Her curiosity always got her in trouble and tonight was no different. Three years of following Inuyasha, hoping, sending signals and admittedly wishing the undead priestess dead again had done nothing to change the dynamic between she and Inuyasha. Although there was plenty of sexual tension, it was in a way, one sided. Sure, she discovered that Inuyasha lusted after her body, but it wasn't even really her. She could tell that even now, years later, Inuyasha still often saw Kikyo when he looked upon her. Tonight, her curiosity drove her to follow him as he chased after Kikyos Shinidamachū.
He must have thought they were being sneaky. As the Shinidamachū often did, they appeared late in the night, hours after the group had bedded down for the night. She had resisted the urge to snoop for years but tonight, Kagome could no longer resist the draw. He turbulent thoughts had kept her awake, trying to analyze and see what she could possibly do differently to get her beloved hanyou to view her romantically instead of their strange platonic friendship. Following Inuyasha would at least sate her curiosity on if she even had a chance.
Kagome slipped a pair of sneakers on moments after Inuyasha had left his perch in a nearby tree. She had no time to change out of her cami and short set of pajamas but it mattered not, she wasn't planning on being caught and it wasn't really any more revealing than the school skirt she used to wear.
The damnable soul catchers led the trio deep into the woods, a mile or more from camp. They obviously didn't want to be overheard. Luckily for Kagome, when it came to Kikyo, Inuasha was clueless too anything else. Any other time he would have caught her scent, or heard her clumsy attempts to follow quietly.
They found Kikyo lounging in a low lying branch or a large tree. The clearing they were lead to thankfully shown enough moonlight that Kagome could easily watch the pair. Kikyo looked ethereal as always. She had a way of always being effortlessly beautiful that Kagome envied to this day.
Kagome quickly crouched behind a boulder at the edge of the clearing, in hearing distance of the pair. She had to know, was there anything romantic between the pair or had either moved on after the years? On sight of Kikyo, Inuyasha's entire demeanor changed. His arrogant posture melted away as he looked adoringly upon Kikyo. Kagome blinked back tears, seeing it in person was so much worse than her imagination.
"Inuyasha. Still you continue to disrespect me. Even now I must summon you to myself like a common whore in the dead of the night."
Inuyasha dropped to his knees in contrite as he attempted to explain away his behavior.
"No, Kikyo, I would never view you that way or treat you so. I would come to you any time-"
"Exactly. You do not stay with me, instead preferring the company of that copy of mine. "
Kagome gritted her teeth at the priestess' tone. She was always so cold and condescending to her beloved hanyou. Although she lost her temper at times, Kagome would never cut down Inuyasha's confidence like Kikyo did at every turn. Whether she analyzed it from a emotional or logical way, Kagome couldn't make sense of it. The two women couldn't be any more different.
Kikyo was always formal, cold, distantly polite if she wasn't aiming her condescending ire in your way. She resisted physical affection and resented her role as a miko and the jewels former protector. She was admittedly, effortlessly elegant. Kagome didn't think the woman was even capable of being clumsy or presenting herself as anything short of pristine. In this way, Kagome could understand. Her looks were magnetic, no matter who you were, you were drawn to want to get the praise from such a seemingly perfect woman. However, she never fully trusted Inuyasha. Her time period and training encouraged racism if not absolute hatred for yokai. They were seen as less than human, not capable of the same range of emotions. Kagome supposed you had to feel superior towards the beings you hunted, otherwise you would hesitate or even carry guilt.
On the other hand, growing up in the modern era, Kagome had no such preconceptions of yokai. Each was an individua to be judged on their own deeds, not their species. The polar opposite to Kikyo, Kagome raised Shippo as her own son. He was a child, not a menace towards humans to be hunted. Kagome conceded that she paled in comparison to Kikyos looks. Even though the two woman looked as twins, their styling, demeanor among other things made them look strikingly different. Kagome felt that her go to look was a hot mess. Her wavy hair never lay perfectly against her back, instead tangling into a wild mess if she left it down. Kagome was clumsy, raised on flat concrete streets, she still tripped over roots, rocks and even terrain changes. This terrain would never be effortless to her. Despite being raised in a shrine, Kagome didn't even know she had reiki, much less any formal training. Even years later, she struggled. While Miroku and Kaede had been immensely helpful, getting a proper education as a miko was next to impossible when you were either chasing after the evil hanyou Naraku, or fleeing for your life.
Her musing was brought to an end by Inuyasha's words.
"My honor demands it. I promised to protect her. Even still her reiki is useless. She holds our group together besides. I doubt Miroku and Sango would follow me vs her."
"So it is pity then. You do not desire her? Why do the monk and slayer matter?"
"I… I can not help myself. She wears your body and my instincts want to swell your image with a pup. Even though the two of them are troublesome at times, traveling as a group is helpful in fights."
Inuyasha looked absolutely defeated to admit such a thing. He would lie to her, but never Kikyo. Every word seemed to stab Kagome in the heart, she was so foolish to hope that as they matured together, feelings would develop beyond friendship.
"Hnn. Still you are too weak to be without a group then?"
Instead of blowing up at Kikyo as he would have at her, Inuyasha just accepted the slight silently. Kikyo calculating voice carefully continued on.
"Use her body then when she is fertile. My copy is so desperate for your attention she would lower herself to any affection from you, I'm sure of it. This has been our one barrier from my becoming your mate and wife. Although this body is timeless and can stand by you for eternity, it cannot provide a child. Impregnate her, 'care' for her and take the child once born. As you have done before, seal the well behind her. Then, I can finally be a normal woman by your side Inuyasha."
Her tone softened not out of affection, intending to prey upon every bit of Inuyashas affection and duty towards her.
"Have I not been through enough Inuyasha? I gave my human life for duty and for loving you. Give me this one thing. A child that bears our face. Later, if you want more… pups, we can take in orphaned children. Let us get the ever after we both deserve."
At her hateful plan, Kagome had to cover her mouth to prevent her whimper from being heard. Kagome had truly believed that Kikyo had moved beyond her hate and jealousy. She ever imagined such an evil plan from the otherwise pure woman. This went beyond even her early attempts to kill her and retake her soul.
Inuyasha approached the tree, gently taking Kikyo into his arms to set her on the ground before embracing her lovingly.
"Anything for you koi but surely not this. You wish me to lay with another woman? I want nothing more than to live a normal life with you, but I don't know if even my conflicted instincts would allow such a thing."
Inuyasha nuzzled into Kikyos hair, and placed a tender kiss on her forehead.
Kikyo laughed without mirth, a smirk drawing on her lips, her voice cold as she drew back from the embrace.
"This is why I chose only a new moon. It is enough of a sacrifice that I must marry a hanyou. You cannot expect me to raise one as well? I wish for a human child."
Kagomes emotions were a mess as she watched Inuyasha ears sink in self pity.
"Of course, I will prepare for the next new moon, convince Kagome I want her instead."
Kagome was disgusted at Inuyashas agreeance. His reluctance had nothing to do with their friendship or morals. Instead it had everything to do with being loyal. Even such harsh words towards his race didn't phase him. Why would it? Growing up he believed he was less than humans and yokai both for being hanyou. He wouldn't view this as an insult, merely a fact. She was conflicted towards pity that Inuyasha was so quick to agree just to get an ounce of affection and searing anger that years of friendship meant nothing to him if it meant pleasing Kikyo. Kagome always knew in her heart that his loyalty for Kikyo came first, but to toss her aside so easily? So cruelly?
Even Kagome had limits to her self-imposed masochism. Hearing such words from a man she considered her best friend was too much for anyone to bear. As quietly as she could, Kagome crept backwards and turned to walk back to camp, her ears straining to make her way back in the darkness without the glow of the Shinidamachū. Only by distracting her whirling emotions with a plan could she fight back the tears of betrayal. Although she had been lucky so far, she didn't want to draw undo attention to herself. Although her own promises held her to the past, there was no way she could remain with the group. Even as betrayed as she felt, Kagome didn't know if her traitorous body could resist Inuyasha for long. She hated to admit it even to herself but she had loved Inuyasha for so long, she didn't know if she could stay strong, even knowing it was a ruse and she would be betrayed in the end.
Although aligning with Sesshomaru could be the faster way to defeat Naraku, she doubted he would allow her to join. She could possibly appeal to his sense of protection towards Rin. She could educate the girl on reading, mathematics and such, setting her up for success in the future. Inuyashas older brother was fearsome, and if she could manage it, such a strong alliance could prove useful. However, the taiyoukai could be downright impossible to locate as he could shield his aura and never stayed in one place for long.
No, she decided that Sesshomaru was not a viable option. However, Kouga was Kagome realized at once. His pack still sought revenge against Naraku and she knew the smitten wolf yokai would welcome her with welcome arms. She would be safe there. With Sango and Kiraras help, she could reach the wolf pack with minimal scent trail if Inuyasha tried to follow and retake her shards of the sacred jewel. Kagome momentarily felt guilty for her plan to take advantage of Kougas affection, but pushed it aside. She had never led the wolf on.
Back at camp, Kagome shook her sister in arms finally letting some of her tears fall as she spoke at a hushed tone.
"Sango, Sango. Please, may I borrow Kirara? I am a foolish, foolish woman and I followed Inuyasha to Kikyo."
Being a light sleeper from years of being on high alert, Snago was awake at once to be the emotional support her friend needed. Immediately, the older woman pulled Kagome into her arms, cradling her to her chest and running her fingers though her hair in a soothing way.
"That idiot can't see what's in front of him and his nose is broken if he prefers that clay and dirt woman over you. Of course you can borrow Kirara. Ask her and I'm sure she would be happy to take you home. "
Kagome sobbed into Sangos chest, not correcting her on where she wished to go. Although she knew Sango would understand, it was more than she had time to explain. She had to get going before Inuyasha returned. Not only would her sudden emotional outburst surely lead to a fight, Kagome just didn't think she could stand looking at his face right now. Now awake, Kirara mewled her support, headbutting Kagomes leg and signaling her desire to help. Jumping away, the fire cat transformed into her larger self, she even went so far as to grab the monstrous yellow backpack in her jaws, making her attentions known without a doubt.
Kagome smiled at her feline friend and gave a final hug to Sango for now. Quickly she rolled her sleeping bag up and packed a portion of the cooking supplies, being sure to leave some of her modern conveniences with her friends. In no time she had packed the needed things, unpacked a fresh set of clothes and changed into comfortable traveling wear instead of her lightweight pajamas. Her stretchy jeans would allow her plenty of movement for the flight and protection from the wind so she wouldn't get cold. A lightweight, loose dark green sweater would so similarly and wouldn't draw attention towards her if anyone looked up in the night sky.
Ready to depart, she gave Kirara a scratch behind her now large ears and leaned in to whisper to her furry friend.
"Take me to Kougas pack please Kirara. When we are there, I'll unpack a special treat for you, ok? "
Kirara purred her agreement, the sound more like a growl out of her large body. Kagome grinned and mounted the massive cat with a grunt. Sango always made it look so effortless, another graceful woman that Kagome would never compare to. Kagome took the offered yellow bag back from Kirara, swinging it onto her back with a wince. Normally she wasn't the one that had to carry the heavy thing. Soon that would need to change if she traveled with Kouga for long, she would have to start traveling lighter.
With a whoosh, The pair launched into the air, Kagome grabbing onto Kiraras long fur for extra support to keep her balance. It wasn't the flight, but the trepidation that caused her to get nauseous. Everything that was familiar to her in the feudal era was fixing to change. Her feelings, her traveling companions, everything. Although Kouga was a trusted friend, she really hadn't spent that much time with the charming wolf one on one. Would it be awkward when she showed up? Would they fight as much as she and Inuyasha did? She was flying into the unknown and momentarily her anxiety tried to justify staying with the familiar.
AN: So what do we think? I am publishing as I write. I hope to publish a chapter a week and get into longer chapters as our plot unfolds. However reviews, whether critcal or not will inspire me to write more.