InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Go Home Kagome ❯ Conflict Resolutions ( Chapter 22 )

Chapter 22

Conflict Resolutions

 

 

Kagome stood and motioned for everyone to stay seated. She met Kikyo at the doorway and followed her outside of Kaede's tiny hut.

 

Kagome spoke to Kikyo's back. “Do you still love Inuyasha?”

 

Kikyo answered without turning around. “There's a thin line between love and hate.” She slung her bow over her shoulder.

 

Kagome's frustration hummed under her skin. “So that's yes right?” She stepped quietly behind Kikyo awaiting her response.

 

Kikyo gave a harsh nod then pointed in the direction of the well. “Why are you here when it was you who left him behind and moved on with your life.

 

Kagome sighed. “You know I can't leave Inuyasha behind.”

 

“I will not let him go.” Kikyo emphasized her point by striking the frame of her bow against the ground in beat with every word.

 

Kagome refused to be pushed away and answered. “I'm not here to ask you to let him go. Kikyo, are you happy?” She crossed her arms over her chest and took a defensive posture.

 

Kikyo finally turned to face her. Dark smudges under her eyes lent her a sickly, tired appearance. “Life is not about happiness.”

 

Okay that is a twisted philosophy, why am I not surprised? “Maybe that was true before but the quest is over.”

 

Kikyo shook her head. “Some element of the Shikon no Tama quest remains unfinished. Why else would you still be here?”

 

Kagome wondered what she meant. I'm here because I choose to be, the quest is over. “Forget about Inuyasha for a moment. We still share a soul and I know you are suffering. I can feel it.”

 

Kikyo sighed and whispered, “I must admit I'm more attached to this earth than I first realized.” Her confession caught Kagome off guard. ShinidamachÅ« swam in the air overheard emitting a soft glow bathing Kikyo in an eerie green light.

 

Kagome's confidence rose and she spoke softly. “It's not a crime to love life.” Surely you loved life, back before you ever knew the name Onigumo.

 

Kikyo gave Kagome a long sideways glance. Kagome's skin itched and she knew how an ant under a magnifying glass in the sun must feel. “Of course you would think so.”

 

Kagome refused to give up “You deserve to live. Whatever you have here, it isn't life.”

 

Kikyo threw out a dismissive hand. “It isn't your place to judge my existence. Now leave.” Kagome didn't move and for a few long moments the only sound came from chirping crickets.

 

“No. This unnatural life, it's hurting Inuyasha.”

 

Kikyo's eyes closed for the briefest of moments and her pain ebbed into her voice “How?”

 

She still loves him, maybe if I explain what this is doing to him she'll understand. “This is tearing him in two and he is losing control of his yokai side.”

 

Kikyo raised her head and met Kagome's eyes. “Did he hurt you?”

 

Kagome rubbed her arm and glanced away before whispering. “Not intentionally but yes.”

 

Kikyo's eyes widen with concern. Her lips thinned. “That's not like him.”

 

Kagome explained. “Tsubaki's curse has out lived her. As long as we are split it has power over us.”

 

Kikyo frowned. Selfish girl. “You mean it has power over you.”

 

Kagome was outraged. “Do you know what it would do to Inuyasha if he killed me or you? He'd be ruined. It'd be kinder to kill him outright.”

 

Kikyo gave a chilly smile. She knew the depths of his heart. “Tsubaki may have been evil but she was quite skilled at cursing.” She stopped, studied the night sky and sighed. “Regardless I cannot allow him to be hurt.”

 

Kagome nodded. “You know, this isn't the first lifetime we've loved him.”

 

Kikyo answered. “I know.” Kagome was glad she hadn't expected a more detailed reply than that because Kikyo did not offer one.

 

“Wouldn't you like to know his touch?” All those hugs and that kiss I witnessed a few years ago… Surly she has been touched by lust?

 

Kikyo rebuked her. “I am a priestess and am beyond acts of physical affection. You reek of Inuyasha and your miko powers are tainted by your actions.”

 

You liar! Kagome laughed and the sound seemed to bother Kikyo. She frowned and took a step back. “That's funny; I don't feel weakened or polluted.”

 

Kikyo turned away from Kagome her hair swung behind her as she moved. “You are going to ask me to die.”

 

Kagome took a deep breath. Here goes nothing. “I'm not asking you to die. I'm asking you to come home. Together as one soul we can have a real life with Inuyasha.”

 

Kikyo seemed to give her words serious consideration then asked. “Why should I give up and let you win? I was here before you.”

 

Kagome answered honestly. “Because we'd both win. And you deserve to find happiness. You cannot be happy living off the souls of dead women. Shouldn't they be free? Doesn't the guilt of using them weigh on you?”

 

“You ask allot of me.” The Miko tilted her head. As Kagome studied her thinning face she heard Boog's voice in her head. Girlfriend ain't looking so hot these days. “What's wrong Kikyo? Have you been ill?” Can clay get sick?

 

She answered slowly. “I've cut back on gathering souls and it's taken its toll. You were correct I don't like existing off the souls of the dead. My hold on this earth weakens everyday. Urasue's spell is fading. I've been searching for a way to stop it but the price is too costly.”

 

Kagome wasn't surprised as all spells have a price, “You need more souls?”

 

Kikyo's eyes flashed and were for a moment windows into the depths of her sorrow. “The souls of maids and now children.”

 

Kikyo was well known for her love of children, Kaede was right; this can be solved without violence. “Does Inuyasha know?”

 

Kikyo's expression remained flat but her tone was sharp. “No, he hasn't been here this past week. I assume you are the cause of that.” Her cold glare told Kagome what she thought of her new relationship with Inuyasha.

 

Kagome's face flushed then she understood. “You are fading away aren't you?”

 

“Yes.”

 

Kagome looked into her heart and realized all she had to offer was her companionship. I guess it'll have to be enough. “Don't do that. Sit here with me. I know we're not friends but we are essentially sisters.”

 

Kikyo answered. “I don't like you but you're right and I'm tired. I've been thinking about this for a long time.”

 

She pulled out her bow and loaded it with a sacred arrow. She pointed the arrow at Kagome's chest.

 

Kagome stumbled back in surprise but Kikyo pulled back the taunt string and turned her aim into the sky. Her finger released the taunt string and the arrow shot into the dark sky.

 

A whistle shriek pierced Kagome's ear drums and a shinidamachū fell to ground twisting in the throws of death. Sesshomaru and even Naraku had attacked the shinidamachū but until today they'd always remained unscathed. But even they were not immune to the power of the sacred arrows.

 

Kikyo quickly reloaded and soon another shinidamachū was twitching on the ground. Both soul gatherers went limp and their bodies faded away. She paused then shot the third shinidamachū. It was a direct hit and the body fell to dust before it hit the ground.

 

“Kikyo, what the hell are you doing?” Kagome turned to see Inuyasha rushing towards them from the woods.

 

Kikyo dropped her bow and fell into his arms resting her chin on his shoulder. Their embrace was an abrasion on Kagome's senses.

 

“It's over Inuyasha.” Kikyo's voice was thick with determination.

 

Oh shit! Is she going to exercise her claim on him and ask him to die with her?

 

­­­­­­­­­Kagome stood behind them clasping her hands before her. Should I intervene? She can't take him to Hell with her! Surely he isn'tstupid enough to let her?

Kikyo pulled away from Inuyasha. “I have a claim on your soul.”

He dropped his head and his hair swung forward hiding his expression. “I cannot deny you.” His fetlocks brushed against the rough white material of her yumi. This simple contact spoke to Kagome of a disquieting intimacy.

Kagome bit her tongue.What the hell is he doing? I should have expected this.  Baka! Stupid, stupid Kagome. Age and time have changed nothing.

Kikyo's attention was focused on Inuyasha and she spoke as though they were alone. “Then let me go. The price for my existence here is too costly. I want to stay and there is only one way that can be done.”

“Kikyo?” Inuyasha spoke only her name but the questions were inferred.

She grasped his strong fingers in her pale thin hands. “Beloved. I want to live. I am giving up my soul so it can be with you. I love you so much all that matters is that we are together. If my soul must rejoin with that girl to achieve this, than I will gladly let it go.”

Inuyasha held her and said nothing. Kaede approached them. “It's a beginning not an ending.” She turned to Kikyo. “You are making a wise but difficult choice.”

Kikyo put her hand on Kaede's shoulder. “You are a good sister and an excellent priestess.”

“Thank you.”

Kikyo called out to Kagome, “Only one shinidamachÅ« remains. Shoot it.”

Kagome picked up the bow and ran the tips of her fingers over the smooth flexible wood. “No. This is something you must do yourself.” I will not be your killer.

Kikyo frowned but accepted Kagome's wishes. “Very well, than I shall do it.”

She stepped out of Inuyasha's arms, accepted the bow and took aim with a sacred arrow.

Kagome watched Inuyasha. Should I go to him? She decided to stay where she was and waited.

Kikyo drew back the bowstring and let the arrow fly. It struck the last shinidamachū and the night sky lit up with tiny green firework explosions.

 

Kikyo raised her white arms to the moon and orbs of stolen souls left her body floating towards the heavens. She collapsed on the ground. Inuyasha raced to her side but her form was no longer flesh but faceless brown clay. It oozed from the yumi and into the grass seeking solace from the same earth it had been carved out of nine long years ago.

At first Kagome mistook the orb for a firefly. It flew at her and slammed into her forehead. She was pushed back from the sheer force of it and landed hard on her butt in the grass. What the hell?

Kagome rubbed her temples trying to assuage the pounding in her skull. I never expected it to hurt…

Inuyasha saw her fall and was beside her in a second. “Kagome? Can you hear me? Are you okay?

”

She nodded and closed her eyes. “I think so, it's hard to tell.”

 

A vivid light flashed behind her eyes and Kagome felt power awaken in her soul. She opened her eyes and the vivid colors of the world were sharper and brighter. She felt the hum of every living thing around her. We're all connected and I can feel it all… The air was attentive and she felt it prick her fingertips.

 

Her wonder was cut short when something twisted in her gut. The earth was awake and for the first time since she was fifteen it called out to her. Except this wasn't a message of welcome. This isn't where you belong. Not your world. Not your place.

 

Kagome cried out and doubled over clutching her belly. Kaede put her hand on Kagome's arm to steady her. “Girl, can't you feel it? The cosmos is trying to right itself. Look!”

 

Kagome glanced down and saw her hand was fading away. She yelped and jumped away from Kaede. “What the hell? My hand!”

 

Inuyasha reached for her. “Kagome no!” Fucking hell! I can't loose you both in one night.

 

Kagome's insides heaved and she felt an ominous premonition of the coming changes. Words from one of the few classes she attended in junior high came flooding back to her. `Nature abhors a vacuum.'

 

I was never meant to time travel. Everything is wrong. Kikyo had half my soul and that we are one again everything is changing back to the way it was…I can feel the well. It's sealing up. “Inuyasha!”

 

She took his clawed hand in her remaining corporeal fist. “I won't leave you. The well…it's closing! I choose to stay here with you.”

 

Inuyasha looked to Kaede for confirmation and ground his teeth as she nodded in agreement. ”Kagome, you can't stay here. It, the natural order of things or whatever, won't let you. I can't let you do this. You cannot die on me a third time.”

 

Kagome's eyes shone with a pain she couldn't contain. Her newly reunited soul was cleaving in two. “I don't think I'm dying…Come with me!”

 

Kaede shook her head. “He cannot go with you. Child you know that.” She's right… he cannot leave here anymore than I will be allowed to stay.

 

Inuyasha pulled her fading body to his chest and whispered. “You worked so hard to be a Vet; I can't let you throw it away. This has never been your world. Maybe this is for the best.”

 

Tears burned down Kagome's cheeks and she brushed her lips across his. “I…love you. I always will.”

 

He crushed her to him and uttered the words her ears had hungered for. “I love you Kagome. Gods…I'm so sorry.”

 

Kagome pulled back to study his face. His features were hard and his expression determined. “Inuyasha, what will we do?”

 

He closed his eyes briefly then opened them, stunning her with the clarity of their golden depths. “Meet me by the God Tree, tomorrow at sunrise.”

 

Kagome chocked. “How? Don't you see? This is how it ends, there isn't a tomorrow.”

 

Inuyasha gave a small half grin. His lips pulled back and she saw the tip of a canine fang. “I'm only half human, remember? What date is tomorrow on your side of the well?”

 

Kagome was pissed. How can he be so nonchalant? Can't he see this is it? “The first of August 2005. So?” she demanded.

 

He spoke with a confidence he didn't feel. “I'm not certain how old Sesshomaru is but he's damned near immortal so maybe five hundred years ain't such a long time.”

 

Kagome's heart clutched this new hope but she didn't trust it. “Inuyasha you…want to wait for me? Five hundred years…half a millennium?”

 

Inuyasha's eyes flashed and he ran a clawed finger down her tear stained cheek. “You've died twice for me and found me in three lifetimes. I think I owe ya one. If I'm still here not even a hundred incarnations of Naraku could keep me from finding you.”

 

Kagome's heart sung but her common sense squashed her joy. “There is no way? I just don't see how…”

 

Kaede shrugged. “It's not impossible. This is if he can keep that of his head on his shoulders five hundred years longer.” She was doubtful but decided against sharing her misgivings.

 

Miroku forced a laughed. “That'll be something.”

 

Inuyasha pushed Kagome away. “It's time to go. I can't stand here and watch you fade. Let's get you to the well where you belong.”

 

Sango stepped in and embraced Kagome. “I'm so glad to have known you.”

 

Kagome grasped for her hands but found she had only one hand to offer her. “I'll never forget you.”

 

Miroku actually had a tear in his eye and Kagome was touched beyond words. She hugged him and when his hands behaved themselves the gesture spoke to the finality of the moment. “Take good care of Sango. And make a record of your lives and the quest for me. Leave it where I can find it…hide it in the well.”

 

He nodded then turned away. Kirara whined and Kagome patted her head. Inuyasha grasped her elbow and began dragging her towards the well. She waved “Good bye Grandmother! I've given you enough pills to last you over a year if you use them sparingly!”

 

Kaede nodded. “Bless you for freeing my sister and helping me with my tooth. You are a daughter to my heart.”

 

Kagome fought to keep up with Inuyasha as he dragged her bodily to the mouth of the well. She punched his shoulder trying in vain to make him slow down. “What if I never see you again?”

 

He gestured towards her right arm. Kagome's breath left her when she realized her hand, arm and shoulder were quickly fading away. She touched her arm but only found air. “It doesn't hurt.” She marveled over this then asked “Don't you think it should?” Kagome looked questionably to Inuyasha. I'm becoming a ghost!

 

Inuyasha growled. “I won't let this happen. I refuse to cause you more pain.”

 

Kagome's eyes widened and he saw the light of the stars reflected in them. “But don't you know? If I lose you everyday will be painful, even more so than this.” How could she describe the many pieces her heart was breaking into?

 

“Wench it's time to go.” His features were set with a stubborn expression Kagome knew well. She brushed her fingertips over his ears.

 

It's all happening too fast, too soon.

“Inuyasha...no!”

 

Inuyasha tipped her chin up and ran his hand over the back of her head down her long dark hair. He pressed his lips against her forehead and whispered “When will you learn to trust me?”

 

Kagome couldn't stand being parted from him and fought it. “You're lying. You know you won't be there tomorrow. This is a trick to get me to do what you want!”

 

Inuyasha's warm breath brushed her cheek. “Maybe. But that's a risk you have to take. Kagome you are my life. I could not betray you. Please just this once, do as I ask. Go home Kagome!”

 

Kagome stood up and brought her lips to his. He claimed her mouth in a violent kiss that spoke volumes more than his earlier declaration of love. Kagome opened her eyes and realized she could see the grass beneath her now translucent feet.

 

It doesn't matter; the choice has been made for me.

 

Inuyasha scooped her into his arms and sat her on the edge of the well. Kagome's left hand reached for his but she slipped and tumbled into the waiting depths of the well.

 

As she fell she heard Inuyasha's voice. “Kagome!”

 

Her answer was a lung bursting scream. “Inuyasha!”