Chapter 4 - Flashback
Inu Yasha collapsed onto Kagome, supporting his weight on trembling arms, as yet another release gripped him. His breath was harsh as he gasped for air taking in her scent. He licked at her neck, wanting to mark her as his knowing he couldn't. Settling for committing the taste of her skin and the feel of her surrounding him to memory. The dulcet tones of her voice as she spoke. The very words themselves he wrapped within his heart. "Inu Yasha...never...never forget what we shared...these three days will always be the most precious three days of my life." Moments later the first rays of the sun appeared. For the first time since she had unsealed him from the Goshinboku he cursed the dawn. "Please tell me our last days together are as precious to you as they are to me...never forget me Inu Yasha. I will always love you with all of my heart." she whispered. Pulling from her he rose not trusting his voice he silently dressed. Keeping his back to her to hide the tears that filled his golden eyes. He didn't want to leave her. Why had he foolishly made that promise? He questioned himself. The scent of her tears assaulted his nose as he finished tying Tetsusaiga to his belt. Still holding back his on tears he turned, reaching out for her. Wrapping a light yukata around to cover her body she took his offered hand and stepped out as the first ray of light touched the door.
Inu Yasha squinted against the brightness of the morning as he stepped out Kagome at his side. Growling softly at the Shini-dama-chuu beginning to circle the village. Pulling Kagome to him he brushed her lips with his, as she opened them to his request he deepened the kiss. His hands raced across her body filling his memories with her. Letting every ounce of love he felt for the woman in his arms shine in his kiss. She answered her passion and sadness matching his. Her hands making their own journey along his spine. Breaking the kiss he looked into her gray eyes, cupping her cheek gently with one hand he swallowed then whispered, "The past three days, I will carry with me through hell. They will give me strength to get through the torments. If there was no promise, I would never leave your side. If our child is a son I want you to give him Tetsusaiga when he's older. If our child is a girl I want you to give her my rosary. Never let them doubt that I wished to be there for them. Tell him or her I loved their mother with everything that is within me and that I always will. I swear Kagome, I'll never stop trying to come back to you." He felt her nod and the soft kiss she placed on his palm. Removing Tetsusaiga from his belt he placed it in her hand as he stepped back. His hand trailing down her shoulder and arm. Their hands locked for a moment with a gentle squeeze he continued backwards. Finally only their fingertips touched before the distance made touching impossible. Backing towards the Shini-dama-chuu waited, his eyes never left her face.
He felt the Shini-dama-chuu wrap around him lifting him. His eyes never left hers, he bit his lip to keep from calling out to her. What needed to be said had been said. He knew the instant he had disappeared from her view, watched as she crumpled to the ground hugging his sword near. He started to struggle, then ceased. He knew he could easily defeat the Shini-dama-chuu, but it would only cause Kagome more pain. His bowed, his eyes closed he allowed the snakes to carry him off away. Finally he felt earth beneath his feet, as the snakes released him. Kikyou was waiting, her scent filling the air. Opening his eyes he looked at the woman who had once held his heart.
"Inu Yasha are you prepared to honor your promise to me?" She asked. She carefully studied his face for any hint of deception.
"Let's just go Kikyou. I'm here as I promised. Ready to go to hell with you. Give you peace."
"I am glad, Inu Yasha. Glad that you have chosen me over my reincarnation." She said coming to stand before him.
"No Kikyou. I would, if given a choice, choose her. But, I made a foolish promise to you first. I will not break my word. For if I did I would not deserve her love." He told her honestly.
Wrapping her arms around his neck she opened the gate to hell. Kikyou watched as his eyes closed, but never did his arms go around her. Pulling her with her she descended through the gate. As it closed above them she stepped away. "We are here." She said.
"You dare bring a pure and living soul here? You will pay for bringing him." A voice came from every direction. Kikyou and Inu Yasha both looked around. Each felt thousand of hands grabbing hold of them. Inu Yasha tried to fight the ones holding him to go to Kikyou, but was unable to free himself. He watched as the miko was pulled away from him. Her screams echoing in the vastness of the cavern. The voice continued, "You can not stay here." Looking down he watched as a crystal began to form at his feet inching it's way up his body, encompassing him. He tried to fight against it but he felt the magic close around him stronger than any he had ever encountered. The last thing he heard before the darkness claimed him was the voice saying "Forget." The gates of hell opened and the crystal was expelled from its depths. The villagers of Kofu ran as Mt Fuji erupted. None saw the crystal encased hanyou be buried by the molten rock.
Present day Japan
Sesshomaru & Rin's Home
"I'm off." Kagome chirped grabbing her white coat. "You be good for Auntie Rin, sweetie. Blow me a kiss."
"Hai mama." Kenmaru smiled at his momma, bringing his clawed hand to his mouth "MMMMMMMMWaaa" And flung the arm in her direction. Laughing when his mamma caught the kiss and gobbled it up.
Sesshomaru was enjoying his morning tea, watching the news and Rin play with a four year old Kenmaru. Kagome had just her started her residency. He was quite proud of the miko, she had studied hard, was raising a well adjusted pup and still managed to graduated a year before her fellow med students. Turning back to the TV he listened to the special report.
"And at the construction site of the new highway past Mt. Fuji a remarkable find was made yesterday afternoon." The camera paned to a group of men hovering around a section of rock. "Buried within a lava flow is a crystal and with in that crystal what appears to be a human figure. Archeologist are working now to extract the crystal." The camera zoomed in to show the crystal.
Sesshomaru spat the tea out. Kenmaru giggled at his Uncles antics and clapped his little hands. Sesshomaru's eyes widening at what he was seeing on the screen. He had seen that profile too many times in his youth, to not recognize what he was seeing. Even if the only thing visible was the sleeve of a red kimono, a few strands of silver white hair, a red clothed leg, and a bare foot. "Kami-sama, they found him."
"Found who dear?" Rin asked looking at the television. "Sessho? We need to get this off the news. Now!"