While working on the final piece I saw that it was becoming too long and decided to chop it up into chapters. I hate myself for taking so long to decide this and for still not ending the story. I hope you can be satisfied with what I am 100% finished on so far. The rest is still in progress.
Kagome rubbed her stomach gently as she stared at the sky. The clouds were slowly breaking apart, bringing more sun. The breeze was cool and welcoming as it swept through her hair, her headscarf long lost. Anyway she didn't feel like getting a new one. A finger absently traced the small scar above her eye and when she realized this, she stopped and put her hands to her stomach…she didn't feel a thing.
'How long has it been since I found out?' she questioned herself mentally. 'A month and a half surely…yet little has changed…' she frowned, massaging the bulge in her middle. Suddenly little hands were tugging on her sleeve. She looked down, smiling faintly a pair of eyes met her own.
"Mommy, I'm hungry." Complained a young boy, his black hair falling into his eyes as he shook his head side to side and began to head butt Kagome's leg. "I want fish." He demanded. Kagome rolled her eyes and tapped the child of six years on his head.
"Akahito how many times have I told you not to-"
"I know," he said, blue eyes staring up at her as he took her hand and squeezed it gently. "But I want to." He said. It always amazed Kagome how well he could speak for a child.
But then again this was Naraku's son she was looking at.
The boy probably had the best tutor in the country. "Please?" he gave her a sad look and let his bottom lip quiver as he squeezed her hand again.
Kagome sighed but smiled. "All right," she said. "This time I'll let that go but next time you can't do it again. Your father would disapprove of such behavior. Now come. Let's get you something to eat." She said as she began to lead him towards the kitchen. He smiled and followed along, dragging with him a small and light wooden sword.
When they reached the dining hall, Naraku was settling down with a cup of tea. In front of him were many scrolls and letters that he was in the process of reading and writing.
"Father!" Akahito yelled as he saw him. He let go of Kagome's hand and ran towards Naraku, but his father raised a hand to stop the boy before he had a chance to leap on him.
"I've told you time and time again not to be so loud when I'm working. Run along, Akahito. I have no time for play." He said in his usual careless voice. He looked up to Kagome and frowned.
"Really now, teach the boy some manners." He said. "But then again, you aren't the best at that either are you, Kagome?"
Kagome ignored him and opened her arms to Akahito so that he could run into them. He looked sad at being rejected so harshly by the man he adored. She bowed her head to Naraku and walked on towards the kitchen, intent on getting the child something to eat.
Akahito rested his head on Kagome's shoulder and watched as they walked farther away from his father. "So it's true then," he whispered.
"What's true?" she asked, taking a left and walking down a long hall.
"Father doesn't likes me very much," he said sadly, "I hear servants talk about how he wishes he never sired me,"
Kagome stopped walking and pulled him away from her shoulder so that she could look in his eyes.
"That's not true, Akahito. Your father loves you very much and you know that. It's just that sometimes…" she hesitated, unsure of what to say. "Sometimes he just gets stressed with his work and he takes his attitude out on other people."
Though she wouldn't deny that what he had heard had some truth to it. She had heard others talk about the child too. Of course she had quieted them at once with a sharp scolding but it wasn't as if they took it too seriously…
"Oh," he replied, his voice still low. "Yeah but sometimes-"
"Sometimes he just needs some time to rest before he wants to play with you," Kagome cut him off, walking again. "I'm sure that after dinner if you go in with two of your wooden swords he'd love to have a match," she said, rubbing his back.
"You think so?"
It was a long shot, Kagome knew, but if she just talked to Naraku before that then maybe she could make this work. "I know so."
He smiled and rested his head on her shoulder. "Thank you mommy." Kagome looked straight ahead as she continued to walk, about to enter the kitchen. She felt a smile creep on her face.
"Your welcome."
Sesshomaru sighed as he slapped the back of his brother's head, making brandy spray out his mouth and all over the table.
"What the hell is your problem?" Inuyasha nearly screamed. "Is your brain leaking or something?"
"I thought I told you to clean yourself up." Sesshomaru said, face tight with annoyance. "You have absolutely no class, no charisma, or any worth."
"Says the lord with his head stuck up his ass." Inuyasha coughed and took a swig of brandy. "Relax my stupid brother. You always get so prissy when these social events come around. Where we going this year?" he asked. Last year the annual banquet had been held at their mansion and Sesshomaru had been on an emotional roller coaster.
Anger and hatred being the emotions.
It always irked him when people he didn't know were in his home and around his things. Yet at the same time he hated to go to someone else's property and mingle among the obvious inferior lords.
"Northern Lands," he replied. "Koga's domain I believe"
"Koga!" Inuyasha yelled, knocking over a pitcher of water that was on the table. "That filthy mutt rules the Northern lands?"
Sesshomaru sighed. "He took over three summers ago, don't you know anything?"
"WHAT?" Inuyasha yelled again. "Three years? THREE? And I just now find out? No. Not-uh how the fuck did he conquer over Hiten?"
"You can ask him when we get there." Sesshomaru said and turned. "Now get ready, we depart in an hour,"
"I'm not going anywhere," Inuyasha complained. "That fool deserves to be a stable boy...of a stable boy! I don't need him bragging in my face because he thinks he has more power than me."
"Fine. Don't come. I'll have one less idiot to deal with." Sesshomaru began walking again, ignoring how Inuyasha went on about his enemy.
"Who the hell does he think he is?" Inuyasha mumbled. "He used to storm in here like he owned the place…and he had the fuckin' nerve to lay his hands on Kagome one time. I would have ripped his throat out if she hadn't made me sit down…"
Sesshomaru paused.
Kagome…He hadn't thought about her in a while…two days probably. Would she be in the Northern lands? It was a possibility…not likely but still a possibility. If he had remembered correctly she hadn't been allowed to return to Naraku, therefore moving elsewhere. Perhaps North?
Her image was so fuzzy in his mind. How long had it been since he'd last set eyes on her? Way longer since the last time he'd seen her smile…it seemed that whenever he could recall a memory of her with him, she was crying…because of him.
He sighed as he climbed the stairs, searching for his servant, Jaken, to go and prepare a few choice belongings. He didn't even bother with Inuyasha…
(The next day)
"Mommy!" Akahito groaned out as he head butted her leg again, the next day.
Kagome sighed impatiently. "Akahito how many times must I tell you not to do that?" she asked, her voice showing her annoyance. "Really now, you must grow out of-"
"Trying to knock you over?" he finished eagerly.
"Well yes," she admitted. "That too. But you also have to stop-"
"Interrupting-"
"Yes." She said and grabbed his hand. "And that's not all." She began to pull him along towards the bathing hall. He started dragging his feet, trying to pull away from her.
"Akahito stop it!" She yelled. "I have to get you ready to travel with your father for the banquet in two nights and we have much to do but right now you need a bath and after that you have to-"
Like most six year olds, Akahito began to throw a childish tantrum, he began hitting Kagome's leg and pulling back furiously, scowling as she tried to get him to the hot springs.
"I don't want a bath!"
"I won't have you smelling like a pig!"
"I LIKE PIGS!"
"AKAHITO BEHAVE!"
He was suddenly turned around and slapped, the blow nothing serious but shocking him all the same. Tears began to gather in his eyes as he looked up, his face turning into a frown. Naraku looked down at him, eyes narrow and face grim.
"Such a disgrace for a child of such high status to be acting as a mere and unruly commoner. Surely you have been taught better then that," he said, his voice distant and cold.
Kagome bit her lip and stepped forward. "Naraku-Sama it was my fault,"
"Of course it was," Naraku said, his gaze flicking to her. "You spoil the boy. No wonder he won't obey anyone. Stop encouraging his bad behavior with hugs and smiles. When I chastise him about running don't give him a hug and come to me, asking me to make time for him. That's not what you're here for. You are here to look after my son not to teach him how to disobey his father."
Once again he turned his look down to the boy with silent tears. "You are to listen to her. You are to take a bath and then you are to report to your teacher for afternoon studies. If I see or hear your behavior has not improved then I will remove my inheritance from you and bear me another son leaving you in shame and disgrace for the rest of your life. Don't think I'll hesitate to sending you back to the south, boy. Do I make myself clear?"
The boy didn't answer. He wiped his face with his sleeve and bit his bottom lip, a habit he picked up from Kagome when ever she was nervous, scared, or in a rush.
"I said do I make myself clear?"
Again he wouldn't answer. Naraku narrowed his eyes and roughly placed a hand on the boy's shoulder but Kagome, who had been saving up her nerve to say something, intervened.
"Like crystal," she said and grabbed the boy up; bouncing him gently as he automatically put his arms around her neck. "Now if you will excuse us-"
"I want to see you after you send him off to the tutor," Naraku said harshly. "I mean it."
Kagome swallowed and nodded, "I um…" she had lost her nerve. Somehow his narrowed eyes and grim yet placid expression reminded her of someone else she once knew…someone she had once loved…
Naraku turned and walked away, hands clenched in a fist so tight he looked as off he'd break his own wrist.
"Told you he hates me," Akahito hissed in her ear
"Nonsense," Kagome assured "He's just stressed about the banquet tonight" she explained as she turned and walked away towards the bath springs once more. She would admit that she was overly protective and concerned about the child but she did not spoil him!
Did she?
"You may not be a servant any more but that does not give you the right to disrespect me in front of my son." Naraku said crossly. By now Kagome had done what was requested of her and they were alone. Again Kagome summoned up her nerve and put aside her fear, talking back in a voice she never talked to Naraku before.
"What son?" she asked. "As far as I'm concerned he's just a child you push around!"
"That's none of your concern!"
"The hell it is!" Kagome yelled back. "You should hear him, Naraku! He thinks you hate him! Akahito is only six years old-"
"It teaches him discipline."
"It teaches him a lack of self love and a lack of self-respect!" she argued. "I shouldn't have to come to you and beg you to play with him for just ten minutes at the most! I shouldn't have to be so nice to him because everyone else sees him as the heir of the Eastern Lands!"
"He is the heir!" Naraku said slamming his fist down on the desk. "And no child of mine, let they be bastard or not, let they be hanyou or not can ever act like that in the public eye! He must show respect and obedience at all times! You're lucky I even considered picking you to raise my child when you so obviously are no proper woman-"
"Oh yes! Thank you great Naraku-Sama for bestowing this honor on me! Thank you for making me watch how cruel you can actually be to your own child"
"I never asked for a child! I hate children! I hate bothering with them at all. That damn mother of his did this to me. Dying after his birth-"
"Is that why you sent the poor thing away?" Kagome yelled so furiously that her throat began to feel soar. "What education can other manors teach him that you can't? The boy barely knows you and you're not giving him a good first impression if you want my opinion-"
"Which I do not," Naraku said calmly. "He's old enough to cope. That's the only reason I had him returned to me. I want nothing to do with other than preparing him to take over my possessions." He growled. "And don't think that because I have provided you with an education that you may say and do what so pleases you, Lady Kagome."
"I don't." Kagome replied, her voice also gaining back its calm demeanor.
"Oh?" Naraku asked. "Raising your voice to your lord is respectful now? And since when are we not on proper terms when you address me? How dare you refer to me as my first name only? Perhaps I will pull you from the task of taking care of Ahkito-"
"Akahito"
"Don't interrupt me, girl. As I was saying, perhaps I will pull you from caring for him and have you work as just an educated hand in the fields. You owe me more than I should have given you. Not to mention, giving you such as a chance as giving you back to Sesshomaru. It seems you can't do anything right. Do you really expect me to care for you and that thing on its way? Your going to bear a child with no husband, I suggest you start showing more respect to the person who will take care of you."
Kagome bit her bottom lip. Was he serious? Was he that low down as to bring up Sesshomaru? True, she was over the fact that he would never be hers but did he think that she didn't hurt? Every day she thought about him…about what her life would be if she had been with him…and yes she was with child but her baby was not a thing!
"How dare you-"
"No. How dare you," Naraku said. "Letting him call you his mother? What in hell are you thinking?"
By the expression on the girl's face Naraku knew he had caught her. "Didn't think I'd find out?" he asked. "Kagome, I know you've raised him from the day he was returned but you cannot take him as your own child. Just because he doesn't have a mother it gives you no reason to take him in as your own. It's degrading to my pride, having a noble calling a servant his mother"
"Degrading?" Kagome said, taken aback. "Having someone show your son affection is degrading to your pride? He's only been here three months and already he's disgraced you! Why can't you just let him be a child?" Kagome asked.
"The point is it's unacceptable," Naraku said firmly. "No matter how much you want it to be, you will never be the mother he lost. You're not a real replacement either. So I suggest you stop acting like it."
Kagome shook her head. "Naraku-Sama," she said gently. "You've got to under-"
"You're dismissed."
"But he needs a mother!"
"You are dismissed!" He said more firmly. He clenched his fists, small clouds of purplish-black swirling around them. "Do not regret the mistake of me telling you a third time." He said. When she still stood there, staring at him, the miasma around his hands began to spread out, dancing around her feet.
"Yes My Lord," she grounded out through clenched teeth. She turned and left, without bowing which was another act of disobedience to someone of more important status.
Important yes, but in her eyes, someone who didn't deserve her respect.
Later that evening, Naraku was making the final preparations to depart. It would be a full day and a half day before they arrived in the Northern Lands. Kagome was holding Akahito's hand while rubbing her stomach with the other.
"Is something the matter momm-" Akahito sensed his father's eyes on him and changed what he was about to say. "Kagome?"
Kagome bit her lip. "I don't travel well in carriages..." she whispered. "It upsets me."
Naraku's eyes flicked to her. "You'll have to get over it. The boy is to come and you come too if you are to look after him. I will not be caught caring for him at this idiotic fiasco."
"Why can't we all just stay?" Kagome asked, realized she was talking back again, and bowed down slightly. "I apologize…I didn't mean to-"
"Because he's got to learn how to act at these events if he ever wants to rule my lands. Now get in. Both of you, or I shall make you ride on top."
It was a fairly bumpy, uncomfortable, and cramped day and a half ride to the Northern Lands. Mostly because of the rocky terrain they encountered once they left the Eastern Boarders.
Many many times Naraku lost his patience with both woman and child, due to Kagome's travel sickness and Akahito tiny bladder. Which is why he distanced himself from them as soon as they arrived, making sure that Koga would supply them with their own rooms and that his would come with a study. It was surprising news that they would be staying longer than the banquet but a week at most.
Because they arrived together, many people mistook Kagome as Lady of Eastern lands, treating her with more royalty than she deserved. Since Naraku avoided them as much as possible, he couldn't control the matter that Kagome received her own set of servants and wardrobe, having every need fulfilled for her especially since she was with child.
Naraku's second child they assumed.
Well if having a bath prepared for you, and not having to walk to the kitchens to get food, let alone the fact that all the beautiful clothes in her wardrobe was made for her, Kagome wouldn't protest…much. She must admit though, with so much special treatment she felt as if she were lying to them all…which is why within the day she began to run or hide from any servant whenever the chance came to call because she felt guilty.
This was what she was doing at the moment, running from servants who wanted to measure her for more outfits. They truly believed that once a lady wore something, she should never wear it again…which is why Kagome packed a few kimonos away under her futon so she could bring home with her. It was silly! They were all so intricate in design and so hardly worked on…and for them to just throw it away like that! What a waste!
This was a sign of her true mentality. Only a woman who had to work for a living would ever think of saving worn cloth. A Lady would be pleased. Kagome would simply roll her eyes at the ignorance of hard work and keep the beautiful material to be worn another day...
Though now the pregnant woman ducked around a sharp corner and collided with what seemed to be a wall of stone. Disappointed, she rubbed her nose. She had been losing the young girls who had been trying to measure her for more outfits. She had five of them already wasn't that enough…oh no…unless they burned them like the last two she had to try on…
"Ow," Kagome muttered. She had been floored. The wall of stone in front of her shifted and grunted a little. The servants who had given chase turned the corner and gasped, bowing low
"Good day Master Koga," they said together. Kagome rolled her eyes at them, deciding it was time to teach these people how to defy and dawdle a little more.
"Oi, watch where you're going girl."
Kagome rubbed her head and looked up to see that her wall of stone was no wall at all…but a man. Well a demon actually.
One she knew.
"So Koga, you own all this now?" Kagome breathed as she sipped her tea, looking around his abode. "It's huge! And the scenery is so beautiful it's to kill for!"
"I did kill for it," Koga, bragged, casting his charming yet somewhat clueless smile. "No, Kagome it wasn't easy becoming the ruler of this land. I had to fight for it…with my bare hands."
"Oh," she said managing to sound surprised. Rumor was he'd battled the previous Lord's brother, who was mentally ill at the time because of hair problems and fell easily. The older brother, Hiten, stricken with grief and anger soon joined his brother in the grave by taking a knife to his heart…Koga had then seized the mansion, inheriting the land.
"How brave of you," she said, letting him have his moment of victory. "It must have been frightful."
"Nah," he smiled, placing a hand to the back of his gruff hair. "It was nothin'"
"Tell me about it," she muttered under her breath and took a sip. She hadn't seen Koga in years! Three at the most… he used to visit Sesshomaru with trading business and had often taken pains to seek her out and talk to her. Trying to swoon her with marriage and such the like. Of course, Inuyasha didn't take to well to the wolf demon.
"And I see you've finally taken your place as a woman and settled down, Kagome but you could have done better as my woman."
Kagome blinked, clearly confused. "Huh?"
Koga ruffled her hair. Apparently he hadn't learned the ways of Lords and Ladies yet. A Lord was not supposed to touch a Lady in public. It was inappropriate…but then again Kagome wasn't actually a Lady…Just an educated woman. And Koga wasn't really a Lord…just the guy who took over.
"Having children for Naraku must be difficult. I've already met your son; he's a smart kid, the half demon punk. Said I had iota's of intelligence hiding somewhere in my head." Koga smiled. "He's right though, don't you think?"
Kagome choked back a laugh, realizing that Akahito had insulted him and Koga took it as a compliment. "Koga, the last time you've seen me was three summers ago and Akahito is nearly seven. How could I possibly be his mother?" she asked.
"Well," Koga said with a smile. "Figured and realized it must've been a concubine thing. He's your son even if your not the mother, right?"
Maybe not the right type of realization.
He reached over and placed his hand on Kagome's stomach, who jumped back at first then eyed him suspiciously.
"But what about this one?" he asked. "It's a full demon right? Naraku's?"
Kagome gasped. "You can tell?" she asked. A month and a half months into her term and only the slightest bulge in her stomach. She was beginning to think something was wrong. But the fact that Koga could tell it was alive…and a demon was amazing.
But not so amazing that he thought Naraku sired it.
"Well yeah," he scoffed. "I can hear the heartbeat…it's faint but it's there. And the demon aura is incredible. It almost makes my fur rise! Can't you hear?"
Kagome looked down at her stomach and rubbed it gently, avoiding his hand. "No," she whispered. Her baby…a demon…was alive. She smiled, gratefully. Demon or not the child was hers. Only hers.
Koga smiled and rubbed her stomach too before withdrawing his claws. "Well it's there…a healthy but faint heartbeat. You think you're big now? Wait until your seventh moon. You'll be huge!" he said expanding his hands in an over exaggerated gesture.
Kagome frowned. "I'm big?" she asked. She plucked at her left cheek. Seriously? Was she fat? She was wasn't she? Fat…oh man. Kagome sighed pulled at the skin on her arm. When she let it go it shook slightly. She was fat…fat fat FAT!
Apparently Koga hadn't learned what to say to pregnant women either…
The night of the annual banquet was a grand one. Every Lord from every important region was there, dressed to show their riches off to the others. The major ones, Lord Naraku of the East, Lord Sesshomaru of the west, Lord Koga of the North, and Lady Yura of the South.
As tradition followed, every lady and lord present was to represent the colors of their lands by wearing the proper attire in the proper hue. For the east, it was a clash of dark colors. Black and Purple. For the West, light colors of white, yellow, and red. The South sported black and red, and the North wore the brown that matched the mountain forest soil, changing from Hiten's color of electric yellow and black.
At the start of the event, everyone turned and bowed to the Supreme four Lords as a sign of respect before women, summoned to entertain, picked up their wooden flutes and began to play.
"I don't see why this fancy stuff is needed," Koga said to Yura as Lords and their ladies walked by, nodding their heads.
"It shows respect," Yura said holding a crimson colored comb in her hands. "Nothing represents the strength of our power more than this," she whispered, excited. "It's like the strands of weak little hairs coming together in the scalp to become strong. We are the scalps, my dear. Without us, why all those weak little hairs would fall apart,"
Koga shrugged. "Best way to show strength and respect is to fight your way to the top," he explained his own opinion. "I don't see how pretty hair shows that,"
"Obviously," Yura huffed holding one of his rough locks in her hand. "Your hair screams for mercy," she said and left him.
Koga sighed. He'd been dealing with these boring parties ever since he took over the N.L. Now this was his fourth and it bored him beyond belief. These guys needed to lighten up…and he needed someone to wrestle with.
"You dirty mutt, I should have known you'd try and mingle with your betters. Look at you, a miserable cur out of place,"
He turned towards the voice, happier than he had been in months, but he scowled instead.
"Well well, look who it is. the half-pint runt coming back to challenge the big dog. Long time no see Inuyasha,"
Kagome and Akahito simultaneously sighed as they stood in the far back corner, watching all the adults mingle with each other. They took turns squeezing each other's hands in a private game to keep the other from falling asleep on their feet.
Akahito squeezed Kagome's hand, and chocked back his laugh as she pretended to be asleep and jump up with an unladylike snort. She smiled at him and winked squeezing back before releasing.
Squeeze.
"Do you think we'll have to stay for long?" the boy whispered.
Release.
"I hope not," Kagome whispered back. "This is absolutely dreadful. I don't see how you could have fun here with all these boring adults."
"You're an adult too aren't you?" The boy asked. Kagome giggled.
"16 summers is pretty old I guess," she mused. " But it's nothing compared to everyone else in here," She squeezed and released his hand, making it his turn. "Demons always outlive humans by hundreds maybe even thousands of years,"
"Well they don't look so old," he replied, already knowing this from his studies. "And even if they are, you're more fun."
Squeeze.
"Awww," she said and bent to kiss his forehead. "That's so sweet of you,"
Release.
"Enjoying ourselves, are we?"
Both turned to see Naraku walking towards them. Kagome bowed her head slightly, and bit her bottom lip. He looked handsome tonight. His attire guaranteed his wealth, the black and purple blending into a mesh of dark colors. The material seemed soft as it gave him the fit of someone important and cunning.
Kagome squeezed and released Akahito's hand automatically.
"Why do you not wear the colors of your lands, Kagome?" he asked, eyeing her clothes. True to the fact. Kagome's outfit was nothing close to the dark colors chosen to be the banner of Eastern Lands. Instead she wore white, with traces of red and yellow, representing the Western Lands in which she had been born and raised.
"It's an old habit," she replied, forgetting all formality. "My father used to come to these banquets, to represent the soldiers of the West…sometimes he took me along with him as long as I stayed quiet…I always wore these colors."
Naraku made a small "hmm" sound before a stiff "Very well," then he eyes his son.
Squeeze.
Akahito wore exactly what had been chosen for him. A complete outfit of black silk, fitted over with a tiny dark purple vest, showing the bold dark colors of the East well enough. Though his clothes were a little wrinkled and disarranged due to the play he had done in them moments before the events had started. As soon as he arrived he'd been taken up by the village children and for the first time, and a second time after he changed, and had played a game of kick ball with them all thanks to Kagome teaching him how.
"Oh me, oh my!" came a sweetly surprised expression as Lady Yura walked up to the trio and kissed Naraku's cheek. She ran her fingers through his hair. "So soft and well managed, what pretty hair you've kept over the year,"
Naraku stepped away from the woman and cast a spiteful glare. He didn't like when people touched him…or his hair.
Yura licked her lips, ignoring his angry glance and set her eyes over to the girl and child. When she looked at Akahito he only squeezed Kagome's hand tighter.
"And who is the child with short hair so fair?" she asked, bowing down to stare into his young eyes. He backed up, and she hissed playfully.
"He is my heir, the girl my servant to watch him" Naraku said, lacking any emotion. "He must learn how to act at these events." He didn't even call the boy his son…he was just something to carry out a legacy. Someone to rule out after his death and nothing more.
"Well nothing to fear little one," she whispered, her comb coming out and reaching for his scalp. Before it reached within two inches of him the comb turned to fire. "Your one of us,"
Akahito yelped and clung to Kagome, who pulled him against her and scowled. "You're scaring him." she spat to Lady Yura of the South. "He's just a child." Her tone was disrespectful and loud. Many people close by looked over, distracted from whatever they were doing.
Yura froze, then casted an angry look Kagome's way. Her eyes burned red. "Oh me…oh my," she said, her tone dark. "It seems we have a girl who doesn't know her place,"
She stood up straight and the hairs on Kagome's neck began to rise and tingle.
"And such a pretty little human too…I will treasure your skull once I hold it in my hands," she said, holding the blazing comb out, aiming to strike.
She struck out, the fire barely reaching Kagome's nose before Naraku caught her hand. "Leave her be," he said, tone forever serious. "She belongs to me and therefore must be taught by me," his eyes met with Kagome's and he frowned. "And I grow tired of trying,"
Yura smiled. "Then let me," she suggested, the flame of her comb growing. "I'll set it straight."
"It?" Kagome asked. Who the hell did this woman think she was? Kagome was positive she was just some obnoxious demon Lady of an inferior Lord in the Southern region. "Oh so now I'm an it! Listen here bitch-"
At this point a hand was slapped over her mouth. Everyone looked to see where it came from. Naraku scowled, Yura blinked losing her anger, and Akahito jumped.
"Oh my! What pretty hair you have!" Yura cooed as she leaped on the demon, running her fingers through his silver hair, and sighing. "But you don't treat it right…such a shame."
"Inuyasha," Naraku acknowledged with a crisp coldness. "Glad to see you so…well,"
Inuyasha gave Naraku a nod. "Nice to see your still a bastard, Naraku," he said. "Now if you'll excuse us," at the last word he roughly pushed Yura off him and pulled Kagome to him.
Yura suddenly remembered her anger and her eyes burned crimson. "I own that girl's head," she hissed. "She shall not go unpunished for her boldness,"
Inuyasha rolled his eyes. "Oh look what we have here! She's wearing the colors of the Western Lands. That means she belongs to my brother's domain I believe," he mockingly bowed. "Allow me to punish my subject, Lady Yura of the South."
A muffled comment came from Kagome, for Inuyasha had still not removed is hand. She pulled at his grip to her mouth but it was no use. Her eyes were big and she started shaking a little.
"Yes, Kagome it's the Lady of the South," he said, a big smile on his face. "Now if you'll both excuse us…"
"No," said Yura. "I want her dead. Now." She demanded. "Besides, she belongs to the East," she said smugly. She had heard what Naraku said when introducing his boy.
Naraku made a light shrug. "The girl can go, but the boy stays," he said, signaling to his son. Akahito clung to Kagome's hand as if his life depended on it. Kagome tried to intervene, her words still muffled by Inuyasha's claw. Though it was obvious at how loud she was and how her eyes widened even more that she didn't want the boy to go.
"You come to me when he's done with you," Naraku said, snatching Akahito away by his collar. The child made a small whine before releasing his friend's hand and slouching behind his father.
Yura shook with anger. "I demand justice!"
Naraku turned and began to walk, ignoring her completely. Akahito followed, pouting the whole time.
"I will not stand for this!" she cried.
Inuyasha turned and began to walk, also ignoring her. Kagome was dragged against her will.
Yura shook with fury. She grabbed the person nearest to her and found her way to their neck, squeezing hard enough that she broke skin and blood began to pour out over her hand. The person, a human male, expired quickly and dropped to the floor when she released him. The body began to burn and sizzle, the skin and muscle melting away to leave a perfect skeleton. Yura licked the blood off her hand and scowled as the demons around her clapped. Furious, she walked off, hoping that someone would get in her way.
She was in the mood for killing.
Kagome tried to yell out when she was slammed against the wall. She gave Inuyasha a look of disbelief and said something muffled as Inuyasha growled, glaring at her. He pulled her away from the wall slightly and pushed her into it again, making her jolt with a sharp quick pain. They were outside now, in the gardens of the North under a balcony that led back to where they had came from.
"Are you fucking crazy?" Inuyasha asked, pressing against her in a rage. His hand pressed against her mouth even harder, making her lips ache. "What the fuck was you thinking? There are only eleven humans here out of hundreds of demons! You are a minority, Kagome. No one would give a shit if you died!" he said. "Your so fucking lucky I was nearby about to kick that wolf's ass otherwise you'd be dead,"
"Hmmuph muph mmm muph muph" was her reply. "HUN HUMPH!"
Inuyasha growled and removed his hand. "What" he asked, angrily "the fuck did you just say?"
Kagome gasped, rubbing her abused mouth with her fingers and thumping Inuyasha in his chest with her other hand. "I said 'what the hell's your problem, THAT HURT," she repeated. "You don't have to be so rough, you jerk."
"That's what you get for being so dense," he said, grumpily. He crossed his arms and pouted angrily. "Stupid girl, didn't you know who she-"
Though her next move threw him off as she threw her arms around him and hugged him tightly. He blinked and quickly blushed. Fending off his fondness for her and trying to keep hold of the anger…he must stay angry…he must not let her get away with her behavior…
"I've missed you," she whispered.
This only added to his embarrassment as his mind went blank. Awkwardly he placed an arm around her and patted her back. "Uh…yeah. Same here." He said…now what was he supposed to be doing? Something about being angry…
Kagome breathed in deeply, taking in the masculine smell of her friend. There were tears in her eyes, even though all she felt was a huge surge of happiness. She remembered the last time she saw him…he was trying to save her from more heartbreak and she hadn't listened…and she had faced the consequences. Now she hugged him as close as she could get, making Inuyasha nearly gasp.
He pushed her away and bent down, grabbing her stomach and pressing an ear over her navel.
Kagome blushed. "Inuyasha…" she said in a low voice. "There's something you ought to know-"
"I don't fucking believe this," he whispered. He turned and buried his face in her stomach, taking in deep breaths and exhaling, his breathing ticking Kagome.
She tried not to laugh. "Inuyasha!" she yelled. "Inuyasha stop!"
He stood up to face her, face red with anger…or was that embarrassment as well? "Y-y-your-"
"Going to have a baby," Kagome nodded. "Yes. I know."
"B-b-but that means y-y-you-" he pointed to her shakily "a-a-and Ses-Sessho-"
Kagome nodded again.
Inuyasha went pale.
She reached out and grabbed his hand, squeezing tightly. "I'm a few moons into it," she said calmly. "And I'm fine with the whole situation." She took a breath. "But please don't look down upon me for not getting married. I would love it if you supported me on this."
Inuyasha looked at her, still with silent shock and suddenly grabbed her, embracing her tightly. She fell into it, hugging back and releasing small tears that managed to get through her closed eyes. Inuyasha was always there for her. No matter what…and it felt good. She had always felt safe with him…and felt confidence when he was behind her 100%. If she knew she had him then come what may, she could survive.
Inuyasha gently ran his fingers through her hair. He was shocked but strangely happy. Happy. Actually glad to learn that Kagome was with child…but it wasn't his. He loved Kagome, he really did. More than life itself… at first he had a crush on her, was real flustered whenever she smiled at him or just by the slightest touch from her. But when he learned that her eyes were set to Sesshomaru, his crush died after a while…and was replaced by a strong and fierce brotherly love. If he couldn't have her then he'd protect her…and make her happy…and do what was right for her. She was apart of his soul, the light in his heart that made him swell with endless joy. She was the only person who had ever been kind to him and had liked him for who he was…and had believed in him. And now it was time to get her back in his life…and to get his nephew…or niece a father.
"Kagome," he said gently. "I've got to tell him,"
She knew whom he was talking about and he felt her stiffen. She gently drew away.
"No," she said, eyes filling up with tears as she frowned. "No! Why?"
Inuyasha gripped her shoulders. "Kagome, Sesshomaru's got to know. He has to take responsibility-"
"No!" she yelled and pulled fully away from him. "I can do this by myself. I don't want his help in anything," she said, the tears coming out. "I don't want him to know a thing."
"What do you expect me to do?" Inuyasha asked. "Keep this a secret? Kagome you're having a baby! Another life! How do you think you can possibly support yourself?"
"I'll find a way," she sobbed. "Just don't tell on me," she tried wiping away her tears with the back of her hand. "I don't want him to know," she cried, her voice sounding a bit higher. "Please don't tell Sesshomaru,"
Inuyasha pulled her close again. "I have to," he whispered. She grabbed onto the front of his clothes and cried. A moment ago she was so happy! Now she was scared and distraught. Pregnancy had put her even more intact with her emotions and now she was overwhelmed with the thought of Sesshomaru finding out about her baby. He'd take it away from her! She knew he would! Wisk it away to the cold home he lived in as soon as it was born.
"Please," she begged, gripping tighter. She mumbled a little as she spoke. "Don't take my baby away," the mere words made her tears harsher as she sobbed again. "I don't want to lose my baby,"
Inuyasha blinked away his own tears that were in his eyes. She sounded so broken and desperate. Did she really fear Sesshomaru knowing about this that much? He squeezed tightly, and felt her bulge against his own stomach. He knew what he had to do…She was still so young and incapable of taking care of a child on her own. This was for the best…
Right?