Inuyasha grumbled under his breath as they sat back in the house in the desecrated village. Then he leaned on his side and began to tap the floor irritated with one of his claws.
"Inuyasha" Kagome said a bit irritated herself, "Stop the sulking."
"Uhh. Of all the people I have to ask, why did it have to be him?"
"There must be a reason for it" Miroku replied staring at his friend while Sango and Shippo finished the last of their soup.
"Well I ain't gonna do it, you understand?" he said in a huff as he stood
"Inuyasha" Kagome replied as he put his back to them.
"I won't do it" he insisted, "He's the last person I will ask about this" he added, "Besides if we keep going in this direction we're bound to run into those demons sooner or later. Especially if they are trying to lure us."
"But Inuyasha" Kagome said as she stood.
"I've made my decision!" he shouted before departing the house and walking out into the village.
"Inuyasha can be so stubborn" Shippo replied with a frown.
"Yes. True" Miroku nodded, "But it seems like he's even more irritated about it more then he would normally be."
"Huh?" Kagome looked back over her shoulder at this revelation.
"You noticed it too huh?" Sango agreed, "He's extra edgy tonight."
"Hmm" Kagome thought sadly as she returned her gaze to the doorway that the half demon had just departed from, "Inuyasha."
Meanwhile up in a nearby tree Inuyasha was contemplating every piece of information he heard over the past week.
"Naraku is the demon Kagome's father fought years ago? And Kagome is the true owner of the Sacred Jewel? Why is all this connected? I guess it all goes back to Naraku. That bastard! But what about these other demons? Do they work for him? What's the connection with them? Hmm" he growled under his breath as the moon rose higher into the sky.
(Next Scene)
The next morning the group continued their journey very wary of the demons that they would be facing soon. As she walked along Kagome watched Inuyasha's expression. He was still frowning and it was obvious that he was in deep thought.
"I wonder what Inuyasha is thinking about? He has barely said a word all morning. I'm worried about him. But even so" she thought with a frown, "I am more worried about these other demons. Are they connected to Naraku somehow? Dad doesn't seem to think so. And what would Sesshomaru know about them? Inuyasha is too stubborn to find out."
"Inuyasha" Miroku replied interrupting her thoughts.
"Hmm?" he looked up his ears moving slightly.
"Do you sense something up ahead?"
"Yea" he nodded, "It's a strong demonic aura."
"Yea" Sango nodded, "I sense it too."
"What is it?" Shippo shook as he ran to Kagome's arms in fear.
"But I don't smell anything like a demon" he added.
"So where is the aura coming from then?" Kagome replied, "I don't sense a sacred jewel shard" she thought, "So it can't be Naraku."
"Hey" Miroku suddenly said, "It's gone."
"Yea. It disappeared" Sango nodded.
"Aura's just don't disappear" Inuyasha huffed, "And besides, I don't smell Naraku and he's the only one who can do something like that."
"I doubt that's really the case though. I would be willing to bet there are others out there that possess something like the Fuyouheki stone" Miroku said.
"You think so?" Inuyasha raised an eyebrow.
"Anything's possible" Sango agreed, "It could be another demon just wanting peace like Gakusanjin."
"But why would it allow its aura to be felt and then just let it disappear?" Inuyasha questioned furrowing his eyebrows.
"There's always an answer to something" Miroku replied frowning himself and then thinking, "Although I have to agree with Inuyasha. It's just not normal for an aura to appear and then disappear just as quickly."
"In any event we should continue on our journey" Sango suggested, "Like Inuyasha said last night, we're bound to run into those demons eventually and in the meantime we should continue our search for Naraku's heart."
"All right!" Inuyasha nodded holding up a clawed fist, "Let's get going."
"Mhm" Kagome agreed so they continued to walk, "Still" she thought, "They didn't say so but I have got a feeling that Miroku and Sango are more concerned about those other demons then Naraku at this time. Who can blame them? With so many innocent people being killed."
"Quit dawdling Kagome!" Inuyasha called noticing that she was lagging behind, "Come on!"
"Uh. Coming!" she called out running over to catch up with them.
(Next Scene)
As expected they came upon another village that had been desecrated. However it was clear to Inuyasha's nose that the villagers had managed to escape from their attackers.
"That's a relief" Miroku nodded, "You're sure about that?"
"I'm quite positive" Inuyasha nodded back standing back up and straightening his back, "They got out of here all right, however it is the same demons we have been trailing all this time."
"The half demons Inuyasha?" Kagome asked.
"Yes" he nodded.
"But what I don't understand is why they are doing this? Half demons are less likely to attack a village like this" Sango replied.
"What do you mean Sango?" Miroku asked looking directly at her.
"Half demons are part human therefore why would they attack a human village. That is something a full- fledged demon would do. It's not like a half demon to do that."
"In other words you're saying because half demons have human hearts" Inuyasha interrupted with a frown and a cross of his arms, "That they are incapable of attacking a human as a normal demon would? Do you think that they get treated any better by humans just because they possess a human heart?"
"Huh?" Kagome looked at his angry frown.
"Don't assume so much. I know that there are half demons out there that have been ridiculed by humans as much as they have been ridiculed by demons. They would attack a horde of demons that were bothering them in the same way they would attack a village of people that were bothering them in the same manner."
"I'm just saying that it's not natural for them to do that sort of thing that's all" Sango said a little defensively, "As a demon slayer I've never come across a half demon I had to slay because it was terrorizing a village."
"No I suppose you got a point there. We're the ones who are usually being terrorized," he added with a close of his eyes.
"Inuyasha" Kagome thought sadly, "It still effects you even now doesn't it?"
"Well with that said" Miroku replied, "It's getting pretty late. Should we continue on or should we stay here for the night?"
"Perhaps we should find where the villagers of this village are?" Sango suggested.
"No need to worry about that" Inuyasha said, "They are not far from here at all. I can lead you directly to them. Get on my back Kagome" he replied.
"Kay!" she nodded as Sango and Miroku along with Shippo boarded Kilala who had transformed into her big cat form.
(Next Scene)
With Inuyasha's help the group easily found the terrified villagers up in the forested hills. After much debate on returning to the desecrated village they all decided to remain in the hills until morning when they would return to rebuild their home. That night Miroku sat entertaining the young woman watched closely by Sango who was staring at him angrily the entire time. Meanwhile Inuyasha was sitting by the fire next to Kagome and Shippo who were munching on the food the kind villagers had offered.
"Here we go again" Inuyasha grumbled as he stared at the lecherous monk, "Just another night spent taking advantage of the villagers. We should be worrying about more important things."
"Inuyasha we can't always just move around" Kagome replied with a sigh, "Besides we don't know if those demons aren't gonna come back."
"That doesn't seem to be their pattern" he retorted as he leaned back on side, "They usually go through a village and then just take off. To be specific they send lesser demons in to handle it and then take off."
"So whatever is causing the villages to be destroyed are the ones we're really after right Inuyasha?" Shippo asked casually stealing his fish right under his nose.
"Yes" he nodded oblivious and then his eyes went wide, "Shippo!"
"Huh?" Shippo's eyes went wide as well as he realized that he had been caught.
"The one we're supposed to be after is Naraku!" he shouted, "And what the heck are you doing with my fish!"
"Ahh!" Shippo yelped running from the campfire.
"Inuyasha!" Kagome replied as she watched them run back and forth.
"Get back here you little shrimp!"
"Please forgive me!" Shippo cried back as Sango arrived.
"I see that Shippo managed to steal more of Inuyasha's food again?" Sango said sitting down next to the other girl.
"Looks that way" Kagome nodded.
"I'm surprised that you're not telling him to sit Kagome."
"Shippo sort of had it coming this time" Kagome replied matter of factly as she finished her soup, "Anyway I thought that I'd stay out of it."
"Kagome" Sango replied sadly, "Are you worried about Inuyasha?"
"Hmm? What do you mean?"
"I think I overstepped my bounds earlier. About what I said about half demons. I could tell that it's a pretty touchy subject for him."
"Yea" Kagome nodded sadly, "He doesn't like to talk about it much but I know that Inuyasha had to have been bullied when he was really young."
"How do you know that?"
"Well he'll sometimes say things that indicate that. As long as I have known him you sort of pick up on those things after awhile."
"I see. Mmm" she suddenly grumbled and held her fist up.
"What's wrong Sango?" Kagome said confused as she stared at her friend who had stood.
"Excuse me Kagome. But I have to go take care of a lecherous monk. I'll be right back" she moved swiftly away back to the other side.
"Of course" Kagome nodded understanding.
On the other side the demon slayer was pulling on Miroku's ear quite hard.
"Please Sango!" he shouted out in pain, "I didn't mean it!"
"What's going on over there?" Inuyasha asked finally returning to the campfire.
"Inuyasha. Did you manage to get your fish back from Shippo?"
"Hah" he smiled and pointed behind him at the small fox demon's face in the ground and a huge lump on the top of his head, "What does that tell ya?"
"Ooh" Shippo groaned, "Inuyasha that's not fair."
"You know you really should go easier on him," she said simply placing her right hand against her cheek as she leaned on her knees.
"Huh?" he said eyes wide once more, "You mean you're not gonna use the sit command on me?"
"It doesn't seem necessary right now. Just go a little easier on him all right?"
"Kagome?" he looked at her quizzically and a raise of his right eyebrow, "What's going on? You got a fever or something?"
"I'm fine" she insisted removing his hand that was feeling her forehead, "You're acting as if I always punish you."
"But you do" he insisted.
"Whatever you say Inuyasha" she added standing up, "I am no mood to argue right now" she walked away from him and headed towards Sango and Miroku.
"Huh? Kagome?" he called out, " Now what did I do?" he thought confused.
(Next Scene)
That evening Kagome found it impossible to sleep. Her thoughts kept coming back to her father, Naraku, the whole connection. What would happen if Naraku found out the truth? Would her life really be in that much danger?
"Well duh" she thought as she sat up and looked around at Miroku's, Sango's and Shippo's sleeping faces, "Of course it would be. I mean I am the daughter of his hated foe, it only makes sense. Huh?" she looked up realizing that some very familiar creatures were flying by, "Soul collectors? Could these be Kikyo's soul collectors?" she stood, "And I don't see Inuyasha anywhere. He probably went to her" she frowned a little as she began to walk away from the area, "And he is not going to get away with this" she added as she walked further and further into the forest following the glowing forms.
As it turned out Inuyasha was not with Kikyo but had returned to the desecrated village to search for more clues. Earlier he had been reluctant to carry on the search but now in the dark and on his own he began to sniff the ground carefully.
"I wish I could figure out where this scent is coming from" he thought, "I don't believe that Naraku is behind any of these attacks. But why do I keep coming across the scents of half demons? And dog demons at that? I don't know of any other dog demons. I bet Sesshomaru does though. Damnit!" he spoke aloud, "I may not have a choice but to talk to him. Huh?" he glanced up and noticed the same moving shapes that Kagome had earlier, "Soul collectors?" then he sniffed the air, "Kikyo must be nearby" he leapt at once running as fast as he could back into the direction of the forest.
Meanwhile Kagome continued her search until she finally came upon a large tree on a small hill overlooking a valley. On top the priestess stood her long dark hair blowing in the wind. She turned her head slightly as she heard approach and then turned around completely to face her.
"What are you doing here?" Kikyo asked, "Inuyasha isn't here you know?"
"I can see that" Kagome nodded taking a few steps forward, "That's not really the reason why I came here though. I mean it was at first but then I have another important reason."
"And what is that?" Kikyo replied emotionless, "You expect me to thank you for saving my life."
"Geez. You're just as stubborn as he is. I didn't come here for anything like that."
"Then explain yourself and go. I don't have time to waste. Besides Inuyasha is un-doubtly worried about you by now. What is it you want?"
"To ask you a question."
"Yes?"
"Do you know anyone by the name of Aiku Higarashi?"
To this Kikyo's emotionless eyes became instantly wide. She remained calm as she replied.
"Where did you hear that name? How did you know about it?"
"I know about it, because he's the one who told me about it Kikyo. And all about the Sacred Jewel" she said back seriously.
"He?"
"You see Aiku Higarashi has been coming to me, or rather his spirit."
"Why would such a renowned person as him come to visit an insignificant person like you?"
"Sheesh you're harsh" Kagome frowned crossing her arms, "Don't you ever say anything nice? It may shock you to hear the answer so I will say it nice and slow. Aiku Higarashi is visiting me because he cares about me."
"And why would he care about you?"
"He just so happens to be" Kagome began, "What I mean to say is, Aiku Higarashi was my father."
With this new bit of information Kikyo once more became silent and wide-eyed. Then she moved closer to the girl her eyes completely focused.
"You're, his daughter?"
"That's right" Kagome nodded with a smile, "I feel safe and confident in telling you at least. After all he did trust you with the Sacred Jewel."
"I see. Now it all makes sense."
"Hmm?"
"I often wondered how you could possibly have the ability to sense jewel shards as I did. Or have the ability to shoot a sacred arrow when you weren't even trained as a priestess. It's not because of what Kaede said. The fact that you are my reincarnation but it's because you are the Sacred Jewel's rightful owner."
(Next Scene)
As Inuyasha got closer to the place where he knew Kikyo was he smelt the air and caught the scent of someone else familiar.
"What! Kagome's with Kikyo? I'd better hurry."
Kikyo sat down on a nearby log as Kagome walked over to her. It was clear that Kikyo's strength still had not fully recovered.
"Are you okay?" Kagome asked kindly as she held onto her arm gently.
"Do not worry about me" she brushed her hands aside, "Now that I know this information, I can see that I am going to have another task to accomplish before I defeat Naraku."
"Huh?"
"If you are who you say you are," Kikyo said her eyes returning to their deadpan expression, "Then my mission to protect the Sacred Jewel is not yet complete."
"I don't understand Kikyo. What do you mean?"
"It must have been at least fifty two years ago when I received the Jewel of Four Souls" she began, "I remember it as if it was yesterday. I had been asked by a nearby demon slayer's village to take possession of it with no questions asked. I heard about the jewel's origins from my master at the temple along with Tsubaki, as you recall the Dark Priestess."
"Who could forget her?" Kagome rolled her eyes slightly remembering clearly what she had done to her.
"At the time my younger sister Kaede and I were traveling from village to village to hone my priestess skills. It was on the road on the way back to our own village that I first met Aiku Higarashi."
(Flashback)
"Big sister" young Kaede asked as they moved along the dirt path, "Do you think the village will be proud to see us again?"
"Undoubtly Kaede" Kikyo nodded with a smile, "You have done very well with your training this year" she stopped suddenly and frowned reaching for an arrow at the back of her quiver, "Kaede. Behind me!" she ordered.
"Lady Kikyo" a fourteen year old's voice rang throughout the trees, "Please put down your weapon. I mean you no harm" Kikyo continued to hold onto her bow with a frown, "I have merely come to see that the Sacred Jewel is in your possession."
"How do you know about the jewel?" she demanded angrily, "Have you come to steal it?"
He chuckled.
"Even if I was to steal it, it wouldn't be considered so" the dark haired teen appeared before her, "After all you can't steal what is already yours can you?" he smiled.
"Huh?" she blinked as he held out his hand and just as he had lifted it the jewel flew from her hiding place in her kimono and landed in his palm, "How did you do that?" she asked a bit stunned and afraid as Kaede watched on amazed.
"Anyone can take possession of the Sacred Jewel as long as they own it Lady Kikyo. Hold your hand out please."
"Huh?" she repeated and then did as he asked as he placed the jewel back into her hands, "Why did you give it back?"
"Because I want you to take care of it."
"What?"
"Lady Kikyo, my name is Aiku Higarashi. I am sure you heard the name before."
She nodded slowly as her eyes became wide.
"Yes I have heard of you. But if the jewel is rightfully yours why do you give it to me?"
"Because I believe that you can protect it better than I can. For the time being that is. I arranged it with the demon slayers to hand the jewel over to you in the first place."
"You did that? But why did you choose me?"
"I have watched you Kikyo. I used to visit the temple all the time. Even though I am a young kid I know exceptional skills when I see them. You're spiritual power is very great and there is no doubt in my mind that you can't handle this task. You are the perfect protector for the Jewel of Four Souls," he concluded.
"But I have heard it said that only the true owner has the power to protect it as long as it is in his possession."
"This is true. Which is why I am going to give you another gift right now. Hold your hand out once more."
She agreed with a nod and he touched her hand carefully. Within seconds they were both enveloped with a bright pink light. Kaede shielded her eyes as Aiku transferred his power to Kikyo so flawlessly that she was amazed. When the light dissipated he smiled a third time.
"That power I have given you is only a Higarashi family power. It will give you the ability to not only protect the jewel but also allow you to locate any part of it if it ever falls out of your hands. You will do this task Lady Kikyo until such time that I return or my heir returns for it."
"And you will return?"
"Yes. If not me, my heir will. I will instruct them to do so. Until then protect the jewel with your life. If my heir returns before I do I also want to ask a request of you, or rather I want you to promise me something."
"What is it?"
"Along with the jewel I want you to promise to protect my heir as well. They more than likely will be naïve to the ways of the Feudal Era and will be my own child. Will you promise me this Kikyo?"
She knelt before him as if he were a great lord and bowed her head.
"Yes. Until such time as you return or your heir returns for the jewel I will protect it. And thus handing it over and protecting them as I promised."
"Thank you Lady Kikyo" he smiled and then disappeared into the woods, "I know I can count on you!" he shouted.
(Back)
"And with those final words" Kikyo concluded as Kagome listed completely amazed, "He disappeared completely."
"And you kept your promise didn't you?" Kagome replied, "About the Sacred Jewel?"
"Hmm?"
"You kept your promise to my father about protecting it. Even in death you didn't use it to save your life. Instead you protected it as you promised knowing that someday the jewel would return to the rightful owner."
"I had no way of knowing who that owner would be" Kikyo replied, "But when I believed Inuyasha had betrayed me" she said loud enough that the half demon who had just arrived stopped at the top of the tree to listen, "I still was intent on keeping my word to Aiku Higarashi. He made an impression on me that day. And of course I had heard of all his great deeds throughout the land. He was very well known."
"So I have noticed," Kagome nodded, "He said so well known that I have to be careful of who finds out my last name and who doesn't."
"That is indeed not a falsehood. Aiku Higarashi had many enemies. Both human and demon. And now" she stood from the log, "I suppose I have to keep the other part of my promise."
"The other part?" Kagome blinked, "What other part?"
"The part where I said I would protect the heir of the jewel. If you're the heir, then you're the one I have to protect. Despite our differences in the past."
"Oh you don't have to bother with that anymore Kikyo" Kagome looked slightly embarrassed as Inuyasha listened confused, "After all I got enough protection as it is."
"No" Kikyo insisted, "Not enough. Like you said before. If somebody with an evil heart was to hear about your last name then there is no doubt in my mind that your life would be in danger."
"Is she talking about Naraku?" Kagome thought.
"I can't go back on my word. Even though my feelings are totally against it."
"I think the feelings are mutual," Kagome thought sarcastically.
"After all my only goal before was to defeat Naraku and destroy the Sacred Jewel. Now I suppose I am going to have to have a new goal."
"New goal?" Kagome looked up surprised.
"The Sacred Jewel belongs to you Kagome. I have no right to dispose of it knowing this information. After Naraku is defeated I will place the Sacred Jewel back into your care."
"You're kidding."
"Only you can decide its fate. Only you can decide what will become of it."
"I see" Kagome chuckled nervously not sure how to take that information, "And then what will you do?"
"My mission on this earth will finally be over and fulfilled. I will return once more to the earth and rest in peace once again."
"And I suppose" Kagome said slowly, "You will take Inuyasha with you?"
"Huh?" Inuyasha's eyes widened at the sadness in her voice.
"Inuyasha. Inuyasha can do whatever he wants. It's already been clear to me that he rejects the idea."
"You're wrong about that Kikyo" Kagome replied defiantly standing with a frown, "I know Inuyasha. He cares so much about you. So much it hurts sometimes. I know he will do anything you ask of him. Even die with you."
"That's his decision. I now realize that the truth is I can never love Inuyasha the way I once did. I am nothing but a pile of graveyard soil, human bones, and stolen souls. I can never be what I once was because of the transgressions I have done during this time. Besides if I had my choice to be honest I would want Inuyasha to die. I would want time to stop for him once more."
"No" Kagome shook her head, "That's not right. When you love someone you don't want them to die. When you love them that much you want them to live. You want them to have every opportunity to leave a fulfilled and happy life."
"You speak as if you understand what love really is. Is it possible that you speak that way because of experience? Can it be percieved that you love Inuyasha?"
"Huh?" Inuyasha said again as his ears perked up at the question.
"You're right" Kagome nodded, "I do love him" she admitted, "I have loved him for so long that its always been painful to see you together. But even so I wanted to stay by his side. I want him to live because I love him so much. For him to die that would absolutely kill me."
"Kagome?" Inuyasha replied to himself a bit surprised.
"I could never understand your feelings for Inuyasha Kikyo. I could never understand why he would always chase after you when it was obvious that your love for him no longer existed. Still I was by his side. I was of some help to him. And that gave me comfort as I am sure it did when you were alive."
"You care that deeply for him do you?" Kikyo said once more emotionless, "Very well. Let Inuyasha decide. For I do not entirely believe that he will necessarily choose my path over yours. Inuyasha has always been a fighter. I do not believe he would die so easily. Anyway as you put it, I no longer love Inuyasha that way."
"Kikyo" Inuyasha's eyes saddened, "Kagome" he looked to the other in confusion.
"So love him. I do not care. I will find Naraku and bring the Sacred Jewel back to you" with that she left the hill followed closely by the soul collectors.
The wind blew slightly as Kikyo departed leaving Kagome to watch her retreating figure. Inuyasha took this opportunity to leap from the tree and backtrack slightly before she entered the forest once more. As she walked through the wood she saw him coming towards her with a feigned angry expression.
"Kagome. Where have you been? I have been worried sick about you."
"Inuyasha" she said surprised as she hesitated, "I didn't go anywhere. Just for a walk" she managed a fake smile, "Where did you run off to?"
"Huh? Oh. I went to see if I could find any more clues in that village."
"All by yourself?"
"Everyone else was asleep. Come on Kagome. Let's head back," he added turning around with a nervous look in his eyes, "The others will probably be wondering where you are."
She stared at the back of his head and then smiled running over to grab his arm. Without her noticing he blushed slightly as they both moved back into the forest led by the moonlight, the only light that was illuminating their path.
(To be continued..)
Authors Note: Hey guys! I know I wasn't supposed to write these chapters until next month but I just finished the Inuyasha anime series and was in the mood. Oh by the way all these stories take place according to where the anime ended not the manga. I have no idea where the manga is going and don't really want to know at the moment. Also I have decided to save the Sesshomaru chapter for a later date! Thanks again!
Next Chapter: Sesshomaru's Truth
Led to discover what his brother knows Kagome against Inuyasha's wishes to confront the demon to discover out the truth behind the mysterious half demons. Find out what happens next time!!!