I have decided that InuYasha will make one final appearance. But I won't give details. Not even if you beg.
Otulia: -pops in- Uh, go ahead and beg. She can't keep her plot a secret from insistent people who like stories spoiled.
Grr…go away! Anyway, I hope you invisible readers are enjoying my best story yet!
Disclaimer: Hi there! My name is Clarisse, and I'm Kinkatia's newest Disclaimer! Anyway, keep in mind that Kishitaro, Amoyael, and Antheron are the sole property of Kinkatia's Fancies Inc. Rumiko Takahashi owns the rest of the gang, of course! Buh-bye now!
Otulia: Um, I think you should get a different Disclaimer. This one's too perky.
Whatever, just get on with the story!
Sesshomaru swept angrily from the room, leaving by the same door he'd appeared through earlier. Kagura watched him go, wincing as the door slammed shut, the resounding thud echoing down the room. She sighed sadly. "I'll go and calm him down." She, too, left them. Amoyael and Antheron exchanged disgusted looks before exiting themselves, leaving Kagome and Kishitaro alone with Ai.
Kishitaro, still smiling, turned to Kagome, to thank her for her assistance. But, unbidden, her thoughts just popped into his head. I'm so glad he's finally free. Now, at least one of us can be happy. He cursed inwardly, his smile fading a little. It was happening again! He wasn't even using his telepathy! No one else's thoughts had rushed to him like that; no one else's mind so swiftly reached out for his own. And it only added to the confusing feelings he was having toward her.
"Kagome," he began, uncertain of how to accurately express his gratitude. "I uh…thank you. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have been able to find my courage."
"Please, you would've found it eventually. All you needed was some encouragement." The way she just shrugged it off astounded him. "Um, I actually want to talk to Sesshomaru before we go. I'll be right back." She jogged on down to the far end of the great room, as if she lived here and had every right to go where she wanted without permission.
Kishitaro's smile grew. Kagome really was something else.
()-()-()-()-()-()-()-()
Sesshomaru stood silently in the dim room, glaring out the window. He hated giving in, especially when his word was law. He ruled the demon world, and no one dared to oppose him. No one but his own son. And yet he had given in. The thought made him feel sick.
"He's more like me than we ever knew," Kagura said softly, coming to stand beside him. "Kishitaro and I are of the same spirit; we cannot live happily as caged birds. Like the wind, we must be free."
"I know," Sesshomaru replied wearily. "That is why I agreed."
They stood together in silence for a few moments more. Then, the door creaked open. "Um, there's something I think I should tell you, Sesshomaru." Kagome said timidly, not a trace of her earlier anger remaining. The demon lord nodded, and she closed the door behind her.
"Kishitaro has been doing good things with his power," she said quietly. "Most recently, he saved InuYasha from himself."
"What do you mean?" Sesshomaru asked, narrowing his eyes at her. He had not heard news of his younger brother since he'd vanished through the well with Kagome so long ago.
Kagome sighed, lowering her gaze to the floor. "A few years ago, I had to use my spiritual powers to push back InuYasha's demon blood. But his demon side refused to surrender, and started to cloud his mind. He…" Her voice choked, and she had to clear her throat before continuing. "He was becoming violent and secluded, and I couldn't do anything to reach him. If Kishitaro had not come to us when he did…InuYasha would have…killed me."
Kagura and Sesshomaru took a moment to process this. They had both witnessed the unwavering affection InuYasha held for Kagome. He had put his own life at risk countless times, just to keep her safe. That he would raise a hand against her was surprising news indeed.
"It is unusual to see you without my brother in tow," Sesshomaru remarked, looking at Kagome curiously. "Where is he?"
She couldn't repress the sob that escaped from her. "He left me, shortly after Kishitaro finished his last treatment. I don't know how to find him, but…but at least he's himself again."
Sesshomaru said no more, lost in thought. He hated to admit it, even to himself, but he had actually missed his little brother. And somehow, knowing that Kishitaro had helped InuYasha made him feel a bit of pride towards his son, and even helped him to accept Kishitaro's freedom to roam with the mortals.
Kagura stepped forward and put a gentle hand on Kagome's shoulder. She had changed over the past five hundred years, becoming a kinder person. And her longing to roam where the wind took her had faded over time, allowing her to be content to stay with Sesshomaru, though she occasionally needed a long flight over the demon city. "Come," she said softly, guiding Kagome back to where Kishitaro and Ai waited.
"What's wrong?" Ai asked, immediately concerned.
"She's a bit upset about some recent events," Kagura explained. "Perhaps she should go home."
"No," Kagome said quietly. "I…I don't think I can handle being there right now."
"Then how about you two come stay with me for a bit," Ai suggested cheerfully. "I haven't been home for a while, and I could use the company."
Kagome nodded. "Good," Kagura said, smiling. "I'll fly you there, and save you the journey." She strode ahead, leading the three of them outside. Kishitaro, feeling Kagome's dejection, put an arm around her shoulders, silently letting her know that he was there for her.
Once they were under the open sky, Kagura plucked both white feathers from her hair, enlarging them. Kagome blinked in surprise. "Each feather only has room for two," she explained. "I can fly them both at once now."
Ai climbed onto the first feather with Kagura, leaving Kishitaro to help Kagome onto the second. He kept his arm around her after they were settled, and she leaned against him, grateful he was there.
Slowly, they rose into the air, climbing higher and higher until they were above the tall buildings of the city. Then they shot forward, moving quickly toward the mountains in the distance.
Everyone was silent during the long flight. Somewhere during that time, Kagome had found Kishitaro's free hand, and clung to it, trying desperately to hold back her emotions. Nonetheless, the tears slid silently down her face. Kishitaro held her close, trying to help her get through her heartbreak.
Over on the other feather, Ai watched them, a sad smile upon her countenance. "He loves her," she said quietly.
Kagura glanced over at them for a moment. "Yes, but she still loves InuYasha." After a pause, she added softly, "What happened between them is so tragic. I couldn't imagine losing Sesshomaru."
Ai nodded slowly. "I know the story. I heard it from InuYasha himself, before I dropped in on you."
"You've seen him? Well, I suppose you would know where to find him."
"Yes. I'd seen it long ago. And, as sad as it may be, he was right to leave. Things could have never returned to normal between them ago. Deep down inside, Kagome will always be afraid of him, and that fear would keep them from being truly happy."
"It will take her a long time to get over him," Kagura said sadly.
"And Kishitaro will wait." Ai looked ahead. She could see her home now, a small town nestled on the mountainside, safely hidden away. Half-demon children played down there, she knew. She couldn't wait to see their happy faces again. Suddenly, she gasped, all her muscles tightening, as a vision leapt to her mind's eye. "Kagura," she whispered hoarsely.
"What is it, Ai?" the wind sorceress asked, eyeing her friend warily.
"As soon as we have landed, you must return home. Sesshomaru needs you with him, so that he will remain strong."
"I don't understand."
Ai grimaced as the vision passed, feeling her muscles loosening one by one. "You will when you get there. Ow, that was a strong one."
It's short, I know, but I'm famous for short chapters! But guess what! Someone that we all know and love will be showing up in the next chapter!