Chapter 11: New lovers and Alliances

Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha, but the storyline is mine.

Author's Note: Just a little note…but WARNING to those of you who don't dig the citrus stuff, but it gets a little limey about 2/3 in, but its not so bad. ;) And I'm sure it's a nice little tease for you hentais. :p LOL anyway, lemme know what you think. But anyway, yeah, you might have noticed by now that some of the stuff the characters are doing is a bit OOC, but well, I have to make some adaptations, right? Right. : ) So….here's the new chapter! Yay:D Please review! I love hearing feedback, so anything you have to say will be of help. (Note: that doesn't include retarded flames that have no sort of constructive commentary. K? k.) Thanks for reading! azami

Last time: There were three more days until the meeting with Kagura…and Inuyasha was still unsure as to whether or not she should be trusted. He was afraid for Kagome…hoping that she would be up to the task at hand. Whatever was to happen, he knew that he would stop at nothing to protect Kagome. He watched the sleeping miko who lay in his lap, and nuzzled her lovingly. The thought of anyone taking her from him was more than he could bare….and something he would not allow. "I'll get my revenge….and this time I'm make sure you really are dead, Kikyo."

A few days passed before Kagome was able to be up and moving around. The injuries she had sustained this time around were greatly different than anything she had faced before. She'd been struck with double the force of her own power. It was a power that could break through otherwise impenetrable barriers….a power that could destroy almost any demon in its path….and the lone receptor of this force had been Kagome….a mortal. Though she held great spiritual powers, this had not only been a test of her physical strength, but her spiritual strength as well. Inuyasha had made it his personal duty to stay at her side, no matter what anyone said. He refused to sleep, spending every waking moment watching over the injured young miko that he was to call his mate.

It was late one night, and Inuyasha sat at the entrance of Kaede's hut as Kagome slept soundly behind him. The hanyou mulled over everything that had come to be in recent weeks. Not only had he admitted his love for Kagome and asked her to be his mate…but he found out that they'd been destined from the very start. That meant that everything with Kikyo was merely a stepping stone. Guilt washed over him as he realized how many times he had hurt Kagome by running off to see Kikyo. Of course he couldn't have known any different…and Kagome always forgave him, no matter how many tears she shed over it. Kagome….she was the one that loved him without fault….without question. She was the one that wanted him as he was. She didn't care that he was a half-demon…in fact…she embraced it. He smiled to himself, and sighed. Just then he heard a stirring from behind him.

"Inuyasha?"

He quickly turned to find the girl attempting to pull herself into an upright position. "Hey! What're you thinkin'? Lay back down!" Kagome, looking determined, shook her head and still tried to move. Inuyasha sighed, and helped her sit up, knowing that it was futile to resist.

"What is it, Kagome? Are you alright?" he asked, his shinning amber eyes filled with concern. She nodded, her brow furrowed. The simple act of sitting up was still a bit of a task, especially when she was feeling worn and drowsy. She held out her hand to him, and he looked back at her questioningly.

"Help me up, please?" she said, leaning her weight forward. Inuyasha was about to protest, but knew that he better just do as she asked. He wanted to avoid any unnecessary strain, and he knew that if he resisted that she might get upset and SIT him in response. He took her hand and helped her to her feet, supporting most of her weight.

"Why'd you wanna get up? It's the middle of the night," he said, unsure of her motivation. She was taking several deep breaths, as if trying to muster the energy to respond.

"I know…but my body is so sore… and it's making it hard to sleep. I saw you were awake and wanted to go to the hot springs for a bit. Would you take me, please?" she asked. Inuyasha furrowed his brow, but could see the pain in her eyes. He wanted to do whatever he could to ease any pain or discomfort she felt.

"Alright. Climb on," he said, motioning to his back. Kagome climbed onto the hanyou's back and off they went to the hot springs. Once there, Inuyasha set her down gently on the grass. He suddenly realized that she might not be able to move into the hot springs on her own, and swallowed nervously.

"Um….Kagome…how are you gonna… I mean…uh….well…." he stammered, avoiding her eyes. Kagome thought for a moment, and suddenly realized that it had been Sango that had helped her previously, and her cheeks reddened at the thought of Inuyasha easing her into the springs while her body was completely uncovered.

"Um…well….I know it might be kinda…awkward…but…uh…..jeez…" she said, stumbling over her own words. The both sat there for a minute, unsure of how to approach the situation. Sure, they were going to be mate…sure they loved each other dearly…but they had yet to be intimate. If they had been already, then there'd be no second thoughts…but this was a different case indeed. He'd seen her nude before, but purely by accident.

"I don't wanna make you uncomfortable…" he said softly, looking at the ground, fiddling with a blade of grass. Kagome smiled a bit, a bit tickled by his shyness. She put her hand on his arm, and he looked up at her.

"I trust you, Inuyasha…and it's not as if you were going to see me totally naked eventually," she said, grinning from ear to ear. Inuyasha's jaw dropped at Kagome's casualness about it, but then bursted out in laughter.

"Yeah…I guess you're right…" he said, shrugging, still chuckling heartily. They both shifted awkwardly for a moment, silence hanging in the air. "Uh…well…can you undress yourself or…" he asked, clearing his throat. She paused for a moment, and then nodded. "Yeah, I think I can manage that alright…"

Inuyasha nodded in response, almost slightly disappointed. "Damn you…this isn't the time to get all turned on…" he thought, silently scolding himself. He helped Kagome to her feet again, and turned away slightly as she undressed. He could see her from the corner of his eye, and couldn't help but take a peek. With her back turned to him removed her shirt rather quickly, and then slipped the skirt down off of her slender, delicate frame. He watched more intently as the removed the things she called "undergarments" and gasped has he saw the moonlight dance over her alabaster skin. She was beautiful….divinely beautiful. The very site of her bare form against the black night, the moonlight highlighting every curve….she was a vision of loveliness unlike anything he'd ever encountered.

She turned to him, looking down shyly, and murmured, "Um….Inuyasha…I'm ready to get in now…" The hanyou turned to her, his chest heaving. "He as nervous as I am…" she thought to herself, smiling a little. He relaxed a bit when he saw her smile, and stepped toward her. He lifted her into his arms, and slowly walked to the spring.

"Her skin is so soft….." he thought, gazing directly into her eyes. She stared back at him, unable to bring words to her lips. He stepped onto up onto the rocks surrounding the pool of steaming water, and gently lifted Kagome into it. She sighed deeply as the warm water washed over her sore body, relieving the pain that vibrated from them. Inuyasha turned quickly, unsure of whether or not she would really want him just standing there staring at her while she bathed. Normally he would have camped out nearby, but far enough that she'd be out of site; however he couldn't leave her alone like that now. So, this time, he sat at the edge of the pool, facing away from Kagome, hearing her splash in the water as she washed herself. Inuyasha sat there, not moving a muscle, but wanting to badly to turn around, even for just one more glimpse of her heavenly form.

"Inuyasha?" she said, suddenly, causing him to stiffen. She watched him from behind, unsure of what she was even going to say next. Though she was weak and worn from her injuries, she still longed for him.

Inuyasha gulped, unable to move at the sound of her voice. "Yeah?" he croaked nervously. He heard her shift in the water and for a long while she was silent.

"Do you…want to…um….join….me?" Kagome squeaked out, her voice barely audible, but loud enough for keen hanyou ears to hear clearly. Inuyasha almost felt as if the wind had been knocked out of his lungs. The very thought of being with her….that closely…he could barely imagine it. "I mean…if you want…you don't have to…" she said, her voice shaking slightly.

"No! I mean….well…uh…only if you think….if you're really ok with it….," he said, stammering. He turned slightly and caught her eye. She smiled bashfully, her cheeks reddening. He saw her nod, and that was all the confirmation he needed. Inuyasha rose to his feet, and disrobed quickly. He didn't want to seem eager, but he also didn't want to be standing out in the open wearing nothing for too long. Kagome turned her head as he climbed into the pool, positioning himself across from her. She turned her head slowly back in his direction and found him starring at her, shifting nervously. Now she couldn't help but stare back at him, seeing his muscular form full on for the first time (well…for more than a second or two at least…). The hanyou's chest was heaving from nerves, and neither of them knew what to do next.

"I guess this is kinda…awkward….huh?" Kagome said quietly, looking down at the water.

Inuyasha didn't say anything for a moment, but then shrugged. "Yeah…sorta…but not like I mind…"

Kagome then giggled, breaking the ice, and Inuyasha joined in with the laughter. Soon they were both overcome with gales of laughter, letting their tensions and nerves fly free from them. Suddenly, Inuyasha ducked into the water, pulling Kagome down with him. "Ahh!" she called out in shock, totally not expecting what he did. When they came up, he was laughing and she sputtered for air. For a mere moment she thought of scolding him, but her breath was taken away as he pulled her closely to him. Kagome felt her heart skip a beat as he took her into his strong arms, pressing their bodies together.

Inuyasha looked into the deep brown eyes of the woman he had loved for so long, and leaned in to kiss. Their lips locked in a heated union, their hands and arms grasping at the other. After a few moments, they parted slightly, both breathing heavily. "Kagome…" he whispered, leaning into her, pressing his lips to her neck.

"Inu..yasha…" she murmured, a quiet moan slipping from her lips as he kissed down the length of her neck. She ran her hands through his hair, playing with his dog-like ears, causing the heated hanyou to whimper with pleasure. He kissed her again, this time more intensely, causing the girl to quiver with excitement. He ran a hand down her side, and across her abdomen as she shivered beneath him. He nipped at her throat affectionately, and Kagome was unable to respond with anything but a low moan. His fingertips found the valley that lay between her ample bosom, gently exploring this previously unknown territory. He took her left breast into his hand, kneading it tenderly, while lowering his lips to the other, taking the nipple between his teeth.

"Oh…Inuyashaaa….," she groaned, thrusting her hips upward in response, causing his now hardened member to press against the outside of her womanly folds. Inuyasha grunted, feeling her softness slide against him, bringing him to a new height of desire. He raised his eyes to meet hers, the combined love and lust coursing through his gaze. Kagome's breathing was ragged as she looked back at him, much of the same love and lust coursing through her.

"Kagome…" he whispered. She moaned beneath him, unable to conjure any words to express how she was feeling, and fell deeper in the ecstasy that continued to well up in her. They locked into a kiss again, pressing their bodies together. Kagome lifted her hips to meet with Inuyasha's moaning out in pleasure. He grunted against her, wanting to badly to take her then and now.

"Inuyasha?" a voice suddenly called from the distance?

"Kagomeeeeee!" a second voice chimed in.

The two young lovers stopped in tracks. "Goddamit!" Inuyasha growled. "It's the middle of the damn night!"

They separated and Kagome frowned with disappointment. She was silently cursing her friends to pick now of all times to come looking for them. Inuyasha and Kagome hurried out of the tub, and put their clothes back on. Inuyasha helped Kagome dress, and loaded her onto his back. They took off in the direction of their friends' voices, and met up with them outside of the village.

"Kagome! You're alright! I woke up and saw you two were missing…we…got…worried…" Sango began, but then suddenly stopped. She looked at both of them, realizing that they both had wet hair. "Um….." She began to blush, realizing that they had obviously interrupted something. Miroku had realized this as well, and chuckled heartily.

"Little late for a bath don't you think?" Miroku quipped.

"Can it, monk." Inuyasha growled, heading back into the hut with Kagome still on his back. Sango narrowed her eyes at Miroku and crossed her arms over her chest.

Miroku laughed again. "Whaaaaaat? It was just a simple question." He walked over to her and put his arm around her waist, pulling her into him. "Not as if I haven't thought of the very same thing…." He nuzzled her neck and she giggled.

"C'mon you hentai. It's time for bed."

The next day….

No one spoke of what happened the night before, knowing that it was best to leave the matter at rest. The only thing on the forefront of all their minds was the meeting with Kagura that was to take place that very nice. Inuyasha paced constantly all day, wanting to get it over with. Kagome watched him pace, unsure of how to ease his tension. She knew their being interrupted the previous night hadn't been any help.

They spent most of the day doing things to pass time until nightfall came. Upon nightfall, Inuyasha took to the treetops, keeping an eye out for Kagura. The full moon illuminated the sky (A/N: at some point I might have said the "new moon" but in the original chapter with Kagura setting up the meeting it said "full moon". I apologize for any inconsistencies, if there are any.) They waited for a long while, but Kagura had still not shown up. Just as they were about to head into the hut for the night a large gust of wind swirled around them. They all turned to find Kagura standing in front of them.

"Greetings, Inuyasha….Kagome," she said, nodding to them.

Inuyasha scowled and Kagome nudged him. "Um….hey Kagura," she chirped, showing a friendly smile. Kagura looked at the miko, puzzled by her expression. "Is the amused with me?" Kagura wondered, raising an eyebrow.

"Enough with the formalities," Inuyasha growled, "Let's get on with this."

The three of them, along with the others sat along side the outside fire pit. Well, most of them sat at least…Inuyasha chose to stand, his arms crossed over his chest. "So, spill it Kagura. I'd like to get this over with."

Kagura cleared her throat. It was obvious that the hanyou didn't trust her, nor did she fully trust him either. Though she did wish to form an alliance of sorts with them, she was still guarded.

"I've come to discuss a proposition. I have direction information about Kikyo's deal with Naraku, and I am willing to share that with you, as well as information that could help you to defeat Naraku," Kagura said coolly, eyeing the skeptical hanyou.

"And why should I even bother listening to you? How do we know this isn't a trap?" Inuyasha snorted.

"I assure you that this information is worthwhile…I would like to see Naraku destroyed as much as you would," she said smugly, smirking at him.

"Yeah? And what's in it for you?" Inuyasha asked her, eyeing the wind sorceress.

Kagura's face went stone serious, the smirk disappearing from her lips. "My freedom."

"From Naraku? Why should I help free you? It's not like you've been our best friend or anything," Inuyasha laughed, the sarcasm heavy in his voice.

"I am controlled by Naraku…my heart does not beat in my chest…he holds it in his hand, able to squeeze the life out of it, should he see fit," Kagura said quietly, lowering her head.

Kagome and the others sat wide eyed as they saw a form of Kagura that they'd never seen before. She sounded hurt….angry….sad.

Kagura looked back up to Inuyasha, "I want that bastard dead….I want my life back. He took my life without my consent and I want it back!" Kagome thought she could almost see a tear brimming the female demon's eye. She winced, thinking of being under such control…to have so little choice in life.

"I've tried before…to enable you to get to Naraku to kill him. The night he lured Sesshomaru to the castle….when he tried to absorb him….I put a poor fight, putting up appearances for Naraku's insects…but I wanted you to get to him and kill him….I wanted to be free." Kagura continued her stare, every word she spoke reverberating with truth.

Inuyasha began to pace, mulling over Kagura's words. It was true that she seemed to have been trying to help him to destroy Naraku that night, but as always, he was still skeptical. He didn't trust anyone….other than his friends…and Kagome.

"Alright, let's have this 'proposition' then," Inuyasha said impatiently.

"As you know, Naraku is half demon, such as yourself, and so, he has a time where his powers weaken, as does his barrier," Kagura began. "This weak state occurs doing the phase of the full moon, which is tonight. That is the only way I was able to escape from his grasp for any time at all. You see, if you could.."

"He's weak right NOW? Fuck! Then what are we wastin' time for? I'll go kill the bastard right now!" Inuyasha shouted.

Kagura stood quickly, "No! He would already suspect that you would strike tonight. He has Kanna watch me when I leave….but Kanna has agreed to join me in escaping Naraku…so she tainted her mirror…so that it wouldn't work just long enough for me to come speak with you. By that time I will have fled,"

Inuyasha eyed her suspiciously, thinking that this might indeed be a trap. "So you wanna set us up then? How stupid do I look, Kagura?"

Kagura's face became stricken with anger, and she shouted at Inuyasha, "Fuck you! I'm risking my life here, in order to get my freedom! And I'm helping you in the process. Get over yourself, dog!"

Inuyasha's face went blank, never having seen Kagura lose her cool like that. The wind sorceress was now crying from frustration, disgusted with herself for the display of emotion. Kagome stepped forward, placing her hand on Inuyasha's arm, and looking at Kagura.

"Kagura…I think we should work together on destroying Naraku. The more people against him…banded together…the more chance there is to destroy him," Kagome said, with a more friendly tone, but then spoke rather seriously. "But as Inuyasha said, if you betray us, we will not spare you."

The wind sorceress nodded, "The next full moon…I will be sent by Naraku to attack you, and that is when we will commence. Do as you see fit. I care about nothing but seeing him in die." She chuckled darkly, and then lifted into the sky on a gust of wind, sitting atop her feather.

WOOOOOO! Things are heatin up with Kagome and Inuyasha….do we see lemon in the future? Mayyyybe…I haven't decided yet. But so yeah, Kagura seems pretty legit…but it is still Kagura, afterall. I guess we'll have to see where all this new action takes them. And what's Kikyo's next move? Guess you'll have to wait and read the next chapter. :) Pleaseeeeeeee read and review! I dig hearing what people think, all around. Thanks!;) azami