InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Live and Let Die (Part 3): Learning To Deal ❯ Revelations ( Chapter 13 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Disclaimers: I do not own InuYasha or any of the manga/anime characters. They belong to the wonderful genius Rumiko Takahashi. Any original characters do belong to me.
 
AN: Thanks much for the reviews left so far. I read each and every one of them, and greatly appreciate the time you took to leave one.
 
 
Live and Let Die: Learning to Deal
 
 
Chapter 13: Revelations
 
 
“I thought you would like to know that your friends are here,” Mama said as Kagome and InuYasha neared her. “They showed up just after we came home, and you brought InuYasha out here. Is everything all right?”
 
“Yeah, Mama, it is. We just needed to get a few things straight,” Kagome said as she squeezed InuYasha's hand. “Who's here? Eri didn't come, did she?” Kagome was thinking about giving her a piece of her mind if she had.
 
“No, honey, it's your other two friends, Ayume and Yuka. They said they wanted to see both of you,” Mama informed her.
 
“Uh-oh, I wonder what that means,” Kagome contemplated out loud as they walked towards the house.
 
 
“Are you sure this is a good idea?” Yuka was asking Ayume as they waited in the kitchen.
 
“You know as well as I do that something's different about him. We've always noticed it, even if Eri didn't until now. I don't think she ever looks at anything above the waist. All she cares about is how big a package a guy might have,” Ayume responded.
 
Yuka couldn't help but to grin and nod her head in agreement.
 
 
“Hey, thanks for coming out to see me,” Kagome said as they entered the kitchen.
 
Ayume spoke up, “Actually, we wanted to talk with both of you. Can we go somewhere and visit in private?”
 
“Will my room do?” Kagome asked.
 
Both girls nodded their head and stood to follow Kagome and InuYasha up the stairs.
 
 
Kagome closed the door to her bedroom and asked, “Okay, what's this all about?”
 
“Well, it's about Eri and this,” Ayume said as she surprised InuYasha and pulled the cap off of his head, revealing his ears.
 
Yuka squealed. “Are they real?”
 
InuYasha pinned his ears to his head, and Kagome let out a deep sigh. Now what?
 
“Don't worry, we won't tell anyone else. We just wanted to see for ourselves and tell you what we told Eri if it ever comes up. I don't know if she will try to tell anyone else about it. We always knew InuYasha was different, even if Eri never noticed before,” Ayume stated.
 
Yuka was staring at InuYasha's ears, which were still somewhat plastered to his skull. “So are they real?” she asked again.
 
Kagome sighed again. “Yes, they're real. You can understand why we don't want anyone to know.”
 
“And what about his hair, eyes, claws, and Eri even said he had fangs?” Yuka asked.
 
“It's all real. They are part of who he is,” Kagome answered.
 
“That's so cool!” Ayume exclaimed, causing InuYasha to perk his ears up.
 
Kagome asked hesitantly, “You mean you don't care? You don't think it's weird?”
 
“Not as long as he makes you happy. We told Eri that he probably had to play it tough, and had all of that stuff done, since you told us he didn't really have any family,” Yuka answered.
 
“But how'd you explain the ears? We're pretty certain she saw them,” Kagome responded.
 
“Oh, we told her she was probably seeing things. He has all of that wild silver hair, and it was probably just blowing in the wind. She finally admitted she wasn't that close to you. I still can't believe she thought she could take him away from you. But I think whatever she saw changed her mind,” Ayume told her.
 
Kagome and InuYasha both flushed red at that statement.
 
“I don't suppose you want to tell us what she did see? All we could get out of her was she couldn't believe some of the things you were doing together,” Yuka questioned. She had decided it wouldn't hurt to ask.
 
Kagome turned even a brighter shade of red. “Let's just say that InuYasha made a point that he didn't want to be with anyone but me, and leave it at that.”
 
Both girls giggled.
 
InuYasha couldn't help but notice that both girls' eyes were still locked onto the top of his head. Finally, for the first time since they had entered Kagome's room, he spoke, “Go ahead.”
 
“InuYasha?” Kagome questioned softly.
 
“It's all right. They're your friends, and I can tell they are dying to touch them. Just don't pinch them or yell in my ears, okay?” InuYasha told them.
 
“Really?” Ayume and Yuka said together.
 
“Only this once,” InuYasha clarified. “I really don't like people messin' with them.”
 
Both girls tentatively reached out and brushed an ear, just enough to feel how furry it was and to make InuYasha flick them in response.
 
“They're so soft,” Ayume commented. “So, do you let Kagome play with them?”
 
InuYasha's cheeks pinked again. “That's different.”
 
Kagome grinned as she reached towards an ear and gently rubbed it between her fingers. InuYasha couldn't help but close his eyes and lean into her hand, until he suddenly surprised her by wrapping his arms around her and drawing her close. He whispered in her ear, “Enough wench, unless you want them to get an eyeful, too.”
 
“Sorry,” Kagome whispered back as she turned loose of the ear and turned around in his arms, wrapping hers around his in the process.
 
“Thanks for your help with Eri. I really don't know how to repay you,” Kagome said. “You do understand you can't tell anyone about this, or they'll want to take him away. We would have to leave and not be able to come back again.”
 
Ayume responded, “Oh, don't worry, Kagome. We were just curious and won't give you any grief. You are our friend, and we wouldn't want to do anything to hurt you. And I don't think you'll have to worry about Eri trying to take InuYasha for herself any more, either. I think she finally decided to accept a date from someone who wasn't already taken, so hopefully you won't see any more of her.”
 
“Thanks. What would I do without you?” Kagome asked. “Do you want me to see if Mama has enough for lunch for you to stay? It's been a while since I've seen you guys for longer than it takes for me to take a test.”
 
Yuka looked at Ayume. “Well, we are kind of hungry since we skipped lunch to come out here. If you don't mind, that'd be great.”
 
“Well, let's go see what we have then,” Kagome stated. She was pretty certain her mother would have whipped something up just in case when the girls showed up. Once downstairs, they found that they wouldn't be disappointed.
 
 
Mama was a bit surprised when they all came tromping down the stairs together. Well, that didn't surprise her. What did was the fact that InuYasha no longer had anything on his head. Kagome gave her a look that said, `we'll explain later,' so Mama didn't ask any questions. She shook her head at Jii-chan, who had just come in, to keep him from saying anything, either.
 
 
InuYasha ate fairly quickly, and excused himself when Jii-chan did and followed him out to the shrine to see if he could help with anything. Kagome stayed in the kitchen to visit with her friends until they finally said they really should try to get back in time for their chemistry class, which was their last for the day. Kagome hugged them both goodbye and then went out to find InuYasha.
 
 
The rest of the afternoon passed quietly. After going out to thank InuYasha for his behavior around her friends, Kagome explained everything to her mother before going upstairs to really study. Jii-chan seemed to have realized that InuYasha would be taking her back to the past soon and had a whole list of projects for the hanyou to help him with before he left. InuYasha also took the opportunity to talk to the old priest to see if he would be willing to perform the wedding ceremony for them. Even though Mama had suggested it, InuYasha thought it was his responsibility to ask and get his blessing. He also let him know that he had not talked this through with Kagome yet because he wanted to make sure that Jii-chan was okay with it first. Her grandfather surprised him by pulling him into a bear hug as he said, “I'd be honored.” The hanyou just blushed in response.
 
 
 
 
Kagome had made an appointment with the jeweler Jii-chan had recommended the previous day. She had finally asked her mother where the diamonds she brought back from the past were, so Mama went into her bedroom and produced the bag that Kagome had filled with the stones. After spreading them out on a cloth on the kitchen table, Kagome picked out the ones she wanted to take with her and then asked Mama to put the others away again. She wanted to get some idea of their value before she carried the lot of them to a total stranger, even if it was one that her grandfather had recommended.
 
Mama drove them to the location of the jeweler, which was kind of low key and on the edge of Tokyo. When the couple got out of the car, Kagome took InuYasha's hand and whispered, “Do you feel that?”
 
“Yeah, youkai. And does any of this feel sort of familiar to you?” InuYasha responded.
 
“Yeah, it does. Do you think Jii-chan has any idea he sent us to see youkai?” Kagome asked.
 
“Well, we haven't seen the man yet. He might be human but have demons working for him. I guess we'll have to go in and see,” InuYasha told her.
 
Mama stuck her head out of the car door - she had not planned on going in with them, so she had stayed in the vehicle. “Is everything all right, honey?”
 
“Yes, Mama. We were just trying to decide what to do.” Kagome squeezed her mate's hand. “Come on, let's go in. He's expecting us.”
 
 
They heard a buzz and a click as the door unlocked to allow them to enter. “Mr. Furuguchi?” Kagome called out as they went through the entrance.
 
“Ms. Higurashi?” she heard from the back. “We'll be right out. My uncle is the one you came to see,” a fairly young looking man said as he appeared through the doorway.
 
Kagome and InuYasha looked at each other and thought, `Youkai.'
 
The miko responded, “Yes, my Jii-chan has known him for many years and suggested that we see him.”
 
“I don't fucking believe it,” InuYasha said softly, for his nose had picked up what Kagome couldn't. He knew the scent hanging over the place was familiar when they arrived, but he really did not expect to find him here. But as the jeweler approached, there was no doubt in InuYasha's mind who it was. “Totosai?”
 
“What??” Kagome asked.
 
“Jijii sent us to see Totosai,” InuYasha stated.
 
“You know my uncle?” the younger man asked.
 
“Keh, and his brains seemed addled the last time we saw him. What's he like after all this-” InuYasha was cut off as Kagome stomped on his foot. “Wh-” he started again, but the glare Kagome was giving him made him shut up.
 
“We haven't seen him in a long time,” Kagome said, still glaring at InuYasha. “Totosai ojii-san, you…you…you look…great!” she exclaimed as the old sword smith came through the door. The younger man exited the room once his uncle appeared.
 
It was hard to believe this was the Totosai that they knew in the past, though InuYasha's nose didn't lie. His face and hair were still much the same, but he was standing up straight, wearing a very expensive suit, and didn't look any older than he did when they saw him five hundred years previously. He was also very clean and didn't smell of burning ash. The old youkai looked more like he should be his son with the exception of the lines he still carried on his face. Totosai looked to be about her grandfather's age, not however old he really was.
 
The old man chuckled. “I'm known as Furuguchi Totoya now. And it did wonders for my health when I moved away from the Plains of Musashi.”
 
InuYasha tried not to choke, though he did find it humorous that Totosai had chosen a name meaning “old mouth” as his surname.
 
“But how…how did you get into the jewelry business? And how do you know my grandfather?” Kagome asked.
 
“It was thanks to InuYasha here that I got into the ring business. He asked me to try something I'd never done before, and I was able to do it. There hasn't been as much call for sword smiths the last hundred years or so, but people still needed jewelry. And I think I met your grandfather in a mahjong tournament about fifty years ago. We were paired together and became friends over the course of the weekend. We've managed to stay in touch over the years,” Totosai responded. “Now, what brings you in today? Your grandfather told me you had some diamonds to exchange, and that you were looking for a ring?”
 
Kagome pulled the cloth she had carefully wrapped the diamonds in out of her pocket. “I'd hope to have an engagement ring made out of one of these, and find what the others are worth so that my mom and Jii-chan can continue to run the shrine.”
 
The old master looked at the shards and almost laughed. “I see you have mastered the Kongousouha, InuYasha. Those odd shaped diamonds you've left lying around Japan certainly have helped me to stay in business over the years. Most regular jewelers can't work with them, so those that have somehow ended up with some are almost always referred to me. All right, young lady, which one do you want me to make your ring with?”
 
Kagome took her finger and slid one that looked almost like one of InuYasha's ears away from the others. “This one. Can you do something with it?”
 
“And what do you want the band to be made of?”
 
“Titanium, I think. Unless you have something harder,” Kagome responded. “And can you make something for my mother, something simple but pretty out of some of the others? I'd like for her to have something nice.”
 
“Sure, and I won't even charge you for the labor if you'll let my nephew help. He's learning the business as my apprentice and needs to practice. He seems to have a good eye for the ladies and their finery. We'll make your ring and her necklace, and I'll get you a good offer for the other diamonds that we don't use. They've become much more rare over the years, and should fetch a good price. Do you have any others besides these, if I'm asked?”
 
“Keh,” InuYasha responded as Kagome nodded.
 
“So, InuYasha, you don't have to keep Tessaiga with you at all times any more?” the old man asked curiously.
 
InuYasha shook his head, “Not so much here. There usually isn't anyone trying to kill me I can't handle. And I've been calmer since we became mates-” He stopped when he felt Kagome nudge him with her toe again. He had almost said that he never went to the past without it.
 
“How long before we can come back for the jewelry?” Kagome asked.
 
“Well, we do have some rush orders that just came in. I can go ahead and squeeze you in if you are in a hurry, but if not, I'll get the ring done and we'll work on the necklace for your mother after I get those out of the way. I can also probably get a better price if I can have time to put out some feelers on the other stones,” he answered.
 
Kagome thought for a minute before she answered, “Do you want to call the shrine when you have them finished? I'm just relieved that it's been taken care of.”
 
“Here, take a card so you can call and check in a few days if you don't hear from me. My mind isn't as sharp as it used to be, you know.”
 
That did make InuYasha choke. Kagome would have glared at him but she was trying not to laugh herself. They never really knew if Totosai's sporadic memory in the past was real or an act. “All right, we'll do that.”
 
Kagome took the hanyou by the hand. “Thank you for everything. I'll call if I don't hear from you.”
 
 
Kagome led InuYasha out and finally asked, “Didn't you think that was a bit strange?”
 
InuYasha laughed out loud this time. “Which part?”
 
“That he didn't say anything; that we haven't seen him in five hundred years, and he acted like it was yesterday. Doesn't that seem a bit odd to you?”
 
“Well, yeah. But with his memory, maybe he does think he saw us yesterday. Just be glad he didn't ask too many questions,” the hanyou answered. “Then again, he knows we are mated and bonded, so you have my lifespan.”
 
“But how would that explain my mother and grandfather still living?”
 
“Oi, you're making my head hurt. I don't know. But he's a youkai and has never asked too many questions. He usually only asked what he needed to know. You know, if he's still alive, I wonder about Sesshomaru?” InuYasha pondered out loud.
 
 
“Hello? Yeah, you know how you told me to call if I saw them? Well, they were here, looking just like they did five centuries ago. … No, I didn't ask any questions other than about the jewelry they wanted. But how did you know? … I know, I'm not supposed to ask you questions, either. I didn't give them a date on when to pick up the ring, and she also wanted a necklace for her mother. Oh, and she brought extra diamond shards to sell to help pay the shrine expenses. Do you want to buy those like you have the others? She said they have more if anyone is interested. … I'm supposed to call them when the items are ready. … All right, I will let you know when they are to come back. As long as you are coming, do you want anything for your mate? I see. I'll see what I can do. Good day.” Totosai sighed in relief as he put the phone back on its receiver. Though he had mellowed over the years, the sword smith turned master jeweler was still somewhat afraid of the Taiyoukai. Totosai gathered up the diamonds Kagome had left behind and went to put them in the safe.
 
 
They spent the car ride back explaining to Mama that the master jeweler who was Jii-chan's old friend was actually the demon master sword smith that forged Tessaiga, as well as Sesshomaru's sword Tenseiga. They were all getting a headache trying to figure out why he had not said any more than he had until her mother finally theorized, “Maybe he knows more than he's letting on. You did say that demons are good at keeping secrets. Maybe at some point you end up having to tell him about the well for some reason, and he knows not to say anything.”
 
Kagome sighed. “Maybe. At least he was one of the good guys. I wonder who else might still be around?” She squeezed InuYasha's hand. She, too, was curious if his brother was still alive.
 
 
Once they reached home, Kagome took InuYasha's hand and led him over to the bench under Goshinboku. “Now, are you going to tell me what he was going on about, when you asked him to do something he never had before? What did you do?”
 
InuYasha looked down at the ground. “Nothing, yet. It was something I had thought of and wanted to go see him about. I wanted to go while you were still laid up but that obviously didn't happen. I guess it means it'll work, though.” InuYasha brightened up at that thought.
 
“You still haven't told me what you are talking about, InuYasha,” Kagome stated, trying not to become annoyed.
 
“Your mother told me that couples can exchange bands when they get married. I had an idea I wanted to ask Totosai about, and see if it was something he could do. I thought when we go back I'd go and ask him since I couldn't do it before you were healed.”
 
“You were going to see if Totosai could make us wedding bands?” Kagome asked. “Any particular reason why?”
 
“I hoped he could do something that would help us remain in contact with each other, even if we were separated. I thought if we had something real, something we kept with us, that if something like what happened with the priest ever happened again, something physical might help us to connect with each other. We can when we're together, and I just thought it might help when we're apart. I still don't know if he can do all that, but at least it sounds like he can make the bands for us. I just didn't tell you because I didn't know if it would work or not. I didn't want to get my hopes up until I saw him.”
 
Kagome wrapped her arms around him and hugged him. “Thank you, InuYasha. I wasn't going to ask you to do the ring exchange because I didn't think you would want to. I'm honored you thought it out this much. Mama told you about it?”
 
“Keh. She told me a little before, but I asked her again after you came home from the hospital. I hope you don't mind, but I also asked the old man if he would perform the ceremony when you…when we, are ready. Do we really have to wait until you are finished with school? Your mother said it wouldn't really be official since I don't have any papers, anyway…whatever that meant.”
 
Kagome giggled. “She meant we don't have a birth certificate or anything for you since you technically don't exist in this time. Why don't we see how it goes with the rings and Naraku and everything else? I won't say no, but we still have a lot of work to do. Are you going to be ready to go back tomorrow and hit it again?”
 
“Keh? Hit what?”
 
Kagome squeezed her hanyou. “I mean start to study with the others again. I still need to learn about my barrier, and we still have work with your brother. I'm ready to get going again.”
 
“Keh.”
 
 
 
Sesshomaru put the phone down and thought about how many years he had waited for this day to come. He had kept tabs on the shrine and Higurashi family for centuries now and was a silent benefactor of the shrine. Though the area was not part of his Western Lands, he had made sure to acquire the land centuries ago after he had learned of the importance of the well and the ancient Goshinboku.
 
He knew that somehow his brother and mate would end up in the jewelry shop of Totosai. Though they had not intended to, they let something slip after the miko returned from being injured by the tiger youkai.
 
Sesshomaru had tried to help the possibility along when he arranged all of those years ago for the man that would become the miko's grandfather to be paired with the old master in the mahjong tournament. Hell, he'd made certain that the younger man `won' a stipend to pay for his travel expenses there. As much as he enjoyed playing, the young priest was already serious and would not waste funds on himself for pleasure. So, when he won a local tournament, the priest received a letter in the mail telling him that his expenses were to be paid to go to the regional tournament.
 
Other than that, Sesshomaru had not really done anything to attempt to influence things at the Higurashi Shrine. The one exception was when he received word of the death of Kagome's father. His informants told him that the man had been killed in a car crash, and left the young mother struggling with a little girl and baby. Under the guise of a benevolent stranger, he sent someone to offer assistance to help her move if she had somewhere to go. She no longer had any other family of her own and had only the cantankerous old man to go to.
 
Totosai had been informative there, as well. He had remained in contact with his friend the priest over the years and knew that he had lost his wife and was lonely. He was also starting to feel regret at practically disowning his own son for wanting to get married, have a family, and a career other than taking care of the shrine. So, convinced that the worst he could do was to say `no,' the young widow sucked up her pride and went to ask, beg if necessary, for a place for her family, which was his blood as well. Grateful for the chance to make right his past mistakes and tired of being alone, Jii-chan told her she could come. His worry of having a place to put her possessions was unfounded for it turned out she had sold much of what she had just to pay bills and to feed her children. But the first time Kagome had set foot at the shrine she lit the place up with her smile and made his heart grow warm. Little did he know how much she would come to change his life.
 
Sesshomaru was still sitting and thinking when a beautiful woman with long dark hair came in. She sat next to him and snuggled into his side, snaking her arms around him while she waited.
 
Finally, he turned towards her and kissed her on the forehead. “Did you enjoy your shopping expedition?”
 
“I looked, but did not find anything I had to have,” she responded.
 
“Totosai called. We will have to make a trip to go and see him within a few weeks. They finally turned up.”
 
“Do you think it wise to contact them?” No one would question him other than she.
 
Sesshomaru responded, “I do not know for certain. However, now they know that Totosai is here, so it is only natural they would wonder about others that they knew. You do not have to go if you do not want to.”
 
“I will go with you and then make the decision after you see them. You do not think it will be too much of a shock seeing me after all of these years?”
 
“You were my soul mate, just as Kagome was InuYasha's. I think they will understand why you are still alive after five centuries. They will know that we performed the blood bond, just as they did.”
 
“And if they ask questions about the others?”
 
“That we should not respond to. The less they know, the less they can accidentally divulge when they go back. And I believe they did know about my future relationship with you, even if they never revealed anything. Sometimes InuYasha would just look at you, and then me, and snicker for no reason. He never said anything, and it was years before I got past my stubbornness and took you as my mate. I guess I ended up like Father, after all,” Sesshomaru replied.
 
“I am glad, for I could have loved no other. I never wanted anyone other than you, my love,” Rin responded.
 
 
~ ^~^ ~
 
 
Not knowing when they would have time just to themselves again, Kagome grabbed a blanket before InuYasha carried her out her window and to the shrine wood. They pleasured each other over and over again until Kagome was exhausted, and even InuYasha was a bit tired. Not wanting to spend the entire night out, he gathered his mate into his arms and carried her back in the same way they'd gone out. Satiated and content, they fell asleep wrapped around each other. Mama found them curled up together when she came up the following morning to let them know breakfast was almost ready.
 
 
It was still pretty early when they went through the well. The backpack was filled with supplies again as InuYasha threw it over his shoulder and then picked up Kagome and kissed her before he jumped. He landed on the other side and noticed something.
 
“Hey, where'd everybody go?” he asked after he had jumped back out and stood Kagome on her feet.
 
“Did they get tired of waiting?” Kagome asked, her feelings a bit hurt. “Well, let's go to Kaede's and see what is going on.”
 
They headed up the trail and saw a red furry blur headed towards them. “You're back!” Shippou yelled as Kagome knelt down to give him a hug. “You're all right!”
 
“Yes, Shippou, I'm all right. Where are the others?” Kagome responded.
 
“They're eating breakfast. I told them I would come and tell you to hurry up,” the kit told her.
 
Shippou just looked at InuYasha like he wanted to ask him something, but then thought better of it. Instead, he led them along the path to Kaede's hut.
 
 
They joined the others and told them that they'd already had breakfast, but to finish theirs. They chatted quietly about what had happened the last few days, including the fact that Kouga and Sesshomaru had left for now, until Kaede cleared her throat. “Kagome, Houshi and I have been talking, and decided it might be best if we worked with you alone, first, on projecting your barrier. We know you can do it if forced to by circumstances, but we need a more controlled environment. Since Lord Sesshomaru left after InuYasha told us you would not be ready again until after you were healed, we thought now would be a good time, before he comes back. InuYasha, we know you cannot go through the well without Kagome, but is there anything you can do while we work with her? We are afraid if you are in the immediate vicinity it might be a distraction. I hate to ask this, but can you leave her?”
 
InuYasha blushed, but he understood what they were getting at. And, it was the opening he needed. “Keh, I do have something I need to do, if I can borrow Kirara. I'll probably be gone for at least a few days. It's still early so I could get started today.”
 
“You need Kirara?” Sango asked.
 
“Keh. I'll be gone a lot longer than a few days if I have to run,” the hanyou responded.
 
“The only times you borrowed her before were when you went to see Totosai,” Miroku interjected.
 
“Keh.”
 
“Oh,” Sango responded. “Of course you can borrow Kirara. I think she would like to get out and get some exercise, anyway.”
 
Kirara stood and stretched, her tongue curling up over her nose as she yawned. She meowed as if in agreement.
 
“Wait, InuYasha, would you mind walking with me before you go?” Miroku asked. “Just point the direction we are going.”
 
“All right, monk.” InuYasha surprised them all by leaning over and kissing Kagome on the cheek before he turned to leave. “Take care of her for me, and don't let the wolf near her if he comes back before I do. Let's go, Miroku.”
 
 
They walked in silence for several minutes. Once they were clear of the village, InuYasha finally said, “What is it, Miroku, spit it out.”
 
“First, I just thought you should know, if you did not already, that is…that you should know, well, that she is here.”
 
InuYasha looked ahead and caught his breath. Soul collectors.
 
“Why is she here? I have nothing to say to her,” InuYasha finally said.
 
“She is here because she believes Naraku will come, as the rest of us do. She also said she wants to help, if you and Kagome will allow it.”
 
InuYasha stopped as the priestess stepped out onto the trail in front of them. “InuYasha, may I speak with you?”
 
“I have nothing to say to you, Kikyou. I think Kagome said it all the last time we saw you.” He reached out and grabbed Miroku's sleeve. “You, stay. I don't want to be left alone with her.”
 
“I mean you no harm,” Kikyou stated. “I merely wish to help. My co- …Kagome is well?”
 
“Yes, my mate is well. She has healed and is ready to resume her training. You will have to ask Kagome if she wants your help. I will not speak for her. However, if any harm comes to her, I will hunt you down myself. She is my mate, Kikyou. Nothing will change that.”
 
“You will allow me to help her?” the undead miko asked.
 
“If she accepts. Now, the monk and I still have unfinished business,” InuYasha said as he dismissed her. Seeing her still reminded him of being sealed, and that made his blood run cold.
 
 
Kikyou headed along the path towards the village, and InuYasha finally told Miroku, “You know she has Kohaku with her.”
 
“Yes, Kaede and I know. We have not told Sango that she is here yet, though I guess she will find out in a few minutes. They have been staying far enough away from the village to keep from being easily detected. This was the closest she has come, and I guess it was to see you. I should probably head back to make sure Sango does not get upset. She has been a lot recently.”
 
“Did you get things worked out with her?” InuYasha asked quietly. He could smell them somewhat on each other, but not in that way.
 
“Sango realized she was not ready for, well, everything that had happened just yet. We finally talked, and have gone back and somewhat started over. I realized that she would be worth waiting for, so I do not mind. In the long run, I believe we will both be happier. And we also have come to realize that allowing each other to know our feelings is not as easy as we thought. I am sorry, InuYasha.”
 
“Keh?”
 
“I apologize for all of those times I pushed you, even made fun of you, for not understanding Kagome's feelings for you. I really did not understand what your life might have been like until we ran into that priest and I witnessed for myself the hatred that consumed him. And I am sorry for making light of your feelings, when you could not choose between Kagome and Kikyou. I did not even see myself what I was doing to Sango when I would grope and flirt with other women, and I did not even know them. And I am sorry that you do not trust me, as a friend really could. That is also my fault for making fun of you so many times. There is so much I wish I could do over again,” Miroku concluded.
 
InuYasha was blushing red to match his firerat now. “Don't think on it too much, monk. Just go and help my mate with her barrier so I can see some progress when I get back. And take care of Sango because she'll probably want to go and find Kohaku as soon as she learns Kikyou is here. She may want to find him, but he may not be ready to see her yet. You need to get her to understand that and wait for him to come to her. She'll probably frighten him off if she goes searching for him on her own.”
 
Kirara mewed in agreement.
 
“Kirara, are you ready to take me to Totosai?” InuYasha asked.
 
In response, the firecat transformed. “Monk, I'm not certain how long this will take, but he always takes at least three days for anything. This might take longer, though, so don't fret if I'm not back that quick.”
 
“You will not tell me why you are going?” Miroku asked.
 
“You can ask Kagome. She knows, and it is up to her if she wants you to,” the hanyou responded as he hopped on Kirara's back. “Take care of them until I get back. And keep your hands to yourself!”
 
Miroku shook his head as he watched Kirara climb into the sky. “I am so misunderstood.”
 
 
To be continued…