To Prove Thy Love
Chapter 2: My Will
Quietly awakening...
I always, always wish
That these fleeting thoughts
Would reach you...
Unable to move forward across just a little more distance
The way before me is always blocked
Every time the days I want to see you but can't pile up,
My heart beat turns into heartbreak
If there is such a thing as eternity,
I want to believe, even if I have to take the long way.
Although I know that I've been hurt before because I'm clumsy
I won't stop; I won't give in to anyone
I think of you and that alone is enough
To make the tears start to flow now
I always, always wish these fleeting
Thoughts would reach you...
I've known all too well about
Pretending to be strong.
Since then, my doubts have
Vanished
There's definitely things I want to show you
And so many words I want to hear
I want to see all sides of you, when you laugh and cry
So I'll stop waiting and seize my chance
I think of you, and feel like that alone is enough
To make my heart grow stronger.
I always, always wish
That these fleeting thoughts would reach you...
I think of you and that alone is enough
To make the tears start to flow now
My distant voice can't reach you now,
But someday it defiantly will...
Chapter 2
Kagome stared out the window of the hut. She had dressed herself in the garb of a miko; the white kimono under the red hakama. The first reason for changing her attire was that it would make everything easier because she wouldn't have every one gawking at her strange clothes, therefore, she would be stealthier. The other reason was more private. Inu Yasha had hated it when she dressed "like Kikyou" but she had been somewhat reluctant to take the outfit off when he had said that. The clothes helped her feel more like a miko and less like a girl from a different time frame. It would be easier to concentrate more that way, maybe even up her spiritual power.
She couldn't help but think about what had happened. She had willingly returned to the Feudal era, and Inu Yasha was stuck to the tree. There was no Mistress Centipede, no Yura of the Hair- the absence of both was a relief- and no one knew anything other than what they knew 50 years ago about Kikyou and Inu Yasha. She had asked what Naraku was up to, and was stared at blankly. Who was this Naraku? Well, then, how did the Shikon no Tama look? It remained the same as when she had left. Things were just so confusing.
Inu Yasha lived for the fight. The thought occurred to Kagome. An idea started forming.
"Kaede-basan, I know how to free Inu Yasha! He lives for the fight!"
"Yes, child, I told you that," the old woman replied.
"We need a demon! The last time he awoke when Mistress Centipede attacked. So, we need to find a demon!"
"But there aren't any around here."
"Why not? There were always demons around."
"I may not have all of the power I used to, but a small bit remains. Demons don't come around here because they know that, and they have probably heard tell that Inu Yasha is a fearsome demon who lurks in the forest around our village."
"You up-played Inu Yasha allot for that. Couldn't you egg one over?"
"Why endanger a whole village for one person? A half human at that?"
"He deserves a chance. But you're right. I'll go bring one to Inu Yasha, then kill it if I have to."
"And where will you find one?"
"If the time reset itself, then there might be a little kitsune that'll need my help."
"A small demon?"
"Yes. The Thunder Brothers killed his dad for the Shikon shards. But I think the idea will work now."
"You lived through an encounter with them before, have you not?"
"Yes Inu Yasha slew them both."
"And without Inu Yasha, will you be able to do the same?"
"Inu Yasha killed them, but I'm not going to be a push over! I'm a miko. Naraku was an evil man, but he proved that I could be one. If I have to, I will slay them. Like Inu Yasha. For Inu Yasha."
"Then...I wish thee luck."
"Thank you Kaede-basan. Do you think I could borrow a bow?"
"If that is what you need, so be it."
……………
That was what happened. Kagome was waiting for Kaede to come back before leaving. The elder woman had started "remembering the past" which was more like the future...as the days went on.
Kagome mentally traced her route again. The journey to Raimei Valley wouldn't be too harsh or long, but it would be harder without any one to talk to. Kagome wasn't used to being on her own.
"Come, child. I have found them," Kaede called.
"Them" happened to be a very ancient bow and arrow quiver, and a straw hat and straw cape. Though normally rain attire, Kagome was going to use the hat and cape as a means to conceal her miko identity. Kagome didn't trust herself enough with a bow and arrow to be sure the weapon would last long, so the most she could accept was an old version.
"I have checked for damage, and the wood is still fine. I replaced the string, since it had been rotting."
"Thanks so much, Kaede-basan. I'll be back soon, with the Thunder brother's on my trail. Please, take care of Inu Yasha."
"I will, child. Do be careful."
Kagome equipped herself with the items Kaede had brought out. "I will," she stated confidently.
Kagome started on her journey. She had always wondered how the old samurai had been able to walk in their hakama, let alone fight, but wearing them, she could understand. The traditional garb was actually quite comfortable once you got used to it. Her straw hat and cape gave her an added sense of security.
At the top of the rise, Kagome turned to look back at the village. She looked beyond that, to the forest. "Please wait for me, Inu Yasha. You have saved me so many times. Now, it is time I return the favor."
……………
Inu Yasha's soul sneezed. A warm feeling enveloped him, and he knew someone was talking about him.
He was tired, but he couldn't sleep. It wasn't as if he was having nightmares and was reluctant to go back to sleep incase he was plunged back into them. His mind was physically unable to sleep.
He hated the fact. Inu Yasha also hated the fact that Kagome was gone, that he was stuck back to the damned tree. He hated how helpless he was to anything that might be going on.
Kagome, Inu Yasha thought, Please hurry!
……………
Kagome sat at the edge of Raimei Valley. She looked at it, her mind filling in little tidbits of information. There was a crater there from when Maten had let loose his attack, almost killing Shippou and herself, the same place where he had also met his death from Tetsiga. Just over there was the place Inu Yasha had fought to the death with the other thunder brother Hiten. However, that wasn't the layout of the land. This land was peaceful, flawless.
Kagome knew what she had to do. Once she saw either brother, she would start playing with the shards. Assuming they were there, that is. If she hadn't been attacked by any of the demons that had started off her original journey, she wasn't certain if they would be there either.
Waiting was getting boring. Kagome went back to remembering. Inu Yasha hadn't transformed into his demon form after throwing the Tetsiga though Maten. It proved he hadn't been doing too badly in the fight.
The thunder brothers must have been…still be…weak. Inu Yasha had never been in any real danger in the fight. Kagome told herself this. She could handle them, since Inu Yasha could.
Kagome couldn't help but worry. This was her first solo fight. There would be no second chances, no possibility that Inu Yasha would cut in and save her. What if she messed it up? Would she ever be able to face Inu Yasha if she ever met him again?
A shout came from the distance, jerking Kagome out of her worries. "Shippou," Kagome whispered.
Moments later, she picked out the form she sought. The little fox came jumping out of a near by bush and continued running on all fours. He was running so fast that the earthen brown color of his hair was mixing with the lighter brown of his tail. Tears of fear were collecting in his emerald colored eyes.
Following close behind Shippou were the two thunder brothers. The older one, Hiten, was walking. In their original fight, he had been flying around in the air. He was obviously being arrogant. The demon's long braid was whipping about with the force of the demonic energy he was emitting. In his hands was the lightening staff Kagome remembered.
Not far behind Hiten was Maten. The younger brother still looked like a toad. His skull supported three little hairs. Maten was struggling to keep up with his brother.
That wasn't quite what Kagome expected. She ran towards the little fox. She scooped him up in her arms as she turned, the Shikon no Tama flying out behind her with the momentum. Kagome ran away from the demons at a fairly decent speed. The trick to her mission would be pacing. Stay just ahead of Hiten and Maten, she told herself.
"Wah! Who are you?" Shippou asked. He though that his captor was another one of those thunder demons, but realized it was a young, beautiful girl. She looked like a goddess.
"A friend. Hold on tight." Kagome could spare no more breath than that.
The ground heaved and broke up in front of her. Kagome stumbled but managed to stay on her feet.
Hiten laughed. "Maten, look. That little human wretch thinks she can steal what's rightfully ours."
"Brother, I like her hair," the toad replied.
"You'll have it," the better-looking one promised.
Judging by the sound of their voices, Kagome reckoned that the two demons were fairly close. She nodded once, confident that she was a reasonable distance away. Kagome kept running and running.
……………
Gasping for breath and long past exhaustion, Kagome broke into the forest's perimeter. She slowed to a walk to watch out for the upturned roots, trotting wherever possible. Kagome could hear the two brothers crashing behind her as she had for most of the run.
Kagome swore there was no vine there when she had looked. Despite that, a vine caught her ankle and tripped her. Kagome let out a surprised yip as she crashed to the floor.
Shippou tumbled out of her hands and rolled. Kagome turned to find Hiten and Maten standing over her. Shippou jumped in front of her for defense as Kagome reached for her bow.
Something ripped though the trees and tore through the younger of the thunder brothers. Kagome noted that it cut right above the fox pelt that Maten had worn.
Maten let out a cry of pain, Hiten a cry of shock as the weapon made a second swipe, heading back the way it came.
……………
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A/N: Ok, sorry about the long space between Chapter 1 and Chapter 2. I just really didn't feel like typing this one, so I apologize from the bottom of my heart. This is kind of a cliff hanger ending, but not really because it's kinda predictable. Grins sheepishly
Anyway, it would be great if you would R&R. I get lonely and appreciate credit!