Chapter 27
The blinding midday sun showed through the window waking an exhausted miko. "Mmm." Kagome whined and rolled into her husband's chest. Sesshomaru chuckled and rubbed his mates back. "I don't want to be awake but I am." Kagome spoke, voice muffled by the clothes on her mate. "You do not have to wake koi." Sesshomaru spoke. "I need to go check on Sango and make sure she's resting." Kagome said as she leaned up and nuzzled her mate's neck. Sessshomaru growled low in approval and nuzzled her back. The mated couple both got up and went to wash up in the small bath house adjoining their hut.
Dressed and ready to go, Kagome and Sesshomaru walked together to Sango's hut. Sesshomaru pulled Kagome to a stop. "I will run a perimeter." He said. Kagome kissed him goodbye and wished him well. Arriving at her friend's hut, she knocked and waited to be invited in. "Ah, Lady Kagome please come in." Miroku said when he answered the door. "Thank you Miroku, is Sango resting?" "She is but she is awake. You can go see her." The monk answered. Kagome went to her friend's room and walked in to see Sango laying on her futon playing with Shippo and Kirara asleep in her lap.
"Hello Sango, how are you feeling?" Kagome asked as she kneeled by her friend's side. "Oh hello Kagome," Sango said with a large smile. "I feel fine, a little tired but I am doing well." Shippo jumped into Kagome's arms and said. "Kirara and I are making sure mama rests and are looking after her!" Kagome pat Shippos head. "Very good job, you are a good protector. You'll be a very good big brother. Would it be ok if I checked out your mama's tummy and see how your sister is doing?" Kagome asked in fake seriousness. Shippo nodded and saluted Kagome and jumped to sit next to his mother. Miroku and Sango laughed as Kagome called her powers to her hand and felt along Sango's abdomen. "Sleeping like an angel. Her heart rate is back to a healthy range now but I'd still like you to rest in bed for the remainder of the day." Kagome said as she removed her hand. "Do you feel like taking a nap? I think it would be best. Sleep is good for a mother to be." Kagome said with a smile. Sango nodded but Shippo pouted. "Shippo would you like to come with me and your papa and we can plant lots of fruits and vegetables for you mama so she can stay strong all winter?" Kagome asked. "Yeah!" Shippo went to jump into Kagome's arms but stopped. "Mama will you be ok if I go?" Sango laughed and patted her son's head. "Of course darling you go with your father and aunt Kagome."
Kagome left Sango to sleep and followed Miroku outside with Shippo in her arms. "Miroku, is there a place where we could plant a few fruit trees and plants, and vegetables?" Kagome asked. "Hm, yes over here near the wall will do." The monk said as he led them to the border wall that encased the village nearest to their hut.
When the small group arrived Kagome sat Shippo down and kneeled in the dirt. "Alright Ship, we have some work to do, are you ready?" Shippo puffed out his chest and nodded. Kagome giggled and dug into her pouch and summoned her box of assorted seeds. Placing the box down, Kagome picked a seed to grow a peach tree. "Okay Shippo, dig a small whole for me with your finger." Kagome instructed. Shippo dug his small claw into the earth then looked to Kagome. The miko placed the seed into the dirt then buried it. "Okay, now place your hands on top of it and follow the tree as it grows." Kagome said and placed her hand on top of Shippos and let her power flow through his little paws.
Shippo gasped in awe as he felt something poke his paw and push out. "It's coming out!" The excited kit yelled. "Now pull back slowly but don't let go." The fox child watched with amazement as a small peach tree grew under his paws high above him, completing when little peaches hung from the branches. "Wow!" Shippo yelled when Kagome released his hands. "That was so fun. We grew a tree!" Kagome laughed and hugged the kit. Come on now we have a lot more to go.
Together Shippo and Kagome grew several more fruit trees like apples, persimmon, and mandarin and a few berry plants. Then they went on to grow vegetables. They chose carrots, potatoes, pumpkins, lotus roots, yams and wasabi. "Well that should be plenty." Kagome said as she brushed her hands together to clean them off, giggling when she saw Shippo watch her then do the same. Turning to a shocked Miroku she explained. "These plants will not die, even during the winter. Each night they will replenish so you will not run out. This should help keep Sango and the baby healthy as well as help your village through the winter." Kagome explained with a smile. Miroku shook himself from his shock and bowed low. "I cannot thank you enough, Lady Kagome, this is a most gracious gift." "It's my pleasure Miroku." Kagome said, bowing back. "Come on Shippo, we will go bless the rice fields then pick some flowers for your mother." Kagome said as she caught the kit who excitedly jumped into her arms, both Kirara and Ashi were hot on her heels. Miroku sighed with relief. A great weight lifted from his shoulders for his wife, family and village would not go hungry this winter or ever again.
Kagome laughed and chased the young kitsune and neko's around in a game of tag when they all turned on her and tackled her into the soft grass. The miko laughed and laughed as she tickled each of her assailants. When she felt her mate was standing behind her she turned and smiled at him. "I have sent Kagura back to the shiro to inform Taiyo of our battle, and inform Rin of our safety." Sesshomaru said, while he stood with his long silver hair blowing in the soft fall breeze. "Thank you mate." Kagome said as she got up and went to embrace him. "We must begin our journey home while we still have daylight." Sesshomaru said. Kagome nodded and went to gather Shippo and the fire cats.
"And please give Sango my best wishes when she wakes." Kagome told her friend and brother as she hugged him and Shippo and Kirara goodbye. Ashi jumped to Kagome's shoulder as she waved one last farewell then ran to her mate atop the hill. "Well that was a fun visit wasn't it." Kagome said as she took her mate's offered hand in hers. "Hn." Sesshomaru agreed. "You were very kind to ensure they had an endless supply of food." Sesshomaru complimented. "It was the least I could do." Kagome said, brushing off the compliment. "Hn." Sesshomaru replied.
It was the fourth day of traveling on foot for the young couple on their journey back home. They were near the well, which meant they only had a day left to go at the rate they were going. It was a beautiful fall day, not a cloud in the sky. Leaves fell from the colorful trees and danced in the wind. Kagome snacked on raspberries as she walked with her mate. They both talked idly here and there but mostly walked in comfortable silence, happy to be together. The daiyoukai lord stopped in his place and turned his nose up into the air. "Inuyasha is near." Sesshomaru stated. Kagome tossed away the rest of her food in her hand and looked to her mate. "Is he close?" Kagome asked, slightly worried, slightly irritated. "Hn." Sesshomaru confirmed. "He will arrive in a moment."
The miko stood next to her mate ready for anything. "Kagome, do not intervene. This fight is mine." Sesshomaru said. "Okay." Kagome replied, squeezing her mate's hand then releasing it when she saw a streak of red. Taking Ashi from her shoulder she held him in her arms to help with her anxiety. Inuyasha appeared before them looking very ragged. His fire rat robes were torn and he had not fixed them like he usually did. His hair was a mess and he looked very dirty. "Just what are you doing on my turf dog shit?" Inuyasha said snidely. Kagome gasped and Ashi hissed. Sesshomaru growled out his reply. "You forget your place pup. These are my lands." Inuyasha scoffed. "Well this is my forest!" The inu replied childishly with his eyes rimming red. "You are foolish. This one hereby banishes you from my lands. This is no longer Inuyasha's forest. You do not deserve the past gift." Sesshomaru said firmly. Inuyasha growled loudly. "I don't give a rat's ass what you say, this is my forest and that's my woman and I'm taking her back. I'm through with you taking what's mine." Inuyasha roared and drew tessaiga, only the sword didn't transform. The half demon roared and threw the rusted blade away, then charged towards Kagome.
Before the half breed could grab his mate, Sesshomaru summoned his whip and threw his half brother far from Kagome, watching as the inu skidded into the ground digging a deep path in the dirt. "Place a barrier around yourself." Sesshomaru demanded. Kagome didn't argue and quickly formed a barrier around her and Ashi. Inuyasha was already up and charging again. His demon side had taken over and his eyes screamed mad.
Sesshomaru fought his brother while Inuyasha laughed menacingly. "I will kill you and take everything you love." He screamed. Sesshomaru jumped back with wide eyes as he watched his brother begin transforming into an inu demon. The demon lord was shocked. This should be impossible. Growling, Sesshomaru allowed his beast to take over and attack the charging white beast before him. Inuyasha was much smaller than Sesshomaru but he was fast.
Kagome watched in horror as Inuyasha transformed then Sesshomaru and the two demons collided. The snarling and growling hurt her ears but she didn't care she was so worried. It was hard to keep up with them as they wrestled and snapped at each other. Kagome screamed when Inuyasha caught Sesshomaru on his shoulder and ripped, making a sickening tearing sound. Sesshomaru quickly rounded on him and broke his jaw with a powerful swipe of his paw. Inuyasha jumped back and tried to swipe at Sesshomaru's hind leg but was quickly tackled to the ground. Sesshomaru ripped and bit at the angry less skilled fighter. His brother let his anger fuel him and continued to fight despite his extreme injuries. Kagome winced and almost looked away when Sesshomaru tore Inuyasha's arm from his body. The half demon roared in pain and transformed back to his humanoid form.
Sesshomaru transformed as well and stood over his brother; he was badly injured, bleeding from everywhere it seemed. Ashi jumped from his mistress's shoulder and Kagome ran to her mates side and grabbed Sesshomaru's good arm. Her mate only bleed from his left shoulder. Inuyasha coughed and splurged blood from his lungs. Kagome watched her old friend with tears streaming down her face. The miko gasped when a darkness left the half Inus eyes and he blinked rapidly. "Keh, Ka..gome, what happened, where am I?" Inuyasha asked. Kagome fell to her knees and grabbed the only hand her friend had left. "Inuyasha?" Kagome asked. "I'm sorry," Inuyasha coughed up blood. "I didn't mean to, she put a darkness in me." The half demon slurred. "Please save my soul Kago-." Kagome watched the life leave her friend's eyes. The miko gasped as a black orb quickly followed the soul of her friend as it exited his body. Kagome grabbed at the blackened ball with her hand that she pumped her power into. Sighing when the orb dispersed, Kagome said a prayer and gently pushed the soul of her friend into the sky and watched as it disappeared.
"Rest brother." Sesshomaru said as he watched the soul disappear. Kagome whipped her eyes and stood. Sesshomaru turned his mate from his brother's body and steered her out of the clearing. Kagome walked sedately then asked in a small voice. "What about his body?" Sesshomaru replied after a few moments. "I will send some men to bury him beneath the god tree." Kagome nodded and let her mate guide her further away with Ashi in tow.
The couple stopped a short while later. "We will camp here tonight." Sesshomaru said as he sat against a tree and began removing his armor. Kagome snapped out of her sadness and bent to help her mate. Once his armor was off Kagome quickly set about making a fire and heating some water. Ashi climbed in his master's lap and nuzzled his chest trying to give him comfort, Sesshomaru petted the neko as he watched Kagome prepare water. When the water was hot, Kagome gathered her medical supplies and kneeled in front of her mate's injured shoulder. "I will be fine mate." Sesshomaru spoke. Kagome ignored him and pulled his haori down to expose his wound. "I've not healed you in the past because of your pride but I am your mate now and will not let you be in pain. I'm just going to clean this up then heal it for you." Kagome said sternly.
Sesshomaru didn't argue with his mate, taking note that she was upset. Once she finished healing him, he took her in his arms then stood. "There is an onsen nearby," was the lord's explanation. Ashi jumped down and curled into his master's discarded outer haori. When they arrived they undressed in silence. Sesshomaru picked Kagome up and carried her into the hot water. "Are you well?" Sesshomaru asked his silent mate. Kagome turned to straddle her mate and hugged him. "It was hard watching you get hurt." Kagome explained. "I do feel better about Inuyasha. I am sad he died this way, but I'm glad he wasn't really so vile." Kagome spoke sadly. "Hn." Sesshomaru replied. They didn't speak again for the rest of their bath.
The daiyoukai carried his mate back to their camp and left her to lay down their furs for sleeping and prepare for their evening meal. "I will hunt." Sesshomaru said, then walked into the trees in the direction of a deer he could smell. When he caught and killed the deer he gut and cleaned it in a nearby river then wrapped it in its fur and started back to his camp. Remembering his father's sword that his deceased brother discarded, Sesshomaru changed his course.
Arriving in the clearing where the inu's fought, Sesshomaru went to the rusty sword and bent to pick it up. His eyes widened when he felt no burn from touching the hilt. The sword pulsed when he raised it but did not speak. Sesshomaru secured the weapon in his obi and continued on to his mate.
Kagome boiled some water for some rice and made a quick broth and also set the tea box out for her husband. She smiled at being able to call him that but she believed she liked calling him mate the best. "Speak of the devil." Kagome said when her mate entered camp. "Hn." Sesshomaru smirked at his mate.
Kagome thanked Sesshomaru for the meat, set aside the best parts for him then divided the rest to be cooked and dried. When she approached her mate with the tea box he chose his favorite then pulled his weapons from his obi. "Oh you retrieved tessaiga." Kagome commented. As soon as the miko spoke the sword's name it pulsed. "Miko." The sword spoke. Kagome eeped and went to Sesshomaru's side.
"Fear not young one. I return to you, the one who I deemed worthy." Spoke tessaiga. Kagome gasped then looked at her mate. "Please unsheath me." The sword asked. Kagome looked to Sesshomaru, who nodded. Walking to and picking up the talking sword the miko pulled the scabbard from the blade. Tessaiga pulsed then spoke again. "I now belong to you miko, though I will allow your mate to wield me as well." The sword said then pulsed a few more times before going quiet. Kagome looked at her lord stunned. "Sess. I'm sorry." Kagome said worriedly. Sesshomaru stood and gently took hold of his mate's chin. "Kagome, this sword is rightfully yours. You pulled it from its resting place. I hold no grudge." Sesshomaru said sweetly. Kagome nodded. "I was trained by Ameterasu Sama in swordsmanship but I am not confident in using a demon sword. Can you teach me?" Kagome asked. "Hn, we will begin training when we arrive home." Sesshomaru said.
~End Chapter 27~
Onsen- Japan's hot spring
So sad that Yasha died but I wanted to show you all even though he can be an ass he wasn't actually that evil. Anywho till next time!
Ja ne, Peach
