InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Beautiful Souls ❯ Discovery ( Chapter 7 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: BrethlessM 
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Adventure / Hentai / Romance | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 08.21.2005 | Pages: 3 | Words: 3.6K | Visits: 600 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Adventure / Hentai / Romance | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 08.21.2005 | Pages: 3 | Words: 3.6K | Visits: 600 | Status: Work In Progress
‘Kagome....’
Inuyasha wasted no time saying good-bye to Kikyou before taking off in the direction of camp. He wasn’t far away, but it felt as though years were passing as he slashed at tree branches in his path. Leaping into the circle of light provided by the campfire, Inuyasha drew Tetsusaiga, looking around for the threat to Kagome.
Miroku, Sango, Shippou and Kirara were gathered around the girl’s sleeping bag. Inuyasha craned his neck, looking for Kagome, but she appeared to be heavily guarded. Miroku turned at the sound of Inuyasha crashing through the underbrush and, meeting his eyes, stood to allow the hanyou access to the girl.
Kagome lay cradled against Sango. Inuyasha could smell her tears as Sango spoke to her softly.
‘Nightmare....’ Re-sheathing his sword, Inuyasha cautiously approached. Ignoring glares from Sango and Shippou, he bent down and lifted Kagome into his arms. Turning to Miroku, who seemed to be the only one not angry with him, Inuyasha nodded in the direction of the area the monk had taken her to meditate earlier.
Miroku nodded and watched as Inuyasha disappeared behind some rocks.
Sango was shaking in anger, “Do you think he was with...?”
Shippou glared in the direction Inuyasha had gone, “Where else would he have been?”
Miroku sighed. He knew that Sango would be angry with him if he tried defending the hanyou right now. On the other hand, he knew how Inuyasha felt about both Kagome and Kikyou. Hoping for the best, Miroku realized there was only one thing he could do.
“Alright then. Let’s hear what he has to say,” Setting off after Kagome and the half-youkai, he wasn’t surprised when Sango and Shippou ran after him.
“Miroku! We can’t eavesdrop on them!” Sango worriedly remembered Kagome’s story about the kiss. She didn’t think her friend would appreciate having witnesses should something happen again.
Miroku lowered his voice, “ Why not? They spy on us too. Besides, it’s too late to argue- we’re here.” Crouching down in front of the rock pile, Miroku carefully inched his way around until he could clearly hear the voices of those on the other side.
With a quiet sigh, Sango joined him. Shippou just grinned.
*******************
Inuyasha waited until Kagome had stopped crying. When the girl moved to sit beside him instead of in his lap, Inuyasha winced at the wave of guilt that washed over him.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t there,” finding he couldn’t look at her, Inuyasha stared straight ahead.
Kagome nodded, not looking at him either. “Were you with Kikyou?” The flattening of Inuyasha’s ears was all the answer she needed. Fighting back the tears that, once again, rose in her eyes, Kagome hugged her knees close. “Oh.”
Inuyasha hesitated before turning to face her. The hurt in her eyes was evident, but he steeled himself not to look away in shame. “Kagome... tell me about your nightmares.”
Kagome first shook her head. Turning to meet his gaze, the sadness on his face changed her mind. Sighing, she tried to think back to the first dream she could remember. “At first, I didn’t realize I was having them until much later. I started waking up knowing that I’d dreamt, but I couldn’t remember any of the details. It was then that I realized I’d had lots of them. They’ve gotten worse over the last four nights.” Her voice lowered, trembling slightly with the memory.
“What are they about?” Inuyasha resisted the temptation to fold her in his arms, afraid that if he touched her now, she wouldn’t finish.
“Mostly... you.” Kagome looked away from him. “Sometimes the others are there too. Everyone is turning away from me. Leaving me alone. There’s such... hatred in their eyes, and this look... like you’re all mocking me.” Kagome choked on a sob that rose in her throat. Forcing it back, she continued, “There’s also this voice. I can’t tell who’s it is, whether it’s mine, or even if it’s male or female. It’s just this... presence. It tells me....”
Inuyasha finally gave in to his urge to put his arms around her, pulling her close as she faltered, “What does it say?”
“It says that everyone will leave. That you will leave. That I’m no one; unimportant.” Her voice lowered to no more than a whisper. “It says I’ll kill you... or else you’ll kill me.” Kagome pulled away, turning her back to him.
“Kagome,” Inuyasha began.
Before he could continue, she went on, “There’s more.” A tinge of anger colored her voice, making Inuyasha’s concern grow, “Kikyou is there. She’s always there. At the end of every one of the nightmares I’ve had... she comes for you. To take you to Hell.” Turning to look at him, she finished, “You always go with her.”
Unable to stop himself, Inuyasha pulled Kagome back into his lap, holding her tightly. He felt her breath explode against his neck as he ran his fingers through her hair. Releasing her a little, he placed a finger beneath her chin, lifting it to look into her eyes, “Kagome...” he murmured to her, just before she leaned forward and kissed him.
He was surprised as her softness abraded his senses. Sighing weakly, he held her close, allowing himself to give her the comfort she so badly needed. Leaning back against the rock he gave himself over to her, reveling in the gentleness of her touch, the smoothness of her skin, the fire she ignited deep within him with the softest of sighs.
Kagome’s hand reached up, gently rubbing the tiny pink and white triangle of ear on his head. Groaning, for once he did not pull away. In fact, he seemed to lean into her touch, almost purring as she stroked the delicate flesh. She felt his hands move from around her. Kagome’s soft whine at the loss was soon replaced by a moan as he tenderly cupped her breast through her clothing.
Passion overwhelmed his brain, making Inuyasha dizzy. Sitting up, the hanyou pressed Kagome to the ground. Leaning over her, he continued his worship of her breast, kissing the pale hollow of her throat as she whimpered. Reaching lower, Inuyasha lifted the hem of her blouse to reveal the small patch of stomach that had called to him earlier. Lowering himself, he tasted her flesh, grazing her skin with his teeth, causing her to writhe beneath him.
He felt himself losing control, felt the shackles that held him in check, straining to unleash the demon inside him. He knew that if he gave any more of himself, took any more from her, he would be unable to stop. Pulling down her shirt to cover her, Inuyasha stretched himself out next to Kagome, pulling her up against him so that his front pressed against her back.
They lay there for a while as slowly, their heart rates returned to normal. He was sorely tempted to reveal himself, to tell her what he’d hidden from her for nearly three years. Lying there with her in his arms, his heart was ready to burst. It was all he could to do keep his feelings contained, when suddenly, he remembered.
“Kikyou!”
He felt Kagome stiffen in his arms before she sat up with a start, “What?”
‘Dammit!’ This was why he didn’t deserve to be with her. He couldn’t even keep from hurting her when all he wanted to do was love her.
“No, I meant... Kikyou... she’s waiting,” Inuyasha watched as her shoulders relaxed, but only slightly, “She wants to see you. She said she needed to talk to you, about... something.” He held his breath, silently hoping she would understand.
“You trust her?”
Kagome still would not look at him and though he could tell she wasn’t crying, he knew that he’d upset her. For once, he remembered to hesitate before replying, “I... she promised me that she wouldn’t hurt you.” Receiving no answer he placed a tentative hand on her shoulder, “I won’t let anything hurt you.”
Kagome quickly stood, letting his hand fall heavily, “Let’s go then.” Turning to follow him, Kagome refused to meet his eyes.
Inuyasha stood, wishing for the right words to come to him, “Kagome, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean...”
Kagome nodded, cutting him off, “I understand. I knew all along and still I...” Shaking her head, she took a deep breath, “She’s waiting.”
Inuyasha started to speak, then nodded. Reaching for her hand, he was surprised when she stepped away from his grasp. ‘She doesn’t get it. I have to tell her something!’ Looking at Kagome, he realized she was putting up walls, protecting her heart and soul for the coming confrontation. ‘Not now. She wouldn’t hear me now.’
Approaching the camp, Inuyasha noticed that everyone was still up... and staring. Staring back, he scowled at them, “What the fuck is everyone fucking staring at?”
Instantly, three pairs of eyes busied themselves with something else.
Wondering what in the seven hells was going on, Inuyasha hurried, “Kikyou asked to see Kagome. We’ll be back in twenty minutes,” Noticing the exchanged glances, he growled at his friends, warning them to keep their peace.
Turning to Kagome, he again reached for her hand, frustrated when she folded her arms in avoidance. With a frustrated sigh, he headed into the woods, “Come on,”
Sango watched as the two disappeared. “That baka!” She raged when they were out of range, “I can’t believe he said her name after what just...”
“Now, now, Sango. We left before hearing what else he had to say,” Looking in the direction Inuyasha and Kagome had gone, he added, “Although judging by Kagome’s attitude, whatever it was, wasn’t quite what he should have said.”
Sango glared, “Oh, really? And just what would you have said? In his position.”
Miroku felt the thin ice crack beneath him, “Sango, my dear, I would never have allowed myself to get into such a situation,” smiling his most beguiling smile, he took the taijiya’s hand, “When one has the love of a woman such as yourself, nothing else is necessary.”
Hoping to distract her from her anger, he pulled her to him, caressing her backside, “I was hoping you’d be interested in seeing if we couldn’t top our dear Inuyasha and Kagome - we seem to have twenty minutes on our hands....”
A loud crack resounded heavily in the darkness, followed by the sigh of a young kitsune, “What an idiot.”
**********************
Kikyou remained where Inuyasha had last seen her. A curious look entered the miko’s eyes as she glanced from the hanyou to the girl who stood beside him. The look vanished before Inuyasha could finish clenching his hands into fists.
Without looking at Inuyasha, Kikyou approached Kagome. Eyes never leaving the girls face, the miko addressed him, “You may leave us, Inuyasha.”
Inuyasha hesitated, glancing at Kagome. Kagome stood defiantly, chin slightly raised, eyes locked with those of the woman who had summoned her.
Kikyou finally turned to Inuyasha, “Did I not give you my word that no harm would come to her? Return in ten minutes and she will be yours again.”
Ignoring the mocking curl of the dead priestess’ lips, Inuyasha once more looked at Kagome in silence.
“Go, Inuyasha,” Kagome continued to stare at Kikyou, “I’ll be alright.”
With a nod, Inuyasha turned, retreating into the shadow of the trees.
Kikyou watch him leave, perhaps to make sure he had truly gone. At last, she turned again to face her reincarnation. Circling Kagome, Kikyou eyed her carefully, with the air of someone weighing and judging cattle.
Turning away, Kikyou addressed her, “ That was brave of you. I tried to kill you once before, are you sure you can trust me now?”
Kagome allowed no expression to betray her feelings, “ Inuyasha trusts...”
“Inuyasha is a fool.” Kikyou searched Kagome’s face, “Inuyasha believes that a guarded heart is the only way to judge someone’s worthiness.”
Kagome shook her head, “You’re wrong.” Her voice was soft, though she spoke firmly, “Inuyasha has changed. He... loves you.”
Kikyou paused, then faced the girl directly, “And you? Do you love Inuyasha?”
Kagome thought to deny it. Attempted to swear that such a thing was not true... and in the end, she nodded, “I do.”
Kikyou stared at her. A look of sorrow flitted across her face, vanishing as quickly as it appeared. “How difficult it must be for you... to stand here with me, knowing that we are one in the same. Knowing that, were it not for a brief twist of fate, neither of us would be in this place - this time. How you must wish me dead.”
Kagome turned from her, staring far into the distance, “I am not you... and I don’t wish you were dead.”
Kikyou stood silently for a moment before replying, “No... you do not,” the priestess sighed, “That is the reason I asked Inuyasha to bring you to me.”
Kagome faced the miko, waiting, curious, despite herself.
“ Different though we may be, there are aspects that we share... do you agree?”
Kagome hesitated, then nodded.
Kikyou continued, “Soon, there will come a time when Naraku and his minions can no longer avoid emerging to gather the last of the Jewel shards. Mouryoumaru increases in strength, and seeks to overpower his master. Were he to gain possession of the final three shards, he would prove a formidable adversary, even to Naraku. Then, there would be two powerful forces to defeat, not one. This is something that cannot be allowed to happen.”
Kagome noted, with interest, the flash of fire that sprung up in Kikyou’s eyes.
Kikyou stepped closer to Kagome, “It has been my design to allow Naraku to complete the Shikon no Tama, so that I may destroy both of them together. Now, this may not be enough.”
Kagome frowned, “Moryoumaru carries Naraku’s heart. If we destroy Naraku and not him, it won’t do any good. Naraku can just escape and regenerate himself.”
Kikyou nodded in agreement, “The two must be destroyed together. The Shikon no Tama must be completed. Only then will it be possible for Naraku and Mouryoumaru to fall.”
Kagome’s head swirled. There was so much to consider. Sango’s brother had a Jewel shard embedded in his back that kept him alive. Completing the Shikon no Tama meant that Kohaku would have to die. They had vowed not to let that happen, but how to prevent it and still defeat Naraku and Mouryoumaru? And what of the shards that Mouryoumaru carried? Was it safe to assume that Naraku would get the other shards before his detachment could? If he did, he would definitely be strong enough to defeat his offspring and finally complete the Jewel... right? Kagome approached Kikyou to ask her questions, when the miko spoke.
“You must gather the remaining shards at once. When the time comes, I will be there. At that time, I will call to you and you must join me without haste,” Kikyou eyed her, “A power is rising in you that I had not foreseen. As alike and as different as we may be, it is only together that this battle can be won. Will you join with me to end this, once and for all?”
Kagome nodded, “I’ll be there.” There was no way she’d turn down a chance to finally defeat the demon who had destroyed the lives of so many of her friends. Before she could ask her questions, Kikyou stepped closer, eyeing her in a most peculiar way.
Kikyou’s eyes widened slightly, “ So.... How long have you been there?” Placing the tips of two fingers to Kagome’s forehead, the priestess addressed her, “Kagome, do not flinch. You will feel pain.”
With a bright flash of white light, Kagome felt a jolt rush through her body. Kagome couldn’t move, as every muscle in her screamed in pain. A high pitched shriek came to her ears, and just before she passed out, she realized it was her own voice.
********************
Inuyasha tore back through the forest as Kagome’s pained cry ripped through him. The sudden silence that followed was almost worse than her scream. ‘Did Kikyou hurt Kagome? Dammit! I shouldn’t have left her alone!’ Breaking into the clearing, his eyes took in the form of Kagome, lying on the ground.
Heedlessly running to her inert figure, Inuyasha listened carefully for any sign that she was still alive. To his relief, her shallow breath could just be heard above the erratic beat of her heart. ‘Thank Kami,’ his mind prayed. Looking up, he noticed Kikyou hovering silently in the shadows.
Resisting the urge to draw his sword, reminding himself that this was Kikyou, Inuyasha stood, stepping over Kagome to stand between the two incarnations, “Tell me what you did to her,” He demanded, his voice threatening.
As Inuyasha spoke, Sango, Miroku, and Shippou flew into the grove on Kirara, who landed beside Kagome’s body, prepared to fight.
Kikyou took in the faces of those before her. ‘How interesting... that this girl garners the devotion of all who associate with her. They would die to protect her, and she willingly risks her life for them. I wonder if I should have lived, were I to have had friends such as these....’
Stepping forward, she calmly addressed the inu-youkai, “I’m surprised to see such concern on your face, Inuyasha. The girl herself says that it is I whom you love. Not this pale shadow of me.”
Inuyasha seethed, “What did you do to her! Tell me now or I’ll...”
“You’ll what, Inuyasha? Kill me? We both know you are incapable of that. You’ve proved it time and again. However, I did not hurt your precious girl... or rather, it is not ‘I’ from whom you have failed to protect her.” Kikyou watched the rage melt into confusion on the hanyou’s face. Indicating to the ground next to Kagome’s head, Kikyou continued, “It seems that Kagome was being manipulated. Someone has been keeping too close an eye on her. I merely expelled the thing.”
All looked where Kikyou pointed. Beside Kagome’s ear squirmed a small lump of flesh. The same flesh that Naraku could manipulate to form his body, and those of his detachments. Sango gasped as Miroku stepped forward, placing the end of his staff on the tentacle. With a hiss of smoke, the vile thing disappeared.
Inuyasha could only stare. ‘Mouryoumaru.... So that’s what he was up to. He’d inserted a piece of his flesh into her brain and...’ Suddenly he realized, “Her nightmares! That’s where her nightmares were coming from. Mouryoumaru was trying to play games with her head so that she wouldn’t trust us!” Fury raged in the hanyou as he suddenly understood. ‘He’ll die. If it’s the last thing I do, I’ll make sure that he suffers.’
Kikyou regained his attention, “You have trifled too long here. Take her to Kaede. She will know what to do. Till then, Kagome’s brain will suffer from the aftereffects of the intrusion. When she awakens, ask her about what we have discussed. If she does as I believe she will, I would urge you to follow her request. Time is of the essence.”
Kikyou turned to leave, pausing as Inuyasha lifted Kagome from the ground, “ And Inuyasha... you must tell her the truth. If you do not, she will die.”
“What do you mean?” Inuyasha snarled in frustration.
“It’s in her eyes. She would willingly give her life, if she thought it would enable you to live happily. If you do not tell her, her life will be the consequence.” Turning, she gave one last, lingering smile to the half-youkai, “Go now.”
Inuyasha turned to his companions, “Follow when you can.” Within minutes, he was gone, pressing Kagome close to his chest.
Inuyasha wasted no time saying good-bye to Kikyou before taking off in the direction of camp. He wasn’t far away, but it felt as though years were passing as he slashed at tree branches in his path. Leaping into the circle of light provided by the campfire, Inuyasha drew Tetsusaiga, looking around for the threat to Kagome.
Miroku, Sango, Shippou and Kirara were gathered around the girl’s sleeping bag. Inuyasha craned his neck, looking for Kagome, but she appeared to be heavily guarded. Miroku turned at the sound of Inuyasha crashing through the underbrush and, meeting his eyes, stood to allow the hanyou access to the girl.
Kagome lay cradled against Sango. Inuyasha could smell her tears as Sango spoke to her softly.
‘Nightmare....’ Re-sheathing his sword, Inuyasha cautiously approached. Ignoring glares from Sango and Shippou, he bent down and lifted Kagome into his arms. Turning to Miroku, who seemed to be the only one not angry with him, Inuyasha nodded in the direction of the area the monk had taken her to meditate earlier.
Miroku nodded and watched as Inuyasha disappeared behind some rocks.
Sango was shaking in anger, “Do you think he was with...?”
Shippou glared in the direction Inuyasha had gone, “Where else would he have been?”
Miroku sighed. He knew that Sango would be angry with him if he tried defending the hanyou right now. On the other hand, he knew how Inuyasha felt about both Kagome and Kikyou. Hoping for the best, Miroku realized there was only one thing he could do.
“Alright then. Let’s hear what he has to say,” Setting off after Kagome and the half-youkai, he wasn’t surprised when Sango and Shippou ran after him.
“Miroku! We can’t eavesdrop on them!” Sango worriedly remembered Kagome’s story about the kiss. She didn’t think her friend would appreciate having witnesses should something happen again.
Miroku lowered his voice, “ Why not? They spy on us too. Besides, it’s too late to argue- we’re here.” Crouching down in front of the rock pile, Miroku carefully inched his way around until he could clearly hear the voices of those on the other side.
With a quiet sigh, Sango joined him. Shippou just grinned.
*******************
Inuyasha waited until Kagome had stopped crying. When the girl moved to sit beside him instead of in his lap, Inuyasha winced at the wave of guilt that washed over him.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t there,” finding he couldn’t look at her, Inuyasha stared straight ahead.
Kagome nodded, not looking at him either. “Were you with Kikyou?” The flattening of Inuyasha’s ears was all the answer she needed. Fighting back the tears that, once again, rose in her eyes, Kagome hugged her knees close. “Oh.”
Inuyasha hesitated before turning to face her. The hurt in her eyes was evident, but he steeled himself not to look away in shame. “Kagome... tell me about your nightmares.”
Kagome first shook her head. Turning to meet his gaze, the sadness on his face changed her mind. Sighing, she tried to think back to the first dream she could remember. “At first, I didn’t realize I was having them until much later. I started waking up knowing that I’d dreamt, but I couldn’t remember any of the details. It was then that I realized I’d had lots of them. They’ve gotten worse over the last four nights.” Her voice lowered, trembling slightly with the memory.
“What are they about?” Inuyasha resisted the temptation to fold her in his arms, afraid that if he touched her now, she wouldn’t finish.
“Mostly... you.” Kagome looked away from him. “Sometimes the others are there too. Everyone is turning away from me. Leaving me alone. There’s such... hatred in their eyes, and this look... like you’re all mocking me.” Kagome choked on a sob that rose in her throat. Forcing it back, she continued, “There’s also this voice. I can’t tell who’s it is, whether it’s mine, or even if it’s male or female. It’s just this... presence. It tells me....”
Inuyasha finally gave in to his urge to put his arms around her, pulling her close as she faltered, “What does it say?”
“It says that everyone will leave. That you will leave. That I’m no one; unimportant.” Her voice lowered to no more than a whisper. “It says I’ll kill you... or else you’ll kill me.” Kagome pulled away, turning her back to him.
“Kagome,” Inuyasha began.
Before he could continue, she went on, “There’s more.” A tinge of anger colored her voice, making Inuyasha’s concern grow, “Kikyou is there. She’s always there. At the end of every one of the nightmares I’ve had... she comes for you. To take you to Hell.” Turning to look at him, she finished, “You always go with her.”
Unable to stop himself, Inuyasha pulled Kagome back into his lap, holding her tightly. He felt her breath explode against his neck as he ran his fingers through her hair. Releasing her a little, he placed a finger beneath her chin, lifting it to look into her eyes, “Kagome...” he murmured to her, just before she leaned forward and kissed him.
He was surprised as her softness abraded his senses. Sighing weakly, he held her close, allowing himself to give her the comfort she so badly needed. Leaning back against the rock he gave himself over to her, reveling in the gentleness of her touch, the smoothness of her skin, the fire she ignited deep within him with the softest of sighs.
Kagome’s hand reached up, gently rubbing the tiny pink and white triangle of ear on his head. Groaning, for once he did not pull away. In fact, he seemed to lean into her touch, almost purring as she stroked the delicate flesh. She felt his hands move from around her. Kagome’s soft whine at the loss was soon replaced by a moan as he tenderly cupped her breast through her clothing.
Passion overwhelmed his brain, making Inuyasha dizzy. Sitting up, the hanyou pressed Kagome to the ground. Leaning over her, he continued his worship of her breast, kissing the pale hollow of her throat as she whimpered. Reaching lower, Inuyasha lifted the hem of her blouse to reveal the small patch of stomach that had called to him earlier. Lowering himself, he tasted her flesh, grazing her skin with his teeth, causing her to writhe beneath him.
He felt himself losing control, felt the shackles that held him in check, straining to unleash the demon inside him. He knew that if he gave any more of himself, took any more from her, he would be unable to stop. Pulling down her shirt to cover her, Inuyasha stretched himself out next to Kagome, pulling her up against him so that his front pressed against her back.
They lay there for a while as slowly, their heart rates returned to normal. He was sorely tempted to reveal himself, to tell her what he’d hidden from her for nearly three years. Lying there with her in his arms, his heart was ready to burst. It was all he could to do keep his feelings contained, when suddenly, he remembered.
“Kikyou!”
He felt Kagome stiffen in his arms before she sat up with a start, “What?”
‘Dammit!’ This was why he didn’t deserve to be with her. He couldn’t even keep from hurting her when all he wanted to do was love her.
“No, I meant... Kikyou... she’s waiting,” Inuyasha watched as her shoulders relaxed, but only slightly, “She wants to see you. She said she needed to talk to you, about... something.” He held his breath, silently hoping she would understand.
“You trust her?”
Kagome still would not look at him and though he could tell she wasn’t crying, he knew that he’d upset her. For once, he remembered to hesitate before replying, “I... she promised me that she wouldn’t hurt you.” Receiving no answer he placed a tentative hand on her shoulder, “I won’t let anything hurt you.”
Kagome quickly stood, letting his hand fall heavily, “Let’s go then.” Turning to follow him, Kagome refused to meet his eyes.
Inuyasha stood, wishing for the right words to come to him, “Kagome, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean...”
Kagome nodded, cutting him off, “I understand. I knew all along and still I...” Shaking her head, she took a deep breath, “She’s waiting.”
Inuyasha started to speak, then nodded. Reaching for her hand, he was surprised when she stepped away from his grasp. ‘She doesn’t get it. I have to tell her something!’ Looking at Kagome, he realized she was putting up walls, protecting her heart and soul for the coming confrontation. ‘Not now. She wouldn’t hear me now.’
Approaching the camp, Inuyasha noticed that everyone was still up... and staring. Staring back, he scowled at them, “What the fuck is everyone fucking staring at?”
Instantly, three pairs of eyes busied themselves with something else.
Wondering what in the seven hells was going on, Inuyasha hurried, “Kikyou asked to see Kagome. We’ll be back in twenty minutes,” Noticing the exchanged glances, he growled at his friends, warning them to keep their peace.
Turning to Kagome, he again reached for her hand, frustrated when she folded her arms in avoidance. With a frustrated sigh, he headed into the woods, “Come on,”
Sango watched as the two disappeared. “That baka!” She raged when they were out of range, “I can’t believe he said her name after what just...”
“Now, now, Sango. We left before hearing what else he had to say,” Looking in the direction Inuyasha and Kagome had gone, he added, “Although judging by Kagome’s attitude, whatever it was, wasn’t quite what he should have said.”
Sango glared, “Oh, really? And just what would you have said? In his position.”
Miroku felt the thin ice crack beneath him, “Sango, my dear, I would never have allowed myself to get into such a situation,” smiling his most beguiling smile, he took the taijiya’s hand, “When one has the love of a woman such as yourself, nothing else is necessary.”
Hoping to distract her from her anger, he pulled her to him, caressing her backside, “I was hoping you’d be interested in seeing if we couldn’t top our dear Inuyasha and Kagome - we seem to have twenty minutes on our hands....”
A loud crack resounded heavily in the darkness, followed by the sigh of a young kitsune, “What an idiot.”
**********************
Kikyou remained where Inuyasha had last seen her. A curious look entered the miko’s eyes as she glanced from the hanyou to the girl who stood beside him. The look vanished before Inuyasha could finish clenching his hands into fists.
Without looking at Inuyasha, Kikyou approached Kagome. Eyes never leaving the girls face, the miko addressed him, “You may leave us, Inuyasha.”
Inuyasha hesitated, glancing at Kagome. Kagome stood defiantly, chin slightly raised, eyes locked with those of the woman who had summoned her.
Kikyou finally turned to Inuyasha, “Did I not give you my word that no harm would come to her? Return in ten minutes and she will be yours again.”
Ignoring the mocking curl of the dead priestess’ lips, Inuyasha once more looked at Kagome in silence.
“Go, Inuyasha,” Kagome continued to stare at Kikyou, “I’ll be alright.”
With a nod, Inuyasha turned, retreating into the shadow of the trees.
Kikyou watch him leave, perhaps to make sure he had truly gone. At last, she turned again to face her reincarnation. Circling Kagome, Kikyou eyed her carefully, with the air of someone weighing and judging cattle.
Turning away, Kikyou addressed her, “ That was brave of you. I tried to kill you once before, are you sure you can trust me now?”
Kagome allowed no expression to betray her feelings, “ Inuyasha trusts...”
“Inuyasha is a fool.” Kikyou searched Kagome’s face, “Inuyasha believes that a guarded heart is the only way to judge someone’s worthiness.”
Kagome shook her head, “You’re wrong.” Her voice was soft, though she spoke firmly, “Inuyasha has changed. He... loves you.”
Kikyou paused, then faced the girl directly, “And you? Do you love Inuyasha?”
Kagome thought to deny it. Attempted to swear that such a thing was not true... and in the end, she nodded, “I do.”
Kikyou stared at her. A look of sorrow flitted across her face, vanishing as quickly as it appeared. “How difficult it must be for you... to stand here with me, knowing that we are one in the same. Knowing that, were it not for a brief twist of fate, neither of us would be in this place - this time. How you must wish me dead.”
Kagome turned from her, staring far into the distance, “I am not you... and I don’t wish you were dead.”
Kikyou stood silently for a moment before replying, “No... you do not,” the priestess sighed, “That is the reason I asked Inuyasha to bring you to me.”
Kagome faced the miko, waiting, curious, despite herself.
“ Different though we may be, there are aspects that we share... do you agree?”
Kagome hesitated, then nodded.
Kikyou continued, “Soon, there will come a time when Naraku and his minions can no longer avoid emerging to gather the last of the Jewel shards. Mouryoumaru increases in strength, and seeks to overpower his master. Were he to gain possession of the final three shards, he would prove a formidable adversary, even to Naraku. Then, there would be two powerful forces to defeat, not one. This is something that cannot be allowed to happen.”
Kagome noted, with interest, the flash of fire that sprung up in Kikyou’s eyes.
Kikyou stepped closer to Kagome, “It has been my design to allow Naraku to complete the Shikon no Tama, so that I may destroy both of them together. Now, this may not be enough.”
Kagome frowned, “Moryoumaru carries Naraku’s heart. If we destroy Naraku and not him, it won’t do any good. Naraku can just escape and regenerate himself.”
Kikyou nodded in agreement, “The two must be destroyed together. The Shikon no Tama must be completed. Only then will it be possible for Naraku and Mouryoumaru to fall.”
Kagome’s head swirled. There was so much to consider. Sango’s brother had a Jewel shard embedded in his back that kept him alive. Completing the Shikon no Tama meant that Kohaku would have to die. They had vowed not to let that happen, but how to prevent it and still defeat Naraku and Mouryoumaru? And what of the shards that Mouryoumaru carried? Was it safe to assume that Naraku would get the other shards before his detachment could? If he did, he would definitely be strong enough to defeat his offspring and finally complete the Jewel... right? Kagome approached Kikyou to ask her questions, when the miko spoke.
“You must gather the remaining shards at once. When the time comes, I will be there. At that time, I will call to you and you must join me without haste,” Kikyou eyed her, “A power is rising in you that I had not foreseen. As alike and as different as we may be, it is only together that this battle can be won. Will you join with me to end this, once and for all?”
Kagome nodded, “I’ll be there.” There was no way she’d turn down a chance to finally defeat the demon who had destroyed the lives of so many of her friends. Before she could ask her questions, Kikyou stepped closer, eyeing her in a most peculiar way.
Kikyou’s eyes widened slightly, “ So.... How long have you been there?” Placing the tips of two fingers to Kagome’s forehead, the priestess addressed her, “Kagome, do not flinch. You will feel pain.”
With a bright flash of white light, Kagome felt a jolt rush through her body. Kagome couldn’t move, as every muscle in her screamed in pain. A high pitched shriek came to her ears, and just before she passed out, she realized it was her own voice.
********************
Inuyasha tore back through the forest as Kagome’s pained cry ripped through him. The sudden silence that followed was almost worse than her scream. ‘Did Kikyou hurt Kagome? Dammit! I shouldn’t have left her alone!’ Breaking into the clearing, his eyes took in the form of Kagome, lying on the ground.
Heedlessly running to her inert figure, Inuyasha listened carefully for any sign that she was still alive. To his relief, her shallow breath could just be heard above the erratic beat of her heart. ‘Thank Kami,’ his mind prayed. Looking up, he noticed Kikyou hovering silently in the shadows.
Resisting the urge to draw his sword, reminding himself that this was Kikyou, Inuyasha stood, stepping over Kagome to stand between the two incarnations, “Tell me what you did to her,” He demanded, his voice threatening.
As Inuyasha spoke, Sango, Miroku, and Shippou flew into the grove on Kirara, who landed beside Kagome’s body, prepared to fight.
Kikyou took in the faces of those before her. ‘How interesting... that this girl garners the devotion of all who associate with her. They would die to protect her, and she willingly risks her life for them. I wonder if I should have lived, were I to have had friends such as these....’
Stepping forward, she calmly addressed the inu-youkai, “I’m surprised to see such concern on your face, Inuyasha. The girl herself says that it is I whom you love. Not this pale shadow of me.”
Inuyasha seethed, “What did you do to her! Tell me now or I’ll...”
“You’ll what, Inuyasha? Kill me? We both know you are incapable of that. You’ve proved it time and again. However, I did not hurt your precious girl... or rather, it is not ‘I’ from whom you have failed to protect her.” Kikyou watched the rage melt into confusion on the hanyou’s face. Indicating to the ground next to Kagome’s head, Kikyou continued, “It seems that Kagome was being manipulated. Someone has been keeping too close an eye on her. I merely expelled the thing.”
All looked where Kikyou pointed. Beside Kagome’s ear squirmed a small lump of flesh. The same flesh that Naraku could manipulate to form his body, and those of his detachments. Sango gasped as Miroku stepped forward, placing the end of his staff on the tentacle. With a hiss of smoke, the vile thing disappeared.
Inuyasha could only stare. ‘Mouryoumaru.... So that’s what he was up to. He’d inserted a piece of his flesh into her brain and...’ Suddenly he realized, “Her nightmares! That’s where her nightmares were coming from. Mouryoumaru was trying to play games with her head so that she wouldn’t trust us!” Fury raged in the hanyou as he suddenly understood. ‘He’ll die. If it’s the last thing I do, I’ll make sure that he suffers.’
Kikyou regained his attention, “You have trifled too long here. Take her to Kaede. She will know what to do. Till then, Kagome’s brain will suffer from the aftereffects of the intrusion. When she awakens, ask her about what we have discussed. If she does as I believe she will, I would urge you to follow her request. Time is of the essence.”
Kikyou turned to leave, pausing as Inuyasha lifted Kagome from the ground, “ And Inuyasha... you must tell her the truth. If you do not, she will die.”
“What do you mean?” Inuyasha snarled in frustration.
“It’s in her eyes. She would willingly give her life, if she thought it would enable you to live happily. If you do not tell her, her life will be the consequence.” Turning, she gave one last, lingering smile to the half-youkai, “Go now.”
Inuyasha turned to his companions, “Follow when you can.” Within minutes, he was gone, pressing Kagome close to his chest.