The Power of Fate
By spyrofate
Disclaimer: No I don't own Inuyasha or any of the characters!!
Dedications:
Crolynx: Told you that last update would be quick, but for this one, I needed reviews which I got so... here's the 2nd part. LOL. What made you think I would give you Natsaru's real purpose in this story?!! I have plans for him, and yes, hery! lol. But if I just flat out told everyone what that plan was, you'd know what to expect now, wouldn't you? lol. I can't do that!! You want to know what happens with him...figure it out if you can, only time will tell if you're right! lol. Oh well, here's the next update. ENJOY and KEEP REVIEWING!!! Yours are fun to read. lol.
Midnights: Hello there! You're a new reviewer and an interesting one at that!! lol. Glad you like how it's turning out!! As for your Yami side, keep 'em on a leash! lol. I hope I can continue to keep you interested! Thanks for the review and I hope to hear more from you later!! Enjoy this chapter....BOTH OF YOU!!! lol.
And of course, my good friend...Chichiri-sama: AAHH!! (Pulls out Soul Reaver and readies self) Stay back....stay back...........AHH!!! OK! OK! HERE YOU GO!! As always...ENJOY!!! lol.
And my best friend, and yes, my inspiration...Kenuyasha: best friend, and yes, my inspiration...Kenuyasha: It has been a while, and I've definitely enjoyed your story, and I think I've got everything figured out about Kagome's surprise. EXCELLENT WORK!!! I'm glad you've enjoyed my story and DON'T WORRY...I have plans for Natsaru, but you'll have to wait and see to find out. lol. Yes, as a matter of fact, you ARE the one who inspired me to write my own. I only hope I can make it as good as yours. Reviews have been slow, but like i said, I'm not one to give up easily. lol. Enjoy this chapter, it goes out to you and your AMAZING work!!!
Ok....on to the story!!
Chapter 14: Questions and Answers
Sesshomaru and Kikyou stood there in silence, matching each other's glares. Black soul collectors swirled around both the miko and youkai.
"The Tetsusaiga." Sesshomaru said.
"You've sought that sword long enough. I'm here to help you claim what's rightfully yours." Kikyou said.
Sesshomaru stared at the miko in interest and caution.
"Tell me miko, what do you know of the Tetsusaiga?" Sesshomaru said.
"A valient weapon, forged from your father's own fang, capable of destroying a hundred demons in one sweep." Kikyou replied.
"If you know that much, then you must also know why I have no use for the Tetsusaiga." Sesshomaru said coldly.
Kikyou stared at the youkai in confusion as he spoke.
"I have no interest in possessing a blade I can not wield. Do not waste my time with such an offer again."
Kikyou grinned evily at Sesshomaru and bowed respectfully to him. "Forgive me, I see you have no wish to help me kill Inuyasha then." she said.
Sesshomaru glared at Kikyou in disgust. "You have your answer, miko. Now...get out of my sight, my patience with you is wearing thin." he said as he reached for Tokijin and gripped the hilt.
Kikyou raised from her bowing position, still grinning at the youkai. "As you wish."
Her soul gatherers then surrounded the miko, raising her high off the ground. Kikyou glared down at the demon lord.
'Don't think this is over, Sesshomaru...I'm not done with you just yet.' she thought to herself. Her soul collectors lifted the miko until she was out of sight.
Jaken watched as Kikyou disappeared along with her soul collectors and ran over to his master's side.
"Lord Sesshomaru, who was that wench, my lord? What could a human like her possibly want with you?" He asked.
Sesshomaru did not respond. He stared up into the night's sky with those cold, emotionless amber orbs. Jaken's face suddenly turned to fear and he began bowing apologetically to Sesshomaru.
"Err...not that it's any of my buisness, my lord! I just find it strange that a human woman would find any interest in someone as important as you is all!" he said quickly.
Sesshomaru still remained silent, lost in his thoughts.
'That woman's hatred runs deep. What business does she have with that half-breed, I wonder." he thought to himself.
Jaken trembled at his master's silence. "Please forgive me for even asking, my lord!" he pleaded.
Sesshomaru turned and began walking away from the toad youkai that grovelled at his feet.
"Err...Lord...Sesshomaru?" Jaken asked.
"We're leaving. Rin." Sesshomaru said.
"Yes my lord." Rin said happily, skipping up to Sesshomaru's side.
Jaken watched dumbfoundedly as Sesshomaru strode away with Rin. Realizing he was being left behind, the toad youkai rushed to catch up. "Lord Sesshomaru, wait for me!"
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Inuyasha, Miroku, and Shippo watched as Kagome and Sango prepared everyone's dinner.
"Ok, it's ready." Kagome said cheerfully.
"Feh. 'bout time." Inuyasha said.
"Oh come on, it didn't take that long." Kagome said as she handed Inuyasha a bowl of Ramen. He immediately began downing his meal rapidly. Kagome just smiled as she sat next to him with her own.
"Here you go, Miroku." Sango said as she handed Miroku his bowl.
"Thank you."
Miroku suddenly dropped his bowl and gripped his hand in pain.
"Miroku!" Sango shouted as she rushed to his side.
"Miroku, are you alright?" Kagome asked in worry.
"What the hell's the matter with you, monk?" Inuyasha asked in a rough tone.
The houshi regained his composure, still gripping his hand. "It's nothing, the Wind Tunnel is just making its adjustments in my hand."
"Adjustments?" Kagome asked.
"When I first recieved the Wind Tunnel after my father was sucked in, I could feel the void twisting and turning, adjusting to the size of my hand. Only..." he trailed off.
"Only what?" Inuyasha asked.
"Only... the pain is much greater from what I remember. The Wind Tunnel is much stronger than before." Miroku stated as Sango sat next to him, listening to his explaination.
"Is there anything we can do to help?" Sango asked. It was obvious to everyone she was concerned about the houshi.
"I'm afraid there's not much that can be done. I just need a quiet place to sit down and meditate." he said as he stood up and began to walk away from the group.
Sango looked on in worry and decided to follow after him.
Inuyasha and Kagome watched as Sango chased after Miroku.
"Poor Miroku." Kagome said.
"Yeah. He finally gets rid of that damn thing, only to have it come back even stronger." Inuyasha said as he slurpped down the rest of his ramen.
"Do you think his life's been shortened again?" Kagome asked as she worried about the houshi.
"Feh. More than likely." Inuyasha said.
Kagome looked sadly toward the ground. "I can't help but think that this is partly our fault."
"What do you mean?" Inuyasha asked.
"Kikyou's only doing this to get back at us. No else should have to be involved, and now Miroku's life is in danger again. If anything happens to him, I'll never be able to look Sango in the eye again." Kagome said sadly.
"Nothing's going to happen. If Naraku's alive, then I'll just kill him again." Inuyasha said.
"But we don't even know how long Miroku's got left to live! What if he gets sucked in tomorrow?! I don't want to be resposible for Miroku's death!" Kagome shouted as tears began to spill from her eyes.
Inuyasha caught the smell of salty tears. A smell he despised more than anything. A low growl etched his throat as he heard Kagome begin to sob.
'Damn you, Kikyou.' he thought.
Inuyasha then slowly inched himself closer to Kagome. He gently placed his hands on her shoulders and turned her so she was facing him.
"Kagome..." he whispered softly.
Kagome briefly stopped crying, and stared up into Inuyasha's golden orbs. Inuyasha stared warmly at the miko before he slowly lowered his head and brushed his lips against hers in a soft, passionate kiss. Kagome didn't take long to respond to his kiss and felt a comforting warmth wash over her. Inuyasha slowly wrapped his arms around her waist and held her firmly to him as he deepened the kiss. Kagome proceeded to wrap her arms around his neck, bringing him closer to her as they explored the inside of each others' mouths. They soon broke for air and locked eyes with one another, once again losing themselves in each others' beauty. Kagome felt her worry begin to wash away as the hanyou held her, when Inuyasha suddenly embraced her tightly.
"I promise, I won't let that happen." he whispered softly to her ear. "I won't let Kikyou or Naraku harm any of you. Not Miroku, not Sango, not Shippo,... and especially not you." he said as he nuzzled into her neck, tightening his grip around the young miko.
Kagome could no longer fear for Miroku's life, she trusted Inuyasha with all her heart and convinced herself that he would find a way to save him. He had saved her so many times before, she knew he was not about to lose one of his best and closest friends.
"Thank you, Inuyasha." Kagome whispered sweetly as she relaxed into his arms, feeling there was no other place safer than where she was at that moment.
"Are....you two done yet?" a high and young voice asked.
Inuyasha and Kagome shot away from each other in shock and looked over to see Shippo staring at them with large, green eyes. Inuyasha and Kagome were blushing furiously, but the kitsune didn't seem to mind what they had done.
'What's their problem? It's not like I haven't them kiss before.' Shippo thought to himself.
"W..Why do you ask?" Kagome asked nervously. She could hardly believe Shippo had just seen them swap tongues. She prayed he didn't know how deep their kiss had went.
"You little runt, don't scare us like that ever again!!" Inuyasha shouted and looked as if he were ready to charge at the kitsune.
Shippo began to tremble at Inuyasha's tone and knew he needed an excuse for interrupting their little...moment. "I...I was just wondering, Inuyasha, honest! I'm just a little tired and was wondering if I could go to sleep now." he said waving his hands in defense.
"Feh. No one's stopping you." Inuyasha said as he sat back down and tucked his hands in the sleeves of his haori.
"Great!" Shippo exclaimed as he ran and leaped up into Kagome's arms.
"Hey!" Inuyasha protested. "What do you think you're doing?"
"I always sleep with Kagome." Shippo exclaimed.
"Well, not tonight you're not!" Inuyasha growled and he made a move to rip Shippo away from the miko, but before he could grab the kitsune's tail...
"Sit!!!"
The rosary around the hanyou's neck lit up and he was slammed face first, into the ground with a THUD!
Shippo curled himself into Kagome's lap and fell asleep quickly. Inuyasha shot his head up after the spell had worn off.
"What'd you do that for?!" Inuyasha shouted.
Kagome motioned for Inuyasha to shush, knowing the kitsune was already asleep.
"It's ok. Just let him sleep with me for tonight and I promise I'll make it up to you." Kagome said as she smiled sweetly at the hanyou.
Inuyasha's expression softened a bit when he saw Kagome smile at him and he suddenly became relaxed.
"Feh. Fine. But this better not be every night." he said.
"It won't." Kagome assured him as she stroked the kitsune that snored in her lap.
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Miroku sat Indian-style in a small, grassy area. Concentrating hard on his surroundings, listening to the gentle howl of the wind and the soft rushing of the river before him. He sat there with his eyes closed when he suddenly felt a painful jolt shoot through his hand again. Miroku was brought out of his peaceful state as he favored his hand.
'Damn this thing. It's so much stronger than before and it may have shortened my life even further. I could have many years left, but on the other hand, I could have days.' he thought to himself.
He heard a small rustling in the bushes behind him and he tensed up, not ready for any kind of battle.
"Who goes there?" he asked.
Sango suddenly emerged from the forest. "It's me."
"Sango? What are you doing here?" Miroku asked.
"I...I was worried about you and came to see if you were alright." She said shyly.
"You...were worried about me?" Miroku asked in disbelief.
Sango felt a blush tint her face and she nodded dumbfoundedly.
Miroku smiled warmly at the taiyokai and motioned for her to sit next to him, by patting the ground. Sango hestitated for a moment but eventually sat down next to the houshi. She watched as Miroku stared off into the distance, listening to the sound of the river flow. She attempted to stare with him when Miroku suddenly broke the silence.
"Sango, I must thank you." He said.
Sango looked at him curiously. "For what?"
"For saving my life." he said in serious tone. "If not for you, I wouldn't even be sitting here right now." he said as he directed his gaze at the taiyokai.
Sango blushed as she stared into his eyes and felt her heart begin to flutter. She quickly directed her gaze toward the ground.
"Oh...you're welcome." She said.
Miroku then placed his hand on top of hers and gripped it firmly. Sango stared at the houshi as her face became completely flushed.
"Sango, you've done so much for me, and it seems the only thing I've done to repay you is grope you haven't I?" Miroku said softly.
Sango felt her heart pound rapidly in her chest.
'W..What is he saying?' she thought to herself.
Miroku then inched his face toward Sango's.
"So...let's try this." he whispered softly and suddenly brushed his lips against hers. Catching Sango completely by surprise, but she made no attempt to push away. She could feel her heart flip and pound at his touch. She then returned the kiss, feeling it was the only right thing to do. Miroku soon broke away for air and Sango stared into his eyes, wishing the moment would last forever. She suddenly stood up and turned away from him.
"Ok that does it, Miroku!" She said quickly.
Miroku glanced up at her in confusion, thinking he had greatly offended her.
"I have to tell you." Sango said.
Miroku stared at the taiyokai. "Tell me what, Sango?"
Even though Miroku could only see her back, he could tell she was blushing by the way she stood.
"I...I...I love you!" Sango shouted as quickly as possible.
Miroku's eyes widened for a moment, but soon softened as he stood up and turned Sango to face him. He smiled lovingly at her.
"And I you." He said softly.
Sango's smiled at his words and felt him brush his lips against hers once again, only this time, Sango made no hesitation to respond. They stayed like that for a moment before breaking for air.
"Sango...will you do me the honor of bearing my children?" Miroku asked in a soft, compassionate tone.
Sango merely smiled and rested her head in his chest. "Yes. I will." she replied softly as Miroku held her firmly.
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Kikyou wandered the forest with her soul collectors close by, until she reached a clearing and stared ahead at Naraku's newly built castle. Kikyou dismissed her soul collectors and proceeded to walk through the barrier that had been erected over the castle. She made her way up the staircase and as she reentered the castle, her eyes widened a bit. She looked over to see Naraku, still sitting in his usual position. Naraku then glanced over at the miko and grinned evily. Kikyou stared in amazment as a bright purple aura surrounded the youkai, causing him to shimmer with power.
'Naraku has gained far more power than I had anticipated.' she thought to herself.
Naraku continued to grin at the miko. He could tell by her expression that she was both impressed...and worried. He chuckled at her and broke the silence between them.
"No luck, I see." He said.
Kikyou's expression hardened and she glared at the youkai. She pretended to be unfased by Naraku's newly found demon strength and approached him arrogantly.
"Never mind that, I have a mission for you." She said coldly.
Naraku merely chuckled again.
"Oh, and what might that be?" He asked.
'Perhaps reviving this youkai....was a mistake.' Kikyou thought to herself.
(A/N: Another chapter up!! Sorry this one took a little longer, but...like i said SUCKS!!! lol. Well...please R&R if you want to know what happens next. I'm going to tell you much, but I will say...NATSARU APPEARS SOON!!! lol. So please review if you want to find out what happens! lol. Until then......)