Chapter 50: Reunited
Sesshomaru was nearly torn. It had been two weeks since he had seen Kaori. Joo-yun was in her straw crib some women of the village made for her, sleeping soundly. But Sesshomaru hadn't had any sleep since he had left Kaori. She hadn't come to him, and he was afraid to go to her. Nothing sent his instincts on alert, so she was probably not injured, or hurt, or dead, but he felt so guilty and stupid for leaving Kaori like that with Joo-yun. She was probably still crying on the ground of their living room, pale and skinny to her bones for no eating. Or perhaps passed out on the couch again.
Sesshomaru sighed and looked out the window. Perhaps it was a good idea to take Joo-yun with him. Perhaps this time apart from each other was good. They needed time to think, to live some lives of their own. He just hoped hers wasn't getting drunk every night.
Joo-yun moaned and started wailing. Sesshomaru cooed her almost instantly and rocked her, and she calmed down a little, but she wouldn't go back to sleep. She just stared up at Sesshomaru's eyes. She didn't reach up to him, or hold his clothing, like usual and Sesshomaru was worried that something was wrong.
"Close those beautiful eyes, Joo-yun. You need to sleep," Sesshomaru said, forcing a smile. Joo-yun smiled back, yawned a beautiful, innocent yawn and closed her eyes. She was asleep in no time.
"Lord Sesshomaru?" A whisper was heard before a head peeked into. One of villagers were looking around for him in the darkness until she found him. "Are you in any condition to accept a guest?"
"Yes," Sesshomaru whispered, standing up and walking out. "Who is it, by the way?"
"Look," the villager whispered, pointing almost across the village.
Kaori was standing there, in the most perfect black dress, kicking the path absent-mindedly. Her hands were behind her back and she didn't even notice Sesshomaru nearby until he said her name. She looked up at him and smiled.
"Hey," she simply said, though, with her smile, she could have said more.
"Are you feeling any better?" Sesshomaru asked.
She shrugged. "I guess. Depends on what your definition of 'better' is," Kaori said, kicking the path again.
"Are you not so secluded?" Sesshomaru asked.
"Hey, can we take this somewhere more private, huh?" Kaori asked, turning and facing the forest. He nodded and Kaori started walking at a slow pace in the forest.
It was silent between them. Both wanted to start talking, but neither knew on what topic. Their feet found their ways to the well and Kaori sat on the edge elegantly.
"Uh, so, um, how have you two been doing?" Kaori asked, looking up at him with concern and curiosity.
"She's fine, if that's what you're asking about," Sesshomaru said, looking into the darkness of the forest.
"I'm more worried about you," Kaori said and he looked down to see her still concerned. "Have you been sleeping?"
"Not really," Sesshomaru said, returning his gaze elsewhere.
"Me neither," Kaori quickly said. "I mean, I just lie awake in bed, thinking about you."
"I guess I can say the same," Sesshomaru said.
"Look, perhaps we needed that distance, but I think now we need to connect," Kaori said. "I really miss you."
"Same here. And I agree with you on the connection, but only if you are better? Have you been passing out or drinking until drunk? Or staying a corner all day, barely talking at all to anyone?" Sesshomaru asked, somewhat offensive to Kaori. But she shook her head no, not taking it at all offensive.
"Well, I can't say I've talked to people. Not many people came around, except for my mother, I guess. Kagome and Inuyasha suddenly have disappeared and you and Joo-yun were gone, so I sort of was quiet for most of the time. But I've been sober since you left and I actually have been eating and happy." Kaori informed Sesshomaru.
Sesshomaru sat down next to her and took her hand. "That's good news," Sesshomaru said with a grin.
"Have I missed anything?" Kaori asked worried.
"As in?" Sesshomaru asked, slightly confused.
"Her first word or step?" Kaori asked, looking away.
"Nothing of the sort," he said, rubbing her hand.
She smiled and looked to the sky. He looked at her. She didn't look that much different. Perhaps slightly bigger in the chest, but it probably was the darkness or dress. Wait, why was she wearing such a dress in this time? He asked her.
"Oh," she simply said, looking at the dress. "I had to go somewhere tonight and needed to dress up."
"A date?" Sesshomaru asked. She shook her head no and showed a sad smile.
"My mother's funeral," Kaori said. He gasped and wrapped his arm around her.
"I'm so sorry. Is there anything I can do?" Sesshomaru asked.
"Maybe just one night alone, together?" Kaori asked, with a smile, leaning into him. "I really did miss you."
"Hey, with this, you really need me. I'm glad you came here. I wouldn't want to withdrawing again, especially since you are well again," he said, rubbing her shoulder. "Hey, I have the perfect place. That field, remember?"
"Yeah, I think that will be great," Kaori said with a smile. And before she knew it, she had wind flying up her dress. She had to keep it down, or flash the entire land, but Sesshomaru didn't seem to mind, or even notice. He had many things on his mind at the moment. What will they be doing while in the field? Were they finally going to interact after the long time they missed?
He landed and carefully let Kaori down. She twirled in the grass and Sesshomaru knew she was back to normal. He smiled and let Kaori take his hands and led him to the middle of the field.
"The grass has grown a lot since we were last here," Kaori commented, standing against Sesshomaru, looking up at him with a smile.
"Yes, I see that," he said.
Kaori took a step back and tripped on the mud, falling on her back. Sesshomaru tripped over her and fell almost on top of her, but caught himself before flattening her.
"Clumsy," he said in a whisper. She kissed him and moulded into his love, allowing him to play with her tongue and mouth, loving the touches she was finally getting. He got up, with her, their mouths never leaving. He broke the kiss and embraced her with a smile. "Slowly, Kaori. I want to cherish this night."
"Same here, Sesshomaru, but I really am getting eager," Kaori said playfully.
He pulled away a little to look at her with his eyebrow raised, and she just laughed. "We're going slow, whether you like it or not," Sesshomaru ordered.
"Can you keep that rough tone in later in the night? I really want you to be the one making me scream, not the soft, 'little by little' Sesshomaru," Kaori said, a very mysterious smile on her face.
He growled and she just smiled, kissing him. He laid her down on the grass and they got started, making sure that Kaori was being with her Sesshomaru, and everyone nearby knew it.
Kaori ran into the hut the next day, and lifted Joo-yun up, and hugged her. "Aw, I missed you," Kaori said, giving her daughter kisses. "Well, you didn't grow much."
Sesshomaru stood near the door, shaking his head playfully. Kaori ran out of his arms just as soon as he landed near the village. He could understand that. She hadn't seen her daughter in such a long time.
"Well, you did take care of her, so I thank you. Sesshomaru, you are such a wonderful father to her," Kaori said, giving him a peck on the cheek. "You protected her, even from me. So thank you, even though I might have not liked it in the beginning."
"Hey, she's my daughter too, so I need to protect her from everyone. You as one as well," Sesshomaru said, wrapping his arm around Kaori. "I'm just glad we're back together again."
"Me too, Sesshomaru. Me too," Kaori said, giving Joo-yun more kisses. Joo-yun just held Kaori's dress in a death grip and accepted the kisses.
It was agreed after that day that Joo-yun was going to be raised in Sesshomaru's time. It was only normal; she was a full demon and would not be accept in Kaori's time. Sesshomaru built their own, separate hut closer to the well, and lived there for a few years.
Joo-yun grew at an incredible rate. She had said her first word just after her first month and Kaori was overjoyed it was Mama. It was no shock to Sesshomaru, for that is the first word for most. She was walking in no time and saying many more words, and Kaori was nearly dancing. They had their own family. They had settled down. They had a life together.
Before Kaori knew it, Joo-yun was four. On her fourth birthday, Kaori bought her a doll. Joo-yun couldn't get enough of it. She played with it everyday and Kaori was glad it kept her preoccupied. Before that, Joo-yun would follow her everywhere.
Sesshomaru had his own duties; he killed any demons that dared to attack the village. And recently, a lot had. He sometimes had help by Kaori, but she had to also check on Joo-yun. They were all getting along just fine, and Kaori just wished time would stop. Everything was perfect, in a way.
But everything was perfect for long. One day, Kaori woke up to Joo-yun coughing. She checked on her, and found she had a fever, was shivering, and coughing non-stop. She roughly woke Sesshomaru up and told him to take them to Kaeda's village.
"She's dead, remember?" Sesshomaru asked half-asleep.
"I don't care. Any help will be appreciated," Kaori said, worried. "Please, Sesshomaru. She's sick."
Sesshomaru was up and out, Kaori in hand. Kaori held Joo-yun, who was still coughing. She was bundled up in two blankets, her doll in hand.
They got there and Kaori quickly asked some villagers if they had any healers. No one understood her, since all were half asleep and didn't recognise her. But when Sesshomaru ordered, they all pointed at one hut. Kaori ran inside, still worried sick about her daughter. A young woman was on some furs, sleeping soundly. Sesshomaru's footsteps awoke her and quickly found out the issue. She worked quickly on Joo-yun, while Kaori sat in Sesshomaru's arms, worried and shaking.
"She'll be all right, Kaori. She'll be all right," Sesshomaru assured her, rubbing her arms. But it was like she wasn't listening and started crying into her hands. He sighed, but then noticed Joo-yun was being laid down to sleep in a straw crib. The young lady then turned to Kaori and Sesshomaru.
"She'll be fine. She just has a cold," the woman said.
"Who are you?" Sesshomaru asked. The woman bowed.
"Hannah," the woman answered.
"Thank you so much," Kaori said, taking a deep breath. "I really didn't know what to do."
"A first mother, I suppose. And this is her first time sick, huh?" Hannah said, looking at Joo-yun sleeping. "I'm not shocked you were worried."
"We give you our best thanks," Sesshomaru said, giving a slight bow of his head, and then looking at Kaori. She had calmed down and leaned into him, closing her eyes.
"What is her name, my lord?" Hannah asked.
"Joo-yun," Sesshomaru said. "Our daughter."
"Yours as well?" Hannah asked shocked.
"Yes," Sesshomaru said, somewhat offended.
"Sesshomaru, it shouldn't be offensive. I remember you telling me Jaken was shocked as well when you told him I was pregnant," Kaori sighed, her eyes still closed.
Sesshomaru looked down at her. Well, she did have a point.
"Lord Sesshomaru, you are in love with Kaori?" Hannah asked.
"Is that a real question?" Kaori asked, opening her eyes. "Look at how he's holding me."
Sesshomaru released Kaori and crossed his arms, looking away. Why did everyone think he couldn't love? He understood before, but now, of course he had changed, so it's no shock he was in love with someone.
"My lord, I did not mean to upset you, or offend you. I just find it a shock. I really didn't believe my grandmother when she said she was taking care of Lord Sesshomaru's wife while she was pregnant," Hannah said sweetly.
"It's no problem. He sort of gets that everywhere," Kaori said with a smile. She yawned widely and then covered her mouth, slightly embarrassed. "Oh, I must really be tired."
"Get some sleep," Sesshomaru said, slightly soft.
"I think that's your best advice you've ever given," Kaori yawned, leaning back into him. He accepted it after moving her slightly so it was more comfortable for both of them. He held her again and looked at Hannah. She just stared at them.
"What is it?" Sesshomaru asked.
"If you wish to stay here tonight, please let me know. We can set up an empty hut as yours, if you wish," Hannah suggested.
"We do not do such things when someone is in the room. She just usually sleeps in my arms. What wife doesn't sleep in her husband's arms?" Sesshomaru said, slightly angrily. Hannah's eyes went wide and stood.
"Perhaps I should leave. Perhaps a villager needs help," Hannah quickly said. She walked out of the hut quickly, but was back in almost immediately.
"Where's Kaeda?" Inuyasha growled.
"Grandmother Kaeda is gone, sir," Hannah said, her hands up. Tetsusiaga came in, then Inuyasha.
"Who killed her?" Inuyasha growled.
"Old age did," Hannah said. She glanced at Sesshomaru and then Inuyasha. "Perhaps this man can be of help."
Inuyasha looked at Sesshomaru and then back at Hannah. "What the hell makes you think that asshole will help me?" He snapped.
Hannah's eyes went wide and backed up. "Not very wise, sir. That is Lord Sesshomaru. He does not take kindly to name-calling," Hannah inform Inuyasha.
"I know. Well, except his wife's," Inuyasha said, rolling his eyes and sheathing Tetsusiaga. Sesshomaru almost let a chuckled loose at that comment. Inuyasha was right. Wait, when did he think that? Ever!
"Inuyasha, is there a reason you came here?" Sesshomaru asked calmly.
"Yeah. We need to kill Naraku, now. He's destroyed Queen Kaori's palace, and many of her servants. We can't let him get to the other Queen areas. Will you help us, like you said you would?"
"Queen Kaori's palace, is that what you said?" Sesshomaru asked. Inuyasha nodded. Sesshomaru laid down Kaori softly and then stood. "We're talking outside."
Inuyasha was confused, but backed outside and followed Sesshomaru to the forest. This was odd. Sesshomaru never let Inuyasha follow him anywhere, or even talked to him. Unless they were going to fight. Inuyasha put his hand on the Tetsusiaga.
"I am not going to fight you, Inuyasha. There is no need to touch the Tetsusiaga," Sesshomaru said, not even looking at Inuyasha. He stopped at Kagome's well and sighed.
"What are we doing here?" Inuyasha asked, slightly confused at this odd behaviour.
"That palace was where Kaori and I once were living. He has been following us, trying to take Kaori as his own. He almost succeeded once, almost making me abandon her," Sesshomaru said.
"You're kidding, right?" Inuyasha asked, shocked. Well, it wasn't much of one, since that was like Naraku; to break up couples and lovers.
"Am I the kidding type, Inuyasha? But anyways, with his destroying it, it must mean Kaori was telling the truth about him following us. Inuyasha, we will travel together to find Naraku and kill him, finally riding this planet of his presence," Sesshomaru told Inuyasha. "Only if you will accept my assistance."
"Ok, first, what the hell is wrong with you? Are you sick or something? You are never like this." Sesshomaru glared at Inuyasha who just chuckled. "And second, we need to find him soon. Kagome and I are trying to conceive and-" Inuyasha started but saw Sesshomaru put his hand up.
"Inuyasha, I really do not want disturbing images in my head of you and Kagome. Just tell me we need to find him soon, and end the topic," Sesshomaru said, his eyes closed and head hanging.
"Ok..." Inuyasha said, still confused about this behaviour. "So, will you help us find him quickly? I really don't want our child to be born into this world with the threat of Naraku."
"Trust me, my daughter has more of a threat if we don't kill him soon," Sesshomaru said, sitting on the well edge.
"I can believe that. With what you've told me about Naraku and Kaori, if anything should happen to Kaori-" Inuyasha looked up from the ground to find Sesshomaru glaring at him "-which I know won't with you around, he will most likely go after Joo-yun. And, if he should, your family line with have Naraku haunting them."
"Yes, but Kag... your wench has his haunt on them as well. With the resemblance of that priestess, and that extreme love of her, your child will most likely not be safe until he is dead. So, we will start out, together, looking for Naraku?" Sesshomaru said.
"Yes, we will. With your sense of smell, it will probably be easier. But what about Joo-yun?" Inuyasha asked.
"What about her?" Sesshomaru growled.
"Do you really want her going on this trip with us?" Inuyasha asked. "She might be at the right age to train and be of some assistance."
"Or just be in the way and another weakness of mine. But she'll cry if we leave her behind, and I can't deal with that," Sesshomaru said more to himself than Inuyasha. "We'll bring her, but you must understand no one is to touch her but me or Kaori unless we give people permission."
"That's fine with me. I wouldn't want to touch your daughter anyways. Kagome might go all 'ga-ga' over her, so I can't exactly control her, and perhaps Sango will do the same, and since Shippo is so into children, he'll touch her a little, but I can tell you I will not. Miroku isn't into children anyways, unless Sango forces him to hold her, but of course, you'll kill him before he does," Inuyasha said.
"I'm glad you know me all too well. But yet, Inuyasha, I beat you every time," Sesshomaru said, almost showing a smirk. He hadn't fought someone in such a long time, especially Inuyasha.
"Ha, I've gotten better. Wait, are you challenging me?" Inuyasha asked.
"Take it as you wish," Sesshomaru said, drawing Tokijin. "Whether a challenge, or purpose injury, take it as you wish."
Inuyasha drew Tetsusiaga. "You're on!"
They fought for a while, and Inuyasha cursed out loud at the end of it. Sesshomaru stood above Inuyasha, Tokijin to Inuyasha's throat and Tetsusiaga into a tree. Inuyasha growled at Sesshomaru, but Sesshomaru just smiled. "I won."
"Oh, shut up," Inuyasha spat, sitting up once Sesshomaru removed Tokijin from Inuyasha's throat. "It's just because it's late and I'm not that energetic. I would have beat you if it was the middle of the day." He grabbed Tetsusiaga and sheathed it, glancing at Sesshomaru. "I'll come tomorrow, first thing in the morning and start out."
Sesshomaru nodded and sheathed Tokijin. He headed back to Kaori while Inuyasha headed to Kagome. Inuyasha smiled widely. His first fight with Sesshomaru, where they didn't try to kill each other! He was happier than ever! And plus, they were going to be travelling together, so they wouldn't be hating each other's guts. And they would be defeating Naraku together. His dreams were coming true!