The Mysterious Thief - Part Sixteen
A/N: Sorry it took so long to update. But finally the last chapter for the Mysterious Thief is done. Airi's story is in progress so keep an eye out for it. AiriChronicles on Deviantart will have art in accordance to her story. Thanks for reviewing and happy reading.
As Inuyasha walked closer towards Kagome and Sango, he could overhear their conversation.
"Kaede told me that these herbs are used to calm an upset stomach," Kagome explained to Sango.
"Are you sure? It looks like a plant that grew close to my village, but it causes diarrhea," Sango cautioned.
"Hmm, you could be right. I can't seem to remember if Kaede said it was good or bad for an upset stomach," Kagome admitted, her brows furrowed together. "What do you think, Kirara?" But the cute cat demon just wagged her tails and mewed at the girl.
Inuyasha stopped short and made a mental note to be wary of any future concoctions that Kagome might try to heal him with. Inuyasha continued forward without so much as a twig snapping, but Kirara turned her attention towards him before he addressed them, "Sango, Miroku needs a knife, to finish gutting the rabbit," he spoke evenly, his eyes locked on Kagome.
The two women turned halfway around from their stooped position to look up at him. And without much pause the demon slayer responded. "Okay, I'll be back Kagome," she lied. Sango knew exactly why Inuyasha was there, because she had urged Miroku to bring it up in the first place.
"Uh, okay," Kagome acknowledged, a little confused. She watched Sango walk away with Kirara following faithfully behind her, until Inuyasha squatted down in front of her. She looked at him curiously, "What is it Inuyasha?" she asked, tilting her head slightly.
"Kagome are you mad at me?" He blurted out tactlessly.
She looked back at him surprised. "What are you talking about?"
Even though she looked so darn cute, he was quickly losing his patience. Inuyasha was in no mood for another awkward conversation today. He didn't want to say what he meant out loud, but he mumbled it unwillingly anyway, "You know, that thing with Airi."
"Oh that," she replied, turning away from him. And that was his answer. She always avoided looking at him, when she felt this way.
"Come on Kagome, don't be stupid, it didn't mean anything," he spat.
"Well it didn't look that way to me!" She snapped.
"Dammnit Kagome, if she didn't smell like you, then it wouldn't have fucking looked that way!" He shouted back. What he said slowly registered in her brain along with his intensely growing red face.
"Oh," she said, astounded at his honesty. She had completely forgotten all about Airi's altering scent ability. She bit her bottom lip as she held back questioning him further. If she pushed her luck now, then it would probably discourage him from being so truthful in the future.
After a few minutes passed, he recovered from his embarrassment, stood up and extended his hand to help her up. "Let's go back." She looked up at him, a smile gracing her lips. Kagome took his hand absentmindedly, which happened to trigger one of her clumsier moments. "Hey, watch out!" he scolded her, as she tripped over a rock. He had caught her before she could even process that she was falling. His hands were wrapped around the small of her back and she steadied herself on his arms. "Geez, can't you pay attention to where you're walking?"
But Inuyasha's harsh words were merely just that, for she could see the concern in his eyes. And right then... is when she had her moment of weakness. Kagome leaned in close to Inuyasha and gently nudged her nose against his. She pulled away after only a few seconds, but it was enough to cause the half demon to blush the same color as his fire rat robe. Kagome giggled out of pure happiness and blushed in return.
Inuyasha on the other hand, stiffened at the feel of her touch, her scent like a toxic drug, her petite body in his arms feeling better than it ever did before. He stared at her dumbstruck. What was he supposed to do now? Her sudden desire for closeness was certainly unexpected, but also profoundly captivating and he wanted more. Inuyasha yanked her closer to him, his amber eyes staring intently into hers. His right ear tuning in to her quickening heartbeat and he wrapped his arms around her tighter, her feet barely touching the ground. Somewhere in his mind, he knew he was pushing their boundaries, but it was particularly hard to stop after she initiated it.
"I...Inuyasha, let's go back," Kagome stammered, fully aware now of how vulnerable she was in his embrace.
Inuyasha's ears laid back a little, as he snapped out of the moment, "Oh. Right," he agreed, pulling away from her. He lowered her to the ground and waited for her to walk ahead of him. He closed his eyes and silently scolded himself. It wasn't the first time he let his feelings for Kagome run wild and it probably wouldn't be the last. His saving grace is that they are often not alone; that and a certain kitsune, who's always accusing him of two-timing. But when they were alone, he didn't restrain his feelings much.
Kagome walked with her face still flushed and as much as she would've liked to let the moment play out, she just couldn't. She knew he wouldn't forget his promise to Kikyo, nevertheless, she couldn't help but long for their rare, intimate moments together. She was glad that Inuyasha had chose to walk behind her. He might be able to hear how fast her heart was still beating, but he didn't need to see the blissfully, happy grin on her face.
They returned to camp with their feelings back in check and assumed their usual roles in the group. Kagome helped Sango and Airi prepare and cook the stew while Miroku and Shippou pestered Inuyasha.
As the sun began its descent, the stew was ready to be served. They sat around the fire, as they ate and the atmosphere amongst them was calming and cozy. That was until the monk brought up the one person that could kill any mood.
"You know what I don't understand?" Miroku began.
"What's that?" Sango asked, while stroking Kirara behind the ears.
"Why was Naraku involved in Airi's kidnapping in the first place? What was he looking to gain?" he pondered.
"Maybe her powers," Sango responded, imagining Naraku freezing her in place, and forcing her to watch Kohaku die, as he removed his jewel shard. She shivered at the thought.
"Hmm, but I don't see how that would help him complete the sacred jewel," Miroku reasoned.
"Keh, who knows," Inuyasha chimed in, even though he was willing to bet, that Naraku was after her scent. And for a split second he imagined Naraku with Kagome's scent and almost lost his dinner. "Just make sure you stay the fuck away from Naraku, Airi! I'm going to send that bastard to hell!" he burst out, waving an accusing finger at her. They all looked at him strangely, but Airi just nodded in compliance. She wasn't planning to go after him anyway.
For the rest of the night Airi was unusually quiet. She enjoyed hearing about their adventures, especially the one where Kagome was kidnapped by the wolf demon tribe. Inuyasha scowled throughout the whole retelling, but she could somehow, very clearly, imagine his face when Kagome forbid him to fight Koga. But it was time to finally get on with her own journey. "I think it's time for me to go," she announced. "I think it'd be best if I travel at night.
"Do you think that because your skin is such a strange color? I mean you'll avoid people, but demons could find you pretty easily in the dark," Shippou reminded her.
"Eh Shippou that's not nice," Sango reprimanded him.
"It's okay Sango. Luckily I have a trick up my sleeve." Airi placed her left hand over the thin, orange necklace and recited an incantation in a language they couldn't understand. And starting from the necklace her skin slowly returned to its normal tan color it had been before.
"Wow, that's amazing, how did you know how to do that?" Kagome asked.
"From that demon, Hideaki. Before I drank the potions, I asked him how this necklace my mother left me worked, because he told me that it had been sealing my powers all these years. I guess he wasn't lying about that part."
"It seems to work a little bit like tetsusaiga. Inuyasha's sword keeps his demon powers in check," Miroku disclosed.
"Why don't you just explain all the rest of our weaknesses to our enemies while you're at it," Inuyasha sneered.
"She's not our enemy Inuyasha," Kagome protested. "But I think it's sweet that your mom thought of a way to help you through life." Kagome smiled, while picturing a small Airi with her fairy-like mom and dark-haired dad.
"Yea, I guess so," Airi admitted. She stood up and settled her axes into her harness. Kirara went over to her and rubbed up against her leg one last time. "Bye, Kirara. I'll miss you," she said reaching down to pat her head.
Kagome and Sango gave her a hug goodbye. While Miroku stood in line with her arms outstretched.
"NO!" Sango and Kagome yelled in unison.
"That's not fair, we don't even know if we'll see her again. How can you deny me a farewell hug? That's so mean. Did you even consider Airi's feelings?" he complained.
Both Kagome and Sango turned back to Airi. "Do you want a hug from him?" Sango questioned doubtfully.
"You know what, I do want a hug, but it has to be done my way," Airi answered wittily.
"Oh, I like the sound of that," Miroku beamed.
"First, place your staff down and then close your eyes," Airi toyed with him a bit and the monk obeyed immediately, practically squirming with joy. Sango could barely stand to watch. But to her surprise, Airi formed a soft snowball that seperated and circled around Miroku. And although the monk sensed the attack he reacted too late and the snow had encased his hands behind his back. Miroku looked at her surprised, but Airi just smiled at him playfully. She sauntered up to him, gave him a quick hug and then backed away, while releasing her spell. And for once Miroku had nothing to say.
Shippou was the first to break the awkward silence. "Well, take care of yourself Airi," the fox demon said, puffing out his chest.
She stooped down and hugged Shippou, "You too." Shippou blushed, but quickly recovered.
"What is it with this girl and men," Inuyasha mumbled too quiet for anyone to hear. He was leaning up against a tree, with no intention of moving.
"Take care Inuyasha," she waved to him.
"Ya, you too," he acknowledged.
Airi started into the forest, but turned back again, "By the way, Inuyasha, you were right about what you said. I wasn't human, after all? I'm a half demon, like you," she smiled happily.
"Keh, you're the only one I know who's happy about it," he huffed, stuffing his hands in his sleeves.
Her smiled broadened, knowing that his quipps were just meaningless banter. "I hope to meet you guys again, and thank you." She bowed towards them before turning back around.
"I'm really going to miss her," Miroku sighed, while watching her figure disappear into the darkness, "She would've been a nice addition to the group.
"You mean you'll miss trying to make a pass at her," Inuyasha snorted.
Miroku ignored this, but Shippou replied in his stead, "He wasn't the only one getting something from Airi." Inuyasha flinched and lunged after Shippou. "Kagome! Inuyasha tried to hit me," the fox demon whined.
Kagome didn't want to remember Airi as the girl who made Inuyasha blush. Besides she had already created a new memory in its place. "Sorry Shippou, I didn't see it," she replied with a tiny trace of a smile on her lips. Inuyasha stole a glance at Kagome and his eyes softened, knowing that she was thinking about the same thing he was.