Flamez: *Clears throat* Yes, that is true, Inuyasha did bite Kagome in the
first chapter. And yes, in other people's stories that means their mated.
*But* in my story that is not the case, that is how she was turned into a
hanyou. The purpose of the courting rituals in this fic is to help Kagome
choose which one she wants to be with. I wanted to put a different take on
mating, I didn't want it to be like other people's stories. Sorry about the
confusion .! *Scratches chin* Yeah Kouga is a little too smart for his
own good. Wow over 100 reviews!!! I'd like to say thanks to a few
reviewers very dear to my heart *sniffles*: Summer Maxwell, Sammyosa92,
Aries Gremon (one wicked reviewer), bloodbunny, HellzAZNGrl (sweet name),
QtAznChik (hmm any relation to hellz? Maybe not) sunstar-1217, Katherine-
the-terrible (lovin the name), kyli the hanyou, chiara-pilot, Evil Black
Angel (thank you so much I thought I was the only one pissed about that!)
D.Vemon (killer name), Defafaeth Mechque (that is the most creative name I
have ever since, its kewl how you came up with it) diablos42069,
Animefreak241 (for the long review full of niceness), and everyone else who
reviewed!! *blows kisses*
ALSO---I do take in account peoples requests when thinking about the ending of this story. There has been so many times I've made up mind then was swayed again. So who knows what I'll do, hell I don't even know! So when I say I'm not telling what's gonna happen I'm just BS I haven't even thought of an ending yet. But I think a have a pretty good idea that will make a lot of people happy..
Chapter 7 Prior engagements, subsequent enemies, and transitory friends
Sesshomaru looked between the girl he promised to protect and the child he had just started to know. What to do? His stubbornness screamed at him not to hand Kagome over. But what of Rin? Rin was so young and had all of her life ahead of her. She already died once, did he want to see her dead again? She always looked up to him, called him her hero.
Kagome. It was his fault that she was dragged into this in the first place. If he had never brought her here this would never have happened. Did he really want to hand her over to that wolf? Who knows what he would do to her. Did she want to go with him? He peered down at her face, his tail tightening on her waist. Her face was pale, she was looking worriedly at Rin.
He thought he would be keeping Kagome safe by bringing her here. But in turn he put Rin in danger. None of this was fair to her. She was so young and innocent. He wanted to shout in frustration. It shouldn't be so damn hard to choose! She was looking at him now, with wide helpless eyes. Her eyes shifted to Kagome, afraid for her safety. Then she turned her chocolate eyes to Sesshomaru, smiling apologetically. Sorry? Why was she sorry?
Rin lifted her foot and kicked Kouga in the balls. A trick he had taught her himself to use on Jaken when he refused to play with her. "Run Kagome!"
"Rin no!" Kagome shouted. The wolf that held her growled and brought a claw swiftly towards her face.
Sesshomaru roared in anger, instinctively his tail gripped Kagome even tighter before springing forward. He brought his claws down, plunging his hand through the wolf's stomach. He grabbed Rin and threw her off the roof. She screamed as she plummeted down, until she landed on Kagome's soft bed. She wiped the sweat off her forehead, sighing in relief. She had forgotten about the spells under Kagome's balcony. She rolled off and ran out onto the balcony and look up.
Sesshomaru turned to Kouga. "Die bastard!"
The wolf smirked and slashed his claws through his tail. He howled in agony and fell to his knees as his blood sprayed in all directions. Kouga grabbed Kagome and made a move to leap of the roof. Sesshomaru dug his claws into his calf making him sprawl forward. Kagome wiggled out from under the prince and kicked the lord in the face until he let go.
She dragged Kouga up to his feet. "Let's go!"
He put one arm around her shoulders and one under her knees and leaped off the balcony. Sesshomaru readied himself to follow when an avalanche of wolves piled on top of him. He impaled a few with his claws, the rest of them wised up and fled.
Sesshomaru snarled loudly. Not only had some of the wolves escaped and one of them managed to cut off his tail. The pain was excruciating, the worst he had ever felt in his whole life. Including when Inuyasha cut off his arm. His eyes turned red and he was starting to froth at the mouth. He was going to kill the guy who did this to him! He sniffed at the air but couldn't catch his scent. Furious, he punched through the roof.
Rin looked at him and backed up. What was wrong with Sesshy-sama? Where did that bad man take Kagome? Maybe he was upset that Kagome was gone. She knew how he felt, she wanted her back, too. Maybe she could get her back and make everyone happy. She always wanted to repay her hero. Silently she slipped away.
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Kagome glared up at Kouga heatedly. How could he? She thought that Kouga was sweet and caring. But this side of him, child threatening side, she did NOT like. In fact the only reason why she went with him was because she was angrier at Sesshomaru. Now she was starting to think otherwise. Rin was like a sister to her. She wondered briefly about Sesshomaru, he looked pretty hurt when they left..
Kouga glanced down at her, not breaking his stride. "What?"
"Nothing." She spat angrily.
"Really, you can tell me."
After a moment she said. "Were you really going to kill her?"
"No, I don't kill children." He replied indignantly.
"Then why did you do that?"
"Because I knew that he was stronger that me. I needed a split second of his hesitation so I could grab you." He stopped at the edge of a short cliff. Kagome looked around, wondering what was going on. "My brothers, I have found my woman." He held her up so that everyone waiting below could see. She frowned down at him.
There was a strangled outraged cry. Someone pushed through the crowd until they were in the front. "See that you forgot all about me!" Ayame glared up at Kouga. "What's wrong, forgot all about me, didn't you?"
He cocked his head to the side. "Wait I remember. I think.." He muttered the last part.
"I was supposed to marry you! Not *her*!" She pointed a shaking finger at Kagome. "I had completed my training and had came back to see you. Then I heard news that you were looking for your woman. I didn't want to believe it, I had to see it for myself. So its true then, huh? You forgot all about me."
A slow smile of realization spread across his face. "Ayame, its so great to see you! It's been so long, you grown so much." He frowned bemusedly. "I don't remember making you my woman."
She stamped her foot, creating a small crater. "This is her doing! The Kouga I know would never forget his promise!"
Kagome let out an exasperated breath. "Don't drag me into this!"
But Ayame was already up the cliff and standing in front of them. "Drag you? You're the problem!"
"Look here, I don't know what you're talking about."
The wolf tapped her foot impatiently. "I don't think your worthy of Kouga- sama. I, Ayame of the Southern Wolves, Challenges you, Kagome of the Humans, for Passage of Right."
Kagome blinked. She should have read more of the Book of Rituals because she didn't understand a thing she had said except her name. "Come again?"
Kouga clutched her to his chest. "She wants to fight you for me."
She scoffed. "I am not gonna fight anyone."
"I'm afraid you don't have a choice."
"What do you mean?"
He looked down at her with a pained expression. "If don't go along with the Challenge then I'd have to kill you. It's in the Decree of Demons and the Book of Rituals."
For a moment all the color drained from her cheeks. She had to fight a whole demon who looked like she wanted to kill her. Or she could refuse and just get killed. She sighed, deciding that if she were to die then it might as well be honorable. "Alright I do the challenge of the right for the passage thingy."
Ayame stood there, staring at her. After a while she let out an impatient breath. "Since I Challenged you then you get to pick the arena."
Kagome looked around stupidly. "Um.how about that clearing over there?" The other woman turned on her heel and stalked off in the direction she had suggested. She looked at Kouga who was still clutching her as if she would leave forever if he let go. "Can you let go?"
He closed his eyes and buried his nose in her hair. "I love you Kagome, I don't want you to die. If-if" He couldn't bring himself to say it. "If you lose, tell now if you love me. I want to hear you say it in case-in case that-"
She put her hand over his mouth and he opened his eyes. "First of all, I'm *not* going to die and second of all, you shouldn't worry so much."
"I know I should have more faith in you but Ayame wants to kill you. I can see it in her eyes."
"I can take care of myself." Slowly, hesitantly he let go of her. He kissed her forehead. Kagome gave him a quick hug before following after Ayame.
She stood there in the clearing, tapping her foot so hard that the rocks jumped. The other wolf youkais waiting around in the trees, trying to find a good spot to watch the fight. As soon as Kagome reached them, Ayame lunged viciously at her. She punched her in the stomach. She hunched over, eyes bulging from pain and spitting out blood. The wolf grabbed her hair and threw her through several trees, finally hitting a large rock with an audible slap. She punched her over and over in her stomach. Kagome's head fell to one side, coppery blood filling her mouth and leaking down her chin.
Getting bored with just punching, Ayame lifted her by her collar and threw her into the air. She jumped on top of the rock then up into the air. She kicked Kagome to the ground. Where she landed there was a little Kagome shaped crater. She pressed her foot on her head, knocking her face back into the dirt. "This should teach you to stay in your place, human."
The blood in her mouth was mixing with the dirt. The gritty soil got into her eyes, burning them. She turned to the side and spit out the bloody dirt. All of this was too much! She had never asked for any of this! And just when she thought she could get to see Inuyasha and the others *she* comes all. All attitude, like she'd been having a hard time! Kagome's growls, low at first, grew louder by the second. She felt her hanyou powers rushing back to her. Her now sliver tendrils wrapped around Ayame ankle, lifting her off her back. Slowly she stood and brushed the dirt off her.
Kagome looked at Ayame. "I am so tired of you. Which is a shame since I haven't known you long." Her hair wrapped around her other ankle and two wrists. "I didn't even want to do this." The tendrils yanked at the youkai's limbs pulling them out of their sockets. Then her hair dropped her in a tangled heap on the ground. The hair lashed at her, leaving cuts and welts. She cocked her head to the side and sighed while her hair attacked Ayame. "You know I don't like hurting people."
The wolf popped her limbs back in. "Save the sap for someone who cares." Her claws sliced through the hair that held her. She ran at Kagome with her fist raised. She punched her in the face, there was a faint cracking sound. Blood rushed out of the newly broken nose. Kagome growled in outrage and slashed at her face.
Ayame gasped. All of her veins were glowing silver and the color started draining from her face. Her features were contorted with pain. She fell to her knees clutching her wound. Then without warning, her eyes rolled into the back of her head and she fell forward Kagome rushed to her side and felt for a pulse. It was faint but there.
"Kagome! Kagome! Kagome!" They cheered.
Eyes filled with tears she looked up at them. "Someone help me, I think something is wrong!"
A worried hush fell over the onlookers. Kouga stepped forward. "Is she dead?"
"No, but we've got to take her to Kaede, she'll know what to do."
Gently, the prince lifted her into his arms. "I'll take her."
"I want to go, too."
He looked down at the girl in his arms and then her. "Do you think you can keep up? I'm not sure I want you to be carried there, I don't want anyone else's hands on you."
She rolled her eyes. "I'll keep up lets just hurry up and go."
He nodded and took off in the direction of the village with Kagome not far behind.
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Inuyasha faced the west with his arms crossed. Sango and Miroku glanced at each other, worried. He had been sitting in that tree since Kouga had left yesterday. He didn't sleep, eat, he just stared, growling. Like his brother would hear him and bring Kagome back. Sango shook her head for the thousandth time. "Him just sitting there can't be healthy."
Miroku nodded and sighed. "But what can we do? Every time we get near him he snarls."
"If Kouga doesn't get Kagome back soon, he's just going to waste away."
"I know, but he doesn't care."
Furtively, he slipped his arm around her shoulders and slowly pulled her closer. "That's Inuyasha for you."
"Yeah I know. When his mind is made up there is simply no talking to him." She sighed and shook her head again. Then she smacked him when his hand when father than it was supposed to, but he ducked as a reflex and lifted her by her waist and swung her around. She kicked and struggled. "Put me down!"
"Not until you kiss me."
"Wha-" But she was cut off when he slipped her down and covered her mouth with his. She let him kiss her, stunned. Then a deep blush settled over her cheeks and she kneed him in the balls. He fell to his knees in pain and groaned. "That's what you get you hentai!"
He rolled over and wheezed. "It was worth it." She huffed and stalked away back to the hut, still beet red.
Inuyasha continued to stare off into the distance. Kagome. What has he done to you? Are you okay? Do you even want to come back? His ears flattened at the thought. Why would she want to come back? He *was* always yelling at her. Calling her names. Not letting her go back to her own time. His shoulders slumped a little, losing hope.
Then he saw it, well them would be more correct. Kouga and Kagome. He jumped down from his perch and ran in their direction. He was shocked to see that not only was Kagome hanyou in the middle of the day but she was leaping from branch to branch as fast as Kouga could run. When he caught up to them, Kagome braced her hands on her knees, gasping for breath. "No..Time..Kaede...now.."Her hair turned black and she fell forward, passed out from exhaustion.
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Kaede rattled off orders. "Kouga, put a dagger on the fire. Shippo, get me some dried lavender. Sango bandages, Miroku water, Inuyasha bowl. Now!" They scurried away to do what she told them. "Good." She said when they finished. "Inuyasha, Kouga place Ayame and Kagome right over there." They gently placed them next to Kaede. Once the dagger turned a dull orange, Kouga handed it to her. The older woman eyed them. "In order to save Ayame, I have to make an antidote that's only in Kagome's blood. So I'll have to make some cuts and I don't want you get upset."
Kouga and Inuyasha growled. "CUT?!"
Her eyes snapped. "Yes cut. Unless you want Ayame to die I suggest you let me do it."
Inuyasha crossed his arms. "What do *I* care about her? I don't even know that girl." But his eyes flattened against his head and he looked away.
Kaede cut along the inside of Kagome's arm, her crimson blood welled up. She gathered it in a bowl with the dried lavender and mixed it together. Then she put the bowl over the fire and let it boil. She dipped the bandages in the water and dabbed Ayame's head. Her skin was now putting off a dull silver light and was getting alarmingly hot. Kaede took the bowl of the fire and waved air at it until it was cool. She made a cut identical to Kagome's on Ayame, then carefully poured the antidote into it.
Kouga frowned. "Why isn't anything happening? What's wrong?"
"It will take time for it to circulate, especially since she is immobile."
"What about Kagome?" Inuyasha asked.
"She suffers from only exhaustion. She'll be fine shortly. If you want to help, put a cool cloth on her head."
Inuyasha obeyed, still not liking that he was the only one that seemed concerned about Kagome. He thought she would be stuck with his bastard brother and now that she's not he would never let her out of his sight again.
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Youko opened his eyes and looked around. When he had first came here to meditate, the land was just a grassy field. But now it was lush, full of trees and flowers and shrubs. He meditated he sometimes caused things to grow. He must have been in serious thought to let all of this happen. He usually had more control. Kagome's kidnapping had affected him and he didn't quite know why. The only reason why he wanted to Court her was because she was beautiful and strong. If that was the only reason why her being gone pain him so much? He had come to this field to connect with himself but all he had was more questions.
He looked down at the rose he had given her. She had lost it when Sesshomaru took her. It was wilted slightly. Youko frowned in alarm and reached out again to see if he could feel her presence. Close, she was close. He closed his eyes and sifted the ground beneath his feet until he reached Kaede's hut. He burst in. "Where's Kagome?"
Inuyasha frowned at him. The fox rolled his eyes and shoved him out of the way. "Move aside dog, I *know* what I'm doing." He placed the rose over her heart.
He rolled his eyes. "Wow. That's sure gonna hel-"
"Youko?" Kagome's eyes slowly opened.
"Yes, I'm here. You are okay?"
"Of course she's fine." Kouga said a-matter-of-factly.
The fox turned his cool glare on him. "I don't believe that question was directed towards you. Worry about your girl and let be worry about mine."
Inuyasha and Kouga both growled at this. "She is NOT yours!"
"She will be soon when she realizes how incompetent you two are. You are not worthy of someone like her."
Kagome would have been touched if it were a different situation. Now she just found it annoying. "I'm not anyone's, thank you very much."
Inuyasha snorted. "I just don't want her running off with one of you before we find all the jewel shards."
"Is that all I'm good for?" She hissed.
"Yeah, duh."
Her eyes narrowed until they were dangerous slits. "Si-"
He clamped his palm over her mouth. "Not so fast, forget about our little agreement?"
She frowned before the realization dawned on her face. 'Sorry Inuyasha, it for your own good, I promise I won't sit you for a month.' Kagome glared at him, angry at herself. Why the hell did she promise that? What the fuck was she thinking? A slow smile played across her face as she though of how do get him back with out hurting him. Ah, sweet sweet revenge. "You know, I am kinda bored with this life. Maybe a need a change. Youko, perhaps. Hm?" She turned her glittering eyes to him. "*He* could probably make my life more exciting and adventurous."
Inuyasha sputtered. "Exciting? Adventurous? What the fuck do you call what we do everyday? How could he make your life better? Teaching you to pick pockets?"
Kagome's smile widen as she gazed into Youko's eyes and rubbed the base of his ear. He closed his eyes and leaned toward her hand. "Hm. He has such handsome ears, so much more softer than Inuyasha's. And you're so brave, strong, wise, cunning-"
A growl erupted from his throat. She used to rub *his* ears! "You can shut up now."
"But why would you care if just I just talked about how great Youko is? Hm?"
"He's nothing but a second rate pick pocket."
"Well that's just *your* opinion."
Inuyasha's growls grew louder as he watched Kagome pet Youko. She was right, why did he care?
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Rin ambled along the forest trail. She wondered how long a walk it was to Kagome's village. She hoped it was not long because she was growing hungry, thirsty, and tired. She sighed gratefully when she happened to come across a clearing with a river. Cupping her fingers together, she drank the clear cool water. When she was done she wiped her mouth with her sleeve and looked around. She just noticed a boy farther down the river.
"Um, hello?"
He looked up at her with pleasant chocolate eyes. "Oh hello there, I didn't notice you there. I'm name is Kohaku."
"I'm Rin. Do you live around here?"
"Actually I'm heading toward a village in the east."
"Wow, that's where I'm going."
"We can travel together. I would appreciate the company and I have plenty of food."
"That sounds like a great idea." She got up and followed him out of the clearing.
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Shippou eyed the area alertly. He was supposed to be guarding the hut to make sure that no one barged in or any demons were coming.
"Shoo, out all of you!" Kaede shoved Inuyasha, Kouga, and Youko out of the time. "Ye are making too much noise. Wait outside, I'll make sure nothing happens."
Shippou looked up at Inuyasha with hopeful eyes. "How is Kagome?"
"She's fine." He ground out.
"Geez you don't have to be so mean about it. I'm just concerned is all."
"Just do you job, look around for shit and shut the fuck up."
The kitsune quieted, wondering what was wrong with him.
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Kagome swallowed the stew, keeping her eyes locked on the wall. She knew Ayame was glaring at her and she was trying hard not to look back at her. If she wanted to hate her that was her problem. She was not gonna let her bother her. Then the wolf started growling, making her eye twitch in annoyance. Finally she had to say it. "Will to stop that?!"
"You don't have the right to tell me what to do."
"Wha-"
"You stole him from me. We were supposed to be together after I got back. It was going to be so perfect, but you came along in ruined it. I *hate* you." She spat out venomously.
"I didn't mean to do anything to you. I'm so-"
"Save it." Ayame turned from her to stare out the window, tears welling up in her eyes.
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Rin hummed and skipped along beside her new friend, Kohaku. He was from a small village with an older sister that he loved very much. He had gotten lost and was now trying to find his way back home. He asked about her. She told him about how her village was attacked and about her mother dying. How her hero Sesshomaru saved her and took care of her. Then Kagome came and played games with her. Then a bad man took her away. "Now I'm looking for my friend Kagome." She finished, then frowned at the look on his face. "What's wrong?"
"Shh! I hear something." Kohaku picked up a large heavy branched and looked around wearily. Bandits jumped out of the bushes. He pushed her into a hole under a root. "Stay there until it's safe. Rin heard a lot of cursing, shouting, and a snapping sound that sounded suspiciously like bones breaking. Fear started to well up inside her for her newfound friend. After what seemed like years it was silent, slowly she poked her head out to look around. Kohaku limped over to her. "Rin, I have to leave. I don't know why but those men were after me, you could have been in danger. You have to travel without me, I don't want you to get hurt."
"No Ko-"
He shook his head and grinned sadly. "Yes, it'll be better that way. Take the trail and you'll find the village. Maybe see each other there." He started to walk way.
Rin scrambled out of the hole to stop him, but her foot caught on a root and she tripped. "Kohaku, don't leave!" She cried. But he kept walking until he was out of her sight. Would she ever see him again?
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Kagome shifted, not so comfortable with the silence. It had been deadly silent for a while and the fact that the person who was next to her hated her made the time seem longer. It was evening now, all traces of the sunset was gone. Slowly, she could feel strength trickling back to her. But this time the power felt stronger, more natural. Then she remembered she had some reading she could be doing.
She went through her stuff until she found the Book of Rituals. She read the book from cover to cover. This is what Kagome found out:
Demons mate for life and can only have offspring when they choose to. When a female turns 16, she starts looking for a mate. Females search for the strongest, smartest, handsomest male so that their offspring will be perfect. If the male is interested in a female, he will Challenge her. If she is strong, he will introduce himself. If she is interested she will in turn introduce herself also. The male will be her Suitor for a year, his Symbol will be on her most used arm so that the others will know he is Courting her. A female may have more than one Suitor, thought it is highly unlikely. If that is so then the Symbols will be in order of preference. The Suitors are known to be hostile towards each other, some have even physically injured one another. At anytime during the Courting, if the female is positive she doesn't like the male she will verbally reject him. If she is not sure then she will have no voice to do it.
During the Decision Period, a female can have multiple Suitors but a male cannot. If another female wants the male to Court her she will Challenge the female. They will decide Right by combat. If the female who is Challenged does not accept, the male will declare her unworthy and kill her. The female who is Challenged gets to choose the arena. There must be at least 10 witnesses present. If the Challenger wins the other female may Challenge her later on. If the other female wins there will be no more Challenges. Only if the female rejects the Suitor will the other female be able to have him.
A male's job is to impress the female. He will do anything in his power to get her to accept him. Usually he will give her gifts and grow stronger to show that their offspring will be strong. He will be able to sense the direction of her location when she is far away. At the end of the Decision Period, if she does not want him he cannot Court her again. If she is indecisive, he can try another year. If she picks him, he will Mark her back between her shoulder blades. The Marking is painful for the male and the female, but it is necessary to bind them. When they are marked, they will carry each other's scents. It is strongest around the neck. When a male and female are bound they will be able to sense the exact location of each other. They will develop a deep protectiveness. If their mate dies before the other, they will never have another. Some of the most devoted mates will kill themselves because of their deep sense of loss.
Kagome closed the book, satisfied that she knew everything that she needed to know. She looked down at her hands, surprised to see they had claws. Had she been so engrossed in the book she hadn't notice the transformation? Gingerly, she touched her nose to find that it was no longer broken. She glanced over at the still seething Ayame before deciding to leave the hut. She pushed back the cloth covering the doorway and breathed in the fresh air.
Then she was immediately knocked down when Shippou jumped at her. "I was so worried! Are you okay?"
She ruffled his hair affectionately. "Yeah, I'm all better."
Inuyasha pried the kitsune from her. "Kagome, we need to talk."
She eyed him suspiciously. "About what?"
"You'll find out when we get there."
"Where?"
He grabbed her and hoisted her onto his back and leaped off into the forest. He stopped at a small pond far away from the village. "Here."
She rolled her eyes and slid off his back. "What do you want to talk about?"
"That pick pocket."
"What about him?"
"I don't want you getting so close to him."
"Why?"
"Because we need those shards, and I don't want you to feel bad when we take them. I've been doing the math, we have ¼ of the jewel. Naraku has half and if you add up Youko's and Kouga's shards they have ¼ also. If we get their shards all we have to do is get Naraku's."
Kagome growled and her eyes turned amber. She crossed her arms and turned away from him. "All you care about is that jewel! Maybe I should have stayed with Sesshomaru, at least he didn't give a fuck about the damn shards!"
"Do you mean that?" He asked quietly.
Slowly she turned around. Kagome's eyes went blank before blazing white. Her feet lifted about four feet off the ground. "INUYASHA."
He resisted the urge to cover his ears. That was not the voice of the Kagome he knew. This voice was so beautiful that it was terrible, obviously not meant for mortal ears. "Who are you?"
"I AM PUNJIA FIRST OF THE ORDER OF THE DEMONS, WIFE OF VANILIY, MOTHER OF ALL. I HAVE COME OF THE UTMOST IMPORTANCE. KAGOME IS MORE VALUBLE THAN SHE COULD IMAGINE, WHICH PUTS HER AT GREAT RISK. NOT ONLY THAT BUT SHE IS DYING."
Flamez: *Gasp* What?! Now that was unexpected. Looks like evil cliffies are starting to be my trademark. If you want more REVIEW!
ALSO---I do take in account peoples requests when thinking about the ending of this story. There has been so many times I've made up mind then was swayed again. So who knows what I'll do, hell I don't even know! So when I say I'm not telling what's gonna happen I'm just BS I haven't even thought of an ending yet. But I think a have a pretty good idea that will make a lot of people happy..
Chapter 7 Prior engagements, subsequent enemies, and transitory friends
Sesshomaru looked between the girl he promised to protect and the child he had just started to know. What to do? His stubbornness screamed at him not to hand Kagome over. But what of Rin? Rin was so young and had all of her life ahead of her. She already died once, did he want to see her dead again? She always looked up to him, called him her hero.
Kagome. It was his fault that she was dragged into this in the first place. If he had never brought her here this would never have happened. Did he really want to hand her over to that wolf? Who knows what he would do to her. Did she want to go with him? He peered down at her face, his tail tightening on her waist. Her face was pale, she was looking worriedly at Rin.
He thought he would be keeping Kagome safe by bringing her here. But in turn he put Rin in danger. None of this was fair to her. She was so young and innocent. He wanted to shout in frustration. It shouldn't be so damn hard to choose! She was looking at him now, with wide helpless eyes. Her eyes shifted to Kagome, afraid for her safety. Then she turned her chocolate eyes to Sesshomaru, smiling apologetically. Sorry? Why was she sorry?
Rin lifted her foot and kicked Kouga in the balls. A trick he had taught her himself to use on Jaken when he refused to play with her. "Run Kagome!"
"Rin no!" Kagome shouted. The wolf that held her growled and brought a claw swiftly towards her face.
Sesshomaru roared in anger, instinctively his tail gripped Kagome even tighter before springing forward. He brought his claws down, plunging his hand through the wolf's stomach. He grabbed Rin and threw her off the roof. She screamed as she plummeted down, until she landed on Kagome's soft bed. She wiped the sweat off her forehead, sighing in relief. She had forgotten about the spells under Kagome's balcony. She rolled off and ran out onto the balcony and look up.
Sesshomaru turned to Kouga. "Die bastard!"
The wolf smirked and slashed his claws through his tail. He howled in agony and fell to his knees as his blood sprayed in all directions. Kouga grabbed Kagome and made a move to leap of the roof. Sesshomaru dug his claws into his calf making him sprawl forward. Kagome wiggled out from under the prince and kicked the lord in the face until he let go.
She dragged Kouga up to his feet. "Let's go!"
He put one arm around her shoulders and one under her knees and leaped off the balcony. Sesshomaru readied himself to follow when an avalanche of wolves piled on top of him. He impaled a few with his claws, the rest of them wised up and fled.
Sesshomaru snarled loudly. Not only had some of the wolves escaped and one of them managed to cut off his tail. The pain was excruciating, the worst he had ever felt in his whole life. Including when Inuyasha cut off his arm. His eyes turned red and he was starting to froth at the mouth. He was going to kill the guy who did this to him! He sniffed at the air but couldn't catch his scent. Furious, he punched through the roof.
Rin looked at him and backed up. What was wrong with Sesshy-sama? Where did that bad man take Kagome? Maybe he was upset that Kagome was gone. She knew how he felt, she wanted her back, too. Maybe she could get her back and make everyone happy. She always wanted to repay her hero. Silently she slipped away.
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Kagome glared up at Kouga heatedly. How could he? She thought that Kouga was sweet and caring. But this side of him, child threatening side, she did NOT like. In fact the only reason why she went with him was because she was angrier at Sesshomaru. Now she was starting to think otherwise. Rin was like a sister to her. She wondered briefly about Sesshomaru, he looked pretty hurt when they left..
Kouga glanced down at her, not breaking his stride. "What?"
"Nothing." She spat angrily.
"Really, you can tell me."
After a moment she said. "Were you really going to kill her?"
"No, I don't kill children." He replied indignantly.
"Then why did you do that?"
"Because I knew that he was stronger that me. I needed a split second of his hesitation so I could grab you." He stopped at the edge of a short cliff. Kagome looked around, wondering what was going on. "My brothers, I have found my woman." He held her up so that everyone waiting below could see. She frowned down at him.
There was a strangled outraged cry. Someone pushed through the crowd until they were in the front. "See that you forgot all about me!" Ayame glared up at Kouga. "What's wrong, forgot all about me, didn't you?"
He cocked his head to the side. "Wait I remember. I think.." He muttered the last part.
"I was supposed to marry you! Not *her*!" She pointed a shaking finger at Kagome. "I had completed my training and had came back to see you. Then I heard news that you were looking for your woman. I didn't want to believe it, I had to see it for myself. So its true then, huh? You forgot all about me."
A slow smile of realization spread across his face. "Ayame, its so great to see you! It's been so long, you grown so much." He frowned bemusedly. "I don't remember making you my woman."
She stamped her foot, creating a small crater. "This is her doing! The Kouga I know would never forget his promise!"
Kagome let out an exasperated breath. "Don't drag me into this!"
But Ayame was already up the cliff and standing in front of them. "Drag you? You're the problem!"
"Look here, I don't know what you're talking about."
The wolf tapped her foot impatiently. "I don't think your worthy of Kouga- sama. I, Ayame of the Southern Wolves, Challenges you, Kagome of the Humans, for Passage of Right."
Kagome blinked. She should have read more of the Book of Rituals because she didn't understand a thing she had said except her name. "Come again?"
Kouga clutched her to his chest. "She wants to fight you for me."
She scoffed. "I am not gonna fight anyone."
"I'm afraid you don't have a choice."
"What do you mean?"
He looked down at her with a pained expression. "If don't go along with the Challenge then I'd have to kill you. It's in the Decree of Demons and the Book of Rituals."
For a moment all the color drained from her cheeks. She had to fight a whole demon who looked like she wanted to kill her. Or she could refuse and just get killed. She sighed, deciding that if she were to die then it might as well be honorable. "Alright I do the challenge of the right for the passage thingy."
Ayame stood there, staring at her. After a while she let out an impatient breath. "Since I Challenged you then you get to pick the arena."
Kagome looked around stupidly. "Um.how about that clearing over there?" The other woman turned on her heel and stalked off in the direction she had suggested. She looked at Kouga who was still clutching her as if she would leave forever if he let go. "Can you let go?"
He closed his eyes and buried his nose in her hair. "I love you Kagome, I don't want you to die. If-if" He couldn't bring himself to say it. "If you lose, tell now if you love me. I want to hear you say it in case-in case that-"
She put her hand over his mouth and he opened his eyes. "First of all, I'm *not* going to die and second of all, you shouldn't worry so much."
"I know I should have more faith in you but Ayame wants to kill you. I can see it in her eyes."
"I can take care of myself." Slowly, hesitantly he let go of her. He kissed her forehead. Kagome gave him a quick hug before following after Ayame.
She stood there in the clearing, tapping her foot so hard that the rocks jumped. The other wolf youkais waiting around in the trees, trying to find a good spot to watch the fight. As soon as Kagome reached them, Ayame lunged viciously at her. She punched her in the stomach. She hunched over, eyes bulging from pain and spitting out blood. The wolf grabbed her hair and threw her through several trees, finally hitting a large rock with an audible slap. She punched her over and over in her stomach. Kagome's head fell to one side, coppery blood filling her mouth and leaking down her chin.
Getting bored with just punching, Ayame lifted her by her collar and threw her into the air. She jumped on top of the rock then up into the air. She kicked Kagome to the ground. Where she landed there was a little Kagome shaped crater. She pressed her foot on her head, knocking her face back into the dirt. "This should teach you to stay in your place, human."
The blood in her mouth was mixing with the dirt. The gritty soil got into her eyes, burning them. She turned to the side and spit out the bloody dirt. All of this was too much! She had never asked for any of this! And just when she thought she could get to see Inuyasha and the others *she* comes all. All attitude, like she'd been having a hard time! Kagome's growls, low at first, grew louder by the second. She felt her hanyou powers rushing back to her. Her now sliver tendrils wrapped around Ayame ankle, lifting her off her back. Slowly she stood and brushed the dirt off her.
Kagome looked at Ayame. "I am so tired of you. Which is a shame since I haven't known you long." Her hair wrapped around her other ankle and two wrists. "I didn't even want to do this." The tendrils yanked at the youkai's limbs pulling them out of their sockets. Then her hair dropped her in a tangled heap on the ground. The hair lashed at her, leaving cuts and welts. She cocked her head to the side and sighed while her hair attacked Ayame. "You know I don't like hurting people."
The wolf popped her limbs back in. "Save the sap for someone who cares." Her claws sliced through the hair that held her. She ran at Kagome with her fist raised. She punched her in the face, there was a faint cracking sound. Blood rushed out of the newly broken nose. Kagome growled in outrage and slashed at her face.
Ayame gasped. All of her veins were glowing silver and the color started draining from her face. Her features were contorted with pain. She fell to her knees clutching her wound. Then without warning, her eyes rolled into the back of her head and she fell forward Kagome rushed to her side and felt for a pulse. It was faint but there.
"Kagome! Kagome! Kagome!" They cheered.
Eyes filled with tears she looked up at them. "Someone help me, I think something is wrong!"
A worried hush fell over the onlookers. Kouga stepped forward. "Is she dead?"
"No, but we've got to take her to Kaede, she'll know what to do."
Gently, the prince lifted her into his arms. "I'll take her."
"I want to go, too."
He looked down at the girl in his arms and then her. "Do you think you can keep up? I'm not sure I want you to be carried there, I don't want anyone else's hands on you."
She rolled her eyes. "I'll keep up lets just hurry up and go."
He nodded and took off in the direction of the village with Kagome not far behind.
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Inuyasha faced the west with his arms crossed. Sango and Miroku glanced at each other, worried. He had been sitting in that tree since Kouga had left yesterday. He didn't sleep, eat, he just stared, growling. Like his brother would hear him and bring Kagome back. Sango shook her head for the thousandth time. "Him just sitting there can't be healthy."
Miroku nodded and sighed. "But what can we do? Every time we get near him he snarls."
"If Kouga doesn't get Kagome back soon, he's just going to waste away."
"I know, but he doesn't care."
Furtively, he slipped his arm around her shoulders and slowly pulled her closer. "That's Inuyasha for you."
"Yeah I know. When his mind is made up there is simply no talking to him." She sighed and shook her head again. Then she smacked him when his hand when father than it was supposed to, but he ducked as a reflex and lifted her by her waist and swung her around. She kicked and struggled. "Put me down!"
"Not until you kiss me."
"Wha-" But she was cut off when he slipped her down and covered her mouth with his. She let him kiss her, stunned. Then a deep blush settled over her cheeks and she kneed him in the balls. He fell to his knees in pain and groaned. "That's what you get you hentai!"
He rolled over and wheezed. "It was worth it." She huffed and stalked away back to the hut, still beet red.
Inuyasha continued to stare off into the distance. Kagome. What has he done to you? Are you okay? Do you even want to come back? His ears flattened at the thought. Why would she want to come back? He *was* always yelling at her. Calling her names. Not letting her go back to her own time. His shoulders slumped a little, losing hope.
Then he saw it, well them would be more correct. Kouga and Kagome. He jumped down from his perch and ran in their direction. He was shocked to see that not only was Kagome hanyou in the middle of the day but she was leaping from branch to branch as fast as Kouga could run. When he caught up to them, Kagome braced her hands on her knees, gasping for breath. "No..Time..Kaede...now.."Her hair turned black and she fell forward, passed out from exhaustion.
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Kaede rattled off orders. "Kouga, put a dagger on the fire. Shippo, get me some dried lavender. Sango bandages, Miroku water, Inuyasha bowl. Now!" They scurried away to do what she told them. "Good." She said when they finished. "Inuyasha, Kouga place Ayame and Kagome right over there." They gently placed them next to Kaede. Once the dagger turned a dull orange, Kouga handed it to her. The older woman eyed them. "In order to save Ayame, I have to make an antidote that's only in Kagome's blood. So I'll have to make some cuts and I don't want you get upset."
Kouga and Inuyasha growled. "CUT?!"
Her eyes snapped. "Yes cut. Unless you want Ayame to die I suggest you let me do it."
Inuyasha crossed his arms. "What do *I* care about her? I don't even know that girl." But his eyes flattened against his head and he looked away.
Kaede cut along the inside of Kagome's arm, her crimson blood welled up. She gathered it in a bowl with the dried lavender and mixed it together. Then she put the bowl over the fire and let it boil. She dipped the bandages in the water and dabbed Ayame's head. Her skin was now putting off a dull silver light and was getting alarmingly hot. Kaede took the bowl of the fire and waved air at it until it was cool. She made a cut identical to Kagome's on Ayame, then carefully poured the antidote into it.
Kouga frowned. "Why isn't anything happening? What's wrong?"
"It will take time for it to circulate, especially since she is immobile."
"What about Kagome?" Inuyasha asked.
"She suffers from only exhaustion. She'll be fine shortly. If you want to help, put a cool cloth on her head."
Inuyasha obeyed, still not liking that he was the only one that seemed concerned about Kagome. He thought she would be stuck with his bastard brother and now that she's not he would never let her out of his sight again.
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Youko opened his eyes and looked around. When he had first came here to meditate, the land was just a grassy field. But now it was lush, full of trees and flowers and shrubs. He meditated he sometimes caused things to grow. He must have been in serious thought to let all of this happen. He usually had more control. Kagome's kidnapping had affected him and he didn't quite know why. The only reason why he wanted to Court her was because she was beautiful and strong. If that was the only reason why her being gone pain him so much? He had come to this field to connect with himself but all he had was more questions.
He looked down at the rose he had given her. She had lost it when Sesshomaru took her. It was wilted slightly. Youko frowned in alarm and reached out again to see if he could feel her presence. Close, she was close. He closed his eyes and sifted the ground beneath his feet until he reached Kaede's hut. He burst in. "Where's Kagome?"
Inuyasha frowned at him. The fox rolled his eyes and shoved him out of the way. "Move aside dog, I *know* what I'm doing." He placed the rose over her heart.
He rolled his eyes. "Wow. That's sure gonna hel-"
"Youko?" Kagome's eyes slowly opened.
"Yes, I'm here. You are okay?"
"Of course she's fine." Kouga said a-matter-of-factly.
The fox turned his cool glare on him. "I don't believe that question was directed towards you. Worry about your girl and let be worry about mine."
Inuyasha and Kouga both growled at this. "She is NOT yours!"
"She will be soon when she realizes how incompetent you two are. You are not worthy of someone like her."
Kagome would have been touched if it were a different situation. Now she just found it annoying. "I'm not anyone's, thank you very much."
Inuyasha snorted. "I just don't want her running off with one of you before we find all the jewel shards."
"Is that all I'm good for?" She hissed.
"Yeah, duh."
Her eyes narrowed until they were dangerous slits. "Si-"
He clamped his palm over her mouth. "Not so fast, forget about our little agreement?"
She frowned before the realization dawned on her face. 'Sorry Inuyasha, it for your own good, I promise I won't sit you for a month.' Kagome glared at him, angry at herself. Why the hell did she promise that? What the fuck was she thinking? A slow smile played across her face as she though of how do get him back with out hurting him. Ah, sweet sweet revenge. "You know, I am kinda bored with this life. Maybe a need a change. Youko, perhaps. Hm?" She turned her glittering eyes to him. "*He* could probably make my life more exciting and adventurous."
Inuyasha sputtered. "Exciting? Adventurous? What the fuck do you call what we do everyday? How could he make your life better? Teaching you to pick pockets?"
Kagome's smile widen as she gazed into Youko's eyes and rubbed the base of his ear. He closed his eyes and leaned toward her hand. "Hm. He has such handsome ears, so much more softer than Inuyasha's. And you're so brave, strong, wise, cunning-"
A growl erupted from his throat. She used to rub *his* ears! "You can shut up now."
"But why would you care if just I just talked about how great Youko is? Hm?"
"He's nothing but a second rate pick pocket."
"Well that's just *your* opinion."
Inuyasha's growls grew louder as he watched Kagome pet Youko. She was right, why did he care?
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Rin ambled along the forest trail. She wondered how long a walk it was to Kagome's village. She hoped it was not long because she was growing hungry, thirsty, and tired. She sighed gratefully when she happened to come across a clearing with a river. Cupping her fingers together, she drank the clear cool water. When she was done she wiped her mouth with her sleeve and looked around. She just noticed a boy farther down the river.
"Um, hello?"
He looked up at her with pleasant chocolate eyes. "Oh hello there, I didn't notice you there. I'm name is Kohaku."
"I'm Rin. Do you live around here?"
"Actually I'm heading toward a village in the east."
"Wow, that's where I'm going."
"We can travel together. I would appreciate the company and I have plenty of food."
"That sounds like a great idea." She got up and followed him out of the clearing.
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Shippou eyed the area alertly. He was supposed to be guarding the hut to make sure that no one barged in or any demons were coming.
"Shoo, out all of you!" Kaede shoved Inuyasha, Kouga, and Youko out of the time. "Ye are making too much noise. Wait outside, I'll make sure nothing happens."
Shippou looked up at Inuyasha with hopeful eyes. "How is Kagome?"
"She's fine." He ground out.
"Geez you don't have to be so mean about it. I'm just concerned is all."
"Just do you job, look around for shit and shut the fuck up."
The kitsune quieted, wondering what was wrong with him.
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Kagome swallowed the stew, keeping her eyes locked on the wall. She knew Ayame was glaring at her and she was trying hard not to look back at her. If she wanted to hate her that was her problem. She was not gonna let her bother her. Then the wolf started growling, making her eye twitch in annoyance. Finally she had to say it. "Will to stop that?!"
"You don't have the right to tell me what to do."
"Wha-"
"You stole him from me. We were supposed to be together after I got back. It was going to be so perfect, but you came along in ruined it. I *hate* you." She spat out venomously.
"I didn't mean to do anything to you. I'm so-"
"Save it." Ayame turned from her to stare out the window, tears welling up in her eyes.
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Rin hummed and skipped along beside her new friend, Kohaku. He was from a small village with an older sister that he loved very much. He had gotten lost and was now trying to find his way back home. He asked about her. She told him about how her village was attacked and about her mother dying. How her hero Sesshomaru saved her and took care of her. Then Kagome came and played games with her. Then a bad man took her away. "Now I'm looking for my friend Kagome." She finished, then frowned at the look on his face. "What's wrong?"
"Shh! I hear something." Kohaku picked up a large heavy branched and looked around wearily. Bandits jumped out of the bushes. He pushed her into a hole under a root. "Stay there until it's safe. Rin heard a lot of cursing, shouting, and a snapping sound that sounded suspiciously like bones breaking. Fear started to well up inside her for her newfound friend. After what seemed like years it was silent, slowly she poked her head out to look around. Kohaku limped over to her. "Rin, I have to leave. I don't know why but those men were after me, you could have been in danger. You have to travel without me, I don't want you to get hurt."
"No Ko-"
He shook his head and grinned sadly. "Yes, it'll be better that way. Take the trail and you'll find the village. Maybe see each other there." He started to walk way.
Rin scrambled out of the hole to stop him, but her foot caught on a root and she tripped. "Kohaku, don't leave!" She cried. But he kept walking until he was out of her sight. Would she ever see him again?
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Kagome shifted, not so comfortable with the silence. It had been deadly silent for a while and the fact that the person who was next to her hated her made the time seem longer. It was evening now, all traces of the sunset was gone. Slowly, she could feel strength trickling back to her. But this time the power felt stronger, more natural. Then she remembered she had some reading she could be doing.
She went through her stuff until she found the Book of Rituals. She read the book from cover to cover. This is what Kagome found out:
Demons mate for life and can only have offspring when they choose to. When a female turns 16, she starts looking for a mate. Females search for the strongest, smartest, handsomest male so that their offspring will be perfect. If the male is interested in a female, he will Challenge her. If she is strong, he will introduce himself. If she is interested she will in turn introduce herself also. The male will be her Suitor for a year, his Symbol will be on her most used arm so that the others will know he is Courting her. A female may have more than one Suitor, thought it is highly unlikely. If that is so then the Symbols will be in order of preference. The Suitors are known to be hostile towards each other, some have even physically injured one another. At anytime during the Courting, if the female is positive she doesn't like the male she will verbally reject him. If she is not sure then she will have no voice to do it.
During the Decision Period, a female can have multiple Suitors but a male cannot. If another female wants the male to Court her she will Challenge the female. They will decide Right by combat. If the female who is Challenged does not accept, the male will declare her unworthy and kill her. The female who is Challenged gets to choose the arena. There must be at least 10 witnesses present. If the Challenger wins the other female may Challenge her later on. If the other female wins there will be no more Challenges. Only if the female rejects the Suitor will the other female be able to have him.
A male's job is to impress the female. He will do anything in his power to get her to accept him. Usually he will give her gifts and grow stronger to show that their offspring will be strong. He will be able to sense the direction of her location when she is far away. At the end of the Decision Period, if she does not want him he cannot Court her again. If she is indecisive, he can try another year. If she picks him, he will Mark her back between her shoulder blades. The Marking is painful for the male and the female, but it is necessary to bind them. When they are marked, they will carry each other's scents. It is strongest around the neck. When a male and female are bound they will be able to sense the exact location of each other. They will develop a deep protectiveness. If their mate dies before the other, they will never have another. Some of the most devoted mates will kill themselves because of their deep sense of loss.
Kagome closed the book, satisfied that she knew everything that she needed to know. She looked down at her hands, surprised to see they had claws. Had she been so engrossed in the book she hadn't notice the transformation? Gingerly, she touched her nose to find that it was no longer broken. She glanced over at the still seething Ayame before deciding to leave the hut. She pushed back the cloth covering the doorway and breathed in the fresh air.
Then she was immediately knocked down when Shippou jumped at her. "I was so worried! Are you okay?"
She ruffled his hair affectionately. "Yeah, I'm all better."
Inuyasha pried the kitsune from her. "Kagome, we need to talk."
She eyed him suspiciously. "About what?"
"You'll find out when we get there."
"Where?"
He grabbed her and hoisted her onto his back and leaped off into the forest. He stopped at a small pond far away from the village. "Here."
She rolled her eyes and slid off his back. "What do you want to talk about?"
"That pick pocket."
"What about him?"
"I don't want you getting so close to him."
"Why?"
"Because we need those shards, and I don't want you to feel bad when we take them. I've been doing the math, we have ¼ of the jewel. Naraku has half and if you add up Youko's and Kouga's shards they have ¼ also. If we get their shards all we have to do is get Naraku's."
Kagome growled and her eyes turned amber. She crossed her arms and turned away from him. "All you care about is that jewel! Maybe I should have stayed with Sesshomaru, at least he didn't give a fuck about the damn shards!"
"Do you mean that?" He asked quietly.
Slowly she turned around. Kagome's eyes went blank before blazing white. Her feet lifted about four feet off the ground. "INUYASHA."
He resisted the urge to cover his ears. That was not the voice of the Kagome he knew. This voice was so beautiful that it was terrible, obviously not meant for mortal ears. "Who are you?"
"I AM PUNJIA FIRST OF THE ORDER OF THE DEMONS, WIFE OF VANILIY, MOTHER OF ALL. I HAVE COME OF THE UTMOST IMPORTANCE. KAGOME IS MORE VALUBLE THAN SHE COULD IMAGINE, WHICH PUTS HER AT GREAT RISK. NOT ONLY THAT BUT SHE IS DYING."
Flamez: *Gasp* What?! Now that was unexpected. Looks like evil cliffies are starting to be my trademark. If you want more REVIEW!
