Chapter Six Summary
Inuyasha & Kikyou, recently walking to the beach to clear Inuyasha's mind. Inuyasha does not understand why Kagome would leave him like this, and go off with some wolf. He missed her. Dearly.
Kagome realized that Kouga was the one who kidnapped her, and was informed that Inuyasha despised her. She is heartbroken, and does not know why he hates her so much. Lets just say, she thought her life was gone. She missed him. Dearly.
Present
Kikyou watched Inuyasha, deep in thought. She wanted to slap that bastard, for the look a moment ago had come back. He was thinking about Kagome .. again
" Inuyasha, " Kikyou called, squeezing his hand in hers.
Inuyasha blinked and looked up. Kikyou gazed at him with her grey eyes, full of sadness. Up close, Inuyasha realized Kikyou looked nothing like Kagome.
She was a lot paler, and her eyes were much smaller and less bright. Her nose was rounder and her lips were much thinner. Her hair did not curve in at the end like Kagome's, and was much longer. She looked absolutely nothing like Kagome.
Kagome was more beautiful.
" Inuyasha, you deserve a lot better, do you understand ? Kagome will never come back, now that she realized Kouga is her love and soulmate. " Kikyou gently said, leaning on the prince.
Inuyasha furrowed his brows and his fists clenched tighter. He could feel his claws drawing his own blood, and he wished that could also draw away his jealousy along with it. What ? He was jealous ? Jealous of that mangy wolf ? Of course. He had Kagome.
Inuyasha looked away from Kikyou and to the sea. In his toughest voice, he demanded, " What did Kagome exactly say ? Did she say those three words that she hated me ? Did she .. "
" Inuyasha, " Kikyou broke in softly, jolting Inuyasha from his flow of questions.
" What ?! " he demanded gruffly, still not looking at her.
No response.
Inuyasha peered at her at the corner of his eye, but couldn't see her expression, even though she was a centimeter away from him. Growling in exasperation, he turned to her, " Wha .. "
Lips met lips, and suddenly, Inuyasha found himself and Kikyou kissing. KISSING.
It was magical .. it was his first kiss. They were in the perfect setting, the perfect time, and they were together as engaged couples. But why didn't it feel right ?
Inuyasha closed his eyes, almost grimacing.
Because it wasn't Kagome.
Kagome blinked. Then she blinked again. And again.
But that still didn't stop the tears from coming.
Kagome was surprised. She thought she was all cried out. My bad.
Her face recently developed a new feature. A line of salt down cheeks. Kagome knew that it wouldn't go away for a while.
It's been one day. Only one day. For what seemed like eternity. And Kagome is expected to live here ?
This is not right.
The young girl has been thinking these past days, with nobody but herself, sitting at the ledge of the open window, staring out at the clouds.
She could've just jumped off and killed herself. But that wasn't Kagome.
The young girl has been thinking, and the new things she discovered irked her.
Greatly.
Her eyes dropped, as the gentle breeze carried her hair behind her. She ignored the icy feeling the wind shot up her loose nightdress and dangled her legs on the inside of the window.
It has only been a few weeks, no ? Two at the most, actually. Since she's been here in this land.
It has only been a few weeks. Two at the most, actually. Since she has met Inuyasha.
That's when she realized, that the hanyou prince meant more to her than she ever imagined he would.
Much more.
In fact ..
Much, much more ..
Kagome closed her eyes, letting the tears fall at full force.
She loved him.
The long nights, or should I say, night .. has been painful to her. It is because, it was without Inuyasha.
Inuyasha ..
I love you ..
Kagome squeezed her eyes tighter, as she gripped onto her nightdress. I love you.
Her time alone has been precious to her. Each second that passed, she realized how empty she felt without the prince. She considered him as a friend. For she realized that she never had any.
Just like him.
He was the only she could talk to. Vent her anger on. Feel relaxed. Have fun. Be there.
Well.
Not exactly.
But nevertheless .. he was there. And Kagome missed him terribly.
Very .. terribly.
Kagome released her grip on her nightgown and buried her face into her hands, quietly sobbing like she always was.
How come I never realized this until it was too late ? If the gods were more kind to me, I would've told him long ago before he and Kikyou fell in love. Inuyasha, do you realize how much I love you ? I know .. we were together for a short period of time .. but .. when I'm around you .. I feel somewhat, in a strange and comforting way, I was home. You and I shared something similar, and I understood you. Or so .. I thought I did. You cared about me, and worried about me. Or so I thought you did. Nobody else talked to me, except you. I've met nobody like you. Those feelings I felt when I'm around you .. I know what it is now. It's love. Love for you. Even though .. I will never receive anything in return .. for you gave your love to another. My sister.
Kagome opened her eyes and dropped her hands to her heart. She squeezed it, hoping it would wring out all the pain and frustration it held. No matter what I do, I miss you. If only you were here to tell me to snap out of it and get on my feet, or something to anger me so I would feel determined once more. But you can't. You aren't here.
Kagome peered out at the sky with tears in her eyes, visible and glistening. Sometimes I wonder if you ever cared for me, like I cared for you. I thought you cared for me .. once or twice. But I don't know anymore. Sometimes I just wish you would talk to me .. and tell me. Yes. Tell me.
Kagome furrowed her brows, bitterness filling onto her tongue. You should've told me you didn't love me in the beginning .. so I wouldn't have to hurt so much. Inuyasha, you stupid arrogant dog ! How can you be so cruel and play with my heart like this ?
Kagome breathed deeply, hoping it would stop the sharp pain in her heart. She clutched onto it tighter and slid off the ledge. I know now that I cannot live peacefully without knowing exactly what you said. I must get back to you. Somehow. But I will. I need you ..
Kagome let out a silent sob and touched the fallen glass lamp she had used to bash against the wall a day ago. She picked it up and closed her eyes, ready for the pain in her fingers again. I will get back to you. I HAVE to ! Even though you push me away or send me home .. I have to at least see you and ask why you despise me so much ! Inuyasha .. I'm coming !
Suddenly, with new determination, Kagome grunted and sent the glass lamp hurtling towards the stone wall.
Kagome jumped back, startled at the sudden crash and stone flying everywhere. She covered herself, coughing from the dust and pieces of rock in the air.
Before the dust could even settle, Kagome dug through the rubble, hoping to see a hole she could crawl out to.
Thank the gods.
In front of her, the wall had been broken. She didn't know how she did it, but there it was, a big opening for her. A big opening, screaming to her the word ' freedom '.
Before she could even express her joy or think, she immediately shoved herself into the hole, just big enough for her to squeeze through. She gasped at the jagged rocks in the wall jabbing into her sides but she bit her lip to shut herself up, afraid that anyone might hear her. She closed her eyes and pushed herself through, ignoring the blood that broke through her scraped skin.
I can do this ! Inuyasha wouldn't want to see me weak ! I can do this ! Inuyasha .. I-I'm coming home !
Kagome gasped as she quickly grabbed onto the edge of the broken wall. She had climbed out, and forgotten that she was in a tower, connected to Kouga's castle. She now was dangling at the edge of the wall, hanging onto her dear life.
Kagome gripped onto the edge and brought her other arm up to it. She bit her tongue harshly, as pain shot into her ribs. She wasn't going to give up now. She was too close !
Summoning up all of her courage, she looked below her.
She almost let go.
Kagome couldn't believe how tall the tower was. It was like dangling on a skyscraper !
But she knew she had to do it.
Taking a deep breath, she squeezed her eyes shut and gripped onto the ledge. She will slide down the tower. No matter how hard it will be.
Then, she let go.
Before she could blink, her body was sent crashing down the tower's side. She could barely control her face as the wind whipped it from different directions, sending her lips and eyelids fluttering like crazy.
" UMMPPPHHHHH ! " she screamed as she fell to the bottom, luckily, landing on several bushes.
Quickly, Kagome scrambled out of the bushes, still a little dazed from the drop. But she dare not waste any time. Somebody might see her !
So Kagome turned and ran away from the castle, as fast as she could. She was so happy that she escaped, she didn't realize that somebody had been watching her for the whole time, with sad blue eyes.
Kagome didn't stop running. She ran until her legs felt numb. But even that, she didn't stop.
She was determined. No. She was desperate. She needed to see the prince once more .. or her heart would never die peaceful.
YES !Kagome wanted to leap for joy, as the stone castle emerged over the horizon. She could barely see it, for it was already dark. She didn't even realize she had been running for the whole day.
Tears pricked her eyes and blotted the trail behind her. Kagome never felt so scared and happy at the same in her life. Please Inuyasha .. give me a good reason why you hate me ! But I won't leave you .. I can't. I will be by your side as your best friend, even though you choose Kikyou over me. I just want to be near you ..
But what if he turns away from you ?
Kagome slowed down, her legs finally feeling pain. Her heart thumped loudly, as doubt filled her heart.
What if he doesn't want you here ? What if he doesn't want to see you ? What if he doesn't want you ?
Kagome took a deep breath to push back the lump arising in her throat and nodded. That's the chance I will have to take. I love him .. he'll have to know. Heck .. EVERYBODY CAN KNOW !
She'll tell the whole world ! She loved Inuyasha ! Inuyasha, that stupid arrogant etc etc hanyou, that stole this young girl's heart away ! Her, Higurashi Kagome, was in LOVE with this boy ! SHE-LOVED-INU-YASHA !!!!!!
Kagome rushed past the gaurds standing around at the doorway. Their eyes widened and they were ready to stop her when she flashed them a brilliant smile, " It's okay ! I love Inuyasha ! "
The gaurds blinked, unsure of what the young girl meant. Before they could ask her, she was past the door and into the palace.
The young girl stumbled into the marbled hallway, scurrying past startled maids. She kept on running, until she reached Inuyasha's room.
I'm home ! I'm home ! Inuyasha, I'm ..
She barged through his closed doors, gasping for breath. She slipped in, expecting to fall into the hands of the boy she fell in love with, and confess her love to. Disappointedly, there was nobody. She scrambled up and looked around, frustrated.
He was probably at his beach, training again ! Kagome grinned, proud that she knew he so well.
Without a second wasted, Kagome whirled around and dashed down the stairs.
Before she could make it past the door, she bumped into a very surprised King and Queen.
The young girl fell back on her rear, crying out in surprise. The elders raised their eyebrows, and the Queen let out a cry. " Kagome !! "
Kagome smiled broadly and scrambled up. She jumped in front of the Majesties and didn't even bother to bow. " Hey ! Where did Inuyasha go ? He's at the beach right ?! "
The King and Queen stared at Kagome, startled at her behavior and her bloodied figure. " W-why yes, Kagome .. Inuyasha is at the beach. With .. "
" Thank you ! And your Majesty .. " Kagome looked over her shoulder to them and grinned. " Tell him, there's somebody out there loving him as much as he loves Kikyou. Thanks. " Before they could reply, Kagome was out the door, her body radiating a happy and warm aura.
Kagome never knew she could feel so happy to see that ungrateful dog again ! She was practically soaring !
She ran outside. Faster and faster, reaching the corner of the cliff. Yes ! Yes ! She picked her speed, ignoring the burning pain in her chest. She turned the corner expectantly, her bright eyes full of hope. The moment of ..
Kagome froze. The world froze. Her world froze. She couldn't move, no matter how hard she tried.
She couldn't believe it. In front of her, was her love. Her only love.
In the arms of her sister ..
Kissing.
And he wasn't moving.
Her hopes .. her dreams .. her faith. Her love. It vanquished into thin air. It was if .. she never met Inuyasha before.
She didn't even realize that Inuyasha was wincing. She wasn't even there.
Tears fogged up vision, and she began to back away. She tripped. She cried. She scrambled up, and tripped again. She was bleeding, but she made no sound.
She had to get out of here. She had to. She turns to run, her tears freshly marking the warm sand under her. She trips over a jagged rock, causing her to fall.
He never loved me. Kagome thought, tears streaming down her face, mixed with fresh blood. He never loved me. How could I been so blind ? It was right in front of me face ! Right there ! I should've known that somebody as high and important as Inuyasha, would ever fall for a peasant girl like me. There always the better version of me out there, no .. the better original version of me. I was stupid to believe that love that was ever there.
Kagome tried to push herself up, but the wounds from falling from the tower, just ripped opened. She bit her lip harshly, but did not make a sound.
I have to leave. I have to get out of this place. I can't go back. Not now.
Not ever.
So, with her last bit of hope gone, the young bloodied girl pushed herself up and turned around. And ran. Ran away, from this dreadful place but brought her nothing but pain and agony ..
Forever.
===
Inuyasha abruptly pulled away from the princess.
Kikyou, who looked mighty crushed, looked at Inuyasha sadly. " What's the matter Inuyasha ? Did you not enjoy our moment together ? "
Wincing, Inuyasha looked at his fiancée. But he didn't answer.
Instead, he turned his head towards the cliffs and sniffed. " I .. sensed someone was here. I smelt .. salt. "
" It must be the sea you're smelling. Probably a tide, " Kikyou looked at the prince's strained expression and sighed. " Inuyasha, you wouldn't even look at me. Am I that disgusting to you ? "
For any normal people, would be looking at their love going : ' Of course you aren't ! ' But for Inuyasha, he didn't love her.
" I have no idea what you are saying, woman ! " Inuyasha barked, as he continued to gaze at the cliffs.
" Then why won't you tell me you love me ? " Kikyou asked softly, her grey eyes locked onto her lap.
" Huh ? " Inuyasha turned to her, surprised at the sadness in the girl's voice. Did he pain her that much ?
Kikyou strained a small smile. " The whole time I was here, you never told me you love me, Inuyasha. You would look at me, then turn and walk away quickly. I always wondered if you even considered me as a friend, not a fiancée. "
" Kikyou .. I .. " Inuyasha started, his heart going out for the princess.
" You don't have to love me, Inuyasha. You can love Kagome as much as you want. I just wish .. " Kikyou sighed and leaned on Inuyasha, who had stiffened. " Wish that you could give me a chance. Just this once. And forget all about the traitor and just think of me .. once. "
Inuyasha opened his mouth to protest that Kagome was not a traitor, but he fought against it.
Instead, he lifted his trembling arms and wrapped it around the small girl protectively. Closing his eyes, without sounding as strained as he felt, Inuyasha whispered softly. " I love you. "
" I love you too. " Kikyou breathed, relieved.
Before Inuyasha could feel any more guilt, Kikyou stood up and pulled her fiancé up with her. " We should start planning, Inuyasha. Our wedding may be in two months or so, I still want to spend more time with you and talk about the day when we finally will be joined as one. "
Inuyasha winced and turned his head away. " It can wait. " His answer came out hoarse and dry.
Instantly, Inuyasha felt a pair of arms wrapped around his waist. " Please. "
The voice almost begged him, causing Inuyasha to feel ten times guiltier. He swallowed uncomfortably and looked away. " Whatever. "
Inuyasha felt Kikyou smile into his chest and she closed her eyes. " Thank you Inuyasha .. "
Sighing, Inuyasha murmured that it was no problem into her hair and embraced her tightly. Then, he gazed at the pretty woman in his arms.
Oh, she was so pretty. But he couldn't help thinking of ..
Inuyasha began walking away the beach with Kikyou in his arms, but he took the time to turn and look at the cliff once more. His mind was in a daze, as his amber eyes clouded over.
That smell ..