Author's Note: So here's Chapter 2. I'm sorry it took so long to update! I've been messing around on here to familiarize myself with how to upload chapters so I don't eff anything up. But I have it figured out now! Anyways, R&R PLEASH!
Kagome knew she would end up with Inuyasha one day. That's just the natural course her life would take. She had accepted it. She had accepted the fact that he would never look at her the way he does Kikyo. She decided long ago to stop being bitter. She should be happy enough that someone wanted to protect her and cared about her happiness…to a certain extent. She would deal with him running off to see Kikyo, because she knows it makes him happy to see her. She would also deal with the fact that he will never be as happy to see her as he is to see Kikyo. She doesn't think she has low self esteem, it's just what she chose when she told Inuyasha she would stay by his side.
She ponders this as she bathes in a hot spring near their campsite. Sango sits across from her, lazily drawing her finger in circles in the water. Kagome watches her friend, her sister, and smiles. Sango has faced nothing but heartache, what with losing her entire family and her younger brother being under Naraku's influence.
Naraku.
Such a fowl creature. Her group has been chasing him for years. She first fell down the well when she was only 15 years old. Now, 20, they still haven't been able to take him down. Something just isn't working. They need a different strategy. They hold the last shard that Naraku needs to complete the jewel, and have had it for a long time. Yet he has made no move to attack. He simply continues to evade them, his scent picking up here and there. What could he possibly be doing?
"What's wrong, Kagome?" Sango asks, seeing the far-away look in her sister's eyes.
"Just…I mean what are we doing wrong Sango? It's been 5 years! We have the last shard and Naraku hasn't even BOTHERED to show his face. What is he doing? It's so…annoying! It's like, let's just be done with this, you know?" She says, her face pinching into disgust and anger.
"I know. It's not even as if he's toying with us…it's like he doesn't even want to complete the jewel. And Kohaku can't even rest peacefully!" Sango says, angrily.
"I know, Sango, I'm sorry to have brought it up." She says, sighing and placing a hand on her shoulder.
"It's ok. I think I'm done bathing, my hands are all wrinkles." Sango says, standing up.
With that, both Kagome and Sango make their way back to camp. Kagome sets up her cooking pot and hands Ramen out to everyone once it's done. She eats slowly, hearing Inuyasha slurping in the background. She chews the inside of her cheek, thinking.
"Earth to Kagome!" Inuyasha yells to her.
"Hm?" Kagome says, her chocolate brown eyes darting up to meet his amber pools.
"What the hell are you doing? You seem out of it." He says, taking an accusatory tone.
"Some of us actually use our brain to think, Inuyasha." She says, almost biting the words.
"Well, Kagome, enlighten us then. What is it you've been pondering?" Miroku says, immediately interrupting the awkward tension in the air as usual.
"I think we need a different strategy. I think all we've been doing is following Naraku around like puppy dogs."
"Oh yeah? You got a better plan, then?" Inuyasha says, sitting forward.
"I think we need to join forces." She says quietly, lowering her eyes.
"With who, huh? My bastard of a brother? Or that love-sick mangy wolf who's always pawing all over you? I bet you'd love that, having him around, touching you and-" Inuyasha rants, but then stops, seeing Kagome's face darken.
"Inuyasha, if you can't be civil and have an adult conversation about the future of our group, you can leave. All you do is spout negative things anyways, it's not as if you're being useful." Kagome nearly growls out.
"This is MY pack, I decide what we do and WHEN we do it." Inuyasha growls back.
"Ok, let's take a breath here." Miroku says, stepping between the two, hands up and palms facing outward.
"I think Kagome has a good point. I think teaming up with Sesshomaru and Koga could only help us track Naraku down and kill him." Sango says, nodding.
"Oh, my dearest Sango, I love when you talk battle strategies." Miroku says, clutching his chest.
To this, Kagome and Sango crack up, laughing wildly. Even Inuyasha has to turn his face away, hiding a big smile. Shippo looks back and forth between the adults, shaking his head. Miroku smiles and scratches his head, chuckling softly.
"Ok Kagome. If you think teaming up with those idiots will help, you can be the treaty-maker. I sure as hell ain't going to Koga or Sesshomaru and askin' them for anything. I don't personally think we need them." Inuyasha says, closing his eyes and crossing his arms.
"Fine. Deal. And if they agree, you better not say one word about it to me when I should up here with them. Miroku, will you kindly assist me?" Kagome asks, almost too sweetly.
"Why yes, my Lady, I would love to escort you." Miroku says, bowing toward her.
"Sango, would you mind staying back and taking care of Inuyasha and Shippo?" Kagome asks, turning to her.
"I don't need anyone to take care of me!" Shippo and Inuyasha both yell in unison.
Sango merely rolls her eyes at them and nods. Kagome smiles and shakes her head. She knows she doesn't have to worry traveling alone with Miroku. He and Sango were engaged over a year ago, even though he made it clear he wanted to wait until Naraku was destroyed. He had first professed his love for her years ago, telling her how he would one day marry her and have a life with her once Naraku was destroyed. But for some reason that was taking longer than any of them expected, and Miroku wanted to at least be able to call her his fiancé. Sango had come running back after a walk with him, squealing with happiness, her and Kagome jumping up and down like school girls. That was 3 years ago. Kagome shakes her head slightly, amazed at how much time has passed.
The group discusses what preparations need to be made for Miroku and Kagome's journey. Inuyasha must scent out where Koga and Sesshomaru are located before they set off. Koga will be easier to track down. They know he doesn't stray far from his den ever since he gave Kagome the shards he owned. Sesshomaru will be more difficult. They decide to just go to the Western Fortress and wait for him if he isn't there. So they settle on seeking out Koga first. They decide to make a trip to Kaede's village to stock up on supplies before they set off.
Two days later, they arrive in Edo and are welcomed warmly by the old priestess. They tell her of their plans and she smiles, relieved to hear that they have come to this decision. She considered suggesting it to Inuyasha years ago but knew he would have no part in it. She knows Kagome must have finally gotten the courage to put her foot down. After a huge feast in honor of their return to the village, Kaede pulls Kagome aside to take a walk.
"So, how have ye been doing with training?" Kaede asks, anxious to hear of her progress.
"Well, I think I'm doing ok. I've been able to focus and extend my powers. I can put barriers over objects and living beings. I tested it with Kirara. I think I was even able to seek out energy around me. It almost…hums, sings, to me…does that sound weird?"
"No, child, that sounds exact. That is precisely what most priestesses report when tapping into energy around them. A priestess is full of good, pure energy. And the energy around her reacts, almost speaking to her. Ye have done well, Kagome, be proud of yourself!" Kaede says, patting her shoulder gently.
Kagome beams at the praise, nodding and blushing. To tell herself she's doing a good job is one thing. But to hear it from an older, wiser and more experience priestess is completely different. It reinforces her in a way she could never accomplish my patting herself on the back.
The next day, Miroku and Kagome set out on their journey to the wolf den. Kagome already has a sense of dread balling up in her stomach. The last time she had seen Koga, he had gotten down on one knee and begged for her hand in marriage. Inuyasha literally kicked him in the face. Now that he isn't here, how much worse will it be? She sighs, closing her eyes for a moment.
"What ails you, Kagome?" A soft, concerned voice breaks her silent woe.
"Oh I'm just hoping Koga won't come on too strong without Inuyasha around." She says, sighing.
"Oh, yes, that may be an issue. But don't concern yourself too much, Kagome. I will step in, you have my word." Miroku says, nodding firmly.
Kagome smiles, nodding back, taking strength from him. They continue on, heading south, the sun high above their heads. The day is bright, crisp and clear. It's October and fall is upon them. The birds are still out, chirping and singing. Kagome smiles, taking a deep, full breath. This will be good. This will be great. Everything will go well, they will both accept her offer, and nothing bad will happen. Right? Right.