InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Go Home Kagome ❯ A Miko in Need ( Chapter 21 )

Chapter 21

A Miko in Need…

 

 

Kagome drove home at a hazardous speed breaking every traffic law on the books. She found Ayumi in the kitchen and dumped the shopping on the table. “Mom I won't be staying for dinner.”

 

Ayumi looked up from the boiling pot of rice. “Really? What should I tell our guest?”

 

Kagome shrugged. “Whatever you want, it's not like I invited him.”

 

“Touché.” Ayumi sampled her sweet chili sauce. “But it's your loss.”

 

Kagome scrambled up the stairs and turned on her computer. She pulled up her buddy list and saw Boog was online. Thank God! Her hands hovered over the keys.

 

What do I say? I want to know if she thinks I should kill my boyfriend's ex who is me from a past life? That's just a bit freaky even for Boog. Maybe I should find someone else to talk to.

 

Kagome stretched out on her bed. She didn't want to tell Inuyasha. She could imagine his reaction. She lifted her head and looked out the window. The God Tree's branches were empty. Wonder where Inuyasha is? Maybe he went back to Miroku's temple. I miss him and Sango. I should've gone to see them before now.

 

All of her problems had originated from the well house so it made sense it might also contain the solutions. Kagome picked up a few supplies, pulled on a pair of jeans and sneakers then headed out to the well.

 

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

 

Kaede was glad to see her. Kagome worried the old woman was becoming too dependent on modern medicine. But why did it matter when she could keep Kaede well stocked with bottles of tiny pills that made her life better? She directed Kagome to Miroku's new home. Well I guess it really isn't new, I just haven't been there yet.

 

It took Kagome nearly two hours to walk to the small stone house. At one time the house had been part of a temple or shrine but had been renovated to a home. What a perfect place for a monk who flaunts his lack of celibacy.

 

She raised her fist and knocked on the door but there was no answer. The window shutters were closed and no light shone through the cracks.

 

Damn it, I've walked all this way and missed them! If they lived in my era I could've called.

 

Kagome heard voices from the back yard. She circled the house and opened the small gate. Miroku stood under a tree holding Sango in his arms. The small yard was filled with their laughter. Fire flies surrounded them as he bent down and kissed her. Sango stood on tip toe returning the kiss with great enthusiasm. Kagome's heart almost burst.

 

She slammed the gate shut to announce her presence. Sango's head turned and her eyes lit up with happy surprise. “Kagome!”

 

Miroku smiled and waved. He wasn't surprised. He had been expecting this.

 

Sango embraced Kagome and she was reminded of her demon slayer friend's strength. “Umph! Sango, you can let go now really.”

 

“I'm sorry, it's just so good to see you. It's been what, three years?”

 

Kagome opened her arms and they hugged a second time. “I'm sorry it's been so long.”

 

Sango pulled back. “Don't worry about it. You had to finish school. I mean you had such a hard time with it during the quest it's only right you focus on it now. So how is school going?”

 

Kagome smiled. “I graduated! I'm a vet now.”

 

Sango frowned, “Remind me what that is again?”

 

Miroku paused beside her and put his arm around her shoulder. “An animal healer.”

 

Kagome watched as Miroku's hand moved down the back of Sango's kimono.

 

Sango smiled, “Yes, that's great. I imagine you practiced on us quite a bit in the old days.” Her mouth opened to say something else but then her eyes narrowed and she sent a sharp elbow into Miroku's side. “Pervy monk. Keep your hands to yourself!”

 

Kagome raised her eyebrows. “So are you two a couple or…?”

 

Miroku grinned proudly. “Yes.”

Sango stepped on Miroku's foot and his eyes bulged in his face. She rolled her eyes. “Maybe, we are testing it out and so far he keeps misbehaving.”

 

Kagome fought to suppress her laughter. “I am so happy for you two. It's about time!”

 

Miroku grumbled. “I'm in a love with a man beater.”

 

Sango giggled, “Yeah isn't it great!”

 

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_

 

As the evening progressed Kagome told them about Maxine and Inuyasha's demon blood over taking him. She purposely left out that she'd slept with Inuyasha. After all weren't some things still sacred?

 

Miroku slammed his staff down on the stone floor. “You think you need to kill Kikyo? Last week Inuyasha asked me to seal the well! What is wrong with you people? Where do you come up with this stuff?”

 

He shook his head and put two fingers to his temples. “Buddhism does teach us there are two parts to the soul, at least you have that right.”

 

Kagome nodded then asked, “Inuyasha wanted to seal the well?”

 

Miroku ran a hand over his short pony tail. “Yeah so he could never return. But he changed his mind.” He gave her knowing smirk. “I guess that's obvious.”

 

Sango frowned at Miroku and he wisely stepped out of her reach. Kagome ignored this and pushed the conversation. “When was this?”

 

Miroku scratched the back of his neck. “Maybe a week ago.”

 

Sango grinned. “Ah, so that's who your midnight visitor was. I was wondering…”

 

Miroku nodded “Yeah, he was concerned so he came to me for advice.” He grinned with pride.

 

Sango raised a brow, “Because we know you are such an expert on women.”

 

Miroku gave her a cautious glance and she asked `What did you tell him?”

 

Miroku's tone turned serious. “That his future doesn't lie with a dead woman.”

 

Sango frowned. “Kagome is that when he changed?”

 

Kagome shook her head. “I'm not sure, that night was the first time I'd seen or talked with him in three years.”

 

Sango said “You mean you go three years without any contact and still picked up right where you left off?”

 

Kagome blushed and looked away “Something like that, yes.”

 

Miroku smirked and quietly mumbled “Go Inuyasha.” Sango punched him in his arm. “What!”

 

Sango's expression fell flat. “How can we know that Maxine woman is right?”

 

Miroku pointed the tip of his staff to Kagome “She has a point. Kikyo is holding on to a part of your soul and she is unnatural.”

 

Kagome wasn't comfortable with the idea of killing Kikyo though she'd be lying if she said she'd never fantasized about it. ”Can we just do a cleansing? Isn't there a way I can confront her and break the spell that holds her to the grave soil?”

 

Miroku leaned on his staff and tilted his head. There should be but I'll have to think on it. Inuyasha isn't going to take this well.”

 

Sango looked to Kagome `What are you going to tell him?”

 

Kagome stuttered then gave up. “The truth, I am the same woman he's always loved and if Kikyo really is me then I know I wouldn't want to dragged back from the dead.”

 

Miroku nodded “I can see that. Her after life is anything but peaceful.”

 

Kagome bit her bottom lip and tried to ignore the sinking feeling in her belly. “He isn't going to understand. I'm worried he will think I am after Kikyo because he loves her too. But now I think I'd want to do this even if I didn't have feelings for Inuyasha. She is part of me and she's in pain. I can't leave it like this.”

 

Miroku added “It is unfinished. She does deserve peace.”

 

Kagome agreed “She deserves love, just like I do and this could be the only way she can have it.”

 

Sango shook her head “But killing her seems a bit extreme.”

 

Kagome felt guilty. If anyone knew what it was like to face the possibility of killing a family member or companion it was Sango. “I don't want to kill her. I just want to end this. We are both half a person.”

 

Sango said “You've handled it fine until now.”

 

Kagome closed her eyes. “Maybe but it's wearing on Inuyasha. And it's feeding into whatever is left of Tsubaki's curse. I have to break the cycle.”

 

The golden rings of Miroku's staff clanged together as the wind brushed by. “I thought we were rid of that bitch. Does Naraku's evil influence ever end?”

 

Sango shivered at his words and asked. “Have you been to see Kaede?”

 

Kagome shrugged. “Yeah but it's like she's retired or something.”

 

Miroku frowned. “Retired?”

 

Kagome explained. “She told me she couldn't help.”

 

Miroku was surprised. But she is getting even older, she deserves a break. “Did you tell her about Tsubaki's curse?”

 

“No, I just found out before I came to see you. She directed me here but we didn't speak any further than that.”

 

Sango turned towards the stone house. “Well that settles it. Kirara!”

 

The white two tailed cat answered her call and sat at her feet purring. “We're heading out.”

 

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

 

Riding with Sango and Miroku on Kirara brought back many memories. Kagome closed her eyes and felt the wind rushing by her face. I've missed this, the companionship and the flying. Course I rode with Inuyasha more than Kirara.

 

She opened her eyes and asked. “Where's Shippo”

 

Sango called over her shoulder. “His great uncle came to claim him. He lives in a village west of here.”

 

Kagome smiled. “Is he happy?”

 

Miroku answered. “Yeah and still growing like the little weed he is.

 

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

 

Kirara flew faster than Kagome could ever run and it wasn't long until they touched down in front of Kaede's house. Kagome noticed the darkened windows and doorway. “I bet she's asleep. She took the medicine I brought and it's probably knocked her out.”

 

“Well then, I guess we will have to wake her up.” Miroku tapped his staff on the side of the house.

 

Kaede appeared in the doorway. “I wasn't expecting to see all of you. Come in your faces are a welcome sight.”

 

They followed her inside and sat around the fire sipping hot tea.

Kagome started. “Tsubaki the dark priestess, do you remember her?”

 

Kaede glared at her with her remaining eye. “Of course I do. I'm old not stupid.”

 

Kagome giggled nervously and felt fifteen again. Miroku took over. “Tsubaki is gone but her curse is affecting Inuyasha. He's losing control over his demon blood. Kagome visited a modern woman who thinks he is vulnerable to the curse because his heart is pulled in two directions. She's suggested Kagome confront Kikyo and maybe kill her.”

 

Kaede sat in silence but did not appear surprised. “She deserves peace. The thing that walks here isn't my sister. But killing her? Are you sure?”

 

Kagome cleared her throat. “Her exact words were to confront Kikyo, reclaim the other half of my soul and let things come to their natural conclusion.” What ever that might be.

 

Kaede nodded. “That might be possible to do with out violence.”

 

Sango cheered at this. “Really? See Kagome, it's not as bad as we feared.”

 

Kagome doubted this. I'll be happy when this is done. “Regardless I have to confront her or else risk losing Inuyasha.” She frowned. “Grandmother…have you seen him today?”

 

Kaede shook her head. “He was here yesterday. Then he left. I would have asked where he was going but Inuyasha tends to keep to himself.”

 

That's him alright, Mr. Social skills extraordinaire. Inuyasha will show up sooner or later. It's unlike him to be gone for so long.

 

A foot step sounded on the wooden floor and everyone's faces turned towards the door. Kikyo stood in the doorway in her red and white yumi clutching her bow. Her long black hair was tied back but even from a distance it appeared stringy and unwashed. Kagome's memory of Kikyo was not this emaciated figure. She pointed to Kagome with a pale thin hand.

 

“What is she doing here?”