No worries Makimashi, I am working on the next chapters already but will likely not get anything else out until Friday or Saturday. Thanks! Really hope you guys like the coming chapters!
Hopefully this chapter and the next can answer what happens to InuYasha Lina
Although it is only saved as a summary I have another story with this pairing, basically another what if but as usual it is quite different. The what if is: What if Temari did find out about Gaara's affair with Kagome and pushes them together. At this time neither InuYasha or Kikyo will be playing any major role or making a definite appearance, just the usual they abandoned her at the village to pursue Naraku by themselves. So how would things possibly play out if they became aware of the situation and who she truly is? Well I am going to start on that later, I have been working a lot on the chapters to this story and other stories so really, don't expect anything for a while. I don't want you guys becoming confused so I don't plan on putting the story up until this one is complete which it is nearing completion. Right now it looks like Chapter 12 or 13 will be the final one but these are lonnngggg… chapters so enjoy!
It was just sex: version 2
Chapter 9
Kichiro cried as his stomach protested at being empty. Barely able to get the suds off her Kagome left the shower and wrapped a towel around her as she hurried to get over to him while dripping wet. Somehow she managed to get there even before the rest of them could get down the hallway. Temari laughed and went back to whatever she had been doing while Shikamaru tried to get over the fact he keeps seeing Kagome in a towel today. Kichiro was eager to eat and had no care to the occasional drip of water that would splash on his head while Kagome basically air dried. It was a funny enough scene that Temari was tempted to find a camera until she got a glare from Kagome. There was no way she would be caught getting photographed clad in only a towel while dripping wet and breastfeeding her son. There is definitely no way she would let that happen.
When she was finally able to get ready while Temari and Shikamaru took care of Kichiro as he worked on dirtying his diaper, she once again remembered that she will have to toughen up and face the music once she steps outside that door. For now her hair was twirled up into a loose bun until she finishes getting dressed. Apparently she was taking too long since Temari insisted that she helps with her hair so they can get going and not leave Gaara waiting when he finishes work. A few short minutes later and Kagome was staring at the front door but not making a single step further.
"Kagome you are being ridiculous, now come on," Temari urged her as she walked around the stiff woman and opened the door. Tapping her foot impatiently she said, "If you don't get out this door in the next five seconds I will drag you out the door tomorrow to look at guy things for Gaara so people will really have something to talk about!"
That got her attention as she sputtered and looked at Temari incredulously. "You wouldn't…" she tried to convince herself.
"Do you really want to test that," she smirked and could see Shikamaru and Shikadai gulp before trying to communicate to Kagome that she really would.
"Uh no," she squeaked out after noticing the guys and finally took a few more steps until she was a foot outside the door. With a slam of the door she yelped and turned around as Temari looked like the cat that just cornered the mouse.
"Now then, we will do groceries last. Follow me," she called as she began walking away leaving Kagome to catch up as people stared. Her hair was done up with a few loose strands coming from the bun. Outfit was for the most part simple but Temari insisted on tying a wide sash around her midsection, an area that Kagome didn't want to draw attention to when she has loose skin there. Either way the outfit was flattering and grabbed the attention of others as Temari grabbed her hand and dragged her around the village to head to one of her favorite clothing shops.
The whispers had already begun after the slam of the door. With a rough description of who this mysterious mother of their Lord's child looks like many took notice to the matching features and the crucial fact that she just left the house with Temari. Many sets of eyes kept careful watch of the two while scrutinizing this mystery woman. Gaara was never known to really have any taste in women and relationships as he never paid attention to his admirers when he could help it. It had honestly seemed like he would forever remain a bachelor as no one could even get an idea as to what his taste is but now that they see the midnight locks of hair and startling blue eyes set on a pretty face with lightly tanned skin they had come to the realization that no one could match her looks in this village. With that being said it also didn't take long for others to crowd the areas wanting a glimpse of her and for her identity to be revealed as she was recognized. The revelation was as startling as her beauty, she had kept other suitors at a distance, never showing an ounce of interest and had been known to be a workaholic, her usual excuse as to why she couldn't go on a date for her more persistent admirers. For some this didn't bode well with them at all as it is now clear that she was seeing someone the entire time but in secrecy. The stirrings of jealousy and being rejected were felt by the admirers they'd had. Guys couldn't believe someone who works all day behind a desk and is still uncomfortable socially would be able to woo a local bombshell.
Kagome could hear it as they entered bigger crowds. Rumors were circulating all around her and she hated hearing them. Temari squeezed her hand comfortingly as she pushed forward through the crowds as they struggled to get to their destination. With a frustrated sigh Temari glared at anyone in her way while Kagome looked like a lamb among wolves as she trailed behind her shepherd. Finally though the shop building was in eyesight further down the street but it at least was something to keep her calm. "Would you all just get out of the way?! This isn't the circus people!" Temari shouted at them and finally gained a clearer path as things hushed further.
"Do you think Lord Gaara paid her to keep quiet," one whispered as they walked by.
"Maybe she is his concubine," another hoped.
"I don't see what Lord Gaara has other than good looks and being really strong," a jealous voiced shared his opinion.
"What more does he need, he is LORD Gaara and has good looks and is really strong! On top of that look at his lineage and wealth! What girl wouldn't want him," a woman chastised the guy and it made Kagome sick knowing they could care less about what truly counts. In her mind she supplied that smile, his kindness, and patience along with their months of being distant lovers.
"Thank goodness you're not like her," Temari remarked quietly after hearing the same conversations. "I personally can think of far better qualities about Gaara than what she listed."
With a subtle nod Kagome kept her mind about her as she recalled how quickly he will rise up to defend her and how stubborn he was when she just wanted to pass away into the afterlife. His loyalty and dedication were also at the top of her list as he did anything he could for her and Kichiro. 'He is also a great listener and I have always loved his voice,' she thought about them conversing and sharing her hospital bed. Gaara is truly a man worth more than gold or diamonds. "I guess when they don't really know him or haven't taken the time to do so I can see why they would think those are his best traits but really he has far more to offer than that to the point that all of those things just seem more like perks rather than anything truly important, at least to a person that isn't so shallow in thinking."
Temari looked back at her for a moment feeling happy that Kagome isn't most other admirers. "So what would those qualities be that stood out to you," she asked feeling curious.
They finally slowed to where they walked side by side as the crowd thinned out until it was behind them. "Well when I left Suna I had never thought someone would miss me the way Gaara described. I felt if I returned with Kichiro then it would be like a burden arriving with a gift. The ninja on border patrol felt very loyal to him and oddly felt loyal to me even though they only barely recognized me. The number of times I tried to get them to leave me alone to rot I can't even remember. At times I tried to pass away but either Yaoki or Gaara would force me to come back. Honestly it was hard for me to wrap my head around the fact that they were begging me to live and come back to the village. It was just so easy to give up and I could even feel that I was nearing death, I just wanted to embrace it and let go of life. Even after I met you I still had thoughts of leaving the village to finish up the loose ends, unsure if I would return if I could afterwards. With Gaara constantly being there to eat together, be company, and you could say a shoulder to learn on," she remembered the two times she literally did; "you could say he wore down my resolve. He has been steady like a sturdy tree; his attention like the sun, forcing me to embrace and feel lighter and warmer emotions. For not always having a lot to say he always knows the right thing to say," Kagome finished thinking about everything Gaara does for her without her saying a thing. "He is very thoughtful and attentive," she commented.
Temari looked over at her thoughtfully feeling appreciative of the kind words she used to describe her youngest brother, the one she still worries about the most. It had seemed like his destiny was to be in an arranged marriage that likely would have left him still lonely as his image from before has never been shed entirely. The situation may not be favorable in her eyes but it seems like they are still coming together nicely, just need a few gentle pushes to keep them doing so. Looking around at the different girls, many of them speaking about Gaara and this mystery woman, it was clear they haven't gotten to know him even though some of them are close to his age. He works hard all day and has kept the village safe, yet all of that is just a position to them which equals a safe and good life should they marry him. That won't happen if she can help it but first things first is she needs to have this outing with Kagome and get her used to Suna again and feeling accepted here. If she can do this much it will be one less hurdle for Gaara to jump over as she can tell he really wants to be with her. "You're really nice Kagome and I'm glad you're the mother to my nephew," she smiled over at the younger woman.
"Thanks Temari," she looked slightly up to return the smile. A few more steps and they crossed into the open doors at the store, her mind mostly off of her anxiety of being out in the public thanks to the distraction that Temari had given her.
"Lord Gaara," one of his nervous messengers grabbed his attention while he stood there waiting for the letter he is to deliver.
Looking up from placing his seal on it he folded the letter carefully then gave the shinobi his full attention as he supposed whatever has been eating him will finally come out. "Yes Shizu?"
Trying to not further show his unease about the things happening he asked, "What is Lady Kagome to you?" His lip trembled slightly as he fought off not saying anything further but he let it out. "I had been hoping she would accept a date from me when she denied others but then she suddenly disappears for months without a trace and when she comes back it is with your child while she is then hospitalized. You two had never been seen socializing together so how did you suddenly end up being with her all this time?"
Hearing the respectful way of addressing her he wondered what brought that on and how he knew so quickly that it is Kagome who gave birth to his son. She had only been out briefly yesterday and not many seemed to know her name among the ones there. Obviously Shizu felt slighted because someone who appeared to not even know she existed turns out to be the one she had been seeing to some extent. Deciding to answer he asked instead, "Do you know what happens when we have new residents?"
Puzzled at the new question he watched as Lord Gaara got out a key and opened up a secret file area that is usually never seen to be used. "No," he answered in returned while a thick folder was brought out.
Opening it up he revealed the actual file to Kagome, the one the council didn't know about. "After she was accepted into the village as a temporary resident by Kankuro I was given her name on a list with others on it as well. To me it is important to know who is coming into this village to ensure the safety of the people so I watch each of them myself. Kagome was different to me and I was well aware that she had other suitors but also aware that she always turned them down with the same reason, that she doesn't want a relationship because she would be leaving at any point. I met her in person through Kankuro who had befriended her and he had hoped we would be friends or more but instead we took a different avenue that led to Kichiro. I took the little I could get," he shoved the file forward after looking through the contents and seeing everything he wrote there. Shizu stepped forward understanding that his Lord wished him to see as well. "Because I had done that I also suffered when she disappeared just like she said she would. We had met secretly under the cover of night several nights a week for months and during all of that time I had never pried into her business but felt I should. Kagome, as it turns out, is a powerful priestess that still had a powerful foe out there that she battled to gain the rest of the shards to an even more powerful jewel. That was her duty and she planned to die with it. Border patrol found her after the final battle `with the enemy and brought Kichiro to me. She had still been asking for death when I arrived and it wasn't hard to see why when a former companion arrived and was going to take her away to basically die so they could have her soul. From watching afar I had known she was lonely and depressed, it was only something you could catch if you watched her once no one was around." He decided to go silent and work on a few papers while Shizu looked through the contents.
It was indescribable, the amount of information he had gathered and the length of time he had watched her making notes of what activities had changed. Lord Gaara knew far more about Kagome compared to the little he had gathered. Something about her pulled him in just like something had pulled in the rest of them as well. As he went to the newest information it was a growing pile as it is clear he still doesn't have everything figured out either but what was there shocked him. To find out a secret about Kagome that has yet to be unleashed to the public he couldn't believe this is what she has been holding in this entire time. His Lord continued to work studiously as he appeared to be trying to get through the pile as fast as he can. After reading through that information over several minutes he deduced, "You were falling in love with her from afar," he was surprised to figure that out but Kagome clearly attracts many and Lord Gaara is not one to just be attracted to a pretty face.
His calm face didn't portray it at that moment but the writing had. "I am leaving early today to take Kagome where I can sense InuYasha. He will likely return with us to the village and be here for an undetermined amount of time."
"But-," Shizu openly stared at him. "It says in here she had been in love with him! Why would you open things up for him to possibly gain her affections again?!"
"He is all that she has left from her former life and it wasn't entirely his fault since he had been spelled by Kikyo. Either way I need his help in deducing if there is still a threat out there created by this Naraku. Regardless of what Kagome chooses for her life I will always be there for her," he softly disclosed and then went back to work, likely hiding his raw emotions by shifting his focus on something else.
It humbled him and now he can see that any amount of feelings he has for Kagome do not compare to that of his Kazekage. To be able to push his feelings aside and look at what he feels is going to make her happy is a strength that Shizu does not carry, he would have instead seen it as getting rid of the competition with InuYasha being sealed to a tree. "Your feelings for her are stronger than my own, I can see that now," he was finally no longer feeling slighted and instead realized there was far more to his interest than anyone knew or could figure out. Now he just hopes that he will find happiness with Kagome rather than watch her be swept away by this InuYasha.
"I have these letters to be delivered to each of the Kages from our alliance," he carried on with a total of twelve letters to be taken care of. Just like that Gaara had ended the previous topic and focused back on work as he couldn't let his mind go idle and drift to his worries, they would drive him insane and he would lose focus.
Shizu understood and let him do what he needs to do in order to keep himself together because he can only imagine how incredibly uncomfortable he now is knowing that he could be just handing Kagome over to this other male on a silver platter. With a respectful bow he disappeared with the letters and began to analyze his own life as he looked back at how hard his Lord has been working and all the training he had done during the absence of Kagome. It spoke of his frustration and guilt, his worry and how heartsick he must have been. It is time that he, Shizu, begins to ensure he is following in the right steps with his life or if he could do more.
In the store whispers and sidelong looks to open staring continued as the two shopped and Kagome shoved herself inside a dressing room trying to take a breather as her heartbeat sped up. Feeling the flare of anxiety she sat quietly taking deeper breaths when she was supposed to be trying on clothing. The atmosphere felt uncomfortable and it must have been noticed by Temari since she has yet to complain about how long she is taking. 'How long or what will it take for others to shed these views of us,' she wondered in the safety of her mind. Not wanting to keep Temari waiting or upset her she took a final deep breath and tried the first outfit on.
"Keep in mind Kagome that Gaara does have to attend some important dinner parties so we need outfits for that as well," Temari called from outside the door as she hung more outfits up on the outside hook for her to try on.
Opening the door up she looked at her confused, "Wait why would I need to be dressed up if he is the one going to them?"
"You should be there with him," she said simply then walked away knowing Kagome had not been expecting any of this.
Nervously she bit her lip, chewing on the soft flesh as she watched Temari disappear among the throngs of clothing racks. Grabbing another outfit after looking the current one over she resolved to just push through this quicker so she can get back to the house faster. With a quick change she was on to her next outfit, knocking them down swiftly before finally exiting the store with a few purchases, not as many as Temari had hoped she could guess from the look of that slight downturn of her lips but this is what she was comfortable with. In her mind she would still like to return to working eventually. As they made their way down the street towards the market she watched Temari stop outside the café that Kagome used to work at. Pulling a scroll out to roll open on an outdoor table she produced bags for them to hold the market items while also sealing in the shopping bags from the clothing store. It was not something Kagome had ever seen before but decided to not comment and figure out how she is doing this later on.
From within the café her name was being called until an old man and his daughter came out looking Kagome over with surprise. "We didn't think you would ever be seen again," they still looked astonished, as if they were seeing a ghost.
"Yeah I didn't think I would be back," she nervously looked away. Trying to steer the conversation away from that she asked, "How have you two been, is business still good?"
"Oh we are well and the business is fine but we lost some of our customers when you disappeared and the place just seemed a little less bright," the daughter said, this being a café her and her father run. "Kagome would you please consider coming back to work, even if it is to just fill in on some empty spots?"
"Uh," she wasn't thinking that she would be offered a job on her first outing. "I would have to think about it but what shifts would it be?"
"We mainly need someone for the lunch hour rush a few days a week, would that be possible," the elderly man asked hoping to see her bright demeanor back in there café. "The girl that works it usually is away on a mission right now so that is why we are understaffed."
"You know what Kagome, you should take it. I will take care of the rest," Temari said as she had a feeling that Kagome truly wishes to be back working again. This will give her a chance to see if she wants to be a working mom or not.
With a quick agreement made they continued on their way and went on back to the house where Gaara surprisingly already sat having tea while conversing with Shikamaru in a leisurely fashion. Some of the unease in Kagome floated away seeing him back home and more left when he looked her way as they headed in towards the kitchen to put things away. The changes on her face and in her demeanor were noted by Temari who felt like they definitely have a keeper, now she just needs to make sure they do keep her. Offering to put the clothes and everything else away she shooed Kagome to sit and relax with the family before having to run off.
Having dawdled long enough as he put off this search and rescue mission to ease his nerves he finally stood and looked over at Kagome where she sat holding Kichiro with one arm as her free hand caressed his little hand. The moment looked picture worthy in his mind as he snapped a mental snapshot to keep with him. "Kagome are you ready to get going," he asked.
With a glance up at him she nodded and slowly stood, handing Kichiro over to Temari's waiting arms. "Thank you for watching him and all your help today," she smiled at the blonde as she returned it.
"Just come back safe," Temari replied. A couple minutes later and they were watching them take off on a platform of sand as they took to the sky. Their eyes were joined by Shizu who watched from the rooftop of a building, all hoping that things work out well. "Shikamaru we need to go shopping."
"Oh man what for," he sighed, trying to figure out what is on his wife's mind.
"Pictures, we are getting family pictures tomorrow and then individual ones of Gaara and Kagome with the baby. I will find the photographer and together we will get our outfits set. It will be a visual reminder and a way to show them as family, a united family," she started to put the rest of her plan in motion.
"Kagome," Gaara glanced her way, catching her eyes for a couple seconds. "Did you have a nice day?"
It was comforting having him hold her in his arms while the wind rushed through her hair. "It was nice; the café that I worked at would like me to fill in on a shift. The current waitress is on a mission outside of the village. Umm Gaara, how often do you have formal events to attend that I would have to attend as well?"
That wasn't a question that he could be certain that he has an answer for. "I'm not sure, off the top of my head I cannot think of any events right now. I'm guessing someone felt you would be attending something soon?"
"When I was out with Temari she insisted I needed different formal wear but didn't say if she knew of anything coming up." It was her relief that for the time being he doesn't know of anything.
"I see, I had never thought of that," he admitted and brushed his thumb back and forth on her back from where he held her on to the sand platform against the right side of his chest. His nerves should be drawing tighter with them drawing closer to InuYasha but as her head rested on his chest and fingers lightly fiddled with the single strap to his vest he felt warm. At this time her attention is all on him, he has her to himself with no distractions for right now. "You're tired," he remarked and reflected on what he has learned from the doctors. "Your life energy is still recovering. It will take a while until it is at a healthier level. The doctor said you will recover faster by resting more but I doubt you were able to today," he guessed correctly. "We still have a ways to go," he brought the sand to stop and found her eyes peeking up at him to see what he is doing as he continued to say, "you should rest," he guided her to sit down, letting her rest against him as he sat on the platform with her getting snug in his lap before he continued flying.
"I don't," she stifled a yawn, "need to rest. I want to keep you company," she went back to fiddling with his vest. Even through the tough material of his clothes she could feel the body hardened with muscle through vigorous training.
A slight smile was on his lips at her stubbornness. With his arms wrapped around her he knew it wouldn't be long until she would lose the battle and fall asleep, her mind seemingly on him. "Thank you," he whispered and hoped things wouldn't change after this trip. "Kagome," he had a sudden idea, a wish on his mind that he wants out there, a way for him to hopefully hold on to her longer. "Would you go out for dinner with me tomorrow night? We could bring Kichiro too," he thought about the likeness it would have to them being a complete family, a memory he wants to hold in his heart.
Thinking of the nice idea she smiled, basically cuddling up to him, "I like that," then a sudden thought occurred to her, "wait…" and she made him fear she would say no, "you mean out in public like at a restaurant and not your home," she asked nervously.
Studying her as she tightened her grip he asked, "Are you uncomfortable eating out?"
"It's just that people and things…" she lingered off thinking about her not so pleasant day out. "I don't really like being out," she admitted.
Even at the office he couldn't escape some of the looks and whispers so he knows what it is that bothers her, the only difference is he is used to it by now with the life he has lived. "I will always be here for you and we don't have to stay long," Gaara reassured her, "the whispers and looks will fade," he finished.
"Hopefully soon," she mumbled and remembered this has been his life for a long time now so she might as well suck it up, 'and he hasn't asked for much so a simple dinner out in public isn't going to kill me, it might turn out to be really nice.' Stifling another yawn she rested more heavily on him. "I don't know how you managed to make it this far and be this person if this has been your life. InuYasha's life was similar, he didn't fit in as a demon and he didn't fit in as a human. By two races, both of what he is a part of, they despised him and if not that then feared him. He may be rough around the edges but he is a good person I just wish he didn't lose his head every time Kikyo became involved," she disclosed.
Gaara listened even if he had hoped to not have the other male on her mind. "What would happen then when Kikyo came around," he asked although he felt hesitant and she seemed even more hesitant to answer. "Kagome I would like to know even more now," he pushed and heard a sigh come from her lips.
"It just depends; if she tried to take my life he would overlook it, if she was thought to be gone again and he heard a rumor of her then he would run off chasing that rumor even though it was usually Naraku behind it who would then take the chance to get at me to use me. A long time ago I had to accept that I would only ever be second in place and for a while I thought I was only a tool that could be set aside or discarded." His eyes shut as he remembered these very same feelings and feeling even worse that they are now reflected inside of her and he didn't even do much of anything all this time. He had recognized the look in Sasuke's eyes immediately but not Naruto's or Kagome's. Maybe Kagome is more like Naruto; they tend to go around making others happy and protecting them too but hide their pain rather than unload. "It was hard to fight off those feelings when you are once again in a new era and the one you should be able to stick close to leaves you behind instead. Even before she spelled him I had these feelings already budding since the beginning when I was 15. My conviction on who I am and everything is just no longer there… somewhere along the way I stopped recognizing myself and became lost when it was all over in my mind," her words were soft and said with a tinge of sadness. Somehow it was just so easy to lean on him, to say things she normally never would. He just makes her feel better. Wrapping her arms around him she felt him stiffen as she hugged him in thanks feeling him relax and hug her back as the platform slowed just a little. "You already know these feelings… how could I have forgotten," she felt apologetic.
"It is okay Kagome," he rubbed her back and for the time he could he rested his head upon her luscious locks, so wavy and silky. "Just find a direction, your path and follow it. I will be here," he soothed and felt a slight dampness through his clothes as she quivered slightly in his hold. When she pulled back a moment later he was shocked to feel the press of her lips to his cheek. Slowly he looked down at her as she settled against him, starting to fall asleep in the comfort of his arms. Still a little stunned he hoped this meant something good for him as he wishes to see her look at him with love in her eyes.
The trip continued with him keeping to his thoughts while Kagome rested. He almost wanted to turn around after learning InuYasha had put these feelings inside her before he was under that spell. How can he be expected to overlook this just like InuYasha had overlooked the other attempts Kikyo had made on her life? What will InuYasha's reaction be to learn that Kikyo is gone by his hands in order to save Kagome? One thing is for sure, he will not overlook it because he will help her to look deep inside and see how beautiful she is. Maybe in the process he will gain her heart so he can cherish it forever rather than watch it ever be trampled on. If that ever happens again he will forcefully remove the one who tramples it and risk her wrath, he cares for her too much and needs her to smile. Down below, as they floated in the sky, he could see him pinned to the tree, no blood or gore just an arrow through his chest. Running his hand through her locks he took a deep breath and picked her up as he slowly stood on his sand platform while lowering it to the ground. Kagome lightly stirred in his hold and he became indecisive. Rather than wake her he let the sand disperse from beneath his feet as they landed and he stood before the half demon. Slowly though he could see his eyelids lift to reveal an amber gaze that locked right on them and he hardened his aqua eyes wanting to convey he isn't happy to be here or even do this when he feels threatened by this former companion. As it looked like this part dog demon would snarl at him he narrowed his eyes further and stepped a few steps closer until they were just inside the tree line and then he backed up to a tree and sat down slowly as he decided to take this chance to speak with his possible rival while she rests. "Before you open that loud mouth of yours I want to have a few words with you," his voice came out tense and he knew this half demon did not like seeing him being so comfy with Kagome.
"First thing is her health," he stated while relaxing back against the tree, the look in his eyes made InuYasha shut his mouth again. "Thanks to the treatment she received while pregnant and then the battle, she was approaching deaths door until my medics could stabilize her. She was only released from the hospital yesterday and still needs to take it easy because her life energy is low, she sacrificed a great deal of it to keep our son alive and well but it had her nearing a critical state. That life energy will take a long time to recover so I cannot risk any chances to her health," he made sure his point was clear as the half demon softened his gaze. "Kagome now lives with me and I don't plan on ever letting that change," the tough exterior came back, "and she will focus on getting better and being the mother to our son. I will protect and provide for her-"
"What! No way! I have been her protector from the start-"
"And you failed her miserably," he cut back in watching the ears droop in a small amount of fascination but more so satisfaction. "How long has she been suffering from the Kikyo situation? Has that been from the beginning too? How many times was her life at risk because of your feelings for Kikyo and how many times did you let Kikyo get away with hurting her or trying to kill her?" Those ears dropped completely and Gaara felt a small victory. Kagome stirred lightly again, snuggling further up against him until she was once again comfortable. Continuing in a softer tone, "I care for her more deeply than you do; there is no question about my feelings for they will not waver. At that same time I know it does not guarantee hers but I will always be there for her. Since she still cares about you I informed her of what happened to you and have come to the decision to grant you access to the village and give you a place to live so long as you follow the rules and understand that I am the Kazekage. You are in a new era; in this era the lands are ruled by Feudal Lords but the strength of them are in ninja villages. I am the leader of the Sand Village, Suna. The very one you two abandoned her at. Our lands are at peace right now, a peace I will uphold for as long as I possibly can but make no mistake if you ever dare take Kagome from me I will hunt you down and contact my allies with you being thrown into the bingo book, basically our way of keeping on top of every danger out there, each ninja village has their own versions. I would make a request for them to add you to theirs with a bounty on your head and a reward for her safe return… that is the power of my word. So keep in mind, you are in the era of ninja and opposing me is opposing a village with powerful allies from the Lands of Lightning, Water, Earth, and Fire, and the lone samurai nation of the Land of Iron, you have been warned."
"Keh you have no problem tossing out demands," he grew back his attitude.
"We could be allies or we could be enemies, the choice is yours and I say this because Kagome is still concerned that Naraku isn't truly over. If she finds cause for concern then I will hear her out, I'm calling a meeting tonight after dinner and I would appreciate it if you joined us so I can have your thoughts as well," he could see InuYasha was about to give his answer right away but he held a hand up to stop him. "Another thing before you choose; I may not know what your last moments were with Kikyo but she is now officially gone and will never be back," he could hear the growl as the amber eyes looked at him with unsaid accusations. "She managed to have Kagome abducted from her hospital bed and put my son in danger. Kikyo was extracting Kagome's soul from the safety of a barrier that I breached. I terminated that false existence for the sake of Kagome staying alive. Kikyo was an enemy, even Kagome considered her as one. If you hate me for it I could care less." Their gazes were unwavering and Gaara felt even better having this time to also have his comfort from the sleeping body on his lap. A breeze passed them by picking up sand and leaves, bringing them to whirl around before settling down again. "Anyone that harms Kagome or means to harm her will be disposed of and that includes you. When it comes to her mental and physical welfare I take it very seriously. She had lost her will to live, lost her sense of self and I will help her through this. If I ever find you have made any cutting remarks or make her feel bad about Kikyo then you will be kicked out of the village. I suggest you learn to treat her right so she can heal and gain back what she lost at your hands." Gaara felt her hand move and stilled in his movement as he watched her with softened eyes to see if she will wake. When nothing further happened again he rubbed her back, feeling her long locks along with it. "If we do still have an enemy out there due to this Naraku," he placed his sharp aqua eyes back on him, "then I want your help in tracking them down and eliminating it. There is a good chance they will target her and I would give my life to keep hers safe." With the most important matters finished he asked, "Now is there anything you wish to say before I wake her?"
"Yeah," he said gruffly, "get me the fuck off this tree so I can maul you to death!"
The shouting irked Gaara, drawing a displeased frown to rest on his lips and causing Kagome to stir into wakefulness. With encouragement from him as he rubbed her back until she sat up with a stretch and blushed lightly after realizing she had been sleeping on Gaara. Hearing a huff she looked up surprised to see InuYasha on the tree looking irritated. "Oh we're here," she mumbled. Starting to get up Gaara stood with her and finally dropped his hands from her as he was uncertain about what will take place as she continued to just stare at the other male with a mixed gaze. "You know you do deserve what you got this time and really this almost shows that Kikyo will always have claim to your heart," she said demurely, a hint of hurt in her eyes. Feeling a warm hand on her back and one on her right shoulder she looked up to see Gaara silently giving her strength, comforting her in a way that only he can now.
The exchange did not go unnoticed by InuYasha as he had to continue to come to terms with the fact Kikyo had basically stolen months from his life where he was not in charge of his actions or aware of them. During that time things had changed with Kagome too and this is proof. This red headed male has this calm but serious disposition that she is taking comfort in and his eyes were only ever soft when he looks at her. The reminder that they also have a child together had him trying to figure out what is actually going on between them since in human customs you usually see a ring on their finger or hear the terms of wife and husband but that has not happened yet. He tried to ignore the tightening of his chest but it just wasn't easy to do as he has been given no time to adjust to everything.
Her eyes landed on him while her left hand held the hand on her shoulder as she continued to soak in that comfort. "I'm not really sure what happened but I know that my son needs me and Gaara has given me a place in his life and home… that is about it. We are all that is left from our friends, families, and allies," she hung her head as tears sprang forth; it still hurt to know she will never see them again. "I won't turn my back on you," she nearly whispered, both males hearing it. With almost confident steps she walked up to InuYasha, eyes searching for a way to get up to the arrow being this isn't a tree like the Goshinboku which had roots for her to stand upon. A swirl of sand enveloped her like a gentle caress just by a simple motion of Gaara's right hand. Casting small but grateful smile his way she turned back to what she was doing and connected eyes with InuYasha for a moment before focusing them on the arrow. Hands gripping the shaft she gave a flare of power and not unlike the first time she removed it from his chest. Gaara gently placed her back on the ground after she was done while InuYasha let his body drop down. The sand left her and InuYasha was quick to pull her into his arms in relief and apology while Gaara's eyes had hardened once again. Slowly she returned it and said, "I'm glad you are back InuYasha."
"Me too," he agreed with her softly. He smelled her hair, taking in all of the changes to her and trying to just live in this very moment. Then it hit him, he gave a groan as the pain shook him and he tightened his hold briefly before letting go with an anguished cry as he gripped his head.
Gaara moved forward to pull Kagome back to him as they watched in concern. At first Kagome thought his demon blood was taking over or something but the markings hadn't appeared nor have his fangs lengthened. InuYasha shook his head as he screamed for several seconds, the pain clear upon his face. The seconds stretched on like minutes before he suddenly fell to the Earth floor completely knocked out, muscles twitching. A moment later and they settled down by him to check him over but could find nothing noticeable. Gaara looked around the area feeling eyes on them. Nothing was there to be seen but that wouldn't lure him into a false sense of security. With little more left to do Kagome watched as sand gathered around and lifted him up. "Come Kagome, we will have him seen to at the village," he created his platform, holding a hand out to her while keeping his guard up. The sun was nearing the horizon and he couldn't keep the others waiting with supper. They might have to wait a night or two before they can talk about a possible threat still being out there. She walked back into his arms and they headed on back to the village with worry on their minds. After resting earlier Kagome didn't want to do so again but as he soothingly rubbed her head she found the world drifting away, barely waking when he scooped her up and sat down. The comfort he resonates is something she couldn't help but soak up as she fell into a dreamless sleep.
When he landed outside his home he drew many eyes, even had some of the ninja stepping forward to assist as they were unsure what to make of the unconscious male in the sand and the woman sleeping in his arms. "He needs a medic," he watched two of them step forward, accepting the task as they grabbed him from under the shoulders, "his name is InuYasha, a possible ally." They headed off to the hospital with a nod to him and Gaara used the sand to open the door to his home, causing concern in his family but with a simple shake of his head he used his foot to shut the door and headed down to her room, laying her on the bed and remaining for a minute as he felt the anxiety, that should have been stronger, remain at a controlled level. On his cheek he could still feel that kiss lingering there and in his arms he could still feel the warmth of her being there. They made him feel more hopeful and then he realized he hadn't needed to follow his siblings' advice; he was just merely being the person he is. Kagome never expected him to be anything less and has been more comfortable around him when he is comfortable just being himself. He is sure some of their advice is sound but so far he has had better luck just being Gaara.
His reappearance out in the family room drew the family's eyes to him. "She is fine, just resting. InuYasha collapsed; something attacked him mentally so he is now at the hospital. I need to take care of a couple things and then I will be right back."
"Supper will be done soon, I made a casserole," Temari informed him as she was given a nod in understanding.
A knock came to the door and Gaara went over to answer it. Outside was another one of his ninja, "Yes?"
"InuYasha woke up and is refusing treatment sir," he informed him and waited for instruction.
"I will take care of it. You may go," he said and watched the man disappear.
Seeing him about to leave Kankuro called, "Wait Gaara, I want to go with you."
"If you don't mind I would like to also. It would be a good idea," Shikamaru stood and followed them out the door saying, "we won't be long."
"Better not be," Temari was a little disappointed but let it go. "Shikadai," she looked over at her son, "go ahead and play until they come back, I will be in the kitchen."
"Kay mom," he ran outside to see if he could spot any kids.
In the hospital InuYasha grouched and shouted as different ones tried to follow protocol yet were eventually left with trying to keep him in the hospital room rather than let him run loose. "Sir we already sent word to the Kazekage that you woke-."
"I could care less about that stupid Kazekage! Where is Kagome?!" He gripped his head as flashes went by his mind making him upset and confused. He looked towards the window being blocked by what he guessed to be one of the ninjas of the sand Gaara spoke about. Seeing them made him even angrier. "My guess is you are all his stinking ninjas," he shouted at the man.
"I am a ninja of the Hidden Sand Village and proudly serve under Lord Gaara," he replied seriously as he took offense to the words of the strange and vulgar male in front of him.
Kagome was still hot on his mind while he fought off the urge to just plow right through them. About to do so and find her he went to the door ready to bust through the men standing there but came face to face with Gaara instead along with two other males. "Get out of my way," he growled out, annunciating each word.
Not impressed or pleased he looked at the disarray of the room and commented, "I will cover the cost of damage." Turning his eyes back on to InuYasha he simply said, "Follow me and stop destroying things," he turned around hearing the sparks coming from the broken equipment in the room as he led InuYasha to speak with him on top of the Kazekage tower. Kankuro and Shikamaru followed from the rear to make sure InuYasha would follow the orders given by Gaara; already he looked troublesome to Shikamaru. They all stood there quietly for a few moments minus InuYasha's soft growls which spoke to his demonic dog side. "There was no need for you to have caused a scene at the hospital; I don't want it happening again if you are to stay here. To get straight to business, what happened?"
"None of your business," he remained stubborn. "Where is Kagome?"
"Resting, now what happened," he pushed again.
"I don't have to answer to you," he narrowed his eyes.
"You do if you want to be around Kagome," he watched the male closely, looking at any changes in him.
Gritting his teeth together he scowled. "Fine I will just sniff her out," he leaped away. Feeling something off InuYasha looked around his body seeing black shadows and realized that he was restrained and being pulled back. "What the," he didn't finish and looked down behind him and found it being the dark haired guy. "Let me go!"
"Shadow Strangle Possession jutsu complete," Shikamaru dragged him right back to where he was. "We haven't been introduced InuYasha. I'm Shikamaru of the Hidden Leaf village; I married Lord Gaara's and Kankuro's sister Temari so that makes me like family to Kagome. Due to her relation to Kichiro you could say we have more say than you when it comes to her and at this time I'm also charged with her safety while I am visiting. It would be best you just stop causing trouble so we can get back and eat before Temari's chews me out for letting it get cold. In that case I will just pass the blame on to you," he smirked as the grumpy half demon remained just that, a grumpy half demon.
Stepping into the view of the angry amber gaze Kankuro introduced himself, "I am Kankuro as my brother-in-law mentioned. Honestly I don't really see why Gaara is even being kind to you or anything. We all know she is better off with him," he ticked InuYasha off while making him suffer from the flashbacks, memories that were unlocked and ones from before. He couldn't say anything, the snippets kept him from doing so and he figured this was his way of learning how wrong he was for going so far for Kikyo while knowing Kagome was suffering because of it. "I will be watching you so don't even think about trying anything. I was the first to befriend Kagome when she arrived at the village looking lost and hurt so don't even try to underestimate my loyalty to her care."
"You all act like I caused her harm on purpose," he growled, glaring at Kankuro as he remembered all the times he also saved her and the times they bonded her. "Don't go judging others so easily! We fought side by side and I saved her far more often than you realize!"
Gaara stepped forward and placed a calming hand on his elder brother. "He is right Kankuro, even if the recent past makes him look bad it was not entirely his fault. His fault lies in his weakness to Kikyo, Kagome had said so herself that he only lost his head when she was involved. If he had truly loved this Kikyo then it should be to some degree understandable minus the fact she had already been dead and was resurrected with part of Kagome's soul, the one he had already promised to protect. I can't entirely imagine I would have been able to keep my mind in the same situation but I also can't see Kagome as trying to kill her reincarnation so she may stay with a false life," he concluded, speaking up a little on InuYasha's behalf.
"Keh," he wasn't about to thank the guy, he isn't about to be buddy buddy with any of them either.
Aqua eyes looked over everyone before looking towards home. "I'm sure everyone is hungry, we shouldn't keep Temari waiting any longer. After we eat I wish to speak about this Naraku like I said earlier InuYasha. The more we know about him the better, now come on," he took off surprising InuYasha still as Gaara quickly left the building and he had to actually try to keep up with him while the other two followed in the same positions as before.
They smelled human for the most part, just a very slight difference and he figured that difference is what sets them apart from the ones he was used to. As they came to a halt outside a building where he smelled Kagome he found this Kazekage looking at him again. "Now what," he grumbled.
"I still have to get your apartment set up. Is there anything in particular you would like for food," Gaara asked him with the patience he has left.
The man seems to be more interested in getting along even though it is clear he doesn't entirely want him around. Likely it is due to a possible rivalry for Kagome but he could care less. To him she is his to protect but at the same time he had clearly not done so after the memories he suddenly gained from roughly two years' worth. "Ramen," he replied, redirecting his eyes as he wasn't comfortable with all of this.
Entering his home Gaara could feel his stomach protest at being empty after exerting so many calories the past several hours. It was well into the nighttime hours, later than they usually eat. Gesturing to the table he said, "Go ahead and sit, I will return," he headed on down the hall hearing InuYasha take a few sniffs but ignored him. Entering Kagome's room he found her still resting, it spoke to him of how exhausted she still must be from everything. It concerned him as well that she might already return to work and push herself needlessly. Resting against the headboard he took a deep breath then glanced down to her peaceful face. Blinking a couple times he turned and gave her a small shake. "Kagome," he called to her, "it is time to eat." Hearing a few mumbles as she snuggled further into her pillow he let a smile touch his lips. A minute stretched by as he repeated his actions and finally had those blue eyes being revealed on a drowsy face. It took three slow blinks for her to finally look up at him and notice she is now in her bedroom.
"Gaara," she looked up at him seeing a smile on his lips causing her to go quiet as she studied his face. The tenderness is there once again and she felt her heart pick up pace and breath hitch all at the same time while she continued to stare. Leaning towards him she blinked and finally came back to herself and pushed on the mattress to help sit up. "Y-Your smile," she said quietly.
Not sure what was about to come out of her mouth next he grew serious once more as he prodded, "Yes?"
"I-," she hesitated, looking down at her hands that had nervously gripped the sheets, a blush forming across her cheeks as she finally said, "I like it." Chancing a glance to his surprised face it eased back into a smile. That is the second time she has seen it and in one day even.
"We should eat," he got off the bed, helping her up as she nodded with the blush still in place.
They appeared with a hungry Kichiro in tow with Gaara using a clone to make a bottle which had InuYasha freaking out yelling, "What the hell! How is there two of him now?! I don't ever want to see more than one of this bastard!"
"InuYasha," Kagome called but he continued hollering while she stood by the original that held their son.
"Seriously! No one said there was more than one of him!" He pointed at the lookalikes as he stood stomping his feet.
"InuYasha," Kagome grounded out getting irritated as Kichiro began to whimper at the hollering, a couple small cries coming from his mouth.
"Would you shut up already," Temari stood and wacked him on the head with her small fan after hearing her nephew's short cries.
"Oww wench," he hollered back at her, nursing the bruise on his head.
Shikamaru looked up with a twitching brow as he slowly set his tea down while Shikadai watched him closely. "I hope you didn't just call my wife a wench," his brown eyes sharp and piercing.
Temari stood there with steam coming out of her ears before she backhanded InuYasha with her fan, sending him flying towards the stove before shadows raced out and grabbed him in time. "Watch who you call names you idiot!"
Kagome stood there with a sweat drop forming on her brow as she realized how violent this could turn out to be. Taking a look up at Gaara she could see he was for the most part calm but his eyes were slightly wider than usual. "Maybe we should have had a late night picnic under the stars," she whispered quietly to him as she felt concern about his home remaining intact.
"We will be fine here," he said and accepted the bottle from the clone, dismissing it as InuYasha watched surprised at how normal this was to almost everyone, minus Kagome who has yet to get used to his abilities but had heard he can produce several clones. They both sat down and began eating while InuYasha continued to holler at Temari and Shikamaru before Kankuro finally had enough and slammed his hands down on the table beginning to yell as well. All the while they just ate until Gaara heard InuYasha call him a bastard again as he noticed they started eating without them. Quietly Gaara wiped his mouth with a napkin and set it down as the room went quiet and he continued to feed Kichiro one handed. Slowly Kagome took a sip of her soup as all eyes went to Gaara, the room tense. "InuYasha," he took a sip of his tea and then glared in the direction of the half demon, "sit down and be quiet."
The words were enough to get everyone sitting down at the table eating even though InuYasha would occasionally glare at Gaara from where he sat next to Kagome who sat by Gaara who was at the head of the table. He had heard the quiet words in her bedroom and wasn't comfortable with the way things are. From the looks of things Gaara hasn't won her over and Kagome has become more submissive rather than showing her famous temper. Times must have really changed and the baby proved it as well. It smelled of their combined scents and made him feel uneasy. He was watched closely as well even if Gaara was supposedly ignoring him in favor of finally eating while having time with his son. Kichiro gave a short cry, one of discomfort and Gaara used the napkin as a burp cloth, his actions watched by InuYasha as he effortlessly took care of his son. Grumbling to himself he continued to wolf down his food making the others look at him feeling disgruntled but he continued without care as he had never learned such a thing as table manners. "So what is its name again," InuYasha asked Kagome as he pointed at her son.
Annoyance flashed in her eyes, "My son is not an it InuYasha, he is a baby, a person," she evenly explained. "His name is Kichiro we decided because the name means, "Lucky son" and to us he is lucky," she finished and couldn't help the lingering discomfort she now has around him after all of the unpleasant memories that built up.
Gaara's aqua orbs were slightly narrowed on InuYasha as well, warning him against saying anything negative about his son. A sudden knock on the door took his attention away so he headed over to answer it. "Yes Shizu," he greeted the ninja he had just spoken to this morning.
"An urgent letter arrived for you from the Land of Iron," he handed it over and glanced inside his home seeing the silver haired and dog eared male watching them suspiciously from beside Kagome. Looking down at the infant in his Lord's hold he laid eyes on their son as he drank from a bottle. Somehow his Lord pulled off reading a letter in one hand and holding a baby while feeding it with the other and it looked far easier than it probably is. Hearing the soft exhale he studied Lord Gaara and could see the letter troubled him.
"Temari," he turned around, "would you watch Kichiro for us? We have urgent business in the Land of Iron. We will leave in two days," he watched several mouths drop open.
"Gaara what are you saying," she stood quickly feeling concerned and looking at Kagome as she has a feeling he is taking her with him. "Of course I will but what is all this about," she demanded and Kagome looked between her and Gaara feeling worried.
"Shizu you may come in since I already spoke with you earlier," he showed him some trust, inviting him into his home and deciding that he might as well get a good look at InuYasha since Shizu displayed that he feels protective of Kagome. "After learning what had been going on with Kagome I alerted the allies to the sand and then contacted them again when she grew worried that Naraku wasn't truly finished. I merely asked them to inform me if they spot any strange creatures or anything along those lines. The Land of Iron has replied that they have had strange flying creatures attacking them. After we are finished eating I need to hear everything there is about Naraku. Tomorrow we will prepare to leave; I want Kagome and InuYasha with me."
Taking a look around the table Shikamaru caught Gaara's eyes, "I will go too and I want a letter sent back to my village so they are aware of the situation."
"You know you won't be leaving me behind," Kankuro replied as he felt uneasy about all of this.
"Gaara, you could be gone for over two weeks," Temari pointed out as she knows what a trip to the Land of Iron is like.
"Not necessarily," Shikamaru said, "we would only need to travel to the gulf and catch a boat across there then cross through the lower portion of my country before catching the final boat to the Land of Iron. With a good enough boat we could be there in 5 days considering during the land travel Gaara also uses his platform to get us there quicker. Depending on how events go while there we could be back within two weeks. I will need to speak with Lord Kakashi to ensure I have permission to go on the trip. I doubt he would have an issue."
"Better not that perv," Temari mumbled as she thought about how she stumbled upon his collection of books when he was supposed to be working on papers. "For now you have it easy until Naruto is Hokage," she thought about his position in becoming an advisor and knew he would be good for it but would also have to be able to keep up with Naruto and his hyper behavior. "Is everyone done eating," she asked and looked around seeing the dishes empty while InuYasha chowed down on the last of it.
Gaara turned to Kagome, handing her Kichiro. "I will be back soon," he studied her eyes and could see she wasn't sure what to expect of the upcoming trip.
"I will be back as well," Shikamaru said and followed Gaara and Shizu out the door to write a letter to his Hokage.
Kagome turned towards the others and could see Temari was worried. "What is it Temari," she asked.
"Kagome," she looked up at her and had to admit she really likes the woman that Gaara has chosen. It bothered her to know she will be leaving to help investigate things. "Just stick close to Gaara while you are away. Don't take any chances with your health. Tomorrow we will go shopping for everyone and get your things packed." Feeling like a mother hen she began rounding up the dishes and then sat there a moment, "Kagome," they connected eyes again, "you are family now so come back safe."
The meaningful words drew all eyes to Temari as she got up and headed to the sink, washing the dishes. Seeing if Kankuro could take Kichiro for a bit he gave his nephew a smile as he held him and let the women clean up after dinner, giving each other a small smile while one washed and the other dried, putting them away. InuYasha studied all of them as he gained an ounce of relief that Kagome has this Gaara's family around, all accepting her as one of their own. All these months he is now recalling that he had been more like her enemy and tormentor rather than her best friend and protector. Still… he narrowed his eyes, it isn't like he is about to just hand the position over. Gaara will have to fight him for it if he thinks he can have Kagome all to himself. Not about to beg for forgiveness or anything he instead rounded up the rest of the mess on the table for the women and set it down next to the sink, surprising them before he received grateful smiles. His eyes turned back to Kichiro and he could clearly see how much the family adores the small baby. "I'm going to get some fresh air," he excused himself, briskly exiting the place and jumping up to the top of the building where he could look around the village. Off in the distance he could see Gaara and Shikamaru both tying notes to a couple hawks, sending them on their way to deliver them he guessed. It was unusual to him but he could only assume that is how things work here. Life seemed easier when they were chasing jewel shards and he was batting off Kagome's admirers. Now he isn't sure how to navigate this mess that he landed in. Only a few minutes passed and he could see the two guys approaching the place, connecting eyes with him before heading inside. Taking a long look at the moon he couldn't help but think of Kikyo, wishing to know if there had ever been a way for him to have had the Kikyo he knew and the Kagome he knows. Taking a leap he landed on the ground and headed back inside.
Once the kitchen and dining area were cleared of any mess they all sat around the living room, Gaara joining Kagome and Kichiro on the couch as InuYasha rested with his back to a corner and holding the sheath to his sword in his lap. "Either of you may start now," Gaara said and watched as Kagome studied InuYasha until she figured he wasn't about to start.
"Well to start things out there was a powerful jewel that was entrusted to the priestess Kikyo's care. It was highly sought after by demons and needed to remain pure. The duty came with a heavy price as Kikyo and her sister Kaede would often have to defend themselves from attack and then eventually InuYasha entered the picture. For a reason I am not sure of, she didn't attack InuYasha even though he admitted that he wants the jewel. Over time they began to talk and bond, eventually gaining his help in protecting the jewel. Kikyo though wished she could be rid of this duty, to live her life like a normal woman. She and InuYasha had fallen in love and she believed that if he wished on the jewel to be human for her, rather than demon like he wanted, then she would be free of the jewel and they could settle down. At that time though she had also been taking care of an injured bandit…" Kagome painted quite the picture, it showed them a side of Kikyo that they didn't know once existed. It was appreciated by InuYasha and Gaara could tell it showed what a struggle all of this has been right from the start. As Kagome reached where Kikyo was brought back they were already softening their minds towards InuYasha and continued to hear Kagome out as she tried to remember everything she could about Naraku and was aided by InuYasha to fill in all of the pieces. They were disgusted to hear that such a being had been causing havoc in their lives and may still do so. Water was brought out and then InuYasha grew quiet and they were suddenly aware that this is where things had turned for the worse.
"We had just finished helping Jinenji; he had a lot of crop damage but still treated our wounds and let us stay the night with him and his ma. InuYasha disappeared again and the next morning he was different, it was just strange. After heading out things were getting bad to the point he was having confrontations with Sango and Miroku. He disappeared again and we back tracked to Jinenji's to see if an herb or something there has caused the sudden changes in InuYasha. Jinenji felt certain none of the herbs did anything to him and wished us luck. We returned to the village and decided on taking a break. Miroku and Sango left with Kirara to visit the temple and her village, I went home while Shippo remained with Kaede to play with the village kids. I managed to be home for a whole week before he came to get me but instead of things returning to normal he seemed worse. On the other side was Kikyo who suddenly decided to join the group and from there on things got worse. During a run in with Naraku and his incarnations Miroku was poisoned badly, tearing the wind tunnel as well as other injuries. Sango had also been poisoned and went down in battle so we returned to the village so they could recuperate but shortly after I was dragged off to keep hunting for shards, Shippo thankfully came along. We were gone for a whole month and when we got word of an attack on the village we rushed back, learning that Ayame and her wolves were possessed by Naraku to attack me and force Kouga's hand, trying to start a war among the wolf tribes. When we arrived Kikyo and InuYasha suddenly disappeared and as I looked around the wolves had surrounded me. I was the bait, if not more and it took Kouga stepping in for me to leave alive and figure out a way to break the possession before InuYasha and Kikyo could kill the Northern Mountain wolf demon tribe. After restocking on supplies and keeping Kouga from doing anything rash I headed on out again, everyone was reunited at this point but the atmosphere was very tense."
Walking slowly into the village holding her bow as she looked around at the area that seemed devoid of life. Snarls and growls greeted her ears and she did a slow turn calling out, "InuYasha, Kikyou, where did you two go," she spotted several glowing eyes. Coming out from the shadows was a wolf she recognized but her demonic traits were stronger as she looked at her with murderous eyes. "A-Ayame," Kagome took a couple steps back.
"Yes, and you're dead Kagome." She looked at her with hate. "I hate that our names sound the same!"
'Uh no, not really,' Kagome thought as she heard the wolf demon complain about their names once again.
"If I can't have Kouga when you are alive but clearly not interested then I will have him when you are DEAD!" She lunged forward with her claws out, Kagome dived out of the way, the claws just barely catching her shoulder. Kagome had to run for her life and swat the wolves away using her bow to repel them as they all started coming at her.
"AYAME! That is enough!" Kouga arrived and stood on a hut before taking a few more jumps and landing in front of Kagome. "Where the hell is that mutt?"
"I-I don't know," she looked around feeling abandoned by him but thankful that Kouga showed up when he did.
"That mutt, why oughtta," he growled to himself and sized up his situation.
Taking a deep breath she pushed back the painful memories deciding to not say anything further than that. "Skipping forward, we had come across Naraku over at Onigumo's cave. When he suddenly fled heading towards the well so we gave chase. The others got stuck with a swarm of demons and so it was just those of us that came here. We could tell he was up to something and I could hear him laugh from within the tree line. I stood by the well with my arrow drawn, InuYasha and Kikyo also stood ready nearby. After a surprised attack by a puppet that we easily defeated, Naraku jumped into the well and went through; I followed right after feeling scared for my family on the other side. InuYasha and Kikyo came right after me. The well was off, it felt tainted and instead of the blue light it was a corrupted purple and black. As I climbed out it was trembling. InuYasha just barely got him and Kikyo out on the other side when it imploded at first and the exploded, shocking me to tears as I realized this isn't the shrine or Tokyo. Naraku used the diversion and escaped," she hung her head. "About a month later I ended up here," she bit her lip and held Kichiro closer.
Wetting her lips and throat she knew they wanted to hear about the search afterwards as well. "One night after being here for months I had been washing up in the bathroom when InuYasha came and said it was time to go. I packed my few belongings and supplies, scribbled a note primarily for Gaara and Kankuro, then we walked right out of the village, back on the hunt together for Naraku. It was about two weeks until we finally caught up to him, a lot of the time he fled. After that first time I started feeling different. When a month passed from then I began having symptoms of pregnancy that I couldn't really hide. Over the next two weeks I became troubled with deciding what to do," she reflected back.
"I can't believe I left you somewhere to just stay put a while and when I come back to get your ass you are pregnant with some bastard's child!" InuYasha towered over the upset woman who already had puffy eyes from crying her worries out while the other they were gone.
"To think my reincarnation is no better than a common whore when no one is looking," Kikyo looked at her with contempt, as if she dirties the place just by being there. "If you hold us up I will take back my soul sooner," she warned.
Shaking herself out of the memories she finished up, "Anyways, Naraku would go into hiding when he is planning something and suddenly when I was maybe around two months pregnant he figured it out and we were then the ones being chased, given barely a break before he would either send a puppet or hordes of demons to attack us if not come personally himself. Naraku had never been the type to chase, he liked to weave his web of lies and draw you into a trap. During this time I tried to keep close to the patrol routes that I had noticed the ninja had. We were usually within eyesight of one so I began creating my plan while things continued to grow worse. At the final battle Naraku had injured Kikyo and she needed to recover. InuYasha had taken damage as well so I defended them from Naraku's attacks. When he hit me with a tentacle and sent me flying into that tree he thought I was done for and I had just realized the other two had run for it. Naraku let his guard down so I took my chance and shot him with an arrow and called his half of the jewel to me while the arrow worked on purifying him and the jewel. I had been sure my end was coming so when I fused the two pieces together I wished the jewel would disappear so it may never be fought over like this ever again. Then I was hit with a contraction and realized my water broke. I sent prayers to the heavens while I delivered him and just wished I could keep him alive and healthy until someone might come upon us and hopefully get him to Gaara. A day passed and I felt weaker but swore I was hearing people. It took I don't know how long but after briefly shutting my eyes, I opened them after hearing several people land on the ground. That was the border patrol so I guess you guys know the rest," she concluded and studied Kichiro, remembering clearly what he looked like when he was born. Gaara wrapped an arm around her for comfort as he knew it was hard to just relay back that much. "Just from experience I know Naraku usually had something up his sleeve if he is going to come out of hiding and brag. He definitely hadn't expected me to purify him but he has had ways of coming back before so I don't doubt that he had a plan this time as well."
Rubbing her arm Gaara gazed down at her and Kichiro still feeling lucky that they are now sitting here with him rather than out there rotting or buried in a grave. "If that is everything you two can recall I would like to gather everyone's thoughts on this."
Shikamaru was quiet as he thought over their story, it was quite a journey they have had and after the last war he can believe it all happened. Gathering the facts, the enemy's habits he finally spoke, "I agree with her. This Naraku must have had something still up his sleeve. He seemed more like a coward, hiding behind others, using them as pawns while he continued to draw in more and more victims to his web. It is very possibly that if they couldn't find him for so long that he may have fled somewhere else to plan without a problem and the Land of Iron would have been a good place to do so."
Well into the night they planned and tried to come to a firm consensus. Kagome and InuYasha had become mute, each in their own thoughts as the distance was felt. When Kichiro grew fussy she left the room and headed into the nursery where she sat in a rocking chair, lulling him to sleep with the gentle movements. Gaara brought a close to the meeting and walked down the hallway feeling a need to check on Kagome. For a couple minutes he leaned in the doorway just watching them as he listened to her hum a gentle tune. He rested his eyes letting his mind focus on it as she slowly dwindled off. Entering the room he crouched down by them, amber eyes watching the small scene for a moment then disappearing. "Are you okay," he asked quietly.
Her blue eyes appeared haunted by the past, the look fading slightly as she continued to rock Kichiro and watch Gaara marvel at the tiny fist. "I will be fine," her face softened to a sad smile. His aqua eyes searched her blues for confirmation to that answer. His paler but larger hand resting on her arm spoke clearly that he will be there for them both, that he will always be here.