InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Separation ❯ New Adventures ( Chapter 2 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: King Baka 
New adventures begin on both sides of the well, and a fresh encounter with an old love.
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Adventure / Action / Romance | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 07.27.2008 | Updated On: 10.14.2013 | Pages: 3 | Words: 5.1K | Visits: 1.8K | Status: Completed
New adventures begin on both sides of the well, and a fresh encounter with an old love.
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Adventure / Action / Romance | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 07.27.2008 | Updated On: 10.14.2013 | Pages: 3 | Words: 5.1K | Visits: 1.8K | Status: Completed
Disclaimer: I don’t own Inuyasha or any of the publicly known characters, plot, etc. I’m just renting them from Rumiko Takahashi, Viz, etc. I do own the plot of this story and any original characters I’ve created. I will make no money from this fic; I write for my own enjoyment and the enjoyment of my readers.
Fanfiction of the Week: Secret Love, Secret Power & Fatal Lies, Forsaken Hearts (sequel), by Silent Sky (fanfiction.net)
New Adventures
Kagome woke up groggily the next morning, not feeling her best. She slowly opened her eyes, and after wiping the green gunk from them turned to glance at her alarm clock. 10:32! I slept that late?
Then again, considering the current state of her body, she wasn’t that surprised. Every muscle seemed to ache, her stomach rumbled with the beginnings of nausea, and just the thought of getting up was making her dizzy. I’m so stupid…why couldn’t I have done my moping inside? She wanted to stay in bed all day, but knew that wasn’t going to happen; she did have studying to do, after all. Besides that, nature was calling, and the insistent throbbing of her bladder told her it wasn’t going to wait much longer. Throwing back the covers, she shakily rose to her feet. Instantly her sweaty, clammy skin was hit with a wave of cool air, chilling her to the bone. This is either a really bad cold or the flu; I hope I can go take my tests on Monday.
Then again, school and tests had quickly declined in importance since yesterday, when she realized she could no longer travel to the feudal era. It was almost funny, really. When she was in the past she had tried to make her education a priority, always griping to Inuyasha about going home and studying. Now that she was stuck in the present, she realized that what she truly wanted was to spend time with Inuyasha and the others, school be damned! What is it they say? You don’t realize how important something is until it is taken away? I’d have to agree. Feeling a few tears start to line the corners of her eyes, she thought back to her mother’s words the previous night. Mama’s right. Inuyasha will come for me; I just have to hold myself together until he finds a way to fix the well. With that mantra dancing through her mind, Kagome dried her eyes and shuffled off to the bathroom.
When she emerged, she was greeted by her mother, who had apparently heard her fumbling about upstairs.
“Are you feeling any better, dear?”
“Nope. I think I might have the flu,” Kagome responded, adding a snuffle for good measure.
“Well, do you think you could stomach some soup?” At her daughter’s nod, Mrs. Higurashi continued, “Why don’t you take a hot bath while I make it? You’re shivering.”
Kagome thought about it for a moment. She was hungry and cold, and a hot bath did sound really good…
“Okay, Mama,” she said, turning to reenter the bathroom. Pausing, she looked over her shoulder and declared, “Mama, you’re the best.”
Mrs. Higurashi chuckled. “I know, dear, but it’s still good to hear it.”
That brought an answering chuckle from her daughter. It’s good to see her laugh again. Though she knew Kagome would not be truly happy until she saw Inuyasha again. And she truly did believe that the hanyou would try his hardest to make that reunion possible. She could only hope that her high opinion of Inuyasha was not mistaken.
“Calm down, Inuyasha,” Miroku replied, trying to placate the hanyou. “As you just said, Sango and I are human. Therefore, if we’re going to undertake a long journey, we need some food in our stomachs. Now sit down and have breakfast with us.”
Huffing, Inuyasha plopped down on the floor, crossing his arms childishly. Miroku shook his head and sighed. He understood Inuyasha’s desire to set out as soon as possible, but he also knew that discretion was the greater part of valor. They did not know what to expect from the youkai they were seeking and needed to be at their peak fighting strength.
“Kaede-sama,” he asked, “where exactly is this mountain you spoke of?”
“I believe it is located a few days journey north of here. According to rumor, there is a small group of mountains and the youkai lives near the peak of the tallest one. It is said that the air around the mountains carries a distinctive odor, one I’m sure Inuyasha will have no problem detecting.”
Inuyasha snorted. “Well if we’re ever gonna get there we need to get moving. I know you humans won’t want to travel at night.”
Several pairs of eyes twitched in annoyance at that comment. They could only hope that Inuyasha would be more agreeable once they got on the road. That hope turned out to be only partially in vain. Once the five intrepid travelers began their journey, the hanyou chose to remain silent and walk at the head of the group. Though he was clearly still as surly as before, at least he wasn’t yelling at them. They traveled all day, not stopping until the sun began to sink below the horizon. Inuyasha went to catch dinner from a nearby stream while Sango and Miroku set up camp.
Returning to his comrades, Inuyasha tossed the fish on the ground. “Here’s your fish. Eat and then get to sleep. I’m waking your asses up early tomor—”
Inuyasha cut himself off abruptly, his eyes widening. Looking up, the other members of the Inu-gang could see why. Kikyou’s shinidamachu were hovering over the campsite, silently beckoning the hanyou to follow. Inuyasha grimaced; this was bad timing. Though at least this time, he reflected, he wouldn’t have to worry about making Kagome upset. Somehow that thought didn’t make him feel any better. Wordlessly, he stalked past his friends toward the youkai. The sound of his name on Shippou’s lips had him turning back to face the fox kit, who wore as serious an expression as Inuyasha had ever seen him assume.
“Come back to us, Inuyasha,” he muttered quietly.
Inuyasha was dumbfounded, taken aback by the request. How can he think so little of me, that as soon as Kagome’s gone I would run off with Kikyou?!
Angered, Inuyasha replied harshly. “Don’t worry about me, runt. Mind your own damn business.” With that, he spun and leapt into the forest. Shippou plopped down on the ground, face in his hands, as Kirara nestled up to him in an attempt to provide comfort. He had already lost one dear friend, and was petrified of losing another.
Sango broke the silence first. “Do you also think it odd, Houshi-sama, that Kikyou would appear so soon after Kagome was banished?”
Miroku frowned in consternation. “Yes, I agree, Sango. It is strange, but we do not have any evidence that links Kikyou with Kagome’s disappearance. If Inuyasha had found any sign of Kikyou at the well, he would not have been able to hide it from us. When it comes to Kikyou, Inuyasha wears his emotions on his haori.” Miroku paused briefly, contemplating his next words carefully. “We shall have to trust in his devotion to Kagome. I, for one, do not believe he would abandon her so easily.”
“I trust Inuyasha!” Shippou exclaimed, his eyes shining with tears. “It’s Kikyou I don’t trust!”
Both adults turned surprised expressions toward him, as the true meaning behind the kit’s plea sank in. Miroku tried to reassure him.
“Do not worry, Shippou. Inuyasha may be a simpleton, but even he is not stupid enough to fall for the same trick twice.”
Miroku delivered his statement with an air of confidence, but no one at the campsite could say they held no doubts. Would this night be the last time they ever saw Inuyasha?
But this was different. He had already admitted his desire to get Kagome back; he had even prioritized it over the jewel, for crying out loud! So why the hell would the runt think I would just leave with Kikyou? She doesn’t even want to take me to hell, does she? He knew it was Kikyou’s eventual desire that the two of them be reunited in the underworld, but it had been so long since the last time she asked him about it. It had been a while since he had even thought about joining Kikyou in hell, and he was somewhat surprised to detect uncertainty in his emotions regarding the prospect. At one point in time I was ready to go to hell with her once my obligations to this world were fulfilled, but now? He sighed; it was so easy to put off tough decisions until after the quest was completed, but this one bore reflecting upon now. Was dying for Kikyou the only way to help her find peace, to fulfill his duty to her?
An unpleasant but familiar scent reached his nose, jolting Inuyasha back to the present. Taking a moment to gather his scattered thoughts, he pressed forward through the remaining brush until he reached the clearing where Kikyou waited. The dead miko studied him for a moment before sliding from her tree branch and gliding towards him. She stopped a few feet away, examining him for another moment before breaking the awkward silence.
“Inuyasha, you came.” Her tone indicated doubt, which was entirely unwarranted as far as Inuyasha was concerned.
“I always do, don’t I?” he replied, slightly annoyed.
“Yes, but I was not sure you would come this time, with the situation the way it is.”
“Wh-what?!” he gasped. What does she mean? Does she know about Kagome? How could she possibly know?
“So she has not sensed it,” Kikyou declared knowingly. “My reincarnation knows so very little of this world. Whether she realizes it or not, we are connected because of our shared soul. I can sense when she is in this world, and when she crosses over to her world I feel a great distance come between us. Now, I cannot feel her presence at all. Tell me, Inuyasha, what has happened to my reincarnation?”
Kikyou watched as Inuyasha contemplated her story, knowing he would believe her. The hanyou did not have it in him to mistrust her, not after doing so had resulted in her untimely death fifty years ago. Right on cue, Inuyasha raised his gaze, no suspicion present in his golden orbs.
“Naraku sealed up the portal. Neither of us can get through,” he admitted guiltily.
Kikyou gazed at him in mock sympathy. “What will you do now, Inuyasha?” she inquired gently.
When the hanyou answered, the miko was not surprised by the determination in his voice. What did shock her, however, was the actual substance of his declaration. She had been expecting a crude affirmation of his desire to rip Naraku to shreds, but what he actually said was very different.
“I’m going to get Kagome back. We’re off to see a youkai who may be able to break Naraku’s spell.”
For a brief moment, Kikyou’s emotionless mask lifted, revealing genuine astonishment. So that’s where he’s been heading all day. Quickly she restored her neutral expression, before posing her next question.
“I see. So you intend to bring Kagome back to this world?”
“Yes, I do,” Inuyasha replied warily, not liking where this conversation was going. His trepidation was justified when Kikyou scowled, finally allowing her pent up bitterness and anger to surface.
“Why, Inuyasha?! She does not belong here, and she will be safe in her time. Your responsibilities to her are at an end. It is time for you to fulfill your obligations to me!”
Inuyasha’s mind raced, struggling to come up with something to say under Kikyou’s wrathful glare. “B-but what about the Shikon no Tama, and Nara—”
“I care not for those things!” Taking a moment to compose herself, Kikyou lowered her voice as she continued, “I care only for you, and your promise to join me in hell.” In that instant, Inuyasha once again glimpsed the Kikyou of old, the sad, lonely miko seeking companionship. The vision made it even more difficult to say what he needed to say.
“Kikyou…I’m sorry, but I’ve decided. I will get Kagome back and destroy Naraku. I will not be able to rest in peace until I have done at least those two things.”
His words were not lost on the dead miko. So he does not intend to let her go, does he? I had hoped it would not come to this. Glowering at a nearby tree, she refused to meet his eyes as she delivered a biting remark.
“As if that girl could ever care for you as much as I…”
Inuyasha gasped, his mind racing over Kikyou’s latest slight at Kagome. Kikyou, you’re wrong. Kagome does care about me, a lot. She said…she said she loves me. Yes, back then she had even shouted the sentiment. When he had nearly lost her to Naraku’s baby, he had heard her declaration of love as clear as day just before he crashed through the wall. He had never mentioned it, and he knew Kagome thought he hadn’t heard her. That was the way he wanted to keep it. Their friendship had grown stronger over time, and the last thing Inuyasha wanted to do was ruin it by exposing feelings that were supposed to remain secret. Besides, what if he had misunderstood her? What if she didn’t mean that kind of love? And what if she did mean it? How did he feel about her? It was far easier to think about Kagome’s feelings than his own, he mused. He contemplated them often enough, and they kept him going through the hard times. The possibility that someone cared so much for him, maybe even loved him, was a balm to his soul. He was so much more relaxed and confident when she was with him. Her current absence was making him realize just how much he liked, even loved, having Kagome by his side.
Inuyasha…forget about her. Come with me…
The voice belonged to Kikyou, but it appeared inside his mind with an ethereal quality to it. He felt a remarkable sensation wash over him, pulling him into restful oblivion as his mind began to shut down. Belatedly he realized he had felt this sensation once before. Kikyou…she’s trying to take me to hell! He tried to resist, but the slow numbing of his consciousness was only slightly arrested.
Forget her, Inuyasha…forget this world and come with me. It is far better than living and never being able to forget about me, is it not?
She had said something very similar the first time she tried to drag him to hell, Inuyasha reflected. Back then, he had almost agreed with her. He had been ready to join Kikyou in the afterlife, but his worldly responsibilities had stopped him. Avenging Kikyou was at the forefront of his thoughts, and his soul would not rest until it had witnessed the destruction of Naraku. Now, he resisted his former love with a tenacity she had never seen in him before. He had a new, much more powerful reason to stay in this world, to live. I can’t forget Kikyou, but I can’t forget Kagome either. I have to see her again! I…I want to be by Kagome’s side! Raw determination rose within him, his heart emanating wave after wave of intense emotion. The numbness was receding, giving way to the sheer force of his desire. Suddenly, Kikyou’s spell was broken, and Inuyasha leapt from her embrace, landing in a crouch several yards away. He spent several long moments gasping for breath and gathering the scattered pieces of his mind. Finally, he rose to his feet and gazed at his former love once more. She was standing in a waist-deep crater, looking at him with eyes filled with sadness, anger, betrayal, and too many other emotions to name. In a voice consumed with despair, she spoke.
“Is that girl more precious?”
Inuyasha grimaced. The last time she had asked him that question he had only managed a very eloquent ‘Kikyou’ in reply. This time, however, he would give her an answer. She tried to end my life, again. How could she? Kikyou’s changed; the woman I once loved would never have wished for my death. Kaede and the others tried to tell me she was just a shell of her former self, but I didn’t see it until now. Blinded by his guilt, he had been unable to see Kikyou as she truly was, instead imagining the miko he knew fifty years ago. How could he not? The years spent in slumber pinned to the tree seemed like the blink of an eye. One moment Kikyou was impaling him with her arrow and the next Kagome had burst into the clearing pursued by the centipede youkai. That’s right; Kikyou shot me, but I didn’t go after her at all. I just wanted to steal the jewel and get the hell away from the village. We were tricked because I didn’t trust Kikyou, but she didn’t trust me either. What happened fifty years ago, it was as much her fault as it was mine. I don’t owe Kikyou my life. Inuyasha felt an enormous burden being lifted from his shoulders. The blame he had assumed ever since Kikyou’s resurrection dissipated as his conscience finally eased. He knew he would never completely forgive himself for her premature demise, but at least now he could live in the present, without being haunted by the past. Decision made, Inuyasha straightened to his full height and favored Kikyou with a solemn stare.
“Kikyou…I will avenge you and slay Naraku, but after that, my obligations end. I…I won’t be going to hell with you. I want to live, Kikyou. I hope that, someday, you find peace.”
Then, unable to take the suffocating silence any longer, Inuyasha turned and darted into the forest. He truly was leaving the past behind him, and sprinting towards a new future. With each step he felt more free, emancipated from the shackles that had bound him. He would always care for Kikyou, but she could no longer claim ownership of his soul. He skidded to a halt as a new thought struck his brain. I don’t love Kikyou anymore. The startling thing was that he felt no remorse; it was just a fact, like it was a fact that he was a hanyou. Had he ever truly loved her? Could you have love without trust? He and Kikyou had shared mutual loneliness and companionship, and back then he would have called it love. Now he wasn’t so sure; it seemed that love could mean so much more. Selfless devotion, absolute acceptance, complete trust; Kagome had shown him all these and more. Maybe she really does love me.
Now he knew that Kikyou had never truly loved him. And he had never loved Kikyou either. Their affection was born from misfortune and loneliness, and never blossomed into the type of relationship he now enjoyed with Kagome. Kagome…when he thought of her his insides grew warm and his heart thudded harder in his chest. A wave of emotion crested over him. Everything he felt for Kikyou paled in comparison to what he felt for her reincarnation. Kagome really has become more important to me. But how important? Was she his best friend, or more than that? Did he want more?
Inuyasha shook his head. It was too soon after his encounter with Kikyou to be contemplating such things. Besides, the forest had darkened since he left his friends, and he did not feel like spending this night alone, with only the trees to share his company. As he jogged back to camp, Shippou’s parting words came back to him, ‘Come back to us, Inuyasha.’ Ah, fuck. That’s what the runt meant! He suspected that Kikyou would try to take me to hell tonight. Reluctantly, Inuyasha was forced to admit that the kit deserved an apology. Dammit. He hated apologies. Give him a thousand youkai to fight instead of making him admit he was sorry. But that was just what he had to do, especially given the faint scent of tears hanging around the campsite. Checking to make sure the humans were asleep, he nudged the fox kit awake.
“Inuyasha, you’re back!” Shippou exclaimed.
“Shhh! Shut up, baka!” Inuyasha paused, swiveling his ears around to make sure the others were still in slumber. Satisfied, he sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck with his hand before continuing. “Uh, ru—I mean, Shippou. I just wanted to say…uh, I’m sorry for what I said before.”
And possibly for the first time ever, Shippou found himself speechless. He stuttered for several moments as he tried to come up with an appropriate response. Fortunately, or unfortunately depending on your perspective, he didn’t have to.
“Awww, how sweet!”
Sango’s voice had Inuyasha nearly jumping out of his hakama. When he turned around, he spied both the slayer and the monk smirking at him, amusement sparkling in their eyes.
“Yes, Inuyasha,” Miroku chimed in, “that was a very nice apology.”
His face flaming to match the color of his haori, Inuyasha huffed in embarrassment. “I…you…screw you people!”
With that the hanyou leapt into the low branches of a nearby tree, crossing his arms and settling against the trunk as laughter echoed around the campsite. Sobering, Miroku attempted to placate Inuyasha’s infamous temper.
“We really are glad you came back, Inuyasha.”
“Stuff it!”
The hanyou’s retort set off a new round of laughter. Eventually, the mirth died down and the tired travelers once again settled down for the night. Inuyasha grumped from his perch; his face was still red but he could not help the small smile that forced its way there. Yes, his friends enjoyed making fun of him, but they were his friends, and he wouldn’t trade them for the world.
“Kagome, dear, are you okay?”
“Yes, Mama, I’m fine. Same as the last twenty times you’ve checked on me,” she finished wryly.
“I’m sorry, dear, but I can’t help but worry. I’m not used to seeing you actually sick,” Mrs. Higurashi replied as cheerfully as ever. At her daughter’s stricken expression, she realized that her last comment might have been a mistake. Studying was proving a welcome distraction from the anxiety of the feudal era, but she had just gone and ruined it. She was about to once again endeavor to offer reassurances when the door behind her swung open. In marched Kagome’s grandfather, looking none too pleased.
“That’s enough, Kagome! Your mother says you’ve been moping around since you returned through the well. No granddaughter of mine would just sit around waiting to be rescued! If you want to return to the past so badly, get off your fanny and make it happen!”
After Kagome got over her initial shock, she managed to formulate a somewhat eloquent reply. “B-but Jii-chan, there’s nothing I can do. My powers aren’t strong enough to break the seal.”
“Listen up, young lady. You may believe there’s no magic left in this time, but I can assure you that’s not the case. I had an old friend who was always very magically skilled. He could do things with potions and powers that I’d never even dreamed of. He used to own a magic shop down on 14th street, a few blocks away from your school. I made a few calls, and apparently he passed the shop down to his son when he died. I called and told him you would be coming in the next few days. Perhaps there’s something in that shop that can help you.”
After picking her jaw up off the floor, Kagome replied cautiously, “I thought you didn’t like Inuyasha that much.”
“I don’t, but if being with him makes my only granddaughter happy, then that’s where you should be.”
Her eyes filling with grateful tears, Kagome flung herself into her jii-chan’s embrace as she repeated her thanks over and over again.
“Alright, Kagome,” he said, patting her on the back, “now get back to your studying. While you’re here I expect you to bring those marks up!”
“Okay, Jii-chan,” she replied as she released him, allowing the old man to leave the room. How am I supposed to study now? I’m too excited! She tried to calm herself, not wanting to get her hopes up. This magical guy’s son was probably just another crazy person who only wished he had any real power, kind of like her grandfather. Still, she couldn’t help but feel giddy at the opportunity to go out and solve the problem herself. The prospect of sitting home and waiting for Inuyasha to undo the seal was not a pleasant one. She had faith in her hanyou, but the sheer uncertainty of when he would come weighed heavily on her mind. Going out and being proactive about the situation would make her feel much better. Hang on, Inuyasha. I’m coming for you!
Fanfiction of the Week: Secret Love, Secret Power & Fatal Lies, Forsaken Hearts (sequel), by Silent Sky (fanfiction.net)
New Adventures
Kagome woke up groggily the next morning, not feeling her best. She slowly opened her eyes, and after wiping the green gunk from them turned to glance at her alarm clock. 10:32! I slept that late?
Then again, considering the current state of her body, she wasn’t that surprised. Every muscle seemed to ache, her stomach rumbled with the beginnings of nausea, and just the thought of getting up was making her dizzy. I’m so stupid…why couldn’t I have done my moping inside? She wanted to stay in bed all day, but knew that wasn’t going to happen; she did have studying to do, after all. Besides that, nature was calling, and the insistent throbbing of her bladder told her it wasn’t going to wait much longer. Throwing back the covers, she shakily rose to her feet. Instantly her sweaty, clammy skin was hit with a wave of cool air, chilling her to the bone. This is either a really bad cold or the flu; I hope I can go take my tests on Monday.
Then again, school and tests had quickly declined in importance since yesterday, when she realized she could no longer travel to the feudal era. It was almost funny, really. When she was in the past she had tried to make her education a priority, always griping to Inuyasha about going home and studying. Now that she was stuck in the present, she realized that what she truly wanted was to spend time with Inuyasha and the others, school be damned! What is it they say? You don’t realize how important something is until it is taken away? I’d have to agree. Feeling a few tears start to line the corners of her eyes, she thought back to her mother’s words the previous night. Mama’s right. Inuyasha will come for me; I just have to hold myself together until he finds a way to fix the well. With that mantra dancing through her mind, Kagome dried her eyes and shuffled off to the bathroom.
When she emerged, she was greeted by her mother, who had apparently heard her fumbling about upstairs.
“Are you feeling any better, dear?”
“Nope. I think I might have the flu,” Kagome responded, adding a snuffle for good measure.
“Well, do you think you could stomach some soup?” At her daughter’s nod, Mrs. Higurashi continued, “Why don’t you take a hot bath while I make it? You’re shivering.”
Kagome thought about it for a moment. She was hungry and cold, and a hot bath did sound really good…
“Okay, Mama,” she said, turning to reenter the bathroom. Pausing, she looked over her shoulder and declared, “Mama, you’re the best.”
Mrs. Higurashi chuckled. “I know, dear, but it’s still good to hear it.”
That brought an answering chuckle from her daughter. It’s good to see her laugh again. Though she knew Kagome would not be truly happy until she saw Inuyasha again. And she truly did believe that the hanyou would try his hardest to make that reunion possible. She could only hope that her high opinion of Inuyasha was not mistaken.
* * *
“Come on, you lazy humans! If you don’t get your asses moving, I’m gonna leave without you!”“Calm down, Inuyasha,” Miroku replied, trying to placate the hanyou. “As you just said, Sango and I are human. Therefore, if we’re going to undertake a long journey, we need some food in our stomachs. Now sit down and have breakfast with us.”
Huffing, Inuyasha plopped down on the floor, crossing his arms childishly. Miroku shook his head and sighed. He understood Inuyasha’s desire to set out as soon as possible, but he also knew that discretion was the greater part of valor. They did not know what to expect from the youkai they were seeking and needed to be at their peak fighting strength.
“Kaede-sama,” he asked, “where exactly is this mountain you spoke of?”
“I believe it is located a few days journey north of here. According to rumor, there is a small group of mountains and the youkai lives near the peak of the tallest one. It is said that the air around the mountains carries a distinctive odor, one I’m sure Inuyasha will have no problem detecting.”
Inuyasha snorted. “Well if we’re ever gonna get there we need to get moving. I know you humans won’t want to travel at night.”
Several pairs of eyes twitched in annoyance at that comment. They could only hope that Inuyasha would be more agreeable once they got on the road. That hope turned out to be only partially in vain. Once the five intrepid travelers began their journey, the hanyou chose to remain silent and walk at the head of the group. Though he was clearly still as surly as before, at least he wasn’t yelling at them. They traveled all day, not stopping until the sun began to sink below the horizon. Inuyasha went to catch dinner from a nearby stream while Sango and Miroku set up camp.
Returning to his comrades, Inuyasha tossed the fish on the ground. “Here’s your fish. Eat and then get to sleep. I’m waking your asses up early tomor—”
Inuyasha cut himself off abruptly, his eyes widening. Looking up, the other members of the Inu-gang could see why. Kikyou’s shinidamachu were hovering over the campsite, silently beckoning the hanyou to follow. Inuyasha grimaced; this was bad timing. Though at least this time, he reflected, he wouldn’t have to worry about making Kagome upset. Somehow that thought didn’t make him feel any better. Wordlessly, he stalked past his friends toward the youkai. The sound of his name on Shippou’s lips had him turning back to face the fox kit, who wore as serious an expression as Inuyasha had ever seen him assume.
“Come back to us, Inuyasha,” he muttered quietly.
Inuyasha was dumbfounded, taken aback by the request. How can he think so little of me, that as soon as Kagome’s gone I would run off with Kikyou?!
Angered, Inuyasha replied harshly. “Don’t worry about me, runt. Mind your own damn business.” With that, he spun and leapt into the forest. Shippou plopped down on the ground, face in his hands, as Kirara nestled up to him in an attempt to provide comfort. He had already lost one dear friend, and was petrified of losing another.
Sango broke the silence first. “Do you also think it odd, Houshi-sama, that Kikyou would appear so soon after Kagome was banished?”
Miroku frowned in consternation. “Yes, I agree, Sango. It is strange, but we do not have any evidence that links Kikyou with Kagome’s disappearance. If Inuyasha had found any sign of Kikyou at the well, he would not have been able to hide it from us. When it comes to Kikyou, Inuyasha wears his emotions on his haori.” Miroku paused briefly, contemplating his next words carefully. “We shall have to trust in his devotion to Kagome. I, for one, do not believe he would abandon her so easily.”
“I trust Inuyasha!” Shippou exclaimed, his eyes shining with tears. “It’s Kikyou I don’t trust!”
Both adults turned surprised expressions toward him, as the true meaning behind the kit’s plea sank in. Miroku tried to reassure him.
“Do not worry, Shippou. Inuyasha may be a simpleton, but even he is not stupid enough to fall for the same trick twice.”
Miroku delivered his statement with an air of confidence, but no one at the campsite could say they held no doubts. Would this night be the last time they ever saw Inuyasha?
* * *
What does he take me for? I’ve got more honor than that! Inuyasha fumed over what Shippou had said as he dashed through the undergrowth, still unable to believe the kit apparently thought so little of him. Slowing to a stroll, the hanyou grimaced. Then again, I’ve never given him much reason to believe otherwise…always calling her names, comparing her to Kikyou. Hell, the only times I have abandoned Kagome are when I’ve gone after Kikyou. But this was different. He had already admitted his desire to get Kagome back; he had even prioritized it over the jewel, for crying out loud! So why the hell would the runt think I would just leave with Kikyou? She doesn’t even want to take me to hell, does she? He knew it was Kikyou’s eventual desire that the two of them be reunited in the underworld, but it had been so long since the last time she asked him about it. It had been a while since he had even thought about joining Kikyou in hell, and he was somewhat surprised to detect uncertainty in his emotions regarding the prospect. At one point in time I was ready to go to hell with her once my obligations to this world were fulfilled, but now? He sighed; it was so easy to put off tough decisions until after the quest was completed, but this one bore reflecting upon now. Was dying for Kikyou the only way to help her find peace, to fulfill his duty to her?
An unpleasant but familiar scent reached his nose, jolting Inuyasha back to the present. Taking a moment to gather his scattered thoughts, he pressed forward through the remaining brush until he reached the clearing where Kikyou waited. The dead miko studied him for a moment before sliding from her tree branch and gliding towards him. She stopped a few feet away, examining him for another moment before breaking the awkward silence.
“Inuyasha, you came.” Her tone indicated doubt, which was entirely unwarranted as far as Inuyasha was concerned.
“I always do, don’t I?” he replied, slightly annoyed.
“Yes, but I was not sure you would come this time, with the situation the way it is.”
“Wh-what?!” he gasped. What does she mean? Does she know about Kagome? How could she possibly know?
“So she has not sensed it,” Kikyou declared knowingly. “My reincarnation knows so very little of this world. Whether she realizes it or not, we are connected because of our shared soul. I can sense when she is in this world, and when she crosses over to her world I feel a great distance come between us. Now, I cannot feel her presence at all. Tell me, Inuyasha, what has happened to my reincarnation?”
Kikyou watched as Inuyasha contemplated her story, knowing he would believe her. The hanyou did not have it in him to mistrust her, not after doing so had resulted in her untimely death fifty years ago. Right on cue, Inuyasha raised his gaze, no suspicion present in his golden orbs.
“Naraku sealed up the portal. Neither of us can get through,” he admitted guiltily.
Kikyou gazed at him in mock sympathy. “What will you do now, Inuyasha?” she inquired gently.
When the hanyou answered, the miko was not surprised by the determination in his voice. What did shock her, however, was the actual substance of his declaration. She had been expecting a crude affirmation of his desire to rip Naraku to shreds, but what he actually said was very different.
“I’m going to get Kagome back. We’re off to see a youkai who may be able to break Naraku’s spell.”
For a brief moment, Kikyou’s emotionless mask lifted, revealing genuine astonishment. So that’s where he’s been heading all day. Quickly she restored her neutral expression, before posing her next question.
“I see. So you intend to bring Kagome back to this world?”
“Yes, I do,” Inuyasha replied warily, not liking where this conversation was going. His trepidation was justified when Kikyou scowled, finally allowing her pent up bitterness and anger to surface.
“Why, Inuyasha?! She does not belong here, and she will be safe in her time. Your responsibilities to her are at an end. It is time for you to fulfill your obligations to me!”
Inuyasha’s mind raced, struggling to come up with something to say under Kikyou’s wrathful glare. “B-but what about the Shikon no Tama, and Nara—”
“I care not for those things!” Taking a moment to compose herself, Kikyou lowered her voice as she continued, “I care only for you, and your promise to join me in hell.” In that instant, Inuyasha once again glimpsed the Kikyou of old, the sad, lonely miko seeking companionship. The vision made it even more difficult to say what he needed to say.
“Kikyou…I’m sorry, but I’ve decided. I will get Kagome back and destroy Naraku. I will not be able to rest in peace until I have done at least those two things.”
His words were not lost on the dead miko. So he does not intend to let her go, does he? I had hoped it would not come to this. Glowering at a nearby tree, she refused to meet his eyes as she delivered a biting remark.
“As if that girl could ever care for you as much as I…”
Inuyasha gasped, his mind racing over Kikyou’s latest slight at Kagome. Kikyou, you’re wrong. Kagome does care about me, a lot. She said…she said she loves me. Yes, back then she had even shouted the sentiment. When he had nearly lost her to Naraku’s baby, he had heard her declaration of love as clear as day just before he crashed through the wall. He had never mentioned it, and he knew Kagome thought he hadn’t heard her. That was the way he wanted to keep it. Their friendship had grown stronger over time, and the last thing Inuyasha wanted to do was ruin it by exposing feelings that were supposed to remain secret. Besides, what if he had misunderstood her? What if she didn’t mean that kind of love? And what if she did mean it? How did he feel about her? It was far easier to think about Kagome’s feelings than his own, he mused. He contemplated them often enough, and they kept him going through the hard times. The possibility that someone cared so much for him, maybe even loved him, was a balm to his soul. He was so much more relaxed and confident when she was with him. Her current absence was making him realize just how much he liked, even loved, having Kagome by his side.
Inuyasha…forget about her. Come with me…
The voice belonged to Kikyou, but it appeared inside his mind with an ethereal quality to it. He felt a remarkable sensation wash over him, pulling him into restful oblivion as his mind began to shut down. Belatedly he realized he had felt this sensation once before. Kikyou…she’s trying to take me to hell! He tried to resist, but the slow numbing of his consciousness was only slightly arrested.
Forget her, Inuyasha…forget this world and come with me. It is far better than living and never being able to forget about me, is it not?
She had said something very similar the first time she tried to drag him to hell, Inuyasha reflected. Back then, he had almost agreed with her. He had been ready to join Kikyou in the afterlife, but his worldly responsibilities had stopped him. Avenging Kikyou was at the forefront of his thoughts, and his soul would not rest until it had witnessed the destruction of Naraku. Now, he resisted his former love with a tenacity she had never seen in him before. He had a new, much more powerful reason to stay in this world, to live. I can’t forget Kikyou, but I can’t forget Kagome either. I have to see her again! I…I want to be by Kagome’s side! Raw determination rose within him, his heart emanating wave after wave of intense emotion. The numbness was receding, giving way to the sheer force of his desire. Suddenly, Kikyou’s spell was broken, and Inuyasha leapt from her embrace, landing in a crouch several yards away. He spent several long moments gasping for breath and gathering the scattered pieces of his mind. Finally, he rose to his feet and gazed at his former love once more. She was standing in a waist-deep crater, looking at him with eyes filled with sadness, anger, betrayal, and too many other emotions to name. In a voice consumed with despair, she spoke.
“Is that girl more precious?”
Inuyasha grimaced. The last time she had asked him that question he had only managed a very eloquent ‘Kikyou’ in reply. This time, however, he would give her an answer. She tried to end my life, again. How could she? Kikyou’s changed; the woman I once loved would never have wished for my death. Kaede and the others tried to tell me she was just a shell of her former self, but I didn’t see it until now. Blinded by his guilt, he had been unable to see Kikyou as she truly was, instead imagining the miko he knew fifty years ago. How could he not? The years spent in slumber pinned to the tree seemed like the blink of an eye. One moment Kikyou was impaling him with her arrow and the next Kagome had burst into the clearing pursued by the centipede youkai. That’s right; Kikyou shot me, but I didn’t go after her at all. I just wanted to steal the jewel and get the hell away from the village. We were tricked because I didn’t trust Kikyou, but she didn’t trust me either. What happened fifty years ago, it was as much her fault as it was mine. I don’t owe Kikyou my life. Inuyasha felt an enormous burden being lifted from his shoulders. The blame he had assumed ever since Kikyou’s resurrection dissipated as his conscience finally eased. He knew he would never completely forgive himself for her premature demise, but at least now he could live in the present, without being haunted by the past. Decision made, Inuyasha straightened to his full height and favored Kikyou with a solemn stare.
“Kikyou…I will avenge you and slay Naraku, but after that, my obligations end. I…I won’t be going to hell with you. I want to live, Kikyou. I hope that, someday, you find peace.”
Then, unable to take the suffocating silence any longer, Inuyasha turned and darted into the forest. He truly was leaving the past behind him, and sprinting towards a new future. With each step he felt more free, emancipated from the shackles that had bound him. He would always care for Kikyou, but she could no longer claim ownership of his soul. He skidded to a halt as a new thought struck his brain. I don’t love Kikyou anymore. The startling thing was that he felt no remorse; it was just a fact, like it was a fact that he was a hanyou. Had he ever truly loved her? Could you have love without trust? He and Kikyou had shared mutual loneliness and companionship, and back then he would have called it love. Now he wasn’t so sure; it seemed that love could mean so much more. Selfless devotion, absolute acceptance, complete trust; Kagome had shown him all these and more. Maybe she really does love me.
Now he knew that Kikyou had never truly loved him. And he had never loved Kikyou either. Their affection was born from misfortune and loneliness, and never blossomed into the type of relationship he now enjoyed with Kagome. Kagome…when he thought of her his insides grew warm and his heart thudded harder in his chest. A wave of emotion crested over him. Everything he felt for Kikyou paled in comparison to what he felt for her reincarnation. Kagome really has become more important to me. But how important? Was she his best friend, or more than that? Did he want more?
Inuyasha shook his head. It was too soon after his encounter with Kikyou to be contemplating such things. Besides, the forest had darkened since he left his friends, and he did not feel like spending this night alone, with only the trees to share his company. As he jogged back to camp, Shippou’s parting words came back to him, ‘Come back to us, Inuyasha.’ Ah, fuck. That’s what the runt meant! He suspected that Kikyou would try to take me to hell tonight. Reluctantly, Inuyasha was forced to admit that the kit deserved an apology. Dammit. He hated apologies. Give him a thousand youkai to fight instead of making him admit he was sorry. But that was just what he had to do, especially given the faint scent of tears hanging around the campsite. Checking to make sure the humans were asleep, he nudged the fox kit awake.
“Inuyasha, you’re back!” Shippou exclaimed.
“Shhh! Shut up, baka!” Inuyasha paused, swiveling his ears around to make sure the others were still in slumber. Satisfied, he sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck with his hand before continuing. “Uh, ru—I mean, Shippou. I just wanted to say…uh, I’m sorry for what I said before.”
And possibly for the first time ever, Shippou found himself speechless. He stuttered for several moments as he tried to come up with an appropriate response. Fortunately, or unfortunately depending on your perspective, he didn’t have to.
“Awww, how sweet!”
Sango’s voice had Inuyasha nearly jumping out of his hakama. When he turned around, he spied both the slayer and the monk smirking at him, amusement sparkling in their eyes.
“Yes, Inuyasha,” Miroku chimed in, “that was a very nice apology.”
His face flaming to match the color of his haori, Inuyasha huffed in embarrassment. “I…you…screw you people!”
With that the hanyou leapt into the low branches of a nearby tree, crossing his arms and settling against the trunk as laughter echoed around the campsite. Sobering, Miroku attempted to placate Inuyasha’s infamous temper.
“We really are glad you came back, Inuyasha.”
“Stuff it!”
The hanyou’s retort set off a new round of laughter. Eventually, the mirth died down and the tired travelers once again settled down for the night. Inuyasha grumped from his perch; his face was still red but he could not help the small smile that forced its way there. Yes, his friends enjoyed making fun of him, but they were his friends, and he wouldn’t trade them for the world.
* * *
Kagome sneezed violently, once, twice, three times. Ugh. When is this going to end? The bath had been heavenly, and her mom’s soup had been delicious. Hell, even the afternoon nap had been pleasant. Once she was up, however, her head-cold had returned full force. Covered in more layers of clothing and blankets than she could count, Kagome was sitting at her desk, studying on the slim chance that she would feel well enough to go to school Monday morning. Making matters worse, her mother insisted on checking on her every time she sneezed too loudly. “Kagome, dear, are you okay?”
“Yes, Mama, I’m fine. Same as the last twenty times you’ve checked on me,” she finished wryly.
“I’m sorry, dear, but I can’t help but worry. I’m not used to seeing you actually sick,” Mrs. Higurashi replied as cheerfully as ever. At her daughter’s stricken expression, she realized that her last comment might have been a mistake. Studying was proving a welcome distraction from the anxiety of the feudal era, but she had just gone and ruined it. She was about to once again endeavor to offer reassurances when the door behind her swung open. In marched Kagome’s grandfather, looking none too pleased.
“That’s enough, Kagome! Your mother says you’ve been moping around since you returned through the well. No granddaughter of mine would just sit around waiting to be rescued! If you want to return to the past so badly, get off your fanny and make it happen!”
After Kagome got over her initial shock, she managed to formulate a somewhat eloquent reply. “B-but Jii-chan, there’s nothing I can do. My powers aren’t strong enough to break the seal.”
“Listen up, young lady. You may believe there’s no magic left in this time, but I can assure you that’s not the case. I had an old friend who was always very magically skilled. He could do things with potions and powers that I’d never even dreamed of. He used to own a magic shop down on 14th street, a few blocks away from your school. I made a few calls, and apparently he passed the shop down to his son when he died. I called and told him you would be coming in the next few days. Perhaps there’s something in that shop that can help you.”
After picking her jaw up off the floor, Kagome replied cautiously, “I thought you didn’t like Inuyasha that much.”
“I don’t, but if being with him makes my only granddaughter happy, then that’s where you should be.”
Her eyes filling with grateful tears, Kagome flung herself into her jii-chan’s embrace as she repeated her thanks over and over again.
“Alright, Kagome,” he said, patting her on the back, “now get back to your studying. While you’re here I expect you to bring those marks up!”
“Okay, Jii-chan,” she replied as she released him, allowing the old man to leave the room. How am I supposed to study now? I’m too excited! She tried to calm herself, not wanting to get her hopes up. This magical guy’s son was probably just another crazy person who only wished he had any real power, kind of like her grandfather. Still, she couldn’t help but feel giddy at the opportunity to go out and solve the problem herself. The prospect of sitting home and waiting for Inuyasha to undo the seal was not a pleasant one. She had faith in her hanyou, but the sheer uncertainty of when he would come weighed heavily on her mind. Going out and being proactive about the situation would make her feel much better. Hang on, Inuyasha. I’m coming for you!