InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Bleed and Breathe ❯ Kagome's Alive ( Chapter 8 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
’s Alive!
Kagome had been up since before dawn preparing for their journey. Actually she hadn’t slept at all but she seemed to not be sleeping at all really for the past couple of weeks. Her body wasn’t tired really, so a couple of hours a night was all she needed. She was dressed in her fighting outfit, her weapons attached to her thigh and strapped to her back. Shippo and Rin had been in her room since the sun began to rise, knowing they wouldn’t see her for a few days at least. The three of them went downstairs to meet Sesshomaru, Yuri, Nobuto and Ronin. Everyone could sense Kagome’s nervousness and Yuri gave her a tight hug.
“It will all be fine my Lady.” She knew to speak formally around Sesshomaru no matter what Kagome had said.
“I know Yuri. I have been trained by the best.” She gave a nervous smile to her sensei’s before looking at Rin and Shippo. “You guys be good while we are gone, ok?”
They both looked at her but only Shippo spoke. “Ok mama. Be careful, I don’t want Inuyasha to hurt you again because of Kikyo.”
“He won’t Shippo, I promise. Kikyo will not be a problem anymore.” She hugged them both and turned to face Sesshomaru. She nodded at him and they both walked out the door, Kagome turning to wave as they walked outside the gates. The sun was still just rising and the horizon was lit beautifully in yellows, pinks and orange. Sesshomaru stopped just outside the gates and Kagome nearly rammed into him and the sudden movement. She was still pissed at him about last night, and that would not have been a good way to start the morning.
“Since you are now able to fly, I suggest we travel by air. It is a long trip and I want to be there before dusk.” His voice made the cool morning even colder. Why did he have to be so…so, unfeeling? Not another word was spoken as they both gathered their energy and began their trek across the western lands.
The silence was driving Kagome crazy. Sure, the birds were chirping and the breeze was blowing and all the fun stuff, but the never ending silence of her companion was enough to make her want to just drop from the sky. She needed sound, music, something to keep her mind from racing so much. All she was thinking about were the possible outcomes and they just kept getting more and more gruesome. Kagome closed her eyes and thought about back home. What did her mom used to sing to her to calm her down? Kagome instantly remembered their special song and began to hum it to herself, singing a couple of lines here and there. No matter how low she sung Sesshomaru could hear her and he had to admit, she had a nice voice. It was smooth and flowing and on key. He had become almost mesmerized by it and found himself drifting closer to her to hear more of it. He was able to catch himself and moved back to where he was unbeknownst to her.
“What are you singing?” His voice seemed so loud that she had to stifle a ‘meep’. Then it clicked with her that he had asked her a question. She blushed knowing he was looking at her and she avoided looking at him.
“It’s a song my mama used to sing me. It would calm me down if I was upset.”
“And you are upset now?”
My god was the ice price actually stating a conversation with her? “No, not really. I am just really nervous I think. I have never really fought anyone for real before. I guess I am just trying to calm myself down.” He didn’t say anything else after that and she didn’t sing anymore either. They traveled a while more neither one wanting to speak, but both wanting at least some traveling noise. She wanted to talk and for some reason he wanted to hear her voice again. It pulled at his soul and called him closer to her. Sesshomaru didn’t care for that part too much; there was no way he wanted to be that close to a ningen in any way. All of a sudden there was a feral growl that startled the both of them. The demon lord looked in the vicinity of where the sound had come from but didn’t sense anything around that could make that kind of noise. It was voracious and carnal. Where the hell did it come from? And then he saw…Kagome. Her hands were wrapped around her stomach as another low growl escaped.
“Hehehe. Um, time for lunch yet?” Sesshomaru glared at her as they reached the forest floor.
“You mean to tell me that came from you?” He said calmly but sarcastically.
“You heard it for yourself. Sorry ok. I am human as much as I know you hate that, but I do need to eat. Not to mention we have been traveling all day and it takes a lot of energy to fly.” Her temper was rising and Sesshomaru found it quite amusing though his emotionless mask didn’t change. If anything he enjoyed how her scent changed with her moods. Normally it was like sweet pea and spring rain, but when she angry there was electricity mingling with it. It was almost like if she were to become really pissed a full-blown thunderstorm was on the horizon.
“Make a fire; I will hunt something to eat.” Before she could even retort he was gone into the woods leaving her to her thoughts. It was an easy task that took her a total of five minutes to accomplish. With the fire lit all she had to do was wait for ‘Mr. Lord and Master’ to return with something to eat. She was starving. Her thoughts wondered to her friends and the hanyou that had meant so much to her for so long. How would they react when they saw her again? Would they be mad at her? What would Inuyasha do? Too many questions pounded into her mind and she almost went crazy right there until she felt him coming back.
“Oh thank you, thank you, thank you!” she said to herself. Being the Tai Youkai that he is Sesshomaru heard it and tossed the two already skinned rabbits at her.
“You act as if you are glad to see me miko.”
“Ha ha. Not so much I was just merely going crazy.”
“Going? Are you sure you were not already there?” He couldn’t believe he was stooping as low as to rile her up. He was sitting here poking fun at this girl. What the hell was she doing to him?
“Yea well stick it up your…hey! What are you doing with the food? Give it back!” Kagome chased after him practically jumping on him reaching for the uncooked rabbits.
“If you can not be respectful to the one who has done so much for you I will simply take away what I have done.” He was enjoying this.
“Sesshomaru! Come on, I am starving!” she whined.
“Since when do you speak to me so informally? That is no way to get your meal back.” He held the rabbits just out of her reach and stared her straight in the eyes. She almost couldn’t breathe. The look in his eyes showed everything that he wouldn’t allow anyone to see. The eyes truly are the mirror to the soul, and this soul was being playful.
She sighed heavily. “Fine. Sesshomaru-sama, thank you SO much for finding me something to eat so my loud and grumbling stomach would shut up. I don’t know what I would do with out you.” Her voice was monotonous except for the emphasis on the so. “Can we cook the rabbits now so I don’t eat them raw?”
He brought the rabbits right in front of her face and she lunged to grab them. She placed them over the fire and paced while they cooked. Finally after what seemed like hours the food was done. He handed hers to her and she ravenously sucked it down. He could just watch, not even speak. She looked at him, and then looked at the rabbit before looking back at him.
“You gonna eat that?” He shook his head and handed the other one to her as well. The way she ate was, well, almost disgusting. A ravenous animal had more manners than her. “I see the way you are looking at me. Don’t keep food away from me when I am hungry. Your lucky I didn’t go postal on your ass and purify you.” she looked up at him and smiled.
“What is this…postal?” he quirked an eyebrow at her.
“Well at least you aren’t killing me for what I just said to you. Um, postal is like going crazy. You know, if something were to really make you mad, you would want to make that person pay for what they did. You would go postal on them.” He nodded his head and she assumed he really understood what she was saying. “Well, I am ready to go if you are.” She looked around the area. “We are close aren’t we? I can feel them near now.”
Sesshomaru began to walk and Kagome followed right behind him. “Yes we are about an hour away on foot. Do you have a plan of action?”
“I, uh, I kind of thought you would handle that. I have been thinking of all kinds of different things that could happen. All I know is that I want to handle Kikyo.” Her voice became determined in that last sentence and Sesshomaru was not about to argue with her about it.
“Since they can not feel your aura anymore I suggest that you remain hidden until the appropriate time comes to reveal yourself. No sense in her knowing you are alive only to have Inuyasha kill you again.”
“You are going to make her send him after you this time. A distraction right?”
Sesshomaru said nothing and just kept walking. They were heading directly towards the bone eaters well, that is where everything started and where everything will eventually end. Kagome’s heart was racing in her chest and the scent of anxiety and strength permeated the air. As they came closer Sesshomaru could feel the group approaching them and he looked at Kagome. He knew she could sense them too, and that the time was drawing near. Her fists were clenched and she had a fine layer of sweat on her brow.
“Miko, you will need to calm yourself. Your scent is strong and Inuyasha will know you are here. Don’t ruin this.” She knew he was right, she needed to calm down. She began to lightly hum the lullaby that her mother taught her and focused on bringing her energy into herself. Sesshomaru could almost see her energy building in her chest where she was focusing it until she was finally calm.
“Sesshomaru-sama?” She looked at him meekly, as if she were embarrassed by what she was about to say. “No matter what happens, please…please don’t hurt him.” He looked at her, at this woman that felt no resentment towards the one that had ended her life. The woman who didn’t hate her incarnation but wanted her to find peace after everything had happened. Kagome was strong in many ways that she never knew and he was respectful of her for those reasons. His eyes looked into hers, those pleading blue-gray eyes. He nodded his head once in acknowledgement and walked into the clearing. Now was the waiting game.
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Inuyasha, Kikyo, Sango, and Miroku were gathered in one of the huts given to them by Kaede. Nothing had been heard of the few remaining shards not including the one in Kohaku’s back. Nothing had been heard of since Kagome’s death. Nothing had mattered. They didn’t really speak to each other anymore. Sango and Miroku talked in the stillness that night brought, but during the day they were just too depressed to really focus on anything. Inuyasha barely moved except when Kikyo told him to, and he just couldn’t look the others in the eye, not after what he had done. There was too much shame and he just knew that deep down they hated him. He hated himself. There wasn’t even any sign of a smirk or rolling the eyes when Sango shouted hentai and smacked Miroku on the face.
They all just sat there as if in their own little worlds when suddenly their muscles reflexively tensed up. Their was a very powerful youkai nearby and it seemed to have stopped moving as if lying in wait.
Inuyasha growled. “Sesshomaru. What does that bastard want?”
Before anyone could say anything Kikyo was up and out of the hut. “Perhaps we should find out. Inuyasha, come.” she said over her shoulder. She hadn’t seen a fight in a while. This was sure to be good no matter which brother died. With an almost evil smirk on her face she walked through the forest with the rest of them in tow. ‘Yes this shall be most interesting.’
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Sess homaru was facing the group when they walked into the clearing. The taijia was in her fighting suit grasping onto her haricots. The monk was grasping the prayer beads around the contained wind tunnel. Kirara had transformed into her giant youkai form and was growling at him. Inuyasha was, well, very somber looking. He looked at Sesshomaru with blank eyes that were almost identical to the others and he wasn’t even tensed up for a fight.
“Why Lord Sesshomaru, to what do we owe the honor?” She was smiling at him, a sweet sadistic kind of smile that was rather creepy. He looked around the group as if searching for something.
“I am looking for the miko that dresses oddly. Where is she?” Inuyasha’s head shot up at the realization of who he was talking about.
“What do you want with Kagome you bastard?” He shouted at him.
“That is none of your concern hanyou. Now where is she?” His eyes had turned into slits as he saw Kikyo grin.
“She’s… she’s not here.” Inuyasha bent his head to where his bangs covered his eyes. Kagome wanted to run out and hug him, tell him she was there and that she was alive. This was killing her to see him like this.
“Kagome went home. She realized that Inuyasha and I were meant to be and there was no use for her here anymore. Perhaps I could help you with something? After all I am the original.” She was close to him now and the way she was looking at him and speaking to him was going to make him retch. How dare she get so near his presence!
“You will move away from me before I end your life, again.” As she backed away in mock hurt he looked to Inuyasha. “You chose a planting pot over a live woman? I always knew hanyou were stupid creatures but even I had given you more credit than that. Pathetic.”
“Inuyasha! Are you not going to defend my honor?” He looked at her uncaring and very much resembled his older brother. Kikyo shouted directly into his ears. “KILL HIM NOW!” The rosary around his neck glowed an eerie color and Inuyasha was on the move towards Sesshomaru. Kagome had spoken the truth that he was being controlled. It was still pathetic. Even as Inuyasha charged him there were no emotions in the half demons eyes but sadness and a longing to leave this earth. He swiped at Sesshomaru with his claws, again and again, Sesshomaru always easily avoiding the attacks. He refused to strike back unless he needed to; he had given Kagome an unspoken promise.
Seeing that Kikyo was focused on the fight between the two brothers, Sango and Miroku saw this as their opportunity to avenge Kagome and save Inuyasha. They began to charge her, but no sooner had they taken a couple of steps that Kikyo had her bow notched and ready to fire an arrow directly through Sango’s chest.
“Hmhmhmh. I have been waiting for a reason to get rid of you two. I only kept you around for Inuyasha but since you are ready to die…” She let her arrow fly and Sango screamed. There was no time to shield herself with the massive boomerang; they were too close a proximity. Time seemed to slow as Sango watched the arrow heading towards her heart and she closed her eyes waiting for the inevitable pain. It never came. She opened her eyes and looked down to see that the arrow had landed at her feet. Looking up she saw that Miroku and Kikyo were looking into the forest with their mouths open so she turned her head in that direction as well. The Inu brothers couldn’t stop fighting, Kikyo hadn’t allowed him too, but they both kept one eye on the white gold glow coming from the trees.
Slowly the light grew brighter and closer before a figure could be seen in the middle. It was a woman, and she seemed to almost be gliding into the meadow. The aura could not be felt but from the looks of it she was no someone to mess with, and she didn’t seem very happy. Black hair swirled and tumbled around her form with the flaring of her aura. Her kimono was moving about her legs with the slits up to the thighs. Her bangs covered her eyes but when they were blown away white and golden eyes could be seen looking directly at Kikyo. Her long lean muscles flexed and relaxed letting her energy fluctuate around her even more. In three words: bad ass bitch.
“You will not harm them anymore Kikyo.” The voice sent chills up and down everyone’s spine. There was no way this was possible. It was the voice of their lost friend, but it was different. It was deep and commanding, not like the sweet naïve voice they all knew.
“Ka…Kag…Kagome?” Sango could barely choke out the name. The woman lifted her head to look directly at Sango and that’s when they all knew, Kagome was alive.
“NO! It can’t be you! I saw you die, Inuyasha killed you!” Kikyo shouted. Her face was a priceless look of disbelief.
“You are right, I did die. But you know better than anyone that the dead always comeback to haunt the living.” Her eyes were piercing into Kikyo’s now causing the undead miko to take an unconscious step back. “We have unfinished business.”
Sango and Miroku couldn’t believe what they were seeing. What the fuck happened to her?
They looked at Inuyasha. Their fighting had slowed so he could see what was going on. The look on his face was of utter shock. And then a punch landed on his cheek that sent him flying into the ground. “Keep your eyes on your opponent whelp.”
Kikyo was still in shock as she notched and aimed her arrow at the otherworldly figure that was walking slowly towards her. She let the arrow fly and it lit up with her spiritual powers. She smiled as the arrow flew directly at its mark, and Kagome put her hand up trying to shield herself. But Kagome wasn’t stopping. She continued to walk unfazed as the arrow came within two feet of hitting her. Her hand was raised and she held a small amount of energy in her palm. As the arrow hit the energy in her hand she swiped it to the side and the arrow fell to the ground. Kikyo knew she was in trouble. This was not the Kagome she had killed. She called her soul stealers and they lifted her into the air in an attempt to get away. She laughed as Kagome just stood there watching her fly away. Her mistake was taking her eyes off Kagome and looking at Inuyasha, because when she looked back again Kagome was gone. She looked up just in time to see a very toned leg connect with her gut, and plummeted to the ground and landed in a hole made from her body. Kagome floated to the ground landing beside where Kikyo was pulling herself off the ground. Kagome had her bow notched and aimed at where Kikyo’s heart would have been.
Kagome looked at the once powerful priestess. Kagome’s eyes were not cold as one would think with the situation being as it was. Instead they were sad and forgiving. “Kikyo,” Kagome said in a kind voice, “it is time for this to end now. You have been here longer than you should have, and you have hurt too many people. It is time to be at peace now.”
Kikyo looked at Kagome as if she were crazy. “You know nothing about what you are talking about. You are the one who is not meant to be here. Inuyasha!”
Kagome let the arrow fly as Kikyo screamed Inuyasha’s name. It went completely through her chest and she held the shaft that protruded out the front of her. Kikyo looked down at the arrow and then glared at Kagome before she dissipated into the bones and grave dirt she was made of. The remainder of Kagome’s soul glided back to the rest of her and the malice that Kikyo had inflicted on it was instantly purified. Kagome breathed in deep, feeling a lost part of her reconnect.
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Inuyasha turned hearing Kikyo call for him, but before he could even move Kagome let her arrow fly and he watched his old love crumble away. As soon as the rest of Kagome’s soul returned to her the rosary beads around his neck fell apart and bounced to the ground. He dropped to his knees with his hands at his neck looking at the woman he had killed just a few months ago. He then looked at Sesshomaru who was also staring at the Kagome. “You brought her back didn’t you?” Sesshomaru just kept staring ahead. Inuyasha bowed his head and nodded a few times before whispering “Thank you.” He turned and ran into the forest. It was all too much for him to take. No matter how much he wanted to just run and hug her, touch her and smell her sweet scent he knew he couldn’t. How could she ever look at him again after what he did? He just needed to get away for a while.
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Kagome breathed in deep again to calm her aura and bring it back into herself. She opened her eyes and turned her head to look at Sango and Miroku. They noticed her eyes had turned back to blue-gray and were friendly and shy. She smiled at them.
“Hey guys, long time no see.”
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Aut hor note: Hey yes I know it is a short chapter, but I think it will do for now. I promise the next one will be longer. Hope you all enjoyed it.
Kagome had been up since before dawn preparing for their journey. Actually she hadn’t slept at all but she seemed to not be sleeping at all really for the past couple of weeks. Her body wasn’t tired really, so a couple of hours a night was all she needed. She was dressed in her fighting outfit, her weapons attached to her thigh and strapped to her back. Shippo and Rin had been in her room since the sun began to rise, knowing they wouldn’t see her for a few days at least. The three of them went downstairs to meet Sesshomaru, Yuri, Nobuto and Ronin. Everyone could sense Kagome’s nervousness and Yuri gave her a tight hug.
“It will all be fine my Lady.” She knew to speak formally around Sesshomaru no matter what Kagome had said.
“I know Yuri. I have been trained by the best.” She gave a nervous smile to her sensei’s before looking at Rin and Shippo. “You guys be good while we are gone, ok?”
They both looked at her but only Shippo spoke. “Ok mama. Be careful, I don’t want Inuyasha to hurt you again because of Kikyo.”
“He won’t Shippo, I promise. Kikyo will not be a problem anymore.” She hugged them both and turned to face Sesshomaru. She nodded at him and they both walked out the door, Kagome turning to wave as they walked outside the gates. The sun was still just rising and the horizon was lit beautifully in yellows, pinks and orange. Sesshomaru stopped just outside the gates and Kagome nearly rammed into him and the sudden movement. She was still pissed at him about last night, and that would not have been a good way to start the morning.
“Since you are now able to fly, I suggest we travel by air. It is a long trip and I want to be there before dusk.” His voice made the cool morning even colder. Why did he have to be so…so, unfeeling? Not another word was spoken as they both gathered their energy and began their trek across the western lands.
The silence was driving Kagome crazy. Sure, the birds were chirping and the breeze was blowing and all the fun stuff, but the never ending silence of her companion was enough to make her want to just drop from the sky. She needed sound, music, something to keep her mind from racing so much. All she was thinking about were the possible outcomes and they just kept getting more and more gruesome. Kagome closed her eyes and thought about back home. What did her mom used to sing to her to calm her down? Kagome instantly remembered their special song and began to hum it to herself, singing a couple of lines here and there. No matter how low she sung Sesshomaru could hear her and he had to admit, she had a nice voice. It was smooth and flowing and on key. He had become almost mesmerized by it and found himself drifting closer to her to hear more of it. He was able to catch himself and moved back to where he was unbeknownst to her.
“What are you singing?” His voice seemed so loud that she had to stifle a ‘meep’. Then it clicked with her that he had asked her a question. She blushed knowing he was looking at her and she avoided looking at him.
“It’s a song my mama used to sing me. It would calm me down if I was upset.”
“And you are upset now?”
My god was the ice price actually stating a conversation with her? “No, not really. I am just really nervous I think. I have never really fought anyone for real before. I guess I am just trying to calm myself down.” He didn’t say anything else after that and she didn’t sing anymore either. They traveled a while more neither one wanting to speak, but both wanting at least some traveling noise. She wanted to talk and for some reason he wanted to hear her voice again. It pulled at his soul and called him closer to her. Sesshomaru didn’t care for that part too much; there was no way he wanted to be that close to a ningen in any way. All of a sudden there was a feral growl that startled the both of them. The demon lord looked in the vicinity of where the sound had come from but didn’t sense anything around that could make that kind of noise. It was voracious and carnal. Where the hell did it come from? And then he saw…Kagome. Her hands were wrapped around her stomach as another low growl escaped.
“Hehehe. Um, time for lunch yet?” Sesshomaru glared at her as they reached the forest floor.
“You mean to tell me that came from you?” He said calmly but sarcastically.
“You heard it for yourself. Sorry ok. I am human as much as I know you hate that, but I do need to eat. Not to mention we have been traveling all day and it takes a lot of energy to fly.” Her temper was rising and Sesshomaru found it quite amusing though his emotionless mask didn’t change. If anything he enjoyed how her scent changed with her moods. Normally it was like sweet pea and spring rain, but when she angry there was electricity mingling with it. It was almost like if she were to become really pissed a full-blown thunderstorm was on the horizon.
“Make a fire; I will hunt something to eat.” Before she could even retort he was gone into the woods leaving her to her thoughts. It was an easy task that took her a total of five minutes to accomplish. With the fire lit all she had to do was wait for ‘Mr. Lord and Master’ to return with something to eat. She was starving. Her thoughts wondered to her friends and the hanyou that had meant so much to her for so long. How would they react when they saw her again? Would they be mad at her? What would Inuyasha do? Too many questions pounded into her mind and she almost went crazy right there until she felt him coming back.
“Oh thank you, thank you, thank you!” she said to herself. Being the Tai Youkai that he is Sesshomaru heard it and tossed the two already skinned rabbits at her.
“You act as if you are glad to see me miko.”
“Ha ha. Not so much I was just merely going crazy.”
“Going? Are you sure you were not already there?” He couldn’t believe he was stooping as low as to rile her up. He was sitting here poking fun at this girl. What the hell was she doing to him?
“Yea well stick it up your…hey! What are you doing with the food? Give it back!” Kagome chased after him practically jumping on him reaching for the uncooked rabbits.
“If you can not be respectful to the one who has done so much for you I will simply take away what I have done.” He was enjoying this.
“Sesshomaru! Come on, I am starving!” she whined.
“Since when do you speak to me so informally? That is no way to get your meal back.” He held the rabbits just out of her reach and stared her straight in the eyes. She almost couldn’t breathe. The look in his eyes showed everything that he wouldn’t allow anyone to see. The eyes truly are the mirror to the soul, and this soul was being playful.
She sighed heavily. “Fine. Sesshomaru-sama, thank you SO much for finding me something to eat so my loud and grumbling stomach would shut up. I don’t know what I would do with out you.” Her voice was monotonous except for the emphasis on the so. “Can we cook the rabbits now so I don’t eat them raw?”
He brought the rabbits right in front of her face and she lunged to grab them. She placed them over the fire and paced while they cooked. Finally after what seemed like hours the food was done. He handed hers to her and she ravenously sucked it down. He could just watch, not even speak. She looked at him, and then looked at the rabbit before looking back at him.
“You gonna eat that?” He shook his head and handed the other one to her as well. The way she ate was, well, almost disgusting. A ravenous animal had more manners than her. “I see the way you are looking at me. Don’t keep food away from me when I am hungry. Your lucky I didn’t go postal on your ass and purify you.” she looked up at him and smiled.
“What is this…postal?” he quirked an eyebrow at her.
“Well at least you aren’t killing me for what I just said to you. Um, postal is like going crazy. You know, if something were to really make you mad, you would want to make that person pay for what they did. You would go postal on them.” He nodded his head and she assumed he really understood what she was saying. “Well, I am ready to go if you are.” She looked around the area. “We are close aren’t we? I can feel them near now.”
Sesshomaru began to walk and Kagome followed right behind him. “Yes we are about an hour away on foot. Do you have a plan of action?”
“I, uh, I kind of thought you would handle that. I have been thinking of all kinds of different things that could happen. All I know is that I want to handle Kikyo.” Her voice became determined in that last sentence and Sesshomaru was not about to argue with her about it.
“Since they can not feel your aura anymore I suggest that you remain hidden until the appropriate time comes to reveal yourself. No sense in her knowing you are alive only to have Inuyasha kill you again.”
“You are going to make her send him after you this time. A distraction right?”
Sesshomaru said nothing and just kept walking. They were heading directly towards the bone eaters well, that is where everything started and where everything will eventually end. Kagome’s heart was racing in her chest and the scent of anxiety and strength permeated the air. As they came closer Sesshomaru could feel the group approaching them and he looked at Kagome. He knew she could sense them too, and that the time was drawing near. Her fists were clenched and she had a fine layer of sweat on her brow.
“Miko, you will need to calm yourself. Your scent is strong and Inuyasha will know you are here. Don’t ruin this.” She knew he was right, she needed to calm down. She began to lightly hum the lullaby that her mother taught her and focused on bringing her energy into herself. Sesshomaru could almost see her energy building in her chest where she was focusing it until she was finally calm.
“Sesshomaru-sama?” She looked at him meekly, as if she were embarrassed by what she was about to say. “No matter what happens, please…please don’t hurt him.” He looked at her, at this woman that felt no resentment towards the one that had ended her life. The woman who didn’t hate her incarnation but wanted her to find peace after everything had happened. Kagome was strong in many ways that she never knew and he was respectful of her for those reasons. His eyes looked into hers, those pleading blue-gray eyes. He nodded his head once in acknowledgement and walked into the clearing. Now was the waiting game.
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Inuyasha, Kikyo, Sango, and Miroku were gathered in one of the huts given to them by Kaede. Nothing had been heard of the few remaining shards not including the one in Kohaku’s back. Nothing had been heard of since Kagome’s death. Nothing had mattered. They didn’t really speak to each other anymore. Sango and Miroku talked in the stillness that night brought, but during the day they were just too depressed to really focus on anything. Inuyasha barely moved except when Kikyo told him to, and he just couldn’t look the others in the eye, not after what he had done. There was too much shame and he just knew that deep down they hated him. He hated himself. There wasn’t even any sign of a smirk or rolling the eyes when Sango shouted hentai and smacked Miroku on the face.
They all just sat there as if in their own little worlds when suddenly their muscles reflexively tensed up. Their was a very powerful youkai nearby and it seemed to have stopped moving as if lying in wait.
Inuyasha growled. “Sesshomaru. What does that bastard want?”
Before anyone could say anything Kikyo was up and out of the hut. “Perhaps we should find out. Inuyasha, come.” she said over her shoulder. She hadn’t seen a fight in a while. This was sure to be good no matter which brother died. With an almost evil smirk on her face she walked through the forest with the rest of them in tow. ‘Yes this shall be most interesting.’
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Sess homaru was facing the group when they walked into the clearing. The taijia was in her fighting suit grasping onto her haricots. The monk was grasping the prayer beads around the contained wind tunnel. Kirara had transformed into her giant youkai form and was growling at him. Inuyasha was, well, very somber looking. He looked at Sesshomaru with blank eyes that were almost identical to the others and he wasn’t even tensed up for a fight.
“Why Lord Sesshomaru, to what do we owe the honor?” She was smiling at him, a sweet sadistic kind of smile that was rather creepy. He looked around the group as if searching for something.
“I am looking for the miko that dresses oddly. Where is she?” Inuyasha’s head shot up at the realization of who he was talking about.
“What do you want with Kagome you bastard?” He shouted at him.
“That is none of your concern hanyou. Now where is she?” His eyes had turned into slits as he saw Kikyo grin.
“She’s… she’s not here.” Inuyasha bent his head to where his bangs covered his eyes. Kagome wanted to run out and hug him, tell him she was there and that she was alive. This was killing her to see him like this.
“Kagome went home. She realized that Inuyasha and I were meant to be and there was no use for her here anymore. Perhaps I could help you with something? After all I am the original.” She was close to him now and the way she was looking at him and speaking to him was going to make him retch. How dare she get so near his presence!
“You will move away from me before I end your life, again.” As she backed away in mock hurt he looked to Inuyasha. “You chose a planting pot over a live woman? I always knew hanyou were stupid creatures but even I had given you more credit than that. Pathetic.”
“Inuyasha! Are you not going to defend my honor?” He looked at her uncaring and very much resembled his older brother. Kikyo shouted directly into his ears. “KILL HIM NOW!” The rosary around his neck glowed an eerie color and Inuyasha was on the move towards Sesshomaru. Kagome had spoken the truth that he was being controlled. It was still pathetic. Even as Inuyasha charged him there were no emotions in the half demons eyes but sadness and a longing to leave this earth. He swiped at Sesshomaru with his claws, again and again, Sesshomaru always easily avoiding the attacks. He refused to strike back unless he needed to; he had given Kagome an unspoken promise.
Seeing that Kikyo was focused on the fight between the two brothers, Sango and Miroku saw this as their opportunity to avenge Kagome and save Inuyasha. They began to charge her, but no sooner had they taken a couple of steps that Kikyo had her bow notched and ready to fire an arrow directly through Sango’s chest.
“Hmhmhmh. I have been waiting for a reason to get rid of you two. I only kept you around for Inuyasha but since you are ready to die…” She let her arrow fly and Sango screamed. There was no time to shield herself with the massive boomerang; they were too close a proximity. Time seemed to slow as Sango watched the arrow heading towards her heart and she closed her eyes waiting for the inevitable pain. It never came. She opened her eyes and looked down to see that the arrow had landed at her feet. Looking up she saw that Miroku and Kikyo were looking into the forest with their mouths open so she turned her head in that direction as well. The Inu brothers couldn’t stop fighting, Kikyo hadn’t allowed him too, but they both kept one eye on the white gold glow coming from the trees.
Slowly the light grew brighter and closer before a figure could be seen in the middle. It was a woman, and she seemed to almost be gliding into the meadow. The aura could not be felt but from the looks of it she was no someone to mess with, and she didn’t seem very happy. Black hair swirled and tumbled around her form with the flaring of her aura. Her kimono was moving about her legs with the slits up to the thighs. Her bangs covered her eyes but when they were blown away white and golden eyes could be seen looking directly at Kikyo. Her long lean muscles flexed and relaxed letting her energy fluctuate around her even more. In three words: bad ass bitch.
“You will not harm them anymore Kikyo.” The voice sent chills up and down everyone’s spine. There was no way this was possible. It was the voice of their lost friend, but it was different. It was deep and commanding, not like the sweet naïve voice they all knew.
“Ka…Kag…Kagome?” Sango could barely choke out the name. The woman lifted her head to look directly at Sango and that’s when they all knew, Kagome was alive.
“NO! It can’t be you! I saw you die, Inuyasha killed you!” Kikyo shouted. Her face was a priceless look of disbelief.
“You are right, I did die. But you know better than anyone that the dead always comeback to haunt the living.” Her eyes were piercing into Kikyo’s now causing the undead miko to take an unconscious step back. “We have unfinished business.”
Sango and Miroku couldn’t believe what they were seeing. What the fuck happened to her?
They looked at Inuyasha. Their fighting had slowed so he could see what was going on. The look on his face was of utter shock. And then a punch landed on his cheek that sent him flying into the ground. “Keep your eyes on your opponent whelp.”
Kikyo was still in shock as she notched and aimed her arrow at the otherworldly figure that was walking slowly towards her. She let the arrow fly and it lit up with her spiritual powers. She smiled as the arrow flew directly at its mark, and Kagome put her hand up trying to shield herself. But Kagome wasn’t stopping. She continued to walk unfazed as the arrow came within two feet of hitting her. Her hand was raised and she held a small amount of energy in her palm. As the arrow hit the energy in her hand she swiped it to the side and the arrow fell to the ground. Kikyo knew she was in trouble. This was not the Kagome she had killed. She called her soul stealers and they lifted her into the air in an attempt to get away. She laughed as Kagome just stood there watching her fly away. Her mistake was taking her eyes off Kagome and looking at Inuyasha, because when she looked back again Kagome was gone. She looked up just in time to see a very toned leg connect with her gut, and plummeted to the ground and landed in a hole made from her body. Kagome floated to the ground landing beside where Kikyo was pulling herself off the ground. Kagome had her bow notched and aimed at where Kikyo’s heart would have been.
Kagome looked at the once powerful priestess. Kagome’s eyes were not cold as one would think with the situation being as it was. Instead they were sad and forgiving. “Kikyo,” Kagome said in a kind voice, “it is time for this to end now. You have been here longer than you should have, and you have hurt too many people. It is time to be at peace now.”
Kikyo looked at Kagome as if she were crazy. “You know nothing about what you are talking about. You are the one who is not meant to be here. Inuyasha!”
Kagome let the arrow fly as Kikyo screamed Inuyasha’s name. It went completely through her chest and she held the shaft that protruded out the front of her. Kikyo looked down at the arrow and then glared at Kagome before she dissipated into the bones and grave dirt she was made of. The remainder of Kagome’s soul glided back to the rest of her and the malice that Kikyo had inflicted on it was instantly purified. Kagome breathed in deep, feeling a lost part of her reconnect.
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Inuyasha turned hearing Kikyo call for him, but before he could even move Kagome let her arrow fly and he watched his old love crumble away. As soon as the rest of Kagome’s soul returned to her the rosary beads around his neck fell apart and bounced to the ground. He dropped to his knees with his hands at his neck looking at the woman he had killed just a few months ago. He then looked at Sesshomaru who was also staring at the Kagome. “You brought her back didn’t you?” Sesshomaru just kept staring ahead. Inuyasha bowed his head and nodded a few times before whispering “Thank you.” He turned and ran into the forest. It was all too much for him to take. No matter how much he wanted to just run and hug her, touch her and smell her sweet scent he knew he couldn’t. How could she ever look at him again after what he did? He just needed to get away for a while.
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Kagome breathed in deep again to calm her aura and bring it back into herself. She opened her eyes and turned her head to look at Sango and Miroku. They noticed her eyes had turned back to blue-gray and were friendly and shy. She smiled at them.
“Hey guys, long time no see.”
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Aut hor note: Hey yes I know it is a short chapter, but I think it will do for now. I promise the next one will be longer. Hope you all enjoyed it.