Kagome walked back towards the hut, feeling the sunlight on her back and shoulders. DarkWind walked beside her, and they were quiet.
They had spent the night together, just talking. They sat near a small stream, and talked. Kagome told DarkWind things she had never spoke of, not to anyone. Her thoughts, and her dreams. Deep, private things. Fears. Doubts. Wishes.
DarkWind told her of his past masters, and of the worlds he had seen. He told her of adventures he had had, people he had talked to. Things he had remembered. Things he wished she could see, but she never would, for humans were not allowed on those planes.
He told her about flying with dragons high in the sky, of visiting world where the dominant species were intelligent plants, and how their lives were lived so slowly, quietly. Of learning to talk to them, of how they could not understand a creature that could move about freely, a creature that lived it's life in days and years instead of centuries.
They watched the sun rising, and sat, talking to each other in their minds. Kagome opened her heart to him in a way she couldn't with anyone else, for DarkWind understood her thoughts. No matter how close to anyone she ever became after, they would never be able to be that close to her. He understood thoughts before she completely thought them.
They walked back, and Kagome was quiet.
Today, DarkWind would leave her.
But she would not let him leave to an eternity of sleep. No.
She refused.
Pushing back the door covering, Kagome walked in, to see Sango sitting there, quiet, drinking some tea.
"Oh Kagome, you're back," Sango looked at her closely, trying to see how her friend was doing.
Kagome nodded, and stepped in, DarkWind behind her. Kagome looked around, and spoke, "Where...where is everyone?"
"Miroku, InuYasha, and Shippo are out helping the villagers here, fix a hut. It's very old, and needed a new roof. They told me to tell you, DarkWind, that you're not to leave until they can come back and say their goodbyes."
DarkWind smiled softly, "That is most kind of them."
Sango looked closely at Kagome, and spoke softly, "Kagome...come and sit. I...I need to talk to you."
Kagome frowned at her friend. Sango looked very odd, very intense about something.
"Sango?"
"I've been waiting for you to come back, Kagome. I...I need to talk you. It's serious. I think you need to know."
Kagome knelt beside Sango, DarkWind beside her. Kagome looked at Sango, worried, "What is it, what happened? Sango?"
"Kagome, I..." Sango looked down at her hands, and took a deep breath, and spoke, "Last night, when you and DarkWind left, we were in here. InuYasha was outside, and he watched you both leave. After a few minutes, Miroku came back in, but InuYasha didn't. I...I became worried, and followed him."
Kagome blinked. That wasn't like Sango at all.
"I was worried, you see, that he was following you and DarkWind, and I knew you wanted some privacy. So I brought Kirara, and got her to track him. I followed him, and I...spied on him."
Kagome just watched Sango, quiet.
Sango looked at Kagome, "He was walking in the forest, and...Kikyo showed up."
Kagome's face darkened, and she looked away, "Sango, please. I don't care about anything that happened between them."
"I think you will, Sister."
Blinking, Kagome looked back at Sango.
Sango hung back, always making sure she stayed downwind of InuYasha. His hearing was good, but his nose could be better, and she didn't want him to know she was following him. If it looked like he was following Kagome and DarkWind, then...well...she'd somehow just 'happen' to show up and get him to leave with him. Miroku had already told her she shouldn't get involved.
"No, Miroku," she said said, walking out through the door, "I love that idiot too much to let him jeopardize any chance with Kagome. I'll save him from himself if I have to. You stay here."
Miroku had blinked at her, "Sango?"
Sango looked sternly at him, "I'll get away with more than you will. No matter how angry I make him, InuYasha won't try to clobber me."
Miroku sighed, "You have a point."
Sango remained behind a tree, watching him. He seemed like he wasn't sure what to do with himself, walking, looking up at the sky overhead, looking up at the stars. Sango knew he was thinking about Kagome, and DarkWind. She knew he was probably worried about...what might be happening between them.
She felt her heart go out to him. He wasn't a bad person, he had just lost Kagome due to his own inability to make a final choice. No woman wanted that. Sango understood Kagome, understood how she felt, but she still hated to see the hanyou so quiet.
She remained where she was, just starting to think she should go, give him his own privacy, when suddenly, the Priestess Kikyo stepped out, walking towards him.
She seemed as surprised to see InuYasha as he was to see her. He stopped, not sure what to do. Kikyo, however, walked towards him, "InuYasha."
"Kikyo. I...didn't expect to find you here."
Kikyo had smiled, "No, I expect not. I couldn't sleep. I didn't know you were staying so near my sister's place."
"Uh...yeah."
They were silent, looking at each other. It was so silent, as each stood still, watching, quiet.
Suddenly, InuYasha spoke, "Kikyo?"
"Yes?"
"Did...did you...mean to shoot Kagome?"
Kikyo looked at him, startled. She looked away, raising a hand to her face. She rubbed her mouth, as if tasting something unpleasant, and softly spoke.
"I was aiming at the Kageri, InuYasha. I swear. I did not mean to hit the girl. That was a terrible accident."
"I don't understand...you're a good shot."
"I usually am. I don't know what happened, InuYasha...but I swear, I didn't mean to hit Kagome. Is she alright?"
"She's ok, yeah. Your sister, Kaede, took out the arrow."
Kikyo sounded relieved, "Oh thank the Gods. When I hit her, I...was so horrified, InuYasha. I don't understand how I missed, and I...I panicked. I ran. I'm sorry."
"Why did you go after him, Kikyo? I asked you not to. That it would hurt Kagome."
Kikyo looked back at InuYasha, and spoke softly, "I'm sorry. I know what you told me, but...I was afraid it would do more damage to her if it remained. A Kageri is dangerous, InuYasha, and must be destroyed."
InuYasha nodded, taking a deep breath, and letting it out, relieved.
"Kikyo?"
"Hmmm?"
"Listen...don't...you don't have to worry about DarkWind. He's leaving. He won't be here much longer. So if you see him...leave him alone."
Kikyo frowned slightly, walking towards him, "Leaving? How do you know?"
"Kagome told me. He's leaving tonight. The bond will broken. So..."
Kikyo watched him, then smiled, shaking her head, "I'm not interested in him. Not anymore."
InuYasha looked relieved.
Kikyo suddenly laughed, and spoke to him, "InuYasha, don't you notice anything about me? Do I seem different to you?"
InuYasha looked at her, "Uh..."
She smiled again, and stepped forward, taking his hand.
InuYasha blinked, looking down at her hand. It was warm.
"K-Kikyo?"
"I'm alive, InuYasha. Alive."
He stared at her, shocked, "Alive? I don't...how? What happened?"
She laughed again, her face warm and full of color, "I was gifted with life by a Senmin, someone who knows the one you do. He gave me my life back, to reward me for my work healing. I'm alive again, InuYasha.
We...we can be together again."
InuYasha stared at her, shocked. Kikyo looked at his shocked face, and laughed. She reached up, and gently touched his cheek.
Her voice was warm, and soft, "We can go back, InuYasha. To how we were, before it all went wrong. We can be together again."
InuYasha gazed at her, quietly, ears half lowered. He reached out, and lightly touched her hair. Kikyo closed her eyes, smiling.
He spoke, softly, "Kikyo?"
"Yes, InuYasha?"
"Will you...answer something for me?"
"Of course," she laughed, looking up at him.
His voice was subdued, yet somehow intent, "When we were together...back before everything all went so bad...we used to meet up on the hill, remember? That's where we would always meet up. And we'd go walking, or in the boat, or..."
"I remember," she said, softly, "It was our place. Our special meeting place."
"Yeah. Why...why did we always meet there?"
Kikyo looked at him, smiling, but confused, "What do you mean, InuYasha?"
"Why...there? Why always that place?"
"That was our place, InuYasha. We would sit there, remember, and talk. We could look down into the village, or over into the fields. We could be together."
"Yeah, but...why there, Kikyo? Why...didn't I ever meet you in the village?"
She studied him, quiet, "Why are you asking me this, InuYasha?"
He touched her shoulder, lightly, "It's just...something I've been thinking about a lot, lately."
Kikyo shrugged, "I just liked that spot. I could keep an eye on the village from there, while I was with you. Make sure nothing was happening."
"But why couldn't we be in the village? You could have kept an eye on everything a lot better that way. You always asked me to meet you on that hill. You...you never asked me to meet you at your hut, or the shrine."
Kikyo frowned slightly, confused, "Well...no."
"Why not?"
"InuYasha...you wouldn't have...gone over very well in the village. The villagers, they wouldn't have understood."
"Wouldn't have understood what?" he asked, softly.
Kikyo was growing a little exasperated, "InuYasha...I was the priestess of the village. They looked to me to guide them...protect them. I couldn't just...be seen having a hanyou visitor. They wouldn't have understood."
InuYasha was silent. He gazed at her, watching her.
From where Sango hid, she couldn't see his face. She had no idea what he was doing, what he was thinking. She could only see Kikyo as she looked up at him.
"You were their Priestess," he said, and his voice was low, and very soft, "If you had shown them I wasn't dangerous, they would have understood that."
"I...InuYasha, why are you suddenly asking me all these things? I couldn't tell them that if I wasn't sure. They expected me to-"
"If you weren't sure?" he suddenly asked.
She looked up at him, quiet. She spoke, "They looked up to me, InuYasha. I protected them from demons. How could I have let them see me with one, as even more than a friend? You're half demon. I couldn't tell them you were harmless if I couldn't be entirely sure. It was better for everyone if we met outside the village. Once we used the Shikon, and you became human, you could have come and lived in the village with me. We would be together." Her voice softened, "And we still can."
She reached up, and ran her fingers through his hair, her voice warm, and soft, "Oh InuYasha."
"Kikyo, I..." his voice was soft, "I'm glad you're alive again. I am. You gave so much to the Shikon...and you died...so...terribly..."
"That's in the past now," she said, smiling.
She watched him, smiling, her face glowing. She reached out, and embraced him, and he slipped his arms around her, and held her.
Sango remained where she was, unable to move. She cursed the Priestess in her mind, but couldn't help thinking that, perhaps it was for the best.
InuYasha closed his eyes, and held her, his mind a chaotic mess. Kikyo was back. She was alive. Her scent was warm, and full and rich.
Kikyo, I...
Her words remained in his head, "I couldn't just be seen having a hanyou visitor. It was better for everyone if we met outside the village. I couldn't tell them you were harmless if I couldn't be entirely sure."
And after that, like a ghost, Kagome's voice.
"You have the best of both worlds, InuYasha. Half demon, half human. There is only one InuYasha in the whole world. You should be proud of who you are. I am."
Kagome didn't prefer him human. She had loved him as he was. She had insisted he go with her, everywhere, and angrilly defended his hanyou status against others.
But she doesn't love me anymore. She has DarkWind. And even once he goes...I don't think I can ever win her back now.
Maybe...I should stay with Kikyo.
He closed his eyes, and felt his heart speaking to him.
"Kikyo..."
"We'll go find a place to live, InuYasha. Far from here. Be together. You can use the Shikon, and...we'll be so happy together."
"Yeah. But I...Kikyo, I...can't."
Kikyo frowned prettily at him, "Can't what?"
His voice was weak, "I...I never thought I'd be hearing myself say this but, I...my...place. It's with Kagome now."
Kikyo blinked, shocked.
She backed up a step, staring at him as if he were some unknown creature, "What?"
InuYasha shook his head, "I'll help you, Kikyo. If you ever need help, I'll be there for you. But I...I'm with Kagome now. My place...is with her."
"You're being insane!" Kikyo said, "Stop talking like this!"
"I'm sorry, Kikyo. I am," he said weakly.
"You love me, InuYasha! You've told me, many times! You love me!"
"I do," he said, faintly, "I did, I-"
"Did?!"
"She needs me, Kikyo. And I need her."
"She's not in love you with you, you fool!" she cried, her face darkening with anger.
"I know," InuYasha croaked, "But that doesn't change how I feel. My place is beside her, now."
"And what about me?" Kikyo cried, angry, "You've just put me aside, is that it? You've replaced me?"
"No," InuYasha said, shaking his head, "No one could ever replace you, Kikyo. I loved you with everything I had. You were everything to me."
"Were." Kikyo hissed.
InuYasha just looked at her, quiet, sad. "I'll help you, anyway you want. If you want to go back to your village, or...or start somewhere new. I promise, I'll help you anyway you need."
"I love you!" Kikyo cried, angry, hurt.
InuYasha nodded, "I know. In your own way, you love me. But I-"
The Priestess' voice was clipped," 'In my own way'? How dare you patronize me! That little bitch turned you against me. I knew this would happen. How quickly you replaced me, casting me aside."
"No," InuYasha said, shaking his head again, "That's not how it is. You loved me, Kikyo, but...you loved me...conditionally. You loved the human part of me. You didn't want to be seen with the hanyou.
But I am hanyou, Kikyo. It's who I am.
Kagome loved me unconditionally. She never cared. She dragged me everywhere she went, and forced people to learn I wasn't dangerous. That I wasn't a monster.
We...were happy together, Kikyo. And I wouldn't change that for anything. I would never give up what we had. Ever. I just...my place...is with her now."
"Oh go then, you fool," Kikyo hissed, "Go be with a woman who doesn't even want you, doesn't love you. You're a fool, an utter idiot.
But tell that little bitch that the Shikon is mine. It comes back to me!"
InuYasha backed away a few steps, but now paused, and shook his head.
"Why would you want it, Kikyo? It brought you nothing but pain. Let someone else look after it now. Live your life free of it."
"I am a Priestess, InuYasha, or have you forgotten? The Shikon is mine. Bring it back to me!"
InuYasha shook his head again, "No, Kikyo. Kagome carries it now. Izumi wanted her to have it, and she uses it. I'm sorry, I-"
"Oh stop saying that, you sound mental! Tell Kagome she has a week before she has to turn it over to me!"
InuYasha watched her, warily, "Kikyo...leave it. Let it go."
"Oh, are you threatening me now?"
"No," InuYasha said, and he turned, walking away, "I won't let her hurt you, Kikyo. I will never let anyone hurt you.
But...I won't let you hurt her either."
Kikyo stood, furious, "Don't you walk away from me! InuYasha! INUYASHA!"
Sango had remained where she was, terrified to move, afraid she was going to be seen. She looked down at Kirara. The little kitten stood, looking up curiously at Sango.
They waited until Kikyo left the area, before slipping back to the hut, and going inside.
******************************************************************
Sango lifted her head, and looked at Kagome.
The other woman was sitting, staring at Sango with wide-eyes, unable to accept what she had just heard. She was pale, and utterly stunned.
Sango looked at DarkWind.
The Kageri was looking quietly at Kagome, feeling the chaotic jumble of emotions that was storming around within her. Kagome literally was speechless.
Sango spoke softly, "Kagome?"
"He...I..." Kagome looked at Sango, "That idiot!"
Sango blinked.
"That moron! Idiot! I can't believe how stupid he was! How can he get dressed in the morning, he's so stupid!?"
And burst into tears, putting her face in her hands.
Sango looked at her, then at DarkWind, "I...don't understand. I thought she'd be happy. Not angry."
"Nushi is angry because she is being attacked by her own emotions. She had finally made up her mind about InuYasha-Warrior, and now he-"
"Now he goes and turns her away!? Is he crazy? What's wrong with him? He has the go-ahead, and he says no?!"
"Kagome-"
"I'm going out of my way to be mean to him!" she said, looking up at Sango, tears in her eyes, "I tried everything to make him just stop loving me, and he won't! I'm actually trying to piss him off, and he still stays with me!"
"Now what am I going to do?" she wailed, "A few months ago I would have been so happy about this! I would have been flying with joy! What do I do, Sango?"
"I don't know, Sister. But I had to let you know."
"Yes, Sango-Beauty," DarkWind nodded, speaking because Kagome couldn't, "You did. And thank you."
Sango sighed sadly.
*******************************************************
Later that day, after supper, Miroku, Shippo, and InuYasha came back. They had been talking lowly amongst themselves, and when they walked in, they saw DarkWind, and stopped.
The Kageri smiled at them, glad to see them.
InuYasha noticed right away that Kagome looked terrible. Her eyes were red, her face pale. Her hands were in fists on her lap.
It was really hurting her, DarkWind leaving. She said it wasn't supposed to hurt that much, but it was obviously hurting her a great deal. He mentally sighed. He'd be glad when DarkWind was gone, yes, but...he hated seeing her so upset.
Kagome looked at DarkWind, and nodded. It was time.
DarkWind stood up, and smiled at them all, "Well. My time here is done, my friends. I must return."
Miroku stepped forward, and looked at the kageri, his normally jovial face serious, and his eyes saddened, "I am sorry to see you go, DarkWind. I'm glad you proved me wrong. And I can never repay you for saving my life...even at the cost of your own. If there were any way I could repair the damage I did-"
"You did no damage, Miroku-Monk. It was not your hand that was raised against me, and I bear you no ill. Remain strong, and strong in your faith. You have a power that is greater than even you know, and your friends all look to you for support. That is your great strength."
The Kageri startled Miroku by stepping forward and suddenly hugging him, thumping him on the back. He said something quietly to Miroku, something only the monk could hear. Miroku looked at him, startled, but nodded, "I'll certainly try, DarkWind."
The Kageri stepped back, smiling, "Good."
Sango stepped forward, and hugged him, starting to cry softly.
"Ahh Sango-Beauty. Do not cry. I am not sad. I gained many friends while I was here, and I would not change that for anything. You, Sango-Beauty, must stop doubting yourself and your own strengths. You are filled with love for your friends, and you are a quiet pillar of resolve for them. When you stand strong, so too, will they."
"I'll miss you," she said softly.
DarkWind smiled, and patted her back gently. He whispered something to her, and she nodded, "I'll try."
DarkWind stepped back from her, smiling at her fondly.
The Kageri turned, and looked down at Shippo.
Who promptly burst into tears.
"Ah, come now," DarkWind laughed, and picked up the kitsune.
"I don't want you to go!" Shippo cried.
"Nonsense! But you have to be strong, Shippo-Child! As the only child here, you are the one who must ensure the others do not lose their way in stuffy, uptight adult things. You must ensure they always make time to laugh, to play, and to enjoy the smaller things in life, like cocoons and candy, yes?"
"I g-guess s-s-so."
"You have a good heart, Shippo-Child. You will grow to be brave and strong, and the name 'Shippo' will be held in high regard among all Kitsune everywhere!"
Shippo sniffled.
DarkWind smiled, and put Shippo down again.
He turned, and looked at InuYasha.
The hanyou turned, side-on to DarkWind, crossing his arms, silent.
Kagome moved, to speak, but DarkWind spoke first.
"We have always been at odds, InuYasha-Warrior. For various reasons. But I have always considered you a friend. Take care of yourself. Your strength will be the foundation for your friends in time to come, physical as well as spiritual."
InuYasha flicked an ear, but said nothing. He didn't know what he could possibly say that wouldn't just get Kagome angry at him. He wouldn't miss the Kageri, pure and simple.
Kagome stood up, and walked to the door, and looked back at the others, "I...I'll be back, in a bit."
"Do you want us to come with you?" Sango asked softly.
"No, thanks," Kagome said softly, "I want to do this alone."
Kagome walked outside, and DarkWind followed.
InuYasha remained where he was, looking towards the door. He listened to Shippo sniffling, listened to Sango trying to comfort the child.
After a few minutes, passed, he turned, moving towards the door, reaching for the door covering.
"Leave them alone," came Sango's voice, stern.
InuYasha didn't turn, but spoke over his shoulder, "I'm going to give them all the privacy they need, Sango. But Kagome's going to want to have someone to walk back with. I'm not leaving her alone."
He moved out, and disappeared from sight.
Kagome and DarkWind walked quietly together. DarkWind wished there was something he could say that would make her feel better about what was going to happen...but he couldn't. He knew her well enough by now to know this was upsetting her very much.
For her part, Kagome seemed nervous as well as saddened, her hands clasped before her, tight. She almost seemed to vibrate in place, there was such a nervous energy coming off of her.
Perhaps it's best if we just do it here, DarkWind thought, and he stopped on the little path, turning to look at her.
Kagome turned, looking up at him, hands clasped before her. Her eyes were so dark.
"This is far enough, I think," DarkWind said gently, "There is no need for you to draw it out, Nushi."
Kagome nodded, looking down at her feet for a moment, before looking up at him.
"Thank you, DarkWind, for everything. You taught me everything I needed to know about the Shikon, and you...you believed in me. Even when I didn't. I don't know if that's a Kageri thing, or a DarkWind thing, but...thank you."
DarkWind smiled down at her, "You are most welcome, Kagome."
He reached out, and gently smoothed her hair, "And please, do not grieve for me. Kageri usually have bad ends. We are usually slain by our master's enemies, or used by our masters and die in the attempt. My ending will be so peaceful and gentle."
Kagome smiled at him, weakly.
DarkWind raised his hand, the cloth gauntlet similar to Miroku's, and the fine chain on his wrist that signified his belonging to Kagome. The chain glinted in the moonlight.
"You must remove your chain, Kagome," he said, softly, "and then mine. You must say, "I release you, DarkWind, from your bonds to me."
Kagome raised her hand, and gently laid hers against his, back of their hands touching. She removed the fine chain around her wrist, and gazed at his.
Quiet, DarkWind raised his hand a little.
Kagome reached out...
And slipped her bracelet onto his wrist, connecting it.
Her voice was clear, "I release you, DarkWind, into your own keeping. As your Master, I absolve you of all servitude, and no other master may place a claim upon you."
DarkWind looked at her, wide-eyed, shocked.
A sudden wind came up around them, encircling them, pulling their hair, their clothing. It set dust and leaves on the path they stood on flying around them, flinging them into the air, to twist and settle, floating. A pale green light seemed to emenate from DarkWind, as if he were glowing faintly.
"K-Kagome?" DarkWind looked at her, eyes so wide, "What have you done?"
"I'm freeing you, DarkWind." There were tears in her eyes, "I can't do this to you. I can't let you just sleep away forever, or end up with a terrible master. I can't. I'm sorry, I know you're going to lose a lot of your powers, but I can't let this happen to you, I can't."
As he stared at her, the black symbol around his eye, the one that resembled the Egyptian Eye of Horus, the one that was broken when he became Broken, seemed to ripple on his skin, and dissolved, vanishing into the air like smoke. His eyes, that deep, reddish-black that always seemed to draw her in, lost their reddish hue, darkening to a deep black, bottomless.
"I...how did you know what to do?" he asked, stunned. They stood, hands clasped, in the middle of the path, "I..."
"I asked Tristar. She was Kageri once, and she had been released. That's...that's what I had to ask her that day. If it could be done. If I could free you. I asked her why you couldn't tell me how to do it, and she said that Kageri are not allowed to even hint there's a way. So I found out from her."
DarkWind looked at her, quietly stunned, unable to speak.
"Are you...ok?" Kagome asked softly, "I mean, Tristar said it...it's frightening when it happens. Because you're power is suddenly halved. And that it will fade over time, even more. Are you ok with it? I didn't know what to do, DarkWind, I didn't know if I should do it or not, I didn't know if you'd be angry or not, but I couldn't let you just vanish, just fade."
DarkWind gazed at her, reaching up and lightly touching the place where his sigil had been. He touched it as if he could somehow feel a difference there.
After a second, he reached out, and lightly touched her hair, "I...am ok. Yes. I am...it...feels so strange. Inside. All my walls, are gone. All my binds, all my...chains. They are gone. But so is much of my power. I...do not know...what I am."
He looked down at her, eyes wide, voice hushed, almost awed, "What am I, Kagome?"
Kagome smiled, tears forming in her eyes, "I don't know. I don't know what you are, that's up to you to decide. You and Tristar."
He looked at her in silence.
"You have to go to her, DarkWind. Or do I call you StrongWind now?"
"But...Kagome. You have given me my freedom. How can I just-"
"Because you can, and because you have to. You loved her when you were new. I asked her if she loved you, and she told me she did. That she loved you so much. She's waiting for you. And you were taken from each other through tradgedy. It's...very similar to what happened between InuYasha and Kikyo. Only as Kageri, you could never be together. Now you can."
"And you?"
"I'll be fine," Kagome smiled, brushing away a tear, "I really will. Because I know you're free now. And happy. But you have to visit. You have to promise to visit us, because the others, Miroku, and Sango, and...and...they're going to be happy you're free now. And they want to see you, too."
DarkWind nodded, and reached out, and took her in his arms, and held her.
"I cannot ever thank you enough, Kagome. You have done more for me in the space of less than a year, than any master has ever done for me in their lifetime. I do not know what I am now, but...as you said...Tristar and I will find out, together."
He looked down at her, smiling gently, "I shall always love you, Kagome. If you are ever in need, you can come to me. I will help you."
"I know," she said softly, "Thank you."
"And you," he said, smoothing back her bangs, "Must now go to InuYasha-Warrior."
"DarkWind, I-"
He spoke, sternly, a tone she had never heard him use with her before, "No Nu- Kagome. Now that I am free... I will speak my mind... and you will listen."
Kagome blinked.
"You love him. It is there, and it has only grown with time. You tried very hard to keep it from happening, but it happened, all the same. Your fear of being hurt was understandable, but I think we have seen...that fear is now unfounded, yes? InuYasha has chosen, and he has chosen you."
"Yeah...but what if he's one of those guys who just chases after the one he can't have, DarkWind? Then what?"
DarkWind smiled, "I think we both know that is not likely to be the case. And if it is...then when you think he is starting to stray, you tell him you no longer love him and drag him back to you again."
Kagome blinked, and laughed, unable to help herself.
"When we kissed," DarkWind said, softly, "I knew there was another in your heart, Kagome. I felt it. Another you were missing. Please. You must stop lying to yourself, and give him one last chance."
Kagome lowered her head, and sighed, deeply.
*********************************************************************
InuYasha stood, his back against a tree, eyes closed. His face looked peaceful, serene. Calm.
But his ears were flat against his head, literally unseen, and he felt like he was going to explode.
He had been close, close enough to hear most of what had been said.
So...DarkWind had been freed. Kagome had freed him.
He was staying.
Perfect.
That bastard. I knew he wouldn't leave. I knew he'd find some way to get her to let him stay. And after I told Kagome I'd keep him safe. For her. So she wouldn't be hurt.
Well that's off, Godsdamnit. I only said that to keep her from being hurt, but if they're not bonded anymore, it won't hurt if anything happens to him.
He clenched his fists, tight.
I am not giving up on you, Kagome. I am not, Godsdamnit.
They had kissed. They had kissed and he hadn't said anything because he was leaving!
He heard her walking along the trail, and her turned, to face her, to face them.
*********************************************************************
Kagome walked along, hands clasped behind her back, humming lightly to herself.
She was sad, but...not as sad as she could have been. She would miss him, yes, very much. But it was so much easier knowing he was happy, and was with someone he loved, and would live a long time, hopefully. A life he should have had.
And he was within visiting distance, after all. DarkWind was going to Tristar, in the village of the hanyou. It wasn't even like she would never see him again.
So she was happy.
A burst of crimson on the path ahead caught her attention, and she looked up, not surprised to see him standing there, back against a tree, looking for all the world like he had just stopped there to have a snack or take a breather.
She smiled, "Hi InuYasha."
"Hey." He watched her, a little warily. Kagome watched him look her over, carefully, look at her face, and then back the way she had come.
"Where's DarkWind?"
Kagome tilted her head, watching him, "What do you mean?"
"Come off it, Kagome," he said, and he sounded angry, "I saw what happened, alright? I know you gave him his freedom. I know he's going to be hanging around now, so where did he go?"
Kagome turned, and started walking along the path again, hands still clasped behind her back. She smiled up at the night sky, "He's gone to be with Tristar."
InuYasha stared at her, at her back, "He WHAT!?"
She turned, grinning at him, "He's gone to be with Tristar."
InuYasha just stared. He couldn't form words.
Part of him wanted to hollar with glee. Good! Good riddance! So long, and stay away!
Part of him was horrified, and indignant.
The latter came out, "You gave him his freedom and he left? What the hell is wrong with him!? That's how he repays you!? He LEAVES?!"
Kagome blinked, "It's ok, InuYasha. I don't mind. I wanted him to go."
InuYasha blinked at her, more and more confused.
"You did?"
Kagome nodded, and turned, starting to walk again. He fell in step beside her.
The night was warm, night birds starting to call back and forth. Lillies from the stream nearby had opened, and their soft fragrance was just noticable in the air. The stars overhead were diamond bright.
"Yeah," she said, "They were both Kageri, and...well...now they're not. They're something else, something new. It sort of seems right that they're together. Besides, they loved each other, so long ago. And they had to be pulled apart. Kind of like...well...you and Kikyo. So it wasn't really fair."
InuYasha stirred, "Listen, Kagome?"
Kagome kept talking, "And I didn't really love him anyway."
InuYasha stopped talking, and looked at her, "You...you didn't?"
Kagome looked at the path ahead, and shook her head, "No. Not like Tristar did, I mean. I talked to her a few days ago. That's how I found out how to free DarkWind. And she told me all about how they had been, and...well. I cared for him, but I didn't love him the way she did."
InuYasha was quiet.
They walked in silence a little farther along.
"Are...are you ok?" he asked, quietly.
Kagome looked at him, confused, and he spoke again, "I mean...it hurt you so much last time. Does it hurt, now that he's gone?"
Kagome smiled, and touched her chest, "It's...a little. It's mostly...weird. I feel sort of empty, but it doesn't ache like it did when Naraku had him. I just feel...a little...hollow."
She laughed, "I suppose having someone in my head and body for several months...you get used to it. Now I can feel the...gap...where he was."
Kagome lowered her arm, "But I'll get used to it."
InuYasha nodded, and walked on. The relief he was feeling, now that DarkWind was gone, and especially since Kagome said she hadn't loved him, left him feeling lighter. Good. That was good.
"Well...I guess...yeah, you'll have to get used to it. And you won't be able to just rely on him a lot if you're in trouble. You're going to have to keep an eye on yourself more now."
InuYasha suddenly realized she had stopped walking beside him, and he turned, looking back.
Kagome stood in the middle of the path, back-on to him, looking back the way they had come. She was still, and quiet.
He stopped, watching her, She misses him. No matter what she says...she misses him. She misses him already.
He remained where he was, looking at her, a sad, sinking feeling in his stomach. He was starting to think...really starting to think...he had lost her. Completely. He would never win her back. All this time had passed...even before DarkWind showed up, she had kept her distance.
Have I lost you completely, Kagome? And if so...what do I do? I can't leave you. I can't.
Her voice was soft, "InuYasha?"
"Yeah?"
"I..." she didn't turn, stood looking back at the spot where DarkWind had stood, "I...I think...I'd like to give us another chance."
InuYasha frowned, "What?"
Kagome turned, looking at him, her arms hanging at her sides. Her eyes were so dark.
"I think I want to give us another try."
InuYasha shook his head, walking towards her, "What do you mean us?"
Kagome nervously smiled, " 'Us' ."
She stood there, and watched him. Watched him look at her, confused. Watched him open his mouth to ask her what the hell she meant.
She literally saw the second it hit him.
His eyes widened, and he took a step towards her, voice weak, "Wh-what? Kagome? What do you mean?"
She looked at him, "I...I wouldn't blame you, at all, if you said no. We've been fighting so much lately, and I haven't exactly shown a very nice side. I was cruel to you, just to hurt you, because I was upset, and that's so bitchy, and-"
"What are you saying, Kagome?!"
She looked at him, eyes wide, "I...I want to try again. I..I'd like that. I mean, I...well...we can't just go back to exactly how it was, you know? I mean...things were sort of...close...and it's been a little while now..."
InuYasha walked towards her, stunned, and stood before her.
She looked up at him, "So we could take it slow, right?"
He nodded, gold eyes wide.
"I mean, it would be weird if we just...sort of...jumped right back in again, after all this time. So...yeah, just..you know...easy. Calm."
"Calm," he nodded, croaking, "Yeah, right. Definately."
"So...I mean...it's ok? You...you still want-"
"Yes."
"Yes?"
"Yes."
"Then...ok," she said, and smiled.
He watched her, "O - ok?"
"Yeah. I guess so."
InuYasha just stood, and looked at her, not knowing what to say, what to do.
Kagome suddenly laughed, and stepped forward, and slipped her arms around him, holding him tight.
He raised his arms, and pulled her tight against him, burying his face in her hair, heart pounding. Was this really happening? Did she really just say...?
He stirred, and spoke, his voice muffled by her hair, "I...I missed..."
Eyes closed, she spoke, "InuYasha?"
His voice was very low, and soft,"I...missed... the smell of your hair."
Kagome smiled, pressing her face against the curve of his neck, and listened to his heart pounding.
There is no way I could have given this up for good. No way.
I don't even know if right now I deserve you, InuYasha, but I'll treat you the way I used to, nicer. I won't be mean to you anymore, not now. I'm not frightened of how I feel you now.
They stayed like that for a little while, and then she stirred, and looked up at him, "We should probably head back. I want to let the others know DarkWind isn't gone."
InuYasha nodded, looking down into her face. He moved to speak, then fell silent.
"What?"
He paused, unsure.
"InuYasha, what?"
"Kagome," he spoke softly, almost a whisper, "Is it ok...can I...can I kiss you?"
Kagome smiled, and tipped her head up, "As often as you want."
InuYasha leaned forward, and kissed her.
It was a very chaste kiss, but full of love. He held her like he was afraid she was going to vanish, or change her mind, and he kissed her like he had never kissed anyone before.
They were together again.
He bent his head until his forehead touched hers, eyes closed, holding her tightly.
"It'll be different this time, I promise," he said softly, "you'll see, I'll make it all up to you, I'll-"
"Shh," she said, "We'll both try harder. Let's go back."
"Yeah."
They turned, and walked back. InuYasha slipped his hand in hers, and moved quietly through the forest, back to Kaede's hut.
InuYasha wanted to just watch her face, but kept his eyes on the path ahead, feeling her fingers entwined in his. A small part of him was frightened this was some sort of dream, that he would wake up, to find DarkWind still around, and Kagome still being distant. But a larger part of him knew. Knew this was real.
As they approached, they saw Miroku, Sango, and Shippo were sitting outside in the warm night air, sitting on the small porch, talking.
Kagome loosened her fingers, so InuYasha could pull back his hand, knowing he was self-conscious...and was surprised when he kept a firm hold.
Miroku and Sango looked up, seeing InuYasha and Kagome. Miroku was about to say something, when his eyes dropped to where they were holding hands. He glanced at Sango, noticed she had noticed it as well, and sat back, watching their faces.
InuYasha gazed back, not saying anything, blushing brightly...but keeping their hands in full view. Kagome looked up at him, and suddenly realized he was looking at Sango and Miroku almost...proudly. He wasn't saying anything...but he was speaking volumns.
I did it. I won. I won a chance. And I'll win that, too.
"Well," the monk said, smiling, "Congratulations, you two. I hope this one manages to stick, hmmm?"
"Miroku!" Sango laughed, and looked at Kagome. She spoke softly, "Are you ok, Kagome?"
"I'm fine," Kagome smiled, "And DarkWind isn't gone."
Miroku, Sango, and Shippo blinked.
Kagome laughed, feeling better than she had in months.
She sat beside Sango, tugging InuYasha down to sit next to her, and started explaining to her friends how everything had worked out, just right. The way it should have always been.
END