InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Be Careful What You Wish For ❯ Be Careful What You Wish For ( Chapter 1 )

Be Careful What You Wish For

Disclaimer: I don't own Inu-Yasha but the story's all mine!

~*~

"By the power of the Shikon No Tama, I ask: please save my Inu-Yasha." Kagome prayed to the Heavens.

A blinding light emanated from the Shikon No Tama as Kagome's wish was fulfilled. Kagome's eyes snapped open in amazement as the Jewel disintegrated in the palm of her hand. Suddenly, it was as if time was rewinding itself. Inu-Yasha's soul re-entered his limp body; Naraku flew backward to his perch on the hilltop; Sango's form was lifted from the ground and placed once again at Kagome's side; Miroku's Wind Tunnel was unleashed; and Shippo returned to Kirara's back after being thrown by Kagura's blow.

"Inu-Yasha! Watch out!" Kagome cried, knowing the fatal blow would come in an instant. Inu-Yasha turned and scarcely avoided Naraku's claws and instant death. Kagome pulled Sango and Shippo down as Kagura's fatal wind rushed over their heads, meanwhile calling to Miroku: "Miroku, no! Don't release the Wind Tunnel!! Naraku's poison insects are nearby!"

Kagome rose resolutely. Pulling an arrow from her quiver she notched it on the bow, aiming for Naraku's filthy heart. Listening to her own heart beat, she let the arrow fly between heartbeats. Kaede had taught her this. Kagome's arrow flew straight on its course, easily shredding the baboon pelt and piercing Naraku's flesh. Naraku bellowed in surprise as his body evaporated, leaving nothing but dust behind.

Startled but still alert, Inu-Yasha lunged at Kagura, Tetsusaiga drawn. Slashing at Kagura's neck, Inu-Yasha heaved the Tetsusaiga forward. Kagura leapt nimbly out of the way and landed safely several meters away.

"Hiraikotsu!" Sango shouted as she hurled her weapon at Kagura. Sango's Hiraikotsu caught Kagura in the side, wounding her considerably. Droplets of blood seeped out from under Kagura's kimono, staining the battlefield.

Sango once again cast her heavy boomerang toward the wind wench. Kagura's wound was deep and paralysing, holding her to the spot as the Hiraikotsu finished the task it had started.

Inu-Yasha collapsed to the ground. His injuries were serious and each second cost him one more ounce of strength. Kagome ran to him, placing a towel over the worst and deepest of the wounds as she rummaged in her bag for a poultice. Kagome carefully bandaged each wound, making sure that they would not become infected.

"Kagome?" Inu-Yasha inquired softly.

"Yes, Inu-Yasha? What is it?" Kagome turned to face the hurt hanyou. His face was veiled. It was impossible to read. "Inu-Yasha what is it? Tell me."

"Kagome, I know you saved me. I could hear it. When time… rewound… I heard your wish. You asked… you asked the Jewel to… save me." Inu-Yasha whispered the two final words so Kagome could barely hear them. A single, glistening tear fell from beneath the shadow created by Inu-Yasha's bangs. "I didn't know if you loved me… but you called me `yours'. I love you Kagome. I love you more than I've ever loved anyone and I can't pretend anymore. I can't pretend that Kikyo is my love. I can't pretend you don't mean anything to me."

Kagome was, to say the least, surprised by Inu-Yasha's heartfelt confession. She was frozen while her mind, and heart, processed this unwarranted yet not unwanted information. "I… Inu-Yasha… I… I love you, too. I… I always have. Ever since our first meeting, though you weren't even awake. You were still pinned to the Goshin Boku. I felt something, even then, like I knew you. Like I… loved you. I guess I was right." Kagome flashed a warm smile at Inu-Yasha as she placed her hand over his.

"Kagome! Inu-Yasha! We need to go! We have to get Miroku help and quickly!" Sango carefully helped the weakened monk onto Kirara's back.

Kagome stood swiftly, rushing over to Miroku's side. "Miroku, what happened?"

Sango answered for her injured companion. "Kagura's wind blades may have missed us but Miroku wasn't so lucky. He needs help now!"

Kagome gently lifted Miroku's arm off his upper body. The gash was deep. Kagome was unsure of whether or not she could heal an injury this serious. "I should at least bandage him. We have to stop the bleeding or he won't last more than an hour." Kagome and Sango helped him onto the ground, where he lay as Kagome tended to his torso. Kagome firmly applied pressure to the wound, trying to stop the severe bleeding unsuccessfully. "Something's wrong! The bleeding won't stop!" Kagome exclaimed in alarm. Kagome cast about frantically for something to stem the constant flow of blood from Miroku's chest. Miroku's eyes began to droop and his breathing became shallow as the bleeding increased. "Miroku!" Kagome called. "Miroku, stay with us! Stay awake! Please!"

Sango crashed to the ground, her arms around the houshi's neck as she wept. "No! You cannot leave me! I love you, dammit! I love you, okay?!"

Miroku's eyes fluttered feebly open. "Sango…" he gasped, "I love you, too… I'll be with you… always…" With his remaining strength he stayed true to his lecherous nature. Sango soon felt a hand creeping up her backside. She held back the urge to slap the monk, afraid she would cause him more harm. Instead, she leaned down and gave Miroku one small kiss before his body became eternally unmoving.

Kagome was shocked. Miroku; the lech, the thief, the monk, the kind-hearted man. He was gone and he would never come back. That wasn't fair. When Kagome had wished for the Jewel to save Inu-Yasha's life she hadn't counted on losing anyone else. How could the fates allow this to happen? She would not stand idly by. She would save Miroku, even if she had to seek out Sesshomaru and beg for the Tenseiga!

Inu-Yasha reached out and took Kagome's hand. "Kagome, this isn't your fault. I know what you're thinking but you're wrong. You had no idea this would happen."

Kagome turned a tear-stained face to Inu-Yasha. "This isn't right. I will bring Miroku back!" Even through the choked back sobs the fury was evident in Kagome's voice. Her face was the image of resolution and determination.

Inu-Yasha knew that he could not sway her decision. "Kagome, I'm not going to try to stop you. But promise me, you'll wait until I'm healed before you do anything so I can go with you."

Kagome stared into Inu-Yasha's golden eyes, "I…" she couldn't lie to him. She merely nodded.

Inu-Yasha pulled her closer as he sat up. "Kagome, I would never forgive myself if I let you get hurt. I love you."

"I love you, too."

~*~

Kagome stepped furtively from the hut, checking to see where the hanyou had chosen to sleep. As usual, he was fast asleep in the upper branches of a great oak. Kagome hoped fervently that her scent would not wake Inu-Yasha. Many times her scent had betrayed her. She couldn't let that happen this time.

Kagome pushed aside the branches of a silver birch as she peered into the clearing before her. The moonlight played across the form of a woman. Her back was to Kagome as she lay in the dewy grass. There was a sinister air about her. She was unmoving but she seemed tense rather than in a relaxed sleep. Kagome inched cautiously into the clearing, trying to be as silent as possible. She knelt beside the small woman, reaching out a hand to check for a sign of life. She pulled the woman to face herself. She was very beautiful… but slightly familiar… Suddenly, the woman's hand was around Kagome's wrist, a dagger at her throat.

The woman's voice was low and raspy, a voice quite unsuited to such a young beauty. "What are you doing here?! What do you want?!" the woman demanded, shaking Kagome slightly.

Kagome was terrified. Her voice seemed to die on her lips. She could barely breathe. She knew this woman… She could not be more than eighteen.

The woman shook Kagome again, attempting to force an answer out of her captive. "Who are you?!" the woman yelled into Kagome's face.

Recognition dawned on Kagome as she remembered the woman as if from another lifetime. "Rin…?"

Rin's eyes widened in astonishment, her breath catching in her throat as she realized whose wrist she held. "Ka-Kagome?" Rin stuttered as she regained her voice. "Kagome? Companion of Inu-Yasha?"

Kagome nodded wordlessly, refusing to believe what her eyes declared true. "Rin, where is Sesshomaru? Don't you live with him anymore?"

Rin's face was one of sadness, "Master Sesshomaru cast me out. He no longer cared for me…" Tears began to form at the back of Rin's eyes as she recounted the tale of her exile.

"Master Sesshomaru told me to go out for a walk. He said that he had several war preparations to make against Naraku. I obeyed. I went to the edge of the forest of Inu-Yasha. Master Sesshomaru forbade me from entering the forest but Ah'Un had wandered into it. I couldn't just let him go; I had to get him back. I followed Ah'Un through the forest until we came to Inu-Yasha's tree; the Goshin Boku. I saw Inu-Yasha at the well. He was hurt. I could see a lot of blood. I hate seeing things die. So I helped him. I bandaged his wound and I gave him an herb to get rid of the pain. But Master Sesshomaru found me helping him. Helping Inu-Yasha, Master Sesshomaru's sworn enemy. He said that I was a disgrace, just another disgusting human."

Rin had burst into tears, sobbing inconsolably into Kagome's shoulder. When she had calmed down enough to form words Rin returned to her story. "M-Master… Master Sesshomaru… told me to get out. He told me not to come back ever again. He said that if I couldn't follow one simple order then he wouldn't waste his time with me. Milord threatened o kill me if he ever saw me again…" Rin trailed off miserably as the memories of that day invaded her thoughts. The memories still plagued her heart.

Kagome was full of questions. When had this happened? Why hadn't Inu-Yasha gone to Kaede to heal him? Why was Rin here, of all places?

Rin could see the confusion on Kagome's face. Though she dreaded reliving the experience again, she knew that Kagome ought to know everything rather than nothing. After all, she had helped Rin a lot in the past. That was another reason why Sesshomaru had exiled Rin. She loved being in the company of Kagome. But the last time Rin had seen her futuristic friend was nearly ten years ago, when Kagome was still new to this era and Inu-Yasha was still left to come to terms with his feelings for Kikyo. She had deeply missed the woman who had seemed like an older sister to her. And now she was back.

"Kagome, I can see that you do not fully understand what I've told you. Is there anything I can explain?" Rin asked as she stared into Kagome's face.

"When was this? When did he throw you out? When was Inu-Yasha injured? How? Why are you here? What were you doing lying in the clearing like that? Don't you have a place to stay? Who do you live with?" Kagome let the questions come out one after the other, unable to hold back.

Rin's expression was grim but she answered to the best of her ability. "It was three years ago when… It happened three years ago. I don't know how Inu-Yasha was hurt but it was serious. I didn't want to ask or draw attention to my identity in case Inu-Yasha felt the same for Milord's companions as Milord felt for you. I'm here to catch youkai. I need the meat. I can sell it in the village near where I live. I was I this particular clearing because it is a place demons frequent. I do have a place of sorts to stay. It's a cave near the village to the south." Rin indicated a path behind her leading to the village. "And I don't live with anyone. I live alone." Rin shifted her gaze to the ground waiting for Kagome's response.

Kagome was stunned. This could not be the carefree, young girl taken in by Sesshomaru so long ago… Her eyes were so different. The silver gaze pierced all thought. It was almost impossible to tear her eyes away. Rin had grown very much since Kagome had last seen her. She seemed fiercer. Kagome new she was not a woman to cross. And it hurt. It hurt to see that the little girl had lost all of her innocence. She had grown up. Maybe too much.

Life was truly unfair. "Rin, come with me. I need to…" Kagome hesitated at this. It was hard to think about what she was trying to do. "I need to find a way to… bring someone back." The hopelessness of the situation crashed down upon her when she thought about the details. Where was she going? What did she expect to find? Should she really go to Sesshomaru?

"What do you mean? `Bring someone back'? Bring back how?" Rin did not understand what Kagome was saying.

"Miroku. He… he's… gone." Kagome's breath caught in her throat. Saying it aloud somehow made it true. Miroku really was gone now. Kagome was no longer able to hold back the mounting sobs.

Rin was surprised by the miko's sudden outburst. Unsure of what to do Rin reached out a hand and placed it gently on Kagome's shoulder, attempting to comfort the young woman. "Kagome, please… Please don't cry… I'll help you find a way to bring Miroku back. Just, please… don't cry."

Kagome lifted her head, wiping the tears from her cheeks. She looked into Rin's metallic eyes, nodding. "Thank you." She whispered. Rin merely smiled. She pulled a pack from behind a small boulder and set up a makeshift tent for the night. The two women settled down for the night.

~*~

"Kagome," Rin shook her new companion gently, attempting to wake her. "Kagome, it's an hour past dawn. We should get moving."

Kagome sighed. Her dreams had become as bad as reality. She'd been having a nightmare about Miroku. He had blamed her for his death. Kagome sat up letting the world come back. `Just a nightmare, right?' she asked herself, wondering if his spirit could enter her dreams.

Rin had packed everything and was ready to continue. "Where to?" she asked as Kagome stretched and lifted the heavy, yellow bag onto her back.

Kagome stared into the sunlit sky. "Where does Sesshomaru dwell?" Kagome had lain awake for so much of the previous night. She finally decided to go to Inu-Yasha's brother.

Rin looked shaken. "I cannot go back there. Ever. Master Sesshomaru will kill me." Rin's voice carried a note of urgency.

"Please, Rin. I need the Tenseiga. I have to see Sesshomaru." Kagome's pleading voice seemed to sway Rin.

"No." Rin stated firmly. "Master Sesshomaru will kill the both of us. I will not allow you to walk into your own death."

Kagome sighed. "Look, Rin, I'm going whether or not you are, too. I won't force you but you can't stop me."

Rin bit her lip, conflicted. "I'm going, too." Rin declared. "You're not going alone."

~*~

Inu-Yasha was frantic. Kagome had been missing for two days. The second Inu-Yasha had found out he had searched out her scent. Her scent was easy to follow until he came to a clearing. The clearing was in the centre of a very populated area for youkai. All manner of youkai, human and beast tracked through, leaving an overflow of scents. It was impossible to locate Kagome's.

Inu-Yasha's temper had not improved over the course of two days. He still could not scent Kagome and Kirara and Sango had had no luck in finding her. Inu-Yasha had only one option left. He had to go to Sesshomaru.

Kagome was so naïve. She believed that no one could be fully evil, even Naraku. Inu-Yasha knew that she thought Sesshomaru was more merciful than he let on. `Why else would he have spared Rin?' she would ask whenever Inu-Yasha "Feh'd" her theory. He knew that she was on her way there now. If he didn't stop her Sesshomaru would not hesitate to kill his little brother's most precious possession.

Inu-Yasha leapt from the upper boughs of the Goshin Boku, racing off in the direction of his brother's castle. "Kagome…"

~*~

Kagome and Rin could see the castle of Sesshomaru. The grey stone tower loomed high above even the tallest trees, casting everything into shadow. Kagome was taken aback by the sheer size of the sinister fortress. It was massive. The outer walls alone reached as high as the treetops, dwarfing the two humans.

Rin shifted uneasily. She had not seen Sesshomaru's stronghold since the day she was banished. It did not bode well with her to be back. She feared the reaction of her former master. He had threatened to kill her if she ever returned. Hopefully he had changed.

Kagome shielded her eyes as she attempted to view the top of the tower. Soon the sun's light was too fierce, forcing Kagome to look away. "Well, we came here for a reason… Let's go…" Kagome's voice was hesitant and did not hold much confidence.

Rin glanced over at Kagome, also hesitant and unsure. "Alright…"

The women approached the huge brown gates. Kagome reached up and lifted the heavy, iron knocker, dropping it back in place three times.

"Who are you and what is your business here, human?" a deep voice demanded from the parapet.

"I am Kagome Higurashi and my companion is Lady Rin. We are here to see the lord of this castle, Sesshomaru." Kagome replied evenly, surprised that she had gotten her voice to remain calm.

"Wait here." The guard disappeared from the ramparts, reappearing moments later at the door. He surveyed them before motioning for them to follow. The guard led Kagome and Rin through a labyrinth of hallways, each as similar as the one before, finally halting before an elaborately designed sliding door. "Milord, Ladies Kagome and Rin are here."

Sesshomaru's cold voice emanated from within the room, "Send them in."

The guard slid open the door, directing the women in. Kagome and Rin entered warily.

"Why are you here? I told you never to return here, Rin." Sesshomaru's voice became colder. "I do not want to kill you. If you do not leave now I will be forced to."

"M-Milord," Rin began shakily, "Please… please, let me come back."

"No. You disobeyed me. I do not have time for those who do not obey." His voice was still emotionless. "Leave, now."

Rin bowed, showing her submission and obedience. "I am sorry, Master Sesshomaru. I beg you to please forgive me. I will never disobey you again. Please reconsider my exile."

Rin sat up but avoided Sesshomaru's eyes, awaiting his verdict. "Why are you here?"

It was Kagome's turn to speak. "I need your help."

"Why would I help a human? Especially a human who reeks of my younger brother?" Sesshomaru inquired indifferently.

"You showed mercy to Rin. I thought that meant you would help a friend of Rin's. I need the Tenseiga. I need to use the power of the Tenseiga to bring back my friend." Kagome waited nervously for Sesshomaru's answer.

Sesshomaru's calloused answer came slowly. "Tell me, did my brother finally accept death? Is he the friend you speak of?"

"No, the monk, Miroku was killed in a battle with Naraku. It was my fault." Kagome hung her head as fresh tears threatened to fall.

"I still fail to see why it is any concern of mine. In fact, I might as well just kill you. It would cause great suffering for my dear little brother." Even sarcasm could not penetrate the emotionless voice of Sesshomaru.

Kagome had not truly feared Sesshomaru until now. Would he really kill her? By the look in his eyes she doubted that she would emerge from his castle alive.

~*~

Inu-Yasha could now smell Kagome. He was now certain that Kagome was with Sesshomaru. Her scent hung all around the castle doors, but it was not alone. He could smell a companion. Trying not to think about it he leapt into the uppermost branches of the nearest tree. From the tree he launched himself over the battlements and into the castle's courtyard. Once again he picked up Kagome's scent and followed it through a maze of corridors to an ornately painted doorway. Inu-Yasha could hear Kagome's voice behind the door. He slid it open anxiously, searching for Kagome.

"Kagome!" he exclaimed as the door flew open. All eyes turned to Inu-Yasha as he burst through the door, grabbing Kagome's hand.

"Inu-Yasha!" Kagome was surprised that Inu-Yasha had tracked her all the way to the fortress.

"Kagome, you promised me that you wouldn't leave without me. You could have been killed! Or captured! And I told you to never come here! Sesshomaru doesn't show mercy! I don't want to lose you again…" Inu-Yasha's anger faded as he hugged Kagome tightly.

"Inu… I'm sorry…" Kagome rested her head on Inu-Yasha's chest.

"Sesshomaru," Inu-Yasha said, turning to his brother. "Haven't seen you in a while. Not for ten years in fact. Your guards are getting lazier. They didn't even see me."

"Inu-Yasha," Sesshomaru stood, facing Inu-Yasha. "You're just in time. I was just about to kill your human girl."

"I won't let you touch her," Inu-Yasha growled dangerously, drawing the Tetsusaiga from its sheath. "I'm not here to fight you but if you come near Kagome I'll kill you."

Sesshomaru paused. Did his brother truly love this woman? How could he forgive her? She had disobeyed him, come here after he expressly forbade it, and he forgave her. Could he forgive Rin? "Get out." He said to Inu-Yasha. "I'm not interested in fighting you now."

Inu-Yasha lifted Kagome onto his back as he sped out of the castle and back through the forest.

Sesshomaru looked down at Rin. "You may stay." He said simply as he left the room.

~*~

Inu-Yasha finally came to a stop, letting Kagome down gently. He looked at her. Disappointment was etched into every line of her face. "Kagome, we'll find another way. I'll help you. There must be some spell or something. Maybe if we find a monk or a priest…"

Kagome looked up at Inu-Yasha. "Thank you for coming for me. And thank you for helping. I knew it was stupid but I had to try. I'm sorry I left without telling you…"

Inu-Yasha gave Kagome another hug. "Don't worry about it. Just, don't do it again."

Kagome nodded and hugged Inu-Yasha closely. "Where do we go from here?" she asked, her face buried in his haori.

Inu-Yasha rested his chin on her head. "I've heard Miroku talk about his home village. He told me that there was a large monastery there. Maybe we can find someone who can bring him back."

Kagome nodded once more, shrinking farther into Inu-Yasha's arms. Inu-Yasha lay back against a tree and let Kagome sleep.

~*~

Inu-Yasha shook Kagome gently. "Kagome, wake up."

"Mm… What time is it?" Kagome asked, moving to stand up.

"Dawn. Miroku's village is two days away. We need to go." Inu-Yasha indicated their path with a flick of his head.

Kagome nodded in understanding and fished breakfast out of her bag. "Here, I only have apples." She handed the hanyou a bright red apple, taking a second one from the bag for herself.

They munched the Red Delicious apples as they walked. The two walked in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. Kagome still blamed herself for Miroku's death. He had visited her nightmares again the previous night. This time he had brought Sango along with him. She also blamed Kagome, calling her selfish for saving her own love.

Inu-Yasha was worried about Kagome. She hadn't slept well last night. She had been crying in her sleep. She called out, fighting his arms. It had been so difficult to watch her suffer but he knew she'd need sleep, even if it wasn't very restful, to make the journey.

~*~

"Shippo, when did Inu-Yasha leave?" Sango had just gotten back. She'd needed some time to herself after Miroku's passing. She still looked on the verge of tears.

"He left yesterday. Are you back now, Sango? For good?" Shippo looked up sadly at the demon slayer. He had missed her company. He had felt so alone.

"I think so." She tried to smile but found herself unable to. "We'll see."

"When… When are we going to… bury Miroku?" Shippo asked hesitantly. He did not want to make Sango go away again.

Sango's face stiffened. "Not now. Not until Inu-Yasha and Kagome come back." Her voice carried a note of anger. The kit looked apologetically at his friend, his eyes full of sorrow.

~*~

Inu-Yasha shifted Kagome on his back. She had been sleeping fitfully off and on for several hours. He had decided to travel during the night as well as the day. Kagome was getting worse. He knew the guilt was tearing at her inside. He needed to bring Miroku back quickly or he would lose Kagome, too.

Kagome was caught between consciousness and sleep. She couldn't tell if what she was seeing was the truth. Miroku was back. He was smiling. Sango was laughing, burying herself in his arms. Everyone was happy and everything was good again. But she couldn't reach them. Her friends didn't care that she was missing. Everything was right because she was gone.

"NO! No, please!!" Kagome screamed as she began thrashing about. "Please, don't leave me! Miroku! I'm sorry!"

Inu-Yasha halted immediately, setting Kagome down and taking her into his arms. He sat down, holding Kagome tightly, pinning her arms to her sides. Tears streamed down her soft cheeks as she struggled against his arms. Her pain stabbed through him. He couldn't see her go through this. He leaned down and kissed her on the forehead, trying to calm her. She whimpered quietly then went still. He lifted her onto his back once more and continued on the path.

Soon Inu-Yasha could see the small village on the horizon, backlit by the rising sun. He hurried his pace, already spotting the village guards. He halted at the gate, turning to the guards.

"Who are you, demon? What is your business in this village?" the shorter guard demanded suspiciously.

"Look, I'm here to bring news of the death of a monk from your village. We're trying to bring him back." Inu-Yasha's temper was not dulled by the guards' demeanours, merely fuelled by their interruption.

"No doubt you killed him yourself! And who do you mean by `we'?" the tall guard puffed himself up, trying to intimidate Inu-Yasha… unsuccessfully.

"By `we' I mean my… her." Inu-Yasha flicked his long, silver hair to the side, revealing the sleeping girl.

"Did you kidnap her, demon?!" the first guard shouted angrily.

Kagome stirred again in response to the loud guard. "Shut-up!" he hissed. "You'll wake her! She needs sleep! Now let us in. We need to speak to the head priest of your village." Inu-Yasha moved forward toward the gate.

"Stop, you're not allowed in!" The second guard thrust his spear before Inu-Yasha, blocking the door.

Inu-Yasha had had quite enough of the guards' stupidity. With one great leap he cleared the outer wall and continued toward the centre of the village. He quickly recognized the temple of the priest. Taking Kagome into his arms he entered, walking cautiously.

"Hello. How may I assist you, good sir?" a young monk-in-training approached the hanyou, bowing respectfully.

Inu-Yasha could not remember ever being called `sir', let alone `good sir', nor could he remember ever being bowed to by anyone. He hastily recovered from his surprise and addressed the young monk. "I need to speak with the head priest. Can you take me to him?" Inu-Yasha tried to be as polite as possible.

The monk smiled and turned, motioning for Inu-Yasha to follow him. He led Inu-Yasha through a series of passageways, coming to a large, ornately decorated room. "Wait here, please." The young monk bowed once more and left Inu-Yasha and Kagome alone in the room.

Several minutes later the young monk returned with a much older priest. Bowing once more the young monk backed out of the room.

"Hello. Who are you and what is it that you need?" the old man inquired. He did not sound suspicious or accusatory. Inu-Yasha liked this man, even if it wasn't a lot.

"I'm Inu-Yasha and this is Kagome. We met a monk from your village about ten years ago. His name was Miroku. He traveled with us for a long time. But he died… was killed, recently. We want him back. Please, we need a spell or something." Inu-Yasha made an effort to be courteous to the old man, though still forceful.

The old man's eyes widened at the news of Miroku's death. "Miroku was a courageous young man. He was important here, to us. He will be missed." The man hung his head, a tear dripping from his eye to land on the floor.

Inu-Yasha stared in disbelief. "What do you mean `missed'? Don't you have…? Isn't there…? Can't you bring… bring him… back?" Inu-Yasha's face fell, his eyes clouding with unshed tears.

Kagome sighed, opening her eyes. She blinked several times, adjusting her eyes to the dim light in the room. "Inu-Yasha? Where are we?"

Inu-Yasha looked down at her. "We're in Miroku's village."

Kagome could see the sorrow written on Inu-Yasha's face. She knew something was wrong. "What is it, Inu-Yasha? What happened? What's going on? Who-who's that?" Kagome pointed to the man, his head still bowed. Inu-Yasha let Kagome down to stand on her own.

The man raised his head to gaze sadly into Kagome's eyes. "My name is Kaishiko. I am the current Houshi of this village. Your friend has already introduced you. I am sorry but I cannot bring Miroku back."

Kagome's eyes filled with tears, spilling down her cheeks and splattering onto the wooden floor. "No! You have to help us! It's all my fault! I killed Miroku!"

Inu-Yasha grabbed Kagome's arms and spun her to face him. He spoke harshly but his eyes betrayed his love. "You did not kill Miroku! It was not your fault!" he shook her slightly before bringing her into a comforting embrace. She cried softly into his shoulder.

The old man's eyes widened again. "You killed Miroku? You mean to say that his magical wind tunnel did not suck him in? How then did he die? I may be able to help you; you must explain the circumstances of his death!" The elderly man shuffled swiftly from the room, Inu-Yasha and Kagome following. The man led them to a small room in the back of the main building. He gestured to the cushions on the floor. "Sit and explain." He requested curtly.

Inu-Yasha looked at Kagome. She seemed lost. He began the tale himself. "We were battling the demon Naraku. I was killed by Naraku but Kagome used the Shikon No Tama to… save me. Time kind of… rewound… and then we were all okay. But we were still fighting Naraku. Kagome warned me of Naraku's blow; warned Miroku of the poison insects; and then saved the others from Kagura's wind blades. But Miroku… he was hit. He was hurt really bad. Kagome tried to heal him but she… it-it didn't work… The wound… the blood wouldn't stop…" Inu-Yasha trailed off miserably, seeing the expression of distress on Kagome's tearful face.

Kaishiko glared thoughtfully at the ground, stroking his long beard. After a lengthy pause, he spoke. "The Shikon No Tama, you say? Then maybe… but it would be terribly perilous… no one ever has… not alive anyway…" he continued muttering to himself.

Inu-Yasha lost his patience. "What would be `terribly perilous'? What do we have to do?" he demanded.

"Hmm? Oh! Of course, yes…" The old man seemed to wake from a trance. "There are tales of a second jewel. The Shinnin Itonami Hoshou. The `New Life Jewel'. This jewel does not exist. What I mean is it has yet to be created. There is a spell which must be performed to bring it into existence. You must journey to the place where the Shikon No Tama was first created. You must remain there through three nights preceding the new moon, the night of the new moon and three nights after the new moon. During this time, one of you must recite this incantation: `Creator of the Shikon No Tama, by the power of the demons, the spirits and my hand I implore you, bring forth the sister.' This must be recited once during each night and each day; once at midnight and once at midday. The other companion must battle the spirits of the demons slain by Midoriko, creator and priestess of the Shikon No Tama. If every demon spirit is destroyed by the end of seven nights the Shinnin Itonami Hoshou will materialize. How or where I do not know."

Kagome looked concerned at Inu-Yasha. She knew as well as he that the New Moon was the night Inu-Yasha became fully human. How could he battle demon spirits as a human?

*CONTINUE FROM HERE*

Inu-Yasha's face was resolute. He had decided. He would do this regardless of his `condition'. If he did not try he would lose Kagome to grief. If he tried and failed, he would lose everything.

Inu-Yasha stood. "Come on, Kagome. We'd better leave now. It's a long way to the cave."

"Inu-Yasha…? But, what about the new-?" Kagome began puzzled and afraid.

"It doesn't matter; we have to try." The hanyou turned and left the room determinedly. Kagome followed, sprinting to catch up with Inu-Yasha.

Back in the room Kaishiko murmured, "Good luck…"

~*~

It had taken five straight days and nights of travelling to reach the cave but Inu-Yasha and Kagome had finally made it. Both were exhausted but speed had been important. The third night before the new moon was tomorrow. Inu-Yasha and Kagome were granted a day of rest.

After putting Kagome down, Inu-Yasha immediately fell into a deep sleep. Kagome curled up next to Inu-Yasha, leaning against a large, dead tree. Both slept undisturbed through the entire night and day.

~*~

"Kagome, it's time." Inu-Yasha woke Kagome at sunset. He had just woken up himself. He handed her a slice of bread, a lump of cheese and a small basin of water. Kagome ate and drank gratefully. When she finished she tucked the basin back into her bag and joined Inu-Yasha at the cave entrance.

"So, this is it?" Kagome asked, glancing sideways up at Inu-Yasha's face.

Taking a deep breath he answered, "Yes." Without another word Inu-Yasha advanced into the gloom of the ominous cavern. Kagome stuck close to him as they made their way deeper into the winding passages of the cave.

Kagome peeked out from behind Inu-Yasha upon entering the main cavern. Thousands upon thousands of demons leered at the pair. Kagome shrunk further behind Inu-Yasha, terrified. She shuddered at the thought that any moment these monolithic beasts would spring to life and attack her and her hanyou.

Inu-Yasha could feel Kagome's fear. He felt bad but now wasn't the time for comfort. Inu-Yasha's hypersensitive ears could hear every wisp of air; his entire being was exceptionally alert. His ears pricked up at the sound of a dry shuffling as if someone were walking through freshly fallen leaves. He attempted to pinpoint the location of the sound but it moved rapidly from one place to another. `It must be a transporter,' he thought. `That or there's more than one…'

"Kagome, hide behind that boulder. Push as far back as you can. I don't want you around when the fighting starts." Inu-Yasha whispered.

"Okay." Kagome did as Inu-Yasha said and hid. She was relieved that he had suggested it. She did not want to be around during the battle but she would not abandon Inu-Yasha unless he told her to. Now that he had she was only too willing to comply.

Now that he didn't have to worry about protecting Kagome Inu-Yasha could focus on the impending war. The volume of the shuffling sound had slowly increased and its movements had become faster. Inu-Yasha lifted his nose into the air, trying to smell the first foe.

With a deafening roar, a panther demon hurled itself from the shadows onto Inu-Yasha. Using all the speed he possessed, Inu-Yasha spun around, brandishing the Tetsusaiga. He swung it forcefully into the chest of the youkai. "One down…" he muttered as he turned his attention elsewhere, searching out his next opponent.

It wasn't long before Inu-Yasha had defeated more than one hundred youkai. With every one he felled ten more would be ready to rush in. By midnight he had discarded the Tetsusaiga, finding it useless in close quarters.

Kagome pulled the crumpled scrap of paper upon which she'd written the spell from her pocket. Holding it shakily to her eyes she recited: "Creator of the Shikon No Tama, by the power of the demons, the spirits and my hand I implore you, bring forth the sister." As she finished the incantation her entire body tingled for a moment. `That must be the magic,' she thought. `That felt weird.'

A ray of sunlight peeked out over the horizon, the first sign of morning. In the cave all of the youkai spirits became immediately dormant. Inu-Yasha relaxed, panting heavily and glancing around.

"It must be day… Do you want anything to eat or drink?" Inu-Yasha asked Kagome.

Kagome shook her head. "No, I'm fine. But what about you? Do you need anything?" Kagome hurried to Inu-Yasha's side, holding him up. "Are you hurt?"

"No, just exhausted. I need some water, though. Hey, when you read the spell did you feel… like a shiver or something? Through your whole body?"

"Yeah! I didn't know what it was… I figured it was just the magic." Kagome handed Inu-Yasha a bottle of water. She took a cloth and cleaned his many small wounds while they spoke. "What are we going to do when…?"

Inu-Yasha responded angrily, "Don't! There's nothing we can do! Don't think about it." He stalked off alone to think. In truth he was possibly more worried than her. He had been thinking about it since he found out that the spell would have to be performed during the new moon. He had three options that he could think of. One was to face the demons in his human form using the untransformed Tetsusaiga. He couldn't actually fight but he could at least defend himself. The problem was that there was no way he could hold them off all night. His second option was to actually discard the Tetsusaiga and let his demon half take over. He wasn't sure if that would work while he was fully human, though. Also he wouldn't be able to ensure Kagome's safety if he did. His final option was to have Kagome face the demons with him, using her sacred arrows. There was a dangerous aspect to his plan, though. The demons would not only be alerted to Kagome's presence but they would be attacking her, meaning she wouldn't be safe any night after that. He was lost. What was he going to do? For now, he was going to sleep. He would need a lot of rest to take on the demon hoard again tomorrow.

As Inu-Yasha settled down to sleep Kagome did the same, just off the main cavern.

~*~

Kagome had avoided the subject of the new moon for as long as she could but now that it had come she had to say something. "Inu-Yasha?" she began tentatively. "What are you going to do? About the new moon, I mean."

Inu-Yasha tensed, making Kagome worry that she shouldn't have asked. He took a deep breath then turned around to face the woman. "Just stay back."

Kagome looked at him fearfully then did as he said, going back to the small crevice behind the boulder.

Inu-Yasha turned back to face the wide cavern. He had been awake all day thinking over his `condition'. He had finally come to the conclusion that he would let his demon side take over. It was the only way he could stay alive. And if he didn't stay alive then neither would Kagome. He gripped the hilt of the sword tightly one last time before stabbing it into the rock floor. He had given Kagome the scabbard to protect herself with in case his plan failed. He hadn't told her why or what he was planning. She would only worry.

The last rays of the setting sun disappeared behind the horizon. Inu-Yasha could feel the demon blood evaporate from his veins. As the first demons came to life Inu-Yasha strode forward. He hoped fervently that his demon side could take him even though he was human. But first he would have to put his life in danger.

A ferocious lizard demon launched itself at Inu-Yasha, tearing into his flesh. Inu-Yasha cried out in pain as he was thrown to the ground. Suddenly his body was pulsing and his demon blood was coursing through him once more.

Kagome had come out of her hiding place upon hearing Inu-Yasha's yell. She saw the Tetsusaiga stuck into the rock and understood what Inu-Yasha was going to do. She cried out in protest but it was too late. Inu-Yasha had already transformed.

Inu-Yasha could feel his mind being separated from his soul. He had no control over his body. He hoped Kagome had stayed hidden.

~*~

Inu-Yasha slaughtered demon after demon, never tiring nor hesitating to kill. He ripped through another demon as he spun around to face the demons which had circled behind him. The part of Inu-Yasha's consciousness still connected to his soul realized that he was now facing Kagome's hiding place. The demons were getting closer to her. He had to do something. But what could he do? His body would not listen to him.

Kagome could see some of the demons being pushed back past her hiding place. If one just glanced to the side she would be spotted. She tried to push farther back without making any noise or attracting any attention.

Inu-Yasha dove after the demons nearing Kagome. Somehow, the fear for Kagome's life had been communicated to the demon aspect of Inu-Yasha. He massacred all demons being forced in her direction, though he did not know why this girl meant so much. Inu-Yasha's demon side was not connected with heart or soul so love meant nothing to him. But he continued defending her all through the night.

By day break the demons had returned to dormancy but Inu-Yasha's condition had not reversed. His ferocity was not dulled by the rising of the sun. Kagome was unsure of whether she should come out. She peered out from behind the boulder. Her movement caught Inu-Yasha's attention and he whirled round to face her.

Kagome froze. What would he do? Should she try to turn him back? She stood to show that she wasn't afraid and said firmly, "Sit!"

Inu-Yasha was brought to the ground by the subduing spell. Kagome raced forward and tugged at the Tetsusaiga, trying to dislodge it. She had to hurry. Inu-Yasha was quickly recovering from the spell and he did not seem too thrilled with her. Sitting him had not reversed his transformation. Only the Tetsusaiga could do that.

Inu-Yasha could feel something telling him that this girl was very important to him. He shouldn't hurt her. But how had he possibly been subdued by her? Was she a miko? Or a witch? `Help her,' the voice of Inu-Yasha's hanyou counterpart whispered. Inu-Yasha strode over to the Tetsusaiga and yanked it from the stone. His body began to pulse once more as his hanyou blood returned. He blinked and took the Tetsusaiga's scabbard from Kagome.

"Thank you for turning me back." Inu-Yasha said to Kagome as she continued to stare at him.

"Why didn't you tell me?! You could have died!" Kagome asked tearfully.

Inu-Yasha's face fell. "I-I'm sorry, I… I figured you'd try to stop me! It was the only way I could survive the new moon!" Inu-Yasha felt terrible that he had made Kagome cry. He wiped the tears from her face and hugged her gently.

Kagome sniffed and pulled away from him. "It's alright… I was just… really scared." She looked up at him and shrugged. "Just next time, tell me. If you're going to change I want to know. Now let me bandage your stomach." Kagome indicated the slash he had received from the lizard demon.

Inu-Yasha sat and let Kagome tend to his stomach. He liked the way she was always taking care of him, even though he didn't always need her to. "Well, the worst is over," he said leaning forward to place his elbows on his knees.

Kagome placed the medical supplies back in her bag and handed Inu-Yasha a water bottle. She divided the remains of the ramen between the two and began eating in silence. When the two had finished their meal they lay down to sleep, Kagome in Inu-Yasha's arms.

~*~

Sango stared miserably out the window. She searched the sky and forest for signs of Inu-Yasha and Kagome. `Will they ever return?' she asked herself.

Shippo looked sadly at Sango. She had not left the window for nearly a full week. She refused to eat or sleep; only making her more ill. Grief had made her not only emotionally ill but also physically sick. Depriving herself of food and rest was not helping. Shippo sighed and placed another bowl of stew beside the stubborn demon slayer. He knew that she probably wouldn't eat it but he had to try.

~*~

It was the final night. Inu-Yasha stood ready, holding the Tetsusaiga. Once more and for the final time, the demon spirits awakened. He fought feverishly, taking down one demon after another. Before long it was time for Kagome to recite the incantation again. She pulled the scrap from her pocket and smoothed it out. "Creator of the Shikon No Tama, by the power of the demons, the spirits and my hand I implore you, bring forth the sister." When the last word had passed Kagome's lips the demons froze. A blinding light flared into existence in the centre of the cavern. A strong wind raged, coming from the light and forcing Inu-Yasha back. A roaring sound filled the cave, driving Kagome to cover her ears. Inu-Yasha's ears pressed flat to his head, the noise causing his ears to ache.

Something dropped from the centre of the light, hitting the rock with a small `ping'. The light was sucked back into its source, leaving the cave seemingly pitch black. Kagome rushed forward as the demon spirits turned to dust. She picked the small orb up off the ground, wiping the dust from it. She stared into its depths, watching clouds drift around inside.

"Kagome." Inu-Yasha said, waking her from her stupor.

"Yes, Inu-Yasha?" Kagome looked up from the jewel.

"Get some sleep. We'll leave at dawn." Inu-Yasha sat down with his back to the boulder. Kagome joined him, falling asleep immediately.

~*~

Kagome had woken up before Inu-Yasha for the first time. She prepared a quick breakfast. She woke Inu-Yasha as the sun began to rise. The two ate swiftly and were back on the road before the sun had fully risen.

~*~

Sango leapt up and ran quickly out of the hut. She had just seen a red blur bounding from tree to tree. That had to be Inu-Yasha! She ran toward the trees to greet the two friends. "Inu-Yasha!! Kagome!!" she screamed, tears flowing freely down her cheeks. She had nearly surrendered to the despairing belief that they were dead… But here they were! And Kagome was smiling… Why was she smiling?

"Sango!! We can save Miroku!! We can bring him back!" Kagome yelled as she ran at Sango. The two hugged tightly, both crying. "Come on! Let's go! Where is Miroku's body?" Kagome asked Sango as she was led around the back of the hut.

"I didn't want to bury him so I put him in a coffin behind the hut…" Sango's pace slowed. She did not want to see his coffin again…

"Kagome!" A tiny ball of fur hurtled into Kagome's arms as the Kit greeted his adoptive mom.

"Shippo! Where were you?" Kagome hugged the Kit tightly.

"I went to get more food! Sango won't eat! She won't sleep either!" Shippo confessed.

Kagome's expression became one of intense concern. "Don't worry, Shippo. We can bring Miroku back now. She'll be back to normal soon." Kagome didn't feel very sure but she tried to sound confident for Shippo's sake.

Inu-Yasha followed a short distance behind the anxious party. He watched as Kagome pulled out the Shinnin Itonami Hoshou and did as Kaishiko had instructed. Lifting the jewel between her index fingers to her lips she spoke, her breath clouding its surface.

"Shinnin Itonami Hoshou, New Life Jewel; travel to the spirit world and return Miroku's soul to me. By the power of the Shinnin Itonami Hoshou, I command you, Miroku, rise!" Kagome lifted the jewel as its light ignited. The jewel dissipated and Miroku's body shuddered. But he didn't rise.

Sango looked from Kagome to Miroku, lost and confused. "But… Why didn't… What…" Her face betrayed her sorrow but she couldn't understand what had gone wrong. Slowly, cautiously, she reached her hand out, lightly brushing his chest, trying to feel his heartbeat. She gasped and retracted her hand quickly.

Alarmed, Kagome asked, "What is it, Sango? What's wrong?"

"He-he's so cold…" Sango seemed to have finally accepted the death of her love, Miroku.

Kagome knelt gently beside her friend as Sango dissolved into tears. She rested her arm around Sango's shoulder and kindly lifted her to her feet. "Let's go inside…" Kagome led Sango away, trying to be strong while inside she was screaming. Why hadn't it worked? After all she'd been through, it was all for nothing!

Inu-Yasha cast one last glance at the houshi and turned, sadly to follow his friends.

~*~

For hours, Sango lay, depressed and despondent, on her bed. She felt cold inside. She had given up now. She no longer had Miroku… What was left?

`What about Kagome and Inu-Yasha, and Shippo and Kaede?' a small voice asked fairly from the back of her mind.

Sango's thoughts turned to her friends but she felt so numb that she could not tell what she truly felt for them anymore. She shut her eyes tightly as her tears were refreshed. She let herself be carried off to the black void of sleep.

~*~

Kagome woke suddenly. It was still dark out… `Why did I wake up?' she wondered to herself. There it was; that little rustling sound. `That's what woke me up,' she told herself. `What is that?'

Kagome cast off her blankets, standing quietly and creeping to the door of the hut. She stood, listening. There it was again… `It's footsteps!' she realized as she listened to the uneven gait of whatever lurked beyond the door.

Kagome breathed deeply, steeling herself for the coming confrontation and leapt out in front of the intruder.

"Miroku!" she yelled the second her eyes caught the visage of the monk.

Suddenly, Inu-Yasha was beside Kagome, rushing forward to catch the unsteady Miroku. Sango joined them outside in seconds but she stopped dead at the sight of the living, breathing Miroku.

All that Sango could force out was a strangled sob as she threw her arms around the houshi. She was still crying but now her tears were shed out of joy rather than intense misery.

Miroku buckled slightly under the sudden weight of Sango's shaking form but was saved from falling by the support of Inu-Yasha.

Inu-Yasha knew Sango was relieved and happy, but he needed to get Miroku inside and lying down and fast. "Sango, we have to get him inside," Inu-Yasha said as comfortingly as he could, despite his annoyance.

Kagome pulled Sango back and led her inside after Miroku and Inu-Yasha.

~*~

Inu-Yasha lay Miroku down gently on his bed. He covered him with the blankets, wrapping him tightly after feeling the cold flesh of his hand.

Miroku was exhausted. It had taken all of his strength to lift himself from the trough he had lain in for so long.

Kagome's eyes stung with tears. She couldn't look at Miroku. She was happy, yes, but he seemed so sick… It looked like he was suffering… And she'd brought him back.

Sango was struggling to find her voice. Every emotion ever experienced by humankind was coursing through her. It was so overwhelming.

Inu-Yasha hung back in the shadows. He was unsure of his emotions. He wanted to block them all out rather than admit that he'd missed that hentai monk.

Kagome couldn't hold back, "Miroku… what was it like being…?" She trailed off unable to finish her question.

Miroku opened his eyes and looked over at the miko. "Dead?" he asked her, flatly. "It was torture. It wasn't where I was. It was where I wasn't. I missed you…" his voice turned to a whisper as his eyes locked with Sango's.

Sango felt as if her heart would explode with emotion. "Miroku!" She flung her arms once more around the shoulders of the monk. "I missed you so much! I love you!" Sango had finally confessed the feeling that had consumed her being for so long.

Miroku was slightly startled but he was also relieved. "I love you, too, my dear Sango." He hugged her tighter. "I will never leave you again. And I promise that the only bottom I will be stroking from now on will be yours."

Sango's annoyance at his statement was lessened by his present condition, but she would remember to smack him for that one later on. She rested her head on his chest, letting herself give in to the content she now felt.

Kagome was unsure of whether she should ask the question she'd really wanted to ask but she didn't want to interfere with the reunion of the two lovers.

Inu-Yasha could see the agitated look on Kagome's face. He knew what she was debating with herself. "Miroku, why didn't the jewel work right away?"

Miroku pulled away slightly from Sango, directing his attention at Inu-Yasha. "I cannot be certain but I believe that my body had to repair itself… I was conscious and I couldn't understand why you were all leaving. But I couldn't speak so I figured you thought I was still dead…" Miroku's voice wavered as he spoke the last few words but he soon smiled, attempting to reassure his friends. "But now I'm back and that's all over. But Sango, don't cry. I'm here now. I love you more than I have ever loved anything on this earth and now I want you to say you'll spend eternity with me." He pushed himself up into a sitting position and took Sango's hand. "Will you marry me, Sango?"

Sango had gone, as Miroku answered, from the bliss of love to the depths of fear and depression and now she was back, back on the precipice of her elation. "Oh, Miroku, of course I will!" Sango's strong mask dropped and she kissed her hentai houshi.

Kagome smiled through the lingering sadness, at the happiness of her two friends. She was glad that she had saved Miroku but she still felt slightly guilty. That would take time to heal.

Kagome felt a strong hand on her shoulder. She turned, looking up at Inu-Yasha. His face was serious and Kagome understood that he wanted to be alone. She nodded and stood, following the hanyou out of the hut and in the direction of the Goshinboku. Sango and Miroku did not notice their departure, the whole of their attention focused on each other.

Inu-Yasha stopped having arrived at the God Tree. He remained with his back to Kagome and she stood patiently, though wondering, behind him.

"Kagome, I… I don't love Kikyo. I never have. Not really. I…" he paused. He couldn't force the words past the lump in his throat.

Kagome knew what Inu-Yasha was going to say; she knew how difficult those words were to say. She'd been trying for so long. "I love you, Inu-Yasha, and I want to be with you." she said. The knowledge that even Inu-Yasha had trouble saying it gave her courage. She waited for Inu-Yasha's response no longer feeling the anxiety she used to feel when it came to this.

Inu-Yasha was too surprised to speak at first. Kagome felt the same for him as he did for her. "I want to be with you, too." He said as he turned to Kagome.

The two stood staring at each other in silence. Neither knew what to say. They just stared. Stared and thought.

Kagome broke the silence, "What does this mean?" she asked.

Inu-Yasha found confidence in the fact that Kagome also did not know what to do now. But something deep inside Inu-Yasha whispered to him. He moved forward and embraced her. "Now you're mine. You're my mate. No one else can touch you. And if that hentai monk comes near you I'll kill him!"

Kagome smiled at the fierce promise and rested her head on Inu-Yasha's chest, smiling.

~*~

DONE! HOLY FRIK, FINALLY! I rewrote the end by the way so if you're dissatisfied with this one… read between the lines: |s|c|r|e|w|y|o|u|!| And, OH MAH GOSH!! I WAS WORKIN' ON DIS ONE FOR SO FRIKKIN' LONG!