A.N. Okay so I tried really hard to get this out to you today since it;s taken me so long to get it out. Actually cut this down a little so I can make the next chapter not so short. One more chappie for the past then the two endings. If you wanna keep track of what I'm doing with fics and my excuses follow me on twitter StevieWondrboyX. Mostly kids, life, reading, and hopefully my next story is my excuses. So without further delay...
THE DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the Inuyasha characters, ect. I simply enjoy them and oogle the Inuyasha goodies... *drool*
If anything is confusing and or wrong, please notify me in a PM or a review. I do try my best to make sure everything fits. Thank You!
.~*~*~*~*~. The Past Prt 2 .~*~*~*~.
Shippo took a chunk out of his fish, it was lunch time and the whole group was sitting around the fire they had built moments ago. They had been traveling and helping out the villages they passed by, always staying on the move. Kouga showed up from time to time on their journey, claiming Kagome was his woman and flirting with her while he could, but he never did stay long. Inuyasha always fought with Kouga the second his hands started touching Kagome; sometimes even when he first smelled the wolf demon coming his way. The group though had their fun. They joked, laughed, and enjoyed each other's presence. The half demon was slowly getting used to how the group worked, and he felt as though he belonged for once in his life.
Inuyasha was happy that people needed him, trusted him, and believed in him. Kagome was the one who held the whole group together as one, and she was the one who was always there for him. On the nights of the new moon she always sat with him and kept him company, falling asleep against his arm after hours of talking through the night. Though he didn't mind, he enjoyed her touch; heck, he enjoyed everything about her.
When Inuyasha was around Kagome, it was hard for him to think of anything else. He lived to make her happy, and he protected her with his life. She had a knack for getting kidnapped and every time she got even slightly hurt he fought that much harder to save her. Inuyasha didn't understand his feelings towards the strange woman, but he wasn't complaining either. It had been a long time since Inuyasha had fully trusted someone, and even though he was rude and killed things brutally, Kagome has still stuck by his side. The group of friends Inuyasha had acquired; were the only few people who knew of Inuyasha's human night, the night of the new moon.
"Hey Inuyasha, shouldn't you be heading back now?" Shippo asked placing down his fish bones. The group had been quite that night as they ate, but it wasn't a bad silence; they were all happy in each other's presence.
"Oh, that's right. Inuyasha don't you have a woman back home waiting for your return?" Miroku rubbed his chin as he thought back trying to remember what exactly Inuyasha had said before. Kagome, on the other hand, remembered; casting her eyes down to the ground letting her bangs hide her eyes. As bad as she knew it was, she was hoping he'd stay with their group and forget about the life he had before. She was hoping that maybe, by some miracle, he'd fall for her like she had already for him.
Kagome didn't know when she started feeling this way towards him she just knew she was in love with him. He made her heart race every time she was close to him. A few occasions she had thought he felt the same way when he rescued her, the way he'd held her close making sure she was safe before letting her leave his arms again.
Inuyasha had noticed Kagome's sudden down mood, as did everyone else, except for Shippo, and sighed managing a quiet 'yeah' in response. He couldn't lie, he had completely forgotten about Kikyo and he was now feeling like crap. Inuyasha and Kikyo had a big fight the last time they had seen each other, and he knew she was probably worrying. Guilt washed over him, turning his head away from the group looking off into the distance. The once happy silence was now one filled with dread, guilt, and pain.
"We'll head back tomorrow." Kagome let out in a whisper as she laid down to sleep. The rest of the group nodded before retiring to their own places by the fire, except for Inuyasha who jumped up into the tree and looked up at the dark sky trying to sort out his feelings, and the decisions he'll have to make.
.~*~*~*~*~*~
It had been a while since Inuyasha had been back to the village and saw Kikyo. Kikyo was still worried about what happened to him and if it was her fault, but deep down she hoped he was alive, happy, and unharmed somewhere. Even deeper down she hoped he'd return and be by her side again. Kikyo had loved the half demon and with him being away from her because of, what she believed, their fight they had had she felt awful for asking him to change. He was fine the way he was and if she wanted to be with him, and she was the one affected by what the villagers thought, then why should he change who he is? She should be the one changing because it is her problem.
Kikyo sighed lost in her thoughts as she helped bathe, with a rag, Onigumo. She had grown fond of the man in their conversations they had over the time he was healing under her care. He wasn't quite healed yet, his back in particular where a spider shaped burn was turning into a scar, but he was able to sit up now and hold his own cup.
Onigumo looked up at Kikyo, watching her anguish over her thoughts. The many conversations they had over the time he spent with her he got to know her better and the more he fell for the woman, but to his dismay he knew her heart longed for someone else. Onigumo envied this man, this Inuyasha she always ended up speaking of. He prayed to kami that his rival for Kikyo's heart would never return causing her to forget about him. He knew it was a lot to ask for, but he didn't see how someone as great as her could fall for someone as lowly as him.
"Thinking about him again?" Onigumo asked as she helped him dress himself with clothes she had gotten from the village. Kikyo only nodded for a reply. She didn't feel like talking that day. She was confused with how she was feeling recently, she knew she loved Inuyasha, but she couldn't help but feel a strong attraction the man who sat before her.
Kikyo knew she talked of Inuyasha a lot to Onigumo, but she only did so because she was afraid her heart was starting to waiver. The man she had spent a month with felt like someone she had known her whole life, and it terrified her. She couldn't bring herself to forget about her half demon and move on, every time she thought she should she always imagined Inuyasha coming back and everyone ending up hurt in the end. So, Kikyo refused to move on, at least until she knew if Inuyasha had moved on or not.
"Kikyo, may we please go sit outside? I would very much like some fresh air today." Onigumo asked as politely as he could. He had thoughts of changing his old life style so he could be a better man, one Kikyo would be proud to call hers. He just felt so weak and he knew he'd need to get stronger if the man called Inuyasha ever came back so he could fight for Kikyo.
"Sure, here let me help you." Kikyo stood and grabbed his hand helping him up before throwing his arm around her shoulder to support his weight and help him walk out of the cave and into the clearing where she had met the man and last saw Inuyasha. Kikyo helped Onigumo sit down and sat down next to him enjoying the peace and beauty of the field.
In the month that had passed the wild flowers had bloomed making the field turn into a magnificent sight. The wind would blow and a few flower petals blew about as everything shifted. Onigumo kept his eyes on Kikyo as he watched the petals blow around her and her hair slightly blow in the wind. She was his angel. He enjoyed coming outside of the cave ever since he was well enough, he would sit and watch her as the sun licked her skin and the wind would blow her hair.
"Kikyo," Onigumo started, gaining the courage to say what he was about to say. Kikyo looked towards him and he almost cowered away, but he reminded himself that he had to do this if he'd ever have a chance with his angel Kikyo. "Kikyo, you need to forget about that stupid man who was foolish enough to leave you." Kikyo looked as though she was going to say something but Onigumo put his finger to her lips to silence her. "Let me finish. I have fallen for you Kikyo, I will admit to that, but even being with you for a month has me wanting to better what was a pitiful excuse as a life before just to be suitable for a wonderful angel as yourself." Onigumo took her hair into his hand and lightly fingered it. "Kikyo, please forget that stupid man and be with me, someone who would give everything to be with you."
Kikyo was touched; she didn't know what to say. She loved how his hands felt in her hair; it had all felt so right. So casting aside the thoughts of Inuyasha, she decided it was time to move on. She was going to move on to someone who truly wanted to be with her, who'd do anything for her. Kikyo noticed Onigumo slowing coming closer to her face and his hand had rested on her cheek, her heart had begun racing and she started to feel herself slowly lean into him. Her eyes slowly drifted shut before she felt his lips on hers.
.~*~*~*~*~*~
The group had woken up refreshed, all wanting to enjoy the short amount of time they'd have together before they parted ways. Sango was due back to her family's village to train on the newest methods and repair all the dents in her Hiraikotsu, the giant boomerang. Miroku had family issues he had to deal with, though no one really knew what because he wouldn't say. Shippo and Kagome were going to continue on their journey, Shippo practically being Kagome's adopted child. Inuyasha was going to return to his old life.
They chatted as they walked the roads back to Inuyasha's village, well that is until Inuyasha started growling.
"Must be Kouga." Miroku whispered to Sango, but it didn't go unnoticed by Inuyasha.
"Keh, of course it is, who else reeks that bad?" He complained as the group stopped and watched the twister come towards them, only to stop next to Kagome's side leaving Kouga in its place. "What do you want mangy wolf?" Inuyasha sneered, he really hated Kouga going anywhere near Kagome.
"My dearest Kagome, when are you going to get rid of the mutt? You deserve someone better at your side." Kagome paled as he pulled her close to him keeping her hands in his, which only caused Inuyasha to snarl more.
Shippo on the other hand didn't know any better and leaped up on Kagome's shoulder telling Kouga, "We're headed back to get rid of him now; serves him right!" Inuyasha was livid. Shippo didn't have to tell Kouga anything; he needed to learn to keep his mouth shut. So, Inuyasha whacked Shippo upon the head knocking him off Kagome's shoulder and onto the ground where he started to wail.
"Inuyasha! Why did you do that?" Kagome scolded as she picked up Shippo and cuddled him, happy he was okay and that she was now out of Kouga's arms. She was getting rather tired of Inuyasha and Kouga's bickering every time they encountered each other.
"Well, I think I should tag along to say good riddance to the mutt." Kouga stated as he picked up Kagome's things and started to walk in the direction they were headed in before. "You guys coming or not?" Inuyasha scoffed as he started walking towards Kouga, being the first to move. Sango and Miroku had shrugged their shoulders towards each other before shortly following Inuyasha. Kagome on the other hand just stood there, thinking the world was against her.
"Keh! Wench, hurry up we ain't got all day for you to be standing there catching flies in your mouth." Kagome growled as she stalked up to the hanyou and hit him upside the back of his head.
"Hah! That's what you get half breed!" Kouga and Inuyasha started chasing each other around battling once again with each other.
"When are we going to be at the village Miroku?" A disappointed Sango asked as she wished it'd all be over soon.
"Not long from now my dearest Sango." He answered also wishing it would all stop rather shortly, though it would seem like it was going to be forever.
"Can we take a break?" Shippo wined shortly after they began walking. He was a growing boy and hadn't eaten lunch yet and his tummy was rumbling.
"Keh, we already took one when the mangy wolf decided to join us." Inuyasha grumbled, ready to return to his past life as soon as possible. He felt guilty about it but he couldn't stand watching Kouga be all over Kagome, and he was confused with his feelings for the girl even though he had Kikyo waiting for him to return.
"Inuyasha, he is a growing boy he needs to eat." Kagome chided gathering the last of their food supplies out to feed the group. Miroku went to gather firewood and a grumbling Inuyasha helped him.
As Kagome and Sango readied the food to be cooked, Kouga played and entertained Shippo wearing him out for the journey ahead. Once the food was all shish-ka-bobbed the monk and half demon returned with the wood and started a fire. They all sat quietly by their designated stick of food watching as it cooked.
Kagome had her problems of deciding what to do about her feelings for Inuyasha, and Kouga's feelings for her. She rotated her stick as she thought; Kouga was really good with Shippo and he was in need of a great father figure. Inuyasha was already taken by a girl who he seemed to really love, and she didn't want to get in the way. So maybe, maybe she should just accept Kouga's feelings and try to fall in love with him. It would be best for Shippo after all. She had rotated her stick once again trying to make sure it didn't burn too much on one side.
Sango was trying her hardest to hide her sadness. She loved her sister-like friend, Kagome, and she had grown strong feelings for the perverted monk. She was saddened by the thought of leaving them and was hoping silently that they'd run into each other again soon after they were done with their personal errands. Sighing, she rotated her food.
Inuyasha was too busy warring inside himself on whether or not to rip the wolf away from Kagome and take his spot next to her or to hurry up and get back to Kikyo. He knew that his feelings would come back the second he set eyes on his first love, but he couldn't help his feelings now for Kagome. He knew she deserved better than what he could give, and he knew Kouga could probably give it to her, but that didn't mean Inuyasha would be happy with it. Growling low in his chest Inuyasha finally turned his shish-ka-bob only to see it was burnt and growled again. He missed Kagome doing his for him. Inuyasha looked up across the fire and saw Kagome rotating Shippo's and Kouga's food and growled again. He was starting to wish he'd be back home and forget all of this ever happened.
Miroku, being alone since he was young, didn't want his companions to part, especially the demon slayer. He had fallen for the girl ever since he first laid his hand upon her bottom. He had to admit she could deliver a rather hard hit but it was one thing he liked about her, she kept him in line. Knowing his family illness though, he wouldn't make her suffer though his death. Miroku believed Sango deserved someone who could be there by her side through everything. The girl had already had so much taken from her by a wicked demon.
Shippo and Kouga were oblivious to everyone else's feelings and bounced happily as their food was finally given to them to mow down on. Everyone else just quietly and slowly chewed their food in the awkward silence that engulfed them.
That awkward silence followed into their journey. They decided to try and hurry back as quickly as possible. Sango, Miroku, and Shippo rode on Kirara; Kagome rode on Kouga's back, which was odd because she normally chose to ride on Inuyasha's; and Inuyasha ran in front of the group. He was trying to stay away from Kagome and Kouga's closeness which was really bothering him. He knew he had Kikyo so tried to do what was best for Kagome, to give her a chance at happiness. Who was he to get in the way when he had someone else anyways? If Kikyo ever found out he knew she would be hurt and he couldn't hurt her more than he probably already had by leaving and not telling her where he was going.
Guilt was washing over Inuyasha the closer they came to the village, feeling horrible for leaving Kikyo for so long. He didn't understand how he could just up and forget all about her because of some girl. Internally growling at himself he pushed himself harder to reach his home even faster making everyone else pick up in speed just to keep up. If only they knew what they were going to run into when they got back.
As the group came up on the field Inuyasha had fought with Kikyo; the sight before them stopped them in their tracks. There before them a woman who looked eerily similar to Kagome, who's mouth hung open wide as she took in the woman who could be her double kissing a man; that is before she heard a dangerous growl. Kagome looked over to see Inuyasha's eyes flickering between his normal golden hues to red and it all clicked for her. Before them was Kikyo in another man's arms. Kikyo, also hearing the snarls, turned to see what it was before jumping off the ground shocked at who stood there.
Kikyo knew she was right before. She knew this would happen. She let herself finally give into the guy she started to care for only for Inuyasha to show up. She was mad at him for leaving, but she was hurting even more when she knew she had done wrong. Kikyo had hurt Inuyasha, terribly.
"Inu…yasha?" Kikyo asked keeping her distance scared of what he might do to her in his unstable state. Inuyasha snarled at her keeping his eyes on Onigumo, who was still sitting on the ground, almost silently daring him to move. Kikyo raised her hand, trying to reassure Inuyasha and calm him down, but the move only seemed to make the demon growl even more and his eyes flick over to her.
Kagome noticed the sudden change in his target, and noticed how the rest of her group had backed away from the half demon taking a defensive position. Kagome knew what was going on, Inuyasha's demon blood had taken control and he needed to quickly find something to calm him. Kagome watched as he flexed his claws as a menacing laugh left his lips. She knew he was going to attack soon, she also knew he would never forgive himself.
Braving herself up Kagome stepped toward the half demon, gaining his attention. She didn't stop though, she kept walking to him until she was in his outstretched arms ready to grasp her and tear her apart. She had noticed his hesitance, something he hadn't quite shown toward Kikyo, and felt her confidence rise more. Kagome knew before he was only sizing up his pray before he attacked, making sure Kikyo would have had no way to get away; she also knew that being this close to the half demon her options for getting away were slim, and yet Inuyasha stood there snarling and jerking his head back and forth as his eyes flicked with yellow once again.
"Inuyasha, calm down. You don't want to hurt anyone." Kagome calmly stated as she placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder, slowly bringing it to the back of his head, before she pushed him forward and face first into the ground.
"Wench! What the hell was that for?" Inuyasha snapped as he got stood up, glaring at the miko before him.
"Inu…yasha? Are…are you back to normal?" Kikyo questioned as she etched slowly forward. She was terrified of the half demon, not knowing that he could look so cruel, so evil. Inuyasha remembered what he had seen before and turned from his angel to see the woman he had loved.
"Keh. Of course I am, no thanks to you." Inuyasha retorted making Kikyo flinch. Sighing, Inuyasha ran a hand through his hair, "Kikyo, can we talk?" Kikyo quietly nodded watching in fear as he walked closer to her. Kikyo had always been afraid of his demon side, and seeing it for the first time frightened her, but once his hand grabbed hers her fear washed away leaving only anger and guilt to consume her.
"Aren't you going to introduce your friends to me?" Kikyo ignored his question, getting a small growl from his chest, before he turned to the shocked group.
"This is Miroku," Inuyasha motioned toward the monk, "Sango and Kirara," he waved his hand toward the demon slayer and her little pet, "the wolf is Kouga, and that runt is Shippo." He finished, conveniently forgetting the girl holding said fox demon.
"Inu…ya…sha!" Kagome shrieked causing Inuyasha to smirk. He was hoping to fire her up one last time before they parted ways. To his surprise though she shut her eyes and turned her head away, holding her anger back the best she could.
"Hey mutt, who's the Kagome look-a-like?" Kouga inquired, eyeing the girl up and down not liking her resemblance to his woman. Inuyasha couldn't help the smile that graced his lips, which only broke Kagome's heart more.
"This is Kikyo," Inuyasha stated placing his arm around the girl and pulling her close, he had completely forgotten about the man that was on the ground who was kissing Kikyo just moments ago. "She doesn't look like Kagome at all." Inuyasha furrowed his eyebrows, not happy that the girl who he loved and the girl he was confused about were considered similar. He may have from time to time noticed their similarities, but the two were completely different than the other.
"He is right, Inuyasha. They are eerily similar." Miroku acknowledged as he placed his hand to his chin looking over the priestess in the half demon's arms.
"Keh. They're completely different! What are you blind?" Inuyasha sneered; not liking the fact the subject wasn't dropped.
"I have to admit Inuyasha she does look quite like me." Kikyo added stepping away from Inuyasha inspecting her double standing across from her.
"Well enough talk about me and Kikyo." Kagome waved it off walking towards the man still sitting on the ground in the middle of them all. "May I ask who you are?"
"Onigumo."
Inuyasha narrowed his eyes towards the man who just spoke on the ground. He really didn't like the man for kissing his woman, and it bothered him even more at the closeness between Kagome and him. A light, yet threatening, rumble left from his throat as he fought with himself against pulling Kagome away and ripping the guy to shreds.
"Keh. You're a slimy dirt bag is all you are." Inuyasha insulted taking a step back to calm himself down. Kagome looked up noticing his anger and stepped away, figuring he was still upset about the scene they had walked upon.
"Inuyasha! You have no right to be rude to Onigumo!" Kikyo scolded kneeling down next to the injured man to help him up and lead him back to his cave, which he called home. Kagome saw Kikyo struggling and rushed to help her placing the man's other arm around her shoulders to support him. Inuyasha yet again didn't like either of their proximities to the man and made his way to take them away.
Kouga and Miroku noticed their friend's anger and took Onigumo away from the girls, carrying him to the cave Kikyo had pointed out. As they left Inuyasha started to relax a bit and calmed down the best he could; before he went on a killing spree. Now knowing the man was injured he knew there would only be a second between him and the man's blood on his claws.
"So, Inuyasha?" Kikyo turned towards the half demon, eyes narrowed. "You ran off with a group of strangers without telling me where you were?" Kagome and Sango backed up from the couple, sitting on the grass nearby as Shippo played in the field, oblivious to what was going on.
"Keh, as if you're one to get pissed at me for that." Inuyasha huffed as he turned away from the angered woman, arms crossed against his chest. "You didn't take long to find someone else to replace me."
"Yeah, well it seems the same with you Inuyasha!" Kikyo yelled her temper getting the best of her.
"Kagome is nothing! She's a stupid wench who needed protection and I offered. I had nothing better to do with my time. My woman was off taking advantage of injured men." Kagome did the best to bite back the tears as she overheard what Inuyasha had said. Sango noticing her friend in distress helped her friend up and gathered the young demon and headed off towards the village.
"I wasn't taking advantage of him!" Kikyo fought back wishing the angered half demon would just shut up. "I love you Inuyasha, why would I take advantage of other guys while I still love you?" Kikyo gently put her hand on his arm looking up into his eyes, and for a second he looked like he was going to calm down; for a second.
"You expect me to believe you can't defend yourself against an injured man? How the hell was he taking advantage of you Kikyo?" Inuyasha shoved her hand away and took a step farther away. Many things were running though his head, and he didn't like any of them.
"I didn't mean for it to happen!" Kikyo pleaded, tears starting to fall from her eyes. She hated that she gave in, she hated that she fought with Inuyasha to begin with, and she hated the fact they were fighting now. Why couldn't he just be happy to be with her again?
"What did you mean to happen then, Kikyo?" Inuyasha spat. He had seen things happen like this all the time in the village, and villages he traveled to with his friends. They would betray their mates to be with someone else behind their mate's back, and when they got caught it was always not their fault and they didn't mean for it to happen. They always expected it to be perfectly fine and they always did it again.
"It was a mistake! I thought you were gone forever. I gave in! I'm sorry…" Kikyo fell to her knees not being able to hold herself up as she cried. "If only I knew you were going to come back, I never would have given in." Kikyo looked up and met Inuyasha's eyes. "You couldn't have expected me to wait forever while you could have possibly moved on and started a family somewhere could you?"
Inuyasha felt guilty, he didn't think about it. He was gone for a few months and he left without even letting her know where he was going and if he'd come back. When he left he had intentions of coming back the next day, but he got distracted. Inuyasha turned to glance at the girl who was his distraction only to find her not there; turning back to Kikyo, who was still knelt before him, he sighed.
"I'm sorry too, Kikyo. I should have at least told you." Inuyasha reached down pulling her up into his arms and holding her tightly against him, slightly rubbing her back to calm her.
.~*~*~*~*~*~* With Kouga, Miroku, and Onigumo. *~*~*~*~*~*~.
"I can't believe you attempted to get dog breath's woman; you a human no less." Kouga laughed as he helped Miroku place the man down on the bed Kikyo had made for him.
"I don't blame you though, she is quite fetching." Miroku flexed his hand as he pictured grabbing her bottom.
"Pervert." Kouga shook his head, before a smile graced his lips. "The mutt won't fight me for Kagome anymore since he's got his own woman back." He turned to Onigumo, one eyebrow raised and asked, "How'd you even plan on fighting for a half demon's woman when you're a human; especially mutt face's woman? Don't tell him but being a half demon he sure puts up a fight." Miroku nodded in agreement.
Onigumo just sat there. He now knew Inuyasha was a half demon, and a strong one from what the two men who helped him said. He had to figure a way to become stronger. Kikyo would never want him if he was weak and he could never prove himself if he couldn't kill the half breed and show his love to the woman. Onigumo started to remember stories he had heard growing up; they told of people gaining power by giving their bodies to hordes of demons. He figured it would make him strong too, maybe he could finally prove that he was a great choice in husband. He knew the demon slayers made their weapons out of demon bones and that, on top of their weapon skills, were the only reason they stood a chance against the demons. He thought that maybe if he took in these demons it would be the same as making a weapon out of their bones. He would become the weapon, and more powerful than the weapons of the demon slayers. He'd be so powerful that Kikyo would throw herself at his feet begging to be his.
Onigumo grinned from ear to ear as he watched the two fools walk out of the place he called home. All he had to do was figure out how to contact these demons, but he didn't have to think for very long. A small snake like demon floated in to visit him asking if he wanted power, if he wanted to live and defeat the half demon. Agreeing eagerly, wanting to win over his angel, the demon flowed into him and many demons from outside suddenly rushed in and into his body. Onigumo groaned out in pain as his body changed, and he passed out as the last of the many demons merged with his body.
While this was happening; outside and a little ways away, Miroku came up with a scheme to sleep in the village inn that night, talking Kouga into it by helping him kill the ominous aura he felt coming from the village. Kouga had eagerly agreed as he pictured his Kagome happy to be sleeping in a nice warm place all thanks to him.
.~*~*~*~ With Kagome, Sango, Shippo ~*~*~*~.
Kagome, Sango, and the little fox demon had quickly walked away from the fighting couple towards the village, so they assumed. Kagome was still holding her tears back and Sango was feeling horrible for her friend. Sango had known Kagome was growing attached to the half demon for quite some time, she even felt as though Kagome was happiest she had ever been around Inuyasha. She also knew Kagome would never try and get between the couple just to make herself happy. Kagome had already given in.
That was the type of person Kagome was. She always put everyone before herself, always doing her best to make everyone else happy. It was why she tried so hard to protect everyone, even if she was accident and kidnap prone. One thing finally had come along and made her the happiest she had ever been, and it wasn't even hers.
Kagome's heart shattered in her chest as her breathing started coming in short breaths. It felt like someone was sitting on her lungs, someone really heavy. Grasping her chest she slid down to the ground and finally let her tears fall. She wished she had never fallen for the half demon. Kagome knew he belonged to another, and yet she let herself fall hard. She felt stupid to believe that there was even a slight hope he'd choose her when he returned. It had hurt even more when he admitted she was nothing to him.
Sango crouched down near her friend and rubbed her back. Shippo crawled into Kagome's lap, wrapping his arms around her neck giving her a reassuring hug. He wasn't dumb, he knew why Kagome was hurting. He had thought Inuyasha had felt the same way about his motherly figure that was now sitting in front of him crying his eyes out. He detested the half demon now. Shippo admitted to himself that he never cared for him before, always taking up Kagome's time and attention she used to have for him, but he pushed it aside most of the time for his mother Kagome. He knew the half breed meant a lot to her so he let him coexist in their group, but never again. He'd get stronger and he'd protect his mommy. Shippo did not like seeing her hurt in any way.
"Hun, why don't we go to a hot spring? I'm sure the village must have one nearby." Getting a slight nod from the blubbering girl, Sango called to Kirara asking her to scout the area for a hot spring. The small twin tail engulfed in flames and grew in size before flying off above their heads. After Sango lost sight of her trusty companion she returned her attention to her hurting friend, trying her best to soothe her.
"Sango, can't you kill him?" Shippo asked, figuring Inuyasha wouldn't have a chance against Sango. She was very strong after all.
"NO!" Kagome shrieked, grabbing onto Sango's shoulders to stop her, even though she wasn't going anywhere. "Let him be happy. He finally returned to where he is supposed to be and he'll be happy. Let him live happy." She pleaded before collapsing onto her friend's chest. A moment later the fully grown twin tail cat had reappeared and the three had clambered onto her back as she took off once again towards the hot springs she had found.
Finally calming down, Kagome sank her body into the warm water, letting herself relax a little. She knew she was going to have to give up on Inuyasha, and she knew Kouga would only want to be closer to her now. Sinking lower till her mouth just hit the water; Kagome blew out making water boat noises as she thought of what to do with her life and how to move on.
"Kagome, you should really forget about Inuyasha. It's what's best. I know you care about him, but he already has someone in his life." Sango spoke as she lowered herself into the hot water across from her friend, letting out a contented sigh as the hot water worked its magic on her strained limbs.
"I know…" Kagome whispered barely audible to her concerned friend.
"Maybe you could let Kouga have a shot. You used to not mind him being around before." Kagome sighed and mumbled a yeah as she sank slightly lower into the water. She was already thinking that but she felt as though it would be wrong if she went with Kouga. He did have Ayame after all, who seemed much more suited for him; he was just too dense to see it.
"Sango, I think Inuyasha was just confused the whole time. I mean; did you see the resemblance? I fell for a guy who was sending signals to another girl. He probably only saw her..." Kagome trailed off, she felt the tears starting to fall down her face.
"Kagome…" Sango gently spoke as she moved to her friend's side, rubbing her back trying her best to comfort her. "I'm sure that's not true." Kagome couldn't believe what her friend said, doubt was all that clouded her mind, and suddenly she didn't feel like sitting in the hot springs.
"Sango, I think I'm just going to go for a walk. Can you watch Shippo for me?" Sango, knowing her friend needed alone time, nodded as she watched her friend leave the hot springs and go behind a bush to dress. Sighing Sango felt bad for her friend and everything she was going through.
.~*~*~*~ Kikyo and Inuyasha ~*~*~*~.
Over the time since they had made peace, the two love birds sat in the field as Inuyasha told Kikyo about his journey. Kikyo noticed how much more Kagome was in his stories than the others, and noticed how he always tended to growl when he mentioned someone kidnapping the girl who looked so much like herself. Kikyo didn't know what to think of the girl and half demons relationship they had formed. She started to think of other things as he spoke so lively of his adventures. She never actually thought about what would happen if Inuyasha's mate was to ever show up, deep down she had always hoped she was his mate.
Kikyo had always known demons had mates, she'd heard many stories from the passing travelers growing up. Demons would always follow and protect their mates once they found them, except for few times where the demon didn't want to be tied down and killed their mate or the even rarer times they chose someone else to love over their mate. She always thought that it would be romantic to be chosen over someone's fated mate. Kikyo, being so caught up in her thoughts of demons and their mating, didn't realize that Inuyasha was actually speaking to her.
"Kikyo. Kikyo, are you alright?" Inuyasha slightly shook her arm, trying to get her attention. Kikyo turned towards him, gently touching the arm that was touching her.
"Inuyasha, what will happen with us when you find your mate?" Inuyasha's eyes widened at Kikyo's question; he himself had never thought of that. He felt horrible at the very thought of leading her to believe he was going to be with her forever when there was a chance he'd find a mate. He felt he couldn't hurt Kikyo anymore than he already had.
"Keh, Kikyo you're an idiot. Don't you know you are my mate?" Inuyasha lied, feeling like he was betraying someone and felt worse than he did before about lying to Kikyo. "Kikyo, I'm never going to leave your side again. I love you." Inuyasha lifted her chin up and slowly brought his face closer to hers trying to prove his point with a gentle kiss. The wind happened to blow at the same time, bringing the scent of their watcher to Inuyasha's nose, making him jerk away from the girl in front of him. Turning towards the tree line where the scent came from Inuyasha spotted the object that invaded his senses. Upon meeting eyes with the chocolate eyed girl, a gasp had escaped her lips and tears started streaming down her face as she ran away, back towards the village. Kikyo didn't miss a thing, growing angry at the guilty look in her half demon's eyes.
Kagome had seen it all; she saw him proclaim the other woman as a mate, saw him say he loved her, saw him say he was never going to leave her side again and it all broke her heart more than it was before. Kagome ran away determined to get away from it all as quickly as possible. She ran towards the village, hoping Sango was back with Shippo in the room they were put in for the night. Kagome didn't plan to stay though; she was going to get out of there as quick as possible so she could stop hurting so much. Stumbling over the fallen branches and the roots that came above ground, Kagome made it to the well clearing where she originally met Inuyasha. She walked over to the well and sat down on the other side of it and let her tears fall, hoping no one will find her. Too caught up in her tears she didn't see the person silently watching her.
.~*~*~*~*~*~
"Kagome…" Inuyasha quietly murmured to himself, as he watched her retreating form. He didn't know why he didn't smell her before, or ever hear her coming. He knew her scent all too well to not have noticed. Mentally kicking himself, he took another sniff in the air only to find the scent of her tears. Dread washed over him as realization struck him. He was with his mate, his distraction was his mate. Here he was a fool to never realize it, and he hurt her by being that dense fool.
"Leave her be, Inuyasha. Let us spend…"
"No, Kikyo." Inuyasha cut her off, keeping his eyes where Kagome had disappeared. "I'm sorry, but I can't keep those promises. I'm stupid I know this, and if the gods want to punish me then so be it. I have to go after her, she is my true mate; and I love her more than anything." With his last words he ran after Kagome, sniffing her out following her until he saw her collapse behind the well, holding her knees to her chest, sobbing. His ears flattened to his head, as he slowly walked towards the girl trying not to startle her. He hadn't meant to cause her so much pain.
Kikyo on the on the other hand was pissed, even more angry than she was before. She knew something was going on between Inuyasha and that miko want to be. She felt that the only thing that girl wanted to do was steal him from her. She was diabolical. Storming her way back to the cave where Onigumo resided, she was going to rant and rave about how after telling her all these things, and promising too, he turned around just to break them all and go after that tramp of a woman.
Storming her way in Kikyo didn't realize the difference in her companion she had grown to care for. She was blinded by her anger and her feeling of betrayal. She paced the room, trying to get the words in the correct order before she told Onigumo. She knew she wanted to get revenge, but she knew that was not approved for her to do, but at this time she didn't care anymore.
"Onigumo, he told me things, promised me to be with me and left me. What is so great about that, that woman? Why can't he be with me? We look practically the same, only my hair is straight where hers is wavy, and I'm paler; but that shouldn't make such a difference should it?" Kikyo inquired from her friend finally making eye contact with him, tears close to the brink of her eyes. It didn't last long though; she went from her upset crying self to a confused as she took in the person in front of her.
"Kikyo, he is a fool." His voice spoke, darker than it had previously been before.
"Oni-oni-onigumo? Is that you?" Kikyo asked as she took in the man before her, perfectly healed and standing with no assistance. He nodded to her and she walked over to inspect him, making sure he was truly healed.
"Kikyo," The new Onigumo lifted her chin making her meet his eyes. "I no longer go by Onigumo. I'm different, my new name is Naraku. I will do anything to make you happy." He lowered his head down and kissed his angel savoring the feel of her lips upon his.
"Will you help me? Will you help me get my revenge?" Naraku was shocked that she was still thinking about the half demon. Was he still not good enough? They had shared two amazing kisses and he was now stronger than the half demon, couldn't she tell that. He gave his body up for her. Naraku held back a growl as he thought of Kikyo's obsession with the half demon. Maybe he just needed to prove himself to his woman in strength.
"Anything, my dear Kikyo." He bowed before her taking her hand in his as he kissed it. Kikyo dismissed herself, planning in her head as she walked back to the village, knowing she will get her revenge and the two who thought to deny her of what she wanted will suffer.
.~*~*~*~*~ Inuyasha and Kagome ~*~*~*~*~.
Inuyasha snuck around the well to sit beside her crying form, his clawed hand etching towards her only for him to pull it back. He was afraid of touching her, he was afraid to cause more tears, to hurt her more. Inuyasha didn't know why he didn't realize it sooner. He blamed his human blood wishing once again to be a full-fledged demon. Heaving a quiet sigh, he pushed his hand out to take her by the shoulder and force her into him.
Kagome fought at first only to give in and cry into his shoulder. Inuyasha was doing his best to sooth her; rubbing circles on her back and giving her a soft growl. After a while of time she had finally stopped crying, but she didn't move from her position, not wanting to face the truth of what had just happened. Kagome wanted to be there in his arms forever, even if it was a selfish thought, even if he didn't feel that way towards her. Right now he was holding her close and consoling her, and she didn't want it to end ever.
"Kagome, I'm sorry." Inuyasha whispered into her ear pulling her closer to him. Kagome, deciding he already ruined the moment pushed him away from her, stood, and prepared to walk away.
"It is fine. I understand. I'm leaving. Goodbye Inuyasha." Kagome started to walk away only to be pulled in by Inuyasha and his lips touch hers. Her eyes widened and she couldn't believe he was kissing her.
"You don't understand, wench. You're my true mate." He said once they parted with his forehead resting against hers.
"But you told…"
"I was telling her that to make up for hurting her, but then I realized what a huge mistake it was." Inuyasha pulled her face up to meet his eyes. "I don't know when, but I fell for you Kagome. Hard and somewhere, whether it was when we first met, the first time you got kidnapped," Kagome hit him with a soft giggle escaping her lips as he continued, "or just a few days ago you somehow made my demon blood only burn for you. I was just too stupid to see it right away."
"Inuyasha, are you sure you're right this time? Is it going to turn out to be Kikyo your rightful mate, or maybe even some other random girl you come across? You can't just tell everyone who is important in your life they're your mate." Kagome pushed him away, realizing that it was all just a ploy. There was no way he could say all those things to Kikyo then turn around to Kagome and say them to her.
"Kagome stop being a stupid wench!" Inuyasha grabbed her and hugged her close to him again. He wasn't about to let her go and never see her again. Yes, he felt horrible for saying the same things to Kikyo just moments before, but damn it he abandoned her because of his true mate. He felt he had to make things up to her.
"Fine, I won't leave. I'll see how it all plays out. The second you start going back towards Kikyo I'm leaving for good." Kagome walked away then, while she still had her cool towards the village. She didn't want to feel more pain when it happened, but to prove to him that he was just scared to let someone leave his side.
.~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Inuyasha decided to go to his favorite place, the Goshinboku tree, sighing as he reached his favorite branch. He had truly missed his tree, and he wished he could take Kagome here some time. His thoughts went to his predicament. He now knew Kagome was his true mate, but due to his stupidity he had messed up her trust in him. He growled at himself. He felt if he didn't have his stupid human feelings then he wouldn't have felt bad for what he had put Kikyo through. Even now he was feeling utterly horrible for what he had put her through, and the fact that he said all those things only to take it back seconds later.
He supposed he could have stayed with Kikyo anyways, but it felt like he was denying himself something he needed to live. Inuyasha had heard of many demons having done that themselves; falling for a woman before their mate came along and stayed with their first love, but not many of them ended up falling for their mate before they wrote them off. Kagome was his perfect fit, she made him feel as one, and he would rather have her by his side then someone he used to love and didn't love him for him. It didn't make him feel any less guilty though. He still felt as though he did a major wrong with Kikyo. He shouldn't have gone off with Kagome and he shouldn't have said all those things then took off again.
Inuyasha didn't know what to do. He didn't want to lose Kagome, but he didn't want to hurt Kikyo. Kikyo he had known for so long and even loved her at one time. He still loved her but he loved Kagome more. Everything about Kagome called him towards her, but he still felt as though he owed Kikyo something. He knew she didn't deserve to just be casted aside.
Sighing Inuyasha leaped off his tree heading to the village, one thought in his mind. Maybe Kagome didn't really deserve someone like him. He felt he just wasn't good enough.
.~*~*~*~*~
A.N. Please read and review. I'd really like that. Words ~8,485~