Hello, everyone! I am soooooooooo sorry that I haven't updated sooner, please don't kill me! I have a good excuse, really I do! I was in Europe for the entire month of July on a choir tour, and then I was stuck visiting my mother for two weeks, and then I had to move my junk to college and get settled in, and I'm only now getting some free time to write. I promise to update faithfully from now on. Now, quit listening ot my whining, and start reading! And don't forget to review, I thrive and flourish on reviews.
Inuyasha and Kagome had finished their dinner and were walking through the gardens. The gardens were beautiful in the starlight, the waters shining, and the flowers glowing in the pale light. The dog-demon cut a dark red rose from a thorn-less bush and placed it in Kagome's hair. She smiled gently at him."Kagome?" Inuyasha wasn't sure what he wanted to say. "Kagome, I..." She smiled encouragingly, waiting for him to speak. Inuyasha took a deep breath and plunged ahead. "I love you, Kagome. From the bottom of my heart, I love you." The Elf looked down at her feet.
"What about Kikyo?" she murmured.
"Kikyo means nothing to me, Kagome. I love only you. What I felt for Kikyo all those years ago is nothing compared to my feelings for you. I know that, now." Inuyasha paused, hesitant. "D..Don't you love me, Kagome?" He wouldn't be able to bear it if she didn't! He would die of grief.
Kagome looked up at Inuyasha with tears shining in her eyes. His heart sank. 'She's going to say no!' he thought brokenly, 'She's going to say that she loves someone else.'
"Inuyasha," Kagome whispered as she slipped her arms around his neck, "I," The hanyou clutched her to him, waiting for those next fateful words. "I love you, too." Inuyasha felt a tear slide down his cheek. She loved him! He didn't know whether to laugh in relief or weep for joy. Instead, he did neither. Inuyasha leaned forward and softly kissed her. When she didn't resist, he deepened their kiss until neither could breathe. Kagome pulled back and rested her head on his shoulder. He gently rubbed her back and buried his nose in her hair. They stood like that for a long time."We'd better go inside, now, Inuyasha. It's getting late and you should rest. Tomorrow is your day." The hanyou had almost forgotten that his monthly transformation was at hand. He was grateful for the protection Kagome's new home offered, and he was glad they had gotten there in time. Inuyasha held Kagome's hand as they walked back inside.
"If you need anything, ring the bell. That summons Benjiro. Good night, my hanyou." Inuyasha kissed her again.
"Good night, Kagome. I love you." She smiled as she wandered up to her bedroom on the third floor.
The next morning at breakfast everyone noticed the change between Kagome and Inuyasha. The dog-demon kept on whispering things in her ear that made her blush, and they often held hands underneath the table. Miroku poked Sango and nodded towards the couple. Inuyasha leaned over and kissed Kagome's cheek, then whispered in her ear again. Miroku and Sango did not address the matter, but little Shippo did.
"Mama, why does your face keep turning pink?" he asked innocently, knowing the answer.
"Because of the things Inuyasha is telling me." she responded, slightly embarrassed by the kistune's boldness.
"What kind of things?" the kitsune pressed.
"Secret things," Kagome whispered, "That only I can hear."
"So," interrupted Miroku, "How long are we staying here?"
"Until my spies bring back word on the Shikon non Tama. It could be awhile. Were you chambers comfortable?" Recognizing that Kagome wanted to change the subject, the others reassured her that they had been very comfortable.
"When I woke up this morning I thought I had died and gone to Heaven." declared little Shippo. The friends finished their tea and set off to find something to do. Inuyasha led Kagome to the spot where they had kissed the night before, right next to her favourite fountain. They sat down on a bench together."Last night," Inuyasha said, "Was that, I mean have you..." he trailed off, not sure how to phrase the question delicately. Kagome smiled knowingly.
"Yes, Love, that was my first kiss."
"Did, did you, I mean, was it, okay?" Kagome grinned as she lightly punched his arm.
"Of course I liked it, silly! You were the one who kissed me, how could I not have enjoyed it?" Inuyasha grew suddenly bold and smiled wickedly.
"Would you like another?" he whispered in her ear. She nodded shyly. Inuyasha slipped his arms around her and pulled her onto his lap. Then he kissed her gently. They both jumped when they heard Akira's quiet 'Ahem'.
"Yes, Akira, what is it?" asked Kagome, slightly annoyed.
"My Lady, a visitor is here to see you."
"I thought I told you that I would not be conducting any business today, Akira. Tell him to come back tomorrow." replied Kagome irritably.
"My Lady, it is the Lord Sesshomaru." Inuyasha tightened his hold on Kagome and flattened his ears. Kagome could hear his quiet growls.
"Did he say what he wanted?" snarled Inuyasha. Akira trembled slightly at the hanyou's wrath.
"N.. No, My Lord, just that it was important." Kagome sighed.
"All right, I'll see him."
"I'm coming with you, Kagome." She smiled at her lover and took his hand. She squeezed it, and then turned to Akira.
"Show him to the Throne Room while we change."
Sesshomaru paced impatiently outside the Throne Room. What was taking so long? Finally the doors opened and he was ushered into Kagome's presence. Sesshomaru stopped short when he saw that Inuyasha was seated on a throne next to Kagome's. She was wearing her new usual attire, only made of finer material, and Inuyasha was wearing fine clothes as well. He noted that Inuyasha was in his human form, and remembered that the new moon was at hand.
"Come forward, Lord Sesshomaru, you know that I won't bite." Kagome's voice rang clear and powerful through the room. When Sesshomaru was within three feet of the Lady, he stopped.
"Lady Kagome, I have come to request permission to join you on your quest to recover the Shikon non Tama and defeat Naraku. I know that I have given you cause to mistrust me in the past, but I ask that you forget that now. I will take an oath never to harm any of your companions again for as long as I live, if it pleases you." Kagome cocked her head at Sesshomaru.
"I must discuss this with my friends. I will summon you again tomorrow. For now you will be shown to quarters. I must ask that you refrain from contact with my companions unless they approach you first. So do not enter where they may be found. If you need anything, my servants will attend you. Good day."
"I don't trust him." said Sango flatly. She and the rest of the group sat out in the gardens drinking tea.
"Me neither." Inuyasha said.
"Well, I do." Kagome said, shocking her companions.
"How do we know that he is trustworthy?" asked Miroku.
"Listen," Kagome sighed, "His powers will add to our forces greatly. We need him. If you don't trust him, I'll have him take an oath not to harm any of you ever again, and I'll give him a necklace like Inuyasha's, all right?" The others reluctantly agreed.
Inuyasha and Kagome were sitting in the Library, with the doors locked to prevent intrusion. They were on a loveseat in front of the fire, and Kagome had a book of Elvish History open on her lap. Inuyasha leaned over and gently kissed Kagome's cheek.
"I love you." he whispered, "Don't ever doubt it." Kagome smiled at her lover, and snuggled into his muscular chest.
They stayed up late that night, talking about many things. The next morning the group of friends met with Sesshomaru in the Throne Room. "Lord Sesshomaru," said Kagome imperially, "We have decided that you may join with us on our quest, on two conditions. First, you must take an oath to never cause harm, neither direct nor indirect, to anyone in this company for the rest of your life. Secondly, you must wear this necklace of prayer beads, for my pleasure. Do you accept these terms?" Sesshomaru nodded. "Then step forward." Sesshomaru placed his hands between Kagome's and took the oath. Then Sango placed the necklace around him.
"Sango, these prayer beads will work for both you and me. Would you like to choose the quieting word?" asked Kagome.
'Quieting word?' thought Sesshomaru, 'They're going to quieten me?!'
"All right, let me think. Ah, yes, 'Bad dog!' What do you think, Kagome?" Kagome grinned.
"It's perfect. We have to say it together. Now." Both girls yelled 'Bad dog' at the same instant, sending Sesshomaru flat on his face. He struggled vainly against the spell. Inuyasha and Shippo were rolling on the floor in laughter, with tears streaming down their faces.
"Now you know how I feel when Kagome says 'Sit'!" Inuyasha chortled. Shippo continued to giggle hysterically.
"Now, Inuyasha, you shouldn't be so amused by your brothers' situation. After all, I can do the same to you." Inuyasha nodded, and did his best to stop laughing. Sesshomaru rose and swiftly left the room. Kagome sent Miroku and Sango to find something to do, and asked Inuyasha to play with Shippo for a while. The demons naturally asked why, and where she was going.
"I'm just going for a little ride, that's all. I'll be back by supper-time. Don't worry." When Inuyasha protested, she sighed. "You have the potential to become quite a nag, Dear. Go on, Shippo is in your care. If anything happens to him, you'll be in big trouble, buster!" she added jokingly. Her smile faded quickly as she called for Shukishi. He arrived and she climbed up onto his back.
"Fly, Shukishi, go south." she ordered softly. The dragon immediately soared into the sky, carrying her away from her friends, home, and lover.
In a glen far to the south, Kagome slid off of her pet, and sent him home. She would walk home, she told him. She sat on a boulder in the glen and waited. In a bush a few feet away, a pair of amber eyes watched her with concern.
"What is she doing, Inuyasha?" whispered Miroku.
"I don't know. Just sitting." replied the hanyou.
"Maybe she just wanted some time to herself. She'll be okay, let's go." Sango whispered back.
"Take Sango's advice, please, and go home. I'll return shortly." They all jumped guiltily at Kagome's comments. Inuyasha recovered first and strode forward. Kagome did not change her position.
"Kagome, I demand to know what is going on here!" Inuyasha snarled. Why would she just leave, and come here, it can't be just to sit!
"You demand?" said Kagome dangerously, "You demand?!" Her voice rose to a near shriek, "I told you to stay behind! I have asked you before not to follow me, are you intent on getting yourself killed!? Go back, now! I'll explain later, but you must leave. I shall not have your blood on my hands! Go, he's coming, GO!!" Power surged from Kagome's body, she was enveloped in swirling blue and green light, her eyes glowing silver.
Her friends fled at the sight of her wrath, but Inuyasha hesitated a moment longer. Finally, he too retreated.
"That is one way to do it." murmured a smooth voice behind Kagome.
"It was the only way. You do not know my friends."
"And your lover? What of him?"
"Did you come here to discuss business or my love-life?" returned Kagome sharply. The dark figure behind her inclined their head slightly.
"My apologies, Princess. Shall we go?"
"I thought I made it clear to you that I am not going."
"Princess, you must! You must!" The dark figure grasped Kagome's arm fiercely. She jerked her arm free, and stared at her coldly.
"I shall not." she said very deliberately.
"Then you sentence us all to death." returned the figure desolately.
" 'Heaven helps those who help themselves.' Your problems are not my problems, and I cannot help you until you at least attempt to solve them yourselves. I have responsibilities in two worlds right now, and that is enough. I don't need another worlds problems added onto my own. I will give you advice, I will give you council, I cannot give you aid. I have strict orders not to interfere with any more worlds right now. Maybe in the future." The figure turned to leave.
"I will return." she said, "When we require your highnesses council." With that she faded into nothing, like vapor. Kagome sighed, and then a terrible thought struck her. School started in a few days! Not only did she have to go and smooth her friends ruffled fur, she had to go back to her time to begin her studies. Could life get any worse? A stick snapped behind her. 'I think it just got worse.' she thought, grimacing, 'He actually showed up.' She turned to see a jaunty figure in a harlequin cloak behind her.
"Well, Dayu, I didn't expect to see you conscious, not after that last blow you were delt." she said a little scornfully. The Elf named Dayu scoffed.
"As if a little thing like that could stop me." Kagome smirked.
"As I recall, it took several months to revive you, my enemy." He scowled at Kagome, growling threateningly.
"What do you want? Your letter was rather vague on several points." said Kagome, her voice like silk.
"Plain and simple, Princess Kagome, I want you. Dead." She smiled sweetly at the Elven boy in front of her.
"Whatever for?" she questioned.
"You are responsible for my families dishonor. I will have my vengeance. Tonight, you will bathe in your own blood."
"I would love to see you try." Dayu flew at Kagome in a furious passion. She neatly sidestepped him, slashing as he went by. He roared in fury, and blindly slashed out with his sword. He barely scratched Kagome's arm, more by luck than by skill. Although Kagome could easily have fetched her sword as well, she preferred fighting with her hands and body. She adopted a fighting stance, and prepared for Dayu's next attack. He once again charged headlong. This time,Kagome leapt into the air to avoid the collision. After several minutes of fruitless fighting, Kagome had had enough."If you do not stop this foolishness at once, I shall be forced to kill you." she told him coolly. Her ears perked up as she heard her friends approach once again. 'Inuyasha must have smelled my blood. I must do him in quickly, now!' she thought frantically. But she refused to become hasty, and waited until Dayu had sufficiently let down his guard. By that time, the rest of the group had reappeared. Dayu knew instantly how to hurt his enemy the most, and went after her friends.
"Don't move an inch!" screamed Kagome. Her companions froze, trusting her completely. Kagome sent a swirling blast of blue and green energy towards both her friends and her enemy. The green energy enveloped her friends in a protective shield, but the blue energy destroyed Dayu completely. To Kagome's horror, a cloud of orange smoke rose from the ashes of Dayu. It floated towards her friends, but she did not waver, her energy still covering them and protecting them. Her body could not handle any more of the energy flow, though, so she was left vulnerable to the strange gas.
"Kagome!" screamed Inuyasha, "Do something!" Kagome's hands shook from the strain of holding the field around her companions, but she stood firm. By this time, Shippo was sobbing hysterically, and Sango and Miroku were beating against the field that protected them, trying to get to Kagome. They watched helpless as the orange puff surrounded her, until they could see only a silhouette of their friend. They saw her fall to her knees, and then collapse, managing to hold up the shield until her friends were no longer in danger.
Ooooh, first instance of Kagome's true power! But is there more untapped energy hiding in her soul? Can she combine her Elven powers with her Miko abilities? And what was that orange stuff, anyway? Find out next week! But only if you review! Answer the call of the review button in the lower left hand corner of your screen! You can't fight it's power! Mwahahahahaha!