A/N-- Reminder I don't own Inuyasha or any of the characters… I own this story… and
some of my made up characters. I also don't own the song lyrics most are from Evanescence and others I can only guess. Poem does not belong to me.
"Talking"
'Thinking'
"Bring Me to Life" Evanescence
all this time I can't believe I couldn't see
kept in the dark but you were there in front of me
I've been sleeping a thousand years it seems
got to open my eyes to everything
without a thought without a voice without a soul
don't let me die here
there must be something more
bring me to life
…..
Ch.19: Truth Unveiled
…
Inuyasha walked towards Lady Kinata's hut…
He thought of many questions that Kikyo would have to answer; questions that laid silent for nearly 3 years… Years of longing… longing for her… for Kagome.
Years that seemed like a decade…
He had to endure every moment and everyday wishing she was there with him…
Slowly; anger and frustration began to creep its way in his heart; he felt angry at himself for being so foolish and blind, and hatred at Kikyo for harming Kagome.
His eyes flashed red as he recalled how Kikyo had attacked an unsuspecting, and defenseless Kagome.
Golden eyes turned crimson red, as Inuyasha became blood lust with hatred.
'The Bitch will pay' he thought….. Seeking the object of his hatred. In his mind he only thought of her death and everything else that gets in his way.
Meanwhile at Kinata's hut…
Everyone sat in complete silence
It has been this way since Inuyasha left, hours ago.
All lost in their own thoughts.
Lady Kinata stared at the unusual group, trying to piece out the mystery that had unfolded before of her.
'What could they have done to create such great hatred and sorrow on a being that was once so pure' she thought as she eyed the sleeping Priestess.
'This woman….. I sense no life in her…. She is neither the living nor the dead?'
Just as she was about to speak! Kikyo's form jolted.
Kikyo's POV
Slowly her eyes opened.
Everyone stared in silence as she sat up, still holding her wounds. She gazed at her surroundings, and focused her motionless eyes on Kinata and the group.
Shippo ran to her side first.
"Kikyo are you okay" the kit asked.
She gazed at him with those same cold eyes that she had often had years back, before Kagome's disappearance.
Shippo stared baffled at the woman he had grown to care, and depend on. But deep within his heart, a bigger portion of himself favored Kagome more than the dead priestess.
"Where is Inuyasha" Kikyo questioned in a monotone voice.
Her eyes flashed with hatred and loath as she recalled the events, that had led to her to unconsciousness.
'The wench dares to challenge me; she will pay for her insolence. I will get my revenge.'
Kikyo clenched her fist, thinking of many ways to destroy her reincarnate.
'Inuyasha belongs to me. I will not let that insolent girl win. I will not lose to her'
She sat in silence as the group observed her cautiously. They had seen the change in Kikyo, as if she had returned to her usual lifeless self. Not like the one they had acquainted with these last 3 years.
"I had asked you a question, and I expect you to reply" Kikyo spoke, her tone bitter and impatient.
Shippo stared bewildered at Kikyo as if he had been silently slapped by her harsh tone.
"Answer me… where is Inuyasha" Her tone threatening.
"I advice you lower voice, you are speaking to a child after all." Lady Kinata interrupted her tone as threatening, and hostile as Kikyo's.
Kikyo stared at her in annoyance.
"And who might you be to dare speak to me in such impudent manner?" Kikyo spoke.
"I am Lady Kinata, and you will show respect while you are in my shelter." Kinata spoke with pure disgust at the priestess.
"Yes Kikyo… she had helped you with your wounds. You must show her gratitude" Miroku intercepted trying to break the dispute between the two Miko's.
Kikyo glared at the elder priestess with dislike and bitterness, but kept in silence.
'Inuyasha should be returning shortly, till then I have no option but to wait with these mongrels' Kikyo thought.
Suddenly, the sounds of crashing trees were heard outside beyond the forest!
Something was approaching with great speed and rage. Striking tree's that stood in its way.
Everyone dashed for their weapons, and rushed outside to encounter the source of the disturbance.
Miroku stood protectedly in front of Sango, while Shippo hid behind her and Kirara.
Lady Kinata stood ahead of everyone with a bow and arrow in hand, while Kikyo stood near the hut leaning against its walls with her bow and arrow at her side.
She was not strong enough, and needed more rest. She had no energy to summon her soul stealers and would have to rely on the group.
Her Miko powers were weak and she could not sense the demon that was approaching.
The sounds of crashing trees came closer, and louder.
"Whatever's causing it… is heading this way." Miroku shouted as he readied himself for battle.
Everyone stood in their battle stance preparing for the approaching danger.
The group was still slightly worn from their earlier battle, and their wounds were still fresh.
They did not stand a chance without Inuyasha.
Kikyo was of no use as her Miko powers had not recovered yet.
Lady Kinata; her Miko powers have deteriorated over the years and were not as powerful as she once was.
Kirara transformed, she growled and sniffed the air. The scent she caught was slightly familiar, but tainted with such impurity that she could not distinguish who the scent belonged to.
The sounds halted… and the air grew silent and cold.
The group stood waiting and observant, watching any and every movement and sound.
The silence grew thicker… and the feeling of being watched grew heavier on the group.
Darkness surrounded them in every corner, as a pair of blood red eyes watched observantly at the group. It caught sight of Kikyo, and growled with pure malevolence.
A laugh filled the air; it was laughter of pure atrociousness, and intent of murder.
It echoed through the forest… scaring away nearby lesser demons, and flocks of birds that resided in the forest.
INU POV
Inuyasha caught site of his prey and watched her with pure hatred. A growl escaped his throat. It was a sound of warning to anyone who got in his way.
'He would have his prey' he watched enclosed in darkness at the pathetic defense they had put up.
He glared at the group like predator, stalking its prey.
'Who should die first… the hag, the monk, the taijiwa, the miko, or that pathetic pup?'
He laughed at the vulnerability of the group. His laughter echoed through the forest.
Finally choosing his first victim, he leapt of the branch he stood upon and headed for his prey.
'The Wench will die first…' He thought, as he swiftly leapt towards Kikyo.
Everyone watched shocked, and helpless as an enraged demon form Inuyasha quickly made his way to Kikyo.
He moved so rapidly that he easily past the others with ease.
Kikyo screamed in horror as Inuyasha sped towards her.
She moved quickly out of the way before he could swipe her with his claws.
She stumble to the ground staring wide eye as Inuyasha stood before her; ready to strike her without hesitation.
She could see a smirk on his face, one full of malice, and the intent of death.
Kikyo watched helplessly as Inuyasha raised his clawed hand.
"Inuyasha…." She pleaded.
His crimson red eyes gazed upon her with extreme disgust and hatred.
She raised her arm to protect herself knowing it would do nothing.
"Inuyasha… stop!" Screamed Miroku, and Sango.
He looked at the duo and only smirked more seeing the fear in their eyes.
Shippo was hidden behind Sango, while Kirara growled at Inuyasha.
He turned back to his prey, his claws bleeding red, as he watched her.
While he was distracted, Lady Kinata shot an arrow towards the enraged demon, pouring all the Miko powers she had left into the arrow.
It hurled its way to Inuyasha, and pierced him through the shoulder.
He creamed in agony as he clutched the arrow, that was slowly purifying him, burning his blood, and flesh.
Inuyasha kneeled down on his knees as he yanked the arrow out.
His blood and flesh painfully burning, it was as if the arrow was poisoned. Like acid burning his flesh.
It was purifying him… restraining the Demon that was set loose.
Slowly he was returning to his old self, and soon he succumbed to unconsciousness. His demon form was released though he had Tesusaiga at his hilt, and now he was peacefully asleep on the ground. Right in front of Kikyo!
Lady Kinata was out of energy, she had spent a large portion of her energy on that one shot.
She had used all her Miko powers.
Sango helped her into the hut, as Miroku went to Inuyasha to bring him inside as well.
Shippo ran to Kikyo's side but she abruptly pushed him away.
"I do not require any of your assistance" She uttered, as shippo sadly left her side and followed the others inside the hut, with Kirara behind him.
Kikyo was left to pick up herself, and followed everyone inside the hut.
She needed to know what had caused Inuyasha to turn against him. She
She needed to know why he had attacked her; she needed to know why he had turned into his demon form.
He awoke with a painful headache. Inuyasha clutched his head as he brushed sweats off.
Unexpectedly, he felt a burning pain in his right shoulder, which was now covered in bandages.
"What the hell…" He shouted as he looked around and spotted everyone gazing at him. They stared surprised and uneasy. It seems he had surprised him with his sudden shouts.
"Why the hell… does my body hurt so much." He shouted again staring at Miroku for answers.
"Well his back to normal…" Sango uttered to Miroku.
"Owww…damn old hag that hurts" Inuyasha yelled as Lady Kinata began checking the bandages.
"Would ya keep movin around" She commanded.
"Well Inuyasha its good to have you back" Miroku spoke as he stood up and made his way to the hanyou.
"What the hell are you talking about monk?"
"Inuyasha you turned into your demon form. You attacked us, and nearly killed Kikyo." Miroku spoke.
Sango nodded while cradling the sleeping form of Shippo.
"What are you talking bout… I don't remember any of it."
'Kikyo' something in his mind click.
"KIKYO… WHERE IS SHE" Inuyasha shouted. He remembered his dream, his vision of Kagome's pain.
It was Kikyo who had attacked Kagome.
"Inuyasha… calm down, she went for a walk, I'm sure she'll be back soon" Sango replied.
As if in cue…Kikyo's form entered the hut. She gazed at Inuyasha with those callous eyes.
"YOU…! Why did you do it? Why did you attack Kagome?" Inuyasha questioned in anger.
"You attacked her while she was defenseless, and unprotected. The Kikyo I knew held to much honor to do attack defenseless people."
Now Kikyo new why he had attacked her!
'So he has learned of my evil deed…'Kikyo thought as she recalled the day she had attacked her reincarnate.
"Inuyasha what are you talking about…" Miroku questioned.
"Yeah you stupid idiot…" a now awake shippo protested.
Inuyasha ignored the others…his eyes intently focused on Kikyo.
"Why did you do it Kikyo. Why did you hurt Kagome" Inuyasha questioned.
"I merely wanted to put her out of her misery." Kikyo replied remorselessly. A tint of amusement in her tone!
"You attacked and drained her of her soul" Inuyasha spoke with disgust.
"It was my soul to begin with." She stated. The amusement changed into anger.
"Tell me Inuyasha would it have been better if she had returned and rejoin the group knowing you had betrayed and replaced her."
Inuyasha stood silent knowing Kikyo spoke the truth. Everyone stared baffled at the two.
"She would have died from depression, and you know that"
"She would have lived her life in constant sorrow, believing she is nothing more than a mere copy, a replica"
"You made her feel that way Inuyasha, You thought her hate, and sorrow. You tainted her, not I, not anyone, you. You betrayed her. I merely pushed you to do it, but you've done it on your own free will." Kikyo's tone amusing!
"You chose me Inuyasha… Do you not remember…? You would have stolen her soul for me... if I commanded you to."
"No… I would never hurt Kagome… not even for you" Inuyasha replied softly.
"Fool…You had hurt her in the worst possible way. You betrayed, and abandoned her. She is sworn to hate and loath you… Foolish hanyou… Do you believe she will return to you…now?" Her harsh words had hit Inuyasha like a painful slap in the face.
With all that said Kikyo spun around and left the hut. She had no time to waste on them.
Kikyo's words and her tone reminded him of Kagome. What she had become… a splitting image of Kikyo. Now Kagome had truly turned into Kikyo.
Their features… beautifully perfect, but lifeless, and cold! Their tone of voice…just as bitter, and unsympathetic! Their eyes… those depths of darkness, detached and callous!
It sent shivers down his spines. They were so much alike yet different at the same time.
Kikyo POV
'I must find my reincarnate and take back, which she has stolen' she thought.
'I must obtain my soul… and I will take back the jewel. Only then shall I return to drag Inuyasha to the pits of hell. But I require assistance. That imprudent girl had become stronger. She must be eliminated before she becomes a threat. I cannot let her get in my way. I will have Inuyasha. But! I will need Narakus assistance' Kikyo's (vile & evil) thoughts, as she disappeared in the shadows of the forest.
Back in Lady Kinata's Hut
Inuyasha bowed his head, his bangs hiding his eyes in its shadows.
Everyone gazed at him, waiting for an explanation.
"If I Had only Known" By: Unknown…(Poem does not belong to me)
If I had only known…that day was to be the last
If I had only known…you would be lost forever within the past
If I had only known…That your face I would no longer see
If I had only known…maybe you would still be here with me.
If I had only known…
I would have held you closer…
I would have held you tighter…
I would not have not let go…
Lady Kinata stood gazing at the group. She was trying to piece together a mystery that had long since haunted her from the beginning.
What she had heard, and understood in the dispute was that the dead Miko had attacked Kagome.
'So that is the reason, she was so lifeless. She had her soul drained out of her. Poor child I had never known her burden was so deep, and tragic. She was betrayed by the man she loved for a woman she so much resembled.' Lady Kinata thought.
"Inuyasha… you must tell us" Sango pleaded.
Still Inuyasha stood in silence lost in his own thoughts.
"Please Inuyasha we wish to know the reason Kagome did not return" Sango pleaded again. This time Inuyasha looked up. His eyes filled with pain and sorrow.
"I saw Kagome hours ago after I left. I also wanted to know why she didn't come back. She…. She showed me her memories." Inuyasha stopped, reliving those images in his head was painful, but they had the right to know.
"She came back… she thought we replaced her for Kikyo. She ran away to the well. Kikyo followed her… She… attacked Kagome without warning. Kagome was defenseless and weakened, she couldn't fight back. Then Kikyo stole her soul." Inuyasha stuttered
He was on his knees now, tears cascading down his cheeks unto the cold floor. He was on his knees, weeping, something he rarely do.
"I didn't know… I wasn't there to protect her." More came.
If I had only known…
I would have whispered into your ear
Telling you how much you mean to me
Reminding you how much I hold you dear.
Sango fell to the ground, tears now falling down her eyes.
Miroku ran to soothe her. He wanted to relieve her of some of the pain she was feeling, even just a little,even when he felt pain in his heart as well. Sango needed him now; he couldn't break down on her. Sango needed him now.
He bent down and hugged her, and for once in many years he didn't try any trick with his hands.
"Kagome…" Sango whimpered.
"Shhh… Sango it's alright" Miroku comfortly ushered.
She cried on his offered shoulder, embracing him like he was her lifeline.
If I had only known…
I would have kept you in my arms…
I would have ignored our past troubles…
Just you and me, safe and warm…
Shippo curled into the corner, silently crying, while Kirara lay beside him offering him her warmth.
'Kagome… I didn't know…' Shippo thought; he regretted ever doubting her, ever hating her for harming Kikyo, ever hating her for hurting everyone. He regretted ever hating her for leaving and abandoning him and the others.
If I had only known…
I would have spent a night with you together…
Underneath an elegant blanket of stars…
Dwindling on our old vows of forever…
But yet I already know…
These things will never come to be…
For were already alon…,
Its no longer us…
Instead just YOU or ME…
'I didn't know...' Shippo thoughtfully blamed himself.
Inuyasha was lost in his own thoughts.
He was still kneeling on the floor, thinking of ways to explain to Sango and Shippo that he was with Kikyo that day 3 years ago. Declaring his undying love to her! If only he knew. If only he knew that Kagome was in danger. Maybe then he could have done something to prevent Naraku from harming her. If only he knew she came back that stormy night, he wouldnt have brought Kikyo to Kaedas hut. He wouldn't have let Kikyo hurt her. He could've prevented it… but he was too blind.
If I had only known…
That day was to be the last…
If I had only known…
You would be lost forever within the past…
If I had only known…
That your face I would no longer see…
If I had only known…
Maybe you would still be here with me…
Maybe we would still be together…
IF I HAD ONLY KNOWN…
"If I had only known" Inuyasha whispered…
"If I had only known………"
If you could journey back in time, and change everything! Would You?
Everybody's Fool Lyrics: Evanescence
Perfect by nature
Icons of self indulgence
Just what we all need
More lies about a world that
Never was and never will be
Have you no shame? Don't you see me?
You know you've got everybody fooled
Look here she comes now
Bow down and stare in wonder
Oh how we love you
No flaws when you're pretending
But now I know she:
Never was and never will be
You don't know how you've betrayed me
And somehow you've got everybody fooled
Without the mask
Where will you hide?
Can't find yourself
Lost in your lies
I know the truth now
I know who you are
And I don't love you anymore
It never was and never will be
You don't know how you've betrayed me
And somehow you've got everybody fooled
It never was and never will be
You're not real and you can't save me
Somehow now you're everybody's fool
Well people this is chapter 19. Sorry took a long time to update. I had many projects and school work. Well I hope you still review. I made this chapter a little long, not that long but moderately.
Anywayz hope you stay tuned for chapter 20 which will be up in a few weeks.
Chapter 20: Maybe this will be the chapter Kouga or Sesshomaru steps in. LOL please stay tuned… You don't want to miss it…