InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Runaway Heart ❯ An Interesting Day for All ( Chapter 4 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The sun shines brightly on a warm, spring day.  Kaede is out helping with a birth in the village, while Miroku and InuYasha are out hunting in the forest.  Young Shippou is out playing with the two-tailed kitten, Kirara, and with the other children, leaving Sango alone in the hut with Kagome who is slowly wakening from her slumber.

 

 

 

“Good morning, Kagome,” Sango says cheerfully sitting beside the miko.

 

 

 

“Uh, good morning,” replies the miko with uncertainty, rubbing her head while slowly rising up.  She notices the silence of the hut and looks around her.  “Where is everyone?”

 

 

 

“Oh, they’re around somewhere.”

 

 

 

“I see.”

 

 

 

“How’s your head this morning?” asks the slayer concerned.  “Any better?”

 

 

 

“Not much,” replies Kagome.  “I thought a good night’s sleep might help it.  But it only seems to have eased a little.  Wonder if the pain will ever go away,”

 

 

 

“It should,” replies Sango with a slight nod.  “Kaede’s medicines always seem to help but according to her you just might have a sore head for some time.”

 

 

 

“Yeah,” says Kagome with a sigh, “sure wish I had an aspirin.”

 

 

 

“A what?” asks the slayer looking curious.

 

 

 

(Now why did I say that,) thought Kagome curiously?  (Do I even know what an aspirin is?)  The young priestess slightly shakes her head and smiles.  “Never mind, it was nothing."

 

 

 

“Oh.  Say Kagome, I’m going out to the hot springs this morning,” says Sango.  “Wanna come?”

 

 

 

“There’re, hot springs around here?” asks the young miko surprised.

 

 

 

“Sure,” replies Sango with a nod.  “You and I always go there, whenever we returned from a battle.  It’s a great way for us to relax.”

 

 

 

“A battle huh?  Are there many of them?”

 

 

 

“Pretty much,” says Sango with a sigh.  “It seems demons are everywhere these days.”

 

 

 

“I see.  How far are they?” asks the young miko.  “The springs, I mean.”

 

 

 

“Not very,” says the slayer.  “I thought, since that monk is busy elsewhere, it would be kind of nice to bathe without worrying about him trying to sneak a peek at me.”

 

 

 

“He watches you bathe?” says Kagome incredulously.  “Seriously?”

 

 

 

“Every chance he gets,” replies the slayer with a nod.

 

 

 

“And you let him?”

 

 

 

“I said he tries, Kagome, not succeed,” replies the slayer with a smirk.  “Besides, there’s really nothing for us to worry about.  Miroku and…well him are out hunting this morning.  So, would you like to come with me?”

 

 

 

(Well, if that Miroku person’s not going to be there.)  The thought of the hot springs intrigues the young miko, for her body is still sore, from the other day.  “Ok,” replies Kagome hesitantly.  “Yeah, sure.  I’ll go with you.”

 

 

 

“Great!”

 

 

 

The two women gather their supplies, and leave the village to go relax in the warm water of the hot springs.  Once there, Kagome sinks deep into the water, relishing the heat as it soothes her sore aching muscles.

 

 

 

“Ahhh, just what my body needs,” the young miko smiles.  “A nice long soak.”

 

 

 

Watching her friend closely Sango bites her bottom lip and is about to start a conversation when the young miko speaks first.

 

 

 

“Hey.”

 

 

 

“Yeah?” replies the slayer startled.

 

 

 

“Your name is Sango, isn’t it?” asks Kagome curiously looking over at the woman.

 

 

 

“Uh huh.  Can’t you remember any of us, Kagome?” asks the slayer concerned.  “Even a little bit?”

 

 

 

“No,” replies the young miko sadly, “and this not knowing… it’s really creeping me out.  I mean it’s bad enough not to be able to remember you or the others but not knowing anything about myself makes me feel so vulnerable and afraid all the time.”

 

 

 

“I guess it would be kind of disconcerting to you, not knowing anything,” says Sango.  “I wouldn’t let it bother me though.  Kaeda said all you need is rest so I know you’ll be feeling a lot better soon.”

 

 

 

“Yeah, that’s what she said alright,” replies Kagome with a sigh.  “But Sango, it seems resting is all I’ve been doing lately and not one thing has changed.  It’s like my brain’s broken or something.  It just won’t work, no matter how much sleep I get.”

 

 

 

“I’m sorry,” says the slayer sympathetically.  “I wish I could help.”

 

 

 

“I wish you could too, believe me,” replies the miko and she again looks up at the slayer with uncertainty.  “Sango?”

 

 

 

“Yeah?”

 

 

 

“Tell me the truth now.  Something else happened to me, didn’t it?” asks Kagome hopefully, poking her finger in the water to form tiny ringlets.  “Perhaps no one wants to tell me about?”

 

 

 

“There’s not much I can tell you Kagome except something did happen.  We’re just not sure what,” replies Sango with a slight shrug of her shoulders.  “Guess we’re all just as baffled as you are.”

 

 

 

“Well, someone should know something, shouldn’t they?”

 

 

 

“InuYasha’s the only one who knows for sure.”

 

 

 

Kagome gritting her teeth, suddenly grabs her head for the sound of the hanyou's name, once again, causes the pain in her head to worsen.  

 

 

 

“He just came storming into the village, the other evening, all huffed and out of sorts, saying he lost you then without a word to anybody, left again to find you.  He didn’t tell us if a demon had attacked or anything.  Believe me, Miroku and me… we believed the worst.”  The slayer notices her friend’s look of pain and begins wading toward her.  “Damn it, I said his name, didn’t I?”  Sango reaches out toward the miko.  “You’re hurting again, aren’t you Kagome?  I’m sorry.”

 

 

 

“I…I don’t understand this Sango,” replies the young miko with a grimace while gently rubbing her temple.  “All of a sudden, the pain just came on me.  Just give me a minute and I should be alright.”

 

 

 

“How, did this happen to you Kagome?” asks Sango.  “You must have some idea.”

 

 

 

“Nope, no idea at all.”

 

 

 

“Could it be someone had hurt you?  Maybe you and…he battled Naraku, the other day, and that’s how you got hurt.”

 

 

 

Kagome looks up at her friend while rubbing her head.  “Nara…ku?” she asks curiously.

 

 

 

“Yeah,” replies the slayer worriedly.  “Was he the one who hurt you?”

 

 

 

“I don’t know,” replies the young miko.  “Who is he?”

 

 

 

“You…don’t remember Naraku either?” asks Sango concerned and a bit surprised.  

 

 

 

“No.”  The young miko slightly shakes her head.  “Is he someone important to me?”

 

 

 

“Geez, Kagome you really have forgotten everything, haven’t you?  I thought you would have remembered him at least.”

 

 

 

“The name doesn’t sound familiar,” replies Kagome.  

 

 

 

“Well believe me Kagome, Naraku’s definitely no friend of ours,” says Sango with a derisive laugh.  “He’s everyone’s bitter enemy.  There’s not one of us, who wouldn’t love to destroy that bastard for what he’s done.”

 

 

 

“I see.  I take it he’s hurt you somehow.”

 

 

 

“Yes,” replies the slayer bitterly.  “That bastard’s the reason my village was attacked and destroyed; the reason why I’m the last of the demon slayers.  But what’s worse, is Naraku had my little brother, Kohaku, as his slave, well, more like his personal puppet, until he felt he didn’t need him anymore.  Then he just ripped the shard from Kohaku’s back, like he was nothing, leaving him to die a miserable, lonely death.  I’ll never forgive him for that!”

 

 

 

“I’m so sorry Sango,” says Kagome sympathetically, placing a hand on the slayer’s shoulder.  “Was he all the family you had?”  The slayer gives a slow nod while wiping a tear from her eye.  “Then he should be punished.”

 

 

 

“That’s what we’re all trying to do Kagome.  Destroy Naraku as quickly as we can; to stop him from destroying anymore lives.  I can’t tell you the many lives he’s destroyed, all of the families, friends, even whole villages.  And it didn’t matter to him if they’re demon or not, he just destroys them just so he can get what he wants.”

 

 

 

“This Naraku…did he kill my family as well, Sango?” asks Kagome worriedly.  “Is that why I want revenge?”

 

 

 

“Huh?” asks the slayer, surprised with the question.

 

 

 

“If he’s killed my family, I would want to see him pay for it as well,” explains Kagome.  “I mean no one wants to be alone, do they?”

 

 

 

“I don’t think you have anything to worry about where your family’s concerned, Kagome.  They don’t live anywhere around here.  And I seriously doubt Naraku even knows who or where your family is.”

 

 

 

“Guess I should be thankful for that, at least.”  Kagome becomes quiet for a moment and then looks up at the slayer.  “Sango.  Tell me about that monk.”

 

 

 

“Miroku?”

 

 

 

“Um hm,” replies Kagome with a nod.  “He doesn’t act like most monks would.”

 

 

 

“That’s true Kagome.  I’ve heard that monk lie, watched him chase after other women…always making excuses for his actions.  Why if it weren’t for the robes, he wears one couldn’t tell he’s a monk at all.”

 

 

 

“Is he trying to destroy Naraku too, Sango?”

 

 

 

“Yes,” the slayer slightly nods.  “You see, Miroku’s cursed.”

 

 

 

“Cursed?  Who cursed him?  That Naraku person?”

 

 

 

“Yes.  You’ve probably noticed the prayer beads wrapped tightly around his right wrist, haven’t you?”

 

 

 

“Sure.  But don’t all priests and monks have them?”

 

 

 

“Yes.”

 

 

 

“What makes his so special?”

 

 

 

“It’s special because, in his right hand, there’s a wind tunnel.”

 

 

 

“Wind tunnel?”

 

 

 

“A hole Kagome.  A hole capable of sucking up anything and everything in its path if left unchecked.  And eventually, it will suck him in, body and all if Naraku’s not destroyed soon.”

 

 

 

“How horrible.”

 

 

 

“Yes, it is.  And from what Miroku’s told me his grandfather and father were, both, cursed with the same affliction and died that way.”

 

 

 

“So Naraku’s cursed his whole family with this wind tunnel?” asks the young miko surprised.

 

 

 

“So, it seems, though Miroku’s never mentioned any other family members,” replies Sango.

 

 

 

“I see.”

 

 

 

“Anyway Kagome, the prayer beads he wears are what, controls his wind tunnel; keeps it dormant.  Miroku’s really hoping that one day he’ll get to use his wind tunnel against Naraku, then once he’s gone, the curse will be lifted.”

 

 

 

“Where do they go, Sango once they’re sucked in?”

 

 

 

“No one knows,” replies the slayer giving a slight shrug of her shoulders.  “Nothingness, I guess."

 

 

 

“It must be hard on him,” says the miko sadly.  “To be cursed like that.”

 

 

 

“It is.  And you never know when it’ll break open.  It could be tonight, tomorrow, next year…  Miroku’s one fear is someday all his friends, anyone he cares about will get sucked into it.”

 

 

 

“You must really like Miroku Sango?”

 

 

 

“I guess I do,” replies the slayer with a slight shrug of her shoulders.  “But I won’t tell him that.”

 

 

 

“Why not?  It could be he likes you too, you know.”

 

 

 

“I doubt it, Kagome.  That monk won’t even acknowledge me unless we’re fighting Naraku or demons.”

 

 

 

“Oh,” says the young miko sadly.  “I’m sorry.”

 

 

 

“Don’t be.  I’m more interested in killing Naraku anyway.  So, I just don’t have time to have a relationship with anyone right now.”

 

 

 

“So, what about me, Sango?”

 

 

 

“You?”

 

 

 

“Yeah.  Why am I living here and not living with my family, in my own village?” asks Kagome confused.  “I’m not cursed and you did say my family’s safe, right?  What did this Naraku do to me, that I would want him dead?”

 

 

 

The slayer becomes silent for a moment, trying to choose her words carefully.  She looks up with a worried look to her features.  “It’s sort of complicated, Kagome.  While it’s true your family’s safe, you’re not.”

 

 

 

“I’m not?”  The slayer slowly shakes her head.  “But I don’t even know Naraku.  What did I ever do to him to make him so angry with me?” says Kagome curiously.

 

 

 

“Nothing,” replies the slayer, “not really.  It’s just…well you have something Naraku wants…your sight.”

 

 

 

“My eyes?” asks Kagome incredulously as she touches her face.  “Why?  Can’t he see?”

 

 

 

“Oh, he can see all right,” sneers Sango.  “Only too well.  The thing is, Kagome, you can sense the shards of the shikon jewel.  Naraku doesn’t have that ability so he wants you to search them out for him and help him complete it.  That’s why you have to be extremely careful when you’re alone anywhere.”

 

 

 

“Shikon jewel huh?” says the miko hesitantly.  “Weren’t you and…Miroku talking, about that, last night?”

 

 

 

“Um hmm.”

 

 

 

“Why is this jewel so important to Naraku?  There must be others he can find.”

 

 

 

“Not like this one Kagome.  The Shikon Jewel isn’t just any jewel.  It’s the jewel of four souls.  It can grant any human or demon a wish,” replies Sango.  “And possessing the jewel makes a demon more powerful as well as more dangerous.  So, the five of us, are searching for the shards ourselves… to keep Naraku from having them all.”

 

 

 

“You said five,” observes Kagome.  “I know there’s you, me, and Miroku.  That’s three.  Does Shippou travel with us, as well?”

 

 

 

“Yes he does,” replies Sango.

 

 

 

“Even though he’s just a cub?” says Kagome surprised.  “That’s way too young Sango, to be put in dangerous situations like that.”

 

 

 

“I know, but believe it or not, Kagome, we’ve been in some pretty tight spots ourselves, where only Shippou could pull us out.”

 

 

 

“Really?”

 

 

 

“Yeah,” says Sango with a laugh.  “Shippou has some rather unique toys he uses in our battles.  He uses fox magic.”

 

 

 

“I see.  And Kaede…she’s the fifth person, isn’t she?”

 

 

 

“Well, um, no,” replies the slayer uneasily.  “It’s just us.  That’s not to say she doesn’t have own her reasons for wanting that demon destroyed though.  We’re all seeking revenge of some sort.  I want revenge for my village and Kohaku.  Miroku wants released from his curse and InuYasha is seeking revenge for KiKyo’s death.”

 

 

 

Kagome again quickly grabs her head, her face showing great anguish.  “No,” she says painfully.

 

 

 

“Kagome!” yells Sango worriedly reaching out.  “What’s wrong?”

 

 

 

“My…my head.  Stop it!  Please!”

 

 

 

“Damn it, I did it again!”

 

 

 

“Sango, help me,” replies the young miko, closing her eyes as tears fall down her cheeks.  “My head, it…it hurts so much!  It feels as if it’s going to explode.”

 

 

 

“Come on, Kagome,” says Sango anxiously pulling on the young miko’s arm …let’s get you back to the village.  Maybe Kaede can…”

 

 

 

“No,” says Kagome painfully, rubbing her head.  “No, I don’t want to go back.  Not just yet.”  She begins taking deep breaths.

 

 

 

“You can’t go on like this Kagome,” says the slayer watching her friend.  “You need help.”

 

 

 

“Please, Sango?  Let’s stay a little while longer?  The pain will stop,” assures Kagome while breathing deeply.  “It has to.  Just give me some time.”

 

 

 

“If you’re hurting this badly Kagome, we should…”

 

 

 

“I really don’t want to leave this place just yet, Sango.  Please?”

 

 

 

“Kagome…I can’t just…,” replies the slayer, not sure of what to do.

 

 

 

“This is the first time I’ve felt relaxed since I got back,” pleads Kagome.  “So please…just…a little more time.”

 

 

 

“Well, alright.  But if your headache gets worse, we’re going back, ok?”  Sango worriedly watches her friend as she continues to concentrate on her breathing and rubbing her head.  Finally, the young miko calms down and relaxes.  “Are you alright now?”

 

 

 

“I think so.  I can’t understand why this keeps happening to me.  Hopefully it will stop completely in a day or so.”

 

 

 

“We can only hope.  Tell me Kagome…what really happened to you out there?” asks the slayer concerned.  “Did you and …well him get into another argument?”

 

 

 

“Him?” asks Kagome looking up with tears in her eyes.  “An argument?”

 

 

 

“Yeah.  You and that half demon, were always fighting about something.  Did he say something to hurt you, or did you see him with KiKyo again?”

 

 

 

“KiKyo?  Who’s she?”  A slight stab of pain flows through the miko’s head adding to the painful throbbing already there.  “Do I know her?  Is she a friend of mine?”

 

 

 

“No, but…well it’s a long story,” says the slayer watching the young miko closely.  “So, is that what happened?  You saw the two of them together again?”

 

 

 

“I doubt it, Sango,” replies the young miko sadly.  “Something like that couldn’t have possibly started this.  After all I’m not from here and that person is a total stranger to me.”

 

 

 

“That’s right.  I keep forgetting you don’t remember anything.  So maybe your condition is a blessing after all.”

 

 

 

“Not really Sango…I want to remember,” says Kagome.  “Everything.  And what’s more I have to remember so I can help everyone.  But at the same time, I don’t want to remember anything because I’m scared of what it might be that made me forget all this in the first place.”

 

 

 

“There’s no need to be frightened Kagome.  I’m here and we’re best friends,” says the slayer anxiously.  “Whatever the problem is, you, me and Miroku, will tackle it together, like always.  And if you for some reason should need me to, I’ll protect you.”

 

 

 

“Thanks.  I really appreciate that.”

 

 

 

“So, you have no memory at all of what happened to you the other night?”

 

 

 

“None,” whimpers the miko sadly and covers her face.  “I can’t remember anything!”

 

 

 

“Hey, it’s ok,” says the slayer sympathetically.  “It’s no big deal.  We understand it’s going to take time, for your memories to come back to you.  We’ll just have to wait until they do, is all.  And if they don’t come back we’ll just create new memories for you Kagome.”

 

 

 

The pounding pain, soon, subsides and Kagome slowly looks up to find her friend looking upset.  “I'm sorry, Sango.  It’s not my intention to worry you guys.  It’s just the pain lasted a little longer this time, for some reason.”

 

 

 

“Could it be because I mentioned him and her?”

 

 

 

“I don’t think so.  I don’t even know who they are.  But you know Sango…the headaches I’m having… could be a sign that maybe something, a memory maybe, is trying to force its way back,” replies Kagome hopefully.

 

 

 

“You really think so?” asks Sango hopefully.

 

 

 

“I hope so,” replies the miko with a nod.  “Though most likely it’s a memory I don’t want to remember.  And if that’s the case, then I’ll just make myself face up to it, whatever it is.  Meet it head on.  One way or another, Sango I’ll finally know what happened to me.”

 

 

 

“That would be great, Kagome, but don’t force it, ok?  Give it time.  And we’ll still be here to help you through everything, ok.  I am sorry though to have made your head hurt so badly.”

 

 

 

“Don’t be,” replies the young miko.  With a small reassuring smile Kagome reaches over and gently touches the slayers shoulder.  “You’ve been a great help to me, Sango.  And a great friend.  You stood beside me even when I was sulking and didn’t want to talk to anyone.  But I’m sure I’ll be fine now, that everything will work itself out.  So don't worry about me, anymore, ok?”

 

 

 

Sango gives a look of skepticism.  “Are you sure, Kagome?”

 

 

 

The young miko gives a small nod of her head.  “Yep.  I’m sure.”

 

 

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

 

 

Not far from the springs, are two sets of eyes spying on the two bathing women.  One set is watching with painful curiosity while the other watches with seething jealousy.

 

 

 

“Pretty lady must come back to Astroth,” murmurs Astroth sadly.  “Astroth miss pretty lady.”

 

 

 

“You there,” says a voice walking toward the small demon.  “I’ve never seen you around this area before.  Who are you?”

 

 

 

The little demon looks back to find KiKyo approaching and is wearing a frown.  “Astroth,” the small demon simply replies and she turns her attention back to the ladies bathing in the hot springs.

 

 

 

“You’re not from the village,” says KiKyo curiously standing behind the small demon.  The demon shakes her head.  “Are not your parents with you?”

 

 

 

“Gone,” replies Astroth.

 

 

 

“Hmm?”

 

 

 

“Gone long time Astroth’s father and mother be.”

 

 

 

“I see.  And what brings you to this region?”

 

 

 

“Pretty lady.”

 

 

 

“Pretty Lady?  What’s that?  Are you speaking of those young women over there?” asks KiKyo curiously nodding toward the women at the springs. 

 

 

 

“Um hm,” replies the small demon sadly while continuing to watch the young miko.  “Funny, she be.  Very much like Astroth does.”

 

 

 

“I see,” says KiKyo.  “So, which one is pretty lady?  Have you known her for very long?”

 

 

 

“Pretty lady with pretty eyes.  Have black hair, she does,” replies the small demon with a slight nod of her head.

 

 

 

(Black hair?  Must be Kagome, she’s watching.)

 

 

 

“Two nights pass pretty lady come to forest.  Visit Astroth, she did.  Pretty lady tried running through Astroth’s rock and hurt herself.  Stayed one night and left Astroth.  Waited Astroth did for pretty lady’s return, but not come back, pretty lady did.  Astroth sad now.  Need pretty lady back so Astroth happy again.”

 

 

 

“I see.  Your speech is rather strange to me Astroth,” says KiKyo.  “What region are you from?”

 

 

 

“Strange Astroth’s speech be not, priestess,” replies the demon with a little anger in her voice.  “Always speak so, Astroth does.”

 

 

 

“Forgive me,” says KiKyo.  “I didn’t mean to offend.  I’ve never known anyone who speaks as you do.”  The small demon eyes narrow at the strange priestess warily.  “What province did you say you are from?” asks KiKyo.

 

 

 

“Province?”

 

 

 

“Yes.  What village?”

 

 

 

The small demon shakes her head.  “No village priestess.  From forgetful forest, Astroth comes.  Very angry with Astroth sister be, if Astroth found outside her domain.  But Astroth must see pretty lady again.”

 

 

 

“Hmm,” says KiKyo curiously.  “This Forgetful Forest.  It’s a region I know nothing of.  Is it far from here?”

 

 

 

“Few know Astroth’s domain, priestess.”  The small demon points toward the springs.  “Pretty lady …knows, she does.  Belongs, pretty lady does with Astroth, as Astroth’s friend.”

 

 

 

“I see.”  KiKyo looks toward the hot springs.  “So, she’s your friend, is she?”

 

 

 

“Tis so, priestess,” replies Astroth sadly.  “Pretty lady, angry with Astroth.  Return, pretty lady did not.”

 

 

 

(Two nights ago, Kagome saw InuYasha and I together and ran off.  She must have gotten lost and this child found her and took her in.  Would the same happen if Kagome should see us together again?  Maybe she’ll understand her place and won’t return to InuYasha next time.)  KiKyo bends down to where she is level with the sad young demon and brushes away the tear which has succeeded in falling from Astroth's eyes.  “To have taken such a risk in leaving your forest, Astroth, that woman must be very important to you.”

 

 

 

“Important she be priestess.  Astroth’s friend, she be,” replies the small demon with a nod.  “Astroth know no other creature like pretty lady before.  Make Astroth happy she does.”

 

 

 

“Tell me… how did…pretty lady there, come to be in your forest?  What was her purpose?”

 

 

 

“Know not, Astroth does priestess,” replies Astroth with a shrug of her shoulders. “Come running in and hit Astroth’s rock, pretty lady did.  Fell down hard.”

 

 

 

“Still there must have been some reason for her presence there.”

 

 

 

“Humans and demons to Astroth’s domain they come to find or forget.”  The small demon again shrugs her shoulders.  “Pretty lady, tell not Astroth which.”

 

 

 

“I see.  And you say this happened the other night…um, two nights ago?  Are you certain of this?”

 

 

 

“Um, hm,” replies Astroth with a nod.  “Forget not Astroth does.”

 

 

 

(Yes, it just might work.)  KiKyo smiles as she stands, for she feels she has found the answer to her problem with the young half demon, InuYasha.  “Astroth… do you still wish to have that woman return to you in your forest?”

 

 

 

“Pretty lady?”

 

 

 

“Yes,” replies KiKyo with a nod.  “Would you like for pretty lady to remain with you?”

 

 

 

“Grant such wish for Astroth, you can?” asks the demon amazed.

 

 

 

“Oh, yes.  I do believe I can,” replies KiKyo with a sly smile.

 

 

 

“Like very much Astroth does, priestess,” says the demon nodding excitedly.  “Many creatures play with Astroth not.  But creatures like pretty lady, with Astroth play they do.  Astroth be happy again.”

 

 

 

KiKyo smiles as she slowly nods.  “Then come.”  She takes the demon’s hand.

 

 

 

“Where take Astroth, priestess?” says the small demon stubbornly pulling her hand back.  “Astroth not leave pretty lady.”

 

 

 

“You would like for me to grant your wish, do you not?”  The young demon nods.  “Then come.  Walk with me, and we shall talk.  I wish to know more about you and your pretty lady.”  The dead priestess leads the excited small demon away from the springs, to talk to her about how she would help get back her friend, the pretty lady.

 

 

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Deep in the forest a young monk and hanyou, neither interested in hunting, are walking around casually gazing at the scenery surrounding them.  Miroku, snapping a twig, looks over at the quiet hanyou curiously.

 

 

 

“Nice day, isn’t it InuYasha?” asks the monk chewing on the twig.

 

 

 

“Huh?” asks InuYasha and looks up to the sky.  “Oh, uh, yeah it is, Miroku.”

 

 

 

“Yep, the sort of day one would like to just lie around and do nothing, don’t you think?” says the monk leaning back against a tree.  “No chores, no hunting for jewel shards.  Just some good ole R and R.”

 

 

 

InuYasha sighs as he looks to the ground.  “I guess so,” replies the hanyou absently kicking a rock.

 

 

 

“Hmm,” says the monk suspiciously and narrows his eyes.  “Sort of makes one want to go out and find a couple of beautiful ladies to pass the time with…sort of get to know them better, if you know what I mean.”

 

 

 

“Yeah, whatever,” says the hanyou with another deep sigh while swiping at a tree branch.

 

 

 

“Hey, I know,” says Miroku watching his friend closely for a reaction.  “Let’s go find Kagura and Kanna.  They’re beautiful ladies, aren’t they?”

 

 

 

“Umm,” replies the hanyou nodding absently.

 

 

 

“Oh, I’m quite sure it would be lots of fun, getting to know them better,” continues the monk.  “Why we can even make it a party.  We’ll get Naraku, Lady Kaede and perhaps Sesshomaru or maybe even Kouga to go along with us as well, to share in the fun.  You know what party animals they can be, huh?”

 

 

 

“Uh huh,” replies the hanyou absently looking out.

 

 

 

The monk frowns.  “Alright, InuYasha, what’s wrong?”

 

 

 

“What?” asks the hanyou quickly looking back at the monk.  “Nothing’s wrong, Miroku.  Why?”

 

 

 

“Because you haven’t heard a single word I’ve said since we’ve been out here.”

 

 

 

“Sure, I did,” says the hanyou, “every word.”

 

 

 

“Ok, then,” says Miroku in a challenging tone of voice while sitting on a fallen tree, “tell me.  What did I just say?”

 

 

 

“You said,” begins the hanyou and a frown creases his forehead.  “You said…what a nice day it was and…and…well damn it monk, you know what you said.  You don’t need me to fucking tell you.”

 

 

 

“That’s what I thought,” says the monk knowingly.  “So, do you want to tell me what’s wrong?  Or are you expecting me to just sit here and guess?”

 

 

 

At first, InuYasha looks as if he is going to just walk away, but thinks better of it.  “I’m not really sure, what’s wrong, Miroku,” replies the hanyou, with a sigh, leaning back against a tree.  “It seems like everything’s gotten so damn complicated lately.”

 

 

 

“Complicated?  Now there’s a word I haven’t heard from you in a while.  Why don’t you tell me about it.  Perhaps, with a few details, I’d understand more about what your problem involves so I can help you out.”

 

 

 

The young hanyou looks up to the sky, watching a bird fly overhead.  “It’s Kagome… and KiKyo,” he replies with a sigh.  “I don’t know what to do anymore, or how I really feel about them.”

 

 

 

The monk is first surprised with the hanyou’s statement, and then he smiles.  “I, um, thought it was obvious InuYasha.  You had made your decision, some time ago.’

 

 

 

“Yeah but…”

 

 

 

“You told us your choice was to be with KiKyo, was it not?  You said you wanted her instead of Kagome.”

 

 

 

“I know that but…well that’s the problem, monk,” says the hanyou.  “I don’t know who it is I want anymore.  I chose KiKyo, that’s true.  But only because I need to protect her and owe her my life, but… Kagome… she’s come to be more important to me somehow.”

 

 

 

“More important?”

 

 

 

“Yeah.  And I can’t figure out why.”

 

 

 

“I see.  It could be the shards, you know.”

 

 

 

“What’s the shards got to do with anything?”

 

 

 

“Well Kagome can see the shards,” says Miroku curiously.  “It’s the reason she’s traveling with us.”

 

 

 

“So?  KiKyo can see the them too, ya know,” replies the hanyou.  “No, it’s got to be more than just the jewel shards, monk.  It feels like there’s something inside me; something I can’t seem to control, that seems to respond only to Kagome.”  The hanyou sighs again.  “Oh hell, I don’t know.  Maybe I’m going crazy or something.”

 

 

 

“What’s brought all this on?” asks Miroku curiously.  “You were so sure you and KiKyo were meant to be together.  Is it Kouga?”

 

 

 

“Kouga?  Keh!  I could care less about that bastard.”

 

 

 

“Are you sure InuYasha?”

 

 

 

“Sure, I’m sure.  That wolf has nothing to do with this.”

 

 

 

“Then it didn’t really bother you when he suddenly showed up at our village a few weeks ago to visit Kagome.”

 

 

 

InuYasha remembers well the day the wolf showed up at the village.  How could he not?  It was the longest, most miserable, frustrating day of his life.  He opens his mouth to deny the monk’s presumed allegations but quickly closes it.

 

 

 

“So, what if it did bother me, monk?” he asks in a surly tone of voice.  “That bastard doesn’t have to come around Kagome, so much, does he?  Hell, he was there the whole fucking day!  He should be more concerned about his pack.  Not standing around playing touchy feely with Kagome all the damn time.”

 

 

 

“I wasn’t aware he was ‘touchy feely’ her, InuYasha,” says Miroku with a smile.

 

 

 

“Are you making fun of me?!” asks the hanyou angrily raising a fist.  “Because if you are monk…”

 

 

 

“Calm down.  I’m just saying it looked to me as if Kouga was actually trying to court Lady Kagome.”

 

 

 

“Court her?!” growls InuYasha angrily pushing away from the tree.  “That depraved wolf?  He was fucking molesting the wench!  And what’s worse, monk Kagome was damn well letting him do it; encouraging him in fact!  It made me sick just watching the bastard.”

 

 

 

“I see,” says the monk with a nod.  “I suppose you know you don’t have to watch, don’t you?  You can always look away.”

 

 

 

“Yeah, well…” (And what am I supposed to do when I can’t look away,) thought the hanyou miserably?  (The wolf almost took her away last time.  If only Kagome would…)

 

 

 

“I don’t see what the conflict is, InuYasha,” says the monk with slight shrug of his shoulders and disturbing the hanyou’s thoughts.  “I mean if you could care less what Kouga does, and you were most adamant about KiKyo being your intended, what’s your problem?  Kouga is free to choose and KiKyo does seem to be content to be with you, right?”

 

 

 

“And?”

 

 

 

“Well, shouldn’t Kagome be free to choose, her intended as well?  I’m sure she doesn’t want to be alone all her life.”

 

 

 

“Kagome?  Free to choose?” replies the hanyou uncomfortably.  “Well, um, yeah Miroku she’s free…sort of.”

 

 

 

“And no one really knows who her intended will be, at this time.  In fact, InuYasha her intended could very well not be you or Kouga.”

 

 

 

“Huh?” asks the hanyou surprised.  “Well, who else would it be?  You?”

 

 

 

“Don’t be silly,” says the monk.  “Kagome would never be interested in someone like me.  No, what I’m saying is the one she chooses, may very well be someone on the other side of the well.  As I’ve said, before, Lady Kagome does have a life of her own there.”

 

 

 

(Someone on the other side,) thought InuYasha worriedly staring in the direction of the well.  “You really think so, Miroku?”

 

 

 

“Of course!  It’s why she leaves us, isn’t it?” asks the monk curiously.  “To go to her school, her family, her…”

 

 

 

“Not that, dumbass!” says the hanyou angrily pointing in the direction of the bone eater’s well.  “I’m asking if you think there’s some other bastard over there, trying to mate with Kagome?  Some fucker I don’t know about or can’t, see?!”

 

 

 

“Why, would it matter, InuYasha if there is or not?” asks Miroku with a knowing smile.  “You did agree Kagome’s free to choose, my friend.”

 

 

 

The hanyou’s eyes widen and he looks away.  “Keh!” he says stubbornly crossing his arms.  “It doesn’t matter, monk.  I just don’t want anything interfering with Kagome finding the shards; is all.”

 

 

 

“Yes, the shards are indeed important,” says the monk with a nod.  “They are our only way of finding and defeating Naraku.  But what about after?  Once Naraku is finally defeated and the jewel is made whole again what do you suppose Kagome will do?”

 

 

 

“About what exactly?” asks InuYasha as he feels a sharp pain in his heart.  

 

 

 

“Her life of course,” replies the monk with a slight shrug of his shoulders.  “I mean, there are only a few shards to be found and with Naraku defeated and my curse lifted, Sango and I will probably be married and have lots and lots of children.”

 

 

 

“Did you ask her yet, monk?” asks the hanyou with a challenging tone of voice.

 

 

 

“Asked her?  Well, um, no not yet,” replies Miroku nervously, rubbing the back of his neck.  “Not exactly.  But we’re not speaking of Sango and myself, InuYasha.  This conversation is about you, KiKyo, and Lady Kagome.”

 

 

 

“What does it matter anyway?” asks the hanyou.  “Who I take as mate’s got nothing to do with you?” asks the hanyou trying to take the focus from him.  “Or Kagome for that matter?”

 

 

 

“Doesn’t it?” replies the monk.  “I’m just saying after all is said and done, and our quest has ended, I’ll be marrying Sango and raising a family whereas you will be with KiKyo.”

 

 

 

“And?” asks InuYasha with a little more anger than intended.  ‘Everyone should be happy right?”

 

 

 

“Maybe.  Then again maybe not.  Like Kagome.”

 

 

 

“Kagome?”

 

 

 

The young monk nods.  “She’ll no longer be needed InuYasha.  There will be nothing left for her to do here.  So, what do you suppose Kagome will do when it comes time for her to go home?  Will she remain here and live among us; forgetting those on the other side?  Or will she return to her own era to resume the life she had before she came here, possibly find her mate there?  You know once she leaves us that last time, the well will probably close forever, never allowing her to return to our world again.  So, what’s your opinion.  Will she stay or will she go?”

 

 

 

“Will she go or stay.  Keh!  That’s a stupid ass question, to ask me monk?”

 

 

 

“I thought it quite valid InuYasha,” replies Miroku.  “One we will all soon have to face.”

 

 

 

“Kagome ain’t going anywhere Miroku,” replies the hanyou stubbornly.  “She’s staying right here with us.”

 

 

 

“You think so?”

 

 

 

“Of course.  We’ll still be her friends, won’t we?”

 

 

 

“That’s true, though I still have to wonder.”

 

 

 

“Are you saying we won’t be her friends anymore and she won’t want to stay?” asks the hanyou worriedly.

 

 

 

“Not at all.  We’ll still be her friends true enough.  However, the well may have other ideas about allowing her to stay here or not.  And if Lady Kagome should decide to leave us,” the monk picks up his staff and turns toward the village, “I’m afraid it will be hard on Sango and me to say good bye,” says Miroku walking off, “and then there’s little Shippou… he’ll be heartbroken, not to mention Lady Kaede.  Oh, I sure would hate to see her go.”

 

 

 

“Yeah well,” says the hanyou with uncertainty in his voice following the monk.  A painful expression appears on his face.  “Me too,” he says quietly.

 

 

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

The sun is directly overhead when Sango and Kagome finally decide to return to the village.

 

 

 

“Awe, look at me Sango,” complains Kagome looking at her hands.  “My hands are all pruney now.”

 

 

 

“But you had a good time, didn’t you?” ask Sango smiling.

 

 

 

The young smiling miko nods.  “You bet.  Can’t wait till we can go back there again.”

 

 

 

The two women are easily talking and laughing with one another until Kagome notices InuYasha leaning against the old well with Miroku apparently waiting for them.  She finds the hanyou's eyes are pinned on her, and showing great anger mixed with something else deep within their amber depths she can’t quite define.  The miko suddenly looks away and becomes quiet as she slows her pace.

 

 

 

“Damn it, wench why in hell didn't you tell us you were leaving the village?!” barks InuYasha.

 

 

 

“We don’t have to report everything we do, to you, In…I mean you!” says Sango angrily, stopping herself from saying his name.

 

 

 

“You don’t, Sango, but she does!” replies the hanyou angrily, pointing toward the young miko.  “Do you want Naraku finding your damn asses?  Is that it?!  You wenches should know better than to leave the village without us!”

 

 

 

“Calm down, my friend,” says Miroku calmly walking to the angry slayer’s side.  “You know, as well as I, Sango is more than capable of handling things if a demon should appear.  Besides, as you can see, for yourself, they're both back now and perfectly safe.”  The young monk turns his attention toward the quiet, young miko and smiles.  “So how were the springs, Kagome?  Did you enjoy them?”

 

 

 

“Hmm?” asks the miko with uncertainty.  “The springs?”

 

 

 

“Yes, I’ve noticed you’re looking much better today; a lot more color in your face,” observes the monk.

 

 

 

“Keh!” says InuYasha haughtily while hiding his hands in his robe.  “She don’t look all that different to me.”

 

 

 

“Only because you’re blind, you moron,” grumbles Sango.

 

 

 

"Alright, bitch," growls InuYasha, "if you got something to say to me, then say it.  If not, keep that fucking mouth of yours shut!"  The slayer and hanyou proceed to argue.

 

 

 

Kagome is indeed feeling better.  Her head had not hurt her as much as before.  She had the two episodes at the springs but that was all.  Even the name, InuYasha, doesn't seem to hurt as much.  She smiles brightly at the monk and slayer, however; she can't bring herself to look at the young hanyou with them, which is strange to Kagome, since she doesn't know who he really is.

 

 

 

“I feel much better today, Miroku,” says the miko with a smile and a quick wave.  “I’m not quite as sore as I was yesterday.  So maybe things are looking up for me after all.”

 

 

 

“That’s great to hear Kagome,” says Miroku smiling.  “Don’t you think so my friend?” the monk asks turning his attention to the arguing hanyou.

 

 

 

"Huh?!" ask InuYasha as his attention is drawn from the argument.  "What?"

 

 

 

“Isn’t it good to know, Lady Kagome is feeling much better now?" the monk asks again.

 

 

 

InuYasha looks to the woman in question noticing Kagome purposely ignoring him.  He feels a sharp pain grow deeper within his heart.  But it is for a different reason.

 

 

 

“Keh!  Whatever monk!” he says angrily while quickly turning from the small group.  “Just as long as she’s able to sense the shards is all I care about.”

 

 

 

“What did you…” begins Sango angrily.

 

 

 

InuYasha turns from the group and quickly walks away before the others can see just how much the young miko’s indifference is affecting him.

 

 

 

“Did you guys have an argument while you were out, Miroku?” asks Sango watching the angry hanyou walk away.  “He seems out of sorts for some reason.”

 

 

 

“No more than usual, Sango,” replies the monk hesitantly also watching the departing hanyou.  “In fact, I believe we had a most enlightening afternoon.”

 

 

Please review so I'd know if you like this story or not.