A Change
Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha, or any of the other characters. I love messing with the plot lines, and so this plot is mine. If you wish to use the plot, or any original characters please ask, otherwise there not mine, so please don't sue! :)
Sun: Hey it's still me! I just kinda changed my name to fit me bettergrin.
Inu: snort Any name makes you dumb ya' idgit!
Sun: You don't know anything Inu! Be quite!
Inu: Sure, Whatever! Inu walks out of room
Sun: *Sigh* Look what I have to deal with. Any way, on with the story!
Warning: If you don't like Hojo getting hurt, leave! Sorry, I don't like the guy that much. shrug
Kero-chan: Yeah! Thanks for sticking with my story! I really appreciate it! :)
*~~* thoughts
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A Change7: A Return
Inuyasha sat calmly on a rock at the edge of the camp he and the pack of Kitsune's had made. They were only a few days from getting back to the village and Inuyasha was getting anxious to see Kagome again. It had been too long for him to be away from Kagome, her scent had almost completely vanished from the bandage he had carried with him, and he needed to reaffirm that she was really his now. Inuyasha held in his hands Kagome's almost completely finished Fire Rat armor. He had asked her what colors she had wanted the clothing, before he had left her, and she had replied that the color should match the ones in her hair. Inuyasha had smiled and told her that could be done, and he was right. He had found the dyes he needed along the way to find the Kitsune pack and he had blended the blue and silver streaks into the over all black dye. He had then set upon cutting and sewing the armor together. He had finished that only yesterday and was now concentrating on using blue thread to sew a small flower into the fabric right over where Kagome's heart would be. Inuyasha was so focused he didn't even hear the fox until it sat next to him on the rock. Inuyasha jumped a good foot it the air before settling back and looking at the red and orange furred Kitsune.
"Oi, Sunfire! What the hell are you doing out here? Shouldn't you be back taking care of the rest of your pack?" Inuyasha snarled disgruntled. Sunfire, the warrior who had shown him to his room that first day in the Kitsune village, had been the one chosen to accompany Inuyasha back to help train Shippo. He was also the oldest one in the group following them, and as such was the leader of this small pack. Sunfire was about Inuyasha's height and had bright green eyes that contrasted with fur. His base fur color was red, and his hair and tail were a bright orange. Sunfire had a mate and a pup of his own already, his mate was Sunburst and his 11 year old female kit was called SolarFlare. SolarFlare was one of the female kits chosen for Shippo to pick a Mate from. Inuyasha sighed as he thought, *Kagome is not going to like this.*
Sunfire, though, had gained respect with the Inu-hanyou after Inuyasha had seen him defend the village from a Youkai attack single handedly. But even respect didn't mean he couldn't be pissed when the fox managed to sneak up on him. Sunfire only grinned in response.
"I'm only out here to make sure my friend is alright, besides the pack can manage without me for a few hours. They're not completely dependent on yours truly." Inuyasha snorted in contempt.
"You don't ever come just to 'talk' friend. We may end up doing that, but you always come with a purpose first." Sunfire just continued to grin as he looked at the dog demon sitting next to him.
"You know me to well all ready friend. It's not much I just need to finalize where my pack will be staying while with your pack, and to see how much you had accomplished on your Mate's courting present."
Inuyasha shook his head, laughing silently at the Kitsune next to him. The man was just too damn nosy for his own good. Sunfire had found out about Inuyasha's courting present when he had seen the Inu- hanyou working on sewing it one day. Sunfire had even given Inuyasha a bone sewing needle to help with the process. After that day Sunfire had checked every day to see how far Inuyasha had come to finishing his project. Inuyasha held up the armor for his new friend to inspect.
"It's almost finished. I just have to add the flower and the protection spells into the fabric and then I can give it to her. I should be able to finish it by tomorrow, and then the next day we'll arrive at the village. I can get you settled and then go get Kagome." Inuyasha almost sighed out loud at the thought of see his Kagome again; it had been far too long.
"Well I personally can't wait to meet the demon that would warrant such as extravagant gift, especially since it's only the second gift." Sunfire's head finally turned to look at the hanyou as Inuyasha responded to the unspoken question.
"She's amazing Sunfire. So beautiful and strong, her scent drives me crazy, and she's like me! She wants me for who I am, and she doesn't want me to change. It's amazing that such a creature would want me!" Sunfire laughed heartily at this.
"Okay, okay! I see that this women has captivated you, I just hope she lives up to your tellings. Now about the living arrangement for when we arrive."
"Oh don't worry Kagome will be all I say. Now it's probably best if you all stay nearer to my forest as the villager's have been attacked many times by youkai, and are not very trusting. You will have to earn their respect Sunfire, not just demand it. There is a hot springs near by that you can use and there is a lot of game in the forest, so you should be able to live there easily. Besides that there's not much really to worry about, except for Shippo, who you will meet once we get there." Inuyasha stated easily and Sunfire nodded back at him. He knew when Inuyasha was done talking, and now that they were closer to Inuyasha's pack, he was becoming antsy and more prone to snap. So Sunfire bid him good-bye and walked back to the fires.
Inuyasha returned to working on Kagome's armor and smiled. It smelled like home here, and he was almost there. Only two more days and he would be home, and able to go see Kagome. Nothing else mattered anymore, just that he wanted to get back to seeing his precious Mate.
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It was mid-afternoon two days later when Kirara lifted her head from her spot near Sango's leg and sniffed the air curiously. Kirara stood and moved slightly away from Sago then mewed. She paced in a circle and then settled back down near Sango's leg. Sango watched her friend's curious behavior and decided that something was coming, but that Kirara didn't find it a threat, and that could only mean one thing. Sango turned her head a yelled into the hut behind her.
"Hey Houshi-sama! Get Shippo and come out here, all right?" Sango heard the monk's faint reply.
"Of Course My Lady Sango!" She heard some shuffling inside and then the paper door slide open. "What is it M'Lady" Miroku questioned as he walked out on the porch with Shippo trailing behind, rubbing his eyes.
"Yeah, what did Miroku have to wake me up for anyway?" Shippo whined, petulantly.
"I believe that Inuyasha is returning." Replied Sango calmly as she pointed toward the cloud of dust that was rising at the edge of the village. The season's were slowing changing from Fall to Winter and they had not had as much rain as normal, so the ground was dry, betraying the presence of any approaching parties. Shippo smiled and bounced on his toes.
"Yay! His back! Now Kagome will come home, and with presents! Ohhhhhhh, but now I have to start 'training'." Sango laughed as Shippo's mood changed from happy to depressed in a split second. The two humans and two demons sat on the porch of Kaede's hut as they waited for the demon's arrival. As the group approached they realized that it was a lot more than just Inuyasha and a few other kitsune, but what looked like a small pack as well, including mother's and kit's. Shippo squealed and raced forward as soon as Inuyasha was in range of the hut. Shippo scurried up Inuyasha's legs and into the dog demon's arms.
"Oh Wow Inuyasha! You didn't just bring a trainer, you also brought kits like me." Shipp's voice was awed as he peaked over the Inu-hanyou's shoulder at the kit's walking interspersed through the group of Kitsune behind Inuyasha, he completely ignored the Kitsune walking besides the Demon, and the villager's that were staring out of their houses at the odd parade going through their town. The man besides Inuyasha laughed,
"I see what you mean about needing training, his parent's must not have gotten to the etiquette part of his training yet." Sunfire's voice was laced with laughter as he looked at the excited kit in Inuyasha's arms. Inuyasha smiled at the other youkai.
"Yeah, this one knows nothing of etiquette. Been giving me problems all over the place. It's no help that his mother cuddles him so much. I can't even give him a proper lesson to speak of." Inuyasha's grin split his face as he watched Shippo's mouth drop open in shock as he watched the interaction between the two demons as they approached Kaede's hut. Inu turned toward Sunfire.
"I would like to introduce you to my pack members." Inuyasha said formally, slightly blushing as he admitted this. "The rude brat in my arms is Shippo, the one you will be training with me. The monk on the porch is Miroku, the women sitting on the porch is Sango, the demon exterminator, and the cat next to her is her partner Kirara. Kaede is… not here right now, and I will have to go get Kagome before you can meet her. But this is the bulk of my pack at this point." Inuyasha's friends nodded as they were introduced and Shippo looked up at Inuyasha, as if trying to tell if something was true, before raising his voice.
"Do you mean that Inuyasha? Are we part of your pack?" The kit sounded so small and vulnerable that Inuyasha's reply was immediate and instinctual.
"Of course you brat. I wouldn't protect you bunch so much if you weren't my pack!" Inuyasha snorted as if to make it seem like it was a big deal, but Shippo knew the difference and burrowed his head into Inuyasha's neck, hugging the dog demon tightly. Inuyasha rubbed Shippo's head, and coughed in embarrassment. "Oi! Brat that's enough! I have things that need taking care of!" Shippo nodded and hopped down from Inu's arms running into Sango's lap. The Monk and the Exterminator had said nothing so far, and just nodded slightly at Inuyasha, this wasn't the place for personal exchanges, and they would talk to him later. Inuyasha turned toward the silent fox and brought him forward.
"This is Sunfire. He will be taking over Shippo's growing lessons' and helping me train him. They will be camped out near my forest, and his pack is looking for a place to expand to. That's why there are so many of them here." Inuyasha answered the un-spoken question, and then continued on. "I would take the time to let you get to know each other, but I need to get them settled in and then go collect Kagome. You can come with us if you want." Inuyasha directed this to the four on the porch and they all nodded, standing and moving with the group as they headed toward the God Tree, and Inuyasha's Forest.
"So Inuyasha, you found Shippo's trainers, and you can go get Kagome now. What will your first order of business be when you see our young priestess? Hmmmm?" Miroku joked at the hanyou and Inuyasha growled.
"Nothing that you think Bouzu. I respect my Mate, unlike you. You may learn something by paying attention to a Youkai's courting rituals." Miroku looked stunned and stopped walking for a couple of beats, then burst out laughing. Inuyasha's mouth twitched and he was soon joining the Monk in his laughter. Miroku ran to catch up.
"Oh Inuyasha that was good. You should do that more often, it would make our travels so much more interesting." Inuyasha smirked and then slowed down as they passed the God Tree and entered a meadow. He turned to Sunfire and swept his arm around.
"This will be your home base for a while. You can move as you wish, but don't go closer to the village, I don't want them thinking that you want to harm them. After a while you can try trading with them. Don't try to cheat them though, they are poor, and your business could help them a lot. The hot spring is to the west about a quarter mile, and to the north-east is a cave covered by a protection spell. It is mine, please do not disturb it, or the area around it. I would wish to make it my home some day." Inuyasha waited for the foxes consent and then turned toward his friends. "I'll be back soon with Kagome, you can keep the Kitsune's company or head back to the village. Just don't get into any trouble." And with that he was off like a shot toward the well, not even waiting for an answer. Sunfire shook his head.
"He's been antsy for the past few days, at least this will finally calm him down."
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Kagome sighed as she packed the rest of her belongings into her bags. It had taken them a whole week, but they had gotten clothes, food, and first-aid supplies to last Kagome a couple of months. She had then set about packing all of her new purchase away along with the presents she had gotten for her friends. She hopped Inuyasha liked his. Kagome knew from Astrid's information that she was only supposed to receive gifts, but they weren't exactly normal any way so what was the harm. Besides, Kagome didn't think that Inuyasha had ever received a present, so it would be a nice surprise. Kagome blew some hair out of her eyes as she zipped the final bag and moved to the kitchen where her mother stood. Now all she had to do was wait for Inuyasha to get here from the past. *I hope he hurries. I miss him so much! I haven't been away from him for this long of a time for a while. I just want to touch him again.* Kagome sighed at her silly thoughts. *Inu-chan's coming as soon as possible, so just enjoy this left over time with your family.* Kagome nodded at the thought and moved to her mother.
"So Mama, you're really okay with this?" Kagome questioned. Mrs. Higurashi turned toward her daughter and smiled.
"Of Course. You're finishing High school still, and it's not like you won't ever visit. It'll just be a little longer between visits now. I'm sure we can convince Inuyasha about day visits. And you must be back for Christmas, okay? I'll talk to Inuyasha myself on that one." Kagome nodded and smiled hugging her mother tightly.
"I love you Mama." Kagome whispered. Mrs. Higurashi smiled and wrapped her arms around her daughter to hold her.
"I love you too Kagome. Now go call your brother and grandfather for dinner." Kagome wiped the tear that had fallen from her eye and raced toward the stairs yelling that dinner was ready. She was half way up when she froze in surprise. A new smell had just assaulted her nose and just as she placed it she saw a blur of color and then she was mashed against a red chest. *Inuyasha* Kagome thought as her arms wrapped around the hanyou holding her. Inuyasha had one arm around her waist and the other fisted in her hair. His head was buried in Kagome's neck kissing her skin and a deep purr was vibrating through her body as Inuyasha voiced his contentment at holding is Mate again after a good two and a half weeks apart. Kagome's breath hitched in her throat at the sensations Inuyasha was causing. She let out a sigh and moved her hands up to Inuyasha's ears, letting out a purr to match Inuyasha's; it felt so good to be in his arms again. Kagome just rested there for a few minutes then pulled back a little. She looked into Inuyasha's warm honey eyes.
"Hey Inuyasha." Kagome whispered, "Why don't we head down stairs? We need to talk to my Mom before we leave, and you're just in time for dinner. I missed you while you were gone." Kagome smiled shyly, and watched as a huge smile split Inuyasha's face. His purring stopped and he nodded his head.
"Okay Kagome, and I missed you too." The hanyou pair headed down to Kagome's kitchen and sat at the table. Inuyasha refused to let go of Kagome's waist so she was forced to sit on his lap at the table. Inuyasha kept his head pressed against the back of Kagome's neck and just breathed in her scent to sooth his frayed nerves. The rest of the family members gathered fast and suddenly the food was on the table and Mrs. Higurashi was looking closely at the hanyou pair.
"So Inuyasha, I hear you want to keep Kagome in your time for a long amount of time. Is that true?" Inuyasha froze and slowly lifted his head to stare at Kagome's mother. He hadn't figured on having to answer her questions about his choice, and he hoped she was okay with this. He liked to think of Mrs. Higurashi as his surrogate mother and hoped that he wasn't offending her.
"Yeah, that's true. I need to train Kagome to use her powers, and as soon as possible. Keeping her in our time is the best choice for that. It will take a while for her to learn all she needs and that's why I allowed her to come home." Inuyasha replied carefully. Mrs. Higurashi had already talked all this out before with Kagome, but needed to see if she could get some concessions to the strict 'No Visits' rule.
"I'll allow you to take Kagome back with you, on a few conditions. I want there to be some day trips home, one about every month, at least; and she needs to come home for a few days every major holiday we have here. Kagome can warn you about them as they come up. Also when her trainings done she gets to go back to the normal schedule if she wants to, Okay?" Inuyasha seemed to think for a minute and then nodded his head. Kagome wouldn't be happy if she couldn't see her family at all, and this way she got to see her family, but he got maximum time to train her, and have her around. The Higurashi family all smiled at him, and soon the table was filled with chatter about the group's travels in the past and what they would do when Kagome came home for the breaks. Inuyasha was included in the conversations and dinner was winding down when they were interrupted by a knock at the front door. Mrs. Higurashi frowned at the noise.
"I wonder who would come by. Most people are eating at this time." Mrs. Higurashi tilted her head, shrugged, and then turned to Souta. "Souta? Would you please go answer the door?" Souta nodded and leapt to his feet. The others at the table went back to their food until the two hanyou's heard the voice at the door. Inuyasha growled low in his throat at the perceived threat and Kagome blinked in shock.
"Hojo!" Kagome whispered. She was up and out of her seat like a shot; down the hall and forcing Hojo out the door before Inuyasha could react to the other male's presence. Hojo looked shocked at being shoved out the door, but pleased at seeing Kagome. Kagome was quite for a moment and listened as Inuyasha approached the door, but stayed on the other side as she turned to deal with the boy in front of her.
"Kagome-san!" Hojo was extatic to see her, "I'm so glad to see you doing so well! I was worried that you were really sick when they said you had removed yourself from school." Kagome flinched, but Hojo didn't notice.
"Oh No Hojo! I'm fine really!" Kagome exclaimed, putting on her best fake smile. "My Mother and I just decided that because I was so sick all the time that my grades would improve if I was enrolled in the Schools, Home School Program. So I can do the work at my own pace, and deal with my illnesses." Hojo smiled brightly at the girl standing before him and reached for her hands. Kagome picked up on the growl Inuyasha was releasing now, and decided that she needed to get rid of Hojo, and fast! But Hojo was speaking again and she needed to pay attention,
"That's really good Kagome, I'm happy that's the only cause, but it looks like you're fine now. So would you like to go out with me this weekend?" Kagome's bright smile faltered as she heard wood breaking as Inuyasha tried to restrain himself.
"Oh no Hojo, I'm so sorry! I can't go out with you. I have a family get together and I can't miss it."
"Well how about next weekend?" Hojo automatically replied, not even noticing how Kagome was tensing now.
"Hojo, it's really sweet that you like me like this, but I have to tell you. I'm interested in someone else. I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner, but there was no chance, and I didn't want to hurt your feelings. I'm sorry Hojo! Can you forgive me?" Kagome rushed through her explanation and sighed as she felt Inuyasha calm considerably. She was surprised when she felt Hojo tighten his grip on her hands. Kagome flinched in an automatic response, and whimpered softly as she saw his expression harden.
"No Kagome! You don't like someone else! You can't! You are mine, and I will keep you from anyone else!" Hojo pulled on their joined hands, as if to try to pull her into a kiss and Kagome yelled in surprise, Hojo wasn't normally like this. What had happened to that sweet boy she used to know?
"Hojo! Let go of me! Stop……!" Kagome was cut off as she was ripped from Hojo's grip and placed protectively behind Inuyasha.
"You will back off you bastard human! Kagome is Mine! And you will never touch her again. She doesn't like me to beat up on people in front of her, so if you turn your scrawny ass around and leave now, I'll let you go." Inuyasha growled at Hojo and then smirked knowingly as he started to leave. Inuyasha was almost surprised as Hojo pivoted back and threw a solid punch at the hanyou's head. Inuyasha smiled evilly as he caught the hand easily and then started squeezing.
"I gave you a chance to leave, now I get to have fun." Inuyasha crushed Hojo's hand in his and smiled down at the boy in front of him. Inuyasha looked back Kagome and got a small nod, Inuyasha's foot came back and then slammed into Hojo's stomach and heard a number of ribs crack. Hojo doubled over his stomach and Inuyasha aimed another kick at the bastards head. Hojo flew across the shrine yard before skidding to a stop. Inuyasha snorted at the unconscious human before picking him up and jumping down the shrine steps. He dropped Hojo on the ground at the bottom of the stairs and then bounded back to Kagome. As he walked toward his soon-to-be Mate, she smiled and ran into his arms. Inuyasha purred soothingly as she rubbed her face against his chest.
"Thank you Inuyasha. I don't think I could have done that myself. I just don't know what happened to him. Hojo's not usually like that." Inuyasha nodded and rubbed her back softly, then led her back into her house. Kagome smiled and walked forward to the kitchen. She didn't really feel like eating anymore. Kagome sighed and looked back at Inuyasha before turning to her mother.
"I think were going to leave now Mama. We need to get back before the sun totally sets. We have a lot to carry." Mrs. Higurashi smiled, she had heard the whole thing from Souta, who had come back to tell his family what was happening. She walked to give Kagome a hug, after she had whispered 'I love you' to her daughter, Mrs. Higurashi reached for Inuyasha as Souta and Grandfather reached for Kagome.
"You take care of my baby all right? I want to see her back in one piece, and safe." Inuyasha smiled, it was basically a form of consent from Mrs. Higurashi to him and he hugged the older women impulsively.
"I would protect her with my life and death Mrs. Higurashi. We'll see you in a month."
The group smiled as they moved to the living room. Inuyasha only complained once on the amount of 'useless shit' Kagome was brining and then ruffled Souta's hair as they entered the well house. The Higurashi's all smiled brightly as the blue light enveloped both Kagome and Inuyasha.
On the other side of the well, both hanyou's were greeted by their own family members 500 years in the past.
TBC……………………………
Yeah! Chapter done! Don't worry there are lots of other areas to explore, and this is in no way finished, even if I could leave it here! :) give reviews and you get more! :) Arigato!
~Sun's Fire
Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha, or any of the other characters. I love messing with the plot lines, and so this plot is mine. If you wish to use the plot, or any original characters please ask, otherwise there not mine, so please don't sue! :)
Sun: Hey it's still me! I just kinda changed my name to fit me bettergrin.
Inu: snort Any name makes you dumb ya' idgit!
Sun: You don't know anything Inu! Be quite!
Inu: Sure, Whatever! Inu walks out of room
Sun: *Sigh* Look what I have to deal with. Any way, on with the story!
Warning: If you don't like Hojo getting hurt, leave! Sorry, I don't like the guy that much. shrug
Kero-chan: Yeah! Thanks for sticking with my story! I really appreciate it! :)
*~~* thoughts
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A Change7: A Return
Inuyasha sat calmly on a rock at the edge of the camp he and the pack of Kitsune's had made. They were only a few days from getting back to the village and Inuyasha was getting anxious to see Kagome again. It had been too long for him to be away from Kagome, her scent had almost completely vanished from the bandage he had carried with him, and he needed to reaffirm that she was really his now. Inuyasha held in his hands Kagome's almost completely finished Fire Rat armor. He had asked her what colors she had wanted the clothing, before he had left her, and she had replied that the color should match the ones in her hair. Inuyasha had smiled and told her that could be done, and he was right. He had found the dyes he needed along the way to find the Kitsune pack and he had blended the blue and silver streaks into the over all black dye. He had then set upon cutting and sewing the armor together. He had finished that only yesterday and was now concentrating on using blue thread to sew a small flower into the fabric right over where Kagome's heart would be. Inuyasha was so focused he didn't even hear the fox until it sat next to him on the rock. Inuyasha jumped a good foot it the air before settling back and looking at the red and orange furred Kitsune.
"Oi, Sunfire! What the hell are you doing out here? Shouldn't you be back taking care of the rest of your pack?" Inuyasha snarled disgruntled. Sunfire, the warrior who had shown him to his room that first day in the Kitsune village, had been the one chosen to accompany Inuyasha back to help train Shippo. He was also the oldest one in the group following them, and as such was the leader of this small pack. Sunfire was about Inuyasha's height and had bright green eyes that contrasted with fur. His base fur color was red, and his hair and tail were a bright orange. Sunfire had a mate and a pup of his own already, his mate was Sunburst and his 11 year old female kit was called SolarFlare. SolarFlare was one of the female kits chosen for Shippo to pick a Mate from. Inuyasha sighed as he thought, *Kagome is not going to like this.*
Sunfire, though, had gained respect with the Inu-hanyou after Inuyasha had seen him defend the village from a Youkai attack single handedly. But even respect didn't mean he couldn't be pissed when the fox managed to sneak up on him. Sunfire only grinned in response.
"I'm only out here to make sure my friend is alright, besides the pack can manage without me for a few hours. They're not completely dependent on yours truly." Inuyasha snorted in contempt.
"You don't ever come just to 'talk' friend. We may end up doing that, but you always come with a purpose first." Sunfire just continued to grin as he looked at the dog demon sitting next to him.
"You know me to well all ready friend. It's not much I just need to finalize where my pack will be staying while with your pack, and to see how much you had accomplished on your Mate's courting present."
Inuyasha shook his head, laughing silently at the Kitsune next to him. The man was just too damn nosy for his own good. Sunfire had found out about Inuyasha's courting present when he had seen the Inu- hanyou working on sewing it one day. Sunfire had even given Inuyasha a bone sewing needle to help with the process. After that day Sunfire had checked every day to see how far Inuyasha had come to finishing his project. Inuyasha held up the armor for his new friend to inspect.
"It's almost finished. I just have to add the flower and the protection spells into the fabric and then I can give it to her. I should be able to finish it by tomorrow, and then the next day we'll arrive at the village. I can get you settled and then go get Kagome." Inuyasha almost sighed out loud at the thought of see his Kagome again; it had been far too long.
"Well I personally can't wait to meet the demon that would warrant such as extravagant gift, especially since it's only the second gift." Sunfire's head finally turned to look at the hanyou as Inuyasha responded to the unspoken question.
"She's amazing Sunfire. So beautiful and strong, her scent drives me crazy, and she's like me! She wants me for who I am, and she doesn't want me to change. It's amazing that such a creature would want me!" Sunfire laughed heartily at this.
"Okay, okay! I see that this women has captivated you, I just hope she lives up to your tellings. Now about the living arrangement for when we arrive."
"Oh don't worry Kagome will be all I say. Now it's probably best if you all stay nearer to my forest as the villager's have been attacked many times by youkai, and are not very trusting. You will have to earn their respect Sunfire, not just demand it. There is a hot springs near by that you can use and there is a lot of game in the forest, so you should be able to live there easily. Besides that there's not much really to worry about, except for Shippo, who you will meet once we get there." Inuyasha stated easily and Sunfire nodded back at him. He knew when Inuyasha was done talking, and now that they were closer to Inuyasha's pack, he was becoming antsy and more prone to snap. So Sunfire bid him good-bye and walked back to the fires.
Inuyasha returned to working on Kagome's armor and smiled. It smelled like home here, and he was almost there. Only two more days and he would be home, and able to go see Kagome. Nothing else mattered anymore, just that he wanted to get back to seeing his precious Mate.
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It was mid-afternoon two days later when Kirara lifted her head from her spot near Sango's leg and sniffed the air curiously. Kirara stood and moved slightly away from Sago then mewed. She paced in a circle and then settled back down near Sango's leg. Sango watched her friend's curious behavior and decided that something was coming, but that Kirara didn't find it a threat, and that could only mean one thing. Sango turned her head a yelled into the hut behind her.
"Hey Houshi-sama! Get Shippo and come out here, all right?" Sango heard the monk's faint reply.
"Of Course My Lady Sango!" She heard some shuffling inside and then the paper door slide open. "What is it M'Lady" Miroku questioned as he walked out on the porch with Shippo trailing behind, rubbing his eyes.
"Yeah, what did Miroku have to wake me up for anyway?" Shippo whined, petulantly.
"I believe that Inuyasha is returning." Replied Sango calmly as she pointed toward the cloud of dust that was rising at the edge of the village. The season's were slowing changing from Fall to Winter and they had not had as much rain as normal, so the ground was dry, betraying the presence of any approaching parties. Shippo smiled and bounced on his toes.
"Yay! His back! Now Kagome will come home, and with presents! Ohhhhhhh, but now I have to start 'training'." Sango laughed as Shippo's mood changed from happy to depressed in a split second. The two humans and two demons sat on the porch of Kaede's hut as they waited for the demon's arrival. As the group approached they realized that it was a lot more than just Inuyasha and a few other kitsune, but what looked like a small pack as well, including mother's and kit's. Shippo squealed and raced forward as soon as Inuyasha was in range of the hut. Shippo scurried up Inuyasha's legs and into the dog demon's arms.
"Oh Wow Inuyasha! You didn't just bring a trainer, you also brought kits like me." Shipp's voice was awed as he peaked over the Inu-hanyou's shoulder at the kit's walking interspersed through the group of Kitsune behind Inuyasha, he completely ignored the Kitsune walking besides the Demon, and the villager's that were staring out of their houses at the odd parade going through their town. The man besides Inuyasha laughed,
"I see what you mean about needing training, his parent's must not have gotten to the etiquette part of his training yet." Sunfire's voice was laced with laughter as he looked at the excited kit in Inuyasha's arms. Inuyasha smiled at the other youkai.
"Yeah, this one knows nothing of etiquette. Been giving me problems all over the place. It's no help that his mother cuddles him so much. I can't even give him a proper lesson to speak of." Inuyasha's grin split his face as he watched Shippo's mouth drop open in shock as he watched the interaction between the two demons as they approached Kaede's hut. Inu turned toward Sunfire.
"I would like to introduce you to my pack members." Inuyasha said formally, slightly blushing as he admitted this. "The rude brat in my arms is Shippo, the one you will be training with me. The monk on the porch is Miroku, the women sitting on the porch is Sango, the demon exterminator, and the cat next to her is her partner Kirara. Kaede is… not here right now, and I will have to go get Kagome before you can meet her. But this is the bulk of my pack at this point." Inuyasha's friends nodded as they were introduced and Shippo looked up at Inuyasha, as if trying to tell if something was true, before raising his voice.
"Do you mean that Inuyasha? Are we part of your pack?" The kit sounded so small and vulnerable that Inuyasha's reply was immediate and instinctual.
"Of course you brat. I wouldn't protect you bunch so much if you weren't my pack!" Inuyasha snorted as if to make it seem like it was a big deal, but Shippo knew the difference and burrowed his head into Inuyasha's neck, hugging the dog demon tightly. Inuyasha rubbed Shippo's head, and coughed in embarrassment. "Oi! Brat that's enough! I have things that need taking care of!" Shippo nodded and hopped down from Inu's arms running into Sango's lap. The Monk and the Exterminator had said nothing so far, and just nodded slightly at Inuyasha, this wasn't the place for personal exchanges, and they would talk to him later. Inuyasha turned toward the silent fox and brought him forward.
"This is Sunfire. He will be taking over Shippo's growing lessons' and helping me train him. They will be camped out near my forest, and his pack is looking for a place to expand to. That's why there are so many of them here." Inuyasha answered the un-spoken question, and then continued on. "I would take the time to let you get to know each other, but I need to get them settled in and then go collect Kagome. You can come with us if you want." Inuyasha directed this to the four on the porch and they all nodded, standing and moving with the group as they headed toward the God Tree, and Inuyasha's Forest.
"So Inuyasha, you found Shippo's trainers, and you can go get Kagome now. What will your first order of business be when you see our young priestess? Hmmmm?" Miroku joked at the hanyou and Inuyasha growled.
"Nothing that you think Bouzu. I respect my Mate, unlike you. You may learn something by paying attention to a Youkai's courting rituals." Miroku looked stunned and stopped walking for a couple of beats, then burst out laughing. Inuyasha's mouth twitched and he was soon joining the Monk in his laughter. Miroku ran to catch up.
"Oh Inuyasha that was good. You should do that more often, it would make our travels so much more interesting." Inuyasha smirked and then slowed down as they passed the God Tree and entered a meadow. He turned to Sunfire and swept his arm around.
"This will be your home base for a while. You can move as you wish, but don't go closer to the village, I don't want them thinking that you want to harm them. After a while you can try trading with them. Don't try to cheat them though, they are poor, and your business could help them a lot. The hot spring is to the west about a quarter mile, and to the north-east is a cave covered by a protection spell. It is mine, please do not disturb it, or the area around it. I would wish to make it my home some day." Inuyasha waited for the foxes consent and then turned toward his friends. "I'll be back soon with Kagome, you can keep the Kitsune's company or head back to the village. Just don't get into any trouble." And with that he was off like a shot toward the well, not even waiting for an answer. Sunfire shook his head.
"He's been antsy for the past few days, at least this will finally calm him down."
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Kagome sighed as she packed the rest of her belongings into her bags. It had taken them a whole week, but they had gotten clothes, food, and first-aid supplies to last Kagome a couple of months. She had then set about packing all of her new purchase away along with the presents she had gotten for her friends. She hopped Inuyasha liked his. Kagome knew from Astrid's information that she was only supposed to receive gifts, but they weren't exactly normal any way so what was the harm. Besides, Kagome didn't think that Inuyasha had ever received a present, so it would be a nice surprise. Kagome blew some hair out of her eyes as she zipped the final bag and moved to the kitchen where her mother stood. Now all she had to do was wait for Inuyasha to get here from the past. *I hope he hurries. I miss him so much! I haven't been away from him for this long of a time for a while. I just want to touch him again.* Kagome sighed at her silly thoughts. *Inu-chan's coming as soon as possible, so just enjoy this left over time with your family.* Kagome nodded at the thought and moved to her mother.
"So Mama, you're really okay with this?" Kagome questioned. Mrs. Higurashi turned toward her daughter and smiled.
"Of Course. You're finishing High school still, and it's not like you won't ever visit. It'll just be a little longer between visits now. I'm sure we can convince Inuyasha about day visits. And you must be back for Christmas, okay? I'll talk to Inuyasha myself on that one." Kagome nodded and smiled hugging her mother tightly.
"I love you Mama." Kagome whispered. Mrs. Higurashi smiled and wrapped her arms around her daughter to hold her.
"I love you too Kagome. Now go call your brother and grandfather for dinner." Kagome wiped the tear that had fallen from her eye and raced toward the stairs yelling that dinner was ready. She was half way up when she froze in surprise. A new smell had just assaulted her nose and just as she placed it she saw a blur of color and then she was mashed against a red chest. *Inuyasha* Kagome thought as her arms wrapped around the hanyou holding her. Inuyasha had one arm around her waist and the other fisted in her hair. His head was buried in Kagome's neck kissing her skin and a deep purr was vibrating through her body as Inuyasha voiced his contentment at holding is Mate again after a good two and a half weeks apart. Kagome's breath hitched in her throat at the sensations Inuyasha was causing. She let out a sigh and moved her hands up to Inuyasha's ears, letting out a purr to match Inuyasha's; it felt so good to be in his arms again. Kagome just rested there for a few minutes then pulled back a little. She looked into Inuyasha's warm honey eyes.
"Hey Inuyasha." Kagome whispered, "Why don't we head down stairs? We need to talk to my Mom before we leave, and you're just in time for dinner. I missed you while you were gone." Kagome smiled shyly, and watched as a huge smile split Inuyasha's face. His purring stopped and he nodded his head.
"Okay Kagome, and I missed you too." The hanyou pair headed down to Kagome's kitchen and sat at the table. Inuyasha refused to let go of Kagome's waist so she was forced to sit on his lap at the table. Inuyasha kept his head pressed against the back of Kagome's neck and just breathed in her scent to sooth his frayed nerves. The rest of the family members gathered fast and suddenly the food was on the table and Mrs. Higurashi was looking closely at the hanyou pair.
"So Inuyasha, I hear you want to keep Kagome in your time for a long amount of time. Is that true?" Inuyasha froze and slowly lifted his head to stare at Kagome's mother. He hadn't figured on having to answer her questions about his choice, and he hoped she was okay with this. He liked to think of Mrs. Higurashi as his surrogate mother and hoped that he wasn't offending her.
"Yeah, that's true. I need to train Kagome to use her powers, and as soon as possible. Keeping her in our time is the best choice for that. It will take a while for her to learn all she needs and that's why I allowed her to come home." Inuyasha replied carefully. Mrs. Higurashi had already talked all this out before with Kagome, but needed to see if she could get some concessions to the strict 'No Visits' rule.
"I'll allow you to take Kagome back with you, on a few conditions. I want there to be some day trips home, one about every month, at least; and she needs to come home for a few days every major holiday we have here. Kagome can warn you about them as they come up. Also when her trainings done she gets to go back to the normal schedule if she wants to, Okay?" Inuyasha seemed to think for a minute and then nodded his head. Kagome wouldn't be happy if she couldn't see her family at all, and this way she got to see her family, but he got maximum time to train her, and have her around. The Higurashi family all smiled at him, and soon the table was filled with chatter about the group's travels in the past and what they would do when Kagome came home for the breaks. Inuyasha was included in the conversations and dinner was winding down when they were interrupted by a knock at the front door. Mrs. Higurashi frowned at the noise.
"I wonder who would come by. Most people are eating at this time." Mrs. Higurashi tilted her head, shrugged, and then turned to Souta. "Souta? Would you please go answer the door?" Souta nodded and leapt to his feet. The others at the table went back to their food until the two hanyou's heard the voice at the door. Inuyasha growled low in his throat at the perceived threat and Kagome blinked in shock.
"Hojo!" Kagome whispered. She was up and out of her seat like a shot; down the hall and forcing Hojo out the door before Inuyasha could react to the other male's presence. Hojo looked shocked at being shoved out the door, but pleased at seeing Kagome. Kagome was quite for a moment and listened as Inuyasha approached the door, but stayed on the other side as she turned to deal with the boy in front of her.
"Kagome-san!" Hojo was extatic to see her, "I'm so glad to see you doing so well! I was worried that you were really sick when they said you had removed yourself from school." Kagome flinched, but Hojo didn't notice.
"Oh No Hojo! I'm fine really!" Kagome exclaimed, putting on her best fake smile. "My Mother and I just decided that because I was so sick all the time that my grades would improve if I was enrolled in the Schools, Home School Program. So I can do the work at my own pace, and deal with my illnesses." Hojo smiled brightly at the girl standing before him and reached for her hands. Kagome picked up on the growl Inuyasha was releasing now, and decided that she needed to get rid of Hojo, and fast! But Hojo was speaking again and she needed to pay attention,
"That's really good Kagome, I'm happy that's the only cause, but it looks like you're fine now. So would you like to go out with me this weekend?" Kagome's bright smile faltered as she heard wood breaking as Inuyasha tried to restrain himself.
"Oh no Hojo, I'm so sorry! I can't go out with you. I have a family get together and I can't miss it."
"Well how about next weekend?" Hojo automatically replied, not even noticing how Kagome was tensing now.
"Hojo, it's really sweet that you like me like this, but I have to tell you. I'm interested in someone else. I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner, but there was no chance, and I didn't want to hurt your feelings. I'm sorry Hojo! Can you forgive me?" Kagome rushed through her explanation and sighed as she felt Inuyasha calm considerably. She was surprised when she felt Hojo tighten his grip on her hands. Kagome flinched in an automatic response, and whimpered softly as she saw his expression harden.
"No Kagome! You don't like someone else! You can't! You are mine, and I will keep you from anyone else!" Hojo pulled on their joined hands, as if to try to pull her into a kiss and Kagome yelled in surprise, Hojo wasn't normally like this. What had happened to that sweet boy she used to know?
"Hojo! Let go of me! Stop……!" Kagome was cut off as she was ripped from Hojo's grip and placed protectively behind Inuyasha.
"You will back off you bastard human! Kagome is Mine! And you will never touch her again. She doesn't like me to beat up on people in front of her, so if you turn your scrawny ass around and leave now, I'll let you go." Inuyasha growled at Hojo and then smirked knowingly as he started to leave. Inuyasha was almost surprised as Hojo pivoted back and threw a solid punch at the hanyou's head. Inuyasha smiled evilly as he caught the hand easily and then started squeezing.
"I gave you a chance to leave, now I get to have fun." Inuyasha crushed Hojo's hand in his and smiled down at the boy in front of him. Inuyasha looked back Kagome and got a small nod, Inuyasha's foot came back and then slammed into Hojo's stomach and heard a number of ribs crack. Hojo doubled over his stomach and Inuyasha aimed another kick at the bastards head. Hojo flew across the shrine yard before skidding to a stop. Inuyasha snorted at the unconscious human before picking him up and jumping down the shrine steps. He dropped Hojo on the ground at the bottom of the stairs and then bounded back to Kagome. As he walked toward his soon-to-be Mate, she smiled and ran into his arms. Inuyasha purred soothingly as she rubbed her face against his chest.
"Thank you Inuyasha. I don't think I could have done that myself. I just don't know what happened to him. Hojo's not usually like that." Inuyasha nodded and rubbed her back softly, then led her back into her house. Kagome smiled and walked forward to the kitchen. She didn't really feel like eating anymore. Kagome sighed and looked back at Inuyasha before turning to her mother.
"I think were going to leave now Mama. We need to get back before the sun totally sets. We have a lot to carry." Mrs. Higurashi smiled, she had heard the whole thing from Souta, who had come back to tell his family what was happening. She walked to give Kagome a hug, after she had whispered 'I love you' to her daughter, Mrs. Higurashi reached for Inuyasha as Souta and Grandfather reached for Kagome.
"You take care of my baby all right? I want to see her back in one piece, and safe." Inuyasha smiled, it was basically a form of consent from Mrs. Higurashi to him and he hugged the older women impulsively.
"I would protect her with my life and death Mrs. Higurashi. We'll see you in a month."
The group smiled as they moved to the living room. Inuyasha only complained once on the amount of 'useless shit' Kagome was brining and then ruffled Souta's hair as they entered the well house. The Higurashi's all smiled brightly as the blue light enveloped both Kagome and Inuyasha.
On the other side of the well, both hanyou's were greeted by their own family members 500 years in the past.
TBC……………………………
Yeah! Chapter done! Don't worry there are lots of other areas to explore, and this is in no way finished, even if I could leave it here! :) give reviews and you get more! :) Arigato!
~Sun's Fire