Chapter 6: Kagura's Warning
Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha, but the storyline is mine.
Author's Note: Sorry it took so long to update… I've been updating every 2 days or so, but damn college stuff keeps getting in the way! Lol, but here's a new chapter so…WEE! ;) And thank you to those who reviewed! It makes it a lot easier to keep writing the story with that kind of support. : - ) Hope you enjoy this chapter! Please review and let me know what you think! azami
Last time: "If he helps her to destroy that Kagome girl, and Naraku has possession of Inuyasha's sword, I'll never be able to escape Naraku!" she cried desperately to herself. Kagura had long wished to separate herself from Naraku's grasp, and wasn't about to give up on obtaining that wish. "I've got to do something…" she whispered. She then took off outside, lifting herself into the air on her feather, in the direction of Inuyasha and the others.
When Kagome was finally well enough to travel, the group began preparations to continue their search for the sacred jewel shards, and Naraku. It was early on the morning of the day they planned to depart from Kaede's village when Inuyasha and Kagome stood outside of the hut, going over the list of supplies and double checking that they had everything they would need to continue their journey. Well….Kagome was anyway. Meanwhile, Inuyasha grumbled at the length of time it was taking Kagome to be ready.
" You already checked the damn bag already!" he shouted, exasperated. "Can't we just leave!"
Kagome turned to him, her hands on her hips, and threw him an angry glare. "Well maybe if you'd BACK OFF I might get done faster!" she retorted.
"Hmph. Stupid humans. Always so goddam slow," he mumbled, crossing his arms over his chest and turning away from her.
Kagome was about to come back at him, but suddenly a gust of wind interrupted their argument. Out of nowhere, Kagura, the wind sorceress, descended to the ground in front of them. "Kagura! What the hell are you doing here?" Inuyasha snarled at the female demon, withdrawing his Tetsaiga, and pulling Kagome behind him. And then, instantly, Kagura dropped to one knee and bowed her head. All of them looked on, dumbfounded by her actions.
"I haven't come here to fight you, Inuyasha," she said firmly, surrendering her fans (the weapon she used in battle), as proof. "I've come to heed you all a warning." The hanyou pointed the Tetsaiga at her, greatly doubting the intentions of his mortal enemy's incarnation.
"If he helps her to destroy that Kagome girl, and Naraku has possession of Inuyasha's sword, I'll never be able to escape Naraku!" she cried desperately to herself. Kagura had longed wished to separate herself from Naraku's grasp, and wasn't about to give up on obtaining that wish. "I've got to do something…" she whispered. She then took off outside, lifting herself into the air on her feather, in the direction of Inuyasha and the others.
"Yeah right, Kagura," Inuyasha snorted. "Like I'm gonna believe you."
Kagura remained in her position as she next spoke. "At this moment the resurrected miko, Kikyo, is in the company of Naraku. She seeks his aid in destroying the miko Kagome, and speaks of doing away with you as well in exchange for the remaining jewel shards and your Tetsaiga."
Inuyasha eyed Kagura suspiciously, doubting her because of her association with Naraku, but at the same time, he couldn't completely dismiss her because of what she'd said about Kikyo. "Could Kikyo really being making deals with Naraku?" he thought to himself, taken aback that she would go so far to hurt Kagome…and him. At the same time, with what she had already done to Kagome was proof that she was capable of anything…even if it meant teaming up with Naraku. Before he could continue his thoughts, Kagura spoke again.
" I don't have much time now…Naraku is sure to get wind of my being gone. I have a plan, but you'll have to agree to meet with me at another time. Meet me on the night of the next full moon and I will tell you everything," she said, her head still bowed.
Inuyasha snorted again, almost amused by her near-order, "Oh sure! And walk straight into one of Naraku's traps. I ain't that stupid, Kagura!"
Kagura looked up at him. The hanyou was losing patience with her quickly. She then looked to Kagome, and then to Miroku. "You two…you're a monk, and you a miko. You should be able to sense whether or not I'm telling the truth."
Kagome stepped forward, watching Kagura. She'd been listening to her words intently, trying to detect even a smidgeon of something suspicious in her tone. Kagome turned to Inuyasha. "I think she's telling the truth, Inuyasha." Miroku stepped forward as well and nodded in agreement, "Yes, I believe that she is sincere as well."
Inuyasha turned back to Kagome, and looked deep into her eyes. He could see that she was certain, and decided to trust her judgment. He turned back to Kagura. "Alright, Kagura. We'll meet with you, but it's going to be on MY terms. And if you screw up, you're finished," he growled through bared teeth.
"Fine. I must go now," she said, getting up from her spot. With that she ascended into the air on her feather, as quickly as she had come, and disappeared amongst the clouds.
Once she was gone the group commenced gathering their things, and soon they were on the road. They had heard of a village in the west that was plagued by a demon rumored to have possession of a jewel shard. As they walked, Inuyasha could sense that there was something wrong with Kagome. Deciding that he needed to get her alone in order to find out what was troubling her, Inuyasha decided to create an excuse to separate them from the others. "Dammit! This is taking too long. Kagome, hop on," he said, motioning to his back.
"Inuyasha, is something wrong? Do you sense something coming?" Sango asked, stopping short.
"Nah," Inuyasha replied, shaking his head. "I'm just tired of walking. I'm gonna take Kagome ahead to see if we can catch a trace of a jewel shard."
Sango nodded, "Good idea. We could use any direction we can get." Miroku nodded as well, agreeing with Inuyasha's idea.
"Well, that was easy," Inuyasha said, smirking to himself as he bounded off among the trees. When he and Kagome were a fair distance from the others, Inuyasha stopped in a clearing, and set Kagome down. "Um…Inuyasha…I don't sense any jewel shards anywhere near here…" she said, looking around, slightly confused. Inuyasha waved his hand at her, "Ah, I just said that so I could get a few minutes alone with you." Kagome blushed slightly, as Inuyasha sat down by at the base of a nearby tree. "C'mere," he said, beckoning for her to join him. She walked to him slowly and sat next to him. "No, silly… I said, c'mere," he grinned, pulling her into his lap. She blushed again and murmured, "Inuyasha…." He stroked her cheek and looked at her for a moment without saying anything.
"I know something's bothering you, Kagome… what is it?" he asked softly. Kagome looked away for a moment before returning her eyes to meet his.
"I'm just….I don't know… this whole Kikyo thing has me a little spooked I guess…I mean…she REALLY wants me dead…" Kagome sputtered, tears brimming her eyes.
Inuyasha could sense both fear and anger in Kagome's voice, and stroked her hair soothingly. "C'mon….you know I won't let a damn thing happen to you…by whatever means necessary," he spoke firmly, making sure she knew that he meant what he said. "I love you too goddam much to let anyone hurt you…" he said, his voice trailing off slightly. His gaze had slid down to his hand, which lay in Kagome's lap, his fingers laced between hers. She raised her hand to his head, stroking his hair lovingly, and he raised his eyes to her again. "I love you too, Inuyasha," she whispered, smiling down at him. The stayed locked in a gaze for what seemed like an eternity until they leaned into one another, and touched lips for a long, passionate kiss.
Meanwhile, back with Sango and Miroku…Sango walked beside Miroku, starring at the ground while deep in thought. These days, when she saw Inuyasha and Kagome together, she could tell that things were different between them now. Oh sure…they still argued constantly…but there was a softness about them now. Normally, Kagome might have stormed off back home a few times within the last couple weeks. But now….instead of driving her to that point, Inuyasha held his tongue, and most of the time their arguments ended up with them, head together, whispering with goofy faced grins, and Kagome's giggling. Sango sighed. She longed for something herself…but she knew that her destiny was to avenge the death of her family…and to get her brother back. While Sango pondered these deep things, she didn't notice a large rock in her path, and stumbled over it. Miroku was quick to respond, and grabbed her hand to keep her from falling.
"Are you alright, Sango," Miroku asked, his eyes filled with concern.
She blushed slightly. "Yes…I'm fine," she said quietly, mustering a smile. They continued to walk, but Miroku had yet to let go of her hand. He noticed her glancing down at the interlocked hands, and he laughed slightly. "Precautionary measures, you know?" he quipped and Sango simply smiled. He half expected her to yank her hand away and perhaps even slap him for being so bold, but instead she leaned her head on his shoulder as they walked closely together. The monk smiled to himself, thoroughly enjoying such close contact with the woman who owned his heart, but had yet to know it.
Back with Inuyasha and Kagome…After they'd sat quietly for a while, Inuyasha could feel that Kagome had relaxed somewhat. Kagome raised her head from his shoulder and sighed.
"We should get back to the others soon…," she murmured. He pulled her in closer to him and nuzzled her neck. "Mmmm…not yet…" he whispered into her ear. Just then they heard the voices of Sango and Miroku calling out to them. Kagome got up from Inuyasha's lap and straightened her skirt, and Inuyasha reluctantly followed. Once back on the road, Shippo saw them and ran to Kagome, jumping into her arms.
"Man! Am I glad to see you two!" Shippo said, breathing a sigh of relief. "They've been getting all mushy and stuff!"
He jerked him thumb in the direction of Sango and Miroku who both blushed, and laughed nervously. "Oh yeah?" Inuyasha said, a smirk spreading to his lips. He'd noticed that their hands were still linked, just as Kagome had.
"Yeah!" Shippo chirped, "It's really gross!"
"Ah, let it alone, kid. You'll understand someday," Inuyasha remarked, and then turned to keep walking. Everyone stood wide-eyed at Inuyasha's reaction, even Kagome. In the past, Inuyasha might've joined in with Shippo on teasing Sango and Miroku, but now things seemed a little different. Even he could sense it within himself, and Kagome especially could. Kagome smiled to herself, and then winked at Sango, who giggled a little in response, and then trotted to catch up to Inuyasha.
They traveled most of the day without much luck, and when night had fallen, they decided that it was best if they set up camp. Kagome and Sango had gone off to wash up in a nearby stream, and Inuyasha sat by the fire they had built and thought about all the things on his mind. He knew that the time was going to come, soon, when he may have to do away with Kikyo. Part of him cringed to think of it, but the reminder of the fear he felt when he thought he was going to lose Kagome forever soon consumed that feeling. The hanyou had never been the overly sentimental type…not outwardly at least. But Kagome was a part of him….and a part of his life….a permanent one at that, he hoped. Inuyasha sighed to himself. He'd been thinking about how…when…to ask Kagome to be his mate. Part of him wanted to wait until all of this was over and done with…but it could be years before they completed their mission. And he'd already waited almost his entire life to find someone that he connected with as he connected with Kagome. As he pondered all of these deep thoughts, Kagome and Sango returned to the camp, laughing and talking with each other. Kagome noticed Inuyasha sitting by the fire, the look on his face stoic, and she wondered what was troubling him. She approached him, kneeling at his side and gently touched his arm. Inuyasha's eyes darted upward to her face, and met her gaze. She smiled gently and softly asked, "You ok?" He stared at her for a long time, and decided that his mind was made up.
"Kagome, we need to talk," he said firmly, raising himself from his seat on the ground and then taking her head, leading her away from the camp.
The others watched on, and wondered what was going on. Only Miroku had any idea what was going through Inuyasha's head because he was wrestling with the same sort of decisions. But his first step was going to be telling Sango how he felt….for real. Sango come up along side him just then, and asked, "Where did those two go off to?" Miroku turned to her, and greeted her with a more serious expression that she'd ever seen on the monk's face before. "Sango," he said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper, "I…." Sango gasped, realizing what was about to happen. Her first instinct was fear…she almost ran off, but her feet were glued to the spot she stood. "I love you, Sango…," he whispered. The words floated to her ears like a light mist on a breeze, filling her body with a sudden, rising warmth that had grown to be so foreign in her. It was….joy…..for the first time in years…Sango felt joy. Tears brimmed her eyes, and she raised her had the monk's face. "Miroku…." He drew her into a tight embrace and buried his face in her hair. She pulled her face from his chest and looked at him again, but this time, letting the long awaited words to slip from her lips. "Miroku….I love you too…"
The monk closed his eyes, taking in the words she had just uttered to him, and felt the void in his heart become full. Cupping her cheek in his hand, he leaned into her, pressing his lips to hers. She fully accepted his kiss, leaning into him, feeling his warm breath pass between his lips. They stayed locked in their kiss for a long while, not wanting to let go of what they'd been waiting so long to have.
Wooo! Sango and Miroku! Bout damn time…. Lol. And what's this? Kagura's going the help Inuyasha and Kagome! But how? Surely Naraku will have a way to stop her…or will he? And is Kikyo going to succeed in her plot to kill Kagome? Guess you'll have to read next time to find out! Oh…..and up to this point I've been unsure as to whether or not I should include a lemon. It would only be part of a chapter, so there'd be other content too. ;) Thanks for taking the time to read! Please review! ;) azami