Chapter 8
I give you my life and all I am
But what have it to give
So I hand you a candid photograph of this little boy
'Cause I've nothing to my name
But I can give you that
~ "Somewhere North of Here"
Caedmon's Call
Put your name on the line along with place and time
Wanna stay not to go I wanna ditch the logical
Here's a toast to all those who hear me all too well
~"Here's to the Night"
Eve 6
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Inuyasha snuck into the hut, careful not to wake the sleeping girl in the corner. It was only a few minutes past dawn, but he had grown impatient and restless. He had been fidgety and twitchy for the past two days and he tried so hard to be respectful of Kagome's wishes, but he needed to see her.
He worried that she would try to sneak home while he was out in the forest, keeping his distance, and there was the constant nagging compulsion to check up on her. She looked broken that night, her hair soaking wet and her brown eyes bloodshot and glazed over, and he could hear her sniffling. The rain had given her the beginning of a cold.
But now, she looked warm and comforted. She lay upon a mat in the corner of the hut, a large blanket covering her up to the chin. She was turned onto her side, and Inuyasha could see the slight rise and fall of her chest and hear her soft breathing. Kagome squirmed a bit and then frowned in her sleep. A thin sunbeam slipped through the window, and a bit of light rested on her cheek. Inuyasha crept, quietly, slowly to her side. He watched her.
Kagome's eyelashes moved slightly with the morning breeze and the light on her cheek gave a healthy glow to her face. Her hair was a bit ratted in the back from sleep, but it was swept away from her face, tucked behind her ears.
Inuyasha's eyes came to rest on her hairline, where her dark hair met creamy skin. His glance rested there, and he could make out a light vein through her transparent skin. It moved slightly, flitting as blood passed through softly, the rhythm of her pulse. He moved his finger to the spot and traced the vein lightly. There was an urge to lie beside her and watch that vein for hours, but she would wake soon. He moved his calloused thumb along her hairline. Kagome frowned again and began to squirm.
He moved out the door with all the stealth of a cat demon, and tried to make it back into the woods before she realized what had transpired.
Kagome's eyes opened before Inuyasha had a chance to make it out of the hut, but her vision was blurred with the remnants of sleep. The cool dawn air rushed into the room and she shook off her grogginess; the door was open.
Kagome frowned and ran on her tiptoes to avoid the cold floor of the hut. She wrapped her hands around the door and prepared to shut it, squinting her eyes against the rising sun. She had little tolerance for light so early in the morning and brought her arm over her eyes as she looked out into the village. There was something bright red moving about in the distance.
"Inuyasha?" Her voice was thick from sleep.
Inuyasha walked towards the hut, looking like a child that had been caught with its hand in the cookie jar, "Whadda ya want?"
"What are you doing? It can't be past six yet?" She tilted her head to the side and bit her lower lip.
"Coming out of the woods." He stopped in front of her and crossed his arms. "Am I allowed inside?"
Kagome looked down at the wood floor and shifted her weight onto her left foot while slowly rotating the right foot, "Why wouldn't you be?"
"I got the impression I wasn't wanted."
"Sorry," she sighed, "I didn't mean to come off like that." She put on a playful smile, "I guess you think I've been acting a little weird the last few days?"
He snorted.
"I just have a lot on my mind. I shouldn't have taken it out on you. Sorry." She stretched her smile, hoping it looked apologetic, and leaned against the doorframe. Her shoulders slumped.
Inuyasha's eyes narrowed, "I didn't ask for an apology."
"No, you didn't, but I offered one anyway." She took a step back, "Are you coming in?"
He studied her, but offered her nothing in response save an acidic expression.
"I'm going home tomorrow, Inuyasha, and I'd like to spend some more time with you before I leave." She rolled her eyes, far past the point of exasperation.
Inuyasha's left ear twitched once and the sour expression crumbled into something far more pitiable.
Kagome returned his expression, "Now will you come inside?"
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Shippo took Kagome's hand in his own and grinned up at her as they walked along the dirt paths outside of the village. He held a bouquet of wildflowers in his hand, and his laughter and occasional side glances gave away his intention to surprise her with them after the walk. Taru ran behind the two, often jumping off the path to roll in the grass and the dirt.
Shippo sniggered at the toddler's activities, "Taru, I don't think your Mom is going to be happy to find you so dirty when you get home." Taru giggled and wiped his dirty hands on his shirt.
"Let him have some fun, Shippo." Kagome smiled. "He's a little boy. He's supposed to be dirty, and I seem to remember you getting messy when you were little."
Shippo grinned sheepishly, "That was a long time ago."
Taru then ran up to Shippo and held up his arms. There was a grin on his face that was reminiscent of Miroku's mischievous grins. Shippo picked the boy up and flipped him upside down. Taru giggled uncontrollably.
"Can you get up?" Shippo teased the boy. Taru squealed in delight and tried to push his body up. "Come on, Taru! You're not even trying." Taru squished his face up and put all of his energy in lifting himself up, but only dissolved into screeches of wild laughter. After several failed attempts, Shippo lifted the boy on top of his shoulders.
Kagome watched the scene and felt pride well up within her. Shippo had grown so much and not just physically. Sure he was only two inches shorter than her now, but it seemed that his heart and spirit had continued to grow by leaps and bounds as well. She watched him assist Kaede numerous times in the past two days, help Sango around the home, watch Taru while the others were busy, and quietly listen to Miroku's teachings. He was only twelve and still the essence of childhood hung on him, but his manner was that of a man.
"Hey Kagome," Shippo asked, snapping her out of her thoughts, "why did Miroku and Inuyasha leave this morning?"
"Inuyasha said he smelled some demon out in the woods. He and Miroku went patrolling just to be safe."
"Oh." Shippo scratched his chin as though he were deep in thought. "I thought it had something to do with what happened to you and Inuyasha on your trip. Guess I was wrong."
Kagome grinned ruefully, "Nice try, kiddo." She ruffled the hair on the top of his head, "You're not getting anything out of me."
"Why are you angry with Inuyasha? Is he the reason why you're leaving?" Taru continued to cling onto Shippo's neck, caught in his own marvel at being lifted so high.
"I'm not mad at Inuyasha." Kagome groaned and ran a hand through her hair, "I have to go home because my life is there." Shippo looked down at the ground and began to move dirt around with his toes. Kagome moved to him and placed her hand on his shoulder, "But don't think that means that my heart is entirely there." Shippo looked up at her with an expectant gaze. "I want to take you with me."
Shippo tried to hold back the beginning of tears in the corners of his eyes. He remembered how Inuyasha told him that men did not cry. "I know, Kagome."
Kagome placed her hand on his cheek. They stood there for a moment; neither saying how they knew it was impossible for him to come to her time anymore than circumstances would not allow her to stay in his. If it had not been for the thundering crescendo in the distance, slightly to the east, the two may have continued for a while longer.
The pair jerked away, startled by the sound. Shippo focused his hearing and put his finger to his mouth with a serious look, trying to shush Kagome and Taru.
His eyes snapped wide open, "A demon, Kagome. A very large demon and it's close to the village! We need to get there now." He quickly took Taru down from his shoulders and moved him to his arms. He grabbed Kagome's arm and began running towards the village. "Inuyasha and Miroku headed north this morning. It's not likely that there close to here."
Kagome freed her arm from Shippo's grip and ran, full speed, towards the village. It did not take them long before they entered the outskirts of the village.
Shippo set Taru down, "Go hide, Taru." Taru nodded, his small face looking set and determined.
Kagome continued running along the familiar old road, past huts and anxious villagers. Shippo followed just a few feet behind.
"What kind of demon is it Shippo?" Kagome yelled.
"Sounds like a coyote demon." Shippo bellowed.
It took only a minute to reach the center of the village. The face of the demon to came into view. He was still a distance away, but the demon appeared to be massive. His fur was a deep black and his eyes were thin, blood-red. The demon's growl was guttural and there was a visceral edge to his swift movements. Kagome and Shippo froze.
The demon took several steps and centered his red glare. He raised a large paw and looked ready to swipe at the closest hut.
"Leave!" Shippo jumped up, covering quite a distance, and distracted the demon while Kagome sprinted to catch up. Shippo morphed his shape and grew several feet. "Why are you here?"
The demon merely snarled and raised his hand to swing at the young kitsune. Shippo dodged the large the padded claws and sprung at the demon. He aimed for the demon's stomach and pulled back his fist to strike. His fist made contact with the large coyote's soft belly and a rush of air escaped its lungs. The coyote took a step back, regained his bearings, squatted low to the ground, and flashed his teeth. Once again, the demon raised a large paw and lashed out at Shippo.
Kagome rushed past huts and the people rushing out of the village. She circled around towards Sango's hut and shoved the door open, the wood creaking with the force.
"Sango, where are you?"
Sango peeked out from her bedroom, her eyes wide with fear, "Where's Taru?"
"He's hiding." Sango's eyes drifted to her belly, silently cursing her inability to help. She raised frightened eyes. "Don't worry. Shippo's distracting the demon." Her words streamed from her mouth, quick and desperate. "Where's my bow and arrow?"
Sango dashed towards a closet and began tossing things around. She disappeared within the space for a second, but then stepped out with the bow and arrow in hand. "Here."
Kagome grabbed them hastily, "Thanks." She spun out of the room, out the open door, and ran towards the sounds of the battle.
Shippo stood a distance away from the demon ready to pounce when Kagome came to the clearing. He reached out with his still immature claws and sunk them into coyote's leg. Warm blood bubbled up from the broken flesh and washed over Shippo's hand. Shippo looked at his hand in horror, sickened by the stench and the intense color of the hot liquid. The demon took advantage of the momentary lapse and struck Shipp squarely in the side. Instantly, Shippo lost all the mass he had shifted into and flew threw the air, landing in the dirt. He tried to pull himself up, but his head felt as though it were splitting in two and his vision doubled. Everything twisted around him in a dizzying arc. Despite all efforts, his body refused to move.
"Shippo!" Kagome felt the familiar tang of fear in her mouth as she watched as Shippo wiry body slam into the dirt. Now that the young kitsune lay in the dust, no longer a hassle, the coyote demon turned his anger to Kagome. The demon sensed the fury radiating from her, recognizing immediately her miko power.
The demon inched towards her, a desperation embracing him. Kagome snatched an arrow and gripped it in her hand for a second. She felt a slight tingling in her fingers as a purifying energy was transferred from her to the arrow. Then, took the bow and held it steady as she stretched the arrow and the string taut. "Leave now!"
The demon ignored the warning; he stepped closer, bring his head down to look at her. He stopped mere inches from her face, his eyes snapping viciously. He exhaled and his dank breath seemed to blister the skin on her face.
"What do you want here?" Kagome asked, her voice grave. The demon breathed again, more forceful. Kagome closed her eyes for a moment. "You want blood." She moved the point of the arrow and leveled it in between the demon's eyes. "Leave and I'll spare you." The demon moved his weight, testing her. "I don't want to kill you so please leave now!"
A cry of disgust began in the demon's stomach and traveled to his throat. He wanted no part of this girl's pity. His roar echoed in Kagome's ear and the coyote flashed his fangs, ready to sink into the girl's flesh.
Kagome let the arrow loose and it struck the demon between the eyes. The demon staggered backwards, trying to edge back to safety. He raised the paw, struck the arrow, and dislodged it from his forehead.
"It's not too late." Kagome continued to reason with the beast. "I didn't power the arrow up enough to kill you. You can still leave with your life."
The coyote continued to retreat while Kagome watched him carefully, not bothering to charge up a second arrow. Now at the edge of the woods, the demon stopped and glanced around. The girl still stared at him, but the young kitsune was lying on the ground unconscious. The coyote noted that he was at least several hundred feet away from the girl. If he could move quickly, he could take the young kitsune in his mouth without the girl having time to grab an arrow and aim it. He moved his eyes back to the girl.
Without warning, the coyote raced towards the limp form of the boy. Kagome took an arrow in her hand, charged it up, and released it. It all happened within a blinking moment. The arrow was shot and connected with the side of the coyote, disappearing into the demon with a pink flash. The coyote sank to the ground, a few feet from Shippo's limp form, devoid of all life.
Kagome scrunched her eyes shut, "I didn't want to do that. You didn't give me a choice." Her words fell from her mouth, intended for no one in particular. She moved slowly towards Shippo, until a hand reached from behind to restrain her. She turned and saw Miroku and Inuyasha, both standing back silent and amazed.
"Kagome," Miroku breathed, "I didn't know you could still do that."
She looked at Inuyasha's surprised face, "I took an archery class at college."
She looked remorsefully down at the bow and arrows she clutched. "It wasn't a big deal." Kagome tossed the bow and arrow to the ground and went to tend Shippo.
* * * * * * * *
Kagome pushed the food around her plate, "Thanks Sango, but I'm not hungry." With one hand, she moved the plate away.
"So you're definitely leaving?" Miroku asked her openly without any visible hesitancy in his voice.
Kagome nodded, "I'm getting married in a few days. I've already stayed too long."
Sango took the plate away and sat next to Kagome, "Have you spoken with Inuyasha?"
"Some things are better left unsaid." She laid her head against Sango's shoulder. Sango stroked the back of Kagome's head with a steady graceful hand. "He agreed to walk me back to the well. I'll speak with him then."
Miroku smiled at her sadly, "I wish you'd stay, Kagome. You're a part of this family. Taru will miss you terribly and I would've liked for my second son to have known you."
Kagome touched Sango's stomach and smiled, "What if it's a girl, Miroku?"
"It is a girl." Sango said with certainty. "There are already too many men in this house. Surely, the powers will not bring another man to deal with." She stared pointedly at Miroku.
He wisely ignored Sango's comment and suddenly clasped Kagome's hands in his own, "We'll miss you, Lady Kagome. And may your life hold nothing but good blessings." He moved across the table and kissed her chastely upon the cheek.
Sango also squeezed her hand with all the tidings and reassurance a sister could give, "Be happy, Kagome."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
It had been difficult to say goodbye to Taru, Sango, and Miroku, but especially difficult to say goodbye to Shippo. They had spoken for hours, trying to prolong their separation. He had cried and she had squeezed him with her tight hugs. She made him promise to take care of Taru and the baby that would come soon, and he made her promise to never forget him. Kagome had wanted to let him know how much he meant to her, but the words did not seem available. Still, he smiled at her as she walked out the door, letting her know that he understood all that she could not say.
She had fared no better in saying farewell to Kaede.
Kaede had watched her leave with sad, old eyes, "Child, what happened on the mountain?"
"It's not something I can share." Kagome regretted her silence.
"And you are intent on leaving?"
Kagome smiled softly, "There's someone waiting for me." She knelt down in front of the old woman.
"Then bless ye child." Kaede touched Kagome's leg with an old, weathered hand. "It was good to have you among us even if it was for a short time."
"Thank you, Kaede."
Kaede smiled regretfully, "Once Kikyo taught me how to make healing herbs and how to be a priestess. When her spirit parted from this world, I had no other siblings. There was no one to share my knowledge with until you, Kagome." Kaede took her hands. "I am honored to have taught you."
"No Kaede, the honor was mine."
"One thing before leave, child."
Kagome nodded, "Anything."
"Speak to Inuyasha. He may not be able to choose his words wisely, but his heart is swollen. You see, he has been waiting for you as well." Kaede pointed out to a stretch of trees. Inuyasha sat on the tallest branch, one leg swing slightly in the air. "Do not leave with animosity in the air because there will be no other time to be rid yourselves of it."
* * * * * * * * * * *
Inuyasha walked several steps behind Kagome and tried to focus on anything other than her. Kagome watched the sun as it dipped low in the sky. Dusk was settling into its place quickly and left a trail of color gradation in its wake. The remainder of sunlight tipped the shapes all around them, seeming to illuminate the bark and the leaves of the surrounding trees.
Kagome took it all in and it charged her, filled her with sadness, a feeling that taunted and agonized her already bruised insides. The past few days had been full of sentiment and emotion, so much that it left her depleted, weary. There was nothing left but the realization that all of this would be beyond her in a few minutes.
She stopped, "Inuyasha?"
He drew back, "Yeah?"
Kagome whirled around and looked him in the eye. She swallowed the lump in her throat, "Thank you."
"For what?"
"For guiding me the last few days. You didn't have to."
Inuyasha blinked once, "I didn't mind." His voice was tender.
Kagome sauntered near him, wondering how to tell him she would miss him. She was not sure what would be appropriate after all that had transpired. She stopped very close to him. Standing so near, the urge to fling her arms around him and cling to him seemed sensible. Kagome turned away; his steady amber gaze was too much.
"I guess this is it."
Inuyasha dropped his eyes. Watching her leave was unimaginable, but here he was and there she was ready to abandon him a second time. "What happened on the mountain, Kagome?"
She rubbed her neck until it was red but did not answer.
"I saw things up there. The angel made me see things." She squirmed and fidgeted under his blunt words. "I've been trying to make sense of what all the images were, but there were too many and they came so fast."
"Take my advice, Inuyasha." She looked at him, her face grim. "Don't put too much thought into it."
He growled and grabbed her hand, holding it firmly. She tried to pull away, even putting her hand to his chest and pushing him back. He was invading her space, her privacy. "Let go!" she hissed.
"I saw you," Inuyasha screamed. "I couldn't make sense of any of the images except one. You were looking up and smiling." He looked at her as though he were waiting for her to confirm what he saw but she just tightened her lips. "You were holding a baby, Kagome!"
Kagome tried to yank her arm free.
"Tell me what in the hell I saw? I know you know!" He screamed at her. "I saw the dreams too! I'm as much a part of this as you are!"
She had a sharp urge to sit him, but she pushed it back. "Let go of me!" He stared at her, refusing to answer her request until she gave him some answers.
"Please Inuaysha, let go of my hand." She slumped and came dangerously close to using him for support.
"What did I see?" He was sick with confusion but let go of her hand.
Kagome pressed her eyes shut, "Think, Inuyasha." He frowned in contemplation. "What color were the baby's eyes?"
And it all snapped.
Kagome's smiling face and the baby with flailing arms, cheeks smooth with baby fat, and a pair of wide golden eyes. Every image seemed to align itself in his mind; Kagome holding a baby, he with his arms around her, and a young woman with long white hair and a smile that made him want to break into tears.
Blindly, he reached for Kagome again, searching the space around him. He pawed at the air for a moment, only coming back to reality when he could not find her. He opened his eyes wide and once spotting her, only a few feet away, gathered her to him. He nearly choked her with the force of his hug. She relaxed for a moment, cherishing the warmth he gave her. She had been so cold walking out here, shivering with the strength of the chill, but he shielded her from it.
He rested his head against her hair, forgetting why he was out here with her. For a second, the only thing that existed in the world was the two of them. He stroked the back of her head.
"Inuyasha?"
"Hm?"
"I need to go home." Her voice was shaky, coated with a sickly emotion.
His grip loosened only a bit, "Home?"
She brought her arms up to his biceps and pushed herself away, "Home, to my time."
He tried to process her words, his eyebrows burrowing at her meaning.
"Shiro and my family are waiting." He face was still frozen in an intense frown. She tried again, "I'm getting married in a few days. I need to go." Kagome's voice cracked.
Inuyasha turned away from her. He clenched his fists.
"Inuyasha?" Kagome asked hesitantly.
He tried to speak, but a gargled noise came from his throat. He took in a ragged breath, "Don't go." He whipped around on her without warning, "Stay with me."
"I can't." The tears came without warning. It would take more effort than she could muster to hold them back.
He cupped her face in his hands. His thumb brushed her wet cheeks, and he ignored her refusal. "Stay," he pleaded. He tilted his head to the side, staring.
Kagome shook her head and looked up at him, her eyes glistening with tears, "Kikyo's gone. You're lonely." She begged him to be rational. "You don't want me."
"You're all I see, Kagome." His answer was confident. Sure.
"You don't mean that."
Inuyasha moved one hand away from her face and grabbed her hand; the other continued to stroke her cheek, "I loved Kikyo because she accepted me. Nobody besides my Mom ever did that. And I held onto it for so long, but I squeezed all the life out of it." He took a breath and tried to read her face. "And then there was you. You accepted me and took care of me. When you left," he looked away, almost as though he were ashamed, "I tried to forget you. I couldn't do it."
Kagome shook her head violently, trying to rid her head of his words, "I need to go home. Shiro's waiting for me."
Inuyasha took his hands off of Kagome as if he had been scalded by her, "To hell with Shiro!" His eyes slanted and his gentle mood had washed away, "What about the child, Kagome?" His tone broke, "Our child. Yours and mine." His last words were little more than a whisper.
The image of the girl appeared to her. This time she was much younger. She looked into Kagome with amber eyes and grinned, two dimples appearing in her cheeks. "Mother." The words echoed in Kagome's brain. A sweet child's voice full of yearning, calling for her.
Kagome pulled her hands up to her ears and let out an uncontrolled sob. Her lips trembled as she looked at Inuyasha, her face asking him for mercy. Another sob came. Inuyasha pulled her into him. She laid her head on his shoulder, weeping for a moment.
He pulled her away to look at her face, a faint flush on his cheeks. "Will you . ."
Her hand covered his mouth tenderly. Her eyes looked almost manic and too large as she watched him. "Give me some time to think about it." She buried her head in the crook of his neck. "Just give me a little time, Inuyasha."
"Time?" he cried. "What if you can't make it back?"
She brought his head down and rested her forehead against his own, "If I'm meant to be with you, then I'll find my way back." Kagome turned and walked away, leaving him standing there.
He tried to look away and turned his back, but he looked over his shoulder with soulful eyes. "I don't care," he whispered. "I couldn't care less," he screamed for her ears alone.
His words convinced no one. Particularly not himself.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Where is she?" Shiro bellowed. "I'm not a fool, Mrs. Higurashi. I know she used to get sick in the past, but she wouldn't leave to go to some quarantined hospital without telling me!"
"Shiro, it was very serious. She had to leave immediately." Mrs. Higurashi explained. Souta sat back in a armchair and rolled his eyes.
"What's wrong with her? I'm worried to death, and no one will give me a straight answer!" Shiro had reached the end of his proverbial rope. It had been almost two weeks since Kagome had disappeared, and Mariko and he had tried to get some explanation from her family for days without any results.
"She'll be fine. Kagome just needed some time to heal."
"From what?" he wrung his hands.
"I'm back."
"Kagome!" Shiro turned at the sound of her voice, looked at her for a moment, picked her up, and held her. "I was worried sick." He kissed her cheek with his soft lips and massaged the back of her head with his fingers.
Kagome breathed a sigh of relief. Here, in Shiro's arms smelling his musky cologne, things were simple. She slackened against him and wrapped her arms around his slight figure.
"I'm home now, Shiro."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~
A continued thanks to everyone who reads and reviews this silly story! It feels like so long since I've been able to update. Graduate school is a major time hog and I am positive that Neuroanatomey was created by the devil. Regardless, this story is finally hitting the home stretch. It seems like forever ago that I had this idea and decided to put it on paper. There's still some more stuff to come and I have one or two surprises up my sleeve still. So please keep reviewing and be free with criticisms or suggestions. I love feedback!
I did want to take a minute to explain one aspect of this story. More than one reviewer had made comments about how they hope Kagome will see the light and come back to Inuyasha. To that I must say, patience my dear and cherished readers! I have tried to make this story as realistic as possible and to have Kagome run back into Inuyasha's arms seemed to be a bit unrealistic to me. But I must say, I do love comments like those because it makes me reassess and rethink my writing which ultimately only makes it better. So thank you!
I give you my life and all I am
But what have it to give
So I hand you a candid photograph of this little boy
'Cause I've nothing to my name
But I can give you that
~ "Somewhere North of Here"
Caedmon's Call
Put your name on the line along with place and time
Wanna stay not to go I wanna ditch the logical
Here's a toast to all those who hear me all too well
~"Here's to the Night"
Eve 6
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Inuyasha snuck into the hut, careful not to wake the sleeping girl in the corner. It was only a few minutes past dawn, but he had grown impatient and restless. He had been fidgety and twitchy for the past two days and he tried so hard to be respectful of Kagome's wishes, but he needed to see her.
He worried that she would try to sneak home while he was out in the forest, keeping his distance, and there was the constant nagging compulsion to check up on her. She looked broken that night, her hair soaking wet and her brown eyes bloodshot and glazed over, and he could hear her sniffling. The rain had given her the beginning of a cold.
But now, she looked warm and comforted. She lay upon a mat in the corner of the hut, a large blanket covering her up to the chin. She was turned onto her side, and Inuyasha could see the slight rise and fall of her chest and hear her soft breathing. Kagome squirmed a bit and then frowned in her sleep. A thin sunbeam slipped through the window, and a bit of light rested on her cheek. Inuyasha crept, quietly, slowly to her side. He watched her.
Kagome's eyelashes moved slightly with the morning breeze and the light on her cheek gave a healthy glow to her face. Her hair was a bit ratted in the back from sleep, but it was swept away from her face, tucked behind her ears.
Inuyasha's eyes came to rest on her hairline, where her dark hair met creamy skin. His glance rested there, and he could make out a light vein through her transparent skin. It moved slightly, flitting as blood passed through softly, the rhythm of her pulse. He moved his finger to the spot and traced the vein lightly. There was an urge to lie beside her and watch that vein for hours, but she would wake soon. He moved his calloused thumb along her hairline. Kagome frowned again and began to squirm.
He moved out the door with all the stealth of a cat demon, and tried to make it back into the woods before she realized what had transpired.
Kagome's eyes opened before Inuyasha had a chance to make it out of the hut, but her vision was blurred with the remnants of sleep. The cool dawn air rushed into the room and she shook off her grogginess; the door was open.
Kagome frowned and ran on her tiptoes to avoid the cold floor of the hut. She wrapped her hands around the door and prepared to shut it, squinting her eyes against the rising sun. She had little tolerance for light so early in the morning and brought her arm over her eyes as she looked out into the village. There was something bright red moving about in the distance.
"Inuyasha?" Her voice was thick from sleep.
Inuyasha walked towards the hut, looking like a child that had been caught with its hand in the cookie jar, "Whadda ya want?"
"What are you doing? It can't be past six yet?" She tilted her head to the side and bit her lower lip.
"Coming out of the woods." He stopped in front of her and crossed his arms. "Am I allowed inside?"
Kagome looked down at the wood floor and shifted her weight onto her left foot while slowly rotating the right foot, "Why wouldn't you be?"
"I got the impression I wasn't wanted."
"Sorry," she sighed, "I didn't mean to come off like that." She put on a playful smile, "I guess you think I've been acting a little weird the last few days?"
He snorted.
"I just have a lot on my mind. I shouldn't have taken it out on you. Sorry." She stretched her smile, hoping it looked apologetic, and leaned against the doorframe. Her shoulders slumped.
Inuyasha's eyes narrowed, "I didn't ask for an apology."
"No, you didn't, but I offered one anyway." She took a step back, "Are you coming in?"
He studied her, but offered her nothing in response save an acidic expression.
"I'm going home tomorrow, Inuyasha, and I'd like to spend some more time with you before I leave." She rolled her eyes, far past the point of exasperation.
Inuyasha's left ear twitched once and the sour expression crumbled into something far more pitiable.
Kagome returned his expression, "Now will you come inside?"
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Shippo took Kagome's hand in his own and grinned up at her as they walked along the dirt paths outside of the village. He held a bouquet of wildflowers in his hand, and his laughter and occasional side glances gave away his intention to surprise her with them after the walk. Taru ran behind the two, often jumping off the path to roll in the grass and the dirt.
Shippo sniggered at the toddler's activities, "Taru, I don't think your Mom is going to be happy to find you so dirty when you get home." Taru giggled and wiped his dirty hands on his shirt.
"Let him have some fun, Shippo." Kagome smiled. "He's a little boy. He's supposed to be dirty, and I seem to remember you getting messy when you were little."
Shippo grinned sheepishly, "That was a long time ago."
Taru then ran up to Shippo and held up his arms. There was a grin on his face that was reminiscent of Miroku's mischievous grins. Shippo picked the boy up and flipped him upside down. Taru giggled uncontrollably.
"Can you get up?" Shippo teased the boy. Taru squealed in delight and tried to push his body up. "Come on, Taru! You're not even trying." Taru squished his face up and put all of his energy in lifting himself up, but only dissolved into screeches of wild laughter. After several failed attempts, Shippo lifted the boy on top of his shoulders.
Kagome watched the scene and felt pride well up within her. Shippo had grown so much and not just physically. Sure he was only two inches shorter than her now, but it seemed that his heart and spirit had continued to grow by leaps and bounds as well. She watched him assist Kaede numerous times in the past two days, help Sango around the home, watch Taru while the others were busy, and quietly listen to Miroku's teachings. He was only twelve and still the essence of childhood hung on him, but his manner was that of a man.
"Hey Kagome," Shippo asked, snapping her out of her thoughts, "why did Miroku and Inuyasha leave this morning?"
"Inuyasha said he smelled some demon out in the woods. He and Miroku went patrolling just to be safe."
"Oh." Shippo scratched his chin as though he were deep in thought. "I thought it had something to do with what happened to you and Inuyasha on your trip. Guess I was wrong."
Kagome grinned ruefully, "Nice try, kiddo." She ruffled the hair on the top of his head, "You're not getting anything out of me."
"Why are you angry with Inuyasha? Is he the reason why you're leaving?" Taru continued to cling onto Shippo's neck, caught in his own marvel at being lifted so high.
"I'm not mad at Inuyasha." Kagome groaned and ran a hand through her hair, "I have to go home because my life is there." Shippo looked down at the ground and began to move dirt around with his toes. Kagome moved to him and placed her hand on his shoulder, "But don't think that means that my heart is entirely there." Shippo looked up at her with an expectant gaze. "I want to take you with me."
Shippo tried to hold back the beginning of tears in the corners of his eyes. He remembered how Inuyasha told him that men did not cry. "I know, Kagome."
Kagome placed her hand on his cheek. They stood there for a moment; neither saying how they knew it was impossible for him to come to her time anymore than circumstances would not allow her to stay in his. If it had not been for the thundering crescendo in the distance, slightly to the east, the two may have continued for a while longer.
The pair jerked away, startled by the sound. Shippo focused his hearing and put his finger to his mouth with a serious look, trying to shush Kagome and Taru.
His eyes snapped wide open, "A demon, Kagome. A very large demon and it's close to the village! We need to get there now." He quickly took Taru down from his shoulders and moved him to his arms. He grabbed Kagome's arm and began running towards the village. "Inuyasha and Miroku headed north this morning. It's not likely that there close to here."
Kagome freed her arm from Shippo's grip and ran, full speed, towards the village. It did not take them long before they entered the outskirts of the village.
Shippo set Taru down, "Go hide, Taru." Taru nodded, his small face looking set and determined.
Kagome continued running along the familiar old road, past huts and anxious villagers. Shippo followed just a few feet behind.
"What kind of demon is it Shippo?" Kagome yelled.
"Sounds like a coyote demon." Shippo bellowed.
It took only a minute to reach the center of the village. The face of the demon to came into view. He was still a distance away, but the demon appeared to be massive. His fur was a deep black and his eyes were thin, blood-red. The demon's growl was guttural and there was a visceral edge to his swift movements. Kagome and Shippo froze.
The demon took several steps and centered his red glare. He raised a large paw and looked ready to swipe at the closest hut.
"Leave!" Shippo jumped up, covering quite a distance, and distracted the demon while Kagome sprinted to catch up. Shippo morphed his shape and grew several feet. "Why are you here?"
The demon merely snarled and raised his hand to swing at the young kitsune. Shippo dodged the large the padded claws and sprung at the demon. He aimed for the demon's stomach and pulled back his fist to strike. His fist made contact with the large coyote's soft belly and a rush of air escaped its lungs. The coyote took a step back, regained his bearings, squatted low to the ground, and flashed his teeth. Once again, the demon raised a large paw and lashed out at Shippo.
Kagome rushed past huts and the people rushing out of the village. She circled around towards Sango's hut and shoved the door open, the wood creaking with the force.
"Sango, where are you?"
Sango peeked out from her bedroom, her eyes wide with fear, "Where's Taru?"
"He's hiding." Sango's eyes drifted to her belly, silently cursing her inability to help. She raised frightened eyes. "Don't worry. Shippo's distracting the demon." Her words streamed from her mouth, quick and desperate. "Where's my bow and arrow?"
Sango dashed towards a closet and began tossing things around. She disappeared within the space for a second, but then stepped out with the bow and arrow in hand. "Here."
Kagome grabbed them hastily, "Thanks." She spun out of the room, out the open door, and ran towards the sounds of the battle.
Shippo stood a distance away from the demon ready to pounce when Kagome came to the clearing. He reached out with his still immature claws and sunk them into coyote's leg. Warm blood bubbled up from the broken flesh and washed over Shippo's hand. Shippo looked at his hand in horror, sickened by the stench and the intense color of the hot liquid. The demon took advantage of the momentary lapse and struck Shipp squarely in the side. Instantly, Shippo lost all the mass he had shifted into and flew threw the air, landing in the dirt. He tried to pull himself up, but his head felt as though it were splitting in two and his vision doubled. Everything twisted around him in a dizzying arc. Despite all efforts, his body refused to move.
"Shippo!" Kagome felt the familiar tang of fear in her mouth as she watched as Shippo wiry body slam into the dirt. Now that the young kitsune lay in the dust, no longer a hassle, the coyote demon turned his anger to Kagome. The demon sensed the fury radiating from her, recognizing immediately her miko power.
The demon inched towards her, a desperation embracing him. Kagome snatched an arrow and gripped it in her hand for a second. She felt a slight tingling in her fingers as a purifying energy was transferred from her to the arrow. Then, took the bow and held it steady as she stretched the arrow and the string taut. "Leave now!"
The demon ignored the warning; he stepped closer, bring his head down to look at her. He stopped mere inches from her face, his eyes snapping viciously. He exhaled and his dank breath seemed to blister the skin on her face.
"What do you want here?" Kagome asked, her voice grave. The demon breathed again, more forceful. Kagome closed her eyes for a moment. "You want blood." She moved the point of the arrow and leveled it in between the demon's eyes. "Leave and I'll spare you." The demon moved his weight, testing her. "I don't want to kill you so please leave now!"
A cry of disgust began in the demon's stomach and traveled to his throat. He wanted no part of this girl's pity. His roar echoed in Kagome's ear and the coyote flashed his fangs, ready to sink into the girl's flesh.
Kagome let the arrow loose and it struck the demon between the eyes. The demon staggered backwards, trying to edge back to safety. He raised the paw, struck the arrow, and dislodged it from his forehead.
"It's not too late." Kagome continued to reason with the beast. "I didn't power the arrow up enough to kill you. You can still leave with your life."
The coyote continued to retreat while Kagome watched him carefully, not bothering to charge up a second arrow. Now at the edge of the woods, the demon stopped and glanced around. The girl still stared at him, but the young kitsune was lying on the ground unconscious. The coyote noted that he was at least several hundred feet away from the girl. If he could move quickly, he could take the young kitsune in his mouth without the girl having time to grab an arrow and aim it. He moved his eyes back to the girl.
Without warning, the coyote raced towards the limp form of the boy. Kagome took an arrow in her hand, charged it up, and released it. It all happened within a blinking moment. The arrow was shot and connected with the side of the coyote, disappearing into the demon with a pink flash. The coyote sank to the ground, a few feet from Shippo's limp form, devoid of all life.
Kagome scrunched her eyes shut, "I didn't want to do that. You didn't give me a choice." Her words fell from her mouth, intended for no one in particular. She moved slowly towards Shippo, until a hand reached from behind to restrain her. She turned and saw Miroku and Inuyasha, both standing back silent and amazed.
"Kagome," Miroku breathed, "I didn't know you could still do that."
She looked at Inuyasha's surprised face, "I took an archery class at college."
She looked remorsefully down at the bow and arrows she clutched. "It wasn't a big deal." Kagome tossed the bow and arrow to the ground and went to tend Shippo.
* * * * * * * *
Kagome pushed the food around her plate, "Thanks Sango, but I'm not hungry." With one hand, she moved the plate away.
"So you're definitely leaving?" Miroku asked her openly without any visible hesitancy in his voice.
Kagome nodded, "I'm getting married in a few days. I've already stayed too long."
Sango took the plate away and sat next to Kagome, "Have you spoken with Inuyasha?"
"Some things are better left unsaid." She laid her head against Sango's shoulder. Sango stroked the back of Kagome's head with a steady graceful hand. "He agreed to walk me back to the well. I'll speak with him then."
Miroku smiled at her sadly, "I wish you'd stay, Kagome. You're a part of this family. Taru will miss you terribly and I would've liked for my second son to have known you."
Kagome touched Sango's stomach and smiled, "What if it's a girl, Miroku?"
"It is a girl." Sango said with certainty. "There are already too many men in this house. Surely, the powers will not bring another man to deal with." She stared pointedly at Miroku.
He wisely ignored Sango's comment and suddenly clasped Kagome's hands in his own, "We'll miss you, Lady Kagome. And may your life hold nothing but good blessings." He moved across the table and kissed her chastely upon the cheek.
Sango also squeezed her hand with all the tidings and reassurance a sister could give, "Be happy, Kagome."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
It had been difficult to say goodbye to Taru, Sango, and Miroku, but especially difficult to say goodbye to Shippo. They had spoken for hours, trying to prolong their separation. He had cried and she had squeezed him with her tight hugs. She made him promise to take care of Taru and the baby that would come soon, and he made her promise to never forget him. Kagome had wanted to let him know how much he meant to her, but the words did not seem available. Still, he smiled at her as she walked out the door, letting her know that he understood all that she could not say.
She had fared no better in saying farewell to Kaede.
Kaede had watched her leave with sad, old eyes, "Child, what happened on the mountain?"
"It's not something I can share." Kagome regretted her silence.
"And you are intent on leaving?"
Kagome smiled softly, "There's someone waiting for me." She knelt down in front of the old woman.
"Then bless ye child." Kaede touched Kagome's leg with an old, weathered hand. "It was good to have you among us even if it was for a short time."
"Thank you, Kaede."
Kaede smiled regretfully, "Once Kikyo taught me how to make healing herbs and how to be a priestess. When her spirit parted from this world, I had no other siblings. There was no one to share my knowledge with until you, Kagome." Kaede took her hands. "I am honored to have taught you."
"No Kaede, the honor was mine."
"One thing before leave, child."
Kagome nodded, "Anything."
"Speak to Inuyasha. He may not be able to choose his words wisely, but his heart is swollen. You see, he has been waiting for you as well." Kaede pointed out to a stretch of trees. Inuyasha sat on the tallest branch, one leg swing slightly in the air. "Do not leave with animosity in the air because there will be no other time to be rid yourselves of it."
* * * * * * * * * * *
Inuyasha walked several steps behind Kagome and tried to focus on anything other than her. Kagome watched the sun as it dipped low in the sky. Dusk was settling into its place quickly and left a trail of color gradation in its wake. The remainder of sunlight tipped the shapes all around them, seeming to illuminate the bark and the leaves of the surrounding trees.
Kagome took it all in and it charged her, filled her with sadness, a feeling that taunted and agonized her already bruised insides. The past few days had been full of sentiment and emotion, so much that it left her depleted, weary. There was nothing left but the realization that all of this would be beyond her in a few minutes.
She stopped, "Inuyasha?"
He drew back, "Yeah?"
Kagome whirled around and looked him in the eye. She swallowed the lump in her throat, "Thank you."
"For what?"
"For guiding me the last few days. You didn't have to."
Inuyasha blinked once, "I didn't mind." His voice was tender.
Kagome sauntered near him, wondering how to tell him she would miss him. She was not sure what would be appropriate after all that had transpired. She stopped very close to him. Standing so near, the urge to fling her arms around him and cling to him seemed sensible. Kagome turned away; his steady amber gaze was too much.
"I guess this is it."
Inuyasha dropped his eyes. Watching her leave was unimaginable, but here he was and there she was ready to abandon him a second time. "What happened on the mountain, Kagome?"
She rubbed her neck until it was red but did not answer.
"I saw things up there. The angel made me see things." She squirmed and fidgeted under his blunt words. "I've been trying to make sense of what all the images were, but there were too many and they came so fast."
"Take my advice, Inuyasha." She looked at him, her face grim. "Don't put too much thought into it."
He growled and grabbed her hand, holding it firmly. She tried to pull away, even putting her hand to his chest and pushing him back. He was invading her space, her privacy. "Let go!" she hissed.
"I saw you," Inuyasha screamed. "I couldn't make sense of any of the images except one. You were looking up and smiling." He looked at her as though he were waiting for her to confirm what he saw but she just tightened her lips. "You were holding a baby, Kagome!"
Kagome tried to yank her arm free.
"Tell me what in the hell I saw? I know you know!" He screamed at her. "I saw the dreams too! I'm as much a part of this as you are!"
She had a sharp urge to sit him, but she pushed it back. "Let go of me!" He stared at her, refusing to answer her request until she gave him some answers.
"Please Inuaysha, let go of my hand." She slumped and came dangerously close to using him for support.
"What did I see?" He was sick with confusion but let go of her hand.
Kagome pressed her eyes shut, "Think, Inuyasha." He frowned in contemplation. "What color were the baby's eyes?"
And it all snapped.
Kagome's smiling face and the baby with flailing arms, cheeks smooth with baby fat, and a pair of wide golden eyes. Every image seemed to align itself in his mind; Kagome holding a baby, he with his arms around her, and a young woman with long white hair and a smile that made him want to break into tears.
Blindly, he reached for Kagome again, searching the space around him. He pawed at the air for a moment, only coming back to reality when he could not find her. He opened his eyes wide and once spotting her, only a few feet away, gathered her to him. He nearly choked her with the force of his hug. She relaxed for a moment, cherishing the warmth he gave her. She had been so cold walking out here, shivering with the strength of the chill, but he shielded her from it.
He rested his head against her hair, forgetting why he was out here with her. For a second, the only thing that existed in the world was the two of them. He stroked the back of her head.
"Inuyasha?"
"Hm?"
"I need to go home." Her voice was shaky, coated with a sickly emotion.
His grip loosened only a bit, "Home?"
She brought her arms up to his biceps and pushed herself away, "Home, to my time."
He tried to process her words, his eyebrows burrowing at her meaning.
"Shiro and my family are waiting." He face was still frozen in an intense frown. She tried again, "I'm getting married in a few days. I need to go." Kagome's voice cracked.
Inuyasha turned away from her. He clenched his fists.
"Inuyasha?" Kagome asked hesitantly.
He tried to speak, but a gargled noise came from his throat. He took in a ragged breath, "Don't go." He whipped around on her without warning, "Stay with me."
"I can't." The tears came without warning. It would take more effort than she could muster to hold them back.
He cupped her face in his hands. His thumb brushed her wet cheeks, and he ignored her refusal. "Stay," he pleaded. He tilted his head to the side, staring.
Kagome shook her head and looked up at him, her eyes glistening with tears, "Kikyo's gone. You're lonely." She begged him to be rational. "You don't want me."
"You're all I see, Kagome." His answer was confident. Sure.
"You don't mean that."
Inuyasha moved one hand away from her face and grabbed her hand; the other continued to stroke her cheek, "I loved Kikyo because she accepted me. Nobody besides my Mom ever did that. And I held onto it for so long, but I squeezed all the life out of it." He took a breath and tried to read her face. "And then there was you. You accepted me and took care of me. When you left," he looked away, almost as though he were ashamed, "I tried to forget you. I couldn't do it."
Kagome shook her head violently, trying to rid her head of his words, "I need to go home. Shiro's waiting for me."
Inuyasha took his hands off of Kagome as if he had been scalded by her, "To hell with Shiro!" His eyes slanted and his gentle mood had washed away, "What about the child, Kagome?" His tone broke, "Our child. Yours and mine." His last words were little more than a whisper.
The image of the girl appeared to her. This time she was much younger. She looked into Kagome with amber eyes and grinned, two dimples appearing in her cheeks. "Mother." The words echoed in Kagome's brain. A sweet child's voice full of yearning, calling for her.
Kagome pulled her hands up to her ears and let out an uncontrolled sob. Her lips trembled as she looked at Inuyasha, her face asking him for mercy. Another sob came. Inuyasha pulled her into him. She laid her head on his shoulder, weeping for a moment.
He pulled her away to look at her face, a faint flush on his cheeks. "Will you . ."
Her hand covered his mouth tenderly. Her eyes looked almost manic and too large as she watched him. "Give me some time to think about it." She buried her head in the crook of his neck. "Just give me a little time, Inuyasha."
"Time?" he cried. "What if you can't make it back?"
She brought his head down and rested her forehead against his own, "If I'm meant to be with you, then I'll find my way back." Kagome turned and walked away, leaving him standing there.
He tried to look away and turned his back, but he looked over his shoulder with soulful eyes. "I don't care," he whispered. "I couldn't care less," he screamed for her ears alone.
His words convinced no one. Particularly not himself.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Where is she?" Shiro bellowed. "I'm not a fool, Mrs. Higurashi. I know she used to get sick in the past, but she wouldn't leave to go to some quarantined hospital without telling me!"
"Shiro, it was very serious. She had to leave immediately." Mrs. Higurashi explained. Souta sat back in a armchair and rolled his eyes.
"What's wrong with her? I'm worried to death, and no one will give me a straight answer!" Shiro had reached the end of his proverbial rope. It had been almost two weeks since Kagome had disappeared, and Mariko and he had tried to get some explanation from her family for days without any results.
"She'll be fine. Kagome just needed some time to heal."
"From what?" he wrung his hands.
"I'm back."
"Kagome!" Shiro turned at the sound of her voice, looked at her for a moment, picked her up, and held her. "I was worried sick." He kissed her cheek with his soft lips and massaged the back of her head with his fingers.
Kagome breathed a sigh of relief. Here, in Shiro's arms smelling his musky cologne, things were simple. She slackened against him and wrapped her arms around his slight figure.
"I'm home now, Shiro."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~
A continued thanks to everyone who reads and reviews this silly story! It feels like so long since I've been able to update. Graduate school is a major time hog and I am positive that Neuroanatomey was created by the devil. Regardless, this story is finally hitting the home stretch. It seems like forever ago that I had this idea and decided to put it on paper. There's still some more stuff to come and I have one or two surprises up my sleeve still. So please keep reviewing and be free with criticisms or suggestions. I love feedback!
I did want to take a minute to explain one aspect of this story. More than one reviewer had made comments about how they hope Kagome will see the light and come back to Inuyasha. To that I must say, patience my dear and cherished readers! I have tried to make this story as realistic as possible and to have Kagome run back into Inuyasha's arms seemed to be a bit unrealistic to me. But I must say, I do love comments like those because it makes me reassess and rethink my writing which ultimately only makes it better. So thank you!