Updating on vacation from the Savannah Georgia Region
I've been pretty busy with my vacation, but I have still found time to resubmit and edit chapter 3. Seeing how I felt that I needed to update prior to leaving, I rushed the chapter through and felt it needed polishing. Not much needed to be changed, but afew descriptions and lines seemed alittle lacking or seemed to be choppy-so I added on. Re-read if you want, it's just minor literary aesthetics, no real change in story.
Thank you again for all the great reviews, and don't worry Priestess-Midoriko, It will end just like you want it to-but happily ever after doesn't come until after alittle tragedy-hopefully they'll come as real shockers too.
Without further adieu, Chapter 4 of Inuyasha: Don't belong : Bleeding the blur of friend and foe.
Last Time on Inuyasha: Deciding it was time to fulfill his promise to Kikyo, as a life with Kagome would never be possible-Inuyasha arrived at Kikyo's village, About the commit to Kikyo, and walk into the shared suicide she had both demanded and offered.
Knowing the tendencies of Inuyasha's heart, and how it always returned to Kagome's side, Kikyo began to console Inuyasha and confuse his heart. She slandered Kagome and their relationship, while stressing the importance of theirs. Yet as death approached, Inuyasha took one last look back upon his life and saw through the spin, and he realized that Kagome could never be what Kikyo made her out to be. Enraged at the realization, enraged at himself for falling for somebody so despicable, and mostly enraged that she had kept him and Kagome from being happy for so long-Inuyasha lost control. Flowing color rose in his cheeks and eyes as he began to transform into a demon. His first demonic act was to slay Kikyo, and his second was to slay those in his way-the citizens of Kikyo's village.
Her soul returned and news of the attack spread to Kaede's village. Searching for Inuyasha, desperate to return to him tetsuiga and save his fleeting soul. The trio of Kagome, Miroku, and Sango arrived at the location of the attack and saw the village had been ravaged. On the edge of the village, something far more shocking had been seen. The land was decimated and it seemed as if the damage had been caused by a wind scar.
CHAPTER 4: BLEEDING THE BLUR OF FRIEND AND FOE
The decimated village
"I don't know how this could happen, I thought the Tetsuiga was made to contain Inuyasha's demonic blood."-Miroku blankly observed and questioned the events unfolding before his very eyes.
"How could........."
Kagome was at a loss for words, and could barely contain her tears. She had given up so much to be with Inuyasha. She sacrificed school, friends, and the hope of having a normal family. Everything she was-was tied to Inuyasha. Everything else was a priority far below. And now...he seemed to be finally lost-out of her reach forever. What do you do when your life is taken away...how do you recover? How can you rebuild, when memories and shadows of your past consume you.
"...I'll never be forgiven. All the times I would sit him for little reason..........I never should have hurt him...your not supposed to hurt the ones you love........................" Kagome was hysteric and she felt regret for even the most minor of transgressions.
"Kagome...we're going to fix things like we always do. Maybe we should talk to Totosai , or even seek Sesshoumaru's council. There's so much we can try...your giving up too easily."
Sango continued to ease Kagome's mind, yet so little could be done. He had just slipped away, yet to Kagome, he seemed forever lost. The chain of events had rendered her hopeless. Muttering excuses and questions, Miroku rambled on and on often in repetition. It appeared that he was creating a mental smokescreen through the distraction of his logic.
'I once vowed that I would be gone before this day...before he would permanently turn. It seems that I was never skilled enough to feel this, to see it coming. Now, I am trapped-we are all trapped. If we can't save him, we all will be doomed.'
Distancing himself from the scene he once vowed to avoid - he realized that there was no avoiding this day and that the time for shock was fading and fast.
Yet in hysterics, Kagome continued her unrelenting regret-as if it would attain her some sort of redemption...if even from her own conscience.
"....I would have told Kouga that I wasn't interested and I wouldn't humor Hojo. I shouldn't have played upon his jealousy -not out of spite-and certainly not to force him to reveal his feelings. He would have told me someday...I mean I knew he cared..."
Decisively moving towards his hysteric companion- Miroku was going to be the force of reason. Forcefully grabbing ahold of Kagome, the monk stared at her in what could be mistaken for rage. Shaking her , he began to stress his case.
"Kagome! If you are going to act like a child, you can stay where it is safe-with SHIPPO! This isn't like before Kagome, your voice or a loving kiss won't save him if even his own sword won't. We have to find a way to save him...or slay him-and we have to do so quickly. While you were losing your mind and grieving a man not yet dead...I've sent Miyoga and Kirara to the Wolf tribe. We are going to need reinforcements in any final confrontation-regardless of our goal."
Sango stared in awe at how commanding and resourceful her love could be. He had his flaws-his lustful and perverted tendencies, yet he had proven himself over time to be everything the exterminator could want...and (unfortunately) more.
" You want to kill him! How could you Miroku!?! He risked everything to save you, how many times has he saved you? Now you want to kill him? When because of him you can finally live without fear...when you can finally have a family?!? Sango! how can you just stand by during this!?! You once said you'd stand by him regardless of what happens, because of what he did for you and Kohaku.......................Both of you are betraying him!-why does everyone have to betray him!?!"
Sneering a response apparently saved as a last resort, Miroku gave his rebuttal.
"You could alwaaaays wish on the jewel Kagome. It would prevent alot of pain and suffering."
"If I do, I can never come back!, I can never see him again. It wont matter if he's saved...if I'll be trapped in another era."
In a condescending manner, Miroku dissected Kagome's declaration and hoped to finally make his point.
" It won't matter if he is saved? If you don't get to be with him? Perhaps kikyo's portion of your soul returning has brought with it her selfishness."
"I'm sooooo......I'm so sorry."
Consoling her himself, Miroku held her once more...soothing that
"Everything will be alright Kagome...I know where your coming from. If I had to choose...if I had to lose Sango-I wouldn't be able to make that decision either."
Looking over at his love, his eyes sweeping over her form lovingly, as he admired her beauty and couldn't help but to swoon at the realization of his emotion's strength. Exhaling peacefully he continued as Sango merely lost herself in his words.
"...Kagome-I know what love is like. Sango has become my line of life. Tied in her hands is my happiness and my suffering. (Sango winced at the term suffering) I didn't mean that you make me suffer Sango...it's that my whole being is tied to you and your love...to the family we will build someday. The joy I feel when I think about helping her restore what she had lost...I can't replace the family that she's lost, but I want to be whatever she needs and whatever I can. I could never choose to be without her and you shouldn't have to make that choice either. But to protect everyone...AND...to get what you want. We have to act. Every moment he slips further away , and with every second we come closer to losing that option. Now are you going to be at ease...can you prepare yourself for what you may have to do. The choices are numerous, yet only one can bring you happiness.
We have to travel...I would suggest finding Sesshoumaru first, for guidance and protection-but he too is a traveler, and until we hear of or sense his presence...we will be moving blindly seeking the results of a futile search. Totosai is located the farthest away, and we should receive escorts before making that journey....I have already sent news of our peril to the wolf-demon tribe and I think It would be best if we go to them first and regroup. Kagome is low on arrows...I no longer have my wind tunnel...your boomerang is cracked. We aren't ready for this-not as we are."
In tears herself from Miroku's heartfelt proclamation Sango, slung her boomerang over her shoulder and prepared for the coming journey. She could barely express the joy that she felt at the moment, everything has happened so fast and her emotions were conflicting. She asked herself
'Did he really mean what he said'
and she mused
'How can the happiest moment of my life happen during one of the worst?'
As they began to move and questions grew within the beautiful exterminator, she disrupted the quiet and focused group's travel with her uncertainty and shock.
"Mir....Miroku?"
"Yes Sango"
"Did you really mean what you said earlier?...Do you really care for me that much?"
"Sango...I love the way you never give in and how I must earn a moment of tenderness. I love your ever-encompassing strength and how not even the worst of times will break your spirit. I love it when we talk...you've become my closest friend and my dearest lover.
I know the other night was the first time we've ever been so close...spending the night in each other's sweet embrace, but I've waited for that night since the day we met and I await many more just like it. Sango, nobody has cared so deeply for me. You've always dismissed me for my lecherous ways, yet you never understood just what motivated me to act as I did. I've made myself clearly available towards every woman I've ever met, hoping that somebody would care for me...an outcast, whose lineage bares a curse. I searched for a woman to bare me a child and for the security of a loving family. Sango, you've given me more than anyone ever could. I did not pursue you, and you came to me regardless. You cared for me and feared for my safety with nobody asking you to do so, you fought by my side, and in the battlefield displayed a trust that only the closest of relations can bare....I love you Sango and if we survive this...this last journey-I'd like to start a family with you.
My curse is gone and now the only thing to stand in the way of my dreams...of my happiness-is if you don't feel the same. As I said befo......"
Miroku could say not another word...his voice was muffled and faded into nothingness as he became focused on the surprising kiss. Sango held him tight and he reciprocated justly.
Yet there was something wrong, perhaps it was the danger that would be coming...perhaps it was jealousy...it could have even been paranoia-but Kagome looked around frantically, as if she sensed him. As if she was being watched.
She would never know just how right she was at that moment. Looming in the trees, moving in stealth , blood red eyes peered down upon her. Her every movement was watched with intent. Lust and desolation, love and rage...he moved on simplistic fury, believing that his emotions didn't matter and she would never be his. The mere thought of it sent shivers down his spine and boiled within him. His neck tightened as it clenched, the distance between his brow shortened, he was ready to scream, to lash out and destroy the tree that he was perched upon. His head shook frantically and he held his eyes shut as hard as he could-fighting the urge to make himself known. To help in the suppression of his urge to action-he drew the claws of his left hand, he ran them softly, down his side, tracing a path, as he attained a sense of proper location. Biting his tongue to conceal a scream, he had driven his claws into his own side. Focusing on the pain he stood silent and at ease.
Meanwhile, Sango and Miroku began to pull apart, staring deeply into each other's eyes as they held each other and celebrated their bliss. Sango closed her eyes and looked towards the ground as she began to give Miroku...her verbal answer to his question.
"Miroku, I've been through a lot in the time that you've known me. My family was lost and my brother was used as Naraku's tool. I've been alone in that sense for such a long time. Yet, you...Kagome, Kaede, shippo, and even Inuyasha-have become my new family, my new clan of exterminators as it would seem. You've always fought hard for me and my brother, you've risked your life in the effort to save my own and you showed me that you truly care. It used to drive me insane, the notion that all you cared about was a successor. It used to enrage me, when you would ask every woman you came across to bare your child-except for... (She began to cry) me. And when you asked me, it was insincere, I had to be the one to prompt the question. You don't know how....you don........."
Cutting her off with his reply, Miroku eased her pains.
"There reason I never asked you...the reason I never saw you in that light was that I had respected you far more than that. You weren't some random princess, or priestess, or villager. You are strong and courageous, beautiful and determined-you are Sango and no woman can compare to you...and that's why I knew that I couldn't use the same tactics. I knew that I had to do something special...for somebody that is so special. Every day I push myself to do whatever I can to stand up for you, emotionally or in battle, with the hopes that it would win you over. I knew not one mere question could ever win you over.
If it is truly an issue, I say this sincerely : Lady Sango, Will you bare my child?"
"Miroku...I never thought of it that way. As a demon exterminator, I have always been too strong or too dangerous to be seen as anything beyond being added protection to men. My body is covered with scars that will never fade. Part of me was always afraid that I would not be attractive enough and that your advances were never serious. My people are no more and I do not fit with the rest of the world. To an extent, all of you have given me my place. But Miroku...with you-I truly know that I Belong."
Irritated, by the lover's hypocrisy and by her own worry, Kagome began fuming that
"You can exchange vows when it matters, If we don't hurry- I'll never have this opportunity. You have each other and that's great, but damn it, you';; have another chance to do this. You have the gift of time and like you stressed before Miroku, I am not so lucky."
She threw her arms to her sides and began to cry again...noting that
"I know you don't mean to...but right now, your standing in my way...I just want to be with him."
Narrow crimson orbs watched through the distance. A figure preparing to move...her words triggered something within him. Had they hurt Kagome? A confused and clouded demonic mind could never truly decipher the world it viewed. Jumping to conclusion, Inuyasha had deemed Kagome to be in danger-that Miroku and Sango had hurt her when she broke into tears, and his heroics mixed with his simplistic nature- drove him to action.
"I'm sorry Kagome, Me and Sango just got stuck in the moment I guess. I never knew just how to tell her how much I love her. And today...just now...it came as easily as it should. I'm so sorr......."
His words cut off, the three of them leaped in shock and terror. Huddling together, the stood as the flow of the wind began to change. Sweeping across the forest ahead of them, blazing light and wind flowed through the greenery. The forest ahead of them was demolished in one foul swoop. Ruts in the ground, lines emanating from what seemed to be a single position.
Frozen by their fear and the knowledge of what was to come, what had come, and what it may bring- they clung to each other and turned to flee.
An attempt that would be futile. For as they turned and began their dash, the land they faced met a similar fate.The forest was being leveled in seconds, the wind scar was growing in strength due to Inuyasha's demonic blood. Dug into what was essentially a large ditch, the remains of trees and creatures lined the forest floor.
Before a reaction could be rendered, winds swept from all around. On both sides, to their left and to their right- blades of glowing wind illuminated the forest, as they set it ablaze, and reduced it to dust.
They were surrounded,within moments the forest had been leveled and ditches were to three of their sides. The intention was clear...they were being told that there was only one way to move...and that was through Inuyasha.
Strolling towards them with his sword draped over his shoulder as the world descended into darkness. As the light faded, his eyes remained in view, illuminating the area around them.His body was covered with scratches and crimson blood poured from his self-inflicted puncturings. It was clear that controlling his his urges...was taking it's toll. As he walked, a powerful aura emanated from his body...it's sheer force reminded them of Naraku., yet it was strangely pure. An arrogant smirk upon his face as he approached them.
Leaping high into the air, he launched several miniature versions of the wind scar at Miroku and Sango. It was clear that he had not intended to hurt Kagome. Glowing blades of wind flew towards Miroku and he leaped as high and as quick as human feet would allow. Sango diving down into one of the various ditches formed by Inuyasha's original leveling of the area.
Their agility was barely sufficient as Inuyasha leapt from side to side, moving through the air as gracefully as if he could fly. Raining a hail of light and destruction. His face expressionless, merely growling...and what sounded like hysteric laughter.
Barely missing another projectile, Sango fell to the ground, tired and weak...her heart not truly in the battle. Miroku, on the other hand was bold enough to attempt a deflection, but in the end merely destroyed his staff.
Stepping foreward, afraid-yet strangely calm, Kagome called out to Inuyasha. She could sense his aura to be pure- whatever he had done or was going to do, he had done believing it to be right. She felt safe, despite his assault-and as such she had no fear in addressing him.
"Inuyasha! Miroku and Sango are our friends...I know you don't mean to do whatever your doing...somehow you think it's right. They never hurt you and they never hurt me...please Inuyasha...please realize that they are your friends and would do anything for you."
The demon paused his assault for a moment and the two fighters were able to regroup and prepare for whatever may come next. Her words seemed to phase him, yet there was not much that could be done. His mind raced as he tried to listen to her...but he could only see them as threats...to himself and to Kagome.
Leaping into action once more...Inuyasha could not reach the heights he had attained before. For he came crashing to the ground with force. Repeatedly, Kagome chanted the incantation. He had been subdued repeatedly, until Miroku and Sango could reach Kagome.
Grabbing their hands for their own safety (as he would never hurt Kagome) , Kagome pulled the tired lovers as she sprinted away from Inuyasha, Continuing to repeat the incantation, thus providing them safety as they flee-for the moment.
Leaping to his feet with a decreasing vigor, Inuyasha struggled more and more after every sit. His various wounds continued to pour, and the stress on his body was weakening him dramatically. Sluggishly crawling, attempting to elevate his spine, he struggled to move. His muscles strained, locking up...he fell to the ground and faded for the moment. Kagome was oblivious to the status of his condition, and continued onward as fearful as before.
Miroku, Sango and Kagome, now far from Inuyasha began to slow down and regroup once more as their saving grace had finally arrived. En mass, the wolf-demon tribe had arrived, Kirara and Miyoga as well. They approached in formation, weapons drawn-Kouga leading from the front.
" What has the half-breed done now? Muttface didn't hurt you Kagome...did he?"
"I'm ok Kouga...really. we just need to get to shelter for now."
" Then to our home we'll go Kagome."
She winced at the idea of Kouga referring to his caves as their home, yet at the moment-it had been the safest place to be. Kouga meant so much to her...but he could never be Inuyasha and he could never hold her heart.
"Only until morning Kouga...then our journey has to continue. We have to find Sesshoumaru or Totosai...or somebody that can help him."
"Save him Kagome?...Dog turd is a threat to everyone now...we need to kill him."
Stepping in as the voice of reason once more, Miroku provided a sense of balance to the conversation.
"Kouga, your assistance will make what we have to do much easier, but your not the answer. I am a monk, I can sense auras...I can sense power. As a demon, your heightened abilities should tell you much of the same. You know that all of us will be no match for him in a direct confrontation. It would be a shame to see your line of wolves driven to extinction because of your recklessness and excessive pride."
"Your the wise one monk...but I will not let him hurt Kagome."
Kirara transformed, flames shrouding her image as she bulged and contorted. Fangs growing in length, eyes turning to a deep red. Miroku and Sango had climbed atop of their demonic companion. Traveling through the air they began to flee towards to den of the Wolf Demon tribe, while Kagome had to face her method of travel.
"Hop on Kagome, I've seen you ride the mutt like this before and I know you'll appreciate having a real ride."
She was uneasy with the concept, but circumstance bore the necessity. Awkwardly climbing atop Kouga's back, Kagome held on to Kouga's armor and clothes, rather than his body, making it clear to him that this was little more than transportation.
"Don't worry my love, you'll get more comfortable doing this over time."
She closed her eyes and began to block out what Kouga had to say...focusing on the times, the could only see the haunting image of Inuyasha's blood red eyes.
Hiding in the shrubs, those same eyes watched her climb atop the back of his rival.
Hours later at the wolf-demon tribe's den
"I would suggest we attempt to surround the den with a barrier."
Miroku's suggestion could ease not one mind.
" The red tetsuiga can break barriers Miroku."
"I understand that Kagome...but you've never placed the barrier. I will make the scrolls and I will place them around the perimeter. I only need for you to reinforce them with your miko energies."
"Will...will that work?"
"It should...and if not-then we will have deterred his movement long enough so that we may prepare for battle."
Pride swelling within him...the idea that Kagome needed him and that only he could assist her overcame him. To Kouga, this had been a sign...THE sign- that Kagome was almost his. He had respected Inuyasha for his power and for his dedication to Kagome, but they had been rivals and a part of him was glad that Inuyasha's pain had driven him away from her. Gleefully, walking about giving orders- Kouga was helping, yet it seemed like little more than showing off and Kagome could tell.
"Men! Help Kagome and the monk do whatever they need to. Listen to her as you would listen to me. You'll have to get used to it anyway."
Kouga boasted and the three adventurers were making the necessary preparations to protect themselves. Anxious and fearful they awaited confrontation as they embraced the peace of the calm before the storm.
Well that's it for this chapter....next chapter is where things really get interesting
I'll try to update within the next week or so but it'll be hard. I rarely get any time on the computer here. Though I'll be updating like crazy when I get back home.
