Chapter 2
Six days. It was six days of torture. Coming home was supposed to be helping her heal, but the nightmares gave her no comfort. Lack of eating was beginning to take its toll. Along with her mothers obvious worry, she decided to finally get up. Along with food she could sure use a shower.
She withdrew the curtains lazily, and reached to get dressed. Mustering up even this small amount of energy was exhausting. It only made her want to wallow in bed again.
Her mother stood at the end of the stairs leaning against the wall. Worrying for her daughter was draining. If only Kagome would just talk about what happened, because being left in the dark after seeing her daughter so destroyed was killing her.
Her eyes shot up as she heard Kagomes door slowly open. She came out, seeing her mother already there with a bit of hope in her eyes. That small moment made her feel a little better.
"Mom?.. Can you make me breakfast please.."
"Sure dear, of course!," she said with a bit of joy in her step.
Finally. Her daughter was going to eat something. Maybe next she was going to open up to her, it'd be hard not to push it though. She began arranging something by the stove as Kagome descended the stairs. She heard her daughter slip on her shoes and quietly go outside. Fresh air would help as well.
Bright. Her first time seeing the sun in a while. Seeing her reflection in the windows showed how defeated she was. The bags under her eyes, hair disheveled and unclean. Today would be the first step.
She wandered for a bit until stopping by her grandfather's garden. He was tending to the new sprouts until he saw her.
"Kagome dear. I'm glad to see you outside and feeling better. Would you like to come sit while I tend to these herbs?"
".. Herbs?," she whispered. Another reminder of what she'd be leaving behind, Kaede.
"I'm sorry grandpa, but moms cooking breakfast.. Maybe after I go eat something..," And turned to leave before he could see any tears welling up in the corner of her eyes.
She walked away very quickly. Finally trying to heal herself, and another reminder just has to pop into her head. If anything she didn't wanna leave. But moving on was the best. After all, her job was done in the past. Inuyasha didn't love her, not like she was concerned about his interest in her lately anyways. Her best friends were dead. At least here she could attempt to make something of herself.
She stopped when the sacred tree came into view. This was the one reminder she couldn't escape. Nor did she want to though, it had been there for her since the beginning.
Her fingers traced the bark. It's beautiful calming essence. It could soothe any tortured soul.
Her heart began beating hard, with an aching feeling. She drew away from it, and quickly scurried back towards her house. It wasn't time. She may have cried for a few weeks, but she wasn't ready to move on. She knew the tree was trying to draw it out of her, the closure she very much needed. But it simply wasn't time for her heart to let it all go.
Mrs. Higurashi had already set out everything. Her leg was bouncing with anticipation. Biting nails.
Kagome entered the house and took off her shoes. She smiled lightly at her mother, stomach growing at the site of food finally.
"Thank you mom.. I didn't realize how long it's been since I've eaten with you."
"I'm glad to see you out of your room dear. Please eat up, I know you're exhausted."
Kagome sat down next to her and began fixing her plate. It was hard to be polite when you were starving. She ate two pancakes and a bowl of strawberries. Not much, but enough for now.
As she went to rise from her spot, her mother stood with her. She grabbed Kagomes hands with hers and looked at her pleading.
"Kagome.. I know you may not want to talk about anything wrong. Or if ever. But please sweetheart, don't leave me in the dark forever. I worry for you. And I'm grateful you're at least up and moving today. It's a really nice sight."
Again, she felt guilt. Her mother's feelings should've been taken into consideration. How selfish she had grown. Or grandpa. Sota.
"I'm… trying. I don't know if I want to.. Forget. Or heal and move on. I'll tell you eventually Mom… just know i don't intend to go back. Maybe to say goodbye but that's it… you guys will have me back permanently again.," And with that she let go of her mothers hands to go back to her room.
Her mother sat back in her chair, quietly crying. Her daughters pain hurt so badly to see, see it in those once bright eyes.
Kagome lathered her hair as the warm water soothed her body. Then grabbed a cup to rinse. It felt good to be clean finally. Her hair smelled like the outside for so long she nearly forgot what shampoo smelled like.
Her hair stuck to her back while she drew her knees up to hug. The last time she remembered a good bath was with Shippo and Sango. Sharing her scented soaps with her friends.
"I was supposed to get him some more bath toys when I was gunna come again.."
Her head shot up as the air tensed. Something was around. She knew it wasn't Inuyasha. But demons weren't supposed to be in her time.
She grabbed a towel and quickly got out to dress.
It terrified her to imagine anything around. As she exited the bath, she ran to her room and threw the window open. But just as quickly as it came, it was gone. Her breathing was ragged. In it all, this aura seemed familiar… but it was brushed off.
"Maybe I'm going crazy."
She stumbled back from the window and gave up, onto her bed. Curling up from the exhausted morning of her small accomplishments.
It was dark. Everyone's breaths were drawn as they slept in a deep sleep. Things were good now that Naraku was dead.
Inuyasha had gone again, back to Kikiyos grave. He spoke to her constantly. And while he was gone, Kagome lay awake. Sometimes she'd sneak off to hear what he'd tell her. Which you knew he was somewhere off in his own mind, considering he didn't even hear or smell her eavesdropping.
He'd tell her how his friends were doing perfectly. Sango and his best friend were to be married. Shippo and Rin had grown close. Though he didn't care for his brother, it was nice having Sesshomaru come and not try and kill him for once. Along with accepting him at tetsygas true owner.
All the things she'd wish he'd talk to her about, he was telling a dead woman who'd long past on. It was sad, though, he loved her. And Kagome understood that.
She crept back towards the village. Chastising herself for feeling such jealousy. It was dark out, and she was having trouble seeing her way through completely.
These feelings inside her, she knew weren't right to have. She didn't hate Kikiyo, but that envy would always remain when it came to Inuyasha. As she continued to have such jealous thoughts, it went unnoticed how quiet everything had gotten. A deep purple fog danced around her.
Until she heard a whimper.
Kagome stopped. Looking around, she saw a small figure through the trees. And she began walking towards it.
"Rin? Shippo?, is that you?"
It turned and looked at her. Sota!
"Sota! What are you doing here? How did you get through the well?," She beckoned as she ran up to him, tugging his arm so he completely faced her. He simply looked at her with a bored expression.
"Kagome. You never care about your family. You never care about me. Your only worry is the dead priestess and Inuyasha, a man who will never fully love you back."
She gasped. Was this her brother? It had to be, she didn't feel any demonic aura and didn't see anything ominous.
"S-sota? Of course I love you! I love you and mom and grandpa! That's not true!," She protested and she grabbed his arms and yanked him up.
"Now tell me how did you get here?"
He looked at her confused. "I don't remember. Everythings dark. I'm scared," He buried his face into her stomach. He was acting strange, but it went unnoticed by her.
"It's okay. Lets go to the village where we could at least see. We'll talk there I guess, I'll get you home soon." She began walking holding his hand. None of it made sense why he was there. All the while, this dark fog followed her blocking any senses she may have had.
They arrived at the hut and slowly went inside.
"Hey everyone, wake up! My brothers here!," She exclaimed.
They rose, still groggy from sleep. Sango was the first awake rubbing her eyes.
"Your brother? Kagome how did-," Her eyes widen in horror.
"KAGOME MOVE ITS A DEMON!," she screamed, reaching for her sword.
Sotas face looked disgustingly disoriented, arm turned into this slithering flesh, bones protruded and broken busted out as it shot straight at Sango. She was too slow, and his own bone from the arm sliced straight into her throat and came out the back.
Blood gurgled out her mouth, gapped open. She let out what gasp she could as he withdrew from her.
"SANGO!," Miroku screamed as he caught her body.
She flailed in his arms, nails digging into him. Her eyes were wide and filled with tears, gasping but unable to breathe. Her blood gushed out of her throat and soaked him. Then, she stilled. Eyes still open, staring at him. Hollow. Lifeless.
Shippo saw the scene in terror. He was trembling but anger took over seeing how pleasured this demon was, gawking at the sight. He jumped from Mirokus shoulder at the imposter, ready for whatever fox magic he could.
Pulling from his shirt, he threw fox fire at the demon. It's laughter piercing Shippo ears as it waved his fire off like a fly. Didn't even bother him.
He landed on his tail attempting to scramble away.
"Shippo!," Kagome screamed reaching for him, but the demon hit her with so much force back that she busted out of the hut through the wood. Laying in and out of consciousness, the last thing her eyes caught was Shippos neck being snapped like a twig and thrown directly at her.
He landed, not too far from her. Pupils dilated and they stared, unmoving into Kagomes. While hers, closed shut.
She woke up screaming, clawing at her bed to scoot away from her own blankets. Her hair clung to her again as she sat, breathing extremely fast and heavy. Her heart was pouncing in her own ears. And everything crashed again.
Looking around it was dark, the middle of the night if anything. How long had she slept? It didn't matter. Replaying that in her head was the exact reason why she was losing her mind. She had to leave.
Kagome ran out of her room, her mother waiting in the hall pale and worried.
"Kagome I heard you scream?...A nightmare again honey?"
She looked at her mother and sightly snapped "please leave me alone! I just need to go for a bit!" and ran down the stairs, straight outside.
It was burning. Her vision was blurred and hot with tears as she clenched her teeth. Why? Why did she have to be so fucking stupid? She shouldve known better. How did she not know it wasn't her brother? The way she looked at him even now, it hurt. He hurt. Sota wouldn't even go around her because she couldn't help but glare at him. And it made her feel so ashamed.
Kagome felt nothing but self hatred, as she plunged herself at the sacred tree. Trembling and hugging it as if it were a person. It was time. She had enough and the dreams were terrifying her. And just like that, she let it out.
"Please! P-please help me! I don't want to do this anymore! I can't f-forgive myself, I can NEVER FORGIVE MYSELF! I hate it all! I caused this yet I blame Inuyasha! W-why am I so horrible!? So stupid! Whyy…," And she dropped to her knees.
She cried hard, while hugging this tree. Tears soaking the thin fabric she wore as the cold set in from the night. She felt what Miroku had been feeling at whole time. This uncaring feeling, of maybe wanting the night air to chill her so badly she died from it. Such a sweet release.
She was so wrapped in sobs, until fear jolted around her, as she felt this soft.. Thing, wrap around her. Her eyes looked at it. Confused, "this is… Sesshomarus moko moko?..."
She placed her hands on it and looked up. There he stood. In her time period, staring down at her. His face, almost sad looking. His aura felt off, like her presence bothered him.
His moko moko lifted her off the ground and flushed straight into his chest. One arm quickly wrapped itself around her lower waist, the other buried into the back of her head. He breathed her full scent in. Hands gripping her hard, while she stayed uncomfortably still.
"It's been… a long time, Kagome. And I can still remember how you feel against me.. I've waited so long for you"
She shuttered and abruptly pushed against him away. She looked at him, wide eyed and confused.
"Wha.. What are you talking about!," She yelled, pressing her back to the tree far away from him as possible.
He was different, that she took in. His hair was in a high ponytail, and his clothes. Black and tight, tredded with silver armor along his arms and hips. While the spiked crest was still apparent across his pecks, and the moko moko wrapped over his shoulder.
Face the same except for a deep looking scar cut through two of the magenta strips on the side of his face, and creases under his eyes. It looked haunting. Tho his youth was clear, the age was shown obviously through his eyes. Pleading to her almost.
"Your friends have just died not too long ago I imagine. Is that what is happening in the past currently?.. I am so sorry I was not there for you Kagome. You must forgive me."
"You-what are you going on about! You aren't even supposed to be here! How hard is it for anyone to leave me alone! I'm not going back there, ever! Just to say goodbye…," She choked out, still trying to compose herself. This man was insane.
"But you must. Do not concern yourself with the current situation. Time… I was endless so long as I knew you'd come back to me eventually. Just as you promised, those many years ago."
"I am NOT yours! I'll never be anyone's! I'm just trying to move on now LEAVE SESSHOMARU!"
He only smiled. If only she knew. But he would do as she wanted and give her time. He knew better than to disturb the present, less alter the past. But so long had he watched her from afar, seeing her break down became too much.
"As you wish. But. When you go back. Find me. And if you do not, I shall find you. My biggest regret from back then was not finding you sooner."
And like that, he disappeared. Leaving her breathless yet annoyed. What was he talking about?... She had enough on her plate, she didn't need him confusing her. Was this Sesshomaru from the present? Did he survive whatever happened to all the demons? It was too much.
She wiped her tears and went back inside. It was time to say goodbye to the past, regardless of what this man had to say.
Even if she did ever feel anything for him, she wouldn't allow it. She was determined to live a normal life and Never go back down that well for no more than a goodbye.
That morning was hard. She was tired. The incident from last time plagued her mind. And so she hoped that he would just leave her alone. After today, she never wanted to see any of them again. No demons especially.
She got dressed quickly, and quietly wandered down stairs. Her family were all sitting at the table for breakfast. Sota included, looking at his sister before turning away sadly. He knew just by how she looked at him that she now hated him. And for whatever reason, he didn't know.
Kagome walked up to them, "I'm going back for a bit. I'll be gone most of the day I imagine, but I'm not staying there. I'm just going to say goodbye. So please don't worry about me," She glanced at her brother, "you look nice today Sota, I might be able to find you a souvenir before I seal the well completely."
He stared at her for a moment before giving a big grin. And like that, she left. She needed to be the first to conquer that fear, even though it wasn't even his fault. And it felt good. Just the small boost of confidence she needed.
She walked up to the shrine, stopping to glance around. At the tree. No sign of Sesshomaru. That was good.
She opened the doors, went up to the well and jumped down. It was the end of her life, and a start at a whole new one.
Kagome hoisted herself up the well and out. Inuyasha wasn't there waiting like he used to. She didn't know if that made her relieved or sad. It was a beautiful day. Wind blew through the trees, which she also missed compared to her time.
She began walking towards Kaedes village to say goodbye. It was going to be extremely difficult. Kaede, Rin, Inuyasha, Kohaku… if only she could include Miroku. But he made his feelings clear when he left without telling her.
Suddenly Inuyasha landed behind her, rustling the trees. She whipped around frightened.
"Inuyasha… hey"
He only stared at her. Nervous, but very serious. He took a step towards her and showed his claws.
She got fearful and backed up.
"Inuyasha I'm sorry I haven't been back. And all the pain I've caused.. I'm making it right though. I've come back to say goodbye...So you can live your life. And everyone else here. I love you all, especially you ,Inuyasha please don't do this!.. I'm so sorry."
"That's not what I care about Kagome. I need a piece of your hair."
She stopped and looked confused. "..For what?"
"I'm gunna bring her back Kagome. I went back to where the witch first brought her. I found a few bones she missed. Not like it mattered, Kikiyo was all clay. But this is her actual body. Mixed with something of yours, a living reincarnation, I can bring her back. So, if you're going to leave and actually seal the well, give it to me first."
He's lost his mind in grief. There's no way I'm giving him a piece of me.
"Inuyasha no. She's resting! Out of everything she's finally at peace! That's selfish!"
He aggressively grabbed her upper arm, digging claws into it as she bled. She screamed out, he could use some of her blood anyways.
"I'm not fucking asking you Kagome. I'm telling you! This is happening. And I'm sorry about this really….Now I've got some of your blood, just give me a piece of your hair. Don't make this hard, please.."
She struggled against him and yanked her arm free. As she was falling to the ground, he sliced at her. Missing her head, he did get what he wanted. Hair.
She scrambled away from him and began running. Fast as she could, in fear for her life. How could he? He hurt her. Inuyasha actually hurt her without needing to be full demon. This betrayal tore her up inside, clasping her injured arm. He was one of the only friends she had left and now that was gone. Like everyone else in her whom she fought so hard beside. And what was worse, he knew better than to bring her back. To hurt Kikiyo like that. That poor woman was finally at peace and he was going to ruin that over his own selfishness. She had to get help.
Kagome made it to the village in anger and fear.
"KAEDE! help! Please!"
The old woman was around children, bringing in herbs from the field when a bloody Kagome came running in her direction.
"Child, what is wrong with ye? Who did this?," She asked while gently grabbing Kagomes arm. She was scared for them as she pulled her and the children inside a hut.
Kagome couldn't catch her breath.
"Inuya.. Sha…. He's… going to bring… her back…Kikiyo...he did…This"
"Kagome calm ye. Surely Inuyasha cannot bring my sister back. She is beyond our reach now. I don't believe any way it can be possible, so shall ye remain."
She was awe struck. How could he do this to her. And then, dare bring her sister back from the dead for a second time. The nerve within itself to even attempt to defy the Gods and life. It was unnatural.
Kagome grabbed her arms, "kaede, I came back to say goodbye when he did this...and cut a piece of my hair from me. He's going to try and bring her back, the thought is insulting enough... Listen, I know it'll be taken care of. Whatevers meant to happen will, but this isn't my place anymore.. I've decided to stay home. Thank you for everything Kaede. But I just wanted to warn you. Stay away from him, he's..hes not in his right state of mind."
This poor girl, kaede thought to herself. Though I am worried for my sister, this child deserves her rest as well.
"Very well Kagome. I do not want ye going alone though. I must advise ye ask Sesshomaru to escort, he is within the village visiting Rin."
Sesshomaru. She did not want to see him right now. Not after that uncomfortable confrontation in her own time, with himself from the future. She did ponder the thought though, did Sesshomaru love her now? What could've happened for him to even love someone like her? But, she settled on the fact that with Inuyasha going absolutely insane, so must've Sesshomaru. Runs in the family.
She nodded to Kaede
"yea sure I'll ask him. Goodbye Kaede. Thank you for everything. Please, be careful" And with a tight hug, she walked off, stalking down the village in search of the dog demon. The thought made her shutter. But how uncomfortable she was, she did need quick protection from his brother. Just enough to get to the well and be on her way, forever.
Rins giggling echoed from the hut. It was good to hear her laughter again after her friend died. Shippo was the only one she had aside from Kohaku. He was the last one Kagome would've expected to forgive her. But then again after what he had done, he knew how it felt.
Kagome made a small knock on the wood outside the hut. It quieted, and Rin came out.
"Lady Kagome!," She exclaimed as she threw herself at her. Kagome wenced at the pain from her arm, being pulled by a tight hug.
"Rin, let her go. The priestess is hurt."
Out came Sesshomaru from the hut. He eyed her pained expression to see any reaction to Rin, but she said nothing. He already knew beforehand, considering he had smelled her blood before she even came running to the village. Not like he cared.
"Lady Kagome you are hurt!? Oh my! Would you like some tea with Rin-me, I mean me! My Lord has been quite gracious in presenting me with the bestest teas!"
She was going to cut straight to the point until Sesshomaru cut her off- "She would love to drink with you Rin."
Kagome gave him a look but his expression never wavered. When it came to Rin, she was denied nothing. Injured or not this priestess was going to entertain his ward. Considering it was she, who came to them. Clearly with the intent of wanting something.
"Yay! Why thank you My Lady," Said Rin as she bowed to Kagome, grabbed her hand and led her into their hut.
Kagome looked at Sesshomaru but was only met with cold eyes.
She slowly placed herself sitting, the pain growing from her arm coming in pulses. The adrenaline was gone, and it hurt like hell. But she dare not deny a demand from Sesshomaru. Considering she needed him.
Rin began preparing the tea rather excited. It's not like she got many visitors, since before it was Shippo that held her company. But to have the Lady Priestess grace her presence with her Lord made her very happy.
She finished then poured tea for Kagome and herself. Sitting up very poised, and drinking as politely as she could.
"Do you think Rin has shown herself to be a good host priestess?," He said with his eyes bearing holes into hers. Clearly looking to her to give Rin a positive approval.
"Y-yes Lord Sesshomaru, she is very good at uh, serving and being a lady," She nervously replied. Rin cheered while he lightly snorted. Her word usage was quite disgusting to him.
She noticed and shot him a look. It only amused him further. To think this filthy human would grace his ward with her presence, knowing she requested something. How pathetic.
"Umm Lord Sesshomaru, I a-actually needed to talk to you.. It's urgent," She boldly asked.
He only stared at her. She stared back until she got the point that he was waiting for her to speak. It made her feel stupid.
She shuffled nervously, "I uh.. Would like to ask you if it'd be okay if you accompanied me back to the well so I can go home.. Inuyasha attacked me."
"Can you not defend yourself priestess?"
"I can! I just want to quickly go home and would rather not hurt him.."
"A man that cares not for you. He was not there when you foolishly brought a demon into the mist of your friends and slayed them."
She held her mouth open slightly at that statement. It made her angry.
"That's not what this is about. You want to fight Inuyasha anyways right? If you bring me, I intend to seal the well closed for good and never come back."
That only made him roll over the thought in his head. Without her Inuyasha wouldn't come around much, if even. Nor would he have to worry of this pathetic, stupid woman bringing home demons to possibly kill Rin. Like she so stupidly did to her own.
"Fine. I shall do as you request. But I suggest you do not lie to me priestess. Your words have meaning. If I find you back here, I shall kill you. You're a threat to my ward with your stupidity."
She gulped at that. He was accepting. Though a threat still isn't any less scary.
"Alright…," She said quietly and stood. Rin sadly looked at her. She smiled to the child, "don't worry Rin, it's okay. I don't really belong here. Lord Sesshomaru wants you safe."
She patted her head and began walking out, followed by Sesshomaru.
"Hurry along girl, I do not wish for you to waste my time in your trivial troubles."
She scurred quickly behind him to keep up. Her arm was really hurting her. But after this, she could put this all behind her.
Lost in her thoughts she couldn't help but stare at the back of him.
It's been...so long Kagome
The memory of him holding her gave goosebumps. Sure Inuyasha had held her, but this was different. She knew it was from a man that was in love with her. The feeling was totally different. A blush spread across her face, and when she looked up back at him,he was staring at her over his shoulder.
She gasped and turned quickly. It made her face grow hotter of embarrassment.
"I know not of your thoughts but I suggest you put it at ease. Do you wish to be attacked again? Stay alert woman.," He spat coldly.
She quickly shook her head of these thoughts. Walking through the woods was nice, her last time of doing so for a very long time. She'd miss this. These fresh scents. And the night sky so bold and bright, without any street lights blocking it's natural beauty. It was all so sad to let go. Her mind wandered to Inuyasha. How could he… what a horrible thing to do. Kikiyo had suffered enough in life. He didn't even care to mourn their friends with her, spoke hurtful to her when he finally did address it. Hell, the whole time she was home he didn't even come check on her.
Sesshomaru sensed her anger spike. The air tensed and he became further annoyed. This woman was an emotional mess, one he surely wished to be rid of.
They approached the well. Finally coming into sight. She drew a sharp breath and took small steps to it.
"Now go so I may return."
She looked back at him. She wondered if he'd still be there in the future, since she was now leaving forever and clearly nothing happened between them. It made her have a sad smile, she wasn't sure why that made her hurt. She thought maybe it was because this world had so many what ifs, and she was choosing to leave it all behind. Regardless, she was not regretting it.
Kagome now stood before the well. She heaved throwing her legs over, and jumped down. Nothing. Nothing happened. She began to panic and sweat. Why wasn't she going home?! She finally had the strength to say goodbye!
She climbed back out the well to be stared down at by an obviously annoyed Sesshomaru.