Chapter 28:

Kagome stared glumly out the car window at the passing scenery. She would have liked to stay up at the retreat a little longer, but it was not to be. She sighed. That darned Sesshomaru!

She glanced over at Inuyasha, who was staring out of the window on his side of the car, his face not betraying one trace of anything he might be feeling. Kagome knew he had never been happy about the thought of his brother coming here. She was nervous about it herself. What havoc the demon could create if he so chose!

Kagome glanced at Kirsten, who was in the front seat beside her husband. She was busily making notes on a clipboard, pausing now and then to look out of the window.

"Relax," Jonathan said suddenly. "Traffic's light, and we'll be home in an hour or so. If you want, I'll floor it and hope we don't get caught."

Kirsten shook her head. "Not necessary, Jon. I'll need to go right downtown and get Cerberus to send a message to Atlantis Base. I'll need to get a cyborg-ship for transportation. There's no way I could get Sesshomaru here by normal means if he plans on coming."

Kagome looked again at Inuyasha, who had not moved. He had insisted that they come back with Kirsten and Jonathan, even though they had been told it was not necessary just yet. Ryan had been left with Tamisé and Fawn, so Kirsten would be able to make her plans and take a trip to Japan without worrying about her child's care. Nanny Frances had been given a couple weeks' vacation, so there wasn't anyone at home to look after the child.

She reached across and touched the half-demon's hand where it lay on his knee. He curled his clawed fingers around hers gently and squeezed, although he would not turn to look at her.

Kagome smiled. They had been becoming so close while they had been at the retreat. Ever since Inuyasha had confessed his love to her, he had been changing in subtle ways. She closed her eyes and remembered the warm kisses they had shared on the little island and how wonderful it felt to have his strong arms around her. Kagome gave a little shudder of delight, and felt Inuyasha's thumb stroke the back of her hand.

She knew he wanted her. Knew he was waiting for her to say when. And he was being very uncharacteristically patient about it. It frightened her a little to have such power over him, but she'd had power over him through the beads for a very long time, and this wasn't so different. Was it? It seemed to Kagome that she had not hollered 'sit!' for quite some time. Mind you, it was hard to get even a one-syllable word out with his mouth covering hers, and if she even tried to open her mouth, he would deepen the kiss so that her mind shut down completely.

Kagome glanced over and let her gaze travel down his still form. Gods above, he was gorgeous! Better food and a strict training regime had turned him from a lad on the slender side to an almost-man, muscular, supremely fit and what her girlfriends back home would term 'beefcake on the hoof'. Even his face was losing the slight childish contours that made him look younger than he was. She thought of the new power in those arms of his, and how gentle he was with it. No matter how strong he was, he'd never bind her – when she wanted to step away, he always let her go. Not the way David had been at the end – wanting to show her that her feeble strength was nothing against his.

Inuyasha let go of her hand suddenly and shifted his weight restlessly.

"Inuyasha? Are you worried about Sesshomaru?"

"Yes."

"It was my suggestion, you know."

"I know."

"Are you mad at me?"

"Don't be silly, koibito. I'm thinking that maybe this is a chance to get to know him better. To find out why he hates me so. And maybe – to mend things between us. Can't blame the man for being angry about his arm, now can I?"

"I don't think he's angry about his arm. Well – maybe at first, he was. But not now. It would be nice if the two of you could learn to get along."

Inuyasha snorted. "Yeah – that would be nice."

OoOoOo

Kirsten marched into the front lobby of TDN International, her ID ready, even though it was quite unnecessary.

"Hey, Cobra! Thought you were on vacation."

"Hi, Larry. Yeah, but something has come up. Has Sharon left for the day, do you know?"

"You just missed her. Want me to call her back?"

"No. I can do without her for now."

Kirsten passed through the checkpoints and headed for the elevator.

"Hi Cerberus. Express elevator, please."

"Of course, Cobra. It's nice to have you back."

"Thanks. Cerberus – I need a link to Atlantis Base. Can you get it ready and route to my office?"

"The Base Commander?"

"Yes. If he's available. His second if he's not."

Kirsten got off the elevator and went down the hall to her office. She let herself in with a key. Sharon always made sure the door was locked before she left for the day unless Kirsten was inside.

"I have Base Commander Jantan on line 9 for you," Cerberus informed her.

"Thanks."

She sat at her desk and picked up the phone, hitting the code for the correct line.

"Jantan! How are you?"

"Nice to hear from you, Cobra. I take it you need something."

Kirsten laughed. "Well, yeah, I do. I need use of a cyborg-ship. Psiax, if he's available. I'll be transporting some people from Japan who can't use normal transportation methods."

"When do you want him?"

"Tomorrow night, just before midnight. Regular pick-up spot."

"Hmm. Yes, Psiax can be made available, but not until day after tomorrow."

"How about the others?"

"Sorry. I've got Astyanax doing a loop around the system and Ceyx is off on courier duty. Psiax has been doing some monitoring over Europe and I don't want to pull him off that too soon."

"That will have to do then."

"Well, it is short notice after all, my dear. And Kirsten…"

"Yes, Jantan?"

"While you're in Japan, could you pick up a nice yukata for me?"

Kirsten smiled. "If I can find one in your size, dear. Thanks."

She added a note to those already on her clipboard. One yukata, 6 boxes green tea, 3 pair chopsticks. Then she made an out-bound call, which was answered on the fifth ring.

"Mrs. Higurashi, it's Kirsten Windrow. How are you? So sorry to be calling so early. Is Mavis with you?"

Kirsten waited while Mavis was brought to the phone.

"Hi, Kirsty."

"Hi yourself. Sorry to wake you, but I wanted you to know what arrangements I've been able to make. I've got a cyborg-ship ordered and will be picked up day after tomorrow. I'll get them to drop me right at the shrine about midnight your time. We can go through the Well first thing in the morning."

"Okay. I know Kaede will be happy to see you. Sesshomaru is camping about a kilometer out of town and his presence is making everyone nervous. Damn this time difference! It would be nice if you could come right now. How are the kids, by the way?"

"Doing well. Inuyasha is understandably nervous about his brother coming here, and so am I. Tayne's said that he could stay at her place, so after I speak with you, I'm setting it up with Mrs. Willard."

"Tayne's not there?"

"Oh damn! I forgot you wouldn't know. Milan's mother passed away, and Tayne and the kids are over there to help out. And that's another call I'll have to make. Tayne won't be happy if she comes home to find a demon lord in her favourite chair and isn't warned about it."

Mavis laughed. "Not to mention what Milan will say about unexpected guests."

"Right. Okay – so I'll see you in about… sixty-six hours, give or take. You can pass that along to Sesshomaru."

"Sure will. See you then."

OoOoOo

Inuyasha had insisted on going into the office the next day and working out. Having nothing better to do, Kagome went with him.

Kirsten was too busy getting ready to go to Japan to work with him that day, so Thorne and Jonathan took turns dropping in. Kagome watched with interest as Jonathan put Inuyasha through his paces with the quarterstaff and then practice swords. She had not been aware that the half-demon had come so far already in his training.

Throughout the day, Kagome found it hard to take her eyes off Inuyasha. There was something different about him today, an intensity that she usually only saw when he knew Naraku was near. Inuyasha was glorious in his power, his movements graceful and controlled. He wielded the practice sword with precision and made every stroke count. Although he did not manage to disarm Jonathan, he came close several times.

"Good!" Jonathan panted. "Too bad Tam isn't here to see this."

Inuyasha smiled grimly. "I'll give him a personal demonstration later."

Jonathan laughed, and lowered his blade. "That's enough for now, Yasha. You need to take a break."

Kagome talked Inuyasha into going to the cafeteria, and then taking their snacks out to one of the courtyard gardens. Inuyasha found a secluded corner for them and then spent a few moments gulping down the water he had brought before going to work on the fruit.

"Should I get you a sandwich?" Kagome said, watching him make the food disappear. "You look like you're hungry."

"This will do," he answered, finishing off a peach. He wiped his mouth clear of juices with a napkin.

Kagome stared at him and licked her lips, feeling heat rise in her. Inuyasha turned to stare back at her.

"Kagome…"

"I know. Inuyasha, I want… I want…"

She was suddenly crushed into his arms, his mouth stopping any more words from hers. Then he buried his face in the junction of her neck and shoulder, kissing the sensitive skin there while she gasped in pleasure. Then a cry was wrung from her as she felt a gentle hand caress one of her breasts.

"Oh, Yasha! Stop – please, stop."

He removed his hand immediately, and moved away from her so suddenly, she swayed on the bench, grabbing the edge of the seat to keep herself from falling. His gold eyes were filled with pain and he looked away from her, lowering his head.

"Sorry, Kagome. I should know better than to maul you like that."

"Inuyasha, please look at me. It's not like that. I needed you to stop before… before I ended up in the grass beneath you where anyone could see." She put her hand on his shoulder. "I want…I want you, Yasha. But not here."

He sucked in his breath and looked at her with molten eyes. "Is that true, Kagome? "

Suddenly she understood. He had been worried that she wouldn't want a half-demon, that she wouldn't want him the way he was. Kagome put her hand against his chest.

"Yes. I just think we need somewhere with more privacy, that's all."

He glanced up at the windows of the building that looked down at the courtyard, and raised an eyebrow. "I dare say we do." He grinned at her suddenly. "Sorry again. I forgot for a moment where we were."

OoOoOo

The short break had seemed to energize the half-demon, and he went back to his training with a ferocity that had Thorne smiling grimly as he went through the day's lesson in holhsi.

"Congratulations, Inuyasha," he told him. "You just passed the seventh level."

Inuyasha bowed. "Thank you, sensei. I should like to continue, if we have the time."

"Inuyasha… are you feeling alright today? There's something different about you."

"I do feel… different today, Thorne. There's something inside that wants to come out, but I don't know what it is. I've felt it before…but it's never been this strong."

Thorne nodded sagely. "I understand. Let it flow, Yasha. It will come in its own good time."

"You know what it is?"

"I suspect I do."

"Then – what is it?"

Thorne grinned. "I shall let you discover for yourself. It's better that way."

Inuyasha snorted. "So helpful, sensei!"

Thorne set Inuyasha to working on some equipment, saying that he had something to attend to and would be back in perhaps half an hour. The half-demon nodded, then made a leap for the rings that Cerberus lowered for him.

This had become his favourite exercise, and he was rapidly surpassing Cobra at it. Suddenly, he found his path blocked by himself.

"Hi ya!"

Inuyasha yelped and managed to twist himself away, grabbing another ring.

"Geez! Warn me, willya?" he growled at the solidograph.

"But that takes all the fun out of it." The solidograph began to swing back and forth in the ring. He looked down and waved. "Hi there, sweetie."

Kagome waved back. "Hi, Cerberus. Did you miss us?"

"I missed you. Say, are you free later?"

Kagome giggled. "I've got a date, thanks."

"Dang! Shot down again."

"She's mine, you bucket of bolts."

"Yeah, yeah. So what's happening that's got the lovely Kirsty's buns in a knot?"

"Oh. My brother wants to talk to her about a new arm."

"What happened to the old one?"

"I lopped it off. And I'll do the same to you if you don't stop looking at Kagome that way."

The fake Inuyasha shrugged. "Don't know why you're getting so upset. You look at her that way."

"Just stop before I do something you'll regret."

"Ooo! Tough guy, are we?"

Inuyasha pounced onto the ring the solidograph occupied and grabbed a hank of hair, forcing the solidograph to face him. He growled low and deep in his throat.

"Watch it, you ersatz demon! I'm not in the mood – okay?"

The solidograph grinned evilly and suddenly, Inuyasha was not facing himself any more, but was nose to nose with Naraku.

"Holy shit!" Inuyasha flung himself backward as that hated stench filled his nostrils.

"Aw… what's the matter, Inuyasha? Don't like my scent?"

"Shiseiji!"

"Tsk, tsk! I thought you were above name calling."

Kagome was staring upwards with wide eyes. "That's not really…"

"Get back, Kagome! Get out of the room!" When it looked like Kagome was frozen to the spot, Inuyasha gave her a non-too-gentle shove. "Move NOW, wench!"

That galvanized her into action. Satisfied that she was heading out of danger, Inuyasha turned back to his enemy, still perched in the ring. He drew the Tetsusaiga, which sang in anticipation.

"Oh – like that will work," sighed Naraku. "Have you forgotten my barrier repels your blade?"

"Of course I haven't forgotten!" Inuyasha changed his grip on the blade and threw it at Naraku.

"Oh dear! Such deplorable aim." Naraku grinned. "You missed."

"Did I?"

The blade had sliced through the ring's support, and Naraku found himself falling to the floor. Inuyasha was on him instantly, wrapping a hand around his throat and raising the other to strike. Naraku's eyes had only time to widen before that clawed hand tore his face. The other hand ripped at his jugular. Blood fountained and Inuyasha was forced to jump away from the acidic stuff.

He held up the Tetsusaiga's sheath and called the sword back to him, as he kept one foot on Naraku's chest to keep the demon from moving. The Tetsusaiga flew back to Inuyasha's hand, and he drove the blade into Naraku's chest and dragged it upward, bone parting as easily as flesh. Naraku had no time to even scream as the Tetsusaiga cleaved his brain. The malevolent force that held the body together was destroyed, and the rest of Naraku disintegrated into dust.

Inuyasha stood with the bloodied Tetsusaiga in his hand, panting hard. It took him a moment to realize what he had done. Suddenly, something inside him came free and he gave a triumphant yell, flinging his head back. Power filled him and now he understood what that elusive feeling was and welcomed it. His own self-doubt had kept him from becoming the consummate warrior he was capable of being. But self-doubt was gone now, the warrior inside was freed, and he knew that he could finally win against an enemy that had always seemed omnipotent.

His golden eyes glowing with the power he had found within himself, Inuyasha lifted his blade defiantly.

"I am Inuyasha!" he shouted. "I am a prince of the Western lands! I will have my victory over Naraku and I will not be denied!"

In the observation room, there was a quiet jubilation. Thorne had felt that this moment was imminent, so he had made an excuse and had left to fetch Jonathan and Kirsten. Kirsten's breath sighed out of her and she flung her arms about Jonathan.

"He did it, Jon. He came through."

Behind her, Kagome fell to her knees, overcome by the aura her beloved was exuding. She had never seen him so defiant, so magnificent. If she had never loved him before this, she would have fallen in love with him now, at this moment. Kagome felt Thorne's hands on her shoulders.

"Stand, Kagome," he said. "Behold your warrior. He has found that part of himself that was shut away, and now that it is found, we will teach him to use it."

"Yes," Jonathan said. "Before now, he was just a kid swinging a sword."

"Now he is a man who understands how to wield the power he's been given," Thorne said.

Kagome clasped her hands together. "Can I… can I go to him now?"

Jonathan smiled at her. "He's waiting."

Kagome ran to the door and pulled it open. "Inuyasha!" She came into the room, then stopped. "Inuyasha?"

"Kagome…"

Inuyasha lowered the Tetsusaiga and turned towards her. They stared at each other for a long moment. Then he held out his hand and smiled. Kagome hesitated no longer and put her hand in his. He raised her hand to his lips and kissed it, his eyes never leaving hers. He smiled again as he felt a shock go through her. She flung her head back, eyes closed, gasping. He pulled her gently to him and put his arm about her waist, careful that she not come into contact with his weapon. Kagome put one arm about his waist and laid her other hand upon his chest over his heart.

"I have never loved anyone the way that I love you," he said earnestly. "You are the best part of me, Kagome. Without you, I could never have achieved this."

Kagome laid her head against his shoulder. She now understood what the shock had been and she welcomed the transformation in herself. Kirsten was right – becoming a woman had nothing to do with one's age.

"I love you, Inuyasha. I believe in you. And I believe that we will defeat Naraku once and for all."

"There's still a long road to follow before that day comes," he said.

"I will be with you, Inuyasha, every step of the way. No matter what Naraku throws at us, we'll overcome it."

"That we will," he agreed and kissed his beloved.