Chapter Fifteen
Minako Miharu: Well, being sad isn't always a bad thing, Kagura is in pain, so maybe it will be better for her not to be in so much pain… I have never seen her with a child either, but for some reason a scene of her entering the Taijiya village with her bundle of joy just kept jumping out at me. Don't ask why, it was just like with Rin and Sessho-maru in the last chapter... Well, I'm not going to really comment on the last part of your review, because I don't want to give it away whether you are right or not, so I will just tell you to read to find out… Though that won't be for a couple chapters yet I'm sure. Ok, now that you have your own novel to read, please enjoy chapter fifteen, and thank you for your review.
Kalei: Man, you had me worried when you didn't review, I was afraid I had offended you with the Rin/Sessho-maru thing… you make me happy that you reviewed again. I will have to agree that things will begin to get interesting, more so in the next chapter I believe than this one, but they will become more fast paced and clifhangerie (yes I know that is not a word (wink)) OK, well on to chapter fifteen, thank you for your review, and enjoy.
iNuQTpIe: Here's the next chapter, enjoy, and thanks for the review.
EternalAffliction: Glad you liked it, here is chapter fifteen, read and enjoy.
Angela: We are getting closer to the meeting… I think we are anyway… lol, no truly though, we are almost there, enjoy chapter fifteen, and thanks for your review.
Disclaimer: Rumiko Takahashi owns Inu-Yasha and the rest of the gang…all other characters are mine till death do us part. (lol, j/k)
He crouched low, his eyes shining as he watched the Houshi walk through the field. Was this guy ignorant or just plain stupid? "Come out, youkai!" The man shouted to the air. A grin tugged at Inu-Yasha's face as he debated granting the man's wish. Blood red eyes narrowed as the Houshi reached into his robes. "You shall plague this land no more!"
Hmph, so that's what he thought, well, Inu-Yasha would just have to show him how wrong he was.
The attack was silent, as was the kill; the Houshi had no time to scream. Inu-Yasha stood up as he licked some of the blood from his claws. He would destroy all in his path—none were powerful enough to stop him.
((Across A Land))
The wind felt good in the Miko's hair as she released it from it braid and ponytail. Mayoka sat in front of her now, the child's eyes staring wildly around in excitement. "Everything's so pretty from up here!" The girl closed her eyes as she held her arms out, making her body into a 'T'. Kagome smiled in response.
"Yes, I realize now why birds prefer to fly." The woman also closed her eyes, using her senses to watch around her.
"Are you happy now, Kagome-san?" Mayoka asked softly
"Hm?" The woman's eyes opened again to connect with the girl's black orbs. "Did you just ask if I was happy, Mayoka?"
"Well, um, yes." The child nodded. "You don't look as sad as you used to."
"Neither do you." Kagome said back. The girl looked back out at the blue sky around them.
"I was sad for a different reason." She suddenly whispered.
"What?" The Miko asked. Mayoka's eyes slowly turned back to the woman.
"My Okaasan was killed," the child noticed Kagome wince at her words, "but I've moved on. I'm not sad anymore because I know she is ok, and I am not alone anymore." The two shared a smile at her words.
"No, Mayoka, I'm not sad anymore either." The Miko lied.
"That's good." The child looked away again, this time continuing to smile. Kagome felt kind of shitty now for not being truthful with the girl, but she couldn't tell Mayoka she still panged inside. The hurt would never truly go away, but once the hitch with Inu-Yasha was solved it would be easier.
"Where are we going, Kagome-san?" The child's voice broke into the Miko's thoughts.
"Hokori, Mayoka, Kagome!" A male voice answered. Mayoka leaned down slightly, her eyes widening in surprise.
"Koga!" She shouted. The ouji grinned back as he waved. "Kagome-san?" The child turned back to the woman, question in her black depths. Kagome smiled genuinely and nodded.
"Take us down, Hokori." The Neko roared as he did was his master commanded.
"Koga!" Mayoka shouted again as she slid off the Neko's back, instantly running at the other youkai. He stood his ground as the eleven-year old human tackled into him. Her arms wrapped around his waist as she reached him.
"Yo, what's up?" The ouji asked as he put one arm around her shoulders.
"Hello, Koga." Kagome said softly as she slid off Hokori's back. Koga's gaze slowly lifted to her, his eyes widening slightly in awe at the change in the woman before him.
"Kagome…?" He breathed, his hand dropping from the younger girls' body. A shy smile danced on the Miko's face as her head lowered.
"Yeah, it's me." Her head suddenly lifted. "I hope it's alright that we came—" She was cut off as the ouji was suddenly in front of her, his lips on hers. She blinked in surprise as he pulled back.
"I've missed you." He breathed against her lips. Her hand rested on his chest, lightly pushing him back.
"I've missed you too, do you mind if we go into the den?"
"Of course," he smiled again and turned back to Mayoka, putting his hand on her shoulder and leading her toward the entrance of his den behind the waterfall.
Kagome looked over at Hokori still standing at her side. "Go on inside, I'll be right behind you." She patted his head softly. He nudged against her hand before following Koga and Mayoka. The Miko lifted her head to the sky, closing her eyes. A plan began to form in her mind, now only to carry it out. Her chocolate eyes appeared again before she walked through the falls.
((Across A Land))
Sango bounced Tori on her hip as she stood in front of the newest Taijiya. She had grown soft, and she knew it, but she couldn't have let the hungry kids go on alone, so they were allowed into the village to eat, rest, and given the choice to train. "Careful, Hana." The older Taijiya called.
"Yes, Sensei." The thirteen-year old's eyes never left the new recruit as he came at her again. Her hands were fast as she used both scathes to block his sword. "Watch your opponent, Kaito." Hana corrected, using one piece of bone to twist the sword from the male teen's hands, the other shooting up to level with his throat. The sword dug into the ground a foot away from them as the girl grinned. Kaito alone panted in breath. Hana stood still a second before relaxing, pulling her scathe away from his flesh.
"You're amazing, Hana." The boy praised. She twisted her weapons in her hands once before sliding them into her belt at the back of her armor.
"Just keep practicing, you're doing well."
"Hana, come over here, please." Sango interrupted.
"Yes, Sensei." The young teen bowed to Kaito before jogging to the Taijiya's side.
"He's doing well." Sango commented quietly. Hana nodded in agreement. "And you as well."
"Thank you." The girl whispered.
"Where is Kyouko?"
"With Miroku-sama."
"Come with me." The two females moved away, going to find the Houshi and older boy.
"Miroku, will you watch over the kids' sparing?" Sango asked as she and Hana reached the clearing where he and Kyouko were cutting wood. The Houshi wiped his forehead with his sleeve as he straightened.
"Yeah, no problem."
"Kyouko, Kaito needs a partner, would you help him out?" Sango added, turning to the younger male.
"Aye, Sensei." Kyouko replied with a bow. The two males walked off, going to attend to their new duties.
"Where are you going, Sango?" Kagura's voice suddenly echoed on the air. The two Taijiya turned to the new arrival, Aijou at her side, holding her hand tightly.
"I need Hana's help is all. Would you watch Tori until we get back?" Sango asked as the shadow reached her.
"Of course." The baby was given to the other woman. "Will you be back for the evening meal?" Kagura asked as she cradled Tori close to her chest.
"I hope so. Thank you, Kagura." Sango said with a smile. The shadow nodded once, turning to leave again. The older Taijiya turned toward the forest outside the village gates, moving toward the cool shadows.
"What did you need, Sensei?" Hana asked as she followed the woman out of the village, and into the wood.
"You've grown quite a bit, Hana. You are becoming a strong young woman." Sango said instead of answering.
"Thank you…" Hana blushed slightly and lowered her head as they walked.
"There is a youkai that's been sneaking around lately. I thought you might be able to help me take it down."
"Really?" Hana's head lifted again, excitement in her eyes. Sango smiled and nodded.
"Really, you've earned it."
"Oh thank you, Sensei!"
"Shhh, it can hear you." The older Taijiya corrected, gripping Hiraikotsu tightly. The girl closed her mouth and nodded. The leaves rustled to their left. Hana pulled her scathes from her belt and took a fighting stance. "Go ahead; I'll be right behind you." Sango urged. The younger nodded again and carefully moved forward into the bushes.
((Across A Land))
The fire crackled against the darkness, the warmth chasing away the still sharp cold night air. Koga's hand subconsciously stoked through Mayoka's dark hair as her head lay on his lap. His ears listened to her steady breathing and heartbeat as his eyes stayed on the silent Miko in front of him. Hokori lay at the woman's side, his eyes closed as he rested his head on his crossed paws.
"I need you watch over Mayoka." Kagome finally spoke. His hand paused for a second at her words.
"What?"
"I'm leaving in the morning, and I can't take her with me."
"Where are you going?"
The Miko gave the ouji a look. "I need to find Inu-Yasha."
"Are you taking Hokori with you at least?"
"I think I'm going to bed." She got to her feet. "Good night, Koga." She moved to the bed made up for her, leaving the ouji in a stunned silence.