InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Confrontation ❯ One Arrow Three Victims ( Chapter 26 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

A/N: I do not own any of the with the exception of Jouyoku and Miebi Kokushi.

Chapter 26: One Arrow Three Victims

He knew she was there, but he didn't know exactly for how long. `Did she hear the things Kagome said to me? Did she hear the things I said to her? Did she see us kissing?' He thought to himself as he caught a quick glimpse of her white priestess blouse. He didn't know why she was there hiding in the forest and quite honestly there was nothing he could do to find out. He knew after the ordeal that Kagome had just been through there was no way he could tell her that she had to go home for a day or two, which would give him time to sort out things with Kikyo. Turning around so that he was facing the girl again he forced a small smile and said, “get your bag, let's go home.”

“Home?” She asked sounding a little confused. Feeling the nerves on her arms stand on end she looked quickly around the clearing then around and behind him into the trees. Her chest heaved and the baby hairs on the back of her neck started to stand on end, `K…Kikyo'. She thought as she looked up at Inuyasha.

“Yeah, wench let's go home.” He stated trying to sound normal. The last thing he wanted to do was alert her to the fact that they were being watched or rather spied on.

`He knows she's there, but he's not going to her. Is he trying to get me back to the hut so that he can go meet her later?' They had just shared this wonderful moment together and now this. Why couldn't they just be happy? Why wasn't life easy for them? On all the TV shows and books she had read the hero and his love interest always ended up happy, so why wasn't it happening for them? “Inuyasha?”

Glancing back over his shoulder he waited for her to get the monstrosity she called a bag. `Why is she here?' He questioned to him self. Hearing his name called he turned his attention back to the girl in front of him. Immediately he noticed the shift in her aura, the uneasiness in her mannerisms, all of a sudden the very confident, alluring, and down right determined girl from only moments ago had turned in a shy, nervous and almost shaking child. `Does she know she's here?'

“Kiss me.” She whispered. She knew Kikyo was there and she knew he knew she was there as well. What she didn't know was just how long she had been there and what she might have seen or not seen. The idea of him kissing her was something that just filtered into her head at the last moment, but as she stood here thinking about it, it made all the sense in the world. If Inuyasha would kiss her knowing that Kikyo was standing right there behind them although hidden she would know for sure that he loved her and Kikyo regardless of how much she would probably still deny it would know as well. Eyeing him concernedly she prayed that he would comply.

`Did she just ask me to…KISS her? She knows. If I kiss her Kikyo will see for sure, even if she hadn't seen before and then she'll know…she'll know that I've chosen Kagome'. He didn't want Kikyo to find out like this he wanted to be able to tell her face to face that he had made his decision and it was not she. But he knew that if he did not comply with the woman that loved him and had just pledged her undying love for him it would break her heart. What was he suppose to do? How was he supposed to reply to her request? “Kagome”

Looking up at him she was determined that she would not look away. If he were going to break her heart and make everything that had just transpired between them a lie, then he would watch her heartbreak and her soul die as he did it. She heard him whisper her name but she didn't reply, there was no need to, she had already made her request.

He could see the determination swimming within her eyes. She was unwavering standing there just within his reach the moon light bouncing off her black tresses. `I can't hurt her.' Stepping closer to her he allowed his arms to pull her into a tight embrace bringing her head to rest on his chest. Resting his chin on the top of her head he whispered, “Kagome, you know you mean the world to me. You're my…” He stated but was interrupted by a shift in her position.

Pushing away from his chest she looked up at him, “shut up. Just kiss me, that's all I want you to do. I don't want to hear anymore of what you have to say Inuyasha…actions speak louder than words.” Believing the worst she could not hold back the tears that started to sprout at the corners of each eye, “or is there something stopping you?” She whispered weakly.

He knew he could not deny her. There was no way to avoid the inevitable either way someone was going to get hurt. If he kissed her than Kikyo would surly be hurt she might even try to be vindictive about the situation, but Kagome her pain…her pain was something that he himself could not tolerate. Biting down softly on his bottom lip he leaned in close to her, “what would stop me from kissing my…mate?” He questioned making sure to put emphasis on the word mate as he closed the distance between them.

His words they echoed in her head but the one that stood out the most was, mate. She could feel his lips against hers, pressed firmly yet gently. She could feel his tongue perusing the slit where her lips met and all she could think was, `he chose me.' She was so shocked that he actually kissed her with Kikyo watching that she almost forget to join in the kissing games. Placing her arms around his neck she allowed him to control the kiss. She wanted him to do just as much as he deemed necessary to get his point across to her.

Breaking the kiss he pulled her once again to his chest, `well there's no going back now.' He thought with a sigh. Finally they both knew where they stood with him and it was all because of one kiss.

She could hear his heart racing with in his chest and she had heard his sigh of relief, she hoped. Sure he probably was scared well maybe nervous but she didn't care she had always put his needs and everyone else's needs before hers for so long, so wasn't it about time that she got what she wanted? Pitching up on her toes she threw her arms around his neck once more and hugged him tight. Closing her eyes she whispered, “I love you so much, Inuyasha. I really do.” Holding that pose for a moment longer she opened her eyes and screamed as loud as she could at what she saw coming straight for the two of them.

Simonkal of Inuy

Running around the two humans Sesshomaru arrived at the clearing first. Stopping for a moment he stood Rin up and advised her to stay put before proceeding over to the largest bundle of debris.

Running up shortly thereafter Miroku followed by Sango both gasped at the sight before them. The well, it had been totally destroyed. The wood that once made up it's walls were scattered all over the clearing some pieces were still burning and others had already been charred so badly that it resembled black coal.

Walking over to the hole that Kagome and Inuyasha used to travel through time Miroku sighed sadly when he noticed that even the wood that was below ground was on fire. “Kagome will not be happy about this.” He stated to no one in particular.

“Miroku look!” Sango yelled as she pointed to the remains of what looked like the strap of Kagomes' bag. “My Kami, Miroku do you…do you think she was here?” She asked as she hurried to pick up the charred strap.

Looking over to Sango the monk tried to think of something anything else that he could say to her that would give her hope that perhaps she wasn't here when the well exploded, but the truth of the matter was where ever Kagomes' bag was she was not far behind or in front. But did that also mean that Inuyasha was here as well? Unable to gather the courage to answer Sango's question he turned his attention to Sesshomaru. “Do you…do you sense them here?”

The white lord stood there unmoving just staring at a particular pile of smoldering wood, then into the forest that surrounded the clearing as if he was looking for something or someone. Hearing the monks' question he stated unemotionally, “yes they're here.” Then dashed off into the forest with out looking back.

Hearing his reply Sangos' heart almost stopped. `Kagome, what were you doing here?' She questioned in her mind. Looking around the clearing again she eyed the largest pile and ran towards it.

“Sango! What are you thinking?” Miroku questioned as he stopped what he was doing and jogged over to her.

With out looking at him or even noticing the wood was still burning although weakly she fell to her knees and started digging through it as she said weakly, “she's here…their here I know they are.”

After taking a moment to compose him self he grabbed her and gently pulled her up by her shoulders. Turning her around so that she was facing him he stated with concern, “Sango look at your hands?”

Looking down she noticed that the tips of all of her fingers and the palms of her hands were red and starting to puff slightly but she didn't care, her best friend her sister was under this debris, she had to dig her out. Hell she would have done it with her teeth if she had to. Looking back at the Monk she yelled, “I don't care, we have to save them!”

“I know and we will, you just stand here. I'll take care of it.” The Monk replied with a reassuring smile. After receiving a small reluctant nod from her he turned around and grabbed his staff then started to carefully knock the burning cinder to the side. “Holy Buddha.” The Monk stated quietly as the sight of Inuyasha's red Hakama pants came into view.

“Miroku, what is it?” Sango said as she stepped up a little closer but stopped when she saw Inuyashas' feet and the leg of her friend sticking out from under him. “Kagome, Inuyasha!” She screamed as she ran pass the monk.

Quickly knocking the rest of the burning cinder away the Monk noticed immediately that there was an arrow sticking out of Inuyashas' upper right shoulder. Knowing that there was no one else that could shoot an arrow filled with enough power to incapacitate the Hanyou his thoughts went directly to, `Kikyo…but why would she attack them and even then why would Inuyasha allow this to happen? Why didn't he notice her? Why didn't he do something?' These thought raced through his mind but he knew the only way he was going to get some answers was if he got it from one of his unconscious friends.

Pushing Inuyashas' body up so that he was half way off of the prone body of the Miko Sango pulled Kagomes' body from beneath him. “Kagome, Kagome please wake up.” She yelled a few times as she softly patted both sides of the unmoving girls' face. Looking down at her shirt she noticed blood but she figured that it was probably Inuyashas' own since she didn't notice any wounds. Noticing that, she immediately started to relax a little.

Figuring that it would probably be better if she elevated Kagomes' head she gently lifted it and attempted to place it gently in her lap but as quick as her anxiety left her it returned. Feeling around the back of her friends' head she almost fainted, the amount of blood that coated her hair and trailed down the back of her neck was sickening. Gasping a few times she stuttered, “M…Mir…Miroku she's bleeding.” To add emphasis she held up one bloody palm for the Monk to see.

`Dear Buddha this can't be…not them…not like this.' Looking down at the arrow sticking out of the Hanyou's shoulder he winced as he absently allowed his hand to roam over his shoulder to front of his chest where he felt the tip of the arrow. `It went all the way through.' He said as he gripped a hold of the arrow and tried to pull it out. He knew it would take more than an arrow to kill the almighty Hanyou, but this was a priestess arrow, shot by none other than Kikyo would he be able to even remove it or would it have to be done be Kagome or old lady Keade. He tugged with all his might and the arrow still didn't budge and inch, “just as I thought.” He mumbled. Looking down at his friend he frowned as a thought occurred to him, `Inuyasha, you're the only man I know that would fall in love with not one but two women that could bring on your demise with nothing but a mere arrow.' Shaking his head in a negative fashion he rolled the Hanyou over and he slid in underneath him so he could lean his head and his upper body against him.

Walking out of the forest Sesshomaru walked over the Demon slayer who sat holding the Mikos' head in her lap, then over to the Hanyou his brother who lay unconscious leaning limply on the Monk with his arms sprawled out to the side. Stopping in front of his brother he stood with his hand positioned comfortably behind his back and smirked, `still hanging in there I see.' Lifting his leg a little he kicked the Hanyou in the side.

“Sesshomaru!” The monk yelled as he hastily picked up his staff and laid it across the Hanyous' chest as if it would protect him.

Sango sat watching the scene in disbelief. How could Sesshomaru be so cold? For Kami's sake for all they knew Inuyasha was at deaths door. Looking down at the Miko she sighed but didn't say anything as she pulled her friends head a little closer to her body.

With out taking his eyes off of his brother he responded, “stay out of things that don't concern you, Monk.” Lifting his other leg he kicked the Hanyou again in his other side.

“What in the hell are you doing?” The Monk screamed preparing to pull his most powerful ofuda from the inner pockets of his robes, but he stopped when he felt a small jerk or was it a twitch from Inuyasha. “Inuyasha, are you okay?” He asked hoping that he might get some kind of answer or acknowledgement from the Hanyou. Glancing up at the white lord he had to wonder if this was Sesshomarus' intention all along.

The pain he felt in his shoulder came rushing back to him like cold wind on his naked chest. He shuddered. His head was laying on something hard, but what was it? And who in the hell was kicking him? Nothing made sense to him. The last thing he remembered was Kagomes loud scream then he remembered looking back and seeing a sacred arrow coming at them. He leaped over to the other side of the well to dodge it, but…'did it still hit me?'

Slowly he opened his eyes and tried to force the pain away. Right away he heard Mirokus' voice so he figured he must have been lying propped up against him. Of course under normal circumstances this would've revolted him but he was in no condition at this moment to feel revolted about anything.

Focusing on the person in front of him he grimaced at the sight of his brother standing proudly above him with something close to a smirk on his face, “you son of a bitch, you kicked me.” He stated weakly his strength felt like it was being drained from his body.

“Pfft, I would rather be a son of a bitch than the son of a filthy Ninjen.” Sesshomaru replied back. He knew the effects that a priestess arrow had on full demons and had Inuyasha been a full demon he would've been dead on contact, but because he was a mere half-breed he was able to hold on. For that he was glad because at least this way he could still be the one to kill his Halfling brother. That was what he told himself in order to explain why he felt relieved when he heard a faint heartbeat coming from the chest of the Hanyou.

Even in the weak state that he was in he was prepared defend his mothers honor but before he could muster the energy to do anything the very potent aroma of…shaking his head he didn't want to believe what he was smelling, “Ka…Kagome.” He whispered, hoping that he was just delusional. Taking another sniff the smell over powered every fiber of his being, “Kagome!” He screamed as he threw himself upright off of the Monk.

He didn't know where the surge of energy came from but he had it and he would use it. Looking around the clearing his eyes came to rest on the unconscious body of his love and his life lying helplessly with her head propped up in Sangos' lap. Crawling over to her his soul echoed his worst fears, `don't die…don't leave me, not now…not like this.' Pulling her body way from Sango he didn't spare the demon slayer a second glance. “What happened?” He said to the sleeping Miko as he hung his head low so that his bangs covered his eyes. Cradling her body to his chest he nuzzled into her hair and he whimpered as the smell of her blood assailed him again. Scratching, whipping and tearing at his heart telling him that there was no hope, she was gone or would soon be gone.

Inuyasha…” Sango tried to say as she reached out and rested a shaky hand on his shoulder, however she pulled it back immediately at the sight bestowed before her.

Growling viciously at her, at everything around him, and at the situation at hand he jumped to his feet and ran towards the village. `Help…I've got to get her some help. Keade, she'll fix her!' Was the last coherent thought that filled his head.

“Miroku, he's transforming.” Sango said as she stood to her feet preparing to run after him.

“His mate is in danger of dieing, what would you expect him to do?” Sesshomaru stated nonchalantly. He looked on as his brother ran with the girl in his arms. He had to admit that at this moment he felt a little, tiny as it was…he felt proud of his brother. Although he was two steps from deaths' door, his first priority was still his mate, `fathers blood really does course through your veins, Inuyasha.'

Still looking off in the direction that Inuyasha ran off in, the demon slayer stated, “his eyes they were the same as they always are but his fangs his cheeks…”

Casually the dog lord brought his hand from behind his back as if he had forgotten that he had it there. Holding up the bow and the arrows that he found in the forest he studied them for a moment then handed them to the Monk as he replied, “demon slayer for as many years as you've traveled with him you should know this. He is near death or at least gravely injured therefore he would call on his other half in order to get her to safety. Together, they will make sure that she is taken care of.”

“Where's he taking her?” Miroku chimed in.

“He'll take her where he knows she'll be able to get help. He'll take her to the hag.” Sesshomaru stated as he glanced at Rin whom still stood exactly where he left her, `She always was a good listener.' He thought briefly. He knew the scene with Kagura still weighed heavy on the girls mind; actually it still weighed on his mind as well. In no way did he ever have any feelings for her but her state of mind when he left her concerned him. Walking over to her he asked, “Are you alright?”

`Hell no! This crazy Youkai woman comes in from no where and says that she's your mate, then someone attacks Kagome and Inuyasha and leaves them for dead and you ask me if I'm alright?' In her mind that was her answer but all he got as an answer was a soft nod and shy smile.

He knew she was lying he could smell it all over her, but he would accept that answer for now. Looking over his shoulder he watched as Sango and Miroku left, no doubt headed back to the village. “Let's go Rin, it's getting late.” He stated as he turned and headed towards the village himself.

Running up next to him she slipped her hand into his own but didn't look up at him, “Lord Sesshomaru?”

He couldn't believe that she had been as bold as to take a hold of his hand, for a moment it shocked but more than that her touch seemed to sooth him. “Yes Rin?” He replied.

“A…are we still a couple?”

He almost stopped in his tracks and stood there staring gape mouthed at her, but he was too smooth for that. He knew she was only asking that because of Kagura so in a jester meant to reassure her he squeezed her tiny hand a little tighter and replied, “of course we are.”

Smiling thoughtfully she sighed as she allowed her head to rest on his arm. The rest of the walk back to the village would be made in silence.

Simonkal of Inuy

`Got to get help!' Was the only thought playing in his mind as he ran towards the village and the only person he felt would be able save his soon to be mate. He wasn't sure just how he was able to do this right now because even though he was running at full speed while carrying his bundle with care a part of him felt disgustedly tired…too tired to think, to rationalize anything outside of Kagome was hurt. The smell of death seemed to creep slowly closer as the minutes ticked by. So he ran faster as if it was something that he could out run.

Running through the village gates he paid no attention to nothing and no one, `Kagome…mate need help,' Was the only thing on his mind.

As he approached the hut he noticed the wolf Youkai standing near it, but he paid him no mind either.

“Oi, what happened?” Kouga stated as he eyed the girl in Inuyasha's arms. Her blood clogged his nostrils neutralizing any and everything else. “What the fuck…” he stated as he approached the Hanyou but stopped when he saw his eyes flash red then back to gold, but his fangs and the stripes on his cheeks were clearly present.

Pulling the girl closer to his chest the Hanyou hissed through clenched teeth and in a very harsh not Inuyasha voice, “back off.” As he turned abruptly and slammed threw the make shift door.

“Oi, you can't go in there!” Kouga yelled, but Inuyasha was gone and so was Kagome. `What the hell happened up there? I knew I smelled her blood.' He felt useless. First he had allowed Ayame to get raped and now because he was trying to do the honorable thing and stay by Ayames' side Kagome had been hurt. Walking up to the wooden makeshift fence he slammed his fist into the wood breaking it as he let out a loud vicious growl of frustration.

As Inuyasha entered the hut he immediately recognized Keade. Turning to her with outstretched arms he tried give her the girl as if he was giving her a present, “Kagome…mate hurt…you fix”, was the most coherent sentence he could form as his legs collapsed under him.

Ayame appeared to be having a lapse of memory as she slowly approached the body of the Miko. The smell of her blood seemed to beckon to her, call to her to come see what happened. Automatically the closer she got to the Hanyou the louder and more vicious her growls became. She was actually snarling and appeared to be foaming at the mouth as she raked her claws over her skin unmercifully. Unable to control herself she lunged at Inuyasha's back but with one hand and with out dropping Kagome he swatted her away with the back of his hand and with out so much as a glance in her direction. Landing against the back wall with a loud thump, she didn't even twitch or squirm not an inch as her body hit the grown with dull thud.

Part of him was aware of just whom the girl was, but the part in charge at this moment really didn't give a damn. Stretching his arms out even more he waited for the hag to take his mate…to fix his mate.

Staring at the girl that she had grown so fond of then over at the Hanyou whom didn't look like him self at all Keade stuttered, “I…Inuyasha? Is that you child?”

“Fix mate” Was all he could muster as his shoulders slumped forward a little.

“Yes, yes of course.” Keade said quickly as she eyed the blood dripping from the girls' head. Looking over at Inuyasha she stared at the arrow still in his shoulder, `Kikyo, what have you done?' She questioned to herself. She knew that if it was Kikyo's arrow there was no possible way he should have still been moving right now. Though the arrow was not the same as what sealed him to the tree 54 years ago, it still should have immobilized him at least for the next few days. Tearing her gaze away from him she hurriedly laid a mat in front of him just under where he held Kagome and said, “Lay her here.”

Pulling the girl back towards his chest he nuzzled into her hair once more, then laid her gently on the mat. Allowing his hand to linger for a moment longer than it had to he asked weakly, “you will fix, mate?”

Knowing that this question was directed at her she responded solemnly, “I will do my best.”

As the last word of her sentence filtered into his mind it seemed like his body gave out on him. His head and his limbs started to feel like huge boulders were weighing them down. He wanted to fight it, he needed to stay awake long enough to see or hear Kagome say something, move…twitch, something anything that would tell him she was all right. Unfortunately the darkness it called to him, promised him rest, promised him freedom from the pain that ran unhindered through his body.

Staggering drunkenly on his knees he fell over onto his side, unmoving. His eyes rolled to the back of his head then forward again allowing him one last look at his proclaimed mate, his love, his reason for living then slowly almost teasingly the darkness over came him as his eyes rolled once more to the back of his head where they remained. There was no light, there was no sound, and there was no pain.

Until Next Time…(before you guys ask. Inuyasha partially transformed in order to get Kagome to safety. And no Kagura has not left the village as of yet…Also there will be a much better explanation in the next chapter of why the well ignited like that…so have patience)