Inu Too by Leloi “Inuyasha?”  Her words were soft and somewhat out of breath as she jogged behind the hanyou. “What now?”  Inuyasha cursed, looking back at the girl that followed him.  Even though he was the one weighed down by her backpack, she still had trouble keeping up. “I think he’s following us.” The hanyou stopped, looking back at the way they had come through the well, squinting off into the horizon.  “I told you to stay home!”  His voice trailed out into the field they were passing. A figure in jeans and a t-shirt stepped out from behind a tree.  “But, grandfather…” “Go back through the well and don’t come back.”  Inuyasha growled. Sullenly the young man turned into a dog and bounded away. “I don’t think he’s going to leave.”  Kagome whispered. Inuyasha frowned and re-adjusted the backpack.  “He had better.  This is no place for someone like him.” The girl nodded and stared dully at the hanyou’s arm.  “When you said… that grave was mine…” “Come on.  The sooner we get out of the open, the better.”  The dog demon led the way from the well.  “We’ll meet up with the others tomorrow, but I want to stay out of the village tonight.” “Why?” “My affliction.” Kagome frowned and continued to follow the hanyou.  “Then where are we going?” “Someplace safe.” His rushed steps brought them several miles from the well.  Kagome looked around, wondering where they were going.  Her senses told her that the other hanyou still followed. “Here!”  Inuyasha growled, ducking into some bushes.  The girl followed and found a small entrance of a cave.  The entrance was low, but she managed to crawl in, nearly bumping into Inuyasha and her backpack. “It isn’t very big.”  Inuyasha breathed, setting her things off to the side.  “But no one knows this is here.” “How do you know?”  Kagome asked, blinking at him in the darkness. “I just do.”  Quickly he scrambled out of the cave.  “You might want to settled for the night… the sun will go down soon and we’ll lose our light.  I’m going to get us some food.” The girl watched him go, feeling helpless in the small cave.  It was like taking shelter in a medium sized, rocky tent.  Her backpack took up a lot of space.  With a deep sigh she opened the bag and searched for her sleeping bag and her flashlight.  Switching it on, she saw the rocky floor was softened with old mosses and grasses, as if it was some kind of nest.  An old piece of fabric sat folded in the corner and she tugged at it.  Once it had been a beautiful kimono.  Now it was stained and dirty.  “Here!”  The hanyou crawled back into the cave and handed Kagome a basket of vegetables. “Where did you get these?” Kagome asked, staring at the basket in shock. “I didn’t steal them… if that’s what you’re thinking.  There’s a wild garden nearby.  It hasn’t been tended in years, but the plants still grow.”  Taking a huge radish, he bit into it.  Kagome took a fruit and bit into it, tasting its sweet juices flow down her chin.  “Mmm.” Inuyasha ate in silence, occasionally looking to the entrance of the cave.  “No one’s been here for years.  There used to be a hut nearby.  But that fell down a long time ago.” Kagome finished her fruit and wiped her hands on a towel she had brought.  Casually she shined the flashlight on the kimono.  “What is that?” Inuyasha’s eyes shone in the dim light.  Setting the radish aside he crawled to the kimono.  “This was…”  Reverently he picked up the kimono and held it to his chest.  “The woman that wore this kimono died a long time ago.”  “Why is it here?”  Kagome asked, staring at the hanyou. “I brought it here.  After they killed her… I didn’t want to go back to the hut.  I was… afraid.  So I came here.” “It’s… your mother’s.”  It wasn’t a question. Inuyasha nodded and put it back in the corner.  “Inuyasha… will you tell me about the grave of your mate?”  Kagome whispered. The hanyou sighed and glanced back at the entrance.  “The sun is going down…”  His eyes closed and his breathing came in gasps as if he was working through pain.  Finally he slouched against the side of the cave.  “You don’t know how long I lived here… alone.” “Inuyasha…” “I was almost a century old when I first heard of the Shikon no Tama.  You would think I would have had some sense in my head… but I was still young by demon standards… only just reaching my adulthood.” Kagome sat back on her sleeping bag, staring at him in the semi-darkness.  “And when a girl suddenly showed interest in me… I was confused.  I never had the experience to deal with it before.  So I let her talk me into giving up my demon side… and living as a human.  If she accepted me as human then… I wouldn’t be alone anymore.” “You love her.  She loves you.” “Yes.  That’s why I can’t let her fall prey to Naraku.” “Did you want her to be your mate?” “Kagome, don’t ask me stuff like that.” “Why not?” “Maybe at one point… all those years ago… I did.  If it meant no longer being alone… I would have become human and been her mate.” Kagome was silent, laying down on her sleeping bag.  “I’m sorry… you’ve lost two people who’ve cared for you.” “And I’ll lose another.”   His words were soft and broken as his body slid down to lay on the collection of grass and moss. “Your mate…”  “You.”  The hanyou took deep breaths and rolled onto his stomach, coming a bit closer to her on her sleeping bag.  “I don’t know how I’m going to… You’re just so…”  In the darkness his hands wiped at his eyes.  “And I follow…”  His voice was soft… almost too soft. “Inuyasha, I’m not dead… yet.  I’m here and we still have a lot to do before I can go anywhere.”  Kagome rubbed at her own eyes.  In the darkness his body caught hers, pulling her hard against him as he shook with silent sobs.  “Don’t leave me…” The girl held the boy… the human boy.  But age wise he wasn’t a boy at all.  By human standards he was ancient… ancient and… vulnerable.  “Inuyasha, I won’t ever leave you willingly.” “I’m sorry, Kagome.  I don’t mean to be so…” “It’s alright.”  Her arms tightened around his body.  “Inu-kun is here.” “Now?”  Inuyasha sat up and was handed Kagome’s flashlight.  The human hanyou shined the light on the cave entrance.  “What did I tell you?” “I know.  It’s just… whoa!  What happened to you?”  Inu-kun asked, scooting closer. “What does it look like?” “Like… you’re human.” A frown crossed Inuyasha’s face.  “Don’t you turn human?” “No.  I’m more than half demon.” “Lucky for you…” “Inu-kun, why did you follow us?”  Kagome stared at the other hanyou. “I wanted to make sure that you were safe, my lady.”  Inu-kun replied. “Look here, whelp.  This is MY time.  I can take care of things here.”  Inuyasha tried to growl.  His human vocal chords weren’t very good at it and he ended up coughing. “Inu-kun, you should probably go.  The village isn’t so far away.  Tell the houshi, Miroku and the demon slayer, Sango that we’ll be there tomorrow.” “Demon slayer?  Are you trying to kill me, my lady?”  Inu-kun asked with wide eyes. “They’ll think you’re Inuyasha.”  Kagome answered. “Why?”  Both hanyou asked at once. “He looks almost exactly like you, except for his short hair.”  Kagome reasoned.  “Inu-kun, if you let them think you’re the Inuyasha they know… and then tell them you’re actually his grandson, they should go easy on you.” Inu-kun stared dully at the ground.  “If that is what my lady wishes… I will do as she says.”  Silently he stepped out of the cave. Kagome and Inuyasha waited in silence, staring at the dark opening of the cave.  “He’s gone…”  Kagome breathed. Inuyasha sighed and relaxed against the floor of the cave.  “Annoying little… why does he have to be related to me?” “Because your blood will live on.”  Kagome whispered.  “Besides… he’s related to me too.” “What?”  The hanyou sat up and blinked down at the girl in the darkness. “If I’m your mate, that means I’m his grandmother, right?” “I suppose.”  Inuyasha lay back down.  “Kagome, let’s not have our daughter for a long time.” “I’m too young to even think about kids now.”  The girl whispered, settling in her sleeping bag. The hanyou was quiet for a time before whispering.  “I thought it would all end with me.” Kagome rolled towards him, gently reaching out to touch his shoulder. “It’s alright.  You sleep now.  We have a long day tomorrow.”  His words were soft and tender. The girl pulled her hand away and snuggled into her sleeping bag. ^.~ Darkness surrounded her and she heard laughter, insane laughter.  “You’ll die, human!”  “No!”  Kagome screamed, running as fast as she could… and yet she wasn’t running at all.  The faster she ran, the further away everything seemed to be.  Something tripped her and she fell hard, looking back over her shoulder. “Death to the human!  DEATH!” “No!  Inuyasha, help!”  The girl cried.  Her senses told her that he was there, but where was he?  Why wasn’t he doing anything?  “Inuyasha!”  The other youkai held her down and she could feel their hot breath on her body as she struggled to free herself. ^.~ Kagome woke, gasping for air.  It was dark, but there weren’t any youkai around… except Inuyasha.  The hanyou didn’t exactly count in her mind as a youkai.  Quickly she rolled over and wrapped her arm around his waist, resting her face on his shoulder.  The nightmare was still fresh in her mind, but his presence helped relieve her fears.  Inuyasha seemed to wake and roll towards her, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her tightly against him.  “Mate…”  His mumble was soft as he took a deep breath and crushed her to him. “Inuyasha…”  Kagome breathed, uncertain how to react. The hanyou moaned and pushed his hips against hers over and over.  His movements started slow and tender before building to something of desperation.  With a small cry he stopped and gasped for air. Kagome stared at him in the complete darkness.  What was he doing?  Was he asleep?  Her awareness shifted to her leg, feeling a warm wetness coming from his pants.  “Inuyasha?” The hanyou’s hold on her relaxed and he rolled over onto his back as breathing slowed back down to normal.  “Shit…”  Quickly he sat up and crawled out of the cave. The girl was left in the darkness.  What had happened?  School had given her a background in the sexes… but had Inuyasha really… because of her?  Kagome waited for him to return, anxious to know the truth.  Inuyasha took a long time to come back.  Finally he crawled in and lay down beside her. “Inuyasha?” “Were you awake?”  His words were soft, tempered with a hint of fear. “Yes.” “I’m… sorry.”  With a sigh he rolled over onto his side, facing away from her. Kagome scooted closer to him, touching his shoulder.  “Was it so bad?” “I was asleep… dreaming.” “You called me mate.” Inuyasha’s body turned back towards hers a bit.  “It was a dream.  I’m sorry if I… hurt you.” “You didn’t hurt me.  You surprised me, but I wasn’t hurt.” Rolling back onto his back, he allowed her to rest against his shoulder.  “Go back to sleep, Kagome.  I’ll wake you at dawn.” Kagome offered a sleepy grunt as she closed her eyes.  “I dreamed… Youkai will...” His arm tightened on her.  ^.~ “Wake up!”  A cheerful voice called into the cave. Kagome opened her eyes and came face to face with a rather ecstatic looking hanyou.  “Inu… yasha?”  There was movement at her side and a rumpled looking white haired demon sat up, glaring at the newcomer.  “Go away.” Inu-kun paid no attention, entering the already crowded cave to sit at Kagome’s feet.  “My lady, I brought you breakfast.”  Holding out a handful of berries, he grinned at her. Inuyasha slapped his hand away.  “Don’t give her those, you’ll get her sick, you idiot.” “They won’t!”  Inu-kun insisted, popping one into his mouth.  For a moment he chewed before a disgusted look crossed his face.  Spitting out the berry, he tossed the others away. “Can’t even take care of yourself…”  Inuyasha yawned.  “Wrong season for those…” “It’s morning… can we go now?”  Inu-kun asked. “Where do you want to go?”  Kagome asked as she yawned and rubbed sleep from her eyes.  “Anywhere, as long as it’s with you.” “Look, idiot… you can’t just follow us around all the time.  If we’re your grandparents, then who the hell cares?  You’re old enough to take care of yourself.  You don’t need us.”  Inuyasha growled from where he sat, glaring at the other hanyou.  “I never said I needed you!”  Inu-kun stuck his tongue out at Inuyasha.  “Well, you can’t have Kagome either!”  Inuyasha snorted.  “Just think… If she’s my mate then she’s your grandmother.  Getting THAT close to your grandmother just isn’t healthy.  Go find a woman NOT related to you.” Both the hanyou and Kagome stared at Inuyasha in shock.  Finally the girl found her voice.  “Inu… yasha?” Inuyasha gave her a look as if to silence her questions until later before returning his attention to the other in the cave.  “I mean it.  Leave us alone.  If you interfere with us, you jeopardize your own existence… Not that any of that matters to me right now.  I’m still unmated without offspring.” Inu-kun stared dully at the floor of the cave.  Silently he pulled back with a sniffle as tears fell from his eyes.  Quickly he left the cave, not looking back. Kagome stared down at her sleeping bag.  “You hurt his feelings.” “You don’t coddle hanyou feelings.  That’s what gets them killed.”  Inuyasha was silent for a time before looking around the cave.  His body seemed agitated and uncomfortable with what he had left unsaid.  “We better go.  You can leave your stuff here.  It will be safe.” “Where are we going?”  Kagome asked, following him out of the cave. “That idiot has no idea how to survive in this time.” Dutifully the girl followed Inuyasha out of the cave and back the way they had come.  Suddenly Inuyasha stopped her and took a step forward, sniffing.  “What is it?”  Kagome asked quietly. “Sesshoumaru is close by.”  Inuyasha answered, carefully leading her down a side path.  “I wonder what he wants…” ^.~ “But, father…” Inu-kun stepped towards the dog demon, showing he was unarmed. Sesshoumaru stared hard at the hanyou.  “I am not your father.” “I know my own father.  I’m from the future.  I came back to… to…” “Silence, whelp!”  Sesshoumaru ordered, glancing off to where Inuyasha and Kagome were.  Inuyasha stepped out of hiding, allowing the girl to use him as a shield.  “What do you want, Sesshoumaru?” “Father, I…”  Inu-kun began again. Annoyance crossed the dog demon’s face.  “I smell the human blood in you as well as the demon.” “He comes from the future.”  Kagome replied, stepping out from behind Inuyasha.  The hanyou tried to pull her back around him, but she wouldn’t obey.  The older demon raised an eyebrow but otherwise made no other comment. “He’s Inuyasha’s grandson.”  Kagome supplied helpfully. “Get back here!”  Inuyasha growled, trying to put himself between his brother and his woman.  “You’re going to get yourself killed.” “Inuyasha’s…?”  Sesshoumaru cast cold eyes on his half brother.  “But the demon blood is sharp within him… I daresay there is MORE dog demon blood in this whelp than in you, little brother.” Neither Inuyasha nor Kagome replied to this.  If it was true, then it was just creepy… their future child would be made a concubine to her own uncle. “Father…”  Inu-kun began again. “Tell me, whelp… does your father allow you these interruptions?”  Sesshoumaru demanded of Inu-kun, turning to stare at the other hanyou, sizing him up. Inu-kun glanced around at the small gathering of his ancestors.  “Yes… I’m your only child…” “Only child?” Sesshoumaru echoed the words.  “And why would that be?” “My mother told me that you couldn’t bear to give your mate hanyou children… that the idea disgusted you.” “And how does that explain your existence?”  The older dog demon regarded Inu-kun with cold eyes. “My mother was your concubine… hanyou.” Sesshoumaru stared for a long time at Inu-kun before glancing at Inuyasha and Kagome.  Calmly he turned and walked away.  “Go back to the future, little whelp.  You don’t belong here.” “But, Father… I have to know why you will take my mother.”  Inu-kun begged of the retreating youkai. Sesshoumaru stopped and looked back.  “This lord does not know.  Now… leave.”  “Father…”  Inu-kun tried again. In an instant Sesshoumaru returned and had his hand around Inu-kun’s neck.  “If YOU are the heir of the Western Lands after me… then return to them and don’t ever come back here.  YOU are a dog demon and your duty is to THOSE lands.  It is the lands of your ancestors.  NEVER forget that.”  Abruptly he released his future son.  “Go back… and never bother me again.” Inu-kun rubbed at his throat, massaging away the venom that had been left there.  “I… understand, Father.”  In a moment a white dog stood where Inu-kun had been.  Gently he pushed his head under Sesshoumaru’s clawed hand, demanding a tender scratch.  Unexpectedly, the dog demon complied before pulling his hand away as if he didn’t mean for it to happen.  It was a tenderness Inu-kun had known his whole relationship with his father.  His father was harsh, but there was a soft side to him… especially when it came to his heir.  Licking the dog demon’s hand, Inu-kun left the way he had come, back to the well. Sesshoumaru stood, unmoved in the small clearing.  Finally he turned, clutching his fist where the canine tongue had licked him and walked away without looking back at his brother. Kagome leaned against Inuyasha, holding him from behind.  “What just happened?”  “I don’t know.”  Inuyasha replied, bending slightly to pull the girl up onto his back.  “But the others are waiting for us… let’s go get your bag and meet them.”  In a moment they too were gone, leaving the clearing empty. Back to the Gallery