A/N: I know I said I'd wait for reviews to post this chapter but I'm too excited about it lol It's been a while since I've been this excited about a story I've written, so here you go guys. Enjoy -
A sympathetic Sango took control once Miroku had gotten her down the steps. Placing her arm around her friend's waist she took Kagome's hand, noting how her skin was cool to the touch. Her sobs died into choked whimpers, the tears never ceasing all the while. Kagome's eyes had become distant; haunted. Desperately Sango wanted to ease her friend's pain yet knew of nothing she could do. Inuyasha's death was painful for each of them.
"I never got to tell him." Sango had to strain to hear Kagome's soft whispers. "Now he'll never know." Catching her words she pulled Kagome into her embrace, cradling her head against her breast.
"He knew Kagome-chan. He knew." She paused, feeling her body tense as she held back the tears. "He loved you more than you will ever know." Another heart-wrenching sob tore from Kagome's throat. Why did she have to say that? Why did she have to strike the one nerve that hurt the most?
"I should have come back sooner. I should have been able to sense something was wrong. After all this time…" Over five years had passed since she'd first fallen into the world of the Shikon no Tama and met Inuyasha. She should have known.
"There is nothing you could have done." Placing both hands on either side of the younger woman's face, Sango stared into her bloodshot eyes. "Naraku attacked the morning after you left. There was no way of predicting what the outcome would be or of stopping it. Sesshoumaru came from his castle in the West to help us and wound up defeating Naraku. Inuyasha did everything in his power to make sure you would be alright, no matter the cost." It was now her turn to shed tears.
The two women sat just outside the fence as Inuyasha's body was wrapped and moved from the cottage. As Kaede prepared dinner they went back inside, the ominous cloud of death still thick and impenetrable. Grief clouded their minds and bound their tongues. The food, though delicious, had no taste for them. The day had passed far too quickly for Kagome, the full realization of their loss not quite making an impact. Inuyasha, her beloved Inuyasha, had passed away. She hadn't even made it back to say goodbye.
Finding herself unable to sleep that night, Kagome draped herself in the red haori that had once belonged to her best friend. His scent still clung to the fabric, bringing a fresh onslaught of tears to her swollen eyes. She couldn't do this. She couldn't sit around and simply accept that he was dead. Any moment she expected him to barge through the bamboo flap covering the door, asking her why she was just sitting around when they still had pieces of the jewel to find. The jewel. He'd never get to make his wish.
Biting her lip she buried herself in the fabric, miserably wiping her tears away with it. No. No more crying. Not when there was still one option left. There was one place she could go, one person she could ask to bring him back. Gathering the few things she had unpacked Kagome stuffed them into her bag before placing the haori neatly on top. Before turning to leave she turned to soak in the slumbering faces of her friends. Shippou was not among them. Sango and Miroku had sent him with Kouga to protect the fox kit. She missed his little face.
In another day or so these two would be leaving to find Kohaku. Sango had finally come to terms with the fact that her brother was no longer the same and it was time to let him go. It had been agreed upon that once the last jewel shard was collected from Kohaku the completed Shikon no Tama would be handed over to Kaede. Kikyou would have wanted it that way. All day, every time her thoughts went to the jewel it went to Kikyou and Inuyasha. Were they finally together? Kikyou's soul was finally able to rest after all these years of torture. She deserved peace. With those final thoughts she began to walk away from the hut.
"You dare to leave without sating farewell? Some woman you've grown up to be. I thought you knew better." Hanging her head Kagome paused at the fence to face Kaede.
"I can't stay here and do nothing. Not when there's still a chance." Softly Kaede shook her head, slowly walking over to her. The resentment that had been in her voice was no longer there when she next spoke.
"Lord Sesshoumaru will not bring Inuyasha back." There was a sadness to her voice which she had never heard before.
"You don't know that! And I'll never be able to live with myself if I don't try to do everything in my power to save him. He's saved me so many times. It's all I can do to repay him!"
"Inuyasha is dead, Kagome. You must accept that knowledge or risk being swallowed by grief."
"No!" Sighing Kaede extended her hand, holding Inuyasha's rosary. In the other hand she held Tetsussaiga.
"He wanted you to have the sword. I thought you might want the beads." Gingerly Kagome took the items, forcing back the new batch of tears. "He wanted me to tell you he was sorry. He waited as long as he could for your return." Numbly she nodded, feeling the prick of the tears as they stung her throat.
"Thank you, Kaede-sama." A soft mewling came from behind her, followed by the roar of fire. Kirara nuzzled Kagome's arm.
"Sango had a feeling you would not be staying, and offered to lend Kirara's services to get you wherever you desired. However, it is up to you to get home." Wordlessly Kagome mounted the fire-cat youkai. Taking out a hair tie she bound her hair at the base of her neck.
"Give Sango-chan my best in the recovery of the last shard; and my condolences for Kohaku. I will return as soon as I can. Inuyasha will live." Kaede nodded.
"One last thing. Inuyasha wanted me to tell that he was sorry. He was sorry for never expressing his love for you sooner. In the end he chose you, Lady Kagome."
Swallowing the lump in her throat she shut her eyes. The pain was simply too immense for her to even begin to fathom. He'd chosen her? All those nights sneaking away to be with her, and he'd decided he didn't want Kikyou? That he wanted to be with her after all? Nudging Kirara with her heals she ignored the look of pity on Kaede's face. Once safely in the air she crumpled on Kirara's back, sobbing for all she was worth. It didn't make sense that she could still be alive when she felt so completely and utterly dead inside. The pain was like a vortex, claiming her and pulling her into its depths. And she'd let it take her. If it meant escaping the torment she would do anything.
The journey was long, but not nearly as long as it would have been on foot. When they reached the forest which bordered the Western lands Kirara stopped, refusing to go any further. Kagome couldn't blame her. Besides, this was her journey—her duty. Dismounting she kissed the fire-cat youkai for the last time before setting out on her own. The terrain was much different than the lands she was used to traveling with Inuyasha. Part of her marveled at how throughout their entire time they'd searched for the Shikon no tama they had never gone into the western lands. They'd come close but nothing that would qualify as experience.
Rolling hills covered in dark trees and prickly underbrush lay before her. Mountains rose in the distance, ominous and foreboding. There was not even the slightest sight of Lord Sesshoumaru's castle. Who knew how long it would take to reach it. Daylight was peaking over the mountain tops, illuminating the landscape and giving her the smallest ray of hope. The land wasn't as intimidating in the light.
For most of the morning Kagome followed the dirt road Kirara had let her off on. When the sun had risen high in the sky she began to worry for she had yet to come across another living being. Was this a deserted road? Was she going the wrong way? There wasn't much time. She couldn't afford to waste any time. Tightening the straps on her bag she broke into a run, sprinting down the road. Mentally she thanked herself for joining the track team. Not only had it helped her get stronger, but she was able to outrun many youkai in the feudal era when Inuyasha wasn't there to save her.
Pain struck her heart at the thought. He would never be there to save her ever again. No. She couldn't think like that. There was still hope. If she could only convince Sesshoumaru to come with her she could bring Inuyasha back. But how would she convince the mighty demon lord to help her? True, they had joined forces many times over the years but only because it had benefited him. What would he have to gain by bringing his half-breed disgrace of a brother back to life? Again her hopes were dashed.
After roughly an hour of jogging and sprinting across the country-side she saw the first signs of civilization. Her heart leaped for joy at the smoke rising above the tree line. Just a little bit further and she would be able to find shelter. Find someone to help her in the right direction. Quickening her pace she clutched Inuyasha's sword, comforting warmth running through her bones as she did. Cresting the hill she slowed her pace, the first cottages entering her sight. Immediately she felt her nerves spark. Her back went stiff, the muscles in her legs tightening. This wasn't a normal village. The closer she got the more apparent that became. Humans were not the ones inhabiting the seemingly harmless village. Youkai were. From the appearance of it they seemed to be reptilian youkai.
Kagome gathered her composure and continued to walk through the village, ignoring the fact that she had been planning on stopping for help. A nagging thought came to her as she avoided the strange looks she was getting from the children on the side of the road and the men and women working. Tetsussaiga grew warmer in her hands the further into the heart of the village she got. Her uneasiness only grew with each step she took.
"You, ningen woman—what are you doing in our village?" The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end as the man spoke.
He stood to her left holding a wooden staff. A lizard-like tongue slithered out between thin lips, almond shaped eyes narrowed in suspicion. Stopping in her tracks she turned to the man, bowing at the hips. Everything within her told her to be on guard, that there was something wrong. Being overly polite surely couldn't hurt her.
"Excuse me sir, but I was just passing through. I am an acquaintance of the Lord of the Western lands and am here seeking his assistance. Perhaps you could inform me as to whether or not I am heading in the right direction." Standing straight she kept her gaze at his feet, but not before catching the look of despise in his eyes.
"If you know our Lord then should you not already know the direction to his palace?" Casually he strode towards her, four younger youkai following him. Each sneered mockingly at her.
"A ningen would know better than to visit Lord Sesshoumaru with a weapon. He doesn't take kindly to threats." They were circling her now, like vultures on prey. Unconsciously she pressed the sword against her chest, desperately wishing Inuyasha were with her. Tears rose in her throat as the knowledge that he was dead struck her once more.
"Is the ningen scared now? Going to cry as you beg for mercy?" Her shoulders squared in automatic defiance.
"Not that it is any of your business but this is a gift from his brother."
"Really now? I was under the impression he was an only child." The one on her right leered at her. The one behind spoke next.
"That is, now that the filthy half-breed is dead."
"Just one less piece of trash we have to worry about."
"Don't you dare speak of Inuyasha like that! You're not one to be talking!" She regretted her outburst the moment she saw their leaders eyes narrow. His amusement dissipated as he glared at her.
"I wouldn't be so bold ningen. You forget whose lands you're on."
"These lands belong to Lord Sesshoumaru. I wouldn't be so bold as to claim them as your own. You know he isn't tolerant of such subordination." Her brazen attitude was startling even herself. If she went too far she was as good as dead.
Kagome watched as the fury grew in the lizard youkai. As he raised a hand to strike her down she brought up Tetsussaiga in defense. High pitched screams erupted from the youkai standing around her and the one before her grunted. When the hand never hit she dared open her eyes to see what had happened. Tetsussaiga pulsed angrily in her hands, glowing intensely. The youkai that had nearly hit her held his hand as he glared at her.
"Where did you get that sword?" Shifting her weight nervously she continued to stare him down.
"I already told you. It is a gift from Lord Sesshoumaru's brother." His brow rose inquisitively.
"You're that brat's miko, aren't you? The reincarnation." Even after all this time she couldn't stand being called that. Would she never escape that woman's shadow?
"Wrong. I am the miko, Kagome, of Edo. I am the former keeper of the Shikon no tama and Inuyasha's companion." He smirked.
"You mean his bitch." The youkai around her snickered, their laughs sounding more like a collection of hissing. Kagome had reached the end of her rope. She had barely any time as it was and these fools were eating it up. On top of it they found it entertaining to insult her. Using Tetsussaiga as a staff she lashed out at the lizard youkai, meeting his parry and proceeding to knock him in the ribs. Tetsussaiga pulsed upon contact and the youkai howled in pain. Standing over him she placed the tip of the sheath at his neck.
"Insult me again and I will not hesitate to tear your throat out. Now either you tell me how to get to reach Lord Sesshoumaru willingly, or I'll force it out of you." One of the youkai that had been jeering at her stepped forward only to stop as she glared at him. "Take another step and you're next."
"His palace is another three days by foot." She'd wounded his pride.
"Give me a horse."
"What will you give me?" Kagome was in no mood to bargain. Her bold streak had only grown in the time she'd spent with Inuyasha and it was certain to get her in trouble one day. But today was not that day. She needed to reach the palace in the next day. She couldn't wait three.
"Your life." Tilting his head back she glowered at him. "Now either you help me reach that palace by sun down tomorrow or I'll make your last moments so painful you'll wish you could die."
"Bring out the demon horse!" She could hear the commotion behind her as the youkai beneath her scowled. "You'll pay for this ningen. Miko or not, I'll make you pay." Applying enough pressure to bruise his throat but do no serious damage Kagome stepped back. The youkai continued to stare her down as the large stallion was brought forth. It appeared to be a normal horse but Kagome knew better than to assume such a thing. Taking the reins from the hands of a smaller youkai woman she nodded in thanks.
"I thank you for your assistance and apologize for the inconvenience. I will send you back your steed once I have reached my destination." None of the youkai seemed too pleased with her. For the most part they seemed to be humble servants, none trained too in depth in the art of battle. Kagome was thankful for that. The beast knelt in order for her to mount and she found herself grateful for the ride.
"Remember miko—you are mine." His anger did not faze her as she rode off.
It wasn't until she was a good hour's ride from the village that Kagome's body felt the effects of the adrenaline that had rushed through her. What had she done? Threatening demons who could potentially take her life was not normal. She didn't act in such ways. But she had needed to. Inuyasha's life was at stake. Who knew how long she had until it was too late to bring him back? She needed to reach Sesshoumaru before her time was spent. The demon horse beneath her seemed to run on a cloud of ice fire, his nostrils steaming even though the weather was still quite warm. His dark coat gleamed in the sunlight, his mane and tail flying wildly about. The amount of ground he covered was astonishing. Almost as if she was driving in a car back in Tokyo rather than on a horse in the countryside.
When night had fallen Kagome decided to make camp in small clearing several yards away from the road. In the morning she would make the last of her journey. She'd send the horse back once she was within walking distance of Sesshoumaru's gates. Making a small fire she made sure to double check that the horse was securely fastened to a nearby tree before settling down for the night. Her stomach ached for food yet at the same time she could not stomach more than a few sips of water. She would not waste time eating. Pulling out Inuyasha's haori she held it to her chest, weeping silently beside the embers of her fire. Sleep did not come to her that night.
The sun had not begun to rise when Kagome set out the next morning. Sleep had evaded her most of the night, her stomach too knotted and her mind too full. Only pausing to allow the horse a drink and grazing time Kagome pressed on. Before noon she bean to see the first signs of Sesshoumaru's palace. In the distance she could make out the rooftops, peaking over the tops of the trees on the top of a mountain. The closer she got the more she began to see how grand a palace it truly was. Half the mountainside was the main building, several smaller extensions branching off. A large stone wall surrounded the property, a cobblestone road leading up the main gate. It wasn't until the sun had begun to set that she actually reached the first gate in the stone wall. She'd made it.
Dismounting the youkai horse she took a moment to pet its nose. Not every youkai was evil. That was something she had learned long ago. Patting its rear end she watched it fade into the trees before she turned and moved to step through the archway. What she assumed to be guard youkai glanced warily at her from the top of the wall.
The walk to the main gate was longer than she expected. When she was standing at the bone structure she stared at the castle looming tall over her. Two tall, boar youkai stood at the gates with axes strapped across their backs and spiked clubs in their hands. They snorted at her in disgust, one sniffing the air about her. In a voice that rumbled from his stomach the one on the right side of the gate spoke.
"What business do you have here, miko? You are a long way from home." It sounded sarcastic, mocking her.
"I need to see Lord Sesshoumaru."
"Our Lord does not trouble himself with the problems of humans. You are better off going home." The other emitted a sound similar to a chortle.
"Please, I've come so far. Let me speak with him, I beg of you."
"Leave miko." Stepping back Kagome looked once more up at the castle. All this way for nothing… Then she saw him—standing on the third floor balcony with a scroll in his hands. She could barely make out the two heads on Jaken's staff, his head not visible over the railing.
"Sesshoumaru!" He turned his head. The two boars glanced up before going to grab her.
"I told you to leave! You shall pay for disturbing our Lord!" Kagome struck out instinctively with Tetsussaiga. The boar youkai stumbled back as she defended herself, the power of the sword still maintaining its master's will. Dodging their hold she made her way through the gates, heading for the entrance inside the palace. When she felt herself being pulled back she turned to see one of the boar youkai holding the strap of her bag. Instinctively she dropped it, looking up once more for Sesshoumaru. She couldn't see him.
"Lord Sesshoumaru, please!" Kagome made a wild dash for the palace. Once inside she found herself in the main hall—staircases, doors and corridors branching off everywhere.
Youkai of all breeds stared at her, mumbling amongst themselves. Several moved to restrain her, what she assumed to be Sesshoumaru's guards. Desperately she tried to fend them off. She was so close. If she could just make it up the stairs she'd be alright. A blow to the one holding her arm, another to the one heading for her neck. Something had her leg and her waist. Why couldn't she move? Why wasn't she hitting anything? Kagome flailed wildly, Tetsussaiga hitting several youkai in her immediate vicinity.
"Let me go! Please! I need to see him!" She could feel the tears running down her face as she fought them. She was on the floor now, kicking and fighting as best she could. Why were there so many? Why couldn't she manage to hit any of them? Their hands were all over her, claws catching her skin and skirt. Her heart began to sink.
"Stop." That voice. She knew that voice. All hands left her, the crowd of youkai parting immediately. Scrambling to compose herself Kagome got onto her hands and knees in a formal bow, Tetsussaiga tucked under her.
"It's Kagome-sama!" Rin. She didn't sound like such a child anymore. It had been years since she'd last seen the young ward. Kagome could hear Jaken's voice as ordered Rin to step back.
"State your business here, miko." Kagome dared to look up. Sesshoumaru towered over her, tall and strong. His armor was missing. Oddly enough she couldn't help but think how human and relaxed he was without it. Kagome bowed again as she got to her feet. When she straightened herself she looked into his eyes, all actions coming to a sudden halt. His eyes. They looked just like Inuyasha's. But they weren't his. They would never be his. Inuyasha was back in Edo. Inuyasha was dead.
Opening her mouth to speak Kagome found she had no voice. It wouldn't come out. No, she couldn't cry. Not now. Not when she was right here, right in front of him. All she had to do was ask. She felt like a fish out of water attempting to mouth her request. But she couldn't. The lump in her throat was too thick. The tears began to fall without her permission, blurring her vision. Rin took a step forward and she heard her call her name. Sesshoumaru held up a hand to stop her movements, his eyes never leaving Kagome, his expression as stoic as ever.
"He's dead." A choked sob escaped her throat. "Inuyasha's dead."
Kagome covered her face with her hands as she fell to her knees, sobbing. It was true. Since the moment she'd seen his body at Kaede's until now she had wanted so badly to believe it was a lie. That he would wake up and come to fetch her, grumbling about how she was so irresponsible. But here she was, sitting on the floor of Sesshoumaru's palace ready to beg him for Inuyasha's life. Somewhere along the line she felt small arms encircle her, cradling her against a warm kimono. She felt so broken. She didn't know how long she was there when the person finally moved. Opening her eyes she found herself staring into Sesshoumaru's eyes once more; the knife in her heart twisted. He was down on one knee, his hand extended to her.
"Come." Sniffling she wiped the mess of tears on her sleeve, grasping his hand to steady herself as she stood. The tears still wouldn't stop, nor would the sobs. Clutching the empty sleeve where his arm should have been she allowed her head to drop onto his chest.
Kagome didn't ask why he wasn't pushing her away, why he wasn't disgusted by her actions. All she knew was that she couldn't stand on her own. His hand was about her shoulders, albeit a bit roughly as he steered her down a hallway. The cries wouldn't cease as she buried her face in his sleeve, drinking in his scent. It was so different from Inuyasha's but it held the same musk to it that his had. Why hadn't she made it back in time? Why couldn't she have reached him a few hours sooner? She was always messing things up. Ever since the moment she'd stepped foot in the Sengoku Jidai things had gone wrong.
Sesshoumaru slid back one of the doors to their right, leading her inside. A mattress lay on the floor, neatly made. He began to kneel once more, lowering her to the bed. Curling into a ball she felt the sorrow devour her soul, stealing her breath and blinding her eyes. As he moved to leave she gripped the cloth between her fingers tighter, rubbing her face in it. Turning, Sesshoumaru snapped at someone in the doorway. Within moments she heard the pattering of feet in the room and the rustling of items.
"Miko." Opening her eyes just the tiniest bit her sight was blocked by something red. Then the scent hit her. Inuyasha's haori. Sesshoumaru had had it brought in. Releasing his sleeve she wrapped her arms about it, a new onslaught of tears consuming her. Sesshoumaru left her then, shutting the door quietly behind him.
"Will she be alright Sesshoumaru-sama?" Rin walked beside her master, concern evident upon her adolescent features.
"She will be fine." Pausing, Sesshoumaru gazed intently at her. He'd been doing that quite frequently as of late. Rin wasn't sure what to think of it.
"Is she going to stay with us?" Turning on his heal he headed for the stairs to his study.
"I want you to pull out your finest kimono. We have a funeral to attend." Stopping in the middle of the hall she watched her master disappear into his private study.
Sesshoumaru planned to attend Inuyasha's funeral.