1st book of Alpha Pack Mates
Chapter 7
Disclaimer: Inuyasha and all of it's characters are property of the brilliant Takahashi-sama and I claim no ownership of them. Only the story belongs to me.
Summary: It matters not if you are youkai or ningen, if you're male or female, young or old, weak or strong, no it matters not in the end. All that matters is who is Alpha and who isn't. Brothers fighting for dominance, mikos fighting for control, who will end on top, who will have to submit? What's an Inu pack to do when there are far too many Alphas?
Pairings: Inuyasha/Kikyou, Sango/Miroku, slight Sesshoumaru/Kagome.
Follows: The Anime and movies.
"spoken" 'thought' (translations)
Winners for this round are Bethrezen on fan fiction and Kaho-kun on single spark for the correct answer of Gun Grave. This chapter is dedicated to them. Gratz you two.
Next round of 'What Anime could this be the name of?' achromatize Good luck everyone.
AN: For anyone wondering about the Secret Santa, yes it is in this chapter, sorry it's a little bit late, and it is completely random. I wrote everyone's names down and drew them out as you would in RL so it wouldn't be like Miroku and Sango get each other, Inu and Kikyou get each other, stuff like that.
Edited 2/14/08
As I try to bring my breathing under control I continued to glare at her, praying she decides to say something else stupid so I can smack her. Now I'm not really someone for resulting to violence to solve my problems, but at this moment I wanted nothing more than to smack the girl around until she gets some common sense.
Instead she just sneered at me and turned to glare at Inuyasha, who had spent the entire 'bitch fight' keeping his mouth shut for once. “Are you just going to allow her to talk to me like that?!” she demanded when he didn't jump in to defend her.
“Why wouldn't I? She's right. This is her pack. She's the alpha.” Inuyasha replied with a shrug. She screeched at him and it took everything I had not to bust up laughing when she stormed out into the forest around us, the others didn't fair so well.
“Oh that was just perfect.” Sango insisted holding her stomach as she tried to control her laughter, but failed miserably.
“Best dis ever onee-chan (older sister).” Souta cheered through a fit of his own giggles giving me a high five, which I returned as laughter finally spilled from my lips.
“'Everything starts out with a rough draft'?” Sesshoumaru mimicked looking at me with raised eyebrows, mirth clear in his eyes. I just smirked at him as I glanced over at Jaken, who was currently rolling around on the ground laughing.
“Well said Lady Kagome.” Miroku commented as he gazed at me with a leer. Raising my eyebrows at him, I turned toward Sango, who after rolling her eyes, walked over and smacked him.
“Sorry anija-chan, but she had that coming.” I told him when we all had finally calmed down and I began to feel a little bad considering we were making fun of his 'girl friend'.
“Oh don't worry imouto-chan, I agree.” Inuyasha assured with a grin.
It was a little over an hour before Kikyou finally made her way back to us and instead of walking over to Inuyasha like she normally did, she merely bypassed everyone and made her way into a tree near by.
The others glanced over at Inuyasha confused, but he just shrugged. I could tell the same thought was going through our minds, 'why come back at all if she's just going to ignore everyone?'.
“What do you think we should do Kagome-chan?” Sango questioned after a few minutes bringing everyone's attention to me.
“Might as well stay here for the night and give her some time to cool off. Besides I don't think the kids are going to want to leave right now.” I replied with a smile as I nodded toward the children who were currently engrossed in a game of tag.
“I agree Lady Kagome. After the last few days we could all use a rest.” Miroku commented leering over at Sango, none of us need ask to know what was going through his mind.
“Yes so give it a rest houshi.” Sango shot back rolling her eyes at him. He feigned a hurt look which none of us bought.
The rest of the night pasted for our group without further incident and we were all able to get a good night's rest. But like always all too soon morning had arrived and Inuyasha was waking us complaining about wanting breakfast. Deciding it was still too early for me to rise and begin my day, I merely chucked my pillow at Inuyasha before rolling back over, never bothering to open my eyes.
Around me I can hear the others chuckling at my display of stubbornness but paid them no mind. “Would you just get up imouto-chan, you gotta make breakfast.” Inuyasha complained as he threw the pillow back at me. Opening my eyes, I yawned at him before reaching for the pillow from where it landed next to my head.
Re-closing my eyes, I laid my head back down on the pillow and pulled my blanket up to my chin. “You've got to be kidding me.” I heard Inuyasha mumble a moment before my sleeping bag was ripped off of me and my body was introduced to the cold morning air.
“You jerk it's cold!” I complained as I tried to get my sleeping bag back covering me, but Inuyasha wasn't going to have any of it and instead he pulled me to my feet.
“Food make.” he commanded pointing toward the fire as he glared at me, daring me to try and lay back down. I huffed and turned for him as I started making my way over to the fire.
As I reached down to start going through my bag to find something suitable to make for everyone, an evil little thought popped into my mind and I turned back to Inuyasha with a sweet smile. “Oh Inuyasha.”
“Great.” he mumbled as he rolled his eyes and readied himself for what he knew was coming.
“Sit boy.” I commanded sweetly, knowing the less anger I put into the words, the less it would hurt him. I smiled to myself as I heard him crash to the ground behind me and went back to starting breakfast.
Soon as breakfast was over, we had everything packed back up and were quietly making our way away from the camp. It wasn't long before everyone fell into the normal routine we had developed while traveling the countryside.
The kids were running around playing one game or another while Jaken tried to keep an eye on them and pull Ah-Un along. Sango and I chatted toward the back of the group. Miroku and Sesshoumaru walked side by side neither looking at or talking to one another. Inuyasha and Kikyou stood at the front of the group, leading the way. The only difference this time was she wasn't talking quietly with him.
Since she had returned to camp she hadn't bother to say anything to him and I found myself wanting to slap her even more every second that passed. She was holding a grudge when she had no right to be even slightly mad. What like she had the right to be a bitch just because the rest of us were tried of taking her crap? So don't think so.
Lunch time was quickly approaching us and I knew soon I would have to ask Inuyasha to let us stop to eat when an excuse to get him to listen just happened along. Only problem was I could feel shards in two different directions.
“Anija-chan we have two shards nearby.” I told him as the others stopped to turn toward me in question.
“Which way?” Inuyasha questioned as his hand reached down toward Tessaiga's hilt.
“That way and that way.” I told him as I pointed in two different directions. “Inuyasha and Kikyou you two take that one.” I told them pointing toward the first one before turning around to the others. “Sango and Miroku you guys take that one. I'll set up lunch while you're gone.”
“Alright Kagome-chan.” Sango replied with a smile as Kirara transformed into her larger form and she climbed onto her back.
“We'll be back soon Lady Kagome.” Miroku assured as he bowed his head slightly and climbed on behind her.
“Be careful imouto-chan.” Inuyasha warned before turning and heading toward the direction of the shard. Kikyou simply ignored me and with a huff took off after him. 'Hey at least she was listening.'
“Why did you not send this Sesshoumaru?” Sesshoumaru demanded after a few moments of silence and as I glanced over at him he shot me a look that clearly stated he figured I thought he was too weak.
Resisting the urge to roll my eyes I replied, “You have the most important job Lord Sesshoumaru.” Turning I began setting up a fire so I could began preparing lunch.
“And what is that miko-san?” he questioned turning my attention back to him.
“Protecting the pups of course.” I replied with a smile as I gestured to the children who had currently stopped playing to listen to us.
“Wouldn't that be the job of the pack mother?” he questioned with the slightest of smirks. Apparently he still wasn't happy about the night I covered him because he was cold.
“True that is my job, but who better to protect the pack mother?” I countered with my own smirk wondering how he would answer that one. If he mentioned someone else it would be him saying they were better than him and if he said no one well then I won.
Fortunately for him, Shippo saved him from having to reply by asking his own question. “If you're the pack mother does that mean I get to call you okaa-san?”
“Me too!” Rin cheered happily as she nodded her head with a bright smile.
“How about youbo? (adoptive mother) And Rin you would have to ask Lord Sesshoumaru's permission, but other than that I would love for you kids to call me your mother.” I assured with a smile before turning toward Sesshoumaru, wondering even more so how he would answer this question.
She turned to him with bright eyes and with that face I wondered if even he could tell her no. After a moment he gave her a barely audible sigh and nodded his head slightly.
“Yay! Now Rin has a Sesshoumaru-sama and a youbo-san!” Rin cheered as she rushed over and threw her arms around me, soon joined by Shippo. Souta just stood off to the side with Kohaku and quietly laughed at me.
“Alright kids go play so I can make lunch.” I told them with a smile after a few moments.
“Hai youbo-san!” they called in unison as they skipped away and began playing with the other two. Shaking my head at their antics, I reached down and began getting everything I would need to make lunch out of my bag.
Sesshoumaru began to relax as the sounds of Kagome cooking reached his human ears. Lowering himself gracefully to the ground, he leaned back against a tree and closed his eyes to the world around him. Keeping one ear tuned to the children's laughter as they played nearby, he allowed his mind to wander, something he had not had the time to do since he was cursed.
'This Sesshoumaru should have spent more time and tortured that vile demoness.' he thought bitterly as a slight scowl marred his otherwise emotionless face briefly before returning to its normal stoic expression.
'If it was not enough to think herself worthy of this Sesshoumaru, the wench had to go and curse him into a ningen (human). This Sesshoumaru almost regrets the wench being dead so he could kill her now. But than again this Sesshoumaru would not wish to look upon her vile body again. Perhaps it is for the best.'
Hearing a squawk from Jaken, he slowly opened his eyes and found Kagome giggling as she pulled the children off of Jaken who had been at the bottom of a dog pile. Sending the children off to play, she righted the short demon and sat him down next to the fire before turning her attention back to the meal she had been cooking.
As Sesshoumaru re-closed his eyes, his thoughts drifted again, this time to the strange miko (priestess) in front of him. 'This Sesshoumaru has not been thinking about a cure either and yet she apologizes for it. Why would she when it is not her responsibility, or perhaps she believes it is as pack leader. Does she truly see this Sesshoumaru as part of her pack enough to believe his problems are her own? Or could she have merely said it to be polite? This Sesshoumaru doubts he will ever understand the miko. Nor why so many others are drawn to her.'
Glancing around the camp, he turned his gaze to the two older ningen (human) boys. 'The one is her brother so he is easy to explain. The other remains only because of the slayer. But why the kitsune (fox)? Why would a full blooded demon, even a pup, follow around a ningen miko (human priestess) when they are normally natural enemies? Why does he follow her so faithfully as even Rin does this Sesshoumaru? Perhaps he is like Rin and has no one else, but why latch onto the miko instead of the hanyou (half-demon) or even the neko (cat)?'
Turning his attention back to the miko as she began to bring out the strange objects she had explained were crayons, he watched as the children flocked to her. 'How does she manage to gather together such a mixed group of people to her and still keep them so loyal to each other? What is it about the strange miko that everyone seems to find comfort in?'
“Down there Kirara!” Sango called out the moment she spotted the demon they were after below about to attack a young woman. As the nekoyoukai (cat demon) gave a slight meow and moved to follow her mistress's instructions, Sango took a moment to look over the demon they were about to face.
It was a lizard demon, not unlike the others they had faced in the past, and she knew it would not take much to take it down, even with the shard in its possession. As Kirara got her into range, she pulled Hiraikotsu off of her shoulder and jumped off of her pet.
“Get the girl!” she called back to Miroku as she readied her weapon and with a yell of 'Hiraikotsu!' she sent it flying at the demon. A hiss from the demon was her only warning before it turned and charged toward her, bypassing her weapon. As she waited for the large boomerang to return, she withdrew her katana and began to fight the demon.
As Kirara landed next to the young woman, Miroku dismounted and quickly made his way over to check her for injuries. Finding none, he knelt on one knee and took her smaller hand in his. “My beautiful lady would you do me the honor of baring...” Miroku began, but before he was able to finish, Sango had moved the fight close enough to him that she was able to smack him upside the head.
“Enough houshi (monk), check on the girl, don't hit on her.” Sango growled at him, never missing a beat in her battle against the lizard demon. Miroku rubbed his reddened cheek as he helped the girl to stand and turned back to Sango just as she killed the demon.
“Let's get her back to her village so we can get this to Kagome-chan.” Sango instructed as she picked up the still tainted jewel shard and handed it to Miroku. Taking the shard, he quickly wrapped it in a ofuda so it would not be able to try and taint either of them and slipped it into his pocket.
“My village is over there.” the woman explained as she pointed toward the forest nearby.
Picking up Hiraikotsu, which she had been unable to catch in battle due to having to interrupt Miroku, Sango began heading toward where the girl had indicated.
“Wind Scar!” Inuyasha yelled the moment he and Kikyou spotted the panther demon that had the shard they were after. The demon managed to jump out of the way right before it was hit with the attack and turned to hiss at him.
As Kikyou readied an arrow, Inuyasha moved in to begin fighting the demon up close and personal. “I don't understand how you can take her side over mine.” Kikyou complained as she held her arrow taunt waiting for a moment where she could release it without hitting Inuyasha.
“Kikyou this is not the time for this so just knock it off.” Inuyasha shot over his shoulder as he dodged an attack from the demon. “Being with me means being with the pack which Kagome is a part of.” he reminded as he swung his sword at the panther demon.
“You have me Inuyasha, you don't need the pack.” she spat back at him, never taking her eyes off of the demon.
“Kikyou I ain't about to turn my back on the only people to never betray me and to accept me completely for who and what I am. Either get over your problem with the pack or tell me now so we can end things without waisting anymore of my time.” he told her as he released another 'Wind Scar' this time hitting and killing the demon.
Kikyou ignored his last comment as she walked over to the pile of goo that was all that was left of the demon and picked up the shard. Both watched confused as the shard remained tainted even in her hands.
“Let's head back so Kagome can purify it.” Inuyasha decided and held out his hand for the shard. Kikyou looked at him for a moment before handing it over and heading back toward camp, thoughts of why she couldn't purify it running through her head.
“Don't Lady Sango me houshi.” Sango complained as they were making their way back toward camp. “This is why we never get anywhere. You point out the fact that we are officially engaged now, and even though you no longer have a curse to worry about, which was your excuse for asking in the first place, you are still asking ever woman you meet to bare your children. If you want us to remain engaged and one day get married, it stops now houshi.” Sango warned before walking away from him.
“Welcome back.” I greeted with a bright smile as Sango and Miroku walked back into camp. Sango gave me a half smile before coming over and sitting down next to me. Miroku seemed a bit depressed but walked over and handed me a folded ofuda. Opening it up I found the tainted shard and quickly purified it before adding it to the others around my neck.
“How did it go?” I questioned as I looked back up at the two after handing them each a bowl full of food. Miroku glanced at Sango, who seemed to be doing her best to look any where but at him.
“It was just a lizard demon, easy enough to take care of.” Sango explained as Inuyasha and Kikyou walked into camp.
“Welcome back.” I greeted them as well, not surprised when Kikyou ignored me. Inuyasha on the other hand returned my smile and walked over to me and handed me a still tainted shard. The moment it touched my skin it was purified. “Why was it still tainted?” I wondered, figuring Kikyou would have purified it herself.
Inuyasha looked like he was about ready to say something, but Kikyou beat him to it. “I didn't think you would want me to do your job.” she explained before turning and walking toward the nearest tree. Now I don't believe that for a second, but decided not to bother with it for now. Shrugging I handed Inuyasha his bowl and went back to eating my own.
After everyone had finished eating, Kikyou headed off into the woods, more than likely, heading for her Soul Stealers. A minute later Inuyasha turned to me. “Kikyou was unable to purify the shard, that's why it remained tainted.”
“I figured it was something like that.” I replied with a shrug.
“If you knew she was lying why didn't you say something about it Kagome-chan?” Sango wondered drawing my attention to her.
“Would you want me to point out any of your short comings?” I questioned as I looked around the group at everyone. They quickly shook their heads in response. “That's why.” I explained with a smile.
The next few days went by without any demon activity and the group was growing restless, so I decided it would be a good time, especially since it was getting close to Christmas, to start the Secret Santa. That would give everyone plenty of time to get their gifts and it would keep everyone's mind off of the slow shard hunting.
“Alright everyone come sit by the fire. It's time to start the Secret Santa.” I told them with a smile as I began ripping up pieces of paper and writing everyone's names down. Once I had finished folding them all up, I mixed them up in my hands and looked up at the others.
“Okies how we do this is everyone picks a name from my hands, whosoever name you get, you get them one gift. If you get your own name, give it back and draw another one. If you need help picking a gift and got a female come talk to me, if it's male talk to Inuyasha. Of course if you get Inuyasha's come to me and vise versa.
“Any questions?” I wondered with a smile and watched as everyone shook their head no. “Okay Inuyasha you go first.” I instructed as I held my hands out to him. He unfolded it and read the name before quickly folding it back up and putting it into his pocket.
Next I turned my hands to Kikyou, who was sitting right next to Inuyasha. She looked bored but none the less, picked a name from the pile. Like Inuyasha, she read hers and placed the paper into a pocket of her miko garments.
Continuing down the line, I held my hands out to Sango and with a smile she reached over and took one out before reading who's name was on it. Next my hands went to Miroku who grabbed one and after reading it started laughing. “My own.” he explained when everyone looked at him funny.
Taking it back, I held out my hands for him to take another and after reading this one his eyes light up with a large grin plastered on his face. I didn't have to read it to know who's name he had gotten. I folded his back up and added it to the others still left before mixing them up again.
Once done, I turned to Rin who snatched one up with a grin. After opening it up she looked confused and turned toward me. “Who does this say?” she questioned as she held the paper up so only I could see.
Closing my hands so the others wouldn't fall out, I walked over to her and whispered 'Miroku' into her ear, knowing only those with demon blood could probably hear me. Walking back over to my spot, I turned toward the next person which was Shippo.
He seemed to concentrate on them for a moment before reaching one of his paws in and grabbing one. He opened it up and like Rin he seemed a bit confused as to what was written so looked up at me in question and held it up. I whispered 'Rin' in his ear before moving on.
Next came Souta and he reached in without any thought and picked up the nearest one. He read it and grinned. If I didn't know Rin's was already chosen I would have thought he had gotten hers.
Kohaku went next and came up with the same results as the other two kids from this time, he was unable to read the name on the paper and held it up for me to read for him. Whispering a quick 'Shippo' before moving on, I came to Jaken next.
He unfolded it, read what was written, and hide the paper within the folds of his clothing before giving me a slight nod of his head. Turning toward Sesshoumaru I held up my hands, with only two papers left and waited for him to take one.
He seemed to think about it for a moment before finally reaching his hand over and taking the closest one to him. Leaning back I unfolded the last one and found I had gotten Jaken. Looking over at the toad demon, I quickly figured out what I wanted to get him.
“Okay now we have about a week before Christmas so you should have plenty of time to find or make your gift.” I informed the others and watched as most of their faces became confused. I guess not many of them know what to get for the person they got.
“Raise your hand if you're going to need help coming up with an idea.” I suggested and watched as Kikyou, Sango, Rin, Shippo, Souta and Jaken all raised their hands. “Okay Inuyasha and I will head a little ways out of camp, come to us one at a time and will try to help you guys out.” I told them with a smile before standing up and walking toward the woods around us.
I had just seated myself on a fallen log not far out of camp when Kikyou came upon me. I knew she wouldn't be stupid enough to try anything with the entire group just a yell away and I was pretty sure I could take care of her myself even without stealing back the rest of my soul, but none the less, I was still a bit weary of being alone with her since we had still yet to speak to each other more than a few words since our verbal fight.
“I got Sesshoumaru.” she stated simply, and I was relieved that she wanted to get straight to the point rather than starting another fight with me.
“Well his sash got a bit frayed in a battle a while ago, maybe a new one for him would be good. Anything other than that I could think of he would be too picky about or would end up being too expensive.”
“A sash?” she repeated and with a small nod of her head, disappeared back to camp.
“That was easy.” I decided with a shrug as I relaxed and waited for the next person to show up.
Inuyasha began drumming his claws on his knee as sat cross-legged against a tree as he waited for the first one to show up. He could hear and smell the small toad's incoming but was forced to wait out the smaller demons reduced speed. Finally after what seem liked forever, Jaken cleared the trees and walked over to stand in front of Inuyasha.
“Who'd ya get?” Inuyasha questioned as he looked up at him.
“Miko-san.” Jaken replied.
“For Kagome it doesn't have to be anything special really. As long as you put effort into it and you mean the gift, she'll love it. She's really easy to please with gifts.” Inuyasha explained.
“I think I have an idea half-br...” Jaken started as he began to walk away but remembered Kagome's words from the night of a new moon. “half-demon.” he corrected himself with a slight nod of his head and scurried back to camp.
“She might make a decent demon out of that twerp yet.” Inuyasha mumbled to himself with a slight smirk.
“Hey Kagome-chan.” Sango greeted me with a smile as she walked over and sat down next to me on the fallen log.
“Hi Sango-chan, so who'd you get?” I questioned with a smile.
“Well Kikyou.” Sango replied with a shrug.
“Oh good an easy one.” I cheered with a smile and the look on Sango's face told me she thought I was being sarcastic. “No really, what would a miko want?”
“A bow!” Sango cheered after a moment when she realized what I had already. “I can make her a bow and maybe a matching quiver to go with it.” Sango decided with a smile.
“Sounds perfect.” I assured her with a grin and gave her a quick hug before she headed out of the small clearing and back to camp.
“So who'd ya get squirt?” Inuyasha questioned as Shippo walked over to him and sat down on his knee.
“Rin.” Shippo replied scratching the back of his head.
“Well she likes flowers right? But there shouldn't be any this time of year. But never see her in a different kimono. Maybe get her a new one with flowers on it?” Inuyasha suggested with a shrug.
“Good idea.” Shippo decided with a smile before jumping off of Inuyasha's leg and bouncing back into the forest.
“Hey Rin, Miroku right?” I questioned as the little girl walked into the clearing and came to sit next to me as Sango had.
“Yeah but I have no idea what he would like.” Rin replied with a pout.
“Well perhaps a new calligraphy set for writing his ofudas. I remember he said something a while ago about most of his getting lost on the journey or the ink running out.” I suggested after thinking for a moment.
“I can do that.” Rin cheered with a large smile as she gave me a quick hug and dashed back off into the forest toward camp.
“Sesshoumaru.” Inuyasha greeted barely looking up at his older brother as he walked over and stood above him, looking down on him.
“Who is Kohaku?” Sesshoumaru questioned with a raised eyebrow.
“Sango's little brother. The one that 'he' was controlling.” Inuyasha explained and watched as the recognition briefly flashed through his brothers eyes.
“Hmm.”
“Have a great idea for him if you want. I saw this game in Kagome's time. There was a glove and a small ball. It won't be exact but you should be able to get one made here.” Inuyasha told him with a shrug.
Sesshoumaru simply raised his eyebrow again and turned and headed out of the clearing. “You're welcome!” Inuyasha called after him grumbling.
“Hey onee-chan.” Souta greeted as he stepped into the clearing. I gave him a bright smile and patted the log next to me.
“I got inu-onii-chan. (dog older brother, what he sometimes calls him in the show) Any idea what I could get for him?”
“For Inuyasha huh? Well it should be something he wanted or needed when growing up but never had.” I began as I racked my brain for a great present for him.
“I got it!” Souta cheered as he hugged me and rushed from the clearing. Guess he wasn't going to tell me what it was.
The rest of the day passed with everyone off in their own minds thinking either of the gift they were going to give, or perhaps, what they would receive. We had decided to start out early the next morning for a nearby town, so soon after dinner everyone had turned in for the night.
Sure enough before dawn had even began to approach, Inuyasha was waking me so I could get breakfast started and only woke the others when it was finished. After the quick meal was finished, we packed up camp and set out, everyone still lost in their own minds as they had been the night before.
Within a few hours we were standing on the outskirts of the village. “Alright everyone can start looking for their gift. If you need help see Inuyasha or I again. We'll all meet back here in two hours. If anyone has a problem with the villagers just give me a holler and I will deal with them.” I told them with a smile as I made sure everyone had money and watched as the kids rushed off into the village.
“Give me a yell if they give you any problems Jaken.” I told him with a smile before I too turned and started into the village. I knew out of everyone he would probably have the most problem, since Kirara and Ah-Un were staying outside of the village.
I already knew what I was planning on getting for the little toad so I made my way directly to the clothing shops in the center of town and began browsing through them. In less than five minutes I had already found it and had paid for it.
As I was beginning to make my way back out of the village to wait for the others, but still be in hearing range in case they ran into problems, I heard the tale end of a conversation that made me stop to listen.
“We've had a lot more demon traffic coming through here since that sorceress took up camp in the mountains.” an older man complained to another who was standing next to him.
“Hai but they have not bothered us and even some have stopped to buy. It's brought more money into our little village.” the second countered.
“We've just been lucky so far. Who's to say that this group or even the next doesn't have a grudge against her and will take it out on our village? We don't have the warriors to protect ourselves if they do.”
“Hai, but she has already told us she will protect us if the demons cause a problem for our village.” the second man assured him.
“And you trust a stranger? I no more trust her than I do those mikos that are traveling with demons.” the older man spat at him before turning and walking away to a nearby hut. I waited until he had disappeared inside before walking over to the second man who was shaking his head.
“Excuse me, I couldn't help but over hear. There is a sorceress nearby?” I questioned with a smile as he turned toward me.
“I will not bring her any trouble, she has done nothing but help our village.” he spat at me before turning and walking away.
“No you misunderstand, we have need of her services and have been looking for a sorceress for quite some time. We mean no harm to her, you have my word as a miko.” I assured him with a smile when he turned back to me.
He seemed to hesitate for a moment before finally nodding. “She lives in the mountains, about a day's walk in that direction.” he informed me pointing off toward the west.
“Thank you so much.” I replied with a bow before turning and heading back to where I would meet the others.
When I got there, I saw that I was the last to arrive. “Great news Lord Sesshoumaru. There is a sorceress just a day's walk from here up in the mountains to the west.” I informed him with a smile and watched as relief passed briefly through his eyes.
“We'll make camp nearby. Kagome you and Sesshoumaru take the dragon and head up there. Riding him it shouldn't take you more than a day to get there and back. If she has any problems about helping you, Kagome should be able to talk her into it.” Inuyasha explained when Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow at him.
With a slight nod of his head, Sesshoumaru climbed on the back of Ah-Un and waited for me. “Alright guys listen to Inuyasha while I'm gone and we'll be back before you know it.” I assured them as I gave out quick hugs and climbed up in front of him.
He seemed to give Ah-Un a silent command to go for not a moment after I was situated, the two-headed dragon took off into the sky. “There's a clearing not far this way. We'll set up camp there and wait for them to return.” I heard Inuyasha tell the others just before we moved out of hearing range.
They had just finished setting up the camp and as the children went off to play, Sango and Miroku joined Inuyasha and Kikyou by the fire he had just finished lighting. “Why didn't you want to go with your brother, or the rest of us for that matter?” Miroku wondered as Sango began preparing lunch for those that were at camp.
“His pride is already hurt enough because of this curse, if the sorceress is unable to help him, it would just be another blow and it's better if too many people aren't around him if that happens.” Inuyasha explained as he pulled out a package of ramen for her to make for him, apparently not liking what she had planned for everyone else.
“Then is it safe for Kagome-chan to go with him? What if she can't help him and he gets mad, taking it out on her?” Sango demanded as she looked up from what she was doing, worried about her 'sister'.
“Kagome's safer with him then any of us would have been, other than his group of course. I don't think Sesshoumaru will try anything since his best chance was on the night of the new moon and he didn't even care that I was human. Besides Sesshoumaru is starting to see her too much as pack to hurt her.” Inuyasha assured her and the others as they came over to listen to the conversation.
“But how can you be so sure? Sure enough that you would risk Kagome-chan's safety?” Sango wondered as she began working on lunch again just to have something to keep her hands and mind busy.
“I know he sees her as pack because he said I was still part of his pack and therefore my pack is as well. It's hard to explain to someone who isn't a demon and doesn't really understand packs, but I assure you Kagome is safe with him. If he was going to do anything to her, it would have been while the four of us were off killing demons and she had only herself and the children to protect her.”
“You better be right Inuyasha, or so help me...” Sango let her warning linger in the air as both Inuyasha and Miroku gulped.
Flying on Ah-Un it had only taken us a few hours to reach the small hut belonging to the sorceress and as we touched down, I realized that I hadn't even notice any of the scenery on the way there. My mind had been too lost in thoughts of Sesshoumaru becoming a demon again and what his plans might be for afterwards.
Oddly enough I had gotten used to having the human 'taiyoukai' in the group and things just wouldn't be the same without him. I really had no doubt that he would leave as soon as he was able to, he was Sesshoumaru after all, and he was probably ready to get his life back to the way it had been before.
“Welcome Lord Sesshoumaru, Miko Kagome.” a woman greeted as she exited her hut as we were dismounting and I turned to her in shock.
“I felt you approaching for a while now.” she explained, much like Sesshoumaru, only telling what she had to. I bowed a slight greeting to her and as I righted myself, I took a moment to look over her.
She had long black hair, reaching almost to her ankles, flowing unbound behind her. She had a youthful, beautiful face and the resemblance to Tsubaki gave me a start and had she been a dark miko and not a sorceress I might have thought that this was the woman that had once cursed me with 'his' chunk of the jewel.
“No child I am not the dark miko that cursed you.” she assured me with a smile, once again causing me to go into shock. “One of my gifts child.” she replied to my unasked question. “My name is Aki (autumn) and I have a spell that can lift your curse Lord Sesshoumaru, however, you will need to gather the ingredients yourself as I can not leave this place without putting the village in danger from demons who seek my help and show up to find no one here to help them.”
Reaching into the folds of her black and silver kimono she pulled out a piece of paper and held it out for him to take. Seeing that he wasn't going to move to get it, I reached out and took it myself. “Once you have everything collected, return to me on your demon night.”
“Thank you Aki-sama.” I replied with a deep bow, knowing Sesshoumaru was not about to thank a human, even if she was the one who was going to turn him back into a demon full time. She gave me a slight nod of her head and returned into her hut.
As I was climbing back onto Ah-Un, after Sesshoumaru had done so, I started wondering how she knew that he had a night where he turned demon again. But then again, she did seem to know everything else so I guess I really shouldn't be surprised. Plus it could also just be part of the curse, and if she knew how to counter it, then she must know of the curse as well right?
After dinner the kids had been put to bed and the adults still with the group sat around the camp fire talking quietly when Kikyou decided to speak up about what had been going through her mind all day. “I think we should start planning on having Sesshoumaru leave if he comes back as a demon.”
“Kikyou we've been over this before.” Inuyasha replied sighing as his posture slumped.
“This has nothing to do with that. I think I am finally beginning to understand why you and Kagome want him here, but is it really safe? Using Kagome's own logic, if it is his male side that is now in charge, who's to say that when his beast side is back in control that he's going to feel the same way? Is it really safe to take the chance just because you think he thinks of her as pack?
“Think about it Inuyasha are you really willing to risk Kagome's safety, who you yourself have told me is someone who has always accepted you and never turned her back on you, just to give your brother a chance? I realize he's the only family you have left, but is it really worth it for someone who has always been your enemy and never once your friend? I still think it's stupid for Kagome to trust him, but you should know better after everything he's put your through your entire life.”
“Then I must be stupid too because I trust him, but it's not something I can explain to humans. You guys can't understand pack and what it means to demons. You'll just have to take my word on it.” Inuyasha insisted shaking his head. After a few minutes of silence, Kikyou rose and headed out of the camp.
“While I have to admit she is improving, are we really sure Kagome-chan is safe around her?” Sango questioned once she was sure Kikyou was out of hearing range.
“She still has a little ways to go, but don't worry about Kagome. If it comes down to it I will protect Kagome over Kikyou. That's why I've been waiting to mate with her, I want to make sure Kagome is safe before my instincts force me to protect Kikyou over her.”
After about an hour of silence, Sango decides to take a walk to try and relax and Miroku follows after letting Inuyasha know that they would be back soon. Kikyou still hadn't returned to camp nor had Kagome and Sesshoumaru returned from their trip.
“I just don't understand why Kagome-chan is giving her this chance. I know because of Inuyasha, but she's ruined her chances since she first joined the group. And yeah she's getting a little better, but it's just not enough to insure Kagome-chan's safety.” Sango insisted quietly when Miroku had caught up to her.
“It's Lady Kagome's ability to see good in everyone I guess. I may not understand it either, and I can not see good in either Lady Kikyou or Lord Sesshoumaru, but she can. We have all at one point in time attacked or betrayed her and Inuyasha and yet it never wavers her faith in us. At the very least, my dear Sango, if we can not have faith in Kikyou, then we can have it for Kagome.” Miroku replied as he wrapped his arm around her shoulder, strangely enough, without touching anything he shouldn't.
Kikyou waited until they had walked by before coming out from behind the tree she had been resting against when they had unknowingly come upon her. “How is it that they have such faith in one girl?” Kikyou wondered out loud to herself as she watched until they could no longer be seen before sitting down and leaning against the tree.
“Perhaps I am going about this the wrong way and I can not get what I wish for by force. What I said tonight seemed to help though, perhaps I should try to earn their trust as she has seemed to have done.” Kikyou decided as she stood up and started walking back toward camp, thoughts of how she could do better running through her mind.
They had just began to fix breakfast the next morning when Sesshoumaru and I returned to camp. Soon as Ah-Un had touched down I was surrounded by the others giving me hugs and welcoming me back. “What did you learn?” Inuyasha wondered after we had sat down and Sango began handing out the bowls.
“She can undo the curse we just have to find the items on this list and return the night of the new moon.” I explained as I handed over the paper to Inuyasha and the others read it over his shoulder. After a moment Kikyou stood up and headed out of the clearing and glancing around I spotted one of her Soul Stealers.
“Most of these things shouldn't be hard to find, in fact we should be able to gather them as we gather the shards. There's only a few on here that might be hard to find.” Inuyasha told us as he handed me back the paper and I put it into one of my pockets.
Shortly after breakfast, while we were packing up camp, Kikyou returned and handed me a dark brown root. “It's on the list.” she explained to my confused expression.
“Thank you Kikyou.” I replied with a smile as I reached over and hugged her. Leaning down, I put the root in one of my waterproof pockets in my backpack to make sure nothing happened to it.
“I wasn't able to purify the shard, that's why we brought it back tainted.” Kikyou confessed after a few moments of silence.
“I thought so, but thank you for telling me the truth.” I told her with a smile as I stood and embraced her again. I didn't see a reason to tell her that Inuyasha had already told me and it didn't really matter anyways.
With one last smile toward her, I turned and started out of camp with the others following. We had a long day of walking ahead of us, but hopefully we would find some shards and items Sesshoumaru needed for his cure.
The rest of the day went by slowly and quietly except for one small demon that we fought. He wasn't after the shards or even Sesshoumaru, merely was attacking a village we were passing through and we stopped to defeat him before continuing on our way.
It was now late that night and everyone had pretty much already settled down for the night and fallen asleep. From what I could tell, only Sesshoumaru and I were still awake and the only reason I knew he was, since I wasn't looking in his direction, was because he started talking to me.
“How is it miko-san that you can forgive everyone so easily, this Sesshoumaru included?” he questioned causing me to turn around and look at him.
“In the four years I have been here, I have learned that life is far too short to hold a grudge. Besides if I held one against everyone who had wronged me at one point in time, Souta and Rin would probably be the only ones left in my pack. How did you two end up together anyways?” I wondered realizing I had no idea why the little human girl follow the taiyoukai around.
“After Inuyasha used the 'Wind Scar' on this Sesshoumaru, I was resting against a tree and she came upon me. She tried to help this Sesshoumaru and even give me food when she was clearly starving and being beaten by the villagers. After this Sesshoumaru left, I came upon her after she had been killed by wolves and tested the Tenseiga on her. She has simply followed this Sesshoumaru since.”
In the tree above the small camp sat Inuyasha and Kikyou, the former resting and the latter thinking over what she had earlier in the day and what was being said below them. “What is it about her that makes her the way she is?” Kikyou questioned after a moment and Inuyasha didn't need to ask to know who she was referring to.
“Her big heart.” Inuyasha explains without hesitation.
“Will I ever be able to receive the faith from the others that they have in her?”
“You will never be able to replace Kagome, no one would, but you shouldn't want to anyways Kikyou. You should be known for yourself and what you have done, not be known for or thought as your reincarnation. Just as Kagome has been trying to do for the last four years. I think once you realize this and try to be your own self, things will be much better for everyone, especially for you.”
Even without his demon hearing, Sesshoumaru is able to hear his half-brother talking with the undead miko in the tree above him. He found himself agreeing with the younger inu, but turned his attention away when Rin started to stir. He could tell by the way she is thrashing, from past experiences, that she was having another nightmare.
As he watched, Kagome walked over to the small girl and pulled her into her arms as she began to awake, whispering reassurances in her ear. An odd feeling passed through him as he found himself slightly jealous that she was allowing the miko to comfort her, but before he is able to think on it further, Rin opened her eyes and glanced over at him.
With a smile, she climbed out of the miko's lap and rushed over to him. Climbing into his lap, she closed her eyes and quickly fell back asleep. “You're raising a great pup.” Kagome whispered as she walked over and sat down nearby.
Sesshoumaru thought about denying the fact that she was his pup, but looking down at the young girl curled up in his lap, he just couldn't find the will to. Instead he decided to change the subject slightly. “Have you thought of having your own miko-san?”
“Yes and I will when the time is right, but right now I have Shippo and Souta to worry about raising and I am not in any hurry. Besides I don't even have anyone in mind at the moment.” Kagome replied with a shrug after glancing over at the boys.
“What of the wolf prince?” Sesshoumaru questioned after a moment.
“Well if it wasn't for the fact that I will only ever see him as a friend, my pack comes first and Inuyasha is a major part of that. The two of them just will never get along. When the time is right and I find someone worthy of my pack I will start my own family, but until then I content just looking after the boys and helping the others in the pack find love in each other.” Kagome explained with a smile.
Noticing Shippo was shivering, Kagome stood and placed Rin's forgotten blanket over her and Sesshoumaru. “Good night.” she whispered before heading back to her sleeping bag and climbing in with him.
Back in the tree above the camp, Kikyou mind wonders about what she could do to earn the faith of the others in the group. She tries to come up with anything she could do to help out the group, but so far everything she was able to think of that she could do, Kagome was already doing it.
This of course, caused her to start becoming jealous of the younger miko, but she caught herself and shook her head to remove the thoughts. Scowling slightly at herself, she turned her mind back to other things she was able to do, once again trying to find one that Kagome wasn't currently in charge of.
The remaining time until Christmas passed by quickly, resulting in only another three shards and no other items needed for Sesshoumaru's cure. It was almost dawn of Christmas morning and I had, had Inuyasha wake me up a few hours before so I could decorate a small tree in the clearing we used for a campsite the night before.
I didn't have a chance to stop by the future for decorations so merely made some bows out of fabric I had picked up in a village we passed and added those to the tree. Underneath it, I added all of the gifts that had been wrapped up by the others and began making breakfast.
As I was finishing up the rather large meal, compared to normal anyway, the others began to wake up and one by one noticed the differences in the clearing. “Morning all. Breakfast first and then we'll unwrap our gifts.” I told the others with a smile as I began dishing up the plates and handed them out.
Apparently everyone was anxious to get to the presents, as most of them ate as fast as Inuyasha, and for the children that was quite a feat. “All right everyone sit down around the fire and I will pass them out one at a time. Remember you are not supposed to know who it's from so when you see someone open your gift, keep it to yourself.” I reminded the others with a smile as I sat down next to the tree and grabbed the first kid's gift, figuring it would be best for them to go first.
“Shippo.” I called out with a smile and handed him the cloth-wrapped gift. He gave me a large grin and began to tear off the twine keeping in closed and soon had the wrapping off.
“A charcoal set? Wow more things to color with!” Shippo cheered but a moment before grabbing his coloring book and getting to work.
Shaking my head at him, I turned back to the tree and grabbed the next one. “Rin.” I said with a smile as I handed the young girl the gift and watched as she too tore into it quickly.
“Sugoi (amazing).” Rin whispered as her eyes doubled in size and she pulled out the white kimono that was covered in red cherry blossoms, matching quite well with Sesshoumaru's in fact.
“That's pretty Rin.” Sango commented with a smile as she too looked over the small kimono.
“It is, Rin's going to put it on after we're done.” Rin told us with a smile and nodding her head vigorously.
“Next up is Kohaku.” I informed him as I got out his gift from the pile and handed it over. Soon it was unwrapped and he was holding what looked like a baseball glove and ball. I ended up doing a double take before I realized it wasn't from the future.
“It's a game called baseball, I'm sure Souta can show you how to play later.” I told him with a smile when he looked up slightly confused. He seemed to like the fact that it was a game as he grinned and nodded his head to me.
“Souta.” I called out handing him his next. His was quickly unwrapped revealing what looked like a soccer ball, but from this time I'm guessing. His eyes lit up and a large smile spread across his face.
Next I pulled out Jaken's gift and handed it over to the small toad demon. He quickly unwrapped it to find a small brown hat, not unlike the one he was always wearing, only this one had seen less wear and tear. “Perfect.” he decided with a nod of his head as he took the old one off and replaced it with the one I had gotten him.
“Kikyou.” I said with a smile as I handed her what was the largest gift of the bunch. Her eyes widen considerably before she reached out and took the package from me. Opening it up she found a large, white bow made from demon bone with matching quiver. Engraved on the bow was the kanji for her name and miko.
“It's beautiful.” Kikyou murmured running her hand along the engravings. I glanced up and smiled at Sango, she had really out done herself on that. “Thank you.” Kikyou whispered not taking her eyes off of her knew weapon as she tested the strings and then began to fill the quiver with the arrows from her old one.
“Sango.” I said holding out a small package for her. Soon as she had it opened, her eyes widen and for a second I think she stopped breathing.
“I know we shouldn't say who it's from but it would be hard not to tell and I wanted to do this right.” Miroku said startling everyone and when we looked over we found him down on one knee smiling at Sango. “Will you marry me?” he questioned and I found myself having problems breathing as well.
Taking a quick peek at the gift, which of course turned out to be an engagement ring, I saw that it was a simple ring with three bands that braided around each other. It was simple but at the same time it was breath taking. I think this was about the time that Sango got over her shock as she jumped across the group and knocked Miroku over.
“Yes.” Sango whispered so quietly the rest of us had problems hearing it. Most of the group turned into loud cheers as I rushed over to hug the two of them, while Sango remained in his lap.
“You may continue Lady Kagome.” Miroku informed me after a few minutes and everyone had begun to settle down. Nodding my head and wiping away my tears of joy, I moved back to my spot and took out the next gift.
“You're turn Miroku.” I told him with a smile as I passed it to Sango, who was still sitting in his lap. Reaching his arms around her waist, he unwrapped it to reveal a calligraphy set.
“Oh very lovely.” Miroku decided as he started taking each 'pen' out and looking it over. “Yes these will do nicely.” he continued, nodding his head.
“Lord Sesshoumaru.” I said with a smile as I looked over at him and handed him his gift. He took it but seemed bored with the idea of opening it. Catching his gaze with my own, I nodded toward Rin and he seemed to like that idea as he held it out to her.
“Would you like to open it Rin?” he questioned and her eyes lit up as she smiled and took the package from him. I guess it wasn't a very demon lord like thing to do, to open a gift. Boy can that guy be weird at times.
Soon Rin was holding up a red and white sash that matched with the rest of his clothing. “It is sufficient.” he decided after a moment and when he wasn't looking, I gave Kikyou a quick smile, knowing that was the closest she was going to get to a compliment.
“Inuyasha.” I said holding up one of the last two gifts. He unwrapped it to find a scroll and after un-tyeing the string from around it, began reading what was written. “Well?” I questioned once my curiosity had gotten the better of me and I couldn't wait any longer.
“I Souta Higurashi, as the oldest living male of the Higurashi family, hereby add Inuyasha into the Higurashi clan, naming him my brother, my friend and as Higurashi Inuyasha. It is now your job, as it as mine, to uphold the family honor and name.” (1) Inuyasha read and I could easily tell if he was anyone else he would be crying, as it was Sango and I were already starting. “I couldn't ask for a better little brother or sister.” Inuyasha told us with a smile as he stood and embraced Souta before turning and giving me a slight one as well.
“Well before I start bawling I guess I should open my gift.” I decided with a slight laugh as I wipe away the few tears that had already fallen and picked up the last gift. Unwrapping the cloth around it, I discovered a cook book. “Oh nice.” I whispered as I started flipping through the pages and found a bunch that I would want to try soon. After a minute I set it down and reached over into my backpack.
“And no I didn't forget you two.” I assured with a smile as I turned toward Kirara and Ah-Un. “Cat treats for Kirara.” I said as I handed them to Sango. “And I'm not sure if you will like these, but I think you might.” I told Ah-Un as I started opening a bag of sugar cubes and held one out on the palm of my hand.
He quickly snatched it up, much like a horse would, and soon was sniffing around for another one. “Here you go.” I said with a smile as I gave him another one and then closed up the bag and put it in his saddle.
1. Because their grandfather disowned their dad when it turned out he was in the mob, he is no longer considered a member of the family and so Souta really is the oldest male, of known family members, since the death of their grandfather. That would make him the head of the house, and for the sake of the story we're going to say there were no other male blood relatives, and so that also makes him clan head.
AN: Just in case anyone was wondering why I used Christmas as the holiday since she is from a Shinto shrine and they don't normally celebrate Christmas, I was unsure of what, if anything, they did celebrate as a winter holiday and it made the most sense. I do not know of any Japanese ancient Pagan religions that celebrated Yule (winter solstice) and I do not know very much about the other winter holidays. It may not be completely accurate, but I do know that a lot of non-Christians celebrate Christmas simply for the present giving part rather than the 'birth of Christ' part. Hope this explains my reasoning a bit behind this.
Please R&R, good and bad reviews are welcome, however, I will ignore flames.