" Kagome ! Kagome ! Wake up ! Don't do this to me ! Kagome, please ! " Inuyasha shrieked at Kagome's still face in his arms. " Kagome ! Wake up ! Don't leave me here ! Please ! " Inuyasha grabbed Kagome by the shoulders and shook her violently, " Kagome ! "
Kagome stirred mildly and gazed at Inuyasha tenderly. In her heart, she knew he couldn't save her this time. With all of her strength, she raised a trembling hand to his cheek and stroked it tenderly. " I-Inuyasha. I'm sorry. I-I tried. "
" No ! Don't say that, Kagome ! Please, don't say that ! " Inuyasha cried, as he tried to hold back tears that blurred his vision.
Giving Inuyasha her strongest smile, which was merely a smile, Kagome spoke softly, " P-please be careful. I'll always be by your side wherever you are, okay ? I will always love you, I-Inuyasha, no matter what happens. You will always remain in my heart, wherever it travels. I love you. D-don't forget me .. " Kagome tried to keep her smile, but slowly, she began to drift away. Her eyelids closed in, and her hand on Inuyasha's cheek dropped to her side.
" No Kagome ! I love you .. please don't .. no .. please don't go. Kagome .. " Inuyasha's voice dropped to a mere whisper as he watched Kagome's pale face remain still, not answering his cries.
" KAGOME ! " Inuyasha screamed as he broke down in sobs. Burying his face in Kagome's hair, Inuyasha let himself go for the first time in his life, " No .. Kagome .. "
Inuyasha continued to shake Kagome. Through the morning, past the afternoon, and the night came. If Inuyasha had to shake Kagome forever to bring her back, so be it. He will spend the rest of his life with her, he didn't give a damn. Nothing would ever replace the feeling Inuyasha was feeling. He would never see that beautiful smile Kagome wore, would never feel the special touch on his shoulder, the happiness she spreaded to him, and the feeling of being wanted for the first time. He would never have those things again. Never.
As the new moon rose above his head, Inuyasha transformed into a human. Inuyasha stopped shaking Kagome and realized Kagome won't ever see him human ever again. His heart felt it was pierced with the arrow, as a flood of tears welled his eyes up. Nothing can bring back the peace to Inuyasha's heart as he slowly realized he was the cause to this. Everything was ruined. Thanks to him.
Clouded by horrible thoughts of his future, he didn't realized Kikyou still stood above him and Kagome. She watched as Inuyasha shook Kagome ridiculously, watched as he first cried, and watched when he first transformed human. Above all this, this was all Kikyou cared about. Speaking heartlessly as she was, she stepped up to Inuyasha, " Inuyasha, you are now shaking at a girl with no soul. I am sorry for your sake, but you are just wasting your time with someone who is not here with us any longer. I believe you should come with me now, since she means nothing to you, a mere jewel detector .. " Kikyou paused, startled that Inuyasha had finally stopped shaking her.A small smile of victorypasted her lips andshe went on, confident, " I believe you had made your decision. Let us go now. " Kikyou glanced at Inuyasha, and watched him slowly rise.
He slowly faced Kikyou and she couldn't help but take a step back in surprise. Never had she seen Inuyasha's face like this. Not even in battles when he fought face to face with Naraku.Inuyasha looked at Kikyou with such hate and anger, it caused Kikyou to swallow and hold back a gasp. In his most dangerous voice, Inuyasha spoke, " A mere jewel detector that stayed by my side when I was an outcast to the day you and I stand. A mere jewel detector that got hurt in battles and didn't complain a bit, but helped others wounded instead. A mere jewel detector that gave everybody second chances, including me. A mere jewel detector that I now know how hard it is without her. You know what ? This mere jewel detector means everything to me. " Inuyasha stood up with Kagome safely in his arms. " A mere jewel detector who never complained when I saw you. A mere jewel detector that helped me to get to you. A mere jewel detector that never tried to hurt you. A mere jewel detector that finally showed me how I made an ass of myself picking you. " With those final words, Inuyasha turned around and walked away from Kikyou, leaving her alone. Standing alone. Again.
Inuyasha stepped inside Kaede's hut, facing worried and shocked people. Sango and Miroku quickly scrambled up as Kaede escorted a protesting Shippou away. Sango took one look at the arrow seated nicely in Kagome's heart, she broke down in tears on Miroku's comforting shoulder. Miroku's face was downcast as he took Kagome from Inuyasha's arms and laid her down on a straw mat. Inuyasha stood above Kagome and looked at Sango desperately. " Please help her. " Inuyasha said in a whisper.
Sango quickly nodded and scurried over to Kagome. Miroku brought out Kaede's herbs and spellbooks and sat right next to Sango. Inuyasha looked at the two working, and cleared his throat. The two snapped their head at Inuyasha, " I'd like to stay with Kagome through your process." Sango and Miroku smiled gently and went back to researching. Through the rest of the night, Sango and Miroku worked all their ways into getting the arrow out of Kagome without harming her.
The night passed, as dawn slowly broke by. The morning passed, and the afternoon crept in. The three in Kaede's hut were still hovering overthe poor lifeless girl.They haven't eaten in two days, slept nor spoke. Sango and Miroku mumbled words to each other occasionally, but Inuyasha stayed still for two days. Sango's heart would break every time she looked at Inuyasha. He would ocassionally be peering at Kagome's face sadly, like he was trying to find a piece of life in her, or sniffing her hair timidly, trying not to make it obvious he was still trying to remember her scent. If not, he would be gently stroking her cheek, as if she could still feel it. Sango had the worse feeling in her stomach what Inuyasha would do if they didn't find a way to bring Kagome back. Miroku would try to offer food and water to Inuyasha, but he would just look at Miroku sadly and say, " No thanks."
Finally, as the early evening settled in, Sango and Miroku took in a deep sigh and looked at each other worriedly. Both had come up with nothing, not even a little clue of how tobring her soul back.Butboth of them had not thecourage to report to Inuyasha theterrible news, who would be staring sadly at the wooden floor or at his beloved Kagome. Finally, Miroku made the choice and cleared his throat. Inuyasha snapped his head up, with hope brimming in his amber pools. Seeing this, Miroku wanted to freeze time forever so he wouldn't have to say it.
Swallowing, he looked at the hopeful hanyou solemnly and took a deep breath, " Inuyasha, I have not very good news. As hard as Sango and I tried to find a way to take the arrow out of Kagome, we have failed. We are sorry. It's hard for us and we know it's harder for you. But I think Kikyou would be able to .. " Miroku stopped instantly as Inuyasha took Kagome and carried her outside without saying a word.
Sango sighed and placed a hand on Miroku's shoulder. " He just needs time alone. " Miroku nodded sadly and Sango couldn't help but feel sorry for the monk. As much as he was perverted, it was obvious he was desperately worried for Inuyasha. She looked at him sympathetically, not noticing the hand creeping behind her back ..
Inuyasha walked out of the hut, ignoring the loudsmack and screaminside. He carried Kagome inside Inuyasha Forest and laid her in front of the Goshinkobu Tree, the tree that brought them together.He could still remember when Kagome scrambled up from the ground yelling at him saying, " Kikyou, Kikyou, KIKYOU ! Whoever she is,she's not ME ! " she'd go up to his face and shout, " My name is KAGOME ! KA-GO-ME ! "
Inuyashasmiledat the thought, buthis first smile in days dissipatedwhen he looked at Kagome, pale and shriveled up against the tree. Inuyasha bent down to her and tucked a long strand of hair out of her pale, cold face. He stroked her gently, and let himself whisper " I love you. "
He bit his lip, and fought the lump growing in his throat. It was all my fault. It's always my fault to her dangers. Finally, comes to this, huh ?
Inuyasha's brows furrowed and he let out a long yell. Angerat himself boiled withinhim and it was the only way of getting out. He smacked his fist against the earth, causing itto crack and tear the tree roots. He pulled back andflopped on his back, breathing heavily.
So this is what I deserve for not taking care of her.But why Kagome?Why is this happening to her, it wasn't her fault... Inuyasha screamed, and dropped to his knees helplessly. Tears brushed from his eyes as he grabbed Kagome by the shoulders recklessly. " Damn it Kagome ! Wake up already ! I can't standseeing you like this,WAKE UP!" Inuyasha shrieked as he shook Kagome hard, causing her head to bash against the tree. Inuyasha screamed to himself, as he quickly pulled Kagome close to him. He embraced her tightly and buried his head in her hair that stilllingered with her scent.Using a mere whisper, Inuyasha spoke to the dead girl he held, " I'm sorry. "
The hut was deadly silent, and it lingered with sadness. All was sound asleep, making up the days they have not slept,but one. Inuyasha. He had Kagome in his lap, pale and still. Inuyasha hated her expression. He wanted to slap her and awake her from the endless coma she was in.
If I knew this would happen, I would've told her how I felt about her earlier. Damn this .. Inuyasha dropped his head and stroked Kagome's cheek again. He'd do that once in a while, still pretending she was still there with him.
Suddenly, Inuyasha stood up. He tore off the top of his haori and laid it over Kagome's body. He would still be with her that way even if he wasn't. And he wasn'tever going to be.Glancing one more time at his companions, laying restlessly on their straw mats, Inuyasha leapt into the night. Kagome would never want me to do this, but it's the only way to bring her back. Better one sad than everybody else... Inuyasha thought as he lunged inside Inuyasha Forest.He slowly walkedto the middle of the forest and crossed his arms. His ears twitched once and a whileand he glared at the trees," Kikyou, I know you're out there somewhere. If you don't come out right now, I'll comeand get you. "
Suddenly, a pale miko in a red and white kimono walked into the clearing. She looked at Inuyasha with grey hollow eyes, as her raven black hair blew gracefully behind her. Inuyasha winced as it reminded him so much of Kagome. He didn't realize it, but everything reminded him of Kagome. He didn't understand how precious something was, until you lose them. But now he did and he would sacrifice everything he had to bring it back.
Kikyou clutched onto her bow and arrows, " What is it, hanyou ? " Her voice was hard and uninviting, but Inuyasha ignored it. He had came here for business, and he's going to tell it Kikyou whether she liked it or not.
He stepped up slowly to Kikyou, " Don't worry, I'm not asking you back, " with a hollow smirk he went on, " I came here to talk about Kagome's .. seal. " Inuyasha stiffened at the mention of her name, it even pained him to say it aloud.
Kikyou's face suddenly portrayed a empty smile, and she nodded, "Yes?"
Inuyashasaw it and hated her for it, he swiped the air threatenly," Wipe that smile off your face, Kikyou. It doesn't deserve Kagome's dea .. issue. "
Kikyou's smile disappeared, turning into a deep frown, " What I want to do, Inuyasha, is none of your concern. If this is all you came to tell me, I shall leave. "
" No. " Inuyasha quickly said and swallowed. " I .. need you. Your help. " Inuyasha took a deep breath and walked right up to his former love. This is it. If Kikyou agrees with me, I will never see Kagome again.
He took a deep breath and nodded at the woman in front of him. I'm sorry Kagome... I love you.
Hmm .. where am I ? Kagome Higurashi thought sleepily. Suddenly, she bolted up from a soft cloth with a familiarsmell. She carefully picked it up and examined it. She let out a little gasp, and confusion ran over her face. If Inuyasha's clothes are here, where is HE ? Kagome shrugged and giggled. Probably off beating up Shippou Again. Poor baby .. Kagome scrambled up and stretched, her back aching like crazy. " Ugh, why am I so stiff anyways ? It's like I haven't moved for days. " Kagome walked out of the empty hut and took a deep breath. It's great to live! What a beautiful day! Kagome smiled to herself andin the distant, saw three figures approaching the hut.Two big ones, and a tiny little one. Happiness coursed through her veins and Kagome could've never been more happy. It's like I haven't seen them for days! What's up with that ? Kagome approached Sango, Miroku and Shippou who looked surprised to see her.
" You guys ! Hi ! " Kagome laughed wholeheartedly and embraced the first two. Suddenly, she felt them stiffen. She pulledback and studied their blank faces carefully.
" You guys .. ? Shippou, what's wrong with Sango and Miroku .. " Kagome drifted off as she stared at the quiet kitsune. Whoa, something is definitely up. Shippou's quiet !Kagome planted her hands on her hips, " What is UP with you guys ? Why so quiet for, it's a beautiful day ! " She threw her arms up into the air inemphasis. "Besides, where Inuyasha ?" Kagome suddenly felt a rush of excitement as she looked around. She felt so happy, she didn't even notice the sudden downcast on her three friends' faces.
Kagome turned back to them with a smile on her face, and confusion swept over her. Sango breathing heavily, and Miroku was patting her with a melancholy look on his face. Shippouwas looking dully at thegrass, plucking itall out. Seeing this,Kagome couldn't take it any longer. " You guys ! What's going on ?! Where's Inuyasha !?"
Sango turned away as Miroku placed a soft hand on Kagome's shoulder. " Kagome, we need to talk. "
Kagome suddenly pulled away, frightened. " What is it ? Has Inuyasha returned to Kikyou ? "
Miroku and Sango exchanged worried glances and quickly nodded to assure her, " No. Well, we have to talk about that. "
Kagome nodded reluctantly, not wanting to hear it, but curious at the same time. " Okay, lets go back to Kaede's. I'll make ramen and tea, and we can all sit around and chit chat. " Kagome smiled at the thought of them without Inuyasha's interruptions of demanding to get up and go look for more jewel shards. But she missed the hanyou for some reason. She prepared for the fun afternoon she and her friends would have as they walked back to Kaede's. But she has no idea.
" More tea, Miroku ? " Kagome asked at a troubled Miroku. He seemed startled at Kagome's voice but shook his head quickly. " No Kagome. Thank you. Um .. " Miroku closed his eyes and rubbed his temples. Sango hugged Shippou in her arms a little more tighter.
Kagome waited for someone to talk as she tapped her fingers impatiently. Does it take them THAT long to produce info ?
Finally, Sango spoke, " Kagome, do you remember anything that happened the past couple days ? "
Kagome bunched her lips to the side and thought. " No. Not really actually. Do you guys know why ? "
" Yes. " They all said in unison.
" Well .. then what ? " She asked impatiently. Goodness, Inuyasha was sure rubbing off on her.
" Kagome .. " Miroku started, looking incredibly uncomfortable. " You have been sleeping for two days. You got shot by an arrow of Kikyou's. "
Kagome stiffened at the name. " She, what ? "
Sango sighed, " She shot you with an arrow, Kagome. You were asleep for two days, but, the arrow was meant to be forever. But .. um, here is why Inuyasha is not here. "
Suddenly, Kagome shot up and grabbed Sango by the shoulders, " Tell me where he is ! Where is Inuyasha ? Has he gone with Kikyou ? Are they .. together .. ? Oh god .. " Kagome sunk to the ground, a wave of dread cascading upon her. I was absent for two days,two little days! And he goes with Kikyo and leaves me here.. Oh, Inuyasha .. Kagome bit her lip from crying, as Sango placed a hand on Kagome's trembling shoulder.
" Kagome, this is not what you think. " Sango said, smiling weakly at Kagome.
" W-what is it then ? " Kagome asked, as fear started to boil inside of her.
" He's dead. "
A/N : Not finished yet, hold your horses ;)