InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ For The Last Time ❯ Chapter 10 ( Chapter 10 )

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

wanted an update? Well here you go!!Chapter Dedication: To all those who review my story. Thank you.
Guess what: This story is complete, meaning that I have it completely written out in my notebook! Hooray! With this chapter, we are halfway done. Yes, there will be a sequel.
Explanation: single quotes (‘’) are Beast talk, double quotes (“”) are normal speech.Disclaimer: I don't own this show. But I do own this story line, what I am going to do to Hojo, and the new characters I have introduced.
Previously in For The Last Time...

Kagome sighed heavily. “I’m sorry, Inuyasha. I have already accepted Sesshomaru’s suit. I will not revoke it now. Besides, you have Kikyou, wherever she may be. It is time for me to move on. I waited for you for too long. I loved you but you could never see me as anything more than her reincarnation. I am more than that,” she finished in a firm tone.

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Inuyasha stood quickly, placing Tessaiga in his obi and giving Kagome a hard look. "Whatever," he muttered, not looking Kagome in the eye. "It's not like I care who you go spreadin' your legs for."

Kagome gasped as tears began to pour down her face. "Inu-Inuyasha? Why would you say something like that? You know--?"

"Shut up, bitch!" the hanyou roared, turning on Kagome. "I said I don't give a flying freak who you go spreadin' your legs for! For all I care you could go find a necromancer, resurrect Naraku and start screwin' him! Now back off!"

The young woman stood there, shaken, cut to the quick. Why? What did I do? she thought wearily. The young miko turned on her heel, fleeing back to Kaede's hut to help the old woman. At least that would give her something to do, distract her from the awful words her best friend had spoken to her. It would get her mind off of the cruel insinuations he had yelled at her.

Sesshomaru stood there, glaring daggers at the back of his younger half-brother. "Inuyasha," he gritted out. "Why would you accuse the girl of such things? You know more than I do of her purity."

The half dog just scoffed, turning back to face the edge of the woods. You have no idea what she promised me, those years ago. You have no right to come in here and break up my pack! he wanted to yell. Instead, he settled with walking off.

The Taiyoukai, though, would have none of it. Reaching out with his right hand, he spun the boy around, landing a hard punch on his face with his left hand. Always wanted to do that, he thought to himself. He pulled his right hand back, fisting it and delivering another blow to the hanyou. Sesshomaru stood there for a moment as Inuyasha regained his balance, wiping the blood off his face.

"Huh," he grunted, "I guess I deserve that." Still, why does it hurt so much?

"Indeed, you did. If not more," The Killing Perfection spat. His golden eyes flashed with red as his beast roared underneath his skin. It demanded payment in flesh of the one who had dared to hurt his intended.

"Ya, I know, bastard."

"Tell me then, why would you accuse her of such things?"

Inuyasha sighed, a rare display of emotion around his older brother. He raised his head, looking off into the distance, eyes clouded over with memory. "When Kikyou was resurrected, I was confused over who to love. Kagome looks a lot like Kikyou and even carries her old soul. Anyway, Kagome came back from the well one day and promised me she would stay by my side. But, now, looking at how much you take care of her and how much you obviously care for her, I had to get her to leave somehow." He sighed again, fingering the hilt of his legendary sword. "She knows I've already chosen Kikyou, but she's so kind hearted, so loving, that I know she would stick to her word to remain here. I don't want her getting hurt when she sees Kikyou and me together. I've protected her body the best I could, but I could never protect her heart like I know she wanted me to at one time." Here he turned to look his older brother in the eyes. "That's up to you now. If you can do such a good job with your kid, I know you can do a good one with her. Just remember, if you hurt her, I'll hunt you down and kill you."

Sesshomaru stood there, stunned. Since when was his impetuous, headstrong younger brother this wise? He blinked once, clearing the momentary confusion from his face and eyes. Nodding slowly, he assessed the situation. "That means I will have to take the kit as well," he stated.

A smirk played across Inuyasha's features. "Well, there goes my punching bag." He laughed at Sesshomaru's raised eyebrow. "That kit was the first one to join our group. He tricked me into holding one of his stones that pinned me to the ground. He accidentally got Kagome kidnapped then tried to go after her himself. Once he freed me, we took off after her." The hanyou snorted with mirth at the memory. "I helped avenge his father's death by the Thunder Brothers. Those bastards were tough, but they got what was coming to them. He's been with us ever since. Kagome calls our relationship 'love-hate'."

Sesshomaru shook his head at this. That was something he would've liked to see for himself. "Am I to understand that you have agreed to the proposal set out earlier?" he asked, diverting the half-breed's attention from memory lane.

Inuyasha's features changed drastically. His ears, once standing proudly on his head, flattened and drooped. His shoulders sagged and his whole body posture became lax. He nodded sorrowfully. "I agree." His mirthless laugh filled the air. "It's not like Kagome would want to see me anyway. Besides, I've got enough to do around here without having to make time visiting you and your pompous estate." The half-breed's honey eyes became dull and heavy. "I hurt Kaede. That wound I gave her, it's like what Naraku gave to Kikyou and that hair demon gave to her not long after Kagome and I first met, right after the jewel was shattered. I've got to make amends."

The white dog nodded. Turning on his heel, he left his half brother to stand there and watch the clouds roll by in the blue sky. He glanced back over his shoulder when he heard running footsteps behind him. Inuyasha had a determined look on his face and was running at full tilt back towards the village. As he past the older dog, Sesshomaru's hand snaked out and grabbed him by the collar of his haori. Jerking him back, and eliciting a yelp from the hanyou, he questioned him. "What are your intentions, little brother?"

The half dog's ears were trained on the village ahead of him and he wriggled in his brother's grasp. "Kagome's still got my jewel. I need it to bring Kikyou back to life. That's the only way for us to be truly happy again," he explained, trying desperately to free himself from the imprisoning hand of the full youkai.

"Hn. Do not pressure the girl. She has an explanation owed to many and I will be there to ensure her safety when she issues it. Do not try to pass me again," Sesshomaru commanded, dropping the subdued hanyou on the ground.

Inuyasha nodded, confused, but not willing to get his butt kicked by his older brother.

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Kagome ran back to the village, towards Kaede and her ruined hut, in hopes of helping and getting her mind off of the vile things she had been accused of. When she reached the old woman, she sent Shippou after her forgotten backpack on the edge of the woods before tending to the old woman's wounds. Gently, she removed the ruined portion of the old woman's haori, applying a salve and bandages as she worked. Her mind was completely focused on tending taking care of her mentor, not on the horrible things Inuyasha had yelled at her.

Shippou stood to the side with Miroku, Sango and Kirara, watching as the young woman worked. Tears welled up in his eyes in sympathy at what Inuyasha had said to her. "Did you guys hear what Inu-no-baka said to her?" he asked his companions quietly.

The three standing beside him nodded in unison, sorrow filling their eyes. "I can't believe he said that stuff," Sango whispered, gently stroking the cream and black fur of her faithful neko-mata. "I mean, he's always used coarse language with her, but that was unbelievable. Even Sesshomaru has never sunk that low in verbal warfare."

Miroku rubbed his formerly cursed hand in thought. "Perhaps, though, there was more to what Inuyasha said than meets the eye," he suggested.

"What? You mean you're defending that ass?!" Sango screeched, red in the face as she turned on her lover. "I thought you were loyal to Kagome, not Inuyasha!"

"Sango, my dear, you must understand what I am trying to say. I am not mindlessly defending Inuyasha, simply examining his actions and what he said," he held up his hands in surrender as Sango continued to advance on him. "You saw that Kagome fled from him the first chance she got when he stopped speaking, and Sesshomaru didn't try to stop her. That means there was something more to Inuyasha's words. You know Kagome promised to stay by his side. Maybe this was his way of releasing her from her promise. After all, nobody can be in two places at once."

"You are correct, Monk," a deep baritone sounded from behind the group, making them jump and turn to find the speaker. Sesshomaru slowly walked toward them, Inuyasha in tow. "Inuyasha." Obviously, that was all Sesshomaru would say to indicate it was now Inuyasha's turn to explain.

The hanyou sighed and slowly told the group what he had told Sesshomaru, minus the part about Shippou being his punching bag, everyone knew that story.

The huntress nodded, tears in her eyes as she listened to the hanyou speak. Shippou stood there, refusing to look at the hanyou. Instead, he chose to study Sesshomaru carefully. What made the two so different, aside from their blood? What caused the differences in their personalities? Their upbringing perhaps? Maybe their current lifestyle? He had a feeling he was going to find out first hand, and very soon. Miroku listened intently as he watched Kagome help Kaede to sit, then stand. She is a real trooper, he thought to himself. So strong, yet she needs someone to protect her.

Kagome, with Kaede leaning on her shoulder, made their way to the group. Kirara quickly jumped down from the cradle of her mistress's arms, transforming and crouching to allow the wizened woman to sit on her back. With some effort, the old priestess slowly mounted the fire cat, grasping onto the creamy fur as the large feline rose to her full height.

"Kaede," Kagome asked, not looking at Inuyasha, "where will you live until your hut is rebuilt?"

"You can live with us, Kaede-sama," Miroku offered generously. "That is, if it is okay with you, Sango dearest."

"It's more than fine. Kaede, you have no choice, you are going to stay with us until your hut is rebuilt. Kirara, will you take her there please?" Sango asked her companion. The giant feline gave a rumble of approval, gently rising into the air and flying towards her home.

That left the rest of the group in a strained silence. Kagome looked at Sesshomaru, silently wondering when he would take her back to his place. She wondered if he would allow her to take Shippou with her. The young priestess certainly hoped he did, she didn't trust Inuyasha to take care of her little fox after what happened today.

Inuyasha was the one who finally broke the silence with a clearing of his throat. "Kagome," he said quietly, "I understand that you're going with Sesshomaru, and I don't intend to stop you. However, you still have the jewel, or can at least sense it, and I need it to bring Kikyou back to life. That way, we can be truly happy with each other."

Kagome stiffened at the mention of the Shikon no Tama; she knew this day would come eventually, but she just wished it didn't have to come so soon. She sighed heavily, running a hand through her hair as her blue eyes reflected her internal debate: to tell or not to tell? Suddenly, the young woman felt a heavy hand on her shoulder. She turned her head to see Sesshomaru standing behind her, offering his silent support and promise of protection. The priestess nodded, knowing that the time had come.

"Inuyasha," she said slowly, "how do you think I became an inu-youkai?"

The red clad hanyou stood there, gears turning in his brain as he thought about her question. Shrugging, he gave up. "I don't know and don't see what that has to do with my question," he answered gruffly.

Kagome sighed again, stepping back until she felt her intended's solid warmth at her back. Her hand snaked out to clasp his and hold onto to it for dear life. She smiled when she felt his chest vibrate with a comforting rumble. "Inuyasha, the day we defeated Naraku the jewel was completed." She held up her hand to stave off his impending protest. "However, the spirit of Midoriko interfered and cast a spell on all those except for myself and Sesshomaru to make it appear as if the jewel had been shattered once more." Her eyes became downcast at the memory of the battle. "I was so useless in that battle, all I could do was stand by and barely protect myself and Shippou from Naraku's tentacles. Afterwards, I just wanted to be able to protect you guys. I took the jewel that night to purify it and made my wish. I wished that I could be stronger so I could protect you guys." Tears poured down her face at their sharp intakes of breath. Sesshomaru's hand squeezed hers gently, encouragingly. "That's how I became and inu youkai, Inuyasha. I used the jewel."

Inuyasha stood there, spluttering wordlessly at Kagome's declaration. Now, he realized, he wouldn't be able to bring his love back to life. The thought crushed him and left him feeling wounded. His ears drooped and his body posture sagged once again. Slowly he nodded his head, signifying he heard what his friend had said.

"Kagome," Sango said softly, "I didn't quite understand how you got your power, but I don't care. You are my best friend and will always remain as such, please remember to visit every once in a while."

"Kagome-sama," Miroku called, gaining the young women's attention. "You have been a good friend and a support in times of need to us all. Now, it is our turn to support you in your decision to be with Sesshomaru-sama. And we will do so with all our hearts. Please, be happy. That is all we ask of you."

Tears ran down the young woman's face once more. This time, though, they were tears of joy.

Shippou looked up at his adoptive mother, desperately wanting to know if he would be allowed to go with her. His bottle green eyes met with the cold gold of the Taiyoukai's. Slowly, Sesshomaru nodded in answer to the kit's unspoken question. Joy lit up the little fox's face as he leapt into the arms of the young priestess.

Kagome snuggled him tightly to herself, cooing words of comfort to the little youkai. "Of course I would never leave you, Shippou. The only reason I did last time was because I was afraid that that would happen again and Sesshomaru wouldn't be around to stop me. I would never leave you, my little kit."

"Come," Sesshomaru said quietly. "It is time to leave." He offered his hand to Kagome who nodded.

"Just one second," she said, once again dumping the kit in his arms. This time, though, both youkai accepted the unspoken statement of their new relationship, choosing to watch the young woman hug her friends instead of watching each other. "Alright," the priestess said, taking Shippou from his new Alpha, "I'm ready."

At these words, the Western Taiyoukai scooped his little miko up into his arms. He turned away from the partially destroyed village, carrying his bride to be and her fox back to those who were their new pack.

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Unbeknownst to the group, a shadow slipped away from the edge of the trees, slinking slowly back into the depths of their blackness. The being turned and left the sight of the village, making their way to a cave in the back of the woods. They stopped at the edge of the black hole, gently calling out to the person within.

"Master, I have news of Inuyasha and his miko."

A deep, dark chuckle issued from within. "Come then, my little pet. Come and tell me what you have seen."

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Ha! That's it, that's there is to this chapter. Sorry, but I don't feel good and that's all I had planned anyway. So, now to your beloved muse.

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FL: irritated; taps her nails on the ground in a drumming beat How did I get myself into this mess? Now I can't go home for three days unless someone comes to get me. growls Damn hanyou and their obsessions with Dog Fancy and revenge. Stupid, stupid dog.

Inu: still drooling over said magazine I heard that! Ooh...that's a good looking bitch!!

FL: gags and growls I know you heard it stupid, that was the whole point. And give me back my magazine! It's not for you! My grandmother got it for it's Shih-zu center fold.

Inu: hugs the magazine protectively to his body Never!! I'll never give it up! You can't make me!

FL: Oh yeah? Let's step outside and see who wins.

Inu: jumps up Fine, but don't come crying to me when I kick your female ass.

FL: in a mocking tone Oh, Inuyasha! I'm ever so scared! scoffs Ya right, you couldn’t beat me on my worst day!

Inu: Oh yeah? throws down the magazine and advances on FL

FL: grins sadistically and transforms into a forty-five foot Irish Setter See? You have no sword, and while I don't either, I don't need one, hanyou.

Inu: flattens his ears and lowers his body to the ground in submission I give!!

FL: lays down, one paw pinning Inu to the ground. Yawns Hm, I might as well soak up some sun until someone comes to get me or the spell wares off.