Chapter Nine: Back to the Future
It was tomorrow. Tomorrow would mark a full month that Kagome had been here in the feudal era. She paced the hall nervously. Even though Sesshomaru had promised to let her go home once a month for about a week, she was still uneasy about asking him for the time. The other thing that was making it hard for her to ask him was the fact that she wanted to take Rin with her. The child simply had too many questions about the present time for Kagome to tell her everything. It would be easier just to show it to her.
Outside Sesshomaru's office, she continued to go back and forth in front of the closed doors. He was inside doing paperwork, or at least that was what Jaken had told her. Mind you, she had had to beat him for the information, but he had finally given it to her, she just hoped it was right.
Just then, the door opened, revealing Sesshomaru. "What are you doing out here?" he asked. She felt intimidated by those burning gold orbs of his. She moved to leave, losing all her courage under his stare. However, the Lord of the Western Lands would not permit her to go so quickly. "Did you need something?" he inquired, holding onto her arm so she couldn't break away.
"It's just that…um…tomorrow I would like to visit my family, over on the other side of the well."
"Fine." He released her, but now Kagome stood there on her own, not moving. "Is there something else?"
"I want to take Rin with me."
"Absolutely not," he shook his head, leaving to go to the library.
"She's learned so much. Why won't you allow her to extend her knowledge?" Kagome cried, following closely.
Sesshomaru turned his head to glare at her over his shoulder. "I don't wish my charge to leave the safety of my lands unaccompanied by me. She's been through far too much already and I will not have her put through more."
"So you don't trust me!" she screamed. "I should have known better. You may be a great demon, but you still fear certain things. You fear death, you fear emotion, you fear losing her, a simple human child!"
He growled, and slammed her up against the nearest wall. Her back ached with new pain. "Listen," he spat, "I am all Rin has in the world. I saved her with Tensaiga. I raised her with little help from Jaken, and to this day I protect her with my life. I am the closest thing she has to a father. She has no one else."
"She has me," the miko managed to choke out.
The fire in his eyes died and he slowly lowered her to the ground. Kagome brushed herself off as if nothing had just happened. His gaze was stuck to the floor, as if he was too ashamed of his previous actions to look at her. She cleared her throat.
"You could come with, if you like," she said, barely whispering, but his demon ears heard.
"And I would not be intruding on your lifestyle?"
"As long as you don't let Jaken come," she smiled and was pleased to see him meet her eyes as she said it. If she didn't know any better, she'd swear he was grinning again.
"Deal," he told her, extending a clawed hand. She took it without shuddering at the sight of it, or staring at the monster-like quality, as some did. This made him feel more comfortable around her for some reason. "You should pack what you wish to take home," he told her as they dropped their connection. "Get some sleep. We'll leave early tomorrow."
"Araigato Sesshomaru-sama," she thanked him, then hurried off to her room to do as he had recommended.
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"Kagome? Kagome-chan?" Rin was calling to her. She opened her eyes to see the small child sitting on her stomach. "Kagome is awake!" the girl cheered excitedly.
The miko yawned as she gently lifted the girl off of her and crawled off the bed. The morning had just begun. She changed, picked up her bag, and led Rin to the first floor where they were met by Sesshomaru and a fuming Jaken.
The demon lord had to hide his grin when he saw Kagome coming down the stairs. As usual, she looked beautiful. "I do hope she didn't scream to wake you," he said to Kagome.
"Of course not," she smiled. "Whatever made you think she would be capable of such a thing?"
Hearing the joking quality in her voice, he pushed down another grin. He turned to Jaken. "You will stay here while we are gone. You've already been given your instructions and nothing will go wrong during my absence. Is that understood?"
"Yes, but Lord Sesshomaru-,"
"Jaken," he growled, one hand on the hilt of Tetsusaiga. "We've already been over this." The toad imp mumbled something under his breath, which only the demon could hear. "You'll hold your tongue," he hissed, stomping on the idiot-brained toad. "Or I really will shorten your life by a hundred years."
"Yes, my lord," he answered obediently, but in a dazed voice.
Rin was oblivious to what must have happened, but Kagome wasn't. She was suspicious. Looking over the child's head, she sought out Sesshomaru's eyes. When they met her, she knew. The toad had said something about her and the Ice Prince had rose to her defense in response. She saw him spare her a slight nod in recognition. Something inside her became warm at his actions.
Or course the moment didn't last long. He turned away and they left the castle. Once they were out in the gardens, Sesshomaru paused. Rin, knowing what was going on, stood there merrily humming to herself. "Kagome-chan," he said, startling the miko out of her reverie. He held out a hand. Confused, she took it. She let out an eep as he swept her off her feet…literally. Within seconds, he was holding her bridal style. Then he whistled.
A large beast with two necks that resembled a half-dragon, half-horse landed near them. Kagome stared at it, untrusting. However, Rin jumped right up onto it. Sesshomaru placed her behind the child, then, taking the reins, leapt into the air. The beast followed his lead. Then they were flying out of the Western Lands in the direction of the Bone Eater's Well.
The flight was kept in silence and for lack of a better thing to do, Kagome attempted to catch up on her sleep.
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"Inuyasha, I brought you breakfast," Sango announced as she entered the clearing. She was given a dissatisfied grunt for a reply. Setting the plate of food on the ground, she approached the well. The warrior leaned over the edge of it, peering down at where it seemed to end. Kagome, she thought, I hope you know what you are doing.
Her thoughts were interrupted when she heard Inuyasha devouring the meal she had prepared. He ate like a pig, but she could understand why. For about a week now, he had refused to eat. It was his way of deciding to be more alert for when Kagome returned. Of course, not even a hanyou could refuse a healthy helping of rice when it was offered so freely to him.
"Do you think she is coming back?" Sango asked softly.
The dog demon set down his empty bowl. "I don't know," he told her, sounding both bitter and honest at the same time. "It was her choice to leave."
"Can you blame her?"
He didn't answer this time and Sango knew he was still fighting that inner battle over who to choose: Kikyo or Kagome? The other thing she was aware of, was the fact that, no matter what, Kikyo would win, because Inuyasha saw loving her as a duty, a way to repay her for letting her die. He loved the ex-priestess for all the wrong reasons and it made Sango sick to see the pain it caused her best friend.
Suddenly the hanyou's ears perked up. He stood erect and looked around over the treetops.
"What? What is it?" Sango asked hopefully.
An odd balloon like character started to float above their heads. Inuyasha shook his head and sat back down. "Nothing important," he told her, "it's only Shippo." He walked under the balloon and pulled at a string. With a *pop*, the fox demon fell out of the sky, and was being held up by Inuyasha's hand.
"Hey! Put me down! Inuyasha, you big jerk, let me go! I'm going to tell Kagome on you!"
"Well Kagome ain't here, you little runt," the dog demon snapped back sourly.
Shippo leapt away from him, into Sango's arms. "Inuyasha," she warned as he advanced. The half-demon backed off, knowing the demon exterminator would stand in for Kagome until she returned…if she returned. He could only hope. Kagome, come back. He stared up into the sky, lost without her friendly guidance.
Moments passed as he spent his time in silence. Finally, Sango, respecting his need to be alone, carried Shippo away. "Let's leave him be," she said, "maybe if we're lucky, he'll be man enough to apologize and get Kagome back for us." But she knew deep down, Inuyasha would never confront her best friend, not unless Kagome did something first. Sighing, she headed back to Kaede's hut, to inform Miroku of Inuyasha's progress.
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"Kagome!"
Her brown eyes opened, but had to blink back the blurry haze before she could see better. Rin was tugging on the sleeve of her kimono. "Fluffy says we'll be there soon," she informed the miko.
Kagome looked over her shoulder at Sesshomaru, however, when she had been sleeping, she had managed to turn herself around and was tucked in his arms. Confused, but not completely upset, she glanced over his shoulder, down at the land beneath them. It was all so familiar, as if it had been painted into her brain. She held on a bit tighter, realizing how high they really were. It was then that she sensed it. Inuyasha was at the Bone Eater's Well, waiting for them.
"Sess-,"
He cut her off. "I know."
"But how?"
"I could smell him," he growled, his grip on both humans tightening. "This does not amuse me."
The miko gulped. The brothers always fought. They had never gotten along in their life. Why would they start now? She shivered, fearing blood and violence. If nothing else, she had to make sure Rin would not be subjected to that kind of inappropriate action. As the trees cleared, Kagome got a good view of the well. On the edge sat Inuyasha. He gazed up, his eyes connecting with hers. A new battle was about to begin.
Sesshomaru landed, placing Rin in Kagome's arms, and planting himself between his enraged brother and the two girls. "Kagome-chan, get Rin out of here if anything vile is to happen."
Without hesitation, she nodded, "Right."
"Inuyasha, have you thrown away your first love so quickly. I had thought you would abandon her for another, but it seems your taste is still lacking. First you choose a priestess who exercises no trust in you, then tries to murder you, and now this. I do hope that you and this old well will be very happy together until the end of your days," Sesshomaru mocked his younger brother, his battle mask intact.
"Cut the crap, Sesshomaru! Give me back Kagome!"
"Did you think that I stole her?" he questioned, one clawed hand resting on the hilt of Tetsusaiga. When Inuyasha only growled in response, the demon lord smirked. "I'm under the impression that she left on her own free will. She's been a great asset to me, taking care of Rin and all."
"Oh yeah?" the hanyou asked. "So what are you doing here? Letting her go? Getting ready to kill her?"
"No. I have more honor than that. As a matter of fact, the three of us are going to visit the future. We are going to Kagome's home to see her family for a while."
"Like hell you are!"
"I suggest you let us go. You are in no position to quarrel with me, dear little brother."
"Damn you, Sesshomaru!" Inuyasha lunged at his older brother, clawing at him, but only slashing through the air. Kagome shielded Rin's eyes, afraid to let her see. "I'll kill you!" he cried again, leaping up in the air to strike. Kagome rolled her eyes. Why had she waited so long?
"Inuyasha?"
He stopped and looked at her. Sesshomaru also paused. She took a deep breath. Inuyasha's ears went flat.
"Sit boy!"
*BAM* Into the ground the hanyou went, face first. Rin laughed, humored by the power Kagome had over her friend. "Come on," she said, taking the younger girl's hand. "Let's go."
Sesshomaru jumped down into the well and Kagome passed Rin down to him. She started climbing down the well to meet them, when someone yanked her back.
"Kagome, what the hell do you think you are doing?!" Inuyasha yelled at her.
"I'm going home," she hissed. "Now let go of me!" He wouldn't, so she was forced to hurt him again. "SIT! SIT! SIT!" *WHAM* With that, she dove down the well, right into Sesshomaru's waiting arms.
The demon lord didn't know what to think as the miko clung to him and his charge. Colors swirled all around and passed them. After a moment, they were standing at the bottom of the well again, only this time there was a horribly foul stench, the stench of humans all around the air.
Kagome didn't linger at the foot of the well. She climbed up the ladder her Ji-chan had made for her and soon was joined by Rin and Sesshomaru, who had just leapt out of the well. Quickly, she performed a restricting spell to keep Inuyasha from coming through the well. She wasn't sure how long it would last, but she hoped it would work at least for a couple days.
Rin was already dancing around the dimly lit well house, singing. As for the Lord of the Western Lands, he was watching her carefully. Every motion she emitted, he watched with the utmost interest. "What is that you are doing that for?" he inquired, pointing to where a seal was now glowing in glittering blue symbols.
"To keep out Inuyasha," she said softly. He could smell the salt of tears in her eyes. They had not been shed, at least not yet, but he knew they were coming. "Well, might as well meet the family. No use in staying here all day," her voice changed to cheery in an instant, but the demon lord knew her real emotions weren't so chipper.
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"It is ye's own fault, Inuyasha," Kaede told him as she tied herb pouches together for the sick children in the village. Kikyo was presently wrapping the bruises on his chest from where Kagome had "sat" him. "Ye shouldn't have made Kagome so angry. When well ye learn? Tis not a hard lesson."
"Look you old hag, she doesn't belong with Sesshomaru. He'll no sooner kill her, then all I'll hear from you is, 'Inuyasha, why didn't you save her? Inuyasha, twas all your fault,' and I don't need that on my back," he grumbled.
"If ye want to get Kagome back, ye'll need to be a bit nicer to yer elders," she reminded him. He muttered something to himself, and closed his eyes.
Across the room, Miroku and Sango shared a worried glance. Inuyasha had messed up again, and this time, it was looking as if they would never get Kagome back. Shippo, curled up against Kirara, decided to go to sleep. He missed his mother and wanted her back, but Inuyasha was being a bone head.
Thinking to himself, Inuyasha made a silent pledge. I'll come get you Kagome, and you'll be glad that I did. He was going to leave tomorrow and he wouldn't come back to the feudal era without her.
A/N: Boy is he a dork or what? Sometimes I think he is more daft than Hojo and that's saying something. READ & REVIEW! I live on reviews people! I'm doing Japan for my Capstone project and it's hell. I never knew so much information to fit in my brain in such a short amount of time. Information overload. Yikes! Lol! Preview from next chapter below! Enjoy! ~ Neveada Sierriana
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Preview from Chapter 10: A Matter of Respect & Trust
He returned downstairs storming into the kitchen where Mrs. Higurashi happened to be.
"You look unhappy, Sesshomaru," she remarked, pouring herself a cup of tea. Thinking better of it, she poured another cup for him. "Was Kagome angry with you?"
"She wants me to have feelings but in those feelings she had no faith. She is just too stubborn to let me be good. In her eyes I will always be nothing more than a demon monster."
Kagome's mother shook her head. "You are going about this the wrong way. It's not so much a matter of stubbornness, it's a matter of trust. She needs to trust you and hold your trust for her in return." The wise woman paused, taking a sip of her tea. "You are mad with Kagome because she won't give you a chance, but have you given her a chance with her conflicting thoughts toward your brother?"
Sesshomaru opened his mouth to answer when the doorbell rang. His large ears twitched at the sound and he stared down at Mrs. Higurashi expectantly. "Someone's at the front door," she explained, leaving the kitchen to answer it. As she did, a blaze of color went past her. "Kagome Gena Higurashi," the woman cried, "Just where do you think you are going?"
Kagome's shoulders slumped as she opened the front door to reveal Hojo. He was holding flowers.