InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Time After Time ❯ A Prologue to the Epilogue ( Chapter 1 )

Time After Time

By RosieBird

Disclaimer: Welcome to my first Inuyasha story. This is my first attempt at an Inuyasha story and my second attempt at a multipart story. I will do my best to keep up with this, but I have a very hectic job by day, so I may not be able to update as I like. But I will strive to get it done. Now then....standard disclaimers apply...don't own Inuyasha (but if I did ) Please R&R!

Chapter 1 - A Prologue to the Epilogue

“Time is running out, Inuyasha!” Naraku's mocking voice echoed across the emptiness where the forest once stood. Hunched behind the rubble of uprooted trees and rocks, Inuyasha looked at his friends, or what remained of them. Miroku held Sango's motionless body close to him, tears pouring down his face, but his eyes held a look of determination. Kagome tightened the bandage around her leg. Kilala and Shippo lay motionless on the ground, having attacked and been poisoned by Naraku's miasma.

“You in that big a hurry to die, you scum!” Inuyasha called out. He let the wind catch it and carry it away to avoid Naraku finding them. He looked over again at Kagome. She was preparing another arrow, but he held his hand up to stop her. She looked at him, confused, but ceased her actions.

“I will not die, you filthy half-breed!” Naraku spat, sending a bolt of energy at a pile of rubble not more than a yard away.

“Well, isn't that the pot calling the kettle black. Listen to me, both of you,” Inuyasha whispered, “We've only got one shot at this. We need to get him to raise his aura so I can use the Backlash Wave on him.”

“Inuyasha, you know it won't work,” Miroku said, “He's able to overpower it.”

“Not if we work together,” Inuyasha said, “It's safe to say that we probably won't survive all this. But if we can bring him down, then I'm willing to die for it.”

Miroku was silent. He looked down at Sango's face. Despite the dirt and blood, it was still beautiful to him.

“Sango,” he whispered, “I'm sorry that I wasn't able to protect you. Please wait for me. I'll be with you soon.”

He bent down and kissed her lips. Then, laying her down gently, he raised his eyes to look to his comrades.

“I will raise a shield around myself and charge Naraku,” Miroku said, “I will open my wind tunnel to distract him.”

“Good,” Inuyasha said, “Kagome and I will come at him from the other side. When Kagome fires her arrow, that should weaken him enough that the Backlash Wave can work.”

“Are you sure?” Kagome asked. Inuyasha was taken by surprise for a moment. She had not talked in so long. He looked at her and nodded.

“It has to work,” he said.

“I'm ready,” Miroku said, “I'll give you two about 2 minutes, so you'd better hurry.”

Miroku leapt over the debris and charge Naraku.

“For my family and for my friends,” Miroku roared, “And for my love, you die today, Naraku! WIND TUNNEL!”

Naraku quickly planted his feet against the forceful pull of the wind.

“Foolish monk,” Naraku sneered, “How can you be so sure that by killing me, the curse will truly be lifted?”

“That no longer matters to me,” Miroku said calmly, “I will not live long enough to see for sure.”

The poison insects flew at him, diving into the wind tunnel and releasing their venom. But Miroku did not stop, despite the agonizing pain. He saw his life flash before his eyes. His childhood with the monk, Mushin, how he learned of his family curse and his decision to destroy Naraku, his meeting of his friends and meeting Sango, his proposal, the first time he'd kissed her. It all came to him so sweetly.

“My sweet Sango,” Miroku thought as his vision of Naraku began to dim, “Forgive me. I wanted so much to be your husband and to raise a family with you. Our children would have been strong. Sons and daughters. Who knows what they could have become had they been our children.”

Faintly, he could hear Inuyasha and Kagome charge at Naraku. Then, all was silent and the Amorous Monk, Miroku, fell.

Kagome and Inuyasha watched Miroku open his wind tunnel and moved into position. Kagome moved as best she could with her injured leg, but Inuyasha was moving slowly enough that she was able to keep up.

“Kagome,” he asked quietly, “Are you all right?”

“I'm fine,” she answered him, “Ready when you are.”

Inuyasha turned to look at her. This wasn't what was supposed to happen. Naraku was supposed to die, but not at the expense of her life. Every women he met and cared for came to the same end. First Kikyo, then Sango, and now Kagome. But, unlike Kikyo, Sango and Kagome chose to die alongside him. For that, he was grateful.

“Kagome,” he said, lowering his eyes, “If I don't get the chance, I want you to know that having you with me all this time has been great. I don't think I'd ever be able to say how much it's meant to me, having you near me.”

Kagome blushed warmly at his words.

“Do it now, while you can,” she thought.

She tipped his face up toward her and kissed him, very quickly. Inuyasha looked at her with wide eyes.

“Think nothing of it, dog boy,” she said and prepared her arrow.

Inuyasha felt himself grinning like a fool. She'd kissed him. It had felt so different from Kikyo's kiss. Kikyo had never kissed him in life and, in death, her lips were cold. Kagome's kiss had been full of life and warmth. But what had her kiss meant?

“Inuyasha, Miroku's weakening,” Kagome said, her voice full of sorrow, “He can't hold on much longer.”

“Right,” Inuyasha said, “Let's go.”

Inuyasha removed his kimono and draped it over her arms.

“Maybe you'll have some protection,” he thought. Then, he knelt down as she climbed onto his back.

They watched Miroku start to fall and then they charged.

“NARAKU!” Kagome screamed, “I will destroy you for this!”

She fired the arrow and it seared through the air, aglow with her spiritual powers. Naraku held up a hand, using his strength and demonic aura to ward off the arrow.

“Foolish girl!” He laughed, “I won't make the same mistake again.”

“You got that right, pal!” Inuyasha leapt over his head, “BACKLASH WAVE!”

The wave of energy screamed down onto Naraku. They heard him laughing.

“It's not working,” Inuyasha said, “It won't go through.”

“Yes it will,” Kagome said, notching another arrow, “We'll make it work!”

She fired the arrow and it pierced through the white-hot light of the Backlash Wave. The laughing stopped and was replaced by a scream of anger and pain. An explosion of energy shook the ground, blasting Inuyasha and Kagome back to the ground. Inuyasha covered Kagome with his body as dirt and rocks pelted him mercilessly. After what seemed an eternity, they raised their heads to see Naraku, or what remained of him. A bloody and burned mass of human tissue lay crumpled on the ground, fighting to breathe. The Sacred Jewel fragment encircled his neck.

“N-no!” the body rasped, “I-I will n-not be de-destroyed!”

“Onigumo,” Kagome said, her voice angry, but tinged with pity, like one who pities a rabid dog. The creature regarded her with wide eyes.

“You are guilty and have done despicable things,” Kagome said, “All for the sake of your own selfish ambitions. Die now and I pray that you find some peace.” She bent down and removed the Jewel fragment from around his neck. The body of Onigumo collapsed, shriveling into dust.

Kagome pulled out her own Jewel fragment and bonded it to the nearly whole Jewel. It glowed with a pure aura at Kagome's touch and she put it around her neck. Inuyasha came up to her and touched her shoulder.

“Kagome?” he asked, hesitating to address her with the task they had before them.

“Let's go Inuyasha,” Kagome said, “We have to take our friends home.” She turned to look at him, tears running in rivers down her cheeks, but she was trying to smile.

“Kagome,” Inuyasha whispered and pulled her into his embrace. That was all it took to shatter the walls and Kagome began to sob. Quietly, Inuyasha's own eyes filled with tears and he buried his face into Kagome's hair.

They were unsure at first how to carry all their friends back to the village, but Hatchi, the badger friend of Miroku had appeared, accompanied by Myoga.

“Master Inuyasha!” Myoga had exclaimed, but had become silent upon seeing the motionless bodies of Miroku, Sango, Kilala and Shippo. Hatchi expanded his body and carried them all back to the village. Kaede was waiting for them, a somber look in her eye.

“Welcome back,” she said softly, “I am glad ye were successful and I mourn with ye. Come, carry them into the house. I will prepare them for burial.”

Inuyasha and Kagome did as they were told and then Kaede ordered them to see to their own wounds. Inuyasha's own wounds would heal quickly with minimal treatment, so he asked if he might see to Kagome's wounds first.

“This leg doesn't look too bad,” he said, “Where is that ointment you use?”

Kagome reached into her bag and pulled out the small jar of antiseptic ointment. Inuyasha gently removed the bandage and covered the wound with the ointment. He then rebandaged her leg.

“Let me see if there's anything else,” Inuyasha said.

“Nothing I can't take care of myself,” Kagome responded. She was cut across her shoulder, but wasn't about to let Inuyasha help her with that.

“I can still smell your blood,” Inuyasha said impatiently, “This isn't the time to be shy.”

“No, I'm all right,” she snapped.

“Please, Kagome,” Inuyasha's voice was quieter, almost pleading, “Let me help you.”

She was so startled by his tone of voice that she could only nod her head slowly. Inuyasha helped her remove her blouse, being careful not to touch her cut. The cut wasn't deep, but it needed to be cleaned. He pulled out the antiseptic spray, knowing it would sting her, but seeing no other way to clean it. She hissed with pain and pulled back.

“That hurts,” she whispered, “But I guess that means it's getting cleaned. Thank you, Inuyasha.”

Inuyasha simply smothered a growling “Feh' and continued to work. Kagome then cleaned his own wounds. But it seemed that everywhere she touched him, she would hurt him.

“Jeez, Inuyasha,” she snapped, “Where doesn't it hurt?”

“See this here,” he growled, pointing to the corner of his mouth, “That's the only place it doesn't hurt!”

Kagome sighed and, out of respect for his wounds, declined sitting him. She'd wait until he was better. She slowly bandaged his wounds and iced a few bruises.

“There,” she sighed, “How does that feel?”

“Terrible,” he grumbled, “But thank you.”

“You're just a lousy patient, is all,” she said, “Imagine what Miroku would say if...”

Kagome stopped short, feeling sorrowful. Inuyasha bowed his head, understanding how she felt. He pulled Kagome into his arms again and leaned against the wall.

“They died like heroes, Kagome,” Inuyasha said softly, “And if we keep their memory alive, they'll always be with us.”

“I know,” she said, tears choking her voice, “But I hate myself! This never would have happened if I hadn't broken the jewel!”

“True,” Inuyasha said, “But some good came out of it. We learned of Naraku and we met our friends. I doubt that would have happened if not for you.”

Kagome looked up at him. His eyes were full of gentleness and he smiled fondly at her. They stared at each other for a long moment, before Inuyasha bent down. Kagome closed her eyes and welcomed his kiss. Unlike the one she gave him, this one was longer and more lasting. It was filled with warmth and gentle understanding. Perhaps even love. Inuyasha pulled away.

“I had to be sure of something,” he whispered, “Kagome, I...”

“Inuyasha,” Kaede's voice called from the other room, “Come outside. Kikyo is here.”

Kikyo stood outside Kaede's house, the wind blowing her hair over her shoulders.

“Inuyasha,” she said, her voice hauntingly distant, “The time has come for you to keep your promise.”

“Kikyo,” Inuyasha said, “I-I didn't expect you so soon.”

Kagome stood behind him, her heart breaking. She'd forgotten that Inuyasha would be going with Kikyo to hell after Naraku was destroyed.

“Why should I wait?” Kikyo asked, “What more could possibly hold you here? Naraku is gone and you have avenged me. But has that vengeance returned me to life?”

Inuyasha tightened his hand and bowed his head. Naraku was gone, but Kikyo still despised him and would hold him to his promise, no matter what.

“Very well, Kikyo,” Inuyasha relented and felt Kagome stifle a sob of grief. He wanted nothing more than to turn his back on Kikyo and hold Kagome, telling her everything was alright, but he couldn't. Instead, he turned back into the house. He took one last look at the bodies of his friends before going back to his room for his kimono. Kagome was standing in the doorway as he turned to leave. Her eyes were filled with disbelief and betrayal.

“Kagome,” he whispered, “I know I shouldn't ask you to, but please, come with me. And bring the Jewel.”

Kagome wanted to smack him, scream and curse him for daring to ask her to watch him be swallowed up in death. But she was silent. She walked with him as he followed Kikyo. They walked for what seemed like hours, but when they stopped, she realized that they were only a few miles outside the village. Kikyo turned and beckoned to Inuyasha.

“Come,” she said.

“Give Kagome the remainder of her soul,” Inuyasha said, “Then, I'll go with you.”

“As you wish,” she said, “I have no need for it any longer.”

The bright lights of Kagome's soul left the clay body and returned to Kagome. Kikyo stood silently, still able to move from the aid of other lost souls. Inuyasha turned to look back at the village once more and then, looked down at Kagome.

“Kagome,” he said softly, so Kikyo would not hear, “I'm sorry. I wish I could stay longer. But you have a life back in your own era. It isn't fair for you to give that up or for anyone to ask you to give it up.”

“Inuyasha!” Kagome cried, “That's my choice, isn't it?”

“Hush,” Inuyasha said, “Don't be stupid. You're only 15. You still have so much to do.”

He hugged her once more, clinging to her as though she were a lifeline. Kagome hugged him back. She could wish on the Jewel that her friends return to life, but she'd seen the evil the Jewel could create with such a wish. She could give it to Inuyasha, yes, and he could become full demon as he wanted.

“Inuyasha,” she said, “Take the Jewel. Become a full-fledged demon, like you wanted to.”

“No,” Inuyasha said, “The Jewel won't grant me that wish. See?”

He held up the Jewel and Kagome saw that it no longer glowed with the same brilliance.

“It's been purified,” he said, “It won't grant anymore wishes. But it still has power that can be corrupted. Demons can't have it anymore, it's useless to them, but humans can still use it. You're the guardian of the Jewel, Kagome. Protect it well.”

Inuyasha then turned and, without looking back, joined Kikyo. She embraced him and Inuyasha closed his eyes. Kagome watched as they were swallowed up by the earth and disappeared. She fell to the ground, sobbing as if her heart would break. Hours later, this is how Kaede and the villagers found her. She lay on the ground, tears and dirt staining her face, fast asleep.

A week had passed since Inuyasha had gone with Kikyo. Miroku, Sango, Shippo and Kilala had been buried outside the village. Never had Kagome seen so many people come to give their best. At Kagome's request, they'd agreed to erect a marker for Inuyasha and even for Onigumo. Now, a week after the burial, Kagome stood before them. She laid flowers on the ground at each marker and said a prayer.

“Everyone,” she whispered, “I'm going home today. For good. Kaede thinks that I was allowed to come to the past to finish what Kikyo started all those years ago. But now, there's no reason for me to stay. I'm taking the Jewel back with me. There aren't any demons who'll want it anymore, but humans here will still want it. By taking it home, no one will know about it anymore and it'll be safe.”

Kagome knelt by each marker, wanting to address all her friends individually.

“Shippo,” she said, “I'm so sorry that you got dragged into this. You never wanted Jewel for anything and were the only one who didn't seek revenge against Naraku. You didn't have to stay, but you did. I'll always be grateful and love you for that.”

“Sango,” she began to cry, “Your village is avenged now. I hope that brings you peace. I'm sure wherever your family is, they're so proud of you. Kaede says that Kohaku hasn't been found yet, but, when he is, he'll be buried beside you. In the meantime, I hope you are resting peacefully. You and Kilala.”

“Miroku,” she couldn't help but laugh, “I can't believe I actually agreed to let them lay you beside Sango. Who knows what lecherous things you're doing to her. But you and she were in love, so I know she doesn't mind. I'm sorry that you couldn't see the end of your curse, but I know that Naraku will never have another chance to hurt anyone again. Be proud of that, dear Miroku.”

Kagome felt her heart breaking in her ribcage as she looked down at Inuyasha's marker.

“Oh, Inuyasha,” she sobbed, “I wanted so badly to tell you how I felt. I loved you. I will always love you. I don't think I can ever love another like I loved you. I know what you'd say, `Stupid girl!' And I'd probably `Sit' you for that. I almost wish I'd never met you, but I know that my life will never be the same because I have met you. I don't want to hate Kikyo for making you feel so guilty, but part of me does. But I will swallow my hate and pray that you both are finally at peace.”

“Goodbye,” she said finally, standing up and bowing, “I will never forget you. And I'll do well in the rest of my life. I promise.”

With that, Kagome turned to leave. She bid a tearful goodbye to Kaede, who tearfully hugged her and presented her with the Shikon no Tama, the Sacred Jewel of Four Souls.

“Guard it well, child,” Kaede said, “I pray ye good fortune with it and that it do no more evil where it is going.”

“Goodbye, Kaede,” Kagome said, “Thank you for everything.”

Turning quickly and half walking, half sprinting, she made her way to the Bone Eater's Well. She took one last look around her and, closing her eyes, she jumped into the well.

She landed with softly on the other side. She was unsure at first if she was actually back. Then, she heard the sound of the distant school bell.

“I'm home,” she thought.

She climbed out of the well and stood outside, gazing around the shrine.

“Welcome home, Kagome,” she thought to herself, “This is my home. And I'm so glad to be back. No matter what happened in the past, I am going to make this future a better one.”

She fingered the Sacred Jewel before tucking it away under her blouse. Then, with a determined nod of her head, hurried into the house. Ready to start a normal life.

To Be Continued...

“ARGH!!! RosieBird, you evil witch! How dare you!! It can't end like that!” Is that what I'm hearing you say? Relax, I'm not done yet. I am going to end this happily. This story will have everything you love about the show “Inuyasha”, and so much more. But I only have so long a lunch hour and I have meetings the rest of the day. But I'm really feeling inspired, so I'm really gonna try to finish this story. Again, R&R, or else, I'll never know what's going on.

Stay cool minna! From here on in, this will be fun!