InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Persistence ❯ Chapter 5 ( Chapter 5 )

Side note: Inuyasha smelled “something familiar” in Kagome's room BEFORE the mysterious being was in her bedroom.

 

Okay, just a heads up - I might be a little more, um, free with my writing in this chapter. You can pretty much tell I'm writing this just to get it over with and get on with the story. Forgive how weak and silly this might be. Work has been a pain in my rear lately and my car is taunting me constantly with problems so this is posted a few days late from what I intended.

 

[Disclaimer - I own nothing… except a car and a house but neither are Inuyasha. Poo ]

 

Chapter 5 - The Battle

 

As the group neared Naraku's hiding place, emotions were tense and alert. Everyone was prepared for the battle ahead. Shippo was instructed by Sesshomaru to stay back with Rin and help Jaken protect her. Shippo dared not to argue with Sesshomaru, opting instead to do his best. No one had discussed what was going to happen once the jewel was completed after Naraku was defeated. It seemed as if the topic was being avoided for fear of breaking up the camaraderie. All along Inuyasha had struggled, often telling others that when the jewel was completed he would wish to be a full demon. However, since the occurrences of his demon blood taking over, he seemed more and more hesitant in answering the `what do we do with the jewel?' question.

 

It was Sesshomaru who first alerted the group by falling into a battle stance, his eyes trained on the area around them. Kagome thought it odd that Naraku would come for them out in the open fields. She always figured him to use the landscape to his advantage, using the forest to hide and cause confusion.

 

“And so it begins,” he stated, his voice low and calculating. It wasn't long before the rest of the group heard and smelled what Sesshomaru had moments before. A thick miasma slowly rolled into the clearing followed by saimyosho, Kagura, and of course Naraku. Stunned, the group gawked as they saw Naraku was in human form with his armor but was lacking his usual arachnid-like appendages along with the hoard of demons that typically accompanies him.

 

“So, you finally decided to show up, did you?” Sesshomaru said, his eyes staring coldly at the group in front of them. “Where are your demons and minions?”

 

“Should we not settle this one to one?” Naraku cooed, “Fair is fair, after all.”

 

“You do not know the meaning of fair,” Sesshomaru scoffed, unsheathing his sword.

 

Behind him Inuyasha stared with a scowl but his eyes darted to the left to a rustling noise where he saw two figures emerge from the forest.

 

“Kikyo…” he whispered, surprise and longing evident in his voice.

 

“Kohaku…” Sango gasped, seeing her younger brother standing slightly behind Kikyo.

 

Kagome heard Inuyasha's tone and deflated a little. I'm not going to get him after this battle is done, am I? she thought to herself dismally. She then steeled herself, her brows drawing down and her lips settling into a line. There's nothing I can do - they loved each other first, before I came into the picture. It was at this time that Kagome decided she would go home when the jewel was complete. She felt that she didn't belong here, in the feudal era. Where ever she went people gawked at her (it didn't help that her school uniform, which was very comfortable, was rather revealing), people stared when she talked and people were often confused with words she used and the items she carried with her. She mused that she would also really miss hot baths whenever she wants and technology. I'm tired of traveling back and forth - I want to be in one place and enjoy life she sighed.

 

As Kagome struggled with her thoughts, Kikyo and Kohaku joined the Inu-group.

 

“Today is the end, Naraku,” Kikyo stated in a low, hollow voice.

 

Naraku lifted his lip in a snarl. “We'll see about that, Kikyo,” he spat. “Kagura, you take Inuyasha and his friends. Kikyo is mine.”

 

And so the battle began with clashing of swords, rustling of wind and debris. Pebbles flew around them, smacking against and slashing their skin. Shockwaves from sword blows rocked the ground. Shippo watched from a nearby area with Jaken and Rin. He really wanted to go help them fight but knew better than to leave Rin unprotected.

 

While Sango, Miroku, and Kagome worked on trying to distract Kagura, Inuyasha went after Naraku to help Kikyo and Sesshomaru eliminated the saimyosho to make things easier. Inuyasha fired the Wind Scar at Naraku which severed his left arm. Suddenly, a burst of demons flowed from the wound. Naraku cackled.

 

“You're right, I don't fight fair. But why should I when it's so much fun to watch all your faces?” he growled. Sango and Miroku fought off the flow of demons coming from Naraku while Sesshomaru joined Kagome in warding off Kagura's attacks. Kagura let loose her Dance of Dragons which headed straight for Kagome. Struck with a sudden case of `deer-caught-in-head-lights', she paused, convinced this was the end for her.

 

Stupid girl Sesshomaru thought as he flash-stepped over to Kagome, wrapping his arm around her waist and pulling her a safe distance away. Before letting her go, he leaned down, his cheek brushing against the outer curve of her ear, and whispered, “I will not harm you but she will, Kagome. Stay focused.” Sesshomaru let out a deep, menacing growl and sprinted away.

 

Kagome felt a wave of tingles wash down her back when his cheek brushed against her ear and felt his warm breath caress her cheek. Her heart beat even faster than it already was when it registered that he had said her name. I always knew that he knew my name but he's never used it before. Why now? Am I close to death and he thought he'd grace me with this one opportunity? Kagome shoved her thoughts to the background as she dashed out of the way of one of Kagura's flying blades. Looking ahead of her, Kagome saw Sesshomaru descend upon Kagura and slash through her body with Tokijin, successfully cutting her body in half. The look in his eyes conveyed unadulterated rage as they had turned red and his hair and clothing were flying around him by his aura. Kagura fell to the ground, sputtering, gasping, and wailing for a few seconds before her body dissolved into dust and blew away. Kagome, who had watched the whole spectacle, stared at Sesshomaru. He looked absolutely feral in his current state and he looked straight at her, catching her eyes as they shared a silent moment.

 

Miroku and Sango killed the last of the demons that spewed out of Naraku and set down by Kagome.

 

“Kagome, Inuyasha wants you to shoot an arrow the same time as Kikyo. He's going to let loose his Adamant Barrage at the same time,” Sango said, struggling to breathe between words.

 

“Right,” Kagome nodded, schooling her face into a serious expression before knocking an arrow.

 

“Kagome! Kikyo… NOW!” Kikyo and Kagome let their sacred arrows fly toward Naraku as Inuyasha swung his sword, releasing the Adamant Barrage. In a flash of light the arrows collided with Naraku's flesh, setting into motion a collection of sickening noises. There was the sound of bubbling, sizzling flesh right before Inuyasha's Adamant Barrage struck him, creating sloppy thwacking noises. Afraid to cover their eyes for fear that Naraku would use it as an escape, the group watched as he melted into a mess of gurgling puss before it faded to grey and disintegrated. The group, stunned at Naraku's disappearance stared at the spot he had previously occupied and saw the 9/10ths complete Shikon no Tama, purified and glowing a soft pink.

 

“I.. is that it? Is it done?” Inuyasha asked, breathing heavily but remaining alert. Miroku gasped loudly, falling to the ground and clutching his right hand.

 

“Miroku! Are you okay? What is it?” Sango asked, huddling next to him.

 

“My hand, it.. it stings horribly,” he grunted, the fingers on his right hand flexing spastically. He shared a look of hope with Sango before bracing himself, clenching his eyes shut, and ripping the prayer beads from his hand. When nothing happened Sango reached over and shakily folded back the cloth to reveal the smooth skin of Miroku's palm. Sango cried out and launched herself into Miroku's lap, his arms wrapping naturally around her tightly.

 

There was much celebration (yaaay!). The group gleefully cheered and hugged one another. At the same time, Sesshomaru picked up the incomplete jewel and handed it to Kagome.

 

“Your responsibilities are not yet complete, Miko,” he drawled, placing the jewel in her cupped hands. She looked down at the jewel and then up at Sesshomaru, studying his face for any indication of why he brought it to her and not Kikyo. She nodded, “Thank you Sesshomaru-sama.”

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Night had fallen and a fire was made in the clearing. Miroku and Sango sat together, fingers entwined. On the opposite side of the fire Inuyasha and Kikyo mirrored the other couple. Shippo and Kirara napped next to Sango. Everyone looks like they're at peace so why do I have this empty feeling inside of me? She sat between the couples, across from Sesshomaru, Rin, and Jaken. Kagome sighed. She needed to make a decision about what to do with the jewel. It has to be a self-less wish. She looked around the camp fire. Sango and Miroku are together now that the Wind Tunnel is gone. Inuyasha did as he promised and protected Kikyo… but she's still undead and he's still a half-demon. I don't know what to do. I have one day to decide.

 

“I need to go for a walk, guys. I'll be back in a little bit,” she said as she stood up. Sango exchanged understanding glances with her, something they had developed over their travels together. Sango nodded and Kagome smiled weakly before she headed toward an outcropping of rocks on the far side of the clearing, far enough away for no one to hear her if she decides to talk herself through her decision.

 

She slipped her shoes off and walked on the cool grass, the blades gently stroking her feet as she walked. The sky was as clear as it's been in a long while. Tilting her head back, Kagome admired what she would never be able to see in Tokyo. The sky was blanketed in uncountable stars, twinkling down at her. Kagome sat down on the ground and flopped back to lay on the soft grass. She folded her hands and placed them behind her head. Options roamed through her mind, bumping and blending into one another. She closed her eyes and tried to sort her thoughts into something comprehendible. One thing was for sure: she wanted to go home. She didn't feel like she belonged here in the feudal era which she rightfully didn't.

 

“Naraku may not be a threat any longer, Miko, but that does not mean you should lay about in clearings with your eyes closed without putting up a barrier.”

 

Kagome cracked an eye open and looked up to see the looming figure of Sesshomaru standing over her. His armor was gone again as were his swords. A light breeze lifted his hair gently to wisp around his figure, moving his silken clothing gently. “What do you want, Sesshomaru? Couldn't stand being civil around Inuyasha?”

 

Sesshomaru snorted and looked to the distance then back at Kagome. “They were… being overly familiar with one another,” he muttered, sounding disgusted and annoyed. Kagome covered her mouth to stifle a smirk but the smirk grew into laughter which grew into Kagome lying on her back, clutching her stomach as tears rolled down her cheeks. It is good to hear her laugh again. Sesshomaru looked down at her disapprovingly, “you find my discomfort amusing?”

 

Kagome sat up and wiped her eyes as her laughter faded to hiccups. “I'm sorry, I just never expected to hear that from you,” she said.

 

“Hnn,” was all he said in response. She stared up at him for a moment before sighing. “It's over. I have no reason to be here anymore,” she mused. “If I don't leave, I'll never see my family again. I'll never get to graduate high school, watch Souta grow up, go to college, get married, have my own family… there's nothing for me here. Miroku and Sango have each other and Inuyasha and Kikyo have one another. I'd just get in the way if I stayed.” Sesshomaru remained standing over her, listening to her talk. “But, if I go home, I'll never see any of you again.”

 

Sesshomaru looked down at Kagome. “Demons live for a long time, Miko,” he said matter-of-factly. She returned his look with a confused one of her own, unsure of what he meant or was implying. “Sesshomaru-sama, there aren't demons in my time,” she said sadly.

 

“This Sesshomaru suspects that, by your time, demons will have found ways to blend in so that they are undetectable to humans,” he smugly stated. Kagome smirked at the confident demon standing above her and continued to look at the starry sky. Such confidence.

 

 

 

Early the next morning the group gathered their belongings and continued to travel, arriving at Kaede's village by early afternoon. Late last night Kagome had made her decision about her wish and felt as if a heavy weight had been lifted from her shoulders.

 

“Kagome-san! You're leaving?” Rin whined, clutching to Kagome's legs as tears began to form in her eyes. “Rin hoped that you would stay and teach her and Shippo how to read and write.” Kagome tried to push it back but she couldn't suppress the thick feeling she had in her throat. Her nose and eyes began to tickle.

 

“I'm sorry, Rin. I have to go back home,” she choked out, hot tears brimming her eyes. “I promise I'll never forget you, okay? You be good for Sesshomaru-sama, okay?”

 

Rin pouted but nodded. Kagome hugged her tight, stroking her hair gently. Kagome said more tearful goodbyes to Miroku, Sango, Kirara, and less tearfully to Jaken.

 

Shippo jumped into her arms, wailing in distress and clinging to her shirt. “Kagome, don't go! Who will take care of me? I don't want you to go!” he sobbed, tears streaming down his face. “Oh Shippo,” Kagome choked, clutching the kit to her in a warm, loving embrace.

 

“It'll be okay, Shippo. You can come live with us,” Miroku called out soothingly.

 

“We'll watch after him, too, Kagome,” Inuyasha said quietly. She nodded and set Shippo down, who scampered over to Miroku and jumped up to sit on his right shoulder.

 

Kagome finally stood before Inuyasha and Kikyo. “Inuyasha, I…” she started before she was pulled into a smothering hug by Inuyasha. He had buried his face in her hair and she smiled, hugging him back and resting her face against his shoulders. When she pulled back, there were wet spots from her tears on his haori.

 

“I'll never forget you, Kagome,” he choked out, his own eyes glistening with tears. “You taught me that it's okay to be who I am and that I should find strength in being myself.”

 

“Oh Inuyasha,” she cried, laughing at his tender words. She fingered the subjugation beads that were still strung around his neck. She moved to take them off but his hand caught her wrist and stopped her.

 

“No. These will stay,” he said quietly, a small smile on his face. Kagome smiled back at him.

 

Kagome turned and bowed politely to Sesshomaru. “Thank you, Sesshomaru-sama, for your help in defeating Naraku.”

 

“There is no need to thank me, Miko. I had a score to settle with that despicable demon. He had it coming to him,” he said, not meeting her eyes.

 

“Right,” she said, bowing again.

 

Kagome walked over to the well and stood on the ledge with her tattered yellow backpack slung over her shoulders. She held the completed Shikon no Tama in her hands. Closing her eyes, she made her wish. Her hair began to billow gently before it was flying frantically around her. The jewel began to glow a hot, burning white before the light faded and there was no jewel left in her hand. Looking down, Kagome smiled when she saw that her wish had worked. A single tear cascaded down her cheek as she looked up at all of her friends. Without a word, she smiled and hopped back , effectively taking her last trip down the Bone Eaters Well.

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Yes, cliffy. Review and let me know. I'll start Chapter 6 quite soon.