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Author's Notes: Yay, I just love all the reviews I'm getting from you guys. They all seem to be positive so far, so that means you all like the story. I'm so glad!
My weekend went great. I took first place at my district solo competition, which means I will be going to state in May, and my audition today went extremely well. I also had a great choir rehearsal tonight, and, as always, have left extremely inspired after singing 'Lamentations of Jeremiah'. So, I decided to finish and post this chapter early, while the inspiration was still fresh.
I love how all of you are guessing as to who the new enemy is. Some of you are sure it is Naraku, and others are positive it isn't, while most of you are still just in that gray middle area. I love it! I love that I have you all guessing. If I had the time and energy, I would take a poll on what you all thought, but alas I only have time to write, not do fun stuff with you guys. Sorry. I will say this, however. Some of you (and again, I can't say specifically) are either dead on or almost there with your guesses, so just know that you are on the right track!
This chapter is still kind of shaping the story. I can't have too much action right away, and it gives a little more insight into the relationship between Kikyou and Gideon. I hope you like it, and thanks for all the well wishes for my singing. All the positive vibes obviously made a difference! Enjoy chapter three!
Charmed18: I love 'Oklahoma'! With Shirley Jones as Laurie, it is perfect. And Ado Annie has got to be just about the cutest, most hilariously clueless characters I have ever seen. Have fun with that role!
Nikorku-the-silent-assasin: Yes, it is a solo/ensemble where you go and compete before adjudicators who score you and then at the end of the day determine if you go to state or not. Have you competed at one before? And thanks for the review!
Angel Of Joy: Happy Birthday!
Miko Sakura-sama: Thanks for the vote of confidence! When I cut my first record deal find out a way to let me know who you are and I'll be sure to sign your cd. lol
Crow T R0bot: The names were a big help. Thanks!
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Title: Soldiers in a Timeless Battle
Author: dolphingirl0113
Chapter: Three
Rating: PG-13 (for language and, at times, sexual implications)
Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha.
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A voice was calling through the haze of darkness that surrounded her, and slowly but surely Kikyou found her way back to reality, opening her eyes to find Gideon staring at her with concern in his eyes. There was a gash above his left eye, which was also bruised, and she made a mental note to ask him about that in a minute when she could think enough to speak.
"Hey," he said gently, touching her cheek, and she leaned into the caress for comfort. "How are you feeling?"
She groaned. "Like I was run over by a horse. What happened?"
"You were attacked." Kikyou rolled her eyes and sighed.
"Tell me something I don't know."
"Whoever that person was in the woods, they seem to know a lot about you. I guess they used those bees to spy on you these past several months, because they knew a lot about me too." Gideon smiled ruefully. "I don't think they have a very high opinion of me, because while you were attacked by some incredibly fast white blur that I barely saw disappear back into the woods, I defended myself from some worm-like thing."
Kikyou touched his cut, and he winced. "Is that where this came from?"
"No, that's where the bruise came from. The cut came when I carried you back through the forest and completely missed the fact that there was a branch in front of me." She couldn't help but smile softly at his attempt to make her feel better.
"And I hope I didn't get hit as well, since I was in your arms?"
"No, because my arms are much lower then my face." She nodded and tried to sit up, but ended up choosing to remain in the support of his embrace, leaning against his chest.
"Do you have any idea who that was?" He finally asked. Kikyou sighed and shook her head.
"The voice sounded so familiar," she whispered, recalling how the tone had made her shiver inwardly. "But at the same time it was very different from his."
"His?"
"Naraku."
"Oh."
They were silent for several minutes as Gideon simply allowed his wife to recover from whatever attack had been wrought, listening as her breathing became less deep and labored and more even. Finally he looked down and turned her chin so she was looking at him.
"Are you okay to walk?"
"I think so. But you'll have to help me." He smiled, and Kikyou didn't miss the playful glint in his eyes.
"As if I would mind an excuse to have my arms around you."
"Sometimes I think you lied about your age, and you're just a young boy of fifteen who's just discovered women," she replied, joining the game as he hoisted her to her feet.
The ground was spinning slightly, so she allowed him to put an arm around her waist, leaning against his solid frame for support as they started their very slow trek back to the village. As it came into view, Kikyou looked up at him.
"Let's just pretend that nothing is wrong. We don't need to alarm them." Gideon nodded.
"I agree. Knowing them, they would probably panic at the thought of someone unknown living in the forest."
So they walked, still slowly, into the village, and by the gentle, calm looks on their faces anyone passing by just assumed the young couple had taken a long walk in the forest. In some ways, Kikyou thought inwardly, that was true.
As much as she loved the village, and its people, the miko was relieved when their own small home came into view. It meant they could get away from the watchful eyes of the villagers and talk without fear of interruption.
Once inside the hut, she gratefully fell down on their sleeping mat, sighing as Gideon started a fire in the small center hearth and brought her some tea. He then stared into the flames for several minutes in silence after sitting down at her side.
"Why would someone be watching you? Be watching us?" He finally asked out loud. Kikyou didn't think he expected an answer, but decided to use the opportunity to start a conversation anyway.
"Because whoever this is has a connection to Naraku."
"Or is Naraku."
"That too."
"But how do you know that for sure?"
Kikyou sighed. She had been turning it over in her mind for a while, but didn't know how to broach the subject with her husband. He understood when it came to Naraku, but whenever she brought up her former love, he understandably became somewhat uncomfortable.
"Because he mentioned Inuyasha," she finally said. There was no way to avoid the hanyou's name, as much as she wanted to. He stiffened slightly beside her, but did nothing else to indicate his feelings.
"I see."
"It makes sense," she continued, "Because other then Inuyasha and his companions, only Naraku knew about what had happened between us. So it makes sense that whoever was in the woods today, if not Naraku himself, has some connection to the demon."
"You said he used to be human, right?"
"Yes, a human man by the name of Onigumo." The image of the bandaged man in her cave came to mind, and Kikyou shuddered. What had ever pushed her to help him, to this day she did not understand.
"Is it possible that this is one of his old companions from before he became Naraku?"
"No, they would all be dead by now. Onigumo obtained the life span of a demon when he became Naraku, but his human companions would all be dead or old men by now. Not capable of this."
"How do you know?"
"I met one of them."
She recalled the old man who had confessed to her, thinking she was just a passing miko, all of the sins he had made while in the company of the thief Onigumo. He had described the way Onigumo became obsessed with a priestess by the name of Kikyou, and followed her everywhere, only to discover that she was in love with a hanyou and become extremely jealous. Then he had explained how the man had fallen over a cliff, and they never saw him again.
When I met him, she thought. "That man died while in my company, of old age and heartbreak. He gave me some of his hair to take to a sacred place as his last wish, and I obeyed." She stopped speaking as she remembered him lying there on the ground, looking up at her and asking her name.
"You have saved me, and yet I don't know your name. Who are you?" She had looked at him with the sorrow of a woman of tragedy.
"My name is Kikyou."
And he hadn't seemed surprised at all to hear the name of the priestess he had thought long dead. "Ah," he had sighed, "I see." And then he died.
"Okay, so it isn't one of his old companions," Gideon continued to brainstorm, interrupting her memories. Kikyou blinked several times, trying to return to the present situation. "You mentioned that he had many detachments who would do his work for him. Could it be one of them?"
She sighed and sipped her tea. "It's a possibility, but unlikely in my opinion. Kagura and Kanna required him to be alive in order to exist, and the instant he was killed they both disappeared. That's the other reason I believe he is truly dead: they are no longer here either."
"I see." He stared into the fire for another few minutes, obviously racking his brain for some possible explanation. Finally he sighed and looked at her with a shrug. "Well, I'm out of ideas."
She smiled and touched his cheek fondly before gazing into the fire as well. She knew what she had to do. There were only a select few, including one hanyou in particular, who truly understood the ways of Naraku like she did.
"Gideon, I know you won't like this, but I think we need to go and talk to Inuyasha and Kagome."
"Why?" The discomfort was evident in his tone.
"Because Inuyasha was a victim of Naraku's treachery as much as I, and Kagome is the one who killed him in the end." She touched his arm, and he looked at her with eyes of uncertainty.
"Forgive me if I'm not thrilled to meet this Inuyasha, Kikyou." She softened her gaze.
"You have nothing to be worried about. The Kikyou that loved Inuyasha died that day when Naraku tricked her into betraying the man she loved. I am a new person, and I love you. Besides, he is mated to someone else, and by the fact that he has marked her, they will be together forever."
Gideon sighed and pain clouded his eyes. Kikyou frowned and touched his cheek. "Gideon, what is it?"
"I'm not afraid of losing you to him," he said honestly, and she believed him.
"Then what are you so upset about?"
He was silent for a long time, and she wondered if he was ever going to answer. Finally, he let out a gush of air and turned to her with raw emotion in his eyes that touched her soul.
"You died for him Kikyou. You couldn't kill him that day you pinned him to the tree, but all the same you died with the wish to follow him into the afterlife." He looked away. "Do you love me that much? Would you follow me in death?"
The reality of what he said hit her hard. It was true, the love she had for Inuyasha had been tumultuous and full of pain, but she had also felt for him so much that she was willing to die rather then live in a world without him.
"Gideon," she began softly, touching his shoulder, trying to search for the right words. "I loved him. I won't deny that. And I loved him with all my heart. Yes, I died for him. And you ask me if I loved you in the same way? The answer is no."
His eyes sank, and Kikyou imagined that if he had ears like Inuyasha's they would be drooping at that moment. But she wasn't finished, and she turned his chin with her hand so that he was looking her squarely in the face.
"But I didn't say I love you any less." His face turned to one of confusion. "Inuyasha was my first love. It was a wild tempest of emotions between us, including fear and uncertainty because the territory where we were roaming was uncharted. The passion I felt for him is still there for you, but in a more mature fashion. I feel ours is a more real love. I trust you with my whole heart. Something, I am ashamed to admit, was not true with Inuyasha." She kissed his cheek tenderly. "I couldn't live without you now. You are my other half."
He remained silent for several minutes before finally breaking into a soft smile and touching her cheek. He lowered his head, and met her lips in a gentle kiss that was sweet and tender.
"Tomorrow morning," he said when they broke away, "We will go."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The morning dew was still fresh as Kagome tiptoed out of Kaede's hut, once more dressed in her jeans and shirt, which she had hastily put on after trying not to wake Inuyasha. She hated leaving him like this, but there was no other way. If he were awake, he would just try and keep her there, like he always had, and she would, in the end, have to sit him. For some reason, now that they hardly saw each other due to school, she didn't like doing it very much.
It was early enough that the birds were just beginning to chirp while the brisk October morning sent chills down her spine. Next time she came, she thought, she would bring a jacket.
The well came into view, and Kagome sighed, stopping and sitting on the edge for a few minutes in silence. She enjoyed taking in her surroundings once in a while and, without sounding granola, appreciating nature.
Kagome smirked playfully as she recalled the events of the previous day, including Nancy's fainting spell, and later the fun when the group tried to explain everything, including the well and how Kagome had first really met Inuyasha. But unfortunately it was all too much, and Kagome had, in the end, taken her friend back to modern Tokyo that same evening with the promise to explain everything in a more familiar setting the next day.
So now, here she was, preparing to return first for her classes, which started at eight, and then to meet Nancy at the café in downtown to talk.
"I don't want to go back," she said softly, letting the slight breeze comb through her hair, arching her neck to feel the cool air on her neck. It was just so pleasant, especially near Inuyasha.
She smiled at the feel of his arms around her as they slept, curled up, spooned together, back to front. She never felt as safe, or slept so well, as when she was with him. And school was hard, seeing all the other couples and knowing her love was in another time.
He would come and live at the shrine on a more permanent basis if she asked him, but Kagome wouldn't do that. Inuyasha needed to be in a place where he could just be himself and not worry about hiding his ears or his temper. So that left them with only one option: being apart.
Standing up, Kagome turned around to face the well, preparing to jump in after taking a deep breath. She nearly screamed when a weight landed on her shoulder, and spun around to see a peeved looking Inuyasha standing before her, his arms crossed.
"And where do you think you're going so early in the morning?"
"Home," she replied simply. "Where else would I be going?"
"But you just got here." He was frowning and giving her that pathetic puppy dog look she hated so much because it was hard to turn away.
"Inuyasha, I have to go back. I have tests today and tomorrow, and I promised to meet Nancy for lunch. I'm sorry." She didn't like her having to leave any more then he did, but she truly didn't have a choice.
"When will you be back?" He finally asked in a somewhat regretful tone. She tried to smile at his attempt to be gentile.
"Probably in two weeks."
"Two weeks!"
"Inuyasha, I just can't get away before that. I have school, and grandpa needs help at the shrine. I'm sorry, unlike in high school, I can't afford to miss my classes that often."
"Why two weeks?"
"Because starting November 2, I have a two week break." She walked up and rubbed one of his ears while smiling at him tenderly. "And I plan to spend every minute of it with you."
He purred slightly at the touch and pulled her close for a passionate kiss that left her head spinning and her knees weak. But she loved when he did that, and it was even harder now to turn around and jump into that well.
"I guess I'll just have to go along with it then," he finally whispered, trying to catch his breath after breaking the kiss. Kagome smiled and touched his cheek.
"Don't think I don't miss you," she commented, and he frowned.
"But what about Hobo? I'm sure he keeps you company all the time. And what about all those guys your friends keep talking about?"
Kagome smiled and rolled her eyes. "Okay, first off, Hojo has finally found himself a girlfriend who he is really into. And second, how could you possibly expect me to be interested in any old guy when I could have a hanyou with the strength of ten men, who is always there for me, has eyes that remind me of a sunrise, and even has cute little puppy ears I can scratch whenever I want?"
Inuyasha smirked and pulled her close for one last embrace. "I suppose when you put it that way, I have nothing to worry about."
"You most certainly do not." She pecked him lightly on the lips once, resolved to leave, and turned once more to the well. "I'll see you in two weeks, unless I can get away or you come visit in the meantime."
"Oh I'll come visit," he called as she jumped down the well, and he ran to the edge, yelling the last part, "And I'll come when you least expect it so I can embarrass the hell out of you like I do best!"
He knew she heard him, because she always did in other situations, and so smirked to himself as he stood back up to his full height, pleased he had the last word in their conversation.
The sound of approaching footsteps caused his ears to turn to the left, and he rotated to face the direction of the sound. A few seconds later his nose caught a familiar scent on the wind, and his eyes softened.
"Kikyou," he whispered, and there she was, appearing through the brush with a man at her side. He had kind eyes and short wavy brown hair. But by the way he was looking at Inuyasha, the hanyou knew this must be the new man in her life, and he was feeling pretty insecure right now.
"Inuyasha," she said softly in reply to his first iteration of her name, a soft smile on her face.
"How are you Kikyou?"
"Just fine," she turned to the man and smiled, "And I have someone I would like you to meet. This is Gideon. He's my husband."
"Your husband?" Inuyasha couldn't hide the slight tone of surprise. He hadn't expected her to marry quite so soon, but judging by the look in her eyes as she gazed at the brown haired man, she was obviously in love. "I'm happy for you Kikyou."
Kikyou smiled. "Where is Kagome? You are by the well, so are you expecting her?"
"No, she just left." Kikyou nodded and glanced at the well, seeming to decide something.
"Well, I can say it again when she gets back. But for now, we need to talk."
He opened his eyes slightly and raised an eyebrow. "About what?"
Her face was serious and her voice tight when she spoke, which told him something was wrong. "Naraku."
Author's Notes: Yay, I just love all the reviews I'm getting from you guys. They all seem to be positive so far, so that means you all like the story. I'm so glad!
My weekend went great. I took first place at my district solo competition, which means I will be going to state in May, and my audition today went extremely well. I also had a great choir rehearsal tonight, and, as always, have left extremely inspired after singing 'Lamentations of Jeremiah'. So, I decided to finish and post this chapter early, while the inspiration was still fresh.
I love how all of you are guessing as to who the new enemy is. Some of you are sure it is Naraku, and others are positive it isn't, while most of you are still just in that gray middle area. I love it! I love that I have you all guessing. If I had the time and energy, I would take a poll on what you all thought, but alas I only have time to write, not do fun stuff with you guys. Sorry. I will say this, however. Some of you (and again, I can't say specifically) are either dead on or almost there with your guesses, so just know that you are on the right track!
This chapter is still kind of shaping the story. I can't have too much action right away, and it gives a little more insight into the relationship between Kikyou and Gideon. I hope you like it, and thanks for all the well wishes for my singing. All the positive vibes obviously made a difference! Enjoy chapter three!
Charmed18: I love 'Oklahoma'! With Shirley Jones as Laurie, it is perfect. And Ado Annie has got to be just about the cutest, most hilariously clueless characters I have ever seen. Have fun with that role!
Nikorku-the-silent-assasin: Yes, it is a solo/ensemble where you go and compete before adjudicators who score you and then at the end of the day determine if you go to state or not. Have you competed at one before? And thanks for the review!
Angel Of Joy: Happy Birthday!
Miko Sakura-sama: Thanks for the vote of confidence! When I cut my first record deal find out a way to let me know who you are and I'll be sure to sign your cd. lol
Crow T R0bot: The names were a big help. Thanks!
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Title: Soldiers in a Timeless Battle
Author: dolphingirl0113
Chapter: Three
Rating: PG-13 (for language and, at times, sexual implications)
Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha.
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A voice was calling through the haze of darkness that surrounded her, and slowly but surely Kikyou found her way back to reality, opening her eyes to find Gideon staring at her with concern in his eyes. There was a gash above his left eye, which was also bruised, and she made a mental note to ask him about that in a minute when she could think enough to speak.
"Hey," he said gently, touching her cheek, and she leaned into the caress for comfort. "How are you feeling?"
She groaned. "Like I was run over by a horse. What happened?"
"You were attacked." Kikyou rolled her eyes and sighed.
"Tell me something I don't know."
"Whoever that person was in the woods, they seem to know a lot about you. I guess they used those bees to spy on you these past several months, because they knew a lot about me too." Gideon smiled ruefully. "I don't think they have a very high opinion of me, because while you were attacked by some incredibly fast white blur that I barely saw disappear back into the woods, I defended myself from some worm-like thing."
Kikyou touched his cut, and he winced. "Is that where this came from?"
"No, that's where the bruise came from. The cut came when I carried you back through the forest and completely missed the fact that there was a branch in front of me." She couldn't help but smile softly at his attempt to make her feel better.
"And I hope I didn't get hit as well, since I was in your arms?"
"No, because my arms are much lower then my face." She nodded and tried to sit up, but ended up choosing to remain in the support of his embrace, leaning against his chest.
"Do you have any idea who that was?" He finally asked. Kikyou sighed and shook her head.
"The voice sounded so familiar," she whispered, recalling how the tone had made her shiver inwardly. "But at the same time it was very different from his."
"His?"
"Naraku."
"Oh."
They were silent for several minutes as Gideon simply allowed his wife to recover from whatever attack had been wrought, listening as her breathing became less deep and labored and more even. Finally he looked down and turned her chin so she was looking at him.
"Are you okay to walk?"
"I think so. But you'll have to help me." He smiled, and Kikyou didn't miss the playful glint in his eyes.
"As if I would mind an excuse to have my arms around you."
"Sometimes I think you lied about your age, and you're just a young boy of fifteen who's just discovered women," she replied, joining the game as he hoisted her to her feet.
The ground was spinning slightly, so she allowed him to put an arm around her waist, leaning against his solid frame for support as they started their very slow trek back to the village. As it came into view, Kikyou looked up at him.
"Let's just pretend that nothing is wrong. We don't need to alarm them." Gideon nodded.
"I agree. Knowing them, they would probably panic at the thought of someone unknown living in the forest."
So they walked, still slowly, into the village, and by the gentle, calm looks on their faces anyone passing by just assumed the young couple had taken a long walk in the forest. In some ways, Kikyou thought inwardly, that was true.
As much as she loved the village, and its people, the miko was relieved when their own small home came into view. It meant they could get away from the watchful eyes of the villagers and talk without fear of interruption.
Once inside the hut, she gratefully fell down on their sleeping mat, sighing as Gideon started a fire in the small center hearth and brought her some tea. He then stared into the flames for several minutes in silence after sitting down at her side.
"Why would someone be watching you? Be watching us?" He finally asked out loud. Kikyou didn't think he expected an answer, but decided to use the opportunity to start a conversation anyway.
"Because whoever this is has a connection to Naraku."
"Or is Naraku."
"That too."
"But how do you know that for sure?"
Kikyou sighed. She had been turning it over in her mind for a while, but didn't know how to broach the subject with her husband. He understood when it came to Naraku, but whenever she brought up her former love, he understandably became somewhat uncomfortable.
"Because he mentioned Inuyasha," she finally said. There was no way to avoid the hanyou's name, as much as she wanted to. He stiffened slightly beside her, but did nothing else to indicate his feelings.
"I see."
"It makes sense," she continued, "Because other then Inuyasha and his companions, only Naraku knew about what had happened between us. So it makes sense that whoever was in the woods today, if not Naraku himself, has some connection to the demon."
"You said he used to be human, right?"
"Yes, a human man by the name of Onigumo." The image of the bandaged man in her cave came to mind, and Kikyou shuddered. What had ever pushed her to help him, to this day she did not understand.
"Is it possible that this is one of his old companions from before he became Naraku?"
"No, they would all be dead by now. Onigumo obtained the life span of a demon when he became Naraku, but his human companions would all be dead or old men by now. Not capable of this."
"How do you know?"
"I met one of them."
She recalled the old man who had confessed to her, thinking she was just a passing miko, all of the sins he had made while in the company of the thief Onigumo. He had described the way Onigumo became obsessed with a priestess by the name of Kikyou, and followed her everywhere, only to discover that she was in love with a hanyou and become extremely jealous. Then he had explained how the man had fallen over a cliff, and they never saw him again.
When I met him, she thought. "That man died while in my company, of old age and heartbreak. He gave me some of his hair to take to a sacred place as his last wish, and I obeyed." She stopped speaking as she remembered him lying there on the ground, looking up at her and asking her name.
"You have saved me, and yet I don't know your name. Who are you?" She had looked at him with the sorrow of a woman of tragedy.
"My name is Kikyou."
And he hadn't seemed surprised at all to hear the name of the priestess he had thought long dead. "Ah," he had sighed, "I see." And then he died.
"Okay, so it isn't one of his old companions," Gideon continued to brainstorm, interrupting her memories. Kikyou blinked several times, trying to return to the present situation. "You mentioned that he had many detachments who would do his work for him. Could it be one of them?"
She sighed and sipped her tea. "It's a possibility, but unlikely in my opinion. Kagura and Kanna required him to be alive in order to exist, and the instant he was killed they both disappeared. That's the other reason I believe he is truly dead: they are no longer here either."
"I see." He stared into the fire for another few minutes, obviously racking his brain for some possible explanation. Finally he sighed and looked at her with a shrug. "Well, I'm out of ideas."
She smiled and touched his cheek fondly before gazing into the fire as well. She knew what she had to do. There were only a select few, including one hanyou in particular, who truly understood the ways of Naraku like she did.
"Gideon, I know you won't like this, but I think we need to go and talk to Inuyasha and Kagome."
"Why?" The discomfort was evident in his tone.
"Because Inuyasha was a victim of Naraku's treachery as much as I, and Kagome is the one who killed him in the end." She touched his arm, and he looked at her with eyes of uncertainty.
"Forgive me if I'm not thrilled to meet this Inuyasha, Kikyou." She softened her gaze.
"You have nothing to be worried about. The Kikyou that loved Inuyasha died that day when Naraku tricked her into betraying the man she loved. I am a new person, and I love you. Besides, he is mated to someone else, and by the fact that he has marked her, they will be together forever."
Gideon sighed and pain clouded his eyes. Kikyou frowned and touched his cheek. "Gideon, what is it?"
"I'm not afraid of losing you to him," he said honestly, and she believed him.
"Then what are you so upset about?"
He was silent for a long time, and she wondered if he was ever going to answer. Finally, he let out a gush of air and turned to her with raw emotion in his eyes that touched her soul.
"You died for him Kikyou. You couldn't kill him that day you pinned him to the tree, but all the same you died with the wish to follow him into the afterlife." He looked away. "Do you love me that much? Would you follow me in death?"
The reality of what he said hit her hard. It was true, the love she had for Inuyasha had been tumultuous and full of pain, but she had also felt for him so much that she was willing to die rather then live in a world without him.
"Gideon," she began softly, touching his shoulder, trying to search for the right words. "I loved him. I won't deny that. And I loved him with all my heart. Yes, I died for him. And you ask me if I loved you in the same way? The answer is no."
His eyes sank, and Kikyou imagined that if he had ears like Inuyasha's they would be drooping at that moment. But she wasn't finished, and she turned his chin with her hand so that he was looking her squarely in the face.
"But I didn't say I love you any less." His face turned to one of confusion. "Inuyasha was my first love. It was a wild tempest of emotions between us, including fear and uncertainty because the territory where we were roaming was uncharted. The passion I felt for him is still there for you, but in a more mature fashion. I feel ours is a more real love. I trust you with my whole heart. Something, I am ashamed to admit, was not true with Inuyasha." She kissed his cheek tenderly. "I couldn't live without you now. You are my other half."
He remained silent for several minutes before finally breaking into a soft smile and touching her cheek. He lowered his head, and met her lips in a gentle kiss that was sweet and tender.
"Tomorrow morning," he said when they broke away, "We will go."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The morning dew was still fresh as Kagome tiptoed out of Kaede's hut, once more dressed in her jeans and shirt, which she had hastily put on after trying not to wake Inuyasha. She hated leaving him like this, but there was no other way. If he were awake, he would just try and keep her there, like he always had, and she would, in the end, have to sit him. For some reason, now that they hardly saw each other due to school, she didn't like doing it very much.
It was early enough that the birds were just beginning to chirp while the brisk October morning sent chills down her spine. Next time she came, she thought, she would bring a jacket.
The well came into view, and Kagome sighed, stopping and sitting on the edge for a few minutes in silence. She enjoyed taking in her surroundings once in a while and, without sounding granola, appreciating nature.
Kagome smirked playfully as she recalled the events of the previous day, including Nancy's fainting spell, and later the fun when the group tried to explain everything, including the well and how Kagome had first really met Inuyasha. But unfortunately it was all too much, and Kagome had, in the end, taken her friend back to modern Tokyo that same evening with the promise to explain everything in a more familiar setting the next day.
So now, here she was, preparing to return first for her classes, which started at eight, and then to meet Nancy at the café in downtown to talk.
"I don't want to go back," she said softly, letting the slight breeze comb through her hair, arching her neck to feel the cool air on her neck. It was just so pleasant, especially near Inuyasha.
She smiled at the feel of his arms around her as they slept, curled up, spooned together, back to front. She never felt as safe, or slept so well, as when she was with him. And school was hard, seeing all the other couples and knowing her love was in another time.
He would come and live at the shrine on a more permanent basis if she asked him, but Kagome wouldn't do that. Inuyasha needed to be in a place where he could just be himself and not worry about hiding his ears or his temper. So that left them with only one option: being apart.
Standing up, Kagome turned around to face the well, preparing to jump in after taking a deep breath. She nearly screamed when a weight landed on her shoulder, and spun around to see a peeved looking Inuyasha standing before her, his arms crossed.
"And where do you think you're going so early in the morning?"
"Home," she replied simply. "Where else would I be going?"
"But you just got here." He was frowning and giving her that pathetic puppy dog look she hated so much because it was hard to turn away.
"Inuyasha, I have to go back. I have tests today and tomorrow, and I promised to meet Nancy for lunch. I'm sorry." She didn't like her having to leave any more then he did, but she truly didn't have a choice.
"When will you be back?" He finally asked in a somewhat regretful tone. She tried to smile at his attempt to be gentile.
"Probably in two weeks."
"Two weeks!"
"Inuyasha, I just can't get away before that. I have school, and grandpa needs help at the shrine. I'm sorry, unlike in high school, I can't afford to miss my classes that often."
"Why two weeks?"
"Because starting November 2, I have a two week break." She walked up and rubbed one of his ears while smiling at him tenderly. "And I plan to spend every minute of it with you."
He purred slightly at the touch and pulled her close for a passionate kiss that left her head spinning and her knees weak. But she loved when he did that, and it was even harder now to turn around and jump into that well.
"I guess I'll just have to go along with it then," he finally whispered, trying to catch his breath after breaking the kiss. Kagome smiled and touched his cheek.
"Don't think I don't miss you," she commented, and he frowned.
"But what about Hobo? I'm sure he keeps you company all the time. And what about all those guys your friends keep talking about?"
Kagome smiled and rolled her eyes. "Okay, first off, Hojo has finally found himself a girlfriend who he is really into. And second, how could you possibly expect me to be interested in any old guy when I could have a hanyou with the strength of ten men, who is always there for me, has eyes that remind me of a sunrise, and even has cute little puppy ears I can scratch whenever I want?"
Inuyasha smirked and pulled her close for one last embrace. "I suppose when you put it that way, I have nothing to worry about."
"You most certainly do not." She pecked him lightly on the lips once, resolved to leave, and turned once more to the well. "I'll see you in two weeks, unless I can get away or you come visit in the meantime."
"Oh I'll come visit," he called as she jumped down the well, and he ran to the edge, yelling the last part, "And I'll come when you least expect it so I can embarrass the hell out of you like I do best!"
He knew she heard him, because she always did in other situations, and so smirked to himself as he stood back up to his full height, pleased he had the last word in their conversation.
The sound of approaching footsteps caused his ears to turn to the left, and he rotated to face the direction of the sound. A few seconds later his nose caught a familiar scent on the wind, and his eyes softened.
"Kikyou," he whispered, and there she was, appearing through the brush with a man at her side. He had kind eyes and short wavy brown hair. But by the way he was looking at Inuyasha, the hanyou knew this must be the new man in her life, and he was feeling pretty insecure right now.
"Inuyasha," she said softly in reply to his first iteration of her name, a soft smile on her face.
"How are you Kikyou?"
"Just fine," she turned to the man and smiled, "And I have someone I would like you to meet. This is Gideon. He's my husband."
"Your husband?" Inuyasha couldn't hide the slight tone of surprise. He hadn't expected her to marry quite so soon, but judging by the look in her eyes as she gazed at the brown haired man, she was obviously in love. "I'm happy for you Kikyou."
Kikyou smiled. "Where is Kagome? You are by the well, so are you expecting her?"
"No, she just left." Kikyou nodded and glanced at the well, seeming to decide something.
"Well, I can say it again when she gets back. But for now, we need to talk."
He opened his eyes slightly and raised an eyebrow. "About what?"
Her face was serious and her voice tight when she spoke, which told him something was wrong. "Naraku."
