Miracle
Chapter Four
Near the Village.
The grass beneath her feet felt soft and smooth. The light breeze played with the ends of her hair, twirling them. The sun washed over her cool skin making it burn in a slow process. Her eyes slide up to find the blue sky looking down on her, the white clouds floated lazily in the sky never having a destination, never having to stop until them faded away. She closed her enjoying the peace that surrounded her and letting her mind replay what happened a day ago…
*****
Her eye lids were heavy from sleep and as the fluttered open she shut tightly from the bright, invading light. She listened to the sounds; feet were pacing in the other room, voices were talking to each other, laughter, and yelling. She heard horses, chickens, people, and she heard children laughing. She smiled and turned over so that she could hear more…
"Shippo- chan stop pacing you will wear a hole in the floor and… Kagome-sama is just tired from the amount of energy she used."
It was Kohana's voice… and Kagome smiled that she healed the woman and dumbfounded that the spell worked without knowing what to do! She listened again, "Yes, I know, but it's difficult to be in a place without her… and knowing that she is here makes it even more troublesome…" Shippo mumbled.
"Do not worry she is here now. You and Inuyasha can make up the time that you both lost with young Kagome-sama." The woman said and it sounded that she wanted to end the conversation with that, but Shippo continued on, "… But I don't know how that baka will react to seeing Kagome. He was destroyed… when she…I'm scared that he will run away thinking that she is a illusion or a witch trying to trick him… it's happened before… I don't want either of them to be hurt…"
"Oh Shippo-chan… if what you said was true, then Kagome-sama came back for reasons… do not worry about something that is out of your hands. From the way you pace and mutter curse words, that you love Kagome-sama very much so long ago and that love has not lessened… It appears that she loved you as well and has missed you as much as you missed her. She is suffering from being away from you-" "But it was her stupid head that got her killed!" Shippo yelled.
Kagome jumped slightly and stayed still hoping that Shippo didn't hear her.
"Shippo-chan… that stupid head of hers saved Inuyasha's life. How many people do you think she saved from that stupid head of hers?" Kohana stated matter of factly. Kagome heard a huff come from Shippo and his words were slow and smooth, "Too many to count." Kohana laughed at his response and walked as Kagome heard footsteps growing louder and louder, she closed her eyes quickly and made her breath even.
The sliding door opened and she heard Kohana's foot steps. "Shippo-chan? Will you get me another bucket of water? We are almost out of the remaining bucket." "Yes Kohana-san." Kagome heard another sliding door and heard Shippo stalking out the door.
Kagome knew that Kohana was there and that she was kneeling somewhere near her. "Kagome-sama it is alright to wake." Her voice was very amused and Kagome could her Kohana trying to hold back a chuckle, "Kagome-sama you need to wake Shippo-chan has been miserable for the past hour or so, must wake." Her voice had a tint of pleading, but it was disguised with amusement.
Kagome cracked one eye open and then the other until she was looking fully at Kohana. She had a small smile placed on her lips and the moved, "I would get up before he comes back." Kagome smiled back and whispered, "Yes I suppose." She sat up slowly and before she could say anything else her stomach roared with emptiness, Kagome looked down and blushed brightly, Kohana laughed while pulling up the starving woman.
"Excuse me," murmured Kagome, "I don't know the last time I have eaten." Kohana glanced at her and sighed, "Maybe the last time you had was 75 years ago?" Kagome stared at her wide eyed before looking away quickly.
Kohana walked through the opened door then Kagome passed, she was hoping to see the kids, but they were no where to be seen in the small hut. Kohana said, "Sit I will get you something to eat, but don't eat too much, remember that we are having a great feast for you Kagome-sama."
Kagome sighed and walked over to the small table and knelt closed her eyes listening to Kohana work in the small kitchen and Kagome was about to fall asleep again until, "Kagome-sama I thank you for what you did. Thank you for not letting my children go parentless, Kagome-sama. I thank you…" Kagome looked over at Kohana and was shocked to see tears brimmed at the corners. Kagome blinked and smiled, "It's my pleasure… I wouldn't want your children alone, but if I didn't get here… your children would be fine, they're strong like you."
Kohana smiled and turned back and wiped away the tears that strayed away from her eyes, "Oh forgive me, and tears are bothersome sometimes." Kagome laughed a little and it turned silent again.
Kagome glanced at Kohana before asking, "Where are the kids?" "Aiko went with my sister to gather herbs, Satoru is out with is companions, and Kasumi is out bathing with her my sisters daughter… she takes bathes all the time."
Kagome nodded and Kohana walked over with a bowl of soup… the warm soup lifted to Kagome's nostrils and she breathed in greedily. She pulled the bowl to her lips but stopped and said, "Thank you." Kohana smiled as the warm liquid pored passed Kagome's lips and washed down her dry throat. Kagome didn't stop to take another breath until the bowl was half empty. She hummed in delight and smiled at Kohana and whispered thank you again.
Kohana replied, "You're welcome, but no more you have to eat at the feast." Kagome pouted and Kohana laughed. Kagome continued to drink while Kohana did things around the small hut. Kagome wondered about what Kohana said about her 'stupid head', "Kohana," she glanced in her direction showing Kagome that she heard, "Thank you, for what you said to Shippo about my 'stupid head' I don't think he realized 75 years ago that how much …they all meant to me. I know what I did was right and I know that I did it without a second thought. I remember his voice crying out… I felt him pick me up and hold me, but that's it…
"I did it for him, knowing that if he would have done the same thing. I feel guilty for leaving them… He saved so many times I lost count, in the back of my mind I was paying him back… but I only caused him more pain. I didn't know he felt anything toward me and I feel guilty for never saying goodbye or never telling…" Kagome choked on her own sobs she hide her face in her hands and cried…
Kohana looked at the weepy woman and took a step toward to comfort her, but there was someone already comforting her before she could blink again.
Shippo cradled her and held her, not knowing what else to do. He rocked her back and forth like he would a babe. "Shhh Kagome it's alright, you're here now… you can make up the time we lost." Shippo reassured.
Kagome moved her face away from his chest to look at the young man and she swallowed the lump now loosening in her throat. She filled her lungs of air and closed her eyes before whispering, "Forgive me. I don't usually cry very often I don't think."
Shippo examined her while Kagome controlled herself. He had heard some of the women's conversation before he smelled Kagome's tears and he rushed through the door and held her, it happened rather quickly and he laughed quietly as she finished speaking. She looked at him and tried to hold back a small chuckle herself.
Kohana rolled her eyes playfully and continued working and preparing for the feast that was coming soon. She looked over her shoulder at the two old friends and smiled at them and turned away before they could catch her looking and suggested, "Why don't you two go find Kasumi and tell her I need some help cooking. And tell Satoru he needs to be back before the sets."
Shippo had pulled Kagome off the ground with them and they were out the door as Kohana finished.
Kagome looked at the people walking to their huts, saw that they were laughing, joking, she saw the children playing outside with toys. She looked out on to the rice fields and saw that men were working. She could see the trees sway in the distant by a soft breeze. The air smelled clean and felt warm and she welcomed the peace that followed. She remembered the feudal area was nice, but she remembered looking over her shoulder just in case a shadow was following her, but this time of area was peaceful it was definitely not the same 75 years ago. People were frightened by the evil demons that lurked in the shadows, but no one cowered from the noises from the forest or the bumps in the night that frightened them so long ago.
She glanced over at Shippo who was looking at her through the corner of his eye. "It's so peaceful then I remember. The villagers are not frightened. It's nice."
He smiled and said casually, "The villagers here have protectors, Inuyasha and me, so they don't worry because they know that him and me will fight to protect the village and them. And now that you're here, a powerful miko who returned from the dead."
Kagome rolled her eyes and frowned at him and he smiled, "They are amazed and shocked that you somehow returned to the land of the living, but they are also rejoicing that they will have more protection from danger to have the Powerful Priestess Kagome protect them they think that is a blessing.
"They know that you were not beaten by Naraku or taken down because you were weak they know that you sacrificed your life for Inuyasha, the village protector, even though he is not very social, everyone even the old people respect and cherish him because deep down inside they all know he has a good heart.
"The villagers 'love' you even when they only know you for stories. They are amazed about the girl who changed and saved the future. The worship the girl who was brave in the face of evil and amazed at how she affected human and demon lives. They know you as that brave girl and they are blessed that you are here."
Shippo's little speech made Kagome's cheeks burn with embarrassment and he laughed when she reddened and glared at him, but he only laughed harder. He pulled her into a bear hug that made the air whoosh out of her lungs, as he breathed in her sweet scent just to make sure again that she was real and he smiled. When he conformed that she was real once again he held her tighter.
He set her on her feet when she gasped out, "Can't… Breathe!" Kagome took a deep breath only to be squeezed again by a grateful Kasumi. Shippo's laughter filled the air and some of the passing villagers stopped and looked before continuing their work, smiling at the overjoyed Shippo that was rare.
Kagome returned the hug when she recovered from the shook. Kasumi pulled back and smiled widely at Kagome before saying, "Thank you so much Kagome-chan! Thank you for healing our mother, thank you!" She pulled Kagome into another hug and Kagome smiled and murmured, "You are most certainly welcomed, Kasumi." Kasumi removed herself from Kagome and tightly hugged the bright blushing Shippo. She then faced both of them and said, "Mama is probably cooking, I'll go join her. I'll see you both at the feast," She turned toward the hut and ran, "Bye, Kagome-chan! Bye, Shippo-kun!" She yelled over her shoulder.
Kagome smiled at Kasumi's running figure and then glanced at Shippo and a loud hearty laugh escaped from Kagome's lips. His face was red as a tomato and his eyebrows were raised and his green eyes were wide and his eye lids were blinking rapidly as his cleared his throat. His green glare made her shoulders shake harder with laughter.
"What are you laughin' at?" He mumbled complete embarrassment clung to each word. Kagome's loud laughing stopped to a soft chuckle, "Don't worry Shippo." She said with a sly smile on her lips. His eyebrows stitched together and they were raised, with a frown on his thin lips, "Worry about what, Kagome? I don't have anything to worry about."
She rolled her eyes and whispered, "I'll keep your secret." He turned his tomato face and crossed his arms across his chest and huffed. Kagome thought, well at least he did say feh or keh. He would be too much like Inuyasha at least he didn't have his foul manners. She shook her head about little gestures and manners and pulled her attention to reality. She turned away, walked a couple of steps before twisting her torso and she froze.
Shippo was frozen in mid-step and he was facing the forest. He was a statue the only thing that moved was his hair and kimono, but what scared her was his expression. His eyebrows were scrunched to together, Kagome didn't know if it was in worry or anger. "What's wrong, Shippo? Shippo?" His mouth was in a fine thin line; his eyes searched the thick tree line before he took a cautious sniff. Then he was gone. Next I was being carried and settled down in a familiar hut and then his voice was firm and straight to the bone serious, "Stay here and don't move." He was out the reed doors the next second.
It was silent in the hut, but on the outside it was noisy with busy women and playing children. Kagome held her breath as she turned around eyes were wide and she thought, 'What the heck just happened?'
Kohana and Kasumi stared at her with the same confusion and shock. Kasumi sprinted over to her and half shouted, "What happened?"
Kagome looked back at the reed door and then back to Kasumi, "I have no id-" she stopped mid-sentence as she felt something it was wild and feral. And it was growing quickly. She had felt a pull, but she didn't remember the hair on the back of her neck standing straight up. Her eyes widened, Was it the jewel or a shared?
She shook her head slowly, realizing that the pull toward this object wasn't strong enough to be a shard or the jewel. She had felt a similar pull when Inuyasha smelled a demon nearby, but it had to be in her line of sight to feel it. It had to be- Kagome was on her feet and whirled around to see Kohana's anxious expression, "Do you have a bow?" The words rushed out in a frantic and worried tone. Kasumi was bounding away into the other room before Kohana could open her mouth to speak, the next second Kasumi leaped over the low table and handed a bow an arrows in mid-air.
They both bolted out the reed door, with Kagome in the lead and Kasumi following close behind. They rushed passed the villagers, through the fields and soon breaking through the tree line of the forest.
"Kagome-chan, what is wrong?" Kasumi yelled.
Kagome didn't turn to look at Kasumi, she was afraid of what her own expression might give away the hint of fear and total worry. Her voice was flat, but she could hear the fear slip through her lips, "Demon!"
Kagome hear Kasumi gasp and heard her footfalls push her until she was running beside her panting, "Is that why Shippo-kun pushed you in the hut?" Kagome glanced at her quickly before concentrating on the pull of where they are before she answered, "Yes." Kagome could sense why Kasumi was confused as she was.
Kasumi went silent and evened out her breathing. The trees came and went slowly and quickly and as the trees passed, thoughts were climbing into Kagome's mind; Why did he push me inside? He knows I can fight… He knows I'm not worthless, as the word came to mind she flinched and quickly cleared her thoughts.
A few seconds past and she finally heard swears and shouts up ahead, she pumped her legs making her go faster even though they were pleading to stop. Her eyes skimmed over to Kasumi as she panted, "Go back! Turn around, Kasumi!"
She did what she was told, but she wasn't happy she was going to miss the Priestess in action. She slowed and jogged back to the opening of the forest.
Kagome heard the shouts and curses grow louder with each step, she swiftly grabbed an arrow and placed it correctly on the bow pulling the sting taut before bursting through the thick tree line onto a medium size clearing. The sunlight blinded her only for a moment, but her eyes were already zipped over the clearing.
She spotted Shippo bent over in a crouch ready to spring at the demon. His left hand was drenched in blood hopefully that isn't his. He was unharmed from Kagome quick examine of him and then her hazel eyes were glazed in fear as she took in the human-like, corpse demon; it had no legs, but it was replaced with a thick snake tail that was a bluish- green, its torso was covered in burns and boils that was stomach churning, its large arms and hands had the same damage and had two large clubs in each hand. It swung at Shippo who dodged too easily and slashed the face of the demon. It had two yellow eyes that scream for fresh blood and meat, it had no nose and its mouth was ripped open for ear to ear. Its teeth were jagged and sharp; it had yellow and red stains on its teeth, making Kagome almost lose her stomach as its tongue licked over its teeth.
For one second she froze where she stood, she swallowed hard and once her mouth opened her courage and strength returned, "MOVE SHIPPO!" Half a second he froze and the next whirled his head where he had heard her and a spilt second later he was gone.
Kagome locked the arrow onto the target and she felt the same energy burst through her chest and flowed into her arms and hands as she released the arrow. She held her breath as the arrow zoomed through the air praying that it would work. As she yelled for Shippo, the yellow eyes of the corpse demon ripped off Shippo and to glare at her, but they widened at the arrow that glowed brightly through the air; as it pierced the fat, thick next of the demon, it's eyes popped wider and it disappeared into ashes and floated away in the light breeze a second later.
Shippo reappeared in the air and slowly floated down and hit the ground with a soft thud and turned to look at Kagome, she was smiling ear to ear and she looked over at Shippo and her smile wavered.
He was… angry that she didn't stay in the village, but he knew in the back of his mind that she wouldn't listen and come after him when she figured out that there was a demon coming.
He sighed, "Why are you smiling?"
"Why are you mad at me?"
"I told you to stay in the hut or at least the village and you didn't listen."
"Shippo you should already know that I never listen. I not going to sit around and wait for you to fight and come back bleeding to death or worse!"
"Yes because you're too stubborn to listen and you risk your life and you get hurt somehow trying to save everyone! Then everyone is trying to save you!"
"You would have done the same, Shippo!"
He was silent, he didn't know what else to say, she was winning this argument.
"Yeah, I suppose you are right." He sighed in defeat. He looked over at her and she had a small smile on her lips, "Why were you smiling?"
She let a quick laugh out and said, "I was surprised. I didn't think I could do that stuff after not doing it that for a long time."
He shook his head and mumbled, "Dam." Her eyes widened and she yelled, "And you!?" He jumped at her tone, "Not you, too! Using foul language!" she groaned.
His voice and laughter mixed together, "I spent day and night with Inuyasha for 75 years, and it grew on me! What did you suspect?"
Kagome shrugged and sighed. She looked at the sky that was darkening each minute. She knew that the feast would be starting in awhile. Shippo's thoughts were the same and thought how he was going to be scowled by Kasumi and Kohana for being late and that Kagome was going to be late. He turned to Kagome saying that they needed to be heading back, but his words were stuck in his throat as he looked at her.
The sun made her eyes glow a light green and made her skin rosy, the light made her hair shine almost to a blue-black tint. It made her breathing taking and when she turned and smiled at him, he felt like he was looking into the past when she was fifteen.
"Well should we get going?" Kagome asked the staring fox demon. He blinked and agreed; Shippo walked to her and held out his arms. She looked at him confused, but she took his hand. He quickly flung her over his back and started running. She squealed for a moment and then felt Shippo grab her legs and she grabbed his kimono tighter for security, even though she knew he wasn't going to let her fall.
He was faster than Inuyasha and more graceful, but she preferred Inuyasha's long, silky, hair flying in the wind as he ran. She liked his leaps rather than Shippo's running rhythm, but they were both nice.
"I smell Kasumi's scent. Did she come with you?" His voice was a little anxious, as he asked about the girl.
"Yes, but when I could finally heard you I told her to turn around and go back." She replied. He nodded and was silent again.
She laid her chin on his shoulder letting his red hair tickle her cheek. The breeze was warm and the forest was quiet due to the corpse demon coming through. The quick battle had disturbed the peaceful forest.
The edge of the forest was coming and they were on the fields running around or jumping over them. Men were walking from the fields and a hard day from work. They walked quickly to the village ready to see their wives and children and also excited about the feast. They had passed Satoru, Kagome had waved at him and he waved back.
As they entered the village women and children were gathered around a low table filled with different foods and aromas and they were mouthwatering. She and Shippo saw Aiko and Kagome waved, Aiko returned the wave and smile then continuing talking a woman who's probably her aunt and the present miko over the village. She was a very short chubby woman and she had a critical edge to her aura. It seems strange, but Kagome brushed off the feeling.
Kagome asked Shippo, "What are the talking about?" "Kohana and you." He replied, "Noriko, the aunt, is asking about you." His tone toward Noriko had a tint of malice to it. "Shippo, what's wrong?" Kagome asked eyebrows pulling together. Shippo huffed and mumbled, "Noriko thinks… that you're a fraud. She doesn't want you here, she thinks that you are just a puppet trying to trick us into thinking you the real Priestess." The last part came out in a growl that surprised Kagome, but he continued, "But, Aiko is trying to convince her aunt that you are not, saying that I know that you are real and not a puppet."
"Did she succeed?" Kagome asked hopefully. His answer was quick and simple and harsh.
"No."
They were at the hut the next second, Shippo stopped and Kagome slid down from his back, Shippo raced to the reed doors and pushed them aside and Kasumi and Kohana walked out with their hands full of foods that looked delicious and smelled marvelous. Shippo walked with Kasumi into the center of the village while Kagome and Kohana walked silently behind them until Kohana asked, "Are you ready to be asked questions, to give blessings, and so forth?"
Kagome gulped slightly, but replied, "Ready!" But she was a nervous wreck in her mind crying out, 'HELP ME!' And Kagome swore she heard Shippo laugh, and Kohana winked and whispered, "Don't worry they don't bit." Kagome chuckled nervously and walked beside Kohana.
The feast was easy and was enjoyable. The villagers asked many questions and asked her to retell some adventures. She was in the spotlight the whole night along with Shippo. It was a relief not being the only one answering questions. It was late when the table was cleared from food and the villagers were retiring back to their huts. Satoru helped Kohana back to their hut; Aiko said goodnights and thanks from the grateful villagers. Shippo had to carry Kasumi who was unconscious half the feast, into the hut with Kagome beside him ready to hit the hay any minute as well.
As they walked in Kohana was nowhere to be seen and was probably asleep in the next room, Satoru was already on a futon in the corner in the back of the hut, Aiko was getting ready for bed herself, but walked over and hugged Kagome who was half dead, but she returned the hug. Shippo placed Kasumi on another futon beside Satoru and whispered goodnights to the sleeping girl and the snoring boy and to Aiko.
Kagome watched Shippo stand and walk towards her and he slowly opened his arms; Kagome walked over to him and wrapped her arms around his neck and he gently took the sleepy girl in his arms.
He murmured, "Sleep Kagome." Her eye lids were already drifting closed and she mumbled, "Kay." Her soon even breathing notified him that she was fast asleep. His walk to his hut took only seconds with his speed; he walked quietly and quickly up three steps, two steps across the small porch and through the reed doors.
He walked through a small living area and into another room that held two futons and thick piles of blankets and placed her on one that over flowed with blankets. She curled on her side as he stood and walked three steps onto his futon and he laid there letting his eye lids finally close from the long and unforgettable day, letting future dreams take over his mind as he slept.
*****
She felt the sun's heat on her back, her head and body cushioned on blankets and a wonderfully soft futon; for one second she panicked and wondered where she was and one moment later she remembered everything, her death, coming back, seeing Shippo, Sango and Miroku's deaths, and their family.
She took a deep breath and closed her eyes again, but they fluttered open when she heard light snore and she turned over to see an amusing sight. His red hair was flat on one area of his head while the other was sticking straight up in every direction, his mouth was popped open with a trail of drool running down the corner of his mouth. She held back the snicker that came so not to wake him from his deep sleep.
He twitched and Kagome held her breath as he turned over facing the wall and as he did she saw a flash of bright color that stood out in the pale colors of the room. She could see the old bag pack and the air rushed out of Kagome's lungs.
The old bag was old worn of age and use. The yellow was worn to a softer yellow than when she had it last time it looked dusty even. She would think it would turn to dust if she touched it.
Some memories came to mind of Inuyasha hauling the bag on one arm and with her in the other, she remembered bringing school books, candies, ramen, first-aid-kit, and other useful stuff that she thought she needed. It felt like she was fifteen again when she touched the fabric, it was soft and worn just like it looked. She pulled away from it and held her breath as Shippo twitched again.
She back away slowly and sat back down on the backs and futon. She stretched and yawned letting the morning sink away. The feast popped in her mind and she smiled at some of the memories; some wonderful and some not so good. Some villagers were suspicious, but one stuck out the most; Noriko, the present Miko for the village. She had caught the older woman staring at her or rather glaring at her. Once Kagome moved her eyes completely over to her, Noriko face played the expression of welcome and kindness.
Kagome had to pick her words carefully though Noriko would see a double meaning that wasn't there and she would speak it aloud. It got annoying at first couple times, but after the sixth and seventh time Kagome was worried and she knew something was up. Shippo had sensed the building tension and he shot her a look and she was quiet the rest of the evening. Kagome had wanted to speak about it to Shippo, but she was too tired to even think about that when she was afraid she would fall flat on her face if she stopped concentrating on walking and besides she past out as Shippo carried her out of Kohana's hut.
Being carried by Shippo was a little amusing since he would ride on the shoulders of the gang. Now he was the one carrying the people to safety.
She felt a sting in her legs meaning that her legs were falling asleep and she stood quietly as possible and walked out to another room; the larger room was no different than the small room, bare and pale. There was a small table in front of the window on the right side of the hut. The 'kitchen' area on the left side was rather small. It was… not very homey, but she knew Inuyasha preferred to sleep outdoors rather than the indoors. She didn't know if Shippo enjoyed the outdoors than the indoors, he could have been sleeping inside just for her. Who knew? (She didn't.)
The cracks in the reed doors and the windows allowed some sunlight in and with the help of the yellow light she could see the dust on the floor and table, she sighed.
So they don't use the table very much, she thought rolling her eyes.
She walked to the reed doors and pushed them aside as she walked out, the sun was warming her exposed skin and she hummed with delight. She breathed in deeply for a long minute breathing in the oaks and pines of the forest surrounding the hut. Her eyes roamed over the small clearing; the grass was a bright green and the height of the grass was to her knees. She could see, hear, and smell the bubbling creek a few feet away from the side of the hut. She wondered about what happened after 'the' battle, she wondered how life had been for them… especially Shippo and Inuyasha. Life had moved forward without pity for them having the long life that they had. Miroku and Sango had gotten married and she smiled at the thought of their wedding and she wished with all her heart that she was there to see their happiness. It was good and healthy to move on and she was glad they did.
She wondered about the others 75 years ago; Koga, Kohaku, Kaede, the puppets of Naraku, Myoga, Sesshomaru-sama, and the little girl, Rin. She wanted to know if they had survived, if they battled Naraku at the final battle. It was a relief to her that they had won she was overjoyed that they had won… but what did they do with the jewel?
She jumped as she heard her stomach growl and then a booming laugh, she spun around to see Shippo leaning against the door frame and laughing and when he was finished she said, "I doubt you have any food, so I'll walk to Kohana's."
He smiled at that and replied, "You're right. If you stay here you'll probably starve." The tint of seriousness in his face was true, but she knew if they were hungry enough he would go get some animal from the surrounding forest. But they would just walk to Kohana's because they were lazy and Kagome was sure that Shippo would burn the food he caught.
She smiled and inclined her head and murmured, "If you don't come I'll get lost." He shook his head and said, "Were just 10 meters from the God Tree, you won't get lost, but I'll come any way. I'm hungry, too." She laughed and waited for him to walk beside her and when he reach her which only took 2 seconds, they started walking, Shippo leading. It was a peaceful, a comfortable silence that didn't make anyone uneasy or nervous. That was until a thought of question came to mind and the thought came out of a mouth.
"So what happened after the battle?" She asked cautiously.
His eyes moved on her moving figure and his brows rose in confusion. "You know after the… battle."
She saw him tense through the corner of her eye. She almost regretted asking, almost. She needed and wanted to know what happened after she died. He didn't answer for a couple of minutes and as the words formed in his mouth they came out weak and worn.
"Nothing," he took a deep breath, "Nothing at first. We all stayed at the field for two days doing nothing, but mourn for you and letting the reality sink in that you were gone. Sango was devastated, her eyes were hallow and they were streaming with tears. Miroku did his best to comfort her, but it was hard for him, too." He looked at her and she was staring straight ahead her eyes glassy, he swung his head back and paid attention to the path they were on.
"I never really got a good look at you… Inuyasha, he, well he never would let anyone get near you… your body. He held you, I don't think he ever let go the whole time we were there. He just sat there… his shoulders were shaking so badly. I could hear the tears from him. He would-"he shut his eyes tightly and Kagome looked at him on the verge of tears then he took a deep breath and continued, "He would say things, to you, only for you. It made me realize that you were gone because he would never say those things to you if you were alive."
Shippo stopped walking and turned to look at Kagome who had tears running slowly down her cheeks, "Don't cry Kagome." He wiped away the tears and pulled her into a soft hug. She wrapped her arms around his waist or attempted to. "It really is a miracle that you're here Kagome." He murmured. She sobbed into his chest and shook her head. He pushed away from her and took her head in his hands to stop her from disagreeing with him. "Yes it is." He told her this time she didn't try to shake her head. She didn't know how much it was a blessing and a miracle it was for her to be living again.
He dropped his hands and took one of hers and led her on the path again. It was quiet again, but Shippo's voice interrupted the silence.
"Then he just got up and started walking to the village. He carried you all the way not stopping even to eat, drink or sleep until he reached the village, but when we got there we couldn't find him so we trudged to Kaede's hut and told her the news. Well Miroku told her the news neither Sango nor I could get a syllable out. She kind of just sat there for a moment and then her face was in her hands sobbing.
"A few days past and Old Kaede wanted to rip Inuyasha's head off," he chuckled at that bitterly then he stopped, "But when he came back, she saw the lifeless expression, saw that he everything he did was automatic, saw that he didn't know what to do. We were surprised he didn't come back with you- your body. We had tired to ask, but he would ignore us or growl at us which was better than anything. And when he used words again he said, 'She's buried where no one could touch her.' Miroku had asked if he went to his half brother and that was a bad idea. He shut everything out again, but this time he went to the God Tree on the highest branch. Gradually he came back down with time. The others had said that your mother had to know what happened, but when he jumped down the well, nothing happened. We expected Inuyasha to jump back up, but he stayed down in the well.
"Time passed slowly and mercilessly and then you came back." He smiled and then he tugged at my hand and mumbled, "We're close let's hurry, I can smell Kohana's cooking!"
She laughed at his sudden mood swing; sad and gloomy to excited and cheery. She let him pull her gently in the direction of the village and then the village was in sight, well Kohana's hut was only two huts away. He pulled forward so that she was in a sprint while he was slowly jogging to the steps and onto the porch. He quickly pushed the reed doors open so that the panting Kagome could walk through and see Kohana cooking like Shippo said she was and Aiko was helping the dieing fire spark again. When Kohana greeted them Kasumi burst into the room landing in Kagome's arms squeezing her to death from lack of oxygen. Then she moved over to Shippo, but ho only got a light squeeze compared to Kagome's death hug.
He didn't like that one bit.
Kagome greeted Kohana, Kasumi and Aiko. When Aiko met Kagome's gaze, there was something off, nothing evil or sinister, but troubled and uncertainty, but it was pushed back from her eyes as she smiled, but it still lingered. Kagome knew it wasn't the time and place to ask Aiko about her troubles even thought she had no business knowing, she thought she could help. So she walked over to her side and sat down beside her in a friendly gesture.
Kasumi started dragging Shippo out the door, "We'll be right back!" she yelled over her shoulder. She caught it. She caught the knowing worry and pity in his eyes before he was dragged out.
The reasonable answer Kagome came up with was that Aiko was the building pressure from her aunt; she couldn't really help with that. Aiko had only known her two day and from the stories and she knew her aunt her whole life. So that made it difficult for Aiko; trust the legend or trust family?
A voice brought her attention to the people around her. "So what do you plan to do today, Kagome-san?" Kohana asked over her work.
"Well I don't know. I might walk around the village; fill in the blanks of 75 years with Shippo. I would like to bathe. And visit Sango's and Miroku's graves." Kagome answered thoughtfully.
"Why don't you walk around and give blessings or something like that?" A new voice called out.
Satoru stood in the doorway and had an uninterested expression showing on his features; having him around his scary… too much like Inuyasha, too much.
"Um, well, the village already has a Miko, two actually. And besides I don't think I'm needed, Noriko-san has everything under control." Kagome replied hoping that would help the tension, but to her disappointment, Aiko's eyes harden.
Her attention was stole from Aiko to Satoru, "Aunt Nori is getting old; she'll forget that she's giving a baby a blessing and curse it instead." He snickered, but it was cut short when a… spoon flew through the air. Then a loud crack and then the hut was filled with a yelp.
"WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT FOR?!" Satoru yelled above the laughter from the two girls. A quarter size bump was growing in the middle of Satoru's forehead as he glared at his mother, she was smirking making the girls laugh harder. She turned back to her work, and her shoulders shaking slightly. As she scowled him she hid the forming laughter well, "You shouldn't tease or humiliate any family members. It's rude."
He stomped out of the hut and the girls had trouble breathing, their lungs begging them to stop, but they only laughed harder when Satoru yelled, "Shut up!"
Kagome wiped away forming tears and slowed the howling laughter into a giggle as Aiko did the same. "Well I doubt that, that bump will go down in a week!" Aiko chuckled. "I agree." Kagome laughed. Aiko was smiling so maybe that was a good sign, but she had a feeling that it wouldn't go away that easily.
The hut was once more quiet again besides Kohana's cooking. Kagome let her fingers comb through her hair that felt just a tiny bit greasy which unnerved Kagome to no end. So she stopped messing with her hair. "Kagome-san do you need a hair tie?" Aiko asked quietly. Kagome looked over at the girl and smiled and nodded. Aiko reached into her kimono and pulled out a red piece of fabric and handed it to Kagome who whispered, "Thank you." Aiko nodded and whispered back, "You're welcome."
Kagome laid the fabric on her lap and gathered all her hair over her shoulder and braided her hair until an inch of hair was left and then grabbed the piece of fabric and tied it in a tight knot around her hair just as Kohana laid five bowls of rice and on larger bowl of veggies and she laid 5 sets of chop sticks on the bowls. Aiko grabbed the chop sticks and ate slowly and Kagome took up another pair of chop sticks. Kohana sat between Kagome and Aiko and began eating herself. Kagome was about to ask about the others, but Kasumi bolted through the reed door and settled herself besides Kagome and took the chop sticks in her tiny slim fingers and began eating. She was followed by Shippo who had hunger and curiosity written all over.
"Why does Satoru have a huge bump on his forehead?" Kasumi asked and at her question Kagome, Aiko, and Kohana smiled slyly. "Mother threw a spoon at him." Aiko answered trying to consume the giggle that wanted to escape. "Why?" Shippo responded. Kohana replied this time, "He was being rude about Noriko." Shippo's eyebrows rose and Kasumi made a little noise that only Kagome and Shippo heard. Kasumi gave him a look and one of Shippo's eyebrows rose and the tiny gesture reminded her of Inuyasha. Kasumi gave him a evil smile and he rolled his eyes and walked over and seated himself by Kasumi and began eating.
"Kagome-chan what do you plan to do today?" Kasumi asked curiously. Kagome looked over to the girl and said, "Well I would love to bathe, but beyond that I suppose I'm free." A wide smile appeared and Kasumi nearly jumped where she sat, "Can I come with you?"
"Kasumi you went to the hot springs yesterday. You don't need to bathe again for awhile." Kohana said. "Yes mama, but I can show her the way and join her for company," she turned to look at Kagome, "If that's alright with you?" She sounded hopeful and Kagome couldn't resist a sweet face. "Of course, I would love for you to join me," Kagome looked at Aiko, "Will you come, too?"
"No, I can't. I have to join my aunt; she wants to pick some herbs." Aiko didn't look up at Kagome or anyone else as she spoke and then she continued eating. "Well you can come to next time we go, if you like." Kasumi mumbled sour at her sisters' mood.
Kagome's eyes skimmed over to Shippo and she was surprised; his gaze was on Aiko, it was piercing, his green eyes were almost frightening, but behind that there was something else, worry maybe pity, sadness, too. He was tense and she thought that his chop sticks would break in four. She was worried about Aiko and she knew that Shippo knew what was wrong. He felt her gaze and his eyes wandered over to her. He gave a small smile that did not reach his eyes, but Kagome returned the smile anyways and he returned back to eating.
It was quiet the rest of the meal until they all finished and Kohana took up the bowls and the others all migrated outside and left each other with soft see you later's and they all left each other in different directions. Shippo left with Aiko walking into the center of the village and Kasumi and Kagome walked in the opposite direction.
"So, Kagome, what was it like when Shippo was little, with Inuyasha, and with my great grandparents? What were they like?" Kasumi asked.
"Well Shippo looked about six for a human age. He loved to color and loved the candies that I brought back from home. He was brave being so little. Your great grandparents… Sango was like a sister, very brave and caring woman, she knew how to fight, killed many demons and protected innocents. Your mother reminds me of her very much.
"Miroku was a perverted monk who didn't know how to keep his groping hands to himself and off women's backside," Kasumi giggled at that and it made Kagome smile thinking about it, "But he loved Sango very much, so much I don't even think Sango realized how much he loved her. It was amusing to see them in little arguments; you could tell how much they were in love and denying it. He was wise when the time called for it, but then he was wise in a perverted way and had very bad memory.
"We were like a family…" Kagome murmured.
Kasumi still wondered, "What about Uncle Inuyasha?"
Kagome looked over at Kasumi and smiled, "He was the most stubborn person besides myself, I've ever known. If had set his mind on something you could take him to hell and back and he wouldn't change his mind. He was dense and he wanted to be a full demon and become strong and powerful like his father. His foul mouth knew exactly what to say to piss off our enemy or ally. But he was loyal, he would never admit this but he had a soft spot, he was kind if you were on his 'better' side. He would protect innocent lives and get them on track. He was gentle, he choose to not to be like other demon, he didn't choose to kill for blood like the others. He was kind; he was probably the strongest of us all…" Kagome's voice died down in a whisper
Kasumi sucked everything in like a sponge and stayed silent to rethink some questions. They walked slowly to the waiting hot springs, but both girls were focused on other things. The path they were on was traveled on frequently that no grass grew were they walked. Bushes and trees surrounded them and blocked out most of the sunlight, but yellow patches of light were scattered everywhere along the path.
"Did you ever tell him?" Kasumi asked quietly. "What?" Kagome responded confused by the girl's question.
Kasumi stopped walked, looked at Kagome and said, "Did you tell him that you love him?" Kasumi saw Kagome's breath freeze in her throat and she swallowed hard before staring at Kasumi. When Kagome didn't say anything Kasumi said, "Well the stories didn't need to explain the reason why you sacrificed your life for him." "But Aiko said that the story says that I loved Inuyasha?" Kagome interrupted. Kasumi rolled her eyes, "Aiko just wants to think like that, she pretended to be the miko who sacrificed her life for Inuyasha. Now many of the stories back this up, but other people just thought you were just very close friends with Inuyasha, but the little details mama and Shippo told all of us fit together very well. Even my great grandparents knew! It was very obvious, Kagome-chan." She smiled.
Kagome looked at her and then said, "You're very observant." Kasumi smiled shyly.
Kagome sighed heavily, "No I never told him. I told him that I like him the way he was as a half demon, but other than that nothing. And that's what I regretted not doing before my…death. I worry that after 75 years he won't believe it's me or he just rejects me. I still can't believe that Naraku went out of his way to find us that day.."
"Naraku? I thought-" "Well it could have been one of his fake puppets." Kagome shrugged. Kasumi's eyes widened and Kagome asked, "What?" Kasumi smiled and shook her head, "Nothing just remembering that I have to… help mama with the cooking tonight." "Hmmm." Kagome groaned and looking around before asking, "Are we almost there?" Kasumi looked at the path and nodded, "Yeah just a few more minutes." Kagome sighed, "Thank Kami!" Kasumi and Kagome giggled.
"So tell me how Shippo is different." Kasumi asked quietly again. Kagome looked at Kasumi and saw a light blush stain her cheeks and smiled, "Well he's not a little boy anymore, and he's a young man that I still have to get to know." Kasumi nodded and Kagome chuckled. As soon as Kagome's laugh reached Kasumi's ears her head snapped up and she rushed, "What?" Kagome smiled, 'I don't think I'm alone to have such feelings of…love?" Kagome teased. "What are you talking about?" "I'm talking about how you like Shippo!" "What?!" at this Kasumi's face was a tomato and the gesture reminded her of Sango when Miroku would do something stupid or perverted.
"Don't worry, Kasumi-chan!" Kagome said, but she regretted them. Kasumi's eyes harden and they were like black stones instead of pearls. Kasumi whispered, "I have everything to worry about, Kagome-chan."
Worried Kagome murmured, "Why do you think that?"
"Kagome-chan, what is he?" It wasn't a question really, but it made it clear for Kagome.
"A demon." Kagome whispered.
"He doesn't age, Kagome-chan. I will be wrinkled with age and he will be the same as he is now." Kasumi mumbled sadly, "Even if he even wanted me… I don't think there is a way for me to live and age with him."
"Well, then we have the same problem Kasumi-chan." Kagome said gently hoping that Kasumi noticed that she wasn't alone.
They looked at each other and smiled sadly at one other the smiles not reaching their eyes. "Yeah, you are right." Kasumi said then, "How do you think Inuyasha will react to your, uh, arrival?" Kagome shrugged and said, "I don't know." And when Kagome looked up she saw steam rising and she sighed ready to soak for hours. The hot springs was shaped like a half moon with small and large boulders surrounding it. Kagome grew excited just looking at it.
"Well let's relax, we deserve it!" Kasumi rushed while she started undoing her obi. Kagome tugged at her and it slipped off easily. The kimono was loose and it slid down her left shoulder and before she could shrug out of the kimono, there was a gasp that was terrified. Kasumi's eyes were wide with shock, her mouth was popped open in an 'o' and then she whispered, "Kagome-chan!" Kagome's eyebrows were stitched together in confusion and she wondered if she did something strange or something like that. "What?" Kagome asked.
"You're scared." Kasumi barely moved her lips as she spoke.
Kagome sighed, "Yes, I battled a lot, I would have scars. You should know that." Kasumi shook her head and pointed at her and whispered, "No. You are scared!" Kagome looked down and saw her feet, legs, some of her stomach and saw her- her eyes widened and her lungs lacked air.
It was a cm below her shoulder and it went until a few centimeters above her nipple; was a scar that was shaped like a hand… the skin was a shade or two lighter than her normal skin tone. It was just a handprint as she reached up to touch the scar tissue it was unsmooth and rigged. She could feel her fingertips brush over it.
She looked up at Kasumi and said, "I don't remember having this."