Chapter Fourteen
Disclaimer: I own nothing that belongs to the creators of Inuyasha!
Thank you so much for all your reviews! As I was editing this chapter we reached the goal of 13 reviews! Which means not one, but TWO chapters this weekend! This one will be posted today, as promised, and the next I shall have up as usual either Saturday or Sunday. I honestly can't believe how supportive you all have been! It blows my mind! Words can't express how thankful I am!
Thank you to: frustratedfox, Huggies90, JumbledThoughts, Hina714, Guest #1, RubyGemGreen, sendou3aichi, FearofFalling, Tiggs1990, Kat, Guest #2, Tori Melfaro, and Guest #3. A big shout out to you guys for making the 13 review goal a reality!
Do I dare ask for 14 reviews to upload a third chapter before the next weekend?
To Those I Could Not Private Message With Thanks:
Kat: Thank you so much for your positive review and your support! I'm so happy to hear you are enjoying the story thus far! I hope you continue to as you read and the story progresses! I look forward to hearing from you in the future!
Guest #1: This are excellent questions about Naraku and Mayumi's past. All will be answered soon enough! Thank you so much for your supportive review! I hope to hear more reflections from you again soon!
Tori Melfaro: Well thank YOU for your awesome review! I'm so happy to hear you think this is an awesome read so far! I hope you continue to enjoy the story as it progresses and I look forward to hearing more from you!
Guest #2: Oh, there shall be drama, but you shall see for yourself in this chapter. They MAY not be as much drama as anticipated, but it definitely throws him off. I'm glad you're enjoying Yua's character! I hope I'm not making her TOO strong! Look forward to hearing from you again soon!
Guest #3: Yeah, Naraku can be a pain in the butt for sure, especially with him making it known that he obviously as evil intentions for her. The next chapter, not this one, will reveal more about why he's stalking Yua. Thanks for your supportive review and I look forward to hearing from you again as well!
I stare at the crackling fire, for some reason feeling anxious as the flames dance in front of me. Something deep in my stomach had been bothering me for the past hour, like I should be ready for something. The nervous energy made it impossible to relax, and so Shippo now lay behind me in my bedroll, sleeping soundly under the blankets I had tucked him into. Inuyasha was sleeping nearby as well, leaning back against the tree. It was strange, I wasn't used to being able to see him sleep.
"K-Kikyo…" Inuyasha suddenly mumbles in his sleep, his face tightening as if in pain. I frown deeply then. Why was he saying her name? "No…stop…DON'T!" He suddenly explodes, jerking awake then from his deep slumber. He's breathing heavily, his eyes looking around wildly before finally landing on me.
"Mayumi!" Inuyasha gasps out, getting up from his place by the tree and rushing over to me. He kneels down on one knee, cupping my face tenderly in his hands as the thumb of his one hand gently rubs against my right cheek. "You're here, you're safe…"
'He's still half-asleep.' I think, my eyes widening with realization.
"Inuyasha?" I ask softly, trying to gently bring him back to reality. His face is getting closer to mine, his full lips slightly parted as his breath washes over my face warmly. I feel dizzy with disbelief when his nose brushes against my own, and he tilts his head ever so slightly.
Was he about to kiss me?
No, not me, he thinks I'm Mayumi.
Reality slams into me painfully then, the warmth leaving as I quickly break from his grasp. Leaning back as far as I can I grab onto his wrist, shaking him.
"Inuyasha! Wake up!" I shout, watching as he blinks once, twice, before the enamored expression that had been on his face drops to confusion.
"W-what?" He murmurs, obviously struggling to come out of his daze.
"You were dreaming, Inuyasha." I inform him much more softly, letting my fingers slip from around his wrist. "It was just a dream." For a moment heart-breaking disappointment crosses his face, before it's quickly covered by embarrassed anger.
"Why the hell didn't you wake me up sooner?!" He exclaims, and I'm momentarily surprised as I glance back to Shippo that the little demon hadn't woken up yet.
"I tried to!" I hiss out more quietly. "Lower your voice! Shippo is sleeping!" Inuyasha seems to withdraw at that, scrambling away from me to stand at a larger distance. "You were dreaming about Kikyo, and when you woke you…" Why did it hurt so bad trying to say this?! "You thought I Mayumi when you woke." I can hear the bitterness in my voice, knowing I had done a shit job of hiding it. He blinks, obviously hearing it as well, looking awkward now as he kept his distance. I understood, I mean, what was he supposed to say? Sorry I dream about the two woman I loved? Sorry I mistook you, the reincarnation of my former lover, for Mayumi back from the dead?
Suddenly the wind shifts, and Inuyasha's eyes grow sharp. His nose tilts up into the air, like he can smell something drifting through the breeze.
"What is it?" I ask, looking for anything at this point to relieve the tension. 'I hope it's a demon hell bent on getting the shards!' I think to myself with an inward groan. Anything to make him forget what just happened.
"Nothing." His voice is tight, as his eyes look from the sky towards the fire. I frown, not liking that he was avoiding all eye contact with me. Clearly it wasn't nothing, at least judging by how stiffly he stood now.
"Fine." I mutter, my own voice just as cold as I turn from him and crawl into my bedroll with Shippo. Making sure my back is to Inuyasha I curl around the smaller demon, chest aching with hurt and head filled with confusion.
Why had I almost let him kiss me?
Why was I so disappointed I hadn't let him?
The next morning found Inuyasha in a foul mood, and unable to look me in the eyes. Shippo had even noticed the tension, but when he questions the half demon about it Inuyasha just told him to mind his own business.
And then insisted we head back to the village.
I had honestly been caught completely by surprise. Inuyasha had been so intent on finding jewel shards since the beginning of all this. For him to want to return to the village, well, it made me feel even more on edge than I already do.
So that's where we found ourselves by late afternoon, Kaede greeting us with her arm bandaged and in a sling.
"What happened to you?!" I demand, frowning in concern as I approach her. She was standing outside of her home, a serious frown on her face.
"We have more concerning matters to attend to." Kaede replies evenly, before moving the cover of her doorway out of the way with her good arm. "Come and see, child." She adds. I look at her curiously, before ducking in the hut and nearly giving myself a heart attack.
Kagome?!
"Yua! Oh thank goodness you're here!" Kagome gasps in relief, standing from where she had been sitting by the fire.
"Wh-Kagome?" I'm absolutely flabbergasted as I stare at her wide eyed, even as she runs and jumps down to the dirt flor at the entrance, wrapping her arms around my neck. "W-what are you doing here?" I finally ask, wrapping my own arms around her firmly. Her entire body is shaking, and I can tell she's crying as she buries her face into my shoulder.
"I fell into the well, and it brought me here!" She cries out, and I can't help a small laugh of disbelief.
"You fell into the well? How the hell did that happen?" I ask as she leans back, wiping at her eyes.
"I was leaning over it to look down. I-I got curious." She admits, an embarrassed blush tinting her cheeks. "Then Sota came rushing in and scared me! I lost my balance and wound up here! Am I ever going to get back home?!" She gushes out, her eyes telling just how scared she was that she might be stuck here. Honestly, I couldn't give her a straight forward answer. I knew me passing through had something to do with Mayumi's soul, and the Sacred Jewel. So how the hell had Kagome gotten through without either?
"Kikyo?" Inuyasha's voice comes from behind me, and I turn to see his amber eyes looking at Kagome in shock. I frown in confusion, looking from him, to my cousin, then back to him before it clicked.
'You have got to be fucking kidding me!' I think in astonishment, Mayumi quickly chiming in.
'The likeness to Kikyo is uncanny. She looks more like Kikyo than you do like me.' Mayumi admits, and I can feel her unease. 'It's like looking into a mirror right to the past…'
How could there be two reincarnations in my family? Even more so two reincarnations that had an ancient feud with one and other!
"This is Kagome, Inuyasha. You two didn't get a chance to meet last time." I introduce, effectively snapping him out of whatever daze he was in. The wonder was still on his face, though, as he stared at my cousin intently. Kagome, on the other hand, anxiously shuffled to stand slightly behind me.
"Why is he staring at me like that?" She asks into my ear, her voice hushed but everyone could honestly hear her. I felt a throbbing in my temples, not wanting to get into it.
"Kikyo, my sister, killed Inuyasha's lover over fifty years ago. She also happens to be a former lover of his as well" Kaede walks in then, thankfully taking over.
"Wow, sounds like he kinda gets around. I'd be careful with this one, Yua." Kagome whispers into my ear, and I feel my face going beat red knowing that Inuyasha would have easily heard that with his sensitive ears. He frowns, scoffing and folding his arms across his chest.
"I didn't want to say anything until ye were here." Kaede continues as she looks to me with a frown. "I thought the information might go over smoother if she had her family by her side." I nod in understanding, not for the first time feeling grateful at Kaede's kindness.
"Remember how I explained to you that night about how I'm a reincarnated version of a woman who lived during this time?" I ask her then, her brown eyes moving away from Inuyasha and Kaede to look at me. She nods. "It appears you're a reincarnation as well. That's probably why the well transported you back here. You have Kikyo's signature in your blood." Kagome looks at me in disbelief, clearly stunned beyond words.
'Thank god.' I think to myself, knowing she would no doubt have plenty of questions for me later when her shock wore off. At least by then I might feel more prepared for them.
"Aye, she was a powerful priestess, so it makes sense." Kaede supports, nodding her head. "And on that note there is more to discuss." She frowns deeply, glancing towards Inuyasha, before looking back to us. "My sister's burial place has been tainted by a demon witch. She took her remains."
"Her remains? What for?" Inuyasha asks almost urgently, and I blink in shock.
Did he sound worried?
"Come and see with ye own eyes, Inuyasha." Kaede beckons then, turning to head back out the doorway. "It might be best for ye to come as well, Yua." She adds, before letting the door-flap fall behind her. Shippo sticks his little head in, looking around curiously.
"Uh, who's the girl?" He asks, his eyes locking onto Kagome. Kagome, meanwhile, squeals slightly as her frown turns into a wide grin.
"He's so cute!" She exclaims, tilting her head to get a better look at Shippo's fluffy tail. I hold back a laugh at Shippo's indignant look as he places his hands on his little hips.
"This is Shippo. How about you two get to know each other while Inuyasha and I go and check this out." I introduce, giving Shippo a look to let him know I wasn't really asking. With a resigned sigh he nods, clearly getting the silent message. He goes around me, hopping up onto the elevated floor with Kagome as she sits back down.
"Hi, I'm Shippo! What's your name?"
I smile, turning towards Inuyasha and nodding for him to lead the way, following him out of the hut. I reach out to place my hand on his shoulder, stopping him for a moment once we were a few paces away from the hut.
"Hey, you okay? You seemed a little spooked in there." I comment, and to my shock he jerks his shoulder away from my touch.
"Stop it, alright?" He snaps at me, amber eyes narrowed. "You have no idea what you're talking about and you can't possibly know how I'm feeling right now." I withdraw slightly, confused at his lashing out.
"I'm sorry, I just thought that-"
"That what?" He cuts me off angrily. "Listen, I know what happened last night was confusing," My eyes widen; so he did remember, "and that I even came close to kissing you. I thought you were Mayumi, alright? I was still half asleep. I wouldn't have tried otherwise."
Where was this coming from? I didn't even want to talk about last night! I wasn't looking for an apology! Swallowing back the hurt I take in a shaky breath. "I know you were half asleep, and I know you thought I was Mayumi. I'm sorry I wasn't. I know how much happier you would be if I was." I mutter the last bit bitterly, before shoving past him to follow Kaede to the stairs leading up to the burial grounds.
'Okay, that was petty of me.' I can't help thinking with embarrassment as I climb, leaving Inuyasha behind me.
'He didn't mean it like that, Yua.' Mayumi speaks up gently, and for the first time I actually feel angry with her presence.
And jealous.
'I don't care if he did.' I bite back stubbornly. 'Don't make no matter to me if he thinks I'm dirt under his feet compared to you.'
'Liar.' Mayumi responds softly. 'You and I both know you want him to like you, that you care about what he thinks of you. It's okay to want him to want you, Yua. I could sense how badly you had wished he had kissed you last night.' She pauses, and the words I'm dreading to hear her say predictable tumble out. 'You're falling in love with him, Yua.' I squeeze my eyes shut, shaking my head in useless denial.
'Stop, please just stop. I can't deal with this craziness right now.' I beg her, feeling relieved when I feel her presence respectfully leave my mind. By the time I'm to the top of the stairs my eyes have thankfully stop burning with unshed tears, and I could look to Kaede knowing I didn't appear on the very real edge of a mental breakdown.
"The timing of arrival for ye couldn't have been better." Kaede states, her eye looking from me to over my shoulder where Inuyasha no doubt now stood.
"I saw the witch last night, and I smelt your blood on her scythe." Inuyasha answers, and I can't help spinning to him in outrage.
"And you decided that it wasn't a good idea to tell me this?!" I frown at him, feeling like I was about to explode. My hands were actually shaking from anger. How dare he?! Kaede was my friend too!
"This isn't about you." Inuyasha replies firmly, his gaze now moving over the both of us. His amber eyes widen at what he sees, and turning around I can't help feeling a little shocked as well. Where Kikyo's ashes had been laid to rest there was now a crater nearly twenty feet in diameter. We all move to stand around the circle, my stomach doing flip-flops as I could feel the residual signature of whoever had done this.
"Her name was Urasue." Kaede frowns, her gaze troubled as she looked down at the grave site. I place my hand gently on her good shoulder, knowing that it must be devastating to see your loved one's grave tarnished like this.
"I'm so sorry Kaede." I murmur to her gently, and she nods, clearly a little choked up. Kaede takes a moment to gather herself before responding.
"I was virtually powerless to stop the assault." Her voice is filled with shame and anger. "My sister had unusually strong powers, even for a priestess. Her remains have fallen into the hands of evil, and who knows to what end it will result. What if Kikyo's powers are exploited?" Inuyasha huffs and turns away, his eyes hard. I frown, about to call out to him as he reaches the top of the stairs, before shrinking back and thinking better of it. He wasn't exactly being very receptive to me today.
"Inuyasha!" Kaede calls out then, her voice firm.
"You're on your own!" Inuyasha responds, not even bothering to turn and face us. "Apparently you have forgotten that Kikyo betrayed me." His left hand closes into a fist at his side, the other clearly raising up to rest over his chest. With him facing away from us I couldn't see the look on his face, couldn't tell if what he was saying was really how he was feeling. "I wasn't lucky enough to die with Mayumi, and I can still feel the pain of her arrow embedded in my chest." He growls.
"Forgive me." Kaede murmurs then, her voice sad. Inuyasha continues down the stone steps then, without a single backwards glance towards us. I shake my head then, looking back to Kaede.
"It's not your fault." I tell her gently. "You have no need to be sorry. He's been like this since last night."
"I should have remembered everything he lost because of my sister." Kaede contradicts, shaking her head. "I loved my sister, but I also knew that she wasn't always a good person." She frowns.
"It still doesn't mean that her remains should be treated like this. I promise, even if Inuyasha isn't going to help, I will." I reply firmly, and Kaede looks up to me with a small smile.
"Thank ye, child, but I'm afraid this demon may be more than you can handle."
"Don't count me out yet. I've done a lot of growing in my powers over the past few months." I reply, moving then with Kaede to help her down the stairs. I look out over the village for any sign of Inuyasha as we momentarily stop at the top, but I don't see any of the familiar red or silver.
'I think I know where he's gone. I'm done beating around the bush with him and being timid. He's needs a good kick in the ass.' I frown in determination.
Sure enough, as I pull aside the cover to his hut, there he was sitting by the unlit fire pit. His ears are twitching back and forth, and I know he must have heard me coming from miles out. He still refuses to look at me, his amber eyes hard and trained on the floor in front of him.
"Inuyasha, this needs to stop." I frown then as I sigh heavily, walking into the hut fully.
"I didn't show you this place so you'd know where to come and harass me." He points out in frustration, his eyes narrowing. "Leave me alone, Yua."
"No." I state simply, sitting down the edge of the raised flooring. I wanted to allow him some space since I was refusing his request. "You and I need to hash some things out." Even as I say this with confidence, I feel anxiety bubbling up inside of me.
"What the hell are you talking about?" He snaps, finally looking at me with his angry amber eyes.
"About this game of tug of war you're playing with me." I reply evenly. "You and I were getting along the best we had since we first met until last night."
"Are we talking about how I almost kissed you again?" Inuyasha asks, clearly irritable. "It was a mistake. I was half asleep. You need to get over it." I try not to recoil from the bluntness of his words, swallowing back my hurt once more.
"I don't think I'm the one that needs to get over it. I'm not the one that has been acting like an asshole since it happened. I forgave you the minute you came to. I understood it for what it was, and I wasn't upset at you for it." I state firmly, meeting his gaze head on. "Clearly you're still hung up over it though. So come on, lay it one me. I'm a big girl, I can take it."
"What are you talking about?" Inuyasha asks, looking at me with a frustrated yet confused expression.
"Get it out of your system. Yell at me, throw shit around. Do whatever it is you gotta do for our friendship to get over this." I dictate to him, watching as his expression changes to understanding. His lips tighten, pressing together, before finally he gives in.
"Sometimes I hate you." He admits lowly, and I begin to brace myself to not take it personally. "I hate you because you're here and Mayumi isn't, but I know that isn't fair to you." He sighs heavily, looking down and away from me. "You two are like night and day to me now, completely different in looks and personality."
"I thought we established that a long time ago. You told me I was fatter and uglier than her, remember?" I tease, hoping to relieve some of the tension. As he looks back to me, an intense unreadable look in his eyes, I can tell it didn't have the desired affect.
"I was angry when I said that too." He explains unnecessarily. I had known that. "You're not ugly." His amber eyes slowly trail from my face, over my form, then inch back up towards my face once more. I can feel a burning blush seeping into my cheeks, his look causing that tingling sensation to spread throughout my entire body from head to toe.
'Focus, Yua…focus!' I chant to myself, desperately not trying to feel happy he had said that.
"Even though you may look different than Mayumi to me now, you're still a constant reminder of her." He continues lowly, closing his eyes for a moment before looking down to the side.
"I'm sorry." I whisper softly then, my chest aching for his loss and for the pain he no doubt was in almost constantly because of me. "I wish there was something I could do…" I trail off, unsure. Inuyasha's eyes snap open, gazing into my own once more.
"This isn't your fault, and there is nothing you can do. It's something I've got to work through and I am, just very slowly." He admits, hesitating then. "Listen, and listen closely because I will not be repeating myself. I'm sorry." I feel shock resonating through my body at his apology.
"Apology accepted." I reply weakly, but nonetheless I mean it with all my heart. He looks a little surprised at my reply, but his face quickly softens as he nods. "So, can we talk about this whole saving Kikyo's ashes thing?" I ask gently then, and he groans, tilting his head back towards the ceiling. "Come on! I can completely understand where you are coming from, but Kaede has done so much for us. The least we can do is make sure her sister gets back to where she belongs. This would be for Kaede, not Kikyo. Besides, this stinks of a demon trying to gain possession of the jewel shards." I add, hoping to appeal to him that way.
"Fine." Inuyasha agrees reluctantly after a few moments of tense silence.
"Thank you, Inuyasha." I grin widely, and he scoffs.
"Don't thank me yet." He mutters in return. "So what are we going to do with your cousin, then?" He effectively changes the subject, and my eyes widen in remembrance.
"Oh shit."
There wasn't enough time to take Kagome back to the Bone Eater's Well, especially when we didn't know whether or not it would work. So instead we had her come with us, knowing that it was the best way would could ensure her protection. Kaede had warned us that with Kagome clearly being her sister's reincarnate, that Urasue could return for her. The old priestess was certain that the demon had taken Kikyo's remains in hopes of reviving her, that way she would have her own personal priestess to hunt down the jewels shards with. She wouldn't succeed, however, not when Kikyo's soul had already been reincarnated into my cousin.
The first day of traveling went by quickly, the sun setting before I knew it. Kagome had traveled with Kaede on her horse, hanging on for dear life to the poor old lady as she sat behind her. It had taken a couple hours but she had finally relaxed enough to even start to enjoy the beautiful countryside. Shippo stayed by her side, giving her company. I had to admit, seeing the little guy warm up to my cousin so quickly gave me mixed feelings. I was happy and proud of him to see that he was trying so hard to make Kagome comfortable for me, but a little jealous as well.
Shippo was my little guy.
Once we had reached a large ravine, the river on one side and tall cliffs on the other, Inuyasha had insisted on separating from the group to survey ahead. I had been walking the entire time beside Inuyasha, easily able to keep up with the slow pace Kaede had set.
"You want to come with me?" Inuyasha turns to me before he leaves, and I can't help feeling a little shocked.
'It's his version of an olive branch. Take it.' Mayumi advises, making her first appearance since last night. I nod, not able to stop the smile from spreading over my face. Inuyasha even seems to relax as I accept his offer, turning and kneeling down on one knee so I could climb onto his back. His hands cup under my thighs firmly, before he jumps up to the ridge above. Smoothly he runs, the late afternoon sun slowly starting to fade below the horizon.
'This feels so nice to be with him like this again.' I can't help thinking, glad he couldn't see the pleased look on my face as the wind whips my ponytail about. Suddenly I feel the thumb on his right hand rubbing gently back and forth against the outside of my thigh through my clothing. It's soothing, even as the touch sends a slight thrill through me. His thumb pauses after a moment, and when I don't say anything he starts up again, warmth spreading through me as I relax even more against his back.
Did he even realize what he was doing to me? Physically or emotionally?
He continues to keep his eyes trained ahead, his touch continuing long enough that I'm sure I'd feel his thumb there even after he stops. When he does stop I instantly miss the touch, and have to force back a whine of complaint.
Our party comes to a halt for the night in a little rocky alcove. To make Kagome feel more useful I take her to gather firewood, bringing it back to the camp and showing her how to properly stack the wood. Shippo takes care of the fire, while Kaede passes out fruits and bread for us to eat. I notice that Inuyasha doesn't take any, but I don't push the matter. It felt like we were in a better place, and I didn't want to ruin it. Soon Kagome is fast asleep in her bedroll, same as Kaede, leaving just Shippo, Inuyasha, and myself awake. Shippo had crawled into my lap after eating, and I had cradled him to me on instinct. Both he and I enjoyed the comforting contact, so much so that Shippo was next in line to fall asleep. Inuyasha is the first to move, rolling out my bedroll so that I could tuck both Shippo and I in for the night. Surprisingly Inuyasha sits cross-legged beside us, his back leaned against the rocky wall. I look up to him, smiling softly as I tuck Shippo against my chest.
"Goodnight, Inuyasha." I murmur softly, and Inuyasha looks down at me, his amber eyes filled with something I really couldn't name.
"Goodnight, Yua." He replies softly after a moment, before turning his head forward and closing his own eyes. I can't help watching him, his skin and hair glowing from the firelight, before I finally give in to my own exhaustion and let my eyes slip closed.
"We must retrieve Kikyo's remains quickly, lest Urasue use them to some evil end." Kaede once again reminds us early the next morning. The sun had barely risen over the mountains, the air crisp and cool. It had made it difficult to get out from under my blankets with Shippo, but I forced myself to nonetheless. Glancing over towards the small fox demon, I watch as he finds some runoff water, splashing his face to help him wake up. "I fear trouble lies in the path ahead." Frowning I look back to Kaede then, nodding.
"Let's get a move on then." I reply, moving to help her prepare the horse. Kagome was lending a hand by gathering our supplies, meanwhile Inuyasha had gone ahead to scout the area out. He came bounding back just as I was helping Kagome back onto the horse behind Kaede.
"She's near, judging by the smell less than a half day out." Inuyasha reports, his voice deadly calm. Meanwhile I can't help feeling the anxiety bubble to the surface again. Shippo decides to hitch a ride on my shoulder this time, Inuyasha and I trailing just behind Kaede and Kagome as we move out.
"Yua, you should be prepared. This isn't going to be like anything we've faced before." Inuyasha speaks up seriously after a few moments of silence. I look over to him, the weight of my bow on my shoulder suddenly feeling heavier as I nod.
"Right." I murmur, my voice shaking a little despite my best efforts. 'How are you holding up, Mayumi?'
'About as well as can be expected.' She replies, her voice sounding conflicted. 'I don't know what I'm going to do if we're confronted by Kikyo's resurrected body.' She admits, and I can feel the tension coming off of her in waves. 'I don't know if I'll be able to control my anger.'
'I'm here to help you.' I point out. 'Besides, you can't take my body over without my permission, correct?'
'Correct.' She responds, but her voice doesn't hold the same confidence I'm used to.
"If you were so worried about her remains, why didn't you scatter them in the river in the first place?" Inuyasha's argument brings me back to the present, and I frown in confusion. "We wouldn't be in this predicament if it weren't for you and your sentimentality."
What did I miss?
Kaede scoffs in disgust. "Inuyasha, have ye no regard for man's grave sites and tombstones?" She bites back. "A grave is more than simply a place to bury a body or ashes. It is a place of refuge, of shelter, for the hearts of those loved ones left behind." She goes on to explain, but the look of bewilderment on his face instantly tells me he still really doesn't get it.
"Loved ones left behind?" He questions, crossing his arms.
"My sister was born a priestess. She used her powers for the good of the villagers. She warded spectres and demons away fro the village, and battled illness and famine countless times. Ever since her demise Kikyo's spirit continues to encourage the villagers to overcome their obstacles, and have the strength to carry on." Kaede continues reverently, and I can't help feeling mildly impressed by the legacy I wasn't aware Kikyo had left behind. All I had ever heard of was how she had killed Mayumi in a jealous rage, taking out Inuyasha when he had tried to retaliate by taking the Sacred Jewel.
This was a new side to Kikyo I somehow couldn't help but respect.
"But people are weak, and hearts are easily swayed by the winds of danger and uncertainty. Her grave was a place of reassurance, a haven to encourage the villagers to brace themselves against the storms of life." Kaede finishes, a look of deep thought now passing over Inuyasha's face. It was like he was remembering this side of Kikyo as well for the first time in a long time. Jealousy surges up inside of me, but I can instantly tell it's not mine.
'Mayumi…this must be so difficult to have to hear.' I think, but no response comes from her.
"And I'm supposed to be her reincarnation?" Kagome asks doubtfully, obviously in awe of Kikyo as well.
"Yes ye are, child." Kaede replies, nodding. "Ye are the exact image of Kikyo. I imagine you may even possess some of her powers, if we have a chance for you to tap into them." I look to Inuyasha then, watching as his eyes discreetly look over Kagome, as if seeing for himself the similarities once again. A soft look comes over his face, and I feel my chest tighten.
Did a small part of him still love Kikyo? Despite what she did?
No. No way. She had killed Mayumi! The real love of his life!
'I always was suspicious myself, though he never knew it.' Mayumi admits lowly, sadness creeping into my chest now as well. 'She tried so hard to gain back his favor, but time and again he showed his devotion to me. Even still…' She trails off with a large sigh before continuing. 'Sometimes I had my doubts, especially when I could sense her aura surrounding him when he'd return from the village.'
'But he loved you, right?' I ask softly.
'He did, and evidently still does. Knowing he loved me was what stopped me from confronting him about Kikyo. I was satisfied that he had chosen me, and continued to choose me time and again.'
'You still love him.'
'Very much, but I'm also prepared to let him go. Just not to her.' Mayumi grumbles the last bit moodily, and I can't help feeling slightly amused. This was the first time Mayumi had ever acted so jealous. 'Ha, ha, laugh it up.' She spits out irritably, but I know there is no real anger behind her words.
'Now you know how it feels.' I reply evenly, the connection cut off soon after.
Eventually we come to a forest, the trees so dense that only the cleared path was lit by the sun. As we moved further in clay figures suddenly began to appear from the undergrowth on either side of the trail.
"They look like clay mummies." I frown deeply then, looking to either side. An ominous feeling overwhelms me, getting worse and worse the further we travel into the woods.
"This is creepy!" Kagome agrees nervously. "What are they?"
"Clay statues maybe?" Shippo offered up. "Oh, they're giving me the willies." He shudders against the side of my head, his little hands gripping onto my hair as he stands a bit taller to look around. As we come out of the woods we see a small outcropping of pointed mountains, a stack of smoke seen high in the air from the right side.
"Something tells me that's the place." Inuyasha speaks up dryly from beside me, a shudder running down my back. It wasn't the mountains that had caused the hair on the back of my neck to stand on end.
It was the rickety looking wooden bridge crossing a bottomless ravine.
"We have to cross that?" Kagome asks, clearly not a fan of the idea. I swallow thickly, before turning to my half-breed savior.
"Hey, Inuyasha?"
"Yeah?" Inuyasha asks, looking down at me with curiosity.
"This might be a good time for me to mention my fear of heights." His eyebrows shooting up into his hairline in surprise.
"You're scared of heights? What about when you ride around with me?" He asks, and I fight back a blush.
'Well, I feel safe with you, so it's not an issue then.' I decide it's best not to answer, leaving his question hanging as I stare down at the bridge, not bothering to conceal my apprehension. We make our way down, Kagome nervously stepping onto the bridge first.
"Freaking me out!" She whimpers, clinging to the chain railing with death grip.
Obviously fear of heights runs in the family.
I do my best not to seem as freaked out when I step onto the bridge behind her. Against my better judgement I look over the side, the ravine we were crossing showing no signs of exactly how deep it was. 'Well that was fucking stupid of me.' I think to myself with a groan, turning to look straight ahead at Kagome's back. "Listen, the faster we move the faster we're off this thing. Let's go!" I state, coming up behind her on shaking legs and gently nudging her along. Inuyasha, meanwhile, grows impatient and leaps over all four of us to take the lead. The bridge shakes as he lands, and I can't help latching onto the chains now myself.
"You're both pathetic." He laughs slightly, crossing his arms as he stands a few feet in front of Kagome. "Listen, if you are both that scared then just turn around. I'll handle the demon witch myself." He states cockily, and I feel my sense of competitiveness rear it's ugly head.
'He'll never let you live it down.' Mayumi chimes in, even though I was already decided.
"So what? You're going to leave me-US-a couple hundred feet above the ground, flowing in the wind?!" Kagome shouts in disbelief. Inuyasha hardly looks sympathetic.
"Then come if you want, but I'm done being slowed down by you." Inuyasha bites back at my cousin as she looks at him in disbelief. Looking over her shoulder at me, she frowns.
"Seriously…what do you see in that guy?" She asks loudly, and I instantly wish I had the bravery to throw myself off of the bridge. Shippo speeds around her, racing past Inuyasha even as he blazes a trail ahead.
Only to be stopped as the mist clears to reveal more of the clay mummies like the ones we had seen in the forest.
"Shippo!" I frown, pushing past Kagome then and moving up to where Inuyasha stood just behind the fox demon.
"Where did they come from?" Shippo asks with a frown as he backs up to stand directly in front of Inuyasha. Suddenly the first clay mummy breaks apart, revealing what looked to be a warrior from within. I blink in surprise, glancing towards Inuyasha to see if he had any idea what was happening. He was looking at the warrior with confusion as well. One after another the clay mummies continue to burst open, revealing more warriors.
"It must be Urasue's soldiers!" Inuyasha states, his right hand up and ready. I grab my bow, notching an arrow and drawing it back.
"Hey, not that I want to make matters worse, but…look behind us!" Kagome shouts up towards Inuyasha and I. I look over my shoulder, feeling my stomach drop as I see more warriors approaching from behind.
'The clay mummies from the forest!' I realize, turning swiftly and letting my arrow fly into the soldier that was closest to Kaede. He shatters apart, like he himself was made of clay as well. "There are so many of them. What are we going to do?" I ask Inuyasha.
"Hang on tight, ladies! This shaking bridge is about to live up to it's name!" Inuyasha calls out unhelpfully, before racing towards the oncoming soldiers. "IRON REAVER SOUL STEALER!" He shouts out as he rushes through the clay warriors, shattering one after another.
'Well, great, that still doesn't take care of what's behind us!' I think dryly, shaking my head as I race back towards my cousin and Kaede, Shippo right on my heels. I draw back another arrow, before pausing as I look down at Shippo.
"Concentrate your foxfire around my arrow, we'll take out more of them that way!" I instruct, Shippo luckily nodding in understanding at my abstract idea. I let my arrow fly, Shippo quickly jumping into action.
"Foxfire!" He shouts, releasing it so it swirled around my arrow. With help from his foxfire my arrow was able to clear through any of the warriors in it's path this time, but unfortunately it still left a number standing.
"Again!" I shout, pulling back another arrow and letting it fly. Shippo does the same, and it has the same effect.
"Woah, you're pretty good at this." Kagome comments in surprise from behind me, and I can't help feeling a little pride at her recognition. It doesn't last long, however, as Inuyasha can be heard gloating behind us.
"I wish all my enemies were this weak!" He exclaims joyously, and my shoulder's slump slightly.
'Sure, take the wind right out of my sails.' I pout inwardly.
"Too bad there are so many of them!" He adds a moment later, sounding a little short of breath. Okay, well, that makes me feel a little better then. I continue to work with Shippo, combining shot after shot with his fox fire.
Until when I reach down and feel no more arrows.
'What?' I gasp, my hand blinding searching for the familiar feeling of fletching. All I was grabbing was air. 'Well this isn't good.' I think to myself, backing up closer to Kaede and Kagome now. Shippo does as well as he continues to attack with his foxfire, but I can tell he's quickly becoming exhausted.
All of a sudden I feel it, a power signature as it hovers above us. Looking up I finally lay eyes on who could only be Urasue, her scythe resting against her shoulder. I frown, her gaze is locked on something on the bridge. Following it I feel my stomach lurch in worry seeing what she was so focused on.
Or should I say who.
"Kagome!" I shout, but it's too late. With a great cry Urasue races towards the bridge, easily cutting through the chains, rope, and wood that held it suspended above the canyon. I grab onto the rope nearby, a terrifying sense of weightlessness takes over as we become air-born and everything moves like it was in slow motion. Urasue swoops in, easily grabbing Kagome from where she was hanging onto the bridge, screaming in pure fright as it fell from underneath her.
'NO!' I gasp inwardly as the demon witch carries her of, looking down the bridge further to see Shippo and Kaede slide off the edge of the broken bridge. Shippo would catch Kaede, that much I was confident in as the wind whirled around me, still. Looking over my shoulder I can see the wall of the canyon as I race towards it, bracing myself for the hit as much as I could. As soon as what was left of the bridge hits the wall of rock I lose my grip, falling backwards into the bottomless pit.
'YUA!' Mayumi shouts, and I feel energy burst forth from deep inside my core, sending an electrified shock-wave through my entire body. I finally let out a scream as Mayumi takes over, surrounding me in a protective ball of my own aura as I speed to the ground. The serene blue sky is the last thing I see before everything goes dark and quiet.
I cannot believe that this story is close to 100 reviews already! With over 3,000 reviews and 80 readers either putting it on their alert list or their favorites list! You guys are absolutely AMAZING! As promised I will be updating another chapter this weekend to follow this one, and if we make it to 14 reviews for this chapter, I'll be sure to upload a third one before the following weekend!
Until then!
T.O.T.
