The Power of Fate

By: Spyrofate

Dedications:

SimonkalofInuy: You liked that last line, did you? Well, then you'll be happy to know that there's still a lot more left for this demon. Only way to find out what they are...is to keep reading! Thank you for welcoming me back, yes I know it's been awhile, but...like I said I'm not stopping until this fic is complete! I appreciate you for sticking with me all this time, so I'm dedicating this chapter to you. Enjoy!

inuyasharox194: Why thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed that chapter, and I hope you'll enjoy this one.

XxBeautifulDisasterxX: Wish granted...here's your update! Enjoy and thanks for the review!

I thank all of you who still continue to read this fic, even if you don't review, I have a feeling that if I stop now I'll be disappointing a lot of you. With that theory being said...

Let the story continue...with this

Chapter 35: Open Eyes, Closed Heart

He could feel his body throbbing in agony, every bone still intact, but he knew he was not completely alright as he could still feel hundreds of pounds of pressure pressing down on him. He was trapped, as he opened his eyes he could see nothing but darkness and the smell of dust and soil filled his nose.

'Am I dead?'

He didn't know. His whole body was numb and darkness was everywhere. He felt as if he hadn't eaten or drank anything in years. His throat was parched, his stomach growling, did it matter? If he was indeed dead, then this would only be the beginning of his torture, but...no. He could feel it...underneath the all the pressure and the pain swelling through his body he could feel it...the beat of his heart, pounding lightly against his chest. He was alive...alive, but trapped.

'Where am I?'

He tried to lift his head, but in a split second, pain took him again. His body telling him it won't move, there was too much pain. This pain was nothing to him...he was tired, thirsty, and a hunger beyond imagination that he would suffice with a human if he had to! No...he wouldn't do that...she meant too much to him to do such a thing. What would she think of him? The thought alone brought him more pain and pressure than whatever it was that was holding him down. He couldn't move...could barely breathe as the dust surrounding him filled every inch of his nostrils, yet somehow...he had to get out. He'd been in worse situations and survived...he had to survive this one as well...if for nothing else than to see her face again!

'Still...she's made her decision. I have no place in her heart. Her love...can never be mine.'

Suddenly he felt content to just stay there, trapped. Maybe he would go back to sleep, and wake up in a place more peaceful. Better to have his heart crushed underneath this weight, than the weight of her words.

"Kagome..."

He could barely hear his own voice, his mouth filled with dirt and his throat so dry it might as well have been a whisper. No. Even though he knew the truth, he still had to live! He began to shift his arms around, trying to bring them closer to his body. It felt as if he were being stabbed over and over again mercilessly...it was hell!

'No...this is nothing! I'm stronger than this!'

He would get out of this, he had to! These were nothing but flesh wounds! He continued to manuever his arms around, pulling his wrists and fingers out of the stone walls collapsed on him.

'There we go...come on. Just a little further.'

He was doing it! Although it might be less painful to just tear his own arms off, but still...he would get through this yet! He had to! At last, he could feel his hands touch his body again. Despite his agony, he positioned his hands to where they met his shoulders. Now...all he needed was strength. He wasn't sure how much he had left, he was so weak, so tired...

Still...he could do this, he knew he could.

'Alright...get out. Just don't think about anything else. Just get out of here.'

He began to push himself up, trying to overcome the pressure being applied to his back. Man, did this hurt! Still, he had to keep going, he would not give up! He would never give up! Grinding his fangs together he continued to fight against his pain and could feel the wall that had fallen on him begin to succumb to his strength! He was winning! He would survive!

'Almost there...keep pushing! Come on!'

His confidence in himself began to build as he could feel air begin to flow under his legs. His muscles throbbed constantly, telling him to stop, it was too much! Never! He wouldn't stop! He was a demon, he could survive anything! As the pressure under his legs lifted, he moved his knee to where he could support his own body, then slowly positioned it on his tip toe. It was time...this was it! All he needed to do was use his strength and push! But as he tried, he could feel his leg begin to shake. What was wrong with him! Was he afraid? Afraid of what he might see when he got out? Did her words still haunt him? It didn't matter...he had to look past it, it was the only way for him to survive! He tensed himself, telling his leg to stop and listen. It obeyed, his trembling stopped and he was ready to leave. Finally, with one hard push, he felt himself bash through the walls and the morning rays of light fill his eyes. He had done it...he was free! He soared through the air and peered down at the large stones and boulders that had buried him, still...he was the victor in this battle. As his bare feet touched the ground, he quickly felt his selfconfidence disappear and felt his heart begin to pound in terror.

"Holy hell."

Once again, he could barely hear his own voice as he stared at the destruction. It was gone, all gone. His home...his friends...everything...gone. Kouga could feel the strands of his black hair smooth over the back of his neck as the wind pushed against it. His blood flowed down his arms, legs, and couldn't tell if it was sweat or his own blood trickling down his face...it didn't matter. What he was seeing now, was the only thing that mattered. He could see it...everything that happened. It started with his two closest and best friends...the ones who'd stayed loyal to him through everything.

"Ginta...Hakakku..."

He stared at their two blood-covered bodies, their eyes peacefully closed and their scents...gone. Everything...everyone...gone. They had been taken from him. He could feel his rage begin to climb as the monster's voice echoed through his head. That same chuckle that did nothing but mock him. He could feel his claws begin to dig into his palms, his fangs grinding together so tight he could break them all!

"Naraku..." he growled out.

He had taken everything from him! His friends...his home...everything they had worked to build, destroyed! All with the single swing from that dumb sword! It was then he could feel lightning strike his brain.

'That sword...'

As the events replayed in his head, he remembered it to be the exact same sword, maybe different in color, but both blades still the same with the exact same powers! It didn't make sense! And he knew the only way he would find out...was to find him, the one person who had weakened him for Naraku's attack...

"Inuyasha..."

He would get some answers, then he would get his revenge! He let those thoughts fuel his desire to keep moving forward, through the vastness of the forest. He would discover how Naraku got possession of Inuyasha's sword, and he would destroy him for taking his life! He allowed his pain to feed on his hatred and lust for revenge, his mind set on one thing...the death of Naraku.

"I'll find you, Naraku...and when I do...you're dead." he growled.

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Morning had set a peaceful atmosphere over the Higurashi shrine. All members of the residence sat at table, enjoying a delicious, healthy breakfast.

"This is so good!" Kagome exclaimed.

"Thank you, dear. I'm glad you like it." Ms. Higurashi said with a smile.

"So, what shall it be today? Measels? Pneumonia? Perhaps a case of the flu!" Kagome's grandfather ranted on.

"That's okay, gramps. I'll be staying home for a while so I can catch up on my school work." Kagome said with a smile.

Her smile however, quickly faded into an annoyed glare as she spotted her grandfather walking away from the table still ranting on about certain illnesses the girl could've contracted. "Maybe a bad case of blood spots in the throat...yes! That's believable!"

"Are you even listening to me!" Kagome called out in frustration.

"Well, at least now you'll have some time to catch up on everything." Ms. Higurashi exclaimed as she took a sip of coffee from her cup.

Kagome nodded with a smile, admiring her mother. No matter how much she had going on in her life, there was always one person there to support her when she needed. She was so understanding, so kind and pure-hearted. Kagome was even willing to bet that if her mother had gone through the well, she'd probably be able to purify the sacred jewel too. She could feel her smile growing, she loved her mother so much and only wished there was something she could do in return to repay her for her kindness and support...but what?

She was brought out of her thoughts as the sounds of loud gulps, smacking of food, nashing of teeth echoed through her ears. Kagome looked to see that same hanyou, clad in his red kimono, sitting next her and shoving in handfuls of food into his fanged mouth, it was a bit irritating for the miko.

"Inuyasha! For pete's sake slow down!" she shouted.

Baffled from what was just said, Ms. Higurashi and Souta stared at the girl. "Uh, Kagome...who are you talking to?"

Kagome's attention was redirected back to her mother as she stared at the miko as if it were the first time she'd ever seen her before.

"Did you just say Inuyasha? Where? I don't see him." Souta exclaimed as he began glancing all over the room.

Kagome suddenly felt really stupid.

'Inuyasha's not here...what am I thinking?' she thought as she shifted her gaze slowly back to the place she was certain she saw him, only to find nothing but an empty chair. Still...she couldn't figure out why she saw him. She knew he was training and there was no telling when he'd return. She simply shook her head to clear her thoughts.

"Sorry. I guess I must've been daydreaming or something." she said.

Souta and her mother simply stared at her, a bit worried at the gesture. Kagome then grabbed her backpack and stood up from her chair, "Well, I guess I'd better get going."

"Have a good day, dear." her mother said.

Souta watched as Kagome rushed for the door and slid it open. She then proceeded to slip her shoes on before running out.

"Wierd." was all her little brother could say.

Kagome made her way down the long flight of steps that led to their shrine, hearing her shoes clicking against the concrete. It had been so long, that all she could focus on was getting to spend some time with her friends. Even if she wouldn't have a clue about what would be taught, she was determined to make herself happy. Yet, for some reason, she couldn't help but feel a little...disoriented as she proceeded down the long road, leading to her school.

10 minutes later, she could see her friends clearly coming into view. The miko began waving her arm to them, trying to grab their attention, "Eri, Yuka, Ayumi!"

The three girls all turned and their faces brightened as they saw their dearest friend rushing up to them.

"Hey Kagome!" Eri said with a wave.

"You're back!" Ayumi said.

"How've you been?" Yuka exclaimed excitedly.

At last, the miko caught up to her friends, overjoyed to see their faces once again. "Hey guys!"

Her friends immediately began asking questions of previous illnesses she'd contracted, but despite it all...the miko was happy. They trotted together down the streets, chatting away about almost any subject they could think of, but still...the feeling of disorientation remained...as if she wasn't herself. But why did she feel this way? Why couldn't she focus? As Kagome glanced up, she stopped and froze in fear.

"What's the matter, Kagome?" Yuka asked as the other two also stopped to see what was troubling the miko.

There, up on the roof of her school, the hanyou stood. She could see his golden orbs staring into hers. 'What is he doing here?'

"Hey, Kagome?" Ayumi said as she waved her hand in front of the girl's face.

Kagome continued to stare up at the school, her heart pounding in her chest when she saw Yuka start to turn her head towards the roof. In a panic, Kagome suddenly started running for the school doors, trying anything she could think of to keep her friends' attention off of him, "We're gonna be late you guys!"

Eri, Yuka and Ayumi all stared at the miko with confusion, wondering what the problem was as they all glanced up at the roof and saw nothing there!

Eri leaned over to the other two as Kagome kept up her running, "Is it just me, or is Kagome acting a bit wierd today?"

"Maybe she's still suffering from schizophrenia." Ayumi suggested.

"What a brave girl...still coming to school when she's still sick." Yuka said as she clasped her hands together, admiring her friend's strength and determination.

Kagome kept running, huffing and puffing as she tried urgently to get inside the building, 'What's going on! Inuyasha's not here!', she kept running and had even forgot why when she felt her foot kick something and could feel herself falling forward. She screamed as she braced for the impact of the hard, solid concrete, closing her eyes tightly. Suddenly, the feeling of a warm fabric shifted through her hands and she could feel her head plant into what felt a bit like a pillow. She could feel her arms being squeezed tightly, holding her up and preventing her from hitting the asphault. The miko then opened her eyes to a sea of red. 'No...no it can't be...it's not!' she screamed to herself as she lifted her head up and found herself, once again, staring into a pair of bright, beautiful amber-colored eyes. His warm smile heated her blood, the feel of his hands sending shivers up and down her spine, it was him! No one made her feel this way except him! 'But...how?...why?'

As her thoughts took her, she saw his image begin to fade away, molding into something else. 'What...what's happening?' Suddenly, a familiar voice rang through her ears, "Are you alright Kagome?"

That voice...she knew it...she'd heard it many times. The miko's senses took over as she saw her fellow classmate staring down at her. She could no longer tell if she was happy to see him, or disappointed that it was him. "Hojo." she whispered.

"Are you alright?" the young boy asked, worried over his young love's well-being.

Kagome just stared at him for a moment, she wanted to be happy it was him, but...she wasn't. Kagome suddenly darted past the boy, running even faster and just trying to get away from everybody.

"Kagome, wait!" Hojo shouted with an out-stretched hand.

The miko slammed herself through the doors of the building and kept going, passing many students as they all watched her bolting down the hallways. She turned another corner and quickly ran into the restroom, where she shut the door and locked it. Dropping her bag to the floor, Kagome sat against the floor, hugging her knees into her chest as she panted for air. She sat there for a few minutes, trying to calm herself. 'I'm losing it. I'm seeing Inuyasha everywhere when I know he's not here. He went with Totosai! But if I know that...why do I keep seeing him!' her head sank lower into her knees as she tried to contemplate what was wrong with her sanity. 'Was what Miroku and Sango said true? Is this all because of what they told me?'

Flashback:

Miroku turned and took Kagome's hands into his in a friendly manner, "Kagome, you and Inuyasha have admitted you love each other, yet you haven't gotten any time alone together and now Inuyasha has to go complete this training, but we don't have any idea when he's coming back."

End Flashback:

Kagome's eyes softened as she rested her chin on her knees. 'Is that what this is about? Am I seeing him because I want to?' the miko sat there against the hard, tiled floor, trying to figure out how she was supposed to deal with this.

The girl was suddenly ripped from her thoughts as loud banging echoed through the restroom's walls.

"Hey! Unlock the door!"

"I have to pee really bad you know!"

Kagome could hear the angry voices outside and quickly leaped up to grab the steel latch, holding the door in place. She turned the knob and heard the pop of the lock, idicating it had been reset back inside the door's gears. But before the miko could even remove her hand, the door was suddenly swung open and the young miko was knocked back on her rear as several groups of girls stormed in, rushing to the mirrors and filling up the stalls. Kagome then leaned over and grabbed her backpack, slowly and calmly making her way back out into the halls that were littered with chatting of students.

'Ok, so maybe I am a bit disappointed that Inuyasha and I haven't been getting much time together, but...I can't let that get in the way now. We'll still have plenty of alone time once he's finished this training, but for now, I have to focus on my studies.'

Content with the decision she wouldn't think about him, Kagome continued her way to her first class as the bell sounded through the entire school.

As the day pressed forward, Kagome continued to stay focused on her lectures. At last she felt sane again. No more images of Inuyasha appearing everywhere, no more paranoia. The miko sighed happily as the professor continued his speech in front of his class, but after a few minutes...she found herself getting really bored. She lifted her hand up and supported her face with it as she tried to pay attention when her gaze shifted to the large window sitting a few feet away. The sun shone brightly as its rays of light passed through the glass, and was separated into several bright beams that warmed her body. It felt so inviting...so invigorating that she wanted nothing more than to hear that bell ring, signifying it was time for everyone to go home. The miko suddenly felt something poking her and a voice brought her out of her daydreaming.

"Kagome? Ms. Kagome will you please take your assignment!"

Kagome quickly straightened herself as she turned and reached out to grab the white square, decorated with black text and lines. "Oh, sorry!" she said when her eyes suddenly widened and a gasp escaped her throat.

'What the? Our teacher's a demon!' she thought as her eyes fell upon a clawed hand. She quickly glanced up and felt her heart skip a beat as she met a pair of golden orbs again. "No...no not again!" she said as she stared up at the same hanyou once again.

"Beg your pardon, Kagome?" the man spoke as he stared at the miko's pale face through his pair of thick, black glasses.

"You're not here! Just leave me alone!" the miko shouted as she suddenly got up, grabbed her bag and ran out of the class, leaving everyone dumbfounded.

"What the heck's her problem?" a student asked, breaking the silence of the room.

"I...don't...know." the professor replied, not sure what else to say.

Eri, Yuka and Ayumi all watched as their friend bolted out of the class. They all turned to each other feeling worried, and a bit sorry for the miko for having such an illness.

Kagome run through the doors once again as the final bell sounded and the school grounds were engulfed in students within a few minutes. She kept running, not stopping or pausing for anything, thankful that she wasn't run over by any cars along the street. She panted heavily as she rushed up the stairs of the shrine, passing her grandfather, and running directly into the large house. She kicked her shoes off and let her bag drop where it fell as she quickly rushed up the stairs to her room, bursting through the door and closing it behind her. She pressed her back against it and sank to the floor, hugging her knees to her chest again.

'Why? Why can't I stop seeing him?'

She buried her face in her hands when she suddenly heard a light tapping vibrate behind her.

"Kagome? Can I come in?" a voice that identified her mother sounded.

Kagome sighed to herself as she stood up and opened the door, "Sorry, mom." she said as she backed away to allow her mother access to her room.

"Kagome, we need to talk." her mother said as she walked in, calmly closing the door behind her.

"Hm? About what?" Kagome asked.

"Kagome, I just recieved a call from your teacher." Ms. Higurashi stated calmly.

"Really?"

"He said you've been acting strangely, and ran out of class today." the woman continued.

Kagome knew exactly where this was going, but wasn't sure how to explain it. The last thing she wanted to do was sound crazy to her mother.

"Is there something you want to talk about, honey?" Ms. Higurashi asked as she stood before her daughter, already seeing a certain pain in the girl's eyes.

Kagome stared at the floor, she knew the only way to make herself feel like she was sane, was to get this out in the open. She took in a deep breath and sighed, bracing herself for her own speech. "It's Inuyasha..."

Kagome's mother stared at her daughter in confusion but remained silent, determined to hear her daughter out.

"Ever since this morning, I've been seeing images of him all over the place. I tried to focus on my school work, but...somehow I would start seeing things. It's like he's suddenly standing right there in front of me, and I know he's really not there."

Ms. Higurashi listened and felt a smile creep up to her face, "It's because you miss him, dear." she spoke softly.

Kagome glanced up to see her mother's warm smile greeting her. "But...I just saw him yesterday, and I know where he is. Why would I miss him?"

Her mother's smile merely brightened at these words, "That's love, honey. No matter where you two are, what you're doing, you desire to be with one another."

Kagome simply stared into her mother's warm, loving eyes, listening to the tenderness of her voice as she spoke.

"I know, because I used to be the same way with your father. Every time we were separated, I couldn't help but think of where he was or what he was doing. If he was thinking of me? If he missed me as much as I missed him? At times, I knew I couldn't think of such things, but I couldn't help myself. I loved him so much, that I couldn't stand to be away from him, not for a minute. He made me so happy that being apart nearly drove me insane."

The young miko could do nothing but listen, realizing further and further that is was all true for her as well. She was so greatful to have someone to understand her so well, to be able to be there for her when she needed.

Lost in her memories, Ms. Higurashi moved over to Kagome's window, staring up into the bright orange sky, watching the sun dip below the horizon. "But the best part...was waiting. Waiting for your father to come home, so I could look into those eyes and fall in love all over again. To me...it was worth every second, and it made me wish he would leave again, just so I could see him return and continue falling deeper and deeper in love."

Kagome smiled lovingly at her mother, wishing she had been there to see her father and mother together, seeing a true love everyday. She watched as her mother turned to face her, still smiling brightly.

"You see him because you love him. Because you want to be near him right now, and the fact that you aren't is eating away at you. I don't know where that young man is right now, but...I'm sure that if you wait for him...then you'll fall in love all over again...just as I did."

Kagome simply walked over and gave her mother a warm hug. "You're the best, mom."

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In the Feudal Era, things were silent as Miroku and Sango tended to the corpses of Kaede's village. Shippo slowly moved from one burial to another, placing a group of yellow dandelions on each mound of dirt. Sango sat quietly as she stared at the burials, her thoughts drifting back to her village.

'It's just like before. I wasn't there to protect them. I don't deserve the title of demon slayer.' she thought sadly.

Her eyes shifted to the houshi standing there in front of another large pile of dirt, supporting his staff and holding a single hand up in prayer.

"Miroku?" Sango spoke up.

The monk's gaze shifted to the taijiya sitting next to him as he dropped his hand, knowing his job was complete. "What is it, Sango?"

Sango went back to staring at the buried villagers. "Nevermind...it's nothing." she whispered.

"This wasn't our doing, Sango." the houshi said sternly.

The taijiya could only stare at the mounds of dirt, "Still, I can't help but feel we're somehow responsible."

"There's nothing we could've done. Natsaru attacked this place to get to us, to make us feel guilty for not being here to protect Kaede." the houshi continued.

"But..."

"Even if we had been here when he came, I highly doubt any of us would still be alive." Miroku concluded. He too was saddend that Kaede and the villagers had suffered such a gruesome fate from that monster, but he knew better then to dwell on it.

"Yeah, even Inuyasha was no match for him." Shippo said with a bit of fear tickling at his throat.

"Natsaru is not an ordinary demon. His power is far greater than that of Naraku's and he appears to be more cunning as well. By my recollection from Totosai...this demon is only going to continue growing stronger." the houshi said, trying his best to grasp the physical and mental conditioning of their enemy.

"You're right." Sango whispered. "He was so fast, and so strong, he made Inuyasha's new powers look like nothing at all. Not to mention he somehow gained possession of the Tetsusaiga."

"Yes...with Inuyasha's weapon at his disposal, Natsaru is 100 times more deadly than any other demon we've faced. Therefore, it is imparative we put all of our faith in Inuyasha and pray he completes his training before Natsaru has another chance to strike. That is our only hope at this point." the monk spoke as kneeled in front of another grave, and lifted his hand in prayer.

Sango stared at the houshi, curious as to how he could remain so calm in such intense times. Then again, she suspected that one of those things she admired him for. He may be a lecher, but he still knew how to make you feel better in the gravest of situations.

Suddenly, both Miroku and Sango's senses kicked up.

"Miroku..."

"I know, I sense it too."

Shippo began to panic, as he saw his friends prepare their weapons. "Is it him!" he said trembling.

"Shippo, hurry and hide." Sango commanded.

"Okay." the kitsune said as he took off and hid himself in Kaede's hut.

A group of bushes began to rattle as Miroku and Sango glared straight ahead, knowing they would have the jump on whatever was out there. Their eyes suddenly widened as they watched a man, dressed in black armor emerge from the bushes. His skin was cut in so many places and blood flowed freely from his wounds. His growls were low and pained as he clutched his right arm, feeling seering pain shooting up and down it as he continued forward, not allowing himself to collapse again.

"It's Kouga!" Miroku stated as they watched the wolf demon hobble forward, beaten and battered severely.

Kouga continued to push himself forward, fighting his pain, and letting his rage be his strength. "Naraku...where are you!" he groaned as he suddenly felt his left leg go numb, and he collapsed to his knee. The wolf youkai panted heavily as sweat dripped from his brow. "No...got to...keep going.", but as he tried to lift himself up, his strength left him and felt his face smash into the grass. He knew he had to keep going, but once again, his body refused to move. He could see his vision fading...his eyes closing...until finally, the prince of the wolf demons slipped into a peaceful slumber, exhausted from the journey and his mind set on one thing. "I'll...have...my revenge...Nar...aku..."

(A/N: Well, another chapter, another update. Kouga seems to have taken a vicious beating at the hands of Natsaru, and Kagome is taking a beating from her own wandering mind. How will this all play out? What happens now? Review...and I promise you'll find out soon.)