Cloudy Moon

Chapter 1

I climbed out of the well, and then felt a stinging pain in my left palm. In my hand was a splinter! Glaring at it as if that would make it go away I cursed it. I tried to get it out, but ended up pushing it further. Finally after many failed attempts (and some cursing) it came out, painfully. For something so tiny to be so hard to get was frustrating. I threw it and promptly turned away. Splinters were nuisances. Remembering why I was here, I smacked myself. I should be focusing; this world was more dangerous now than ever. Demons were not afraid since Naraku was killed. They were getting worse every day.

Then I started toward Edo. Walking this path so many times, I could walk it with my eyes shut. Then I glanced at the tree-of-ages. An image popped unwillingly into my mind. A half demon with silver hair and dog ears pinned to the tree. He looked peaceful. Suddenly tears pricked my eyes. Wiping them away hurriedly I. Inuyasha and Kikyo belonged together. It was my fault anyway, I made the wish. Kikyo deserved to be with him, they've been through so much. Can't change it now though, I thought sadly. Deciding that was enough feeling sorry I turned toward Edo and started walking.

In my mind, the events that had caused all my tears replayed. The jewel becoming whole, my wishing Kikyo was really truly alive. I had wished with all my heart, purely thinking of their happiness. I don't regret it, I thought suddenly, seeing him happy was enough. It still hurt though, having all those memories and nothing to show for it.

A movement suddenly caught my eye and I stopped. No it couldn't be. I thought I saw Naraku, but he was dead. I remember shooting him with an arrow of purification. Continuing to move on, I was more wary. Quite suddenly I felt the presence of the jewel. That is not possible I thought; I got rid of the Jewel to save Kikyo. It was still there. Turning around I saw nothing. Then I became uneasy, like something bad was about to happen. Taking one more look around, I saw nothing. Suddenly there was a rustling and a scream.

Running toward it I found a young girl running toward me. She had long brown hair and big brown eyes, Rin. She looked terrified and lost. I notched an arrow and searched for my target, a giant boar demon. I felt the rush of power and focused on purifying the demon. The arrow flew and I felt the power radiating off of it. I had gotten better at focusing and using my power more.

My aim was straight and true; it hit the demon right between its eyes. It fell down with a thud. Turning around I found Rin, she had collapsed. Rushing toward her I saw no damage on her. Must be exhaustion, I thought. I didn't have anything for her though. Gently, I shook Rin awake.

After half carrying her to the nearest river, I sat down next to Rin. We were both tired, me from using my power and carrying Rin, Rin from running. She was still a little pale but other than that she looked fine. "Why was that demon chasing you?" Rin glanced up at the question.

"Well I was waiting for Lord Sesshomaru when this boar demon came and tried to capture me too eat." She looked down. "I started to run and he pursued. I had been running for about half an hour when I saw you." She looked up again. "I felt relieved that I didn't have to run anymore. I'm so sorry I passed out."

"I am glad that I was there at the right time. Do you feel well?"

"I feel fine. Just worn out, where were you going?"

"I was going to Edo to find Miroku and Sango. Do you want to come with me; maybe Kirara will give you a ride to Kohaku."

"That would be great!" Rin smiled and it was like the world was brighter.

Then I sensed the Jewel again. It came as such a force that I had to hold my eyes or it felt like they would fall out. I didn't want to scream, but the pain was so excruciating. Sensing the jewel was never painful. When I felt I could open my eyes without screaming I slowly lifted my head. I opened my eyes and before me was Naraku. No, it can't be, he was dead! I was the one who shot him. These thoughts ran through my head. My reverie was broken when he smiled his malicious smile.

"I shot you! You were buried in your cave that Kikyo was tending to you in." I yelled at him. I jumped up and ran a few feet. He didn't look the same though, like he was missing something.

"That was a minor setback." He then pulled the jewel out and held it like a prize. "This is a totally corrupt jewel, brought back by your sorrow Kagome. Your wish was pure, but it didn't destroy the jewel. All it did was store the jewel, because you still had hatred for Kikyo. The jewel feeds on the darkness in people's hearts; priestesses can purify it by pouring purity into it."

"Liar!" I spat at him, I was shaking with anger and uncertainty. Could he be saying the truth?

"Everyone has darkness, but yours seems to extend beyond that of the normal." He was smirking with indifference.

"I brought it back?" My voice was small. Inuyasha's confidence was not here to help me. I didn't know how much I depended on him. I suddenly remembered Rin. Looking around I found she was behind Naraku, unconscious.

"Yes, the jewel has taken an interest in you. It has chosen you to continue the battle that has been waging before time began." He descended toward me and I started to back up. I notched an arrow but the jewel was forcing me to submit. Suddenly I couldn't stand. Falling to my knees I could only think of one thing.

"Leave Rin out of it." I whispered.

"Too late." He said with a wicked smile. Then everything went black.

Waking up in an unfamiliar place is not pleasant. Looking around I could not identify where I was. On top of that I have a massive headache. I got up and walked to the door. Slowly I opened it and then was ambushed. A little girl with black hair and dog ears was in my arms. She was looking at me with a wide smile and amber eyes.

"Hey mom, can we go visit aunt Sango today? Daddy says we can if you want to." She smiled and hugged me.

"Where is daddy?" I asked. I was so confused. I don't remember having a child or living here. She pointed toward the open door. I walked holding her and saw the door led outside. Sitting against a cherry tree was Inuyasha.

He looked up and smiled. Then I heard a voice in my head.

This is the life you want. Sadly it is never to be. Everything started to fade. I watched as Inuyasha came towards me and pulled me close.I could barely make him out anymore. Just as our lips were about to meet he was gone.

I sat up. The words echoed in my head, sadly it is never to be. The jewel was near, I could sense it. I got up and stumbled to it. Turning I saw Rin. She was on an altar and Naraku was about to cut her wrist. I bolted and knocked him over. I would save Rin. I frantically shook Rin. She did not respond.

Naraku stood up and brushed the dust off of him. I didn't know what to do. Grabbing the knife I ran towards him. He dodged me expertly and hit the back of my arm. I tried to use my purification power but the jewel wouldn't allow it. I started to turn around but was knocked down.

Suddenly I heard wood crack. I look up and there is Sesshomaru. He is standing between Rin and Naraku. I quickly stand up, my confidence renewed.

"I knew I smelled Naraku." Sesshomaru said calmly.

It went by quickly after that. Naraku was faster than me but Sesshomaru was by far faster than him. He seemed to barely touch the ground. He was graceful and deadly. I watched in awe as he cut Naraku multiple times. Naraku started to stagger. He seemed to be weaker. Then I figured it out, he didn't have any demons. He was human except for the jewel.

"Naraku, you're human. Your powers died with you. The jewel is giving you power." I yelled quickly. "You're as good as dead; the jewel brings nothing but unhappiness." I started to walk towards the jewel. It was trying to force me back. I could feel the force it was exerting on me. It was harder to move.

Then Sesshomaru picked me up. I gasped in surprise. He brought me to the jewel and set me down. I tried to detect something in his eyes, a reason for his kindness. I couldn't see anything. His eyes were like a barrier that only let out boredom. Looking into them now I couldn't help but stare. They were lighter, more yellow whereas Inuyasha's were more amber.

I broke out of my reverie and grabbed the jewel. It was small and smooth in my palm. A pain shot down my arm. I almost dropped the jewel. I can't let go, it will just wreak havoc. I dropped to my knees, the corruption is enormous.

It will be purified when the darkness is gone from your heart, when you accept your wish.

I don't know who had just spoken. It sounded like it came from the jewel.

I am Midoriko; the jewel will either replace me with you or you can accept your wish.

Accept my wish, which means accepting Inuyasha choosing Kikyo. Images of him flashed through my mind. A thousand unsaid words, feelings repressed because of this jewel. Could I accept it?

Hand enclosed mine, they were small and soft. I looked up startled, it was Rin. She had a sad smile. She had woken up and I didn't even realize it. How much had I missed, thinking of Inuyasha?

"Kagome, it's okay, you can let go." Rin said. Tears silently rolled down my cheeks. Then a weight was lifted off my chest. A bright light filled the room. It was warm and soft. It was soothing and incandescent. The tears stopped. It took someone else to help me let go.

I stood up, feeling lighter. Then I hugged Rin. "Thank you." I told her. She smiled at me and for the first time in a long time, I smiled back.

I was walking beside Rin. Then a thought came to mind.

"Sesshomaru, why were you there to save us?" He didn't react even slightly; it was like he didn't hear me even though I was standing only like 5 feet away from him. Then he spoke, it was so sudden I jumped a little.

"I smelled Naraku, I came to investigate and it happened that you were there." He didn't stutter or slow down at all; it was like he was talking to himself.

"Thank you Sesshomaru, I am glad that you were there." He didn't acknowledge me in any way. I thought for a little bit and then it hit me, he helped me. "Why did you help me?"

He didn't show anything except a very slight tilt to his head, you wouldn't have noticed it unless you were looking for it.

"You were the only one who could touch the jewel without being corrupted, and Naraku couldn't have been killed unless the jewel was either purified or gone. It would have healed him."

I felt a tug on my shirt and looked at Rin. She was smiling a huge smile.

"Kagome, are you going to travel with us now?" her eyes shone brightly. I thought of the opportunity to start new with them. It floated freely in my mind, not quit permanent. There was an allure in it that I liked. Then I remembered Sango, Miroku, and Shippo. They were probably worried by now. How long has it been since I came out of the well?

"I can't, my friends are probably worried about me."

Three days later Sesshomaru stopped unexpectedly. "A village is nearby. You can get directions and head towards Edo." He stood there, his hands in his sleeves, looking bored.

"Thank you Sesshomaru, I am very grateful to you." I gave Rin a hug goodbye. "Thank you to Rin, without you I don't know how I would have let go." I smiled at her and then was on my way.

Some people aggravate me, especially prejudiced ones. The villagers in that last village were terrible. They needed help with every little thing. It was priestess this, priestess that. I almost slapped every one of them. They thought that because I was a priestess I could do anything! Scowling I continued on towards Edo.

Walking down the road I couldn't help but think of Naraku. He had given everything to that jewel. In the end it's what destroyed him. Then I recalled the memory of the warm light. It was soft and soothing, like it was taking away my worries. Then my foot hit a rock.

"Owwww!" I said loudly. My foot throbbed and I could barely step on it. "Dang-it, I can't believe I did that!" After I said that I heard a rustle. It came from the woods to my left. I glanced over and saw Shippo looking at me.

"Kagome!" He ran towards me, and jumped into my arms. I hugged him and he hugged me back. "Where were you? We looked everywhere and Inuyasha even went into the world-beyond-the-well."

"I'll tell you and the others as soon as I get there okay?" I said with a smile. He looked at me a little confused. He quickly recovered from it and snuggled closer. I walked toward Edo carrying him. He talked nonstop of everything that happened since he last saw me.

He was just talking about what he was doing in the woods when we came to the outskirts of Edo. The village was slowly expanding. Kaede's hut was no longer on the outskirts. It wasn't in the middle though.

We arrived at Kaede's hut and found it empty. I looked around and found no one. I looked questioning at Shippo.

"They're probably looking for you." He looked tired. There was a shouting in the distance.

"Priestess! Priestess! Priestess!" A man came running up. He was short and a little chubby. His forehead was covered in sweat. "You have to help!" He said in a huff, out of breath.

"What happened?" I asked. He reeked of demon.

"My daughter was taken! A demon came and took her! You have to help her!" He said quickly.

"Let me get a bow and arrow. Shippo, you stay here and wait for them to come back." I turned and went into the hut. It was tidy and small. In the corner was an extra bow and a quiver full of arrows, in case one broke or if she would run out of arrows. I grabbed them and we set off. His name was Kuro.

We reached the edge of the forest where he said the demon ran off into. Sure enough there were tracks, which looked like human footprints. I inspected them more closely and felt a demonic aura. It was fresh, but it didn't feel like a strong demon.

We were walking along and I found a hut. It wasn't huge and it looked cozy. I walked to the front door and knocked. Kuro looked at me as if I was crazy. He started to protest but I shut him up. The door opened slowly.

There was a tall man in the door. He had dark blue hair and piercing green eyes. He had cat ears and a tail. He was wearing fur clothing. Altogether he looked like a wild cat.

"Are you here to hurt me?" He sounded calm, like he expected this to happen. He was tensed up, expecting a fight. His eyes seemed sad. He spotted the guy who brought me here and his eyes grew wide. He started to shut the door.

"Wait, I'm not here to hurt you." He stopped midway and looked at me. "I'm here to ask why." He seemed to relax a little at those words.

"You can come in but he can't." he was staring at the man. I nodded and ignored Kuro's protests. Inside was clean and smelled like the woods. He motioned for me to sit and I did.

"My name is Kagome, and I am a priestess. Who are you?" I asked politely.

"I'm Ikuro and as you can probably tell I am a cat demon." He seemed a little shy.

"So what is going on?" I asked. "It's ok I won't take her away I just want to know why her dad thinks you kidnapped her."

"Well," He began, "I was walking one day when I came across this young woman in trouble. She was being chased by so I helped her. We talked after that and parted ways. We would see each other so often and just chat. Then it happened that her dad caught us and threw a huge fit. She was banned to see me. We were friends by then. So we saw each other in private and our feelings grew. So today we decided that she would come and live with me." He looked down, like he did something wrong. "I never hurt her or did anything wrong." He was talking in a whisper.

"That is a wonderful story." I said. "Is she here now?"

"Yes, she is in the back room."

"Can she come out so I can talk to her?" He nodded and left down the hall. He returned a minute later with a woman that had long silky black hair. She had dark brown eyes a wide mouth, and didn't look anything like her father. She was very pretty.

"You're the priestess that my father sent?" She asked in a whisper. I nodded. "You promise not to hurt us?" She sounded desperate.

"Why does your father disapprove?" I ask.

"He wants me to marry the headman's son. I don't love him though, please don't make me!" Tears were rolling down her cheeks. "He doesn't approve of me marrying a demon. I love Ikuro, don't make me leave him." She buried her face in his chest and he stroked her hair. His eyes were filled with affection. I could never tear them apart.

"I could never, your bond is strong." I smiled a weak smile. "I'll tell your father."

"Thank you", they both said in unison. I waved to them goodbye and waked out the door, where her father was furious.

"Where is she?" He demanded. "Why isn't she with you?"

"How old is your daughter?" I asked him calmly.

"That doesn't matter! All that matters is that she comes home and that demon dies!" His face was red now.

"She is old enough to make her own decisions. She doesn't want to marry the headman's son."

"She will do as I say!" He was yelling at the top of his lungs now.

"Leave them be, or you will deal with me." I said sternly. He looked confused. For emphasis I drew my bow and notched an arrow. His face was disbelief.

"Y-you wouldn't dare!" He said incredulously. Seeing I was serious he turned around and stalked off, muttering under his breath.

The door opened and they both stepped out, smiling. She hugged me and I shook hands with Ikuro. "I never got your name." I said to her.

"Kyrie, my names Kyrie." She said with a smile. I wished them luck and walked back to the village. On my way there I tripped.

I cursed under my breath. I tried to stand and fell when I put weight on my ankle. Great, I thought, I sprained it. I sat down and stared at my ankle. It was starting to swell. Pulling off a sock I wrapped it around my ankle and searched for a walking stick. A few feet away, there was a sizable stick. Pulling myself over there, I gripped it and got a splinter. Great, just what I needed.

I stood up putting most my weight on the stick. I then proceeded to hobble towards Edo. I got to Kaede's hut just before sundown. I walked inside and there was Kaede, Shippo, and Kikyo. They were locked in conversation and looked up when I entered. They were obviously talking about me.

"There you are, we were wondering when you would get here." Kaede said with a smile. I went and sat with them. Kikyo looked at my swollen ankle.

"How did you sprain your ankle Kagome?" She asked. I smiled sheepishly.

"I was walking towards here and wasn't paying attention. I tripped in a tree root and sprained it." I laughed a little; it was very foolish of me. Kikyo smiled and went to go get some cold water to put it in.

"Kagome, when are you are you going to tell us what happened before I found you?" Shippo asked. His eyes were full of unanswered questions.

"I'll tell you when everyone's here." I smiled at him. All the while Kaede stared in wonder at me.

"You seem happier, Kagome." She mused.

"I'll explain everything when everyone's here. It's something that everyone needs to here." She nodded and I felt very tired all of a sudden. Kaede seemed to notice and motioned for the bed she already made for me. I went and lay down gratefully. Tomorrow is going to be a big day, I can feel it.