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Finding Kagome	By : MetsukiKaraTen Category: InuYasha > Het - Male/Female > InuYasha/Kagome Views: 8806 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own InuYasha, nor make money from this story.

Chapter List
- 33
- 34
- 35
DISCLAIMER: I do not own InuYasha and company, however I
DO own an overactive imagination...

Finding
Kagome

Chapter
Thirty Four

“What the hell
do you mean, 'Kouga so
much as admitted to having her apartment ransacked'??” Kagura
was beside herself, her red eyes flashing . “You never
mentioned having a conversation
with the son-of-a-bitch!! Just when did this occur??”

Sesshoumaru
was the epitome of calm as he watched his chosen's anger escalate, a
hint of a twinkle in his eyes before they narrowed slightly in
response to her tirade. It was not his habit to report to anyone
beyond his regular reports to the council, it never had been and she
knew that. However, her reaction to this new piece of information
intrigued him, to say the least.

“To
be specific, approximately seven fifteen last Wednesday evening,”
he stepped casually away from the desk where he had just concluded
his abbreviated conversation with InuYasha. “He was responding
to the . . . message I left for him.”

“You
mean the altercation you told me about?” her eyes narrowed on
him. “In other words, he attacked you!! You never told me he
attacked you, Sesshoumaru! Why would you leave that out?”

“There
was no need to worry you,” he retrieved his tea from the desk,
and took a sip contemplatively. “He's made a challenge
however. Though what he wishes to accomplish by it . . . this
Sesshoumaru does not understand.” He went to the window and
watched the fog move in. “It's as though he is locked into the
past . . . he has no comprehension of how the current system works.
He seems to believe that there is some high rank which he will
purloin with my demise.”

“You
mean, beyond exacting revenge for his mate's death,” she added,
drawing close behind him.

“There
is that, too,” he admitted with a sigh of resignation.

“Sesshoumaru.
. .” Kagura pulled his attention from the window with soft
touch to the blade of his shoulder, “What was he after in the
girl's apartment?”

The
Demon studied the face of his intended carefully. Her concerns for
his safety were not unfounded. And her involvement had been set the
moment he enlisted her aid in hunting down his bull headed brother.

“I have not pressed this point with InuYasha,”
the hint of concern etched on his features spoke volumes as he turned
toward her. “However I have a strong suspicion that he is
searching for the Shikon no Tama.”

She hesitated a moment, then backed away from him a
step, a flash of shock and horror marring her features. A shudder
visibly ran through her small frame.

“You
can't possibly believe that. . .” her eyes darted around the
room, finally settling on a patch of thin air. “I thought it
was safe here. I thought we would
be safe here! No. . .” she shook her head and waved her hands
as if she could erase what he had just said. “I can't go
through that again! I won't!”

“Kagura,”, his voice was low as he set his
tea back down on the desk and reached for her. He hadn't expected
such a dramatic reaction and wished he could retract his words. But
what was done, was invariably done, and sheltering her from it would
do no good in the long run.

“No!
I've seen first hand how that. . . thing
corrupts everyone around
it!” Unrestrained fear contorted her features. “I came
here for a new start. . . and now the damn thing is HERE??
Where?? Who's responsible??” She was obviously still in the
mindset of Naraku being in control of the Jewel of Four Souls. Or
perhaps if not Naraku, then some other with malicious intent, which
was definitely not the case now.

“Kagura, stop.” His voice while still low
was laced with command, a tone he knew she instinctively understood
through her panic. “We know nothing in certainty, yet. . .
InuYasha has said that he buried the Jewel with the miko's remains,
in Edo. Come. . .” He took her arm, pulling her with him to an
overstuffed chair and drawing her into his lap. “Did this
Sesshoumaru not promise to you his protection in these matters?”

She still trembled at the flashing memories. It was
etched all over her face. The horrors she had been pressed to
perform, death and destruction, conspiracy and deceit, all these
memories she had left behind her when she left Japan for good, when
she had left him. Now the horrors of her ancient misdeeds
were following her, haunting her, announced by Sesshoumaru's
suspicions.

“Can you protect me. . . from my past?”
She blinked back the tears that she knew in her heart she had no
right to shed.

“Itoshii,” he whispered as he drew her head
to his shoulder. The endearment was not lost on her. “Have
you yet to redeem yourself? After all this time . . .”

“Just
when I think I tip the balance to my favor. . .” she shuddered
again, “something reminds me and I know there is no
true redemption. . . I belong in hell, right beside Naraku.”

“I
refuse to believe
that. You are no more evil than I,” he dismissed her
proclamation. “Regret can be a cancerous thing when unchecked.
. .” he gently kissed her forehead. “I believe you
are the one who helped me to understand that. Is it not time. . .
for you. . . to as they say, 'walk the talk'?”

She pulled back from him, blinking in surprise at his
admonition. If it weren't for the seriousness of their conversation
he would have found her expression amusing. He had to choose his
words with the utmost care, or she might once again misinterpret his
intentions.

“Your
heart is your own, and it shall remain so. . . have I not promised
this?” he asked pointedly. “Naraku is dead. . . Long
dead. . . . He cannot control you from Hell.” His eyes narrowed
with meaning. “And as much as this Sesshoumaru might have
wished it, even I have not laid my full claim to your affections. . .
simply put. . . because it is your wish to be totally free. No one
will pull your strings, My Lady. . . No one. Not even I. I will not
allow it.”

“I don't. . .” he stopped her with a finger
to her lips, and a soft shushing. Over their years together, and
apart as well, it had all been said before one way or another. He
had no need for explanations. A single tear made its way down her
cheek. Tracing up it's path with his finger, he collected it then
brought it to his lips. Eyes sparkling, he gently kissed her eyes.

She dropped her head to his shoulder again, and
welcomed his comfort as he cradled her.

Their's
had always been a tumultuous relationship, and while he knew she
would cling to the familiarity of his touch, her hackles would rise
each and every time he would 'pull rank' on her. He knew after so
much time, it wasn't something that could easily change. He
understood why it was this way. He had waited each time that she
would pull away, knowing that eventually she would return to him. He
was determined that one day she would permanently find her sanctuary
in him. His heart had chosen her long ago. No one knew him better,
no one understood him as completely.

She had been the only one to fully understand his need
to find his wayward sibling. The search for InuYasha had diverted him
from much needed attention to the family holdings on more than one
occasion, and he had been pressed to defend his position as a result.
Some of those conflicts had ended badly, and she had been there to
nurse his wounds, both the physical as well as those to his pride.
It had been Kagura to note the subtle loss of his strength as the
years progressed. The slow, insidious decline of his power. It was
on her assistance that he began to distance himself from conflicts,
and he began relying on the loyalties of others to defend his
holdings. Negotiation and diplomacy became his best defense.

There had, however, been no defense for the desolation
he experienced as a result of Kagura's ultimate departure from Japan.
A decision that was hers to make, she wished for a fresh start in a
land where memories of Naraku and his evil did not exist. A place
where many cultures met, and melded together. He had not tried to
stop her, though that fact became another item added to his long list
of regrets in life.

The assault on Hiroshima wrought devastation on the
lands of his father's rule, and though immune to the lasting effects
of the bombs, it forced him to reevaluate his decision to remain, to
not simply follow her. The human rulers of the land of his birth
were at war with those of the adopted land of his chosen mate. What
was familiar to him, was simply. . . no more. To continue as he had
been would have been a practice in futility. His Kagura had already
abandoned their homeland, and her loss was something he had felt too
acutely. His journeys overseas to be near her had become longer and
longer stays, and he ultimately decided to permanently relocate to
the United States. Hence, as is often the case with long lived
Daiyoukai, he began anew. Perhaps not the best business decision he
had ever made. But then again he had managed to keep his fingers in
the reconstruction efforts after the war.

Now that his brother was found and well on his way to
completing his own quest, Sesshoumaru believed it was safe for him to
begin pursuit of his own desires, for what remained of his future.
The female he was holding was an integral part of those desires. No.
. . truth be told, she was primary. . . it far past time for her to
come home. When he had built this modern fortress that he considered
home, it was with two things in mind. Presenting InuYasha with his
birthright, and providing for his mate a secure home. Damn her
stubbornness. But by the air of her possessiveness as she demanded
information about Kouga suggested she was closer to ready to accept
his claim than he had hoped.

“We should have more news from InuYasha soon. .
.” his mellow tone broke the silence of their mutual scattered
thoughts. “Though I doubt that he will be coming home tonight.
. .” he turned his neck and cocked his head to gage her
expression, “would you. . . consider. . . staying?”

He was rewarded with soft lips pressed against his
neck, and a quiet eruption of suppressed chuckles. The humor of the
situation was lost on the Demon.

“That amuses you?” he queried with a raised
brow.

“Yes, actually,” she grinned into his neck.
“Your 'pup' is off to a slumber party and you want to have one
of your own . . .”

“Hn,” he grunted. “I would hardly
consider my invitation to be for a 'slumber party'. Slumber would
suggest sleep . . .” not finishing the comment, his eyes
sparkled and he traced her cheek. “However, my Lady, you have
yet to respond to my invitation.” He allowed a small sigh in a
caricature of defeat, removing his touch from her face. It had the
desired effect.

“My
Lord . . .” Her eyes widened as she watched his hand slip
away. “How could I possibly
say no?” The edges of her mouth raised as full understanding of
his intentions came to her. Then with eyelids half mast, she gently
pressed her lips against his.

Fisting her hair in his hand, he deepened the contact.
Yes, perhaps tonight would be the night.

~ooO0Ooo~

Miranda pulled the meat off the spit, and dropped it
noisily onto a platter she had just retrieved from the kitchen. She
had held her tongue on seeing that her mate was obviously agitated,
but she was losing the battle with holding her temper.

She hadn't cared for the expression on his face as he
pulled that girl away from Sally and whats-his-name, then handed her
off to the surfer like she was some kind of gift. She knew that
something significant had happened and not knowing what it was nagged
at her.

Kouga's distance from her since her cousin had rushed off yanked at
her insides in a wholly primal way, it had taken some real
concentration to not . . . just react.

Now the silence was going to kill her, and she had to
break it.

“She was the one, I take it. . .” she
peered at her mate. “The one you've been looking for?”

“She is.” He didn't even look at her, his
attention off toward the waves.

“Does she have it? Did she tell you anything?”
Miranda crossed her arms, walling herself off to any potential
explosion from him. She knew she was going to have to drag everything
out of him, and she wasn't pleased about it.

“She has it.”

“So. . . where is it?” the Jewel was the
main goal, and he had let the woman in possession of it slip out of
his grasp. This made no sense to her.

“She's wearing it. . . just like she used to,”
he turned toward her, his expression bordering on morose.

“Why didn't you just take it then?? It's what
you've wanted. . .” she demanded.

“I. . . couldn't,” he dropped to sit on
the floor of the deck, chin resting on one hand.

“What the hell is wrong with you? You handed her
off to that guy like. . .” she dropped her arms and moved
toward him in exasperation, “Hell, like some kind of prize.
And now you tell me she had the damn thing on her all along??”

His brow wrinkled as he looked up at his mate for the
first time since their guests had so abruptly departed. There was a
guilty air about his expression, and Miranda's heart dropped as she
suddenly realized what was going on. That look could only mean one
thing.

“Oh
no. . . I can see it in your eyes. . . she's that one!”
She sat by him and gripped his arm. “She's the one you told me
about . . . and you still have feelings for her!!”

“Doesn't matter . . . ” he glanced at her
grip on his arm, and sighed. “It's just a matter of time. . .
we will have the Jewel.”

“What
do you mean? You just sent the Jewel off with some
surfer!!” She released her
hold on his arm and cuffed his shoulder in aggravation. The
unexpected act seemed to wake him from his trance. Reacting to her
affront he grabbed both of her wrists and fixed her with a explosive
glower.

She held her breath, realizing she had pushed him just
a little. . . bit. . . too. . . far.

“You'd
expect me to just yank the damn thing off of her throat!! And
stupidly think there would be no
repercussions?? She has enough power knock me out of existence with
a single touch,
wench!!” He shook his head in amazement at her naivety, then
seemed to lose himself in the depths of her eyes. His expression
softening, he seemed to suddenly notice the hold he had on her and he
released his grip on her wrists, then pulled her against his side
protectively. He nuzzled into her neck, reminding himself of where,
and with whom he was. “That Hojo. . . he's a lot more than
just a surfer. He's
the tool we need to get that Jewel off of her neck. . . Her power
isn't a deterrent for him.”

Miranda rubbed at her wrists, then sighed into the
warmth of his arms around her. He was coming back to her, finally.

“How? She seemed to be avoiding him all
afternoon. . .” she rested her head against his shoulder.

“I've taken care of that. . . she's been holding
onto the past. . . she'll let go now and when she does Hojo will be
there to help her put the pieces back together again. Meanwhile, I
have a feeling we will find a good use for this . . . surfer. What
do you know about him?”

She thought back on what little she knew about the man.

“Selene said he was a friend of what's-his-name.
. . He attends Berkley, the university. . . ” She wrapped her
arms around his neck and feathered it with a kiss, as she pondered
the uses for a bright, young mind. “There are lots of young,
impressionable people there. . . Campuses are a traditional
breeding ground for political causes and religious cults.”
Miranda backed away slightly, tilting her head with a calculating
expression.

“What are you thinking?” Kouga's eyes
narrowed on his mate, as he watched her mind working.

“I'm thinking. . .” her eyes gleamed with
inspiration, “It's time for you to wade into the human pool.
When you begin your reign, people will not adjust easily. It just
makes sense that a way should be paved. . . ahead of time, to
prepare them, don't you think? Who better to help us than those who
would be most affected by this . . . this change of power that you
plan to accomplish?”

“I'm listening. . . You think that there are
those that would be attentive . . . now?? At this. . . university?”
he asked. “Hojo certainly seemed fascinated. . .” His
brow furrowed. “There are factions that would rebel against
involving humans, though.” The Southerners would never accept
ningen involvement, though lately they had been more trouble than
they were worth. He would need to do something about that, and soon.

“Perhaps some new political cause. . .” She
rested a cheek on a curled hand as she sorted through possible causes
they could focus on. Since he had always appeared to think of
everything legal as being human drivel, she systematically eliminated
every one that came to mind.

“No. . . ” he frowned. “The
expression on his face, when I told him the truth about what we are.
. . he wasn't afraid, he was fascinated. . . and when I explained
how the miko understands our ways, and reacts to them on an
instictive level . . . it was as if it were divine inspiration for
him.” He pulled her into his lap, nuzzling into her hair.
“That's what we are, Koishii . . . divine. . . we are the
gods of ages past, returned to reclaim what is our right.”

“Hmm . . . So . . . religion?? It would have
to be something remarkable to gain a following in this day and age,”
she warned sceptically.

“A
return to basics. . . Nature. . .” He pondered for a few
moments. “You hold a great reverence for things natural, why
would they not? With a prophecy of what's to come. . . The return of
the Divine Race, and a promise of protection to all believers.”
He broke into a broad grin. “He's well spoken, our surfer. . .
he would be a good mouthpiece, and this. . . university. . .
sounds like the perfect recruiting ground. . .” he tufted her
hair in his hands, “and you, my mate. . . shall be recognized
as the absolute goddess
that you are. . . you're brilliant!” Her shock at what he was
suggesting was interrupted by a devouring kiss, which she immediately
and helplessly melted into.

Goddess huh? I could get used to that. . .

88*88*88*88*88

Michael rubbed the back of his head where he had just
been unceremoniously smacked by his precious Selene. His bemused
expression was interrupted as a realization dawned on him, just what
it was that he had witnessed in the hallway.

“Just who the HELL does that joker think he is??”
he demanded, moving toward the door with a scowl. Selene stopped him
by grabbing his shoulders and turning him to face her beaming smile.

“Don't you get it, Mikey?? It's HIM!!”
Selene proceeded to conduct a little victory dance, something akin
to what one might see on the end zone after a touchdown, sans the
football. She couldn't quite control the squeal that was welling in
her throat.

“He was practically eating her face!!” he
whispered hoarsely. “What's gotten into you?? We don't know
this guy from Adam!!” He grabbed her shoulders, effectively
ending the dance but not her exuberance

“The
pictures, Monk!! He took those
pictures, who else would care about those things?? It's HIM!!”
She pointed at the door, “That's InuYasha out there, it
has to be!! “

“No,
no, no, no,” he waved his hands shaking his head. “It's
impossible, Sally. . . Ouna said that Kagome's hanyou has
to be dead. It's been too
long. . .” His effort to
break through to the beaming woman with reason was leaving him
nonplussed. “OK, I will accept that Kagome seems to be
attracted to the 'Wild Child' type, unexpected . . . but there is
NO WAY I am going to buy that . . . that person.
. . is the legendary Dog-boy.”

The only response from Selene was a broad grin with
bright eyes on her bobbing head.

“The
ONLY thing he has in common that I can see is a pair of dog
ears on top of his head. . .”
he looked up thoughtfully, “which she really seems
to like. . .” he shuddered slightly, then grabbed Selene by her
upper arms for emphasis. “It could be a trick. . . a ploy to
gain her confidence. Then what?? Even Kouga said he was dead. . .”

“GOD,
Michael!! Don't tell me you would believe anything
that arrogant, self serving. . . DEMON would
say??” she hissed incredulously, pulling from his grasp.

“But, what if its the truth, Sally?”

“You saw how he reacted. . . he said he could
SMELL Kouga, and it really disturbed him. He really hates him, Monk.
. .” she paced three steps then back to face him, “It
stands to reason that Kouga hates him too, and would lie to Kagome
about him.”

Michael glanced worriedly toward the door.

“To serve what purpose?” he turned to face
her, eyes narrowed. “To break her heart?? That makes no sense,
she's done nothing to him.”

“Tell
me of anything that you know about Kouga that DOES
make sense. . .” she demanded.

“I
don't know much more than I did before we went out there. . .
except that he really is
youkai, and he knocked your cousin up.” Michael stopped, then
swallowed as he thought about what he had just said.

The comment made Selene wince, then frown. She didn't
want to believe that Miranda was lost to her because of this decision
to become involved with Kouga.

“The enemy of my enemy is my friend. . . “
she quoted determinedly, her expression grim.

“Bullshit,” countered Michael, equally as
grim and shaking his head rapidly. His terse use of the profanity
caused Selene to twitch. “I don't trust him any more than I do
Kouga. . . He's after something, I'm sure of it.”

“The only thing I'm after right now is food. . .”
InuYasha pushed through the door, a lopsided grin on his face with
Kagome in tow. She glanced back and forth at the mutual irritation on
the faces of her friends and stepped forward, handing InuYasha his
hat.

“We've gotta hungry puppy in the house . . . any
suggestions?” She posed as nonchalantly as possible, trying to
break the standoff between Michael and Selene with her best smile.

“Oi wench!! I get enough of that shit from the
jackass,” he pulled her back against him with a possessive arm
around her middle, and muttered into her neck, “I'll show you
how much of a 'puppy' I am. . .” then growled pointedly, which
caused her to giggle with a high blush on her cheeks.

Selene
unlocked her glare on Michael and watched the couple, unable to
suppress her smile. She had never seen Kagome look so. . . Happy.
And Kagome was one already of the most cheerful people she had ever
known. Damn Mikey and his stubbornness.

“I could order pizza . . .” Selene
suggested.

“What
about The Noodle Factory? We didn't actually eat last
night,” Kagome offered brightly.

“I don't wanna go anywhere. . .” the hanyou
detoured, knowing fully well he couldn't show his face at that
particular restaurant any time soon. “. . . what's pizza?”
he asked curiously, resting his chin on Kagome's head.

Selene
and Michael gawked at him. Assuming she had misheard, and he meant
what kind of pizza,
Selene went to a drawer to pull out a flyer for a local pizzeria, and
handed it to him.

“What ever you want, it's all good in my
opinion,” she grinned.

“You eat this? It looks disgusting. . .” he
muttered looking at the glossy photos . “Probably spicy too. .
.” he frowned and shook his head.

“Pizza sounds great, my dear,” Michael
interjected forcefully, not certain what to think of Inudono's
obvious lack of familiarity with the dish.

“I like the Hawaiian, Caleb. . . its not spicy,”
Kagome offered. “Wait, isn't there some ramen in here??”
She made her way to the cupboard, pulling out a couple of packages.

“OK,
it's settled. . . if 'puppy'
doesn't like the pizza he can have ramen, so the 'puppy'
won't starve,” Michael taunted, then added with a snarl, “Or.
. . the 'puppy' could
just. . . go HOME.”

“Monk!! I swear!!” Selene raised a fist and
shook it menacingly. Michael backed up a step and raised his hands in
placation.

InuYasha's initial infuriation with the taunting
wavered as he observed the two, taking note of the birthmark on
Michael's hand. Stepping toward the man, he lifted his hand as though
for a handshake, the hint of a scowl still on his face. Michael
stared at the gesture, unsure why he was being approached like this
after being so rude. Tentatively he stretched out his right hand,
and was shocked when the hanyou grabbed it and flipped it over
inspecting his palm.

“Kazaana . . . all that's left,” InuYasha
muttered, turning the hand over to inspect the back then releasing
it. “Naraku died that night.” He informed the confused
man, then turned to Selene, “We almost made it in time for him.
. . it was so close. Kami . . . I'm so sorry.” Selene knew
exactly what he was saying, and at the tears welling in her eyes he
pulled her in for an embrace.

“What the hell are you talking about? HEY!”
Michael pushed him lightly away from Selene. “Enough of that
stuff, huh?” He wrapped an arm possessively around his girl.

“Tell him about the pictures, Caleb . . .”
she mumbled. “The ones from Kagome's apartment.”

InuYasha straightened, then blinked at the detective.
He had thought that part was over.

“Pictures?”
Kagome peered at InuYasha, and found guilt written all over his face.
“My apartment? Maybe you should tell me!
You were in my apartment??”

“Not like you think, Kagome!!” Selene
interrupted. “He didn't do that damage. . . but he took
something, didn't you Caleb? What did you take with you?” She
prodded at his hesitance.

“Kagome. . . just like she was when I first saw
her. . . and the God Tree, the place I slept for so long. They'd
been damaged, but. . .” he looked at Kagome. “They're
more than I'd had for a very long time. I couldn't just leave them
there.”

“OK, so he knows the legends, that doesn't prove
anything,” Michael snorted.

“Mikey?” Kagome was wringing her hands,
confusion setting into her features.

“Ask me what you want, Monk . . . Don't talk
about me like I'm not fuckin' here . . .” growled the hanyou.
At Michaels obstinate expression, he shot to Kagome, “Go pack
some things, you're comin' with me.” Kagome stood frozen in
place, not sure what was happening. “MOVE IT WENCH!” he
ordered her, and she jumped, but stood her ground.

“Caleb . . .” Selene backed up a step from
his heated expression. “You can't just run away from this and
drag Kagome with you . . .”

“The HELL I can't! I'm not runnin', damnit!”
he spat angrily, his distaste with the implication evident. “Until
I know what the fuck is going on, she'll be safer at the compound . .
. I'll keep her safe. . .”

“The
compound?? Oh, HELL
no!!” Michael waved his hands in negation. “Youkai
Central is NOT where she needs
to be!!”

“Sittin'
in that murdering wolf's lap is NOT
where she should have been!!
Who's bright fuckin' idea was THAT, Monk??”
InuYasha demanded pointedly.

“I wasn't in his lap . . .” Kagome
whispered as a shudder ran through her. “Why would he lie to me
. . .”

“Sesshoumaru
has an extensive security system, NO ONE
gets near the gates without his knowing,” InuYasha held up a
finger for each point of his reasoning. “You saw what those
animals did to her home . . . Do you want that here??
A few slips of rice paper won't stop them, trust me . . . And until
I know what the hell it is that bastard is after, I am keepin' her
WITH ME!”

“Who the hell is Sesshoumaru?? There's no way I'm
going to let you take . . .” Michael's determined response was
cut off by Kagome's scream.

“INUYASHA!!” The hanyou froze at what was
clearly the tone he usually heard just prior to being sat. “Why
would Kouga tell me that you are dead??”

The silence in the kitchen was deafening in comparison
to her outburst. InuYasha thought for a moment, after heaving a sigh
of relief that he didn't crash through the linoleum floor.

“Um . . . Wishful thinking?” he ventured,
“He didn't really say that, did he??”

“Among other things, yes.” Her troubled
expression worried him, and glancing at Selene the same expression
was mirrored with a tiny nod of affirmation.

Gathering Kagome into his arms, he held her close for a
time before speaking.

“Tell me what he said, Koi . . . all of it,”
he demanded gently.

“Don't
call me that. . .” she glared up at him through unshed tears
and pushed away from his embrace. “That's what you called her,
isn't it? You really took my pictures??” She crossed her arms
over her chest defensively.

“They're in my room . . .” he told her, his
eyes reflecting confusion and the sense of loss generated by her
abrupt departure from his arms.

“You really loved her . . .” she whispered
hoarsely, “you . . . still do.”

“Of course I do, why the hell else would I be
here??” She wasn't making any sense to him.

“But
. . . she's gone, Caleb . . . I'm not her.
I told Kouga basically the same thing, just before he told me . . .”
her face morphed into another grimace, and she darted past him and
out of the room, leaving the door swinging behind her.

Selene shook her head, and ran after her friend,
leaving both men scratching their heads with confusion.

“So. . . is that why Kouga is after her? He wants
to mate her?? But didn't you tell me he already has a human mate?”
InuYasha asked.

“Miranda, she's Sally's cousin . . . it's been
really recent. She's pregnant already,” Michael thought for a
few seconds. “Wait, you called him a murdering wolf. What did
you mean by that??”

“He's wolf youkai . . . you've heard the Redwood
Mangler reports?”

“Sure, who hasn't . . . “ Michael's eyes
went wide. “Oh, HELL . . . are you serious??”

“I wouldn't kid around about shit like that . .
.” he fixed Michael with a poignant look, “and some of
the stuff going on in town . . . That's his people. They're huntin'
for something . . . “ the hanyou glared at the floor.

Michael's horrified expression was unchanged and he
swallowed as he realized that the thing these creatures were looking
for was quite probably that pretty necklace on Kagome's neck. The
tingling sensation of cold dead fingers ran up his spine.

“You, uh . . . have any idea what it is they're
looking for?” he baited. InuYasha shook his head.

“Look.
. .” he fixed Michael with an expression of honesty that near
impossible to deny. “All I want is my life back. . . Without
Kagome, I have no life. . . She is
my life.”

Michael found that earnestness impossible to believe as
examined the strange being in front of him. He still wasn't convinced
of anything, and he was not going to allow Kagome fall into some
trap. This guy was obviously from the privileged class, not to
mention having a racial advantage, if it could be considered such.
Even with the new revelations about Kouga, he still didn't trust him.

“Those
are pretty impressive words, coming from some affluent playboy who's
only JUST MET HER!!”
Michael spat with a look of disgust.

“I know her. . .” InuYasha countered, “I
know her heart.”

“Seriously, Caleb. . . You should just get back
on that pretty bike of yours and go home to your mansion on the hill
. . . Kagome has no use for that sort of thing . . .” Having
made his decision, Michael pushed to end this invasion by the
impostor. He had to protect Kagome.

“You think I am trying to lure her with luxuries?
Fuck that, Monk . . . None of that shit is mine. It was there when I
got here. It's all meaningless to me. My jackass brother is the one
with the 'fine tastes', just give me a campfire and close friends
and I am a happy guy.” InuYasha's ears twitched in irritation.
“All of that was taken away from me a piece at a time. . . my
family was taken from me and I want it back, damnit! Is that
so wrong? I want my mate back . . . I want to give her all the
things that I couldn't while we were off chasing rumors of shards . .
. Does that make me a bad person to you??”

“I have to hand it to you, you've really done
your homework,” Michael crossed his arms.

“Keh!! And you all called ME stubborn!”

“Do me a favor, huh? Put that damn hat back on.”
He eyed the twitching ears on the hanyou's head. “Those just
give me . . . the creeps.”

“MICHAEL
ANDREWS!! How dare you
insult him!!” Selene pushed her way through the door and
promptly smacked the back of his head. “He is an invited
guest in my home, and I will NOT tolerate you insulting, belittling
or degrading him in ANY way!! You got that?? Is that CLEAR to you??”

Michael's arms flew protectively over his head, his
only response to her tirade a muttered 'ow'. InuYasha raised a brow
at the scene, then pointedly dropped the hat onto his head with a
glare.

“Where's Kagome?” he asked Selene, glancing
toward the still swinging door.

“She's in her room, go talk to her. . . she needs
you, Caleb. She's just confused right now.” Selene pushed open
the door and nodded, directing him, “End of the hall.”

~o0o~

“Kagome. . .” came a muffled plea from
outside her door. “Can I come in?”

Kagome sniffed and blotted at her eyes, then blew her
nose. Tucking the well used tissue back into the box, she rose to
open the door.

“Shit. . . I didn't mean to make you cry. . .
I'll go and. . .” she opened the door and practically dove to
wrap herself around his middle, “get your pictures. I've got
to get Tetsusaiga anyway.” He held her close. This was how he
preferred it, with her head nestled against his chest, and he was in
no hurry to move. After a short time she pulled herself away from
him, then grabbed his arm and yanked him through the door.

“In here, Dog-boy. . .” she demanded,
closing and locking the door behind them. “Sit.” She
pointed at the bed, and he complied, cringing slightly at the
command.

“Kagome. . .” he started. She raised her
hands up waving them crosswise in front of her.

“Just. . . Shut the fuck up and listen to what I
have to say,” her head was down as she thought of how she was
going to tell him what had to be said.

His brow shot up under his bangs at the sound of his
own turn of phrase from the woman, and he too raised his hands.
“Fine. . .” he then settled back onto the bed, removing
his hat, to lean back on one elbow. He motioned for her to proceed.

She hesitated as she took in the sight of him, unable
to get past how much he seemed to belong there, reclining on her bed.
It took a little shake of her head and a deep breath to clear her
mind.

“Ever since I was a little girl,” she began
haltingly, “I've had this image in my mind . . . part of a
fairytale my momma told me.” She paced in small steps,
formulating her words. “He was a strong man, with a deep sense
of honor . . . a real hero type, you know?” she watched for
his acknowledgment. “The kind of guy that would gladly give his
life to save a friend . . . He tried to hide it though, with his
temper and a stubborn streak that was a mile wide,” she grinned
and shook her head. “But, underneath it all, he was the
sweetest, most gentle, devoted, loyal person. . . who ever lived. I
think. . . ” She stopped for a moment, a far away look in her
eyes, “secretly, I wished that he could be all mine, the image
of him even invaded my dreams.”

“Kagome. . .” InuYasha sat up on the bed.

“Let
me finish, damnit!” she held up a hand, then dropped it. “As
I grew up, all the boys I met were compared to this image, and all of
them failed miserably. I have waited. . . my whole life I have
waited, to find a man who could possibly meet those standards. . .”
She looked at him pointedly, “And now I find I have come face
to face with the real deal.
. . never once did I
think that the man that I fall in love with, could be in love with
someone else. . . and I am so very jealous of her.
. . jealous of all she had with you. . .” her brow furrowed,
“and a little bit angry for her too, like I would feel for a
dear friend who was cheated. . .”

“What are you talking about??” He started
to rise from the bed, his ears flattening, “Kagome is
everything to me, YOU are everything to me!”

“Ah, ah, ah.” she held up a hand, then
pointed at the bed. “I'm not finished yet.”

“I don't see where you're going with this,”
he muttered, assuming his reclining position.

“Every
picture I have seen of Kagome, she was happy. . . beyond happy, she
looked joyous. . . but
why is it that she died? She traveled with you for years. . .”
she laughed tersely. “Hell for most of her life! You say that
she was everything to you, yet you never took her as your mate?”

“Whoa . . . hold it right there.” At this
he did get up. “Who told you that?”

“Does it matter who told me? She never carried
your mark, that's why she died. Isn't it?”

“Do you even know what you are talking about?
Kagome . . .” he moved toward her. “Is this what Kouga
told you? He knows NOTHING.”

“InuYasha, did you or did you not take Higurashi
Kagome as your mate?” her voice had become shaky, her throat
constricting.

“She was my best friend, my lover, in every sense
of the word. . .” he looked at her helplessly.

“But you never marked her. . .” it was
more a statement than a question, as she sat on the bed reaching for
the tissue box. He sat next to her, putting an arm around her
shoulder.

“That's what all this is about . . . What did
Kouga tell you, exactly?” he asked gently.

“He said a lot of things, most of them not so
nice. He said you were ignorant and had no one to tell you how things
should be done, and that's why Kagome died.” She wiped at her
eyes. “He said he didn't tell you because he wanted her for
himself, and kept hoping she would leave you.”

“Well, that part is probably true . . . but
there's something he didn't tell you,” he kissed her hair. “The
mating . . . for youkai is all instinct, Kagome. Even a hanyou runs
on instinct when it comes to that. Its not something that is planned
out. Its not some strange ceremony. The mark is part of it,sure.
That's the final bond. Kagome and I had everything short of that,
because she stopped me . . . every damn time she stopped me . . .
She had her reasons. And they were good ones. . . and I honored her
decision.”

“Did you know that her life could have been
extended by it?”

“It could have gone either way, hers lengthened
or mine shortened . . .” he sighed. “It wouldn't have
mattered to me. Just so long as I was with her. But believe me when
I tell you, we were bonded,” he raised her chin to look into
her eyes. “I have waited a long time to find you.”

Kagome studied his expression for any hint of
deception. There was none. Only open honesty and so much love. Her
own concerned expression dissolved to one of wonder. How it could
be, she wasn't sure. She wasn't sure she cared how. This was
InuYasha, and he had come for her. That alone was enough.

“Sally says that we're soul mates. . .” she
whispered.

“I think Sally is very wise. . .” his kiss
was feather soft, and didn't last nearly long enough in her opinion.
“This time, Koi. . . I think we should do things the right
way.”

“The. . . right way?”

“Yeah.
. . I know you well enough to know that you want. . . what did you
call it? 'The real deal'. You aren't competing with anyone. It's
you, Kagome . . . and only you.
And I'll wait until you are sure of that.” He sat back, looking
thoughtful. “The monk seems to think I am trying to win you
over with my brother's wealth. All I really have is. . . me. I hope
that's good enough for you.”

“Good enough?” she asked in amazement. How
could he possibly think that he wouldn't be good enough? “I
feel like I've been waiting at the airport for 24 years waving a sign
with 'InuYasha' written on it. . .” She grinned at the
confused look on his face as he tried to visualize that. “I've
waited my whole life for you, and so far you have surpassed all of my
expectations. A real 'dream come true'”

She wrapped her arms around his neck, and drew him into
a kiss like she had only dreamed about. Little nips on his lips,
which he returned, then a soft parting and soon tongues were
exploring each other. Tentatively at first, then more boldly. Kagome
found his fangs positively fascinating as she reached up one hand to
trace the lines of an ear.

A soft knocking at the door interrupted them.

“Is the puppy still hungry?” came a muffled
inquiry from Selene. “Pizza is here, better get it while it's
still hot.”

“Shit . . . See what you've started??”
InuYasha groaned, then kissed her one more time before grabbing his
hat. “I'm starvin'!”

~ooO0Ooo~
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Finding Kagome