InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ If You Only Knew ❯ Chapter 6 ( Chapter 6 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

If You Only Knew: Chapter 6

His tears fell upon her pale face as his heart shattered into a thousand pieces. All the battles they'd fought, all the enemies they'd felled, he couldn't protect her and lost her to his inability to face his past. If only he had put Kikyou to rest when he should have, instead of falling under her spell of so called love. Kagome would still be alive and laughing right now if he'd just made a decision. If only he had listened to his heart and set aside his pride long enough to tell her. If only she'd known how much she truly meant to him. If he'd only known that she had honestly loved him. She had given her life for him! She had stood up to Kikyou, even as she died to protect him. Why couldn't he have seen it sooner, her undying love and devotion? Why had he treated her so badly?

"No! I had so much to tell her! Gods, why?!" He embraced her body tightly, afraid to let go of the impractical chance she'd open her eyes and tell him she loved him again. "It wasn't supposed to happen this way! Please gods, please, give me back my Kagome!" He was on his knees, begging the skies in sobs and tears for his love to return to him, yet he didn't care. He knew now that being alone was worse than being weak. He'd rather be the weakest being on earth as long as he had her love.

He pushed his face into her hair. "Kagome, come back to me! I would give anything to have you with me again. I want to spend eternity loving you." His real feelings came out, blunt and true, and with his last statement, they were engulfed in a fiery blue light. Inuyasha shielded his eyes, and made sure to keep Kagome's body firmly locked within his arms. A voice, soft but strong, spoke out from the blaze.

"Inuyasha, you've come to realize life's true strength. You can defeat a thousand demons, yet you will only be strongest when you have love. Hence the reason you fight better with Kagome's presence. Your destinies brought you two together. You needed to learn companionship and love. She needed to realize her inner strengths, courage, and powers. You helped each other obtain wisdom even at your young ages. Together, you achieved Shikon. Her fate was not to die today, for it would transpose time, the future. With your blood, she will heal, for she is fighting against death for life as I speak."

Inuyasha put his head to her chest. Faint and unsteady, a very weak heartbeat was there but went unnoticed until now. Her breaths, although few and small, were a quiet whisper to his ear. 'How did I not see this before?' The voice continued.

"Use the Shikon no Tama to revive her into full immortality, so your wish to love her for eternity can be granted. With your love, set my spirit free, Inuyasha, as well as yours. But you must tell her you love her, or she will die of a broken heart by sunset tomorrow and my soul will be lost. Her greatest attribute will also be her weakness. Be honest and true to her and yourself and you will find yourselves forever happy."

Inuyasha felt his hopes rise sky high. 'Is this for real?' He lifted his head. "Who are you?"

"Midoriko, the miko whose soul is trapped, fighting endlessly, in the Jewel of Four Souls you now possess."

He remembered the cave, and the explanation of the jewel. 'Shikon.. . .Hmm. . . Ara-mitama (courage), nigi-mitama (family/friends), kushi- mitama (wisdom), and saki-mitama (love).' "I get it. Those four combined make up one spirit. That's why I could feel her pain when Naraku had her. Our souls are somehow connected, like we're one, but two in the same."

Gentle laughter reached his ears. "Good, Inuyasha." With a more serious tone, "Now, I grant you your hearts desire." The blue light became brighter, but then it imploded into Kagome's form. He kept his embrace tight as the promised was thrown into her. Inuyasha held his breath, waiting for her brown eyes to meet his. When the light faded and the night sky was all that was left, he heard her intake of a healthy breath. "Kagome?"

She opened her eyes to see first a beautifully studded black sky and then Inuyasha. He crushed her to his chest, hugging her tightly, as if she'd slip away at any moment. Startled and confused, she looked up into his golden eyes. "Inuyasha?"

"Kagome. . . I. . ." Inuyasha was having trouble comprehending Kagome being right here in his arms, breathing and speaking.

"Inuyasha? What's wrong?" Kagome had no recollection of what had transpired in the last few moments, so she was utterly clueless as to why he was acting the way he was.

Inuyasha put her down on the ground. By his legs, he found the two pieces of arrow that should have been embedded in her torso. Picking up one, he examined it and then looked back to where Kagome sat, staring at him, waiting for an answer. "What's wrong?" He repeated the question to himself as he stood up. Walking over to the well, he tried to calm his emotions so he could talk to her. The hand which had held the jewel contained only dust which he let drift away in the wind.

Kagome saw the piece of arrow he picked up off the ground. She searched the surrounding area with her eyes and stopped when she saw the white and red kimono lying in a heap on the forest floor. Slowly, she rose from a sitting to standing position and made her way over to it. It contained dirt, clay, and human remains. With a slight gasp, she put her hand to her mouth. Suddenly, her memory came flooding back. She had gone for a walk, trying to figure out her feelings and thoughts so she could talk to Inuyasha. Kikyou had stepped out of the foliage with her bow aimed at her. Twice she was shot. The pain was immense, but she had to protect Inuyasha. She couldn't let Kikyou take him away from her. An arrow flew through the air, its target the hanyou, and she had used her body as a shield. Energy poured off of her, most likely her miko powers. It had deflected the arrow, but it also killed Kikyou. She had felt weak, very weak. 'Did I die? I remember feeling as if my soul was trying to leave my body. I fought for it to stay. I couldn't leave Inuyasha. He told me to hang on, and I tried, I really did. But. . .' She placed her hands on her stomach and chest, feeling for the wounds that should have been there. Kagome walked to the hanyou. "How?" She put her hand on his arm, "I was. . . I knew I was dying. . . I'm not hurt, but. . . how?" He wouldn't look at her or answer. She faced him completely and brushed his bangs out of the way. 'Oh my god. . . he's. . . is he crying?'

Inuyasha looked into her deep brown eyes. 'Alive. . . she's alive. . .' He couldn't hide the tears, he couldn't help it. As much as he tried to control his feelings, there was no end to his shock and relief.

"Inuyasha?" Kagome wanted to pinch herself, thinking that maybe she was dreaming. But there was no mistaking his emotions as he drew her into another fierce hug. Her brain felt like it would explode as she tried to understand. She relaxed against his chest.

He buried his face into her hair, taking in her sweet scent until his lungs could hold no more. After a few moments, he felt he could trust his voice. "You scared the shit out of me." He pulled her away slightly but held still held her shoulders. "Don't ever do anything so stupid again." His tone wasn't angry or loud, but stern all the same. "I thought. . . " He put his head down, his hair once again concealing his features. 'Damn these fucking tears! Why can't I stop them?!'

Kagome's heart leapt at what he was saying. 'He actually cares about me?!' She placed her hand on his cheek and made him look at her. "I'm sorry, Inuyasha, for scaring you. She came out of no where, and I couldn't let her take your life. Not while I was still there."

"Idiot! I'm supposed to protect you, not you protect me!" She jumped slightly at his tone and he softened again. "I thought I lost you again, and I've never felt so badly." He lifted his hand to her head and lightly brushed his fingers through her hair. He knew what was in his heart now, and he needed to tell her before the next sunset.

'Is he going to kiss me?' Her stomach fluttered at the look in his eyes. No mask covered his feelings now. She could see so many there, compassion, worry, relief, maybe more. It didn't matter at the time as his face drew nearer to hers.

"Kagome! Inuyasha!" Shippou had sped to find his friends because the others were in dire need of their help. He ran up to them, out of breath. Both acknowledged his presence, Inuyasha with a growl, and each of them turning ten shades of red. "I'm so *huff huff* glad I found you!"

Kagome scooped him up, "What is it Shippou-chan?"

His arms flailed around as he told them in one breath, "Kikyou/came/and/Miroku/and/Sango/are/ unconscious/and/Kaede/needs/help!"

Kagome looked at Inuyasha, longing to finish their conversation, but she knew they needed to get back to the village.

Inuyasha leaned over Kikyou's remains and scooped them into her clothing. Placing it in his hoari, he motioned to them, "Alright, get on Kagome. You too squirt." He kneeled so she could get on his back and Shippou clung to his shoulder while they headed towards Kaede's hut.

x0x

"Kaede, what happened here?" Kagome slid off Inuyasha's back and reached for the old woman, who was unsteady with exhaustion. "Where's Sango and Miroku?"

"My sister came looking for the last shard. She used a miko's spell to put us all into a deep slumber. We didn't have time to react before she took the fragment from the lad." At Kagome's downward glance, she assured, "Fret not, he is alive."

Kagome looked at the miko in disbelief. "You mean, he. . . he survived without the help of the Shikon no Tama?" Kaede nodded.

"The others are still unconscious back in the hut. I can't wake them on my own, for I don't have the energy."

"I understand, Kaede. Please, go inside and rest. Leave everything to us." The four entered the hut. Sango and Miroku had both been placed on futons, but they were both still catching z's. Kagome grinned. "Hey, do you still have those nasty smelling herbs?"

"Over there by the window, child." Kaede pointed out while she sat by the fire to rest.

Kagome picked up the leaves and revived their two companions the same way they had her. They both woke up gasping and coughing. "What is that smell?!" They cried in unison, covering their noses and mouths. Smirking, Kagome waved the leaves in front of them. Sango groaned and Miroku plopped back down on the bed with a loud sigh.

"Inuyasha, what of my sister?" Kaede inquired.

He didn't know what to tell everyone without telling them about Kagome being hurt, basically near-death, and him wishing upon the jewel. So he just said, "She is no longer. I recovered her remains so that they may be reburied."

The old woman thanked him for allowing Kikyou to rest in peace again. However, she gave him a skeptical look. The general aura of Kagome and Inuyasha was different. She didn't know if it had to do with the blood ritual, but she had a feeling that something else was going on. 'It will come out in time I'm sure.'

Obviously Sango had awoken enough, because she swiftly got to her feet. "Where's Kohaku? What happened?" She glanced at Kagome and asked, "Is he?"

Kagome smiled while walking over to the exterminator. She put an arm around her shoulders in a half-hug and told her of his well but unconscious state. Sango freed silent happy tears and went to check up on her brother. Miroku watched her go over to the boy, and then he followed her. Kaede was preparing for bed, as she would need to reset Kikyou's grave in the morning. Shippou had curled up with Kirara, due to lack of Kagome's sleeping bag, and they were both fast asleep. Sango was humming softly to Kohaku, and Miroku sat close by, sitting against the wall. 'Inuyasha. . . I wonder where he went. Boy, does he have some explaining to do.' Kagome yawned but decided to find the hanyou. She had a feeling sleep wouldn't welcome her until she defrayed her nerves. She looked around for her pack so she could change out of her clothes. 'I'm surprised no one made a comment about the condition of my outfit.' While searching through her bag, she came across the old bottle she had kept the shards in. 'Oh my god! Where's the Shikon no Tama?' She put her hands to her head, trying to figure out where it could be. 'Inuyasha's gonna kill me! But wait, Kikyou took it from me. He had to have it. Why didn't I sense it though?' Closing her bag, she decided she was going to throttle all the answers out of her hanyou even if it took all night. Kagome left in search of him, her only light was the half moon's glow, but she knew the path to Inuyasha's forest well. Finding him amongst the treetops was the real challenge.

Miroku watched Sango mother her sleeping brother, and he thanked Buddha that both had come out of this battle with Naraku with a positive future. He got up quietly and placed a hand on Sango's shoulder.

The exterminator turned around swiftly, always prepared for a fight. When she saw it was only the monk, she relaxed. "Houshi-sama."

Miroku smiled at her, "I apologize that I couldn't have prevented Kikyou's doing, but I'm glad that he still lives."

Sango smiled back shyly, "None of us could have done anything. There is no need for you to be sorry." She glanced at her brother. "I'm thankful that I am no longer alone."

The monk sighed and placed his hands upon her shoulders. "Sango, you were never alone. You have Inuyasha, Kagome, Shippou, Kirara, Kaede. . . and me. They are you're friends and care about you very much. And I. . ." He started to look down, but he kept the eye contact strong, for he would not be weak in this. "I care for you deeply."

Sango tried to step back from him, not forcefully, but more out of habit. He held her tightly but gently, still, and his gaze never left her eyes. She felt vulnerable, but almost comfortable. 'Why is he doing this? Does he know I'm not just any woman that would bear his child? Then again his curse is gone, so maybe he's. . .'

Miroku continued when she no longer showed resistance. "Lady Sango, I've never met a woman as strong-willed and beautiful as you. From the day I met you, I was enchanted." She gasped under her breath, but he continued. "I was afraid to get close to anyone because of the curse. Even if I gave into the love I have for you then, I would have left you alone when it took me to my end." She was staring at him in total disbelief. "I wasn't going to make you suffer again in your lifetime by losing another. So I waited, waited for the chance that we'd defeat Naraku and live. I waited to tell you how much it's hurt to have spent the last couple years so deeply in love, but not being able to show it." She tried to release herself from his grasp again. He drew her into a strong but caring embrace. "Please don't run from me. Listen to my words and know that I mean them with all of my heart. I would not make fun of such a thing, nor will I break your heart. Let me love you, Sango. Let me show you how wonderful it can be to be held so dear."

Sango could hardly breath as more words came from his mouth. She could hear his heartbeat quicken as he pressed her against him in a hug. She could tell he was nervous, but he was being so strong. 'But what do I take of this?' Although thinking it, she had said out loud, "I don't want to get hurt. Please don't hurt me."

It was softer than a whisper, but he heard her plea and hugged her tighter. "Trust me Sango, please. I will not hurt you." He tilted her head up to see tears rimming her eyes. He wiped a stray one from her cheek and pulled his head down to kiss her. Again she tensed to move away, but he pressed his lips to hers, sealing his words.

She wanted to run from him, to forget all this was said. Then he kissed her and she felt no lust, but just love and tenderness. As her mind said to get out of there, her heart was skipping in her chest and butterflies roamed her stomach. She gave into it and kissed him back. Shyly, she wrapped her arms around his neck and he hugged her tighter. He pulled away from the kiss, but didn't let her go. He kissed her forehead and she laid her head on his chest. They stayed like that, just enjoying each other's arms.

x0x

a/n Aww, happiness... lol... well, Inuyasha only has until sundown. Let the fun begin!