Part 3
Kagome rushed past the last few trees and bushes, ignoring the stings and scratches left on her skin by the twigs she barreled past. She came to an abrupt and stumbling halt just a few hairs away from the barrier she still had up in place.
She felt the power radiating from it sizzle and noticed that a few meters to her right she could see Inuyasha trying to slice his way through her barrier but to no avail. Her barrier was still holding strong and she couldn't quite quench the smug smirk that took over her lips.
Inuyasha was growing more and more frustrated with each miserable failed attempt. She stood just watching him for a while, enjoying the frustration and anger she felt coming off him. Serves him right, she thought. Let him worry for once.
She was just about to drop the barrier when she remembered that she still had to mask her scent from Inuyasha.
Her smugness quickly evaporated making way for insecurity. She had been unable to accomplish this fully in the past but she had to get it right this time; there was no room for failure now.
Kagome bit her lower lip and closed her eyes in deep concentration, allowing her mind to go blank. Once she felt her mind at rest she tried to summon a cloak to cover her scent just as Kaede had tried to explain to her a few weeks before.
After a few more deep breaths filled her lungs with the crisp night air Kagome felt tingles starting to spread from her heart throughout her body, covering her in a comforting warmth. Once the tingles reached her fingertips and toes her eyes snapped open; unbeknown to her glowing a few shades brighter than was typically normal for a human, before fading back to their normal beautiful shade.
Kagome wasn't sure how to explain it but where once her insecurities tried to bury their way inside her conscience, stood acceptance. There was no doubt in her mind that she had managed to mask herself completely. Inuyasha would never know what happened tonight. Not until she told him herself.
Her victory sent a rush of pride through her; that mingled with the satisfying hum that her and Sesshomaru's love making left behind made her feel oddly accomplished and ready to face anything Inuyasha would throw her way.
With this new-found sense of confidence Kagome lowered the barrier just in time for Inuyasha to fall through and land with a nice kiss to the ground.
She bit the insides of her right cheek to keep from laughing aloud and watched Inuyasha's face as it set into confusion before he jumped up onto his feet and shook off the fall. Kagome took a step toward him and his head immediately snapped into her direction. His golden eyes widened for a fraction of a second at the sight of her and he was at her side in an instant.
''Kagome,'' he breathed, the relief clearly showing in his bright eyes but only for a second – the next his face contorted in anger, jaw clenched and nostrils flaring. ''Where the hell have you been?'' he demanded from her instantly. ''Why was there a barrier set up? Didn't I warn you something like this would happen?''
''Gee, I'm fine, Inuyasha. Thanks ever so for asking,'' she muttered sarcastically rolling her azure eyes at him. Basket clutched firmly with both her hands she walked past him into the direction of the clearing where she knew her friends were waiting for her.
''Kagome!'' he exclaimed furiously from behind her, so surprised that it rooted him in his spot. How dare the wench ignore him when he had been trying to save her for the past half hour?
When he had gone back to camp at night fall and saw that Kagome was nowhere in sight he had immediately gone to look for her. Only a few jumps later and he hit the barrier. As soon as he realized that he had no access to her fear clutched at his heart sending it pounding frantically against his chest. The thought of something happening to her had almost brought him to his knees. He couldn't lose her; not her too. He wouldn't be able to forgive himself.
And now here she was, strolling past him without a care in the world, whilst he had been out if his mind with worry. How dare she!
''Answer me, woman!'' he called from behind her but Kagome ignored him, continuing on her path as if he wasn't there. She managed to hurry into the clearing before Inuyasha caught up to her.
''Kagome!'' her sweet kitsune exclaimed happily when she came into view. He immediately came rushing to her and jumped into her arms. ''You're okay,'' he sniffled, wiping away a fallen tear.
''Shippo,'' she smiled, hugging him closer to her. ''What's all this fuss for, hmm?'' she asked him, setting down her basket before all the herbs toppled out.
''You've been gone for quite a while, Lady Kagome,'' Miroku explained looking very relieved to see her himself.
''Yes, Kagome. We were becoming very worried when you weren't back at nightfall. What happened? Were you attacked?'' she asked her, coming to stand in front of her to look her over for any injuries. Sango happily nodded her head and stepped away from her once she saw none, the worry ebbing slightly from her face but not completely.
''Yes. Tell us, Kagome. What happened?'' came Inuyasha's snarky question from behind her.
''Nothing happened, guys. I just lost track of time,'' she told them softly, hoping they wouldn't be able to see through her lie. She sat Shippo down and took a few steps away from them looking away.
''What about the barrier then?'' Inuyasha pressed, narrowing his eyes at her. She was lying, he knew she was lying… but why?
''I was practicing how to put up barriers because I want to be able to protect us. I don't want what happened last time to happen again. I don't want to be vulnerable and afraid anymore and I don't want to be caught off guard again,'' she reasoned biting her lower lip and wringing her hands together nervously. It wasn't a complete lie – she had been practicing – just not today.
Had she been looking at any of them she would have seen wide-eyed and stupefied expressions; but she wasn't so she kept on babbling. ''I-I mean, It's not such a bad idea, right? I need to be able to protect the shards by myself. They are my responsibility and I can't count on you guys to always be there.
''A-and like this we could all sleep a little bit better knowing no one is going to attack us in our sleep. Oh and I could even help in a fight, you know... like put up a shield or something. Kaede has been teaching me some things... it's been hard but I've been practicing and I didn't want to say anything just in case it didn't work ya kno'?''
Silence. Complete and utter silence is what followed Kagome's ramblings. She could hear the wind blowing against the leaves. She could hear the birds twittering and she could hear all the sounds nature provided during the night, but she didn't think she could hear any of her friends breathing.
Kagome braved a tentative look at them and was caught by surprise at what she saw. Their expressions ranged from staggering awe and astonishment to pride and wonderment.
''You managed to put up a barrier, Lady Kagome? And Inuyasha was unable to break through it with Tessaiga?'' he asked her unable to hide his dumbfound tone making Kagome frown slightly.
''Well, yes. Don't you think I'm capable?'' she snapped folding her arms over her chest defensively whilst tapping her foot expectantly as she waited for him to reply.
''Oh no!'' he quickly blurted out and rapidly started shaking his head, desperate to redeem himself before he fell into her wrath. ''I think you are very capable and powerful miko, Lady Kagome. Please forgive me for my unintended insult. You are making astounding progress in a very short time. Lady Kaede will be very proud to hear of your accomplishments,'' he finished with a bow, looking at her wearily from under his lashes. He hoped that the thickly laid, but very sincere, compliments would be enough to smooth over the fire he saw in her indignant eyes.
She glared at him for a few seconds before she broke out into a huge smile making him release an audible sigh of relief. ''You think so?'' she asked shyly, cheeks tinted pink – blushing at his praise, and Miroku couldn't help but smile at the sweet girl. Such fire and yet so very innocent.
''Of course, he does!'' exclaimed Sango pulling her into a bone crushing hug. ''That's amazing Kagome, truly,'' she told her beaming.
''Thanks,'' she smiled hugging her friend back.
''Go, Kagome!'' Shippou cried out, pumping his small fist into the air.
''Where is your scent?'' Inuyasha asked her suddenly and watched her face ashen at his words. Yes, she was definitely hiding something.
He was impressed, he really was. He didn't think Kagome would ever manage to control her powers but she did – or so she says. If it is indeed true than maybe she wouldn't be as worthless as he thought she'd be. Maybe she'll even be up to Kikyo's level one day but all this didn't change the fact that she was hiding something from them.
Something had bothered him as soon as he caught sight of her. In that moment he had been too relieved to see her but now it clicked in place. Since she had dropped the barrier he hadn't caught one whiff of Kagome even as she stood in front of him. Could she be an imposter? Was this Naraku's work?
Before anyone could react Inuyasha blurred in front of her and in a blink of an eye he had her trapped by her throat and slammed up against a tree. Kagome's eyes widened and she wheezed as she felt her lungs being crushed, unable to draw in a proper breath.
''Inuyasha!'' she heard her friends shout and she could see them rushing forward.
''This is not Kagome!'' he shouted back at them, tightening his hold on her throat even more so that his claws started digging into the tender flesh of her throat. ''She's an imposter; I can't smell Kagome,'' he explained to them. '' So back off,'' he snarled before his blazing eyes zeroed back on her.
Kagome tried to shake her head but the claws dug deeper and she couldn't hold back the tears. Her vision was going black and she knew she didn't have a lot of time before she passed out. Not willing to be manhandled anymore she pushed her powers out with as much force as she could and managed to send Inuyasha flying to the other end of the clearing across their camp.
As soon as his hold on her was gone she dropped to the forest floor, her legs sprawled beneath her in awkward angles. She dropped her hands to the floor and dug her nails into the ground trying to get her bearings back. She slowly tested out her lungs and took in a small strangled breath; it burned and she hissed in pain but was thankful to the kamis that she could feel oxygen being pumped back into her system.
She could feel her friend's apprehension. Not knowing what to do or what to believe so they stood in shock staring at the scene.
Inuyasha was already up looking at the burn marks on his hand where she had purified him. It was Kagome – not an imposter. Only she would be able to purify him. From his position on the other side of the camp Inuyasha looked up at her with guilt ridden eyes, his ears flat against his head. At his low whimper her head snapped up to him and he took a few startled steps back. Her eyes were flashing brighter than he had ever seen before; blue flames licking her irises.
He heard the others gasp but he couldn't tear his eyes away from hers as they continued to shed pained and raged tears. Her neck was now adorned with five puncture wounds where his claws had dug into her throat, droplets of blood trickling from them. He was about to step forward, to apologize – anything to make this right but her cold voice froze him in place.
''I'd appreciate it if next time you ask questions before you attack what you think is an imposter,'' she snarled and everyone shuddered at the dark electrifying undertone in her voice. It crackled and send their hairs on edge, their instincts all in sync and recognizing one thing; danger.
''Kagome?'' Sago questioned from the side, swallowing down the scared lump stuck in her throat. She didn't know if she should step forward and help her friend but she knew that all her senses were on alert and telling her to run.
''I'm fine, Sago,'' she reassured her giving her a weak smile and suddenly her eyes were no longer glowing, making everyone's muscles relax a fraction. ''Would it be okay if I borrowed Kirara tonight? I want to go back home now. I'll meet you in the village in a day or so,'' she told her hoping she wouldn't ask any questions. She felt so weak. She just wanted to get the hell out of here.
Too many emotions were coursing on inside her; each trying to dominate the other making her feel like she was going to explode. Inuyasha's attack had been the last straw. She needed to go home. She needed a nice bubbly bath and her soft bed. She wanted to be away from Inuyasha and his apologies. Most of all she wanted her mother and her comforting arms and words.
''Are you sure you don't want to wait for dawn, Kagome?'' Sango asked her, worried about her friend's safety, especially after what they all just witnessed.
''I'm sure,'' she told her in a tone that left no room for argument.
''You heard her, Kirara, take good care of Kagome for me, okay?'' She asked her most trusted friend, rubbing the place behind her ear before stepping back and allowing her to transform.
Kagome grabbed her yellow bag, bow and arrows and dragged them behind her. Quickly, before anyone could say anything else, she howled herself atop Kirara and gave them a curt nod.
''I'll see you all in a day,'' she told them icily. ''Let's go Kirara,'' she told her gently, after all Kirara didn't deserve her anger, not when she had seen her about to strike Inuyasha before she pushed him off herself. She had been the only one about to come to her aid and even now, tired as she was, Kirara willingly was about to fly her the distance she needed to get to her safe haven.
Once in the air Kagome stayed on alert, fighting the urge to close her eyes the whole ride back to the well, not wanting to take any chances of another surprise attack that night.
After about three hours of flying they finally arrived and Kagome tiredly slid off Kirara's back.
''Thanks, Kirara.'' She told her petting her gently. ''Promise me you'll go to Kaede now yeah? It's too late and I don't want you to fly back alone in the dark.'' Kirara tilted her head, seemingly not happy with the suggestion. Kagome laughed brokenly at her, feeling the tired sobs about to break loose but she needed to be tough just a little bit longer.
''I know you can take care of yourself but you're tired,'' she told her. ''Just go back in the morning, you'll probably be just in time for breakfast,'' she teased her and Kirara finally nodded her head in agreement.
''Thanks again!'' She exclaimed before jumping over the edge of the well and let the bright light engulf her.
Once she was safely on the other side of the well and in her time, Kagome gave herself over to the shock and passed out.
When Kagome woke up the first thing she noticed was how soft the surface she rested on was; but that couldn't be right. The only thing that was this soft was her bed... Suddenly the events of the previous night came rushing back to her; all of the events that had taken place the previous night. With the images that were flittering across her mind she felt herself heat up – the blush spreading far beyond her cheeks and neckline.
Her mind quickly shifted to Inuyasha and his rash attack on her. She reached for her neck to search for her wounds but surprisingly felt none.
She jumped out of bed and raced towards the mirror to see for herself and sure enough her neck was clear. Maybe she had healed herself? Hmm... She would have to ask Kaede tomorrow.
Before she had any more time to wonder there was a soft knock on the door. ''Kagome? I heard you moving. Is it okay to come in?'' came the voice of her concerned mother from the other side of the door.
''Mum!'' Kagome raced to the door and swung it open. Her mother didn't have time to react before she had her hands full of her eldest child. ''Mum!'' Kagome exclaimed happily, hugging her mother to her for dear life. ''I missed you so much – you have no idea.''
''Kagome darling, I missed you too. Is everything alright? We were quite worried when we found you in the well,'' she told her, rubbing soothing circles on her back.
Kagome stepped back from her mother and wiped away the few tears that escaped her. ''Everything is fine,'' she reassured her smiling. ''I had a really long day yesterday, I must have not realized how tired I was and passed out, no big deal,'' she waved off.
Kogome's mother looked at her for a while before she nodded her head and gave her daughter a big smile. ''I'm glad you're okay, sweetie. It's good to have you back for a little while. How long will you be staying?'' she asked her.
Kagome winced at the question and wrung her hands nervously around knowing that her mother would be disappointed in her answer. ''I'm here until tomorrow morning,'' she informed her in a small voice and watched her mother's face fall immediately but she quickly put on a happy face again.
''Oh, That's not very long. No worries, we'll make the most of it,'' she said nodding to herself. ''You make me a list of the things you'll be needing to take with you. I'll be downstairs making breakfast, you go and have a nice bath and relax a bit.''
Kagome hugged her mother again thanking her profusely, ''you're the best,'' she repeated over and over again between kisses to her cheek.
Her mother giggled and teasingly shoved her away from her.
''I'd like to come with you to the shop if that's okay,'' she told her.
''Wouldn't you like to spend some time with your friends, dear?'' Her mum asked with a raised eyebrow.
''Not this time. I'd rather spend my time with you guys today if that's okay with you,'' she said and as soon as she saw her mother's face glow she knew she had made the right choice.
''That sounds lovely! Now go wash, we'll be waiting downstairs,'' and with that she pushed Kagome into the room and closed the door behind her.
The day quickly rushed past Kagome and before she knew it nightfall had already come. She was standing in front of the sacred tree she had freed Inuyasha from over five hundred years ago and lost herself in deep thought.
Things have changed so drastically over the past few days that she could barely wrap her head around it – let alone believe it. But had it been so drastic of a change? Had she not in a way been in Sesshomaru's company all this time? Had they not managed to grow closer even through the distance that separated them? She felt as if she knew him completely even though they had barely shared any words.
She didn't understand what it was she was feeling, this intensity that she couldn't seem to shake off or the yearning she couldn't quench. She had thought she had loved Inuyasha, but if that was love then what is it that she was feeling now?
She held no regrets for her actions and felt no guilt. At the thought of being Sesshomaru's mate her heart sped in its pace and her palms grew damp. She couldn't explain this rightness that sat inside her but she wouldn't will it away for the world; even if it does scare her half to death.
''I thought you might be getting cold so I got you a blanket and some hot cocoa,'' her mother's gentle and soothing voice interrupted her thoughts and made her jump slightly, startled by her sudden appearance.
She quickly got over her surprise and smiled gratefully at her mother. ''Thanks, Mum, I really appreciate it.''
''You're welcome, darling,'' she told her, handing her the mug and quickly put the blanket around her. ''Would you like to share with your mother what has you in such deep thought?'' she asked her but Kagome knew she wasn't pressing her for information. She was just letting her know that she was there to listen if she needed it.
Kagome bit her lip and mulled it over. She could tell her, she was her mother after all... and if she was really going to become Sesshomaru's mate her mother deserved to know... well maybe not the full truth. She was after all still very young and she doubted her mother would approve.
''Actually yes, there is something I would like to share with you,'' she blurted out before she could lose her nerve.
''Is it about Inuyasha?'' her mother tried to guess and Kagome grimaced.
''Not exactly, no,'' she told here shaking her head. Kagome took a sip of her hot cocoa and let out a long sigh. ''Inuyasha and I have not been getting along so much lately,'' she admitted. ''He's been doing some things that hurt me. Not physically or intentionally,'' she hurried to assure her mother when she saw her worried expression. ''He can't help who he loves,'' she whispered.
''Oh, darling. I'm so sorry.''
''Don't be, I'm not – not really anyway,'' she admitted giving her mother a lopsided teary smile.
''No?'' she asked her surprised.
''I've been sort of seeing someone else,'' she confessed. Well... in a roundabout way she had been so it wasn't a complete lie.
''You have? Oh, sweetheart, that's absolutely wonderful!'' she exclaimed taking her daughter into a hug. ''Who is he? Is he from this time or is he from Inuyasha's time?'' she asked, curious to know who was winning her daughter;s heart.
Kagome blushed when her thought wondered back to Sesshomaru. ''He's from the feudal era,'' she started slowly and took a worried breath before she admitted the rest. ''He's also Inuyasha's older brother,'' she rushed out and quickly took another sip to busy herself.
''Oh,'' her mother said lowly and then again, ''oh,'' a little bit louder that time and then her eyes widened. ''Well dear,'' her mother started slowly. ''Does Inuyasha know?'' she asked her and Kagome shook her head. ''Is that what has you worried?'' she asked and damn it, how did she always know to ask the right questions?
''I have to tell him tomorrow when I go back. Sesshomaru is going to join us in the evening and I have to tell Inuyasha before that. I just don't know how to tell him. I just know that he is going to be so angry and hurt. He's going to take this as a betrayal I just know it. Things are going to be tense and everyone is going to end up fighting and Shippo will be scared and Rin too and I just don't know what to do.'' Kagome dropped her head onto her mother's shoulder and let her comfort her.
''Shhh, it's going to be alright, my sweet darling child. You just have to be strong. If you truly want to be with Sesshomaru and he makes you happy it doesn't matter what others say or accept as long as he is your choice.''
''Thanks, Mum,'' she sniffled. ''I really needed to hear that.''
Kagome sat on the edge of the well with her feet swaying, not quite ready to make the leap back into the past because once she did everything she knew would once again change.
For as many times she played out the possible scenarios in her head she couldn't help but fear it would be much worse than whatever she managed to come up with. Or maybe it wouldn't and maybe that's what was scaring her the most... because what if Sesshomaru had changed his mind? What if in their time apart he decided that he didn't want a human mate? If that was the case he would leave her more broken than his brother had ever done.
Kagome shook her head aggressively, trying to rid herself of these damning thoughts. All they would do would rob her of her courage and resolve. She had made up her mind and if Sesshomaru would go back on his word she would deal with it. She would have to because her main and only priority is the Shinkon jewel; to restore the shards she had foolishly broken. Her personal life has to take the back seat – scared or not she had to go back to the feudal era and do her duty.
Her duty. With those two words repeating themselves on loop in her mind she balled her free hand into a fist and jumped into complete and utter uncertainty.
Kagome landed softly on her two feet and she couldn't help but be grateful that the days she arrived tumbling through the well portal were over. She used to acquire a few too many bruises landing in all sorts of awkward positions.
''Time to face the music, Kagome,'' she said to herself, running a nervous hand through her hair.
Once she managed to successfully climb up the well she hauled the pack and bow over the ledge of the well and pushed herself up with a large huff. She leaped over and was quite proud at how gracefully she had managed to land.
She wasn't surprised nor disappointed to see that Inuyasha wasn't waiting for her in the clearing like he usually did when he knew she was coming back from home. She was more than happy to avoid him for a small while longer. Maybe he wasn't even in the village and she could avoid him altogether?
''Stop being such a coward, Higurashi,'' she scolded herself, making her way towards the village. ''Everything will work out one way or another – always does.''
''Kagome!'' she heard Shippo's excited wail as soon as she came into view of Kaede's hut. He came rushing to her so she dropped her pack just in time to pick him up and twirl him around; both happily laughing.
''Missed you, Shippo,'' she said and kissed his cheek before setting him back down on the floor.
''I'm so happy you're back! You're okay! I was so worried you wouldn't come back because of stupid Inuyasha.''
''And leave you?'' she asking aghast. She kneeled down in front of him and took his face between both her hands. ''I'll always come back for you,'' she assured him ''Understood?'' She asked him and smiled when he started nodding his head. ''Good. Now let's go to the others. I'm sure they have been worried to,'' she sighed and stood up, picked up her pack and held out her hand for Shippo to take.
''Miroku, Sango and Kaede are behind the hut keeping an eye on Inuyasha. He's not been in a very good mood,'' he admitted frowning.
Kagome bit her lip at this newly given information. If Inuyasha was already in a foul mood there was no way this could run smoothly. Who was she kidding? There was never a possibility of this running smoothly.
She sat her pack down safely next to the hut and let Shippo lead her to the back. Once they turned the corner her friends came into view and it took all of her strength not to turn around and bolt back home.
They all turned around when they heard them come closer, everyone besides Inuyasha who sat cross legged in front of their friends with his back to them.
''Kagome, you're back,'' Sango greeted her with a sigh of relief.
''Yeah. I'm back,'' Kagome smiled but kept her distance from them. She let go of Shippo's hand and wrapped her hands protectively around herself.
''Did you enjoy your time back home, Lady Kagome?'' Miroku asked her, giving her a kind smile.
''I really did,'' she replied giving him a weak smile in return.
''It's good to see ye well child,'' Kaede nodded in her direction. ''I've been told ye managed to hold up a barrier that kept Inuyasha out. It is true?'' She asked her unable to hide the pride.
Kagome just gave her a short nod and shrugged. It wasn't that she wasn't proud of herself for her accomplishments; it's just the fact that she was too nervous about the outcome of today. She had too many other things to focus on right now.
''Is something wrong, Kagome?'' Sango asked her taking a step closer to her but stopped when Kagome shook her head and took a step back.
''Everything is fine,'' she told her in a small voice. ''Well, I hope everything will be fine,'' she rephrased releasing a hollow chuckle.
By now Inuyasha had turned around and was looking at her with an expressionless face, mask firmly set in place. She quickly averted her gaze away from him and unconsciously reached up to her neck where there should have been five puncture wounds.
''Is there something you wish to share with us, Lady Kagome?'' Moroku asked, always the insightful one.
''Yes,'' she admitted reluctantly, looking anywhere but at her friends.
''There is no need for you to be scared, Kagome. You can tell us anything,'' Sago tried to assure her but Kagome wasn't so sure. She dared a quick glance at the man she once thought she was in love with and winced when she saw that his jaw was locked in place and his face was going red. Telltale sign that he really wanted to say something but was keeping it in – for now.
''I don't even know where to start,'' she sighed.
''If this is a story I'd like to hear it from the beginning,'' snapped Inuyasha, apparently no longer able to hold his tongue.
''If you think you deserve to speak to me,'' she told him slowly, eyes flashing angrily. ''You're wrong. I'd watch my words if I were you or I'll sit you to your grave,'' she threatened him venomously, making everyone shiver.
No one said anything for a while, I mean what could one say after that?
''I forgot how scary Kagome can be,'' Shippo muttered under his breath but they still heard and Kagome couldn't help the small smile she gave him.
''Consider this a healthy reminder for everyone,'' she teased lightly but no one chuckled.
''You're worrying me, Kagome,'' Sango admitted. ''You seem scared to tell us your news. I've never seen you like this and I don't know what to make of it.''
''Just tell us, Kagome. It can't be that bad,'' Shippo assured her sweetly.
''I wouldn't be so sure,'' she cringed and bit her lip so hard she tasted the metallic tang of her blood. ''Just listen okay?'' she begged them and they all quickly nodded their head, patiently waiting for her to start her tale.
''Fine,'' she sighed and ran her hand through her hair. ''Remember that you are all standing here, healthy and unharmed and will continue to be healthy and unharmed after I finish.'' They looked at her perplexed and she could have sworn she saw Inuyasha's ear twitch.
''Sesshomaru has been following us for a few weeks-''
''WHAT!'' Inuyasha exploded but Kagome wasn't having any of it.
''SIT!'' She screamed out the command furiously and watched with satisfaction as he howled in pain when his face dug into the floor. ''I asked you to let me finish,'' she said through gritted teeth. ''So, you will listen to my story. Face planted into the floor if need be,'' she told him, lifting her chin up defiantly.
''Sesshomaru has been following us and you don't have to worry. He's not going to hurt us,'' she assured them but none of them was looking very convinced and she couldn't really blame them. None of their previous encounters left them with the impression he wouldn't attack them at first sight.
''Trust me. I don't know how but I've been feeling his aura and I just know that he doesn't want to hurt us. He's been keeping his distance and he didn't know that I knew he was there. I guess he underestimated me and didn't bother concealing himself well enough,'' she shrugged and paused for a while so allow the information to sink in.
By now Inuyasha was sitting upright again, hands crossed in front of his chest looking none too pleased with her.
''I went to meet him the other night,'' She admitted and tried to ignore Inuyasha's growl.
''Kagome!'' Sango admonished, eyes wide.
''I'm okay!'' Kagome exclaimed. ''I'm here telling the tale, aren't I? I just went to see why he was following us and why he helped me with that demon last week. He saved me and I wanted to thank him.''
''He saved you?'' Inuyasha scoffed rolling his eyes. ''Why would that bastard want to save you?''
''Well that's what I wanted to find out wasn't it?'' Kagome ground out, trying to be patient.
''And?'' Inuyasha urged her trying to hide his curiosity and failing miserably.
''He's going be joining us from now on,'' she blurted out completely avoiding the question.
''WHAT?'' Inuyasha roared, eyes burning with uncontrolled fury. ''There is no way I'll ever want to travel with that bastard!'' he exclaimed jumping to his feet. ''What are you thinking? Do you want to have me killed?''
''I'm not trying to have you killed,'' she insisted already frustrated. Of course, he had to make this about himself. ''Sesshomaru wants Naraku dead – we want Naraku dead; that's called a common goal. Sesshomaru could be a very strong ally,'' she pointed out.
''We don't need him!'' Inuyasha raged, not understanding where this was all coming from. Why the hell did she suddenly want his half-brother to travel with them? Did she not think he was able to protect her anymore? Since when didn't she trust him?
He couldn't wrap his mind around any of it. Why would he even want to? Why would the Lord of the west want to ally himself with them?
''There is something you're not saying.'' Inuyasha stated, narrowing his eyes at her. ''What's in it for my brother? What does he want?'' he demanded.
Kagome didn't want to but obviously she wasn't able to control her body's reaction to her thoughts so to her complete and utter humiliation she blushed from head to toe.
''It's not like that,'' she said closing her eyes. ''He wants to join us because he wants to be with me,'' she finally confessed.
No one said a word. They were shocked. She didn't blame them.
A few more seconds passed by before Inuyasha broke down laughing with tears streaming down his face. No one else was laughing. Everyone else could see the pained and serious expression on her face. No one else though this was some elaborate joke.
Inuyasha seemed to notice that he was the only one laughing and the humor quickly dropped from his face. He blinked his eyes and studied the young girl standing in front of him with her hands still wrapped around herself.
''You can't be serious,'' he whispered. ''Not possible,'' he said shaking his head in denial. ''My brother would never want you,'' he told her without thinking.
''What's that supposed to mean?'' she hissed, eyes narrowed into slits.
''You're human,'' he bit out defensively.
''So, because I'm human you don't think I'm good enough? I'm not worthy? You think just because you don't want me no one else could ever possibly want to be with me?'' She pressed on enraged.
''You're delusional if you actually believe that my half-brother wants you. He is using you to get to me and you're too naïve to see it, wench,'' he spat. '''Shomaru wouldn't even pick you to rut with,'' he taunted her coldly, uncaring that his words where cutting into her heart deeper and more painfully than any arrow or sword ever could.
The next words she spoke came out with only one intent – to hurt. ''He's already had me,'' she told him in an even voice, tilting her head to the side. ''More than once,'' she continued, raising one delicate eyebrow at him challengingly.
Everyone gasped at her confession and she was quickly reminded that they weren't alone. She blushed slightly at what they all just heard but quickly forgot about those meager worries.
Inuyasha was now standing directly in front of her with his face only inches away from her. She could feel the anger radiating off him, aura flashing dangerously against hers, but she won't let him intimidate her.
''I don't believe you,'' he said quietly, nostrils flaring as he tried to control himself.
She didn't bother telling him that if she dropped her concealment he would be able to tell, instead she sat out to further infuriate him. ''He wants me to be his mate.''
Okay, I couldn't help myself... I just had to add some more ^^
Thanks to everyone that's following this story even though there was no promise for more! All your reviews and support are very much appreciated!
I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Promise that the next on will be a mite bit more interesting ... that is ... if you guys still want to read more. Let me know ^^