As Death Gives Life

Chapter 17 – Out With the Old and In With the New

A/N: I just wanted to thank you all for your outstanding support! Each and every review that I have received has been greatly appreciated.

~~~***~~~

BAMMM!! A hard hit to his jaw. Anger. Rage. How dare a human?! How dare a human female?! The force of the unexpected blow sent his head and upper body falling fast to his right. His right arm lashed out, steadying his body in motion. The fire raged. His long ebony hair swung through the air weightlessly falling about his face and shoulders as if it were priceless onyx threads of silk. Time stood still for a transient moment.

His inu shrieked inside of his head, ‘WE ARE A GOD!’ Anubis tried to calm his ancient beast, but the brute was infuriated at the indignity of being attacked in such an offensive manner. It was clawing and ripping at his inner psyche, ferociously overpowering his ability to reason. It demanded retribution for the actions of the mortal.

His right hand clenched, drawing through the black earth as long deadly claws shot forth from his thickening fingertips. His muscles pulsed beneath his tightly drawn skin. A low guttural growl tore from deep within his chest.

With speed that no human or youkai could ever hope to possess, Anubis sprang forth from his victimized position. In the blink of an eye he held his prey by her slender throat, with tiny feet dangling above the ground.

With silver eyes flashing dangerously the InuGod gnashed his lethally extended fangs as his long sleek ears came into position atop his head. The mortal returned his stare with wide frightened eyes. Her tiny useless fingernails dug frantically into the flesh of the claw that was currently blocking the precious air she required to stay alive. His talons dug painfully into the flesh of her throat.

“You BASTARD!” Inuyasha growled as he and Miroku swiftly ran to pull Anubis off of the terrified onna (woman).

“Lord Anubis, release Sango at once!” Miroku shouted with deadly intent. He had never felt such a fierce desire to protect his beloved Sango. He had never feared for her life as he did at this very moment.

“Anubis No!” Kagome screamed as she leapt to her feet, running to save Sango.

Anubis never heard the calls of Inuyasha or Miroku. Their threats went unheeded, and ignored by the raging beast that was currently bent on slowly killing the mortal dangling from his right arm. He was oblivious the screams of the young fox child or the frantic cry of the serenity demoness. Only one voice broke through the blinding haze of his inu mind.

Kagome.

Immediate recollection flooded his mind. He could not harm this onna struggling in his powerful grasp. His chosen female would never forgive him. Long ivory fangs receded into his pink gums. The metallic silver of his eyes began to recede, leaving the cold stare of crystal blue. His body pulsed as it returned to normal, while his deadly claws retracted. In mere seconds the ancient beast inside of the inuGod found sleep, leaving Anubis to atone for his actions.

Suddenly he released his grip, dropping the hapless female to the ground gasping for her stolen breath. He looked down to his left shoulder, finding the hands of the monk, and on his right, digging into his flesh was the claws of the hanyou. Both simultaneously released their hold on him. The monk fell to the side of the fallen woman, gathering her protectively in his arms, as Kagome joined him, crying out in relief. The hanyou took his place, standing over them all, as if to guard them from a new dangerous threat. His amber eyes met those of ice blue. God and hanyou glared dangerously, one at the other, while time again stood still.

Anubis shifted his gaze to Kagome. She looked up to meet his eyes. Her beautiful blue eyes were red and swollen, while tiny trails of tears continually flowed down her smooth cheeks. She looked at him with anger and... fear.

He had gravely underestimated the depth of feeling that each of these individuals held for one another. He never expected his gift of life to turn into this tumultuous chaos. This was not what he wanted.

The look in Kagome’s eyes ripped through his being, leaving him feeling unsure and weak. He had never been unsure and weak in the entire of his existence. He felt that he must say something, anything, to try and make things right once more. “Kagome, you must forgive this Anubis. Never have I been accosted by a mortal, and my inu broke free because of my rage. It was a dangerous and costly error of which I hope that you will find it in your heart to forgive.”

She heard his silken voice deliver his apology, and she could truly see the regret in his shining blue eyes. Then with the soft rustle of the finest linens imaginable, the Egyptian God turned and disappeared into the depths of the forest.

“I knew we couldn’t trust that bastard!” Inuyasha snarled.

“Just shut up Inuyasha! I’m tired and Sango is hurt, and I don’t want to argue with you right now,” Kagome angrily retorted.

“Whatever,” Inuyasha grumbled before he turned and sought out a thick tree branch to sit in.

“Sango, my dear, are you all right?” Miroku asked as he gently traced his finger tip over the red mark around her throat.

Sango smiled slightly, and replied weakly, “I’m fine houshi. That was stupid of me; attacking someone like him.”

“Aa, I must agree with you, Sango, but it was not as if he was undeserving of your wrath,” Miroku replied in a comforting voice. He rubbed his hand over her back in smoothing circles, while she regained her strength. He had never feared for her safety as he had when he saw Anubis lose control. He never wanted to feel that again. She meant more to him than life itself, and he would never wish to face the days to come without her.

Perhaps, now that Naraku was no longer alive to threaten them that it was time to take her as his wife? If she would have him of course. That was a frightening thought. What if she refused his suit? What if she thought him to lecherous to wed? His heart began racing with the panic of imagined rejection, and thankfully his distracted mind was brought back by Kagome.

“I’m so sorry, Sango. I can’t believe he hurt you like that. I feel so terrible for this whole thing!” Kagome began another bought of sobs. She had placed her friends in danger, gotten herself pregnant, and ruined her chances for the future. All in a matter of days. That had to be some sort of world record. At least it was a new record for her. She moaned pitifully, as she popped her forehead with the palm of her hand. “How could I be so stupid?”

“You’re always stupid. What’s new about that?” Inuyasha mumbled sarcastically.

“Si... no, Inuyasha. I’m not going to say it this time. You’re right. I am stupid,” Kagome cried.

Inuyasha looked down at her hunched back, crying pitifully. He felt a stab of regret for his harsh words. He didn’t mean it. Not really. Her crying was getting to him. He hated it when she cried. Her smiles were nice, and that’s what he wanted to see on her face, not trails of tears and puffy red eyes. He was so fucking angry with that damned Anubis for what he had done to his pack that he could rip apart an armored dragon right now!

“Shut up Inuyasha!” Shippo yelled! “Kagome doesn’t need your hateful remarks right now!” He shook his fist at the hanyou before making his way over to his friends. Kirara was already sitting in Sango’s lap. It looked like Sango was going to be ok. She was talking clearer now, and he couldn’t smell fear or pain coming from her scent anymore. He crept around her side and peeked from behind Miroku. “Are you hurt Sango?”

“Don’t worry Shippo. I’m fine. I was just a little shaken up there for a minute. I can’t blame him, I suppose. My temper got the better of me.” Sango tried to assure Shippo, and she was telling the truth. Her neck was a little sore, but nothing that she couldn’t handle. She was enjoying the attention from Miroku at the moment. He seemed genuinely concerned for her right now, and had not once attempted anything lecherous.

Kat walked over and took Kagome’s hand. She pulled her up, allowing her soothing aura to flow over her friend. She pulled a smile to her face, letting the warmth show in her magenta eyes. “Come Kagome, perhaps you could accompany me to the stream nearby for a drink. You can wash your face there. I am sure that you will feel a little better then.”

Kagome nodded slowly, and did not fight the calming strength of her new friend, instead allowing her aura to sooth her frazzled nerves. She stood and followed her into the forest toward the stream. They walked in silence, until they arrived at the cool running water. She kneeled down to splash some water on her face, and Kat began to speak softly.

“Kagome, I know that we have just recently become acquainted, and I do not presume to know your heart, but you are the closest thing to a friend that I have ever had. I want you to know that you have my loyalty, and I will stand by your side through your ordeal. I know that you care for Lord Anubis. I can see it in your eyes and feel it in your aura. In some strange way, I think that he cares for you as well.”

Kagome looked up, after wiping the excess water from her face, and smiled a little toward Kat. “Thank you Kat. That means a lot to me. I suppose I was beginning to fall for him. I’m just so stupid sometimes. Inuyasha knows me better than I know myself.” She shook her head sadly upon the last.

Kat huffed a bit. “Do not let that hanyou fool you. He has been beside himself with worry since the moment you left. He really cares deeply for you, Kagome. Does he love you?”

That question surprised Kagome, and she jerked her eyes up to look at Kat. “No! Well, yes... and no. You see, it’s a long story, but to make it short... we tried to love each other in that way a long time ago, but it just wasn’t meant to be. With chasing Naraku and searching for jewel shards, love just didn’t seem to fit in the scheme of things. Not for lack of trying on my part, I assure you.” Kagome gave a half-hearted laugh. “There was also a woman, Kikyo, that he used to love, and I look a lot alike her... Well, anyway, things just didn’t work out like that for us, and we came to care for each other differently. Like... best friends, or even like brother and sister. We love each other, but we aren’t ‘in love’ with each other.”

Kat sat back on her bent legs, and pondered this new information. She had wondered at the strange relationship that the two shared, and now it made a little more sense. Some hidden part of her felt... relief. Could it be that the arrogant, rowdy hanyou was finding his way into her heart? She shuddered at the thought. That could not be good.

Kat shook off her disturbing thoughts of Inuyasha, and focused once more on Kagome. “Do you know what you will do?”

Kagome sighed deeply. “Anubis says that the baby will be powerful, and sought after for its power. Just like the stupid jewel. How ironic, right? Anyway, he said that in order for me to be safe he has made arrangements with a powerful lord here in Japan, to take me in as his ward. I don’t want to go, but I can’t just traipse around feudal Japan throughout the pregnancy.”

“Perhaps you could return to your home? Is it safe there? Your family would surely attempt to keep you safe.” Kat questioned. She had to assume that Kagome came from a good family. She carried herself with an air of self-respect only derived from a wealthy home and parents who cared.

“I don’t... I... my mom is going to kill me!” Kagome looked up with fret showing on her face, and tears welling once more in her eyes.

Kat reached out and touched her once more, sending calmness into the overwrought girl’s soul. She watched as Kagome visibly sighed and relaxed.

“I suppose I can’t put it off forever, Kagome said, and it really would be safe where I’m from. I would rather stay there than with some stuffy lord that I don’t even know.”

“There now. You see, things become clearer as the moments pass by,” Kat said soothingly.

Kagome took a deep breath and released it. Kat was right. This was not the end of the world. Lot’s of women her age were single mom’s in the future. It was not looked down upon as it was in this era. She should return home. Her mother would be angry, but she knew that her mom loved her and would do anything to help her. Kagome looked up to Kat and put a genuine smile on her face. “Arigato, Kat. I feel much better. I think I know what I need to do now.”

Kat smiled back to her friend. Both women stood and headed back to the others.

The group of friends made camp there for the night, as it was getting late. They decided to head out at first light for Kaede’s village. Kagome was feeling a little more like her old self again, and Sango had recovered fully from her encounter with Anubis. The exterminator only sported a few small bruises on her slender neck, marking her encounter with a ferociously angry InuGod, and Miroku was fast recovering from the bash over his head issued by Sango after his soothing hands roamed a bit too far South.

Inuyasha remained in the tree, happy that things were getting back to normal. He was still furious at Anubis, but he would save it for that bastard. He was trying hard to accept that Kagome was carrying a pup now, and for some reason the thought kept making his stomach toss and turn. It wasn’t from jealousy, he was sure of that. It was something else altogether. As the night wore on, and he listened to the even breathing of his sleeping companions he pondered what it was that had him so edgy about Kagome being pregnant? After much thought, he finally came to one conclusion... he was afraid that she would leave him and never return.

~~~***~~~

Kagome stood at the edge of the old Bone Eater’s Well looking down into the darkness. It had been three days since she had last seen Anubis, and she couldn’t help but to wonder where he had gone? She wanted to talk to him before she made this trip to her home, five hundred years into the future, but he had never shown up.

She looked up to her friends one last time as they stood behind her waving good-bye. She told them that she would return within a month, after she had seen a doctor, and made some arrangements with her mother. Inuyasha was still angry with her for leaving, and she couldn’t figure out exactly why he was so mad. Naraku was dead, and Inuyasha had already said that he didn’t want to risk tainting the jewel by making a selfish wish, so the shard hunt was officially ended. Besides, she already wore the majority of the jewel dangling from her neck. The only shards remaining were in the possession of Kouga and Kat. Much to Inuyasha’s disagreement, they had decided that those shards were safe where they were for the time being. It always made her mad that Inuyasha had to pout so terribly whenever she wanted to go home. It made it worse because she had no idea why he acted that way.

Now, here she stood, ready to go home and try to explain to her mom how she became pregnant by an InuGod from Egypt. Would her mom even believe her? She groaned just thinking about the look she was going to get when she told her. ‘Hi Mom. I just popped in to tell you that I’m pregnant by the Egyptian God Anubis. You know, he’s an ancient God of the Dead? Oh yes, he is such a hottie.’ Another groan of misery escaped her. ‘She’s never going to go for that.’

“Just go already,” Inuyasha spat. “I ain’t got all day to dally around here ya know.”

“Fine Inuyasha,” Kagome sharply replied. She turned to the rest of her friends, who were glaring at Inuyasha hatefully. “Bye guys. I’ll see you all in a month.”

Everyone said sayonara, and watched as Kagome launched herself off of the wells edge. They waited for the magical blue light to appear, signaling her transport to the future, but instead they heard a dull ‘thump’, followed by an “Ouch!”

Inuyasha quickly leaped into the well. “Kagome! Are you hurt?” He found her sitting up on the floor of the dirty old well. She looked at him strangely, and then suddenly she broke out into a fit of tears. By the Gods he hated it when women cried! “What’s wrong? What happened?” He asked anxiously. The tears made him even more afraid that she was injured.

“It didn’t work, Inuyasha. The well... it didn’t work,” Kagome cried desperately.

Miroku, who was watching from above along with the others, yelled down, “Kagome-sama, do not cry so. Perhaps it was just a fluke. You should come up and try it again.”

“No!” Inuyasha shouted. His voice echoed off of the cave. He then bent down and scooped up Kagome, before jumping out of the well and out onto the green grass. He gently sat her down and stood up. “I’ll try it. Kagome could get hurt, falling from that far.”

“Good idea, Inuyasha,” Miroku agreed.

Sango and Kat helped Kagome up. She seemed uninjured, though her ankle was just a little sore. They all made their way to the edge of the well, and watched as Inuyasha jumped in.

Nothing.

The hanyou stood at the bottom of the old well looking around in frustration, as if some corner of the dusty relic would hold some secret to its sudden demise. He then looked up to the faces of his comrades, finding one in particular, who broke his heart. Sadness was etched on Kagome’s beautiful face like none he had ever seen before. It was as if her entire world was destroyed and she was left to grieve for eternity.

Inuyasha jumped out of the well. Kagome had begun to cry again, and was being held tightly by Sango. He walked up and pulled Sango away, and took Kagome into his arms. She sobbed into the chest of his haori and he simply held her while she did so. “Kagome, I’m really... you know... sorry. I didn’t want you to go, but I never meant for this to happen.”

Through the sniffles and sobs Kagome managed to say, “It’s not your fault, Inuyasha. You didn’t do... this.”

After awhile the group began to slowly make their way back to the village. Kagome was exhausted from her tears, and very much needed to rest. Inuyasha promised that he would return to the well, and try again later, which he did. Unfortunately the result was the same.

Nothing.

It appeared that the time portal through the old well had closed for some reason, trapping Kagome in the feudal era with no hope of returning home.

~~~***~~~

Two weeks later....

Kagome stood happily by while she watched the ceremony. Sango looked lovely in her wedding Kimono borrowed from Kaede’s young cousin. Miroku stood proudly beside her as Kaede preformed the wedding ritual, and Kagome again found herself shedding tears. This time, however her tears were not born of sadness, they were of joy. Joy felt for her two dear friends who had finally admitted their true feelings to one another. They deserved to have happiness in their lives.

Briefly she glanced to her side, and thought that she caught a smile on Inuyasha’s face, but it was gone before she could be sure. Shippo stood next to her, and Kat was standing beside of Inuyasha. The villagers were gathered around as well. All were excited to share in this event as it had been a long time coming. For two days the village had been a bustle of activity as flowers were gathered and foods prepared for the big day. It was turning out to be a beautiful occasion, and Kagome found that her worries had taken a back seat in her mind. Today was for Sango and Miroku. She would mourn her own life tomorrow.

Everyone clapped happily as Miroku publicly kissed his new bride. His wondering hand found its way down to Sango’s round rump, but for the first time in years, Miroku walked away from his lecherous act unscathed. When the passionate kiss was broken, Sango turned to the crowd blushing furiously from embarrassment, while the monk sported a huge grin. The crowd found this quite funny, and a round a cheering laughter surfaced. Kagome joined in the fun, and even Inuyasha managed a chuckle.

Everything was going wonderfully. The feast was perfect and a few of the farmers gathered with old instruments to play a few tunes. Dancing and sake was enjoyed by all.

Then, something happened that changed everything. At least for Kagome.

She was sitting next to Kat enjoying a bowl of fresh cherries, when she felt something strange. It was familiar, but it took a moment before she fully understood what was taking place. Kat felt it too and looked up. Just in front of them began to materialize two figures.

The tiny bits of swirling darkness joined leaving two tall figures standing proud.

The villagers gasped in fright and awe as they stepped back from the figures. Kagome heard several call out ‘youkai!’, and she quickly jumped to her feet before things got out of hand. She turned away from the magnificence before her and to the people cowering in fear. “Please listen! They are not youkai! They are friends! Do not be afraid. Just return to the festivities!”

The gathered people looked at the young priestess strangely, but with trust. She was well respected in their village, and she would not lie to them of such matters. Slowly they began to turn back, leaving only a few curious eyes looking on.

“Anubis,” Kagome said with a bite to her normally light voice. “You finally decided to make an appearance.”

Anubis chose to ignore her remark, as he really did not have time to argue. He stepped forward and stopped in front of her. He glanced to his companion. “Kagome, It honors me to introduce you to my cousin Wepwawet. He is the Opener of the Ways, and General to Lord Osiris.”

Kagome bowed respectfully to the cousin of Anubis, who looked remarkably like him. The two could have been twins were it not for a few minor differences. The main thing she noticed was that the mark on his face was in the shape of a black vertical line, beginning at his forehead and ending at his jaw line. He was also larger, more muscular, and wearing strange looking armor. Clearly a warrior. “It’s a pleasure to meet you General.”

Wepwawet stepped forward, taking her hand in his. He leaned down and kissed her hand. “The pleasure is all mine, Lady Kagome.”

His voice was very deep, and as smooth as fresh cream. It sent a shiver over her body, and his touch made her a bit dizzy. His eyes were darker than those of Anubis, as well, giving him a more mature appearance. All in all she had to admit that he was just a hot as his cousin. It must be in the genes.

After clearing his throat and sending his cousin a warning glare, which was met with a mischievous smirk, Anubis stepped back up to his chosen female. “Do not mind Wepwawet, Kagome, he does not get out much.” She giggled, and Wepwawet released a gale of deep laughter that seemed to warm the souls of everyone present.

Kagome turned her full attention back to Anubis. “Just where have you been, anyway?”

“Please forgive this Anubis. It was not my intention for you to worry.”

“Oh yeah?! Well too bad! She’s been worried plenty, thanks to you!” Inuyasha shouted as he dropped from a tree limb nearby. He had been lounging in the Sacred Tree, when he felt a powerful aura, and he knew who it was immediately. Kagome’s ‘boyfriend’. That bastard.

Anubis looked up from Kagome’s lovely face to find the insufferable hanyou glaring at him. Wepwawet stepped forward, with narrowed eyes sizing the boy up.

“You want a piece of me?!” Inuyasha growled as he reached for the handle of his sword.

Anubis held out an arm, stopping Wepwawet’s approach. “Hold your tongue Inuyasha. You are no match for the General of Osiris. He would mop the floors with your blood. Besides, we have not come to fight. I have only come to inform Kagome of why I have been unable to come to her side.”

Inuyasha glared at the new guy, and then turned his narrowed amber eyes on Anubis, “Well, spit it out and get the hell out of here. We’re trying to have a celebration here, in case you didn’t notice.”

Kagome looked over to Inuyasha, and sent him a warning look. “Inuyasha, don’t make me say it.”

The hanyou flattened his furry ears to his head and stepped back. No way did he want to get ‘sat’. He just had a bath that morning.

Anubis waited until he had Kagome’s full attention once again. “There has been an unfortunate turn of events in my homeland requiring my presence. It seems that Alexandria has provided a fleet of ships to the Marmelukes of Egypt, and they have sailed to India defeating the Portuguese just off of Bombay. Though the battle was won there have been many losses. Too many souls for Wepwawet to guide on his own. I must return to assist the dead in their journey.”

“Oh,” Kagome murmured. Her eyes were wide as facts from history class began pouring through her mind. She faintly remembered reading about that somewhere. Strange that an ancient war from a faraway country could have a direct effect upon her.

“My dearest Kagome. Do not fear, I must go now, but I shall return upon first light. Then we shall travel to your new home. It is a beautiful palace. I am sure that you will be safe and happy there.” Anubis could now see the rising panic in her face, and he hated it. If only he could stay with her. If only he could be a true father to his child.

“You ain’t taking Kagome anywhere,” Inuyasha growled as he landed next to the miko.

Anubis looked up and growled at the boy. “You try my patience Inuyasha.”

“I’ve protected her this long and I’ll keep protecting her! She doesn’t need anybody else!” The angry hanyou said as he stepped up closer to the InuGod.

“Is that so, hanyou?” Wepwawet asked. The soldier stepped up beside his cousin, and looked down upon the much shorter half demon. “Would you be prepared to fend off an army of demons bent on taking her child?”

“I’ll do what I have to!” Inuyasha defended.

Kagome put out her hand to Inuyasha. “It’s alright Inuyasha. I know that you would defend me with your life, but General Wepwawet is right. As strong and brave as you are, you are only one. I can’t ask you to continually fight to save me, and to save this child. I’ll go with Anubis...” She looked back to Anubis, “... only if he promises that my friends can come too. Maybe not to stay, but at least to visit whenever they wish.”

Anubis regarded her request. Would the taiyoukai mind that these friends of Kagome’s come into his palace? He thought back to the human girl happily picking flowers in the garden. The demon had to have some kindness of heart to allow her to stay under his care. Does that mean his kindness would extend to Kagome and her friends?

It mattered not what the demon dog thought, for he had already signed the bargain by accepting the return of his lost arm. There was no time to scour Japan for another suitable host. The taiyoukai would simply have to accept them all, like it or not.

Anubis smiled and kissed Kagome lightly on her lips, “We leave at dawn, little flower. Your hanyou, and friends may accompany us if you like.”

Kagome recovered from his tender kiss, and watched as he and Wepwawet faded before her eyes.

“That’s fuck’n creepy when they do that shit,” Inuyasha grumbled. Then he turned to Kagome. “I don’t like this Kagome. I’m not just gonna leave you with a bunch of people that you don’t know.”

“Thanks Inuyasha,” Kagome replied sadly. It looked like he wasn’t going to have much of a choice. Apparently her child was going to attract all the wrong kinds of people, and as much as she trusted Inuyasha to protect her, she couldn’t risk the life of her unborn child. If Anubis had made arrangements for their safety, then that’s where they should stay. The one thing she was sure of was that Anubis wanted this child badly, and he would have made sure that this lord was powerful enough to protect it.

Tomorrow she and her baby would be moving to their new home.