Stay Chapter 21: Confrontation of the Three, an inuyasha fanfic

A/N: Once more, thank you for all the wonderful reviews! So much support from all of my readers! Wow! I'm a proud staff member of Great Inuyasha and Kagome Romance Stories C2 community! I feel so great!

Although I already don't hate Kikyou that much, this chapter is not for Kikyou supporters. I had to make her evil—sorry for the term but that's the only word I thought of—in this fanfic. This fanfic happened in the earlier part of the series so Kikyou is not much portrayed kindly yet… If you're going to put this in the series, it will happen around the time that the first movie had happened—meaning, after episode 56…

Disclaimer: Okay, now for the legendary magic words! Wait… I forgot one word… I own Inuyasha. Hmm… I wonder what's the missing word… -walks away thinking really hard-

Chapter 21

Confrontation of the Three

Inuyasha tore his gaze away from the soul-catcher youkais and went inside the hut to see Kagome.

He couldn't help but smile when his eyes laid on Kagome. She still had Inuyasha's red haori in her arms as she dozed. He wouldn't admit it out loud to her but he really loved to watch Kagome when she was sleeping. It had been one of his favorite pastimes to keep himself from sleeping when they were camping in the forest.

He crouched beside Kagome's sleeping figure silently then tentatively lifted his hand to touch her cheek. "She was crying…" Inuyasha thought gloomily, feeling the moisture on her soft skin. He gently wiped the tears that lined her cheeks and whispered, "I promise I'll be back. Don't worry." His hand still didn't leave Kagome's cheeks as he wondered about the reason Kagome had cried. "Why was she crying?" He asked to himself.

No answer came to him.

He had to leave soon. He needed to see Kikyou. He needed to know something from her—ask her something important. But somehow, seeing Kagome's tears, it became hard for him to abandon her. "Will I leave her again?" Hesitation and worry began to rise in his heart. "What if something bad happens to her again? I need to be here for her." He thought, thinking of the horrible instance when Naraku kidnapped Kagome. All of a sudden, he wanted to stay badly with Kagome and never leave her side. He never wanted to lose her again. He'd never be able to live through that situation again.

"Inuyasha… don't go…"

Inuyasha quickly snatched his hand when he heard Kagome's soft voice. He kept still for a moment, thinking that Kagome had stirred, but she kept her eyes closed. "Don't worry. I'm not leaving anymore." He softly spoke the words, hoping to comfort Kagome while she continued to sleep.

Kagome shifted her position and was now facing Inuyasha. "Please… don't go…" She continued to talk even though she was asleep.

"Is she dreaming?" Inuyasha wondered, looking worriedly at Kagome's troubled face. Her face looked dejected and lost.

"Don't go with Kikyou…" She murmured, her voice almost like she was pleading. Maybe she was.

Inuyasha was about to wake her up but he was stopped when Kagome spoke again.

"Why can't you choose me over her?" Her words were faint but Inuyasha had still heard them. "So that's the reason why she's been crying…" He fell silent for a while, watching Kagome's face intently. "Why the hell won't you listen to me?! You stupid bitch!" He growled at her, looking pretty annoyed. Now he knew that he really had to go. He placed his hand on Kagome's cheek gently as his face softened and became calm. "I told you I chose you not Kikyou…" He spoke in a low voice then stood up to leave.

Once outside, he quickly rushed to follow the scent of the youkais he had seen a while ago. He needed to clear things once and for all.

"I'm already getting tired of him being so protective on me yet he keeps on two-timing me with Kikyou. I know I mustn't pressure him and that these are the consequences for choosing to stay with him—I don't regret my decision—but… when will he be finally decided about his feelings?" Kagome sighed. "But then, I'm also afraid when time comes that he'll be certain about his feelings… I'm afraid that I'll never see him again…"

"Kagome has suffered more than enough because of me. I won't let that happen again!" He thought determinedly to himself. But then again, something Kikyou had said before bothered him.

"I don't need protection Inuyasha." She said. "All I want is you and you alone. No one can get you from me!" Kikyou said determinedly. "If I have to kill that girl, I will." And she vanished completely.

"Did Kikyou really intend those words?" Inuyasha thought, looking troubled as he continued to run. Soon, he entered a forest and Kikyou's scent in the air became stronger.

He stopped running when he saw bright lights as he approached the clearing of the woods. Slowly, he walked forward, knowing that he would be seeing the resurrected miko in a little while.

A pale green soul-catcher youkai glided past Inuyasha as he continued his steps. Heart racing inside his chest, Inuyasha uttered her name the moment he had spotted her standing in the middle of the clearing. "Kikyou…"

Kagome suddenly sat up, slowly putting her hand over her right cheek. "It felt so real…" She thought, looking dazed as she thought about her dream.

Inuyasha was standing with Kikyou when Kagome had seen him.

"Inuyasha let's go now." Kikyou said, extending her hand for Inuyasha to take.

Kagome immediately run to Inuyasha to stop him from going. "Don't go!" She cried out, sounding almost desperate.

But Inuyasha didn't seem to see or hear her. He didn't even look hesitant when he took Kikyou's hand and walked away with her.

Kagome wanted so bad to run after Inuyasha but her legs felt weak under her that she slowly began to sit on the ground. "Don't go…" She repeated, not knowing what else to say. Tears fell rapidly down her pale cheeks as Inuyasha and Kikyou walked farther away—leaving her alone. "Don't go with Kikyou…" Her voice was now only a whisper. She knew Inuyasha wouldn't return anymore. Then, all of a sudden, she felt a hand caress her cheek to wipe her tears away.

"I told you I chose you not Kikyou."

She raised her head to find amber eyes looking back at her.

She didn't know why but she really thought that it was real. Inuyasha's hand on her cheek. Those words that Inuyasha had spoken to her. She could feel the warmth of his hand on her cheek and even hear his words repeatedly in her mind—or maybe it was all just her imagination? A dream that she really wished was true?

"Speaking of Inuyasha… where is he?" She wondered, looking around the single-room cabin for any sign of the hanyou. "He promised he'd go inside…" She murmured, looking worried for some unknown reason.

She stood up and went outside to see if Inuyasha was still there but the bench they had been sitting on a while ago was empty. "Where could he be?" She sighed, looking down at Inuyasha's red coat in her arms. She sat down on the bench as she felt the cold breeze attack her skin. "Maybe this might help?" She thought, pulling Inuyasha's haori over her blouse. Warmth filled her body but it was not assuring like she had expected. The anxiety in her heart didn't decrease. Why? Inuyasha wasn't anywhere near her—that was why. The warmth she felt when Inuyasha was around was far better—it always made her feel safe and secure.

"Inuyasha, where are you?"

Swish… Kagome heard the familiar noise and looked up into the sky. Her eyes widened in realization and fear when she caught sight of one of Kikyou's soul-catcher youkais hovering in the black star-filled sky. "Kikyou! She's here?!" She immediately stood up, looking surprised and alarmed at the same time. She had a strong feeling that Inuyasha was currently with her. She immediately ran and followed the soul-catcher youkai, hoping that she would see Inuyasha soon.

Many thoughts bothered Kagome as she went after the youkai that was going towards the forest's direction.

"Why is Kikyou here? Does she intend to take Inuyasha with her now? What if she tries to kill Inuyasha again?! I must stop—" She suddenly stopped on her tracks as she remembered something. "But what if Inuyasha didn't want me to stop her. After all, he had chosen Kikyou…" Her face was filled with sadness and loneliness while her heart crushed bit by bit inside her chest. "I must respect Inuyasha's choice," She thought, turning around to return to the hut. "Even if it hurts me so much…" Tears wanted so much to fall from her eyes but she held them back. There was no use in crying and she knew that it wouldn't do her any good.

As she closed her eyes, a picture of Inuyasha saying goodbye to her flashed before her. That single word that Inuyasha had softly spoken made her heart ache even more. "I can't!" She opened her eyes and turned around again.

She was running again—towards the forest. "I need to see Inuyasha again! Even just for the last time, I want to see him again!" She thought.

She didn't care about anything else—all she wanted was to see him once again.

The night was already deep but the clearing was well lit by the souls that the Shinidamachuu were bringing to their mistress. Kikyou held a soul between her hands then it slowly vanished.

"Inuyasha… you came." Kikyou said, not looking even a bit surprised by his appearance. As usual, Kikyou's face was composed, not giving Inuyasha any clue of what she was thinking or planning that moment.

"Kikyou, what are you doing here?" Inuyasha went straight to his questions. He wanted to finish everything and return to Kagome as soon as possible. He knew that Kagome would be worrying about him if she found out that he was missing. "She might go looking for me." He thought worriedly.

Kikyou took her precious time in answering Inuyasha's questions. She stared at Inuyasha silently, watching his amber eyes wait earnestly for her answer. She lifted her hand to order one of her trusted youkais to approach her. "I have something to do here." She told Inuyasha, her eyes not looking at his direction.

Inuyasha didn't get much information from Kikyou's answer. It just left him more puzzled than before. "What does she mean by that?" He wondered, looking confused at the miko in front of him. "Kikyou, I have something to ask you." He said seriously, not taking his eyes off Kikyou.

"I see… How predictable." She thought as the soul-catcher youkai she had called drifted away from her. She turned her attention to Inuyasha and said, "What do you need to know, Inuyasha?"

"Last time…" Inuyasha started, still unsure on how he was going to ask her. "Did you mean what you had said? Will you try to… hurt Kagome?" He still tried to convince himself that Kikyou wouldn't try to kill Kagome. He believed that Kikyou was not capable of doing such a horrible act.

Kikyou's eyes flared a little but the rest of her features remained passive. "Did my words bother you?" She asked him.

"Answer me, Kikyou! Did you mean those words?" Inuyasha was getting more worried the longer he stayed with Kikyou. Somehow, he felt that the woman in front of him was not the Kikyou he had loved a long time ago.

"Answer me again Inuyasha. Who will be your choice between the two of us? Will it be me? Or that girl?"

Inuyasha knew his choice already but he was afraid that it might endanger Kagome's life even more. He remained silent, his eyes avoiding Kikyou's intense gaze.

Kikyou didn't like the silence coming from Inuyasha. "Tell me. Do you remember the promise you made to me before?" She asked him.

Of course he did. It had been bothering him lately—because he didn't think he could still keep that vow. Inuyasha slowly returned his eyes to Kikyou, trying to explain to her—to tell her that he couldn't keep that promise anymore. He had promised to stay with Kagome. That was the promise he intended to keep now—and forever. "Kikyou, I—"

"I want you to fulfill that promise now, Inuyasha." Kikyou said, looking determinedly into the hanyou's eyes. "Go with me."

He didn't avert his eyes from Kikyou. Looking as determined as her, he finally answered Kikyou with pure honesty shining in his amber eyes. "Sorry, Kikyou. I can't."

Kikyou's brown eyes were sparking with different emotions now. The face that she always wore, which effectively hid her feelings, was gone. Her eyes mirrored hurt and betrayal but the most distinguished among them was anger. "Are you telling me that you've chosen the girl over me?" It didn't matter if Inuyasha answered her or not. She already knew the answer to her question. "Inuyasha, you know that you belong to me yet why do you choose another over me?" She thought; her hatred for Inuyasha was getting the better part of her. Ever since she died, she had hated everything that was living. It was because she no longer belonged there. No matter how hard she wished to belong there, she just couldn't fit in—because she was already dead.

Why was destiny so unfair to her? Her life was never free. She didn't get to experience a normal life as a woman because she was given the duty to protect the Shikon no Tama. She had already accepted that part of her destiny; it was the path she knew she should take—and she was glad because that was how she had met Inuyasha.

But why didn't things go out like she had wished? Just when she thought that everything would be normal for her. All she wanted was a normal life—with Inuyasha. But then, she died—with hatred in her heart. She had hated Inuyasha. Even though she knew that it wasn't Inuyasha who had killed her, she hated him for living. He was living even though he knew that she had died. "I thought you also wanted us to be together, Inuyasha." Kikyou thought resentfully. "But I was mistaken."

Kagome. That was the name of her reincarnation. The name of the girl that Inuyasha had began to love and cherish. The name that was not supposed to exist if she hadn't died. She also hated her because she was replacing her in Inuyasha's heart. She was the reason why Inuyasha had changed so much. If it weren't for her, Inuyasha would continue to sleep and she wouldn't need to live a cursed life like now—neither human, hanyou nor youkai. She was just a dead shell trying hard to survive and exist with the living.

"Is she more important to you?" Kikyou asked again when the silence had stretched too long for comfort.

"I can't leave Kagome…" He said those words with sincerity. "But I still promise to avenge your death! I'll still protect you!" He also said those words with truthfulness. He meant every single word he had said that moment. "But I just can't go with you anymore. I'm sorry but I have to stay—here."

"I cannot accept your choice, Inuyasha." Kikyou held her bow tightly and took one arrow from her quiver. "You were asking me if I meant those words I had said before, right?"

Inuyasha's eyes looked alarmed instantly. "Does she mean that she'll…?"

Kikyou smiled nastily, eyes filled with hatred and malice. "You'll know the answer soon." She told him. "She's coming."

Kagome slowed down when she saw the brilliant lights in the forest. She was close. She decided to walk to lessen the noise she would be making. She knew she shouldn't be seen by any of them—especially Inuyasha.

"This will be the last time I'll be seeing Inuyasha…" She thought, taking another step forward.

Just a few more steps. She could hear the slithering sound of Kikyou's soul-catcher youkais nearby.

"I'll just hide behind—"

"Don't bother hiding, I know you're here." It was Kikyou's voice.

Kagome stopped immediately. "She knows I'm here?!" She began to panic, unable to decide if she was going to run, hide or show up.

Inuyasha knew Kikyou wasn't lying when she had said that Kagome was there. He could sense her too. That made Inuyasha more apprehensive. "Kikyou, what are you going to—"

Kikyou interrupted Inuyasha, looking at the direction Kagome was currently standing. "Show yourself." She said in a commanding tone.

Kagome didn't know what had gotten into her but she suddenly started walking forward—towards Inuyasha and Kikyou. It was too late to turn back now.

"Inuyasha…" Her voice was soft but Inuyasha still heard her say his name.

No matter how hard she tried to conceal her feelings, her eyes had betrayed her. She was never good in hiding her feelings. Her chocolate brown orbs reflected hurt and melancholy.

"Kagome…" Inuyasha's heart crushed when he saw the look in her eyes. He knew that Kagome was hurt—very much. By some means, he was regretting that he had left her—that he had hurt her once again.

Kikyou frowned when she saw Kagome wearing Inuyasha's haori. It only increased the hate she felt for her reincarnation. "As I thought, you came." She said to Kagome, eyes looking piercingly at her. "I guess you wanted to say goodbye to Inuyasha, right?"

Kagome didn't bother looking at Kikyou. She just bowed her head, knowing that she had lost against her. "So… he is really leaving with Kikyou…" She thought.

Inuyasha quickly turned his head to look at Kikyou after hearing her words. Her hand clenched the arrow more firmly. "She's going to kill Kagome!" He had no doubt anymore. He knew Kikyou was serious about it. He looked at Kagome, who was still looking down on the ground. He had to make Kagome leave or she would die. "Kagome! Get out of here now! You're not supposed to be here!" He said frantically.

Kagome lifted her head at Inuyasha's words, looking surprised. "Inuyasha… why?" She wanted to ask but she didn't have the courage. She was afraid of the answer she was going to get. "I know I'm not supposed to…" Her voice soon failed her as tears threatened to fall from her eyes any minute now.

Inuyasha knew Kagome was about to cry. He wanted to comfort her but he knew that a much important task was to be done. He needed to save her from Kikyou first. He ignored her eyes and continued to make her leave. He didn't know how much time he had left but he knew Kikyou would be acting soon. "I told you to leave! Just go away, Kagome!" He said with increasing determination.

Kikyou placed the arrow in her bow and aimed it straight at Kagome. "It's too late, Inuyasha. You can't stop me. She's going to die." And then she fired the arrow.

Kagome looked at Kikyou only to see that the arrow was already released, flying fast towards her. "I'm going to die? I guess it's okay—since Inuyasha is already going with Kikyou…" She just closed her eyes, showing her complete acceptance.

"Kagome! No!"

She knew that voice well. It was Inuyasha. "Goodbye, Inuyasha…" She thought about all the memories she had with Inuyasha, wanting him to be the last thought in her mind before she died.

She waited for the feeling of the arrow piecing through her chest but it never came. Instead, she felt strong arms wrap around her. She opened her eyes and found Inuyasha hugging her. An arrow was protruding on his back.

"Inuyasha!!!" Kagome cried out, tears immediately flowed. "What do you think are you doing?! It was okay! Why did you have to block the arrow?!"

Inuyasha pulled away gently to look into her eyes. Blood was trickling at the corner of his mouth. "You idiot! How can it be okay?! You were about to die and you were just standing there—waiting!" He winced as he began to feel pain. It was just a simple arrow yet the pain was overwhelming. Kikyou still hadn't lost her touch. His feet couldn't support his weight any longer that he had to hold onto Kagome's shoulders for support.

"I told you it's okay!" She replied, biting her lower lip before continuing. "It's okay since I know you've already decided to choose Kikyou…" She looked away, not wanting Inuyasha to see the pain in her eyes.

"Stupid bitch! Weren't you listening to me before?!" He winced again but he ignored the pain and held Kagome's chin to make her look at him in the eyes. Sincere golden eyes were connected to Kagome's brown orbs. "How many fucking times do I have to tell you? I chose you—not Kikyou."

Kagome's eyes widened in shock. Things were suddenly very confusing for her. "But I thought—"

"I chose you." Inuyasha insisted. "I promised to you that I'd stay, didn't I?" The pain continued to increase and he felt like he was getting weaker every minute that passed by.

She looked at Inuyasha with questioning eyes. Up until now, she still couldn't believe that Inuyasha had just chosen her. "I don't get it, Inuyasha… You also promised Kikyou. Tell me, why did you choose me?" Her eyes looked at him earnestly while her heart raced, knowing that she was finally going to get an answer.

Inuyasha's vision was getting blurry. The bloodstain was getting larger and larger. He placed his hand on Kagome's cheek and smiled gently. "Why did I choose you?" He repeated, pondering about the answer to that question. He wiped her tears and finally realized the truth. Kagome was very important to him. He didn't want her to suffer anymore. He'd give up everything—even his life—just to protect her. "It's because I love you." He said softly, closing his eyes. "Yes, that is my reason. I'm certain now." And then he fell on the ground—unconscious.

"Inuyasha!" Kagome quickly dropped to her knees and held Inuyasha's hand. "Inuyasha! Wake up! Wake up!" She pleaded, crying even harder. "Don't do this to me! You promised you'd stay with me, remember? You promised!" Her tears didn't stop falling. She felt the warmth in Inuyasha's hand decreasing slowly. "You can't die!" She said, looking at Inuyasha's face as if expecting him to open his eyes. "You mustn't… I still haven't told you… I love you too." She hoped very much that Inuyasha had heard her.

"If you really want to tell Inuyasha, why don't you just follow him?" Kikyou spoke contemptuously. "Inuyasha's a fool. He just wasted his life trying to save you. You'll still die."

"Kikyou, why are you doing this? Inuyasha didn't do anything wrong to you! Why do you want to hurt him so bad?!" Kagome said, standing up to face Kikyou.

"Inuyasha owes his life to me. He should repay me by going with me to hell." She replied, looking at Inuyasha on the ground.

"Isn't it enough that Inuyasha's protecting you? He's trying his best to avenge your death by pursuing Naraku! Inuyasha still hasn't forgotten about you!"

"He really shouldn't forget me! I am the reason he is still able to walk among the living. Fifty years ago, I could have chosen to kill him but I didn't. Instead, I chose to seal him to sleep for eternity." Kikyou took another arrow from her quiver. "Enough of this useless talk. You have to die now." She stretched the string of her bow and prepared to shoot. "No one's going to save you now." She said.

A/N: What's going to happen?! Kagome has no miko powers. Inuyasha is—I guess—dead. Who will save Kagome?! Sorry!!! It's another cliffie… . -ducks in case my readers are about to throw things at me-

that-fan- I would just like to point out that I like to take their relationship bit by bit since you can't just go proclaiming their love in one snap. I understand that you think it's a bit slow on the update of their relationship but I really intended it to be that way since I planned to put lots of conflicts. Inuyasha needs some time to realize his feelings for Kagome so I had it done that way… And about the typos, would you mind if you'd name the chapters so I can check them out? I would really appreciate your help. Thanks!

Inferna- Again, I'm sorry for the cliffie… I really can't help it! Wow! I can't believe I had this fic running for almost two long years! O-o I really must improve on the updating… Maybe next year since I'm already going to another school. I just hope things will get lighter for me there… See? Inuyasha checked on Kagome first—before he left her! Hehehe… He really had to leave her… Sorry for that.

Fallen-Seraphan-Gunslinge -Your review always flatters me! I want to thank you for the very heartwarming review and also say sorry for annoying you because of my love for cliffies. I really can't help it sometimes!And thanks for consoling me with regards to that flame, I really appreciate the kind words. Yeah, you spelled incensed correctly, dear. Don't worry. –smiley-

The Evil Liar- Aww… that's really sweet! Your review also turned me into a puddle! I easily get so moved by such reviews! T-T Thank you so much!

Wow… That was the hardest chapter I wrote in my entire life… The confrontation is always the hard part in the relationship—especially in love triangles.