A/N:
Konnichiwa! I'm so sorry this chapter took so long to update! I've been too busy with school, and I kinda got grounded from the computer for some time. ^_^;; Being grounded sucks. Anyway, now that it's up, you all can read it! I hope you like it, and don't forget to review! Sit back and enjoy! Don't forget to review, please!
Chapter 5: The Apparition of Baneful Love
A mist of sheer terror coated the land as the cries of hunting demons pierced through the fog like flying arrows. Beyond those bone chilling howls was the eerie silence of the haunting night. Only the bravest of souls would dare wander through the hell bestowed upon the earth from the blood thirsty monsters. However, even through the malevolent chaos that stirred in the dark, amidst it all, was a single, empty soul, raving for revenge.
The once pure maiden, now a vengeful beast seeking to destroy the one she formerly loved, Kikyo, had no fear of the pernicious youkais surrounding her feeble body. Why would she bear any terror towards these creatures she had once slain before her demise? She did, after all, contain untellable powers even for the priestess she was. Because of those powers, she had no reason to dread the sanguinary demons. She could easily dispose of them with one shot of her sacred arrow. However, because of the grudge held against a certain hanyou, she had no desire to waste her much needed time on these wretched beasts. Her heartless soul was set on one goal, and one goal only; to watch Inuyasha suffer for the pain he had caused her, then to witness the look on his face as she drags him to hell. Her most fervent wish was to see his life decimated by the hands of the one whom he destroyed, and to possess his heart as her own. She would do nearly anything to have this desire granted.
"Inuyasha, the time has come to make you mine. Tonight, in the midst of the chaotic dark, I shall lure you out here with a trap, one that will be certain to get your attention."
A look of sheer pleasure spread across her ghostly pale face as the flesh hungry demons lunged forward with their assault.
"Hmph, pathetic creatures, taste my wrath."
She gradually closed her empty eyes and rose her hand in the air. With one, slow moving swipe, each demon that came in her reach was slain. Their horrified cries of death poured through the haunting night, along with the bloodshed.
"I need not waste my time playing with you pathetic excuses for demons. I have places to be, and things to accomplish, so I recommend that you be one your way."
The few remaining demons left without hesitation. A chuckle escaped her mouth as she watched them rush away.
"What a waste. Now that I have rid myself of these hindrance pests, I can pursue my plan."
As she began to walk away, her soul stealing youkai appeared, prepared for her mission.
"I see. Our trap is ready. Now all we need, is the bait."
************************************************
~ "Huh? Where am I? What's happening?"
Kagome searched around frantically, looking for any signs of her dear friends.
"Inuyasha! Sango! Shippou!"
She continued to run through the uncanny darkness that surrounded her.
"Miroku! Where have all of you gone?"
The darkness encompassing her body grew thicker and colder, soon it getting difficult to even breathe.
"This feeling... so familiar. Darkness... no light."
Her body was beginning to weaken as she moved forward with each step. Her hands were spread out in front of her, hoping to find some type of solid material, something that would lead her home.
"Inu...... Inuyasha."
Her vision became blurry, her mind seeming to spin like a top.
"Have you left me?"
Her eyes gradually filled with tears as her attenuated body collapsed to the ground.
"Inu...... Inuyasha, I need you."
She strived with all of her remaining strength to pull herself up, but to no avail. Her arms became numb as she tried to support herself, soon giving in to the exhaustion.
"Inu...... huh?"
Her head was directed to a sound heard in the distance. It sounded like a pin dropping on a marble floor, the noise so light and high-pitched. It grew closer and closer with each passing second.
"What could be coming?"
Her eyes strained to see the figure approaching at a leisurely speed.
'What is that?'
Her mind and body began to shake as she felt a wave of nausea take over. A thick miasma had blanketed the darkness surrounding her, making it even more difficult to breathe. Her eyes widened when the figure stood before her, snake like demons encompassing the figure's body.
'Kikyo!'
She took a large gasp of air when she felt as if her life was being sucked out of her.
"Wha-what's hap-happening to m-me?"
Kikyo smirked as she relished the suffering of Kagome.
"Do you enjoy my miasma? It was made specially for you, to get my soul back."
"What? K-Kikyo, y-you mustn't con-continue like this!"
"And why not? Do you think I like to just sit around and watch as you take Inuyasha from my grasp?"
"Hm?"
"You wouldn't understand, you wouldn't know about love."
"Love."
"If I get rid of you, I will have my chance to be with Inuyasha in hell, there where I can hold his heart."
"H-how could you want to h-hurt him? He thinks about y-you all the time, and h-he still...... still cares for you, deeply."
She felt the sudden urge to cry when she realized what she was saying was really true.
"I'm sorry Kagome, but I have to end you now. I mustn't risk losing Inuyasha. I need him with me, I need to hold his heart once more."
Kagome tilted her head to the ground, concluding that most likely her life was going to end. What hurt her most was that Inuyasha wasn't there; he wasn't there to save her. She couldn't even say goodbye to the one she loves.
"I'll see you in the afterlife. Farewell to you."
"Goodbye... Inuyasha."
Kikyo's eyes widened when she heard that from Kagome.
"No matter, your soul is still mine!"
She slowly rose her hand and placed it above Kagome's head.
"Now, come to me."
Kagome's body gave a jolt as it glowed a cornflower blue, signifying that the soul was about to leave. Glistening tears rolled down her face as she felt her life slip between her fingers. Her last thought, an image of her and Inuyasha, and the way their life would have been in the future.~
"Ahh!"
Kagome's restless body quickly rose from her bed, her clothes damp from sweat. Her moistened hair was hanging loosely over her shoulder as she struggled to take in breathes. Her pained eyes quickly scanned the room, assuring herself that it was merely a nightmare.
'Inuyasha, do you really still have such feelings towards Kikyo? Am I no longer a part of your life?'
Her brown eyes locked on the sleeping hanyou, watching carefully and quietly as his chest pumped up and down in a peaceful rhythm.
'How would I know? I just wish he would say something to me, something that would let me know the whole truth.'
With those words, she gradually rose to her feet, slightly swaying from the sleep that wanted to take over once more.
'Maybe a nice walk will calm me down.'
She glanced once more at the resting hanyou, an emotion of delight flushing over her face.
'He looks so dreamful, so happy.'
As quiet as possible, her body emerged from the hut and into the dark abyss of the night.
"So many stars that fill up the velvet sky. Its so beautiful, such beauty that seems only possible in dreams. Heh, such beauty does exist, and its present before me. Inuyasha."
A warm smile rolled over her lips as she thought about his handsome face, one that she had grown to love deeply. A gentle breeze danced through the night air as she continued to meander along the line of the forests.
"Brrr! I guess I should've brought some type of jacket."
Her attention was suddenly brought towards a flickering light in the depths of the trees.
"Hm? What in the world? Is that a demon?"
For some reason, she felt as if her soul was being pulled towards the light. Her body felt as if some presence was drawing her nearer, like a hand was leading her to the forest, where the strange light resided.
"Something is calling me to the light. It really wants me to come."
Suddenly, she felt as if she had lost all control of her body. No longer was she able to control the motions of her arms or legs. But what made it worse, she didn't realize that she had lost all power of her body; she merely thought she was just interested in it, and wished to check it out.
"What an unusual light to suddenly appear in the night like this."
It was like she was brain-washed. Not even the memories of Inuyasha were deluging her mind as they often had lately.
Slowly but steadily, her body inched towards the light. Because she had no control over her body, she didn't realize it was weakening. Each step she took drained energy from her body. Her vision gradually began to blur, and her steps smaller and smaller. Droplets of sweat from exhaustion were rolling down the sides of her cheek, evaporating before they hit the ground. Her raven hair hung loosely over her shoulder, slightly damp from the never ending sweat. Her breathing changed from a smooth, rhythmic pattern to a violent, shaky course. She began to gasp for air, struggling to swallow breathes to quench her body's hunger.
Within moments, the light she had been seeking began to disintegrate, leaving behind a thick fog of miasma. It was then when she gained control of her body; however, because of the great exhaustion, her knees fell to the ground, and her hands dug into the soft dirt, trying desperately to support her attenuated body. A few, raspy moans escaped her mouth as she struggled to take in even one breath.
"W-where...... w-what...... happened?"
A sudden wave of nausea flushed over her body as she continued her struggle to breathe.
'Why am I here? Where's Inuyasha?'
Questions coursed through her mind like a raging river, causing her not to realize the other presence approaching.
******************************************
The hanyou's resting body began to stir from uneasy emotions that inundated his mind. The wall he had been leaning against soon disappeared as he fell forward, his amber eyes shooting open as he collided with the ground.
"Ugh...... damn it. These nightmares aren't helping me sleep at all. I wish I could rest as easy as......"
His eyes glanced in the direction of Kagome; however, her body was no where to be found. The only other things that occupied the room was Miroku, who was leaning against a wall, Sango who was snuggled by the once burning fire, Shippou who was buried in her blankets, along with Kirara, and Rin and Jaken who had taken place on the other side of the empty fire. There was no sign of Kagome in her blankets.
'Where is she? Where has Kagome gone?!'
He quickly jumped to his feet, his nose sniffing the air, searching for any sign of her scent.
"K-Kagome?"
Suddenly, the worst, most vile gut feeling crept into his stomach, causing him to feel ill. Fear, anger, and terror coursed through his veins as horrid images flashed in front of his eyes. When his nose had searched for her aroma, he had found it, along with another's, one that brought guilt and bitter sorrow to his heart.
"Kikyo."
Her name came out in a low, deadly growl. He still felt the need to repent for her tragic death, but several previous incidents between her and Kagome had caused his heart to change course. But still, when he saw her sorrowful eyes, all was forgotten and all that mattered to him was her and what they once had.
'Something's dreadfully wrong, I can feel it. Something with...... Kikyo and Kagome. I mustn't waste time!'
His eyes flickered with more fear as he glanced at his friends, giving a slight nod before bolting out of the hut.
'Be safe and rest here. You needn't get involved in a quarrel between our hearts.'
******************************
Kagome's eyes gradually filled with tears as her heart began to feel lonely and empty, causing her to think about Kikyo and Inuyasha.
'Kikyo has changed us, me and him. Before we met her, that one time, we were doing fine. But then, she had to...... do that, and now it's somewhat different, between us. Kikyo......'
"Kikyo?"
Sheer terror and confusion filled her eyes as the priestess emerged before her, her snake like demons encompassing her body. A look she has never seen before was spread across the priestess' face, one that sent chills of terror down her spine. She did her best not to show her fear, but it was hard considering the foul looks of death Kikyo was giving her.
"K-Kikyo, what do...... y-you want?"
Her body dropped further to the ground, exhaustion sweeping over even harder.
"Hmph, what a question to be asking, when you should know very well on what I want. I seek my soul back."
Kagome's eyes widened when she finally realized what was happening to her body. Kikyo's plan to get back her soul had already begun, and she knew it was near the climax.
"W-why?"
"Why? Heh, the one question you should know the answer to, you ask me. I desire Inuyasha's heart, and the only way to get this wish is to have my soul back. When he comes, I will take him with me, with me to hell, there where I can hold his heart forever, and you'll no longer be in my way."
A grin of sheer ecstacy rolled over her lips as she moved forward in two steps, now standing before Kagome.
"K-Kikyo, how......could you want to h-hurt him when h-he thinks a-about you all ...... the t-time?"
She felt tears gradually fill her eyes as she realized what she was speaking was true.
'He does think about her constantly, I remind him of her. Is that why......'
"You wouldn't know my feelings. You don't even know the feeling of love, so how could you possibly understand my intentions?"
"L-love? Y-you're the one to t-talk. W-when you care about s-someone, you'll never h-hurt them, no m-matter what the c-consequences. You d-don't love him, you don't k-know the feeling. N-nothing feels better t-than the emotion of l-love."
Anger quickly flushed over Kikyo's face as she listened to Kagome's words.
"Silence! I don't need to listen to this ridiculous lecture of yours. It is time to regain my soul. Farewell to thee."
She slowly rose her hand and placed her finger over Kagome's forehead, causing her body to glow a cornflower blue (as in episode 23). Kagome gasped as a wave of nausea flushed over her body, followed by more exhaustion. She suddenly felt as if her breath was being forced out of her, making it extremely difficult to breathe.
"P-please s-stop?!"
"Why? I want to have Inuyasha back, I want to take him with me. I need my soul in order accomplish these tasks."
Tears began to trickle down her cheeks as she watched in horror as her life slipped between her fingers. There was nothing she could do to save him. Once her soul was gone, she wouldn't be there to protect him from her. She knew that he was coming; it wouldn't be long before he figured out that she was gone. He was probably searching for her now. But when he would come, he would no longer find a cheerful teenage girl who had fallen in love with a hanyou. Instead he would find the shell of a once living human, and his former love. She would do something to make him want to go with her, and then he would. He would become hers, and go with her to hell.
'How could it end like this? I didn't even get to tell you my feelings.'
As the light around her grew brighter, she weakened, and felt her life gradually fade.
"Now, the time has come to join me. Come forth my soul and reunite with my body."
A gleaming light engulfed the area surrounding them, so bright that it nearly looked like mid day. Kagome gasped as her body jolted forward, signaling the release of her soul. Before it left her body, four words escaped her mouth.
"I love you Inuyasha."
Kikyo was too caught up in her success to even hear the girls last words. Her body flickered as a heavenly white orb shot out of her, gliding towards its new destination.
"Hahahahahaha! And now, for the conclusion of my plan, Inuyasha will come and I will take him to hell."
She watched as Kagome's lifeless body slowly settled back to the ground, now in a sitting position with her head slightly bowed.
"You are no longer a threat to me. After he has come, I can dispose of this wretched, empty human shell."
******************************************
Inuyasha's amber eyes flickered with worry when he noticed the bright light that encompassed the forest ahead of him. He had a horrible feeling that what he would find would tear his heart apart.
"I can smell Kikyo..... but wait. What happened to Kagome's scent? It, it seems empty, like she no longer exists."
'Oh know, what if she...... she.....'
He tried to shake off the uneasy feelings as his body rushed through the trees, closing in where the light had been.
'Hold on Kagome.'
His body suddenly emerged through the trees, entering a small opening where the priestess stood, along with the body of Kagome. His eyes widened in fear and shock as he saw the lifeless body.
"K-Kagome?"
He couldn't sense her soul, or her life. He couldn't feel her cheerful presence, or her warmth. It was like her life was drawn out of her, and he assumed where it had went.
"K-Kikyo..... how dare you."
His voice was in a low growl, very threatening and signaling death. He felt as if a large flame of sheer anger had erupted within his own soul, ready to avenge his loved one. Tears of anger and sorrow had gradually begun to fill his eyes as his fists tightened in a tight ball, so tight that blood was drawn and began to trickle down his wrists.
"How could you hurt her? She was innocent, she did no harm to you."
Kikyo slowly turned her head and gazed into his angered and sorrowful eyes.
"Didn't she? Every time I see her with you causes me pain in my heart. It brings me to think that I have lost you entirely. I can't lose you, and I won't. I will have your heart, no matter what."
His expression grew more violent as he watched a smile roll over her lips.
"I was able to rid her of me, and now I have a chance with you. Come with me, where we can be together forever."
Thousands of images of Kagome rushed through his mind, bringing more sorrow and agony.
'I loved her...'
"You here me?! I LOVED HER!!!!!!"
So much pain was coursing through his veins that he didn't realize he had said that. His body shot forward, aiming his fist for the priestess.
"Kill me, and you'll kill her too. Don't you understand? She is a part of me. If we are together, she'll still somewhat exist in me. If you dispose of me, she'll cease to exist as well."
He froze almost instantly when he heard the priestess speak.
'Kill her?'
Emotions of pain flushed over his face as he glanced towards her body, feeling the need to cry endlessly from the horrid sight. He took a single jump and was right by her side. He tenderly lifted her lifeless body into his arms and held her in a gentle embrace.
"Her body is so cold, and empty. She has no life, and its all because of Kikyo."
Her held her up to his face and wept into her hair. He didn't care that his former love was seeing him this way, all he wanted right now was to see her bright smile once more, to hear her happy voice ringing in his ears, to even hear the 's' word called out because he did something to annoy her. He wanted to do everything he had the chance to do before, but was never brave enough to do it.
"Kagome."
"Inuyasha, you're alone now. The only other option to be loved is to join me. I want to be with you, I want to hold you."
The priestess slowly walked towards him, now standing right behind him. He let out a silent cry as he rested her body on the ground, gradually rising to his feet. He didn't expect Kikyo to be standing there, and was even more shocked when she put her arms around him.
"Inuyasha, I have longed to embrace you, I want to be with you, I want you to come with me. Hold me, and don't let me go."
Tears continued to roll down his cheeks as anger boiled within him.
"How could I be with you when you killed her?"
"She is within me Inuyasha. If you wish to see her again, you must be with me. Inuyasha, don't let me go?"
She tightened her grip around his arms, and buried her head in his chest, trying to succumb him into her plan.
"Kikyo, you took her soul, how can I forgive that? I cared for her, and you took her."
"You cared for me, and you took my life, isn't that any different? Just tell me that you'll come with me? I won't ever let you go, never ever."
"Kikyo......"
He couldn't figure out what to do. His mind was all in a jumble, all of his emotions mixed up. Should he go with her? Would he see Kagome if he did?
"You'll see her again if you be with me Inuyasha, don't you want to see her?"
"I do......"
'Kagome, I need to hold you right now. She says you are within her, your soul is inside of her. Can I reach you to set you free?'
Her slowly raised his arms and embraced her in return.
"That's right, come with me Inuyasha, hold me and never let go."
"Hold you and never let go......"
'Hold Kagome and never let go...... never let go.'
________________________________________
A/N:
So, I know it's a cliffhanger, and I hope you'll forgive me! But, it's getting long, and I didn't want too much for a chapter. *hehe* So, I'm gonna split them up. The next chapter is gonna be called "Love's Awakening" and finally love is admitted between too. You ask who? Wait and find out! I'll try to get the next chapter us ASAP, but with the end of school and finals, it's getting pretty difficult. I'll do my best though, cause I know there are people who hate waiting, and I hate making you wait. Till next time, Ja ne! ^_^
Hold it, did you remember to press that review button? I sure hope so! *hehe* Have a nice day! ^_^
Konnichiwa! I'm so sorry this chapter took so long to update! I've been too busy with school, and I kinda got grounded from the computer for some time. ^_^;; Being grounded sucks. Anyway, now that it's up, you all can read it! I hope you like it, and don't forget to review! Sit back and enjoy! Don't forget to review, please!
Chapter 5: The Apparition of Baneful Love
A mist of sheer terror coated the land as the cries of hunting demons pierced through the fog like flying arrows. Beyond those bone chilling howls was the eerie silence of the haunting night. Only the bravest of souls would dare wander through the hell bestowed upon the earth from the blood thirsty monsters. However, even through the malevolent chaos that stirred in the dark, amidst it all, was a single, empty soul, raving for revenge.
The once pure maiden, now a vengeful beast seeking to destroy the one she formerly loved, Kikyo, had no fear of the pernicious youkais surrounding her feeble body. Why would she bear any terror towards these creatures she had once slain before her demise? She did, after all, contain untellable powers even for the priestess she was. Because of those powers, she had no reason to dread the sanguinary demons. She could easily dispose of them with one shot of her sacred arrow. However, because of the grudge held against a certain hanyou, she had no desire to waste her much needed time on these wretched beasts. Her heartless soul was set on one goal, and one goal only; to watch Inuyasha suffer for the pain he had caused her, then to witness the look on his face as she drags him to hell. Her most fervent wish was to see his life decimated by the hands of the one whom he destroyed, and to possess his heart as her own. She would do nearly anything to have this desire granted.
"Inuyasha, the time has come to make you mine. Tonight, in the midst of the chaotic dark, I shall lure you out here with a trap, one that will be certain to get your attention."
A look of sheer pleasure spread across her ghostly pale face as the flesh hungry demons lunged forward with their assault.
"Hmph, pathetic creatures, taste my wrath."
She gradually closed her empty eyes and rose her hand in the air. With one, slow moving swipe, each demon that came in her reach was slain. Their horrified cries of death poured through the haunting night, along with the bloodshed.
"I need not waste my time playing with you pathetic excuses for demons. I have places to be, and things to accomplish, so I recommend that you be one your way."
The few remaining demons left without hesitation. A chuckle escaped her mouth as she watched them rush away.
"What a waste. Now that I have rid myself of these hindrance pests, I can pursue my plan."
As she began to walk away, her soul stealing youkai appeared, prepared for her mission.
"I see. Our trap is ready. Now all we need, is the bait."
************************************************
~ "Huh? Where am I? What's happening?"
Kagome searched around frantically, looking for any signs of her dear friends.
"Inuyasha! Sango! Shippou!"
She continued to run through the uncanny darkness that surrounded her.
"Miroku! Where have all of you gone?"
The darkness encompassing her body grew thicker and colder, soon it getting difficult to even breathe.
"This feeling... so familiar. Darkness... no light."
Her body was beginning to weaken as she moved forward with each step. Her hands were spread out in front of her, hoping to find some type of solid material, something that would lead her home.
"Inu...... Inuyasha."
Her vision became blurry, her mind seeming to spin like a top.
"Have you left me?"
Her eyes gradually filled with tears as her attenuated body collapsed to the ground.
"Inu...... Inuyasha, I need you."
She strived with all of her remaining strength to pull herself up, but to no avail. Her arms became numb as she tried to support herself, soon giving in to the exhaustion.
"Inu...... huh?"
Her head was directed to a sound heard in the distance. It sounded like a pin dropping on a marble floor, the noise so light and high-pitched. It grew closer and closer with each passing second.
"What could be coming?"
Her eyes strained to see the figure approaching at a leisurely speed.
'What is that?'
Her mind and body began to shake as she felt a wave of nausea take over. A thick miasma had blanketed the darkness surrounding her, making it even more difficult to breathe. Her eyes widened when the figure stood before her, snake like demons encompassing the figure's body.
'Kikyo!'
She took a large gasp of air when she felt as if her life was being sucked out of her.
"Wha-what's hap-happening to m-me?"
Kikyo smirked as she relished the suffering of Kagome.
"Do you enjoy my miasma? It was made specially for you, to get my soul back."
"What? K-Kikyo, y-you mustn't con-continue like this!"
"And why not? Do you think I like to just sit around and watch as you take Inuyasha from my grasp?"
"Hm?"
"You wouldn't understand, you wouldn't know about love."
"Love."
"If I get rid of you, I will have my chance to be with Inuyasha in hell, there where I can hold his heart."
"H-how could you want to h-hurt him? He thinks about y-you all the time, and h-he still...... still cares for you, deeply."
She felt the sudden urge to cry when she realized what she was saying was really true.
"I'm sorry Kagome, but I have to end you now. I mustn't risk losing Inuyasha. I need him with me, I need to hold his heart once more."
Kagome tilted her head to the ground, concluding that most likely her life was going to end. What hurt her most was that Inuyasha wasn't there; he wasn't there to save her. She couldn't even say goodbye to the one she loves.
"I'll see you in the afterlife. Farewell to you."
"Goodbye... Inuyasha."
Kikyo's eyes widened when she heard that from Kagome.
"No matter, your soul is still mine!"
She slowly rose her hand and placed it above Kagome's head.
"Now, come to me."
Kagome's body gave a jolt as it glowed a cornflower blue, signifying that the soul was about to leave. Glistening tears rolled down her face as she felt her life slip between her fingers. Her last thought, an image of her and Inuyasha, and the way their life would have been in the future.~
"Ahh!"
Kagome's restless body quickly rose from her bed, her clothes damp from sweat. Her moistened hair was hanging loosely over her shoulder as she struggled to take in breathes. Her pained eyes quickly scanned the room, assuring herself that it was merely a nightmare.
'Inuyasha, do you really still have such feelings towards Kikyo? Am I no longer a part of your life?'
Her brown eyes locked on the sleeping hanyou, watching carefully and quietly as his chest pumped up and down in a peaceful rhythm.
'How would I know? I just wish he would say something to me, something that would let me know the whole truth.'
With those words, she gradually rose to her feet, slightly swaying from the sleep that wanted to take over once more.
'Maybe a nice walk will calm me down.'
She glanced once more at the resting hanyou, an emotion of delight flushing over her face.
'He looks so dreamful, so happy.'
As quiet as possible, her body emerged from the hut and into the dark abyss of the night.
"So many stars that fill up the velvet sky. Its so beautiful, such beauty that seems only possible in dreams. Heh, such beauty does exist, and its present before me. Inuyasha."
A warm smile rolled over her lips as she thought about his handsome face, one that she had grown to love deeply. A gentle breeze danced through the night air as she continued to meander along the line of the forests.
"Brrr! I guess I should've brought some type of jacket."
Her attention was suddenly brought towards a flickering light in the depths of the trees.
"Hm? What in the world? Is that a demon?"
For some reason, she felt as if her soul was being pulled towards the light. Her body felt as if some presence was drawing her nearer, like a hand was leading her to the forest, where the strange light resided.
"Something is calling me to the light. It really wants me to come."
Suddenly, she felt as if she had lost all control of her body. No longer was she able to control the motions of her arms or legs. But what made it worse, she didn't realize that she had lost all power of her body; she merely thought she was just interested in it, and wished to check it out.
"What an unusual light to suddenly appear in the night like this."
It was like she was brain-washed. Not even the memories of Inuyasha were deluging her mind as they often had lately.
Slowly but steadily, her body inched towards the light. Because she had no control over her body, she didn't realize it was weakening. Each step she took drained energy from her body. Her vision gradually began to blur, and her steps smaller and smaller. Droplets of sweat from exhaustion were rolling down the sides of her cheek, evaporating before they hit the ground. Her raven hair hung loosely over her shoulder, slightly damp from the never ending sweat. Her breathing changed from a smooth, rhythmic pattern to a violent, shaky course. She began to gasp for air, struggling to swallow breathes to quench her body's hunger.
Within moments, the light she had been seeking began to disintegrate, leaving behind a thick fog of miasma. It was then when she gained control of her body; however, because of the great exhaustion, her knees fell to the ground, and her hands dug into the soft dirt, trying desperately to support her attenuated body. A few, raspy moans escaped her mouth as she struggled to take in even one breath.
"W-where...... w-what...... happened?"
A sudden wave of nausea flushed over her body as she continued her struggle to breathe.
'Why am I here? Where's Inuyasha?'
Questions coursed through her mind like a raging river, causing her not to realize the other presence approaching.
******************************************
The hanyou's resting body began to stir from uneasy emotions that inundated his mind. The wall he had been leaning against soon disappeared as he fell forward, his amber eyes shooting open as he collided with the ground.
"Ugh...... damn it. These nightmares aren't helping me sleep at all. I wish I could rest as easy as......"
His eyes glanced in the direction of Kagome; however, her body was no where to be found. The only other things that occupied the room was Miroku, who was leaning against a wall, Sango who was snuggled by the once burning fire, Shippou who was buried in her blankets, along with Kirara, and Rin and Jaken who had taken place on the other side of the empty fire. There was no sign of Kagome in her blankets.
'Where is she? Where has Kagome gone?!'
He quickly jumped to his feet, his nose sniffing the air, searching for any sign of her scent.
"K-Kagome?"
Suddenly, the worst, most vile gut feeling crept into his stomach, causing him to feel ill. Fear, anger, and terror coursed through his veins as horrid images flashed in front of his eyes. When his nose had searched for her aroma, he had found it, along with another's, one that brought guilt and bitter sorrow to his heart.
"Kikyo."
Her name came out in a low, deadly growl. He still felt the need to repent for her tragic death, but several previous incidents between her and Kagome had caused his heart to change course. But still, when he saw her sorrowful eyes, all was forgotten and all that mattered to him was her and what they once had.
'Something's dreadfully wrong, I can feel it. Something with...... Kikyo and Kagome. I mustn't waste time!'
His eyes flickered with more fear as he glanced at his friends, giving a slight nod before bolting out of the hut.
'Be safe and rest here. You needn't get involved in a quarrel between our hearts.'
******************************
Kagome's eyes gradually filled with tears as her heart began to feel lonely and empty, causing her to think about Kikyo and Inuyasha.
'Kikyo has changed us, me and him. Before we met her, that one time, we were doing fine. But then, she had to...... do that, and now it's somewhat different, between us. Kikyo......'
"Kikyo?"
Sheer terror and confusion filled her eyes as the priestess emerged before her, her snake like demons encompassing her body. A look she has never seen before was spread across the priestess' face, one that sent chills of terror down her spine. She did her best not to show her fear, but it was hard considering the foul looks of death Kikyo was giving her.
"K-Kikyo, what do...... y-you want?"
Her body dropped further to the ground, exhaustion sweeping over even harder.
"Hmph, what a question to be asking, when you should know very well on what I want. I seek my soul back."
Kagome's eyes widened when she finally realized what was happening to her body. Kikyo's plan to get back her soul had already begun, and she knew it was near the climax.
"W-why?"
"Why? Heh, the one question you should know the answer to, you ask me. I desire Inuyasha's heart, and the only way to get this wish is to have my soul back. When he comes, I will take him with me, with me to hell, there where I can hold his heart forever, and you'll no longer be in my way."
A grin of sheer ecstacy rolled over her lips as she moved forward in two steps, now standing before Kagome.
"K-Kikyo, how......could you want to h-hurt him when h-he thinks a-about you all ...... the t-time?"
She felt tears gradually fill her eyes as she realized what she was speaking was true.
'He does think about her constantly, I remind him of her. Is that why......'
"You wouldn't know my feelings. You don't even know the feeling of love, so how could you possibly understand my intentions?"
"L-love? Y-you're the one to t-talk. W-when you care about s-someone, you'll never h-hurt them, no m-matter what the c-consequences. You d-don't love him, you don't k-know the feeling. N-nothing feels better t-than the emotion of l-love."
Anger quickly flushed over Kikyo's face as she listened to Kagome's words.
"Silence! I don't need to listen to this ridiculous lecture of yours. It is time to regain my soul. Farewell to thee."
She slowly rose her hand and placed her finger over Kagome's forehead, causing her body to glow a cornflower blue (as in episode 23). Kagome gasped as a wave of nausea flushed over her body, followed by more exhaustion. She suddenly felt as if her breath was being forced out of her, making it extremely difficult to breathe.
"P-please s-stop?!"
"Why? I want to have Inuyasha back, I want to take him with me. I need my soul in order accomplish these tasks."
Tears began to trickle down her cheeks as she watched in horror as her life slipped between her fingers. There was nothing she could do to save him. Once her soul was gone, she wouldn't be there to protect him from her. She knew that he was coming; it wouldn't be long before he figured out that she was gone. He was probably searching for her now. But when he would come, he would no longer find a cheerful teenage girl who had fallen in love with a hanyou. Instead he would find the shell of a once living human, and his former love. She would do something to make him want to go with her, and then he would. He would become hers, and go with her to hell.
'How could it end like this? I didn't even get to tell you my feelings.'
As the light around her grew brighter, she weakened, and felt her life gradually fade.
"Now, the time has come to join me. Come forth my soul and reunite with my body."
A gleaming light engulfed the area surrounding them, so bright that it nearly looked like mid day. Kagome gasped as her body jolted forward, signaling the release of her soul. Before it left her body, four words escaped her mouth.
"I love you Inuyasha."
Kikyo was too caught up in her success to even hear the girls last words. Her body flickered as a heavenly white orb shot out of her, gliding towards its new destination.
"Hahahahahaha! And now, for the conclusion of my plan, Inuyasha will come and I will take him to hell."
She watched as Kagome's lifeless body slowly settled back to the ground, now in a sitting position with her head slightly bowed.
"You are no longer a threat to me. After he has come, I can dispose of this wretched, empty human shell."
******************************************
Inuyasha's amber eyes flickered with worry when he noticed the bright light that encompassed the forest ahead of him. He had a horrible feeling that what he would find would tear his heart apart.
"I can smell Kikyo..... but wait. What happened to Kagome's scent? It, it seems empty, like she no longer exists."
'Oh know, what if she...... she.....'
He tried to shake off the uneasy feelings as his body rushed through the trees, closing in where the light had been.
'Hold on Kagome.'
His body suddenly emerged through the trees, entering a small opening where the priestess stood, along with the body of Kagome. His eyes widened in fear and shock as he saw the lifeless body.
"K-Kagome?"
He couldn't sense her soul, or her life. He couldn't feel her cheerful presence, or her warmth. It was like her life was drawn out of her, and he assumed where it had went.
"K-Kikyo..... how dare you."
His voice was in a low growl, very threatening and signaling death. He felt as if a large flame of sheer anger had erupted within his own soul, ready to avenge his loved one. Tears of anger and sorrow had gradually begun to fill his eyes as his fists tightened in a tight ball, so tight that blood was drawn and began to trickle down his wrists.
"How could you hurt her? She was innocent, she did no harm to you."
Kikyo slowly turned her head and gazed into his angered and sorrowful eyes.
"Didn't she? Every time I see her with you causes me pain in my heart. It brings me to think that I have lost you entirely. I can't lose you, and I won't. I will have your heart, no matter what."
His expression grew more violent as he watched a smile roll over her lips.
"I was able to rid her of me, and now I have a chance with you. Come with me, where we can be together forever."
Thousands of images of Kagome rushed through his mind, bringing more sorrow and agony.
'I loved her...'
"You here me?! I LOVED HER!!!!!!"
So much pain was coursing through his veins that he didn't realize he had said that. His body shot forward, aiming his fist for the priestess.
"Kill me, and you'll kill her too. Don't you understand? She is a part of me. If we are together, she'll still somewhat exist in me. If you dispose of me, she'll cease to exist as well."
He froze almost instantly when he heard the priestess speak.
'Kill her?'
Emotions of pain flushed over his face as he glanced towards her body, feeling the need to cry endlessly from the horrid sight. He took a single jump and was right by her side. He tenderly lifted her lifeless body into his arms and held her in a gentle embrace.
"Her body is so cold, and empty. She has no life, and its all because of Kikyo."
Her held her up to his face and wept into her hair. He didn't care that his former love was seeing him this way, all he wanted right now was to see her bright smile once more, to hear her happy voice ringing in his ears, to even hear the 's' word called out because he did something to annoy her. He wanted to do everything he had the chance to do before, but was never brave enough to do it.
"Kagome."
"Inuyasha, you're alone now. The only other option to be loved is to join me. I want to be with you, I want to hold you."
The priestess slowly walked towards him, now standing right behind him. He let out a silent cry as he rested her body on the ground, gradually rising to his feet. He didn't expect Kikyo to be standing there, and was even more shocked when she put her arms around him.
"Inuyasha, I have longed to embrace you, I want to be with you, I want you to come with me. Hold me, and don't let me go."
Tears continued to roll down his cheeks as anger boiled within him.
"How could I be with you when you killed her?"
"She is within me Inuyasha. If you wish to see her again, you must be with me. Inuyasha, don't let me go?"
She tightened her grip around his arms, and buried her head in his chest, trying to succumb him into her plan.
"Kikyo, you took her soul, how can I forgive that? I cared for her, and you took her."
"You cared for me, and you took my life, isn't that any different? Just tell me that you'll come with me? I won't ever let you go, never ever."
"Kikyo......"
He couldn't figure out what to do. His mind was all in a jumble, all of his emotions mixed up. Should he go with her? Would he see Kagome if he did?
"You'll see her again if you be with me Inuyasha, don't you want to see her?"
"I do......"
'Kagome, I need to hold you right now. She says you are within her, your soul is inside of her. Can I reach you to set you free?'
Her slowly raised his arms and embraced her in return.
"That's right, come with me Inuyasha, hold me and never let go."
"Hold you and never let go......"
'Hold Kagome and never let go...... never let go.'
________________________________________
A/N:
So, I know it's a cliffhanger, and I hope you'll forgive me! But, it's getting long, and I didn't want too much for a chapter. *hehe* So, I'm gonna split them up. The next chapter is gonna be called "Love's Awakening" and finally love is admitted between too. You ask who? Wait and find out! I'll try to get the next chapter us ASAP, but with the end of school and finals, it's getting pretty difficult. I'll do my best though, cause I know there are people who hate waiting, and I hate making you wait. Till next time, Ja ne! ^_^
Hold it, did you remember to press that review button? I sure hope so! *hehe* Have a nice day! ^_^