CHAPTER 14: NOT SO CALM BEFORE THE STORM

And now we are with our motley crew, three humans, a hanyou, and five demons, ranging in power. And they traveled as one, though begrudged with each other as they are. But most of all was the hanyou, and one miko. They led the group, as if by some twist of fate they were unconsciously decided the leaders. Not that Inuyasha had a problem with it. That's the way it had been for most of the time he knew his friends. That is, when he made a most fateful mistake, but we all know what that is. And what worried him most, was what lay ahead.

They had all of them. All of the Shikon shards that was left from Naraku's collection. And for some unknown reason, he felt as if it wasn't right. Something was missing, something left undone. Part of it he knew, but the other he did not. It was like a child tugging on his sleeve constantly, and he couldn't get rid of it. He knew that he missed Kagome, and he knew that was a large part of it. He had always been his strongest in her presence, and after awhile, he didn't question it. It was just right. Then she was gone. At the time, he thought it had been him, but he was wrong. He realized now that it had not been him that had pushed her away, but his manipulated mind that had. It ad taken time, and some insight, but nothing could be more sure now. Kikyou did not love him, she hadn't for sometime. But his foolish hopes had blinded him to what was important. And secretly in his heart, it hadn't buried itself, waiting for the opportune time. But it had never come, because he had prevented it. He had pushed away his own salvation by consorting with the devil. Now, now, that's a bit harsh, but for he had done, he felt as if he had. Thought Kikyou was there is he wanted silence, she couldn't give him the warm presence she once had. That presence had found another form. And he swore, if he made it out of this alive, he'd return to it and beg for all he was worth. He just prayed it was enough.

Beside him, the miko remained silent, though comforted by the fact she was with him once again, even though disguised. She had no doubt that Sesshomaru knew of her, his rank as a demon couldn't be surpassed. But to the reason he remained as she, silent, was beyond her. He had no doubts to her, or to Inuyasha. Wait, maybe he did, he had tried to kill him on several occasions. But whatever the reason, she didn't know. She doubt she would ever. But no matter. She took a glance behind her, and smiled to see Sango strolling beside Miroku. It was also a comfort to know someone else she trusted, turned out to be truly trust worthy. True to her word, Sango had not said a word. Though she longed to tell her other friends, it was too dangerous to have them close to her again. Sacrificing herself would only be more painful. Yes, she planned to sacrifice herself. She had no other purpose but to complete and destroy the jewel, and she if she died in the process, it made no difference to her. As long as the past and the future were safe, she had no problem. But what would go in vain, was her love. Oh, she still had it, buried deep inside and to never show, but to know her love would never know of her noble deed stung a bit. But as long as he was alive in the end.

Kagome took a second to notice Kikyou's presence. It was still its pale white, the different auras clear to her. But something puzzled her. If Inuyasha had chosen Kikyou, where was the love? Where was his fierce protectiveness of her that she had seen so many times before? Where had it gone? It was like instead of growing closer, they had distanced themselves. And from what Sango told her, Inuyasha's was grieving. For what she didn't want to think of. It only hurt. But it was a puzzlement. But a few joys had come of her return. She learns that Kouga finally moved on to greener pastures, a greater woman. Sango and Miroku had grown closer together in what was shared pain. However, she was sure that Miroku had taken notice of Sango's chirper mood all of a sudden. And to her relief, he didn't ask. It pained her though to see Shippou so cold, so lifeless even though he moved. And she had done whatever she could to help, even by re-bonding with him as another. But the pain was still there within him, and she knew that it wouldn't go unless she came back. He only needed to hold on a bit longer.

So enough with the thoughtful speeches, and lets get to it. They traveled, our motley crew, in strained silence. Tensions were high among the members, as was expected. Inuyasha didn't like Sesshomaru's company no more than Sesshomaru like his, but he put up with it. Despite what he boasted, Inuyasha knew that this battle would be hard, and they needed the help they could get. And he was sure Sesshomaru knew this as well.

But what surprised him the most, was when a small girl of no more than twelve had joined with Sesshomaru. She was cute no doubt, an energetic child with light kimono for traveling and long dark brown hair. She introduced herself as Rin, and Jaken as "the grumbly old toad" behind her. After that, the Blind Miko had taken an instant liking to her, as well as Shippou. He supposed Shippou needed the companionship, so he not said a word of it. Besides, Sesshomaru would have ripped him to pieces if he had, and he really didn't need that now. Miroku didn't mind, and Sango had endeared the child, teaching little defense moves as they went on their way. His brother had paid no mind to it.

The road they were on was a long one, but each knew the destination it led them. All had waited for this moment, and the anticipation didn't disappoint. Each were strung tight, and any noise along the path didn't go unnoticed. Even Rin had grown nervous, for she was now quiet and obedient, jumping to do what she was told. Which made Jaken really happy, but the females never let it get too far, which amused Sesshomaru mildly. Jaken had been beat up more in the few days than his whole servitude with Sesshomaru.

Moving on, our tense group was well aware of the ominous aura that increased with each foot. To Sesshomaru it annoying as much as it maddening, but he remained unruffled. Kirara and Shippou were the most expressive of their discomfort, and each had to be reassured by Rin and Sango. Kouga was often calmed by Ayame, even though she herself felt like a nervous bitch in heat surrounded by uncounted males. They both had to draw from each other what neither thought they could give. Miroku was reacting the best he could, but he and Sango often draw short of breath when control weakened. But of the group, Inuyasha and the miko, not Kikyo, though she remained passive of the whole thing, were the ones ready to go. If they stopped, Kagome was bouncing on her heels to sustain a calm mood. Inuyasha's ears swing like crazy, and his eyes often dilated on instinct. But it was when it grew unbearable for a large amount of the party, were they forced to finally stop a small distance from the aura they knew.

"Inuyasha, I am concerned for the welfare of Sango and myself, not to mention Shippou, Kirara, and soon enough Rin. I think we should stop." Miroku suggested, and stopped where he was. Sesshomaru suppressed a sigh (humans were so weak), and Kikyou passive as always. Sango shook her head, and Inuyasha glared.

"We don't have time for this monk."

"And you don't seem to understand," Miroku toned levelly, "we're not like you. We don't have your sustaining mix of blood. Though myself and Sango are strong, Shippou and Rin are nothing but children and Kirara needs rest for the fight."

Inuyasha growled and tried to hold his temper. The air was really getting to him. "Look, we have to go on. Can't you see, Naraku is just waiting for us to come and we shouldn't disappoint him, should we?"

"That's beside the point—"

"I don't give a flying—"

"Enough!" Kagome's voice was heard loud and clear, and had heads swiveling. It even had Sesshomaru's brow rising. She gave Inuyasha a level notch of her head and went to stand among the group.

"Listen, I understand you're tired, hell I'm tired, and I really want to go on. But I'm not leaving anyone behind, so if you stop, I stop. From my standpoint, I think everyone needs rest. We're all jumpy and tense, and very ready for this battle. Or so we think. Some may not need it, but most of us do need the rest. We'll stop here for the night, and at the break of day, we'll be ready."

She gave everyone a determined stance, "we'll be ready for him and by the gods, I'll die trying to kill him. And if we succeed, we're all the wiser. But he's just one obstacle. The next will be the Shikon jewel, but when or if we get to that, we'll think of something. Just...sit, rest, prepare. Kami knows we probably need it."

Inuyasha went to challenge her, but the way she stood, and the way she turned her head to him made him think twice. Right now, not even Sesshomaru wanted to test this girl's temper. He had a feeling she'd snap if he did. So he went, and sat in a respective corner of the small clearing next to the road, resting his form against a tree. Rin smiled and went to sit with him, even if it was quiet. The wolf mates sat in another, Kouga supporting Ayame's wavering form down. With one last glare to Inuyasha, Miroku went to get wood for a fire. Sango plopped right down where she was, resting Shippou in her lap and her weapon in front of her. The miko was right. Despite what they thought, they needed rest.

Inuyasha looked to each as they sat, a bit shocked that the miko had such authority in such short time. Even Sesshomaru had not questioned her. The miko herself went to slide down an old thick oak and sit by its roots. Kikyou sat clear of her, the other day still fresh in her mind, and sat across the clearing, still fingering her missing lock of hair. That had been a huge shock not only to her, but Inuyasha. Well to all of them. But everything remained tense. He had a feeling it would be so till this was over.

And much to his own surprise, he took a seat beside that threatening, self assured miko. Not only to his, but her surprise as well. Though she never showed it.

He turned to her, "what are you doing here?"

She quirked a brow, barely seen behind her blindfold, but she kept her face forward. "I don't know what you mean."

He stared ahead again, folding Tetsusagia to a comfortable fit in his lap. "Well, I mean exactly that. What are you doing here? What purpose do you have hunting Naraku and completing the jewel?"

She sighed. "Well, one's obvious. I want to destroy the jewel. It's caused too much pain."

"What pain did it bring you?"

"What's with the questions?"

He shrugged, relaxing on the trunk, "I don't know, just doing what you said, resting. But it's been nagging me lately. How did you ever start your quest?"

She stayed silent for a second and her voice was low when spoken, "it caused me pain, because it was more important to someone I knew than I was. They left me for it, and now...I see it as a payback of sorts. But it's not only that, but for you guys as well. Your stories are of great pain, and no one object should cause any of that."

Though silent, curiosity got the better of the hanyou, "who? Who did that to you?"

She swallowed the rising lump. You did, Inuyasha, but I can't tell you that. "Some one close. Someone...I loved."

"Oh..." he could sympathize, oh yes he could. For was it not the jewel that had caused this whole thing with Kikyou? Was it not the thing that brought Kagome to him, only forcing him to push her away? Oh, he could sympathize.

"What about Naraku? How do you know of him?"

She smirked, "besides your stories, you could say I met him. He wanted to fool me, and make me work with him. But I metaphorically, slapped him across his pride by refusing him. And I just don't like him, he wasn't the type you could trust as a partner. Is that reason enough?"

He shrugged again, "whatever works for you."

They relapsed into silence, Inuyasha having gained a new respect for the miko. Something he had given only once before. And he was uncomfortable about it too. She reminded him too much of Kagome, and it was getting to him. Those dreams he had were coming back, haunting whatever sleep he could get. But he thought of what she would think, him being depressed and saddened by her absence. His lips tugged. She'd probably tell him she was always there for him, and to get his lazy butt up. No one likes a quitter, and she's never let him quit unless he was going to die. That was the one thing she feared for him. And gods if he didn't miss her. So he took the few seconds to just zoom through his mind, letting his sadness be known and his longing. He missed her bright smile, and her deep eyes, her encouraging attitude, and her caring nature. Her determination matched his own, and so did her temper, though she normally won. He missed how her wit was sharp, and how her raven locks danced in the sun. And the soft looks she only gave him. Pain throbbed in his chest and he swallowed his pride. He would return to her, one way of another.

Kagome wanted to gasp. His aura...it was so sad, so unbearably forlorn. She wanted to glance at him, but was prevented. What was he thinking about? What could get him this way? And why did he give a sense of longing? But it changed to determination.

"Inuyasha? What's wrong? Why are you—"

"I won't let you," he said lowly, his voice ringing strong. It had her insides trembling, and her breath cut short. What was he saying? Why was he directing himself to her that way? The others noticed the change as well, and raised heads. It was fast approaching dark, and this was an unusual tension for Inuyasha.

The miko slowly stood, keeping her senses on the hanyou. "Won't let me what?"

He stood too, and laid his burning bold eyes on her, and she wanted to shake from the intensity. "I won't let you fight. Hell, I'd make Miroku and the others stay, but they have rights to this fight. You've only known for a short time, and I won't let Naraku take another innocent life."

She shook her head, her temper warming, "you can't stop me. I can fight—"

"But it's not your place!" Inuyasha barked, making all but Sesshomaru jump. "This is our fight, and I won't drag you in."

She set her jaw, her anger not as hot as she would like. "You're not dragging me in. I want to fight, I have that right."

"Not to this one."

She shook her head again, and of all things, let out a laugh. Sango became unsteady, eyes darting, and the wolves tensed. But she snapped coldly. "I have a right as you do! I have more of a right than any of you! This is my quest, and I will finish it!"

Inuyasha was slightly taken aback. "What the hell are you talking about?"

Instead of answering right away, she drew her sword and slid it across her left palm. The red liquid oozed and slowly dripped from her fingertips. His eyes widened. She smiled crookedly at him. The blindfold absorbed her tears. "I think...it's about time you understood. I've been on this quest since the beginning, and I will finish it. I know a lot more you than you think and you know more about me than you think."

He watched a drop fall from her hand. "Don't you find it strange Inuyasha? I just come out of nowhere, and taken down demons like nothing? No, something couldn't have been right. I have no name, I'm claiming blind, and I have miko powers that stronger than any. And I came out of nowhere. And is not strange that I found shards before you, sensed them before you. And how I instantly chummed with Kouga, and the rest of your group. Is not strange one bit?"

She was telling him something, but he refused to think it. It wasn't so. He took a step towards her, then another fast one. "Okay calm down—"

"I will not calm down. Its time you knew I think, since I may not make past the next morning. I have so wanted to do this since I got back."

Got back.

"Would you just be calm and –"

She smiled. "Calmness was never my skill with you. Here goes...sit."

And he said hello to his old friend dirt. And like tradition called for, he cursed a blue streak, but stopped in mid-sentence, a cold making its way to his gut. But that was the first of the shocks. What came next confirmed his fear. He knew it, he knew that scent...it was her blood. Kagome's blood. Using strength unknown to him, he struggled with the subduing spell until he could look up. But frantic eyes met...nothing. She was gone. And all that was left was her blindfold, lying in the small puddle of blood she made.

The others remained frozen in shock as Inuyasha stood from the spell, and with shaky fingers, picked up the blindfold. He brought it his nose. He could smell her tears. His head whipped in every direction, in every wind, but there was nothing left of her. She was gone, again. And the pain was unbearable.

He screamed his frustration to the night, the sound making it to ears that ringed with it, and the person who longed to return it.

:::::::::::::::::: you likey? No? yes? Motza balls? This is it people, one more step to the end. And you know what? I miscalculated. There's not two, but actually three left after this. Sorry, so it's a bit longer than I thought. But...no, I'll make you wait and see. No more clues, no more hints. The only thing down here will be SO's from now on. Well, until my LAST CHAPTER. Hold on to your seats.

SO's:

Jammies2000: oh don't bother. I really don't care. I like opinions! And I'm sorry to say, I forgot to include toutousai in this! I had something planned, but then it came out like this. But I'm not changing it. as in the famous words of Eric Cartman: "screw you guys! I'm going home."

Kitaru-inu-lova: don't worry they'll be tense and packed, so you wont be disappointed. Hope your brain felt better, my back is killing me.

Inuyasha-Freak15: I don't sleep anyways. I'm a night owl, and since this stupid site is a jack off, I'm up extra late!

Swimchick1416: only I know!!! Muwahahahahahahahahaha!!!!

Cubanblood: ha...ha-ha...your kidding right? Do you really think kikyou would give him any? Do you think he'd want it? two words...clay...pot...

Pattycake: you flatter me, and flattery is much appreciated. You are in my good graces. Now, since you were so nice, I'll give in to your one question. Yes. No more details, that's it.

Bubblebean022; I guess your right, but what will really happen? I cant wait till the actual ending is written, if there will ever be one.

Essis: why thank you

Eternal serena: don't die on me now, or you'll never know...I know, bad joke.

Lady-of-the-darkness: don't worry, ive had those moments. As for a sequel...I'm not too sure I can do one. Give me time to think of something.

Kristina: multi-story fans...I feel so happy.

Nagumi strife: that's a relief, I don't think I can die anymore. Both god and satan are getting tired of me.

IY-luver789: I'm sorry, but my brian is tired, and new ideas are forming. But don't worry, I will not neglect to make this really good!

PeachesDani: um excuse me!!! He happens to be MINE. Your not the one calling him sesshomaru-sama every night now are you?...yes, I have issues. No need to remind me.

LadyAkina: how bout now? Or should I try next time? Oh no wait, she just did...am I entertaining you yet?