Hey Everyone! Here's the third chapter of Hallow! Better late than never, right?... right guys? Now I want to dedicate the rest of this story to Alexischic. If it weren't for them I probably would never have finished this fic, or even tried to. So thanks! I do not own Inuyasha!
Kagome's POV-
I was started to think he didn't care about me in the slightest. It's been three weeks since I gave my soul to Kikyo, and I haven't even seen Inuyasha. Hell, he hasn't even came to find me to collect the jewel shards I gathered.
Hell. Is this hell? What could be worse than this? If I died right now, and went to hell, would I just continue to walk as I am? I don't see why not. This is torture. Everyday thoughts of Inuyasha run through my mind, a constant reminder of what I could never have. I always thought we should be together, but fate is cruel I suppose.
Shippo and I have been doing fairly well the past three weeks. Turns out villagers will jump at the opportunity of housing a priestess, even if she's accompanied by a young demon, so every night we sleep with a roof over our heads.
Well, Shippo slept. I found that ever since my soul left my body, I didn't feel the need to sleep anymore. Sure every once in a while, my physical body would become too exhausted to carry on, and I'd be forced to sleep, but my mental body seemed wide awake at all times.
Most of the time, while Shippo slept, I focused on the world around us with the slight hope that Inuyasha would burst through the doors looking for me. Of course, I knew that wouldn't happen, but considering my thoughts of him kept me alive, I didn't really mind the false hope.
As for jewel shards, it's been slow. We've collected a total of two since we left. Considering it was only the two of us, I assume that wasn't that bad, but I just haven't sensed them lately. My guesses are that if any demons have found jewel shards, they're now after Inuyasha and the others in or to attain more. God I hope he isn't careless.
Actually, if you think about it, he's probably doing a lot better. He no longer has to worry about protecting me any more right? Plus, Kikyo can actually hold her own in a fight, unlike me.
I sighed rather loudly before looking over at Shippo. He was sprawled out on the futon beside me, sleeping soundly, and I couldn't help but notice the way his foot twitched every once in a while. Despite myself, I smiled at him and how innocent he was.
That fact I was able to actually smile for once is a blessing. It's almost as if Kikyo took not only my soul, but my personality as well. I tried to smile for Shippo, so he wouldn't worry, but it was difficult. Lately most of my smiles were forced and pathetic.
What's worse is no matter how hard I try to convince him not to worry, he still does, and who can blame him? At the moment I was just a shell, and I had no way to tap into my personality.
Well, there were the benefits. Like the fact I didn't have to sleep as much, and it was a lot easy to keep myself from crying.
In fact, I haven't cried once since it all happened. Don't get me wrong, there are times where I want to cry, and I feel like I could start crying, but I just don't want to. I feel like if I cry...I won't be able to stop.
"Shippo..wake up," I cooed, pushing on his shoulder gently in an attempt to jolt him awake. He murmured quietly before turning over so his back was to me causing me to roll my eyes before scooping him up and gathering Kikyo's bow and arrows.
I always left before the villagers woke up. This way they wouldn't be able to ask questions, and I just couldn't bring myself to find a new home here.
Home. That was another thing I missed. I haven't been home in weeks and I know my family must be worried, but what am I going to do? Show up and say "Oh yeah, I don't have a soul"? Yeah, no. I don't think so.
"Ka-go-me!" Shippo whined dramatically, curling into my chest for warmth as we stepped out into the early morning breeze. "Why do we have to leave so early. Why can't we slow down a bit?" he complained, but I didn't answer.
Slowing down meant I had more time to think, and if I think, I'll fall down deeper into my depression. Also, slowing down gave us a better chance of crossing paths with our former companions, which I don't think I could handle.
As much as I'd love to see Sango, who has become like a elder sister to me, and Miroku, who was like a brother, and of course Inuyasha, but that went without reason, I know I just couldn't see them traveling with her.
It'd just remind me of how I've been replaced. After all, Sango and Miroku, who always took my side when it came to the "Inuyasha-Kikyo" ordeal didn't even try to look for me! What did I have left there? I've been replaced by a stranger who looks almost exactly like me.
"Come on Shippo. It's really beautiful in the morning. I love to see the birds just waking up," I stated in an attempt to convince him that my wanting to leave so early had nothing to do with Inuyasha and the others. However, before he could even respond, I felt the familiar tug in the back of my mind.
"I sense a jewel shard," I told him, which immediately had Shippo up and sniffing around. I quickly started running in the direction of the shard, clutching Shippo to my chest in an attempt to protect him just in case something happens.
"Where's the jewel?" he asked when I stopped, which caused me to bite my lip and look around. I could feel it was near, but because my soul was mostly gone, sensing the jewels exact location seemed to have gotten harder. Especially when it was moving around a lot.
"It should be around here somewhere. I just-" I started but a loud scream cut me off. Before I had the chance to react, directly in front of us I saw a young boy slam into a tree.
I couldn't see his face, but I somehow knew he was crying. Seconds later, a large, but weak demon emerged, glaring at the boy.
"Give it to me! Give me the jewel!" the creature hissed, so I quickly put Shippo down before notching and arrow and sending it straight into the heart of the beast. With an agonizing cry, the demon quickly dissolved into nothing, leaving the boy to stare at where it once stood.
"Are you alright?" I called, which caught the boys attention, causing him to turn to look at me. I immediately recognized him as Sango's younger brother, Kohaku, causing me to gasp. "Kohaku? Are you all right?" I asked before rushing over to check for injuries.
"Lady Kagome...what are you doing here? Does that mean..Sister..is she with you?" he asked hesitantly, which caused me to smile sadly at the poor boy.
"Sorry, she's not. I...kinda..don't travel with them any more. It's complicated" I explained, but the way he looked at me made me think he'd understand. Not like I was going to tell him. After all, he's just a kid.
"I see you still have your jewel shard. So you still work for Naraku?" I asked, causing him to look down in anguish. I immediately regretted bringing that up as I helped him to his feet.
"Unfortunately. He hasn't needed me for weeks, but when he summons me, I can't stop myself from going. It's this stupid shard. It controls me.
"I wish I could take it out, so I didn't have to do what he wants anymore...but if I do that...I'll die. I know it's selfish, but...I..I don't want to die. Not yet!" he cried and I watched as tears started running down his cheeks.
I immediately pulled him into a tight hug, while checking for injuries in the process. He had a few scraps on his arms and legs, but nothing a Band-Aid wouldn't fix.
I couldn't believe a boy as young as him had to deal with this life style. The pain he and Sango feel must be unbearable, after all, Kohaku wasn't that much older then Souta. What if it was my brother who had to suffer this way?
How could a person be so cruel to separate two siblings like this? Everyday Sango has to live knowing Kohaku is in pain. How could Naraku be that horrible? How could he pit people against each other this way? First Inuyasha and Kikyo, and now Sango and her own brother. Was this just a game to him?
"I'm so sorry, Kohaku. I wish...I wish there was a way I could help. I wish there was a way I could bring you back to life," I whispered. However, when the words came out, something clicked. "If I could bring you back to life.." I muttered again, before the idea finally struck me, causing me to gasp.
"Oh my God! Kohaku! I know what to do!" I exclaimed, which caused him to look up at me, confused and skeptical. "Trust me. I'll make sure you're finally free and you can be with Sango again," I explained, causing him to smile shyly.
"Okay... I trust you, Lady Kagome," he stated, which made me smile. I then stood up before offering him my hand. "But...what if Naraku tries to make me kill you?" he asked nervously, while I smiled.
"I'll risk it," I told him while Shippo shrieked in my ear and Kohaku paled considerably.
In the end, we just decided to take away all his weapons and put them into satchel the villagers from the last village had given me. We also tied his hand behind his back and only untied them when necessary, under Kohaku's request.
That night, when Shippo and Kohaku were asleep, I thought about my plan. It was a long shot..but not impossible. Sesshomaru had Tensaiga, which had the power to bring someone back to life a single time. If he agreed to save Kohaku, I could easily remove the jewel shard and purify it, leaving Kohaku free from Naraku.
However, how could I get Sesshomaru to agree? I know he doesn't like me. After all, not only am I human, I travel with Inuyasha, who he hates. So in order to get him to help me, I know he'll want something in return.
I didn't really have that long to think about it, because before I knew it, it was already morning, and Kohaku was awake. He seemed a little confused...almost as if he didn't remember the past evening, but when he saw me, recognition immediately dawned on his face and he smiled shyly.
"Good morning, Miss Kagome" he said respectfully, which caused me to smile. "How long have you been awake?" he asked, stretching awkwardly because of his restraints.
"Oh, not long. Maybe an hour at the most" I lied before running my fingers through my hair. "Why don't we get going? I'm sure we can grab something to eat on the road. The faster we do this the better," I offered before scooping Shippo into my arms, who in returned murmured in his sleep, and heading outside.
It was around dusk when we all felt a very strong demonic aura pulsing from the west. I immediately started probing at the aura, noticing right away that it was familiar, and when it pulsed again I knew right then and there that the aura belonged to Sesshomaru and he was engaged in battle at the moment.
I glanced at Kohaku and he seemed to be thinking the same thing I was, before turning to Shippo who was perched on Kohaku's head, sniffing the air vigorously.
"That's definitely Sesshomaru... I can smell Jaken, Rin and Ah-Un, but there is another demon with them. It's pretty strong, but the scent of blood is strong and it's definitely not Sesshomaru's," Shippo announced, and I marveled on how strong his senses actually were.
I knew he was a canine demon much like Inuyasha, but Inuyasha always beat him to the punch when it came to locating something's scent. I suppose I always thought of Shippo being weak because of the comparison, but I can see now that even though physically he isn't strong, his senses are just as strong as a full grown demon.
"Well that's all the reassurance I need.. Come on! Let's go!" I yelled, sprinting in the direction I could sense Sesshomaru.
The soul collectors immediately swirled around us, forming a barrier in order to mask our presence. If Sesshomaru was in battle with Rin around, he's very likely to get lost in protecting her and attack any demon they sense approaching. We would need the element of surprise in order for him to hear us out.
It didn't take us long before we could see Sesshomaru, still fighting with a large lizard demon which I immediately saw had two jewel shards embedded in it's forehead. Damn, how did I not notice those earlier?
Even though I knew Sesshomaru would probably get angry if his fight was intervened, I notched and arrow and let it soar into the demon's forehead, instantly purifying the shards. The demon howled in pain before disintegrating while Sesshomaru's head snapped up to stare at me.
Cautiously, we made our way toward him, noticing when Rin and Jaken made there appearance from behind a large rock. Before confronting Sesshomaru himself, I picked up the two jewel shards, placing them in the small pouch with the other. Taking a deep, nervous breath, I turned my attention back to Sesshomaru.
"Where is that filthy half breed you usually travel with?" he asked coldly, causing me to recoil slightly like I've been slapped when he mentioned his brother.
Usually, I would immediately defend Inuyasha, yelling at Sesshomaru and reminding him that they are brothers, but I was about to ask a favor, and if I reminded him of the relationship he had with Inuyasha, he surely would've even consider helping me.
"We don't travel together anymore," I stated bluntly, earning a strange look from him. "Lord Sesshomaru, I need your help. You remember Kohaku, correct? Well you see... he's still being controlled by Naraku because of a jewel shard in the back of his neck.
"If we take it out, he'll die, but if we leave it in, he's a danger to us all. Please, help me save him by using Tensaiga.. I would be forever grateful" I said quickly, clasping my hands together in front of my chest and bowing.
He looked at me for a while, an unreadable expression on his face as if weighing his options. I noticed Rin, Jaken, and Ah-Un had made their way over, watching in silence, but I didn't miss the way Rin smiled and waved slightly at Kohaku.
"Tell me, human, why should I waste such a power on a worthless mortal?" he asked, glancing at Kohaku who bowed in response. "How could that possibly benefit me?" he asked, while I squared my shoulders and took a shaky breath.
"There's not that much I can offer, but with Kohaku free from Naraku he could be an ally, and Naraku would be down one fighter. Also, Rin is Kohaku's friend. I'm sure she'd be upset if we just let him die and suffer," I explained, but I could tell he needed more convincing.
However, what else could I offer? Sesshomaru was a powerful demon, and I was a weak human girl with no soul. I couldn't do anything for him that he couldn't do for himself.
Glancing at Rin, I noticed for the first time how small she was as she smiled at me. She radiated innocence and I could understand why Sesshomaru would want to protect her.
How could he possibly focus in battle when she was there with only Jaken as protection? Surely that toad wouldn't be able to protect her properly, especially if there was more than one opponent.
"I could help protect Rin!" I heard myself announce, fully catching his attention. Gaping at him, he raised an eyebrow, urging me to explain while I sucked in a gulp of air.
"When you're in battle, I would be able to help protect her using the soul collectors to put a barrier around us. Also, when the demon you're fighting with has a jewel shard I could shoot it with an arrow and purify it," I insisted, watching as his eyes glanced over at Rin.
I could almost see the gears turning in his head. Even though he hated the idea of it, he and Inuyasha were similar in many ways. Sesshomaru would do anything in his power to protect Rin, but when fighting, he couldn't go all out because he'd be too worried about her. Inuyasha use to have that problem when protecting me...
I quickly shook the thoughts from my head. This was not the time to feel sorry for myself. Right now all that mattered was Kohaku and Sango. They deserved to be happy, and I was going to make sure that was possible.
"I will assist you," he stated suddenly, pulling me from my thoughts as I starred at him. He was actually going to help me? Part of me was certain he would reject the request simply because I was friends with his brother. Had my promise to protect Rin really make that much of a difference?
"Thank you so much! I am forever in your debt!" I exclaimed, smiling brightly as he scoffed, drawing Tensaiga. I took that as a sign saying he was done talking and wanted to get this over with, so I turned my attention to Kohaku.
"Alright Kohaku, I'm going to take your shard out, but don't worry, you'll be awake in no time," I explained, pouring as much enthusiasm in my voice as I could muster.
He nodded solemnly before closing his eyes tight. I could tell he was terrified he wouldn't wake up, but I didn't doubt Sesshomaru's power.
I gently placed my fingers on the back of his neck, drawing the jewel shard out, causing him to collapse in the process. We moved quickly, laying him down the the ground before taking a step back, and allowing Sesshomaru to slash at the death bringers that we couldn't see.
I placed the now purified shard into my pouch before dropping to Kohaku's side, brushing my hand over his forehead in an attempt to wake him up.
For a moment, my stomach clenched, afraid that maybe I was wrong and he wouldn't wake up, but as soon as the thought entered my mind, his breath hitched, causing his eyes to snap open.
He blinked a few times before turning his gaze to me, a ghost of a smile playing at his lips. I couldn't help but break into a genuine smile at that moment, earning one from him in return as he sat up and hugged me, clinging to me as he cried and muttered "thank you" over and over again. The urge to cry came again, causing my heart to clench as all my suppressed tried to break away and envelope me, but like always I pushed them back.
"Thank you so much Sesshomaru, you have no idea how grateful I am," I stated, still hugging Kohaku as I looked up at him. He nodded swiftly before looking up at the sky, like he normally did in order to end a conversation.. just like his brother..
Cursing myself for thinking about Inuyasha again, I hugged Kohaku even tighter, subconsciously remembering Souta. He and Kohaku were so much alike it caused me to drop my head as I mourned for the loss of my family and how much my decision was effecting them.
Were they worried? Of course they were.. but were they still waiting? Or have they assumed the worse. Guilt gripped in my stomach as I realized how my mother must feel. After losing her husband, because of me, she lost one of her children, and what about Souta? His older sister just disappeared and he has no explanation..
Suddenly, I realized what Sango must be going through. Every day she had to wonder about the well-being of her little brother and here I was hugging him and drowning in self pity while she worried.
I couldn't possibly fix what I've done to my family.. not yet at least, but I could help Sango. The sooner I returned her brother to her, the easier it'd be for her to move on in her life with Miroku.
"Alright.." I started, standing up and offering Kohaku a hand to help him up. "I have to return Kohaku to his older sister, she's worried to death. Plus, I might as well give Kikyo the jewel shards we've collected. Will you be joining us, Lord Sesshomaru? Or should we meet you somewhere?" I asked, causing him to glance at me.
"We'll escort you. After this, however, you go nowhere unless I advise you to," he demanded, showing no room for argument. "However, I refuse to see my brother. Is there a way you can summon the dead one to come collect the boy and the shards?" he asked, and I gawked at him for a moment when he referred to Inuyasha as his brother.
"Y-yeah.. I can use the soul collectors to summon her once we're close enough" I explained, causing him to nod again. It was probably a good idea.. I couldn't risk seeing Inuyasha and Kikyo together.
If anything could break me, that sure would, and there was no way in hell I was going to let that happen. I wouldn't do that to Shippo, he was already worried enough.
"Very well. There is no reason to see that bastard after what he's done.." he said, glancing at me knowingly, in a way that suggested he knew what happened.
"It is for the better anyway's. I don't want to be near that dead bitch.. her scent is appalling. I can smell her from here," he muttered, wrinkling his nose in disgust. I felt like I could laugh at that comment, but instead I felt nothing but fear. If he could smell Kikyo, how close were they? Could Inuyasha smell us?
"Don't worry, wench, the zombie's smell is strong, I can't smell Inuyasha or the rest of your companions, but based on her scent, they are probably a days away from us.
"Rin needs her sleep. There is an abandoned shack not far from here. We'll sleep there for tonight then set out to return the boy at dawn," he explained, shocking me again.
What happened to the Sesshomaru who tried to kill me? He seemed so different now.. is it perhaps we misunderstood him?
"Alright.." I commented dumbly, in which he responded by turning around and walking away. I was definitely dumbfounded as I stood there starring, even after Jaken and Ah-Un started following him quickly.
Obviously if you didn't follow him he would leave you behind. I was quickly pulled from my thoughts however when I felt someone tug on the hem of my skirt. Looking down I saw Rin smiling up at me sweetly tugging me towards Sesshomaru.
"Come on, Kagome, let's go!" she said sweetly, causing me to force a smile before following her lead. Kohaku quickly followed suite, never leaving my side, while Shippo clung to his shoulder.
I definitely was going to miss Kohaku when I had to let him go, but he needed to be with his sister. Sure traveling with Sesshomaru might be a little.. troublesome, but at least I had Shippo and Rin with me. Plus, a deal is a deal, I will protect Rin, and look for jewel shards in the process.
True to his word, the shack wasn't very far at all, but when we did arrive it was dark, and Rin immediately fell asleep. I quickly started a fire in order to keep her warm, before using some of the supplies I gathered from a village we stopped by earlier today to cook Shippo, Kohaku, and Jaken dinner. I offered Sesshomaru some but he quickly declined, stating how he'd rather hunt later.