Inuyasha stomped along the ground, still seething with anger of what Kagome had said to him. But he wasn't thinking about all that. I'm not THAT stupid, I'm not blind. Kagome thought I wouldn't see it ? Feh .. Inuyasha kicked a pebble as he trudged along in front of the silent group. I SAW her cry. She didn't have to be tough. I-I just don't know why she would say such a thing. I mean, it's KAGOME. Not ME ! Inuyasha was still clouded by his thoughts when he heard Miroku gasp, " Kikyou's soul collectors ! " he whispered.
Inuyasha broke away from his thoughts and turned to the direction Miroku was gazing at. There flew several of Kikyou's soul collectors gliding inside Inuyasha Forest.
" WAIT A SEC ! " screeched Sango, as she grabbed her boomerang, " Kagome's in there ! "
Inuyasha suddenly growled, " Lets go. " For a moment, he forgot all about what Kagome said, he just wanted to save her from whatever harm she was in. Quickly, Inuyasha leapt ahead of everybody and raced inside Inuyasha Forest ..
" Kagome, you won't have to suffer any longer. " Kikyou announced under her breath, drawing her arrow. She let the arrow go at Kagome ..
Kagome was still crying over Inuyasha when suddenly, her body was pulled away from the Goshinkobu Tree and flew across the forest. I-Inuyasha ? She thought weakly. No, no silvery white hair was flowing above her, no red haori wrapped around a masculine body, no piercing amber eyes, no Inuyasha. Instead, it was the Shiko no Tama. She was in danger, and it saved her life. " K-Kikyou ! Why are you trying to kill me .. ? " Kagome had no time to finish her question. Kikyou, furious that the arrow did not hit Kagome. She lunged at the helpless girl on the ground with her bows and arrows onto place, " DIE ! " Kikyou ordered as she flew right to Kagome's face.
She was just inches away from Kagome, when suddenly, Kagome vanished. Kikyou, in surprise, lost her balance and slammed right into the Goshinkobu Tree.
" Kikyou ! " yelled the voice that pulled Kagome away from Kikyou's reach.
" I-Inuyasha .. ? " Kagome watched in relief as the dog demon lay her on the ground. But instantly, she tensed up as she watched Inuyasha fly to Kikyou, who had injured herself from hitting into the tree.
" Kikyou ! Kikyou ! Are you alright ? " Inuyasha's voice was tender and caring, Kagome wanted to die right on that spot." I .. Inuyasha .. " Kikyou murmured. " Y-you saved me. "
Inuyasha immediately dropped her, but grabbed hold of her again, " Saved you ? How ? "
Kagome, who was still a distance away from the two, trembled. No Inuyasha ! It was her who hurt me ! Ask her how !
" I almost died. I was almost shot by the arrow. You caught me attacking Kagome. I was only doing what I was suppose to do. " Kikyou watched carefully as Inuyasha's face turned angry. Soon, Inuyasha. You and I shall go together into the place we were destined to be. Hell.
" K-Kagome shot you .. with an arrow ? " Inuyasha stuttered, not believing his ears.
" NO INUYASHA ! DON'T BELIEVE HER ! I DON'T EVEN HAVE MY BOW AND ARROWS WITH ME ! " Kagome screeched, but suddenly, slimy cold soul collectors surrounded her, mumbling her words.
" Yeah Kikyou. Kagome don't have her bow and arrows. What do you mean ? " Inuyasha continued in his gentle voice.
" She used mine, Inuyasha. She used mine. Ooh .. " Kikyou's eyelids drooped and she fell, motionless.
" Kikyou ! Kikyou ! Wake up ! No Kikyou ! " Inuyasha screamed in vain as he shook the miko violently. " No .. Kikyou .. "
" She's alright Inuyasha. She's just weak from battle. " Miroku called as he and the others caught up with the scene.
" Kagome ! Are you alright ? " asked Sango, as she bent down next to Kagome. It seemed the soul collectors had flew off.
Kagome opened her mouth to speak, but Inuyasha shot her the coldest glance she's ever saw, " Fuck that Sango. It's Kikyou you're suppose to be tending. Not the .. murderer. " Inuyasha emphasized the last word, and turned back to the unconscious Kikyou.
" What ? Kagome ! Kagome ! You attacked Kikyou ? But .. why ? "
Again, Kagome opened her mouth, tears welling up in her eyes, " Sango ! Did you not fucking hear me ?! I said LEAVE KAGOME ALONE. She deserves what she has done to my Kikyou ! " yelled Inuyasha, more furious than ever.
Your Kikyou ? Thought Kagome miserably. " Inuyasha .. I .. "
Inuyasha grunted as he lifted the dead miko, " Miroku, Sango, I'm going back to Kaede's hut first. You guys catch up after. " He didn't even bother with Kagome's name.
" O-o-okay Inuyasha. But be careful. " warned Miroku, as he glided up to Sango and Kagome.
Suddenly, Kagome shrieked. " INUYASHA YOU BASTARD ! You won't even hear MY side of the story ! How do you know Kikyou's not .. "
" Shut up Kagome ! Don't be all angelic about this shit ! Don't say you did nothing, because I'll have a fucking hard time believing cause you ruin everything. Why should I believe you now ? " interrupted Inuyasha, his voice loud and mad.
" Inuyasha .. I .. didn't .. " Kagome's lower lip trembled but Inuyasha continued.
" I don't need this shit and Kikyou doesn't either ! You know fucking what ? The next time I see you guys I expect Kagome BACK in her own time ! I don't even care if you seal the well ! Because I would never care ! " Inuyasha's words poured out recklessly out of him.
So he DID say that. I thought Kikyou was lying. But she didn't .. Kagome dropped to her knees and stared blankly at the ground. Sango and Miroku exchanged worried glances, as Shippou began to cry.
" Shut up you stupid kitsune ! You should leave too ! You should all leave ! I don't need you all ! " Inuyasha screamed and ran off with Kikyou in his arms.
Sango looked on as Inuyasha disappeared from view, " What has gotten into him .. ? "
Miroku shook his head. " He's probably just mad. You know how it is. But the important thing is about Kagome. Is she alright ? "
They both peered down at Kagome, whose eyes were hidden by her bangs. But they could all see tear drops staining the earthen ground beneath her. A second later, Kagome fell motionless to the ground. She was unconscious.
" Poor girl. So stressed up. Come on Miroku, bring Kirara over here. We'll put her .. " Sango froze as her fists clenched.
BANG !" There goes my fantasy .. " sighed Miroku, his hand dropping from Sango's butt to the bump on his head.
Kagome woke up, pain throbbing in her head. She could remember everything perfectly. Inuyasha wanted her gone. And here she was, in KAEDE'S HUT, where INUYASHA and Kikyou were. Kagome sat up and sighed. Nobody would notice if I just left. Maybe I should gather up my stuff and just .. leave. Forever. Kagome slowly stumbled up and retrieved her bag next to her. She was about to pick up her bow and arrows when she paused. No. This will remind me of Inuy .. uh .. Feudal Japan too much. I'll leave this here for Shippou to remember me. Kagome felt a wave of guilt when Shippou would find out his second ' mother ' would leave him. He'll survive. He'll always have Sango. Kagome smiled to herself, and picked up her bag. I'll just tiptoe out and ..
" Kagome ? You're awake. I'm so glad. " Sango's voice appeared from behind her. Kagome jumped half a foot.
" H-hi Sango. " Kagome replied cheerfully, trying to cover up her disappointed look.
Sango walked up to Kagome and laid a hand on her shoulder, " Oh Kagome, don't leave. Inuyasha didn't take the stuff he said. He was just mad cause he thought you hurt Kikyou. I know you didn't, but Inuyasha will be hard to convince. He likes you, I know he does. And I know you like him too.Don't leave. It'll be so hard without you. " Sango's eyes started to water, and Kagome smiled back at her. " Oh I'm so sorry Sango. Of course I wouldn't leave, what made you think that ? " Sango stared at the backpack on Kagome's shoulder, " Sure .. "
The two started to giggle when a white haired dog demon stormed in. His wander to Sango, then go Kagome, but quickly looked away to the hidden lump in the corner. It was Kikyou. She was there the whole time ? Did she hear Sango and Kagome's conversation ? Oh well .. it wasn't important was it ?
" Hey Sango, what's that thing doing here ? I thought she went back to her own time ? " Inuyasha casually said to Sango, trying to avoid Kagome's eyes.
" Go look after Kikyou, Inuyasha. " Sango sighed as she held back Kagome from saying anything.
" No need to tell me. " Inuyasha rushed to Kikyou quickly, which made Kagome's heart throb even more. How can he care for her so much ? Oh yeah ..he l .. l .. likes her. Kagome's eyes felt a burn of hot water, but she sniffed them back in. Sango turned to her, " I have to look for Miroku and Shippou now. You stay here and just rest. " In a lower voice she said, " Don't worry about Inuyasha, just pretend he's not there. " Sango left the hut quickly.
" No Sango, don't .. leave. " Kagome called quietly after her friend. She sighed as she watched Sango soar away with Kirara. Then, she turned to Inuyasha, who was strangely looking at her, but quickly turned back to Kikyou when Kagome saw him. What's HE looking at ?
The two ignored each other as they worked. Inuyasha looked at Kikyou, who was sleeping peacefully on his straw mat. Kaede should be back with those herbs by now. What's taking her so long ? Inuyasha thought, irritated. He took a peek at Kagome then. Kagome was just bandaging up her shoulder, Inuyasha wondered why. She looks so sad. Does she regret hurting Kikyou ? Why did she anyways .. " What happened to your shoulder ? " Inuyasha blurted out, then silently scolded himself for caring, uh I mean, asking.
Kagome looked up, surprised he'd even talk to her, but more that he asked her that, like he .. ca .. yeah. " Just a sprain. That's all. Thanks for asking though. "
" Feh, wasn't asking. Just wondering. Humans are so weak .. " Inuyasha smirked and turned back to Kikyou.
" Kikyou's a human. " Kagome said, but quickly regretted it as Inuyasha stiffened.
" Don't talk about Kikyou this way, wench. You are the one who hurt her and that's why she's down .. " Kagome suddenly stood up. Inuyasha stared at her strangely. " What are you doing ? Sit back down ! Sango didn't tell you to leave ! "
" I didn't hurt her Inuyasha. Why can't you believe me ? Just .. once ? You don't even know half of it. I'm sorry for letting you be so stupid. Goodbye Inuyasha. " Kagome retorted coldly and stormed out of the hut, with her things behind.
Inuyasha just sat there, flexing his claws. S-stupid ?!?
Kagome walked off, her mind spinning. Why was I so mean to Inuyasha ? I'm never EVER like this. Is it because I'm .. jealous ? NO WAYKagome stopped short when she sensed a jewel shard heading their way. Fast. Was it Kouga ? No .. it was much, much BIGGER. " Bigger ? " squeaked Kagome, as she looked into the sky.
A twenty foot red dragon demon blocked the skies from its reach and flew directly at Kagome. He wants the shards ! He wants the shards ! No ! Inuyasha ! Where are you ?! Kagome's eyes widened with fear as the demon headed right to her. She turned to run, but the demon knocked her off her feet and she was thrown a long distance against the Goshinkobu Tree. " Must .. protect .. the shards. " Kagome reached behind her back for a bow, but felt nothing but her school uniform fabric. Damn ! Why do I keep leaving my stuff when I need it ?! Kagome looked up. The monster was coming at her again ! The only choice for her was to run. She got up and ran as fast as she could into Inuyasha Forest. Again. But the demon was faster. His mouth tried to scoop up Kagome, but Kagome jumped and was tossed once again across inside the forest, where nobody can hear her cries. Except somebody with super good hearing ears. Somebody, like Inuyasha.
Inuyasha gently wrapped another bandage around Kikyou's head, as her brows furrowed. " Don't move, Kikyou .. " Inuyasha froze. His ears twitched, and heard someone screaming. He recognized it well. Kagome ! She's in danger ! Inuyasha glanced behind him. She had left her bows and arrows. " Shit .. " he muttered. He couldn't leave Kikyou, but he can't let Kagome get hurt, no matter how much he's mad at her. Reluctantly, he stood up, glanced at Kikyou one last time and dashed off to the screams echoing through the forest.
" HELP ME ! LEAVE ME ALONE YOU STUPID DEMON ! GO AWAY ! I HAVE NOTHING YOU WANT ! SHOO ! " yelled Kagome boldly at the giant red dragon. All that did was make it hiss and near her more. He opened his big mouth and smoke started to come out of it.
" NO ! HE'S GONNA BURN ME ALIVE ! " screamed Kagome, desperate to escape, but the demon had wrapped its whole body around Goshinkobu Tree she was leaning against. " DAMN ! " she shrieked as she looked around, panicked. If Inuyasha was here ..
" IRON REAVER SOUL STEALER ! " the demon was immediately cut in half, by a swipe of claws. The big demon collapsed right behind the attacker.
Kagome's face brightened up, " Inuyasha ! " She was about to run into his arms, when she saw the look in his face. She paused halfway from running.
Inuyasha's face was blank, but his eyes were angered and glowing with hate. Kagome was frightened and backed away. " W-what ? " she managed to stutter.
" YOU STUPID LITTLE WENCH ! YOU MADE ME COME ALL THE WAY OUT HERE JUST FOR THAT STUPID DEMON ! WHY .. " Inuyasha's old self showed and was yelling at Kagome again.
" WELL YOU DIDN'T HAVE TO ! YOU SHOULD'VE JUST LET ME .. die .. " Kagome stopped yelling and bit her lip.
Inuyasha's eyes widened in surprised. Did she really think I'd let her die ? Inuyasha didn't say anything, just huffed and glared at Kagome. " Hah ! You'd die faster than that if I leave you alone. " Inuyasha snapped his fingers, ignoring Kagome's comment about letting her die.
" Well .. " Kagome paused and look over Inuyasha's shoulders. The demon who was sliced in half started to move. Wait. I sensed a shard in the beginning. A shard .. that means .. " INUYASHA ! LOOK OUT BEHIND YOU ! THE DEMON HAS A SHARD IN HIM ! " Kagome shrieked at Inuyasha, as he stared at her in confusion.
" Wha .. ? A shar .. " Inuyasha was cut off by a huge swipe by the demon's tail from behind. It knocked Inuyasha off his feet and send him flying. It slid to a stop in front of Goshinkobu Tree. " Damn you stupid demon. " cursed Inuyasha under his breath as he got up. He then drew out his Tetsusaiga, as it transformed into a huge sword. " DIE YOU DAMN DEMON ! " yelled Inuyasha as he approached the demon. But the demon dodged him easily and knocked him out next to the tree again. But he wasn't interested in Inuyasha, he was more interested in Kagome. He turned to the frightened girl on the ground and lunged for it.
" KAGOME ! " Inuyasha yelled, as he struggled to get up. Kagome just watched as the monster drew closer .. and closer ..