I'm Yours
A huge shout out to: ivanacindy, NekoxUsa, xoxoSoCal619Sweetheartxoxo, FuedalWarrior (Guest), Aggie12, Guest, Compucles, and Kiraandthatisall for your wonderful reviews. I would also like to thank: Blue Clown, NekoxUsa, DarkAngel1858, xoxoSoCal619Sweetheartxoxo, Laurena Garret, Compucles,misstootie, Snowy1432, robertroy1,Saku572, Kiraandthatisall, flaxj, and all my readers for the amazing support I get from you guys. You're all awesome and deserve a big version of your favorite cookie.
Now, let's see what my chaotic mind has come up with today.
Disclaimer: Inuyasha doesn't' belong to me. It belongs to Rumiko Takahashi. No suing...That is all.
Chapter Four: With Meaning
Kagome was in a deep sleep when she suddenly felt a nudge on her shoulder.
"Kagome," Kikyo whispered, not wanting to wake up her mother or younger siblings, as she shook her sister.
Kikyo continued to shake Kagome's shoulder until she sat up and rubbed one of her eyes, "Kikyo?" she tiredly, seeing that it was still dark out. "What is it?" she complained.
"I need your help," Kikyo answered simply.
Kagome raised a brow, "Couldn't it wait till later?" she asked still sleepily.
"He may not have that long," Kikyo whispered a little harshly.
That woke Kagome up.
"He?" she questioned while she sat up quickly, now fully alert.
Kikyo dragged Kagome out of bed and forced her to the outside border of the village. Kagome kept asking what was going on, but her sister implied that there was no time for questions.
Kikyo pulled her sister to a cave and dragged her inside.
Luckily, the cave was lite by a few candles that Kagome assumed that Kikyo set up herself.
And that was how she saw the man lying on the ground.
Kagome gasped at the sight. The man on the ground was badly burnt all over his body and his legs were mangled in such a way that even a simpleton could tell that they were broken.
The man groaned at the noise of someone approaching and tried to move.
"Don't," Kikyo urged him, as she kneeled down next to the man, "You'll only injury yourself further."
'If that's even possible,' Kagome said silently in her mind before she went to work on tending to the man's injuries. She wrapped the man's entire body with medicinal herbs for the burns and to prevent infection. Then she had to splint both of his legs to prevent any more damage to his legs. And after all that she still had to bandage his entire body. As she did all this, Kagome couldn't help but notice how the man continuously stared at her sister.
Kikyo assisted her sister with the man, giving him a pitying look every now and then. She also told Kagome about how she found the man.
He was tied up and unconscious at the bottom of a cliff.
'A bandit perhaps?' Kagome wondered as she finished wrapping up the man's leg. "There," she said when they were finally finished. The sun had risen and it was almost mid meal time, but they were done.
"I'll bring some gruel for him after we eat at the house," Kikyo told Kagome after they exited the cave.
"Kikyo," Kagome said cautiously, wary of this whole situation. "You saw those burns. The man is in agonizing pain. And his legs may be splinted but I doubt they'll ever heal properly enough for him to walk again...He's too far gone."
Her sister nodded, "I figured as much when I found him."
"Has he said anything to you about what had happened to him?" Kagome asked.
Kikyo shook her head, "No. All he was able to tell me was his name."
Kagome nodded in understanding, "What is his name?"
"Onigumo," she replied before she stopped walking and looked over to her sister. "Kagome I don't want you to tell anyone about him, alright."
Kagome was surprised. "Why? Maybe some of the villagers can help take care of him for as long as."
"No," Kikyo interrupted, "Mother and our siblings can know but no one else...The man will never move again. I doubt having so many people around him will make him at ease."
Her sister still wasn't so sure, "Kikyo, I don't know about this."
"Please sister," Kikyo practically begged. "It's my duty as a priestess to help those in need no matter who they are. This is the right thing to do." Kagome looked to the ground with uncertainty before she reluctantly nodded. "Thank you, Kagome," Kikyo said gratefully and hugged her sister.
Kagome hugged her sister back but her doubt still remained. There was something about Onigumo, injured or not, that made her uneasy. She doubted Kikyo could see it since she was only filled with concern for the burnt man. But Kagome could see the look of evil in Onigumo's eyes...And the assertive way he stared at her sister.
"Could I tell Inuyasha about this?" Kagome couldn't help but ask.
Kikyo pulled back from the hug, "Why do you want him to know?" she asked, not understanding her sister's request.
"Because I," Kagome tried to come up with a rational reason, "I know he won't say anything to anyone. And it would be nice to have at least one person look in on Onigumo without looking suspicious."
The priestess was skeptical for a few moments before finally giving in and nodded yes, "Then you may tell him."
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A few hours later, Inuyasha was pacing in front of his hut, contemplating what Kagome had just told him. "Let me get this straight, you and Kikyo are going to care for this man, not knowing anything about his past, and all you know about him is his name?"
"Yes," Kagome nodded standing in her place as she watched Inuyasha go back and forth.
"Kagome, do you have any idea how crazy that is?" Inuyasha yelled at her and stopped pacing. "The man was severely burned and fell off a cliff while he was tied up. I highly doubt that was an accident."
"I know," Kagome said in agreement. She didn't mind Inuyasha scolding her about this since she wasn't thrilled of taking care of Onigumo either.
Inuyasha growled, "Then why the hell are you going to take care of him!"
Kagome sighed, "I don't want to. But Kikyo's right. It's the humane thing to do."
"No! The humane thing would be to put this guy out of his misery since he's obviously not going to recover!" Inuyasha barked back.
The suggestion made Kagome uneasy and she shook her head. "I don't like the idea of killing anyone. Even if it's benevolent."
Inuyasha cursed under his breath before he came up with a suggestion, "Well...what if I did it?"
Kagome looked up at him in surprise, "What?"
"I can kill Onigumo while he's asleep. He won't be in pain anymore," Inuyasha suggested as if it were the perfect solution.
"No!" she yelled in reply, "I can't let you do that!"
Inuyasha was stumped, "Why not?" he yelled back.
"I don't want anyone to see you as a killer," Kagome argued, "Slaying demons from attacking us is one thing, but killing a helpless injured man is another. I don't want the village to be scared of you," she said the last part more calmly. 'I don't want a reason for my sister to purify you either,' she added to herself.
Inuyasha was stunned, 'She doesn't want the village to hate me?' he thought in amazement.
Kagome walked up to him and grabbed his hand, "Please, let's just do things this way for now and see how it goes."
Inuyasha would have replied but he didn't trust his voice at the moment. His mind was too occupied by the fact that Kagome was holding his hand.
"Kagome," they both heard someone call out. Inuyasha quickly pulled his hand back and folded his arms into his sleeves.
The young woman recognized it right away, "Souta," she said surprised, "What are you doing out here?"
Souta walked over to the both of them and paused when he saw the half demon. "Are you Inuyasha?" he asked hesitantly.
The half demon raised a brow, "Yea, what of it?"
The young boy's eyes widened in amazement, "Is it true what Kaede said? Did you really take down that centipede demon in one strike?" he asked anxiously.
Inuyasha smirked with pride, "Sure did, kid. Tore that demon to pieces"
Souta looked at Inuyasha in wonderment, "Wow."
Kagome couldn't help but sake her head, 'Boys,' she wondered if she'd ever understand them. "Is that what you came all the way out here to say?"
Souta shook his head, suddenly remembering why he sought out his sister. "Sango's going to be arriving tonight from her Demon Slayer's village."
This made Kagome smile in excitement, "Really? Does she have business with Kikyo again?"
"Sort of," Souta answered, "Mom's been worried about all the demons that Kikyo's had to purify lately. So she thought the village could use some more protection. Sango's father thought that Sango would be the best candidate for the job."
Kagome eyes widened giddily, 'That means she'll be staying in the village for a while,' she thought thrilled.
Inuyasha was silent throughout the conversation. The minute the kid said 'demon slayer' he knew that there would be trouble. Mainly for him.
"Oh Inuyasha, you'll love Sango," Kagome said in excitement, "She's one of the strongest fighters I've ever met."
He snorted, "I ain't going."
Kagome's smile faltered completely, "What? Why not?" she asked in confusion.
"Why do you think, stupid?" Inuyasha barked at her, "She's a slayer and I'm a half demon remember. Her job is to kill people like me."
Kagome shook her head, "Sango's not like that. And don't call me stupid!"
"I can call you what I want," he argued back, "And I said I ain't going!"
Kagome couldn't believe this. He wasn't even going to give Sango a chance, "Fine! Do whatever you want, you jerk!"
Inuyasha growled at her, "What did you call me?!"
"I called you a jerk!" she repeated just as loud.
Souta watched the both of them in slight amusement. He'd seen his sister riled up many times but never like this. 'Boy, Inuyasha must mean a lot to her,' he thought to himself.
"If I'm such a jerk, then why don't you just leave!?" Inuyasha yelled at her.
"I will!" Kagome yelled back before she stormed off, "Let's go Souta."
The young boy followed his sister, knowing it was the wisest decision.
Inuyasha was stumped that she actually began leaving him, "Huh, wait a minute, stupid!"
"My name's not stupid!" she said without looking back at him. 'What's his problem?' she thought in annoyance, 'He's judging someone without knowing them. Just like what's been done to him all his life.' Kagome thought that if anyone would understand that, he would.
"Keh," Inuyasha snorted, "Fine! Leave! See if I care!"
Kagome and her brother weren't gone a full minute when Inuyasha began to miss her.
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Kagome groaned in frustration, "I mean, can you believe him," she complained to her mother and Sango, who arrived an hour ago. The women were all helping making dinner for everyone, while Kagome told them what happened with Inuyasha. "He's just so rude and stubborn sometimes."
"I can understand Inuyasha's side a little," Sango pointed out as she began to chop the vegetables for the stew. "Slayers aren't exactly half demon's best friends."
Kun-lun didn't say anything as she prepared the meat for their meal, too focused on her daughter's words and actions to give her opinion.
"Yeah, well not everyone in the world is out to get him," Kagome replied, who was helping Sango chop the vegetables.
"Well," the slayer said hesitantly, "Inuyasha's just going by what he knows from his past. In his mind, everyone 'is' out to get him...But if you really think so negatively of him, then maybe you shouldn't spend time with him," she suggested.
Kagome stopped chopping, which didn't go unnoticed by Kun-lun.
"I-I can't do that," Kagome responded in slight dismay, before she continued working.
"Why not?" Sango asked confused, "You yourself said he was rude, stubborn, and a little cruel."
"I know but," Kagome said trying to explain. She couldn't even fathom the idea of not being able to see Inuyasha anymore. It's been two seasons since he came to the village and they became good friends. She liked spending time with him and talking to him. And if Kagome was in trouble, she knew Inuyasha would be there to help her. In fact, that's why she told him about Onigumo in the first place. "He's not 'all' bad. Inuyasha's strong and courageous. And there are times when he can be really nice."
Kun-lun gave a small knowing smile, as her daughter listed all the good qualities that Inuyasha had. 'It's finally happened...My daughter has become a woman who has fallen in love.' Kun-lun chuckled lightly at the thought.
"Mama what are you laughing at?" Kagome asked confused.
"Nothing sweetheart," Kun-lun replied.
"Lady Kagome?" a small voice came from the door.
"Mika," Kagome said happy to see the little girl. It was hard to believe that this was the sick little girl that she treated so long ago, given how lively she looked now.
"Me and my friends are going to the field. Can you and Miss Sango come play with us?" Mika asked hopefully.
The young women looked towards Kun-lun for permission. "Go ahead you two," she encouraged.
With that, Kagome and Sango escorted a few children from the village to a nearby clearing.
"Let's play ball," one of the village boys suggested.
"No let's pick flowers," Mika suggested.
Kagome shook her head as the village children argued back and forth. "How about I pick flowers with Mika and the rest of you can play ball with Sango."
"Yeah," the boy and a few of the children cheered, happy that they won.
Sango snickered at all of them, "Oh you boys are going down. Right girls?" Some of the the village girls shouted 'yes' unanimously.
"Can we pick flowers too?" asked one village girl with her brother who nodded hopefully.
"Of course," Kagome answered.
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In the distance, Inuyasha stood and watched Kagome, a village woman, and a few children from a nearby tree.
He felt guilty for yelling at Kagome like he did earlier that day. Not that he would admit it out loud. Inuyasha had been so used to Kagome's presence that it felt very odd to not have her around. 'It was definitely too quiet today,' he admitted.
"Does this flower meaning anything?" a little boy asked Kagome, handing her a tiny blue flower.
"Let's see," Kagome said examining it, "This is a Buruberu. It stands for gratitude."
Ever since Kagome told the children that every flower had its own special meaning, they would try find different ones so that she could tell what they represented. Kagome smiled fondly as the children got excited of all their new findings.
"What about this one Lady Kagome?" Mika asked picking a flower and showing it to her. "What's the meaning of this one?"
Kagome looked at the red flower, "This is a red Tsubaki," she answered the little girl. Her face twitched a little thinking about the priestess Tsubaki that cursed her sister. That woman's name really didn't match this particular flower's true meaning. "The color for this flower stands for love."
Mika smiled as she ran off to pick more of the red and blue flowers that they just found. After gathering a good amount, she handed them to Kagome. "Here Lady Kagome. This is for helping me when I was sick."
Kagome smiled and accepted the flowers, "Wow, thank you Mika. They're so pretty."
Inuyasha kept a neutral face as he watched Kagome interact with the little girl. He could tell that Kagome was going to be an amazing mother one day. 'She's really good with them,' he thought frowning a little. For some reason, the thought of Kagome having children with someone stung his heart.
"Look out," Sango warned Kagome and the others picking flowers as the ball was kicked in their direction.
Kagome braced herself and waited for the impact of the ball that was aimed towards her.
But it never came.
In the last moment, Inuyasha jumped out of his tree branch and caught the ball with one hand. The young boy's eyes widened in amazement while the girls were startled by the half demons appearance.
Kagome looked up and Inuyasha and gave a look of relief that he had saved her from getting hit. "Thanks Inuyasha," she said in gratitude.
"Feh," he muttered tossing the ball back to the group, "It's not like a ball can kill ya."
Sango caught the ball that Inuyasha threw and looked at the losing team triumphantly, "Well, it looks like the girls win again."
The girls cheered while the boys started to complain about how unfair to have a grown up on their team.
Kagome looked over hopefully at Inuyasha, "Why don't you go play with them?" she suggested.
Inuyasha gave her looks as if she'd lost her mind. She may have been good with children, but he knew for a fact that he wasn't, "Keh, as if."
Kagome wanted to argue but knew it wouldn't do any good. 'He's so stubborn.' Getting up from the ground, "It's probably for the best anyway. The children need to head home for meal time."
The children groaned in disappointment before they waved good bye to Sango and Kagome.
Sango walked over to her friend and half demon, "So you're Inuyasha."
Inuyasha raised a brow at the nosey village woman and folded his arms in annoyance, "Yea, what's it to you?"
The demon slayer tossed the ball up and caught in her hands as she chuckled in amusement, "Kagome's right about you. You're very easily aggravated."
"What!?" he growled slightly at Kagome.
Kagome held one hand up in defense while the other cradled the flowers, "I meant nothing by it. And stop making him mad, Sango," she scolded her best friend.
The demon slayer tilted her head innocently.
Inuyasha's head whipped in Sango's direction, "Wait a minute! 'You're' the demon slayer?" he asked in complete disbelief.
Sango gave a mocking look at Inuyasha, "What's it to you?" she asked mimicking him.
Inuyasha didn't know how to respond to that. He didn't really know what to expect Kagome's demon slayer friend to look like. But Sango would have been the last person he picked to be a slayer. Especially since she had a demon cat hanging on her shoulder. 'I thought she was just one of the village women.' Inuyasha snorted, "Nothing. Just wasn't expecting...you."
The demon slayer shrugged, "I'll take that as somewhat of a compliment."
Kagome nodded, "That's the closest I've heard him say one."
"Feh," Inuyasha muttered as his gaze turned over to Kagome.
Sango noticed this and gave a hidden smirk, "Well, I guess I'll just take this ball back to its owner." Kilala meowed in agreement, since she sensed the longing connection between Kagome and the half demon. "I'll see you later Kagome," she said while walking away.
Leaving Inuyasha and Kagome alone.
Both of them weren't sure on what to say to the other after their argument today.
"Inuyasha, I," Kagome tried to speak.
"I just wanted to," Inuyasha said at the same time.
They both stopped and blushed lightly in embarrassment.
Inuyasha rubbed the back of his head with one hand and sighed, "Look, I'm sorry okay."
Kagome looked at him in surprise. After all this time, she'd never heard Inuyasha apologize for anything. "I'm sorry too," she told him, "For pushing you like that."
"Keh, wasn't that bad. Nothing you need to apologize for," he admitted as he folded his arms into his sleeves.
"But I was right though," Kagome said slightly happy, "I knew you and Sango would get along if you met."
Inuyasha raised a brow, "That was getting along?"
Kagome nodded, "Yes it was."
The half demon snorted before he continued speaking, "And as for the whole Onigumo thing...We'll do it your way for now."
This made Kagome smile, "Thank you, Inuyasha," she said in gratitude.
Before the half demon could respond, a noise from the bushes hit Inuyasha's sensitive ears.
Something was headed their way.
Inuyasha sniffed the air to see who it was and was confused by what he found, 'What's he doing here?'
Kagome saw his tense form and gave a look of concern, "What is it?"
Her question was answered when a small being came out of the bushes.
"Shippo?" she questioned once she identified the small fox demon.
Shippo looked at Kagome and Inuyasha as tears began to fall down his eyes. The kit ran as fast as he could and jumped into Kagome's arms.
The young woman dropped the flowers she'd been holding and caught the crying demon child in her arms. "Shippo, what's the matter?" she asked as the little kit buried his face in her chest and continued to cry.
"Papa," Shippo muttered, trying to talk thorough his excessive crying, "He's-He's dead."
Kagome's eyes widened in disbelief, "What?"
Shippo pulled back and wiped his eyes with his sleeve, "Two-two days ago...those human bandits...One of them...They killed Papa...Our friends were killed by the other bandits too," he cried out as he buried his head in Kagome's chest and continued to cry.
Kagome rubbed the demon child's head soothingly, while the feeling of horror swam in her body. Her gaze turned over to Inuyasha, who had the same look of concern on his faces. They both knew what it was like to lose a parent, and understood the pain that Shippo was going through.
Inuyasha gestured for Kagome to follow him towards his hut. She nodded in understanding, and began heading in that direction.
Kagome didn't notice how Inuyasha lulled behind her to pick something up off the ground before following her.
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After they reached Inuyasha's home, it took a few hours for Shippo to calm down.
Kagome held and rocked him as he cried. She knew he needed to grieve and didn't mind his tears getting on her yukata.
Soon afterwards, Shippo fell asleep from exhaustion.
Kagome laid him down and kissed the top his head. 'Poor Shippo. No one should lose their parents like that.'
Inuyasha sat against the wall with his legs and arms folded. "Are you okay?" he asked her, knowing that this may have brought up painful memories for her.
She nodded as she wiped a few tears that fell down her face, "It's him I'm worried about," she gestured to Shippo. "His father and friends may have been demons but they were kind...I can't believe that they're gone." Kagome sighed heavily as another thought crossed her mind, "Shippo doesn't have anywhere to go. And he's too young to be on his own...I wish my sister would allow him to stay but," she didn't finish. Sometimes Kagome hated prejudice Kikyo being so prejudice
Inuyasha already came up with a solution. "Shippo can stay with me," he assured her, not wanting the young kit to be on his own either. 'I know what being alone is like...I don't want that for the kid.'
Kagome looked over to Inuyasha in appreciation and gave a grateful smile. The smile quickly faltered as her mind began to be plagued by a thought that's been nagging at her since Shippo mentioned human bandits.
"What is it?" Inuyasha asked, noticing Kagome was contemplating something.
"Shippo said his father was killed two days ago," she began, "And yesterday night, Kikyo found Onigumo...I'm just wondering if."
Inuyasha caught on to what she was thinking, "You think he had something to do with Shippo's old man."
Kagome shrugged, "The only way to know is to ask either Onigumo or Shippo. But I don't want to put Shippo through that if Onigumo really is his father's killer."
"Keh, give me five minutes with that bastard bandit and I'll get the truth out of him," Inuyasha suggested.
"I'm sure Onigumo would only just provoke you to the point where you'll kill him. Which I'm sure he wants," Kagome pointed out, knowing how much the bandit yearned for his death...among other unpleasant things. Kagome ran her hands through her hair in frustration. "And we might be wrong about this anyway...Right now, all I want to do is help Shippo," she said the last part while looking at the slumbering fox.
Inuyasha scooted closer to Kagome, keeping his arms folded, "You're already doing a lot for him just by being his friend."
Kagome gave a small smile as she leaned over and rested her head on Inuyasha's shoulder. The emotional stress slowly surrounding her.
The half demon blushed lightly at the close contact, but didn't complain about it. Inuyasha wouldn't dare admit that he liked little touches of affection that Kagome began to show lately.
Needing a distraction, Inuyasha pulled his arms out of his sleeves and showed the flowers that Kagome dropped earlier. "Here," he said handing them to her.
Kagome lifted her head up, surprised by the gesture. "Th-thank you," she said lightly blushing as she accepted the flowers. No man had ever given her flowers before. Although they were originally from Mika, 'He went through the trouble of bringing them back to me,' Kagome thought flattered as she laid her head back on his shoulder.
Neither of them knew how long they sat there, but it was starting to get dark. Kagome sighed in disappointment that she had to go. 'Mama and Sango are expecting me back, but,' she lifted her head up to look over at Shippo.
"You have to go, don't you?" Inuyasha guessed what Kagome was thinking. She nodded yes, but he could see her inner struggle. "Go ahead. I've got him," he promised her.
Kagome gave another grateful smile and gripped Inuyasha's hand in appreciation. "You're just a big softy underneath that tough guy act, aren't you?"
Fully blushing, Inuyasha pulled his hand back turned his face away before snorted, "Keh, you wish."
Giving a small chuckle, Kagome got up, took one last look at Shippo, and then began her journey home. Dreading about telling her mother and brother the news.
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It's been several months since Onigumo came into Kikyo and Kagome's care, and Shippo moving in with Inuyasha.
Winter was finally here and snow began to cover the ground.
Still, Kagome made the mile journey to visit Inuyasha and Shippo as often as she could.
Today was no different.
But this time, Kagome had company on her journey.
"Are you going to tell me what this is about?" Kagome asked Kikyo, whose face remained neutral.
"I told you, I'll tell you both at the same time. I don't want to repeat myself," replied Kikyo.
Her sister nodded as they both continued walking in the fresh fallen snow.
Kagome hesitantly glanced over at her sister and sighed.
Her sister has changed ever since Onigumo came into their lives, 'No...It was because of the Jewel,' Kagome corrected herself.
The Shikon no Tama was still continuously being pursued by both demon and humans alike.
Kikyo had fought every single one of them and rarely excepted Sango's aid in helping her. She performed her priestess duties without any vocal complaint but has become less emotional in doing so.
This made Kikyo's family worried.
Little by little, the family witnessed their beloved Kikyo's true self began to wither away.
"Kikyo," Kagome spoke hesitantly, "You know you can talk to me about anything right?"
The priestess made no move to answer.
She couldn't
Kikyo can't speak about her inner struggles to anyone.
Including her sister.
It had been less than a year since she was entrusted with the Shikon no Tama.
And she was tired.
This task was a burden. One Kikyo thought she could bare, but quickly learned that she had been wrong.
Kagome had been right.
Kikyo did want all the things a normal woman was supposed to have. A man to love and a family of her own.
Her mother made that fact even more clear when she told her about Kagome's feelings.
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Kikyo looked at her mother in disbelief as they carried their food they purchased back to their hut. "How can you be sure?"
Kun-lun gave a knowing smile, "A mother knows her children. Whether if they feel troubled," there was a small hint in her voice that she was referring to Kikyo, "Or when they're happy."
Kikyo was still unconvinced, "You said yourself that Kagome hasn't even voiced her real feelings yet."
"That's because she isn't aware of them herself," Kun-lun explained, "But sweetheart, I know love when I see it. The way Kagome speaks of Inuyasha and how she behaves after visiting him."
"Behaves?" Kikyo asked confused.
Kun-lun nodded, "The day dreaming, the loss of appetite, the way her face lights up whenever Inuyasha is mentioned. It's only a matter of time before Kagome realizes she's in love."
The priestess gave a small look of concern, "And Inuyasha? What of his feelings?"
Again, Kun-lun gave a knowing smile, "How can anyone not love our Kagome?"
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Kikyo kept her neutral mood at the thought. She tossed and turned in bed that night trying to figure out what to do.
If it was true and Kagome was in love with Inuyasha, then her sister's life would be miserable.
A half demon has no place in this world. And anyone associated with them would have an unhappy life.
"Kikyo?" Kagome asked again, wanting her sister to answer.
The priestess gave a small smile, "I know, sister," she replied, finally answering Kagome's question.
The two young women walked until they found Inuyasha's hut.
Inuyasha and Shippo were both outside in the snow. From the looks of it, Inuyasha was teaching Shippo some fighting moves.
Kagome smiled at the sight, 'I'm glad they're both getting along.'
Kikyo wasn't as thrilled.
Smelling and hearing the two women, Inuyasha and Shippo made their way towards them.
"Kagome," Shippo cheered as he jumped on top of her shoulder, "Did you see me? Did you?"
She chuckled, "Yes I did. You're getting so strong Shippo, thanks to Inuyasha."
"Keh," Inuyasha muttered.
Kikyo was getting impatient and went ahead said why she came here, "I need your help, Inuyasha."
All eyes went to Kikyo in shock.
"With what?" Inuyasha asked suspiciously.
"I've been asked to purify a demon that came from the continent," Kikyo explained, "However, even for me and the demon slayer, we are no match for it. But if I had your assistance Inuyasha, I believe the purification will be successful."
Kagome looked over at Inuyasha. The half demon looked back at her asking with his gaze if this was a good idea. Kagome thought it over and nodded in agreement.
Inuyasha turned his eyes back to Kikyo and nodded, "Alright."
Kikyo gave a satisfied nod, "Then let us be off."
"You're going now?" Kagome asked surprised. 'Why so suddenly?'
"Is there a problem, sister?" Kikyo mildly challenged. A few moments later Kagome shook her head no. "Then Inuyasha and I shall go. And you and Kaede will look in on Onigumo."
The moment the bandits named left her lips, Inuyasha growled in irritation.
Kagome gave him a warning glance, before nodding to her sister in understanding.
Kikyo began walking away, wanting to leave for their destination quickly.
Inuyasha lingered behind to speak with Kagome.
"Please look out for her," Kagome pleaded with him.
Inuyasha nodded, 'She didn't even have to ask,' he thought to himself. "Keh, you don't worry about us. Just make sure that bandit keeps his trap shut."
"Don't worry, Inuyasha. I'll protect Kagome while you're gone," Shippo swore, hitting his closed fist to his chest to show how strong he'd become.
The half demon smirked, "Good. She needs it."
"Hey," Kagome protested, "I don't get in trouble all the time."
"Only because I'm there to bail you out," Inuyasha pointed out.
Kagome gave a growl in frustration but couldn't think of a good come back. 'He has been there for me all this time.'
Shippo snickered at their bickering.
While Kikyo watched them intently.
"We'll be back before you know it, stupid," Inuyasha said while walking away. He didn't say it menacingly and wasn't trying to hurt her feelings like he had in the past. Instead it was his way of telling her, 'I'll come back.'
Kagome gave a small smile, "You better, jerk," she replied, also in a non-angry way. It was her own way of saying, 'Please be careful.'
As Inuyasha and Kikyo began their journey, a demon spider slid down on his web and watched the scene with interest.
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Later that day, as promised, Kagome and Kaede went to tend Onigumo.
Shippo stood watch outside just in case anyone from the village or a demon found the cave.
Onigumo voiced his obvious disappointment that Kikyo was gone.
After Kagome fed the bandit, she and Kaede went through the process of tending to his injuries.
"My...lady," Onigumo muttered, having trouble speaking.
"Her name is Kagome," Kaede cautioned him. Not liking the way the bandit spoke to his sister.
Kagome turned to the bandit, "Are you still in pain?"
"No more...than usual," he mildly assured. It was a few more moments until he spoke again, "I have heard...That Lady Kikyo...possesses...The Shikon...Jewel."
Both girls immediately paused in their work. Kagome cursed under breath. She should have known that a bandit like him had heard of the Jewel. "What do you know about it?" Kagome asked him firmly.
Onigumo gave what resembled a maniacal chuckle, "All who are...wicked...know of it...And peruse it."
"Does that include you?" Kaede asked him.
"Yes," he admitted, "In my...understanding...The more evil...the Jewel absorbs...the more...beautiful it becomes."
Kagome didn't like the bandit knowing this. Not many people had that much knowledge about the Jewel. It was unlikely for a low life bandit to have such specific information. 'What does that mean?' Kagome wondered.
Kaede began to pack their healing supplies, "Our sister has the Jewel under control. It won't be corrupted."
"Kaede," Kagome silenced her sister, "Don't encourage him."
Onigumo chuckled darkly, "Kikyo is...self-riotous...For once...I would love...to see her...apprehensive and frightened...That would...please me...greatly."
Having heard enough, Kagome gathered their supplies and grabbed a hold of Kaede's arm. "We're leaving," she told the bandit harshly.
Kagome stormed out of the cave with Kaede in tow. Onigumo chuckled as they fled from him.
In the darkness of the cave, the red eyes of the demon spider glowed.
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Shippo quickly caught up to the girls after they left the cave, "Are you alright, Kagome?" he asked, sensing her distress.
The young woman stopped to let her sister go and looked down to her. "Kaede, has Onigumo spoke like this before?" she asked curiously.
Kaede hesitated to answer, "Only when sister Kikyo is not around."
Kagome turned to the cave and looked at it cautiously. "We have to tell Kikyo and Inuyasha what happened," she told the children, "Onigumo may be more dangerous than we thought."
It looks like Onigumo and a plotting spider are showing their true colors. What will this mean for Inuyasha and Kagome? I mean I know what it means, but what do you guys think? Next time: Kagome gets upset (shocker). Inuyasha gets confused (big shocker). A familiar charter emerges (also shocking). And a villain is born (...still shocked).
Till Then My Readers