Disclaimer: I am not a dog person. Sorry.

On the previous chapter, the revered knight, Inuyasha gets into a confrontation with an unexpected enemy, the young girl from another world, Kikyou. Kikyou, whom was possessed by Megoka, was force to do the evil queen's biding. Megoka probes Kikyou's mind and finds out that Kikyou is currently developing feelings for the hanyou. Using this information to her advantage she commands Kikyou to destroy Inuyasha. Kikyou struggles for regaining control of her mind but gradually fails under the might of the sorceress powers. She gains up on the reluctant knight and nearly beats him within an inch of his life. Mortally wounded, Inuyasha preserves her missing keepsake and hands it to her. Miraculously, Kikyou finally breaks free from Megoka's control and returns back to her world in fear of Megoka and harming her friends.

The question remains: Will Kikyou ever return to oppressed nation of Geisha? It's seem uncertain at this time.

Inuyasha

I'm Afraid I'm Not In Hokkaido Anymore

Chapter VII: Lamentation and Repentance

Megoka sat jaded on Kagome's throne back at Geisha's castle. She tapped her finger exasperatedly as she crossed her legs in annoyance at Naraku's plans. Naraku stood before his mistress, amplifying on how to destroy their enemies while Kikyou had already abandoned them. One thought occurs in her head however, was to tax the country once more to dominate the people even further. Nah. Taxing the citizens again? To boring. What she really wanted was to learn more about the girl from another world. Why is Kikyou so afraid of her, she wonder. Isn't Kikyou suppose to be the warrior of legend? All that time when she had her under her control she cowered. Cowered like a frightened child. Deeply disappointed, she had no choice to listen to Naraku's babbling.

"That my mistress is my plan to exterminate Kokiyu and the others." Naraku declared. Megoka snapped out of her nonchalance and eyed her servant in a questionable manner.

"What was it that you are saying?" She asked, slightly confused.

"I've said that I shall dispatch Goshinki to test them, mistress. He can read their minds and decipher each of our foes weaknesses."

Megoka scoffed. "You will send out that behemoth? You fool, I can already do that. But reading my nemesis minds is no longer appealing to me."

"I see. Your failure to completely control Kokiyu perhaps?" Naraku reproached.

" What was that? Are you trying to be funny?" Megoka demanded.

"Why no my mistress!" Naraku stammered.

Megoka smiled sardonically at him. "Well then. Go on and have your fun, Naraku. I have a feeling that I have no need to send 'her' after them."

"Who? You mean the woman named Tsubaki? I don't understand, mistress. What can a girl do to them what Goshinki cannot? Goshinki is obviously far stronger than she is." Naraku inquired. Megoka suddenly doubled over in conceited laughter.

"Fool. You men are quite the arrogant bastards! Just because we're far less masculine doesn't mean that we possess little to no threat. Why look at me for instance." She cackled.

"Whatever you say mistress. Goshinki shall get the job done. There's no need to dispatch that frail woman to do our dirty work."

"Okay Naraku, I'm not stopping you. Have your fun."

* * *

Kikyou awakens hours later from disturbing slumber. She surveys her surroundings and remembered that she fell asleep in the well house. Her face was still damp from crying earlier and she also realized her hands were bloody and throbbed painfully from her bruised knuckles. Megoka had put her through all of that. Kikyou never thought that she will ever cry again even though her mother did raised her to be a strong young woman. Megoka was simply horrible! An unforgiving harpy who has unimaginable powers. A wicked entity who is cold to the heart. Kikyou vowed to never go to that world again because of her. That means that she will never see her friends again. Though she's been there for nearly two days she felt like she knew them for a long time.

"I'm sorry." She mused. " I sorry that I couldn't assist any of you in saving your home. . . forgive me." Tears streaks her face once again. "I'm sorry. . . Inuyasha." She hung her head in pure sadness. Megoka proved to her what she can do. She can use Kikyou's dormant powers against her and her companions. How could she deal with such a monster? With Megoka reigning that land, Geisha will definitely become a hell in it's own right. "Oh my god! An entire world. . . that's going to weigh a lot on my conscience. How can I possibly live the rest of my life with that on my mind?"

"That's because, you won't have to go through that sentence." Assured a voice, which caught Kikyou by surprise. "You Amazons sure are sentimental."

"Inuyasha?" Kikyou came towards Inuyasha and held him in a tight embrace. "Oh Inuyasha! I'm so sorry for what I have done to you! I thought you were dead! Please forgive me." The knight was lifted of his feet by the girl's maudlin cuddle. She buried her face in his chest.

"Ouch, you're forgiven. I know that you did not have any control of yourself then." He replied in a strained voice. Kikyou noticed his struggle and release him from her grip and sheepishly dried her tears.

"I was so afraid. I, I was aware of what's going on but I couldn't do anything about it."

"Kikyou it couldn't be helped. The only thing that counts is that you've finally managed to regain your mind." He complimented, giving her a thumbs up sign.

"Yes, thanks to this." She went into her pocket and fished out her purple ribbon. "I thought I have lost it for good when those men abducted me."

Inuyasha blushed at a certain thought. "While you were in the hot springs?" He queried trying not to give to much away. 'The perverts!'

Kikyou smiled. "No, they haven't seen anything Inuyasha."

"No, it wasn't that I'm thinking." He stammered (liar!). "What was really on my mind was how could a simply ribbon can enable you to break free from Megoka's mind control?"

Kikyou eyed the knight seriously. " In that dark hour, I've realized that not even I could break from that dreadful manipulation. This ribbon here was a memento from my grandmother. I've promised her that I will always keep it and I shall take it to the grave with me."

"So you kept it to honor the memory of your grandmother."

"Yes. When you gave it to me. . . I saw my grandmother. . . at first she had a disappointed expression on her face. That demeanor right there was enough to fuel my resolve to break free from that spell. Afterwards, she smiled at me. A smile meaning that she was very proud of me."

"Kikyou, don't you remember the words you uttered when you was possessed?"

A sad look formed on her face. "I recall those words. . . clearly."

"Oh. . . did you actually mean it?"

"I didn't meant any of that Inuyasha!" She cried. "Just like those action I've done against you. I wasn't me!"

"No. Kikyou, I mean. . . are you really in love with me?"

He struck a chord. Kikyou gasped as he suddenly demanded it and gazed her directly in the eyes. "Why that's ridiculous, Inuyasha! It's only been a day and a half."

"So you mean?"

"It's the truth Inuyasha." She fiddled her fingers together. "However. . . I am definitely developing feelings for you, Inuyasha. I have to admit that you're a really nice looking young man. Remember that outburst Miroku made when I've first met you?"

Inuyasha decided to immediately change the subject. "Um. . .hey Kikyou! Your hands are bleeding." Which they were.

"Ow. . . now that you mentioned it. My knuckles are swollen."

He takes out a box of bandages and place some on her throbbing knuckles. " Kikyou you should be more careful! What if they become infected? Plus, you don't have any shoes on." He picks her up, much to Kikyou's surprise and followed a scent of similar blood. "Your home is close. I can tell by the scent."

"Hey, how can I explain this to my mother? She'll freak out when she finds out that I am no longer at the infirmary." Kikyou panicked.

"I'll just tell her that I've checked you out of there. So problem solved."

"My mother will not believe that!"

* * *

"Wow, it's about time for you to have a boyfriend who's brave enough to come visit our home!" Ms. Horikawa exclaimed. Yep, she believed the story.

"Mama! He is not my boyfriend." Responded a wildly blushing Kikyou.

"Sure. . . he isn't." Mother teased. " This is a first. He's not one of those men that only communicate with you on the phone and so intimidated by my presence. I'll say it takes a real man to do that." True that Kikyou has a lot of crushes that constantly calls for her (much to her disbelief and oblivious of how they got her number) but mother considered Inuyasha to be special. He's the first 'friend' of Kikyou's that she has ever met. "You're such a sweet young gentleman, Inuyasha, for taking your time to see about my baby."

"Um, yes ma'am." He responded. He caught a glance when she about faced and went to get Kaede. Kikyou noticed this and poked him in the ribs. "What?"

"Don't be looking at my mother like that." She chided. "It's rude."

Inuyasha smirked. "Well at least she is something to look at considering her age. That explains where do you get all your good looks from. Plus, I also previously though that she was your sister."

Kikyou blushed. "Well just stop that. She's in her forties."

"Wow. She don't look a day over twenty five."

It's a surprise how much Kikyou resembled her mother. It's an even bigger surprise about her age. Mother is a pretty woman who is slightly shorter than her eldest daughter. Her brow eyes are narrow but still seems to be bright like a young girl. Her glossy straight black hair reached to the middle of her back. In short, she looks like a slightly older version of Kikyou only with much shorter hair. Mother came back downstairs with Kaede following behind. Kaede meets Inuyasha and almost gagged.

"Whoa! He's a cutie! Kikyou, I didn't know that you was into Goths." Kaede exclaimed.

"Inuyasha's not a goth and for goodness sakes he is not my man!" Kikyou seethed.

"Pull the other one." Mother and Kaede joked simultaneously.

"You're impossible." Kikyou muttered.

"Hey what's with the clothes you two are wearing? Did you guys went to a costume dance?" Mother asked.

"No Horikawa san. I went by my parents shrine before I came here. I came from a long line of soldiers. I just happen to military clothes."

"Hmm. . . if you considered during the feudal times." Kaede remarked.

"I'm just glad that Kikyou chose such an unique man. Look at Kikyou, she looks like a miko right now. She's already been influenced."

"Mother. . ."

"Oh I cannot wait for you to bring me some grandbabies." Mother praised, then she grimaced. "After you finish and graduate from college." Kaede snorted and fell on the couch laughing. Kikyou hit the floor in embarrassment and Inuyasha looked away awkwardly. "Now if you children excuse me, I'm going off too make some tea."

"Yes Mama." The siblings answered.

"I'm going upstairs." Said Kikyou. Inuyasha followed.

"Hey! No funny business while you up there you two." Mother shouted from the kitchen.

Kikyou directed the knight to her room. The room was large and contained lots of embellishments. The thing that Inuyasha noticed was that the girl's room was entirely midnight blue, minus the white trimmings and ceiling. She must of have a thing for bluish purple colors. She pointed to a desk for him to sit in. "I'm going to take a shower. Don't try to peek at me or anything funny for that matter." She warned.

"Feh. Go on and take your bath. Big wenches aren't my type remember." He retorted.

"What an idiot." Kikyou sighed and proceeded to the bathroom.

The hanyou surveyed his surroundings after Kikyou slammed the door. Her room was filled with plenty of things. Books, tapes, shoes, shirts, pants, dresses, school uniforms, mangas, compact discs, DVDs, school supplies, perfumes, plush toys, etc. (You expect a GameCube or a PlayStation 2 didn't you? She's not into that, that's all.). What really caught the knight's attention was the numerous picture frame on the table before him. One was a picture of Kikyou among a large group of girls in middle school basketball uniforms. She was posing in a softball uniform on another and that picture was eleven years old. Inuyasha thought she looked adorable with that softball cap on. Another portrait of her is when she was six and she was dressed up as a princess for a play. Yet another adorable one was a picture of a toddler Kikyou holding an infant Kaede with a sweet grim on her face. Kikyou and Kaede stood before a middle aged man in military uniform on another picture. Inuyasha presumed that the man was her father.

"Feh. The kid has some nice memories. That's nice. Hey what's this?" He caught a glimpse of Kikyou in a uniform similar to when he confronted her as she held a bow. Inuyasha scrutinized the photo carefully. She does look at lot like Kagome. "Damn, I could of sworn that was Kagome."

Several minutes later Kikyou emerged from the bathroom with a large towel wrapped around her body and one wrapped around her folded her head. " I thought that you would be sleeping by now." She said bringing a hair dryer from a shelf. She sat in front of a mirror.

"Took you long enough, I've could have sworn that I aged another year." He retorted.

"Yeah well, showers are extremely relaxing to me." She looks back at him. "What are you blushing about? I thought that you are not interested in Amazons."

"Well, I, um, you're naked." He stammered

"What a nerd. I'm completely covered you dolt. You certainly do not know how to act when you see a woman coming out of her bath. That means that you are indecent."

"Feh. Just hurry it up and put on some clothes so we can return to Geisha." He replied. Kikyou dropped the hair dryer and eyed him seriously.

"I'm not going back." She declared. " I'm afraid."

"What!? You did not mean that!"

"I serious. Megoka's a monster!"

"With your help we can take her down."

"After what she has done to us I seriously doubt it."

"We'll just be prepared for the worse."

"Inuyasha. . . I've could have killed you. If I actually did that I will never forgive myself."

"Don't worry about that. The other hero's coming as well."

"So? Does he make an difference?"

"No, 'WE' will make a difference."

"Inuyasha. . ."

"Kikyou, let me ask you this. Are you willing to help if you can tap into your hidden powers?"

"Yes, I would love to Inuyasha, but I do not have any powers."

"Well how do you explain that what you've did when you was under that spell."

"I was under the influence of that demon then!"

"Kagome said otherwise, wench!"

" She did?"

"Yes she did. We can help you to truly awaken it."

"So you're saying. . . that you guys will teach me?"

"Exactly."

Kikyou removed the towel from her head and untied her hair which was wrapped in a bun. Her locks sprawled gracefully unto her back as it went way past her waist. "Fine then. Leave me and allow me to change clothes. I'll meet with you in the den downstairs."

Inuyasha awaited patiently on the sofa in the den. He was sipping on a cup of tea and gossiping with Kikyou's mother.

"And that what happened that night when Kikyou put too much sugar into her tea." Mother giggled.

"Whoa! She really acted a fool didn't she?" Inuyasha guffawed.

"I'm ready to go." Said Kikyou's voice. She stood at the top of the stair case donning a black hooded sweater a cobalt skirt and white sneakers. She had a duffel bag slung around her shoulder. "Mama, we have to leave."

"Ah, you guys are leaving. Splendid. You have a week off of school anyway."

"I do?" Kikyou must have forgotten due to her ordeals in the other world.

"Kikyou haven't you forgotten? It's between sessions."

"Oh yeah. Thanks for reminding me."

"You two must be going to stay at the upward bound program at the university this week?" Mother questioned.

"Yes we are mother." Kikyou sweated.

"You two have fun!" She cheered. "Just don't get into any trouble. 'kay?"

"Yes ma'am."

At the well house Inuyasha had a sly smirk on his face. Kikyou noticed this and had to interrogate him. "What are you so happy about?"

"Your mother is nice." He made an soda hourglass gesture with his hands.

"Yeah, she's a nice little lady she- Hey! Did I tell you not to look at my mother like that? Just get your ass in that well!"

* * *

Kikyou and Inuyasha arrived back in the alternate world. It was still nightfall and all seems tranquil for the moment. That is, until Inuyasha picked up a disturbing scent.

"What is it Inuyasha?" Kikyou demanded.

"Trouble! Back at the hut! Hop on Kikyou!" She mounted on the knight and he dashed off to the place in distress. Once at there they hid behind shrubbery several yards away from the hut, careful not to be spotted by the tall lavender, frightening demon that stood before their companions.

"What is that thing!?" Kikyou squealed.

"It's dead meat that's for sure!" Inuyasha declared.

Goshinki towered over the petrified trio of humans with a demonic grin. "So Kagome, Sangou, Miroku, what will it be? Do you all have a wish to undertake before you die?"

'Damn it! It's useless! I can't use my wind void because of all the poison insects and bats present.' Miroku thought in desperation. Goshinki read his mind and laughed.

"Poor monk. You're completely at my mercy because you cannot use your kazaana." Goshinki taunted.

"Damn you Goshinki!" Sangou swore.

"Aw! You're all condemning me because your defeat is imminent? You fools are definitely spoiled sport!"

"You ogre! You will not get away with this! Inuyasha and Kikyou shall avenge us!" Kagome hissed.

"Don't make me laugh, little girl! You think that stupid half breed and that legendary termagant can defeat me!? Look at what I have done to your precious friend, Kirara." He pointed to the cat youkai whom was laying unconscious with a deep mortal wound on her torso. "It is futile. You three never stood a- well what do you know? They're here."

Goshinki moved at a surprisingly fast speed to a dense group of trees and slashed at the shrubbery. Inuyasha emerged with Kikyou in tow. "Ah, there's our little heroes!"

" Inuyasha! Kikyou!"

"You bastard! You must have the power to read your opponent's minds." Inuyasha demanded.

"He can do that?" Kikyou asked fearfully, clutching on to an equally frightened Sangou.

"Why yes my friend. I can decipher every thought that crosses your mind." Goshinki derided.

"Damn you. Kaze No Kizu!" He executed a mighty blast of chi wind. Goshinki dodge it with extreme ease. 'What the? This guy is fast!'

"Ha! Ha! Ha! You didn't expect me to be this swift despite my hulking frame. Am I correct?"

"If you can read that then why state the obvious?" He suddenly leaped at him with his sword drawn. " Take this! Bakuryuuha!" Before he can perform his ultimate technique Goshinki pounded the knight into the ground with his giant. He placed his foot on the comatose hanyou triumphantly.

"Inuyasha!!!" The remaining gang shouted.

"Patience! First I shall finish off this pathetic half breed then I'll get to end your insignificant lives." Goshinki warned.

"Oh my God! He's a monster!" Kikyou cried. "His presence is making me sick all over again." She double over and coughed blood on the ground. "Damn you to hell you wretched abomination!"

"Would you get a look at this? The legendary warrior Kokiyu fading away at my very presence? It's such a pity really. I was expecting more from you." Suddenly, he heard a tune from a distance. "What is this?"

"It's beautiful." Said Kagome.

"Such an relaxing melody." Sangou cooed.

"It sounds like a flute. But where could it be coming from?" Miroku added.

"It's eliminating my sickness. What's the meaning of this?" Kikyou wondered.

Goshinki was annoyed. "Whoever it is, it will not live to regret mocking me."

Kikyou stood up. "What does this song mean?"

"It's the Song of Healing." Responded a male's voice.

"Another warrior? Show yourself!!!" Goshinki commanded, becoming nervous.

"That I will. . ." The voice said. Suddenly a flash occurred and Goshinki's left arm was mutilated. "My arm!! How dare you!?"

"Here. It's a going away present." Said a child's voice. A large banner suddenly popped in thin air. The gang can now see a caricature drawing of a fox boy giving the middle finger. "Hope you'll enjoy it before you go to the Underworld!"

"Um, that's really nice Shippo." Said the male's voice again.

"That was kind of crude Shippo." Chided a tiny feminine voice.

"Fools! Where are you!?" Goshinki looks for the source of the three voices frantically. "Are you doing this?"

"Not me." Kagome answered.

"Don't look at me. I'm just as surprised as you are." Sangou added.

"I've nothing to do with it." Miroku clarified.

"Iya. I haven't the foggiest idea." Kikyou giggled.

"Oh I must be going crazy!" Goshinki shouted with wide frightened eyes. "Hey which one of you is Shippo? Please I must know!" A far away whistle got his attention.

"Hey! We're over here!!"

"What the!?"

The gang followed Goshinki's train of view and saw a young man in green tunic, hood, and baggy white pants sitting calmly at a far away tree stump. Along with the strange boy was a small vulpine demon and a tiny fairy. "Hey, I'm the one who has maimed your arm."

" You arrogant bastard! Who are you!!?" Goshinki shrieked.

"Does that matter now? Well anyway, the name's Link." The boy introduced.

"I'm the great fighter, Shippo." The fox tagged along.

"And I am Nabi." Concluded the tiny fairy. (A/N: I know that her American name is Navi.)

"You imbeciles! You shall pay for humiliating me!" Goshinki roared while he charged at Link.

"Shippo, Nabi. Stand back. This could get ugly." He rose off the stump and unsheathes his estranged sword.

"You there, move!" Miroku shouted.

"He's gonna gore you!" Sangou screamed.

"Get out of there!!" Kagome warned.

"You better run for it!!" Kikyou cautioned.

"Hey. I got this." Just as the huge beast closed in on him, Link slashed the monster in half. Goshinki is defeated. "Ah. I see the Master Sword still got it." The insects and bats disappeared along with him.

"Yeah. That was cool. I've could of done better though." Shippo commented.

"That creature stinks." Nabi coughed.

Link enclosed the mystical sword back in his sheathe and regarded his new friends. "Oh well. Now that little cake walk is over let's go inside to introduce ourselves."

"Hey have you guys forgotten about me?" Inuyasha snapped. He skew a glance at Link. "I don't know who you are and don't care who you are but thanks for saving us."

"That's fair enough." Link considered.

End of Chapter VII

On The Next Chapter: Our heroes are introduced to the mysterious savior Link, from the land of Hyrule, Shippo, an orphan, and Nabi, the fairy. Megoka mocks Naraku for Goshinki's shortcoming and devises her plan to vanquish the gang. Meanwhile, Kikyou begins her training in bringing out her powers. But Kagome promises her that it will not be an easy one. More on the next.

Inuyasha

I'm Afraid I'm Not In Hokkaido Anymore

Chapter VIII: Accepting Destiny And Embracing A Legacy