A Change
Disclaimer: Don't Own, but I sooooooo want. Not making anything so don't sue. All original characters are mine, please ask before taking.
AN: A reviewer made the point that I may have come down on hojo to hard last chapter. I'd like to point out a few things. 1) I don't like him 2) Inu was protecting his almost mate 3) I don't like him 4) Hojo was trying to kiss Kagome (ewwwwww!) 5) I don't like him. grin Besides, it might be explained later. Well see.
Inu: Oi! Fire! You almost let that Hobo freak touch Kagome!
Fire: You got to beat him up Inu! Anyway, Hojo will never touch Kagome, I don't like him either. Is that good?
Inu: Maybe, but Kagome is mine! Got that Fire!
Fire: I'll put you in with Kagome more, is that good???
Inu: Hump, Fine! grumbles as he leaves
Fire: Oh well, we'll see.
*thoughts*
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Chapter 8: A Son
"Kagome!! I'm so glad your back! I haven't seen you for the longest time! That stupid Inuyasha took so long to find those Foxes. Did you bring anything back for me Kagome???" Shippo chattered as he snuggled into Kagome's arms, looking for all the world as if he wanted to stay attached to her side forever. Kagome rubbed Shippo's head and stared walking forward. Shippo turned in her arms and stuck his tongue out at Inuyasha. Kagome heard Inuyasha growl and looked down to see Shippo looking over at the Inu-hanyou. She picked up the Kitsune and brought him to face her.
"Shippo, Inuyasha is going to be my Mate soon, and he is going to be your teacher in a few days. There should be no contest between you two for my affections, you will both get them. If you continue to provoke Inu-chan I will not defend you from him. You will deserve what you get. You can still tease Inu, but go too far, and you will pay the price. You need to start learning the rules Shippo. Do you understand?" Shippo looked up at her with large round eyes, and looked fearfully over her shoulder at the Dog Demon, then nodded his head. "Good, don't worry, I still love you. He can't do too much to you either. Now, let's head back." Kagome held Shippo with one hand and reached for Inuyasha's hand with the other. Inuyasha entwined their fingers and walked next to his Mate-to-be. The trio met the other two at the edge of the clearing. Sango and Miroku walked next to their friends as they headed for the village, Miroku was grinning from ear to ear.
"Oi Monk! What are you grinning about?" Inuyasha snapped at the superior looking monk.
"Oh, just that you are openly displaying your affections to the Lady Kagome, something must have happened while you were in the future, you were there long enough." Miroku raised his eyebrows at the Inu-hanyou and Inuyasha turned a deep red.
"Nothing happened you Hentai! When Kagome becomes my Mate, I will not be telling you! That is a private affair Bozou! Back off!" Inuyasha growled while holding Kagome's hand tighter, he looked over and saw that Kagome had heard the conversation, and was blushing a deep crimson as well. When Sango saw there red faces, she brought out her boomerang and bashed Miroku over the head with it from all the way across the group.
"You ecchi, Houshi-san! It's great that they are showing some affection to each other, and don't you go ruining it by being a pervert!" Sango yelled leaving a twitching Miroku on the path. She looked over at the hanyou pair. "Really, I think it's great. You should show the one you care about that you care, as much as possible, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise." Kagome grinned over at the exterminator and eyed her slyly.
"Maybe a certain exterminator should take her own advice on a certain dark haired staff carrying male." Kagome was grinning from ear to ear as Sango also turned a nice crimson shade from her blush. Sango scoffed loudly and looked back at the paralyzed monk lying on the ground.
"As if I could ever like that perverted Monk, you are out of your mind Kagome!" Sango huffed as she walked a head of the rest of the group. Kagome giggled and leaned into Inuyasha's shoulder. Inuyasha looked down at Kagome and smiled softly, it was dark so no one would see his gaze. By this time Miroku had regained consciousness and returned to the group.
"So are you going to show Kagome the Kitsune's you brought for Shippo tonight?" Inuyasha looked over at him and shook his head slowly.
"Not tonight, we've had a trying day and we need sleep. I'll show her tomorrow. For now we will start trying to set up Kagome's and Shippo's training schedules. And then we'll meet with the Kitsune Sunfire tomorrow for Shippo's growth lessons." Miroku nodded his head as they entered Kaede's hut and spread out for the night. Inuyasha sat next to Kagome as they settled in; he looked down at Kagome and Shippo.
"We will start training the day after tomorrow. You will spend from eight each morning to six at night training each day. It will include tracking, fighting, and hunting. Shippo you will have time out each day for your lessons from Sunfire, while you Kagome will continue to train with me for that time. We will continue like this for most of the time it takes you all to learn all you need to. Especially until Shippo has his growth spurt. Besides that when you have days off, anything goes. And I will not take any objections to this. Naraku is going to be coming after us soon, and we need you all prepared. I don't want to lose any of you because you're not trained well enough." Inuyasha finished as he pulled Kagome closer to him and leaned back against the wall of the hut. He then shut his eyes and promptly went to sleep. Kagome looked up at the Dog Demon in surprise.
"Well, I guess that's all that he has to say." Kagome smiled brightly and then leaned more fully into Inuyasha, her hand lifting to one of his ears and rubbing. Inuyasha leaned into her hand and held her closer. Kagome closed her eyes and slowly drifted off herself, her hand slipping down to entwine with Inuyasha's. The others looked stunned at them suddenly slipping into sleep, but then shrugged and laid down themselves then drifted off into sleep.
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Inuyasha's ear twitched as he took in the sounds around him. Miroku, Sango, and Kaede were waking up, and he should too, but Kagome's scent was surrounding him and he didn't want to move from his spot. Inuyasha tightened his arms around Kagome and buried his head into her neck. Inuyasha inhaled Kagome's scent and started to kiss her neck, slowly waking her up. Kagome groaned softly as she felt Inuyasha's lips and teeth being applied to the soft spot where her neck and shoulder met. Kagome sunk deeper into his embrace as her hands reached for his ears and started scratching. Inuyasha's deep purr filled the room as he made his contentment known. The hanyou couple continued with their cuddling until a small voice interrupted them.
"Ewww! Are you two going to do that all the time?" Shippo's voice froze both of them in place; Inuyasha seemed to consider it and then continued kissing and licking Kagome's neck. Kagome was still frozen and grabbed onto Inuyasha's head, pulling him away from her. Inuyasha groaned but stopped his ministrations on Kagome. Kagome reached for Shippo as she reluctantly moved from her soon to be Mate's grasp.
"Yes Shippo, we will continue to act like this. We will be mated soon, and that means we like each other. Your parents must have done stuff like this. Right?" Kagome looked at the fox resting in her arms.
"Well, they were always touching and stuff. Still it was nasty with them too." Shippo exclaimed as he stuck out his tongue in disgust. Inuyasha had finally moved from the wall and tapped Shippo sharply on the head to get him to retract his tongue then ruffled his head as he rose.
"You'll understand one day soon Shippo, just wait." Inuyasha exclaimed as he walked over towards the fire in the middle of the room. He breathed in deeply of the air around him and grinned at the fact that his and Kagome's scents were mixed inside the fur of his Fire-Rat Hakama. That reminded him; he needed to give Kagome her second gift. He looked around, but if he wanted to do it before they left, he would have to give Kagome her present in front of all the others. Inuyasha sighed as he reached inside his robes for Kagome's own Hakama. He walked over to the wall and slowly hung it up, smoothing out the fabric, while Kagome was still involved with Shippo. Inuyasha slowly stepped away from the robes and then was joined by Miroku.
"Ahhhh…, so this is the second gift for Lady Kagome. So did you buy that from someone?" Inuyasha turned and growled at the Monk.
"Everything giving to a chosen Mate is hand made, and done well, or you make something well and then trade for what you want. This though has to be hand
made; for who would trade with a demon!" Miroku raised his hands in supplication and backed away. The commotion had attracted Kagome's attention now and she was staring with wide eyes at the black, blue, and silver Fire-Rat robes that he had displayed. Kagome reached out, her hands slowly caressing the fabric; she turned to Inuyasha her eyes moist with tears, a huge smile on her face. She pulled the robes off the wall and buried her head in them. They smelled exactly like Inuyasha, and she traced the flower embroidered on the chest and the protection spells also painfully sewn into the fabric. Kagome walked over to Inuyasha,
"I accept your second gift, and will treasure it always." The formal replies out of the way, Kagome clutched the fabric to her chest. "Oh thank you Inuyasha! I love it so much, it soooooo beautiful!" Kagome threw her arms around Inuyasha's neck and burrowed into his embrace. Inuyasha looked stunned for a few seconds before returning the embrace and purring softly for Kagome's ears alone. Inuyasha gently pushed her away and took the armor from her hands. He reached for his mother haori at the same time and then took Kagome's hand as well. He led Kagome over to one of the back rooms that rarely got used and pushed her in.
"Change in here okay? You need to wear these things to get used to them. You are going to be wearing them while were traveling, so you need to wear them during training. You can use today to get used to them before we start. When were not training or traveling you can wear your own clothes; Is that okay?" Inuyasha finally questioned as he cocked his head slightly to the right while looking at Kagome. Kagome nodded her head while looking at the garment in her hands. She slowly blushed as she looked down.
"Ummm… I don't really know how to get this on Inuyasha." Kagome whispered her cheeks flaming as she looked down at the floor. Inuyasha's face flamed to match Kagome's and he turned around to the rest of the group, who had been studiously looking like they were minding there own business. Inuyasha turned to the Taija.
"Hey Sango?"
"Yes Inuyasha?" The Demon Exterminator responded as she turned toward Inuyasha with a smile on her face.
"Uh, could you help Kagome put on her Hakama? She doesn't know how to put it on, and I wouldn't feel right doing it for her." Inuyasha was blushing furiously and Kagome's face mirrored his. Sango grinned widely as she passed the Inu-hanyou and stepped into the room with Kagome.
Miroku approached Inuyasha and shook his head despairingly. "Oh my dear Inuyasha, we have so much to teach you." Inuyasha blinked from his spot on the floor of the hut, and narrowed his eyes at the monk as he replied.
"And what exactly would you teach me about this situation Bozou?" Inuyasha almost snarled. Miroku leaned against his staff looking at the door the two lady's had disappeared through.
"You clearly stated that you had the knowledge to help the Lady Kagome with her attire, correct? Well, you should have offered to help her with it instead of asking Sango. What you might be doing right now with Kagome would be a lot better than waiting here." Miroku finished with a leer. He was oblivious to Inuyasha's growls until the Dog Demon's clawed hand came down on his head.
"You lecher! I'm not you! Especially were Kagome or any other female is concerned!" Inuyasha snarled and plopped back down on the floor grumbling under his breath. Shippo sat near him eating popcorn from Kagome's era and watching Miroku get bashed. Shippo giggled at the smashed Miroku and bounded over to sit on Inuyasha's shoulder.
"Don't worry Inuyasha; you're doing it the right way. And besides, you probably would have gotten a 'sit' if you had tried Miroku's suggestion, and a very pissed Kagome!" Shippo exclaimed with complete sureness. Inuyasha didn't even turn his head, just reached up to scratch Shippo's head in gratitude. Both men sat in front of the door, ears turned to listen to the conversation, and waiting for the door to open so they could see Kagome.
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"Oh thank you Sango! I'm so glad you knew how to do this, it would have been so embarrassing to have to have Inuyasha help me." Kagome exclaimed as she turned toward the exterminator.
"Hmmm, maybe embarrassing, but it would also be extremely exciting." Sango replied a devious smile on her face as she looked over at Kagome.
"Sango! You've been hanging around Miroku to much!" Kagome cried as Sango slipped the Hakama over her shoulders and started tying ties around Kagome's waist. Sango started folding the correct layer's on top of each other so the fabric would rest correctly. Sango was still grinning as she came around Kagome's front to settle the other folds.
"Maybe, but it's true. It would have been fun for you to have Inuyasha doing this instead of me." Kagome actually grinned along with Sango as they secured the last of her knots. Kagome and Sango faced each other as Sango took in the new look that Kagome sported. Sango's breath caught in her throat as she looked at the new Kagome. This Kagome look like a real hanyou, the colors of Kagome's Hakama blended almost perfectly with her hair, and the fire-rat armor lent a warrior's look to Kagome's already intense features.
"My Goddess Kagome! You look like a beautiful mystic warrior women. You are going to make the rest of the hunts for the Shikon so much easier." Sango said rubbing her hands together mischievously.
"And why would that be? I'm not even trained yet." Kagome replied to Sango's looks.
"Your beauty will stop any Youkai in its tracks!" Sango giggled as she watched Kagome's face scrunch up. Kagome reached out and swatted at Sango's arm, being careful to not hit her to hard. "So are we ready to show the boys?" Sango questioned.
"Yeah, I think this is as good as it gets. Do I really look okay Sango?" Kagome's voice wavered as she looked imploringly at the exterminator.
"Of course you do! I wouldn't lie to you! You know that. Now, get out there and make Inuyasha jealous of the clothes you're wearing." Sango exclaimed loudly walking to the door and waiting for Kagome. As Kagome approached the door, Sango drew it open and presented her to two stunned demons and an unconscious monk. Inuyasha's mouth dropped to the floor as he took in the sight of a transformed Kagome. Shippo ran forward squealing.
"You look so pretty Kagome! It makes you look like a real demon!" Shippo scrambled up her legs and into Kagome's arms. He snuggled into Kagome and then drew back in surprise. "You smell like Inuyasha!" Shippo's face pulled in reproach as he leaned back away from Kagome's body, and Kagome laughed out loud.
"You're going to have to get used to that Shippo, remember? Inu-chan and I are going to be Mates; you need to deal with that. You will still be my son Shippo, no matter what happens. You know that don't you?" Kagome looked at the little Fox in her arms, not even realizing that she had said Shippo was her son, out loud. Shippo's eyes grew huge as he took in her words.
"Your son? You think of me as your son?" Shippo's tail started wagging in excitement as he gazed adoringly at Kagome. Kagome's eyes widened to the size of saucers in surprise. She glanced over at Inuyasha, who seemed to have finally regained function of his body, in distress. He understood her question and slowly nodded his head in agreement. Inuyasha would take in Shippo as his own son too, he already had. Kagome relaxed and looked down at the Kit, a smile spreading from ear to ear.
"Of course Shippo. From almost the first days you joined us you have been like my own son, to Inuyasha as well, believe it or not. Inuyasha and I love you as our own, and we want you as our own, if you will have us." Kagome whispered the last part, she was afraid that Shippo would deny them the right to adopt him as their own. Shippo saw the truth in Kagome's eyes and the twisted to look skeptically at Inuyasha. The Dog Demon walked forward and stared at the little kit.
"I wouldn't go find a whole pack of Kitsune just for any orphaned kit, and you know it." Came Inuyasha's brash reply to Shippo's silent question. Shippo's eyes started to tear as he immediately snuggled closer to Kagome one word escaping his lips.
"Okaa-san!" Shippo the turned and launched himself into Inuyasha's grasp. "Otou-san!" Inuyasha faltered at being called father by the Kit, his face showing his vulnerability, he was actually getting to start the family he wanted. Inuyasha walked the rest of the way to Kagome and leaned toward her, his mouth near her ears.
"You look amazing." He whispered, "And you smell so good that I don't want to wait until Naraku's dead to make you mine." Kagome shivered with desire and a deep soothing purr emanated from her chest radiating through Shippo and into Inuyasha. Inuyasha and Shippo both grinned at the first sign of Kagome acting as a Inu-hanyou, and then they slowly separated from each other and went to join Miroku and Sango. Inuyasha gave Shippo to Kagome and then looked around. "So are you ready to go meet the Kitsune pack Kagome?" Inuyasha questioned reaching out for her hand.
"Yes, I can't wait to meet Shippo's teachers." Kagome took Inuyasha's hands and followed him out the hut and down the road past the God Tree, Sango and Miroku following, with Shippo resting in the arms of his brand new Mother.
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When the group arrived at the clearing beyond the God Tree, it had been completely transformed. There were now tents and fires scattered around the clearing, with men, women, and children wandering around. Shippo squirmed in Kagome's arms when he saw a group of kit's his age run by playing a game. Kagome hung on to him though as she whispered, "After we meet your teacher and we set up your training with him to match Inuyasha's you can go play with the other kit's until dinner time. Okay?" Shippo was almost bouncing in his place and bobbed his head as he watched the other Kits run out of sight. As the company moved toward the center they were met with two adult Kitsune, one male and one female. Inuyasha walked toward the male kitsune and stretched out his hand to give a firm shake.
"Sunfire, I would like you to meet my future Mate, Kagome. You've met Shippo, Sango, and Miroku yesterday."
"I did indeed. Now I would like you to meet my family. This stunning creature is Sunburst, and the little thing clinging to her legs in SolarFlare." Sunfire replied. The shy female kit came from behind her mother's legs. While her father and mother were both red based with orange tails and hair, SolarFlare's fur was mixed all over. There were bursts of red and orange fur mixed tougher all over the Kit's body that actually made it look like a Solar Flare was happening all over her fur. Shippo was immediately captivated by the sight of the young female. He pulled out of Kagome's arms and scrambled down to rest at Kagome's feet. Shippo reached out a small paw to touch the female's fur in wonder.
"Oh wow you're pretty." Shippo breathed, "I've never seen anything like you before." The young kit blinked bright blue eyes in complete surprise at the brown and rust colored kit.
"You don't think I'm weird?" Her shy voice crept out as she reached her own paw out for Shippo's.
"No, why should I? I see things more strange then you all the time. And none of them are as pretty." Shippo stated so confidently that SolarFlare had to believe him. She giggled softly and then looked up at her mother.
"Can I go play with Shippo Mama?" Then she titled her head toward Kagome slowly. "That is if he can play with me?" Her voice became quiet again as she became shy. Kagome only contemplated a second, looking over at Sunburst for confirmation before she leaned down.
"Of course you can, and you know what? Don't let anyone tell you that being bad is different. You are the most beautiful female kit I have ever seen." Kagome stroked her cheek lightly and SolarFlare's eyes became huge at the thought of this beautiful she-demon telling her that she was pretty. SolarFlare squeaked in delight and then grabbed Shippo's hand.
"Come on; let's go play with my friends, okay?" Shippo's reply was immediate.
"Okay! Thanks Okaa-san!" Kagome smiled and straightened up.
"You have a stunning daughter. I've never seen such pattern's on a kitsune before."
"We know." Sunburst retorted, "She's the only one we have seen like that. She gets teased about it from the other kids. I am grateful that you told her she was pretty, she has started not to believe us." Sunburst smiled at Kagome easily. "Why don't we go talk while the men figure out the boring schedules hun? You can bring your exterminator friend with you. I would love to hear a human view for once." Kagome looked at Sango who nodded her head and grinned.
"We would love to. It was nice meeting you Sunfire." Inuyasha reached out to touch Kagome's shoulder.
"Don't go too far we'll be done quickly." Sunburst smiled,
"It's okay, I'll just led them around the clearing and then bring them back, it shouldn't take too long." Sunfire nodded and pushed them on. He then turned to Inuyasha and Miroku.
"Let's go sit and we'll talk." Sunfire led them to a central fire and they all set around it. "So what are you going to when you train Shippo and Kagome each day?" Inuyasha thought long and hard before answering.
"I plan to spend the first part of the day on tracking scents, until about an hour before the sun's zenith. At that time Shippo could come to you and stay with you through lunch, he could have his growth training then. When you were done eating he could come to me for combat training, but I would like you to come with us and help teach him magic. I don't know a lot and I could stand to learn from you as well, even Kagome would benefit. Besides that they will have free time; so from a little before dinner and until they go to sleep will be there relaxation periods. Does that suit you Sunfire?" The fox's head tilted and he slowly nodded.
"That would be fine, but I would like to bring a few of the older kit's to learn magic with Shippo, they will be changing about the same time as Shippo, so they should learn what he does, is that okay?" Inuyasha readily agreed and they were standing as the women returned laughing. They caught sight of the men and broke out into harder laughter; Inuyasha looked confused and then shook his head. "I won't even ask. I'll never understand women, so I won't try it." Kagome smiled and patted his head like a puppy.
"Good boy, you've been taught well." This sent the others into even more laughter and Inuyasha growled as he started to walk away form the others and toward Kaede's hut. Kagome smiled as she ran after the Inu-hanyou calling a 'thank you' to the Kit's behind them. Sango and Miroku followed saying there goodbye's to there guests and then calling for Shippo. The Kit came scurrying with SolarFlare; they only separated when they were assured that they would see each other tomorrow. Shippo ran ahead and climbed up to Inuyasha's shoulder starting to chatter away. Behind them the desert Kit's smiled.
"This will be a great new start darling, I really like it here Sunfire, I hope we stay." Sunfire looked at his Mate and smiled.
"I'm sure we will, Love, I'm sure we will."
TBC………….
Yeah! Another done! And just in time for Christmas too, I love writing this story! Please tell me what you think!!!! I Love my Reviewers!!!! grin! :)
----Sun's Fire
Disclaimer: Don't Own, but I sooooooo want. Not making anything so don't sue. All original characters are mine, please ask before taking.
AN: A reviewer made the point that I may have come down on hojo to hard last chapter. I'd like to point out a few things. 1) I don't like him 2) Inu was protecting his almost mate 3) I don't like him 4) Hojo was trying to kiss Kagome (ewwwwww!) 5) I don't like him. grin Besides, it might be explained later. Well see.
Inu: Oi! Fire! You almost let that Hobo freak touch Kagome!
Fire: You got to beat him up Inu! Anyway, Hojo will never touch Kagome, I don't like him either. Is that good?
Inu: Maybe, but Kagome is mine! Got that Fire!
Fire: I'll put you in with Kagome more, is that good???
Inu: Hump, Fine! grumbles as he leaves
Fire: Oh well, we'll see.
*thoughts*
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Chapter 8: A Son
"Kagome!! I'm so glad your back! I haven't seen you for the longest time! That stupid Inuyasha took so long to find those Foxes. Did you bring anything back for me Kagome???" Shippo chattered as he snuggled into Kagome's arms, looking for all the world as if he wanted to stay attached to her side forever. Kagome rubbed Shippo's head and stared walking forward. Shippo turned in her arms and stuck his tongue out at Inuyasha. Kagome heard Inuyasha growl and looked down to see Shippo looking over at the Inu-hanyou. She picked up the Kitsune and brought him to face her.
"Shippo, Inuyasha is going to be my Mate soon, and he is going to be your teacher in a few days. There should be no contest between you two for my affections, you will both get them. If you continue to provoke Inu-chan I will not defend you from him. You will deserve what you get. You can still tease Inu, but go too far, and you will pay the price. You need to start learning the rules Shippo. Do you understand?" Shippo looked up at her with large round eyes, and looked fearfully over her shoulder at the Dog Demon, then nodded his head. "Good, don't worry, I still love you. He can't do too much to you either. Now, let's head back." Kagome held Shippo with one hand and reached for Inuyasha's hand with the other. Inuyasha entwined their fingers and walked next to his Mate-to-be. The trio met the other two at the edge of the clearing. Sango and Miroku walked next to their friends as they headed for the village, Miroku was grinning from ear to ear.
"Oi Monk! What are you grinning about?" Inuyasha snapped at the superior looking monk.
"Oh, just that you are openly displaying your affections to the Lady Kagome, something must have happened while you were in the future, you were there long enough." Miroku raised his eyebrows at the Inu-hanyou and Inuyasha turned a deep red.
"Nothing happened you Hentai! When Kagome becomes my Mate, I will not be telling you! That is a private affair Bozou! Back off!" Inuyasha growled while holding Kagome's hand tighter, he looked over and saw that Kagome had heard the conversation, and was blushing a deep crimson as well. When Sango saw there red faces, she brought out her boomerang and bashed Miroku over the head with it from all the way across the group.
"You ecchi, Houshi-san! It's great that they are showing some affection to each other, and don't you go ruining it by being a pervert!" Sango yelled leaving a twitching Miroku on the path. She looked over at the hanyou pair. "Really, I think it's great. You should show the one you care about that you care, as much as possible, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise." Kagome grinned over at the exterminator and eyed her slyly.
"Maybe a certain exterminator should take her own advice on a certain dark haired staff carrying male." Kagome was grinning from ear to ear as Sango also turned a nice crimson shade from her blush. Sango scoffed loudly and looked back at the paralyzed monk lying on the ground.
"As if I could ever like that perverted Monk, you are out of your mind Kagome!" Sango huffed as she walked a head of the rest of the group. Kagome giggled and leaned into Inuyasha's shoulder. Inuyasha looked down at Kagome and smiled softly, it was dark so no one would see his gaze. By this time Miroku had regained consciousness and returned to the group.
"So are you going to show Kagome the Kitsune's you brought for Shippo tonight?" Inuyasha looked over at him and shook his head slowly.
"Not tonight, we've had a trying day and we need sleep. I'll show her tomorrow. For now we will start trying to set up Kagome's and Shippo's training schedules. And then we'll meet with the Kitsune Sunfire tomorrow for Shippo's growth lessons." Miroku nodded his head as they entered Kaede's hut and spread out for the night. Inuyasha sat next to Kagome as they settled in; he looked down at Kagome and Shippo.
"We will start training the day after tomorrow. You will spend from eight each morning to six at night training each day. It will include tracking, fighting, and hunting. Shippo you will have time out each day for your lessons from Sunfire, while you Kagome will continue to train with me for that time. We will continue like this for most of the time it takes you all to learn all you need to. Especially until Shippo has his growth spurt. Besides that when you have days off, anything goes. And I will not take any objections to this. Naraku is going to be coming after us soon, and we need you all prepared. I don't want to lose any of you because you're not trained well enough." Inuyasha finished as he pulled Kagome closer to him and leaned back against the wall of the hut. He then shut his eyes and promptly went to sleep. Kagome looked up at the Dog Demon in surprise.
"Well, I guess that's all that he has to say." Kagome smiled brightly and then leaned more fully into Inuyasha, her hand lifting to one of his ears and rubbing. Inuyasha leaned into her hand and held her closer. Kagome closed her eyes and slowly drifted off herself, her hand slipping down to entwine with Inuyasha's. The others looked stunned at them suddenly slipping into sleep, but then shrugged and laid down themselves then drifted off into sleep.
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Inuyasha's ear twitched as he took in the sounds around him. Miroku, Sango, and Kaede were waking up, and he should too, but Kagome's scent was surrounding him and he didn't want to move from his spot. Inuyasha tightened his arms around Kagome and buried his head into her neck. Inuyasha inhaled Kagome's scent and started to kiss her neck, slowly waking her up. Kagome groaned softly as she felt Inuyasha's lips and teeth being applied to the soft spot where her neck and shoulder met. Kagome sunk deeper into his embrace as her hands reached for his ears and started scratching. Inuyasha's deep purr filled the room as he made his contentment known. The hanyou couple continued with their cuddling until a small voice interrupted them.
"Ewww! Are you two going to do that all the time?" Shippo's voice froze both of them in place; Inuyasha seemed to consider it and then continued kissing and licking Kagome's neck. Kagome was still frozen and grabbed onto Inuyasha's head, pulling him away from her. Inuyasha groaned but stopped his ministrations on Kagome. Kagome reached for Shippo as she reluctantly moved from her soon to be Mate's grasp.
"Yes Shippo, we will continue to act like this. We will be mated soon, and that means we like each other. Your parents must have done stuff like this. Right?" Kagome looked at the fox resting in her arms.
"Well, they were always touching and stuff. Still it was nasty with them too." Shippo exclaimed as he stuck out his tongue in disgust. Inuyasha had finally moved from the wall and tapped Shippo sharply on the head to get him to retract his tongue then ruffled his head as he rose.
"You'll understand one day soon Shippo, just wait." Inuyasha exclaimed as he walked over towards the fire in the middle of the room. He breathed in deeply of the air around him and grinned at the fact that his and Kagome's scents were mixed inside the fur of his Fire-Rat Hakama. That reminded him; he needed to give Kagome her second gift. He looked around, but if he wanted to do it before they left, he would have to give Kagome her present in front of all the others. Inuyasha sighed as he reached inside his robes for Kagome's own Hakama. He walked over to the wall and slowly hung it up, smoothing out the fabric, while Kagome was still involved with Shippo. Inuyasha slowly stepped away from the robes and then was joined by Miroku.
"Ahhhh…, so this is the second gift for Lady Kagome. So did you buy that from someone?" Inuyasha turned and growled at the Monk.
"Everything giving to a chosen Mate is hand made, and done well, or you make something well and then trade for what you want. This though has to be hand
made; for who would trade with a demon!" Miroku raised his hands in supplication and backed away. The commotion had attracted Kagome's attention now and she was staring with wide eyes at the black, blue, and silver Fire-Rat robes that he had displayed. Kagome reached out, her hands slowly caressing the fabric; she turned to Inuyasha her eyes moist with tears, a huge smile on her face. She pulled the robes off the wall and buried her head in them. They smelled exactly like Inuyasha, and she traced the flower embroidered on the chest and the protection spells also painfully sewn into the fabric. Kagome walked over to Inuyasha,
"I accept your second gift, and will treasure it always." The formal replies out of the way, Kagome clutched the fabric to her chest. "Oh thank you Inuyasha! I love it so much, it soooooo beautiful!" Kagome threw her arms around Inuyasha's neck and burrowed into his embrace. Inuyasha looked stunned for a few seconds before returning the embrace and purring softly for Kagome's ears alone. Inuyasha gently pushed her away and took the armor from her hands. He reached for his mother haori at the same time and then took Kagome's hand as well. He led Kagome over to one of the back rooms that rarely got used and pushed her in.
"Change in here okay? You need to wear these things to get used to them. You are going to be wearing them while were traveling, so you need to wear them during training. You can use today to get used to them before we start. When were not training or traveling you can wear your own clothes; Is that okay?" Inuyasha finally questioned as he cocked his head slightly to the right while looking at Kagome. Kagome nodded her head while looking at the garment in her hands. She slowly blushed as she looked down.
"Ummm… I don't really know how to get this on Inuyasha." Kagome whispered her cheeks flaming as she looked down at the floor. Inuyasha's face flamed to match Kagome's and he turned around to the rest of the group, who had been studiously looking like they were minding there own business. Inuyasha turned to the Taija.
"Hey Sango?"
"Yes Inuyasha?" The Demon Exterminator responded as she turned toward Inuyasha with a smile on her face.
"Uh, could you help Kagome put on her Hakama? She doesn't know how to put it on, and I wouldn't feel right doing it for her." Inuyasha was blushing furiously and Kagome's face mirrored his. Sango grinned widely as she passed the Inu-hanyou and stepped into the room with Kagome.
Miroku approached Inuyasha and shook his head despairingly. "Oh my dear Inuyasha, we have so much to teach you." Inuyasha blinked from his spot on the floor of the hut, and narrowed his eyes at the monk as he replied.
"And what exactly would you teach me about this situation Bozou?" Inuyasha almost snarled. Miroku leaned against his staff looking at the door the two lady's had disappeared through.
"You clearly stated that you had the knowledge to help the Lady Kagome with her attire, correct? Well, you should have offered to help her with it instead of asking Sango. What you might be doing right now with Kagome would be a lot better than waiting here." Miroku finished with a leer. He was oblivious to Inuyasha's growls until the Dog Demon's clawed hand came down on his head.
"You lecher! I'm not you! Especially were Kagome or any other female is concerned!" Inuyasha snarled and plopped back down on the floor grumbling under his breath. Shippo sat near him eating popcorn from Kagome's era and watching Miroku get bashed. Shippo giggled at the smashed Miroku and bounded over to sit on Inuyasha's shoulder.
"Don't worry Inuyasha; you're doing it the right way. And besides, you probably would have gotten a 'sit' if you had tried Miroku's suggestion, and a very pissed Kagome!" Shippo exclaimed with complete sureness. Inuyasha didn't even turn his head, just reached up to scratch Shippo's head in gratitude. Both men sat in front of the door, ears turned to listen to the conversation, and waiting for the door to open so they could see Kagome.
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"Oh thank you Sango! I'm so glad you knew how to do this, it would have been so embarrassing to have to have Inuyasha help me." Kagome exclaimed as she turned toward the exterminator.
"Hmmm, maybe embarrassing, but it would also be extremely exciting." Sango replied a devious smile on her face as she looked over at Kagome.
"Sango! You've been hanging around Miroku to much!" Kagome cried as Sango slipped the Hakama over her shoulders and started tying ties around Kagome's waist. Sango started folding the correct layer's on top of each other so the fabric would rest correctly. Sango was still grinning as she came around Kagome's front to settle the other folds.
"Maybe, but it's true. It would have been fun for you to have Inuyasha doing this instead of me." Kagome actually grinned along with Sango as they secured the last of her knots. Kagome and Sango faced each other as Sango took in the new look that Kagome sported. Sango's breath caught in her throat as she looked at the new Kagome. This Kagome look like a real hanyou, the colors of Kagome's Hakama blended almost perfectly with her hair, and the fire-rat armor lent a warrior's look to Kagome's already intense features.
"My Goddess Kagome! You look like a beautiful mystic warrior women. You are going to make the rest of the hunts for the Shikon so much easier." Sango said rubbing her hands together mischievously.
"And why would that be? I'm not even trained yet." Kagome replied to Sango's looks.
"Your beauty will stop any Youkai in its tracks!" Sango giggled as she watched Kagome's face scrunch up. Kagome reached out and swatted at Sango's arm, being careful to not hit her to hard. "So are we ready to show the boys?" Sango questioned.
"Yeah, I think this is as good as it gets. Do I really look okay Sango?" Kagome's voice wavered as she looked imploringly at the exterminator.
"Of course you do! I wouldn't lie to you! You know that. Now, get out there and make Inuyasha jealous of the clothes you're wearing." Sango exclaimed loudly walking to the door and waiting for Kagome. As Kagome approached the door, Sango drew it open and presented her to two stunned demons and an unconscious monk. Inuyasha's mouth dropped to the floor as he took in the sight of a transformed Kagome. Shippo ran forward squealing.
"You look so pretty Kagome! It makes you look like a real demon!" Shippo scrambled up her legs and into Kagome's arms. He snuggled into Kagome and then drew back in surprise. "You smell like Inuyasha!" Shippo's face pulled in reproach as he leaned back away from Kagome's body, and Kagome laughed out loud.
"You're going to have to get used to that Shippo, remember? Inu-chan and I are going to be Mates; you need to deal with that. You will still be my son Shippo, no matter what happens. You know that don't you?" Kagome looked at the little Fox in her arms, not even realizing that she had said Shippo was her son, out loud. Shippo's eyes grew huge as he took in her words.
"Your son? You think of me as your son?" Shippo's tail started wagging in excitement as he gazed adoringly at Kagome. Kagome's eyes widened to the size of saucers in surprise. She glanced over at Inuyasha, who seemed to have finally regained function of his body, in distress. He understood her question and slowly nodded his head in agreement. Inuyasha would take in Shippo as his own son too, he already had. Kagome relaxed and looked down at the Kit, a smile spreading from ear to ear.
"Of course Shippo. From almost the first days you joined us you have been like my own son, to Inuyasha as well, believe it or not. Inuyasha and I love you as our own, and we want you as our own, if you will have us." Kagome whispered the last part, she was afraid that Shippo would deny them the right to adopt him as their own. Shippo saw the truth in Kagome's eyes and the twisted to look skeptically at Inuyasha. The Dog Demon walked forward and stared at the little kit.
"I wouldn't go find a whole pack of Kitsune just for any orphaned kit, and you know it." Came Inuyasha's brash reply to Shippo's silent question. Shippo's eyes started to tear as he immediately snuggled closer to Kagome one word escaping his lips.
"Okaa-san!" Shippo the turned and launched himself into Inuyasha's grasp. "Otou-san!" Inuyasha faltered at being called father by the Kit, his face showing his vulnerability, he was actually getting to start the family he wanted. Inuyasha walked the rest of the way to Kagome and leaned toward her, his mouth near her ears.
"You look amazing." He whispered, "And you smell so good that I don't want to wait until Naraku's dead to make you mine." Kagome shivered with desire and a deep soothing purr emanated from her chest radiating through Shippo and into Inuyasha. Inuyasha and Shippo both grinned at the first sign of Kagome acting as a Inu-hanyou, and then they slowly separated from each other and went to join Miroku and Sango. Inuyasha gave Shippo to Kagome and then looked around. "So are you ready to go meet the Kitsune pack Kagome?" Inuyasha questioned reaching out for her hand.
"Yes, I can't wait to meet Shippo's teachers." Kagome took Inuyasha's hands and followed him out the hut and down the road past the God Tree, Sango and Miroku following, with Shippo resting in the arms of his brand new Mother.
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When the group arrived at the clearing beyond the God Tree, it had been completely transformed. There were now tents and fires scattered around the clearing, with men, women, and children wandering around. Shippo squirmed in Kagome's arms when he saw a group of kit's his age run by playing a game. Kagome hung on to him though as she whispered, "After we meet your teacher and we set up your training with him to match Inuyasha's you can go play with the other kit's until dinner time. Okay?" Shippo was almost bouncing in his place and bobbed his head as he watched the other Kits run out of sight. As the company moved toward the center they were met with two adult Kitsune, one male and one female. Inuyasha walked toward the male kitsune and stretched out his hand to give a firm shake.
"Sunfire, I would like you to meet my future Mate, Kagome. You've met Shippo, Sango, and Miroku yesterday."
"I did indeed. Now I would like you to meet my family. This stunning creature is Sunburst, and the little thing clinging to her legs in SolarFlare." Sunfire replied. The shy female kit came from behind her mother's legs. While her father and mother were both red based with orange tails and hair, SolarFlare's fur was mixed all over. There were bursts of red and orange fur mixed tougher all over the Kit's body that actually made it look like a Solar Flare was happening all over her fur. Shippo was immediately captivated by the sight of the young female. He pulled out of Kagome's arms and scrambled down to rest at Kagome's feet. Shippo reached out a small paw to touch the female's fur in wonder.
"Oh wow you're pretty." Shippo breathed, "I've never seen anything like you before." The young kit blinked bright blue eyes in complete surprise at the brown and rust colored kit.
"You don't think I'm weird?" Her shy voice crept out as she reached her own paw out for Shippo's.
"No, why should I? I see things more strange then you all the time. And none of them are as pretty." Shippo stated so confidently that SolarFlare had to believe him. She giggled softly and then looked up at her mother.
"Can I go play with Shippo Mama?" Then she titled her head toward Kagome slowly. "That is if he can play with me?" Her voice became quiet again as she became shy. Kagome only contemplated a second, looking over at Sunburst for confirmation before she leaned down.
"Of course you can, and you know what? Don't let anyone tell you that being bad is different. You are the most beautiful female kit I have ever seen." Kagome stroked her cheek lightly and SolarFlare's eyes became huge at the thought of this beautiful she-demon telling her that she was pretty. SolarFlare squeaked in delight and then grabbed Shippo's hand.
"Come on; let's go play with my friends, okay?" Shippo's reply was immediate.
"Okay! Thanks Okaa-san!" Kagome smiled and straightened up.
"You have a stunning daughter. I've never seen such pattern's on a kitsune before."
"We know." Sunburst retorted, "She's the only one we have seen like that. She gets teased about it from the other kids. I am grateful that you told her she was pretty, she has started not to believe us." Sunburst smiled at Kagome easily. "Why don't we go talk while the men figure out the boring schedules hun? You can bring your exterminator friend with you. I would love to hear a human view for once." Kagome looked at Sango who nodded her head and grinned.
"We would love to. It was nice meeting you Sunfire." Inuyasha reached out to touch Kagome's shoulder.
"Don't go too far we'll be done quickly." Sunburst smiled,
"It's okay, I'll just led them around the clearing and then bring them back, it shouldn't take too long." Sunfire nodded and pushed them on. He then turned to Inuyasha and Miroku.
"Let's go sit and we'll talk." Sunfire led them to a central fire and they all set around it. "So what are you going to when you train Shippo and Kagome each day?" Inuyasha thought long and hard before answering.
"I plan to spend the first part of the day on tracking scents, until about an hour before the sun's zenith. At that time Shippo could come to you and stay with you through lunch, he could have his growth training then. When you were done eating he could come to me for combat training, but I would like you to come with us and help teach him magic. I don't know a lot and I could stand to learn from you as well, even Kagome would benefit. Besides that they will have free time; so from a little before dinner and until they go to sleep will be there relaxation periods. Does that suit you Sunfire?" The fox's head tilted and he slowly nodded.
"That would be fine, but I would like to bring a few of the older kit's to learn magic with Shippo, they will be changing about the same time as Shippo, so they should learn what he does, is that okay?" Inuyasha readily agreed and they were standing as the women returned laughing. They caught sight of the men and broke out into harder laughter; Inuyasha looked confused and then shook his head. "I won't even ask. I'll never understand women, so I won't try it." Kagome smiled and patted his head like a puppy.
"Good boy, you've been taught well." This sent the others into even more laughter and Inuyasha growled as he started to walk away form the others and toward Kaede's hut. Kagome smiled as she ran after the Inu-hanyou calling a 'thank you' to the Kit's behind them. Sango and Miroku followed saying there goodbye's to there guests and then calling for Shippo. The Kit came scurrying with SolarFlare; they only separated when they were assured that they would see each other tomorrow. Shippo ran ahead and climbed up to Inuyasha's shoulder starting to chatter away. Behind them the desert Kit's smiled.
"This will be a great new start darling, I really like it here Sunfire, I hope we stay." Sunfire looked at his Mate and smiled.
"I'm sure we will, Love, I'm sure we will."
TBC………….
Yeah! Another done! And just in time for Christmas too, I love writing this story! Please tell me what you think!!!! I Love my Reviewers!!!! grin! :)
----Sun's Fire