Hey everyone, sorry it's taken me so long to write this. I don't have a real excuse and I'm not going to lie to anyone, so I'll just leave you with my appology.
Oh, and special thanks to Snow Cat Demon. I must have been really tired while writing this :P
Anyways, hope you enjoy the chapter.
Chapter 26
"This is so weird." Kagome said. "Everyone is acting strangely. Well, other than Sesshoumaru." Everyone was relaxing by the fire.
"But he's been acting strangely this whole time." Inuyasha said loudly, voicing what everyone else was thinking. Sesshoumaru simply glared at him.
"The ominous aura that Naraku gives off is stronger than we've felt in a while." Miroku commented.
"But is he able to possess people so easily? It seems as though the strange behavior just seems to jump from one person to the next. Could it be like another situation like when Myoga's fiancée took control of Inuyasha and me?" Sango brought up the time when Myoga was running from his betrothed and didn't tell anyone that she was looking for him.
"I don't think that could be it because you've all remembered what you did. Miroku, you asked me for medicines because you were crying to charm a tree and thought you were sick. No one saw it, you can to me after and asked for help." Kagome pointed out.
"Yeah, well Inuyasha screamed and ran away from a flower!" Miroku tried to make himself look better to his "dear sweet Sango" by making Inuyasha look as foolish as he did.
"Yeah, well Sango started vowing undying love for everyone." Inuyasha shouted in defense.
"Hey! Don't talk about Sango in such a way!" Miroku defended Sango.
"Yeah!" Sango agreed with Miroku. "And anyways…Kagome had it the worst. Major mood swings."
"Yeah, all anger, sadness, and happiness." Kagome, Miroku, Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru all shivered at the memory of Kagome's stressful moods previously.
"Well, the children haven't been affected by whatever is controlling us." Sango pointed out as she watched Shippou and Rin play some merry game not too far away.
"I'll be right back. It's getting late and the children should already be in bed." Kagome said before walking over to the children. Slight hesitation showed on the two children's faces before they followed Kagome obediently to the sleeping bags that were set up for them. After a short period of time, where it was obvious Kagome was telling them a bedtime story, Shippou and Rin were fast asleep. Kagome made sure they were both properly covered by the sleeping bags before joining the group once again in their discussion.
"I can't believe how easily you can put them to bed," Sango stated in awe. "They always complain and cry when I tell them that it's time for bed."
"I don't really know, they just listen." Kagome shrugged.
"Anyways, getting back to the important stuff!" Inuyasha said loud enough to stop Sango from continuing the conversation, but quiet enough to not wake the children.
"Yes, what could be possessing us and why?" Miroku followed Inuyasha's lead.
"Could it be Tsubaki coming for revenge?" Sango asked.
"I don't think so, I think she only cursed people." Miroku stated. Miroku, Inuyasha and Sango all looked at Kagome as though they needed to make sure that they could continue with the topic at hand.
"Kagome?" Sesshoumaru said, looking suspiciously at her.
"You ok?" Inuyasha asked, watching Kagome intently while trying to conceal his worry, but when she gave a little shiver, he showed it. "Are you cold? Are you being possessed again?" He asked, demanding answers.
"No, I'm fine, thank you for the worry though. Tsubaki just gives me the creeps." Kagome said while unconsciously her hand went and covered her throat lightly.
"What happened?" Sesshoumaru asked, reminding everyone that he wasn't there when the incident happened.
"Nothing." Kagome said, wishing that everyone would change the subject.
"Kagome! She almost killed you!" Sango hissed at her friends lack of worry on the matter.
"So what happened?" Sesshoumaru asked again, getting annoyed, he never had to repeat himself before and he didn't want to start now.
"Yes Kagome, if could hardly be called nothing." Miroku agreed as everyone continued to ignore Sesshoumaru's question.
"Would somebody tell me what happened, or will I have to resort to violence?" Sesshoumaru growled.
"I got cursed by Tsubaki, that's all." Kagome said simply, wishing everyone would stop talking about it.
"That's all! Kagome, she tried to kill you." It was Inuyasha who spoke this time.
"Really?" Sesshoumaru asked calmly.
"She tried killing Inuyasha too!" Kagome pointed out.
"Through you." Sango argued.
"It really doesn't matter. What's done is done." Kagome said, desperately trying to get off the topic. "So who is trying to possess us now."
"Kagome it does matter! You could be dead!" Sango said, tears appearing in her eyes, but she wouldn't let them fall.
"Oh Sango, I didn't mean it like that! I just really don't want to talk about this anymore!" Kagome said in a panic.
"Then out of respect for Kagome, let's change the topic." Miroku said, watching Sango carefully, he hated it when she cried.
"As if you know how to respect a woman Miroku." Was Inuyasha's sarcastic remark causing everyone, except Miroku, to laugh.
"Well then, we know that it's not Tsubaki controlling us. Who else has such power?" Miroku said, pretending to ignore Inuyasha's comment.
"Well, the person would need to have strong spiritual powers I think." Sango said, not sure how helpful the information could be, but she tried anyways.
"Could Naraku have gotten someone to possess us, like he got Tsubaki to do? He could have gotten someone else who is well practiced in possessing." Miroku said.
"Well, could it be…" Kagome trailed off mid sentence and stared forward into the distance. The others followed her gaze and found Kikyou's soul collectors. Everyone looked at Inuyasha, wondering if he was going to go to her.
"I think you should go see her." Kagome finally said, surprisingly calm. Her eyes were glazed over and her expression was unreadable. The group gaped at her wondering if she had just given up, or if she was being possessed again.
"Kagome?" Inuyasha gasped.
"She might know something about who has been possessing us. She might be able to help us." Kagome reasoned. "And you two need to talk." She whispered softly, mostly to herself, but it was loud enough for Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru to hear. Sesshoumaru had no idea what she was talking about, but Inuyasha did.
Inuyasha nodded, determination filling his features. "I'll be back before you know." He told the group, before walking to Kagome. "Come with me." He said.
"She wouldn't like that." Kagome pointed out.
"So? I will. Come with me." He said again.
"Umm, ok" Kagome sighed. "We'll be back soon, bye!" she said as she got on Inuyasha's back and he ran away into the darkness of the forest, toward the glowing above the trees.
"Wow, Inuyasha actually made a choice." Sango said in awe.
Miroku just nodded his head in agreement and Sesshoumaru just stood in his spot, confused out of his mine (not that he'd let anyone know).
"Inuyasha, I was not sure if you would come." Kikyou said as she saw Inuyasha come into the clearing where she waited. "What are you doing here?" She demanded when she caught sight of Kagome on Inuyasha's back. She didn't sound angry or cold when she said it, just confused. Inuyasha had never brought her reincarnation with him to see her before.
"I wanted her to come." Inuyasha answered for Kagome.
"You wanted her to come?" Kikyou repeated.
"Yeah, because I love her and I want to show her that there is nothing between us anymore." Inuyasha growled, he felt awkward saying this to his past love.
"I see, if there is nothing between us anymore then why did you come here?" Kikio asked, sending a cold glare in Kagome's direction.
"Because we thought you might know something about who is possessing us." Kagome said, glaring back at Kikio with as much strength as she was receiving.
"I do believe I was speaking to Inuyasha." Kikyou snapped.
"Oh really, because you know, when someone is looking at me while they are speaking, I assume that they are speaking to me." Kagome snapped.
"I was not looking at you!" Kikyou insisted coldly.
"Oops, my mistake." Kagome said mockingly with her hand over her mouth before turning a cold stare at Kikyou, "You're right, it was a glare."
"Kikyou, why would you glare at Kagome, she hasn't done anything to you!" Inuyasha demanded.
"Yes she has." Kikyou sighed as her cold demeanor cracked and she gave a sad sigh before walking away, disappearing into the darkness.
"Well that was pointless." Inuyasha growled.
"I don't think so." Kagome disagreed, "Inuyasha, I think Kikyou might be the one who has been possessing all of us." She said.
"What!" Inuyasha gasped "Come on Kagome, I thought you were over that jealousy thing." He sighed after a moment.
"You think I'm jealous of Kikyou? What is there to be jealous of? I'm NOT jealous! Should I be?" Kagome snapped, her temper rising quickly.
"You're jealous of Kikyou! Why else would you blame her? Kagome, I never thought you would stoop so low as to blame Kikyou for this! I thought that you were better than that." Inuyasha growled. "And I may be a lot of things, but I'm NOT a cheater! If you think I am then I think I should be wondering what you have on your mind. What have you really been doing on your trips home? I bet you're the one cheating! With that Hobo guy!" Inuyasha yelled, causing a few birds resting in nearby trees to fly away in fright.
"I never said that I thought you were a cheat! And how dare you call me one!" If anyone is cheating it's you! YES! NOW I'm calling you a cheat! All those times you went after Kikyou and just left me behind, wondering when, or if you were even going to return! And for that matter, how could you have forgotten that I told Hojo that I was with YOU! A position that I'm not sure I want to stay in right now!" Kagome screamed before stomping away.
"Where do you think you're going?" Inuyasha demanded, jumping in front of her in attempt to stop her from getting any further, but she just walked around him and kept going.
"Anywhere that's not near you!" She yelled and continued walking.
It hurt Inuyasha like a slap in the face. He really got her angry this time, but what was she going on about? Kikyou being responsible for the strange behavior in the group. Kikyou couldn't be doing it, and even if she could, why would she? She had told him that she loved him, and that she would always harbor feelings for him. But Sango had said that the person possessing everyone would have to have great spiritual powers, and Kikyou certainly did.
As Kagome heading back to the camp, she had time to think about everything. Like how Inuyasha didn't realize Kikyou's part in their problems in the group, and their relationship. She also thought about why Kikyou wouldn't affect Sesshoumaru, Kirara, Shippou, or Rin.
Nothing seemed to make sense.
"I wonder what's going on. Do you think that there was a fight? Sango said after a while when Kagome and Inuyasha hadn't returned.
"Who knows, but if there is a fight, I'm sure that it's nothing that Inuyasha can't handle." Miroku said. "Think about it, Inuyasha has won many battles for us."
"Yeah, but think about how many times Kikyou has tried to kill Kagome. I don't think Inuyasha can protect her from Kikyou. He could never hurt Kikyou." Sango said, still not convinced. She looked around into the darkness of the forest as though looking for some sign of a fight. She nearly screamed when Inuyasha barreled out of the bushed behind her.
"Inuyasha? What's going on? Why are you in such a rush? Did something happen? Where's Kagome?" Sango cried, grabbing the front of Inuyasha's shirt and pulling her to look her in the eyes.
"Feh, that stupid wench up and ran off!" Inuyasha growled as he pried Sango off of his shirt.
"So you don't know where she is?" Miroku verified.
Shippou jumped out of his sleeping bag and started yelling. "Inuyasha you killed her!" Then he ran into Sango's arms for comfort.
"What the hell are you talking about? I didn't kill Kagome?" Inuyasha yelled.
"Yes you did, you took her out into the woods and left her to die! You're like the evil step-mother in that story Kagome told me! Hansel and Gretel. Do you really want to be with Kikyou that much?"
"I did not! She ran away in a huff. Not my fault!" Inuyasha shouted.
"So you got her angry. Now she's never going to come back!" Shippou pointed an accusing finger at Inuyasha while Miroku Sango, and Sesshoumaru glared silently at Inuyasha, for no words needed to be said. Their glares were enough to say it all, it was Inuyasha's fault.
"Why do you have to be so insensitive Inuyasha?" Sango demanded.
"What do you mean? I wasn't the one being insensitive! Kagome was. She pinpointed all the possessions on Kikyou!" Inuyasha shouted.
"Oh Inuyasha, you yelled at her didn't you?" Miroku sighed and shook his head when his only answer was a blush appearing on Inuyasha's cheeks.
"Inuyasha, you're an idiot! You are going to make Kagome run away and never want to come back! She might even run to Koga or Hojo, ("Even though she's already said she doesn't like them." Sango added.) or maybe even Sesshoumaru for comfort if you keep doing this to her!" Miroku said.
"It's your fault!" Inuyasha shouted, his eyes wide with realization and pointing his finger at Miroku.
"How is it my fault?" Miroku asked, extremely confused.
"You keep making me think that Kagome is going to run off to some other man! You're making me loose trust in her! It's your fault Kagome's mad at me, and you're going to explain all of this to her!" Inuyasha growled while Sesshoumaru had to help Sango hold him back so that Inuyasha wouldn't kill Miroku.
"Inuyasha, calm down, violence won't fix anything." Sango tried to reason.
"Yes it will." Inuyasha growled in response as he tried to break free of Sesshoumaru and Sango's hold.
Everything went silent as Kagome entered the clearing. She gave a small smile to Sango before heading to her big yellow backpack.
Inuyasha, who had not yet been freed from Sango's and Sesshoumaru's grip yet, he glared at Miroku. As though telling him if he didn't fix the problem, he would be facing much more painful problems.
"Kagome." Miroku started, when he had her attention he continued. "Why don't we go for a walk?" He suggested in a friendly manner. No hint of a perverted thought in his voice, just pure friendship and concern.
"I suppose I could, but lets make it fairly quick if that's all right. I would like to get home soon." Kagome agreed.
"Hey I-" Inuyasha was silenced by Shippou's hand covering his mouth. Luckily Kagome hadn't heard Inuyasha begin to speak.
When Miroku and Kagome disappeared into the forest Shippou let go of Inuyasha's mouth.
"You could have gotten Kagome so angry." Sango said.
"Yes, you are very lucky the fox child stopped you before you said something to anger her even more than you already have. Sesshoumaru agreed.
"Feh." Inuyasha snorted before adding "What do you guys know anyways."
"Clearly a great deal more than you do Inuyasha." Sesshoumaru said smugly. His inner glee only grew as Inuyasha growled and ran away in a huff.
"Now was that really necessary?" Sango demanded with her hands on her hips and an angry fire burning in her eyes.
"Yeah, not Inuyasha is off in the forest while Miroku and Kagome are talking." Shippou sighed. "They should have just stayed together the first time. Or Kagome should have gone off to talk to Inuyasha, because he's just going to go and listen in on their talk anyways."
"Well, Inuyasha may have said something truly horrible in which Kagome wouldn't stand to be with him a moment longer." Sango said in a lecturing tone. "Or Kagome might be being oversensitive."
"Of course Inuyasha said something mean! Kagome isn't unreasonable!" Shippou cried, immediately coming to Kagome's defense.
"Inuyasha may say some stupid things but he wouldn't hurt Kagome on purpose. Maybe Kagome was having one of those mood swings." Sesshoumaru said not sure why he was defending his half-brother.
"Oh, so-"
"Maybe it was both." Rin's small voice piped up.
"When did you wake up? Weren't you just sleeping?" Sango asked.
"Maybe Inuyasha did say something horrible but Kagome didn't think about why he might have said it so she became angrier then was needed." Rin explained, ignoring Sango's question.
Sango and Shippou just stared.
"Rin, that is a very intelligent explanation." Sesshoumaru complimented.
"Rin, you're really smart." Shippou commented, still in awe at her explanation.
"Thanks Shippou. Want to go play hide-and-seek?" She asked with a giggle.
"Sure!" Shippou jumped with excitement and the two ran off into some nearby shrubs to play their game.
"A genius moment, and then we are brought up back to earth by their child's ways." Sesshoumaru said with a shake of his head.
"Kids will be kids." Sango nodded in agreement.
Kagome was walking with Miroku through the forest when they came upon a beautiful lake. It had flowers and trees all around it and pretty little fish in it. They decided that this would be the perfect spot to rest and talk about the situation.
"Kagome," Miroku started. "what exactly happened between yourself and Inuyasha when you went off to find Kikyou together?"
"Exactly?" Kagome said meekly.
"Yes, exactly." He said
"Well, we first got to where Kikyou was waiting..," Kagome explained all of the nights events. By the time she was finished her story, she was in tears.
Miroku rubbed her back in a supporting way, making sure to keep his hands on her back the whole time.
"Kagome, I think that both you and Inuyasha are at fault here." He said. When he noticed the curious looks he was receiving from Kagome, rather than angry comments, he continued. "Although you were simply stating you opinion, you could have said it in a slightly more gentile way. You must understand that Inuyasha chose you over Kikyou, but he still may be trying to let her go. It is true that he does with to be with you rather than Kikyou but he must be given time to completely heal his emotional wounds. Of course he shouldn't have acted the way he did, but he may be fighting the love he used to hold for the dead priestess.
Kagome thought about what Miroku had said. "I guess you might be right. I guess I owe Inuyasha and apology don't I?" She said.
"When you are ready, yes." Miroku said
"Thanks Miroku, you have been a big help." Kagome said as she gave Miroku a friendly hug.
"Anytime Kagome. What are friends for?" He answered to the hug, again, keeping his hands where they were supposed to be.
On their walk back to the camp, they were both in slightly better moods, so conversation ensued.
"Sango must be proud of you, controlling your hands as you have. I am certainly impressed." Kagome mentioned.
"Well, I have been working on keeping my habits at bay. But I fear that Sango has not even noticed." Miroku sighed, clearly disappointed.
"Now there is something I might be able to help you with?" Kagome smiled.
"Really? But you wouldn't tell her I asked you to talk to her would you?" He asked.
"Of course not" Kagome cried.
"Well then that would be much appreciated Kagome." Miroku said gratefully.
The rest of the walk back to the camp was filled with small talk of possible ways of killing Naraku and while way to head to look for more jewel shards.
"When are they getting back?" Inuyasha growled. " They've been gone too long already."
"Inuyasha calm down, I'm sure Miroku was only trying to help, not stress you out." Sango sighed, getting tired of Inuyasha's pacing back and forth. Ever since he had returned from his little tantrum, he had been getting on people's nerves.
"Yes! I can smell them coming now. Kagome's scent seems more relaxed and calm now. It seems the monk made her feel better."
"Yeah, Miroku is good at that." Shippou commented. He and Rin had decided that they wanted to know what the grown-ups were talking about.
"Hello everyone!" Kagome greeted happily as she and Miroku re-entered the camp sight.
"Where have you two been?" Inuyasha demanded, rounding on Miroku and Kagome.
"We weren't here." Kagome said with a very Inuyasha like smirk before turning to Sango. "I heard that there are hot springs over that way." She said pointing in the opposite direction that she and Miroku had come from. "Do you want to go?"
"Of course." Sango agreed. The two women collected their bathing things and headed for the springs.
"Why do women always bath?" Inuyasha asked, slightly confused.
"Oh, and boys, don't forget to put Rin and Shippou back to bed!"