Hi….. I know, I know It's been two years but I'm finally picking this story up again! Sorry it took so long but I promise I will finish this fanfic and all of my other unfinished ones, you have my word!
Kagome couldn't remember the last time she had so much fun; Asagi, Moegi, Shion, Roku, Dai, and Ai were such kind children, playful too. The so-called 'garden' that the six half demon children had taken her to consisted of large quartz crystals growling from the cave chambers walls and the fire lit torches made a rainbow of colors dance on the regular gray stone. It took Kagome's breath away
"I'm gonna get you Ai!" Kagome teased as she chased after the little half fish demon girl, who was laughing as she playfully ran away from the young miko.
"I've got you!" Asagi shouted triumphantly as she caught Ai in her arms by rushing ahead of her.
"Hey, not fair you're faster than me!" Ai pouted in the older girl's arms while crossing her own.
"You're just upset we won," Dai stated with a playful smile.
"Yeah, no matter what you'll always be the youngest one among us," Roku added.
Kagome frowned. "Okay that's enough, all of you, Ai deserves more respect than that, she may be little but she's just as strong as the rest of you"
Ai smiled sadly at the miko's remark. "No they're right, I'll always be the youngest and I'm always the one big brother Inuyasha worries about the most"
Roku and Dai's smiles then vanished, replaced with apologetic looks. "Sorry Ai" they said at the same time.
Kagome smiled at the twins and then approached Asagi and took Ai into her arms. "Well Ai, I used to be as small as you and people worried about me just like Inuyasha worries about you"
Ai perked up at her words. "Really?" she asked.
"Yes, I felt the same way you did, I thought I would I would always be little and that I would always have to be protected, but no, eventually I learned no one stays little or the same forever, we are always learning and changing no child stays small forever so neither will you," kagome said wisely.
Ai smiled and hugged Kagome as tightly as she could. "Thanks big sister, I'm glad you're here, will you stay forever?" the little girl asked cutely.
Kagome's face fell. "I can't tell them I'm planning on escaping this awful place…. Then again, it's not as bad as I thought it would be…. And neither is Inuyasha, I mean he's so kind to these little children, he may have kidnapped me, but maybe-" Kagome's thoughts were then interrupted when Shion pulled on her sleeve.
"Kagome, are you alright?" he questioned.
"Hm? Oh yes I'm fine just lost in thought I guess" she replied.
"So will you stay forever?" Ai asked again with an innocent smile.
"I- I'll be talking to Inuyasha about that" the miko said before she could stop herself.
"Great, because we're really glad you're here," Moegi said.
"Yeah, big brother Inuyasha used to play with us most of the time along with Bunza, but nowadays they, especially Inuyasha, seem really busy to the point where he only has time to play with us once every four days at the most" Dai started with a sigh.
"Busy with what?" Kagome wondered out loud.
"Well the wolf demon tribe wants to take our land and-" Roku started but Asagi cut him off.
"It doesn't matter Kagome, the point is Inuyasha is like a big brother to us, he took us in when we were orphans, feed and kept a roof over us, cares for us as if we were actually blood related even though we aren't, he really is our big brother in our hearts" the oldest child explained with a soft smile on her face.
Kagome felt herself hugging Ai closer, who hugged back. "I'm so sorry…." was all she could say.
All six children then looked at her with confused faces.
"What do you mean sister?" asked Ai.
"Well…. As a miko I was taught to believe that all those with demon blood were bad half or whole blooded demons it didn't matter, my guardian told me they were all terrible, now after everything that's happened in the past few days…. I feel like I was told and believed the wrong things, I mean if it was all true all of you would hate me and think me weak for being full human and being…. And being a miko…." Kagome trailed off bracing herself for frowning faces and outraged comments, but when she looked up she only saw all of the half demon children looking at her with understanding expressions.
"We know you're a miko, but you're not cruel to us like other humans were towards us before we came into Inuyasha's care," Moegi said softly.
"Yeah, you're really kind and gentle," Roku said.
"You don't try to hurt us," Dai explained
"You don't give us mean looks," Ai added.
"We know you're a good person to everyone you come across, big sister," Shion stated.
"How!? How do you know that?!" Kagome asked louder than she meant to sound, but none of the children even flinched.
Asagi stepped forward. "Because you treat us 'half demons' like you would if we were normal human children, that's how we know and if you're good with children who are different from you than I'd say that makes you not a good person, but a great person"
Kagome was stunned, these children were so wise beyond their young age they seemed even wiser than her and she was older.
"I… I don't know what to say…." the miko trailed six children smiled as they then gathered around Kagome and hugged her close.
"You don't need to say anything, just keep being you" Dai stated in the hug.
Kagome suddenly felt her eyes watering with tears, never before had someone told her to just be herself, Keade had always told her to keep a serious mind at all times whether it was for miko tasks or even in general, to always be on her guard so as never to be weak…. Now, now it was as if a great weight was lifted off of her shoulders and she couldn't stop the tears from falling from her eyes.
"Big sister?!" Ai asked in concern when she felt drops of water falling on her head and looked up to see that the miko was crying.
"I'm fine, I'm just happy" she said as she smiled sadly, rubbing away the tears on her cheeks.
"Wait here I'll go get big brother!" Shion stated as he noticed Kagome's tears as well and ran out of the room before the miko could stop him as the other five children hugged her tighter.
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Totosai, I don't understand" Inuyasha said as he sat across from a demon swordsmith in a green and black striped toga.
"Well my lord, I'm afraid that your full demon is getting stronger and more confident now that it has a mate, and judging from what I was told by you and Bunza, if you don't do something soon to tame your inner demon it will break loose" Totosai said seriously as he petted his three-eyed bull that was beside him.
Inuyasha was silent, he knew if his full demon emerged again it would only make Kagome fear him even more. "So what do you suggest?" The Dog God questioned quietly.
Totosai scratched the back of his head and then responded. "Well if I were you, I'd talk to Lady Kagome and discuss this matter with her-" the swordsmith started but Inuyasah cut him off.
"There is no way I am telling Kagome about this, she's already seen my full demon and she was afraid of it and…. I don't know what to do. She ran out of the room when she saw my full demon and I haven't seen her since- OW!" Inuyasha cried out as Totosai whacked him on the head with his hammer.
"I know what happened you whippersnapper, the fact that you haven't made things right like you should've already done is what upsets me, not to mention Sango, Kirara, and everyone else in this estate are also upset with you for your lack of maturity" the sword smith stated seriously.
Inuyasha freezed. "Wait what, do you mean everyone knows what happened between Kagome and my demon?" he asked in a small voice, fearing he already knew the answer.
"Yes, they've known since about an hour ago word travels fast between one underground cave area," Totosai replied simply.
That's when the sliding door opened to reveal an angry Sango, Kirara, Miroku, and Myoga.
"Lord Inuyasha, is it true about what happened between your full demon and Lady Kagome?!" Miroku asked, outraged.
"I swear I didn't mean to-" The Dog God started but was cut off by Sango.
"I cannot believe you my lord, we may be your servants but treating women like that crosses a line!" she shouted as Kirara meowed angrily in agreement.
"Sango's right, I mean it's already unfair that you forced the young lady to become your wife and mate and marked her without her consent, I'm sorry but I never approved of your actions from the beginning!" Myoga shouted from Miroku's shoulder.
Inuyasha looked down, ashamed of himself. "I know but listen I-" he started only to stop talking when Shion entered the room.
"Um, hi big brother. Sorry to interrupt, but sister Kagome is with me and the others and is crying, I think it's best that you go and see her" the lavender haired boy said.
Inuyasha stood up at his words. "You've met Kagome?" he asked, trying to ignore the death glares he was getting from everyone else in the room.
"Yeah she played with us in our garden while you were busy with master Totosai, we all really like her and you were right she really is beautiful" Shion replied with a smile.
Inuyasha said nothing as he then picked up Shion and put him on his shoulders. "I'll go see her, let's go" The Dog God said as he and Shion left the room , closing the sliding door in their wake.
"Oh, that dog, if he thinks I'm done with him he's got another thing coming!" Sango exclaimed as she and Kirara tried to follow the half demons but Miroku grabbed Sango's shoulder and picked up Kirara to stop them.
"Let's let our master deal with this on his own," the monk said.
"Why, so he can scare Kagome again?" Sango questioned harshly.
"No not at all, I think it's wise to let him try to fix his mistake before we give him an earful again, wouldn't you agree?" Miroku asked, leaving Sango speechless.
"Yeah I guess you're right," she said silently…. When she suddenly felt a hand on her bottom…..
"LECHER!" she yelped as she slapped the guilty monk, who was smiling nervously as he rubbed his sore cheek.
"Ah, the youths these days," Myoga said, shaking his head as he sat on Totosai's shoulder who nodded in agreement.
"You said it"
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"So you guys really like Kagome?" Inuyasha asked Shion on their way to the crystal garden.
"Yes, she's really kind to us, and she seems very wise and she's really beautiful," Shion replied.
"Yeah…. She really is…." Inuyasha trailed off thoughtfully as they stepped into the crystal garden to see Kagome being hugged by Moegi, Roku, Dai, Ai, and Asagi with tears in her eyes and on her cheeks.
"Kagome…" Inuyasha said softly as he placed Shion on the ground.
Kagome turned to look at her husband, who carefully approached her and the other half demon children.
"Alright guys it's time for your combat lesson with Kohaku, Shion thank you for coming to get me, I can take it from here"
"Aww!" all six children whined sadly.
"It's okay, how about this; everyone in the estate will have dinner together tonight and you can see Kagome then?" Inuyasha offered to make the children instantly perk up.
"Yay!" they all shouted.
"Great, off you guys go, okay?" Inuyasha said with a chuckle.
"Bye, big sister!" Ai called out as Asagi took her hand and led her and the other children out of the room waving goodbye to Kagome and Inuyasha who both smiled and waved back.
Once the children were gone, Inuyasha turned to Kagome who was still smiling softly at the door.
"Are you okay?" The Dog God asked as he gently used his fingers to brush away the tears on Kagome's cheeks.
"Those children are half demon too" was all she said.
"Yeah, they are, they're all like little siblings to me, I mean I'm closer with Bunza and Miroku, but you get the idea…" Inuyasha stated awkwardly.
Kagome smiled warmly at the thought, but she still didn't look at her husband. "It must be nice, having so many good people around for your friends…. It must be nice to be allowed to have friends…." the miko stated sadly.
"The people here aren't just my friends, they're my family, and you're allowed to have friends like everyone else is" Inuyasha insisted, but Kagome shook her head.
"No…. Keade says mikos have no time for friends-" she started but her husband cut her off.
"Shes wrong, from what I saw Keade wanted to keep you to herself, and honestly telling someone they're not allowed to have friends or find love is wrong, if we're being honest I think Keade was trying to tame you to be what she saw as 'perfect' a miko who thinks of nothing but helping others" Inuyasha said.
Kagome frowned at him. "What's wrong with helping people? She asked defensively.
The Dog God smiled softly at his wife. "What I mean is Keade wasn't giving you anytime for what you wanted for instance, like having friends and wanting love, and that matters because that's somewhat self care and self care is not selfish it's caring for yourself doing what you need to be happy and healthy mentally and that's important because if you can't help or take care of yourself how do you expect to help others or make them happy?" Inuyasha asked.
Kagome was speechless to have something she had been worried about so much over the years drawn out into words so clearly, and at the same time someone agreeing with the thoughts she had pushed to the back of her mind for such a long time was almost too much to bear….
"Kagome!? What did I say?" Inuyasha asked, very concerned when he noticed more tearing streaming from his wife's eyes.
"I…. I don't understand, my whole life I was trained to help others I always thought if I did something for myself I was being selfish, but it deep down I just didn't want to disappoint Keade and I was so lonely all the time, but being here has made me feel less lonely and question everything I was taught about those with demon blood, when I would cry I would always be sure to cry alone and-" Kagome stopped when Inuyasha place his red kimono robe around her shoulders and embraced her tightly, and pressing her head to his shoulder.
"Shhhh…. It's okay don't stop, you can tell me anything, let it all out," he cooed gently.
Kagome couldn't help herself, she told Inuyasha everything, about how her loneliness made her feel, how angry she felt with Keade most of the time, how she hated having to stay serious all the time, all of it and after an hour of heavy sobbing in Inuyasha's warm embrace, Kagome was finally able to calm down a bit.
"Are you okay?" her husband asked softly as he rubbed soothing circles on her back.
"Yes," Kagome sniffled. "Thank you for being so kind to me Lord Inuyasha"
Inuyasha then tilted his wife's chin up. "Please, 'Inuyasha' is just fine, and I live to see you smiling and safe," he said, kissing Kagome's forehead gently.
Kagome blushed at him. "I don't know if I can love you, and I'm not pleased you kidnapped me, but I can see you're a kind person, I'm sorry I yelled at you last night" she stated.
"No I'm sorry Kagome, I shouldn't have taken you, I was lonely too, and like you I wanted love and I never should've marked you without permission, and I'm sorry I lost control of my full demon last night, I was told that happened because now that I have a mate my full demon is becoming harder to control, since that side of me loves you as much as I do, but I'll work on that I promise and-" Inuyasha stopped when Kagome hugged him back.
"I understand, but as I said before, I don't know if I can love you, I mean I barely know you, but I think it'd be best to think things over about staying with Kaede for a while…." Kagome trailed off.
"What are you saying?" Inuyasha questioned.
"I mean, if you'd have me, I'd like to stay here for a while. It's clear I haven't been honest with myself for a long time and I need to take time to figure things out… and find out who I am other than a miko…" Kagome trailed off.
Inuyasha smiled at her and hugged her close. "Of course you can stay, you can stay for as long as you like, forever or however long you wish, you get the idea" he stated.
"Thank you, this robe is really warm, and nice," Kagome said after she released herself from the hug and looked at the robe on her shoulders.
"I know right? It's made with the hair of the fire rat, its stronger than any armor in the world, my father had it made to protect me since I wasn't as strong as a full demon, I didn't like the reason but it was true and it was actually my swaddling cloth when I was a baby" Inuyasha explained.
"Wow…" Kagome trailed off looking at the robe.
"Kagome…. I…. I…. I just want you to know that while you're here you'll want and lack for nothing and that everyone here will be ready to support you when you want it or need it, including me…" The Dog God trailed off bashfully while rubbing the back of his head.
Kagome smiled and leaned forward to kiss Inuyasha's cheek. "Thank you so much," she said, making her husband blush.
"N-no problem" he stuttered as a deep blush crossed his cheeks when he suddenly remembered. "Oh! I meant to give you this sooner but…." he trailed off as he took out the little lily flower that was missing a petal and was slightly wilted… much to Inuyasha's embarrassment. "Oh uh, sorry" he said quickly.
Kagome was speechless, no one had ever given her a flower before much less a man and even if it was from Inuyasha, she felt a blush rise to her cheeks as she took the flower in her hands gently. "Thank you, it's lovely…. You know, no man has ever given me a gift before," Kagome stated shyly.
Inuyasha showed an understanding expression on his face. "I'm sorry it's not the best gift I meant to give it to you sooner but-" he started but he stopped when he noticed Kagome smiling brightly at him.
"I love it," she said.
"She… smiled at me…." he thought to himself in disbelief but then he shook his head. "Well we should get you a new bedroom you can have any of them here" he said a bit bashfully as he did his best to hide his blush.
"Oh any of them are fine I-" Kagome started but then was cut off by the sliding door opening revealing Sango and Kirara on the other side.
"Pardon the interruption my lord, but Lord Koga of the Wolf Demon tribe has been seen through the mirror pond by Miroku outside of the estate" the general stated.
Inuyasha sighed, clearly annoyed. "Sango, Kirara, you two will accompany me to meet lord Koga, before we go call Kohaku and Miroku, and tell them to hold down the fort and protect Kagome and Asagi and the children while we're gone" The Dog God ordered. As he stood up, only to have Kagome grab his hand.
"I'll come too," she stated seriously.
"Kagome this wolf demon is a really dangerous guy, he wants to steal our land and-" Inuyasha started but his wife cut him off.
"This land includes the village I grew up in, I want to help protect the innocent people who live there and as a miko I help with demon problems, so like it or not I'm coming" she said firmly.
"If I may, my lord, it would indeed be wise to have someone with spiritual powers for backup since Miroku is busy holding down the fort" Sango replied while Kirara meowed and nodded in agreement.
"Are you sure Kagome?" Inuyasha questioned seriously.
"I'm positive," Kagome stated determinedly.
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The wolf demon chief and lord, Koga was a handsome but self absorbed demon, with big blue eyes, long hair in a high ponytail, was broad, and had pointy elf-like ears.
"So you've finally come, mutt face?" he asked arrogantly. As he patted one of the many regular wolves by his side as Inuyasha, Kirara (who was in her large form), Sango (who had her boomerang bone and was wearing her combat gear and uniform), and Kagome (who had a bow and arrow with her) approached him and his wolves stopping half a mile in front of him.
"What do you want?!" Inuyasha questioned darkly, but Koga's eyes were elsewhere and when The Dog God noticed where they were looking, he growled deeply.
"Stay away from my mate, you mangy wolf trash!" he shouted as he laid a hand on his sword's handle threateningly.
"Your mate? Ha! don't make me laugh mutt, as if a girl as pretty as her would mate with a halfbreed like you!" Koga retailated.
"That's none of your business, why are you here?!"" The Dog God demanded.
"You know what I want, hand over this land to me, you aren't a god and this land should belong to the wolf demon tribe whose much stronger than you and your band of rejects!"
"Why you-" Inuyasha started but was cut off by Kagome, who stepped forward.
"You have no idea what you're talking about, Inuyasha may be a half demon, but he's much kinder than you'll ever be, he cares for everyone who needs help and you'll never have this land. The people and the demons here are strong, more so than you, so beat it!" Miko yelled, surprising everyone including herself.
"Ha! You've got an attitude cutie, you should be with a real man like me instead of that pathetic mutt face, he's nowhere near good enough for you-" Koga started but Inuyasha cut him off.
"SHUT UP! I KNOW I'M NOT GOOD ENOUGH FOR KAGOME, BUT I WOULD NEVER LET HER BE A SUBMISSIVE HOUSE WIFE AND MATE TO TRASH LIKE YOU!" The Dog God thundered at the top of his lungs.
Kagome stared at Inuyasha in shock. "He…. stood up for me…. ?" the miko wondered to herself.
"Ha! you're pathetic mutt face….don't think this is over, I won't give up until this land is mine, and then I'll kill you and everyone in it to make way for the wolf demon tribe!" Koga promised threateningly as he and his wolves turned and ran away at top speed.
Inuyasha let out a sigh and then turned to Kagome, Sango, and Kirara. "Are you guys okay?" he asked.
"Yeah we're good" Sango stated as Kirara nodded in agreement.
"I'm worried Inuyasha, will lord Koga be back? I'm sorry I spoke out like that" Kagome said apologetically, but to her surprise Inuyasha gently smiled at her and placed his hand on her cheek, grazing it softly with his thumb.
"What are you talking about? Kagome I'm so proud of you" The Dog God said honestly with a bright smile.
"W-what?" she asked, knowing that Keade always told her to only speak to an enemy when absolutely necessary and to remain calm always…. And if she ever broke that rule the old miko would scold her.
"Kagome, you're a natural leader, the fact that you stood up for me and the people of this land proves that," Inuyasha clarified.
Kagome could only stare at Inuyasha with a look of shock and disbelief.
"He's right Kagome, many people fear the wolf demon tribe and lord Koga and the fact that you stood up to him so easily shows how fearless you are" Sango added as Kirara approached Kagome and nuzzled her large head against Kagome's shoulder.
"I…. Thank you" the miko replied to everyone as she petted Kirara's head, making the fire feline purr. "But lord Koga said he'd be back, this isn't over is it?" Kagome asked, making Inuyasha nod.
"Sorry to say, but yeah, it ain't over, that mangy wolf is not too clever but he's clever enough to play dirty we'll have to think of something fast, we'll hold a meeting tonight, and Kagome I want you to be a part of it" The Dog God stated, making the miko's eyes widen.
"M-me?" she questioned.
"Yeah, you, you've proved you can stand up to an enemy with such strength, not to mention your a miko, with both of our leadership and skills we can figure this out" Inuyasha said encouragingly.
"I've just never really had such a big task put on my shoulders, I mean purifying and exercising one or two demons is one thing but an entire tribe of wolf demons?" Kagome asked nervously, only to have her husband take her hand and hold it reassuringly.
"You don't have to worry Kagome, you're a strong woman and miko"
"Yes, and you won't be alone, me, Kirara, Miroku, and everyone else back at home will be there for you to help win this fight," Sango added, patting Kagome's shoulder, while Kirara continued to purr at her side. The miko was speechless for a moment, but then she thought about Asagi, the other half demon children, everyone in Inuyasha's domain, and Keade's village, and without another thought she made up her mind
"Then I'll do my best to help," she stated determinedly, making the three around her smile.
"Thank you, my lady" Sango replied.
"Yeah, thanks Kagome. Well enough of that I think we should all head back home, Shippo will need help making dinner," Inuyasha stated as he took Kagome's hand and began to guide her back to his domain with Sango and Kirara walking beside them.
"Whose Shippo?" Kagome asked.
"He's the palace cook, he's mischievous but hard working, and one hell of a great cook" Inuyasha replied.
"He certainly is, Shippo's father was the last palace cook and when he died Shippo took his place" Sango replied making Kirara nod.
"Yeah, you'll love him and his food Kagome I promise" Inuyasha stated.
As the four of them headed back to the underground palace, Kagome's mind was racing, with worry on how she was going to handle the wolf demon tribe and their leader, but those thoughts were quickly dashed as Inuyasha squeezed her hand, sensing her worry. The miko blushed at this action, and she couldn't deny the reason why…. She knew this meant she was slowly getting used to The Dog God of this land.