Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction / InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Evolution ❯ Request ( Chapter 8 )

Evolution

 

OooooO

 

After a week of being in her time, Kagome was returning to Sengoku Jidai. She was both relieved and apprehensive. Returning meant facing youkai once more, and the loss of her memory. However, Kagome was glad she would be seeing her friends again. Not only that, the smell of pollution was really starting to get to her. Kagome waved goodbye to her mother and started out the door towards the wellhouse. Kagome jumped down the well, feeling the familiar floating sensation of traveling through time, before she landed on the ground softly. Looking up, she saw clear blue skies. Kagome smiled. She then began to heave herself out of the well. As usual, Inuyasha's clawed hand reached down and grabbed her backpack and pulled her up by it. He settled her on the solid ground gently. Kagome smiled at him, blushing.

 

“ Thanks, Inuyasha. How have things been going at the village?” Kagome asked. Inuyasha snorted.

 

“ Keh. The same as always. Miroku being perverted, Sango cleaning up the weapons, and the runt running around being annoying. Good thing you came back, I might've gutted him if he were allowed to keep that up,” Inuyasha replied. Kagome rolled her eyes.

 

“ Whatever. I know you, Inuyasha. You wouldn't hurt Shippo, whether I'm around or not,” Kagome said.

 

“ Keh,” Inuyasha turned away. Kagome giggled behind a hand. She stopped when she noticed that he was shifting uncomfortably.

 

“ Inuyasha? Is something wrong?” Kagome inquired. Suddenly, he pulled her flush against him and pressed his lips against her own. Kagome's eyes widened, before fluttering close. Her dainty hands gripped his haori and his arms encircled her in his embrace, holding her tightly. `So this…this is how it feels to be held by Inuyasha. This is how it feels when he kisses Kikyo…' Kagome could feel her heart almost bursting, she was so happy. Under her eyelids, tears stung her eyes. Kagome reached up on tiptoe to press more firmly against Inuyasha, who deepened the kiss. After a few seconds, he gently broke off the kiss, but still held her close, his chin resting on her head. When Inuyasha spoke, his voice was raspy with emotion.

 

“ Later…I've got to talk to you later,” he said. Kagome nodded against his chest. They stayed like that for a few minutes, before reluctantly breaking apart. Kagome shouldered her backpack and glanced up at Inuyasha shyly through her lashes. He was staring straight ahead, his cheeks a little pink. Kagome timidly entwined her hand with his clawed one. His hand tightened around hers, and he glanced at her. Both turned beet red and looked away. They walked the rest of the way to the village like that, holding hands and staring pointedly away from each other.

 

XevolutionX

 

When they arrived to the village, they immediately broke apart. Shippo promptly attacked Kagome after smelling her scent on the air, and knowing that their friend must've returned by Shippo's reactions, Miroku, Sango, and Kaede all came out to greet Kagome. After the usual welcome, Kagome entered Kaede's hut and deposited her backpack in a corner. Then they all settled down around the fire to catch up on each other's news.

 

“ So, Kagome-chan, how were things in your world?” Sango asked.

 

“ Well, we're preparing for a festival, and I know grandpa wants me back in time to play as a priestess around the shrine. Ever since I fell down the well, we've taken to having a festival for the legend of the Shikon no Tama on my birthday, the day I came through. Souta has become captain of the soccer team, and he's real pleased about that. Grandpa has been the same as ever, still asking me to bring home some ancient relic to ward the shrine or something. And Mama, as her treat to you guys, made us this great dinner,” Kagome finished. Shippo hopped on Kagome's shoulder in excitement.

 

“ Really? Oooh! What did she make? When can we eat it, Mama?” Shippo asked. Kagome chuckled.

 

“ Well, if Kaede doesn't mind, we can eat it tonight. I'm not sure what she made, only that it was her gift to all you guys,” Kagome said, “ Sango, Inuyasha says that you've been cleaning weapons again. Was there an attack?”

 

“ Oh no. The men went hunting again. After they came back, I offered to help clean and polish the weapons so they could get back to work immediately. That's all,” Sango said.

 

“ Yes. It has been very strange, the youkai have been quiet as of late. I think it is because of Naraku. Whatever the reason, it's making rumors hard to come by. I apologize if I sound offensive to your profession, Sango-chan, but lately, we've been acting more like demon slayers than shard hunters after Naraku. From what I can understand, we're making a name for ourselves amongst youkai,” Miroku said.

 

“ Isn't that a good things?” Kagome asked.

 

“ Yes and no. It's good because a lot of the weaker will be too scared to come after us. But it's bad because some of the stronger youkai who think they can defeat us will try to kill us so everyone will fear them,” replied Sango. Kagome nodded in understanding.

 

“ How about you, Kaede? How are things going?”

 

“ Itoki-san is having a late birth. I think she may give birth in a few more weeks. We have yet to be affected by the yearly illness, but that may because your medicine is keeping it at bay, Kagome-chan. The crops are good, and the hunt has been bountiful as of late. We are having a very prosperous year,” said Kaede. Kagome smiled.

 

“ That's great! It sounds like things are going well around here. The only thing for us to do is to set out and try to find Naraku and take back the shards,” Kagome said. Everyone nodded. Then Kaede began to speak again.

 

“ I have asked around, child, even asking travelers, and they know no cure to help ye forgetfulness. This old woman is sorry,” Kaede said. Kagome looked down, before brightening again.

 

“ That's okay Kaede. At least you tried. I doubt anything weird like that is going to happen again. I'll be alright,” Kagome said. Kaede nodded.

 

“ Now, how about that dinner?” said Kagome. There were sounds of agreement all around. Kagome smiled and began unpacking the meal from her overly large backpack. As she laid out the meal, everyone nearly salivated over it. Shippo even started to peek into the dessert box, forcing Kagome to slap his hands.

 

“ After dinner, Shippo-chan,” Kagome said firmly. Shippo crossed his arms and pouted. Kagome ignored his wide, pleading eyes and continued to unpack the last few packages. She then passed out each individual's chopsticks and plates. As soon as Kagome settled down, everyone immediately dug in. As the group ate the meal, various compliments were given to Kagome, who struggled to remember them to tell her mother when she returned. `It's no use. By the end of the month, when I return, I'll have forgotten.' Kagome just smiled and nodded at everyone.

 

When the grand dinner was finished, Kagome cleared the dishes away and set them in the basket to be cleaned so that when Kagome came back to go home, she merely had to grab the basket and go. Looking between the cracks in the door-flap, Kagome could see it was dark out. `Wow…how did it get dark so fast. I was enjoying myself so much, I didn't even notice how quickly time was going by…' Remembering that Inuyasha wanted to talk to her, Kagome excused herself.

 

Kagome wandered around the village a bit, before making her way to Inuyasha's Forest. She then wandered around in there as well, before going to the Goshinboku, the Tree of Ages. It was a tree that transcended time. It explained why it was still around in her time. `I wonder how many things this tree has seen…wars, droughts, floods, storms, lovers, enemies…' Kagome's thought process immediately turned to Kikyo and Inuyasha, and how their chance for happiness was ruined. Kagome clenched her fist.

 

“ Kagome?” Inuyasha said. Kagome gasped, holding a hand to her heart.

 

“ Inuyasha! Don't DO that! You scared me,” Kagome said, startled. Inuyasha rolled his eyes.

 

“ Keh, stupid human. You should pay attention more,” Inuyasha replied. Kagome folded her arms.

 

“ You wanted to talk to me about something?” Kagome prodded. Inuyasha blushed slightly, and his ears started to go flat. `Aw, he's embarrassed. He's always cute like this…'

 

“ I, well, that is…Kagomewecan'tbetogether!” he said in a rush. Kagome's heart contracted. `He didn't…?'

 

“ E-excuse me?”

 

“ You…you don't deserve someone like me..a worthless half-breed. You deserve someone better, stronger….someone of pure blood. If he weren't so wimpy, I would…would probably give Koga rights to mate you. He has his own clan, his own pack, and he could provide for you…but he's not strong enough. But Kagome, I can't give you the love you need. I…I see Kikyo too much when I look at you,” Inuyasha finished, his voice almost timid. He looked like a whipped puppy, expecting to be hit again. Kagome wasn't even aware she was crying until she felt the wind brush her cheeks.

 

“ Oh yeah? And…and what if I don't want someone with this so-called pure blood? What if I do want…want someone like you! Inuyasha…I don't care about the types of things Koga could give me, or the things a human could give me. I care about what you already give me. Your protection, your clothes, your sword, your secrets…your embrace,” Kagome whispered.

 

“ I'm sorry Kagome. I can't,” Inuyasha turned away. Kagome choked on a sob. They were both silent, before Kagome composed herself enough to ask Inuyasha a questioned.

 

“ Have you…have you always seen Kikyo in me?”

 

“ No,” Inuyasha croaked, “ You smile, you laugh, you cry, you stomp your feet. You show all your emotions. In that respect, you are much stronger than Kikyo. You…you're everything she couldn't be. You are Kagome. But sometimes…like when you wear a priestess's robes, or when you care for villagers, or pick herbs for Kaede…”

 

“ So what about that kiss then? Were you just playing with my feelings? Did you see Kikyo then?” Kagome felt something dark bubbling from deep within her, a rage that wanted so desperately to take over her mind and cause the pain she felt deep in her heart right then.

 

“ No. I…I just wanted to see…to feel how it felt to hold Kagome before I gave you up. I'm sorry,” Inuyasha turned back around. If Kagome strained her eyes, she could see the telltale red rims around his eyes. Kagome wiped her face and eyes.

 

“ I see then. You…You'll have to excuse me. I think I might go on a ride on Kirara-chan.” Kagome said. Inuyasha looked pale, but he nodded.

 

“ Yeah…right,” he said. They walked back to the village, but they stayed an unnatural distance apart, an uneasy silence filling the gap. When we arrived at Kaede's hut, everyone immediately knew something was wrong. Kagome ignored the questioning looks and turned to Sango.

 

“ Sango-chan, can I borrow Kirara-chan? I need to go out for a ride,” Kagome said. Sango nodded mutely. Kirara mewed and hopped on her shoulder. Kagome fished in her backpack for a moment before pulling out her medical kit.

 

“ I'll take this with me in case something happens. My flare gun is in here too, just in case,” she slung the medical kit over her shoulder, along with her bow and quiver. Kagome then walked outside, where Kirara transformed. Kagome clambered on the great cat's back, waved sorrowfully at the group gathered outside the hut, and urged Kirara to leave.

 

OooooO

 

Inuyasha felt his ears lay flat as Kagome took off into the night sky, slowly becoming little more than a spec, even to his eyes. Snarling to himself, he stalked back inside of the hut and sat down in a dark corner. He didn't realize it was the corner Kagome's backpack was in. Shortly after, Sango nearly charged inside the hut, shouting. Inuyasha tuned her out. However, he was unable to ignore her when she picked him up by his haori.

 

“ I said, what did you do to her!” Sango said loudly. Inuyasha felt his lips pull back, revealing his teeth.

 

“ I didn't do anything to Kagome! I just told her the truth!” Inuyasha said. He didn't like this feeling, like he had done something incredibly wrong. He hadn't! He…he was just letting Kagome go find someone better…and fulfilling Kikyo's wishes. Inuyasha saw the memory flash in front of his eyes.

 

Inuyasha had spotted Kikyo's soul collectors again, and sped off after them, wanting to at least catch a glimpse of Kikyo. He leapt from tree to tree, his feet on a branch for no longer than a second. The leaves whipped at him, slicing through his skin and making cuts that lasted only for a minute. After several minutes of running through the forest, Inuyasha landed in a small clearing, where Kikyo sat on a boulder.

 

“ Kikyo…” Inuyasha whispered. Kikyo turned to look at Inuyasha.

 

“ I knew you would come. You always do,” she said. Her voice was blank and devoid of emotion. Inuyasha swallowed. Had she been any other person, Inuyasha would have tagged on the unspoken insult: You always do like a dog. But Inuyasha knew, despite all of the past transgressions they each believed the other committed, Kikyo would never insult him so.

 

“ What did you want Kikyo?” Inuyasha inquired. Kikyo shifted before sliding off the large rock and stepping towards Inuyasha. Inuyasha allowed her close, allowed her to cup his face gently with her cold fingers.

 

“ I can see it in your eyes…” she murmured. Inuyasha was puzzled.

 

“ See what?” Kikyo frowned, and pulled back. Inuyasha could see the anger beginning to ignite in her cool brown eyes.

 

“ That girl, my reincarnation…Kagome. You're in love with her,” Kikyo said. Inuyasha stepped back, surprise contorting his face. His mouth struggled to form words.

 

“ Kikyo!” was all he managed to say. The priestess in question narrowed her eyes.

 

“ You do, don't you? You're in love with her,” Kikyo pressed. Inuyasha's ears laid back.

 

“ Kikyo, please…leave her alone,” Kikyo looked away.

 

“ Even now, to me, you defend her, plead for her safety. What is it about her that makes you love her so? Tell me Inuyasha. What does she have that I do not?” Kikyo said.

 

“ She…Kagome…you both are so different, but there are things that are the same between you two. Where you weren't allowed to show your emotions, Kagome lives her life freely. The limits you had…Kagome doesn't. The preconceptions you had, Kagome didn't. Kagome is everything you couldn't be, and more. But the thing you do have in common is your inability to be a normal human woman,” Inuyasha said. Kikyo pressed her lips together, though her eyes seemed wistful.

 

“ I…see,” she said, “ You love the both of us. I have a request for you, Inuyasha,”

 

“ What is it?”

 

“ Kagome is my reincarnation. When I was first resurrected, I fought to steal her soul so your love would only belong to me. However, each time, the girl thwarted me. She is strong, in her own way. However, you yourself have said you see me when you look at her. Inuyasha…do not love her as you did me. Do not allow her to become your lover. Keep us separate. I do not want my memory, my love, and my image to be replaced by hers. Grant me this request, and do not love Kagome and replace me with my reincarnation. Already, the girl has become far closer to you than ever will be, by means of your soul, whether or not she realizes this,” Kikyo said. Inuyasha's heart clenched.

 

“ Why-“

 

“ I have explained my reasons to you, Inuyasha. Keep us separate. Do not confuse us, and do not replace me by loving Kagome and allowing her to love you,” Kikyo seemed saddened, but turned and walked away.

 

“ I release you from your promise to follow me to the depths of hell, Inuyasha. When Naraku dies, I will forfeit what piece of Kagome's soul I have, and return to the land of dead, where I will rest in peace,” Kikyo said. Inuyasha wordlessly raised a limp hand at Kikyo's departing figure, as if to call back, but let it fall back to his side. `Can I do that? Can I really give up Kagome, because Kikyo asked it of me?' Inuyasha wondered. He steeled himself. ` This is it. Just this one last request to Kikyo, then I'm done. And in order to preserve your memory, Kagome, I swear to never fall in love again.'

 

Inuyasha returned to the present. Sango was still staring furiously into his eyes, and Inuyasha swallowed.

 

“ I told her the truth,” Inuyasha repeated. Sango snarled and moved to slam Inuyasha against the wall once more. Inuyasha shut his eyes tight. Sometimes, Sango didn't know her own strength. However, her hands instead loosened slowly, and Inuyasha fell to the ground. Sango was gazing down at him, but now it seemed she seemed as if she were looking at a child after he had done something wrong and was begging for forgiveness. Inuyasha supposed it must've seemed that way, what with him having his head bowed and ears pinned to his head. Inuyasha glared up at Sango.

 

“ You down now?” he growled at her. A muscle in her cheek twitched, but she nodded wordlessly. Inuyasha looked beyond the angered demon slayer and spotted Miroku leaning against a wall, watching them silently. Inuyasha stood.

 

“ I'm leaving,” he snapped at them, “ I'll be back in the morning.” Inuyasha disappeared into the night with those parting words.

 

OooooO

 

Kagome sighed into the night air, feeling the wind created by Kirara's flight brushing past her. Kagome leaned over Kirara's back and began to whisper in her ear.

 

“ I'm sorry had to bring you into this, and make you fly me around Japan at night, but I just needed to get away from Inuyasha for awhile. He…told me some things that hurt me,” Kagome said. Kirara growled, and Kagome scratched behind her ears.

 

“ Thanks Kirara. I can always count on you,” she said. Kirara purred, the vibrations from her chest tickling Kagome's legs. Kagome giggled. Kagome straightened, and stared out into the blue-black sky. When she rode Kirara like this, and the moon was close, Kagome felt as if she could reach out and touch the stars. It was a liberating feeling. Kagome looked down below and spotted a fire from a camp. Kirara growled.

 

“ Is something wrong with that camp, Kirara?” Kagome asked. Kagome sniffed and strained her nose, trying to see if she could smell anything. If Kirara hadn't alerted Kagome to a problem, Kagome would've passed off the faint coppery scent of blood as her imagination. However, Kagome knew it wasn't her imagination, and urged Kirara to land. When Kirara landed, she was silent. She transformed, and hopped on to Kagome's shoulder. Kagome smiled at her and scratched her ear before attempting to move closer silently. It wasn't working very well. Peering around a large tree, Kagome gasped silently.

 

It was a group of youkai men. Some had scars on their faces, that cast a dangerous air about them, some were deceptively charming looking, much like Miroku, and some had a cool look of beauty, similar to that of Sesshomaru's. A few more had more rugged, rough and tumble looks, like Inuyasha. Kagome thought she might get a nosebleed. However, Kagome could sense all was not well within this youkai camp. Many of the males were wounded, and one was lying on a crude bed of large, soft looking leaves. The bandages around his stomach were stained crimson, and his chest was moving shallowly. Kagome leaned forward. `He needs help, he looks like he's going to die…' Kagome thought to herself. However, before she could move forward to proclaim her presence, a clawed hand wrapped around her throat.

 

“ Well what do I have here? It looks like I caught myself a girlie,” a rough voice spoke from behind her. Kagome gasped and clawed at the hand struggling to get air. Kirara hissed and began to transform, but the youkai knocked her out with his free hand.

 

“ Ki…ra…ra,” Kagome was seeing spots in her vision as she stretched out to her fallen companion. She was dragged forward and roughly tossed in the middle of the camp.

 

“ Hey, Boss, look what I found spying on us,” the youkai said. Kagome gasped for air, and held her tender throat. She then swallowed and turned around to see who “Boss” was. When Kagome saw who it was, she felt as though someone had just punched her in the stomach and she had lost all her regained air once more. Cool golden eyes stared down at her, framed by silver hair.

 

`It's him!'

 

OooOooOooOooOooOoo

 

So, this is chapter 8. Woohoo. For those of you who haven't been reading my bio, where I give an update every time I update a story, or when news has come up, I want to inform you that yes, I am planning on having a sequel, and I am creating a prequel to Evolution. If you would like to see a prequel, tell me. I will be posting it whether or not I get positive responses, but I want to see who would like to read a prequel. Also, I have updated WAAAY earlier than I had planned, so consider you guys lucky. You weren't going to see this chapter come until January, but, I had spare time on my hands. Let me tell you guys something. From what I understand, a lot of authors/esses plan their stories ahead, so they have an idea of what they're going to write. I don't. I make it up as I go along. What I did in the previous chapter is totally unlike me, because that means I have to make my story somehow revolve around those memories. And a question I know everyone wants answered, the one whether or not Kagome dies: I have a faint idea of what I'm going to do to her. It won't necessarily be nice though. I like happy endings, personally, where the hero gets everything. However, that is NOT reality. So, I don't plan for the ending to be all roses and sunshine and rabbits and rainbows. I am going to put, at the very least, Youko and Kagome through some hell before I'm done with this story. Just so everyone knows. I also do not plan to update until January. If I do update earlier than that, you guys got lucky again.