Fang of a Hanyou
By: Fire's Tempest
Disclaimers—I don't own Inuyasha or its characters, though I am using them for non-profitable entertainment purposes.
Warning—Angst
Author's Note—Reviews are always appreciated and wanted. An ego boost is just what I need. Or you flame me—whatever. Just enjoy.
-Prologue-
Strands of silver hair hung limply against a vibrant crimson fabric. The calm hanyou stared out over the water, a shaken sigh passing over his lips. His amber eyes wavered in the full moon's light, clawed hands clenching at his sides. As he stared over the water of the lake, a soft whisper left his throat, "Kagome…"
-Flashback-
All the fragments of the Shinkon no Tama had been collected as Inuyasha and all the others stood around, looking down upon it. Reaching forward hesitantly, Inuyasha whispered to himself, "This is it—I can be a full demon and never worry about anything again."
Kagome looked up at him, an almost hurt expression adorning her face as she said softly, "But—Inuyasha, you are strong enough without becoming a full demon. I mean…you were able to defeat so many other enemies with just your Tetsaiga."
"No—I was never strong enough! There were always times I was just too slow and couldn't cut it." As he talked, he reached forward and seized the jewel, his golden eyes intent on what he held. His voice shook slightly as he stared at it, eyes narrowing, "I won't need anyone—no more betrayal…there will be nothing. I will need nothing."
Her eyes watering, Kagome turned away from him, staring down at the ground. "So—that's how it's going to be is it?" Her voice was shaking, though it was masked with an angry tone. "Fine then—just take your stupid jewel and be a demon. That's just perfect!" She stormed off, heading back for the well and for her own time.
Knowing that once she went through without any part of the jewel, she'd never be able to come back, Inuyasha ran after her, a part of him torn by the choice he had before him. As they both neared the well, Inuyasha reached forward, grasping her arm gently. "Kagome—don't leave."
"Why not?! You have everything you want here, don't you?! You can be some psychotic demon and go around killing whatever you see—friends and enemies alike! That's what you want, isn't it?!"
Inuyasha was speechless as he stared at her, whispering again softly, "Kagome—." She stepped towards the well as she pulled from his grasp, her bangs covering the tears welling in her eyes. She wasn't fooling anyone though—after all, Inuyasha could smell them if nothing else.
Throwing her legs over the side of the well, she said softly, "Goodbye Inuyasha." Her tone was cold and bitter.
In desperation, he jumped forward, trying to grab her before she went through, "Kagome! No!"
"Inuyasha, SIT!" He found himself ground into the dirt, the rosary around his neck having been set off. Taking a moment to get up, he looked up at where she had been, only to find she was gone.
"…K…Kagome?" He sat up, his eyes wide as he felt a familiar pain in his chest. "Kagome…" he whispered over and over while kneeling in front of the well. Tears burned at his eyes, though none fell as he let out a heart-wrenching howl.
-End Flashback-
Claws dug into flesh as Inuyasha clenched his hands. His teeth grated together as well, a certain frustration finding his mind. The others would never know what he had been thinking; they never knew how he felt. Something always made them believe that what they saw was what they got, though it wasn't true at all. He had cared greatly for Kagome, and with all their adventures together, he had grown even closer—he felt more for her than he ever had for Kikyo.
Though now that she was gone, it was as though his world had shattered. Nothing felt real—he couldn't know or be around the others now. He would go through with becoming a demon and then he would never have to worry about this pain he felt. However, an image of Kagome flashed in his mind, her words echoing in his dog-like ears, 'Why not?! You have everything you want here, don't you?! You can be some psychotic demon and go around killing whatever you see—friends and enemies alike! That's what you want, isn't it?!' A chill ran down his spine as he stared over the horizon.
Taking another slow and shaky breath, he turned away from the water and walked off into the forest. What did it matter anyway? The one woman he had loved had gone back to where she belonged and he didn't believe that the others would stay around him now that she was gone—she was the one that bound the group together. Loneliness swallowed him as he slipped off into the shadows.
It was as though he vanished, not leaving a trace behind or even a scent. There was nothing to follow and no one to find him. He wouldn't know it, though he would be missed while he was away; his friends and even the girl from the future would fear for him and miss him deeply. There was only that lingering hope that they'd be able to meet up with each other once more.
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Fire's Tempest: So—what did you think so far? I know it's a short chapter, but it is only the little prelude to the story. Please R&R.