A Love That Transcends Time: Book I

~*~Yay, I'm updating again! And this time, I've got something to tell you guys. Since a lot of people have been requesting to be notified by email whenever I update, I finally decided to create a Yahoo group. Those who're interested in joining can link here:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/luv_transc3nds_tym

I'll be collecting your emails and I promise to drop you a note whenever I update or make a new story. You'll be finding out more at the group. Anyway, on to my thanx!

To ramona grimalkit: Thanx so much for finally reviewing! *big hug* And for the huge pile of compliments I got from you. I tell you, it made me feel warm inside and I'm wearing this silly li'l grin after I read your review. As for your "constructive criticism", it's fine by me. I mean, that's what reviews are really made for. And you're my 2nd reviewer who put my tense-sickness into my attention, but I'm really really sorry. I can't seem to fix that flaw! WAAH! *cries in despair* Really. I tried, but up to now I can't seem to get the hang of it. So I'm sorry for the inconvenience, but I hope this mistake of mine won't put you off. The only compensation I can give you is to update more and try and write good chappys, I guess. So I hope you'll bear with me and drop me a line again, okay? Love ya lots!

To MegaBorX: Hey! I'm so sorry if you found the last chappy distressing, but I promise it's all part of the story. An essential, you might say, for my plans. I now know how this will end! *chants over and over again while laughing evilly* Kiddin'! hehehe. But I'm keeping it a secret for now okay? I'm keeping you in line for now with my update. :D So 'till next time and love ya lots!

To psycho: *shivers in fright* Wow, that glare of yours is really something. :D Well, I hope this one appeases your rage towards me *crosses fingers*. Hope you like this one, and please review again! Love ya lots!

To deamjem: *BIG HUG FOR MY NEW REVIEWER!!!* WOW. I mean, it's so flattering that you love reading this fic of mine and found it worth your while. I hope I haven't been disappointing you, and sorry if you get too anxious for my updates. :D To save you time AND money, you can go and join my Yahoo group to be notified whenever I update. The link is found above. So thanx for writing and hope you get to write again soon! Love ya lots!

To Kohana: *BIG HUG TO YOU!!!* Thanx a lot for taking the time to read and review, and for loving my story so far. And for liking the plot I've given you. hehehe. As for the happy ending, well we'll see. It will have its moments. Thanx once again, and I'm hoping to hear from you again okay? Love ya lots!

To Nina: *cackles in delight* Liked my small surprise? (Wow, I think I'm beginning to sound like Naraku! *shivers* :D) Anyway, yup, the plot really gets deeper now with that one. Makes you wonder what Kikyou's plan is, ne? Well, just a few chappys more and you'll find out. For now, I give you this chappy and hope you like this one. Write again, okay? Love ya lots!

To KagoKitty: Your excitement got the better of you! *clucks tongue in disapproval* JUST JOKING!!! hehehe. Thanx for not sitting on me for now... and I hope you still won't. (Please God, I don't know if she's heavy...hehehe) Well, probably you're not seeing as you're a dancer. *shakes my brains out* Anyway, gotcha on that last chappy, didn't I? Yup, Naraku's making her real just to screw her and for some other purpose, and yea she's been lying to Inu the whole time. Remember the chappy I made with Kikyou and Sesshy? The destination she went for is Naraku's castle. The evil guy's been doing some bargaining with her, but she refused. Now, well with Inu's "betrayal", Kikyou finally gives in. THAT BITCH! hehehe. And I agree, she's lost so much. Now she's losing Inu too. Poor Kikyou. She's deaf and blind to reason now! Anyway, so you can stop shaking me, I made this chappy fast to satisfy you. I'm dizzy now, please let go! :D See ya on the next chappy and Love ya lots!

To ktakn_yeni: Hi. Happy you reviewed once again. And I'm glad to have you as one of my newest reviewers too! *hugs back again* Thanx for liking the chappy, and I spun this one up fast for you! Hope you review again! Love ya lots!

To DreamAngel: *BIG HUG* Thanx for staying up 'till the early dawn just to read my story and for putting up a review after. You're amazing. And thanx so much for the nice things you said 'bout me *blush*. Glad you liked the lemons and everything. Hope you review again! Love ya lots!

To MelMuff: You're back! WEEBEE!!! *hug* Thanx for dropping by once again and filling me up with your praises. Missed those, so I hope you get to write more often. And I love you to bits too! :D Love ya lots!

To ReiHino: Hiya! Yeah, evil me making it into a cliffy. I hate cliffys but I still write them *sigh*. And yeah, I'm weird! *laughs like a witch* hehehe. Sorry for making you cry, but it was necessary. A few more chapters and the end will be revealed. WAAH! Thanx for the congrats, but I don't get a cookie this time huh? *cries like a baby* Just my way of saying I miss your baking. hehehe. Here's another update for you! Love ya lots!

AND TO YOU READING THIS: THANX SO MUCH FOR HITTING ME PAST 6000!!! YOU GUYS ARE REALLY REALLY "WOW"!!! I don't know what to say anymore. I'm just happy you guys are still here and reading my story. I hope you don't let go now 'coz things are getting really interesting! *wink* Thanx again, and enjoy reading! LOVE YA LOTS!!!~*~

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha... I share. ^_^


~*~Chapter 24—The Secret~*~


Two weeks passed by after Kikyou’s appearance. Everything is back to normal, with the exception of Sesshomaru and Kagome’s relationship. They came to an understanding after the night Sesshomaru caught Kagome’s fall and he now dotes on his sister-in-law. She reminds him so much of his own ward that it wasn’t hard to like her. And a grudging respect for Kagome took place in Sesshomaru when he discerned just how much noble and strong-hearted she is. He even tolerated and helped her in some of her shenanigans… like now.

They’re back at Kaede’s village once again after Sesshomaru explained that they would never find Naraku on their own.

~Flashback~


“He will be found when he wants to be. No one can track him and find him unintentionally. Naraku will come out of his own accord. He will find us,”

After that statement, they all agreed to head towards Kaede’s village to at least try and relax and act like “normal” people for a while, worrying about nothing. Kaede, of course, is surprised by the demon lord’s presence. But she nods her head in approval when she learned of their alliance.


~End Flashback~


For now, the males are standing outside the hut talking about “hunting”, with the exception of Shippo. He’s inside the hut with the ladies, trying to stay close to his surrogate mother’s side because of something he’s been noticing about her lately. He just can’t seem to put his finger, or rather his nose, on it…

“Kaede-baachan, Sango and I are just going to go bathe at the onsen for a while,” Kagome asked the elder for permission as she scooped Shippo out of her lap and put him down before standing.

“Hai, Kagome. I’m sure the hot springs will do good for what ails you,”

Shippo jumps up as Kagome and Sango went and got their things.

“Can I come with you, Kagome? Please? I want a bath too,” Shippo tried to convince Kagome but to no avail.

“No, Shippo. It wouldn’t be proper anymore. Besides, Sango-chan’s going with me. If you want a bath, you can ask Inuyasha or Miroku to come with you later,” Kagome said as she hefted the straps of her bag to her shoulders and went outside with Sango.

Shippo is about to follow, when Kaede stopped him.

“No, child. It would be best if you just stay here with us,”

“But Kagome’s sick! She is, isn’t she? I just want to know what it is so I can help,” Shippo wailed.

“No, she’s not sick, runt. And it isn’t my place to say what it is so you’d better just wait for Kagome to tell you about it,” Kaede said firmly.


~*~

Ou
Outside, the two women are asking their leave from the men.

“Inuyasha, we’re going to the onsen to bath okay? We’ll be back in a jiffy,” Kagome said in a rush, not wanting to stay longer in her mate’s presence. If he finds out…

“Sure, okay. Oi! Matte!” The hanyou said in afterthought right after Kagome grabbed Sango’s hand and went walking fast.

She stopped dead in her tracks. Oh boy, was she in for it now.

Sesshomaru, who’s standing like a statue and staring at Kagome in wide-eyed disbelief all the while, came back to his senses when his brother’s voice reached him and he saw his sister-in-law’s eyes pleading for help.

“Inuyasha,” Sesshomaru cut in. “I thought we were going hunting. Now is a good time, don’t you think?”

“Maybe later, Sesshomaru. I want to ask Kagome something,”

“Leave the women off to their bath. You’re acting as though you can’t keep your hands off of your mate. It’s embarrassing,” Sesshomaru said with a shake of his head.

“Keh! It’s of no concern to you, Fluffy,” A red-faced hanyou glowered at the dog-demon.

“I said stop calling me Fluffy, hanyou,”

“Make me!”

As the two brothers argue, Sesshomaru caught Kagome’s eyes and nodded indistinctly for them to leave. Kagome’s eyes mirror her relief and gratitude, and she mouthed a silent “Arigato” for her brother-in-law. Sango takes matters in her own hands and pushed Kagome to the direction of the onsen and running after her.

Miroku noticed this, and is very intrigued. He cleared his throat to get the two demons’ attention and said:

“Kagome-sama and Sango just left for the springs. What was it you wanted to ask Kagome-sama, Inuyasha?”

“Fuck! See what you made me miss, Fluffy? I was going to ask her something important, dammit,” Inuyasha said as he threaded his hands thru his hair in agitation.

“What was it you wanted to ask her?”

“I’ve been sensing something different about her this past week. Mainly her scent. It changed on me. And she’s nauseous lately too and always in a bad mood. For the love of Gods, I don’t know what’s wrong with the bitch,”

“Maybe she’s sick,” Miroku supplied. And changed his mind right away of voicing his opinions after the withering look he got from the demon lord.

“Did you think I hadn’t thought of that!? That’s why I wanted to ask her if she’s sick,”

Sesshomaru shrugged their comments off.

“I do not notice anything different from her scent, and I’m a reliable source. My senses are keener than yours, Inuyasha. Do not argue with me on this one. Your mate is fine,” Sesshomaru said in finality.

“Now do we hunt or waste our time gossiping like women?”

That comment made the houshi and the hanyou move their butts…

~*~

At the hot springs…

“I can’t believe Sesshomaru helped us! I know he knows we’re up to something but still… Gods, Kagome-chan, what did you do? Made him a potion to drink in order to like you!?” Sango said in amazement as they soak their bodies in the water.

“Oh, Sango-chan! You know I’m not a witch. Besides, Sesshomaru’s a likeable sort when you really get to know him. He’s got a soft heart under all the façade, but don’t tell him I told you so,” Kagome said while laughing.

“Him!? A heart? Are you sure he has one? Oh well, maybe he does. Rin’s with him, right?” Sango scoffed at her best friend. Then she turned serious.

“Kagome-chan?”

“Hmm?”

“Is it true? Are you really…?”

“I’m not sure yet. That’s why I’ve got to go home for a while. I don’t want Inuyasha to know I’m going ‘coz he’ll insist on coming with me. Or he won’t let me go at all. You know how over-protective he is of me these days,” Kagome sighed loudly.

“I don’t know, Kagome-chan. How will we ever pull this off? I mean, Inuyasha’s got this doggy nose and he senses well enough. He’ll know for sure if you leave,”

“He won’t. Sesshomaru will distract him. He probably knows what we’re planning now. But enough about that for now, Sango-chan. We weren’t able to talk much lately. I want to know what’s going on between you and Miroku-sama now,”

Sango blushed furiously.

“Nothing’s going on! Everything’s still the same,”

“Oh no, it’s not. Don’t think I haven’t noticed. I’m so glad you two are getting along so well now, especially that Miroku-sama’s not groping you anymore,”

“He still does, but not like before. I think I miss slapping him now,” Sango giggles.

“Oh, Sango-chan! I’m so happy for you. I guess things will work out now that you’ve admitted your feelings for each other,” Kagome said optimistically.

Sango fell silent over this, seemingly lost in her own thoughts. Then she spoke.

“We-we haven’t said anything about love, Kagome,” Sango admitted, her head bent.

“What!? Why not? You two obviously love each other. What’s stopping you from telling each other?”

“It’s too complicated, Kagome-chan. I wish I knew what it was too. But… for me, I just can’t until I know for sure he feels the same. I won’t take the chance of being rejected,” Sango said stubbornly.

“Baka! Did you ever think that Miroku-sama might be feeling the same way too? That he’s also afraid of your rejection? Have you ever wondered why he never asked you to bear his child even after he’s asked half the women in feudal Japan? God, Sango!” Kagome berated her friend.

“I’m not like you, Kagome! I need reassurance. I don’t have the strength or the will to say what I’m feeling with the chance of being made a fool. I’ve lost too much; I’m not going to lose more,”

Kagome now feels sorry for Sango. She’s going to deny herself from telling the houshi she loves him simply because she’s afraid of being left alone once again. And she knew that Miroku’s probably thinking along the same lines as her friend—because of the Kazaana.

Pride and fear kept them silent.

‘I wonder if they’ll have the chance of ever saying they love each other after the final battle. Well, I’m going to make sure they do! They’ll admit it, one way or another. Even after we’re old hags,’ Kagome thought determinedly and with a smile.

“We’d better go, Kagome-chan. Inuyashnot not going to be kept away from you for long. We’ll have a royal battle here just to keep him from the well. I hope Sesshomaru’s really on our side,”
Sango says as she gives Kagome her clothes.

They dress in a hurry and are running to the direction of the well when a silver-haired man comes into view. They stop, blinking in surprise as the demon faced them.

“Sesshomaru,” Kagome breathed in relief.

“Where are you going, miko?”

“I-I’m going home for a while, Sesshomaru-sama. I’ve got um, errands to do,” Kagome hoped her excuse is believable.

“You’re lying, but no matter. I know of your secret. The hanyou’s figuring it out too, but not now. Not yet. Are you planning on returning to your mate?” Sesshomaru inquired in a dull voice.

“Of course I’m coming back! I just want to make sure you know. And take precautions as it is! I’ll be back tomorrow. Please distract Inuyasha for a while. I give you permission to knock him out cold or use Miroku-sama’s wards on him if he gets too forceful,” Kagome told, or rather, ordered the two as she prepared to jump inside the well.

“Wish me luck. Sayonara!” And she was gone.

The Inu youkai and the taijiya stared at the well for a long time. Finally, the dog-demon spoke.

“Did she just order me about?”

Sango shrugged, not having the voice to reply properly. Her jaw is still gaping open, but she didn’t care. She’s still in shock.

‘Damn, but Kagome-chan’s really good at this!’


~*~


The blue light surrounds her as the magic of the well allowed her entrance back to her time. She closed her eyes for an instant, and suddenly she’s back in Modern Tokyo. She climbs up the ladder and swings her legs out of the well. She heads straight to the house and calls.

“Tadaima! Mama, I’m home!”

“Kagome? Is that you, dear? Is Inuyasha with you? Should I prepare his ramen?” Mrs. Higurashi asked her daughter straightaway while hurrying to meet her.

“Hai, it’s me, Mama! And no, Inuyasha’s not with me so you don’t need to get the ramen,” Kagome said laughingly as she launched herself at her mother.

They embrace like they haven’t seen each other for ten years, and went to the kitchen to have a light snack.

“But why are you here, Kagome? Why isn’t Inuyasha with you?” Mrs. Higurashi asked, perplexed.

“I ran away from him, Mama. But it’s not what you think,” Kagome said quickly as she saw the look her mother is giving her.

“Well, that’s a relief. I’d hate to know you separated after just almost two months of marriage. Oh, and you’re wearing his older locket now! That’s sweet,” Mrs. Higurashi gushed.

Kagome’s sweat-dropping now. Her mom could really drive a person insane with her change of topics one of these days…

“So why did you run away?”

“I had to, because either he goes with me or I don’t get to leave. It was all or nothing, Mama. And what I’m doing here is important enough to risk Inuyasha’s anger,”

“Why? What’s wrong dear?” Her mother asked anxiously.

“Well, I’m not really sure, Mama. After all, this is just my first time. But from what I’ve gathered, I’ve got all the symptoms,”

“You’re sick, honey? Oh you poor dear. Why didn’t you tell me right away? Is it flu? Come on, let’s get you to bed so I can take care of you,” Mrs. Higurashi’s voice is full of sympathy and concern as she ushered her daughter up to the bedroom.

Kagome seemed to step out of her stupor as her mother made as if to force her to lie on her bed.

“Iie, Mama! I’m not sick! Well… not exactly,” Kagome hedged.

“Then what is bothering you then, Kagome?”

“I get dizzy all the time and I’m sick usually in the mornings. Then I always feel the heat even though a wind’s blowing. I get tired easily and I’m such a shrew lately. I don’t know how Inuyasha copes with me. Anyway, I suddenly get this craving of Rocky Road ice cream, Mama! The one with thg whg white, fluffy marshmallows. Ooh, but my mouth is watering with the thought. Do you have any in stock, Mama?”

“Kagome dear,” Mrs. Higurashi said slowly as though unsure. “You hate Rocky Road, remember? You said you can’t stand the mallows and the nuts,”
Kagome looked over at her mother, who looks as if she’s in danger of falling anytime. She stood up and guided her mom to her bed and sat down beside her, linking their hands.

“I know, Mama. And you know what I think?” Kagome said in a low whisper.

“What?” Mrs. Higurashi asked in the same tone.

“I think I’m pregnant,” Kagome blurted out, and watched in horror as her mother fainted twice in the face of her surprises…


~*~Yay, she's going to have a pup! I wonder what it'll look like? Definitely KAWAII!!! Anyways, I just want to thank my new reviewers once again for finding the time and effort to say something about this story. I really appreciate it, and I love reading your reviews. I hope the others will say hi too! *crosses fingers once again*. And to my loyal and wonderful constant reviewers, thanx so much. I don't know where I could've been without you. Probably, I stopped writing this one already. So hurray to you guys and keep reviewing okay! By the way, I just want to ask if anybody's interested in beta reading me? Just to help me keep track of my mistakes. Onegaishimasu! Thanx for reading everyone and tc!~*~