A Change of Heart

Chapter 12: We Are One

All she felt was serenity. Bright lights swarmed around her as she realized what had occured. So this is what death feels like. Kagome smiled to herself as she continued to float in a white space of nothing. With a content sigh, she closed her eyes and allowed the warm feelings to take hold of her heart as she began to drift into a peaceful slumber.

Suddenly, her body pulsed. The tranquil emotions were pushed aside, replaced with hurt and rage. Her eyes shot open as the white space disappeared, leaving her in darkness. "What's going on?" she asked aloud, her voice echoing off the large room. A voice began speaking to her. "You are pathetic," it taunted her. "Inuyasha has left, leaving you to die."

Kagome's heart skipped a beat as she heard his name. "Inuyasha?" The voice sounded so familiar, as if she had heard it countless times before. But at the same time, it felt so distant. "Do you actually believe he loved you? Do you think he cared?" As she squeezed her eyes shut against the voice, memories swirled through her mind and she was suddenly rendered unconscious.

X-ACOH-X

She was running rather quickly through a meadow towards a cluster of trees, something clutched in her hand. "I'm so late," she mumbled aloud. Suddenly, there was a searing pain through her shoulder and she fell to the ground with a cry. Kagome watched the Sacred Jewel fall from her clutch and roll across the grass.

Inuyasha's voice called to her, insulting the way she believed he would change into a human for her. And then she realized. These were Kikyo's memories. As her former life pinned the half-demon to the tree, more memories came flooding back, all of them revolving around the life Inuyasha and Kikyo shared before they were viciously torn apart.

X-ACOH-X

Kagome's face twisted in agony and she finally allowed herself to feel all the pain and loss she had gone through. Not only did her soul endure much tragedy before she was reincarnated, but with Inuyasha's constant visits to Kikyo and always leaving Kagome behind put a toll on her as well.

She refused to wake up. Staying in the darkness felt like a much better option than waking up and living through the agony once more. She just couldn't take it anymore.

Suddenly, a soft voice began to call for her. A bright light permeated her eyelids and she opened them, blinded by the intrusion. She was standing now and put a hand against her brow to shield her gaze. Out of the light came a figure, looking almost identical to Kagome herself. The woman's lips moved, but no sound came out.

"Remember ... " a new voice spoke from within her heart as the malicious one faded away. "Remember, Kagome ... " Her mind was once again suddenly taken over as new images of her past flooded her thoughts.

X-ACOH-X

She pushed a branch out of her line of vision, stumbling upon a clearing in the middle of a strange forest. The Sacred Tree stood proudly in the middle. However, something was off. "Is that a boy?" Kagome heard herself say.

His silver hair blew gently in the wind. Curiously, she climbed up the vines surrounding the trunk so she stood before him. "Hey there," she called out. "Whatcha doin'?" He didn't move and his face was relaxed into a peaceful expression. Oh wow! Like dog ears. she thought, reaching her hands towards the furry appendages. I think I want to ... touch 'em. Her hands grasped his ears gently, twitching them ever so slightly.

X-ACOH-X

Kagome dabbed Inuyasha's forehead with a handkerchief, brushing away his black bangs. It was the first time she saw him during the new moon. Fear gripped her heart as she prayed for his survival.

He opened his eyes and she withdrew the cloth. "I'm sorry. I didn't wake you up, did I?" she asked, concern in her eyes.

Inuyasha turned his head away. "No," he replied curtly. Silence took ahold of them for a moment before he continued. "Kagome?"

She peered down at him, worried about his health. "What is it?"

"Tell me something. Why were you crying?"

Recognition flashed across her face as she leaned away from him. "Back in the other room?" She paused, uncertain if she should tell him the truth. "Because I thought I was going to lose you. I thought you were going to ... die."

The half-demon waited patiently for her to finish, listening intently to each word she breathed. "You shed tears for me ... cried for me. Kagome, if its not too much trouble, may I lie on your lap?"

Her eyes widened in surprise, but she nodded, pulling his head gently upon her folded knees. Sun began to shine softly through the small window at the top, illuminating their sleeping companions. "How do you feel?" she asked him after a few minutes of stillness. "A little better than before?"

"Yes," he replied. "Kagome ... you smell kind of nice."

She blushed at his compliment and brought a fist to her chest to calm her racing heart. Her eyes darkened in puzzlement. "Okay, that's it," she began, a twinge of anger in her voice. "You made a point of telling me before that you couldn't stand me scent!"

Inuyasha began to doze off, snuggling further into her lap. He was about to drift off to sleep, but not before mumbling a few last words. "I did ... but I was lying."

X-ACOH-X

The image of the small hut faded away as a spinning sensation began to take over. Kagome let out a scream of anguish, hoping to calm the feelings within and allowing bits and pieces of her feudal adventures take hold.

-Inuyasha's face softened as she grabbed his hand, promising to always stay by his side-

-The swirl of emotions she felt when she was able to see him again after he sent her back to her own time for protection-

-His jealousy whenever Kouga pledged his love to Kagome-

-He was concerned and felt responsible for the curse placed on her by the Dark Priestess-

-Inuyasha allowed tears to fall as her heart stopped beating because of the Band of Seven-

-She screamed her love for him when the infant tried to turn her emotions against her and make her despise Inuyasha-

All of these memories flooded together, repeating over and over again, struggling to show her what her heart desired. And then suddenly they stopped swirling and molded together, leaving the image of a concerned Inuyasha. "Kagome," a voice called to her, pleading with her to come back from the darkness. "Kagome ... " it called again, clearer and stronger than before. "Kagome ... "

Everyone watched hesitantly as Kikyo pressed her palms against Kagome's stomach and closed her eyes. A bright light appeared beneath her hands as her face relaxed into an expression none of them had the privilege of seeing before. Finally, after all of these years, she no longer had to battle the turmoil within her or the demons that coveted the jewel. She was done fighting.

A soft smile graced her lips as she slowly gave up control of Kagome's soul, letting life slip through her fingers. The soul collectors that had surrounded the hut began to dissolve, leaving no trace behind.

Suddenly, a bright light shined from within the hut, causing everyone to shield their eyes with their hands. A gust of air sent dazzling white balls through the open windows and into the sky beyond. The souls Kikyo harbored to keep her body animated were finally able to leave and move onto the Sacred Place.

When the light dissipated, Inuyasha slowly gazed upon Kagome. She was radiating. The glow began to disappear with each breath she took. Kikyo was nowhere to be found as her reincarnation's body lay there on the cot, unmoving.

He immediately jumped to Kagome's side and grabbed her hand in his. "Kagome ... ?" Inuyasha mumbled aloud as he felt the warmth return to her fingers. Her hold tightened around his. "Kagome ... ?"

"Inu ... yasha?" she mouthed back, her whispered words barely audible to his sensitive ears.

When he heard her voice, his heart skipped a beat. "Kagome." Her eyes slowly flickered open to see everyone looking at her. Confusion dashed across her face. Never would she have believed Sesshomaru, Inuyasha's hated half-brother, would be so close to her. And she never thought Inuyasha would allow that.

Kouga was there as well, which didn't surprise her. He always seemed to be lurking about, showing up at the worst times. As she continued to peer about the room, she noticed Miroku and Sango sitting close by, along with Kaede and Shippo, each grinning madly. Her auburn eyes found Inuyasha's once more and a small smile blessed her lips as he put his arm under her shoulders, helping her sit upright.

She glanced up and saw tears glistening within his amber spheres. "Inuyasha," she mumbled again, steadier this time. A sigh of relief escaped her lips as she glanced over everyone once more, returning the happiness in their eyes. She was alive. "How?" she asked simply, turning back to her beloved half-demon.

Inuyasha took a minute to gather his emotions. "Kikyo ... she gave her soul so you could live." A single tear slid down his cheek, but Kagome quickly wiped it away. It unerved her to see him crying, especially in front of everyone.

Kouga watched the way his woman gazed into the half-breed's eyes and he knew that he had been beaten. Kagome was in love with Inuyasha, he couldn't change that, but he could continue to love her and be there for her whenever she needed a friend.

Meanwhile, Sesshomaru silently slipped his sword back into it's sheath and prepared to walk out the door, not fond of happy reunions. "Wait," Miroku called out, stopping him in his tracks. "Why did you save her?" He saw the demon glance back, but it was not a look of hatred shining in his cold eyes. It was something else, something he couldn't quite put his finger on.

"I was merely curious," he responded with a cold tone. "Sacrificing one's life to save another. Prepostorous." Without another word, he turned and quietly walked out the door, disappearing from view. He had resurrected Kagome because he desired to know her reasoning behind saving Rin. But when that dead priestess gave up her life, he understood. Their soul, as he had come to understand, was just foolish. That was all.

Kagome stirred in Inuyasha's arms, desperately trying to stand up. The concern etched itself back into his face. "You shouldn't be up yet," he said harshly.

She frowned. "I'm okay now, Inuyasha," she assured. "Really." Still hesitant, he allowed her to stand, using himself as her support.

Sickened by the display of affections permeating the air, the wolf demon took his leave and stepped out of the hut. He heard footsteps behind him and turned around to see Kagome struggling to the doorway while Inuyasha kept a watchful eye on her. Morning light hit her face, basking her in warmth. "Kouga," she called out, beckoning him to her side.

He grinned wolfishly and took her hand, gazing into her eyes. "Kouga," she began, her voice softer, knowing she had to tell him the cold, hard truth. "I ... "

Kouga merely shook his head with understanding. "It's alright, Kagome." He pulled her into an embrace, ignoring the half-demon's anger as it flared up and his hands clenched into fists. Inuyasha took a step forward, ready to rip the two apart, but was suddenly calmed by a hand on his shoulder. He gazed back to see Miroku smiling sadly at him.

The wolf demon brought his lips to Kagome's ear. "I'll always be here for you. Remember, if that mutt-face isn't good enough, just wait and I'll find you." His normally gruff and cocky voice had an underlying layer of sadness to it as he pulled away and gave her a half-hearted smile. Her cheeks flushed.

Inuyasha came to stand beside her, making his presence known. Kouga turned around and took a few steps before glancing over his shoulder at the new couple. "Hey, dog-breath! Keep Kagome safe from now on, would ya?"

Rage flashed across the half-demon's face as he clutched his hands into fists. "Why you ... !" he yelled out, preparing to pounce upon him.

Kouga eyes found Kagome's and he winked, reminding her of his offer. "See you, Kagome," he said just loud enough for the wind to carry it to her ears. He waved goodbye and took off, a whirlwind of dust kicking up beneath his feet.

Just as he disappeared from view, two other figures came running towards the hut. They stopped just short of the group and placed their hands on their knees and bent over, gasping for breath. "Hey, Kagome," Ginta greeted, smiling up at her.

"Where's Kouga?" Hakkaku chimed in, standing up and placing his hands on his hips while he glanced around.

She smiled. "Sorry guys, he just left."

Catching the scent in the wind, the wolf demons' eyes dropped and they groaned in irritation. "Man, he can't wait up for us, can he?" Hakkau asked, already running off in the direction the wolf prince had taken.

"Nice seeing you again, Kagome," Ginta yelled to her as he ran to catch up with his comrade.

Her eyes sparkled as she watched the poor guys disappear from view. Perhaps next time Kouga came around, she'd have a word with him about slowing down for his friends. Shaking her head slightly, she turned around towards the hut, only to be smothered by a warm embrace. Sango tightened her grip around Kagome as tears fell quietly from her eyes. "Oh my gosh," she babbled into her best friend's shoulder.

Kagome patted her back, trying to soothe her turmoil. "I know, Sango," she mumbled. "I know." It must have been hard on all of them after her death. A warm feeling took a hold of her heart. She never realized how much she would be missed if she left this world. "I'm alright now."

The demon slayer lifted her head. "Are you sure?" she asked, watching Kagome's eyes for anything but the truth. The priestess nodded. With a smile, Sango stepped away from her and swipped away her tears. "Good," she replied. "I don't know what I'd do without someone to talk to."

She didn't have time to reply to the sarcastic remark before Miroku placed a hand on her shoulder. "Welcome back, Kagome," he said, before letting his hand wander to her back, slowly creeping towards a certain area.

"Thank, Miroku," Kagome mumbled, stepping just out of his reach. She didn't miss the look of disappointment that passed through his eyes.

Suddenly, a ball of fluff torpedoed itself into her arms, drenching her shirt with tears of joy. "Don't ever do that again," Shippo wailed, unable to hold back his cries. She rubbed her hand affectionately across the young kit's back, trying to comfort the small fox demon. He looked up at her, his eyes watering with a funny smile perched on his face. "You okay?" he asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine," she replied what seemed like the millionth time in the last few minutes.

"Good," he said with a curt nod. "'Cause I don't know what'd I'd do about Inuyasha. You wouldn't be able to sit him anymore."

For the first time since the tragedy, genuine laughter rose from the group, all except for the half-demon. He merely narrowed his eyes and yelled at Shippo, who jumped from Kagome's arms and ran to find cover.

The trio watched as their two demon friends ran circles around each other and Kagome couldn't help but glance at the sky above. What a wonderful day to be alive ...

A/N: No, this is not the end of the story. Although I want to end it here, there are still some loose strings that need to be tied. Only a few more chapters left, so enjoy it while it lasts.