Disclaimer: Inuyasha and its characters are the property of their respective owners. This piece is not for profitable purposes.
Across Lives, Across TimeChapter 1: A Wish Made in Love
"Inuyasha, if we wished upon the Shikon no Tama to make you human, we could both be free; you of your youkai blood, and I of my duty to protect the jewel. We could at last find happiness, together."
He looks at his claws and then at her, "I'll do it Kikyo, I, I want to be with you."
Her expression changes to that of a calm smile, he grins in return, and they sit together quietly, enjoying the slight breeze and each other's presence.
Eventually, she speaks again, "Inuyasha, let tomorrow be the day."
He stands and replies, "Kikyo, meet me by the Goshinboku at sunrise."
He reaches out his hand and carefully helps her rise.
She continues to hold his clawed hand as she replies, "I promise I will be there with the jewel."
She remains still as he runs off into the woods. When he is out of sight, she returns to the shrine and lifts up the jewel with her hands and places it over her head so that it rests on her neck. Not wanting to risk their wish, she decides she will guard it like this until the promised time.
Long before the sunrise, he waits on a branch of the
Goshinboku. Despite his weariness and
worry, he tries his best to look calm and carefree. What seems like hours later, he at lasts notices her beautiful
scent approaching the tree. He jumps
down and lands perfectly, using his youkai powers for a final time. When she is
only a stone's throw away, both stop and watch the other. She drops her bow and quiver on the ground
and removes the Shikon no Tama from around her neck.
"Inuyasha, let us carry out our promise."
He nods his head and slowly approaches, relieved that she trusts him.
When he is before her, he asks, "Kikyo, what should we do now?"
In a serious tone, she replies, "Inuyasha, our wishes must be one in the same."
Unable to control himself, he embraces her and says, "There is nothing that I want more, Kikyo."
She returns his embrace and, soon after, they break apart.
"Inuyasha, extend your arm and place your hand on the jewel."
He does as he is instructed, and she mimics his motions.
"Midoriko-sama, Inuyasha, son of Inutaisho, youkai lord of the Western Lands, and Kikyo, miko and guardian of the Shikon no Tama, ask of thee that we may use the powers of the jewel to grant our mutual wish."
Each watches in awe as the jewel begins to glow brightly and rise from out of their hands. The light continues to grow and the form of the jewel changes so that a young woman can be seen amongst pink colored flames. Kikyo steps forward and kneels before the woman in the light, while Inuyasha remains standing in shock.
"Midoriko-sama," Kikyo says.
The woman in the flames leans forward and responds, "Rise, miko-sama."
Uncertainly, Kikyo stands and faces the woman.
"Inuyasha of the Western Lands, Kikyo-sama, the wish deep within your hearts was made in love, and has granted me the power to defeat the youkai with whom I have fought an eternal battle. At last, my soul has its freedom, and, with the last of my powers, I now grant yours. May you find happiness together as humans forever, across lives, across time."
The flames surrounding Midoriko extinguish suddenly, and the two watch as her soul ascends into the heavens. When Kikyo turns to Inuyasha, she sees at once that he is in his human form. She places her arms around him and rests her head on his shoulder as tears flow down her face. He runs his human hand through her hair and holds her close, swearing that he will never let go.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"And that is the story of Kikyo, Inuyasha, and the amazing Shikon no Tama," my grandfather says as he dangles a spherical charm in his hand.
"Buyo!" Souta shouts, obviously not having heard more than a sentence or two of the story.
"Weren't you listening?! Ah, children these days! Kagome, you believe the story, don't you?" he says in an almost pleading tone.
I don't really, it seems too perfect, but I don't want to hurt his feelings, so I say, "Well, it certainly might be true."
He shakes his head in resignation and returns to eating his breakfast.
"Kagome, dear, what time will you be home so that we can celebrate your birthday?" my mother asks.
"Well, my friends and I might go to get burgers after school, but probably about the normal time."
"Ok, that sounds good."
"Kagome, have this Shikon no Tama charm, it will bring you good luck," my grandfather says.
I take the charm and stare at it, did that really happen, or is it just another fairy tale? I shrug my shoulders and place the charm in my backpack, I guess it doesn't really matter, anyway. I pick up my backpack and, as I open the door, Buyo escapes outside.
"Buyo, wait!" Souta shouts.
"Don't worry, Souta, he won't go far."
Souta answers, "Ok."
Noticing his concern, I say, "Let's look for him, ok?"
Souta shakes his head yes and we start to search, Souta calling for him.
"I saw him, he went into the creepy wellhouse, " Souta says.
I sigh, "Really, Souta, it's not that bad."
However, as I walk inside, I'm not so sure.
Trying to sound brave, I say, "Look there he is, in the corner there."
Souta peaks in from behind my back and whispers, "Buyo, Buyo."
Buyo meows and leisurely exits the door beside me.
"Thanks!"
"You're welcome, now I'm off to school."
"Have a safe trip."
As I walk into the street, I turn back and wave to Souta, when someone runs into me, causing me to lose my balance and nearly fall.
"Watch where you're going, woman!"
I turn and see an angry looking boy.
"I was just coming out of my home, you should have been more careful, too!"
"Keh," he answers, having crossed his arms across his chest defiantly.
What an annoying person! Not wanting to be around him anymore, I stomp off. Surprisingly, he runs ahead of me and snickers as he goes by, making me even more furious. I try to calm myself, remembering that it is my birthday, after all.
When I arrive, my friends come up to me and wish me a happy birthday.
"Kagome-chan, did you hear? There's a new student coming today! I heard he's cute!"
Somewhat intrigued, I say, "Really? Is he in our grade?"
"Yep, he's even in our homeroom, we are so lucky!"
I smile, maybe my day will improve! We walk together to class, but, as I head towards my seat, my jaw drops, oh no, how can this be? It's him!!!
