InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Destiny ❯ Reflections ( Chapter 10 )

Sorry there doesn't seem to much of Sango's thoughts, I was going to put that in the end, but I thought this chappie was already rather long, so we'll see more of how Sango's feeling in the next one. ^-^

Destiny - Chapter 10 - Reflections

The flames from the fire beneath the pot on the stove, cast shadows upon the sleeping girl's face. Inuyasha brushed a dampened lock of Kagome's hair away from her eye and caressed her cheek lovingly, willing her to open her eyes and ease his worry. She was far too pale and her skin was burning hot to the touch, a fine sheen of perspiration made her skin glisten.

He watched the slow rise and fall of her bandaged chest, each breath seeming to cause her pain, even in her slumber. Inuyasha scowled as he saw that pain reflected on her face, as if she were fighting something in her sleep. He stroked her hair softly, telling her everything would be fine and watched her as she slowly settled back down.

His nose wrinkled and he growled at the coppery smell of her blood that he noticed was now visible through the bandage covering her side, just above the waistline where Naraku had struck her. The bruises on her neck could now be seen. They were mottled black and purple and Inuyasha knew more lay beneath the bandages covering her torso.

"Stupid girl. What did you think you were doing taking on Naraku head on like that? Thinking of others before your own safety is stupid!" He spoke without his usual vigor, yearning for Kagome to retort angrily back, but knowing it wasn't going to happen.

Once you got over your fear of Kagome when she was angry, you noticed how beautiful she looked when she was mad. Her glossy raven black hair would fly wildly from her face as she'd rush towards him to poke him accusingly in the chest. Or it would whip round to curl around her shoulder at one side when she'd whirl around to walk away from him. Her entire face became animated, her eyes sparkled with such brilliance, that Inuyasha had often found himself dumbstruck, staring at her in amazement.

She had the same effect on him when she was happy. Her smile and enthusiasm could be infectious and her eyes held such wonder. Inuyasha longed to see those warm, loving, liquid brown eyes gaze into his own again. Followed by the cute, faint blush that would stain her cheeks when their eyes caught one anothers.

Her wounds weren't all that serious, bruises, possibly some broken ribs, but it was the wound in her side that was the problem. It wasn't particularly deep and Naraku's tentacle hadn't hit anything vital, but it had left poison in the wound. Normally Kagome's body would have purified it, and the fact that it hadn't had greatly puzzled Kaede. Until, Inuyasha had told her about Kagome's use of miko power, Kaede had then realized that Kagome must have left herself too weak to be able to fight the poison off effectively. Inuyasha placed a hand over her heart, needing to feel its gentle beat as well as hear it. She'll make it through this, he told himself. She's strong and determined, she'll be all right, she has to be.

"You promised Kagome, you said you'd stay by my side.." his voice cracked and he pulled his hands away to clench them in front of him. He stared down at them for a moment, before frantically tearing away at the bandages that covered them. He moved on to the bandages on his torso, stopping briefly to gaze at his torn and bloodstained haori and undershirt, caked in his blood, but mostly Kagome's. He returned his gaze to himself, staring at the now torn bandages in tatters at his feet and then to his hands and body, already well on their way to being healed.

"I'll protect you Kagome....." His own words echoed in his head, tormenting him. He snarled in rage, punching again and again at the floor until he felt the satisfying crunch of the wood beneath his fists and smelled the blood from the reopened wounds on his hands. He stopped, panting heavily from the exertion, collapsing tiredly to lie beside Kagome.

He reached over to pull the blanket covering her a little higher. His hand falling to find her own, he interlocked his fingers with hers.

"I'm here Kagome." Escaped his lips before he drifted off to sleep, half hearing her murmur his name softly in her slumber.

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"Kaede what was that?" Shippo tugged at Kaede's sleeve, looking worriedly at the old miko upon hearing what sounded like splintering wood emanating from her hut.

"What was what Shippo?" Kaede replied tiredly. She stopped tending to the still unconscious Kouga's wounds to wipe her brow with her free sleeve before giving Shippo her full attention.

"Oh right you don't have youkai hearing and we are quite a distance from your hut." Shippo puffed out his chest looking at Kaede proudly because he had a skill she didn't. "It sounded like something got broken, do you think Inuyasha and Kagome are all right? Maybe we should go check on them."

Kaede saw concern reflected in his wide eyes as he spoke and smiled softly back at him, hoping to reassure him that everything was all right. She felt sad that Shippo's moment of pride had been brief, because for a moment he had been back to his usual self. He had been sad and withdrawn ever since Inuyasha had come crashing into the village, his garments bloody and torn, carrying the battered and unconscious Kagome. It had taken Rin and the herself quite a while to calm the distraught young kit.

Shippo loved Kagome with all his heart, viewing her almost like a mother since the Thunder brothers had orphaned him and he had come across Kagome in his search for jewel shards to avenge his parents death. He pined away for her whenever she left for the modern era, although this often got overlooked by the others since they were usually were concerned with Inuyasha's behavior in her absence. Kaede considered the group her family since she had none of her own. She had lost her only blood relative Kikyo, fifty years previously at the hands of Naraku. Her dedication to her duties as a miko had left her little time for a relationship. That wasn't to say that she had never known love, but she had chosen her duties over that love. There were times she had regretted her decision, but since Kagome's arrival she knew she had made the right choice. This was where she was meant to be and she was doing what she was meant to be doing. Choosing this path had meant she could aid in Naraku's destruction, everything in her life had gone as it should.

Her thoughts returned to Shippo, if Kagome was like a mother to him then she was like his grandmother. It pained her to see the sadness and worry etched on his face, she saw fear in his eyes. He'd already lost both his parents and Kaede knew he had to be terrified that he was about to lose Kagome too. His usually bright eyes had a dullness to them, the sparkle they normally held was gone. An air of hopelessness clung to him and his bright cheery nature had left him entirely. His eyes were a little red-rimmed and his little body trembled with the effort of keeping in more tears that threatened to fall. Kaede decided in taking a lighthearted route in her response, hoping to distract him from his fears. She turned her back completely on Kouga so she could face Shippo and give his tiny hand a squeeze, she frowned to see that his tail hung low to the floor instead of straight up as it usually was.

"Nay Shippo, I'm sure they are both fine, although something tells me the floor of my hut may require mending again." She grinned at him, but didn't get the reaction she was hoping for, if anything he seemed more alarmed than before.

"Wha.... what if Inuyasha is upset because something happened to Kagome?" He shrieked up at her in rising panic, tears beginning to form in his eyes. Kaede patted Shippo gently on the head.

"Shippo calm yeself please. If anything had indeed happened to Kagome as ye suggested, Inuyasha would have done far more than damage just the floor of my hut ne? He is simply angry with himself because of Kagome's condition, he feels responsible because he was unable to prevent her injuries."

"Well he should! He should have protected her better!" Shippo folded his arms and stared indignantly at Kaede, a spark of anger visible in his eyes.

"Shippo, he did everything he could, ye know this. Inuyasha would give his life for Kagome t'were it needed." Kaede admonished the kit gently, understanding his need for someone to blame to take his mind off the fact Kagome might die. But Inuyasha already blamed himself far too much and was undeserving of the blame placed upon himself. She watched as Shippo's shoulders slumped in defeat as he took in and accepted her words.

"I know, Inuyasha is very protective of Kagome and he wouldn't let anything happen to her if he could prevent it. And now at least Naraku won't be able to try and hurt her ever again." He smiled weakly up at Kaede who smiled back at him in return and ruffled his hair affectionately. She was relieved to see his smile, to see some of the old sparkle back in his eyes.

"Shippo, Kagome will be fine, she's been through much worse than this. She is a strong and determined child." Shippo only nodded dumbly in reply as he pointed to behind Kaede.

"Oh" was the only response she could muster upon turning to see a groggy but very awake Kouga rising to his feet.

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Miroku gazed at Sango as she dressed his wounds. Tendrils of wispy hair hung down past her face, escaping her hair band. She looked tired, exhausted would be a better description. A line of smudged dirt ran along one of her cheeks and even in this disheveled state all Miroku could think of was how beautiful she looked. He wanted to reach out and touch her, to comfort her, but held back in fear. Her exterminator outfit he was so fond of was a mess, rips and tears in the fabric showed the bare skin beneath. There certainly wasn't enough showing to be indecent, but enough to give Miroku that usual urge. He sighed, resisting the temptation to give in to his lecherous feelings. If he touched her, even to just to comfort her, would he be able to control himself?

Silently he cursed Mushin and how the drunkard had raised him to believe his lecherous ways were natural. His anger faded as quickly as it had come, no the way he was wasn't down to Mushin. He couldn't even be angry at his grandfather for the curse that served as his excuse. Yes the Kazanna had been an excellent excuse for the pursuit of young women. He had waited so long to be free of the curse Naraku had placed upon him, but truth be told now that he was, he found he was kind of scared. There was nothing to hide behind now, there was no excuse for the way he was. What if he couldn't change? What if he drove Sango away? His eyes caught the dark stain of blood on her outfit, Kohaku's blood not her own. He cursed his selfishness, here I've been worrying over myself, when her heart lies in tatters. My fears don't mean anything right now, she needs me... He looked up expecting to see Sango's face but his eyes widened in surprise when he realized she wasn't there. How long ago had she stopped dressing his wounds? He searched frantically for her sighing in relief when he saw that she hadn't gone far..

"I want to see her! I can smell her blood, what did that pathetic half-breed let happen to her? I'll rip him to shreds if she isn't all right!"

Miroku heard the angry wolf demon's demands along with everyone else and realized that Sango was on her way to help Kaede. Kami only knows how long he's been like that Miroku thought. What did Sango think she was doing? She was in no condition to fight Shippo never mind a wolf demon, even a badly injured wolf demon at that. Using his staff for support he hobbled after her. A rush of air nearly took him off of his feet and he realized Kouga had gone quiet. He stared open mouthed at the sight before him, Sesshoumaru had Kouga pinned to a tree by his neck!

Sesshoumaru stood rigid, his hair flowed wildly behind him before settling perfectly back in place. The only signs he'd just been in battle were a small cut upon his cheek and some dirt upon his sash. Other than that he looked as impeccable as he always did, his face as usual was unreadable. He showed no anger or emotion at all, he just simply stared at Kouga. For a moment Kouga did nothing, but when Sesshoumaru cocked his head to the side it seemed to break the wolf demon out of his daze and he found the air in his lungs to yell to at his attacker.

"Let me go you mangy dog!" Sesshoumaru tightened his grip and drops of blood began to slide down Kouga's neck where Sesshoumaru's claws tore through the skin.

"You forget to whom it is you speak wolf." There was still no anger in Sesshoumaru's demeanor shocking everyone witnessing this scene. Why didn't he kill Kouga for uttering such words and why attack him at all Was he actually protecting them?

Kouga was determined to show no fear so instead flashed Sesshoumaru a look of defiance. His situation was desperate, he had only one arm to fight with, the other had been broken in the battle with Naraku. Thanks to his demon blood it was already mending, but was still no where near usable. Much like his legs, they'd support his weight, but wouldn't do much else until they had properly healed. They wouldn't bear the strain of a fight, he couldn't even kick out at Sesshoumaru.

He growled, bearing his fangs in frustration and anger at his predicament, before the increased pressure on his neck reduced it to a pitiful whine. He raised his hands to try and pry away the hand Sesshoumaru held him with, grimacing as he forced his healing arm to move. Suddenly he began to feel hot, a drop of sweat rolled off the tip of his nose and desperation overtook him as his vision began to get cloudy. He dug his claws into Sesshoumaru's hand, spilling the demon lords blood. Sesshoumaru's only response was to raise his eyebrow.

"Bas...tard." Kouga gasped as each breath became harder and harder to take.

"Lord Sesshoumaru please release him. He meant no harm he was simply concerned for Kagome. If you let him go we'll take him away from here right away we promise."

Sesshoumaru turned his head to look at the wolf demon who had addressed him. Ginta, one of Kouga's tribe stood before him, fidgeting under his scrutinous gaze, the rest of the wolf pack standing a little way behind him. He noticed that they seemed to have all of their injured gathered together as if ready to move out. Without answering Sesshoumaru turned his gaze back upon Kouga, who by now seemed close to passing out. Sesshoumaru squeezed a little harder and Kouga went wide eyed before collapsing gasping to the floor as Sesshoumaru released him.

He rubbed his sore neck and opened his mouth to speak only to find Ginta's hand was clamped firmly over it.

"Inuyasha and Kagome are not to be disturbed. You will obey my word and leave now, or you will not leave alive." Sesshoumaru glared down at the two wolf demons.

Ginta looked up, nodding his head insanely and whistled for the rest of the wolf tribe, who promptly collected Kouga about their shoulders. He protested loudly but to no avail as they carried him off into the distance leaving only dust in their wake. If the air hadn't been so tense, Miroku thought he might have laughed at the sight.

"Rin!" Sesshoumaru called out to the young girl, who promptly ran to his side and looked up at him expectantly.

"Hai Sesshoumaru-sama." She smiled at him brightly, happy to be by his side. 'Sesshoumaru-sama you are hurt!" She looked at the wound on his hand, panic stricken, touching it gingerly, assessing the damage. The others looked on in amazement as Sesshoumaru, Inuyasha's human hating brother allowed one to be so familiar with him, even if it was Rin. They never quite understood why he allowed her to travel with him and witnessing the two together always surprised them.

Sesshoumaru gazed down at Rin, catching her hand and holding it to stop her from tearing a strip from her yukata. She smiled at him, at feeling his touch since it was rare for him to show her such affection.

"That isn't necessary Rin." He released her hand, letting his own fall back to his side. "Rin you will stay a while and help the miko attend to Inuyasha and Kagome, I will return shortly for you and Jaken."

"My Lord I must protest, haven't we been among these humans for long enough?" Jaken wailed at his master, upset at being left behind once again, why couldn't he go with Lord Sesshoumaru?

"Jaken you will be quiet and comply with my demands." Sesshoumaru glared at Jaken causing him to scuttle back a little way.

"Ye... yes Lord Sesshoumaru."

"Sesshoumaru-sama, will you be gone long?" Rin asked quietly, sad for him to be leaving again.

"No Rin." He spoke softly. "I have something left unfinished back at the battlefield, I will return shortly."

"Hai!" She smiled up at him, happy he had confided something so important to her for it was unusual for him to do so. Satisfied Rin understood, Sesshoumaru turned to leave but was stopped in his tracks by Sango's voice, he turned to listen to her.

"Sesshoumaru wait! I wish to accompany you." Sango leaning on Kirara for support looked determinedly at the demon lord.

"Sango no, you're in no condition, you need to rest and recover." Miroku stepped towards her, placing his hand upon her shoulder. She recoiled from his touch as if it burned, her face contorted in pain and anger as she screamed back at him.

"Rest? You wish me to rest? How can I rest when Kokahu isn't at rest? I cannot, and will not rest until he does!"

The color drained from Miroku's face and he took on an apologetic look. He reached for her again, grabbing her hand.

"Sango I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, I wasn't thinking." Sango's anger left her and her shoulders slumped, she looked at the floor, her voice was almost a whisper.

"I'm sorry Miroku, you didn't deserve that. But I have to take my brother home. I couldn't save him, I couldn't prevent what happened to him, but this I can do for him at least. Put him to rest in the place he was born."

Miroku tugged on Sango's hand, and pulled her into a warm embrace.

"No Sango, its I who am sorry. I was too wrapped up in myself to realize what you were going through. I will accompany you."

Sango pulled away slightly to look up at Miroku, managing a tired smile. He smiled back, brushing away a strand of hair from her face and planting a gentle kiss on her forehead. He stiffened slightly, afraid that he might have done the wrong thing. But she brought her forehead to rest against his and ran her fingers softly over his lips.

"Thank you." She whispered. Sesshoumaru's voice broke the moment and they pulled away from each other to look at him.

"Your presence is unnecessary, neither of you are in any condition for traveling and would only slow me down. I will return the boy's body to you and from here you can do as you wish." Before Sango could angrily interrupt he was gone so she did the only thing she could do. She collapsed into Miroku crying as he cradled her, softly stroking her hair.

Kaede looked at Sango with sympathetic eyes before a familiar feeling caused her to look the way of the Goshinboku tree. There above the tree line she saw the shini dama chu. She looked back towards Sango and Miroku. Sango hadn't seen them her back was turned to them, but Miroku had. He looked down from gazing at them, to nod at Kaede. Kaede gave him a nod of thanks and asked him to also take care of Shippo whilst she went to see her sister.

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Sesshoumaru took pleasure in the feel of the wind against his face as he rushed back towards the battlefield. It wasn't often he indulged in the joy of running so he made the most of the opportunity. He felt free from his many burdens when he ran, free from his responsibilities, free from his feelings. His feelings, most thought that Sesshoumaru didn't feel and it was an opinion he'd carefully cultivated. Feelings were a sign of weakness and as a demon lord it wouldn't do to show any weakness in front of other demons who might try to take his lands. But to say Sesshoumaru didn't feel would be wrong. He felt a great many things, anger had been a very familiar feeling to him over the years. Like the anger he had felt at his father taking a new mate.

Sesshoumaru had never really had any feelings one way or the other about humans. They were below him in the order of things and so he thought little about them. But his father taking one as a mate had changed all that. His hatred for her had spilled over into hatred for her entire species. It was a pointless hatred he knew, she had done nothing to deserve it except for falling in love with his father. But love and grief meant you did a lot of things that didn't make sense. Sesshoumaru could see her as nothing but a replacement, the only thing he could do was to make sure she would not replace his mother in his own heart. So he shut his heart off, dedicated his life to the duty of being the son of a demon lord. Training to one day take his father's place as the ruler of the Western Lands. It had become his sole purpose, his only passion in life and his chance had come all too soon.

He'd hated his father for that too, for being weak enough to die. He'd never lost his respect for his father as a leader he was strong, but hatred was a far stronger emotion. He'd been too weak to save his mother and too weak to survive. Although in time his anger with his father had faded as he had grown and gained more of an understanding for the way things were in the demon world. His anger had found a new direction though, his fathers legacy of his union with a human, his forgotten half brother Inuyasha. His hatred for his brother had further been cemented when he'd been unable to help him when he'd most needed it. All because he'd fallen for a pitiful human, but how much of that hatred had been justified, if at all?

The first time Sesshoumaru had met Naraku, he had known there was more to him that it seemed. That he wasn't offering him the chance to destroy his brother because he just wanted to help. That something else had lain behind it. Had it been right to blame Inuyasha for getting himself bound when Naraku had been involved? No, when he'd thought about it, his hatred for Inuyasha had gained him nothing. He'd not gained Tetsusaiga, in fact he'd lost an arm because of that. If anything his hatred had made him weak, it had left him open to manipulation by Naraku, drawing him into this petty battle for the shikon jewel. Perhaps it was time to end his feud with his brother. After all he was no threat to his position as ruler of the western lands, he neither cared nor wished to claim them But he could be a powerful ally if other demons decided to challenge him, especially since he'd mated with that miko. In return the both of them would have the protection that came with being close to him. Close to him, that was a very foreign thought to Sesshoumaru, or at least it would have been if not for Rin. It had taken him a long while to figure out why he had revived her, and the simple reason had been plain old curiosity.

His brothers band of humans particularly the miko's devotion to him had piqued Sesshoumaru's curiosity. Why would such creatures stand and fight, with a hanyou no less? Although as long as Rin had been with him the reasons for her devotion to him were still a mystery to him, perhaps he would never figure these humans out.

Sesshoumaru stopped as fluidly as he had began to run, his hair whipped around his now still frame before settling back into place. Attentive amber eyes surveyed the battlefield. Steaming lumps of demon flesh littered the field, some had already turned to dust, but the remnants of Naraku's power still clung to some, making it a slow process. Would anything remain of the young demon slayer? Sesshoumaru thought to himself. His eyes glinted in recognition as his eyes fell upon the still form of Kohaku among Naraku's decaying remains. He was by the body in a flash moving quicker than the human eye could see. He raised an eyebrow in surprise at the condition of the body before him, it remained virtually untouched save for the wound that had killed him. How was this possible? He had readily offered to return the body believing that in all reality nothing would have survived, how could it have survived the devastation around it?

Kohaku, another of these strange humans with honor, he had forfeited his life to bring down Naraku. Without realizing it Sesshoumaru's fingers hovered over Tensaiga, his fingers brushed the tip of the hilt as he pondered bringing Kohaku back. Yes that would definitely earn the gratitude of the young demon slayers sister, and would help to heal the wounds between Inuyasha and himself. He was interrupted by his thoughts however by the dry laughter of Kagura.

"Sesshoumaru, is your cold heart melting after all? Are you starting to feel compassion for humans?" She walked slowly towards Naraku, fanning herself along the way as was her habit.

"My thoughts are none of your concern." Sesshoumaru stated simply, focusing his full attention on Kagura, watching her every move as closely as possible.

"Right now everything about you concerns me Sesshoumaru, most importantly the object you carry with you." Kagura eyed him hungrily, and Sesshoumaru detected a hint of desperation behind her raised voice. He reached down behind his chest armor to retrieve the object of which she spoke, never once taking his eyes off of her. He dropped the object into Kagura's outstretched hands, raising an eyebrow as she bowed her head slightly in gratitude. The object glowed brightly in her hand and she held it tightly to her chest. For a moment she was bathed in a soft pink light and as it dissipated she took a deep breath opening her eyes to gaze at Sesshoumaru softly as she did so.

"I thank you Sesshoumaru, from the moment I saw you I knew you were the key to my freedom." Kagura sighed as she gazed upon Kohaku's body, did she feel sadness at his passing? Sesshoumaru wondered. "I wish the same had been true for Kohaku, he wished for the same as I, his freedom and Naraku's destruction. Without his aid I would never have gotten the chance to bring Naraku down. And now he cannot be saved, his body was too damaged for his soul to remain anchored to it for long. It has already passed from this world, even Tensaiga cannot help him now. I could only protect his body from the blast with my powers. I thought that his sister would come for his body and felt this was the least I owed him.." Kagura turned to leave but stopped in surprise as from the corner of her eye she caught Sesshoumaru gently lifting Kohaku's body from the ground. Her eyes widened in surprise at his words.

"Then I owe you thanks."

Sesshoumaru thanked me? What is going on with him I wonder. Was I right, is his heart of ice melting? The demon lords strange actions intrigued Kagura but Sesshoumaru gave her no chance to question them as she felt the rush of air as he left in the direction of Inuyasha's forest.

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Kaede walked slowly towards the Goshinboku tree, the setting sun made the sky a beautiful wash of warm orange. But, above the tree line Kaede could see the cold blue light of Kikyo's Shini dama chuu.

Kikyo, Kaede thought sadly. Is your journey in this world finally ended? With Naraku gone and your death avenged, can ye let go of the past or do ye still intend to drag Inuyasha to hell?

She followed the eerie glow of the Shini dama chuu to find Kikyo at the Goshinboku tree, gazing at the worn area of bark on the tree's trunk. The spot where Inuyasha had lain for fifty years, bound by her enchanted arrow.

"So you have come sister." Kikyo spoke first, turning as she did so to gaze upon her sister Kaede.

"Aye Kikyo, I came to see how ye are fairing...." Kikyo cut her off sharply, laughing bitterly.

"No you came to find out my intent, to see if I still desire to drag Inuyasha to hell, you take me for a fool Kaede."

"Can ye not forgive Kikyo? I beg you let go of the past and leave this world, can ye not find peace?" Kaede looked imploringly at her sister.

"I will be at peace Kaede, when I have what is mine!" Kikyo spoke firmly, her face remained a cool mask.

"And what is that Kikyo? Ye must know Inuyasha's heart is no longer his to give. Can you be content with taking him to hell when his heart beats for Kagome?" Kaede was hesitant in her response, she had no wish to hurt her sister. Or what remained of her sister, in this imitation body.

"That girl! No! I will not allow Inuyasha's heart to forget me." Kikyo cried out desperately, anger beginning to manifest on her delicate features, her eyes blazed with fury.

"Kikyo, what good will come of dragging him to hell? Would it change the past and give you back your life? Please, let this go, let him, let them be happy." Kaede spoke forcefully, hoping to reach through Kikyo's anger and bitterness, hoping to reach the part that loved Inuyasha fifty years previously. To reach the sister she remembered, the kind, loving Kikyo, the woman who would put others before herself.

"Let them be happy? Kaede you would show me such disrespect, you prefer this girl over your own sister?" Behind the anger in her sisters eyes Kaede saw sadness and it tugged at her heart strings.

"Kikyo no." Kaede reached out and touched her sisters hand, surprised at the coolness of her skin, even more surprised that Kikyo did not pull away. My wish is not to cause you pain Kikyo, I wish only for you to be at peace. I wish for you to be free from your hate and your anger, as you were once a slave to your duties, so now you are a slave to your desires."

Kikyo pulled away violently from Kaede, her eyes once again ablaze with rage, but the spark quickly died and her hand fell limply to her side.

"Kaede how dare you! My desires do not bind me, they have freed me. I will have what was denied me in life!"

Kikyo's words were the barest of whispers as the truth of Kaede's words dawned upon her. She looked upon Kaede with haunted eyes and Kaede felt a pull at her heart as she saw the remnants of what was once her sister.

"Kikyo, you are no longer the same two people who made that promise to one another fifty years ago. Ye are not the same person and neither is Inuyasha. Is it not time to let this go." Kaede pressed on, hoping to finally make Kikyo let go of her hatred.

"You speak the truth Kaede, his eyes are much gentler now, calmer, he seems more at peace and ease. Yet they dance with torment and confusion when our paths cross, it hurts to know I am the cause of his pain. It hurts to see that I was not the one to bring peace to his heart, and this further feeds the hatred within me, keeping me bound to this world. Where once my path in life was certain, now there is only my desire and my hatred, we might have changed Kaede, but the promise we made remains unaltered in our minds and our hearts. Inuyasha may not want to be with me but he knows that he must.

Despite knowing the truth of my demise I died believing Inuyasha to be the cause of my death. I died hating him, this emotion brought me back to this world and keeps me bound to it. The only way to break the bond is for Inuyasha to die and come with me." Kikyo gazed at Kaede with no hint of evil, only sadness and despair.

"Then you will not change your mind Kikyo?" Kaede asked anyway already knowing her answer.

"I cannot." Kikyo turned her sad gaze upon the Goshinboku tree. "I feel shame, shame for what my hatred allowed me to become, what it made me do at times. All I could think of was Naraku's destruction. I want peace Kaede, and Inuyasha can give me that peace, in return all I can offer him is time. I will not come for him, I will wait here until he is ready." She bowed her head, not returning her gaze to meet Kaede's.

"Aye sister." Kaede stayed a few minutes longer staring at Kikyo before turning back to towards the village.

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Inuyasha awoke to the still sleeping form of Kagome and laid his head down upon her chest, raising it only until her heart's gentle beat reassured him she had not left him. He had never felt so helpless and alone in his life despite the many times he had experienced loneliness.

Images flashed in his mind, long forgotten half memories of his father and cherished memories of his mother. He remembered the looks of disdain, disgust and blind fury from Sesshoumaru when he was younger.

He'd seen that same anger and hatred burning within Sesshoumaru that first time they had fought in his fathers tomb over the Tetsusaiga. But with each passing encounter that fury hadn't raged so forcefully, they had even fought side by side to defeat Naraku. His brother's reasons for aiding them were still a mystery to Inuyasha, it almost made him believe that Sesshoumaru was starting to soften towards him somewhat. Was his anger really starting to fade? Did he no longer wish to kill him? Could they ever be true brothers? Keh even if that were a possibility it wasn't like it was going to happen considering his promise to Kikyo.

Kikyo had eased the loneliness he had felt back then. At first their game of cat and mouse had been nothing more than an irritation, she had been an obstacle to his possession of the jewel and true power. Power he needed to find his own place in a world where he had none, not quite demon, not quite human, so shunned by all. But without him realizing it she had crept into his every thought, she didn't shun him like everyone else and soon Inuyasha found that he wasn't alone. Then she had offered him that for life, the chance to never be lonely, to lead a normal human life. But they had seemingly betrayed one another. In the moments before the darkness had claimed him he had seen the face of his attacker, reaching out for her in disbelief, hurt at her betrayal, that she truly had meant the hateful words she had spoken earlier. For a few seconds before he had finally succumbed he had given in to hate, scorching hatred for her had burned within his soul and for this his life was now forfeit. In his heart he had betrayed Kikyo, allowed himself to believe she could betray him and so he had gone in search of the jewel, attacking the village to gain it. Falling to her arrow, letting his hatred envelope him like the darkeness and when he had awoken there had been Kagome.

Inuyasha shifted to sit rather than crouch and as he did so, noticed something glinting under his torn haori in the corner. He left Kagome's side briefly to move across the room and grab the beads before settling back down beside her. He held them in his right hand, feeling the coolness and the smoothness of the beads with his thumb. A grin stretched across his face as he remembered that first time Kagome had been bathing and had sat him, even though back then he had really been more concerned with the jewel shard as Kaede had rightly surmised. And then just like Kikyo it had become so natural to have Kagome be in his every thought. No, he shook his head, not just like Kikyo, Kagome was different. Kagome was, Kagome.

He felt the beads in his hand again and remembered why he had been put under the subduing spell in the first place. He'd been different back then, angry, hurt, confused, mistrustful. Kagome had changed all of that. She'd given him a peace he'd never felt before, without the beads he may never have, what? let her live? Could he truly have killed her that night, would he have? They'd never know and he was glad for it and despite that night Kagome had only continued to show more faith in him with each passing day.

She had devoted herself to him, staying by his side despite Kikyo's resurrection and his renewed promise to the miko that was once his love. She had stayed despite how his torn feelings hurt her, she had comforted him, cried for him, defended him, given him her complete trust. He couldn't imagine his life without her in it, but even if she, no, when she recovered he would have to. He wasn't sure where Kikyo had gone after the battle, but with Naraku dead she was sure to come for him. And that would mean leaving Kagome behind forever.

When Kikyo had first been resurrected so soon into their quest to recover the jewel shards his choice had seemed clear cut. But he had still not confronted what he had been feeling for Kagome back then. Every day had brought some new danger, some new challenge, it had been easy to not think about the implications of his decision. Or it should have been, but then he had finally come to realize he was in love with Kagome.

She had caught him with Kikyo and returned back to her own time, he had come to the conclusion they would never see one another again. After all how could he ask Kagome to stay with him when he had a duty to Kikyo? Kagome had made the decision for him, choosing to remain by his side. He often felt he didn't deserve such devotion. Keh Kagome would probably have sat him for having such thoughts.

The closer the battle with Naraku had gotten the more Inuyasha did find himself dwelling over things. He knew he owed Kikyo, but less and less he felt like honoring his promise. He wanted to stay with Kagome.

He wasn't the same person who had pledged himself to Kikyo all those years ago and neither was she. Inuyasha thought back to the battle and how she had been so willing to let Kagome die. Or was that the person she had always been. Kikyo had always been about duty after all, if she had still been alive would she still have chosen for Kagome to die in order to kill Naraku? No, Kikyo had been about duty back then, but her heart was loving, compassionate, those emotions were no part of the Kikyo that now walked the earth.

No, she isn't the person I once loved, but does that mean I shouldn't keep my promise? Does it make it all right to tell her no and do what I want to in my heart?

Inuyasha sighed, what she had become didn't change the person she was once, didn't change that person he had made that promise to.

A small voice in his head reminded him of the promise he had made Kagome that night before the battle.

She was beautiful, breathtaking, the moonlight lit her soft smooth skin and for a moment Inuyasha had dared not touch her. He hadn't felt worthy of the love she held for him in her eyes, even though he reflected the very same feelings in his own deep pools of amber. But she had moved towards him and broken the spell, their lips meeting in crazed lust, hungering for what they had denied each other for so long.

Inuyasha closed his eyes and remembered how she had shuddered in pleasure and moaned deeply from the back of her throat as his teeth had gently grazed her neck. Hot, sweaty, breathy they were animalistic in their need for one another, craving, desiring. They had become one, mates, they were each others forever. Was that a promise Inuyasha could break?

Inuyasha looked down at her tracing the line of the mark he had made that night. Why did fate bring us together only to rip us apart Kagome?

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Her tears fell freely and Sango made no attempt to stop them. She didn't care that she might appear weak in front of Sesshoumaru, she didn't care half the village were watching. All that mattered was Kohaku, she looked up in confusion as something covered her brothers still form. Her eyes fell upon Miroku, now no longer wearing his outer robe. He knelt beside her one hand upon her shoulder the other rubbing her back soothingly. She waited, expecting his hand to inadvertently slip to her rear but it didn't. She almost wished for him to do so, to take her mind off of what she was feeling. . She blinked away tears in surprise at his lack of perversion.

"Miroku?" She looked at him confused and he smiled softly back at her. Kirara nuzzled into a hand before stepping away to transform. Miroku stood and offered his hand to her.

"Sango, lets take him home." She could only nod dumbly in response as she stood, he watched her mount Kirara before he knelt down to pick up Kokaku's body. He carried him over to Kirara who knelt down making it easier for Miroku to mount her with the bundle in his arms. He turned his head and nodded a silent thanks to Sesshoumaru and once he was settled, Kirara took to the skies.

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Shippo ran to Kaede jumping up to sit on her shoulder. He didn't blame them for leaving, Sango was too consumed with her grief to notice him and Miroku had to be there for Sango. Inuyasha and Kagome were in the hut and that had left him with Sesshoumaru, Rin and Jaken. Shippo didn't much care for Sesshoumaru or Jaken, but had become good friends with Rin. But even she hadn't been able to make him smile when Inuyasha had brought Kagome back to the village. He had feared her dead before her scent had told him otherwise, but that didn't stop his heart seizing in fear she would leave. She would leave him like his parents had. He knew it had been wrong to blame Inuyasha for what had happened, but he needed to blame someone, he should have been blaming Naraku but he couldn't help it, he was just so frightened and scared and angry and he didn't know what to do. Kaede had tried to reassure him but it hadn't worked at first, but, then he had finally started to calm down. Kaede thought that Kagome would make it, and Shippo trusted her word. So when she finally made it back from the Goshinboku tree he was relieved.

She patted Shippo on the head before gazing to the disappearing form of Kirara in the sky. She shook her head sadly.

"The jewel has ruined so many lives."

"Indeed it has, the smell of death lingers upon you, the undead miko I believe." Sesshoumaru looked questioningly at Kaede.

"Aye, twas to see my sister Kikyo I did go. Her desire is still to take Inuyasha to hell with her, she cannot be swayed from it. She is unable to break free from the hatred that binds her to this world, only Inuyasha's death can release her." Kaede smiled slightly at Shippo as he patted the side of her head softly in a comforting gesture. She could already feel the fear rise up within him, he didn't want to lose Inuyasha as much as he didn't want to lose Kagome.

"I see, and Inuyasha despite being newly mated will honor this wish?" Sesshoumaru's gaze was piercing.

"I believe so, he loves Kagome but..." Sesshoumaru cut her off.

"Then he is a fool, perhaps someone will have to take action on his behalf. Rin! Jaken!" Sesshoumaru turned to leave ignoring Kaede's demands to explain his words. He walked on, not looking back, Rin by his side briefly turned to wave to Shippo who returned the gesture, Jaken ran slightly behind them, panting and complaining about being left behind. When he neared the forest's edge, Kaede gave up shouting his name.

"Kaede what do you think he meant by that? Do you think he'll do something to Kikyo?" Shippo looked up at her questioningly.

"I don't know Shippo, I do not know." Kaede honestly wasn't sure. Would it be so bad if he did? The thought came out of nowhere and she hung her head in shame for thinking it. How could she? How could she wish her sister dead so bad? She looked up from the ground, steeling herself. She isn't your sister Kaede, Kikyo died fifty years ago.

"Only Sesshoumaru knows for sure and he will do what he will. Come on the stew should be ready by now, perhaps Inuyasha will allow us to check on Kagome eh?" Kaede laughed a little at the kits happy face as he leapt off her shoulder and ran as fast as he could for her hut.

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Miroku watched the wind whip around Sango's tear stained face as she turned her head to the side to follow the direction Kirara was turning. She'd stopped crying but her eyes were blank, cold, she was somewhere far away.