Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha. (wish it tho!)
Easier To Run
Flashback
A young woman stepped out of the shadows to regard her replica with a smug grin. Placing the Shikon Jewel Shard in her forehead was genius. If she couldn't have him in death, no one would have him; and that included the girl from the future. Watching with a slight grin, she saw Inuyasha, the half-demon she had come to love, slam against the Sacred Tree. Using her hands, she directed the woman she controlled and formed a bow and arrow. Her replica did as she was told.
The girl being controlled pulled the bowstring to her cheek and lifted the bow. Letting go of the string, she cried his name one last time before it struck him, pinning him once more to the tree he had been freed from long ago. A moan escaped his lips as he stared at the woman who had pinned him. First it was his lost love, Kikyo, then his new love, Kagome. He closed his eyes against the visions and tried to ignore the pain.
"Why?" asked Inuyasha. "That is all I wish to know. Why?"
"Because I don't belong," said the girl. She wore the same clothing Kikyo had worn on the day he was pinned. It pained him to look at her.
Reaching out his hand, he let it drop as she turned her back on him. Darkness crept into his vision and he struggled to pull the arrow free from his chest. She wasn't the best archer, hitting his right side when she meant to hit his heart. The metal arrow tip, however, had burrowed deep into the tree, near impossible to move.
"Please, Kagome….I don't…" said Inuyasha, his breath coming in shallow bursts. Kagome kept walking, tears streaming down her face, a broken bow in her hand.
He fell asleep then, the spell Kagome put on the arrow making him last forever. Shadows finally took his vision and he fell into an immortal slumber.
"You've killed him just as I once did," said a voice from the shadows. Kagome stiffened, hand darting to the quiver hanging on her hip.
A woman, practically a replica of Kagome, stepped out from behind the trees, eyes narrowed. She glanced briefly at the tree and pain crossed her eyes. It disappeared as she looked upon Kagome, loathing coming into play.
"So you took my advice after all," whispered the woman.
"Kikyo," snarled Kagome. "You only wished to be rid of Inuyasha for your own foolish games. Take the Shikon Jewel out of my forehead. It isn't worth you dieing over."
Kikyo reached up and pulled the Jewel Shard from Kagome's forehead and Kagome fell to the ground, gasping. She stood quickly though, hoping to catch Kikyo off guard.
"My reward, as you promised," whispered Kagome. She hated doing this, almost as much as she hated Kikyo. But once she had the reward, Inuyasha would be with her again and Kikyo would be gone forever, never to return.
"Naraku turns human on the night of the New Moon. Destroy him if you wish," said Kikyo, taking the quiver from Kagome.
"Now it is my turn to reward you. Good-bye Kikyo, I want my souls back," said Kagome, taking hold of Kikyo's head.
A cry escaped her lips as Kagome held her, calling forth the souls that resided in her replica. Her body pulsated three times before the souls began to escape, yielding to Kagome's call. She tore at Kagome's hands, trying to get free, trying to run away, but it was like tearing at stone. Kagome turned away and ran towards the village where she would start her revenge. A small pile of dust could be found near the Sacred Tree with a slumbering half-demon pinned above it. Destruction was in Kagome's future and she would never steer from the path.
End of Flashback
A cry racked Kagome Higurashi's body as she jerked awake, sweat pouring down her face. She pushed back her sleeping bag covers and stretched her back. It had been months since she pinned Inuyasha, but the moment still played in her memory like a record. She had stayed in the Feudal Era carrying out her revenge and her plots, hoping eventually he would come back to her.
Clutching the nearly whole Shikon No Tama, she forced herself up and placed more wood on the fire. Her bow and quiver were close to her sleeping bag; her bag lacking the heaviness it usually had.
She had been searching for the Jewel Shards ever since she disposed of Kikyo and was glad she had found out Naraku's only weakness. Going to his castle on the night of the New Moon, she had broken through the weak barrier and taken her bow and arrow to him. Aiming for his heart, she had killed him in his human form, witnessing for herself the disappearance of the Wind Tunnel in Miroku's hand. Sango and Shippo had been there as well, and when they asked where Inuyasha was, Kagome replied with a simple 'sick'. She hadn't seen them since.
Walking back over to her sleeping bag, she snuggled back in. The kimono Kaede had given her was becoming warn and had many holes in it. She only needed a few more Jewel Shards before it became whole and tomorrow was another day.
POOF
A shadowy figure loomed near the Sacred Tree, regarding the sleeping figure of the half-demon with concentrated interest. Stepping out of the shadows, Sesshomaru glanced around the clearing. He had been here many times, sensing that his younger brother was either in danger or already dead. What made him come back constantly was the disappearance of his brother's sword, the Tetsusaiga. A young girl stepped up beside him, peering at the half-demon pinned to the tree. Sesshomaru walked over to him, and touched the fletched arrow. It shone purple and his hand was burnt.
"Lord Sesshomaru? Is this your brother? Inuyasha? Why is he pinned to the tree?" asked the young girl. "Is he dead?"
"No, Rin. A miko has bound him to this tree with her sacred arrow. He will sleep on until another as powerful as the miko whom bound him removes it," replied Sesshomaru.
Rin looked up at Inuyasha with wonder and then shuddered. He was so life-like, like he could wake up and walk around. She pushed herself against Sesshomaru and shivered again. Sesshomaru looked down at her and patted her on the head before continuing to stare at his half-brother. In truth, he wished Inuyasha alive at the moment. Killing him while he was asleep would be pointless, not to mention dishonourable.
"Me Lord! Lord Sesshomaru!" shouted a high-pitched voice from the trees. A toad demon stepped out of the bushes, a leash in one hand and a two-headed staff in the other.
"Yes, Jaken?" asked Sesshomaru.
"I have found the miko that has bound your brother to the tree, me Lord!" replied Jaken, pulling at the leash.
"Does that mean that he'll come back to life?" asked Rin. Jaken stared at her as if just noticing her and fumed as he noticed Lord Sesshomaru stroking her head.
"Only if me Lord can convince the miko. Me Lord, it is the girl, this Kagome," said Jaken. Sesshomaru glanced at Inuyasha and then back at his vassal.
"So, she bound him to the tree the same way Kikyo did. I pity the fool," said Sesshomaru to himself. Rin looked up at him and noticed him staring at the stars.
"Do we find Kagome? I remember her. She helped me one time, and asked me some questions. She seemed really kind. Why would she pin someone to a tree?" asked Rin, putting a finger to her chin.
"Jealousy? Rage? Anger? These things are human emotions, only to be felt by such creatures," muttered Sesshomaru. "I think we shall go talk to this Kagome. If she wishes to unbind my half-brother, then that is her decision. If not, we await the day someone does." Touching the Sacred Tree he pondered over his brothers lost sword before turning away. Kagome would know, he hoped. And she would give him the sword.
Sesshomaru gestured for Jaken to lead the way and Jaken turned, only to be thrown to the ground as Ah and Un stepped forward. Jaken jumped up, grumbling as he adjusted his hat and walked into the bushes, Sesshomaru and Rin following.
POOF
The bushes rustled to Kagome's right and she was up in an instant, arrow already drawn. Her hearing had improved ever since she had bound Inuyasha, along with all her other senses. She had also gained speed; running from demons day after day if she couldn't kill them had strengthened that trait.
Again the bushes rustled and Kagome drew the bowstring to her cheek. She wouldn't shot until she was sure, but if it were a demon, she wouldn't be surprised by an attack.
A young girl stepped out from the bushes and Kagome sighed with relief. She wore an orange kimono with yellow flowers and one side of her black hair was tied up. Slacking the pressure on the bowstring, she let it drop to her side. She still kept it steady though; fear keeping her wary.
The girl ran to her, giggling and skipping. Kagome smiled, the first she had given in months. She didn't notice the tall demon Lord stepping out of the bushes moments later. And if the toad demon following him hadn't made a sound, she never would have. Glancing up, she drew her bowstring to her cheek and released in the same motion. Sesshomaru was caught off guard but evaded the attack. Just as quickly as she had released the arrow, another was notched and drawn.
"Sesshomaru. You dare show your face to me?" snarled Kagome. Sesshomaru regarded her with hidden wariness. She was stronger in power then she had been when she was with Inuyasha. She was far stronger then Kikyo now.
"I came with a question," replied Sesshomaru, eyes flashing at her coldly.
Kagome brought the bow down slightly, though she did not take her hand from the bowstring. "State your question and I will answer as I see fit."
"Why have you bound my half-brother to the Sacred Tree? And more importantly, where is the Tetsusaiga?" asked Sesshomaru. Rin was standing beside Kagome and he felt a stab of fear. Kagome was dangerous, that much he could sense. The new emotion made him stagger; fear was a human emotion. Why did he feel it? Rin had moved closer to Kagome, looking up at the young woman.
"I have bound Inuyasha to remove Kikyo. He will be released once I gain power over the Shikon Jewel. Then, I will be no more," whispered Kagome. Her eyes saddened at the thought but she continued, "The Tetsusaiga is right here." Digging in her backpack, she withdrew a small vial. Facing Sesshomaru, she was surprised to see his eyes widen in shock.
"What have you done to the sword?" shouted Sesshomaru. Kagome was taken aback and even Rin was surprised. Sesshomaru showed little emotion, even when he killed. Sesshomaru noticed his mistake and regained composure firmly, but he was still aghast by the fact that the sword was in the little bottle.
The bottle was no larger then a shot glass; a wooden cork placed firmly on top. The sword could be seen through the glass, as regal as ever, scarab and all. How Kagome had gotten it into the bottle was a mystery but he could care less. She had the sword.
"I have simply placed it somewhere for safe keeping," replied Kagome, placing it in her belt pouch. She had made it herself and it was very accommodating.
"You wish to collect shards of the Shikon Jewel?" asked Sesshomaru. It still bothered him that Rin was so close to the young woman but he ignored the fact.
"Yes," whispered Kagome, eyes saddening once again. Rin looked up at her and then placed her hand in hers. Kagome smiled at her slightly; another surprise.
"I do not understand why you wish to collect them but I have heard rumours that concern you. It amazes me how you humans always seem to gossip," Sesshomaru fingered his sword, remembering the rumours. "They say a female demon is collecting the Jewel Shards and she looks like the long lost priestess Kikyo. There has been a bounty placed upon her head of one hundred gold crowns. I believe they are referring to you."
Kagome gasped at the news and stared. The villagers? Would the go against her? Kneeling down, she shifted through her bag until she removed something large, wrapped in a brown bag.
"I cannot use this weapon. I would give it to another, but I do not know who is strong enough to wield it. I have heard people say it is a cursed blade, having spells placed upon it by wizards of old." Unravelling the paper, she revealed a sword. It was thin, with a blue stripe running up one side and a black stripe along the other. Its aura was dark, speaking of danger. "If you can find me the rest of the Shikon Jewel Shards, I will give you this blade. Only a demon can wield it."
Sesshomaru looked at the blade, drawn in by its darkness. He walked forward and saw Rin push herself in front of Kagome, afraid. He let his right hand hover above the sword, drinking in its power.
"We have an accord. Rin," Sesshomaru turned and Rin pulled at Kagome's hand. She leaned down and Rin whispered something in Kagome's ear. Kagome smiled and patted the girl on the head before letting her run after Sesshomaru. Soon, he would be released and she would be free. Very soon.
POOF
"Me Lord! Why did you let the girl go unharmed? That weapon cannot be that important!" squalled Jaken. Rin walked beside Sesshomaru, worrying about something other then the accord Kagome and Sesshomaru had made. Kagome looked warn and the warmth of her smile did not touch her eyes. Rin had a talent that had been renewed when Sesshomaru had revived her. She could see auras and Kagome's aura was death.
"That is between me and the girl, Jaken. I must find these Jewel Shards if I am to obtain what I seek," muttered Sesshomaru. "That sword is more powerful then the Tetsusaiga! The aura was pure power. If I have that in my grasp, Inuyasha will never live."
"Lord Sesshomaru?" asked Rin. Sesshomaru looked down at her, and saw the worried frown on her face.
"What is it, Rin?" said Sesshomaru. Rin glanced up and pursed her lips in thought.
"Kagome wasn't right. She was so sad. And her aura spoke nothing but death. She plans on killing herself. That is why she wants to obtain the Shikon No Tama. She will pull out the arrow and then wish it all away; that she never met Inuyasha, that she never met any of them. That is what she wishes. I can't let her do that!"
"Fate can not be changed, Rin. What you saw will happen. Though, I believe the villagers will get to her before she has a chance to wish. And if that is how she wishes to end her life, then so be it. Human wishes have no interest to me."
"What about my wishes?" asked Rin absently. Sesshomaru looked at her sharply and Rin smiled. "You really were worried back there; I saw the look on your face. You thought Kagome was going to kill me and you felt fear."
"Girl! Do not speak such nonsense to Lord Sesshomaru!" squawked Jaken. Sesshomaru shot him a glare and he clamped his mouth shut.
"And if I did?" questioned Sesshomaru cautiously. He did care for the human girl he realized. Somehow, when he was not aware, she had made him care. He did not like that.
"Then you have come to love humans. You can wield the Tetsusaiga!" exclaimed Rin, a serious look on her face. Sesshomaru grunted as if hit and glanced up at the stars. Such a strange night it was coming to be.
POOF
Day broke and Kagome woke to eyes staring at her over the rim of her sleeping bag. Jumping up with a cry, she pushed the person away and scrambled out of her sleeping bag. Rin landed hard on her bottom and looked up at Kagome, hurt in her eyes.
"I'm sorry Rin. I didn't know it was you," apologized Kagome. If Rin was here, Sesshomaru couldn't be far away. "Have you news?"
"Lord Sesshomaru found a lot of Jewel Shards last night, Kagome. About ten!" Holding up her fingers, she smiled at Kagome from behind them.
"That's great news, Rin. Where is Sesshomaru?" asked Kagome. Ten Shikon Shards. That meant there was only a few left. Soon, she would be free.
"He had important business to attend to. I think I made him care," said Rin absently, placing a stick on the roaring fire. Kagome sat down beside her, wrapping her arms around her legs.
"What do you mean by 'care'?" asked Kagome.
"Well, last night, when I was near you and you still had the arrow notched, I saw something odd on Lord Sesshomaru's face. I think it was fear. He was afraid you would kill me. I think I helped make him love humans, Kagome!" exclaimed Rin, smiling broadly. Kagome stared openly, mouth hanging open slightly. Sesshomaru love humans? Somehow, it didn't shock her as much as she thought. She noticed how Sesshomaru looked at the young girl, the same way an older brother looked at a favourite sister. It was unnerving, however, to hear that Rin might have made Sesshomaru care.
"That is also great news, Rin. Did Sesshomaru tell you when he would be back?" asked Kagome.
"No…" said Rin. She risked a sidelong look at Kagome and saw the pained expression once more in her eyes. "Kagome, do you mind if ask you a really personal question?"
"Go right ahead," whispered Kagome, staring at nothing. Rin bit her lip, worrying on how she was going to put it. No matter what Lord Sesshomaru said, she would change Kagome's fate.