InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Snow White and the Seven 'Dwarfs'...Sort of ❯ Epilogue ( Epilogue )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: Penthesileia 
COMPLETE!!!!!!
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Hentai / Comedy / Adventure | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 04.30.2008 | Pages: 6 | Words: 5.8K | Visits: 402 | Status: Completed
COMPLETE!!!!!!
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Hentai / Comedy / Adventure | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 04.30.2008 | Pages: 6 | Words: 5.8K | Visits: 402 | Status: Completed
Disclaimer- I do not own Inuyasha or Snow White and I am making no money off this.
Five Years Since the Death of Kikyo and Naraku
”You’re lost.” I told Inuyasha patiently, hanging off his back as he stood in the middle of the forest and studied the rough map Sango had sent him.
Inuyasha scowled down at it, turning it around to see if that made more sense. “I am not lost!” he snapped. “I know exactly where I am.”
I rolled my eyes and set my head down on his neck, not bothering to argue. The power pulses I sent out to Miroku should have been felt by now, one of the demons or Sango would be here any minute.
“Hey dog-mutt!” Kouga jeered as he skidded in front of us, flinging dirt into our faces. “Lose the scent pup?”
Inuyasha growled, his reply muffed by my hand, “It’s so good to see you again Kouga!” I said brightly. “How’s Ayame?”
Kouga sighed in mock distress. “Still busting my ass and raising hell.” He grinned suddenly, “She’s four weeks along now.”
I squealed, sending Inuyasha’s ears twitching. Kouga and Sesshomaru had been surprisingly possessive when it came to their mates. They had wanted her full attention on them, and held off on children as long as they could so they could have them all to their selves. I would have to ask Rin if Sesshomaru finally crumbled “I can’t wait to see her!”
“Well come on then.” He turned around and sped back into the forest, leaving a whirlwind for Inuyasha to dodge as he followed.
Kouga hadn’t changed much in the five years since Kikyo’s death. But then again he was a demon so it would be unlikely if he ever showed any signs of aging. His grateful advisors happily handed his throne back to him, glad to be rid of it and every month or two he and Ayame travel back and forth to their lands. Last time we had seen him they had made noise about just building their own palace on their border, something that was sure to happen since they were finally building their nursery.
Inuyasha stopped and let me off his back, tucking me against his side as we finally reached the clearing Sango and Miroku mapped out for us. I beamed, happily seeing Ayame, Sango, Miroku, already here, Kirara sleeping lazily on the ground next to Miroku.
“Kagome!” Sango and Ayame cheered, and we rushed up to hug each other.
“You’re pregnant!” I squealed.
Sango and Ayame beamed. “I know!” They said in unison, gasping as they heard each other. “You to?”
“How far along?” I asked.
“A few weeks.”
“A month.” Sango said proudly, touching her stomach. Miroku’s family had been furious to learn he was giving up his title to marry a female demon slayer and move in to her village. She’s been hoping a grandchild might go a long way in easing family tensions. But even if Miroku’s parents do refuse to see their grandchild, the child will have a whole village to step in to help raise it. Miroku had wanted to start a family earlier, but they had been to busy setting up their school.
“And how is little Midoriko and Nobunaga?” Ayame asked.
I smiled at the thought of my two year old twins. As soon as I had a firm hand on my country, Inuyasha wasted no time. “They’re wonderful. They’re back home with Kaede, Suikotsu, Mayu and a palace full of servants spoiling them rotten.”
Ayame’s nose twitched. “Oh, I smell Kagura and Hiten coming!”
We looked up to watch Kagura’s white feather fill the sky before slowly settling down to allow Hiten and Kagura to hop out.
Out of all of us, I had less expected Kagura to be the crazy mother chasing after all her kids. But she and Hiten had four, all boys. For the last year, Hiten had been begging her to try for a girl, and would probably get his way soon enough. But I think he’s secretly hoping for a boy so he can get her pregnant a sixth time. They were also the co-owners of an extremely successful shipping business I was proud to say I helped them with. In those early days, there was a lot of work to be done to fix everything Kikyo had screwed up and I used them to deliver money, food, and messages all over the North. Shippo and Soten were happily living with them, almost teenagers now. They were back home to, getting into trouble no doubt.
“Yo.” Hiten waved, his arm around Kagura’s neck after she tucked her feather back into her hair. “We almost ready?”
“Just waiting for Rin, Sess and Seven.” Sango told them before launching off into her and Ayame’s news.
A bright light flashed in front of us, and Sess and Rin appeared out of the orb, having used Sesshomaru’s light ball thing to get here. Jakotsu, Oda, and Renkotsu emerged, panting, glaring at them.
“Land!” Jakotsu cried, falling to his knees to hug the ground.
Oda shuddered. “I’m walking back home.”
Rin blinked innocently from where she was wrapped up in Sesshomaru’s arms. “I didn’t have a bad trip.”
The three men glared unabashedly at the West’s first female spymaster and queen. “Gee, I wonder why.” Jakotsu muttered.
Oda helped Jakotsu up, his hand lingering for longer then it needed to. Oda had moved to the West with Jakotsu to work for Rin and Sesshomaru with my full blessings. They still acted like a bunch of love -sick horny bunnies with each other.
Renkotsu didn’t seem very interested in starting a relationship yet, his full focus on his job.
Though I had seen him talking to a very interested pyromaniac slayer from Sango’s village. I’m
hoping they get together, she’s to intense for anyone else.
And as for Bankotsu...
“Yo!” he yelled, walking out of the woods, a bundle over his shoulder instead of his sword. “You couldn’t have waited up?”
Sesshomaru sent him a dry glance. “No.”
Bankotsu snorted as he gently set his bundle down. “Kid throws up once and he can’t forget it...hey, short stuff. Up and at ‘em.” he shook Suekichi carefully awake.
The little boy slowly blinked his big eyes up at Bankotsu, before grinning widely and attaching himself to Bankotsu’s neck. Bankotsu wrapped an arm around the boy, supporting him as he stood up. In one of their earlier missions, Sango and Miroku brought Bankotsu with them when they expected trouble. Luckily, they were able to rescue the three children they had come for easily, but of one them became very attached to Bankotsu. Whenever Bankotsu tried to leave him at the village with the others he would wail and cry and run after him until Bankotsu finally gave up and took Suekichi with him. Now it was nearly impossible for Bankotsu to go anywhere without three year old Suekichi coming.
Rin’s face softened at Suekichi yawning. “Hello precious.” she cooed, leaving Sesshomaru for Suekichi. “How’s my little godson today?”
Suekichi looked at her, before burying his face in Bankotsu’s neck, suddenly shy. Rin laughed, not offended at all and walked back to Sesshomaru, his arms finding their way around her quickly.
I studied Rin and Sesshomaru carefully, noticing his hold on her looked even possessive then usual.
Hiten’s eyes swept over the group gathered. “So we’re all here. Why don’t you tell us why.”
Miroku’s hand crept around Sango, lightly touching her belly, “I’ve received reports that the village closest to here has been abusing a young girl about four years old. I don’t expect any problems from them, they might even pay us to take her off their hands.”
Rin frowned, “Then why are we here? No offense, I love the reunion, but I left Gatenmaru fleeing from Hojo.”
Ayame rolled her eyes, “I keep telling Hojo if he would pretend to give up Gatenmaru would get bored and crumble. But he keeps insisting he likes the chase.”
Jakotsu and Oda shared a fond look between them.
Inuyasha winced, “Can we get back to the point?”
“I believe it’s Kikyo.” Miroku said calmly.
The group looked at him in shock, “What?” Rin gasped.
“Kikyo’s soul has been reborn.” Miroku repeated patiently. “The child is a very powerful miko for her age, she looks similar to Kikyo and-“he paused dramatically. “On her back, there is a large birthmark in the spot where Naraku’s tentacle pierced Kikyo. It’s exactly the same size and shape as her wound.”
I frowned, not sure how I felt about Kikyo still being around. “But why are we here?”
Sango shrugged, almost nervously. “To make a decision. Will we save her...or will we kill her?”
Silence reigned over us. No one knew what to say.
“It’s obvious isn’t it? We kill her.” Bankotsu said, almost causally. “We can’t take the risk she’ll turn evil again.”
Miroku said nothing, but patiently turn to look at me. I licked my lips, not sure how to answer. This Kikyo was just a little girl now, and innocent of whatever she had done in her past life. But could I really trust the same soul who had murdered so many people to stay innocent? Did I really want Kikyo to come back into the world my children now lived in?
“I remember something Kanna once said.” I began slowly, “She mentioned that Kikyo was supposed to be good, but something had gone wrong and it had twisted her. The power all miko’s have are Kami-given and are to be used for good. We know from Kaede Kikyo had a difficult childhood.”
Sango nodded, “Yes. I remember that. She was often beaten, and treated like a monster.”
“So without that kind of childhood, isn’t there a possibility Kikyo would have had a better chance of becoming a good miko?” I asked.
Hiten frowned, slightly doubtful. “I know that Kag but still, she made her decisions at an age she should have known better.”
“I’m not using her childhood as an excuse. But if she had grown up in a household similar to yours do you honestly think she would have turned out the way she did?”
Hiten thought for a moment, trying to imagine becoming evil after living with kind and wonderful parents with siblings he had been so close to. “Well no.” he said truthfully.
I took a deep breath. “I think we should save her.” I said in a rush. “She can’t be expected to be the same as her past life. And since Kami is clearly giving her a second chance, so should we.”
Rin nodded slowly, “I think Kagome is right.”
Bankotsu looked at her, boosting Suekichi up higher. “Rin are you sure? You nearly died countless times because of her.”
“Yes. I don’t know what I did in my past lives, and I shouldn’t be held accountable for them either.” Rin said firmly.
Miroku studied the group and saw the general acceptance. He broke out into a small grin, “Very well. Let’s go retrieve her then.”
I sighed in relief, finding it extremely iconic that I of all people had been urging to save her. I should have been the first one of suggest to lop off her head before she could get old enough to be of any trouble.
Inuyasha squeezed my hand, “You good?” he asked, getting much better at reading my emotions after five years.
I squeezed back, “Yeah. I really am.” I told him, smiling. He grinned back and swung me up into his arms.
“We shoulda brought a horse for you. It would have looked better if you rode in on a noble steed instead of on a half-demon.”
I smirked, running my hand down his back, “You kidding? I can’t wait to see how jealous all the women get when they see how hot my mate is. Besides, I love riding you.”
Kouga gagged, “If you two done now, we’re leaving.”
Inuyasha sent him a dirty look, “You’re lucky my hands are full flea-bag.”
Kouga opened his mouth to insult him back, only to slip out a yelp when Ayame grabbed his ear and began tugging him away. “Later Kouga.” she warned him, going off into a jog.
Inuyasha chuckled evilly before following the rest of them.
We arrived at the entrance to the village very quickly, Inuyasha setting me down again while he fished around his robes for my crown. I brushed some of the dust off my kimono, hoping I still looked as regal and scary as I had this morning when we set out. “What’s this Kikyo’s name?” I asked Sango.
“Kiyoko.”
Meaning pure child. I would take that as a sign we were doing the right thing. “Alright, how are we going in?” I asked, carefully putting my crown on once Inuyasha handed it to me.
“Tough. We’re not taking any shit from them. Just grab the girl and leave as quickly as possible.” Sango briefed me, “Put on your best haughty ‘I’m-your-queen-now-lick-my-shoes’ face and lets get this over with.”
I put my shoulders back and lifted my nose slightly in the air. “Like this?”
“Sneer a bit more-yeah, that’s it.”
I swept a hand around my forehead just to make sure there weren’t any loose strands falling from the elaborate hair do Mayu had forced my hair in before leading the way into the village.
The villagers stopped what they were doing to watch in awe and shock, never having seen so many strangers at the same time. One of them gasped when they finally noticed the crown and started to bow, urging others to do the same.
I fixed one trembling young teenager with my best, haughty ‘I’m-your-queen-now-lick-my-shoes’ look, “Go bring your village headman out.” I ordered, Sango and Ayame snorting back laughter at how quickly the boy ran.
We didn’t have to wait long before a fat man came jogging towards us, his kimono pulled above his knees as he puffed along. He fell forward at my feet, his forehead touching the ground. “My queen!” he gasped into the soil. “Please tell this lowly humble servant what he can do for you.”
“First, stop sucking up. I know your village thinks I’m a heretic, a whore and a simpleton. This will not improve my mood.” I ordered.
The man raised his head up from the ground but remained kneeling, “Very well your majesty. Is that all you’ve come here to say?”
“Bring me to Kiyoko. I will be taking her off your hands.”
The man’s fat jaw dropped. “But...but your majesty, she’s a demon child!” he said in shock.
One of my brow’s lifted in a way I had seen Sesshomaru do a dozen ways, “Have you not called me a demon queen? You should be happy I’m doing this for you.”
The man’s head dropped back down, his face tight with anger. “Very well your majesty. This way.”
We followed him, the village still in shock. The village headman led us back through the village square from the more prosperous villagers’ homes down to the dirty, pitiful small huts of the poor.
The man stopped outside the worst of the huts. The roof was falling down, one wall of the hut staggered under it’s weight and it looked like it could barely hold one person, much less a family.
“Kiyoko!” he called out. “Come out.”
Slowly, a small dirty creature hobbled out of the hut. My heart clenched when I realized this was the child. Her long black hair hung in a disheveled mess around her head, her clothing was torn, dirty and barely holding on. She looked down at the ground, her body curled into herself as if she expected to be hit. She glanced up very quickly before looking down again, and for a moment I
thought I saw a younger Kikyo looking back at me.
If I had any doubts before they were completely gone now. This was Kikyo and she desperately deserved a second chance.
“Kiyoko this is-“
“Shut up.” I interrupted the headman and kneeled down in front of the little girl. “Hello. My name is Kagome. These people are very close friends of mine.” I told her softly, including my friends in our conversation. “I know you’re not very happy here. Would you like to come with me and my friends somewhere better?”
She looked up again, cautious hope in her eyes.
“I know it might be scary to leave everything you know, but I promise you’ll be much happier if you come with us. Will you trust me?”
Kiyoko nodded her little head, tears filling her dark brown eyes. I moved to pick her up, only to let her go when she winced and cried out.
My miko powers nearly rushed to the forefront when I realized she must have been beaten very recently. There was a slight roar and Kirara turned into her big cat form, rubbing the girl’s face with her nose soothingly.
Kiyoko giggled, reaching up to pat Kirara on the head with a black and blue hand. Sango crouched down in front of her. “My name is Sango. This is Kirara. Would you like to ride her?”
Kiyoko nodded rapidly and Kirara bent down while Sango helped Kiyoko climb onto her back.
“Is there anything you would like to take with you Kiyoko?” Miroku asked kindly.
“No thank you.” Kiyoko spoke up for the first time very quietly.
“So are we all ready to go?” Hiten asked, looking around.
“Not just yet.” a woman croaked as she came into view. By Kiyoko’s violent cringe I assumed this was her mother.
Hard times had sketched lines to early into the woman’s formally pretty face. Her thin hair was pulled to tightly back, her forehead stretched out over the strain. A permanent sneer was attached to her lips and her looks didn’t soften when she looked at her daughter. If anything they got harder.
“You can’t expect me to let my beloved daughter go without a protest can you?” She asked, her eyes lighting up with greed.
“Ai. This is our queen. We have to do as she says.” The headman spoke up.
“But surely her heart is not so hard she would take my daughter away?”
“It is.” I said shortly.
The woman’s face closed down. “I demand something in return for giving you my daughter.” she demanded.
“You get to keep your life.” I told her. “In my current mood I wouldn’t spit on you if you were on fire.”
“Now wait just a damn minute-“
Rin tugged on Sesshomaru’s arm. “Oh, oh, oh, do it Sess!” she implored.
He looked down at her before exhaling that strangely sounded like a sigh before stepping away from her.
The woman continued to complain and ask for money while Sesshomaru’s eyes went red and his features elongated. He turned bigger and bigger until a huge white dog stood in front of Kiyoko’s mother, acid drool dripping from his mouth.
Ai stopped talking to scream until my ear drums left like they were going to burst.
“You were saying?” I asked pleasantly.
“Keep her, just get away from me!” The woman begged.
Kiyoko giggled. “Puppy.”
Sesshomaru stayed in his demon form as we walked back through the village to make sure Ai didn’t change her mind and run back to demand for money again. Sango kept her hand on Kiyoko’s back to help her stay balanced on Kirara, the villagers still staring at us.
Bankotsu let out a sigh of relief when we got out of the village safely. “I gotta run. Eri’s baking a cake for me.” he said dreamily, thinking about more then Mayu’s niece’s food probably.
He frowned, but he patted Kiyoko lightly on the head. “See ya kid.” he told her with a significant look to me. I might have been able to convince him to give her a second chance but he was still going to keep a close eye on her.
So was I but I wasn’t going to say that in front of her.
Suekichi raised his head back up from Bankotsu’s shoulder, waved at Kiyoko and immediately dropped his head back down.
Bankotsu shifted Suekichi to his other arm. “We’ll be back west in a few days.” he told Rin.
Inuyasha scowled at him, “Don’t make out with Eri in the hallways again. Get a room.”
Bankotsu slowly smirked, “Well if you insist...” he trailed off and ran into the woods before Inuyasha could take the suggestion back.
Sesshomaru bent down to the ground and growled softly at Rin. She grinned and began to climb up his fur to his back. “Well this has been fun. We need to get together again soon.” she suggested, firmly holding onto Sesshomaru’s mane.
Jakotsu moved to climb up to, only for Sesshomaru to snarl at him and move out of reach.
His mouth fell open, “Hey wait a minute...”
Rin giggled, “You guys did say you were going to walk back. Bye Kiyoko! I won’t be able to travel for awhile, Sesshomaru turned into one of those insanely over protective, over bearing mates the minute I got pregnant.” she paused to think while the rest of us squealed. “Well, more then usual anyway.” she added before waving as Sesshomaru padded off.
The three men stared after her, before looking towards the west and groaned. “We better get walking.” Renkotsu said grimly. He looked back and Oda and Jakotsu and nearly groaned again at the lovey dovey gooey eyes they were making at each other. “You two, walk behind me.” he ordered gruffly.
Oda and Jakotsu grinned at each other. “Okay!” they said in unison cheerfully.
Renkotsu looked at a tree, probably wondering if he really should hit his head against it. “Good bye.” Renkotsu decided to say, disappearing into the woods, Oda and Jakotsu following happily.
“Hey Oday Pie, how sturdy does that tree look to you?”
Inuyasha closed his eyes, thanking Kami he wasn’t Renkotsu.
Ayame looked at Kouga and waggled her eyebrows suggestively. “Guess that’s our cue to go too.”
Kouga’s eyes flashed red and as he grabbed Ayame and tossed her gently over his shoulder.
“See ya mutt. Later Kagome.”
Ayame waved over Kouga’s back at us, “Bye guys!”
Kagura leaned over and hugged me, “Bye Kagome, kiss the babies hello for me.” She tugged on Inuyasha’s shoulder-length hair. “Hope your practicing your game.”
Inuyasha sneered at her, “Oh next time we meet, you are going down.”
Kagura laughed as she and Hiten waved and got into her feather and floated gently away.
I bent back down to Kiyoko and held her shoulder carefully. “You’re going to go home with Sango and Miroku, ok? They’ll take good care of you.” I promised.
Kiyoko nodded uncertainly. “Ok.” she echoed.
Sango and Miroku got on Kirara behind her. “We’ll talk to you soon.” She promised, moving Miroku’s hand down from her chest.
Miroku’s face broke out in a sudden evil grin and he cupped Sango’s stomach. “Hey Inuyasha, wouldn’t it be great if we had a son who fell for your daughter? Then we really would be family.”
Sango laughed as Kirara sprung away, Inuyasha looking horrified.
He whirled around to face me, “What the hell did he mean by that? That wasn’t some hint his kid is going to grow up to be a pervert is it?”
“Inuyasha, I think you’re overreacting-“
“Let’s visit that Totosai before we go back. He makes swords; I bet he could make a chastity belt.”
I sifted my laughter, “Inuyasha. I can think of a much better way to spend a few hours.” I purred, reaching out and caressing a thick tree with lots of green, leafy branches.
A wolfy grin spread out over his face, “You mean...really? We haven’t done that since the twins were born.”
I leaned back against the tree, holding my arms out for Inuyasha. “Then it’s long overdue.”
He went eagerly into my arms, nuzzling my neck. “Love you.” he murmured into my skin.
“I love you to.” I whispered back, his clever fingers finding the ties to my clothing.
I looked up the tree, the green leaves making me think of Kikyo suddenly. As strange as this sounds, I was almost grateful to her. Without Kikyo, I don’t think I ever would have had the courage to do anything I’ve accomplished. Ruling my country at such a young age, bringing two beautiful children into this world. Loving Inuyasha as completely and as strongly as I do.
I moaned and nearly slid to my knees at the first touch of Inuyasha’s tongue. I ran my hands
through his hair, clenching it in my fists. It was almost funny, the woman who took so much away from me, also gave me so much back.
Thank you...Shima.
The Slayer’s Village
Sango and Miroku helped Kiyoko down off Kirara, holding in their laughter at her awestruck face.
The village bustled with activity, slayers going off to practice, other slayers going off to slay, and even more slayers doing every day, normal tasks. It was much like Kiyoko’s own village. She had just never seen so many people happy before.
“Sango and Miroku are back! Sango and Miroku are back!” a tiny voice screamed and a huge stampede headed for them.
One of the children launched himself at Miroku, laughing loudly when Miroku spun him around.
The other’s crowded around Sango, chatting excitedly.
“I learned the double flip you taught me Sango!”
“Not after falling on your face 10 gazillion times.”
“That’s not a number!”
“Is too!”
“Is not!”
“Miroku, me next, me next!”
“Is too!”
“Is not!”
“Look, I can make my hand glow!”
“Is too!”
“Is class starting again tomorrow?”
“I wanna learn how to use those cool little swords Queen Rin fights with.”
“Your hands are too little to use them.”
“They are not!”
Sango put her fingers in her mouth and gave off one sharp whistle, her students going silent instantly. “I’m very happy to see all of you and yes, class will be starting again tomorrow. Now I want you all to meet our newest student, Kiyoko.”
Kiyoko smiled shyly, waving awkwardly. These children seemed friendly enough, but the other village children had often acted like that to before hurting or mocking her.
Miroku placed a reassuring hand on Kiyoko’s back. “Kiyoko, these will be your class mates. Sango and I teach a school here. You will be able to learn how to develop and control your powers.” he explained.
Kiyoko looked down, her face flushing with shame, “Mother said my powers were evil.”
Sango frowned and kneeled down to meet Kiyoko at eye level. “Kiyoko, you are not evil. These powers are a gift, not a curse. You will be able to decide how you want to use them, if you use them at all. It’s all up to you.” She grinned suddenly, “If you like, you could even become a cook and just completely ignore them. Or you can become a great miko.”
Kiyoko thought about mentioning that her mother said miko’s were whores of the devil but decided against it.
“I’m going to be a warrior.” one boy boosted.
“I’m going to be a priestess.” A girl chirped.
“I’m going to be a warrior priestess.”
“I’m going to be happy.” another child declared firmly.
Sango smiled at Kiyoko before getting up. “Dinner’s in about half an hour. Get to know them a bit.” she suggested, Miroku wrapping his arm around her waist as they trailed off, whispering to each other.
The children crowded around Kiyoko, introducing themselves and talking as quickly as they could.
One of the girls reached out and tugged on Kiyoko’s dirty sleeve, “I can get you new clothing before dinner if you like.” she offered, and Kiyoko’s eyes nearly filled with tears. She never thought she would be treated with this much kindness...
A sudden breeze spread through, the back of Kiyoko’s neck suddenly prickling. She tilted her head to the side, suddenly aware of...something.
“Oh hey, looks like Noboru is up.” one of the boys said his eyes on something over Kiyoko’s shoulder. “You should go over and introduce yourself Kiyoko. Noboru isn’t a bad guy, just kinda quiet. We’ll save a place for you at dinner.”
“Sure.” Kiyoko agreed without even realizing she had done so until the children nodded and went ahead. Kiyoko swallowed and slowly began to turn around, her soul stirring as it whispered long forgotten words she couldn’t hear correctly.
“Do you ever wish things had happened differently?”
Kiyoko focused on Noboru’s clothing as he slowly began to walk towards her, feeling to shy to meet his eyes just yet.
“Or that we had met in a different time or a different place? Some times I wish we had.”
His black wavy hair fell down to his shoulders, the dusty practice sword and kimono indicating this boy was training to become a warrior. His jacket parted as he moved, showing a strange birthmark on his stomach.
“I wish we were born in a different time, where we both weren’t so hated, where we wouldn’t have turned out so bitter. You know how I wished we met?”
Noboru was directly in front of her now, Kiyoko kept her eyes on the ground, her heart pounding.
“As children, when we were still innocent and pure.”
His hand reached out and after a moment, Kiyoko stretched out to carefully place her palm in his. Kiyoko took a deep breath and finally raised her eyes to meet his.
“We would have met each other’s eyes and that would have been it.”
Kiyoko felt the air get knocked out of her harder then her mothers hand had ever been able to.
She felt like Noboru’s eyes were peering into her very soul, seeing every good and dark thing that resided there.
“No one else but the two of us. No Kagome, no Inuyasha, no jewel. Just Kikyo and Naraku. Shima and Onigumo.”
And for the first time in her short life, she felt accepted. All of her, every aspect of her soul, her personality, her dreams, her hopes, her fears was understood and embraced.
“Hello.” she whispered, as if a loud voice would break the spell he had set over her.
Noboru smiled gently back, his intense eye’s softening, warming. “Hello.” he said back.
“Just Onigumo and Shima, content with only ourselves. I promise.”
And they all lived, contently, angrily, frustratedly, lustfully, sadly, and happily (despite Inuyasha’s protests on how boring that was) ever after.
The End
AN: AND IT’S DONE!!!!!! My first fic ever is completed! GAH! I just want to say thank you to everyone who’s ever read this fic, who ever reviewed, thank you soooooooo much. Thanks to the three beta’s I had during the creation of this fic, DragonessoftheMiko’sFlame, Kassie and Crystal, thanks for everything. If you hadn’t editing and verbally beaten me into writing, this fic still wouldn’t be done. Thanks so much again everyone!
Five Years Since the Death of Kikyo and Naraku
”You’re lost.” I told Inuyasha patiently, hanging off his back as he stood in the middle of the forest and studied the rough map Sango had sent him.
Inuyasha scowled down at it, turning it around to see if that made more sense. “I am not lost!” he snapped. “I know exactly where I am.”
I rolled my eyes and set my head down on his neck, not bothering to argue. The power pulses I sent out to Miroku should have been felt by now, one of the demons or Sango would be here any minute.
“Hey dog-mutt!” Kouga jeered as he skidded in front of us, flinging dirt into our faces. “Lose the scent pup?”
Inuyasha growled, his reply muffed by my hand, “It’s so good to see you again Kouga!” I said brightly. “How’s Ayame?”
Kouga sighed in mock distress. “Still busting my ass and raising hell.” He grinned suddenly, “She’s four weeks along now.”
I squealed, sending Inuyasha’s ears twitching. Kouga and Sesshomaru had been surprisingly possessive when it came to their mates. They had wanted her full attention on them, and held off on children as long as they could so they could have them all to their selves. I would have to ask Rin if Sesshomaru finally crumbled “I can’t wait to see her!”
“Well come on then.” He turned around and sped back into the forest, leaving a whirlwind for Inuyasha to dodge as he followed.
Kouga hadn’t changed much in the five years since Kikyo’s death. But then again he was a demon so it would be unlikely if he ever showed any signs of aging. His grateful advisors happily handed his throne back to him, glad to be rid of it and every month or two he and Ayame travel back and forth to their lands. Last time we had seen him they had made noise about just building their own palace on their border, something that was sure to happen since they were finally building their nursery.
Inuyasha stopped and let me off his back, tucking me against his side as we finally reached the clearing Sango and Miroku mapped out for us. I beamed, happily seeing Ayame, Sango, Miroku, already here, Kirara sleeping lazily on the ground next to Miroku.
“Kagome!” Sango and Ayame cheered, and we rushed up to hug each other.
“You’re pregnant!” I squealed.
Sango and Ayame beamed. “I know!” They said in unison, gasping as they heard each other. “You to?”
“How far along?” I asked.
“A few weeks.”
“A month.” Sango said proudly, touching her stomach. Miroku’s family had been furious to learn he was giving up his title to marry a female demon slayer and move in to her village. She’s been hoping a grandchild might go a long way in easing family tensions. But even if Miroku’s parents do refuse to see their grandchild, the child will have a whole village to step in to help raise it. Miroku had wanted to start a family earlier, but they had been to busy setting up their school.
“And how is little Midoriko and Nobunaga?” Ayame asked.
I smiled at the thought of my two year old twins. As soon as I had a firm hand on my country, Inuyasha wasted no time. “They’re wonderful. They’re back home with Kaede, Suikotsu, Mayu and a palace full of servants spoiling them rotten.”
Ayame’s nose twitched. “Oh, I smell Kagura and Hiten coming!”
We looked up to watch Kagura’s white feather fill the sky before slowly settling down to allow Hiten and Kagura to hop out.
Out of all of us, I had less expected Kagura to be the crazy mother chasing after all her kids. But she and Hiten had four, all boys. For the last year, Hiten had been begging her to try for a girl, and would probably get his way soon enough. But I think he’s secretly hoping for a boy so he can get her pregnant a sixth time. They were also the co-owners of an extremely successful shipping business I was proud to say I helped them with. In those early days, there was a lot of work to be done to fix everything Kikyo had screwed up and I used them to deliver money, food, and messages all over the North. Shippo and Soten were happily living with them, almost teenagers now. They were back home to, getting into trouble no doubt.
“Yo.” Hiten waved, his arm around Kagura’s neck after she tucked her feather back into her hair. “We almost ready?”
“Just waiting for Rin, Sess and Seven.” Sango told them before launching off into her and Ayame’s news.
A bright light flashed in front of us, and Sess and Rin appeared out of the orb, having used Sesshomaru’s light ball thing to get here. Jakotsu, Oda, and Renkotsu emerged, panting, glaring at them.
“Land!” Jakotsu cried, falling to his knees to hug the ground.
Oda shuddered. “I’m walking back home.”
Rin blinked innocently from where she was wrapped up in Sesshomaru’s arms. “I didn’t have a bad trip.”
The three men glared unabashedly at the West’s first female spymaster and queen. “Gee, I wonder why.” Jakotsu muttered.
Oda helped Jakotsu up, his hand lingering for longer then it needed to. Oda had moved to the West with Jakotsu to work for Rin and Sesshomaru with my full blessings. They still acted like a bunch of love -sick horny bunnies with each other.
Renkotsu didn’t seem very interested in starting a relationship yet, his full focus on his job.
Though I had seen him talking to a very interested pyromaniac slayer from Sango’s village. I’m
hoping they get together, she’s to intense for anyone else.
And as for Bankotsu...
“Yo!” he yelled, walking out of the woods, a bundle over his shoulder instead of his sword. “You couldn’t have waited up?”
Sesshomaru sent him a dry glance. “No.”
Bankotsu snorted as he gently set his bundle down. “Kid throws up once and he can’t forget it...hey, short stuff. Up and at ‘em.” he shook Suekichi carefully awake.
The little boy slowly blinked his big eyes up at Bankotsu, before grinning widely and attaching himself to Bankotsu’s neck. Bankotsu wrapped an arm around the boy, supporting him as he stood up. In one of their earlier missions, Sango and Miroku brought Bankotsu with them when they expected trouble. Luckily, they were able to rescue the three children they had come for easily, but of one them became very attached to Bankotsu. Whenever Bankotsu tried to leave him at the village with the others he would wail and cry and run after him until Bankotsu finally gave up and took Suekichi with him. Now it was nearly impossible for Bankotsu to go anywhere without three year old Suekichi coming.
Rin’s face softened at Suekichi yawning. “Hello precious.” she cooed, leaving Sesshomaru for Suekichi. “How’s my little godson today?”
Suekichi looked at her, before burying his face in Bankotsu’s neck, suddenly shy. Rin laughed, not offended at all and walked back to Sesshomaru, his arms finding their way around her quickly.
I studied Rin and Sesshomaru carefully, noticing his hold on her looked even possessive then usual.
Hiten’s eyes swept over the group gathered. “So we’re all here. Why don’t you tell us why.”
Miroku’s hand crept around Sango, lightly touching her belly, “I’ve received reports that the village closest to here has been abusing a young girl about four years old. I don’t expect any problems from them, they might even pay us to take her off their hands.”
Rin frowned, “Then why are we here? No offense, I love the reunion, but I left Gatenmaru fleeing from Hojo.”
Ayame rolled her eyes, “I keep telling Hojo if he would pretend to give up Gatenmaru would get bored and crumble. But he keeps insisting he likes the chase.”
Jakotsu and Oda shared a fond look between them.
Inuyasha winced, “Can we get back to the point?”
“I believe it’s Kikyo.” Miroku said calmly.
The group looked at him in shock, “What?” Rin gasped.
“Kikyo’s soul has been reborn.” Miroku repeated patiently. “The child is a very powerful miko for her age, she looks similar to Kikyo and-“he paused dramatically. “On her back, there is a large birthmark in the spot where Naraku’s tentacle pierced Kikyo. It’s exactly the same size and shape as her wound.”
I frowned, not sure how I felt about Kikyo still being around. “But why are we here?”
Sango shrugged, almost nervously. “To make a decision. Will we save her...or will we kill her?”
Silence reigned over us. No one knew what to say.
“It’s obvious isn’t it? We kill her.” Bankotsu said, almost causally. “We can’t take the risk she’ll turn evil again.”
Miroku said nothing, but patiently turn to look at me. I licked my lips, not sure how to answer. This Kikyo was just a little girl now, and innocent of whatever she had done in her past life. But could I really trust the same soul who had murdered so many people to stay innocent? Did I really want Kikyo to come back into the world my children now lived in?
“I remember something Kanna once said.” I began slowly, “She mentioned that Kikyo was supposed to be good, but something had gone wrong and it had twisted her. The power all miko’s have are Kami-given and are to be used for good. We know from Kaede Kikyo had a difficult childhood.”
Sango nodded, “Yes. I remember that. She was often beaten, and treated like a monster.”
“So without that kind of childhood, isn’t there a possibility Kikyo would have had a better chance of becoming a good miko?” I asked.
Hiten frowned, slightly doubtful. “I know that Kag but still, she made her decisions at an age she should have known better.”
“I’m not using her childhood as an excuse. But if she had grown up in a household similar to yours do you honestly think she would have turned out the way she did?”
Hiten thought for a moment, trying to imagine becoming evil after living with kind and wonderful parents with siblings he had been so close to. “Well no.” he said truthfully.
I took a deep breath. “I think we should save her.” I said in a rush. “She can’t be expected to be the same as her past life. And since Kami is clearly giving her a second chance, so should we.”
Rin nodded slowly, “I think Kagome is right.”
Bankotsu looked at her, boosting Suekichi up higher. “Rin are you sure? You nearly died countless times because of her.”
“Yes. I don’t know what I did in my past lives, and I shouldn’t be held accountable for them either.” Rin said firmly.
Miroku studied the group and saw the general acceptance. He broke out into a small grin, “Very well. Let’s go retrieve her then.”
I sighed in relief, finding it extremely iconic that I of all people had been urging to save her. I should have been the first one of suggest to lop off her head before she could get old enough to be of any trouble.
Inuyasha squeezed my hand, “You good?” he asked, getting much better at reading my emotions after five years.
I squeezed back, “Yeah. I really am.” I told him, smiling. He grinned back and swung me up into his arms.
“We shoulda brought a horse for you. It would have looked better if you rode in on a noble steed instead of on a half-demon.”
I smirked, running my hand down his back, “You kidding? I can’t wait to see how jealous all the women get when they see how hot my mate is. Besides, I love riding you.”
Kouga gagged, “If you two done now, we’re leaving.”
Inuyasha sent him a dirty look, “You’re lucky my hands are full flea-bag.”
Kouga opened his mouth to insult him back, only to slip out a yelp when Ayame grabbed his ear and began tugging him away. “Later Kouga.” she warned him, going off into a jog.
Inuyasha chuckled evilly before following the rest of them.
We arrived at the entrance to the village very quickly, Inuyasha setting me down again while he fished around his robes for my crown. I brushed some of the dust off my kimono, hoping I still looked as regal and scary as I had this morning when we set out. “What’s this Kikyo’s name?” I asked Sango.
“Kiyoko.”
Meaning pure child. I would take that as a sign we were doing the right thing. “Alright, how are we going in?” I asked, carefully putting my crown on once Inuyasha handed it to me.
“Tough. We’re not taking any shit from them. Just grab the girl and leave as quickly as possible.” Sango briefed me, “Put on your best haughty ‘I’m-your-queen-now-lick-my-shoes’ face and lets get this over with.”
I put my shoulders back and lifted my nose slightly in the air. “Like this?”
“Sneer a bit more-yeah, that’s it.”
I swept a hand around my forehead just to make sure there weren’t any loose strands falling from the elaborate hair do Mayu had forced my hair in before leading the way into the village.
The villagers stopped what they were doing to watch in awe and shock, never having seen so many strangers at the same time. One of them gasped when they finally noticed the crown and started to bow, urging others to do the same.
I fixed one trembling young teenager with my best, haughty ‘I’m-your-queen-now-lick-my-shoes’ look, “Go bring your village headman out.” I ordered, Sango and Ayame snorting back laughter at how quickly the boy ran.
We didn’t have to wait long before a fat man came jogging towards us, his kimono pulled above his knees as he puffed along. He fell forward at my feet, his forehead touching the ground. “My queen!” he gasped into the soil. “Please tell this lowly humble servant what he can do for you.”
“First, stop sucking up. I know your village thinks I’m a heretic, a whore and a simpleton. This will not improve my mood.” I ordered.
The man raised his head up from the ground but remained kneeling, “Very well your majesty. Is that all you’ve come here to say?”
“Bring me to Kiyoko. I will be taking her off your hands.”
The man’s fat jaw dropped. “But...but your majesty, she’s a demon child!” he said in shock.
One of my brow’s lifted in a way I had seen Sesshomaru do a dozen ways, “Have you not called me a demon queen? You should be happy I’m doing this for you.”
The man’s head dropped back down, his face tight with anger. “Very well your majesty. This way.”
We followed him, the village still in shock. The village headman led us back through the village square from the more prosperous villagers’ homes down to the dirty, pitiful small huts of the poor.
The man stopped outside the worst of the huts. The roof was falling down, one wall of the hut staggered under it’s weight and it looked like it could barely hold one person, much less a family.
“Kiyoko!” he called out. “Come out.”
Slowly, a small dirty creature hobbled out of the hut. My heart clenched when I realized this was the child. Her long black hair hung in a disheveled mess around her head, her clothing was torn, dirty and barely holding on. She looked down at the ground, her body curled into herself as if she expected to be hit. She glanced up very quickly before looking down again, and for a moment I
thought I saw a younger Kikyo looking back at me.
If I had any doubts before they were completely gone now. This was Kikyo and she desperately deserved a second chance.
“Kiyoko this is-“
“Shut up.” I interrupted the headman and kneeled down in front of the little girl. “Hello. My name is Kagome. These people are very close friends of mine.” I told her softly, including my friends in our conversation. “I know you’re not very happy here. Would you like to come with me and my friends somewhere better?”
She looked up again, cautious hope in her eyes.
“I know it might be scary to leave everything you know, but I promise you’ll be much happier if you come with us. Will you trust me?”
Kiyoko nodded her little head, tears filling her dark brown eyes. I moved to pick her up, only to let her go when she winced and cried out.
My miko powers nearly rushed to the forefront when I realized she must have been beaten very recently. There was a slight roar and Kirara turned into her big cat form, rubbing the girl’s face with her nose soothingly.
Kiyoko giggled, reaching up to pat Kirara on the head with a black and blue hand. Sango crouched down in front of her. “My name is Sango. This is Kirara. Would you like to ride her?”
Kiyoko nodded rapidly and Kirara bent down while Sango helped Kiyoko climb onto her back.
“Is there anything you would like to take with you Kiyoko?” Miroku asked kindly.
“No thank you.” Kiyoko spoke up for the first time very quietly.
“So are we all ready to go?” Hiten asked, looking around.
“Not just yet.” a woman croaked as she came into view. By Kiyoko’s violent cringe I assumed this was her mother.
Hard times had sketched lines to early into the woman’s formally pretty face. Her thin hair was pulled to tightly back, her forehead stretched out over the strain. A permanent sneer was attached to her lips and her looks didn’t soften when she looked at her daughter. If anything they got harder.
“You can’t expect me to let my beloved daughter go without a protest can you?” She asked, her eyes lighting up with greed.
“Ai. This is our queen. We have to do as she says.” The headman spoke up.
“But surely her heart is not so hard she would take my daughter away?”
“It is.” I said shortly.
The woman’s face closed down. “I demand something in return for giving you my daughter.” she demanded.
“You get to keep your life.” I told her. “In my current mood I wouldn’t spit on you if you were on fire.”
“Now wait just a damn minute-“
Rin tugged on Sesshomaru’s arm. “Oh, oh, oh, do it Sess!” she implored.
He looked down at her before exhaling that strangely sounded like a sigh before stepping away from her.
The woman continued to complain and ask for money while Sesshomaru’s eyes went red and his features elongated. He turned bigger and bigger until a huge white dog stood in front of Kiyoko’s mother, acid drool dripping from his mouth.
Ai stopped talking to scream until my ear drums left like they were going to burst.
“You were saying?” I asked pleasantly.
“Keep her, just get away from me!” The woman begged.
Kiyoko giggled. “Puppy.”
Sesshomaru stayed in his demon form as we walked back through the village to make sure Ai didn’t change her mind and run back to demand for money again. Sango kept her hand on Kiyoko’s back to help her stay balanced on Kirara, the villagers still staring at us.
Bankotsu let out a sigh of relief when we got out of the village safely. “I gotta run. Eri’s baking a cake for me.” he said dreamily, thinking about more then Mayu’s niece’s food probably.
He frowned, but he patted Kiyoko lightly on the head. “See ya kid.” he told her with a significant look to me. I might have been able to convince him to give her a second chance but he was still going to keep a close eye on her.
So was I but I wasn’t going to say that in front of her.
Suekichi raised his head back up from Bankotsu’s shoulder, waved at Kiyoko and immediately dropped his head back down.
Bankotsu shifted Suekichi to his other arm. “We’ll be back west in a few days.” he told Rin.
Inuyasha scowled at him, “Don’t make out with Eri in the hallways again. Get a room.”
Bankotsu slowly smirked, “Well if you insist...” he trailed off and ran into the woods before Inuyasha could take the suggestion back.
Sesshomaru bent down to the ground and growled softly at Rin. She grinned and began to climb up his fur to his back. “Well this has been fun. We need to get together again soon.” she suggested, firmly holding onto Sesshomaru’s mane.
Jakotsu moved to climb up to, only for Sesshomaru to snarl at him and move out of reach.
His mouth fell open, “Hey wait a minute...”
Rin giggled, “You guys did say you were going to walk back. Bye Kiyoko! I won’t be able to travel for awhile, Sesshomaru turned into one of those insanely over protective, over bearing mates the minute I got pregnant.” she paused to think while the rest of us squealed. “Well, more then usual anyway.” she added before waving as Sesshomaru padded off.
The three men stared after her, before looking towards the west and groaned. “We better get walking.” Renkotsu said grimly. He looked back and Oda and Jakotsu and nearly groaned again at the lovey dovey gooey eyes they were making at each other. “You two, walk behind me.” he ordered gruffly.
Oda and Jakotsu grinned at each other. “Okay!” they said in unison cheerfully.
Renkotsu looked at a tree, probably wondering if he really should hit his head against it. “Good bye.” Renkotsu decided to say, disappearing into the woods, Oda and Jakotsu following happily.
“Hey Oday Pie, how sturdy does that tree look to you?”
Inuyasha closed his eyes, thanking Kami he wasn’t Renkotsu.
Ayame looked at Kouga and waggled her eyebrows suggestively. “Guess that’s our cue to go too.”
Kouga’s eyes flashed red and as he grabbed Ayame and tossed her gently over his shoulder.
“See ya mutt. Later Kagome.”
Ayame waved over Kouga’s back at us, “Bye guys!”
Kagura leaned over and hugged me, “Bye Kagome, kiss the babies hello for me.” She tugged on Inuyasha’s shoulder-length hair. “Hope your practicing your game.”
Inuyasha sneered at her, “Oh next time we meet, you are going down.”
Kagura laughed as she and Hiten waved and got into her feather and floated gently away.
I bent back down to Kiyoko and held her shoulder carefully. “You’re going to go home with Sango and Miroku, ok? They’ll take good care of you.” I promised.
Kiyoko nodded uncertainly. “Ok.” she echoed.
Sango and Miroku got on Kirara behind her. “We’ll talk to you soon.” She promised, moving Miroku’s hand down from her chest.
Miroku’s face broke out in a sudden evil grin and he cupped Sango’s stomach. “Hey Inuyasha, wouldn’t it be great if we had a son who fell for your daughter? Then we really would be family.”
Sango laughed as Kirara sprung away, Inuyasha looking horrified.
He whirled around to face me, “What the hell did he mean by that? That wasn’t some hint his kid is going to grow up to be a pervert is it?”
“Inuyasha, I think you’re overreacting-“
“Let’s visit that Totosai before we go back. He makes swords; I bet he could make a chastity belt.”
I sifted my laughter, “Inuyasha. I can think of a much better way to spend a few hours.” I purred, reaching out and caressing a thick tree with lots of green, leafy branches.
A wolfy grin spread out over his face, “You mean...really? We haven’t done that since the twins were born.”
I leaned back against the tree, holding my arms out for Inuyasha. “Then it’s long overdue.”
He went eagerly into my arms, nuzzling my neck. “Love you.” he murmured into my skin.
“I love you to.” I whispered back, his clever fingers finding the ties to my clothing.
I looked up the tree, the green leaves making me think of Kikyo suddenly. As strange as this sounds, I was almost grateful to her. Without Kikyo, I don’t think I ever would have had the courage to do anything I’ve accomplished. Ruling my country at such a young age, bringing two beautiful children into this world. Loving Inuyasha as completely and as strongly as I do.
I moaned and nearly slid to my knees at the first touch of Inuyasha’s tongue. I ran my hands
through his hair, clenching it in my fists. It was almost funny, the woman who took so much away from me, also gave me so much back.
Thank you...Shima.
The Slayer’s Village
Sango and Miroku helped Kiyoko down off Kirara, holding in their laughter at her awestruck face.
The village bustled with activity, slayers going off to practice, other slayers going off to slay, and even more slayers doing every day, normal tasks. It was much like Kiyoko’s own village. She had just never seen so many people happy before.
“Sango and Miroku are back! Sango and Miroku are back!” a tiny voice screamed and a huge stampede headed for them.
One of the children launched himself at Miroku, laughing loudly when Miroku spun him around.
The other’s crowded around Sango, chatting excitedly.
“I learned the double flip you taught me Sango!”
“Not after falling on your face 10 gazillion times.”
“That’s not a number!”
“Is too!”
“Is not!”
“Miroku, me next, me next!”
“Is too!”
“Is not!”
“Look, I can make my hand glow!”
“Is too!”
“Is class starting again tomorrow?”
“I wanna learn how to use those cool little swords Queen Rin fights with.”
“Your hands are too little to use them.”
“They are not!”
Sango put her fingers in her mouth and gave off one sharp whistle, her students going silent instantly. “I’m very happy to see all of you and yes, class will be starting again tomorrow. Now I want you all to meet our newest student, Kiyoko.”
Kiyoko smiled shyly, waving awkwardly. These children seemed friendly enough, but the other village children had often acted like that to before hurting or mocking her.
Miroku placed a reassuring hand on Kiyoko’s back. “Kiyoko, these will be your class mates. Sango and I teach a school here. You will be able to learn how to develop and control your powers.” he explained.
Kiyoko looked down, her face flushing with shame, “Mother said my powers were evil.”
Sango frowned and kneeled down to meet Kiyoko at eye level. “Kiyoko, you are not evil. These powers are a gift, not a curse. You will be able to decide how you want to use them, if you use them at all. It’s all up to you.” She grinned suddenly, “If you like, you could even become a cook and just completely ignore them. Or you can become a great miko.”
Kiyoko thought about mentioning that her mother said miko’s were whores of the devil but decided against it.
“I’m going to be a warrior.” one boy boosted.
“I’m going to be a priestess.” A girl chirped.
“I’m going to be a warrior priestess.”
“I’m going to be happy.” another child declared firmly.
Sango smiled at Kiyoko before getting up. “Dinner’s in about half an hour. Get to know them a bit.” she suggested, Miroku wrapping his arm around her waist as they trailed off, whispering to each other.
The children crowded around Kiyoko, introducing themselves and talking as quickly as they could.
One of the girls reached out and tugged on Kiyoko’s dirty sleeve, “I can get you new clothing before dinner if you like.” she offered, and Kiyoko’s eyes nearly filled with tears. She never thought she would be treated with this much kindness...
A sudden breeze spread through, the back of Kiyoko’s neck suddenly prickling. She tilted her head to the side, suddenly aware of...something.
“Oh hey, looks like Noboru is up.” one of the boys said his eyes on something over Kiyoko’s shoulder. “You should go over and introduce yourself Kiyoko. Noboru isn’t a bad guy, just kinda quiet. We’ll save a place for you at dinner.”
“Sure.” Kiyoko agreed without even realizing she had done so until the children nodded and went ahead. Kiyoko swallowed and slowly began to turn around, her soul stirring as it whispered long forgotten words she couldn’t hear correctly.
“Do you ever wish things had happened differently?”
Kiyoko focused on Noboru’s clothing as he slowly began to walk towards her, feeling to shy to meet his eyes just yet.
“Or that we had met in a different time or a different place? Some times I wish we had.”
His black wavy hair fell down to his shoulders, the dusty practice sword and kimono indicating this boy was training to become a warrior. His jacket parted as he moved, showing a strange birthmark on his stomach.
“I wish we were born in a different time, where we both weren’t so hated, where we wouldn’t have turned out so bitter. You know how I wished we met?”
Noboru was directly in front of her now, Kiyoko kept her eyes on the ground, her heart pounding.
“As children, when we were still innocent and pure.”
His hand reached out and after a moment, Kiyoko stretched out to carefully place her palm in his. Kiyoko took a deep breath and finally raised her eyes to meet his.
“We would have met each other’s eyes and that would have been it.”
Kiyoko felt the air get knocked out of her harder then her mothers hand had ever been able to.
She felt like Noboru’s eyes were peering into her very soul, seeing every good and dark thing that resided there.
“No one else but the two of us. No Kagome, no Inuyasha, no jewel. Just Kikyo and Naraku. Shima and Onigumo.”
And for the first time in her short life, she felt accepted. All of her, every aspect of her soul, her personality, her dreams, her hopes, her fears was understood and embraced.
“Hello.” she whispered, as if a loud voice would break the spell he had set over her.
Noboru smiled gently back, his intense eye’s softening, warming. “Hello.” he said back.
“Just Onigumo and Shima, content with only ourselves. I promise.”
And they all lived, contently, angrily, frustratedly, lustfully, sadly, and happily (despite Inuyasha’s protests on how boring that was) ever after.
The End
AN: AND IT’S DONE!!!!!! My first fic ever is completed! GAH! I just want to say thank you to everyone who’s ever read this fic, who ever reviewed, thank you soooooooo much. Thanks to the three beta’s I had during the creation of this fic, DragonessoftheMiko’sFlame, Kassie and Crystal, thanks for everything. If you hadn’t editing and verbally beaten me into writing, this fic still wouldn’t be done. Thanks so much again everyone!