AN: Here it is, folks! This was the dream; the very first image I had when I first conceived of this story. I hope you will enjoy it very much.
Chapter 13
The Dream Is Over
"Come on, Yuge," Joey said to Yugi the next morning as they sat. listening to Yugi's news. "Just cause you had a dream-"
"It was no dream, Joey," Yugi/Yami replied. "I truly spoke with Ishizu and Shadi last night in the Shadow Realm. They told me that history has been drastically altered; so much so that the consequences may be catastrophic."
"Exactly what has brought such calamity?" asked Miroku.
"They said it started two months ago, on the night of the storm."
"Storm?" Miroku, Songo, and Shippo said together.
"In our time," Yugi/Yami said, "There was a storm so strong that it blew down the trees around our school, and destroyed it. We were then transferred to Kagome's school, in Tokyo, until the repairs are complete. But, according to Ishizu, those trees were never supposed to have blown down. In fact…that storm wasn't even to have occurred."
"But," Kagome said, "That's impossible."
"No," Yugi/Yami replied, "It's not. For then they told me of a phenomenon called 'the chaos effect'. It states that when something in destiny's plan is changed, however slightly, then it could change the entire course of history. Ishizu even showed me what was supposed to happen that night when the school was demolished."
"What?" asked Tea.
"Nothing," Yugi/Yami replied. "Nothing was to have happened. If all had gone according to time's original plan, we would still be going to Domino, and have never met Kagome, or known about the portal to the Feudal Era. And Naraku would have never known about my Puzzle, or the other Millennium Items."
"So it's true," Tristan said, "The longer we're here, the more danger we bring."
"Right, so we must return to our own time as quickly as possible…and never return."
"But," Kagome asked, "What about me?"
"They said nothing of you, Kagome. I take that to mean that you are meant to be here. You may keep coming back, but as for my friends and I…"
"I don't believe a word of it." Joey announced. "It was just a dream, Yuge."
"I assure you it wasn't, Joey."
"How do you know?" Joey asked, getting angry. "How do you know that it wasn't just some dream, or that even if we stop coming, that won't stop this Naraku guy? He might get those Items in this time anyway and we might be the only ones who can stop him!"
"He wouldn't have even thought about those stupid Items if you hadn't come here," Inu-yasha said, "Why don't you listen to your master and just go home!?"
"No one's MY master but ME!" said Joey, getting up. "Besides, I won't let some dream make me paranoid, like the rest of you! I'm surprised that Yugi's even considering it! If I believed every dream I've ever had, then…I'd…" he then looked over at Kagome, who was sitting with her head slumped down. Then she looked up and met his eyes.
"What, Joey?"
"For get it." he said, sitting back down. " The point is, I'm not going until Kagome goes back, too."
"But Joey-" Mai started to object.
"I said I ain't goin!" Joey shouted, sitting next to Kagome, and draping his arm over her shoulders.
"You can think about it for a day, Joey," Yugi/Yami said. "We have a long journey ahead. But when we come to the next cross roads, you must make your decision."
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As he walked next to Kagome, Joey thought about his choices. Go back, and hardly ever see Kagome; maybe even never see her after Domino High is fixed. Or, stay with Kagome, and hardly ever see his friends. On the one hand, his friends had always been there for him, and he'd already sacrificed a lot for them, too. On the other, he and Kagome had shared so much together. True, he'd known his friends a lot longer, but, a moment with Kagome felt like a lifetime. Or a beautiful dream. It was like his life hadn't really started until he met her. To give her up…To leave her here, with you-kai and monsters and…Inu-yasha…He couldn't live without Kagome. Not now. Not after he'd been through so much with her. Especially after that dream last night.
He'd had it again. That same nightmare, but last night changed it all. This time, the girl in the dream turned into Kagome. When he remembered the pain, the sorrow in her face…in her eyes…No! That was a dream; he would never hurt her that bad! And he couldn't leave her now…not ever.
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Kagome made glances at Joey from the corner of her eye. She was so confused. For one, there was all that 'chaos effect' stuff. One small change in history changes everything. If that's true, then what had she done all those times she'd gone back in time? What would have happened if she hadn't gone inside the mini shrine on her 15th birthday? She would have never come to this Era, and never met Inu-yasha, Keade, Shippo, Miroku, or Songo. She may have never found out about the Shikon Jewel in her body. But…would that have made a difference? And if she hadn't come here and freed Inu-yasha from his sleep, bound to the tree, would that mean he'd been stuck there forever? No, because he had never been bound to the tree when she was growing up. No one in her family had even heard of Inu-yasha until she had gone back in time. But if he hadn't been stuck to the tree even as far back as her grandparent's time…and she was the only person who could remove the arrow…Did that mean she was destined to come here? To free Inu-yasha? And, ultimately, fight Naraku? This was so confusing!
Then there was the other matter…Yugi and Joey and the others going home and never coming back. She would miss Yugi and Tea and Tristan and Mai (yes, even Mai), but she would get to hang with them when she'd come home. But Joey…She cared about him. He made her feel so happy, like she was the luckiest, most wonderful girl on Earth…But it wasn't just that…She always felt so giddy when he was near. She would miss him dearly. Everything…his comic personality, his honesty and loyalty, his smile, his eyes, his laugh…his voice…the very way he said her name, like it was a precious gem, more delicate and priceless than the Jewel they sought…She would miss how seeing his smiling face would make her heart do cartwheels, or how he could make her laugh with out even trying to be funny…Or how he always wanted to be near her. The touch of his hands…the strength and security she felt in his arms…
Oh my gosh, Kagome thought. I've fallen in love with Joey…but…how is that possible? I still have feelings for Inu-yasha…don't I?
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Later that day, around noon, Inu-yasha sat with the other guys and Mai, waiting for the other girls to return from the nearby village. Everyone had been silent ever since morning, and it was boring. But it had given Inu-yasha some time to think. After hearing that Joey and his friends might be going home, Inu-yasha had felt some hope, until the yellow-haired home-wrecker said he wouldn't leave. "Now I have to come up with a way to get him out of mine and Kagome's life," Inu-yasha thought. He knew the simple solution, but shredding Joey into pieces would probably do more harm than good. He couldn't scare him, either. That boy's too stubborn and stupid to be scared off, anyway. Then there was the startling thought the han-you had been trying not to have. What if Kagome wants Joey to stay? There'd be no end to it! He'd stolen his girl and his Ramen…would he possibly want the Jewel when it was completed? How was he going to get Joey to leave? How?!
"Psst…Inu-yasha." Mai whispered to him from behind. "I gotta talk to you."
"What about," he asked.
"About Joey and Kagome." she replied. "I know you don't want Joey around Kagome anymore, and I agree. We need to break them up."
"How? They're practically joined at the hip."
"I came up with a plan last night, when I was trying to sleep. I thought, 'What would make those two realize that being together is a huge mistake?' when it came to me."
"What?"
"Make them remember how things were before they met. Say that, I get some time alone with Joey, and remind him of our friendship; of our bond. And you…"
"Get with Kagome and make up with her." he finished. "Sounds good, but how are we gonna get them alone?"
"Next time we make camp. I'll discover that we've run out of water, you sniff out a place that's conveniently near a stream. Deal?"
"Deal." he said. By then, the other girls had returned with extra food, so Mai slipped off, while Inu-yasha got ready to put their plan into action.
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But when the girls approached, Joey got up and went straight to Kagome. He took her hand and said, "Hey, can I talk to you alone fro a sec?"
She looked at Songo, then Tea, and then said "Sure." And followed him into the trees near the road. "What did you want, Joey?"
"I've been thinking about my decision," Joey said.
"You…you haven't decided already, have you?" Kagome said timidly.
"I'm close to it. That's why I want to talk to you."
"O…ok."
"Anyways, I've been thinking hard…I've thought about all the stuff I've been through with Yugi and the gang. They've had a huge impact on my life."
"I know."
"And, then I thought about all you and me have been through…It was really tough."
"I understand if you want to stay with them," Kagome said, holding back tears.
"What? No, that's not it at all! Kagome…I admit, I still wanna hang onto my friends, but something like you and me comes around only once in a lifetime."
"What?" she said, surprised. "You…you mean-?"
"Kagome, I love you!" Joey said, taking her face in his hands. "I told you that two months ago. I meant it then, and I mean it now. I will never leave you."
"Oh…oh Joey…I love you, too!" Kagome said, throwing her arms around Joey's neck. He slid his arms around her waist and held her tight. They stood like that for five minutes before they finally let go.
"Let's go tell the others." Joey said, lacing his fingers with Kagome's, leading her back to rest of the group.
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Yugi/Yami stood, looking towards the trees where Joey and Kagome had entered in. He watched as the walked back, and saw their hands. As his best friend approached, he looked up at the tall young man, and said, "You have made your decision."
"Yeah. But, I promise to hang with you guys as much as possible whenever I'm home."
"I know," Yugi/Yami said, "But it won't be the same. I will miss you, my friend."
"Ditto, man."
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Inu-yasha had heard everything Joey and Kagome said in the woods, and then before they came back, he'd gone back to find Mai. He found her slashing three water flasks with her nail file.
"You're plan's worthless, now." he whispered to her.
"What are you talking about," she replied.
"He's made his choice: he's staying with her! We'll never be able to get them to break up."
"Yes we will, we just need to wait. Trust me, I know men, and they're fickle."
"But-"
"We're going through with it!!" she hissed, "So just sniff out a stream and let me finish up with these d$&# things, ok?"
"Fine, but if anything goes wrong…"
"It WON'T!"
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Naraku had also watched the events, and he chuckled to himself. He had finally gotten to Mai…Her heart was now completely poisoned by jealousy, and Inu-yasha's, though struggling, was close to succumbing as well. It would not be long before his plan would be complete and he would have the Jewel and the Millennium Items…
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Later that evening, the company started to look for a good place to camp. As they were deciding, Mai had gone to get some water from her flask, but found it empty. Then, she reported that all the water bottles were empty. This wasn't good. But, as luck would have it, Inu-yasha found a river about ten yards into the woods. So, against better judgment to stay near the road, they headed into the woods. Miroku and Tristan began to build the fire, while Kagome handed out food. None noticed that both Inu-yasha and Mai seemed a bit on edge that night.
After the meal, Joey got up, and said, "Anybody need water? I'll go fill up the bottles."
"I've got some soda," little Yugi said, "But thanks."
"I'm good too," said Tea.
"Me three," Tristan said, holding up a soft drink.
"What about you, Kagome?" Joey asked.
"I'm alright, but you should take someone with you."
"It's alright. I've got my Staff. If any ugly you-kai try to attack me, I'll clober 'em with it." With that, he headed into the woods.
"Yugi," Miroku said, "Are you sure you should let Joey stay here, in our time? With his Millennium Staff, wouldn't that still keep Naraku's interest in the other Items going?"
"I don't know, but even if it doesn't, he still won't be able to collect them all. He'd need the Puzzle, and it's still lost in this time. And once I'm gone, he won't be able to get his hands on it. That should still solve the problem."
"I'm still worried about it," Miroku said.
"It was Joey's decision," Kagome butted in, "And he made it. So, please, just drop it, ok?"
"Kagome, why are you so angry?" asked Shippo.
"Because everyone still has objections to Joey staying. I thought it would be just Inu-yasha, but now I can see that no one really wants him to stay."
"It's not that," Songo said, "We just feel that…well…"
"Spit it out," Kagome said.
"Well...we feel that maybe your 'love' for Joey may just be an infatuation."
"You think it's just a crush?"
"Yes," Miroku said, taking over, "and with this new revelation about 'the chaos effect', we feel that any more business with the future is dangerous."
"Beside," Shippo said suddenly, "He seems more like Inu-yasha everyday, and it's bad enough with one of him. Two would be a nightmare."
"Hey" Inu-yasha objected from his corner, "Me and that loud-mouth jerk are nothing alike!"
"You know what…" Tea said, "I think Shippo's right," she began to giggle. "Joey is a little like Inu-yasha."
"Yeah," Tristan joined in, "They're both hot headed and jump to conclusions,"
"They eat too much," Tea said.
"They both rush into fights," Miroku said.
"They're both protective of Kagome," said Songo.
"And they've both loved a girl before they met Kagom-" Shippo started. But Then he shut his mouth, but too little too late.
Kagome jumped up, and said, "STOP IT! HE'S NOTHING LIKE INU-YASHA!" she cried. "He's not conceited, he's sweet and unselfish…and…he would never hurt me the way Inu-yasha has! I can't believe you all would… " Then she started to cry, and ran into the woods.
"Kagome!" called Inu-yasha, "Wait!" and he ran after her.
Everyone looked down, and Shippo said quietly, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to say that."
"Something's not quite right here," Miroku said. "I can feel it. What would make us say these things that we know hurt Kagome."
"Could it be Naraku?" asked Songo.
"I haven't sensed him, but then again, it's possible."
"We need to stay on guard, Yugi said.
"Maybe we should find Joey, Kagome, and Inu-yasha." said Tea.
"Inu-yasha will find Kagome," Tristan said, "He'll keep her safe. But maybe we should get Joey."
"Wait a sec," Yugi said, "Where's Mai?" They all looked to where her stuff was, and saw that she was indeed gone…
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"Man," Joey complained as he pushed away the mass of foliage. "This ain't no forest! This is a jungle! Where the heck's the camp?"
"Joey?"
"Mai?" Joey called, seeing her coming from the trees. "What are doing here?"
"I came to look for you," she said, "You've been gone so long, we decided to send someone to get you."
"But did anyone come with you?"
"I can take care of myself. Besides, now that we're together, we'll be alright." she said as she took his arm. "I remember my way to the camp. It's this way," she said, leading far right of where she had come.
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Inu-yasha found Kagome at the river. She was still crying. "Mai's plan had better work," Inu-yasha thought as he walked up to Kagome. "Hey," he said, "Are you ok?"
"Leave me alone," she sobbed. "I've heard enough to understand everyone's sentiments: no one wants Joey and me together. So just go away."
"I didn't come to say that," Inu-yasha said, kneeling down next to her. "I wanted to say I'm sorry. I know that I've been acting stupid for a long time, and I feel bad about it. I know that my attitude probably helped to push you away…But I want to change that. I won't stand in your way," he said, putting a hand on her shoulder, "But I also want you to remember that even if we're not…well…I want you to know that we're still friends. Look," and he took something out from under his shirt. It was a gold, heart shaped locket.
"You still have it," Kagome said, wiping her eyes.
"Yeah. The locket you gave me. Remember what happened after that? In the castle in the clouds?"
"My very first kiss," she whispered.
"Yeah," he said, putting his arm around her. "You saved me with that kiss, Kagome. And…I'll never forget what you said to me. That 'you like me the way I am'. I've never known anyone, ever, who could show me that kind of love. I've never felt like that for anyone else, either."
Then, she suddenly pushed away. "What about Kikyo?" she demanded.
"Huh?"
"What about her? Don't forget, I was there. I heard you say you never stop thinking about her. And you vowed to protect her always! Do you think a few words will make all that go away?"
"No- But…D$&% it Kagome!" he yelled, standing up. "You stupid girl! Can't you understand that I LOVE you!?"
"You're too late for that," Kagome said as she got up, fresh tears running. "I love Joey, and he loves me. We're something that only happens once in a lifetime!"
"Wake up, you idiot!" he said, grabbing her shoulders, "Think! He had feelings for Mai way before he met you, and she still loves him. Just think about it: while you're here with me, where's he at?"
"He's probably back at camp right now!"
"Or maybe he's in the woods, alone, with his old lover practically begging him to take her back! Do you think any normal man would resist that?"
"You're- You're just trying to make me doubt us! You're trying to split us apart! I never thought you would be so cruel and selfish, Inu-yasha. I thought you really cared about me!" And she ran back into the forest.
Inu-yasha stood there for a few minutes. Then, clenched his teeth, and balled his hands into fists. D&%# that Mai! Her plan hadn't worked! Now he'd completely lost Kagome forever. He opened his mouth, and made a gut wrenching, ear shattering howl of a pain greater and deeper than any flesh wound could make…
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"I thought you said you knew the way back to camp. We're lost, Mai" Joey said, coming to a familiar set of trees.
"Give me a break," she said, "Everything looks the same at night."
"I hope Kagome ain't too worried about me. I hate makin her worry."
"Uh…" Mai needed to keep his mind off Kagome. "Look! A shooting star!"
"Wow! Cool."
"Make a wish, Joey."
"I don't need to," he said, blushing, "I've got what I wanted."
Dang! "Hey Joey, can I ask you something?"
"Sure, what?"
"Do you ever think about…about back in Battle City?"
"Yeah," he said. "When we went up against Marik. To tell the truth, I thought we were all done for. I was kinda worried I wouldn't be able to beat him when I faced him in that duel."
"Everyone said you were doing it to save me."
"I was. None of us wanted to lose you to the Shadow Realm forever. I had to do something."
"When I heard about that…I felt really touched, Joey."
"You did?"
"Yes. I didn't know you cared that much. I felt so important…Loved."
"Yea, well," he said, turning, "You had a funny way of showing it."
"I was scared, Joey." she said. "I was afraid of what I was feeling. I wasn't sure about what it meant. Besides…It didn't help that you never actually said the words."
"What do you mean? I poured my heart out."
"You said 'I think you're awesome. Would you like to go do something sometime?'"
"So I don't show my feeling so well, alright?"
"I know. I don't either. That's something we have in common. We have a lot of things in common. Like Duel Monsters."
"Yeah. Nothin like the thrill of the game."
"We used to be close, Joey," Mai said, coming up behind him, laying her head on his shoulder. "What happened?"
"You turned me down," he said flatly. "And I met Kagome."
"Joey you…Can't you get that girl out of your mind for a second?! It's worse than when you used to think about nothing but food!"
"I know what you're doin, and it ain't gonna work," he said, facing her. "Now get this straight: I love Kagome. End of story."
"No, it's not," Mai said, advancing. "Joey, I never admitted it, but I loved you from the minute I first dueled you."
"Mai, stop it," he said, backing up.
"It's true," she said, starting to cry. "I've loved you from the start. You fascinated me, infuriated me, confused me, thrilled me! I've never known anyone who could cause my heart to feel all that." She had him up against a tree. She was inches shorter, and not as strong, but she had him pinned. As she came closer, she lifted up her face, and continued, "I love you, Joey Wheeler. And I know that deep down, you still love me, too." Then, she pressed her lips to his.
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Joey tried hard to push her back, but he couldn't. For some reason, she was stronger than him, tonight. This was wrong! He didn't want to be kissing Mai. He had to get away!
He summoned all his strength and finally managed to push her back, but then he heard a twig snap. He looked over Mai's shoulder…Past her…to the woods…
"Ka…Kagome," he whispered, horrified.
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Kagome had stepped into the small glen, hearing Mai say, "I love you Joey Wheeler. And I know that deep down, you still love me too." Kagome was frozen cold in her tracks when she saw Mai and Joey kiss. In that one moment, her mind began to blacken…overlapping another scene that was eerily similar to this. When she had been trapped by Kikyo's spirit stealers, and watched Kikyo kiss Inu-yasha. This was all too familiar. Her heart started to burst in pieces.
Then, she remembered Joey's words. "'I'll never leave you….I love you, Kagome…I always want to be near you…'" So many words that Inu-yasha had also used before. They were right, she thought. Joey IS just like Inu-yasha!
"Ka…Kagome!"
She looked up, and saw him looking at her. A guilty man's face. Mai looked back at her, smiling a sultry smile. Kagome knew what Mai was thinking. She had won.
"Joey…" Kagome whispered. She closed her eyes, spun around, and ran. She didn't care where to anymore, she just ran. She wanted to get away from this scene… from this heartbreaking dejavou…
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No! Oh, please, no! This was his nightmare, only it was out of order. He no longer feared a burning palace. What was scarier was this moment…Seeing the hurt and look of betrayal in his beloved Kagome's eyes. But what made it really hit…what made him know this was no dream was when she spoke his name. "Joey." Then, she turned and ran from him. But now he knew the monster that waited for her…or guessed…Inu-yasha!
"Kagome! NO! Kagome! Kagome!" he had started to run after her, but then, Mai grabbed him, holding him back.
"No, Joey! She's never going to want you now! You're mine!" she said, half crazed.
"Mai! LET ME GO!!!" he shouted, pushing her hard, pulling away from her grasp. She fell to the ground, and while he could, he ran free, and chased after Kagome.
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Mai sat there, watching Joey run after Kagome. After all that…after she'd gushed everything…after she'd kissed him…he still wanted Kagome.
Suddenly, it was like a veil or a blind fold had been lifted. She realized that her actions had not only made Joey lost to her forever, but she had ruined two other people's lives, too.
"Oh…what have I done?" she said, crying true tears. Tears of sorrow and remorse. Then, she heard chuckling. It sent chills down her spine.
"Foolish woman. So easily blinded by jealousy and spite. You truly are like the Harpies of legend, my dear. Only, you really can devour a man's heart."
She turned, and saw no one. Then, she realized who it was.
"Naraku…"
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When Kagome finally came out of the woods, she was in a huge clearing. She was tired from running and crying. She wanted to rest so bad. She practically collapsed onto the ground as she gave in to grief and fatigue. Then, as she lay catching her breath, she heard a frightening laugh, and familiar voice, "Well…look at you, little one. So far from your friends. And why do you cry so?"
She looked up. It was him! He had discarded his baboon cloak, but he was still frightening with out it.
"Naraku," she whispered.
"Yes, Lady Kagome. And now, you will come with me."
She tried to get up, tired to run, but she was paralyzed! All she could do was scream a blood curdling, glass breaking scream, and pray someone would hear her…
AN: Please review!!! Even if none of you like it, at least let me know! Writers need the opinions of the fans so they can know what to do different in future chapters and stories. Those of you who have reviewed this story have helped me a great deal, but please, don't stop! I implore you: review! TTFN
Chapter 13
The Dream Is Over
"Come on, Yuge," Joey said to Yugi the next morning as they sat. listening to Yugi's news. "Just cause you had a dream-"
"It was no dream, Joey," Yugi/Yami replied. "I truly spoke with Ishizu and Shadi last night in the Shadow Realm. They told me that history has been drastically altered; so much so that the consequences may be catastrophic."
"Exactly what has brought such calamity?" asked Miroku.
"They said it started two months ago, on the night of the storm."
"Storm?" Miroku, Songo, and Shippo said together.
"In our time," Yugi/Yami said, "There was a storm so strong that it blew down the trees around our school, and destroyed it. We were then transferred to Kagome's school, in Tokyo, until the repairs are complete. But, according to Ishizu, those trees were never supposed to have blown down. In fact…that storm wasn't even to have occurred."
"But," Kagome said, "That's impossible."
"No," Yugi/Yami replied, "It's not. For then they told me of a phenomenon called 'the chaos effect'. It states that when something in destiny's plan is changed, however slightly, then it could change the entire course of history. Ishizu even showed me what was supposed to happen that night when the school was demolished."
"What?" asked Tea.
"Nothing," Yugi/Yami replied. "Nothing was to have happened. If all had gone according to time's original plan, we would still be going to Domino, and have never met Kagome, or known about the portal to the Feudal Era. And Naraku would have never known about my Puzzle, or the other Millennium Items."
"So it's true," Tristan said, "The longer we're here, the more danger we bring."
"Right, so we must return to our own time as quickly as possible…and never return."
"But," Kagome asked, "What about me?"
"They said nothing of you, Kagome. I take that to mean that you are meant to be here. You may keep coming back, but as for my friends and I…"
"I don't believe a word of it." Joey announced. "It was just a dream, Yuge."
"I assure you it wasn't, Joey."
"How do you know?" Joey asked, getting angry. "How do you know that it wasn't just some dream, or that even if we stop coming, that won't stop this Naraku guy? He might get those Items in this time anyway and we might be the only ones who can stop him!"
"He wouldn't have even thought about those stupid Items if you hadn't come here," Inu-yasha said, "Why don't you listen to your master and just go home!?"
"No one's MY master but ME!" said Joey, getting up. "Besides, I won't let some dream make me paranoid, like the rest of you! I'm surprised that Yugi's even considering it! If I believed every dream I've ever had, then…I'd…" he then looked over at Kagome, who was sitting with her head slumped down. Then she looked up and met his eyes.
"What, Joey?"
"For get it." he said, sitting back down. " The point is, I'm not going until Kagome goes back, too."
"But Joey-" Mai started to object.
"I said I ain't goin!" Joey shouted, sitting next to Kagome, and draping his arm over her shoulders.
"You can think about it for a day, Joey," Yugi/Yami said. "We have a long journey ahead. But when we come to the next cross roads, you must make your decision."
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As he walked next to Kagome, Joey thought about his choices. Go back, and hardly ever see Kagome; maybe even never see her after Domino High is fixed. Or, stay with Kagome, and hardly ever see his friends. On the one hand, his friends had always been there for him, and he'd already sacrificed a lot for them, too. On the other, he and Kagome had shared so much together. True, he'd known his friends a lot longer, but, a moment with Kagome felt like a lifetime. Or a beautiful dream. It was like his life hadn't really started until he met her. To give her up…To leave her here, with you-kai and monsters and…Inu-yasha…He couldn't live without Kagome. Not now. Not after he'd been through so much with her. Especially after that dream last night.
He'd had it again. That same nightmare, but last night changed it all. This time, the girl in the dream turned into Kagome. When he remembered the pain, the sorrow in her face…in her eyes…No! That was a dream; he would never hurt her that bad! And he couldn't leave her now…not ever.
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Kagome made glances at Joey from the corner of her eye. She was so confused. For one, there was all that 'chaos effect' stuff. One small change in history changes everything. If that's true, then what had she done all those times she'd gone back in time? What would have happened if she hadn't gone inside the mini shrine on her 15th birthday? She would have never come to this Era, and never met Inu-yasha, Keade, Shippo, Miroku, or Songo. She may have never found out about the Shikon Jewel in her body. But…would that have made a difference? And if she hadn't come here and freed Inu-yasha from his sleep, bound to the tree, would that mean he'd been stuck there forever? No, because he had never been bound to the tree when she was growing up. No one in her family had even heard of Inu-yasha until she had gone back in time. But if he hadn't been stuck to the tree even as far back as her grandparent's time…and she was the only person who could remove the arrow…Did that mean she was destined to come here? To free Inu-yasha? And, ultimately, fight Naraku? This was so confusing!
Then there was the other matter…Yugi and Joey and the others going home and never coming back. She would miss Yugi and Tea and Tristan and Mai (yes, even Mai), but she would get to hang with them when she'd come home. But Joey…She cared about him. He made her feel so happy, like she was the luckiest, most wonderful girl on Earth…But it wasn't just that…She always felt so giddy when he was near. She would miss him dearly. Everything…his comic personality, his honesty and loyalty, his smile, his eyes, his laugh…his voice…the very way he said her name, like it was a precious gem, more delicate and priceless than the Jewel they sought…She would miss how seeing his smiling face would make her heart do cartwheels, or how he could make her laugh with out even trying to be funny…Or how he always wanted to be near her. The touch of his hands…the strength and security she felt in his arms…
Oh my gosh, Kagome thought. I've fallen in love with Joey…but…how is that possible? I still have feelings for Inu-yasha…don't I?
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Later that day, around noon, Inu-yasha sat with the other guys and Mai, waiting for the other girls to return from the nearby village. Everyone had been silent ever since morning, and it was boring. But it had given Inu-yasha some time to think. After hearing that Joey and his friends might be going home, Inu-yasha had felt some hope, until the yellow-haired home-wrecker said he wouldn't leave. "Now I have to come up with a way to get him out of mine and Kagome's life," Inu-yasha thought. He knew the simple solution, but shredding Joey into pieces would probably do more harm than good. He couldn't scare him, either. That boy's too stubborn and stupid to be scared off, anyway. Then there was the startling thought the han-you had been trying not to have. What if Kagome wants Joey to stay? There'd be no end to it! He'd stolen his girl and his Ramen…would he possibly want the Jewel when it was completed? How was he going to get Joey to leave? How?!
"Psst…Inu-yasha." Mai whispered to him from behind. "I gotta talk to you."
"What about," he asked.
"About Joey and Kagome." she replied. "I know you don't want Joey around Kagome anymore, and I agree. We need to break them up."
"How? They're practically joined at the hip."
"I came up with a plan last night, when I was trying to sleep. I thought, 'What would make those two realize that being together is a huge mistake?' when it came to me."
"What?"
"Make them remember how things were before they met. Say that, I get some time alone with Joey, and remind him of our friendship; of our bond. And you…"
"Get with Kagome and make up with her." he finished. "Sounds good, but how are we gonna get them alone?"
"Next time we make camp. I'll discover that we've run out of water, you sniff out a place that's conveniently near a stream. Deal?"
"Deal." he said. By then, the other girls had returned with extra food, so Mai slipped off, while Inu-yasha got ready to put their plan into action.
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But when the girls approached, Joey got up and went straight to Kagome. He took her hand and said, "Hey, can I talk to you alone fro a sec?"
She looked at Songo, then Tea, and then said "Sure." And followed him into the trees near the road. "What did you want, Joey?"
"I've been thinking about my decision," Joey said.
"You…you haven't decided already, have you?" Kagome said timidly.
"I'm close to it. That's why I want to talk to you."
"O…ok."
"Anyways, I've been thinking hard…I've thought about all the stuff I've been through with Yugi and the gang. They've had a huge impact on my life."
"I know."
"And, then I thought about all you and me have been through…It was really tough."
"I understand if you want to stay with them," Kagome said, holding back tears.
"What? No, that's not it at all! Kagome…I admit, I still wanna hang onto my friends, but something like you and me comes around only once in a lifetime."
"What?" she said, surprised. "You…you mean-?"
"Kagome, I love you!" Joey said, taking her face in his hands. "I told you that two months ago. I meant it then, and I mean it now. I will never leave you."
"Oh…oh Joey…I love you, too!" Kagome said, throwing her arms around Joey's neck. He slid his arms around her waist and held her tight. They stood like that for five minutes before they finally let go.
"Let's go tell the others." Joey said, lacing his fingers with Kagome's, leading her back to rest of the group.
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Yugi/Yami stood, looking towards the trees where Joey and Kagome had entered in. He watched as the walked back, and saw their hands. As his best friend approached, he looked up at the tall young man, and said, "You have made your decision."
"Yeah. But, I promise to hang with you guys as much as possible whenever I'm home."
"I know," Yugi/Yami said, "But it won't be the same. I will miss you, my friend."
"Ditto, man."
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Inu-yasha had heard everything Joey and Kagome said in the woods, and then before they came back, he'd gone back to find Mai. He found her slashing three water flasks with her nail file.
"You're plan's worthless, now." he whispered to her.
"What are you talking about," she replied.
"He's made his choice: he's staying with her! We'll never be able to get them to break up."
"Yes we will, we just need to wait. Trust me, I know men, and they're fickle."
"But-"
"We're going through with it!!" she hissed, "So just sniff out a stream and let me finish up with these d$&# things, ok?"
"Fine, but if anything goes wrong…"
"It WON'T!"
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Naraku had also watched the events, and he chuckled to himself. He had finally gotten to Mai…Her heart was now completely poisoned by jealousy, and Inu-yasha's, though struggling, was close to succumbing as well. It would not be long before his plan would be complete and he would have the Jewel and the Millennium Items…
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Later that evening, the company started to look for a good place to camp. As they were deciding, Mai had gone to get some water from her flask, but found it empty. Then, she reported that all the water bottles were empty. This wasn't good. But, as luck would have it, Inu-yasha found a river about ten yards into the woods. So, against better judgment to stay near the road, they headed into the woods. Miroku and Tristan began to build the fire, while Kagome handed out food. None noticed that both Inu-yasha and Mai seemed a bit on edge that night.
After the meal, Joey got up, and said, "Anybody need water? I'll go fill up the bottles."
"I've got some soda," little Yugi said, "But thanks."
"I'm good too," said Tea.
"Me three," Tristan said, holding up a soft drink.
"What about you, Kagome?" Joey asked.
"I'm alright, but you should take someone with you."
"It's alright. I've got my Staff. If any ugly you-kai try to attack me, I'll clober 'em with it." With that, he headed into the woods.
"Yugi," Miroku said, "Are you sure you should let Joey stay here, in our time? With his Millennium Staff, wouldn't that still keep Naraku's interest in the other Items going?"
"I don't know, but even if it doesn't, he still won't be able to collect them all. He'd need the Puzzle, and it's still lost in this time. And once I'm gone, he won't be able to get his hands on it. That should still solve the problem."
"I'm still worried about it," Miroku said.
"It was Joey's decision," Kagome butted in, "And he made it. So, please, just drop it, ok?"
"Kagome, why are you so angry?" asked Shippo.
"Because everyone still has objections to Joey staying. I thought it would be just Inu-yasha, but now I can see that no one really wants him to stay."
"It's not that," Songo said, "We just feel that…well…"
"Spit it out," Kagome said.
"Well...we feel that maybe your 'love' for Joey may just be an infatuation."
"You think it's just a crush?"
"Yes," Miroku said, taking over, "and with this new revelation about 'the chaos effect', we feel that any more business with the future is dangerous."
"Beside," Shippo said suddenly, "He seems more like Inu-yasha everyday, and it's bad enough with one of him. Two would be a nightmare."
"Hey" Inu-yasha objected from his corner, "Me and that loud-mouth jerk are nothing alike!"
"You know what…" Tea said, "I think Shippo's right," she began to giggle. "Joey is a little like Inu-yasha."
"Yeah," Tristan joined in, "They're both hot headed and jump to conclusions,"
"They eat too much," Tea said.
"They both rush into fights," Miroku said.
"They're both protective of Kagome," said Songo.
"And they've both loved a girl before they met Kagom-" Shippo started. But Then he shut his mouth, but too little too late.
Kagome jumped up, and said, "STOP IT! HE'S NOTHING LIKE INU-YASHA!" she cried. "He's not conceited, he's sweet and unselfish…and…he would never hurt me the way Inu-yasha has! I can't believe you all would… " Then she started to cry, and ran into the woods.
"Kagome!" called Inu-yasha, "Wait!" and he ran after her.
Everyone looked down, and Shippo said quietly, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to say that."
"Something's not quite right here," Miroku said. "I can feel it. What would make us say these things that we know hurt Kagome."
"Could it be Naraku?" asked Songo.
"I haven't sensed him, but then again, it's possible."
"We need to stay on guard, Yugi said.
"Maybe we should find Joey, Kagome, and Inu-yasha." said Tea.
"Inu-yasha will find Kagome," Tristan said, "He'll keep her safe. But maybe we should get Joey."
"Wait a sec," Yugi said, "Where's Mai?" They all looked to where her stuff was, and saw that she was indeed gone…
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"Man," Joey complained as he pushed away the mass of foliage. "This ain't no forest! This is a jungle! Where the heck's the camp?"
"Joey?"
"Mai?" Joey called, seeing her coming from the trees. "What are doing here?"
"I came to look for you," she said, "You've been gone so long, we decided to send someone to get you."
"But did anyone come with you?"
"I can take care of myself. Besides, now that we're together, we'll be alright." she said as she took his arm. "I remember my way to the camp. It's this way," she said, leading far right of where she had come.
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Inu-yasha found Kagome at the river. She was still crying. "Mai's plan had better work," Inu-yasha thought as he walked up to Kagome. "Hey," he said, "Are you ok?"
"Leave me alone," she sobbed. "I've heard enough to understand everyone's sentiments: no one wants Joey and me together. So just go away."
"I didn't come to say that," Inu-yasha said, kneeling down next to her. "I wanted to say I'm sorry. I know that I've been acting stupid for a long time, and I feel bad about it. I know that my attitude probably helped to push you away…But I want to change that. I won't stand in your way," he said, putting a hand on her shoulder, "But I also want you to remember that even if we're not…well…I want you to know that we're still friends. Look," and he took something out from under his shirt. It was a gold, heart shaped locket.
"You still have it," Kagome said, wiping her eyes.
"Yeah. The locket you gave me. Remember what happened after that? In the castle in the clouds?"
"My very first kiss," she whispered.
"Yeah," he said, putting his arm around her. "You saved me with that kiss, Kagome. And…I'll never forget what you said to me. That 'you like me the way I am'. I've never known anyone, ever, who could show me that kind of love. I've never felt like that for anyone else, either."
Then, she suddenly pushed away. "What about Kikyo?" she demanded.
"Huh?"
"What about her? Don't forget, I was there. I heard you say you never stop thinking about her. And you vowed to protect her always! Do you think a few words will make all that go away?"
"No- But…D$&% it Kagome!" he yelled, standing up. "You stupid girl! Can't you understand that I LOVE you!?"
"You're too late for that," Kagome said as she got up, fresh tears running. "I love Joey, and he loves me. We're something that only happens once in a lifetime!"
"Wake up, you idiot!" he said, grabbing her shoulders, "Think! He had feelings for Mai way before he met you, and she still loves him. Just think about it: while you're here with me, where's he at?"
"He's probably back at camp right now!"
"Or maybe he's in the woods, alone, with his old lover practically begging him to take her back! Do you think any normal man would resist that?"
"You're- You're just trying to make me doubt us! You're trying to split us apart! I never thought you would be so cruel and selfish, Inu-yasha. I thought you really cared about me!" And she ran back into the forest.
Inu-yasha stood there for a few minutes. Then, clenched his teeth, and balled his hands into fists. D&%# that Mai! Her plan hadn't worked! Now he'd completely lost Kagome forever. He opened his mouth, and made a gut wrenching, ear shattering howl of a pain greater and deeper than any flesh wound could make…
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"I thought you said you knew the way back to camp. We're lost, Mai" Joey said, coming to a familiar set of trees.
"Give me a break," she said, "Everything looks the same at night."
"I hope Kagome ain't too worried about me. I hate makin her worry."
"Uh…" Mai needed to keep his mind off Kagome. "Look! A shooting star!"
"Wow! Cool."
"Make a wish, Joey."
"I don't need to," he said, blushing, "I've got what I wanted."
Dang! "Hey Joey, can I ask you something?"
"Sure, what?"
"Do you ever think about…about back in Battle City?"
"Yeah," he said. "When we went up against Marik. To tell the truth, I thought we were all done for. I was kinda worried I wouldn't be able to beat him when I faced him in that duel."
"Everyone said you were doing it to save me."
"I was. None of us wanted to lose you to the Shadow Realm forever. I had to do something."
"When I heard about that…I felt really touched, Joey."
"You did?"
"Yes. I didn't know you cared that much. I felt so important…Loved."
"Yea, well," he said, turning, "You had a funny way of showing it."
"I was scared, Joey." she said. "I was afraid of what I was feeling. I wasn't sure about what it meant. Besides…It didn't help that you never actually said the words."
"What do you mean? I poured my heart out."
"You said 'I think you're awesome. Would you like to go do something sometime?'"
"So I don't show my feeling so well, alright?"
"I know. I don't either. That's something we have in common. We have a lot of things in common. Like Duel Monsters."
"Yeah. Nothin like the thrill of the game."
"We used to be close, Joey," Mai said, coming up behind him, laying her head on his shoulder. "What happened?"
"You turned me down," he said flatly. "And I met Kagome."
"Joey you…Can't you get that girl out of your mind for a second?! It's worse than when you used to think about nothing but food!"
"I know what you're doin, and it ain't gonna work," he said, facing her. "Now get this straight: I love Kagome. End of story."
"No, it's not," Mai said, advancing. "Joey, I never admitted it, but I loved you from the minute I first dueled you."
"Mai, stop it," he said, backing up.
"It's true," she said, starting to cry. "I've loved you from the start. You fascinated me, infuriated me, confused me, thrilled me! I've never known anyone who could cause my heart to feel all that." She had him up against a tree. She was inches shorter, and not as strong, but she had him pinned. As she came closer, she lifted up her face, and continued, "I love you, Joey Wheeler. And I know that deep down, you still love me, too." Then, she pressed her lips to his.
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Joey tried hard to push her back, but he couldn't. For some reason, she was stronger than him, tonight. This was wrong! He didn't want to be kissing Mai. He had to get away!
He summoned all his strength and finally managed to push her back, but then he heard a twig snap. He looked over Mai's shoulder…Past her…to the woods…
"Ka…Kagome," he whispered, horrified.
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Kagome had stepped into the small glen, hearing Mai say, "I love you Joey Wheeler. And I know that deep down, you still love me too." Kagome was frozen cold in her tracks when she saw Mai and Joey kiss. In that one moment, her mind began to blacken…overlapping another scene that was eerily similar to this. When she had been trapped by Kikyo's spirit stealers, and watched Kikyo kiss Inu-yasha. This was all too familiar. Her heart started to burst in pieces.
Then, she remembered Joey's words. "'I'll never leave you….I love you, Kagome…I always want to be near you…'" So many words that Inu-yasha had also used before. They were right, she thought. Joey IS just like Inu-yasha!
"Ka…Kagome!"
She looked up, and saw him looking at her. A guilty man's face. Mai looked back at her, smiling a sultry smile. Kagome knew what Mai was thinking. She had won.
"Joey…" Kagome whispered. She closed her eyes, spun around, and ran. She didn't care where to anymore, she just ran. She wanted to get away from this scene… from this heartbreaking dejavou…
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No! Oh, please, no! This was his nightmare, only it was out of order. He no longer feared a burning palace. What was scarier was this moment…Seeing the hurt and look of betrayal in his beloved Kagome's eyes. But what made it really hit…what made him know this was no dream was when she spoke his name. "Joey." Then, she turned and ran from him. But now he knew the monster that waited for her…or guessed…Inu-yasha!
"Kagome! NO! Kagome! Kagome!" he had started to run after her, but then, Mai grabbed him, holding him back.
"No, Joey! She's never going to want you now! You're mine!" she said, half crazed.
"Mai! LET ME GO!!!" he shouted, pushing her hard, pulling away from her grasp. She fell to the ground, and while he could, he ran free, and chased after Kagome.
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Mai sat there, watching Joey run after Kagome. After all that…after she'd gushed everything…after she'd kissed him…he still wanted Kagome.
Suddenly, it was like a veil or a blind fold had been lifted. She realized that her actions had not only made Joey lost to her forever, but she had ruined two other people's lives, too.
"Oh…what have I done?" she said, crying true tears. Tears of sorrow and remorse. Then, she heard chuckling. It sent chills down her spine.
"Foolish woman. So easily blinded by jealousy and spite. You truly are like the Harpies of legend, my dear. Only, you really can devour a man's heart."
She turned, and saw no one. Then, she realized who it was.
"Naraku…"
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When Kagome finally came out of the woods, she was in a huge clearing. She was tired from running and crying. She wanted to rest so bad. She practically collapsed onto the ground as she gave in to grief and fatigue. Then, as she lay catching her breath, she heard a frightening laugh, and familiar voice, "Well…look at you, little one. So far from your friends. And why do you cry so?"
She looked up. It was him! He had discarded his baboon cloak, but he was still frightening with out it.
"Naraku," she whispered.
"Yes, Lady Kagome. And now, you will come with me."
She tried to get up, tired to run, but she was paralyzed! All she could do was scream a blood curdling, glass breaking scream, and pray someone would hear her…
AN: Please review!!! Even if none of you like it, at least let me know! Writers need the opinions of the fans so they can know what to do different in future chapters and stories. Those of you who have reviewed this story have helped me a great deal, but please, don't stop! I implore you: review! TTFN