A/N: Yo! I know it's been awhile, but I needed to sort through a few things before I wanted to post the alternate ending. It might take me a little longer to update, since new things are happening in my life- so, sorry in advance.
Anyway, really quickly, I need to explain how this 'alternate ending' business is going to work.
The alternate ending is just that- an alternate ending. This is what would have happened if something was different. However, the original ending is the real ending that actually happened in 'karen-land.' Because of this, I have decided to leave the entire story of "Sesshoumaru's Heart" intact for those who read it for the first time. The alternate ending will be posted after the original story and its original ending. While there are a few similarities between the altered chapter 12 and the upcoming altered chapter 13, the story is DIFFERENT. Some of the same things had to happen, so those sections are cut-and-paste for the most part. But beware! Not everything is the same, although it may look like it at first glance. I don't want this story to be taken off of this server because they think it is just a repeat of a previous chapter.
Now... This is the last third of chapter 12. If it suits you, I might suggest that you go back and read at least the beginning part of chapter 12, just to regain the flavor for the chapter- and then come to this chapter once you reach the text in the following "Previously" section. (It also would cover for the fact that this is a short chapter. But just keep in mind that it's short because it's like, the last third of chapter 12...)
Disclaimer: I do not own Inu Yasha, but I do own this sadly confusing excuse for a story and its alternate ending..
Previously:
"I…" Kagome looked at the ground, "…kissed him."
"You… what?" He stepped backwards. "Kagome… you?" he asked, shocked. The red tinge and crimson stripes, which had emerged because of jealousy, disappeared from his eyes and cheeks. In their place was the expression of deep sorrow in his amber eyes. He turned away from Kagome in order to hide the hurt from his eyes. "You kissed him," he repeated softly.
"Mm."
Altered Chapter 12: secrets revealed
"Kagome," he asked seriously, his voice shaking with raw emotion, "did anything else happen?"
"No. That was it. Inu Yasha, I'm so sor-"
"Tch. Kagome.. last night, when Shippou said you smelled like Sesshoumaru… that was the scent of the mark, wasn't it?"
"Mm." She could hear the shaky sound of his breathing, even though he was facing away from her.
"Then.. Kagome.. did what I say-- did what I say to you mean nothing?" he asked, weakly.
"Of course it meant something, Inu Yasha… I'm just… I'm just confused right now. So many things have happened since I came here.."
"Since you were kidnapped," Inu Yasha reminded her of the true reason why she came to the castle.
"Yes," she nodded slowly.
"Sesshoumaru.." Inu Yasha spat his brother's name.
"I'm so sorry, Inu Yasha," she apologized again. "I don't know what came over me when I did it," she tried to reason with him. Inu Yasha knew she was telling the truth; he had read about the influence of youkai blood when used in a temporary mark. But that didn't change the facts of what happened. Still with his back to her, Inu Yasha turned his head to allow him to see Kagome out of the corner of his eye.
"Kagome," he asked softly, turning around to face her fully. "Do… do you want to stay with Sesshoumaru?" A million things ran through Kagome's head. She hadn't really thought through her feelings about Sesshoumaru yet.
'I want to tell him no, but… is that how I really feel? I don't want to lie to Inu Yasha. I just…' Inu Yasha was staring at her, expectantly. "I don't know. I don't know what I'm feeling anymore, Inu Yasha," she told him honestly, frustrated at not knowing her true feelings. Inu Yasha sighed, and closed his eyes. It was quite possible that the mark Sesshoumaru had given her left her with residual feelings for him.
"It's okay, Kagome. I know what kind of process takes place with a temporary mark like what Sesshoumaru gave you. I… just want you to be happy." It took practically all he had to say that last sentence without faltering.
"Please don't blame him, Inu Yasha," she petitioned. Inu Yasha stared at Kagome in almost disbelief. Was she defending the same one who kidnapped her and marked her without her permission? His disbelief was replaced by anger toward his brother.
'No wonder Kagome seemed so different. She was submissive and respectful to Sesshoumaru because he brainwashed her with that temporary mark!'
"Please give me time to think, Inu Yasha. I need to sort things out for awhile." Inu Yasha shook his head, stepped toward Kagome, and placed his hands on her shoulders, giving her a gentle shake.
"Snap out of it, Kagome!" he said loudly. "Don't you see what Sesshoumaru did to you?"
"What are you talking about?" Kagome asked, annoyed that he was shaking her. "He wanted me to teach Rin how to behave like a lady! Don't you get it? He plans to mate with Rin!" As soon as the last exclamation left her lips, Inu Yasha froze like a statue.
"…" The more Inu Yasha thought, the more he became annoyed. 'Not only did Sesshoumaru mark Kagome, but it wasn't for any good reason? Does he realize what this did to Kagome?' Inu Yasha's hands dropped from Kagome's shoulders and landed at his sides. He didn't believe that teaching Rin incantations was the only reason Sesshoumaru marked Kagome. What were his brother's true intentions with Kagome? Deep in his heart, Inu Yasha knew that he would have to fight Sesshoumaru for her. Without saying any more words to the lovely young woman who stood in front of him, Inu Yasha turned and began to walk away.
"Wait… where are you going, Inu Yasha?" Kagome asked, under her breath. She didn't really feel like he blamed her for what happened, but… she had a bad feeling about this. She didn't want Sesshoumaru and Inu Yasha to fight; and that's exactly what seemed to be about to happen.
A/N: So, as you can see, the alternate ending begins with a single thing: Kagome showing hesitation. Also, please remember that there are several things in the story that HAVE NOT happened yet, considering we took a break from the original story. These things include (but are not limited to): Sango giving birth, Rin getting her period, Inu Yasha perfecting his youkai abilities, and Kagome's final decision.
Reviewer responses:
toxiclollipop: I hope this makes things a little clearer. I didn't want to start a whole new story and say that it's the 'alternate ending.' The main reason is that because there are similar moments in the original story and the alternate ending, I don't want one or both of the stories to be deleted. That's something that could very well happen, since one of their rules is to not have the same story in two places on the site. I'm so glad you liked my ending, though, and that you thought it was worth the read.
The Squabbit: I'm not sure if Inu Yasha will ever realize that Kagome is Rin's reincarnation- probably he does at some point in my original story.
INUYASHALOVER45: um, that was the end of the story... I dunno, they probably have a baby- I never liked introducing new characters, so I probably won't write about their kid...
destinyheart15: Thanks for your support! I was pleased with the ending, too.. and yay! It's an honor to be on someone's 'favorites' list! cool!
Beulah Page: Thanks! Yeah, I was surprised S-dono was lenient, too- but I think that you're right- his mind was somewhere else... I'm glad you liked the ending!
zookie78 /Zookie Moon Princess: well, heh, this alternate ending is for people like you! -wink- Oh, and just keep this story on your story alert, and you'll be alerted when I add another chapter.
Jewel Of Souls: I'm glad to see there's another Rin/Sess person out there! Thanks for your support!
whimsy: Thanks very much for your help in beginning this alternate ending. You're great to bounce ideas off!
Thanks also to RinCutie7455 (thanks for the awesome compliment!), animefanatic-9877, SubaruWings, hermonine, Kimster44, Redwillow123, 'nobody', and sheenachi.