Man, have I been slacking, but I just finished Yashahime, and I am not happy. Therefore, I shall work to make alternate universe's for my beloved Inuyasha series.
Forgive me!
Shippo constantly worried over Kagome and Inuyasha. It had been weeks since Kagome was herself and he'd just heard that she nearly ran away from everyone early last week. The crazy woman planned to go back into the bone eaters well, abandoning him...
No, not him. Inuyasha, he meant. Abandoning Inuyasha-and everyone else she loved.
Which is why he found himself in front of their house, close to their bedroom window in an attempt to take a peak at the couple. Inuyasha was trying on the daily to get his wife's attention since he was finally into her, but it was stressing the hell out of him. Shippo knew this because Inuyasha left the house one night and had him and Kohaku watch over Kagome, making sure she didn't leave. During that time, he headed to the forest to kick a tree or two. No one ever really saw him do it because it happened in the dead of night, but the evidence was apparent when he returned with shrubbery and wood shavings strapped to his clothes.
This whole damned debacle was worrying Shippo so much he could hardly sleep. On top of that, Rin and Kohaku felt the same way over the couple, which was why they too were with him. They honestly had no plans upon visiting the duo. They simply wanted to see how they were fairing and if Kagome was getting any better.
Honestly, they missed her. They missed her smile and her gumption. She was like the mother Shippo never really got to know. He loved her. Everyone did, and all that was happening to her was seriously breaking his heart. Her vacuous expression upon seeing her friends and family reminded all of a wound impressed upon them like a sword to the heart.
The trio stood in front of the couples' bedroom window, hoping to hear some kind of conversation between the two. Silence was all that greeted them, which made Shippo's belly feel a little upset with anxiety for fear of being caught and, even more unfavorably, expelled.
Earlier that day, the three spoke in Kaede's home about the couple in hushed tones, intent on keeping their musings a secret. They divined ways to get the two to be close to one another again, concocting ideas to make them laugh or simply come together. But it was damned hard to recreate the life they had. So much had occurred, and replicating even a minutia of a tenth of their experiences was near to impossible to reproduce. Should they create a fake villain in an effort to have them join forces? Shippo could disguise himself as anyone, even Naraku, as distasteful as it sounded. Or should they set them on a quest? But what kind?
It was all too complicated and Shippo decided to just have a talk with the two and have them reconcile their differences through forced conversation. Even so, if this was to occur, they probably should have knocked instead of hide behind bushes. But neither three had the balls to make the first move. So here they stood, obscured by shrubbery in the dark of a crescent moon, attempting to listen to anything that would come through that window.
Nothing happened.
Shippo sighed. He turned to Rin who was kneeling next to Kohaku and whispered, "What was the plan again?"
Rin bit her lip. "I just wanted to check on them."
"Yeah, but we look like a bunch of creeps hiding in the dark. Why not just greet them at the door?"
"I would but..." Rin paused with a frown. Shippo knew what she wanted to say. They wanted to greet Kagome but were afraid she'd reject them. Couldn't handle that hurt. Not like Inuyasha. The man had the patience of a damned saint, a fact which stunned them all, considering the person he once had been. Truly, he was a changed demon, and it seemed that he loved Kagome now more than ever with how he yearned for her in front of all, with no sense of embarrassment or quiet shame. His concern for her was apparent and bruised even the darkest of souls. It even caused Rin to forget, however briefly, her worry over Lord Sesshomaru.
"It sounds to me like they're asleep," Kohaku whispered.
"You're sure?" Shippo said. "I don't even hear breathing. I-"
They were cut off by a moan and froze. Shippo's skin immediately blanched with horror pasted on his face. The first thing he thought was: someone's hurt. He nearly sprang in to action when another moan greeted him. Then a groan. From a guy? Sounded like Inuyasha.
"What the heck is going on in there?" Shippo muttered, slightly aghast. He stepped forward, but Kahoku stretched his hand out and shhhh'd him.
Shippo arched a brow. "Excuse me-"
"Shhhhhhh!"
Both Rin and Shippo stared at Kohaku with bemused expressions, but could not see the blush that colored his cheeks. His tongue appeared to be tied now so new concern was brought up over his strange behavior.
"What's wrong, Kohaku?" Rin whispered.
"They're okay," he blurted.
Shippo's brow creased. "How the heck do you know?"
"I just do. It's an adult thing."
"Oh?" Rin said with sweet innocence.
"Y-yeah." He began to push them away from the bushes, but another moan made them pause.
"Are-are you sure, Kohaku?"
Kohaku pushed her and Shippo forward. "Yes. Yes. Let's go. Hurry. They're busy. They're talking."
"I heard no such thing," Shippo groused. "You're lying."
"You'll learn about this stuff when you grow up."
"What stuff?"
"The stuff couples do when they love each other."
Rin whirled around, her brown eyes wide with wonder. "What stuff?" she forgot to whisper. Kohaku's tongue remained tied, lost in the simple brilliance of Rin's curious gaze.
Suddenly, the noises from the room stopped and a light flickered on from a candle. Muffled whispers could be heard from within, so the trio did what was best.
They ran away.
"You know, the people here are really nosey," Inuyasha grunted while resting next to Kagome.
Lit in gold by the serene warmth of the candle's glow, she was resplendent in beauty, with soft lashes fanning briefly before focusing her gaze on his lips. They were red from all the kissing they'd done throughout the day. "You know they only snoop because they care."
"Well, I'm busy."
"Yes, you are."
"And I'd like to stay busy."
"For how long?"
He turned to his back and rested his hands at the small of his neck. "Forever," he breathed with total satisfaction.
The two had been spending the last few days constantly in the throes of passion. Nary an hour went by where they didn't fall into the arms of each other, lost in renewed zeal for one another. He made love to Kagome in every room inside and out of their home; from the kitchen where a hearth warmed their bodies, to the back garden, where tall strands of crisp grass enveloped them in a state of ticklish delight.
It was awesome. Inuyasha could not fathom why he ever held an aversion for the act, but he sure as hell would take advantage of it now. Which is exactly what he did.
They also spoke about everything together, and the all consuming devotion he felt for his wife simply amplified with every breath spent in conversation. He immensely enjoyed the time he spent with Kagome, reveling in the fact that he was able to fix the wrong which had been done to her, and could now focus on making her happy.
He hoped he could make her happy and vowed to work tirelessly in this endeavor, wishing they could spend every day this way, alone and at home. But they had lives to lead in this tiny village, and unfortunately Kagome had friends to talk to. She didn't really want to do so, since she was still raw over this whole journey, but Inuyasha knew they had to amend some things with their friends. They were family, after all. Hence why he snuck away at the crack of dawn, while Kagome slept, to have a brief conversation with Miroku about his plans.
That next morning, Kagome woke Inuyasha with some breakfast and he devoured the food with the swiftness of a cheetah. She smiled brightly at the sight of his energy and attempted to slowly enjoy the meal beside him. But once he was finished, he jumped, naked of course, and said, "We gotta get out of this house." At Kagome's frown, he added, "At least, for today. Everyone's worried sick about you and I think it's time we visit them."
Kagome set her plate down carefully. "I'm nervous though."
"Why? They're your friends."
"But it's been a while."
"True. But I'll be right next to ya, so you ain't gotta worry about a thing. They say any shit that-"
"Inuyasha."
"Sorry. Sorry. They talk any crap, and we'll walk out."
"I doubt they will. I know they're eager to see us."
Inuyasha blinked. "So then what's the deal?"
"Honestly?"
His look was dead panned. "Obviously."
"I'm worried most about seeing Sango. I'm scared that she'll cry. And if she cries, I'll cry and we'll all cry and I just don't-"
Inuyasha groaned, exasperated by all this talk of feminine sensibilities. "Kagome. Please. Can we just get on with this? The sooner the better."
She nodded. "You're right. Of course. I just... Never mind. Let's go."
Inuyasha grinned, and scanned his naked body with his arms. "Now?"
Kagome arched a brow. "That body is for my eyes only."
His look was positively seductive, his zeal for her at the forefront of his countenance. "Yes 'mam. Want a piece?"
Kagome pounced.
That afternoon, they set out to go to Sango's place. Apprehension churned at the pit of her gut and she had to hold back the desire to run back home nearly ten times. She never felt this way before, but simply didn't have the guts to discuss what happened with Sango or anyone for that matter. Unless it was Inuyasha, though they hadn't really talked about the baby for a while now. She was fine with that. She loved what occurred at the hill, but she was still raw from the whole ordeal and felt as though she needed some time to recoup. But Inuyasha, that stubborn, beautiful husband of hers, insisted that she speak with her family. She wondered now if it was because he actually wanted to spend some time with them too. The thought thrilled her because things were starting to feel almost normal again, and lord knew she yearned for a sense of mediocrity. Her life had been too exciting as of late.
After a short walk, they arrived at Sango's hut. The door was slightly ajar, wind passing through with a soft whoosh. The home was rather quiet, which was odd because her children were known to cause a bit of a ruckus throughout the village. Today, it felt slightly eerie in its silence and Kagome paused at the front of the doorway with a gulp. Inuyasha turned to her. "You okay?"
A profuse sweat of anxiety broke out on her face and neck, and she used her sleeve to blot her cheeks and upper lip. "It's too quiet in there. Are you sure they're here?"
Inuyasha nodded, then muttered, "I'm guessing the quiet ain't normal."
Kagome shook her head. With this, Inuyasha unsheathed his claws, bracing for anything. They meandered through the halls, stealthily making their way to the back of the house, making sure to walk lightly across the wooden surface, so as not to let the flooring creak with tension. No one was inside, so they thought to go to the backyard. Inuyasha stopped suddenly at the front of the back door, and Kagome gasped. "What's wrong?" she whispered, feeling not a little sick.
Inuyasha then leapt away from her, and when her view was cleared, she found all of her friends present. Rin, Kohaku and Shippo stood together, smiling brightly, while Miroku had his arm around Sango with tears brimming from her eyes. Kaede was also there, sitting on a log, with Kirara on her lap. Sango's children remained quiet, patiently waiting for the adults to make a move. Then suddenly...
"Surprise!"
Kagome's lips trembled; she could hold her emotion no longer. The love she felt for all of these people overwhelmed her, branching from her heart to her mind, until it reached her gaze, where she began to cry, a fountain let loose. Sango and Rin went to embrace her. She took their arms in her own and the women wept together, then laughed at how ridiculous they appeared.
Inuyasha stood next to Miroku and shifted uncomfortably. "Are they okay?"
Miroku chuckled. "I think so."
And for that day, everything truly was.
While Miroku and Inuyasha went out for a hunt one evening, searching for some grub, they had no idea a demon was approaching, high above the clouds. Or rather, he was on a cloud, coming down on Inuyasha, until he landed right behind him, scaring the crap out of the half demon. He shouted with a yelp and went to attack the old brute, when Miroku called out to Inuyasha and said, "Wait! We know him!"
Inuyasha continued to growl at the bug-eyed runt and sent him a venomous glare. "Why'd you creep up on me like that, old fool?"
Totosai barked out a laugh and jumped off of his cloud, who was actually a friggin' three eyed bull demon. "Wanted to scare you, my boy!" he boomed.
Inuyasha moved away from the man and stood next to Miroku. He had no recollection of the demon with large white eyes, but surmised that he was someone close since he had the audacity to go behind Inuyasha without fear.
Miroku waved. "Hello, Totosai! How are you?"
Totosai continued to look at Inuyasha, unflinching in his perusal, while he spoke to Miroku. "Just passing through. Heard some news of a war. Haven't seen a thing though."
Inuyasha frowned. "A war? Another demon mentioned that, too."
"Oh?" Totosai glowered. "What did he say?"
"Nothing much, other than something's happening in the sky and blah, blah, blah."
"Have you no care?"
At that, Inuyasha shrugged. Totosai then ogled Inuyasha and scanned his whole body until he gasped. He did the unthinkable and bopped Inuyasha on his head with the hammer he held in his hand. Inuyasha rubbed his scalp and glared darkly at the creature.
"What the hell did you do that for?" Inuyasha barked.
"Inuyasha, where is your sword?!" the demented fool shouted.
"I ain't saying shit to you. Watch that hammer, old man. Before I use it on you."
"'Old man!' I have a name and-"
Miroku stepped in to mediate the situation before the two went to blows. "Totosai, Inuyasha does not remember you. He was wounded some time ago, and cannot remember much of anything before sixty years ago."
Totosai froze. "He what?"
"Doesn't remember you."
"W-what happened? Inuyasha, do you still not know how to use Tessaiga?"
Before Inuyasha could speak, Miroku continued. "He hit his head."
Totosai considered this briefly, then muttered, "Have you tried knocking on his head?" He then hit Inuyasha again and jumped when the half demon went to slash into him with one swift swoop.
"Would you quit that?" Inuyasha shouted. He really did not like this guy. Who the hell was he anyway? At his look of frustration and near murder, Miroku explained.
"Inuyasha, this is Totosai, the sword-smith who made Tessaiga."
Inuyasha nodded. "Ooooh. I see. Thanks for the useless sword, old man."
Totosai choked on his words and turned beat red. "You fool! How dare you call Tessaiga a useless sword! Have you not been informed that the tool was made by your father's own tooth? It is exceptional in its ability to destroy any foe, and I thought you gained mastery over it."
Inuyasha surveyed his finger nails. "Yeah, well, the thing doesn't work."
"Nonsense. You don't work. Tessaiga is perfect in its craftsmanship. You simply do not know how to wield it. I can help with this."
"Don't really see the need honestly."
Totosai narrowed his eyes on Inuyasha. "Your ignorance amazes me." Inuyasha sent him a cold glare but the demon continued. "Tessaiga should be able to lodge your memory, you fool."
Inuyasha's eyes widened, but he didn't trust the demon and scoffed because such a thing made absolutely no sense. What good was a sword to one's memory? How could it dig up the life buried so deeply within his own mind? "Yeah, okay, buddy."
"Tessaiga is able to keep you stable during moments of trial, Inuyasha. Last time you forgot yourself in demon form, Tessaiga brought you back."
"So you're saying if I use this thing, it might jostle my memory?"
"Of course that is what I'm saying! I made the darned thing."
Totosai's arch manner set his teeth on edge, and with his nerves stretched so taut they were ready to snap, he couldn't conceal his disbelief and dislike of the creature. But Inuyasha considered the demon's words for a moment and wondered if it really was true. It sounded so simple, yet he hadn't the foggiest idea how to use the damned weapon. It simply eluded him. Also, he thought about whether he even needed to regain his memories. What if they changed him? What if he remembered something about himself he didn't like?
Then he sucked his teeth, with the realization that holding back from regaining his memory was simply moronic, because he wanted every memory of his wife. Though so many things tied them together presently, he wanted more of everything with her.
He knew she did too. She seemed happy and content with him as he was this moment, but he knew Kagome would love to have him whole again. And who knew? Maybe he could be a better version of himself, even while retaining his memories. It could happen. He would make it happen. Kagome deserved his best.
"How the heck do I get the thing to work then?" he asked.
"Just use it," Totosai snapped, clearly exasperated with Inuyasha.
"No shit, but what do I have to do?"
"Care."
Inuyasha mentally counted to five. "You're being too friggin' curt with your replies. Explain."
"Tessaiga is a sword which requires its holder to care for life while fighting an opponent."
"I care!" He didn't before Kagome, but now he definitely did. He cared about this village and the friends he made. He cared about the experiences he shared with them all, and he most definitely cared for the wife he found.
"Then use it, boy."
"But I ain't got no enemy." A fact which boggled the mind since before Kagome he had a number of enemies. Or rather, humans and demons alike despised creatures like him and made themselves his enemy through their apathy for his mere existence. Now, his world rested entirely in the palm of a human woman's hands and she accepted him, faults and all. She even loved him.
My girl.
He missed her suddenly, and could feel a small ache build in his chest. He wanted to go home, but they hadn't found food for tonight's supper. They promised the girls they'd try to find something unique for this evening, since the last three days were spent celebrating the couple's reconciliation. Nor were they done speaking to Totosai. Restless in his eagerness to be with his wife, he tapped his feet along the dry ground, breathed deeply and stared at the demon, waiting for him to speak.
Totosai simply shrugged. "Don't know what to tell you, Inuyasha. Find yourself an enemy."
The demon then wiped his hands and jumped atop his steed. He only wished to speak to Inuyasha about the war he caught wind of. A green demon approached him nearly a fortnight ago, requesting a new weapon to be crafted by Totosai. While waiting for this sword to be made, he conferred with him and asked whether he felt any anomaly in the air. Totosai scoffed at the creature, who knew full well that they were in a place where no breeze could survive the scalding temperatures of the volcanic and pumice location situated near Totosai's home.
"What are you talking about?" he'd asked the demon.
The demon sat close to a pit, inching closer to Totosai, until he muttered with a hint of excitement in his tone, "I hear there's a war in the heavens."
"The heavens?" he muttered, while he turned his eyes to the morbidly grey sky.
The demon continued. "I have no idea which realm of heaven it is taking place in, but I was informed that Lords of both the Eastern and Western lands were involved in it."
Totosai frowned, the demon's statement leading him to conclude that Lord Sesshomaru must have been involved in this fight. Yet it left him feeling confounded because the demon would have spoken to him about this before heading out, unless venturing abroad took precedent to sharpening a sword which was in danger of dulling while idle for so long.
Unfortunately, since Inuyasha had no recollection of his past life, he was no use to Totosai. This excursion, however brief, cost him a few days, and it would now remain a thorn on his side for some time, because it truly was bothersome how the half breed remained careless with his head, and this worst, his father's weaponry. He thought the boy had learned his lesson to always keep the tool close to his side.
He grunted, while his bull sent them into the air, then took an expedient glance below. Inuyasha had his arms crossed, while both brows were low in consternation.
"Don't think too hard, Inuyasha!" he called below. "It'll give you a migraine."
Inuyasha scowled. "I think any untoward migraines would be your fault."
Totosai chortled and continued his ascent. Inuyasha may have lost his memory, but he was a resourceful fellow. He would be fine, of that he was sure, since the creature grappled with more turbulent episodes than this. He need only keep Tessaiga close, and hold his sword during a moment of crisis. Surely, all would be fine.
If not, his demonic nature would work to save him from harm...
Vanquishing anyone in its path.