Through Blood and Fire

Disclaimer: I do not own InuYasha. He belongs the brilliant Rumiko Takahashi!

Chapter 4 - Unpleasant News

Kagome awoke early the next morning and walked downstairs. She made her way to the kitchen for breakfast, even though she didn’t feel any more hungry than she did last night. She got to the kitchen doorway and heard her mother on the phone.

“Yes. I understand perfectly the seriousness of this decision, but my family and I have discussed the issue thoroughly and have all agreed to make the necessary adjustments so as to allow Nico to live with us.”

Kagome heard the voice on the phone continue to talk some more and saw her mother’s face light up.

“That’s wonderful. We were a little worried about the money, but this news is great. My daughter will be thrilled to hear it.”

Kagome wondered what on Earth her mother was talking about. She heard the voice on the phone continue on and her mother motioned for her to get her a pad and pen. Kagome did as asked, gave her mother the supplies and took a seat back down at the kitchen table.

“Yes. I have it written down now. Okay. We are very excited. Thank you again. Have a nice day.”

With that, Ms. Higurashi hung up and turned towards Kagome.

“Well Kagome. It looks like you won’t have to get a second job after all. Nico is entitled to Keichi’s entire inheritance and she will also be receiving a monthly check from the American government because she’s half-native American. It will be plenty to support her. She also graduated last month, so that takes care of schooling. The only thing you’ll need to help her with is her Japanese.”

Kagome smiled and was inwardly relieved at new news. At least she would be abl spe spend more time with her cousin now and not have to worry so much about school and a job.

“The agent also said that she will be here in two days. She arrives at 1:00 in the afternoon and they will be traveling with her and will bring her to our house. Would you like me to fix you some breakfast, Kagome?”
“No thanks. I’m not really hungry.”
“Are you going through today?”
“Yes.”
“Your going to miss them a lot aren’t you?”
“Yes. Especially Kouga. I love him so much but I decided last night that I would release him from his promise to me.”
“KagoYou You shouldn’t do that. You love him. Why would you let him go?”
“Because who knows how long it will be before I can go back through and he has already been so respectful and patient, waiting for me. Coming through to this time to ask you and Grandpa and even Souta if we could marry. I couldn’t do it to him to make him wait anymore. He’s a prince wolf demon and he needs a matet cat can be with him right now and can give him pups right now.”
“Is that what Kouga said?”
“No. He said he would for all eternity for me if that’s how long it took.”
“Then maybe you should rethink your decision.”
“No, I’ve made up my mind.”
“Alright Kagome. If that is your final choice.”
“Yes. Where is grandpa?”
“Out in his little shop. Why do you ask?”
“I was going to have help me seal the well for the time being.”
“Why would you do that?”
“Because if I don’t, Kouga and the others would come through after me.”

Kagome stood and walked back upstairs to change before her mother could say anything else. She changed into a pair of belled jeans and a care bears t-shirt. She then slipped on some flip-flops and walked back downstairs and straight outside to find her grandfather.
She found him right where her mother said he would be. She bowed and walked to stand beside her grandfather.

“Grandpa? Can you do something for me?”
“Yes my little Kagome. What is it?”
“Could you for real make a strong spell that would seal off the well so that noone could get through. Not even Kouga or InuYasha?”
“If that is what you truly want.”
“Yes. I’m going through today to bid them all farewell but I know that if I don’t seal of the well, they’ll come through after me.”
“Then it shall be ready when you get back.”
“Thank you grandpa. I’ll be back in a few hours.”
“Alright child.”

Kagome turned and walked out. She began to make her way to the well. Tears began to well up in her eyes. I’m not going to cry. I can’t let them see me cry. Kagome walked into the shrine where the 500 year old well was kept hidden from the outside world. She shut the door and walked up to the well. She peered down and then lifted one leg over the side, then the other. She pushed herself off the side and down into the well. The now all to familiar blue and purple lights began to surround her and she hit the bottom of the well. She looked up to see a beautiful blue sky with birds flying over head. She climbed the ladder and sat on the edge of the well. She looked around and took in deep breath. The air was ys sys so clean and fresh here in the past. She loved it here. So much so, she had told Kouga she wanted to live here in the past with him instead of in the future after they had married and mated.
Kouga loved Kagome so much, he was ready to give up his pack and move to the future permanently. But Kagome wouldn’t have it. Even here will all the demons chasing after her and the constant threat to her life, she wouldn’t trade any of it. She hopped off the side and began walking to Kaede’s village. She would miss the old woman dearly. She had been like a grandmother to Kagome. She hadn’t been walking no more than five minutes when a whirl wind came straight at her. Before she could blink, she was in Kouga’s arms, his lips pressed hungrily to hers. When he finally broke the kiss, he wrapped her in a tight hug.

“Kagome, my love, it has been too long sincu hau have gone.”
“Just two days Kouga-chan.”
“Two days too long my mate.”

Kagome smiled at this. Even thought they hadn’t mated yet, Kouga always called her his mate. Even before Kagome had let on about her feelings for him. She felt the tears at her eyes, ready to fall. Kouga pulled away and looked down into Kagome’s eyes.

“Why are you crying my love?”
“I’m just happy to see you.”
“I am very happy to see you too.”
“I need to tell you something Kouga.”

Kouga didn’t like the sound of that one bit. He could hear the pain in Kagome’s voice. If anyone had hurt his Kagome, he would tear them apart. Literally. Limb from limb.
“Kouga, I have something to tell everyone. We need to go to Kaede’s village.”
“Anything you want, mate.”

Kouga picked Kagome up, bridal style, and ran swiftly through the forest towards the village. Kagome wrapped her arms around Kouga’s neck and snuggled him tightly. Gods, she was going to miss him so much. She couldn’t hold back her tears and let them fall, being blown away by Kouga’s wind.
They reached the village and Kouga carried Kagome to Kaede’s hut. The old miko walked out and greeted them warmly.

“Kagome, child, it is good to see ye.”

Kouga put Kagome down and she walked over and embraced Kaede.

“It is good to be back, Kaede.”
“KAGOME!” Shippou jumped in leaps and bounds until he reached his surrogate mother. The young fox demon jumped into Kagome’s open arms and she snuggled him tightly. Ever since the thunder brother’s had killed Shippou’s parents, leaving him by himself, he had adopted Kagome as his mother and Kagome had been more than happy to take in the little fox demon. Shippou then jumped into Kouga’s arms and gave him a big hug. Kouga had also adopted the little kit as his own son.
Just as Kagome was relieved of the little kit, Sango came bounding out and gave her friend a quick hug. The demon slayer always thought of Kagome as her little sister and was grateful to have her as such a close friend. After Sango, Miroku came out fold byd by InuYasha. Miroku hugged Kagome and surprisingly, the perverted monk didn’t try to grope Kagome as he always did with her and Sango. Could have been because Kouga was right behind Kagome giving a low growl.

“Good to have you back Kagome”, said InuYasha.

InuYasha wasn’t a big fan of hugs and such but Kagome reached up and rubbed the dog demons silver, fur covered doggy ears. They were so cute and Kagome couldn’t help but rub them. Even when she first came to the Feudal Japan and saw him pinned to the God Tree, she had to touch them. They were just so soft and cute. InuYasha fehed and moved her hand away. He didn’t like it when people touched his ears. They were so sensitive, sometimes it would hurt when people rubbed them.
She backed off and turned to everyone.
“There is something I need to tell you all.”

Everyone fell silent. They all looked at her waiting with baited breath.

“Please. If we could go into Kaede’s hut so we could be more comfortable.”
“Of course, child. This way.” Kaede led Kagome into the hut.

Everyone looked a Kouga quizzically. He shrugged his shoulders but the worried expression on his face could still be seen. Everyone turned and walked into the hut with Kouga and Shippou bringing up the rear.
As soon as everyone had entered, they all settled into a comfortable spot and Kouga took his place next to Kagome. They all now waited for whatever Kagome had to tell them.

“I will try to make this as short as I can. Yesterday, I received some terrible news. My Uncle Keichi, my father’s only living relative other than Souta and I, was killed in a horrible accident.”

Kouga looked at Kagome and instantly wanted to hold her and comfort her, but she began to speak again.

“He’s wife died several years ago, almost 11 years to be exact. Out of their marriage, they had one child. A daughter named Nico. My younger cousin. A long time ago, we ver very close. She lives in the United States. Remember when I showed the different countries in my history book?”

Everyone nodded.

“I used to go over and visit her every summer. Well, since her mother, and now father, are both dead, she is going to come live with us. It will be a big adjustment for her. She’ll be living in a whole new country, speaking a completely different language. She does fortunately know Japanese, but still things are going to be hard for her. Mother, grandfather, and I have decided it would in everyone’s best interest if we did not tell Nico about my ability to travel through time.”
“But how do you plan on keeping it from her?” piped up Sango.

Kagome took in a deep breath.

“I have decided I will not travel through the well anymore. At least not until she has been able to get on her feet and possibly get a place of her own someday. Until then, I won’t be coming back anymore. I only came this last time to tell you all good bye and that we will see each other again one day.”

At that, everyone started talking at once starting with Kouga.

“WHAT! You can’t do that. Kagome, you can’t just leave and never come back. What about us? What about our life together?”
“And what about the jewel shards? We need you to help us find them,” said InuYasha.
“Kagome, there must be something else aside from leaving and not returning. You can’t leave me alone with this hentai monk,” piped out Sango.
“Yeah Kagome. Who knows what kind of perverted things I might do to Sango,” came Miroku’s reply. It was meant to be a joke, but nothing was funny right now.

Shippou jumped from Kouga’s arms and into Kagome’s.

“Mama, you can’t leave me. I don’t want you to go.”

The little kit began to cry uncontrollably. Kaede just sat there, not having said anything. Kagome began to cry. She knew this would happen. After everyone got their questions and statements out, they fell silent, waiting for Kagome to say something. She looked up. Kaede finally spoke.

“If this is what ye think is the best and right thing to do, than I shall not hold ye back. But know that ye will be missed and I will await ye’s return.”