-LOL- I just luv hearing my own thoughts on the reviews! Its so great...-like you can read my mind- I was pretty much planning on the whole uniform thing-but now I know someone else likes the idea too! Great minds think alike ::hint:: -So anyways, the story I'm reading is 'Through the Well' ...I think its on but I'm reading it on b/c its updated quicker- but I've already finished that story and moved to its sequel 'Back to You' both of which aren't at all dissappointing...I love stories by other authors and I definately love hearing the way they play with the plot- it gives me some good ideas...anyways- on with my story! ENJOY!
A.N. --By the way, I read a review the other day about Haimu and hanyou....haimu means home...hanyou means half demon...I already know this much- so plz read the translations at the bottom for your own benefit- in the chapter, Kagome was trying to say that Inuyasha felt like her home, ya know- symbolism...wherever he was would be her home...its a fluff thing...so sorry if I confused you guys- i figured most of you would catch it since most of you read the translations at the bottom- which are ALWAYS updated with each chappy- but do contain some of the same words all the time....
Chapter 35
Kagome still sat on the lip of the well, the letter put away in her kimono, her fingers grazing the top as her eyes caressed the sturdy old boards. 'But why...in the letter it told me that this well was sealed for a reason...but...why?' A rustling of feet broke her thoughts and caught her attention as she looked up to see Inuyasha jumping from the trees and walking across the clearing towards her. At that moment- she wanted everything to pause- she knew this, as though she had naturally waited by the well for him. But time moved swiftly and his words tore open her dazed glance.
"Kagome...are you going back to the village soon? You've been out here all morning..." He raised a brow at her curiously- though she couldn't tell if his tone was concerned or annoyed. "un...I'm going back now...I have a few things to do anyway..." She smiled softly, getting to her feet and taking a few steps- instantly feeling the exhaustion rush from her head to her feet like a crashing wave, as though her energy had drained the moment she left the well.
She staggered slightly, ready to feel the painfully hard impact of her body against the ground- but nothing came, her fingers clutched dearly to the soft red cloth before her until she loosened her grip and looked up into the soothing gold hues that had caught her fall. Inuyasha was blushing slightly as Kagome looked up at him- a small hint of confusion in her eyes. "Are you alright Kagome?" His voice slightly wavering as he fought to break the unbearably silent moment. She nodded. "ano...gomen Inu..yasha..." Her voice was as unsteady as her footing as she felt the blood rushing to her face, blushing her cheeks a pale cherry. Her heart raced loudly in her chest as she felt his strong warm touch against her- she never wanted to let go, but before she knew it- time was once again flowing smoothly.
"C'mon...you should rest in the village for awhile..." Inuyasha fought back the desire to embrace her and much more- but her knew if he took advantage of her in this moment, he would never forgive himself and it might scare Kagome into a panic in her current state. So he settled on following her back to the village as she began to walk into the forest. His eyes wandered over her figure in a half-dazed manner, thinking about the way his Kagome use to be- but each time he turned a new shade of red.
Kagome could feel the silent hanyou's eyes all over her as she walked a few feet in front of him. A small smile played on her lips contently as her brown hues stayed on the path before her, though her thoughts wandered back to Inuyasha- no matter what she did to stop it. 'Why does he make me feel this he have been the one I was in love with? The one the letter mentioned....and what was this event it spoke of? I wonder if Inuyasha could tell me....UGH! WOULD YOU STOP THINKING ABOUT HIM....'
Kagome sighed in defeat, letting her fingers fidget with her kimono sleeves boredly until they exited the forest and entered the outskirts of the village. As soon as they got back to the village, Inuyasha grounded Kagome to some rest- insisting she needed to stop overexerting herself. Even though Kagome knew he was right- she started up another one of their pointless arguments.
"I'M TELLING YOU TO STAY PUT! Your never going to get better if you are running around constantly!" Inuyasha barked into the hut as Kagome stood before him, trying to leave- but blocked by Inuyasha's figure in the doorway. "SHUT UP STUPID! I'm a big girl! I can take care of myself ya know! If I want to leave its none of your business! SO MOVE!" Inuyasha growled slightly-staring down the stubborn girl before him. Just as they were about to start the second round of shouting, Inuyasha turned his back to Kagome-staring intently at the outskirts of the village. Kagome looked at him with a confused expression. "er...what's wrong Inuyasha?" "There's a youkai coming...and he's covered in human blood..." Kagome gasped slightly-watching the horizon as Miroku and Sango came into view, also awaiting the youkai's appearance.
Suddenly, a large serpent-like demon burst from the tops of the trees- demonic aura pouring off it as it headed for the village. "STAY HERE!" Inuyasha growled back to Kagome as he pulled Tetsusiaga from its shiisu and stood off against the youkai. Miroku and Sango were also ready for battle- Miroku stood ready on Kirara's back as Sango gripped her large weapon over her shoulder tensely. Kagome looked their figures over a moment- then glanced back at the large demon, her hand immediately going to her side as if to pull a sword hilt, but nothing was there. She snapped back to reality- grabbing the bow and quiver that stood next to the door when her blade was no where in sight- standing a few feet in front of the hut, yet several yards away from Inuyasha and the demon.
The demon let out a loud cry- as if it were a strange growl, then plunged at Inuyasha quickly, who managed to dodge easily enough into the air and awaited the reappearance of the demon that had just eaten a mouth full of dirt instead of the hanyou. Immediately the demon came rushing from the parting dust cloud- heading straight for Inuyasha's figure, who simply raised his sword- bouncing it off the demon's fang which threw them both back fiercely to the ground. The silver haired hanyou came to a hard stop against a tree-almost knocking him out- while the youkai sprawled across the ground.
Inuyasha struggled to his feet slowly, noticing his sword had broken the fang of the snake- which now was no where in sight. His golden hues searched desperately fast for his opponent, darting from the place it had fallen to the surrounding area- but it didn't take long for him to spot the large greenish-blue scales slithering along the ground toward his companions. He forced himself to his feet- pumping his legs as the snake chose its path- instead of going toward Sango and Miroku, it decided on Kagome as its easier target.
Before Kagome's mind could fully grasp the situation and react- the snake was closing in. "KAGOME!" She could heard her name called as Inuyasha ran faster, but his body was simply too far behind as his eyes grew wide with horror. Kagome's eyes shifted from the snake to Inuyasha, then back to the snake. She backed away slightly- her heart racing as she gripped the bow. 'I could shoot it with an arrow- but it will just dodge- I'm not even sure I can aim straight- its so fast...' She didn't have time to think- everything was happening so fast that her thoughts weren't able to keep up when she riased her hand to sheild herself.
Everyone was shocked by the next moment: Kagome's hand emitted a crackle of electricity- sparking a moment, then engulfing the snake and paralyzing it as it lunged to take a bite from her. Her tightly closed eyes reopened when she felt the shock and draining of the energy. She looked over the demon curiously for a moment as it layed lifelessly on the ground- gasping slightly and backing away when it once again began to flinch.
Inuyasha arrived in front of Kagome, towering before her and looking over the demon protectively as Kagome latched to his arm, peering over his shoulder as her hands clutched to his red haori- slightly shaking from fear, confusion, and sudden weakness. Her face was flushed slightly and her breathing irratic, but she managed to keep her feet firmly on the ground as she watched Sango finish the demon off. Inuyasha finally shoved his Tetsusiaga into its shiisu, turning his head to look at Kagome. "You alright?" She nodded- still gripping his haori in her fingers as her heart slowed to its normal pace.
She heard small cries from behind her- turning slightly as her fingers slipped from his sleeve, outstretching as if it were perfectly natural- then greeted by the small ball of fur that ran toward her in panic. She looked down into her arms to spot Shippo looking up at her. "You're alright...aren't you Kagome?" His eyes pleaded with her for an answer. She wavered a moment, then gave him a soft smile- she wasn't quite sure if anyone had informed the small kitsune of her memory loss. "I'm fine Shippo...no need to worry..."
"Good...now go back to the hut and get some rest..." Kagome could hear the inward sigh of relief in the hanyou's voice as he spoke up from the background- and she too was relieved- relieved that Inuyasha was alright. She sighed- too drained to argue with Inuyasha's insistant and annoying request to go back to the hut. Shippo was adding a few things to the list of reasons that Kagome should rest, so she simply slipped her hands away from the kitsune as he jumped down and walked into the dark doorway- dropping her bow and quiver inside and flopping onto the bed by the window.
Inuyasha's honey hues watched Kagome's figure disappear into the hut's doorway with satisfaction- then fell to the small fluff ball that was beginning to tug on his pant leg. "What now runt?" He huffed as he tried to swat Shippo off his leg. "Inuyasha....did Kagome really forget us?" His voice was innocent as he stared off toward the hut- Inuyasha's expression turning serious and almost compassionate. "Its only for now...she'll be fine in a few days..." He rolled his eyes- trying not to seem comforting. Shippo sighed softly. "But...she promised...she said she could never forget any of us..." Inuyasha huffed slightly. "Listen runt...we can't keep every promise we make- sometimes it can't be helped...just give it a few days..." Shippo looked up as Inuyasha began to walk away, amazed at the advice Inuyasha was able to give.
Hours later her eyes fluttered open to realize she had fallen asleep- the small fire had burned out some time ago, and only a silent ribbon of smoke rose from the ashes in the dark room, adding to the tranquil solitude. Kagome pushed herself up, breathing in deeply the smell of earthy ashes. Her raven hair flowed quietly around her face as she peered out the door, noticing a bright fire and muffled voices pouring from Sango's hut. She smiled slightly- it was perfect- Inuyasha wasn't in his tree and they were all preoccupied...she would be alone for at least a little while. In the dim surroundings she lit another fire, smaller this time- so it wouldn't attract attention- then she got down to her knees by the bedside, reaching under it and feeling around- searching for the box the letter had so curiously described.
She had been dying of curiousity all day- she couldn't imagine what would be held inside this box- she was hoping for a clue to what the 'event' might be- since it so drastically changed her, she wanted to know what had happened. Finally, after pulling out a few uninteresting old items that had been stuffed away, her hand grasped the handle to a small wooden box- which she immediately slid out with caution, trying to be as quiet as possible. It was dusty and old, and a handle on the front would have held it shut if it had a lock, luckily it didn't. She bit her lip in anticipation as she slowly lifted the wooden lid, the firelight casting long dark shadows everywhere, so she couldn't see very well into the box until she began pulling things out.
First, she carefully picked up a small camera, looking it over in the firelight and then placing it beside her as she pulled out the pile of pictures it had previously rested on. She began to look through the stack of photos- suprised to see Inuyasha in most of them. She saw a couple group shots- again, these were a few of the rare photos she actually saw Inuyasha in. One was of the entire group: Sango- Miroku- Shippo- Inuyasha- and herself. Shippo was wrapped in her arms as she sat on the grassy hillside, it was late evening- Sango sat on one side, Inuyasha on the other- Miroku next to him. Everyone's expression was warm- even Inuyasha's held a kind sense to it. She layed this photo aside, along with the picture of her and Inuyasha sitting together underneath the Goshimboku tree (a picture Sango and Miroku had taken while spying on them).
She smiled at these cute pictures, setting the rest of the stack aside with the camera and digging into the box once more. Her fingers picked up a few small items- an empty Ramen noodles wrapper and a strange photo of a woman, a young boy, and an elder man among the few she didn't understand. Curiously, her fingers ran across soft cloth- taking hold and pulling out a few outfits. One looked exactly like Inuyasha's kimono and the other was the same one she recognized from the photos.
They seemed rather worn, but she decided to have some fun and stripped down, pulling on the short, pleated green skirt and the school uniform top. As soon as she got it on, her eyes caressed the look and feel of it- now noticing the blood stains and rips that covered the tattered cloth, she could feel something deep within her pulsing- her very soul screaming to unleash something. She unfolded the red kimono to see it was in much worse condition, sliding down to her knees- she could feel her heart racing faster as her eyes absorbed the dried and caked masses of stained crimson darkening the clothes. She clutched it closely to her face, already able to smell the deep earthy scent that belonged to Inuyasha.
She breathed deep and slow- her fingers taking hold of a small item that caught her brown hues in the box. She pulled the paper from inside, leaning against the wall as she began to read the contents, still clinging to the red kimono.
In this land of make-believe...dead and dry.
You're so cold- Keep your hand in mine.
You're so cold- but you feel alive.
Stay here, as if you have a choice.
Even if you cannot hear my voice.
I will stay beside you dear...
Endless feeling over an eternity of plains,
Broken ground with deep hard cracks,
Rigid lightning, crashing thunder- bitter silence.
Stiffling humidity hanging low in the air,
Taunting me with lies of rain that never falls.
That snow- the metallic taste of crimson droplets,
Screaming out through swallowed cries- where have you gone?
Don't leave me- ...too late...no one is here.
How will I remember you...us.
Pictures...memories...sweet scent...all beginning to fade.
I'm forgetting your face- Losing you voice- Speak to me again...please-
Who's going to dry my tears when I'm crying.
Who's going to hold my head when I'm dying.
Who's going to love me when you're gone?
...I think about you all the time.
...I just wanted you to know.
I hate you for leaving me- I hate you for loving me.
I love you for everything- for everything before.
I blamed myself and you- for me being alone now.
But I won't make these mistakes again,
I'll live and die with these regrets...its all I can do now...For You...
Her mind pulsed- the migraine returning to punish her for reopening the memories. She would have completely passed out on the floor if it had not been for her hand steadying her against the wood beneath her and her back against the wall. She placed the note beside her- the world refusing to stop spinning beneath her as she took in every inch of the bloodied clothes below her. She could feel the pain resurfacing- that sinking feeling a if her own heart would fall from her chest and smash on the floor- and she faguely remembered this from long ago...
She was losing to the memories again- like a stalking daydream gone horribly wrong, it flashed before her mind as her fingers enfolded her head. She breathed in- almost holding her breath until they went away- but still she could see them, her eyes were closed tightly- watching the images, some going by so quickly that they were blurred. She saw Inuyasha's lifeless form in the corner-she could hear her own screams as she felt the chill of his cold hand, her face pressed against his chest in somber silence, awaiting a pulse or motion that never came. Different pictures- all flashing before her for only seconds, jumping down the well- claws dragging across her back- Sango's wedding- it was all too much for her, finally she was put back in the room with all the writing along the walls- the dripping scarlet script.
She waited, a few moments later the pain died away and she loosened her grip on the haori- immediately throwing the things back in the box randomly and dressing into her original clothes, tears streaming down her face as she placed the pictures in the box- then her hand took hold of the clothing and she lost all consciousness within an instant, dragging her mind back into the memories as her body clutched the bloody cloth.
She regained herself in the next few moments- rousing quietly as she wondered if she was insane. She was shaking as she lifted herself away from the open box, gripping the red cloth tightly to her chest, looking around in frantically for fear of the next moment- not knowing if her memories would suck her back into oblivion. She had seen too much already- but there was no turning back now, she opened Pandora's box, and there was no closing it now- no matter how many memories flooded her mind. She had to get out- go away and clear her mind, so she sneaked out the door, runnning wildly as she clung desperately to the kimono, heading into the forest that lead to the fields.
Once she came to the clearing where they had once trained, her eyes cast up to the sky to gaze at the moon- which was only a silver crescent of itself. The stars echoed brilliantly throughout the nightsky- in an endless stretch of the milky way above her. She bit her lip, trying hard to put together the few memories she had regained. "What if these aren't even my memories...what if I'm just going crazy- and this is all a bad dream...or what if- " She stopped, she couldn't bare to think it, though her heart still whispered it. '..what if this is a dream...and when I wake up- Inuyasha is no longer there...' She sighed, a regretful and watery smile curving her lips as she gazed at the black sky distantly with glass hues. "Then I suppose I will simply have to dream forever..."
A pair of golden honey hues stalked her from the forest- hidden within shadows. "I think its about time you remembered what happened that day young miko...what transpired to bring you to this point- who betrayed you...It's time to wake up Kagome, and realize who you are..." The soft, cold voice trickled off a pair of merciless lips- clawed fingers took hold of the hilt of a blade- pulling it out and raising it up, ready to swing in one clean, smooth motion.
Kagome's head jerked to the side, her fingers tightening in a fist around the crimson kimono as her chocolate hues searched for the source of the noises. She could faintly sense something- like someone lingering close by, watching her. Before she realized- a blade of light cut through the air toward her- brightening the field, tearing into her body fiercely as she raised on arm defensivley-too late to stop it from slicing into her.
A stoic gaze watched the beam of light overpower the young girl's form- already putting his sword away. "Now...that should be enough to give you some of those memories back- yet those few memories might be just enough to destroy you..." The lord of the western lands turned emotionlessly- walking away with a ruthlessly cold stare.
Moments later, Kagome picked herself up from the cold earth- holding her head as the painful thoughts rushed around in a confusion. "What's going on......where am I- How did I- ..." Her eyes widened as everything seemed to clear- parts that were once lost seemed to appear from nowhere. 'No...' She was shaking as the room came to mind- quickly she was forced to read the words slashed across the walls. -Liar-Betrayal-ALONE-MURDERER-
She pushed herself up- unable to take everything she was remembering. "No- I can't really be alone again-" She ran as fast as she could, clutching the torn cloth in her hand without noticing it, without knowing where she was going. Flashes of things she didn't want to be true were taunting her. "Lies....it can't be true - it wouldn't....he wouldn't..." Tears streamed down her face as her silky and slightly wet hair flew wildly behind her. She pumped her legs harder- tearing through the forest until she stopped abruptly, staring down at the large grey stone.
Her heart skipped a beat as she tried to catch her breath- her eyes never leaving the grave as tears flowed freely down her cheeks. She walked in front of the gravestone, falling to her knees and cursing the very ground he lay in. "INUYASHA! HOW COULD YOU!?" She forced her fists against the ground, finally noticing the kimono that was so violently held within her grasp. She pulled it close, taking in the caked blood and torn pieces of robe as if they were precious air that gave her life. 'How can he be dead...how could he simply leave me this way...'
She soaked the stained cloth with fresh tears- her hair clinging to her face with tears and sweat, making her look as though she was a lovely slave girl. Her mind clung to the only truth she remembered now- the memories that crowded her mind. She remembered only the things before Inuyasha's death- a few things after, and that was about it. "What has happened to me? Am I...crazy? Why is everything so confusing- I remember...Inuyasha- yet it is not Inuyasha...was it a dream? a cruel nightmare that made me believe such unforgiving and beautiful things?" She was being pulled in two places- she vividly remembered Inuyasha's death, yet vaguely remembered him still alive in the back of her mind.
Her free hand pulled at the earth, picking up the soil and watching it sift through her fingers. 'This is his grave- this is real...but...I saw him- not so long ago...was that real also?' She threw the dirt aside, lifting to her feet and turning back to the village. 'I have to remember...I can't understand- I was betrayed, I murdered him- I have lied and decieved yet...am I truly alone? I remember- I remember your kiss....the taste of your lips on mine, the feel of your warm body next to me- I can feel your cold hand, your lifeless eyes- did this love last two lifetimes? Did we die and then return to each other? What has happened to us Inuyasha? What has happened to me...'
Back in the village, Inuyasha and the others had just finished dinner. They were all talking about various things, laughing and discussing things when they finally decided to call it a night. Inuyasha yawned slightly- stretching a bit and getting to his feet, bidding everyone a goodnight and leaving for his tree. Before he got to Kagome's hut- he noticed the faint flickering from inside. 'The fire should have burned out a long time ago...' He figured Kagome might be awake- so he stepped in the door, only to find an empty hut and an open box.
He furrowed his brow a moment, stepping closer to the box and looking in- barely making out the bloody clothes that Kagome once wore. The scent of her blood mixed with his was strong, but faded on the tattered clothes- and he hadn't seen her uniform in what seemed liked ages. Before he could reach in and take hold of it- he turned to a loud noise at the door, his eyes catching Kagome's slumped form against the doorway.
She looked to him as though she had gone crazy- her hair was slightly messy and she had dirt on her barefeet and clothes, and what she held tightly in her hand resembled his kimono- only it smelled exactly like her school uniform. "Kagome...where have you been?" He reached his hand up slightly as he began to take a step, but she stopped him short with a low and serious tone under her breath. "You are not Inuyasha...who are you..."
He couldn't tell if she was looking at him as the small fire casted long shadows in all directions, hiding her brown hues under her thick ebony bangs. "What...what are you saying? Kagome- what happened?" He again attempted to take a step for her, but she backed away coldly- her hand returning to her head as a drop of blood began to streak for her forehead and the glimmer of her wet trails where tears once ran became noticeable. "Inuyasha is dead." Her statement was blunt and soft as she forced back sobs. Inuyasha could see clearly now- exactly what she was thinking. "Kagome...I- Its me...I've come back- You just don't remember..."
Her eyes lifted so he could see them now- they were like the eyes of a broken child, a child that had watched something horrible, something no child should ever see. In one quick motion, Inuyasha took his clawed fingers and framed her face, lifting her chin gently to look at him. Her eyes grew wider as she froze in place- looking at him like he was a ghost, fighting to believe that it wasn't Inuyasha- but desperately hoping it was. His finger wiped away the trickle of blood, his honey orbs looking deep into her own. "Believe me Kagome...I will never leave you again...but please- you have to remember, I can't lose you this way...none of us can...You need to remember now Kagome...for me..." He slowly kissed her crimson-streaked forehead as she closed her eyes, a soft smile curving her lips as her hands went up to his, nuzzling her face into his palm as yet another tear rolled down her face.
"Inuyasha..." She cooed as her lips went up to his, pulling him into a kiss he hardly expected. She deepened the kiss, pulling him closer as his blood-stained haori dropped form her grasp and her hands made their way to his chest. With every moment something new found its way to her memory, yet now it wasn't painful- it was pleasant, he made it all fade into place, as though it had been there all along. 'I need you Inuyasha...I need you to survive- to mend my broken ways...I need you to love me...' He pulled away slightly, his forehead pressed against hers as his hot breath caressed her face. "For you Inuyasha..." She stole another chaste kiss from his lips. "I will always remember..." Inuyasha took her hand with a soft smile. "We should tell the others..." Kagome pressed her hand against his chest, forcing him back playfully to the bed where he flopped into a sitting position, slightly blushing with a confused look as Kagome leaned in closely- whispering as her breath tickled his ear- casuing it to twitch. "Tell them tommorrow...its late..."
Inuyasha leaned back as Kagome layed down on top of him, kissing him gently and snuggling closely into his chest to sleep as he folded his arms around her contently. Kagome went over her memories- as though it was a scrapbook she had proudly finished. 'I understand now...he is my home...my memory- he is my everything..."
They both layed in the small hut for the rest of the night- the small fire burning out soon as the sliver of moonlight began to fade, both beginning to fall asleep to the lull of the others heartbeat.
»--------------------------«
Welps, hope you liked it...it was a little different than what I originally had planned- but I think it might have turned out better...definately happier than I expected. The next chapter is mostly gonna be pure fluff and funny- since we been so dramatic lately...lol. Kagome and Inuyasha will have -ahem- their moment in the next few chappies- so be looking out for that, but I'm not sure- are you guys fond of lemon...because if I add it in then I may have to up the rating to R....depends- let me know how lemony/lime you want it to get... and if I should up the rating....thanks- R&R!
-a/n--just to clear it up, the note/poem Kagome found was a page she had written a long time ago after Inuyasha's death. She kept a few of those pages in the box, like a journal.
ano- er, ummm
Yamauba- mountain witch
Ageku- Finally
Kogatana- small knife(in this case it was a small knife Kagome kept secretly strapped to her ankle for easy access- kinda like Sango's many concealed weapons in her uniform)
Haimu- home
shiisu- sword sheath
Matte- wait
Gomen nasai- I'm sorry; my apologies
Kijo- demoness; she-devil; witch
Un- Yeah
A.N. --By the way, I read a review the other day about Haimu and hanyou....haimu means home...hanyou means half demon...I already know this much- so plz read the translations at the bottom for your own benefit- in the chapter, Kagome was trying to say that Inuyasha felt like her home, ya know- symbolism...wherever he was would be her home...its a fluff thing...so sorry if I confused you guys- i figured most of you would catch it since most of you read the translations at the bottom- which are ALWAYS updated with each chappy- but do contain some of the same words all the time....
Chapter 35
Kagome still sat on the lip of the well, the letter put away in her kimono, her fingers grazing the top as her eyes caressed the sturdy old boards. 'But why...in the letter it told me that this well was sealed for a reason...but...why?' A rustling of feet broke her thoughts and caught her attention as she looked up to see Inuyasha jumping from the trees and walking across the clearing towards her. At that moment- she wanted everything to pause- she knew this, as though she had naturally waited by the well for him. But time moved swiftly and his words tore open her dazed glance.
"Kagome...are you going back to the village soon? You've been out here all morning..." He raised a brow at her curiously- though she couldn't tell if his tone was concerned or annoyed. "un...I'm going back now...I have a few things to do anyway..." She smiled softly, getting to her feet and taking a few steps- instantly feeling the exhaustion rush from her head to her feet like a crashing wave, as though her energy had drained the moment she left the well.
She staggered slightly, ready to feel the painfully hard impact of her body against the ground- but nothing came, her fingers clutched dearly to the soft red cloth before her until she loosened her grip and looked up into the soothing gold hues that had caught her fall. Inuyasha was blushing slightly as Kagome looked up at him- a small hint of confusion in her eyes. "Are you alright Kagome?" His voice slightly wavering as he fought to break the unbearably silent moment. She nodded. "ano...gomen Inu..yasha..." Her voice was as unsteady as her footing as she felt the blood rushing to her face, blushing her cheeks a pale cherry. Her heart raced loudly in her chest as she felt his strong warm touch against her- she never wanted to let go, but before she knew it- time was once again flowing smoothly.
"C'mon...you should rest in the village for awhile..." Inuyasha fought back the desire to embrace her and much more- but her knew if he took advantage of her in this moment, he would never forgive himself and it might scare Kagome into a panic in her current state. So he settled on following her back to the village as she began to walk into the forest. His eyes wandered over her figure in a half-dazed manner, thinking about the way his Kagome use to be- but each time he turned a new shade of red.
Kagome could feel the silent hanyou's eyes all over her as she walked a few feet in front of him. A small smile played on her lips contently as her brown hues stayed on the path before her, though her thoughts wandered back to Inuyasha- no matter what she did to stop it. 'Why does he make me feel this he have been the one I was in love with? The one the letter mentioned....and what was this event it spoke of? I wonder if Inuyasha could tell me....UGH! WOULD YOU STOP THINKING ABOUT HIM....'
Kagome sighed in defeat, letting her fingers fidget with her kimono sleeves boredly until they exited the forest and entered the outskirts of the village. As soon as they got back to the village, Inuyasha grounded Kagome to some rest- insisting she needed to stop overexerting herself. Even though Kagome knew he was right- she started up another one of their pointless arguments.
"I'M TELLING YOU TO STAY PUT! Your never going to get better if you are running around constantly!" Inuyasha barked into the hut as Kagome stood before him, trying to leave- but blocked by Inuyasha's figure in the doorway. "SHUT UP STUPID! I'm a big girl! I can take care of myself ya know! If I want to leave its none of your business! SO MOVE!" Inuyasha growled slightly-staring down the stubborn girl before him. Just as they were about to start the second round of shouting, Inuyasha turned his back to Kagome-staring intently at the outskirts of the village. Kagome looked at him with a confused expression. "er...what's wrong Inuyasha?" "There's a youkai coming...and he's covered in human blood..." Kagome gasped slightly-watching the horizon as Miroku and Sango came into view, also awaiting the youkai's appearance.
Suddenly, a large serpent-like demon burst from the tops of the trees- demonic aura pouring off it as it headed for the village. "STAY HERE!" Inuyasha growled back to Kagome as he pulled Tetsusiaga from its shiisu and stood off against the youkai. Miroku and Sango were also ready for battle- Miroku stood ready on Kirara's back as Sango gripped her large weapon over her shoulder tensely. Kagome looked their figures over a moment- then glanced back at the large demon, her hand immediately going to her side as if to pull a sword hilt, but nothing was there. She snapped back to reality- grabbing the bow and quiver that stood next to the door when her blade was no where in sight- standing a few feet in front of the hut, yet several yards away from Inuyasha and the demon.
The demon let out a loud cry- as if it were a strange growl, then plunged at Inuyasha quickly, who managed to dodge easily enough into the air and awaited the reappearance of the demon that had just eaten a mouth full of dirt instead of the hanyou. Immediately the demon came rushing from the parting dust cloud- heading straight for Inuyasha's figure, who simply raised his sword- bouncing it off the demon's fang which threw them both back fiercely to the ground. The silver haired hanyou came to a hard stop against a tree-almost knocking him out- while the youkai sprawled across the ground.
Inuyasha struggled to his feet slowly, noticing his sword had broken the fang of the snake- which now was no where in sight. His golden hues searched desperately fast for his opponent, darting from the place it had fallen to the surrounding area- but it didn't take long for him to spot the large greenish-blue scales slithering along the ground toward his companions. He forced himself to his feet- pumping his legs as the snake chose its path- instead of going toward Sango and Miroku, it decided on Kagome as its easier target.
Before Kagome's mind could fully grasp the situation and react- the snake was closing in. "KAGOME!" She could heard her name called as Inuyasha ran faster, but his body was simply too far behind as his eyes grew wide with horror. Kagome's eyes shifted from the snake to Inuyasha, then back to the snake. She backed away slightly- her heart racing as she gripped the bow. 'I could shoot it with an arrow- but it will just dodge- I'm not even sure I can aim straight- its so fast...' She didn't have time to think- everything was happening so fast that her thoughts weren't able to keep up when she riased her hand to sheild herself.
Everyone was shocked by the next moment: Kagome's hand emitted a crackle of electricity- sparking a moment, then engulfing the snake and paralyzing it as it lunged to take a bite from her. Her tightly closed eyes reopened when she felt the shock and draining of the energy. She looked over the demon curiously for a moment as it layed lifelessly on the ground- gasping slightly and backing away when it once again began to flinch.
Inuyasha arrived in front of Kagome, towering before her and looking over the demon protectively as Kagome latched to his arm, peering over his shoulder as her hands clutched to his red haori- slightly shaking from fear, confusion, and sudden weakness. Her face was flushed slightly and her breathing irratic, but she managed to keep her feet firmly on the ground as she watched Sango finish the demon off. Inuyasha finally shoved his Tetsusiaga into its shiisu, turning his head to look at Kagome. "You alright?" She nodded- still gripping his haori in her fingers as her heart slowed to its normal pace.
She heard small cries from behind her- turning slightly as her fingers slipped from his sleeve, outstretching as if it were perfectly natural- then greeted by the small ball of fur that ran toward her in panic. She looked down into her arms to spot Shippo looking up at her. "You're alright...aren't you Kagome?" His eyes pleaded with her for an answer. She wavered a moment, then gave him a soft smile- she wasn't quite sure if anyone had informed the small kitsune of her memory loss. "I'm fine Shippo...no need to worry..."
"Good...now go back to the hut and get some rest..." Kagome could hear the inward sigh of relief in the hanyou's voice as he spoke up from the background- and she too was relieved- relieved that Inuyasha was alright. She sighed- too drained to argue with Inuyasha's insistant and annoying request to go back to the hut. Shippo was adding a few things to the list of reasons that Kagome should rest, so she simply slipped her hands away from the kitsune as he jumped down and walked into the dark doorway- dropping her bow and quiver inside and flopping onto the bed by the window.
Inuyasha's honey hues watched Kagome's figure disappear into the hut's doorway with satisfaction- then fell to the small fluff ball that was beginning to tug on his pant leg. "What now runt?" He huffed as he tried to swat Shippo off his leg. "Inuyasha....did Kagome really forget us?" His voice was innocent as he stared off toward the hut- Inuyasha's expression turning serious and almost compassionate. "Its only for now...she'll be fine in a few days..." He rolled his eyes- trying not to seem comforting. Shippo sighed softly. "But...she promised...she said she could never forget any of us..." Inuyasha huffed slightly. "Listen runt...we can't keep every promise we make- sometimes it can't be helped...just give it a few days..." Shippo looked up as Inuyasha began to walk away, amazed at the advice Inuyasha was able to give.
Hours later her eyes fluttered open to realize she had fallen asleep- the small fire had burned out some time ago, and only a silent ribbon of smoke rose from the ashes in the dark room, adding to the tranquil solitude. Kagome pushed herself up, breathing in deeply the smell of earthy ashes. Her raven hair flowed quietly around her face as she peered out the door, noticing a bright fire and muffled voices pouring from Sango's hut. She smiled slightly- it was perfect- Inuyasha wasn't in his tree and they were all preoccupied...she would be alone for at least a little while. In the dim surroundings she lit another fire, smaller this time- so it wouldn't attract attention- then she got down to her knees by the bedside, reaching under it and feeling around- searching for the box the letter had so curiously described.
She had been dying of curiousity all day- she couldn't imagine what would be held inside this box- she was hoping for a clue to what the 'event' might be- since it so drastically changed her, she wanted to know what had happened. Finally, after pulling out a few uninteresting old items that had been stuffed away, her hand grasped the handle to a small wooden box- which she immediately slid out with caution, trying to be as quiet as possible. It was dusty and old, and a handle on the front would have held it shut if it had a lock, luckily it didn't. She bit her lip in anticipation as she slowly lifted the wooden lid, the firelight casting long dark shadows everywhere, so she couldn't see very well into the box until she began pulling things out.
First, she carefully picked up a small camera, looking it over in the firelight and then placing it beside her as she pulled out the pile of pictures it had previously rested on. She began to look through the stack of photos- suprised to see Inuyasha in most of them. She saw a couple group shots- again, these were a few of the rare photos she actually saw Inuyasha in. One was of the entire group: Sango- Miroku- Shippo- Inuyasha- and herself. Shippo was wrapped in her arms as she sat on the grassy hillside, it was late evening- Sango sat on one side, Inuyasha on the other- Miroku next to him. Everyone's expression was warm- even Inuyasha's held a kind sense to it. She layed this photo aside, along with the picture of her and Inuyasha sitting together underneath the Goshimboku tree (a picture Sango and Miroku had taken while spying on them).
She smiled at these cute pictures, setting the rest of the stack aside with the camera and digging into the box once more. Her fingers picked up a few small items- an empty Ramen noodles wrapper and a strange photo of a woman, a young boy, and an elder man among the few she didn't understand. Curiously, her fingers ran across soft cloth- taking hold and pulling out a few outfits. One looked exactly like Inuyasha's kimono and the other was the same one she recognized from the photos.
They seemed rather worn, but she decided to have some fun and stripped down, pulling on the short, pleated green skirt and the school uniform top. As soon as she got it on, her eyes caressed the look and feel of it- now noticing the blood stains and rips that covered the tattered cloth, she could feel something deep within her pulsing- her very soul screaming to unleash something. She unfolded the red kimono to see it was in much worse condition, sliding down to her knees- she could feel her heart racing faster as her eyes absorbed the dried and caked masses of stained crimson darkening the clothes. She clutched it closely to her face, already able to smell the deep earthy scent that belonged to Inuyasha.
She breathed deep and slow- her fingers taking hold of a small item that caught her brown hues in the box. She pulled the paper from inside, leaning against the wall as she began to read the contents, still clinging to the red kimono.
In this land of make-believe...dead and dry.
You're so cold- Keep your hand in mine.
You're so cold- but you feel alive.
Stay here, as if you have a choice.
Even if you cannot hear my voice.
I will stay beside you dear...
Endless feeling over an eternity of plains,
Broken ground with deep hard cracks,
Rigid lightning, crashing thunder- bitter silence.
Stiffling humidity hanging low in the air,
Taunting me with lies of rain that never falls.
That snow- the metallic taste of crimson droplets,
Screaming out through swallowed cries- where have you gone?
Don't leave me- ...too late...no one is here.
How will I remember you...us.
Pictures...memories...sweet scent...all beginning to fade.
I'm forgetting your face- Losing you voice- Speak to me again...please-
Who's going to dry my tears when I'm crying.
Who's going to hold my head when I'm dying.
Who's going to love me when you're gone?
...I think about you all the time.
...I just wanted you to know.
I hate you for leaving me- I hate you for loving me.
I love you for everything- for everything before.
I blamed myself and you- for me being alone now.
But I won't make these mistakes again,
I'll live and die with these regrets...its all I can do now...For You...
Her mind pulsed- the migraine returning to punish her for reopening the memories. She would have completely passed out on the floor if it had not been for her hand steadying her against the wood beneath her and her back against the wall. She placed the note beside her- the world refusing to stop spinning beneath her as she took in every inch of the bloodied clothes below her. She could feel the pain resurfacing- that sinking feeling a if her own heart would fall from her chest and smash on the floor- and she faguely remembered this from long ago...
She was losing to the memories again- like a stalking daydream gone horribly wrong, it flashed before her mind as her fingers enfolded her head. She breathed in- almost holding her breath until they went away- but still she could see them, her eyes were closed tightly- watching the images, some going by so quickly that they were blurred. She saw Inuyasha's lifeless form in the corner-she could hear her own screams as she felt the chill of his cold hand, her face pressed against his chest in somber silence, awaiting a pulse or motion that never came. Different pictures- all flashing before her for only seconds, jumping down the well- claws dragging across her back- Sango's wedding- it was all too much for her, finally she was put back in the room with all the writing along the walls- the dripping scarlet script.
She waited, a few moments later the pain died away and she loosened her grip on the haori- immediately throwing the things back in the box randomly and dressing into her original clothes, tears streaming down her face as she placed the pictures in the box- then her hand took hold of the clothing and she lost all consciousness within an instant, dragging her mind back into the memories as her body clutched the bloody cloth.
She regained herself in the next few moments- rousing quietly as she wondered if she was insane. She was shaking as she lifted herself away from the open box, gripping the red cloth tightly to her chest, looking around in frantically for fear of the next moment- not knowing if her memories would suck her back into oblivion. She had seen too much already- but there was no turning back now, she opened Pandora's box, and there was no closing it now- no matter how many memories flooded her mind. She had to get out- go away and clear her mind, so she sneaked out the door, runnning wildly as she clung desperately to the kimono, heading into the forest that lead to the fields.
Once she came to the clearing where they had once trained, her eyes cast up to the sky to gaze at the moon- which was only a silver crescent of itself. The stars echoed brilliantly throughout the nightsky- in an endless stretch of the milky way above her. She bit her lip, trying hard to put together the few memories she had regained. "What if these aren't even my memories...what if I'm just going crazy- and this is all a bad dream...or what if- " She stopped, she couldn't bare to think it, though her heart still whispered it. '..what if this is a dream...and when I wake up- Inuyasha is no longer there...' She sighed, a regretful and watery smile curving her lips as she gazed at the black sky distantly with glass hues. "Then I suppose I will simply have to dream forever..."
A pair of golden honey hues stalked her from the forest- hidden within shadows. "I think its about time you remembered what happened that day young miko...what transpired to bring you to this point- who betrayed you...It's time to wake up Kagome, and realize who you are..." The soft, cold voice trickled off a pair of merciless lips- clawed fingers took hold of the hilt of a blade- pulling it out and raising it up, ready to swing in one clean, smooth motion.
Kagome's head jerked to the side, her fingers tightening in a fist around the crimson kimono as her chocolate hues searched for the source of the noises. She could faintly sense something- like someone lingering close by, watching her. Before she realized- a blade of light cut through the air toward her- brightening the field, tearing into her body fiercely as she raised on arm defensivley-too late to stop it from slicing into her.
A stoic gaze watched the beam of light overpower the young girl's form- already putting his sword away. "Now...that should be enough to give you some of those memories back- yet those few memories might be just enough to destroy you..." The lord of the western lands turned emotionlessly- walking away with a ruthlessly cold stare.
Moments later, Kagome picked herself up from the cold earth- holding her head as the painful thoughts rushed around in a confusion. "What's going on......where am I- How did I- ..." Her eyes widened as everything seemed to clear- parts that were once lost seemed to appear from nowhere. 'No...' She was shaking as the room came to mind- quickly she was forced to read the words slashed across the walls. -Liar-Betrayal-ALONE-MURDERER-
She pushed herself up- unable to take everything she was remembering. "No- I can't really be alone again-" She ran as fast as she could, clutching the torn cloth in her hand without noticing it, without knowing where she was going. Flashes of things she didn't want to be true were taunting her. "Lies....it can't be true - it wouldn't....he wouldn't..." Tears streamed down her face as her silky and slightly wet hair flew wildly behind her. She pumped her legs harder- tearing through the forest until she stopped abruptly, staring down at the large grey stone.
Her heart skipped a beat as she tried to catch her breath- her eyes never leaving the grave as tears flowed freely down her cheeks. She walked in front of the gravestone, falling to her knees and cursing the very ground he lay in. "INUYASHA! HOW COULD YOU!?" She forced her fists against the ground, finally noticing the kimono that was so violently held within her grasp. She pulled it close, taking in the caked blood and torn pieces of robe as if they were precious air that gave her life. 'How can he be dead...how could he simply leave me this way...'
She soaked the stained cloth with fresh tears- her hair clinging to her face with tears and sweat, making her look as though she was a lovely slave girl. Her mind clung to the only truth she remembered now- the memories that crowded her mind. She remembered only the things before Inuyasha's death- a few things after, and that was about it. "What has happened to me? Am I...crazy? Why is everything so confusing- I remember...Inuyasha- yet it is not Inuyasha...was it a dream? a cruel nightmare that made me believe such unforgiving and beautiful things?" She was being pulled in two places- she vividly remembered Inuyasha's death, yet vaguely remembered him still alive in the back of her mind.
Her free hand pulled at the earth, picking up the soil and watching it sift through her fingers. 'This is his grave- this is real...but...I saw him- not so long ago...was that real also?' She threw the dirt aside, lifting to her feet and turning back to the village. 'I have to remember...I can't understand- I was betrayed, I murdered him- I have lied and decieved yet...am I truly alone? I remember- I remember your kiss....the taste of your lips on mine, the feel of your warm body next to me- I can feel your cold hand, your lifeless eyes- did this love last two lifetimes? Did we die and then return to each other? What has happened to us Inuyasha? What has happened to me...'
Back in the village, Inuyasha and the others had just finished dinner. They were all talking about various things, laughing and discussing things when they finally decided to call it a night. Inuyasha yawned slightly- stretching a bit and getting to his feet, bidding everyone a goodnight and leaving for his tree. Before he got to Kagome's hut- he noticed the faint flickering from inside. 'The fire should have burned out a long time ago...' He figured Kagome might be awake- so he stepped in the door, only to find an empty hut and an open box.
He furrowed his brow a moment, stepping closer to the box and looking in- barely making out the bloody clothes that Kagome once wore. The scent of her blood mixed with his was strong, but faded on the tattered clothes- and he hadn't seen her uniform in what seemed liked ages. Before he could reach in and take hold of it- he turned to a loud noise at the door, his eyes catching Kagome's slumped form against the doorway.
She looked to him as though she had gone crazy- her hair was slightly messy and she had dirt on her barefeet and clothes, and what she held tightly in her hand resembled his kimono- only it smelled exactly like her school uniform. "Kagome...where have you been?" He reached his hand up slightly as he began to take a step, but she stopped him short with a low and serious tone under her breath. "You are not Inuyasha...who are you..."
He couldn't tell if she was looking at him as the small fire casted long shadows in all directions, hiding her brown hues under her thick ebony bangs. "What...what are you saying? Kagome- what happened?" He again attempted to take a step for her, but she backed away coldly- her hand returning to her head as a drop of blood began to streak for her forehead and the glimmer of her wet trails where tears once ran became noticeable. "Inuyasha is dead." Her statement was blunt and soft as she forced back sobs. Inuyasha could see clearly now- exactly what she was thinking. "Kagome...I- Its me...I've come back- You just don't remember..."
Her eyes lifted so he could see them now- they were like the eyes of a broken child, a child that had watched something horrible, something no child should ever see. In one quick motion, Inuyasha took his clawed fingers and framed her face, lifting her chin gently to look at him. Her eyes grew wider as she froze in place- looking at him like he was a ghost, fighting to believe that it wasn't Inuyasha- but desperately hoping it was. His finger wiped away the trickle of blood, his honey orbs looking deep into her own. "Believe me Kagome...I will never leave you again...but please- you have to remember, I can't lose you this way...none of us can...You need to remember now Kagome...for me..." He slowly kissed her crimson-streaked forehead as she closed her eyes, a soft smile curving her lips as her hands went up to his, nuzzling her face into his palm as yet another tear rolled down her face.
"Inuyasha..." She cooed as her lips went up to his, pulling him into a kiss he hardly expected. She deepened the kiss, pulling him closer as his blood-stained haori dropped form her grasp and her hands made their way to his chest. With every moment something new found its way to her memory, yet now it wasn't painful- it was pleasant, he made it all fade into place, as though it had been there all along. 'I need you Inuyasha...I need you to survive- to mend my broken ways...I need you to love me...' He pulled away slightly, his forehead pressed against hers as his hot breath caressed her face. "For you Inuyasha..." She stole another chaste kiss from his lips. "I will always remember..." Inuyasha took her hand with a soft smile. "We should tell the others..." Kagome pressed her hand against his chest, forcing him back playfully to the bed where he flopped into a sitting position, slightly blushing with a confused look as Kagome leaned in closely- whispering as her breath tickled his ear- casuing it to twitch. "Tell them tommorrow...its late..."
Inuyasha leaned back as Kagome layed down on top of him, kissing him gently and snuggling closely into his chest to sleep as he folded his arms around her contently. Kagome went over her memories- as though it was a scrapbook she had proudly finished. 'I understand now...he is my home...my memory- he is my everything..."
They both layed in the small hut for the rest of the night- the small fire burning out soon as the sliver of moonlight began to fade, both beginning to fall asleep to the lull of the others heartbeat.
»--------------------------«
Welps, hope you liked it...it was a little different than what I originally had planned- but I think it might have turned out better...definately happier than I expected. The next chapter is mostly gonna be pure fluff and funny- since we been so dramatic lately...lol. Kagome and Inuyasha will have -ahem- their moment in the next few chappies- so be looking out for that, but I'm not sure- are you guys fond of lemon...because if I add it in then I may have to up the rating to R....depends- let me know how lemony/lime you want it to get... and if I should up the rating....thanks- R&R!
-a/n--just to clear it up, the note/poem Kagome found was a page she had written a long time ago after Inuyasha's death. She kept a few of those pages in the box, like a journal.
ano- er, ummm
Yamauba- mountain witch
Ageku- Finally
Kogatana- small knife(in this case it was a small knife Kagome kept secretly strapped to her ankle for easy access- kinda like Sango's many concealed weapons in her uniform)
Haimu- home
shiisu- sword sheath
Matte- wait
Gomen nasai- I'm sorry; my apologies
Kijo- demoness; she-devil; witch
Un- Yeah