InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Enigma of Power ❯ Kagome Returns ( Chapter 20 )

Inuyasha paced by the well. He didn't know what he was waiting for or why. Miroku and Sango were back in the village with Kaede. None of them seemed to be worried. He stopped suddenly and sniffed. There was a familiar scent on the wind. A moment later Jaken stepped from the woods. He looked around the clearing before sitting by the well. Inuyasha watched him for a moment, but the little youkai sat watching the ground by his feet. He turned when he heard someone approaching. Miroku frowned at Jaken. Lamely he gestured toward him.

"He seems worried, and that worries me."

Miroku frowned. "You can tell?"

"I can. If he's worried, then Sesshomaru might be in trouble."

"He took her to the Wanderers." The both jumped at the forlorn voice. "The last time he went to them, he almost died, but he took the child. He's never taken her into danger."

Inuyasha sat in front of Jaken. "Tell me about the Wanderers."

"Long ago they were men, nomads in a great sea of sand, a desert so vast it would take even the mighty Sesshomaru-sama days to cross it. Something happened to them, though. They touched the great magic of the desert. It took them and they are no longer human. They are not demon or god. What they are I could not tell you, but the very sight of them chills me to the bone."

"What do they look like?"

"I don't know."

"But you said…"

"They cover themselves completely, their faces, even their hands. The scent of their magic is like the scent of Time itself, old, ancient."

"Then Kagome is in danger."

"But he took the child. He has never put her in danger." Suddenly he jumped up, his eyes wide as he stared skyward. "Sesshomaru-sama!"

Inuyasha leapt up. A moment later Sesshomaru landed. He released Kagome and Shippou. With a slight bow he turned and began walking away. Inuyasha stepped forward.

"Sesshomaru," he stopped, but did not turn, "thank you for helping her."

"It is my duty."

They watched in silence as they disappeared into the forest. Kagome gave a light sigh. "Well…remind me never go visit any mystery people again."

She walked over to Inuyasha and gave him a hug. She then walked over to Miroku and did the same. A moment later the sound of her fist contacting his face resounded through the clearing. Miroku had learned in the past to just lay down and play dead. Kagome stomped her foot.

"Here I am trying to be nice and you…you! Oh!"

She turned and stormed toward the village. Shippou giggled softly. "I wouldn't mess with her anymore, Miroku, she can kick your ass."

"Shippou! Where did you learn that language?"

Shippou's ears flattened in shame and his eyes darted toward Inuyasha. Her gaze turned to him and his ear flattened as well. She put her fists on her hips and frowned at him.

"What have I told you about watching your mouth around him? Honestly, Inuyasha." She shook her head in mock disgust, but then a smile broke through. "Try not to do it again."

He grinned and she laughed as she scooped up Shippou and they started toward the village. Sango met them on the path and threw herself into Kagome's arms. Both girls were laughing with joy at the reunion. Kaede was equally happy to see Kagome, but the second she touched the girl she jumped back. Her eyes went wide in shock.

"Kami-sama, Kagome, what has happened to you?"

"What are you talking about?"

"I…I don't think your human anymore."

Kagome laughed softly. "I am human, just one without blinders on anymore. Please, don't act like that. It took Sesshomaru a little while to get used to my new energy patterns too."

"Is that what I'm feeling?"

"My body contains and utilizes my magic differently now. It doesn't tire me to use it anymore."

"Such power…you must have paid a terrible price for it."

They watched as both Kagome and Shippou paled. Kagome shook her head. "I don't want to talk about that."

They sat down to the meal Kaede had prepared. Kagome was relatively quiet, letting Shippou tell them about the Wanderers. She and Sesshomaru had instructed Rin and Shippou very carefully. They could say nothing of their betrothal. Kagome smiled as she watched her son talking about playing with Rin and the other children. Night fell and soon Shippou was asleep. Kagome slipped outside and found that Inuyasha had followed her. She smiled at him.

"I have to go home for a little while. I'll be back tomorrow."

"Kagome?"

"Huh?"

"You are different, you're distant."

"I'm sorry, it was…hard out there."

"I'm sure Sesshomaru didn't help much. He can be a heartless bastard."

She shook her head. "Have you no happy memories of him? Was he always so far away from you?"

"No, once long ago I do remember him being kinder, warmer, but I was still hardly older than Shippou. Why all the questions?"

"I don't know…just all that time I spent with him. He's not as evil as you think. He does have a heart, I've seen it."

"You don't know what you're talking about!"

Kagome jumped at his harsh tone. "Inuyasha?"

"He's a monster!" Kagome stepped back. "I don't want you to ever see him again!"

Kagome clenched her fists. "You have no idea what you're talking about."

"I know! That bastard killed my mother!"

Kagome took a deep breath. "You really believe that don't you?"

"Of course I do! I know what I saw!"

She reached out and touched his face. "I feel so sorry for you, Inuyasha. I have to go."

She turned and began walking down the path. Inuyasha stood there watching her for a full minute before running after her. By the time he caught up with her she was well into the woods. She did not stop when she sensed him.

"Do not follow me, the well is closed against you."

"You can't do that."

"I can, and I will, please, don't force me to do this."

"But why? For him?"

"No, for me."

She climbed over the edge of the well and jumped. Inuyasha stood in the empty clearing, silent except for the sounds of the night. He sank down to his knees, tears slipping down his face. He'd lost her.