Disclaimer: -men in white coats muzzle author- Mmmm, mmm!
A/N: -jumps up and down- men ogle big breasted short chick bouncing in front of glass door- YAY! I got over 200 reviews! -hugs every reviewer individually- Thank you!
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Chapter 14 – Trappings
Inu Yasha frowned. 'She did it again.' He watched as Kagome's brow scrunched up and she whimpered for the third time in the last five minutes. The first time it had woke him from his sleep. The second time he had tried to sooth her by stroking her hair and pulling her closer. But the sound persisted, and it tore at his heart. 'She must be having a nightmare.' He squeezed her tighter and kissed her forehead. "It's okay, Kagome. I'm here." She immediately relaxed, the whimpering stopped all together, and she clutched at his shirt front.
He sighed in relief and kissed her brow once more. He watched the growing light on the far wall as the sun rose behind him. 'Another day. I need to be more careful. If anything ever happened to her, I think I'd shatter into more pieces than the Shikon jewel.' His grip tightened around her even more.
"Inu…Yasha…."
He looked down to watch her eyes flutter open. His smile was gentle. "Good morning."
She looked up at him, her deep brown eyes flecked with the gold of the rising sun. "I was dreaming."
"I know."
"I was scared and then you were there. You saved me." She nuzzled into the hollow of his neck. "You always save me, even in my dreams."
Inu Yasha's heart pounded in his ears. Her faith in him was beyond compare. What had he done in life to deserve such faith, such love? He took a deep breath to drink in her scent. It was more comforting than any other scent in the world. He imagined his life without her-without her warm body pressed against his, without her laughter filling his ears, without her smile to brighten his day, without her voice and touch to sooth his every nerve- and he trembled. Terror and guilt swelled in his heart. "Kagome…about yesterday…I'm sorry. I didn't get there before…" He ran his fingers gently over the diagonal wound on her back where her shirt had been cut away. He cursed himself inwardly. 'How could I have allowed her to get in such danger?' He growled. 'I won't let it happen again.'
Kagome began to run warm kisses along his jaw. She could sense his self torment. "It's okay. I'm fine. The wounds don't even hurt any more."
Inu Yasha shivered under her kisses. "Yeah, well, I'm not letting it happen again. I'm not letting you out of my sight, until we leave this damn reunion of yours."
Kagome chuckled lightly. "You can't watch me every second of every day. I know that. And besides, what about this tournament you're supposed to be in? You wanted to surf, didn't you?"
Inu Yasha shook his head causing silver hairs to tickle her nose. "I'm not going to surf. Not if it means leaving you unprotected."
Kagome pouted. "I can take care of myself, you know?" Inu Yasha chose not to respond to that. He didn't feel like getting into an argument this early in the morning. "And Sota would be real disappointed if you didn't participate. Not to mention Yuka, Eri, and Ayumi."
"Feh, like I care what they want."
Kagome's pout deepened, her bottom lip trembling. "I like watching you, too. I know you'd win."
Inu Yasha could have sworn his heart stopped beating for a moment. He pushed himself up on an elbow. "Really?"
Kagome broke out into one her genuine smiles that always lit the room. "Yes, silly." She reached up and tweaked his nose. He made a face and she chuckled again. "This is your vacation too. You should have some fun."
He looked away thoughtfully. 'Kitto did say he'd watch her for me. But I still don't like the idea of leaving her alone with another male, even if he has a mate and pups.' Then his eyes lit up. "Sota."
Kagome raised an eyebrow. "What about him?"
"Will you keep Sota with you, while I'm in the water? You two can sit with Yuki and Kitto and their pups."
Kagome almost laughed, but she muffled it because of the serious look in his eyes. "Do you really think Sota could protect me? It would most likely be the other way around."
"No, but Kitto can. He could easily handle those two fools from yesterday. He might even be able to take on Taro. Either way, it would give me time to get to you. And with Sota there your cousins are less likely to mess with you."
"Well, okay, if that is what it takes for you to relax and have some fun, then I'll do it."
He nodded and placed a kiss on her brow. "Good. Will you call Kitto and tell him then? He said he was in 513, whatever that means."
She smiled. "I'll call him, but you talk to him while I dress." He agreed and they climbed from the bed to find the phone in the living room. Kagome dialed the number and made sure it rang before handing the phone over and going to get dressed. He spoke with Kitto for only a few moments before resting the phone in the cradle. Kagome had closed the bedroom door and he was about to knock on it when Sota appeared from the other room.
"Hey, Inu Yasha, you're up early. Are you excited about the tournament? I know you're going to kick butt!"
Inu Yasha smirked. "Sure am. Come here kid, we need to have a man to man chat."
Sota raised an eyebrow. "Okay." He followed Inu Yasha past the still snoring old man and onto the balcony. "What did I do?" For some reason, Sota felt as though he was in trouble.
"Nothing. I want you to do me a favor kid. I need you to keep an eye on Kagome, while I'm in this tournament."
Sota was completely confused. "Why?"
Inu Yasha frowned. "Don't ask stupid questions. Will you help me out or not?"
Sota, of course, wasn't that slow. "Is she in some kind of danger?" He made a fist and shook it at an invisible enemy. "I'll protect her for you, I promise."
Inu Yasha flashed the boy a toothy grin and ruffled his hair. "I know you will. Now, this is a man to man promise, you're not to tell Kagome or your mother, understand?"
Sota nodded vehemently. "I swear. I'll stick to her like glue and I won't tell a soul." He made a motion of zipping his lips in the air and tossing the key.
Inu Yasha gawked at the boy, his ears twitching with uncertainty. The door slid open behind them and Sota jumped. Kagome stepped out. "What are you two doing out here?"
Sota shot his hero a look before darting past Kagome back into the suite. "Nothing, nothing at all!"
Kagome gave him an odd look as he slid the door shut behind him. "What was that about?" She was wearing another sundress, this one yellow with a red ribbon that acted as a belt. The dress was form fitting, but it concealed her wounds from the previous day. She had left her hair down and it now swirled around her in the early morning breeze.
Inu Yasha stared, he couldn't speak and he couldn't move. 'How does she do that to me? I'm supposed to be stronger than that.' The breeze carried her scent to him and he nearly melted on the spot.
Kagome raised an eyebrow, but decided to not go into whatever it was that was playing so obviously behind those golden orbs. Instead, she moved to stand beside him, leaning on the railing, and looking out across the water. "So, when does the tournament start?"
Inu Yasha flapped his jaw once or twice before a sound came with it. "Uh, um, he said it started at two o'clock and I should be there by one."
"Good, then we can go to the raffle."
He gave her a puzzled look. "What's a raf-fil?"
"Well, it's where you buy tickets to win prizes. It's fun. They do this every year. I must say it was the only part I ever really liked about the reunions when I was little. Dad used to…" She trailed off and looked away.
Inu Yasha watched her for a long moment. Kagome never really talked about her father. For a long time, he had wondered if she ever had one. He could understand her feelings on the subject. His own father had died before he ever got to know him, but his mother he had known. The few memories he carried of her were still kept close to his heart. He wrapped an arm around her waist and drew her to him. They drew strength from each other in that moment. "What did he used to do?" His voice was quiet almost a whisper.
She took a ragged breath and tried to control the sadness that welled in her heart. "When I was little, he used to take me to the raffle and buy me a bunch of tickets, so many I almost couldn't carry them. He'd always remind me to pick my prizes well. Then he'd let me go around and put as many tickets as I wanted in for whatever prizes there was." Kagome rested her head on his shoulder and gave a half choked laugh. "Every time I won something he'd give me the ticket and I'd run up and get whatever I won. It's one my most cherished memories of when he was alive." She gave a little sigh. "We don't have to go, if-"
"No!" She blinked at him in surprise and he blushed. "I mean, it sounds fun. What else have we got to do all morning anyways?"
Kagome smiled and placed a kiss on his cheek. "Come on then, let's get something to eat." She took his hand and led him back inside and to the kitchen. The table was already occupied, so the two took their plates and sat at the small coffee table.
"So, Kagome, are you and Inu Yasha coming to the raffle?" Iki made a point of looking right at her daughter. The look said simply that she didn't have a choice.
Kagome wasn't worried about it though. She had no intention of missing it now. "Yeah, we are. What did you bring this year mom?"
"Oh, I brought one of my quilts. I'm sure they'll like it. Last year, I got the largest pile of tickets." Iki grinned and Inu Yasha suddenly knew where Kagome got her smile.
"That's great mom!" Kagome returned the grin. Turning to her grandfather, she shot him a doubtful gaze. "And what did you bring, Gramps?"
The old man smirked. "I brought Shikon jewels."
Inu Yasha nearly choked on his food. Kagome patted him on the back, while Sota whined. "Aw, Gramps, you brought those stupid key chains last year and no one tried to get them then either." Gramps made a sound of annoyance, while Kagome and Iki snickered.
After breakfast everyone finished dressing and they headed down to the main hall again. Many tables were set up and items were already covering most of them. Each item had a bowl set before it, where the tickets would be placed. Iki placed her folded quilt with two matching pillows on the table. Gramps set his box with the Shikon key chains in it on the table nearby.
Inu Yasha leaned close to Kagome. "You're grandfather is giving away Shikon jewels?"
Kagome chuckled. "They're not real, silly." She picked up and dangled it in front of him. "See? I really don't think they look much like the real one, do you?"
He took it in his hand and examined it. "No, the real jewel has a certain feel to it. These just feel like smooth stones and they feel like they could be broken easily."
"That's because they're made of plastic."
"Hey, you two quit playing with those." Gramps snatched the jewel from Inu Yasha's hand and put it neatly back in the box.
Inu Yasha snorted. "You act like that was the real jewel old man."
Gramps turned to glower at the hanyou. Kagome grabbed his hand and drug him away before the two could start an argument. "Come on, I want to look at all the stuff before they let us put in tickets." Inu Yasha trudged behind her. They went through each row of items. There were all sorts of things-stuffed animals, books, nice smelling soaps, designer purses, games, and jewelry. One piece of jewelry in particular stood out amongst the rest. It was a beautiful red stone with tiny diamonds encircling the larger stone set in a golden necklace with a matching ring.
Inu Yasha gazed at it. 'Kagome would look beautiful in that.' He glanced her direction. She was busy looking at a fluffy white stuffed dog. 'I have to make sure she doesn't see this.' He moved a few objects around in order for her not to spot it right away and then stepped into her line of vision. He decided it would be a good idea to also distract her. "Hey, you like that."
Kagome giggled. "He looks familiar." She raised the stuffed dog with pointy white dog ears and yellow eyes.
"Feh."
She giggled and set the dog back. "Nah, I like the real one better anyways." She wrapped her arms around his neck and he smirked.
The microphone squealed to life and Kagome's uncle stepped up to it. "All right, every one this is the last call for items. We will begin selling tickets in five minutes."
Kagome bounced with her arms still around Inu Yasha's neck, which brought a rather lecherous smirk to his lips. Kagome, however, didn't notice. Grasping his hand, she drug him toward the table with the tickets. There was already a small line forming.
Sota ran over to them. "Kagome, did you see the cool game-boy and all the video games?"
"Yeah, I saw them. I figured you would want that." She chuckled lightly and ruffled his hair, which made the boy scowl.
Inu Yasha turned to her. "Stay here." He squeezed her hand and gave her that look that said no arguments. She nodded, but didn't miss the look passed between him and her brother. Sota gave a firm nod, before Inu Yasha walked off. He didn't go far and he kept an eye on Kagome while he was gone. When he returned, he smirked at Sota and gave the boy a proud pat on the shoulder. Kagome didn't miss the exchange.
"What's going on?"
"Feh, nothing, wench. Just man stuff." Her eyes narrowed suspiciously. He placed a hand on the square of her back, sending chills through her body and thoroughly distracting her. "The line's moving."
He smirked as she flinched and moved forward in a daze. Kagome bought twenty dollars worth of tickets and dashed off to pick her prizes. Sota did the same behind her. When Kagome paused to look up at her hanyou, she found instead Sota standing there with a rather determined look.
"Where'd Inu Yasha go?"
Sota opened his mouth and closed it twice, before the answer came from behind her. "I'm right here. Something wrong?"
Kagome spun to find Inu Yasha right behind her. "How'd you…where'd you…when did you…huh?"
He chuckled. "I've never seen you speechless before." He trailed a claw along her exposed arm, and chuckled more when goose-bumps appeared. "Are you done?"
"Yeah, I guess. Hey, you didn't get to pick anything."
"Feh, like I'd want any of this junk."
Kagome rolled her eyes. "All right, let's go find a seat until they start announcing winners." The two boys followed after her as she led the way to one of the round tables, where Iki was already settle with Gramps. It wasn't long before they began to draw for the prizes. They called out numbers while every one scanned through their tickets to find matching numbers.
Kagome squealed with delight when one of her numbers was called. Inu Yasha watched her as she scurried to the front and returned with a new flashlight and a pack of batteries. He frowned. "Why'd you pick something like that? Why didn't you get something girlly?"
She smiled. "It's useful. I can carry it back to the feudal era when we go."
He stared at her for a long moment. 'She's always thinking, always wanting to help, to be useful. And I'm lucky enough to have her as mine.' He smiled and reached out to take her hand. His ears perked underneath his cap as a certain number was called. He exchanged a look with Iki and she rose to retrieve the prize.
Kagome watched her return with something wrapped in a paper sack. 'I don't remember her putting tickets in.'
When all was said and done, Kagome had won a flashlight, a camping set, a large box of Ramen -which she promptly handed over to Inu Yasha- and a box of colors with some coloring books for Shippo. Sota won two of the video games and a game of Twister.
As they left Kagome eyed the paper bag Iki carried. "Mom, what did you win?"
Iki waved Kagome away. "It's just some of those nice soaps they had."
Kagome frowned, but instead questioning her further glanced at her watch. "Oh my gosh! Inu Yasha, it's already 12:30! We need to hurry!" She seized his hand and shot off down the hall.
Sota turned to his mother. "Did you get it?"
She grinned. "Yes." She pulled out the black velvet box from the paper sack and flipped it open.
Sota gasped. "Inu Yasha picked that?"
Iki grinned wider. "Yes. Isn't it sweet!" She squealed like a giddy teenager. Then she frowned at the two before her. "Now, neither of you tell or else, you'll have me to answer to." They trembled in fear and clutched each other to stay standing.
"I'll never tell!"
"Not a peep, I swear!"
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Hojo tightened his grip on the steering wheel. 'I'm coming Kagome. It took all evening, but I found it. I'll show you what he really is. I'll make you see.' He glanced at the ceramic jar in the passenger seat. 'With this, his true self will be revealed.' He returned his gaze to the road as he remembered how he'd come across the jar.
-FLASHBACK-
Hojo dug through the last crate as the storm raged outside the small shed. Beside him the lantern flickered. He pushed aside the dust covered scrolls. There in the back corner of the crate was the small jar. Taking it firmly in his hand, he pulled it from the cobwebs and dust. On the front in fading kanji was the words "demon poison powder". He turned the jar over in his hand, wondering if the contents were still usable or if it had ever worked in the first place.
He had remembered that there was such strange and powerful objects such as this stored away here at his family's ancient home late in the night. So, early that morning in the pouring rain he had driven from Tokyo to the small outlying town. Most of the day had been spent digging through the old crates and boxes. But at last he had found it, the thing that would put things back in order and Kagome back in his life.
"What are you doing in here, my boy?"
Hojo looked up to find his grandfather standing in the doorway of the shed. The sky behind the old man seemed to weep in sentiment with his heart. "I was looking for something."
"What is it you're looking for? Perhaps I can help. I know this store room far better than you."
Hojo shook his head. "No, that's all right. I've found it." He looked down at the jar with an ache inside him. 'What if I'm wrong? What if she knows already? What if she doesn't care?'
"What seems to be troubling you?" The old man moved forward and set down his own lantern.
"Grandfather, have you ever sensed something strange from other people, like they weren't…well, human?"
"Once when I was child, I bumped into a man on the street. He had long white hair and very arrogant expression. He didn't speak to me, only glared at me until I moved out of his way. I couldn't have told you at the time, what sort of sensation I felt from him. But now as an old man, I can tell you. He was definitely not human."
"Do you suppose he was a demon, grandfather?"
"Yes, I suppose it's quite possible that he was. I know he sent a chill right through my bones into my heart."
Hojo stood and dusted off his pants. "Do you mind if I stay the night, grandfather? It's a long drive back into town and it's still pouring out." He took up the jar and the one scroll he needed.
"Of course, of course, no need to drive in the rain. Come sit and talk with us a while. We get to see so little of you these days." With that the two men picked up their lanterns and headed indoors where it was much dryer and warmer.
-END OF FLASHBACK-
"I'm not wrong! I'll show her the truth! He is a demon and I'm going to make sure she knows it." Hojo glared at the road before him. "You'll see Kagome. You'll see and then you'll come back to me." The sun had reached its peak when the beach at last came into view. He took a determined breath as he pulled into the Blue Lagoon's parking lot.
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Inside the hotel, Kagome was putting together sandwiches while Inu Yasha dressed. As she was putting away everything and bagging the sandwiches in the small cooler along with some drinks, he finally reappeared. "Where's the squirt?"
Kagome smiled at him over her shoulder. "He's getting dressed. He should be-"
"Are we ready! Let's go!" Sota sprinted from his shared bedroom to the door.
Kagome chuckled. "Okay, what's got you in such a hurry anyways?"
"I can't wait to see Inu Yasha kick those guys' butts!"
Inu Yasha smirked at the boy as he took the cooler from Kagome. "Remember your promise kid."
Sota nodded vigorously. "I will."
"What promise?" Kagome looked between the two curiously as she took up the beach bag.
"It's a man to man promise. We can't tell you." Sota stated flatly.
"Oh, I see." Kagome ruffled his hair as they stepped out the door. They headed for the beach, Sota jabbering all the way.
As they climbed the dune, Inu Yasha spotted Kitto and his family. "Over there, Kagome." He led the way with the two siblings in tow.
Yuki smiled and waved at them as they approached. "There you are. We were wondering. The list is filling."
"Yeah, we better get you signed up." Kitto pointed across the beach at a table with an umbrella.
Inu Yasha set down the cooler and gave Sota a pointed look before leaving with Kitto to sign in. Yuki helped Kagome lay out the towels, while Sota tried to keep the toddlers at bay. Kinshin gave up on him when Kagome finally sat down beside Yuki, and threw himself into her arms. Kagome giggled. "Your children are so cute, Yuki."
Yuki smiled. "Thank you, but I'm sure you and Inu Yasha's children will be down right adorable."
Kagome blushed deep red. "But we're not…um, what I mean is…"
Yuki chuckled. "Maybe not yet, but you two remind me of Kitto and I. There was a lot separating us. We grew up in two totally different worlds. But ever since we found each other, I've always felt a completeness that I never knew before I met him." She nudged the younger girl with her elbow. "I've seen the way you two look at each other." Kagome turned three more shades of red and Yuki laughed. "It won't be long. Yep, won't be long at all."
Kagome buried her face in her hands, while Kinshin playfully tried to pull them away. 'Am I that obvious?' She tried to hide her still red cheeks while she tickled the little boy in an attempt to distract both of them. He squealed and tried to tickle her back.
Behind her Inu Yasha paused in his return to watch her play with the boy. 'What is this feeling, this desire? I've never felt this before. Every time I see her with their pups, I think of her holding ours.' He smiled and came to sit beside her. He watched as she grinned while tickling the boy more. Sota, meanwhile, was busy helping Yuki's little girl, Sakura, build a sand castle.
"Kagome! Sota! Inu Yasha!" The three turned to see Ayume, Yuka, and Eri approach.
"Hey, guys! Have you come to watch the tournament?" Kagome asked as they stepped up beside them.
"Are you kidding? We wouldn't miss this for the world!" Ayume announced.
"Yeah, we have to see who wins the bet." Yuka swiftly pointed out.
"Ayume, I'd like my first dinner to be stake." Eri stated confidently.
Kagome stuck her nose in the air in an imitation of her hanyou. "You better not want that stake too bad, because there's no way Inu Yasha's going to loose." Sota chuckled at the imitation, while the hanyou in question blushed lightly.
The three girls put down their towels and settled beside the others. A man stood up to get the tournament started. "Welcome everyone to the fifth annual surfing competition! We will start with the beginner level first. This is how it will work guys. Three of you will compete at a time. There will be three sets of three. The winners from each set will compete for that level title. Once each level winner has been chosen those three shall compete for the grand prize. You will be judged on length of time you stay on your board as well as style and finesse." He looked down at the clipboard. "The first three will be Gin, Kai, and Fu. Gentlemen please take your places on the beach and await the whistle."
Eri giggled and elbowed Yuka, who mouth was currently dragging the ground while drooling over Fu. Kinshin had abandon Kagome for Sota, who was still helping Sakura build her castle. Sota employed the boy to dig the moat.
Inu Yasha felt a small chill go down his spine. There was someone watching them. He glanced around them, but couldn't pinpoint where the sensation was coming from. He moved closer to Kagome and put a protective arm around her waist. Kagome gave him a quizzical look, but snuggled into his warmth nonetheless.
On a dune far behind them -out of sight- sat Hojo glaring holes into the silver-haired man with his arm around Kagome. He ducked as the man glanced around. 'Inu Yasha, huh? Dog demon? I just bet that is what he is.' He continued to glare. 'We'll see tonight.'
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A/N: Hehehe, a little cliff hanger for you guys. AAAHHHH! No rotten tomatoes, please! –ducks rotting projectile- You know I just had to one or two….
