Author's note: Woot. Haha well, my prologue got some good reviews, so I decided to keep writing. For all you wondering why Inuyasha would do such a thing, you'll find out. This chapter shows all the events leading up to the attack. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or any of the things you recognize. However, if I did, there would be a lot more Kagome/Inuyasha stuff in the episodes!

These Hands: Past Mistakes (Chapter 1)

"Hukaro, I have come in search of your assistance." Naraku stood in the entrance of a small, remote hut. He smiled as he held the nearly completed Shikon Jewel in his hand. It's only a matter of time, he thought, running it through his fingers. Once that wench and Inuyasha are out of the way, that is.

"Naraku." Hukaro spoke gently. "I have heard much of you."

"And I, Lady Hukaro, have heard much of you and your powers." Naraku said, gazing down at the woman.

"Aye," She said nodding. "Many demons such as yourself have sought my help."

"So I assume you know why I have came, then?"

"Aye," Hukaro answered once again, closing her eyes. "I can see it. You're hearts' desire. You wish the demise of a woman. And…you wish a half-demon to do it. Ahh, I see. This demon loves the woman." She opened her eyes. "You wish to make them suffer."

"Once again, your powers amaze me," Naraku said, smiling. "I suppose you know how to fulfill my desire, then?"

She nodded and revealed a golden locket. "Take this. Not only will it subdue the magical beads the half-demon wears, but also it will make him vulnerable to any implications you make. Once the half-demon is wearing it, you can convince him to murder that woman."

"Excellent."


Kagome stretched. It was getting late. "I guess I should be getting back." She picked up her basket of herbs and began to head back to where the others had set up camp for the night. The warm light of the campfire led her way through the thick forest. She continued to walk, replaying the last battle over and over again in her mind. He heart fluttered every time she remembered what Inuyasha had said.

"Kagome, I will never leave you. I could never forget you. As long as you're with me, I will never let anything happen to you. That is a promise."

She felt herself blushing. Inuyasha had been holding her in his arms at the time, and she couldn't help wonder if it meant something more. They had been together for almost two years, and Kagome had realized her feelings for the half-demon, but it was still not clear to her if Inuyasha felt the same way.

"Kagome, I will never leave you."

"I could never forget you."

"As long as you're with me, I will never let anything happen to you."

She continued to walk, her mind wandering.Along the way, she noticed something shining on the ground. She stopped; her gaze fell to a tiny golden locket. It was lying on the ground, untouched and forgotten. She picked it up and ran her fingers over it. That's strange, she thought. How could something like this end up in the feudal era? It looks so modern. A smile crept across her face as an idea came to her. "Maybe Inuyasha will like this," she said, smiling. "It's the least I can do, after he saved me and all."

"Kagome, is that you?" Sango called from the campsite, as Kagome trudged her way back through the forest, cracking many branched in the process.

"Yes!" Kagome called back. She quickly hid the locket in her pocket and ran over to where her friends were sitting.

"Keh, took you long enough. What is it with you women? Can you not go and do one easy job without taking forever?" Inuyasha scoffed glancing at the bundle Kagome was holding. "Is that all you found?"

"Well, it was hard to see them in the dark. If you were that desperate, then you should have went and got them yourself!" Kagome snapped, as she tossed the basket at Inuyasha.

"What was that for?" Inuyasha demanded, standing up to face Kagome.

She clenched her fists and looked away. She took a deep breath, "Inuyasha…"

"Okay, lets just calm down." Miroku interrupted, holding up his hands. "Can't we just all get along for one night? We've been through a lot the past few days, and the last thing we need is pointless fights to ruin it." As he was speaking, his hand slipped over to where Sango was sitting.

"Yes, we must all be thankful for surviving that last battle and…" Sango stopped and with one quick motion of her hand, slapped Miroku across the face. "Give it a rest."

"I'm sorry Sango, I just…couldn't resist."

"I'm sure."

Inuyasha huffed and turned his back on them all. "I'm going for a walk." He said, climbing to his feet.

"Wait, Inuyasha!"

"What?" Inuyasha shot a glance at Kagome, who was also now on her feet.

It's now or never, she thought. "I-I…uh." She began, running her hand over the locket, which was still in the pocket of her skirt. She could feel her face becoming hot. "I just wanted…uhm."

"Spit it out."

She took a deep breath, "I have something to show you." She grabbed his hand quickly and led him away from the fire and the stunned Miroku, Sango, and Shippo.

"Kagome," Shippo whined. "Where are you going?"

Kagome smiled and waved at the others, "We'll be back soon, I just have to show Inuyasha something." She turned back around and quickened her pace, still dragging Inuyasha behind her.

"What the hell...Kagome, where are you taking me?" Inuyasha said angrily as he tried to keep up with her pull. He glanced at her hand, which was wrapped around his. Before long, he felt himself blushing and turned promptly. What is she doing?

"A little further," she replied happily, still grasping his hand rather tightly. She led him farther into the forest, and stopped when she certain they were alone. She glanced around to ensure no one was around to hear. For some reason, she wanted this to be between herself and Inuyasha, no one else.

When she was certain no one was eavesdropping, she revealed the locket in one swift movement of her hand. She gazed at it for a moment, thinking everything over. I have to do this now, or I may never get the courage to again. She held the locket in two hands and thrust it towards Inuyasha. "Uh, here."

Inuyasha stared at it blankly; he didn't know what to say.

Kagome quickly unhooked it and strapped it around his neck. "Maybe it'll be good luck, you know? Help us defeat Naraku."

"Kagome…" Inuyasha held it in his hand for a moment before looking straight into Kagome's eyes. They stared at him, full of hope and longing. What should I say? How can I satisfy those eyes? Kagome…

Kagome smiled and broke the silence that had taken over. "Do you like it?"

"Yeah, I guess." He looked down. Oh great. Smooth Inuyasha.

"You…guess?" She turned away. Oh no, here I am practically spilling my guts. This was such a bad idea…I should've never-

Inuyasha pulled her into a tight hug. "Thank you."

Kagome, surprised by his action began to turn a bright pink. "Inu…yasha."

He released her and held the locket in his hand. He straightened up, "We'd better get back. The others are probably wondering where we went."

She nodded as Inuyasha turned his back and began walking back to the camp, holding the locket in his hand. She watched him walk out of sight, and put her hand up to her chest. Her heart was pounding hard. She sank to her knees, with her hand still lightly set upon her chest. "Wow."