by Elyndewen Startree
Disclaimer: None of the characters are mine except for the ones I made up. Duh.
A/N: Part 2 of what is a (decidedly) three part fic. This will be focused more focused on the Sengoku Jidai and people in it...Kagome's friends in particular. I'm not giving away anything, so you'll just have to read...
A month. A month since she'd gone. Damn her. Damn that stupid girl to Hell. Or not. Send the dead bitch instead. No need for her anymore. Stupid woman. And now Kagome was gone because of her. Evil woman. Atleast she was gone. He wouldn't meet her again until he died. Hopefully not at all. Never again.
Inuyasha shifted restlessly by the well. He hadn't had the guts to go back for a week. When Miroku had first returned to the village with the shards, Inuyasha had expected Kagome to be running after him, good-naturedly cross. But she wasn't. And the monk was looking grim. After suffering under glares from his three friends, the slayer, the houshi and the kitsune, he spilled the entire story to them. Since that time, Sango had barely spoken to him and Shippo not at all. The only recognition he got from the little fox was an occasional hurt, angry look. A look he didn't dare meet.
The Miroku, after glaring at him as well for a while, finally said that she would have to be apologized to and brought bac when she was ready. From the pointed looks, Inuyasha could tell who was supposed to go get her, and there was no way he was about to do that. The inu-hanyou sighed. At least, he'd felt that way at first. She'd been gone for weeks now, and the new moon had come and gone. He sighed again and closed his eyes, remembering that night.
Inuyasha was alert. Very alert. And with good reason. It was the new moon. A night of absolute darkness, when he was no longer protected by his demon blood. And this time, Kagome wasn't here to save him. Not from danger. Not from death. From himself. He hated those nights with a vengeance unequaled by anything. Except perhaps Naraku...but part of his hatred of Naraku stemmed from the fact that he had prevented Inuyasha from losing the nights when he was vulnerable.
The half demon sighed. There was no hope for him tonight. Judging from clues Kagura had left the group over the last week or so, Naraku knew about the new moon. The nights when Inuyasha was helpless. And that was why he'd convinced Sango, Miroku, and Shippo to come with him. Come where they would be safe for the night. In Kagome's time. Somehow, he'd known that it would be safe. Somehow, he knew that they would all get through the well. And they had. Now the four of them and Kirara were resting behind the wellhouse. It wouldn't be safe to remain in the well itself. Too crowded. And too likely too be visited. So they had been sitting there for hours, quiet and still, waiting for the sun to fall completely and Inuyasha to transform. There was limited conversation. Every one of them was tense on some level, and the humans and full demon watched their friend, eyes shrouded by bangs or otherwise. As soon as it was dark, Inuyasha slunk away, humanly black hair disguising him much faster than the regular silver-white would have.
"Well, he's taking it well," commented Miroku quietly, as he watched the retreating form of his friend.
"Don't kid yourself, houshi," scolded Sango just as softly. "He's hurting on the inside. You can tell. Oh! I can not beLIEVE that dead...woman!" It was a rather pathetic insult, but stronger words would have been unwise in the presence of the young kitsune.
"Please Lady Sango, you might try to be a little more understanding towards Inuyasha. He loved her greatly, as you know."
"Well monk. It seems to me that she's the reason that Kagome left us. You saw that note. The tear drops on it."
"Hai, I did. But something makes me think that it was not all about Lady Kikyo...somehow this is connected with Inuyasha as well."
"If you ask me," commented Shippo, participating for the first time. "They love eachother. That's why Inuyasha didn't go with Kikyo. And, that's why Kagome left."
The two adults looked at him strangely. This was something that they had both assumed, but having reason applied was a whole new concept. Especially coming from the young fox beside them. "How do you mean, Shippo?" asked Miroku in utter amazement.
"Well," replied the kitsune, talking around a mouthfull of rice. "We all accept that they love eachother, right?" They nodded. "And we all know that Kagome left...and Inuyasha misses her, right?" Again, they nodded. "AND we all know that Kagome would only leave the jewel shards if she wasn't coming back, right?" This was a completely new concept to Sango and Miroku.
"So Shippo...," started the exterminator slowly. "You're saying that Kagome doesn't want to come back?"
"Exactly. And I think that Kagome would only leave if she had a reason. And her reason is heartbreak. Because Inuyasha went with Kikyo."
"But he didn't. How--how can that be the case?" asked Miroku, completely taken aback.
"See, it's like this...," began Shippo.
~~~/*\~~~
Inuyasha, with his weaker human ears, had not heard a word of their conversation. He was in the Goshinboku right now, waiting for Kagome to fall asleep so he could watch through her window. He sighed heavily, the prayer beads and Shikon shards hanging on his neck rising and falling with his breathing. It was only nine o' clock. Even if Kagome was caught up with her studies, it would be at least another hour before she fell asleep. That was how he wanted her. He was too ashamed to speak with her face to face. It would be better if he could see her one last time. And then leave her be. No more contact with Kagome. Never again.
'Who am I kidding?' he thought bitterly. 'I can't never see her again. I'll stay here. It's okay if she doesn't know I'm here...but I don't want to leave forever, even if she has.'
So the hanyou-turned-human sat there, in the Goshinboku until well after ten. The time passed hazily for him, as he sat thinking about nothing inparticular. Thoughts, hopes, memories, reflections; they all flashed through his mind completely out of any order or pattern. Everything, anything came to his clear mind. Dimly he registered that most of the thoughts revolved around Kagome...but he didn't pay the realization much mind. His head only cleared when he remembered what time it was. Being well after ten, it was now safe to migrate to the tree by the girl's window.
He did so with such silence and stealth, even Shippo would not have detected him...had he been paying attention. Inuyasha climbed up the tree and gazed through the open window. Funny it was still open, really. Usually, it was open for him to access her room...but since she didn't want him to come by anymore...it was completely non-sensicle, but he ignored it. After all, he was happy to know she was right there, without anything but space between them.
Inside the dark bedroom, he could see Kagome tossing and turning restlessly in her sleep. '
Doesn't she have enough bad dreams?' Inuyasha wondered lazily, and concerned. 'I have to get closer to her. Just let me see you up close again.'
He crept to the edge of the branch and leapt gracefully into the room, being careful not to make a sound. The school girl was asleep, obviously, or he wouldn't have dared come in. A few strands of hair had fallen over her face, shrouding some of the perfect features beneath. He longed to move them, brush them away so he could see her fully, but he didn't dare touch her. If she woke, things would not bode well, as an understatement. So, he contented himself with sitting beside her bed, watching her sleep. Slowly his eyes started to droop. Her presence was so calming, he was no longer cautious. Nothing would harm him here. Inuyasha closed his eyes, still sitting beside Kagome, and slept without worry or care.
~~~/*\~~~
"...so, if we help them along a bit, we might be able to convince Kagome to come back!" finished Shippo, who was rather pleased with himself. It had taken long hours to fully explain and re-explain himself, as his human companions had many questions. Finally, he had gotten the entire course of events (as far as he figured) out.
"Ah, this is where I disagree with you Shippo," said Miroku gravely.
"Why?"
"Because," Sango answered for him. "This is something that Kagome and Inuyasha have to work out on their own. Actually, I think that it might have to be all Kagome's choice...that was what you were going to say, monk?"
"Precisely," he agreed. "Kagome made the choice to leave because of Inuyasha, according to you. This isn't a time for matchmaking. Actually, it is one of the few times I am willing to let Fate decide...or Kagome. There is nothing we can do for the situation but hope for the best, and pray that our friend returns to us."
The three exchanged a look. Miroku was looking rather grim and serious. Shippo was obviously disappointed. And Sango was calculating, looking from one male to the other. She agreed with Miroku, but it was rare that she could stand by and do nothing. However, there was nothing for it.
"We'd best get at least a little sleep," she said, unrolling her sleeping bag. "We don't know whether or not Inuyasha will be in the mood for shard hunting or not." 'Though I doubt he will. If it's left up to him, we may do nothing until he is either absolutely convinced Kagome won't return, or she comes back.'
They settled in, Shippo sleeping beside Sango, as Kagome was not available. He loved Sango almost as much, but she just wasn't Kagome. Sighing sadly, he settled in with her. 'Good night Kagome.' was his sole thought before sleep enveloped him. The taijiya looked down at the kitsune sadly and closed her own eyes...after carefully monitering the monk as he unrolled his own sleeping back and climbed in, suspiciously innocent. But perhaps even hentai houshi's needed days off. 'Sure. I wouldn't trust him on my life...or on anything else.'
Miroku was actually too deep in thought to even consider groping the lovely woman nearby. Though Shippo had exlained, there were still a few mysterious parts, as far as he could see. The first was why she had not left a note saying goodbye. She had just left, which was nothing like Kagome. Secondly, she'd left her backpack in the Feudal Era. As far as he knew, some of her favorite possesions resided in that bag; but she had left without it. 'Does she truly want to forget everything about this time?' He sighed. It was all too much for one man, even one so holy and clever as himself, to figure out. He laid back himself and tried to sleep, gazing at the most calming thing present, his beloved Sango.
Monk, exterminator and fox youkai all fell into uneasy slumbers, worries (not dreams) plaguing their sleepy minds. Though the preoccupations were worrisome, they all slept considerably well. They were in an unfamiliar time, an unfamiliar place, but with familiar companions. It was obviously enough to get them through the night.
~~~/*\~~~
It was late the next morning when Inuyasha awoke. The sun was high in the sky, and shining through the glass panes of the closed window. 'Wait, closed?' The hanyou jerked to his feet, looking around. Kagome was gone. 'Of course she is.' Her "school" must start early. His eyes landed on the bed, which was neatly made. An envelope rested on the pillow. It had his name on it. He ripped open the folded paper, and the letter inside fluttered out. He caught it and unfolded it, his eyes beginning to scan the letter that Kagome had written:
Inuyasha,
You can't know how surprised I was when I woke up and saw you here, by my bed. I wondered why you were here. Then I remembered the new moon. I must admit, it was good to see your face again. I thought you were gone. But that's not the point. I don't want you here anymore. I've removed all ties between us, including your rosary...
He looked away from the letter, dropped it, and tugged the prayer beads around his neck...which weren't there anymore. He looked around franticly, but he couldn't find them. Picking up the letter, he continued reading, hoping to find some clue to where the necklace was.
I gave it to Sango this morning. Yes, I know they were here too. She promised to give it back to you when all of you returned to the Feudal Era.
That reminds me. I don't want you here anymore. I left because I wasn't needed there anymore. You're all strong and able. Don't sacrifice your lives for me. Especially not you. Go with Kikyo, I know you want to. You said you would.
There was a tiny stain beside that last word, and it had slightly diluted the ink. Inuyasha leaned in to put it under closer examination. It was a tear. He could still smell the remains of salt on the dried paper, and the contorted dot. There were three more lines in the letter.
Go back to the Feudal Era. You belong there, and I belong here. That's how it is. Love, Kagome. P.S.: Mama is downstairs. She wants to see you before you leave. And she also wants to meet everyone else. Goodbye.
So that was that. No apology or anything. But had he expected one, after what he'd almost done? 'Of course not. Poor Kagome...' He looked around the room. She had said goodbye, but he didn't think he could. He stood there for the longest time, but the word "Goodbye" just couldn't make it past his throat. So he sat, dejected, on the bed and looked around the room. Not a thing in it didn't remind him of Kagome. The slightly nibbled writing instruments in the jar on her desk. The solid-colored bedsheets; even the pictures of other people reminded him of her.
"Inuyasha? Are you awake?" Kagome's mother poked her head into the room, and saw the hanyou seated on the bed. "Oh, hello. Kagome told me not to wake you up, but I just wanted to check. Are you alright?"
He nodded, but didn't meet her eyes. Of course, she knew the truth.
"Don't bother. Why don't you come down and eat something. But first, go get those friends of yours, I've been dying to meet them for ages."
He stared at the retreating back of the woman, slightly in shock. Afterall, he had no idea what Kagome had told her. Still, it was best to do as she requested. He left the house via the window, as was his habit, and walked around to the back of the well house. What he saw there was enough to make him forget his current worries for at least a minute or two.
Miroku lay sleeping calmly, his arm draped casually around the demon exterminator's waist. "Oi, monk."
The houshi lifted his arm carefully and quitely as his eyes snapped open. As soon as he was clear, he whirled around, or tried to. As it happened, he became so tangled up in the sleeping bag, that Inuyasha took pity on him and helped him out.
"So monk, having fun?"
"Inuyasha...I...did not expect to see you so...uh..."
"I though as much. Listen. Kagome's mom wants you and everybody to come have breakfast. She said she wanted to meet you."
"You mean...?"
"Yes, Kagome knows we're all here. She talked to Sango earlier, apparently."
The aforementions taiji'ya rolled around, a little more gracefully than Miroku had, and managed to not only avoid getting tangled up, but also avoided crushing the little kitsune. She murmured slightly incoherently, blinking sleep away. She looked up to see Inuyasha and a slightly uncomfortable looking Miroku staring down at her. "What?"
~~~/*\~~~
After much ado, the quartet had finally managed to pull itself together. Miroku did not make any contact, physical or otherwise, with Inuyasha or Sango, and the hanyou managed to refrain from revealing the monk's "exploits" to the woman. They trudged up to the house, leaving the bags behind. Kirara was in the feudal village with Kaede, lest some demon come in search of the jewel shards, which were actually in the future.
Mrs. Higurashi looked up to see a fairly odd group of people walking into her kitchen, led by Inuyasha. She had heard of them all, but they were even more unusual than she might have guessed. However, looking at the hanyou, who was she to judge "unusual" really? "Hello." she greeted them. "I'm Kagome's mother...unfortunately my daughter is not here to see you. She's at school. Please come in and make yourselve's comfortable. Breakfast will be ready in a few minutes."
"Thank you." Miroku bowed politely to the older woman. She blushed and said
"None of that now."
"I thank you as well," said Sango. "Would you care for any help. I would like to assist you, though I do not know how to use many of these..."
"The modern appliances? Don't worry about it dear."
The four sat at the table. Actually, Shippo sat on the table, unable to reach it if planted in a chair. Mrs. Higurashi bustled around, preparing breakfast, as the journeyers from the Sengoku Jidai sat in an uncomfortable silence. Even Shippo was quiet. But that was because he was thinking. Despite the arguments of his friends, the kitsune had decided to attempt some matchmaking as soon as Kagome came back, which she would. Of course she would. She always came back. His faith was inperturbable.
When breakfast was ready, the woman joined them at the table and began to pass around food. Deciding she'd had enough of silence, a conversation was struck up.
"So, why don't you all start by reminding me of your names? Actually, I'd like to know something about you as well."
"My name is Miroku. And I am a traveling Buddhist monk."
"You forgot the hentai part. Hentai traveling Buddhist monk," corrected the girl seated be side him. "I'm Sango...a taiji'ya. Kagome is like my sister..."
"Yes. Kagome has told me much about your adventures...," the woman turned to the tiny fox who was currently stuffing his face. "And you must be Shippo."
The kit nodded and said, "Your cooking is really yummy!" They all at least tried to laugh at that. Inuyasha didn't, though he grinned a bit. Mrs. Higurashi was the only one who managed to sound cheerful. The group lapsed into silence again. There was something on every mind.
Five minutes passed before anything else was said. As Shippo was having his mouth wiped by Kagome's mother, Inuyasha blurted out, "Sango, can I have that rosary now?"
"Well...Kagome said to wait until we were back to our time..." said the exterminator unsurely.
"She won't know the difference...unless someone tells her." He looked at all of them.
Mrs. Higurashi grinned. "I won't tell, Inuyasha, I promise."
Still looking doubtful, though much less so, Sango retrieved the circle of beads from her pocket. Handing them to the hanyou, she asked, "What do you want with them?"
Ignoring her question, the half demon slipped the necklace into his haori.
~~~/*\~~~
Hours later, Kagome returned home from school. Her mother was in the kitchen, innocently emptying the dishwasher. Going up to her room, she found a letter, similar from the one she had left for Inuyasha, but her name was on the envelope this time.
Kagome,
Don't say goodbye. You can't yet. You can't go.
Shippo and Inuyasha and Miroku and Sango
'I'm sorry my friends...but I have to sometime, and this was an opportunity to do so...'
A/N: Well, it took me a couple days, but I finally got Part Two all done. Part three'll be up in a week or so. Gimme a break, I don't usually have computer access.
Thanks to Sasha, Itachi, and Lavendar Valentine for reviewing! I love you guys! Especially for reading my complete randomness.
One last thing...I was thinking of doing a connected song fic...whaddaya think? Review and tell me!
--*Elyndewen Startree*
