InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Sunset Love ❯ A Time to Heal ( Chapter 24 )

A/N - I have also started an Email listing so that anyone who would like to receive story updates is more then welcome to join. The url is:

 

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sunsetlove/

 

You can also get answers, start a discussion, or just let me know what you think in general. In this way I'll be able to respond directly to the group…:) Hope this helps a bit…:)

 

Disclaimer - Nope still don't own Inuyasha… but torturing them still works. :)

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Chapter 24 - A Time to Heal

 

The next few days dragged by as Kagome struggled to define what had happened. Only Kisho had been allowed to approach her without fear or concern. The healer had watched closely for any signs of distress that first morning he came to stand beside her bed, but the miko had only stared up at the towering Taiyoukai without uttering a word. Her continuing silence only served to worry both the healer and Kisho more with each passing day.

 

She barely moved, staring up at the tent ceiling for long periods as she dealt with the inner turmoil until the healer's potions sent her back to sleep. Her body had healed surprisingly fast compared to that of a regular human's and to the healer's relief she had experienced no ill effects from the small amounts of poison that had seeped into her during the mating. Kisho had then explained what had occurred prior to the battle and believed she had become immune to Sesshomaru's poisons. This seemed to relieve some of the healer's worries but still it did not erase them completely.

 

Kisho remained by Kagome's side for long hours talking to her in soft tones in an attempt to coax her out of the state she had fallen into. He explained how much he had loved her mother, and how he had wished he could have been there for her as she grew. Telling her tales of the adventures he and her mother had gone upon while she was there. The entire time he talked he held the young miko's hand in the hopes of feeling some reaction from her.

 

It was hard for them all to see Kagome so withdrawn from the world and it pulled at their hearts. The war continued around them as the Western Army pressed forward, their aggression taking its toll on the usurper's army. A lot of ground into the Northern territory was regained and it helped to ease the frustrations that were being generated with Kagome's friends and family.

 

It was upon the third day that the healer allowed her son, Shippo to venture close enough to see his adopted mother. Tears had brightened his emerald eyes and he kneeled beside her cot taking one hand in his. He was afraid he might lose her again and his husky voice carried his emotions as easily as his eyes had.

 

Still she did not show signs of responding and after a time, the healer told him that he needed to leave so that she might rest. It was a sad Shippo that left the tent to report what he had seen to the others. News that none of them wished to hear.

 

Among them Sesshomaru's outer appearance become steadily colder as the days passed, his inner guilt eating away at his heart and mind. On the battlefield though, he become as one possessed as he slaughtered his enemies seemingly without thought. During the days he went to battle filled with a hatred so great he could barely contain it but at night he rested outside the healer's tent, his superior hearing trained inside to listen to his mate's shallow breathing. In the long moments he had spent alone, the Western Lord had finally come to grips with the strange reactions he was having toward the males that went near her. He had reluctantly admitted that the beast inside had accepted the miko as its mate.

 

It perplexed him to discover this and it only fed the guilt of what he had done to her. If only his arrogant pride had not caused him to go on ahead instead of waiting for her to awake she might not be laying in there in a stupor.

 

Though he would tell no other, Sesshomaru longed to see that beautiful smile that always graced her lips. To hear her angelic voice even in anger would sooth his mind and at least let him know that she would survive. He hoped that her strong will to survive would surface soon and bring her back to him. In a strange way, he felt as if he were the one who needed her help to get through this, even if it was just to hear her once again forgive him for his transgressions against her. For once he would not even mind the girl's irritating habit of screaming at him whenever her anger rose. If she even sent him away because if it at least he would know that she would live.

 

Sesshomaru's inward struggle with himself seemed to go unnoticed by those that moved cautiously around him. His outward appearance was stony, his eyes colder then ever they remembered seeing them before but to those close enough to know him understood that he needed his privacy to figure out things on his own.

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A week had finally passed before Tanaka had the chance to slip inside the healer's tent to get a closer look at Kagome. She had been able to integrate herself easily into being an aid to one of the various healers that was spread throughout the camp. On this day she had been sent to the ancient healer that tended the miko for a few herbs that was sorely needed in the outer perimeters of the camp.

 

The guard allowed her access only after she had stated exactly why she was there and who had sent her. Easily she explained everything and watched with slight amusement as the guard stepped aside and opened the tent flap for her. She felt a moment of anxiousness as she stepped inside hesitating long enough to allow her eyes to adjust to the dim interior light. Her eyes swept around the large tent finding both her intended targets within close proximity to one another as the old healer had begun to make her way toward the catatonic miko.

 

Forcing a gentle smile on her lips, the panther demoness started forward to greet the old woman explaining just why she had been sent. Nodding with understanding the ancient one handed Tanaka the bowl she had been caring. “While I prepare the herb mixture of you, will you please see to the Lady Miko?”

 

“As you wish, m'lady,” Tanaka said softly thought she could not believe her string of luck. Glancing toward the miko then back to the healer she felt herself compelled to ask the question that had been plaguing her for some time now. “What ails her?”

 

“Ahh, child the miko has undergone a traumatic experience and has yet to awaken from the shock. We can only hope the gods may bring her back to us soon.” The healer had replied sadly before turning to where she had stored her herbs. It would take a few moments to complete the herbs that Tanaka had requested but she trusted the one she believed to be a younger healer in training the task of bathing Kagome's wounds.

 

Bowing to the ancient woman's dismissal, Tanaka turned to the task at hand. At first she hesitated when her eyes focused on the stately looking Inu-youkai that sat attentively beside the miko's cot but steeled her nerves and moved forward. She had been sent on a task by her master that she would not fail in now that she had gained enough trust within the enemy camp to do so.

 

Slowly she bowed her head to the lord before setting about her task of bathing the girl's wounds. It had become routine to her to do these things in the week that she had spent helping out the younger healer with those that were brought in. Glancing up at the stoic features of the dark Inu that sat by the lady's side, the panther noticed just how strained and pinched his eyes seemed as he worried for the girl.

 

Turning her attention toward Kagome, Tanaka took her time as she studied the girl. Power rolled off the prone girl, power so immense that it almost took her breath away but yet at the same time seemed to lay as dormant as the girl did. The eyes that stared unblinking upward seemed to be clouded with a far away hazy look that had her wondering just what sort of threat the girl might pose in this state. If she ever awoke she would definitely be someone to contend with but yet at the same time the panther could sense the kind heart of the unmoving girl. It was odd at how she felt that without the girl saying anything, she just seemed to sense it.

 

Shaking her head slightly, Tanaka finished her set task just as the old healer returned to Kagome's bedside with the various herbs that was required in a bound cloth. Taking the cloth, the panther bowed, thanking the healer profusely as was expected of her then returned to the outer healer with the precious bundle. When night fell she would slip away and return to her master's side to inform him of how powerful the young miko was.

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In the week that had passed, Kagome's shocked mind had almost completely shut down, denying her anything thing but the tortured visions she saw flash before her eyes whether she was awake or asleep. She did not realize that Kisho had diligently remained beside her cot speaking in soft tones nor did she feel whenever the healer bathed her healing body and force-feed her the herbal mixtures to aid in her healing.

 

The only thing she could focus on was the horrific images that continuously assaulted her feeble mind. In all of them, Sesshomaru's stoic figure leered down at her covered in the blood of her friends while her pleas fell on deaf ears. At first she had started to believe she was caught up in a never ending cycle of death, almost believing it to be some sort of punishment for an unknown crime she had committed but as time wore on she began to wonder at the recycling images. She almost felt certain that there was something these visions were trying to tell her yet she wasn't certain what it could be.

 

At the same time she longed to see her friends, to know for certain that they still lived and the man who had always protected and made her feel safe in her dreams was not the same man she continually witnessed slaughtering the ones she loved.

 

Slowly, reality began to settle in on those few rare occasions that her eyes were open. It was slightly hazy at first but still she could not sense or even feel what was going on with her own body. It was almost as if she were experiencing it through someone else's eyes so she kept them fixed on the high cloth ceiling above her. Those faces that did momentarily move into her vision were not recognized or even acknowledged, not because she did not want to but because she could not no matter how hard she tried. Her body would just not react the way she wanted it to.

 

Still Kagome remained unaware of what those gathered around her would say all words fell on unhearing ears. In her mind all she could hear were the anguished screams of her friends as they fell to Sesshomaru's poisonous claws. Even when Shippo's face hovered tearfully above hers, she could not rouse herself to say anything. His was just one more face in a sea of faces that she did not know. But his deep red hair made her wish that it were her son standing over her instead of the grown Kitsune. For some reason it was almost as if in her mind she had reverted back to the girl she had been several years ago when she traveled the countryside with the small group. A defense mechanism it seemed to give her mind time to absorb the harsh images of her dreams and the reality of what had happened to her.

 

Her salvation came in the form of a robed monk she knew all to well. His appearance having changed little over the ten years that had passed, only the slight graying at his temples any indication of aging.

 

Miroku stepped hesitantly into the tent where his dearest friend lay in the grip of some mental illness. It had been a hard task to convince the stoic lord that his presence would only aid Kagome in her road to recover instead of setting her back. His argument had been that a familiar face might just be what the miko needed to bring her back. When he was told that she did not recognize her own kit, the monk quickly explained that it might be because Shippo had grown up without Kagome to watch over him and in so doing she might not have realized it was her son if her mind had turned back to a time before. He had seen it happen before in many a woman in his travels. Some of them had reverted back to their childhood when times were less complicated. It was his hope that this was the case with his long time friend. He had to try it anyway he explained to them.

 

After carefully considering what the monk had said, Sesshomaru grudgingly allowed Miroku to enter the tent. Inside once again the monk had relayed his hope to the protective healer and she too stepped aside, knowing that it could very well be true.

 

As Miroku approached the cot where Kagome lay with her eyes closed, the monk bowed respectively to the Northern Lord. He had heard upon his return to the encampment after several weeks of being away on a scouting mission what had transpired and who they believed Kisho to be. It had not really surprised him to learn the truth of her lineage as he always believed there to be something different about his friend, he just had not been able to tell exactly what it was. He knew there was probably more to the story then the others were letting on but as he glanced between the unmoving Kagome and the stoic lord by her side, he could see the similarities even more then he had noticed before.

 

Dismissing the questions he had from his mind, Miroku settled himself on the cot beside the silent girl. The glare he got from the irritated Lord was ignored in favor of focusing his full attention on Kagome.

 

The slight shifting of the cot as his weight pressed down had the desired effect of causing Kagome to open her eyes. His familiar aura reaching out to collide with her own and even though the girl's eyes trained on the ceiling overhead, the monk noticed that something instantly seemed different.

 

Apparently, so did the Inu Taiyoukai as the soft growl he had started to admit in warning to the monk's intrusion halted when the girl's aura seemed to swell and mingle with that of the monks.

 

Miroku stole a glance toward Kisho to see if he too had noticed and pleased with finding the Northern Lord had turned back to his friend. “Kagome, it is time to get up.”

 

A soft whimper seemed to suddenly fill the room as the girl wearily dragged her eyes toward the only voice she had recognized during this whole ordeal. The fearful eyes that looked up at the monk widen slightly as she seemed to be struggling to say something.

 

Bending closer to try and catch her whisper, Miroku became startled by what she had asked. “Why would Inuyasha be mad at you for?”

 

“Because I couldn't save you,” she managed to softly croak out with a strangled sob.

 

Slowly, tears began to slide down the pale checks as a startled monk looked down at her in confusion. At first he could not understand her words, what was it that she could not save them from when it had been she who had gone through such an ordeal?

 

“Inuyasha is not mad at you for anything, Lady Kagome,” Miroku replied softly as he reached out to clasp her frail looking hand. “We are all perfectly safe and worried about you.”

 

Kagome shook her head drastically, “No, no it's not true, I couldn't save you and I…I… saw him kill you. I was helpless, then he… he...” Though her voice was growing steadily in strength so too was her distress. With his brows furrowed in concern he thought over her words and how to reply when he noticed that one of her hands had raised to seem as if she were searching for something.

 

“Where is it?” She seemed to look up at him, her eyes as innocent as they had been the day he had first met her though a trace of the darker worry she felt were reflected in them. “Did he take the Shikon too?”

 

“Kagome,” Miroku began softly not exactly knowing where her mind had taken her but apparently he had been right in his assumption of it returning to a simpler time. “You wished away the Shikon ten years ago. No longer are we searching for the shards, we are safe here in Sesshomaru's army encampment. Sango and Rin are back at his castle under the watchful eyes of his most trusted guard and Shippo is all grown up now. None have harmed us in any way.”

 

As Miroku watched the confusion flicker across his friend's dark eyes he silently prayed to the gods that he was finally getting through. Her hand tightened around his as if trying to reassure herself that he was truly real and not just a ghost conjured up from within her guilt-ridden mind.

 

Moments past as Kagome stared back at Miroku, judging his words against her own nightmares. She had seen them dying over and over again as Sesshomaru slaughtered them just after the final battle with Naraku. How was it that the monk was sitting there on her bed, in a place she did not recognize, telling her that everything was going to be all right? How was it possible if he like the rest of her friends were taken away from her?

 

Still his hand felt so real in hers that she wanted to believe his words. Never before had he really lied to her when it mattered most and right now his words were the only thing she had to hang onto. She saw herself reflected in his violet eyes and did not recognize the girl she had once been; instead she saw the reflection of a mature woman looking drawn, pale and sickly. It was an image that both startled her into accepting his words. For the first time she looked at him them, noticing the graying hair, his own weary appearance and even the way his shoulders seemed to slump as if a heavy burden had been placed upon them.

 

“Miroku,” she finally managed to whisper out. “I want to go home. Please, ask Inuyasha if he'll take me to the well.” It was a heart-wrenching plea he could not deny and he nodded his head and moved to rise from the bed.

 

Beside them, Kisho stirred from the silence that bound him as he heard his daughter's request. He felt saddened that she would wish to return to her own time and it was as if his child were being torn from him all over again.

 

“Kagome,” his soft voice caused her widened eyes to come full swing on him as she clutched at Miroku's hand not allowing him to leave her with this strange youkai.

 

“It is alright Kagome, Lord Kisho will not harm you but watch over you until I can return with Inuyasha.” He assured her and with a knowing glance at Kisho he gently pulled his hand away from her grasp to step outside.

 

The name seemed to set some sort of emotion racing across Kagome's eyes as she turned them to look up at Kisho. It was gone as quickly as it came. She studied him in silence for a long while, her gaze both curious and fearful. It was only as Inuyasha's irritated voice sounded loudly at the tent opening did the girl look away.

 

“Keh! So your finally awake,” Inuyasha snorted as he strode confidently toward Kagome's cot. “Its about damn time too.” Even though he hated to see her go, he knew that this very well might be just what the girl needed to snap her out of it.

 

At first her eyes widened seeing the strange appearance of Inuyasha even though he sounded like her best friend he did not resemble the one she had known. Only by looking deep into his eyes and seeing the familiar amber orbs staring back at her did she fully begin to understand what had happened. “Inuyasha! You're a demon!”

 

Inuyasha quirked a brow at her question and glanced toward Kisho with a bit of confusion before looking back to his friend. “Of course, I'm a demon. Have been since you wished on the Shikon.”

 

Miroku had warned him that her memory seemed to have backtracked before the final battle with Naraku but until now he had not believed it. As she struggled to sit up, Inuyasha was quick to move to her side to help her. She sagged against him weakly, her fingers gripping the familiar red material of his haori while her head pressed against his chest. She looked up at him, one hand reaching up to trace the regal strips that adorned his cheeks to assure herself that they were real.

 

Feeling him gather her in his arms, Kagome relaxed her head resting against his shoulder as she had done so many times before. Though it seemed odd to her that he had changed so much when to her it only seemed like yesterday that they had all been camped out somewhere under the stars, but Miroku had told her that it had been ten years since then and looking at the change in Inuyasha's appearance only confirmed it.

 

Not forgetting Lord Kisho's presence, Kagome turned her head to look at him with a tiny smile as she looked at the stoic demon. There was a curiousness reflected in her eyes that had him lifting an eyebrow in question. “I…I know you, don't I?” Her soft voice asked but yet at the same time she wasn't certain of exactly how.

 

His sharp nod was the only answer she needed before relaxing in Inuyasha's protective arms. “Then maybe when I come back I'll have a chance to talk to you again. I am sorry for making you worry.”

 

The faintest smile tugged at the corner of Kisho's lips when he heard the innocence in his daughter's voice. “I shall look forward to that, Lady Miko.”

 

Even as he watched Inuyasha turn to carry her from the tent, Kisho knew that she would return, no matter what would come, he would finally have his chance to speak with his daughter. He just hoped that she would be in possession of her full memories once she returned.

 

The moment Inuyasha stepped from the tent Kagome's eyes fell on two faces that she knew she should recognize yet they seemed so much older somehow. The first was the same red haired Kitsune that she had seen earlier while the second was a dark haired teenager that resembled Sango's younger brother Kohaku. Both watched Inuyasha with sad eyes and as they passed by them she looked up curiously at Inuyasha.

 

“Was that Kohaku?” She asked softly as she laid her head back to rest on her best friends shoulder.

 

“Yeah, and the other one was Shippo.” Inuyasha replied answering her unspoken question as easily as if he could read her mind.

 

“Shippo? He's gotten so big.” She was surprised but so tired that she barely could lift her head. At the same time her small hands gripped the material of his haori tightly afraid that if she were to let go he would simply vanish and she would be stuck back into the nightmares.

 

“Yeah,” Inuyasha quietly replied as his eyes were fixed on something far ahead.

 

Kagome twisted slightly in his arms wondering just what it was that had caught his attention but instantly wished she had not. There standing in the middle of the road not more then a few yards outside the guard's post was the very person she had been dreaming about, the Western Lord, Sesshomaru.

 

His face his usual stoic mask of indifference as stood there watching them closely. The clawed hands she feared so much were hidden inside his long sleeves and buy his side she could see the twin swords that he always carried with him. His long silvery white hair swayed gently in the evening breeze and the furry pelt that wrapped around his shoulder only completed the image she knew all too well by now.

 

Kagome's fear swelled as visions of what had occurred ripped through her memories, mingling with those from her nightmares to make it hard for her to discern reality from fantasy. It was difficult for her to really know for certain why she was terrified of him. All she could really remember was the way his claws and teeth had punctured her tender flesh and the memory of great pain at his hands. The why or how was lost to her as her fear caused her to grip even tighter to Inuyasha, her entire body trembling from the strength of it. Burying her face into her best friend's shoulder with a quiet sob, she clutched at him in fear.

 

Inuyasha growled low as he felt Kagome's terror, the healer had told his brother that he should not allow her to see him but as always Sesshomaru followed his own rules. How was he to expect her to heal from the mating if the sight of him caused her such fear?

 

“Damn it Sesshomaru, why did you have to go and scare her all over again?” Inuyasha demanded as he glared hatefully toward his half-brother.

 

“This Sesshomaru does not have to answer to the likes of you, brat.” Sesshomaru replied coldly even though his eyes were on the trembling form in his brother's arms. Though he wouldn't admit it he just had to see her one last time before the well could carry her from his reach possibly for all time. He doubted that she would ever wish to see him again once she remembered exactly what had happened and it pained him deeply.

 

“Keh,” Inuyasha huffed lightly and moved passed Sesshomaru. “I will return as soon as I can.”

 

Sesshomaru refrained from replying as he turned to watch his brother carry Kagome away. It took all his willpower to keep from just going after the boy and retrieve his mate. He did understand though that was possibly for the best, without the miko there to distract him he might have a chance to concentrate on defeating the usurper instead of worrying over her.

 

The Western Lord gave an almost unheard sigh as his brother disappeared through the tree line. He stood there for a long while just staring at where they had vanished, his mind and heart suffering the guilt of what he had done yet at the same time wishing it had been him instead of her who had paid the price for his own arrogance.

 

It was only the warning alarms that sounded the enemy's approach that drew him away from the strange longing he felt and he turned back to the business at hand. Many would pay for this transgression against his mate and he would not stop until he found this “master” and rip him apart.

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Hayashi's fist slammed hard against the wooden table in front of him causing the heavy oak to splinter. His actions were affective enough to bring everyone's attention around to stare at him. Some growled out their anger while other's acted submissively toward the powerful third.

 

“We have three choices my fellow generals.” Hayashi growled out finally as they fell silent. “Join with the Master's army, join with the Western Army, or stay out of the whole bloody war all together and hope that it does not flow over onto our lands.”

 

“But Kage commanded that we join with the Master's army upon his death. Would you dare go against his wishes?” An aged bear spoke up his glowing red eyes the only indication of his anger.

 

“Kage no longer governs us, his mistress saw to that when she went and got herself killed by the miko.” Hayashi growled out his displeasure of being questioned but still the bear did not back down.

 

“I say we seek revenge on this miko for Kage's death!” Another spoke up his deep growling voice evidence of his wolf youkai heritage.

 

“It was not the miko's fault that our leader died.” Hayashi rounded angrily on the wolf demon as his anger grew. How could they be so blind as to who was really responsible? Did they not understand just how conniving Sora had been or were they just so thirsty for blood that their vision was blinded? “Kage was killed by his own bitch. There will be no seeking of revenge for she is already dead. The wench slept with half of Kage's men, used many of us in her experiments and feasted upon our brothers' flesh. I say we are better off without her. Good riddance to such trash and more is the pity that Kage was foolish enough to bind his life to such a vile creature.”

 

The murmur of agreement went through those few gathered within the chamber, each having experienced Sora's treacherous ways first hand and in truth all were glad to be rid of her but still they needed to decide what they were to do now that they were without a leader.

 

They all knew just how Sora had been killed and just how powerful the miko was reputed to be. If they joined with the master's army then they understood the risks of going up against such a powerful being. None of them looked forward to being caught up in a war that had been years in the making.

 

“I say we remain out of it as much as possible.” One of the more submissive generals spoke up but it was a shallow comment said without much conviction.

 

Kage had amassed enough wealth over the centuries to set himself up as a minor lord and protector in the Southern Lands. A place far enough away to not be effected by the master's plans yet at the same time without their leader there to keep things in hand it was certain that soon the Southern Lord would come to claim the estate that by rights had no legal heir.

 

The Southern Lord had only tolerated the shadow demon's presence due to the fact that he often went out on various missions for him not to mention his lands always seemed to produce the best grains. A portion of these were always paid in tribute to the Southern Lord but these were certain to end now that Kage was no longer alive to make certain the regular tribute was there.

 

If the Lord had been given any indication of what Kage had truly governed over he certainly would have disbanded them many a century ago and seen to it that all their deaths were painful ones. Now with the threat of the Southern Lord's anger hanging over their heads, Kage's generals were in a state of panic. Many of them had loved ones within these lands and none wished to see what would become of them.

 

“If we were to join forces with the Western Army then it might even be possible to keep our homes here intact,” Hayashi began to speak his voice a bit calmer then it had been. He was tired and wished to rest but knew it would be impossible until the matter was settled.

 

He had hid deep within the mountains until Sora's potion had worn off. Once he had been at his full strength, he had returned to Kage's lands to utter chaos. Everyone was in the midst of fighting for dominance, each wanting to replace their fallen lord but none of them wanting the responsibility that came with the position. It had been Hayashi the finally put an end to their squabbling, easily overpowering all of them and gaining some semblance of order.

 

“But how will you convince them to allow us to join once they learn that we were in league with Sora?” the wolf spoke up, a trace of a whimper in his voice.

 

“Your loyalties will not be questioned if you go about it properly.” A new voice startled all of them and they turned weapons ready as they faced the intruder.

 

“What do you want? How did you get in here?” Hayashi demanded angrily at the intrusion. He recognized the pale-haired Inu-youkai as the same one that Sora had spoken with in the castle. This had been one of the master's puppets and his appearance could only mean ill to his men.

 

“My benefactor has sent me to aid you, if you chose to join with the Western armies. If not I am to make certain you do not join with the master's forces.” Iyashii replied calmly as he leaned against the stone doorway, his eyes studying the men that had gathered together.

 

“Why would this benefactor of yours wish that when you are nothing more then one of this Master's slaves?” Hayashi replied as he drew his sword. All he knew was this better not be some sort of trickery he was facing or Iyashii would pay with his life.

 

“I no longer serve the master. If not for him and Sora my mate would still be by my side.” Iyashii replied with such venom dripping from his voice that it frightened the lesser generals in the room. All knew that an enraged dog demon in full form was one of the deadliest foes to deal with.

 

The hatred gleaming in the red-tinged eyes that stared at him was enough to cause Hayashi to sheath his sword warily. He did not wish to do something that would cause this irate youkai to swiftly change and slaughter them all. Kage had been the only one truly powerful enough to take on a dog demon and life to tell about it but that was not what concerned him at the moment. What did concern him was why would this unknown person send an ex-slave here to help them out.

 

“What do you have in mind?” Hayashi finally sighed. He believed the only way to figure out what to do next would be to hear this Inu-youkai out, maybe then he would find some sort of peace of mind.

 

With a knowing smirk, Iyashii strode forward to discuss his plans with the gathered youkai.

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The trip to the Bone Eaters Well was one made in silence as Inuyasha allowed Kagome to rest fitfully in his arms. Though she slept most of the way there, when she was awake she barely uttered a word. It was almost eerie because he was so use to her babbling happily on about something or another. She did not even comment on the beautiful array of butterflies that had taken to the air when he had landed in the midst of a flowered meadow disturbing the gentle insects.

 

“We're here,” Inuyasha said softer then he normally would have as he set Kagome on her feet beside the well. He could barely find it in him to lift his voice above a calming tone as her haunted eyes looked up at him again.

 

“Uh huh,” Kagome replied softly as she sat down on the edge of the well. She looked down at the ground at her feet as the same dark pictures continually assaulted her brain. The whole way there she had been trying to understand just what had happened and had only managed to figure out that something bad had happened between herself and her best friend's half brother. Though she could not be certain exactly what it was, she knew one thing for certain. It was not exactly what the nightmares had been showing her.

 

Inuyasha sat beside her, his shoulders slumped in defeat as he worried if it would be the last time he ever saw his closest friend again. The last time he had not been able to say goodbye and this time it felt no different. She was not completely whole at the moment and he did not know if she would ever be again.

 

“Kagome, I…” He began only to have her raise her eyes to meet his and shook her head causing him to shut up.

 

“Don't worry Inuyasha, I'll return once I get everything figured out. My purpose is not done yet.” She leaned over and gave him a gentle kiss on the cheek before hugging him tightly. “I promise. Whatever happened I promise I'll be back.”

 

Inuyasha hugged her back as tightly as he could without harming her. “I just want you to be safe. Don't come back if you don't have to. Stay in your own time, got to that school thing you always talked about and forget this place all together, Kagome. I could bare to see you hurt again.”

 

Kagome pulled away looking up at her friend and wondering at the changes he had gone through. She gave him a weak smile before shaking her head slightly. “I may not remember exactly what is going on at the moment but I do now that whatever destiny has in store for me it is here with you and the others. I will return as soon as I figure out just what happened.”

 

Inuyasha sighed heavily, something things just never changed. Her stubborn personality to be exact, because no matter what once she set her mind on something she saw it through. He nodded then stood. “Well I gets the sooner you get home, the sooner you can come back and create more havoc.”

 

Kagome smiled, a small sad smile but still it was the first smile that he had seen since this whole thing started over a week ago. It gave him a sense of hope, one that he held onto with his entire heart. “Take care of Inuyasha.”

 

“You too.” He replied softly as he watched her slip into the well. The familiar blue aura filling the well that carried her away into a time and place he could no longer follow.

 

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Hmm looks like all the players are lining up for something now… is going to happen next and just how will Kagome deal with what she cannot remember? Stay tuned for the next exciting (or somewhat annoying cliffies…lol) chapter of Sunset Love!

 

Much love to you all
DJ aka AuroraNyte/l3lackroze