A/N: I've beent trying to upload this for the past five days. First F.F wouldn't allow me to login in then it kept rejecting it. So here it is now.This is for everyone who asked me to continue, especially HisLordFluffiness. I can't have you running around with a chainsaw, now can I? You might hurt someone. This chapter is broken up into two parts, this being part one.
Disclaimer: I do not own nor do I claim to own InuYasha or its characters. That right belongs solely to Rumiiko Takahashi and VIZ. I do however own this story.
Chapter Two
OoOo Bereavement oOoO
Oo Part One oO
He could feel something moving across his cheek, like the brush of a hand. Tilting his face slightly towards the nice feeling, he tried to fight off the sleep that fogged his mind. A feather light touch of soft lips brushed against his, he wanted to desperately return the kiss. Seconds later he heard a quiet voice whisper, "Goodbye…Sesshoumaru."
(Later that Morning)
Sesshoumaru rolled over, his arm coming to rest over his eyes to block out the morning sun.
'Morning', he thought grimly.
Looking over to his side, he let his hand fall from his face to run over the very spot Kagome had occupied the night before.
He sighed. He knew this day would come, they both knew. But somehow, in the beginning it seemed so far away. The day they would have to say goodbye forever.
They both realized that their chances of living through the ordeal were slim to none; and that their relationship wouldn't last forever. They accepted it though; at least he thought they did. Wanting to make what precious time they had left together count.
However, to Sesshoumaru it just wasn't enough. He wasn't ready for it to be over. This would not be the end for them. No he would make sure of it.
With new found conviction he stood, grabbing his clothing from the ground and pulling them on, then securing his armor in place, followed by sliding his swords sliding through his obi.
He turned toward the East, his eyes narrowing as he began to walk in that direction
He wasn't going to die, she wasn't going to die. He would win this battle and destroy the tainted hanyou.
Sesshoumaru growled to himself, eyes briefly flashing red along with his pulse. Today Naraku would die by his hands.
OoOoO
Kagome sighed from her place upon a boulder. Brushing back a few stray strands of her hair behind her ear, she frowned looking off to the East.
They had decided to take a break from traveling and were all resting, enjoying what little time they had together before the battle. Trying to capture a semblance of normality in their lives, there were the usual bickering and good nature teasing as all ways.
Not a one of them knew who would be left standing in the end, or if any would be.
Shippou was left at the village with Kaede while he was asleep to avoid the confrontation of tears. If she were to see that, there would be know way for her to leave. She loved him as if he was her own son, and to leave him like that, without a goodbye, it…hurt. She knew it was for the best, he didn't need to be around the fight. So, with that thought at mind, she left him there with the old miko.
She recalled her last trip through the well to her time. She had told everyone; her mother, Grandpa, and Souta goodbye in her own way, just in case she can't able to return.
Her mother had looked at her with a sad smile and a nod, but said nothing. Grandpa was much the same way, before going off to check the shrine grounds. While Souta didn't seem to understand that his sister was saying goodbye forever, and proceeded to continue his game of soccer.
Breaking from her reverie she observed the people she came so consider family in the Feudal era: the unlikely group consisting of a hanyou, miko, houshi, and taijiya.
Sango who was her sister in everyway imaginable was sitting nest to Miroku sharpening Haraikotsu, while Kirara was lying by her feet.
Miroku, the ever lechering houshi, was her brother, a very perverted brother, that groped her, but a brother none the less.
She watched amusingly as Sango leaned to the side reaching for something; causing her bottom to lift slightly, which in effect cased Miroku's supposedly cursed hand to 'slip' and grope Sango's rear.
Said girl stiffened, eyebrow twitching, once, twice, before tightening her grip on her weapon and swinging around effectively knock out Miroku, while screaming, "Hentai!"
Kagome smiled wistfully, shaking her head. It was these moments that she would keep with her, always.
Searching with her eyes for the one person she had yet to look at, she spotted the figure in red, sitting alone in a tall tree. He sat with his back straight and proud with his hair streaming behind him in the light breeze.
InuYasha held a sad expression on his face as he gazed toward their destination.
She knew why he was sad. Today he would have to die one way or the other. If Naraku didn't kill him in battle it would be Kikyou to drag him to hell.
Though he may not want to follow Kikyou, but the honor he held would not allow him to betray his promise to her. So that she may fid peace with herself.
Kagome no longer held any animosity toward the couple, but a sad ache did reside within her heart. After learning of Kikyou's true intentions for the Shikon no tama, she began to respect her, and in turn understand InuYasha's love for her.
Somewhere along the way her love for him changed into a platonic love. A close friendship that neither time nor circumstances could overcome and erase. Then she met someone she truly loved with all her being. Someone who loved her in return. Not the power that resided inside her body or the fact that she was the reincarnation of their past love. Love her for who she really was, just Kagome. 'Sesshoumaru.'
To say their relationship started out rocky was and understatement, but somehow they had grown to respect, care, and eventually love one another.
The transition from hatred to respect in sight of their feelings to each other was the night she restored his arm.
OoOoO
She had been on her way to get water for dinner that evening, when she found him. Sitting with his back resting against a tree, eyes shut to the world.
Not sensing any form of signs of an attack form him, she continued walking until she heard him speak-up.
"Where do you go by yourself, miko?"
Whirling around to face him, Kagome saw that he had still not opened his eyes.
"It's Kagome." she mumbled. Her eyes widened at the sudden realization she had just corrected Sesshoumaru. Kagome began to panic, sure he would kill her now. Glancing at him she almost fainted from absolute shock at the smirk that broke out across his handsome face.
'Wait. I did not just think that'
Shaking from her disturbing thoughts, she tried to keep her heart from attempting to escape from her chest. It only began to beat faster as he began to speak once more.
"Well Ka-go-me, answer my question." Smirk still in place, he opened his eyes to look at her, awaiting an answer.
Kagome sighed in relief; maybe he wouldn't kill her after all. "I was on my way to the stream," she answered. " To get some water."
"Hmm. A weak human such as yourself should not be allowed to wander alone unguarded."
She stared angrily at him, practically growling. " I can take care of myself."
"Really?" ,he questioned, disbelief evident. "Is that so?'
Raising his one arm , he allowed his claws to glow green before flicking his wrist and lashing out with his dokkaso in Kagome's direction.
Kagome closed her eyes, waiting tensely for the searing pain that was sure to come.
A shattering scream echoed through the clearing as Sesshoumaru withdrew his attack. Never once did he move from his spot.
Kagome's eyes flew open , as the scream reached her ears. Turning around she the lifeless body of an neko youkai, blood draining from the open wound across it's chest. Absolute shock brought Kagome to her knees, dropping the canteen in her hands in the process. Tears began to gather in her eyes at the all too real possibility that should could have been killed just now, if it wasn't fro him. The last person she would have ever expected to save her.
Closing her eyes a moment she tried to gather her quickly fraying nerves. Opening her eyes she looked toward her unlikely savior. He was staring at her in his usual aloof way, as if he didn't just save her life.
Grasping her courage she stood and made her way over to him. His eyes followed her every move, but somehow it didn't bother her. When she finally reached him she kneeled down so they were face to face. Never removing her gaze from his, she slid her right hand up his empty sleeve, using her left to brace her against the ground. Slowly she ran her fingers over the scarred flesh of the stub left behind. Ignoring his growls of warning she guided her miko powers to her hand, to what was left of his arm, not enough to hurt him.
It seemed as if an eternity had went by as they continued to stare at one another as she continued with her work. Soon though, she removed her hand after she felt the sharp prick of his claws.
Pushing herself back to her feet ready to turn and leave. Before how ever she gave him one lingering last look. "Thank you. Sesshoumaru" She then turned and walked away only pausing to stoop and retrieve her canteen.
Before she had reached the edge of the clearing she could have sworn she heard him reply, "No. Thank you, Kagome"
OoOoO
Dashing a hand across her cheek to rid them of the tears the memory inspired, she looked down at her clenched fist. Opening her hand she stared at what would appear to be half of a simple marble to many. The Shikon no Tama, the jewel that started it all. The cause of so much pain, but in the midst of that pain it brought so much happiness. Without the damage the jewel caused she would have never met the people she called friends.
Was that the true purpose all along? Was InuYasha and Kikyou meant to be tricked, so that the jewel would be reborn inside of her? That she would fall through the well and begin the chain of events that brought them to this point, to hopefully defeat Naraku?
The more she thought about it, the more likely it seemed. 'But, that would mean I was meant to return to my time. Wouldn't it' ,she thought. 'That I would have to leave him behind.'
'I don't know if I can leave him,' she cried to herself. 'but I can't let him or the rest die'
Fisting her hand around the jewel Kagome made up her mind. No matter the outcome.
'Whatever happens, is meant to be'
A/N: Sorry it took so long to update but I was studying for the horrible curse that is the ACT's. I got my score back a few days ago. I made a 27, so I'm happy. Anyway thanks for being patient. This took forever to write and I still don't like it. Please read and review. P.S. If you look at the title of this chapter you will get a hint to what will happen in the next.
Thank you:
Sesshoumaru's Fiend :: Disella :: Sesshy'slovergrl :: rasberrysorbet ::
Sesshomaru's-iceprincess13 :: Heather :: eDWaRd1 :: Sesshy's boo ::
bresteen :: HisLordFluffiness
Saoryia: Yeah, thanks for pointing that out. I originally wrote this to fit Jakotsu, so I kind of missed that.
Anonnie Mouse: Thanks for the link!!
MMAL: You really helped.
Sesshomarugrl: Thanks for being so precise about the attacks.
