So this is going to be a fix it fix, time travel etc. This story doesn't contain Kagome bashing, merely an alternate future. If you don't like the premise of this story you don't have to read it. I already have the ending planned so I won't be taking requests from reviews. In this plotline Kagome and Kikyo will be related, as in descendants instead of reincarnation. This story will alter all the fates of the characters, including Shippo, Sango, Miroku, Kouga and even Sesshoumaru.
Please review, follow, favourite etc
I appreciate patience and again if you are a Kagome Stan, don't read this fic as it is InuKik.
Kagome gripped the piece of paper in her hands like a vice, unable to stop them from trembling, unable to dissuade the anxiety pouring through her. She hadn't felt fear like this in a long time, after all the demons, enemies and dangers they had faced she had adapted. But this was different, anything that concerned InuYasha was always important. The risk of anything happening to him always made her sick to her stomach. It was a reality she never wanted to face. She could feel her heart hammering in her chest, a sickening unnerving feeling in her stomach. Something was wrong, InuYasha had always kept his feelings and heart locked away, protecting himself. She respected and understood that he wouldn't always trust his friends. It was the repercussions of the cruelty he had faced when he was younger. But now he was intentionally running away, jumping the gun and making choices by himself. Leaving without saying goodbye, never explaining himself and just disappearing on them. What the hell was InuYasha thinking? He was known for his reckless actions, he was known for being impulsive and hot headed. She had saved his life more times than she could count, he was known for acting first and thinking last. But this wasn't like his usual antics, he had planned this out, he had schemed this alone and hidden it from them all. None of them had suspected a thing and all of them were clueless of his intentions. Instead of speaking to her in person, to any of them, he had merely left a note. It was brief, cryptic and unusual.
Goodbye
I'm sorry
As always InuYasha was distancing himself from her, he was intentionally hiding his true feelings but for what reason? Just when she thought she was closer to understanding him, just when she thought she knew him. Just when she thought they were growing closer. He had ripped apart any achievements they made, any attempts she succeeded in earning his trust. Leaving her as confused and conflicted as before, wondering just what she had done wrong. Was he going to fight Naraku alone? Was he sneaking off to see Kikyo again? She hated knowing that deep down any affection she earned from InuYasha, any hopeful devotion would never amount to anything. She would always be living in the shadow of her predecessor. She was the shadow of the woman he loved, a mere fragment of the woman he fell in love with. Her heart ached with sadness and longing, knowing she would always be the other woman. Just like in the rom-com's back home, she was the woman who chased after a man whose heart belonged to someone else. Kikyo was irreplaceable in InuYasha's heart and it would always remain that way, she was the first woman he had ever loved. Even in death she was special, fifty years later and she was someone he never forgot. InuYasha had been willing to share his life with her, marry her and even bear children. Naraku killed her in cold blood out of jealousy and a desire to rid himself of the human heart that wanted her. Ripping InuYasha and Kikyo apart.
Sango approached, placing a hand on her shoulder reassuringly "I'm sure he'll come back Kagome" she soothed. She could sense the anxiety pouring from the younger girl, the silent conflict and longing. She hated that InuYasha put Kagome through this, it was never fair.
Kouga could smell the sadness emitting from Kagome, her fear, her anxiety, confusion and more. Why InuYasha chose his dead girlfriend over Kagome he would never understand. If only she would choose him, he'd happily make her the wife of his clan, bearing children together. But what he wanted didn't matter, because it was his selfish feelings, not what Kagome wanted "He better or I'll kill that mutt myself" Kouga huffed. InuYasha had once again ran off alone, abandoning Kagome and never considering what he was putting her through. All he said was goodbye.
Miroku stepped forward, Kagome was a fiercely loyal girl and InuYasha was very lucky. But he had always been the sort of person to shoulder his own burdens even when he could ask for help. He hated involving people when it was unnecessary, shouldering the guilt when they were put in harms way. Right now he had left them all in the dark and hoped to solve this alone. "You know InuYasha, he can be reckless but he will never abandon us. He's a loyal dog in that sense" Miroku smiled.
Kagome shifted, her friend's words easing her conscience, but still, she couldn't help but wonder what InuYasha was thinking. She knew Kouga was riled up, angry at InuYasha's selfishness and obliviousness. Sango was trying to be patient as the voice of reason and Miroku was trying to play mediator. But it wouldn't erase her anxiety, it wouldn't stop her from caring.
InuYasha raced through the woods, the wind whistling behind him as he raced onwards, his golden eyes hardened with determination. Leaping from branch to branch, mountain to mountain, covering masses of terrain. He was far ahead of his companions and it would be a while before they caught up with him. He had left a letter briefly saying what needed to be said, leaving them confused enough that it would put them off his trail. Though Kouga would pick up his scent faster, chasing after him and yelling at him for upsetting Kagome. He couldn't look back, he had chosen his path and he knew it wouldn't be an easy one. He just hoped his friends would forgive his decision, he couldn't face them, he just wondered how long it would take them to put the pieces together. "This is the only way I can save everyone, I can save Kikyo. I can stop Naraku from cursing everyone. Kaede will never become an orphan, The jewel will never exist. Miroku's lineage won't be cursed, Sango won't lose her family. Kouga can get his clan back and Sesshomaru will regain his pride" he reflected.
Kagome would never be ripped through time by Madam Centipede, she would never have the jewel ripped from her body. She would never have her life turned upside down and she would never know the truth of the bone eaters well. She would grow up an ordinary girl in a distant future with no recollection of him, she may not even be born if this was successful. He hated the idea of erasing a future where she didn't exist, but he didn't know the full capacity in which this would play out. His instincts merely told him that he was doing the right thing. But deep down he knew the truth, he knew the reason for Kagome's birth, he knew why she was born in modern day Japan. Her birth was no accident, it had all been planned. She only existed because Kikyo's love for him rippled through time, amplified and projected due to the jewel sensing Kikyo's devotion. She had longed to see him, to change what happened and hope that the jewel granted her souls wish. She wanted to spare anyone else the misery she had endured, she wanted to prevent future generations from being corrupted by the jewel's power.
Kikyo never forgot him, her heart longing to be with him no matter the time period, her soul seeking him out. InuYasha was the love of her life and soulmate, she was willing to kill for him. She openly stated that she was the only person who could take his life, his life and heart belonged to her alone. When Tsubaki used Kagome as a pawn to harm InuYasha, she had threatened the dark priestesses life. Kikyo's devotion knew no limits, even in death as a spectre she tried to protect him, sought him out for moments alone. Trying to repair the love they once shared.
Kagome could have a normal life, she could finish middle school, attend high school, find a decent college and have a future. She could date men from her own world, she would never know that demons truly existed. She could enjoy teenage memories and actually spend time with her friends. But at the risk of saving Kikyo, none of her abilities would be passed onto someone else. She would have none of Kikyo's powers, she could meet someone else who would make her happier. She would never befall the fate of becoming a priestess, she would never have that burden placed upon her shoulders. She could forget him and forget they ever met.
Myoga gripped onto his masters robes, assuring he wouldn't fall off, he could see the hardened gaze of his master, that solemness and intensity. He hadn't seen his master like this in a long time, he didn't chase him away and he didn't call him a coward. Nothing he said could change his mind, alter his perspective, though this choice would come with risks. He had asked Myoga to come with him, as he was one of the few people he disclosed his plan to and wanted it to remain a secret. "Master InuYasha? Are you sure this is wise?" he asked. InuYasha didn't often seek council with Myoga or take his advice, but at a time like this he was the only ally he had, the only person he could share his plan with. Myoga was an ancient demon with much knowledge, he'd been his father's vassal too, he'd seen many tragedies and historical events. He knew about his love for Kikyo, he knew of their past courtship and how she was the only woman he had truly loved.
InuYasha didn't avert his gaze, merely directing his eyes ahead, staring at the vast openness ahead of him. His heart had already made the choice for him, and he had decided to follow it come hell or high water. "Kikyo was the first person I ever loved, the first person I ever opened my heart to. I'll never love anyone like I loved her, not even Kagome" he reflected. It would be a bitter pill for her to swallow, accepting that any future she believed she had with him would never come to pass. She would have to give up any feelings she had for him. He cared about Kagome and her resemblance to Kikyo was striking, times where he caught himself remembering Kikyo. From small habits, to phrases and even body language. But she was an entirely different person, a shared soul but with a different life, she never belonged in his world and she never had. Kagome was a modern woman, she was from Tokyo, a time where all of this was in books. She was trying to live in two worlds when she only resided in one.
Myoga softened, he knew InuYasha had a soft spot for Kagome, but he would never forget his first love. Kikyo had been a formative part of his younger years, he'd been a mere 150 when he met her. He gifted her with the Beni his mother had left behind, not a gesture to be taken lightly. InuYasha opened his heart to her and truly trusted her, knowing that he had chosen his person. He had never been able to protect her and prevent her fate, which would haunt him for the rest of his life. In many ways, Lady Kikyo resembled his late mother, from her appearance, to her personality, to the way she presented herself. "And what of Miss Kagome?" Myoga questioned.
InuYasha knew the grudge Kagome would harbour, the anger she would feel at him making this decision alone. She was the sort of person who would go above and beyond for the sake of her friends, resilient and stubborn. She had a big heart much like Kikyo had, before her demise. Knowing the truth, she would only try and stop him, imagining her expression when she finally put the pieces together. Knowing he was willing to risk his life to change the future for all of their sakes, hoping that she would forgive him. "She never belonged in this world, the jewel brought her here. Once I erase the timeline, Kikyo's reincarnation will never occur. The well will seal up and Kagome's fate will be spared" he sighed.
A saddened expression formed on Myoga's face "You're very brave milord, much like your father" Myoga smiled. He died protecting the woman he loved, now InuYasha was about to save the woman he loved. Izayoi had been Lord Touga's soulmate, he followed her into death and loved her more than anyone else. Kikyo had been his masters soulmate, he never forgot her and he never stopped loving her.
InuYasha smirked cynically, his decision was reckless and dangerous, but he hoped his parents would be proud of him. His father would understand his decision, his son choosing his own happiness above all else, knowing he was happy. His mother would be saddened that he felt he needed to shoulder this alone, but would understand that he was happiest like this. He had forged his own path and he wanted this "First time you've ever said something smart" he laughed.
InuYasha would never sought out his brother without reason, they had made an agreement long ago that they would avoid one another. Sesshoumaru had been hostile since the moment he was born, never once showing his brother affection or support. He openly criticised and antagonised his brother for tainting their lineage with human blood. Their father had abandoned his first wife after he fell in love with a human woman, ending one political marriage for one of genuine love. Sesshoumaru had held a grudge against him since they were young, so it would seem absurd and perplexing that InuYasha would be asking for his help.
Sesshoumaru gazed at his brother skeptically "You wish for me to what?" he asked, was this a trick? A game of sorts? Why would InuYasha ask such a thing of him? What was InuYasha up to?
InuYasha growled impatiently, he wasn't in the mood for Sesshoumaru's mind games. He was running out of time and he needed to act fast "I want you to send me back in time to save Kikyo" he snapped. If he travelled back into the timelines, before any of the worst happened. He could erase all the fates from ever occurring. Various timelines would be severed and lives would be saved. Naraku's web of manipulation would never occur, his various schemes would be erased.
Sesshoumaru raised his eyebrow curiously, such a matter was easy enough to accomplish, but for what reason? "Why pray should I do that?" he asked. His brother's interests in humans had been inherited from their late father, though he would never understand why. What was so fascinating about creatures with such short lives in comparison? For what reason should he assist his brother in this scheme?
InuYasha wasn't as naive as his half brother assumed, he may not have been stoic and authoritative, but he was by no means ignorant, he'd outwitted Sesshoumaru many times before. His brother had pride as lord of the western lands, as the son who inherited their father's title and one of his swords. He was yet to gain his own blade and learn independence of his own path. But his brother was very similar to himself, he hated to be humiliated and scorned. He knew his brother despised Naraku as much as himself. He nodded at Sesshoumaru's arm knowingly "If I go back in time to kill onigumo, Naraku will never be born. He won't merge with demons, he won't be able to enact revenge on us. He won't be able to kill Kikyo, he won't trick you by using your resentment against me. Miroku's family won't be cursed, Sango will still have her family and Kouga will still have his pack" InuYasha pressed.
Jaken nervously stepped forward, he knew InuYasha wasn't alone, he had Myoga with him. One of the few demons he respected due to his wisdom and past associations with Lord Sesshoumaru's father. Though he too wasn't overly fond of InuYasha, he was making sense "He has a point Milord" he agreed.
Sesshoumaru mused, he had to admit for once InuYasha was using the wisdom of their father, he was actually using his demonic intellect, he could almost admit he was proud of him. Instead of rushing recklessly into battle, blinded by his anger or emotions, he was thinking tactically. Outwitting not only his companions but Naraku himself. If this succeeded, he would erase Naraku from existing, erasing any of his future events. However, there was still grey area of issues InuYasha either hadn't considered or was trying to ignore "And that girl?" he asked. He wasn't naive to the human companions his brother accumulated, including Kikyo's reincarnation.
InuYasha hardened, he didn't appreciate Sesshoumaru bringing up Kagome, if it was an attempt to convince him otherwise he wouldn't be swayed. He had made his choice and he didn't regret what he was about to do. "Kikyo never asked to be reborn, the jewel granted that wish. If I destroy Naraku and the jewel, it will solve all out problems" he stated. An immensely powerful entity, sought by humans and demons alike would be erased from existence.
Sesshoumaru was surprised, he and that girl had formed a bond since she appeared in this world, he wasn't naive to the fact she harboured romantic feelings for InuYasha. Because of her, InuYasha was able to wield their father's sword and summon various techniques. Because of her he had learned to trust humans again. But it seemed that InuYasha was willing to cast her aside if it meant his plans were successful. Apparently her affections were one sided, forever in the shadow of her predecessor, the priestess of whom she shared a soul. He wouldn't argue with his brother's decision, if it meant he would kill Naraku, sighing wearily "As you wish" he agreed. He had to admit this was probably the smartest decision he had ever made, earning a crumble of respect for his brother.
Kagome leapt from Kouga's back, her feet hitting the ground as she left the company of her friends. She was in no mood to control herself, she refused to be polite, she was already strung out. She was running around blindly chasing the clues InuYasha had left behind. Kagome stormed towards Sesshoumaru, she had sensed he and InuYasha's demonic aura. Though now it was all but gone, InuYasha had been here but he had evaded them before they could reunite. He was trying to avoid her but why? Kouga had managed to pick up the scent, chasing after InuYasha and trying to help them. But being a lesser demon he couldn't match InuYasha's speed. If anyone would know where he was it would be him. "Sesshoumaru, where is InuYasha?!" she snapped, she wouldn't take no for an answer and she wasn't leaving.
Sesshoumaru sighed, it had taken them long enough to pick up the trail of their missing companion. He had wondered when they would make an appearance and their scent had been far off, knowing they had time. He had to admit, seeing Kagome so ruffled was amusing to behold. But then Kouga was a lesser demon, he wasn't a DaiYokai like himself, their speed and agility was far lesser than theirs. For all he boasted about being a full blooded demon, his powers were no match for his own. InuYasha had truly outwitted them all, showing he was smarter than they gave him credit for. They still had no idea where he was so they came to him for answers. "I cannot reveal the details of my brother's antics, nor can I disclose his location" he pressed.
Kagome growled, her brown eyes fierce and desperate, she was sick of being in the dark, poking a finger at him. She knew Sesshoumaru was a schemer, he had used InuYasha's weaknesses against him multiple times before. Nearly killing her when they fought over the Tetsuigha within his father's grave. He had triggered InuYasha's demonic blood, blackmailed him and more. Sesshoumaru had antagonised them in the past, but only as a means to further his goals, a majority of the time he kept to himself."What did you do to him?" she accused.
"Kagome..." Sango discouraged worriedly, getting on the wrong side of Sesshoumaru of all people wasn't a good idea. She knew Kagome was upset but she wasn't thinking clearly.
Sesshoumaru glared, he cared little for the impatience of a human girl, let alone one with an obsession with his baby brother. She needed to show him more respect, if he so wished he could kill her instantly without flinching. She was still so ignorant of his plans which had taken him very little time to figure out. Her lack of perception despite being descended from a cunning priestess was laughable. This girl had so much to learn and yet she was always one step behind his brother. "I'm not responsible for his reckless behaviour, nor am I guilty of his supposed harm you believe me to have inflicted. Though this is probably the wisest decision he has ever made" he reflected. He was giving his life for the sake of his friends, he was sacrificing the bonds he had forged with people who cared for him. The possibility of this timeline being erased, all of his memories, the bonds he had forged after years of self imposed isolation. Leaving the life he made behind.
Miroku stepped forward, a suspicious expression on his face, he knew better than to trust the Daiyokai. Sesshoumaru was cunning, as expected of a demon so prolific in rank, he had manipulated so many around him to achieve his goals, including his own kin. He knew the truth of InuYasha's location, intentions and goals, but he was remaining intentionally avoidant "What do you mean?" he asked.
Sesshoumaru peered at Miroku, surely for all his intellect he had some suspicion. His lineage was cursed by Naraku and knew that by killing him he would be rid of it. However, he had not yet caught onto what his friend was planning, he of all people had his grudges. Though he had a strong moral compass, he knew that all successes came with their sacrifices. "You all have a common tie to Naraku, the jewel. Surely your ape brains can figure it out" Sesshoumaru sighed.
Kouga growled, he had followed Kagome loyally so that he could beat InuYasha himself. But he knew better than to take on the likes of his older brother, he was far superior as a demon. But he didn't appreciate him bullying Kagome or the others due to their concern for the mutt. He could sense when someone was lying and though Sesshoumaru was intentionally withholding the truth, he wasn't lying to them which made it more frustrating. The longer they waited, the worse Kagome felt. He wasn't going to listen to him insult Kagome or the others "Who are you calling an ape, Dog!" Kouga snapped.
Kagome stiffened, panic filling her, her eyes widened in fear "He...He's gone to fight him alone?!" she asked. She knew InuYasha had survived alone for the first half of his life, from childhood to the 150 years he had coped when he met Kikyo. Now of all times when he had forged trust with her of all people he chose to keep secrets? InuYasha was no match for Naraku even with his Tetsuigha and attacks, he would never be able to defeat him. InuYasha would never be so stupid, he would never think to fight Naraku by himself. She thought he had matured, learned lessons and improved, but here she was all over again.
Sesshoumaru quirked an eyebrow, so she was sniffing the breadcrumbs, but she was still naive "In a manner of speaking" he stated. InuYasha was far stronger now than the Naraku he was going to face, he would be able to prevent Naraku from ever bonding with demons. He would prevent him from ever gaining demonic power.
Kagome wilted, she wished Sesshoumaru would just stop evading questions and tell her the truth. He was patronising her, reminding her that she was ignorant and naive, that he was far more intelligent. His lack of support was only allowing InuYasha further gain in whatever reckless decision he was making and putting more distance between them. Was he so cold that he would protect his brother even at the risk of his demise? In his eyes possibly dying like a warrior, creating honour to their family? He was eluding to something but he was lying to them as well, he hated InuYasha, so why was he covering for him?
Sesshoumaru stepped forward, looming over her intimidatingly, his eyes cold and harsh "You'd do well to forget my brother human. But then... that won't be an issue much longer" he sighed. Whatever delusions she had conjured, convincing herself that there was hope of a future with his brother. That she could save him and live a life by his side. It was all dreams, foolish wishes of a human who would be outlived by a half breed. InuYasha would never choose her, like their father before him he chose a different woman. But Kagome would never remember him, she would have no choice, erasing and altering their timeline would cause it to cease to exist, including her.
