InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Truth's Tears ❯ A New Adventure ( Chapter 10 )

Disclaimer~ All rights for Inu Yasha belong to Rumiko Takahashi. The legend of the Dragon King belongs to the people of Japan, we hold no rights to it. This fiction is only for entertainment purposes. And if any part of this fanfiction resembles another it is purely coincidental.

Chapter Ten ~ A New Adventure

"Taro, have you heard the story of Kamatari and the Dragon King's jewel? Well it's been said that Kamatari's wife, a sea weed diver, swam into the palace of the Dragon King and stole the jewel from him. In order for her to hide it, she stabbed herself and placed the jewel in her wound. Kamatari found her floating on the surface of the sea by of the light the jewel gave off, sadly, his wife died from the wound she inflicted upon herself. Yet, that wasn't the end of the story, it just so happens that, that jewel was the Shikon no tama...."

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Lost Love

Joy covers the fears.

Smiles hide my tears.

I've lost him...

And with that, the whim,

To Be,

With Him.

What am I to do?

Who should I turn to?

Why should I care.

He didn't dare.

But I do....

~~MysticInca~~

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Twilight: it is the time of the evening where all colors blended together into varying shades of gray. Drawing attention away from the land and to the skies as the furious reds and shimmering golds danced across the horizon while night approached. Yet a small group of travelers paid no attention to the chorus of lights as they slowly made their way down a dusty path. Despair clinging to their weary forms as they stopped for the night and made camp.

Kagome felt hollow. The tears she had shed earlier had left her feeling empty inside. Kagome assumed she was still in denial about the entire ordeal that Inu Yasha wasn't dead and laying under a thin blanket just to her left. That it was all a joke and he would suddenly let out a soft groan and let everyone know he was all right. That this was all just in her head.

Dropping to her knees before the small fire Sango had just lit, Kagome stared blankly into the meager flames. No one said a word as they moved around her prone form and began setting up for the night. They had tried earlier to talk to her, to comfort her, but nothing had worked. Kagome had only stared ahead with her face slightly lowered forcing her feet to continue moving. Miroku was afraid that if she didn't begin to mourn soon, she would drive herself into a grief induced madness. The only emotions she had shown were the tears she had shed the moment Inu Yasha had left this realm. After that she had simply shut down, her face blank, her eyes dull and her aura stormy. Even now, as he glanced at her he could just barely make out the old Kagome. She looked frighteningly like Kikyo at the moment.

The silence strangely grated on Kagome's nerves. A calm sort of anger suddenly pooled in her belly. `How dare he! How dare he die on me! Leaving me with nothing but our memories!' The anger bubbled within her, a sneer replacing the blankness and her eyes filled with fire as she spoke softly.

"How dare he..." Her words were barely above a whisper, but they echoed fiercely through the small camp.

Standing abruptly, Kagome quickly marched away from the fire, away from the silence and away from the pity she could feel coming off of her friends in waves.

Miroku couldn't stop the sense of deja vu as he watched Kagome stomp into the forest. The only difference this time was he didn't try to stop her, she was finally mourning now. Anger was a cleansing emotion, it was the first step she needed to take to get past the pain of Inu Yasha's death. Instead he looked up and met Sango's eyes, she was concerned, but the look he gave her told her to stay put and let Kagome grieve on her own.

The moment she was out of everyone's hearing, Kagome broke out into a frantic run. Where she was running, she had no idea, she just knew she had to get away for a while and be on her own. The anger in her belly and the pain in her chest driving her further and further away until tears sprang to her eyes again.

He was gone. He was actually gone! She would never, never, see him again. Never hear his voice, never look into those golden eyes, never feel his arms around her ever again. She would never be able to tell him how much she loved him.

Tripping over a thick root, Kagome collapsed to the ground. Her desperate tears turning into wailing sobs as she curled into a tight ball. The sting of the cold earth beneath her going unnoticed as she sobbed helplessly.

He was gone, Inu Yasha was dead!

Hardened eyes watched from above the weeping woman, their golden depths narrowed slightly before turning away from the wretched sight. And with the grace of a practiced killer, the figure silently moved away, returning to the meadow where his ward played.

"Come Rin."

He would collect what was his another day. The day when this miserable woman no longer grieved for his worthless brother.

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The afternoon light danced over the country side, breathing life into everything it touched. Small smoke plumes rose into the air from several small huts within a troubled village. An aura of sadness hovered over the small community, every villager was silent as they carried on their business. The death of Inu Yasha, their protector, their hero, sat heavily within everyone's heart. This was the scene that met Kagome, Miroku and Sango as they arrived. Villagers hung their heads in respect to the covered forms on Kirara's back.

The walk to Kaede's hut was somber, Miroku and Sango leading the front with Kagome following along side Kirara. Shippo emerged from the hut, anxiety clearly etched into his features as he watched them slowly move closer. Kaede stood at the entrance to her small home, her weathered features portraying respect.

When the group came within hearing range Kaede stepped forward, her hands clasped behind her and her eyes looking somber.

"Kagome, Lord Monk, if ye would, I need a word with Sango alone." Her voice was stern yet polite as she turned and entered her hut.

Kagome felt another wave of cold fear wash over her and her eyes, which had previously been staring blankly at the ground, shot up and gazed fearfully toward Sango.

Sango nodded briefly and followed the aged miko her thoughts running a marathon in her head as she attempted to squash the creeping feeling of dread.

Pushing aside the woven flap, Sango entered the hut and was greeted by a thick blanket of incense. Her eyes flew to the corner where her brother was lying and a soft sob broke from her throat.

"Kohaku..."

Kaede didn't need to tell her. Sango had figured it out. Her brother, her baby brother had perished. In the end Naraku had won.

"When?"

Kaede's dark eyes lightened in sympathy, "Only a few hours after ye had left. It was a quick and painless passing; he left in his sleep."

Sango nodded her dark head, tears rolling swiftly down her cheeks. She turned and faced Kaede bowing her head and thanking her for watching over her brother before stepping out of the hut.

Kagome waited with bated breath for Sango to emerge and she almost jumped out of her skin when Sango did. The young woman's face was lowered and her long bangs hide her face from view, yet Kagome could clearly see the tears that streaked her pale cheeks.

"Oh Sango." Kagome moved forward to comfort her friend but stopped as Miroku placed a hand on her shoulder. She turned her head and gave him a confused look.

"Let her grieve on her own. She needs time alone, when she needs us she will come to us."

Kagome frowned but nodded her head anyway, she understood the pain Sango was more than likely feeling; the denial that this wasn't true that it was all a dream. Then the anger that there was nothing she could do, they weren't ever going to come back. And only when she had overcome those two emotions would she feel safe enough to open up to her friends. Kagome more than understood as she was still dealing with the death of Inu Yasha and the anger was still something that roared within her heart.

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The sweet scent of incense wove through the crisp air, evening had fallen. Two freshly made graves stared back at Kagome while she listened to Miroku's low and powerful voice. Reality had finally sunk in, Inu Yasha was gone, he was truly gone, and there was nothing more she could do for him. Silent tears made their way down her face as she fought the need to scream to the heavens that this was unfair.

She was nothing more than a lost dove in the middle of a sea of pain. Her mate had fallen and she drifted listlessly between the desire to follow or to move on. Kagome tenderly wiped the tears from her cheeks and looked beyond the graves, she had chosen to bury Inu Yasha and Kikyo beneath the ancient tree. It had been her starting place when she met him and now it would be his resting place where she left him. It hadn't been a difficult decision to lay Kikyo next to him. She had proven herself in the end to still care a great deal about him. She had sacrificed herself for him and in the end snubbed her first death in Naraku's face. This was where she was meant to be, beside the man she loved and who had loved her in return.

A cold breeze ruffled Kagome's hair and a soft smile touched her lips as she reached up and ran a single finger across the necklace she now wore, a lock of Inu Yasha's braided hair with a single bead from his subduing necklace. A piece of him she would always have close to her, a piece of him to remind her of what life was really about and how he had risked his own to save hers.

Miroku's voice slowly tapered off to nothing as all eyes rested on the final resting place of their friend. He would be missed by many and would stay in all of their hearts forever. Miroku's violet eyes watched as Kagome humbly stepped forward and placed a single white lily on the fresh dirt before bowing deeply and moving away. Her hands clasped together before her heart and her face slightly lowered, she moved away and left the grave sites. Miroku could feel the change in her aura. She no longer shined red with anger but now blue with understanding calm. A small smile crossed his lips. She would be fine.

The next morning Sango packed her belongings and tenderly carried her brother outside to Kirara. She would return him to their home and lay him with their family. She didn't know when she would return or if she ever would, so her goodbyes were long and heartfelt. Kagome had cried softly upon her shoulder as they embraced and Shippo wailed loudly in her ear. Miroku had simply bowed formally to her, a mischievous grin gracing his lips.

A knowing look crossed her face and with a small smile she stated bluntly, "Don't even think about it monk."

Miroku had the sense to look highly insulted, "Why Lady Sango, I would never attempt such a horrible act upon your soft body!" A large smile betrayed his words.

Sango smiled softly as she rolled her eyes. She would miss them. Quickly she mounted Kirara and with one last wave goodbye took to the air and headed to the remains of her one-time home.

Kagome waved until Sango resembled nothing more than a tiny dot in the horizon. With a soft sigh she lowered her arm and the bright smile vanished from her face. She felt alone all over again. She didn't know whether or not she would ever see her dear friend again. And though she hated to admit to it, she realized that it hadn't been her that had held them together, but Inu Yasha.

Small claws dug into her shoulder as Shippo climbed to her shoulder and perched himself there.

"Kagome?"

"Yes Shippo."

He fidgeted slightly before he murmured softly, "I miss him."

Tears sprang to her eyes once more and the pain in her chest sprang anew, "I miss him too."

Sniffing loudly, Kagome forced a smile and chirped in false happiness. "Come on Shippo, lets go inside and eat some lunch."

Lunch was a quiet affair as no one had much to say, so each member was lost in his or her thoughts. Upon cleaning up the left overs of their meal, it was Kaede who first broke the silence. Her strong voice and expected question brought everyone out of their thoughts.

"Lord Monk, what plans do ye now have since ye curse has been lifted?"

Miroku's expression turned contemplative as he once more gazed at his still gloved hand. A whimsical smile touching his face while he clenched and then released his hand.

"I think first and foremost, I will visit Mushin and let him know the good news."

Kagome couldn't stop the teasing comment that sprang to her lips, "Are you now going to give up on asking every pretty woman you see to bare your child?"

Miroku simply smirked wickedly as he answered with the same light tone, "The need may no longer be there, but the want still is."

Kagome blushed. Kaede chuckled softly to herself before posing the same question to Kagome.

Kagome thought about her answer for some time before she responded, "Since the jewel disappeared I think I'll stick around for a while before I go home. I don't have to go back to school for quite some time and I think I'll use this time to practice some more on my miko powers."

Kaede nodded her gray head and Miroku frowned.

"Kagome. Did you see what happened to the jewel?"

Kagome gazed at him before she lowered her face, "No. I was holding Inu Yasha."

Slightly alarmed, Miroku darted his gaze to Kaede, "Lady Miko, what is the likely-hood that the jewel simply disappeared."

Kaede's brow furrowed in concentration before she answered his question.

"It is likely that the jewel vanished, but why would be the question. It wasn't used, nor was it destroyed during or after the battle as I understand."

Both Kagome and Miroku nodded their heads, but wore identical looks of concentration.

"Lady Kagome, do you sense the jewel at all?"

Kagome lapsed into silence for a moment as she sought out the tingling sensation of the jewel, yet she felt nothing.

"I don't sense it. But that still doesn't mean its not out there somewhere, it could just simply be out of range."

Miroku closed his eyes and nodded, "I think then that after my meeting with Mushin I will continue to search out the jewel. We must have some kind of proof that it is no longer available to the demons that crave power."

"I'll go with you. This whole mess began because of me and I have to know that it no longer posses a threat to anymore innocent people." Kagome said, her tone firm.

"I think it would be unwise for you to continue this search. It could take years before we hear anything and you have your life to live on the other side of the well." Miroku stated softly.

Kagome frowned before shaking her head, "No, Miroku, I have to do this. It is my responsibility to see this through. I started this and I will end this."

Miroku stared at Kagome before he responded blandly, "No, Kagome. You will return to your time where you belong and live the life you stopped."

Anger and hurt flared in Kagome's heart. She knew Miroku only said that to save her any more pain, but she wouldn't allow him to make up her mind for her.

"No. I'm staying. And I will continue where we left off. This is my respons...."

Miroku jumped to his feet and glared down at her as he ground out angrily, "Damn it Kagome! Will you just listen for once! You will go home, end of story. You have been through enough pain and suffering, you don't need anymore. No, you will go home and you will be leaving tomorrow!"

Kagome stood and glared back at him just as harshly, "No. You listen to me, I am staying. There is nothing you can do or say to change my mind, got that."

With a very un-monk like growl, Miroku dropped his staff and snatched Kagome around the waist before he hoisted her up over his shoulder. And without another word simply marched out the hut and down the beaten path to the old well.

Kagome released a very surprised `eep!' before losing control of her anger and let loose on Miroku's back.

"Let me go! Put me down this minute you evil, perverted, uncaring MONK!"

Miroku ignored her protests and continued toward the well and when he reached it he unceremoniously dropped her before it.

"Go home, Kagome."

"No!"

"Don't make me throw you in."

"Like you could!"

"Kagome, go home"

"No!"

"Damn it, Kagome! Will you stop acting like a child and do what your told to for once!"

"Go to hell, I'm staying whether you like it or not."

Miroku glared at the small woman before him, frustration clearly etched into his features as he ran a hand threw his hair.

"Why do you have to be so difficult."

Kagome smiled. She won, and with a small laugh responded, "Because I care, that's why."

Miroku lowered his hand and gazed into her smiling eyes, a weary smile crossed his lips as he spoke, "Sometimes, Lady Kagome, I think you care too much."

Kagome reached out and took his hand in her own, "I've already lost the person I loved to a power crazy demon. I don't want to loose anymore of my friends to the same fate if there is even a remote possibility that the jewel is still out there."

Miroku sighed, "Alright. We leave for Mushin's tomorrow morning."

She smiled brightly and Miroku couldn't help the chuckle that broke from his throat. And with lighter hearts, they made their way back to the small village and onto a new adventure.

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"Milord, I've brought good news!"

Yellow eyes lowered to the small sea turtle and narrowed slightly, "Yes?"

The turtle's green eyes gleamed in pride, he was about to deliver the news his master had waited for, for nearly nine hundred years.

"We've found the Tama, Milord."

Narrowed eyes widened and a brief smile touched his lips, "Well now, its about damn time I heard some good news." The tall figure turned toward the window that overlooked his realm the smile still visible on his pale skin, "Finally. Finally I will have back the jewel that, that human wench stole from me eight hundred and fifty years ago."

tbc...

A/N:: Well we have now officially moved to the true AU this story is about. For those of you still with us, we have a few references to make.

The legend of the Dragon King is true, the link you can use to read up on it is here (without the spaces) ~

http : // www. theserenedragon.net /Tales /japan-ryujin. html

For more information about the different varieties of Japanese dragons here's the link we used (again, without the spaces)~

http: // www. blackdrago. com /easterndragons. htm#jap

We have, of course, twisted it a bit to fit with the story, but you will find that it has been pretty much left in tacked. As far as the physical description of the Dragon King himself, well we've kinda let our imaginations run rampant with that.

Once again thank you to all those who have reviewed, your reviews have kept us going and breaking down that annoying little writer's block. Thanks again!

Lilith Queen~

Nope not Inca descent, although you never know?? We like to consider ourselves something like Meat loaf...the mystery meat!

Mlztikal_Dragon~

With Shippo's character, we decided to go with the "demons live a REALLY LONG TIME" theory. In all honesty we're crying along with you. Damn this evil muse! Damn her to HELL!

Slywolf9~

Yes Shippo is absolutely adorable and we like to think that he would make a totally hot adult demon. ::long hair....green eyes....purrrr::

Naishin No Miko~

We're glad your enjoying our little fic! Although with the ending....well...it WAS going to be sad, but....hey we're revolting against our evil muse! So we don't know yet! ^.^

River~

The only thing keeping this story alive is Pepsi, lots and lots of Pepsi. Speaking of Pepsi we now have a Pepsi fund open, please donate by reviewing! ^.^

Sub-Disclaimer....er since it was mentioned and we don't want to be sued....we don't own Pepsi. We'd like to, cause you know...Pepsi, but we don't.