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Kagome awoke to the sounds of Jaken snoring. The sky was still dark. She couldn't have been asleep for more than an hour. Rubbing her eyes, she looked around. Rin and A-un lay still, the dragon snored as loudly as Jaken. She did not see Sesshomaru anywhere.
Rubbing her eyes, Kagome got up to see where he had went off to. She feared for a moment that he had returned to the castle to finish off what must have been Kohaku. Kagome jumped to her feet and ran off toward the castle following the river. Then she stopped for a moment and listened. She didn't hear the sounds of screams or see any smoke. In fact, despite the dark aura around the castle, the night seemed quite peaceful.
I've been getting jumpy lately. Maybe a nice cool swim will calm me down.
The humidity had not lessened at night and Kagome's clothes stuck to her as if they had been taped on. She found a nice area on the meandering river that had enough underbrush to conceal her. Kagome peeled off her clothes and laid them on top of the bush.
On second thought... she took her clothes down and put them in the water with her. It was warm outside so she wouldn't catch pneumonia for wearing wet clothes. Even if it was winter, her school uniform was so mucky, she would have washed it anyway and risked the elements.
Half-way through her bath, Kagome could heard voices coming up the river. She ducked down beneath the underbrush to conceal herself further. The last thing she wanted to do was explain herself while in the nude. The voices came closer. It sounded as if they were searching for something. Kagome picked up a whiff of a what smelled like rotting eggs and cursed herself for leaving her bow and quiver of arrows behind in her haste.
"I know I ssssmelled a human nearby," a low voice hissed.
"We must return to the castle at once. Our master will be most displeased to find us absent," replied a second.
"Just a moment. I think I ssssmell it again."
Kagome heard the demon snuffing about the underbrush. She swam back a little further. "Yessss, it sssssmellsss like a female!"
"What luck we have found. A female it was I hunger for most," the second voice said with glee.
"Nonsensssse. You did not even wisshh to come. I will have thissss one firssst."
The snuffing grew even closer. Kagome tried to swim back as far as possible but the underbrush caught ahold of her hair. She stiffled a small yelp.
"What wassss that? Come out little human girl. I know you're in there," the voice coaxed. The smell of sulfer grew overpowering.
"If you don't come out, I will come in," it continued.
Kagome closed her eyes and raised her hand. She heard a splash and then nothing. She peeked an eye open but still saw nothing. Kagome was about to move a little closer the to shrubbry when a white face came into view.
"Aieeee!!!" she cried. Her hand came down faster than lightning.
A loud crack sounded across soft skin. Kagome peeked an eye open to find a very shocked Sesshomaru staring at her.
"Uh...What are you doing here!" she cried while hastily trying to cover her exposed breasts.
Sesshomaru politely turned away and pointed to two reptilian demons lying face up in the water a little further beyond. From the angle she was in the water, she could see that their necks had been broken before they even knew what happened.
"Th--thank you," she said looking away.
Talk about awkward moments. She could only imagine Inuyasha's reaction if he came across them like this. It was bound to give the hot-head the wrong impression.
Kagome looked back up, but Sesshomaru was gone. Quickly, she finished her bath and put her clothes back on. Sesshomaru waited for her just a little further down. Maybe now she could get some answers out of him.
"Um...Sesshomaru," Kagome hesitated. "Why do you want me to after Rin." It wasn't the most pressing question on her mind, but she felt it was at least the most likely to be answered.
Sesshomaru did not respond immediately. "She is a human. It is best for humans to be raised by their own kind." He spoke simply, but Kagome could tell there was more to it.
"It is far too dangerous to allow Rin to continue in my presence," Sesshomaru explained when he noticed Kagome not connecting the dots.
"Why don't you let her stay at a village?" she asked.
Sesshomaru continued to stare out at the water. "Human villages are destroyed constantly be their own wars, demons, or bandits. It is not a safe place for her."
Kagome felt herself smile. "You're a hypocrite."
Sesshomaru looked up at her, his eyes cold and glaring.
Kagome almost laughed. "Well, you are. You told me earlier that I can't admit my own feelings. But here you are trying to find a safe place for Rin. You care about her despite your feelings toward humans."
Sesshomaru looked away. For a moment Kagome thought he was angry and would begin to ignore her again.
Kagome blinked, "I'd be happy to take care of her for you."
Then the realization hit her like a truck. What about when she had to return to her own era. She wouldn't be able to protect Rin then. Sesshomaru was not aware of the fact that she stumbled into the past from the future through a well. How would he be?
She added carefully, "And so would Inuyasha...after you heal him that is."
Sesshomaru did not look at her this time. "What do you mean?"
"I'm not from this era," she explained. Suddenly, Kagome found herself telling him about her time and how she came to be here. Sesshomaru never interrupted, and she did not even notice that the sky began to lighten. She found it so easy to talk to him when he wasn't being moody.
Very much like Inuyasha. Kagome thought with a smile as they returned to the others.
She looked up at Sesshomaru's back. His hair conceiled most of his hakama from this angle and it shined in the wanning moonlight. She wondered at how it and his clothes managed to stay so neat and clean in this heat and in the wilderness. Then Kagome noticed how his left sleeve blew in the wind and suddenly felt guilty for being the cause of its ability. Inuyasha had severed Sesshomaru's arm to protect her. Even though Sesshomaru was a full demon, he must have gone through a lot of pain afterward.
Maybe it was these little realizations that made her soften her heart toward him. Maybe it was the way he looked at Rin as if she were his own child. Maybe it was when he agreed to save Inuyasha, despite their obvious hate toward each other. For whatever the reason, Kagome found herself growing more and more curious about Sesshomaru. How old was he? What did her truly want? What about his mother? These and multitudes of other questions threatened to spill forth. But now was not the time to ask them. The sun was rising, as were the others. They would set off toward Kaede's village and Sesshomaru would use Tensaiga to heal his enemy.
But after that, I probably won't even get the chance to ask him anything. Kagome sighed. When would be the best time?
"There you are my Lord," Jaken said. "Shall we continue our journey?"
"Take Rin and A-un up to mountain pass, Jaken," was Sesshomaru's only reply.
"My lord?" Jaken looked perplexed and glanced to Kagome suspiciously. Then he nodded and led A-un and Rin away.
"Where are we going now Master Jaken?" Kagome could hear Rin ask as they walked westward.
"You ask to many questions girl."
When they were out of sight, Kagome turned to Sesshomaru, "They're not coming with us?"
"I can travel faster without them," he replied. As he spoke, his furry boa--at least that is what Kagome called it in her mind--took on a life of its own and spread out. Sesshomaru delicately stepped on and looked to Kagome expectantly.
"Uh, I get on too?" She figured it was a stupid question, but Sesshomaru nodded.
Kagome stepped on, not sure what to expect. The fur spread out even further and wrapped itself around them. Suddenly, Kagome felt the world drop from her feet. She gasped and held on to Sesshomaru, positive that she was going to fall through the soft fur as if it were a cloud.
It took her a moment to realize her eyes were closed. She opened them, one at a time, and cautiously looked around. They were high in the sky, far above the vast forest that she had struggled through just yesterday. Birds flew near, but startled, turned away from the flying predator with a fearful "caw".
Kagome smiled. She had flown on airplanes before, but being in a huge metal structure versus flying on barely a cloud were two completely different sensations. She wanted to absorb every sight and sound. The air smelt so fresh up here. She noticed a pine-like scent waft by her whenever Sesshomaru's hair gently blew across her face. Kagome suddenly felt self-conscious of her own smell. A quick dip in cool water hardly qualified for a bath.
"Do you know which way to go?" Kagome asked finally. "The village is further north." She wondered the repercussions of leading Sesshomaru to Kaede's village.
Well as long as he isn't in a foul mood when he's nearby... Kagome stopped herself. She was begining to make excuses for Sesshomaru!
She looked up at the back of the demon's head and reminded herself of his callousness and frozen-heart. However, it was hard to think ill of the man who was flying her off to rescue his own enemy. After all, he had saved them and others on different occasions, whether that was his initial intention. If Sesshomaru was all bad, he would have done no such thing, regardless of mild curiosity.
Not to mention, he does care for Rin...Maybe there is more good in him than even he realizes.
Kagome continued to hold on to Sesshomaru's waste. Though the fur felt a little more solid, she did not trust it quite yet. Especially considering the speed at which they moved. Kagome hadn't learned to drive yet, but she judged it to be about 40mph. The force of the wind alone was enough to knock her backwards. As the wind swept about her ears and hair, she kept her mouth closed, fearful that a bug would find its way inside.
After about two hours, the sun still had not yet reached its peak at noon, Kagome could recognize some landmarks and figured they were only a few miles away from Kaede's village. However, the landmarks were not necessary. In the distance, Kagome could make out a large dark cloud blanketing the sky. Swarms of Saimyoushou surrounded the area and plumes of smoke rose to the sky.
"The village!" Kagome cried out.
She had been too late. Naraku was already attacking the village in order to finish off his enemies. As they approached, the sound of the wasp grew deafening. She could just barely make out the cries of men fighting and dying. Tears of anger welled up in her eyes.
"Take me down Sesshomaru," Kagome cried. Already cocking an arrow into her bow, her initial fear of falling had vanished.
Sesshomaru obliged without a word. He seemed all to ready to rush off into battle. In fact, they had barely landed when he pulled out Toukijin and vanquished some Saimyoushou buzzing toward them.
"Naraku is aware of our presence," he stated and began to walk off as if to find the hanyou.
Kagome could not sense any jewel shards around. "Wait a moment Sesshomaru. He's not here. We have to save Inuyasha first."
Sesshomaru looked truly upset with her, but said nothing and went off toward the cottage Inuyasha was in. Kagome figured he could smell his way toward his brother. Half of her wanted to follow, the other half wished to stay and help the villagers. Where was Kaede, and Sango, and Miroku?
Her question was answered when a giant boomerang whizzed by her head and shattered the body of an oni razzing a cottage. Kagome turned to find Sango and Kilala. They looked exhausted.
"You're back sooner than I expected," Sango said. She was obviously relieved to see Kagome ok, but she was also struggling to stand.
"How long has this been going on?" Kagome cried.
"Naraku's demons attacked late last night," Sango replied. Kilala growled and chomped down on a demon slithering about her feet.
"Miroku and Kaede are protecting the other wall," Sango continued. She added cautiously, "Did you find him?"
Kagome nodded and led Sango to the cottage that concealed Inuyasha. Miroku and Kaede had apparently placed a few charms and wards on it to protect it from immediate notice and entrance. Sesshomaru had obviously been able to break through those seals for the papers were now shriveled up.
They went inside, to find Sesshomaru standing over Inuyasha. He had not done anything yet.
"What are you waiting for Sesshomaru? We don't have much time," Kagome urged.
Sesshomaru said nothing and slowly pulled out Tensaiga. He seemed hesitant to use it. However, true to his word, Sesshomaru swept the blade across Inuyasha's heart. He turned away and walked outside without a sound.
Before Kagome could protest, Sango spoke. "It's working, I can sense Naraku's poisoning leaving his body."
Kagome rushed to Inuyasha's side. The color was returning to his cheeks. His body shivered for a moment and his eyes fluttered open.
"Ah..." he moaned.
"It's alright Inuyasha, I'm here," Kagome said through tears.
"Ka-go-me?" Inuyasha struggled to sit up.
"Wait Inuyasha, you're still weakened," Kagome protested.
"But...the village...it's in trouble."
"We can handle it, Inuyasha," Sango spoke up. "Just get some rest for a minute."
"What? I'm not going to sit around and...ARGHHH!" Inuyasha fell back onto the mat after attempting to stand.
"Inuyasha!"
"I'm fine..." He sniffed. Then, with a peculiar look in his eye, he sniffed the air again. "Sesshomaru was here?!"
"Yes, he saved you," Kagome tried to explain. She looked to Sango for words, but the demon slayer had already left.
"How?...I can smell his stench on you too!" Inuyasha grumbled.
"Now's not the time to act jealous Inuyasha. I'm going to go out and help the others. Please, just rest her for a moment."
Inuyasha's reply, "Jealous? I'm not jealous!", landed on a deaf door. Kagome had already left to see what she could do to aid the villagers.
Kagome left the cottage and looked around her. The buildings were burning and the smoke was overpowering. She coughed and ran off in the direction were the cloud of demons seemed most dense. There she found Miroku and Kaede.
"Kagome!" Miroku called out a warning. Kagome turned to see another demon swooping down to attack her. She had just enough time to draw her arrow and shoot it out of the sky.
Kaede killed another, "Many of the villagers have fled into the forest. See if there are any still alive here."
Kagome nodded and ran off, glancing back to see how her friends faired. They too looked exhausted, but seemed to be holding their own against the swarm.
Kagome checked each cottage that still had the ability to support life. All she found were some shattered pots and bloodied walls. Corpses lay about the streets. If it were not for the smoke, the smell of death would have been too sickening for her to stand. She had become use to seeing villages in such a state in her travels. However, the thought of this being Kaede's village, her village, was enough to spring hot tears to Kagome's eyes.
Still, Kagome searched for any survivors. Naraku had always had many demons at his disposal, but it seemed as if every demon ever spawned now beset the village. Kagome had slain a few lesser ones in her search, but the majority was still searching for Inuyasha. She made sure to not draw any attention to the cottage he was in.
Kagome wondered where Sesshomaru had gone off. She thought he would have stayed to help. After all, if she were killed she would not be able to uphold her end of the bargain.
"Iron Reaver Soul Stealer!" Kagome heard Inuyasha's familiar cry and turned around to see him on top of a cottage fending off a swarm of demons who had unfortunately located him.
"Inuyasha!" Kagome called. "Are you alright?"
"Heh..." he said cracking his knuckles, "Never felt better."
"Can you see Sesshomaru anywhere?" she asked. The question was innocent enough, or so she thought. She was simply curious to know if the youkai had stayed to help or, with the knowledge that Naraku was not here had left. Inuyasha had the best vantage point to find him.
Apparently, the red-robbed hanyou did not think of her question that way. Irritated he answered, "No. And who cares? I can take these demons on my own."
He unsheathed the Tetsaiga and waited for the opportune moment for another horde of demons to swoop down on him. "Kaze-No-Kizu!"
Inuyasha cried, and his Wind Scar destroyed a hundred demons in one blast. He did not let up on the attack. There were far more than 100 demons to be slain. However, seeing that their prey had fully recovered, the remaining onslaught retreated in all directions.
Naraku had apparently called them back from the safety of wherever he was. With the demons scattering in all directions, it would be impossible to find their ultimate foe.
"Feh..." Inuyasha's sword returned to its less impressive size and he sheathed it with a snort.
Kagome looked around with a sigh of relief. It would take awhile to rebuild and there did not seem to be any survivors left in the village. However, the worst was over. She shouldered her bow and watched as Inuyasha hopped down from the rooftop.
"How are the others?" he asked, no longer miffed about Sesshomaru's presence earlier.
"I haven't seen Sango since she left the cottage, Miroku and Kaede are at the front gate, and the rest of the villagers are in the forest. We should find them and tell them that it is safe to return."
"You stay here, I'll get 'em," Inuyasha went off without another word.
Why is everyone leaving me behind!? Kagome wondered with despair. Actually, she was quite thankful for the moment to rest. Kagome returned to the cottage and retrieved her backpack. It was almost empty.
Kagome heard the door flap move and turned to find Sango.
"I guess Inuyasha is ok now," she said with a little humor. "I didn't think he'd stay down for too long."
"He went off to find the villagers. I have to go home and resupply. Sango, can you tell the others?"
Sango nodded, "Do you want me to walk you to the well? There may be some demons still lurking around."
Kagome smiled, "No, I'll be fine. Thank you."
Sango nodded again and left. Once she was gone, Kagome went off to find Sesshomaru. It was now her turn to do him a favor.
Kagome had a feeling he'd be by the Bone Eater's Well that she had told him about. She was right. Sesshomaru stood there waiting for her, a peaceful breeze surrounded him.
"Why didn't you stay and help?" Kagome accused once she came closer.
"It was none of my business," he replied. "Are you ready?"
Kagome looked confused. "To get Rin? I have to return home for a moment to resupply. Can you wait here?"
Sesshomaru stepped aside and allowed her to enter the well. He looked on curiously, as she jumped down. Light enveloped her and she disappeared from the feudal era into her own time.
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Kagome shook her head and waited for the dizziness to recede. Then she climbed out. Her grandfather had put a rope ladder in the well to make her traveling a little easier.
"First, I'm going to take a nice hot bath and get something to eat," she said to herself. The sky looked as if it were growing darker. She would be just in time for dinner.
Kagome went inside her house to find the wonderful smells of her mother's cooking.
"Kagome you're back," her mother greeted happily.
"Hello everyone," Kagome said. Her grandfather and Souta were already sitting down to eat.
"Dinner is almost ready Kagome. Go clean up," her mother said cheerfully.
She didn't need to be told twice. Kagome drew a nice hot bath and found some clean clothes already set out for her. She sighed with pleasure as she let the warm water soak into her skin. The feudal era had its charms but indoor plumping had no equal. Stores would be closing soon, so she would have to do her shopping tomorrow, which fortunately was Sunday.
Over dinner, she told her family how things were going in the fuedal world. Afterward, she snuggled down into the soft folds of her blankets.
I'll have to get an early start on the day. Everyone is waiting one me. In few minutes, Kagome was fast asleep.
Sesshomaru stood there waiting patiently as Kagome climbed out of the well. The others were nowhere to be seen.
"I'm sorry I took so long. I had a lot of stuff to buy and some of the stores were closed on Sunday," Kagome explained hastily as she crawled out of the well.
His finger went to her lips. Kagome, taken aback, went silent. She gazed into his tawny eyes and felt her knees grow weak.
What's going on? she heard herself wonder.
She suddenly had the urge for him to lean down and kiss her. Kagome felt her face grow hot as she blushed. Her heart beat heavily in her chest. Could he hear it? The air seemed to grow thicker with each passing second and she found herself struggling to breathe.
Sesshomaru leaned in closer, his hand now moving from her lips to her neck. She didn't stop him. His fingers were cool in the oppressive air. Was the rest of him cool as well? She touched his face to find out.
Taking that as a sign, the youkai closed the small gap between them. His lips firmly pressed against hers. She felt the world drop from under her feet as if they were flying once more.
Kagome held on around his neck to keep her from falling. Distantly, she could feel his hand around her waste. Her mind buzzed in confusion as her body acted of its own accord.
No! Not Sesshomaru! It's Inuyasha I feel this way for. She could hear a voice somewhere repeating this. Still her body would not leave his.
His armored plate that ran across his chest had spikes. If Kagome wanted to truly feel his embrace, she would have to move that out of the way. Her hand worked at what she thought was a clasp and the armor magically slipped off. His hakama fell open a little more, exposing more white skin stretched tightly over a collarbone. Kagome kissed it and felt him shudder.
He whispered something in her ear, but she could not make it out. She felt his groin press against her, which sent a burning sensation throughout her lower body.
Sesshomaru whispered something again and Kagome struggled to make out what he said. There was a sound in the background, like a siren or someone screaming. Kagome wanted to turn and see what was causing the racket, but she dared not leave Sesshomaru's embrace for fear that the moment would pass. The sound persisted and with a sudden realization, Kagome groaned and turned over to silence her alarm clock.
The dream faded in the background. Kagome could still feel her body shuddering from its sensations. All she could remember was how vivid it was. But who was that? She struggled to remember. After awhile, Kagome gave up. Maybe she didn't dream anything at all. It was probably the heat of the day getting to her.
That's right! I have to get going.
Kagome left her room and grabbed a quick breakfast. She found her mom had already packed a week's worth of food. "Thanks mom," Kagome called to her mother who was working outside.
"I figured you would be leaving soon," her mom replied.
"Not yet, I need to get some more medical supplies for the store."
"Ok, be careful dear."
Kagome grabbed her bike. Her family had pooled some money together to buy her a second one so she could leave her other bike in the feudal era. She rode off to the pharmacy that Hojo’s family ran.
Hojo greeted her when she entered, “Kagome. How is your rheumatism?”
“Huh?” Must be Grandpa again, she figured. She played along, “I’m better now thank you.”
“Well I got you some vitamins that should keep you healthy enough,” Hojo offered and handed her a bag.
“Uh thanks. Oh, my mom wanted me to pick up a couple of first aid kits,” she lied as she took the bag.
Sometimes Kagome felt bad for taking advantage of his generosity and lying. However, his family was in good business because of her and it was not likely that they would believe she spent most of her time in the feudal era. Therefore, she swallowed her remorse and left with another thank you. With fresh clothes and other supplies packed, it was time to return to the past. As Kagome went back down the well, she could not explain the light flutter in her heart, the feeling of déjà vu.
Kagome emerged from the well as she usually did and expected to find everyone waiting for her, as they usually did. However, this time she found chaos. She did not even have to see what was going on. Kagome could hear Inuyasha's shouting from down the well.
She sighed, "It must have been a bad idea to have Sesshomaru wait here."
Kagome climbed out to see her premonition confirmed. Sesshomaru stood were she had last seen him. She could tell he was loosing patience with Inuyasha fast. Inuyasha had already lost his patience and was demanding answers. Miroku, Sango, and Shippo stood out of the way. They were as confused as the silver haired hanyou but seemed to be more interested in explanations rather than arguing.
"What's going on here?" Kagome asked, though she could already fill in the blanks.
"Kagome!" Inuyasha moved to push Sesshomaru aside and take her by the arm. He didn't get that far. Sesshomaru, not one to be pushed lightly aside sent Inuyasha sprawling backwards on his butt.
"Sesshomaru," Kagome had the urge to say, "Sit!" but resisted.
Inuyasha was back on his feet instantly. "Is it true you told him to wait for you?" he pointed an accusing finger at the two of them as if they were conspirators.
Kagome's eyes narrowed, she couldn't stand it when Inuyasha was in this mood. "Yes I told him to wait for me here. We had an agreement."
"Agreement! What kind of agreement? Why didn't you tell me?"
"You were busy!" Kagome was exasperated. "I wanted to hurry up and get back so we could start on our journey again." She didn't add that she really wanted a bath as well.
"So why does he have to wait?"
Kagome sighed and rubbed her temples. She really didn't want to explain everything she had gone through to save him. However, there seemed to be no way around it. She explained.
Inuyasha calmed down again. However, he still cast Sesshomaru dirty looks. Sesshomaru did not bother to return them. He seemed to have things that are more important on his mind.
"Let's go," Sesshomaru said. His fur began to transform as it had done before.
"Wait a minute. I'm going with you Kagome," Inuyasha said.
"You'll us down," Sesshomaru said simply.
"Shut up!"
"Inuyasha, I'll be back in a couple of hours. Don't worry about it," Kagome got on the fluffy cloud that was surrounding Sesshomaru.
"But..." Inuyasha made a move to grab her again.
"Sit boy!"
A force stronger than gravity pulled Inuyasha down to the earth face first and left an imprint in the ground. Kagome didn't want to do that. However, there was no other way to get her point across quickly. Sesshomaru and she rose up into the air, and Kagome waved to her friends and cast them an encouraging smile.
"Sesshomaru," Kagome said after awhile, "How are Rin and I going to get back?"
To her surprise he answered, "A-un will take you. He won't be as swift, but you will return before the day is over."
A strand of his hair brushed across her face. It sensation seemed so familiar, but she could not place it. Kagome felt as if she were in a waking dream...
Oh god... Kagome suddenly remembered her dream last night. Vividly.
Her face heat up heavily. Here she was holding on to Sesshomaru's waist remembering the dream she had of him. Half of her wish Inuyasha had come along. It may have taken longer to travel but at least she wouldn't feel like a...
Two-timer, Kagome thought. I feel like I'm cheating on Inuyasha.
But why would she feel that way? Her motives for being with Sesshomaru were innocent enough, weren't they? Kagome could not help but remember what Hakudoushi said. There was darkness in her heart and, though it lay deep within, it festered there. The deeper the darkness lies, the stronger it was when it emerged.
Kagome had always accused Inuyasha of being jealous of every man that glanced at her, but she was jealous of Kikyo as well. It was because of that jealousy, Hakudoushi was able to grab a hold on her heart.
Kagome also remembered how she felt after saving Kikyo, not once but twice. Her immediate response was help. She had no doubt in her mind that saving Kikyo was the right thing to do. However, after Kikyo left, Kagome felt a wave of bitterness rise up in her. If only Kikyo was never brought back...But Inuyasha didn't chase after her. He stayed with Kagome.
Kagome's mind swirled in a confusion of her mixed feelings. Am I the bad one? I'm the third wheel aren't I? The boyfriend stealer... Kagome had never liked those kind of girls. Now, she was beginning to feel like one of them.
In her mind she was back in her room holding on to her lucky teddy bear that had always brought her comfort. Unconsciously, her arms tightened around Sesshomaru.
"Are you alright?" Sesshomaru asked glancing back. He slowed the pace a bit.
His concern broke her out of her reverie. He's probably worried I'm going to puke in his hair. The image flashed in Kagome's mind and she chuckled. Her sudden laughter startled him even more. He turned his head and looked down at her.
"I'm alright Sesshomaru. Just keep going," she replied.
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They arrived to the mountain pass Sesshomaru had indicated earlier. Rin and Jaken waited there.
"You're back My Lord," Jaken said. He asked hesitantly, "I trust your journey went well?"
Sesshomaru ignored him and turned to Rin. Kagome caught a look cross his face. Suddenly she realized that he must have been trying to put this moment off. She knew that some people never said "Goodbye" because it made them uncomfortable. Was Sesshomaru one of those types of people?
Rin was far more intelligent than other girls were her age. She understood Sesshomaru before he said anything. "You will come back again, won't you Lord Sesshomaru?"
Sesshomaru nodded and Rin smiled. "I'll wait then," she replied with a look of determination. Then Rin took Kagome by the hand, "I don't know your name yet."
"K-Kagome," she replied a little startled but also relieved. She was afraid she would have to face kicking and screaming, not an understanding little girl.
Sesshomaru seemed equally relieved. "A-un will take you back," he told Rin.
The dragon, hearing its name came forth and allowed Kagome and Rin to climb on his back. Without another word, they flew off to the sky with Rin holding the reigns. Kagome didn't bother looking around this time. Flying on a dragon was interesting enough, but she had a feeling nothing could come close to flying on a cloud.
On top of A-un Kagome decided, this was the chance to find out more about Rin. How did the girl come into Sesshomaru's care? Why was she so loyal to him?
Kagome decided the first question was more important. It would probably answer all the other questions in her mind.
"Rin, if you don't mind me asking, how did you meet Sesshomaru?" she asked politely.
Rin looked up at Kagome and smiled. She seemed to truly enjoy the chance to tell someone about her protector. Kagome was not surprised to hear that bandits had killed off Rin’s family. She had lived on her own in an old stable a little distance from the village. At the time, Rin never had the desire to speak to anyone. Even if she did, she felt no one would listen. Then, one night, on the way home from fishing, she saw a bright light sink into the forest. Rin followed the light and there she saw Sesshomaru.
"He was hurt so I did what I could to help," Rin explained. "There was no one else around to do it."
Sesshomaru was the first person to show any interest in her. After some village men beat her for fishing in the river, he even asked how she had gotten hurt. Though it was a simple question, it made Rin very happy. The next day wolves led by a man with a ponytail attacked the village. Rin decided that the only one who could protect her was Sesshomaru so she ran to him. However, the wolves were too fast and they attacked her.
"I thought I was dead. I was sure of it. Then, I felt a warm light on me and when I looked up, Lord Sesshomaru was looking down at me," Rin said with glittering eyes. "I swore to myself that I would repay him."
A saddened look suddenly crossed her face, "But since then, I've only had to be rescued even more...I owe Lord Sesshomaru so much."
Kagome could only assume that Koga led the wolves that attacked Rin. She made a mental note to scold him later. When she discovered that Sesshomaru had brought back a human child, she felt her heart skip a beat.
Does this mean that Sesshomaru doesn't hate humans as much as he claims? She was sure that if she ever asked him, he would give some excuse as if he was merely curious. Then again, it was very hard to read Sesshomaru, let alone predict his responses.
"Do you know anything else about him?" Kagome ventured after Rin had finished telling her story.
Rin shook her head and looked at Kagome curiously, "Should I?"
Kagome did not have an answer. Another half hour flew by in silence. Once again, Kagome approached the village by air. She could see Inuyasha sitting in a tree scanning the skies for her. When he saw her, he signaled to the others.
A-un's presence had apparently terrified the villagers. After the attack from yesterday, Kagome could not blame them. The dragon did not stay long. After the two dismounted and Rin gave him a goodbye kiss, he flew back to Sesshomaru.
Kaede was also there with the others, "Come inside girls and have something to eat."
Rin hid shyly behind Kagome's leg. Kagome could not understand the girl's sudden evasiveness. She seemed open enough toward Kagome.
I guess she's just not use to uninjured strangers, she figured.
They went inside. Kagome looked around expecting to find Inuyasha. Hadn't he come in here as well? The others were already sitting down and greeted Kagome and Rin. After awhile, Rin warmed up to them, especially Shippo and Kilala, and answered the group's questions. Kagome couldn't concentrate on the food or the conversation. Where had Inuyasha gone off? After the murmur died down, Kagome asked Miroku and Sango.
"He's probably off pouting," Sango said with disdain. "All he did while you were gone was pace and complain."
Kagome was not surprised, but she was touched. "He did, did he? Well I better go and find him. Are you ok here Rin?"
Rin's bright eyes turned to Kagome and she nodded. Without waiting for anyone else to say anything, Kagome left to search for Inuyasha.
He was not on the roof of Kaede's hut, or in the tree from earlier. Finally, she found him by the well.
"So here is where you've been," Kagome said. Inuyasha sat on the well's opening cross-legged with his back turned. He did not respond.
Silent treatment, huh?
Kagome went up to him sat against the wall of the well with her back facing his. Inuyasha tensed as if he was about to move away from her, but he relaxed. The sat like that in silence with their backs to each other for almost a half-hour. Inuyasha's patience wore thin and finally, he spoke first.
"So...?"
"So, what?" Kagome replied.
"So, aren't you going to apologize?"
"Apologize for what!?" Kagome asked flabbergasted.
Irritated Inuyasha responded, "For Sitting me right in front of Sesshomaru like that and then running off with him!"
Kagome, equally irritated now, replied, "I did not 'run off' with Sesshomaru. I was only filling my half of the deal. The deal that saved you!" She was shouting now. How could he sit their and practically accuse her of being loose after she just spent a week in the wilderness by herself worrying about whether he'd live or die.
"You didn't have to get him to save me. I would have been fine on my own," Inuyasha shouted back. "And even if not," he continued quickly before Kagome could cut him off, "I would rather die than have Sesshomaru do anything for me!"
"Well I wouldn't," Kagome said. She was almost in tears from the mixed emotions beginning to well up inside her. "None of us would, Inuyasha."
"I didn't ask for you help," he murmured.
Kagome stood up so quickly, that Inuyasha almost fell from his perch and down the well. He backed away, convinced that she was about to Sit him. Kagome said nothing. Inuyasha then blocked the opening to the well thinking she was going to go back home. Instead, Kagome turned away and walked back to the village.
"Kagome..." he called after her. “Kagome, I'm sorry. I-I didn't mean that."
He ran up to her and grabbed her by the wrist. Kagome pulled away from him and slapped him hard against his face. Large tears were rolling from her eyes and she made no attempt to wipe them away. She glared at Inuyasha with fury.
"You are impossible," she spoke quietly for her voice was raspy with emotion.
Inuyasha could not bring himself to face her. When she turned away, again he grabbed around the waist and held her wordlessly. She was shaking with tears. Inuyasha rested his chin on top of her head and looked off into the distance. They stayed like that forever.
"Kagome, I never meant to hurt you. I was...afraid," he seemed to be struggling with feelings of his own.
Weary from her sobbing, Kagome responded weakly, "Afraid of what?"
"Please don't be angry. It's just that, for a moment, I thought...I thought you were falling in love with Sesshomaru."
Kagome froze, "What would make you think that?"
Inuyasha chuckled, "It sounds crazy, I know. I just thought I could sense something. But then again, I was still a little delirious from Naraku's poison."
Kagome nodded and turned to Inuyasha, "I'm sorry." She added with a little more enthusiasm, "Let's get back to the others. They probably think we've killed each other by now. You should meet Rin. I think you'd like her."
As they walked back to the village side by side, Kagome could still feel Inuyasha's warmth on her back. It was one of the most intimate moments they had shared, and the first since Kikyo's second revival. However, Kagome noted in heart, it was the furthest she had felt from Inuyasha. The realization frightened her.
Inuyasha was wrong. I can't be falling in love with Sesshomaru, can I? The memory of her dream came to the foreground and her heart skipped a beat. Sesshomaru's lips pressed against her ear. He was whispering something. Kagome blushed and hoped Inuyasha did not notice.
 little tigeress · Thu Sep 14, 2006 @ 07:24am · 0 Comments |
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