A/N : OH MY GOD !! YOU GUYS ARE THE BESTEST BEST BEST ER THING IN THE WHOLE ENTIRE WORLD – sobs happily – I mean, JUST YESTERDAY I had 60 reviews, then suddenly, the next day, NINETY TWO ? Joking me right o.O
Kanna's eyes shifted to Kagome, the slender girl with a crestfallen expression, her body limp and motionless. Kanna cocked her head at the girl in front of her, curiosity taking the better of her. Has this girl really fallen for that hanyou ? Is he the one causing her so much pain ?
A sudden feeling rushed into her .. a feeling she felt, after slaying hundreds of innocent humans. This feeling .. won't go away .. even if I'm .. not me anymore. Kanna's brows furrowed slightly, but her composure quickly regained a second later.
But she needn't worry for anyone to see her. Even though Kagome was right there with her, she was in her own world. Her eyes were clouded over, blank almost, her face set into a straight line, her hair amiss, her body dead. Dead. Exactly like how she felt. Just .. dead.
Kanna sighed quietly as she took a step towards Kagome. Was she feeling .. what's it called ? E-mo-tions ? What the hell is that ?
" Ka-go-me, " Kanna whispered as her hands suddenly held the mirror that stole souls away. Even though she had no intention of picking up the evil thing again, she was going to use it again. On Kagome.
Kagome slowly brought her head up, facing the void in front of her. If Kanna killed her right then and there, she would've cared less. If Kanna left her there, with no possible way to get out or in, then so be it. Nothing can damage her soul now. It's already been too damaged.
Why did he do this to her ? She has done nothing to deserve this, has she ? Life seemed hopelessly stupid to Kagome, and nobody could bring her back except that certain hanyou. That hanyou who helped her open her eyes, and show her the world. The world of happiness, peace and love. To turn your back on such thing, would be like throwing away your soul. Throw away the thing that kept you living happily. Happi-ly ? What's that again ?
Every inch of Kagome's soul, is now drained away by a mere word. A word ? No. A mere person.Oh, Kikyou. Why must you hurt me so much ? I did not choose to be who I am, nor choose my destiny. But my destiny, I have realized, is the person you hold in your grasp. The person that I need. Each day of my breathing life, requires something to be worth living for.
But now ? What is it really ? It's not a want. Nor is it a desire. Not even a need or a must. In fact, it's all of those above. The pain that is seeping through my veins in my blood, is tearing my body apart. Like an incurable disease .. an internal disease. How can life be so cruel ? Kikyou, how can you be so cruel ? Taking this privilege away from a innocent girl. Innocent girl. Yes, thats it. What has she done to you ? She has done nothing, but hurt because the heart she wanted to join with her own, did not return the same feelings she felt. Or .. is it ?
But .. why me ? Why not Naraku .. or somebody that really deserve it. Why me ? Is it a crime, for doing absolutely nothing wrong, but be the person that I am ? Each day, each moment, each second, and each breath that I take, is working, because of him. Him, that never cared. Or has he ? That, I shall never know. Maybe I will someday. When my time of living is up. But waiting for that .. would be a lifetime of nothing but, pure waste. Just sitting there, waiting for death, is like watching a clock for the rest of your life. Sitting there, feeling so .. broken, alone, and .. scared. Without that special person to be there and comfort. To mend the heart. The heart ? It is nothing now, but pieces of glass shattered to the ground.
But .. I'm too scared to pick it up or risk another break, one that probably won't mend again, if dropped once more. But now .. it is already too, much too late. The pieces of Kagome's heart, are even barely seen, by the naked eye. Each piece, so small and fragile, so already broken, has reached the end of the rope. Has given up. Completely.
Kagome picked herself up slowly, her two legs shaking under her fragile form. She stood up, letting her hair fall, covering her once beautiful features. Now, it was nothing but a chiseled oval of sadness, loneliness, and .. pain ? Yes, pain. The most seeable feature, etched onto her pretty features. Pretty ? That was before .. before all the heartbreak and grief this young, innocent girl has gone through.
Kanna took a light step towards her, her mirror gripped firmly in her hands. That thing, that has hurt so many people in the past, has yet come to hurt one more. One more, broken little girl. " Kagome, you can go back home now. You can live happily. You can use the Shikon no Tama and wish you were never here. " Kanna whispered, her voice soft and motherly.
Kagome looked up sadly, her eyes nothing but two grey pupils. So dull and lifeless. Kanna took a step back, narrowing her eyes at the grief scarred permanently on Kagome's orbs. This once happy, spirited girl .. has become this ? Impossible.
" Kagome, give me the Shikon Jewel .. so I can wish for you. So you won't be foolish, and wish for something you may live to regret. "
Kanna angled her mirror right at Kagome, flicking the powers on. Kagome stood there, practically letting the mirror take her lifeless soul. Lifeless soul ?
Kanna dipped the mirror low, preparing to take in the girl's soul. " What's this ? " Kanna's emotionless face peered down.
Kagome's soul, who was successfully beginning to take out of her, half stopped. No .. not half stopped. Wait .. that's .. all ?
Kanna took a step towards Kagome, " My mirror is losing its powers ? No, it is not. "
Kanna furrowed her brows slightly, feeling frustration. Where is she rest of girl's soul ? Is that all she has ? Her soul .. so small. Impossible. The last time I encountered her, she overflowed my mirror. W-what has happened ?
Kagome fell motionless to the ground, her soul almost gone. Kanna took a step towards her, towering over Kagome's limp body. " Your soul .. is only half the size of me. So small. Too small. What have you done to it ? "
Kagome fidgeted, her body incapable of moving any further. Kanna bent next to her. That Inuyasha has broken her soul. I cannot take the rest, it would be no use.
" Kagome, get up and give me the jewel. " Kanna whispered, as Kagome slowly pushed herself up.
Where am I ? It's so .. so dark. Oh .. I miss you, Inuyasha. Where are you ? I'm so scared. Inuyasha .. " T-the j-jewel ? " Kagome whispered, as she desperately tried to open her eyes.
" Give me the jewel .. the jewel, Kagome. I can help you wish to happiness. " Kanna cooed, as Kagome laid on her back.
H-happiness ? Kagome's mind whirled with confusion and sadness. Happiness ? Can Kanna really bring me happiness ?
Kanna peered at Kagome's confused expression, and she nodded. " Happiness, Kagome. Don't you want that ? Just give me the jewel, and I will wish you back anything. I can bring you back .. " Kanna lowered herself to Kagome's ear and whispered, " .. Hanoushi."
Kagome gasped, as she felt something tug onto the remaining pieces of her soul once more. W-what's happening t-t-to me ?
" Kagome, I can wish you back Hanoushi. You can be with somebody just like Inuyasha .. forever. I can erase your mind from all the pain .. just give me the jewel. " Kanna pressed on softly, as she angled her mirror again.
M-my soul .. she's taking .. uh .. must .. stay awake .. INUYASHA ! Kagome struggled to get up, but failed miserbaly by falling back down.
" The jewel .. " Kanna repeated, as she waved her hand in front of Kagome.
Suddenly, a foggy image appeared in front of Kagome's eyes. W-who ? I-I-Inuyasha .. ?
The figure began to form itself, in .. red ? Inuyasha ! Is it really you ?! Kagome's eyes lit up as the foggy image completed. Kagome's face fell, but her eyes didn't betray her feelings.
" H-Hanoushi .. "
In front of her .. was the same dark-haired boy who risked his life for hers. The boy that resembled so much of that special someone. The same boy that loved her so much. The same boy that can be alive once more. With her.
" Hanoushi .. " Kagome reached out to the boy shakily, her eyes filling up with tears. Hanoushi ..
" Kagome, " The boy in front of her smiled. Smiled a dazzling smile. His voice .. so husky and gruff .. so .. familiar. He reached his hand out to her as well, his smile broadening, " We can live happily. Just wish me back with the Shikon Jewel. Give it to Kanna, and we can be happy forever. Don't you want that, Kagome ? You can forget about the .. " Hanoushi frowned, causing Kagome's heart to twist.
Kanna suddenly stepped in front of Hanoushi, causing his image to fade. Kagome's eyes widened as dshe watched the image disappear from her very own eyes. She reached out to boy desperately, crying his name. " Hanoushi ! Hanoushi ! Wait ! Wait ! "
" Kagome, all you have to do, is wish him back. And you can love him, the way he loves you. " Kanna whispered, as she stepped closer to Kagome, who fell on her end, her eyes wide.
" W-what if you .. lie to me, Kanna ? I-I can't trust anybody anymore .. not even .. I-Inuyasha .. " Kagome's lip trembled, as she quickly turned her face away from the pale girl in front of her.
I want to trust you, Kanna. But what if you're lying to me ? I can't trust anybody, can't you see ? Not even Inuyasha. Kagome brought her head up to the ceiling, letting the tears flow freely down her cheeks. Inuyasha .. you promised you'd protect me and be by my side forever. I guess .. it was not meant to be. I love you .. I hope you know that. If you don't, I will still love you. Till my death, I'll wait for you, Inuyasha.. Please .. don't forget me.
" Kagome, give me the Shikon Jewel. Hurry .. " Kanna's little voice urged Kagome, as Kanna reflected her mirror on Kagome's fallen face.
This is taking too long .. I will take it from her by force. This is for her own good. Kanna reflected her mirror again, as it pulled Kagome's last bit of soul out.
" J-jewel .. ? Jewel .. " Kagome winced as she felt her body weaken fast. The jewel .. where is it ? Where ..
Kagome stuffed her hand into her school uniform pocket and felt the cold smoothness of a round ball. It's here .. I hate it. I hate it ! I wish it was never here ! Kagome pulled it out recklessly and jerked her head towards Kanna, tears spilling everywhere.
" Take the jewel ! Wish my happiness, Kanna ! Wish my happiness ! " Kagome shouted weakly, her voice pleading to the little girl in front of her.
" Give the jewel to me .. Kagome. " Kanna urged softly, as she reached out her pale hand. Her soul .. is almost gone .. hurry and give me the jewel, Kagome ..
Trembling, Kagome used every bit of her last energy to give the ball to Kanna. Kanna reached out her hand further, her dark eyes widening. At last .. I have the Shikon no Tama. My misson .. will he completed ! Kagome .. live happily .. because .. I will haev the Shikon no Tama. You will no longer need to gaurd it ! Because I will !
Kagome reached further and further, as her body weakened more and more. Kanna .. take the ball. Take it .. I ..
Yes Kagome ! Give me the ball ! Give me the Shikon Jewel .. Kanna cooed silently, as she extended her hand as far as possible. The power of the jewel .. I can feel it vibrating. The jewel .. Naraku will be pleased ! I will be rewarded in the underworld .. I ..
Suddenly, Kanna felt her body lose its normal composure. A ghast of wind hit her, causing her to gasp. Kagome must hurry ! Soon, Kanna will die. She was not living on nothing, she was living on something. Something that is about to be dragged to hell. Hurry Kagome ! Hurry !
Kagome's eyes widened as the ball touched Kanna's fingertips. Kanna reached forward. The Jewel ..
Just as Kanna was about to grab the jewel away from Kagome, Kagome jerked her arm back and with all of her strength, threw the Shikon no Tama to the other end of the barrier. Kanna's head whipped around. What is she ..
But she was silenced, by the pain that shot up her stomach. Kanna froze, her head still turned, her dark eyes widened. P-Pain ?
Kagome was breathing heavily, as she winced at the pain bouncing off her knuckles to her shoulder. Her hand, had gone through Kanna's mirror, that made past her stomach as well. With her teeth clenched, Kagome uttered her dangerous words to the shocked girl in front of her. " T-Take that .. N-N-Naraku .. "
Kanna slowly turned her head to Kagome, her expression shocked. " N-Naraku ? "
Kagome laughed weakly, her hand digging deeper into Kanna's stomach. Kanna's face remained as stoic as ever, but the pain dancing around her dark orbs betrayed her emotions. " I am a miko. I have miko senses. I could feel the evil aura that suddenly swept over you. And it felt just like Naraku. " Kagome then jerked her arm out, letting Kanna fall to the ground. " You are living on Naraku .. how can I forget ? If he's dead, then you'd bedead as well. You were living on a piece of Naraku's soul, weren't you Kanna ? Weren't you ? " Kagome's eyes crinkled up, disgusted. Kanna's mirror dropped to the ground, breaking into pieces. It released her soul and returned back to its rightful owner. " And to think I could trust you. I'm disgusted. "
Kanna gasped in pain, as she felt Naraku's small soul being tugged away from her small body." H-how can this b-be ? A s-single mere human .. destroying Naraku. All over again .. " Then, Kanna's heart stopped and her body fell limp onto the ground, her dark orbs still wide and shocked.
The moment Kanna was down, Kagome dropped to the ground next to her, exhausted Her breath was heavy, and her mind whirled around with confused thoughts. Kanna .. you lied to me. And to think I even believed all the stuff you said about Inuyasha. About Inuyasha and Kikyou ..
Instantly, Kagome froze. Kikyou.Kagome quickly scrambled up, her brown eyes flashing worriedly. If Kanna was lying to me, and she brought Kikyou back to life, and Kikyou's with Inuyasha .. that would mean ..
Kagome bolted and crashed right into the barrier. It bounced her off harshly, causing her to fly across to the other side. Kagome quickly scrambled up and tried again. But it reflected back onto her again. She laid, crumpled up on the dirt, tears spilling over her eyes. I have to get out. Inuyasha will be tricked once again. I must get to him. But .. how ?
Kagome pulled herself up and looked around the dark barrier, her features etched with desperation and a trace of fear. Fear that the next time Kagome will see Inuyasha, would be in hell.
" INUYASHA ! " Kagome cried, as she fell to the ground, helpless and scared.
===
" It's been so long, hasn't it, Inuyasha ? " Kikyou's calm voice mused, as she sat down on a nearby rock.
Inuyasha stepped up to her, and leaned against a nearby tree. " Long time for what, Kikyou ?
" Our love, Inuyasha. Our love. " Kikyou whispered as she turned her head at Inuyasha.
Inuyasha's face dropped dramatically, but he could not show this to Kikyou. He turned his head immediately and faced the tree. Why is he feeling these emotions ? He loved Kikyou .. didn't he ?
Kikyou ignored his expression and looked ahead of her. " You're finally going to fulfill your promise to me, Inuyasha. I am glad. " Without waiting for an answer, Kikyou stood up and sidled up to Inuyasha, who stiffened instantly.
" Inuyasha, " Kikyou breathed softly on Inuyasha's neck, which caused goosebumps to rise once again. " Why are you so tense around me ? Don't you love me ? Don't you remember the happy times we use to share together ? "
Inuyasha's eyes fell to the ground, filled with guilt and regret. I love you, Kikyou. I'm sure of it. But .. why don't I think about her ? Why can't i ? Like I do .. about Kagome .. ?
Seeing this expression Kikyou has seen too many times, she embraced Inuyasha quickly. " Inuyasha .. it was our destiny to be together. There is nothing or no one that can change that. " Kikyou sighed inwardly, as she lowered her eyes. " Not even Kagome. "
Kikyou closed her eyes, afraid to see Inuyasha's expression. He is in love with that stupid girl. I should've accepted it ages ago ..
Kikyou sighed as Inuyasha reluctantly wrapped his arms around her. She could feel the uneasiness from Inuyasha, and it grieved her deeply. I saw this coming ages ago. But I guess .. I couldn't accept it. I just .. didn't want to. Well, I have no choice but to finish what needs to be done. I hope you die happy, Inuyasha .. Kikyou's brows furrowed. My love.
Inuyasha held Kikyou, his mind wandering. Kikyou closed her eyes, and reached into her sleeve. Carefully, she pulled out a sharp blade. That very same blade .. that wounded Kagome. Her blood still coated it .. with pride. Kikyou's eyes narrowed at the hanyou embracing her and grinned bitterly. Goodbye, Inuyasha.
Kikyou raised the knife above Inuyasha's head, and charged it down to Inuyasha's shoulder blade. But somehow, she missed. Oh yeah, Inuyasha moved.
" What the hell ? Kikyou ?! " Inuyasha demanded, as he slipped under Kikyou's arm and jumped back three feet. I swear I smelt Kagome's blood on whatever Kikyou is holding. Is that a .. knife ?!
Kikyou turned around, her eyes filled with venom and hatred. " You can't escape me, Inuyasha, " Kikyou mocked coldly. After her last words escaped her mouth, Kikyou lunged for the bewildered demon.
Inuyasha dodged, his sleeve catching the blade's end. " Damn ! "
Kikyou jumped a few feet away from Inuyasha then charged towards him again. Inuyasha ducked, but so did Kikyou. There faces were at the same level, and Kikyou grinned as Inuyasha's amber eyes widened. Inuyasha tried to duck, but Kikyou was faster. She bent low and shoved the blade towards Inuyasha's stomach. This time, she did not miss.
The blade made contact with Inuyasha's stomach, ripping a hole in it. Inuyasha winced in pain but did nothing to stop Kikyou. He leapt back, and held his stomach. " K-Kikyou ! What the hell are you doing ?! "
" Trying to kill you. And let me assure you, I will succeed. " Kikyou replied calmly, as she dropped the blade and pulled an arrow and a bow from her back. She quickly notched the arrow and aimed one finger at the bleeding hanyou.
" But .. why ?!? " Inuyasha exploded. He hate being out of control. He hated being confused. And worse of all, he hated to know that he was going to die.
" Because .. I know you wouldn't go to hell with me. So I'll just kill you. And I know, you wouldn't attack. " Kikyou narrowed her eyes as she fired her arrow.
Inuyasha dodged it, but it skimmed right past his cheek. The arrow's powerful force sent Inuyasha's face flying to one side. His eyes widened, as he felt himself lose his balance. But before he could regain his composure, something sent him flying to the ground.
Inuyasha grunted as he made contact with the hard dirt, then following was heavy impact dropping on top of him. Kikyou wrapped her legs around his, locking him into the position they were in. And in her hand, was the bloody blade. " Oh, look Inuyasha .. now you and Kagome's blood mix. Now you can be with her forever ! " Kikyou retorted sarcastically as she raised the knife over her head.
" K-Kikyou ! What makes you think I won't hurt you ! I hurt you once, I can hurt you again ! " Inuyasha blurted out recklessly, but guilt immediately washed over as he watched Kikyou's expression fall.
" You wanted to protect her, so you killed me. But I needn't worry about that now. " Kikyou grinned crookedly at the shocked demon under her.
" WHAT !?! " Inuyasha yelled, jolting Kikyou a bit. " WHY ?!?! "
" As we speak, Inuyasha .. Kanna has probably killed Kagome, by stealing the soul that was rightfully mine. In fact, Kagome probably gave Kanna the Shikon no Tama already. So you musn't worry .. Kagome is just fine. " Kikyou replied coldly, her voice dripping with disdain.
Inuyasha struggled to move, but he was pinned down pretty good. He struggled some more, then looked at Kikyou's direction. Instantly, his eyes widened.
Unfortunately, Kikyou caught the stare, and her expression whisked from cold to suspicious. " What are you staring at, hanyou ? "
Inuyasha's shocked expression was quickly replaced by a pretty cocky one. He grinned his trademark grin that showed his fang. " So ? And you're telling me .. because ? "
That knocked Kikyou off her block. Kikyou's eyes crinkled suspiciously, as she pressed her hand into his shoulder, pinning him deeper into the ground. " What are you saying, Inuyasha ? "
Inuyasha shrugged, or tried to. I mean, he was in the ground. " I would've cared less, Kikyou. I only love you .. or .. wait .. are you sounding a bit .. oh I don't know .. jealous ?"
" Jealous !? " Kikyou snapped. To Inuyasha's surprise, the knife that was a feet away from him, was now a millimeter away from his neck. " Jealous ? Of what ? That filthy human girl ?! "
Inuyasha swallowed, but he continued to smirk. " Yeah. That human girl. "
Kikyou smirked along with Inuyasha, her eyes dancing with amusement. " Really. "
Inuyasha shrugged again. " If you kill me, do it now. But really, I want to see you try. "
Kikyou raised her eyebrows, her expression twisted evilly. " Really. "
Before Inuyasha could answer, a purified arrow skimmed past Kikyou. Kikyou gasped in surprise as she felt several pieces of her hair being sliced off her scalp. Quickly, she turned around.
" What the hell's wrong with you, Kagome ?! CAN'T YOU AIM !?! " Inuyasha yelled, as he lifted his head as high as he can to see the girl. His voice was harsh, but it wasn't harsh enough to hide the happiness radiating off it. And Kikyou didn't miss it.
Angrily, the miko bolted up, but quickly dropped back down to pin Inuyasha. She glared at the figure standing before her, breathing hard.
Kagome's shaky legs took her one step closer to Kikyou and Inuyasha, her arms trembling. " L-let him GO ! "
Kikyou glared at Kagome, and quickly turned her head back at Inuyasha, her eyes glowing with fury. " YOU !! You knew all along, didn't you ?! "
Inuyasha gave her an evil smirk, and nodded innocently. " Yes. Yes I did. "
Kikyou gave a scream then plummeted the blade into Inuyasha's chest. But before it made contact, Inuyasha pushed her off and quickly rolled away. Kikyou scrambled up and quickly pointed at Inuyasha. Inuyasha gave her a questionable stare, but was soon answered by Kikyou's soul stealers. Inuyasha gave a yelp as the slimy dragoons slipped around him, slipping chains around his wrists and ankles. Inuyasha growled menacingly, but was only answered by a soul stealer, stuffing its tail into his mouth.
With Inuyasha out of the way, Kikyou turned her body towards the girl, frozen on the spot. Kagome took a few steps back, her eyes widening with fear. " Y-y-y-y-yo-ou .. " Kagome stammered, trying to sound tough.
Kikyou narrowed her eyes dangerously, causing Kagome to flinch. " You .. " As quick as lightening, Kikyou was in Kagome's face, with her fingers wrapped around Kagome's throat. Kagome immediately dropped her bow and arrow and was lifted off the ground.
" Well, well .. doesn't this feel familiar, dearest Kagome ? " Kikyou laughed, causing chills to go down Kagome's spine.
Kagome struggled to get out of Kikyou's grasp, but that only made Kikyou tighten her grip. " And where .. do you think you're going ? "
" ANYWHERE .. J-JUST AWAY FROM YOU ! " Kagome managed to choke out, as she kicked her legs in the air.
Kikyou swung Kagome to the ground, causing Kagome to cry out. Inuyasha heard this and tried to move, but the soul stealers and the chains were definitely not helping.
" You evil witch .. you keep coming back don't you ?! " Kikyou muttered angrily, as she advanced onto the fallen Kagome.
" No ! Stay way from me ! Oh ! " Kagome gave a squeak as Kikyou kicked her away.
" You're going to die ! You hear me ?! No more distractions ! You will die ! " Kikyou screamed, as she grabbed Kagome's bow and arrow and put it into position.
" What ?! .. NO !! Kikyou ! Stop it ! You'll regret it ! " Kagome screamed, as she tried to back away. But her ribs screamed painfully at her, forcing her not to move. Darn .. she broke my ribs from that kick !
" Die Kagome Higurashi ! You don't deserve to live ! " Kikyou kicked Kagome again, sending her sprawling against a tree.
Kagome cried in pain, but bit onto her tongue to shut herself up. I have to show her I'm tough ! I have to !
Kikyou smirked as Kagome grimaced. With hatred filled in her voice for the girl, Kikyou mocked. " Whats the matter Kagome ? Feeling tired ? " Scoffing, Kikyou nodded at Kagome, taking a step towards her. " Can you say .. goodbye ? "
" I hate you stupid little phrases ! Shut up ! " Kagome blurted out, backing against the tree.
Kikyou frowned and aimed the arrow at Kagome, her eyes focusing on Kagome's heart. Kagome looked around as panic rose in her. I'm gonna die .. I'm gonna die ! There's nobody to stop her ! I can't move ! Oh Inuyasha ! Kagome let out a cry as she slid down to the trunk of the tree. Then she blanked out.
" Given up, Kagome ? " Kikyou asked, as she closed her left eye and concentrated on the girl.
Kagome didn't reply but sat there, her eyes blank and her face as white as a sheet of paper. She knew, right then and there .. she was going to die. Again.
Kikyou let out a laugh, that could freeze a volcano with the hatred dripping in it. " Poor Kagome .. " Kikyou's expression, once victorious and sinister, suddenly turned stoic. " Don't worry .. Inuyasha will join you very, very soon, girl. "
Then .. she fired.
A/N : RAWR, I like repeating things don't I Blehh I'm sorry =) Next chapter, will be the last .. I'll miss writing this one. Teehee, but guess what ? There'll be a sequel =D