Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha
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Kagome woke up a little while later. She stayed quiet and kept her face buried in Sesshoumaru's chest. She remembered she left the Tokijin lying on the forest floor. They couldn't leave such a powerful sword lying around. But why did Kikyo have it? Reluctantly, Kagome pushed against Sesshoumaru's chest to get him to let her go. He loosened his hold and she looked up into his face. She was surprised to see concern etched into his face. It was the first real emotion he'd shown besides confusion. She smiled at him tentatively and he smiled back at her. Shippou crawled up into her lap between the two of them. "Are you okay, Kagome?" he asked.
"I'm fine, Shippou. Where's Rin?" Kagome answered. Shippou pointed. Rin was busily feeding Ah-Uhn grass.
~Silly little girl.~ Uhn said.
-Yes. She is.- Ah answered. Sesshoumaru could hear the smiles in their voices. Ah gently took the grass out of Rin's hand, careful not to get her fingers in the process. They were generally meat eaters, but grass wouldn't hurt them. Besides, it kept Rin happy and busy. Two things which made the day much, much easier.
"I have to go back." Kagome whispered, just loud enough for Sesshoumaru to hear. He leaned down and rested his head on her shoulder, next to her ear.
"Home? I will take you there in a little while." he answered. Kagome shook her head.
"Back to where I was fighting Kikyo."
"Why?"
"She had something that was yours once and it's too dangerous to leave out in the open like that."
"Was it that one sword? The Tokijin?"
"Yes. But when we get it, you have to promise me never to use it until you get your memories back."
"Why?"
"Because we've seen what havoc that sword can wreak on an unprepared mind. You were able to control it when you had all your memories, but I don't know if not having them will affect you at all."
"Well, all right, I guess." He stood up with her in his arms and started running into the forest. Inuyasha stepped in front of him, nearly making Sesshoumaru plow into him. "What?" he snapped.
"Can I talk to you Kagome?" Inuyasha asked in a whisper. Kagome nodded and Sesshoumaru put her down. He turned and walked into the forest. She followed him, keeping her head down, just watching his feet so she'd know where to step. They reached the cliff again. Inuyasha turned to face her. She could see the emotions warring in his eyes. "I-I don't quite know where to start, but we need to talk."
"Yes, we do. Inuyasha, I don't expect you to understand why I had to do that. Not yet anyway. I had to do it."
"On one hand, I'm.relieved. you did it." She gave him a startled look. "I am. Kikyo deserved better than to be tricked by Naraku, brought back by that demon witch, and living a shadow of her former life. But, Kagome, she wanted me to follow after her. I have to honor her last wish. I have to go to hell with her. She deserves that at least." Kagome reached out and grabbed his shoulders.
"Don't even think like that, you hear me? Kikyo died 50 years ago, not yesterday. That thing that was walking around was not her. Not at all. I don't care how much physical evidence there was that it was her, it wasn't. A person is not defined by their body. They are defined by the actions they do and the way they live their life. Her true life ended with Naraku's trickery."
"That's why I'm going to destroy Naraku." Kagome nodded.
"Inuyasha, I killed Kikyo for a many reasons. One was for her: so that she could finally rest in piece. One was for me: so I wouldn't have to live in someone's shadow. One was for everyone: so that they wouldn't have to live with her threat on their minds. The last was for you: so that you could forget about her and live your life. Inuyasha, you deserve to have a happy life, and I don't think the real Kikyo would begrudge you that. I am her reincarnation, but I am different. I'm Kagome. She's Kikyo. That's just the facts. One thing we have in common is you. I want you to live happy. I want you to laugh and enjoy the time we all spend together. I can almost guarantee you she felt the same way. Stop living in the past." Kagome turned and walked back into the forest, leaving a shell-shocked Inuyasha behind. She walked back to the clearing. "Ready to go, Sesshoumaru?" Sesshoumaru nodded and stood up. He had been kneeling beside Rin and Shippou, who were proudly showing him their grass castle, which had been put together with the help of Shippou's illusory magic. Sango looked up at her, hearing the strain in her voice. (/Seriously, best friends rock./)
"Are you okay, Kagome?" she asked. Kagome smiled and nodded, not trusting her voice at the moment. Sango gave her an 'I-don't-believe-you' look, but turned back to Miroku, who she was currently helping change bandages. "HENTAI!" She raised her hand, as if to slap him, but stopped herself short. "You're so lucky you're hurt right now. Honestly, I can't turn my back on you for a second." Miroku looked up at her and smiled innocently.
"What can I say? Beautiful women like you capture my attention." he replied. She sighed and shook her head, but she was smiling anyway. Kagome turned and walked into the forest. Sesshoumaru followed her without a word. He picked her up when they got to the cliff. Inuyasha wasn't there. Kagome resisted burying her head in Sesshoumaru's chest and crying. She had to get past it, past killing Kikyo. Crying wasn't going to solve anything. He let her down softly when they got to the bottom. She smiled at him gratefully and started walking again. Sesshoumaru reached out and grabbed her arm.
"Kagome, please, don't smile like that. I may not remember all the experiences I've had in my life, but I know that it's hard for you. I know I've killed before, because killing the demons since I've lost my memory hasn't bothered me. Not as much as it probably should. But, Kagome, you can't let your decision bother you that way. It was a decision that had to be made. Now, be strong enough to get past it." Now it was Kagome's turn to stand shell-shocked as Sesshoumaru walked off into the forest. She shook her head and followed after him. She found him back at the clearing, holding a hand to his chest. He winced a little. A spot of blood appeared on his kimono. Kagome gave a sympathetic noise and pulled his hand away. She pulled his kimono back to get a closer look. The bandage was almost soaked in blood, though most was dried.
"You idiot. You should've told me it wasn't healed enough to move yet." He gave her a defiant look.
"I can move. I have things to do." Kagome looked over to the tree, but didn't see the Tokijin. She furrowed her eyebrows in confusion. She walked all around the tree, but didn't find it.
"This isn't good. Not good at all. Where did it go?" Kagome started to panic. Sesshoumaru leaned over and sniffed at the ground.
"I smell Kagura. Maybe she has it?" Kagome growled angrily, surprising Sesshoumaru. She surprised him even further by cussing. The shock showed on his face.
"Sorry, but Kagura really ticks me off. I mean, seriously! Everytime something goes wrong, she's there!" Kagome stomped back towards the cliff, mumbling under her breath. Sesshoumaru could hear her clearly. "Stupid Kagura. Stupid Naraku. Stupid Kikyo. Stupid, stupid, stupid me."
"You aren't stupid." She looked over her shoulder and blinked in surprise.
"What?"
"I do not think you are stupid." He walked past her, throwing her a little smirk. When he turned around, she smiled a little smile and followed him.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Tami: So so so so monstrously sorry for taking so long. You guys probably hate me by now. *get on knees* Please don't hate me. Life's been really hectic lately and there's been good books coming out left and right and.you know how it goes. I had a minor bout of writer's block for a little bit, but now I'm back on track and all is well. I'm not going to promise a chapter at any set time. I promise I will finish this story and that's the best promise I can really give. *sigh* Please don't hate me. And I think my reviews are a little messed, so I'm sorry if I missed someone. Boy, I'm striking out all over the place, huh?
Review Responses:
Sesshie lover: *rolls on ground laughing* Ho.ly.crap! That's hilarious! Total afro dude!
Frogs: Woah, okay, just woah. *giggle* That's one friggen long sentence. ^_^ Yah Kouga has someone. Ayame. They will play parts in further chapters. The entire wolf pack will be in here. *nods* Yup yup.
Amreld: He is scary! First time I saw him, I though he was a girl. And he was with Lisa Marie. O.o Freaked me out man. Dude, and a purple squiddle/ squirrel would so rock.
Eddie 4: Inuyasha is confused. I mean, think about it. The poor guy has so much weighing on his mind.
Sukuri: I sympathize with you, hon. Life's been hectic to say the least. I think Inu-kun's rubbing off more than Kouga-kun. I've been acting like Sess lately. Which I have yet to determine if it's a good or bad thing.
Paso Lover: I'm glad you liked how I did Kagome. That's how I though she'd think if she actually did it. I agree with you on the soul piper thing. I end up liking the weirdest characters, and I think the weirdest ways about things. That is the perfect pic for this pairing though.
Jarjayes: A wet noodle? O.o
Suki1: @.@ Woah. Glad you liked. *sniff* But I wanted to kick Kikyo's butt.
Striking Falcon: You zapped him yet? *laugh* And Sess, as much as I like you, hun, your sword is monster stupid.
Familia-Ficz: I want the shirt! Not the midgets!!! *runs away* There definitely will be more tail cuddling, since I dream of cuddling in his tail. I really do. So Kagome is my physical evidence of my dream. Much like that one dream she had a few chapters ago. I really had that dream, but not with the same guys. I wish I was Kagome though. Dude, if I had more time and space, I could rant on this for awhile. *sigh* Alas, I do not. Inuyasha and Kirara are going to have a very interesting relationship. *evil grin* Ah-Uhn will provide insight to many things. I developed an obsession for him/them the first time I ever saw them. Jaken has an important part yet to play. Then is when the bashing will ensue. *evil laugh* Bad Sess! No kill Legato! *grabs Legato and bandages him up. How? Authoress powers of course* You can't scare me, dude!
Also thanks to:
Hebi Youkai
Dragon Rae
Bad Boy Addict
Madam Arrow Foxfire
Midnight Chaos Flame
INUGIRL
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Kagome woke up a little while later. She stayed quiet and kept her face buried in Sesshoumaru's chest. She remembered she left the Tokijin lying on the forest floor. They couldn't leave such a powerful sword lying around. But why did Kikyo have it? Reluctantly, Kagome pushed against Sesshoumaru's chest to get him to let her go. He loosened his hold and she looked up into his face. She was surprised to see concern etched into his face. It was the first real emotion he'd shown besides confusion. She smiled at him tentatively and he smiled back at her. Shippou crawled up into her lap between the two of them. "Are you okay, Kagome?" he asked.
"I'm fine, Shippou. Where's Rin?" Kagome answered. Shippou pointed. Rin was busily feeding Ah-Uhn grass.
~Silly little girl.~ Uhn said.
-Yes. She is.- Ah answered. Sesshoumaru could hear the smiles in their voices. Ah gently took the grass out of Rin's hand, careful not to get her fingers in the process. They were generally meat eaters, but grass wouldn't hurt them. Besides, it kept Rin happy and busy. Two things which made the day much, much easier.
"I have to go back." Kagome whispered, just loud enough for Sesshoumaru to hear. He leaned down and rested his head on her shoulder, next to her ear.
"Home? I will take you there in a little while." he answered. Kagome shook her head.
"Back to where I was fighting Kikyo."
"Why?"
"She had something that was yours once and it's too dangerous to leave out in the open like that."
"Was it that one sword? The Tokijin?"
"Yes. But when we get it, you have to promise me never to use it until you get your memories back."
"Why?"
"Because we've seen what havoc that sword can wreak on an unprepared mind. You were able to control it when you had all your memories, but I don't know if not having them will affect you at all."
"Well, all right, I guess." He stood up with her in his arms and started running into the forest. Inuyasha stepped in front of him, nearly making Sesshoumaru plow into him. "What?" he snapped.
"Can I talk to you Kagome?" Inuyasha asked in a whisper. Kagome nodded and Sesshoumaru put her down. He turned and walked into the forest. She followed him, keeping her head down, just watching his feet so she'd know where to step. They reached the cliff again. Inuyasha turned to face her. She could see the emotions warring in his eyes. "I-I don't quite know where to start, but we need to talk."
"Yes, we do. Inuyasha, I don't expect you to understand why I had to do that. Not yet anyway. I had to do it."
"On one hand, I'm.relieved. you did it." She gave him a startled look. "I am. Kikyo deserved better than to be tricked by Naraku, brought back by that demon witch, and living a shadow of her former life. But, Kagome, she wanted me to follow after her. I have to honor her last wish. I have to go to hell with her. She deserves that at least." Kagome reached out and grabbed his shoulders.
"Don't even think like that, you hear me? Kikyo died 50 years ago, not yesterday. That thing that was walking around was not her. Not at all. I don't care how much physical evidence there was that it was her, it wasn't. A person is not defined by their body. They are defined by the actions they do and the way they live their life. Her true life ended with Naraku's trickery."
"That's why I'm going to destroy Naraku." Kagome nodded.
"Inuyasha, I killed Kikyo for a many reasons. One was for her: so that she could finally rest in piece. One was for me: so I wouldn't have to live in someone's shadow. One was for everyone: so that they wouldn't have to live with her threat on their minds. The last was for you: so that you could forget about her and live your life. Inuyasha, you deserve to have a happy life, and I don't think the real Kikyo would begrudge you that. I am her reincarnation, but I am different. I'm Kagome. She's Kikyo. That's just the facts. One thing we have in common is you. I want you to live happy. I want you to laugh and enjoy the time we all spend together. I can almost guarantee you she felt the same way. Stop living in the past." Kagome turned and walked back into the forest, leaving a shell-shocked Inuyasha behind. She walked back to the clearing. "Ready to go, Sesshoumaru?" Sesshoumaru nodded and stood up. He had been kneeling beside Rin and Shippou, who were proudly showing him their grass castle, which had been put together with the help of Shippou's illusory magic. Sango looked up at her, hearing the strain in her voice. (/Seriously, best friends rock./)
"Are you okay, Kagome?" she asked. Kagome smiled and nodded, not trusting her voice at the moment. Sango gave her an 'I-don't-believe-you' look, but turned back to Miroku, who she was currently helping change bandages. "HENTAI!" She raised her hand, as if to slap him, but stopped herself short. "You're so lucky you're hurt right now. Honestly, I can't turn my back on you for a second." Miroku looked up at her and smiled innocently.
"What can I say? Beautiful women like you capture my attention." he replied. She sighed and shook her head, but she was smiling anyway. Kagome turned and walked into the forest. Sesshoumaru followed her without a word. He picked her up when they got to the cliff. Inuyasha wasn't there. Kagome resisted burying her head in Sesshoumaru's chest and crying. She had to get past it, past killing Kikyo. Crying wasn't going to solve anything. He let her down softly when they got to the bottom. She smiled at him gratefully and started walking again. Sesshoumaru reached out and grabbed her arm.
"Kagome, please, don't smile like that. I may not remember all the experiences I've had in my life, but I know that it's hard for you. I know I've killed before, because killing the demons since I've lost my memory hasn't bothered me. Not as much as it probably should. But, Kagome, you can't let your decision bother you that way. It was a decision that had to be made. Now, be strong enough to get past it." Now it was Kagome's turn to stand shell-shocked as Sesshoumaru walked off into the forest. She shook her head and followed after him. She found him back at the clearing, holding a hand to his chest. He winced a little. A spot of blood appeared on his kimono. Kagome gave a sympathetic noise and pulled his hand away. She pulled his kimono back to get a closer look. The bandage was almost soaked in blood, though most was dried.
"You idiot. You should've told me it wasn't healed enough to move yet." He gave her a defiant look.
"I can move. I have things to do." Kagome looked over to the tree, but didn't see the Tokijin. She furrowed her eyebrows in confusion. She walked all around the tree, but didn't find it.
"This isn't good. Not good at all. Where did it go?" Kagome started to panic. Sesshoumaru leaned over and sniffed at the ground.
"I smell Kagura. Maybe she has it?" Kagome growled angrily, surprising Sesshoumaru. She surprised him even further by cussing. The shock showed on his face.
"Sorry, but Kagura really ticks me off. I mean, seriously! Everytime something goes wrong, she's there!" Kagome stomped back towards the cliff, mumbling under her breath. Sesshoumaru could hear her clearly. "Stupid Kagura. Stupid Naraku. Stupid Kikyo. Stupid, stupid, stupid me."
"You aren't stupid." She looked over her shoulder and blinked in surprise.
"What?"
"I do not think you are stupid." He walked past her, throwing her a little smirk. When he turned around, she smiled a little smile and followed him.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Tami: So so so so monstrously sorry for taking so long. You guys probably hate me by now. *get on knees* Please don't hate me. Life's been really hectic lately and there's been good books coming out left and right and.you know how it goes. I had a minor bout of writer's block for a little bit, but now I'm back on track and all is well. I'm not going to promise a chapter at any set time. I promise I will finish this story and that's the best promise I can really give. *sigh* Please don't hate me. And I think my reviews are a little messed, so I'm sorry if I missed someone. Boy, I'm striking out all over the place, huh?
Review Responses:
Sesshie lover: *rolls on ground laughing* Ho.ly.crap! That's hilarious! Total afro dude!
Frogs: Woah, okay, just woah. *giggle* That's one friggen long sentence. ^_^ Yah Kouga has someone. Ayame. They will play parts in further chapters. The entire wolf pack will be in here. *nods* Yup yup.
Amreld: He is scary! First time I saw him, I though he was a girl. And he was with Lisa Marie. O.o Freaked me out man. Dude, and a purple squiddle/ squirrel would so rock.
Eddie 4: Inuyasha is confused. I mean, think about it. The poor guy has so much weighing on his mind.
Sukuri: I sympathize with you, hon. Life's been hectic to say the least. I think Inu-kun's rubbing off more than Kouga-kun. I've been acting like Sess lately. Which I have yet to determine if it's a good or bad thing.
Paso Lover: I'm glad you liked how I did Kagome. That's how I though she'd think if she actually did it. I agree with you on the soul piper thing. I end up liking the weirdest characters, and I think the weirdest ways about things. That is the perfect pic for this pairing though.
Jarjayes: A wet noodle? O.o
Suki1: @.@ Woah. Glad you liked. *sniff* But I wanted to kick Kikyo's butt.
Striking Falcon: You zapped him yet? *laugh* And Sess, as much as I like you, hun, your sword is monster stupid.
Familia-Ficz: I want the shirt! Not the midgets!!! *runs away* There definitely will be more tail cuddling, since I dream of cuddling in his tail. I really do. So Kagome is my physical evidence of my dream. Much like that one dream she had a few chapters ago. I really had that dream, but not with the same guys. I wish I was Kagome though. Dude, if I had more time and space, I could rant on this for awhile. *sigh* Alas, I do not. Inuyasha and Kirara are going to have a very interesting relationship. *evil grin* Ah-Uhn will provide insight to many things. I developed an obsession for him/them the first time I ever saw them. Jaken has an important part yet to play. Then is when the bashing will ensue. *evil laugh* Bad Sess! No kill Legato! *grabs Legato and bandages him up. How? Authoress powers of course* You can't scare me, dude!
Also thanks to:
Hebi Youkai
Dragon Rae
Bad Boy Addict
Madam Arrow Foxfire
Midnight Chaos Flame
INUGIRL