InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Unseen Ending ❯ After Thoughts ( Chapter 1 )

(Authors Note)

This is a story I did to stir up my own emotions. For my readers, my bigger story is still yet to come, this was just to get me ready. It gets better after the beginning, because some really interesting things happen. I can fix the beginning later. Review=inspiration and me feeling 100% better ^_^ I like to know what you guys are thinking, and what I need to change and stuff. You guys even give me ideas! So make sure to review! Like 2 minutes for you so, yah! Read and review!

 

*= small passage of time

 

 

 

 

Kagome was unhappy. Though when she was in the feudal era, when wasn't she really?

Her life had been hurdled from school, to feudal Japan on that one day…her 15th birthday. The constant travels had become second nature now, but the problems of living 500 years in the past never seemed to end.

 

Kagome was not too dependant on modern day things, but without the pleasures of a warm home, or TV to watch, she found herself with holes in the agenda of “fun”. No comfy beds, no roads or cars; and its not like any certain half-demons were cheering her up. As homesick as she was, all he did was make her feel worse.

 

But that's not why she was unhappy now. Not today.

 

Naraku had finally been defeated, and the Shikon jewel was restored to the shimmering gem that it once was. The fight was over, the battle was won. Kagome had to begin sorting out her life, now that Naraku had met his end.

 

Feelings of uncertainty washed over her as the battle with Naraku had approached. She knew once this was over….well, it was all over. She wanted to leave, but feared she would change her mind. Kagome had a way with going back on her plans, whenever her emotions got in the way. She had to make it clear, so she made herself say it. “After Naraku is defeated, I must leave for good.” The words stuck with her until the battle was over …and yet for some reason, she lingered... It was what always had kept her there; Inuyasha.

 

She blushed at the thought of him. It was him wasn't it? Inuyasha had always been the reason she had returned, the reason she put herself in harms way…did she value his life more then her own?

 

The way she had seen it, as long as Inuyasha was at her side, she could fight; and for her that was enough. Eternally near him, forever at his side… this was the way she had always wanted it, at least until Inuyasha could figure out his own feelings.

 

But he didn't. Inuyasha is just that dense.

 

She finally gave her self a time. One week. If he doesn't admit his feelings, or ask me to stay by then, then I'm leaving. The team had traveled just as normally as they had their entire journey, even though they had no goals to fulfill anymore. It had now been five days, so after tonight, only one day remained. My time is growing short…

 

Kagome sat by the small fire at the base of the room, the others sleeping peacefully on mats throughout the hut, dreaming without sorrows, or regrets. She envied them.

 

Surprisingly, Kikyo had survived the final encounter with Naraku, and now traveled the world once more. Kagome's senses told her she traveled near them tonight, and sadly, Inuyasha was not among the sleeping… Kagome stood from the floor, and quietly walked out of their lodging for the night.

 

Inuyasha was not on the roof either… he must have gone to see Kikyo… she thought, a grimace forming over her face. After everything she had done for him, he still snuck off to be with her… but his happiness was what she wanted. If Kikyo, a clay body of the earth could make him happy…was that what she wanted for him?

 

The night winds clipped her hair, creating small waves in her locks, strands falling behind her ears. The wind stirred the nearby trees. This lone hut sat desolate in Inuyashas' forest. She was near enough to the well to leave when the time came. The time grew closer every day…

 

*

Where has he run off too…I'd be alot happier if he was just sulking…

 

She began a brisk pace, a silent walk in the shadows of the trees. The stars were so bright tonight, it was so…peaceful. The trees swayed in the wind, but nothing seemed to be awake in the forest. No demons anyway.

 

She suddenly lost her way; she turned around, but that way was unfamiliar. Where had she come from? She slumped against a tree, defeated. What am I going to do now? She thought.

 

A glowing figure suddenly bobbed above the canopy of the forest. Kikyo's soul collectors…

 

After only a few mere steps in the direction, she heard it.

 

“Kikyo…” it was a voice. It came from her right. Bits of dialogue formed in her ear.

 

“Inuyasha….”

 

She followed the voices, winding through small trees, the voices growing louder.

 

“Kikyo…I knew you were near.”

 

There was a pause after this sentence. After passing the last trees in her way, she found herself on a high spot of ground, nestled over a stream. She saw Kikyo and Inuyasha. She was only a small distance away, and she could hear them perfectly now.

 

 

“Inuyasha, I am surprised you are here” Kikyo deadpanned, her face and voice lacking humanity at all. What was holding her together? She sounded as if she was merely plastered together; then again, for a holy miko, she was only made of clay. Inuyasha still loved a being that had long since slipped beyond the barriers of death. She silently wondered if he was in self denial…

 

She frowned at this. She had never known Inuyasha to ignore the truth, but what if his mind would not allow the loss? What if he refused to believe it was too late for them…?

 

Her senses came back as Inuyasha stepped closer.

 

“Inuyasha, why have you come here?” Kikyo questioned, her gaze fixed on the hanyou.

 

Yes Inuyasha. Why HAVE you come? Kagome mentally berated. She almost said the subjugation word, until she choked it back, as if she'd become bulimic upon saying it.

 

No, she needed to see how this would pan out. So she decided to watch.

 

A silence passed between them, as if they were having a conversation without words. Kagome waited patiently, wondering, hoping Inuyasha would turn and leave. But he didn't…finally, Kikyo made her move.

 

“Inuyasha, the Shikon Jewel has finally been put back together. It is now in your possession; do you still intend to become a full demon? Or perhaps you would consider becoming human…” her voice came, her tone lacking a happy emotion of any type. Her eyes reflected only sadness.

 

They moved closer to the stream, leaving Kagome only able to look at their reflections. She stared into the rifts of water, a moonlit reflection of the two former lovers appeared.

 

Inuyasha blushed. “I…haven't really thought about it. I thought I would probably give it to Kagome...” Kagome smiled a bit. What he said must have meant something, right?

 

Upon mentioning her, he sniffed and looked around. Kagome quickly ducked. Of course, why did I think I could spy when he can smell me?

 

Kikyo turned her head away. “So, you care for that girl more then you do me?”

 

Inuyasha gasped. “No, I mean...” Kagome watched as the scene unfolded. This could only end badly for her.

 

Kikyo placed a hand on his chest, causing him to shiver, ever so slightly. Kagome grunted submissively. Whatever…

“Inuyasha, if you truly love me, you will wish for my life back, so that I will not endure the loneliness of death by myself,” she explained, her watery reflection approaching Inuyashas.

 

“But Kagome wanted to use it to help other people…” he nearly whispered, Kagome barely able to make out the words.

 

“Then I bid you farewell Inuyasha.” Suddenly spinning around, Kikyo turned to leave. Kagome caught her breath when she saw Inuyasha seize her in an embrace. “No…”

 

Inuyasha! Stop! She just wants the Jewel! She doesn't hold love for you anymore…

 

Inuyasha wrapped his hands around her neck, laying his head softly by hers. “If it is what you want…then I will wish for your life back Kikyo.”

 

Kagome stared in shock as Kikyo turned to face him and embraced him again, there lips suddenly connecting, there hands grasping one another in an effort to stay together. Inuyasha responded with not so much as a second thought. Kagome dropped to her knees.

 

A bitter chill swept her body; her lips trembled and her eyes grew blurry. She shook her head in denial, repeating his name; the name she kept near to her heart now causing spasms of misery to spread through out her body.

 

Her body locked down in shock, she fell pale for a few moments, not able to stop the tears that streamed down her face. Silent sobs escaped her lips, unheard by the happy pair by the river. She looked at them again, stifling the cries that wracked her small figure.

 

She suddenly felt nauseous. She glared in Kikyos' direction, before finally getting up to leave. She didn't care which direction she went. Anywhere that didn't lead her here.

 

*

She tripped and stumbled in her blind run. How could she be so foolish? Her sobs echoed through passages of trees, the only sound in the forest, echoing her footsteps.

 

She had been stupid. Inuyasha had never had any true feelings for her. She was his “Jewel detector”… whenever he had looked at me in that loving way…she blushed, remembering his face, then suddenly regained her posture. …He must have saw Kikyo. He had never loved me, so much as who I look like…

 

Her mind went on, thrusting the proof in her face which she only now noticed.

 

…and all the times he had yelled at me… it had never been to cover up any feelings, he was just that uninterested. “Idiot”, “Stupid”, he had even called me useless once…

 

Was she that blinded by her love for Inuyasha? Could she not see the plain signs that hung in her face, until now?

 

She tripped. Owwwwch… she mumbled. She landed on her stomach. Slowly rolling back to her knees, she began walking once again. With solemn wishes, she arrived at the hut.

 

 

*

She stared at the sleeping figures by the fire. They were her group mates, her team, her friends… she gently knelt over Shippou and Sango. She smiled, tears forming in her eyes. Inuyashas' betrayal was once again sinking in. No, it wasn't betrayal. He had never even been with Kagome.

 

She tried to smile, but only true sadness shone through her tears. The one she loved…had loved someone else. She had given him time, she had given him love, every ounce of her being was devoted to their quest…and yet…Kagome had not won him over. She brushed a few strands of hair off of Shippous cheeks.

 

She had to go. She had to leave now. She couldn't wait for another day. She couldn't manage the goodbyes without tears…she couldn't stop crying if it started…she couldn't look at Inuyasha one more time... It would only make it harder to leave.

 

Shippou seemed so content in his sleep. She could almost picture his small, crying face. I still need you Kagome!! She couldn't stop her tears, so she forced herself to leave his side. She whispered a small “goodbye”, followed by urges to stay and wake him. Why did this have to be so hard? Almost loud enough to wake the others, she stumbled out of the hut. A small tear slid down Shippous cheek…

 

 

*

 

Kagome now walked with a reaffirmed faith in herself. She had to move on. She had to forget her life here, and continue her life where it was meant to be—home. She had always loved Inuyashas' protection…the feeling of always being safe. But when she realized she didn't need protection in her own safe world, it made her feel better. Not that her world was completely safe, but to those who were familiar with it, (not Inuyasha) they could definitely survive out in the real world. She would continue school, and go to college, get a job, and eventually marry.

 

She would live her life without regrets. She would stop crying…she would have to be strong. A glimmer of faith and sadness reflected in her eyes as she approached the well. The night was still silent, except for a rustling behind her. Was something coming?

 

In a lightning-fast motion, she readied her bow, knocked an arrow, and aimed to fire. A confused Inuyasha stood there, looking at the pointed bow, the backpack, then the well. It was silent.

 

“Kagome…” he said, surprised to see the bow not lower. She wanted to do it. In all her body, she ached to release her shot and send her memory of Inuyasha into oblivion; the sounds of the earlier conversation stirred her quelled emotions. She fought the urge to fire.

 

With what looked like a lot of will power, she managed to at least lower the bow. When Inuyasha stepped forward, she reflexed by lifting her weapon. He stepped back, realizing the growing danger in her movements. She took a few steps back herself, slowly growing closer to the well.

 

“Kagome,” he said, showing her the thing in his hand. It was the Shikon Jewel. “I want you to have it…” he said offering it out with his hand, his eyes reflecting the same sadness hers did. Had he not made his wish?

 

She had to focus. She had to leave. Leaving would make it all better. “Keep it” she shot back, her voice mixed with so many feelings.

 

Inuyasha chanced a step forward. Kagome did not raise her bow. “Keep it Inuyasha, I'm sure there's something you want to wish for.” She said turning to the well. She wanted this conversation over; it wouldn't lead anywhere good.

 

Within the blink of an eye, Inuyasha separated her and the well. She had let her guard down.

 

“You leaving Kagome? Were you planning on saying goodbye?”

 

She shook her head, shaking away the tears, and stepping past him. Just like Inuyasha; she didn't need his permission to leave…she hadn't even wanted to see him.

 

“I'm just….going home.”

 

“….well, when are you coming back?”

 

A familiar silence was in the air, she stood still; all of time seemed to freeze.”

 

“Inuyasha…” she whispered, not bothering to look back. “...I'm not…”

 

Inuyasha gasped and grabbed her hand. “You can't leave!”

 

“Why not?” she contested, “Naraku is dead and… and I'm not needed anymore.”

 

Inuyasha loosened. “Kagome…”

 

Kagome, regaining control, got to the rim of the well, before Inuyasha stopped her again.

 

“Kagome you can't!”

 

“I saw everything Inuyasha!” suddenly Inuyasha was quiet. “I saw you and Kikyo by the stream, and I heard everything. And I saw…” Kagome herself grew quieter. “I saw you kiss her…”

 

Inuyasha looked at her with deep pains in his eyes. She could see his sad expression through the dark of the night, though the night time sky gave little help. The field rippled under the wind, sending chills to Kagomes' spine. Her school outfit was a little torn. She would finally return home to fix it.

 

“Kagome, I--”

 

“Inuyasha, you fell in love with her first; and now that my duty here is over, you two can finally be together…”

 

“But Kagome…” he said, trying to don a brave face, but failing miserably. He was losing her.

 

“What about Shippou and Sango? They need you! Miroku just “wants” you but…”

 

“I left them a note… I may visit them again....someday.”

 

Darkness seemed to fall faster. He was stalling her. She tried to climb over, but he grabbed her again.

 

“Kagome, it's never been just about Kikyo, it was also choosing…” He breathed.

 

Suddenly she reached for his necklace. In one swift movement, the beads and fangs spilled to the ground, broken and useless now. Inuyasha gasped, clamoring to scoop them up; Kagome clutched the chunk of necklace she had yanked, her breath heavy, her gaze unwavering.

 

There was some urgency in his voice as he scrambled to pick up the pieces. Didn't he hate that thing? Inuyasha looked at her with a torn expression. She had broken the thing that had tethered them together. It was their bond, it connected them; as a team, as possible mates.

 

“You don't have to choose anymore Inuyasha….I've just made it easier for you.”

 

Inuyasha looked at her with hurt eyes; he had never shown this much emotion to her before. Still clutching the beads of the necklace, he gently grasped her shoulders.

 

“But…what if I chose you?”

 

She tried not to look at him, suddenly breaking away.

 

“Then…you chose too late.”

 

With that, a strange of wash of violet sent her home, instead of the familiar blue.

 

Inuyasha jumped to follow her, but the well didn't allow him through. The gateway was sealed, and could never be re-opened. Inuyasha sobbed at the bottom of a well; the shimmering jewel still in his other hand.

 

With a quick glance at it, he wondered if it could perhaps open the gateway, send him back in time; stop him from making that huge mistake….

 

He thought of his wish.

 

With a silent prayer, the jewel lit up, the pink light of destiny fading away when its purpose was done…

 

 

 

(Authors Note)

So was that ok? I wanted to get myself ready for my next story, so I'm only going to continue this particular one if someone asks. I luv you all! And so you know, updates on all future stories may come quick -or slow.