~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Author's Notes: Hey, I actually got this out in a reasonable amount of time, don't you think? My life is kind of settling down again after the wave of craziness that swept through, and I'm now able to get back to my usual routine of sleeping, eating, swimming, singing, homework, and writing my stories. But who knows how long the peace will last, so I'm going to try and get as much written as I can! I think this is kind of another filler guys, sorry, but I promise we're getting to the good stuff, so just trust me! After all, if I had a dollar for every filler in the anime series, I'd be rich by now! Not really, but you get the point. Fillers are important, and also are fun to write (grins mischievously).
Anyway, in this chapter the gang returns to the past once more, and are reunited with some old friends, which I think will please a lot of you, since you've inquired about his whereabouts ever since I started this third story. I promised I wouldn't let you down, didn't I? Toward the end the ball starts rolling again, so it should start to satisfy all of you who crave action.
I'll stop jabbering now and let you all get on with the chapter. I hope you enjoy, and thanks again for all your wonderful reviews, you have no idea how much they mean to me. Enjoy!
Unknown: yes, this is an Inuyasha/Kagome story. I'll try to write in some more fluff, but not too much, the audience doesn't need to be getting cavities. Thanks for the review!
April-chan: I would be happy to read your story, just know that I might not get to it right away, I barely have enough time to write my own stories at the moment. Thanks for the review!
FrameofMind: I do tend to mix up 'then' and 'than' a lot, it's the one thing my teachers always note on my essays, too. You'd think by now I'd know the difference, and I do, but I still forget in my writing. Sorry, and feel free to point it out if it gets to be a huge problem. Thanks for reviewing, as always!
PixieDust99: I am seventeen years old.
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Title: Soldiers in a Timeless Battle
Author: dolphingirl0113
Chapter: Ten
Rating: PG-13 (for language and, at times, sexual implications)
Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha.
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The day was calm and peaceful at the shrine, with the sound of birds floating through the air. A chilling breeze rustled the trees, reminding everyone outside that they should be wearing jackets fit for autumn weather, but that was the last thing on anyone's mind at that moment since they were all more concerned with preventing Kagome and Inuyasha from killing each other.
"No! Absolutely not!"
"Inuyasha, don't be stupid, I have to go back with you!"
"And let him capture you again? I think not!"
"You need my help, and you know it! Besides, you said yourself he doesn't want me dead, so at least we know he won't hurt me."
Inuyasha was like a mad dog, literally, pacing back and forth in front of the well house, his hair flying in the wind, his eyes fuming, his hands clenched at his sides in fists. Everyone except Kagome could tell that he was a bomb ready to explode at any moment, and took a few steps back.
"He nearly got you killed last time! And he did kill our baby! So what do you mean, he won't hurt you?"
Kagome sighed, her own temper something to be feared. "He didn't intentionally hurt me, Inuyasha, that was my fault for stepping in the way of the attack."
"Why are you making excuses for him? The man is evil, Kagome, plain and simple."
"I'm not making excuses for him! I know very well what he is!"
Inuyasha smirked that annoying smirk of his that could enrage anyone, but especially an already peeved Kagome. Unfortunately, he was oblivious to that little problem.
"Keh, you could have fooled me. You defend him like you defended Kouga after he kidnapped you. If I didn't know any better, I'd say you liked this Sukiono bastard!"
Everything went silent, and it was like the wind was whispering Inuyasha's fate in his ear, because he instantly paled, realizing what he had said. He glanced at his wife and tried to give her his best pathetic smile, showing how sorry he was without actually saying it, but she wasn't even looking.
Staring at the ground, her fists clenched, Kagome took in several deep breaths to prevent anything from escaping her lips that she would regret a few seconds later. But that didn't stop her from doing what she did next.
"Inuyasha, sit."
She didn't even wait to watch him make a new crater in the cement, instead turning around and heading in to the well, Nancy and Sesshoumaru at her side, Sango close behind. Only Miroku stayed behind to observe the scene the poor hanyou had gotten himself into.
"I never thought she would have to sit you in order to return to the past," the monk stated with a chuckle, hearing something inaudible come from the face in the ground.
"Damn," Inuyasha finally muttered a few seconds later as he sat up. "It's been so long since she's done that."
Miroku was shaking his head. "As much as I hate seeing you two fight like that, in this case I have to say you deserve it, my friend."
"Keh, nobody asked you."
"I know, but then if I actually waited for someone to ask, I'd never get to say what I want to."
Inuyasha just rolled his eyes as they walked into the well house, the pink light from within alerting them to the fact that Kagome had made her first run and would be back in a few moments to take Miroku back in time as well.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"What do they do on that side of the well Kaede? They've been gone for so long." Kikyou sipped from her cup of tea absentmindedly, glancing, again, in the direction of the Bone Eaters Well, even though she couldn't see it from her current location out in front of Kaede's hut.
The old miko shrugged her shoulders. "I imagine they live as normally as we do, sleeping, eating, and going about their business."
"But only Kagome has a life in that time, so what could they possibly be doing over there that is taking so long?"
"Nancy was wounded badly, and needed medical help from the healers of Kagome's time, so who knows how long that would take. Sesshoumaru goes where Nancy goes, Kagome has to take Sesshoumaru, Inuyasha follows Kagome, and Miroku and Sango follow Inuyasha." Kaede recited it all as though she had rehearsed it many times, and even Kikyou couldn't help but smile slightly at the comedy of the situation.
"They've all grown very close then, I take it."
"Yes, but then who wouldn't, considering all that they have been through. The battles with Naraku over the years caused much pain and grief, and there is nothing that brings people together better then overcoming obstacles."
Kikyou acquired a far off look for an instant before sighing. "It didn't bring me closer to anyone."
Kaede could see her sister's pain, and pitied her. Even now, she thought to herself, a part of you cannot let go. Kikyou, will you ever truly find peace?
Their silence was interrupted when Shippou could be heard screeching with delight "Kouga!"
A few seconds later a whirlwind entered the clearing, blowing the leaves and branches in all different directions, to reveal none other then the handsome wolf prince, his mate, Ayame, not far behind. Kaede gave him a warm smile, and he acknowledged her presence with a wave.
"Welcome, Lord Kouga, what brings you to my home?"
"Rumors," he replied, sounding somewhat disgruntled. "Is it true that there is a new enemy among us?"
Kaede nodded. "I'm afraid so. Kagome, Inuyasha, and the others already had their first run in with him. His name is Sukiono, and he claims to be the son of Naraku."
"What?" Kouga recoiled at the thought. "How could that monster have a son? I thought all his offspring were connected to his life force."
"This man, according to Kagome, was conceived before all that, legitimately, with a human woman who Naraku abandoned shortly after she became pregnant." Kaede folded her hands in her lap. "But how did you know? Who told you of this?"
Kouga shrugged. "Being lord of the wolf tribes, I have my ways of knowing what's going on."
Kaede nodded, though she sensed it had more to do with the fact that Kagome was involved. Even though he was mated to someone else, the handsome prince still, in his heart of hearts, would always love Kagome, and it was that part of him that knew when she was in trouble.
"Where are the others?" Ayame asked, looking around and speaking up for the first time.
"They all returned to Kagome's time to recover from the battle. There were," Kaede hesitated to tell about the miscarriage, "Many losses."
"Is Kagome alright?"
"She's fine, but in the process of fighting, she," Kaede decided to be honest, "Lost the baby she was carrying."
"She miscarried?" Both wolf demons paled at the thought, though Ayame was the one to speak. "Oh, poor Kagome, I didn't even know she was pregnant."
"Neither did she until she lost the child."
A tear slid down the redhead's cheek as she thought of her friend. "Is she doing okay now?"
"I think so. She went back to be with her family, and of course Inuyasha is with her as well."
Kouga nodded, obviously trying to conceal his emotions more then Ayame, and sat down next to Kaede, for the first time seeming to notice Kikyou, who was giving him a cool stare.
She looked vaguely familiar, and the wolf prince furrowed his brow in concentration, trying to place where he had seen her face before. Finally it hit him, but the explanation didn't make any sense.
"You look an awful lot like Kagome," he stated simply, never one to make dramatic or overly intelligent observations. Kikyou didn't even bat an eye.
"She is my reincarnation, so I should think she would."
"Your reincarnation?" Kouga recalled all the stories he had heard over the past three years, about Inuyasha's first love, and how she had died protecting the crystal after she and Inuyasha were tricked into betraying one another, and the pieces fell into place in his mind.
Grunting, Kouga frowned. He didn't care about this woman's past; all he cared about was the fact that she was the source of much pain for Kagome, who he could remember having cried on numerous occasions because Inuyasha, stupid as always, would continue to run back to his former love.
"So you're Kikyou," he muttered, his voice not at all pleasant.
"Should I be flattered that you've heard of me, or offended?"
"Neither; just know that I've heard of you."
"Kouga, be nice," Ayame scolded gently, coming to sit at his side on her knees, but eyeing the miko just the same with a curious glance. "My name's Ayame."
Kikyou nodded in acknowledgement, but made no move to say anything more, showing she had no interest in continuing the conversation.
"I thought you were dead," Kouga finally stated, "Living off the souls of dead girls."
He noticed the brief flicker of pain, and realized he must have touched a nerve, though he had to admit the woman hid it well.
"I was dead," she replied, "But not any more. I used the Shikon no Tama to wish for my life back."
Kouga frowned again. Hadn't Kagome been the one who was guarding the jewel? "How did you come by the jewel?"
Kikyou smirked at that, as though she could read his mind. "Calm down, I didn't steal it from her. Kagome gave it to me to use, so I did. I'm now as mortal as you, and hopefully, will die when my life is over."
"You're not one for conversation, are you?"
Her eyes were cold as she regarded him, and Kouga could barely contain the shiver that ran down his spine. What had Inuyasha seen in her?
"I don't know you, so I don't have much to talk about with you. Besides, I can tell that you are an advocate of Kagome's, and as such resent me as much as the others for my existence."
That caught him by surprise, but before anyone could say anything else, the wind changed and both wolves caught a familiar scent. Kouga leapt to his feet like a giddy puppy, and raced off in the direction of the well.
"Kagome, you're back!" He called as he saw her climbing out over the rim of the well, and she gave him a beaming, albeit surprised, smile.
"Kouga! What are you doing here?" The friends embraced, despite the growl of warning from Inuyasha, who was sporting a rather dirty nose.
"I caught wind of the fact that something is amiss. Kaede told me we have a new enemy, the son of Naraku. Is that true?"
"Yeah, but you don't have to get involved this time, Kouga, it's more our problem to deal with."
He shook his head adamantly. "Your enemy is my enemy, Kagome, remember that. And," he lowered his voice and touched her back lightly, "I am deeply sorry to hear about your loss."
"My loss?" At first Kagome didn't understand, but then blushed and looked down. "Oh, thank you, Kouga."
"I am sorry too, Kagome," Ayame interjected, moving forward and touching the girl's arm. Kagome nodded, but chose to remain silent.
Inuyasha, fed up with the whole scene, moved between them with a glare. "Keh, did it occur to you that reminding her about it every second doesn't help?"
Kouga glared back, but made no move to argue, and Kagome just smiled, a part of her glad to be back among friends again even if she was reminded of the miscarriage.
The group migrated slowly in the direction of Kaede's hut, the usual meeting place, and Kagome gave the old miko a beaming smile, running up and embracing her like the grandmother she no longer had. Kaede simply laughed indulgently.
"Ah child, as always it brings me great joy to have you back among us."
Kagome smiled, and started to say something in reply when she noticed Kikyou still kneeling off to one side, looking somewhat out of place. "Kikyou, what are you doing here?"
The two women stared at each other, and the usual uncomfortable silence filled the area, but then what else was to be expected. Not only had they both been in love, at one time or another, with Inuyasha, but they shared the same soul. It was the perfect recipe for an awkward situation.
"I'm visiting with my sister," she replied coolly after a few moments, and Kagome nodded, unsure if she should say anything else.
"Is, um, Gideon here then?"
Mentioning the woman's husband always seemed to soften Kikyou's face slightly, and Kagome decided to remember that for future uncomfortable silences.
"He's out hunting, but he should be back soon."
"Good."
Another pause, and everyone started fidgeting. Finally Nancy stepped forward and took it upon herself to break the tension.
"Okay, since I'm the only one who doesn't have a 'history' here," and she dramatically made quotation signs as she spoke, "I guess I'm the one who can say whatever I want and not offend people. So I'll ask the question I know everyone is wondering."
She paused dramatically and everyone, including Sesshoumaru, seemed to practically lean forward expectantly, wondering what she would say next.
"What's for dinner?"
If she could have, Kagome would have fallen over backward, but even so found herself burst out laughing, along with Miroku, who did fall over clutching his sides. Sango just glared at him with annoyance.
"I was going to make some soup, I suppose," Kaede replied, completely earnest, which only brought forth another bought of laughter from the already paralyzed monk. Sango whacked him across the back with her foot.
"It's not that funny," she hissed, but he continued laughing anyway. She glanced over at Kagome. "Do you put something special in your food that I don't know about?"
Kagome just shrugged. "Not that I know about, although maybe this explains why my mother's cookies always seem to taste better then everyone else's."
"Kagome!" Shippou leapt into the fray, and Kagome caught him, still staggering against his ever-growing body.
"Shippou, have you been a good boy?"
"Yes, I've done everything you told me to."
Kagome smiled and leaned in to whisper in his ear. "Even what we talked about in private?"
The kitsune grinned back mischievously, and nodded. "Yup, I even got Rin to help me. We did it while he was napping. You want to come and see?"
"Of course!" She allowed him to lead her away from the others, who were still distracted by the hysterical Miroku.
They walked over toward the edge of the forest, where Rin was idly sitting on a large boulder, dangling her feet over the edge as she hummed some unfamiliar tune to herself, Sesshoumaru's two-headed beast, who Kagome had learned was called Ah and Uh, beside her. She looked up and smiled.
"Kagome-sama, you're back!"
"Have you been a good girl Rin?"
"Yes, just like Sesshoumaru-sama told me to be."
Kagome opened her mouth to speak when a muffled cry pierced the air, followed by the sound of short legs running through the underbrush. "Where are you, you little runts? I'll get you for this!"
"Oops," Rin and Shippou covered their mouths to hide smiles as Shippou turned to Kagome, "I think he woke up."
Turning, Kagome came face to face, or rather, face to hip, with a furious Jaken, currently wearing a southern belle gown of purple with white lace. Everyone froze for a second, just staring at each other, before Kagome clapped her hands and burst out laughing, despite the fact that the toad- man looked like his eyes were going to pop at any second. It didn't help that he was also wearing lipstick and eyeliner, which Kagome had shown the children how to use before she had left.
"What are you laughing at, you stupid woman?"
Kagome clutched her sides as she began to roll on the ground like Miroku, hardly able to speak.
"You-"
Gasp-
"Look-"
Gasp-
"Like a cupcake-"
Gasp-
"Gone horribly wrong!"
Jaken crossed his arms, though he had difficulty in the dress, and glared at her, though she seemed unaffected. "What on earth is a cupcake?"
But Kagome wasn't listening; she was already turning to Rin and Shippou, pulling out lollipops from her pockets. "It's perfect, just like I told you. You'll each get two suckers instead of one!"
It took a moment for the green man to register what was going on, but once he did, it seemed like he lost all control. "You told them to do this?"
Kagome turned and looked at him innocently, her eyes watering. "I've had that dress in my closet for ages, it's an old Halloween costume, and for some reason ever since I first saw you I've wondered what you would look like wearing it. Now I know!"
"You'll pay for this!" Jaken charged, but Kagome just rolled away so that the poor little man stumbled and fell on his rear end, bringing forth another shriek from Kagome and loud giggles from the children.
"Kagome!" Inuyasha burst onto the scene, followed closely by the others, "Are you alright?"
Everyone froze.
Poor Jaken.
It was bad enough that he had been humiliated at the orders of a woman, and by the hands of children, but now, on top of everything else, he was being seen by his master, Sesshoumaru, who was staring down with utter shock written all over his face, wearing a dress. The green man did the only thing he knew how to do in such a situation.
He started wailing.
"Master Sesshoumaru, why do you leave me with these monsters? Look what they've done to me! Look at me! I beg you, sir, take me away from them!"
"Oh come Jaken," the demon lord replied, trying his best to remain monotone, "You know you can leave at any time."
"But I have sworn allegiance to you, master, and I shall not leave you. But why do you punish me so? Why are you friends with such horrible people?"
Nancy pushed forward and looked the green man in the face. "We're not so bad. What's your name again? Jaki?"
He turned away, putting his nose in the air arrogantly. "It's Jaken, you ungrateful woman, and frankly I don't know why lord Sesshoumaru keeps you around. You're just a useless woman, like her!" He pointed an accusing finger at Kagome, only to find himself instantly hammered into the ground by two pairs of fists.
"Don't call my mate useless, baka!"
"Anyone who insults Kagome deals with me!"
Jaken just huffed and stood up, trying to carry himself with as much dignity as possible, still in the dress, now sporting several lumps on his head.
"If it's any consolation," Nancy offered, "Purple is a very good color on you. It brings out the color of your skin."
That was the final straw, and the poor man, after several more strings of curses, ran from the clearing. But when Kagome moved to go and apologize, Sesshoumaru surprisingly put a hand on her shoulder to stop her.
"Don't; that creature's been annoying me for the past hundred years of my life. He's had it coming." Sesshoumaru smirked. "Besides, he'll get over it, he always does."
Kagome gave him a curious stare. "Always does?"
The demon lord actually had a slight twinkle in his eye as he started to walk back in the direction of Kaede's hut, Nancy at his side. "Having traveled with Rin for almost two years, you don't really think that was the first time he's had to endure that kind of joke, do you?"
Kagome glanced over at the girl who always appeared so shy, and noticed that for once Rin had a very mischievous smile on her face. Kagome chuckled and allowed Inuyasha to put his arm around her shoulders as they too followed Sesshoumaru.
"Poor Jaken."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The stars were unusually bright that evening, and Kagome couldn't resist going outside once dinner was finished and cleaned up to look at the bright orbs of light. With Inuyasha's help, she had climbed up into, of all places, the Goshinboku, and now sat leaning against his strong form as he rested against the trunk, their feet dangling over the edge of the large branch.
"Penny for your thoughts?" she asked, looking up and bumping gently against his chin, which was currently resting on the top of her head. He smiled, recognizing what had now become a familiar phrase.
"I was just thinking about how long it's been since the last time we sat together like this, just thinking. It reminds me of what it used to be like, when Naraku was still around and we were always on the move."
"I thought you were glad that Naraku is dead."
"I am, I just miss some of the other stuff we would do when he was alive."
"Like?"
"I don't know, sleeping outside all the time, meeting new people and seeing new places every day as we followed your senses to find another shard of the jewel." He went silent, and a soft smile formed on Kagome's face as she reached up and traced his cheek gently.
"I miss those times too. We didn't have as many worries. All that mattered was finding Naraku and reuniting the pieces of the Shikon no Tama."
"Yeah, definitely simpler ways of living."
Kagome felt her smile droop slightly as she recalled one aspect of that life which had not been so pleasant, an image of Kikyou's face coming to mind. "Inuyasha?"
"Yeah?"
"You don't, um, regret marrying me, do you?"
"What?" His voice was easy, but Kagome saw he was suddenly very tense from the look on his face.
"I mean, if it hadn't been for Naraku, you probably would have married Kikyou, and she would have been the one sitting with you in this tree." Kagome looked up at the stars, trying to calm her racing heart. That thought always troubled her.
"Kagome," he sounded suddenly tired, and a part of Kagome suddenly regretted having even asked the question. But she needed to know.
"Be honest, Inuyasha. If you could go back, knowing how things would turn out in the end, and prevent Naraku from ever tricking you and Kikyou, would you?"
"No."
"Really?"
"Kagome, I've told you before, you're the one I love. With Kikyou, we shared a mutual pain, and I think that's what brought us together. Back then, I could have been happy with her, but knowing that I could have you instead, I never would go back and choose her. You bring out the best in me, when all Kikyou did was help soothe my hurt soul."
It was the best answer she could have heard, and Kagome turned slightly so that she could bury her face in his chest as she squeezed tightly around his middle. "Forgive me, I just wanted to know."
"Keh, so long as you don't ask me again, I forgive you." His voice was gruff, but Kagome knew better, and was ready when his lips met hers in a gentle kiss.
Unfortunately, peace was not meant to be that evening, because just as Inuyasha lifted his head a startled scream shook the very foundations of the trees, coming in the direction of the village.
"What on earth?"
Kagome barely had time to question what was going on before Inuyasha swept her out of the tree and in the direction of Kaede's hut, holding her close. The scene they came upon was unexpected.
Sukiono stood in the middle of the clearing, his eyes recognizing Kagome instantly, but her attention was focused on the woman he was currently holding by the neck.
"Kikyou," she whispered, and as though she heard, the miko turned and the two women made eye contact, almost as though they were communicating silently.
"You're faster then I thought, Inuyasha," Sukiono stated simply, a smirk on his face. His eyes went soft as they fell on Kagome. "Are you well, Kagome? I was so afraid when you jumped in front of that attack. It was not meant for you."
Unsure of what to say, Kagome backed a little closer into Inuyasha's arms, and the hanyou responded by tightening his grip about her waist. "What do you want?" he hissed dangerously.
"You know what I want, but since I knew you wouldn't just give her to me, I've decided to give you a reason to do what I want." The man looked at Kikyou, barely held two inches above the ground, her arms around his hands, which were clutching her slender neck as though to crush it. "Come with me, Kagome, or the woman dies."
Author's Notes: Hey, I actually got this out in a reasonable amount of time, don't you think? My life is kind of settling down again after the wave of craziness that swept through, and I'm now able to get back to my usual routine of sleeping, eating, swimming, singing, homework, and writing my stories. But who knows how long the peace will last, so I'm going to try and get as much written as I can! I think this is kind of another filler guys, sorry, but I promise we're getting to the good stuff, so just trust me! After all, if I had a dollar for every filler in the anime series, I'd be rich by now! Not really, but you get the point. Fillers are important, and also are fun to write (grins mischievously).
Anyway, in this chapter the gang returns to the past once more, and are reunited with some old friends, which I think will please a lot of you, since you've inquired about his whereabouts ever since I started this third story. I promised I wouldn't let you down, didn't I? Toward the end the ball starts rolling again, so it should start to satisfy all of you who crave action.
I'll stop jabbering now and let you all get on with the chapter. I hope you enjoy, and thanks again for all your wonderful reviews, you have no idea how much they mean to me. Enjoy!
Unknown: yes, this is an Inuyasha/Kagome story. I'll try to write in some more fluff, but not too much, the audience doesn't need to be getting cavities. Thanks for the review!
April-chan: I would be happy to read your story, just know that I might not get to it right away, I barely have enough time to write my own stories at the moment. Thanks for the review!
FrameofMind: I do tend to mix up 'then' and 'than' a lot, it's the one thing my teachers always note on my essays, too. You'd think by now I'd know the difference, and I do, but I still forget in my writing. Sorry, and feel free to point it out if it gets to be a huge problem. Thanks for reviewing, as always!
PixieDust99: I am seventeen years old.
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Title: Soldiers in a Timeless Battle
Author: dolphingirl0113
Chapter: Ten
Rating: PG-13 (for language and, at times, sexual implications)
Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha.
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The day was calm and peaceful at the shrine, with the sound of birds floating through the air. A chilling breeze rustled the trees, reminding everyone outside that they should be wearing jackets fit for autumn weather, but that was the last thing on anyone's mind at that moment since they were all more concerned with preventing Kagome and Inuyasha from killing each other.
"No! Absolutely not!"
"Inuyasha, don't be stupid, I have to go back with you!"
"And let him capture you again? I think not!"
"You need my help, and you know it! Besides, you said yourself he doesn't want me dead, so at least we know he won't hurt me."
Inuyasha was like a mad dog, literally, pacing back and forth in front of the well house, his hair flying in the wind, his eyes fuming, his hands clenched at his sides in fists. Everyone except Kagome could tell that he was a bomb ready to explode at any moment, and took a few steps back.
"He nearly got you killed last time! And he did kill our baby! So what do you mean, he won't hurt you?"
Kagome sighed, her own temper something to be feared. "He didn't intentionally hurt me, Inuyasha, that was my fault for stepping in the way of the attack."
"Why are you making excuses for him? The man is evil, Kagome, plain and simple."
"I'm not making excuses for him! I know very well what he is!"
Inuyasha smirked that annoying smirk of his that could enrage anyone, but especially an already peeved Kagome. Unfortunately, he was oblivious to that little problem.
"Keh, you could have fooled me. You defend him like you defended Kouga after he kidnapped you. If I didn't know any better, I'd say you liked this Sukiono bastard!"
Everything went silent, and it was like the wind was whispering Inuyasha's fate in his ear, because he instantly paled, realizing what he had said. He glanced at his wife and tried to give her his best pathetic smile, showing how sorry he was without actually saying it, but she wasn't even looking.
Staring at the ground, her fists clenched, Kagome took in several deep breaths to prevent anything from escaping her lips that she would regret a few seconds later. But that didn't stop her from doing what she did next.
"Inuyasha, sit."
She didn't even wait to watch him make a new crater in the cement, instead turning around and heading in to the well, Nancy and Sesshoumaru at her side, Sango close behind. Only Miroku stayed behind to observe the scene the poor hanyou had gotten himself into.
"I never thought she would have to sit you in order to return to the past," the monk stated with a chuckle, hearing something inaudible come from the face in the ground.
"Damn," Inuyasha finally muttered a few seconds later as he sat up. "It's been so long since she's done that."
Miroku was shaking his head. "As much as I hate seeing you two fight like that, in this case I have to say you deserve it, my friend."
"Keh, nobody asked you."
"I know, but then if I actually waited for someone to ask, I'd never get to say what I want to."
Inuyasha just rolled his eyes as they walked into the well house, the pink light from within alerting them to the fact that Kagome had made her first run and would be back in a few moments to take Miroku back in time as well.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"What do they do on that side of the well Kaede? They've been gone for so long." Kikyou sipped from her cup of tea absentmindedly, glancing, again, in the direction of the Bone Eaters Well, even though she couldn't see it from her current location out in front of Kaede's hut.
The old miko shrugged her shoulders. "I imagine they live as normally as we do, sleeping, eating, and going about their business."
"But only Kagome has a life in that time, so what could they possibly be doing over there that is taking so long?"
"Nancy was wounded badly, and needed medical help from the healers of Kagome's time, so who knows how long that would take. Sesshoumaru goes where Nancy goes, Kagome has to take Sesshoumaru, Inuyasha follows Kagome, and Miroku and Sango follow Inuyasha." Kaede recited it all as though she had rehearsed it many times, and even Kikyou couldn't help but smile slightly at the comedy of the situation.
"They've all grown very close then, I take it."
"Yes, but then who wouldn't, considering all that they have been through. The battles with Naraku over the years caused much pain and grief, and there is nothing that brings people together better then overcoming obstacles."
Kikyou acquired a far off look for an instant before sighing. "It didn't bring me closer to anyone."
Kaede could see her sister's pain, and pitied her. Even now, she thought to herself, a part of you cannot let go. Kikyou, will you ever truly find peace?
Their silence was interrupted when Shippou could be heard screeching with delight "Kouga!"
A few seconds later a whirlwind entered the clearing, blowing the leaves and branches in all different directions, to reveal none other then the handsome wolf prince, his mate, Ayame, not far behind. Kaede gave him a warm smile, and he acknowledged her presence with a wave.
"Welcome, Lord Kouga, what brings you to my home?"
"Rumors," he replied, sounding somewhat disgruntled. "Is it true that there is a new enemy among us?"
Kaede nodded. "I'm afraid so. Kagome, Inuyasha, and the others already had their first run in with him. His name is Sukiono, and he claims to be the son of Naraku."
"What?" Kouga recoiled at the thought. "How could that monster have a son? I thought all his offspring were connected to his life force."
"This man, according to Kagome, was conceived before all that, legitimately, with a human woman who Naraku abandoned shortly after she became pregnant." Kaede folded her hands in her lap. "But how did you know? Who told you of this?"
Kouga shrugged. "Being lord of the wolf tribes, I have my ways of knowing what's going on."
Kaede nodded, though she sensed it had more to do with the fact that Kagome was involved. Even though he was mated to someone else, the handsome prince still, in his heart of hearts, would always love Kagome, and it was that part of him that knew when she was in trouble.
"Where are the others?" Ayame asked, looking around and speaking up for the first time.
"They all returned to Kagome's time to recover from the battle. There were," Kaede hesitated to tell about the miscarriage, "Many losses."
"Is Kagome alright?"
"She's fine, but in the process of fighting, she," Kaede decided to be honest, "Lost the baby she was carrying."
"She miscarried?" Both wolf demons paled at the thought, though Ayame was the one to speak. "Oh, poor Kagome, I didn't even know she was pregnant."
"Neither did she until she lost the child."
A tear slid down the redhead's cheek as she thought of her friend. "Is she doing okay now?"
"I think so. She went back to be with her family, and of course Inuyasha is with her as well."
Kouga nodded, obviously trying to conceal his emotions more then Ayame, and sat down next to Kaede, for the first time seeming to notice Kikyou, who was giving him a cool stare.
She looked vaguely familiar, and the wolf prince furrowed his brow in concentration, trying to place where he had seen her face before. Finally it hit him, but the explanation didn't make any sense.
"You look an awful lot like Kagome," he stated simply, never one to make dramatic or overly intelligent observations. Kikyou didn't even bat an eye.
"She is my reincarnation, so I should think she would."
"Your reincarnation?" Kouga recalled all the stories he had heard over the past three years, about Inuyasha's first love, and how she had died protecting the crystal after she and Inuyasha were tricked into betraying one another, and the pieces fell into place in his mind.
Grunting, Kouga frowned. He didn't care about this woman's past; all he cared about was the fact that she was the source of much pain for Kagome, who he could remember having cried on numerous occasions because Inuyasha, stupid as always, would continue to run back to his former love.
"So you're Kikyou," he muttered, his voice not at all pleasant.
"Should I be flattered that you've heard of me, or offended?"
"Neither; just know that I've heard of you."
"Kouga, be nice," Ayame scolded gently, coming to sit at his side on her knees, but eyeing the miko just the same with a curious glance. "My name's Ayame."
Kikyou nodded in acknowledgement, but made no move to say anything more, showing she had no interest in continuing the conversation.
"I thought you were dead," Kouga finally stated, "Living off the souls of dead girls."
He noticed the brief flicker of pain, and realized he must have touched a nerve, though he had to admit the woman hid it well.
"I was dead," she replied, "But not any more. I used the Shikon no Tama to wish for my life back."
Kouga frowned again. Hadn't Kagome been the one who was guarding the jewel? "How did you come by the jewel?"
Kikyou smirked at that, as though she could read his mind. "Calm down, I didn't steal it from her. Kagome gave it to me to use, so I did. I'm now as mortal as you, and hopefully, will die when my life is over."
"You're not one for conversation, are you?"
Her eyes were cold as she regarded him, and Kouga could barely contain the shiver that ran down his spine. What had Inuyasha seen in her?
"I don't know you, so I don't have much to talk about with you. Besides, I can tell that you are an advocate of Kagome's, and as such resent me as much as the others for my existence."
That caught him by surprise, but before anyone could say anything else, the wind changed and both wolves caught a familiar scent. Kouga leapt to his feet like a giddy puppy, and raced off in the direction of the well.
"Kagome, you're back!" He called as he saw her climbing out over the rim of the well, and she gave him a beaming, albeit surprised, smile.
"Kouga! What are you doing here?" The friends embraced, despite the growl of warning from Inuyasha, who was sporting a rather dirty nose.
"I caught wind of the fact that something is amiss. Kaede told me we have a new enemy, the son of Naraku. Is that true?"
"Yeah, but you don't have to get involved this time, Kouga, it's more our problem to deal with."
He shook his head adamantly. "Your enemy is my enemy, Kagome, remember that. And," he lowered his voice and touched her back lightly, "I am deeply sorry to hear about your loss."
"My loss?" At first Kagome didn't understand, but then blushed and looked down. "Oh, thank you, Kouga."
"I am sorry too, Kagome," Ayame interjected, moving forward and touching the girl's arm. Kagome nodded, but chose to remain silent.
Inuyasha, fed up with the whole scene, moved between them with a glare. "Keh, did it occur to you that reminding her about it every second doesn't help?"
Kouga glared back, but made no move to argue, and Kagome just smiled, a part of her glad to be back among friends again even if she was reminded of the miscarriage.
The group migrated slowly in the direction of Kaede's hut, the usual meeting place, and Kagome gave the old miko a beaming smile, running up and embracing her like the grandmother she no longer had. Kaede simply laughed indulgently.
"Ah child, as always it brings me great joy to have you back among us."
Kagome smiled, and started to say something in reply when she noticed Kikyou still kneeling off to one side, looking somewhat out of place. "Kikyou, what are you doing here?"
The two women stared at each other, and the usual uncomfortable silence filled the area, but then what else was to be expected. Not only had they both been in love, at one time or another, with Inuyasha, but they shared the same soul. It was the perfect recipe for an awkward situation.
"I'm visiting with my sister," she replied coolly after a few moments, and Kagome nodded, unsure if she should say anything else.
"Is, um, Gideon here then?"
Mentioning the woman's husband always seemed to soften Kikyou's face slightly, and Kagome decided to remember that for future uncomfortable silences.
"He's out hunting, but he should be back soon."
"Good."
Another pause, and everyone started fidgeting. Finally Nancy stepped forward and took it upon herself to break the tension.
"Okay, since I'm the only one who doesn't have a 'history' here," and she dramatically made quotation signs as she spoke, "I guess I'm the one who can say whatever I want and not offend people. So I'll ask the question I know everyone is wondering."
She paused dramatically and everyone, including Sesshoumaru, seemed to practically lean forward expectantly, wondering what she would say next.
"What's for dinner?"
If she could have, Kagome would have fallen over backward, but even so found herself burst out laughing, along with Miroku, who did fall over clutching his sides. Sango just glared at him with annoyance.
"I was going to make some soup, I suppose," Kaede replied, completely earnest, which only brought forth another bought of laughter from the already paralyzed monk. Sango whacked him across the back with her foot.
"It's not that funny," she hissed, but he continued laughing anyway. She glanced over at Kagome. "Do you put something special in your food that I don't know about?"
Kagome just shrugged. "Not that I know about, although maybe this explains why my mother's cookies always seem to taste better then everyone else's."
"Kagome!" Shippou leapt into the fray, and Kagome caught him, still staggering against his ever-growing body.
"Shippou, have you been a good boy?"
"Yes, I've done everything you told me to."
Kagome smiled and leaned in to whisper in his ear. "Even what we talked about in private?"
The kitsune grinned back mischievously, and nodded. "Yup, I even got Rin to help me. We did it while he was napping. You want to come and see?"
"Of course!" She allowed him to lead her away from the others, who were still distracted by the hysterical Miroku.
They walked over toward the edge of the forest, where Rin was idly sitting on a large boulder, dangling her feet over the edge as she hummed some unfamiliar tune to herself, Sesshoumaru's two-headed beast, who Kagome had learned was called Ah and Uh, beside her. She looked up and smiled.
"Kagome-sama, you're back!"
"Have you been a good girl Rin?"
"Yes, just like Sesshoumaru-sama told me to be."
Kagome opened her mouth to speak when a muffled cry pierced the air, followed by the sound of short legs running through the underbrush. "Where are you, you little runts? I'll get you for this!"
"Oops," Rin and Shippou covered their mouths to hide smiles as Shippou turned to Kagome, "I think he woke up."
Turning, Kagome came face to face, or rather, face to hip, with a furious Jaken, currently wearing a southern belle gown of purple with white lace. Everyone froze for a second, just staring at each other, before Kagome clapped her hands and burst out laughing, despite the fact that the toad- man looked like his eyes were going to pop at any second. It didn't help that he was also wearing lipstick and eyeliner, which Kagome had shown the children how to use before she had left.
"What are you laughing at, you stupid woman?"
Kagome clutched her sides as she began to roll on the ground like Miroku, hardly able to speak.
"You-"
Gasp-
"Look-"
Gasp-
"Like a cupcake-"
Gasp-
"Gone horribly wrong!"
Jaken crossed his arms, though he had difficulty in the dress, and glared at her, though she seemed unaffected. "What on earth is a cupcake?"
But Kagome wasn't listening; she was already turning to Rin and Shippou, pulling out lollipops from her pockets. "It's perfect, just like I told you. You'll each get two suckers instead of one!"
It took a moment for the green man to register what was going on, but once he did, it seemed like he lost all control. "You told them to do this?"
Kagome turned and looked at him innocently, her eyes watering. "I've had that dress in my closet for ages, it's an old Halloween costume, and for some reason ever since I first saw you I've wondered what you would look like wearing it. Now I know!"
"You'll pay for this!" Jaken charged, but Kagome just rolled away so that the poor little man stumbled and fell on his rear end, bringing forth another shriek from Kagome and loud giggles from the children.
"Kagome!" Inuyasha burst onto the scene, followed closely by the others, "Are you alright?"
Everyone froze.
Poor Jaken.
It was bad enough that he had been humiliated at the orders of a woman, and by the hands of children, but now, on top of everything else, he was being seen by his master, Sesshoumaru, who was staring down with utter shock written all over his face, wearing a dress. The green man did the only thing he knew how to do in such a situation.
He started wailing.
"Master Sesshoumaru, why do you leave me with these monsters? Look what they've done to me! Look at me! I beg you, sir, take me away from them!"
"Oh come Jaken," the demon lord replied, trying his best to remain monotone, "You know you can leave at any time."
"But I have sworn allegiance to you, master, and I shall not leave you. But why do you punish me so? Why are you friends with such horrible people?"
Nancy pushed forward and looked the green man in the face. "We're not so bad. What's your name again? Jaki?"
He turned away, putting his nose in the air arrogantly. "It's Jaken, you ungrateful woman, and frankly I don't know why lord Sesshoumaru keeps you around. You're just a useless woman, like her!" He pointed an accusing finger at Kagome, only to find himself instantly hammered into the ground by two pairs of fists.
"Don't call my mate useless, baka!"
"Anyone who insults Kagome deals with me!"
Jaken just huffed and stood up, trying to carry himself with as much dignity as possible, still in the dress, now sporting several lumps on his head.
"If it's any consolation," Nancy offered, "Purple is a very good color on you. It brings out the color of your skin."
That was the final straw, and the poor man, after several more strings of curses, ran from the clearing. But when Kagome moved to go and apologize, Sesshoumaru surprisingly put a hand on her shoulder to stop her.
"Don't; that creature's been annoying me for the past hundred years of my life. He's had it coming." Sesshoumaru smirked. "Besides, he'll get over it, he always does."
Kagome gave him a curious stare. "Always does?"
The demon lord actually had a slight twinkle in his eye as he started to walk back in the direction of Kaede's hut, Nancy at his side. "Having traveled with Rin for almost two years, you don't really think that was the first time he's had to endure that kind of joke, do you?"
Kagome glanced over at the girl who always appeared so shy, and noticed that for once Rin had a very mischievous smile on her face. Kagome chuckled and allowed Inuyasha to put his arm around her shoulders as they too followed Sesshoumaru.
"Poor Jaken."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The stars were unusually bright that evening, and Kagome couldn't resist going outside once dinner was finished and cleaned up to look at the bright orbs of light. With Inuyasha's help, she had climbed up into, of all places, the Goshinboku, and now sat leaning against his strong form as he rested against the trunk, their feet dangling over the edge of the large branch.
"Penny for your thoughts?" she asked, looking up and bumping gently against his chin, which was currently resting on the top of her head. He smiled, recognizing what had now become a familiar phrase.
"I was just thinking about how long it's been since the last time we sat together like this, just thinking. It reminds me of what it used to be like, when Naraku was still around and we were always on the move."
"I thought you were glad that Naraku is dead."
"I am, I just miss some of the other stuff we would do when he was alive."
"Like?"
"I don't know, sleeping outside all the time, meeting new people and seeing new places every day as we followed your senses to find another shard of the jewel." He went silent, and a soft smile formed on Kagome's face as she reached up and traced his cheek gently.
"I miss those times too. We didn't have as many worries. All that mattered was finding Naraku and reuniting the pieces of the Shikon no Tama."
"Yeah, definitely simpler ways of living."
Kagome felt her smile droop slightly as she recalled one aspect of that life which had not been so pleasant, an image of Kikyou's face coming to mind. "Inuyasha?"
"Yeah?"
"You don't, um, regret marrying me, do you?"
"What?" His voice was easy, but Kagome saw he was suddenly very tense from the look on his face.
"I mean, if it hadn't been for Naraku, you probably would have married Kikyou, and she would have been the one sitting with you in this tree." Kagome looked up at the stars, trying to calm her racing heart. That thought always troubled her.
"Kagome," he sounded suddenly tired, and a part of Kagome suddenly regretted having even asked the question. But she needed to know.
"Be honest, Inuyasha. If you could go back, knowing how things would turn out in the end, and prevent Naraku from ever tricking you and Kikyou, would you?"
"No."
"Really?"
"Kagome, I've told you before, you're the one I love. With Kikyou, we shared a mutual pain, and I think that's what brought us together. Back then, I could have been happy with her, but knowing that I could have you instead, I never would go back and choose her. You bring out the best in me, when all Kikyou did was help soothe my hurt soul."
It was the best answer she could have heard, and Kagome turned slightly so that she could bury her face in his chest as she squeezed tightly around his middle. "Forgive me, I just wanted to know."
"Keh, so long as you don't ask me again, I forgive you." His voice was gruff, but Kagome knew better, and was ready when his lips met hers in a gentle kiss.
Unfortunately, peace was not meant to be that evening, because just as Inuyasha lifted his head a startled scream shook the very foundations of the trees, coming in the direction of the village.
"What on earth?"
Kagome barely had time to question what was going on before Inuyasha swept her out of the tree and in the direction of Kaede's hut, holding her close. The scene they came upon was unexpected.
Sukiono stood in the middle of the clearing, his eyes recognizing Kagome instantly, but her attention was focused on the woman he was currently holding by the neck.
"Kikyou," she whispered, and as though she heard, the miko turned and the two women made eye contact, almost as though they were communicating silently.
"You're faster then I thought, Inuyasha," Sukiono stated simply, a smirk on his face. His eyes went soft as they fell on Kagome. "Are you well, Kagome? I was so afraid when you jumped in front of that attack. It was not meant for you."
Unsure of what to say, Kagome backed a little closer into Inuyasha's arms, and the hanyou responded by tightening his grip about her waist. "What do you want?" he hissed dangerously.
"You know what I want, but since I knew you wouldn't just give her to me, I've decided to give you a reason to do what I want." The man looked at Kikyou, barely held two inches above the ground, her arms around his hands, which were clutching her slender neck as though to crush it. "Come with me, Kagome, or the woman dies."
