Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or his characters, and have no right to it except as a long time fan.
Soul Cleansing
Chapter Two: Leaving
Kagome jerked awake suddenly as she was nudged in the back with a foot, Inuyasha's voice yelling at her to get up and stop being lazy. She groaned and hugged Shippo to her as she opened her eyes. She hadn't forgotten her understanding of the night before or her talk with Sesshomaru, and this wakeup call was proof against why she shouldn't love Inuyasha. Who would love someone who was inconsiderate enough not to treat them like a person and wake them with a shake of their hand instead of nudging them with their foot like they were an animal?
"I'm awake." She said with a sigh before looking down as Shippo yawned. She decided in that moment to tell her kit her situation. "Will you come with me this morning? I need to talk to you." She whispered for his ears alone.
Shippo nodded, easily agreeing, sensing that she had something serious to say to him.
That being done Kagome began to gather her things together for her morning ritual. Once she had everything they headed to the nearby hot spring.
They settled down and Kagome began to tell Shippo about her thoughts from the night as well as her conversation with the Inu demon lord. Unlike the others in their group she knew that even though he was a child his youkai heritage allowed him a higher level of maturity. She knew that he could understand situations that a human child would not, and so she talked to him like an adult as she confided her situation to him.
Shippo was very surprised that his mother figure had been talking to Lord Sesshomaru and Inuyasha didn't know and said as much to her.
"He wasn't there when I woke up and judging by how low the fire was he hadn't been there in some time. Besides, Sesshomaru said that he had masked his presence." Kagome explained as she got dressed in a pair of blue jeans, a t-shirt, and a hooded gray pullover sweater.
She was very much done traipsing all over feudal Japan in her school uniform. She knew that anything she wore would make her stand out, but her uniform had made it ten times worse. She wasn't oblivious to the looks she got or deaf to the comments made about her. She didn't enjoy being called a loose woman or a whore, but Inuyasha had seemed to like it after a while and she had wanted to look good for him.
No more. She was done trying to please him even though a part of her still wanted to. She knew that if she covered up she would be seen as respectable as well as have less scars. She would have to make due with her modern clothes since she didn't have money in this time. She was sure she could find some miko garb to wear but she didn't want to. She didn't want to look like Kikyou any more than she already did. Even a different color wouldn't satisfy her.
"Shippo I need you to do me a favor. Will you stop me when it seems like I'm trying to defend Inuyasha when there is no need for me to?" Kagome asked and he instantly agreed to do so.
Now that her situation had been explained to her kit Kagome finished getting ready then they headed back to camp where she promptly refused to cook breakfast for the shard hunting group. Instead she placed cups of instant ramen out and stated that they could eat those if they didn't want to cook for themselves because she wasn't hungry and didn't feel like cooking.
Kagome decided to use the opportunity to see how they would react. She had been making breakfast, as well as lunch and dinner, for them for the last two years and never once did any of them offer to make it. They would help from time to time, little things at that, but that was as far as they were seemingly willing to go.
So she calmly sat down against a tree with her quiver of arrows on her back and her bow next to her with her backpack while Shippo sat in her lap, taking his duty to keep her from defending Inuyasha seriously. He quietly assured her that he was not hungry yet especially since he felt there was more to her refusal to prepare breakfast.
Sango and Miroku gave her odd looks but shrugged their shoulders and began heating water. Inuyasha on the other hand complained- loudly. He yelled that she was being lazy and ungrateful and that the least she could do for all the times he saved her life was make him breakfast.
Kagome ignored him but was sure to take in everyone's response. Inuyasha's was straight forward. He felt he was entitled to her cooking for him simply because he protected her. He treated it like payment for his services. There was no sign of affection. No sign that he enjoyed her cooking, nor that he appreciated that she did so for him. And it pained her that even with this show of how he felt she still felt love for him. Part of her mind easily came up with an excuse for his temper. He hadn't gotten enough sleep or perhaps he enjoyed her cooking that much. While the other part of her mind cringed in shame that she felt affection for someone who would speak to her in such a demeaning way.
Sango and Miroku's response was a bit harder to gage. Did the fact that they didn't complain and were going to eat the ramen mean that they simply wanted to leave sooner or did it mean that they were lazy and didn't want to make themselves anything to eat? She couldn't tell which it was and she didn't like that. Did her two human friends feel as Inuyasha did? Is that why they never cooked? Did they too feel they shouldn't have to with all the fighting and protecting they did?
Kagome was saved from further speculation by the feel of a tingling tugging feeling in her stomach. She frowned as she concentrated on it, never having felt such a thing before. If she had to describe the impression she got from it she would say that it felt like someone was calling her, and just like that she abruptly realized that that was exactly what was happening. She also became aware of who was calling her as the feeling she was getting from the tugging sensation was familiar.
She stood up picking up her bow as Shippo migrated to her shoulder at the movement and announced that she and Shippo were going for a short walk. She calmly walked off, ignoring Inuyasha's threats to not take long or he was coming after her, and allowed the call to guide her. It wasn't long before she spotted the demon lord and the reason her little kit was trembling on her shoulder. She was proud that even though he was scared he didn't try to hide.
"Good morning my Lord." She greeted politely as she came to a stop in front of him. Her heart greeted him in its own way by pounding hard against her chest a few times, upsetting her breathing and bringing a light blush to her face at the knowledge that the demon lord wouldn't have missed her reaction to his presence.
Sesshomaru nodded slightly in reply to her but she didn't mind. She understood that he wasn't much of a talker and that nodding was his way of greeting her. She knew enough about him to know that if he felt someone wasn't worth his time he simply wouldn't look at them or acknowledge that they had spoken.
"So this morning I was awakened by a foot to my back." Kagome began conversationally, deciding to give him a sort of progress report on her attempt to gain the proof she had mentioned the night before. She knew that if he didn't want to hear it he would let her know quickly and bluntly.
"I'm sure you know who was responsible. I've informed Shippo here of my thoughts and our conversation last night, and I've asked him to stop me from needlessly jumping to Inuyasha's defense. That should keep me a bit safer and allow me to see how the group reacts when they see me standing idly by and not defending him." She continued softly, her eyes idly tracing the navy blue crescent moon on his brow.
"After that I refused to make breakfast and Inuyasha complained of course. Did you know cooking for him was the least I could do for all the times he saved my life?" She asked sarcastically. "Sango and Miroku gave me odd looks but I couldn't tell if they had a problem with it or not." She finished as she gazed into his golden eyes.
"Hn." Was the only reply Sesshomaru gave to let them know he had been listening to her.
"Is it possible for someone as young as Shippo to learn how to hide his scent and aura?" Kagome asked after a few moments of silence.
"It is possible for anyone of power to do so. Age is only a factor in determining if they have the needed discipline to master the skill." Sesshomaru said, his quiet baritone voice rumbling lightly in her ears causing her to shiver slightly.
"Well if it's not too much trouble could you teach us?" She asked. "If I end up leaving the group I don't want Inuyasha to find us." She explained to his lifted eyebrow.
Kagome watched as his eyes flicked from her to Shippo and back again. She was surprised at herself for asking him such a thing, but she couldn't help it. She had no one else to ask and he seemed more approachable to her after their night time conversation. She hoped he would agree even though she had no idea how or when such lessons would take place.
"I will instruct the both of you." The demon lord decided. "Come. The half-breed is wondering what is taking you so long." He said as he began to lead them back in the direction they came from.
Halfway back their escort came to a halt and ushered them to go on, stating that if he went any further Inuyasha would see him. Kagome smiled and thanked him and watched for a moment as he began to walk away before turning back to their path. Shippo whispered to her that they wouldn't have to worry about Inuyasha knowing who they had been with because he hadn't been able to sense or smell the Inu lord even being right in front of him.
As she took in Shippo's words she thought of something that had most likely escaped him. Sesshomaru had called her to him but he didn't have anything to say. She had done all the talking but he had clearly been listening to her. What did that mean? She was hesitant to think that he had only wanted to see her and nothing more. How could she not be? He was the human hating demon lord of the west. To think he had only wanted to see her, perhaps hear her voice, was presumptuous in the extreme.
But what else could it have been? He couldn't have simply wanted to greet her because he was in the area. And what about his decision to help her and Shippo learn to hide themselves? He had to have a reason for agreeing to do such a thing. She didn't think it was just out of the kindness of his heart. She didn't know him very well but she knew he wouldn't do something like that for someone he barely knew.
They arrived back at camp just as the last of the groups belongings were packed, and soon they were leaving with Inuyasha rushing them as usual. Kagome didn't complain but all the same she didn't understand it. She didn't sense any jewel shards and as far as she knew they didn't have a destination in mind, so why were they rushing? What good would it do them? What if they came across a shard-enhanced demon and they were too tired to fight it properly? Nothing but injuries and possibly loss of life could result from it. How could he be so reckless?
A few hours later found the shard hunting group resting in a small clearing not far from the road they had been traveling on. Kagome stood stretching her legs trying to prevent the cramp that was trying to seize one of her legs as Shippo rested on her left shoulder. He had told her that as long as Inuyasha was around he was sticking close to her, and sitting on her shoulder was as close as he could get.
Suddenly Kagome's head snapped up as she sensed a pair of jewel shards. They were approaching their location fast and that told her exactly who was coming, but before she could open her mouth to give a warning a small twister sped into their camp kicking up dirt and dust.
Kagome closed her eyes to prevent dirt from blinding her but they quickly snapped back open at the feel of rough clawed hands gripping her own. There in front of her in her personal space stood the wolf prince Kouga. He immediately began to spout his usual 'how's my woman?' comment, and she did her best to greet him politely while trying to extract her hands.
Things quickly went downhill from there as Inuyasha began to yell and pull Kouga away from her. It was no surprise to anyone when a fight broke out between the loud pair. One arguing that Kagome was his while the other defended that she belonged to him.
Kagome was concerned. She didn't think Kouga would hurt Inuyasha but she was still worried for him. She didn't want him to be hurt in any way. She needed to stop them before any violence happened. She took a step forward to rush to them only to be frozen at her little kits words.
"No! There's no reason to defend him. He's not going to be killed." Shippo whispered in her ear not at all surprised that he would have to stop her in this situation.
"Thanks Shippo." Kagome said as she moved to stand near a tree and watched the scene play out, disturbed that everything but protecting Inuyasha had flown from her mind. She hadn't remembered her thoughts from the night before, hadn't remembered her conversation with Sesshomaru, and hadn't even remembered that Shippo was to stop her from rushing off to needlessly defend Inuyasha. All she had thought about was defending Inuyasha and making sure no harm came to him. Now that she thought about it that happened all the other times as well. She had simply thought that she had been so worried for him that nothing else mattered.
Turns out that wasn't the case, and she did not like that one bit.
As she watched her supposed two friends fighting over her she couldn't understand it. She couldn't understand why Inuyasha cared if Kouga wanted her since it seemed he didn't want her himself. He was being extremely possessive and that was not good. It showed that he was controlling and she already knew he had a temper, both of which could lead to domestic violence.
How had she not seen this before? Why was he being so possessive of her anyway? Was this apart of being a half dog demon or was this just his personality? Part of her liked it and thought it showed how much he cared, that he didn't want to lose her, but the other part of her was seriously concerned and saw it as dangerous behavior.
"What the fuck wench?!" Inuyasha said loudly once Kouga had taken his leave as he walked toward Kagome.
Kagome narrowed her eyes, bristling at the way he spoke to her. She was very tired of listening to his coarse language and irritated that a part of her simply thought it was because he had not learned to speak any other way growing up.
"Why didn't ya tell'm to back the fuck off?! Do you actually want that shithead? Is that why you never push him away?" Inuyasha asked angrily as he stood in front of her.
"Inuyasha, I'm only being nice to him like I am with everyone else." Kagome said with a sigh. "Just like I always am with you." She pointed out reasonably but she noticed his expression darkening as his anger apparently grew. "Do you want me to stop being polite to people, to stop being nice to everyone, including you?" She asked sarcastically.
It happened so fast she had no time to avoid it. The only warning she got was the feel of Shippo's little claws digging into her skin through her sweater and shirt and his sharp inhalation.
Inuyasha's heavy clawed hand connected hard with the side of her face leaving claw marks on her left cheek. The force of the slap was such that she was forced to turn her entire body in fear that if she didn't her neck would snap!
Kagome stood in shock, her body half turned, her head facing away from everyone as she stared blankly at a bush. That had come out of nowhere. She had never been hit by someone she cared about, and who cared about her in return.
She slowly turned back to look at Inuyasha through her blank eyes and saw him staring at his hand in horror, but she knew that it was not because he had hit her rather because his claws had wounded her. Her eyes shifted to her other companions. As shocked as she was it was still not lost on her that Miroku and Sango had done nothing. They looked surprised and shocked, but they were not yelling at Inuyasha for his actions. She understood that men hitting women was common in that time, at least among humans as far as she knew, but they had to remember that she wasn't from their time and would not put up with it.
"Shippo, is there a source of water nearby?" Kagome asked quietly.
"Yes." The little kit answered just as quietly and pointed the way.
Kagome nodded slightly and began to walk in the direction he indicated, well aware that they were not being followed by the rest of the group.
When they reached what she realized was a stream she knelt in the grass, allowing Shippo to hop off her shoulder as she slipped her backpack off. She placed her bow on the grass next to her and moved to look into the water. Her reflection stared back at her and she clearly saw bleeding claw marks. She grimaced at the sting they produced from her facial expressions.
He didn't mean it. He was just frustrated because I never tell Kouga to stop touching my hands and calling me his woman. It's jealousy. He doesn't like other guys giving me attention. It's like when he hits Shippo. He's just showing his affection the only way he knows how. She thought quietly as she gazed at the marks.
No! No it's not right! The thought floated through her mind urgently following the last. That is not how you show affection. It's dangerous!
"This is proof." Kagome stated to Shippo quietly. "This shows that I'm right about my theory of why I love Inuyasha regardless of what he puts me through."
"I don't understand." Shippo said with a confused frown as he looked up at her.
"Even now Shippo, even after what he did, at this moment a part of my mind is making up excuses for why he hit me and wanting to forgive him for it." She explained.
Shippo looked at her in horror. He could not believe that she was thinking of forgiving Inuyasha for hitting her for no reason, and when the idiot most likely had not even wasted a thought on apologizing.
Probably thinking that he didn't have to since he was so used to Kagome forgiving him no matter what he did. He thought as he began to understand more of the situation she had explained to him.
Kagome nodded sadly at his horrified look and moved to dig out her first aid kit. She took out a cloth and settled back next to the stream. She dipped it into the cool water and began to try and clean her wound. As she cautiously dabbed at it she heard Shippo gasp. She looked away from her reflection to see him staring across the stream, and following his gaze she found herself admiring the regal figure of Sesshomaru as he stood there staring at her.
~o~o~o~o~
On his way back to his camp Sesshomaru thought about his encounter with his little miko and her kit and the information she had left him with. He was pleased that she had done as she said she would and was already starting to look for proof to prove her compulsion to regard the half-breed with affection no matter what he did as well as acting a certain way around him, and that she was taking steps to try and curtail any unusual behavior that would put her in danger.
He wanted to say he couldn't believe the whelp's behavior but that would be a lie. As uncouth as the half-breed was he did not expect anything less. Still…he himself would never behave in such a manner. Even if he did not like the being traveling with him. It showed a marked lack of breeding to display ones emotions in such a way. Of course with the whelp it could simply be a display of laziness. Perhaps he simply had not wished to take the extra effort to bend over or kneel down and give her a shake. If that was the case then it only made his actions worse. If the half-breed was that lazy he could have asked one of his human pack mates to wake the miko.
Sesshomaru was not surprised that Kagome had told the kit what she knew of her situation. Not if the kit was anything like his Rin, mature for his age. He was the only being in that pack whom she could trust to stop her from putting herself in danger needlessly for the half-breed. He would easily be able to pick up on behavior that would lead her to reckless actions. He also understood that the kit would need to know what was happening for another reason. He was her child after all and when she left the half-breeds pack he would be going with her, and it would be easier if he understood the reason why.
Moving on from there he considered the results of her refusal to cook for the pack. Normally the alpha female would cook and her pack mates would assist. It seemed that in the half-breeds pack Kagome was not getting any help or respect. They expected her to cook no matter the situation or how she was feeling. All because either they were used to it or expected it as payment for protection.
Sesshomaru sighed internally. His half-brother was a sorry excuse for an alpha, and in fact didn't even deserve to have a pack with how he treated them. It was an alphas duty to protect and care for every member of their pack without complaint. Then there was his human pack mates. They were supposed to be helpful in all situations not just the ones they choose.
It is surprising that she asked me for lessons in concealment. He considered as he came ever closer to his camp. I would have thought she would have thought I would not do such. Perhaps after our talk last night she felt comfortable trying.
Regardless of why she felt she could he was pleased that she had. It was something both she and the kit needed to learn and it would give them time together so he could begin to court her. As for the kit, their earlier meeting and the fact that he did not immediately run from his presence even with the miko there and with what she had already told him bode well since they would have to spend time together for the lessons. Another reason it was a good thing was because they would eventually be joining his pack and he would not have the kit afraid of him, especially since he planned to take the miko as his mate, which would make the kit his child.
With that in mind now was the time to start making plans. He needed to consider how and when he would train them to hide their aura and scent as well as if there were any alternatives for them to employ until they mastered the ability. The how was easy enough for him. However, the when was another matter entirely. He would have to find a way to get her as well as the kit away from their pack long enough for their lessons without causing his little miko problems and not letting Inuyasha find out.
For now he would put the matter aside. He would think of a solution or one would reveal itself in time. Now he would begin to consider all that he would teach his future mate. She would need lessons in many things. He needed to first and foremost help her learn how to use her spiritual powers as best he could, teach her how to fight using her hands and feet, and how to use a weapon besides her bow and arrows. He was naturally disposed to using swords but he knew that not everyone was comfortable with one and he thought his miko might not be. Still, he would not rule it out without speaking to her.
Sesshomaru arrived back at his camp just as Rin was finishing her breakfast, and was welcomed with her cheerful greeting and Jaken's annoying screeching which he quickly silenced with a look. Once Jaken had packed up what was left out in the saddle bags on Ah-Un they began walking, leisurely following the half-breeds pack, not that his own pack knew that. They followed where he led and that was that.
The taciturn demon lord detoured slightly from his path after a few hours so that they would pass a couple of berry bushes and Rin could partake in those as they walked so they would not have to stop. She did so and he noticed with amusement that the berries stained her tongue and lips a red that resembled blood.
As they reached a clearing filled with wild flowers, much to Rin's great joy, Sesshomaru delicately sniffed the air, and halted his steps at the scent of his little miko's blood. His golden eyes narrowed, he smelt no one outside of their pack except the young wolf prince, and his sense of smell was so great that he could tell that the wolfs scent was already in the beginning stages of fading. The scent of her blood was small but fresh to the point where it hadn't begun to enter the stages of fading, which told him that only members of the pack were there when the blood was spilt.
He told his pack that they would be stopping for a break, and then he calmly continued walking pass the tree line. When he was far enough that they could not see him he took off at a run. The fact that he could smell her blood at a distance worried him, even if it was a small wound. He needed to see her for himself to know that she was fine. Because he did not like the thoughts that were creeping into his mind.
Sesshomaru sniffed the air again as he ran, filtering the scents, and smelled fresh water along with his miko and the kit she had taken in. He slowed to a walk as he neared the source of water and soon his gold eyes were lighting on his female as he broke through the trees on the other side of the stream.
His beast nearly broke through his control at the sight of bleeding claw marks on her face. From the lingering scent mixed with her blood both he and his beast knew that the half-breed was responsible.
The demon lord's eyes narrowed as his beast called for him to finally put an end to the half-breed and his dishonorable behavior. To gut him and scatter his entrails across the western lands as a warning to others.
He ignored his beast as he gazed at the woman he hoped would soon he his mate, but he knew that his beast had a point. It was beyond the pale to strike a female, a human female at that, unless they were attacking you with deadly intent.
He would have to do something about the half-breed.
~o~o~o~o~
Kagome watched the demon lord leap gracefully over the water and kneel in front of her as she turned in his direction.
Sesshomaru brought up a hand and gently lifted her face to better see her wounds.
"Hn, explain." His quiet voice rumbled out his demand.
Kagome took a breath and explained the encounter with Kouga as well as what happened afterward, and when she got to the part about her neck she watched his eyes narrow and felt his hand move to gently feel her throat. However, even gentle movements were painful and she tried to flinch away as she unconsciously whimpered.
"I need to see if there is any damage done that we cannot see." He explained as his beast raged at their female being forced to make such a sound, and watched as she stiffened her back and held still as best she could.
"The muscles are likely bruised and if that is the case your pain will become worse as time passes." He informed her when he finished his examination.
Sesshomaru then surprised her by taking hold of her chin, leaning forward, and licking her wounds. Saying she was shocked would be an understatement, but no matter how shocked and surprised she was she didn't pull away. The stinging pain began to fade and she was able to fully focus on the feel of his hot tongue on her skin. It was incredible. She definitely liked it and her body responded, letting her and the demon lord in front of her know so there were no doubts.
Kagome blushed as she remembered that he could probably smell how much she liked it. Even so, she forced herself to look him in the eye when he was done. It wasn't as if she could help how her body responded.
She saw his nostrils flare followed by a glint in his eyes and she blushed even more before focusing back on her wound or at least what had been her wound.
"The pain is completely gone!" She exclaimed and was surprised when she felt her cheek and realized the claw marks were gone.
"My saliva has healing propertied." Sesshomaru informed her as he watched her touching her face. "Will you return to the half-breed?" He questioned as he took in her scent, hoping to find her answer before she voiced it.
"I don't want to." Kagome said with a sigh and looked up, her face clearly worried. "He actually hit me! That was bad enough but even now a part of me is making excuses for him and wanting to forgive him. Not to mention Sango and Miroku didn't even react to what he did." She said.
"But where would I go?" She continued. "I'll never make it on my own back to Edo, and that's really where I want to go as quickly as possible. After this incident I really need to talk to Keade and see if she has an idea of what to do about cleansing my soul, as well as if there is a way to seal the well against Inuyasha." She explained with a frown. She really did not want him around her family after what he did to her.
"I also want to speak to my grandfather as soon as possible, and if you're right about my neck I'll need to see a doctor, a healer in my time, to see what they can do about it." She finished.
"I will take you to Edo." Sesshomaru stated quietly. "From now on you can travel with me. If you go back to the half-breed now he will smell me on you from healing your wound. That will make things worse for you."
"Can Shippo come as well?" She asked anxiously. As long as she could keep Shippo with her she would have no problem going with him. After all when she first came to this time she had immediately started traveling with Inuyasha without knowing him. Now with Sesshomaru she at least knew enough about him to feel comfortable traveling with him.
"Yes. I am aware that the kit goes where you go, and I am sure Rin will enjoy his company." He confirmed.
With that assurance Kagome quickly packed her first aid kit, slipped on her backpack, grabbed her bow and Shippo, than turned to the waiting demon lord.
Sesshomaru stepped close to his little miko and wrapped his arms around her, leaving Shippo between them, and used his orb form to take them just outside the village in Edo. He was pleased to see that both miko and kit were properly dazed and impressed.
"I will wait for you here." He said as he stepped away from the pair, not wanting to deal with the smells of the village or hear the whispers about his presence.
Kagome nodded and with that she and Shippo made their way to Keade's hut. They found her inside and entered to her welcoming greetings. Once settled Kagome sighed wearily and looked to the woman she thought of as a grandmother.
"What ails ye child?" Keade asked as she heard the sigh and saw the tired set of her shoulders.
"First, I wanted to ask if there is a way to seal the well against Inuyasha." She stated firmly to show just how serious she was. "After a visit from Kouga Inuyasha was angry. He accused me of wanting Kouga and demanding if that was why I never push him away. I pointed out quite reasonably that I was just being nice like I am to everyone, including him, and the next thing I know I'm feeling the pain of him slapping me! It left claw marks on my cheek and it was so hard that I had feared my neck would snap if I didn't turn my head with the motion."
"Ye have no markings to mar ye skin now." Keade said, the question clear in her voice.
"Yes. That would be the work of my new traveling companion. Sesshomaru healed me and brought us here. Shippo and I will be traveling with him from now on. I know that this is probably surprising to you but there is a reason other than this latest incident with Inuyasha. Although, truthfully that is reason enough." Kagome explained.
Keade was saddened but at the same time not completely surprised. Inuyasha's behavior had always concerned her. Even when she was a little girl and her sister was still alive. Sometimes she witnessed certain behavior or things he would say to Kikyou that concerned or alarmed her. She was sure that her sister had noticed the same things because she always reacted instantly.
When he was released from the sacred tree by Kagome he had displayed the same behavior only he no longer seemed to be hiding it. She had been very grateful for the sacred beads her sister had made before she passed. She had known instantly that the young miko would need them and need them often. She had been right and although she noticed his behavior had mellowed she was not fooled. She still saw instances where he would slip, and of course the way he spoke to and treated Kagome was no secret. She was just glad that the young woman had never let her feelings for the half dog demon make her remove those beads.
And now it had come to this. Keade moved to a small wooden box she kept by her bedroll and removed a sutra she had made up shortly after Kagome had begun to travel with Inuyasha.
"I believe Inuyasha's connection to ye through the sacred beads are what allows him to travel freely through the well. This sutra will prevent the beads from going through. Since he cannot remove the beads he will not be allowed through, and if he ever did find a way to remove the beads his connection to ye would be gone, still preventing him from traversing the well." Keade explained as she handed over the sutra.
"Thank you so much Keade." Kagome thanked the elderly woman profusely, happy and grateful that she had had the sense to think of a solution when no one else had even considered it necessary.
"The second thing I wanted to ask is if there is a way to cleanse a person's soul." She said once she had calmed down, and then proceeded to explain her thoughts and feelings for Inuyasha and how Sesshomaru had suggested that it was her soul that felt for the half-demon and not her heart.
"I've come up with the theory that Kikyou made a selfish wish on the jewel before she died along the lines of wanting to be with Inuyasha in her next life." Kagome stated. "Because the wish was selfish the jewel didn't disappear, and in fact the jewel was housed in her reincarnation so that even in her next life she wouldn't be free of the jewel she had tried to free herself of in her former life." She explained.
"I honestly don't know if Kikyou actually thought to wish on the jewel or if it was simply a dying wish, but I think the jewel granted it either way because I really have no reason to feel the way I do about Inuyasha with everything he's put me through." She finished quietly.
Normally she would feel bad saying all that since Keade was Kikyou's sister, but this time she couldn't make herself feel that way. There really was no other explanation for her feelings for Inuyasha or why she continued to make excuses and forgive him all the time.
Keade understood and did not take offense. Her sister had been angry when she died but she knew that Kikyou had loved the half demon because the perceived betrayal would not have hurt as much as it did, so she knew Kagome's theory was possible especially with her behavior taken in to context.
"It is possible for ye to cleanse ye soul." Keade began. "Ye would need to purify it. However, ye would need to be in control of ye powers to do so. Ye would need to guide ye powers to where it needed to go."
Kagome was relieved to know that cleansing her soul was possible, but at the same time disheartened since she knew it would be difficult to control her powers.
"Thank you so much for all your help Keade." She said gratefully. "When you see the others could you not tell them who Shippo and I are with? Or about my situation concerning Inuyasha?" She asked. "You can tell them about the well if you want to, but if you don't want to and they can't trace the sutra back to you, if they know it's there at all, then not telling them would be even better." She added thoughtfully.
"No worries child. I shall keep ye situation and the company ye keep to myself." The elderly woman assured her. "I will wait until I hear from the others to decide about the information on the well. However, I am inclined to keep that to myself as well."
"Thank you again. I'm going to apply the sutra to the well and then head home to see my family, and get my neck looked at since the pain is already starting to get worse." Kagome said as she gathered her things.
"Good luck child. And do not be a stranger." Keade said quietly.
"I won't. I'll definitely visit. Sesshomaru should be able to tell if the others are here so we can avoid them." She assured her.
"Then farewell and take care. The both of you." Keade said.
Both she and Shippo said their goodbyes and left, quickly meeting up with the demon lord where they left him. Kagome told him about the sutra Keade had provided for her as they walked toward the well and how it was supposed to work.
When they arrived at the well she knelt down behind it and curiously tried to call up and push her powers into the well since she had always been able to sense the wells magic and had been curious about it.
Her powers gratefully responded and surprisingly so did the well. To her it felt like a curious greeting which she tried to respond to before doing her best to explain the sutra, and ask if it would work to keep Inuyasha out and if the well would allow her to use it.
The well replied that the sutra would work and that it too would work in concert with it to keep the half demon from going through its passage.
Kagome placed the sutra under the lip of the well and said a small prayer, and watched as the sutra glowed a soft blue before sinking into the wood. She smiled as she stood up and explained to Shippo and Sesshomaru that the well appeared to be sentient. It didn't so much as speak in words but through its magic, and that it said the sutra would work and it would help to reinforce it.
Sesshomaru nodded slightly to convey his understanding and waited to see what his little miko intended to do next.
"I'm going to go home now and get my neck looked at because you were right. The pain is getting worse and turning my neck is becoming painful. I also want to see if my grandfather has anything to add to what Keade said about cleansing my soul." Kagome explained before her eyes widened. "Oh! I still need to tell you what she said!"
"I'll do it Kagome." Shippo volunteered and scrunched up his courage before jumping onto the demon lord's shoulder.
Sesshomaru blinked slowly at the kit perched on his shoulder and holding on to his spiked armor, his little body trembling, before looking back to the miko.
"That is acceptable. Focus on your health and take your time with your family." He stated. "I still need to retrieve my pack and I do not want you returning only to find the half-breed waiting for you." He explained. Left unsaid was that it would also give him and the kit time to grow use to the others presence.
"I will be back in three days. We shall be waiting for you." Sesshomaru assured her. "Practice meditating. You will need that skill to help access your power at will, and not only will you need to be able to access your power in order to hide your scent and aura but I am sure you will need to in order to do what is required of you to remove the tainted wish from your soul."
"I understand. I'll be sure to practice." She assured him. "You two take care and tell Rin I can't wait to see her." She said and after receiving their assurances she jumped into the well, disappearing in a flash of blue light.
~o~o~o~o~
Kagome landed gently at the bottom of the well and automatically looked up to see the roof of the well house. She climbed out and made her way to the doors. Once the doors were open she peeked out to make sure the way was clear before exiting and walking to her house.
It was quiet inside but she continued on, first removing her backpack and shoes and heading to the kitchen since her mother seemed to always be there for one reason or another. She needed to tell her as well as the rest of her family about what was going on with her.
Kagome could now admit to herself that because of her feelings for Inuyasha she had not been telling her family what was happening on the other side of the well. She had not wanted her mother to worry any more than she already was, her grandfather was old and she had not wanted him to age any quicker, and her younger brother was just that…young.
She hadn't told them about the many times she had been injured or hurt so bad that she had not been able to travel through the well without alarming her family. She had thanked every god she could think of that she had never been injured to the point where she would have to go through the well to get medical treatment.
Not to mention they all liked Inuyasha. Her family knew how she felt about him and she hadn't wanted to ruin their good opinion of him by telling them how many times she had been hurt or kidnapped, which meant that he had failed to protect her. She also hadn't wanted to tell them how he treated her. She was aware that her mother had seen glimpses of it when he would come to retrieve her, but those were only small instances. They were puzzle pieces to a larger picture. One where he constantly insulted her, treated her rudely, demeaned her, treated her disrespectfully, and the coarse language he always used that seemed to be worse when he was speaking to her.
Kagome was also uncomfortably aware that they all probably thought she was in a relationship with him. She wasn't. That part of her that loved the dog eared boy wanted them to be together, but there was no denying the fact that they had no such understanding. Surely there were ways to show ones preference for another. She just wasn't sure how it was done in the feudal era. Then again maybe she was. Inuyasha certainly had been showing his preference for Kikyou every time he compared her to the dead woman and every time he ditched her for the woman.
She had not wanted to tell her family any of this, but now things were different. They needed to know that he would not be coming to this time anymore and why that was. She knew she could not trust him anymore and especially not with her family after he had hit her. It had been over such a small thing as expressing her opinion. If he could hit her over something like that then he could react the same way with her family, and possibly in a more violent manner depending on what was said or done. She could not risk it with them or herself.
"Hi mom." Kagome said softly as she entered the kitchen and spotted her mother sitting at the table reading a magazine.
"Kagome! Did you just get back?" Mrs. Higarashi asked as she made to stand and hug her daughter, but stopped when Kagome waved her back into her seat and sat down herself.
"Yes I did mom, and I've missed you." Kagome said warmly with a smile that almost immediately faded as she remembered what she needed to say. "We need to talk mom." She said seriously. "I've left Inuyasha, Sango, and Miroku mom. Shippo and I will be traveling with Sesshomaru from now on."
"What?!" Mrs. Higarashi said in shock. "Why? What has happened?" She demanded with a frown.
So Kagome started from the beginning with her thoughts of the previous night on until she came through the well. She also made sure to explain to her mother Inuyasha's behavior when it came to Kikyou so she could better understand.
Mrs. Higarashi sat in dismay. She had known about the circumstances between Inuyasha and Kikyou, as well as the woman's resurrection and the fact that she had a piece of her daughters soul, but she had not known that Inuyasha was leaving Kagome unprotected at night or to protect the older woman instead of her daughter when both were in danger!
She was shocked, sad, and angry. She was mostly angry at herself and Inuyasha. He had promised he would take care of her daughter and protect her, and now she was learning that he had been messing up on a massive scale and had actually now resorted to hitting her. She was very much angry with herself because she had seen the signs of his treatment of her daughter and did nothing. She knew that there was nothing she could have done. Kagome needed to go back into the past and set right what she had done, and she could not help her with that but she was still upset over it.
Not to mention she had been the one to help Kagome realize that what she had been feeling for the half demon was love, and now she was finding out that it was actually her soul- that had been influenced by a wish on that cursed jewel- that was manipulating her emotions to make her think she was in love.
Mrs. Higarashi sat in silence, thinking of all she had learned and how she felt about it. First, she decided that there was nothing she could do about it now except be more vigilant. Her daughter had removed herself from the situation with the help of a demon lord apparently. Second, she was going to take her daughter to the hospital to have her neck examined.
"Come on Kagome. Let's get you to the hospital." Mrs. Higarashi said as she got to her feet. They put their shoes on and were out to the car and on their way within minutes. "Tell me about this Sesshomaru." She said, wanting to know all she could about the demon who would now be protecting her daughter. She would not make the same mistake twice.
Kagome explained all she could even knowing some of it would be a repeat from when she first encountered the demon lord. She explained that he was Inuyasha's older half-brother, he was a full demon, took care of a little human girl, and did not like his half-brother. He was powerful and would be able to protect her, but more importantly he was willing to teach her to protect herself.
She continued to explain but said that a lot of what she knew she learned from Inuyasha and now she wasn't sure any of it could be trusted, and she also admitted that she had been biased toward Sesshomaru because of her feelings for Inuyasha. Only the things she had seen with her own eyes were trustworthy.
Upon reaching the hospital and waiting to see a doctor she was informed that she had a serious case of whiplash. She was given a neck brace to keep her neck steady and to prevent turning too suddenly as well as prescribed some mild pain relievers. The doctor cautioned that he did not want the pain to be completely gone so that she wouldn't forget about her injury and hurt herself again.
With her neck having been seen to Kagome and her mother headed back home and found her grandfather there. She immediately went to him and first asked him about meditation techniques, which he gladly offered in great detail. She then asked him if he knew any ways to help cleans her soul and after informing him of Keade's suggestion, he suggested bathing in holy water in addition to, or before, using her powers to purify her soul. He also suggested additional meditation techniques to help her focus her mind on the task.
Kagome was happy that she had gotten everything she wanted accomplished on her first day back. Since her grandfather had been able to answer all her questions and she had her neck looked at, she was able to spend her remaining time with her family and meditating. She didn't worry about speaking to her brother and grandfather about her situation since she and her mother decided she would explain what happened after she went through the well.
She also stayed at home for the most part and didn't worry about going to school. She thought learning to access her powers on command was more important than going to school at the moment, so she could learn how to use her powers and eventually free her soul as well as protect herself. Besides that, she was sure that since she would now be traveling with Sesshomaru she would be able to study and do her homework without complaint. She was positive that with him being a lord he would know and understand how important education was.
On her third day home Kagome packed her new black bag lightly, no longer needing to carry tons of ramen and not needing multiple pairs of her uniform or other short skirts. She ate a filling meal, said her goodbyes to her family, and jumped into the well.