Three Days
A/N: I don't own Inuyasha—I'm sure we all know who owns it. A forever cherished woman in Japan that brought us a bad boy half-demon with cute puppy dog-ears. This story was written and edited over and over since October 31, 2005 up until December 23, 2005 and then later on May 15, 2006. The last revision is December 27, 2006. The chapters, no longer five but seven, have been revised and some additions have been added plus the epilogue.
There's some Kikyo in here but there isn't any bashing in this story so give it a chance. Guaranteed fluff in later chapters but this is solely for the setup of the story and some drama. I'll try to keep them in character. Don't think you'll be able to predict what's going to happen, sometimes with my twists it may shock you. There's an overused concept in this chapter so bare with me just for this chapter.
Pairing: Inuyasha x Kagome, Miroku x Sango and Sesshoumaru x Kagura
Full Summary: Mistakes lead to misunderstandings and Kagome maybe gone for good but an unlikely adversary has given him another chance. Another chance to correct his past mistakes but will the Fate allow it?
Chapter One: Set Up
"It really changed my life. When we split up, something changed, permanently, in me.
My heart sort of broke that day, and it will never be the same."
Sometimes we get second chances,
Sometimes we never make it past the first
"—and that's grandpa." Kagome giggled; still picturing the scene in her mind even though it had been about three years ago it remained fresh in her mind.
"He looks funny." Shippou said, wrinkling his nose.
"He's drunk." Kagome explained turned the page in her album. "Oh, here's the cake my mother made."
"That looks beautiful," Sango sighed blissfully but beautiful didn't do the cake justice. Then someone caught her eye. "Huh? Hey, Kagome, who's that guy?"
Kagome glanced at the picture and easily recognized who she was talking about. "Oh that's—"
"Hobo," Inuyasha said, interrupting her. "Or Hoto or Homo— yeah, I think that's it. Now that sounds appropriate if you ask me. He's some dweeb from Kagome's school."
Kagome glared at the half-demon and said, "Well no one asked you. He's not a dweeb and his name's Hojo. He's a friend of mine."
Inuyasha glared at the picture of Hojo wishing to not only tear up the picture but the boy as well. The human boy was from Kagome's time, knew Kagome longing and went to the same school as her. That alone made the goody-goody obnoxious boy on Inuyasha's long hate list.
"Do I sense jealousy in the air, my friend?" Miroku grinned, jabbing Inuyasha playfully in the ribs.
Inuyasha snorted but everyone could see the faint blush on his cheeks. "Keh. You wish, monk."
Miroku just laughed in response and soon enough else did, except for Kagome and Inuyasha.
Outside it was snowing which was normal considering it was late December, the day before Christmas to be exact. Kagome, Sango, Shippou and Miroku were seated at the center of the hut draped with their own individual blankets. Kaede was off to a nearby hut to bring some special healing herbs for a villager's husband and was planning on returning in the morning.
Not one to be part of the crowd, Inuyasha was off in a corner to himself leaning against the wall with his hands in his sleeves when suddenly a red blanket was placed around him. He blinked, rather surprised by this act, and found Kagome smiling up at him.
Seeming to understand his confusion, Kagome replied. "You'll get a cold."
"Keh. I'm part demon, remember? I don't need it." Inuyasha then began to remove the blanket.
Kagome frowned and gently stroked on of his arms with her hands. "Humor me, will you?"
Inuyasha snorted then he felt Kagome shift and she stopped stroking his arm. It was then the half-demon noticed suddenly that Kagome was very close to him. Very, very close to him. So close that their noses just touched and then she closed the distanced between them. She kissed him lightly, a kiss somewhat like that of butterfly kisses. Soon enough a faint blush crept upon both their cheeks. Before Inuyasha had time to respond, she pulled away.
H-Had that just happened? Inuyasha wondered. He was now feeling rather confused.
It really makes me wonder why
some things happen when they do,
It really makes me wonder
why it wasn't me instead of you.
Embarrassed and still blushing, Inuyasha looked away. He was confused but instead of showing this, he merely said—trying to sound annoyed. "Why'd you do that for wench?"
Kagome didn't fall for his bait, instead she smiled shyly. She pointed above them. "Mistletoe."
The baffled half-demon glanced upwards and discovered that the mistletoe was indeed hanging above them, taunting him for thinking there was something more to the kiss.
So that was the thing she was hanging up earlier. Inuyasha looked away from the plant.
To his dismay, the half-demon felt a bit disappointed but he shrugged it off. After all, Kagome only saw him as a friend. And she was a good friend whereas he wasn't because he had to go on and start feelings things he had no business feeling.
Slowly Kagome managed to regain control of her blushing and said in what she hoped was a calm tone. "When two people are beneath the mistletoe, it's tradition that they share a kiss."
Afterwards there was a slap heard in the small hut followed by Sango's grumbling, "Did you miss the term 'mistletoe' you pervert? We weren't under or anywhere near it!"
Miroku pouted. Damn. He had only gotten to kiss her cheek not her lips. "But Lady Sango—"
"Keep your hands where I can see them monk." Sango said holding up her boomerang in a threatening manner. Miroku wisely complied.
Inuyasha ignored the two and his mind began to wonder. So that's the only reason why she kissed me…and nothing else? Is that why do I feel so…disappointed? Gods, I'm pathetic.
Inuyasha shook his head, pretending not to care anymore. "Keh. Whatever."
Kagome frowned once more at half-demon but said nothing to him. She just turned around and caught their four friends—Miroku, Sango, Kirara and Shippou—quickly glancing away.
Kagome rolled her eyes and pretended she didn't notice. Can they be more obvious? What she didn't know was that was the very same thought running through Sango, Miroku and Shippou's minds concerning Inuyasha and Kagome.
"Kagome?" A little voice called her, pulling lightly on her blanket.
"Yes, Shippou?" Kagome looked down to look at Shippou.
"Can you read me that Christmas tale again?" Shippou asked gesturing to the book in his hands. "Please?"
"Keh. You've already heard it before, runt. Some things are meant to be read only once." Inuyasha retorted, annoyed by Shippou's ability to get more attention from Kagome.
And some things are meant to be ignored. Kagome thought irritably. "Of course, Shippou." She said glaring at Inuyasha, who merely grunted in response.
Choosing to ignore him for the time being, Kagome sat down and Shippou sat in her lap. Shippou smiled happily when she didn't seem to mind.
They look like a mother and child. Like how mother and I sat when she read me stories. Inuyasha scowled at his thoughts. This holiday was actually getting to him. He really didn't want to remember. He didn't want to feel jolly and all cuddly with anyone.
Inuyasha snorted to himself. What am I thinking? They looked nothing alike.
Oblivious to Inuyasha, Kagome's voice grew soft. "This is the exact book that was given to me by my father for Christmas, when I was about seven. I used to sit in his lap and mother, grandpa and Souta would sit in one of the couches. And he'd read it to us every Christmas until…well, it was nice. In fact, that's one of the reasons why it's one of my favorite stories."
"It's my favorite too." Shippou beamed, liking that they both shared something in common.
"I must confess the story is quite interesting and appropriate for times like these." Miroku said and Sango nodded.
"Bunch of suck ups." Inuyasha muttered.
Kagome glared at him but otherwise didn't comment. She opened the semi-old book to the first page. " 'Twas the night before Christmas—"
More like against his will, Inuyasha listened but not as intently as the others. He listened primarily to Kagome's soothing voice, a voice so gentle and warming that it reminded him of his mother's. Like his mother, Kagome's scent alone was enough to bring him comfort. He didn't know why he was seeing it the way he was now. It just seemed natural to him.
Suddenly Inuyasha grew confused. When he thought of his mother he'd always felt more than a twinge of pain in his heart yet he hardly felt it now. It was as if that pain was eased away just then. Not with time as these humans claimed, but with Kagome just being there.
Inuyasha clenched his fists and tried to clear his head, he really did. He knew if he didn't get these thoughts out of his head he might end up doing something stupid—like kissing Kagome senseless, even though that would be worth all the "sits" afterwards.
Inuyasha sighed and tossed his blanket onto Kagome's bag. "Inuyasha what's wrong?" She saw his intent was going outside. "Wait, you'll catch a cold, Inuyasha—"
She's concern…Inuyasha snorted. "Don't be stupid. I'm part demon, remember wench?"
Kagome bit her lower lip and stopped herself from sitting him.
Why bother? He's called me that from day one and what will a broken back do but having him saying it with each sentence instead of once in a while. Kagome watched him go. She saw something in his eyes that prevented her from questioning him any further. She knew he wanted some space to think things through. And she'd give him that.
Shippou tugged on Kagome's light-gray blanket again. "Kagome?"
"Huh?" Kagome blinked and remembered she was reading. She smiled and continued the story. By the time she was done, all her friends had fallen asleep. Shippou was curled up in her sleeping bag and Kirara was beside him. Miroku and Sango had fallen asleep in each other's arms and surprisingly, Miroku's hands were a safe distance from Sango's rear-end.
Kagome glanced at her watch then at the window seeing the winds picking up. Inuyasha had been gone for quite sometime. Even though he was a half-demon he wouldn't last long is such weather especially tonight. Something within her told her to find him as if the half-demon had once again found himself in some sort of trouble. She grabbed her bow and arrows, knowing Inuyasha would bite her head off if she went outdoors without them, and wrapped herself in her blanket. She gripped her blanket tightly and opened the hut's flap, exiting its warmth.
xXx…xXx
Inuyasha narrowed his eyes. He was on his way back to the hut when the smell of death and clay hit his senses. It was extremely faint considering the weather but having acute senses such as his, he couldn't miss it easily. The being that carried it stood in his path. "Kikyo, what are you doing here?"
Kikyo frowned at the half-demon. "I should be asking you the same thing, Inuyasha."
Inuyasha didn't reply to that. He raised an eyebrow instead. "Aren't you cold?"
Kikyo merely shook her head and sighed dispassionately. "The dead cannot feel the cold, Inuyasha."
The dead cannot feel many things. Inuyasha thought to himself and wisely didn't voice his own opinion. He didn't want to hurt her with his cynical words but sometimes…
Inuyasha's thoughts must've been transparent to Kikyo for she frowned at him.
"Are you not happy to see me?" The hurt and bitterness in her voice was evident. "Have things changed some much in the past three years since I last saw you, Inuyasha?"
"I…" Inuyasha wasn't sure how to respond. Should he be honest or should he lie to her?
The dead priestess continued walking slowly towards Inuyasha. "Have they?" Kikyo pleaded.
It looked as if the truth would be a painful thing for her to hear. Perhaps it would be best to tell her. Inuyasha wasn't sure how to say the words without hurting Kikyo. She was after all, his first friend. The fact that they didn't remain friends was another thing.
Inuyasha took a deep breath and tried to decide. Lying would only put them both and everyone else into further entanglement of a deceit that begun long ago. He didn't want to hurt her but continuing to live a lie was no life at all. He'd come to know that the hard way.
"If you mean my feelings for you…then…yes. Yes they have changed, Kikyo. Everything has changed. I have changed." He said this gently yet sternly, hoping she'd understand. He had grown up in the past few years, both physically and emotionally.
Perhaps it was for the best—yes. The half-demon thought logically. But you would never admit that, now would you Kikyo?
"Changed?"
"My feelings for you…I still care about you. You were my first friend. I will always protect you and fight to avenge you, I promise you that will never change."
Because it wasn't what she wanted to hear, Kikyo didn't look pleased. She narrowed her eyes and the flash of hatred made him flinch. "Really? I…I see. The girl—"
"Kagome. Her name is Kagome, Kikyo."
Kikyo nodded curtly, careful not to show any indifference in regards to her feelings. He seemed so cold now that she had indirectly insulted her. "Kagome. Yes, I remember."
The dead priestess was surprised by him correcting her but she hid it well. Who would've thought Inuyasha would've stood up for this Kagome girl in front of her? But then Kikyo realized she was sounding a bit selfish and naïve when it came to the hanyou and his emotions. He had always been…unpredictable.
Unable to cope with the sudden change of things, the dead priestess glanced away. Could it possibly be that he's truly fallen for her? If that's true, than—no, I will not stand for this! You were mine first and will remain mine. You owe me more than that, Inuyasha. And you know it.
Kikyo wanted to know exactly where she laid in his heart. And this frightened her, to say the least. "Tell me this. Have you forgotten what we had, Inuyasha? Please—"
Inuyasha looked up at her and they locked eyes. Didn't she understand? "No I haven't but you're not being fair. It's been fifty years, Kikyo. Things can't go back the way they were, they just can't. Too many things have happened. I care for you, I really do. But I care for Kagome as well. I won't lie to you, Kikyo."
Kikyo looked as if she had been stricken but she might as well have been for his words were far sharper than that of his sword.
All that time long ago…you didn't really love me, did you? Would you hate me even more because I've have feelings about Kagome now and not you? Will you ever stop hating me?
Inuyasha remained silent for a while but the silence said more than enough. "I'm sorry Kikyo."
Kikyo's eyes widen for a moment then they grew cold and dark. Her voice grew louder; her hair rose and blew wildly around her.
"You're sorry? You're sorry! You demon how dare you break your promise to me! Does your word mean nothing? You promised me Inuyasha and I will make sure you keep your word. You and I will be together in Hell, Inuyasha, I swear it!"
Never had Inuyasha seen Kikyo so angry—not even at Naruku! She had such a low and lethal voice about her but never, even when she thought he'd betrayed her did her aura become so bleak.
What has gotten her so riled up? Her eyes are filled with such hate and vengeance. Inuyasha thought, watching the priestess taking a threatening step towards him.
"You must calm yourself, Kikyo, or you'll never accomplish bringing Inuyasha to Hell with you. You irrational emotions and hatred will lead you to your death once more." Naruku said.
Kikyo was unsure how the man got into her mind but he was right—for once. If she was to send the jewel into oblivion and take the two hanyous into the depths of Hell, she had to remain calm and collected.
"Worry not of the girl, I shall deal with her in due time." Naraku finished.
Kikyo saw Inuyasha's eyes widen in shock from what she'd done. Kikyo willed herself to calm down. Slowly, her hair rested upon her back once more and the winds died down. There was an eerie silence that followed Kikyo's sudden outburst.
Why is Naruku claiming that he will help me when he knows I will kill him in the end? He and Inuyasha are both foolish as to think I will return to the underworld in tranquil peace. It doesn't make any sense. No matter, I shall end it here with Inuyasha and find him.
Slowly the dead priestess opened her eyes. I sense them…I sense her!
"She has come." Kikyo whispered to herself, far too low for Inuyasha to hear.
Preview of Chapter Two
(Randomized scenes)
The dead priestess gave him her usual impassive expression as she spoke. "So it is as I always believed. You are willing to leave me for that girl? Is she more important to you than your promise to me? You promised to protect me, remember? Or have you…forgotten?"
Kikyo heard Inuyasha scoff, which made her stiffened. After hearing Kikyo's words in the last few minutes, he felt less sympathy and more annoyance. Why did she want protection when all she wanted was for him die and go to Hell with her, he was unsure. At that very moment, a part of him wondered how he'd felt anything more than friendship for Kikyo.
How he'd been blinded by the emotions she had carefully hidden away in those seventeen years of her life. The woman she was and the one now…though they were different yet the same. Her words sounded like that of the old Kikyo, words only her eyes spoke. How he'd been foolish to have thought that she could ever…
Inuyasha turned to leave. He had had enough.
"I promised to protect you, nothing more. I always keep my word yet you always seem to think it's not enough, Kikyo. I promised to protect Kagome too. And protect her I will. I won't endanger my friends' lives anymore. Too much is at stake now. You can take care of yourself for now, you said as much. And besides, you never did have faith in my words—or in me before Kikyo."