InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Curse of the Mikos ❯ The Past and its Call ( Chapter 2 )

"INUYASHA!"

Sango's voice boomed out. Her eyes narrowed into angry little slits. Miroku himself was looking almost disdainfully at Inuyasha.

"What! Is! Wrong! With! You!"

Sango put her hands on her hips, giving Inuyasha a cold enough look to embarrass him. Of course he knew how angry everyone was with him. His actions to Kagome had been nothing short of cruel. What was he to do, though? His loyalties lied to Kikyou. He couldn't have known then about Kagome. And he had promised Kikyou then he would protect her. That vow came unconditionally.

Only Kikyou could release him from it.

"I'll talk to her."

Inuyasha said abruptly, then sat himself down. He crossed his arms and looked off, creating an air of superiority around himself. Kagome needed time to cool down. Or rather, he needed time to gather his courage to face her wrath. He wasn't looking forward to the `SIT!' command he would undoubtedly receive in abundance.

In the morning Inuyasha took off before Sango, Shippou or Miroku awoke. He hadn't slept, thinking of Kikyou's death and the betrayal Kagome must be feeling.

You didn't betray Kagome, you betrayed Kikyou! Get it through your head!

He mentally berated himself. He had to realize his responsibilities lied with Kikyou. Not Kagome!

Kagome. He wouldn't admit it, but it hurt him worse to see Kagome in pain than to see Kikyou in pain. Perhaps it was because Kagome faced everything head on, unafraid and willing to bear consequences. Perhaps it was because Kagome so rarely stayed hurt or upset for long.

Perhaps it was because he cared more for Kagome. He shook his head harshly. No - not more, he just cared for Kagome in a different way. Kikyou came first, he reminded himself for the countless time. He cared for Kikyou. Inuyasha knew that he could help her get back to the sweet form she had been when they had met. There had to be something he could do, and simply hadn't done yet. He didn't care what laws dictated the division of soul between Kikyou and Kagome - there had to be a way for both of them to exist in their true forms.

"Dammit!"

His eyes closed and his teeth gritted. Sango and Miroku looked up with bemused expressions, and little Shippou had the bad sense to hop up on Inuyasha's shoulder.

"Inuyasha, you're talking to yourself! Its probably because you chased Kagome off, and we all know she keeps you sane!"

Shippou gave an extra hop on Inuyasha's shoulder, unaware of the amber eyes of the hanyou snapping open. Without so much as a moment's hesitation, Inuyasha delivered a swift pop on the head to the kitsune. Shippou fell back, stunned and staring at the sky from his position.

"That'll teach you to keep your mouth shut, Shippou! Just be glad I didn't do worse to you, `cause -"

Inuyasha broke off suddenly. Kikyou was near. Her soul collectors hovered precariously, having appeared quietly and without fanfare. So much like Kikyou herself. Inuyasha was aware of the others' eyes staring hard at him. He knew they didn't want him to leave. Yet this was his bill in life. Wordlessly, he ran off, following the soul collectors to Kikyou.

He had been right in thinking Kikyou near. The miko greeted him with a mere look, her eyes glassy without emotion. For a long time, neither said anything. Kikyou was impressed with Inuyasha, who had never demonstrated much patience. Yet, he stood silently, waiting for words. Silently she surmised he was afraid that any of his words would lead her to confirm the hurt he had inflicted. A breeze blew up, swirling leaves about the miko's feet. Finally, she spoke quietly.

"Do you love her, Inuyasha?"

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A/N: As always, constructive criticism is welcome.

Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha, or any of the characters. Those rights belong to the creator of Inuyasha.