Incomplete

- Chapter Twenty-Six -

Inuyasha sat cradled in the branches of the Goshinboku staring motionless at the moon on the horizon. It had been nearly half a year since Kagome first left. She'd been crying when she left the last time. He'd smelled her tears from the ground as Sesshomaru carried her away to the one place he couldn't follow.

It didn't matter what she told him. He knew his brother and he knew what he'd seen on the battlefield. Sesshomaru had a way of getting what he wanted and he wanted Kagome. It was written all over his proud, unemotive face.

It made him sick to his stomach to think of his brother touching her in ways he'd always imagined himself touching her first. He still couldn't comprehend it. What kind of meaningful relationship could they possibly have together? His brother was cold and callous no matter what angle you looked at him from, and yet somehow Kagome had found some good in him.

Typical.

With a derisive snort Inuyasha retrieved the completed Shikon Jewel from inside his sleeve and contemplated it the moonlight. He was torn over what to do. Should he use the jewel to become a full demon like he'd always dreamed, or use it to become human?

What if Kagome was truly happy with Sesshomaru? What then? All these months he'd been plotting and planning ways to get her back, but what if it was all for nothing? Could he ever feel satisfied with knowing that he wasn't the one she wanted?

Whatever choice he planned to make he would have to make it soon. The sun would rise in a few hours and the villagers would notice that the jewel was gone. Sango and Miroku had kept it under their protection, as they'd promised to do, while awaiting Kagome's eventual return. But he couldn't wait forever; it was now or never. Once the jewel was gone he'd be stuck and then it'd be too late.

Inuyasha clenched the orb tightly in his fist and felt the warmth of its power against his skin. If he became a full demon he would lose his heart and everyone he loved, but he would have what he'd always desired - the power to defend himself against anyone, even Sesshomaru. If he became human he would be weak and helpless but he would keep his human heart and his friends.

Human, he and Kagome might have a real chance at being happy together. Like he and Kikyo had once been destined to do, they could settle down and grow old together, companions and lovers until death tore them apart.

It was the greatest sort of irony that brought the dead miko to him then. He smelled her scent on the night air long before she emerged from the woods at his feet. His heart raced as it always did, but tonight his emotions were more anger than anticipation.

After that night they'd lain together she'd avoided him entirely. He'd tried to seek her out to demand why she'd come to him but never found her. After all the time that had passed, he wasn't sure how to feel about her anymore. Should he hate her for what she'd helped tear apart?

His body felt tired and his soul weak. He didn't have the strength to hate her.

Kikyo's expression was unreadable as she looked up at him on his perch in the tree, the same tree she'd pinned him to so many decades ago. He'd stopped hating her for that particular transgression long ago. Kagome had helped him to understand why she'd done what she'd done.

If Kikyo hadn't stopped him that day, he would've used the jewel to become a full demon. He would've lost himself to its power like Naraku had and been destroyed by the next demon slayer or priestess to come along. He would have died alone, without ever learning a thing about true friendship, love or compassion. Kikyo saved his life that day and for a long time he'd been too blind and angry to realize it.

She waited for him to speak first. He dropped soundlessly to the ground, keeping her and her swarm of soul catchers at a distance.

"So you're back," he commented more to himself than to her.

Kikyo simply nodded. She must have known on some level what he was planning to do. Wasting no time, he withdrew the Sacred Jewel from inside his haori and held it out to her. Kikyo stared at the glowing pink orb in his outstretched hand but made no move to take it.

"I need your help," he explained.

Kikyo considered him for a long moment before extending her hand. He deposited the jewel into it, thankful to be free of its oppressive weight. She closed her fingers over it and met his eyes with a questioning look.

"What do you want from me, Inuyasha?"

Desperate, he knelt at her feet and bowed his head low. If he was going to be reduced to begging he was at least going to do it right.

"I know I don't deserve nothin', but I'm begging. Use the Shikon Jewel to change me. Please, Kikyo, help me."

Kikyo couldn't keep the shocked expression from her features. "Do you know what you're asking?"

He nodded, determined to have his way.

"Do you know what you're asking of me?" she amended, and this time he hesitated before nodding. They both knew what would happen to her if she wished on the jewel. She would disappear along with it, her soul's work finally complete.

With a defeated sigh Kikyo laid her hand against his head and indulgently combed her fingers through his silver hair.

"All those years ago, when I thought you betrayed me, I was hurt because I'd loved you with all of my heart. You should know that. Naraku's scheme would never have succeeded if I hadn't loved you then as much as I do now. I will do as you ask, Inuyasha, and then I will be gone from this world."

Standing up to his full height he pulled her into a tight embrace, crushing her body against his.

"Thank you," he whispered, burying his face against her neck.

Holding her close like this, it was impossible to ignore the stench of bones and graveyard soil that wafted off her skin. They were his constant reminder that the Kikyo he'd known and loved had long since vanished from this world, but that didn't mean he loved her any less.

Kikyo closed her eyes and enjoyed the honesty of Inuyasha's embrace. It would be the last one they ever shared and she wanted to cherish it. With that final thought, the dead miko smiled and the warm pink light of the Shikon Jewel engulfed them both.

oOo

The morning light was soft coming through the window but it was enough to rouse her. Not content to wake fully just yet, she feigned sleep and concentrated on the soft touch of his claws skimming the length of her arm.

Behind his touch was a quiet appreciation, the same as she had seen and felt the night before. If she'd had any reservations left, being with him had set them all at ease. There were no more guessing games or questions - this was exactly where she was supposed to be and he was exactly who she was supposed to be with.

Wondering how long he'd been watching her sleep, she yawned languidly and stretched against his hard body.

"Is it morning already?" she whispered with a smile.

He breathed out a gentle sigh as his lips grazed her shoulder, "It is."

She turned to face him and her eyes met his honeyed gaze. "Have you been awake long?"

"No," he lied effortlessly. She gave him a dubious look and fingered the waterfall of silver hair that tickled her breasts.

"I don't believe you."

His mouth twitched into a playful smirk and he pinned her hands above her head. "You dare to question this Sesshomaru?"

"What if I do?" she retorted haughtily, holding back a grin.

He dipped his head and nibbled at her breasts. "There are punishments for such treasons."

She giggled in spite of herself and watched him, completely in awe. All that was required of him was one look, a faint smile, or the sun to reflect in his eyes just so and words escaped her completely.

He kissed her thoroughly before finally releasing her hands and getting up. She flipped over onto her stomach and tried to catch her breath as she watched him dress.

"Do you have to go so soon?"

He stepped close to their futon and she helped him with the ties of his kimono. His claws slipped through her hair and gently tilted her face upwards.

"If wars could be avoided from within the walls of a bedroom, I would gladly stay."

Seeing her crestfallen look he added, "If you have time this afternoon, there is some place I would like to take you."

Curious about this special place of his, she nodded readily and smiled up at him.

"Of course."

Leaving her with a brief kiss, he departed quietly out the door to greet the world and all of its many responsibilities.