A/N: Sadly I don't own Inuyasha, but I do own the scene,which has been
plaguing me since I started this story, cause its so beautiful in my head.
Hopefully I can relay the same feeling in my writing!
Review comments:
lindy*girl(): Thank you!! I'm not one for violence, but I figured there HAD to be a battle scene in here somewhere. As for the goldeneyes, *wink* you'll see!!
wing ZER0 angel: Thank you so much, I hope you enjoy the last couple of chapters as well!
Nozomi : I'm not sure what you meant by Kagome's serenity. As for who is lurking in the shadows, all shall be revealed at the end of the chapter, unless I decided to be ultra mean and make you wait *grin*
Forsaken1 : *hugs* I appreciate the review Onii-chan, but you're a biased reader :P Thank you though!
Amargo Scribe: LOL I'm sorry!! But it was already 11 pages!! I was afraid the file size would get too big. But don't worry, all is revealed below! Thank you again for the wonderful comments, I do hate to leave loose ends. Please check out my other stuff.
Umi : Thanks again Umi, and I did get the chance to read your story! I love it, keep up the good work. I would have reviewd but FF was being a jerk and wouldn't let me for some reason (
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The village bounced back from the attack. A few of the men collected the pieces, and Kagome and Kaede performed burial rites before the remains were thrown into the well. Both mikos wanted to be sure that no ghost, or vengeful spirit could arise from the remains. Souta shuttered at the thought that they might still be there when he went home, but Kagome reassured him that they would probably be gone by the time they went home. As they walked back to the village, she told him the legend of the Bone Eater's well, and how she first was afraid to enter it, especially after she saw the bones of the centipede monster that had snatched her from her time, lying in the earth.
Souta stared at her, "How did you do it?" he asked. She laughed, "I didn't really have much of a choice, a youkai was trying to kill me, so I fell in to avoid her getting me, that was when I came back that first time."
He nodded solemnly and placed his hand in his sisters as they walked. "I think I know why you like it here," he said, "it's really pretty and calm. And you don't have to go to school." She sighed softly, "Souta, I don't come here to avoid my life there, but I.I can't explain it, sometimes I think that maybe I was always supposed to be here. And not just to avoid school, but its almost as if this time calls to me."
Souta nodded, "Hai, Jiisan is always talking about destiny and fate, maybe that's what this is. But I think I know another reason why you want to stay here. It's cause of Inu-oniichan."
Kagome stopped walking and stood very still. The rest of the group continued walking and Kaede glanced over her shoulder for a moment, then continued silently. Kagome was quite able to take care of herself, and she needed this moment with her sibling, alone.
Kagome knelt so she could be face to face with her little brother, "Souta, Inuyasha," she began. He looked at her sad face, and his eyes got wide.
"Inu-oniichan isn't dead, is he?!" he cried and Kagome shook her head. "No, at least, I don't think so. Something happened, and he had to go away, far away. I don't think he's coming back. " Souta placed his hands on his sister's shoulders, and stared at her with wisdom beyond his years. It surprised Kagome to see this spirit in her brother, and she could sense that he too had his own power deep within. Perhaps, when he took over the shrine for their grandfather, he would truly be a great keeper.
"Oneesan, I think you're wrong. I think that whatever happened to make him go away, won't keep him away. I know you think I'm just a silly kid, but I remember what he looked like, when he watched you. Remember when that mask demon came and attacked us? He came through the well, when I said you might die. He seems mean sometimes, and yells at you, but I think he likes you, deep down inside, and when you like someone, you can't stay away from them forever." Kagome smiled faintly, "I hope you're right Souta," she said and stood.
"Come on, I'll race you back to the village, and the winner gets the chocolate bar I've stashed in my bag, that is if Shippou hasn't already gotten to it!" Souta squeeked and took off running, Kagome at his heels as they raced, like they used to, before their lives were turned upside down.
Sango and Kaede helped the women of the village with meal preparations, and Kagome felt ashamed that domestically she was a little deficent. Instead she walked the village, helping put up decorations, coax some of the smaller children to help out as well. With the attack, they had lost preparation time. She saw Souta and Shippou coming back from the woods with some of the villagers, arms full of wood for the fire, her brother gritting his teeth, but not to be outdone by his new found friend.
Kagome paused a moment in the shadow of one of the huts, getting out of the direct heat of the day. It was just about noontime, and the bright hot sun was directly overhead. Most of the villagers had taken some time off, to eat, or just to rest out of the sunlight. Kagome wiped the sweat from her brow when something tickled her senses, a lot of somethings actually. Wild and strong, and rough, was what she felt and she knew without doubt, it was Kouga and his pack. She stepped out from the shadows into the main 'square' of the village, facing the direction they were coming from. The noise they were making attracted the attention of the rest of the villagers, who all came out from their huts to stare at the dust cloud coming their way.
Kagome walked calmly towards them, her bow and arrow drawn. She didn't expect trouble, but if she looked prepared, then perhaps the villagers would not feel so anxious. They were all still high strung from the morning's attack. The cloud slowed and then disbursed revealing Kouga and a few members of his pack. They were all carrying carcass' over their shoulders, and paused a few paces from Kagome.
"Kouga," she said calmly and he motioned his head, where his pack members quickly dropped several large animals before her. She lifted her eyebrow curiously as they all dropped to a knee.
"I, Kouga of the wolf clan, have come to do honor to you, Kagome miko, for your valiant kill." Kagome resisted the urge to roll her eyes and just watched him, her face emotionless.
"Thank you for this, but I wasn't the only one who defeated the youkai," she replied.
He nodded," Then this is also a gift to your village, for their courage." Kagome took a step forward, and lowered her voice, so she knew that only he would hear. "What are you up to Kouga? You're never this horribly formal with anyone." He tried to look hurt, but she glared at him. Pridefully he tilted his head back, "I have come to claim you as my mate as well." He announced this loud enough that everyone could hear, and Kagome could hear the murmers of the villagers behind her.
"I've told you too many times to count Kouga, I don't accept your offer, I cannot accept your offer, and I will never accept your offer. For the last time, give up this foolish quest and leave me be," she said firmly. But he wasn't done.
"It's been over a moon's passing, miko. You intend to waste your mortal years waiting for a half-breed that has chosen someone else?" Kagome felt the words pierce her heart, and she stared him down, feeling her blood run cold.
"I would rather waste my 'mortal years' hoping for a dream, then live even a minute as someone's simpering wench, who is viewed for nothing more than her ability to breed. This is my last warning Kouga, as the friends we once were. Leave now, and don't make me regret giving you this last chance."
Kouga snarled and moved to pull one of his old tricks. He wasn't about to lose face in front of his pack, and the woman would be his. Kagome had anticipated this, her hand reaching behind her back to finger the rosary she kept tucked there. She swiftly recited the incantation and watched the beads fly from her fingertips around Kouga's neck. He stopped right before her, his hands flying up to his neck.
"Bitch," he snarled, and his face went white with recognition. "Wait., Kagome., don't!" he pleaded.
"Heel!" she said firmly and smiled just to hear the satisfactory thud. It was music to her ears.
"Damnit Kagome! You can't-" he cried and she stared at him. "Oh can't I?! I gave you more than fair warning, and now I see you as a threat to my village. I suggest you get as far away from me as you can, because I know that rosary has a long range, and if I see even a hint of wolf near me, I will use the word." Kouga's pack stared at her and then their leader, who had pealed himself from the ground. He cast one last glance at the miko and Kagome almost saw a hint of regret and heartbreak in his eyes, before he dashed off, leaving his pack to follow as quickly as they could.
The villagers watched her for a moment, before coming forward. "This should provide us with a great feast tonight," she said cheerfully, motioning to the supply of meat that had been brought. It was quickly collected to be taken to the spits and Kagome sighed.
'I am going for a cool bath, I need to unwind, I'm tighter than a bowstring right now," she thought to herself, 'No, first the preparations, then I can relax.' She went in search of Sango. She didn't have to look far, her friend had taken refuge in the shade of the hut, and Kirara was fanning her with her tail. Kagome smiled, "Lucky you," she said, and Sango looked up at her, face red. Kirara meowed softly, and Kagome settled down next to her friend.
"Where's Shippou and Souta?" she asked. Sango smiled, "We sent them off with the excuse to go catch some fish for lunch, both boys were dying in the heat. They'll probably be back after having soaked in the river for a while." Kagome wished she could join them, but felt guilty about leaving so much work to do.
Kaede came out of the hut, and as if she read her mind spoke up, "Ladies, perhaps you would like to retreat to the river yourselves for some cool bathing. On a day such as this, it is too horrible to be melting here."
Kagome glanced up at her, "Are you sure Kaede-sama? I mean, there's still so much more work to get done."
Kaede laughed, "Child, have you not noticed that most of the villagers have done the same already? Several hours to cool off will not hamper festival plans, and not all the villagers have gone, those who can stand the heat stay and make preparations, and when the others return, they can go and cool off as well. Now, both of you, go."
Kagome and Sango didn't wait for a second chance and quickly headed for the river. Kagome almost forgot to shed her clothes before jumping in, with a childish "Wee!" Sango entered with a little more dignity but she almost echoed the cry. The water was perfect, not too cold, and it felt wonderful on their skin. Kagome ducked her head under running her hands through her hair before surfacing.
"Ah," she sighed and Sango nodded in agreement. A little further down the stream, she could here the laughter of children, and Kagome hoped that Shippou and Souta had found their way to joining them.
"Kagome," Sango began just as Kagome started with "Sango". Both women started laughing and Sango let her go first.
"I was just going to ask how you have been feeling as of late." Kagome inquired and Sango smiled. "The herbs that Kaede prepared for me have helped greatly with the morning illness, for which I think Miroku is more relieved than I am. Poor man, he can stand up to Inuyasha in a fight to the death, but he is completely powerless when it comes to our child and his affects on me." Sango's eyes widened as she covered her mouth.
"Oh Kagome, I'm so sorry" she said and Kagome actually smiled. "No, it's okay. I'm actually glad you said his name. Everyone has been so afraid to around me, afraid I'd burst into tears, or turn them into a toad or something ridiculous like that. I'm okay," she whispered softly, "I mean, I miss him so much. Like a piece of my heart is gone, but I'm going to be okay."
Sango embraced her friend, "I know you've been crying at night, when you think that we don't know. I won't tell you how I know, just call it a woman's intuition. I'm glad you're letting yourself cry, you have every right to do so. And I do know this, you will be alright. As horrible as things may feel right now, you'll be alright because you're strong."
Kagome nodded solemnly, and Sango smiled, the maternal instinct taking a hold of her, as she gently wiped the tear that threatened to stain Kagome's cheek from her eye, "That's my brave miko," she said softly, as she heard a rustle in the bushes. Sango's eyes lit up mischeviously and she knelt in the river, pulling a rock from the bottom and launched it towards the bushes. The women grinned as it made contact with someone and they quickly dressed and hurried towards the bushes. But there was no one there. Kagome shivered, despite the warm day, and wrapped her arms around herself.
"Sango, I'm going back to help Kaede, I think I've washed long enough," she said softly and her friend nodded. Kagome quickly gathered up her belongings, and hurried back to the village, looking around the forest nervously as she ran. Goosebumps had run their way up her arms and down her back, and she didn't know why, but it bothered her. She was learning to trust her instincts, and her instincts told her something was strange, but wouldn't tell her more than that. As for her senses, she couldn't sense a presence, but yet knew someone or something was there.
She paused, and gathered her courage. She couldn't run, so she turned to the forest, and said clearly, "I know you're there, you had better show yourself!" She waited, sensing that the other presence was waiting to see if she was just bluffing, or if she really knew they were there. She placed her hands on her hips, "Come out, or I will make you come out." She said firmly, and it seemed that the forest shimmered. Slowly, a figure walked out of the woods, tall, graceful, and she saw silver flash in the sunlight that splashed through the canopy above. Her eyes grew wide.
"I.Inuyasha?!"
A/N: I'm evil, I know I'm evil *sings* *ducks the flying objects* HEY! I am the queen of cliffhangers you know :P Don't worry, I just didn't want to write another 11 page chapter, besides, it's always good to leave you all hanging just a little. It's near the end, I promise it's near the end. *skips off to work on the next chapter, to keep the public pleased*
Review comments:
lindy*girl(): Thank you!! I'm not one for violence, but I figured there HAD to be a battle scene in here somewhere. As for the goldeneyes, *wink* you'll see!!
wing ZER0 angel: Thank you so much, I hope you enjoy the last couple of chapters as well!
Nozomi : I'm not sure what you meant by Kagome's serenity. As for who is lurking in the shadows, all shall be revealed at the end of the chapter, unless I decided to be ultra mean and make you wait *grin*
Forsaken1 : *hugs* I appreciate the review Onii-chan, but you're a biased reader :P Thank you though!
Amargo Scribe: LOL I'm sorry!! But it was already 11 pages!! I was afraid the file size would get too big. But don't worry, all is revealed below! Thank you again for the wonderful comments, I do hate to leave loose ends. Please check out my other stuff.
Umi : Thanks again Umi, and I did get the chance to read your story! I love it, keep up the good work. I would have reviewd but FF was being a jerk and wouldn't let me for some reason (
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The village bounced back from the attack. A few of the men collected the pieces, and Kagome and Kaede performed burial rites before the remains were thrown into the well. Both mikos wanted to be sure that no ghost, or vengeful spirit could arise from the remains. Souta shuttered at the thought that they might still be there when he went home, but Kagome reassured him that they would probably be gone by the time they went home. As they walked back to the village, she told him the legend of the Bone Eater's well, and how she first was afraid to enter it, especially after she saw the bones of the centipede monster that had snatched her from her time, lying in the earth.
Souta stared at her, "How did you do it?" he asked. She laughed, "I didn't really have much of a choice, a youkai was trying to kill me, so I fell in to avoid her getting me, that was when I came back that first time."
He nodded solemnly and placed his hand in his sisters as they walked. "I think I know why you like it here," he said, "it's really pretty and calm. And you don't have to go to school." She sighed softly, "Souta, I don't come here to avoid my life there, but I.I can't explain it, sometimes I think that maybe I was always supposed to be here. And not just to avoid school, but its almost as if this time calls to me."
Souta nodded, "Hai, Jiisan is always talking about destiny and fate, maybe that's what this is. But I think I know another reason why you want to stay here. It's cause of Inu-oniichan."
Kagome stopped walking and stood very still. The rest of the group continued walking and Kaede glanced over her shoulder for a moment, then continued silently. Kagome was quite able to take care of herself, and she needed this moment with her sibling, alone.
Kagome knelt so she could be face to face with her little brother, "Souta, Inuyasha," she began. He looked at her sad face, and his eyes got wide.
"Inu-oniichan isn't dead, is he?!" he cried and Kagome shook her head. "No, at least, I don't think so. Something happened, and he had to go away, far away. I don't think he's coming back. " Souta placed his hands on his sister's shoulders, and stared at her with wisdom beyond his years. It surprised Kagome to see this spirit in her brother, and she could sense that he too had his own power deep within. Perhaps, when he took over the shrine for their grandfather, he would truly be a great keeper.
"Oneesan, I think you're wrong. I think that whatever happened to make him go away, won't keep him away. I know you think I'm just a silly kid, but I remember what he looked like, when he watched you. Remember when that mask demon came and attacked us? He came through the well, when I said you might die. He seems mean sometimes, and yells at you, but I think he likes you, deep down inside, and when you like someone, you can't stay away from them forever." Kagome smiled faintly, "I hope you're right Souta," she said and stood.
"Come on, I'll race you back to the village, and the winner gets the chocolate bar I've stashed in my bag, that is if Shippou hasn't already gotten to it!" Souta squeeked and took off running, Kagome at his heels as they raced, like they used to, before their lives were turned upside down.
Sango and Kaede helped the women of the village with meal preparations, and Kagome felt ashamed that domestically she was a little deficent. Instead she walked the village, helping put up decorations, coax some of the smaller children to help out as well. With the attack, they had lost preparation time. She saw Souta and Shippou coming back from the woods with some of the villagers, arms full of wood for the fire, her brother gritting his teeth, but not to be outdone by his new found friend.
Kagome paused a moment in the shadow of one of the huts, getting out of the direct heat of the day. It was just about noontime, and the bright hot sun was directly overhead. Most of the villagers had taken some time off, to eat, or just to rest out of the sunlight. Kagome wiped the sweat from her brow when something tickled her senses, a lot of somethings actually. Wild and strong, and rough, was what she felt and she knew without doubt, it was Kouga and his pack. She stepped out from the shadows into the main 'square' of the village, facing the direction they were coming from. The noise they were making attracted the attention of the rest of the villagers, who all came out from their huts to stare at the dust cloud coming their way.
Kagome walked calmly towards them, her bow and arrow drawn. She didn't expect trouble, but if she looked prepared, then perhaps the villagers would not feel so anxious. They were all still high strung from the morning's attack. The cloud slowed and then disbursed revealing Kouga and a few members of his pack. They were all carrying carcass' over their shoulders, and paused a few paces from Kagome.
"Kouga," she said calmly and he motioned his head, where his pack members quickly dropped several large animals before her. She lifted her eyebrow curiously as they all dropped to a knee.
"I, Kouga of the wolf clan, have come to do honor to you, Kagome miko, for your valiant kill." Kagome resisted the urge to roll her eyes and just watched him, her face emotionless.
"Thank you for this, but I wasn't the only one who defeated the youkai," she replied.
He nodded," Then this is also a gift to your village, for their courage." Kagome took a step forward, and lowered her voice, so she knew that only he would hear. "What are you up to Kouga? You're never this horribly formal with anyone." He tried to look hurt, but she glared at him. Pridefully he tilted his head back, "I have come to claim you as my mate as well." He announced this loud enough that everyone could hear, and Kagome could hear the murmers of the villagers behind her.
"I've told you too many times to count Kouga, I don't accept your offer, I cannot accept your offer, and I will never accept your offer. For the last time, give up this foolish quest and leave me be," she said firmly. But he wasn't done.
"It's been over a moon's passing, miko. You intend to waste your mortal years waiting for a half-breed that has chosen someone else?" Kagome felt the words pierce her heart, and she stared him down, feeling her blood run cold.
"I would rather waste my 'mortal years' hoping for a dream, then live even a minute as someone's simpering wench, who is viewed for nothing more than her ability to breed. This is my last warning Kouga, as the friends we once were. Leave now, and don't make me regret giving you this last chance."
Kouga snarled and moved to pull one of his old tricks. He wasn't about to lose face in front of his pack, and the woman would be his. Kagome had anticipated this, her hand reaching behind her back to finger the rosary she kept tucked there. She swiftly recited the incantation and watched the beads fly from her fingertips around Kouga's neck. He stopped right before her, his hands flying up to his neck.
"Bitch," he snarled, and his face went white with recognition. "Wait., Kagome., don't!" he pleaded.
"Heel!" she said firmly and smiled just to hear the satisfactory thud. It was music to her ears.
"Damnit Kagome! You can't-" he cried and she stared at him. "Oh can't I?! I gave you more than fair warning, and now I see you as a threat to my village. I suggest you get as far away from me as you can, because I know that rosary has a long range, and if I see even a hint of wolf near me, I will use the word." Kouga's pack stared at her and then their leader, who had pealed himself from the ground. He cast one last glance at the miko and Kagome almost saw a hint of regret and heartbreak in his eyes, before he dashed off, leaving his pack to follow as quickly as they could.
The villagers watched her for a moment, before coming forward. "This should provide us with a great feast tonight," she said cheerfully, motioning to the supply of meat that had been brought. It was quickly collected to be taken to the spits and Kagome sighed.
'I am going for a cool bath, I need to unwind, I'm tighter than a bowstring right now," she thought to herself, 'No, first the preparations, then I can relax.' She went in search of Sango. She didn't have to look far, her friend had taken refuge in the shade of the hut, and Kirara was fanning her with her tail. Kagome smiled, "Lucky you," she said, and Sango looked up at her, face red. Kirara meowed softly, and Kagome settled down next to her friend.
"Where's Shippou and Souta?" she asked. Sango smiled, "We sent them off with the excuse to go catch some fish for lunch, both boys were dying in the heat. They'll probably be back after having soaked in the river for a while." Kagome wished she could join them, but felt guilty about leaving so much work to do.
Kaede came out of the hut, and as if she read her mind spoke up, "Ladies, perhaps you would like to retreat to the river yourselves for some cool bathing. On a day such as this, it is too horrible to be melting here."
Kagome glanced up at her, "Are you sure Kaede-sama? I mean, there's still so much more work to get done."
Kaede laughed, "Child, have you not noticed that most of the villagers have done the same already? Several hours to cool off will not hamper festival plans, and not all the villagers have gone, those who can stand the heat stay and make preparations, and when the others return, they can go and cool off as well. Now, both of you, go."
Kagome and Sango didn't wait for a second chance and quickly headed for the river. Kagome almost forgot to shed her clothes before jumping in, with a childish "Wee!" Sango entered with a little more dignity but she almost echoed the cry. The water was perfect, not too cold, and it felt wonderful on their skin. Kagome ducked her head under running her hands through her hair before surfacing.
"Ah," she sighed and Sango nodded in agreement. A little further down the stream, she could here the laughter of children, and Kagome hoped that Shippou and Souta had found their way to joining them.
"Kagome," Sango began just as Kagome started with "Sango". Both women started laughing and Sango let her go first.
"I was just going to ask how you have been feeling as of late." Kagome inquired and Sango smiled. "The herbs that Kaede prepared for me have helped greatly with the morning illness, for which I think Miroku is more relieved than I am. Poor man, he can stand up to Inuyasha in a fight to the death, but he is completely powerless when it comes to our child and his affects on me." Sango's eyes widened as she covered her mouth.
"Oh Kagome, I'm so sorry" she said and Kagome actually smiled. "No, it's okay. I'm actually glad you said his name. Everyone has been so afraid to around me, afraid I'd burst into tears, or turn them into a toad or something ridiculous like that. I'm okay," she whispered softly, "I mean, I miss him so much. Like a piece of my heart is gone, but I'm going to be okay."
Sango embraced her friend, "I know you've been crying at night, when you think that we don't know. I won't tell you how I know, just call it a woman's intuition. I'm glad you're letting yourself cry, you have every right to do so. And I do know this, you will be alright. As horrible as things may feel right now, you'll be alright because you're strong."
Kagome nodded solemnly, and Sango smiled, the maternal instinct taking a hold of her, as she gently wiped the tear that threatened to stain Kagome's cheek from her eye, "That's my brave miko," she said softly, as she heard a rustle in the bushes. Sango's eyes lit up mischeviously and she knelt in the river, pulling a rock from the bottom and launched it towards the bushes. The women grinned as it made contact with someone and they quickly dressed and hurried towards the bushes. But there was no one there. Kagome shivered, despite the warm day, and wrapped her arms around herself.
"Sango, I'm going back to help Kaede, I think I've washed long enough," she said softly and her friend nodded. Kagome quickly gathered up her belongings, and hurried back to the village, looking around the forest nervously as she ran. Goosebumps had run their way up her arms and down her back, and she didn't know why, but it bothered her. She was learning to trust her instincts, and her instincts told her something was strange, but wouldn't tell her more than that. As for her senses, she couldn't sense a presence, but yet knew someone or something was there.
She paused, and gathered her courage. She couldn't run, so she turned to the forest, and said clearly, "I know you're there, you had better show yourself!" She waited, sensing that the other presence was waiting to see if she was just bluffing, or if she really knew they were there. She placed her hands on her hips, "Come out, or I will make you come out." She said firmly, and it seemed that the forest shimmered. Slowly, a figure walked out of the woods, tall, graceful, and she saw silver flash in the sunlight that splashed through the canopy above. Her eyes grew wide.
"I.Inuyasha?!"
A/N: I'm evil, I know I'm evil *sings* *ducks the flying objects* HEY! I am the queen of cliffhangers you know :P Don't worry, I just didn't want to write another 11 page chapter, besides, it's always good to leave you all hanging just a little. It's near the end, I promise it's near the end. *skips off to work on the next chapter, to keep the public pleased*
