Disclaimers: I do not own Inuyasha
A/N Wow, I'm just in generally overwhelmed by the amount of happy reviews I got from you guys. Thanks so much. I had no idea I still had original readers from 08 still waiting for the ending. Haha, well I hope you guys enjoy this chapter. As requested there is a little more Inu/Kag in it among other things. Please, let me know what you think!
Awakened Dead
Chapter 21. December 12
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She had been having the weirdest feelings as of late.
That and some very strange repetitive dream involving a mirror and some woman that clearly was not her on the other side of it.
She had stopped snacking before bed and even meditates to relax herself. Yet this dream has been coming to her for nearly a week now. Unfortunately to top it all off, she never remembers anything that happens beyond the whole I-don't-see-myself-in-the-reflection part. Even though she knows she's having some important conversation.
Good news is that there haven't been any intense ghostly encounters. Bad news is that each time Kagome's been having this dream of hers, apparently she's been subconsciously raising the dead. Again. 'Nothing but a couple small rodents though.' She inwardly told herself. Of course the reason that there's only been a few zombie pets here and there is because the hanyou would do rounds every so often to get rid of deceased creatures and send them god knows where. Nothing like a demon bloodhound poltergeist to hunt down mister fluffy.
'He's also been very uptight, like me. It's not even remotely close to the full moon and he's acting increasingly agitated.' Kagome looked up from her book she was reading at her desk to stare back at the ghost parked on her bed. She shivered a bit, not really knowing why considering she was cozy in her room with her sweatpants and sweater. 'What is this feeling? I don't get it…' She turned back to her book, continuing her studies. Exams were coming up, and she needed to be ready.
Sango and Miroku had been getting along quite well too at school. Yes, Sango-san was definitely back in action at the school. To the Monk's delight, his favourite piece of ass was walking the halls once more. Though he was careful, he would generally hit on her four to seven times a day, even risking a grope here and there. If it weren't for Sango's incredible self-control, the Houshi would most likely be in the intensive care unit right now… Thank Kami Sango-san was self-training her abilities. Because until the boys got back—
'Speaking of which, why can't they be here now? There's so much they could be helping with. Stupid unreliable hunters.' Kagome pouted at her book.
"You're obviously not getting any studying done, wench." Came Inuyasha's voice from behind her. "Quit wasting time and learn that stuff."
'How does he know when I'm daydreaming? Jeez, he needs to really stay out of my head.' She grunted loudly. "I'm going to go make some coffee." Standing abruptly, she left her room to make some of that warm drink to help her focus on her studies. Today was a great day too because no one was home to disturb her from her 'exam study mode' aside from Inuyasha of course. He was basically glued to her hip these days, not that she was complaining.
She giggled to herself while she got the coffee out and prepared the machine. Strangely enough, just standing in the kitchen like this was making her feel better. Maybe she was feeling too stuffed up in her bedroom or something. She watched with interest as the coffee brewed, releasing a delightful vanilla hazelnut aroma that engulfed her senses. 'So good…' She picked out some cookies and set them up on a plate, taking out a mug for her coffee.
There was a firm knock at the front door, and the distinct rumbles of her hanyou companion standing there in wait. He was quite the guard dog…
"Just a sec!" Kagome called to the front as she walked over. She was half tempted to sit Inuyasha for being such a grump, but decided against it. When she swung open the door, she had instantly regretted it. Like really really regretted it.
"Ka-gome-chan!" Sang Yuka brightly with a big smile. And not only was Yuka-chan there, but Ayumi-chan and Eri-chan too, as well as a disgruntle Sango-san pouting behind them. They were all clad in warm winter jackets and mittens, cheeks red from the cold showing that they had most likely walked here. Or at least taken their time going up the shrine steps.
"M-minna-san, what are you doing here?" Kagome asked with a stuttered, now feeling incredibly stupid for having not slammed the door in the first place, or even bothered to check through the peephole. Damn! She could have avoided this encounter and could be enjoying her coffee and cookies right about now—
Eri laughed loudly and almost maniacally. "The Winter Formal is this week! AND we need new dresses of course."
Oh yeah, the Winter Formal.
The raven haired girl stood there for a second, a bit overwhelmed by the girls. 'So that's why Sango-san doesn't look too impressed…' She glanced back at the growling Inuyasha, smiling apologetically. "J-just give me two minutes to change will you?" She told the girls, receiving mild glares from her hanyou partner for saying such a thing.
"Okay!" The girls blurted, bypassing Kagome rudely to huddle inside for the warmth in wait of Kagome. Even Sango had entered giving Kagome that tired look and roll of the eyes at their friends' eccentric behaviour.
"We'll be in the living room." She mumbled, giving a small nod to the hanyou as she passed by him.
Once Kagome was safely upstairs, she had faced the unimpressed Inuyasha in her room. He had his arms stuffed in either sides of his sleeves and was giving her a stern look of disapproval. "Look, you know how they get. It's nearly impossible to stop them when they're on a mission." She tried to defend, only receiving a dull rumble from him.
"You don't get that many chances to study Kagome. You told me that these tests of yours were important. How there hell are you going to pass them if you don't take this free time now to study while your not being bothered by idiotic spirits." Inuyasha all but yelled at her, very unhappy at the moment, clearly.
However didn't she just say that she had no choice in the matter?
The girls had taken Sango-san. What chance did she stand against them if they managed to drag Sango-san from her studies and training?
"Look this isn't my fault! I didn't ask for them to come over and drag me to the mall to go dress shopping!" Kagome yelled back, walking up to him to poke him in the chest. "So just lay off!"
He snorted, sticking his face closer to hers. "I do that and you won't get anything done around here!"
Kagome sighed in exasperation and moved away from him, walking over to her closet to withdraw various items of clothing to go out in. "Look you can either sulk here until I get back or come with us and help me pick out a dress." She said while removing her sweatshirt to put on a three quarter sleeve shirt.
Inuyasha, whom had been starring at her, had briskly turned around in favour of not eating carpet, faint amounts of blush dusting his cheeks. "K-keh. The hell would I do? Just watch you try on dresses? What a waste of time." He muttered, his ears twitching back towards her as he listened to the shuffling materials she changed into.
Kagome tisked him. "You know, most boys your age would jump at a chance to see pretty girl wearing different, short dressed revealing their gorgeous long legs—" She began in a sugary voice while buttoning up her skinny jeans.
His ears perked. "You mean there are going to be men around there too?" He interrupted with a feral growl, turning his head to give her a side-glance and a small visual of faint purple marking on his cheeks.
'How is he turning full demon without the full moon and in brood daylight? This doesn't make sense..' She shrugged on a long, light material, beige vest, giving him her best sweet smile. "Most likely. Though unless Miroku caught wind of our plans, I'll bet they'll be complete strangers checking us out. Heck maybe even ask some of the girls out." She placed a finger on her chin. "Yuka could use a solid boyfriend…"
The hanyou fully turned and trudged up to her, snatching her wrist roughly and tugging her to him possessively. "I'm going. And not just to keep those perverts away either. I'm just curious about this dress thing." He defended quickly.
"Of course." Kagome muttered dryly. "'Cause you wouldn't be coming to scare boys away from me at all."
"Let's get going." Inuyasha cut in firmly, disappearing in a mist.
The girl only rolled her eyes and smiled at his silly antics, wandering downstairs to greet the girls and be on their merry way. 'Not without my coffee of course!'
-X-
"This is cute!"
"Ayumi, may I remind you that we are not looking for cute." Yuka cut in, placing a dress back on the rack.
"That's right!" Eri added. "We are looking for drop dead gawd damn sexy!" She squealed, pulling out a similar dress that fit her taste.
Kagome laughed weakly, adding some dresses to her small arm full. There was no way most of these would look all that great on her, but she also knew that the girls' wouldn't just let her try on one dress despite how much she liked it. 'Shopping is also such a work out with the girls.' She glanced over at Sango whom was also forming a small hand full of dresses.
"Well, I think I'm going to go try these on—"
"Wait Kagome-chan! We're going as a group!" Ayumi interrupted, tugging the others along the way with Kagome to take over the fitting rooms.
What an adventure this was turning into. Aside the fact that they were constantly putting on and removing dresses, there were occasions where Inuyasha would enter the fitting room and surprise the miko slash necromancer with one of his smirks. Claiming he was only helping by zipping her up, the girl ended up making him face plant for even thinking of entering the fitting room without her permission.
"You're over reacting wench, you didn't need to sit me for joking around." He grounded outside her room with a pout. He shot a glare at Sango whom had been giving him dirty looks since she had heard the whole exchange. Pretty much, if he were alive right now, he would be fair game to her to kill. 'Stupid hunter.'
"What do you girls think of this one?" Kagome yelled through the door, completely ignoring the hanyou and opening her door to observe the other ladies in their dresses. What number had they gone up to so far? Six? Each? The poor staff here must be cursing them by now.
Inuyasha for one was a bit more silent than usual while the other girls gasped and smiled brightly. Sango-san was even at a loss for words, admiring the dresses Kagome was wearing with a hint of envy. It was a strapless crimson dress with a snug torso top that flared slightly from her waist down to about mid calf. It was layer material with a small glittered pattern in the lower right side corner of the torso that curled upward just below the breast. To Kagome, she didn't feel all that special.
But to the others, judging by their looks anyways, this dress seemed to compliment her.
"Damn, look at those curves!" Came a new voice that broke through their silence.
Naturally, Inuyasha's rumbles loudly filled the room. Even with the squealing and the noise from the staff and other customers, nothing compared to his possessive growls and warning snarls.
In Kagome's opinion right now, out of all the possible moments that they could have shown up, right then had not been expected. I mean are you serious? In a mall? Where there aren't any spirits aside from Inuyasha anywhere nearby? Not a single supernatural thing occurring whatsoever? 'You have got to be kidding me.'
"Ne, Kagome-chan." Ayumi began in a mumble. "You never said anything about your date showing up here as an audience."
Oh yeah, cause calling Bankotsu-san her date for this formal was the best way to calm a raging half dog demon poltergeist. Yup, terrific.
"Sorry we came a bit unexpected. We just caught wind of you girls here and decided to provide some opinions." Jakotsu, whom was standing next to Bankotsu, beamed happily. "Oh my my, Miss Sango looks fabulous in that pink dress of hers!" Jakotsu winked at her playfully.
The female hunter blinked and blushed a bit, feeling suddenly shy around the professional hunters. "A-arigatou." She stuttered, nervously scratching her arm. She was wearing a mid length dress that was pink in the torso and black in the length, some lace decorating the pink. To finish it off, there was a ribbon tied in a cute bow to the side connecting the black to the pink of the dress.
"I still say Kagome's the sexiest, no offence ladies." Bankotsu grinned at them, shooting his dark blue gaze back at Kagome quickly to look her up and down again. "I think that this one is the winner Kagome." He purred, completely ignoring the furious poltergeist standing right next to the girl flexing his claws.
"Back off hunter. I told you that she was mine." He barked, stepping slightly in front of her to cover her up from his enemy's sight.
"Well then, looks like we found our dresses! How about we go pay." Yuka suggested, being the first to strut back into her fitting room to change back into her clothes. The other girls followed suit, including Kagome and Sango.
However Kagome had discreetly tugged Inuyasha into her fitting room, making sure that no human had seen her pull at thin air. Once she got the door closed behind her she had turned around and whispered harshly. "Calm down Inuyasha. I don't want you starting anything."
He was up in her face faster than she could even blink. "Me?" He shouted in protest. "He was the one undressing you with those damnable eyes." He roared hotly.
"Uh, I'm pretty sure you've done that too. And most likely worse." Kagome defended quietly.
He snorted in response. "Obviously, because you are mine. So I can do whatever the hell I want."
Kagome's blue eyes at first widened then furrowed angrily. "If there is something I know, it is that I don't belong to anyone. We are not dating we are not m-mates. You are a ghost I am a human. We cannot be anything while you are dead, and I am alive. So I can damn well do whatever I like whenever I like without you breathing down my neck." She sniffed. Though instead of winning the argument like she had planned, instead he had unexpectedly pushed her back until he had her pressed up against the wall of the store.
He was nose to nose with her. Sparkling amber gold starring deeply into her pretty blue orbs.
"Despite what you say Kagome, you know that you and I share a bond. So naturally I feel much closer to you than I ever intended because I now know you were meant to be mine. And in my mind, you are mine." He had calmed quite a bit, though his eyes still glittered with raging emotions. "So sorry for feeling the urge to protect you all the time, but I can't help it. You're my mate. Whether you like it or not, I'm going to be there. I don't give a damn if I don't have a body. Until the right time comes, I will stay by your side and get rid of any and all males that even think of getting in my way."
She couldn't tell if this was an apology or him just trying to smooth things over with her or even trying to ask her to be his girlfriend. She just knew for sure that he cared about her. He really really cared about her, something she just hadn't expected. 'It's not just physical is it? Even with his flirty attitude and horrible temper, he has always been there to make sure I was okay. To help me whenever he could. To protect me physically and mentally.' She thought, feeling a bit warm from their proximity.
He had definitely noticed how close they had gotten. In fact he had noticed it way long ago when he had originally shoved her against the wall. Except that now he was catching strong whiffs of her scent. She smelt beyond delicious; it had his mind going a bit delirious. So maybe that was why he had kissed her. He couldn't help it. She looked so adorable all flushed and her scent was just too enticing. So he kissed her softly at first, as if testing the waters. As soon as she responded, he had gone full blown, almost urgently, kissing her. He needed to feel her lips roughly against his. He needed to taste her.
"Kagome! What's taking so long!" Eri shouted, knocking on the door. "Are you okay in there?"
Inuyasha tore himself from her quickly, a low growl at his lips for the interruption. He opened his eyes and stared at the girl's swollen lips and flushed face, proud that he did that and not that moron hunter who had horrendous timing. 'Mate.' He nuzzled and kissed her temple, lowering his lips to her ear. "For the record wench, you look gorgeous in this dress." He chuckled, giving her one final nip with one of his fangs on her ear lobe before backing away.
She was in a bit of a daze, and short of breath. Her eyes were hazily staring up at him, a small whine lodged in her throat for the loss of attention.
…
"Well don't just stand there looking stupid. Those annoying friends of yours are waiting for you!" Inuyasha spoke in his usual rough tone, grinning at her now peeved face.
What. Did. He. Just. Say?
Knowing he'd get sat, he had disappeared out of the room quickly before she could even utter the word.
'Th-that jerk!' Kagome clenched her fists angrily, turning to look at herself in the mirror. 'Aw crap.' She stared at her swollen lips. Okay first thing was first. She had changed into her clothes, telling the girls that she was just having a tough time deciding on the right dress still to buy some time. Then she had put some lip gloss on and smiled while coming out of the fitting room.
"I think you guys were right. The red one was the best after all." She said sheepishly.
"You see, don't doubt us Kagome-chan." Yuka smiled.
"Never again." Kagome laughed lightly.
"Um.. Is it me are do you lips look a little… I don't know, big?" Ayumi asked as they approached the cashier desk.
Kagome simply brushed off the question with a shrug. "It's this new plumping lips gloss I got. Works wonders."
Heh heh, that was easier to say than she had thought.
"Oh! Trying to impress someone are we?" Yuka winked.
Huh, she hadn't expected that kind of outcome. But from what she could tell, Inuyasha hadn't minded the comment. He just followed behind her with either of his hands tucked into his sleeves, as if he weren't listening at all.
'Pompous. Jerk.'
-X-
"Kagome-chan, wanna come with us to get something to eat?" Yuka asked shortly after they had all left the mall, bags in hand. "We're thinking about getting some sushi."
Kagome had politely declined as well as Sango and the other Hunters. Before the three girls could even protest, the group had made a bit of a dash for Bankotsu's car. Again Inuyasha hadn't been happy when he was obliged to merely follow them on the outside of the vehicle, but didn't have a choice since it was pretty much ghost proof. He was also itching to yell at them considering the amount of time these idiot hunters took to return to town.
Quickly recognizing the direction the car was taking, the hanyou found himself wondering why they were going to Miroku's and not the old antique shop. His question was answered quite quickly when they arrived, an unfamiliar woman sitting next to the Monk inside his home, chatting rather coolly. From the looks of things, the Monk was nervous and looked relieved to see everyone here and even surprised to see Sango.
"Who's this?" Sango asked tonelessly, glaring darkly at the Houshi.
It was Bankotsu whom had stepped up and circled around the new woman, slinging and arm around her shoulder with a crooked smile. "This everyone, is Kagura. She's a Witch—"
"More specifically a Wind Witch." She cut in to correct.
"—Right, and my girlfriend." Bankotsu finished.
Ah. So he had a girlfriend now?
…What a flirt.
Kagome risked a glance at Inuyasha, rolling her eyes at his relieved face. 'Stupid, as if anyone could compete with you anyways.' She thought, looking back at Bankotsu-san and his girlfriend. "So, are you the witch then that helped close the gap from our world to the underworld?"
Kagura, a woman who stood a bit shorter next to Bankotsu with dark brown locks tied back in a bun and strange crimson eyes, had nodded. Her face was impassive. "I happened to come across these two baka when I felt a fluctuation in the air. Luckily I was able to close the doorway with my spells, but not before several demons escaped."
"We managed to hunt down most of those escapees before they manage to get far, but I still have my doubts." Jakotsu spoke up worriedly. "They all seemed to be heading this way for some odd reason. So it is likely we missed quite a few. Mostly those that were air born and hidden among the clouds and out of our sights."
Miroku sighed loudly, shaking his head. "Why don't you all sit down and make yourselves comfortable. I'll go get some tea." He stood from the couch and moved passed the group, risking a small smile at Sango before disappearing into the kitchen.
Once they were all arranged in the living room, Miroku had returned with steaming cups of green tea, placing a tray down on the table gently.
"So." Kagome began awkwardly, blowing on her tea.
Miroku cleared his throat and began to speak. "Well, as far as to why the demons might be coming here. It is most likely because Kagome draws them. Her abilities are quite remarkable and have drawn in stray youkai before."
"What? When did this happen?" Jakotsu asked in genuine worry.
"Um, around the time you were gone." Kagome mumbled, peeking at Sango. "But I've been training since then. I can control my spiritual powers just fine for the most part. So how are they coming here when I'm not emitting so much energy like I used to?"
"Well that's just it wench. You used to have no control over it. Back then when you blasted me into oblivion; you probably sent a freaking beacon to them. Now they're just circling around in confusion in the skies until it happens again so they can find you." Inuyasha replied, looking up at her from his position on the floor. He was sitting in front of the couch and leaning on it, Kagome's legs on either side of him.
"Well that's just great then. I'm a walking target." Kagome pouted down at him. "And anyways, aside from this issue there's a few others that we need to talk to you about." Kagome looked up at the boys, then back at Sango.
"Yeah, we noticed." Bankotsu chuckled in amusement. "So, your blood limit is up and at it again huh?"
Sango blushed, looking away. "W-well it was a bit of an accident, and I don't really understand it."
Jakotsu laughed loudly, shaking his head. "Oh sweetie, you are too precious. I can't wait to train with you. You must be very strong."
"Strong? I thought you were too." Sango asked in confusion.
"Well yes, we are." Jakotsu nodded. "But your clan was the strongest compared to ours and the reason why they decided to make their blood limit go dormant. It was decided way back in the Sengoku period that our family blood limit would remain active as a form of security to the humans. Yours on the other hand was decided to go dormant because it was the families' ultimate request that their descendants would grow up as normal humans. They were one of the original of original bloodlines to have begun. Legendary soldiers who fought side by side to Midoriko-sama herself."
"H-how do you know all this?" Sango stuttered in shock. She just didn't know her family was that old and had such strong roots.
Bankotsu shrugged, "We've got old records and were told stories about you guys. It was always predicted that when your bloodline would awaken a great catastrophe would occur. So far, I think we're right on track." He eyed Kagome and Inuyasha. "You're right about the demons circling around. We've been able to partially feel it. There's also a bit of an unbalance around here among the supernatural."
"Obviously." Inuyasha snorted. "Kagome here has been learning to control her spiritual powers just fine and dandy. Its her other half that's been causing some weird stuff too."
"You mean her necromancer abilities?" Jakotsu inquired.
"What others could I possibly be pointing out?"
"Well you don't have to be snippy about it…"
"Inuyasha, be nice."
"Keh."
"Well, she's on her own for that. We don't have any way of finding her a suitable necromancer teacher. They're just too rare." Bankotsu shook his head. "Unless you know anyone?" He raised a brow at Kagura, whom had been silent this entire time.
She looked at him briefly and grunted. "I don't know either. All I know is my kind and my powers, nothing more."
"Well then, this brings us to the next set of questions." Kagome beamed. "We think we might know how to set Inuyasha free. But it depends on what you know."
"Us?" Both brothers said in unison.
Miroku placed down his cup of tea. "The theory is that the spell used to contain Inuyasha was split into two parts. The first portion was given to Kagome's family as a sort of story. The second entrusted to you active hunters. Could this be possible?"
"Inuyasha?" Kagura mumbled.
"Yeah, the ghost we told you about." Bankotsu answered easily.
"Wait, you mean she can't see me?" Inuyasha asked, bluntly pointing at her with a clawed finger. "At all?"
"She's a Witch, not a Miko or Houshi or Hunter." Jakotsu sang.
"Whatever." The hanyou crossed his arms. "So are the wench and houshi right? Do you guys know anything?"
"Well." Jakotsu mumbled worriedly. "I—"
"Nope." Bankotsu answered lightly, glancing quickly at his brother. "No idea."
Kagome furrowed her brows, disappointment evident on her face. 'What? What? I was so sure about this. I mean, it makes sense doesn't it? Kikyo splitting the spell apart to keep him forever sealed away and all?' She thought, unshed tears beginning to cloud her vision.
'He can't be freed. He's too strong.'
'What was that?' The blue eyed girls' head shot up, looking around wearily for the familiar voice.
'Heed my warning, this demon is to never walk this earth again for he will bring a great evil.'
'Who is that? Where is that voice coming from?' Kagome placed a cool hand on her forehead, feeling a headache coming on. 'Inuyasha? Is it Inuyasha?' She looked down at his silver hair and dog ears.
'Do not let—'
'Shut up! Be quiet! Inuyasha isn't evil. He just isn't. And he will have a second chance at living. I will save him!' Kagome's own voice echoed in her mind, a small realization occurring. This wasn't just a voice she was hearing. They were memories that she had forgotten.
About her dream.
The woman in the mirror that looked just like her. This was her voice. So did that mean it was Kikyo talking to her? Warning her?
Just what was going on?
'Oh Kami, why is my life just so complicating?'
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A/N So the boys are back. The Winter Formal will be happening and hopefully we are looking at two to three chapters left in this story. I hope to be finished by Christmas, but we all know how it is. I just need to whip my butt in gear right? Haha, R&R! Till next time!