A/N: Here we are, the next chapter! Like I said, mid-terms next week and this weekend I'll be studying a lot so I don't know if I'll get the last few chapters out before next weekend. Oh well, I'll try my best! We're in the home stretch people!
Michi-chan6: I didn't forget about this story, I was only preoccupied with a lot of personal problems that I didn't have time to post. Yes, it was sad that I murdered Kouga, and it is even sadder that I set up Inuyasha to get killed too. But things have a way of changing when you least expect it…
Rumi ai no Pocky: Thank you! I like to pick a new person every chapter to dedicate it to, because I love all of my reviewers so completely. Except, the last chapter--which is really somewhat of an epilogue that I already wrote--which is dedicated to the person who actually inspired the story. You call me sama, that's so cool! *hugs* Thanks for reading!
Sakura onto Hitomi: Thanks for reading the chapter! Don't worry, I do something! Though, my fans might go up in arms for it, it's all in the name of drama! Here is the new chapter for you!
silentslayer: Dramatic, ne? Don't worry, everything will be explained in this chapter about what will happen. Fear not for Inuyasha, because the little freak will be safe.
Josie: Sorry if I got a little carried away with the drama, but I just get so caught up! I really wanted to make Kouga and his father out to be kind and wise people. There always has to be at least one 'wisdom' character in all of my work. Naraku's demise, I love the sound of that. Stay tuned!
Lilo: Unfortunately, Inuyasha is not going anywhere. He has a fractured leg! And he's not a half-demon in this story so he's not going to magically 'poof' and heal. I'll try to meet your demands for the last three (possibly four) chapters. Thanks for reading. *Hands you a box of tissues*
Zonza: Yay! You love me, you really love me! Thank you. Kouga's soul purpose in this story was motivation and understanding for my title character! Once his part was ended, I had to take his life to strengthen her. I'm honored that you like my story so much, I have the best fans! Thus, I dedicate this chapter to you, Zonza!
Vietworrior4ever: Here, don't die! You must live!
KireiHanyou Ko: Oh, you must read this chapter to find out what will go done in the final battle. (so exciting! ^o^) Oh, I'm also happy you liked my little scene, it gets more…physical in the next chapter. Thanks for reading!
Sparrow of the Damned: Here is more for you, please calm down! I don't want to be responsible for killing my readers…think of the bad karma! Thanks for reading and I hope you like the chapter!
Sierra: I'm glad you like it, hope you like this one too.
Crew-hanyou: Muhahahaha! My cliffy worked! Yeah, sorry about that. I really hate proofreading while writing so when I finish the story, I'm going to go back and make all the corrections. That way, everyone will be happy. Thanks for reading!
Angel81: Thanks! Here's another!
Amberescence: Lol, I have no idea what you are talking about. Here is your next chapter!
Jschu25: Well, thing with this story is that I had it as an original work first, then I transformed it into a fan fiction. Kouga's character would be different cuz it was actually not written with him in mind, but then I thought he would fit that role best. (I like to think of him as sweet and smart) I'm glad you liked the chapter and I hope you like this one too.
AngelGurl2: Yes, I know! Lol, any time. I love it when my readers get so into the story and so upset for my characters that they feel the need to bash the villain once or twice with a blunt object! Thanks for reviewing!
Amethyst Hanyou: Yes, it does suck, but all is resolved--for the most part--in this chapter. I tried for a unique idea and I think I got one that a lot of people enjoy! Yes, he will be missed because I loved how his character came out. Yes, on it does go. Yay! Chicken-grease!
Green Bird 2071: YAY! I'm honored to have made you list! *hugs* you made my day! I try for that kind of story where the reader laughs, cries, and roots for the heroes. I think this one turned out to be that way, for which I am happy! Here is your update!
LilNezumi LilInu: Here is your update, enjoy!
Riath: Sorry for the lack of fluff, but it gets a lot more romantic in the coming chapters…I hope. I am proud, thanks for reading! Here is that update you wanted, and I'll get the next one out as soon as I can.
angel of light and darkness: *hands you a box of tissues* It's ok, I'm sorry that I made you cry. But I am glad that you liked it too. Here's a new chappie for you!
Leomae: I'm alive, just knee-deep in teen drama and study work for exams…blah! Yes you are, but I am one too, so here's the break-down. He has a fractured leg, yes, but the rest of him is fully functional, so it's not like he can't do anything…he just can't mess with his leg. Don't worry right now, you'll see later.
Wyldwolfrose: Thank you! Yes, I'm good with verbal sparring, hehe. It's ok, I don't require a review for every chapter. I'm not that greedy. ^_^ Thanks for the review!
Peanut Gallery--Alaska's own: LOL, I'm glad I've pleased you. Sorry, there will be no purification of asses in this fic. But thanks for the review all the same.
WitchChild425: Here is the next chapter. Thanks for reading my story!
Geminia: Ha! Read and all will be revealed! (sort of) Thanks for the review!
Sweet little country girl: LOL, I'm sorry! It's not my fault that you can't stop yourself from crying! I hope you get out of Africa in time to read the finale! Thanks for the review!
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha, but I wish I did. Maybe if I dream hard enough, he'll appear!
A Fighter's Story
Chapter 14
Kagome was chewing on her bottom lip thoughtfully as she put more ice in the gallon Ziploc bag that she had grabbed from the small cabinet over the sink. Ice would keep the swelling down on that knee. The very fact that it was swelling this fast wasn't good in itself, but he was still dead set on fighting in the morning. She could tell from the determined set of his jaw and that flaming look in his golden eyes. That would mean certain death, him going against Naraku, especially after what happened to Kouga.
Kouga. Kagome's throat tightened and she blinked back tears as she thought of him. He had been her friend, that so-sweet-he-could-give-you-a-toothache-just-from-looking-at-him guy. Kagome reached into her back pocket and pulled out his headband, running her thumb over the material nostalgically. The bitterness rose in her again. He had been young, too young to die, but casualties accompanied the Tournament, it was a rule they all accepted when coming here. That still didn't make it right, part of her reasoned. The committee let him come here to his death. The same committee that banned her, a grown woman experienced in fighting, one who understood all of the risks. Still they turned her away. Her hands gripped the plastic bag and the ice cube in her fist. The cold didn't register at first, or the water dripping from the melting ice onto the kitchen floor.
"Shit," she muttered when she snapped back to reality. Kagome threw the half-melted ice into the bag with the rest of the cubes and sealed it air-tight. "I'll be right back," she said to the water spot as she walked into the bedroom. She couldn't be sure, but it was almost as if she heard the funeral march follow her.
Inuyasha was laid out over the bed, massaging his wounded knee rhythmically. The injured leg was propped up by the extra pillow on the bed and Inuyasha was half leaning-half laying against the headboard. "I got you the ice," she said, walking over to him and carefully laying the bag over his knee alone with a towel. The wound was red and raw, she saw him flinch as she placed the bag gently over the injury. "That should numb it. Here," she also gave him two small white pills. "Some aspirin, that might help with the pain a little, until we can get you to a real doctor." Inuyasha muttered a thanks as he wrapped the towel around his knee again and swallowed the offered drugs.
"I should have seen the move coming," he said quietly when she made to go. "I wasn't on top of him like I should have been." Kagome sat down on the bed next to him, moving his hands away from the knee.
"You're worse then a little boy with a scab," she scolded, placing his hands firmly back down. Inuyasha looked at her sulkily, gold eyes sparkling none the less. Kagome shook her head with a little smile. "There was nothing you could have done, you know. There wasn't enough reaction time after your attack, he just came around to fast and you landed wrong. It was amazing that you were able to get back up after he took out your knee." Inuyasha looked down, fidgeting with the bedspread, trying to keep his hands busy. He didn't like awkward silences, and he liked the tension in the room even less.
"I should have been more on the ball." Kagome sighed, knowing he would blame himself for being mortal. All the stress for the upcoming fight was starting to set in. He knew as well as she did that fighting Naraku could mean death come morning, but Inuyasha Dai would never back out of anything. "It's gonna be hell trying to fight with this tomorrow." The last comment was more to himself then to her.
"You should pull out," Kagome said, surprised by her own statement. His eyes flew to hers.
"There's no way I'm quitting. I can deal with a little pain." Inuyasha looked angry at her for even suggesting such a thing and Kagome felt her temper rising equally so.
"This is more then just a little pain," she said, meeting him head on in stubbornness. "If you try to fight a match tomorrow, you could hurt your knee permanently. But you're forgetting who it is you're actually fighting against obviously. This isn't a feeble kid from Thailand, this is Naraku! Inuyasha, he's already killed three opponents, Kouga included, in this tournament alone." Her voice caught on his name, but she swallowed the tears that threatened again, determined to continue yelling at him. "You're injured, weakened. You don't think he'll take advantage of that? He'll kill you..." She ran a hand through her hair, letting out a breath that was half a sigh and have a sob. Kagome was saved, however, from hearing his response because someone was knocking on the door to their small cabin.
Kagome got up and went to the door, glad for the distraction so she wouldn't have to look Inuyasha in the eye. She paused in the living room to try and compose herself long enough to make herself presentable, then wondered who could be at their cabin. The only person who had ever come was Kouga, and it was very unlikely that his ghost would knock. When Kagome opened the door, her blue eyes flew wide and her breath stilled. It was Kikyo. Kikyo, Inuyasha's ex-fiancée, the most perfect woman ever to exist, and Kagome's worst nightmare.
She flashed Kagome a perfectly straight white smile, her dark eyes polite and kind, her black hair perfectly in place. Not for the first time, Kagome wondered just how a woman who could seem so kind, could have done the things she had done. "Hello," she said courteously. "Is Inuyasha here?" Kagome nodded, cleared her throat and opened the door wider.
"Please come in," Kagome said, her voice a little more then a whisper. Kikyo walked in and the room was dwarfed by her overwhelming presence. All the small and simple Japanese style of the cabin had delighted Kagome, but now she felt small and everything in the room looked defiled around this woman. "I'll tell him you're here." Kagome fled from the woman and toward the bedroom as fast as she could without making it seem as though she wanted to get away. Inuyasha had laid his head back, eyes closed. He wasn't in pain, as far as she could tell, he was just more stressed. "Inuyasha," she said softly. He opened his eyes and looked up at her. There was something in the back of his eyes, some foreign emotional that she didn't have time to explore because she knew Kikyo was right behind her. "You have a visitor." Then she was there.
Kikyo swept into the room and Inuyasha's eyes widened in horror. Kikyo looked around the room, at everything but him, then she looked at Kagome who was still in the doorway. The look on her face was plain, this conversation was not meant to involve her, but she was too polite to ask her to leave outright. Kagome smiled to herself and shook her head a little. She grabbed her sweatshirt from the nightstand beside Inuyasha and prepared to make her grand exit. Here she had made this entire scene about how Inuyasha should never speak to Kikyo again, and here she was, leaving them alone in the bedroom together because she didn't have the heart to make the other woman leave.
Inuyasha caught her wrist with his hand as she walked by him, but when she looked at his face, his eyes were still fixed on Kikyo. Kagome's heart was sinking faster then the Titanic.
"I'm going for a walk to the temple, be back in a few."
"Kag." His voice cracked more then a little and Kagome had the sudden urge to belt Kikyo and throw the bitch out, but she couldn't do that. Closure had to be, or renewal had to be made. She took a deep breath and pulled out of his gentle grip.
"I'll be back soon 'Yash," she whispered to him when she bent down to kiss his cheek. Then she swept past Kikyo and with a swish of curtain straight black hair, she was out the door. Kagome walked calmly for a few feet before breaking into a run down the hill toward the burning lights of the temple, pulling her arms through the sweatshirt. Her eyes stung, but she refused to cry. Never would she cry because of them. She knew the facts, Inuyasha was and always would be in love with Kikyo and Kikyo must want him back now that he was fighting again. Inuyasha didn't love her, and she didn't blame him. Who could love a middle-pretty girl with more baggage then a main-stream airplane? There was no contest.
So she ran on to the temple, heart racing. Not that it matters much what happens in the cabin tonight, Inuyasha's going to die tomorrow if he fights, she thought bitterly. There was no way out unless he surrender, which Inuyasha Dai would not do.
As she walked, she thought deeply about any other solution when she was suddenly struck by the muse of inspiration. A memory jumped to Kagome's mind. There was a way to save Inuaysha, if she could convince the Dovon. "The Dovon..." she whispered, then ran faster along the path to the temple, blood pumping with renewed purpose.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Inuyasha watched as Kagome fled from the room and out the door, hearing it slam lightly. She was the smart one, getting out of here as quick as possible. He was tense, alone in a bedroom with Kikyo. Memories of old flooded him to the point where he almost got sick from them. Here she was, prancing around him like she had when they first met. Before she had ruined him for three years, before she had warped his life to the point where it could never be the same as it had been, ever. He hated her with everything in him to hate, but he also pitied her. She was the product of her own design, and she could never escape what she was. She would live with the consequences of her actions for the rest of her life. Kagome's influence, he thought.
"Well Inuyasha, you gotta a cozy little shack here," Kikyo was saying, looking all around. She had scared Kagome away and now she was going to talk about his living conditions?
"What in the name of all things holy are you doing here?" Inuyasha asked in sheer confusion. He wanted to yell at her, but he was surprised at how fucking calm he was.
Kikyo looked mildly phased, but didn't answer his question. "Is that you're new girl? She's cute." A condescending smile was on her perfectly made up face. Inuyasha was getting angry now, his hands turning to fists while still clutching the bedspread. He was a strong man who could take many things. Kikyo could saunter around all she wanted, the hell with her and with anything she had to say to or about him, but she would not say anything about Kagome.
"Yeah, she is," he said quietly, but there was an edge to his voice. He knew he really had no right to say that. Kagome wasn't his girlfriend or lover, she was just his friend. But at the same time, he knew that his feelings for her went much deeper then that, and before he hadn't wanted to admit it. Now, he didn't want to do anything more then that. Kikyo may have a huge part of his past, but Kagome was his future.
Kikyo must have seen something burning in his eyes because she looked taken back, then asked the inevitable question. "You're in love with her?"
Inuyasha was silent for a moment, but everything inside him was screaming the answer. "Yes, I am." His admission was tight, the first time he had ever said it aloud, or even admit it to himself. And yet, it felt right to him. It was true, he was in love with Kagome, she had given him a reason to escape from a darkness that was eating his soul and his sanity. It was a simple statement of fact.
Kikyo looked away again. "I'm sorry Inuyasha." Her voice was small and almost inaudible.
"I'm not a masacist, or at least not so much of one that I'd forgive you for ruining my life." His tone was indignant and he sounded like his old self again, life returning to his limbs from where he had been numb since Kagome left him alone with this devil woman.
She snorted at him, turning to meet him with her normal flaming eyes. "I didn't ruin anything, you ruined yourself."
"Yeah, because you walked out on a engagement with a note and a rose. Three years and not a word, yet here you are, in my bedroom after I've finally pulled myself out of the gutter and found a woman who is too good for me but wants me anyway." He flung this at her with accuracy. She flinched right on cue.
"Say what you want Inuyasha," her voice tense with forced calm. "But we both know that it wouldn't have worked out between us. You wanted the picket fence deal, and I-"
"You just wanted to be on the arm of the best." He spat the words at her, because he knew she was right.
"Yes, I guess you can say that." She shrugged and started pacing. "You wanted a home life, kids and a house and a life that was outside the spotlight. I was scared when you left, because I was swept out with you. I never wanted that life, not with anyone. I'm not the settle-down kind of woman Inuyasha." He knew she was telling the truth, he knew it all too well. He had been a fool to think that she would have changed for him then, let alone now. "I worked too hard for too long to get to where I was in the world. I couldn't give it all up for a dream and a man."
"Well, you can go back to your life in the spotlight, I'm making my home life without you." She looked at him again, fondly and sadly. "Kikyo," he said hesitantly, dreading the answer. "Did you ever even like me?"
She was shocked, her face gave her way. "I cared about you a great deal Inuyasha." Her eyes were pleading him to understand. Inuyasha felt the pity again despite himself, and the compassion. He convinced himself that it was all Kagome's doing, all her life rubbing off on him to make him into a human.
"But obviously not enough," he said seriously.
Kikyo sighed, linking her hands in front of her. "No, love is not always enough."
He refused to look at her again. "You should go, I'm sure you're boyfriend's wondering where you got to." She frowned. "Let me ask you something," he said suddenly. Now he looked up at her. "Why are you with someone like that?"
"I don't think that's any of your-"
"Cut the shit, Kikyo," he interrupted. "I knew you for years. You hated bastards like him, those who killed other fighters. What changed you into the "yay-murder" type?"
She hesitated and shook her head. "He killed someone I cared about," she said quietly with an undertone of hate. "I want to be there when he dies." Inuyasha nodded, not wanting to comment or judge. It was not his place anymore, or ever really was.
"You should go," he said quietly. Kikyo nodded and headed to the door. Just as she reached doorway to the room, she turned.
"Inuyasha...I am sorry…really." He looked up, startled and yet, not. "Be careful tomorrow, for her sake." He didn't need to ask what 'her' Kikyo meant.
"I will," he assured her. And then Kikyo walked out of his life for the second time.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Kagome entered the temple, a little out of breath, but she went to her knees before the shrine of those fallen at the tournament, praying to the candle she had lit for Kouga that was still burning, and before the Dovon's throne himself. He was seated in his chair of power, above his servants and guards. He was robed in orange, but without the flowing formal robes that he donned during the fights. He sat unadorned for the most part, and he looked much less intimidating then he had during the fights. He looked like a good humored old man that reminded her strongly of her father.
When Kagome attempted to approach him, two guards that stood on either side of the dais stopped her. "I must speak with the Dovon," she pleaded, trying to get by them, but they wouldn't budge. The Dovon rose his hand and whispered something to Yusan, always at his grandfather's side. Yusan then moved forward and came down from the dais, calling the guards back to their posts.
"Miss Higurashi, I must say that I am surprised to see you at the temple for the second night in a row." Kagome had the good grace to blush and hang her head. Yusan only grinned. "He wishes to speak with you, to know what troubles such a pretty woman so late in the night." He grinned at her and Kagome blushed a little bit more. He led Kagome to just before the Dovon's chair. Once there, Kagome went to her knees in a submissive bow, a show of respect. Yusan went back to his position at his grandfather's side, his place of honor.
"Rise young one," the Dovon said in a weathered voice. Kagome rose to her feet, keeping her head bowed. "I have seen you at the tournament, in the corner of our American fighter."
"Yes Dovon," Kagome said with a nod. "Inuyasha Dai a good friend of mine. It is on his behave that I have come to you tonight."
"Oh?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. "And who might you be to come on the behalf of one of my fighters?"
"My name is Kagome Higurashi, of the Higurashi line. At least one member of my family has fought in this tournament since it began, until this one that is." She looked up for the first time with an ironic smile on her face. "Women aren't allowed entry in the tournament." He returned her smile with one of his own.
"It is true that some of our rulings may be seen as primeval," he comment wiry. "As Yusan had commented to me many times." Yusan blushed and smiled ruefully at his grandfather. Kagome felt a little more at ease seeing this kind exchanger between grandfather and grandson.
"I am not here to debate such rulings, with all due respect Dovon," she said quietly, bowing again. "I am here to discuss my friend, Inuyasha. You see, Dovon, he was injured in his last fight..."
"Then he wishes to withdraw?" Yusan asked.
"No!" she said quickly. "In fact he is not even aware of my presence here." Kagome sighed a little, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear as she went on. "I know all the rules of this tournament inside and out, sir. I have been studying the history most of my life. In the rules, Honored Dovon, it states that in certain cases during the final bout that if one of the combatants is injured, a substitute may be activated for him if the Dovon deems the situation favorable. A person who has not been eliminated from the tournament beforehand can fight in place of the injured combatant, that was why each person is allowed one guest, usually a coach or colleague." The Dovon looked thoughtful and Yusan paled.
"And you propose someone to fight in the place of your Inuyasha?" the Dovon asked. Kagome nodded.
"I want to fight in his place." They both looked shocked. Kagome quickly rushed on. "It specifically states in the rulings that woman can not enter the competition on her own, but it doesn't say that we can not fight in a substitution match. I'm also an experienced fighter. I've competed in seven mainstream country-wide tournaments and have been district champion for three years running in both the female and unisex competition, until I was disbanded from my title." Her cheeks were burning and she had to look away in her own shame.
"Why were you disbanded from your title Miss Higurashi?" the Dovon asked.
Kagome squirmed, biting her bottom lip. "Because I appealed to the committee in America," she said in a small voice, looking up. "I tried to enter this tournament on my own." The Dovon nodded, then whispered back and forth with Yusan for a few seconds. "Kagome Higurashi, we will grant your request in you can prove to us your skills in battle." Yusan stepped off his place beside his grandfather and removed his shirt so that he was bare from the waist up. "If you can defeat my grandson in a battle, the decision in yours." Kagome gulped, looking from the Dovon to his grandson and back again with wide blue eyes.
She sighed and removed her sweatshirt. She was a tad embarrassed by this unexpected situation. She was not properly warmed up for a fight and she was still not in the best frame of mind for a fight. But then again, when she had run out of the house from Inuyasha and his old lover, she hadn't expected to be fighting a trained fighter groomed from birth to be the next Dovon.
"I will fight Yusan, if it will convince you to let me fight tomorrow." They both smiled and then Yusan and Kagome moved into the center of the open temple, assuming stances. They circled each other warily for a few moments, sizing up the opponent. Kagome knew that Yusan would probably underestimate her, coach or not, because she was a woman, but when he made his first move, Kagome was quickly on the defensive, blocking and dodging easily. This was her element, the rush of battle.
It was touch and go for the majority of the fight, Yusan advancing and Kagome making a block and counterstrike. He'd attempt a kick at her center, she'd flip easily to the said or back. Kagome would drop to the floor and try a sweeper or attack his legs, and Yusan would block or dodge.
Of all the half-hits and near-misses, Yusan really landed only one good blow on her. He had made a good offensive, striking fast and light, but just fast enough that it had her off guard for long enough to land a kick squarely to her left ribs. Kagome went down hard, but rolled away before any other injury could be added to her collection.
"That is so going to leave a mark," Kagome muttered as she got to her feet and placed a hand over her wounded side. After that, the defense strategy was dropped and she attacked him head on. There was no more time for subtle play, she wanted to end this match now before she got hurt and would be hindered in battle the next day. Yusan was dropping in stamina, but Kagome was still spry, still fresh. Her stamina was her best weapon. She was like rubber, always bouncing back. Soon she had him breathing heavily and rushing to block her fury of moves.
Her sweeper was what caught him off his feet and on his back. A kick landed in the midsection kept him down and made him unable to get back up while her foot was pressed squarely to his stomach.. The guards called the match as the winded and weakened Dovon-in-trianing was helped to his feet by Kagome. He laughed as he brushed himself off. "You are one hell of a fighter Kagome Higurashi."
She gave him a grin and rubbed her side. "So are you, Yusan."
"Kagome Higurashi," the Dovon beckoned her. "Make your choice." Kagome and Yusan both went to their knees before the Dovon. "Your fight with Yusan was but a taste of the hardship you will face in a bout come morning. You must understand that by taking up this mantle, you may not come out alive."
"I choose to fight in the final battle tomorrow morning in place of Inuyasha Dai," her voice clear and loud.
"Rise then, Kagome Higurashi, American competitor." Kagome got up and went closer to offer a proper allegiance when the Dovon caught her hand in his own. His skin was rough and warm, making her think once more of her father, or rather, what he would be like in future years.
"Why do you risk your life?" he asked quietly so that not even Yusan could hear. "It was deemed that woman should not fight in this tournament because men are more easily killers than they are. Mercy can not be shown in a fight for power."
Kagome had thought knew the answer since she was a child, but that would not be good enough for this man. Her family lineage was not an excuse to risk a life. It was then, looking at the Dovon, that Kagome finally understood her father's motives for wanting her as far from this place as she could get. That was when she finally understood that her reason for coming her, although partly stimulated by her excitement of getting to battle, had really been for an entirely different reason. The question was, would her answer be good enough for this man?
She decided that it would have to do.
"I love him."
He smiled sadly. "The reason for most things."
"If he were to fight tomorrow, he would die. I have a chance to win." Her voice was a silent has his had been. Kagome kissed the Dovon's hand and he released her from his gentle hold.
"Go and rest, young one, for you fight a great battle tomorrow." She nodded and with a final bow to the Dovon and Yusan, left the temple.
She now had another thing to do before facing Inuyasha. Sweatshirt in hand, she headed for the payphone she had discovered on her outing with Kouga. There were phones in the cabin, but this conversation was not meant to be overheard. It was actually outside of the arena, around back. Kagome pulled a calling card out of her sweatshirt, only used the night they arrived when she called to let Toutousai know they had arrived safely. Now Kagome had to call her father, because it could very well be the last time.
She dialed the number of her calling card, then called the number of her house in Grand Lake. It rang three times before a familiar voice answered it with traditional words, "What do you want?"
"Hi Daddy," she said smiling into the phone.
"Kagome!" His voice changed immediately. "I haven't heard from you in days, how is the idiot doing?" Kagome had to laugh despite the lump rising in her throat.
"Inuyasha is doing great Daddy. And the combatants!" She whistled out loud. "Some of them are so good Dad, I was on the edge of my seat through every match. Inuyasha's on fire though, he's made it to the final round." She just didn't have the heart to bring up the bad parts of the fights, Naraku or Kouga. She knew that she had to tell him what she had called to tell. "Daddy..." she began, voice catching.
"Kagome?" his voice was thick with concern, so soft that it made tears prickle the back of her eyes and then fill.
"Daddy, you know that I love you right?" She rushed it out before she had a chance to think it through.
"This sounds serious," he commented lightly, but didn't interrupt further.
"Things have happened here Dad, and I've gotten into a situation," she bit her lip to keep from crying. "I might not...what I mean is, if things don't go the way I hope..." She finally gave up on that approach because she couldn't bring herself to say that she might die to her father. "I just need you to know that I love you. And I need you to tell Sango and Miroku, and the kids," she sniffed deeply and wiped a few tears from her eyes. "Hiko, 'Haku, and Souta, tell then that I love them too." She was two seconds from bursting into sobs.
"Kagome, if something is wrong..." His voice trailed off, not knowing what to say.
"I have to go Daddy," Kagome said hurriedly, to stop her father from saying anything that would make her feel even worse. "I love you, and please tell the others that I love then too. I'll see you in a few days."
"I love you too Kagome." He sighed. "I'll tell them. Goodbye sweetheart."
"Bye Daddy." Kagome hung up the phone with a heavy heart. Wrapping her sweatshirt around her, to block out the cold that was more internal then external, she made her way up the hill toward the cabin, and to Inuyasha, not even trying to stop the tears that fell from her eyes or the pain that was growing in her heart.
She passed Kikyo on her way up; she was on her way down. Kikyo stopped abruptly when she saw Kagome, and Kagome quickly wiped the tears from her eyes when facing the other woman. Kikyo just looked at her for a long moment.
"Take care of him," she said suddenly. Kagome only blinked, looking from the woman to the cabin and back again. Kikyo turned to go but Kagome stopped her.
"I thought I would hate you," she said thoughtfully. "I thought you would be some kind of evil creature to break someone like him so badly."
"You need to know that I never wanted to hurt him." Kikyo turned and faced Kagome, who had now moved to where she was standing toe-to-toe with her. Kagome was actually three inches taller, but she felt somewhat smaller when looking at this woman. "It just…turned out like that."
Kagome didn't know why, but she stopped feeling intimidated, and started feeling disgusted. That was when she just shook her head. "I can't hate you," she said with a little bit of disappointment backing her words.
"I suppose I should be grateful for that," Kikyo said with a shrug. That was before Kagome slapped her across the side of the face. Kikyo gasped, and quickly recovered, covering her face with her hands. "What the fuck was that for!?" she shrieked.
"That was for me," Kagome said pensively. "I can't hate you because you aren't worth that. I can't compare myself to you because you and me are completely different. That," Kagome indicated her face with a nod of her head. "Was for all the pain you caused for me when I fell in love with Inuyasha."
Kikyo could only stare at her in horror before turning and fleeing. Maybe it was bad to have hit Kikyo, but Kagome didn't care at the moment. It had been hell for her trying to gain Inuyasha's trust, trying to get through to him. In the end, she'd probably be the one to get hurt again, but she would never regret her heart. And Kikyo would always regret letting him go.
A/N: Okay, this chapter was so long I had to cut it into two parts. The other part is also already written. I'll probably put it out on Tuesday. It's the lemon chapter, for all you who are awaiting it! (Don't worry, his leg may be broken, but the rest of him is fully functional!) Please remember to review!