InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Jewel of Four Souls ❯ How Things Fall Apart ( Chapter 1 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

 

 

Four. That's how many shards of the Sacred Shikon Jewel Naraku didn't posses. Four. The jewel was nearly complete in his despicable hands. Even incomplete, his power was insurmountable. Naraku wasn't just powerful and deceitful; he was also seemingly incapable of being killed. Several times Naraku somehow ended up surviving and living through seemingly fatal attacks. It seemed no mater how many times you destroyed his body, he always came back good as new.

 

It was Kagura whom first discovered Naraku's vulnerability. The baby left in Kanna's care: Naraku's heart. Destroy it, and you destroy Naraku. Plus the brat, Hakudoushi. Seemed simple enough right? No, it just seemed too easy. Then again, he did hide his heart quite well. And with the protection stone, it was nearly impossible to find since its demonic aura was concealed. Naraku was already on to her little scheme of trying to find it and destroy it though…

 

Of the four remaining shards each one was possessed by someone. Kohaku, the young demon slayer whom was still technically under Naraku's control, held a lone shard in his back. The very shard that has held his life intact for quite some time now. Though he has freed himself of Naraku's influence and complete control, he still obeys orders until he can find a way to escape death. So far, all is well, and Naraku seems not to fully notice his lack of control over the young demon slayer. Either that, or is uncaring at the moment.

 

Two shards are in the possession of the wolf-youkai, Kouga. The same two jewel shards that have been in his legs from the very beginning. He fully intends to use the shards to avenge his fallen comrades. Determined to get his revenge someday soon. Kouga continues his own search for Naraku along with Ginta and Hakkaku as well as a small pack of wolves that come and go. Of course he still doesn't wait up for his comrades as he claims them to be too slow. Typical really.

 

As for the final shard, it is in the possession of a certain group whom all despise Naraku's very existence. Each one had a reason for their hatred and malice towards the evil-hanyou. And each one wanted their own vengeance against him. The shard itself was kept safe by the young miko from the modern era, Kagome. Who in turn was protected by her close friends of the Feudal Era. Each one of them had their own special abilities and skills. Each one aiding in their efforts to recover the Sacred Jewel; each one aiding in efforts to try and destroy Naraku once and for all.

 

Autumn was upon the lands. The brisk cool weather was chilling rapidly signaling an early winter. Still, that didn't stop anyone from pressing onwards towards their fated foe, Naraku. Off a dusty path, deep in a forest rested a group whom all couldn't wait to find their nemesis. A small campfire roared while most of the groups' occupants resided in a circle around it. The young miko, Kagome, had long since gone off to the nearby hot springs alone. Shippo was fast asleep next to Kirara while Miroku, Sango, and InuYasha all sat rather still not saying a word.

 

Silence was a common virtue of the group lately. Since Kagome's apparent withdrawal from the group it's been hard to maintain order. She may not know it, but her presence and input really kept them going in a more organized and positive manner. By all means she hasn't left the group physically. In fact, it's merely her behavior and actions that make it seem so. The miko has been oddly quiet and quite withdrawn from acting in times of battle. Even though many demons have been easy as of late, she still noticeably held back. And times that she did fight she fought poorly. Absolutely missing easy targets, getting herself into dangerous situations that she'd normally wouldn't get in, in the first place. She really was beginning to aggravate a certain someone. Besides her poor fighting, Kagome also tries her best to avoid everyone in the group as much as possible.

 

Normal logic would say a certain hanyou was to blame. But Kagome hasn't shown any hostility or preference towards InuYasha. Something was definitely up with their dear friend. What no one knew. Still, Sango was clearly intent on finding out. After all, Kagome was practically a sister to her. Maybe she just needed a girl-to-girl talk to clear her mind. If she'll talk that is.

 

“I'm gonna go check on Kagome. Maybe even get cleaned up a little myself.” Sango said as she stood.

 

“Very well. Just be careful ok?”

 

“Don't worry, I'm a big girl.” She playfully said to the monk before heading off. He smirked wily in return.

 

Quietly, Sango navigated her way through the thicket of trees and bushes scattered about. She could feel the warm water nearby as a light mist soon came into view. It was still rather hard to see due to the nearly non-existent presence of the moon. After pushing through another bush, Sango nearly fell face first into the water upon the sudden ending of land. Catching herself, she sighed in relief before observing the surroundings form the muddy bank. Several boulders formed a small line down half of the spring, curving slightly towards her side of the bank. Kagome was near the edge of the rocks nearly completely submerged, as she looked rather lost in her thoughts.

 

“Hey, mind if I join ya?” Sango called out. Kagome paid her no heed. Shrugging, she began to calmly undress and fold her clothes into a neat little pile. Keeping them in her arms, Sango noticed Kagome's clothes laying nearby. Setting hers down next to them, she stepped into the refreshingly warm water.

 

“Ooooo.” She cooed. The warm water tenderly warming her chilled skin. Bit by bit Sango sunk into the water. Taking just a moment to adjust to the temperature, she waded over to where Kagome was presumably standing. The miko again paid her no mind as she sunk slightly lower into the water. Only her head was visible above the steamy water.

 

Sango turned and rested up against one of the large boulders near Kagome. Sighing in relaxation, the demon-slayer again cooed with warming pleasure. She didn't notice the young woman turning her head and glancing at her momentarily.

 

“…Sango.” Kagome spoke softly. Her voice sounded a tad raspy.

 

Panicked, Sango stood quickly as to where much of her chest was exposed. Hoping Miroku wasn't watching anywhere nearby. But didn't worry about that for the time being. “Yes, what is it Kagome-chan?”

 

“I'm sorry.” Kagome turned her head away from her dear friend. As though she was ashamed or something. Sango didn't quite know what her friend was apologizing for, but thought it best not to make her feel too awkward. She didn't want to scare her back into silence again.

 

“You have nothing to be sorry for.”

 

“But I've…been acting so selfishly.” Her brown eyes focused hard on the water.

 

“It's ok. We know the journey hasn't been easy on you-”

 

“Yes but, I'm hurting you guys too. And I shouldn't be.”

 

Sango glided over in front of Kagome. She gently took her by the shoulders and tried to get the miko to look directly at her. But to no avail. Still, Sango had to ask…

 

“Kagome… what's wrong?”

 

“Nothing.” Came the almost rehearsed reply.

 

“Don't lie to me. It's InuYasha isn't it?”

 

Kagome said nothing. A clear sign that she didn't want to admit it.

 

“I knew it. He went to see Kikyo again didn't he?”

 

Kagome nodded slowly. Looking as though she was trying not to cry. Sango did what she could and pulled her into a hug. A few tears managed to slip out as Kagome sobbed slightly.

 

“You'll be ok Kagome. I'm here for you.”

 

“I'm sorry Sango…” she sobbed further.

 

“Shhh… it's ok, I understand. This isn't the first time…”

 

Sango let the embrace break allowing Kagome to lean back against the rock. She still didn't appear calm however. Still, at least something was finally out in the air. But what worried Sango the most was why Kagome kept this all a secret? Why didn't she visibly act like she normally does? It only worried her more that perhaps something really got to her dear friend. And something had to have. But the problem was, what?

 

There was no use trying to pry further answers out of the young girl. She was already on the verge of more tears as it was. It was upsetting to know that once again InuYasha was causing the poor woman such distress. Even for one who refuses to leave his side. Yet, why does Kagome even allow for him to cause her emotional pain like this? Why does she allow him to see Kikyo? It clearly hurts her every time he does, so why cause pain to oneself? And what could possibly trouble Kagome this much? Sango feared it'd be a long next couple of days. And she feared for Kagome as well. Naraku was close by as it was. And the supposed final fight was shaping up. In her current condition, the young miko didn't stand a chance. She barely has the will and ability to fight even lesser demons. How was it to be expected for her to take on the strongest one of them all?

 

Sango hardly noticed that Kagome was already out of the water and wrapped in a large fuzzy towel from her era. She didn't even look back as she roamed off back towards camp. Clearly a little ashamed of her actions as of late. Still, Sango couldn't quite figure out her friend. As if a part of her was kept locked away.

 

`That InuYasha…' a slight annoyed groan escaped Sango's lips as she hammered the water in frustration. `I don't know why Kagome even puts up with him. If I was her, I'd tell him off. Maybe even slap the jerk to knock some sense into him.'

 

Huffing, the demon-slayer dove underwater to wash off what she could. Emerging, she half-regretfully headed to the bank and heaved herself from the refreshingly warm water. Squeezing some of the water from her hair, she shook her head back and forth to get her hair to fan out. Sighing, Sango dried off with a towel she brought and began to pull on her clothes before heading back to camp herself.

 

By the time she arrived, Kagome was already fast asleep in her sleeping bag. Her back was turned to everyone as she laid a good distance away from the warm fire. More specifically InuYasha, Sango thought to herself. Yes, it was definitely going to be a tension filled next couple of days. She could only pray that things would get better.

 

“Feeling better Sango?” Miroku asked.

 

“Umm…yeah, thanks.”

 

“Maybe we should relax too InuYasha.”

 

“Keh, you go ahead. With Naraku close by and Kagome acting the way she is, I don't have time to set back and relax.”

 

“Very well.” He sighed.

 

It was to be expected though. InuYasha wasn't about to let Naraku escape from his grasp again. None of them would. This time, they'd take him down for good. Or die trying. Sango still worried though. Kagome was a vital member of their team. She kept them going, kept the moral and spirit high. She tried her best to fight, despite a dislike for it. Somehow, her presence even made InuYasha fight better and with more vigor. The hanyou was more focused and determined in battle. Sango too felt that same entity of power. That somehow, Kagome's presence even helped her fight in difficult situations.

 

Sighing, she eased herself down onto her bedroll for the night. Kagome's words ringing in her head like a dizzy array of sound. Her eyes slowly becoming heavy by the minute. Sensing she was asleep, InuYasha quietly made his way over to the sleeping miko. His senses however told him otherwise.

 

“I know you're awake.” He quietly said.

 

Kagome said nothing.

 

“Look, I don't know why you're all upset or whatever, but you need to get over it. I can't have you making stupid mistakes in the heat of battle.”

 

“If you don't know, then let it be.”

 

“Please Kagome. We need you. Don't you want to finally vanquish Naraku?”

 

She again said nothing. The miko heard him sigh before he backed off and went to his spot by the campfire. Leaving her where she was.

 

`Vanquishing Naraku is only part of the problem…'

 

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Tensiony goodness… Please Review! And I'll give you Chapter 2!

 

-King RTS-I'm the King of My World!