Hey all!
So sorry for the delay; this one took a little longer to write 'cause of all the details I wanted to include...
So, just to give a heads up, at around the end of this chapter, we will have a guest appearance of a popular character from the show Gravity Falls.
This will not be their only appearance either; I plan to have them pop up a couple times in the story for a while until I find the right moment to end their guest time. They will also be somewhat on the OOC side, as I'm basing their appearance after the events of that series ended, but I will try to remain true to their original personality for the most part.
Anyway, here I ignite the following disclaimer that shall extend from here to the character's final appearance in my story:
I do not own the Plot nor the Characters of Gravity Falls. Rights and Ownership belong to Alex Hirsch, his team and the Disney Television Animation Co.
...Okay, that's enough from me. On with the adventure!
Update (February 2021): Chapter edited and lengthened!
Chapter 53: A Simple Vow Amongst Bygone Pain
Picking up where we last left our tale, we find Inuyasha and Coraline staring helplessly at one another shortly after Kikyō exited the area...
Eventually, the dog demon unhinges his vocal cords, his volume barely above a whisper.
"...Coraline."
She does not respond, and only looks down in thought.
...This isn' fair to him.
His love has been unrequited, and ye' he still chases aimlessly after her...
Kikyō, has lost her way. Even if she does carry an inklin' of love for 'im, her darkness continues to blind 'er, and won' stop until her goals are me'.
Smiling bitterly, the redhead dips her head back up to meet eyes with her friend, causing him to retract slightly in surprise.
"Huh?"
She shakes her head and sets her rucksack on the ground, before slowly approaching the other...and enveloping them in a gentle, comforting hug.
"Uh!"
C-Coraline!...Why...Why is she...?
The young woman lays her head on the equally young man's shoulder, and whispers,
"...I'm sorry..."
She then retracts, keeping that sad smile on her face as a tear escapes her eye, before she turns to walk away, grabbing her bag on the way out of the area and gestures the Will O' Wisp to follow, leaving the dog demon alone with his thoughts.
...
...
...
"Alrigh', so here's more Silver Shield ta help preven' minor infection, more Motrin to relieve sore muscles 'n headaches..."
Morning soon arrives in the simple village near the Forest of Inuyasha, and inside Kaede's, Coraline is busying herself with showing the rest of her friends what she brought back for their collective supplies...
"Oh yes, and I go' more gauze, bandages, rubbin' alcohol, and some 'erbs that aren' as easy to find here in Edo."
Miroku, Sango and the twins watch the girl with wary and concerned expressions, having learned about the events of yesterday night at the Goshinboku Tree...
"Alright, tha's everything. (Stands up) May as well start headin' back. (Turn) Besa, you still comin'?"
He nods, and as he rises to his feet, the slayer and monk each ask,
"Coraline...?"
"You're going back home now?"
"Well, I...I figured I can drop this off, then head back to ge' a head start on an upcomin' hist'ry exam. If I get a good grade, I'll have less homework assigned to me and won' hafta frequent back to my era as quickly. Plus, Besa wan'sta restock on some clean clothes for he and Freeman, right bro?"
"Mhm. (Turn) You sure you don't wanna come back with me, Freeman?"
The twin with plainly cropped coarse black hair waves his hand causally and replies,
"Nah, I'm good. I'll stay here and keep Shippō entertained," before softly ruffling the snoozing fox demon's hair...
"Alright."
Sango notices the faint break in Coraline's mask of content, and says to her gently,
"If you want my advice, you should at least try and speak with Inuyasha. He's probably feeling as terrible about last night as you are."
The redhead forms a small frown at the brunette's advice.
...That's just i'. I'm no' sure if we can talk about this.
(Flash)
"I don't care how you feel about me now...but I swear, I won't let Naraku have you either!...Only I can protect you from him!"
(Flash)
He sounded, so desperate...and she was strugglin' with her feelings. I know she was.
"...I wish it was tha' simple, Sango, but right now...hauh, righ' now isn't the time to talk. He needs space, and so do I."
With that, Coraline exits the hut and heads off to travel through the Bone Eater's Well, her mind sadly lamenting over the other troubled soul during her drop down through the temporal vortex.
...Inuyasha...
Having followed the girl to see her off, the slayer turns to the monk and comments,
"Miroku...Coraline looked really depressed to me."
"...Yes, well, I can guess why she's feeling that way."
Besa approaches the two with both his and Freeman's satchels and voices his insight.
"It's because her heart is aching for herself...and Kikyō."
"Huh?"
"I could see it her eyes as she spoke when she came to chat with Freeman and I last night. She feels sorry for Inuyasha, of course, but, despite Kikyō's actions as of late...Coraline feels pity, and wants to help her."
"You think so?"
"Mhm. (Sad smile) That's the thing about Cora's heart: she's incredibly selfless, and tends to think of how to help heal the hearts of others...which means half the time, she ignores the scars on hers."
Miroku and Sango look at their friend in surprise...It was then they hear footsteps approaching, and turn to see Inuyasha coming their way, he looking down with an expression similar to Coraline's when she left down the well...
"Inuyasha..."
He stops just as the monk stands up from his kneel around the structure with the other two.
"Inuyasha, Coraline went to her own time again."
"...I see."
"(Narrows eyes) Inuyasha, tell me: you went to see Kikyō, right?"
Sango looks at Miroku with a wary expression as he further questions,
"And Coraline had spotted the two of you together..."
"Uh, well, yeah. She saw us, and, heard what was said."
The brunette is appalled:
"How could you sneak around like that?!"
Besa holds his hands at the slayer to try and calm her down...and that's when Miroku notices something different about Inuyasha's usual demeanor. He walks over to the other and says,
"You must've been in something bizarre to achieve that look of enlightenment. What happened to make you seem so calm and spiritual?"
...The silverette doesn't respond, and instead turns to walk away from the area, leaving the others somewhat concerned for him as well...Besa watches for a few minutes, before saying with a sigh,
"Okay, I gotta get goin' to mine and Freeman's apartment...I'll also keep an eye on sis."
"Alright, Besa."
"Take care."
As the espresso-complexioned boy readies to hop down, he adds,
"Oh, and, don't be too harsh with Inuyasha, okay? Remember what I said earlier."
The monk and slayer nod, and with that, Besa jumps down.
Coraline's POV
Once I was back in my era and got past the surprised expressions of my adopted family, I went up to my room and changed into a simple pair of sweatpants and a spaghetti-strap tank top, before flopping onto my bed...I'm currently watching Lumos glide around the room, my mind gradually being swallowed by the events of...last night.
After Kikyō left, Inuyasha was starin' at me with a strange look in his eyes...
I know he was tryin' to tell me something, bu'...I chose to say somethin' instead.
...He's caugh' between a rock and a hard place...and I feel bad for 'm.
I feel my eyes narrow into a glare as I think about the source of the tragedy.
Devil to Naraku...He used their own images to pit th'm against one another.
Thanks to 'is actions, Kikyō placed a comatose spell on Inuyasha with 'er arrow, while she succumbed to 'er own wound created by Naraku.
...And it seems th' sleeven is after her again.
I flip my body over so that my face is leaning against the pillow as I sadly think to myself,
...With all tha' on the line...Inuyasha doesn' seem to have much room for me in the mos' intimate of spaces in h's heart.
And why would 'e...or any guy for that matter?
I add as a sort-of solemn vow,
Kikyō stands a better chance, given tha' she's already sacrificed her life for 'im...
Am I willin' to make such a sacrifice?
...Oh who'm I kiddin'? Of course I'd give my life to protect my friends...and tha's how it's gotta stay.
Whatever feelin's I may or may no' have...I have to stow them away, for his sake...and hers.
(Knock, knock)
"Sis?"
"Hm?"
I turn to see Besa standing in the doorway, looking at me with concern.
"You okay?"
I sit up as he approaches and reply in a soft tone,
"...No' really..."
He sits down on my left, and all is quiet for a few minutes...before I turn to hug him, crying softly from the emotional build-up. He hugs back with a hand on my head, whispering in a soothing tone,
"It'll be alright, sister...It'll be alright..."
Inuyasha's POV
It almost feels like time sped up for this day only, and I'm soon looking over the village from atop a hill as the sun fades into the horizon...Of course, my mind was already consumed by some dismal thoughts to admire the beauty...Consumed, by two women who hold significance in my life.
I've tried...but I can't forget about her, about Kikyō...
So I've decided...Coraline...I can't see you anymore.
It'd be, too hard for either of us, no matter how sorry you may feel for myself...and her.
Time Skip, Coraline's POV
"Mm...huh?"
I wake up the next morning, almost forgetting where I am...until I sit up and look around the room.
"...Oh, tha's right. 'm back in Tokyo."
And Besa stayed the night camping in Sōta's room.
"(Ghostly moan...)"
My Will O' Wisp companion comes floating over to me in greeting.
"(Small smile) Mornin', Lumos."
I move off the bed and wander over to pull back the curtain and open the window, spotting Grandfather already outside doing the morning sweeping...Lumos floats past me to the outside, and glides down to the courtyard to make his greeting to the elder, causing him to jump a bit.
"Gah! Good kami, how many times have I told you not to do that, you sneaky creature?!"
I let out a short-lived laugh...before a sad frown comes to rest on my face as I remind myself,
Inuyasha's not gonna come for me this time...and likely won' ever again.
I turn my head to the little bottle of gem pieces on my desk.
Wha' to do...I brough' the jewel fragments with me...
Should I return th'm?
I quickly retract that thought:
...No. I can't give up on th' quest. I'm too far in to go back now.
...Hauh, bu' with my curren' state of mind, I won't be able to concentra'e.
I move to get some clothes out of my drawer and closet, saying aloud to myself,
"I guess the only thing t' do now is take some time to figure myself ou'...Once I can face the well withou' my stomach churnin' in thought over a, certain dog demon, I'll go back."
In the meantime, I'll just go abou' my more normal routine...
Heh, well, as normal as it used to be.
Once I was dressed and brushed my hair, I left my room to meet with everyone for breakfast. My outfit consists of a black v-neck tee, a black/white checkered flannel shirt, gray cargo pants and my black combat boots, a decent reflection of my current mood...I meet Besa on the way down, smiling weakly at him in greeting, he smiling gently back...
The silence at the table was rather, deafening.
I almost wish I had started some form of conversation, but, my voice box was on the fritz...
As I ate some more of my breakfast, I heard Sōta whisper to Grandfather,
"Coraline sure didn't stay there very long, and she hasn't spoken a word to us since she got back...I kind-of wonder if something happen to her."
Oh, if only I had the gumption to speak, I'd le' you know how righ' yeu are...
Grandfather nods and replies,
"Can only mean one thing..."
"...Her thumb's sore?"
"Boyfriend problems."
"Ooh...You think maybe she had a big argument with Inuyasha?"
I almos' wish there was an argument...
Grandfather then clears his throat and tries to catch my attention, but Akari-sama cuts him off.
"Oh, dad, I'm afraid my eyes are bigger than my stomach. Would you like my egg?"
"Oh, uh, don't mind if I do."
I finish my breakfast and politely excuse myself from the table, before rising to put my dishes in the sink...It would be Sōta's turn to try and ask me about yesterday.
"Hey, Cora-"
And once again, Akari-sama interrupts:
"Sōta, these pickles I bought are so crunchy and delicious. You should at least try one."
"Oh, uh, sure."
"(Turn) And no need to do the dishes. I'll get to them later, Coraline."
I turn to reply,
"Okay...Thank yeu."
I bend down to give Buyo some pets just as Besa moves to put his dishes in the sink.
"Thank you for breakfast and letting me spend the night, Miss Higurashi."
"Of course, Besa dear."
I then snatch up my satchel and begin heading out.
"I'll see you all later."
I hear both my little brother and grandfather try once more to catch my ears, but are muffled by Akari-sama cheerily calling to me,
"Have a nice day~."
No POV
Besa waves to the Higurashis before rushing to catch up with Coraline... and once the teens were gone, Akari releases her hands from over Hayato and Sōta's mouths.
"Gah! What do you think you're doing?!"
"Yeah, mom; she's not lookin' too good, Besa isn't saying anything and we're kind-of worried. Aren't you?"
All the woman does in response is snatch up another pickle slice for herself.
"Mm, these pickles are out of this world~."
The males practically sweatdrop at her in disbelief, while Akari thinks to herself reassuringly,
It won't do any good to make ourselves sick with worry...
Besides, Besa's a sensible boy: he's likely having similar thoughts regarding Coraline.
...Hope is not lost yet. I know it isn't.
Moving to the downtown area, Coraline and Besa make their way down one street as she tries to avoid faltering her mask of calm, while he looks ahead with a blank expression...Once they reach the library, the redhead turns to her brother and says,
"Well, here's where I stop. Yeu sure y' don' want me to come along to yur apar'ment?"
"It's okay; I can handle it all myself. I just need to shuffle some clothes for the laundromat. (...Frown) What about you? You, holding up alright?"
"I'll survive...Let's meet a' the grocery outlet around noon, 'kay?"
Besa nods, and just as Coraline turns to head inside the building, he gently grabs her shoulder.
"And Cora?"
"Auy?"
"...Hang in there. It'll work out for the better, I'm sure of it."
"(Sad smile) I hope you're right...Thanks for, bein' here for me and listenin' with Freeman the other night."
"Of course...See you later."
With that, the teens part, with Besa continuing down the sidewalk and Coraline heading into the library...
Meanwhile, in Sengoku Edo, after Shippō woke up from his nap yesterday, he'd be informed by Sango, Miroku and Freeman of a certain girl's departure with her brother and their reasons for heading back to modern-day Tokyo...And despite Freeman trying to explain what Besa theorized regarding Coraline's true feelings about the events of the night before last, that didn't stop the little fox demon from calling Inuyasha out on his actions.
"Inuyashaaa! How could you stoop so loooow?! I mean, you were so upset when Kōga got friendly with Coraline, even though she turned his affections away every, single, time, and after all that fuss, you only wanna think about Kikyō now?!"
The single Brownlee takes the fuming Shippō into his arms to try and calm them down.
"Take it down a notch, kiddo. There's no use blowing your stack over something so complicated."
"How is this complicated?! Inuyasha practically turned his back on Coraline!"
"Maybe on the surface, it looks that way...but underneath, I think it's Cora that may have turned her own back on Inuyasha...and herself."
The fox demon looks up at Freeman in surprise and confusion, while Sango finishes wrapping Miroku's arm with gauze and asks the silverette,
"You never had deep feelings for Coraline?"
The monk says seriously,
"You are obliged to go see her, Inuyasha."
"Lay off, okay?! I've decided that I'm never gonna see Coraline again, ever..."
(Bonk)
Miroku plants his foot on the side of Inuyasha's head and says with a deadpan,
"Give it a rest. You've got a one track mind..."
He then bends down to the half-demon's level and adds,
"I mean go back and get the scared jewel fragments that Coraline took with her! Aside from Freeman and his brother, only you have the power to pass through the well, Inuyasha."
"You say that as if Coraline's gonna give up on the quest."
They and the other two souls turn to the single Brownlee, he having a calm smile on his face.
"Regardless of what's happened these few days, I guarantee Cor's not gonna be over in our era for long. Her heart won't allow that...Once she's gotten far enough into somethin', there's no turning back, even if she has to endure some hardships along the way."
He then forms a small frown as he further adds,
"Besides, it's like I said to Shippō just now: Besa and I know she's not feelin' any negativity towards Inuyasha. If anything, she's mad at herself for letting her tough girl guard down and allowin' herself to be emotionally vulnerable...She's also feeling pity towards Inuyasha and Kikyō's fruitless search for lost love."
Said half-demon snaps his head at the espresso-complexioned boy with a small growl, who stares him down with no fear.
"You know I'm right. What you and she had is gone, and you're not going to get it back. You both need to face the truth and move on."
Inuyasha's POV
Shortly after getting told off for my lack of action to this, problem, I went outside to sit on the fence by Kaede as she pulls out some grown herbs from her garden, trying not to let the words of my friends get to me...
"Inuyasha, are ye really sure ye want to go through with this?"
"Oh come on, Kaede, do I have to hear it from you too?"
"Remember that the Kikyō ye see now is conjured up from earth and bones. Ye wish to be with someone who is not of this world."
Though I couldn't deny that the old woman's point, my heart is firm in hanging onto my old feelings.
Her body may be different, but her spirit still remains, whatever part of it, that is...
"Do ye fully appreciate the implications that the two of ye can never be together in this world? Deep down, what this resurrected Kikyō wants is for both of ye to die together."
"That's fine...I am prepared to leap into Hell with Kikyō, if that is her wish."
If that is to be our destiny, I would embrace it without a second thought.
That being said...I, couldn't help but think of Freeman's words from earlier.
(Flash)
"...What you and she had is gone, and you're not going to bet it back. You both need to face the truth and move on."
(Flash)
But how'm I suppose to move on with the truth, when she can't accept that we lost what we had fifty years ago?
Coraline's POV
Once I was done drowning my mind in library books and grocery shopping with Besa, I found myself back home and in my room continuing my plan of distraction with next month's homework and my history exam...I couldn't stand it anymore after an hour, and decided to see if I was ready to try and go back to the Sengoku Era to...see Inuyasha...
I'm now in the well house, staring into the bottom that may as well be an illusion.
I...I haft' go back and see him...
I grip the lip of the well...but hesitate, my nerves getting the better of me.
...Damn...I'm not ready yet. I'm, still afraid.
Rgh, why'm I bein' such a coward?...It's not like 'e said he was gonna go with Kikyō...
I shut my eyes and shake my head while muttering,
"This is ridiculous...Why'm I, so worked up over this?"
...Because I know wha' they're chasing is only going to lead to their destruction...
Damn it, Kikyō, you've become a shadow of the woman yeu once were!
Are y' really gonna allow your darkness to corrode Inuyasha as well?! Yeu already died once for cryin' out loud!
Do you really want to die again as half the woman yeu are now?!
"Uh-h!"
...I back away from the well, shocked by my bitter thoughts.
"...Oh kami...Have I really become tha' blunt of a targe?"
I hear Lumos hover and chirp beside me in concern, but I was too busy looking down in shame.
...I...I'm not tryin' to be mean...bu' I wasn' raised to be a chronic liar.
...Still...I do, care about Kikyō...I want her to find peace, just as Inuyasha does.
I exit the well house with my Will O' Wisp companion, convinced that I'm not in the right mental state to return to Edo.
With th's bitterness corroding me heart, there's no way I can face Inuyasha and the others righ' now...
Too many questions will be asked...
As I slowly make my way back towards the house...
(Ba-bump/Flash)
"Inuya-..."
"K-...yō!"
(Ba-bump/Flash)
"H-Huh?"
...I stop, a bewildered expression on my face.
Wha' was...that?
(Sheen...)
"Mm?"
I look down and see the bottled jewel shards in my hand were emitting a soft glow.
"...The shards..."
I hear Lumos emit his ghostly moans, and look up towards the Goshinboku Tree as a soft breeze caresses its branches and he circles the trunk...
This tree. (...Small smile) I remember this was a regular spo' f'r me durin' my early days at this shrine.
(Frown) I also remember some strange occurrences every time I passed it...I kept hearin', echos on the wind...voices...
I step closer to the tree, my eyes on the scar in the middle of the trunk.
"This spot...I used to believe i' was a scar from a storm or a wild animal's old clawin' mark...but no. Neither scenario is correct...I now know it's th' very place Inuyasha was sealed to more than five hundred years ago..."
After all, I me' him in th's very area when the spell loosened, thanks to my presence.
(Flash)
"Hello, Kikyō. Playing with bugs, now are we?"
"...So I was right. You really weren' dead at'all..."
"Why're you taking so long to kill it? Just do her like you did me...Huh?...You look pretty dumb there, Kikyō...The Kikyō I know wouldn't waste time."
"Why I outta-! Listen up: whoever this 'Kikyō' is, she's not me! My name is-"
(Flash)
Highlights of that dog demon I've come to hold important in my heart just kept coming and coming, my resolve chipping with each beat...It was then I felt it again.
(Ba-bump/Flash)
"In...asha!"
"Ki-K...yō!"
(Ba-bump/Flash)
"Rgh!"
I grip the side of my head:
Wh-Wha', is this?
...And why...does this feel so familiar...?
"Touch the scar."
Huh?
"Touch the scar of the tree! It'll make sense once you do."
...A little girl? Ach, I need ta go inside.
I try to stumble out of the area...but as I straighten up, I trip and fall over the small fencing around the tree.
"Oh!"
I steady myself by placing a hand on the bark...in the very spot where the scar was.
(Ba-bump, ba-bump)
"Agh!"
The pounding becomes stronger, and my vision starts to blur.
"G-Got to, ge' back, t-to th' house!...Uuuuhhhh..."
Next thing I knew, I completely black out with Lumos's frantic chirping being the last thing I heard...
Besa's POV
After shopping with Coraline down at the local grocer, I made my way to the district my brother and I occupy.
On the surface, it's one of those areas that's seen better days, with wear and tear and a few boarded-up buildings, graffiti tags down most of the alleyways, and a fairly diverse mix of people of different ethnic backgrounds, mostly those with Chinese and Korean origins, but I've seen at least a dozen American immigrants like Freeman and I...
But when you live here long enough, you really get to see the mix of good and bad. For example, the corner store was once a front for drug trafficking, but after a major gang fight and the police busting both sides two years ago, it's been taken over by a sweet Korean-Japanese family with two daughters and a son.
I wave to one of those daughters as I pass, and she waves back...
After a few more blocks, I turn to enter the apartment building Freeman and I live in.
(Ka-chank, crreeeack...)
"Hauh, sometimes I wish we didn't live on the top floor...Alright, up the stairs I go."
Shifting the weight of my bags, I make my way up the staircase, the elevator still awaiting maintenance from someone coming next week...Eventually, I reach the eighth floor and head down the hall to mine and Freeman's place, 8-C.
(...Ka-chank)
Opening the door with my copy of the key, I make my way inside. Our place is actually better off than some of the other apartments in this building, with only a couple minor cracks in a few of the walls, one small kitchen and an equally small sitting room with three chairs we got at the junkyard (just had to clean them and repair the upholstery), one small bathroom with a shower and two bedrooms. Because we both got spooked by the number of-ahem, bullet holes in one of the bedrooms one even after they got plastered over, my brother and I share the other...
I put the grocery bags onto the small table in the kitchen, then make my way over to our open rucksacks, with two piles of clean clothes nearby and ready to be packed inside.
"(Small smile) Good thing I did the laundry before heading to the store with Cora...I hope she's alright..."
I found myself looking around the room, noting our simple decor, including the small TV we salvaged with Shuji's help a few years back...My smile becomes a bit bitter as I remember back to when Freeman and I first got this place.
(Flash)
It was four years ago, and we arrived in Tokyo at the Haneda International Airport thanks to an old friend whose older cousin has connections to Pennsylvania's airports and was able to get us tickets on the next flight out of the country. We only had the clothes on our backs, and a rucksack filled with everything we could pack before leaving home...
Come a few days later, we still had no place and slept in two alleyways and one homeless shelter, using whatever energy we had during the day to wander about the city and try to find somewhere that rented cheap and near a place we could get some sort of job...Of course, our citizenship was still pending and our Japanese was 'novice' level at best, so finding people to give us a chance was difficult...
Then one day, we wandered into the district that would become our new home, though we didn't know it at the time. Heha, I'll say this much: the neighbourhood was way scarier back then. I swear there must've been a gunshot going off every fifteen minutes!...I remember looking at Freeman with a nervous and incredulous expression while asking,
"Remind me again, whose idea it was to turn down this way?"
"Don't look at me; I was following you!...Plus what other choice do we have, bro? Most of the areas we've tried have already turned us away 'cause our Japanese sucks or they were lookin' at us funny."
"True...Hopefully, someone down here will at least give us the benefit of the doubt."
So we put our brave faces on and kept going deeper inside...After about a half hour, we came across a worn-down park with three swings (one broken), a rusty slide and a small field of grass with a few flowers growing between some fallen leaves for the fall season. We decided to take a break and sit by an old Japanese maple, letting out matching breaths of discouragement.
"...Hey, Besa?"
"Yeah?"
"Remember that old park we used to play in before we hit double-digits? The one with the merry-go-round?"
"Heh, yeah, I know the one you're talking about...Those were simpler times, weren't they?"
"Happier too...Listen...I'm, sorry about being the cause of all this."
I formed a frown before turning to face Freeman seriously and sincerely.
"Now don't you start that bullcrap again. This has never been nor ever will be your fault...So what if you're into guys? We're all entitled to find love any way we can and want. If anyone's to blame, it's that bastard we formerly called our father. He made the choice to drive us away with his hate and abuse...I just wish I could've acted sooner. I...feel like a bit of a failure for not getting us out of that crap-shack we called home."
"What? No, Besa, this isn't your fault either! You've been protecting me like a brother should...You've stood up for me, shielded me from 'him' when he got real rough, and came up with our escape plan. Heheh, I just provided the location...You're the hero out of the two of us."
"Freeman..."
"(Low whistle) Damn, sounds like you two have seen better days, huh?"
"Hm?"
"Huh?"
We turn our heads up to the source of the new voice, and see a boy who looked about our age, maybe a year older, with a pale beige complexion, short messy black hair, brown eyes and wearing a dark blue t-shirt with Enamel's logo on it, black joggers and black sneakers.
Note: Do not own that band reference!
"Who are you?"
"And, you speak English?"
"Name's Shuji, and yea', I dabble with English. Got top marks in a second language class they held at the center for us kids who couldn't get into high-school...So what brings you two to Tokyo?"
He was the one person we met that actually looked generally interested in our lives, so we thought, 'What the hell?' and decided to tell him our tale in full...When we were done, he shook his head with a sympathetic frown.
"Damn shame, that is. Can't believe your old man turned his back on ya like he did, and your so-called mom did nothin' but sit back and watch...Just out of curiousity, why come to this part of the globe?"
"We enjoy the music and dancing scene here, and we figured Japan would be far enough from our old life."
"Heh, it's funny you're wearing a tee with Enamel's logo. I love their music!"
"No kidding! Small world..."
All's quiet for a few minutes...before Shuji gives us a smile and asks,
"Say...what would you two think if I told you I could show you a place for cheap rent, and even help find some odd and end jobs to pay?"
"W-What?!"
"Seriously?...You'd, do that, for two complete strangers? Why?"
"Well, you guys remind me of some of the other folks who live around here, comin' from a bad time, looking for a new start...including me. I live here with my three older brothers 'cause one works at the old lawyer office while the other two do volunteer work down at the center, helping the homeless and all that...I'm actually working on opening a garage, both for cash and for volunteer work."
"Whoa, that sounds cool!"
"Heh, yeah. I'm at least a year away from making it possible...My parents, are a little gun-ho about my dream, but I've since stopped listening to them. They can take pride in my eldest brother the lawyer...I guess, I can see you both are like me: quirky background with big dreams. I mean, you guys do have dreams, right?"
"...Yeah."
"We do..."
At that moment, I felt this, connection spread between us three, like we were suppose to have met that day...
Shuji would then take us to the old apartment building, and introduce us to the landlord, a nice middle-aged man who understood hard times. He'd lead us up to the eighth floor to one room that just dropped dramatically in price due to...a murder that took place not even a week ago before my brother and I came to this district. Sure, that info was a little, disconcerting...but after talking with eachother, we knew that this was our one and only shot for a place that wouldn't drain our pockets dry.
A few papers are signed, and we had our new apartment! The landlord then recommended a few places that were looking for a few extra working hands, no previous experience required...and it's been history ever since.
(Flash)
"...To think, a pair of country mice like Freeman and I have been living contently in the city of Tokyo for more than four years now."
By the time I was done reminiscing, I finished repacking our things for the next trip to Edo...I found my hands gripping the sides of my own rucksack as I think about Inuyasha and the others.
"Things have definitely taken a major one-eighty these last few months, from Coraline's connections to a dangerous jewel, to Inuyasha, and finally meeting Miroku, Sango, Shippō and Kilala after having a run-in with Coraline's old enemies...Now we've actually been a part of the action..."
And I wouldn't change a moment of it either. Every good time and hard time's been worth it.
I let my bag go and zip up...
Hoisting both over my shoulders, I make this vow.
I will continue to always be there for my brother and sister...but I can include my new-found friends too.
...Right now, though, there's one person who needs my support, so I better motor over to the Shrine.
Coraline's Mindscape, Her POV
"(Blink) Huh?"
Shortly after passing out in front of that special tree, I open my eyes...only to find myself standing in,
"Uh-h!...Th-The Goshinboku Village?!...How-?!"
This can't be righ'. How can I be here?! I never entered the well.
I look around more closely...and see the place was in shambles.
Wait...There's fire and destruction all over the place...What's going on?
"Inuyashaaa!"
Huh? Did, they just say-
I turn to see several village men crowding back in fear, and as they back up...one crashes not into me, but right through me!
"Ah! W-W-What th' hell?!"
He-his body, went righ' through mine!
I look down at my hand...and notice a more translucent glow to my skin and clothing...It was then I realize,
...I'm no' really here...So, 'm I witnessin' a past event?
I catch the sound of ripping twine pass through the air, and I turn to the sky to see,
"Hh! Inuyasha!"
Cha dtuigim, I don' understand. Is he...attackin' this place? Why would-...
Unless...Is this back when 'e tried to steal the Shikon-no-Tama?
I watch him continue his trajectory and crash through the roof of a shrine house I, don't remember seeing in the current timeline...I decide to follow him, and thanks to my ghost-like presence, I pass through the walls effortlessly and observe Inuyasha grab that familiar marble-sized jewel.
...The Jewel of Four Souls.
Several men come bursting through the front doors, and Inuyasha wastes no time, dodging an onslaught of spears and making his escape through the roof again. I head back outside, and watch as he glides through the air...
"Ha! So there!"
Uh! Inuyasha's voice...Is i' because I'm focusin' on his body tha' I can hear him?
"Finally...a way for me to become all demon at last!"
...But is tha' really wha' yeu want now?
He lands swiftly on the ground and speeds off in the direction of the forest...But just before he could hit the treeline...
"Inuyasha!"
Kikyō! Hh, no, wait-
(Twok)
...But there was nothing I could do...
(TOK)
"Agh! Uh!...Ah..."
The arrow makes contact right where his heart is, pinning him to, that tree and causing him to fumble his grip on the jewel...I suck in a sharp breath, and put a hand over my mouth in shock, having only heard of the events but never seen it...until now.
"Oh dhia...!"
Inuyasha's expression probably looks close to my own, his gaze focusing away from the fallen jewel on the source of the arrow...
"Ki-Kikyō...How could...I thought-...Auu..uh..."
His eyes close, the arrow's spell taking full effect and sealing his fate.
"...Inuyasha..."
I then hear a soft groan of pain, and turn to see the miko stumble forward and drop her bow, then kneel on the ground and exposing the wound on her right shoulder...
The wound tha' killed her.
"Big sister!"
I then watch a little girl who looked maybe a year of two older than Sōta rush over along with several villagers.
That must be Kaede when she w's young...She has gauze around 'er eye...
I haven't ye' found ou' how she go' that injury.
"I forgot who I, and now see that..."
I focus back on Kikyō as she picks up the jewel with a bitter expression.
"All for this...The Shikon-no-Tama, which-mmh!"
She cringes from the wound, and young Kaede holds her arms out while desperately pleading,
"You're in pain; let someone..."
"...I won't, be let much longer."
I watch the older sister relinquish the jewel to Kaede, giving them the final task upon her deathbed.
"And so, I give this to you...The Shikon-no-Tama, which you must burn with my body...It must not fall into the hands of those who would abuse it."
I sense the mix of sadness, pain and exhaustion from the priestess...She succumbs to her wound as Kaede calls out in tears,
"Sister Kikyō...Sister Kikyōōōō!"
...I wipe away a set of tears in my own eyes.
This is even worse than hearin' the story...
An' the worst part is, neither he or her knew th' truth about what set them agains' eachother.
(...Ba-bump)
"Hm?"
I then feel a presence, and turn to look into the distance...to see a figure standing at the edge of the woods.
Who is tha'?
"...Curse that priestess."
Uh! I can hear their voice!
"She chose to succumb to death, and she will take the Jewel of Four Souls with her...But no matter. I shall wait for as long as I have to until it returns...Heh, and with Inuyasha trapped under the spell of the scared arrow, none shall stand in my way."
...Wait...That's...
"Naraku!"
I feel my legs shake...and I run towards the figure until I could see them as that bastard demon in his baboon cloak.
He-He was watching this whole time?!
...Yeu, cruel, sadistic sleeven!
(Ba-bump)
"Ugh!"
My head began throbbing again, and I witness flashes of what happened before this fateful day.
(Flash)
The hour when Kikyō was attacked by Naraku disguised as Inuyasha...
(SLASH)
"UH!"
...I could hear that snake's voice melded with his imitation of the real half-dog demon.
"Fool...I have no desire whatsoever to become human...But I shall take the Shikon-no-Tama nonetheless. Thanks. This jewel's about to absorb a great deal of pain and suffering, when I use it to slaughter the villagers."
I could almost taste the disbelief, hurt and rage from the woman as she watched the shapeshifter walk away.
"You, traitor...TRAITOR!"
(Flash)
And then there was the mock attack from Naraku disguised as Kikyō...
(Twok, TOK-TOK-TOK)
"Uh!"
Once again, I could hear the mix of his real voice and the mimicry.
"Die, Inuyasha!"
The hurt...the betrayal...the anger...
(Flash)
I get enough of a grip on myself, and send a seething glare at the one truly responsible for this whole ordeal.
"D-Damn, you...!"
If only this wasn' a memory...I would choke yeu with me bare hands and make you pay!
...It was like he could sense my threat, for he suddenly turns my way, and as soon as we meet eyes, that dizziness becomes piercing.
"Ah! Agh, n-no' again! Ar-hh, ah!"
I hear one more echo of Inuyasha and Kikyō's voices, along with Naraku's dark laugh, before I pass out again...
(Jolt)
"Uh!"
I snap awake...and find myself laying face-down in front of the tree, my ankles laying on the spaces between the fencing.
"...Wha' just happened?"
That, vision...Was tha' a memory the tree held f'r all those years?
"Hehee, well some of it is the tree; the other is from the jewel shards you have...and this isn't the first time you've seen that either."
Tha' voice again!
I struggle to raise myself from the ground and over the fence, looking around for the source.
"...Alrigh', what's goin' on 'ere? Who are yeu, where are you an' why?"
"Look behind you; you'll see me standing on the left of the tree in a few seconds."
Though confused, I turn around anyway and watch the spot...before I see a familiar soft amaranth pink glow manifest...then fade away to leave behind a familiar little girl with long black hair, brown eyes and wearing that off-white shift dress with a pink cherry blossom pattern, her transparent body littered with faded bruises and cuts...
"Hh! K...Kagome?!"
She nods with a small smile, and I watch Lumos circle around the little spirit in excitement, causing her to giggle...I grip the side of my head in disbelief.
"I...I can't believe yu're really here!...How?"
"Oh I've been able to pop up here for a couple years now. The first time was a few days after I died...Before that, I came to you to pass on the jewel and my past self's soul."
"...Bu' why me? Why, choose me of all people?"
"Because you were everything I could never be even if I did survive the crash: strong, independent, brave and rounded...But it was your soul that drew me the most, with all that energy and great balance of light and darkness. It was the perfect place for Kikyō to rest, until she would be called on again, by accident of course."
She then forms a sad and apologetic look:
"I am sorry that you've been through so much hardship in your life, and throwin' you into the thick of this mess didn't help much. (Smile) But at least you got to be with Grandpa, Mama and my baby brother, and now you have lotsa friends who will be there for you!"
I couldn't help it: I had to crack a small half-smile at her innocent attitude.
"Yea', I guess...I, am humbled tha' you think I'm a good candidate for this quest...Wish I could'a done some things better, though."
"Hey, we all make mistakes, right? Isn't that how we grow up?"
"True..."
I walk closer to the little ghost and ask with a confused frown,
"But circling back a bit, wha' do yeu mean that this isn' the first time I've seen...tha' memory?"
"Ah, well...Hah, that was mostly the tree's fault. You probably remember hearing strange echoes coming from this spot whenever you passed it, right?"
"Auy."
"That was the tree trying to trigger memories of Kikyō and Inuyasha by calling to the jewel when it was still inside your body...Anyway, about a year before you first entered the well, you decided to take a closer look at the tree scar, and when you touched it, the memory activated."
"Hmm...I do remember touchin' the tree...but everything else is hazy. I woke up in bed with Grandfather watchin' me from the desk-chair, (rubs forehead) ach, and, I did have an inkling there was somethin' else I forgot...bu' nothin' came to me."
"Yes. The reason there's a blur in that memory...is because I locked it away."
"What?"
"You weren't ready to see that yet. The jewel and tree ganged up on you too early...so I used whatever power I had as the original reincarnation to seal the memory away. You weren't suppose to know anything about the past until you were of the right age...and went into the Bone Eater's Well."
"...I see..."
"I'm sorry if my interfering made you feel like you feel on edge, but it was for the best."
"It's, fine; wha's done is done...A' least now I have a visual to the true events of the tragedy."
"(Small smile) I'm, glad you're not mad..."
"Heh, well it's a little late ta be mad a' you, seeing as the truth is already ou' in the open, thanks to tha' horrible demon, Naraku."
I then felt a sad frown come to my face, as I thought of the one person hurt the most by this whole ordeal.
...Inuyasha...
"What's wrong, Coraline? You look unhappy."
"Hm? Oh, 'm fine...It's just...I was thinking abou'..."
"Inuyasha?"
I look at her in surprise:
"...You know him?"
"Hahee, of course. I may not be a part of the jewel anymore, but I still have connections to Kikyō and her memories. Plus, I've heard you talk about him while standing under the tree."
"O-Oh really?"
"Yep. (Sad smile) You really like him, don't you?"
"Well, yea'. He's become a dear friend of mine."
"Nuh-uh, not like that...I mean like-like."
I stare at Kagome's spirit for a moment...before turning away with my hair covering my face.
"No, I don't."
"You don't...or you think you can't?"
"Mph...!"
"If it's his previous relationship with Kikyō you're worried about, I've seen highlights of what that was, and, honestly...I don't think there was much going on."
"...Wha' do you mean?"
"Well, she did care about Inuyasha, and maybe had a crush on him like he did on her...but she never put those feelings out there for real. Kikyō was mostly glad to not feel alone anymore...Naraku may have stamped out their chance early, but I don't think they would'a had much of one even if they lived."
"Yeu, think so?"
"(Shrug) I'm just going by what I could feel from her memories; I may not be right...But I can see it all over your face and heart, Coraline: you've fallen in love with Inuyasha."
...I feel my knees begin to wobble as I fight my damnedest to avoid tear up.
No...No, she's wrong! 'm not in love with him!...I can't be...
But...I can't deny this feelin', this, desire to see 'im...be with him...
Oh dhia...I...I am...I haven' realized i' before, bu' at some point in this whole adventure...I fell in love with tha' stubborn dog demon.
My voice came out in a whisper, but the words were true.
"...I'm in love with Inuyasha."
It was at that moment, that I heard footsteps coming from the staircase.
"...Coraline?"
"Cora? You okay?"
I turn to see Akari-sama and Besa standing a couple feet away, the former holding bags of items from shopping for the house, the latter with his and Freeman's rucksacks, and both looking at me with concern...I hear a gentle urge from Kagome:
"Now that you've finally admitted your true feelings, you can let others help you. Go to Mama and your brother."
...My body shook, and I burst into a run to Akari-sama and hug her around her middle, letting the dam loose.
"Akari! Hh-h, Akari-sama! B-Besa!"
I sob into the older woman's shirt, and she just hugs me back without asking questions, while Besa moves to hug me from behind and whisper,
"It's okay, sis, it's okay..."
After a few minutes, I calm down and allow Akari-sama to guide me to sit down between her and Besa on the stone bench beside the tree...A moment of silence passes, and as I dry my eyes with the lent handkerchief, Akari-sama asks,
"Coraline?"
"(Sniff) Auy?"
"When you're close to the Goshinboku Tree, don't you feel a strange kind-of power, as though you feel truer to yourself, that somehow its presence makes you feel much more pure?"
I glance over where Kagome is, and I nod with a tiny watery smile,
"Yea'..."
"...This was the very same place where my husband proposed to me."
"Really?"
"Mhm. And of course, I loved him like no other...But the day before he asked me to marry him, we got into some silly argument."
Besa quirks a small smile and asks,
"A lover's quarrel, then, ma'am?"
"Heha, something like that. It had made me seriously doubt if the two of us were truly meant to be together...But the instant I had walked under this tree, my mind cleared and I had accepted his proposal, which meant I was able to have my late daughter Kagome and Sōta...It might sound funny, but I feel grateful to this tree."
...I reply softly,
"I don' think i's silly at all. This tree marks a grand chapter in yur life."
"(Smile) That's kind of you to say."
She then pulls me to her side and says gently,
"I won't ask you to say what the problem is, but I have alot of fate in you, Coraline. I know that you are a young woman that will ultimately choose the path you believe to be right...After all, you did make the treacherous journey here."
"...Thank you, Akari."
And thank you...Kagome.
I then look into the distance, and see the little spirit smile brightly at me, before fading away with a friendly wave...
No POV
At the same time that Coraline comes to an epiphany of her own heart, Inuyasha was sitting under and on the giant roots of the younger Goshinboku Tree, his mind still zigzagging through the maze of uncertainty...Shippō finds him after a few more minutes, and prepares to badger him again about the whole situation.
"Inuyasha-"
"Shut up, I know."
"But I haven't said I word!"
"Hmph...you're going to say to go see Coraline."
The fox demon asks more calmly but seriously,
"Well if you know, then what are you waiting for?"
Inuyasha thinks to himself rather than saying it aloud,
But that'll mean seeing Coraline face-to-face...and the possibility of telling her goodbye.
I mean, before I wasn't able to, but...it was her hug that stopped me in the end.
...And that apology...Coraline. Is she really willing to go on, even with the hurt?
"The truth is you're not the one having a hard time with this; Coraline is."
He looks up to see Miroku, Sango and Freeman approaching, the second replying,
"Miroku's absolutely right, and so was Freeman yesterday and the day before."
She takes in a breath and sternly adds,
"You've already made up your mind about who you want in your life, so whatever, but I suspect that Coraline is right now sitting at home feeling confused."
The frown on the half-demon's face said otherwise about his supposed decision.
...Have I made up my mind? I'm not so sure.
"If you're any kind of man, you'll meet up with Coraline and make a nice clean break."
"That's for sure, instead of pussy-footing around like this!"
He hears all that he could take and barks back,
"Just wait a minute: do you really want me to split with Coraline that much?!"
Everyone minus Freeman counters confusingly,
"Well, I mean, don't you?"
"Who said that? Y-You're just twisting things around!...Hah, look, I decided that I have to protect Kikyō, so you tell me, (turns back) how can I ask Coraline to come back here?...Huh?"
He notices that the modern-born teen is the only one left in the area with him.
"Hey! Aren't you even listening?!"
"(Point) Keep lookin' forward, dude."
Following the thumb jab, Inuyasha see the others heading back for the village. Miroku comments,
"What a guy: in the game of love, he's sure a poor sport," while Sango suggests,
"From now on, how 'bout we just call him 'two-faced'," and Shippō sighs,
"Guess it's all up to us."
The silverette mutters irritably,
"Why, you...!"
His attention then turns to Freeman as the latter finally throws in his opinion.
"To answer your question, let me propose one of my own...Did she ever say to forget Coraline?"
"Huh?"
"Kikyō has asked you to eventually join her in Hell, and you recently promised to protect her from that bastard Naraku...Do either of these promises include forgetting Coraline and all she's been through with you?"
Inuyasha stares at his fellow teen for a moment...before quietly muttering,
"No..."
"Thought so...Now here's a different, but not completely unrelated question: are these feelings you have for Kikyō now just a lame-ass attempt to get back what you lost those years ago? 'Cause if it is, (shakes head) your possible ending is gonna be as bitter as it was before, and has been these last few months."
He's taken aback by Freeman's bluntness.
"Wh-What?!"
...The latter then smiles and takes a seat on the roots, beckoning the former to sit beside him.
"Look, I do get what you're going through. First loves aren't always easy to walk away from...You remember when I mentioned my ex-boyfriend from Kyōto, right?"
"Yeah?"
"Well, even though I was the one who broke it off, it was just as hard for me as it was for him. (Bitter smile) I sometimes have moments when I wonder what would've happened if I kept the relationship going...but then I realized: he may have been my first love, but he wasn't 'The One', ya know? And every time I did imagine a 'What If' scenario, it always ended worse than it really did. I may have loved him, but I wasn't 'in' love with him."
Freeman turns to look Inuyasha in the eyes and adds,
"I dunno if that's the real problem you're goin' through right now, but it's something to consider. (...Stands up) Look inside your heart, Inuyasha: is going to Hell with Kikyō truly what you want for the both of you...or wouldn't you rather find a way for the both of you to have peace in your souls and erase the bitterness that's lodged between you two right now? Plus...wouldn't you rather be with someone who wants you to live?"
"Freeman..."
He just flashes a wise smile and starts walking back to the village in the same direction the others did earlier...After a bit, Inuyasha decides to walk over to the area where the well sits, thinking about what Freeman said...and about Coraline.
I do want Kikyō to have peace in her soul...The only problem is that I can't think of another way to achieve such a goal other than entering Hell with her.
...And yet, Freeman does have a point: that option may end up making things even worse in the long haul.
But he does understand that, with her being my first love, it's not easy to move on.
...And then there's Coraline.
I don't think I can ask her to come back. And even if she wants to brave it out and return on her own...why would she?
As he approaches the clearing, he adds to myself sadly,
I have to at least see her, even at the risk of saying goodbye...But will this help me move on?
When he makes it out the treeline, he peers over by the well...and spots,
"Uh...!"
Coraline...!
Zooming her way, we see her sitting on the lip of the well, wearing a simple white tank top, acid-wash jeans with tears in the one knee and her black combat boots. Standing nearby is Besa, wearing a white tee with an off-black fishing style vest, dark blue cargo pants and his monochrome hightops...He gives his sister a nod, then walks over where Inuyasha's standing, clapping the other's shoulder gently with a small smile before moving onward to the Goshinboku Village to give the pair some privacy...
The half-demon watches the cornrowed teen go for a few seconds, before he turns to gaze eye-to-eye with Coraline, both having a mix of distant, serious and sad expressions laced into their gold-hazel and stormy sea-sky irises...A soft breeze passes, and the young woman slowly rises to a stand to address her friend and newfound secret love.
"I returned to my era, and took some time to think, abou' us...and Kikyō."
"Rh, Coraline, I'm so..."
"(Sad smile) Don't be. I understand how yeu mus' be feelin' right now. Heh...in the beginnin' of my philosophizin', I almost considered not comin' back altogether...but I quickly realized if I did tha', I'd be turnin' me back on you, the others, and most of all, m'self."
Inuyasha clenches his fist and says softly,
"Coraline...before I met you, I never trusted a living soul, but...I watched you shed tears for my sake. You've always stayed by my side, and whenever I'm with you, I feel so peaceful and happy...But I...I'm not suppose to be all at ease and cheerful. Kikyō...Kikyō came after me and lost her life. It's only right that I repay her with my own life."
"(Nod) I ge' that...bu' I'm no' sure if that's wha' she really wants."
He looks at her in confusion, and she continues:
"It's true I can't compete with h'r sacrifice given that I'm still alive...bu', I can't help but compare her death, to tha' of my father's."
"Your father?"
"Auy...I, remember, the last words he said before he w's shot, that if his death meant I could live, that was good enough for him. He had a sad smile on his face as he said it too, so I know he meant it."
Coraline sits back down on the well's lip as she goes even further.
"And I have a feelin' that's what Kikyō truly wishes for. She 'says' she wishes for yur death...but, I think wha' she really means is tha' she wants t' go back to that time when you were both together, back before tha' sleeven Onigumo, later Naraku screwed everything up...Like yeu, she wan's ta get back what you both lost."
A somewhat bitter and pitying smile comes to her face as she thinks aloud about herself and Kikyō.
"It's funny: she and I couldn't be anymore different...but at the same time, we share a few commonalities. She was a miko revered by her people, ye' that same admiration made 'er different from other women, and her power made 'er a formidable enemy to demons who dared cross her path. I'm an Aura Reader with'a gift to sense the extraordinary among the ordinary, ye' very few saw me for me, and most feared or hated me. We both faced isolation...became lonely...Kikyō was grounded, and I chose the renegade's life, mostly 'cause I had no choice after my home w's destroyed. I'm more rough and crude, and she's calm and collected, even with the recen' dark turn...I could go on, but who has the time, heheh?...I may be 'er supposed reincarnation of more than five years, but I'm no' the original, nor will I ever be her. I am who I am; my heart is my own."
She pauses for a moment...before saying,
"There is one thing tha' we both share in common the most..."
Inuyasha looks back up again with more interest, and Coraline gazes at him seriously before concluding,
"We have the same desire t' see you again."
The boy in the red kimono sucks in a quick breath of surprise, and his companions smiles softly.
"I didn' come to this conclusion on me own. I had'a little help from...an old friend from beyond...But knowin' that Kikyō and I have a common bond with regards to yeu, makes everything that's been troublin' me these last two days seem less black and white. With tha', came the courage to finally come back and speak with yeu."
Inuyasha could only stare with wonder at the redheaded girl, finding his voice caught in his throat.
Coraline...all this time, I wanted to see you too, but...
"I made a promise to be by yur side, Inuyasha, and I'm not abou' to go back on'it. You are, and will always remain, my best friend."
...Silence passes between the pair, the wind softly tousling their contrasting silver and red hair...
Coraline...what kind of answer can I give you?
"Inuyasha?"
"Huh?"
"I have a very simple question I need to ask yae..."
Coraline stands up again, and slowly steps over near the other before asking with a hopeful and somewhat timid smile,
"...Will yeu please le' me stay?"
He's taken aback by the question...but then asks in a similar tone,
"So...you'll, stay with me?"
"(Nod) Auy."
Breakin' the bond between you and Kikyō is no' what I want for you. It's the last thing I wan', actu'lly...
But I've come to realize meeting you, was no coincidence. It w's the combined efforts of Kagome's spirit and Fate that guided us together...
And yeu must know deep down tha' I want you to live...and I'm sure that's wha' Kikyō really wants too.
"...Coraline?"
She lightly shakes her head, before taking Inuyasha's hand with a small smile.
"C'mon. Everyone else must be waiting f'r us."
They begin making their way from the well, and she adds to herself while squeezing his hand,
I want you to be happy...to laugh...and to see the world as the rainbow i' is, not the ethnocentric good and evil...
I dunno what's in store around the bend, but wha'ever happens...I will always be there for you.
...Inuyasha softly squeezes back, and they pause their walk to look at one another with matching smiles of content, before continuing on their way.
...
...
However, there was one other thing Coraline didn't dare mention aloud: a strong surge of guilt over her role with Kikyō's soul...As she continues wandering alongside Inuyasha, she does her best to keep some form of a smile on her face to mask her depression from Inuyasha, her mind drifting back to the topic of the priestess's darkness and the light that's no longer present in her body.
...Kikyō...Her soul isn't wha' it's suppose to be...She should have her entire spiri', but I harbor the light while she's being slowly consumed by 'er dark...
I feel horrible for her. Her current behaviour isn' who she is...And every time I hear the coldness in 'er tone, I...I can feel the light half inside me screamin' in protest. Tha' part of her knows what she's been sayin' isn't all true. It's just her negative emotions cloudin' her judgement and makin' 'er say things before thinkin'...
That scream...It hurts my heart every time, makin' it bleed in sadness and guilt...
If only there was a way to fix it...If only I could make Kikyō's soul whole again.
I don't want her to be broken anymore...I would do anything, and everything, as long as I can help 'er.
...Suddenly, a male voice with the pitch of a nazily salesman rings into Coraline's head with a small chuckle.
"Oh really~?...You'd do anything and everything to save that priestess, huh?"
She feels her insides freeze, but somehow maintains her composure to not rouse suspicion from her friend.
...W-Who's there? Who are yeu?
"Hehaha, Little Doll, I'm the someone who can make your desire possible...that is, if you're interested."
Wha' do you mean?...Are yeu sayin' there's a way to fix Kikyō's soul?
"Aah~, I see someone is interested...Hold on a second; we need to do this face-to-face."
...A wave of energy passes through the area, causing the landscape to freeze in time and the colours to fade into a monochrome gray, including Inuyasha!
"Ha-hh!"
Coraline flinches back, quickly discovering that she's the only one that can still move and in vibrant colour.
"W-W-Wha' the hell?!"
The laughter came ringing again, and she darts her head back and forth to try and find the source...
"Oh wow, you humans kill me! The look on your face is priceless! Ah-cm, but just to prevent any panic attacks, what you're seeing isn't 'really' happening. This is actually your mindscape, and I bumped your subconscious up to the front controls so Red Sword doesn't get wise to what's going on."
"...S-So this isn' happening in th' real world, and I'm, in some weird half-sleep trance?"
"Bingo!"
"...Okay, this is a little freaky...but puttin' those details aside, what are you, exactly, and where are you?"
"Heha, allow me to answer both those questions, by making my grand entrance."
There's a pause...before the space in front of Coraline begins glowing a bright yellow, causing her to flinch back while covering her eyes.
"Agh!"
...Once the light passes, she uncovers her eyes, and turns to see,
"Huh?!"
"Hehaha, nice to meet you, Little Doll. Name's Bill Cipher, a Dream Demon, and I've come to offer you a deal!"