Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha. Inuyasha-tachi belongs to Rumiko Takahashi. This is my seventh fanfic for Inu. The lyrics in this fic are NOT mine. Pweese don't sue. Italics, although I don't know if they actually appear, mean a characters thoughts. Parentheses are my thoughts. Please read, review, and then read my other fics! Pleeeeeeeese! "Halloween Joy" seems to have had the best results from my fanfics. To my reviewers: Gomen-naisi for not answering your reviews, but I'm still trying to figure out how. The beginning is a series of flashbacks followed by Kagome's singing as well as her memories/thoughts. On with the story.
Due to the demand of my reviewers, this story has been edited. The story is the same, but with the author notes at the end. The A/N's are numbered and relocated at the end. EMAIL OR REVIEW IF THERE ARE ANY QUESTIONS.
Search for Happiness
Chapter 1: Pained Parting, A Miko's Sorrow
She stood on the top of the hill. Her raven hair fluttered in the breeze. Tears spilled off her cheeks and onto the dewy grass. Her eyes held sorrow from her heart and soul. Her words carried pain beyond belief.
Flashback.
"Kikyou, I'm the only one that can protect you from Naraku. I haven't stopped thinking about you for a moment." They embraced and kissed. He was oblivious to the other girl calling to him from her position tied to a tree.
Flashback.
"Kikyou, I promise I'll never leave your side. I'll protect you forever." Inuyasha and Kikyou.
Flashback.
Inuyasha stopped suddenly and raced off, whispering one single word. "Kikyou."
Flashback.
"Get your filthy hands off her Naraku!" Inuyasha yelled with fury when Naraku kidnapped Kikyou.
Flashback.
The group was rapidly moving toward the news of a jewel shard. Inuyasha stopped abruptly. "Get off, Kagome." He sped off towards…Kikyou.
Flashback.
At the well, Kagome was about to leave. "Get back here wench! What's so important about those test thingies! Finding jewel shards is more important! You're the only one who can sense them! Kikyou wouldn't have kept running off."
Flashback.
"If it was Kikyou, she would have hit the target. You're just a weak, useless, pathetic human."
Flashback.
Inuyasha hugged Kikyou and said, "Aishiteru, Kikyou. I always did. I always will. I love only you." Kagome stood frozen in the back. Tears poured down her face. She retreated slowly. Running from the clearing, she stumbled and fell. Getting up again, she tore through the woods, heedless of the low-hanging branches that scratched her face. Heedless of the sharp objects underfoot. She ran without really seeing. Her only thought was of Inuyasha and Kikyou. Inuyasha telling Kikyou that he loved only her. Golden eyes gazing tenderly into dead brown eyes, totally unaware. Past the well. Past the great Goshinboku tree. A trail of tears. At last, she reached the zenith of the hill. Looking out at the expanse of forest, she wept.
End Flashbacks.
He would never love her. He didn't know her. His heart was taken by Kikyou. And hers was left in the dust. Broken. Shattered. Bleeding.
'He never stops thinking of her. He'll never forget her. He'll go after her no matter what. She won't run off. She's strong. She's skillful. She's not pathetic. He loved her. He loves her. He'll always love her. He'll only love her.'
Her mind recalled all the times that he called her names and shouted that the only thing that was important was the jewel. But that wasn't the only thing that was important to him, was it? Kikyou. She was more important. When she was in the area, all thoughts of jewel shards and everything else were discarded from his mind.
'I am lost. I am alone. My spirit is dead. Feel the wind. I do not feel. See the painted colors of the setting sun. I do not see. Smell the scent of the forest pine and the earthy soil. I cannot smell. Hear the crackling of a fire, the chirping of the birds, the gurgling of a stream, the rustling of the leaves. I cannot hear. All is dead to me.'
She fell to her knees. She cried out, "Why?! Why do I hurt so much inside?" After a moment, she whispered into the wind, "Because I love him." Pain welled and spilled over. Her song began as a mere whisper but grew as her sorrow grew.
(Lyrics of My Immortal by Evanescence, which, by the way, I do not own, though I wish I did.)
"I'm so tired of being here"
Flashback.
"Inuyasha! Please! I have to go back! I miss my family! I'm skipping so much school that I'll fail! I'll be gone for only a day or two!"
"Feh! Searching for Shikon shards is more important! You can't go!"
End Flashback.
"Suppressed by all my childish fears And if you have to leave I wish that you would just leave Cause your presence still lingers here And it won't leave me alone These wounds won't seem to heal This pain is just too real There's just too much that time can not erase"
Flashback.
"Can I stay with you Inuyasha? I know you love Kikyou, but I just want to stay by your side. I just want to help you. I love you." Inuyasha stood, not answering.
End Flashback.
"When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears"
Flashback.
"Inuyasha, are you crying? Don't. We're all right. Everyone's all right. We all survived." Kagome walked toward him.
"Oi wench! Who said I'm crying. Even if I was, I wouldn't cry for some weak human!"
End Flashback.
"When you screamed I'd fight away all of your fears And I held your hand through all of these years But you still have all of me"
Flashback. (1)
"You don't have to force yourself to stay by me." Inuyasha said to Kagome who just sat staring at him with an expression of utmost sorrow. "What's your problem! Ya'know, I wish you'd all just stop pussyfooting around me." Inuyasha groused and then shouted, "Because I don't have a problem with what I did!"
Kagome looked at him solemnly and said, "Don't kid yourself." A slight breeze ruffled his silver, white locks. Kagome thought, it must be so hard on him. Inuyasha's eyes widened when he feels Kagome's hands on each shoulder and her head resting on his left shoulder as she knelt beside/behind him. She says quietly with feeling, "Oh Inuyasha, I know how you feel."
End Flashback. (2)
'I guess all of the time we spent together meant nothing to him. I'm just a shard detector.'
Kagome's pain increased with each expressive word of the song. Her pain rang sharply in each note as the wind carried these agonizing notes on its trek to the ears of many. A miko's pain as her heart shatters is not something you want to experience. For when a miko truly loves someone and becomes heartbroken, her pain is amplified and can be heard by even human ears. (Okay, so, that's not really true, but who cares! It's my story, and I'll do what I wanna! ::pout:: This way, Not only Inuyasha will hear.) "These wounds won't seem to heal This pain is just too real There's just too much that time can not erase When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears When you scream I'd fight away all of your fears And I held your hand through all of these years But you still have all of me I've tried so hard to tell myself that you're gone But though you're still with me I've been alone all along"
Flashback.
"Aishiteru, Kikyou. I always did. I always will. I love only you." These painful words rocketed through her mind, accompanied by the vision of Inuyasha hugging Kikyou.
End Flashback.
Shippou and Kirara played under the Goshinboku, both wondering where Inuyasha and Kagome were, but not really worrying, as they thought Kagome would have found Inuyasha by now and was probably out with him somewhere. Kaede mixed herbs in the hut. Miroku sat by Sango, sneaking peeks at her bosom and getting many lumps and earaches. Sango polished her bone boomerang till it gleamed in the sunlight. They had awakened to find Inuyasha gone. Kagome had become worried and gone to search. None had suspected anything to happen.
'I wonder where Kagome is. I've been feeling this presence near, but I can't pinpoint it. It's probably just a figment of my imagination. I hope Kagome's safe.'
'I hope Lady Kagome is with Inuyasha. There seems to be a foreboding presence around.'
Shippou and Kirara heard it first. The breeze carried the voice of a woman. It sounded so grief-stricken. "Miroku, do you hear that?" The little kitsune asked the houshi. 'This voice, it sounds so familiar!'
Miroku and Sango looked up. They didn't hear anything but the wind. They strained their ears, but there was no need. They could soon hear the voice as well, without straining. It was a sweet voice, one that could have driven the great Lord of the Western Lands into a deep, blissful slumber. The dulcet tones that normally would have soothed and been cheerful, were filled with anguish. Sango and Miroku looked at each other. This voice was so familiar, but who was it?
Soon the song penetrated the walls of the hut and drifted to Kaede's ears. She came out. Never before had she heard something so full of sorrow.
"Kaede-sama, what is happening? Who is it?"
"I don't know Sango, child." They sat listening to the sad verses.
"KAGOME!" Shippou suddenly shouted. "That's Kagome's voice!" Sango and Miroku looked shocked. When they listened more carefully, they realized as well that it was Kagome.
"If we can hear her, then she must be very close. By how loud it sounds, I would expect her to be right beside me!"
"It's a miko's pain."
"Lady Kaede?"
"When a miko suffers from extreme pain, her pain can be heard from afar. Depending on the power of the miko and the intensity of the pain, her song could be heard from only a few feet from her to miles from her."
"We have to find Kagome! How did this happen! I thought Kagome was with Inuyasha! Did a demon attack her? Is she all alone?" Shippou babbled in panic.
"It'll be all right Shippou. We'll find Kagome. She'll be fine. Come on houshi-sama." Miroku, Sango, Kirara, and Shippou raced off to try to track down their friend.
Inuyasha held Kikyou in a tight embrace. The scent of death clouded his nose. "Aishiteru, Kikyou. I always did. I always will. I love only you." Inuyasha said to her.
"What about my reincarnation?"
"I still need her to find the shards to avenge you." 'I love you Kagome, but I love Kikyou too. (You don't love Kikyou, Inuyasha! You're just confused!) I wonder where you are now my Kagome. You'll never love me. At least Kikyou loved me once.'
As they clutched each other, a melody came to their ears. "I'm so tired of being here… These wounds won't seem to heal…This pain is just too real…There's just too much that time can not erase…And I held your hand through all of these years…But you still have all of me…I've tried so hard to tell myself that you're gone…But though you're still with me…I've been alone all along…"
Inuyasha's sensitive ears captured each word. Who was singing? Where was she hiding? How come he didn't sense her presence? 'Kagome! Is that you? You're so sad! Where are you that I can hear your voice so well! Did a demon attack while I was gone?' "I must go, Kikyou."
Inuyasha took off toward the village, thinking that a demon had attacked. When he arrived, he found only Kaede.
"Inuyasha! Is Kagome with you?"
"Why would she be with me Kaede-babaa! Where is everyone!?"
"They went to find Kagome. She must be hurt badly. Her miko's pain can be heard for miles on end!" Inuyasha raced off toward the scent of his friends.
Sango and Miroku rode on Kirara while Shippou floated along in his balloon shape. Down below on a hilltop, they suddenly spotted Kagome. She was alone, and she seemed unharmed. They landed next to her.
"Kagome? Kagome. Are you okay?" Sango asked. Her friend sat with tears still pouring down her cheeks. She didn't seem to see any of them or hear them. "Where's Inuyasha?" Kagome turned to face her friends. Her eyes glowed with a silver, purple/pink light.
Shippou approached his adoptive mother cautiously.
"Kagome? -san?" He started to cry. Finally, at Shippou's trembling voice, Kagome snapped out of her trance-like state.
"Oh Shippou-chan!" Kagome leaned over and embraced the kitsune tightly.
"Lady Kagome, what happened? Are you hurt?"
"Yes I am hurt. Not these miniscule scratches." Her friends looked at her. She was bleeding almost everywhere from where the many branches hit her in her plight from Inuyasha. "My pain is in…my heart. I lost him to her. I am weak. He knows. He thinks this. I know. I am alone." Kagome rambled on. Sango and Miroku kneeled by their friend and wrapped their arms around her, heedless of the blood and tears. Kirara curled up by her feet.
"Kagome. You'll never be alone! We love you. Miroku, Shippou, Kirara, Kaede, your family, and I. We are your friends, and we'll never leave you. I'll get Inuyasha for what he's done to you."
"Lady Kagome, please come back with us. We need you." Kagome gradually stopped crying as her friends continued to bring her back from the edge. They brought her back to Kaede's hut.
Inuyasha tore through the woods, listening to the song, when it stopped abruptly. He continued in the direction of Kagome's scent. It led him to an empty hilltop. He could tell that the rest of the group had been there only moments before. He could also smell her tears and blood, but no demon. Turning back, he raced toward the village. Bursting out of the trees, he flung open the door of Kaede's hut. What he saw nearly tore his heart out. Before him, on a bed, was Kagome. Bandages wrapped her battered body. The scent of tears clung to her. Sitting in a protective ring around Kagome were Miroku, Sango, Kirara, and Shippou. When he entered, they glared up at him. Sango and Miroku got up, motioning Shippou and Kirara to stay by the sleeping girl. They dragged Inuyasha out of the hut before they exploded on him.
"What did you do to Lady Kagome!"
"Oi! What are you talking about! I've been out all morning with Kik…" Sango understood now. Kagome must have seen Inuyasha and Kikyou together again. Sango raised her boomerang and smacked him on the head. "What was that for!"
"Come on, Miroku. Leave Inuyasha to himself. He should know why Kagome's in the condition she is now. If he doesn't, he'll soon find out when she wakes." They went inside together, leaving Inuyasha to ponder what he'd done wrong.
'That old hag had said something about a miko's pain. There wasn't enough blood scent at the hill to mean that Kagome was in that much pain from injury. So, what pain could have made her be heard for miles around? Those words she was singing. "I'm so tired of being here…" Could that have been Kagome expressing her want to go home? I have been hard on her in the past about going back, but hey! I have a reason. We need to find the shards! "These wounds won't seem to heal…This pain is just too real…There's just too much that time can not erase…And I held your hand through all of these years…But you still have all of me…I've tried so hard to tell myself that you're gone…But though you're still with me…I've been alone all along…" Could Kagome mean me? She held my hand. I caused her pain. Does she love me? She must have seen me with Kikyou this morning. Even though I am with her, she thinks that she's lost me to Kikyou! Oh Kagome! Do you really love me?'
When Kagome woke, it was already dark. Her friends were sleeping around her. She gave a small smile and crawled over to the taijiya. Quietly, she woke Sango. Sango stirred and opened her eyes. "Sango, I need to talk to you." She instantly had the full attention of the taijiya. "I can't stay here where Inuyasha is anymore. I love him, but he loves another. I know that now. I'm going to go search for shards by myself. Can I train privately with you and Miroku? I'll come back when Inuyasha is out."
"We would be glad to give you lessons Kagome, but do you have to leave?"
"I must Sango. If I stay, I'm only setting myself up for more heartbreak." They devised a plan for Kagome's escape and for her private returns. That night, Sango distracted Inuyasha while Kagome ran off.
That morning, Sango woke Miroku, Shippou, and Kirara and told them why Kagome had left. She told them of their plan.
Inuyasha leapt off the Goshinboku and entered the hut. Kagome was not there! "Oi Miroku! Where's Kagome!"
"She left."
"What do you mean, she left! She can't leave! We still have shards to find! Did she leave the shards here?" Miroku shook his head at the insensitiveness of his friend.
"She took the shards with her. Don't go after her Inuyasha. You'll just make things worse.
"Feh! That wench! She stole our shards and left! How are we supposed to find them now!" Suddenly, Inuyasha found it hard to breath…a mass of red fur was plastered to his head. Before Sango or Miroku could make a move to smack him on the head, Shippou had launched himself at Inuyasha in complete anger. He gnawed on one of Inuyasha's ears while pulling vigorously at the other.
Growling (When has Shippou ever really growled?) through Inuyasha's ear, he snarled, "You unfeeling, heartless, selfish YAROU! (When has Shippou really swore??) The Shikon-no-tama belongs to Okaa-san! And Okaa-san would never steal! You made mommy Kagome go away! I hate you! I HATE YOU! BAKA! YAROU!" (Gomen. My Japanese vocabulary is very small, so chibi kawaii Shippou isn't able to yell much at Inuyasha, although I don't think Shippou usually says 'bad words'.) Everyone looked a bit surprised to hear little Shippou reacting so violently and swearing but was thoroughly astonished when he called Kagome, Okaa-san.
"Oww! Ger off me brat!" Inuyasha's muffled voice called through the fur. His ears hurt from being chewed by Shippou and tugged. Sango and Miroku didn't lend a hand as Inuyasha tried to pry Shippou from his head. Shippou hung on like a leech, releasing his fury at having his adoptive mother taken away from him.
Days passed without a sign from Kagome. Inuyasha had gone through the well to make sure Kagome wasn't there. He returned sullen. As more time passed, Inuyasha grew more irritable and worried.
"Ahhhh! Help!" Villagers cried out as wolves pounced on them from all directions. Blood splattered everywhere. The new leader of the wolf demon tribe had left his pack to feed as he left. Out of the trees, a glowing pink arrow whizzed though the pack of wolves, purifying every wolf in its path. Only a few wolves were left. They raised their noses and howled for their leader. The villagers looked for the one who shot the arrow and were surprised to see a girl with a short green skirt. Her eyes sparkled with hints of silvery pink. As she traveled by herself, she stopped by villages and trained with anyone who was willing. It would be a while before her plan to return to train with Sango and Miroku would be set in motion; she didn't want to waste any time. Each miko she met willingly told all they knew and tried to help her. Her knowledge and skills increased with each village she passed. She learned simple fighting stances and moves from masters of the art, but could not stay long enough to advance further. Every master and miko that she left had asked her profusely if she'd stay. They all could see her potential.
"Is everyone okay?" Kagome asked those alive. They gaped at her and then thanked her again and again. Kagome blushed, but then froze. "Everyone! Get into your huts! Help the wounded in! Now! Something's coming really fast!" Everyone scurried into their huts, trusting this queer girl who had saved all their lives. The wolves continued to howl. Kagome strung an arrow and got ready. Whatever it was, it had three shards. A tornado appeared above the treetops and landed in front of Kagome.
The wolves whimpered and howled to their leader, telling of the quick slaughter of their comrades. "Who are you, and why are you killing my wolves?" Kouga looked at the beautiful girl in front of him. This couldn't possibly be the killer his wolves directed him to.
"Your wolves were praying upon a group of defenseless villagers! Children included! Who I am is none of your business, but the name's Kagome."
"Well Kagome, what do you suggest my pack eats then?"
"I don't know! Just don't eat people! Especially defenseless children!" Kagome's eyes seemed to shoot sparks.
"Hmph. I'll get rid of you in one swipe!" Kouga charged at the miko, not knowing what she was. As he sped toward her, she let the arrow fly. It missed because of his speed. Kouga stopped and looked at the tree behind him. It exploded into nothing. Not even dust was left behind. He gaped at the girl. "What are you!"
"I'm a miko. You, I gather, are the leader of this pack of savage wolves."
"You know? You've got a backbone after all. Beauty and bravery. I like that in my women.
A/N: If I don't get at least 10 reviews, I won't update. Don't you want to know how Inuyasha kills K…O.O..Oops. I didn't say anything. If you don't review, you'll never know how Kagome's powers advance or how Inuyasha gets her back. Pleeeeeese Review!
Due to the demand of my reviewers, this story has been edited. The story is the same, but with the author notes at the end. The A/N's are numbered and relocated at the end. EMAIL OR REVIEW IF THERE ARE ANY QUESTIONS.
Search for Happiness
Chapter 1: Pained Parting, A Miko's Sorrow
She stood on the top of the hill. Her raven hair fluttered in the breeze. Tears spilled off her cheeks and onto the dewy grass. Her eyes held sorrow from her heart and soul. Her words carried pain beyond belief.
Flashback.
"Kikyou, I'm the only one that can protect you from Naraku. I haven't stopped thinking about you for a moment." They embraced and kissed. He was oblivious to the other girl calling to him from her position tied to a tree.
Flashback.
"Kikyou, I promise I'll never leave your side. I'll protect you forever." Inuyasha and Kikyou.
Flashback.
Inuyasha stopped suddenly and raced off, whispering one single word. "Kikyou."
Flashback.
"Get your filthy hands off her Naraku!" Inuyasha yelled with fury when Naraku kidnapped Kikyou.
Flashback.
The group was rapidly moving toward the news of a jewel shard. Inuyasha stopped abruptly. "Get off, Kagome." He sped off towards…Kikyou.
Flashback.
At the well, Kagome was about to leave. "Get back here wench! What's so important about those test thingies! Finding jewel shards is more important! You're the only one who can sense them! Kikyou wouldn't have kept running off."
Flashback.
"If it was Kikyou, she would have hit the target. You're just a weak, useless, pathetic human."
Flashback.
Inuyasha hugged Kikyou and said, "Aishiteru, Kikyou. I always did. I always will. I love only you." Kagome stood frozen in the back. Tears poured down her face. She retreated slowly. Running from the clearing, she stumbled and fell. Getting up again, she tore through the woods, heedless of the low-hanging branches that scratched her face. Heedless of the sharp objects underfoot. She ran without really seeing. Her only thought was of Inuyasha and Kikyou. Inuyasha telling Kikyou that he loved only her. Golden eyes gazing tenderly into dead brown eyes, totally unaware. Past the well. Past the great Goshinboku tree. A trail of tears. At last, she reached the zenith of the hill. Looking out at the expanse of forest, she wept.
End Flashbacks.
He would never love her. He didn't know her. His heart was taken by Kikyou. And hers was left in the dust. Broken. Shattered. Bleeding.
'He never stops thinking of her. He'll never forget her. He'll go after her no matter what. She won't run off. She's strong. She's skillful. She's not pathetic. He loved her. He loves her. He'll always love her. He'll only love her.'
Her mind recalled all the times that he called her names and shouted that the only thing that was important was the jewel. But that wasn't the only thing that was important to him, was it? Kikyou. She was more important. When she was in the area, all thoughts of jewel shards and everything else were discarded from his mind.
'I am lost. I am alone. My spirit is dead. Feel the wind. I do not feel. See the painted colors of the setting sun. I do not see. Smell the scent of the forest pine and the earthy soil. I cannot smell. Hear the crackling of a fire, the chirping of the birds, the gurgling of a stream, the rustling of the leaves. I cannot hear. All is dead to me.'
She fell to her knees. She cried out, "Why?! Why do I hurt so much inside?" After a moment, she whispered into the wind, "Because I love him." Pain welled and spilled over. Her song began as a mere whisper but grew as her sorrow grew.
(Lyrics of My Immortal by Evanescence, which, by the way, I do not own, though I wish I did.)
"I'm so tired of being here"
Flashback.
"Inuyasha! Please! I have to go back! I miss my family! I'm skipping so much school that I'll fail! I'll be gone for only a day or two!"
"Feh! Searching for Shikon shards is more important! You can't go!"
End Flashback.
"Suppressed by all my childish fears And if you have to leave I wish that you would just leave Cause your presence still lingers here And it won't leave me alone These wounds won't seem to heal This pain is just too real There's just too much that time can not erase"
Flashback.
"Can I stay with you Inuyasha? I know you love Kikyou, but I just want to stay by your side. I just want to help you. I love you." Inuyasha stood, not answering.
End Flashback.
"When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears"
Flashback.
"Inuyasha, are you crying? Don't. We're all right. Everyone's all right. We all survived." Kagome walked toward him.
"Oi wench! Who said I'm crying. Even if I was, I wouldn't cry for some weak human!"
End Flashback.
"When you screamed I'd fight away all of your fears And I held your hand through all of these years But you still have all of me"
Flashback. (1)
"You don't have to force yourself to stay by me." Inuyasha said to Kagome who just sat staring at him with an expression of utmost sorrow. "What's your problem! Ya'know, I wish you'd all just stop pussyfooting around me." Inuyasha groused and then shouted, "Because I don't have a problem with what I did!"
Kagome looked at him solemnly and said, "Don't kid yourself." A slight breeze ruffled his silver, white locks. Kagome thought, it must be so hard on him. Inuyasha's eyes widened when he feels Kagome's hands on each shoulder and her head resting on his left shoulder as she knelt beside/behind him. She says quietly with feeling, "Oh Inuyasha, I know how you feel."
End Flashback. (2)
'I guess all of the time we spent together meant nothing to him. I'm just a shard detector.'
Kagome's pain increased with each expressive word of the song. Her pain rang sharply in each note as the wind carried these agonizing notes on its trek to the ears of many. A miko's pain as her heart shatters is not something you want to experience. For when a miko truly loves someone and becomes heartbroken, her pain is amplified and can be heard by even human ears. (Okay, so, that's not really true, but who cares! It's my story, and I'll do what I wanna! ::pout:: This way, Not only Inuyasha will hear.) "These wounds won't seem to heal This pain is just too real There's just too much that time can not erase When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears When you scream I'd fight away all of your fears And I held your hand through all of these years But you still have all of me I've tried so hard to tell myself that you're gone But though you're still with me I've been alone all along"
Flashback.
"Aishiteru, Kikyou. I always did. I always will. I love only you." These painful words rocketed through her mind, accompanied by the vision of Inuyasha hugging Kikyou.
End Flashback.
Shippou and Kirara played under the Goshinboku, both wondering where Inuyasha and Kagome were, but not really worrying, as they thought Kagome would have found Inuyasha by now and was probably out with him somewhere. Kaede mixed herbs in the hut. Miroku sat by Sango, sneaking peeks at her bosom and getting many lumps and earaches. Sango polished her bone boomerang till it gleamed in the sunlight. They had awakened to find Inuyasha gone. Kagome had become worried and gone to search. None had suspected anything to happen.
'I wonder where Kagome is. I've been feeling this presence near, but I can't pinpoint it. It's probably just a figment of my imagination. I hope Kagome's safe.'
'I hope Lady Kagome is with Inuyasha. There seems to be a foreboding presence around.'
Shippou and Kirara heard it first. The breeze carried the voice of a woman. It sounded so grief-stricken. "Miroku, do you hear that?" The little kitsune asked the houshi. 'This voice, it sounds so familiar!'
Miroku and Sango looked up. They didn't hear anything but the wind. They strained their ears, but there was no need. They could soon hear the voice as well, without straining. It was a sweet voice, one that could have driven the great Lord of the Western Lands into a deep, blissful slumber. The dulcet tones that normally would have soothed and been cheerful, were filled with anguish. Sango and Miroku looked at each other. This voice was so familiar, but who was it?
Soon the song penetrated the walls of the hut and drifted to Kaede's ears. She came out. Never before had she heard something so full of sorrow.
"Kaede-sama, what is happening? Who is it?"
"I don't know Sango, child." They sat listening to the sad verses.
"KAGOME!" Shippou suddenly shouted. "That's Kagome's voice!" Sango and Miroku looked shocked. When they listened more carefully, they realized as well that it was Kagome.
"If we can hear her, then she must be very close. By how loud it sounds, I would expect her to be right beside me!"
"It's a miko's pain."
"Lady Kaede?"
"When a miko suffers from extreme pain, her pain can be heard from afar. Depending on the power of the miko and the intensity of the pain, her song could be heard from only a few feet from her to miles from her."
"We have to find Kagome! How did this happen! I thought Kagome was with Inuyasha! Did a demon attack her? Is she all alone?" Shippou babbled in panic.
"It'll be all right Shippou. We'll find Kagome. She'll be fine. Come on houshi-sama." Miroku, Sango, Kirara, and Shippou raced off to try to track down their friend.
Inuyasha held Kikyou in a tight embrace. The scent of death clouded his nose. "Aishiteru, Kikyou. I always did. I always will. I love only you." Inuyasha said to her.
"What about my reincarnation?"
"I still need her to find the shards to avenge you." 'I love you Kagome, but I love Kikyou too. (You don't love Kikyou, Inuyasha! You're just confused!) I wonder where you are now my Kagome. You'll never love me. At least Kikyou loved me once.'
As they clutched each other, a melody came to their ears. "I'm so tired of being here… These wounds won't seem to heal…This pain is just too real…There's just too much that time can not erase…And I held your hand through all of these years…But you still have all of me…I've tried so hard to tell myself that you're gone…But though you're still with me…I've been alone all along…"
Inuyasha's sensitive ears captured each word. Who was singing? Where was she hiding? How come he didn't sense her presence? 'Kagome! Is that you? You're so sad! Where are you that I can hear your voice so well! Did a demon attack while I was gone?' "I must go, Kikyou."
Inuyasha took off toward the village, thinking that a demon had attacked. When he arrived, he found only Kaede.
"Inuyasha! Is Kagome with you?"
"Why would she be with me Kaede-babaa! Where is everyone!?"
"They went to find Kagome. She must be hurt badly. Her miko's pain can be heard for miles on end!" Inuyasha raced off toward the scent of his friends.
Sango and Miroku rode on Kirara while Shippou floated along in his balloon shape. Down below on a hilltop, they suddenly spotted Kagome. She was alone, and she seemed unharmed. They landed next to her.
"Kagome? Kagome. Are you okay?" Sango asked. Her friend sat with tears still pouring down her cheeks. She didn't seem to see any of them or hear them. "Where's Inuyasha?" Kagome turned to face her friends. Her eyes glowed with a silver, purple/pink light.
Shippou approached his adoptive mother cautiously.
"Kagome? -san?" He started to cry. Finally, at Shippou's trembling voice, Kagome snapped out of her trance-like state.
"Oh Shippou-chan!" Kagome leaned over and embraced the kitsune tightly.
"Lady Kagome, what happened? Are you hurt?"
"Yes I am hurt. Not these miniscule scratches." Her friends looked at her. She was bleeding almost everywhere from where the many branches hit her in her plight from Inuyasha. "My pain is in…my heart. I lost him to her. I am weak. He knows. He thinks this. I know. I am alone." Kagome rambled on. Sango and Miroku kneeled by their friend and wrapped their arms around her, heedless of the blood and tears. Kirara curled up by her feet.
"Kagome. You'll never be alone! We love you. Miroku, Shippou, Kirara, Kaede, your family, and I. We are your friends, and we'll never leave you. I'll get Inuyasha for what he's done to you."
"Lady Kagome, please come back with us. We need you." Kagome gradually stopped crying as her friends continued to bring her back from the edge. They brought her back to Kaede's hut.
Inuyasha tore through the woods, listening to the song, when it stopped abruptly. He continued in the direction of Kagome's scent. It led him to an empty hilltop. He could tell that the rest of the group had been there only moments before. He could also smell her tears and blood, but no demon. Turning back, he raced toward the village. Bursting out of the trees, he flung open the door of Kaede's hut. What he saw nearly tore his heart out. Before him, on a bed, was Kagome. Bandages wrapped her battered body. The scent of tears clung to her. Sitting in a protective ring around Kagome were Miroku, Sango, Kirara, and Shippou. When he entered, they glared up at him. Sango and Miroku got up, motioning Shippou and Kirara to stay by the sleeping girl. They dragged Inuyasha out of the hut before they exploded on him.
"What did you do to Lady Kagome!"
"Oi! What are you talking about! I've been out all morning with Kik…" Sango understood now. Kagome must have seen Inuyasha and Kikyou together again. Sango raised her boomerang and smacked him on the head. "What was that for!"
"Come on, Miroku. Leave Inuyasha to himself. He should know why Kagome's in the condition she is now. If he doesn't, he'll soon find out when she wakes." They went inside together, leaving Inuyasha to ponder what he'd done wrong.
'That old hag had said something about a miko's pain. There wasn't enough blood scent at the hill to mean that Kagome was in that much pain from injury. So, what pain could have made her be heard for miles around? Those words she was singing. "I'm so tired of being here…" Could that have been Kagome expressing her want to go home? I have been hard on her in the past about going back, but hey! I have a reason. We need to find the shards! "These wounds won't seem to heal…This pain is just too real…There's just too much that time can not erase…And I held your hand through all of these years…But you still have all of me…I've tried so hard to tell myself that you're gone…But though you're still with me…I've been alone all along…" Could Kagome mean me? She held my hand. I caused her pain. Does she love me? She must have seen me with Kikyou this morning. Even though I am with her, she thinks that she's lost me to Kikyou! Oh Kagome! Do you really love me?'
When Kagome woke, it was already dark. Her friends were sleeping around her. She gave a small smile and crawled over to the taijiya. Quietly, she woke Sango. Sango stirred and opened her eyes. "Sango, I need to talk to you." She instantly had the full attention of the taijiya. "I can't stay here where Inuyasha is anymore. I love him, but he loves another. I know that now. I'm going to go search for shards by myself. Can I train privately with you and Miroku? I'll come back when Inuyasha is out."
"We would be glad to give you lessons Kagome, but do you have to leave?"
"I must Sango. If I stay, I'm only setting myself up for more heartbreak." They devised a plan for Kagome's escape and for her private returns. That night, Sango distracted Inuyasha while Kagome ran off.
That morning, Sango woke Miroku, Shippou, and Kirara and told them why Kagome had left. She told them of their plan.
Inuyasha leapt off the Goshinboku and entered the hut. Kagome was not there! "Oi Miroku! Where's Kagome!"
"She left."
"What do you mean, she left! She can't leave! We still have shards to find! Did she leave the shards here?" Miroku shook his head at the insensitiveness of his friend.
"She took the shards with her. Don't go after her Inuyasha. You'll just make things worse.
"Feh! That wench! She stole our shards and left! How are we supposed to find them now!" Suddenly, Inuyasha found it hard to breath…a mass of red fur was plastered to his head. Before Sango or Miroku could make a move to smack him on the head, Shippou had launched himself at Inuyasha in complete anger. He gnawed on one of Inuyasha's ears while pulling vigorously at the other.
Growling (When has Shippou ever really growled?) through Inuyasha's ear, he snarled, "You unfeeling, heartless, selfish YAROU! (When has Shippou really swore??) The Shikon-no-tama belongs to Okaa-san! And Okaa-san would never steal! You made mommy Kagome go away! I hate you! I HATE YOU! BAKA! YAROU!" (Gomen. My Japanese vocabulary is very small, so chibi kawaii Shippou isn't able to yell much at Inuyasha, although I don't think Shippou usually says 'bad words'.) Everyone looked a bit surprised to hear little Shippou reacting so violently and swearing but was thoroughly astonished when he called Kagome, Okaa-san.
"Oww! Ger off me brat!" Inuyasha's muffled voice called through the fur. His ears hurt from being chewed by Shippou and tugged. Sango and Miroku didn't lend a hand as Inuyasha tried to pry Shippou from his head. Shippou hung on like a leech, releasing his fury at having his adoptive mother taken away from him.
Days passed without a sign from Kagome. Inuyasha had gone through the well to make sure Kagome wasn't there. He returned sullen. As more time passed, Inuyasha grew more irritable and worried.
"Ahhhh! Help!" Villagers cried out as wolves pounced on them from all directions. Blood splattered everywhere. The new leader of the wolf demon tribe had left his pack to feed as he left. Out of the trees, a glowing pink arrow whizzed though the pack of wolves, purifying every wolf in its path. Only a few wolves were left. They raised their noses and howled for their leader. The villagers looked for the one who shot the arrow and were surprised to see a girl with a short green skirt. Her eyes sparkled with hints of silvery pink. As she traveled by herself, she stopped by villages and trained with anyone who was willing. It would be a while before her plan to return to train with Sango and Miroku would be set in motion; she didn't want to waste any time. Each miko she met willingly told all they knew and tried to help her. Her knowledge and skills increased with each village she passed. She learned simple fighting stances and moves from masters of the art, but could not stay long enough to advance further. Every master and miko that she left had asked her profusely if she'd stay. They all could see her potential.
"Is everyone okay?" Kagome asked those alive. They gaped at her and then thanked her again and again. Kagome blushed, but then froze. "Everyone! Get into your huts! Help the wounded in! Now! Something's coming really fast!" Everyone scurried into their huts, trusting this queer girl who had saved all their lives. The wolves continued to howl. Kagome strung an arrow and got ready. Whatever it was, it had three shards. A tornado appeared above the treetops and landed in front of Kagome.
The wolves whimpered and howled to their leader, telling of the quick slaughter of their comrades. "Who are you, and why are you killing my wolves?" Kouga looked at the beautiful girl in front of him. This couldn't possibly be the killer his wolves directed him to.
"Your wolves were praying upon a group of defenseless villagers! Children included! Who I am is none of your business, but the name's Kagome."
"Well Kagome, what do you suggest my pack eats then?"
"I don't know! Just don't eat people! Especially defenseless children!" Kagome's eyes seemed to shoot sparks.
"Hmph. I'll get rid of you in one swipe!" Kouga charged at the miko, not knowing what she was. As he sped toward her, she let the arrow fly. It missed because of his speed. Kouga stopped and looked at the tree behind him. It exploded into nothing. Not even dust was left behind. He gaped at the girl. "What are you!"
"I'm a miko. You, I gather, are the leader of this pack of savage wolves."
"You know? You've got a backbone after all. Beauty and bravery. I like that in my women.
A/N: If I don't get at least 10 reviews, I won't update. Don't you want to know how Inuyasha kills K…O.O..Oops. I didn't say anything. If you don't review, you'll never know how Kagome's powers advance or how Inuyasha gets her back. Pleeeeeese Review!