InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ I've Got Your Back ❯ Chapter Three ( Chapter 4 )

Devil's Dance (Mediaminer.org) - It was very confusing and it didn't make all that much sense to me. See, if Kikyou had died fifty years ago, Kagome would be well over 50. Kagome also could not be Kikyou reincarnate because Inuyasha met her before he met Kikyou, therefore, she was alive before Kikyou had died.

- Sorry I confused you. To simply explain this: In this story - as the next chapter explains - the well has sorta of a mind of its own about destiny. Kagome was suppose to meet Inu Yasha years ago when she was nine. This is not to say time passes faster in her time than his. It just means… time travel works odd in this story and that the well sent her to that point in time while she was that young. Read And I hope its less confusing. As for the part about her not being Kikyo's reincarnate… well, if you went back to when you were alive in a past life before you died… does that mean you weren't that person's reincarnation from the future? o.O Just a thought. Because after all, in Kagome's time… Kikyo was already dead.

psycho king (fanfiction.net) - I like it, and would like to see more. This story is interesting because it still follows the same basic storyline of the canon show, but you've added twist and turns at every corner to keep it fresh and interesting... I also like how you made Kagome a fighter. While she is powerful as just a miko (priestess), giving her some fighting skills will maker her more useful in battle. Thus, earning her more respect from Inuyasha...I'll be awaiting more...

- Thank you. I made her a fighter because I do get sick of seeing her handy with nothing but a bow. I'm not making her any stronger than Inu Yasha… she is human after all, but I am giving her a few skills like Sango had. By the way, she'll be in the story later with Miroku. And not exactly the same way though. -winks-

AnimeDuneJediElf (fanfiction.net) - Whoo-hoo! You go Kagome! Kicking that demon's ass! And I'm anxious to know when are Inuyasha and Kagome gonna remember?

- Pssst! In this chapter -snickers- I'm evil.

Chelle86 (fanfiction.net) - Ok, that sure explains why Kagome put her first meeting with inuyasha out of her mind. Amd I'm glad you like my reviews, I love reading your fics, and all the feedback you give! Hope you update soon!

- Yeah for me! Lovely feedback. Don't we all love it? And yeah, it does. I'm glad you're not confused anymore. ^.^ V -V sign-

The_Magician (fanfiction.net) - I really like your story! I especially like how Kagome can kick ass. About the Kikyo thing, yes I know that's not how she really was, and I'm sorry if that made you mad. But I don't like her. It pisses me off how she screws up everything between InuYasha and Kagome. Well anyways... I really enjoy your story and hope you update soon.

- You didn't make me mad. I'm not a huge fan of her either. I just wanted to clear it up. Its evil Kikyo that screws everything up. And I'm sure my Kagome could kick her ass -nod nod-…-small ego trip-

HanyouBabe456 (fanfiction.net) - are either of them gonna remember everything anytime soon? and if kikyou died 50 years ago and that was after inu yasha "stole" the jewel which would mean that was when he was older but it had only been 7 years then how is that possible? if you can understand any of this answer my questions at the begining of the next chapter please.

- Gladly! And here it is! They'll be remembering in this chapter. I hope I wrote it right and that it's not too sure for any of my readers. Since the way you wrote your question confused me, I'll simply explain it this way. I hope I answer it right. If not, just email me or IM me at Blade Redwind on AIM. -ahems- OK, time is a very tricky thing. The well works in a weird way in my story. Destiny moved it to send Kagome to a time when Inu Yasha was very young. In Kagome's time Kikyo was already dead. Therefore Kagome existed and so did the Jewel. I hope all of you know it was fifty years that passed in the TV show. o.O That's why Kaede was so old. Anyway… I hope I answered your question.

To All Who Just Said They Love It (all sites) - THANYOU! Arigatou! Now, read story! ^.^

~ Chapter Three ~

-- Dream Flash --

Inu Yasha scratched his head, "But… why did you help me? Don't you hate me?"

"Why would I?" she stated it as if it were the most obvious answer.

He stared openly, gaping with his mouth open in surprise, "Well… because I'm half demon, that's why!"

She laughed at him, "What a silly reason to hate such a nice person who has," she pointed to his ears and poked his nose, "such cute ears and a pretty face."

He blushed again, "I'm not pretty!"

-- Pause Flash --

Kagome turned over in her sleep, a smile touching her face as she whispered, "Pretty…what cute… lovely…" She furrowed her brow, turning over again and reaching out, grasping onto a wrist in her dream-like state.

-- Dream Flash --

"Wait!"

He turned, suddenly surprised to find her pulling back to stop him. "What?"

"I need you to help me get home." She sighed as she rubbed her hands up and down her sleeves worriedly.

He nodded in understanding, "Where do you live?"

She frowned, "Well, it's a long story…"

"Tell me, I've got time."

-- Pause Flash --

Inu Yasha blinked, his eyes opening to stare at the girl across from him on the mat. Her hand tightly clutched his wrist and she murmured in her sleep.

"Wait…" he heard her whisper. "Help me get home…"

Who was she talking to, he wondered…

Her face was a mess of thoughts, her expressions like that of a young child rather than a woman in her youth. "You won't forget me… will you… Inu Yasha…"

-- Dream Flash --

She nodded, not saying much as she turned to hug him, "I'll miss you, Inu Yasha… I'll try to come back someday. You won't forget me will you?"

He smiled and returned the hug, "Of course I wouldn't. You saved my life."

-- Pause Flash --

He blinked and gasped as she pulled him into a tight hug, embracing him as if her life depended on it. Her small form burrowed into his, her fingers digging into his back. Why had he decided to watch over tonight? Why hadn't he gone to sleep in the woods? Because, he told himself… she'd asked you to watch over her, you idiot. Why did he listen to her? Because, she looks like Kikyo… you feel drawn to her. Idiot, he scolded himself. Kikyo was dead, even if this girl was her reincarnate.

She suddenly cried out, making him jump against her small frame in surprise. Was she in pain?

-- Dream Flash --

She sighed as they stepped outside. "No, Kagome. Now, you're going inside to say goodnight and go to bed. And if I hear anything about this again… You're going to be grounded for a long time. Understood?"

Kagome felt tears coming as they went back to the house. She nodded, agreeing with her mother. She'd never see her friend again… But, what if her mother was right? Maybe she had bumped her head… Maybe it had been her imagination… or something. She felt a tear drop… She'd just have to put it from her mind. Demons didn't exist. The sooner she remembered that… the sooner it wouldn't hurt to not be with her friend again.

-- Pause Flash --

"Inu Yasha…" she called out, her body shaking. He felt her hands cling to his back, digging into his clothing and trying to tear at his flesh.

"I'll never…"

"Never what, Kagome?" He managed a whisper, curious to her answer.

"Never see him again… mom said I couldn't go back… go to see my friend…" She buried her face in his chest as he rubbed her back in comfort, hoping to soothe her. "I promised him… promised him I'd take care… of him. I'd… have his back…"

Those last words again haunted him. He'd met this girl before; he felt it in his soul. In his childhood… And suddenly it came back to him, that lonely night when he thought he'd made a few new friends… its what he thought, that is…

-- Flash --

He gazed about the village from behind his mother's silken form, hoping perhaps no one would notice him or his ears. People didn't like him. They told him he was a monster. He didn't belong. Demons told him he was a bastard, useless and handicapped. He didn't care though. One day, someday, he would show them. He'd stand on his own two feet and be great. And no demon or human would ever look upon him with anything less than respect.

His mother looked down at him, kneeling and giving a few coins as she pointed to a small stand with food. "Why don't you go get something to eat? But, be right back, Inu Yasha. I don't want you wandering off where I can't see you… ok?"

He nodded, taking the offered coins and ran over to the stand, his troubles forgotten for the moment. He always had mother. Dear mother who cast away his hurt. Still… she wouldn't always be there… He knew it.

He began to look over the things hanging from the stand, trying to decide when someone tapped his shoulder. He glanced over, seeing a young boy who was a bit older than him, probably by a few years. He had long dark hair, some of it falling into his eyes. He had golden eyes like that of a feline, reaching out to him, captivating. His attire was simple. The shirt had little or no sleeves at all. His pants were slightly baggy and that of a dark coloring to matching his black boots. The taller boy kneeled down.

"You're Inu Yasha, right?"

He blinked in surprise, and then narrowed his eyes. "Who wants to know?"

The boy waved his hands in front of him as he smiled. "I'm not here to hurt you. I just wanted to know if you wanted to come play with my and my friends? We could use another… like ourselves."

Inu Yasha guess what he hinted at… They were young demons posing as boys. Why would they want to befriend him? He was considered trash in their society. Half-breed bastard trash. Good for nothing but to wipe the floor with when you felt like it. "Feh," he remarked, "why would you want to be friends with me? I'm just trash to you." He turned to go back to his mother.

The young demon took hold of his shoulder. "You won't even give us a chance? C'mon then, come play with us. If you don't like it, you can leave."

He stopped. It seemed too simple, so easy to say yes. Would it bad to try once more to have friends? Maybe not… He turned to face him, nodding and following the boy. After all what would it hurt?

-- Pause Flash --

Oh, it had hurt, Inu Yasha recalled… Hurt until that black hair mess of beauty showed up to protect him. She'd done it without a second thought as he recalled…

-- Flash --

"Stupid trash. I can't believe you're the bastard relation to Sesshoumaru."

He was stunned silent as a white light enveloped the eldest demon of the crew. His mouth was open as if to cry out, falling to his knees and reaching for something. It was freighting. What had caused it, he wondered? And his question was answered. Before him stood a beautiful human girl. Her hair fell about her shoulders and over her priestess uniform. Her face stern, almost pouting. She was angry, he could tell by her balled up tiny fists on her hips.

"Leave him alone! Go away!" She shouted to the other two.

He watched them flee without second thought, fearing what happened to their comrade might befall them.

She sighed as she gazed down at him, reaching out to help him up as she now smiled.

He blinked, and then frowned. "I didn't need your help, you know!" But, he took her hand anyway, blushing as he did. It didn't suit him well to be caught in a situation. And to have such a small thing come to his rescue!

She laughed as he said this, her hands reaching up to rub his ears. "How cute!" She ignored his rude comment. "I wish I had ears like these!" She smiled at him.

-- Pause Flash --

He sighed, once more embracing her and falling into her soft form, fitting her closely to him. So, this was why… she was that small ray of hope in his past. That little girl who'd given him help without a second thought to her safety. She was that silent little dream he'd kept to himself. That what he'd thought it was all these years, just a dream. And he'd pushed it back, thinking it was nothing more than a twist of his imagination to make him thinking he was wanted by someone at one point in his life. Loved by someone other than his mother. He gently touched his cheek recalling the last moment he saw her.

-- Flash --

She smiled then, nodding through her unshed tears. She turned to get up on the well, but suddenly paused and turned around, leaning over and giving him a soft peck on his cheek. She laughed softly and then turned and got up on the well, "Goodbye, Inu Yasha," she whispered softly.

He blinked in surprise and touched his cheek where she had left her sweet affection. A blush tainting his features a soft wind rustled his white strands. He watched with wide eyes of uncertain happiness and blooming love as she disappeared down the well in a single leap. He barely had a chance to lean over and call her name as she fell into the shadows and light.

-- Pause Flash --

He sighed. She'd made a promise to him. And somehow through her lost memories the girl had grown up and kept true to that promise, even if she hadn't understood herself why. He'd fallen in love with that little girl long ago, and part of himself wondered if perhaps it was her image that had drawn him to Kikyo… the little girl he'd seen so many years ago when his heart was no so hard… when he was still so young that he felt there was still hope in finding someone who would accept him.

But… was she still the same little girl he remembered? Years had passed, ages even. The girl warmly clutching him was no longer little. She was a woman in many senses. Someone he cared about and wanted to protect as she protected him the instant she saw him. He sighed… too many things to think about… He'd simply have to wait and see what became of them both… For all he knew she may very well go back to her home and yet again never return to see him again…

She woke with a start, crying out his name. "Inu Yasha…!" She jumped, and felt herself securely enveloped in a solid embrace. Her breathing was heavy as she tried to escape whatever had a hold on her. "No… let me go..!" She whispered angrily.

"Kagome… its all right. You were dreaming." He tried to calm her, hoping she recognized his voice.

She stopped suddenly, her hand securely pressed against his chest as her nerves began to slowly calm. She felt his gaze on her, those penetrating yellow eyes. She recalled everything… every little event on that one slip and fall event that had cost her nothing but years of heartache and her mother telling her it wasn't true. "I thought you didn't exist,…" she whispered… "I thought it was my imagination. My mother… she told me it wasn't real… that you weren't real. That I shouldn't tell stories…"

He nodded, rubbing her back. "I didn't think you were real either…"

"You remember?" She asked, surprised.

He nodded again, not really sure what to say. What was he suppose to do in a situation like this? How many people met their long lost friend? Or the one person they fell in love with as a child? How many people had this chance to see where things went years later?

She moved to sit up, looking around herself in the small hut. She touched her side, feeling the bandages beneath her tank top. So, her wounds were healing. That was good. She glanced down at Inu Yasha. He simply watched her, seeming lost in thought.

"We'd better find Kaede. We need to speak with her," he spoke suddenly, moving to get up. He reached for her hand, helping her stand. He smiled as she took it and without releasing her, he moved to exit the hut.

She barely had a chance to argue, blinking as they stepped out of the hut. She glanced back, hoping she hadn't forgotten anything. Her hand moved to shield her eyes from the light. "Why do I have to see her now?"

He shrugged as they moved through the village. "She has something to talk to you about. She said as soon as you woke up to take you to her."

She nodded, glancing at people as they walked on. She noticed they both still had a firm grasp of each other hands. Might it be because they both feared loosing each other again? Just think… if she had never told her mother about her adventure as a child… she may have seen him again. She sighed, "Inu Yasha…"

He stopped, looking over at her, "What's wrong?"

She looked over at him, her eyes seeming smoked over in curiosity. "Why did you stay with me? I mean… earlier… You were with me the whole time I slept… I felt it."

He wasn't sure how to answer at first. Yet, after a moment the answer seemed so obvious. "You asked me to."

She blinked, "I did…?"

He nodded, "When you fainted, you asked me to watch over you." He stared at her a moment longer, longing to say more, yet turned and continued to walk toward the old woman's hut.

Kagome was surprised, her body washing over in small joy at his words. You asked me to. It seemed like such a simple response. Yet… to her it meant so much more. She wanted to think more on it, but realized they just reached Kaede's hut. She listened as he called out her name and as the woman called them to enter.

Inu Yasha opened the flap of the hut for her, motioning she enter first

Kagome saw Kaede across the small wooden room.

Kaede looked up at her and Inu Yasha, smiling softly. "Please, sit down Kagome. I would like to speak with you alone."

Inu Yasha growled, "No chance, lady. Where Kagome goes, I do. We have an understanding." He glanced over at Kagome, almost questioning.

Kagome looked up at him as she sat down, watching then as he did the same. She eventually affirmed what he said by nodding. "I would like for him to stay. Unless its absolutely necessary he leave." She looked over at Kaede.

Kaede nodded as she sighed, "Very well. What I have to tell you is meant only for the ears of a miko. However, if you trust Inu Yasha… I'll allow him to hear my words. Do you trust him, Kagome? Can you say with as much as you life in his hands?"

Kagome didn't have to pause as she answered. "You can forgive my prompt answer… but I do. And it not said without true thought behind those words." She didn't know what had made her say it like that… but it felt right. She meant every word.

Inu Yasha blinked as he gazed over at Kagome. Had she meant what she said? She truly trusted him with her life? How could someone lay something so precious in his hands? He couldn't possibly carry the responsibly of her life. But… then she had done so with him. Even held true to her word as she had come back to him.

Kaede nodded. "Very well… It is no secret that the Shikon jewel is sought after by many a demon in this world. In fact the two that attacked you were after it." Kaede sighed, "It is the duty of the miko of this village to protect the jewel. My sister did so for many years. When she died… it would have been my duty. However, we burned it with her body. What I'm curious about if how you came to posses it, Kagome. And where do you come from?"

Kagome blinked, looking over at Inu Yasha, unsure how to answer.

He nodded, wanting her to continue. He reached for her hand, lacing his fingers with hers.

She nodded back and looked at Kaede once more. "In my world… yours is the past. In other words, I exist in the future. I came through some portal… I think it is anyway… in the old well in the forest. My fist visit was many years ago. I met Inu Yasha then when we were both young."

"A few years?" Kaede blinked. "That's impossible. It's been fifty years since my sister's death. For fifty years he's been pinned to that tree. If what you say is true child, it could not have been Inu Yasha you met."

Kagome shook her head, "Perhaps the well let me come at a certain time when I was young. I know it was Inu Yasha. We've both talked about our memories. Right?"

He gazed over at her as she met his eyes, looking for him to answer. "Yeah…" It was all he could say for now as so many thoughts ran through his head.

Kagome smiled. "Maybe the well has a mind it own. Perhaps it was destiny that we had met so long ago." She continued her story, "As I was saying… we both met at a young age. He helped me return to the well and home. I wanted to see him and this world again. But, my mom didn't believe me. I was only nine and she was worried, I suppose." She sighed. "I was forbidden to return to the well near our shrine. Then, years passed, and only last night when I returned from a tournament my brother Souta saw our cat was missing. I went to go look for him in the well house. That's when the centipede woman came after me. I thought I'd killed her before… but, anyway… the rest is pretty much history from there."

Kaede nodded after Kagome had said all this, pondering a few things. Could it be possible this girl was Kikyo's reincarnation? This girl was from a future time and she had possessed the jewel within her body. Could she trust this girl? She looked at the young, unlearned miko. Could she trust her with the information that could possibly save them all from ever truly worrying about the powers of the jewel again? She sighed. She would have to.

She spoke softly, but not silently as her words fell on both sets of listening ears. "When the Jewel was created so was a book. Or so the tale goes which is passed down to the miko of this village. A book, which would tell one how to destroy it. Destroy it so that nothing remained of it. For everyone knows, so long as it exists, so may demons seek its power. No one knows of this now save you two and myself."

"Where's this book now?" Kagome quickly asked.

Kaede sighed, "It doesn't exist here."

"What do you mean? You said it was made when the Jewel was. How can it not exist?" Inu Yasha spoke aloud.

"You see, the book doesn't exist here because it was sent to another time." She looked at Kagome. "To a time when a untruthfully betrayed miko would live again. One who felt scorned into her death. One who would appear before her death in this world and steal a heart of a half blood."

Kagome blinked, "What are you saying?"

"That is what the secret words say. The one that has been passed down. You, Kagome, are the one who must find the book in your own time and finally rid of us of the Jewel. The temptation of our world for the demon race."

Steal the heart of a half blood… were the only words now echoing in his mind. So… did destiny dictate he fall in love with this girl then? Or did it have another meaning? He gazed over at her confused face. What was she thinking now? She was probably just as confused as he was… He sighed, tightening his grip on her hand.

Kagome glanced over at him and then down at his hand hold her hers. She felt his reassurance and thanked him for it with a soft smile. She looked over at Kaede, "I think I need some time to think this all over… Excuse me…" She stood up and bowed respectfully before leaving the hut, Inu Yasha following close behind.

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

She moved towards the forest, trying to get her head together. Why her? Why did it have to be her destiny? She sighed… its not as she minded really. She supposed she had the skills to be this… person chosen from time. Whatever you called it. Its just, things didn't happen to her… did they? Well, discounting her trip down the well when she was nine.

She was just overwhelmed she supposed. I just need time for it all to sink in, she thought to herself. She felt a hand on her shoulder and turned swiftly, ready in a stance to fight, her eyes immediately narrowed.

"Hey, now! I just wanted to see if you were all right, ok? No need to freak out, Kagome." Inu Yasha crossed his arms over his chest, eyeing her curiously.

She sighed, nodding as she relaxed. "I'm just tense…" She turned around, facing away from him. "So many things have happened all at once. I'm not sure what to make of it." She laughed softly, a worried tone in her voice. "I mean, one minute I'm a few months away from my next championship… and the next… I'm somewhere in the past, listening to an old woman talk about my destiny. Its just…a lot to take in for one day." She turned to look at him, her eyes wavering in thought. "Just a few hours ago I thought the monsters only existed in my dreams."

He sighed, unsure of what to tell her. To him the monsters were a daily event he dealt with when he had to. He didn't have anyone who really cared for him since his mother and Kikyo… but, then hadn't Kagome cared for him all those years ago? Even through the eyes of a child?

He looked at her as he spoke, reaching out and softly caressing her cheek. "We'll be alright, ok? I'll help you. All you have to do is find the book, right? So… we'll go to your world and find it… alright?"

She nodded. "Why would you help me? You have-."

"Everything to do with it. Kagome," he continued, pulling her into a soft embrace, "You made me a promise a long time ago… you helped me when no one would even take a second glance… I owe you for your kindness. Let me help you."

She sighed, nodding and moving out of his embrace. So, he was doing it because he felt obligated to her… not because he felt anything more. She should have known… She looked at him. Still… having him help her in this would be good. She wouldn't even know where to look once she got to her own world. "We'd better ask Kaede where to start… Or even how to find this book."