When Hearts Collide

Chapter 11

It had been a week since Inuyasha had left the village in search of Kikyou. There was no question that he would find the woman. Anyone who knew him always knew he and Kikyou somehow found each other - no matter how far apart they were. Yet was Kagome worried about what would become of them after they finally came face to face with each other three years later? No. Well, okay, not really. Even though in the end Inuyasha had chosen to be with Kagome, she couldn't help but let her mind drift a little into familiar thoughts. Those were thoughts of which she had experienced all too well when the half demon was indecisive about the two woman at one point. It wasn't exactly a fun feeling by any means. And yet Kagome could do nothing. Not because she couldn't go out and venture after Inuyasha, but rather because this village needed her - even though she was desperately weakened by that demon.

The feeling of what he did to her was indescribable. She could try and explain it as she may, lord knows she had done that already after the incident but no one would be able to truly understand it. No one but Kikyou would be able to understand; if she was unfortunate enough to go through such an ordeal. But knowing Akuma planned to come back for Kagome at some point had her on edge. Her sleeping pattern was an absolute mess. She would continue waking up in the middle of the night or just simply couldn't get to sleep in fear Akuma would show up at any time. Kagome needed to be on her A-Game when he showed his ugly face to her again. And because of that, she needed to find a place of focus and allow herself to relax.

Kagome had tried a few meditation techniques with her monk friend Miroku to no avail. Even just having a little time away from the village with her demon slayer friend Sango didn't cut it. Kagome found herself in a constant worry which everyone seemed to notice. The only thing that would bring her a sense of ease would in fact be Inuyasha. Yet Kagome knew very well that he wouldn't be back until he saw that Kikyou was safe. As sad as it was, because in retrospect he should have been here with Kagome since they were together, not with Kikyou - a woman he also loved but said goodbye to since he chose Kagome. But honestly what was she going to say? That she didn't want him to leave? That she wanted him to stay here and protect her and leave Kikyou be? Yeah right. Like that would ever work on Inuyasha. If anything, it would just cause an argument and make him take his sweet time returning back home. And yet Kagome said nothing and let him go off on his merry little way. That just wasn't the person she was. She wasn't the kind to tell someone to stay and protect her and let someone else potentially die when someone had the ability to save another. After all Kagome was a priestess. And as a priestess, the job entailed being selfless and putting others before all honesty, being a priestess wasn't the easiest job in the world as much as she though it to be. There were many challenges Kagome had to overcome and learn from. It was just a good thing Kaede was here to help Kagome out at the best of times and train her. But it was a rewarding job all on it's own. Knowing she had the ability to help heal people, protect them and make them smile was a feeling like no other. However right now Kagome was in a state of weakness.

Even though Kagome was fairly strong on her own, just knowing Inuyasha was here at her side always made her feel better. He would always be here to protect her and this village. But right now she felt a sense of loneliness and felt lost without the half demon. She also couldn't help but wonder if this was how Kikyou felt all those times - and if she felt this way for the past three years? The mere thought of that woman made Kagome angrily shake her head as she balled her hands into fists and stopped in her tracks.

"Urgh. What's wrong with me? Why should I care if that's how Kikyou felt or not?"

The young woman questioned herself as she lifted her troubled brown eyes from the ground and oversaw the village from the hill she was stood on. She wore the traditional robes of a priestess along with her hair tied back in the ceremonial way with the white ribbon. It was certainly a change from her green and white school uniform she used to wear. She remembered whenever she showed up in that attire to any village, there were assumptions she was some sort of demon in disguise. But things were different now and Kagome most certainly fit in within this village.

As brave a face as Kagome put on for the people around her, it was certainly the opposite of how she felt on the inside. On the inside she was a complete stress ball. Not only did she have herself to worry about, but there was Inuyasha and Kikyou. There was no given time frame as to when Inuyasha would be back or even where he was, so that left Kagome only to cross her fingers and hope for the best. Besides, she had her own inner struggles to deal with that Inuyasha didn't even know about because he took off in such a hurry.

There was a good amount of the female's spiritual powers that had been taken. So this meant she was only at half her strength. Granted her senses were still working as good as ever, but when it came to firing off her arrows, there wasn't near enough power in the shots as there should be. There was also the more disturbing feeling of what Akuma did to her. She involuntarily placed a hand to the back of her neck with a small sigh and closed her eyes. There was a darkness scratching at her soul. An evil of some kind. That was the thing she couldn't explain to everyone. They could nod their heads or pretend to understand, but they really wouldn't. Everyone had a darkness though. Everyone had their own inner demons. And what Akuma touched was something Kagome had done well to suppress - her envy and jealousy. For Kikyou and her relationship with Inuyasha. He just scratched it open inch by inch when he was taking a look in to her soul and memories, no doubt looking for Kikyou. Even though Kagome didn't know the woman's whereabouts, Akuma peered enough in to Kagome to know some of her memories about Kikyou and her feelings towards the woman and what she was capable of.

"Kagome? Is everything alright?"

A woman's voice sounded from behind her - Sango. Kagome's eyes opened and she removed her hand from her neck and turned to look at Sango while plastering on her fake happy face and smile.

"Oh yeah, I'm totally fine Sango. Just getting some fresh air."

She replied in a chipper voice, but Sango wasn't buying it. Her expression remained neutral as she approached her friend and put a gentle hand on her shoulder. Sango was just as intuitive, especially when it came to her friends.

"It's just me here you know. And I know after being with you for so long that you're definitely not fine Kagome. So talk to me, what's going on?"

And just like that, the happy face Kagome had plastered on disappeared in to her more tired and worried one before looking away. It was hard to keep that façade when someone who knew you so well was able to call you out on it. Naturally though, it was enough for Sango, Miroku and even Kaede to see what was mostly eating away at the young and troubled girl.

"You're worried about Inuyasha, aren't you?"

It was an educated guess on the demon slayer's behalf but she was certain that was the main reason. And seeing Kagome slowly nod her head, Sango removed her hand and stood next to her friend.

"He'll be back, just you wait and see."

She tried to reasure her. But that was also a fact. Inuyasha would be back eventually. Granted having Kikyou in the picture was another thing that Sango had caught on to - even before Kagome started to speak.

"I know he will. He just might not be in a rush now since it's Kikyou he's protecting."

Yup. Sango's observational thoughts were definitely spot on. But she assumed the way Kagome was feeling couldn't be helped. That whole love triangle thing between those three took it's toll on poor Kagome. But things were finally good between her friend and Inuyasha that she hoped to god the half demon didn't ruin what he had. After all, Kagome gave up her life to be with him and Kikyou was one of the dead. Inuyasha couldn't possibly hope to see any kind of future with a dead woman. So really, the decision should have been fairly simple ages ago. Yet men were just.. Men. You couldn't always expect the best from them. Sango knew that better then anyone considering she was with who used to be; a very lecherous and perverted monk. But now he was just an amazing father and husband to her and their children. Miroku had certainly changed his tune over the years - granted he was still perverted when it came to his wife. He just didn't ask every woman to bare his child now - especially when he had children of his own now.

Now as much as Sango didn't want to see it, or the glimpses she got, she felt as if the relationship with Kagome and Inuyasha was almost teetering if you will. Perhaps she was even reading too much in to it which is what she completely hoped for. There was no question that Kagome was completely in with this relationship but as of lately Sango swore she noticed Inuyasha being a little off. Who knows, maybe they were even in some sort of fight which wasn't a far stretch. Honestly though, Sango couldn't judge this relationship as it was not her own and she only wished the best for her best friend. Kagome absolutely deserved love and happiness. Which is why at this point in time she thought the two of them would at least be married by now. Sure there was the whole rule about a priestess not being allowed to fall in love and to serve her duty to her village, but that was ludicrous. Times were changing and even Kaede gave Inuyasha and Kagome her blessing to be together - So what was stopping them?

The demon slayer shook her head, more so to get rid of her thoughts and out of her head, but also in response to Kagome's words.

"That's not true. He loves you Kagome. Just you wait, he will be back as soon as he can. He chose you after all, not Kikyou. He wants to be with you Kagome."

The woman tried to reassure her friend and put on a friendly smile. Kagome cast her eyes over at Sango and knew very well what she was trying to do. Maybe Kagome was just being too paranoid. Maybe she just needed to be more confident and have faith in Inuyasha. They loved each other after all. And Sango was right. Inuyasha did choose her and not Kikyou, so that surely spoke volumes considering the relationships between Inuyasha, Kikyou and Kagome.

What Kagome needed to do was get out of her damn head. Everything would be fine. In the meantime, she just needed to focus on protecting this village with what power she had left.

"You're right. I think I'm just being silly and overrecting."

Kagome brushed her insecurities off with a nervous laugh. She couldn't help it. That nervous laugh was almost her go to. She just didn't want to talk about all this right now when she was already uneasy. If anything, Kagome felt like all she was doing was trying to hold it together when all she really wanted to do was just break down. It would be so much easier then this…

There was something looming in the very distant, something watching the two females. But being so immersed in their conversation, the being managed to sneak up on the women much closer then he anticipated. If anything, the priestess Kagome should have sensed something off the moment she stood looking off in a daze. However, that was due to the conversation the women were having and the fact that Kagome's powers were not at their peak. She was drained from what Akuma had done in stealing her energy. She would not easily recover what was stolen from her and she certainly was not a threat in the demon's eyes. Her energy was delicious, but not as mouth watering as that dead priestess. She was more gifted. But the feelings of doubt, envy and jealousy still tasted just as scrumptious. Kagome's life force was indeed worth taking, but Akuma had much bigger plans in store for this little trio. Unfortunately Kagome was just going to be collateral damage in the matter, but as long as he enjoyed himself, Akuma didn't see the harm in toying about with her when it got him what he wanted.

It seemed though that he was getting too close to them because he suddenly saw the other woman named Sango look in his direction as she threw her weapon towards him. This caused him to jump from his position and reveal himself before landing a few feet away from the two women. A smirk licked his lips as he couldn't help but chuckle at their bewildered forms.

"I am surprised you did not sense me priestess. That's very disappointing considering I could have attacked your little village without you knowing."

Kagome couldn't help the scowl that took over her features as she picked her bow up from the ground and grabbed an arrow from the quiver slung around her back. She notched the arrow in the appropriate position and aimed it towards the demon. He in return to her gesture waved his hands in surrender.

"Oh please don't hurt me.. Well, not that you could."

He mocked her, then added with a chuckle; obviously testing her. It worked though. Because Kagome launched her arrow at him and he caught it. There was a small electrifying zap he still felt when he touched it. He crushed the arrow in his hand and lowered his hands to his sides.

"Is that really the best you got? Even Kikyou put up more of a fight then this. At least those two fools managed a scratch on me."

Akuma let slip, but more in a taunting manner. This alone raised the curiousness of both Kagome and Sango as they looked at him with their large brown eyes.

"You mean you found Kikyou and Inuyasha?"

Questioned Sango, somewhat in disbelief. Apart of her didn't imagine Inuyasha would find Kikyou considering she promised to hide herself away from them all - especially Inuyasha. But then again, it was Inuyasha. If Kikyou was involved and her life was on the line, of course he would find her. Sango's eyes briefly shifted to Kagome who pulled another arrow from her quiver and notched it in her bow aimed towards the demon once more. Sango couldn't read her eyes from this angle, but Kagome wasn't exactly a master at hiding her facial expressions.

"Tell me what you did to them. Otherwise I'll fire off another one. And this time you won't be so lucky."

She threatened, ready to let go of her arrow at any second. Akuma had found them. And now Kagome was fearful of what he did to Inuyasha - even Kikyou for the matter. Kikyou was clearly who he was after but Inuyasha could be considered collateral in that math.

"Oh take it easy there. They're both still alive.. For now."

He indicated with a smirk.

"Then why are you here?"

Asked Sango, readying her Hiraikotsu.

"A great question dear. I'm simply here to take Kagome hostage in exchange for Kikyou's life. Simple."

Simple he said. Both Kagome and Sango exchanged looks with one another before turning their eyes back to the demon before them.

"If you think that's happening then forget it."

"Oh but I know it's going to happen. You both are much too weak to do anything to stop me. Not to mention you are dying to see your beloved half demon.. Or perhaps he's the other priestess' beloved. The relationship between you three is very questionable I must say."

He observed, clearly taunting them - especially Kagome. However it was working with Kagome. After having a taste of her energy, Akuma at this moment could feel the things she was feeling. It was a mix of all those insecure feelings that read she did want to be captured. She wanted to see that half demon. She wanted to know what was going on between him and his former flame. So really, who was Akuma to deny such a pretty girl a simple request? He just needed to replenish himself and he could certainly do that with Kagome since he needed her soul as well considering it was joined with Kikyou's.

He began to walk towards the priestess.

"Stay back!"

Ordered Kagome. He did no such thing as he slinked towards her like the cunning demon he was.

Sango was taking no chances however as she threw her weapon at him again. This time it went through Akuma. He outstretched his hand towards her and then snapped his fingers. Sango fell to the ground unconscious which grabbed Kagome's attention.

"Sango!"

"Don't worry she's not dead. And she still has her soul. She's merely having a little nap so we can chat."

Instructed Akuma.

"And just what exactly do you want to chat about?"

She asked, keeping her composure and shifting her eyes away from her friend who was laying on the ground. Her interest was peaked and that was exactly what he wanted which had him smiling devilishly.

"Why don't you put down your little weapon. We both know you don't have the strength to wound me."

"Go ahead and underestimate me."

Kagome challenged him with a fierceness in her eyes. Just to test her, Akuma stepped closer to her where her arrow pointed at his heart. Not that it did any good. He stepped right through it. Kagome blinked in surprise before shaking her head. Yet she still did not lower her weapon.

"If you insist."

Akuma said with a shrug. If it made her feel better to show whatever power she had then fine. He would entertain the young girl. An arrow through his body was something he could easily deal with.

"Tell me what you did to Inuyasha and Kikyou."

"Nothing that I didn't already do here. But they were more of a challenge - Which is why I'm here. For if I have you with me dear Kagome, those two will think twice about their actions."

"We've faced stronger enemies then you before, we will find a way to take you down too."

This made him laugh.

"You go on and think that dear. But we both know you secretly want me to get rid of that priestess for you so your little half demon won't have second thoughts."

He taunted her with a mischievous gleam to his red eyes, only highlighting the evil to them. Even without touching her soul, Akuma could see into this woman's heart. Taking advantage of her stunned look, he reached around to the back of her neck where he still felt the puncture of his nails there and lent his lips to her ear.

"I can see and feel your thoughts Kagome. You envy that dead woman still."

He whispered to her. Kagome flinched at his mere breath touching against her skin. It sent an unpleasant shiver up her spine and had her flinching away. When he said he could see and feel her thoughts, it made her feel violated. Just like when he took her energy and touched her soul. It felt like that. Perhaps that was one of the things he was capable of in getting close to someone like that. For if that was the case, it was no wonder he would know that little triangle she was in with Inuyasha and Kikyou. Or rather, what she hoped wasn't a triangle anymore. But Akuma was doing things to provoke her. As such, it stirred things within her soul. Things which Kagome wanted to repress and yet it just wasn't working now. Did Kagome envy Kikyou? Yes. That much she could admit. But did she hate Kikyou? No. She didn't actually. She was jealous of the woman sure, because no matter what, she would always have a special place in Inuyasha's heart that Kagome would never be able to replace. They were feelings the young woman had came to terms with and acknowledged to an extent.

This is why she would not let Akuma turn her against Kikyou, nor Inuyasha for the matter. Kagome shut her eyes and shoved the demon away from her while dropping her weapon in the process. She damn well would not be manipulated!

"No! I know what you're doing and I won't turn on her!"

She declared and opened her eyes once more. Just as Kagome bent down to get her weapon, Akuma was in front of her within a instant and had embedded his nails into the back of her neck - replicating the same spot.

"Tsk Tsk. If only you did things the easy way."

He shook his head with a grin before hearing her scream. Oh that sweet sound. Kagome's spiritual energy once again flowed through him; along with her inner kept feelings and thoughts. Even at this very moment the girl was lying to herself in thinking Inuyasha was not getting cosy with his former flame. But if she wanted to be in denial then so be it, Akuma wasn't concerned in the slightest. The poor girl grew faint and collapsed forward - thus falling into Akuma. It was only when she was unconscious did he remove his nails from her neck to catch her. He chuckled at the weakened state of the human girl and hoisted her up into his arms where he cradled her body to his chest with a smirk. Things were definitely getting interesting now.

/ AN: Hey everyone! I'm so sorry for the delay in posting! I am always so busy with work in the summer and other such things in life. But I will be sure to always get a chapter up for this story as soon as possible! (: Well, it appears things went sideways for Kagome so stay tuned to see what will happen! Happy reading my lovlies! Until next time. XO /