InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Nightwalker ❯ Truth ( Chapter 39 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: ji-an 
Secrets revealed.
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Fantasy / Hentai / Suspense | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 11.05.2010 | Updated On: 11.27.2010 | Pages: 5 | Words: 6.3K | Visits: 1.5K | Status: Completed
Secrets revealed.
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Fantasy / Hentai / Suspense | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 11.05.2010 | Updated On: 11.27.2010 | Pages: 5 | Words: 6.3K | Visits: 1.5K | Status: Completed
AUTHOR’S NOTE! READ PLEASE! Hey guys. I’ve been working on the next chapter in my spare time, when studying for finals lets me write something! I just wanted to say that I went back and fixed a few things and added a few things and the next chapter will be out as SOON as I finish it. Thanks for your patience!
Oh how I’ve waited for this chapterÉand dreaded writing this chapterÉJEEZUH! Why is it SO hard to finish something! Anyway, sorry it again that it took so longÉmidtermsÉGOD!
Disclaimer: I don’t own Inuyasha, nor will I take credit for Romiko Takahashi’s genius. This is purely fan made.
Part Thirty-Nine: Truth
ÒThat fool.Ó Lucy opened her eyes. The man next to her grunted and she turned to see his body tense with a suppressed desire for something.
ÒChase?Ó
He faced her, his jaw clenched the way it would when he was angry, but he did not yell. And when he did speak, his voice was low and controlled. ÒWhat would you have me do?Ó
Lucy smirked. ÒWhatever you want. The imposter is dead.Ó
Chase suddenly unclenched his fists in surprise. ÒReally? And the others?Ó
ÒAlive. I only have one request for you, however, before you’re free to go.Ó
ÒAnd what is that?Ó
ÒFind Xander and tell him the news so that the fighting on the other side can end. Then you can do whatever you wish.Ó Lucy turned and began to walk away from the tree they were both standing under.
ÒI have one question for you.Ó Chase said. She paused without turning to face him. ÒNow that Narek and I are no longer in your service, what will you do?Ó
ÒThe last of the old bloods is dead. My work is finished. I’ll go back to living the remainder of life in peace the same way I’ve done for the last two thousand years.Ó
And then she was gone. Chase stood for a moment wondering whether his former master was really content returning to the way she was, but then he realized that he didn’t have time to ponder and rushed off to do her last wish.
ÒThis is the last time I ask you to move.Ó Sesshoumaru growled in warning.
ÒBut-Ó
ÒLilliana, do as he says.Ó Rukiya said.
Lilliana turned to look at Narek. He glanced up at her. His remaining eye was half closed and blood had a made a line down the middle of his face. ÒPlease, Lilit,Ó he said in their native language.
ÒYou heard him.Ó Sesshoumaru took a step closer.
ÒOw! Kagome what are you doing?Ó
Sesshoumaru turned to look at his brother. Kagome kicked her way out of Inuyasha’s hold and gained her feet. ÒWhat about all the missing pieces? You can’t tell me that you’re not curious as to how our family members survived when Narek was the one who supposedly killed them all? Don’t you wonder how he got all those abilities even though he’s not a natural born? Or how he made me, even though he’s third generation? Or why he betrayed your father the last second?Ó
ÒI think youÉalready know the answer to that last question.Ó This time it was Narek who spoke. ÒYou said so yourself, my weakness.Ó
ÒWhat does he mean, Kagome?Ó Sesshoumaru demanded.
Kagome ignored him; her attention was fixed on Narek. ÒYour soft spot for women and children? That’s why you-Ó
ÒSoft spot? What soft spot, he’s a ruthless murderer! We should kill him before he-Ó
ÒYou can’t tell me you’ve been a double agent all this time!Ó Kagome cut across Rukiya. She ignored the furious look on Sesshoumaru’s face and the curious expression on Rukiya’s. Narek closed his eyes in defeat.
ÒThen why?Ó Lilliana said. ÒWhy take on the burden by yourself? Why didn’t you share what you knew, or strategize with us in the past?Ó
Narek coughed. ÒThat doesn’t matter now. The king is dead. I won’t run away from what I’ve done. Let them do whatever they want.Ó He lifted his hand, and, with trembling fingers, pulled the ring from his finger. ÒTake it.Ó He said to Lilliana.
Lilliana took the ring and shook her head. ÒYou’re a coward.Ó
ÒYou don’t have any obligations to me. Besides, I’ve caused enough suffering.Ó Narek heaved a breath.
Sesshoumaru came forward till he was a step away from Lilliana. ÒTake the ring and move. Or I will move you myself.Ó His eyes reddened in warning. ÒI’ve had enough from both you and Kagome. Remove yourself now.Ó
ÒLilit.Ó Narek huffed. ÒGo.Ó He begged.
ÒNo one has called me by that name since I was human. You-Ó
ÒI told you: the man you knew is dead.Ó
ÒWhat about the person I know now?Ó
Sesshoumaru grabbed Lilliana by the shoulder and pushed her aside. ÒRukiya, make sure she stays in place.Ó
ÒWait!Ó Rukiya grabbed Lilliana from behind. She struggled against her hold until Kagura came to stand next to her. ÒI agree with Sesshoumaru. Let him die. Alive, he’s only a liability.Ó
Sesshoumaru looked down at Narek. ÒYou really are a fool.Ó
Narek smirked. ÒFor once you and I agree. Just make it quick.Ó
Sesshoumaru lifted his arm, stretched out his claws and thenÉ
Lilliana looked away. Rukiya screamed. Kagome grabbed Inuyasha’s arm the moment he said, ÒWhat?Ó
Kagura froze. ÒSesshoumaru.Ó
Lilliana opened her eyes and gasped. A man stood in front of Sesshoumaru, shielding Narek’s body behind him. ÒYou.Ó Sesshoumaru began.
ÒWhat?Ó Rukiya yelled, letting go of Lilliana. ÒHow couldÉChase?Ó
ÒWhat the fuck is going on?Ó Inuyasha snapped. ÒNarek, didn’t you-Ó
ÒThat’s exactly what I want to know.Ó Kagura came to stand next to Sesshoumaru. It was silent for a while as they all stared at the impossible scene. Chase stared back at them quietly, stoically. Then Sesshoumaru broke the silence.
ÒSo, it was you that ‘saved’ our family members? Or is the man that Natalia mentioned earlier someone else.Ó
ÒI don’t think it was coincidence.Ó Kagura glared at Chase. ÒSo our family produced two traitors instead of one?Ó
Chase did not reply. He turned and knelt next to Narek. ÒAh, I get it. She’s always interfering.Ó Narek huffed.
ÒWe’re free from her service. It’s my choice to be here not hers.Ó
Narek shook his head. ÒMove and let me get what’s coming to me.Ó
ÒSorry, but I’m afraid I can’t let you be a martyr.Ó Chase turned to face Sesshoumaru.
ÒYou risked your secrecy to be here.Ó Narek whispered. ÒFool.Ó That was the last thing he said before he fell to unconsciousness.
ÒWhat is the meaning of this?Ó Sesshoumaru began. ÒI saw him rip your head off over eighty years ago.Ó
ÒWhat you saw was the death of a really well made drone. And Narek tampering with your memories to make it seem real.Ó Chase replied.
ÒWhy?Ó Rukiya yelled. ÒAll this time. You were alive and you let us believeÉand NarekÉhow could you!Ó She sobbed.
Chase glanced at her, his face softening from its usual unreadable mask. ÒIt was necessary. I’m sorry.Ó Rukiya fell to her knees and covered her face. Lilliana kneeled to comfort her. ÒAnd all this time, I thought you wereÉhow could you?Ó
ÒHow was it nessisary?Ó Kagura waved her hand. ÒWhat’s the logic behind betraying us and letting us believe you were dead for almost a century? Why not share your plans from the beginning?Ó
Chase’s face returned to its usual stony, impenetrable mask. ÒYour earnest methods couldn’t stop someone as powerful as an old-blood like your father. The only trump card that would have made a difference was an unknown and a double agent. If you knew about our plans, the king’s spies would have known about it too.Ó
ÒSo you collaborated with that traitor in the same scheme.Ó Sesshoumaru said.
ÒThat’s hardly a reason to deceive and torture us!Ó Inuyasha growled. ÒThe ends don’t justify the means! You could have given a clue or something!Ó
ÒChase.Ó Sesshoumaru warned. ÒMove.Ó
Chase turned his back on Sesshoumaru and lifted Narek’s body. ÒI don’t answer to this family anymore. I cut my ties with you the moment I decided to erase my existence.Ó He lifted Narek onto his back and faced the family for the last time. ÒThe fighting has stopped. Kanna and her family worked with our reinforcements to subdue all the enemy nightwalkers and drones.Ó
ÒYou’re not going anywhere until this whole issue has been explained.Ó Sesshoumaru said.
ÒYou’re too weak to stop me.Ó And with that Chase jumped upward and over the trees, out of sight. Rukiya yelled for him to wait, but he was gone in an instant. Another minute of silence followed. The family members stared at eachother, wondering whether they should be confused, angry, or overjoyed.
ÒI still can’t believe this.Ó Inuyasha spoke first. Kagome patted him on the shoulder. ÒDid you know about this?Ó He turned to face her.
ÒIÉhad a feeling, because of Narek’s memories, but I wasn’t sure since I’d never seen him before.Ó
ÒLilliana. Give me the bloodstone.Ó Sesshoumaru said. Lilliana helped Rukiya come to a stand and then handed Sesshoumaru the ring. ÒWe should return to the others.Ó
ÒIs it true? He’s really dead?Ó That was the first thing Claire asked when the family, along with Kanna and the other ally leaders, came together later that night. When Sesshoumaru nodded Claire sank to her knees. ÒIt’s really over. Bill, it’s over!Ó She jumped to give her brother a hug, knocking him down.
ÒOw! I appreciate your excitement, but my body doesn’t need any more bruises.Ó He said as he got up from the floor, rubbing his behind with his hand.
ÒSorry.Ó Claire giggled and then proceeded to walk in circles around the room they had been using for the meeting.
ÒWell, someone’s back to being annoying.Ó Albier said as she walked by him.
ÒExcuse me?Ó Claire rounded on him. ÒYou’re being mature now?Ó
ÒWe still have to find the real heir you knowÉnot to mention decide what to do about politics.Ó
ÒSo I’m happy! What’s the big deal! Can’t we have a festival to celebrate before we get political?Ó
Albier rolled his eyes. ÒYou never change.Ó Claire grabbed his and gave him a noogie. ÒYou little brat, I’ve been itching to do this!Ó
ÒThat’s it!Ó Albier began to struggle. ÒClaire, I’m going to-Ó
ÒCut it out you two.Ó Christiano scolded. He sat with Natalia on his lap; she was leaning her head on his shoulder. ÒOh let them have their fun. This is a good reason to celebrate.Ó She laughed and then moaned. ÒYou shouldn’t talk.Ó Christiano said. ÒYou’re still injured.Ó
ÒA day of bed rest and I’ll be good as new.Ó
ÒBring it on, you hippie!Ó
ÒIf you call me that one more time Albier, I’m going to-Ó
ÒShut up, both of you!Ó Inuyasha snapped and Claire and Albier stopped wrestling and stood up straight, blushing.
ÒWell at least we know that things are back to normal with our family.Ó Kagura sighed.
ÒAs normal as our ragtag group can get anyway.Ó Sesshoumaru added before turning to Kanna. ÒSo how does the ring work?Ó He asked her.
Kanna examined the ring in her hand. The stone in the middle had become a pink hue. She placed the ring on her finger and the color changed to green. ÒLooks like I’m not the next heir.Ó She said. ÒWhen you place the ring on the hand of the rightful heir it’s supposed to turn into a deep pinkish-red color.Ó She handed the ring to the next ally leader and when he placed the ring on his finger, it turned blue.
ÒSo who’s going to safeguard that heirloom? Are we going to have every nightwalker line up to try it on until we find the right person?Ó
ÒIt doesn’t look like there’s any other method. The stone was originally made with the crystallized blood of the first king. Reacting to the next heir is the only way we’ll be able to find a new king.Ó Kanna said.
By that time the ring had gotten to Kagura, who slipped it on her finger. The ring became black. ÒGuess that means it’s not me.Ó All the leaders, including Sesshoumaru, found that the ring did not choose any of them. Finally, it was Inuyasha’s turn. The ring rejected him too.
ÒWell there’s the proof.Ó He said as he absently handed the ring to Kagome, who had been standing next to him to see the results. ÒGuess it means the heir isn’t the son of the last king after all.Ó
Kagome sighed. ÒSo that means we have to have every nightwalker try it on until we find the fight one.Ó She placed the finger on her hand out of curiosity. ÒThat could take forever.Ó The stone on the ring became a pinkish red color.
The entire room became quiet until Kagome squeaked and said, ÒME?Ó
ÒAll hail Blue, our next KingÉer QueenÉwhatever.Ó Claire said as she came up and gave Kagome a pat on the back. Kagome faced her with wide eyes.
ÒWait a minute! There MUST be a mistake! I mean I’m not even a hundred years old yet. Doesn’t that mean I’m still a child by nightwalker standards. I can’t rule all nightwalkers! Inuyasha?Ó
He was smiling. And then he began to laugh. ÒWell this is ironic.Ó
ÒThis is NOT funny!Ó Kagome looked around the room. The family members were smiling at her. ÒI don’t want to be KingÉQueen. There has to be someone more qualified for the job.Ó
Kanna laughed. ÒYou too!Ó Kagome stomped her foot.
ÒIf you really feel that way, then elect someone to be ruler in your place.Ó She said.
Kagome blinked. ÒI can do that?Ó She said.
ÒYou are Queen aren’t you? Besides, if you choose someone while wearing the ring, it should head your decision. You’ll lose your right as Queen and the ring will pick whoever you choose to be the real heir.Ó
ÒBut how do I decide who is the most qualified?Ó Kagome said.
Rukiya cleared her throat. ÒIf you want my advice-Ó
ÒYes, advice would be great right now.Ó
ÒWell, then how about Sesshoumaru.Ó
Kanna, Kagura, and several other ally leaders nodded in agreement. ÒThat is a good idea.Ó Said a male nightwalker in the back.
ÒHe did lead the war against the false king this whole time, his own father.Ó Said another.
ÒUm, how do you feel about this?Ó Kagome asked Sesshoumaru. Her fingers rotated the ring on her hand nervously.
ÒIf I do get the role, I’ll carry it out to the best of my abilities.Ó
ÒLet’sÉhave a vote. All in favor?Ó A majority of the hands in the room went up. Claire put up both of her hands with a big smile on her face. Kagome looked about the room and sighed.
ÒMajority rule. Okay then. As my, uh, first and final decision as Queen, I hand over the right to rule, uh all nightwalkers over to Sesshoumaru.Ó
Kagome took the ring off her finger and handed it to Sesshoumaru. The ring glowed pink when he put it on. Applause erupted from the room. Leaders and family members came up to congratulate Sesshoumaru and celebrate the true end to the war. The noise settled down when Kanna announced that they should spread the news to other families and announce the decision to the nightwalkers that were still waiting for the final word.
Kagura, Sesshoumaru, Kanna and the others left the room. On the way out, Kagura grabbed Inuyasha and whispered something in his ear. When the room was empty except for the remaining family members, Inuyasha turned to them and said, ÒKagura said to use the rooms upstairs for the injured and told everyone to rest. She’ll handle the diplomatic work with Sesshoumaru for now. Our ‘orders’ are to rest and recuperate.Ó
ÒI’m all for that!Ó Claire said, stretching. ÒI could use a break.Ó
ÒOh no you don’t.Ó Inuyasha cut across her. ÒWhat? Whhhy?Ó Claire whined.
ÒKagura also told me that whoever’s not injured, and since you’re only bruised you fit the bill, should go around tending to the injured outside. Everyone else can go to bed.Ó
Christiano stood, lifting Natalia in his arms. ÒI’ll tend to her and then go see what I can do.Ó He walked out of the room.
ÒThis is SO unfair! I fought hard too.Ó Claire whined as she followed Bill out.
ÒQuit your whining.Ó
ÒShut up Albier.Ó
ÒDon’t tell me to shut up!Ó
ÒYou two never changeÉÓ Bill sighed and their voices faded as they walked out of the room. Soon, only Rukiya, Lilliana, Inuyasha and Kagome remained.
ÒRukiya, need some help?Ó Inuyasha asked as she stood and wobbled toward the door.
ÒI’ll be okay. I just need some rest. Besides, you’re injured too.Ó She paused at the door. ÒCould you leave me alone for a while, I need to gather my thoughts.Ó
ÒSure.Ó
When she was gone, Inuyasha turned to Kagome. ÒYou should get some rest too. I’m worried about that lump on your head.Ó He said.
Kagome rubbed the back of head with hand. ÒI’m feeling okay. Why don’t you go relax too? I’ll go rest later. Right now, I’d like a moment alone to let this victory sink in.Ó
ÒAre you sure?Ó He asked.
ÒYeahÉI have a lot on my mind.Ó
ÒNarek?Ó
She shook her head. ÒNot just that, IÉwonder if I could go back home now that the fighting is over.Ó
Inuyasha looked her straight in the eye. ÒYou do realize that things won’t be the same, even if you go back.Ó
ÒI know that.Ó Kagome didn’t break eye contact. She looked at him with determination. ÒBut it’s my decision.Ó
Inuyasha sighed. ÒI suppose now that it’s over, we can’t make many decisions for you anymore.Ó
ÒNow that the danger’s past, I want to regain control over my life.Ó Kagome shook her head. ÒLeave me alone for a while. I’ll talk to you later.Ó
ÒOkay, but take it easy.Ó Kagome nodded and Inuyasha left the room.
Once he was gone, she walked over to one of the couches and sat down, pulling her knees to her chest. After a moment or two, Kagome felt tears running down her face. She breathed in a deep, relaxed breath.
ÒAre you okay?Ó Lilliana said from across the room. She had been sitting near one of the windows. She had been so quiet that Kagome had forgotten she was there.
ÒI’m fine.Ó Kagome whipped her face with her sleeve. ÒI’m just really happy that it’s over. And I’m kind of sad too. I never though about what I would do after this and now there’s so much I want to do to get back on track with my life. I’m a little overwhelmed.Ó
What she was looking forward to most was going back to Japan to see her parents and her brother again. They must be so worried, Kagome thought. Her heart ached and she realized how much she missed them. They must have been heartbroken from her disappearance. She would endure weeks of scolding from her parents if she could only see them again.
Now that she was a nightwalker, she’d have to take classes at night in her university, or go during days but avoid the sun. It was going to be difficult, but if she could work her way into her old university again, she would manage. Maybe she could go into psychology. I guess I can’t be a doctor if I always want to bite the patient, Kagome smiled. There were so many possibilities. She could go back to being normal. As normal as being a bloodsucking creature could be. But would Sesshoumaru let her? It would be a little complicated to return to living with humans. Kagome felt her elation die down. Convincing him was also going to be hard. Maybe she should have made the choice when she still had the title of Queen. It was too late now.
Either way, Kagome decided, it didn’t matter whether he agreed or not. He owed her a favor. She left her home country, her parents, her friends, her home, all so that she could ensure Inuyasha’s survival, and that of her own. Sesshoumaru owed her freedom, and, Kagome knew, he was obliged to give her that as her reward. After all she’d done for this family, all she’d given up, there was no way Sesshoumaru, or even Inuyasha, would deny her what she wanted, especially now that the danger was over.
ÒSomething wrong?Ó Lilliana asked again.
ÒJust wondering what will happen in the future.Ó Kagome said.
ÒI bet that after things settle down, the family will split up for a while. Maybe vacation for a little while until we settle into our new roles.Ó Lilliana said as she looked out the window.
Kagome stood up and walked towards her. ÒWhat will you do?Ó She sat down next to the windowsill and looked at Lilliana. ÒWill you go find Narek?Ó
Lilliana looked down at her hands in her lap. ÒNo. I won’t.Ó
ÒWhat about that mark on your chest?Ó
ÒIt wasn’t a mating mark. It was a healing mark. Narek never did anything to me. It was temporary.Ó She pulled down her shirt and Kagome saw that the crescent mark was gone.
Kagome crossed her arms and said, finally, the question that was on her mind since the battle. ÒYou owe me an explanation. I haven’t told the family about the deal you struck with Narek because of your actions in the final battle.Ó
Lilliana didn’t look up. She rubbed her hand over her broken arm nervously. ÒWhat do you want to know?Ó
ÒEverything. What your connection to Narek is, and what you agreed to do for him.Ó
Lilliana sighed. She dug into her pocket and pulled out the old photograph. She showed it to Kagome. ÒRemember this? I lied when I said who the oldest son was in the picture. That’s Narek. I knew him when I was human. When you came to experiment on how to use your power, I remembered everything. And once I knew that Narek and man in my memories were one and the same, I had to find him to see if he remembered as well and why he was fighting against us. I confronted him and he told that he did remember. He also told me the truth: that he was planning to kill the king.Ó
ÒFrom then I knew that Chase was alive. I didn’t know that all our family members were still alive. Narek told me that he couldn’t tell me everything because it would ruin what he and Chase, and a woman named Lucy had planned. I agreed not to tell the family what he was scheming as long as he promised not to hurt anyone else. He agreed on the condition that I still play along as his enemy.Ó
ÒAnd your connection with him?Ó Kagome pressed, giving the picture back to her.
ÒDo you really want to know?Ó
ÒYes.Ó
Lilliana ran her fingers over the black and white photograph. She took a deep breath and then began with her story. ÒMy motherÉI’m sure that she loved me, but she didn’t show it in a way a child could understand. My father was a businessman so he would be gone from months on end attending to his business. I stayed with my mother on our family’s farm. Everyday, I’d do chores, or study, and it was never good enough for my mother. She’d say, ‘How do you expect to get a husband if you can’t cook, or clean, or even carry on a good conversation?’Ó
Lilliana smiled to herself. Kagome stayed quiet, sensing that there was more. ÒI wasn’t allowed to play with the other children in my village because my mother didn’t want to ruin the ‘mature’ image that I had. I was lonely. Back then, people would get married at a younger age and my mother felt that it was best to start training me to be a dutiful wife as early as six years old. A year later, she told me to prepare because my father was coming for a visit and he was brining his best friend with him to stay with us for a few days.Ó
ÒI did all my chores and then ran away when my mother was busy. I went up to the hills behind my house to pick flowers, but I lost track of time. The sun went down and I couldn’t find my way back home. I fell and twisted my ankle on the way down and I got lost.Ó
ÒIt was Narek who found me. He and his father had joined my father and had come to look for me. He bandaged my ankle and carried me on his back all the way home. Mother was furious. She ordered Narek to put down. As punishment for getting lost, she wouldn’t let me stay on his back. She yelled and scolded me in front of my father and the guests, but what she didn’t realize, was that Narek had been holding my hand the whole time. He didn’t let go of my hand until after she was finished. After I was dismissed to get some rest, I heard him say, ‘I don’t mean to be rude but, don’t you think you were a little hard on her?’Ó
ÒI was seven, he was seventeen, but he was so kind to me. He’d help me with my chores when my ankle was hurting and he brought me a book to read when I couldn’t move. I’d think about him every time he was away. He would visit with his father every summer until I turned twelve, and he’d bring me a new book each time. At the time, I didn’t know why it felt like something was squeezing me from inside whenever I was with him, or why it hurt when he was away. I didn’t know until the last time I saw him before I became a nightwalker.Ó
ÒI was twelve. Narek had visited my house without his father that time. He was learning to be a doctor, and he had come over to tell some good news. I thought that he had already passed his test and was now a full-fledged doctor, but that wasn’t the reason he visited. I had been feeding the chickens at the time, when I saw him. My mother spotted us talking and had Narek come in for some coffee. When I went to give my mother and Narek their drinks I heard them talking.Ó
ÒI heard my mother say, ‘So I heard that you’re engaged. That’s wonderful.’ I stopped. I didn’t go into the room. Something was hurting me, and I didn’t know what it was. I served the coffee without looking at Narek and ran out of the room just as my mother was about to tell me something. I avoided him all day and didn’t see him when he left. I only found a book in my bedroom, a rose on my pillow-I had always told him that I loved roses-and a letter I never read. It might have been a wedding invitation, I don’t know. Two years later, the genocide started and IÉkilled myself after killing the Turkish soldier who was assaulting me. Rukiya found me and you know the rest.Ó
Kagome was silent for a while and then she said, ÒWhen you went to him, you did know that he wasn’t the same man you remembered, right.Ó
ÒYes, but I had to know what happened to the kind, young man I had fallen in love with as a child. I thought I had buried those feelings away just like I had buried my memories. Then Narek showed that side of himself, I had to know why he was working for the king. I think part of him still exists in the man he is nowÉbut I won’t go after him.Ó
ÒWhy not?Ó Kagome asked.
ÒNarek will always be a traitor to our family. And he knows this too. That’s why. I won’t betray the people I love for something in the past. You remind me of myself Kagome. We were both tortured by the people we care about, but, unlike you, I don’t think I can forgive Narek, not after everything he’s done, and even if it was done with good intentions. I won’t forgive him.Ó
Kagome shook her head. ÒI didn’t think I could forgive Inuyasha either. And for a while, I didn’t want to. But he’s tried his best to make it up to me. I can’t say that I love him like you love Narek, but I do care about him enough to want to make something work.Ó
Kagome stood. ÒI’m going to go rest.Ó
ÒKagome?Ó
ÒI won’t tell the family about you and Narek. Everything you do from here on is your decision. But if I were you, and I knew I loved someoneÉI don’t think I’d want to give that up, at least not without resolving it.Ó
Lilliana didn’t reply. She turned her head to look out the window. ÒThank you.Ó
YES! I’m done! And this chapter came out just as perfectly as I thought it would! WHOHOOO! Oh also, this isn’t the VERY last chapter. Keep your eyes open. Anyway, please read and review, and wish me luck on my FINALS. Thanks again for your patience and sorry for the grammar mistakes.
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Oh how I’ve waited for this chapterÉand dreaded writing this chapterÉJEEZUH! Why is it SO hard to finish something! Anyway, sorry it again that it took so longÉmidtermsÉGOD!
Disclaimer: I don’t own Inuyasha, nor will I take credit for Romiko Takahashi’s genius. This is purely fan made.
Part Thirty-Nine: Truth
ÒThat fool.Ó Lucy opened her eyes. The man next to her grunted and she turned to see his body tense with a suppressed desire for something.
ÒChase?Ó
He faced her, his jaw clenched the way it would when he was angry, but he did not yell. And when he did speak, his voice was low and controlled. ÒWhat would you have me do?Ó
Lucy smirked. ÒWhatever you want. The imposter is dead.Ó
Chase suddenly unclenched his fists in surprise. ÒReally? And the others?Ó
ÒAlive. I only have one request for you, however, before you’re free to go.Ó
ÒAnd what is that?Ó
ÒFind Xander and tell him the news so that the fighting on the other side can end. Then you can do whatever you wish.Ó Lucy turned and began to walk away from the tree they were both standing under.
ÒI have one question for you.Ó Chase said. She paused without turning to face him. ÒNow that Narek and I are no longer in your service, what will you do?Ó
ÒThe last of the old bloods is dead. My work is finished. I’ll go back to living the remainder of life in peace the same way I’ve done for the last two thousand years.Ó
And then she was gone. Chase stood for a moment wondering whether his former master was really content returning to the way she was, but then he realized that he didn’t have time to ponder and rushed off to do her last wish.
ÒThis is the last time I ask you to move.Ó Sesshoumaru growled in warning.
ÒBut-Ó
ÒLilliana, do as he says.Ó Rukiya said.
Lilliana turned to look at Narek. He glanced up at her. His remaining eye was half closed and blood had a made a line down the middle of his face. ÒPlease, Lilit,Ó he said in their native language.
ÒYou heard him.Ó Sesshoumaru took a step closer.
ÒOw! Kagome what are you doing?Ó
Sesshoumaru turned to look at his brother. Kagome kicked her way out of Inuyasha’s hold and gained her feet. ÒWhat about all the missing pieces? You can’t tell me that you’re not curious as to how our family members survived when Narek was the one who supposedly killed them all? Don’t you wonder how he got all those abilities even though he’s not a natural born? Or how he made me, even though he’s third generation? Or why he betrayed your father the last second?Ó
ÒI think youÉalready know the answer to that last question.Ó This time it was Narek who spoke. ÒYou said so yourself, my weakness.Ó
ÒWhat does he mean, Kagome?Ó Sesshoumaru demanded.
Kagome ignored him; her attention was fixed on Narek. ÒYour soft spot for women and children? That’s why you-Ó
ÒSoft spot? What soft spot, he’s a ruthless murderer! We should kill him before he-Ó
ÒYou can’t tell me you’ve been a double agent all this time!Ó Kagome cut across Rukiya. She ignored the furious look on Sesshoumaru’s face and the curious expression on Rukiya’s. Narek closed his eyes in defeat.
ÒThen why?Ó Lilliana said. ÒWhy take on the burden by yourself? Why didn’t you share what you knew, or strategize with us in the past?Ó
Narek coughed. ÒThat doesn’t matter now. The king is dead. I won’t run away from what I’ve done. Let them do whatever they want.Ó He lifted his hand, and, with trembling fingers, pulled the ring from his finger. ÒTake it.Ó He said to Lilliana.
Lilliana took the ring and shook her head. ÒYou’re a coward.Ó
ÒYou don’t have any obligations to me. Besides, I’ve caused enough suffering.Ó Narek heaved a breath.
Sesshoumaru came forward till he was a step away from Lilliana. ÒTake the ring and move. Or I will move you myself.Ó His eyes reddened in warning. ÒI’ve had enough from both you and Kagome. Remove yourself now.Ó
ÒLilit.Ó Narek huffed. ÒGo.Ó He begged.
ÒNo one has called me by that name since I was human. You-Ó
ÒI told you: the man you knew is dead.Ó
ÒWhat about the person I know now?Ó
Sesshoumaru grabbed Lilliana by the shoulder and pushed her aside. ÒRukiya, make sure she stays in place.Ó
ÒWait!Ó Rukiya grabbed Lilliana from behind. She struggled against her hold until Kagura came to stand next to her. ÒI agree with Sesshoumaru. Let him die. Alive, he’s only a liability.Ó
Sesshoumaru looked down at Narek. ÒYou really are a fool.Ó
Narek smirked. ÒFor once you and I agree. Just make it quick.Ó
Sesshoumaru lifted his arm, stretched out his claws and thenÉ
Lilliana looked away. Rukiya screamed. Kagome grabbed Inuyasha’s arm the moment he said, ÒWhat?Ó
Kagura froze. ÒSesshoumaru.Ó
Lilliana opened her eyes and gasped. A man stood in front of Sesshoumaru, shielding Narek’s body behind him. ÒYou.Ó Sesshoumaru began.
ÒWhat?Ó Rukiya yelled, letting go of Lilliana. ÒHow couldÉChase?Ó
ÒWhat the fuck is going on?Ó Inuyasha snapped. ÒNarek, didn’t you-Ó
ÒThat’s exactly what I want to know.Ó Kagura came to stand next to Sesshoumaru. It was silent for a while as they all stared at the impossible scene. Chase stared back at them quietly, stoically. Then Sesshoumaru broke the silence.
ÒSo, it was you that ‘saved’ our family members? Or is the man that Natalia mentioned earlier someone else.Ó
ÒI don’t think it was coincidence.Ó Kagura glared at Chase. ÒSo our family produced two traitors instead of one?Ó
Chase did not reply. He turned and knelt next to Narek. ÒAh, I get it. She’s always interfering.Ó Narek huffed.
ÒWe’re free from her service. It’s my choice to be here not hers.Ó
Narek shook his head. ÒMove and let me get what’s coming to me.Ó
ÒSorry, but I’m afraid I can’t let you be a martyr.Ó Chase turned to face Sesshoumaru.
ÒYou risked your secrecy to be here.Ó Narek whispered. ÒFool.Ó That was the last thing he said before he fell to unconsciousness.
ÒWhat is the meaning of this?Ó Sesshoumaru began. ÒI saw him rip your head off over eighty years ago.Ó
ÒWhat you saw was the death of a really well made drone. And Narek tampering with your memories to make it seem real.Ó Chase replied.
ÒWhy?Ó Rukiya yelled. ÒAll this time. You were alive and you let us believeÉand NarekÉhow could you!Ó She sobbed.
Chase glanced at her, his face softening from its usual unreadable mask. ÒIt was necessary. I’m sorry.Ó Rukiya fell to her knees and covered her face. Lilliana kneeled to comfort her. ÒAnd all this time, I thought you wereÉhow could you?Ó
ÒHow was it nessisary?Ó Kagura waved her hand. ÒWhat’s the logic behind betraying us and letting us believe you were dead for almost a century? Why not share your plans from the beginning?Ó
Chase’s face returned to its usual stony, impenetrable mask. ÒYour earnest methods couldn’t stop someone as powerful as an old-blood like your father. The only trump card that would have made a difference was an unknown and a double agent. If you knew about our plans, the king’s spies would have known about it too.Ó
ÒSo you collaborated with that traitor in the same scheme.Ó Sesshoumaru said.
ÒThat’s hardly a reason to deceive and torture us!Ó Inuyasha growled. ÒThe ends don’t justify the means! You could have given a clue or something!Ó
ÒChase.Ó Sesshoumaru warned. ÒMove.Ó
Chase turned his back on Sesshoumaru and lifted Narek’s body. ÒI don’t answer to this family anymore. I cut my ties with you the moment I decided to erase my existence.Ó He lifted Narek onto his back and faced the family for the last time. ÒThe fighting has stopped. Kanna and her family worked with our reinforcements to subdue all the enemy nightwalkers and drones.Ó
ÒYou’re not going anywhere until this whole issue has been explained.Ó Sesshoumaru said.
ÒYou’re too weak to stop me.Ó And with that Chase jumped upward and over the trees, out of sight. Rukiya yelled for him to wait, but he was gone in an instant. Another minute of silence followed. The family members stared at eachother, wondering whether they should be confused, angry, or overjoyed.
ÒI still can’t believe this.Ó Inuyasha spoke first. Kagome patted him on the shoulder. ÒDid you know about this?Ó He turned to face her.
ÒIÉhad a feeling, because of Narek’s memories, but I wasn’t sure since I’d never seen him before.Ó
ÒLilliana. Give me the bloodstone.Ó Sesshoumaru said. Lilliana helped Rukiya come to a stand and then handed Sesshoumaru the ring. ÒWe should return to the others.Ó
ÒIs it true? He’s really dead?Ó That was the first thing Claire asked when the family, along with Kanna and the other ally leaders, came together later that night. When Sesshoumaru nodded Claire sank to her knees. ÒIt’s really over. Bill, it’s over!Ó She jumped to give her brother a hug, knocking him down.
ÒOw! I appreciate your excitement, but my body doesn’t need any more bruises.Ó He said as he got up from the floor, rubbing his behind with his hand.
ÒSorry.Ó Claire giggled and then proceeded to walk in circles around the room they had been using for the meeting.
ÒWell, someone’s back to being annoying.Ó Albier said as she walked by him.
ÒExcuse me?Ó Claire rounded on him. ÒYou’re being mature now?Ó
ÒWe still have to find the real heir you knowÉnot to mention decide what to do about politics.Ó
ÒSo I’m happy! What’s the big deal! Can’t we have a festival to celebrate before we get political?Ó
Albier rolled his eyes. ÒYou never change.Ó Claire grabbed his and gave him a noogie. ÒYou little brat, I’ve been itching to do this!Ó
ÒThat’s it!Ó Albier began to struggle. ÒClaire, I’m going to-Ó
ÒCut it out you two.Ó Christiano scolded. He sat with Natalia on his lap; she was leaning her head on his shoulder. ÒOh let them have their fun. This is a good reason to celebrate.Ó She laughed and then moaned. ÒYou shouldn’t talk.Ó Christiano said. ÒYou’re still injured.Ó
ÒA day of bed rest and I’ll be good as new.Ó
ÒBring it on, you hippie!Ó
ÒIf you call me that one more time Albier, I’m going to-Ó
ÒShut up, both of you!Ó Inuyasha snapped and Claire and Albier stopped wrestling and stood up straight, blushing.
ÒWell at least we know that things are back to normal with our family.Ó Kagura sighed.
ÒAs normal as our ragtag group can get anyway.Ó Sesshoumaru added before turning to Kanna. ÒSo how does the ring work?Ó He asked her.
Kanna examined the ring in her hand. The stone in the middle had become a pink hue. She placed the ring on her finger and the color changed to green. ÒLooks like I’m not the next heir.Ó She said. ÒWhen you place the ring on the hand of the rightful heir it’s supposed to turn into a deep pinkish-red color.Ó She handed the ring to the next ally leader and when he placed the ring on his finger, it turned blue.
ÒSo who’s going to safeguard that heirloom? Are we going to have every nightwalker line up to try it on until we find the right person?Ó
ÒIt doesn’t look like there’s any other method. The stone was originally made with the crystallized blood of the first king. Reacting to the next heir is the only way we’ll be able to find a new king.Ó Kanna said.
By that time the ring had gotten to Kagura, who slipped it on her finger. The ring became black. ÒGuess that means it’s not me.Ó All the leaders, including Sesshoumaru, found that the ring did not choose any of them. Finally, it was Inuyasha’s turn. The ring rejected him too.
ÒWell there’s the proof.Ó He said as he absently handed the ring to Kagome, who had been standing next to him to see the results. ÒGuess it means the heir isn’t the son of the last king after all.Ó
Kagome sighed. ÒSo that means we have to have every nightwalker try it on until we find the fight one.Ó She placed the finger on her hand out of curiosity. ÒThat could take forever.Ó The stone on the ring became a pinkish red color.
The entire room became quiet until Kagome squeaked and said, ÒME?Ó
ÒAll hail Blue, our next KingÉer QueenÉwhatever.Ó Claire said as she came up and gave Kagome a pat on the back. Kagome faced her with wide eyes.
ÒWait a minute! There MUST be a mistake! I mean I’m not even a hundred years old yet. Doesn’t that mean I’m still a child by nightwalker standards. I can’t rule all nightwalkers! Inuyasha?Ó
He was smiling. And then he began to laugh. ÒWell this is ironic.Ó
ÒThis is NOT funny!Ó Kagome looked around the room. The family members were smiling at her. ÒI don’t want to be KingÉQueen. There has to be someone more qualified for the job.Ó
Kanna laughed. ÒYou too!Ó Kagome stomped her foot.
ÒIf you really feel that way, then elect someone to be ruler in your place.Ó She said.
Kagome blinked. ÒI can do that?Ó She said.
ÒYou are Queen aren’t you? Besides, if you choose someone while wearing the ring, it should head your decision. You’ll lose your right as Queen and the ring will pick whoever you choose to be the real heir.Ó
ÒBut how do I decide who is the most qualified?Ó Kagome said.
Rukiya cleared her throat. ÒIf you want my advice-Ó
ÒYes, advice would be great right now.Ó
ÒWell, then how about Sesshoumaru.Ó
Kanna, Kagura, and several other ally leaders nodded in agreement. ÒThat is a good idea.Ó Said a male nightwalker in the back.
ÒHe did lead the war against the false king this whole time, his own father.Ó Said another.
ÒUm, how do you feel about this?Ó Kagome asked Sesshoumaru. Her fingers rotated the ring on her hand nervously.
ÒIf I do get the role, I’ll carry it out to the best of my abilities.Ó
ÒLet’sÉhave a vote. All in favor?Ó A majority of the hands in the room went up. Claire put up both of her hands with a big smile on her face. Kagome looked about the room and sighed.
ÒMajority rule. Okay then. As my, uh, first and final decision as Queen, I hand over the right to rule, uh all nightwalkers over to Sesshoumaru.Ó
Kagome took the ring off her finger and handed it to Sesshoumaru. The ring glowed pink when he put it on. Applause erupted from the room. Leaders and family members came up to congratulate Sesshoumaru and celebrate the true end to the war. The noise settled down when Kanna announced that they should spread the news to other families and announce the decision to the nightwalkers that were still waiting for the final word.
Kagura, Sesshoumaru, Kanna and the others left the room. On the way out, Kagura grabbed Inuyasha and whispered something in his ear. When the room was empty except for the remaining family members, Inuyasha turned to them and said, ÒKagura said to use the rooms upstairs for the injured and told everyone to rest. She’ll handle the diplomatic work with Sesshoumaru for now. Our ‘orders’ are to rest and recuperate.Ó
ÒI’m all for that!Ó Claire said, stretching. ÒI could use a break.Ó
ÒOh no you don’t.Ó Inuyasha cut across her. ÒWhat? Whhhy?Ó Claire whined.
ÒKagura also told me that whoever’s not injured, and since you’re only bruised you fit the bill, should go around tending to the injured outside. Everyone else can go to bed.Ó
Christiano stood, lifting Natalia in his arms. ÒI’ll tend to her and then go see what I can do.Ó He walked out of the room.
ÒThis is SO unfair! I fought hard too.Ó Claire whined as she followed Bill out.
ÒQuit your whining.Ó
ÒShut up Albier.Ó
ÒDon’t tell me to shut up!Ó
ÒYou two never changeÉÓ Bill sighed and their voices faded as they walked out of the room. Soon, only Rukiya, Lilliana, Inuyasha and Kagome remained.
ÒRukiya, need some help?Ó Inuyasha asked as she stood and wobbled toward the door.
ÒI’ll be okay. I just need some rest. Besides, you’re injured too.Ó She paused at the door. ÒCould you leave me alone for a while, I need to gather my thoughts.Ó
ÒSure.Ó
When she was gone, Inuyasha turned to Kagome. ÒYou should get some rest too. I’m worried about that lump on your head.Ó He said.
Kagome rubbed the back of head with hand. ÒI’m feeling okay. Why don’t you go relax too? I’ll go rest later. Right now, I’d like a moment alone to let this victory sink in.Ó
ÒAre you sure?Ó He asked.
ÒYeahÉI have a lot on my mind.Ó
ÒNarek?Ó
She shook her head. ÒNot just that, IÉwonder if I could go back home now that the fighting is over.Ó
Inuyasha looked her straight in the eye. ÒYou do realize that things won’t be the same, even if you go back.Ó
ÒI know that.Ó Kagome didn’t break eye contact. She looked at him with determination. ÒBut it’s my decision.Ó
Inuyasha sighed. ÒI suppose now that it’s over, we can’t make many decisions for you anymore.Ó
ÒNow that the danger’s past, I want to regain control over my life.Ó Kagome shook her head. ÒLeave me alone for a while. I’ll talk to you later.Ó
ÒOkay, but take it easy.Ó Kagome nodded and Inuyasha left the room.
Once he was gone, she walked over to one of the couches and sat down, pulling her knees to her chest. After a moment or two, Kagome felt tears running down her face. She breathed in a deep, relaxed breath.
ÒAre you okay?Ó Lilliana said from across the room. She had been sitting near one of the windows. She had been so quiet that Kagome had forgotten she was there.
ÒI’m fine.Ó Kagome whipped her face with her sleeve. ÒI’m just really happy that it’s over. And I’m kind of sad too. I never though about what I would do after this and now there’s so much I want to do to get back on track with my life. I’m a little overwhelmed.Ó
What she was looking forward to most was going back to Japan to see her parents and her brother again. They must be so worried, Kagome thought. Her heart ached and she realized how much she missed them. They must have been heartbroken from her disappearance. She would endure weeks of scolding from her parents if she could only see them again.
Now that she was a nightwalker, she’d have to take classes at night in her university, or go during days but avoid the sun. It was going to be difficult, but if she could work her way into her old university again, she would manage. Maybe she could go into psychology. I guess I can’t be a doctor if I always want to bite the patient, Kagome smiled. There were so many possibilities. She could go back to being normal. As normal as being a bloodsucking creature could be. But would Sesshoumaru let her? It would be a little complicated to return to living with humans. Kagome felt her elation die down. Convincing him was also going to be hard. Maybe she should have made the choice when she still had the title of Queen. It was too late now.
Either way, Kagome decided, it didn’t matter whether he agreed or not. He owed her a favor. She left her home country, her parents, her friends, her home, all so that she could ensure Inuyasha’s survival, and that of her own. Sesshoumaru owed her freedom, and, Kagome knew, he was obliged to give her that as her reward. After all she’d done for this family, all she’d given up, there was no way Sesshoumaru, or even Inuyasha, would deny her what she wanted, especially now that the danger was over.
ÒSomething wrong?Ó Lilliana asked again.
ÒJust wondering what will happen in the future.Ó Kagome said.
ÒI bet that after things settle down, the family will split up for a while. Maybe vacation for a little while until we settle into our new roles.Ó Lilliana said as she looked out the window.
Kagome stood up and walked towards her. ÒWhat will you do?Ó She sat down next to the windowsill and looked at Lilliana. ÒWill you go find Narek?Ó
Lilliana looked down at her hands in her lap. ÒNo. I won’t.Ó
ÒWhat about that mark on your chest?Ó
ÒIt wasn’t a mating mark. It was a healing mark. Narek never did anything to me. It was temporary.Ó She pulled down her shirt and Kagome saw that the crescent mark was gone.
Kagome crossed her arms and said, finally, the question that was on her mind since the battle. ÒYou owe me an explanation. I haven’t told the family about the deal you struck with Narek because of your actions in the final battle.Ó
Lilliana didn’t look up. She rubbed her hand over her broken arm nervously. ÒWhat do you want to know?Ó
ÒEverything. What your connection to Narek is, and what you agreed to do for him.Ó
Lilliana sighed. She dug into her pocket and pulled out the old photograph. She showed it to Kagome. ÒRemember this? I lied when I said who the oldest son was in the picture. That’s Narek. I knew him when I was human. When you came to experiment on how to use your power, I remembered everything. And once I knew that Narek and man in my memories were one and the same, I had to find him to see if he remembered as well and why he was fighting against us. I confronted him and he told that he did remember. He also told me the truth: that he was planning to kill the king.Ó
ÒFrom then I knew that Chase was alive. I didn’t know that all our family members were still alive. Narek told me that he couldn’t tell me everything because it would ruin what he and Chase, and a woman named Lucy had planned. I agreed not to tell the family what he was scheming as long as he promised not to hurt anyone else. He agreed on the condition that I still play along as his enemy.Ó
ÒAnd your connection with him?Ó Kagome pressed, giving the picture back to her.
ÒDo you really want to know?Ó
ÒYes.Ó
Lilliana ran her fingers over the black and white photograph. She took a deep breath and then began with her story. ÒMy motherÉI’m sure that she loved me, but she didn’t show it in a way a child could understand. My father was a businessman so he would be gone from months on end attending to his business. I stayed with my mother on our family’s farm. Everyday, I’d do chores, or study, and it was never good enough for my mother. She’d say, ‘How do you expect to get a husband if you can’t cook, or clean, or even carry on a good conversation?’Ó
Lilliana smiled to herself. Kagome stayed quiet, sensing that there was more. ÒI wasn’t allowed to play with the other children in my village because my mother didn’t want to ruin the ‘mature’ image that I had. I was lonely. Back then, people would get married at a younger age and my mother felt that it was best to start training me to be a dutiful wife as early as six years old. A year later, she told me to prepare because my father was coming for a visit and he was brining his best friend with him to stay with us for a few days.Ó
ÒI did all my chores and then ran away when my mother was busy. I went up to the hills behind my house to pick flowers, but I lost track of time. The sun went down and I couldn’t find my way back home. I fell and twisted my ankle on the way down and I got lost.Ó
ÒIt was Narek who found me. He and his father had joined my father and had come to look for me. He bandaged my ankle and carried me on his back all the way home. Mother was furious. She ordered Narek to put down. As punishment for getting lost, she wouldn’t let me stay on his back. She yelled and scolded me in front of my father and the guests, but what she didn’t realize, was that Narek had been holding my hand the whole time. He didn’t let go of my hand until after she was finished. After I was dismissed to get some rest, I heard him say, ‘I don’t mean to be rude but, don’t you think you were a little hard on her?’Ó
ÒI was seven, he was seventeen, but he was so kind to me. He’d help me with my chores when my ankle was hurting and he brought me a book to read when I couldn’t move. I’d think about him every time he was away. He would visit with his father every summer until I turned twelve, and he’d bring me a new book each time. At the time, I didn’t know why it felt like something was squeezing me from inside whenever I was with him, or why it hurt when he was away. I didn’t know until the last time I saw him before I became a nightwalker.Ó
ÒI was twelve. Narek had visited my house without his father that time. He was learning to be a doctor, and he had come over to tell some good news. I thought that he had already passed his test and was now a full-fledged doctor, but that wasn’t the reason he visited. I had been feeding the chickens at the time, when I saw him. My mother spotted us talking and had Narek come in for some coffee. When I went to give my mother and Narek their drinks I heard them talking.Ó
ÒI heard my mother say, ‘So I heard that you’re engaged. That’s wonderful.’ I stopped. I didn’t go into the room. Something was hurting me, and I didn’t know what it was. I served the coffee without looking at Narek and ran out of the room just as my mother was about to tell me something. I avoided him all day and didn’t see him when he left. I only found a book in my bedroom, a rose on my pillow-I had always told him that I loved roses-and a letter I never read. It might have been a wedding invitation, I don’t know. Two years later, the genocide started and IÉkilled myself after killing the Turkish soldier who was assaulting me. Rukiya found me and you know the rest.Ó
Kagome was silent for a while and then she said, ÒWhen you went to him, you did know that he wasn’t the same man you remembered, right.Ó
ÒYes, but I had to know what happened to the kind, young man I had fallen in love with as a child. I thought I had buried those feelings away just like I had buried my memories. Then Narek showed that side of himself, I had to know why he was working for the king. I think part of him still exists in the man he is nowÉbut I won’t go after him.Ó
ÒWhy not?Ó Kagome asked.
ÒNarek will always be a traitor to our family. And he knows this too. That’s why. I won’t betray the people I love for something in the past. You remind me of myself Kagome. We were both tortured by the people we care about, but, unlike you, I don’t think I can forgive Narek, not after everything he’s done, and even if it was done with good intentions. I won’t forgive him.Ó
Kagome shook her head. ÒI didn’t think I could forgive Inuyasha either. And for a while, I didn’t want to. But he’s tried his best to make it up to me. I can’t say that I love him like you love Narek, but I do care about him enough to want to make something work.Ó
Kagome stood. ÒI’m going to go rest.Ó
ÒKagome?Ó
ÒI won’t tell the family about you and Narek. Everything you do from here on is your decision. But if I were you, and I knew I loved someoneÉI don’t think I’d want to give that up, at least not without resolving it.Ó
Lilliana didn’t reply. She turned her head to look out the window. ÒThank you.Ó
YES! I’m done! And this chapter came out just as perfectly as I thought it would! WHOHOOO! Oh also, this isn’t the VERY last chapter. Keep your eyes open. Anyway, please read and review, and wish me luck on my FINALS. Thanks again for your patience and sorry for the grammar mistakes.
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