Kohaku's Freedom
Running through the forest with his sickle in hand, the young youkai exterminator panted as his lungs burned for air. Stopping to check his surroundings, he sighed and wiped the sweat off his forehead with the back of his hand. With a groan, he began running again in the pitch black of the night. He was deathly silent. Because of his life long trainer as a youkai exterminator, he was extremely skillful in these things, it came as a natural reaction when he took heed in going somewhere. He had extraordinary reflexes, trained in a way that at the slightest sound, he could instantly retaliate if need be. With ears and senses better than a normal humans, he would be able to live on his own in need be.
Kohaku was not an ordinary boy. When he was younger, about three years ago, he was called upon to slay a demon in a nearby village. He had just recently turned twelve, meaning this would be his first extermination. He admitted, that he was scared that he was going to mess up to his dear sister. But that night, everything in his life changed. He remembered that his sister whispered words of encouragement when the demon came, before she slayed the demon with her large boomerang. Catching it over her head, she gave her brother a quick smile, before turning.
He didn't remember much after that last glimpse of her. He remember's taking off his mask, hot tears streaming down his face as he looked around at his dead kin, realizing that he was the one who slayed him.
"Sango…what have I done?" Then, he remembered them being shot by tons of arrows. That's when his story with Naraku begins. Naraku was not someone that he would call a father. True he took care of him, but whenever he failed, the thrashing that came afterward was not at all pleasing. He had grown to move his body in a way so absorb most of the blows if he couldn't dodge it, heightening his evading and speed even more, as well as defense and stamina. Even though he was male, he couldn't receive the thrashing Naraku gave his reincarnations. Time after time Kohaku was forced to see that they don't die, taking care of them and nursing them back to health, when he was weak and hurting himself.
"Why do you love him so?" Kagura asked him one day as she layed battered in a puddle of her own blood. With a blank face, Kohaku proceeded to move her onto the mat in her room. "Tell me mortal. Why do you love this vile creator of mine so?"
"I do not love him. I do what I have to do to survive." Kagura smiled.
"He does not realize, that he is making you stronger. Making your sense and abilities even more keener than that of your natural ability and training." Kagura muttered loud enough to hear. That was probably the most Kagura said as she laid in that spot for three days recooperating. Kohaku didn't understand what she meant then, for the lecture was many moons ago, but now it was etched in his mind. He thanked Kagura, for she gave him the urge to betray, and slay Naraku, become strong enough to avenge his village. Then maybe, he would be permitted to play with the great Inu No Taisho's mortal.
Rin. Ever since that day she was abducted, she was all Kohaku thought about. He had to admit, she was a pretty little girl, and he would love nothing else than to see her smile. But he was entirely too young to love, but whenever he saw her, there was always a warm feeling in his chest like hot molasses that he just swallowed that always made his face flush and his mouth become dry and hoarse. Sometimes, he wondered how the monk his sister had grown to love felt his way about her. He had his doubts about Miroku in the beginning, it was natural. Sango was his sister. He loved her more than anything, and it was almost a ritual that a brother, younger or older, quarrels with the first man that sweeps her off her feet.
"Probably because you almost killed her that she doesn't care. A familiar voice in the back of his head said. A feeling that he had grown to understand meant that he was about to kill swept pver him, and he stopped dead in his tracks as Naraku spoke to him.
So, you think you can escape me Kohaku? I knew from the very beginning. Go ahead, I will allow you to leave me. But you shall die like the rest of them. Naraku began laughing as Kohaku began running harder and faster, not stopping until he felt the aura of two very strong demons into a hut. A miko sat with a baby boy bouncing happily in her lap. A hanyou sat on the floor in front of her, with another inu-youkai standing next to him with so much pride Kohaku though he couldn't breath. His sister and the monk were sitting by the fire, looking at him at his entrance.
"Naraku…he know…he always knew…." Kagome frowned deeply as she looked at InuYasha.
"If he knows, then why is Kohaku here?" The look InuYasha gave her told her he was thinking the same thing she was. "But this is Sango's brother. I feel no demon aura on him. When he's possessed, I can sense the jewel tainting, as well as an aura overriding his own." InuYasha scowled a little bit as he glared at Kohaku. The young boy was strong, InuYasha could sense that, but he could also see that behind that shell of immense training, deep down he was a little boy, and he deserved to live a life as such. Glancing at Kagome in a silent urge, the miko walked over to Kohaku. She gently placed her claws on his face as her tail swittered nervously.
"Listen. We'll try to make this as painful as possible, and you must rid all evil thought, for is Tensaiga refuses to save you…"Kohaku nodded as he turned around, his back facing Kagome. Sesshomaru walked in front of him, and, to InuYasha surprise, gave him a slight smile. "Here we go." Kagome held to fingers at Kohakus back, and Sango, Miroku, Kaede, and even young Kazuyu watched in wonder as she jewel came out of Kohaku's back. Crying out, Kohaku fell limp, and immediately, all three tai-youkai heritage could tell he was dead. Drawing Tensaiga, he held it to his forehead, nodding in understanding as it pulsed and drew him to Kohaku. Resting the blade on his forehead, Sesshomaru closed his eyes as he swung the blade, and Kohaku still lay limp. A few seconds later, he blinked his eyes, and looked around. Sango gasped and stood up, holding Kazuyu close to her chest as she slowly advanced towards her brother.
Kaede smiled as Kohaku looked at his hands, his feet, and he touched his face, tears of joy streaming down his face. She watched as Kagome purified the Shikon No Kakera, and put it on the nearly completed Shikon No Tama, and watched as light engulfed it, signaling that the two pieces were combining. Smiling, she winked at Kaede as she took Kazuyu, allowing Sango to hug Kohaku. They both cried happily for minutes, and InuYasha thought they were going to kill themselves. Kagome sighed as she walked over to her bag, and peering inside, she muttered something. She stood up and slung the nearly empty bag on her back.
"I have to go home."
"I'm coming too." Kagome smiled as InuYasha took the bag and walked out. She turned to Shippou.
"Be good until I get back."
"Yes ma'am." Shippou answered absently. Kagome smiled and sprinted off after InuYasha. She found him sitting on the mouth of the well, and her breath caught in her throat. The sun was pouring on him, making his eyes glow bright as he grinned slightly at a pair of squirrels who ran by playing hide and seek. The wind blew lightly, making his silver mane sway with the way, gently cuppind his face as if to comfort him. He looked up at Kagome.
"Are you going to stare at me or what?" He asked. She blushed slightly and walked over to him, watching as he stood up, and with a pout, hopped into the well before him. What's his problem? She thought after she jumped in, savoring the warm feeling of the time slip that took her 500 years into the future. Jumping out of the well house, she looked around for InuYasha. She could sniff him, but she couldn't see him. Looking around, she could see nothing but the dark room….there! His eyes glowed a little like little orbs in the darkness.
"Come on out sneaky." She said as she put her hands on her hips. Smiling, InuYasha came forth as he walked over to her.
"How come you couldn't smell me?" She shrugged.
"I don't know. I never had to do it really, your always with me." This earned her a slight grin as he picked up her back again and walked out of the well house, taking it upon himself to just practically kick the door in. Sighing, she followed him, to be greeted by her mother.
"Kagome! It's not the full moon. Is something wrong?" Kagome waved off her mother's concern with her hand.
"No, I just need to get supplies." Mrs. Higurashi smiled and led InuYasha into the kitchen as she went upstairs to change. She slipped on a mini skirt with a pink shoulder shirt, and slipping on a matching pink hat, she studied herself in the mirror. She detected a presence, but it didn't seem there to bid her any harm, so she just ignored it. Turning slightly to see her backside, she could see InuYasha in the doorway, arms folded, smiling. She blushed as she quickly turned around and folded her arms behind her back.
"Do you do that all the time?" He asked as he slowly advanced towards her. She made little sounds intended to be replies. He chuckled as he wrapped his arms around her waist, not hesitating to put his lips on hers. She gasped softly at the contact, but soon wrapped her arms around his neck and squeezed softly. His fangs bit against her lower lip, and she returned the gesture, smiling when he began shuddering. He licked her teeth, and tasted all of her, willing to find out every emotion that warred within her through this kiss. Her knees gave up, but he caught her, pushing her against his chest. She whimpered slightly as he pulled back, gazing at her with a new fierceness that was just for her.
"What was that for?" She said, trying to catch her breath. InuYasha pushed his nose in her hair as he squeezed her lightly.
"For being you Kagome." Someone began clapping behind them. Growling at the interruption, both hanyou's turned to see Soata staring teary eyed at them.
"That was so sweet-"
"Why you little bas-"
"Souta….get out."
"But…"
"GET OUT!" Souta scurried away as she began snarling and snapping her jaws irritably. Letting her go, InuYasha picked up his hat from her night stand. Kagome grinned as she took hold of InuYasha's hand, and led him outside, after screaming to Souta that she's leaving out. They walked the streets of Tokyo in silence, and Kagome had to sniff the air every now and then to make sure InuYasha was still there. It was not like him to be so quiet for so long. Usually he would be grumbling about the 'loud cars' or the 'smelly men and women'. Under her cap, she pressed her ears down on her head as a car zoomed by, using everything she had to fight the dizziness that fought to creep into her skull. I'll never do this to InuYasha again. She thought as she winced at the sound of the crying baby that just walked past. She glanced back at InuYasha.
"What's wrong." He opened his mouth, but quickly snapped it shut as he slowly shook his head. Kagome sighed but said nothing else, until she heard InuYasha's growling, and him absently cracking his knuckles at the sound of barking. She turned around to see they were in front of a pet store, and there were puppies crying at the window. Bending over to the window, InuYasha lightly scraped his claw, making the only puppy left cry lonesomely and sadly. Snarling, InuYasha stood up and drew his hand back. Kagome grabbed his hand, blushing as people stared at him.
"What are you doing?" She whispered angrily as she forced his hand back down and onto his side. "You can't just jail break a puppy!"
"He's only a pup! He should be with his mother and father. Youkai Inu-pups look just like that." InuYasha said sadly as he crouched in front of the window again. He let out a soft whimper as the puppy scraped his paws on the window, trying to scratch free.
"Really? You thought he was a youkai?" InuYasha nodded as he whined again.
"Yeah, I can feel it, he's sad. I'm surprised you didn't sense it. You must have to be a hanyou a little bit longer to understand it then." He said softly as he stood up and stared through the window. The puppy had no given up his scratch attempt, and was now adorably rolling on the floor, showing his stomach with his tongue lolling out the side. InuYasha grinned. Kagome watched as his eyes filled with sadness, and she grabbed his hand again, and dragged him into the store.
"InuYasha, you can't save every dog in the world. But we'll just make the best of this rescue." Kagome said as she picked the puppy out of the glass casing, and immediately InuYasha snatched him from her arms. Smiling, Kagome paid for the puppy, and watched as InuYasha put a pink collar around her, naming her Nanashi.
"Without name InuYasha?" Kagome sighed. InuYasha grinned sheepishly as he set the happy dog on the floor. They walked out, InuYasha keeping a good eye on Nanashi. Kagome stopped in front of the grocery store, and groaned at a sign on the wall.
"Well InuYasha, seems you have to wait out here with your dog." She said. "I'll be back as soon as I can. Don't move." She warned as she hurried into the store. InuYasha pouted and sank down on the floor, to be welcomed by kisses from his puppy. After a while, it began to annoy him, and he growled slightly, making her whimper and sit down next to him. Feeling bad for dimissing her affection, InuYasha reached over and patted her head.
8:88:888:88:8
Kagome snorted as she threw the box back on the shelf. I am not payingf that much for pop tarts. She told herself as she stomped away. It seems that ever since she was gone, everything was getting more and more expensive. Looking at the price of some apple juice, she grinned as she picked up two and carefully placed it in her cart. Bending down, she also picked up some cherry kool aid, thinking Shippou would love it. She walked into the next three aisles picking up this and that, until she came to the ramen section. Rolling her eyes as she imagined InuYasha trying to pick up all the boxes of them greedily and running out of the store screaming, she smiled as she picked up at least three of each one. (She picked about 15). Pushing her cart up to the window, she gasped as she saw two young girls over there talking to InuYasha, and him blushing sheepishly.
Maintaining her anger as the cashier scanned all the items, she tapped her finger nails on the wood.
"Ma'am. Ma'am!" The cashier called. Kagome jumped. "I said 20.58." Eye bulging out, she looked at the items she had. Grumbling about how the world was going to go poor, she handed over the money and watched as the cashier baggaged her food. Picking them up with a groan, Kagome walked outside as fast as she dared. Stomping over to InuYasha and the other girls, she stopped when they reached for Nanashi, and InuYasha snarled. Kagome grinned inwardly, but outside her expression was blank as she walked over.
"I am so sorry…"She faked being sorry to the girls."InuYasha! Apologize."
"But they…" The look Kagome meant to give him was supposed to scare him, but all his saw was amusement and joy. Grinning, he turned to the girls. "What do you want, an invitation? Get going wenches!" Protesting about the crude remark, the young girls walked off angrily, only to be picked up and carried off by men thirty seconds later. Snatching the leash from InuYasha's hand, and shoving grocery bags in his arms, Kagome snorted as she began walking.
"Oi! Wench! Why do I have to carry them?"
"As a apology for flirting with them girls." She looked down at Nanashi, who was panting happily as she trotted next to her.
"What! I wasn't even…They asked about her…" He said, shooting a glance at the puppy. "And then one said I was way cuter than the puppy…It wasn't my fault. Besides." He mumbled. "You look way better than they do anyway. A whole lot." He sighed at the last part. Kagome felt tears rising up, but she fought them back .
"I'm glad you think so." InuYasha reddened as he realized she had heard his comment. Kagome and InuYasha walked back to the shrine in silence. Sniffing the air, Kagome stopped as InuYasha began snarling.
"No…it can't be…"
"What in the…."
8:88:888:88:8
Miroku watched as Kohaku bounced his nephew on his lap happily. In about three days was Valentine's Day, and he had planned something very special for his dear Sango. Glancing over at her sleeping form, he moved the bangs out of her eyes as he shifted into a more comfortable position.
"Miroku, what do women like?" Miroku smiled like an idiot as Kohaku looked at him.
"See my dear brother, women have some spots, that you have to touch to bring them pleasure." Kohaku's face exploded with color as he almost dropped the baby.
"Kami…No! That is not what I meant! I am much to young..she's much too young…"Kohaku cut himself off. "I'm talking about gifts. Presents monk." Miroku nodded in understanding.
"It varies from women to women. But one thing they all love, is if the gift comes from your heart. Then it's worth everything to them." Kohaku took his brother in law's advice in silence as he playfully blew on the top pf Kazuyu's head, making him squeal with laugher. Wincing as the baby began shrieking, he sat Kazuyu down between his legs, letting the baby playfully rat against his legs. If done constantly, they were enough to make his skin sting, since his mother and father were very strong fighters, but it didn't hurt, therefore it was easy for Kohaku to ignore it.
He didn't really know the kind of stuff Rin liked, except for talking. Kami she can do a lot of that. He thought as he shifted his leg slightly. Looking at his sleeping sister's form, he decided that maybe he should ask her, since it was a blessing that the monk was with her. Kazuyu began whining slightly, and Kohaku fished around for one of those feeding devices Lady Kagome gave him, saying to use this if Sango ever needed rest. Placing it in the childs mouth once he found it, he sighed at the silence, besides the sucking sound emitting from Kazuyu. Turniong toward his brother, Kohaku drew his eyebrow's together.
"They are still coming tomorrow, in a big meeting?" He asked for the eightieth time that day. Miroku nodded.
"Yes. Sesshomaru will come, and as planned we scheduled him to bring Rin. Then you will be joined by Shippou and Yutamiki, and we will send you out to play as us adults talk. Once we finish, Sesshomaru will leave, taking Rin with him, we go to bed, call it a day." Miroku sounded exasperated, but Kohaku didn't care. He didn't care for the monk much less anyway. Something, his sister's happiness, or his nephew between his legs, kept him from striking the man, and nevertheless killing him in his efforts.
Where this hate for him came from, he doesn't know. Will it ever leave? He doubts it. But Kohaku promised himself that he wasn't going to let Nraku's sinister way control him any longer. He was his own person now, and now no one, not even his sister, had control over him. Looking up as Yutamiki stepped into the hut, she smiled at him before placing a kiss on the baby's head.
"Hey there precious." She cooed softly as she poked his belly. "Where's Shippou?" She asked looking up at Miroku. Miroku looked puzzled.
"I thought he slept in the hut with you guys." Yutamiki nodded.
"He did, but when I woke up he was gone. I searched the whole village." Miroku nodded and stood up.
"I'll go and find him." He smiled down at Kohaku. "Keep them safe, little brother." Kohaku smiled back as the hate for the man fought to rise, but he fought it down lower than what it started from. He knew he wasn't fully free, but now, he had a chance to fight back, and he waited for this for a very long time.
8:88:888:88:8
Shippou sighed as he peered over the edge of the well. Seeing as though they had no intention of coming back yet, Shippou turned and began running back to the village, when something picked up on his senses. Growling as the youkai intruded his father's territory, rage built up in Shippou, and he followed his magnet like instincts. Being led to a large clearing, the kitsune stopped midstride as a feline youkai stepped in front of him.
"What do you want?" The neko smiled as he advanced upon Shippou.
"Ah. You are a kitsune, yet your stench is that of the Inu-youkai clan, the heir of the filthy half breed InuYasha. I hear his mate has the Shikon No Tama." She cooed softly. "Tell me little boy, where is the Jewel?" Shippou bared his fangs menacingly as he backed up a little. Saying nothing, he continued to snarl and bark as the youkai moved gracefully, closing the distance between them.
"Foolish young one. Do I have to kill you-" Sniffing the air, the feline threw Shippou to the side. Smiling as she cocked her head, she yawned as Sesshomaru appeared in front of her.
"What is the meaning of this?" He said coldly as he glowered down at her. She yawned again, bearing her pearly white fangs as she completely ignored the youkai. She flexed her claws, and with a smile, tried to pierce them through his stomach, but he easily evaded it. Staring at him with anger, the woman hissed.
"Why do you interfere? I come for not you, but the death of the miko, and the Shikon No Tama." Sesshomaru glared at her with pure hatred.
"Why do you seek the jewel so?" He asked. She scoffed as she shifted her movements, pivoting when Sesshomaru appeared behind her.
"Why do any other youkai want the Shikon No Tama. The great Inu No Taisha always was a slow one from what mother tells me." Sesshomaru growled at this crude remark. Shippou, who was now wearily on his feet, staggered over to them, holding himself up with Sesshomaru's pants leg.
"Mother?" Sesshomaru ignored the question as he stared at the youkai.
"Oh! Your so adorable when your embarrassed! Tell him dear. Tell him how you promised that we would be mates, start a new species, do anything against the world to be together when we were young. Tell him about how we used to sneak away from our great castles in the middle of the night. Or have you forgotten about me?" She said sadly as tears welled in her eyes. Shippou looked up at Sesshomaru, who had a grief stricken mask on now. Gasping in surprise, the kitsune proceeded to jump up, when Sesshomaru stopped him.
"No. Let me speak to this woman. Go, and take care of Rin." Nodding, Shippou ran off, leaving Sesshomaru alone with the woman. "Tsukiko, explain yourself." Tsukiko sighed as she sank down and laid on her side.Her red hair pooled over her long lean legs and little covered hips, making Sesshomaru growl as she lifted her legs as she stretched. Her jade eyes narrowed as she looked at Sesshomaru. She had on a corset with fur lining that did nothing to conceal her cleavage, with a matching white fur shawl that barely held on her large hips and buttocks.
"Well, today is the day you promised, the day when my power will no longer be available for me when I call for it. Only when the the world is sleeping. Moon child." Sesshomaru's face didn't falter, but there was a hint of nervousness in his voice.
"I…but I…I have already fell for someone." Tsukiko sat up straight, and hisses angrily.
"Really, who? I will kill her. You belong to me Sesshomaru. You promised." Shaking his head, Sesshomaru turned and began to walk away. He could hear, as well as smell, the tears coming form the feline, but fighting his instincts that called out for this woman, he kept walking to the village, knowing long ago that's where Shippou and Rin was.
Oh no you don't. Tsukiko thought as she stood up and followed him silently, with the grace of a true feline youkai. You won't escape your commitment to me that easily.
