Beautiful Souls

The farmer led them into the village from the fields, telling the travelers about the history of his homeland, and the more recent troubles that had plagued them. “Nine-hundred years ago, our village was even smaller than it is now. In the year 717, a great Buddhist priest named Taicho Daishi came here to hike Mt. Hakusan.

“While he slept, the kami appeared to him in his dreams,” he cleared his throat. “ ‘Taicho-sama was told: ‘Lying twenty to twenty-four kilometers from the base of the mountain is a village called Awazu. There, you’ll find an underground hot spring with wondrous restorative powers that the Physician of Souls, Yakushi Nyorai, has bestowed upon it. The people of the village, however, do not know of this good fortune. Descend the mountain and head to Awazu. With the people of the village, unearth the hot spring – it will serve them forever.’ ”

Miroku nodded, smiling to acknowledge the look of pride on their guide’s face. “Taicho Daishi… I have heard much of him. He was a great teacher of Buddhism, and the tales of his many deeds are astounding.”

The farmer nodded. “That’s him, alright. My ancestors were with the original settlers of Awazu, and helped Taicho-sama dig up the springs. Anyone who was placed in the water was immediately healed of anything that ailed them. Well, the priest ordered Garyo Houshi, one of his disciples, to build the spa and run it. The Houshi Ryokan has been in their family for generations.”

Looking at Miroku, the farmer gave him a friendly smile. “Because of Taicho-sama and everything he represents to our village, we’re usually much friendlier to visitors… especially priests. I want to apologize for our behavior earlier on the road. These days, we’ve become a bit suspicious of what we don’t know. There’s no excuse for it, except for our own ignorant fear.”

Inuyasha snorted, but Miroku smiled. “We understand completely. Could you explain to us a little of the situation here?”

The farmer frowned. “Well, you saw some of it today… most of it, actually. Several months ago, the weather started changing, messing up a good deal of our farming. You saw the stream, of course. The mountains may seem like an unusual spot for farmers, but for our people, it’s a way of life. We prepare for the seasons as we always have, and this weather,” he shook his head. “I tell you, if things don’t change soon, the winter is going to be a hard one for us.”

“What about the snakes?” Inuyasha asked abruptly.

With a curious glance at Kagome, then a nervous one at the hanyou, the farmer replied, “Our village has a history with snakes too. Our ancestors dealt with a whole plague of them before Taicho-sama came and got rid of ‘em all. Legend says he trapped them in a lake at the base of the Gankyo-ji mountain, near the shrine.

“Anyway, they reappeared around the same time the weather changed, which is why so many of us believe that the kami have been angered. We thought that the biggest problem was the threat to our livestock and fields, but after today it seems like they’re responsible for a lot of the other stuff around here too, don’t it?”

Inuyasha noticed that the man kept sneaking glances as Kagome, and answered the question to remind the farmer of his presence. “The snake bite gives the snake control over it’s victim. Looks to me like the hebi youkai were trying to make you all think the gods were responsible to hide whatever it is they’re doing.”

Stopping in front of the spa, the farmer met Inuyasha’s eyes forthright. “Can you stop them?”

“Keh, if we can’t, no one can.” Inuyasha stated arrogantly.

The farmer’s eyes fell to Kagome once more, whose eyes were now open. The color had returned to her skin and she no longer looked weak. “Are you alright…?“ He trailed off, not knowing what to call her.

“Kagome,” the girl offered with a small smile.

The man’s face was surprisingly pleasant when he smiled back at her. “You did us a great service today, Kagome-sama. I’ve never seen anything like it and I’m honored. If there’s ever anything you need, don’t hesitate to ask.”

Kagome felt the low growl begin in her mate’s stomach, and she placed a hand on his arm to comfort him. “Thank you.”

“Well, this is it. Let’s go inside and see if we can’t find the Aruji.” Frown once again in place, the farmer led them inside the spa and he excused himself to find their host.

Kagome was able to stand on her own again, and she looked around at the room that only looked slightly different from how she remembered it. It struck her as odd that she was standing in a room she would be in again, five hundred-years from now. It was a thought that had only seldom crossed her mind in Kaede’s village, even though her own house and family shrine would one day inhabit the very same location. The small village looked so dramatically different from the place she called ‘home’ in her own time, that she hadn’t really thought too much about this aspect of time-travel.

More interesting was the fact that they were about to be introduced for the first time to someone they had already met. Kagome now realized why the aruji and his wife had been so interested in meeting with them on their honeymoon… they must have remembered the couple from their first visit, although it had been five-hundred years earlier. No wonder they’d been curious.

Running her hand over a wood carving that sat near the entrance, Kagome wondered how much they should tell the aruji and his wife. They were very ancient youkai, after all, and telling them the truth might just work in their favor. However, she remembered how few actual details the couple had known about them while on their honeymoon, and the miko felt more confused than ever.

“I see you are drawn to the power of our beloved goddess, Izanami no Mikoto. She is one of those who protect our beloved mountain, and bless us as well.” The Aruji gave the statue a tender glance before turning to welcome his guests with a formal bow. “Welcome, my friends. I have been told of your actions in our village today, and I am honored to have you in my home.”

Inuyasha returned the Aruji’s bow along with the others, and he remembered the strange feeling the older youkai had given him when they’d first met in Kagome’s time. He had known an awful lot about his two guests on intuition, and now the hanyou understood a little better.

Following their host, the group was led into a larger room, where they were ushered around a large table. A large hearth filled one wall of the room, providing much needed warmth to the frozen travelers. A second set of doors opened on the wall opposite the hearth, and the Aruji’s wife entered with tea for their guests.

The Aruji greeted his wife with a kiss on the cheek, which surprised them all. “Forgive my open display of affection, but my wife and I are very close… you see, we’ve been together for many years now. I am Zengoro and my wife is Chizuko.”

Chizuko nodded her head to them and continued pouring tea. Zengoro waited politely for her to finish before continuing, addressing Miroku when he finally did.

”I must apologize for the welcoming you were given upon entering out village. It is tradition that any visiting holy man or woman be brought into the chapel to lead service, and would always be welcome for as long as he, or she is here. I am ashamed to admit that when adversity comes, good manners go.” Zengoro smiled wryly.

“We understand,” Miroku assured him. “We were hoping to hear more about your troubles… we believe that we may be able to help.”

Zengoro eyed them all, not losing the smile that graced his face. “Truly, nothing would please me more than to see an end to the problems that plague us, but I’m afraid there is nothing to be done. You see, any action that could be taken lies within my responsibility, as Aruji and village leader. Unfortunately, I have been unable to get up the mountain pass since the snow began to fall, and all attempts to clear it have met with failure.”

Inuyasha grunted, “Listen, we’ve done stuff like this before. It couldn’t hurt to let us try.”

“Even if I were willing to risk your lives in such a way, all the paths are blocked. I cannot claim to know every route to the top of Mt. Hakusan, though I’ve lived here my entire life, but I have tried all the routes I do know and none are passable.” Zengoro shook his head sadly. “It is my duty to continue trying to rescue our village, but there is much more to this situation than anyone else is aware of, and I am incapable of sending you into danger, even if my villagers do think you are gods.

Kagome started. “They think we’re kami?”

Zengoro’s eyes twinkled when he turned to the girl, “Especially you, my dear. It seems you made quite an impression on the men. Will you tell me what occurred today? In your own words?”

“Yes…” Kagome hesitated, looking to Inuyasha to see if he had any idea how much they should reveal about their identities.

“Zengoro…” Chizuko spoke quietly, but her voice drew everyone’s attention. She was studying Kagome closely as though trying to see inside her. “This girl is more than she seems. She has power similar to that of a god, although she is human. Her aura is strong; the core of it is pure white... I have never seen anything like it in all my days.“

Inuyasha answered the question for Kagome. “Snake youkai have been using their venom to control the villagers. My mate was able to free the man from his possession, and we killed the demon.” He paused for a moment, looking back and forth between the aruji and his wife. “None of us is only what we appear to be. Like I said, we’ve done this before, and we have an idea what’s responsible for it. One of us was attacked by another hebi youkai, and we’d like to find out why.”

Zengoro looked at each of them in thoughtful silence. “Who are you?” He asked quietly.

Sango leaned forward, “We can’t tell you much about who we are or what we are, because we’re just figuring out all the details ourselves. What we can say is that we have been entrusted with a great gift, and it is our job to fight for it. We’ve faced many things, and I assure you that we won’t leave here until either we’re dead, or the youkai are.”

Chizuko broke the silence that filled the space between her and the taijiya. “You are with child, young one… and so is the other girl. Surely you do not wish to risk the lives of your children as well as that of your own?”

“If we don’t, there may be nothing left to leave them when all is said and done.” The surety in Sango’s voice made Kagome shiver. Her friend was right. It was risky, but if they didn’t protect the world from any threat that arose, then no one would.

Zengoro and Chizuko made eye contact, and it seem to their guests that they shared pages worth of words in only moments.

The aruji sighed, nodding his head. “You have my permission to stay, and help in any way you are able. I will tell you all that I know, and I only ask that, when the time comes, that I be allowed to fulfill my duty as Aruji by coming with you.”

All eyes turned to Inuyasha, who realized the decision was being left up to him. “Fine,” he snorted. “I don’t know many elk youkai, but I’m sure you can take care of yourself.”

Zengoro’s eyes widened a bit, and he exchanged a look with his wife. “I must admit - I am impressed. The spell my mate and I use to mask ourselves is quite powerful, and not well known.”

Kagome took Inuyasha’s cue. “I am familiar with the concealment spell. We are both able to see through it. Please, tell us your story.”

With a curious nod, Zengoro poured himself another cup of tea, and settled into a more comfortable position on the floor before beginning. “Many years ago, a monk came to our mountain, where the kami came to him in a dream and told him of the hot springs where this spa now stands.”

Miroku nodded, “The farmer who led us here told us of Taicho-sama. I have heard that he accomplished many great things in his time.”

“This is so. One of those things concerned the snakes of Mt. Hakusan. You see, I have been here for twenty-eight generations, acting as Aruji of this spa, and headman of this town. Due to the concealment spell, the villagers are none the wiser, and we prefer it that way. It allows us to do our duty to the kami without any unnecessary hostility from misunderstanding humans.”

“Forgive me for asking, but why are a couple of youkai so interesting in helping out humans and serving the kami?” Shippou asked, hoping not to offend the elk demon. “I mean… most of the youkai I know want exactly the opposite of that.”

Chizuko laughed sweetly, instantly making the kitsune blush. “That is true, little one, but like the hanyou, and you yourself, not all youkai are bent on destruction. My mate and I have lived in these mountains for many, many years, and it was here that we learned to love and serve the kami who protect our mountain.”

Zengoro took over his mate’s story. “When Taicho-sama had his dream on the mountain, the kami sent Chizuko and I to him and we became his disciples, helping the priest to fulfill the task the kami had given him.

“When he left, Taicho-sama left us here to establish the spa, and continue helping the people. It was the will of the kami that my mate and I protect and teach the citizens of their village, and to act as guardians of the shrine dedicated to them.” The Aruji suddenly looked sad. “But, I fear that something has happened to the temple, and I have failed in my responsibilities.”

Kagome couldn’t bear the sorrow evident in the old man’s face. “Please… I’m sure that there was –“

The Aruji smiled kindly. “It’s alright, child. Allow me to finish the tale, and then we may discuss a means to correct this error… whether it is my fault or not.” He paused and closed his eyes, as though searching for his place in the narration.

“Before Taicho-sama left the mountain, he asked that a temple be erected to enshrine the three kami whose power had the greatest influence over the land. When the building was done, and the ceremony underway, Izanagi no Mikoto, Izanami no Mikoto and Kukurihime became joined as the sacred protectors over Mt. Hakusan, and all who dwell there.

“Chizuko and I were there to witness this ceremony, and to hear the voice of the kami as they gave Taicho-sama yet another task. You see, there are many gods who live upon Mt. Hakusan, but until we enshrine these three, none of them had enough power to eradicate the evil that had dominated the area. Taicho-sama was given the power to do this, as reward for his strength of faith.”

Zengoro’s eyes were open, but focused on nothing as he peered back through the years to the night of the cleansing. “ Taicho-sama began to glow with a white light that was painful to look at. We worried that he was in danger, but the look on his face told us that all was well, so we waited there with him until the night had ended, and then through the following day. When night came again to the mountain, the priest opened his eyes and bid us follow him.

“Not far from the temple, in the valley just below, there was a beautiful lake, surrounded by trees. My mate and I had not known of this place before that night, though we had roamed the mountains since the days of our birth. We could both feel the demonic energy filling the air, and for the first time, I was afraid.”

Taking her mate’s hand in her own, Chizuko continued for Zengoro. “Taicho-sama didn’t hesitate as he walked to the edge of the water, bidding us to stay behind and safely out of the way. Even if we had been brave enough, at that time, to go with him, something was preventing us… a shield, between ourselves and the lake, that would not allow us to come nearer than we were.

“So we waited, watching with amazement as Taicho-sama began radiating light again, and spread wide his arms. He chanted in a low voice, and we could not make out his words, but it did not take long to see the effects of them. A writhing mass of serpents rose from the lake, frenzied with anger. Darkness poured from them in waves, making Zengoro and I ill with its intensity.”

“Taicho-sama sealed the snakes into a rock cliff, binding them with his spiritual energy so that they could not escape.” Zengoro continued. “Immediately, the energy in the valley began to shift as evil left and benevolence rushed down from the kami shrine not far above. Ever since then, peace has ruled our mountain, and our farms and village… until a few months ago, when the snows began.

“Snow isn’t unusual here… even in the height of summer, the peaks of Mt. Hakusan are still white. However, for us to receive snowfall this far down the mountain at the end of spring is truly unusual.” Zengoro leaned closer to his guests, “and such gales of snow, as if it wanted to crush us all!”

The aruji sighed, sitting up straight again. “That’s when the snakes began coming down from the mountain. The farmers believed they were running from the snow, but I knew differently. Somehow, the hebi youkai must have gotten free, and that can only mean trouble… and the events here today have confirmed my worst suspicions.”

“These youkai are old… some even older than we are, and they’ve been trapped with their anger for a long time.” Chizuko addressed Kagome, holding the girl with a firm gaze. “We must get to the temple shrine, at the top of the Gankyo-ji Mountain. The only way the youkai could regain control of the land would be through destroying the temple and trapping the kami. We must prevent it, if that hasn’t occurred already, and if it has… I’m afraid things are worse than we’ve feared.”

“Why?” Kagome asked. Things seemed bad enough to her already.

“Only a very powerful youkai could have the strength to trap the kami… and power urged by fury is a dangerous combination. “ Chizuko explained. “Passion generates a power all its own, that can strengthen anyone’s energy. Someone who has learned to channel their energy through their emotion could either destroy, or save the world.”

Zengoro nodded in agreement. “It is this reason that makes me despair the most. Someone with that kind of power would be nearly unbeatable, even if we could get close enough to fight. My own power is immense, but the emotion of the heart, even a black one, is fierce.”

Inuyasha smiled, “Kagome has it… that’s how she saved the farmer earlier today. It’s also how we killed the snake youkai.” His voice was low, but filled with unmistakable pride.

Kagome nodded nervously as the eyes of their hosts examined her carefully, with undisguised interest.

Zengoro looked back to Inuyasha. “The main problem that needs to be addressed is how to get to the shrine. No matter how hard I’ve tried, I could not find an open pathway.”

Kagome frowned. “What about the path near here? Behind the spa and about five kilometers down the road?”

“I’m sorry, there is no such path,” Chizuko frowned.

Inuyasha and Kagome exchanged a glance, both wondering the same thing. The path in question was the one that they themselves had taken at the urging of these very two youkai in the modern world. Was it possible that the trail did not yet exist, or were the aruji and his mate simply unaware of it?

Turning back to Zengoro, Inuyasha spoke. “We think there might be a way… but we’ll need to check it out before we’re sure.”

Zengoro looked puzzled, but he agreed easily. “Of course. Why don’t you and your mate come with me, and Chizuko can show the rest of your party to their rooms.” Looking at his mate, he added, “and can we see about getting these travelers something to eat? They must be hungry.”

Miroku stood and bowed to the aruji. “Thank you for your hospitality. If you wish, I would be glad to lead a morning service for your village.”

“We would be most honored… it will do the villagers good to hear you after all they have suffered lately.” Zengoro smiled as he ushered Kagome and Inuyasha back into the front hall.

Knowing that he shouldn’t be, Inuyasha was surprised to find that the snow had begun again in earnest while they had been inside talking. The wind had picked up as well, and great flurries of ice whipped around them, biting at any uncovered flesh it came across. Crossing his arms over his chest to prevent the chill from creeping up his sleeves, the hanyou scowled at his bare feet before making sure that Kagome had grabbed her jacket.

“Oh no,” Kagome protested when Inuyasha began to remove his haori for her to wear. “I’ve got my jacket; you need that more than I do. I never can understand how you’ve lasted so long without shoes… you’ll catch cold, for sure.”

“Keh,” Inuyasha scoffed, retying his obi. “I’m fine.”

Kagome rolled her eyes at her husband before turning to lead the way to where she remembered the entrance to the path would be. The landscape hadn’t changed too much, but there were distinct differences that made locating the opening in the trees difficult to locate. The village was smaller, and the tiny huts had not crept so near the tree line as they would in the future. The garden she had enjoyed so much on her honeymoon had not even been started yet, causing the girl to close her eyes to try and recapture the image it would present one day.

“It’s just over here,” Inuyasha said, pointing towards a shadowy patch of trees.

Zengoro looked uncertain, but hopeful. “I don’t know of any path beginning near here, but it has been some years since I was able to roam the mountain freely.“

Where the entrance to the path should have been, a row of trees stood, huddled close together as if hiding their secrets from man and youkai. Kagome’s heart dropped, but she wasn’t surprised. If Zengoro and Chizuko were unaware of a path here in this time, chances were that it didn’t exist. “I guess it isn’t here yet,” she commented, with a sigh.

The aruji’s face did not change upon hearing the young woman’s comment, but he did turn to look at her, wondering what was not being said out loud between these mysterious strangers. “I am sorry, my friends. It is unfortunate that there is not a path here… the trees are so dense that snow would not have covered the ground beneath their bows.”


Inuyasha was frowning as he stared at the undergrowth. Sometime, within the next five hundred years, a path would be discovered right in front of where he was now standing. Closing his eyes, the hanyou could clearly see the path as he remembered it from before. The trees had still been numerous, gathering in close around the edges of the dirt walkway.

Opening his eyes again, Inuyasha took a few steps closer to the trees, examining it closely. He could hear Kagome questioning him, but he only shook his head, intent on looking for the thing that he knew instinctively had to be there. Sure enough, there was one spot where the trees were not a close together as the rest… wide enough for an inu-youkai to pass between. A large hedge had grown between the towering beeches, and the hanyou eagerly pushed the branches aside to see what lay behind.

All that was visible were more trees, but several rows further back, he could swear that an empty patch of dirt led off higher, beyond where he could see. Giving a frustrated growl, Inuyasha backed up several feet, grabbing hold of Zengoro and Kagome as he went.

“What are you doing, Inuyasha?” Kagome yelped in surprise.

“Finding that path,” Inuyasha gritted through his teeth as he drew the Tetsusaiga, raising it above his head.

“Oh!” Kagome instantly understood, but had no time to decide whether or not she should protest when the blade swung downward, severing the scar in the wind and sending a violent discharge towards the forest. She ducked behind her mate just in time for the explosion to deafen her.

For a moment, they all stood still, waiting for the wood dust to clear from the air before examining Inuyasha’s handiwork. The hanyou stepped forward, growing closer to the area that was now short a few of the trees that had impeded them only moments before.

Zengoro gasped in surprise as a trail suddenly appeared in view. It was thin, and winded its way sharply upward, but if these two were correct, it just may take them all the way to the temple on the mountain’s highest peak. Turning to Inuyasha, astonishment covered his face. “That is truly an amazing weapon…. Something tells me that there is more to the two of you than meets the eye.”

Inuyasha grinned fiercely, “There always is, Zengoro.”

The aruji studied the couple for a moment longer before sighing, with a shake of his head. “I suppose we will leave first thing in the morning then?”

Inuyasha nodded. “As soon as the sun… wait, we?”

Now it was Zengoro’s turn to grin. “Of course. I told you I would be coming and I meant it. You don’t think I’d allow you young ones to have all the fun, do you?” His face turned grim as he added, “besides… I have a sacred duty that I must perform. I need to do my part in protecting the kami for as long as I remain keeper of the springs and protector of the people.”

*********************************

Kagome looked pensive as she held the small hand mirror arms length away from her body, angling it so that she could see the outline of her naked body reflected on its surface. She wasn’t able to see much in the tiny piece of glass, but the girl was almost certain that she could detect the slightest curve on her normally flat stomach.

At dinner earlier that night, Kagome had noticed that Sango’s kimono appeared to be a little looser than usual, and upon closer observation, she realized that the taijiya had not clothed herself as tightly as before due to the swell that had begun to reshape her athletic figure. The miko had been occupied throughout dinner by thoughts on her own impending motherhood, and on the approaching battle as well.

Kagome did not regret that she had forced the issue of coming along – she needed to be with Inuyasha, for her own sake, as well as his. It was only now that they were preparing to go into battle, that the girl remembered her previous misgivings about the soaring Mountain range. She was not afraid of what would come - she had been through enough situations like this to know that fear would change nothing. She did harbor a healthy respect for the unknown however, and that was enough to cause a sense of humility in her.

Running a hand across the newly forming grade of her belly, Kagome considered her emotions, trying to determine what they portended. First in her mind was the confusion caused by Inuyasha’s vision and her dreams of their death at each other’s hand. Just as her mate had said that he did not fear her, nor did she fear a killing blow from the hanyou. Still, she was left with the lingering impression that something – something tremendous, would happen to the two of them once they reached the highest peak of Mt. Hakusan, and her senses literally trembled with the premonition.

The only thing that tempered Kagome’s heightened sense of awareness in this matter was her overwhelming feelings of loyalty to those whom she considered family. More than Inuyasha, Shippou, and the unborn pup growing within her, there was nothing she would not do for Sango, Miroku and Kohaku to ensure their continued survival. They were more valuable to the girl than anything, and she’d be damned before she allowed them to enter a fight without her at their side.

It was funny how being immortal made one more cognizant of death, instead of less. It made Kagome aware that, were any of her loved ones to fall, she would be forced to exist for all of eternity without them beside her – and that idea was unthinkable. The kami must weep in torrents of rain when an immortal is taken from them.

A strong pair of arms wrapped around her from behind, pulling her close and easing all morose thoughts from Kagome’s mind. Smiling, she closed her eyes and inhaled her husband’s comforting scent, reminding herself that she was safe; she was protected, as long as Inuyasha was beside her.

“What are you doing, standing here naked?” Inuyasha murmured in her ear.

“Feel,” Kagome whispered, pulling his hand down to inspect the change in her figure.

Inuyasha was puzzled, but allowed Kagome to lead his hand where she wanted him to go. The hanyou knew every inch of his wife’s body; knew every nuance that made up the woman, so his eyes widened in delight as he realized what she was trying to tell him. His breath caught for a second as he inspected the slowly growing area with his fingertips.

Laughing out loud, Inuyasha picked Kagome up and carried her to the padded tatami mat bedding. Laying her down, the hanyou lay down next to her, placing his head and ear against her stomach. Kagome giggled as his hair tickled her skin, and Inuyasha playfully commanded her to ‘shush’, as he listened intently.

After a few minutes of silence, Kagome gently raised one hand to stroke Inuyasha’s uppermost ear. “What can you hear?” she whispered.

“Nothing really, just you.” Inuyasha rolled over so that he was facing his mate, allowing her access to his other ear. His eyes fell closed as she accommodated his unspoken request and began to play with the second soft triangle that was now exposed.

A low growl of contentment that sounded eerily similar to a cat’s purr rumbled in Inuyasha’s throat, and Kagome had to bite her lip to keep from giggling. “Are you scared?” she asked him.

Inuyasha’s eyes fluttered briefly, and for a second, the rumbling stopped. “Keh… I told you, I’m not afraid of snakes,” he muttered, settling in closer to her touch.

“No, I mean…” Kagome began to explain. “ What I meant was, are you nervous about becoming a father?”

A moment of silence passed between them as Inuyasha thought about his response. Finally, he sighed, “ a little. I mean… I don’t even really know what father’s are supposed to do, since I never really had one.” Opening his eyes, the hanyou focused on Kagome. “It feels… right, though… like, now I have the chance to fix the crap that happened when I was a pup by doing right with my own kid.”

“I know you’ll be a great father,” Kagome assured him.

Inuyasha lifted his head. “How do you know that? I hope I’ll be a good father, but I don’t know anything.”

Kagome just smiled. “Come on… I’ve watched you with Shippou when you think no one’s looking… especially now that he asked you to be his father. You act all gruff and rough when the others are around, but when they’re not, you’re a big softie, and you know it! Besides, you have a good heart and you know what it’s like to be a lonely child, so why wouldn’t you be good at giving your pup everything it needs?”

Inuyasha searched his mate’s eyes for a moment, and an evil gleam entered his eyes. Giving a sudden battle cry, the hanyou turned onto his stomach and launched himself on top of Kagome, who giggled a shriek at his behavior.

“So I’m soft, huh?” Inuyasha asked mock threateningly as he held himself above her.

Trying to keep a straight face, Kagome nodded solemnly. “As a feather.”

An arched eyebrow was her only warning as Inuyasha pressed the length of his body against his mate’s, immediately contradicting her assertion. “Wanna guess again?”

Kagome’s breath escaped her body in a small gasp as she felt the evidence of Inuyasha’s desire pressed against her stomach. Her tongue darted forward to wet her lips before she said “I… I could be willing to reconsider….”

Inuyasha flashed a wicked grin. “I guess I’ll just have to prove it then,” he murmured, drawing his claws up her side.

Kagome shivered at the feel of his nails gently caressing her skin. She knew that Inuyasha was still talking to her, but she was having trouble focusing on anything but his hands as they worked their way closer to her breasts.

“That’s the downside to all this traveling… we don’t get to spend as much time alone together, do we?” Inuyasha loved watching her face as he touched her body. It gave him tremendous pride to be able to reduce his normally verbose wife into a state of speechless frenzy.

“Um-hmm,” Kagome managed. Groaning softly in frustration as Inuyasha purposefully avoided touching when she needed him most.

Inuyasha continued trailing his path over Kagome’s body, teasing her with his touch. Leaning in to brush his lips against hers, he whispered, “I’ve been missing you.”

“Inuyasha,” Kagome exhaled.

“Have you missed me, Kagome?” Inuyasha questioned with heavy-lidded eyes.

The curve of one nail brushed against one of Kagome’s hardened nipples, and her stomach flip-flopped in response to the contact. “Oh,” she whimpered.

Inuyasha was beginning to have trouble breathing as well as he leaned closer to Kagome, kissing the pink nub of flesh and eliciting another soft moan from her. “Didn’t you miss me, Kagome….”

It wasn’t actually a question, and Kagome knew that, yet she struggled to swim out of the haze that had overcome her at Inuyasha’s touch - trying to give him the answer she knew he wanted. Lifting her hands, she slipped them inside of his haori, attempting to push it off of his shoulders.

Inuyasha helped her by loosening the obi at his waist and letting her pull the material away from his body before he captured her hands between them. “Tell me you missed me….”

Kagome nodded frantically, unable to wait before feeling his skin against hers. With trembling hands she pulled the fabric of his hadagi from where it was tucked into the hakama, and was able to whisper as she removed that article of clothing, “I want you, Inuyasha.”

The hanyou grinned… it wasn’t what he’d asked for, but it was good enough. Gently, he closed his mouth around one of her breasts, laving it with his tongue and cupping the other one with a free hand. Swirling his tongue around the raised tip, he sucked gently, bringing it completely into his mouth before releasing it to the coolness of the mountain air that crept into their room.

Kagome pressed one hand to the back of Inuyasha’s head, urging him closer against her while using her other hand to tug at the already belt-less hakama, not content to be the only one of them who was completely unclothed. She held her breath as his tongue trailed a slick path down her abdomen before dipping into her navel. The unexpected pleasure that shot through her body at that action made her gasp, and she clamped her teeth down on her lower lip, cognizant of the other members of their group sleeping in the rooms on either side of them.

Inuyasha left no inch of Kagome’s flesh unexplored with either tongue or hand as he continued his journey south. Pausing at the crossroads of her thighs, Inuyasha met her eyes before using his finger to open her to him and running his tongue lightly along her innermost folds. Her hands fisted in his hair, holding him closer as he pressed deeper, tasting the sweet liquid that was the essence of Kagome’s longing for his touch.

Her knees arched into the air, pressing her hips closer to his heated mouth and driving his tongue deeper within her. Kagome cried out as Inuyasha began to growl softly, the noise reverberating through her body and grating at the fragile hold she kept clamped tightly on her passion. Allowing herself to get completely carried away would bring the entire inn to their doors, wondering what was the matter.

Inuyasha left Kagome’s warmth to finish his exploration of her body. When he reached her feet, he sat back on his heels, taking a brief moment to admire her. Despite the steadily decreasing temperature in the room, a light film of perspiration coated her body, produced by an internal heat that made her glow with its fervor. Her hair laid spread out behind her head, unkempt and chaotic, shining in the reflecting candlelight and framing the heart of her face.

Kagome’s eyes were focused on Inuyasha, but the slate blue orbs seemed heavy; fathomless. She reached towards him, but he merely smiled, lifting one of her feet to kiss the delicate curve. She arched towards him as his tongue again appeared and his fangs brushed against her. His every touch sent spikes of heat shooting through her, and the escalating twist of want in her gut wrenched tighter.

Inuyasha finished removing his clothing and stretched out above her, supporting himself on his hands. As his eyes met Kagome’s, he thrust himself into her, gasping as her warmth surrounded his. “Gods, Kagome…” he whispered, beginning to rock his pelvis against hers.

Kagome surrendered herself to the sensations that coursed through her body, never taking her eyes off the gold flash of her husband’s eyes. The intimate connection of their souls made the joining more potent, drowning her in the love that radiated from Inuyasha.

Their pace was slow; sweet with whispered terms of endearment and tender gasps of excited passion. There lay no desperation within either of them – nor any fear that this moment of gentle lovemaking would be their last. For this one moment, held tight in each other’s arms, neither experienced the sadness or stress that would occupy their hearts the following night.

Now it was enough to know that they were together, safe where they belonged after foolish years spent in wonder and worry. This would be their eternity – centuries upon eons of his touch and her kiss, multitudes of lifetimes with no thought beyond this moment and the next. Both Kagome and Inuyasha could see their lives within the heart of the other, and how could one ever fear death when there was so much to gain?

As Inuyasha and Kagome shuddered through their simultaneous release, voices rising in exalted offerings of praise to the kami for their partner, the hanyou experienced a moment of premonition tickling along the inside of his brain, making him take another minute to ask the gods for their protection – not only for himself, but for his family.

***************************

Yachiro entered Kuroseirei’s chamber without knocking... he was not expected to announce himself any longer. The hebi youkai queen stood before the window, facing away from him, but he waited anyway, knowing that she would address his presence in her own time.

Kuroseirei inhaled the night air, thrilling at the darkness that filled her lungs. Her people were busy out there in the gloom, watching and waiting for her orders. None dared defy her and all feared her. It was as it should be. Only one thing further would protect her power and ensure her dominion over the world. For now, she had no other choice than to wait… patient enough to spring upon her prey at precisely the right moment.

“I know why the kami sit atop their high mountains, Yachiro,” the queen said aloud, acknowledging him. “From the greatest heights of the world, one can truly feel her own power. No one can touch you… beg for your help. You are alone with your power, and it is enough. The lesser beings do not exist at these heights.”

Yaichiro remained silent, knowing that she wasn’t actually speaking to him, or expecting an answer.

Turning to face her underling, Kuroseirei smiled coldly and barely seemed to move a muscle as she came to stand before him. “Do you bring me news, beautiful one? Or are you here for more… earthly delights?”

Yaichiro smiled back, but bowed his head respectfully. “My Queen, I am sorry to report that we have lost a soldier today… Akare was slain in the fields earlier this afternoon. I just received word from one of the others who was there.”

Pushing him back against the bed, Kuroseirei lowered herself to sit upon his chest, running a hand along his torso enticingly. “Perfect,” she whispered. “They have come.”

Yaichiro reached up to rub his queen’s breast through the silk of her kimono as Kuroseirei unfastened his hakama, baring him to her. “As you knew they would… they will find a way up the mountain and - ”

“... fly right into my waiting arms,” she laughed, just before impaling herself upon the snake youkai in a frenzy far different from that of the two lovers who now slept soundly in the village below.

******************************************************************************

A/N: Almost all characters in this story are brought to you through the genius of Rumiko Takahashi and the letters N, A & L. I do not own the characters, they own me.

Hey all! Guess what? I’ve been nominated for Best Action/Adventure Fic of the First Quarter of 2005, by the Inuyasha FanFiction Guild! YAY ME! I’m very excited, and honored for the nomination. Thanks so much to the reader who felt my story worthy, and to the other reader who seconded the vote! Final voting is happening now, and the results will be revealed on May 30, so wish me luck!

Hey guys... what happened to all my reviewers? I miss you! Do I suck? Let me know!

Juice - Don’t worry... we’ll have babies before this fic ends. The names have been chosen and the winners will be announced soon! Glad you liked the fight scene! Another one is coming up, so stay tuned!

Diane - We have such a great mutual admiration society, don’t we? I’m very excited about our upcoming project, and I intend to do the research thing for our fight scenes as well... I want them to be even better! Thank you for translating my brain lint into beautiful works of art! Love ya, Sis!

Vikki - Here’s the promised lemon... again, just for you! Hope it pleases. Emotions are such a huge part of Inuyasha. They drive all of the action for each of the characters, and it is what makes them strong. I really wanted to put focus on that because if you can learn to gather power from your emotions, then your emotions can’t control you. I’m excited about writing the Kouga fic... it’s gonna be good! I’m getting all my ideas gathered for the one-shots now, so hopefully they’ll be exciting for you all. Miroku is such a great character! He seems so superficial sometimes, but he really is a lot more than that and I’m glad you noticed that side of him. He’s such a great character. Tell your boyfriend that I promise to tone down the emotionally disturbing content in my story... NOT! Tee-hee... I live for your reactions!!! Till next time, love!

New Fan - The snake Queen has her eyes open... she’s a very formidable opponent! We’ll be seeing a lot more of her in the next two chapters... I just hope she’s a suitable villain for our heros! Thanks for the encouragement! I crave it!

Stuey - I was wondering what happened to you! Thanks for the compliment about the characterizations. I was torn between which way that scene with Kouga and Inuyasha would go, and then it suddenly just came to me like that. Sometimes they just speak for themselves and I can’t control what flies from my fingertips. It’ll make Kouga’s upcoming one-shot that much more effective! See you soon!

Kumiko - Yay for squishyness and warm fuzzies! You get a cookie for reading my fic all of Sunday! I hope I updated soon enough for you, and the next chapter should be out next weekend, so I hope to see you there! Thanks!