Holy friggen moly! I can't believe how many reviews this got! Well.. Verdict is in, this is no longer a one-shot folks! That's right, I've decided to continue this here fic. Wow.. Well, thanks for all the wonderful reviews. Makes me sleep better at night, knowing that I haven't been wasting my time. Well, without further ado, here's the next chapter. I just hope it's as good as the first.
Disclaimer- I don't own Inuyasha
Demon Or Human?
Inuyasha watched silently from his place on a large branch from the tree he was pinned to for fifty years. His gaze settled on Sango who's a few yards away, unaware of his presence as she stares at her brother's gaze. The group had traveled back to Kaeda's Village, bringing Kohaku with them. Sango picked the spot for her brother's grave, dug the grave herself, and buried Kohaku herself, wishing to do everything on her own. She wanted to do this all alone.
Inuyasha respected her wishes to be left alone. He wasn't very fond of the idea of going near the slayer at the moment, not after last night. He can't explain what had happened to him to react such a way. He felt like he needed to help her, sooth the tears away. It confused him. Last night, he seemed to know exactly what he was doing and what he was thinking. One day after, he looks back at it and he doesn't know what the hell came over him. He's never really acted like that before. He guesses it's because he shares a common pain, and Sango is his friend, so why shouldn't he want to help?
Although Sango wished to be alone, Inuyasha didn't go far. He just merely jumped up into the tree he's currently residing in. It's not like he's intentionally watching her or anything. Kohaku's grave just happens to be near his favorite lounging spot. He comes here to sleep, relax, or think. And right now, he's doing a lot of thinking. He still doesn't know what to do about the Shikon No Tama.
Besides the jewel, Inuyasha has another problem. That problem being a certain girl from the future. He had thought about what to do with her a long time ago when the journey was completed. It's just a matter of doing it now. He needs to talk to her, but he just hasn't really gotten the time. She needs to go home, and stay there. After all, once he uses the jewel, the well won't work. The jewel is the key between the two eras, right? So when he uses it, the well will not work anymore, and Kagome will lose the ability to travel between times.
Crossing his arms over his chest, Inuyasha slouches down more on his branch, his chin resting on the top of his chest as he closes his eyes. With one leg hanging loosely off the branch and the other bent towards him, Inuyasha sits there, deep in thought. Another reason why he can't stay the way he is, is because as long as the jewel remains unused, demons will be attracted to it. So any place he stays at will be in danger. Inuyasha would rather not risk demons attacking any village, but right now he's too sore and tired to really wander aimlessly through the forest until he decides what the do with the jewel.
The wind blows, brushing some of Inuyasha's long silver locks across his face. The breeze brings various scents to Inuyasha's delicate nose. Flowers, the wildlife, trees, grass, dirt, and salt. Inuyasha cracks open his eyes and glances over to where Sango still stands, her back turned to him. Though a normal person wouldn't be able to tell by just looking at her, Inuyasha can smell the tears that are no doubt traveling down her face. The hanyou frowns to himself at the scent of Sango's tears. He's tempted to just leave, but at the same time he's tempted to go over and help her.
Inuyasha does neither however. He remains where he's seated , not leaving, but not going over to help her. This is something that she'll have to take care of on her own now. He can't help anymore, he's not the right person for the job. He'll more than likely make matters worse. Trying to distract himself, and his nose, Inuyasha tries thinking of something to take his mind off of Sango's grief.
He wonders what the others are going to do now that their journey is over. Kagome would be going back to her time. Shippo will more than likely stay in Keada's Village, having nowhere else to go. Miroku, well Inuyasha isn't really sure what the monk is going to do. Now that he doesn't have that cursed wind tunnel on his palm, his lecherous ways will either calm down, or get worse. Than again, if Inuyasha remembers correctly, Miroku and Sango had planned to get married after they defeated Naraku.
'Wonder if they still plan on doing that.' Inuyasha wonders to himself. At this point, he can't see Sango getting into any sort of relationship. And Miroku's 'curious' hands tend to chase after every women, even after the agreement between him and the slayer.
No matter where everyone goes, Inuyasha will end up being alone again. Just like before. He acknowledges that fact. They'll all be going their separate ways. Inuyasha isn't one to go visit someone either, so they better not count on him to. Besides, he still hasn't decided on what he's going to do. He could stay in Keada's Village, but it has too many unwanted memories around it. He needs to go somewhere else. Maybe he should just live in the forest of something, away from civilization, where no one can judge him for his looks.
Inuyasha stands up on his branch and leaps down to the ground before heading towards Keada's hut. If he can't decide what to become, maybe he should ask the others, that may help him in some ways.
Sango could here Inuyasha's departure, yet she still didn't move. She knew he was there, sitting in the tree, possibly watching her. He possibly could have just been sitting there, minding his own business. Sango however, doubts that. Inuyasha always has a reason for doing the things he does. There's no coincidences. He didn't decide to sleep in the tree that just so happened to be near Kohaku's grave. He was watching her. She just didn't let on she knew.
His actions have been confusing her since last night. First he bursts out at her while she's holding Kohaku, causing her to strike him. Than he actually tries to comfort her when she bursts into tears, falling into Inuyasha's arms. She felt weak doing that. What's worse is that she felt weak in front of Inuyasha. He'll probably remember her being just a weak woman from now on.
Than again, now that she thinks about it, he seemed to understand her. He didn't say anything after she began crying, he just held her. Held her until Kirara found them. Than he stood her up, picked Kohaku up and placed his body on Kirara's back. He wanted to bury Kohaku somewhere else. Sango had first thought that they would bury him where he was laying, but Inuyasha didn't seem to fond with the idea. And for that alone, Sango is thankful. She wouldn't want her brother's body buried anywhere Naraku took his last breath. Kohaku deserved a proper burial, somewhere peaceful, despite the things he was forced to do.
When they arrived at Keada's Village, Sango found the spot where she would lay Kohaku to rest. She had asked them to let her do it herself and to leave her alone. Kagome felt it was her obligation to try and persuade her to let them help. Miroku had also tried to make her change her mind, telling her that they should help a friend bury her loved ones. She declined their offers for help, but they continued to press on. Inuyasha seemed to understand that it was just something she had to do alone, because he managed to get them to leave her, asking Kagome to help him with his injuries and Miroku to go and inform Keada of the news.
The only one she allowed to be with her was Kirara. Kirara was Kohaku's family as well. This burial was something between them, and them only. No one else. It was just something Sango wanted to do alone. She didn't need their help, and them asking her constantly, 'Are you alright?' That question alone is enough to infuriate her. Her brother just died, do they honestly need to ask if she's alright? The answer should be obvious, shouldn't it?
Sango kneels down in front of the cross in the ground. She reaches out and places her hands on it, bowing her head in shame, "I'm sorry Kohaku." Than the tears began to fall once more.
One thing Inuyasha is thankful for, is the fact everyone he needed to speak to was gathered in the hut when he got there. Everyone is just sitting around the small fire in the middle of the hut, lost in their own little world. When he entered, everyone looked up to see who had entered the hut. Seeing that it was 'only' him, they glanced back into the fire.
Inuyasha stood at the doorway, his arms crossed and his left foot tapping in thought. His usual scowl placed firmly on his lips as he stared at the group, "I have something I want to ask so listen up everyone."
"What is it Inuyasha?" Kagome is the first to speak.
"I..." Inuyasha hesitates, feeling a bit uncomfortable with his confession, "I don't know what to become." Upon there confused expressions, Inuyasha elaborates, "I mean I don't know if I should become a full demon, or become a human."
"So what is it you want us to do?" Miroku asks, standing up from his sitting position.
"I want you guys to tell me what I should do." Inuyasha replies.
"We can't do that Inuyasha. That's something you have to decide." Kagome explains. She stands up also and shakes her head, "We can't decide for you."
Inuyasha turns his head to the side, "Feh.. It's not like I'm actually going to listen to any of you. I just want to know what you'd rather me become."
"Well, if I had to pick." Shippo suddenly jumps in, leaping on top of Inuyasha's shoulder. He crosses his paws and leans on the side of Inuyasha's head, much to the hanyou's irritation, "I'd say you should become a demon. A mere half breed such as yourself is a disgrace to us full blooded demons." Shippo begins to laugh.
"Why you little-" Inuyasha makes a grab for the kitsune. Shippo quickly leaps off of Inuyasha's shoulder and runs behind Kagome for protection.
Kagome lets out a tired sigh. 'Some things are never going to change.' She thinks to herself. "Inuyasha... You know that I just wish for you to be as you are. I don't see why you feel the need to change yourself for the better of others."
Inuyasha keeps his mouth shut, preventing himself from commenting. Instead he turns his gaze to Miroku. The monk closes his eyes, holding his left hand in front of his face while he thinks, a habit that they all quickly realized he couldn't break, much like his wondering hands, "Inuyasha, the question is not what we would want you to become. It's what is right. Do what you think is right."
'That's easy for you to say, you damn monk.' Inuyasha immediately counters in his mind, 'How am I suppose to know what is right? If I become demon, I lose my friends... but than again, I'll be losing them all soon anyway now that Naraku is gone... If I become human though... I won't be able to protect anyone anymore, much less myself.'
"Aye children... what's all this ye be discussing?" Keada asks as she enters the hut, hearing some of the conversation on her way in.
"Of, Keada." Kagome says upon seeing her, "Inuyasha was just asking us what we think he should use the jewel for."
"So what do you think, ya old hag? What should I use it for."
"I'd use it to teach ye some manners." Keada replies as she heads over to the wooden table where some medical herbs are resting. "Use it as ye want, so long it's something ye wish for."
Inuyasha's ears flattened to his head, "I don't know what I want though."
"Ye need not rush into things." Keada advises, "Now I need to tend to some of the villagers."
Everyone in the hut remains silent as they wait for Keada to leave. Once she does disappear, they all still remain quiet, each not knowing what to say. After a few moments pass by, Kagome walks over to her yellow backpack and picks it up, "Well, I guess I should head back home for now. Everyone will want to know that we finally got the jewel, and that I'm okay." Kagome stands there another moment, expecting Inuyasha to object.
Surprisingly, the hanyou merely nods his head, telling her to go. Kagome figures it's because he doesn't need her to track down jewel shards anymore, so he doesn't need her at every possible minute. Relieved to be able to leave without argument, Kagome hurries out of the hut, telling Shippo that she'll be back in a few days.
Inuyasha silently watches her leave; one thought goes through his mind, 'I'll have to use the jewel while she's already on the other side.' If he does it when she's gone, it'll save him from throwing her in the well himself. Inuyasha walks over to the table with the various herbs spread across it. He picks up a few and sniffs, his nose wrinkling in disgust by the smell of them.
Inuyasha's ears perk up as they suddenly catch the sounds of villagers screaming outside. He remains in his spot phased for a moment in confusion before he hears the work 'demon' being screamed. "Come on Inuyasha! We must protect the villagers." Miroku prompts.
Inuyasha doesn't need to be told twice. Telling Shippo to stay in the hut, the two race outside their hut. Their gazes land at the sight of a large spider demon. Inuyasha left hand travels down to his pocket, where the Shikon No Tama sits, 'Bastard must of sensed the jewel.'
"I'll take care of this demon." Miroku announces as he unwraps his hand, "Wind Tun-.." Miroku stops what he's doing, as he suddenly remembers that the void in his hand disappeared along with Naraku. His main technique for vanquishing demons is gone.
"Feh.. stupid monk." Inuyasha comments before unsheathing the Tetsaiga. "I'll take care of this weakling." Inuyasha charges towards the giant spider, his sword posed to attack. Before Inuyasha can reach the demon however, it lets out a painful scream as a large boomerang sliced through two of its legs. Inuyasha slid to a halt as he watched the boomerang return back to Sango's hands, who's standing on the other side of the demon.
Inuyasha couldn't find it in him to move to finish the demon off himself. He watched as the giant spider turned around and tried catching Sango with a string of web. The slayer skillfully dodged out of the way, and threw the boomerang once more. Her aim was dead on, it sliced the demon's head clear off, killing it instantly with that one blow. The spider's body dropped to the ground, it's legs sprawled out in all directions. When Sango's weapon returned to her hands, she wiped the demon's blood off of it.
Inuyasha stood there, realization dawning down on him. He slowly walks up to Sango, keeping his gaze locked on her form, "Sango." Inuyasha calls out, getting the slayers attention. Inuyasha stops in front of her. He looks back at the dead demon, than back at Sango, "I have something to ask you."
Sango straps her weapon to her back, giving Inuyasha a confused look, "What is it Inuyasha?"
"What would you rather me use the jewel for? To become demon, or to become human."
"Why are you asking me?" She asks confused.
"Ah... He's asked all of us. Apparently he wishes to know what we think." Miroku answers, as he walks up to the two.
"Oh." Sango lowers her head as she stare at the ground. Inuyasha remains patient as he waits for the slayer to reply. "I..." Sango hesitates, "I don't care what you become." Sango looks up, a small smile playing across her lips, "Either way, I'll still stand by your side. You accepted me as a friend after I tried killing you when we first met. So I can accept you whichever way you wish to go. It's the least I can do."
A genuine smile plays across Inuyasha's lips, a little surprised by Sango's answer. Though she didn't really pick one, it doesn't matter now. "I've made my decision." Inuyasha says suddenly.
"What do you mean Inuyasha?" Miroku asks in confusion.
The hanyou turns to the monk and smirks before racing back towards Keada's hut. Sango and Miroku both share a look before they race after Inuyasha, realization dawning on them, "Inuyasha, wait!" Miroku shouts, wanting desperately to stop him. They watch him disappear into Keada's hut, a moment later, Shippo is tossed out of it.
"Hey!" Shippo whines. He turns to Miroku and Sango as they show up, "Inuyasha just threw me out of the hut, and I didn't do anything!"
"He's going to use the jewel!" Miroku explains before racing to the entrance of the hut. He reaches for the door and immediately becomes shocked by Tetsaiga's protective force. Miroku falls back on his rear in surprise and shock, "He's sealed himself in."
"We can't stop him." Sango realizes.
Inuyasha smirks to himself as he looks down at the glowing jewel in his hands. He knows exactly what he's going to be. No one's going to stop him, 'I'll finally fit in somewhere. No more being an outcast from both sides. I won't have to worry about being weak either. I'll still be the strongest.' Inuyasha thinks before he makes his wish.
Outside the hut, everyone waits, their anxiety racking at their nerves. They hear Inuyasha suddenly shout out, causing them to all become worried. "You dumb-dumb!" Shippo shouts before throwing himself at the entrance of the hut. He's tossed back by the protective barrier around the hut.
"What is happening here?" Keada's voice suddenly appears, causing everyone to jump in shock.
Shippo rushes to Keada's side, "Inuyasha is using the jewel!" He replies, panicked.
The old priestess's eyes widen in surprise, "What ye say is true?"
Shippo nods his head frantically, "Uh-huh, Uh-huh. And he's sealed the hut. We can't get in!"
They hear a loud thumb from inside the hut, something had fallen. Keada walks over to the door of the hut, "Wait, Lady Keada! You mustn't!" Miroku warns. Keada surprises them all by touching the door, without being forced back. She glances back at all of them before opening up the door.
The three hurry to Keada's side, the door opens all the way and something clatters on the ground. Everyone looks down to stare at the Tetsaiga, back to it's original state. Glancing around the hut, they find Inuyasha sprawled out on the floor. No one moves a muscle, fear coursing through their bodies. He had done it. He had used the jewel. No one wanted to find out what exactly what Inuyasha became. No one dared to get within striking range.
Sango took one brave step forward, "Inuyasha?" She calls out uncertainly. The man in question doesn't reply. The slayer takes a nervous gulp before taking a few more steps closer, "Inuyasha?" She calls out softly. When he doesn't respond she turns back to the others. Miroku, Shippo, and Keada remain in their spots, they however, give Sango a nod, signalling her to continue.
Taking a deep breath, and gathering as much courage as possible, Sango clsoes her eyes and quickly walks over to the fallen Inuyasha, "Inuyasha?" Sango calls out a little bit louder before glancing down. Her eyes widen as she stares down at him. His lips are curled up in a smile. Sango doesn't know how to react, so she stands there.
Starring down into his violet eyes...
That's it everyone! So who guessed what Inuyasha would become? Anyone? you must of, come on... It's was obvious right? Well as you can see, this is being continued. Go help us all. So review and let me know what you think of this so far. Next chapter I'll be giving replies back. I would of done it this one but I kind of didn't get the chance to go back and look at the reviews, and old man is on now. Sorry. So review y'all! TTNC! And sorry if I'm spelling Tetsaiga wrong, I suck when it comes to spelling that lol
