InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ To Love You Again ❯ When the Heart Lies ( Chapter 2 )

Disclaimer: I…I…own…I own (glances at lawyers)…my Inuyasha! (lawyers begin to advance in my direction) Waaait! You guys didn’t let me finish! I was going to say I own my Inuyasha fanfiction. You see, now you people made fools of yourself. (lawyers walk away) Phew! That was close. Well, I guess you guys already know that I don’t own Inuyasha. Oh, the pain. Life is so unfair…(sobs uncontrollably).

Author’s Note: Wow! My first chapter got 8reviews. I was very happy and excited when I first saw them. They really mean a lot to me. I want to thank my twin sister, Diane a.k.a Hanyou-Miko15, because she was my very first reviewer. (please check out her profile and first awesome fanfiction: A New World and future ones, that no one would want to steal or I’ll bash them with Tessaiga!) I also want to thank all my other seven reviewers because I appreciate their kind words of encouragement. Furthermore I want to express my thanks to my new friend Jacie who encouraged me to finish my second chapter. So with all my respect, I dedicate this chapter to all eleven of you. I really hope that it will make up for lost time. Oh and please read my second author’s note after reading this chapter. Thank you.   Full Summary of Story: Kagome has always loved Inuyasha, after constantly being hurt by him, and also having the knowledge that he is bound to another. Inuyasha will do anything to be with his beloved Kikyou, although deep down, his heart yearns for Kagome and has profound feelings for her, as well. But after committing the worst mistake of his life, Inuyasha loses Kagome...forever. Fifteen years later, after Kagome's demise and Naraku's demolition, strange things begin to lurk about as a new evil arises. Furthermore, who is that mystifying female hanyou that Inuyasha and the gang keep meeting up with? Why does she seem to know so much about them? And why is it that she appears to loathe Inuyasha so much?
. . . . .   Japanese Dictionary: (I will tend to use Japanese words in this story.)

Baka- stupid/foolish

Baka mitai- “You look like an idiot.”

Bakayarou- foolish bastard

Bozou- rude term for a monk

Chikuso- damn it

Chikushoume- fucking shit

Cho dasai- how extremely lame

Doko- where?

Doushite- why?

Gomen- sorry

Hai- yes

Hanyou- half-demon

Haori- short jacket (similar to the one Inuyasha wears)

Hentai- pervert

Houshi- monk

Iie- no

Jamakasui- pain in the ass

Jigoku o iku- “Go to hell.”

Kami- translated to God, but are really spirits worshipped in Shintoism, a religion practiced in Japan

Ketsuoana- ass

Ketsuoanansi- asshole

Kisu boku noshiri- “Kiss my ass.”

Koko wa doko?- translated to “Where am I?” However, it really means “Where is here?” This is how the Japanese say it.

Kono-yaro- “Screw you.”

Kuso- shit

Kusoyarou- equivalent to motherfucker

Kuso o tabeyou- “Eat shit.”

Matte- wait

Miko- priestess

Nani- what?

Nan de ya nen- “What the hell?”

Nani o miten da yo- “What the hell are you looking at?”

Oi- hey

Oushitkuso- bullshit

Taijya- demon exterminator

Yoyokagirinaku- forever and ever

-Why are most of the Japanese words that I use so rude?

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To Love You Again

Chapter 2:

When The Heart Lies

All a man can betray is... his conscience.
- Joseph Conrad

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Dusk was quickly drawing near in the feudal era. The sun was rapidly disappearing as well. While the beaming sun was setting, it created an extremely breath-taking view in the pink and orange sky. This awesome spectacle, unfortunately, lasted only a few precious moments. The last of the sun’s rays were finally vanishing to the other side of the world. And at last, the mystical white moon and the shimmering bright stars, seized control of the dark, shadowy heavens. Although the night was beautiful, it was also strangely quiet and peaceful.

‘Peaceful indeed.’ Sango thought scornfully. The young taijya was leaning on the smooth windowpane with her delicate head placed in between her small hands. Apparently, tonight was very beautiful. The view was excellent, even if it was just from Kaede’s hut. In fact, it would have been a lovely time to do a little stargazing. Too bad she didn’t have any time for that. This night was surprisingly a little too calm for the young woman’s experience. Youkai could be lurking around anywhere and she needed to protect Kaede’s village. Sango knew she couldn’t let her guard down, now that her demon fighting skills were needed the most. ‘Well, it’s only until Inuyasha and Miroku get back anyway.’ She frowned.

‘Why did I have to stay behind, again? Oh yeah! I remember now!’ the angry exterminator considered sarcastically. ‘Miroku thought it was best that I stayed away and REALLY far away from Inuyasha… for the time being anyway.’ Unfortunately for the hanyou, and with much satisfaction from Sango, she was already too busy trying to piss Inuyasha off as much as possible by mocking his stupid pride and crushing his humongous, inflated ego! ‘Seriously, that bastard’s ego is as big as Japan… err…no wait… actually, it was as large as the whole fucking universe! HAH! That’s the biggest understatement of the year.’

Sango snorted loudly before she remembered that she was supposed to be pissed off at a certain hanyou. ‘And his arrogance! I mean really! Don’t even get me started on that one…that brainless… ketsuoanansi. At least I gave him a piece of my mind. It made me feel kind of better. But he didn’t have to hurt Kagome-chan like that…she’s always hurting now, but tries to keep it all bottled inside. And he cares about her… I know he does. So what the hell is that insensitive ass playing at! Damn it! I should have pissed him off some more…I mean I was… but…’

…It was until that idiotic houshi got in the way. ‘Another blithering idiot… always taking away all my fun. It was amusing watching Inuyasha squirm…like a little helpless flea…am I cruelly twisted or what?’ Sango thought evilly.

Her once calm face turned into a nasty one. Well, serves him right, that despicable bastard. Why did he have to go and say things like that to Kagome? She didn’t need to hear those things, especially if that ‘baka’ actually meant them. ‘Deep down, I know he didn’t mean it… right? But still! Stupid unforgivable jerk,’ Sango brooded angrily. ‘After everything she has given up…after everything she has done for you and only you! After always staying by your side and constantly loving you with all her being! After surrendering her whole life to you. After all that…

…FOR NOTHING! ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! KAGOME WOULD NEVER ASK YOU ANYTHING IN RETURN! BECAUSE SHE LOVES YOU DAMN IT!

AAARRRGGHH! I knew I should have hurt him more while I still had the chance! But nooooo, so-called houshi just had to go into sensible-mode and stop me from killing that… that ungrateful dog. No pun intended. And then, to make matters even worse, that hentai had the nerve to grope me! Again! For the hundredth time!’

The young woman let out a sigh of frustration. 'Damn you, Inuyasha! And curse that perverted houshi, too. I’ll get that hentai back next time I see him.’ Why couldn’t that bozou keep his hands to himself? Especially in a situation like this!' “Well, it’s like I always say, ‘you can’t expect much from a corrupted monk’.” She let out another irritated sigh and glared intensely at the stars- that seemed to be mocking her -glittering in the serene sky. “Right. Peaceful night they say. Meh, could have fooled me,” grumbled the taijya.

There was nothing soothing about this day. Today was anything but peaceful, especially of the events that have transpired this afternoon. ‘Nothing, and I mean nothing is going right today.’ Sango stopped looking out the small window and sat down on the cool floor. This small action caused pain to her wounds. She just winced, but thought nothing of it. ‘Just let me sulk,’ she brooded miserably. ‘My best friend is gone and now I’m all by myself…all alone. Hey? I wonder where Kirara ran off to.’

Moments later her thoughts went back to those unpleasant events. She released one more tragic whine while wishing that she had never witnessed that heartbreaking incident…and also yearned for time to go back so that maybe things could have gone differently…so they could all start over. ‘Kagome...’ the young exterminator sighed dejectedly. ‘You need someone right now, but I’m not even there for you. Please come back to us. We all need you, even that baka, Inuyasha, although he’s too stubborn to realize it yet. He just doesn’t understand how much he can really hurt you. Oushitkuso…he just doesn’t want to admit how much he can hurt you. Ketsuoana.’

She gazed hopefully at the heavens and silently prayed. ‘Kami-sama, please give her the strength she needs so she can come back. I don’t think she can take it anymore…she just can’t.’

Much to her dislike, the young miko wasn’t back yet. ‘I’m not surprised. I’d be gone too if Miroku- uh- I mean if anyone said awful things like that to me.’ A delicate blush covered Sango’s cheeks. ‘That stupid Miroku…making me imagine foolish thoughts like that. Wait a minute! What am I saying!’ She shook her head to clear her head and focus onto the main predicament. It was already passed sundown and Sango was beginning to worry about her cherished friend. No, Kagome was like her sister, a sister she never had. She could never replace Kohaku, but they are both special in her heart.

The young taijya knew very well that Kagome wouldn’t be coming today. “I wonder how she’s doing,” she said mostly to herself. “I hope she’s all right.” She sighed again and began to descend to the futon until she heard a pair of footsteps. That alone broke her away from her thoughts.

“Who’s there!” Sango inquired, more harshly then she intended.

“It’s only me child,” answered a rather pleasant voice. “Ye do not need to be frightened.” Sango let out a relieved sigh. It was only Kaede.

“Please forgive me, Kaede. I thought it was an intruder.”

“Do not fret, my child,” the old woman replied gently. “I understand.” Sango gave her a small smile.

“Thank you, Kaede. I’m just a little apprehensive, right now. It’s nothing really.” She then tried to stand up form her sitting position, but failed since her injuries started to throb painfully again. Still, it was the gash on her right arm that was the one that ached the most.

“For the love of Kami, Sango. Ye should be resting. Remember that ye have not healed yet.” Sango smiled weakly while clutching her injured arm. The aged woman shook her head. However, she had a playful gleam in her eye. “He will not be happy about this, you know. After all, he doesn’t like it when you’re hurt.”

Sango flushed. “Wh-what? I don’t care what that pervert thinks! He’s probably out there groping some pretty girl with a gigantic butt and huge breasts. What a total imbecile…”

Kaede chuckled inwardly. ‘My child, don’t deceive yourself. Of course you care.’ Then she scowled and looked at the scene before her. ‘You care to much that you’re over doing it again.’

“Sango, calm yourself. Ye should be resting remember?” the woman tried. Her words went unnoticed by Sango.

“…Well, I don’t give a damn about that mindless houshi,” the demon exterminator rambled on. “Curse him! I’ll give him a piece of my mind, though. He shouldn’t take advantage of girls like that.”

“Sango,” Kaede patiently tried again, her eyebrow twitching.

“I should tie him up to a log and throw him down a waterfall. Or better yet…”

“Sango.” Twitch. Twitch.

“…I’ll beat him up with my Hiraikotsu, tie him up to a log, and then throw him down a waterfall!

“SANGO!”

“What! I didn’t do it!” cried the confused taijya. “I wasn’t thinking about Miroku and how many ways I can kill him!”

Kaede’s eyebrow twitched once more. “I’m sure you were not, my child,” the old miko said. ‘But you sure looked suspicious.’ She coughed lightly, causing the disturbed and guilty taijya to look up.

“Now that I have your full, undivided attention,” the elderly miko began with much amusement. “I must remind you once again to not overexert yourself.” Suddenly remembering her indignant arm, Sango hissed in pain and laid her worn out body against the hard wall. Kaede gazed at the young women worriedly.

“I am very sorry my child. There is nothing I can do for your arm at the moment. I am aware of your distress but Kagome’s medicine from her time already did all the work required to mend and disinfect your arm.”

“It’s all right, Kaede-sama,” replied the female exterminator through clenched teeth. “My arm is fine. I just wish Kagome was here and brought along those… what do you call them? Oh yes, painkillers.”

The old woman nodded. “Aye. I wish she were here, too. We all need her after all. But right now it would be best if you laid down and get some rest.”

“I don’t think that’s such a good idea…” Sango started to say. Kaede cut her off.

“Nonsense. I will not hear of it. Ye require a great deal of rest. And don’t give me that look young lady,” the old miko responded sternly. “The village will be fine if that is what’s troubling you.” Her gaze softened. “Please listen, Sango. Ye need your strength. Kirara is out patrolling and guarding the village. So you see, we’re all safe. And hopefully Inuyasha and Miroku will be arriving shortly. They have been gone long enough and I’m sure that Miroku has had enough time to knock some sense into that stubborn hanyou. So do not fret child. Besides, Kagome would have probably told you to do the same. She always thinks of others before herself.”

Sango smiled warmly. “That’s Kagome all right. Thank you, Kaede-sama. I really needed that. And you’re right. I should be conserving my strength. Kirara is out there and the guys shouldn’t take long, right? And who knows, maybe Inuyasha finally realizes what’s good for him. Plus, I think I hear the futon calling me.” ‘And I don’t really need to be asleep. I could just pretend…but Kaede doesn’t need to know that.’

“Precisely my child. I am pleased that you agree with me. Very well then, I shall take my leave.” The elderly miko started towards the door. Before she closed it she called out, “Sango?”

“Yes Kaede-sama.”

“When I said, ‘he will not be happy about it,’ why did you assume that I was referring to the young monk, Miroku?” She had a wicked twinkle in her eye.

Sango gaped at her and became awfully flustered. “Miroku? Did I say Miroku? I meant…well of-- of course you weren’t referring to that pig-headed idiot,” sputtered the demon exterminator. “I was just assuming, like you said, and you know me…” she said laughing nervously and continued to mutter incoherent words.

“Good night Sango.” Kaede smirked secretly.

“…Hehehe…good night, Kaede.”

The woman closed the door softly, but not before seeing the taijya whacking her head against the wall.

‘Ouch, that’s going to leave a mark.’ ~*~

Meanwhile, in the forest named after a certain half demon, you can distinguish two lone figures. And unsurprisingly the one with silver hair and red clothing seemed to be walking rather swiftly and away from the other companion.

“Oi! Inuyasha!” yelled an agitated Miroku. “Matte! MATTE!”

Inuyasha ignored his request and continued his fast pacing through the lush verdant forest with absolutely no intentional destination…just somewhere away from that “annoying blithering idiot”. Unfortunately for the aggravated hanyou, luck was not on his side today because the persistent monk was still demanding for his attention. It’s not like he was going to give it to him…

“INUYASHA!”

‘Chikushoume! Will he give it a fucking rest! Just leave me the hell alone already!’ With that in mind said half demon increased his speed to distance himself from the person causing his displeasure. Moments later he looked back to see that the damned houshi was still going after him. Inuyasha swore silently, but did nothing to stop.‘Kusoyarou!’ he cursed. ‘What the hell does he want from me?’

“Inuyasha, this is completely and utterly pointless. Can you just stop running away?”

The hanyou glared menacingly at Miroku before growling, “I am not running away you asswipe.”

“The hell you’re not!” Miroku spat back with equal fury while still ineffectively chasing Inuyasha, the large trees making it difficult to catch up to a hanyou with demonic speed. “I guess you don’t know the big difference between running away and staying back to face your problems!”

‘Problems? What problems?’ Inuyasha pondered angrily. ‘Oh yeah…about that. KUSO!

"Jigoku o iku!"

‘Kami, he’s so immature,’ Miroku reflected.

“Not a chance. So would you please stop running now?” His voice was filled with determination, and with a hint of reasonable impatience.

“Hmmm…let me think on that for a second. How about…NO!”

‘SEE WHAT I MEAN! IMMATURE! CHO DASAI!’

“God damn it, Inuyasha! You’re acting childish again. Stop being such a stubborn arrogant fool.”

The hanyou ceased his movement while turning to face the houshi and snarled.

Miroku halted as well, desperately panting for air, but paid no heed to Inuyasha’s frustration.

“We need to talk.”

“There is nothing to talk about, bozou.” Inuyasha sneered heatedly.

“Spare me, will you. You know what this is about.”

“Actually, I have no idea,” he lied. “But don’t enlighten me, ok? Just… kisu boku noshiri.”

Miroku groaned irritably, still gulping large amounts of air. ‘Kami, grant me patience…grant Inuyasha patience. Please don’t let him run away. I don’t think I can take another step. Damn how I hate running.’

“I’ll ask you one more time…”

“Kono-yaro! Shit, Miroku. Will you shut up! You’re giving me a fucking headache and I don’t need to listen to this bullshit.” Inuyasha abruptly turned around, with intentions of leaping and hiding in the trees when a strong firm grip grabbed a hold of his arm and yanked him roughly, forcing him to come face to face with no other than Miroku. Surprise filled the half-demon.

Miroku looked like he was about to punch him in the gut... really hard. But it was probably the rational side of him that helped him hold back. Seriously, a guy, even someone like Miroku, had their limits and can posses only so much patience. The two friends glowered at each other for a few moments before Miroku finally spoke.

“That…is…enough…Inuyasha. Are you done acting like a moron now?”

“Oi! Who are you calling a…”

Miroku abruptly cut him off. “I asked you a damned question, but if your not going to answer and still act like a spoiled brat, then you can just keep your mouth shut.”

Once again, Inuyasha was shocked by Miroku’s behavior. He was usually calm and refined, never raising his voice to anyone, even if he was being serious. There were times when he looked like he was going to go ballistic, particularly when it came to Naraku and his cursed right hand containing Kazaana. However, he usually kept his frustration in check. But now…

He looks as pissed as hell…and ready to kill somebody…specifically Inuyasha.

‘Keh. Never thought he had it in him,’ the hanyou thought sarcastically. ‘And he has quite the temper…’

Regrettably, a voice interrupted him before he had a chance to finish what was in his mind.

“Well?” Miroku snapped irritably. “Are you going to listen now?”

Inuyasha threw him a dirty look, but nodded.

Another moment of silence passed between them before Miroku replied, “It’s about what happened today. Kami-sama…JUST WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING!”

Inuyasha flinched slightly and looked away. “Feh. I don’t have time for this crap,” But the way Miroku was gazing at him compelled him to reconsider his response.

“Ok fine,” the half-demon scoffed ineptly. “What about it?”

Miroku rolled his eyes impatiently before putting on his “serious face”.

“Kagome,” he answered softly.

Inuyasha instantly whipped his head around at the sound of her name, but his face remained composed.

“Yeah, what about her?”

Miroku stood there silently, his left brow twitching, waiting for something smarter and much more intelligent than that comment to come out of the hanyou’s mouth. ‘He’s acting as if nothing happened,’ the houshi thought with disdain.

Inuyasha overlapped his arms ungracefully. “She went home, didn’t she?” he asked, his face showing no emotion.

Miroku nodded curtly. “Hai.”

A low growl was heard. “What…the…hell…was…‘she’…TH INKING! Why didn’t you stop her you stupid monk”

Said houshi looked furiously at the half demon “You didn’t actually believe that she was going to hang around after…after what you said to her, did you?”

Inuyasha stared down to the ground, shifting uncomfortably from one foot to the other, trying frantically to ignore Miroku’s question.

“Kami! You did didn’t you!” the enraged houshi hollered. “You actually thought she was going to stay? Can you get any more dense, dog boy?”

“Keh. She started it.” The hanyou replied stupidly, ears flattening, while nervously kicked a rock.

“And you ended it rather well, am I right?” Miroku retorted sardonically. “Kuso. Can you get any more foolish?”

Inuyasha’s eyes narrowed. “Oi. You’re the stupid one here.”

“And I doubt it, because the reckless one here is you.”

The half demon suddenly found a particular spot on his red haori rather interesting.

“Ok, I think we established that I’m the stupid one…”

“Don’t forget reckless, thoughtless bastard and a total idiot.”

The hanyou growled threateningly. “All right, all right! I get it! Yeesh.”

A comfortable silence elapsed among them.

Despite everything that just occurred, Inuyasha and Miroku were best friends first. Miroku strolled toward the Goshinboku, which was only a good ten feet away from the two companions. Inuyasha immediately followed suit.

After reaching their destination the tired monk sat down with his legs crossed and hands behind his head, slowly closing his eyes, attempting to find peace before commencing his conversation with his long-time comrade.

‘You really did it this time old friend,’ Miroku thought somberly. ‘Will she really forgive you this time? Will she even consider coming back? Actually…that’s not what I’m worried about…’

Meanwhile, Inuyasha contentedly settled himself on the luscious grass, next to his favorite tree, and beside his four-year companion. Legs outstretched, hands on each knee, and both ears alert, he waited patiently for the man next to him to speak.

Miroku shifted to another relaxing position, his hands carefully evening out his indigo and violet robes, before he finally spoke. “Do you…want to talk about it? You know, to let it all out?”

“No,” Inuyasha responded truthfully. He attentively adjusted his katana, Tessaiga, positioned at his right hip before he responded. “But you didn’t go through all that trouble for nothing now, did you?”

His companion grinned lightheartedly while smoothing his short dark hair that was pulled into a ponytail. “Correct! Nice to know you can be right sometimes.”

The hanyou smirked back with equal humor.

Then everything went quiet again. The cool wind blew gently throughout the forest, stroking the faces of the two people who blissfully enjoyed the soft caress. The birds chirped happily as if also taking pleasure in the tender breeze. Green leaves and flower petals from the trees covered the succulent grass and beautiful sky, creating a breathtaking view of the forest. The two companions sat there peacefully, appreciating the calm tranquil scene that nature offered them.

That seemed to happen a lot of times, but involving these two virtuous loyal friends, no words needed to be exchanged in order to communicate. Sometimes or nearly most of the time, silence was the best way they interacted with each other, especially since Inuyasha was never really good with words. On the contrary, Miroku never seemed to mind and had the talent to comprehend what frequently went on in the hanyou’s head.

However, there was only one person who really understood the hanyou…

…and her name is Kagome.

‘But she’s not here now…Kami, how I wish I could go to sleep.’ But first things first…’ the houshi considered decisively.

Nonetheless, there was always time to do everything. A time to eat, a time to sleep, a time to play, a time to value the miracles of nature…but now was not the time. Today was one of those days in which all Inuyasha needed was silence, understanding, and support.

It was time to get down to business.

Miroku groaned inwardly and turned to look at the hanyou. “So Inuyasha,” he started nonchalantly. “When are you going to fetch Kagome-sama? I know Sango and Shippou miss her a great deal already. Even Kirara is a little restless.”

The half demon winced slightly before facing the young man at his side. “I don’t know, Miroku. Maybe…maybe later…later this evening.”

The houshi raised one amused eyebrow and let out a small chuckle. “You’re kidding me right? You think that in a few hours Kagome-sama is going to forgive and forget the way you treated her today?”

“Keh. Kuso o tabeyou, bozou.

That statement only seemed to make Miroku cackle louder.

“Oi, I don’t see anything funny about that, you dick,” Inuyasha replied stiffly.

The houshi graciously wiped tears of amusement out of his eye.

“Gomen, gomen. Let’s forget about that shall we?”

“Feh. Whatever. I don’t really give a rat’s ass, but you’re right. It’s too soon for Kagome to return home…er… I mean to this time. I’ll let her mope around for a few days and then maybe she’ll come back.” Then he grumbled to himself, ”Stupid girl. She knows that we have to collect the jewel shards and all…”

Miroku carelessly rolled his eyes to the sky. “That’s not quite what I had in mind, but it’s a start.” He raised his hand and scratched his nose thoughtfully. “You could wait for a few days of course, but instead of her coming back, you go to her time, apologize for being a dumbass, kiss and make up, and bring her back to the feudal era.”

“Easier said then done, monk,” the hanyou protested. His eyes widened after a moment of realization. “Oi! What do you mean kiss and make up?” Inuyasha felt his face become hot. ‘Is this guy serious!’

“Well kissing is simple really. You take the girl in your arms, pucker your lips like this,” he responded while pursing his lips in demonstration. “Then you lean forward and…”

Inuyasha’s face flushed crimson with anger and embarrassment. “That's not what I meant you nasty dirty monk!”

“Then what did you mean, dog boy,” the houshi questioned innocently.

“Hello! You’re asking me to kiss Kagome here!” he scowled, while his hand right hand balled in a fist.

Miroku snickered while suggestively wiggling his eyebrows. “Well, there is a much better way to make up. First, you can seduce her and then convince her to take you to her bed…”

WHAM! Inuyasha punched his perverted friend on the head.

“I’m not like you, idiot. Groping and seducing is not my thing.”

“Ahhhh…look at the all pretty girls,” he uttered inarticulately while twitching on the floor. He sat up and shook his head to relieve himself of the dizziness. Then he glared fiercely at the half demon, while tenderly rubbing the sore spot. “You didn’t have to hit me so hard you know.”

Inuyasha effortlessly scratched his head with his lengthy, razor-sharp claws, displaying much satisfaction. “Keh! That’s what you get you perv.”

“But it hurts,” he whined.

“Deal with it,” Inuyasha barked.

“Well I don’t wanna. It hurts more now.” Miroku stuck his tongue out. “Gaki.”

“Bakayarou.”

“Jamakasui,” Miroku teased

“Nan de ya nen? Kuso o tabeyou…baka!” Inuyasha shouted.

“Ok, ok! Gah! No yelling, please,” he whimpered pitifully. “Head…permanently damaged.” The wounded houshi cradled his cranium.

The hanyou cast his pathetic companion an amused look.

“Nani o miten da yo, Inuyasha?” Miroku grumbled.

“Nothing worth seeing that’s for sure,” the half demon replied with a lazy grin. “Baka mitai.”

“Har har, very funny. I almost forgot to laugh,” the houshi muttered mockingly still soothing his cracked skull.

Inuyasha smirked at the sight. “Sorry about that, Miroku.”

“Yeah, yeah. Whatever,” he answered stiffly. “Oi, Inuyasha? I’m going to head back to camp to bother my lovely Sango. Meanwhile, I suggest that you think about what happened today.”

His furry ears twitched in aggravation.

“NANI! Wasn’t that conversation over already?”

Miroku stood up almost stumbling over a rock. “Of course not,” he responded impatiently. “When was it ever that easy for you?”

“Keh.”

“Keh yourself,” Miroku snapped sternly. “But honestly Inuyasha, you need to think of a way to resolve this predicament…plan it through. I’m not sure whether to be glad that you’re taking it so well but…Kagome sama…Kagome-sama was crying.”

The half demon looked away with a guilty look on his face.

‘Kuso!’ Inuyasha thought exasperatedly. ‘I made her cry again. Iie! Iie! Don’t feel bad…don’t feel bad…it was all worth it in the end…RIGHT!

“So you have to do everything to make it up to her, ok Inuyasha? Otherwise I’ll lose my chances with Sango.”

“Feh. Whatever.”

“Then it’s settled! Very well then, I’ll take my leave.” Miroku walked toward the path to Kaede’s hut. But before he was completely out off sight he looked back and asked quietly, “Inuyasha?”

“Hmmm?” the hanyou answered back tiredly.

“I know that you disappeared to see Kikyou-sama and well, I have a shrewd idea on what the meeting was about.”

Inuyasha instantly stood up, ears twitched insanely and his eyes widened in astonishment. He opened his mouth to reply but nothing came out. He was left rather speechless.

“You don’t have to say anything,” Miroku responded. “Just know that you’re running out of time. You have to choose now…choose whom you are going to stay with. Kikyou or Kagome? Unless…

…unless, you’ve already decided.”

Inuyasha remained there, his face blank and said nothing. ~*~   Advancing forward to five hundred years into the future, muffled clashes of thunder and the pouring of rain were heard. Outside in the streets, water was rapidly leaking from the dark azure sky, drastically drenching the houses and buildings of Japan, while bestowing desirable water for the trees and other foliage. Another low rumble of thunder clapped from a distance, which roused a certain miko from the present from her dreamless slumber.

An exhausted schoolgirl of nineteen stirred lightly in her sleep. She shifted her body to the right side of her warm, cozy bed before gently rolling herself on her slender back. Moments later a single stormy sapphire eye cracked open and the girl released a tired yawn. The young woman named Kagome lazily stretched on the bouncy mattress before slowly sitting up, and looking at her surroundings with unfocused and fatigued eyes. She noticed that it was a bit dark. And from the sounds of it, the lovely weather for today was some heavy showers with one heck of a huge thunderstorm.

‘How…comforting.’ Kagome snorted sarcastically.

Noting that her hearing was satisfactory, but her seeing subtle, she blinked a few times trying to regain her normal vision and also to rid herself of her weariness.

‘Koko wa doko? Doko?’

Looking around again her smoky azure eyes landed on her window. Kagome became aware that not only was it past sunset, but that she was sitting on her silky-smooth bed and was within the safe confinements of her home. Wait a darn minute…

‘Home? Doushite? Why am I here?’

All of a sudden, flashbacks of what took place earlier that afternoon stabbed her like an arrow piercing through her already broken heart.

‘So,’ Kagome started sadly. ‘I guess it wasn’t just a bad dream like I hoped it would be…it was real. Everything…everything was real…’

Her body tensed and the distressed girl groaned softly, burying her face in her pillow while desperately clutching it for dear life.

She turned her head slightly, her soft ebony tresses shielding her miserable, but lovely pale face, from view. Despite that little dilemma Kagome let her eyes travel around the room before they rested on the little night table that was settled beside her and also held her small, pink alarm clock. The clock read 10:18.

‘Judging by the little amount of light outside, I’m guessing it’s p.m.’

Thunder roared once more followed by a strike of white lightning. The frightened girl winced noticeably before she covered her face with her shaky white hands. After a while, she peeked from under her small delicate fingers, the creepiness effect wearing off. Just when Kagome thought it was “safe to come out” another earsplitting clap of thunder rang out, scaring the daylights out of her. She let out a small yelp and noisily fell off her bed, bringing her velvety sheets along with her.

The terrified girl simply laid there, terrified whimpers escaping her from her small rosy mouth. Usually she wasn’t scared of thunderstorms because she knew that her mom was just downstairs in the kitchen or even in her room. Or at least she had Souta, Ji-chan, and Buyou, too. Unfortunately, none of them were here and admitting that she was alone in a nasty thunderstorm gave her the creeps. Besides…they gave her nightmares…terrible memories on what happened that day…the day her father died. The day he was struck by lightning…

Kagome unsteadily stood up from the hard cold floor. She never really stayed home alone much less sleep alone during a violent thunderstorm. Because…

‘…Inuyasha would usually be here to stay with me…to comfort me.’ Kagome recalled sorrowfully. ‘ Sometimes, when I was really scared he would even take me in his strong arms, soothing me in his protective embrace. His kind words and powerful scent calmed me. And then I wasn’t afraid anymore because with Inuyasha…with him…I always knew…I always felt that I was safe.

But no…everything has changed. Now…now he hates me. He completely hates me,’ the girl from the future deduced despairingly. ‘All because…all because…I JUST COULDN’T KEEP MY BIG STUPID MOUTH SHUT! BAKA! BAKA! BAKA! BAKA! WHY DO I ALWAYS SAY STUPID THINGS! DOUSHITE! DOUSHITE!’

She hopelessly sank to the wooden floor her long, dark bangs hiding the grief and anguish crossing her eyes.

‘Well, I always did have a big mouth…but only when it came to…her…only when it came to Kikyou.’

Kagome sighed softly, bringing her knees up to her face, while wrapping her slim arms around them.

‘Inuyasha…Inuyasha loved…no…still loves Kikyou, despite the fact that she’s not real. Regardless that she is a dead corpse walking amongst the living. I should have respected that. That he would love her no matter what. I should have honored the tender love that his heart held for her…and only for her.’

She swallowed with difficulty, trying to gulp down the lump that painfully tightened in her throat.

‘Instead I get angry, confused to what he sees in her, and demanded him to realize how ridiculous it was to sacrifice himself for something he didn’t do. But he tells me that he is bonded to her by a promise that he made a short while after her resurrection. And in my heart I knew he would go through hell to keep his promise because the Inuyasha I know is a man of his word. It’s what I love about him, too. So the good part of me wanted Inuyasha to be happy with the woman he so longs to be with.

Nevertheless, the selfish part of me doesn’t want him to die…to leave me. I just can’t live without him. Inuyasha is the air I breathe…my soul mate…my only reason for not just coming back five hundred years into the past, but my reason for living. I may just be nineteen, but I just know…I know what I feel…even it sounds so naïve and ignorant. I love this man. I love him with all my heart and soul. I will always love him like no other…even if he can’t love me back…even if he will never love me back. I can’t stop feeling what I feel for him. Inuyasha…Inuyasha is love. He is my joy…my happiness…my hopes and dreams…my heart...my soul…my destiny. He is my home…where I wish to belong. Where I want to belong…yoyokagirinaku.’

A small smile graced Kagome’s lips, while tears of misery began to flow.

‘So why did I yell at Inuyasha for being with Kikyou? Because I was jealous. I was jealous because even though Inuyasha was hurt and wounded, he still used all the strength he had left to go and see Kikyou. It hurts to know that she’s more important…more important than me. However, what does it matter? I’m just an inferior copy of her. I’m already used to being overshadowed by her. But deep down, I just…don’t want to be compared to her anymore… I just yearned to be my own person…to be me. I want the world to know that I’m just Kagome Higurashi…a woman who loves her family, friends, and most of all Inuyasha.’

“DO YOU HEAR THAT WORLD! The young girl screamed uncontrollably. “I’M JUST KAGOME! NOT KIKYOU! KAGOME HIGURASH!” A faint sigh filled the room once more, along with silent, choked sobs.

‘I really am a horrible person,’ Kagome contemplated regrettably. ‘I thought that maybe, because I was alive, Inuyasha would choose to stay with me. But…I was wrong. Although Kikyou is not alive I have disgraced her in the worst way possible…I tried to take Inuyasha…her Inuyasha away. And worst of all, I have disrespected Inuyasha. I tried to separate him from his only thing that ever made him happy. Some friend I am. No wonder he can’t bear the sight of me. I know I’ll never be good enough for InuYasha. He’ll always love Kikyou. I can’t force him to love me if he truly loves her. It’s…it’s just wrong. But… I just wanted to know…needed to know if I belong…if I have a place in the past. I had to know if I have a special place there… in his heart.

After all this, I don’t think that I’m even occupying his mind at the moment, much less his heart. Not after what I have done. But he doesn’t need me. He has Kikyou…he loves Kikyou…’

“He loves Kikyou…he loves Kikyou…HE LOVES KIKYOU! DAMN IT!” Kagome screamed hysterically, more tears coating her pale face. “I…I have to believe that. Maybe if I believe hard enough…then this pain would go away. And maybe I could learn to not miss him…and how to live without him…”

After crying her eyes out the suffering young woman laid on the cold floor, gradually curling her small form into a tiny ball. Her hands were urgently reaching out for her rose-pink colored bed sheets. When she came across them she pulled them up to her face, hoping that her blankets would safely secure her from the many cruelties and tortures in her life.

‘Kami…I really screwed up this time didn’t I?”

The harsh pouring rain and the loud unpleasant thunderclaps continued and did not stop all throughout the ominous, gloomy night.   Five hundred years into the past, a distressed hanyou was thinking somewhat along those same lines.

‘Chikuso…I fucked up…I really fucked it up this time.’

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Final Thoughts From Miroku:

“Is it true, Inuyasha? Have you already decided the fate of two women? Have you really chosen…her?”

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There. The second chapter is “finally” out. I think maybe the sky must be falling. Anyway, I proudly and happily worked exceedingly hard on it. I hope everyone enjoyed it as much as I did. I must also apologize for the very long wait concerning this chapter. I’m really, really sorry that I haven’t updated on the “dates” I said I would. But like everyone else I have a life with a little amount of time to do what I want to do. First of all, there was school. I chose the wrong time to begin my first fanfiction. Not only were there finals and midterms to study for, but I also had to prepare for my Math A and Living Environment regents. Then there was report card. Fortunately, I did rather well. My average was higher than a 95. On my midterms and finals I scored over a 90 and my regents…I aced with 95s, too. Guess that it seems to be my lucky number.

However, now it’s summer break, so I’m supposed to have all the time in the world right? WRONG! I have a job. Even though I’m just 15, I have a job. I start work at 8:00am. My shift ends at 5:30pm, plus the extra 4 hours I have to stay because…well I just have to. In addition, I’m probably the slowest typist in the world and it’s twice as worse if I come home a little exhausted. Not only that, but my sister (Hanyou-Miko15- check out her stories) also need the computer to get her fanfictions done. It would be very unfair of me to dominate the computer as much as I want and not give her a chance. At this rate I’ll be posting at least at the last day of each month. Sorry if that sounds disappointing, but who knew writing fanfiction could be a little challenging? At any rate, I hope you all forgive my late update and I really look forward to everyone’s cooperation about my “updating schedule.” Please understand, I want to update at least once every week…but I can’t. Thanks for listening.

If anyone has questions about this fic, e-mail me. It’ll be no trouble at all. I have some time to spare.

PLEASE READ: I will be updating once every month now. Chapter 3: His Reason, Her Plan will probably be posted August 31, 2005. If I can get it out a bit sooner, I’ll be sure to notify everyone. If I can’t post it on said date, then I’ll also inform you guys.

Until next time everyone! Ja ne.

~*Inuyasha’sWarriorMiko*~