A/N: Here we are again, T-minus 2-3 chapters and counting!! *cracks her
knuckles* Alright time to type!! As always, please R+R!! *feels a tapping
on her shoulder, and sees an annoyed Inuyasha with his arms crossed*
IY: What the hell did you do to me? The show is called INUYASHA and I haven't been in it for how many chapters!!
Lilac: Ummmm.*looks around*.you're coming back soon, I promise!
IY: Feh, and it better not be any of that sappy crap you've done to me in 'Cry', I'm sick of looking like a wimp.
Lilac: HEY!! I had to feed you 30 servings of Ramen to get you to let me write those, I think that's MORE than plenty.
IY: Feh.anyway, get writing wench, and you better make me look good.
Lilac : *grin* Like that's hard to do, *IY blush*. Don't worry, I'm going to make you look so good, even you'll be drooling by the time I'm done. *scratches behind his ears and watches as he gets sleepy looking* There you go, be a good Inuyasha and let me get this chapter done. Then you can have creative imput, for the next one, just let me do the typing this time, you killed my last keyboard.
IY: *hrump and curls up on the dresser and watches*
Lilac: *winks at the readers* He's so sugoi *dreamy eyes where he can't see them* Last bit of notes, I was typing up my hand written notes and this song came on. I didn't even know I had it on my play list, but it fit PERFECTLY with the moment I was writing. *grin* so I had to throw it in! But I don't own Midnight Sons or the song If Only Tears Could Bring You Back. Nor do I own Pat Benetar or "Invinsible" which isn't lyric'd in the story, but I was listening to during the fight scene.very moving background music. Reviews up top this time, cause it's a LONG chapter!!
Reviews;
DevilWench : Here you go, as I promised ^_^ Good luck with the "parental units".
niasdreams : LOL..here's another long one to add to your collection, and thank you again for letting me be up on your site ^_^
Umi : *ding ding ding* You are correct about the identiy of the man in the shadows! *grin* I tried to make it a 'little' confusing, but I did the honorifics on purpose, they are just as they're supposed to be. Congrats on being the only person to catch that!!
Kagome dropped her pack in the hut with an audible sigh, rubbing her shoulders. Sango was laying on a spare futon, napping. She was so tired as of late, the pregnancy was really draining on her. Kagome pulled out her nursing kit, and smiled. Miroku entered the hut, carrying a basket of herbs for Kaede and nodded to her.
"I trust your visit was pleasant," he commented and she nodded, "Hai, it was. Shippou told me what happened, and a little girl from the village said she saw Jaken running away. I wonder what he could want with that cloth."
Before Miroku could respond, Sango groaned and rolled over, rubbing her eyes. "Ah, Kagome-chan, you're back."
"Actually, I'm glad you're awake, I wanted to do something, that I think you will both find very enjoyable." Kagome knelt beside her friends. "Miroku, sit behind Sango, and Sango, you lean back against him." They obeyed and she moved over to her friend, moving away the cloth of her kimono to expose her already expanding stomach. It wasn't greatly noticeable, but defiantly not the flat surface of a few months before.
Kagome pulled out the stethoscope, and smiled. "This is an instrument that healers use to listen to people's heartbeats, to see if they're beating alright. I thought you two would like to hear the heartbeat of your baby."
Sango's eyes lit up, and while Miroku was trying not to show, he too looked excited. Kagome breathed on the pad, trying to warm it up, before placing it on her friend's skin, and slipped the earpieces in her ears. After a little adjustment, she smiled and carefully held the pad in place, handing the listening end to Sango. She placed them in her ears.
"That strong thumping is your heart Sango, and if you listen behind that, you'll hear a little whooshing sound, really fast. That's the baby." Sango's eyes widened, and her hand went to her stomach.
"That's..that's the baby," she whispered and handed the earpieces to Miroku, who also listened. His face lit up in extatic joy, and Kagome felt a great sense of pride, watching the faces of her dearest friends.
"Shippou, come here," Miroku called, and the kitsune stuck his head in the hut.
"What?!" he asked, and trotted over.
"Listen to this Shippou," Sango said and handed him the earpieces. He winced as he put them in, "Oww.too loud," he said and laid his head down on Sango's stomach, giggling. "Oh.I can hear that just fine without the vines," he said mischeviously. The trio laughed softly, as Sango handed the 'vines' back to Kagome, tears fresh in her eyes.
"Thank you Kagome-chan," she whispered, Miroku's arms wrapped around her comfortably.
"Thank you, for giving me this chance. It shows a great deal of trust in me." Kagome stood, placing the stethoscope away. Then she pulled out a chocolate treat for Shippou, and went out to look for Kaede, to help with preparations for dinner.
That night, Kagome stared up at the empty sky. "New moon," she whispered to herself, "Tomorrow is the midsummer festival." She closed her eyes, enjoying the evening air. She had retreated to the hillside near the village for some time to herself, to clear her mind.
Kaede made her take these times of frelection each night, so she would never reache the point of stress that lead to that explotion again. She had gained a hold of the reings of her powers, learning how to empower seals and lead prayers over the shrines in the village, but she wouldn't attempt any offensive actions that Kaede was trying to teach her. She did learn the rosary, convincing Shippou to let her practice on him. She never activated it, but she would practice setting it up and learning how to remove it till it became second nature.
'If he ever comes back, I'll take it off,' she thought to herself. Half the summer was gone now, still no signt of Inuyasha. Part of her wasn't surprised, the part of her that told her he would never return, that he was gone forever.
She closed her eyes, inhaling the fragretn night air. He was human tonight, all alone. She felt a pang inside her heart. She missed him, missed him more than she ever thought she could miss someone.
Unbidden, she heard a song in her head. A song that matched her feelings perfectly. It was a western song, and while her English wasn't the best in the world, she did know the lyrics. Slowly she began humming, her voice carrying on the wind to where a pair of eyes watched her in the darkness.
How will I start
Tomorrow without you here
Who's heart will guide me
When all the answers disappear
He had become a part of her being, and without him, she wasn't complete. She gained and lost her soul all in the same moment, when he left. Is it too late
Are you too far gone to stay
This one's forever
Should never have to go away She couldn't bear the thought that she would never see him again, never feel his eyes on her, never enjoy the warmth that he gave off, even when he was being rude, or pretending not to care. What will I do
You know I'm only half without you
How will I make it through "Inuyasha," she whispered to the sky, "I miss you the most at night. You were always here to protect me, sitting up at night and keeping watch. I miss your stubborn attitude, I miss your strong presence. I hope you're safe tonight my love, on the night you hate the most. " If only tears could bring you back to me
If only love could find a way
What I would do, what I would give
If you returned to me someday
Somehow, someway
If my tears could bring you back to me I'd cry you an ocean If you'd sail on home again
Wings of emotion
Will carry you, I know they can She had already cried enough every night to fill an ocean, perhaps two, and yet she didn't seem to be able to stop. She tried her hardest to cry where other's couldn't see her, where they wouldn't know how much she still was hurting. Shippou was the only one who seemed to notice. When she returned to the hut to sleep, after a good crying session, he was always more attentive to her, he curled up closer to her. It used to puzzle her, till she remembered Inuyasha could smell her tears, so she knew that Shippou probably could as well. She was eternally grateful that he never asked her about it, just comforted her in that silent way. Just light will guide you
And your heart will chart the course
Soon you'll be drifting
Into the arms of your true north She stared up at the dark sky again, there was no light for him to follow. Inside her breast, she felt the heat of the Shikon no Tama as it brightened, and just under her skin, she could see its glow. She still had that wish to make, but she wouldn't use it for this, it was petty, and selfish. No, she was saving that wish for the correct moment. Besides, she didn't want him to come back because she wanted it, she wanted him to come back because he wanted to. Look in my eyes
And you will see a million tears have gone by
And still they're not dry If only tears could bring you back to me
If only love could find a way
What I would do, what I would give
If you returned to me someday
Somehow, someway
If my tears could bring you back to me I hold you close
And shout the words I only whispered before
For one more chance, for one last dance
There's nothing that I would not give and more 'One more chance, please Kami-sama, just give me one more chance. To tell him what I feel, to tell him how much he means to me. I would give anything to have that chance again. Without fear or reserve, so that at least he could hear the words from my lips. I don't care what he could say to me, but to be able to tell him, to silence this pain inside. ' If only tears could bring you back to me
f only love could find a way
What I would do, what I would give
If you returned to me someday
Somehow, someway
If my tears could bring you back to me Kagome finished her song and wiped at her eyes, with the back of her hand, looking up at the sky, her tears shining on her face. She stood, "Inuyasha, I love you. " she spoke clear and true, wanting to scream it into the wind, so he could hear her. Her heart screamed for her, and she felt all the power those words held radiate from her with all the passion she carried inside. She closed her eyes, and let the feeling fade before turning to head back to the village.
A small movement shifted the grass every so slightly as it hurried to the treeline.
"Lord, don't you think-" came a questioning voice.
"Quiet, its not time yet, trust me, my plan will soon come to completion for the miko," came a strong voice, which soon faded into the shadows.
******The morning of the festival***********
Kagome and Shippou walked towards the well together, morning sun just coming up over the horizon. He rubbed his eyes sleepily, and Kagome smiled, "Are you sure you want to do this Shippou? You are more than welcome to go back to sleep, and I can do this by myself."
Shippou shook his head, "No no! I promised I would help, and so I'm going to help." He looked so stubborn in that moment, that she simply smiled and paused a moment on the lip of the well.
"Let's see if this will actually work," she sighed and picked up the kitsune in her arms. "Now, remember what I told you Shippou, if I can't carry you over with me-"
"I'm going to get out of the well, and wait for you to tell me you're back," he said obediently and she nodded. "Alright, let's try this," she said, leaping into the darkness, with the kit holding tightly to her neck. The swirl of blue surrounded her and after a moment she felt the solidity of earth beneath her feet. Shippou's head was buried into her neck, and he was shaking.
"Shippou, we're here," she said gently and he blinked, pulling his head back. His nose twitched curiously, as he looked up the shaft of the well to the covering there.
"It smells funny," he said and she laughed, putting him down. "Yes, I suppose it does, not as nice as our time." She didn't catch her error, but he did, and with a happy bounce to his step he scurried up the ladder before her.
"EEE! Demon!" she heard as Shippou popped out of the well, and Kagome reached up, grabbing Shippou's tail and pulling him quickly back down to her.
"Jiisan! It's me!" she cried out, making sure he wasn't going to try throwing anything down the well at her, before poking her head up. He was standing there, a million scrolls in his hand, with Souta hiding behind his leg nervously.
Kagome sighed, feeling Shippou clutching to her back with the same nervousness.
"Jiisan, Souta, this is Shippou, my kitsune friend I told you about." Souta grinned and hurried forward, as Shippou jumped off Kagome's back and stared at the young boy before him. Both boys instantly grinned at each other, kindred spirits in an instance. However Kagome's grandfather stared at the kitsune suspiciously and Kagome just sighed, not even Shippou's cuteness could get through to him. She noticed the bags of things that were watiting beside the well.
"Wow, I think Mom packed more than I asked her to," she said softly and Souta nodded to his older sister.
"Mamma had a message for you." He coughed and did his best impression of his mother, "Tell Kagome that she's going to stay with her friend until the baby's born, and here's all the things she could need for the baby. But she had better take pictures so I can see." Kagome felt her jaw hit the ground. If she stayed in the other era until the baby was born, then she would miss the start of classes next year. Was this her mother's way of telling her something?
Shippou glanced at all the bags, three hiking packs full of stuff, "How are we going to carry all of this?"
Souta had already reached for one pack, "Mamma told me to help you."
Kagome stared at her brother, "But that means-" he looked up at her with large eyes. "Please Kagome, for three years you've told me all these stories about the Feudal era, and Mamma finally says I can go. Just for a day or two, she thinks it could be great for my studies." Kagome laughed. "Well, I suppose I can try, after all, I got Shippou through, I should be able to get you both back."
Her grandfather helped everyone strap on a bag, Shippou bearly tall enough to hold his, and the stood on the edge of the well. Kagome wrapped an arm around the waist of each boy, and nodded. "Alright, let's try this," she said and they jumped together.
A bright flash of light later.
Kagome landed on her knees with a thump, Shippou beside her and Souta?
*THUD* she felt something fall on her back and winced.
"Sorry Oniisan," she heard with a giggle and she sighed, rising to her feet, "Now I know how Kaede-bachan feels in the morning," she said.
"Or like Inu-onnisan when you 'sit ' him, " Souta laughed and Kagome's eyes turned dark and sad for a moment.
"Come on," she whispered, "We had better get going, we've got a lot of preparations to help with. And don't think that you'll get out helping, Souta. You may be my brother, but you're going to do as much work as the rest of the villagers."
"Hai," he said cheerfully, and together they scrambled up the rope ladder.
Souta's eyes were wide with amazement as they cleared the forest and cam out over the village.
"Oh! It's just like the drawings in my books," Souta exclaimed. Kagome just grinned, realizing that she felt almost the same way her frist visit. Granted she was tired up and being held captive, but the oddity of it all was still there.
Thankfully Kaede's hut was the first one they encountered and the trio dropped their packs outside the door.
"Kagome, is that you?" Sango's voice echoed from inside.
"Hai, I brought a surprise," she called and pushed Souta in the hut before her. Sango was seated, sturring al arge pot over the cooking hearth. "Oh, you must be Souta. Kagome has told us so much about you."
Souta blushed deeply and looked down at his feet, 'Onnichan, you didn't tell me she was this pretty in your stories,' he thought to himself, unable to meet Sango's gaze.
Shippou rescued his new friend, "Come on Souta, I'll show you around," he grabbed Souta's hand and dragged him out of the hut. Once outside, he whispered to the young boy, "You don't wanna start to like her, she's married and going to have a pup."
Souta looked at Shippou and his eyes grew large, "You mean..she married that ecchi monk?!"
Shippou nodded, "Hai, I guess he stopped being such a lech," he said shrugging. He was starting to understand more about adults and their relationships, but just not that one. A shadow passed over them, and he looked up.
From inside the hut, Kagome heard Shippou's loud cry.
"Sango, Kagome!" The two women looked at each other, and both reached for her weapons. Kagome held out her hand, "Stay in here Sango," she advised her friend, worried about her condition, as she rushed out of the hut, arrow notched and ready.
Shippou was standing in front of Souta, his arms spread out as he tried to protect his new friend. Before him stood a large hydra-like creature, two heads staring hungrily down at the two of them. That was until Kagome ran up, bow in hand to stand in front of Shippou.
"Shikon no Tama! You are the miko of the Shikon no Tama!! Give it to me!" the creature shrieked. Kagome felt her power flare inside her as she took aim and let her arrow fly. It caught the hydra square between the eyes of one of its heads and destroyed it. Souta stood staring at his sister in awe. She was a whiner, she cried, she hogged the oden, and she always picked on him. She did NOT fire shining arrows at horrible monsters without thinking twice about it. She did not look like the coolest thing he had ever seen, and she did not have such a confidence about her like she did at that moment.
"Onii-san" he whispered and she turned her head to look at him. His eyes stared at her widely, and got wider as movement behind them caught his attention. From the stump left over grew two more heads. Kagome looked back and sighed.
"I thought that might happen. Shippou, take Souta back to the hut," she commanded sternly as a group of men from the village hurried to her side.
"Lady Kagome," they asked and she turned to them, "I can handle the creature," she said calmly. Souta struggled against Shippou and pulled free, running back to his sister.
"Onii-san" he called and she glared at him, "Souta, I told you.." she heard the movement behind her and tackled her brother out of the way as one of those heads moved swiftly down towards them.
"Shippou, distract him," she called and the kitsune nodded sternly, screaming, "Kitsune bi!" shooting blue flames at the monster. It screamed a high pitch scream that made even the humans faint from the sound. Shippou, it sent into a fit of convulsions. He clutched his ears and curled up into a little ball.
Kagome was on her feet, "Souta," but he stamped his foot, "We studied these things in school, in a story book!! A hero was fighting the same thing. Everytime you cut off a head, two more grow back, but if you put fire where the head was, it can't grow back!" He shouted at her, looking sternly. Kagome just stared at him for a moment, then grinned, kissing his cheek. He grimiced.
"Thank you Souta," she said and shoved him back, "Now get back behind the villagers or I'll pin you to a tree," she said. He nodded and scurried away.
"Get the best archers up front," she said, and the men nodded. "Light those arrows, and the instant I get a head off, you fill that stump with as many arrows as you can."
Kagome took another step forward, and suddenly found herself not alone. Miroku stood to her left, and Sango to her right. Kaede was back with the archers, her own flaming arrow ready.
"Sango," she began and Sango narrowed her eyes at her friend, "What, and miss out on all the fun?" she asked. Kirara growled in agreement beside her mistress and Kagome smiled. Just like old times, she thought. The thought of a fight made something inside of her light up. She was actually enjoying this, knowing she could contribute to the fight, and didn't have to run and hide.
'Now I know what Inuyasha loved about it,' she thought.
"Miroku, I'm going to bring his attention a little lower, think you can get the solitary head with your staff?"
"Hai Kagome-sama," he said and she nodded, running forward.
"Hey, you big overgrown excuse of an ugly lizard," she shouted up at it. She held her bow out as she stretched her arms to the side. "You want the jewel, you try and get it!" She felt the jewel glow brightly, and knew that it would entice the hydra even more. As if she scripted it herself, she saw the single head swooping down to gobble her up, or so he thought. A soft jingle alerted her to Miroku's presence and at the last moment she dropped to her stomach, as he leapt over her, swinging the sharpened end of the staff swiftly. She heard the head hit the ground rather than saw it.
"Now!" she cried as the sky filled with flaming arrows. The monster screamed its fury and now the other two heads swooped down to avenge their brother.
"Hiraikotsu" came Sango's battle cry, as the boomerang sliced the other two heads with a clean blow. Kagome was on her feet, arrow ready as the remained of the monster charged at her. She was expecting this, she figured that without its heads, it was helpless, but not dead. She aimed for the center of the body and fired, shattering it like glass. Bits of monster flew everywhere, as the townspeople cheered. Kagome wiped her face with the back of her hand, and turned to her friends. They all grinned at each other, and came together in a warm embrace.
"Kagome-chan," Miroku gasped above joyous laughs, "You were amazing!"
Kagome blushed. She didn't know where the feeling came from, but suddenly this protectiveness came over her. A monster was attacking her brothers, her village, her people. 'My people,' she thought to herself, looking up at the villagers. She knew now, without a doubt, this was where she belonged, that she couldn't live in her era anymore. She was truly needed here.
Souta dashed forward and leaped into her arms, something he hadn't done since he was a small child and she caught his slight figure. "Onii-san, you were great!! You're so sugoi!!"
Kagome grinned and hugged her brother tightly, "Thank you Souta."
From the shadows of the forest, golden eyes watched with pride. He growled softly at the sight, the once soft and weak girl had grown into a proud warrior, strong and true. Yes, she would make the perfect mate, a breeder of equally strong offspring.
"Tonight," he whispered to himself, "Tonight, my Kagome."
A/N: OMG!!! This was a 11 page document on Word everyone!! *bows* I am so proud of myself. Anyway, I figured that my fingers needed a break, but don't worry, you'll get what you want *grin*. Just a few more chapters left, but please review.
For reference I LOVE Greek Mythology, have loved it since I was 8 years old (and at 23, that's a lengthy love). So I couldn't resist making the monster a hydra. Hope you all liked the battle scene.^_^
IY: What the hell did you do to me? The show is called INUYASHA and I haven't been in it for how many chapters!!
Lilac: Ummmm.*looks around*.you're coming back soon, I promise!
IY: Feh, and it better not be any of that sappy crap you've done to me in 'Cry', I'm sick of looking like a wimp.
Lilac: HEY!! I had to feed you 30 servings of Ramen to get you to let me write those, I think that's MORE than plenty.
IY: Feh.anyway, get writing wench, and you better make me look good.
Lilac : *grin* Like that's hard to do, *IY blush*. Don't worry, I'm going to make you look so good, even you'll be drooling by the time I'm done. *scratches behind his ears and watches as he gets sleepy looking* There you go, be a good Inuyasha and let me get this chapter done. Then you can have creative imput, for the next one, just let me do the typing this time, you killed my last keyboard.
IY: *hrump and curls up on the dresser and watches*
Lilac: *winks at the readers* He's so sugoi *dreamy eyes where he can't see them* Last bit of notes, I was typing up my hand written notes and this song came on. I didn't even know I had it on my play list, but it fit PERFECTLY with the moment I was writing. *grin* so I had to throw it in! But I don't own Midnight Sons or the song If Only Tears Could Bring You Back. Nor do I own Pat Benetar or "Invinsible" which isn't lyric'd in the story, but I was listening to during the fight scene.very moving background music. Reviews up top this time, cause it's a LONG chapter!!
Reviews;
DevilWench : Here you go, as I promised ^_^ Good luck with the "parental units".
niasdreams : LOL..here's another long one to add to your collection, and thank you again for letting me be up on your site ^_^
Umi : *ding ding ding* You are correct about the identiy of the man in the shadows! *grin* I tried to make it a 'little' confusing, but I did the honorifics on purpose, they are just as they're supposed to be. Congrats on being the only person to catch that!!
Kagome dropped her pack in the hut with an audible sigh, rubbing her shoulders. Sango was laying on a spare futon, napping. She was so tired as of late, the pregnancy was really draining on her. Kagome pulled out her nursing kit, and smiled. Miroku entered the hut, carrying a basket of herbs for Kaede and nodded to her.
"I trust your visit was pleasant," he commented and she nodded, "Hai, it was. Shippou told me what happened, and a little girl from the village said she saw Jaken running away. I wonder what he could want with that cloth."
Before Miroku could respond, Sango groaned and rolled over, rubbing her eyes. "Ah, Kagome-chan, you're back."
"Actually, I'm glad you're awake, I wanted to do something, that I think you will both find very enjoyable." Kagome knelt beside her friends. "Miroku, sit behind Sango, and Sango, you lean back against him." They obeyed and she moved over to her friend, moving away the cloth of her kimono to expose her already expanding stomach. It wasn't greatly noticeable, but defiantly not the flat surface of a few months before.
Kagome pulled out the stethoscope, and smiled. "This is an instrument that healers use to listen to people's heartbeats, to see if they're beating alright. I thought you two would like to hear the heartbeat of your baby."
Sango's eyes lit up, and while Miroku was trying not to show, he too looked excited. Kagome breathed on the pad, trying to warm it up, before placing it on her friend's skin, and slipped the earpieces in her ears. After a little adjustment, she smiled and carefully held the pad in place, handing the listening end to Sango. She placed them in her ears.
"That strong thumping is your heart Sango, and if you listen behind that, you'll hear a little whooshing sound, really fast. That's the baby." Sango's eyes widened, and her hand went to her stomach.
"That's..that's the baby," she whispered and handed the earpieces to Miroku, who also listened. His face lit up in extatic joy, and Kagome felt a great sense of pride, watching the faces of her dearest friends.
"Shippou, come here," Miroku called, and the kitsune stuck his head in the hut.
"What?!" he asked, and trotted over.
"Listen to this Shippou," Sango said and handed him the earpieces. He winced as he put them in, "Oww.too loud," he said and laid his head down on Sango's stomach, giggling. "Oh.I can hear that just fine without the vines," he said mischeviously. The trio laughed softly, as Sango handed the 'vines' back to Kagome, tears fresh in her eyes.
"Thank you Kagome-chan," she whispered, Miroku's arms wrapped around her comfortably.
"Thank you, for giving me this chance. It shows a great deal of trust in me." Kagome stood, placing the stethoscope away. Then she pulled out a chocolate treat for Shippou, and went out to look for Kaede, to help with preparations for dinner.
That night, Kagome stared up at the empty sky. "New moon," she whispered to herself, "Tomorrow is the midsummer festival." She closed her eyes, enjoying the evening air. She had retreated to the hillside near the village for some time to herself, to clear her mind.
Kaede made her take these times of frelection each night, so she would never reache the point of stress that lead to that explotion again. She had gained a hold of the reings of her powers, learning how to empower seals and lead prayers over the shrines in the village, but she wouldn't attempt any offensive actions that Kaede was trying to teach her. She did learn the rosary, convincing Shippou to let her practice on him. She never activated it, but she would practice setting it up and learning how to remove it till it became second nature.
'If he ever comes back, I'll take it off,' she thought to herself. Half the summer was gone now, still no signt of Inuyasha. Part of her wasn't surprised, the part of her that told her he would never return, that he was gone forever.
She closed her eyes, inhaling the fragretn night air. He was human tonight, all alone. She felt a pang inside her heart. She missed him, missed him more than she ever thought she could miss someone.
Unbidden, she heard a song in her head. A song that matched her feelings perfectly. It was a western song, and while her English wasn't the best in the world, she did know the lyrics. Slowly she began humming, her voice carrying on the wind to where a pair of eyes watched her in the darkness.
How will I start
Tomorrow without you here
Who's heart will guide me
When all the answers disappear
He had become a part of her being, and without him, she wasn't complete. She gained and lost her soul all in the same moment, when he left. Is it too late
Are you too far gone to stay
This one's forever
Should never have to go away She couldn't bear the thought that she would never see him again, never feel his eyes on her, never enjoy the warmth that he gave off, even when he was being rude, or pretending not to care. What will I do
You know I'm only half without you
How will I make it through "Inuyasha," she whispered to the sky, "I miss you the most at night. You were always here to protect me, sitting up at night and keeping watch. I miss your stubborn attitude, I miss your strong presence. I hope you're safe tonight my love, on the night you hate the most. " If only tears could bring you back to me
If only love could find a way
What I would do, what I would give
If you returned to me someday
Somehow, someway
If my tears could bring you back to me I'd cry you an ocean If you'd sail on home again
Wings of emotion
Will carry you, I know they can She had already cried enough every night to fill an ocean, perhaps two, and yet she didn't seem to be able to stop. She tried her hardest to cry where other's couldn't see her, where they wouldn't know how much she still was hurting. Shippou was the only one who seemed to notice. When she returned to the hut to sleep, after a good crying session, he was always more attentive to her, he curled up closer to her. It used to puzzle her, till she remembered Inuyasha could smell her tears, so she knew that Shippou probably could as well. She was eternally grateful that he never asked her about it, just comforted her in that silent way. Just light will guide you
And your heart will chart the course
Soon you'll be drifting
Into the arms of your true north She stared up at the dark sky again, there was no light for him to follow. Inside her breast, she felt the heat of the Shikon no Tama as it brightened, and just under her skin, she could see its glow. She still had that wish to make, but she wouldn't use it for this, it was petty, and selfish. No, she was saving that wish for the correct moment. Besides, she didn't want him to come back because she wanted it, she wanted him to come back because he wanted to. Look in my eyes
And you will see a million tears have gone by
And still they're not dry If only tears could bring you back to me
If only love could find a way
What I would do, what I would give
If you returned to me someday
Somehow, someway
If my tears could bring you back to me I hold you close
And shout the words I only whispered before
For one more chance, for one last dance
There's nothing that I would not give and more 'One more chance, please Kami-sama, just give me one more chance. To tell him what I feel, to tell him how much he means to me. I would give anything to have that chance again. Without fear or reserve, so that at least he could hear the words from my lips. I don't care what he could say to me, but to be able to tell him, to silence this pain inside. ' If only tears could bring you back to me
f only love could find a way
What I would do, what I would give
If you returned to me someday
Somehow, someway
If my tears could bring you back to me Kagome finished her song and wiped at her eyes, with the back of her hand, looking up at the sky, her tears shining on her face. She stood, "Inuyasha, I love you. " she spoke clear and true, wanting to scream it into the wind, so he could hear her. Her heart screamed for her, and she felt all the power those words held radiate from her with all the passion she carried inside. She closed her eyes, and let the feeling fade before turning to head back to the village.
A small movement shifted the grass every so slightly as it hurried to the treeline.
"Lord, don't you think-" came a questioning voice.
"Quiet, its not time yet, trust me, my plan will soon come to completion for the miko," came a strong voice, which soon faded into the shadows.
******The morning of the festival***********
Kagome and Shippou walked towards the well together, morning sun just coming up over the horizon. He rubbed his eyes sleepily, and Kagome smiled, "Are you sure you want to do this Shippou? You are more than welcome to go back to sleep, and I can do this by myself."
Shippou shook his head, "No no! I promised I would help, and so I'm going to help." He looked so stubborn in that moment, that she simply smiled and paused a moment on the lip of the well.
"Let's see if this will actually work," she sighed and picked up the kitsune in her arms. "Now, remember what I told you Shippou, if I can't carry you over with me-"
"I'm going to get out of the well, and wait for you to tell me you're back," he said obediently and she nodded. "Alright, let's try this," she said, leaping into the darkness, with the kit holding tightly to her neck. The swirl of blue surrounded her and after a moment she felt the solidity of earth beneath her feet. Shippou's head was buried into her neck, and he was shaking.
"Shippou, we're here," she said gently and he blinked, pulling his head back. His nose twitched curiously, as he looked up the shaft of the well to the covering there.
"It smells funny," he said and she laughed, putting him down. "Yes, I suppose it does, not as nice as our time." She didn't catch her error, but he did, and with a happy bounce to his step he scurried up the ladder before her.
"EEE! Demon!" she heard as Shippou popped out of the well, and Kagome reached up, grabbing Shippou's tail and pulling him quickly back down to her.
"Jiisan! It's me!" she cried out, making sure he wasn't going to try throwing anything down the well at her, before poking her head up. He was standing there, a million scrolls in his hand, with Souta hiding behind his leg nervously.
Kagome sighed, feeling Shippou clutching to her back with the same nervousness.
"Jiisan, Souta, this is Shippou, my kitsune friend I told you about." Souta grinned and hurried forward, as Shippou jumped off Kagome's back and stared at the young boy before him. Both boys instantly grinned at each other, kindred spirits in an instance. However Kagome's grandfather stared at the kitsune suspiciously and Kagome just sighed, not even Shippou's cuteness could get through to him. She noticed the bags of things that were watiting beside the well.
"Wow, I think Mom packed more than I asked her to," she said softly and Souta nodded to his older sister.
"Mamma had a message for you." He coughed and did his best impression of his mother, "Tell Kagome that she's going to stay with her friend until the baby's born, and here's all the things she could need for the baby. But she had better take pictures so I can see." Kagome felt her jaw hit the ground. If she stayed in the other era until the baby was born, then she would miss the start of classes next year. Was this her mother's way of telling her something?
Shippou glanced at all the bags, three hiking packs full of stuff, "How are we going to carry all of this?"
Souta had already reached for one pack, "Mamma told me to help you."
Kagome stared at her brother, "But that means-" he looked up at her with large eyes. "Please Kagome, for three years you've told me all these stories about the Feudal era, and Mamma finally says I can go. Just for a day or two, she thinks it could be great for my studies." Kagome laughed. "Well, I suppose I can try, after all, I got Shippou through, I should be able to get you both back."
Her grandfather helped everyone strap on a bag, Shippou bearly tall enough to hold his, and the stood on the edge of the well. Kagome wrapped an arm around the waist of each boy, and nodded. "Alright, let's try this," she said and they jumped together.
A bright flash of light later.
Kagome landed on her knees with a thump, Shippou beside her and Souta?
*THUD* she felt something fall on her back and winced.
"Sorry Oniisan," she heard with a giggle and she sighed, rising to her feet, "Now I know how Kaede-bachan feels in the morning," she said.
"Or like Inu-onnisan when you 'sit ' him, " Souta laughed and Kagome's eyes turned dark and sad for a moment.
"Come on," she whispered, "We had better get going, we've got a lot of preparations to help with. And don't think that you'll get out helping, Souta. You may be my brother, but you're going to do as much work as the rest of the villagers."
"Hai," he said cheerfully, and together they scrambled up the rope ladder.
Souta's eyes were wide with amazement as they cleared the forest and cam out over the village.
"Oh! It's just like the drawings in my books," Souta exclaimed. Kagome just grinned, realizing that she felt almost the same way her frist visit. Granted she was tired up and being held captive, but the oddity of it all was still there.
Thankfully Kaede's hut was the first one they encountered and the trio dropped their packs outside the door.
"Kagome, is that you?" Sango's voice echoed from inside.
"Hai, I brought a surprise," she called and pushed Souta in the hut before her. Sango was seated, sturring al arge pot over the cooking hearth. "Oh, you must be Souta. Kagome has told us so much about you."
Souta blushed deeply and looked down at his feet, 'Onnichan, you didn't tell me she was this pretty in your stories,' he thought to himself, unable to meet Sango's gaze.
Shippou rescued his new friend, "Come on Souta, I'll show you around," he grabbed Souta's hand and dragged him out of the hut. Once outside, he whispered to the young boy, "You don't wanna start to like her, she's married and going to have a pup."
Souta looked at Shippou and his eyes grew large, "You mean..she married that ecchi monk?!"
Shippou nodded, "Hai, I guess he stopped being such a lech," he said shrugging. He was starting to understand more about adults and their relationships, but just not that one. A shadow passed over them, and he looked up.
From inside the hut, Kagome heard Shippou's loud cry.
"Sango, Kagome!" The two women looked at each other, and both reached for her weapons. Kagome held out her hand, "Stay in here Sango," she advised her friend, worried about her condition, as she rushed out of the hut, arrow notched and ready.
Shippou was standing in front of Souta, his arms spread out as he tried to protect his new friend. Before him stood a large hydra-like creature, two heads staring hungrily down at the two of them. That was until Kagome ran up, bow in hand to stand in front of Shippou.
"Shikon no Tama! You are the miko of the Shikon no Tama!! Give it to me!" the creature shrieked. Kagome felt her power flare inside her as she took aim and let her arrow fly. It caught the hydra square between the eyes of one of its heads and destroyed it. Souta stood staring at his sister in awe. She was a whiner, she cried, she hogged the oden, and she always picked on him. She did NOT fire shining arrows at horrible monsters without thinking twice about it. She did not look like the coolest thing he had ever seen, and she did not have such a confidence about her like she did at that moment.
"Onii-san" he whispered and she turned her head to look at him. His eyes stared at her widely, and got wider as movement behind them caught his attention. From the stump left over grew two more heads. Kagome looked back and sighed.
"I thought that might happen. Shippou, take Souta back to the hut," she commanded sternly as a group of men from the village hurried to her side.
"Lady Kagome," they asked and she turned to them, "I can handle the creature," she said calmly. Souta struggled against Shippou and pulled free, running back to his sister.
"Onii-san" he called and she glared at him, "Souta, I told you.." she heard the movement behind her and tackled her brother out of the way as one of those heads moved swiftly down towards them.
"Shippou, distract him," she called and the kitsune nodded sternly, screaming, "Kitsune bi!" shooting blue flames at the monster. It screamed a high pitch scream that made even the humans faint from the sound. Shippou, it sent into a fit of convulsions. He clutched his ears and curled up into a little ball.
Kagome was on her feet, "Souta," but he stamped his foot, "We studied these things in school, in a story book!! A hero was fighting the same thing. Everytime you cut off a head, two more grow back, but if you put fire where the head was, it can't grow back!" He shouted at her, looking sternly. Kagome just stared at him for a moment, then grinned, kissing his cheek. He grimiced.
"Thank you Souta," she said and shoved him back, "Now get back behind the villagers or I'll pin you to a tree," she said. He nodded and scurried away.
"Get the best archers up front," she said, and the men nodded. "Light those arrows, and the instant I get a head off, you fill that stump with as many arrows as you can."
Kagome took another step forward, and suddenly found herself not alone. Miroku stood to her left, and Sango to her right. Kaede was back with the archers, her own flaming arrow ready.
"Sango," she began and Sango narrowed her eyes at her friend, "What, and miss out on all the fun?" she asked. Kirara growled in agreement beside her mistress and Kagome smiled. Just like old times, she thought. The thought of a fight made something inside of her light up. She was actually enjoying this, knowing she could contribute to the fight, and didn't have to run and hide.
'Now I know what Inuyasha loved about it,' she thought.
"Miroku, I'm going to bring his attention a little lower, think you can get the solitary head with your staff?"
"Hai Kagome-sama," he said and she nodded, running forward.
"Hey, you big overgrown excuse of an ugly lizard," she shouted up at it. She held her bow out as she stretched her arms to the side. "You want the jewel, you try and get it!" She felt the jewel glow brightly, and knew that it would entice the hydra even more. As if she scripted it herself, she saw the single head swooping down to gobble her up, or so he thought. A soft jingle alerted her to Miroku's presence and at the last moment she dropped to her stomach, as he leapt over her, swinging the sharpened end of the staff swiftly. She heard the head hit the ground rather than saw it.
"Now!" she cried as the sky filled with flaming arrows. The monster screamed its fury and now the other two heads swooped down to avenge their brother.
"Hiraikotsu" came Sango's battle cry, as the boomerang sliced the other two heads with a clean blow. Kagome was on her feet, arrow ready as the remained of the monster charged at her. She was expecting this, she figured that without its heads, it was helpless, but not dead. She aimed for the center of the body and fired, shattering it like glass. Bits of monster flew everywhere, as the townspeople cheered. Kagome wiped her face with the back of her hand, and turned to her friends. They all grinned at each other, and came together in a warm embrace.
"Kagome-chan," Miroku gasped above joyous laughs, "You were amazing!"
Kagome blushed. She didn't know where the feeling came from, but suddenly this protectiveness came over her. A monster was attacking her brothers, her village, her people. 'My people,' she thought to herself, looking up at the villagers. She knew now, without a doubt, this was where she belonged, that she couldn't live in her era anymore. She was truly needed here.
Souta dashed forward and leaped into her arms, something he hadn't done since he was a small child and she caught his slight figure. "Onii-san, you were great!! You're so sugoi!!"
Kagome grinned and hugged her brother tightly, "Thank you Souta."
From the shadows of the forest, golden eyes watched with pride. He growled softly at the sight, the once soft and weak girl had grown into a proud warrior, strong and true. Yes, she would make the perfect mate, a breeder of equally strong offspring.
"Tonight," he whispered to himself, "Tonight, my Kagome."
A/N: OMG!!! This was a 11 page document on Word everyone!! *bows* I am so proud of myself. Anyway, I figured that my fingers needed a break, but don't worry, you'll get what you want *grin*. Just a few more chapters left, but please review.
For reference I LOVE Greek Mythology, have loved it since I was 8 years old (and at 23, that's a lengthy love). So I couldn't resist making the monster a hydra. Hope you all liked the battle scene.^_^
