Kagome's Song and Inuyasha's Love
All right...I got a couple of angry people on my back...just to clarify the previously stated...there will be a HAPPY ending. Ok? Good!
Now...this is going to start out bleak...of course...but things always get worse before they get better.
Ok, I would also like to apologize for my lack of updates. I had a stumper half way through this chapter, plus I was working on the sophomore homecoming float, (hey, the countless hours paid off, we 10th graders won the contest...) was walking in our parade, was out dancing all night at the homecoming dance, and watched helplessly as my team lost our football game 42-7 that night.
Also, not that any of this should prevent me from writing, but my father has been a huge stiff about me writing this story. He thinks it's a waste of time and that I can't write a sequel. However, though it will take me much longer to do, I plan on adding ANOTHER chapter to THIS story between this one and the epilogue, (thank me later,) AND I plan on writing a sequel, but I may only be able to write bits and pieces at a time, do to my restrictions at home, but know this, I NEVER abandon something that I start. That includes this story. So please forgive me, it isn't entirely my fault, but I am partially to blame for the writer's block. I know what I want to do, but not how to deliver...that's where your free extra chapter comes in...you are welcome btw...
FYI- Everyone's favorite number one Miko is gonna kick some major ass in this chappie...plus...the wish of the millennium will be made in as well ...and you guys were all wrong in guessing what it was, (for those of you who tried...)
Ok then...onto the chappie!!!
Disclaimer: I own nothing involving Inuyasha...or any of the songs that I may or may not use in this chappie for that matter...
Final Enemy...Final Test...Only Wish...
Inuyasha, Kagome, and Koga stared at the woman in front of them with shock. Not only was Kikyo alive, but also she was emitting a demonic aura...and had the wings of a fallen angel.
"How?" Inuyasha asked, his voice turning cold. Kikyo smirked.
"When have I ever depended on another? Do you actually think that I needed Naraku?" she asked wickedly. Inuyasha's eyes narrowed as he stepped in front of Kagome and secretly placed the Shikon no Tama in her hand for safekeeping. Kagome touched his hand a second longer in support as she took the jewel. The gesture was gratefully received.
"...Can I ask you one thing Kikyo? Why? What did we do to deserve this?" he asked, trying to stall for time. He was trying to think of a way to get Kagome away to safety. Koga could take her, but would he...with an enemy still alive?
"Inuyasha...you promised to go to Hell with me did you not? I wish to collect on your vow...as well as to collect the remnants of my soul..." Kikyo said, taking a step towards the group. Inuyasha growled ferociously in warning.
"I will not go to Hell with you, Kikyo. You've hurt us and betrayed us; why should I keep my vow when you have forsaken all that a miko stands for? Why go to Hell with you when I can live among people who actually care about more than themselves?" he retorted wisely, seeing his previous choice through gallantly. Kikyo glared at Inuyasha as though he were a disease.
"Two wrongs...don't make a right," she said as she arched her bow and notched and arrow. Inuyasha merely stared at her as she did so.
"But three lefts do..." With that Kikyo fired another arrow, narrowly missing Inuyasha and Kagome as they dodged, (well, Inuyasha dodged, and he dragged poor Kagome with him.)
"Koga! Get Kagome out of here!" he yelled as he set Kagome on the ground and lunged towards Kikyo. Koga growled in frustration, having been about to say the same thing only vise versa. This was not his fight, however, so Koga took the order through gritted teeth.
Koga ran to Kagome and wrapped a firm arm around her as he began to bolt for the doorway leading out of Naraku's palace.
"Koga?!? What are you doing?! We have to help him!" Kagome screeched as Koga ran through the door and towards the exit.
"Don't worry...as soon as I am sure that you are safe I'll go back and help the mutt...he never said that I had to stay with you...though that would be best..." Koga added as an after thought as he turned into another hallway.
Kagome looked up at him, a bit taken aback, "...Since when have you ever listened to anything Inuyasha says? Or gone against your instincts for that matter?"
Koga looked down at her as he burst through a window and landed on the soft dirt outside, "...It's not my fight. That bitch and him have a score to settle...it's not my place to intrude on their battle, but," he added as he saw Kagome's questioning expression, "I also think he's an idiot for wanting to battle her alone...and so I'll keep and eye on him for you." Koga set Kagome down and led her to a storage shed, which was for the most part empty.
"Stay here until we come looking for you...keep an arrow notched at all times...just in case. Got it?"
Kagome only nodded sadly as she gave Koga a small hug, "Be careful, Kachie wouldn't want you to die...ok? I don't know what Inuyasha will wish for...but if it isn't for everyone to come back to life...then I want you to stay alive, all right? You're my friend."
Koga looked at her fondly and nodded, "Hey, you're my friend too...and even Inuyasha isn't so heartless as to leave everyone dead...I'll see Kachie again...and all of our friends. Don't worry about us." With that, Koga ran back towards Inuyasha and Kikyo's battle. He hoped that he'd make it back in time to keep his promise to Kagome and help Inuyasha. Another thought also crossed his mind as he ran through the palace once more:
I will see Kachie again...nothing will stop me from that...in life...or death...
Inuyasha lunged at Kikyo with his sword but she dodged it expertly. She spread her black wings and lifted herself from the ground with a kind of morbid grace that could make most men weep with its hidden tragedy. Inuyasha was not fazed. He continued his onslaught only to have Kikyo continue to maneuver about in a taunting manner. Every once in a while she would fire an arrow or so to keep him on his toes, but for the most part she was teasing him.
"Damn it Kikyo...stay still so I can get this over with!" Inuyasha yelled angrily, knowing full well that the last thing she would think of doing would be to not move.
As if to confirm this, Kikyo snorted indignantly and summoned a dark orb of purely evil energy. She showed her prize to Inuyasha, who seemed, once again, in a slight state of shock at his former love's newly revealed abilities.
"This powerful orb is made of hate, Inuyasha. Once set into motion, this orb will continue to pursue the one that its master despises the most at the moment that it is released. Its power is determined by the deepness of the hate and the darkness of the soul of its master. No light, no matter how powerful, can penetrate the darkness of the hate that drives my orb. Not even Kagome's own miko powers, Inuyasha, which are partially derived from my own, can stop it. Once it finds the one which I hate the most, it will destroy him/her painfully," she explained, lovingly stroking the dark orb.
The dark light reflected sadly in her eyes, for hidden sadness often drives the hate within. Kikyo's sadness, however, was so small that even the depths of her soul had trouble discovering its previous existence. She was sad that she couldn't have lived out her life, sad that her companion had had to be pinned to a tree for fifty years, and sad that the dark demonic powers that had been transferred to her from the underworld when she had resurrected had so easily taken over her only chance at life by feeding the inner hate that had formed all those years ago when she thought that she had been betrayed.
But, like the bandit Onigumo, who had been the base for the creation Naraku, these things had faded into memories for Kikyo. She remembered being sad about death, but was no more; she remembered mourning in hell for Inuyasha's undeserving punishment, but felt the pain no longer; Kikyo even could recall the guilt she had first felt as she was thrust back into the world of the living in a fake body that was charged with demonic powers, which even she could not detect until she wished to do so; once again, however, this emotion was buried within her as the greed and hate was allowed to build into the callused form that it was now. Kikyo no longer felt these things, however, the memory of having felt them continued to burrow it into her. This only added to her fueled hate in the end.
"Kikyo," Inuyasha warned dangerously, "I will kill you, but if you set that thing after Kagome as you most likely will, you'll wish I had been more merciful in how I did it..." Kikyo merely raised a brow and let go of the orb in her hands defiantly. It remained in place for a moment before speeding violently towards where Koga had taken Kagome.
"You bitch..." Inuyasha muttered lowly as he took off at a sprint after the orb. Kikyo did not move. Inuyasha wondered why for a few seconds as he passed the orb...until he saw Koga running in his direction. Both of them were surprised.
"Are you running away mutt? I thought I tagged you better than that!" Koga growled. Inuyasha glared.
"Kikyo sent something after Kagome...why are you not with her?!?!?!" he yelled. Koga paled as he noticed the orb wiz past the two.
"Tag team!" he shouted as he began to run towards where Kikyo was. Inuyasha nodded and sped after the orb once more, praying beyond hope that he got to Kagome first.
Kagome paced the shed sadly. She wanted to be helping Inuyasha and Koga...but they wanted her to stay put, obviously. Kagome did not like that.
At least Koga went back to help... she thought dejectedly as she continued her quiet pacing. Perhaps they would come for her sooner, so that she could help. It was odd, but for some reason, Kagome felt so...powerful at the moment. She had never felt like that before, not that much anyway.
She placed the now pure Shikon no Tama about her neck and stared at its majestic brilliance. Was it the jewel, she wondered, that seemed to be giving her the power? Was the fact that she purified it enough to give her that type of bond with it?
Kagome wondered also about the Goddess Midoriko, the first miko and creator of the jewel. What must she be thinking now? Where was she? Up in heaven as the legend goes...or did a piece of her still remain in the jewel? Kagome wasn't sure, but she closed both of her hands about the jewel and shut her eyes as she said a silent prayer.
Please...Midoriko...wherever you are...help us win this...even though we now have the jewel and it is pure...we need it to bring back our friends...please give us the strength to beat Kikyo without it...please be with us when we need it... Unbeknown to Kagome, the Shikon no Tama glowed lightly for a second, as if to reassure her.
Kagome's eyes shot open as she heard fast footsteps heading her way. She knew Koga wasn't in the state to run that fast...though he was doing well at hiding it.
Inu-
"KAGOME!!! Get out of there now!!!" came Inuyasha's urgent cry. Kagome wasted no time in opening the door and rushing outside towards him.
She yelped when her head was nearly taken off by a ball of dark energy. It hit the ground behind her and sent her flying.
Inuyasha raced forward and caught her sloppily, causing both of them to fall over.
"What the hell was that?!?" Kagome asked as she stood up and dusted herself off. Inuyasha did the same.
"That," he said as he breathed heavily, "was a hello from Kikyo." Kagome nodded knowingly and thanked him for his rescue.
Just then, a bright, darkly shaded light caught their attention. Both of them stared in shock as the dark ball of hateful energy reshaped and readied itself for another attack.
Koga lunged at Kikyo the instant he saw her. He hated how she seemed to smile at him as he did so. Kikyo dodged him with ease as she lifted herself from the ground once more. It was almost as if Kikyo had always had her beautiful, yet dark wings. She had complete control of their movements, more so, it seemed, than a bird that has flown for years.
Koga continued his onslaught without mercy, however. He fought bravely, to be sure. Just because Kikyo was a woman did not mean that she did not deserve to meet the same fate as Naraku had.
Kikyo continued to dodge Koga, giving him little taunts as she did so. To her, he was the appetizer, Inuyasha was the main course, and Kagome was the icing on the cake. She must finish this part of her 'meal' before moving onto the next, but that did not mean that she would not have fun with it first. Setting herself back to the ground playfully, she smirked. This game of 'cat and mouse' was very entertaining to her.
"Kikyo?! Why not fight me head on?! Are you that afraid of me?!" Koga jested as she dodged once more.
Kikyo pouted and notched an arrow as she continued to maneuver around the wolf prince, "Of course not Koga...I just didn't feel like dirtying my hands with your blood quite yet."
Koga growled and lunged at her once more, enraged by her passive tone. He wanted nothing more to rip her throat right out of her neck, and take the remnants of Kagome's soul from her undeserving 'body' as well.
Kikyo stood still and unafraid as he came at her, and fired the arrow, grazing his shoulder. She smiled a sadistic smile as he clutched his shoulder in pain. When his eyes turned a blood red, as Sesshoumaru's had when he was enraged, Kikyo only notched another arrow calmly. She would not waste her hidden power on this unworthy creature; she would save it to baffle her other two victims. Inuyasha, Kagome, and Koga saw only the tip of the iceberg that was her ability. She would keep it as such for a while longer.
Koga's eyes remained a crimson red as he stood up tall and glared at Kikyo. He was pissed. He ran at Kikyo with speed that only a high adrenaline level could allow, and swiped at her furiously with his claws.
Kikyo, whom was surprised, actually had trouble dodging his latest assault. He was swinging at her so swiftly that she could not find an opening to spread her wings and take flight.
Then he got her.
Koga, with his razor sharp claws, was able to grasp onto Kikyo's left wing and rip out a small chunk of flesh and black feathers. Kikyo actually screamed in pain.
Koga went for the other wing, hoping to keep Kikyo grounded and give himself an advantage. It didn't work. Kikyo thrust both of her wings forward at Koga, sending him flying backwards and into the nearby wall. Kikyo's eyes glowed red as well and in her hand formed a blood-red ball. Kikyo took a step towards the stumbling Koga before speaking.
"You dare to harm me, wolf prince? You dare to take a holy figure and dirty it with its own blood?" she asked passively, awaiting the reply that she knew would come.
"You, who would aid a being such as Naraku, could never be holy. You, who would use a being such as Naraku to further your own revenge, could never be holy. You, who could lie to a person who cares so deeply for you and try to kill them, could never be holy. To kill you is no sin!" Koga boldly contradicted as he forced his body to stand tall once more.
Kikyo glared hatred at Koga and the ball in her hand grew immensely. It crackled as small bolts of lightning burst from it around Kikyo. Her hair waved about her madly as her red eyes sparked with anger.
"You forget, wolf prince, I am already dead," she said passively. With that stated, Kikyo unleashed her power.
Koga's eyes grew wide as he saw what was coming at him. He knew that he would die. As the pain of the attack began to engulf him, he said a silent prayer for his two remaining friends.
Good luck guys...if anyone can beat her...you can...
Kagome and Inuyasha continued to dodge the dark orb. Inuyasha attempted to use the Kaze no Kizu, but it was to no avail.
"Inuyasha, try the Bakkuryuha! It might be strong enough!" Kagome yelled to him as she notched an arrow and fired it at the orb, missing once more as the orb maneuvered away from it.
Inuyasha growled, "I would if I could, but that thing stays way too close to you!!!" He grabbed Kagome by the waist and leaped back a distance.
"Inuyasha...try using the lack of distance against it...it's made of energy isn't it?" Kagome asked as Inuyasha landed. He nodded, and after setting her down he charged at the orb.
Inuyasha waited until the orb was about to pass him before he released his most deadly attack, "BAKKURYUHA!!!" When the dust cleared, the orb was no more.
Inuyasha stopped to catch his breath as he glared at where the orb had been in front of him. Instead of using its attack against it with Bakkuryuha, he used it against itself. Inuyasha walked back to Kagome and lightly embraced her.
"So...I take it that you aren't going to stay put now are you?" he asked her. Kagome smiled and shook her head.
"Come on, let's go help Koga-"
"Too late," Kikyo said, appearing behind them suddenly. Inuyasha and Kagome turned to face her and watched with aching hearts as she tossed the corpse of their friend to their feet with her powers. Kikyo smirked as Kagome muffled a gasp of emotional pain.
Now there were only Inuyasha and herself.
"Inuyasha, did you honestly think that he stood a chance against me? Do you not sense that my power is greater than that?" Kikyo said calmly, ignoring Kagome for the moment. Inuyasha's eyes widened as Kikyo allowed her powerful aura flare from her body freely. It was powerful...very powerful.
Kagome could sense it as well, "How...did you get so much power?" she questioned.
"How else? When I was resurrected I was put into a false body that needed to devour souls to survive. This alone is a demonic trait. Later on I found out that with each soul I devoured I gained more and more power, and that I could conceal it as well. And as I destroyed demons in villages to protect the people, I gained their powers as well...the many combinations of power and my own previously unknown powers together created this..." she said, spinning slowly for a taunting effect.
Inuyasha growled, "That power won't be enough to defeat me..."
Kikyo only smiled, "Oh...I believe that it will..."
Kagome notched an arrow but Inuyasha held his hand in front of her; this was his fight. Inuyasha drew his Tetsusaiga and stared at Kikyo. As he took his first step Kikyo readied her defenses.
It had begun.
Kagome watched with pained eyes as Kikyo and Inuyasha began their duel to the death. It was difficult for her not to assist Inuyasha as she wished feverishly to do.
She watched as Inuyasha swung his blade at Kikyo, only to miss as the dark miko evaded with graceful ease. Kikyo would not go down easily, Koga's corpse at her feet was proof enough for that.
Kagome's gaze followed every movement made, just waiting for her chance to help, or give advice when she thought she could. Kami how she hated feeling so useless in this battle! Kikyo visibly had the upper hand, simply because Inuyasha was wearing himself out so quickly. He was getting slower as time went on, and Kikyo hadn't even broken a sweat.
Inuyasha growled as Kikyo dodged him once again; his frustration was building. He could see the injury caused by Koga still decorating her left wing, and vowed to do MUCH more damage.
The problem with that vow was, Kikyo wasn't tiring as Inuyasha was. Kikyo had so much more energy than he could have ever imagined, and he was sure that she had more power than what she was letting on as well, which frightened him more than Inuyasha would have liked to admit. As Inuyasha was just about to swing his blade once more, Kikyo spoke.
"I bore with this, Inuyasha, your time shall end!" With that, her eyes glowed red once more and lightning crackled within them. Another energy ball appeared, and this time it looked more threatening.
"Do you wish to die as the wolf price has?" she taunted. Inuyasha growled angrily. Koga, in the past week or so, had proved to be a good friend instead of an annoying foe, and Inuyasha didn't take the death of a friend lightly.
Especially when he had so few left...
Kikyo blinked, and, for a split second, her eyes shone silver. Neither Inuyasha nor Kagome noticed though. Just as Inuyasha stepped back next to Kagome to protect her, three arrows formed in mid air behind the young miko. Inuyasha nearly saw Kikyo's sadistic grin too late.
"Die..." was all that Kikyo said before the unseen arrows flew towards Kagome.
But they never hit.
Kagome gasped when she felt Inuyasha against her, and when she saw the arrows in his back she downright cried. He had heard the arrows before they had hit her and had stood in between her and them. He had saved her life once more.
Kagome allowed herself to slip to the ground, supporting Inuyasha as she fell to her knees. His claws dug into her skin with the pain but she didn't care. His breath was ragged and labored. Kikyo had hit him hard.
"I-Inuyasha...are you..." she tried to speak, but the reality that he was badly hurt nearly made it impossible. She felt Inuyasha relax his grip on her arms as he began to speak.
"Kagome...pull them...pull them out...pull the arrows out..." he managed. Kagome took one look at Kikyo and saw her standing a few yards away, watching with a bemused expression and toying with the red orb in her hand. Knowing that Kikyo would make no move to stop her, Kagome obeyed Inuyasha's request and began to yank out the three arrows. It was then that she saw that they were Miko's arrows. When she pulled out the third, Inuyasha groaned in pain.
"Ugh...please...lay me down...so that I can see you..." he requested. Kagome knew where this was going. She knew that he was dying, and that she couldn't help him.
Now two had been her shield. Two loved ones had protected her with their bodies, and it had been their final act.
"Of course Inuyasha..." was all that she could say between her tears. As she laid Inuyasha down as gently as she could she glanced at Kikyo, only to find her in the same position as before.
"Kagome...you know I love you...right?" Inuyasha asked her. Kagome tried to smile and nodded. She reached for Inuyasha's hand and squeezed it tightly.
"Yes...I know...and I love you too..." At this, Inuyasha smirked slightly and, with difficulty, brought her hand to his lips and kissed it.
"I...knew that...you little...dummy..." he joked painfully. Kagome managed a small laugh as she stroked his cheek with her other hand.
"You'll be the one to beat her...you know...I know that you're more powerful than she is..." he continued, seriously this time. Kagome's eyes lowered slightly.
"How can you say that?" she asked him. Inuyasha smiled.
"Because...you are an...amazing person, who is capable...of love...she isn't..." he said. Kagome nodded.
"...Just don't forget me...ok? And tell Shippo...he wasn't as bad as...I made him out to be..." Inuyasha requested. Kagome nodded.
"Inuyasha...of course I'll tell him...and...I couldn't forget you...even if I wanted to...you're my love..." she choked out between sobs.
Inuyasha pained at her sad expression, he had failed her again. He had failed to remain alive for her, and that hurt both figuratively and literally.
"Kagome...if you so much as think...that you can't win...if it comes down to where you are about to die...use the jewel...everyone would understand...believe me...just you stay alive and stop her..." Inuyasha said. Kagome sharply inhaled, but nodded.
"...I promise..." And with that, Inuyasha closed his eyes a final time. He was dead.
Kikyo sighed heavily when Inuyasha finally died. Now it was just her and her pathetic reincarnation. She dissolved her energy ball and permitted her eyes to no longer glow, though they still retained their red hue.
"Really, did he have to die so dramatically? And it took entirely too long as well," she said. Kagome stood suddenly and turned to face her with tears stained eyes.
"How dare you...how dare you kill him and then say that?!?" she yelled. Kikyo gave her an apathetic look.
"Oh, and I suppose that you are the one who is going to avenge him?" she said tiredly. Kagome's face hardened as she notched an arrow.
Kikyo actually laughed, "I see that you think you will, how amusing."
Kagome fired the arrow without warning and Kikyo didn't have time to dodge as it struck her shoulder, just above her heart. She gave an indignant cry as she pulled it from its lodge.
"Do not think that I shall go easy on you because you are weak!!!" she yelled as her energy began to flare about her once more in warning. It was time to end this.
Catch me...as I fall...
Say you're here and it's all over now...
Kagome dodged as Kikyo flew at her in anger and hate. She wished that her friends were there to help her...she did not believe that she could fight this enemy on her own. Despite this though...she had to try...
As Kikyo stopped to concentrate her energy into one of those energy balls that she had been favoring in the battle, Kagome readied an arrow in her bow. As she did so she was hit with a swift wind that knocked it and the bow out of her desperate hands.
Speaking...to the atmosphere...
No one's here, and I fall into myself...
As Kikyo hit Kagome with one of her weaker energy balls Kagome flew backward and hit the wall of the palace painfully. Who was she kidding? There was no hope of her beating Kikyo on her own! Inuyasha had been wrong! Now there was no one to help her...she was alone...
This truth...drives me...into...MADNESS!!!
I know I can stop the pain...if I will it all away...
Kagome held her chest painfully as she stood up to face her nemesis. Kikyo landed gracefully about ten feet in front of her mockingly.
"You have no prayer Kagome...not even Midoriko herself could save you now...and you know it too..." she said.
"I CAN beat you...and I WILL..." Kagome replied, secretly hoping that she was right.
Don't...turn away...
Don't give in to the pain...
Don't...try to hide...
Though they're screaming your name...
Don't...close your eyes...
God knows what lies behind them...
Don't...turn out the lights...
Never sleep...never die...
Kagome concentrated all of her energy into her hands, (something that the Lady Kaede had tried to teach her,) formed a bow and arrow out of it, and fired it at Kikyo as she burst forward with her powerful wings. She hit the evil woman with her newest weapon and was rewarded with a scream as she was pierced and as the arrow disappeared.
"You...see, Kagome...you can NOT beat me..."
"...And I can't let you win."
"Die as your companion did, incompetent child!" Kikyo formed the energy ball she had had before and as she allowed her hate to flow into it, she released it towards Kagome. It missed her narrowly and hit the palace behind her, causing it to burst into flames violently.
I'm frightened...by what I see...
But somehow I know that there's much more to come...
Kagome's eyes enlarged as she saw what was happening to the palace. Soon, the scent of burning flesh reached her nose. It didn't take a demon to know what was happening to the bodies of her friends. The pain of her losses began fuel.
Immobilized...by my fear...
And soon to be...blinded by tears...
As Kagome angrily fired another arrow at Kikyo with her own energy, she allowed her enraged tears to flow freely. But all the rage in the world could not spare Kagome for what happened next as Kikyo disappeared before her eyes...
...I know I can stop the pain...if I will it all away...
Kikyo reappeared behind Kagome and blasted her with the fullest amount of her devastating attack, sending Kagome flying upward in a tangle of red 'ribbons' of pure, hateful, energy. Kagome was burned painfully and her clothes torn and ragged, and it was there, elevated in the sky and dying of pain, that Kagome could feel the smallest amount of energy in her reserves being drained. Her soul was slowly leaving her body.
Gods...what do I do...I can't...I can't save them now...or even myself... Kagome thought to herself as the pain closed in around her heart, as if preparing to squeeze it and kill her instantly. Oh, how an instant death would be appreciated then...
"...I saved the best for you, my dear reincarnation...I shall now regain my soul..." Kikyo said in a slightly eager manner.
Kagome allowed her head to loll backward and she looked at the ground. There she saw Inuyasha's fallen form. He had believed in her...and now...she had failed.
Kikyo was looking at the young woman expectantly, watching with evil, yet, joyful eyes as Kagome was forced to scream because of the pain and evil enclosing around her heart. Kikyo would squeeze the life out of her, and Kagome's soul was already leaving her as well. She could barely feel its remnants that remained.
Kagome felt cold stone roll down her neck and the Shikon no Tama fell from its place hidden in her t-shirt and dangled about her neck and face.
Don't...turn away...
Don't give in to the pain...
Don't...try to hide...
Though they're screaming your name...
Don't...close your eyes...
God knows what lies behind them...
Don't...turn out the lights...
Never sleep...never die...
The jewel...I...can still use the jewel... Kagome thought to herself desperately. Using all of the energy that was left inside of her, she closed her eyes and made the only wish that she thought made sense at the time. Gods...may her friends forgive her...
Please...Midoriko-sama...help me...help me win this fight...for my friends...
With that thought, a blue light engulfed the jewel and Kagome. The 'ribbons' of hate disintegrated and the young miko was hidden from view.
"What is going on?!?!?!?" Kikyo yelled into the light in mild hesitation. She could not see in, and that, she knew, was dangerous.
Inside the ball of light with Kagome:
Fallen angels at my feet...
Whispered voices at my ear...
'Kagome...Kagome...can you hear me...?' came a comforting voice.
Suddenly, Kagome's eyes snapped open and were full of the life that she had nearly lost, "I...I can hear you...but...who are you...and what is going on...?"
Within the blue light that surrounded her, Kagome heard a kind and loving chuckle, 'You ask me for help...and then ask me who I am? How odd Kagome...but no matter...I am here to do as you asked...to help you win this...'
Death before my eyes...
Lying next to me I fear!
"But how can only two of us win? Kikyo is so strong..." Kagome whispered to herself in doubt. Midoriko heard her, however.
'...Why Kagome, the way you doubt your own power concerns me...You have the ability to defeat Kikyo on your own...but you must tap into yourself first.'
"Tap...into myself?" Kagome asked timidly. Midoriko then became visible before her.
The goddess was wearing a beautiful, cream colored, and luxurious kimono with golden roses embroidered into it with a golden obi to tie it as well. Her hair, however, was wavy and untamed, like Kagome's, and not in any sort of style. Her brown eyes seemed to radiate a slightly blue hue here and there, which made Kagome gaze at her in awe. The former Miko was the loveliest woman that Kagome had ever met.
'Yes...but we do not have the time for me to teach you that...so I must ask you to take a risk...are you willing?'
Kagome's response needed no thought, "Of course I am willing or else I'd have not fought to begin with!" Despite the annoyance and volume of her tone, Midoriko smiled at Kagome as she began to fumble for an apology. Most would be smarter than to trifle with a goddess.
She beckons me shall I give in...
Upon my end shall I begin...
'It is all right my friend...your fiery spirit is needed in battle, however...allow me to join with you...and I promise that we will be victorious...but I warn that you may use the last of your energy...'
"I don't care...but...join with me? How?"
Midoriko smiled, '...you will see...' And with that, the blue light blinded them both.
Forsaking all I've fallen for I rise to meet the end...
Kagome felt as she became strangely whole...more whole than she had felt in a long, long time.
"Midoriko-sama...how is it that you can be here, when your soul is trapped inside the jewel?" she asked, as a peaceful bliss seemed to overtake her body. From deep within her very being came Midoriko's soothing voice.
'You purified the jewel...and saved the remnants of my soul, therefore, I can be free...and I owe you...so this I do as a favor...not as a request...'
The light surrounding Kagome burst forth once more and shattered like glass around her and she partially blacked out, no longer being surrounded by the healing light. She began to fall from the sky, gravity now doing its job. As she fell she saw Kikyo's bewildered face...and something forming in the distance below her. It glowed and sparkled and shone with the brightest of lights.
'Just touch it Kagome...and I shall do the rest...you may rest now...' Obeying the voice of Midoriko, which now seemingly filled her entire being, Kagome outstretched her hand toward the object and closed her eyes. She would trust her new ally.
Shining in the depths of the light emerged Kagome, however, to Kikyo, something had changed. Her power had not only skyrocketed, but it had developed an unearthly quality to itself as well. When Kagome emerged, still falling from the light, she held in her hand a golden bow and a single, golden arrow.
As she continued to fall, her body glowed once more. Pure white wings emerged from her back and spread out beautifully. A beautiful, yet simple, white kimono appeared about her body. There was a sky blue dragon winding about it delicately and a sky blue obi to finish it off. As Kagome neared the ground in what should have been her final seconds she snapped open her eyes to reveal a glowing blue to match her dragon. Her wings thrust themselves skillfully in those final moments and Kagome righted herself and landed with ease. It was then that she spoke to the dumbfounded Kikyo, but her voice was not Kagome's...
"Kikyo, former guardian of the Shikon no Tama, aid in the death of some of the most courageous souls in all of time, it is time that your pitiful existence be extinguished!"
Don't...turn away!!!
Don't...give in to the pain...
The being in front of her charged and Kikyo, in a fit of anger, flew to meet her. Energy sparked from the two opponents and waves of power flew everywhere.
Don't...try to hide!!!
Though they're screaming your name...
'Kagome' then dodged as Kikyo's evil energy burst forth, uncontrolled and even more dangerous, after her. She flew at Kikyo so fast that Kikyo had not enough time to dodge before 'Kagome' was upon her. With a superior battle cry she thrust forward her wings and snapped Kikyo's back and broke them off completely. Kikyo screamed in pain as she began to fall to the ground.
Don't...close your eyes!!!
God knows what lies behind them...
"Kikyo...you were once a great woman...but your soul became corrupt...and for this I am sorry...but I still shall show you no mercy!!!" 'Kagome' cried as she notched her golden arrow. With skill that was not her own, she released the arrow and it sailed downward at Kikyo. With a scream that could be heard for miles, Kikyo was struck in her black heart, and she burst into ash. She was then as she should have always been. Good had won.
Don't...turn out the light!!!
Never sleep...never die...
'Kagome' landed gracefully on the ground with her wings spread outward slightly. She looked to her left and saw the fallen Inuyasha, and Koga a few yards away. Her eyes softened in admiration, and even some slight pity.
"My friend...for you, this I shall also do as a favor...may what wish you all make be as gallant as your sacrifices..." Closing her eyes and abandoning her wings to conserve power, the woman clasped her hands and chanted in the language of Heaven a chant that called forth her own powers.
Within the wreckage of the palace came forth the remains of the other warriors, glowing a majestic blue. Slowly, they all began to regenerate. Once the bodies were all whole and intact, the goddess within Kagome put forth an incredible wave of power, one that spanned from her body outward at an amazing pace. Once it hit the bodies, the hearts simultaneously, from the most recently deceased to the earliest lost, began to beat.
And as their lungs gasped for their first breaths of air, Inuyasha slowly opened his eyes. As Kagome collapsed from her loss of power Inuyasha completely awoke and quickly stumbled over to her in fear for her.
"Kagome!!!"
One week later:
Kagome opened her eyes slowly at the warm feeling that was covering her body. She glanced around at her surroundings in alarm and bolted upright, gaining the attention of the three occupants of the room.
"Kagome! You're awake!!!" Shippo yelled, bouncing into the said girl's lap. Kagome, now realizing that she was in Kaede's village, hugged the small kitsune in relief.
"Oh, Shippo!!! How are you?!?" Shippo beamed.
"I'm happy now that I know that you are safe! Inuyasha told me that you defeated Kikyo and that everyone was dead, but now they aren't dead, and everyone is confused, and you've been out for a week, and we've all been worried, and we want some answers...but we'll get them now and feel all better now that you are awake...so what happened?" Shippo said, all in one breath.
Kagome couldn't help but laugh. It was then that she felt two strong arms encircle themselves around her shoulders and waist and hold her tightly.
"...What he means is that we were worried, and once you feel up to it, you can tell us what happened...ok?" Inuyasha said soothingly. Kagome closed her eyes and allowed herself to enjoy the embrace.
"Ye should rest a bit more...ye have only just awaken...and to all of these questions as well. Inuyasha, take Shippo outside and inform everyone that she is well, will ye? I shall look after her for ye..." Lady Kaede said kindly. Inuyasha growled slightly but nodded, he was much more agreeable with the old hag when it had to do with Kagome's health, so he gave her a final squeeze and lifted Shippo from her arms.
"I'll be back soon then...all right?" he said, as if to make sure Kagome didn't mind. She nodded and Inuyasha smiled softly at her before exiting with Shippo.
"Now child...rest, and ye shall do much explaining later..."
"All right Lady Kaede...you know best..."
3 hours later:
Kagome stretched and exited the hut. She had needed that extra three hours, which she found to be quite odd, since she had already been out for a week...
"Kags!!! You're up!" Kagome didn't have time to look at who spoke before Hekele glomped her, nearly causing her to fall over.
"Hekele!!! Don't kill her you high on coffee freak!!!" Kachie yelled before giving Kagome a crushing hug of her own. After being let go and remembering how to breathe, Kagome laughed at their antics.
"I'm glad that you're all ok too...but don't squeeze the life out of me yet!" she said. Just then, a ball of fur launched itself at Kagome, who barely had time to catch it before it hit her.
"Hello to you too Shippo..." she said, squeezing him as she had done earlier.
Kagome then looked up and saw that the rest of her friends were coming to join the group. Sango gave her a huge hug, as did Miroku. Kagome was a bit wary of him but was happy when she found that he kept his hands to himself for once. Koga gave her a light embrace as well, before putting an arm around Kachie and preventing her from squeezing Kagome once more. Sesshoumaru was now standing next to Hekele, with Rin tugging at his hand, happy that the miko was awake finally. Kagome raised an eyebrow at the fact that he was allowing her to do so, seeing as he usually didn't, but said nothing.
Inuyasha then appeared behind her as he had done before, and gave her another hug.
"About time, Kagome...look who else is here..." he said, turning Kagome toward one of the huts.
Kagome's eyes widened as Kanna and Kagura stepped out of the hut nonchalantly, as though it were the most normal thing in the world. Kohaku, who had arrived at the village just before the others, followed them.
Kanna wore an aqua colored kimono, which brought out the intense color of her eyes. Her hair was in a messy bun at the nape of her neck, and small strands of hair framed her face perfectly. Kagome had had to do a double take.
Kagura wore her usual kimono but her hair was in a ponytail, which was probably the result of spending too much time with Hekele, Kachie, Rin, and Sango. She didn't seem to mind though.
"Wow you two...you look great! And Kanna...it is quite a change isn't it?" Kagome asked, beaming at her new friends. Kanna smiled shyly.
"A change for the better..." she said. Kagome nodded in agreement before greeting Kagura once more.
"I must say, I really didn't expect you two to stick around with us after the battle...why did you?" she asked curiously. Kagura rolled her eyes as though it were obvious, but smiled none-the-less.
"We own you all. First, despite our differences, you decided to help us; second, Hekele freed us from Naraku's control; and third, after you purified Naraku AND us, you brought us back to life. So, we've decided that we owe the lot of you..." she listed. It was Hekele's turn to roll her eyes.
"Kagura, you gave us information, so we helped you; you then gave us a potion to help us heal and THEN you defied Naraku and tried to help us in battle, so I freed you, then, from what I gather, you fought off a bunch of Naraku's incarnations, and then died when you shouldn't have. All in all, you became our friend. THAT'S probably why Kagome resurrected you as well..." she said, nodding to her friend.
Kagome smiled in turn and stated, "Yup...though, to be honest, it wasn't me who brought you all back...it was Midoriko. I was mostly unconscious when it happened...but I think she used a lot of my energy to help...since it took me so long to wake up and all..."
Miroku looked skeptical, "If you made a wish on the jewel, then why is it still in existence?"
Kagome smiled, "The wish I made was for the power to stop Kikyo, and to avenge you...but...I guess it wasn't really a wish...I asked her for help...and she created this giant sphere of energy and I was trapped inside. Then she spoke to me...and told me that because I purified the jewel and freed her soul, she would aid me as a favor, not a wish...and she did."
Sesshoumaru looked to be deep in thought as he spoke, "And were our resurrections a favor as well?"
Kagome nodded, "She said that she hoped the wish we made on the jewel was as gallant as our sacrifices..."
The group gazed in awe at the jewel, which still clung to Kagome's neck. It was a few minutes before anyone spoke.
"So...how did you two defeat Kikyo?" Kohaku asked out of the blue, startling the rest of the group. Kagome smiled again as she saw Sango put her arm around her brother and give him a squeeze.
"...Well...she asked me to take a risk...she said that it could use all of my energy...but I agreed anyway..." she began, wondering what they would all say when she told them.
"And...come on! Don't leave us hanging!!!" Sango said enthusiastically. The group had waited a week to hear this story...and she'd be damned if Kagome got away with the silent treatment.
Kagome laughed, "Ok, ok...she asked me if she could...join with me...as in entering my body and taking over my consciousness...it was incredible..." The group was now staring at her in awe.
Kagura was the first to speak, "What...was it like?"
"It was odd, because I didn't have control of my body, but I did my soul...and it was like we both shared control of my mind...it felt like...like bliss. I didn't have to care, though I did, and I could feel everything she was feeling. She was so angry at Kikyo it seemed...I have no idea why...but she was...perhaps because she had once protected the jewel...who knows..." Kagome said, revealing in the memory.
"...It was interesting...because when she took over my body...it was like I transformed...I had wings like Kikyo's only they were white...and...I just...felt different...more powerful...and it wasn't her power I was feeling either...though, it was laced with hers...I just...don't know..." she finished, still a bit bewildered.
Inuyasha hugged her a bit tighter out of reflex and rested his chin on her head. He and the rest of the group were deep in thought. They couldn't believe what had happened. Just the thought of it seemed unreal. Kagome had been the host to a goddess. It was incredible to think about.
Kagome took the jewel from her neck and, after worming out of Inuyasha's embrace, set it in his hand.
"Ok...now, the last time I did this, Kikyo burst out of nowhere and shot you in the shoulder with a purifying arrow...let's hope that doesn't happen again..." she joked as, for the second time, Inuyasha gave her a confused look.
"But...after what happened...you should be the one to make the wish..." he said, still afraid of touching the jewel, though it rested in his hand.
"...Nope...I wouldn't know what to wish for...you do," she said lovingly. Inuyasha smiled at her and thought hard about what he wanted to wish for. Inuyasha had to think back to something that had bothered him when Naraku had been holding Kagome off the edge of the cliff, besides the obvious of course. Something Naraku had said bothered him. And when he recalled that, he knew what his wish was going to be...
"Ok...here goes...I wish-" he was cut off by something biting his neck. He slapped at it, thinking it to be a bug...and it was...sort of.
"Ouch...you've...squashed me...again..." came a rather annoying voice from Inuyasha's palm.
"Myoga-geezer? What the hell are you doing here?!?!?!?!?"
Kagome stared at the flea demon angrily, "Where have you been?!?!?!? Shippo was kidnapped, you weren't there, my friend comes to live with me and then travels here, and you weren't there, HER friend comes to stay for a year, and you haven't met her either! Rin and Shippo get kidnapped, and you weren't there, all of us girls were kidnapped, and you weren't there, the boys came to rescue us and we were all sent into different dimensions to await our doom, and you weren't there, we had to fight Naraku, and you weren't there, and then I had to fight Kikyo on my own, (at first,) and YOU WEREN"T THERE!!!! So...WHY THE HECK ARE YOU HERE NOW?!?!?!?!"
Everyone stared at Kagome in fear, even Sesshoumaru. Then, while she was still staring down the now trembling flea, Hekele spoke.
"So...who's your friend?" At this, Myoga jumped from Inuyasha's hand to Hekele's shoulder and introduced himself.
"Hello, my name is Myoga, the faithful servant of Master Inuyasha..." Inuyasha snorted.
"The only thing your good for is sensing danger...'cuz you're never here!" he growled at the flea. Hekele nodded, while trying not to laugh.
"That's not important, what's important is that you've got the entire jewel, now, what are you going to wish for?" Myoga asked, as he posed to take a sip of Hekele's blood, which she was unaware of at the time.
Inuyasha glared at him, "I was getting to that when you bit me you idiot..."
Myoga looked thoughtful, "Oh, then by all means, carry on...don't mind me..." He moved in to take a bite out of Hekele's neck when Sesshoumaru flicked him off.
"Keep to yourself and you might not get squashed so many times..." he muttered. Hekele, catching on, spared the flea a glare as she picked up Rin, who had been trying to patiently stand there.
Inuyasha cleared his throat, "Can I make my wish or are we just going to sit here and yell at him all afternoon?!?!"
Kagome put her head on his shoulder, "Go ahead...make your wish..."
Inuyasha smiled at her and closed his eyes, tightening his grip on the Shikon no Tama as he did so. This time, he kept his wish to himself. Sure, it was a corny wish, but he couldn't think of anything that made more sense to him...
I wish...that even without this jewel...no matter what...we could always be together...all of us...
With that, the jewel began to glow, much like it had when Midoriko had come to Kagome. The light engulfed everyone.
The group of friends got this warm feeling, and they felt different somehow. When the light cleared, the jewel was gone.
"Umm, Inuyasha...what did you wish for?" Kagome asked in a concerned tone.
Inuyasha turned to face her and the rest of the group. What he saw surprised him greatly. Miroku, Kohaku, and the girls, (including Rin,) all had what appeared to be demonic markings. They were all looking at themselves and each other in confusion.
"Inuyasha? What did you wish for?" Koga asked from next to Kachie. His arm was wrapped around her firmly and his eyes held a bit of concern.
Inuyasha was baffled, "I-I wished that we could all be together no matter what...Naraku had said that once we made a wish on the jewel it would disappear...and since that was everyone's only method of getting through the well...they would have to chose where to stay...and that wouldn't be right..." he said.
The rest of his friends got a look of recognition on their faces. They recalled that conversation quite well. They had all been concerned by it as well.
"So...we're demons now...we'll each live the life span you all will...but how does that solve our well issues?" Kachie asked, still looking at herself and her friends.
"Well," Hekele began, as she looked Rin's markings over, "There's only one way to find out...to the well everyone!"
Kagome nodded in agreement, "Let's go..."
When the large group of friends reached the well, they stared down it warily. Kagura, Kanna, and Kohaku, who have never actually seen the well, were curious as to how it worked.
"Ok, Inuyasha, since you can travel through the well without the shards anyway, you'll come and get us in a few minutes if we don't come back on our own...ok?" Kagome asked. Inuyasha nodded, still unsure.
Hekele set Rin down and gave Sesshoumaru a quick hug; Kachie did the same to Koga.
"Wish us luck you guys..." Kachie said. Koga looked at the well skeptically.
"Yeah...good luck..." he said, still staring at the well. Kachie rolled her eyes at him and stepped up to the well with Hekele and Kagome.
The three took a deep breath and jumped in. They disappeared at the bottom.
Kagura stood there in shock, "They're gone! What the hell happened?!"
Inuyasha smirked, "They went through time...to the future..."
"And...do you think that they can come back?" Kanna asked. Inuyasha and his friends shrugged.
"Not a clue..."
In Modern Tokyo:
"Kagome..." Hekele began, looking at where her demonic markings were suppose to be on her wrists, "something odd is going on here..."
Kachie nodded, "Yeah...we're human again..."
Me- Wow...that took forever and a year...
Sesshoumaru- You can say that again...
Me- Ok, Wow...that took forever and a year...
Sesshoumaru- I was being sarcastic...
Me- I know...I couldn't help it though...
Inuyasha- ...That was one odd wish...I ain't even a full demon...
Kagome- Well, this could be a good wish...but...why are we humans now
demons...and why are we human in the future?
Me- I'll answer part of that...think about it, though. If we were going to be in
love with demons, then we would have to accept mortality. We would all die
and leave them there...and they would be sad. So, Inuyasha, when he
wished for us all to remain together always, turned us into demons. Another
perk: we don't have to go through what Inuyasha and his mother did.
Kachie- Oh, and Kaleb, Hekele tried to send you a message in reply to your
request, but your address; , wouldn't accept it.
Hekele would be honored if you wanted to use her characters in your
story. Just please; give her credit for creating them...
Me- Yup, yup!!!
Pound, pound, pound...
Inuyasha- What was that?
Sesshoumaru- No idea...
In the distance
Kikyo- You are dumping me for another lover?!?!?!?!?!?!?!
Naraku- Actually...there's more...
Kikyo- ...Like...?
Naraku- Umm, see, there are two of them...
Kikyo- Two?!?!??!?!?!?!?!?
Darcia and Myotismon pop into fic Didn't you dump this damn clay pot
yet?!?!
Kikyo- You're dumping me for two MEN?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! Die!!!!!!!!! (throws
random things at Naraku.)
Back with us
Me- Oh...my...god...
Inuyasha- I knew it...
Sesshoumaru- R&R...before we die of shock...