Chapter 5
Taisho
I let out an annoyed growl as I looked towards the sky. Totosai was taking his time in getting here. I needed my sword because, even now, I could feel InuYasha's aura tugging on mine as he neared. I had sent Miroku and Sango to fetch him so he wouldn't barge into my home, effectively destroying it.
A soft breeze floated past me, carrying the earthy scent of vanilla. I closed my eyes, taking in as much of it as I could, before I had to acknowledge the person approaching me. Her scent always intoxicated me, even from the very first moment I met her. Now, as the days passed and I got to know her, her smell just seemed to grow on me even more.
I learned that while the miko's heart was damaged, it was still pure. She thought of others in a way that I hadn't known was possible. No matter what, she always put the people around her first. She made sure that their wants and needs were met before her own. I had never met someone like that, and I found myself enjoying her company.
I opened my eyes and looked at the lightly cloud-covered sky. The sound of soft footsteps could now be heard as that welcoming scent became stronger. I turned slightly to see Kagome walking towards me, her eyes never leaving the ground.
Miroku had been right. The little woman had no self-esteem, and I was constantly needing to remind her of her worth. I didn't mind because it meant I was able to see that blush that seemed to always grace her cheeks in my presence. As she approached, her eyes met mine and, as if on cue, the blush that I was starting to love, grew on her cheeks.
"Little Miko, to what do I owe this pleasant visit?" I asked, holding out my elbow so her small hand could grasp it. The moment she held onto me, my hand covered hers.
Such a manner had become comfortable for us. Every day, we walked in my gardens, enjoying the view of the flowers. There were times when no words were said and we just relaxed in each other's presence. Other times, we spoke and learned things of the other we had not known before.
"In all honesty, I hadn't realized you were here. I was deep in thought and had decided to go for a walk." She replied, making me inwardly cringe.
"Do you wish for me to leave?" I asked, looking down at her blue eyes. Somehow they always seemed to capture me within their gaze.
"No. You were here first. Besides, maybe a good conversation will help to clear my mind." She replied, looking at the small flowers as I began to walk around the large gardens, holding her to my arm.
"Did you speak with my son about courting Rin?" I asked, already knowing that her thoughts were on my youngest son who would be arriving tomorrow.
"Yes." Kagome scoffed, making me look at her. "He, of course, wasn't too pleased that I was suggesting he rush into it, but after a while, he did agree to think about it."
"That little Rin will keep him on his toes." I smirked, thinking of how she already had the daiyokai wrapped around her little finger.
"Indeed. I fear that she will be the one to ask him to court her if he waits any longer." Kagome said with a small giggle.
"I would pay to see the look on Sesshomaru's face if that were to occur." I added, hoping to keep the small woman giggling. It wasn't often that I was rewarded with such a sound, but when I was, I tried my best to keep it coming. It was music to my ears.
"That would be something." She agreed, before letting out a sigh. "But he loves her, and they will be happy together no matter who asks first."
"While I agree with your words, I thought you did not believe in love, Little Miko." I teased, receiving a glare from the small woman.
"You know what I mean, Mattaki." She warned, her hand tightening on my arm.
"Do you wish to know what I believe?" I asked, stopping in front of a bench. She gave me a wary look before sitting down. I chuckled slightly at her before sitting beside her. I looked at her before pushing a strand of hair from her face and tucking it behind her ear. "I believe that you believe in love. I have heard stories of how you even helped two people get together. Was it not you who helped the monk and demon slayer see how they truly felt for each other?"
"That does–"
"Let me finish, Little One. I think that you even wish to find that love, but you are terrified of it. You are scared that, if you allow yourself to feel such a deep emotion for someone again, you will fall into a repeat of the last time you were in love." I finished, grabbing her small hand and holding it in mine before leaning down so I could look into her lowered eyes. "Kagome, one day you will find someone who will love you. They will cherish you and worship you as if you are a Kami yourself. When that day comes, do not push him away because of what some baka did."
"You act as if someone will ever want me. Even InuYasha didn't want me." She whispered, turning her gaze from me. I lifted one of my hands from hers and placed it under her chin, forcing her to look at me.
"You, Little Kagome, are more desirable than you think. I believe I have heard tales of a wolf demon named Kouga, a horse half-demon named Jinenji, a human that resided in your time named Hojo, the Hojo of this time, and my son, InuYasha. I even believe, had Sesshomaru not met Rin, he would have taken a liking to you. You are wanted more than you realize. You don't see yourself the way others see you." I replied, smiling when that blush formed on her cheeks again. I decided that I wished to make that blush go even deeper. "Even I find myself desiring you. You seem to be a magnet that pulls everyone towards you, yet you never notice."
"You desire me?" She asked, her eyes filling with confusion.
"I will not lie, nor keep it a secret. I have always been a blunt man, and I am not afraid to admit that I am attracted to not only your body, but your mind and soul as well. If you were healed from the wounds my youngest caused, I would ask you to court me, but you are not ready for such a thing…yet." I answered, loving the way her cheeks deepened. Before she had a chance to even reply, I could feel Sesshomaru's aura pulsing out, announcing that he was approaching. I released the miko, knowing she wouldn't be comfortable being seen in such an intimate moment. I pushed out my own aura, telling my son that he could approach. Within seconds, he showed himself.
"Father, Miko." He said, giving a slight nod to both of us before turning to look at me. "I came to inform you of Totosai's arrival. You will be surprised at his reasoning for being late."
"I may be surprised, but my anger will not subside." I replied, standing from the bench and holding out a hand to Kagome. I placed her hand around my bent arm and began to follow my son to where the old demon waited.
"Miko, when we arrive, you will stay by me." Sesshomaru stated, looking down at Kagome. She looked up at him confused but gave a nod, knowing that he had a good reason for his order.
I, on the other hand, already knew why. I could feel the evil aura and was even more angered at Totosai's audacity. How dare he bring that thing back from the depths of hell? Before we entered the room, I gently pulled Kagome's hand away from my arm and waited until she stood beside Sesshomaru. When he gave me a curt nod, I knew that he had his eyes on her.
I pushed open the shoji screen and narrowed my eyes at the sight of Totosai sitting cross-legged on his demon cow. I approached him, letting him know of my anger for his actions. I looked in his lap to see the thing that should be locked away.
"Master, I am glad to see you alive and well." The old demon said, giving a low bow.
"Totosai, why are you late? I requested you a week ago. More importantly, why do you carry Sounga?" I asked, looking at the sword which was pulsing at my presence.
"I am late because I was retrieving your sword, Master. Myoga told me of your return and I knew why you were summoning me. I also knew the sword was planning its escape from the depths of hell and decided it was time to bring the sword under control once and for all." Totosai stated, not fazed by my wrath. I looked at Sounga and knew that the old demon most likely spoke the truth.
I reached out and grabbed my sword before removing it from its sheath. Instantly, I felt the evil spirit inside trying to take me over. He wanted to control me and use my strength, just as he had always wanted to. In fact, he seemed excited at the chance to try again. Yet he failed, just like all the other times.
"Sounga, you still attempt to control me?" I asked, letting out a deep laugh. "You will never have the strength to take me over. I am your master and you will respect me."
"I hate that sword." Kagome murmured, making me look at her with amusement on my face.
"I forgot that you were there when my sons sent Sounga to hell. I faintly remember you hiding behind InuYasha as I spoke to him and Sesshomaru for what I thought was the last time." I chuckled, noticing how Kagome blushed before glaring at the sword.
"I should have killed that miko when I had the chance." Hissed out the deep voice of Sounga.
"Keep it up, you hunk of metal. I will purify you again." Kagome snapped, making me raise an eyebrow.
"Stupid wench." Sounga replied, making me look at it.
"Those will be your last words spoken, Sounga." I ordered before sheathing my sword and tying it to my back like I had done so long ago. I looked towards the miko, my eyebrow still raised. "You purified Sounga?"
"Well, yea." She started biting her bottom lip in nervousness. "You see, Sounga had taken over InuYasha. He and Sesshomaru were fighting, but Sesshomaru was injured because he had to grab Tessaiga to fight. InuYasha went after Rin and Jaken, and Sesshomaru was going to protect them and kill InuYasha so I jumped in the middle, grabbed a hold of InuYasha, and purified the sword. It flew away and ended up in the hands of another, and I'm sure you know how the rest went."
"You are stronger than I thought if you were able to run off Sounga." I stated, turning back to Totosai. "What you did was dangerous, but I thank you for it."
"Kagome, I am glad to see you well. I had heard you had died." Totosai said, ignoring me.
"Nope, I'm still alive." Kagome replied, smacking her arm to prove her point.
"You may take your leave, Totosai." I added, bowing slightly to the demon. I received another bow before the cow yokai took off into the air.
"That was uneventful." Kagome stated before letting out a sigh. "I'm going to go find Rin and see about taking a bath."
"Maybe we men will join you, Little One." I teased as she began to walk away.
"Not if you wish to keep the things that make you men." She called, waving a hand over her shoulder, never once looking back. I let out a chuckle before noticing the look I was receiving from my eldest.
"A week. That is all it took for you to want the miko." Sesshomaru stated flatly.
"Can you blame me?" I asked, smirking.
"No, but do not hurt her. She has already been through enough." Sesshomaru warned, his eyes narrowing. I waved my hand in dismissal.
"She is not ready for such a relationship. I will not pursue her until she is." I replied, closing my eyes for a moment before opening them again. "Until then, I will help her heal."
"Tomorrow will be a trying day for her. Does she know what you may have to do with InuYasha?" Sesshomaru asked, making me growl.
"No, but I will tell her tonight after dinner. As much as I don't want her to see, or even know, she will find out one way or another" I sighed, thinking about the many outcomes that could come tomorrow.
"Are the monk and demon slayer telling the hanyou about the miko?" He asked, his eyes searching mine.
"No. I gave them permission to speak of me, but I want to gage his reaction to Kagome. I want to see how hard his discipline will need to be. In truth, depending on how tomorrow goes, I will most likely observe my son for a few days and then determine what to do about his behavior." I replied, letting out a sigh. "As much as I have been told, I am hoping that you all are exaggerating."
"There is no such thing as exaggerating when it comes to the filthy half-breed." Sesshomaru stated, before turning to leave the room. He stopped at the door before looking at me over his shoulder. "While you may not kill the hanyou, if he touches the miko, I will not hold back. He deserves no pity."
I watched as Sesshomaru took his leave. While I may be alpha, Sesshomaru was still a lord. That meant we were equals. I really didn't have the authority to order him around, just as he didn't have it to order me around. If he went into a fight with InuYasha with the intent to kill, I would have to step in and break it up by joining the fight, effectively taking on both of my sons. I did not wish to fight either of them because I did not want to bring them harm, which is exactly what they would get should a fight happen. Even if they teamed up against me, they could not take me on which would result in many injuries.
A few hours later, I sat at the head of my table. Kagome sat to my right while Sesshomaru and Rin sat to my left. It was quiet and tense with the upcoming arrival. I hated seeing how stiff Kagome was, and I knew she was nervous at seeing InuYasha.
"Miko." Sesshomaru started, bringing me from my thoughts. "Tomorrow, you will stay hidden until either myself or Father calls for you."
"What? Why?" She asked, looking confused as her hand stopped twirling her chopsticks on her plate.
"The half-breed will already be…emotional towards Father's return. After they have had their time to speak, you may come out." He stated, taking a sip of his sake.
"I can handle his emotions. I did it for two years." Kagome argued, her face growing angry.
"I also need to judge his reaction to you, Kagome. If we appear at the same time, his true reaction will be weakened by his confusion." I added, hoping to get her to see our reasoning without having to order her. She was silent for a moment before turning her blue eyes towards me.
"I know you plan on disciplining him, but I was wondering what that consisted of?" She asked, making me sigh. I set down my chopsticks and looked at her.
"Most disciplining would consist of the normal: a little nip on the ear for inus, or in a human's case, a smack on the rump." I started. "However, when a pup becomes unruly and will not listen to reason, dominance must be proven, which means there will be a fight that won't stop until the other can no longer fight back."
"You would fight your own son?" She asked, making me sigh again.
"If I must. I do hope it doesn't come to that, but it very well might." I answered, turning my face to my plate of food.
"When you say till the other can no longer fight, does that mean death?" She asked, making my eyes snap towards her. I could smell the worry flowing off of her, and my anger spiked at how much she still cared for my son.
"For any other than my sons, yes, but I will not kill my own flesh and blood. I will simply defeat him in battle and demand that he submit to me." I answered, noticing how she relaxed.
"Did you not try to kill me?" Sesshomaru asked, making me growl.
"That was different, Sesshomaru, and you know it." I replied, waving my hand to dismiss him.
"Now I'm curious." Kagome stated. I narrowed my eyes at a smirking Sesshomaru. Evil bastard.
"When an inu yokai has a chosen female, they become possessive. When I was courting the wench, Sesshomaru was not too pleased. I did not intend to mate her, but she was to be my wife. He threatened her life, and in response, I very nearly killed him. His mother was the only one who could stop me." I answered, never taking my eyes from my eldest.
"So if you did that for a wife, how would you be for a mate?" Rin asked, looking very curious all of a sudden.
"Had I wanted her in such a way, Sesshomaru would have died that day." I answered, noticing how quiet Kagome was being.
"What is the difference between mating and marriage?" Rin asked, looking thoughtful. "Let me rephrase that. I understand the difference, but why is the importance different?"
"Mating is for life." Sesshomaru answered calmly.
"When a yokai decides on a mate, they begin the courting process. In this time, the two grow a bond that eventually becomes unbreakable. For example," I started before smirking evilly, "let's say you and Sesshomaru begin to court."
"Father." Sesshomaru warned, after very nearly choking on his sake.
"No interruptions, Son." I teased before continuing. "Sesshomaru would take you aside and place a courting mark on you wherever he pleased. Being inus, it would most likely be on your neck. During the courting process, the two of you would be almost inseparable. You would learn about each other, emotionally, mentally, and physically. When it comes time for the two of you to mate, your bond would already be so strong that there would be no turning back. The moment the two of you mated, it would become unbreakable. The two of you would share a connection that no others would, and you would gain his lifespan. That is the reason many demons do not mate. We live much longer than humans, and being stuck to another, who you do not truly love, would be unpleasant."
"It sounds wonderful. I wonder if I will ever be mated?" Rin said softly, causing Sesshomaru to actually choke on his sake. I chuckled as his eyes snapped down towards the small woman before looking up towards Kagome.
"Rin, this one wishes to speak to you." Sesshomaru stated before standing abruptly. I watched as Sesshomaru just about ran out of the room with a giggling Rin following behind.
"Finally." Kagome muttered, taking a bite of her food.
"Indeed. I do believe that Rin will be sporting a courting mark tomorrow." I replied, chuckling again.
"Mattaki, I have a question?" Kagome asked, making me look at her. She looked nervous and I grabbed her small hand in mine, giving her the comfort she needed. "What happens when a mate dies?"
"Why would you ask such a question?" I asked, taken aback by her words. My hand instinctively tightened around hers and I narrowed my eyes, trying to gage just what she was thinking.
"Kikyou is technically dead. She is only able to walk around because of the borrowed souls that she collects." Kagome murmured thoughtfully. "What does that mean for her mating to InuYasha?"
"I imagine that, since she was already dead, his mark didn't take." I answered, my anger spiking again. I wasn't sure why, but I suddenly felt very jealous. "Why do you ask? Do you hope that he will mate you?"
"No. I've already told you that I no longer love him." She replied, turning her blue eyes onto mine. "I was just thinking of how InuYasha must feel right now. He tried to mate with Kikyou, the woman who was taken from him by a trick, only to have his mark rejected. Then in that same day, he is led to believe that I had died. The two women he cared for could never really be his."
"Your heart knows no bounds." I started, my anger morphing into admiration. "After what he has done to you, everyone expects that you will never speak to him again. Yet you have already claimed to have forgiven him, and you worry about his feelings. You are giving him pity, when the only thing he deserves from you is anger and hate."
"What most people forget is that InuYasha was my best friend before he became anything else. I wish to keep that friendship. My biggest fear of him learning that I'm alive is that he can't accept that I will never love him as I once did. I may have forgiven him, but I will never forget. If he can't accept that, we have no chance at fixing our friendship." She replied softly, setting down her chopsticks.
"Kagome, do you know what his plans for you and Kikyou were?" I asked, wondering just how deep her knowledge of the situation was.
"Yes. He planned to mate Kikyou and marry me. While he had asked me to mate him, I realized he had changed his mind because he wanted to give Kikyou a second chance at life. Her life was stolen from her and in his eyes, she deserved the extended life, but I never would have gone with his plan. In a way, I guess I have been around inus way too long. I would never be willing to share what was mine, so in the end, he would have lost me anyway." She answered, giving me a sad smile.
"I am glad to know that you believe in being monogamous for, when you are ready and I ask you to court me, it will make my worries much less." I stated, watching as her blush began to creep up her cheeks.
"There is one thing that InuYasha's decision proved though." She started, ignoring my statement. "I came in second to Kikyou once again. I will always be just her reincarnation."
"You are anything but, Little Kagome." I replied, bringing her hand to my lips for a small kiss. "I have heard of the undead miko and her ways. Your soul resembles nothing of hers. While I do not know what she looks like, I imagine that you will always be much more beautiful than she."
"Exactly. You haven't seen her so how do you know, the moment you meet her, you won't think the same way that InuYasha does." Kagome retorted, making me let out a soothing growl.
"Because you are you, Kagome. I will never see you and Kikyou as the same person, nor will I ever see her as the better." I replied, letting our hands fall back to the table. She was silent for a moment before standing up quietly. She smoothed out her kimono before blushing deeply and pulling her hand away from mine.
"Thank-you, Mattaki. You don't know how much that means to me." She whispered. She started turning to leave but stopped suddenly. I was shocked when her lips were suddenly on my cheek. They were gone just as quickly as they had appeared and before I could even formulate a thought, the little miko had run out of the room.
I placed my hand against my skin where it still tingled from her touch. In that moment, I knew that I would have the miko. I would make her mine in every sense of the word. I will not make her my wife. Instead, she will be my mate.
I had never felt such a strong attraction to a woman before, and I knew, as the days turned into weeks, and then eventually months, my attraction would only grow. She was everything that I had ever searched for: beauty, grace, a heart as pure as can come. Yes, she would be mine. I would not give up until I had what I wanted.
The next morning, I was woken up by the sound of yelling. I sat up instantly and pushed my aura out. Kagome was still in her room, though she was waking from the noise. Farther out, my aura touched those of Miroku, Sango, and Kirara. Sesshomaru and Rin were also in the room, and at the last aura, I knew what was causing all of the ruckus.
I quickly stood from my bed and changed into a kimono. I strapped on Sounga before placing my pelt over it. I had no need for armor because the boy could do no real damage to me. I took one last look at myself before exiting my room. Just as I closed my door, Kagome's shoji screen opened, revealing her beautiful face.
"I trust you slept well?" I asked, holding out my bent arm for her. She took it and I pulled her closer to me as we began to slowly walk to the others.
"I did. I wish I could have gotten a few more moments, but it seems that your son arrived earlier than expected." She replied, her eyes falling on the white pelt attached to my back. "Can I touch it? Sesshomaru never let me touch his."
"Yes, you may." I chuckled, noticing the way her eyes lit up for a moment. Her hand gently reached out and pressed against the fur. I had to keep myself from letting out a pleased growl as the sensation of her soft touch flowed through me.
"It's really soft. I never did understand why Sesshomaru would never let me touch his." She admitted, still rubbing her hand through the fur. I chuckled again, knowing I was going to enjoy her reaction.
"You are aware that we can control our pelts, right?" I asked, pushing my youki into the fur and making one of the ends wrap around Kagome's waist tightly.
"Yes, I've seen Sesshomaru use his many times." She replied, moving her hands to the fur hugging her.
"We control our pelts through our youki. In a sense, the pelt becomes a part of us, which means we can feel every little caress." I said, my voice dropping to a whisper at the end of the sentence. Instantly, her hands froze and her eyes met mine. I could see the embarrassment on her face as her blush went down past her neck. I let out a loud laugh and removed my pelt from around her. "Do not worry, Little One. I do not mind your touch."
"You're just as bad of a hentai as Miroku is." She grumbled, crossing her arms.
"Only when it comes to the little miko that I desire." I replied, watching her blush even more. "I suddenly wonder how far down your blush has gone."
"Pervert." Kagome snapped, smacking my arm. I caught her hand in mine and pulled her body close. We weren't touching, but less than an inch closer and we would be. I looked into her blue eyes and smiled at the way she searched my golden ones.
"Kagome, are you sure you wish to do this today?" I asked, suddenly becoming very concerned with how she was going to handle this. I released her hand and it fell to rest over her heart. I placed both of my hands on her shoulders before moving them to her arms.
"I need to get this done and over with." She admitted. "I will never heal if I can't let go."
"I will be there for your protection, both physically and emotionally. If at any time you need me to step in, just let me know." I informed her, letting my hands fall to my side.
"Thank-you, Mattaki." She whispered, giving me a small smile before sighing. "Let's get this over with. You will get to meet your son for the first time, and I will hopefully take the next step in putting the past behind me."
I didn't reply as I held out my arm to her again. She gladly took it, and we made our way silently to the room where the group resided. Just before I slid open the shoji screen, I pushed Kagome back against the wall gently, telling her to remain there. She gave a small nod, and I looked at her for a second longer before turning and entering the room.
The first one to notice me was Sesshomaru, who happened to be facing my direction with Rin standing closely behind him. I smiled when I noticed the courting mark in the crook of her neck. Good job, my son. My eyes then went to Sango and Miroku, who looked both frustrated and worried about what was soon going to happen. I then looked at my youngest, who was yelling obscenities at his brother. I scowled, angry that he would speak in such a way in front of women.
"Oi, you fucking bastard. Where the hell is this supposed old man?" InuYasha asked, making my eyes narrow.
"I'm here, Boy." I said, making him look at me as I approached. "You will watch your tongue while in the presence of women. Sesshomaru, I congratulate you on your courtship with Rin."
"Thank-you, Father." Sesshomaru acknowledged with a small bow.
"Keh. Who the hell are you to tell me what to do?" InuYasha retorted, crossing his arms.
"I am your father, Pup. Cursing in such a way in front of women is not respectful, and from this day forward, you will show your respect." I demanded, stopping in front of my son.
"You ain't been in my fucking life so you can't just barge in here, demanding that I listen to you." InuYasha yelled, standing up so he would look bigger even though he was still no match for me.
"This is my home, Boy. Just as I demand respect from everyone else, you will be no different. I may not have been in your life before, but I am here now and have no plans on leaving anytime soon. I am offering my home to you and your friends while we discuss our plans on defeating Naraku. All I ask in return is your respect for me and the ones around you." I replied calmly, though that was anything but what I felt. These first few moments were already beginning to go downhill, and I seriously hoped there was a way to salvage what was happening.
"Keh, whatever, Old Man." InuYasha replied. I could hear a small sigh of relief coming from outside the room, telling me that, at least for now, InuYasha had submitted. "So, you know of Naraku?"
"Indeed. He is one of the reasons the Kami decided to give me life again." I answered, looking over my son's form. I had to admit he appeared to be very strong.
"One of the reasons?" He asked, catching onto my words.
"I was also brought back to fix your mistake." I stated, watching as his ears twitched.
"What mistake, Old Man?" He asked, looking at me with angry confusion.
"The one dealing with a certain miko." I answered. His ears suddenly flattened on his head and I narrowed my eyes. So he knew exactly what I was talking about. At least that meant I wouldn't have to make him realize just what he did.
"Which one, the traitorous bitch or the dead one? It seems I fucked up on both accounts." InuYasha replied, making me growl.
"Language, Boy. And indeed, you did mess up substantially, but you are wrong about one of those statements." I informed, noticing the way his eyes lit up. I wasn't sure which one he was hoping for, but it didn't really matter. Kagome was mine, and I would not let him have her.
"What do you mean?" He asked, his hands falling to his side. I looked towards Sesshomaru who gave a curt nod. He took a step forward in preparation to attack should InuYasha do anything wrong.
"Little One, it is time." I called out, not taking my eyes off of InuYasha.
It was quiet for a moment. It seemed as if everyone was holding their breath, waiting for whatever was about to happen. I could hear the shoji door sliding open and I knew the moment Kagome came into view. InuYasha's eyes grew as wide as Jaken's as he looked over the woman behind me. I could feel her walking towards me, and I knew she was extremely nervous.
Having gotten what I needed from my youngest's reaction, I turned and held out my hand to Kagome who quickly took it. I released her once she was beside me, but I noticed that she still stood close enough that our fingers would sometimes brush against one another.
"K-Kagome? Is it really you?" InuYasha asked, his face full of pure happiness and confusion.
"It is." She replied, her voice strong even though I could smell her fear.
"But, you died." He argued, looking her over.
"No, InuYasha, I didn't." She stated. I could feel her hand shaking, and it took everything I had not to grab it in my own. Before I had time to react, InuYasha was suddenly pulling Kagome into a tight hug. I let out a growl and was about to pull Kagome back to me when Sesshomaru beat me to it.
In an instant, he had grabbed Kagome and thrown her to me. I had no choice but to wrap my arms around her to keep her from falling. As I did that, Sesshomaru grabbed InuYasha by the throat, holding him high enough that his feet dangled in the air.
"You will not touch the miko, Half-breed." Sesshomaru growled out, his face inches from InuYasha's. I could feel Kagome's hands tightening in my shirt as she watched the scene unfold.
"What the fuck? Why are you protecting her? You hate humans." InuYasha growled out, scratching his claws against Sesshomaru's hand.
"I have been protecting her for five years. This one will not stop now." Sesshomaru growled out. InuYasha tried to reply but the tightening grip on his throat made it impossible.
"Sesshomaru, you're going to kill him." I stated, knowing that I would have to step in soon.
"Just as I told you I would if he laid a finger on the miko." He growled out, his eyes beginning to bleed red. Kagome pushed away from me and I let her go. I knew Sesshomaru would never hurt her. Maybe she could get him to calm down so I wouldn't have to fight him.
"Sesshomaru, please." Kagome begged, grabbing onto the arm that was holding InuYasha.
"Miko, he does not deserve your pity." Sesshomaru growled out, lowering only his eyes to look at her.
"I know, but you know me. You know I will give it anyway. You also know I would never wish for any harm to come to him. Please let him go." Kagome pleaded. I could see Sesshomaru looking at her for a moment longer before he let his brother fall to the floor. I had expected Kagome to run to InuYasha's side, but instead, she moved to stand beside Sesshomaru.
"Five years?" InuYasha asked, rubbing his throat. "Are you telling me that all this time I thought you were dead, you were with the bastard?"
"Yes, I was with Sesshomaru. He found me and helped me. In a way, he saved my life." Kagome answered, looking down at InuYasha.
"How many times has he tried to kill me? How many times has he tried to kill you?" He asked, pushing himself to his feet.
"At the time, I was more willing to take my chances with him than to go back to you." Kagome admitted, making my son's ears fall to his head.
"Why? Why would you betray me like that?" He asked, making both Sesshomaru and myself growl.
"I never betrayed you. I may have left you and never spoken to you again, but I never asked you to mate me, then two weeks later, mate with another." Kagome replied, her anger snapping.
"Y-You knew?" He asked, guilt radiating off of him.
"Not only did I know, I saw. Not only did I see, Sesshomaru heard. He is the one who picked me up off the ground when I just wanted to die. He is the one who took responsibility for your actions. I did not betray you with him. I simply needed to get away and he was my answer." Kagome informed him, making InuYasha's ears slam to his head once more.
"I'm sorry. I should have explained things to you. I loved you, I still–" He started, but stopped when Kagome held up her hand.
"InuYasha, for quite some time, I hated you. I held so much anger towards you that I would never allow myself to heal. But now, I no longer hate you. In fact, I forgive you. Your apology is accepted, but that is all I will accept. You will never be anything more than my friend. I will never love you as I once did." Kagome stated before looking towards me. I could see how hard she was trying to keep from breaking down, and I knew she needed to get away.
"I believe it is time that we take a few moments to ourselves." I stated, looking at everyone who nodded, except for InuYasha. Everyone cleared the room, leaving the three of us standing there.
"Kagome, I just got you back. I won't give up on you." InuYasha replied, holding out a hand to try and touch the miko. I grabbed her hand and pulled her to me before he had the chance to touch what was mine.
"InuYasha, Kagome needs some time alone. We will meet back for lunch to discuss our options about Naraku. For now, leave all of the past in the past." I ordered, noticing how hard Kagome was clutching to my arm. InuYasha looked at Kagome for a second longer before giving a nod. "I will have servants escort you to your room."
I watched as he turned away with his head down and shoulders slumped. It was very obvious that he still loved the miko clutching on to me. I knew, then, that I would have some competition for the woman I wanted, but I also knew that it didn't matter. I would never let him have her.
"Come, Little One." I whispered, wrapping my arm around her waist as I turned from the room and guided her to her own. I pushed open the shoji screen and led her to her bed. When I released her and turned to leave, her hand shot out and grabbed mine.
"Please don't leave me." She whispered, her eyes glazed over from the unshed tears.
I looked at her for a second before removing Sounga from my back. I leaned it against the wall before picking up the little miko. I positioned myself on her bed and leaned back against the wall before pulling her into my lap. I wrapped my pelt around her as she leaned her head against my chest.
"I will stay as long as you wish me to. I will not leave you, Little One." I whispered as I placed my chin against the top of her head. At my words, she lost all control and began to sob into my haori. I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her as close to me as possible without hurting her. Her hands squeezed into my haori so tightly, I was sure she was going to rip it.
I held her like that until she could no longer cry. I held her like that until she passed out from exhaustion. All through lunch and dinner, she sat in my lap, taking all the comfort I could give her. I was all too glad to have her in my arms. I was even more glad that she came to me for her comfort. But overall, I knew that she was healing. This outburst was her letting go of everything that she had held on to, and during this time, she chose me to share it with.
-sSs-
Here is Chapter 5. I know there wasn't much going on with InuYasha and Inu no Taisho, but that will happen in due time. Right now, InuYasha is still getting over the shock that she is still alive. Just as a warning, I much prefer to write in the guys' perspective so, for the most part, that is what I will do. However, there will be a few times I write in Kagome's POV. Please review. I love hearing your thoughts.
Shout-outs:
Inulovvver93: Thank-you for not only following and favoriting this story, but for doing the same to me. I am glad you like my writing so much.
Zizi8: Thank-you for following my story. I hope you continue to enjoy my future chapters.
Angelburt84: Thank-you for favoriting my story. I am glad you enjoy it so.
RedDrake323: As always, thank-you for the review. I am glad that you are already enjoying it.
Teaser: Chapter 6: What does the group decide to do about Naraku? What will InuYasha do when he realizes that he is no longer Kagome's protector? Will a fight finally break out? Continue reading to find out.
I do not own InuYasha.