a truly kind thing you did for her, she barked. Yet from what I understand, it is not something you would usually do…
"And you wish for me to explain my reasons?" he inquired.
No, merely to thank you for your kindness. Kuri walked back to Kagome. As she did so, Sesshomaru watched her, wondering. 'Why do you interest me so? You're just a minor youkai, a pest, and an unsolvable puzzle. Why are you so irritating one moment, and respectful the next? And, why don't you wish to know my reasons? It doesn't seem like you…'
"Here Kagome. This is the shard that was in Kohaku's back." Sango handed Kagome the shard and she fused it with the rest of the jewel. 'Two remain…' The group headed away from the final battleground to make camp for the night. (A\N: Who wants to remain on a battleground?)
The next day, Kagome woke early and began making breakfast. As soon as it was done, InuYasha hopped down from his tree and took his offered cup of ramen, and handed out a cup to Sango, Kohaku, Miroku, Shippo, Kirara, Kuri, Rin, and held one out to Sesshomaru. "I don't eat human food," he replied.
"Yummy!" declared Rin with a smile. She grinned and ate faster. Sesshomaru looked at his ward for a moment.
You know Sesshomaru, it really is good. I'm an inuyoukai too you know. There's nothing wrong with it.
"I suppose I could try some," he said after a few moments. He took the cup from Kagome and tried it.
"Well?" she asked after watching him.
"It is not poison," he declared after deliberation.
Kuri saw her chance to take another crack at annoying Sesshomaru. Translation: Your food is really good, but I'm too much of a stubborn ass to admit it, she barked with a grin.
InuYasha and Shippo immediately cracked up. Kagome tried to hold it in, but after a few seconds of hearing her pup and her mate-to-be, she began to laugh herself. Kuri smirked as Sesshomaru glared at her.
If it were not for Rin, I would kill you now, said Sesshomaru in dog speech. (A\N: Because Sesshomaru is an inuyoukai and he doesn't want Rin to hear his threat.)
Any time you tried I would just hunt down Rin, jump into her lap, and snuggle up to her. You can't kill me if she loves me, teased Kuri. Sesshomaru merely growled. To prove her point, Kuri jumped into Rin's lap.
"Kuri's so cute! Her fur's really soft too!" squealed Rin. Kuri merely nuzzled her. This made Sesshomaru growl louder, since Rin was still sitting in his lap. Rin got up and took Kuri into the middle of the field and began picking flowers and decorating her with them. Kuri sat there for her and let her play, until Shippo suggested a game of tag. Kuri, Rin, and Kirara all ran as he started chasing Kirara. Shippo did an illusion and fooled Kirara so he could tag her. (A\N: Can't you just imagine him doing that?) Kirara caught Kuri, who tagged Rin. Shippo slowed down and let Rin tag him. Shippo then tagged Kagome, who tagged Sango. Sango tagged Miroku, and Miroku 'tagged' her back, earning a couple of lumps from Hiraikutso. Sango slinked up and tagged InuYasha, who grinned evilly and tagged Kagome. Kagome sat InuYasha and tagged him back, grinning from ear to ear. InuYasha tagged Rin seeing that she wanted another turn, and Rin ran right up and tagged Sesshomaru. Sesshomaru looked at her for a couple moments, before, ahem, 'tagging' Jaken with his foot, sending him flying in the middle of the children. The children squealed happily and tore off in different directions. Jaken ran as fast as his little legs could carry him, feeling his master's eyes on his back, and caught Shippo. Shippo tagged Kohaku and he tagged Sango. She tagged Kirara. After playing awhile, the gang stopped for a breather.
"Okay guys, we need to pack up camp and start heading to the Koga's Den. He's the only one left with shards," announced Kagome. Shippo and Kuri ran back to Kagome, Rin attached herself to Sesshomaru, and Kirara jumped onto Sango's shoulder. They packed up and began to head out.
"Sesshomaru, why are you still going with us?" growled InuYasha.
"I have not seen what I wished," he replied.
"Rin likes being here. Kagome and Shippo and Kuri and Sango are really nice, but Miroku's really quiet. InuYasha's really funny though! He's loud and he does stupid stuff," said Rin. InuYasha growled as everyone but himself, Sesshomaru, and Jaken laughed. However, Sesshomaru again smiled, though he made no move to hide it. He was in the back anyways.
Kuri transformed and carried Kagome and Shippo on her back, walking beside InuYasha. InuYasha, we should travel faster. Koga could always be attacked, and then it would be murder to find the remaining shards.
"Feh, I guess. Everyone, prepare to move faster," declared InuYasha. Kirara transformed and Sango and Miroku climbed on.
InuYasha, climb on behind Kagome. I'll take to the air with Kirara, declared Kuri. InuYasha sullenly climbed on and Kuri leapt high. Kirara followed, and Sesshomaru made a youki cloud under his and his companions feet to join them. Kuri stayed in the air, shadows curling around her feet like small clouds, Kirara's flames doing the same behind her. (A\N: I think Kuri, Kirara, and Sesshomaru fly about the same way, with their youki. {Youki = Demon Energy} In Kuri's case, shadows form, in Kirara's, it's fire, and everyone knows Sesshomaru's is a cloud thing.) They traveled this way until midday, when Shippo and Rin began complaining about being hungry. The group stopped by a lake for lunch. This time, Kuri, Shippo, and InuYasha caught fish and Kagome, Sango, and Rin picked some berries for everyone to have dessert. Sesshomaru declined the offer of food saying he wasn't hungry, and Jaken said that he didn't like fish.
"Of course Jaken doesn't want fish, Jaken wants bugs!" declared Rin.
"Well then, let's see how many bugs Jaken can eat!" declared Shippo. Shippo caught several and Rin held his mouth open so Shippo could 'feed' Jaken. "Here's a worm, and a caterpillar, and a bee…" said Shippo.
"Lord Se-mph-mar-ph! Pmph-ease help-phmp me!" he squealed. (A\N: He was trying to say 'Lord Sesshomaru! Please help me!' but the bugs got in the way. *grin*) "Ouch, it stung me!" cried the toad. "I'm gonna murder you little brats-gah!" Jaken rubbed a new lump he gained from Sesshomaru's rock and bowed at his master's feet. "Forgive me, Lord Sesshomaru, I merely lost my temper…" Sesshomaru snorted and turned away.
"Children, I leave his punishment to you," he stated in an unconcerned voice. Shippo grinned evilly.
"Mommy, do you have any of that make-up stuff you told Sango about?" he asked.
Kagome matched his grin with one of her own. "I do, and perhaps Rin has an old kimono with her?" She began digging out the make-up for her pup.
Rin beamed at them. "Rin does have an old kimono!" she declared. She pulled out an old flowery one that she had outgrown. Shippo and Kagome's grins became bigger. Sesshomaru watched them, fighting a smirk. InuYasha was holding the toad down so the kids could get close.
"Lord Sesshomaru, please, anything but this! I have never wavered in my loyalty to you. Please, spare me, I beg you!"
"Hold still Jaken, I wanna put this kimono on you," said Shippo.
"You wanna look pretty, don't you Jaken?" asked Rin with a smile. The two finished putting on the kimono and began covering him with make-up. Sango, Miroku, and Kohaku were holding their sides from laughing too hard, InuYasha was holding Jaken with one arm while wiping his eyes from his mirth, Kuri was rolling on the ground, and Kagome was giving them make-up advice between giggling fits. Sesshomaru didn't make a sound, but his eyes and the small smile on his face spoke volumes. After they had finished with the make-up, they asked InuYasha to hold him just a little longer.
"Why?" he asked.
"We wanna get him some flowers!" called Shippo. Rin and Shippo picked some flowers and decorated the poor toad with flower chains and a dandelion crown.
"All done!" declared Rin with pride. Jaken looked like an ugly concubine that got in a fight with some make-up and lost.
Kagome held up an instant camera. "Say cheese!" She snapped a few pictures. Kagome's group, excluding Kohaku, knew all about cameras, but Jaken about snapped when she took his picture.
"She's stealing my soul! I'm gonna die!" he squealed.
I wish he would… muttered Kuri.
"All I did was take your picture, Jaken. Consider it a ready made portrait," said Kagome. She passed out pictures to everyone but Kuri and Kirara and kept one for herself.
"I'm going to be the laughingstock of the demon world if these get out! Destroy them!" cried Jaken.
"But they're so cute!" said Kagome with an evil grin. Sesshomaru pocketed his discreetly, while Rin sang about how 'prettyful' she made Jaken.
After some confused fighting where Jaken and Miroku gained some lumps, {*rub rub* "HENTAI!" *WHAM* *THUD* "We're not destroying these pictures!" "I'll burn you and them!" "Ahhh!" *Twitch twitch* You should have known I'd protect Kagome from your flame! "At least it burnt off this kimono…" *WHACK* *BAM* *THUD* "Hey! Watch it! Who's throwing rocks? … Master, not you too…?" *THWACK* "Hey, watch your tail!" I am watching it. It went right where I wanted it too, toad!} they slowly got ready and took to the skies again.
Xio: Ha ha ha! Jaken torturing is so much fun!
Minnie: Truce?
Xio: Why?
Minnie: Because you need my help…
Xio: No deal! I can get a new muse!
Shippo: *whispering* They'll make up next chapter… *watches as Xio and Minnie begin throwing things* … I hope… *sweatdrop* *dodges flying chair*
Xio: *Throws some books* Thanks to my *dodges a toaster* wonderful reviewers! They are *throws a lamp* as follows! *dodges waffle iron* Kagome*the*Hauntress, Pinayazngrl (Kagome deserves to be able to kick butt!), windmagelita (I like Sesshy too much to kill him off!), Ladyofthedarknessflame, Senko-sama (yeah, I do tend to do that…), ~Morgan (don't worry, this is one of my Inu\Kag, I haven't written anything else yet), X-with stars (absolutely, she had to die!), someone (yeah, school always gives too much work. I had hoped that the warnings would help with that one…), firehottie, Inuyasha Luver Gurl (thanks! I reviewed too, *grin*), Candace (I try to update at least every other week when homework permits), Kasazona (yay, more crazy people *wink*), BlackMoon13 (*joins skipping* NARAKU AND KIKYO ARE DEAD DEAD DEAD DEAD!), Eternal*Sailor*Darkness, and dragonmaster01 (Kuri is mine! Mine I tell you! *waves stick* Back off! *hits you with stick* *stick breaks* *sweatdrop*). Thanks reviewers and everyone who wants in the 'I Hate Kikyo Club' write *waves an 'I Hate Kikyo' banner* on your next review! *grin* Ja Ne!
By Xio the Dog Demoness
Xio: Hmph. *turns from Minnie*
Minnie: *turns from Xio*
Shippo: They're not talking to each other because Minnie's been teasing Xio about Sesshomaru again.
*Xio glares at Minnie's back*
Shippo: But after Minnie teased Xio, Xio started her own taunting about Koga's infatuation with Minnie.
*Minnie turns around and begins glaring at Xio*
Shippo: This silence is creepy…
Xio: Well, I may not be talking to Minnie, but I still gotta do the disclaimer. Ja Ne.
Disclaimer: I own Kuri and the mysterious voices, not InuYasha. If I did, InuYasha would be smarter and Kikyo would die a slow, painful death… again and again and again…
WARNING: Sesshomaru will be kinder in this chapter, maybe for the rest of the story. If you can't handle the fluffiness, don't read, don't flame.
SECOND WARNING: Jaken bashing and crazy antics ensue. Don't read and don't flame if you happen to like the toad.
'Thoughts'
"Speech"
Dog Speech
**Scene Change**
~Different POV~
-Spell-
********************Last time on Kagome's Puppy Troubles********************
…After what seemed like years, but only took minutes, the blinding light slowly faded away, revealing the battleground devoid of life, save Kagome, Kuri, InuYasha, Shippo, Sango, Miroku, Kirara, Sesshomaru, Jaken, Rin, Kohaku, Kagura and Naraku. Her friends stood, completely healed, a little ways off from Kagome. Rin rushed to Sesshomaru, happy he had come for her. Kohaku raised his face to reveal his tear filled eyes. "Sango!" he called, running to his big sister and finally free of Naraku's control. Naraku stood in front of her, shocked beyond belief. Kagura lay to a side, still unconscious from the earlier fight.
"How, how can a young girl have so much power? It's impossible! How can you be this strong?" Naraku glared at Kagome. "How can you have the power to kill thousands, and still stand after?"
"Naraku, you forget I am the Shikon no Tama Miko. I am the Shikon Incarnate, and I have been united with the one born to assist me with your demise. It is destiny that I shattered the jewel, as it is destiny you die by my hands. Naraku, your reign of evil is over. It is time to embrace your fate!" Pink miko energy and black shadows began curling around Kuri and Kagome. Kagome, riding atop Kuri, rushed towards Naraku with her sword drawn. Naraku merely stood there, rooted by fear and completely unable to move as Kagome ran him through and Kuri slashed with her claws as she passed him. He disintegrated from their combined attack, and the nearly complete Shikon no Tama fell to the grass, shining a deep, dark purple and emanating evil and malice. A small red ball fell beside it, its dull gleam throbbing a steady beat. Kuri easily walked to the Shikon Jewel and Kagome slid off her back. She picked up the tainted jewel and it purified in her hands. As the energy loss hit them, Kagome and Kuri fell to the grass, unconscious. InuYasha and the rest merely stared, shocked at her power and her speech.
*************************Unknown Location*************************
"See, they are the ones!" declared the young female voice.
"Then how is it they are in those forms?" replied the young male voice.
"But the prophesy declared the Shikon Incarnate would take her place," interrupted the older male voice.
"Midoriko will reveal all soon enough. Once the Shikon no Tama is complete once more, we will know for certain. We have seen enough for now," said the older female voice.
"Of course," responded the older male voice. The picture faded again, but the darkness was filled with a sense of excitement and barely contained enthusiasm.
********************This time on Kagome's Puppy Troubles*******************
Chapter Ten: Kagura's Promise And Mass Insanity
Kagome groaned as she began to stir, and Kuri slowly cracked open an eye. "They're waking up!" called Shippo excitedly. "Mommy, I'm glad you're awake, I was worried. Are you feeling okay?"
Kagome slowly sat up. "Yeah, I'm okay, just a little tired still."
"You've been asleep for two days, and every time we tried to move you we were shocked," said Sango.
"Lady Kagome, what do we do about Kagura? We have her tied up over there, but we wanted your opinion," said Miroku as he pointed to her.
Kagome and Kuri stood up before noticing the little red ball, still pulsing as it had before. Kagome picked it up and pocketed it. They walked over to Kagura and Kagome crouched down to face her. Kuri, since she was in her small form, merely stood beside Kagome. "Kagura, would you promise not to hurt anyone if we let you go?" asked Kagome.
"You would trust me to keep such a promise?" she responded.
"Kagome, are you nuts? She wouldn't keep a promise!" cried InuYasha.
"I can cast a spell to make you keep your promise, if you would accept," continued Kagome, ignoring InuYasha's blatant interruption.
"I will," said Kagura. "Cast your spell, miko. I am not afraid."
"Thank you," she replied. Kagome took a stance and began the spell.
- My word is my honor- She pointed her right hand to Kagura, palm facing the wind sorceress.
-But my honor is doubted- She pointed her left hand to Kagura, the left palm also facing her.
-Thus I will bind myself by magic to my honor and my word- Kagome placed her hands in prayer position.
-My word cannot be broken nor my honor now forsaken- Her hands began to glow pink.
-Thus my promises be true as my oath is taken.- Kagome finished as the glow surrounded Kagura.
"Make your promise Kagura. This promise cannot be broken, so word it well," said the miko.
"I promise upon my life that I shall not attack or kill anyone unless they threaten me or anyone who might come under my protection." As Kagura finished reciting her oath, the glow of Kagome's magic sunk into Kagura's skin.
"Your promise now cannot be broken, or you shall be killed by the spell placed upon you." Kagome freed Kagura from the ropes.
"Miko, may I have the ball you picked up?" asked Kagura.
Kagome took out the glowing red ball and held it in front of her. "Why do you want it, Kagura?" she asked curiously.
"It is the way Naraku controlled me," sighed Kagura. "It is my heart, and I wish it so I might be truly free at last."
Kagome handed the wind sorceress her heart. "Now you are free, free as you should be. Perhaps we might meet again someday?"
"Perhaps," replied Kagura. She slowly walked away. 'If I am not mistaken, there is a village this way that I might purchase a fan from,' she thought as she left.
"Ka-Kagome? What's going on? I'm confused Mommy…" said Shippo.
"What did you mean by saying you were the Shikon Incarnate?" asked Sesshomaru coldly, though the bite was taken out of the statement by Rin, who was sitting in Sesshomaru's lap humming.
"The night after I visited Midoriko's cave so long ago, she spoke to me in my dreams, reaching through the shards we had collected. She told me many things, but I remember them only when they are important. During the fight I remembered who I am, parts of my destiny that had already passed, Kuri's true nature, and how to release my purifying wave as well."
"Purifying wave?" asked Shippo.
"That light you guys saw during the battle, the one that killed all the evil minor demons," explained Kagome.
"And what of the pup's true nature?" asked Sesshomaru, acting disinterested.
"That she was always meant to be my companion, and that something shall good happen to her once the Shikon no Tama is completed. I just haven't been allowed to remember what."
'Something good?' wondered the taiyoukai. 'She won't last that long. She's too annoying for her own good.'
Kagome took out the piece of the jewel they had obtained from Naraku and fused her pieces with it.
Kagome, all we like is three shards to complete the jewel, barked Kuri. She grinned, but it faded as a thought hit her. But those shards are in Kohaku and Koga. What do we do?
"Since Rin has been returned to me, I will revive the boy once you remove the shard," offered Sesshomaru.
Everyone stared at him in pure shock. Well, everyone but Rin, who smiled and continued humming. 'An act of good will? Rin must have really melted the ice around his heart,' thought Kagome. 'What's the catch?' was InuYasha's main thought. Sango and Miroku were merely thankful.
Jaken broke the silence. "Milord, you would revive another useless ningen?" he squawked. He squealed as several rocks hit him from different sides. Kagome, Sango, and Miroku stood with their hands still poised from the throw, Kuri smacked him with her tail, InuYasha and Shippo were gathering rocks for another barrage, and Sesshomaru looked away to hide a small smile. Rin laughed. "Look Lord Sesshomaru, Jaken is all lumpy now!" she said with a grin. Everyone but Kohaku, Jaken and Sesshomaru laughed, though Sesshomaru did smile a little instead. He hid this smile too, but this time Kuri saw him. 'What do you know, he's not all ice,' she thought with a hidden grin. Kohaku merely didn't understand what was going on.
"Kohaku, come here," said Sango. Kohaku walked to his sister's side. "Kohaku, I'm going to remove the shard from your back. Once I do, you will die. But don't worry, because Lord Sesshomaru said he would bring you back, and he is an honorable youkai," she said.
"Okay sister. As long as it's you, and as long as you trust him, I will trust you." Kohaku turned and presented his back. Sango bit back a sob as she dug out the shard and Kohaku went limp in her arms. She laid him onto the ground and Sesshomaru walked up. He unsheathed Tenseiga and watched with veiled interest as again it pulsed. Sesshomaru swiped it through the imps that came for Kohaku's soul and sheathed it again as his heart began to slowly beat.
"Sister?" he croaked softly.
"I'm right here," replied Sango. She wept openly as she embraced her brother. Kagome wiped away a stray tear, shed for Sango's joy. Kohaku and Sango were reunited once more.
Kuri walked up to Sesshomaru. That was a truly kind thing you did for her, she barked. Yet from what I understand, it is not something you would usually do…
"And you wish for me to explain my reasons?" he inquired.
No, merely to thank you for your kindness. Kuri walked back to Kagome. As she did so, Sesshomaru watched her, wondering. 'Why do you interest me so? You're just a minor youkai, a pest, and an unsolvable puzzle. Why are you so irritating one moment, and respectful the next? And, why don't you wish to know my reasons? It doesn't seem like you…'
"Here Kagome. This is the shard that was in Kohaku's back." Sango handed Kagome the shard and she fused it with the rest of the jewel. 'Two remain…' The group headed away from the final battleground to make camp for the night. (A\N: Who wants to remain on a battleground?)
The next day, Kagome woke early and began making breakfast. As soon as it was done, InuYasha hopped down from his tree and took his offered cup of ramen, and handed out a cup to Sango, Kohaku, Miroku, Shippo, Kirara, Kuri, Rin, and held one out to Sesshomaru. "I don't eat human food," he replied.
"Yummy!" declared Rin with a smile. She grinned and ate faster. Sesshomaru looked at his ward for a moment.
You know Sesshomaru, it really is good. I'm an inuyoukai too you know. There's nothing wrong with it.
"I suppose I could try some," he said after a few moments. He took the cup from Kagome and tried it.
"Well?" she asked after watching him.
"It is not poison," he declared after deliberation.
Kuri saw her chance to take another crack at annoying Sesshomaru. Translation: Your food is really good, but I'm too much of a stubborn ass to admit it, she barked with a grin.
InuYasha and Shippo immediately cracked up. Kagome tried to hold it in, but after a few seconds of hearing her pup and her mate-to-be, she began to laugh herself. Kuri smirked as Sesshomaru glared at her.
If it were not for Rin, I would kill you now, said Sesshomaru in dog speech. (A\N: Because Sesshomaru is an inuyoukai and he doesn't want Rin to hear his threat.)
Any time you tried I would just hunt down Rin, jump into her lap, and snuggle up to her. You can't kill me if she loves me, teased Kuri. Sesshomaru merely growled. To prove her point, Kuri jumped into Rin's lap.
"Kuri's so cute! Her fur's really soft too!" squealed Rin. Kuri merely nuzzled her. This made Sesshomaru growl louder, since Rin was still sitting in his lap. Rin got up and took Kuri into the middle of the field and began picking flowers and decorating her with them. Kuri sat there for her and let her play, until Shippo suggested a game of tag. Kuri, Rin, and Kirara all ran as he started chasing Kirara. Shippo did an illusion and fooled Kirara so he could tag her. (A\N: Can't you just imagine him doing that?) Kirara caught Kuri, who tagged Rin. Shippo slowed down and let Rin tag him. Shippo then tagged Kagome, who tagged Sango. Sango tagged Miroku, and Miroku 'tagged' her back, earning a couple of lumps from Hiraikutso. Sango slinked up and tagged InuYasha, who grinned evilly and tagged Kagome. Kagome sat InuYasha and tagged him back, grinning from ear to ear. InuYasha tagged Rin seeing that she wanted another turn, and Rin ran right up and tagged Sesshomaru. Sesshomaru looked at her for a couple moments, before, ahem, 'tagging' Jaken with his foot, sending him flying in the middle of the children. The children squealed happily and tore off in different directions. Jaken ran as fast as his little legs could carry him, feeling his master's eyes on his back, and caught Shippo. Shippo tagged Kohaku and he tagged Sango. She tagged Kirara. After playing awhile, the gang stopped for a breather.
"Okay guys, we need to pack up camp and start heading to the Koga's Den. He's the only one left with shards," announced Kagome. Shippo and Kuri ran back to Kagome, Rin attached herself to Sesshomaru, and Kirara jumped onto Sango's shoulder. They packed up and began to head out.
"Sesshomaru, why are you still going with us?" growled InuYasha.
"I have not seen what I wished," he replied.
"Rin likes being here. Kagome and Shippo and Kuri and Sango are really nice, but Miroku's really quiet. InuYasha's really funny though! He's loud and he does stupid stuff," said Rin. InuYasha growled as everyone but himself, Sesshomaru, and Jaken laughed. However, Sesshomaru again smiled, though he made no move to hide it. He was in the back anyways.
Kuri transformed and carried Kagome and Shippo on her back, walking beside InuYasha. InuYasha, we should travel faster. Koga could always be attacked, and then it would be murder to find the remaining shards.
"Feh, I guess. Everyone, prepare to move faster," declared InuYasha. Kirara transformed and Sango and Miroku climbed on.
InuYasha, climb on behind Kagome. I'll take to the air with Kirara, declared Kuri. InuYasha sullenly climbed on and Kuri leapt high. Kirara followed, and Sesshomaru made a youki cloud under his and his companions feet to join them. Kuri stayed in the air, shadows curling around her feet like small clouds, Kirara's flames doing the same behind her. (A\N: I think Kuri, Kirara, and Sesshomaru fly about the same way, with their youki. {Youki = Demon Energy} In Kuri's case, shadows form, in Kirara's, it's fire, and everyone knows Sesshomaru's is a cloud thing.) They traveled this way until midday, when Shippo and Rin began complaining about being hungry. The group stopped by a lake for lunch. This time, Kuri, Shippo, and InuYasha caught fish and Kagome, Sango, and Rin picked some berries for everyone to have dessert. Sesshomaru declined the offer of food saying he wasn't hungry, and Jaken said that he didn't like fish.
"Of course Jaken doesn't want fish, Jaken wants bugs!" declared Rin.
"Well then, let's see how many bugs Jaken can eat!" declared Shippo. Shippo caught several and Rin held his mouth open so Shippo could 'feed' Jaken. "Here's a worm, and a caterpillar, and a bee…" said Shippo.
"Lord Se-mph-mar-ph! Pmph-ease help-phmp me!" he squealed. (A\N: He was trying to say 'Lord Sesshomaru! Please help me!' but the bugs got in the way. *grin*) "Ouch, it stung me!" cried the toad. "I'm gonna murder you little brats-gah!" Jaken rubbed a new lump he gained from Sesshomaru's rock and bowed at his master's feet. "Forgive me, Lord Sesshomaru, I merely lost my temper…" Sesshomaru snorted and turned away.
"Children, I leave his punishment to you," he stated in an unconcerned voice. Shippo grinned evilly.
"Mommy, do you have any of that make-up stuff you told Sango about?" he asked.
Kagome matched his grin with one of her own. "I do, and perhaps Rin has an old kimono with her?" She began digging out the make-up for her pup.
Rin beamed at them. "Rin does have an old kimono!" she declared. She pulled out an old flowery one that she had outgrown. Shippo and Kagome's grins became bigger. Sesshomaru watched them, fighting a smirk. InuYasha was holding the toad down so the kids could get close.
"Lord Sesshomaru, please, anything but this! I have never wavered in my loyalty to you. Please, spare me, I beg you!"
"Hold still Jaken, I wanna put this kimono on you," said Shippo.
"You wanna look pretty, don't you Jaken?" asked Rin with a smile. The two finished putting on the kimono and began covering him with make-up. Sango, Miroku, and Kohaku were holding their sides from laughing too hard, InuYasha was holding Jaken with one arm while wiping his eyes from his mirth, Kuri was rolling on the ground, and Kagome was giving them make-up advice between giggling fits. Sesshomaru didn't make a sound, but his eyes and the small smile on his face spoke volumes. After they had finished with the make-up, they asked InuYasha to hold him just a little longer.
"Why?" he asked.
"We wanna get him some flowers!" called Shippo. Rin and Shippo picked some flowers and decorated the poor toad with flower chains and a dandelion crown.
"All done!" declared Rin with pride. Jaken looked like an ugly concubine that got in a fight with some make-up and lost.
Kagome held up an instant camera. "Say cheese!" She snapped a few pictures. Kagome's group, excluding Kohaku, knew all about cameras, but Jaken about snapped when she took his picture.
"She's stealing my soul! I'm gonna die!" he squealed.
I wish he would… muttered Kuri.
"All I did was take your picture, Jaken. Consider it a ready made portrait," said Kagome. She passed out pictures to everyone but Kuri and Kirara and kept one for herself.
"I'm going to be the laughingstock of the demon world if these get out! Destroy them!" cried Jaken.
"But they're so cute!" said Kagome with an evil grin. Sesshomaru pocketed his discreetly, while Rin sang about how 'prettyful' she made Jaken.
After some confused fighting where Jaken and Miroku gained some lumps, {*rub rub* "HENTAI!" *WHAM* *THUD* "We're not destroying these pictures!" "I'll burn you and them!" "Ahhh!" *Twitch twitch* You should have known I'd protect Kagome from your flame! "At least it burnt off this kimono…" *WHACK* *BAM* *THUD* "Hey! Watch it! Who's throwing rocks? … Master, not you too…?" *THWACK* "Hey, watch your tail!" I am watching it. It went right where I wanted it too, toad!} they slowly got ready and took to the skies again.
Xio: Ha ha ha! Jaken torturing is so much fun!
Minnie: Truce?
Xio: Why?
Minnie: Because you need my help…
Xio: No deal! I can get a new muse!
Shippo: *whispering* They'll make up next chapter… *watches as Xio and Minnie begin throwing things* … I hope… *sweatdrop* *dodges flying chair*
Xio: *Throws some books* Thanks to my *dodges a toaster* wonderful reviewers! They are *throws a lamp* as follows! *dodges waffle iron* Kagome*the*Hauntress, Pinayazngrl (Kagome deserves to be able to kick butt!), windmagelita (I like Sesshy too much to kill him off!), Ladyofthedarknessflame, Senko-sama (yeah, I do tend to do that…), ~Morgan (don't worry, this is one of my Inu\Kag, I haven't written anything else yet), X-with stars (absolutely, she had to die!), someone (yeah, school always gives too much work. I had hoped that the warnings would help with that one…), firehottie, Inuyasha Luver Gurl (thanks! I reviewed too, *grin*), Candace (I try to update at least every other week when homework permits), Kasazona (yay, more crazy people *wink*), BlackMoon13 (*joins skipping* NARAKU AND KIKYO ARE DEAD DEAD DEAD DEAD!), Eternal*Sailor*Darkness, and dragonmaster01 (Kuri is mine! Mine I tell you! *waves stick* Back off! *hits you with stick* *stick breaks* *sweatdrop*). Thanks reviewers and everyone who wants in the 'I Hate Kikyo Club' write *waves an 'I Hate Kikyo' banner* on your next review! *grin* Ja Ne!