InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Snow White and the Seven 'Dwarfs'...Sort of ❯ Thanks for the Memories ( Chapter 58 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: Penthesileia 
Her chest didn’t move.
And her heart didn’t beat.
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Hentai / Comedy / Adventure | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 04.10.2008 | Pages: 5 | Words: 3.9K | Visits: 330 | Status: Completed
Her chest didn’t move.
And her heart didn’t beat.
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Hentai / Comedy / Adventure | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 04.10.2008 | Pages: 5 | Words: 3.9K | Visits: 330 | Status: Completed
Kagome123- Thank you.
I don't own Inuyasha or Snow White and I'm not making any money off this fic.
Seven, Botan’s House
“The two little ones are asleep.” Gatenmaru told Seven and Botan as he entered the moldy dining room. “But I doubt it will be peaceful.”
Bankotsu took a swing of tea, feeling awkward with the dainty little cup Botan served it in. “Just as long as they rest. We need to come up with a plan to save the others.” he said firmly as if the others had forgotten why they were all here.
Renkotsu sighed, running a hand over his bald head, “If a outdoor execution is planned, that would be the best time to save them. There would be no way the four of us could break into the castle and escape with them successfully.”
“And if it’s indoors?” Oda demanded.
Renkotsu shrugged helplessly.
Botan pushed her tea cup around the table. “Couldn’t you get some of Princess Kagome’s army to return and storm the palace? They couldn’t have gone very far.”
Bankotsu shook his head, “There’s no time to organize an army. They would all be dead before we could even head back with them.” he explained grimily.
Jakotsu drummed his fingers on the table, repeatedly glancing out the window. Oda gently held his hand, stopping the noise. Jakotsu gave a half hearted squeeze before starting up again.
“I’ll get more tea.” Gatenmaru muttered, doing the only thing he knew how to do.
“We need to gather more information-“
“There isn’t any fucking time!” Bankotsu shouted, shooting up and sending his chair skidding across the floor. “We need to do something now.”
“We can’t do just anything. If we get ourselves killed or captured then there’s absolutely no chance Rin and the others will survive till sunset!” Renkotsu snapped back.
“So we’re supposed to sit here and diddle our fucking thumbs to save ourselves?”
“Listen you fool-“
“Enough!” Botan snapped, glaring at the two men who were acting like children. “We are all scared. We are all worried we will make the wrong choice. But fighting among ourselves will sign Rin’s death warrant as surely as Kikyo has decreed it.” Botan pointed out, the tears in her eyes the only sign she worried about her daughter’s safety.
She pressed her fingertips to her forehead. “I want my daughter home and safe more then any of you.” she said, her voice harsh. “Picking at each other is not the way to go about it.”
Bankotsu and Renkotsu looked guilty at the table. “Sorry Botan.” they muttered.
CRASH
“Where the hell is Lady Ayame?” Hojo roared as he stomped through the door, Sayo at his back.
Gatenmaru followed his eyes dreamy. “I’m sorry Lady Botan, they forced their way in.” he said, gazing at Hojo in idolization.
Bankotsu rolled his eyes, not wanting to deal with Gatenmaru with a serious case of puppy love.
“How the hell did you two get here?”
Hojo’s nose twitched at him. “Wolf demon moron. Where’s Lady Ayame?” he asked again.
“She has been captured, along with the other dwarfs.” Suikotsu spoke up calmly.
“WHAT?” Sayo and Hojo screamed. “Kikyo is dead. Princess Kagome doesn’t have that many enemies.”
Oda scowled down at the tea cup he held carefully in his large hands. “Yeah, apparently we were wrong about that.” he admitted.
Hojo went still, “No fucking way. There’s no way Inuyasha could have betrayed us.”
Seven stared down at the table.
“We are discussing ways to save them. You are more then welcome to join us.” Botan invited while Seven gaped at her.
“But Botan-“ Jakotsu started to whine.
“Suck it up.” she told him sweetly. “Gatenmaru, go wait at the door. We should be having another visitor shortly.” she looked at Bankotsu, her eyes twinkling even with the tears inside. “You don’t marry a spy leader without learning a few tricks.” she confessed.
Gatenmaru reluctantly left the room, casting a longing long behind him.
“Who’s the servant?” Hojo asked, extremely causally.
Botan cast him a look from above her tea cup. “He would be delighted if you would ask him
yourself.”
“This is not the time to be playing love connection!” Oda snapped, scowling at Hojo.
“To catch the two of you up-“ Botan began to say, ignoring Seven. “All the dwarf’s and Kaede
have been captured by Kikyo. The last time Princess Kagome was seen, it was unconscious,
possibly dead at the feet of Inuyasha.”
Hojo shook his head, “How could he turn out to be a traitor?” He looked down at the table, a finger tracing the edge absently. “He was perfect. Hot body, cute ears, pretty hair and golden eyes you could drown in.”
“Yeah….” Jakotsu sighed before getting a sharp glare from Oda.
“Trust me, we were shocked too.” Bankotsu said darkly.
“In here ma’am.” Gatenmaru’s soothing voice was heard down the hall. “Here, you can take my
handkerchief.”
“Thank you young man.” a familiar female voice sniffed, blowing loudly.
Bankotsu’s eyes widened and he nearly fainted in relief. “Mayu!” he shot to his feet when she
came in, clutching the cloth to her tear streaked face.
Mayu bowed towards Botan, “I am very happy to hear you are not truly insane after all my lady.
But you did not send for me to catch up.”
“What’s going on up at the palace Mayu?” Jakotsu asked.
Mayu took a seat, gratefully accepting a cup of tea from Gatenmaru. “After Kagome won the battle, we were all cleaning the palace, trying to get it ready for her arrival tomorrow when Kikyo came back.” she started to recount, keeping her eyes on the table. “She quickly took over the palace, let Naraku and her supporters out of the jail and a few hours later, Kagome’s allies were at the palace, under arrest.”
“How are they?” Renkotsu asked.
“Fine for the moment. However, they are to be killed sometime tomorrow afternoon. Kikyo does not want to get up early.” she explained at their confused looks. “Most of the town has been ordered to attend the execution. Kikyo wants to make an example of them.” she chocked back a sob.
“And Princess Kagome?” Sayo asked.
“We have no idea. She was not with the others. I fear she might be dead already.”
“And Inuyasha?” Bankotsu asked, not wanting to give up on Kagome so quickly.
Mayu held her hand up to her face. “He was the one who brought Kagome’s allies in.” she whispered, breaking down into tears again.
Bankotsu gritted his teeth together, glancing out towards the sky. “Enough. We need a plan before morning.” he ordered harshly, and they forced themselves to push their emotions back as they began to plot.
Inuyasha
Inuyasha found himself huddled on a cold floor, with blurry vision, a pounding headache and wasn’t quite sure why. He slowly sat up, raising one hand to wipe at his head and was surprised to see a hunk of metal in his tightly clenched fist.
His hand dropped back to the floor while he scanned his surroundings. He hoped Kagome had started cooking breakfast early, he was starving-
Wait, no. That wasn’t right. His mistress sent him to find a body, where were these strange thoughts of breakfast coming from? His mistress was depending on him, he couldn’t take a break to eat.
...though that didn’t sound very right either.
He rubbed his aching temples, still holding the crushed bit of metal. He needed to get Kag to eat a good meal today, it was Sango’s turn to train her and she tended to be a bit hard.
No damn it. He needed to do an errand for his mistress. ...what had it been again?
He scrunched his eyes closed as it slowly came back to him. His mistress needed him to find a body. Kagome needed him to come save her-
He forced himself up, his thoughts swirling around inside his head in a jumble. He was so confused. Really, what was he doing?
Find Kagome. That was the only one that seemed to feel right to him. So he would find her.
Whoever she was.
“I love you.”
Inuyasha jerked, thinking someone had come into the room. He only tensed up when he sensed he was alone, becoming more confused.
He tucked the bit of metal into a pocket without even realizing what he was doing as he went for the door, hoping some air might clear his head.
He gulped the air down, feeling like he was finally able to breathe since entering that home.
Which was strange since living at the dwarf’s home had been one of the happiest times in his life.
No. No, that wasn’t right. He was supposed to be happy only at his mistress’s side, nowhere else.
If she was happy, then he was happy. If she was upset, then so was he.
He smiled slightly. His heart always got lighter when he heard Kagome’s laughter at the same time it sank, wishing he had been the one to encourage that sweet sound.
...fucking hell.
He rubbed his head again, wondering why something inside his mind felt broken. And incredibly whole at the same time.
He nearly sprinted from the house towards his waiting horse, wanting to get away from it. What was wrong with him?
The stars glinted down at him faintly as the coming sun began to cover them while he rode.
Yesterday’s battle had been one of most frightening things he ever experienced; he was so worried about Kagome. He hoped that since she would be queen she wouldn’t take so many risks.
No, his mistress was queen, not this Kagome. Why couldn’t he keep anything straight?
And besides, the best way to keep Kagome off the battlefield was to keep her constantly pregnant.
He resisted the urge to stop his horse and beat his head against a tree, assuming that would make more sense then whatever was popping into his head.
Inuyasha ran a hand through his hair, frowning when he noticed his hair was barely the length of his little finger. When had he cut it? Why would he cut it? Kagome didn’t know this, but he had caught her sneaking longing looks at his hair.
...it was his mistress’s will his hair be cut. He had to remember that. Had to remember...
“Inuyasha! Come eat.” Hiten invited, slapping him on the back.
Kagura laughed at him from over her hand of cards. “I win again!”
“Gah! Kagome! Inuyasha’s being mean again!” Shippo cried.
Miroku looked at Inuyasha in exasperation. “Have I taught you nothing about women?”
Sesshomaru stared coldly at him, “Go tell her imbecile.”
“I love you.”
Inuyasha nearly fell off his horse, the sudden wave of memories sending a pick axe through his head.
He had to focus; he had to focus on the task at hand. He needed to find Kagome.
...for his mistress. His mistress wanted this woman.
...this woman’s body...
...body...
Grief grabbed him hard and squeezed like a vise while a dull knife began cutting away at his insides. Oh Kami...Kagome, dead?
A voice roared inside his head and he clutched at his chest. And he thought Kikyo’s torture was pain?
He urged his horse on, vaguely hearing someone babbling that it couldn’t be true, oh Kami please don’t let it be true. Not Kagome. Anyone but Kagome.
Not before he told her he loved her too.
His horse ran on while the sun climbed the sky. He had no idea where he was going and at the moment he didn’t care. He needed to find Kagome.
Every bone ached in his body, and it felt like a blunt toothed fish was chewing on his heart. He guided his horse blindly, relying on his instincts for directions. He only prayed it was a higher power leading him to where he needed to go.
Without even noticing, Inuyasha’s horse stopped, waiting patiently for his rider to get off.
Inuyasha shakily got off, immediately seeing a cave before him. He took a deep breath, trying to
catch Kagome’s scent on the air.
Inuyasha’s soul lifted in joy when his nose caught Kagome’s familiar scent, rejoicing at finding her. Inuyasha’s mind however, went blank.
Coolly, Inuyasha began to walk towards the cave, calmly thinking about how to get the woman’s body back to his mistress while he kicked his shoes off. He supposed he could drape it over the saddle but then where would he sit?
Crash.
Inuyasha studied the dirt from where he had a close up view of it, wondering why his suddenly bare feet were digging themselves into the ground, keeping him from walking. And when had he taken off his boots? His mistress wouldn’t be happy if he came back to the palace with dirty feet.
In response, his feet dug themselves deeper into the muck.
Inuyasha sat up, forcing his feet to free themselves from the ground with a powerful tug. He began to stand up, his hand grabbing a rock lying on the ground while he bashed it into his own skull.
Inuyasha fell back down, his head bleeding and hurting worse then before now. This was ridiculous, what was he doing? He needed to get this body back to his mistress as soon as possible...
“I love you.”
Inuyasha blinked, the numbness clearing slightly. Kagome...he needed to find Kagome. Even if it was only her body. He couldn’t allow Kikyo to have her.
But he would, because his mistress ordered him to.
“Fight it you weakling!”
His claws gripped down into the earth when Inuyasha tried to get up, holding himself down.
Inuyasha ignored it, his fingers nearly ripping out of their sockets as he wrenched them up and stood. He walked determinedly towards the cave, avoiding the fist that swing at him, and the foot that tried to trip him. He unsheathed his sword and threw it away after he tried to slice his own head off. Nothing was keeping him from Kagome.
...and giving the body to his mistress.
Inuyasha coldly smiled in satisfaction as he safely reached the mouth of the cave and took the first step inside.
BANG!
The barrier exploded once it sensed the threat to Kagome, and gleefully sent Inuyasha flying across the field with a whirl of purple sparks.
Inuyasha groaned, rubbing his head as mini spikes were hammered into his brain. But despite the pain he felt almost...lighter.
He lay on the ground, watching the sun come up and blaze across the sky in bright oranges, reds and pinks, chasing the night away until it was a faint streak of dark blue.
...that voice...that coldness...that numbness...was completely gone.
He was free.
...KAGOME!
He shot up to his feet and sprinted his way inside the dwarf’s mine, the barrier letting him in with a contended hum. He pounded past the jewels without even a look, looking frantically for Kagome.
Oh Kami, she couldn’t really be dead. Please no. Please.
He looked up at the jewels and saw Kagome’s face in their facets, mocking him. She looked so peaceful, maybe she was only asleep?
Inuyasha stopped dead and nearly fell to his knees.
Kagome was laying against a pile of brightly colored jewels, her hands folded against her stomach neatly. Her black hair spread out like black silk across the shaded glass, her long eyelashes making a dark crescent moon against her white face.
Her chest didn’t move.
And her heart didn’t beat.
Inuyasha roared in anguish, tears burning his eyes. He lost the strength to stand and he awkwardly crawled towards her limp body, grief and regret and self-loathing filling him to the brim.
He had done this. He had done this. Because of him Kagome...Kagome was dead. And all their hopes for a future with her.
Inuyasha slammed his fists into the hard ground and screamed, his cries echoing off the walls painfully while the stone ripped his skin apart.
Damn him, how could this have happened? How could he have betrayed the one woman who meant everything to him?
He looked down at her beloved face, a bloodied claw coming up to gently brush her cheek. She was nearly cold to the touch, and he nearly broke down again when he realized her warmth was put out by him. The man who wanted to protect her forever if he could have found the right words to ask her.
The least he could do for her was burn her remains properly so Kikyo could never get them. He liked to believe his brother would be able to break free but there was no possible way even
Sesshomaru could get out of the trap his own blood had walked him right into. Once Kagome’s ashes were scattered, he could go on a suicide mission to kill Kikyo. It would never work, but at least he wouldn’t have to live as Kikyo’s pet ever again.
Gently as if she were still alive, Inuyasha moved to slide his arms under her knees and back before pausing, staring down at her.
Damn them all, he couldn’t even remember what it had been like to kiss her.
It was wrong, and it would damn him to hell, but he wanted that to be his last thought before he died. How Kagome’s lips felt so soft and pure on his.
Shaking, he began to slowly lower his head, love welling up in him. He tunneled his fingers into her hair and cradled her head tenderly, as if she was alive.
“I love you.”
“I love you Kagome.” Inuyasha said back, before placing his lips carefully onto Kagome’s.
He closed his eyes, missing the purple and gold sparks that danced over Kagome’s body as he concentrated on this one brief, lovely feel of her.
Her chest expanded, and her cold body suddenly became very hot.
Inuyasha jerked back in surprise, his head in the perfect position for Kagome’s fist to pound right into it.
Kagome’s Own Little Internal Battle...
Silence.
There was nothing here. Only black, stretching endlessly on.
Was this hell? Was this heaven? Was this a holding pen while the gods arranged for reincarnation?
I floated on, my hair a dark cloud around my head. It wasn’t cold or hot here, wherever here was, so I wasn’t overly uncomfortable without my clothing. I just wished I had my bow so I could shoot any peeping toms.
...
The silence continued on, with nothing to break it. The only things to distract me were my thoughts, which I wished would go away.
Inuyasha.
Pain speared through me, stealing my breath. How could Inuyasha do that? How could Inuyasha kill me? It didn’t seem right. Yesterday I would have bet my life on Inuyasha.
...but today? I might not be so sure anymore.
Tears filled my eyes, but they didn’t drop. It hurt so much. Worse then if a person was digging my stomach out with a spoon. Kikyo had taken my family, my country and now my love.
I sighed, the sound prolonging until it faded. What was going to happen to me now?
Inuyasha
I closed my eyes, trying to harden my heart from him. He had betrayed me, and killed me for another woman. If I thought of him at all, it should be for planning his murder.
...but it didn’t feel right. I knew Inuyasha damn it. He could never do something like this. It would cause him more pain to betray his friends then any torture they did to him.
I couldn’t do this.
Until I heard from his own lips he had chosen Kikyo over me, I couldn’t give up, couldn’t stop loving him. No matter how much I hurt myself in the process, Inuyasha was not getting rid of me
this easily.
I love him.
No more of this pathetic, “oh-why-would-he-ever-love-me’ crap. Inuyasha didn’t know it yet, but I was not falling for this betraying me voluntarily idea. I was following my heart like Kaede always told me, and my heart was screaming with all its might, I LOVE INUYASHA!
So there.
A feminine voice laughed prettily, and the black was suddenly laced with purple and gold. I lifted a hand to my lips when I felt a sweet pressure there and I was suddenly pulled towards a violet light.
My eyes shot open to see Inuyasha on my lips while I gasped for breath, heat exploding through my body.
Inuyasha jerked back in shock while I merrily pummeled him with all my might.
Hey, I didn’t say anything about letting him get off totally scot-free.
I don't own Inuyasha or Snow White and I'm not making any money off this fic.
Seven, Botan’s House
“The two little ones are asleep.” Gatenmaru told Seven and Botan as he entered the moldy dining room. “But I doubt it will be peaceful.”
Bankotsu took a swing of tea, feeling awkward with the dainty little cup Botan served it in. “Just as long as they rest. We need to come up with a plan to save the others.” he said firmly as if the others had forgotten why they were all here.
Renkotsu sighed, running a hand over his bald head, “If a outdoor execution is planned, that would be the best time to save them. There would be no way the four of us could break into the castle and escape with them successfully.”
“And if it’s indoors?” Oda demanded.
Renkotsu shrugged helplessly.
Botan pushed her tea cup around the table. “Couldn’t you get some of Princess Kagome’s army to return and storm the palace? They couldn’t have gone very far.”
Bankotsu shook his head, “There’s no time to organize an army. They would all be dead before we could even head back with them.” he explained grimily.
Jakotsu drummed his fingers on the table, repeatedly glancing out the window. Oda gently held his hand, stopping the noise. Jakotsu gave a half hearted squeeze before starting up again.
“I’ll get more tea.” Gatenmaru muttered, doing the only thing he knew how to do.
“We need to gather more information-“
“There isn’t any fucking time!” Bankotsu shouted, shooting up and sending his chair skidding across the floor. “We need to do something now.”
“We can’t do just anything. If we get ourselves killed or captured then there’s absolutely no chance Rin and the others will survive till sunset!” Renkotsu snapped back.
“So we’re supposed to sit here and diddle our fucking thumbs to save ourselves?”
“Listen you fool-“
“Enough!” Botan snapped, glaring at the two men who were acting like children. “We are all scared. We are all worried we will make the wrong choice. But fighting among ourselves will sign Rin’s death warrant as surely as Kikyo has decreed it.” Botan pointed out, the tears in her eyes the only sign she worried about her daughter’s safety.
She pressed her fingertips to her forehead. “I want my daughter home and safe more then any of you.” she said, her voice harsh. “Picking at each other is not the way to go about it.”
Bankotsu and Renkotsu looked guilty at the table. “Sorry Botan.” they muttered.
CRASH
“Where the hell is Lady Ayame?” Hojo roared as he stomped through the door, Sayo at his back.
Gatenmaru followed his eyes dreamy. “I’m sorry Lady Botan, they forced their way in.” he said, gazing at Hojo in idolization.
Bankotsu rolled his eyes, not wanting to deal with Gatenmaru with a serious case of puppy love.
“How the hell did you two get here?”
Hojo’s nose twitched at him. “Wolf demon moron. Where’s Lady Ayame?” he asked again.
“She has been captured, along with the other dwarfs.” Suikotsu spoke up calmly.
“WHAT?” Sayo and Hojo screamed. “Kikyo is dead. Princess Kagome doesn’t have that many enemies.”
Oda scowled down at the tea cup he held carefully in his large hands. “Yeah, apparently we were wrong about that.” he admitted.
Hojo went still, “No fucking way. There’s no way Inuyasha could have betrayed us.”
Seven stared down at the table.
“We are discussing ways to save them. You are more then welcome to join us.” Botan invited while Seven gaped at her.
“But Botan-“ Jakotsu started to whine.
“Suck it up.” she told him sweetly. “Gatenmaru, go wait at the door. We should be having another visitor shortly.” she looked at Bankotsu, her eyes twinkling even with the tears inside. “You don’t marry a spy leader without learning a few tricks.” she confessed.
Gatenmaru reluctantly left the room, casting a longing long behind him.
“Who’s the servant?” Hojo asked, extremely causally.
Botan cast him a look from above her tea cup. “He would be delighted if you would ask him
yourself.”
“This is not the time to be playing love connection!” Oda snapped, scowling at Hojo.
“To catch the two of you up-“ Botan began to say, ignoring Seven. “All the dwarf’s and Kaede
have been captured by Kikyo. The last time Princess Kagome was seen, it was unconscious,
possibly dead at the feet of Inuyasha.”
Hojo shook his head, “How could he turn out to be a traitor?” He looked down at the table, a finger tracing the edge absently. “He was perfect. Hot body, cute ears, pretty hair and golden eyes you could drown in.”
“Yeah….” Jakotsu sighed before getting a sharp glare from Oda.
“Trust me, we were shocked too.” Bankotsu said darkly.
“In here ma’am.” Gatenmaru’s soothing voice was heard down the hall. “Here, you can take my
handkerchief.”
“Thank you young man.” a familiar female voice sniffed, blowing loudly.
Bankotsu’s eyes widened and he nearly fainted in relief. “Mayu!” he shot to his feet when she
came in, clutching the cloth to her tear streaked face.
Mayu bowed towards Botan, “I am very happy to hear you are not truly insane after all my lady.
But you did not send for me to catch up.”
“What’s going on up at the palace Mayu?” Jakotsu asked.
Mayu took a seat, gratefully accepting a cup of tea from Gatenmaru. “After Kagome won the battle, we were all cleaning the palace, trying to get it ready for her arrival tomorrow when Kikyo came back.” she started to recount, keeping her eyes on the table. “She quickly took over the palace, let Naraku and her supporters out of the jail and a few hours later, Kagome’s allies were at the palace, under arrest.”
“How are they?” Renkotsu asked.
“Fine for the moment. However, they are to be killed sometime tomorrow afternoon. Kikyo does not want to get up early.” she explained at their confused looks. “Most of the town has been ordered to attend the execution. Kikyo wants to make an example of them.” she chocked back a sob.
“And Princess Kagome?” Sayo asked.
“We have no idea. She was not with the others. I fear she might be dead already.”
“And Inuyasha?” Bankotsu asked, not wanting to give up on Kagome so quickly.
Mayu held her hand up to her face. “He was the one who brought Kagome’s allies in.” she whispered, breaking down into tears again.
Bankotsu gritted his teeth together, glancing out towards the sky. “Enough. We need a plan before morning.” he ordered harshly, and they forced themselves to push their emotions back as they began to plot.
Inuyasha
Inuyasha found himself huddled on a cold floor, with blurry vision, a pounding headache and wasn’t quite sure why. He slowly sat up, raising one hand to wipe at his head and was surprised to see a hunk of metal in his tightly clenched fist.
His hand dropped back to the floor while he scanned his surroundings. He hoped Kagome had started cooking breakfast early, he was starving-
Wait, no. That wasn’t right. His mistress sent him to find a body, where were these strange thoughts of breakfast coming from? His mistress was depending on him, he couldn’t take a break to eat.
...though that didn’t sound very right either.
He rubbed his aching temples, still holding the crushed bit of metal. He needed to get Kag to eat a good meal today, it was Sango’s turn to train her and she tended to be a bit hard.
No damn it. He needed to do an errand for his mistress. ...what had it been again?
He scrunched his eyes closed as it slowly came back to him. His mistress needed him to find a body. Kagome needed him to come save her-
He forced himself up, his thoughts swirling around inside his head in a jumble. He was so confused. Really, what was he doing?
Find Kagome. That was the only one that seemed to feel right to him. So he would find her.
Whoever she was.
“I love you.”
Inuyasha jerked, thinking someone had come into the room. He only tensed up when he sensed he was alone, becoming more confused.
He tucked the bit of metal into a pocket without even realizing what he was doing as he went for the door, hoping some air might clear his head.
He gulped the air down, feeling like he was finally able to breathe since entering that home.
Which was strange since living at the dwarf’s home had been one of the happiest times in his life.
No. No, that wasn’t right. He was supposed to be happy only at his mistress’s side, nowhere else.
If she was happy, then he was happy. If she was upset, then so was he.
He smiled slightly. His heart always got lighter when he heard Kagome’s laughter at the same time it sank, wishing he had been the one to encourage that sweet sound.
...fucking hell.
He rubbed his head again, wondering why something inside his mind felt broken. And incredibly whole at the same time.
He nearly sprinted from the house towards his waiting horse, wanting to get away from it. What was wrong with him?
The stars glinted down at him faintly as the coming sun began to cover them while he rode.
Yesterday’s battle had been one of most frightening things he ever experienced; he was so worried about Kagome. He hoped that since she would be queen she wouldn’t take so many risks.
No, his mistress was queen, not this Kagome. Why couldn’t he keep anything straight?
And besides, the best way to keep Kagome off the battlefield was to keep her constantly pregnant.
He resisted the urge to stop his horse and beat his head against a tree, assuming that would make more sense then whatever was popping into his head.
Inuyasha ran a hand through his hair, frowning when he noticed his hair was barely the length of his little finger. When had he cut it? Why would he cut it? Kagome didn’t know this, but he had caught her sneaking longing looks at his hair.
...it was his mistress’s will his hair be cut. He had to remember that. Had to remember...
“Inuyasha! Come eat.” Hiten invited, slapping him on the back.
Kagura laughed at him from over her hand of cards. “I win again!”
“Gah! Kagome! Inuyasha’s being mean again!” Shippo cried.
Miroku looked at Inuyasha in exasperation. “Have I taught you nothing about women?”
Sesshomaru stared coldly at him, “Go tell her imbecile.”
“I love you.”
Inuyasha nearly fell off his horse, the sudden wave of memories sending a pick axe through his head.
He had to focus; he had to focus on the task at hand. He needed to find Kagome.
...for his mistress. His mistress wanted this woman.
...this woman’s body...
...body...
Grief grabbed him hard and squeezed like a vise while a dull knife began cutting away at his insides. Oh Kami...Kagome, dead?
A voice roared inside his head and he clutched at his chest. And he thought Kikyo’s torture was pain?
He urged his horse on, vaguely hearing someone babbling that it couldn’t be true, oh Kami please don’t let it be true. Not Kagome. Anyone but Kagome.
Not before he told her he loved her too.
His horse ran on while the sun climbed the sky. He had no idea where he was going and at the moment he didn’t care. He needed to find Kagome.
Every bone ached in his body, and it felt like a blunt toothed fish was chewing on his heart. He guided his horse blindly, relying on his instincts for directions. He only prayed it was a higher power leading him to where he needed to go.
Without even noticing, Inuyasha’s horse stopped, waiting patiently for his rider to get off.
Inuyasha shakily got off, immediately seeing a cave before him. He took a deep breath, trying to
catch Kagome’s scent on the air.
Inuyasha’s soul lifted in joy when his nose caught Kagome’s familiar scent, rejoicing at finding her. Inuyasha’s mind however, went blank.
Coolly, Inuyasha began to walk towards the cave, calmly thinking about how to get the woman’s body back to his mistress while he kicked his shoes off. He supposed he could drape it over the saddle but then where would he sit?
Crash.
Inuyasha studied the dirt from where he had a close up view of it, wondering why his suddenly bare feet were digging themselves into the ground, keeping him from walking. And when had he taken off his boots? His mistress wouldn’t be happy if he came back to the palace with dirty feet.
In response, his feet dug themselves deeper into the muck.
Inuyasha sat up, forcing his feet to free themselves from the ground with a powerful tug. He began to stand up, his hand grabbing a rock lying on the ground while he bashed it into his own skull.
Inuyasha fell back down, his head bleeding and hurting worse then before now. This was ridiculous, what was he doing? He needed to get this body back to his mistress as soon as possible...
“I love you.”
Inuyasha blinked, the numbness clearing slightly. Kagome...he needed to find Kagome. Even if it was only her body. He couldn’t allow Kikyo to have her.
But he would, because his mistress ordered him to.
“Fight it you weakling!”
His claws gripped down into the earth when Inuyasha tried to get up, holding himself down.
Inuyasha ignored it, his fingers nearly ripping out of their sockets as he wrenched them up and stood. He walked determinedly towards the cave, avoiding the fist that swing at him, and the foot that tried to trip him. He unsheathed his sword and threw it away after he tried to slice his own head off. Nothing was keeping him from Kagome.
...and giving the body to his mistress.
Inuyasha coldly smiled in satisfaction as he safely reached the mouth of the cave and took the first step inside.
BANG!
The barrier exploded once it sensed the threat to Kagome, and gleefully sent Inuyasha flying across the field with a whirl of purple sparks.
Inuyasha groaned, rubbing his head as mini spikes were hammered into his brain. But despite the pain he felt almost...lighter.
He lay on the ground, watching the sun come up and blaze across the sky in bright oranges, reds and pinks, chasing the night away until it was a faint streak of dark blue.
...that voice...that coldness...that numbness...was completely gone.
He was free.
...KAGOME!
He shot up to his feet and sprinted his way inside the dwarf’s mine, the barrier letting him in with a contended hum. He pounded past the jewels without even a look, looking frantically for Kagome.
Oh Kami, she couldn’t really be dead. Please no. Please.
He looked up at the jewels and saw Kagome’s face in their facets, mocking him. She looked so peaceful, maybe she was only asleep?
Inuyasha stopped dead and nearly fell to his knees.
Kagome was laying against a pile of brightly colored jewels, her hands folded against her stomach neatly. Her black hair spread out like black silk across the shaded glass, her long eyelashes making a dark crescent moon against her white face.
Her chest didn’t move.
And her heart didn’t beat.
Inuyasha roared in anguish, tears burning his eyes. He lost the strength to stand and he awkwardly crawled towards her limp body, grief and regret and self-loathing filling him to the brim.
He had done this. He had done this. Because of him Kagome...Kagome was dead. And all their hopes for a future with her.
Inuyasha slammed his fists into the hard ground and screamed, his cries echoing off the walls painfully while the stone ripped his skin apart.
Damn him, how could this have happened? How could he have betrayed the one woman who meant everything to him?
He looked down at her beloved face, a bloodied claw coming up to gently brush her cheek. She was nearly cold to the touch, and he nearly broke down again when he realized her warmth was put out by him. The man who wanted to protect her forever if he could have found the right words to ask her.
The least he could do for her was burn her remains properly so Kikyo could never get them. He liked to believe his brother would be able to break free but there was no possible way even
Sesshomaru could get out of the trap his own blood had walked him right into. Once Kagome’s ashes were scattered, he could go on a suicide mission to kill Kikyo. It would never work, but at least he wouldn’t have to live as Kikyo’s pet ever again.
Gently as if she were still alive, Inuyasha moved to slide his arms under her knees and back before pausing, staring down at her.
Damn them all, he couldn’t even remember what it had been like to kiss her.
It was wrong, and it would damn him to hell, but he wanted that to be his last thought before he died. How Kagome’s lips felt so soft and pure on his.
Shaking, he began to slowly lower his head, love welling up in him. He tunneled his fingers into her hair and cradled her head tenderly, as if she was alive.
“I love you.”
“I love you Kagome.” Inuyasha said back, before placing his lips carefully onto Kagome’s.
He closed his eyes, missing the purple and gold sparks that danced over Kagome’s body as he concentrated on this one brief, lovely feel of her.
Her chest expanded, and her cold body suddenly became very hot.
Inuyasha jerked back in surprise, his head in the perfect position for Kagome’s fist to pound right into it.
Kagome’s Own Little Internal Battle...
Silence.
There was nothing here. Only black, stretching endlessly on.
Was this hell? Was this heaven? Was this a holding pen while the gods arranged for reincarnation?
I floated on, my hair a dark cloud around my head. It wasn’t cold or hot here, wherever here was, so I wasn’t overly uncomfortable without my clothing. I just wished I had my bow so I could shoot any peeping toms.
...
The silence continued on, with nothing to break it. The only things to distract me were my thoughts, which I wished would go away.
Inuyasha.
Pain speared through me, stealing my breath. How could Inuyasha do that? How could Inuyasha kill me? It didn’t seem right. Yesterday I would have bet my life on Inuyasha.
...but today? I might not be so sure anymore.
Tears filled my eyes, but they didn’t drop. It hurt so much. Worse then if a person was digging my stomach out with a spoon. Kikyo had taken my family, my country and now my love.
I sighed, the sound prolonging until it faded. What was going to happen to me now?
Inuyasha
I closed my eyes, trying to harden my heart from him. He had betrayed me, and killed me for another woman. If I thought of him at all, it should be for planning his murder.
...but it didn’t feel right. I knew Inuyasha damn it. He could never do something like this. It would cause him more pain to betray his friends then any torture they did to him.
I couldn’t do this.
Until I heard from his own lips he had chosen Kikyo over me, I couldn’t give up, couldn’t stop loving him. No matter how much I hurt myself in the process, Inuyasha was not getting rid of me
this easily.
I love him.
No more of this pathetic, “oh-why-would-he-ever-love-me’ crap. Inuyasha didn’t know it yet, but I was not falling for this betraying me voluntarily idea. I was following my heart like Kaede always told me, and my heart was screaming with all its might, I LOVE INUYASHA!
So there.
A feminine voice laughed prettily, and the black was suddenly laced with purple and gold. I lifted a hand to my lips when I felt a sweet pressure there and I was suddenly pulled towards a violet light.
My eyes shot open to see Inuyasha on my lips while I gasped for breath, heat exploding through my body.
Inuyasha jerked back in shock while I merrily pummeled him with all my might.
Hey, I didn’t say anything about letting him get off totally scot-free.