A/N: Goodness...I am so glad that you guys are enjoying this story. There are only two chapters left. So many of you are begging to know who the mystery guy is, but I am not going to tell you. You will have to wait for the next chapter. So, when should I update? Tomorrow? Maybe Friday? Hmmmm, Ok I am not going to torture you guys. I will see you tomorrow. Make your guess on who this mystery guy is, I am sure that I have given you enough clues to figure it out. LOL. Remember to review.
When Inu Yasha arrived at the wolf den, Kagome had calmed down quite a bit. As soon as she saw the den, she had brightened a bit and began to squirm in his arms. After he had made it through the main den, he set her down and watched her run into Kouga's outstretched arms.
"Kagome, my love. I have missed you so much." He whispered in her ear. He could feel her trembling and he frowned. What in the hell had happened to her. He glanced over at Inu Yasha who simply mouthed the words, "Get rid of her."
Kouga sent Kagome into their den to prepare dinner and then stepped up to the hanyou. "What in the hell is wrong with her?" He demanded, his blue eyes flashing angrily.
Inu Yasha reached into his haori and pulled out the folded paper. "Looks like someone has been spying on her each time she has gone home. They had enough balls to go into her bedroom and watch her as she slept." He said, his eyes carefully watching Kouga as he opened the drawing and examined it.
Kouga felt his blood boil. Damn it. He sent her home so that she would not be in harm's way, but now it seemed that even at her home, she was not safe. His blue eyes studied the drawing and he took note that each detail was exact and carefully drawn. It was clear that it was done with a loving hand and for an instant, Kouga felt envious of the artist's passion. However, jealousy quickly erased that envy and he brought the drawing closer to sniff. He wanted the bastard's scent so when he went back to Kagome's era, he could track him down and rip his to shreds, but when he sniffed, his eyes grew wide and he shook his head. It wasn't possible.
The sound of Kagome's voice calling him to dinner shook him out of his shock and he quickly stuffed the drawing into his side pouch. He told Ginta to fetch Sesshomaru and went to his den.
Kagome had been told that Sesshomaru would be joining them for dinner and she had set the table for a guest. When he sat at the head of his table, Kouga's eyes followed Kagome's backside as she moved about, getting the side dishes ready to serve to him and their guest. He could feel his passion for his mate stir and he groaned as he told his body that they would have to wait until bedtime to satisfy that particular hunger.
Sesshomaru walked into the den and took in a deep breath. The woman was a good cook, he could see that her mate was greatly pleased with her abilities by the way he kept watching her and drooling. The wolf quickly stood up when he noticed Sesshomaru and offered him a seat.
Kagome brought two plates over to the table and set them down before Sesshomaru and Kouga. She went back and retrieved her plate and sat down. Kouga lifted his fork to his mouth and tasted the food that his mate lovingly prepared for him.
Sesshomaru lifted an eyebrow at the wolf's antics as he ate. Shaking his head, Sesshomaru lifted his own for to his mouth and tasted Kagome's cooking. It was adequate. He nodded in satisfaction and helped himself to what was on his plate, his golden eyes never straying from the little miko.
Kagome was lost in thought. She was worried about the creep that was coming into her room. What kind of freak goes into a woman's room, uninvited, and draws a picture of her? Snorting, she had to wonder if it were Hojo that was doing this. After all, she had been told that he was active possessive. Damn it, he had no right to be possessive. She was Kouga's woman, and he was the only one allowed to act in such ways. That's it, she was going to get Kouga to whip Hojo's ass if he was the one who did this. Normally, she was against violence, but in this case, she would make an exception.
Kouga lifted his head and found that his mate was not eating, in fact, she was not doing anything except staring at a spot on the wall. He looked at where her eyes were directed and then looked back at her. He sighed and reached over to touch her shoulder.
"Kagome, you need to eat. I know that our pup is hungry, and you should be to. You have had a rough day, my love." He said, his tone gentle, yet demanding.
Kagome jumped a bit, but then nodded. She lifted her fork and took a bite of the meal. Soon, both males were finished and speaking about something that was about to happen. Finally, Kouga spared her a glance and said, "Tomorrow, we are raiding Naraku's lair. Kagome, you will be coming along to open the barrier."
Kagome was confused. "And how am I supposed to open it? I am hardly able to hit a target with my arrows." She said, half joking.
Kouga sighed, but before he could respond, Sesshomaru interjected. "You are the reincarnation of that clay woman, Kikyo. We have been told that she was able to move in and out of Naraku's lair quite easily. It is because of her connection to the jewel that made this possible. Since you are her reincarnation and the jewel's new protector, we believe that should you demand entry, the jewel will grant entry to you, seeing as how it is the jewel that is giving power to Naraku's barrier." He explained.
Kagome sat stunned for a moment. She gave a shaky smile and then lowered her head. She felt Kouga reach over and pat her hand.
"Wash the dishes, mate, and then get ready for bed. You look like you could use some rest. I will be to bed later." He promised as he stood up. Kagome nodded and watched as Sesshomaru stood and gave a slight bow to her. Both males walked out of the den and over to where Miroku, Sango, Inu Yasha, and several other males sat. A battle plan now had to be formed.
Kagome did as she was told and then found herself in the hot spring. She quickly washed her body and then found herself in the bed, the furs tucked underneath her chin. She groaned as she thought about going into battle with Naraku. This was not going to be pretty.
His long hair gleamed in the last rays of the day. He watched the setting sun and he sighed. One day. Only one more day until Kagome came home for good. The battle would be rough, but would end pretty quickly. Thankfully, that battle cat would keep her out of harm's way and make sure that she would not come close to Naraku.
He sighed and heard his assistant tell him that everything was ready for Kagome's arrival. He nodded and dismissed his assistant, telling him that he wanted the nursery to be immaculate for the pup. After all, it had been common knowledge that Kagome was pregnant, and he wanted her to not want for anything. It was his responsibility to provide her the comfort she so desired.
It would be awkward for her at first, but with some time, she would get used to everything. He had adjusted, and so did the others, save for one. That one did not seem to be able to break his old habits and continued to act as he did in the feudal era.
When his door closed, he turned around and grabbed his car keys. Finally, he would have everything he wanted. He just hoped that she did not push him away once she saw who it was who was stalking her. He had forgotten her reaction when she had gone back to the old den. He might have to take it easy for a few days.
Kouga returned to his den and quickly got ready for bed. He had been kind of hoping that Kagome would still be awake, but she was not and from the looks of things, he would not be getting laid that night either. Well, damn it. He was going into battle tomorrow and he would be damned if her were denied pleasure from his mate the night before.
He leaned over and began to lap at Kagome's shoulder. She mumbled something, and then turned over onto her back. He smiled tenderly at her, thinking that she was the greatest love of his life and he was honored that she had chosen him to bless with her presence.
He leaned down again and brushed his lips against her soft throat, taking note of her increasing heart rate. Good. She was beginning to become aroused, even while she slept. He continued his loving actions until she finally opened one eyes.
"Kouga? What are you doing?" She asked, her voice laced with sleep. "Making love to you, my mate." He replied, his eyes glazed over with lust.
Kagome gasped as he eagerly brought his mouth to hers and invaded it with his tongue. For Kagome, this moment quickly erased any fears that she had and the feel of his strong arms around her body as he made love to her gave her a sense of security that she did not know if she could live without.
As they basked in the afterglow of their lovemaking, Kouga held onto his woman tightly and felt her drift back into her dreams. After the battle, he would question her about that damn drawing. It had him bothered and he had recognized the scent coming from the paper. But, he could not understand how it was possible.
Sighing, he calmed his body and allowed himself to drift into dreams where his mate was waiting on him and he eagerly joined her. This was where he belonged, right in Kagome's arms.
Sesshomaru groaned. This was one of the major downfalls of not being mated and being somewhere that had females before a battle. There was always a couple having sex, and the aroma of their mating often sent other males into a frenzy. Now, here he was, single and horny. He closed his eyes and did his best to exert some of that famous control over his body, and finally, he felt his body calm.
He thought about many things, but the miko kept coming to his mind. Was she really so powerful that she could control a trinket as powerful as the Shikon? He could not wait to see if she was. It would be most interesting to see her tell this jewel to let her inside of its barrier. Would it obey? He hoped so. He wanted to be out from under this debt, but he liked how calm the miko was and that she seemed very obedient. She would have made a great mate for him had he not been so hardheaded about humans. However, she was mated to Kouga and that was how it was. He would not sniff around another male's woman.
Closing his eyes, he tried to drift asleep, but he was suddenly surrounded by the sounds of grunts and hisses, telling him that he had a very long night ahead of him. He felt the bulge in his hakama return and he groaned. This was not fair.
Daylight found the men of the wolf-demon tribe ready to go. It was time and when their leader and mate joined them, they had the slayer, monk, hanyou, and demon lord at their side. This was an assured victory.
Kouga lifted Kagome into his arms. He would not allow her to walk. It was his duty to see that she was comfortable and well taken care of. So, that is how they journeyed. It took most of the day, but when they finally found the area that Kagura had told them about, everyone almost lost hope.
The barrier was almost solid. Sesshomaru walked over to it and reached out, but his hand was repelled. He glanced over his shoulder.
"Miko. Come here." He commanded, knowing full well that her mate would be right there with her.
Kagome took in a deep breath. She started forward, but found that Kouga had grasped her hand. Sesshomaru had been correct, and together they walked over to where Sesshomaru stood.
"Tell it to open up." Sesshomaru told Kagome. For a moment, Kagome stared at him, but then shrugged.
"Open up." She said, her voice wavering. The barrier did not do anything. Sesshomaru growled.
"Girl, use more authority in your voice. Demand the jewel do as you say." He growled. Kouga stepped between Sesshomaru and Kagome.
"Don't yell at her. She is doing her best." Kouga said, his hand clutching Kagome's tightly.
Kagome looked at the barrier. "Open up." She said, once more. This time, she did not allow her voice to waver.
Once again, the barrier did nothing. Sesshomaru howled his frustration. "She is not even trying. If that clay woman could do it, then she should be able to as well. Unless, she is just not as powerful as the original and is basically useless."
That did it for Kagome. Before Kouga could open his mouth, Kagome stepped forward and smacked Sesshomaru across his face as hard as she could.
"Let's get something straight, you son of a bitch. I am not useless. If you wish to see useless, take a look at that green thing that follows you around. What exactly is his job besides kissing your ass?" Kagome asked, her voice getting louder by the second. "I am sorry if I don't know what to do. Perhaps I should stand in front of the damn thing and say, 'Open says me' as loudly as I can, or perhaps I should knock?"
As if to prove her point, Kagome lifted her hand and went to knock on the shield, but as soon as she touched it, her hand went through, followed by her arm, and then the rest of her body. The only thing of Kagome left on the outside of the barrier was Kagome's feet.
Kagome huffed and quickly pulled her feet in. She stood up and then touched the barrier again. It opened up for her and she stepped back through. She looked up at Kouga's amazed face and smiled and then she glanced at Sesshomaru. The demon lord was smirking. She had been set up.
"You planned on upsetting me, didn't you?" She accused, her finger pointing straight at Sesshomaru.
Sesshomaru reached up and gently, but firmly covered Kagome's hand. "It is not polite to point, and when upset, you seem to manage to do many extraordinary things. Now, hold the barrier open for us." He ordered.
Kagome sighed and stepped up to the barrier. She concentrated hard and felt the barrier give way, at least a little bit. Sesshomaru walked over to Kagome and glanced behind him. Hopefully, this would work and not land him on his backside.
He walked right in front of Kagome and disappeared through the barrier. Kouga let out the breath he had been holding. He looked at his men and allies and said, "Let's hurry. I want this bastard dead before nightfall."
The wolf demons and their friends surged forth and quickly went through the barrier. Finally, it was just Kouga and Kagome. He took her hand and went through, pulling her with him. Now, they could easily see Naraku's castle, and they could already smell victory.
"Ok, we hit them hard and fast. Kagome, you stay here. Should something happen, I want you to run through the barrier as fast as you can." Kouga ordered, giving his mate a stern look.
Sango stepped forward. "Kilala will stay with her. She will guard Kagome with her life." She said, patting the battle cat on her back.
Kouga nodded. When the huge cat was at Kagome's side, Kouga howled and signaled the attack.
Two hours. That was all it took. Two hours of fighting, but it was two hours of fighting that was well worth it. Sure, they had casualties, but that was what happened in battle. Now, as he stood at his window, he realized that Kagome must be so worried for all of them. How he hated the fact that she had to go through this. The guilt that ran through him as he recalled the incidents of that day nearly sent this proud man, no, demon to his knees, sobbing for this mere slip of a human girl's fear.
As the sunset, he realized that by this time Naraku had been cornered and quickly disposed of. Without his precious jewel, he was nothing and it did not take much to rid the world of his stench.
He looked around his home. It was nicely furnished and would suit his and Kagome's needs perfectly. Though, it was not as nice as he was accustomed to, he had traded in his furniture for more practical pieces. After all, with a pup soon to be running around the house, he did not want his beloved white leather couches to be ruined should the little runt accidentally spit up or pee on them. So, for a few years, he was willing to forego his normal luxuries.
He was called to dinner and he slowly turned. He walked into the dining room and nodded in satisfaction of what was being served. By the time dinner was over, Kagome should be back in the present, sobbing her heart out. He could not be near her tonight. Seeing her break down would kill him. He would let her mourn, at least for a few days before letting her know that she was not alone.
The battle had been rough. Naraku had sent several incarnations after the group and a few wolf demons took the blows, their lives ending quickly.
Kouga's eyes narrowed as he followed Sesshomaru into the palace. A small girl stood off to the side and he was about to strike her down when she held up a mirror. The mirror began to glow, and for a moment, Kouga felt like he was drifting, but Sesshomaru stepped forward and cracked the mirror with his evil sword. The mirror fell from the girl's hands, and revealed that when the sword went through the mirror, it had pierced the girl's body as well. Her lifeless eyes rolled into the back of her head and she slowly slid down to the ground.
Kouga growled. He nodded his thanks to Sesshomaru and then saw Inu Yasha, Sango, and Miroku running towards them. Inu Yasha hollered that he had picked up on Naraku's scent and to follow him.
In the end, the vile hanyou known as Naraku tried to bargain for his life. He offered Inu Yasha a chance to have Kikyo return to his side, but was quickly refused. Sesshomaru was told that together, they could be the most powerful demons in all of Japan, but Sesshomaru had chuckled and told Naraku that he already was the most powerful demon in Japan. Naraku offered Sango her brother back, fully restored, and he told Miroku that his curse would be lifted, but neither accepted. Finally, Naraku turned to Kouga. He told the wolf prince that he would never go after Kagome again, and that he would make retributions to the wolf tribes for their losses. Kouga threw his head back and laughed. When his head came back down, Kouga was no longer in his right mind. Finally, the wolf had been let loose and wanted blood. This time, it got what it wanted.
Kagome leaned up against Kilala. She had felt flutters in her stomach and smiled when she realized that she had just felt her pup move. Sighing, she rubbed her stomach affectionately and looked towards the castle. Suddenly, a loud howl was heard and Kagome jumped up. Without thinking, she began running towards the castle, Kilala right behind her, and she prayed that her mate was safe.
She ran into the courtyard and found her friends smiling. From the look upon their faces, they had won, but then Sango saw the body of her younger brother lying off to the side and her face crumbled. Now, she had no more family. Miroku caught Sango before she fell and held her tightly. As she cried on his shoulder, Miroku lifted his hand and slowly unwrapped his beads. He allowed the cloth to fall away from his hand and saw that his hand was whole again. His curse had been lifted. Though he was overjoyed, Sango's pain dulled any excitement that he had, and right now, she needed him more than anything.
Kagome watched her friends hold each other and knew that together, they would be alright. Her eyes widened when she saw her mate and Sesshomaru walking down the stairs, coming towards her. Kagome ran towards her mate and saw him extend his arms to wrap around her. As she felt his arms tighten around him, she sighed happily and asked, "Is it over? Is he really dead?"
Kouga nodded. "Yes, mate. The threat to us and our tribe is dead." He whispered, stroking her hair. He heard her giggle and pulled back to ask her what was so funny. Kagome grinned and grabbed his hand. She placed his palm flat upon her belly and said, "The pup is moving. Can you feel it?"
Kouga was still for a moment, and then felt a slight pulse under his palm. His eyes widened and he grinned. He had felt his pup kick, and now he could really enjoy her pregnancy.
Sesshomaru cleared his throat. "Miko. You must cleanse the jewel and put it back together." He said, handing the jewel to her.
Kagome looked over at Kouga. "I need the shards that you hold. I'm sorry, Kouga." She whispered.
Kouga laughed. "Don't be sorry, love." He said, reaching down to extract the shards from his legs. Once he had those out, he handed them to her and then took the shards from his arms. Miroku stepped forward and handed Kagome the shards that he held as well. Finally, Kagome took the shard bottle from around her neck and opened it, sliding the shards into her palm. She looked at Naraku's half and was thrilled to see that it had purified completely. She concentrated for a moment, and then felt her body tingle. The shards floated out of her hands and quickly joined together, making the Shikon whole once more. Kagome reached for it, but the jewel had another idea. It quickly shot into her body, nearly knocking Kagome over. Kouga caught his mate and looked at her in concern.
"Are you alright, love?" He asked, his blue eyes checking her over for any signs of damages.
Kagome nodded. But, as she opened her mouth, she narrowed her eyes. Everything was getting blurry. What in the hell was going on? She called out to Kouga, and when he responded, she could not hear his words. Suddenly, Kagome knew. She was being pulled back to her own time. She was being taken away from her mate, the father of her pup. Suddenly, everyone faded, and Kagome was flung through time. She screamed in agony and closed her eyes. When her body finally came to a stop, she opened her eyes and found herself at the bottom of the well in her well house. The jewel had sent her home.
He took a sip of tea. It was over. It was at this time of day when Kagome faded from their sights. Kagome was at home and she was heartbroken. He wanted to run right over to her house, but he knew that she needed time to heal before taking on a huge shock. It would be selfish of him to just come into her life after the shock that she had just received. It would be best if she rested. At least for now.
A tear found its way down his cheek. It had been five hundred years since the last time he shed a tear. He had never cried before that time, but the loss of that special girl had changed all of that, and now, here he was and he was crying for her pain. She had suffered enough, and now, he would make sure that she lived the rest of her life as comfortably as possible.