Hey there everyone! Hope you are all enjoying the story. This chapter might get a little hairy, and a little confusing so bare with me. Just wait until the end of the chapter, and it should all make sense, hopefully. If any of you are still confused after reading this, and have any questions, feel free to email or message me. I will explain it to you. Hopefully it will make sense by the end. Now let's see what is going on inside Kagome's mind shall we?
Chapter 31- Fractured Memories
Darkness shrouded her soul, smothering her and pressing her further into an endless void for which she could not escape. Everywhere she looked there was blackness, not a shred of light to see by.
She didn't even know why she was here, in this dark, vacant place. But she knew that she needed to leave. The problem was she couldn't. She didn't know how.
The air surrounding her was frigid with cold as it pressed in on her, making her shiver violently. She could feel the cold seeping into her body, paralyzing her limbs, making her body useless.
Dropping to her knees with a thud, she felt the cold take over. She couldn't fight it off; her body had no strength left. Not like she could do anything anyway. Who was she to decide? She didn't even know who she was. She wasn't anyone special. She had no power or strength. There was no one who cared for her. No one would help her. She was worthless.
Letting her dark hair fall into her eyes, she slumped over and laid her head in her hands. She knew not how long lay in that wasteland, it could have been hours, days, she didn't know. Time seemed unimportant. The feeling in her limbs faded and soon she could feel nothing. She was numb.
After some time, she grew tired of moping. Sitting up she rubbed a hand hastily across her face, wiping the crust from her eyes. It was then that she noticed it. A faint dot that bobbed just beyond the horizon. It was fuzzy and it blinked and blurred frequently. Opaque in color, it stood out against the dark background.
Her eyes narrowed to a squint, trying to make out what it was. After staring at it for a moment, she concluded that she would not decipher what it was unless she got closer. Perhaps there was someone there who would be willing to help her. Standing up from her crouch she stretched her aching limbs, and began to rub them, glad that the feeling was slowly returning. Letting the flowing robe she donned fall to her ankles she padded slowly towards the blinking glow.
Her journey seemed to take an eternity as she wondered through the black nothingness; her only source of hope was the light. When she finally approached it, she saw that it was a small globe of pure white light just inches in diameter, hovering in the inky blackness.
Her chocolate eyes stared at it in wonder. She knew not what pulled her towards it, but she found her arm stretching out to touch it. Her pale fingertips brushed through the light. It was an immediate reaction. The instant her fingers touched the light, her body was pulled toward it with unthinkable force. Her sandal strapped feet scrapped on the floor as she dug her feet into the ground, trying to prevent her body from being pulled any further.
The ground was as hard as slate and very smooth, giving her feet no resistance. It was no use, no matter how hard she tried to fight it; her body was yanked into the brilliant light. She gasped aloud as she was pulled from the darkness and into a swirling vortex of colors. A mix of brilliant blue and deep indigo swirled around her as she fell through time, her body weightless. Her black hair fanned out behind her in an invisible wind. She closed her eyes wishing it would stop. No sooner had the thought purged her mind, when she felt solid ground beneath her.
--
Her eyes fluttered open to the golden sunshine and chirping birds. She gazed around her curiously. A brilliant meadow lay before her. Within it lush green plants sprouted with vigor. Trees surrounded the haven and brilliant wild flowers of all different colors were scattered in bunches. She eyed the rainbow clusters with interest.
She strolled among the wild vegetation, looking at her surroundings. She was in a forest of some sorts, but she had no idea where. Her head felt cloudy, as if she was in a bubble, making her vision blurry. Shaking her head at the cloud her mind was cloaked in, she continued to wonder the lush forest.
Her body seemed to be leading her somewhere of its own accord. She didn't know why her legs kept moving forward in firm determination. But she dare not question it, the unknown force that seemed to draw her through the dense forest.
Pushing the young saplings out of her way she noticed the trees began to thin out. A single ray of sunshine penetrated through the branches, causing the girls brown eyes to glitter within the shimmering light. Raising a hand, she shielded her eyes from the glare.
She had broken away from the forests cover and was now standing in a meadow. Lush green grass covered the clearing; it silenced her footsteps as she walked on. Something was up ahead. She had to see it, whatever it was.
Rounding the bend, the sun's rays glared powerfully once more, temporarily blinding her. Squinting her eyes, she peeked through the golden hue, trying to see what lay beyond. The sun finally moved behind a cloud, giving her access. She looked up, just as a flock of birds took flight, their flapping wings the only sound in the meadow. The flock of solid gray flew from their perches, leaving an array of feathers that floated gently in the wind. Her view no longer blocked, she stood in the peaceful silence, staring.
It was a tree. Magnificent and ancient looking, its branches stretched to the sky, the leaves nearly touching the blue abyss. The bark was dark and smooth. The tree seemed to give off an aurora of great importance. But that was not what kept her eyes glued to it.
There was a boy. He donned a crimson red kimono, and was bound to the tree by an arrow. He appeared to be asleep, his eyes closed, his mouth curled into a peaceful smile. Lustrous silver hair billowed in the wind, swirling about the figure. Razor sharp looking claws appeared at his fingertips and toes. Her chocolate eyes roamed his form in wonder, taking in each detail. They widened when she saw the snow white dog ears perched atop his mane.
Stepping closer, she noticed that mangled branches had grown from the trunk of the tree, creating a means for her to approach the sleeping boy. She slowly eased her way onto the thick branch. Once her footing was secure she stood. Her eyes scoured his face, drinking it in. His face, it seemed so familiar. But her mind drew a blank. When she tried to recall his face, her mind was empty and hallow, void of any memories.
"Who are you?" She whispered into the silence. Who am I? The question echoed in her mind.
Reaching a quivering hand forward, her fingertips were inches from his face, longing to touch him. Unable to bare it any longer, her fingers brushed his cheek, feeling his smooth skin.
The contact brought about a rush of emotions as an image overwhelmed her conscious in a rush of light and sound. Her vision was spinning, as she tried to maintain her balance. Her world was spiraling round and round, swirling colors together, and sending her into a confused daze. Then all was dark.
She awoke to the feel of the hard ground beneath her. Sitting up, she placed a hand to her head in an effort to smother the pounding headache that had formed. She was now several yards away from the tree, and sat crumpled in the dark trees. The sun had gone down and plunged the forest into night. What was once a beautiful scene of trees and flowers was now twisted into unrecognizable shadows, which cast their eerie gloom upon the world.
I must have blacked out.
Standing up, she immediately noticed a distinct difference from her previous encounter in the forest. A tingling feeling within her body made itself known. It coursed through her body, sending chills down her spine.
Unknown to this alien feeling , she shuddered, wrapping her arms around her slim frame in attempt to gain control of the foreign sensation that had plagued her body. Scanning the dark
horizon she noticed a serious of gold dots bobbing up and down at the edge of the forest. Torches. Men were approaching.
And suddenly she knew she had to make it to the tree before they did. To the boy. She had to see him again. Breaking into a run, her sandals pounded the dewy grass in loud slaps. Her senses tingled more profoundly as she drew nearer. Her heart thudded against her chest. Why was she so intent on getting there? What was so important? What was this profound feeling that seemed to pull her there? These questions remained unanswered, and she knew if she wished to seek the solution she had to continue.
The cold air was tinged her cheeks as she ran through the ebony night. Making her way determinedly through the jumble of trees, the whippy branches slashed her face as she pushed past them in a fevered attempt to move forward.
Almost there… I'm almost there! She kept telling herself that as her heart pounded rapidly in her chest and she gasped for air. The trees flew by as she quickened her pace to a full out sprint. She was grateful as she broke the tree line and was out in the open.
Turning eastward she jogged to where she knew the tree would be. Her body pulsated faster than ever in such a way, that it made her cringe. Spotting the tree ahead she allowed herself a small smile, once there she could figure all this out.
She came closer, and spotted the boy, still pinned to the tree. And something else. Another figure, dressed in green and white. As she approached she slowed her running down, until her feet were at a brisk walk. She noticed that the figure was lying on the ground in front of the tree.
That's odd. I wonder what happened. She asked herself as she approached the figure, which was sprawled on the ground.
"Excuse me, are you all right?" She asked the fallen figure, with genuine concern. It was a young girl with long black hair. She wore a white cotton long sleeved shirt, fashioned in the way of the sailor. An orange sash fell to her chest. A green pleated shirt was very short, and did not spare her modesty. The fallen girl lifted her head with a moan.
The kimono wearing woman paled as she viewed the girl's face. Chocolate brown eyes stared back at twin irises. Her heart crashed into her throat and she resisted the urge to vomit. The girl looked exactly like her. She was her! The girl she was staring at could be her twin, give or take a few years. This young girl seemed to be a few years younger.
"But how can this be?" She breathed, her face still pale and clammy.
Shaking her head, she resolved to talk to this strange girl that was identical to her.
Reaching out a hand to help the girl, up, she was astonished to find that her hand went right through her. Gasping, she stared in disbelieve at her shaking hand.
"I don't understand." She said hopelessly.
Turning with bewildering brown eyes to the girl she raised her voice.
"Hello there." She greeted politely.
Nothing. The girl stared ahead, as if she had heard nothing. Steeling her resolve, the shaken woman waved a hand in front of the girls face. Not even a blink of an eye. It was if the girl could not see nor hear her at all.
Her jaw agape, the woman could only watch in astonishment as the scene folded out, and she an invisible bystander.
The young girl finally sat up to her knees at the sound of a gruff voice.
"Hello Kikyo. Playing with bugs now are we?" The voice had a mocking tone to it.
Both the girl and the woman looked up. It was that boy, the one pinned to the tree. He had awoken!
"So, you're alive?" The young girl asked, with disbelieving eyes.
The boy ignored her, and continued on, his golden eyes the picture of malice. "Why are you taking so long to kill it? Just do her like you did me."
The girl just sat there on her knees staring at the boy, who moments ago appeared dead. The woman too was shocked and watched from the sidelines, like a ghost, unseen by them.
"You look pretty dumb there Kikyo." The boy said with spite. "The Kikyo I Know wouldn't waist her time."
Who is this Kikyo person? And why does he keep calling her that? That girl looks just like me. Is that my name? Am I Kikyo? What is going on?! She continued to watch as the two exchanged words, the boy smirking deceitfully, and the girl looking quite clueless.
The young girl stood up, a glimmer of annoyance in her eyes. She fixed the boy with a heated glare. "That does it! Kikyo! Kikyo! Whoever she is, she's not me, because my name is….
"She's here." The boy interrupted in a grave voice. His eyes had lost their arrogance, and now took on a darker look as they narrowed slightly.
An animal like roar shattered through the trees, and a monstrous looking creature came flying from above, a hungry glint in its eye.
The woman had to cover her mouth, in an urge not to scream at the site. She stumbled back a few steps in fear of the beast.
It was as if human had fused with insect. A pale, topless woman with jet black hair was the top section. Instead of two arms, she possessed six, three on each side of her. Her bottom half consisted of a centipede, long and snake like, with dozens of spindly legs.
With a violent roar the creature launched itself at the young girl, determined to tear her flesh. The girl managed to dive out of the way. A shriek tore from her lips, as the monster crept closer. A single arrow stopped its approach.
The men had arrived. They had shot an arrow into the side of the female centipede. Soon a volley of arrows, all with ropes attached, made their way into the centipede's hide. With a mighty cry, one man shouted for all to pull.
The girl had been knocked to the ground once more by the monster. She sat propped up on her elbows, watching the men deal with the beast.
"So I was saved." She murmured.
"You're pathetic Kikyo." The boy sneered.
"I'm not Kikyo!" The girl yelled at him from the ground. Getting up she walked right up to the boy and got in his face, determined to make him listen.
" Look I'm telling you, I'm not her. Whoever her is!"
"And I'm saying you gotta be her! Because there's no way you could smell so… The boy stopped abruptly. He leaned towards the girl, his nose sniffing.
"You're not her." He said unbelievably.
"I know." The girl said with exasperation. "My name is Kagome. Ka –Go- Me" She said emphasizing her name.
A nerve struck somewhere in the woman. She felt her heart stop. Kagome. Is that me? But how….is this possible? How can I be looking at a person who looks exactly like me, and still be here?
The sound of neighing horses startled the woman, and she looked up to see the fray.More men on horseback had joined the attack. She spotted an elderly woman dressed in a snow white kimono top, and flowing red pants. A bow was strapped to her back, along with a quiver of arrows. She had an eye patch covering her left eye, and she seemed to lead the men.
"Inuyasha's revived." One of the men informed the old woman. The woman watched from the side as the elderly woman's face changed from shock to disbelief.
She turned away from watching the old woman and back to the boy and girl. The boy, and his piercing golden eyes, his gruff voice, his violent temper.
"Inuyasha." She whispered the name to the wind, her voice still uncertain.
Then they came. The images. Memories flooding back to her conscious, all of the simultaneously. It was too much for her, and she crumbled to her knees, weakened by the forced entry of images into her mind. The forest was spinning, faster and faster as sight, sound, smell, taste, all of the senses muffled her. She faded once again into a fitful unconsciousness.
Among the darkness, she heard it, his voice gruff and rugged, crushing her.
"Don't you die on me you stupid girl!" And then the memories came, rushing back, filling the hopeless void that was her mind.
There was a bright light, a round pink ball floated in her vision. It glowed with a pure energy. Sacred Jewel. The word popped into her head. She knew what it was, a majestic jewel that granted unbelievable power to any who obtained it.
"I'm going to use the jewel to become a full fledged demon!"The voice echoed, and with it a memory overtook her.
Then she saw him. His normally amber eyes were tainted red. His claws were covered in blood. Purple streaks appeared on his cheeks. He wore a malevolent smile, his fangs jutted over his bottom lip, in razor sharp points. His eyes full of hatred and a desire to kill. He was unstable. And then she was there, with him, only she was younger, dressed in that uniform. He had killed dozens of people without remorse. She had stepped toward him, trying to console him, to get him back to normal. He had been in trouble, couldn't get out, so he transformed. He killed. And then, there was laughter, sick, cruel laughter coming from him. She stepped toward him, her eyes full of pity and sorrow.
"Inuyasha, sit."
He had gone face first into the dirt, by the only means of which she could control him. His spirit had been silenced by a single word. It was the only way she was able to get him back to normal.
The image faded into the black. A new one appeared, this time in a grave yard of enormous bones. They sat in the midst of a massive skeleton. A rusty sword was gripped in Inuyasha's hands.
"The sword is yours now, all you have to do is believe in it, like I believe in you!" The younger versiontold the silver haired youth, her voice sounded happy.
Inuyasha had turned to her, his face the picture of skepticism. "You are nuts! This sword is good for nothing! Me, I'll live, I'm half demon. You though, you ain't got a chance."
"So I should just give up hope?" Liquid tear drops threatened to spill over the young girls eyes.
"What…. What are you doing? You're not crying are you? No Crying!"Inuyasha yelled at the sniffling girl.
She turned to him, anger evident in her eyes. "Oh should I laugh?" She suggested, a sarcastic edge in her voice.
Inuyasha's golden eyes widened with shock. He retaliated with a growl. "No! You should shut up and let me protect you!"
The woman watched with interest. Was Inuyasha her protector? Before she could watch the scene unfold, the darkness seeped in, and the image was lost.
This whole fading images thing is getting really old. The woman contemplated as she waited in the dark. By now she knew the identity of the half dog man. He was Inuyasha. And she obviously had some kind of connection with him. But this Kikyo person, she was still unsure of her connection to the half demon. Inuyasha had called her Kikyo.
"Kikyo." She uttered the name into the darkness. As soon as the syllable left her lips a deep sense of sorrow filled her being. She felt her heart ache, and unshed tears formed in her eyes.
Why do I feel this way? This deep sense of sadness? I feel as though my heart has been broken.
Suddenly the darkness was gone. And she was staring at Inuyasha once more. Only this time he was embracing a woman. It was night, and the moon cast a ray of ashen light on the couple. The woman was dressed in the traditional miko garb. She had long, silky midnight hair that was tied back loosely with a white ribbon. Her chocolate colored eyes stared longingly into Inuyasha's amber orbs.
"Kikyo, don't you understand, I'm the only one who can protect you." Inuyasha had growled at her, while pulling her into a torrid embrace. She resisted at first, pushing against him. But after a moment she could ignore her feelings no longer and gave in, returning the hug.
As she watched this unfold, she felt her throat hitch, and she couldn't breathe. Her body felt numb as she watched. And then Kikyo leaned up and kissed Inuyasha, her arms wrapping around his neck. He did not hesitate and closed his eyes, his lips returning the kiss.
Oh god! I cannot watch this! And turning away, she fled the scene, anguish enveloping her heart in a suffocating grasp. A snap in the trees diverted her attention and she glanced back as she ran.
It was the young girl, who so resembled her. She was carrying a large yellow knapsack and was also watching Inuyasha and Kikyo. They both watched, both woman frozen in their places, unable to look away from the scene.
Glowing white snake like creatures began to surround Kikyo, who was still in Inuyasha's embrace. They lifted her from the ground, their powerful auras generated from souls of the dead. Her soul collectors, her only source that kept her from dying.
"Kikyo!" Inuyasha had called out, his voice desperate. But the miko did not answer, and continued to float away, until she was out of site.
Inuyasha had stood there for a fleeting moment in the remorseful silence. Inuyasha looked up at the sound of a snapping twig. The young girl slowly came out from hiding behind a large tree. Her wavering chocolate brown eyes were filled with hurt .All was still.
"Kagome." Inuyasha had whispered.
And then said girl bolted, not giving him a chance to say anything else.
Kagome. He called her Kagome. That must be my name. Not Kikyo. That young girl, she is me, years ago. But…. Why is it that I cannot remember myself? My memories? And these indescribable feelings, I cannot explain them. When I saw the two of them kiss, I felt as though I would never be happy again, like a piece of me had been cut away, leaving me empty. What could be missing?
Kagome paced impatiently, her mind so focused; she did not realize the change of scenery. The dark forest had disappeared and she was now standing in a castle of some sorts. A beautiful woman with long ebony hair. She was wearing a flowing red kimono. Her ruby painted lips were stuck out from her pale face. She wore a victorious smile, and her dark eyes glinted with hatred. She commanded a floating mirror, and in it the image of Inuyasha, only instead of silver hair, his tresses were black. His golden eyes were replaced by brown ones. And he possessed human ears.
He is human.
Kagome turned. There was Inuyasha, standing before her. But he had changed. Like she saw before, his eyes were a deep crimson, and he had longer fangs and claws. He seemed to be struggling to maintain control over his transformation, but was failing miserably due to the woman and her mirror.
She is controlling him! That woman with the mirror is forcing him to change! A swelling rage began to build up in Kagome as she watched Inuyasha thrash about, unable to do anything to help him. Feral snarls and menacing growls radiated from Inuyasha.
She watched as her younger self broke free of her restraints and ran him, throwing herself into his arms in a frantic embrace.
"Inuyasha! I'm begging you, please don't change!" She had screamed over his growling, her eyes burning into his, trying to somehow reach his tormented soul.
"Try what you will, you're efforts are in vain! The human heart he possessed is locked inside this mirror. He will never be a half demon again!" The woman wielding the looking glass had spoken to the young Kagome, her voice dripping with cruelty.
But she did not give up. Clutching Inuyasha's kimono in desperation, she buried her face into the soft red fabric.
"I love you as a half demon Inuyasha!" She yelled her voice fraught with emotion. Her eyes were glistening with tears.
The older Kagome felt her heart leap at these words. I love him? Could that be why I feel such intense emotions? Could it truly be love?
"What's the matter Inuyasha, why the hesitation?" The malevolent woman had asked him. Without waiting for an answer, she began to mutter an ancient phrase under her breath.
This seemed to gain control over the crazed dog man. He raised his hands, and with lighting fast speed, he had plunged them into Kagome's arms, his claws piercing through her shirt and into her flesh. She winced at the contact, but none the less did not relinquish her hold on him.
Ever so slowly, she leaned up towards Inuyasha. She was inches from his face, and began to close the gap. At last her soft lips met his. Her eyes closed, and with them brought the spilled tears, running down her cheeks.
"Free the beast of carnage that lives inside you! And once you are a full demon, bring the flesh of that girl!" The angry voice of the woman commanded.
The mirror cracked, breaking the spell over Inuyasha, and freeing his half demon soul. His eyes burned golden once again and his claws returned to normal.
"Inuyasha. Are you going to be ok now?" Kagome asked him, her hands on his chest.
Inuyasha immediately brought his arms around her, holding her close to him in an emotional embrace. His clawed hands stroked her head softly.
"Kagome. Are you nuts? I could have really hurt you! Inuyasha chided her gently. Then in a softer tone he added, I'll stay a half demon a while longer, just for you."
The invisible Kagome felt her own eyes begin to water. He had chosen to stay in his original form, for her. She subconsciously raised a hand to her lips.
"Why can't I remember?" She cried in distress. She felt the hot tears dribble down her cheeks. Her body felt numb, her mind filled with these scattered, images of him. They were like fractured pieces of memories that she could not piece together. And now she was witnessing a kiss shared between them, but she could not remember.
"INUYASHA!!" She screeched to the heavens. But her shout was unheard, and she was left to stand alone, wallowing in her own grief.
"If I could just have some valid proof, some way to believe, to see him. I need to know that he is real…. So that I can remember him, remember me, and my life." Kagome whispered into the vanishing image of her and Inuyasha.
"If I truly have feelings for him, if I really love him… then let me see him, touch him for real." She fell to her knees in a retched sob.
A burning irritation on her neck brought her out of her stupor. Reaching a hand up, she began to rub her neck, trying to sooth the nuisance. But it soon became more than just a mild irritation; it drastically morphed into a searing blaze. She fished around, trying to locate the source of the pain. Her hand found an incision, an unusual scar etched into her neck, marring the smooth skin.
Holding her fingers up to her face, Kagome saw the droplets of blood. "How did I get this wound?" She asked the abyss. She didn't expect anyone to answer; she had been alone for such a long time, so she nearly jumped out of her skin when someone did.
"Come now Kagome, I thought you'd remember me by now. I gave you a big hint." The voice sounded eerily familiar. The voice had a note of amusement etched within.
Kagome whirled around, frantically searching for the voice's owner, half expecting there to be no one there, and that she was just imaging things. A warm breeze tickled her face, bringing with it an earthen and watery scent. A feathery light touch traced the mark on her neck. It made her shiver, though she knew not why.
"Guess who?" A soft voice whispered in her ear, blowing warm breath on her neck.
She felt strong arms wrap around her waist from behind. Her breath caught in her throat, she could hardly breathe!
Ever so slowly she turned around. It must have been a dream, it had to be. There he was, standing before her. His lips curled into a soft smile, golden eyes aglow were with happiness and love. He still had his arms wrapped around her waist, a gentle but firm hold.
"How do I know you?" She asked him, her voice quivering.
"You and I, we're connected, bound together. Our fate has been intertwined for over five hundred years."
Kagome's scrunched her eyebrows in confusion. "But, how is it that I can't remember anything? I only have these fractured images floating around in my head, they don't make sense."
"You need to stop trying to analyze the situation, and trust what you feel in here." He covered her small hand with his large one, and moved it, placing it over her heart.
Kagome stared at him, her eyes flicking from his hand on her chest, to his golden orbs that seemed to light up the darkness.
"I want to remember you." She choked out. "But I just can't, I don't remember." She stood trembling before him.
He stepped toward her. She didn't back away. There was no reason to fear him. She felt comfortable; his presence soothed her, quenching her fears.
He took her hand. "Maybe I can refresh your memory."
He pulled her towards him, his lips descended upon hers, claiming them in a heated kiss. Her eyes widened unexpectedly at his sudden act. But soon her guard crumbled and she melted into him, her eyes closing. His lips so soft and gentle against her own, the way his hands pressed upon her back, urging her to contribute.
Kagome needed no other persuasions. Without hesitation she responded to his kiss, with her own desire. A physical need had been boiling up inside her, and now it surfaced, making itself known as she tasted his lips, wanting more. As their lips countered back and forth, her arms floated up around his neck, placing them in a secure grasp.
Her thumb brushed it, the scar on his neck. Startled, Kagome's eyes snapped open at the touch of the rough mark. It was in the same place as her own.
Don't you remember me, Kagome? The voice echoed in her mind, and bringing with it, a flourish of remembrance.
Her pupil's widened. It was as if a gate in her mind had opened at last, letting in all of her memories, the good, the bad, everything. She saw the battle with Naraku, the sacred jewel,
her friends: Miroku, Sango, her adopted son Shippo, her mother, Souta, grandpa, Kagua, Kikyo, Harkura, her old school friends, everything. And most importantly, Inuyasha. She saw them admitting their feelings, the kiss, the mating ritual, everything starting from the day she met him.
They parted at last. Kagome's no longer held that blank, confused stare, now they sparkled and radiated with happiness. She looked up at Inuyasha, who still held her close to him.
"I knew I couldn't forget you." She breathed. Her eyes had welled up and fresh tears made their way down her rosy cheeks, only this time they were joyous. She buried her head in his chest, rejoicing at his familiar scent, the comforting embrace; all of it was so overwhelming.
Inuyasha held her close, wiping away her tears. He stroked her head tenderly, and thanked the gods that his mate was back in his arms.
"I was so afraid; I wouldn't be able to remember. Afraid that I couldn't find you." She sobbed into his kimono.
Inuyasha tilted her chin up, meeting her watery gaze. "Just know that even if you can't see me, and even if I'm barred from your thoughts, I will always find a way back to you. "
Kagome nodded, still sniffling. But she remained unconvinced of his promise. How was she to know that something like this wouldn't happen again?
"Hey, Inuyasha spoke softly; I know you have your doubts. He paused, dipping his head to her neck, and gently he lapped the tiny trickle of blood that collected on her mark. She shivered at the sensual touch. Once finished, he resumed, his eyes boring into hers with such intensity, that she felt her own begin to water once more. But you have to know that I'm right here." He tapped her chest, directly over her heart. "I'll always be here, I love you Kagome."
At last, we are finished torturing Kagome for a while! Poor girl, gets her memories erased, and can't remember who she is or anyone for that matter. It takes a kiss from her true love to bring her memories back. Oh, and in case any are wondering, the reason I referred to Kagome as "she" for all that time, was because she had no memory of herself, so she couldn't be called by a name. And so she was just a woman, fated to watch her own memories for which she could not recall. But once she remembered who she was, the name Kagome returned. Just writing the chapter's ending got me all choked up! Anyway, what is your opinion on the chapter? R& R please!