Reflections of the Past Chapter 22: Bath Time Disturbance, an inuyasha fanfic

I do not own Inuyasha or the other characters, except Ryu na Takuan and Oujo Matsuko...

Thank you for your kind reviews...I really love hearing from each of you...and a special thanks to those who faithfully review every chapter, I am glad that I have been able to keep you all with me this long and I look forward to seeing your names appear on my review list...I currently have 12000 hits on this story and it still leaves me in a state of blissful shock as I never expected this story to do this well, nor for it to be 22 chapters long, and it is all thanks to you guys...thanks for reading and reviewing, and thanks for sticking with my story as it has been your encouragement that has made this story continue on past the initial 8 chapters .anyway...enough with my rambling and on with the story...

Reflections of the Past: Bath Time Disturbance... chapter 22

Naraku stood silently in the courtyard of his castle, still fuming over the information he had recieved the night before.

"I want the jewel shards out of the wolfs' legs...and I want them NOWWWW." he roared, as he continued watching the six boar demons gathered around him cower at his feet...

" But Master, where will we find him, he has moved his pack" one of the demons muttered.

Naraku's eyes narrowed, his rage increasing steadily as he made no effort to reel it in, a large tenticle bursting from him launching tword the insolent boar demon who had spoken, it's jagged edges spearing through it. He drug it closer ignoring its pitiful pleas for mercy as his hand reached to grasp the demon by the throat, his claws piercing its flesh cutting off the strangled cry of pain that poured from the creatures mouth, the pressure he exerted sinking his claws ever deeper into its soft skin. He watched as blood raced through his fingers, their warm crimson streaks weaving a trail of death down the length of the demons neck before dissappearing in the cloth of its wretched, filthy clothing. He watched as the light of life slowly faded from its wide panic stricken eyes. He was discusted at the filthy demon he held in his claws, the same claws that were sinking even deeper as he felt the bones of the demons neck cracking under the pressure, the sickening sound of bones crunching loud enough for all to hear causing the light that had been steadily fading from the demons eyes to flicker briefly before dying out completly as its body went limp in his hand, its head falling backwards being held on only by a small piece of skin. Naraku laughed.. the sound coming from him evil and twisted, as he took pleasure in the boar demons death, then with a flick of his wrist sent the body flying in one direction, while the decapitated head went the other...

"There will be NO excuse for failure, I will slaughter any who fail me...NOW GO..." Naraku ordered as he watched the five remaining demons scurry to do his bidding. And with that last order he turned and headed up the staircase to the castle, not caring about the body that still lay in a bloody heap in the dirt of the courtyard.

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Koga sat quietly inside the cave he and Ayame had made thier own once they had their pack moved. He had made Ayame his mate, once he had realized that while he loved Kagome, he was not in love with her. But he knew that Ayame was the other half of his heart as she had followed him relentlessly these past few years, devoting herself to him only. They had moved the pack in hopes that they could find some peace so that their pack could grow again as so many of them had been lost to Naraku's evil. And now Naraku was at it again for he had seen Naraku's insects scouring the counrtyside, no doubt looking for Inuyasha's pack...Now all that remained was to leave, to fight one last battle against Naraku...to avenge the deaths of so many of his wolves...he would leave soon to go in search of Inuyasha and Kagome, to bring them news of his new mate Ayame, and news of Naraku's impending evil...but first he'd spend a few more moments with his mate...he'd leave in one hours time...one hour to remind Ayame of just how much he truely loved her...

Inuyasha and Kagome stood at the edge of the well, having returned to the fuedal era once Inuyasha had returned to his half demon form.

Inuyasha had wanted to return early so they left her mother, Souta, and her grandfather in a state of mass hysteria as each were thrilled at the knowledge that soon they would have a new arrival to cater to, and each wanted to get everything ready for the new babies arrival even though they still had awile to wait.

"Climb on Kagome, lets go for a run." Inuyasha muttered, his gaze centered on the happy expression on Kagome's face.It had been awile since they had been able to run with each other.

"Alright." Kagome replied, the gentle smile on her face brightening with anticipation, as she reached to grasp Inuyasha's shoulders as he helped her onto his back.

" Ready?" Inuyasha asked as she settled herself. " Yep, but lets take the long way okay. " Kagome replied, the excitement in her voice obvious.

Inuyasha laughed softly, her excitement at something so simple brightening his mood as he took off, launching himself into the trees surrounding the well, his muscles tensing and relaxing as he jumped from tree to tree his pace steadily increasing. Kagome sat, her legs pressing against his waist as she let go, her arms outstretched, her face turned up twords the warmth of the sun, a small smile of sheer delight gracing her face as the wind whipped around her lifting her hair, pressing the silkiness of her shimmering gown to her frame, outlining her upper body. She could hear the fluttering of Inuyasha's robes, feel the silkiness of his hair tickling her shoulders and arms, watched as his ears twitched atop his head as he continually listened to the sounds in the distance.She heard the irritated squaking of birds as they voiced their anger at having been so rudely disturbed by the demon who used their trees as his own personal runway and laughed softly. Oh how she missed this freedom, the sheer exhileration of it. It had been awile since they had run like this, they had been so caught up in all the new changes and all the training lately that they hadn't had the chance to enjoy the things they had both come to love. One day she'd take him for a ride, take him higher than he'd ever been, but for now she would just enjoy their run together.

But all to soon they arrived at the village, and with a sigh of regret she slowly slid from his back, taking only a moment to press a small kiss to the back of his neck before heading into Keade's hut, Inuyasha right behind her. And there before them sat...noone.

"Where is everyone?" Kagome muttered as she and Inuyasha headed twords Sango and Miroku's huts, following the familier scents oftheir friends.

Kagome quietly peered into Sango's hut, and there, curled into two sleeping balls of fur lay Shippo and Kilala, but no Sango.

So she sauntered over to Miroku's hut, and quietly pulling the door of the hut open she saw Sango and Miroku lying wrapped in each others arms, sleeping.

" Well, it seems that we've arrived earlier than expected, everyone's still asleep. Kagome whispered before realizing that Inuyasha had already made his way to their hut, and was now sitting in front of it muttering something about laziness. She walked over to him quietly, and with a wistful smile upon her face looked down at the hanyou. " I am going to bathe Inuyasha, would you like to join me?"

" Feh, I would but it would be my luck that Sango and Sesshomaru's wench would show up...maybe I'll wait till Shippo gets up...the boy needs a bath anyway."

Inuyasha mumbled, I'll go catch breakfast, you just be careful, I'll stay close in case you need me alright."

" Alright, but um...Inuyasha...I don't think you'll need to catch breakfast, it looks like Sesshomaru already did."

Inuyasha turned his gaze tword the demon entering the village, a rather large buck slung casually over his shoulder, Rin following behind him.

But instead of being angry he simply grinned...he was going to enjoy teasing his brother about this.

" Sesshomaru, since when have you been so domesticated? I thought hunting for humans was far below you." Inuyasha smirked, enjoying the moment immensly.

" Rin shot this animal for the others, I am merely bringing it in." Sesshomaru replied, his normally expressionless face showing just the barest amount of pride as he set the animal down before turning to enter his own hut.

"Rin, I am going to bathe, you are welcome to join me." Kagome said as she studied the girl before her. Rin's hands were bloodied, but she held a different look about her, the look of someone in love...

"You go on ahead Kagome, I'll follow soon alright?" Rin replied as she too headed into her hut, "I'll wake Sango and bring her as well..."

"Okay..Kagome replied as she turned and entered her hut to gather her bathing supplies.

"Inuyasha, we need to talk, so don't be taking off just yet." came Sesshomaru's voice from within his hut.

"And what do you want to talk to me for Sesshomaru, I have more important things to do than wait around for you to talk to me at your convenience ya know."Inuyasha growled as he stood to follow Kagome to the spring.

"Inuyasha, talk to him, it sounds important. I'll be fine, and if I need something I'll call, besides...the girls will be with me shortly." Kagome said softly as she leaned over to place a shy kiss on his cheek causing him to blush furiously, his eyes darting around to make sure noone was around to witness her kiss, sure that he would find a certain monk spying on them. " Feh..."

Kagome sat idly in the warmth of the spring, her mind spinning with thoughts of the unborn child that rested within her. What would he or she look like? Would it have Inuyasha's adorable ears, his soft amber eyes, or would it resemble her...would it be a dog demon or a dragon demon, and was it possible for it to be a little of both?

She waited patiently for Sango and Rin to join her, knowing that they would never miss the opportunity for a morning bath, especially since it had become habit for them to all meet here every morning for a little girl time.

Kagome lay against the rock at her back, it's worn edges having long ago lost the ability to scratch her delicate skin, as her hand came to rest lightly upon her still flat stomach, the length of her raven colored hair falling over her front to shield her breasts from view before meeting with the clear, crisp water of the spring to float gently over the surface, it's whispy ends riding the gentle current of water around her.

Sango and Rin arrived earlier than Kagome had anticipated, their scents alerting Kagome to their presence long before they actually arrived.

"Ah, bath time...I sooo need this right now, you guys have nooo idea. " Sango sighed as she removed her clothing, stacking them onto a nearby rock before slowly easing her aching body into the warmth of the spring sitting on Kagome's left so that Rin would have a seat on her right...she seemed completely oblivious to the knowing stares she was recieving from Kagome and Rin.

Rin followed suit, laying her clothing next to Sango's as she too stepped into the spring walking over to sit next to Kagome..

" Soooo, Sango, is there anything you would like to share with us?" Kagome teased a knowing smile still gracing both her and Rin's face.

" What do you mean Kagome?" Sango coughed out sure now that they both knew exactly what her nightly activities had consisted of, and who they were with.

Kagome smiled and glanced over at Rin who sat quetly beside her, her eyes distant, an almost lost look upon her beautiful features.

"What is it Rin, you seem lost in thought, what's bothering you?" Kagome asked softly, her voice filled with concern. Sango leaned forward as well, the blush that had stained her cheeks subsiding as a look of concern replaced her embarissment. They had all grown so close over the last month, although Kagome and Sango had been close for years now, they now felt that they all had a bond...Rin was now a part of their family.

" There's nothing ...wrong really, it's just...well, I accidently walked in on Lord Sesshomaru last night...he was looking at the arm you helped him regrow...he...um...well...he had his shirt off, and he uh...kinda caught me staring, but I couldn't help it, he was just so gorgeous...but I ran out before he could say anything...I was so embarissed and I felt...funny, but he hasn't said anything about it today. How do you know when you're in love Kagome...I mean how did it make you feel?" Rin stuttered, her eyes down cast as she swirled the water around with her hand.

"Well, tell me how you feel, and I'll tell you if it sounds familier okay." Kagome replied, her look of concern replaced with a knowing smile.

" Well, I look at him and it's like there is a swarm of butterflies in my stomach, and I can't keep my eyes off of him. I want to know what it would be like to k..kiss him, I want to return to the Western Lands with him when this is all over cause I don't think I can live without him. When he looks at me, I feel warm all over...my heart beats harder, my breath catches...Oh I don't know what is wrong with me, I mean, I can't be in love with him, can I?" Rin whispered as her gaze lifted to look at Kagome and Sango.

" Yep, it sounds like love to me, how about you Sango?" Kagome answered.

" Yep, definately...but I'll give you some advice that a dear friend gave me...it helped me figure out what is was that I wanted.' If you want to take your relationship with Sesshomaru to the next level, then just tell him...'" Sango replied, her gaze shifting to rest on Kagome briefly before once again settling on Rin. " Do you think he feels the same for you?"

" Honestly, I don't know, we spend alot of time together, he won't let any other males around me, but you know him, he is just so secretive about his emotions, I can't read him. I don't want to tell him how I feel just to find out that he still sees me as the child that has followed him around for the last three years." Rin replied...

" Well, just wait till he tells you then, I mean eventually he will have to return to the Western Lands right? If he askes you to join him, then you'll know that he feels something for you, but judging by his actions, and how protective he is of you, I'd say he DEFINATELY has feelings for you. Give it some time Rin, don't rush things, let them happen in their own time okay...if there's anything I've learned about dog demons it is that they are stubborn creatures, but he will tell you when he is ready, you'll just need to be REALLY patient. Trust me, I know." Kagome laughed." Now, I have something I want to tell you two as well...

She sat still, smiling at the expectant faces of her closest friend and sister...Im PREGNANT!"

" AHHHHHHHH...REALLY,OH MY GOD...YOU'RE GONNA HAVE A BABY! They both screamed in unison.

Meanwhile...

Sesshomaru sat in front of Inuyasha and Miroku, watching the scowl that lay on his brothers face.

" Sango saw Naraku's insects last night, but they got away before she could kill them..." Sesshomaru stated not feeling the need to skirt around the issue at hand.

" WHAT! Inuyasha growled, his rage flashing across his face as he jumped to his feet, his hand reaching to grab the hilt of Tetsusaiga as he tried to control the rage that surged through him.

" We should leave this village, today...Naraku is sure to come once he has the information they have collected. If we stay here then all these villagers will surely be slaughtered. " Sesshomaru replied, standing up to face his younger brother. "You need to protect your wench Inuyasha and your pup, he is sure to come for her first, and he will undoubtedly come after Rin as well...I suggest we gather the supplies we will need to travel and leave immediately." Sesshomaru said as he made his way out of the hut.

" Wait...how did you know about the pup Sesshomaru, we haven't told anyone yet.." Inuyasha growled, his anger still pumping through his veins.

" Her scent has changed Inuyasha, and if I can sense it then Naraku will sense it as well. He will use this to his advantage..." Sesshomaru replied, but was cut off by the shrill screams coming from the direction of the spring causing both dog demons heads to jerk in that direction before they both tore off in a dead run, their bodies a mere blurr as they raced to the women at the spring, their ferocious growling sending any living creature within hearing distance scurrying for cover, Miroku struggling to keep up as he too ran to protect the woman who held his heart.

They burst through the trees, swords drawn, their growling fierce as they stood in disbelief at they sight that met them. There before them sat Kagome, Sango, and Rin, naked... sitting with their knees drawn up in front of them trying to hide their bare bodies from view, eyes wide as they sat stunned at the demons who stood growling before them..." We heard screaming, is everyone okay, what happened?" Inuyasha yelled as he took his haori off and tossed it to Kagome who grabbed it to shield their bodies from view. Sesshomaru stepped forward upon hearing the monk run up behind him and reached to grab Rin's body, pulling her naked form against his own to shield her from the lecherous monks view, his growling escalating as he looked to Inuyasha who had also reached to pull Kagome's body close to his own, leaving Sango wrapped in his haori..

" Sssorry guys, the girls were just excited to hear about the baby...we didn't mean to startle you..." Kagome muttered as she pressed further into Inuyasha embrace trying to calm him.

Rin stood stunned wrapped in Sesshomarus embrace, her heart nearly beating out of her chest at the close contact, and the fact that she was naked didn't seem to be helping matters any. Sesshomaru bent to pick her up, and without looking to the others he simply turned and left.

Miroku waded into the water to take a shaken Sango into his arms, helping her to wrap Inuyasha's haori around her before reaching to grab the rest of the girls clothing off the nearby rock.For once he made no perverted comments,made no attempt to get a good visual of the other women, he just simply held Sango close to him as they headed back to their hut.

Inuyasha carried Kagome gently as he nuzzled her neck.."DON'T EVER DO THAT TO ME AGAIN...I WAS SO WORRIED!" he growled as he walked tword their hut..."I'm sorry Inu...don't be to upset with the girls, they were just happy for us."

" I'm not upset with you or the girls Kagome, I was just...scared." he muttered as he entered their hut and set her gently on her feet. "Sango saw Naraku's insects yesterday, we have to leave here immediately, how long will it take you to be ready?"

"Will you go get my dress from Sango, as soon as I am dressed we can leave." Kagome muttered as her heart dropped in her chest, her hand resting protectivly upon her stomach..

"He won't touch you or the pup Kagome, I'll kill him first." Inuyasha swore as he wrapped his arms around her, calming her fears.He would stay awile longer, love her one last time before they traveled knowing full well that it was only a matter of time before Naraku came searching for what Inuyasha swore he would NEVER have. His Kagome.

Miroku walked behind Sango as she made her way into their hut before turning to catch his lips in a soul searing kiss, her hands insistant as she helped to undress him...She wanted one last moment with her love, one last moment to hold him close before they left, and he was more than happy to submit to her desires.

Sesshomaru held Rin close to him as he continued walking through the forest. "I'm sorry Lord Sesshomaru, please forgive me...I didn't mean to alarm you." Rin whispered into his chest. He stopped walking then, his gaze falling to gaze into the deep green depths of her eyes, his memory replaying the sight that met him at the spring, her skin glowing beneath the light of the sun, the water clinging to the curves he hadn't realized she had.

"Naraku is coming, we must leave as soon as you are dressed...you are to stay near me always, do you understand?" he murmured, his eyes linguaring on swell of her breasts that weren't hidden by the length of her arm, before once again returning to hold her gaze. "When we defeat this bastard, what is it that you will wish to do Rin?" he asked, his gaze falling to rest on her lips."I wish to return to the Western Lands with you my Lord, if you wish it." Rin whispered, shocked and pleased that he would ask her such a question...

" I wish it" he murmured as he bent to claim her lips for his own, before setting her to stand before him, his hands caressing her bare flesh as he whispered one last request into her ear..."be my mate Rin, be my Lady of the Western Lands."

" I wish it...my Lord Sesshomaru, oh god..I wish it..." Rin whispered as his lips once again lay claim to her own.

Sorry to leave it like this but it's really late. Please review and let me know what you all think. okay...Again sorry ...It may be the middle of next week before I can get another chapter posted, it depends on how hecktic Thanksgiving gets around here, but I will try myhardest if you will all review and tell me how you think this story is going.Deal? Happy Thanksgiving All...