InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Destiny ❯ Consequences ( Chapter 11 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: Inuyashas kagome 
The battle with Naraku is over, but now the group are left to pick up the pieces. The question is, can they do it?
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance / Drama / Action | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 01.17.2004 | Pages: 2 | Words: 4.1K | Visits: 352 | Status: Completed
The battle with Naraku is over, but now the group are left to pick up the pieces. The question is, can they do it?
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance / Drama / Action | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 01.17.2004 | Pages: 2 | Words: 4.1K | Visits: 352 | Status: Completed
Author’s note: Well first of let me say how very sorry I am to anyone reading this fic. I’ve been diabolically bad, in updating this, and for that I am truly sorry. I could list the reasons that have kept me from writing so long, but there are so many I won’t! Some of it were actual proper reasons and the rest were just me procrastinating badly, so I’m really sorry!
In fact this is really the chappie in the rough, but I felt I’d kept you waiting so long I should just post it, and when I get it all checked over by my beta I’ll repost it without the errors hopefully. I will eventually be revising all the other chapters in the same way. But for now here it is, again sorry!
Destiny - Chapter 11 - Consequences
Miroku stared down at his palm as he opened and closed his hand, mesmerized by the sheer perfection of his unmarred limb. It was smooth and unblemished, dirt clung to the creases of his skin and he mentally traced them with his eyes, grinning at the fact they were no longer disconnected by the black void that had once been there. His smile slowly faded as he remembered his earlier fears. Despite the fact he had wanted to be free from his curse, he was also a little worried, it had been a part of him for so long that he felt almost naked without it. He was a decent fighter even without his kazanna, he still had his immense spiritual powers, but he had to wonder would that be enough against any demons he were to come across in the future? His kazanna had been like a safety net, in case the demon proved too strong for his spiritual powers, but, now it was gone, and he had only himself to rely on. Strictly speaking that wasn't true, but Kagome would surely return to her own time, and Inuyasha was destined to go to hell with Kikyo. That left him and Sango, would she want him like this? Would he be strong enough to protect her and their family? He grinned once again, knowing Sango would have smacked him over the head for suggesting she needed protecting. And it was the truth, Sango was an extraordinary demon slayer her skills far surpassed his own, she didn't need his protection from demons. 'Demons of the physical kind at least' He thought as he looked over to her, his heart aching at the sight of her bent before Kohaku's grave, her body shaking with sobs. No he had no need to fear, he would be there for her in the way she needed him to be, his beautiful, strong, Sango.
Kohaku's mask glinted in the sunlight as Sango gently ran her fingers over its cold surface. Her tears wet the earth over his grave as she knelt before it, she raised her head, the hot tears streaming along her face as it became too much to bear to look at it. She shut her eyes tight to try and shut out the memories that began to flood back, her hands gathered up dirt as she pulled them into fists at her sides.
"You weren't meant for this Kokaku, I failed you, I'm so sorry little brother, you... you didn't deserve this." Her whisper reached the ears of Kirara, who sat curled up by Miroku as they both watched over the brokenhearted demon slayer, and she mewed sorrowfully in response.
'You shouldn't have been there that night Kohaku you always tried your best to please father, but I knew you didn't feel ready. We... we shouldn't have brought you along, I... I should have spoken up, I should have said something to father. This is my fault, if I had only done something you would be here now.'
Sango whirled around as she felt Miroku's hand upon her shoulder. He knelt down in the dirt to face her.
"Sango stop this, stop blaming yourself. Nothing you could have done could have prevented this. If you had left Kohaku behind that night, he would have perished along with the others, he would still have died."
"But at least he wouldn't have become Naraku's puppet. He was my younger brother I should have protected him, he deserved better!" Sango screamed in rage, needing an outlet for the pain she felt.
Miroku was a little stung by the anger she directed towards him when she had spoken, but he knew Sango's emotions were raw right now, she just needed to lash out, he would gladly let her take it out on him, if she would stop beating up on herself.
"That might be the truth Sango, but Naraku was the cause of his death, he was the cause of his resurrection and the pain Kohaku felt at everything he had been manipulated into doing. Do you think Kohaku would want you to blame yourself for things beyond your control? Sango, Kohaku was himself at the end, he knew the likely outcome of the battle, he wanted to bring Naraku down so you might be free. Don't waste the chance he gave you Sango, don't spend your life living in regrets. Kohaku helped to give you the possibility of a future, a future I wish to share with you. I still want all those things we talked about that night Sango, you deserve to be happy in life, Kohaku would have wanted it for you." He waited anxiously for her response, hoping he had done something to calm her distraught state of mind. Sango turned to gaze into Miroku's pleading eyes, her own sparkled with the threat of more tears.
"I... I don't know if I'm strong enough Miroku." She bowed her head ashamed. 'What must he be thinking of me right now, I must seem so weak and pitiful to him.' Her eyes widened in surprise when he hooked a finger under her chin and gently brought her face back to face his own.
"Yes you can my brave Sango, it'll be okay. I'll help you." Miroku sighed with relief when she nodded in agreement and collapsed into him, she didn't cry but held on to him tightly. He sat for a while holding her and once he felt her grip on him loosen as sleep finally claimed her, he carried her gently to her hut. After making sure she was comfortable he tiredly lay down beside her. Gently he brushed the stray strands of hair away from her face as he whispered softly to her sleeping form.
"I don't know if I'm strong enough either Sango. I don't know if I can change, but I think with you by my side I could do anything." He shut his eyes and drifted off to sleep, unawares of the tired smile that graced the beautiful demon slayers lips, and he didn't get to hear her soft reply.
"Hai, together we are strong, together we are never alone, we'll do it together Miroku." She reached over and planted a loving kiss on his cheek before drifting back off to sleep.
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Inuyasha sat arms folded around Tetsusaiga, his amber eyes shining as he kept watch over the still sleeping form of Kagome. His own rest had been short lived, tired, as he was, his worry for Kagome had kept him from the sleep his body cried out for. His nose twitched as he felt a familiar itching, a low growl started in his throat and he raised his hand menacingly to slap the offending demon.
"Myouga-jiji you miserable coward, what are you doing here?" Inuyasha could barely contain his anger, even though in the back of his mind he knew Myouga could not have aided them in anyway during the battle, he couldn't help but feel angry at the demon for leaving them. Myouga quivered at the angry look in Inuyasha's eyes, what had he done to deserve such a reaction he wondered?
"Master Inuyasha, why such hurtful words?" Myouga slowly started to back further along Inuyasha's nose, as the hanyou's growling grew more intense.
"MYOUGA!!! You talk of hurt? What do you know of hurt? You always get yourself out of the situation before you can even get within a mile of getting injured. How dare you talk of hurt when Kagome lies there fighting to survive!" Inuyasha clenched his fist ready to strike as Myouga started to thoughtfully stroke his chin, didn't he care that Kagome could die?
"Hmm... Lady Kagome was fine when I left her, this must have occurred after I retreated to a safe distance, in case my services were required again later of course. Why I would never leave you in the lurch like that Master Inuyasha."
Myouga quivered with fear, the anger dancing in Inuyasha's eyes seemed to have given way to curiosity but the hanyou's hand still hovered above the flea's quivering form.
"Keh, yea of course its not like, you, to run away at the sign of a battle Myouga. By the way what do you mean when you left Kagome?" Inuyasha brought his face down so his nose almost touched the flea; he wanted to make sure he had a close eye on Myouga.
"I saw the Lady Kagome in distress and went to her aid. It was my suggestion she use her miko powers and I see that my feelings on the matter were right, the power was within her." Myouga jumped back; startled by the hard glare Inuyasha now gave him.
Inuyasha felt the anger begin to melt away; perhaps the flea hadn't abandoned them after all. He hadn't stayed, that much was obvious, but then what more could he have done except given Kagome advice?
"Well I see you didn't stick around for the action Myouga."
Inuyasha's voice dripped with sarcasm and Myouga tensed up, ready for the strike he knew was coming, he shut his eyes, only to look up in confusion when the expected blow never came. Instead Inuyasha now sat upright with his arms folded and began to explain the events Myouga had missed.
"Kagome used a burst of miko power and set in motion the purification of Naraku and the jewel, but she was caught by one of Naraku's poisonous tentacles..." Inuyasha trailed off as he noticed the flea was missing, his ears swiveled until they finally locked on the sounds of him taking the poison out of Kagome's blood. Myouga rolled to the floor, now notably larger than before. He rolled his way across the floor to the entrance, deciding now would be a good time to exit the hut.
"I leave the rest up to you Master Inuyasha." His words fell on deaf ears, as Inuyasha raced to the side of Kagome, stirring from her sleep.
"Inu...ya...sha?" He collapsed to his knees at her side and gently cupped a cheek to let her know he was there while her eyes tried to focus.
"Kagome." He whispered, almost not sure he had heard her voice. He smiled in relief to see warm pools of chocolate brown staring up at him.
"Inuyasha you're okay, then Naraku... he's gone?" Kagome stared up into Inuyasha's eyes and smiled weakly at the concern she saw reflected in the shining amber orbs gazing down upon her. She reached up and gingerly traced a finger along the smile he wore. For a moment she lost herself in those eyes, letting the feeling of warmth and safety they made her feel, wash over her. But then the urgent need to know if they had succeeded overcame everything else. She began to sit up, realizing Inuyasha was the only one in the hut with her; fear crept into her heart.
"Inuyasha, where are the others? Sango, Miroku, Kouga? What about the village, was it safe during the attack, are Shippou and Kaede okay?" She scowled at Inuyasha as he tried to gently push her back down, getting angry as her questions went unanswered. Her temper flared when she noticed him grinning at her and she opened her mouth to yell only to shut it in surprise when he gently planted a kiss on her forehead. Dumbstruck she allowed him to push her down and she gently touched the place where his lips had met her skin, feeling the burn of the blush that now stained her face. 'Inuyasha?"
Inuyasha grinned at the spark of fire he saw in her eyes, the one that always appeared when she was angry. To get mad at him so soon meant she had to be feeling better. He frowned seeing she had finally shaken herself free from the shock of his kiss and after taking a moment to smile at the fading blush on her face, he rushed to still her once again. Hearing her wince in pain, he moved to cradle her, supporting her body with is own.
"Baka, don't move so suddenly. They are fine Kagome, Naraku is gone, we did it, you did it, its all over so rest now." He leaned his head gently against her own as he spoke realizing the reality of his words for himself. 'Their fight was over, Naraku was gone...' Kagome slumped against him and he worriedly looked down at her, only to find her smiling up at him. He couldn't help but hug her tightly to him, his heart soared to see his Kagome so happy and full of life once again, her eyes sparkling in the light of the fire. He quickly released her when he heard her wince in pain. "Gomen Kagome, I forgot.' Kagome hushed his apologies, smiling at his flattened ears and blushing face.
"Its okay Inuyasha, its not your fault, I guess I got hurt pretty bad huh?"
"Kagome I was so... frightened." He whispered back to her and Kagome pulled him back into a soft hug at the pained expression on his face.
"Oh Inuyasha its all right, its all right." She repeated herself over and over again, trying to hush away the lingering fears in his heart.
"But it isn't Kagome, I don't know what to do, I know what I should do and what I want to do and I can't do both, it isn't really over for us yet is it?" Kagome ran her fingers softly through his hair. 'He's thinking about Kikyo.'
Kagome smiled softly. 'Inuyasha you've changed so much. When we first met you wanted to kill me, and now here you are confiding in me' She understood the conflict in Inuyasha's heart because she had been fighting a similar battle of her own in regards to the undead miko. Inuyasha had only ever told her once that he loved her, that night he had made her his mate. But the second their lips had met she had known he had loved her for as long as she had loved him. In that moment without fear clouding her heart she had seen that although during their years searching for the shards he had never told her how he felt, he had in so many ways showed her. She had no doubt that he loved her and she finally truly understood. 'He doesn't want to go with Kikyo, he wanted to stay. All this time I didn't trust him and I doubted his love he did really want to be with me'
She pulled away to look at him, despite her movement he was staring ahead, deep in thought his inner turmoil clearly written on his face. She continued to run her fingers through his hair.
"Inuyasha, whatever you do, you will have my support..." Kagome paused, tears began to form in her eyes as she thought about losing Inuyasha to Kikyo.
"Kagome..." she pressed a finger to his lips as he began to speak.
"Inuyasha, its okay, I understand. I know you love me I know you would give anything to stay by my side. I... I release you from your promise to me, I don't want this to cause you any more pain. Kikyo followed you in death, you're duty is to her. I knew this from the beginning and I tried, I tried not to fall in love with you. But I couldn't stop myself..." Tears slipped down her face and she stopped for a moment before looking into Inuyasha's eyes.
"Despite this pain I don't regret any of it Inuyasha, I don't regret meeting you and I don't regret falling in love with you. I'm grateful for the time I got to be with you, its more than I ever dreamed I would have..." She was cut off by the feel of Inuyasha's lips against her own, she tasted the salt of her own tears and kissed him back not wanting it to end, her heart fell as he pulled away, would he go to Kikyo now? Before she could speak he placed his finger upon her lips.
"Kagome, I don't regret it either, I tried to stop myself too, I didn’t want to cause you any pain. But I couldn’t help it, I wanted to be with you and I still do, I don’t want to go with Kikyo and I won’t. I’ll find another way, I will.” His face was set in grim determination and Kagome looked at him stunned.
“It may be out of your hands already Inuyasha.” Kagome and Inuyasha both followed the sound of her voice to look at Kaede, who now stood at the entrance to the hut. They had no time to voice their surprise as Shippo squealed with delight and headed straight for Kagome.
“Kagooooomeeeeeeeee!” Shippo’s excitement turned to confusion as Kagome seemed to get further away from him not nearer. His eyes widened in surprise when instead of finding himself all warm in Kagome’s embrace he found himself dangling just inches from Inuyasha’s face.
“Oi brat, Kagome’s hurt, don’t go jumping all over her.” Inuyasha set the kit down gently and was happy to note that this time he headed towards Kagome at a more sedate pace. Shippo sat gently by Kagome’s side, he smiled up at her and tentatively touched her hand. He grinned widely when he was rewarded with one of her brightest smiles and she scooped him up in a hug. He looked over to see Inuyasha scowling at him and his smile grew wider, now once Sango and Miroku got back all would be as it should.
“Don’t worry Shippo-chan I feel a lot better now.” Kagome grinned as she saw Inuyasha scowl and cross his arms out of the corner of her eye. No doubt unhappy that she had picked the kit up for a hug despite her sore ribs. But she was so relieved to see that he was okay she couldn’t help it.
Kaede smiled to see the kit back in such good spirits and to see that Kagome was doing so much better. No doubt Myouga had something to do with her condition, she had passed him on the way into the hut and gathered from his robust state, that Kagome might now be free of Naraku’s poison. Despite her reverie at seeing Shippo however, Kaede could see that Kagome was far from completely healed and decided now would be the best time to intervene.
“Shippo, the stew is ready would you help me pass it out, I’m sure Inuyasha and Kagome would like something to eat.” She smiled softly at the kit and watched as he reluctantly jumped out of Kagome’s embrace to run towards her, she offered him a bowl to give to Inuyasha, who grunted a thanks of some sort before devouring the bowl and she headed off towards Kagome.
“Tis good to see you awake child, we were all quite worried.” Kagome smiled up at Kaede’s words.
“Thanks, I feel a lot better, very sore, but a lot better. How about you Kaede, you look troubled, is it about what you said just now?“ Kagome looked up at the old priestess quizzically. Kaede sighed in response, Kagome was a bright and perceptive child, she silently cursed herself for not being able to hold her tongue, of course the girl would not let this go.
“Have you seen Kikyou?” Kagome looked to the floor at her last question and Inuyasha’s ears pricked up, what would Kaede have to say?
“Aye I have.” Kaede replied sadly “It is still her desire to take Inuyasha to hell, I could not change her mind.”
“Not if Sesshoumaru kills her first!” Shippo folded his arms indignantly, sticking his nose proudly into the air.
“Sesshoumaru? What are you talking about Shippo?” Shippo found himself face to face with the confused hanyou once again and it scared him as much as it had the first time. He looked desperately over to Kaede for help.
“We are not entirely sure as to your brothers intent Inuyasha. It seems that his feelings regarding you have changed somewhat and he now wishes to protect you. To that end, it seems there is the possibility he might kill Kikyo before she can take you to hell.” Kaede looked over at Inuyasha grimly, his face was an unreadable mask, what was he thinking?
“Inu ya sha?” Kagome looked at him with concern and she felt a familiar ache return to her heart. She tried to push the feeling away, of course he would go to help Kikyo, but that didn’t mean he would go to hell with her, or at least he wouldn’t willingly go. “Inuyasha are you okay?”
“Kagome I...” He stopped to see her smiling at him, but it wasn’t one of her fake smiles of the past, but a genuine smile of trust.
“I know Inuyasha, go help her, I’ll be here when you get back.” He nodded softly in reply and turned to leave as fast as he could. Kagome watched him go with fear in her heart, would he be coming back?
Kikyo couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong. She had dismissed it at first as her own fear that Inuyasha would not come to her. She could not deny that he now loved her reincarnation and that she no longer held that place in his heart. But whatever decision he made was inconsequential, if he didn’t come to her, then in time she would find him. No something else was amiss and it suddenly occurred to her that they had all assumed Naraku dead, no-one really knew for sure. She called her shini dama chu to her, she had to make certain that he had been obliterated from this world before she moved on, before she could finally rest with Inuyasha.
p.s Sorry its not a Sess/Kag fic Secrets, but I hope you’ll stay for the ending nonetheless.
Kyana, I’m glad you like it. I realise the premise isn’t new, but I’m glad it was good enough to get your attention.
Kayr, I’ve been developing a soft spot for Sessy myself. I don’t think he’s all cold hearted, I think he just hides it. So I wanted to give him more of a background in this story and give an insight to his motivations, whilst trying not to go too ooc.
And well yea, SOMETHING, will happen to Kikyou. ^-^
In fact this is really the chappie in the rough, but I felt I’d kept you waiting so long I should just post it, and when I get it all checked over by my beta I’ll repost it without the errors hopefully. I will eventually be revising all the other chapters in the same way. But for now here it is, again sorry!
Destiny - Chapter 11 - Consequences
Miroku stared down at his palm as he opened and closed his hand, mesmerized by the sheer perfection of his unmarred limb. It was smooth and unblemished, dirt clung to the creases of his skin and he mentally traced them with his eyes, grinning at the fact they were no longer disconnected by the black void that had once been there. His smile slowly faded as he remembered his earlier fears. Despite the fact he had wanted to be free from his curse, he was also a little worried, it had been a part of him for so long that he felt almost naked without it. He was a decent fighter even without his kazanna, he still had his immense spiritual powers, but he had to wonder would that be enough against any demons he were to come across in the future? His kazanna had been like a safety net, in case the demon proved too strong for his spiritual powers, but, now it was gone, and he had only himself to rely on. Strictly speaking that wasn't true, but Kagome would surely return to her own time, and Inuyasha was destined to go to hell with Kikyo. That left him and Sango, would she want him like this? Would he be strong enough to protect her and their family? He grinned once again, knowing Sango would have smacked him over the head for suggesting she needed protecting. And it was the truth, Sango was an extraordinary demon slayer her skills far surpassed his own, she didn't need his protection from demons. 'Demons of the physical kind at least' He thought as he looked over to her, his heart aching at the sight of her bent before Kohaku's grave, her body shaking with sobs. No he had no need to fear, he would be there for her in the way she needed him to be, his beautiful, strong, Sango.
Kohaku's mask glinted in the sunlight as Sango gently ran her fingers over its cold surface. Her tears wet the earth over his grave as she knelt before it, she raised her head, the hot tears streaming along her face as it became too much to bear to look at it. She shut her eyes tight to try and shut out the memories that began to flood back, her hands gathered up dirt as she pulled them into fists at her sides.
"You weren't meant for this Kokaku, I failed you, I'm so sorry little brother, you... you didn't deserve this." Her whisper reached the ears of Kirara, who sat curled up by Miroku as they both watched over the brokenhearted demon slayer, and she mewed sorrowfully in response.
'You shouldn't have been there that night Kohaku you always tried your best to please father, but I knew you didn't feel ready. We... we shouldn't have brought you along, I... I should have spoken up, I should have said something to father. This is my fault, if I had only done something you would be here now.'
Sango whirled around as she felt Miroku's hand upon her shoulder. He knelt down in the dirt to face her.
"Sango stop this, stop blaming yourself. Nothing you could have done could have prevented this. If you had left Kohaku behind that night, he would have perished along with the others, he would still have died."
"But at least he wouldn't have become Naraku's puppet. He was my younger brother I should have protected him, he deserved better!" Sango screamed in rage, needing an outlet for the pain she felt.
Miroku was a little stung by the anger she directed towards him when she had spoken, but he knew Sango's emotions were raw right now, she just needed to lash out, he would gladly let her take it out on him, if she would stop beating up on herself.
"That might be the truth Sango, but Naraku was the cause of his death, he was the cause of his resurrection and the pain Kohaku felt at everything he had been manipulated into doing. Do you think Kohaku would want you to blame yourself for things beyond your control? Sango, Kohaku was himself at the end, he knew the likely outcome of the battle, he wanted to bring Naraku down so you might be free. Don't waste the chance he gave you Sango, don't spend your life living in regrets. Kohaku helped to give you the possibility of a future, a future I wish to share with you. I still want all those things we talked about that night Sango, you deserve to be happy in life, Kohaku would have wanted it for you." He waited anxiously for her response, hoping he had done something to calm her distraught state of mind. Sango turned to gaze into Miroku's pleading eyes, her own sparkled with the threat of more tears.
"I... I don't know if I'm strong enough Miroku." She bowed her head ashamed. 'What must he be thinking of me right now, I must seem so weak and pitiful to him.' Her eyes widened in surprise when he hooked a finger under her chin and gently brought her face back to face his own.
"Yes you can my brave Sango, it'll be okay. I'll help you." Miroku sighed with relief when she nodded in agreement and collapsed into him, she didn't cry but held on to him tightly. He sat for a while holding her and once he felt her grip on him loosen as sleep finally claimed her, he carried her gently to her hut. After making sure she was comfortable he tiredly lay down beside her. Gently he brushed the stray strands of hair away from her face as he whispered softly to her sleeping form.
"I don't know if I'm strong enough either Sango. I don't know if I can change, but I think with you by my side I could do anything." He shut his eyes and drifted off to sleep, unawares of the tired smile that graced the beautiful demon slayers lips, and he didn't get to hear her soft reply.
"Hai, together we are strong, together we are never alone, we'll do it together Miroku." She reached over and planted a loving kiss on his cheek before drifting back off to sleep.
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Inuyasha sat arms folded around Tetsusaiga, his amber eyes shining as he kept watch over the still sleeping form of Kagome. His own rest had been short lived, tired, as he was, his worry for Kagome had kept him from the sleep his body cried out for. His nose twitched as he felt a familiar itching, a low growl started in his throat and he raised his hand menacingly to slap the offending demon.
"Myouga-jiji you miserable coward, what are you doing here?" Inuyasha could barely contain his anger, even though in the back of his mind he knew Myouga could not have aided them in anyway during the battle, he couldn't help but feel angry at the demon for leaving them. Myouga quivered at the angry look in Inuyasha's eyes, what had he done to deserve such a reaction he wondered?
"Master Inuyasha, why such hurtful words?" Myouga slowly started to back further along Inuyasha's nose, as the hanyou's growling grew more intense.
"MYOUGA!!! You talk of hurt? What do you know of hurt? You always get yourself out of the situation before you can even get within a mile of getting injured. How dare you talk of hurt when Kagome lies there fighting to survive!" Inuyasha clenched his fist ready to strike as Myouga started to thoughtfully stroke his chin, didn't he care that Kagome could die?
"Hmm... Lady Kagome was fine when I left her, this must have occurred after I retreated to a safe distance, in case my services were required again later of course. Why I would never leave you in the lurch like that Master Inuyasha."
Myouga quivered with fear, the anger dancing in Inuyasha's eyes seemed to have given way to curiosity but the hanyou's hand still hovered above the flea's quivering form.
"Keh, yea of course its not like, you, to run away at the sign of a battle Myouga. By the way what do you mean when you left Kagome?" Inuyasha brought his face down so his nose almost touched the flea; he wanted to make sure he had a close eye on Myouga.
"I saw the Lady Kagome in distress and went to her aid. It was my suggestion she use her miko powers and I see that my feelings on the matter were right, the power was within her." Myouga jumped back; startled by the hard glare Inuyasha now gave him.
Inuyasha felt the anger begin to melt away; perhaps the flea hadn't abandoned them after all. He hadn't stayed, that much was obvious, but then what more could he have done except given Kagome advice?
"Well I see you didn't stick around for the action Myouga."
Inuyasha's voice dripped with sarcasm and Myouga tensed up, ready for the strike he knew was coming, he shut his eyes, only to look up in confusion when the expected blow never came. Instead Inuyasha now sat upright with his arms folded and began to explain the events Myouga had missed.
"Kagome used a burst of miko power and set in motion the purification of Naraku and the jewel, but she was caught by one of Naraku's poisonous tentacles..." Inuyasha trailed off as he noticed the flea was missing, his ears swiveled until they finally locked on the sounds of him taking the poison out of Kagome's blood. Myouga rolled to the floor, now notably larger than before. He rolled his way across the floor to the entrance, deciding now would be a good time to exit the hut.
"I leave the rest up to you Master Inuyasha." His words fell on deaf ears, as Inuyasha raced to the side of Kagome, stirring from her sleep.
"Inu...ya...sha?" He collapsed to his knees at her side and gently cupped a cheek to let her know he was there while her eyes tried to focus.
"Kagome." He whispered, almost not sure he had heard her voice. He smiled in relief to see warm pools of chocolate brown staring up at him.
"Inuyasha you're okay, then Naraku... he's gone?" Kagome stared up into Inuyasha's eyes and smiled weakly at the concern she saw reflected in the shining amber orbs gazing down upon her. She reached up and gingerly traced a finger along the smile he wore. For a moment she lost herself in those eyes, letting the feeling of warmth and safety they made her feel, wash over her. But then the urgent need to know if they had succeeded overcame everything else. She began to sit up, realizing Inuyasha was the only one in the hut with her; fear crept into her heart.
"Inuyasha, where are the others? Sango, Miroku, Kouga? What about the village, was it safe during the attack, are Shippou and Kaede okay?" She scowled at Inuyasha as he tried to gently push her back down, getting angry as her questions went unanswered. Her temper flared when she noticed him grinning at her and she opened her mouth to yell only to shut it in surprise when he gently planted a kiss on her forehead. Dumbstruck she allowed him to push her down and she gently touched the place where his lips had met her skin, feeling the burn of the blush that now stained her face. 'Inuyasha?"
Inuyasha grinned at the spark of fire he saw in her eyes, the one that always appeared when she was angry. To get mad at him so soon meant she had to be feeling better. He frowned seeing she had finally shaken herself free from the shock of his kiss and after taking a moment to smile at the fading blush on her face, he rushed to still her once again. Hearing her wince in pain, he moved to cradle her, supporting her body with is own.
"Baka, don't move so suddenly. They are fine Kagome, Naraku is gone, we did it, you did it, its all over so rest now." He leaned his head gently against her own as he spoke realizing the reality of his words for himself. 'Their fight was over, Naraku was gone...' Kagome slumped against him and he worriedly looked down at her, only to find her smiling up at him. He couldn't help but hug her tightly to him, his heart soared to see his Kagome so happy and full of life once again, her eyes sparkling in the light of the fire. He quickly released her when he heard her wince in pain. "Gomen Kagome, I forgot.' Kagome hushed his apologies, smiling at his flattened ears and blushing face.
"Its okay Inuyasha, its not your fault, I guess I got hurt pretty bad huh?"
"Kagome I was so... frightened." He whispered back to her and Kagome pulled him back into a soft hug at the pained expression on his face.
"Oh Inuyasha its all right, its all right." She repeated herself over and over again, trying to hush away the lingering fears in his heart.
"But it isn't Kagome, I don't know what to do, I know what I should do and what I want to do and I can't do both, it isn't really over for us yet is it?" Kagome ran her fingers softly through his hair. 'He's thinking about Kikyo.'
Kagome smiled softly. 'Inuyasha you've changed so much. When we first met you wanted to kill me, and now here you are confiding in me' She understood the conflict in Inuyasha's heart because she had been fighting a similar battle of her own in regards to the undead miko. Inuyasha had only ever told her once that he loved her, that night he had made her his mate. But the second their lips had met she had known he had loved her for as long as she had loved him. In that moment without fear clouding her heart she had seen that although during their years searching for the shards he had never told her how he felt, he had in so many ways showed her. She had no doubt that he loved her and she finally truly understood. 'He doesn't want to go with Kikyo, he wanted to stay. All this time I didn't trust him and I doubted his love he did really want to be with me'
She pulled away to look at him, despite her movement he was staring ahead, deep in thought his inner turmoil clearly written on his face. She continued to run her fingers through his hair.
"Inuyasha, whatever you do, you will have my support..." Kagome paused, tears began to form in her eyes as she thought about losing Inuyasha to Kikyo.
"Kagome..." she pressed a finger to his lips as he began to speak.
"Inuyasha, its okay, I understand. I know you love me I know you would give anything to stay by my side. I... I release you from your promise to me, I don't want this to cause you any more pain. Kikyo followed you in death, you're duty is to her. I knew this from the beginning and I tried, I tried not to fall in love with you. But I couldn't stop myself..." Tears slipped down her face and she stopped for a moment before looking into Inuyasha's eyes.
"Despite this pain I don't regret any of it Inuyasha, I don't regret meeting you and I don't regret falling in love with you. I'm grateful for the time I got to be with you, its more than I ever dreamed I would have..." She was cut off by the feel of Inuyasha's lips against her own, she tasted the salt of her own tears and kissed him back not wanting it to end, her heart fell as he pulled away, would he go to Kikyo now? Before she could speak he placed his finger upon her lips.
"Kagome, I don't regret it either, I tried to stop myself too, I didn’t want to cause you any pain. But I couldn’t help it, I wanted to be with you and I still do, I don’t want to go with Kikyo and I won’t. I’ll find another way, I will.” His face was set in grim determination and Kagome looked at him stunned.
“It may be out of your hands already Inuyasha.” Kagome and Inuyasha both followed the sound of her voice to look at Kaede, who now stood at the entrance to the hut. They had no time to voice their surprise as Shippo squealed with delight and headed straight for Kagome.
“Kagooooomeeeeeeeee!” Shippo’s excitement turned to confusion as Kagome seemed to get further away from him not nearer. His eyes widened in surprise when instead of finding himself all warm in Kagome’s embrace he found himself dangling just inches from Inuyasha’s face.
“Oi brat, Kagome’s hurt, don’t go jumping all over her.” Inuyasha set the kit down gently and was happy to note that this time he headed towards Kagome at a more sedate pace. Shippo sat gently by Kagome’s side, he smiled up at her and tentatively touched her hand. He grinned widely when he was rewarded with one of her brightest smiles and she scooped him up in a hug. He looked over to see Inuyasha scowling at him and his smile grew wider, now once Sango and Miroku got back all would be as it should.
“Don’t worry Shippo-chan I feel a lot better now.” Kagome grinned as she saw Inuyasha scowl and cross his arms out of the corner of her eye. No doubt unhappy that she had picked the kit up for a hug despite her sore ribs. But she was so relieved to see that he was okay she couldn’t help it.
Kaede smiled to see the kit back in such good spirits and to see that Kagome was doing so much better. No doubt Myouga had something to do with her condition, she had passed him on the way into the hut and gathered from his robust state, that Kagome might now be free of Naraku’s poison. Despite her reverie at seeing Shippo however, Kaede could see that Kagome was far from completely healed and decided now would be the best time to intervene.
“Shippo, the stew is ready would you help me pass it out, I’m sure Inuyasha and Kagome would like something to eat.” She smiled softly at the kit and watched as he reluctantly jumped out of Kagome’s embrace to run towards her, she offered him a bowl to give to Inuyasha, who grunted a thanks of some sort before devouring the bowl and she headed off towards Kagome.
“Tis good to see you awake child, we were all quite worried.” Kagome smiled up at Kaede’s words.
“Thanks, I feel a lot better, very sore, but a lot better. How about you Kaede, you look troubled, is it about what you said just now?“ Kagome looked up at the old priestess quizzically. Kaede sighed in response, Kagome was a bright and perceptive child, she silently cursed herself for not being able to hold her tongue, of course the girl would not let this go.
“Have you seen Kikyou?” Kagome looked to the floor at her last question and Inuyasha’s ears pricked up, what would Kaede have to say?
“Aye I have.” Kaede replied sadly “It is still her desire to take Inuyasha to hell, I could not change her mind.”
“Not if Sesshoumaru kills her first!” Shippo folded his arms indignantly, sticking his nose proudly into the air.
“Sesshoumaru? What are you talking about Shippo?” Shippo found himself face to face with the confused hanyou once again and it scared him as much as it had the first time. He looked desperately over to Kaede for help.
“We are not entirely sure as to your brothers intent Inuyasha. It seems that his feelings regarding you have changed somewhat and he now wishes to protect you. To that end, it seems there is the possibility he might kill Kikyo before she can take you to hell.” Kaede looked over at Inuyasha grimly, his face was an unreadable mask, what was he thinking?
“Inu ya sha?” Kagome looked at him with concern and she felt a familiar ache return to her heart. She tried to push the feeling away, of course he would go to help Kikyo, but that didn’t mean he would go to hell with her, or at least he wouldn’t willingly go. “Inuyasha are you okay?”
“Kagome I...” He stopped to see her smiling at him, but it wasn’t one of her fake smiles of the past, but a genuine smile of trust.
“I know Inuyasha, go help her, I’ll be here when you get back.” He nodded softly in reply and turned to leave as fast as he could. Kagome watched him go with fear in her heart, would he be coming back?
Kikyo couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong. She had dismissed it at first as her own fear that Inuyasha would not come to her. She could not deny that he now loved her reincarnation and that she no longer held that place in his heart. But whatever decision he made was inconsequential, if he didn’t come to her, then in time she would find him. No something else was amiss and it suddenly occurred to her that they had all assumed Naraku dead, no-one really knew for sure. She called her shini dama chu to her, she had to make certain that he had been obliterated from this world before she moved on, before she could finally rest with Inuyasha.
p.s Sorry its not a Sess/Kag fic Secrets, but I hope you’ll stay for the ending nonetheless.
Kyana, I’m glad you like it. I realise the premise isn’t new, but I’m glad it was good enough to get your attention.
Kayr, I’ve been developing a soft spot for Sessy myself. I don’t think he’s all cold hearted, I think he just hides it. So I wanted to give him more of a background in this story and give an insight to his motivations, whilst trying not to go too ooc.
And well yea, SOMETHING, will happen to Kikyou. ^-^