Chapter 11
Inuyasha sat leg crossed, arms tucked into the sleeves of his shirt. The wind had slightly picked up with the grass flowing around him. It was calming. Though the sun shone bright his mood had grown rather gloomy.
Death was all around them. No matter where he may go that knowledge had always followed. And in grief it was one thing he shared with humanity.
He stared down into the crater. Noticing the small tombstone that it held in the middle. There was one relief being reminded of the curse that had befallen the men in Mirokus family. That it would never happen again.
Miroku walked up to him, sharing the look at his fathers grave. Inuyasha never breaking his glance.
"I worked so hard. So hard to rid my family of the curse Naraku had shrouded us in. And now that I have my wish, there is no one to share it with in prospering a new generation.," He sadly said. The wind echoed around them.
"Of course you have someone to share it with. At least ya could. You can always find someone, I'm sure Sango would want you to be happy," He replied.
"And what of you Inuyasha? How did moving on turn out?," He asked.
Inuyasha tensed. His shoulders slung downward.
"You know. Your sword isn't the only thing I took while you were out," Miroku added.
Shocked, Inuyasha began searching himself. To find that his secret had been taken.
He angrily looked up at his friend, seeing his expression matched.
Open mouth stunned, he could see shame being cast out of his friends eyes directed at him.
"Just what were you planning on doing Inuyasha? If you want help then confess."
His eyes narrowed., "I don't even know myself. I just got something I thought may be able to help any sorceress I'd happen to come by. Then I'd bargain from there."
Miroku stilled., "how selfish," He whispered. Inuyashas ears perked. His friends fist balled.
".. Do you know how much I miss Sango? How hard it is every day to face the mornings?.. But it is no matter. Because it's not about me. How… just utterly selfish you are."
Inuyasha could only sit there in self pity and guilt.
"And tell me. The blood that was smeared on the bones, along with hair. Who's was that," He sternly asked, tone of sadness quickly washed over with impatience.
Inuyasha hesitated. He slowly stood to face Miroku.
"It… was Kagomes. I didn't mean to, everything just happened out of my desperation. I didn't kill her either, I mearly grabbed her too hard."
The impact was great as Mirokus fist collided with his friends face. Inuyasha staggered falling into his back, looking up with a hurt expression.
"Lady Kagome as been there for you through thick and thin. Yet you betrayed her. For a woman that we both know deserves peace in the afterlife. It's bad enough you lead her in for months prior without being a man and letting her go. You're a coward Inuyasha.," He snapped, anger barely managing itself.
He turned his back to his friend and began to walk away. Stopping, he replied over his shoulder, "but. Though I am angry, I am glad you have told me the truth. Now you may began to cleanse yourself."
And with that, he left his friend to wallow alone.
Inuyasha looked down, bangs casting over his eyes. He smiled sadly.
… I would've rathered you take me with you in hell than to have lost you the way I did…
Miroku walked to the edge of the monks havenbefore turning to peer at his defeated friend. It was sickening seeing him like that. Still more concerned with Kikiyo than the live Kagome he had hurt. It made him uneasy. For this was not the Inuyasha he knew.
I can understand now Tetsusaiga. Why you have darkened.
Kagome stretched her arms above her head as she stood, finally attempting to leave the site of her two friends. Rin had left hours prior, off to go check on Kohakus hand and ready whatever supper they would be having the following evening.
She smiled down at them, mildly waving goodbye before heading back. It was growing more of bittersweet to see them now rather than a fit of tears. Things were growing easier day by day. For everyone.
She passed through the meadow in a shortcut leading towards the herb field not far from it. It was a breath of fresh air between the smell of strong herbs and all the flowers surrounding. She couldn't have chosen a better village to reside in.
Children ran along side Kaede to gather as many herbs they could carry to help out. Their baskets full, finishing harvesting the remains before it got too late. Many waved off, running back to their huts. A small child had fallen behind the rest dropping her basket as her pile fell all around. She cried out, holding her stubbed foot.
Kagome gasped, finally catching up to where they all were.
Kaede was about to stop what she was doing when she had seen the young woman run up to help. The child looked up at the priestess who smiled down at her, extending a hand.
"Here, let me help you," She said to the child.
The little girl smiled taking her hand and helping herself up. She lifted the basket up, holding it firmly as Kagome began gathering the fallen herb plants. Walking back over to help place them in.
The girl looked on tired still smiling at the kind woman who was helping her.
Finally she finished, and waved the little girl off to head home for the night.
"You're such a gentle soul Kagome," Kaede said behind her.
She looked down sadly, whispering, "I feel so ugly lately. Like I've been awful to those around me.."
She stared at the young woman. "That is not true Kagome. Everyone has hardships, but you are still who ye have always been.," She said.
"I hope you're right Kaede," She said looking up at the now setting sky. The old woman bowed, walking off to return like the rest leaving her alone.
I wonder what's taking so long for them to wash my shirt. I'm fricken freezing.
"I guess that's what I get for caring what others think," She said to herself.
Everyone had begun retiring for the night. The villagers picking their tools up and fires dying out from the outside. Only Rins small one had remained. She peered out of the doorway of her home, having no sign of her Lord or Lady Kagome. Which in a way was a good thing. Earlier she tried to go wash Kagomes top, hoping to make her feel somewhat better by giving it back. But she was too rough and unfamiliar with the silky material. And managed to tear it.
I hope she's feeling better..And will forgive me.
She slide the shade back turning to her guest. Kohaku was fiddling with the bandages on his hand attempting to tighten them as he sat at the far end. Rin walked over and stood before him, bending to see what he was doing.
"Do not mess with your bandages Kohaku, I did a good job cleaning you up," She said hands on hips.
He slyly smiled up to her., "you're always so kind to me Rin. I just hate the feeling of this, makes my hands sweaty."
She smiled at him reaching for his hands, and smoothing the fabric over. Her soft hands mending the spot he ruffled. He blushed slightly. Reminding him of when his sister was around to care for him.
"So uh, where do you think Lord Sesshomaru is?," He asked. She cocked her head to the side thinking.
"I dunno. He comes and goes as he pleases. Lady Kagome made him mad earlier. Then I went and messed up her clothes, which further aggravated him.," She said.
Kohakus eyes grew wide for a moment.
"Wow, I'm surprised how far he's come with patience for humans. Before I can imagine he would've killed anyone for annoying him. He would've done so with me at one point," He nervously said laughing it off.
She smiled, bowing her head. "I do not know such a side of my Lord. He is very kind to me."
Kagome wandered off for a bit. Hand brushing along the side of near bark leading into the direction of the sacred tree.
She arrived, standing before it in awe. It had been so long she had the courage to be near it. Memories eched into its grace. The aura she used to feel flowed around her, now unknown.
I wish my powers would return… at least for now I'm not doing horribly at tryna be happy I guess? Who am I kidding…
She walked closer to it, placing her hand on it. Carefully running her fingers along its strong layer. A shiver ran up her spin reminiscing. Looking up to the arrow mark Kikiyo left long ago. Tracing it slightly.
This was a beginning step closer for her to making this also, another bittersweet memory. Rather than a dark one like it had been for so long now.
The small breeze wrapped her hair around her body, using the other arm to hug herself.
A memory flashed back into her mind. The last time she dared be near it, she was embracing it. Mourning her friends death and being swallowed in self hatred. Though in all reality those feeling never did truly leave her.
Her hand lifted off of her to feel her cheek, waiting for the tears to come yet again that were steadily pricking the corners of her eyes.
Is that all I know how to do is cry? My powers won't come back at this rate… I don't feel like I deserve them anyways…
She fell backwards onto the strong roots, hugging herself. She knew she needed to start letting go. Now this new sensation of negativity that hurt her heart so was Inuyasha. For months now she had resented him. And not being able to confront him of everything, including the recent pain he caused her was frustrating. It clouded her mind. Like a heavy miasma.
She held herself hard as the tears welled in her eyes, not yet leaving. She wouldn't allow it. Not again.
"Inuyasha…," She bitterly whispered. "I resent you so much… I don't know if I ever even want to face your again…"
I hate myself. You Inuyasha, make me hate myself.
She had said in her mind as she gripped the sides of her head.
"Are you yet again concerning yourself with the half breed?," Sesshomaru spoke.
Her head snapped up, quickly rubbin her eyes and began composing herself as best as possible. He stood not far from her, the sunsets red rays radiating off his skin.
'When you go back. Find me. And if you do not, I shall find you.'
His words rang through her head once more like before. It was haunting.
That's right… the last time I was here, so was he. For me…
He stared at her emotionless, almost pitying her it seemed. Lifting his arm, it was shrouded in a new priestess top hanging off of him. It's material looking more prestigious than the one she wore before.
"I have found this for you. Rin managed to ruin your other one. It is only appropriate I find another for her actions."
But she didn't even glance at it. Her attention focused solely on him. Eyes dilated.
"Sesshomaru…," She whispered., "you came, here with me.. Again."
He raised an eye brow at her statement not understanding what she meant. She stood, slowly taking steps towards him. He looked at her questionably and she continued.
What the hell is wrong with this woman?
He thought to himself before his face grew shocked, hunching slightly at the grip she had. She plunged herself at him, throwing her arms around his chest and burying her face. She trembled under him. Her fingers digging into his back and tangling up into his long white hair.
He stood there, unsure not only of what had gotten into this woman. But to whether or not consequence this action.
Before he could do anything she whispered into him, "please don't throw me off… not yet.."
Looking down at her, he pondered her request. Then noticing the scent of fear and comfort that was upon her skin.
She is cold. And upset again.
It was her turn to be surprised. Feeling his weight, he gently placed a hand on the back of her head and nothing more. His small gesture of comfort, allowing her to stay against him like so. She settled, untensing her shoulders and leaning comfortably against him. He was so warm.
"Im so sorry… about how rude and negative I was towards you… I didn't mean it. It wasn't called for..," She whispered.
Though he was an unforgiving man with the patience of thin ice, he'd come to appreciate any human that could apologize let alone admit they were wrong. Considering many he knew did not. They were unnecessarily proud creatures.
"It is fine.," He stated. Motioning away from her, she let her grip go with him. Finally drawing her attention at the new top he had gotten for her. His raised his arms around her and layed it across her shoulders. In return hers rose to meet the fabric, slowly rubbing it to feel.
It feels so nice… it's beautiful.
He took a few steps and turned his back turned to her, clearly heading to the village. She stood there unsure, looking at his back.
He stopped, looking over his shoulder., "Come. Let us head back, Kagome.," he said and continued forward.
She gaped at him.
He said her name.
To care to even remember it, a man like himself. For a woman like her.
She smiled brightly, stepping quickly to catch up. They walked together through the forest in silence. Her heart beating heavy. This was nice. She felt warm.
The moon begun to show with stars along with it. Lighting the under path of the trees they took.
The shirt held her form perfectly. People would wonder who had given her such a sweet gift. Instead of being ugly and concerning about it, she'd let them wonder. And wear it with pride.