Chapter 15: New Friends Old Memories
Sota stilled at the sound of his sister's name. What in seven hells did a demon want with Kagome?! How did he even know about her.
Sota's expression became hostile as did his voice "What the hell do you want with my sister, and what makes you think I'd let a demon anywhere near her?!"
Inuyasha's back was still to him, he was choosing his words carefully but at the same time, Sota saw him fidget and the nervousness fell off of him in waves.
"I need to speak with her." Was his only response, straight and to the point.
"About what?"
"None of your fucking business!" Inuyasha finally snapped "I just need some answers alright, now leave it the fuck alone!"
Sota was quickly gathering that this demon was 'unique'. There was something different about him, specifically that nothing he did nor said made any sense whatsoever.
It pulled him down into a serious dilemma. If he agreed and was taken to a living, breathing Rin…the guilt that was killing him inside could finally fade. But at what coast? This demon was obviously dangerous, could he really be trusted to go to his only sister.
Then again Kagome was the strongest Priestess he'd ever seen, the only demon who had been a match for her was Sesshomaru…but by the looks of Inuyasha, he wasn't as powerful.
Now that he looked more closely, realization struck him as his eyes landed on the white, fury appendages atop his head.
"Half Demon?" Sota voiced out loud, causing Inuyasha to finally snap and look at him. This eyes burned with something between anger and confusion. "The fuck did you say?!" He growled, causing Sota to tense. That wasn't meant to be said out loud.
Coughing lightly Sota explained "Apologizes, but I'm just now realizing that your not fully demon."
"What difference does that make if I am or not?" Inuyasha bit back, his arms once again folding over her chest.
"Well…" Sota scratched his head unconsciously as he attempted to find the proper words "if you were full demon then I definitely wouldn't be able to trust you…but since you're half human…"
The offended expression across his face was replaced with one of hope. Inuyasha waited eagerly for Sota to finish.
Raising an accusing finger, Sota stated with as much conviction his voice could muster "If you swear to be true and stay with me till this mission is completed…and vow to not hurt a single human soul…then I will take you to speak with my sister."
Inuyasha's eyes had closed just then, he grunted his agreement and turned away from Sota a second time. Most likely trying to hide his expression but Sota was able to sense his change in mood.
He wasn't exactly happy nor excited, but maybe relieved. The sadness this man felt was indescribable, it made Sota wonder why he wanted to see his sister. What kind of information did she have that a Half-Demon could possibly want?
The questions rolled around in his mind, trying to find quick solutions that would put them to rest, but after everything that had happened that day, Souta could care less about who wanted to chat with Kagome.
"Well." Inuyasha's sudden voice brought Sota back to reality "Get a move on alright, we're waisting time."
Sota blinked at the baffling statement "But…it's night."
Inuyasha only gave an unimpressed glare "And Sesshomaru has probably already put three days between us and them since your little stunt earlier, so if you wanna catch up with them let's get going! His scent is still fresh so it won't take too long to track them down."
The Half-Demon then took off in a speedy walk and Sota fumbled on his own feet before following him. They set off into the dark forest without uttering a single word.
The morning light beamed beautifully on the Eastern Shrine, the calming sound of the stream passing through the garden, by passing the simmering flower covered earth that danced in summer's soft breeze.
To anyone else it would look like the perfect day, though a certain Priestess was too occupied to even pay even the smallest amount of attention.
Kagome took a deep breath, her hands clutching the foreign sword in her two hands, her legs stood strong and her eyes were burned towards her opponent.
Sango, the demon slayer, stood with an equally confident stance. She glared back at Kagome with a deep concentrated tension that would make any enemy run for cover.
Everything was still and silent, that was until a silent bell was rung between them. Sango was first strike, she went off at a full sprint before lunging into the air.
Kagome was quick to swing her sword and clash with the slayer, their movements were as fast as lightening and as fluid as the river. Every attack was countered and every movement mirrored.
As Sango took a quick lunge, Kagome was able to lunge to the side and with all her strength swung the sword to Sango's, attempting to throw her blade away, but Sango's grip was relentless, and the two were placed a face to face stand still.
Both blades were dangerously close and it took all the might in both warriors to keep themselves steady. In the tension, Sango cracked a cocky smile to her opponent, which Kagome mirrored whole-heartedly.
But the friendly exchange was replaced by pure seriousness and the fight resumed by Sango pushing Kagome back with full force, she practically body checked the poor girl, and the few seconds that Kagome was off balance, Sango dropped down to the ground and quickly slipped Kagome's legs with her own.
Kagome let out a startled gasp as she came crashing down, lying flat on the ground with a painful 'umph' sound.
In the suddenness of the attack, Kagome had lost the grip on her sword and it went flying across the court.
'Damn' She inwardly cursed, eyes opening to see a familiar view, of her new Demon-Slayer friend standing victorious with her sword pointed directly at her.
Both women huffed and panted, sweat dripping from their temples, Sango only flicked her bangs out of her eyes and said "Looks like I win this one Kagome."
But Kagome only provided a soft chuckle and said hastily "Not yet!"
With agility, Kagome flung her right leg upward, striking her shine into Sango's side. She gasped and crumbled backwards to the sudden blow, but recovered just as quickly. Sango grunted and looked back only to see Kagome sprinting towards her fallen weapon.
"Oh no you don't!" She called out, leaping after her with her sword held up high as though preparing to strike her down.
But Kagome had already reached her sword, as soon as it was back into her left hand, she swung it with all her might and spun around in her coached position.
But her attack stopped altogether, with a controlled gust of wind flowing from her weapon. The tip of Kagome's blade was aligned with Sango's throat, as Sango's was directed at the exact same point.
The two stood stock-still for a moment, neither moving their blades any farther than graving the skin.
It only took three seconds before their seriousness cracked and the two bursted out laughing. Blades fell to the ground, and Sango lent out her hand which Kagome gratefully accepted.
"Another draw!" Kagome exclaimed between pants, but Sango only waved her hand "I had you back there, if you hadn't been playing dirty then I would have won."
Kagome scuffed "Coming from the woman who punched me square in the face last time"
sango blushed at the memory of the incident and defended "I told you it was a reflex! And you shouldn't have tried to unarm me directly!" But Kagome only laughed "How else do you unarm someone!"
The two had grown very close in Kagome's short time at the Eastern Shrine. Being the only other woman as well as the only person with any real fighting capabilities, they bonded quickly through rigorous training.
"I still say Bows are easier" Kagome said while patting the ground's dusk from her backside, but Sango only shook her head "I could never work a bow, but Hiraikotsu does the most damage!"
"Too heavy, you can't get an accurate shot!"
"Well then you just need to build more muscle!" She quipped by bumping Kagome's side playfully, which erupted another long lasting laugh between them.
From the side of the training circle Miroku watched fondly at the two women. He had never seen Sango so lively than training with Kagome, and he could see that Kagome was far happier in her company than anyone else at the Shrine.
Sadly, that included his young master.
Miroku turned her head upwards to the Shrine's balcony, where rest-assured, Hojo was there watching.
He was appalled by violence, but loved to watch Kagome's smile. Ever since that first day when he had made a complete fool of himself, Kagome hadn't truly smiled in his presents.
He wondered if he was doing something wrong or if she just needed more time to adjust. He would give her all the space she needed, as long as he got to see that smile of her's at least once a day during her training.
That night, Kagome was dressed and prepped for dinner. Much to the other women's disapproval, Kagome requested that she would dress and bathe herself without the help of the attendants.
She would never get use to the idea of anyone weighing on her hand and foot, this was a Shrine for god sake, not a hot-spring getaway!
It had only been a few days since she arrived, no moves had been made for the wedding just yet, but she feared that it would happen any day.
Kagome had been spending time learning the layout of the land and assessing the situation with the demon population.
Even she had to admit that it was strange how they all suddenly came alive recently. More than four villages in this region had been decimated, but they were on the outskirts of the territory moving inwards towards the capital.
If nothing was done, then many more would die.
Regardless she had been keeping herself busy, she was training hard with Sango and the other troops so they could all work well as a unit as well as practicing spells and exorcism with Miroku.
The two had become good companions, Sango had become the link to her sanity! Never before had she gained a female friend with the ability to go up against her in battle, but she also provided a sense of normalcy that Kagome desperately needed.
Miroku on the other had was a required taste, he was polite and intelligent, but the first time they met, he received a black eye for patting her rear-end, and then Sango had a whack at him.
Since then, she made sure to keep appropriate distance.
Regardless she was happy they found each other.
As for Hojo, the only time she had spent with her…fiancé, was politely passing one another in the halls and during their scheduled (awkward) dinners. The worst part was that he was genuinely trying to get closer to her, but she couldn't give him the time of day.
As for now, she would just have to settle with polite responses and soft smiles. She didn't want anything more.
With a smack to both her cheeks Kagome was up and made her way to the dinning hall. Hojo, as always, was already seated and waiting for her with a large grin. He seemed to truly enjoy the time they spent together.
Ten minutes into the meal was spent in pure silence. Calming for Kagome but nerve-wracking for Hojo. He needed more than an ice-breaker, possibly to split the mountain that had grown between them.
Taking a stab in the dark "So…I see you and Miroku's woman are getting along well"
"Oh!" Kagome blinked "Yes, Sango is very kind and she's an incredible fighter." Hojo chuckled almost nervously "Yes…fighting."
Kagome chewed her rice thoughtfully before asking "You don't approve?" She asked, which nearly made Hojo jump from his seat "No, no! Well, I won't say its disapproval, per-say…but more like…like a distaste! Or…wait…no not distaste…b-but…"
He continued to ramble on like that, which made Kagome chuckle lightly "It's alright, not everyone is born a fighter."
Hojo took a breath before he continued to attempt at speaking.
"In truth…" he stretched "I've never really approved such violence because it only creates more violence."
Kagome blinked "Well we aren't fighting other people, only dangerous demons."
Hojo began to scratch the back of his head "Right, of course! It's just…well perhaps…" but Hojo bit down his own words, as though fearing how they might sound "Never-mind." he retreated back to his meal.
Normally, Kagome wouldn't have pressed any further, but her curiosity got the better of her and she asked "What were you going to say?"
Hojo blushed and frantically said "No, no, it's silly!"
Kagome placed her chopsticks down and turned to face him with her undivided attention. Hojo buckled under her sudden gaze and blurted "W-What if there was a better way!"
She tilted her head in confusion she asked "Better way?"
"Y-Yes…humans and demons have been slaughtering each other for generations, a-and I merely wondered if there was a way for both sides to win…find some kind of peace…maybe we can reason with the demon lords…or at least…find some kind of common ground."
Kagome nearly gasped, she was stunned by his sudden words.
Could he really believe that…believe that demons and humans could find peace and live side by side?
The idea alone had a found memory emerge, one of the many she had attempted to barry.
She laid in his arms, those strong and dependable arms that cloaked her from the outside world. Her eyes were closed and she rested her head in his strong chest, breathing in his pine-like scent and listening to his steady heartbeat. They were quietly seated high in a tree that overlooked the village.
She signed softly "Inuyasha…"
Without looking, she could already tell his furry appendage twitched from above his head, signaling that he was listening to her every word intently.
"Tell me…what is it like to be a half-demon?"
She knew that the subject was sensitive for him and could feel his sudden stiffness from her back.
"Keh, that's a stupid question." He said dismissively but curled her closer to him none the less. But Kagome strained her neck to look at him "No really, I want to know more about you."
Again, he scuffed "You already know me…not what I am, but who I am."
Kagome was surprised at his sudden poetic abilities, she blushed a bit and said "Yeah, that's true…sorry I brought it up." and settled back in their comfortable position.
But softly she whispered into her chest, knowing full well that he would be able to hear her "I wish I was born a half-demon too."
That time, Inuyasha didn't merely stiffen, he pulled her away from his embrace to that she could look into his eyes. She was surprised to see hurt in them.
"Don't say dumb shit. People hate half-demons, it ain't an easy life. Everyone and everything is out to get you from the moment your born…you wouldn't want to be anything like me."
Kagome paused, unable to register the pain that was inflicted on his words and gaze. Not Half-Demon, not Half-Human…not apart of either world.
Suddenly Kagome took hold of the hands that were grasping her shoulders. She was now looking into his cautious gaze and said with a soft smile "Yes…I would. I would do anything to be with you…"
She looked down at their joined hands, tracing his calloused skin and sharp claws. "If I had been born a half-demon and not a priestess…then we wouldn't have to hide. We could…"
We could be married.
Inuyasha was able to read her expression, knowing exactly what was passing through her mind.
In a burst of speed Kagome was scooped up and placed back into his lap, this time however she was facing him.
"Kagome…" he said, gaining her attention away from her sudden blush "…you don't need to change to be my wife…I'm with you if your a human, demon, or anything in between."
He gently pressed his forehead to hers, their eyes never leaving the other's. He flashed her a cool grin and said "You will be mine, cause I ain't going anywhere without you."
All she could do was grin back at him before his lips covered hers in a searing kiss.
"Kagome…" Hojo's shaking voice brought Kagome back to reality, it was then that she realized she was crying.
Slowly she ran under fingertips across her cheek, disrupting the flow of her tears and attaching the wetness to her hand. How long has she been crying?
It couldn't have been too long since her action pulled Hojo into a nervous fit.
"I-I-I am so s-sorry Lady Higurashi! F-Forgive me! I didn't mean to…"
Kagome released a sobbing laugh as she raised her hand to him, silencing his rant to allow her to clean her face and whip her tears. "No Hojo, you didn't upset me…"
When Kagome looked up, his breath was stolen. Kagome was giving him a truly happy smile, she was grinning ear to ear with her eyes closed she said softly "I think your right, there can be peace."
Hojo was unable to reply, his heart went into overdrive. 'S-She's so beautiful…'
Without thinking, Hojo leapt forward and took possession of Kagome's hands. He raised them high between them both and said "Then I swear! I'll do everything in my power…to make a peace treaty with the demons!"
Kagome would have been startled if it wasn't for how nervous Hojo looked. He was…adorable! Like a he was trying to promise her the whole world in the palm of his hand.
All Kagome could do is continue to smile joyously. Never before had she met someone with the same ideals as her, if he became the head of this Shrine and spread this way of thinking…maybe someday, there will be a safe place for the half-demon that haunted her dreams.
Suddenly, a guard burst through the doors to the dinning hall. Hojo and Kagome jumped, while releasing the hold on each other's hands.
"F-Forgive me my Lord, but Lady Kagome is needed!" He said frantically "There is a demon hoard heading from the south! Our scouts say that they are heading towards the Shrine!"
Instantly Kagome rushed to her feet "Ready the horses, I need a squad of ten men as well as Lady Sango. Have Miroku and the other priests prepare a barrier around the Shrine and send word to the nearby villages to get to the Shrine as soon as possible. We will make this a safe haven for them."
"Yes M'Lady!" he nearly shouted from his nervousness and sprinted out the door, Kagome was about to run in the same direction but Hojo's voice stopped her.
"Lady Higurashi?! What will you do?"
She turned back to him, her tears already dried and a stern look of determination had set. "I'm going to hold them back before they reach the villages."
With the turn of her heel she sped out of the hall, Hojo's eyes glued to her long, lushes hair as it floated back and forth with her movements. He watched as a true warrior rushed to battle, and all he was able to do was matter "Please be safe."