Two days had slipped by since Kagome's encounter with Kikyo. During this time, Kagome had spent most of her days sleeping on Au-Un's back, waking only briefly to eat and drink. As they continued their journey, the group remained focused on their quest to locate the nest of demon birds that had been spotted in nearby villages. Despite their efforts, the exact location remained elusive, with rumors circulating about a protected castle atop a nearby hill.
"We'll have to find lodging in this village for the night," Miroku suggested, already moving toward a group of giggling women gathered outside a hut.
Sango's skepticism was evident as she grabbed the back of Miroku's collar. "No choice, huh? And just where do you think you're going, monk?"
Miroku sighed, knowing he was about to face Sango's disapproval. The women outside the hut giggled and cast flirtatious glances his way.
"Stay and enjoy yourselves with us," one of the women said, her voice dripping with invitation.
Inuyasha's gruff interruption cut through the scene. "Why do you care what Miroku does, Sango?" he muttered, his irritation palpable as he sat beside Kagome, who was now awake.
Sango's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she released her grip on Miroku's collar. "I-I don't!" she stammered before turning and storming off in the opposite direction.
Miroku took advantage of the momentary distraction to slip into the hut, leaving Sango behind in a mix of frustration and embarrassment.
Kagome let out a weary sigh as she surveyed the situation. "I suppose I'll go find us some rooms," she said, already starting to make her way toward the nearest inn.
Shippo piped up eagerly, "Can I come too?"
"Of course," Kagome replied with a smile, taking Shippo's hand as they set off together to find accommodations for the night.
After securing rooms for everyone at an inn, Kagome and Shippo sat outside a small restaurant, enjoying their dinner while observing the hustle and bustle of villagers passing by.
"Kagome?"
"Yes, Shippo?" Kagome turned her attention to the young fox kit, noting the nervous energy radiating from him.
Shippo fidgeted with his hands, his voice barely above a whisper. "Why does Rin get to call you mommy and I can't?"
Kagome's heart ached at his question. She knelt down to his level, her eyes gentle as she reached out to reassure him. "Oh, Shippo. I never realized you felt this way. Of course, you can call me mommy too. You never have to ask." She wrapped her arms around him, pulling him close. "I love you, Shippo. Do you know that?"
"I love you too, mama." Shippo's voice was muffled against her shoulder as he hugged her tightly. Then, a curious question escaped his lips, catching Kagome off guard. "Does this mean that Lord Sesshomaru will be my father once you and he mate?"
Kagome's eyes widened in surprise, her mouth opening in shock. Shippo pulled back, his innocent gaze fixed on her. "H-how did you…?"
"You forget that I may be seven in human years, but I'm older than you in demon years," Shippo explained, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "Before my dad died, he explained to me about mating, the rituals, and traditions that accompany it. It doesn't take a genius to figure that out. I'm not slow like Inuyasha is."
Kagome couldn't help but chuckle at Shippo's candid response. "Well, Shippo, let's just focus on being a family for now, okay? The future will unfold as it may."
Shippo nodded, content with her answer, and returned to his meal, leaving Kagome to ponder the unexpected conversation they had just shared. She had forgotten that Shippo was more intuitive and intelligent than she originally believed. It was easy to forget as he was a child in her eyes, she still remembered how he clung onto her crying for his Father the nights that followed after his death.
As the years passed, Kagome watched Shippo grow and mature, marveling at the changes in him. The innocence of childhood slowly gave way to the wisdom and resilience born from experiencing the harsh realities of their world.
She reflected on the conversations she had with Sesshomaru and Inuyasha about their own childhoods, realizing that their experiences had shaped them into the individuals they were today. Growing up in a time of great struggle, they had faced death and danger at every turn, learning to navigate a world where survival often meant making difficult choices.
In this era of uncertainty and conflict, it was inevitable that Shippo would witness his fair share of hardships and loss. Yet, despite the challenges he faced, he continued to adapt and grow stronger with each passing day.
As Kagome observed Shippo's journey into adulthood, she couldn't help but feel a sense of pride mixed with a tinge of sadness. The passage of time was a reminder of the fleeting nature of life.
"Let us go find the others," Kagome smiled. "Let them know that we found an Inn for tonight."
"Okay mama," she smiled to herself as Shippo jumped onto her shoulder.
In the adjoining room, Miroku and Inuyasha were settling in for the night, their voices fading into low murmurs as they conversed. Meanwhile, Kagome, Sango, and Rin had just finished bathing and dressing for bed, their laughter filling the room as they shared stories from their day.
Sango returned with a sheepish smile, apologizing for her earlier outburst. Kagome waved off the apology, urging her to talk to Inuyasha and clear the air between them.
As Rin prepared her bedding, she turned to Sango with a curious expression. "Lady Sango, are you in love with Lord Inuyasha?"
Sango blushed furiously, stumbling over her words. "I-I have no idea what you're talking about."
Rin shrugged, seemingly unperturbed. "It's just that you and him bicker so much, it's easy to assume you hate him."
"I don't hate Inuyasha," Sango admitted softly, her gaze dropping.
Meanwhile, Kagome had changed into more comfortable attire, feeling the warmth of the night air seeping into the inn. Opening the doors to allow a breeze to enter, her smile faded as she heard the shrill squawking of demon birds piercing through the night.
"The castle is under attack!" Kagome exclaimed, her voice urgent. "Princess Abi is assaulting the castle with her demon birds."
With urgency pulsing through their veins, the group made their way swiftly towards the castle. They had left Rin and Shippo back at the inn and out of danger. Kagome reached out with her reiki, seeking Sesshomaru's presence, only to sense that he was already at the castle. Alongside the familiarity of his energy, she felt another pull, one that she hadn't felt for quite some time.
"A jewel shard!" Kagome's voice broke through the chaos. "It's Kohaku's jewel shard."
Sango's eyes widened in surprise. "Kohaku? How long has he been here?"
"You can ask him yourself when you get there," Inuyasha interjected, his impatience evident as he leaped into the air.
Upon their arrival, Inuyasha carefully deposited Kagome onto Kirara's back as Miroku jumped down. "You two go find Kohaku, we'll handle Princess Abi."
The castle was ablaze, the air thick with the scent of death and destruction. Kagome grimaced at the overpowering stench but focused on the task at hand. Guided by the pull of both Sesshomaru's presence and the jewel shard, they headed towards the heart of the chaos.
"That way, Sango!" Kagome pointed towards a section of the castle where a swarm of demon birds attacked ferociously.
"Let's go, Kirara!"
With a determined nod, Sango urged Kirara forward, her eyes fixed on the swarm of demon birds. Kagome held onto Kirara tightly, her senses alert as they approached the chaos unfolding before them.
As they drew nearer, Kagome's heart clenched at the sight of the destruction wrought by Princess Abi and her demon birds. Buildings were in flames, and the air was thick with smoke and the cries of those trapped within. The ground was littered with corpses of fallen soldiers and demon birds.
"We have to find Kohaku and get him out of here," Sango declared, her voice firm despite the chaos surrounding them.
Kirara swooped down towards the area where the demon birds were attacking the hardest. Kagome tightened her grip on the fur beneath her as they descended, scanning the chaos below for any sign of Kohaku.
"There!" Kagome pointed towards a figure battling fiercely against the demon birds, a familiar scar across his face confirming his identity. "That's Kohaku!"
Sango's heart shattered as she witnessed her brother, Kohaku, controlled like a puppet by some unseen force. Tears blurred her vision as she sprinted towards him, her mind filled with memories of their shared childhood and the bond they once shared.
"Kohaku!" she cried out, her voice a mixture of agony and desperation, each step heavy with the weight of her emotions.
But before she could reach him, Kagome's swift action intercepted the deadly strike aimed at Sango. The force of the blow sent Kagome tumbling to the ground, pain shooting through her injured shoulder.
"Kagome!" Sango's scream pierced the chaos, her heart wrenching at the sight of her friend in pain. She knelt beside Kagome, her hands trembling as she checked her injuries, only for blood to seek through her clothing.
Meanwhile, Sesshomaru's wrath knew no bounds as he seized Kohaku by the throat, his eyes ablaze with fury. The young boy's tear-streaked face contorted in anguish as he struggled against the iron grip, his movements feeble against Sesshomaru's strength.
"Sesshomaru... Please," Kagome's voice trembled with emotion, her plea echoing in the tumultuous air. "He's not acting of his own will. Naraku has control over him through the jewel shard."
Sesshomaru's grip tightened, his expression unreadable as he stared down at Kohaku. For a moment, it seemed as though his resolve wavered, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his features. Then, with a swift motion, he released Kohaku, allowing him to crumple to the ground, gasping for air.
Kagome's heart clenched at the sight, a mixture of relief and apprehension flooding her. She reached out to Kohaku, her voice soft yet urgent. "Kohaku, can you hear me? Fight against Naraku's control. You can break free."
But Kohaku remained motionless, his eyes vacant and distant, lost in the grip of Naraku's dark influence. Kagome let out a whimper, feeling a wave of despair wash over her. Sesshomaru was immediately at her side, his presence offering a sliver of comfort amidst the chaos.
"Koi," he murmured, concern etched in his stoic features.
"I'm fine," Kagome insisted, forcing a brave smile despite the pain radiating from her shoulder. "Nothing you can't fix, right?"
Sesshomaru, though visibly angered by the situation, nodded in silent agreement. Without another word, he gently lifted Kagome into his arms, cradling her close, and began to walk away.
As Sango watched her brother's distress, her heart ached with anguish. "Kohaku... You did it again," she sobbed, her voice thick with emotion.
Her words seemed to penetrate Kohaku's foggy consciousness, causing him to clutch his head in agony. He doubled over, a tortured cry escaping his lips as he struggled against Naraku's control.
"Kohaku!" Sango screamed, her voice filled with desperation. She took a step towards him, her hands outstretched in a futile attempt to reach him. But before she could reach him, powerful gusts of wind enveloped Kohaku, lifting him into the air.
Kagura emerged from the chaos, she soared away with Kohaku in her grasp, leaving Sango to watch helplessly as her brother was taken further into Naraku's clutches.
Kagome had spent the night with Sesshomaru on the outskirts of the village, wrapped in his protective embrace as he refused to let her out of his sight. She had drifted off to sleep to the soothing sound of his purring, feeling safe and secure in his arms after he had healed her injuries.
As they reconvened the next morning, Kagome couldn't help but notice the subtle shift in dynamics between Inuyasha and Sango. They walked beside each other now, their interactions hinting at a reconciliation that must have occurred during the night.
However, their focus quickly shifted as Sango recounted the events involving Kohaku and the infant she had seen. Her words sparked a realization in Kagome's mind, prompting her to recall a past encounter that seemed to connect to the present situation.
"Wait a second," Sango exclaimed, her eyes widening in realization. "That infant looked just like the one Kagome held when Kagura kidnapped her."
Inuyasha frowned in confusion. "But wasn't Hakudoshi the infant?"
Kagome gasped, her memory flooding back. "Don't you remember? When we met the Monk Shisen, his followers mentioned that he had split the baby in half. What if one half became Hakudoshi, and the other is still an infant?"
Miroku leaned thoughtfully against a tree. "We assumed the baby had been killed, but if one half survived, it could explain Naraku's connection to the castle."
Sesshomaru stepped forward, his expression unreadable. "When Inuyasha used his Wind Scar on Hakudoshi, it didn't kill him. The infant may be his heart."
"Sesshomaru is right," Inuyasha affirmed, stepping beside Sesshomaru. "Naraku has separated hearts before, like with Onigumo. This could be why we haven't been able to defeat him yet."
The group exchanged grave looks, fully grasping the significance of their discovery. The mysterious infant concealed within the castle could potentially unlock the means to finally vanquish Naraku.
"Regardless, we still have to deal with Princess Abi," Inuyasha snapped, his impatience evident. "Maybe if we keep searching for her, we'll stumble upon Naraku or Hakudoshi."
"But she's turned against him," Miroku argued.
Kagome nervously tugged on the hem of her skirt. "Princess Abi mentioned that Naraku sought her out. It implies he needs her or something related to her, possibly connected to the jewel shard in the Netherworld."
Sango nodded in agreement after a moment of contemplation. "Kagome's right. Our best bet is to continue scouring the villages in the area until we uncover the demon birds' nest."
"Then let's not waste any more time," Inuyasha declared, striding ahead as the rest of the group fell into step behind him, ready to resume their quest.
That night when they made camp, Kagome noticed how Sango sat by herself with Kirara in the field several feet away. Sesshomaru sat against a tree several feet away, listening to Rin read to him, in an attempt to show off her reading and comprehension skills. Jaken had taken Au-Un to take care of things for Sesshomaru.
"Inuyasha aren't you going to go talk to her?" Shippo asked
"I should go," Miroku said, standing from his spot, he walked over and sat beside her.
Kagome and Inuyasha, begrudgingly on his part, turned away to give them some privacy to talk. However, Shippo continued to watch from his slightly crouched position.
"Wow, he casually put his arm around her shoulder."
Inuyasha, who had been tending to the fire, dropped the wood. "Shoulders?" Sitting, crouched beside Shippo, he narrowed his eyes. "He's not stroking her butt?"
"Take a look," Shippo remarked.
"You are so ignorant Inuyasha," Kagome sighed. "Miroku might be a pervert but even he understands that there is a time and place."
"Yeah, sure." Inuyasha remarked. "I never understood it before though, if they were engaged to marry before then why would Sango make such a big deal about it before?"
"You are so totally dense when it comes to women," she sighed.
"Hey!" Inuyasha remarked. "What do you mean by that?"
"I don't care how much you love a person, you'll definitely fall out of love if they're insensitive all the time." Kagome turned her head to look at Inuyasha with a pointed stare.
Inuyasha scoffed, "you're to tell me that if Sesshomaru acted perverted with you even though you are mates, you would slap him all the time?"
Before she could respond, Sesshomaru walked over, immediately settling to sit beside Kagome, his fur wrapping around her waist. "I do nothing without her consent."
Kagome wordlessly smiled at him, handing him the tea she had finished preparing. Nuzzling his cheek against hers, he accepted the cup.
"Do you have to do that in front of me?" Inuyasha complained
Sesshomaru turned his attention back to Inuyasha, amusement evident. "Are you that immature little brother that you are unable to see this one be affectionate with his intended?"
"Keh, you bastard." Sticking his nose in the air, he turned back to watch Miroku and Sango.
"You enjoy antagonizing him don't you?"
"He has caused this one great headache since he was born," Sesshomaru smirked. "This one deserves to amuse himself occasionally with his anger."
Kagome shook her head, "both of you are so immature."
Sesshomaru and Inuyasha were the only ones awake as the moon cast its gentle light over the sleeping camp. Kagome lay nestled in Sesshomaru's fur, her breathing soft and steady as she held Rin and Shippo close to her.
Stroking his finger against Kagome's cheek, Sesshomaru watched her with a rare tenderness, his usual stoicism softened in the moonlight.
"What the hell is that?" Inuyasha's voice cut through the tranquility, his sudden appearance breaking the silence. He landed on the ground several feet away, his gaze fixed on two balls of golden light that hovered before him.
The light faded, revealing two small human-like girls standing before Inuyasha. The same girls that accompanied the dead priestess' puppet.
"Kikyo wishes to see you," one of the girls stated before they both vanished into the air, leaving Inuyasha standing there, torn.
Sesshomaru observed Inuyasha's conflicted expression and spoke with uncharacteristic understanding. "Go," he urged. "You won't be able to focus if you don't see her."
Grateful for the permission, Inuyasha nodded before darting off after the two girls, his heart heavy with anticipation and apprehension.
As Miroku awoke and witnessed Inuyasha's departure, he turned to Sesshomaru with concern etched on his face. "Kikyo, right?"
"She called for him," Sesshomaru confirmed, his eyes still on Kagome as she stirred in her sleep, a faint smile gracing her lips.
The monk glanced at Sango and then back to Sesshomaru. "Do you think it's wise for him to go alone?"
"He can take care of himself," Sesshomaru replied firmly, his confidence unwavering as he wrapped his yokai around Kagome protectively, a silent promise to keep her safe.
As Sesshomaru watched Kagome awaken, he couldn't help but feel a surge of warmth in his chest. Her sleepy smile was like a balm to his soul, and he returned it with a gentle kiss on her forehead, eliciting an even wider grin from her.
"You slept well, koi?" he inquired softly, his eyes filled with concern and affection.
Sitting up, Kagome stretched languidly before leaning into him. "Yes, thank you," she replied with a contented sigh, her fingers intertwining with his own.
His gaze lingered on her for a moment longer before she glanced around the camp, her expression becoming thoughtful. "Where is Inuyasha?" she asked, her brow furrowing slightly.
"The dead one summoned him last night," Sesshomaru explained, his tone neutral. "He has been gone all night and has yet to return."
Kagome nodded in understanding, but he could see the concern flicker in her eyes as she glanced over at Sango. Upon closer inspection, it was evident that Sango was deeply affected by Inuyasha's absence, her usually vibrant demeanor marred by a sense of hurt and worry.
Feeling Kagome tense slightly, Sesshomaru wrapped his arms protectively around her, his claws gently stroking her hair in a comforting gesture. Together, they observed Rin and Shippo's playful antics as they chased after Kirara, their laughter echoing through the open field.
However, their peaceful moment was interrupted by the sudden darkening of the sky, ominous clouds rolling in and large demons looming overhead. Sensing the impending danger, Rin and Shippo sought refuge under the cover of the tree they were under, joined by Sango and Miroku who sat calmly, sipping tea despite the unsettling atmosphere.
Kagome's heart pounded in her chest as she observed the ominous scene unfolding before them, a foreboding sense of feeling struck her. "Kagome."
Startled, she fell back into Sesshomaru's chest, who's arms cradled around her waist, pulling her even closer to him. "You're back."
"I went to see Kikyo," he crouched down in front of her. "She gave me this arrow, to give to you. It's been rubbed with dirt from Onigumo's cave. This will end him."
Cradling the arrow in her hands, she gazed at it before turning back to Inuyasha. "Thank you," she smiled. "Are you okay?"
"I just needed to see her alive. Nothing else."
Kagome nodded her head to Sango, "you should talk to her."
He sighed, "I know."
As Inuyasha made his way over to Sango, a sudden, shrill noise cut through the air, disrupting the tranquility of the moment. "I'M BACK, LORD SESSHOMARU!" announced the impish demon Jaken as he hopped off Au-Un, who landed gracefully several feet away.
Rin and Shippo immediately rushed over to greet the two-headed dragon, their excitement palpable.
Acknowledging Jaken with a nod, Sesshomaru remained composed as ever. "You have returned. Did you bring what I requested?"
With a subtle shift, Sesshomaru leaned closer to Kagome, his breath warm against her ear as he whispered, "Check the bag."
Curious and slightly flushed by his proximity, Kagome complied, walking over to the saddlebag. As she opened it, she discovered a new bow, a quiver full of arrows, and a small box tucked inside.
"When did you...?" Kagome began, but Sesshomaru's reply interrupted her train of thought.
"I sent Jaken on errands since he chose to disturb me when he had more pressing matters to attend to," Sesshomaru explained, a hint of irritation in his tone, accompanied by a subtle flash of his eyes.
"Oh…" Kagome's gaze shifted to the box. "What is this?"
"Open it," Sesshomaru urged her softly.
With trembling hands, Kagome lifted the lid of the simple box, revealing its contents. "This is…"
"Come here," Sesshomaru instructed, his voice gentle yet commanding. Nervously, Kagome approached him and knelt before him, presenting the box. "Turn around."
As Kagome obeyed, she felt a rush of anticipation. Sesshomaru moved her hair aside with a tender touch, she felt his lips on the back of her neck, pressing a kiss there, before placing a cool metal chain around her neck. The sensation sent a shiver down her spine, and she gasped softly.
Running her fingers over the intricate yet still simple design of the pendant—a purple crescent moon—Kagome felt a swell of gratitude and affection. Turning back to Sesshomaru, she embraced him, rubbing her cheek against his. "It's beautiful," she murmured. "Thank you."
"It's one of many gifts," Sesshomaru replied, his touch tender as he cupped Kagome's face in his hand, his gaze meeting hers with unwavering sincerity. "But there's still much to be done before our union."
"How much more?" Kagome asked, her curiosity tinged with a hint of apprehension.
"One task involves your formal introduction to the yokai court," he explained.
"Introduction?" Kagome's heart fluttered nervously. "Meeting your mother, then?"
Sesshomaru nodded, a faint hint of amusement in his eyes. "Indeed. She can be quite... troublesome."
Kagome couldn't suppress a nervous laugh. "I can only imagine. Well, I suppose I'll need to brace myself for some scrutiny."
"Do not worry," Sesshomaru reassured her, his voice reassuringly calm. "I will be by your side throughout, guiding you."
