Completely FUBARed
Chapter 1: Tears are the Rain of the Soul
By:DemonSaya (See our Bio for Disclaimer, Flame policy, and other useless
crap)
In general, it had been a very bad week. Kagome's glum thought was reiterated by a crash of thunder, and then, once again by a succession of sneezes from various people she was traveling with. One belonged to Kagome herself, which-in her mind-proved just how miserable her week had been.
On top of not being at home, in bed, with a warm cup of chicken noodle soup, she was here, trudging through the mud, soaked to the bone, and shivering from the icy chill of the rain. Yes, this week had been very bad. Not only had it been raining for two consecutive days, but also she could have been at a ski resort, with her friends this entire week, with no thoughts of demons, or the Shikon no Tama, or even of Inuyasha. She could have been warm. But NO. She was here.
With a heavy, tired sigh, she dreamed of hot cocoa, warm fires and cozy blankets.
Inuyasha heard the sigh and glanced at her out of the corner of his eye. He could tell she was cold. Hell, he could practically hear her teeth chattering over the rain and the squelching sound their feet were making in the thick mud. He frowned a bit and tried to lend her some of his body heat without her or anyone else noticing. There was only one way he could and still be considered him. With a sigh and a growl, he pulled off his haori-the only thing that kept him from being soaked through- and passed it to her. "Weakling humans." He grumbled.
Kagome gratefully took the coat and wrapped it tightly around herself. His body heat was still all over the inside of it, and it stopped her shivering.barely.
Miroku watched this gesture, and wasn't fooled by the irritation in Inuyasha's voice. He raised his voice to be heard over the torrential rain. "Perhaps we should stop for the night."
"Stopping wont get anything done." Inuyasha growled from ahead of them.
"It will keep going Kagome-sama and Sango-sama from getting sick." Miroku said evenly, even bluntly.
This caused Inuyasha to noticeably twitch. He growled deep in his chest, realizing the monk was right. If they didn't find shelter soon, they would ALL wind up sick. Kagome and Sango had already developed sneezes, as had Shippou. With another growl, accompanied by a swift curse, he continued trudging. "We'll stop as soon as we find some place." He growled. "And it probably wont be a mansion." He added, giving the monk a look of contempt.
Miroku pretended to be insulted. "Hmph." He shrugged, then, hearing a sneeze from beside him, he looked towards Sango in concern. "Sango-sama.?
She ignored him, still following Inuyasha, every inch the proud warrior. Miroku smiled a bit and then pulled off his own gi, handing it to her. "Here." He said, putting it around her shoulders. "It should keep out some of the cold.
She glared at him, but didn't object.
Kagome sighed in relief as a building came into view. It wasn't a mansion, not even as big as Kaede's hut. Yet, it would provide shelter, and if they got a good fire going, warmth as well. Her stomach gave a rumble and she recalled they'd bypassed lunch. She heard something that almost sounded like laughter come from her white haired companion.
He looked over at her, his eyes almost glowing with amusement. "I heard that." He said evenly, then pushed the door of the shack open. It was empty, and smelled faintly musty, but to the soaked humans and demons, it was a step away from heaven. Even Inuyasha was somewhat relieved to be out of the rain
Kagome dropped her bag and immediately pulled out some dry clothes for her and towels for everyone as well. They thanked her, except for Inuyasha, who merely grunted, as usual. She shook her head and changed underneath Inuyasha's still miraculously dry coat. Idly she wondered how on EARTH it didn't even feel damp, especially when even her 'water proofed' clothing was still soaked through.
Meanwhile, Inuyasha and Miroku bickered over who was going to get off their ass and get a fire started. Finally, Sango got sick of it and shot them a glare that said, in few words that if they didn't get their asses moving, she was going to use them as kindling. The boys worked together.
A few moments later, they were sitting around a warm fire, each holding a cup of ramen, and drawing the warmth from both. Kagome's sneezes had died down a bit when they decided they probably should try to get some sleep. Yet, as they began to get ready for bed, Kagome felt a strange and familiar prickling at the back of her neck. She froze, her eyes widening. "I sense the presence of a shikon shard." She said in a very quiet and tremulous voice. She glanced over to Inuyasha who's ears were pricked up and he was sniffing the air, but obviously because of the rain, he couldn't smell who it was. "And it's not a small shard." She clarified, watching as his eyes shot wide, then narrowed dangerously.
"Naraku." He snarled, his claws cracking. Without a word, he stood, retrieving his haori and putting it back on, his face serious. "Kagome, you stay IN here. Sango, stay with her." He looked at Miroku, who nodded grimly, then stood.
"If he comes close, we'll fight him. If he doesn't, we're going after him- "
"No!" Kagome insisted. "You guys can't run off by yourselves!" She jumped to her feet along with Sango. "I've been willing to wait behind with weaker demons, but we both know that Naraku is strong!" She paused. "Besides. You fight better with me there." She gave him a look that dared him to deny it. She watched the emotions play on his face and knew the moment he was going to give in.
"Try to keep up." He growled. "I know how tired your feeble human legs get."
Kagome ran out of the building followed closely by Sango, Shippou and the tiny Kirara. Inuyasha kept a close eye on her as she hurried towards him, till she was less than a meter from him, then turned on his heal in the mud and began to walk.
It didn't take long. A minute of walking in the rain, and the sky began to darken, and a man in a soaked baboon pelt stood down the empty street about half a mile. In his arms was a corpse, with long black hair, and a red and white priestesses outfit.
Inuyasha froze as he realized who the woman was. He felt Kagome slam into his back at the abruptness of his halt but ignored it. He couldn't pull his eyes from the dead woman. His lips parted and soundlessly formed her name. "Ki.kyo." He whispered finally, the shock hitting him so badly his knees almost gave out.
Kagome barely managed to keep him up, by catching his arm. She saw her previous incarnate and knew what had hurt him so badly. Gently, she gave his arm a gentle squeeze. When the shock wore off and he stood at his full height, she released him.
Naraku smirked at Inuyasha through the rain. "Came to give her your last regards?" He asked, then dropped the body, which hit the ground and landed with a splash. When the mud settled, all that was left was a pile of mud and bones. His eyes glinted in the dark air.
She felt him growl and held onto his arm. "Don't." She whispered.
He ripped his sleeve from her arm and stalked towards Naraku. "So.you finally decide to show your own face, rather than using substitutes?" He growled, his eyes ablaze with anger, his hands tightly fisted. "I guess it really is about time for us to finish this once and for all."
Naraku chuckled evilly. "Kukuku." He slung the pelt away, preparing himself. He knew that Inuyasha was a juvenile fighter. This would be a fight easily won.
Kagome felt hands gently tugging her towards the side of the street. She let them, but never pulled her eyes from Inuyasha. It was no secret; after all, that she loved him. Even he knew she cared for him. Yet, sometimes, he could be so STUPID! Worry tore at her heart as she watched them face each other for a very long minute. For a moment, Kagome pictured one of those cheesy American westerns with the gunfights. However, when her mind jerked back to reality, it wasn't because of a gunshot, it was a soft grunt of pain. She let out a tiny cry, seeing Inuyasha sprawled a few meters back from Naraku, clutching his arm in pain.
"Your attacks are sloppy and easily read." Naraku said coldly, then, smirked again as Inuyasha drew his sword. "And very juvenile.If you lived another five hundred years, you.might be able to beat me."
Kagome stepped towards the fight. "He's just baiting you, Inuyasha!" She cried, her voice worried. Yet, the white haired hanyou didn't even look in her direction. Instead, he powered up his sword and charged again, the tip dragging a deep slash in the mud. She watched as he slashed upwards, leaving his side wide open for an attack. She looked away just in time. She heard Sango gasp and Miroku call out to her friend and the man she loved more than anything. The man she'd given up a ski trip for. The man she'd grudgingly accepted their trek through the mud and rain for.
The man she knew was going to die.
She forced herself to open her eyes and saw him laying ten yards away, practically at her feet. A soft cry escaped her and she jerked away from Miroku, running towards him. She skidded her knees in the mud, dropping down beside him. "Inuyasha." She croaked out his name through the lump in her throat, reaching down to pet his beautiful silvery white hair. "Oh, Inuyasha, please, stop."
He opened his eyes, his expression pained, but determined. "If I do, we'll just go through this later." He said, forcing himself to his feet. He flung his heavy sword over his shoulder, his eyes showing the pain he was in.
She watched helplessly as he attacked Naraku again, and again, he was thrown back, got up and did it again. This wasn't getting them anywhere. She felt fat tears rolling down her face again, and desperately tried to reach him. "Stop! Inuyasha, you have to STOP! He'll KILL YOU!"
Inuyasha didn't hear her pleading. He kept mindlessly attacking. He kept seeing Kikyou falling, and her body becoming one with the earth, then he saw Kagome in Kikyou's place, and knew that if he did stop, as she begged him to, she would die, too. He didn't want that. He would never want that. She was the first person to ever trust him, despite knowing what he was, despite his attempts to kill her. In spite of everything he'd done to her, she wanted to protect him, but if he stopped fighting now, they were all as good as dead.
Naraku caught Inuyasha by the wrist and punched him in the head, striking his temple hard enough to make the hanyou's vision spin and blacken around the edges. Then, a well-placed foot sent him sliding through the mud, back at Kagome's feet. He was still conscious, but barely. He knew he wouldn't be able to get up again. He'd failed them.
Kagome let out a soft cry, noting how still he was laying, noting the blood trickling down his temple and lip, and how his eyes were closed. She felt her lower lip tremble and uncontrollable tears began to fall down her face. "No." She whispered. "No." He's not dead.she told herself. He can't die.he's Inuyasha. He's just hurting.we have to get him out of here, to get him back to the hut so I can treat his wounds.He'll be okay.
Inuyasha heard her crying over him, but couldn't muster the strength to speak. It hurt to breath, to move, to speak, or even open his eyes. Even the beat of his heart caused spasms of pain to rip through his body. He felt warm hands on his face and felt the patter of rain. He'd always loved the rain. It usually felt warm and soothing. This rain was different. It was cold, and stung the bare skin it hit. The hands on him ran over his cheeks and he heard softly whispered words, smelled sweet breath brush his face.
"No.please, no."
"He's dead, girl." Naraku said evenly, laughter in his voice. "And you're next."
I can't protect her.Inuyasha realized, his heart pounding. She's going to be killed and I can't prevent it! I have to stop him.but.it hurts so badly.is this how death feels?
She grabbed her bow and arrows and stood, walking towards where Inuyasha had once stood, tears rolling down her face. She pulled an arrow, fitting it to the bow and lifting it. "You killed him." She whispered, her entire body shaking from the force of her sobs. Without another word, she pulled the arrow back and let it fly, striking mere inches away from him.
He laughed his evil laugh once again, then began walking towards her as she fit another arrow onto the bowstring. "You will die, girl. Just as he is now dead, and Kikyou was dead fifty years ago. Aren't you going to save yourself?"
She didn't release the arrow. Instead, she lowered the bow, her tears stopping. "If.If I die, then." She smiled weakly. "I'm not afraid of death." She said softly. "Because death means I get to be by his side."
Inuyasha eyes snapped open. Did she care that much? She was willing to sacrifice her life to be with him? He watched as Naraku glared at her, then attacked. It took all of his strength, but he lunged upwards, snatching up his sword and made a mad dash for Kagome, getting in front of her just in time to block the blow, which would have killed her. "Keh." He panted, his breath fogging out in front of him. "You humans are so disgusting. Turning everything into a death scene.a tap like that only winded me for a second." He said.
Kagome's eyes filled with tears again and she sighed in relief. "Inuyasha." She whispered, then threw her arms around him. "You're alive!"
He snorted again. "Stand over there and watch how a real warrior fights." He said cockily, then waited till she was safe with Miroku and Sango before he began to attack again, however, this time, he was covering himself better. His mind also felt clearer than before. It was as if Kagome's words had awoken a part of him that had been dormant for years. A part that wanted to protect her.because she was his friend, because.he loved her.
She held her breath as she watched the fight. He was moving a lot faster than before, and he seemed to be blocking a lot more of the hits that had been hitting him last time.
Not only had Kagome noticed, but so had Naraku. The girl's words had strengthened the demon's resolve, hence strengthening the demon himself. The blows were becoming a lot harder for him to block, and after several minutes, he slipped up, and for the first time, left himself open.
Inuyasha saw the opportunity and grasped it. It was becoming increasingly harder to breath, and also, he was finding his vision was fading. He had to end this quick. So, when he saw Naraku lose his balance slightly, he swung the sword down in a perfect arc, and the sword made a sickening sound as it sliced through the demon. He landed from the attack just behind the two halves, and stuck the sword into the ground, using it to keep himself on his legs. That was when he took stock of his injuries.
His left arm was completely fractured, and hung limply at his side. Several rips were broken as well, and from the trouble he was having breathing, one had punctured a lung. His sword arm had a hairline fracture in it, and he could also feel from the pressure over his heart, that his breast and collarbones were broken. He also had a concussion, and a broken nose. In short, he was really beaten up.
Kagome picked up the remaining portion of the Shikon no Tama and then went to Inuyasha. He looked like he'd been through hell, and she knew he was hurting badly. She touched the hand that rested on the sword and was about to put the Jewel in his palm when his voice stopped her.
"Don't." He said, his voice tight. Labored. "I don't need it."
"You earned it." She insisted.
He looked up at her, trying to convey what he already knew. "I wont need it." He said grimly, his eyes piercing hers.
Worry filled her. "You're going to be alright.we just need to treat the wounds." She said softly, her eyes trying to mask the pain with hope.
He stopped her with a finger, wincing as he forced his right arm to move. "Kagome, I'm not going to live much longer." He said softly, seeing the pain and denial in her eyes. With a gentle hand, he brushed the wet hair from her face, ignoring Miroku and Sango's presence. "There's so much I wanted to say to you."
"You'll get the chance!" She insisted.
He smiled sadly, a true smile, not a smirk, or a grin, an honest-to-god smile. Then, he didn't try to keep up the pretense of being strong anymore, collapsing against her, his head resting on her shoulder, his arms limp at his sides. "I'm sorry." He whispered softly, lifting his right arm painfully to touch her face. He felt her arms come up and around him, then her shaking from silent sobs. He used his only usable hand to turn her face towards him and mustered up his last bit of strength and courage to lift his head and press a light, tender kiss to her lips. "Don't cry." He said firmly as he rested his head on her shoulder. "I WILL find you again, don't forget that. I'll be reborn.and I'll find you again. No matter what happens.I promise you." He felt his last strength flowing from him and heard softly whispered words in his ear that crashed through his brain like thunder and caused warmth in his heart like lightning.
"I love you, Inuyasha." She whispered, pressing her face into his neck as his weight increased and she felt his last breath caress her cheek. Then, he was gone. She lifted her tear-stained face and looked up at Miroku and Sango, who looked down at her, pity and tears in their own eyes. "He's gone." She whispered, then she forced herself to smile through her tears. "I guess he's not so lonely anymore." She said, hugging him a little tighter.
* * *
Inuyasha's body was buried at the foot of the Goshinboku tree, and they had a quiet memorial in his honor. Kagome had picked the place herself. She explained that it was where she always found him. Afterwards, Kagome went home, the completed Shikon jewel around her neck. It hurt to say goodbye to her friends from there, but they understood that she had too many painful memories from there, and it was best for her to leave. So, she went home, and sank into something of a deep depression until finally, her mother decided enough was enough.
Mrs. Higurashi came upstairs and entered her daughter's room, which was a total mess, and Kagome lay on an unmade bed, her eyes puffy and red from crying, her hair greasy, her clothing rumpled, her face pained. She sat on Kagome's bed and smoothed out the comforter. "Dear, did I ever tell you about after your father died?" She asked softly. Kagome was young enough when he'd died, coming back for Sota's birth, that she didn't remember him.
Kagome shook her head.
"I was crushed." She said softly, stroking her daughter's hair. "I was in a similar state you're in now. I wouldn't eat, or bathe, or sleep. All I could do was cry. Finally, my mother came to me, and did what I'm now going to do to you." With that, she picked up her daughter, went into the bathroom, where she had a full tub of water waiting and dumped her daughter in. "Take a bath, get your butt out of bed and get it back to school, because I swear girl, if you die on me, I'm never going to let you hear the end of it, and when you see Inuyasha in the afterlife, neither will he!"
Kagome sputtered, staring at her mother in shock, unable to find the words to yell at her back, so finally, she began to cry again. That was a good way to release this sadness.
Her mother's hand flashed out of nowhere and cracked her across the face. "Snap out of it." She said firmly. "If you don't, you're failing the person who gave his life for you."
That shut the girl up. She sat in the tub with her clothes still on long after her mother had left. It was true. If she let herself stay in this rut, she'd be failing the person who'd saved her. She'd fail the person she loved. She couldn't do that, could she? It was so tempting to fall back into the despair, though. But hadn't he promised her he'd come back to her? Hadn't he sworn?
With a firm nod, she got up, tossed off the now soaked clothes and proceeded to take a thorough bath, washing her hair three times just to get rid of the built up dirt and grease. Then, she soaped up good and rinsed off. It felt good to be clean again. It gave her a strange feeling of hope, in fact.
With a small smile, she set about brushing her teeth and getting dressed into some clean clothes, then began to clean her messy room. Then, when her mom called up for dinner, she ran down and was seated before Sota and Grandpa were. They each hugged her when they saw her, and dinner went smoothly. Afterwards, Kagome volunteered herself for dish duty. Her mother didn't argue, but gave her daughter's temple a kiss as she passed. "It's good to have you back, Kagome-chan." She said, smiling.
Kagome smiled back. It was good to be back.
* * *
School was the next day, not just any school, her first day of high school. Her grades were high enough she got into the top classes, and she idly wondered if Inuyasha would be proud of her.
She and her friends chattered between classes, catching up. It turned out Sayuri was seeing Hojo-kun now, and Yuki was seeing some boy from another class. She was happy for her friends and they seemed glad that she was happier than she'd been the previous times they'd seen her after her illnesses.
When lunch finally rolled around, Kagome was so eager to get some time to herself, she practically darted out of the room. After a few minutes of walking in one direction, then another, she realized she was totally lost and had no hope of finding the lunchroom unless she asked someone for help.
She happened to run into one such person in her hurry to get food, and as she opened her mouth and looked up to apologize, the words stuck in her throat. She merely froze, staring up into the beautiful violet eyes of the boy standing in front of her.
Author's Notes: Well, after this, it's yours, Vikki! Evil cut off, I know, readers, but I HAD to leave some of the fun for Vikki-chan! After all, if I didn't, what kind of friend would I be? The greatest thing about Round Robins is, the other writers don't know where the stories going to go until after the chapter before theirs is written. Vikki and I have, however planned out a few little things about the story. Keep an eye out for ritual habits and familiar faces! Things are about to get REALLY interesting. And also, unlike most reincarnation fics, we decided that the reincarnated forms would NOT be named after the original characters. So, you're REALLY going to have to pay attention to find out who's reincarnated, who's not, and who's getting drug along for the ride (The poor souls.) Oh, well, enjoy ^_^
In general, it had been a very bad week. Kagome's glum thought was reiterated by a crash of thunder, and then, once again by a succession of sneezes from various people she was traveling with. One belonged to Kagome herself, which-in her mind-proved just how miserable her week had been.
On top of not being at home, in bed, with a warm cup of chicken noodle soup, she was here, trudging through the mud, soaked to the bone, and shivering from the icy chill of the rain. Yes, this week had been very bad. Not only had it been raining for two consecutive days, but also she could have been at a ski resort, with her friends this entire week, with no thoughts of demons, or the Shikon no Tama, or even of Inuyasha. She could have been warm. But NO. She was here.
With a heavy, tired sigh, she dreamed of hot cocoa, warm fires and cozy blankets.
Inuyasha heard the sigh and glanced at her out of the corner of his eye. He could tell she was cold. Hell, he could practically hear her teeth chattering over the rain and the squelching sound their feet were making in the thick mud. He frowned a bit and tried to lend her some of his body heat without her or anyone else noticing. There was only one way he could and still be considered him. With a sigh and a growl, he pulled off his haori-the only thing that kept him from being soaked through- and passed it to her. "Weakling humans." He grumbled.
Kagome gratefully took the coat and wrapped it tightly around herself. His body heat was still all over the inside of it, and it stopped her shivering.barely.
Miroku watched this gesture, and wasn't fooled by the irritation in Inuyasha's voice. He raised his voice to be heard over the torrential rain. "Perhaps we should stop for the night."
"Stopping wont get anything done." Inuyasha growled from ahead of them.
"It will keep going Kagome-sama and Sango-sama from getting sick." Miroku said evenly, even bluntly.
This caused Inuyasha to noticeably twitch. He growled deep in his chest, realizing the monk was right. If they didn't find shelter soon, they would ALL wind up sick. Kagome and Sango had already developed sneezes, as had Shippou. With another growl, accompanied by a swift curse, he continued trudging. "We'll stop as soon as we find some place." He growled. "And it probably wont be a mansion." He added, giving the monk a look of contempt.
Miroku pretended to be insulted. "Hmph." He shrugged, then, hearing a sneeze from beside him, he looked towards Sango in concern. "Sango-sama.?
She ignored him, still following Inuyasha, every inch the proud warrior. Miroku smiled a bit and then pulled off his own gi, handing it to her. "Here." He said, putting it around her shoulders. "It should keep out some of the cold.
She glared at him, but didn't object.
Kagome sighed in relief as a building came into view. It wasn't a mansion, not even as big as Kaede's hut. Yet, it would provide shelter, and if they got a good fire going, warmth as well. Her stomach gave a rumble and she recalled they'd bypassed lunch. She heard something that almost sounded like laughter come from her white haired companion.
He looked over at her, his eyes almost glowing with amusement. "I heard that." He said evenly, then pushed the door of the shack open. It was empty, and smelled faintly musty, but to the soaked humans and demons, it was a step away from heaven. Even Inuyasha was somewhat relieved to be out of the rain
Kagome dropped her bag and immediately pulled out some dry clothes for her and towels for everyone as well. They thanked her, except for Inuyasha, who merely grunted, as usual. She shook her head and changed underneath Inuyasha's still miraculously dry coat. Idly she wondered how on EARTH it didn't even feel damp, especially when even her 'water proofed' clothing was still soaked through.
Meanwhile, Inuyasha and Miroku bickered over who was going to get off their ass and get a fire started. Finally, Sango got sick of it and shot them a glare that said, in few words that if they didn't get their asses moving, she was going to use them as kindling. The boys worked together.
A few moments later, they were sitting around a warm fire, each holding a cup of ramen, and drawing the warmth from both. Kagome's sneezes had died down a bit when they decided they probably should try to get some sleep. Yet, as they began to get ready for bed, Kagome felt a strange and familiar prickling at the back of her neck. She froze, her eyes widening. "I sense the presence of a shikon shard." She said in a very quiet and tremulous voice. She glanced over to Inuyasha who's ears were pricked up and he was sniffing the air, but obviously because of the rain, he couldn't smell who it was. "And it's not a small shard." She clarified, watching as his eyes shot wide, then narrowed dangerously.
"Naraku." He snarled, his claws cracking. Without a word, he stood, retrieving his haori and putting it back on, his face serious. "Kagome, you stay IN here. Sango, stay with her." He looked at Miroku, who nodded grimly, then stood.
"If he comes close, we'll fight him. If he doesn't, we're going after him- "
"No!" Kagome insisted. "You guys can't run off by yourselves!" She jumped to her feet along with Sango. "I've been willing to wait behind with weaker demons, but we both know that Naraku is strong!" She paused. "Besides. You fight better with me there." She gave him a look that dared him to deny it. She watched the emotions play on his face and knew the moment he was going to give in.
"Try to keep up." He growled. "I know how tired your feeble human legs get."
Kagome ran out of the building followed closely by Sango, Shippou and the tiny Kirara. Inuyasha kept a close eye on her as she hurried towards him, till she was less than a meter from him, then turned on his heal in the mud and began to walk.
It didn't take long. A minute of walking in the rain, and the sky began to darken, and a man in a soaked baboon pelt stood down the empty street about half a mile. In his arms was a corpse, with long black hair, and a red and white priestesses outfit.
Inuyasha froze as he realized who the woman was. He felt Kagome slam into his back at the abruptness of his halt but ignored it. He couldn't pull his eyes from the dead woman. His lips parted and soundlessly formed her name. "Ki.kyo." He whispered finally, the shock hitting him so badly his knees almost gave out.
Kagome barely managed to keep him up, by catching his arm. She saw her previous incarnate and knew what had hurt him so badly. Gently, she gave his arm a gentle squeeze. When the shock wore off and he stood at his full height, she released him.
Naraku smirked at Inuyasha through the rain. "Came to give her your last regards?" He asked, then dropped the body, which hit the ground and landed with a splash. When the mud settled, all that was left was a pile of mud and bones. His eyes glinted in the dark air.
She felt him growl and held onto his arm. "Don't." She whispered.
He ripped his sleeve from her arm and stalked towards Naraku. "So.you finally decide to show your own face, rather than using substitutes?" He growled, his eyes ablaze with anger, his hands tightly fisted. "I guess it really is about time for us to finish this once and for all."
Naraku chuckled evilly. "Kukuku." He slung the pelt away, preparing himself. He knew that Inuyasha was a juvenile fighter. This would be a fight easily won.
Kagome felt hands gently tugging her towards the side of the street. She let them, but never pulled her eyes from Inuyasha. It was no secret; after all, that she loved him. Even he knew she cared for him. Yet, sometimes, he could be so STUPID! Worry tore at her heart as she watched them face each other for a very long minute. For a moment, Kagome pictured one of those cheesy American westerns with the gunfights. However, when her mind jerked back to reality, it wasn't because of a gunshot, it was a soft grunt of pain. She let out a tiny cry, seeing Inuyasha sprawled a few meters back from Naraku, clutching his arm in pain.
"Your attacks are sloppy and easily read." Naraku said coldly, then, smirked again as Inuyasha drew his sword. "And very juvenile.If you lived another five hundred years, you.might be able to beat me."
Kagome stepped towards the fight. "He's just baiting you, Inuyasha!" She cried, her voice worried. Yet, the white haired hanyou didn't even look in her direction. Instead, he powered up his sword and charged again, the tip dragging a deep slash in the mud. She watched as he slashed upwards, leaving his side wide open for an attack. She looked away just in time. She heard Sango gasp and Miroku call out to her friend and the man she loved more than anything. The man she'd given up a ski trip for. The man she'd grudgingly accepted their trek through the mud and rain for.
The man she knew was going to die.
She forced herself to open her eyes and saw him laying ten yards away, practically at her feet. A soft cry escaped her and she jerked away from Miroku, running towards him. She skidded her knees in the mud, dropping down beside him. "Inuyasha." She croaked out his name through the lump in her throat, reaching down to pet his beautiful silvery white hair. "Oh, Inuyasha, please, stop."
He opened his eyes, his expression pained, but determined. "If I do, we'll just go through this later." He said, forcing himself to his feet. He flung his heavy sword over his shoulder, his eyes showing the pain he was in.
She watched helplessly as he attacked Naraku again, and again, he was thrown back, got up and did it again. This wasn't getting them anywhere. She felt fat tears rolling down her face again, and desperately tried to reach him. "Stop! Inuyasha, you have to STOP! He'll KILL YOU!"
Inuyasha didn't hear her pleading. He kept mindlessly attacking. He kept seeing Kikyou falling, and her body becoming one with the earth, then he saw Kagome in Kikyou's place, and knew that if he did stop, as she begged him to, she would die, too. He didn't want that. He would never want that. She was the first person to ever trust him, despite knowing what he was, despite his attempts to kill her. In spite of everything he'd done to her, she wanted to protect him, but if he stopped fighting now, they were all as good as dead.
Naraku caught Inuyasha by the wrist and punched him in the head, striking his temple hard enough to make the hanyou's vision spin and blacken around the edges. Then, a well-placed foot sent him sliding through the mud, back at Kagome's feet. He was still conscious, but barely. He knew he wouldn't be able to get up again. He'd failed them.
Kagome let out a soft cry, noting how still he was laying, noting the blood trickling down his temple and lip, and how his eyes were closed. She felt her lower lip tremble and uncontrollable tears began to fall down her face. "No." She whispered. "No." He's not dead.she told herself. He can't die.he's Inuyasha. He's just hurting.we have to get him out of here, to get him back to the hut so I can treat his wounds.He'll be okay.
Inuyasha heard her crying over him, but couldn't muster the strength to speak. It hurt to breath, to move, to speak, or even open his eyes. Even the beat of his heart caused spasms of pain to rip through his body. He felt warm hands on his face and felt the patter of rain. He'd always loved the rain. It usually felt warm and soothing. This rain was different. It was cold, and stung the bare skin it hit. The hands on him ran over his cheeks and he heard softly whispered words, smelled sweet breath brush his face.
"No.please, no."
"He's dead, girl." Naraku said evenly, laughter in his voice. "And you're next."
I can't protect her.Inuyasha realized, his heart pounding. She's going to be killed and I can't prevent it! I have to stop him.but.it hurts so badly.is this how death feels?
She grabbed her bow and arrows and stood, walking towards where Inuyasha had once stood, tears rolling down her face. She pulled an arrow, fitting it to the bow and lifting it. "You killed him." She whispered, her entire body shaking from the force of her sobs. Without another word, she pulled the arrow back and let it fly, striking mere inches away from him.
He laughed his evil laugh once again, then began walking towards her as she fit another arrow onto the bowstring. "You will die, girl. Just as he is now dead, and Kikyou was dead fifty years ago. Aren't you going to save yourself?"
She didn't release the arrow. Instead, she lowered the bow, her tears stopping. "If.If I die, then." She smiled weakly. "I'm not afraid of death." She said softly. "Because death means I get to be by his side."
Inuyasha eyes snapped open. Did she care that much? She was willing to sacrifice her life to be with him? He watched as Naraku glared at her, then attacked. It took all of his strength, but he lunged upwards, snatching up his sword and made a mad dash for Kagome, getting in front of her just in time to block the blow, which would have killed her. "Keh." He panted, his breath fogging out in front of him. "You humans are so disgusting. Turning everything into a death scene.a tap like that only winded me for a second." He said.
Kagome's eyes filled with tears again and she sighed in relief. "Inuyasha." She whispered, then threw her arms around him. "You're alive!"
He snorted again. "Stand over there and watch how a real warrior fights." He said cockily, then waited till she was safe with Miroku and Sango before he began to attack again, however, this time, he was covering himself better. His mind also felt clearer than before. It was as if Kagome's words had awoken a part of him that had been dormant for years. A part that wanted to protect her.because she was his friend, because.he loved her.
She held her breath as she watched the fight. He was moving a lot faster than before, and he seemed to be blocking a lot more of the hits that had been hitting him last time.
Not only had Kagome noticed, but so had Naraku. The girl's words had strengthened the demon's resolve, hence strengthening the demon himself. The blows were becoming a lot harder for him to block, and after several minutes, he slipped up, and for the first time, left himself open.
Inuyasha saw the opportunity and grasped it. It was becoming increasingly harder to breath, and also, he was finding his vision was fading. He had to end this quick. So, when he saw Naraku lose his balance slightly, he swung the sword down in a perfect arc, and the sword made a sickening sound as it sliced through the demon. He landed from the attack just behind the two halves, and stuck the sword into the ground, using it to keep himself on his legs. That was when he took stock of his injuries.
His left arm was completely fractured, and hung limply at his side. Several rips were broken as well, and from the trouble he was having breathing, one had punctured a lung. His sword arm had a hairline fracture in it, and he could also feel from the pressure over his heart, that his breast and collarbones were broken. He also had a concussion, and a broken nose. In short, he was really beaten up.
Kagome picked up the remaining portion of the Shikon no Tama and then went to Inuyasha. He looked like he'd been through hell, and she knew he was hurting badly. She touched the hand that rested on the sword and was about to put the Jewel in his palm when his voice stopped her.
"Don't." He said, his voice tight. Labored. "I don't need it."
"You earned it." She insisted.
He looked up at her, trying to convey what he already knew. "I wont need it." He said grimly, his eyes piercing hers.
Worry filled her. "You're going to be alright.we just need to treat the wounds." She said softly, her eyes trying to mask the pain with hope.
He stopped her with a finger, wincing as he forced his right arm to move. "Kagome, I'm not going to live much longer." He said softly, seeing the pain and denial in her eyes. With a gentle hand, he brushed the wet hair from her face, ignoring Miroku and Sango's presence. "There's so much I wanted to say to you."
"You'll get the chance!" She insisted.
He smiled sadly, a true smile, not a smirk, or a grin, an honest-to-god smile. Then, he didn't try to keep up the pretense of being strong anymore, collapsing against her, his head resting on her shoulder, his arms limp at his sides. "I'm sorry." He whispered softly, lifting his right arm painfully to touch her face. He felt her arms come up and around him, then her shaking from silent sobs. He used his only usable hand to turn her face towards him and mustered up his last bit of strength and courage to lift his head and press a light, tender kiss to her lips. "Don't cry." He said firmly as he rested his head on her shoulder. "I WILL find you again, don't forget that. I'll be reborn.and I'll find you again. No matter what happens.I promise you." He felt his last strength flowing from him and heard softly whispered words in his ear that crashed through his brain like thunder and caused warmth in his heart like lightning.
"I love you, Inuyasha." She whispered, pressing her face into his neck as his weight increased and she felt his last breath caress her cheek. Then, he was gone. She lifted her tear-stained face and looked up at Miroku and Sango, who looked down at her, pity and tears in their own eyes. "He's gone." She whispered, then she forced herself to smile through her tears. "I guess he's not so lonely anymore." She said, hugging him a little tighter.
* * *
Inuyasha's body was buried at the foot of the Goshinboku tree, and they had a quiet memorial in his honor. Kagome had picked the place herself. She explained that it was where she always found him. Afterwards, Kagome went home, the completed Shikon jewel around her neck. It hurt to say goodbye to her friends from there, but they understood that she had too many painful memories from there, and it was best for her to leave. So, she went home, and sank into something of a deep depression until finally, her mother decided enough was enough.
Mrs. Higurashi came upstairs and entered her daughter's room, which was a total mess, and Kagome lay on an unmade bed, her eyes puffy and red from crying, her hair greasy, her clothing rumpled, her face pained. She sat on Kagome's bed and smoothed out the comforter. "Dear, did I ever tell you about after your father died?" She asked softly. Kagome was young enough when he'd died, coming back for Sota's birth, that she didn't remember him.
Kagome shook her head.
"I was crushed." She said softly, stroking her daughter's hair. "I was in a similar state you're in now. I wouldn't eat, or bathe, or sleep. All I could do was cry. Finally, my mother came to me, and did what I'm now going to do to you." With that, she picked up her daughter, went into the bathroom, where she had a full tub of water waiting and dumped her daughter in. "Take a bath, get your butt out of bed and get it back to school, because I swear girl, if you die on me, I'm never going to let you hear the end of it, and when you see Inuyasha in the afterlife, neither will he!"
Kagome sputtered, staring at her mother in shock, unable to find the words to yell at her back, so finally, she began to cry again. That was a good way to release this sadness.
Her mother's hand flashed out of nowhere and cracked her across the face. "Snap out of it." She said firmly. "If you don't, you're failing the person who gave his life for you."
That shut the girl up. She sat in the tub with her clothes still on long after her mother had left. It was true. If she let herself stay in this rut, she'd be failing the person who'd saved her. She'd fail the person she loved. She couldn't do that, could she? It was so tempting to fall back into the despair, though. But hadn't he promised her he'd come back to her? Hadn't he sworn?
With a firm nod, she got up, tossed off the now soaked clothes and proceeded to take a thorough bath, washing her hair three times just to get rid of the built up dirt and grease. Then, she soaped up good and rinsed off. It felt good to be clean again. It gave her a strange feeling of hope, in fact.
With a small smile, she set about brushing her teeth and getting dressed into some clean clothes, then began to clean her messy room. Then, when her mom called up for dinner, she ran down and was seated before Sota and Grandpa were. They each hugged her when they saw her, and dinner went smoothly. Afterwards, Kagome volunteered herself for dish duty. Her mother didn't argue, but gave her daughter's temple a kiss as she passed. "It's good to have you back, Kagome-chan." She said, smiling.
Kagome smiled back. It was good to be back.
* * *
School was the next day, not just any school, her first day of high school. Her grades were high enough she got into the top classes, and she idly wondered if Inuyasha would be proud of her.
She and her friends chattered between classes, catching up. It turned out Sayuri was seeing Hojo-kun now, and Yuki was seeing some boy from another class. She was happy for her friends and they seemed glad that she was happier than she'd been the previous times they'd seen her after her illnesses.
When lunch finally rolled around, Kagome was so eager to get some time to herself, she practically darted out of the room. After a few minutes of walking in one direction, then another, she realized she was totally lost and had no hope of finding the lunchroom unless she asked someone for help.
She happened to run into one such person in her hurry to get food, and as she opened her mouth and looked up to apologize, the words stuck in her throat. She merely froze, staring up into the beautiful violet eyes of the boy standing in front of her.
Author's Notes: Well, after this, it's yours, Vikki! Evil cut off, I know, readers, but I HAD to leave some of the fun for Vikki-chan! After all, if I didn't, what kind of friend would I be? The greatest thing about Round Robins is, the other writers don't know where the stories going to go until after the chapter before theirs is written. Vikki and I have, however planned out a few little things about the story. Keep an eye out for ritual habits and familiar faces! Things are about to get REALLY interesting. And also, unlike most reincarnation fics, we decided that the reincarnated forms would NOT be named after the original characters. So, you're REALLY going to have to pay attention to find out who's reincarnated, who's not, and who's getting drug along for the ride (The poor souls.) Oh, well, enjoy ^_^