All At Once: Chapter 6
Summary: Overcoming the loss of the ones she loves, rape, and an unexpected pregnancy finds Kagome just barely holding on. Will Inuyasha be there for her? Or someone completely unexpected? Or will she be alone to watch her world start to crumble all at once?
Disclaimer: I own nothing
'Thought'
Flashback
"Talking"
Kagome's skirt was caught in the wind as her knee took another step up the hill. The miko's loose lilac top billowed against a swollen stomach. Her hands were clasped tightly together but would sometimes wander to grasp the fabric of her skirt. Raven hair fluttered freely around her solemn face. Her mind was in a state of silent reflection. As she looked upwards her eyes landed on a large oak tree—her destination. One more step, one more strain and she was atop the hill. She bowed her head and knelt, still trying to come to terms with the past.
It had been five months since the incident occurred. Five months of recollecting her family's deaths'. Those months had taken their toll on the still mourning woman. Images were brought together in her mind and formed thorough overview of that night. It was frightening.
Kagome set up a memorial nearby to Kaede's village and made it a point to visit there every Sunday. Souta and Sango often accompanied her; today they each took their places on opposite sides of Kagome.
Kagome prayed to her mother for strength; the strength to raise a child, the strength to help Souta in this new world, the strength to carry on. Her hand drifted to the large bulge that was her belly. She had grown immensely and it was quite obvious she was pregnant. She was relived when she had ceased puking in the morning but had become self-conscious about her weight. Exercise was a vital part of her routine, making the only visible increase being her robust middle.
Although the conception of this child was frightful, Kagome couldn't help but feel excitement. A son or daughter was growing inside of her; she was giving life. Yet she was unprepared. She couldn't imagine not giving her child everything. A crib, swing, and bouncer were items from the future and she didn't want to return there. Frustration had set in. Strength is what she required, and strength is what she asked her mother so abundantly for. Her resolve was fortified. Today was the day she would face her fears, whether it was forced upon herself or not. It was no longer about her, but about her child.
She raised her head from its bowed position to glance first at Sango, then to Souta. Souta's head was raised and his glazed eyes were cast higher. Strength. It was something both the siblings needed.
Sango was still praying, her mouth forming silent words. Kagome steadied herself before pushing up. The unaccustomed weight sometimes got the better of her, but she quickly made herself erect. Arms and legs stretched to ready themselves for the decline.
Souta mutely found his way beside his sister. Together they waited for Sango, who joined them moments later. Sango looked over to Kagome before being the first to head down the hill. She took it slow, not wanting her friend to think she was getting slow in her pregnancy, even if it were the truth. The trio walked in uniform silence until reaching level ground, and then Kagome spoke.
"I want to go back to the future era for the rest of the day." The simplicity of her statement was a ruse to cover the gravity of what she meant, both Souta and Sango realized this. Kagome had been weighing this decision judiciously in her mind, and she could no longer avoid that the pros greatly outweighed the cons.
Having averted her eyes when she spoke, Kagome then looked up, first to Sango. Her face held no surprise, more of an understanding and a slight hint of pride. Sango knew this was no small feat for her friend. Souta's face was unreadable.
"Why now?" Sango asked, curiosity getting the better of her. She had always known that Kagome would want to return, even if just for a little while.
"I want to shop for things for the baby. There are lots of things in the future that are useful that you can't find here. Could you accompany me, Souta? I need help carrying the different things. That is, if Inuyasha lets me go." This was one major con Kagome had thought up, and was apprehensive to face. Inuyasha would undoubtedly want to do anything to help Kagome, but he was more leery of her time now than anyone. It was probable he would ask to accompany her, or not let her go at all.
"You don't worry about Inuyasha. I'll make sure he let's you go. We have found six jewel shards in five months; he should be satisfied for now." Sango was the group optimist, replacing Kagome momentarily. Kagome just nodded grimly, trying not to get her hopes up.
The group slowly advanced back to Kaede's residence.
After the kissing incident Inuyasha had been emotionally distant to Kagome. He was unsure of everything and hesitation controlled his actions. Countless times he had wanted to wrap her in his arms and kiss her. He had wanted to caress her rounded stomach. Claim her as his own and permit no one else access. But he hadn't, instead when he felt like holding her he touched her less. When he felt like kissing her he became ashamed and barely spoke.
Inuyasha wouldn't allow himself to push her, and this made him timid and afraid of her. Afraid that something he might say would upset her made him walk on eggshells. He couldn't stand to watch her break in front of him again, especially because of him. Inuyasha had become overbearing and strict. Sunday's are as far of leniency as he consents to.
Yet his strictness is balanced with compassion and secretly: love.
Inuyasha sat impatiently beside the hut, waiting for Kagome to get back from her traditional visit. When he finally saw the three of them he quickly stood up. They reached camp and Miroku, Shippou, and Kirara welcomed them back. Inuyasha just stared at Kagome, sniffing for any blood, searching for any blemishes. Kagome noticed this.
"I'm ok Inuyasha, nothing happened." He gave his trademark, "keh" before sitting down once more. Kagome sat a ways away from him, looking slightly uncomfortable. Inuyasha had shut his eyes but was aware of Kagome's uneasiness. He opened his eyes and looked at her, expecting her to tell him what was going on. After more than a couple seconds of silence he sighed and caved.
"What?" Kagome looked to Sango for support, Sango smiled.
"Inuyasha, I was wondering if maybe…I could go back to my era for only a day. I need some things and I was hoping I could go shopping. It would only be for a day." She said the words quickly, almost as if she were afraid to speak them at all. Inuyasha was about to say something when he suddenly caught wind of something. He stood up abruptly and swore loudly.
"What is it Inuyasha?" Kagome needn't have asked. She sensed two jewel shards heading her way, fast. Kouga. Inuyasha bounded away from the group, forcing Kouga to confront him at a distance. Kagome sighed with relief. The last thing she wanted to do was explain to Kouga why she was pregnant. The man was in misguided love with her. Kagome knew he wouldn't take her condition lightly. She quickly went into the hut and grabbed her large, worn, yellow backpack, trying as best she could to conceal her pregnancy. It escaped her that Kouga was able still able to smell it.
She went back outside only to hear loud yelling, such as: "Flea-bitten mutt!" or "Mangy Wolf!" Kagome sighed, knowing that this was going to happen. She went to sit beside Sango and Miroku. They both had a look of concern on their faces.
Kagome balled her fists together. She could feel Kouga and Inuyasha's tension from here; their auras were heightening. Then she felt a vibration in the earth as a loud, 'BOOM' was felt. It was followed with many other loud sounds.
"Do you think we should intervene somehow?" Kagome asked, worry replacing her before felt nervousness. It was true she didn't want this meeting with Kouga to take place, but avoiding it would only cause more harm; such as physical harm, to either Kouga or Inuyasha. There was no way for her to prepare for this meeting. What was there to say to explain her situation?
Her question inadvertently got answered as she heard Inuyasha yell, "Get back here!" He was coming.
Kagome felt the gust of wind on her face, and she looked up to broken eyes. Kouga had stopped short of the clearing. Kagome's secret was discerned in mere seconds. Confusion was evident on the wolf's face, and Kagome felt sympathy for him. His eyes then became stern and his body became erect.
"Kagome." Her name was spoken much softer than she imagined it would. Kagome slowly began to rise and it was mere seconds before Kouga was standing before her.
"Kagome," he reiterated, "I have had a claim on you for years now. Who dares lay such an illegitimate claim? I do not recognize the smell of the father. Who is he? When I find him I'll rip him apart!" Each word was spoken with vicious tenacity, and Kagome cowered slightly at them. She recovered and a sad smile crept on her face.
"Kouga, it's not like that…I—," she was at a loss for words. She looked at Sango, Miroku, and Souta for help. There was no way of explaining this to the wolf prince.
Kouga gathered Kagome's small hands into his calloused ones, "You're still my woman, and I'd do anything for you. Just tell me who the bastard is."
"Ugh…" Kagome deadpanned. Luckily, Inuyasha broke through the silence looking rather pissed. When he laid eyes on Kouga and his position with Kagome, he growled.
"Back off ya mangy wolf." Inuyasha lunged himself at Kouga, falling short on purpose so as to not hit Kagome. Kouga dodged away from Inuyasha, causing Inuyasha to attack again. Frustration over the past months exploded out of the hanyou. How many problems would arise between Kagome and himself? He could only focus on one problem at a time, and Kagome's pregnancy was one that still boggled him.
Kagome sighed, "Not again." The five of them just watched as the two exchanged mediocre insults and malicious blows. Kagome grew tired of standing and looked to her group.
"I really don't want to continue my conversation with Kouga. Sango, join me for a walk? No offense Miroku, Souta, Shippou." Sango agreed and got up, Kirara in her arms. The pair walked away from the destructive fight silently, thankful to get away.
"Kami, how much can go wrong in a day?" Kagome said, noticing the sun was in the west. Unfortunately, the day was almost over and she had yet to get an answer from Inuyasha on whether she could return to her era. She collected her anger and directed it on a pebble on the ground.
"Tomorrow will be a better day, then again today is over!"
'Always the optimist,' Kagome silently mused to herself.
Sango looked at Kagome and noticed the miko's worn expression, which was to be expected. Sango stopped and placed a comforting hand on the young women's shoulder, causing her to stop as well.
"Hey, do you need to sit for a little bit?" Kagome nodded gratefully. They found a large girthed tree to rest under. Kagome laid her head against the bark and closed her eyes. Her mind wandered to the impossible task she had been set on. Fate was such a cruel, fickle thing. Completing the Shikon Jewel would be near impossible with a baby. Was that not why the well allowed her through? Was that not her reason for passage in this era? It was all very frustrating, and when no answers came, Kagome suppressed the topic and dreamt of more trivial things. Such as silver hair, elongated claws, and golden eyes.
It wasn't until Kagome had nearly fallen asleep did she hear Kirara hissing. She looked over to her and noticed Sango was looking up. She frowned and looked up as well. She inhaled a sharp breath and released his name in a whisper, "Sesshomaru."
Definitely not what dreams are made of.
Speak for yourself Kagome. Sesshoumaru is dreaaaamy!
Updated: 01-07-12