As the group journeyed through the expansive landscape, the absence of Lord Sesshomaru and Inuyasha left a void that was filled with a sense of tranquility as they settled into their makeshift camp in a serene field.
Kagome dedicated herself to Rin's education, guiding her through more lessons in reading and writing with the aid of the booklets she had procured. With unwavering patience and gentle encouragement, she nurtured the young girl's budding intellect, fostering a love for learning amidst the beauty of nature. Meanwhile, Shippo, brimming with youthful energy, delighted them with his playful antics during breaks from their studies.
As the sun reached its zenith, they gathered for a well-deserved lunch, the aroma of home-cooked meals mingling with the soothing breeze, creating an atmosphere of contentment and camaraderie.
During their mealtime reprieve, Kagome regaled Sango and Miroku with tales of her encounter with Lord Sesshomaru, vividly recounting the fateful meeting and the significance of the black pearl nestled within Inuyasha's eye.
"The Black Pearl acts as a passage?" Sango inquired, her faithful companion Kirara nestled in her lap.
"Yes," Kagome confirmed with a smile. "It was the catalyst for Inuyasha's inheritance of the Tessaiga and the subsequent clash with Lord Sesshomaru, resulting in the loss of his arm and the return of the pearl to its resting place within Inuyasha's eye."
Miroku nodded thoughtfully. "Centuries of rivalry fueled by misunderstandings and pride."
Kagome's gaze drifted westward, where Lord Sesshomaru's return was eagerly anticipated. Sango suggested they remain in their current location, allowing Inuyasha to find them when he was ready.
"I'll go check on the children," Kagome volunteered, rising from the picnic blanket and making her way towards where Shippo and Rin were playing, accompanied by the presence of Au-Un and the watchful eye of Jaken atop the dragon demon.
"Lady Kagome!" Rin's voice rang out, her small form rushing towards Kagome with unrestrained enthusiasm, her arms wrapping around Kagome's legs in a tight embrace. "I never got to ask you my question!"
Kagome's smile widened, her heart warmed by Rin's affection as she gently patted the girl's head. "Of course, Rin. Ask away."
The innocence and sincerity in Rin's eyes tugged at Kagome's heartstrings as she posed her question. "Can I call you mommy?"
The unexpected question caught Kagome off guard, her mind drifting back to Rin's upbringing and the absence of parental guidance that had marked her, even before she had been killed.
Her expression softened, a mixture of warmth and nostalgia coloring her features as she considered Rin's request. "I would be honored," Kagome replied, crouching down to Rin's level and taking the girl's hands in her own, her touch gentle and reassuring. She pressed a tender kiss to Rin's hands before continuing, "However, I think it's important for you to talk to Lord Sesshomaru about it first. He might worry that I'll take you away from him."
Rin's reaction was immediate, her gasp echoing in the tranquil surroundings as her eyes widened in realization.
"How about you draw him a picture for when he returns, hm? I imagine that he will cherish it."
Rin clapped her hands, "that is a great idea, Lady kagome!"
She watched as the small girl ran to her backpack that was strapped to Au-Un's saddle and fished out the paper and colors and flopped onto the ground and began her picture. Shippo also had taken to drawing with her as he liked to draw photos of their group.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow across the landscape, Miroku and Shippo took charge of preparing dinner for the group. Meanwhile, the girls sought refuge from the day's heat in the refreshing waters of a nearby river.
Rin giggled with delight as she splashed about in the cool water, the increasing warmth of the days signaling the arrival of summer. With the season's onset came the promise of hot days tempered by the cool embrace of nightfall, a welcome respite from the sweltering afternoons.
After their refreshing bath, the group gathered around the makeshift dinner table, sharing laughter and stories as they indulged in the simple pleasures of companionship and good food.
Kagome, ever nurturing, readied the children for bed, their tired forms snuggling close to the comforting presence of Au-Un, with Jaken finding an unexpected place among them, his gruff demeanor softened as he spent more time with the children.
As the night settled in, Miroku retired to his rest, while Sango sought solace beneath the vast expanse of the starlit sky, her thoughts drifting amidst the twinkling constellations, accompanied by the silent company of Kirara.
Left to her own devices, Kagome seized the opportunity to catch up on her neglected studies. Yet she found it increasingly hard to focus as she once more looked towards the West, waiting for Lord Sesshomaru. Her conversation earlier with Rin made her face flush at the implication of Rin desiring to call her mommy.
While she felt honored that Rin sees her as a maternal figure, as her mother. Yet, it implied that Lord Sesshomaru was her Father. As Kagome grappled with the implications of Rin's innocent request, a flush of embarrassment crept up her cheeks, her hands instinctively covering her face as she sought refuge from the flood of memories that threatened to overwhelm her.
The warmth spreading through her body was not solely from the summer evening's lingering heat but also from the vivid recollection of her boldness the previous night. The memory of Lord Sesshomaru's presence, his commanding aura stirring something primal within her, sent a shiver down her spine.
She couldn't shake the memory of their encounters, the moments of undeniable tension between them, from the night he had saved her from a perilous fall to the recent exchange where her desire hung heavy in the air. Her suggestive words and daring actions replayed in her mind, each instance leaving her breathless and flushed with a heady mix of anticipation and uncertainty.
As she reflected on her audacity, Kagome couldn't help but wonder how Lord Sesshomaru perceived their interactions. Did he sense the same magnetic pull between them, the unspoken desire that simmered beneath the surface? Or was she merely projecting her own desires onto him, blinded by the intensity of her feelings?
Caught in the whirlwind of her emotions, Kagome knew she couldn't ignore the undeniable chemistry that existed between them. Yet, she also grappled with the implications of pursuing such forbidden desires, the boundaries between duty and desire blurring in the wake of her tumultuous thoughts.
Though the path ahead was uncertain, one thing remained clear—her connection to Lord Sesshomaru ran deeper than she dared to admit, a truth that both thrilled and terrified her in equal measure.
The next morning arrived with a subtle shift in the air, and the anticipation among the group heightened as Inuyasha and Lord Sesshomaru made a timely entrance just as the others finished packing their belongings.
Inuyasha, his usual brash confidence evident, rose to his feet with hands tucked into his sleeves. "I know how to get to the netherworld," he declared.
"Hosenki is an old friend of my Old Man," he continued with a huff, a hint of pride in his voice. "He created the black pearl from my Mother's tears and placed it in my eye under the instruction of my Old Man."
Understanding dawned on Sango's face. "So, he would know how to make another passageway for us. We should go there now before Naraku catches wind of it."
At the base of the mountain, they paused briefly to catch their breath before beginning the daunting ascent. Lord Sesshomaru and Inuyasha, ever eager to assert their superiority, turned the climb into a race, their competitive spirits fueling their determination to reach the summit first. Kagome, perched atop Au-Un alongside Jaken, Rin, and Shippo, watched with amusement as the brothers sped ahead, leaving a cloud of dust in their wake.
As they reached the mountain's peak, a sense of anticipation hung in the air, amplified by the enigmatic expressions on Lord Sesshomaru and Inuyasha's faces.
Kagome frowned, "Did something happen?"
"No," Inuyasha sheathed his sword. "Let's go."
Both brothers took charge, leading them through the dense forest until they came upon a large lake. Myoga, sat atop Inuyasha's shoulder, screaming "Hosenki" over and over again.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a soft glow over their campsite, the group settled in for the night, the weight of their recent encounter with Hosenki's passing still heavy on their hearts. His son, now tasked with carrying on his father's legacy as the new Hosenki, had delivered somber news: all the pearls had been exhausted, and it would be a century before more could be crafted.
Amidst the flickering firelight, Kagome engaged in conversation with Miroku, their voices a soothing counterpoint to the tension that lingered in the air. However, their peaceful exchange was abruptly interrupted by the sound of Sango's enraged voice and Inuyasha's arrogant retort.
"You're insufferably stubborn!" Sango's words sliced through the night air, her frustration palpable as she stormed away from Inuyasha, her steps heavy with irritation.
Inuyasha's response was predictably defiant, his arms folded across his chest in a display of arrogance. "Don't get in the damn way then! Just learn to listen to me for once!"
"We don't need your permission for everything!" Sango shot back, her voice a mix of exasperation and fury. "You're beyond irritating!" Whirling on her heel, she pointed a finger at him, her command cutting through the night like a blade. "Sit, boy!"
Inuyasha's laughter, tinged with nervousness, filled the air as he found himself propelled into the nearest tree with a resounding crash. "You're just figuring that out now, idiot?" he taunted, pointing a finger downward at Sango from his precarious perch.
But Kagome, her patience worn thin by his incessant needling of Sango, narrowed her eyes in determination. "Sit, boy," she commanded, her tone firm and unwavering.
The familiar sound of the subjugation beads echoed through the night as Inuyasha cried out in pain and frustration, plummeting from his lofty vantage point to crash into the earth below, the impact leaving a deep crater in its wake.
"What the hell, Kagome?!" Inuyasha's voice reverberated with disbelief and indignation as he struggled to rise from the rubble.
Rolling her eyes in exasperation, Kagome turned her attention to Sango, a wry smile playing at the corners of her lips. "He's your problem now," she declared, her tone laced with amusement and a hint of mischief.
As Sango's cheeks flushed a delicate shade of pink, she turned away from the group, her irritation palpable as Miroku's persistent teasing only added to her exasperation. Kagome couldn't help but shake her head at her friends' antics, choosing instead to redirect her attention to the newcomers who had just arrived: Lord Sesshomaru and Ein.
Rin bounded towards Kagome, her new kimono swaying with her every step, the soft blue fabric adorned with delicate pink flowers that cascaded down its length. "Lady Kagome! Lord Sesshomaru bought me this beautiful kimono!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"It's truly lovely, Rin," Kagome replied with a warm smile. "Did you remember to thank him for such a thoughtful gift?"
Rin nodded eagerly, her cheeks flushing as she corrected herself. "Yes, Lady Kagome... I mean, yes, mommy," she stammered, her hands fidgeting nervously.
The unexpected term of endearment caught Kagome off guard, her own cheeks coloring as she glanced up at Lord Sesshomaru, who observed them with his usual stoic demeanor, his gaze sharp and penetrating, causing a flutter of unease to stir within her.
"Perhaps it's time for you to rest, Rin. We'll be setting out early in the morning," Kagome suggested gently, attempting to alleviate the tension that lingered in the air.
"Yes, mommy!" Rin exclaimed excitedly before darting off towards the makeshift bed that Kagome had prepared next to Au-Un, where Shippo lay sound asleep.
"Will you read this to me?" Rin held the book out to her
"I'd love to," Kagome replied with a warm smile, accepting the book from the young girl's outstretched hand. She settled herself against the comforting warmth of Au-Un's side, inviting Rin to curl up in her lap."Which one?"
"The one about the sleeping princess," she murmured, crawling into Kagome's lap.
"Ah, the story of the sleeping princess," Kagome murmured fondly as she flipped through the pages of the well-loved book. With gentle fingers, she found the familiar tale and began to read aloud, her voice soft and melodic against the backdrop of the quiet night.
As Kagome wove the enchanting story, the rest of the group gradually fell into a hushed silence, each member succumbing to the soothing cadence of her voice. Miroku's gentle snores mingled with the crackle of the fire, while Sango's breathing slowed into a steady rhythm. Even Inuyasha, ever vigilant, found himself drifting into a peaceful slumber, his features softened by the warmth of the firelight.
Under the canopy of stars, Kagome continued to read, her voice carrying the timeless tale of the sleeping princess to her rapt audience. Rin listened with wide-eyed wonder.
With the tale concluded, Kagome gently closed the book and tucked it away, her arms still wrapped protectively around Rin as they both succumbed to the gentle embrace of sleep, the flickering firelight casting a soft glow over their peaceful faces. Not catching the heated look that Lord Sesshomaru was giving her.
Large gusts of winds blew throughout their camp, extinguishing their fire and waking the group. All except the demons who had already been alerted by her presence.
"Kagura!" Inuyasha growled
Cradling Rin in her arms, with Shippo perched on her shoulder, Kagome couldn't help but notice how Lord Sesshomaru had positioned himself in front of her and the children, subtly shielding them from the mysterious woman's gaze.
"Inuyasha and Sesshomaru," Kagura observed, her tone laced with curiosity. "It seems the rumors were true, brothers united at last."
"What is your purpose here?" Lord Sesshomaru's voice remained stoic, betraying little emotion.
Kagome's eyes narrowed slightly as she considered the woman's proposition. "Don't you wish to know the location of the pathway?" Kagura countered, her posture shifting into a defensive crouch.
"Why would you reveal such information to us?" Inuyasha's hand instinctively went to the hilt of his sword as he moved to stand beside his brother.
"Hakudoshi is making his way toward the mountain in the Realm of Fire," Kagome continued, her voice tinged with urgency. "There, it is said, lies a gateway that bridges the divide between our world and the next."
"A mountain in the Realm of Fire?" Myoga's panicked voice echoed from his perch on Inuyasha's shoulder, his tiny form trembling with fear.
"What is your motive in divulging this information to us?" Miroku's brow furrowed with suspicion as he confronted the enigmatic woman.
"You'll have to ask Hakudoshi that question yourselves," Kagura replied cryptically, plucking a feather from her hair before vanishing as swiftly as she had appeared.
"This is undoubtedly a trap," Miroku scratched his chin thoughtfully.
"But who cares?" Inuyasha's gaze remained fixed on the spot where Kagura had disappeared, determination burning in his eyes. "We have our next destination."
"Do not even consider going there, young Master!" Myoga cried out, jumping up and down on Inuyasha's shoulder. "The Mountain in the Realm of Fire is far too perilous! You must never, ever venture to that place!"
"So, you lied about there being a pathway," Lord Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed as he glanced at the panicked flea, who began to sweat profusely.
"Sesshomaru-sama is correct," Inuyasha seized the flea before it could escape, his grip firm. "Judging from your reaction, Myoga, it seems you were aware all along and chose to keep silent."
"Well, I, uh... it's just..." Myoga stammered, struggling to find an excuse.
"Regardless of the brat's intentions, we shall proceed to that location," Inuyasha declared, flicking the flea towards Kirara, who mewed softly in response.
With Rin cradled in her arms, Kagome carefully laid the drowsy child atop Au-Un's broad back, where she nestled comfortably against the soft fur, drifting back into a peaceful sleep.
Sango and Miroku, adept in the art of survival, worked in tandem to ensure that their belongings were packed securely and efficiently.
Under the veil of night, the group moved like shadows, their steps purposeful and synchronized, each member following Inuyasha's lead with unwavering trust. Among them, Lord Sesshomaru strode with silent grace, his gaze fixed ahead with an intensity that seemed to pierce through the darkness.
"Lord Sesshomaru," Kagome murmured softly, her voice barely a whisper amidst the rustle of leaves and the faint sounds of the night. "Is something troubling you?"
He turned his gaze towards her, his expression inscrutable. "You worry too much, Miko," he replied.
A flush crept up Kagome's cheeks at his observation. "I-I do not worry," she protested, her voice betraying a hint of embarrassment.
A faint quirk of his lips betrayed amusement. "You are quite entertaining, little Miko," he remarked, his tone tinged with rare warmth.
Puffing her cheeks out in a mock display of indignation, Kagome narrowed her eyes at him. "You find amusement in my expense," she accused, though her tone was light-hearted.
His smirk deepened. "You misunderstand me, little Miko," he replied cryptically, his eyes gleaming with mischief.
"How so?" Kagome murmured, her steps quickening as she attempted to catch up to him, only to stumble over an unseen rock.
With reflexes honed by years of training, Lord Sesshomaru moved swiftly to catch her, his arms encircling her before she could fall. Kagome's heart raced as she found herself pressed against his chest, her breath catching in her throat as she met his intense gaze.
For a fleeting moment, time seemed to stand still as they locked eyes, the world around them fading into insignificance. In that moment, Kagome felt a strange and inexplicable connection to the enigmatic dog demon lord, a connection that stirred something deep within her soul.
But as quickly as it had come, the moment passed, and Kagome found herself stumbling back onto solid ground, her cheeks stained pink with embarrassment. Lord Sesshomaru's expression remained unreadable as he watched her, yet she didn't miss the way he preened at her reaction to him.
"Is something the matter Miko?"
"N–no," she looked away from him but didn't miss how his brushed his hand against hers as though he attempted to reassure her.
What was he reassuring her of?
