@~@~@~@~@ *Lian peers from behind her door and looks around anxiously* Umm I'm sorry this took so long but can I please come out to present the story? *readers grumble but realize that if she doesn't come out the story will not go on.* O.K. I just wanted to say I'm sooo sorry this took so long. Here's my reason for the delay, let me say it flat out I was a little unclear about how
to keep writing this story. My first draft of this chapter managed to get about 10 pages until I couldn't take it anymore, I chucked it... My next chapter only got three pages and then I decided to do the voting so there went the beginning of the second( I was going to add a character for Buyo), and this is my third. I have been told by some well known authors that you can only do a revision 3 times and if you do anymore it gets redundant. So to say the least here is the third and Final draft. *small voice* Please tell me if you like it. @~@~@~@~@
Side note: Thanks to all that tried to help me with the translations!! (decided to just use English *big sigh*) *wails* and it would've been so cool in Japanese!
Disclaimer: No I don't own the IY cast because if that was the case I'd be too deliriously happy to write!
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Kikyo Appears and Buyo Needs A Scratching Post...
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Recap:
Inuyasha opened his mouth and began to whisper a name "K~" and then the world exploded as another fight for a shard began.
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Ever one to act quickly, Kirara snatched Kagome by the neck of her shirt and flung the startled miko onto her back.
As the fire cat demon rose into the air Kagome looked down at the creature that had attacked them and moaned "Centipedes! Why does it always have to be centipedes!"
Sango turned her head to look at Kagome while saying "It hasn't always been centipedes, in fact it was a spider we defeated last time."
Kagome scowled at her friend as they landed beside their four male companions "ok fine, then why does it always have to be bugs!?"
Sango gave Kagome a twisted smile and shook her head at the exasperated Miko.
"Feh, this is nothing" Inuyasha drawled as he transformed his beloved sword.
Sure enough within a few minutes time the centipede was on the ground in pieces. At this point Kagome began to walk towards the mass that was giving it's last death twitches when one of the jerking legs whipped out and caught Kagome in the back of her legs. With an undignified squeak Kagome landed on her rear stunned at what had just happened.
Inuyasha, being such a tactful person, began laughing immediately which in turn caused his immediate gravitation towards the earth with a very high impact rate.
"What the hell was that for bitch!?"
Once again Inuyasha's face met good ol' mother earth but what finally caught his attention was that Kagome had not said a word during all this.
"You idiot" Buyo drawled as he leaped off of Inuyasha's head to go and help Kagome up.
Inuyasha glared as Buyo wrapped his tail around Kagome's waist to lift her up while dusting her off with his hands. "Mis ~ ahem Kagome, why in the world do you stick around this guy?"
Kagome sighed and tried to bat away Buyo's hands, though when it looked like he wasn't going to stop until he was sure every speck of dirt was off her she leaned forward in mid air to grasp the shard that was just below her.
"Kagome-chan!" Sango gasped.
Still somewhat upside down after she had just grabbed the shard Kagome just looked at Sango from under her legs replying "what?"
Kagome heard an exasperated sigh from above her as the world began to revolve when Buyo began to bring her upright. "Kagome, you are no longer going to wear skirts here unless they are quite a bit longer. Though I think jeans or sweats would be best."
"What in the world are you talking about!?"
In reply Buyo pointed towards a round eyed hanyou and a pile of bruises with a still twitching hand that used to be in the form of a lecherous monk.
From the scandalized look on Sango's face to the condition of the other two it finally dawned on Kagome what Buyo meant. She had accidentally flashed the group when grabbing the shard.
Kagome then heard a snort and turned her head just in time to catch Inuyasha's voice.
"Red, I knew she liked this color."
Kagome's eyes went wide while Buyo slapped a hand to his forehead "idiot."
"SSSIIIIITTT!!" Kagome screamed, startling most of the birds within a twenty foot radius of them all.
"I, oh, ARRGH!" Kagome was so pissed that she couldn't even speak straight.
Whirling around the futuristic miko stomped towards the village that they had been originally headed towards before the attack. Not even giving a backwards glance towards the twitching priest, Sango with Shippo hanging on her shoulder quickly caught up to her friend.
Buyo stared at the twitching forms for a moment before he muttered "pathetic" and caught up to the two ladies on the path. He then put an arm around each of their shoulders with a dramatic flair. The two prone men watched as the cat demon grinned at them over his shoulder as the four disappeared around the trees.
After another moment or two the "sit" had finally worn off of Inuyasha and Miroku stood brushing off his robes. The two looked at one another in silent communication and proceeded to head to the village at top speed.
The monk and demon stopped at the edge of the large village searching for any sign of their group but saw nothing.
Miroku sighed "Inuyasha, it looks like it's up to you to find them."
"Keh" was the only thing Inuyasha said as he lifted his nose to the air trying to find Kagome's scent. Within seconds he had the Miko's scent and took off scowling at the smell of the cat demon with them.
People parted swiftly as the thunderous dog demon and monk swiftly walked through town. The two continued only to find themselves in front of a small Inn with steam rising in the background.
"It figures the wench would find a place with hot springs" Inuyasha growled as he opened the door and stepped inside.
"About time the two of you got here."
Inuyasha and Miroku whirled to see Buyo leaning against the doorframe of the entrance watching them with a bored look on his face.
Miroku's eyes narrowed as he watched the cat demon "you weren't there a second ago."
Buyo simply shrugged as he patted the shadowed wall behind him. Gliding away from the doorway Buyo went up to the Inn keeper saying "these are the other two of our party. Remember them."
Waving a hand Buyo motioned to the suspicious pair saying 'let me show you to our room."
As they walked down the hall Buyo had to roll his eyes at the waves of distrust radiating off the two behind him "you know you two should take a bath. You might actually relax a bit."
Then the scornful cat demon gave a slight sniff and wrinkled his nose "also smell a bit better too."
A murderous look came into Inuyasha's eyes as he growled "that's it! Fur-ball is going down!"
Buyo evaded Inuyasha's tackle by leaping back through a doorway replying "I really wouldn't do that if I were you."
Inuyasha sneered as he jumped at the cat demon again "scared?"
"SIT!"
Buyo leaned over the red clad form at his feet saying "no. Just smart enough to not fight in Kagome's presence."
Kagome came stomping up to the two demons exasperated "could you two possibly be at least civil to each other for one trivial day!"
At the same time both demons pointed to the other saying "he started it!"
Kagome flung her hands in the air while growling in irritation.
Shippo smirked "I think we should take that as a no..."
Kagome rummaged through her bag and collected her bathing items, then turned to Sango saying "let's go, I really need to relax before I hurt something." Turning her eyes to the two scowling demons she then continued "or someone."
After the women left Miroku tried to follow them, of course, which in turn led to him being knocked unconscious and dragged to the baths by the two demons with Shippo sighing as he trailed behind the three. The rest of the night went pretty smoothly and once the sun was in the sky the merry *ahem* little band once again set out on their quest for more shards.
As they were passing through a large clearing in the forest something white and squiggly caught Shippo's eye "hey, what's that?"
Everyone turned to see what had caught Shippo's interest when a breeze swept a familiar scent to Inuyasha.
"Kikyo" he whispered.
Soon after his soft proclamation Kikyo walked into the clearing with her soul catchers swirling about her.
Buyo narrowed his eyes as he tried to catch the faint memory that this new persons scent tried to bring to the front. In a moment he remembered what it was and growled out "you are dead miko" and sprang for Kikyo.
Shocked at the sudden attack Inuyasha almost missed his chance to grab Buyo. Fortunately he was able to grab the enraged cat demon, but unfortunately Inuyasha had grabbed Buyo's tail.
Buyo let out an ear piercing screech and swiftly spun around and clawed Inuyasha in the shoulder. In turn Inuyasha quickly jumped back, pulled his sword out, and faced off with Buyo.
Kagome quickly ran in between the two with her arms out stretched "what the blazons is going on here!?"
"That is the Thing that keep trying to kill you Kagome so therefore I will not let it live" Buyo hissed as he gave a heated glance towards Kikyo.
"Buyo..." Kagome said with a subdued voice.
"Keh, Kikyo hasn't tried killing Kagome at anytime. Kagome would've told me!"
"That's where you're wrong Inuyasha..."Kagome said with her head down, bangs hiding her eyes. "Kikyo has tried to kill me before."
Buyo smirked at the stunned dog demon "you see."
"Kagome, why didn't you tell me?"
Kagome gave a tired sigh "I have tried to tell you Inuyasha, but you keep brushing it off like I'm imagining it, so I no longer tell you when your perfect Kikyo isn't being so perfect."
"If you are all through with speaking as if I am not here I would like to ask for the Jewel shards now" Kikyo said in a chilling voice.
Kagome's head whipped up and glared at Kikyo "why? Just so you can take what few we have managed to gather since you gave Naraku our last piece of the shard?"
Kikyo stood there impassively "does this mean you refuse to give up the shards?"
"You bet it does" Kagome growled.
"So be it" those words were the only warning Buyo had before Kikyo shot an arrow straight at Kagome.
Just before the arrow reached Kagome, Buyo quickly caught it then threw the burning object to the ground with a growl as he held his now injured hand to his chest.
"Buyo!" Kagome exclaimed as she went to check on her friend. Buyo watched both Kikyo and Inuyasha as Kagome fussed over his hand. What he saw or the lack thereof was that Inuyasha was not reprimanding Kikyo for her murder attempt. His blood began to boil even more as he watched Inuyasha's eyes fill with a confused longing and the hanyou took a few steps towards the Miko.
"The bitch had just tried to kill Kagome and all the damn hanyou could do was stare at her!?" Buyo thought his vision beginning to cloud with red. Like hell he was going to let that slide.
Gently he pushed Kagome to one side and before anyone could act he yelled out "Twilights blades!" as sickle shaped blades sprang from his shadow and headed towards Kikyo.
Kagome let out a gasp of horror as there was a flash of red and then a small explosion from the side of the area where Kikyo had been standing. Slightly stumbling back from Buyo Kagome ran into Sango behind her. Looking at the others Kagome saw shock written across the faces of her friends.
Turning back Kagome saw what had happened as the smoke cleared from the glade. There stood Inuyasha panting with his sword raised and protecting Kikyo. A pang of hurt went through Kagome's heart when she realized that Inuyasha had leaped to Kikyo's defense just after the undead Miko had tried to kill her. Then something within her began to chill as she heard Inuyasha's next words.
"No one is going to kill Kikyo. I promised to protect her and so I will."
Sango, Miroku, and Shippo gasped at what Inuyasha was saying. Miroku quickly looked at Kagome and did not like what he saw at all. Kagome had one lone tear trail down her face and nothing more. Just as he was about to say something he was stopped by Buyo's voice.
"Then you shall both die hanyou" Buyo spat with burning venom in his voice.
Fiery gold met molten amber as Inuyasha and Buyo glared at each other with claws bared and teeth glinting in the light.
"Inuyasha! Buyo! ~ Mrph!" whatever Kagome had been about to say was quickly muffled by Sango's hand over the young miko's mouth.
"Kagome don't... I don't think even you should get in the way at this moment. Those two are completely serious."
Kagome watched her two best friends stare at one another while circling, just waiting for an opening in the others defense. "That's why I have to stop them! I don't want them getting hurt" Kagome almost shouted as her voice faded into a sob.
"Kagome, I think it's safe to say that Inuyasha has pushed Buyo's limits too far for the cat demon to listen to you. You may still see Buyo as your fuzzy little pet but he truly is a full
blooded demon and he is devoted to you. If Inuyasha had just shouted at Kikyo or at least asked what the hell she was doing trying to shoot you then things might not have gotten this far, but instead he had just stood there so Buyo decided to attack" Sango said trying to get some sense into Kagome.
"Even then, there was still time to settle things if Inuyasha had confronted Kikyo after rebounding Buyo's attack but instead he told Buyo that he wasn't going to let anyone harm Kikyo. In Buyo's mind Inuyasha was saying that it was all-right that Kikyo had shot at you. We all know that isn't true but, well Inuyasha's let his indecision go to far and here is the results" Miroku concluded with his own opinion.
Kagome realized that what her friends were saying was true, but that still didn't help her much as she watched two of the people she held close to her heart about to beat the crap out of each other. A movement off to their left caught her eye and she saw that Kikyo was getting up to leave.
"Where do you think you are going?" Kagome said fury beginning to heat up in her voice.
Kikyo turned her head to face Kagome "this is none of my concern."
At these words a flame began burning deep within Kagome's soul "none of this is your concern? Inuyasha is now about to fight Buyo because of you and you dare to say it's none of your concern!"
Kikyo just gave Kagome a cold glance and began to turn to leave.
Seeing this something within Kagome snapped. The banked fire of the anger within her soul now raged through-out her body. Power gathered about her form in pink and silver waves and settled about her like a shimmering cloak.
"There is no way in heaven or hell you are leaving here now bitch" Kagome hissed.
Sango's and Miroku's eyes widened at the seething force that Kagome was displaying. They didn't know whether to shiver from the cold that was in Kagome's eyes as they focused on the undead Miko or back away from the heat of Kagome's fiery aura.
Thinking that the display of power might've alerted the two demons to the new situation Miroku glanced over to the males fight only to realize that Kagome's power didn't even come close to the two. Miroku's eyes widened as it hit him that yes, Kagome was pissed, yes she was displaying a hell of a lot of power, but she was in control of it all...
Panic now formed in Kikyo's eyes as she realized that she had finally pushed the other Miko one step to far. Kikyo, in her panic, tried to run but then she heard Kagome growl "No way..." and suddenly she slammed into an invisible wall.
Kikyo looked up from her position of being sprawled on the ground and saw Kagome watching her as a wolf looks at a terrified rabbit.
"Kagome-chan..." Sango began to say.
"No" Kagome said with a flat tone of voice.
"Ka~" Sango tried again but this time was cut of by Miroku's hand on her shoulder. Sango looked at him and he grimily shook his head warning her not to get involved.
"I have generously let you have enough of my soul to allow you to wander in the hopes that you wouldn't waste this time you have dabbling in petty revenge schemes. Even after all this time low and behold I find that instead of trying to resolve your issues that you left when you died you have continuously have tried to not only drag Inuyasha to hell but have tried to kill me and my friends as well!"
Hearing all this Kikyo decided to finally put some of her spine back together and try to stand up to Kagome. "Look you little copy~"
"COPY!" Kagome raged as she somehow began to tower over Kikyo "how the blazons can I be a copy of you!? I, at least have a personality!"
Shippo grinned "ooh that's gotta hurt."
In response Kikyo quickly drew an arrow and fired it at Kagome.
The shout of "Kagome!" drawn from the two humans and one kitsune's throat finally caught the attention of the two quarreling demons on the other side of the clearing. Both Inuyasha's and Buyo's eyes widened as they saw the power radiating from Kagome and panic welled in their hearts as they saw the purifying arrow head straight for Kagome's chest.
"Kagome!" Buyo shouted while Inuyasha shouted "Kikyo!"
Everyone saw the smirk that graced Kikyo's face when Kagome flinched at Inuyasha shouting the other Miko's name. Kikyo's smirk quickly disappeared when Kagome calmly plucked the arrow out of it's killing path and looked at it.
"So that's the way of it Inuyasha?" Kagome said sadly as she held the arrow in her hands.
"Kagome..." Inuyasha said with a hand reaching out to her.
Kagome's head flung upwards to pin Inuyasha where he stood with her cold gaze "no more of this Inuyasha. I'm tired of your games of kick the heart, especially when it is mine that you decide to use so frequently."
Slowly Kagome's aura of power dwindled and she stood there tall and alone, until Buyo went to her side and held her hand. Seconds after Shippo scampered over to the two and Buyo leaned an arm down which Shippo gratefully used to climb up to the full demon's shoulder.
Kikyo slowly walked over to Inuyasha and stood slightly behind him as if declaring her position. Sango and Miroku looked at each other knowing what they did now would be monumental to their future. On the right side of the field stood Kagome, Buyo, and Shippo. On the left stood Inuyasha and Kikyo.
Suddenly Kirara leaped off of Sango's shoulder, transformed to her full size, and trotted over to Inuyasha. Kirara looked into Inuyasha's eyes for a moment before giving a sad mewling sigh and proceeded to walk over to Kagome. When the twin tailed cat demon reached Kagome she placed one paw over the jewel hanging from Kagome's neck and closed her ruby colored eyes. After a moment Kirara opened them again and looked straight at Kikyo. Kirara shook her head in a negative manner and then curled up at Kagome's feet.
Even before seeing her beloved pet/partner go to Kagome's side Sango knew she could never leave Kagome for Kikyo.
Sango gazed at Inuyasha for a bit before saying "I hope one day you find a better happiness then the one you have thrown away Inuyasha. I still care for you deeply as a close friend, but that will not stop me from doing what's right." That said the demon hunter went to the group on the right side of the field and stood beside Buyo.
Inuyasha couldn't believe what was happening, everyone was leaving him.
Inside his head a voice snorted "of course they are stupid, you basically sided with the bitch trying to kill their best friend. What did you think was going to happen? That after the how many times that Kagome's been shot at they would just again forgive you for siding with a pile of dirt? You saw it with your own eyes this time, wait it was now two times that Kikyo's tried to KILL Kagome and when in the middle of trouble you called the golem's name once again. Face it, you blew it big time and there is no going back this time."
The voice then faded out leaving behind the cold feeling of despair to settle into Inuyasha's soul. They were really doing this, they were going to outcast him.
Suddenly the voice inside popped up to say "don't blame them boy-yo, you cast yourself out..." before fading permanently this time.
Miroku was now the only one left to decide his fate. His eyes shimmered with held in emotions at having to decide which of his friends to go with. Slowly Miroku walked up to Inuyasha and stared into the dog demon's pleading gaze. Miroku lowered his eyes as he pulled an ofuda from his sleeve saying "Inuyasha, if you ever decide that we are more important than the spell doll Miko use this and we will come to you."
With painful steps Miroku turned, went to the group on the right side of the field, and took up his place by Kagome's left side.
Kagome's stormy grey-blue eyes watched the two across the way as she held up the hand that still held Kikyo's arrow pulsing with slight power. "Inuyasha, you now have the Miko you wanted by your side to search for the Jewel, I wish you luck. I hope one day to met you under better circumstances, but until that day comes may this arrow serve a reminder of this day."
With that said Kagome walked across the way to the hanyou and the Miko. Once facing the two, with a slight show of power, Kagome banished Kikyo's aura from the arrow, turned it black, and promptly snapped it in two. Silently she held the pieces out to Inuyasha and watched as he held out his hand almost as if in a trance. Kagome placed the broken arrow into his hand and kissed his cheek whispering "goodbye Inuyasha."
Kagome turned, walked to the group waiting for her, and once there continued walking with the rest of the group filing behind her.
Inuyasha could only watch as his friends faded into the darkness of the forest. He stood there for a few moments as if waiting there would bring them all back shouting that it was just one horrible joke. When another moment passed Inuyasha realized that they were truly gone.
Painfully the dog demon crumpled to the ground whispering "Kagome."
Then he did something that he hadn't done since he was a pup. Inuyasha, the slayer of hundreds of demons, wept. He never saw his tears mix with the blood that came from his hand from grasping the arrow tightly to him, never saw the icy look on Kikyo's face at his breakdown, all he could see was two sorrowful blue-grey eyes and hear the whispered words "goodbye Inuyasha."
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ACK! Dodges objects thrown at her. Hoping to placate the readers Lian shouts Hey! Hey! This isn't the end you know... *readers look at the end of the chapter and continue throwing things* Erk! Sorry! Sorry! But to let you all know I did tally up all the reviews and all the e-mails and I was quite surprised at how many there were for Buyo and Kagome. Heck I was surprised that I even got that many votes at all... Thank you so much! I would tell you who won but that would
ruin a huge chunk of the story *sees people begin to take up objects again* Wait please! I do have a solution that will probably make everyone happy it's just that you'll have to keep reading to see it. Please read and review, oh and if you would be so kind as to take a look at the title
"Wondering" that I have I would be eternally grateful! Thank you all so much!
~*@*~*~*@*~Spoiler Notes: If you haven't gotten to where the group visits Sango's village
after Sango joins their group then don't read this!!! ~*@*~*~*@*~*
Some of you might've wondered about Kirara's behavior when she chose Kagome's side. Here's basically what happened, Kirara was actually a partner to Midoriko (the Miko who created the Jewel) and so Kirara was asking the soul where it truly wanted to be. Apparently it wanted to stay with Kagome since Kirara didn't take the jewel and give it to Kikyo. Hope that helped.
to keep writing this story. My first draft of this chapter managed to get about 10 pages until I couldn't take it anymore, I chucked it... My next chapter only got three pages and then I decided to do the voting so there went the beginning of the second( I was going to add a character for Buyo), and this is my third. I have been told by some well known authors that you can only do a revision 3 times and if you do anymore it gets redundant. So to say the least here is the third and Final draft. *small voice* Please tell me if you like it. @~@~@~@~@
Side note: Thanks to all that tried to help me with the translations!! (decided to just use English *big sigh*) *wails* and it would've been so cool in Japanese!
Disclaimer: No I don't own the IY cast because if that was the case I'd be too deliriously happy to write!
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Kikyo Appears and Buyo Needs A Scratching Post...
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Recap:
Inuyasha opened his mouth and began to whisper a name "K~" and then the world exploded as another fight for a shard began.
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Ever one to act quickly, Kirara snatched Kagome by the neck of her shirt and flung the startled miko onto her back.
As the fire cat demon rose into the air Kagome looked down at the creature that had attacked them and moaned "Centipedes! Why does it always have to be centipedes!"
Sango turned her head to look at Kagome while saying "It hasn't always been centipedes, in fact it was a spider we defeated last time."
Kagome scowled at her friend as they landed beside their four male companions "ok fine, then why does it always have to be bugs!?"
Sango gave Kagome a twisted smile and shook her head at the exasperated Miko.
"Feh, this is nothing" Inuyasha drawled as he transformed his beloved sword.
Sure enough within a few minutes time the centipede was on the ground in pieces. At this point Kagome began to walk towards the mass that was giving it's last death twitches when one of the jerking legs whipped out and caught Kagome in the back of her legs. With an undignified squeak Kagome landed on her rear stunned at what had just happened.
Inuyasha, being such a tactful person, began laughing immediately which in turn caused his immediate gravitation towards the earth with a very high impact rate.
"What the hell was that for bitch!?"
Once again Inuyasha's face met good ol' mother earth but what finally caught his attention was that Kagome had not said a word during all this.
"You idiot" Buyo drawled as he leaped off of Inuyasha's head to go and help Kagome up.
Inuyasha glared as Buyo wrapped his tail around Kagome's waist to lift her up while dusting her off with his hands. "Mis ~ ahem Kagome, why in the world do you stick around this guy?"
Kagome sighed and tried to bat away Buyo's hands, though when it looked like he wasn't going to stop until he was sure every speck of dirt was off her she leaned forward in mid air to grasp the shard that was just below her.
"Kagome-chan!" Sango gasped.
Still somewhat upside down after she had just grabbed the shard Kagome just looked at Sango from under her legs replying "what?"
Kagome heard an exasperated sigh from above her as the world began to revolve when Buyo began to bring her upright. "Kagome, you are no longer going to wear skirts here unless they are quite a bit longer. Though I think jeans or sweats would be best."
"What in the world are you talking about!?"
In reply Buyo pointed towards a round eyed hanyou and a pile of bruises with a still twitching hand that used to be in the form of a lecherous monk.
From the scandalized look on Sango's face to the condition of the other two it finally dawned on Kagome what Buyo meant. She had accidentally flashed the group when grabbing the shard.
Kagome then heard a snort and turned her head just in time to catch Inuyasha's voice.
"Red, I knew she liked this color."
Kagome's eyes went wide while Buyo slapped a hand to his forehead "idiot."
"SSSIIIIITTT!!" Kagome screamed, startling most of the birds within a twenty foot radius of them all.
"I, oh, ARRGH!" Kagome was so pissed that she couldn't even speak straight.
Whirling around the futuristic miko stomped towards the village that they had been originally headed towards before the attack. Not even giving a backwards glance towards the twitching priest, Sango with Shippo hanging on her shoulder quickly caught up to her friend.
Buyo stared at the twitching forms for a moment before he muttered "pathetic" and caught up to the two ladies on the path. He then put an arm around each of their shoulders with a dramatic flair. The two prone men watched as the cat demon grinned at them over his shoulder as the four disappeared around the trees.
After another moment or two the "sit" had finally worn off of Inuyasha and Miroku stood brushing off his robes. The two looked at one another in silent communication and proceeded to head to the village at top speed.
The monk and demon stopped at the edge of the large village searching for any sign of their group but saw nothing.
Miroku sighed "Inuyasha, it looks like it's up to you to find them."
"Keh" was the only thing Inuyasha said as he lifted his nose to the air trying to find Kagome's scent. Within seconds he had the Miko's scent and took off scowling at the smell of the cat demon with them.
People parted swiftly as the thunderous dog demon and monk swiftly walked through town. The two continued only to find themselves in front of a small Inn with steam rising in the background.
"It figures the wench would find a place with hot springs" Inuyasha growled as he opened the door and stepped inside.
"About time the two of you got here."
Inuyasha and Miroku whirled to see Buyo leaning against the doorframe of the entrance watching them with a bored look on his face.
Miroku's eyes narrowed as he watched the cat demon "you weren't there a second ago."
Buyo simply shrugged as he patted the shadowed wall behind him. Gliding away from the doorway Buyo went up to the Inn keeper saying "these are the other two of our party. Remember them."
Waving a hand Buyo motioned to the suspicious pair saying 'let me show you to our room."
As they walked down the hall Buyo had to roll his eyes at the waves of distrust radiating off the two behind him "you know you two should take a bath. You might actually relax a bit."
Then the scornful cat demon gave a slight sniff and wrinkled his nose "also smell a bit better too."
A murderous look came into Inuyasha's eyes as he growled "that's it! Fur-ball is going down!"
Buyo evaded Inuyasha's tackle by leaping back through a doorway replying "I really wouldn't do that if I were you."
Inuyasha sneered as he jumped at the cat demon again "scared?"
"SIT!"
Buyo leaned over the red clad form at his feet saying "no. Just smart enough to not fight in Kagome's presence."
Kagome came stomping up to the two demons exasperated "could you two possibly be at least civil to each other for one trivial day!"
At the same time both demons pointed to the other saying "he started it!"
Kagome flung her hands in the air while growling in irritation.
Shippo smirked "I think we should take that as a no..."
Kagome rummaged through her bag and collected her bathing items, then turned to Sango saying "let's go, I really need to relax before I hurt something." Turning her eyes to the two scowling demons she then continued "or someone."
After the women left Miroku tried to follow them, of course, which in turn led to him being knocked unconscious and dragged to the baths by the two demons with Shippo sighing as he trailed behind the three. The rest of the night went pretty smoothly and once the sun was in the sky the merry *ahem* little band once again set out on their quest for more shards.
As they were passing through a large clearing in the forest something white and squiggly caught Shippo's eye "hey, what's that?"
Everyone turned to see what had caught Shippo's interest when a breeze swept a familiar scent to Inuyasha.
"Kikyo" he whispered.
Soon after his soft proclamation Kikyo walked into the clearing with her soul catchers swirling about her.
Buyo narrowed his eyes as he tried to catch the faint memory that this new persons scent tried to bring to the front. In a moment he remembered what it was and growled out "you are dead miko" and sprang for Kikyo.
Shocked at the sudden attack Inuyasha almost missed his chance to grab Buyo. Fortunately he was able to grab the enraged cat demon, but unfortunately Inuyasha had grabbed Buyo's tail.
Buyo let out an ear piercing screech and swiftly spun around and clawed Inuyasha in the shoulder. In turn Inuyasha quickly jumped back, pulled his sword out, and faced off with Buyo.
Kagome quickly ran in between the two with her arms out stretched "what the blazons is going on here!?"
"That is the Thing that keep trying to kill you Kagome so therefore I will not let it live" Buyo hissed as he gave a heated glance towards Kikyo.
"Buyo..." Kagome said with a subdued voice.
"Keh, Kikyo hasn't tried killing Kagome at anytime. Kagome would've told me!"
"That's where you're wrong Inuyasha..."Kagome said with her head down, bangs hiding her eyes. "Kikyo has tried to kill me before."
Buyo smirked at the stunned dog demon "you see."
"Kagome, why didn't you tell me?"
Kagome gave a tired sigh "I have tried to tell you Inuyasha, but you keep brushing it off like I'm imagining it, so I no longer tell you when your perfect Kikyo isn't being so perfect."
"If you are all through with speaking as if I am not here I would like to ask for the Jewel shards now" Kikyo said in a chilling voice.
Kagome's head whipped up and glared at Kikyo "why? Just so you can take what few we have managed to gather since you gave Naraku our last piece of the shard?"
Kikyo stood there impassively "does this mean you refuse to give up the shards?"
"You bet it does" Kagome growled.
"So be it" those words were the only warning Buyo had before Kikyo shot an arrow straight at Kagome.
Just before the arrow reached Kagome, Buyo quickly caught it then threw the burning object to the ground with a growl as he held his now injured hand to his chest.
"Buyo!" Kagome exclaimed as she went to check on her friend. Buyo watched both Kikyo and Inuyasha as Kagome fussed over his hand. What he saw or the lack thereof was that Inuyasha was not reprimanding Kikyo for her murder attempt. His blood began to boil even more as he watched Inuyasha's eyes fill with a confused longing and the hanyou took a few steps towards the Miko.
"The bitch had just tried to kill Kagome and all the damn hanyou could do was stare at her!?" Buyo thought his vision beginning to cloud with red. Like hell he was going to let that slide.
Gently he pushed Kagome to one side and before anyone could act he yelled out "Twilights blades!" as sickle shaped blades sprang from his shadow and headed towards Kikyo.
Kagome let out a gasp of horror as there was a flash of red and then a small explosion from the side of the area where Kikyo had been standing. Slightly stumbling back from Buyo Kagome ran into Sango behind her. Looking at the others Kagome saw shock written across the faces of her friends.
Turning back Kagome saw what had happened as the smoke cleared from the glade. There stood Inuyasha panting with his sword raised and protecting Kikyo. A pang of hurt went through Kagome's heart when she realized that Inuyasha had leaped to Kikyo's defense just after the undead Miko had tried to kill her. Then something within her began to chill as she heard Inuyasha's next words.
"No one is going to kill Kikyo. I promised to protect her and so I will."
Sango, Miroku, and Shippo gasped at what Inuyasha was saying. Miroku quickly looked at Kagome and did not like what he saw at all. Kagome had one lone tear trail down her face and nothing more. Just as he was about to say something he was stopped by Buyo's voice.
"Then you shall both die hanyou" Buyo spat with burning venom in his voice.
Fiery gold met molten amber as Inuyasha and Buyo glared at each other with claws bared and teeth glinting in the light.
"Inuyasha! Buyo! ~ Mrph!" whatever Kagome had been about to say was quickly muffled by Sango's hand over the young miko's mouth.
"Kagome don't... I don't think even you should get in the way at this moment. Those two are completely serious."
Kagome watched her two best friends stare at one another while circling, just waiting for an opening in the others defense. "That's why I have to stop them! I don't want them getting hurt" Kagome almost shouted as her voice faded into a sob.
"Kagome, I think it's safe to say that Inuyasha has pushed Buyo's limits too far for the cat demon to listen to you. You may still see Buyo as your fuzzy little pet but he truly is a full
blooded demon and he is devoted to you. If Inuyasha had just shouted at Kikyo or at least asked what the hell she was doing trying to shoot you then things might not have gotten this far, but instead he had just stood there so Buyo decided to attack" Sango said trying to get some sense into Kagome.
"Even then, there was still time to settle things if Inuyasha had confronted Kikyo after rebounding Buyo's attack but instead he told Buyo that he wasn't going to let anyone harm Kikyo. In Buyo's mind Inuyasha was saying that it was all-right that Kikyo had shot at you. We all know that isn't true but, well Inuyasha's let his indecision go to far and here is the results" Miroku concluded with his own opinion.
Kagome realized that what her friends were saying was true, but that still didn't help her much as she watched two of the people she held close to her heart about to beat the crap out of each other. A movement off to their left caught her eye and she saw that Kikyo was getting up to leave.
"Where do you think you are going?" Kagome said fury beginning to heat up in her voice.
Kikyo turned her head to face Kagome "this is none of my concern."
At these words a flame began burning deep within Kagome's soul "none of this is your concern? Inuyasha is now about to fight Buyo because of you and you dare to say it's none of your concern!"
Kikyo just gave Kagome a cold glance and began to turn to leave.
Seeing this something within Kagome snapped. The banked fire of the anger within her soul now raged through-out her body. Power gathered about her form in pink and silver waves and settled about her like a shimmering cloak.
"There is no way in heaven or hell you are leaving here now bitch" Kagome hissed.
Sango's and Miroku's eyes widened at the seething force that Kagome was displaying. They didn't know whether to shiver from the cold that was in Kagome's eyes as they focused on the undead Miko or back away from the heat of Kagome's fiery aura.
Thinking that the display of power might've alerted the two demons to the new situation Miroku glanced over to the males fight only to realize that Kagome's power didn't even come close to the two. Miroku's eyes widened as it hit him that yes, Kagome was pissed, yes she was displaying a hell of a lot of power, but she was in control of it all...
Panic now formed in Kikyo's eyes as she realized that she had finally pushed the other Miko one step to far. Kikyo, in her panic, tried to run but then she heard Kagome growl "No way..." and suddenly she slammed into an invisible wall.
Kikyo looked up from her position of being sprawled on the ground and saw Kagome watching her as a wolf looks at a terrified rabbit.
"Kagome-chan..." Sango began to say.
"No" Kagome said with a flat tone of voice.
"Ka~" Sango tried again but this time was cut of by Miroku's hand on her shoulder. Sango looked at him and he grimily shook his head warning her not to get involved.
"I have generously let you have enough of my soul to allow you to wander in the hopes that you wouldn't waste this time you have dabbling in petty revenge schemes. Even after all this time low and behold I find that instead of trying to resolve your issues that you left when you died you have continuously have tried to not only drag Inuyasha to hell but have tried to kill me and my friends as well!"
Hearing all this Kikyo decided to finally put some of her spine back together and try to stand up to Kagome. "Look you little copy~"
"COPY!" Kagome raged as she somehow began to tower over Kikyo "how the blazons can I be a copy of you!? I, at least have a personality!"
Shippo grinned "ooh that's gotta hurt."
In response Kikyo quickly drew an arrow and fired it at Kagome.
The shout of "Kagome!" drawn from the two humans and one kitsune's throat finally caught the attention of the two quarreling demons on the other side of the clearing. Both Inuyasha's and Buyo's eyes widened as they saw the power radiating from Kagome and panic welled in their hearts as they saw the purifying arrow head straight for Kagome's chest.
"Kagome!" Buyo shouted while Inuyasha shouted "Kikyo!"
Everyone saw the smirk that graced Kikyo's face when Kagome flinched at Inuyasha shouting the other Miko's name. Kikyo's smirk quickly disappeared when Kagome calmly plucked the arrow out of it's killing path and looked at it.
"So that's the way of it Inuyasha?" Kagome said sadly as she held the arrow in her hands.
"Kagome..." Inuyasha said with a hand reaching out to her.
Kagome's head flung upwards to pin Inuyasha where he stood with her cold gaze "no more of this Inuyasha. I'm tired of your games of kick the heart, especially when it is mine that you decide to use so frequently."
Slowly Kagome's aura of power dwindled and she stood there tall and alone, until Buyo went to her side and held her hand. Seconds after Shippo scampered over to the two and Buyo leaned an arm down which Shippo gratefully used to climb up to the full demon's shoulder.
Kikyo slowly walked over to Inuyasha and stood slightly behind him as if declaring her position. Sango and Miroku looked at each other knowing what they did now would be monumental to their future. On the right side of the field stood Kagome, Buyo, and Shippo. On the left stood Inuyasha and Kikyo.
Suddenly Kirara leaped off of Sango's shoulder, transformed to her full size, and trotted over to Inuyasha. Kirara looked into Inuyasha's eyes for a moment before giving a sad mewling sigh and proceeded to walk over to Kagome. When the twin tailed cat demon reached Kagome she placed one paw over the jewel hanging from Kagome's neck and closed her ruby colored eyes. After a moment Kirara opened them again and looked straight at Kikyo. Kirara shook her head in a negative manner and then curled up at Kagome's feet.
Even before seeing her beloved pet/partner go to Kagome's side Sango knew she could never leave Kagome for Kikyo.
Sango gazed at Inuyasha for a bit before saying "I hope one day you find a better happiness then the one you have thrown away Inuyasha. I still care for you deeply as a close friend, but that will not stop me from doing what's right." That said the demon hunter went to the group on the right side of the field and stood beside Buyo.
Inuyasha couldn't believe what was happening, everyone was leaving him.
Inside his head a voice snorted "of course they are stupid, you basically sided with the bitch trying to kill their best friend. What did you think was going to happen? That after the how many times that Kagome's been shot at they would just again forgive you for siding with a pile of dirt? You saw it with your own eyes this time, wait it was now two times that Kikyo's tried to KILL Kagome and when in the middle of trouble you called the golem's name once again. Face it, you blew it big time and there is no going back this time."
The voice then faded out leaving behind the cold feeling of despair to settle into Inuyasha's soul. They were really doing this, they were going to outcast him.
Suddenly the voice inside popped up to say "don't blame them boy-yo, you cast yourself out..." before fading permanently this time.
Miroku was now the only one left to decide his fate. His eyes shimmered with held in emotions at having to decide which of his friends to go with. Slowly Miroku walked up to Inuyasha and stared into the dog demon's pleading gaze. Miroku lowered his eyes as he pulled an ofuda from his sleeve saying "Inuyasha, if you ever decide that we are more important than the spell doll Miko use this and we will come to you."
With painful steps Miroku turned, went to the group on the right side of the field, and took up his place by Kagome's left side.
Kagome's stormy grey-blue eyes watched the two across the way as she held up the hand that still held Kikyo's arrow pulsing with slight power. "Inuyasha, you now have the Miko you wanted by your side to search for the Jewel, I wish you luck. I hope one day to met you under better circumstances, but until that day comes may this arrow serve a reminder of this day."
With that said Kagome walked across the way to the hanyou and the Miko. Once facing the two, with a slight show of power, Kagome banished Kikyo's aura from the arrow, turned it black, and promptly snapped it in two. Silently she held the pieces out to Inuyasha and watched as he held out his hand almost as if in a trance. Kagome placed the broken arrow into his hand and kissed his cheek whispering "goodbye Inuyasha."
Kagome turned, walked to the group waiting for her, and once there continued walking with the rest of the group filing behind her.
Inuyasha could only watch as his friends faded into the darkness of the forest. He stood there for a few moments as if waiting there would bring them all back shouting that it was just one horrible joke. When another moment passed Inuyasha realized that they were truly gone.
Painfully the dog demon crumpled to the ground whispering "Kagome."
Then he did something that he hadn't done since he was a pup. Inuyasha, the slayer of hundreds of demons, wept. He never saw his tears mix with the blood that came from his hand from grasping the arrow tightly to him, never saw the icy look on Kikyo's face at his breakdown, all he could see was two sorrowful blue-grey eyes and hear the whispered words "goodbye Inuyasha."
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ACK! Dodges objects thrown at her. Hoping to placate the readers Lian shouts Hey! Hey! This isn't the end you know... *readers look at the end of the chapter and continue throwing things* Erk! Sorry! Sorry! But to let you all know I did tally up all the reviews and all the e-mails and I was quite surprised at how many there were for Buyo and Kagome. Heck I was surprised that I even got that many votes at all... Thank you so much! I would tell you who won but that would
ruin a huge chunk of the story *sees people begin to take up objects again* Wait please! I do have a solution that will probably make everyone happy it's just that you'll have to keep reading to see it. Please read and review, oh and if you would be so kind as to take a look at the title
"Wondering" that I have I would be eternally grateful! Thank you all so much!
~*@*~*~*@*~Spoiler Notes: If you haven't gotten to where the group visits Sango's village
after Sango joins their group then don't read this!!! ~*@*~*~*@*~*
Some of you might've wondered about Kirara's behavior when she chose Kagome's side. Here's basically what happened, Kirara was actually a partner to Midoriko (the Miko who created the Jewel) and so Kirara was asking the soul where it truly wanted to be. Apparently it wanted to stay with Kagome since Kirara didn't take the jewel and give it to Kikyo. Hope that helped.
