CHAPTER 15: AFTERMATH

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But Kagome kept crying, flashes of burned bodies and her arrows striking flesh replaying over and over. The screams, the smells. 'I killed them.' She felt like she was drowning, the horror of her actions taking over. They had come alive in her mind, accusing her, reaching their charred limbs in her direction, asking her why. In the darkness, it felt like she could still see them. It was like being swallowed into the void with the shikon jewel.

Kagome panicked, clutching at Inuyasha's robes frantically. "Light," she pleaded, "I need light, please."

"Okay."

The sound of Inuyasha's robes kept her attention, and she hyper focused on him to drive away her fears. The sound of flint scraping echoed by her ears, and then a lantern came to life. Inuyasha brought it close to them, but kept it a safe distance enough to not knock it over. Without hesitating, he returned to her, wrapping his arms around her, holding her tight, wiping away her tears and fears, whispering to her until they both fell asleep in each other's arms. Body's tangled intimately, comforting, deep into the night.

A warmth spread slowly over Inuyasha's skin, waking him from slumber as his body contorted into a lazy stretch. His thick blanket twisted around his toned legs. A toothy yawn escaped him, loud enough to send birds outside his window fluttering away in fright. Golden-skinned muscles tensed and relaxed from the leisurely release. Absolutely content, he turned his sharp nose towards a swirling mix of silver and black tresses, the endearing scent drew him closer, and he took in the soft, sweet fragrance greedily.

Kagome continued to sleep serenely on his chest. Inuyasha's sun kissed eyes opened slowly, adjusting it's focus. The vision of her clearing within seconds.

She seemed to glow at that moment as the blur of his eyes receded.

Reaching a clawed hand across them, Inuyasha brushed away the dark hair that had spilled across her face.

It was like a dream, having her there with him again. And not only that, but Inuyasha felt ready. Ready to provide, to nurture, to love. Love without guilt, appreciate her freely without the burden of past promises to people long gone. There was no provisional chip on his shoulder with a point to prove anymore. This was him. This was the real Inuyasha.

And she said she loved him!

Inuyasha pressed his eyes shut when he felt them burn, wiping roughly away any evidence of tears he felt prickling on his lashes. He had not admitted to anyone yet, but his heart still ached.

Of course, he was so incredibly happy, but things like this never happened to him, never!

He half expected at any moment for something to go terribly wrong. Because nothing, nothing ever went right for him. And these last two weeks with the undead and Kohaku being taken away… had proven that. And, Kagome had actually put humans to death.

Inuyasha was overwhelmed with guilt. What could he possibly do to help her? He knew from experience this was not going to be something easily glossed over. It would take time, a lot of time to get over eliminating one person, let alone a whole crowd of them. What if she regretted this? What if she decided to go back home?

Way before, Kagome had a duty. She had a whole jewel she'd torn to pieces, and it had been her responsibility to return to this era and put it back together. But, what about now?

Kagome shifted in her sleep, her face snuggling more into Inuyasha's chest. Her light snores blooming a warmth into his heart.

Then he noticed his robes wrinkling loose from her ministrations. Golden eyes suddenly dilated, his mouth went dry, and Kagome let out a hot puff of air from full pink lips that had the silver hairs on his chest standing on end.

His face grew hot with a flush. Damn it, but he couldn't help it! Despite the trouble brewing, he was absolutely jubilant to have her back in his arms. And he'd be a complete fool if he didn't take advantage of their time together. He had dreamt of her, wept for her, killed for her… and now, he was determined to love her.

Lashes lowering, he leaned his face close and grazed his lips on her tangled head, languidly breathing in her scent. He couldn't help but blush. Would he ever get used to this; holding her so close and being so intimate?

A lazy smirk lifted his lips, one fang glinting as he swept a clawed hand through her hair, over her shoulder, and down her arm. Closing his eyes, he enjoyed the quiet moment with her. This was worth it. Every minute they had been separated was completely worth having her in his arms again.

Absolutely soothed by her presence, Inuyasha dozed off, not really needing the rest but completely relaxed by Kagome just being with him. Her scent mingled with his, and the fresh, warm air softly strolled in through a window. A rare smile crossed his features, one only ever seen by Kagome and their close friends.

*~CAM~*

Rapid breaths and struggling movements stirred Inuyasha from sleep. Kagome had rolled from his chest and was fighting in the futon beside him. Her skin shone with a thin layer of sweat, her heart thundered in the room, and her face scrunched as she threw her arms and legs wildly about.

With sudden realization, Inuyasha leaned half over her, his silver hair spilling around them as he grabbed her shoulders firmly before she hurt herself. "Kagome," he muttered, "Kagome, wake up!"

Eyes blowing wide, Kagome startled awake, panting as her senses returned and finally focused on Inuyasha's concerned gaze. Her face crumpled, tears flooding her eyes as she threw herself on him, shaking with violent sobs. Inuyasha braced himself with one hand, catching them both with the other before they fell back. He soothingly rubbed her back. "Shh," he whispered, "it's okay."

Kagome shook her head and took in a shuddering breath. "N-no," she moaned.

"Yes," Inuyasha gruffly affirmed, "you'll be okay." He closed his eyes and lamented over the peaceful morning, wishing she could have experienced it as well.

*~CAM~*

It had taken some time for Kagome to collect herself. She burrowed herself deeper in the warm sheets, head covered, swollen eyes pressed shut while savoring Inuyasha's scent, hoping for sleep again. She didn't want to be up, she didn't want to face the day. Sleep would help her forget what she had done.

No matter what Inuyasha said, she still felt like a horrible person, a monster.

Before unconscious bliss could steal her away, Inuyasha walked in with a warm bowl of miso soup and a tray of sweet *tamagoyaki. It filled the air with a wonderful aroma, but Kagome folded herself further in the sheets instead. "M'not hungry," she mumbled miserably.

Sighing, Inuyasha sat next to her, legs crossing and then put the food down. "You need to eat."

Kagome could hear the concern in his voice and felt even worse. He cooked for her, again. He was being so unbelievably sweet, and she absolutely did not deserve it. The thought had her eyes burning once more, her heart quaking with grief. "Please," she mumbled, "I don't want to."

Inuyasha could hardly believe the sight before him. Kagome had never acted like this before. He completely understood where she was coming from... but this was going to an extent! At least… that's what he thought.

"Just a bite," Inuyasha pleaded, staring at the black hair that spilled out of the lump of fabric on the ground. Kagome shook her head.

Downhearted, Inuyasha eyed the food he made so carefully for her. He had folded it neatly and seasoned it as pleasingly as possible, hoping it would bring her some comfort. After all, there was nothing as delectable first thing in the morning as miso.

Not to be deflected, Inuyasha stubbornly grabbed a plate and shoved it towards her as if she could see what he was doing. "You're going to eat this," he growled, fang glinting and red sleeves billowing eagerly.

"No!"

"Yes!" He reached across. "You." Then grabbed her shoulder, "are!" And flipped her roughly over.

The blankets flew, and Kagome's startled eyes found his stubborn ones as she fell back and landed sprawled before him, chest heaving. Outraged, she sat up, hair flying wildly and jabbed a finger at him, "Inuyasha! SII-"

And a chunk of tamagoyaki was shoved into her mouth.

"Mmmf!"

Inuyasha smirked as she sputtered and choked down the sweet egg. Damned wench tried to sit him! "You've got some nerve!" he snarled goodnaturedly.

But once her stormy, puffy eyes turned in his direction; her body thundered with an energy that relieved his worry for her. And then she threw her head back and laughed. A loud, feminine, adorable laugh that shook Inuyasha's quaint home with joy.

Despite the slight annoyance of her trying to subdue him, Inuyasha felt himself deflate with a sudden sense of ease. Kagome was back… even if for just a little while. And he would continue fighting to bring her back from the darkness consuming her. After all... he had been there once too.

Apples burning, yet pleasantly so; Inuyasha brought another morsel of tamagoyaki to Kagome's lips. This time, her eyes sparkled with wonder, her lips fell open as she let him feed her, and then she felt the delightful dollop slip between her mouth. She closed her eyes in pure delight. Inuyasha was a damn good cook! When did this happen?!

Humming appreciatively, Kagome fell back, limbs sprawling as her taste buds tingled at each and every sweet flavor. Why had she fought Inuyasha so much about eating again?

After swallowing, Kagome realized she definitely wanted more. Slowly opening her eyes, she watched as Inuyasha cut into another egg and lifted it towards her. His mouth flitted into a goofy smile. Her heart absolutely, positively melted at the sight.

Sitting up, she ignored the burns where her clothes rubbed at her raw skin and leaned forward, keeping eye contact with the love of her life as she took another bite. His own widened at her boldness and they both blushed as he pulled the chopsticks from her lips. She grabbed his lowering hand firmly, affection blooming for him throughout her body, "thank you, Inuyasha."

"K-keh!" Inuyasha furrowed his brows and looked away to save face, but his heart was somersaulting with glee.

Smirking at how adorable and bashful he was acting, Kagome leaned forward and pecked his cheek. She absolutely cherished him.

Not being able to handle any more of the intimacy lest he pass out, Inuyasha shoved the plate back to the floor and stood up, turning towards the door. "Finish eating and dress up. We need to head to Kaede's so she can give us something for your skin."

*~CAM~*

It was little past noon when they got to the older woman's hut. Inuyasha barged in like he owned the place. Kagome shook her head as she followed after him. Shippo hollered happily and jumped at her before being snatched from the air by Inuyasha.

"Leave 'er alone, runt."

Shippo whined as he fought the older man's clawed hands, "let me gooo! You had Kagome to yourself all ni~ight!"

Mortified, Kagome sputtered as Inuyasha choked back a cough.

"Aah," Kaede breathed wickedly, "have ye moved in already?" A sparkle glimmered in her single eye.

Kagome could have died from embarrassment. Thank goodness Miroku wasn't there, he would've never let them live it down!

Before Kagome could respond, Inuyasha threw Shippo towards the back of the hut, the kit merely flipped and caught himself with a trick of his floating enchantment.

Yelling with embarrassment, Inuyasha hollered, "she's hurt!"

"What ails ye child?" Kaede motioned for Kagome to sit next to her. Kagome lifted a sleeve, showing the suddenly serious woman her splotchy arm. Reddish skin shone raw as the edges curled with peeled back skin. It looked like a first degree burn.

Shippo peeked up from between them and hissed at the sight. "What happened?" His green eyes glistened with concern.

Looking away with shame, Kagome swallowed a sudden lump before answering. "I was washing up and.. and scrubbed a little too hard."

Kaede got up and rummaged around the containers she'd skillfully collected. "Just your arm, or-"

"Everything," Inuyasha cut in, "everything but her back."

Kagome closed her eyes, suddenly feeling queasy and faint. She was so stupid! How could she have done this to herself?

As if noticing her reaction, Shippo began to rub tiny circles on her back. "It's ok," he tried to sooth, "Kaede will fix you right up." His little face was full of determination. Kagome felt like crying from shame.

"Out," Kaede ushered the two males, "we'll need privacy from ye prying eyes."

Kagome thought she'd pass out multiple times as Kaede loosely wrapped her body in long strips of clean cloth. The pain was unbearable.

The older woman reprimanded her and made sure that she was in no way to do this to herself again. After what Kagome was sure to describe as torture, Kaede fed her an herbal tea to numb the pain. Kagome prayed it would kick in quickly.

A giant stack of baskets in the back of the hut caught her eye after a nice warm sip. "What are those?" she asked, not remembering them there from before.

"Ah." Kaede smiled, "those are gifts for the Time Traveling Miko."

Kagome tried not to cough from choking on her tea, "the wha?!"

"For you," Kaede replied, "the villagers were so happy to see you back. Expect to see more soon."

Kagome didn't know what to do with that information. Did that many people really know she was a time traveler? Or were they just joyous at her return? Could her time traveling secret be used for nefarious reasons? If someone with enough greed found out, would there be serious repercussions? There was absolutely no way to tell. The only time she remembered the future changing was when she and Inuyasha were separated, and they had somehow communicated through the Goshinboku while her time turned white with snow.

Nervous, she chugged back her medicine and tried not to worry too much. The baskets were many, taking over a fourth of Kaede's little hut. Some had food, tools, and even carefully picked out cloth. She never realized how much of an impact she had left on the village until now.

Shortly after Kagome turmoiled with the thought, Inuyasha and Shippo strolled back in to ask if she was okay. Kagome smiled and pulled back her sleeves and arms for them to see. "I look like a mummy now," she laughed goodnaturedly.

They both looked at her with confusion, "a mum what?" Shippo tilted and scratched his head, looking more like the red canine that he was.

Kagome's heart fluttered and she laughed again, wishing she could squeeze him in her arms. He was just too cute! "They're people who've passed, then been wrapped up with bandages, like me!" she pointed. "Then, sometimes, they even rise from the dead!" She 'arred' and launched towards Shippo, then laughed when he screeched and ran away from her, scampering in silly circles around everyone in the hut.

*~CAM~*

Hell.

Kohaku was in pure hell.

Unlike with Naraku, this creature had kept him conscious as it controlled his body. Kohaku had no choice but to watch as it slaughtered countless villages with its other smoke-like, possessed comrades. He'd lost count of how many people he had killed, how many homes they had destroyed, how many families were left parentless or childless. It was like reliving his past, his worst memories come to life over and over again.

Each day his spirit descended further into grief. How long had he been taken? It felt like months. Sometimes he would even black out, not being able to take the sights anymore; the blood, filth, and agony. Siblings and families were torn apart, sometimes the fires the smokey creatures rose from would grow wild and burn down whole villages. The images, sounds, and smells would be forever scorched into his mind.

Kohaku was exhausted and half-starved. Whatever it was that dominated him seemed to forget that he was human. He needed food, sleep, and water. It was a miracle he was still alive.

With a guilt so heavy, he watched as the scenery around him continued to move and change. He thought back on the mess he left his nieces and nephew in. He hoped they were okay.

He often thought of Sango and hoped she was okay, and that she didn't worry too much about him. He knew it was hard on her the first time he had been taken by Naraku, now he was stuck in a similar nightmare, again.

The only blessing was that this creature seemed to have no interest in Sango after it had taken him. Sometimes, he would hear his distorted voice mention Inuyasha, and it would scheme with its comrades on the half demon's strength, and how much they would benefit from possessing him. Kohaku prayed that they would let the village be.

Then he would hear it speak again, discussing the priestess that traveled with Inuyasha and how it would be impossible as long as she was by his side. The plan was always dropped after that, only to be brought up again days later.

Once in a while, Kohaku would experience relief. If only for a few days, the creature would recede into him, almost as if it were resting, and Kohaku would scramble to find himself food and water. He would pray for a stream and wash his filthy body, wishing he had a change of clothes to wear. Sometimes, he entertained going back home, but he knew the creature would return and possess him again. As much as it pained him to be away, he just couldn't risk it. So he allowed himself to sleep beside the riverbank, letting the rushing water soothe him to sleep. Finally, his body could properly recharge.

When he woke again, his body was already moving against his will, and the creature chuckled at him in his contorted voice. "You're stuck with me kii~iid."

So, after weeks of struggling for so long to take his body back permanently, and spirit almost completely crushed, Kohaku gave up and decided to watch. He sunk into his own body and watched the depths of his soul. It was the only thing he could do.

He decided he would figure out who the leader was, and what the goal of this madness was.

One thing he did know was that they were massing people. They traveled to villages night after night, slithering into burning fires and possessing people within their own homes. Sometimes, they would run into a battlefield littered with dead soldiers stacked so high they could do nothing more but step over them. Bloated flesh popped under his shoes, soaking his toes, bones breaking like paper, and then more bodies were taken. Even if they were dead or half alive; a soldier's body was always more valuable than a common townsman's. And they would rise from the ground in an unspeakable way, failed clans' flags flying around them as crows cawed at the sight.

Kohaku didn't know what he could do with what he was witnessing. But he swore he would keep watch after returning from his countless unconscious, exhausted states. At this point, he thought, it was the only thing keeping him alive. Getting information back to his friends, keeping them safe, and hopefully regaining his body back.

(A/N)

Tamagoyaki - a sweetened Japanese rolled omelette that resembles mini bars of golden pillows with a slightly sweet taste.

Thank you all for being so patient! I had to study for a state board test so had to skip an update! Anyway, I'm trying to keep a balance of dark and angsty with some fluff and light humor. I hope it flows well! Please let me know what you think!

And thank you SO MUCH for whoever nominated this for best angst and best dark fic! I appreciate you incredibly! Maybe I'll need to turn it up a notch? (I can't help writing fluffy parts though, InuKag are my jaaam!) :3