Topazia: To my faithful reviewers, thank you so much for putting up with my
late posting. Your reviews help me a lot. Well, its been fun, but this is
the last chapter, enjoy!
Finale: Changes for the better
Kagome groaned, sitting up as if waking up from a bad dream. But maybe that's what it was......a bad dream, just dream. "Shippo..." she muttered hoarsely. Her hand reached up to touch her throat tenderly. Was she getting sick?
The image of her screaming just as she delivered the final blow crossed her mind and she cringed, memories she had hoped to be false proven true. All the memories except for the ones she had with.... "Sesshoumaru...." a dark blush crept across her face, to think that Inuyasha actually believed that her fluffy of all people would rape her. But it was partly her fault too wasn't if? If she had only came out and told Inuyasha the truth none of this would have happened.
That's what she wanted to think. She couldn't remember the wonderful world of bliss she had experienced with her lover that moonlit night and at first it puzzled her but she understood a little bit now. It was obvious that she wasn't normal and not because of the virus Naraku planted, well maybe just a little, but whatever the hell it was she knew that there were certain times when she wasn't herself.
Anyone could tell that, it wasn't everyday you see a supposedly normal girl performing demon attacks and wielding a demon sword. She came to the conclusion that she couldn't remember simply because she wasn't herself at the time, or what Sesshoumaru like to call a demon form. After she transformed though she remembered again.
She looked around, she was back in her room, the serene painting across the wall settled her raging nerves and she slowly got up and stretched. Her eyes caught the color of the clothes she was wearing. It was midnight blue in color, with stars cascading across it, with a matching yellow sash...just like the first one she had.
"Shippo...? Rin?" Kagome shrugged when no answer came, following the hallway down towards the exit to the garden, her favorite place. She needed to be there right now, to be able to stare out at the lake across the lawn and become lost in its depths.
The large oak doors loomed ahead of her and she reached out and pulled, flinching as pure warm sunlight poured into her eyes. A shrill scream filled her ears followed by the feel of someone wrapping tiny arms around her legs. "Kagome!"
She grinned, rubbing her eyes slightly to adjust to the light. "Shippo! I was looking for you!" she bent down to rub his head when she spotted two familiar faces. "Sango...Miroku..." She suddenly felt guilty, she hadn't heard from them in so long, they must have thought she abandoned them.
The monk smiled at her, nodding in her direction. "Kagome, your doing well I see. You had us worried." He commented casually, no anger or nothing. It seemed like forever since she had seen him, but Miroku hadn't changed the slightest bit.
Sango stood and straightened her dress before going up to embrace the miko in a warm hug. "You've changed so much from the last time I saw you." he whispered, releasing the girl and holding her at arms length. Her eyes searched Kagome's knowingly, causing the girl to blush.
"What happened after Kikyo's arrow hit?" she asked, quickly trying to change the subject.
Shippo shrugged. "Naraku was killed by the blast, not a trace of him was found, well except for this, I thought you should have it." He chirped reaching into his pocket and pulling out the nearly completed jewel shard the demon possessed.
Kagome took it slowly. She had forgotten all about this...but then how could you remember such a thing when so many mysterious things were happening to your body? "And...Kikyo, what happened to her?"
"Naraku swore revenge for her betrayal and sent a pack of demons after her. It was horrible, you could hear her screams from everywhere...Inuyasha's pretty banged up about it." The little fox demon trailed off, his head lowering. Despite all the terrible things the half- breed had done to Kagome in the past he still felt remorse for him.
It had suddenly grown quiet, as if own was mourning the death of a loved one that they held dear. "Inuyasha...where is he?"
"We don't know, he left this morning, he refused to leave your side while you slept. He stayed with you for three days." Miroku answered.
"Three days..." Kagome repeated softly. Inuyasha stayed with her that long? He must have been really worried. "And Sesshoumaru?"
"Has pretty much kept his distance, only appearing to dress you or just to check on you." The monk noted.
"He's with Rin now, they left about thirty minuets ago. She kept saying she wanted him to go pick flowers with her so he'd fell better." Shippo cringed at the thought of being forced to go through such torture, he felt sorry for the youkai lord.
"Thanks Shippo..." Kagome smiled, muttering apologies to her guests before descending the steps and going out towards the forest. She struggled to keep a straight face as an image of Sesshoumaru running through a field of flowers just like his beloved Rin past her mind. It was more scary than funny...or was it the fact that it was scary that mad it funny? Hell if she knew...
Putting on a real straight face she focused her senses. She recently learned from the fight with Naraku that her powers didn't come at random, but when she summoned or needed them. A faint scent drifted towards her and she followed it, away from her new home and towards the forest.
She looked around, noticing a large burn mark in the ground where She once stood battling Naraku... Kagome sighed softly, her eyes trailing up the tree where Kikyo sat with her arrows ready, almost expecting to see the woman glaring down at her from her high perch but instead found something else.
Kagome opened her mouth to say something but closed after no words of comfort formed. He would be found here where she had been. He was always found around her. "Inuyasha..." she began.
He barely moved, only lowering his head so that his bangs shadowed his face. "It hurts," he whispered. "Hurts so much..." she said nothing, but leaned against the tree bark like she used to when he was in need of silent comfort.
"Inuyasha I know it hurts but."
"No, no you don't know...you look like her! Every time I look at you I see her!" he snapped his eyes squinting from the tears that threatened to fall. "I didn't mean...didn't mean to hurt you Kagome. It's just...I didn't know how to tell you how I felt and she was just there, waiting for me with open arms, just like the day you found us together."
Kagome ran a hand through her hair, unable to form words. Her mouth seemed to become incredibly dry. "Inuyasha, I don't know what to say..." She knew where this conversation was leading and it was breaking her heart.
"I didn't want to believe that you left because of me. I wanted to believe that...that you'd come back and we'd just make up like we always do....but you didn't. And I was too stubborn to go after you." He wrapped his arms protectively around himself. "That's why I didn't accept the fact that you and Sesshoumaru...you and he."
Kagome cringed, but quickly regained herself. "Come to me Inuyasha." She stared up at him firmly; her arms open wide, which he gently fell into, holding her tightly against him. "I don't blame you, You'll always be forgiven. Besides, who could stay mad at someone with such cute little ears?" she tugged on them gently, just like she did in the beginning...when they first met.
"Kagome, please.come back with me, you and Shippo. It could be just like it used to be just like before! I'll never hurt you again, I swear!"
Kagome looked down at the ground, nibbling softly on her bottom lip. She knew it would come to this, but she didn't want to tell him. It hurt enough already. "Inuyasha, I'd love to go back to the way things were." His face brightened with hope, hope that slowly faded with her next sentence. "But you know as well as I do that things can never be the same between us again. I love Sesshoumaru and I'm not leaving."
He nodded slowly. "So what about me?"
"I'll always love you Inuyasha...just not in the same way. I can't, not anymore. Do you understand?" She smiled sadly. "Still friends?"
He nodded, whipping his face a little before flashing one of his rare smiles. "Of course. Always..."
Inuyasha are you trying to take away what does not belong to you?" came the soft silk like voice of the demon lord.
"Well look who finally decided to show themselves after all this time, you know you really have a lot of nerve showing up here!" Inuyasha snapped.
"Quiet half breed, what I do is none of your business." He sneered in return. "You are on my lands and don't you forget it."
"Shut up! You talk too much."
"Filthy half breed." Kagome sighed and shook her head; maybe if she ignored them they'd both go away for a little while.
"I rather be a filthy half breed than a bastard that walks around like he's got a stick up his ass!"
"Your pushing your luck baby brother."
"Oh yeah is that a challenge? I'll tear you to-"
Kagome growled, stomping back off towards the others. "Sit boy!" She smiled at the sound of the demon dog's body hitting the ground. She could feel Sesshoumaru's eyes on her as she walked off and she could just see that trademark smirk on his face. Someone was feeling better...of course she knew it was a cover, but it was also a way of Inuyasha letting her know he'd be fine.
Things would get back to normal, she just knew they would, it would just take a little time. Speaking of getting back to normal what about her appearance? She couldn't look like Kikyo for the rest of her life. She concentrated, extending her nails into demon claws. Could she change back into herself now that Naraku was gone?
She walked back to the steps and sat down, with her head in her hands, watching the two brothers waging an all out war against each other. Inuyasha seemed to be adjusting well he seemed to anyway. She knew it was just a cover up, but she remained quiet, knowing he'd prefer it better that way.
Shippo sat next to her, watching the older demons curiously. Sango and Miroku were talking casually amongst themselves, obviously enjoying the others company. It wasn't that much of a difference from the old days, they were back together again with one more person added on to their group.
A loud squeal caused her to jump and she turned her head to find Rin pining the poor Kistune in a sad attempt to put a flower necklace around his neck. Okay...so maybe there were two new additions to their circle of friends... "Sit boy!"
*~*~*~*~*~
Kagome yawned, trailing her fingertips along the surface of the water of the large fountain in the garden. The others had left long ago, promising to visit again soon, leaving her alone. Rin and Shippo were playing somewhere inside and Sesshoumaru was...
She jumped as a hand found it's way to her shoulder, releasing a string of curses. "Don't do that!"
He smiled down at her, and sat besides her, a distant look on his face. "My brother...will you miss him? This is your last chance after this your mines." He muttered softly.
Kagome tilted her head to the side. "You're still thinking about that? You know I'll stay here till the end," he eyes hardened into a glare. "And besides, what do you take me for, some type of throw away whore?"
He chuckled softly pulling her close and nuzzling her neck a little. "You're too good for that filthy half breed."
She sighed against him, a wicked idea forming in her head. She closed her eyes in concentration, only opening them when a slight tingling sensation shot through her body. She extended her claws a little and grew out her fangs again.
He looked down at her curiously for a moment and she stared back with one of those I know something you don't know looks. "What's wrong?"
"Do you really hate half breeds Sesshoumaru?" She asked. She herself didn't see the point in him hating him, but she had to know.
"I do." He replied softly.
"Then do you hate me?" she shifted slightly so that she was facing him, her head tilted to the side a little.
He stared back at her, a rare look of puzzlement on his face. "Was I supposed to?"
She giggled softly, finding the youthful look adorable. Her eyes faded into a deep haunting yellow and she reached up to run her hand through her hair, uncovering two white ears. Her hair began to fade into a soft white color and a small crescent moon appeared in the middle of her forehead. "Do you hate me?" she repeated.
The demon lord, stared at her curiously then reached up to touch her hair. "How'd you...?"
"Naraku implanted the virus in the state I was in knowing that it would feed off my anger and turn me into what he wanted." She explained. "But eventually I started using his trick against him when I would fight against him by summoning demon powers. So basically, I can change into whatever I want..." she smirked. If she could change into anything why not into the one thing he claimed he hated?
Sesshoumaru nodded, unsure of what to say. Kagome had changed so much from the first time she stomped onto his grounds demanding answers for something he had no part in. She leaned into him, closing the gape by planting a chaste kiss on his lips. "I don't have a reason to hate you."
"But you just said you hated half breeds." Kagome tugged at her hair and ears, an eyebrow raised.
He chuckled softly and held her tight. "You don't hate something you love.you belong to me and no one else."
Kagome smiled staring up at the night sky, wondering if the others were doing the same. She had to admit she would have never guess her journeys with Inuyasha would lead her here, but sometimes things happen for the best...life's just funny that way.
She'd miss traveling with the others, but she had a new life now, it was time to start over. As they say out with the old and in with the new. Besides...she couldn't dwell in the past forever. Time would move on, leaving her long gone, still trapped in the past.
Kagome didn't know how long they stayed like that, holding each other as more stars appeared to brighten the night sky, nor when she feel asleep. But there was one thing she was sure of she was home...and nothing would ever change that.
*~*~*~*~*~
Topazia: the final chapter...but I might add an epilogue if anyone wants one, but what to put in it? Any suggestions? Okay on to questions.
Kagome like me doesn't like the idea of a lot of babies or children, and besides, isn't Rin and Shippo enough? But who knows if there is a next chapter there might be one.
I've been asked to do a sequel and...well...I'm honored. I didn't think this story do as well as it did. I never really planned on righting another story to follow this, I wouldn't know what to right. Sorry! ^^' But I will start on another Inuyasha story pretty soon. But this time I think I'll have a Kag/Inu pairing. *Shrugs* Maybe.
Finale: Changes for the better
Kagome groaned, sitting up as if waking up from a bad dream. But maybe that's what it was......a bad dream, just dream. "Shippo..." she muttered hoarsely. Her hand reached up to touch her throat tenderly. Was she getting sick?
The image of her screaming just as she delivered the final blow crossed her mind and she cringed, memories she had hoped to be false proven true. All the memories except for the ones she had with.... "Sesshoumaru...." a dark blush crept across her face, to think that Inuyasha actually believed that her fluffy of all people would rape her. But it was partly her fault too wasn't if? If she had only came out and told Inuyasha the truth none of this would have happened.
That's what she wanted to think. She couldn't remember the wonderful world of bliss she had experienced with her lover that moonlit night and at first it puzzled her but she understood a little bit now. It was obvious that she wasn't normal and not because of the virus Naraku planted, well maybe just a little, but whatever the hell it was she knew that there were certain times when she wasn't herself.
Anyone could tell that, it wasn't everyday you see a supposedly normal girl performing demon attacks and wielding a demon sword. She came to the conclusion that she couldn't remember simply because she wasn't herself at the time, or what Sesshoumaru like to call a demon form. After she transformed though she remembered again.
She looked around, she was back in her room, the serene painting across the wall settled her raging nerves and she slowly got up and stretched. Her eyes caught the color of the clothes she was wearing. It was midnight blue in color, with stars cascading across it, with a matching yellow sash...just like the first one she had.
"Shippo...? Rin?" Kagome shrugged when no answer came, following the hallway down towards the exit to the garden, her favorite place. She needed to be there right now, to be able to stare out at the lake across the lawn and become lost in its depths.
The large oak doors loomed ahead of her and she reached out and pulled, flinching as pure warm sunlight poured into her eyes. A shrill scream filled her ears followed by the feel of someone wrapping tiny arms around her legs. "Kagome!"
She grinned, rubbing her eyes slightly to adjust to the light. "Shippo! I was looking for you!" she bent down to rub his head when she spotted two familiar faces. "Sango...Miroku..." She suddenly felt guilty, she hadn't heard from them in so long, they must have thought she abandoned them.
The monk smiled at her, nodding in her direction. "Kagome, your doing well I see. You had us worried." He commented casually, no anger or nothing. It seemed like forever since she had seen him, but Miroku hadn't changed the slightest bit.
Sango stood and straightened her dress before going up to embrace the miko in a warm hug. "You've changed so much from the last time I saw you." he whispered, releasing the girl and holding her at arms length. Her eyes searched Kagome's knowingly, causing the girl to blush.
"What happened after Kikyo's arrow hit?" she asked, quickly trying to change the subject.
Shippo shrugged. "Naraku was killed by the blast, not a trace of him was found, well except for this, I thought you should have it." He chirped reaching into his pocket and pulling out the nearly completed jewel shard the demon possessed.
Kagome took it slowly. She had forgotten all about this...but then how could you remember such a thing when so many mysterious things were happening to your body? "And...Kikyo, what happened to her?"
"Naraku swore revenge for her betrayal and sent a pack of demons after her. It was horrible, you could hear her screams from everywhere...Inuyasha's pretty banged up about it." The little fox demon trailed off, his head lowering. Despite all the terrible things the half- breed had done to Kagome in the past he still felt remorse for him.
It had suddenly grown quiet, as if own was mourning the death of a loved one that they held dear. "Inuyasha...where is he?"
"We don't know, he left this morning, he refused to leave your side while you slept. He stayed with you for three days." Miroku answered.
"Three days..." Kagome repeated softly. Inuyasha stayed with her that long? He must have been really worried. "And Sesshoumaru?"
"Has pretty much kept his distance, only appearing to dress you or just to check on you." The monk noted.
"He's with Rin now, they left about thirty minuets ago. She kept saying she wanted him to go pick flowers with her so he'd fell better." Shippo cringed at the thought of being forced to go through such torture, he felt sorry for the youkai lord.
"Thanks Shippo..." Kagome smiled, muttering apologies to her guests before descending the steps and going out towards the forest. She struggled to keep a straight face as an image of Sesshoumaru running through a field of flowers just like his beloved Rin past her mind. It was more scary than funny...or was it the fact that it was scary that mad it funny? Hell if she knew...
Putting on a real straight face she focused her senses. She recently learned from the fight with Naraku that her powers didn't come at random, but when she summoned or needed them. A faint scent drifted towards her and she followed it, away from her new home and towards the forest.
She looked around, noticing a large burn mark in the ground where She once stood battling Naraku... Kagome sighed softly, her eyes trailing up the tree where Kikyo sat with her arrows ready, almost expecting to see the woman glaring down at her from her high perch but instead found something else.
Kagome opened her mouth to say something but closed after no words of comfort formed. He would be found here where she had been. He was always found around her. "Inuyasha..." she began.
He barely moved, only lowering his head so that his bangs shadowed his face. "It hurts," he whispered. "Hurts so much..." she said nothing, but leaned against the tree bark like she used to when he was in need of silent comfort.
"Inuyasha I know it hurts but."
"No, no you don't know...you look like her! Every time I look at you I see her!" he snapped his eyes squinting from the tears that threatened to fall. "I didn't mean...didn't mean to hurt you Kagome. It's just...I didn't know how to tell you how I felt and she was just there, waiting for me with open arms, just like the day you found us together."
Kagome ran a hand through her hair, unable to form words. Her mouth seemed to become incredibly dry. "Inuyasha, I don't know what to say..." She knew where this conversation was leading and it was breaking her heart.
"I didn't want to believe that you left because of me. I wanted to believe that...that you'd come back and we'd just make up like we always do....but you didn't. And I was too stubborn to go after you." He wrapped his arms protectively around himself. "That's why I didn't accept the fact that you and Sesshoumaru...you and he."
Kagome cringed, but quickly regained herself. "Come to me Inuyasha." She stared up at him firmly; her arms open wide, which he gently fell into, holding her tightly against him. "I don't blame you, You'll always be forgiven. Besides, who could stay mad at someone with such cute little ears?" she tugged on them gently, just like she did in the beginning...when they first met.
"Kagome, please.come back with me, you and Shippo. It could be just like it used to be just like before! I'll never hurt you again, I swear!"
Kagome looked down at the ground, nibbling softly on her bottom lip. She knew it would come to this, but she didn't want to tell him. It hurt enough already. "Inuyasha, I'd love to go back to the way things were." His face brightened with hope, hope that slowly faded with her next sentence. "But you know as well as I do that things can never be the same between us again. I love Sesshoumaru and I'm not leaving."
He nodded slowly. "So what about me?"
"I'll always love you Inuyasha...just not in the same way. I can't, not anymore. Do you understand?" She smiled sadly. "Still friends?"
He nodded, whipping his face a little before flashing one of his rare smiles. "Of course. Always..."
Inuyasha are you trying to take away what does not belong to you?" came the soft silk like voice of the demon lord.
"Well look who finally decided to show themselves after all this time, you know you really have a lot of nerve showing up here!" Inuyasha snapped.
"Quiet half breed, what I do is none of your business." He sneered in return. "You are on my lands and don't you forget it."
"Shut up! You talk too much."
"Filthy half breed." Kagome sighed and shook her head; maybe if she ignored them they'd both go away for a little while.
"I rather be a filthy half breed than a bastard that walks around like he's got a stick up his ass!"
"Your pushing your luck baby brother."
"Oh yeah is that a challenge? I'll tear you to-"
Kagome growled, stomping back off towards the others. "Sit boy!" She smiled at the sound of the demon dog's body hitting the ground. She could feel Sesshoumaru's eyes on her as she walked off and she could just see that trademark smirk on his face. Someone was feeling better...of course she knew it was a cover, but it was also a way of Inuyasha letting her know he'd be fine.
Things would get back to normal, she just knew they would, it would just take a little time. Speaking of getting back to normal what about her appearance? She couldn't look like Kikyo for the rest of her life. She concentrated, extending her nails into demon claws. Could she change back into herself now that Naraku was gone?
She walked back to the steps and sat down, with her head in her hands, watching the two brothers waging an all out war against each other. Inuyasha seemed to be adjusting well he seemed to anyway. She knew it was just a cover up, but she remained quiet, knowing he'd prefer it better that way.
Shippo sat next to her, watching the older demons curiously. Sango and Miroku were talking casually amongst themselves, obviously enjoying the others company. It wasn't that much of a difference from the old days, they were back together again with one more person added on to their group.
A loud squeal caused her to jump and she turned her head to find Rin pining the poor Kistune in a sad attempt to put a flower necklace around his neck. Okay...so maybe there were two new additions to their circle of friends... "Sit boy!"
*~*~*~*~*~
Kagome yawned, trailing her fingertips along the surface of the water of the large fountain in the garden. The others had left long ago, promising to visit again soon, leaving her alone. Rin and Shippo were playing somewhere inside and Sesshoumaru was...
She jumped as a hand found it's way to her shoulder, releasing a string of curses. "Don't do that!"
He smiled down at her, and sat besides her, a distant look on his face. "My brother...will you miss him? This is your last chance after this your mines." He muttered softly.
Kagome tilted her head to the side. "You're still thinking about that? You know I'll stay here till the end," he eyes hardened into a glare. "And besides, what do you take me for, some type of throw away whore?"
He chuckled softly pulling her close and nuzzling her neck a little. "You're too good for that filthy half breed."
She sighed against him, a wicked idea forming in her head. She closed her eyes in concentration, only opening them when a slight tingling sensation shot through her body. She extended her claws a little and grew out her fangs again.
He looked down at her curiously for a moment and she stared back with one of those I know something you don't know looks. "What's wrong?"
"Do you really hate half breeds Sesshoumaru?" She asked. She herself didn't see the point in him hating him, but she had to know.
"I do." He replied softly.
"Then do you hate me?" she shifted slightly so that she was facing him, her head tilted to the side a little.
He stared back at her, a rare look of puzzlement on his face. "Was I supposed to?"
She giggled softly, finding the youthful look adorable. Her eyes faded into a deep haunting yellow and she reached up to run her hand through her hair, uncovering two white ears. Her hair began to fade into a soft white color and a small crescent moon appeared in the middle of her forehead. "Do you hate me?" she repeated.
The demon lord, stared at her curiously then reached up to touch her hair. "How'd you...?"
"Naraku implanted the virus in the state I was in knowing that it would feed off my anger and turn me into what he wanted." She explained. "But eventually I started using his trick against him when I would fight against him by summoning demon powers. So basically, I can change into whatever I want..." she smirked. If she could change into anything why not into the one thing he claimed he hated?
Sesshoumaru nodded, unsure of what to say. Kagome had changed so much from the first time she stomped onto his grounds demanding answers for something he had no part in. She leaned into him, closing the gape by planting a chaste kiss on his lips. "I don't have a reason to hate you."
"But you just said you hated half breeds." Kagome tugged at her hair and ears, an eyebrow raised.
He chuckled softly and held her tight. "You don't hate something you love.you belong to me and no one else."
Kagome smiled staring up at the night sky, wondering if the others were doing the same. She had to admit she would have never guess her journeys with Inuyasha would lead her here, but sometimes things happen for the best...life's just funny that way.
She'd miss traveling with the others, but she had a new life now, it was time to start over. As they say out with the old and in with the new. Besides...she couldn't dwell in the past forever. Time would move on, leaving her long gone, still trapped in the past.
Kagome didn't know how long they stayed like that, holding each other as more stars appeared to brighten the night sky, nor when she feel asleep. But there was one thing she was sure of she was home...and nothing would ever change that.
*~*~*~*~*~
Topazia: the final chapter...but I might add an epilogue if anyone wants one, but what to put in it? Any suggestions? Okay on to questions.
Kagome like me doesn't like the idea of a lot of babies or children, and besides, isn't Rin and Shippo enough? But who knows if there is a next chapter there might be one.
I've been asked to do a sequel and...well...I'm honored. I didn't think this story do as well as it did. I never really planned on righting another story to follow this, I wouldn't know what to right. Sorry! ^^' But I will start on another Inuyasha story pretty soon. But this time I think I'll have a Kag/Inu pairing. *Shrugs* Maybe.