InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ A Sealed Fate ❯ Chapter 17

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Sango and Miroku were stunned to see their beloved friend emerge from the well. Were their eyes deceiving them? Had they wished for her return to eagerly that they were merely wishing she was there? Sango could not help but keep touching Kagome, as if she was afraid she would vanish.

“So, that's how I wound up with the shard.” Kagome said, letting out a little sigh. “And when I came back to give it you guys, it was only Shippo here. He didn't feel comfortable taking it, so he asked me to hold onto it and come back. So… here I am!” She gave them a grin as her eyes moved over the group. Shippo sat securely in her lap, his little nose buried in the crook of her arm. She could feel him taking deep, calming breaths as she stroked his red hair.

“I just can't believe it…” Sango said, her eyes glossing over once again. She had lost so many family members, so many friends. Kagome being here… it was like a loved one returning from the grave.

“Hah, I know. I couldn't either. When I felt the shard back home I almost called out for Inuyasha.”

Miroku and Sango let their eyes cast down on the dirt. Should they broach the subject of the hanyou? Should they tell her how he left for weeks after she departed, how he sulked endlessly, how he had all but given up…

And how he had renewed his promise to Kikyou?

No. They would speak of the taboo dog demon. This moment was perfect. This moment was for them. Sango would be damned if that selfish bastard would drive Kagome away again!

“I see that you brought supplies, Kagome. Do you intend to stay a while?” The monk asked, a kind smile on his lips. He knew she would not stay for long. But he was hopeful.

“No, I don't want Inuyasha to know I'm here. He can't pick up my scent on the night of the full moon. If he had his demon senses he would have smelled me the moment I came through the well. I brought some stuff for you guys that I used to get n my previous trips. And I brought dinner!”

Kagome unpacked the bento boxes she had prepared and the groups mouths watered. They had missed these foreign delicacies. When they bit into the delicious food, it took them back to the open fire cooking the miko would grace them with. They could practically taste the love in each morsel.

The group ate and laughed. Caught up and reminisced. Kagome felt as if her heart was going to burst from happiness. She tried to soak up each moment, memorizing the smiles of her friends, the sweet sounds of their voices, knowing it would be the last.

“Do you still take those `tests' Kagome?” Shippo asked as he munched on some pocky.

“Hah, yes I do. It's less stressful because I attend school every day. I don't have to teach the material to myself. I don't freak out about them nearly as much as I used to.” The girl smiled, then sighed. “But… when I was doing it here I didn't mind. The only thing that bugged me was that Inuyasha never wanted to let me go back for a few days to catch up.”

“That was because-“ Miroku started, but was cut short by the slayer.

“Lets not talk about that idiot.”

“Its okay Sango, really. Just because I don't want to see him doesn't mean I cant handle hearing about him. He was such a big part of my life. I loved him so much. I would be lying if I said I don't miss him and don't think about him. That's why I cant see him, or let him to know I'm here. It would hurt too much. But I want him to be happy. Knowing that… hearing that would make me happy.”

“Kagome…”

“Well, we certainly have other things to talk about.” Miroku offered gently, trying to change the subject.

“Your mother must be glad that you have returned home.” Sango said.

“She was at first, but to be honest she was really worried about me. I didn't hold well for a long time. Honestly I think it wasn't until Jiro made me realize how selfish I was being that I was able to function better.”

“Who is Jiro?” The monk said, arching an eyebrow, a lecherous grin on his face.

“My grandfather hired him to help out at the shrine once he realized Inuyasha really wasn't coming back.”

“What does Inuyasha have to do with the shrine?”

“Apparently my gramps had been saving all the heavy lifting for days that he knew we would be coming back. I guess they were able to put off hiring someone because of him.”

“Ah, don't let our hanyou friend hear that. That is the type of thing to go straight to his head.” Miroku spoke, a slight smile on his lips as he shook his head.

“And what is this Jiro like? He must be quiet nice if your family has approved of him.”

“Hah! Hardly. He thinks he's superior and he can be a real jerk. But once we understood each other we kind of fell into a groove. I don't mind being around him now.”

“That reminds me of someone.” Shippo said, turning his nose up.

“Hah, your kind of right. I guess they do have a few personality similarities. Too bad for him I was already broken in by someone with a stubborn streak far worse than his.” She said with a smirk. “But, he really is a big help, and he takes his duties at the shrine very seriously. So I don't mind putting up with him when hes in a bad mood.”

“You have a good heart Kagome.”

“Er, thanks...” She said, rubbing the back of her neck. She hated when people put the pot light on her like that. “So, guys, tell me all about the last shard you gathered…”

~.~

Kikyou had felt it the moment the girl had come through the well. The pulse, the pull of her soul being drawn to its rightful owner. They had not heard from the girl in so long, she had not thought to guard herself against the brat. She was a fool to be so careless. But she had not traveled far beyond the well; she knew that much. She waited as the soul collectors brought the last of the souls, taking her fill in the nourishment. She made quick work of returning to the hut where the hanyou resided. She had to get to him before she did. She would lure him away. She would drag him to hell. She would do anything to keep that whore from taking him away again!

“Inuya-“ Something was wrong. Instead of his amber eyes, violet ones bore back into hers. His hair, once silver was now stained black. His fangs, his claws, his ears… all were no longer tainting his body.

“Inuyasha… what has happened?”

“Its no big deal.” He huffed, crossing his arms. He disliked the look on her face. She was pleased to find him like this.

“You say it is no big deal? You're human!”

“A human for tonight. And tonight only. Tomorrow morning Ill be back to normal.”

“Oh… I see…” She couldn't help the disappointment that laced her voice. “Does this occur because you have mixed blood, Inuyasha?”

“Yes.”

“And there is no trace of demon in you tonight?”

He shifted under her gaze. “Right.”

“I had always desired to see you like this.”

His heart clenched. Those were the last things he wanted to hear from her. It almost struck fear in him. But he was a man… complete with a human mans weakness. As a demon, he had both more and less restraint. In regards to controlling himself around the opposite sex, he was a model example. Other demons would simply take an appealing bitch and rut her right in the open. Inuyasha had nothing but disgust for those low life scum. Woman, demon or human held little interest for him. Its not that he didn't have those urges, it was simply that their personalities turned him off. They either looked at him like he was unworthy or like a threat. He was never good enough for either. So despite the many beautiful woman he had seen in his numerous years, knowing the contempt they had towards him killed any arousal.

It had been the same with everyone, even Kikyou at first. Except his Kagome. It had been him who had looked at her with disgust, with prejudice and hate. She was the only woman that looked at him, the hanyou, for who he was. That's why it was such a shock how he reacted towards her.

With her it was like he has to fight off every instinct he had. The urge to mate with her, mark her, claim her as his bitch grew stronger every day that passed. And when she went into heat… Hell, he took more cold baths to clear and extended hunting trips to relieve himself during those days then he had ever had before. She drove him wild with want and his imagination would go into over drive. His mind was always flooded with worry that it would one day be too much for him, her scent, the curves of her body, the way she moaned his name in her sleep… he worried he would lose his control and take her. But at least he knew that with his hanyou instincts, he could make it pleasurable for her. His demon begged to please its mate.

But now, he was simply a human. As Kikyou advanced towards him, he cursed as he felt his body react. He didn't want this, but he couldn't help the growing bulge from straining against his loose pants. Damn the new moon!

She leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on his lips. `So cold. Her lips feel hard.' Inuyasha couldn't help but think. She collapsed into his arms and laid her head against his chest. The miko picked up his human hand and held it in hers, inspecting it. She ran her fingers over his smooth nails. “You really are a human.” She said, her voice small in wonder.

Inuyasha felt incredibly awkward. He had never been this intimate with Kikyou before. He had never felt his body respond to her in such an embarrassing manner, and above all, he felt guilty. He always assumed that it was his dog demon side that felt the fierce loyalty to Kagome, but apparently it was his human as well. He felt his soul ache, as if he was committing the crime of the century by having the dead woman in his arms.

“Inuyasha, this is how it was always meant to be. Doesn't your heart feel lighter, more pure in this form?”

“Not really.” He grunted out.

“When the jewel is completed… will you fulfill our earlier wish? Will you become a human?”

“Keh. I have no plans to make any wishes on that damned thing.”

“No? But you desired it so. Why hunt for the shards if not to use its power?”

“Because its my duty. Its true when Kagome brought it back I originally wanted the jewel. But then-“

“Continue.” She said, her voice cold.

“No, never mind. I don't feel like talking about it.”

“I see. You do not wish to share your secret with me.”

“Feh.” He said, as he turned his head.

“Inuyasha, please, let us not quarrel. This night is precious to me. Seeing you in such as state is like seeing my truest wish being granted.” She placed a cold hand on his cheek. “I will not let this opportunity pass. Tonight, I want you to love me as a human man loves his wife, Inuyasha.”

~.~

The group was growing tired, and the sun would soon be rising. Kagome yawned and stretched her arms over her head. “I hate to say this, but I have to get going. I don't want to leave, but Im afraid im going to fall asleep here.”

“Please Kagome-“

“So, theres a ton of stuff in here. Medical supplies, food treats, grooming things. This should last you a while.” The girl tried to put on a brave face for her friends. She walked over to the well and gave the each of her friends tear filed hugs.

“Oh, Shippo! I have something for you.” She reached into her bag and pulled out a small stuffed dog. “This was mine. Its been in my room for a while, so it should have my scent all over it. It will probably last longer than my scarf or a piece of fabric. And, if you feel lonely, you can snuggle him at night and think of me.” She smiled at the kit. He threw himself into her arms and let his muffled sobs fall into her chest. She gave him a kiss on the head and a quick squeeze before placing him on the ground.

Throwing her bag, void of all its contents, over her shoulders she looked at her friends faces. She reached behind her neck and released the clasp holding the chain in place. She thrust the shikon shard out in front of her, waiting for one of her companions to take it.

No one moved.

“Not all at once.” She laughed nervously.

“I refuse to take it.” Sango said. “I can't take away the only thing that can bring you back to us.”

“I won't take it either.” Shippo spoke, crossing his arms in defiance.

Kagome turned towards the monk, extending the shard towards him.

“Ah, I am afraid I must decline as well, my friend. I don't think I could live with myself if I were to take that shard.”

“Well then what do I do with it?” Kagome asked, feeling anxious.

“Perhaps, lady Kagome, you should be the one to hold it and keep it pure.”

“Me? But… but you need every shard you can get to defeat Naraku!”

“We have not reached the point yet that one shard would make such a difference,” the monk lied. “Besides, we know of others who hold the shard in their possession, but we have let them continue to do so. Why should you be an exception? You are so dear to us. It had brought joy to our hearts to see you once more.”

“Yes Kagome, please, take the shard and come back. You don't know what it means to see you again!”

“But I…” she couldn't help the steady stream of tears that fell down her face. They were scorching hot. Her lips trembled. Could she really do this?

“You want me to come back?”

“Yes! Please say you will come back Kagome!”

The miko bit her lip and smiled, nodding her head. “Okay. I'll be back this time next month. I'll come back on the night of the new moon.”