Author's Note: I know. It's been 4 months since I last updated. Sorry. But I just hadn't found the inspiration to go on. But the reviews kept pouring in and I knew I had to continue on. I told you I would finish it, so I am. I just need time to figure out how I want to end it. But I think I have an idea now, when before I was blank. So hopefully you like this short one.
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha...
Chapter 15: The World As We Know It
"Will you allow her to remain on Earth?"
The space around her seemed too crowded, and yet there was enough room to encompass so many. Midoriko stood alone on a white, circular platform in the middle of a great space. She gazed around her at the bright lights that remained in all directions. There were eight bright lights, encompassed by clouds that shone a bright yellow and white, making it unable to view the figure of the voices that were hidden by the light. Midoriko stood her ground, unafraid of what the Fates would have to tell her for her directness. She gazed around her at all the sources of lights, gazing at the clouds of the heavens for answers to her questions.
Before long, a deep male's voice spoke out, echoing throughout the empty space around them. "We will allow her freedom of choice."
Midoriko didn't want to get her hopes up too soon, knowing that the Fates had a way with playing with words.
"However…" a woman's voice said to her east, making Midoriko turn her head towards the source.
"Should she choose to end her life," another woman's voice said in the opposite direction.
"Then we will not interject upon this decision," a male said to the south.
Midoriko kept her head down, not wanting to get caught up in their voices too much. "So you will allow her to remain on Earth?" she repeated.
"It is her decision."
Midoriko didn't smile, though she was grateful. A male's voice came from the northwest and she listened.
"However, Midoriko, have you noticed that your daughter seems to have a change of heart?"
She never flinched, though she knew what they were talking about. Midoriko nodded her head, though didn't say a word.
"It is strange," a woman said, her sweet voice booming around the empty space. "Your daughter wishes to remain on Earth with the humans and yet she has so easily accepted her death."
"Do you not think it strange, Midoriko?" a male asked from behind her, the voice sounding melodic.
Midoriko nodded her head, but said nothing. When the space was encompassed in silence, there was a male's sigh in front of her.
"Then let it be done."
She felt her body become weightless, and then a bright light encompassed her until she didn't know where she was. 'Kagome…'
Everyone waited outside of the Ise Shrine, the sun beginning its magnificent glow onto the land as it finally got its body out from beneath the land. It hovered right at the horizon, shinning its first morning rays onto the land with spectacular warmth. The streets had been silent for the early morning traffic, and entering Ise had been easier than the major cities. However, more and more cars and limos began to show up behind the group as demons and humans began to add to the group that waited at the gates of the Ise Shrine, the holiest shrine in all of Japan. Some demons were even arriving on foot as they had ran the long distance towards Ise to help one of their friends in something that would soon be the fate of the world. And they were willing to lay down their lives to help Inutaisho seek out this demon and destroy him. However, they also knew who they were giving their lives to, and it didn't bother them at all.
Kagome stood in front of the group as she looked ahead of her at the Ise Shrine. Under the archway of the entrance stood her five Brothers, all wearing their respected robes, holding their Shakujo in one hand and the Ju necklaces twisted around their other. She could tell they were ready by the look in their eyes and the determination in their body. They were erect with determination, willing to fight to the death for her, as were many of the other monks and priestesses in the shrine grounds.
"Brothers," Kagome said, opening her arms in welcome as she walked forward. Her miko robes ruffled with her steps as she closed the distance between her eldest and she embraced Monk Kiyoshi.
"My Lady," Monk Kiyoshi said, his voice holding such gentleness and fondness, as if he thought of her as his own daughter. He smiled into her hair and then they released, gazing into each others eyes with a smile, knowing full well what lay ahead of them and willing to go into it with no looking back.
"You look well, Brothers," she said, gazing at all of them to make sure that they were ready. The Brothers all wore their basic garments. Monk Kiyoshi had a white kosode with a black koromo beneath, peaking out from his chest. His kosode had green leaves embroidered with gold running from the bottom of his left leg, around towards his right shoulder. His had a white obi at his waist where she saw his ofudas tucked in and his kesa was thrown over his left shoulder and was let loose over his kimono, though there was a slit where the kimono could be seen during movements. Monk Kiyoshi's kesa had 20 rows, symbolizing his status, and in black and white, symbolizing balance in all things. Her four other Brothers all had the same kimono as they were of the same status together. They wore a black kosode with a white koromo beneath. The kosode had bamboo embroidered in gold on the front, right side and on the back left side. At their waists tied their black obi and their kesa draped over their left shoulders with no tie, just like Monk Kiyoshi's. However, the Brothers had 18 rows in brown and green, symbolizing balance in Mother Nature.
Kagome smiled at each of her Brothers, pride filling in her eyes at the sight of them, so old, yet so full of determination and an unwavering sense of honor to fight to the death with her. She heard a stir behind her and all of her Brothers' eyes went behind her. She could feel the many auras and they were all conflicting with her mind. Her Brothers were uneasy with having so many demons near them, here, at the most holiest shrine in all of Japan. This had never happened before in all of history and they were a bit against it, she could feel their rejection of all these demons here to help them. And the demons felt the same towards her Brothers. She could feel their rejection to such a pure place, already sensing their uneasiness as well at having to be here, probably fearing for their life here more than at Shikoku Island.
Turning around, Kagome saw her family at the forefront of the group, all eyes on her, waiting for her directions. This was not their territory and they were waiting for her to tell them something. Her eyes fell on Inuyasha and a smile lit her face. He gazed at her with love in his eyes, in the middle of all this tension, and she felt relief.
Seeing her family, all dressed in the same attire she had seen them in last time only brought a sense of pride in her for them. The Takahashi family wore their family's white kimono, bearing the purple crescent moon against their chest above their heart. Inutaisho's kimono had navy, gold and red as it swirled in designs, while Inuyasha only had red and Sesshomaru had navy and gold. Inuyasha was the only one who wore a red hakama while his family wore the same white to match their kimono. They all had swords tied to their waists, looking the every bit dangerous with the armors that they wore like vests against their chests. Only Inuyasha didn't have an armor, as he had told her once that he hadn't slain a dragon yet in order to get the bones to create one of the armors that his father and brother has. However, Inuyasha still looked like a formidable opponent to her, armor or not, he had his own. Lying against Inuyasha's chest was the necklace that she had made him. His Magatama looked like it fit him so perfectly, and she had made sure on their way here that she bless the necklace again to strengthen the spells she had placed on it.
The Takamiya family remained to the Takahashi's right, standing together with Koga on his father's left and Kazuko on Ichiro's right. They all had on leather pants with different color kimonos draping over, but they all bore their family's symbol on the back, a wolf. Koga's kimono was black with his symbol in blue, Kazuko's kimono was white with her symbol in red and Ichiro's kimono was black with his symbol in white. Koga and Ichiro both wore the white, bone armor that Ichiro had made with his own hands as it fitted perfectly against their chests, molding with their bodies to look like a second skin. The men had their hairs tied with a cloth at the nape of their necks while Kazuko had braided her long hair. They had their own katanas and daggers tied at their waists, prepared to use any one of them at any time. Ayame was at Koga's side as well, her figure seeming small compared to all of the men around her. She had her rich, red hair in a thick braid behind her as her green eyes glowed bright with excitement, much like Ayame. She had on black leather pants and a dark green kimono over. Her obi was white, tying the same weapons as Koga and his family at her waist.
The Taijiya's stood next to the Takahashi's left, all wearing the same family clothing as well that she recognized from before. The demon slayers that they were, they stood up to their name clearly, just from their clothing. They all had black, leather pants and black, leather long sleeve jackets. However, Sango had dark pink edges, Hideaki had silver and Amaya had dark green along the edges as well, all having their own distinct colors. Sango's Hiraikotsu was slung against her back, the weapon bringing a smile to her face, a bit of fond memories for Kagome. Hideaki and Amaya had their katanas tied against their waist, one on both side, and Hideaki had his Kusarigama behind his back as his most formidable weapon. The women had their hairs in a high ponytail while Hideaki tied his at the base of his neck. Miroku stood next to Sango's side, looking like a monk amongst the warriors. His kimono consisted of a deep shade of violet and black for his kosode and his koromo was black beneath. She could see he too had ofudas tied at his waist, and probably more in his robes, as were every monk and priestess' secrets.
Kagome nodded her head towards everyone, satisfied with their appearance and auras. They were ready to fight. Even the demons that had arrived were all dressed according to whom they fought for, all demon lords wearing their distinct colors or armors to tell each group of demons apart. She noticed demons from neko to bat, and from rat to lizard. They had all come to help, and she would treat them with comradeship.
"Is everyone ready?" she asked, seeking the eyes of everyone, human and demon alike, as they all nodded their heads. Kagome turned back around to face her Brothers and saw that something was wrong. She could feel it in their aura and saw it in their face, but it wasn't an imminent threat.
"Is something wrong, Brothers?" she asked, wondering why they were so distressed.
Monk Kiyoshi was the first to speak, willing to take the blame for them all. "We are reluctant to bring in so many demons, My Lady," he admitted.
Kagome's face was serene, though her voice held the anger and authority. "Are you going against my wishes, then?"
Monk Kiyoshi merely shook his head, still standing firm in the line that he and his Brothers made under the archway of Ise Shrine. "No, My Lady. You know demons are not allowed in such a sacred place..."
Kagome raised her hand and her Brother quieted. She was in no mood to argue, plus she had no time. "Although I do understand your concern, Brother, it is not your call to make." Kagome brought her hand back to her side and turned to view the demons behind her. "So long as there is no deceit in their hearts and in their intentions…" she said, pausing so that the demons understood how hard it was for her and everyone else here, to accept demons into their holy shrine. She turned back towards her Brothers with a smile that showed her complete faith in these demons. "Then I will accept these demons into my home."
That said, the Brothers bowed as Kagome walked forward, making the group behind her follow in the process. Kagome followed her Brothers as they began to walk along the bridges that would lead to the Naiku Shrine. She looked around her, drawing in the serenity and peacefulness of the forest and Mother Nature. This was her beloved home, and she prayed that these demons would respect her drastic offering of allowing them through with a safe passage. It has never been done before, as the holiness of the shrine and its protectors would usually ward off the demons. Just one step onto this holy land and its peacefulness will swamp you in its purity. Kagome glanced behind her to see the Takahashis leading the way as the group followed behind on the narrow bridges. She smiled as her eyes clashed with Inuyasha and he smiled back, encouraging her to move forward.
As the group approached the archway of the Naiku Shrine, Kagome noticed all of the priestesses and monks finely dressed in their respected robes as they all stood in the clearing of the shrine grounds. The monks were all dressed in the burgundy robes with a red kesa slung over their left shoulder and wrapped around the waist. The priestesses all dressed in the red and white miko robes, like hers. And for some odd reason, their eyes darted to the Shikon no Tama at her chest and she saw relief in their eyes. Kagome smiled to herself. 'Worrying about the jewel even when it's in my hands…' she thought.
"Have you made all preparations?" Monk Kiyoshi asked to no one in particular as their group waited in the middle of the monks that were crowded in rows on their left and the priestesses that were on the right.
The monks bowed their heads when Monk Kiyoshi stayed gazing at them. "Yes, Brother Kiyoshi," one monk said. "We are ready."
Monk Kiyoshi nodded, pleased at their selfless sacrifice, and then gazed ahead at the bridge at the end of the shrine grounds that would connect the Naiku to the Geku. He carried on the group, listening as the others followed behind him. Now, the priestesses and monks were in front of Kagome and the demons, following the Five Monks as they all made their journey to the Geku Shrine. Kagome felt awkward surrounded by such totally opposite sides in front and in the back of her, and yet she felt strangely at peace, both at the same time. It was a strange feeling, nothing like she felt before, but she knew that here, for once, with both sides who is known to clash on instinct, are coming together to fight for one purpose. And for this reason, Kagome was willing to lay down her life for all of these people who chose to fight for the future of everyone.
As the bridges creaked beneath the weight of the traveling group, they began to descend deeper into the Ise Shrine. Inuyasha suddenly felt lighter all of a sudden, like the aura from the shrine had just disappeared. He blinked through his confusion, looking to his father and brother to see that they too were wondering what had happened. He looked a few feet ahead of him at Kagome's back.
"Kagome?" he called, wondering if she knew what was going on.
Kagome turned around, gazing at Inuyasha with a smile only he can bring. "Yes?" Her eyes averted to several of the other demons behind him but then remained back on Inuyasha.
"What happened just now? It felt like the air changed?" he asked, wondering why the aura that had been seeping into his pores was now gone. All discomfort.
Kagome smiled, gazing at all the other demons walking behind her to see their eyes watching her with patience as to her answer. They all felt the sudden shift in air and now they felt no discomfort at all when they had been feeling it before because of such purity here in the Ise Shrine. Kagome turned around, continuing to follow her Brothers forward as her eyes gazed around at the trees and streams around her.
"I placed up a barrier around us. It will protect you from the Naiku Shrine's aura." Kagome smiled as she heard birds chirping around her, cleansing her soul. "The Naiku Shrine is even more pure and untainted than the Geku Shrine. Its nature lies within the land and its guardians, and we take care of the Naiku and the Kamis that are praised there."
Inutaisho smiled to himself at Kagome's tone of voice, hearing the woman who had been brought up to be the High Priestess. Though he knew that was the woman who had been stripped bare, he knew that was the woman who fought for everything she believed in and loved. Inutaisho gazed around at the beautiful land as they continued along the creaking bridges. The demons behind him were quiet and thoughtful as they followed him, but none would voice their opinions or questions. He had their trust and he didn't take that for granted. But they were all giving Kagome their trust and loyalty, and she wasn't about to throw it all away.
The Naiku Shrine loomed up ahead like the sun peeking through the trees ahead of them. As the Five Brothers entered the Naiku Shrine, they gazed at the monks and priestesses that awaited them here. Though there were a lot less monks and priestesses in the Naiku than in the Geku, they were all wearing the same clothing and ready just as everyone one else. The Five Brothers went to the small group ahead of them in the opening and stopped, waiting for the last of the demons to gather near.
Monk Kiyoshi turned around to view the group behind him and his eyes searched for his Priestess. "My Lady?" he called out. The monks and priestesses all parted to let Kagome pass through. He smiled once he saw her and he reached out his hand for her to place her own in his. Kagome smiled at him and placed her hand in his, allowing him to bring her to his side. "We are ready to fight for you, My Lady. We are your Children. We are your Servants. We will go into battle with you and lay down our lives for your own."
Suddenly there was a stir in the crowd as the monks and priestesses began to shuffle their robes. Kagome smiled, gazing into her Brother's wise eyes smiling back, as everyone around her went to their knees. It was like a ritual to them, they did it so smoothly and gracefully that no other could compare. Their hands went out in front of them and their heads went to the ground, as they had always done to her before when they couldn't look upon her. But Kagome only had eyes for her eldest Brothers. With one encouraging smile, Monk Kiyoshi released her hand and went to the ground, his Brothers following his moves. Kagome could only stare at her Brothers' bowed heads and smiled, tears coming to her eyes at their trust and complete faith in her. She would keep them safe. She would make sure they would see the last days of their lives, not on the battlefield, but here in the safety and serenity of the Naiku Shrine. Feeling so overwhelmed, Kagome turned to see the demons all staring at the scene in front of them, and her eyes clashed with Inuyasha's. She immediately felt his warmth jolt through her bones and she smiled at him, thankful that she had him, thankful that he was here. Her happiness shone through her eyes and Inuyasha could only smile back at her, seeing Kagome so happy and alive.
"Rise to your feet, my children," Kagome said slowly, turning her eyes from Inuyasha as she gazed back down at her eldest's head. "I will take you into my body and you will become my shield. Allow me to be your blood. I will bleed for you, I will protect you, and I will see to your future with my own hands." As the monks and priestesses rose to their feet, smiles lit their faces at Kagome's words. They were ready. They had her blessing and whatever may come, they would gladly embrace death for her.
"Prepare the horses."
Everyone began to move towards the inner shrine as Kagome wanted, where the horses waited. The Five Brothers remained behind with the rest of the group as Kagome smiled at her eldest.
"I have need of some time alone."
Monk Kiyoshi nodded his head in understanding and placed his hands within the sleeves of his koromo. "We will busy ourselves with the preparations." He watched as Kagome nodded her head and then turned from him.
Kagome walked towards the group, gazing at Inutaisho as she approached him. "Papa, it's best if you go with my Brothers. They will take you to where we will be departing the shrine grounds. They will protect you from the aura of the Naiku." Inutaisho nodded his head in understanding and gazed up above Kagome to see the eyes of Monk Kiyoshi staring at him, waiting. Kagome then turned towards Inuyasha and smiled lovingly, her eyes showing her excitement and glee.
She reached out her hand for him to take, which Inuyasha took with a smile. "I want to show you something," she nearly whispered to him. Inuyasha nodded his head and the two began to walk away from the group. Kagome squeezed Inuyasha's hand in reassurance, looking up to see that he was gazing down at her with love. She smiled and then looked ahead.
The Naiku was quiet, knowing that it will be left alone after so long of always having someone with it. It would weep when they left, but the animals would keep it company. The two walked deep into the shrine grounds, passing by shrine houses that would once in a while push at Inuyasha's demonic aura, suffocating it, but then Kagome quickly took that discomfort away for him. Their footsteps creaked on the wooden floors as they made their way towards the Garden of Naiku, entering onto the grassy beds and enveloping them in the small amount of shade given by the growing trees that had been planted. Flowers were already growing on the ground or on the trees where moss provided moisture.
Inuyasha was amazed at the beauty of this garden. Though he thought that his mother's garden was beautiful, had and always will be, this garden was even more beautiful. There was something about it that seeped into his soul and made him feel… peaceful. He could feel a smile creep onto his face and knew it was because he felt so happy and serene. This garden was definitely beautiful in its own.
"Where are we going?" he asked, gazing down to see Kagome's face still lit with a smile. He could stare at her forever and never get sick of seeing her beautiful eyes or wonderful smile. He watched her as she continued to look ahead as to where they were going.
"You'll see," Kagome said, happiness spilling from her. She couldn't contain her anxiety. Inuyasha was here. He was in her home. For the first, and probably only time, Inuyasha would be able to see the things she loved, the things she cared for and protected. He would see her past, the way she was brought up, the things she came to depend on when her world was crashing down around her. He would see her.
The two came upon a small pond where underground water filled it. The edges of the small pond were encompassed with grass, with no elevation of the earth, meaning that this pond was never used. It was undisturbed and had been like that for years. As Kagome stopped at the edge of the pond, she released Inuyasha's hand and went to her knees. He gazed down at her head, watching as she reached into the pond and dipped her hands in the water. He heard her exhale a sigh and he smirked, knowing that this must be a big thing for Kagome. He gazed into the water, seeing his reflection on the surface but darkness deep within the pond where it must go deep in the earth. It seemed big enough to fit a few people inside, but he wondered if they ever swam in it.
Kagome swirled her hands around a bit in the water, marveling at its coolness and the memories that came to her mind. "I was reborn here," she said out of the silence, startling Inuyasha at the importance of why she had brought him here. Kagome smiled at the water, seeing the clarity of the pond, wiping her hands on her kimono. "My Brothers were the ones who retrieved me from the water." She remembered when she had been told from her mother that she would have another chance at life. She had blacked out after staring at her mother's disappearing face in the Maboroshi Kokudo. And when she had opened her eyes, she had been in her shrine house, here, in the Naiku. From there on, her life had changed in more ways than one. She heard movement next to her and gazed up to see Inuyasha crouching down next to her. She gazed into his golden eyes, smiling to see he was happy.
"Thank you for bringing me here, Kagome," he said, moving to kiss her deeply. Kagome smiled into the kiss and brought a hand up to his cheek, brushing her thumb along its smoothness. Inuyasha moved back and smiled at her, making Kagome blush. She turned from him to gaze into the water one last time. Then they both rose to their feet and she offered him her hand again.
The two began to make their way out of the Garden of Naiku, Inuyasha allowing Kagome to lead him wherever she pleased. He could feel her happiness radiating from her and wondered what was causing that, but decided not to ask. Kagome seemed content on where they were going, their footsteps making the only sound around them. They walked around the shrine houses, getting from one point to another, though it looked like they were walking in circles from the similarity in the shrine houses. And finally they came to an opening that had Inuyasha's full attention as he gazed at the white landscape with wonder and awe.
In the middle of the field of white pebbles was a lone shrine house. It was different from the others, the color of the walls around the house a different shade of brown compared to the others. And the four trees in each of the corners of the white field added their green into the mix, though the trees were not in bloom. Inuyasha felt himself walking forward as Kagome pulled him along, but his eyes remained roaming around this small opening in the midst of all these shrines. It seemed like this one shrine was aloft, and yet protected in the middle of the shrine houses. This one was different. Inuyasha gazed at the back of Kagome's head as their feet crushed along the white pebbles until they stepped up onto the stairs leading to the shoji door. Kagome slid the shoji open, the light from the morning sun spilling into the shrine house.
Inuyasha stepped in and he immediately knew whose shrine house this was. 'Kagome?' Her scent was everywhere, and his eyes fell to the futon that lay near the left window. He frowned, seeing just a futon with a thin, cotton blanket. He shrugged his hand out of Kagome's and she let go, letting him roam around her home. He took in everything, from the emptiness of drawers to the piles of scrolls that remained on the tables near the opposite side of the room. He made his way towards them, noticing the candles that lay scattered along the table to offer light in the darkest of night. Inuyasha gazed at the scrolls and then turned to look at some books that remained on the table. There was nothing here that was happy. Nothing that he knew Kagome to be. Was this the side of her that she hid from him? So foreign and so unlike the Kagome he knew.
"You do not like it." Her voice startled him as Inuyasha turned around to see Kagome standing right behind him with a frown on her face, displeased that he was displeased. Inuyasha shook his head.
"No, it's not that." He sighed and walked towards the right window, putting some space between them. He couldn't tell her that this place was awful, that it wasn't anything like her. But this was where she lived for her early life, and this was who she was.
Kagome frowned at Inuyasha's fleeing figure, wondering why he was so upset. "Inuyasha? I… don't understand why you're so mad."
"I'm not mad," he said sternly, making Kagome clasp her hands in front of her. She waited for him to continue, though it troubled her to think of what could be bothering him. Then, Inuyasha sighed and his head went down as he placed one hand on the wall next to the window. "It's just… this isn't the you I know, Kagome."
Kagome slowly made her way towards him, knowing what he meant and fully intending on explaining to him as best she could. She reached his side and placed her hands on his drooping arm at his side. He still wouldn't look at her as his silver hair hid his eyes from her. Kagome frowned, biting her bottom lip at his genuine sadness of this.
"There's nothing in here that I know is you. There's barely any color in here. How can this be where you live if there's nothing of you here?" he asked, more to himself. He was just mumbling, trying to make sense of all this, but Kagome's hands were working on his shoulder and arm, trying to reassure him.
"This is where I have lived since I was five years old. And yes, this is my home." Kagome smiled and turned from him, gazing at the room around her. "Every night, I would come back to this house and be grateful that I had it." She turned around to see Inuyasha's confused eyes gazing at her, wondering what she saw in this place. Kagome smiled reassuringly at him. "This was my retreat from the world outside this house. I would come here to remember my family, to tell myself that they were waiting for me and that I would be able to see them again."
Kagome walked in front of Inuyasha, catching his face with her hands and capturing his eyes with her own. "You have to remember that this is the other side of me, Inu. The side that you have rarely seen because I won't allow you to see it."
"But why?" Inuyasha asked, twisting his head out of her hands so that he was now standing up on his own, gazing down at her with anger. "Why are you hiding yourself from me?"
Kagome frowned and turned her eyes from him, hurt at his words. She rubbed her arms, holding them close against her body, hoping they could protect her secrets. "This is a side of me that I must keep locked away, Inu. It is not a life I am willing to happily tell all…"
"Not all, Kagome. Me," he said, wanting her to look at him but Kagome just wouldn't. He could feel her confusion and sadness, but he needed to know why she was showing these things to him if he wasn't going to get the complete answer.
"I know, Inuyasha." Kagome sighed heavily and gazed back at Inuyasha, his saddened and hurt eyes striking her soul. "I brought you here because I wanted to show you how I had grown up, and the place that I love so much." She willed him to understand. "I know you don't see it, but within every space in this room, I have filled it with happiness and sadness. No one lives a perfect life, and I definitely didn't have it here when I grew up. But I made the most of what I had, and thanks to my five Brothers, they helped me keep a small piece of my childhood while I was studying the miko arts." Kagome turned from him and walked towards the middle of the room, gazing down at the futon. A small, sad smile lit her face as another memory hit her. "This was where I gave birth to Kazuki."
Kagome could nearly feel the sudden change in the air between them. She felt his aura mix with grief, sadness, anger, confusion. All of it felt like it would make him explode but she didn't want to turn to look at him, in fear. She feared his eyes would tear at her soul, and already bringing up the past was tearing at her. She couldn't handle Inuyasha digging more into her past.
Inuyasha walked up towards Kagome, his eyes at the back of her head, boring into her. "Why here, Kagome? Why?" he asked, he needed to know. He didn't like this place, the fact that Kagome had been hidden away from the world, aloof in her own world. He didn't like the way this room was hers, how gloomy and empty this room was for her while she was growing up. So why would she give birth in here?
Kagome sighed, knowing that Inuyasha needed to know. She would tell him, of course, but she knew that he wouldn't understand. "Inuyasha… there are some things that you just wouldn't understand."
"Try me," he challenged.
Kagome turned around and came face to face with him, seeing his angry eyes stare down at her. She turned her head from him, her own anger and stubbornness starting to feed from his. "This is my home."
"Well so is your family shrine."
"No, this is my true home." Kagome gazed up to see Inuyasha's face in confusion, but he wasn't angry, which she was thankful for. He was willing to listen to her explanation. "Inuyasha… I will never be able to fully enter your world… never." Kagome sighed sadly and turned around, walking a bit away from him to give them some space. "I've tried to live in that world, to walk like other people and not be reminded of who I truly am, of waking up every morning and being reminded of my duties. I mean… come on, who wakes up before dawn to meditate?" she asked him, gazing at him with humor in her eyes, though she felt like it was a weak effort. Kagome frowned and her gaze fell from him. "This is the only place I truly feel like I belong. That's why this is my refuge, this is my home. As much as it looks barren and gloomy, this house is not where I spent most of my time. My home here is the shrine, the whole of Ise Shrine. That is my home, and it is beautiful and it nurtures my soul."
Kagome took a deep breath, drawing the fresh air of the Naiku into her lungs. "Do you feel that, Inu? It is complete serenity. The air here is fresh, the land here is new and the animals here are happy. There is no development here, no cars polluting the air and no humans to disturb the land. It is utterly serene." Kagome closed her eyes, listening to nothing that was around her. She felt at peace even though Inuyasha was still gazing at her. When she opened her eyes, there was happiness in them, as if her anger from Inuyasha had disappeared.
Turning around, Kagome gazed at Inuyasha and moved towards him with a smile. "I wanted to show you my home. I want you to see how I once lived." Inuyasha frowned as Kagome grabbed his hands with her own, her eyes showing him the happiness that she was feeling. But he couldn't quite grasp it all. "I'm so happy that you're here, Inu, in my home. This place that means so much to me… now I can share it with you when I thought that I could never bring you here."
Inuyasha smiled then, understanding her happiness and happy to be here too. He was glad that she could show him around, no matter how strange it all seemed to him. He realized that he would never be able to understand this life that she had, never understand the things she had to go through. But what he did know was that this place meant a lot to Kagome, and he was willing to embrace it as much as she did if it made her happy. Inuyasha squeezed Kagome's hands, seeing her happiness.
"Then, I'm glad that you could show me this, Kagome."
Kagome smiled and kissed him, showing him how much his words meant to her. When they parted, she urged him out of the shrine house, both coming into the sunlight together. She closed the shoji behind them and then they descended the stairs to head back to the enclosing shrine houses.
"I want to show you one last thing," Kagome said, gazing at Inuyasha with love and excitement in her eyes. He could tell that this meant a lot to her, so he smiled and followed her lead as they went back towards the shrine houses, their footsteps creaking beneath them. They came to an opening in the shrine houses as pillars sprung up from the stone ground, creating illusions of silhouettes against the ground. They walked down from the wooden floors, stepping on the last step and entered the grey, stoned ground. At once Inuyasha felt a pulse run right through him as if he had been electrocuted. He blinked and gazed around, wondering if he had gone through a barrier of some sort, but it felt it from his feet. He followed Kagome, staying close to her, wondering where she was taking him. The shadows from the pillars engulfed him one at a time as they blocked the rising sun's rays and tilted at an elongated angle. In front of them was a small temple of some sort made of stone. It was in the formation of a house, but the door was modernized compared to all of the other shrine houses here. It was double doors made of chrysanthemum wood from the forest that erupted up behind it, dominating the temple with a natural feeling. The two walked up the stairs as the temple was quite a few feet above ground. It seemed like a temple meant for praying and worshiping something.
Kagome stopped as they walked towards the door and her hands flew in the air in some kind of pattern, her graceful hands doing magic of its own. Inuyasha saw the air stir and he felt it, the power that surged forward as if something had been opened. He felt something pushing him back and he had to stop himself from calling out to Kagome to ask her what this power was. Kagome opened the double doors, pushing them in, the doors flying open easily as if they didn't weigh a ton.
And then he felt it. Such strong spiritual energy pushing against his chest, sending him back out the door but Inuyasha stood his ground. Kagome walked in and he tried to follow, but it felt like he was walking through quicksand and he nearly growled at the force of this energy working against him. Even Tetsaiga at his waist pulsed through his veins, sensing the threat and wanting to help him. At once Kagome turned around and her eyes flew to his.
Anger rolled off of her as Kagome walked back towards Inuyasha, her eyes blazing in fire. "You promised me," she whispered, her voice straining to stay in control as her hands came up to touch Inuyasha's face gently. "You allowed him entrance."
At once the force that he had been fighting was gone and Inuyasha nearly fell onto Kagome, making them take a few steps into the room at the force of him trying to fight against the power. Inuyasha gazed at Kagome, confusion in his eyes.
"What was that about?" he asked, feeling like he could breath again, and he felt like he could relax. A little.
Kagome sighed, a frown on her face as concern shown in her eyes, all anger gone. "This temple is dedicated to the Sun Goddess Amaterasu Omikami. It is her who Japan worships when they journey here. She is the guardian of Japan." Her eyes were gentle as she spoke about the goddess. She placed her hands on his chest, making sure that he was unharmed from the Goddess' wrath. "She promised me she would permit you entrance into her home. I had asked her this rising and she had allowed you entrance, but somehow must have wanted to cause you pain before you entered." She was angry that the Goddess would have played tricks like that to Inuyasha, but she couldn't be so mad with her. This was a Goddess' home and for a demon to enter… not even the monks and priestesses were allowed to enter. Only one priestess, a virgin to keep the purity, was allowed to remain in this temple from morning to night, keeping vigil over the precious treasures in here. Only she and her Brothers were allowed to journey in and out without restrictions. But for a demon to touch this holy ground was something that Kagome had to explain to the Goddess of why it was really important she allowed Inuyasha entrance. The Goddess did give in only because Kagome had already suffered so much on behalf of Japan. And had promised the Goddess something in return.
"Come," Kagome beckoned, a smile on her face as she forgot about what happened earlier on in the day. "I want to show you why I was put in charge of this shrine to begin with." Kagome's hand was already pulling Inuyasha with her towards the other end of the temple. Inuyasha's ears perked as he heard footsteps to his right. He gazed at a woman entering from a small room, frozen in the doorway at the sight she saw before her. Kagome, too, had turned her head to look at the priestess, the woman's eyes frightened and shocked. She paid no heed to the woman as she continued towards the three relics on their own respected pedestals.
Naiku's most sacred treasures in all of Japan. Three of the Imperial Family's possessions lay in front of their eyes as Inuyasha and Kagome stopped to take in the artifacts. The Naiku was the protector of these three sacred treasures: the curved jewels, the sacred sword and the sacred mirror. On the pedestal to the left was the sacred sword, none other but the Kusanagi, the holiest sword in all of Japan that Kagome wielded and commanded. The white blade in all of its rareness gleamed without the sun's help as it remained in the shadows of the temple, away from the light. Held up by a wooden stand to support the sword's hilt and blade, the Kusanagi rested so peacefully on its pedestal. The curved jewels remained on the right, covered in a sewn pouch from preying eyes. And in the middle was the famous sacred mirror that belonged to the Imperial Family. The sacred mirror was shrouded by a brocade bag, covered from the eyes of the world.
Kagome turned to Inuyasha, watching his reaction as he gazed at the three famous artifacts. "These are the three national treasures of Japan, given to the Naiku Shrine for protection. The most famous is the sacred mirror," she said, nudging towards the mirror on the pedestal, "that many know about. No one is supposed to gaze at the mirror but the Imperial family. This is their duty, to guard these three artifacts in this shrine."
Inuyasha then turned to Kagome, forgetting about those three important jewels of Japan in front of him as if he could care less. "Then why did you come here? Why do you have to guard them if it's their duty?"
Kagome sighed and put her head down, walking slowly away from him. She gazed up to see the priestesses still in the doorway with her hands clasped in front of her and head down to wait for instructions. "You may leave," she said, waving her hand to dismiss the woman. The priestess bowed at the waist and turned around, closing the shoji doors behind her. Kagome turned around to Inuyasha, seeing his body so large in the temple around them, though there was much empty space.
"The Imperial Family is meant to protect these jewels and the Ise Shrine. However, since my birth, I have been in charge of it." Kagome smiled, mostly to herself as she found humor in her birth. "You see, when I was born, my mother, Midoriko, knew that I would be needed here. So she had contacted the Five Brothers of the Naiku Shrine in their dreams. That was the first time they had ever met my mother and they were told of my birth and my duty to this shrine in the future. So they were told to wait until my fifth birthday and they were to go to Tokyo to get me and bring me here to start with my training."
"What about the Imperial Family?" Inuyasha asked, wondering what the Imperial Family had to say about this young girl who would be in charge of their family's treasures.
"Well… they weren't too happy about it," she said with a small smile. "But could you blame them? My mother knew that my priestess abilities would be greater than any of the Imperial Family's and I would be a more formidable opponent should anything threaten the jewels. So I was put in charge without any interjection." Kagome sighed and glanced towards the door. "That priestess is the only one allowed to remain in here throughout the day, cleaning up the temple and keeping an eye on the jewels. She is the next respected member of the Imperial Family to guard the jewels and the shrine." Her eyes darted back to Inuyasha. "The family respects me and would never turn against me, for they know of my abilities and powers. But I sense their dislike and anger towards me for breaking the tradition that was laid down for years. The Imperial Family has always taken care of the Ise Shrine and the three jewels." Kagome shrugged and walked back towards him, grabbing his hands in her own and gazing into his beautiful, golden eyes. "I wanted to show you why I was brought here… why it is so important to me."
Inuyasha frowned, knowing what Kagome wanted from him but unsure if he could give it to her. She was waiting for his understanding, for his okay in the fact that she had left him when they were children because of these three jewels. Because of this shrine. Because of her duty to so many people. She wanted his understanding, and though it was a long time, Inuyasha still felt the separation between them. He loved her to death, and these damn duties of hers would always tear a rift between them so long as she had to keep coming back to this place to protect it.
"Kagome…" he said tenderly, wanting her to understand. He squeezed her hands and smiled at her encouragingly. "I…"
"My Lady…" The double doors were opening as Monk Kenshin walked a few steps in. "We are ready. Everyone is prepared to leave."
Kagome frowned as they both continued to look at each other. She sighed and turned towards the door, leaving Inuyasha's hands to fall to his sides. "Then let us leave." Monk Kenshin nodded his head and turned to walk out, knowing that she would follow. Kagome went to retrieve the Kusanagi from the pedestal and tied it to her waist with her obi. She and Inuyasha both began to walk towards the door, the two heading into the sunlight as the morning sun began to creep higher into the sky.
As the door closed behind them, Inuyasha grabbed Kagome's hand before she descended the stairs and turned her around to face him. Her wide eyes gazed at him with wonder. "Kagome… you know how much I love you," he said, seeing her eyes glaze over with love. "And no matter what happens, whether it is because of your destiny or just fate itself, I will always love you. Nothing can stop that. Nothing will ever get between us."
Kagome felt her eyes sting with the need to cry. Inuyasha's words hit her and she felt his love and devotion towards her. No matter how much she had left him alone, he seemed to still want her. He still wanted to love her with everything he was even though she threw his love down so many times. But she loved him just as much as he loved her, maybe more, and nothing would ever stop their love for each other. Even if she had to leave him once again after this was all over, she would still love him in the afterlife and wish that he remain happy, even if it is with her sister. At least he was happy.
The two shared a brief kiss, filling each other with the other's love, and then descended the stairs hand in hand, prepared to take on the evil that threatened the world. Kagome took them back through the shrine houses, letting the silence wash their souls clean while they remained in this pure place. She was grateful to the Gods for allowing Inuyasha and the others entrance. Though the demons had to remain with her Brothers so that they will be protected, they were still walking on this sacred earth. And Inuyasha was allowed to enter the Sun Goddess' home. Kagome was grateful and if her days were to be cut short, she would forever remember this gift from the Gods.
The two finally spotted the others as they came to an opening behind all the shrine houses. They were in the back of the Naiku where the trees departed to show a trail that led into the forest. Kagome and Inuyasha went towards the group as some of the mikos and monks began to mount their horses now that their Priestess was here.
"Everything is prepared," Monk Kiyoshi said as Monk Kenshin joined the Brothers behind him after fetching Kagome. "We should leave now. If we take the shadows of the forest, we will get to the shore by sundown." Kagome nodded her head as she walked through the group, seeing the many horses that they had thanks to the city. The priestesses and monks would ride, two to a horse, while the demons would run besides them.
Kagome smiled as more began to mount their horses. Demons working together with priestesses and monks. It brought a smile to her face and peace to her heart. Though they did have their differences and hostility, it showed that the two sides could come together in a time of need and work as one, no matter the differences. Kagome gazed at the demons as they chatted or checked their weapons, all bearing different marks of their demonic blood coursing through their veins. All looked different, yet with their differences, they were all similar in appearance in that they were demons. Demons who would risk their lives for this one purpose, in helping her defeat Raige. She didn't ask for their help. She didn't want their help, she could, and should, do this on her own. But her family was her heart and she to them, and they were not about to let her go and fight this battle alone.
As everyone mounted their horses, Kagome went to hers. She had a male, a stallion, with a rich chocolate coat and a white spot on its forehead. Inuyasha followed right behind her and helped her up as she got comfortable on the saddle, placing her feet in the stirrups and grabbing onto the reins. The horse moved around, getting used to her weight, and she gazed down at the demons.
"I want to thank you all for assisting me." Her eyes roamed onto all of the demons, making sure that they all knew she was addressing them all. "I know you have no knowledge of me, and yet you would willingly help Inutaisho in helping me get through this… war that Raige is starting. And I would like to thank you for offering your strength in this."
A demon stepped forward dressed in a black leather jacket and a black pants. His dark hair was tied in a braid streaming down his back and his eyes were a rich red. His gaze intensified when she met his eyes and as she felt his aura, she knew he was an ancient demon. "I will say this, miko. You are definitely not someone I would willingly lay down my life for, but in a situation like this, I have been shown that you are a force to be reckoned with. I have great respect for your strength, as I have seen that those three years back when you defeated Kano Mitsuhada. That alone was a great feat. And therefore, I will aid you in this war because of my respect for you."
Inutaisho arched his eyebrow as he gazed at the demon, but he said nothing. He knew that some of these demons were a bit hesitant to offer their hands to a miko, the High Priestess at that, because they feared her powers and her intentions. They were skeptical if she would turn against them in the end, after she was through with them, but he assured them that Kagome would not do that. Inutaisho still knew that these demons owed him, and yet some heard word and would offer their assistance without asking. And he was grateful to all of them.
Kagome smiled as the demon moved back in the crowd of demons. "Then I thank you for your respect. And know this…" she said, moving the horse around as it began to fret. "Raige may have some demons whom you know of, whom some of you may have fought beside in the past. He was able to ally himself with many demons in Japan and you are bound to fight against some of those you know. But I trust you to make your own choices when it comes down to it. Just know that the Shikon no Tama will not fall into the hands of demons so long as I breathe." It was a threat to her enemies as well as to them, and the demons knew it. Should they choose to change sides in the end, she would not hesitate to kill them to protect the jewel.
Kagome brought her horse to the front of the group where her Brothers were waiting on their horses. She looked around at the big group and then out towards the darkness of the forest where the sun began to spill into the treetops. With a tap of her ankles against the sides of the horse, the group was off to Shikoku Island as the huge group gave way to the crying horses as they sprinted into the forest.
Out in the distance, the sun began to set, settling along the horizon like a huge ball of fire. Raige smirked, the sun's rays igniting his hair, as he stood alone on the cliff overlooking Honshu island in the distance. He could feel her in the distance. She was here. She was coming. And she would be his. Raige could feel his body tingling with excitement at what was to come this evening. His desire for power was little compared to his desire for that one woman that was separated by him from the sea.
With a leap, Raige fell through the air, his clothes ruffling behind him. He landed on a branch of a tree and raced along the treetops, heading towards the shore of Shikoku Island. The land was a blur to him, nothing catching his attention as he didn't really care about anything else but getting to that shore and greeting his future mate. Raige raced along the trees, the creaking of the branches and the scurrying of the birds the only sign of his presence.
The tan shoreline came into view and he raced towards the demons that waited along the shore. He leapt into the air as the tree-line stopped and he landed near the group of demons as his feet dug into the sand. He strode towards the general of this group, his eyes going over the demons sitting around or talking to each other to pass the time. Some were dueling for the enjoyment while others laid around and waited. He couldn't blame them. This was boring.
"Raige." The general acknowledged him but kept his back towards him, gazing out at the main island. "I believe you came here to warn us of the enemy's approach."
Raige held in the urge to show this general exactly who he was dealing with, and to never turn his back on him again, but he held back. Little did they all know, no one would be able to defeat Kagome but him, so they all could try and gain possession of the Shikon no Tama, which was the only reason why they were here to begin with.
"Actually, General," Raige said, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the demon, "I came to greet our enemy." The General turned his head to gaze at Raige, the demon just a few inches taller than him, though he was not intimidated by the Inu-Taiyoukai. He merely dismissed Raige and kept staring out at the shoreline of Honshu.
"Is everyone ready?" he asked Raige.
Raige cocked his eyebrow, a smirk flirting his face. It was getting harder to control his demon now that this idiot was playing with his status more than he should. Even if he was used to being 'general' of this particular group of demons, he needed to know his place among the world. These demons must treat him like a God for this idiot to feel so superior.
"You should be more worried about yourself."
The General smirked, his eyes watching the coast. "I do not fear mikos, nor do I fear young demons who do not know their place in this world."
A growl sounded from Raige's chest as his anger now took hold of him. His sapphire eyes went to the General's, seeing the brown orbs gazing at him as well. He tilted his head to the side, baring his teeth. "Would you care to show me?" At this, the demons began to stir as they heard his threat and came to protect their leader. The demons began to crowd close, all stopping their movement and muttering as they waited for Raige's move, weapons ready. Raige inwardly laughed, thinking how pathetic this group of demons actually was.
The General held up his hand and turned his head so that he was gazing back out over the sea, unafraid of Raige's anger. "No sense in wasting energy, Raige. You are going to need it." A hand whipped out, catching him off guard as Raige clutched his neck in a tight grip, squeezing the air out of him and cutting off any circulation. He gasped for air, the demons rushing to his aid but were all forced back by a huge burst of energy that came from Raige. The General gazed around him in horror as his men were all lying on the sand, a good distance away from him, all trying to get to their feet after the attack.
"You see, General," Raige said, black fury leaking from his voice as his eyes went from red to sapphire, his control slipping. "I do not like to be threatened, nor do I like to be felt inferior. And yet you seemed to be able to do both at once to me." Raige snarled, squeezing harder, watching the General's eyes bulge. He kept pressure on the demon's throat until he felt like the demon had learned his lesson, and then released his hold.
The General fell to his knees gasping for air, clutching at his neck for dear life where bruises began to form. His eyes burned on Raige with revenge. "You…"
Raige turned and walked away, anger seething through his pores. These demons that he had called, they knew nothing of him, which was why they were so foolishly starting to get the courage to stand up to him. Which was a bad idea. He left the General on his knees in the sand as he headed back towards the mountains. Kagome would have some explaining to do as his anger was now directed at her. Behind him, he could feel a huge demonic energy with her aura, meaning that she had called demons for help. That only enraged him more. Because now he would have to get through the demons she had on her side in order to get his prize. But not to worry. That's what these pathetic 'allies' were for. Raige smirked to himself and disappeared in the tree-line, heading to the top of the mountain where he could watch everything unfold.
The waves crashed along the shore as the sun began to set, half of it being exposed above the horizon. The orange glow of the setting sun casts its rays along the huge group waiting near the shore as the many fishing boats crowded the water.
Kagome smiled as the island was now in view, Shikoku Island looking innocent and beautiful from where she stood. But the feel of the air around it was unnatural.
Inuyasha walked closer to Kagome's horse as the group stopped and waited. "Raige has a lot of demons there."
Kagome nodded her head as she kept her eyes focused on the island, as if Raige could actually see her now. Inuyasha was standing next to her, his presence helping her to feel calm even now. "I know. I feel many demonic auras."
"Then it is a good thing that we have come."
Kagome turned to the source of the voice as three women dressed in white kimonos walked towards the group, their heads held high. She was confused for a moment, but then smiled in welcome at the women. She moved off the horse and got to the ground with Inuyasha's help. Walking to meet then, Inuyasha followed close behind her in case something should happen, though she knew there was no need to worry. Although he did remember these women and what had happened between them before.
"Hira," Kagome greeted, a smile flirting her face as the woman in front managed a smile of her own.
"Kagome. It is good to see you are well."
Kagome smiled, hiding her chuckle. "I am, thank you. And it is good to see you are as well. And to see that you are here, at such a time."
Hira nodded her head. She sighed, tapping her staff against the ground as the rings jingled against the metal at the top of the staff. "I have come from Okinawa Island to help you in your cause."
Kagome's face was as neutral as it has been. She knew of Hira's intentions, or else Hira wouldn't have come at such a time like this. But there was still one question lingering in Kagome's mind. "Why?" she asked, wondering what Hira had in for it.
Hira smiled, her eyes dancing along Kagome's, understanding Kagome as much as the woman understood her. "I believe that this war is as much ours as it is yours, or theirs," she said, inclining with her eyes towards the demons as she gazed at them briefly. "I have no intention of leaving this war unnoticed by myself or my followers, and therefore we will help you destroy this demon that threatens us." Hira's voice was strong and her words were true as she stood there, so formal and sure, waiting for Kagome's reply.
A smile graced Kagome's face as she nodded her head. "Thank you, Hira," she said grateful. Hira smiled and nodded her head as well, both understanding that they had not only given their strength and skills for this war, but their life as well. The very prospect of them not making out of this war alive was slim to none, and Kagome had no regrets. It seemed like Hira had none either. "Then let us get this done." Hira's face became serious in a blink of an eye and she nodded her head, the priestesses at her side both glancing at the demons before glancing towards Kagome.
Monk Kiyoshi and the Brothers met one of the fishermen as the old man dressed in shabby clothes good for the sea walked towards the huge group following the monks. The fisherman didn't seem frightened at all at the amount of demons that followed the monks. Instead he smiled welcomingly at Monk Kiyoshi, bowing at the waist in respect.
"Do not bow, my good friend." Monk Kiyoshi placed his hands on the fisherman's shoulder as the old man went back to his height. "You and I have been friends for far too long for this formality."
The fisherman smiled, his wrinkles crumpling his face. "Yes, we have, Kiyoshi. I see that you folks are ready to go," he said, glancing behind at the demons that waited.
Monk Kiyoshi nodded his head as Kagome came to his side to greet the fisherman.
"Ah, My Lady Kagome," the old man said, going to bow. But Kagome stopped him by placing a hand on her shoulder and a tender smile.
"It is nice to see you are well. I thank you for your assistance. You have my blessings."
The old man smiled, tears filling his eyes, as he knew that his time was near but at least he had the High Priestess' blessings to take with him to the afterlife. That was more than enough. He nodded his head, getting back to business, and turned towards the boats. "Then let us go. These boats have been prepared. We are ready to go now."
Monk Kiyoshi nodded his head as Kagome followed the old man with the rest of the Brothers. He turned around towards the demons. "We need to board as much of us onto one boat as possible. The less boats we travel in, the less we will be separated should something happen once we get closer to the island." The demons nodded as they followed Monk Kiyoshi towards the boats. The fishing boats were a decent size to hold two, maybe three dozen demons as they lined up along the shore like rocks sprouting up from the ocean.
Inuyasha wrapped his arm around Kagome's waist and leapt the distance over the shore. He landed on the boat softly and released Kagome as she gazed up at him with a thankful smile. Inuyasha smiled, brushing his hand along Kagome's cheek for just a moment, needing that intimate contact with her since all of this chaos began. Kagome touched his shoulder and then walked along the boat as demons began to jump onto the boat. Inutaisho landed gracefully with Sango and Miroku in his arms while Sesshomaru followed suit, holding Kikyo bridal style in his arms. Kagome made her way to the front of the boat, gazing at the boats next to her to see other demons jumping on. Inutaisho, Sesshomaru and Inuyasha left the boat to bring the Five Monks on.
The boat barely rocked as demons began to load on top, carrying the monks and priestesses with them. Kikyo gazed out ahead at the island in the distance, shrouded by dark clouds covering the peaks of the mountain. It seemed like something in the movies to her, but at least it would be something she would see for the last time. Kikyo smiled to herself and shook her head, forgetting about her thoughts, as she walked towards the front of the boat to her sister.
"It's beautiful…" Kagome said, never once turning around to gaze at her sister. The last of the sun's rays was touching the sky as the sun sank beneath the horizon, leaving the last flash of its rays, a green light, emitting from the horizon. Kagome smiled, closing her eyes to take a deep breath, feeling the serenity flow within her. The boats began to move towards the island now that everyone was on board.
Kikyo smiled as the sky remained full with colors. "Yes, it is." She turned forward to gaze at Shikoku Island coming closer with each hit the boat made against the tides. "I want you to promise me something, Kagome."
Kagome turned to gaze at her sister, curiosity showing in her chestnut eyes. She smiled and nodded, waiting for her sister's request. Kikyo smiled sadly at her sister. "Promise me, that after all of this is done, you will remain with Inuyasha and Kazuki until you grow old and weary of this world. Promise me that you'll live everyday to the fullest." Kagome's eyes widened as she listened to her sister's words, hearing the sadness within them. Kikyo was up to something, and something told her that Kikyo already thought that she would not be in the picture that she saw for her and Inuyasha.
"What are you saying Kikyo?" Kagome asked, placing her hands on Kikyo's arms, giving her sister some comfort. "You know what I must do."
Kikyo nodded her head. "But it's not for sure that you must die to do it." Kagome shrugged, uncertainty in her eyes. She didn't want to get her hopes up. There were things she needed to get done and she couldn't think of anything else. Kikyo understood it too, but she needed her sister to be the strong one. "I… I will fight with you this one last time."
Kagome's eyes widened as the reality of her sister's words began to sink in. Slowly, she shook her head as if denying her sister's words. "No… you don't mean that."
Kikyo's smile was slow and sad. "Kagome… I am weary of this world," she said slowly, with infinite weariness. One hand went to her flat stomach. "Too much has been taken away from me. First Onigumo, then you, then Inuyasha and then…" she trailed, lifting her hand from her stomach. Kagome bit her bottom lip, feeling her eyes burn. But Kikyo tried to erase her sister's sadness as she smiled encouragingly, bringing one hand up to grasp her sister's forearms. "I'm not saying that I'm not happy in this world." She said it with a fake smile, which which Kagome recognized and spotted even before Kikyo wiped it away. "I'm just saying… I'm so tired, Kagome. I just… I just can't do this anymore."
Kagome heard the tears in her sister's voice before she started to see the tears fall down her sister's cheeks. "Oh Kikyo…" she said, bringing her sister into her arms, using her aura to comfort her. She felt guilty for her sister's grieving and losses. "It's my fault that you feel this way." She felt Kikyo shake her head against her shoulder but Kagome just smiled sadly and went on. "If it wasn't for me, that war wouldn't have taken Onigumo away from you. And if it wasn't for me, I wouldn't have taken Inuyasha from you. Now, I have also taken away your child, which I will never be able to forgive myself for."
Kikyo raised her head off Kagome's shoulders and looked at her sister. "Now, listen to me, Kagome," she said, her voice suddenly changing from the sadness it had once held before. Kagome saw the determination and hardness in Kikyo's eyes. "None of it is your fault, okay? None of it. Don't try to blame yourself for what was out of your hands."
"I am the reason why you are so lonely now."
Kikyo slowly shook her head. "No. The choices I've made in life were all my doing. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have been with a man such as Onigumo. He showed me true love, and for that I thank you, Kagome. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have been separated from Inuyasha and realized the truth. We weren't meant to be together, never was and never will be, and now I see that I haven't been truly happy for a long time. I've been living my life in lies, telling myself that I'm fine when I truly wasn't." Realization started to sink in as Kikyo's eyes widened on Kagome's. "Is this what you go through every day, Kagome?" She knew her sister, knew her more than anyone. When Kagome had returned from the Naiku Shrine, it was as if all those years away from her family had been nothing to her. She held no sadness, no loss of her family or remorse. She was just… happy. Her smiling face and bright attitude was what they got from Kagome, and she was always the strong one. She held back her emotions more often than should, and Kikyo knew that Kagome was hiding more than she put on. But for some reason, she loved her sister for that. Kagome was always, and would always be the strong one, and Kikyo needed Kagome to be it. Especially now.
Kagome smiled sadly. The look in Kikyo's eyes was all she needed. She shook her head solemnly and steeled her heart. "No. I wanted your life to be as happy as it could be. I wanted to give my family all that I could so that they could live happily and have no regrets, no doubts. But I see it in you, my sister." Kagome tucked a stray hair behind Kikyo's ear, her smile sad. "And I would not want you to live with such sadness."
Kikyo felt tears burn in her eyes as her lip trembled. "Thank you… Kagome." She couldn't express how much she thanked her sister, for all the things she's done. Kagome was truly a blessing.
"Hey!" The two sisters turned to see Inuyasha walking towards them. They smiled and moved away from each other, the conversation and understandings they just shared now forgotten. Inuyasha stopped as Kagome and Kikyo looked at him with smiles on their faces. "Uh… what's going on here?" he asked suspiciously.
Kagome giggled and walked up to him, giving him a kiss on the cheek. "Oh… just a girl talk." She walked past him holding in her giggle.
"Eh?" Inuyasha said, watching Kagome walk away. "What's that supposed to mean?" he asked her.
"It means," Kikyo said, as she came to Inuyasha's side, "that boys aren't allowed to join in." She smiled devilishly up at him and followed her sister through the demons on the boat.
Inuyasha blinked a few times, wondering why women were so complicating to understand, and then just gave up on trying to figure out what had just happened. He sighed and shook his head. Turning around, Inuyasha gazed out at Shikoku Island that was getting closer. The boat rocked beneath him, making him having to steady himself every now and then. He gripped one of the ropes hanging from the sails as he stared ahead at the island. His face steeled as the scent of demons floated above the sea. 'I'll kill you, Raige, for harming Kikyo and our unborn child.'
"Inuyasha…" He turned around to see his brother joining him. The demons along the boat all kept to themselves as they stared out at the ocean, waiting to be let off and able to fight. But Sesshomaru made it through them easily, walking towards Inuyasha to stand next to him. "You realize that once we step on the island, Kagome will leave us."
Inuyasha turned to face his brother, irritation and anger written all over his face. "What does that supposed to mean, Sesshomaru? We fight together."
Sesshomaru shook his head, the wind playing with his hair, floating behind him, just like his younger brother's. "Kagome will leave us to fight Raige. She is counting on us to protect her and fight the demons that block her path."
"Well how the hell am I supposed to protect her if she leaves to fight Raige by herself, huh?"
Sesshomaru spared Inuyasha a quick side glance. "Do not think that you can defeat Raige by yourself." At Inuyasha's hesitation, Sesshomaru turned to face his brother. "You do not have a chance against the Inu-Taiyoukai. Even Father knows this. However, Kagome does."
Inuyasha bit his tongue when he would have given Sesshomaru a piece of his mind. He still didn't believe that he couldn't defeat Raige. He could. He and Tetsaiga would be able to bring down Raige. He would avenge what had happened to Kikyo. And he would bring an end to this needless suffering that Kagome must be going through. She suffered too much already for him to stand idly by and watch her suffer even more.
"Hm… Inuyasha, Father and I know what you are thinking about this issue." Sesshomaru turned around, facing his back towards the island. "However, you cannot save Kagome from something that is hers to kill. It is her duty and she has the power to do so. Do not interfere." He walked away, walking back through the demons to stand by his father's side.
Inuyasha blinked, shocked, as he watched Sesshomaru walk away. 'Bastard!' Sesshomaru just knew how to knock a blow with just words. He glared after Sesshomaru, but deep inside he was down. His brother was right. Kagome had the Shikon no Tama, and intended to use it if Raige proved just as his brother and father thought. If Kano had created Raige, then there would be no doubt that this Inu-Taiyoukai would be a powerful one. But…
"Hey." Inuyasha's ears tweaked at the sound of the voice before his eyes even met the figure. Kagome walked out from the crowd on the other side of the boat. Her eyes met his and all his worries went away. He smiled at her, opening his arms. Kagome smiled lovingly and walked into his arms, feeling the love and warmth that he provided. He was a rock in the middle of this turmoil. And she loved him so.
"What's wrong, Inu? You seem upset." Kagome snuggled against his chest, obviously content, but her voice held her compassion and worry at his aura.
"Nothing," he said, smiling into Kagome's hair as he breathed in her scent. His soul calmed and his demon was pacified at the knowledge that Kagome was safe and in his arms. She wove a spell around him like no one else could. But the danger ahead was still breaking her spell, and he couldn't quite shake off the dread. "Kagome… do you intend to leave us once we reach the island?"
Kagome opened her eyes and pushed back to view Inuyasha's face. His head was bowed so that she couldn't see his eyes, covered by his bangs. Kagome frowned, placing her hand on Inuyasha's cheek. His eyes were revealed to her as they clashed with her own. Kagome was shocked. 'Inuyasha…' His eyes were filled with sadness and hopelessness. She could see it, so clearly. Kagome stroked his cheek with her thumb. "Inuyasha…" Kagome tilted her head to the side, smiling at him, trying to reassure him. "You know what I must do."
Inuyasha averted his gaze to the ground, unable to look at her and not feel the hopelessness that he felt.
Kagome placed her other hand on his cheek and made Inuyasha looked at her. "I have to defeat Raige. It is the only thing I can do to protect my family and all that I love."
"But why do you always have to do it alone?" he said achingly.
Kagome frowned, the strength in her hands losing their battle. She brought her hands back to her side, feeling defeated by his words. Inuyasha quickly brought her into his embrace, needing to feel her solidity, to know that she was real and with him. Inuyasha breathed in Kagome's scent and relaxed, trying to ease her fears as much as his. "Kagome… let us help you. Let me help you." He felt her shake her head against his chest, making him ache inside at her refusal for his help.
"I… I can't." Kagome wrapped her arms around Inuyasha's waist, squeezing him for dear life. "I can't let you get hurt, Inu. I… won't." Inuyasha's blinked, the realization of her refusal starting to make sense. He smelt her tears before she sniffed. "If there's one thing I can protect, allow me to do so. I won't let you guys follow me to your deaths if I can help it."
"Who said anything about us dying?" Inuyasha asked. "Who's to say that I'll be able to cut Raige down?" he asked, wanting to hear her opinion.
Kagome, then, moved back to gaze into his eyes. Inuyasha frowned at her tears, wiping them away with his fingers. "You can't defeat him, Inuyasha."
Inuyasha's cocky smirk lit her eyes. "How do you know? I do have a weapon I can use you know." Kagome chuckled, helping Inuyasha to wipe away her tears. This was why she needed to protect him as much as she could. Inuyasha was her life, the only reason why she was living. He gave her the happiness and freedom that she so desired in this life, away from all the duties and responsibilities of a priestess. He was her reason for survival, and he gave her all the things she could ask for. He was her happiness, and she couldn't let anything happen to that dream of hers.
"Inu… you have given me so much, that I don't know how to thank you. But I know that my love… is enough." She smiled up at him, seeing his smile and the reassurance in his eyes. "Your love is what I'm protecting. I'm protecting my happiness, which is you." Inuyasha suddenly understood what Kagome was so worried about, because frankly, he was trying to protect the same thing. "I'm protecting my life, which is you. I can't let anything happen to you because if it wasn't for you… I would be nothing."
Inuyasha shook his head with a smile. "What do you think I'm trying to protect, Kagome?" Kagome blinked, but then smiled. She nodded her head, understanding that he would try to protect her too. But he had to understand that he couldn't protect her when she was a powerful priestess with the Shikon no Tama on her side.
"Inuyasha…"
"Don't, Kagome." Inuyasha closed his eyes and sighed. He didn't want to hear her excuses. He brought her against his body, bunching his hand in her hair. "I don't wanna hear your excuses." Kagome's eyes widened at his blunt words. "I'm coming with you, whether you like it or not. I couldn't help you before, and I couldn't save you… but I can do it now. I'm going to protect you, Kagome. I won't let you leave me again. I… can't… not again."
Kagome wrapped her arms around his waist with a frown, her heart heavy. 'I don't know if that's possible, Inuyasha… And… I can't have these false hopes again… It hurts too much when reality hits…' But she allowed herself to be filled with his love and dedication. And so she tried to cling to that. His strength was what she needed. "Fine…" she said with a smile, giving up.
Inuyasha smiled and breathed in her scent. He caught another scent on the wind and looked up to see his father coming towards them. His frown fell as his father stood behind Kagome, glancing at the islands behind him.
"We're almost there."
Inuyasha nodded his head, just as Kagome pulled back to smile at his father. Inutaisho smiled at Kagome in greeting and continued to stare at the island. His thoughts wandered.
"Kagome… we will help you get to Raige." Inutaisho looked towards the girl in his son's arms and smiled reassuringly. "I have talked to the others and they will follow. We will go as one." Kagome smiled and nodded her head, looking up to Inuyasha, remembering about the talk they just had, so much like Inutaisho. She shook her head at the father and son's resolve to protect her and just relaxed into Inuyasha's embrace. For now, she would take all the love and tenderness that he could give her.
Raige smirked, whipping around as the wind whipped his hair in his face and behind. 'Finally… come to me, Kagome.' He nodded to the demon ahead of him and the small, fox demon transformed into a bird. It flew down from the mountain, heading towards the first group of demons near the shore. Finally, the fighting will begin. Soon, blood will be spilled on this land. Soon, he would have the Shikon no Tama in his grasp. And soon, he would have Kagome in his possession. Raige smirked, gazing at the land around him. Trees sprung up everywhere as he remained near the top of the mountain, the clouds pressing close, causing a misty-like air around him. This would be the perfect ground for a battle. 'Yes…' he thought, walking through the misty air. 'Come to me, Kagome…'
Kagome gazed up at the mountain shrouded by clouds. It seemed eerily dark up there. Raige was there. Waiting. She would go to him and bring him down, ending this needless killing and threat to the world. She looked ahead as dark figures lined the sandy beach as they grew closer. She could make out their profiles, but not quite their faces. But by the feel of their auras, they were different kinds of demons. She frowned. 'How many demons have you actually found to follow you, Raige?' she wondered, wondering what they were truly up against. But she trusted the demons that Inutaisho did.
Sesshomaru and Inutaisho both came up behind her and Inuyasha as they settled at the front of the boat. The water splashed at the boat, swaying the boat, affected by the energy of opposing forces in the air.
"They are waiting for us," Sesshomaru said, his voice uncaring.
Kagome nodded her head as she took a step as close to the tip of the front of the boat as possible. She reached behind her and drew an arrow, notching it against her bow. "They are waiting to attack." Her hands were steady as she drew back the string, her breathing even and calm. 'This is it.' The battle will begin, and she will fight to the end. "Inuyasha…" she said softly.
Inuyasha nodded his head and drew Tetsaiga. Sango, Miroku, Kikyo, Koga and Ayame all fell behind Sesshomaru and Inutaisho, wondering what was happening. Everyone on the boats beside them were watching and waiting to attack. They would take their orders from the woman they were fighting with. The huge fang Tetsaiga gleamed even in the darkness of the growing night. Inuyasha leapt into the air, away from the boats, towards the awaiting shore. Bringing Tetsaiga high above his head, the fang pulsed twice, and a growl escaped his throat. "Wind Scar!" he yelled as the fang glowed yellow, sparks flying from the sword just as Inuyasha brought it down, slicing through the air and sending three streaks of demonic energy hurdling towards the shore.
The demons yelled as they tried to avoid the attack, but most didn't. The Wind Scar could take out 1,000 demons, a formidable attack. The ground exploded as the Wind Scar touched the shore, and standing at the edge of the boat, Kagome released her sacred arrow. The arrow erupted into a soft, bluish light that grew with more speed and energy as it whizzed through the sky. Soon, Kagome's spiritual aura was feets off the arrow as it whizzed through the group of demons, purifying them in a second. Suddenly, demons began to jump from the shore, intending to get revenge for the two attacks. Some began to shoot their arrows at the boats while others fell from the sky to attack on the boat.
Inutaisho and Sesshomaru fluidly drew their swords and leapt into the air to help Inuyasha with the approaching demons. Sango and Miroku stood behind Kagome, intending to watch her back, as demons began to board the boat. Kagome whipped around, retrieving another arrow to shoot at the demons. Sango braced her footing and gripped her weapon.
"Hiraikotsu!" The demon slayer's weapon went flying into the air, towards the right, catching the demons in the air before they could touch the boat. Those that were already on the boat began to do battle with their demons. Swords clashed and growls began to emit as the demons tried to kill each other. Miroku gasped as a few demons came towards them, and Kagome tightened her hand on the end of the arrow, waiting for the right moment. But Miroku beat her to it, wanting to get into the action too. Kagome lowered her bow, keeping her arrow still notched as she refused to let her guard down. She turned to see demons landing on the other boats to do battle. The fishing boats rocked dangerously from side to side as the occupants tried to strike a hit and keep their balance.
She gazed at her boat, noticing all the demons, both good and bad, and frowned. She couldn't use her sacred arrow on the boat unless she harmed all the demons. Kagome placed her arrow back in the quiver and drew her Kusanagi. The white blade gleamed in the darkness of the night as she ran through the crowds of demons. Thankfully, Inutaisho had instructed those who chose to fight with him to tie a red cloth on their arm. It made it easier for her and her Brothers when killing demons that were not on their side. Kagome side-stepped a blade and kept going, her Brothers' safeties the utmost importance in her mind right now. She reached the back of the boat and spotted her Brothers immediately. Monk Kiyoshi had erected a barrier around them while they shot their ofudas out towards the demons trying to bring it down. Kagome smiled, thankful that they were unharmed.
The Kusanagi struck the back of a scaly demon and then she was moving as the demons began to swarm her, attracted to the jewel.
"My Lady!" her Brothers exclaimed as they noticed the efforts of the demons. They tried to help her by using their ofudas.
Kagome brought the Kusanagi up as a demon came at her from above. She could see two demons coming from both sides of her, running with their swords in front of them. 'Damn!' She used her spiritual energy to flow out of the Kusanagi, engulfing the sword of the demon's above her and his hands grasping the hilt. He screamed, his hands burning as he let go and retreated. Just in time. She ducked as one sword came down at her and then protected herself from another swipe. Fighting two demons wasn't the problem. She could take care of them. But she could sense more coming towards her, and she needed to get off this boat where she could have more room to fight and not have to worry about harming those who weren't the enemy. Kagome braced her footing and jumped into the air. The Shikon no Tama shone brightly against her chest, calling the attention of all the demons. The fighting stopped and the clashes of metal became dim as the demons all stared at the jewel glowing in the sky.
Growls began to erupt, desires for the jewel. Kagome smirked and saw Inuyasha up ahead with his family. He was looking at her as well, and she nodded her head with a smile. He nodded back as he fell back towards the boat. She fell back onto the boat as well and took off towards the front, where she knew Inuyasha waited. The demons in her path were chopped down, either by her sword or those who fought with her. Roars erupted from the boats around her and she knew she had only a few precious moments before they all would be on her.
Kagome got to the front where Inuyasha was waiting, his hand reached out towards her as he hung on to the rope of the sails, waiting on the railing of the boat. She reached for his hand and got onto his back as he raced along the water. She could feel sprays of water against her face and she found herself smiling in such a dire circumstance. As the shore came closer, the roars grew louder. Kagome turned around to see that the demons were now chasing them, drawn to the jewel and its power. She smirked, seeing them fall for her trap.
As Inuyasha touched the land, some demons were still waiting for them on shore. The General of the group smirked and raised his sword, thinking of taking the jewel for his own now that it was within his grasp.
"Attack!" The demons all drew their weapons and ran towards Inuyasha and Kagome.
The Tetsaiga pulsed and Inuyasha gripped it tightly, hearing the sword's call. Kagome and Inuyasha both had their back to each other, trusting each other in protecting their backs. Kagome notched her bow and raised it towards the demons coming at her from the sea, just as Inuyasha raised Tetsaiga at the running demons on land. They both unleashed their attacks at the same time, Kagome's arrow flying just over the water, parting the ocean from her powerful miko energy as it blasted through the group of demons, and Inuyasha's Wind Scar made the sand erupt in three lines as he demolished most of the demons coming after them.
As everything began to settle, they saw the damage of what they did. The demons that had chased the two over the water were now obliterated. Only a few demons remained on the boats, and those who didn't have anyone to fight with were already coming on shore to fight off this last group of demons waiting for them. Kagome sighed, turning around to view Inuyasha and the damage he had done. Most of the demons were gone, and the other few shouldn't be too hard with all the numbers they were in.
"We need to get going," Kagome said, slipping her bow on so it rested against her back.
Inuyasha shook his head as he turned to view her. "We wait until this is done. Then we leave." Kagome was about to object but saw the look in his eyes and gave up. She frowned, but said nothing.
The battle went on along the shore of Shikoku. The demons in their way took only a few more minutes to cut down, and soon everyone from the boats had come ashore. No one was killed, nor heavily injured. But most were wanting more.
"Inutaisho…" a demon said as he made his way towards the Inu-Taiyoukai. Inutaisho, Sesshomaru, Inuyasha and the others were all gathering by Kagome as she went to her Brothers. Inutaisho turned around and acknowledged the demon. "Where will we be stationed?"
"We want to eliminate those along the shores first, so we don't have any sneak attacks on our backs as we make our way higher," Inutaisho said, gazing up at the mountain. Though there were a few mountain ranges and mountain tops, there was one that was the tallest, and the demonic energy that came from the top was obviously Raige's. So they knew where to go to find him. "Once that is done, focus more towards the mountain peaks." The demon nodded his head as groups began to head out to survey the island. Little by little, the demons began to head out for battle.
Kagome walked towards her Brothers, seeing their readiness. "My Brothers… I want you to remain with Hira and her priestesses." The woman mentioned made her way towards them with her two priestesses. She smiled softly at the monks with a nod. "I trust that you will remain safe if you remain with them."
Hira nodded her reassurance and then gazed at the five monks. Monk Kiyoshi nodded his head towards Hira and then looked at Kagome.
"Our blessings are with you, My Lady," he said, his eyes showing everything that he felt inside compared to his usual calm on the outside. Monk Kiyoshi was wishing Kagome to defeat Raige, and come back to them alive. No more suffering for her. They could only wish it.
The other four monks bowed their heads and sent their prayers to her. Kagome smiled thankfully and nodded her head, turning around to head towards the group that would follow her. Her most trusted and loyal friends, family. Inutaisho smiled welcomingly as he nodded towards her arrival to them.
"Are you ready?" he asked. Kagome nodded, her face serious now, as she looked at everyone. They were all so poised, so ready for a battle that could most certainly risk their lives. Everyone gazed at her, readiness in their eyes and she saw their determination. They all nodded. Kagome nodded and then gazed at Inuyasha.
"Let's go then."
Okay... so let me know what you thought about this little shorty and I'll try to get back as soon as possible. Promise. For sure within one month... :) Sorry again for the long wait.
